Loren Data's SAM Daily™

FBO DAILY ISSUE OF AUGUST 05, 2010 FBO #3176
SOLICITATION NOTICE

R -- Background "IN-House" Investigators

Notice Date

8/3/2010
 

Notice Type

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
 

NAICS

561611 — Investigation Services
 

Contracting Office

Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Administrative Programs Division (APD), 99 New York Avenue, NE, 3rd Floor - Acquisitions, Washington, District of Columbia, 20226
 

ZIP Code

20226
 

Solicitation Number

DJA10S000077
 

Archive Date

9/15/2010
 

Point of Contact

James M. Huff, Phone: 202-648-9117
 

E-Mail Address

james.huff@atf.gov
(james.huff@atf.gov)
 

Small Business Set-Aside

Total Small Business
 

Description

Post of duty is: 99 New York Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20226. YOU MUST BE ABLE TO COMMUTE DAILY TO THE PERSONNEL SECURITY BRANCH OFFICE IN WASHINGTON, DC Description The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) has an established Contract Background Investigation Program (CBIP) to conduct personnel security background investigations on prospective ATF applicants, contractors, and other non-ATF personnel, as well as periodic reinvestigations on all current employees. The purpose of these investigations is to determine suitability for employment and/or eligibility to access National Security Information. Background investigations are conducted in accordance with established Executive Orders 10450, 12968, and 13467, the Privacy Act of 1974, Office of Personnel Management regulations, other relevant regulations from the Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and ATF policies and procedures. ATF's CBIP utilizes the services of experienced investigators to conduct investigative leads. However, ATF realizes there is a need to secure the services of persons possessing certain degrees of expertise in the processing of background investigations, including planning, scoping, assigning and reviewing. To that end, ATF has determined that the most efficient and cost-effective method of conducting such activities is to employ the services of contract investigators and therefore, has a need for "In-House Special Investigators," hereinafter referred to as contractors. Operational and administration aspects of the program are contracted out to trained and experienced investigators or personnel security professionals, typically, though not exclusively, retired federal investigators who have at least 3 years of current experience in the administration of and/or conduct of personnel security background investigations. Contractors must possess sufficient investigative and administrative abilities to perform the tasks assigned to them by ATF. Contract investigators who are under contract with ATF shall be known as "Special Investigators" and carry credentials authorizing them to perform such background investigations as the Assistant Director may authorize. Contractors may also be assigned to assist with other official ATF investigations. The Office of Professional Responsibilities and Security Operations, Personnel Security Branch (PSB), shall monitor the conduct of all background investigators. The Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) and the contractor's responsibilities thereunder are subject to changes in Federal law, regulation and policy, which may include, but are not limited to procedural changes related to the use of government equipment, security procedures, and investigative priorities. All modifications may be sent to contractors via mail or electronic mail after review and approval of ATF Contracting Officer and Program Office. Program Requirements The PSB is currently organized into four (4) team sections. Applicant Team: responsible for conducting background investigations on potential ATF special agents, industry operations investigators, and other ATF personnel. Contactor Team: responsible for conducting background investigations on potential ATF contractors, task force officers, student interns, and volunteers. Employee Team: responsible for conducting periodic reinvestigations on current ATF employees. Investigations Team: responsible for organizing assignments, review and approval of background investigative leads sent to ATF Field Special Investigators. In addition, the Investigations Team provides guidance to Special Investigators in the field; they also serve as the authority for investigative coverage requirements. Contractors must possess sufficient investigative, administrative and managerial abilities to perform the tasks assigned to them. Such tasks might include planning assignments, scoping investigations, assigning investigations, reviewing Reports of Investigation (ROI), auditing and adjudicating investigations, completing requests for payment and working on special projects as directed by the Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR), Branch Chief or designee. Contractors must be computer literate and efficient in software programs that support email, word processing, and data entry, which are utilized in the administration of the personnel security program. Standard In House Contractors Contractors shall ensure their availability to process needed work in a timely manner. A minimum of 36 hours and 4 days