PART I - THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

SERVICES ORDERED

Title: "Operation of a Job Corps Toll-Free Number"

The Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (DOL/ETA), is soliciting proposals to provide assistance to ETA in support of the Office of Job Corps through the operation of a toll-free Job Corps telephone number.

Solicitation No. is RFP-DCS-03-07.

Period of Performance is twelve (12) months from the date of contract execution by the government, plus four 1-year options to extend at the discretion of the government.

This solicitation is a 100% Small Business Set-Aside.

The North American Industry Classification System Code is 541618, with a $6 million size standard.

A cost reimbursement type contract is contemplated for this requirement.

Closing time and date are January 17, 2003, at 2:00 p.m. local time.

The incumbent contractor under this solicitation is Research and Evaluation Associates, Inc., of North Carolina, under Contract Number E-6073-7-00-82-30. The Contract was awarded on February 27, 1997, in the amount of $1,223,848. The total amount awarded under this contract was $12,052,090, inclusive of options.

REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATION (RFC) MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN 5:00 PM LOCAL TIME December 30, 2002.

Only electronic submission of requests will be accepted. They shall be submitted to Ms. Jillian Matz at jmatz@doleta.gov. Should any RFC be received after the date stated above, the Government reserves the right not to provide an answer. If, however, the Government determines that the RFC raises an issue of significant importance, the government will respond electronically.

The Government will not provide any information concerning requests for clarifications in response to telephone calls from offerors. All requests will be answered electronically and will be available to all offerors at the DOLETA Internet site (http://www.doleta.gov/sga/rfp.cfm).

Please be advised that it is the sole responsibility of the offeror to continually view the website for any amendments to this solicitation.

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1 PURPOSE

The Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (DOL/ETA), is soliciting proposals to select a contractor to provide assistance to ETA in support of Job Corps Information Services through the operation of a toll-free Job Corps telephone number.

C.2 BACKGROUND

Job Corps is a national, residential, training and employment program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor. Job Corps is dedicated to helping disadvantaged youth address and overcome multiple barriers to employment.

Established by the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, authorization continued under the Comprehensive Employment Training Act, then Title IV-B of the Job Training Partnership, and is currently provided for under Title 1-C of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998. The residential aspect and holistic approach of integrating academic, vocational and life skills distinguish Job Corps from other employment and training programs.

The primary goal for Job Corps staff is to make every moment count for every student who walks onto a Job Corps campus. Whether a student remains in the program for the maximum time allowed to prepare for a career, or only a few months to hone employability skills or complete his/her education, Job Corps is designed to leave a positive and lasting impression on the personal and professional outlook of each student.

Job Corps serves young people at 118 campuses nationwide (contiguous U.S., Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico) who are ages 16 through 24 and economically disadvantaged, or in need of additional education, training, or counseling to sustain meaningful employment. The centers have a total capacity of 44,000. Since some students are enrolled for less than a full year, more than 70,000 enroll in Job Corps each year. Most students (80 percent) are high school dropouts, have never been employed (62 percent) and more than one-fourth come from families on public assistance.

Major corporations and nonprofit organizations manage and operate 90 Job Corps centers under contract with the DOL. The Departments of Agriculture and Interior operate 28 Job Corps centers on public lands. These centers are referred to as Job Corps Civilian Conservation Centers. Job Corps center operators are responsible for the management and administration of Job Corps centers on a 7-day-a-week, 24-hours-a-day basis. Students are recruited and screened for eligibility by outreach and admissions contractors. Eligible applicants are assigned to Job Corps centers under guidelines issued by the Department of Labor. Recruitment is supported by a Job Corps toll-free telephone number, 1-800-733-JOBS, which refers youth to the appropriate admissions counselor.

To become a student in Job Corps, a youth must have the capabilities and aspirations needed to complete and benefit from the program, and be free of medical and behavioral problems that would endanger the student or others. No individual is accepted as a student unless it is determined that there is a reasonable expectation that the youth can participate successfully in group situations and activities with other students.

