RFP_YA1323-17-HK-0001.pdf

YA1323-17-HK-0001

SECTION B – SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COST

B.1 GENERAL

The Contractor shall provide support services to assure effective performance of all objectives as outlined in Section C.

B.2 ORDER TYPE

The Government intends to issue a Time and Materials contract set aside for Small Businesses under NAICS Code 541930 for a one (1) year base period of performance and one (1) one-year option.

B.3 PRICE/OFFER SCHEDULE

The following fully loaded hourly labor rates for the stated categories shall be the basis for developing task order pricing for services. (To be proposed.)

Role or Responsibility LABOR

CATEGORY

(To be proposed by

Vendors)

Labor Rates

– Base Period

Labor Rates

– Option Period 1

Recruiter TBD TBD TBD

Changes to the list of labor categories may be made after task order award in order to allow for performance of the required services as outlined in Section C.4. The Government expects the actual amount of hours required to support the tasks outlined in Section C.4 could increase or decrease throughout the life cycle of this task order in order to allow for unforeseen workload increases or decreases. As a result, the awarded task order value and Not to Exceed ceiling amounts may increase or decrease accordingly.

B.3.1 Additional Labor Categories In the event that additional labor categories are required, the Contracting Officer (CO) may execute a modification to this work package providing for the new negotiated labor rates and category description.

B.4 TASK ORDER VALUE

The total task order not to exceed value for this acquisition is approximately $TBD.

The Contractor shall not make expenditures nor incur obligations in the performance of this task order, which exceed the ceiling price specified herein, except at the contractor’s own risk.

B.4.1 Ceiling Price The Not-To-Exceed estimate ceiling amounts for the base period and option periods are as follows:

Base Period estimated ceiling is $TBD.

Option Period 1 estimated ceiling is $TBD.

6 Month Extension estimated Ceiling is $TBD.

The Contractor shall not make expenditures, nor incur obligations, in the performance of this task order, which exceeds the current available funding amount specified herein (reference subsequent Paragraph B.4.2 – Incremental Funding), except at the Contractor’s own risk.

The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer (CO), in writing, 60 days prior to incurring 75% of obligated funds, or whenever there is reason to believe that costs may be either greater or substantially less than previously estimated, or are not adequate to complete the balance of work remaining in the task order. If remaining funds are inadequate, include:

a) A fully supported cost proposal disclosing the amount of funds remaining

b) The amount of additional funding required to continue timely performance

c) When the funds will be required

B.4.2 Incremental Funding The obligated funding under this task order at time of award for the base period is $TBD.

Additional funding may be added by the execution of modifications to the task order, up to the ceiling amount for the applicable performance period. The Contractor shall note that residual funding at the end of a performance period may be deobligated through a unilateral modification; inclusion of this funding in the following performance period is subject to budget approval based on appropriations and fiscal constraints.

B.5 FUNDING

Funds for the services will be obligated at the time of contract award. The Contractor will only be paid for work that has been authorized by the Government and performed in accordance with the contract specifications.

B.6 EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

Emergency situations and contingency operations at the U.S. Census Bureau may require the Contractor to operate at times not considered normal operating hours, as directed by the Contracting Officer or Contracting Officer Representative. This normally involves utility outages, weather driven contingencies, or any work involving support for significant technical related services, including mission critical applications and processing systems.

B.7 NATIONAL SECURITY

PERFORMANCE OF SERVICES DURING CRISIS DECLARED BY NATIONAL

SECURITY. On occasion, services may be required to support an activation or exercise of contingency plans outside the normal duty hours. Emergency situations (i.e., accident and rescue operations, civil disturbances, terrorist attacks and natural disasters may necessitate the Contractor to provide increased or reduced support as determined by the Contracting Officer. The Government will negotiate an equitable adjustment with the Contractor for the cost of these emergency requirements.

{End of Section B}

SECTION C – STATEMENT OF WORK AND PERFORMANCE REQUIRED

C.1 BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW

C.1.1 BACKGROUND

U.S. Census Bureau

The U. S. Census Bureau is the primary source of basic statistics about the population and economy of the Nation. These statistics assist the Congress, the executive branch of the Federal Government, state and local governments, the public, and the private sector in the development and evaluation of social and economic activities. Our major programs are the periodic censuses, current surveys, and a wide range of reimbursable work for other agencies. The programs cover a broad spectrum of demographic and economic statistics.

The Center for Survey Measurement (CSM)

The Center for Survey Measurement (CSM) employs a variety of qualitative research methods, including cognitive interviews, usability testing and focus groups to test new materials and methods as well as to understand public perceptions of the work the Census Bureau is doing. CSM needs a contractor to recruit participants to participate in cognitive interviews, usability testing, focus groups and other qualitative research projects. CSM conducts pretesting research in Spanish and English. CSM needs support in recruiting Spanish- or English- speaking participants to participate in cognitive interviews, focus groups and other qualitative survey pretesting methods.

