Attachment 7 PWS IBHS Services 3 June 25 (FINAL).docx

Performance Work Statement (PWS)

For

NCNG Integrated Behavioral Health System (IBHS) Services

1.0 General:

1.1 Scope: The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, tools, materials, supervision, and quality control necessary, except as specified in Paragraph 3.0 as Government Furnished, to perform Integrated Behavioral Health System (IBHS) Services for members of the North Carolina Reserve Competent Service members and their dependents, as defined in this PWS. The NCNG IBHS Help Line is the primary entry portal to receive requests for professional crisis intervention, clinical assessment, therapeutic support, consultative guidance, connection and case management services to internal resources as well as federal, state, and community resources for both clinical and non-clinical needs for the purpose of accurate assessment of clinical presentations, resource identification and allocation for Reserve Component Service members and their Families.

1.2 Background: This scope of work assists members of the NC National Guard (NCNG), other Reserve Components and their families with behavioral health services as a team member of the NCNG Integrated Behavioral Health System (IBHS).

Note: Pursuant to SAAL-ZP memorandum entitled “Department of the Army Action Required for Procurements Impacted by Executive Orders related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Programs and other impermissible requirements” dated 5 Feb 25, the subject scope of work shall not directly or indirectly be associated with any DEI/DEIA-related, critical race theory, climate and climate change, transgender, or abortion related issues. The scope of work shall also be in compliance with directives or otherwise issued pursuant to E.O. 14173 “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity,” issued 21 January 2025, and Section 7 of E.O. 14168 “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government,” issued 20 January 2025.

1.3 Period of Performance (PoP): The Period of Performance shall be one Base Year of 12 months and three 12 month option years.

1.4 General Information:

1.4.1 Place and Performance of Services.

The contractor shall provide services between the hours of 0700-1730 Monday – Friday, except on recognized US holidays or when the Government facility/installation is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closings, or similar Government-directed facility/installation closings. Work hours may vary. Average 40 hours per week. Some weekend work is also required to support Drilling Units and events. Work hours shall also include after hours on call rotation of IBHS help line, which is generally divided equally amongst the staff under this contract and schedule by the Director. Flexibility with working schedule is mandatory because it impacts the ability to support Service Members. The contractor shall at all times maintain an adequate workforce for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within this PWS when the Government facility/installation is not closed for the above reasons. When hiring personnel, the contractor shall keep in mind that the stability and continuity of the work force are essential.

The NCNG IBHS is driven by a state-wide 24/7/365 toll free Helpline and serves as the portal of entry for all support services. This portal of entry must be monitored and responded to immediately by the Licensed Behavioral Health Psychotherapists on a rotating basis. Candidates must recognize this as a high OPTEMPO requirement of the position. Psychotherapists will ensure that the responses to the NCNG IBHS 24/7/365 Helpline are effectively handled in a time sensitive manner as they are received, per the NC IBHS SOP, including off-hours when assigned to the queue. Historically, contractors have successfully staffed the hotline with one employee at a time and opted to provide contract employees with a comp day.

Location & Scheduling Considerations: Services may need to be rendered across NC. Key locations typically include Asheville, Hickory, Charlotte, Winston Salem, Greensboro, Raleigh, Goldsboro, Fayetteville, and Wilmington. Due to the nature of work, not all locations will require both clinical and non-clinical staff. The locations of work will remain variable as the "patients" are from across the state. For instance, the Asheville Psychotherapist would not just be seeing or working with Asheville people. The Psychotherapists maintain approximately equal utilization based on system function, not merely location. Manned locations have historically been determined by deployment cycle and which MSC and elements are out the door and who is coming back. Contractors should anticipate variances in new sites, as force structure changes. Manning of the toll free hotline, along with varying statewide and telehealth capabilities of the team are also considerations which shift personnel movement on an as-needed basis.

Note 1: The Director shall be physically located in the North Carolina National Guard Joint Forces Headquarters Building, Raleigh, NC

Note 2: Health & Wellness Advocates have historically never been provided with an office; they are nomadic within various armories/units, so the staff and soldiers are being engaged with on a regular basis.

Note 3: Psychotherapists are subject to approximately 25% travel and Director is subject to limited travel. COVID-19 measures have required special telework arrangements; however, this is not the objective of the program. This in-person presence helps in destigmatizing behavioral health issues and Service Members talking to the staff. Also, some issues arise that require the contractor to meet the “patient” in person.

Note 4: Locations of all contract employees MUST be the most beneficial in terms of overall cost to the Government when considering travel requirements.

Note 5: All location changes requested by the contractor to maximize the travel budget shall be provided to the COR with 90 days advance notice in order to establish office accommodations.

Note 6: The contractor must include in their initial proposal their proposed labor mix/locations for Gov’t consideration. If the contractor provides fewer contract employees than originally proposed, the monthly invoice shall be deducted accordingly to account for the position not filled. Any subsequent changes from the original proposal to requirements for labor mix and location shall be solely decided upon by the Gov’t, based upon analysis of data driven from anticipated upcoming events, deployment cycles and associated impacts to the travel budget.