The nature of the program brings with it many challenges that are inherent when youth are located outside their home environment. Despite intense staff intervention and assistance some students can become homesick or want to return home due to problems encountered in a new residential (or non-residential) setting. Some students elect to leave centers early rather than deal with their challenges.

Students often encounter additional problems when they leave Job Corps. They may lack information on resources available to them in their community. Job Corps toll-free telephone number is one means through which students can access such information. (See below for details on Job Corps Information Services.)

NOTE: Please see the attached Job Corps Annual Report for Program Year 2000 ending June 30, 2001. The attachment contains additional information about the program.

C.3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The contractor will perform the following tasks: (1) work with the Office of Job Corps to develop, implement, continually improve and manage Job Corps' 1-800 telephone number, with the goal of providing accurate and useful information to potential enrollees, (2) work closely with the National Media Campaign contractor to develop quarterly targets for regional call volume and develop trend analysis from data collection from the Job Corps 1-800 telephone number as it relates to the National Media campaign, responsiveness of admissions counselors, and outcomes of referring complaints to regions for action, (3) works with other personnel, to ensure technical difficulties are immediately reported for resolution and, (4) within 30 days after award of the contract, deliver a transition plan, operating plan and staffing chart to the Contracting Officer's Technical Representative for review and approval.

Recognizing the need for a national toll-free phone number, to provide accurate information about Job Corps to potential applicants and their families, Job Corps established the 1-800-733-JOBS national number. About 300,000 calls are received at the number during the year. This includes inquiries generated by a national media campaign and several regional and local advertising campaigns. Expected coverage at a call center needs to be available 24 hours per day, seven days a week backed up by a voice mail system that can handle this volume of inquiries.

Callers who are deemed to meet the basic Job Corps eligibility requirements are referred to admissions counselors electronically, via the Outreach and Admissions Student Input System (OASIS) database, which is maintained by the Job Corps Data Center. Referrals are available, within 24 hours from the time of calls, for retrieval from OASIS by Outreach and Admissions contractors throughout the country.

C.4 TASKS AND DELIVERABLES

Task 1 - Develop, implement and manage a call center, which includes a Job Corps 1-800 number.

Deliverables:

1. Operate and maintain a call center on a 24 hr. basis with live coverage and a back-up recording system for high-volume usage. Because Job Corps emphasizes recruitment of Hispanic youth, one requirement is that bilingual coverage for the 1-800 number must be provided during the hours of operation.

2. Contractor shall provide network linkage to support the call center to facilitate reporting, data collection and transfer from OASIS in coordination with the Job Corps Data Center, as necessary.

3. Implement automated response features to direct callers according to specific needs.

4. Through the Job Corps 1-800 number provide prospective students accurate and pertinent information about Job Corps for enrollment and career transition needs. The contract staff shall respond to all 1-800 number calls and other types of inquiries about Job Corps by:
   • Describing accurately the benefits and operation of the Job Corps program and responding in a timely manner;
   • Forwarding literature about the program;
   • Where possible, linking a local alumni with the caller; and
   • For recruitment purposes providing name and phone number of a local admissions counselor and for Career Transition Support, providing information about local one stops.

5. Continually review, recommend, and provide necessary technical assistance, including suggested delivery strategies, to ensure connectivity with Job Corps data systems.

6. Provide recommendations to the COTR, as part of the quarterly report, concerning improvements to existing systems of communication.

7. Provide monthly reports from the Job Corps 1-800 telephone number that: (a) track number of calls, (b) the nature of the call, (c) the number of complaints, and (d) the response time from admissions counselors for the complaints.

Task 2 - Work closely with the National Media Campaign contractor, Job Corps regional offices and COTR to develop communication procedures for sharing of information and technical support.

Deliverables:

1. Collect data from Job Corps 1-800 telephone number, as it relates to the National Media Campaign, and develop monthly trend analyses for each region.

2. Coordinate quarterly teleconference with the National Media Campaign contractor and COTR to address media and technical issues.

*Within 30 days after award of the contract, the contractor will deliver a transition plan, operating plan and staffing chart to the Government Authorized Representative for review and approval.