CSM conducts research projects for the Census Bureau as well as other Federal Agencies on a cost reimbursement basis. CSM does not know how many qualitative research projects are planned for a given year. Under this contract the Contractor is expected:

• To provide recruitment support for qualitative research studies when CSM has one (or more) underway.

• To conduct general outreach work on an ongoing basis to increase the number of participants in the Census Bureau’s Recruitment Database and to build relationships with local organizations that may be able to help reach potential participants. Use and update Census Bureau recruitment database and general outreach.

C.2 PURPOSE

The purpose of this contract is to obtain contractor services for the Center for Survey Measurement (CSM) to recruit Spanish- or English-speaking participants to participate in qualitative research studies.

CSM requires the contractor to recruit participants who fall into one or more of the following categories:

• Spanish-dominant, monolingual, Spanish-speaking participants,

• Spanish dominant, bilingual, Spanish/English-speakers or

• English-speakers.

C.3 SCOPE

The scope of effort required by the contract includes assisting Center for Survey Measurement (CSM) with the following functional and technical areas as specifically defined in the Performance Work Statement in section C.4:

• Recruitment for Qualitative Research Studies

• Use and Updating of Census Bureau’s Recruitment Database

• General Outreach

C.4 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

The Contractor shall provide support services for all service delivery requirements, as outlined in this RFP.

C.4.1 Recruitment for Qualitative Research Studies

CSM will develop all materials and provide training to the contractor for each qualitative research study. The contractor will not be responsible for the development of research objectives or the development of materials. CSM is making the Census Bureau’s Recruitment Database available as one potential source for participant recruitment.

In the event that there is difficulty finding enough participants of the desired characteristics in the local areas, CSM may extend the recruitment areas into adjoining state such as West Virginia and Pennsylvania.

The CSM staff will conduct interviews (or other qualitative methods, such as focus groups) for each research study. The contractor is not responsible for conducting interviews, usability testing, or focus groups.

CSM will establish the research objectives, which include:

1. Recruitment goals – CSM conducts recruitment on a regular basis and typically recruits 10-30 participants to interview for a research study over recruitment ranging from 10% to 50% for each study. CSM will provide the research objective no later than five (5) business days prior to the start of recruitment.

2. Respondent characteristics - CSM will provide the contractor with a list of respondent characteristics sought for a particular research project. Respondent characteristics vary depending on the research project’s objectives, but the typical types of characteristics are:

• Monolingual Spanish-speaking participants from a variety of national origins in Central and South America, Mexico and the Caribbean;

• Gender, age and educational level

• Ownership of particular types of devices such as smartphones or laptops or

• Specific characteristics such as having children, being more recent immigrants, or having experience using the internet.

The Census Bureau research team will train the contractor on using the screening questionnaire to identify participants meeting study-specific characteristics. CSM researchers will provide definitions for characteristics such as “monolingual” based on the screener provided.

3. Locate interviewing space and schedule interviews – CSM prefers locations that are no cost in places such as libraries or community centers convenient to participants, and spaces that are large enough for the number of individuals to participate and allow for privacy since participants may be discussing Personal Identifiable Information (PII) and data collection will fall under Title 13. In the event that free interviewing space is not available, the Contractor shall notify the COR. The contractor is not responsible for incurring incidental costs such as incentive fees, professional facility rentals, and any other incidentals for research projects. The contractor is not required to conduct interviews or travel to the interview. Also, the contractor is not responsible for incurring incidental costs such as incentive fees, professional facility rentals, and any other incidentals for research projects.

The Contractor shall:

• Provide recruitment within the Washington, D.C., Metro area (Washington D.C, Virginia, and Maryland).

• Propose recruitment plan to adjoining state such as West Virginia and Pennsylvania when requested by the COR.

• Meet the recruitment goals as defined in Performance Requirement #1 Recruitment of Participants in Section F.6 Performance Measurement Requirements.

• Propose recruitment materials such as flyers, announcements in social media, and local organizations, as defined by the COR.

• Maintain and manage the Excel tracking spreadsheet as defined in Performance Requirement #2 Managing and Updating Recruitment Trackers in Section F.6 Performance Measurement Requirements.

• Use a Census Bureau-provided screener to recruit participants for each research study.

• Locate interviewing space and coordinate interviews for research studies as defined in Performance Requirement #3 Scheduling Participants in Section F.6 Performance Measurement Requirements.

• Coordinate the interview schedules between the interviewing space, CSM staff, and each participant.

• Follow-up with each participant to confirm participation one day prior to the scheduled interview date, provide direction to the interviewing location, and response to questions as appropriate.

• Notify the COR when free interviewing space is not available

C.4.2 Use and Updating of Census Bureau’s Recruitment Database

The Census Recruitment Database has an existing database with approximately 100 Spanish-speaking participants who were screened for or have participated in recent Census Bureau studies. The contractor will have access to the database to recruit and schedule participants for research studies.

The contractor may use the Census Bureau’s Recruitment Database as a source of participants and use it to the maximum extent possible under the following conditions:

• Participants may only participate in one Census Bureau study every three months.

