W91QEX-22-Q-0029-0001 Gvt Response to KTR Questions (KO).pdf

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

30-105-04EXCEPTION TO SF 30

APPROVED BY OIRM 11-84

STANDARD FORM 30 (Rev. 10-83) Prescribed by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

The purpose of this amendment is to (1) extend the submission date and time, (2) change educational requirements for the Independent Evaluation Expert (see Sections C and L) and (3) provide the Government responses to contractor questions (changes w ill be highlighted in yellow in Section C - Performance Work Statement). The POC for this action is Antonio Jones, Contract Specialist, antonio.r.jones6.civ@mail.mil.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE PAGE OF PAGES

J 1 37

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

16C. DATE SIGNED

BY 27-Apr-2022

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA15C. DATE SIGNED15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

(Signature of Contracting Officer)(Signature of person authorized to sign)

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., Street , County, State and Zip Code) X W91QEX22Q0029

X 9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

05-Apr-2022

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

X The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offer X is extended, is not extended.

Offer must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning 1 copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted;

or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN

REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS.

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE

CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(B).

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not, is required to sign this document and return copies to the issuing office.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

10A. MOD. OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 5. PROJECT NO.(If applicable)

6. ISSUED BY

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

27-Apr-2022

CODE

410TH CSB - RCO MIAMI

9301 NW 33RD ST

DORAL FL 33172

W91QEX 7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than item 6)

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.

CODE

See Item 6

FACILITY CODECODE

EMAIL:TEL:

W91QEX22Q0029

SECTION SF 30 BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

SECTION A - SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

The required response date/time has changed from 29-Apr-2022 12:00 PM to 03-May-2022 08:00 AM.

SECTION C - DESCRIPTIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS

The following have been added by full text:

GOVT RESPONSE TO KTR QUESTIONS

Contractor Question 1: Paragraph 1.6.10.1 references three key personnel.

Contractor Question 1a.: There is little information in the rest of the solicitation to allow a vendor to conduct level of effort analysis to determine the number of personnel and labor categories necessary for this effort.

Contractor Question 1b: Is it the Government’s intent that this effort be conducted with the three key personnel positions/labor categories only?

Government Response 1a: It is the Government’s position that for this FFP contract there is enough information to conduct manpower analysis of personnel required to meet this effort.

Government Response 1b: No, the vendor can use more than the minimum requirement of three key personnel to meet the effort.

Contractor Question 2: Paragraph 2.1.17 - Workday states, “The number of hours per day the Contractor provides services in accordance with the contract.” Additionally, Paragraph 1.6.13 states, “Contractor personnel will be compensated for travel time.” There is no accompanying data elsewhere in the solicitation to indicate the number of daily/weekly/annual hours required for each position. Is it the government’s intent for employees on this effort to be full-time-equivalents working 1880 hours or more per year? This information is required to develop an accurate basis of estimate. Understanding how many travel/trips and hours worked will have direct impact on total cost.

Government Response 2: This is a performance-based requirement as such the contractor must determine how they must perform the work stated in the PWS.

Contractor Question 3: Paragraph 1.2 states, “Thirdly, based on the deployment cycle of the Uruguayan contingents to MONUSCO there was not adequate time to elicit longitudinal feedback via an electronic survey from individuals who attended the August 2021 delivery. The MONUSCO contingent will not be deployed and established onsite until January of 2022. This onsite feedback is essential to documenting usage of the Identifying Threats techniques on mission, and the optimal method for collecting this feedback would involve administering multiple surveys between February and August 2022. This survey follows up on the training provided in Phase I of the contract by quantifying the usefulness of course techniques to those currently deployed on mission.”

Contractor Question 3a: The requirement seems to state that surveys were to start in February 2022. Since the contract is not expected to be awarded until May 2022 or later, will this requirement be adjusted?

Contractor Question 3b: Are these surveys currently being conducted by the Government or another vendor in the interim?

Government Response 3a: Yes, the Government will adjust the surveys.

Government Response 3b: The surveys currently are being conducted by a contractor on behalf of the Government.

Contractor Question 4: Section M – Evaluation Approach, Paragraph 1, Subfactor 2, Key Element I, states, “The contractor provided documentation that it has personnel fully qualified and possessing all required licenses and clearances to complete the work specified in the PWS.”

Contractor Question 4a: What constitutes “documentation” of necessary qualifications and certifications?

Contractor Question 4b: Will the Government require resumes? If so, are resumes included in current page limitations, or can there be additional pages allocated for resumes or any other required documentation?

