STAFFING PWS DRAFT rev1.docx

US Department of Agriculture (USDA)

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

EASTERN ZONE

STAFFING SUPPORT SERVICES

5 Nov 2021

Contents

Project Title USDA-FS East Zone Staffing Support Services

General Information

1.0 Background and Purpose

Established in 1905, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service (FS) is a Federal Agency that manages public lands in national forests and grasslands under a founding principle, "To provide the greatest amount of good for the greatest amount of people in the long run". The agency’s mission is to “sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations”. The FS has the responsibility for stewardship of more than 193 million acres of the nation’s forests and grasslands; for developing and communicating scientific knowledge through research and Support that leads to informed natural resource decision-making; for delivering technical assistance through state and private forestry programs; and for sharing knowledge and experience with others in the global community through international forestry.

There is long history of contracting for staffing augmentation as a means of supporting additional workload requirements, and to mitigate temporary position vacancies. This Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract is established to provide a more streamlines and consistent approach to meet requirements for contracted staffing positions applicable to the requirements of the Service Contract Labor Standards

The Contractor shall provide all labor, supplies, supervision, tools, materials, equipment, and transportation necessary to provide Support Staffing Services in accordance with this Performance Work Statement (PWS).

2.0 Definitions and Acronyms

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): A representative from the requiring activity assigned by the Contracting Officer to perform surveillance and to act as liaison to the Contractor. Such appointment shall be in writing and shall state the scope of authority and limitations. This individual does NOT have authority to change the terms and conditions of the contract.

Defective Service: A service output that does not meet the standard of performance associated with it in the PWS.

Firm Fixed Price: A firm-fixed-price contract provides for a price that is not subject to any adjustment on the basis of the contractor’s cost experience in performing the contract. This contract type places upon the contractor maximum risk and full responsibility for all costs and resulting profit or loss. It provides maximum incentive for the contractor to control costs and perform effectively and imposes a minimum administrative burden upon the contracting parties.

Fixed Price level of Effort: A fixed-price contract type where payment is based on the effort expended rather than on the results achieved. The contractor provides a specified level of effort (labor category x number of hrs), over a stated period of time, on work that can be stated only in general terms. The Government pays the contractor a fixed dollar amount per month, based on the level of effort dictated in the contract. Monthly invoice amount does not fluctuate and is not dependent on the number of hours actually worked as in a Labor Hours contract/TO.

Labor Hours: A type of contract/TO where services are acquired on the basis of a specified number of direct labor hours which are invoiced based on the actual number of hours performed.

Quality Control: Those actions taken by a Contractor to control the performance of services so that they meet the requirements of the PWS.

Quality Assurance: Those actions taken by the government to assure services meet the requirements of the PWS.

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

3.1 Scope

The intent of this contract is to procure services from various occupations identified under Service Contract Labor Standards Wage Determination (WD). Services that are exempt from Service Contract Labor Standards are not within the scope of this contract. Personal services are not authorized under this contract.

The states/territories included within the scope of this contract are Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Vermont, Virginia, Washington D.C., and West Virginia.

3.2 RTOP Procedures

While information on potential candidates will normally be provided with each Request for TO RTOP, the contractor is required to make an effort to recruit, hire, and retain the most qualified candidate for each position. Contract shall ensure all personnel placed meet minimum requirements of the TO.

Contractor is required to verify labor categories identified in the RTOP are consistent with each TO SOW.

When hiring personnel, the Contractor shall keep in mind that the stability and continuity of the workforce are essential.

The prime contractor is responsible and accountable for all performance under this contract whether through use of prime contractor employees, subcontractor employees, or similar means.

TOs are intended to be pre-priced, based on minimum required hourly wage and fringe benefit rates of the WD applicable to each TO, and applicable all-inclusive wrap rate for the state/territory where performance will occur.

In cases where TO experience, training, and or certification requirements prevent a qualified candidate from being recruited at the minimum WD rate, the contractor is required to provide supporting rationale and propose a rate minimally necessary to meet TO requirements.

