Sources Sought Notice_FCI Phoenix_VT_FSA.pdf

Rou U.S. Department of Justice

Federal Bureau of Prisons Administration Division

Field Acquisition Office Grand Prairie, Texas 75051

MARKET RESEARCH QUESTIONNAIRE

Occupational Training Program Provider Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Phoenix

Phoenix, Arizona

The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), Field Acquisition Office (FAO), is conducting market research in compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulation, Part 10. This requirement is for the provision of Occupational Training Provider for the following program: Small Business Start-Up. The services will be provided to the adults in custody (AIC) population at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Phoenix, Arizona, located at 37900 N. 45th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85086.

The Occupational Training Instruction will be performed in the Education Department, or other area identified by the Supervisor of Education (SOE) at the FCI, Phoenix, AZ.

The Government intends to make a single award of an indefinite delivery/requirements type contract with firm fixed prices, consisting of one (1) base year and four (4) twelve-month option years. The estimated annual sessions are 256. The NAICS code is 611310 (Colleges, Universities and Professional Schools).

The size standard is $34.5 million.

A draft copy of the Statement of Work is attached to this questionnaire for more specific details.

Additional details will be forthcoming in the solicitation. A Government solicitation document for this requirement is being developed, of which a contract may or may not result. Market research is being conducted to determine interest and capability of potential sources for this requirement.

THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT ANNOUNCEMENT ONLY – Solicitations are not available at this time.

Please answer the following questions:

1. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for Colleges, Universities and Professional Schools is 611310. The size standard is $34.5 million (below $34.5 million in gross revenues is considered small, above $34.5 million in gross revenues is considered large). Based on this standard, what is your business size, small or large?

______ Small ______ Large

2. Is your company eligible for participation in one of the following small business programs? If so, please indicate which programs below:

____ 8(a) program ____ Women-owned small business concern ____ Economically Disadvantaged Women-owned small business concern ____ Service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern ____ Hub-Zone small business concern

3. Is your business or employee(s) certified to provide these services in the state of Arizona?

_____Yes _____No

4. Can your company provide these services as either the Prime Contractor or as a Subcontractor:

_____ Prime Contractor _____ Subcontractor

5. If you are a small business, what level of subcontracting, if any, would your firm utilize? Services (except construction) require at least 50 percent of the cost of contract performance incurred for personnel shall be expended for employees of the concern.

6. Will your company be compliant with FAR 52.219-14? _____Yes _____ No

7. Is your company able to provide readily available, qualified employees to fulfill FCI Phoenix’s requirement as specified in the first paragraph? _____Yes _____No

8. Is your company registered in System for Award Management (SAM)? ____Yes ____No **All potential quoters are advised if a solicitation is issued it will include the clause at FAR 52.204-7 (Oct 2018) for System for Award Management (SAM). This clause requires all contractors doing business with the Federal Government after September 30, 2003, to be registered in the SAM database. If your company is not registered in SAM, registration can be completed at: www.sam.gov

9. Can your company provide firm fixed unit pricing for future contract periods (for example: a contract with a base year and four option years, equaling a total of five years)? Please indicate the maximum number of years you can provide firm-fixed unit prices.

5 years 4 years 3 years 2 years 1 year only

10. The Federal Acquisition Regulations requires the following insurances policies: Workers’ Compensation and Employer’s liability not less than $100,000; and General Liability no less than $500,000 per occurrence; and Automobile Liability of at least $200,000 person, $500,000 per occurrence for bodily injury, and $20,000 per occurrence for property damage. Are these rates and requirements consistent with regulatory requirements in Arizona?

______Yes ______ No (If no, what are the standard rates per insurance?)

11. Are services of this type customarily available in the commercial marketplace? (Available to commercial business and industry or to the general public)

______Yes ______ No

12. How many calendar days does your company need to prepare a proposal resulting from this solicitation? _______ _______ _______ _______

15 days 30 days 45 days 60 days

13. If awarded a contract, how many calendar days following an award would it take your company to begin providing services to the institution?

** Please note that all individuals providing services at the institutions must undergo a security clearance investigation. This investigation may take 30 calendar days or longer to complete.