per week is required. Contractors are responsible for providing adequate office coverage with their respective team; to include holiday and high vacation/travel months. Failure to meet necessary availability may result in termination of the BPA. On-Call In House Contractors The ATF may have a need to hire on-call contractors. If investigative work and/or an increase in priority investigations create a backlog, contractors would be required to work on an as needed basis; two or three days a week, as determined by the PSB. On-call contractors will be contacted by the PSB when their services are required. Once the necessary work has been performed, contractors will be excused from their assignment as directed by the PSB. On-call contractors must adhere to the same standards and codes of conduct as Standard In House Contractors. Payment for Services and Scheduling In compliance with ATF's specific invoicing procedures, contractors must submit a request for payment detailing the number of hours worked. All claims for payment or reimbursement shall be subject to audit and adjustment. Contractors will be paid at the rate of $56.00 per hour for each hour up to and including 40 hours or otherwise established rate as determined by ATF. Contractors shall not work more than ten hours per day without prior approval from the COTR, Branch Chief or designee. Hours authorized and worked in excess of 40 hours per week will be paid at the rate of $84.00; the need for additional work hours must be agreed upon and have prior approval from the COTR, Branch Chief or designee. Contractors shall ensure their availability to process needed work in a timely manner. A minimum of 36 hours and 4 days per week is required. Contractors are responsible for providing adequate office coverage with their respective team; to include holiday and high vacation/travel months. Failure to meet necessary availability may result in termination of the BPA. Contractors are afforded a 15-minute break for each 4-hour period worked; they shall not be compensated for breaks greater than 15 minutes. Contractors must claim a minimum of 15-minutes for lunch each day worked; they shall not be compensated for time taken for lunch. Contractors will not be compensated for parking fees and travel to and from work. ATF may use the services of a third party contractor to provide administrative records and financial management services. This includes processing invoices and making payments for ATF designated contracts such as those for conducting background investigations. Consequently, contractors are advised that the third party, rather than ATF, may provide actual payment for services rendered and accepted by ATF under any resulting contract. Contractors are further advised that the third party is required to make payments in the same timely manner as ATF. The third party contractor also will provide means for each contractor to register, enroll, and review the status of account payments through an on-line system. Specific details of this arrangement will be provided to each contractor if and when the third party source is identified. Performance and Access to ATF Materials and Information Contractors are responsible for safeguarding information. Background investigation information is protected by the Privacy Act of 1974 and, unless classified, is Sensitive but Unclassified Information (SBU). SBU must not be transmitted via unsecured email or Internet, or disclosed to unauthorized parties. Contractors must never furnish or divulge SBU contained in an investigation. Each contractor must make every reasonable effort to protect data associated with a background investigation. Data, notes, copies of testimonies, copies of ROIs, etc., are the sole property of ATF and must be safeguarded against unlawful disclosure. Each contractor, when working in the PSB, must carry themselves in a manner that reflects positively on ATF. To that end, contractors, when on duty, should present themselves in a professional manner, be neatly groomed, and appropriately attired. Contractors must promote a positive workplace environment. Complaints of inappropriate conduct or performance may be investigated, and if substantiated, may result in the BPA being terminated. Contractors must exhibit professional qualities during all periods of performance and absolute integrity is required and expected. Contractors must be polite and professional in both conduct and appearance. Contractors will have access to ATF's computer network and are required to successfully complete a series of mandatory online training courses; some may require an annual recertification. Currently, the ATF requires all contractors to complete the following courses: Introduction to National Security Information, Information Security Awareness with Acknowledgement of the Rules of Behavior and Social Engineering, Emergency Preparedness, IS-700: FEMA - National Incident Management System and IS-100.LE - ICS 100 for Law Enforcement Personnel. Contractors must also complete the following forms: ATF P 7500.1 (Rules of Behavior and Customer Agreement for ATF Workstation Users), and ATF F 1710.5 (Request for Media ID), Contractors must execute, and abide by the terms of a Non-Disclosure Agreement. Any identification media, ATF provided