Government Response 4a: Resumes will be used as “documentation” of necessary qualification and certifications.

Government Response 4b: Yes, the Government will require resumes and resumes must be within the specified page limitations in the solicitation.

Contractor Question 5: There is a discrepancy between Paragraph 1.6.11 and Section L. Paragraph 1.6.11 – Special Qualifications or Certifications states, “The Project Manager and SME/Identifying Threats shall have past experience with the Identifying Threats Program, have experience with Phase I of the project, and experience in training at ENOPU.” Section L – Paragraph C – Quote Content, Subfactor 2, Element II that states, “At a minimum, the Quoter’s documentation shall illustrate the following: (a) Program Manager (PM)/Team Lead shall have at least 6 years of experience in government research and project management. The PM shall have past experience with the management and delivery of training related to force protection and proactive operations for contingents deploying in support of the United Nations. Ph.D or equivalent in Social Sciences or related field required. (b) Behavioral Subject Matter Expert (SME) shall have a minimum of 10 years in designated field/area of expertise.

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required. Ph.d or equivalent in Social Sciences or related field required (c) Independent Evaluation Expert shall have at least 6 of experience evaluating government-training programs. Ph.D.

or equivalent in Social Sciences or related field required.”

Recommendation: The latter makes no reference to Phase I or ENOPU experience. Change the qualifications and requirements in Paraphs 1.6.10.1 and 1.6.11 to match qualifications and requirements stated in Section L.

Considering the limited duration and scope of Phase I, the only individuals who can realistically meet the requirements of 1.6.10.1 and 1.6.11 are previous and/or incumbent employees on Phase I. This limits competition and favors the incumbent contractor and/or previous vendors.

Government Response 5: CONTRACTING RESPONSE The Project Manager and SME/Identifying Threats shall have familiarity with the U.S. Government’s Identifying Threats Project (Open Source information) and experience in training Uruguayan peacekeepers. They shall have experience with the management and delivery of training related to force protection and proactive operations for contingents deploying in support of the United Nations. They shall also have experience in training at Peace Operations Training Centers in Latin America or the Caribbean. Furthermore, the PM shall have experience in instructor training and development via “train-the-trainer” type programs.

Contractor Question 6: Section L – Paragraph C – Quote Content, Subfactor 2, Element II, paragraph (b), states, “Behavioral Subject Matter Expert (SME) shall have a minimum of 10 years in designated field/area of expertise.

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required. PhD or equivalent in Social Sciences or related field required.”

Contractor Question 6a: Will the Government clarify education requirements for the Behavioral SME?

Contractor Question 6b: Does the candidate need a Bachelor’s degree or a PhD?

Government Response 6a: The education requirement for the Behavioral SME is a Bachelor’s degree only.

Government Response 6b: The candidate needs a Bachelor’s degree.

Contractor Question 7: Section L – Paragraph C – Quote Content, Subfactor 2, Element II.

Contractor Question 7a: Question: Will the Government clarify “or equivalent” for PhD education requirements?

Contractor Question 7b: Will the Government accept additional years of experience in the noted areas of expertise for each labor category in lieu of education requirements?

Government Response 7a: The Government has clarified the requirement for an Ph.D.

Government Response 7b: The Government will not accept additional years of experience in the noted areas of expertise for each labor category in lieu of education requirements.

Contractor Question 8: Paragraph 1.6.13 – Contractor Travel states, “The Government anticipates three (3) trips will be required to support this contract.” Will the Government clarify that this is three (3) trips annually? Can the Government provide the estimated duration of each trip? This will determine country clearance and visa requirements for each trip. Currently there is no visa required for trips of 90 days or less to Uruguay. This has a direct impact on the basis of estimate and total evaluated cost.

Government Response 8: The Government does clarify that there are three (3) trips annually. The estimated duration of each trip is 5-10 days.

Contractor Question 9: Paragraph 3.1 – Services states, “The Government shall provide information on lodging reservations and costs, contact information for rental vehicles and information concerning entry clearance requests for contractor personnel.” Will the Government confirm that lodging and rental vehicle costs are included in the $30,000 plug-in number for Travel CLINs?

Government Response 9: Yes, the Government does confirm that lodging and rental vehicle costs are included in the $30,000 plug-in number for Travel CLINs.

Contractor Question 10: Recommend the Government remove all reference to DUNS number and replace with

UEI.

Government Response 10: The Government will adjust.

Contractor Question 11: Section M – Factor 3: Cost/Price states, Factor 3: Cost/Price: “The resulting award will be a Firm-Fixed Price CLIN contract. Price reasonableness will be utilized in the evaluation of the Firm-Fixed Price effort.”