Calendar days

14. The Federal Acquisitions Regulations requires the following clause in solicitations and contracts when design, development or operation of a system of records on individuals is required to accomplish the agency’s function: 52.224-1 Privacy Act Notification and 52.224-2 Privacy Act. Is this requirement consistent with regulatory requirements specified in the first paragraph? _____Yes _____ No

15. Does your company have an issue with the attached Statement of Work? _____ Yes _____ No http://www.sam.gov/

16. Has your company previously provided these types of services in a prison environment?

______Yes ______ No

17. Which of the following best describes your organization?

______ Non-Profit ______ Faith-Based ______ Corporation ______ LLC

18. Please furnish the following information in reference to your firm:

Name of Business: ________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________

Point of Contact: _________________________________________________

Telephone Number: ________________________________________________

E-mail Address: __________________________________________________

UEI: __________________________________ CAGE: ________________________

VENDOR WEBSITE: ______________________________________________________

I am extremely appreciative of the time you have taken to complete this questionnaire. Please email your response to me at sburke@bop.gov no later than March 07, 2025, at 10:00 am, EST.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely, Sarah Burke, Contracting Officer Federal Bureau of Prisons U.S. Armed Forces Reserve Complex Field Acquisition Office 346 Marine Forces Drive Grand Prairie, TX 75051

NOTE: The resulting solicitation will be distributed solely through the System for Award Management website at www.sam.gov. Hard copies of the solicitation will not be available. The website provides downloading instructions to obtain all documents relating to the solicitation. All future information concerning this acquisition, including the pre-solicitation notice, solicitation, and any subsequent amendments, will be distributed solely through the website.

Interested parties are responsible for monitoring the website to ensure they have the most up-to-date information about the acquisition.

mailto:sburke@bop.gov

OCCUPATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM PROVIDER

STATEMENT OF WORK

(AOE Funded Occupational Education Programs)

Subject

The Federal Bureau of Prisons, Field Acquisition Office, Grand Prairie, Texas, intends to make a single award to a post-secondary institution, vocational training or industry-based school that will be responsible for providing instruction in Small Business Start-Up. Successful completion of the training program must qualify adults in custody (hereinafter referred to as AIC) at least entry-level employment in a specified field upon release. General information regarding the

Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and its facilities is located at www.bop.gov.

Place of Performance

Occupational training instruction will be performed in the Education Department (or other area identified by the Supervisor of Education) at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Phoenix and the Federal Prison Camp (FPC) Phoenix, located at 37900 N. 45th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85086.

Schedule of Performance

The courses shall be instructed utilizing six hours of classroom instruction (6 hours equal 1 session), with an estimated number of 24 instructional sessions per week per program. Typically, the contractor will provide services between the hours of 7:15 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Monday - Friday, excluding Federal holidays; other days/hours may be implemented if necessary to meet program requirements and these days/hours may be adjusted to meet the needs of the institution. Any breaks in service, including lunch breaks, will be unpaid. (Specific dates for the classes will be determined by the Supervisor of Education and the contractor). Estimated annual sessions are approximately 256 sessions for each program per 12-month period. The Camp class will be conducted for a total of four hours each day. Subsequently, the FCI class will be conducted a total of six hours each day. The sessions are on a requirements basis; therefore, schedule and sessions can change. (See chart below)

PROGRAM TITLE/COURSE ESTIMATED SESSIONS PER YEAR

Small Business Startup – FCI & FPC 256

Due to the nature of the correctional setting, delays in performance of work may be experienced.

Such delays may include but are not limited to inclement weather, electrical or mechanical problems, or other security matters. When contract employees report to the institution but are unable to perform services due to such delays, the contractor will be paid for one (1) session.

Normally, any remaining sessions for that day will be suspended and the contractor will be free to leave and the contractor will not be paid for the remaining unperformed sessions. However, if the institution requests that the contractor remain at the institution for eventual performance, the contractor shall be paid for such sessions. In the event of any absence, the contractor shall provide replacement coverage. If the contractor fails to provide coverage, the Government may seek contractual remedy.

Program Specifications

The Contractor must provide fully qualified, college instructors. The instructor shall be required to have four years of teaching experience at the College/Junior College level. The Contractor shall employ professional staff, including any subcontractors, whose qualifications have appropriate educational qualifications, experience, and licenses commensurate with the job responsibilities and authority level of the corresponding positions, including appropriately verified license and certifications. The contractor employee (instructor) must have a four-year college/bachelor’s degree and speak fluent English. The contractor employee (instructor) must also have a minimum of four years teaching experience at the College/Junior College level, with at least two years of experience working in a correctional setting.