3.3 Typical Staffing Needs/Qualification Requirements

Admin Assistant Proficient in Microsoft Office 2016, experience with USDA budgetary process, proficient in USDA systems and applications

Media Specialist III Research/Ecology background

Technical Writer III Research/Ecology background

Drafter/CAD Operator IV A.A.S – Computer-Aided Drafting Technology

Timber Sales Forester Timber Sale Forester and Contracting Experience

Receptionist H.S. Diploma, Knowledge of admin and clerical procedures, ability to work a switchboard, knowledge of computers and relevant software applications

4.0 Deliverables / Schedule

4.1 IDIQ Ordering Periods

Ordering Period 1, April 01, 2022 through March 31, 2023 Ordering Period 2, April 01, 2023 through March 31, 2024 Ordering Period 3, April 01, 2024 through March 31, 2025 Ordering Period 4, April 01, 2025 through March 31, 2026 Ordering Period 5, April 01, 2026 through March 31, 2027

4.2 Monthly Reports

· Reporting Requirements: The contractor is required to provide written Monthly Status Reports and Monthly Cumulative IDIQ TO Reports. These may be combined for efficiency.

· The Government does not waive its right to request deliverables under the order/call, even if such requirements are not specifically listed in the tables. Deliverables will vary by individual TO.

· The monthly progress report shall identify any TO where available funding is not sufficient to allow services through the period of performance end date. This report shall also identify any problems that arose and a statement explaining how the problem was resolved. This report shall also identify any problems that have arisen but have not been completely resolved and provide an explanation.

· Monthly Cumulative IDIQ TO reports shall contain the minimum information:

1) TOCO Name

2) TO #

3) Award Date

4) Period of Performance

5) TO Type (FFP, FP LOE, LH)

6) Assigned COR

7) Performance Location

8) Labor Category/Description o Work

9) TO Award Amount

10) TO Invoiced Amount

11) TO Total Hours if other than FFP

12) TO Hours Remaining if other than FFP

13) Last Name of contracted individual

14) Status of Request for Task Order Proposals (RTOP)

15) Total dollars obligated to date against IDIQ

Key Deliverables

5.0 Government Furnished

5.1 Government Furnished Workspace

The government will normally provide workspace in government facilities as stated in each individual TO.

5.2 Government Furnished Equipment/Property

The Government may provide equipment, materials, and/or services to include, but not limited to personal computers, USDA e-mail account, and use of a government vehicle. Applicable GFP will be specified in each TO.

Computer systems hardware used in task performance include, but are not limited to, servers, Network Addressable Storage (NAS), and enterprise servers, including, but not limited to products developed by or compatible with IBM, Dell, HP, Apple, and other vendors common to USDA Forest Service and cooperating state and Federal agencies.

For onsite requirements, all utilities in the facility will be available for the Contractor’s use in performance of duties outlined in this PWS. The Contractor shall instruct employees in utilities conservation practices and be responsible for operating under conditions that preclude the waste of utilities. The Contractor shall return the facilities to the Government in the same condition as received, fair wear and tear and approved modifications excepted. These facilities shall only be used in performance of this requirement. All Government property, data, information, etc., used by the Contractor in conjunction with performance of the work under this contract, whether furnished by the Government to the Contractor or acquired by the Contractor with Government funding shall be delivered/transmitted to the COR within 30 calendar days of completion of the applicable effort or per instructions from the COR.

5.3 Use of Government Vehicles

TOs may require the operation of GOVs. See FAR clause 52.228-5, Insurance-Work on a Government Installation and AGAR 452.228-71 Insurance Coverage for coverage requirements. The contractor is responsible for safe operation of vehicles at all times and responsible for damages if contracted personnel are determined to be at fault.

6.0 Travel

Costs for transportation, lodging, meals and incidental expenses are allowable subject to the limitations contained in the Federal Travel Regulations. These costs are to be coordinated at the order level. All travel must be approved in writing by the COR or CO prior to incurrence of any travel expenses and must be established as a separate line item in the applicable TO. The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that travel time is kept to a minimum and verifying expenses incurred are for official Government travel only. Local travel for day-to-day activities in support of contract performance may be reimbursed if distance required to travel exceeds Federal Travel Regulation mileage limits. The Government will not reimburse the Contractor for any relocation expenses for contractor employees. The contractor shall complete a Trip Report within 7 calendar days upon return. Typical travel could include attendance at meetings and conferences.

7.0 Contractor Training

The contractor shall provide and maintain a qualified staff of personnel to meet the requirements of each TO PWS.

In addition, the contractor shall ensure that its personnel receive appropriate safety, health and environmental training in accordance with Federal, state and local requirements prior to assigning any task that require such training. The contractor shall provide documentation of such training upon the request of the COR and/or CO.

The Contractor will ensure that all personnel performing under this contract fulfill all Forest Service requirements for mandatory security awareness and role-based advanced security training in accordance with OMB Circular A-130, FISMA, and NIST requirements, and sign all applicable FS statements of responsibilities.

