Solicitation_FLT16(f).doc

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

1. REQUISITION NUMBER

2. CONTRACT NO.

3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE

DATE

4. ORDER NUMBER

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

S-BE200-16-R-0001

6. SOLICITATION ISSUE DATE

March 4, 2016 rch 3, 2016X

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

a. NAME

CONTRACTING OFFICER

Brian Kressin

b. TELEPHONE NUMBER(No collect calls)

02/811-4000

8. OFFER DUE DATE/ LOCAL TIME

April 5, 2016/16:00 hrs.

9. ISSUED BY CODE

U.S. EMBASSY

JAS/GSO/PROCUREMENT

Regentlaan 27, Blvd. du Régent

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELLIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM NAICS:

1000 Brussels, Belgium

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

EDWOSB

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINATION UNLESS BLOCK IS MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

IFB ( RFP RFQ

17a. CONTRACTOR/

OFFERER

CODE

FACILITY CODE

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

U.S. EMBASSY – JAS/Financial Management Center

ATT: FMO

Regentlaan 27, Blvd. du Régent 1000 Brussels, Belgium BruFMCAccountsProc@state.gov

CODE

BELOW IS CHECKED

SEE ADDENDUM

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

Foreign Language Training – see attached

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

( 27a.SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED.

ADDENDA ( ARE NOT ( ATTACHED

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

30c. DATE SIGNED

31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print) Brian Kressin

31c. DATE SIGNED

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section 1 - The Schedule

· SF 1449 cover sheet

· Continuation To SF-1449, RFP Number S-BE200-16-R-0001, Prices, Block 23 & Block 20

· Attachment 1: Government –Furnished Property and Information

· Attachment 2: Foreign Language Training Section 2 - Contract Clauses

· Contract Clauses

· Addendum to Contract Clauses - FAR and DOSAR Clauses not Prescribed in Part 12

Section 3 - Solicitation Provisions

· Solicitation Provisions

· Addendum to Solicitation Provisions - FAR and DOSAR Provisions not Prescribed in Part 12

Section 4 - Evaluation Factors

· Evaluation Factors

· Addendum to Evaluation Factors - FAR and DOSAR Provisions not Prescribed in Part 12

Section 5 - Representation and Certifications

· Representation and Certifications

· Addendum to Offeror Representations and Certifications - FAR and DOSAR Provisions not Prescribed in Part 12

SECTION 1 - THE SCHEDULE

CONTINUATION TO SF-1449 COVER PAGE,

RFP Number S-BE200-16-R-0001PRICES, BLOCK 23 & BLOCK 20

1.

PRICE AND PAYMENT

1.1 VALUE ADDED TAX

Value Added Tax (VAT) is not applicable to this contract and shall not be included in the CLIN rates or Invoices because the U.S. Embassy is exempted from paying VAT. Upon receipt of an invoice, the US Government will forward a VAT exemption duly signed by the designated official.

1.2 PRICE

The Contractor shall provide an estimated 4,000 sessions to be given at a firm fixed price per session. Sessions shall be one hour in length and will be scheduled in the following combination: three one-hour classes per week or two one-and-a-half-hour classes per week. Sessions shall be one hour in length and shall be scheduled between Monday and Friday 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. If three or more students request an early morning class, a class will be offered from 7:30-8:30 a.m. The classes will be either individual or a group of students - no less than three students and not to exceed five students. Classes will be held on the Embassy’s premises, the USNATO premises or in private offices within the Brussels metropolitan area. Any classes to be held in private offices within the Brussels metropolitan area must be approved by the COR in advance in writing.

No cost of living adjustments will be applied during the entire duration of the contract.

1.2.1. Base Year Prices

TUITION and SCHEDULING, including all administrative costs. Schedule is from Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 6 p.m. See section 1.2 regarding classes before 8 a.m.

Note: Transportation costs will not be reimbursed Unit price

Estimated Quantity

Total cost

1. Firm and Fixed cost per session:

4,000

2. Cancellation fee per session. Sessions cancelled 24 hours or more in advance will not be assessed a cancellation fee:

FIELD TRIPS scheduled on Saturdays, including organization, administration, research and escorting.

Unit price

Estimated

Total cost

3. Firm and Fixed cost per field trip:

(duration of a field trip = 4 hours)

FIELD TRIPS scheduled Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., including organization, administration, research and escorting.

Unit price

Estimated

Total cost

4. Firm and Fixed cost per field trip:

(duration of a field trip = 2 hours)

Total estimated cost (1 +2 +3 +4) for the base year:

Session= 1 hour in length.

Minimum and Maximum Amounts

During each year of the contract, the Government shall place orders totaling a minimum number of 300 sessions. This reflects the contract minimum for each period of performance.