C.5 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

The contractor shall be required to provide the necessary personnel to accomplish each task listed above. The key personnel positions and their required time commitment are listed as follows:

The Project Director (100%)

Communications Coordinator (100%)

[FOR THIS SOLICITATION, THERE ARE NO CLAUSES IN THIS SECTION]

E.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The following contract clauses pertinent to this section are hereby incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date) in accordance with the clause at FAR "52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE" in Section I of this contract. See FAR 52.252-2 for an internet address (if specified) for electronic access to the full text of a clause.

F.1 PERIOD OF PERFORANCE

The period of performance shall be twelve (12) months from the date of contract execution, plus four 1-year options to extend at the discretion of the government.

F.2 LEVEL OF EFFORT

The level of effort for this project is estimated at between 18 and 20 professional person years. The level of effort for each option period is equal to the base year plus inflation. The inflation rate will be determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

F.3 REPORTS AND DELIVERABLES

The contractor shall be responsible for submission of reports and deliverables as described in Section C.4 of the solicitation.

F.4 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The following contract clauses pertinent to this section are hereby incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date) in accordance with the clause at FAR "52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE" in Section I of this contract. See FAR 52.252-2 for an internet address (if specified) for electronic access to the full text of a clause.

C. To constitute a proper invoice, the invoice, must include the following information and/or attached documentation:

    (1) Name and address of the Contractor;

    (2) Invoice date;

    (3) Contract number or other authorization for supplies delivered or services performed (including order number and contract line item number).

    (4) Description, quantity, unit of measure, unit price, and extended price of supplies delivered or services performed.

    (5) Shipping and payment terms (e.g., shipment number and date of shipment, prompt payment discount terms. Bill of lading number and weight of shipment will be shown for shipments on Government bills of lading.

    (6) Name and address of Contractor official to whom payment is to be sent (must be the same as that in the contract or in a proper notice of assignment).

    (7) Name (where practicable), title, telephone number and mailing address of person to be notified in event of a defective invoice.

    (8) Any other information or documentation required by other requirements of the contract.

In addition to the above, invoices should be numbered consecutively. All final invoices shall be clearly marked Final Invoice.

G.3 METHOD OF PAYMENT

A. Payments under this contract will be made either by check or electronic funds transfer (through the Treasury Fedline Communications System (FEDLINE) or the Automated Clearing House (ACH)), at the option of the Government. After award, but no later than 14 days before an invoice or contract financing request is submitted, the Contractor shall designate a financial institution for receipt of electronic funds transfer payments. The contractor shall submit this designation to the Contracting Officer or other Government official as directed.

B. For payments through FEDLINE, the Contractor shall provide the following information:

    (1) Name, address, and telegraphic abbreviation of the financial institution receiving payment.

    (2) The American Bankers Association 9-digit identifying number of the financing institution receiving payment if the institution has access to the Federal Reserve Communications System.

    (3) Payee's account number at the financial institution where funds are to be transferred.

    (4) If the financial institution does not have access to the Federal Reserve Communications System, provide the name, address, and telegraphic abbreviation of the correspondent financial institution through which the financial institution receiving payment obtains electronic funds transfer messages. Provide the telegraphic abbreviation and American Bankers Association identifying number for the correspondent institution.

C. For payments through ACH, the Contractor shall provide the following information:

    (1) Routing transit number of the financial institution receiving payment (same as American Bankers Association identifying number used for FEDLINE).

    (2) Number of account to which funds are to be deposited.

    (3) Type of depositor account ("C" for checking, "S" for savings).

    (4) If the Contractor is a new enrollee to the ACH system, a "Payment Information Form," SF 3881, must be completed before payment can be processed.

D. In the event the Contractor, during the performance of this contract, elects to designate a different financial institution for the receipt of any payment made using electronic funds transfer procedures, notification of such change and the required information specified above must be received by the appropriate Government official 30 days prior to the date such change is to become effective.

E. The documents furnishing the information required in paragraphs B and C above must be dated and contain the signature, title, and telephone number of the Contractor official authorized to provide it, as well as the Contractor's name and contract number.