Contractor Question 11a: The Government indicates the basis for award is LPTA, and the vendor is only permitted to provide an SF 1449 in the price volume. Will the Government clarify which factors it will assess to determine price realism and reasonableness without allowing for additional justification and research from the offeror?

Contractor Recommendation 11b: Change the basis for award to Best Value Tradeoff if price realism and reasonableness are to be adequately assessed.

Contractor Recommendation 11c: Require submission of a price volume narrative or a Total Compensation Plan (TCP) to substantiate realism/reasonableness of price.

Government Response 11a: See Section M, Evaluation Factors For Award, Paragraph 3, Cost/Price Factors (pg 82) for how the Government will evaluate this requirement.

Government Response 11b: The Government will not change the basis of award from LPTA to Trade Off.

Government Response 11c: The Government will not require submission of a price volume narrative or a Total Compensation Plan (TCP) to substantiate realism/reasonableness of price. See Section M, Evaluation Factors For Award, Paragraph 3, Cost/Price Factors (pg 82) for how the Government will evaluate this requirement.

Contractor Question 12: Section L and Section M, Subfactor 3 indicates that the vendor’s Quality Control Plan (QCP) will be evaluated as part of Volume 1 – Technical Quote. There is a discrepancy between this Subfactor and Paragraph 1.6.1 of the PWS that states, “The QCP shall be submitted within thirty (30) days of contract award.”

Contractor Question 12a: Will the Government clarify that it would like the entirety of the QCP in the Technical Quote?

Contractor Recommendation 12b: Require a summary of the QCP and its elements in the Technical Quote. Require the final/complete QCP be submitted within 30 days of contract award.

Contractor Recommendation 12c: If entirety of QCP is to be included in the Technical Quote, increase page limit to 30 pages.

Government Response 12a: Summary narrative of QCP in Technical Quote is adequate with complete QCP within thirty days of award.

Government Response 12b: See 12a.

Government Response 12c: See 12a.

Contractor Question 13: There is a discrepancy between Paragraph 5.1.4 – 4-hour Enlisted & Refresher Training Course and Attachment 2 – Deliverables Schedule. Paragraph 5.1.4 states that the Enlisted & Refresher Training Course curriculum is due within 12 months of contract award, but Attachment 2 states that it is due within six months of award.

Government Response 13: Six months is the correct timeframe.

Contractor Question 14: Attachment 2 – Deliverables Schedule indicates that a Travel Cost Estimate due within 30 days of contract award and references PWS para. 3.4.1. Recommendation: Remove this requirement since a plug-in number has been provided for travel pricing purposes and PWS para. 3.4.1 does not exist in the solicitation.

Additionally, Paragraph 1.6.13 – Contractor Travel states, “Contractor shall also submit to the COR a written estimate of travel costs at least 10 ten working days prior to the travel date. The COR will recommend approval or disapproval and forward the request to the KO for final approval.”

Government Response 14: Travel Cost Estimate” is due within 45 days of contract award and reference 1.6.13.

The “plug-in” number is just the limit for the Travel CLIN. The contractor cannot exceed it but may execute the number of trips deemed necessary within that limit. The overall limit cannot be exceeded without express approval of the Contracting Officer

Contractor Question 15: There is a discrepancy between Paragraph 5.1.3 – Mission Usage Report and Attachment 2 – Deliverables Schedule. Paragraph 5.1.3 states the Mission Usage Report is due to the COR within 12 months of award. Attachment 2 states that it is due within 9 months of award.

Government Response 15: The Government will change Attachment 2 to 12 months of award.

The following have been modified:

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

Identifying Threats: Evaluation & Expansion Phase II Amended

21APR2022

Part 1

General Information

1. GENERAL: This is a non-personal services contract under which the personnel rendering the services are not subject, either by the contract's terms or by the manner of its administration, to the supervision and control usually prevailing in relationships between the Government and its employees. The United States (US.) Government shall not exercise any supervision or control over the contractor's employees performing the tasks herein. Such contract employees shall be accountable solely to the contractor who, in turn shall be responsible to the US Government.

1.1 Description of Services/Introduction: The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to perform Identifying Threats: Evaluation & Expansion Phase II as defined in this PWS except for those items specified as government furnished property (GFP) and Government furnished services (GFS). The contractor shall perform to the standards in this contract.