• May not participate in more than one study on the same research topic.

The contractor shall:

• Recruit for new participants in order to meet a particular research study’s goals and objectives.

• Leverage their existing contacts as well as develop new relationships to expand the recruitment database to increase the number of potential participants to contact for future research studies.

• Use a Census Bureau-provided screener for adding participants to the recruitment database.

• Add 15 screened monolingual, Spanish-speaking participants per month to the recruitment database. These 15 participants will be in addition to recruiting any participants for specific studies.

• Maintain and provide updates to the CSM recruitment database as defined in Performance Requirement #4 Updating the CSM Recruitment database in Section F.6 Performance Measurement Requirements.

The contractor shall not retain the information collected on behalf of the Census Bureau for use in any other studies outside this contract. The information shall be the sole property of the US Census Bureau.

C.4.3 General Outreach The research team in CSM relies on informal partnerships with community organizations to reach potential participants for research studies. CSM relies on these contacts because potential participants, especially Spanish-speakers, may be hesitant to answer ads from an unfamiliar agency or may be uncomfortable with speaking with a government representative. CSM defines general outreach for the purposes of this contract as the following:

• Contacting community organizations, such as (but not limited to) community centers, non-profits, churches, and civic associations, by telephone, email, or in person

• Introducing the Census Bureau and explaining the work done by CSM to gain the trust and cooperation of “gatekeepers” in community organizations

• Addressing questions and concerns of community gatekeepers, as necessary

• Working with the community contact in a way that is both effective and comfortable for that contact in order to reach possible research participants (e.g., attending community meetings and bringing a sign-up sheet, allowing the community contact to share CSM’s recruitment phone line information with their personal contacts, etc.)

• Conduct outreach work to identify and establish contacts with community centers and local organizations that are actively involved in the Spanish-speaking communities.

• Establish contacts and gain cooperation to encourage participation in CSM research studies.

• Schedule a meeting between the organization and CSM.

• Add the organization and their contacts into the Census Bureau’s Recruitment

Database if approved by CSM.

• Use a Census-Bureau provided screener to screen Spanish-speaking participants to add to the Census Bureau’s Recruitment Database.

• Travel as needed to conduct outreach work in the local Washington, D.C. metro area. The contractor shall need to travel up to four times per month for the purpose of conducting outreach or recruitment work.

• Contact minimum two (2) new community organizations per month, and establish two (2) new community organization contacts per month as defined in Performance Requirement #6 General outreach in Section F.6 Performance Measurement Requirements.

C.4.4 Monthly Report

• Provide a status in the monthly report that shows the following:

• accomplishments for recruiting and scheduling of participants for each research study,

• number of updates to the recruitment database including new (non-study specific) participants (current and cumulative),

• general outreach activities along with any milestones (current and cumulative) including organizations contacted and information on any advertising, and

• funds spent/remaining on the contract.

C.5 MINIMUM REQUIRED SKILLS

The professionals proposed by the Contractor must, at a minimum, have relevant experience and expertise in cultural awareness and sensitivity regarding Spanish speaking population, as well as excellent written and oral communications skills in both English and Spanish. The labor category required is as follows:

Recruiter:

- Fully fluent in English and Spanish

- Demonstrate experience and expertise in cultural awareness and sensitivity regarding Spanish-speaking populations

- At least 5 years of experience with survey research or social sciences research with Spanish-speaking populations including experience and knowledge of the types of participants required for survey pretesting

- Existing contacts with local (DC Metro area) community organizations servicing the Spanish-speaking community with the existing relationships being in place for at least one year

- Proficient in using Access databases and Microsoft Excel.

{End of Section C}

SECTION D - PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 PAYMENT OF POSTAGE AND FEES

All postage and fees related to the submission of information, including forms, reports, etc., to the Contracting Officer, the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), or the person(s) designated to receive, shall be the responsibility of the Contractor.

D.2 PACKING FOR DOMESTIC SHIPMENT

Material shall be packed for shipment in such a manner that will ensure acceptance by common carriers and safe delivery at destination. Containers and closures shall comply with the Interstate Commerce Commission regulations, Uniform Freight Classification rules, or regulations of other carriers as applicable to the mode of transportation.

D.3 MARKING DELIVERABLES

The contract number shall be placed on or adjacent to all exterior mailing or shipping labels of deliverable items called for by the contract, except for reports.

Mark deliverables for:

Mekia Turner

4600 Silver Hill Road Room Washington DC 20233 (regular mail) Suitland MD 20746 (FedEx)

Delivery locations for deliverables specified in this contract (such as reports, papers, and documentation) will be communicated to the Contractor as needed by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).

{End of Section D}

SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1 PLACE OF ACCEPTANCE

(a) The Contracting Officer or the duly authorized representative will accept supplies and services to be provided under this contract.