The Contractor will ensure that all personnel performing under this contract accomplish all required safety training, participate in all-employee meetings, comply with all safety protocols, and wear required government furnished Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). These requirements applicable contracted staff will be commensurate to FS employees performing similar tasks at identical locations.

8.0 Personally Identifiable Information

This contract does not involve Personally Identifiable Information (PII). The agency has a policy of not collecting, processing, or disseminating PII. The agency has taken steps to periodically screen Government computers for PII.

9.0 Post Award Conference/Periodic Progress Meetings

The Contractor shall attend any post award conference convened by the contracting activity or contract administration office in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 42.5. The CO, COR, and other Government personnel, as appropriate, may meet periodically with the Contractor to review the Contractor's performance. At these meetings the CO will apprise the Contractor of how the Government views the Contractor's performance and the Contractor will apprise the Government of problems, if any, being experienced. Appropriate action shall be taken to resolve outstanding issues. These meetings shall be at no additional cost to the Government.

10.0 Identification of Contractor Employees

All contract personnel attending meetings, answering Government telephones, and working in other situations where their Contractor status is not obvious to third parties are required to identify themselves, to avoid creating an impression that they are Government employees.

Contractors that have access to a Government e-mail account shall utilize a signature block that represents their status as a contractor employee. Signature blocks shall comply with USDA standards.

11.0 Key Control

The Contractor shall prohibit the opening of locked areas by Contractor employees to permit entrance of persons other than Contractor employees engaged in the performance of assigned work in those areas, or personnel authorized entrance by the CO. In the event keys, other than master keys, are lost or duplicated, the Contractor shall, upon direction of the CO, re-key or replace the affected lock or locks; however, the Government, at its option, may replace the affected lock or locks or perform re-keying. When the replacement of locks or re-keying is performed by the Government, the total cost of re-keying or the replacement of the lock or locks shall be deducted from the monthly payment due the Contractor.

In the event a master key is lost or duplicated, all locks and keys for that system shall be replaced by the Government and the total cost deducted from the monthly payment due the Contractor.

NOTE: All references to keys include key cards and/or key fobs. No keys issued to the Contractor by the Government shall be duplicated. Such procedures shall include turn-in of any issued keys by personnel who no longer require access to locked areas. The Contractor shall immediately report any occurrences of lost or duplicate keys/key cards/or key fobs to the CO.

12.0 Hours of Operation

Individual TOs may identify specific fixed or flexible hours of operation outside of the regular working hours identified below. The Contractor must at all times maintain an adequate workforce for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within this PWS when the Government facility is not closed for Federal holidays or due to local or national emergencies, administrative closings, or similar Government directed facility closings.

Regular Working Hours. The Contractor will perform the required services during the Government's regular (normal) working hours of 07:00am to 5:00pm Mondays through Fridays except (a) Federal Holidays and (b) other days specifically designated by the Contracting Officer.

*If the date falls on a Saturday, the Government holiday is the preceding Friday. If the date falls on a Sunday, the Government holiday is the following Monday.

Regular time is NTE 40 hours per week and 80 hours per two-week period. Overtime, when required, must be approved in writing by the Contracting Officer prior to performance.

Schedules will be identified in individual TOs for when on-site performance is required. Flexibility is required to allow for minor adjustments to the schedule to allow for appointments, sick days, etc., as long as the total hours worked per week do not exceed 40 hours.

13.0 Administration

Contracting Officer: Keith D. Friot email: keith.d.friot@usda.gov

Contract Specialist: Chandria Fulghum email: Chandria.fulghum@usda.gov

COR: Designation shall be stated on each TO.

The COR monitors all technical aspects of the contract and assists in contract administration. The COR is authorized to perform the following functions: assure that the Contractor performs the technical requirements of the contract: perform inspections necessary in connection with contract performance: maintain written and oral communications with the Contractor concerning technical aspects of the contract: issue written interpretations of technical requirements to the Contracting Officer, including Government drawings, designs, specifications: monitor Contractor's performance and notifies both the Contracting Officer and Contractor of any deficiencies; coordinate availability of government furnished property, and provide site entry of Contractor personnel. A letter of designation issued to the COR, a copy of which is sent to the Contractor, states the responsibilities and limitations of the COR, especially with regard to changes in cost or price, estimates or changes in delivery dates. The COR is not authorized to change any of the terms and conditions of the resulting contract or order.

GTM: May be designated on each TO in addition to a COR.

The GTM’s overall responsibility is to assist the CO and COR as an inspector to monitor contractor performance. A GTM has the following responsibilities designated in writing:

14.0 Background Investigations

All non-government employees with unescorted access to FS facilities, computer systems and/or FS information must have background investigations commensurate with the level of risk and magnitude of loss or harm. The FS will determine the level of background investigation and position classification needed.