1.2 Background: Through the Identifying Threats in Peacekeeping Environments program (Identifying Threats), a team of US-based instructors and researchers trained Uruguayan military personnel on threat assessment techniques through a partnership with the Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI) and the National Peace Operations Training Center of Uruguay (ENOPU). The purpose of this train-the-trainer program was to enhance the capability of peacekeepers to identify and appropriately react to behavioral indicators of threat. The original US team trained 102 personnel, seven coaches, and six instructors in 2015 and 2016 and successfully transitioned the program to ENOPU at the end of 2016. ENOPU delivered the course as part of pre-deployment training in 2017 and 2018, but the training did not occur in 2019 or 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors.

Under the Identifying Threats Evaluation and Expansion (Phase I) the project team conducted an initial evaluation of the program post-transition, including a review of past assessments, interviews with instructional staff, and attendance at a course delivery in August 2021. This 2021 delivery was the first delivery of the full course in more than three years. During a follow-on site visit in November 2021, the project team also conducted a focus group with individuals who received the training and deployed to the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO).

While these activities identified broad support for the program and usage of the Identifying Course techniques on mission, they also revealed the need for five areas of additional support that goes beyond the originally contracted work to ensure a sustained and successful transition as well as institutionalization of the program at ENOPU. These areas of needed support are more fully described in the deliverable for Task 5.1.3. (Process Evaluation Report) in Contract # W91QEX-20-C-0001 (Identifying Threats Uruguay) and in other pending contract deliverables. These five areas are articulated below.

Firstly, a deliverable in Contract # W91QEX-20-C-0001 includes a revised course curriculum. Based on Phase 1 of the project, additional support will be necessary to ensure the Uruguayan instructional cadre is able to deliver this revised course material effectively and accurately. Additionally, as articulated in the Process Evaluation Report, the August 2021 delivery revealed a scarcity of experienced and available instructors; this indicates a need to expand the instructional cadre to allow for continued transmission of the course by ENOPU in the long-term. It will be necessary to train the Uruguayan instructional cadre on this revised curriculum while concurrently training new coaches and instructors to expand the instructional pool. Phase I also revealed a need for the US-based team monitor a subsequent delivery of this new curriculum outside of the peace-operations training deployment cycle to fine-tune successful delivery of the revised course material, assess how trainees respond to this new material, and train additional instructors to increase ENOPU’s capacity to deliver the Identifying Threats course over time.

Secondly, there is a need to build a 4-hour block of refresher training that can be offered to enlisted personnel as a supplement to the full 40-hour class. This 4-hour offering comes at the request of course instructors in Phase 1, findings from focus groups, and the UN DPO’s recent Force Protection Guidelines (2021). This refresher training will serve the dual purpose of both sustaining continued learning and engagement among those trained in the Identifying Threats course at ENOPU, and will also allow trainees to share their knowledge with other peacekeeping personnel who deploy with them on mission. Facilitating this broader and more enduring dissemination of threat identification techniques helps address critical needs related to force protection and the protection of civilians in operational areas.

Thirdly, based on the deployment cycle of the Uruguayan contingents to MONUSCO there was not adequate time to elicit longitudinal feedback via an electronic survey from individuals who attended the August 2021 delivery. The MONUSCO contingent will not be deployed and established onsite until January of 2022. This onsite feedback is essential to documenting usage of the Identifying Threats techniques on mission, and the optimal method for collecting this feedback would involve administering multiple surveys between February and August 2022. This survey follows up on the training provided in Phase I of the contract by quantifying the usefulness of course techniques to those currently deployed on mission.

Fourthly, the Phase I Process Evaluation Report (Task 5.1.3) identified a clear need to institutionalize the program at ENOPU in order to ensure long-term program sustainment and sustained adoption and integration of the course techniques into regular pre-deployment trainings. Based on the recommendation of ENOPU leadership during meetings in November 2021, institutionalization would be best achieved through synchronization of the revised curriculum with other ENOPU courses. This will require a review of additional training materials, attendance at related relevant training courses, and updating of the curriculum.

Lastly, the project team should monitor a delivery involving this synchronized curriculum as part of the peace-operations deployment cycle. This will allow the team to evaluate the extent to which the current instructional cadre can successfully instruct the program, meet transition goals, and ensure the course is successfully integrated with other ENOPU curricula.

1.3 Objectives: The Phase II Project objective is to support the continued transition of the Identifying Threats program and to facilitate institutionalization of the program at ENOPU.

1.4 Scope: The contractor shall provide a multi-task service to train ENOPU instructors on the revised curriculum and monitor the delivery of this revised curriculum, develop a 4-hour enlisted-level refresher training course, collect additional data from deployed personnel, and synchronize the revised curriculum with ENOPU courses. These activities will allow the US Government to capitalize on an already significant investment in time and resources in the project. This effort will also identify if the Identifying Threats Program could more widely support the United Nations in its effort to reduce injuries and fatalities among UN peacekeepers.

