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Section 1-STATEMENT OF WORK

Statement of WorkFor

Office of International AffairsEffective Writing Training

1. SCOPE

1.1 Requesting Office

Department of the Treasury, Departmental Offices (DO), Office of International Affairs (IA).

1.2 Summary of Requirement

The IA requires expert level effective writing training courses. The purpose of the effective writing training courses are to review and reinforce advanced level effective writing skills in an IA context with an emphasis on writing to the appropriate audience, clarity, grammar, and punctuation. The courses shall be targeted to International Economists, Financial Analysts, and Managers (Economists) who have approximately two (2) to twenty (20) years of experience creating a variety of written products on international economic policy issues for senior government and private sector officials. The contractor must have experience delivering a similar, customized, advanced level training for mid-level to senior level staff in a financial or economic policy environment. At the conclusion of this course, the participants will be capable of writing expert level technical policy documents that are clear, concise, and targeted towards the appropriate audience.

2. BACKGROUND IA protects and supports U.S. economic prosperity by strengthening the external environment for U.S. growth, preventing and mitigating global financial instability, and managing key global challenges. In order to facilitate these critical functions the International Economists and Financial Analysts working in IA have extensive communication with other Federal Government entities, foreign finance ministries, as well as representatives from private corporations around the world. IA personnel are often times communicating with counterparts as well as senior officials within these organizations. Given the importance of this communication, it is imperative that the findings be presented in a clear and concise manner and written towards the appropriate audience; therefore, effective writing skills are paramount.

3. DESCRIPTION OF WORK/DELIVERABLES3.1 (Task 1) – Effective Writing Training (Quantity 1) The contractor shall deliver one (1) effective expert level customized effective writing course (half workday) for mid to senior-level staff. Participants of the course write as a major daily component of their job, and the course must be able to challenge even the most seasoned writers.

3.1.1 Information Gathering

In order to develop a customized course curriculum the contractor must assess actual written IA materials that are representative of the writing level and style of the program office as well as meet with IA staff to discuss. The contractor will accomplish by:

Reviewing a minimum of 25 writing samples selected and provided by the program office. Meeting with program office officials a minimum of 2 times (for a minimum of 1 hour each meeting)

to review the findings from the writing samples (provided above) to address areas of concern and finalize the course curriculum.

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3.1.2 Lesson Plan/Course Materials

The contractor shall provide a written facilitator lesson plan incorporating the results of the assessment outlined in 3.1.1. The lesson plan must include copies of all visual aids used in the presentation of the materials. The participant materials should also serve as a stand-alone, take-away resource for the students. In addition the contractor shall also provide a participant critique form they will use to provide feedback to each participant, identifying areas of strengths and weaknesses in the participant’s writing and it should allow for an overall rating of “Satisfactory” or “Needs Improvement”.

The contractor will provide IA with a hard (reproduction quality) and electronic (contractor shall communicate with the IA Contracting Officer Representative (COR) to determine the appropriate format of the electronic materials) version of all instructor and participant materials, to include the critique form. The contractor must provide all materials to the COR at least thirty (30) days prior to classroom instruction for review and approval. (Note: IA will reproduce all instructional materials provided by the contractor for the participants.)

All printed materials developed by the contractor must meet the following standards:

Error Free: All materials must be error free with no typographical, spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors. Content must be accurate. Factual data and statistics must be referenced.

Reading Level: All materials must be written for a target audience with an advanced college degree and two (2) to ten (10) years of experience producing written technical documents for senior policy officials.

Clear Writing Style: Instructional materials must use concise paragraphs with simple sentences; each of which convey a single idea.

Format: Materials must make use of features that make retrieving information simple, e.g. boxes, boldface, italics, and underscoring.

Production Quality: Materials must reflect professional production standards of the quality obtained through desk-top publishing or typesetting. Layouts must be pleasing to the eye with appropriate use of white space. Materials must be duplicated such that both text and graphics are clear, crisp, and easy-to-read.

Source Documentation: All proposed materials must be current and appropriately documented as to their original source.

3.1.3 Classroom Instruction

The contractor shall provide classroom instruction, review participant’s written products, and provide appropriate feedback. Materials covered should include, at a minimum, the following: 1) Effective Communication; 2) Effective Editing work; 3) Effective Written Presentation; and 4) Writing for an internal and external audience.

During each half-day training session the contractor shall provide two (2) instructors to perform the following activities:

Facilitate effective writing instruction to the entire class of approximately twenty (20) participants. Analyze specific written products. Provide instruction and feedback to the students.

The instructors must communicate effectively and have the ability to:

Review and evaluate the participants’ writing samples for proper structure, conciseness, cohesion, readability, punctuation, audience, tone and Treasury writing style.

Offer suggestions for improvement in the participants’ work products. Assist the participants in improving their writing skills through classroom and individualized

training sessions. Assist participants in identifying their writing strengths and weaknesses.

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During each session, both instructors shall spend approximately four (4) hours in the classroom including a short (10 – 15 minute) break.

3.1.4 One-on-One Participant Sessions

Immediately following the classroom instruction the contractor shall then provide one-on-one sessions with the respective participants of the training. The sessions will be a minimum of 15 minutes per participant but may, at the request/agreement by the students, be performed in a group setting. The one-on-one sessions shall last approximately three (3) hours including a short (10 - 15 minute) break.

These sessions are critical since it allows for direct interaction with the instructors and is where the contractor will present the participant with the critique form that provides immediate feedback and identifies areas of strength and weakness in the participant’s writing style.