The Contractor must provide a syllabus or description of curriculum, methodologies, and approach to delivery of educational service. The Contractor will provide students with official transcripts, diplomas and/or certificates to support qualifications, as well as copies of lesson plans and curricula when requested. The Contractor must possess the skills to provide instruction in Small Business Start-Up. The Contractor will ensure all hours earned during the program will be transferrable to other educational institutions.

All lesson plans and routine organizations of the program will be the responsibility of the contract instructor. Other Contractor responsibilities include, but not limited to on-site registration and enrollment; presentation of informational sessions as needed to promote course selection and content, providing educational counseling, delivering of instructional materials, assessing student progress, providing grades, attendance records, and completion/withdrawal data, and make recommendations to the Supervisor of Education. The course should provide a background in marketing, management, finance, and a capstone course in which students complete a business plan. The goal of the Small Business Start-Up is to create a foundation for prospective small business owners and contribute to the long-term success of the business community.

If the Contractor desires to make updates or changes to the curriculum, a written request much be submitted to the Supervisor of Education. FCI Phoenix BOP will be provided a minimum of 90 days to make the approved changes and required purchases for new or additional textbooks and supplies. Final approval for the purchases of requested materials will lie solely with the BOP.

The determination of successful completion of courses/classes will be based on the assessment and judgment of the instructor according to fulfillment of classroom assignments and projects, and demonstration of proficiency in all related exams and computer skills.

The Small Business Start-Up Vocational Training programs should consist of the following completion certificates and courses (to be instructed throughout the contract year):

Certificate: Small Business Start-Up

Education and Qualifications

The contractor shall not be a self-employed individual or individual employed by a post-secondary institution. The contract must be between FCI Phoenix and a post-secondary institution, vocational training school or industry-based school. The contractor employee

(instructor) must have a four-year college/bachelor’s degree and speak fluent English. The contractor employee (instructor) must also have a minimum of four years teaching experience, with at least two years of experience working in a correctional setting.

The Occupational Education Program must fall under the provider’s umbrella of accreditation and lead to transferrable credits resulting in a college certificate, A.A., A.A.S. or A.S. degree.

Industry-accepted certification is also acceptable. Providers must be an accredited entity. The organization’s accreditation will be verified using the US Department of Education Database of

Accredited Post-Secondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) Website

(https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/home). The Contractor, as an academic institution, will provide credentials of affiliation with regional accreditation, i.e., the “Higher Learning Commission” or be a long-standing provider of adult education services for at least 5 years.

If required for employment, certification tests from outside organizations may be administered to individual AICs upon completion of a specific occupational education program. However, the individual skill competency certification will not replace the training program’s overall accreditation.

The Occupational Education Program must lead to a college certificate, A.A., A. S., A.A.S. or industry-recognized certificate qualifying AICs for at least an entry-level position of employment. Credits earned from the college certificate, A.A., A.S., or A.A.S. must be transferrable to a four-year college.

Supplies and Equipment

The contractor will develop curriculums to include lesson plans with scope and sequence for the

Small Business Start-Up Program.

FCI Phoenix will provide classroom space, utilities, textbooks, paper, pens, pencils, and automated equipment. The institution will also provide access to a telephone, photocopy machine, fax machine, and other miscellaneous office supplies and equipment necessary to complete the program specifications. Photocopies will be provided for the Contractor; however, the instructors will be required to make their own copies as part of their lesson preparations (in line with federal copyright laws).

The contractor will make recommendations to the Supervisor of Education pertaining to the selection and purchase of additional supplies and equipment.

https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/home

Method of Performance

The contractor will provide instruction for Small Business Start-Up in accordance with Bureau of Prisons Program Statement 5353.01, Occupational Education Programs, and Bureau of

Prisons Program Statement 5300.21, Education, Training and Leisure Time Program Standards.

Marketable programs shall afford AICs the opportunity to gain in demand skills in a specific occupation, industry, or trade. The marketable program must qualify AIC graduates for at least an entry-level position in Small Business Start-Up. As a precondition of the proposal for the contract, the contractor shall specify in writing to the Supervisor of Education the position(s) of employment for which AIC graduates will be eligible to apply.

