WorkLife_SOW_2024.docx

Statement of Work Work/Life Services National Science Foundation

A. Introduction The Pay and Benefits Services Branch (PBSB) within the Division of Human Resource Management is responsible for developing and managing a robust work/life portfolio used to attract and retain talent among administrative and scientific staff. The PBSB administers the work/life programs to approximately 1,800 employees – most of whom are located at NSF Headquarters in Alexandria, VA. A portion of the workforce consists of rotating employees who complete temporary appointments within the Foundation (typically between one and four years). This ongoing recurring change to NSF’s workforce results in a large number of agency employees being in a state of transition of moving to and adjusting to living in a new area, often geographically located away from their normal residence, community, and, at times, family members.

B. Scope of Work NSF is committed to providing a healthy work environment and is considerate of employees' work and personal life responsibilities and obligations. We offer various work/life programs and services that create an environment where employees can operate at their best at work, at home, and in their communities.

At a minimum, the Contractor shall provide the following work/life services:

1. Childcare and parenting

2. Adult care and aging

3. Academics and financial aid

4. Services for children with special needs

5. Pregnancy and adoption

6. Health and wellness

7. Personal services

8. Backup dependent care program

9. Support for nursing mothers

10. Senior care management

11. Daily life needs

12. Financial and legal services

13. Educational seminars and events

NSF is seeking a Contractor to perform services independently and not as an agent of the Government. The final order shall contain the price/cost provisions agreed upon by the Government and the Contractor.

C. Core Work/Life Services The Contractor shall provide NSF employees with 24/7 access via telephone or online to Bachelor or Master's-level specialists with education and training in areas such as child development, education, and gerontology. Specialists shall provide unlimited phone consultations to provide referral services and educational materials to help employees find child care, elder care, academic, and other resources that meet the employee's specific needs, including location, cost, and confirmed availability.

The Contractor shall provide the following services:

1. Childcare and Parenting: Parenting tips and tools; child care resources (centers, in-home care, camps, etc.); caregiver counseling and education; child development; and transportation resources.

2. Adult Care and Aging: Care options and living arrangements; caregiver issues and concerns; community and local programs; emergency, respite, and hospice care; grief and bereavement; health insurance; home meal delivery programs; hospitals; in-home services; retirement; and support groups.

3. Academics: Information on pre-k through doctoral-level and continuing education; grants and scholarships; tutoring services; extracurricular activities; and public and private options

4. Services for Children with Special Needs: Programs and childcare options for children with special needs, such as physical, behavioral, or emotional disabilities; child development; and testing assessments.

5. Pregnancy and Adoption: Prenatal care; birthing options; breastfeeding/formula feeding; preparing for parenthood; adoption agencies and resources; managing domestic and international adoptions; financial/legal issues; home-study process, post-adoption; and support groups domestic and international adoption.

6. Health and Wellness: Prevention, wellness, children’s, men’s and women’s health issues, fitness, nutrition, stress management, and emotional health.

7. Personal Services: Home services, automotive services, pet care, residential cleaning, relocation, travel, emergency preparedness, and other needs.

8. Work/Life Kits: Program kits that contain helpful educational materials and products in the following areas: prenatal, child safety, college, adult care, general health, and more.

D. Premium Legal and Financial Program The Contractor shall provide the following premium legal and financial services:

1. Legal: Free attorney consultations on up to three (3) new legal topics per year, plus a discount on additional legal services; legal document review; free preparation of a simple will and simple living will; and low-cost preparation of power of attorney and health care directives.

2. Financial: Free consultations with certified financial planners; assistance with creating family budgets; free credit and debt guidance; discounts on additional services; document preparation; and tax dispute counseling.

E. Senior Care Management Program The Contractor shall provide a senior care management program that provides caregivers with access to highly qualified care managers who are trained in the assessment, care planning, and care management of older adults to conduct assessments and deliver personalized care reports. In-home assessments will be at least one visit up to three (3) hours per year.

F. Backup Dependent Care Program The Backup Dependent Care program helps employees locate care when their regular care arrangements fall through (due to school or facility closings, illness, inclement weather, etc.). The program provides the following:

1. Coverage for children and adults/self.

2. Support for planned and emergency care needs.

3. Access to credentialed center-based and in-home care providers for a low employee copay.

4. Option to use a friend or family member to provide care.

5. Flexible placement and reimbursement options.

The program's cost is a fee-for-service and will be detailed in the awarded order.

G. Lactation Consultant The Contractor shall provide a lactation program that includes 24/7 telephonic access to international board-certified lactation consultants who can answer questions about breastfeeding at any time of the day or night and provide ongoing guidance and support. Additionally, breastfeeding mothers will have access to online information, videos, and a kit that provides essential breastfeeding materials and products.

H. Educational Webinars and Events The Contractor shall provide educational seminars at the request of the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) via onsite presentation or live webinar. The seminar's content shall be developed and facilitated by subject matter experts. Content may be customized at the request of the COR. Additionally, the Contractor shall provide a representative to attend agency-wide events such as a health benefits fair. The COR shall provide at least thirty (30) days' notice of the request for services.

I. Tutoring Service The Contractor shall provide an online tutoring service that provides 24/7 access to online tutoring; assistance with hundreds of subjects in grades K-12 and college levels; interactive learning sessions including web chat, phone, and video; and unlimited use of on-demand study guides, practice tests, and supplemental resources.

The program's cost is a fee-for-service and will be detailed in the awarded order.

J. Online Caregiving Database The Contractor shall provide access to an online marketplace for finding and managing care, including nannies, senior caregivers, tutors, special needs caregivers, and pet sitters.

K. Period of Performance The period of performance shall consist of one (1) twelve (12) month base period and four (4) twelve (12) month option periods.

Base: 6/01/2024 – 5/31/2025 Option Period One (1): 6/01/2025 – 5/31/2026 Option Period Two (2): 6/01/2026 – 5/31/2027 Option Period Three (3): 6/01/2027 – 5/31/2028 Option Period Four (4): 6/01/2028 – 5/31/2029

L. Marketing and Quality Assurance Much of the success of NSF’s work/life program is based on its visibility to employees and their knowledge of its use. To maintain employee awareness of the service, the Contractor shall provide monthly campaigns to promote services and events. All electronic promotional material must be 508-compliant.

M. Management Reports The Contractor shall deliver management reports to the COR monthly, quarterly, and annually. Reports must offer a comprehensive analysis of member utilization and pertinent details to evaluate the effectiveness of the work/life services. Management reports must also include results of returned quality assurance questionnaires and be coded for confidentiality.

N. Administrative Contacts The COR will serve as the primary point of contact for NSF, address program issues, and oversee overall service delivery.