The contractor shall provide the COR a list of all participants who have successfully completed the training course and attended their one-on-one session.

3.2 (Task 2) – Advanced Effective Writing Training (Quantity 1) The contractor shall deliver effective expert level customized effective writing course (half workday) for management staff. Participants of the course write as a major daily component of their job, and the course must be able to challenge even the most seasoned writers. 3.2.1 Information Gathering

In order to develop a customized course curriculum the contractor must assess actual written materials that are representative of the writing level and style of the program office. The contractor will accomplish by:

Reviewing a minimum of 20 writing samples selected and provided by the program office.

3.2.2 Lesson Plan/Course Materials

The contractor shall provide a written facilitator lesson plan for the course incorporating the results of the assessment conducted under 3.2.1. The lesson plan must include copies of all visual aids used in the presentation of the materials. The participant materials should also serve as a stand-alone, take-away resource for the students. In addition the contractor shall also provide a participant critique form to provide feedback to each participant, identifying areas of strengths and weaknesses in the participant’s writing and it should allow for an overall rating of “Satisfactory” or “Needs Improvement”.

The contractor will provide IA with a hard (reproduction quality) and electronic (contractor shall communicate with the IA Contracting Officer Representative (COR) to determine the appropriate format of the electronic materials) version of all instructor and participant materials, to include the critique form. The contractor must provide all materials to the COR at least thirty (30) days prior to classroom instruction for review and approval. (Note: IA will reproduce all instructional materials provided by the contractor for the participants.)

All printed materials developed by the contractor must meet the following standards:

Error Free: All materials must be error free with no typographical, spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors. Content must be accurate. Factual data and statistics must be referenced.

Reading Level: All materials must be written for a target audience with an advanced college degree and two (2) to ten (10) years of experience producing written technical documents for senior policy officials.

Clear Writing Style: Instructional materials must use concise paragraphs with simple sentences; each of which convey a single idea.

Format: Materials must make use of features that make retrieving information simple, e.g. boxes, boldface, italics, and underscoring.

Production Quality: Materials must reflect professional production standards of the quality obtained through desk-top publishing or typesetting. Layouts must be pleasing to the eye with appropriate use of

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white space. Materials must be duplicated such that both text and graphics are clear, crisp, and easy-to-read.

Source Documentation: All proposed materials must be current and appropriately documented as to their original source.

3.2.3 Classroom Instruction

The contractor shall provide classroom instruction, review participant’s written products, and provide appropriate feedback. Materials covered should include, at a minimum, the following: 1) Effective Communication; 2) Effective Editing work; 3) Effective Written Presentation; and 4) Writing for an internal and external audience.

During each half-day training session the contractor shall provide two (2) instructors to perform the following activities:

Facilitate effective writing instruction to the entire class of approximately twenty (20) participants. Analyze specific written products. Provide instruction and feedback to the students.

The instructors must communicate effectively and have the ability to:

Review and evaluate the participants’ writing samples for proper structure, conciseness, cohesion, readability, punctuation, audience, tone, and Treasury writing style.

Offer suggestions for improvement in the participants’ work products. Assist the participants in improving their writing skills through classroom and individualized

training sessions. Assist participants in identifying their writing strengths and weaknesses.

During each session, both instructors shall spend approximately four (4) hours in the classroom including a short (10 – 15 minute) break.

3.2.4 One-on-One Participant Sessions

Immediately following the classroom instruction the contractor shall then provide one-on-one sessions with the respective participants of the training. The sessions will be a minimum of 15 minutes per student. The one-on-one sessions shall last approximately three (3) hours including a short (10 - 15 minute) break.

These sessions are critical since it allows for direct interaction with the instructors to provide immediate feedback and allow for open discussion of the strengths and weaknesses in the participant’s writing.

The contractor shall provide the COR a list of all participants who have successfully completed the training course and attended their one-on-one session.

4. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The contractor shall perform the bulk of the work associated with both tasks remotely from their own place of business. However, all face-to-face meetings, classroom instruction, and one-on-one sessions will be performed at the Main Treasury building, 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC 20220.

5. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance shall be a one year base contract from date of award + 4 option years.

6. HOURS OF OPERATION

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The logistics and time requirements for both instructors for each training session are as follows:

The classroom instruction and one-on-one sessions will take place from 9 am to 5 pm EST, during a weekday, Monday through Friday, with sixty (60) minutes allotted for lunch.

Services are not expected to normally occur on federal holidays or weekends. The following is a list of federal holidays:

New Year’s Day January 1st Martin Luther King’s Birthday 3rd Monday in JanuaryPresident’s Day 3rd Monday in FebruaryMemorial Day Last Monday in MayIndependence Day July 4th Labor Day 1st Monday in SeptemberColumbus Day 2nd Monday in OctoberVeteran’s Day November 11th

Thanksgiving Day 4th Thursday in NovemberChristmas Day December 25th

This shall include any other day specifically declared by the President of the United States to be a national holiday.

Services shall not occur during inclement weather when the Government is closed. Contractor shall monitor and observe OPM guidelines for inclement weather closures for the Government.

7. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED MATERIALS, FACILITIES AND PROPERTYThe Government will provide the contractor access to Treasury’s facilities, training rooms and presentation equipment as required to present the training. Training materials must be compatible with MS Windows 7 operating systems and MS Office presentation software.

8. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED INFORMATION The Government will provide information necessary to assist the contractor in performance of the requested services.