software, and all other Government property must be surrendered when requested by the PSB. Contractors should never use ATF credentials for investigating any matter not assigned to them by ATF, the PSB or for any personal gain. Contractors must not allow their credentials to be photocopied or taken from their possession. Lost or stolen credentials should be reported to the PSB immediately, as well as the local police department. Contractors, who wish to terminate their BPA with the ATF, prior to its expiration, must notify the PSB with a minimum 30 day written notice. Security and/or Suitability Screening Each contractor must be able to obtain and maintain a favorably adjudicated Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) and receive a Top Secret clearance. This investigation will be conducted by or under the auspices of the PSB, and be performed under such standards as the PSB may establish. A favorable adjudication of the SSBI must be determined by ATF prior to access to ATF information, information technology systems, and unescorted access to facilities. Failure to timely complete the required background forms, have a background investigation favorably adjudicated or receive a Top Secret clearance constitutes grounds for disqualification of the contractor. The contractor is advised that this investigation may take 90 days or more to complete, depending upon the complexities of the issues. ATF will conduct a Periodic Reinvestigation on contract investigators every five years. Should the contractor be disqualified, he or she will not be granted unescorted access to any ATF facility, and access to ATF proprietary information or data will not be authorized. Contractors may be required to complete a Conduct and Integrity Certification and Agency Specific Qualification Certification prior to submitting a formal background investigation package. Failure to adhere to ATF's conduct and integrity guidelines and/or be in compliance with DOJ and ATF agency specific qualifications may result in immediate disqualification. Central Contractor and Dun and Bradstreet Registration Contractors must obtain a Dun and Bradstreet (DUNS) number and have a current registration in the Central Contractor Register (CCR) for payment via electronic funds transfer. CCR requires that registrations must be recertified on an annual basis in order to remain active. The contractor is responsible for making changes to his/her own information. Any change to the contractor's name, address, telephone number, company name, tax identification number, or financial institution information must be made by the contractor in the CCR. It is vital contractors keep their registration current. In addition, contractors must notify the PSB and the ATF Financial Management Division of any changes so the proper updates can be made to all systems. Contractor Certification Each contractor must complete a Contractor Certification which declares that any submission of a contractor's request for payment and any supplemental material, whether submitted in hard copy or electronic format, represents actual hours worked and/or actual reported investigative work that was performed and conducted in compliance with requirements of the awarded BPA. Facilities ATF agrees to furnish the equipment and facilities to allow contractors to perform the duties expected of them. Post of Duty: 99 New York Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20226. Deliverables Contractor tasks will be assessed on a continuing basis. Evaluations of contractor performance may occur at least once annually by the PSB COTR, Branch Chief or designee. Tasks will be performed in a manner acceptable to the PSB and must be accomplished in accordance with personnel security guidelines and branch procedures. A final assessment of contractor production and performance will be reviewed and an official report will be placed in the contractor's administrative file. Solicitation ATF intends to issue vendors a BPA that will be available for placing calls/orders through March 30, 2015. The solicitation will close August 31, 2010 at 4 p.m. EST. All responses will be evaluated and a sufficient number of awards will be made to the most advantageous (most highly rated) vendors. A BPA will be awarded after all evaluations are passed, tentative selections are made, interviews completed and background investigations adjudicated favorably. ATF reserves the right to retain all proposal materials for any vendor. As the needs of the Contract Background Investigation Program change, the PSB has authority to reconsider proposals for those vendors who receive a favorable evaluation and review, but not initially selected for an award. However, because the needs of the program are dynamic, ATF anticipates a requirement to periodically re-open this solicitation and add new vendors to the selection pool. Vendors selected from their responses to this solicitation will be offered a BPA. A BPA is not a contract. A BPA is a simplified method of procuring quantities of supplies or services that selected vendors are in a position to furnish and eliminate the need for more complex acquisition methods. There will be no minimum or maximum guaranteed quantity. All calls/orders must be acknowledged and accepted by the selected