Note 7: Current labor mix/locations:

Raleigh, NC: Director, Psychotherapist & Health/Wellness Advocate

Wilmington, NC: Coordinator & Lead Psychotherapist

Fayetteville, NC: Psychotherapist

Charlotte, NC: Psychotherapist

High Point, NC: Psychotherapist

Asheville, NC: Psychotherapist

Apex, NC: Health/Wellness Advocate

Colfax, NC: Health/Wellness Advocate

1.4.1.1. Telework.

Inclusive of 1.4.1 considerations, the Government may permit telework by contractor employees when determined to be in the best interest of the Government in meeting work requirements. In furtherance of Continuity of Operations Planning (COOP), a telework program may be enacted to ensure that the operations stay operational. Telework shall be at no additional cost to the Government.

1.4.1.2 Unscheduled gate closures by the Security Police may occur at any time causing all personnel entering or exiting a closed installation to experience a delay. This cannot be predicted or prevented. Contractors are not compensated for unexpected closures or delays. Vehicles operated by contractor personnel are subject to search pursuant to applicable regulations. Any moving violation of any applicable motor vehicle regulation may result in the termination of the contractor employee’s installation driving privileges.

1.4.1.3 The contractor’s employees shall become familiar with and obey the regulations of the installation; including fire, traffic, safety and security regulations while on the installation. Contractor employees should only enter restricted areas when required to do so and only upon prior approval. All contractor employees shall carry proper identification with them at all times, and shall be subject to such checks as may be deemed necessary. The contractor shall ensure compliance with all regulations and orders of the installation, which may affect performance. The Government reserves the right to direct the removal of an employee from Government property or revoke access to Government systems for misconduct, security reasons, or any overt evidence of communicable disease. Removal of contractor employees for reasons stated above does not relieve the Contractor from responsibility for total performance of this contract.

1.4.2 Recognized Holidays: The following are recognized United States (US) holidays. The contractor shall not perform services on these days:

1.4.2.1 New Year’s Day: January 1st

1.4.2.2 Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday

1.4.2.3 President’s Day

1.4.2.4 Memorial Day

1.4.2.5 Juneteenth National Independence Day: June 19th

1.4.2.6 Independence Day: July 4th

1.4.2.7 Labor Day

1.4.2.8 Columbus Day

1.4.2.9 Veteran’s Day: November 11th

1.4.2.10 Thanksgiving Day

1.4.2.11 Christmas Day: December 25th

1.4.3 Quality Control (QC): The contractor shall develop and maintain an effective QC Plan (QCP) to ensure services are performed in accordance with this PWS. The contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non‐recurrence of defective services. The contractor’s QCP is the means by which it assures itself that its work complies with the requirements of the contract. As a minimum, the contractor shall develop QC procedures that address the areas identified in Technical Exhibit 1, Performance Requirements Summary (PRS). A final QCP shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) NLT 10 days after contract award. After acceptance of the QCP, the contractor shall obtain the Contracting Officer’s (KO’s) acceptance in writing of any proposed changes to its QCP.

1.4.4 Quality Assurance (QA): The Government will evaluate the contractor’s performance under this contract in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). This plan is primarily focused on what the Government will do to ensure that the contractor has performed in accordance with the performance standards. It defines how the performance standards will be applied, the frequency of surveillance, and acceptable quality level(s) or defect rate(s).

1.4.5 Installation Access and Security Requirements. The contractor shall comply with all applicable installation/facility access and local security policies and procedures, which may be obtained from the COR. The contractor and all associated subcontractor employees shall provide all information required for background checks to meet installation access requirements to be accomplished by installation Provost Marshal Office, Director of Emergency Services, or Security Office. The contractor shall ensure compliance with all personal identity verification requirements as directed by Department of Defense (DoD), Headquarters Department of Army (HQDA) and/or local policy (see PWS 6.0). Should the Force Protection Condition (FPCON) change, the Government may require changes in contractor security matters or processes.

1.4.5.1 For contractors requiring Common Access Card (CAC): The CAC is the DoD Federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) credential. Before CAC issuance, the contractor employee requires, at a minimum, a favorably adjudicated Tier 1 or an equivalent or higher investigation in accordance with Army Directive 2014-05. The contractor employee will be issued a CAC only if duties involve one of the following: (1) both physical access to a DoD facility and access, via logon, to DoD networks on-site or remotely; (2) remote access, via logon, to a DoD network using DoD-approved remote access procedures; or (3) physical access to multiple DoD facilities or multiple nonDoD federally controlled facilities on behalf of the DoD on a recurring basis for a period of 6 months or more. At the discretion of the sponsoring activity, an initial CAC may be issued based on a favorable review of the FBI fingerprint check and a successfully scheduled Tier 1 investigation at the Office of Personnel Management.