9. SECURITY AND PRIVACY REQUIREMENTSa) The Contractor shall comply with agency personal identity verification procedures identified in the Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 (HSPD-12), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance M-05-24 and Federal Information Processing Standards Publication (FIPS PUB) Number 201.

b) The contractor shall not require a security clearance, and will be escorted while in Treasury buildings. The contractor shall provide the instructors’ Social Security Number, Date of Birth, and Citizenship to the Government POC at least forty-eight (48) hours before each scheduled training session.

11. NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENTS

Contractor personnel will have access to privileged and confidential materials of the United States Government. These printed and electronic documents are for internal use only, are not to be copied or released without permission, and remain the sole property of the United States Government. Some of these materials are protected by the Privacy Act of 1974 (revised by PL 93-5791) and Title 38. Unauthorized disclosure of Privacy Act or Title 38 covered materials is a criminal offense. In order to protect this information from unauthorized release or use, the contractor shall provide an executed non-disclosure agreement to the COR prior to commencement of work. A copy of the Non-Disclosure Agreement applicable to this contract is included as Attachment A to this SOW.

12. SECTION 508 COMPLIANCE

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All electronic and information technology (EIT) changes recommended as a result of any performance through this Task Order must adhere to the applicable accessibility standards at 36 CFR 1994, unless an agency exception to this requirement exists. 36 CFR 1194 implements Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and is viewable at http://www.section508.gov.

Section 2-Applicable Clauses

The following contract clauses are generally incorporated by reference and can be accessed in full text at http://farsite.hill.af.mil. Where appropriate fill-in clause information or full-text clauses are incorporated in this document.

DTAR 1052.201-70 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR) Designation and Authority (AUG 2011)

The Contracting Officer's Representative is:

Name: Thomas FunkhouserPhone Number: (202) 622 1496Email: [email protected]

(End of Clause)

DTAR 1052.210-70 CONTRACTOR PUBLICITY (AUG 2011)

The Contractor, or any entity or representative acting on behalf of the Contractor, shall not refer to the equipment or services furnished pursuant to the provisions of this contract in any news release or commercial advertising, or in connection with any news release or commercial advertising, without first obtaining explicit written consent to do so from the Contracting Officer. Should any reference to such equipment or services appear in any news release or commercial advertising issued by or on behalf of the Contractor without the required consent, the government shall consider institution of all remedies available under applicable law, including 31 U.S.C. 333, and this contract. Further, any violation of this provision may be considered during the evaluation of past performance in future competitively negotiated acquisitions.

(End of Clause)

DTAR 1052.232-7003 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS (AUG 2012)

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause—

(1) “ Payment request ” means a bill, voucher, invoice, or request for contract financing payment with associated supporting documentation. The payment request must comply with the requirements identified in FAR 32.905(b), “Payment documentation and process” and the applicable Payment clause included in this contract.

(2) [Reserved]

(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this clause, the Contractor shall submit payment requests electronically using the Internet Payment Platform (IPP). Information regarding IPP is available on the Internet at www.ipp.gov . Assistance with enrollment can be obtained by contacting the IPP Production Helpdesk via email [email protected] or phone (866) 973–3131.

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http://farsite.hill.af.mil/

(c) The Contractor may submit payment requests using other than IPP only when the Contracting Officer authorizes alternate procedures in writing.

(d) If alternate payment procedures are authorized, the Contractor shall include a copy of the Contracting Officer's written authorization with each payment request.

(End of clause)

52.203-99 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements. (DEVIATION 2015-00003)

As prescribed in Treasury Acquisition Bulletin No. 15-03 - Class Deviation, insert the following clause in all solicitations and contracts that will use Federal funds, including solicitations and contracts for the acquisition of commercial items under FAR part 12, or when obligating Federal funds on existing contracts.

PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH ENTITIES THAT REQUIRE CERTAIN INTERNAL CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENTS

(MAR 2015) (DEVIATION 2015-00003)

(a) The Contractor shall not require employees or subcontractors seeking to report fraud, waste, or abuse to sign or comply with internal confidentiality agreements or statements prohibiting or otherwise restricting such employees or subcontractors from lawfully reporting such waste, fraud, or abuse to a designated investigative or law enforcement representative of a Federal department or agency authorized to receive such information.

(b) The contractor shall notify employees that the prohibitions and restrictions of any internal confidentiality agreements covered by this clause are no longer in effect.

(c) The prohibition in paragraph (a) of this clause does not contravene requirements applicable to Standard Form 312, Form 4414, or any other form issued by a Federal department or agency governing the nondisclosure of classified information.

(d)(1) In accordance with section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Resolution Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235), use of funds appropriated (or otherwise made available) under that or any other Act may be prohibited, if the Government determines that the Contractor is not in compliance with the provisions of this clause.

(2) The Government may seek any available remedies in the event the contractor fails to comply with the provisions of this clause.

(End of clause)

FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions -- Commercial Items (May 2014)

Addendum:

SECTION 508 COMPLIANCE

a. IR-1052.239-9008 Section 508 Information, Documentation and Support (SEP 2006)

In accordance with 36 CFR 1194, Subpart D, the electronic information technology (EIT) products and product support services furnished in performance of this contract shall be documented to indicate the current conformance level with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, per the 1998 Amendments, and the Architectural and

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Transportation Barriers Compliance Board’s Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards. At no time during the performance of the contract shall the level of conformance go below the level of conformance in place at the time of award. At no additional cost, the contractor shall provide information, documentation, and support relative to the supplies and services as described in Section 2 above. The contractor shall maintain this detailed listing of compliant products for the full contract term, including forms of extensions, and shall ensure that it is current within five calendar days after award and within three calendar days of changes in products being utilized as follows:

(a) Product support documentation provided to end-users shall be made available in alternate formats upon request, at no additional charge.