1.5 Period of Performance: The period of performance shall be for one (1) 12-month base period of performance with an addition of three (3) 12-month option periods.

1.6 General Information:

1.6.1 Quality Control Plan (QCP): The contractor shall develop, implement, and maintain a QCP and program to ensure all work described in this contract is performed at or above the standard defined in the Performance Requirements Summary (PRS). The QCP is developed by the contractor for its internal use to ensure that it performs and delivers high-quality service. The contractor's QCP is the means by which the contractor ensures all work complies with the requirements of the contract. The QCP identifies and corrects potential and actual problem areas throughout the entire scope of the contract.

1.6.1.1 The contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services. The QCP shall be submitted within thirty (30) days of contract award. After acceptance of the QCP, the contractor shall receive the contracting officer's (KO) acceptance in writing of proposed changes to the QC procedures. The contractor shall submit QCP changes within five (5) days to the KO and Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) for review and approval prior to implementation.

1.6.1.2 The Quality Control Plan shall address as a minimum:

1.6.1.2.1 Inspection Program. Included shall be a quality control inspection program covering all general and specific tasks included in the contract scope of work. In developing this inspection program, the Contractor shall identify the key activities and associated characteristics in each process that have a significant influence on specific services and provide for methods for evaluation of the selected characteristics.

1.6.1.2.2 Deficiency Identification. The QCP shall include a method of identifying deficiencies in the quality of services performed before the level of performance becomes unacceptable as defined in the PRS. This shall contain processes for corrective action without dependence upon Government direction.

1.6.1.2.3 Deficiency Correction. The program shall contain process control and process performance measurement procedures that shall include how the contractor shall implement preventive corrective actions. The contractor shall demonstrate that it has designed quality into the delivery of services thereby mitigating the risk(s) associated with delivery of deficient or nonconforming services.

1.6.1.2.4 Documentation and Enforcement. The QCP shall include a method of documenting and enforcing quality control operations of both prime contractor and subcontractor work; including inspection and testing.

1.6.1.2.5 Trend Analysis. The QCP shall include a method of performing trend analysis and assessments through the use of metrics.

1.6.1.2.6 Surveillance Methods. The QCP shall contain specific surveillance techniques for all contract services.

The surveillance methods shall be comprehensive and adaptable to the reporting system of the plan.

1.6.2 Operations Security (OPSEC) SOP/Plan Requirements: The contractor shall implement and maintain an OPSEC program for preventing the disclosure of critical information or sensitive information which could jeopardize the Government's ability to execute its mission or to adequately protect its personnel and/or equipment.

The contractor shall develop an OPSEC Standing Operating Procedure (SOP)/plan within 90 calendar days of contract award to the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) or Contracting Officer (KO) to be reviewed and approved by the Government OPSEC Officer on the supporting installation. The SOP must contain a training plan that includes an initial OPSEC brief, continuous awareness, and annual OPSEC training. Awareness/training includes, but not limited to information disclosure via letters, conversations, photographs, resumes, electronic mail (e-mail), Social media/networking sites, dissemination of information and documents disposal. OPSEC Program shall fully comply with the provisions of AR 530-1, Operations Security.

1.6.2.1 Quality Assurance (QA): The Government shall evaluate the contractor's performance under this contract in accordance with (IAW) the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan. This plan is primarily focused on what the Government must do to ensure that the contractor has performed IAW the performance standards and contract quality requirements are met. Contract quality requirements means the technical requirements in the contract relating to the quality of the product or service and those contract clauses prescribing inspection, and other quality controls incumbent on the contractor, to ensure the product or service conforms to the contractual requirements. It defines how the performance standards will be applied, the frequency of surveillance, the performance threshold, and deductions, if applicable.

1.6.3 Recognized Holidays: The contractor is not required to perform services on holidays.

New Year’s Day Labor Day Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday Columbus Day President’s Day Veteran’s Day Memorial Day Thanksgiving Day Juneteenth National Independence Day Christmas Day Independence Day

1.6.4 Hours of Operation: No fixed hours of operation are necessary for this project.

1.6.5 Place of Performance: A portion of the work to be performed under this contract will be at the Peace Operations Training Center of Uruguay (ENOPU). A majority of the work can be executed at a site of the contractors choosing in CONUS.