F. Contractor failure to properly designate a financial institution or to provide appropriate payee bank account information may delay payments of amounts otherwise properly due.

G. The Contractor shall forward the information required above to:

U.S. Department of Labor, ETA
Division of Accounting, Room N-4702
200 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20210

Flexibility of Direct Costs will be allowed within the Prime Contract Budget, provided no single line item of cost shall be increased or decreased in excess of 20 percent and provided further that the total estimated cost of the Contract is not exceeded. This flexibility of cost does not apply to the wages, salaries and fringe benefits line items (including proposed changes by the Contractor in the mixture, number of hours, wages, and/or bonus or personnel paid under the contract) wherein no increase is permitted without the prior review and approval by the Contracting Officer.

In contracts with OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES provisions, this clause is applicable to each yearly negotiated budget line item amounts, and not the accumulated budget line item totals.

H.2 FRINGE BENEFITS

Social Security, Workers' Compensation, Unemployment Compensation and any other fringe benefits are a normal practice of the Contractor at the time of final negotiations for this contract and are available to all employees. Fringe benefits from an immediate previous employer which may be continued while employed under this contract are an allowable cost. In no event will duplicate fringe benefits be allowable to an individual under this contract.

H.3 VACATIONS, SICK-LEAVE HOLIDAYS

The Contractor may grant leave in accordance with its established written policy, provided that policy is accepted by the Contracting Officer or, in the absence of an established policy, leave may be granted as follows:

Vacation: Maximum 2 weeks (10 working days)

Sick Leave: Maximum 2 weeks (10 working days)

Holiday: Maximum of paid holidays

H.4 TRAVEL AND PER DIEM

Travel policies as set forth in the Travel Regulations referred to below are required of the Contractor and consultants hereunder. Where the Contractor has a more restrictive travel policy than the Federal Travel Regulations, the more restrictive requirements shall apply.

It is the responsibility of the Contractor to authorize only such per diem allowances as justified by the circumstances affecting the travel. Care should be exercised to prevent fixing per diem rates in excess of those required to meet the necessary authorized subsistence expenses. To this end, consideration should be given to factors which reduce the expenses of the employee such as: known arrangements at temporary duty locations where lodging and meals may be obtained without cost or at prices advantageous to the traveler; established cost experience in the localities where lodging and meals are required; situations where special rates for accommodations have been made available for a particular meeting or conference; the extent to which the traveler is familiar with establishments providing lodging and meals at a lower cost in certain localities, particularly, where repeated travel is involved; and the use of methods of travel where sleeping accommodations are provided as part of the transportation expenses.

All travel shall be at tourist, coach, or less than first class unless itinerary or unavailability dictate otherwise. All temporary duty and local area automobile travel shall be allowed as prescribed by the applicable Travel Regulations.

Copies of applicable Travel Regulations can be obtained as follows at a fee:

1. Federal Travel Regulations, prescribed by the General Services Administration, for travel in the conterminous 48 United States: Available on a subscription basis from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, Stock No. 022-001-81003-7.
2. Joint Travel Regulations, Volume 2, DoD Civilian Personnel, Appendix A, prescribed by the Department of Defense, for travel in Alaska, Hawaii, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and territories and possessions of the United States: Available on a subscription basis from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, Stock No. 908-010-00000-1.
3. Standardized Regulations, (Government Civilians, Foreign Areas), Section 925, "Maximum Travel Per Diem Allowances for Foreign Areas," prescribed by the Department of State, for travel in areas not covered in 1 and 2 above: Available on a subscription basis from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, Stock No. 744-008-00000-0.

H.5 USE OF AND PAYMENT TO CONSULTANTS

(a) Consultant(s) hired to perform under this contract may be compensated at a rate for time actually worked (e.g., amount per day, per week, per month, etc.), or at a fixed price for performance of a specific task, or at nominal compensation in accordance with Contractor's policies. However, for the use and payment to consultant(s) prior written approval must be obtained from the Contracting Officer.

(b) The amount or rate of payment will be determined on a case-by- case basis, taking into account (among any other relevant factors) the relative importance of the duties to be performed, the stature of the individual in his specialized field, comparable pay for positions under the Classification Act or other Federal pay systems, rates paid by private employers and rates previously paid other experts or consultants for similar work.