Sponsorship and enrollment information about each applicant must be registered in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) through either the Real-Time Automated Personnel ID System (RAPIDS) using the DD Form 1172-2 or the MP ICAM System.

1.4.5.1.1 Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD)-12 Background Investigation Requirements: The contractor shall ensure that all contractor and subcontractor personnel whose duties require CAC card issuance obtain them, and shall process all CAC card applications. The contractor shall ensure that all employees requiring an initial background investigation complete a Personnel Security Investigation Portal (PSIP) form at Attachment (to be provided after award), at the earliest possible date and that this form is forwarded to the COR immediately. The COR will review the form for completeness and accuracy and forward it to the National Guard Bureau (NGB) Personnel Security manager who will initiate the investigation process via the PSIP. Contractor personnel will then receive two e-mail messages; the first will confirm that the investigative service provider has received the request, and the second will provide instructions for the completion of the appropriate form via the Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing (e-QIP) system. Upon completion of the e-QIP questionnaire and submittal of all required documents, including fingerprint card to the security manager, the background investigation (BI) will be initiated. The contractor shall ensure immediate compliance with all instructions regarding background investigation processing, including those provided verbally, by e-mail or via a Government system. The contractor is cautioned that the entire process from submittal of the PSIP form to return of the FBI fingerprint check may routinely take from two to six weeks and shall factor this lead time into its hiring/placement process. The contractor shall make all reasonable efforts to ensure that contractor employees meet CAC eligibility standards upon assignment to the contract and shall be held responsible for delays, failure to meet performance requirements or decreases in efficiency in accordance with the applicable inspection clause.

1.4.5.1.2 Mission Partner Identity, Credential and Access Management (MP ICAM): The contractor shall process CAC applications through the MP ICAM, the procedures for which are described below. Although there is no requirement for the contractor to designate a “Corporate Facility Security Officer" (FSO) to serve as its single point of contact for the BI, the MP ICAM application process and other CAC and security-related matters, such designation facilitates these processes. If a Corporate FSO is not established, all contractor employees requiring a CAC will be required to process their own applications. The submission process for CAC applications is as follows:

1. The contractor's FSO or contractor employee shall submit requests for a CAC via email to the designated MP ICAM Trusted Agent (TA). The MP ICAM TA for this requirement will be the COR named on the subject contract.

2. The Government will establish an MP ICAM application account for each CAC Request and will provide each contractor employee a user ID and password, via email, to the contractor’s FSO or contractor employee. The FSO or contractor employee shall access the MP ICAM account and complete the CAC application (entering/editing contractor information as applicable) at: https://mpartnerspnrweb.dmdc.osd.mil/mpartnerspnrweb/app/. The contractor’s FSO or contractor employee shall follow up to ensure that the TA is processing the request.

3. The Government will inform the contractor's applicant, via email, of one of the following:

a. Approval.* Upon approval, the information is transferred to the DEERS database and an email notification is sent to the contractor with instructions on obtaining their CAC. The contractor proceeds to a RAPIDS station (RAPIDS Site Locator: http://www.dmdc.osd.mil/rsl/).

b. Rejection.* The Government, in separate correspondence, will provide reason(s) for rejection.

c. Return. Additional information or correction to the application required by the contractor employee.

*The contractor shall maintain records of all approved and rejected applications.

1.4.5.1.4 The contractor shall manage requests for new or renewal CAC cards in sufficient time to ensure that all contractor employees have them when needed to perform work under this contract. The contractor shall provide at least 10 calendar days advance notice to the TA, unless there are extenuating circumstances approved by the COR or KO.

1.4.5.1.5 The contractor shall return issued CACs to the DEERS office upon departure or dismissal of each contractor employee, and shall obtain a receipt for each card and provide it to the TA/COR.

1.4.5.1.5.1 Failure to comply with these requirements may result in withholding of final payment.

1.4.5.1.6 The contractor shall obtain an Army Knowledge Online (AKO) email address for each applicant, including subcontractors, who may be deployed or require logical access to a Government computer network. Note: If employees of a contractor lose the privilege to access AKO, they lose the ability to renew their CAC. Therefore, it is critical that contractor employees maintain their AKO accounts.

1.4.5.2 Reserved

1.4.5.3 Awareness Training (AT) Level 1: All contractor employees, to include subcontractor employees, requiring access Army installations, facilities and controlled access areas shall complete AT Level I Awareness training within 30 calendar days after contract start date or effective date of incorporation of this requirement into the contract, whichever is applicable. The contractor shall submit certificates of completion for each affected contractor employee and subcontractor employee, to the COR or to the contracting officer, if a COR is not assigned, within 15 calendar days after completion of training by all employees and subcontractor personnel. AT level I Awareness training is available at the following website: http://jko.jten.mil.