(b) End-users shall have access to a description of the accessibility and compatibility features of products in alternate formats or alternate methods upon request, at no additional charge.

(c) Support services for products shall accommodate the communication needs of end-users with disabilities.

b. The following functional performance criteria (36 CFR 1194.31) apply to this contract.

_X_ (a) At least one mode of operations and information retrieval that does not require user vision shall be provided, or support for assistive technology used by people who are blind or visually impaired shall be provided.

_X_ (b) At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require visual acuity greater than 20/70 shall be provided in audio and enlarged print output working together or independently, or support for assistive technology used by people who are visually impaired shall be provided.

_X_ (c) At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require user hearing shall be provided, or support for assistive technology used by people who are deaf or hard of hearing shall be provided.

_X_ (d) Where audio information is important for the use of a product, at least one mode of operation and information retrieval shall be provided in an enhanced auditory fashion, or support for assistive hearing devices shall be provided.

_X_ (e) At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require speech shall be provided, or support for assistive technology used by people with disabilities shall be provided.

_X_ (f) At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require fine motor or simultaneous actions and that is operable with limited reach and strength shall be provided.

(End of clause)

FAR 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS -- COMMERCIAL ITEMS (OCT 2014) (a) The Contractor shall comply with the following Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses, which are incorporated in this contract by reference, to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items:

(1) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (Feb 2009) (22 U.S.C. 7104(g)).__ __ Alternate I (Aug 2007) of 52.222-50 (22 U.S.C. 7104(g)).

(2) 52.233-3, Protest After Award (Aug 1996)(31 U.S.C 3553).(3) 52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (Oct 2004)(Public Laws 108-77 and 108-78 (19 U.S.C. 3805 note)).

(b) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (b) that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items:

[Contracting Officer check as appropriate.]

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__ __ (1) 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (Sep 2006), with Alternate I (Oct 1995)(41 U.S.C. 4704 and 10 U.S.C. 2402).

__ __ (2) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (Apr 2010) (41 U.S.C. 3509).

__ __ (3) 52.203-15, Whistleblower Protections Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Jun 2010) (Section 1553 of Pub. L. 111-5). (Applies to contracts funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.)

__ __ (4) 52.204-10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (Jul 2013) (Pub. L. 109-282) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

(5) [Reserved]__ __ (6) 52.204-14, Service Contract Reporting Requirements (Jan 2014) (Pub. L. 111-

117, section 743 of Div. C). __ __ (7) 52.204-15, Service Contract Reporting Requirements for Indefinite-Delivery

Contracts (Jan 2014) (Pub. L. 111-117, section 743 of Div. C).__ __ (8) 52.209-6, Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with

Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment (Aug 2013) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

__ __ (9) 52.209-9, Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (Jul 2013) (41 U.S.C. 2313).

__ __ (10) 52.209-10, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (May 2012) (section 738 of Division C of Pub. L. 112-74, section 740 of Division C of Pub. L. 111-117, section 743 of Division D of Pub. L. 111-8, and section 745 of Division D of Pub. L. 110-161).

__ __ (11) (i) 52.219-3, Notice of HUBZone Set-Aside or Sole-Source Award (Nov 2011)(15 U.S.C. 657a).

__ (11) (ii) Alternate I (Nov 2011) of 52.219-3.__ __ (12) (i) 52.219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small

Business Concerns (Oct 2014) (if the offeror elects to waive the preference, it shall so indicate in its offer)(15 U.S.C. 657a).

__ (12) (ii) Alternate I (Jan 2011) of 52.219-4.

(13) [Reserved]__ X __ (14) (i) 52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (Nov 2011)(15 U.S.C.

644).__ __ (14) (ii) Alternate I (Nov 2011).__ __ (14) (iii) Alternate II (Nov 2011).__ __ (15) (i) 52.219-7, Notice of Partial Small Business Set-Aside (June 2003)(15 U.S.C.

644).__ __ (15) (ii) Alternate I (Oct 1995) of 52.219-7.__ __ (15) (iii) Alternate II (Mar 2004) of 52.219-7.__ __ (16) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Oct 2014) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)

(2) and (3)).__ __ (17) (i) 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (Oct 2014)(15 U.S.C. 637(d)

(4)). (In accordance with DDP Memo dated 9 Sep 2013, DAR Tracking Number 2013-O0014, Class Deviation—Summary Subcontract Report Submission, this clause is replaced with DFARS Deviation dated Aug 2013. Effective until incorporated into the FAR or DFARS or until rescinded.)

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__ __ (17) (ii) Alternate I (Oct 2001) of 52.219-9.__ __ (17) (iii) Alternate II (Oct 2001) of 52.219-9.__ __ (17) (iv) Alternate III (Oct 2014) of 52.219-9.__ (18) 52.219-13, Notice of Set-Aside of Orders (Nov 2011) (15 U.S.C. 644(r)).__ (19) 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting (Nov 2011)(15 U.S.C. 637(a)(14)).__ __ (20) 52.219-16, Liquidated Damages—Subcontracting Plan (Jan 1999) (15 U.S.C.