During each year of the contract, the Government shall place orders totaling a maximum number of 5,000 sessions. This reflects the contract maximum for each period of performance.

1.2.2. First Option Year Prices

TUITION and SCHEDULING, including all administrative costs. Schedule is from Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 6 p.m. See section 1.2 regarding classes before 8 a.m.

Unit price

Estimated

Total cost

1. Firm and Fixed cost per session:

4,000

2. Cancellation fee per session. Sessions cancelled 24 hours or more in advance will not be assessed a cancellation fee:

FIELD TRIPS scheduled on Saturdays, including organization, administration, research and escorting.

Unit price

Estimated

Total cost

3. Firm and Fixed cost per field trip:

FIELD TRIPS scheduled Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., including organization, administration, research and escorting.

Unit price

Estimated

Total cost

4. Firm and Fixed cost per field trip:

Total estimated cost (1 +2 +3 +4) for the first option year:

During each year of the contract, the Government shall place orders totaling a minimum number of 300 sessions. This reflects the contract minimum for each period of performance.

During each year of the contract, The Government shall place orders totaling a maximum number of 5,000 sessions. This reflects the contract maximum for each period of performance.

1.2.3. Second Option Year Prices

TUITION and SCHEDULING, including all administrative costs. Schedule is from Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 6 p.m. See section 1.2 regarding classes before 8 a.m.

Unit price

Estimated

Total cost

1. Firm and Fixed cost per session:

4,000

2. Cancellation fee per session. Sessions cancelled 24 hours or more in advance will not be assessed a cancellation fee:

FIELD TRIPS scheduled on Saturdays, including organization, administration, research and escorting.

Unit price

Estimated

Total cost

3. Firm and Fixed cost per field trip:

FIELD TRIPS scheduled Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., including organization, administration, research and escorting.

Unit price

Estimated

Total cost

4. Firm and Fixed cost per field trip:

Total estimated cost (1 +2 +3 +4) for the second year:

During each year of the contract, the Government shall place orders totaling a minimum number of 300 sessions. This reflects the contract minimum for each period of performance.

During each year of the contract, the Government shall place orders totaling a maximum number of 5,000 sessions. This reflects the contract maximum for each period of performance.

1.2.4. Third Option Year Prices

TUITION and SCHEDULING, including all administrative costs. Schedule is from Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 6 p.m. See section 1.2 regarding classes before 8 a.m.

Unit price

Estimated

Total cost

1. Firm and Fixed cost per session:

4,000

2. Cancellation fee per session. Sessions cancelled 24 hours or more in advance will not be assessed a cancellation fee:

FIELD TRIPS scheduled on Saturdays, including organization, administration, research and escorting.

Unit price

Estimated

Total cost

3. Firm and Fixed cost per field trip:

FIELD TRIPS scheduled Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., including organization, administration, research and escorting.

Unit price

Estimated

Total cost

4. Firm and Fixed cost per field trip:

Total estimated cost (1 +2 +3 +4) for the third option year:

During each year of the contract, the Government shall place orders totaling a minimum number of 300 sessions. This reflects the contract minimum for each period of performance.

During each year of the contract, the Government shall place orders totaling a maximum number of 5,000 sessions. This reflects the contract maximum for each period of performance.

1.2.5. Fourth Option Year Prices

TUITION and SCHEDULING, including all administrative costs. Schedule is from Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 6 p.m. See section 1.2 regarding classes before 8 a.m.

Unit price

Estimated

Total cost

1. Firm and Fixed cost per session:

4,000

2. Cancellation fee per session. Sessions cancelled 24 hours or more in advance will not be assessed a cancellation fee:

FIELD TRIPS scheduled on Saturdays, including organization, administration, research and escorting.

Unit price

Estimated

Total cost

3. Firm and Fixed cost per field trip:

FIELD TRIPS scheduled Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., including organization, administration, research and escorting.

Unit price

Estimated

Total cost

4. Firm and Fixed cost per field trip:

Total estimated cost (1 +2 +3 +4) for the fourth option year:

During each year of the contract, the Government shall place orders totaling a minimum number of 300 sessions. This reflects the contract minimum for each period of performance.

During each year of the contract, the Government shall place orders totaling a maximum number of 5,000 sessions. This reflects the contract maximum for each period of performance.

1.2.6. Grand total:

1.2.1. Base year total:

1.2.2. First option year total:

1.2.3. Second option year total:

1.2.4. Third option year total:

1.2.5 Fourth option year total:

Estimated Grand total:

OFFERS AND PAYMENT IN U.S. DOLLARS

U.S. FIRMS:

- U.S. firms are eligible to be paid in U.S. dollars. U.S. firms desiring to be paid in U.S. dollars should submit their offers in U.S. dollars. A U.S. firm is defined as a company which operates as a corporation incorporated under the laws of a state within the United States.