1.4.5.4 iWATCH Training: The contractor and all associated subcontractors with an area of performance within an Army-controlled installation, facilities or area shall brief all employees on the local iWATCH program (training standards provided by the requiring activity Antiterrorism Officer (ATO)). This local developed training shall be used to inform employees of the types of behavior to watch for and instruct employees to report suspicious activity to the COR or the KO. This training shall be completed within 30 calendar days of contract award and within 30 calendar days of new employees commencing performance. The contractor shall report completion for each contractor employee and subcontractor employee to the COR, within 30 calendar days after completion of training

1.4.5.5 Communications Security/Information Technology (COMSEC/IT) Security. All communications with DoD organizations are subject to COMSEC review. All telephone communications networks are continually subject to intercept by unfriendly intelligence organizations. DoD has authorized the military departments to conduct COMSEC monitoring and recording of telephone calls originating from, or terminating at, DoD organizations. Therefore, the contractor is advised that any time contractor personnel place or receive a call they are subject to COMSEC procedures. The contractor shall ensure wide and frequent dissemination of the above information to all employees dealing with DoD information. The contractor shall abide by all Government regulations concerning the authorized use of the Government's computer network, including the restriction against using the network to recruit Government personnel or advertise job openings.

1.4.5.6 Use of Government Information Systems (IS) and access to Government networks is a revocable privilege, not a right. Users are the foundation of the DoD strategy and their actions affect the most vulnerable portion of the Army Enterprise Infostructure (AEI). Contractor employees shall have a favorable background investigation or hold a security clearance and access approvals commensurate with the level of information processed or available on the system. Contractor employees shall:

1.4.5.6.1 Comply with the command's Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) for Government owned IS and sign an AUP prior to or upon account activation.

1.4.5.6.2 Complete initial and/or annual Information Assurance (IA) training as defined in the IA Best Business Practices (BBP) training (https://atc.us.army.mil/iastar/docs/Training_BBP.pdf).

1.4.5.6.3 Mark and safeguard files, output products, and storage media per classification level and disseminate them only to individuals authorized to receive them with a valid need to know.

1.4.5.6.4 Protect IS and IS peripherals located in their respective areas in accordance with physical security and data protection requirements.

1.4.5.6.5 Practice safe network and Internet operating principles and take no actions that threaten the integrity of the system or network.

1.4.5.7 Army Training Certification Tracking System (ATCTS): All contractor employees with access to a Government information system shall be registered in ATCTS (https://atc.us.army.mil/iastar/index.php) at commencement of services, and shall successfully complete the DoD Information Assurance awareness training prior to access to the IS and then annually thereafter. (https://iatraining.us.army.mil/).

1.4.5.8 Information Assurance (IA) Training. All contractor employees and associated subcontractor employees shall complete the DoD IA Awareness Training before issuance of network access and annually thereafter.

1.4.5.9 Information Technology (IT) certification. All contractor employees performing services involving IA/IT functions shall comply with DoD and Army workforce training requirements in DoDD 8140.01, DoD 8570.01-M and AR 25-2 within six months of the start of contract performance or appointment to IA/IT functions. In accordance with DoD 8570.01-M, DFARS 252.239.7001, and AR 25-2, contractor employees supporting or performing IA/IT functions shall be appropriately certified upon contract award. The baseline certification as stipulated in DoD 8570.01-M shall be completed upon contract award.

1.4.5.10 Protection of Personally Identifiable Information (PII). The contractor shall protect all PII encountered in the performance of services in accordance with Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) 224.103 Personally Identifiable Information and Department of Defense Directive (DoDD) 5400.11, Department of Defense Privacy Program, and DoD 5400.11-R. If a PII breach results from the contractor’s violation of the aforementioned policies, the contractor shall bear all notification costs, call-center support costs, and credit monitoring service costs for all individuals whose PII has been compromised.

1.4.5.11 Reserved

1.4.5.12 Reserved.

1.4.5.13 Reserved.

1.4.6 Physical Security. The contractor shall safeguard all Government property provided for contractor use. At the close of each work period, Government facilities, equipment and materials shall be secured.

1.4.6.1 Key Control. NOTE: All references to keys include key cards. The contractor shall establish and implement methods of ensuring that no keys/key cards issued by the Government are lost or misplaced or are used by unauthorized persons. No keys issued 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 include procedures covering key control in the QCP.

1.4.6.1.1 The contractor shall immediately report any occurrences of lost or duplicated keys/key cards to the COR.

1.4.6.1.2 In the event keys, other than master keys, are lost or duplicated, the contractor shall, upon direction by the KO, 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 Government replaces or re-keys the locks, the Government will deduct the total cost of lock replacement or re-keying from the monthly payment due the contractor. In the event a master key is lost or duplicated, the Government will replace all locks and keys for that system, and will deduct the total cost from the monthly payment due the contractor.

1.4.6.1.3 The contactor shall prohibit the use of the Government issued keys/key cards by any persons other than the contractor’s employees. The contractor shall prohibit the opening of locked areas by contractor employees to permit entrance of persons other than contactor employees engaged in the performance of services in those areas, or personnel authorized entrance by the KO.