637(d)(4)(F)(i)).__ __ (21) 52.219-27, Notice of Total Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business

Set-Aside (Nov 2011)(15 U.S.C. 657 f).__X __ (22) 52.219-28, Post Award Small Business Program Representation (Jul 2013) (15

U.S.C. 632(a)(2)).__ __ (23) 52.219-29, Notice of Set-Aside for Economically Disadvantaged Women-

Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) Concerns (Jul 2013) (1 U.S.C. 637(m)).

__ __ (24) 52.219-30, Notice of Set-Aside for Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Concerns Eligible Under the WOSB Program (Jul 2013) (15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

__X __ (25) 52.222-3, Convict Labor (June 2003)(E.O. 11755).__X__ (26) 52.222-19, Child Labor—Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (Jan

2014)(E.O. 13126).__X __ (27) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Feb 1999).__X __ (28) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Mar 2007)(E.O. 11246).__ __ (29) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (Jul 2014)(38 U.S.C. 4212).__X __ (30) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity For Workers with Disabilities (Jul 2014)(29

U.S.C. 793).__ __ (31) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (Jul 2014)(38 U.S.C. 4212).__ __ (32) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor relations

Act (Dec 2010) E.O. 13496).__ __ (33) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (Aug 2013). (Executive Order

12989). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items or certain other types of commercial items as prescribed in 22.1803.)

__ __ (34) (i) 52.223-9, Estimate of Percentage of Recovered Material Content for EPA-Designated Items (May 2008)(42 U.S.C. 6962(c)(3)(A)(ii)). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items.)

__ _ (34) (ii) Alternate I (May 2008) of 52.223-9 (42 U.S.C. 6962(i)(2)(C)). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items.)

____ (35) (i) 52.223-13, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Imaging Equipment (Jun 2014) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

____ (35) (ii) Alternate I (Jun 2014) of 52.223-13.____ (36) (i) 52.223-14, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Televisions (Jun 2014)

(E.O.s 13423 and 13514).____ (36) (ii) Alternate I (Jun 2014) of 52.223-14.__ __ (37) 52.223-15, Energy Efficiency in Energy-Consuming Products (Dec 2007)

(42.U.S.C. 8259b).__ __ (38) (i) 52.223-16, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Personal Computer Products

(Jun 2014) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

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__ _ (38) (ii) Alternate I (Jun 2014) of 52.223-16.__X __ (39) 52.223-18, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While

Driving (Aug 2011)(E.O.13513).__ __ (40) 52.225-1, Buy American--Supplies (May 2014)(41 U.S.C. chapter 83).__ __ (41) (i) 52.225-3, Buy American--Free Trade Agreements--Israeli Trade Act (May

2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 83, 19 U.S.C. 3301 note, 19 U.S.C. 2112 note, 19 U.S.C. 3805 note, 19 U.S.C. 4001 note, Pub. L. 103-182, 108-77, 108-78, 108-286, 108-302, 109-53, 109-169, 109-283, 110-138, 112-41, 112-42, and 112-43).

__ _ (41) (ii) Alternate I (May 2014) of 52.225-3.__ _ (41) (iii) Alternate II (May 2014) of 52.225-3.__ _ (41) (iv) Alternate III (May 2014) of 52.225-3.__ __ (42) 52.225-5, Trade Agreements (Nov 2013) (19 U.S.C. 2501, et seq., 19 U.S.C.

3301 note).__X __ (43) 52.225-13, Restriction on Certain Foreign Purchases (Jun 2008)(E.O.s,

proclamations, and statutes administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of Treasury).

__ __ (44) 52.225-26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (Jul 2013) (Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. 2302 Note).

__ __ (45) 52.226-4, Notice of Disaster or Emergency Area Set-Aside (Nov 2007)(42 U.S.C. 5150).

__ __ (46) 52.226-5, Restrictions on Subcontracting Outside Disaster or Emergency Area (Nov 2007)(42 U.S.C. 5150).

__ __ (47) 52.232-29, Terms for financing of Purchases of Commercial Items (Feb 2002)(41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 2307(f)).

__ __ (48) 52.232-30, Installment Payments for Commercial Items (Oct 1995)(41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 2307(f)).

__ __ (49) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System for Award Management (Jul 2013)(31.U.S.C. 3332).

__ __ (50) 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—Other than System for Award Management (Jul 2013)(31.U.S.C. 3332).

__ __ (51) 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party (May 2014) (31 U.S.C. 3332).__ __ (52) 52.239-1, Privacy or Security Safeguards (Aug 1996)(5 U.S.C. 552a).__ __ (53) (i) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels

(Feb 2006) (46 U.S.C. Appx. 1241(b) and 10 U.S.C. 2631).__ _ (53) (ii) Alternate I (Apr 2003) of 52.247-64.

(c) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (c), applicable to commercial services, that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items:

[Contracting Officer check as appropriate.]__ __ (1) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (May 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).__ __ (2) 52.222-42, Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (May 2014) (29

U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).__ __ (3) 52.222-43, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards--

Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts) (May 2014)(29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

__ __ (4) 52.222-44, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards -

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Price Adjustment (May 2014) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

__ __ (5) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment—Requirements (May 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

__ __ (6) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services—Requirements (May 2014)(41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

__ __ (7) 52.222-17, Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers (May 2014) (E.O. 13495).__ __ (8) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations. (May

2014) (42 U.S.C. 1792).__ __ (9) 52.237-11, Accepting and Dispensing of $1 Coin (Sep 2008) (31 U.S.C. 5112(p)

(1)).