vendor, or the call will be transferred to another vendor. Calls/orders may be competed among all vendors at the same time, upon the discretion of the ATF representative. The BPA and the contractor's responsibilities thereunder are subject changes in Federal law, regulation and policy, which may include, but are not limited to, procedural changes related to the use of government equipment, security procedures and investigative priorities. Modifications may be sent to vendors via mail or electronic mail. The North American Industry Classification System Code (NAICS) is 561611 Investigation Services, and is the appropriate designation required by the CCR. The following clauses are incorporated in full force: FAR Part 52.212.1 Instructions to Offeror - Commercial Items (Oct. 00) and FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial (incorporated by reference). Each offeror must be willing to submit a completed copy of the provisions set forth in FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representation and Certifications-Commercial Items, FAR 52.209-5, Certification Regarding Responsibility Matters and provide a statement proving they have read and understand the term and Conditions set forth in the FAR 52.212-4. These three documents will be provided to the vendor, by the PSB, when and if a tentative offer for award is extended. EVALUATION AND SELECTION CRITERIA. Capability of the Vendor. ATF will consider BPAs to vendors, as needed, on a pass/fail basis, based on past performance and experience, and the vendor's acceptability (the acceptance of ATF terms and conditions including the hourly rate). All vendors must submit complete responses, must be able to obtain a favorably adjudicated Single Scope Background Investigation and must be willing and able to obtain a Dun and Bradstreet number and register with the Central Contractor Registration. These are mandatory requirements and any firm will be eliminated that fails to comply. Vendors will be initially screened on a pass/fail basis for acceptability. Vendors rated as "passed" will be awarded points for past performance and experience. Vendors with an overall score of at least 68 points and that meet the mandatory requirements will be considered for issuance of a BPA and award will be made to those companies receiving the highest scores. At least 56 points must come from Offeror Demonstrated Experience/Qualifications/Past Performance and 12 must come from Vendor Capabilities. A. Experience/Qualifications/Past Performance (80 Points): Experience is the opportunity to learn by doing. A minimum of three years combined experience as either a personnel security specialist or an investigator conducting personnel security background investigations is recommended. ATF will evaluate each vendor's experience on the basis of its breadth, depth, and relevance to the work that will be required under the prospective BPA. Evaluators will consider the years of experience conducting and/or administering personnel security background investigations in the federal environment, as well as computer proficiency. ATF may assess the vendor's communication and written skills, and familiarity with directives governing the conduct of background investigations through an interview. Past performance is a measure of the degree to which a vendor satisfied its customers in the past and complied with laws and regulations. ATF may contact some of the vendor's customers to ask whether or not they believe (1) that the vendor was capable, efficient, and effective; (2) that the vendor's performance conformed to the terms and conditions of its contract; (3) that the vendor was reasonable and cooperative during the performance; and (4) that the vendor was committed to customer satisfaction. In evaluating past performance, ATF may contact some of the references provided by the vendor and other sources of information, including, but not limited to: other government agencies, better business bureaus, published media, and electronic databases. Contractors with recent ATF experience will be evaluated on the performance they provided to ATF. ATF will consider performance that contractors have previously rendered to ATF to be more influential than past performance rendered to another source. (56 points minimum). B. Capabilities (20 Points): Capabilities are the vendor's ability to adhere to agency and program requirements. (12 points minimum). Acceptability ATF will determine the acceptability of each vendor offer on a "pass" or "fail" basis. A vendor's offer is acceptable when it manifests the vendor's assent, without exception, to the terms and conditions of the solicitation, including attachments and amendments (if any). If a vendor takes exception to any of the terms and conditions of the scope of work, ATF will consider its offer to be unacceptable. Vendors wishing to take exception to the terms and conditions stated are strongly encouraged to contact the Contracting Officer before doing so. To request a copy of the Statement of Work, please submit a written request via email to SIAdministration@atf.gov. ***YOU MUST BE ABLE TO COMMUTE TO THE PERSONNEL SECURITY BRANCH OFFICE IN WASHINGTON, DC*** Anyone wishing to respond to this solicitation must submit a complete proposal. Incomplete submissions