1.4.6.2 Lock Combinations: The contractor shall establish and implement methods of ensuring that no lock combinations are revealed to unauthorized persons. The contractor shall ensure that lock combinations are changed when personnel having access to the combinations no longer have a need to know such combinations. These procedures shall be included in the contractor’s QCP.

1.4.7 Special Qualifications: The contractor shall ensure all employees possess all required licenses necessary to operate in their designated roles. Reference Section 5 for education, experience or other qualifications for the position.

Note 1: The Government does not provide training to contractors. Contractors must ensure that any personnel performing under a contract are fully trained, licensed, certified, and otherwise qualified to provide services.

Note 2: Contractor shall maintain all current state professional licensing/ accreditation/credentialing requirements, to include any renewals. Promptly submit to COR prior to start, as well as prior to expiration, ensuring zero lapse in coverage.

Note 3: Contractor shall maintain consistent active $1.5M professional liability insurance covering all contract employees are maintained as current. Promptly submit to COR prior to start, as well as prior to expiration, ensuring zero lapse in coverage.

1.4.7.1 With the exception of Wellness Advocates and the Coordinator, all contract employees shall maintain: Current certification or licensure in evidence-based treatment for psychological trauma.

1.4.7.2 IBHS Director shall maintain: Valid NC state license as a LCSW, LMHC or LMFT at the independent provider level. LMHC is considered an LPC equivalent.

1.4.7.2 IBHS Psychotherapist shall maintain: Valid NC state license as a LCSW, LPC or LMFT at the independent provider level.

1.4.8 Post Award Conference/Periodic Progress Meetings: The contractor agrees to attend any post award conference convened by the KO in accordance with FAR Subpart 42.5. The KO, COR, and other Government personnel, as appropriate, may meet periodically with the contractor to review the contactor’s performance. At these meetings, the KO will apprise the contractor of how the Government views the contractor’s performance and the contractor shall apprise the Government of problems, if any, being experienced. The contractor shall resolve outstanding issues raised by the Government. Contractor attendance at these meetings shall be at no additional cost to the Government.

1.4.9 Contract Manager (CM): The contactor shall designate a CM who shall ensure performance under this contract. The name of this person, and an alternate who shall act for the contractor when the CM is absent, shall be designated in writing to the KO. The CM or alternate shall have full authority to act for the contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The CM shall work through the COR to resolve issues, receive technical instructions, and ensure adequate performance of services. The CM shall ensure that contractor employees do not perform any services outside the scope of the contract without an official modification issued by the KO. The CM shall ensure contractor employees understand that services performed outside the scope of the contract are performed wholly at the expense of the contractor.

1.4.10 Identification of Contractor Employees: All contractor 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 as such to avoid creating an impression that they are Government employees. The contractor shall ensure that all documents or reports produced by contractor personnel are suitably marked as contractor products or that contractor participation is appropriately disclosed. The contractor’s status as a “contractor” shall be predominantly displayed in all correspondence types (to include signature blocks on e-mail) and dealings with Government or non-Government entities. Contractor personnel shall wear identification badges distinguishing themselves as such. The badges shall have the company name, employee name and the word “contractor” displayed.

1.4.10.1 The contractor shall retrieve all identification media (including vehicle passes) from its employees who depart employment for any reason. The contractor shall return all identification media (i.e., badges and vehicle pass) to the KO within 14 days of an employee’s departure.

1.4.11. Combating Trafficking in Persons: The United States Government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy regarding trafficking in persons. Contractors and contractor employees shall not engage in severe forms of trafficking in persons during the period of performance of the contract; procure commercial sex acts during the period of performance of the contract; or use forced labor in the performance of the contract. The Contractor shall notify its employees of the United States Government’s zero tolerance policy, the actions that will be taken against employees for violations of this policy. The contractor shall take appropriate action, up to and including termination, against employees or subcontractors that violate the US Government policy as described at FAR 22.17.

1.4.12 Contractor Travel: The contractor shall travel statewide and nationwide for MOB/DEMOB stations and behavioral healthcare during the performance of this contract to provide IBHS services.

The contractor may be required to travel to temporary duty locations anywhere in the United States, but predominately in North Carolina. Historically, the majority of travel constitutes one-night stays. Less frequently, staff may be asked to provide services for 2‐3 weeks.

The contractor will be authorized travel expenses consistent with fair and reasonable pricing, as well as the limitation of funds specified in this contract. All travel requires COR recommendation for approval and/or authorization by the KO prior to travel arrangements being made. To determine price reasonableness, the government will utilize the Joint Travel Regulation (JTR) as the primary method of evaluation.