FOREIGN FIRMS:

- Any firm which is not a U.S. firm is a foreign firm. Any firm that does not meet the above definition of a U.S. firm shall submit its prices and receive payment in local currency (Euro).

1.3

PAYMENT

The Contractor shall submit a monthly invoice for payment in the proper amount for services performed, to the following e-mail address: BruFMCAccountsProc@state.gov The invoice shall contain the following information: contract number, number of performed sessions, number of classes, locations where classes took place and name of student(s).

Definitions:

"COR" means Contracting Officer's Representative; see FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Items, in Section 2.

"Government" means the United States Government unless otherwise stated.

1.4 Type of Contract

As a result of this solicitation, the US Government, represented by the Contracting Officer, intends to award an indefinite-quantity contract with firm fixed prices between the US Government and the Contractor.

2.

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

The Contractor shall provide French and/or Dutch language instruction to adult students that focuses on the professional, cultural, political and economic fields typically found in mass-media publications for the foreign language speaking public. The Contractor shall develop the instruction to include the development of speaking, listening, and reading skills to permit comprehension of relevant media or face-to-face conversation. All instruction shall also include job relevant language terminology and usage of the designated field of interest.

Instruction shall be based on proficiency, communication, and academic principles as used in foreign language learning institutions identified below.

-Department of State, Foreign Service Institute; or

-Department of Defense, Defense Language Institute.

The Office of Personnel Management shall define the language proficiency levels identified as desired outcomes according to Attachment 2.

3.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The performance period of this contract is for one calendar year. The commencement date of the base year and all option years is the date of contract award. The USG retains sole option to exercise the four (4) option years. No courses are given during the Belgian Easter and Christmas school breaks.

Language classes will be offered as follows:

Quarter 1: End of September until the Belgian Christmas school break (mid-December).

Quarter 2: January (mid) until the Belgian Easter school break (early April).

Quarter 3: April (mid) until end of June.

Quarter 4: July until mid-September (class size and frequency should be adjusted based upon number of registered students).

4.

CONTRACTOR FURNISHED PERSONNEL AND PROPERTY

4.1 The Contractor shall provide all instructional materials including texts, class exercises, handouts, tests, and audio-visual media. The texts and handouts will be for the students to use and keep.

4.2 The Contractor shall provide other required classroom materials such as newspapers, magazines, dictionaries, or photocopied materials, written in the designated language for use by students in exercises or testing. The Contractor shall replenish such expendable/consumable items as needed to provide for the performance of the work (i.e. paper and markers).

4.3 The Contractor shall provide qualified instructor(s), who are well versed in all topics to be covered, capable of answering in-depth questions on each topic, will provide the required training in a classroom setting, based on the schedule of training modules or lessons and the objectives and goals for that training. The Government will conduct background checks on all proposed Contractor employees. The Contractor will replace instructors who fail to obtain a security clearance from the Regional Security Office.

4.4 The Contractor shall provide instructor supervisor(s) who will supervise the performance of work under the contract, and who will perform quality assurance in meeting the objectives and goals for that training.

4.5 The Contractor shall have a Project Manager and permanent work address located in Brussels, Belgium. This will allow the Project Manager and Contractor officials to monitor the contract performance, and meet with the Contracting Officer and Contracting Officer Representative (COR) when required.

4.6 The Contractor shall provide other required classroom materials such as newspapers, magazines, dictionaries, or photocopied materials, written in the designated language for use by students in exercises or testing.

5.

SPECIFIC TASKS

The Contractor shall provide instructional Foreign Language Training services at the firm fixed prices shown in this contract. The objective of each training module or lesson is to prepare all students as efficiently and effectively as possible to accomplish the goals of the training.

The Contractor shall develop the linguistic competency needed for personnel or dependents, similar to what is provided by the Foreign Service Institute for students to attain proficiency levels in speaking and reading identified in each task order.

The Contractor shall take care of the administration of the Language Training Program, including issues regarding USG classrooms and equipment. The Contractor shall draft the field trip announcement and forward an electronic version, preferably in Word, at least 15 working days in advance of the proposed field trip, to the COR for approval and publication on the Embassy’s website and/or the Tri-Missions weekly bulletin.

The Government’s Human Resources Office (HR) will register students for classes and will forward the names of the students to the Contractor. The Contractor shall submit the proposed class schedule and a list of enrolled students per class to the COR for his/her approval (see Section 5.1.3 on Student Testing). The Contractor shall submit the class schedules at least seven working days prior to the start of the classes. The proposed schedule should indicate the group or individual class levels beginning, intermediate, or advanced. Once approved, the Contractor shall send class schedules to each student via email at least one week prior to the beginning of classes.