(b) The place of acceptance will be:

U.S. Census Bureau 4600 Silver Hill Road Suitland, MD 20746

E.2 RESPONSIBILITY FOR INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

Inspection and acceptance of all items and services under this contract will be accomplished by the Government’s designated Contracting Officer Representative (COR). The COR will inspect and be responsible for, the review and acceptance of all deliverables under the contract. Acceptance testing will be specified, if required.

The stated objectives in Performance Requirements Measurements (F.6) must be met or exceeded by the Contractor. To ensure that the minimum performance levels are met, the Contracting Officer’s Representative will monitor performance and review the required status reports. Any deviations from the stated objectives must be fully documented and explained by the Contractor.

E.3 GOVERNMENT CONTRACT QUALITY ASSURANCE

Notwithstanding the requirements in Subsection E.2 above and, as applicable under executed FAR clauses 52.246-4 – Inspection-Fixed Price, quality assurance under this order will be performed in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) (Attachment J-1).

{End of Section E}

SECTION F- DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 CAR 1352.270-70 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE (APR 2010)

a) The base period of performance of this contract is from September 30, 2017 through September 29, 2018. If an option is exercised, the period of performance shall be extended through the end of that option period.

b) The option period that may be exercised are as follows:

Option Period One: $XXXX September 30, 2018 – September 29, 2019

c) The notice requirements for unilateral exercise of option periods are set out in

FAR 52.217-9.

(End of clause)

F.2 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Services shall be performed via Virtual Desktop Interface (VDI), at the Contractor’s place of business, or at an agreed upon location. No work will be performed offsite, i.e., away from a CSM agreed upon facility, without prior approval by the COR or ACOR.

The Census Bureau will provide access to the Census Bureau’s network for use during the performance of work. The contractor shall use VDI to create, distribute and share files with the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) and program area staff.

The Census Bureau’s Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) looks and works like a typical Windows computer desktop. A desktop viewer that allows users to view and control a VDI session. VDI allows access to applications to those available on the Census Bureau’s network such as MS Office (Word, Excel, Access), Outlook, SharePoint and Adobe reader to name a few. VDI also allows a user to access software applications that integrate into the Census Bureau’s system so not every application on the commercial market is available.

Upon clearing the Security Background Process, the COR will submit a request for a token and schedule VDI training for the contractor. The VDI training is available in-person or via webinar and will not exceed 3 hours. The contractor shall coordinate with the COR to receive a token and schedule the VDI training. The contractor shall complete the VDI training and provide a signed copy of the Remote VDI Access Pledge by the established deadline set by the COR.

F.3 HOURS OF OPERATION

The following general guidelines apply to the hours of operation. However, exceptions to these guidelines may be required based on customer demand loads.

Census Bureau work hours are from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM EST Monday - Friday (except for Federal Holidays). Normal entry to the Census Bureau headquarters is 6:30 AM though 6:30 PM EST Monday through Friday except Federal holidays. Access to the Census Bureau headquarters after hours and to other facilities requires additional security authorization and approval from the CO and/or COR.

F.4 LEGAL HOLIDAYS

(a) Following are the annual federal holidays:

New Year’s Day 1 January Martin Luther King’s Birthday Third Monday in January President’s Day Third Monday in February Memorial Day Last Monday in May Independence Day 4 July Labor Day First Monday in September Columbus Day Second Monday in October Veterans Day 11 November Thanksgiving Day Fourth Thursday in November Christmas Day 25 December

(b) In addition to the annual holidays, the Government may observe additional days as holidays, those to include:

• Any other day designated by Federal Statute

• Any other day designated by Executive Order

• Any other day designated by the President’s Proclamation

(c) Unless otherwise authorized by the Contracting Officer, observance of holidays by

Government personnel shall not otherwise be a reason for an extension to the period of performance, delivery schedule, or entitlement of payment by the Government to the Contractor. In the event the Contractor’s personnel (including subcontractor) work during the holiday, they may be compensated for the work in accordance with the Contractor’s operational/employee/business procedures;

however, no form of holiday or other premium compensation will be paid by the Government, either as an additional direct or indirect cost, over the payments authorized in the contract.

(d) When the Government grants excused absence to its employees (example: office closing due to inclement weather), onsite Contractor personnel may be dismissed by the Contractor at its discretion. However, such a dismissal will not be an excuse to change any service or delivery requirements under the contract.

(e) Extension of a contract period of performance or delivery schedule will not be provided for federal holidays in paragraph (a) or (b) above. However, if necessary, and with approval of the COR, extension of the period of performance or delivery schedule may be granted by the Contracting Officer on a case-by-case basis for closings described in paragraph (d) above.

F.5 MILESTONES/DELIVERABLES

The following chart provides a list and schedule of milestones/deliverables. Please note that the dates reflected in the chart are subject to change via bilateral modification.

Deliverable Delivery Date Format Tracking Spreadsheet Updated daily during the recruiting period for a specific study.