(d) Comptroller General Examination of Record. The Contractor shall comply with the provisions of this paragraph (d) if this contract was awarded using other than sealed bid, is in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold, and does not contain the clause at 52.215-2, Audit and Records--Negotiation.

(1) The Comptroller General of the United States, or an authorized representative of the Comptroller General, shall have access to and right to examine any of the Contractor's directly pertinent records involving transactions related to this contract.(2) The Contractor shall make available at its offices at all reasonable times the records, materials, and other evidence for examination, audit, or reproduction, until 3 years after final payment under this contract or for any shorter period specified in FAR Subpart 4.7, Contractor Records Retention, of the other clauses of this contract. If this contract is completely or partially terminated, the records relating to the work terminated shall be made available for 3 years after any resulting final termination settlement. Records relating to appeals under the disputes clause or to litigation or the settlement of claims arising under or relating to this contract shall be made available until such appeals, litigation, or claims are finally resolved.(3) As used in this clause, records include books, documents, accounting procedures and practices, and other data, regardless of type and regardless of form. This does not require the Contractor to create or maintain any record that the Contractor does not maintain in the ordinary course of business or pursuant to a provision of law.

(e)(1) Notwithstanding the requirements of the clauses in paragraphs (a), (b), (c) and (d) of this clause, the Contractor is not required to flow down any FAR clause, other than those in paragraphs (e)(1) of this paragraph in a subcontract for commercial items. Unless otherwise indicated below, the extent of the flow down shall be as required by the clause—

(i) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (Apr 2010) (41 U.S.C. 3509).(ii) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Oct 2014) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)), in all subcontracts that offer further subcontracting opportunities. If the subcontract (except subcontracts to small business concerns) exceeds $650,000 ($1.5 million for construction of any public facility), the subcontractor must include 52.219-8 in lower tier subcontracts that offer subcontracting opportunities.(iii) 52.222-17, Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers (May 2014) (E.O. 13495). Flow Down required in accordance with paragraph (l) of FAR clause 52.222-17.(iv) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Mar 2007) (E.O. 11246).(v) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (Jul 2014) (38 U.S.C. 4212).(vi) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (Jul 2014) (29 U.S.C. 793).(vii) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (Jul 2014) (38 U.S.C. 4212).(viii) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (Dec 2010) (E.O. 13496). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (f) of FAR clause 52.222-40. (ix) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (May 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).(x) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (Feb 2009) (22 U.S.C. 7104 (g)). Alternate I (Aug 2007) of 52.222-50 (22 U.S.C. 7104(g)).

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(xi) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment—Requirements (May 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).(xii) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services—Requirements (May 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).(xiii) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (Aug 2013).(xiv) 52.225-26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (Jul 2013) (Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. 2302 Note).(xv) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations (May 2014) (42 U.S.C. 1792). Flow down required in accordance with paragraphs (e) of FAR clause 52.226-6.(xvi) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (Feb 2006) (46 U.S.C. Appx 1241(b) and 10 U.S.C. 2631). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (d) of FAR clause 52.247-64.

(2) While not required, the contractor may include in its subcontracts for commercial items a minimal number of additional clauses necessary to satisfy its contractual obligations.

52.217-8 Option to Extend Services (NOV 1999)The Government may require continued performance of any services within the limits and at the rates specified in the contract. These rates may be adjusted only as a result of revisions to prevailing labor rates provided by the Secretary of Labor. The option provision may be exercised more than once, but the total extension of performance hereunder shall not exceed 6 months. The Contracting Officer may exercise the option by written notice to the Contractor within 30 DAYS.

(End of clause)

52.217-9 Option to Extend the Term of the Contract (MAR 2000)(a) The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the Contractor within 15 DAYS; provided that the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least 30 days before the contract expires. The preliminary notice does not commit the Government to an extension.(b) If the Government exercises this option, the extended contract shall be considered to include this option clause.(c) The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed 5 YEARS.

(End of clause) 52.232-39 UNENFORCEABILITY OF UNAUTHORIZED OBLIGATIONS (JUN 2013)

(IAW FAR 32.706-3) 52.232-40 PROVIDING ACCELERATED PAYMENTS TO SMALL BUSINESS

SUBCONTRACTORS (DEC 2013) (IAW FAR 32.009-2)

DTAR Clause 1052.209-71:

REPRESENTATION BY CORPORATIONS REGARDING A UNPAID FEDERAL TAX LIABILITY OR CONVICTION OF A FELONY CRIMINAL VIOLATION UNDER FEDERAL LAW (DEVIATION 2015-00002) (JAN 2015)

(a) In accordance with Sections 744 and 745 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Public Law 113-235) none of the funds made available by this or any other Act may be used to enter into a contract with any corporation that—

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(1) Has any unpaid Federal tax liability that has been assessed, for which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax liability, where the awarding agency is aware of the unpaid tax liability, unless a Federal agency has considered suspension or debarment of the corporation and has made a determination that this further action is not necessary to protect the interests of the Government; or

(2) Was convicted of a felony criminal violation under any Federal law within the preceding 24 months, where the awarding agency is aware of the conviction, unless a Federal agency has considered suspension or debarment of the corporation and has made a determination that this further action is not necessary to protect the interests of the Government.

(b)By accepting this order the contractor/offeror represents that-

(1) It is[ ] is not [X] a corporation that has any unpaid Federal tax liability that has been assessed,

for which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed, and that

is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible for

collecting the tax liability.

(2) It is[ ] is not[X] a corporation that was convicted of a felony criminal violation under any Federal

law within the preceding 24 months.