1.6.6 Type of Contract: The Government anticipates the award of a Firm Fixed Price type contract.

1.6.7 Access and General Protection Policy and Procedures:

1.6.7.1 FPCON: In addition to the changes otherwise authorized by the changes of clause of contract, should the US Government Force Protection Condition (FPCON) at any individual installation change, the Government may require changes in contractor security matters or process in accordance with DoDI 2000.16. During FPCONs Charlie and Delta, only contract services that have been deemed "mission essential" by the Government will continue. Contract services will resume when the FPCON is reduced to Bravo or lower.

1.6.7.2 Physical Security: The contractor shall be responsible for safeguarding all government equipment, information, and property provided for contractor use. At the close of each work period, government facilities, equipment, and materials shall be secured IAW Army Regulation (AR) 190-13, "The Army Physical Security Program."

1.6.7.3 Escorts: The Contractor and all associated sub-contractor employees performing services under this contract shall be escorted at all times by host nation security personnel or by an individual designated by the Government Representative while accessing US facilities or activities.

1.6.7.4 Personnel Security Clearance Requirements: Not Applicable. There are no personnel security clearance requirements for this project.

1.6.7.5 Background Checks: Not Applicable.

1.6.7.7 Employment Eligibility: The Contractor shall ensure that all Contractor employees and sub-contractor employees performing services under this contract in the US or its territories have been pre-screened for employment eligibility using the E-verify Program on the Department of Homeland Security website http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify. Personnel that have not met the employment eligibility requirement on this website are not authorized to perform services under this contract. Verification of the eligibility check will be made available to the KO or COR upon request. This requirement is not in lieu of and does not relieve the Contractor from the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Forms for employment of personnel.

1.6.8 Post Award Conference/Contract Periodic Progress Meetings: The Contractor shall attend the post award conference convened by the contracting activity or contract administration office IAW Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 42.5. Meetings can be conducted virtually or in person. Within 30 days of contract award contractor will submit a project management plan with schedule of activities, travel, and a timeline of all project activities. The KO, COR, with other Government personnel, as appropriate, may meet periodically with the Contractor to review the Contractor's performance. At these meetings the KO 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. Contractor will also supply monthly written progress reports documenting project activities and progress meeting required deliverables.

1.6.9 Contracting Officer Representative (COR): The (COR) will be identified by separate letter. The COR monitors all technical aspects of the contract and assists in contract administration. The COR is authorized to perform the following functions: ensure 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, including Government drawings, designs, specifications; monitor Contractor's performance and notifies both the KO 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 order.

1.6.10 Key Personnel: The following personnel are considered key personnel by the Government:

Program Manager, Behavioral SME/Identifying Threats Instructor, and Independent Evaluation Expert possessing the skills, knowledge, experience, proficiency, and training to satisfactorily perform the services required by this contract. The contractor shall provide a contract manager who shall be responsible for the performance of the work.

The contractor shall submit resumes of key personnel, and key personnel may not be added or removed from the contract without prior approval from the Contracting Officer. The name of this person and an alternate who shall act for the contractor when the manager is absent shall be designated in writing to the Contracting Officer. The Contract Manager or alternate shall have full authority to act for the contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract.

1.6.10.1 Qualifications for all Key Personnel are listed in 1.6.10, are below:

(A) Program Manager (PM): Ph.D. or equivalent in Social Sciences or related field. Six (6) or more years of experience in government research or project management. The PM shall have past experience with the Identifying Threats Program, experience in Phase I of the project, and the management and delivery of training related to force protection and proactive operations for contingents deploying in support of the United Nations. They should also have past experience in training at ENOPU. Furthermore, the PM shall have experience in instructor training and development via "train-the-trainer" programs.

(B) Behavioral SME/Identifying Threats Instructor: Minimum of 10 years in designated field/area of expertise.

Bachelor's degree or equivalent. Prior experience delivering training related to force protection and proactive operations for contingents deploying in support of the United Nations. The Behavioral SME/Identifying Threats instructor should also have experience providing training at ENOPU, past experiencing delivering the Identifying Threats Program, and experience with Phase I of the project.

(C) Independent Evaluation Expert: Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences or related field. Six (6) or more years of experience. Prior experience evaluating government-training programs.

1.6.11 Special Qualifications or Certifications: The Project Manager and SME/Identifying Threats shall have familiarity with the U.S. Government’s Identifying Threats Project (Open Source information) and experience in training Uruguayan peacekeepers. They shall have experience with the management and delivery of training related to force protection and proactive operations for contingents deploying in support of the United Nations. They shall also have experience in training at Peace Operations Training Centers in Latin America or the Caribbean.