MS Office Excel

Monthly Report 10th day of each Month MS Office Word General Outreach Meetings Upon identification and agreement with community organizational contacts on meeting date/time

In person or via teleconference

Status Meetings As needed In person or via teleconference

Kick Off meeting Within 10 Business Days of contractors clearing Security Background Process

In person or teleconference

The Contractor shall submit deliverables to the CSM COR for inspection, review, and acceptance. Final acceptance will occur upon CSM COR signature. All deliverables become the property of the Government. The Government will provide timely comments on deliverables, as necessary. The Contractor must incorporate the Government’s comments within five (5) work days of receipt of the CSM COR’s comments, unless otherwise mutually agreed to. In the event of rejection of any deliverables, the Contractor will be notified in writing by the CSM COR of the specific reasons why the deliverables is unacceptable. The Contractor must return a revised deliverables to the CSM COR within five (5) work days.

CSM COR contact information is indicated below:

COR ACOR

Mekia Turner Stacey Jordan US Census Bureau US Census Bureau 4600 Silver Hill Road 4600 Silver Hill Road Suitland, MD 20746 Suitland, MD 20746

(301) 763-8273 (301) 763-6330

F.6 PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor’s services shall be considered successful if the following performance activities provide the expected outcome within the performance standards:

Performance Requirement

Expected Outcome Performance Standard Method of Surveillance

#1 Recruitment of Participants

Contractor recruits the required number of 10-30 participants for each research study by the agreed to schedule.

Contractor recruits participants that meet the required characteristics for each research study including over recruitment of participants by 10% - 50%.

Contractor shall meet 100% of the time.

COR will solicit feedback from CSM.

#2 Managing and updating recruitment trackers

The contractor shall manage and update a recruitment tracker Excel spreadsheet throughout the duration of any research study.

During a research study, the contractor shall manage the recruitment tracker, including tracking needed participant criteria, and update the recruitment tracker (including contacts made and scheduling) on a daily basis.

Contractor shall ensure updates are current and accurate 100% of the time.

COR will solicit feedback from CSM.

Performance Requirement

Expected Outcome Performance Standard Method of Surveillance

#3 Scheduling Participants

Schedule space to conduct interviews that accommodate no more than 10 individuals and allow for privacy since participants may be discussing PII and data collection will fall under Title 13

Contractor shall secure no-cost space for interviews ensuring privacy requirements are met;

Contractors shall follow-up with participants to confirm interview dates/times and communicate to CSM the schedule 100% of the time.

COR will solicit feedback from CSM.

#4 Updating the

CSM

Recruitment database

Contractor shall update the CSM Recruitment Database with new participants and maintain current information on participants.

The contractor shall add 15 new monolingual Spanish-speaking participants per month in addition to study-specific participants needed for any current studies.

COR will solicit feedback from CSM.

#5 General outreach

The contractor shall conduct outreach and gain buy-in from community organizations for the purpose of identifying and accessing participants for future studies.

The contractor shall establish two (2) new community organization contacts per month by scheduling and facilitating meetings between the Census Bureau and the respective community organizations to establish a relationship.

COR will solicit feedback from CSM.

F.7 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

The Contractor shall agree that upon termination of the contract, the Contractor shall have no property or possessive right to any of the correspondence, files or materials of whatever kind or description, or any copies or duplicates of such, whether developed or prepared by them or furnished to them by the Government in connection with the performance of the contract and that, upon demand, they shall surrender immediately to the Government such items, matters, materials and copies.

In addition to the provisions, terms, and conditions relating to the deliverables stated in this Performance Work Statement (including hardware, software, and algorithmic code), the United States Government has rights set forth in FAR 52.227-17 Rights in Data-- Special Works.

F.8 NOTICE REGARDING LATE DELIVERY

In the event the Contractor anticipates that it will not meet the schedule as specified in the Milestones/Deliverables listing and/or performance requirements identified in the contract, the Contractor shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer, and the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) orally and in writing giving pertinent rationale and proposed corrective action(s) and adequate consideration. This data shall not be construed as a waiver by the Government of any of its rights or remedies available under the contract including termination.

{End of Section F}

SECTION G – CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

G.1 CONTRACTING OFFICER

Long Nguyen is hereby designated as the Contracting Officer (CO). The CO is located at:

US Census Bureau / Acquisition Division

4600 Silver Hill Rd – Room 3J249 Suitland Maryland, 20746 Phone: 301-763-3169

G.2 CAR 1352.201-70 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S AUTHORITY (APR 2010)

The Contracting Officer is the only person authorized to make or approve any changes in any of the requirements of this contract, and, notwithstanding any provisions contained elsewhere in this contract, the said authority remains solely in the Contracting Officer. In the event the Contractor makes any changes at the direction of any person other than the Contracting Officer, the change will be considered to have been made without authority and no adjustment will be made in the contract terms and conditions, including price.