Scope of Performance

The Supervisor of Education shall determine the minimum and maximum number of enrollments. Instructors placed on site by the contractor are responsible for the maintenance of transcripts, student attendance records, statistics, and certification records.

The contractor will provide a written curriculum which establishes measurable behavioral objectives and procedures. The curriculum must include clear criteria which establish minimum expectations for program completion, provisions for the assessment of student progress, must identify the hands-on competencies and must require the students to demonstrate them. In addition to core classes needed to attain a college certificate, an industry-accepted certificate, an

Associate in Arts degree (A.A.), an Associate in Science degree (A.S.), or an Associate in

Applied Science degree (A.A.S.), the curriculum must also include a course on resume development.

The contractor shall assist in the recruitment of employers affiliated with the identified occupation to participate in the institution’s mock job fair.

Contractor Restrictions

In addition to adhering to all federal and state laws and regulations in effect during the term of this contract, the contractor shall not:

▪ supervise or discipline any BOP staff or AIC at any time

▪ perform requisitions, sign for or pick up supplies

▪ formulate policies or procedures

▪ attend or participate in staff recalls, functions or luncheons

▪ be a member of the Employee’s Club

Attire

The contractor is expected to wear professional clothing while on duty. The attire worn shall also be appropriate for the correctional environment in which the contract employee will be performing.

Adult In Custody (AIC) Management

Provision of services will require frequent and unsupervised contact with AICs. The contract employee shall not be responsible for the management of any AICs, other than to ensure AICs involved within the contract’s scope of work abide by all rules to ensure their safety and well-being. The successful contractor shall attend the Institution Familiarization Orientation program prior to assuming institution involvement. Reimbursement to the contractor for the time spent in the institution orientation or other specific security related training will be at the contract rate, prorated hourly. The contractor may, at any time, be removed from the institution at the discretion of the CEO. The contractor is to constantly be aware of security and maintain a professional relationship with AICs at all times. Any violation of the institution rules and regulations are to be brought immediately to the attention of any Government employee employed at the institution. The contractor will be required to provide documentation to the

COR, or designee, of any infractions of institutional rules and regulations by AICs for proper action. The Contractor will notify Education or Correctional Staff of any AIC infractions including, absences and tardiness to the BOP Education staff or Supervisor of Education within fifteen minutes of the beginning of each class. After verbally reporting infractions to the BOP

Correctional Staff, the Contractor shall provide written documentation to the Supervisor of

Education by a memorandum prior to departure from the FCI/FPC.

A monthly written progress report must be submitted by the 5th day of each month by the service provider to verify enrollment, completion levels, and grades at the end each term on official school letterhead. Curricula of all classes will be submitted by the provider before classes begin each term. These documents will include copies of grades received by students as well as attendance sheets and total number of student registered, withdraws and additions two weeks after classes begin. The Contractor will maintain and furnish other reports as required by the

Supervisor of Education.

At the beginning of the term, copies of college applications and registrations must be submitted to the Supervisor of Education. Within one week of the end of the term, copies of final grades must be submitted to the Supervisor of Education.

Institution Security

The contractor/contract employees shall agree to all regulations prescribed by the institution for the safety, custody, and conduct of AICs. The contract employee will be required to operate a system of records as identified for medical treatment documentation, and will require adherence to the Privacy Act of 1974. The contract employee will be required to sign in and out of the institution for accountability purposes. A badge will be issued and worn at all times for proper identification.

Notice of Contraband

The Contractor will inform all employees that intoxicating beverage, drugs, weapons, etc. will not be allowed on institution property in any vehicle or upon any person. Any person suspected of utilized intoxicating beverages, drugs, weapons, etc., in the performance of this contract will not be allowed on the premises of this institution. Introduction of contraband shall be subject to penalties prescribed by 18 USC 1791.

Payment Terms

Payment terms as specified in FAR 52.212-4(g) apply. The contractor shall provide a monthly invoice to the FCC Beaumont Accounting Department and the SOE which accurately reflects days worked, number of sessions, and the total amount due for the previous month’s services.

The due date for making an invoice payment by the designated payment office shall be the 30th day after the designated billing office has received a proper invoice, or the government has accepted the services performed by the contractor. The contractor can, however, offer discount payment terms for prompt payments as specified in block 12 on the SF-1449 form of this solicitation. Half sessions will not be authorized for payment.