Furthermore, the PM shall have experience in instructor training and development via “train-the-trainer” type programs.}}

1.6.11.1 IA/IT Training Certification: Not Applicable.

1.6.12 Identification of Contractor Employees: Contractor employees shall identify themselves as Contractor personnel and shall avoid representing themselves as Government employees. This identification includes meeting attendance, answering Government telephones, email communications, and working in other situations where Contractor status is not obvious. Contractor personnel identification shall be easily identifiable through the display of badges, name tags, lanyards, etc.

1.6.12.1 Badging of Contractor Employees: If required by the Government, contract personnel and all associated subcontractors employees accessing US facilities or activities, shall present a valid picture ID provided by the Government while accessing Government owned or contracted facilities and shall adhere to facility security policies and restrictions. If applicable, Government issued access badges will not be worn outside designated facility where visible to the general public.

1.6.12.2 Working Attire and Appearance. Contractor personnel shall present a professional appearance commensurate with standards delineated for US Government civilian personnel (ref. SC Regulation 670-1).

1.6.13 Contractor Travel: Travel, OCONUS, may be required of Contractor personnel in support of the requirements of this PWS. Such travel shall be approved in advance by the COR assigned overall responsibility for monitoring Contractor performance. Contractor personnel will be compensated for travel time. Contractor will be authorized travel expenses consistent with the substantive provisions of the Joint Travel Regulation (JTR) and the limitation of funds specified in this contract. Contractor will include a description of proposed travel in the project management plan. Contractor shall also submit to the COR a written estimate of travel costs at least 10 ten working days prior to the travel date. The COR will recommend approval or disapproval and forward the request to the KO for final approval. Should the Contractor travel without the proper authorization the US Government reserves the right to deny reimbursement of any travel costs incurred. Travel vouchers and supporting documents shall be presented for payment within thirty business days after completion of the authorized travel. The Government anticipates three (3) trips will be required to support this contract. The “plug-in” number is just the limit for the Travel CLIN. The contractor cannot exceed it but may execute the number of trips deemed necessary within that limit. The overall limit cannot be exceeded without express approval of the Contracting Officer.

1.6.14 Other Direct Costs (ODC): Not Applicable.

1.6.15 Data Rights: The Government has unlimited rights to all documents/material produced under this contract.

All documents and materials, to include the source codes of any software, produced under this contract shall be Government owned and are the property of the Government with all rights and privileges of ownership/copyright belonging exclusively to the Government. These documents and materials may not be used or sold by the Contractor without written permission from the Contracting Officer. All materials supplied to the Government shall be the sole property of the Government and may not be used for any other purpose. This right does not abrogate any other Government rights.

1.6.16. Non-Disclosure Requirements: Performance under this contract may require the Contractor to access data and information proprietary to a Government agency, another Government Contractor, or of such nature that its dissemination or use other than as specified in this work statement would be adverse to the interests of the Government or others. Neither the Contractor, nor Contractor personnel, shall divulge, nor release data or information developed, or obtained under performance of this work statement, except to authorize Government personnel or upon written approval of the KO. The Contractor shall not use, disclose, or reproduce proprietary data, which bears a restrictive legend, other than as specified in this SOW. All documentation showing individual names or other personal information shall apply, and shall be controlled and protected under the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974, Public Law 93-579, 5 United States Code (USC.) Section 552a.

1.6.16.1 Non-Disclosure Statements: The Contractor shall provide signed non-disclosure agreements to the Government prior to commencement of work under the contract. Disclosure of information by Contractor personnel may result in Contractor personnel removal from performance of duties under this contract.

1.6.16.2 Advertisement and Social Media: The Contractor shall NOT post information to public website or social media locations, personal or professional, that in any way disclose names, locations, hotel data, participants, discussions, pictures, etc. before, during or after the contract period of performance without the express consent of the Government. The use of propaganda violates DOD Commercial Use of Imagery Guidelines stated at (http://www.defenseimagery.mil/products/DODimagery/commercialuse.html). The Contractor shall not cite any information (e.g., contract information, pictures, locations, etc.) obtained through this contract on any marketing tools to include its company website.

1.6.16.3 At no time will the Contractor or associated sub-contractor employees transmit government documents or information using methods that do not meet the security requirements specified in the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication (SP) 800-171, "Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information in Nonfederal Information Systems and Organizations" such as personal electronic mail accounts, public digital data storage sites (cloud storage), social media platforms or instant messaging. Approved government sites such as US Army Aviation and Missile Research Development and Engineering Center (ARMDEC) Safe Exchange at https://safe.amrdec.army.mil/SAFE/About.aspx , or All Partners Access Network (APAN) at https://community.apan.org/ , or other transmission means determined by the government must be used.