GOALS OF FOREIGN LANGUAGE TRAINING

The goal of training is to provide the student with the skills and knowledge necessary to rapidly reach the desired level of performance as identified in the training modules or lessons identified below:

ORAL RECOGNITION AND RESPONSE MODULE, LESSON 1

Each student, at the completion of training, shall be able to perform at the required level of proficiency.

SOCIAL CONVERSATION, BEHAVIOR 2

When engaged in social conversation, the student will be able to communicate with French or Dutch speaking public, carrying on an appropriately worded and pronounced dialogue in the correct dialect and grammar. At least 85% of the students tested in each class shall be able to answer correctly at least 90% of the selected vocabulary questions when used in conversational exchange.

5.1.2

READING COMPREHENSION MODULE, LESSON 2

Each student, at the completion of training, shall be able to perform the required level of proficiency.

TRANSLATION, SUMMARIZATION, AND RESPONSE SELECTION, BEHAVIOR 2

After reading communications, messages, or letters written in French or Dutch, the student will be able to comprehend, translate, and correctly summarize the purpose and content of the written communication that was provided. The student must be able to translate the requested information or pre-planned reply, and prepare a written response to the selected communication. At least 75% of the students completing the training shall correctly recognize, comprehend, and summarize the written communication, and to translate the correct response to the written communication at least 85% of the time.

5.1.3

STUDENT TESTING

The Contractor shall administer tests on knowledge and proficiency as a required element of evaluating the student's progress in the training module or lesson. The Contractor shall provide these tests periodically to:

· determine the student's progress in training;

· identify areas of weakness where supplemental training may be needed; and,

· quantify the student's then-current level of knowledge and proficiency.

Initial testing will be used to establish a baseline for measurement of knowledge and proficiency obtained, and may be used in a predictive manner to facilitate personal training planning.

The Contractor shall use tests, including Computerized Adaptive Testing, which are approved by the Foreign Service Institute, or the Defense Language Institute, or by recognized and accepted by national professional associations and organizations identified below.

-Modern Language Association of America;

-American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages;

-Foreign Service Institute;

-Foreign Language Center within Defense Language Institute;

-Federal Interagency Language Round table;

-or other nationally recognized foreign language bodies.

5.1.4

STUDENT PROGRESS DOCUMENTATION AND TRAINING

RECOMMENDATIONS

The Contractor's instructor(s) shall be responsible for documenting each student's progress in training, and for preparing a training recommendation for each student. The student's progress will be reported to the student biweekly. The instructor will document the student's progress as measured performance under each lesson module. The Contractor shall prepare training recommendations that state specific plans for remedial, or supplementary use of supportive training materials, or use of tutoring and personalized training techniques.

5.1.5

STUDENT COUNSELING

The Contractor's instructor(s) shall be responsible for counseling each student in the student’s performance, and for preparing and discussing with the student any corrective actions which may assist the student in the improvement of their performance. The student's progress will be discussed with the student on a bi-weekly basis, and the Instructor shall document the training recommendations made to direct the student's progress. The Contractor shall provide weekly counseling to all students considered in danger of failing the proficiency tests. The counseling sessions should result in specific tasking for remedial, or supplementary use of supportive training materials, or use of tutoring and personalized training techniques, as needed to improve student performance.

ATTACHMENT 1: GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY AND INFORMATION

a.

The Government shall provide all classroom space.

b.

The Government shall provide the following support materials and equipment:

· basic classroom furniture including tables and chairs;

· chalkboard(s), whiteboard(s), and/or a poster board(s); and

· computer(s); television(s), VCR(s) and DVD player(s); copy machine(s) and printer(s).

c.

The Contractor shall replenish such expendable/consumable items as needed. Throughout the quarter, the Contractor must actively monitor supply levels to ensure that supplies do not run out.

d.

The Contractor is responsible for the proper care, maintenance and use of Government property in his/her possession or control. A full inventory of government property will be provided to the contractor prior to the commencement of the contract and must be duly signed by both parties.

e.

Damage or destruction of Government-furnished property due to negligence or misuse by the Contractor shall be repaired/replaced at the Contractor’s expense.

ATTACHMENT 2: Foreign Language Training

6.1 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT

PERFORMANCE STANDARD

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT

Listening Proficiency:

Oral Recognition and Response Module

Lesson Section 5.1.1 Social Conversation, Behavior 2 Required Proficiency Level:

At least 85% of the students tested in each class shall be able to answer correctly at least 90% of the selected vocabulary questions when used in conversational exchange.

Performance will be measured by standardized oral testing, administered periodically to track student development, and training outcomes.