The Contractor is responsible for completion of a law enforcement background check for all contractor/subcontractor employees performing on-site under this contract. Documentation of these checks will be made available to the COR upon request.

15.0 Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel

The Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring compliance by its employees with all applicable federal regulations, to include those of GSA, NIST, USDA, FS and HSPD-12. Contractors and their employees are subject to all Federal laws applicable to Government installations and are under the jurisdiction of the Federal Protective Service (FPS). The CORs, or other designated program/project officers, in conjunction with the FS HCM HSPD-12 staff, will assist the Contractor in processing the required Security Background Investigations/Clearances.

(1) The Contractor shall comply with the personal identity verification (PIV) policies and procedures established by Department of Agriculture (USDA) Directives 3800 series.

(2) Should the results of the PIV process require the exclusion of a Contractor’s employee, the Contracting Officer will notify the Contractor in writing.

(3) The Contractor must appoint a representative to manage this activity and to maintain a list of employees eligible for a USDA PIV ID Badge required for performance of the work.

(4) The responsibility of maintaining a sufficient workforce remains with the Contractor. Employees may be barred by the Government from performance of the work should they be found ineligible or to have lost eligibility for a USDA PIV ID Badge. Failure to maintain a sufficient workforce of employees eligible for a USDA PIV ID Badge may be grounds for termination of the contract.

(5) The Contractor shall insert this clause in all subcontracts when the subcontractor is required to have access to a federally controlled facility or information system.

(6) The PIV Sponsor for each TO will eb the assigned COR, unless otherwise specified. The PIV Sponsor will be available to receive contractor identity information from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on Monday through Friday. The Government shall notify the Contractor if there is a change in the PIV Sponsor, the office address, or the office hours for registration.

(7) The Contractor should be aware of any of its employees possibly having had a background investigation through another government agency. The investigation that was conducted, if verifiable by the FS HSPD-12 staff, and if it was completed within the last 5 years, can be accepted by the Government in lieu of a background check.

(8) The Contractor shall comply with any facility badging requirements for the issuance of building access, badges, etc.:

· Ensure the safekeeping, wearing, and visibility of Government-furnished badges.

· Immediately return all badges and permits to the Government when such need ceases to exist.

(9) The Contractor shall comply with any facility security requirements for access to the facility.

(10) The Contractor shall comply with all applicable rules governing parking at USDA locations.

16.0 Contractor Program Management

Contractor management staff shall be available via both telephone and email to answer CO or COR questions during the agency core hours (10AM to 2PM Local Time). Initial responses must be provided within one (1) business day with the final closure response coming no more than three (3) business days from date of the request.

The Contractor must adhere to all agency information, regulations, and procedures. Best professional and industry practices must be used during the conduct of all work conducted under this contract.

17.0 Data Rights

The Government maintains sole and unlimited data rights to all information generated under TOs.

18.0 Quality Assurance and Quality Control

The Government will perform Inspection and Quality Assurance (QA) in accordance with the contract QASP. The Government has the right to perform surveillance of the Contractor to ensure that the Contractor’s work products and Quality Control (QC) processes are in Conforming with the contract/TO requirements. Certification by the Government of satisfactory services provided is contingent upon the Contractor performing in accordance with the terms and conditions of the referenced contract, the TO, and all amendments. The following Inspection and Acceptance Criteria are to be used to determine acceptance of all deliverables under this effort:

1. All deliverables must contain technically correct information.

2. All deliverables must adhere to all applicable USDA and Forest Service standards.

3. The Contractor shall document and apply QC procedures used throughout the performance of this contract for itself and any Subcontractors. The Contractor shall document and conform to quality standards and best practices and identify and remedy quality issues in a timely manner. The government shall evaluate the contractor’s performance under this contract in accordance with 52.212-4 – Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Items (a) Inspection/Acceptance.

19.0 Performance Requirement Measures

communications and cooperation.

INCENTIVES:

1. Past performance documentation and future positive Government feedback on contract performance.

2. Positive Contractor Performance Assessment Ratings

3. Exercise of option periods

DISINCENTIVES:

1. If performance does not meet the required performance standard, more frequent reporting is required, as directed by the COR.

2. Rework required for unsatisfactory performance or deliverables shall be done at no expense to the government.

3. Rework required for unsatisfactory performance or deliverables shall be done at no expense to the government. (Hourly tasks)

4. Negative Contractor Performance Assessment Ratings

5. Failure to exercise option periods image1.png