(c) The contractor shall maintain a written report for the files on the results on all consultations charged to the contract. This report must include, as a minimum: (1) the consultant's name, dates, hours and amounts charged to the contract; (2) the names of the contractor's staff to whom the services are provided; and (3) the results of the subject matter of the consultation.

H.6 UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE COST

Unemployment insurance costs shall be paid by the contractor as they are incurred.

However, in the event billings for Unemployment Insurance costs are received by the contractor after the expiration date of this contract and the billings cover the period that this contract was effective, the Government agrees to reimburse the contractor at the same rate that would have been applicable had the cost been paid as they were incurred.

H.7 ACCOUNTING AND AUDITING SERVICES

(a) Accounting

The contractor may procure and utilize such accounting services as are required to establish and maintain an accounting system which reflect accurate, current and complete financial transactions and which meet the standards of the Comptroller General of the United States and the Department of Labor.

(b) Auditing

The contractor shall audit or have audited subcontractor financial records as may be required to determine, at a minimum, the fiscal integrity of financial transactions and compliance with laws, regulations and administrative requirements.

The U.S. Department of Labor shall be responsible for scheduling all audits of the prime contractor's books, documents, papers and records. The Department will use its own audit resources or shall use certified or public accountants under contract or auditors from another Federal agency.

Cost of Accounting Services and Audit of subcontractors as described herein are allowable cost under this contract. Costs for audits for which the U.S. Department of Labor is responsible are unallowable.

H.8 PRINTING

Unless otherwise specified in this contract, the contractor shall not engage in, nor subcontract for, any printing (as that term is defined in Title 1 of the Government Printing and Binding Regulations in effect on the effective date of this contract) in connection with the performance of work under this contract: provided, however, that performance of a requirement under this contract involving the reproduction of less than 5,000 production units of any one page or less than 25,000 production units in the aggregate of multiple pages, will not be deemed to be printing. A production unit is defined as one sheet, size 8 by 11 inches, one side only, one color.

H.9 KEY PERSONNEL

The personnel specified below or in attachment to this contract are considered to be essential to the work being performed hereunder. Prior to diverting any of the specified individuals to other programs, the Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer reasonably in advance and shall submit justification (including proposed substitutions) in sufficient detail to permit evaluation of the impact on the program. No diversion shall be made by the Contractor without the written consent of the Contracting Officer; Provided, that the Contracting Officer may ratify in writing such diversion and such ratification shall constitute the consent of the Contracting Officer required by this clause. The below list or attachment to this contract may be amended from time to time during the course of the contract to either add or delete personnel, as appropriate.

For the purpose of this contract, the key personnel positions are identified below as:

• Project Director
• Communications Coordinator

H.10 CONTRACT NUMBER IDENTIFICATION

The Contractor agrees to utilize the number of this contract on all correspondence, communications, reports, vouchers and such other data concerning this contract or delivered hereunder.

H.11 SUBMISSION OF CORRESPONDENCE

All correspondence relating to contractual aspects shall be directed to the Division of Contract Services: Attention: Contracting Officer.

H.12 OTHER CONTRACTORS

The Government may undertake or award other contracts for the same, essentially similar, or related work, and the Contractor shall fully cooperate with such other contractors and Government employees. The Contractor shall not commit or permit any act which will interfere with the performance of work by any other contractor or by Government employees.

The foregoing paragraph shall be included in the contracts of all Contractors with whom this Contractor will be required to cooperate. The Government shall equitably enforce this clause as to all contractors, to prevent the imposition of unreasonable burdens on any contractor.

H.13 LAWS APPLICABLE

The contractor will perform its duties in accordance with the applicable Act, and the regulations, procedures and standards promulgated thereunder. The Contractor will comply with all applicable Federal and State and Local laws, rules, and regulations which deal with or relate to the employment of persons who perform work or are trained under contract.

This contract in no way relieves the Contractor of responsibility for compliance with the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act, as amended.