G.3 CAR 1352.201-72 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE

(COR) (APR 2010)

a. Mekia Turner is hereby designated as the Contracting Officer's Representative

(COR). The Government may change the COR at any time without prior notice to the Contractor by a unilateral modification to the contract. The COR is located at:

Mekia Turner Suitland, MD 20746 U.S. Census Bureau 4600 Silver Hill Road Washington, DC 20233

(301) 763-8273

b. The responsibilities and limitations of the COR are as follows:

(1) The COR is responsible for the technical aspects of the project and serves as technical liaison with the Contractor. The COR is also responsible for the final inspection and acceptance of all deliverables and such other responsibilities as may be specified in the contract.

(2) The COR is not authorized to make any commitments or otherwise obligate the Government or authorize any changes, which affect the contract price, terms or conditions. Any Contractor request for changes shall be referred to the

Contracting Officer directly or through the COR. No such changes shall be made without the expressed prior authorization of the Contracting Officer. The COR may designate assistant COR(s) to act for the COR by naming such assistant(s) in writing and transmitting a copy of such designation through the Contracting Officer to the Contractor.

G.4 ALTERNATE CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE

(ACOR)

(a) Stacey Jordan is hereby designated as the Alternate Contracting Officer’s Representative (ACOR). The ACOR may be changed at any time by the Government without prior notice to the Contractor by a unilateral modification to the contract. The ACOR is located at:

Stacey Jordan

4600 Silver Hill Road Room 5K059 Suitland MD 20746

Phone Number: 301-763-6330

(b) The responsibilities and limitations of the ACOR are as follows:

(1) The ACOR is responsible for the technical aspects of the contract and serves as technical liaison with the Contractor. The ACOR is also responsible for the final inspection and acceptance of all deliverables and such other responsibilities as may be specified in the contract.

(2) The ACOR is not authorized to make any commitments or otherwise obligate the Government or authorize any changes which affect the contract price, terms or conditions. Any contractor request for changes shall be referred to the Contracting Officer directly or through the COR or ACOR. No such changes shall be made without the express written prior authorization of the Contracting Officer.

G.5 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED EQUIPMENT, DATA AND RESOURCES

For contractor personnel located at the Census Bureau on the Suitland Federal Center or other Census Bureau facilities, the Government shall provide basic supplies and materials normally available to Government employees, including personal computers, telephones and applications software as needed.

Certain assigned tasks may require special supplies, tools or other equipment. The COR may choose to provide these items.

The Government shall supply the Contractor with personal computers and software necessary in the performance of this contract. The Contractor shall inventory and provide periodical updates on the status of such property to the COR. All Government provided equipment would be maintained by the Government. The Contractor shall determine operational status of all equipment. It shall be the Contractor’s responsibility to notify the COR of any malfunctions or suspected improper equipment performance. Other Government furnished items shall be identified as part of work assignments.

G.6 BILLING INSTRUCTIONS

(a) The Contractor shall provide a single point of contact for handling billing and invoicing issues as well as his/her mailing address and telephone number to the COR or other POC in order for the Government to notify the Contractor of billing problems.

(b) The Contractor shall submit billing on a monthly basis or on another cycle that will be mutually agreed upon by the Contractor and Contracting Officer.

G.7 PROCEDURES FOR INVOICING

The Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) under Subpart 32.905 requires that payment will be made based on the receipt of a proper invoice and satisfactory contract performance. FAR 32.905(b) specifically states the minimum information an invoice must include to be considered a “proper” invoice for payment. The following listing incorporates the FAR cited information and additional information required for payment under this contract.

In accordance with FAR 32.903(a)(3), the U.S. Census Bureau has supplemented these requirements. Contractors may use Standard Form 1034 – Public Voucher for Purchases and Services Other than Personal (Part 53 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation under FAR 53-301-1034) or they may submit a company-generated invoice. However, no matter which type of instrument is used to request payment, the document must contain the following information:

PROPER INVOICE INFORMATION

• Contract Title

• Name and Address of Contractor

• Contact Name, Title and Telephone Number of Contractor

• Government Contract Number or Other Authorization for Delivery of Goods or

Services

• Date of the Invoice

• Contractor’s DUNS number.

• Taxpayer Identifying Number (TIN)

• Unique Invoice Number, Account Number, and/or any other identifying payment request number. (At a minimum there must be an invoice number)

• Actual date services were performed and completed or goods delivered.

• Current Contract Period of Performance on all invoices.

• Description of goods or services for which payment is requested – (for example, contract line/sub line number, price, and quantity of goods and services rendered.)

• Care should be taken by the Contractor to assure invoices are submitted for items/services and related prices and detailed in Section B of the contract.

• Other supporting or substantiating documentation or information required by the contract including as appropriate requirements under the Travel clause contained in the contract.

• Invoice amount for the current month for the Fixed Price portion of the contract

• Invoice amount for the current month for the Time and Materials portion of the contract

• Invoice total for the current month

• Invoice total to date

• Projected cost for next month

• Total amount invoiced to date under the contract

• Total funds remaining

• Percent of Allocated Funds Invoiced to Date

• Percent of Funds Remaining

• Payment discount terms.

• Other Substantiating Documentation or Information required by the contract.