will constitute an automatic denial. A complete proposal must include all of the following: 1) Clearly identify the position of interest a. Standard In House Contractor; or b. On-Call In House Contractor 2) Submit a current resume; and 3) Respond to the below listed questions (include question and answer). Proposals must be submitted by 4 p.m. EST, August 31, 2010. Resumes should highlight the vendor's experience and capabilities in performing background investigations. Please provide examples of your qualifications and how those duties relate to the vendor's past and/or current performance. These examples will be used in evaluating the vendor's Qualifications and Past Performance. Only written (typed) requests received directly from the requestor are acceptable, i.e., each individual vendor (person) must submit their own proposal. (No phone calls will be accepted). Please provide individual responses to the following: The following five (5) questions/requirements are evaluated on a Pass/Fail basis. Failure to respond will result in an automatic failed evaluation. 1) Do you believe you are able to obtain and maintain a favorably adjudicated Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) and receive a Top Secret clearance? (Y/N) 2) Are you willing to obtain and Dun and Bradstreet number and register and maintain an active account with the Central Contractors registration)? (Y/N) 3) Are you willing to complete all mandatory training, as required by the PSB and ATF? (Y/N) 4) Are you willing to sign and abide by the rules set forth in ATF P 7500.1 - ATF Rules of Behavior and Customer Agreement for ATF Workstation Users? (Y/N) 5) Are you willing to sign and adhere to the terms and conditions of the Non-Disclosure Agreement? (Y/N) For the following sixteen (16) questions please respond in no more than 6-10 sentences. 1) What do you feel is the purpose of conducting background investigations in today's society? 2) Are you familiar with or knowledgeable of the Federal Personnel Security Reform efforts? If so, identify reform efforts. 3) Do you have three (3) years of investigative experience either as a Personnel Security Specialist or investigator conducting personnel security background investigations or administering a personnel security program? If "yes," please explain. If your answer is "no," please provide any investigative/security experience or knowledge of government procedures that would support your ability to assist in administering a personnel security program. 4) Have you ever attending training for Federal background investigations and/or suitability and adjudication training? If so, please provide brief details of the training. 5) Do you know the basic definition of scoping? If so, please explain and provide general scoping guidelines for at least two investigative types. 6) Are you familiar with the current suitability and adjudicative guidelines established by the OPM? 7) List and describe at least four investigative coverage requirements for a Single Scope Background Investigation? 8) Do you have the ability to switch priorities while maintaining organization and steady flow of processing? 9) How would you assess your written communication skills? 10) Do you have the ability to effectively communicate with clear and concise thoughts? 11) Are you able to read and implement written directions pertaining to changes in policies and procedures? 12) What is your level of computer experience? Have you ever taken any computer-related courses? What computer related programs are you familiar with and how would you rate your overall computer skill level? 13) Have you ever utilized NLETS, TECS/NCIC, Credit Reporting Agencies, Selective Service Registry, PACER, or other online databases? If so, please explain your experience? 14) Would others consider you a positive influence for promoting team building and a good work environment? 15) Do you have the ability to take direction and then work with minimal or no oversight? 16) How often would you be available to attend periodic conferences? To what expense? (Travel and lodging would not be provided by ATF). For the following four (4) questions please provide either a yes or no answer. 1) Are you willing to be available to accept work as requested and complete administrative requirements? (Y/N) 2) Are you willing to complete and submit a request for payment detailing hours worked? (Y/N) 3) Are you willing to accept special projects related to personnel security investigations? (Y/N) 4) Are you willing to accept that ATF may use a third party to pay contractors? (Y/N) Proposals are to be submitted via mail at 99 New York Avenue, NE, Suite 1.E-300, Washington, DC 20226, or via email to SIAdministration@atf.gov and must contain all of the required information. Point of Contact: Management Analyst, Personnel Security Branch
 

Web Link

FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/DOJ/BATF/APMD/DJA10S000077/listing.html)
 

Place of Performance

Address: 99 New York Avenue NE, Washington, District of Columbia, 20226, United States

Zip Code: 20226
 

Record

SN02227146-W 20100805/100803235631-c139110cd70872e5eac500316e5a6851 (fbodaily.com)
 

Source

FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)

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