(End of provision)

Section 3-INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS1.0 Quote Submission Instructions

1.1 Time for Submission

All proposals shall be submitted electronically. Proposal responses are due by 12:00 pm EST on Friday, April 3, 2015. There will be no exceptions to the time, day, and date of this RFP unless otherwise determined by the Government. All responses, including negative responses, should be forwarded to the contracting officer [email protected]. Due to system limitations of 10MBs, we are no longer able to accept zip files from external sources. Also, when responding, please include RFQ # 15PR-TDP-0358 in the Subject Line.

When responding to the SOW, a Technical Proposal and separate full Price Proposal are required. The TechnicalProposal shall not exceed 5 pages (not including cover page and Table of Contents) and should not be incorporated into the SOW. Pages in excess of stated page limitations will not be evaluated.

1.2 Quote Format and Method of Submission

Your quote shall include:

• A signature page identifying the company official authorized to contract on behalf of your organization; • Quote submission requirements as outlined to address technical requirements and pricing;

Questions regarding this RFQ should be submitted to David Gill prior to the proposal deadline. Treasury will respond to all timely questions if feasible.

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mailto:[email protected]

2.0 Evaluation of Quotes and Evaluation Factors for Award

Treasury will use the following factors to evaluate your quote:

• Technical Approach: The Offeror shall address all tasking areas set forth in the Performance Work Statement within this solicitation. Provide a narrative demonstrating an understanding of the SSBCI program and the planned approach to provide marketing / communications services for the program.

• Past Performance: Treasury will review records contained in the Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS) to assess the likelihood that the Offeror can successfully perform the required work. Treasury reserves the right to contact and use information provided by the references and any other sources available. If no relevant information on past performance is provided by the Offeror or obtained by Treasury, the Offeror will be evaluated neither favorably nor unfavorably on past performance. Offeror need not submit any information for this evaluation criterion.

• Price-Firm Fixed Price. Treasury will evaluate the pricing set forth in the Quoter’s response(s) by considering the proposed rates, level of effort, mix of labor, and total price. The Offeror shall submit a firm fixed price (FFP) proposal. The price proposal will be submitted using Microsoft Excel. The excel worksheet supporting detail shall include the labor categories, estimate of hours for each category, hourly rates, extended amounts, and the total amount for each task period, and a grand summary total for all task periods. Extended narrative or cover letters provided as support for the price proposal should be submitted in a separate MS Word file or .pdf type file format. If known at the time of proposal submission, each subcontractor’s full name, address, phone number, and internet address, if applicable, shall be included in the price proposal narrative or explanatory notes. The extended narrative must include the Offeror’s name or initials and the RTPP number.

Technical Approach is more important than Price.

2.1 Evaluation Criteria

Offerors will be evaluated under three factors. Factors 1-2 are in descending order of importance and when combined are significantly more important than cost/price. (Note: Cost/Price will be evaluated, but will not be assigned an adjectival rating, or scored.)

Description of Factors

FACTOR 1 – TECHNICAL APPROACH

The Offeror's technical approach demonstrates a clear understanding of the work to be performed. The proposal outlines an effective, efficient, achievable approach for accomplishing the work to be performed by this task order within the timeline specified by either performance periods or documented in a deliverable schedule. Offerors proposal shall reference the subtask number in the SOW and provide the Offeror's response to each. (5 page limit)

Adjectival Rating for Factor 1

“Excellent” – Demonstrates an exceptional technical solution and comprehension of the solicitation requirements. The proposed technical solution outlines an effective, efficient, achievable approach that addresses all of the requirements as defined by Section 3 of the SOW. This represents a proposal with many strengths, few if any weaknesses and no deficiencies.

“Good” – Demonstrates an above average technical solution and comprehension of the solicitation requirements. The proposed technical solution outlines an effective, efficient, achievable approach that addresses all of the requirements as defined by Section 3 of the SOW. This represents a proposal with several strengths, few weaknesses and no deficiencies.

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“Satisfactory” – Demonstrates an average technical solution and comprehension of the solicitation requirements. The proposed technical solution outlines an approach that addresses all of the requirements as defined by Section 3 of the SOW. This represents a proposal with some strengths, several weaknesses, and no deficiencies.

“Unsatisfactory” – Demonstrates an inadequate technical solution and/or comprehension of the solicitation requirements. The proposed technical solution outlines approach that does not addresses all of the requirements as defined by Section 3 of the SOW and/or is not effective, efficient and/or achievable. This represents a proposal with few strengths, if any, several or more weaknesses, and one or more deficiencies.

FACTOR 2 - PAST PERFORMANCE

Evaluation of past performance may be based upon past performance information contained in the Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS). PPIRS has been established as a Government-wide performance system, and serves as a central warehouse for performance assessment reports received from various Federal performance information collections systems. Based upon information contained in PPIRS the Government will evaluate Offerors’ relevant past performance performing contracts similar in size, scope and complexity to that contemplated by the solicitation. Past performance is relevant when an Offeror has been confronted with the kinds of challenges and risks contemplated by the solicitation. In order for the past performance to be considered recent, it must be performed within the past three (3) years.

Adjectival Rating for Factor 2

“Excellent” – Highly relevant past/present performance record, performing contracts/ task orders. Little or no potential risk exists for disruption of schedule, increase in cost, or degradation of performance based on the Offeror’s past performance.

“Good” – Relevant past/present performance record performing contracts/task orders. Minimal potential risk exists for disruption of schedule, increase in cost, or degradation of performance based on the Offeror’s past performance.