• Address for mailing payment

• Banking information such as name and address of bank, routing and account number

There shall also be three statements and signature lines included in the invoice.

The wordings for these statements are:

“I hereby certify, to the best of my knowledge and belief that the services set forth herein were performed during the period stated above are current, accurate and complete.

(Date) (Title of Contractor Representative) (Signature)”

The above statement will be signed by a representative of the Contractor.

and

“I certify that to the best of my knowledge and belief that the services/supplies shown on the invoice have been performed/furnished and are accepted.

(Date) (Title: COR) (Signature)

The above statement will be signed by the COR.

“Pursuant to authority vested in me, I certify that this voucher is correct and proper for payment.

(Date) (Authorized Certifying Official) (Title)”

The above statement will be signed by a Government representative who has authority to approve the invoice. The representative signing this statement will be the Contracting Officer when the services are acquired through a fully definitized contract.

If there is insufficient space in the Standard Form 1034 or invoice to provide all of the required information, the Contractor may include the remaining information on bond paper. However, if bond paper is used, the contact and contract numbers, invoice number, and date of invoice must be listed at the top of the second and subsequent pages.

Vouchers or invoices shall be submitted to U.S. Census Bureau, Finance Division which is the designated payment office under the contract. Vouchers or invoices may be submitted by hard copy or electronic mail. For hardcopy submissions, an original plus one copy must be provided to the following addresses, if using U.S.

Postal Service, commercial carrier, or delivery service.

(via Postal) (via FedEx, UPS, hand delivered Etc.)

U.S. Census Bureau U.S. Census Bureau Finance Division (Vouchers) Finance Division (Vouchers) 4600 Silver Hill Road, Room 2K419 4600 Silver Hill Road, Room 2K419 Washington D.C. 20233-4400 Suitland, MD. 20746-4400

For electronic mail submissions send to the following three web addresses (preferred method):

1. FIN.finance.invoice.claim.submission@census.gov

2. fin.customer.assistance.line.financial.services@census.gov

Invoices, which are submitted to an incorrect office, or which do not contain the information specified herein, will be returned to the Contractor for corrections.

The final invoice under this contract shall be marked, “FINAL.”

THE CONTRACTOR IS NOTIFIED THAT IT IS THEIR RESPONSIBILITY FOR

ENSURING THE VOUCHERS/INVOICES ARE DELIVERED TO THE FINANCE

DIVISION, AND THE COR OR TASK MANAGER ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR

mailto:fin.finance.invoice.claim.submission@census.gov mailto:fin.customer.assistance.line.financial.services@census.gov

ENSURING THE ADVANCED COPIES OF THE VOUCHERS/INVOICES ARE

PROVIDED TO THE FINANCE DIVISION.

G.8 METHOD OF PAYMENT

Payments under this contract will be made in accordance with FAR 52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-Central Contracting Registration.

G.9 TRAVEL AND PER DIEM

If travel is required, the 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. All travel requires prior Government approval/authorization and notification to the COR.

{End of Section G}

SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.1 CAR 1352.237-75 KEY PERSONNEL (APR 2010)

(a) The Contractor shall assign to this contract the following key personnel:

Labor Category Key Personnel Name

Recruiter TBD

(b) The Contractor shall obtain the consent of the Contracting Officer prior to making key personnel substitutions. Replacements for key personnel must possess qualifications equal to or exceeding the qualifications of the personnel being replaced, unless an exception is approved by the Contracting Officer.

(c) Requests for changes in key personnel shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer at least 15 working days prior to making any permanent substitutions. The request should contain a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitutions, complete resumes for the proposed substitutes, and any additional information requested by the Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer will notify the Contractor within 10 working days after receipt of all required information of the decision on substitutions. The contract will be modified to reflect any approved changes.

H. 2 CAR 1352.208-70 RESTRICTIONS ON PRINTING AND DUPLICATING

(APR 2010)

(a) The Contractor is authorized to duplicate or copy production units provided the requirement does not exceed 5,000 production units of any one page or 25,000 production units in the aggregate of multiple pages. Such pages may not exceed a maximum image size of 10-3/4 by 14-1/4 inches. A "production unit" is one sheet, size 8-1/2 x 11 inches (215 x 280 mm), one side only, and one color ink. Production unit requirements are outlined in the Government Printing and Binding Regulations.

(b) This clause does not preclude writing, editing, preparation of manuscript copy, or preparation of related illustrative material as a part of this contract, or administrative duplicating/copying (for example, necessary forms and instructional materials used by the Contractor to respond to the terms of the contract).

(c) Costs associated with printing, duplicating, or copying in excess of the limits in paragraph (a) of this clause are unallowable without prior written approval of the Contracting Officer. If the Contractor has reason to believe that any activity required in fulfillment of the contract will necessitate any printing or substantial duplicating or copying, it shall immediately provide written notice to the Contracting Officer and request approval prior to proceeding with the activity. Requests will be processed by the Contracting Officer in accordance with FAR 8.802.