Reading Comprehension:

Reading Comprehension Module, Lesson 2

Section 5.1.2 Recognition and Subject Matter Comprehension, Behavior 2 Required Proficiency Level:

At least 75% of the students tested in each class will correctly comprehend, summarize, and translate the correct response to the written communication in at least 85% of the written communications presented.

Performance will be measured by standardized written testing, administered periodically to track student development, and training outcomes.

Quality of Supervision :

4.4 Instructor Supervision.

Documentation and Reporting Requirements:

5.1.3 Student Testing: Administer standardized tests, gather required information on testing results, and analyze results.

Student Counseling:

5.1.5 Counsel students on performance and recommending corrective actions, if required.

6.2 Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)

The Contracting Officer’s Representative (see clause 652.242-70 in Section 2 Addendum) will provide specific guidance and answer questions relative to the requirement described in paragraph D.1, above. The COR for this contract is the Human Resources Officer .

7.1.

QUALITY ASSURANCE AND SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP)

This plan provides an effective method to promote satisfactory contractor performance. The QASP provides a method for the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) to monitor Contractor performance, advise the Contractor of unsatisfactory performance, and notify the Contracting Officer of continued unsatisfactory performance. The Contractor, not the Government, is responsible for management and quality control to meet the terms of the contract. The role of the Government is to monitor quality to ensure that contract standards are achieved.

7.1.1

SURVEILLANCE

The COR will receive and document all complaints from Government personnel regarding the services provided. If appropriate, the COR will send the complaints to the Contractor for corrective action.

7.1.2

STANDARD

The performance standard is that the Government receives no more than one (1) customer complaint per month. The COR shall notify the Contracting Officer of the complaints so that the Contracting Officer may take appropriate action to enforce the inspection clause (FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items), if any of the services exceed the standard.

7.1.3

PROCEDURES.

(a) If any Government personnel observe unacceptable services, either incomplete work or required services not being performed they should immediately contact the COR.

(b) The COR will complete appropriate documentation to record the complaint.

(c) If the COR determines the complaint is invalid, the COR will advise the complainant. The COR will retain the annotated copy of the written complaint for his/her files.

(d) If the COR determines the complaint is valid, the COR will inform the Contractor and give the Contractor additional time to correct the defect, if additional time is available. The COR shall determine how much time is reasonable.

(e) The COR shall, as a minimum, orally notify the Contractor of any valid complaints.

(f) If the Contractor disagrees with the complaint after investigation of the site and challenges the validity of the complaint, the Contractor will notify the COR. The COR will review the matter to determine the validity of the complaint.

(g) The COR will consider complaints as resolved unless notified otherwise by the complainant.

(h) Repeat customer complaints are not permitted for any services. If a repeat customer complaint is received for the same deficiency during the service period, the COR will contact the Contracting Officer for appropriate action under the Inspection clause.

8.

SECURITY

8.1 The Government reserves the right to deny access to U.S.-owned and U.S. operated facilities to any individual. The Government will run background checks on all proposed Contractor employees. The Contractor shall provide the names, biographic data and police clearance on all Contractor personnel who shall work on this contract.

8.2.

Identity Cards. The Government shall issue identity cards to Contractor personnel, after they are approved. Contractor personnel shall display identify card(s) on the uniform at all times while providing services under this contract. These identity cards are the property of the Government. The Contractor is responsible for their return at the end of the contract, when an employee leaves Contractor service, or at the request of the Government.

ATTACHMENT 3: Language Proficiency Rating Scales

13 FAH-1 H-242 Rating Scales

To be able to speak in quantitative terms about foreign language proficiency, the Department and other agencies have adopted “base levels” for skill in speaking (S-0 through S-5) and reading (R-0 through R-5) with definitions as listed below. Each level includes the skills covered in all lower levels. The “plus level” (+) designation is assigned when proficiency substantially exceeds one base skill level and does not fully meet the criteria for the next base level. The “plus level” descriptions are, therefore, supplementary to the “base level” descriptions.

13 FAH-1 H-242.1 Speaking Proficiency

(1) S-0, No Practical Speaking Proficiency—Is unable to function in the spoken language. Oral production is limited to occasional isolated words. Has essentially no communicative ability.

(2) S-0+, Memorized Proficiency—Is able to satisfy immediate needs using rehearsed utterances. Shows little real autonomy of expression, flexibility, or spontaneity. Can ask questions or make statements with reasonable accuracy only with memorized utterances or formulae. Attempts at creating speech are usually unsuccessful. The individual’s vocabulary is usually limited to areas of immediate survival needs. An individual can usually differentiate between most significant sounds when produced in isolation, but when combined in words or groups of words, errors ma be frequent. Even with repetition, communication is severely limited with people who are used to dealing with foreigners. Stress, intonation, tone, etc., are usually quite faulty.