1.6.17 Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI): Contractor and subcontractor personnel performing work 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 Organizational Conflict of Interests (OCI) 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 and in the event the KO unilaterally determines that any such OCI cannot be satisfactorily avoided or mitigated, the KO may affect 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.

1.6.18 Phase-in/Phase-Out (PIPO) Period: Not Applicable.

1.6.19 General Training Requirements:

1.6.19.1 Anti-Terrorism (AT) Level I Training: Not Applicable.

1.6.19.2 OPSEC Awareness: If the contractor, or a subcontractor, or employees of either disclose any information that disrupts or harms the Government's operations or activities, then the Government retains the right to exclude any employee from performance of duties under this contract. The exclusion of an employee for security reasons will not relieve the contractor from performance of services required under this contract. By way of example, personnel shall not sketch or take photos of government facilities or activities, unless related to service to be provided. All government paper products and removable digital storage material that is received, generated, or stored during the contract will be destroyed completely when no longer needed to preclude recognition of information.

1.6.19.3 Threat Awareness Reporting Program (TARP Training): Not Applicable.

1.6.19.4 iWATCH Training: Not Applicable.

1.6.19.5 OPSEC Training: All contractor employees and sub-contractor employees performing services under this contract will complete Level I OPSEC training within 30 calendar days of employment under this contract. OPSEC Level I training is available at https://jkodirect.jten.mil, course number "EUC-ECJ6-110-N-LB". Training must have been completed within the last 12 months and maintained yearly thereafter. If training cannot be conducted on the website, the contractor will coordinate with the local OPSEC Officer at their assigned location for classroom training by a Level 2 trained OPSEC Officer and a copy of either the training certificate or the training attendance roster signed by the OPSEC Officer will be maintained by the contractor. Verification of the training will be provided to the COR or KO upon request.

1.6.20 Overseas Training Requirements:

1.6.20.1 Antiterrorism (AT) Awareness Training for Contractor Personnel Traveling: Upon award of the contract, or within 30 days of employment of new personnel performing services under this contract, the Contractor will coordinate with the supporting DoD Agency AT Officer through the COR or KO, for AOR specific AT awareness training for US based Contractor employees and associated subcontractor employees. This training will be updated as required by the supporting installation AT policies. Verification of the training will be made available to the COR or KO upon request.

1.6.20.2 SERE Training: Not Applicable.

1.6.21 Foreign (OCONUS) Requirements: All US citizen or resident, and TCN contractor personnel must comply with the training requirements listed in the Foreign Clearance Guide (FCG). Verification of the training shall be made available to the COR or KO upon request. Additionally, they must receive personal security training that includes at a minimum:

(a) Safety and security issues facing employees within the USSOUTHCOM AOR,

(b) Identifies safety and security contingency planning activities, and

(c) Identify ways to utilize safety and security personnel and other resources appropriately.

1.6.21.1 Theater and Country Clearance Requirements: Contractor shall ensure all US citizen or US resident Contractor employees and sub-contractor employees performing services under this who are traveling in the USSOUTHCOM AOR follow the requirements identified in the electronic Foreign Clearance Guide (FCG) at https://www.fcg.pentagon.mil/fcg.cfm and must have all necessary passports, visas, and other documents required to enter, exit, or work in the USSOUTHCOM AOR; must have the appropriate DOD identity credential(s); must have the appropriate special area, country, and theater clearance as required in DOD Directive 4500.54E. Contractor personnel shall return all US Government issued identification, to include the Common Access Card, to appropriate US Government authorities within 5 days of the end of their travel or contractual duties.

1.6.21.2 Vetting: The Contractor company and all associated sub-contractor companies, must have been vetted by the US Embassy in the country which the contract will be performed. For the purposes of this contract, the company is considered vetted if the company is located in the country which the contract will be performed unless the company has been previously barred from performing services for the Government. If during a previous vetting process the company was barred from performing service for the Government, then that is grounds for termination of the contract. If the company is located outside of the country which the contract will be performed, the company must be vetted by the US Embassy in the country of performance. Vetting will be coordinated through the US Embassy's DOD Security Cooperation Office (SCO) in the country of performance. If during any previous vetting process in other countries, the company is found to be barred from performing services for the Government; this finding is grounds for termination of the contract.

1.6.21.3 Installation Access to DOD Facility or Host Nation Installation: Contractor and all subcontractor employees performing services under this contract shall comply with adjudication…