(d) The Contractor shall include in each subcontract which may involve a requirement for any printing, duplicating, and copying in excess of the limits specified in paragraph (a) of this clause, a provision substantially the same as this clause, including this paragraph (d).

H. 3 CAR 1352.209-74 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST (APR

2010)

(a) Purpose. The purpose of this clause is to ensure that the Contractor and its Subcontractors:

(1) Are not biased because of their financial, contractual, organizational, or other interests which relate to the work under this contract, and

(2) Do not obtain any unfair competitive advantage over other parties by virtue of their performance of this contract.

(b) Scope. The restrictions described herein shall apply to performance or participation by the Contractor, its parents, affiliates, divisions and subsidiaries, and successors in interest (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Contractor”) in the activities covered by this clause as a prime contractor, subcontractor, co-sponsor, joint venturer, consultant, or in any similar capacity. For the purpose of this clause, affiliation occurs when a business concern is controlled by or has the power to control another or when a third party has the power to control both.

(c) Warrant and Disclosure. The warrant and disclosure requirements of this paragraph apply with full force to both the Contractor and all Subcontractors. The Contractor warrants that, to the best of the Contractor’s knowledge and belief, there are no relevant facts or circumstances which would give rise to an organizational conflict of interest, as defined in FAR Subpart 9.5, and that the Contractor has disclosed all relevant information regarding any actual or potential conflict. The Contractor agrees it shall make an immediate and full disclosure, in writing, to the Contracting Officer of any potential or actual organizational conflict of interest or the existence of any facts that may cause a reasonably prudent person to question the Contractor’s impartiality because of the appearance or existence of bias or an unfair competitive advantage. Such disclosure shall include a description of the actions the Contractor has taken or proposes to take in order to avoid, neutralize, or mitigate any resulting conflict of interest.

(d) Remedies. The Contracting Officer may terminate this contract for convenience, in whole or in part, if the Contracting Officer deems such termination necessary to avoid, neutralize or mitigate an actual or apparent organizational conflict of interest. If the Contractor fails to disclose facts pertaining to the existence of a potential or actual organizational conflict of interest or misrepresents relevant information to the Contracting Officer, the Government may terminate the contract for default, suspend or debar the Contractor from Government contracting, or pursue such other remedies as may be permitted by law or this contract.

(e) Subcontracts. The Contractor shall include a clause substantially similar to this clause, including paragraphs (f) and (g), in any subcontract or consultant agreement at any tier expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. The terms “contract,” “Contractor,” and “Contracting Officer” shall be appropriately modified to preserve the Government’s rights.

(f) Prime Contractor Responsibilities. The Contractor shall obtain from its Subcontractors or consultants the disclosure required in FAR Part 9.507-1, and shall determine in writing whether the interests disclosed present an actual, or significant potential for, an organizational conflict of interest. The Contractor shall identify and avoid, neutralize, or mitigate any subcontractor organizational conflict prior to award of the contract to the satisfaction of the Contracting Officer. If the subcontractor’s organizational conflict cannot be avoided, neutralized, or mitigated, the Contractor must obtain the written approval of the Contracting Officer prior to entering into the subcontract. If the Contractor becomes aware of a subcontractor’s potential or actual organizational conflict of interest after contract award, the Contractor agrees that the Contractor may be required to eliminate the subcontractor from its team, at the Contractor’s own risk.

(g) Waiver. The parties recognize that this clause has potential effects which will survive the performance of this contract and that it is impossible to foresee each circumstance to which it might be applied in the future. Accordingly, the Contractor may at any time seek a waiver from the Head of the Contracting Activity by submitting such waiver request to the Contracting Officer, including a full written description of the requested waiver and the reasons in support thereof.

H.4 CAR 1352.209-73 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS (APR 2010)

The Contractor shall comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations which deal with or relate to performance in accord with the terms of the contract.

H.5 CAR 1352.231-71 DUPLICATION OF EFFORT (APR 2010)

The Contractor hereby certifies that costs for work to be performed under this contract and any subcontracts hereunder are not duplicative of any cost charged against any other Government contract, subcontract, or other Government source. The Contractor agrees to advise the Contracting Officer, in writing, of any other Government contract or subcontract it has performed or is performing which involves work directly related to the purpose of this contract. The Contractor also certifies and agrees that any and all work performed under this contract shall be directly and exclusively for the use and benefit of the Government, and not incidental to any other work, pursuit, research, or purpose of the Contractor, whose responsibility it will be to account for it accordingly.

H.6 CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

Any designs, equipment, software and processes, and concepts that evolve from performance hereunder shall be considered as "Confidential Information." The Contractor shall not disclose any confidential information obtained in the performance of this contract. Any presentation of any designs, equipment, or concepts based on information obtained will be subject to review and approval by the Government before publication or dissemination for accuracy of factual data and interpretation.

During the course of this contract, the Contractor shall have access to Government data relevant to this project as required. Any information, not previously published, received from the Government in connection with this contract or furnished to the Contractor from other sources in response…