(3) S-1, Elementary Proficiency—Is able to satisfy minimum courtesy requirements and maintain very simple face-to-face conversations on familiar topics. A native speaker must often use slowed speech, repetition, paraphrase, or a combination of these to be understood by an individual with an S-1 proficiency. Similarly, the native speaker must strain and employ real-world knowledge to understand simple statements or questions from this individual. This speaker has a functional, but limited proficiency. Although misunderstandings are frequent, the individual is able to ask for help and to verify comprehension of native speech in face-to-face interaction. The individual is unable to produce continuous discourse except with rehearsed material.

(4) S-1+ Elementary Proficiency, Plus—Can initiate and maintain predictable face-to-face conversations and satisfy limited social demands. However, he or she may have little understanding of the social conventions of conversation. The interlocutor is, generally, required to strain and employ real-world knowledge to understand some simple speech. The speaker, at this level, may hesitate and may have to change subjects due to lack of language resources. Range and control of the languages are limited. Speech largely consists of a series of short, discrete utterances.

(5) S-2, Limited Working Proficiency—Is able to satisfy routine social demands and limited work requirements. Can handle routine work-related interactions that are limited in scope. In more complex and sophisticated work-related tasks, language usage, generally, disturbs the native speaker. Can handle with confidence, but not with facility, most normal, high-frequency social conversational situations including extensive, but casual conversations about current events, as well as work, family, and autobiographical information. The individual gets the gist of most everyday conversations, but has some difficulty understanding native speakers in situations that require specialized or sophisticated knowledge. The individual’s utterances are minimally cohesive. Linguistic structure is usually not very elaborate and not thoroughly controlled; errors are frequent. Vocabulary use is appropriate for high-frequency utterances, but unusual or imprecise elsewhere.

(6) S-2+ Limited Working Proficiency, Plus—Is able to satisfy most work requirements with language usage that is often, but not always, acceptable and effective. The individual shows considerable ability to communicate effectively on topics relating to particular interests and special fields of competence. Often shows a high degree of fluency and ease of speech, yet when under tension or pressure, his or her ability to use the language effectively may deteriorate. Comprehension of normal native speech is typically near complete. The individual may miss cultural and local references and may require a native speaker to adjust to his or her limitations in some ways. Native speakers often perceive the individual’s speech to contain awkward or inaccurate phrasing of ideas, mistaken time, space, and person references, or to be in some way inappropriate, if not strictly incorrect.

(7) S-3, General Professional Proficiency—Is able to speak the language with sufficient structural accuracy and vocabulary, in order to participate effectively in most formal and informal conversations on practical, social, and professional topics. Nevertheless, the individual’s limitations, generally, restrict the professional contexts of language use to matters of shared knowledge and/or international convention. Discourse is cohesive. The individual uses the language acceptably, but with some noticeable imperfections; yet errors virtually never interfere with understanding and rarely disturb the native speaker. The individual can effectively combine structure and vocabulary to convey his or her meaning accurately. The individual speaks readily and fills pauses suitably. In face-to-face conversation with natives speaking the standard dialect at a normal rate of speech, comprehension is quite complete. Although cultural references, proverbs, and the implications of nuances and idiom may not be fully understood, the individual can easily repair the conversation. Pronunciation may be obviously foreign. Individual sounds are accurate; but stress, intonation, and pitch control may be faulty.

(8) S-3+ General Professional Proficiency, Plus—Is often able to use the language to satisfy professional needs in a wide range of sophisticated and demanding tasks. Despite obvious strengths, may exhibit some hesitancy, uncertainty, effort, or errors which limit the range of language-use tasks that can be reliably performed. Typically, there is particular strength in fluency and one or more, but not all, of the following: breadth of lexicon, including low- and medium-frequency items, especially socio-linguistic/cultural references and nuances of close synonyms; structural precision, with sophisticated features that are readily, accurately, and appropriately controlled (such as complex modification and embedding in Indo-European languages); discourse competence in a wide range of contexts and tasks, often matching a native speaker’s strategic and organizational abilities and expectations. Occasional patterned errors occur in low frequency and highly complex structures.

(9) S-4 Advanced Professional Proficiency—Is able to use the language fluently and accurately on all levels, normally, pertinent to professional needs. The individual’s language usage and ability to function are fully successful. Organizes discourse well, using appropriate rhetorical speech devices, native cultural references, and understanding. Language ability only rarely hinders him or her in performing any task requiring language; yet, the individual would seldom be perceived as a native. Speaks effortlessly and smoothly, and is able to use the language with a high degree of effectiveness, reliability, and precision for all representational purposes within the range of personal and professional experience and scope of responsibilities. Can serve as an informal interpreter in a range of unpredictable circumstances. Can perform extensive, sophisticated language tasks, encompassing most matters of interest to well-educated native speakers, including tasks which do not bear directly on a professional specialty.