1.4.13 Reserved

1.4.14 Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCI): The contractor and subcontractor personnel performing services under this contract may receive, have access to or participate in the development of proprietary or source selection information (e.g., cost or pricing information, budget information or analyses, specifications, or work statements, etc.) or perform evaluation services which may create a current or subsequent OCIs, as defined in FAR Subpart 9.5. The contractor shall notify the KO immediately whenever it becomes aware that such access or participation may result in any actual or potential OCI and shall promptly submit a plan to the KO to avoid or mitigate any such OCI. The contractor’s mitigation plan will be determined to be acceptable solely at the discretion of the KO. In the event the KO unilaterally determines that any such OCI cannot be satisfactorily avoided or mitigated, the KO may impose other remedies as he or she deems necessary, including prohibiting the contractor from participation in subsequent contracted requirements which may be affected by the OCI.

1.4.15 Phase In Period: It is common to see contractors successfully retain a significant number of incumbent employees whom are transitioned within a matter of days, with little additional on-boarding activities. During the phase in period, it is understood the contractor may not have all positions fully on-boarded. s such, the contractor is expected to invoice for only the portion of contract services they have been able to render in the phase-in period, to be agreed upon and approved by the COR. By the second month, it is typical to see the full scope of services being rendered.

2.0 Definitions and Acronyms:

2.1 Definitions:

2.1.1 Contractor: A supplier or vendor awarded a contract to provide specific supplies or service to the government. The term used in this contract refers to the prime.

2.1.2 Contracting Officer (KO): A person with authority to enter into, administer, and or terminate contracts, and make related determinations and findings on behalf of the government. Note: The only individual who can legally bind the government.

2.1.3 Contracting Officer Representative (COR): An employee of the U.S. Government designated by the KO to monitor contractor performance. Such appointment will be in writing and will state the scope of authority and limitations. This individual has authority to provide technical direction to the Contractor as long as that direction is within the scope of the contract, does not constitute a change, and has no funding implications. This individual does NOT have authority to change the terms and conditions of the contract.

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

2.1.5 Deliverable: Anything that can be physically delivered and includes non‐manufactured things such as meeting minutes or reports.

2.1.6 Key Personnel: Contractor personnel that are evaluated in a source selection process and that may be required to be used in the performance of a contract by the PWS. When key personnel are used as an evaluation factor in best value procurement, an offer can be rejected if it does not have a firm commitment from the persons that are listed in the proposal.

2.1.7 Physical Security: Actions that prevent the loss or damage of Government property.

2.1.8 Quality Assurance: The government procedures to verify that services being performed by the Contractor are performed according to acceptable standards.

2.1.9 Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP): An organized written document specifying the surveillance methodology to be used for surveillance of contractor performance.

2.1.10 Quality Control: All necessary measures taken by the Contractor to ensure that the quality of an end product or service shall meet contract requirements.

2.1.11 Subcontractor: One that enters into a contract with a prime contractor. The Government does not have privity of contract with the subcontractor.

2.2 Acronyms:

3.0 Government Furnished Property, Material, Equipment and Services (GFP/M/E/S): The Government will provide the property, material, equipment, and/or services listed below solely for the purpose of performance under this contract.:

3.1 Property: N/A

3.2 Materials: N/A

3.3 Equipment: Gov’t will provide all contract employees with laptops and software, smartphones, and wireless connectivity. Director and Psychotherapists will be provided standard office set‐up; Health & Wellness Advocates will not be provided with an office, as they are generally moving from location to location. Government is NOT responsible for damaged/lost equipment, but will be responsible for normal maintenance and repair costs of the property. If property is lost/damaged/stolen, the contractor is responsible for reimbursement of full value of the serial-managed item(s) as depicted on the GFP Attachment, to be handled via reduction of the following invoice amount after reporting of lost/damaged/stolen equipment.

3.4 Services: N/A

3.5 Utilities: All utilities in the facility will be available for the contactor’s use in the performance of this contract. The contractor shall instruct employees in utilities conservation practices. The contractor shall operate under conditions that preclude the waste of utilities, which include turning off the water faucets or valves after using the required amount.

4.0 Contractor Furnished Property, Materials, and Equipment (CFP/M/E):

4.1 General: Except for those items specifically stated to be Government‐Furnished in Paragraph 3.0, the contractor shall furnish everything required to perform these services as indicated in Paragraph 1.1.

4.2 Reserved

5.0 Requirements:

5.1 Non-Certification Related Education/Experience Requirements

5.1.1 All contract employees shall have/maintain:

Knowledge of federal and state legal requirements pertaining to behavioral health counseling and patient confidentiality.

Current training regarding HIPPA and Privacy Act in civilian and military settings as well as the professional ethics surrounding the behavioral health career field; submit to COR upon completion of initial training and prior to expiration, ensuring no lapse

Strong organizational & communication skills, both written and verbal

One year experience working with a Computerized Medical database system preferred.

One year experience working on a virtual team preferred.

5.1.2 IBHS Director shall hold:

Master's degree in social work or counseling

10 years of full‐time post‐licensure behavior health experience; 5 years within a military or public safety setting preferred.

Supervisory or program development/implementation experience of a program directly related to a behavioral health services or mental health program.