H.14 DISPOSITION OF MATERIAL

Upon termination or completion of all work under this contract, the Contractor shall prepare for shipment, deliver F0B destination, or dispose of all materials received from the Government and all residual materials produced in connection with the performance of this contract as may be directed by Contracting Officer, or as specified in other provisions of this contract. All materials produced or required to be delivered under this contract become and remain the property of the Government.

H.15 NONDISCRIMINATION AND EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

(a) No person shall on the ground of race, religion, color, handicap, national origin, sex, age, political affiliation, or beliefs be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity funded or otherwise financially assisted, in whole or in part with funds made available hereunder. (b) In addition, this contract and any subcontract hereunder is subjected to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (78 Stat. 252) and the Regulations issued thereunder and found at 29 CFR 31. The Contractor agrees that any service, financial aid, or other benefit to be provided by it under this contract shall be furnished without discrimination because of race, color, sex, or national origin; and that his employment practices shall be subject to the same restrictions to ensure nondiscriminatory treatment of beneficiaries of assistance under the Act.

H.16 FEDERAL REPORTS

In the event that it subsequently becomes a contractual requirement to collect or record information calling for answers to identical questions from 10 or more persons other than Federal employees, or for information from Federal employees which is to be used for statistical compilations of general public interest, the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 and 5 CRF 1320 shall apply to this contract. No plan, questionnaire, interview guide or similar device for collecting formation (whether repetitive or single-time) may be used without first obtaining clearance from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

The contractor shall obtain the required OMB clearance through the Project Officer before expending any funds or making public contracts for the collection of data. The authority to expend funds and to proceed with the collection of data shall be issued in writing by the Contracting Officer.

H.17 DISCLOSURE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

The Contractor agrees to maintain the confidentiality of any information regarding applicants, project participants or their immediate families which may be obtained through application forms, interviews, test reports from public agencies or counselors, or any other source. Without the permission of the applicant or participant, such information shall be divulged only as necessary for purposes related to the performance or evaluation of the contract and to persons having responsibilities under the contract, including those furnishing services to the projects under subcontracts.

H.18 ELIMINATION OF SEXIST LANGUAGE AND ART WORK

All written materials issued by the Contractor or grantee shall conform to the following guidelines for eliminating sexist language and art work:

1. Avoid the use of sex reference in job titles. Titles should conform to the Census Bureau's occupational classification system and the most recently published edition of the Dictionary of Occupational Titles.
   • Longshore workers instead of longshoremen.

2. Avoid the use of male and female gender word forms.
   • Aviator to include men and women pilots, not aviatrix.

3. Include both sexes by using terms that refer to people as a whole.
   • Human beings or people instead of mankind.

4. Avoid the use of masculine and feminine pronouns or adjectives in referring to a hypothetical person or people in general. Change sentences such as: The average American worker spends 2 years of his life in the workforce.
   • By rewording to eliminate unnecessary gender pronouns and adjectives. (The average American worker spends 20 years in the workforce.)

   • By recasting into the plural. (Most Americans spend 20 years of their lives in the workforce.)

   • By replacing the masculine or feminine pronoun or adjective with "one", "you", "he or she", "her or him", or his or her". (An average American spends 20 years of his or her life in the workforce.)

5. Refer to both men and women in such generic terms as economist, doctor, or lawyer. Identify sex through the use of pronouns.
   • The lawyer made her final summation.

6. Avoid the use of stereotyped terms or expressions such as "man-sized" job.
   • Employee-years and employee-hours (or staff-hours) instead of man-years and man-hours.

7. The use of art work in publications should conform to the following guidelines:
   • Strive to use racially and sexually balanced designs.

   • Depict both men and women in art work on general subject matters.

   • Show men and women in a variety of roles in photographs, illustrations, and drawings.

   • Show women and men as managers and skilled laborers.

H.19 HAZARDOUS OCCUPATION ORDERS

The Contractor shall comply with the Hazardous Occupation Orders issued pursuant to the Fair Labor Standards Act and set forth at 20 CFR 570.50 et seq. with respect to the employment of youths under 18 years of age and the Child Labor Standards of 29 CFR 570.31 et seq. with respect to the employment of youths aged 14 and 15.