(10) S-4+ Advanced Professional Proficiency, Plus-Speaking proficiency is regularly superior in all respects, usually equivalent to that of a well-educated, highly articulate native speaker. Language ability does not impede the performance of any language-use task. However, the individual would not necessarily be perceived as culturally native.

(11) S-5 Native or Bilingual Proficiency—Speaking proficiency is functionally equivalent to that of a highly articulate well-educated native speaker and reflects the cultural standards of the country where the language is natively spoken. The individual uses the language with complete flexibility and intuition, so that speech on all levels is fully accepted by well-educated native speakers in all of its features, including breadth of vocabulary and idiom, colloquialisms, and pertinent cultural references. Pronunciation is typically consistent with that of well-educated native speakers of a non-stigmatized dialect.

13 FAH-1 H-242.2 Reading Proficiency

(1) R-0 No Practical Reading Proficiency—Has no practical reading proficiency.

(2) R-0+ Memorized Proficiency—Can recognize all the letters in the printed version of an alphabetic system and high-frequency elements of a syllabary or a character system. Is able to read some or all of the following: numbers, isolated words and phrases, personal and place names, street signs, and/or office and shop designations; the above is often interpreted inaccurately. Unable to read connected prose.

(3) R-1 Elementary Proficiency—Has sufficient comprehension to read very simply connected written material in a form equivalent to usual printing or typescript. Can read either representations of familiar formulaic verbal exchanges or simple language containing only the highest frequency structural patterns and vocabulary, including shared international vocabulary items and cognates (when appropriate).Is able to read and understand known language elements that have been recombined in new ways to achieve different meanings at a similar level of simplicity. Texts may include simple narratives of routine behavior; highly predictable descriptions of people, places, or things; and explanations of geography and government such as those simplified for tourists. Some misunderstandings are possible on simple texts. Can get some main ideas and locate prominent items of professional significance in more complex texts. Can identify general subject matter in some authentic texts.

(4) R-1+ Elementary Proficiency, Plus—Has sufficient comprehension to understand simple discourse in printed form for informative social purposes. Can read material such as announcements of public events, simple prose containing biographical information or narration of events, and straightforward newspaper headlines. Can guess at unfamiliar vocabulary if highly contextualized, but has difficulty with unfamiliar contexts. Can get some main ideas and locate routine information of professional significance in more complex texts. Can follow essential points of written discussion at an elementary level on topics in his or her special professional field.

(5) R-2 Limited Working Proficiency—Has sufficient comprehension to read simple, authentic written material in a form equivalent to usual printing or typescript on subjects within a familiar context. Is able to read with some misunderstandings straightforward, familiar, factual material, but in general, insufficiently experienced with the language to draw inferences directly from the linguistic aspects of the text. Can locate and understand the main ideas and details in material written for the general reader. However, persons who have professional knowledge of a subject may be able to summarize or perform sorting and locating tasks with written texts that are well beyond their general proficiency level. The individual can read uncomplicated, but authentic prose on familiar subjects that are normally presented in a predictable sequence which aids the reader in understanding the prose.

Texts may include descriptions and narration in contexts such as news items describing frequently occurring events, simple biographical information, social notices, formulaic business letters, and simple technical material written for the general reader. Generally, the prose that can be read by the individual is predominantly in straightforward or high frequency sentence patterns. The individual does not have a broad active vocabulary, but is able to use contextual and real-world cues to understand the text. Characteristically, however, the individual is quite slow in performing such a process. He or she is typically able to answer factual questions about authentic texts of the types described above.

(6) R-2+Limited Working Proficiency, Plus—Has sufficient comprehension to understand most factual material in non-technical prose as well as some discussions on concrete topics related to special professional interests. Is markedly more proficient at reading materials on a familiar topic. Is able to separate the main ideas and details from lesser ones and uses that distinction to advance his or her understanding of the material. The individual is able to use linguistic context and real-world knowledge to make sensible guesses about unfamiliar material. Has a broad active reading vocabulary. The individual gets the gist of main and subsidiary ideas in texts which could only be read thoroughly by persons with much higher proficiencies. Weaknesses include slowness, uncertainty, and inability to discern nuance and/or intentionally disguised meaning.

(7) R-3 General Professional Proficiency—Is able to read within a normal range of speed and with almost complete comprehension a variety of authentic prose material on unfamiliar subjects. Reading ability is not dependent on subject matter knowledge, although it is not expected that the individual can comprehend thoroughly subject matter which is highly dependent on cultural knowledge or which is outside his or her general experience and not accompanied by explanation. Text-types include news stories similar to wire service reports or international news items in major periodicals, routine correspondence, general reports, and technical material in his or her professional field; all of these may include hypothesis, argumentation, and supported opinions. Misreading is rare. Is almost always able to interpret material correctly, relate ideas, and “read between the lines” (that is, he or she understands the writers’ implicit intents in texts of the above types). He or she gets the gist of more sophisticated texts, but may be unable to detect or understand subtlety and nuance. Rarely has to pause over or reread general vocabulary. However, may experience some difficulty with unusually complex structure and low frequency idioms.