Experience planning, directing, or organizing a program across multiple sites.

5.1.3 IBHS Coordinator shall hold:

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in business / business administration

1-year post‐graduate experience preferred in behavioral health program management.

1-year post‐graduate experience preferred working with community agencies and military personnel.

5.1.4 IBHS Non‐Clinical Health & Wellness Advocate(s) shall hold:

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in a behavioral health science

3 years of post‐graduate experience in a social work setting if master’s degree is held; 1 year within military setting.

5 years of post‐graduate experience in a social work setting if bachelor’s degree is held; 1 year within military setting.

5.1.5 IBHS Psychotherapist(s) shall hold:

Master’s Degree in behavioral health or social science field

3 years post‐licensure clinical experience in behavioral health, individual, couple, family, mental health, and domestic/workplace violence counseling services, psychopathology, and psychosocial dynamics

5.2 Tasks

5.2.1 All IBHS contractor employees shall:

5.2.1.1 Abide by all Privacy Act and HIPPA regulations and guidelines, without exception. Provide information to IBHS clients about their rights and how their information can be used. Additionally, observe professional ethics during daily activities.

5.2.1.2 Ensure clients do not discuss classified information.

5.2.1.3 Document all cases, regardless of type or duration to the secured IBHS Electronic Medical Record (EMR), which is currently located in a MS Teams Closed Channel . Maintain proficiency with IBHS Teams Channel.

5.2.1.4 Maintain current knowledge of relevant state and military regulations and IBHS SOP's; perform duties IAW all aforementioned documents.

5.2.1.5 Attend NCNG IBHS Continuous Education Events/Training (not associated with licensing/accreditation/credentialing) including but not limited to participation in research and performance improvement studies/case studies, and the IBHS Electronic Medical Record training, to ensure all contract employees consistently deliver the newest treatment delivery models appropriately.

5.2.1.6 Provide Service Members with behavioral health care including consultations for those initially using Military Treatment Facilities (MTF), VA, TRICARE network provider, and/or non‐ network providers.

5.2.2 IBHS Director

5.2.2.1 Daily: Execute key administrative and oversight functions of the IBHS Program with emphasis on:

5.2.2.1.1 Optimization of crisis intervention

5.2.2.1.2 Confirm IBHS Coordinator and IBHS Lead Psychotherapist have scheduled adequate coverage for standard operations, as well as special events.

5.2.2.1.3 Confirm IBHS Lead Psychotherapist has validated case management record system is maintained properly

5.2.2.1.4 Confirm IBHS Coordinator has obtained written consent for Outreach from each client

5.2.2.1.5 Confirm IBHS Coordinator and IBHS Lead Psychotherapist has scheduled adequate coverage for deployment related operations.

5.2.2.1.6 Confirm IBHS contract personnel are coordinating behavioral health care efforts using a holistic approach

5.2.2.2 Quarterly: Forward rates of IBHS program usage and satisfaction metrics reports run by team leads; submit to COR.

5.2.2.3 Annually: IBHS Roll up case management data reports; submit to COR.

5.2.2.4 Annually: Evaluate behavioral health trends and IBHS programming. Recommend potential efficiencies/changes to be considered by the Gov’t action; submit to COR

5.2.2.5 As Needed: Communicate support requests for IBHS coverage at various events to IBHS Lead Psychotherapist and IBHS Coordinator.

5.2.2.6 As Needed: Coordinate with NCARNG/NCANG Behavioral Health Offices (BHOP) regarding joint events.

5.2.2.7 As Needed: Provide IBHS expertise at external NCNG meetings to include Governor's Working Group, North Carolina Institute of Medicine Working Group, Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) group works, Duke University, Cognitive Behavioral Research and Treatment Program, UNC Chapel Hill, Department of Psychiatry (various military/veteran research studies), VA(MC) Mental Health Summits, RTI International, and Center for Applied Public Health Research

5.2.2.8 As Needed: Provide IBHS expertise at NCNG Battle Rhythm events to include Case Management Group, Commander's Ready and Resilience Council, and NCNG Stand Up Workgroups

5.2.2.9 As Needed: Attend G1 and G1-SSS Meetings to receive IBHS program feedback

5.2.3 IBHS Lead Psychotherapist:

5.2.3.1 Daily: Perform typical tasks of IBHS Clinical Psychotherapist (normal case load of approximately 15-20) (reference 5.2.5 for specifics)

5.2.3.2 Daily: Provide oversight and supervision for all clinical and non-clinical counselors

5.2.3.2.1 Ensure proper maintenance of all case records IAW documentation standards set forth by the state or federal law, North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) Integrated Behavioral Health System (IBHS) Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), America Psychological Association Patient Administration Functions, Army Regulation (AR) 40-66, AFI 41-210: Patient Administration Functions as well as DoDI Number: 6490.08 Command Notification Requirements to Dispel Stigma in Providing Mental Health Care to Service Members. If for any reason the contractor is unable to maintain documentation standards, the contractor will contact the State Behavioral Health Programs Director to facilitate an appropriate resolution.