H.20 INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS (FAR-SUBPART 28.3)

In accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation, 48 CFR, Clause 52.228-7 entitled, "Insurance-Liability to Third Persons" the following kinds and amounts of insurance must be procured and maintained in force during the lifetime of the above numbered contract.

1. Workers' Compensation - In the amounts required by State law or the United States Longshoremen's and Harbor Workers'Compensation Act (33 U.S.C. 901).

2. Occupational Diseases Insurance - As required by applicable law. In any area where all occupational diseases are not compensable under applicable law, insurance for occupational diseases shall be secured under the employer liability section of your insurance policy, minimum per accident $100,000.

3. Employer Liability - This insurance is to cover any liability imposed upon an employer, by law, for damages on account of personal injuries, including death resulting therefrom, sustained by his employees by reason of accident.

4. General Liability Insurance (Bodily Injury) - This insurance protects the insured against claims arising from bodily injury or death to third parties occurring on it business premises or through its operations except those arising from motor vehicles away from the premises, those covered by any Workman's Compensation law, and other exclusions stated in the policy. The required coverage for bodily injury shall be $200,000 per person and $500,000 per occurrence.

5. Automobile Liability - The required coverage is $200,000 per person and $500,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and $20,000 per occurrence for property damage.

6. The policies evidencing such insurance as required under this contract shall contain the following endorsement:

   "No cancellation, termination, or modification of this policy shall take effect prior to the expiration of 35 days after written notice of the cancellation, termination or modification together with suitable identification of the policy and name insured has been sent by registered letter to the Government representative at the address stated below:

   Name of Contracting Officer: Keith A. Bond

   Address: USDOL/ETA/DASET/OGCM/DCS
   200 Constitution Ave., N.W.
   Room S-4203
   Washington, D.C. 20210
   

H.21 DATA COLLECTION FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

The Contractor shall be responsible for informing any grantee that they have been requested to collect information for the Department of Labor. The collection of such data shall be the responsibility of the Contractor solely. The Contractor may request assistance from ETA grantees in locating the data. However, the actual data gathering must be done by the Contractor.

H.22 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

The composition, workmanship, printing or reproduction and substantive content of all reports, evaluations, charts, tables, graphs, and other data to be furnished under this contract shall strictly conform to the generally accepted quality standards of the Contractor's profession and shall be suitable for dissemination and use without revision, to DOL, other Government agencies and the general public.

Reports shall include a complete disclosure of all data relevant to the work performed, the techniques developed, the investigations made, and shall be relevant to the materials studies and methods and processes employed.

H.23 RESTRICTION ON USE OF DOL FUNDS FOR LOBBYING

In accordance with the cost principles incorporated in the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) at 31.205-22, lobbying costs (direct or indirect) are unallowable under this agreement. The exclusion of lobbying costs using Department of Labor funds is not intended to penalize, discourage, or prevent lobbying activities by utilizing non-Federal funds.

H.24 PUBLICATION OF MATERIALS

The Contractor shall receive permission from the Contracting Officer prior to publishing any works performed under this contract. Further, the Contractor shall acknowledge the support of the Department of Labor whenever publicizing any work performed under this contract. To implement the foregoing, the Contractor shall include in any publication resulting from work performed under this contract, an acknowledgement substantially the same as follows:

"This project has been funded, either wholly or in part, with Federal funds from the Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration under Contract Number N/A the contents of this publication do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement of same by the U.S. Government."

H.25 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERMS OF THE CONTRACT - SERVICE (FAR 17.208(G))

1. The Government may extend the terms of this contract by written notice to the Contractor at least 60 calendar days before the contract expires. This notice does not commit the Government to an extension.

2. If the Government exercises this option, the extended contract shall be considered to include this option provision.

OR

Special dollar ceiling is $ for (usually overhead) and if applicable, $ for General and Administrative. Base:

Effective from to or if multi-year, please explain here:

If applicable for ceilings, please describe here any situation whereby the bases in Block 2 above differ from the bases in Block 1 above. Also, the maximum reimbursement for indirect costs under this contract will be based on the lower of the negotiated rates or ceilings.