“Satisfactory” – Relevant past/present performance record performing contracts/task orders. Moderate potential risk exists for disruption of schedule, increase in cost, or degradation of performance based on the Offeror’s past performance.

“Unsatisfactory” – Highly relevant or relevant past/present performance may exist; however, significant potential risk exists for disruption of schedule, increase in cost, or degradation of performance based on the Offeror’s past performance.

“Neutral” – No record of relevant past/present performance exists or relevant past/present performance history is not available. There is no expectation of either successful or unsuccessful performance based on the Offeror’s past performance record. The offeror may not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably on past performance.

FACTOR 3 – COST/PRICE

For purposes of evaluation, the evaluated total price shall include the base period, all optional quantities, option periods, travel, and all other costs or prices, as applicable. Price will be evaluated, but will not be assigned an adjectival rating, or scored. The Government will evaluate proposed prices to determine if the prices are fair and reasonable, reflect a clear understanding of the requirements, and are consistent with the Offeror’s technical proposal. The price evaluation may also include an evaluation of the Offeror’s price for the purpose of assessing the risk inherent in the Offeror’s approach. Proposals may result in a determination of unacceptability or lower evaluation, if they are (1) unrealistic in terms of either technical or cost/price; (2) indicative of failure to comprehend the complexity and risks associated with the solicitation requirements; (3) reflective of a lack of competence; or (4) indicate an inherent performance or cost risk weakness in the approach.

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AWARD OF FULL QUANTITY

Offerors must submit prices for all lines items and all quantities, including option quantities to be eligible for award.

List of Attachments

Attachment A: Non-Disclosure Agreement

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ATTACHMENT A

Non-Disclosure Agreement

The following form is required to be executed and submitted by each Contractor employee or contract personnel:

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION AGREEMENT

Contract/Contract No./Task Order No.: ___________________________________

I, _________________________________________, am an /__/ employee /__/ contract employee of_________________________________________ ("Contractor”). Contractor has contracted with the Department of the Treasury (Treasury), the “Customer", to perform various contract administration support and related services. I understand and acknowledge that, as a result of my employment with Contractor, I may have access to certain confidential, proprietary, and other information including, within specified parameters and only as allowed by law, access to Treasury’s computer programs and software, processes, technical information, plans, specifications, files, directives, financial records, and, possibly, the tenants of federal buildings. Confidential information shall not include information to the extent that: (i) it is or becomes publicly available through a source other than Contractor; (ii) it is required to be disclosed pursuant to law or regulation, government authority, duly authorized subpoena or court order; (iii) is approved for disclosure by prior written consent of the Treasury; or (iv) information that the Contractor subsequently learned from a third party that does not impose an obligation of confidentiality upon Contractor and that either (a) does not reference or identify the Treasury or Treasury’s Customer Client, other Contractors, or any files or employees of the same; or (b) which references or identifies Treasury, or Treasury’s Customer Client, other Contractors, or any files or employees of the same, but which after reasonably inquiry cannot be determined to be Confidential Information covered by this Agreement.

I will not at any time, either during or after my employment or contract/contract with the Contractor, use or disclose to others or any other source outside Treasury, any confidential information obtained as a result of the contract/contract between Contractor and Treasury or as the result of any access to Treasury’s Customer Client's or other Contractor’s files, computers or personnel.

I acknowledge I have been assigned to or I am working on the contract/contract indicated above at the direction of Treasury and that any product of my work is intended to be privileged and confidential work product. I am aware that unauthorized disclosure of information could damage the integrity of this contract, or project(s), as well as other Governmental interests and that the transmission or revelation of such information to unauthorized persons could subject me to prosecution under applicable laws.

I agree that I will not divulge, publish, or reveal by work, conduct or any other means, such confidential, proprietary, and sensitive information or knowledge, except as necessary to do so in the performance of my official duties related to this contract and project and in accordance with the laws of the United States, unless specifically authorized in writing, in each and every case, by the contract’s project manager, contracting officer, or a duly authorized representative of the United States Government. I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion and in the absence of duress.

Upon completion of the contract, or project, I will safeguard and not disclose to any other source, customers, clients or parties, other than to Treasury, or properly authorized personnel of Treasury’s Customer Client or of another Federal agency without limitation, any and all research findings, documents or papers relating to Treasury or Treasury’s Customer Client's or other Contractor’s business in my possession, under my control or accessible by me.

I agree that I will limit reproduction and/or dissemination of covered materials, information and data only to persons/parties related to this Contract or otherwise authorized to receive such information; and, I shall make every possible effort that is reasonable and prudent to prevent unauthorized disclosure of such information covered by this Confidential Information Agreement.

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I recognize that if I breach this Confidential Information Agreement, harm may come to the Government, Treasury, to Treasury’s Customer Client, or other Contractor, and that the remedy at law may be inadequate; therefore, I agree that Treasury is entitled to seek injunctive relief against any such actual or threatened breach, in addition to any other remedy provided by law.

Nothing in this agreement should be construed to restrict contractor’s ability to report fraud, waste, or abuse to sign to a designated investigative or law enforcement representative of a Federal department or agency authorized to receive such information.

I agree that this agreement (a) shall be binding upon my legal representatives, and assigns; and (b) shall be governed by the laws of the United States Government.

By:_____________________________________ ___________________

Original Signature of Employee Date Executed

_______________________________________ ___________________

Printed Name of Employee Title of Employee

Original Executed Agreement to be delivered to the Contracting Officer

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