(8) R-3+ General Professional Proficiency, Plus—Can comprehend a variety of styles and forms pertinent to professional needs. Rarely misinterprets such texts, or rarely experiences difficulty relating ideas or making inferences. Is able to comprehend many social linguistic and cultural references. However, may miss some nuances and subtleties. Is able to comprehend a considerable range of intentionally complex structures, low frequency idioms, and uncommon connotative intentions; however, accuracy is not complete. The individual is typically able to read with facility, understand, and appreciate contemporary expository, technical, or literary texts which do not rely heavily on slang and unusual idioms.

(9) R-4 Advanced Professional Proficiency—Is able to read fluently and accurately all styles and forms of the language pertinent to professional needs. The individual’s experience with the written language is extensive enough that he or she is able to relate inferences in the text to real-world knowledge and understand almost all social linguistic and cultural references. Is able to “read beyond the lines” (that is, to understand the full ramifications of texts as they are situated in the wider cultural, political, or social environment). Is able to read and understand the intent of writers’ use of nuance and subtlety. The individual can discern relationships among sophisticated written materials in the context of broad experience. Can follow unpredictable turns of thought readily in, for example, editorial, conjectural, and literary texts in any subject matter area directed to the general reader. Can read essentially all materials in his or her special field, including official and professional documents and correspondence. Recognizes all professionally relevant vocabularies known to the educated non-professional native, although he or she may have some difficulty with slang. Can read reasonably legible handwriting without difficulty. Accuracy is often nearly that of a well-educated native reader.

(10) R-4+ Advanced Professional Proficiency, Plus—Has a nearly native ability to read and understand extremely difficult or abstract prose, a very wide variety of vocabulary, idioms, colloquialisms, and slang. Has a strong sensitivity to and understanding of sociolinguistic and cultural references. Has little difficulty in reading less than fully legible handwriting. Has a broad ability to “read beyond the lines” (that is, to understand the full ramifications of texts as they are situated in the wider cultural, political, or social environment) and is nearly that of a well-read or well-educated native reader. Accuracy is close to that of the well-educated native reader, but not equivalent.

(11) R-5 Functionally Native Proficiency—Reading proficiency is functionally equivalent to that of the well-educated native reader. Can read extremely difficult and abstract prose; for example, general legal and technical as well as highly colloquial writings. Is able to read literary texts, typically including contemporary avant-garde prose, poetry, and theatrical writings. Can read classical or archaic forms of literature with the same degree of facility as the well-educated but non-specialist native. Reads and understands a wide variety of vocabulary and idioms, colloquialisms, slang, and pertinent cultural references. With varying degrees of difficulty, can read all kinds of handwritten documents. Accuracy of comprehension is equivalent to that of a well-educated native reader.

(12) R-N No Writing System Pertinent to the Needs of the Service—M/FSI gives a score to certify that no writing system pertinent to the needs of the Foreign Service exists or that knowledge of the writing system is not pertinent to the needs of the Service. R-N would occur, for example, in a Somali rating.

SECTION 2 - CONTRACT CLAUSES

52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS – COMMERCIAL ITEMS (MAY 2015) is incorporated by reference. (See SF-1449, Block 27A).

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at:

http://acquisition.gov/far/index.html or http://farsite.hill.af.mil/vffara.htm.

These addresses are subject to change. If the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is not available at the locations indicated above, use the Department of State Acquisition website at http://www.statebuy.state.gov to see the links to the FAR. You may also use an Internet “search engine” (for example, Google, Yahoo or Excite) to obtain the latest location of the most current FAR.

52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders—Commercial Items (NOV 2015)

(a) The Contractor shall comply with the following Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses, which are incorporated in this contract by reference, to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items:

(1) 52.209-10, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (Nov 2015)

(2) 52.233-3, Protest After Award (AUG 1996) (31 U.S.C. 3553).

(3) 52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (OCT 2004) (Public Laws 108-77, 108-78 (19 U.S.C. 3805 note)).

(b) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (b) that the contracting officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items:

( (1) 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (Sept 2006), with Alternate I (Oct 1995) (41 U.S.C. 4704 and 10 U.S.C. 2402).

___ (2) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (Oct 2015) (41 U.S.C. 3509).

___ (3) 52.203-15, Whistleblower Protections under the American Recovery…