5.2.3.2.2 Provide clinical and non-clinical supervision of the practices of screening, evaluation, and handling of clients. Ensure treatment plans and all referrals are being resourced properly.

5.2.3.2.3 Perform audits of all cases to ensure the fidelity of the treatment modalities being used.

5.2.3.3 Bi-Monthly: Facilitate Psychotherapist Team meetings

5.2.3.4 Monthly: Facilitate Health & Wellness Team meetings

5.2.3.5 Monthly: Conduct written standardized chart reviews on each team member, excluding the IBHS Coordinator and IBHS Director roles. Submit to the IBHS Director and COR.

5.2.3.6 As Needed: Conduct IBHS portion of NCNG Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) briefings

5.2.3.7 As Needed : Report to the G1, COR, and IBHS Director metrics that identify trends needing command influence or visibility, program measure of effectiveness assessments, and supporting documentation for unfunded requests.

5.2.3.8 As Needed: Develop and maintain a “Network of Agencies and Organizations” which will provide rehabilitative services to Veterans, Service Members, and their families as a referral. This also includes those not eligible for military health benefits.

5.2.3.9 As Needed: Coordinate with networks of service providers composed of Medical and Behavioral Health & Wellness Advocates, Behavioral Health Officers, volunteer providers, National Guard Bureau’s Directors of Psychological Health, Air National Guard Wing Director of Psychological Health, Veteran Administration’s system of support, community organizations and other internal programs housed under the purview of the G1 Staff Sections.

5.2.3.10 As Needed: Coordinate with and maintain a working relationship with federal, state, local government agencies, and J9 staff section programs that include but are not limited to Substance Abuse Program (SAP), Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault Program (SHARP), Resilience Risk Reduction Suicide Prevention (R3SP), Yellow Ribbon Program, Casualty Operations, and Survivor Outreach Services (SOS).

5.2.4 IBHS Coordinator

5.2.4.1 As Needed: Perform tasks of IBHS Director in their short-term absence (Reference 5.2.2 for specifics)

5.2.4.2 Daily: Perform administrative functions, to include:

5.2.4.2.1 Scheduling of psychotherapists to ensure appropriate coverage of 24-hour hotline, standard day-to-day operations, as well as special event coverage. Potential events include but are not limited to: Yellow Ribbon, deployment and redeployment, Commander and 1SG Course, Family Programs events, Victim Advocate, Causality, Unit Risk Inventories, and Military Funeral Honors training

5.2.4.2.2 Liaison to the HIPAA compliant answering service to ensure their 24/7 calendar is synced with the IBHS calendar

5.2.4.2.3 Generate pre-travel authorization requests, submit to COR minimum 14 days prior to planned travel

5.2.4.2.4 Maintain consent forms

5.2.4.2.5 Maintain Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system updates with G6 coordination

5.2.4.2.6 Provide Quality Control and Quality Assurance for the sanctity of the database record keeping maintained within the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system created by NCARNG/G6

5.2.4.3 Daily: Oversee IBHS Health & Wellness Advocates to ensure proper crisis intervention, psychological assessment, treatment, psychotherapy, and additional treatment modalities, to include educational, vocational, and rehabilitative counseling is provided.

5.2.4.4 Monthly: Provide reports on utilization of the program, case management, and critical cases reports; provide to COR and IBHS Director. Attend meeting with the IBHS Director to review program utilization for potential development of messaging to Service Members; provide recommendations to COR for Gov’t consideration.

5.2.5 IBHS Clinical Psychotherapist Tasks

5.2.5.1 Initial: Newly on-boarded Psychotherapists shall complete a 6-month training/mentorship period with an assigned senior IBHS Behavioral Health Psychotherapist IAW the IBHS Individual Training Program (ITP) SOP. This training includes, but is not limited to, the Help Line, Electronic Medical Record (EMR) System, military problem sets, military lingo, NCNG processes, and other issues specific to National Guard members and their family. Aside from travel cost (reimbursable), no other cost to the contractor is associated.

5.2.5.2 Daily: Perform IBHS Hotline duties as scheduled within the role assigned, IAW NCNG IBHS SOP. The Help Line is to be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Hotline services, scheduling and staffing are provided by the contractor.

5.2.5.3 Daily: Provide licensed psychotherapist services to eligible clients with behavioral health disorders including psychological assessment, evaluation, telephonic and in-person crisis intervention, evidence-based treatments for trauma and clinical case management in an outpatient setting embedded within NCNG armories, and Reserve Component Family Assistance Centers.

5.2.5.4 Daily: Provide clinical services such as assessment, triage, evaluation, diagnoses, treatment planning, and evidence-based treatments (EBT) for trauma i.e. Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Accelerated Resolution Therapy to eligible clients.

5.2.5.5 Daily: Draft and provide analysis of clinical reports to identify behavioral health trends.

5.2.5.6…