If the Department of Labor (DOL) is your cognizant agency, proposals for indirect cost rates and supporting data and documentation should be sent to the Office of Cost Determination (OCD) Negotiator in the appropriate DOL Regional Office or if applicable, to the OCD National Office whose address and phone number is listed below. In addition, if you do not know your cognizant Federal agency, please call the phone number listed below:

Director, Office of Cost Determination (OCD)
U.S. Department of Labor, OASAM
200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room S-1513
Washington, D.C. 20210
Tel. (202) 693-4106

SECTION I - CONTRACT CLAUSES

I.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The following contract clauses pertinent to this section are hereby incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date) in accordance with the clause at FAR "52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE" in Section I of this contract. See FAR 52.252-2 for an internet address (if specified) for electronic access to the full text of a clause.

(b) Contract financing payment. If this contract provides for contract financing, the Government will make contract financing payments in accordance with the applicable contract financing clause.

(c) Fast payment procedure due dates. If this contract contains the clause at 52.213-1, Fast Payment Procedure, payments will be made within 15 days after the date of receipt of the invoice.

(d) Overpayments. If the Contractor becomes aware of a duplicate payment or that the Government has otherwise overpaid on an invoice payment, the Contractor shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer and request instructions for disposition of the overpayment.

(e) Invoices for interim payments. For interim payments under this cost-reimbursement contract for services--

1. Paragraphs (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(4)(ii), (a)(4)(iii), and (a)(5)(i) do not apply;

2. For purposes of computing late payment interest penalties that may apply, the due date for payment is the 30th day after the designated billing office receives a proper invoice; and

3. The contractor shall submit invoices for interim payments in accordance with paragraph (a) of FAR 52.216-7, Allowable Cost and Payment. If the invoice does not comply with contract requirements, it will be returned within 7 days after the date the designated billing office received the invoice.

I.4 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

http://www.arnet.gov/far

I.5 LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING

52.219-14 LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING (DEC 1996)

1. This clause does not apply to the unrestricted portion of a partial set-aside.

2. By submission of an offer and execution of a contract, the Offeror/ Contractor agrees that in performance of the contract in the case of a contract for --
   1. SERVICES (EXCEPT CONSTRUCTION). At least 50 percent of the cost of contract performance incurred for personnel shall be expended for employees of the concern.

   2. SUPPLIES (OTHER THAN PROCUREMENT FROM A NONMANUFACTURER IN SUCH SUPPLIES). The concern shall perform work for at least 50 percent of the cost of manufacturing the supplies, not including the cost of materials.

   3. GENERAL CONSTRUCTION. The concern will perform at least 15 percent of the cost of the contract, not including the cost of materials, with its own employees.

   4. CONSTRUCTION BY SPECIAL TRADE CONTRACTORS. The concern will perform at least 25 percent of the cost of the contract, not including the cost of materials, with its own employees.

SECTION J - LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

J.1 CONTRACT PRICING PROPOSAL COVER SHEET, SF 1411, (1 PAGE)

J.2 COST AND PRICE ANALYSIS, ETA 8555, (8 PAGES)

J.3 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CAPABILITY, ETA 8554, (2 PAGES)

J.4 COST CONTRACTOR'S INVOICE, ETA 3100-1 (1 PAGE)

J.5 COST CONTRACTOR'S DETAILED STATEMENT OF COST, ETA 3-2 (1 PAGE)

J.6 VETS-100 - FEDERAL CONTRACTOR VETERANS EMPLOYMENT REPORT, OMB 1293-0005 (2 PAGES)

J.7 PAST PERFORMANCE REFERENCE INFORMATION (2 PAGES)

J.8 PAST PERFORMANCE EVALUATION QUESTIONNAIRE (2 PAGES)

J.9 ORAL PRESENTATION EVALUATION QUESTIONNAIRE (1 PAGE)

SECTION K - REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

K.1 NOTICE LISTING SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The following solicitation provisions pertinent to this section are hereby incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date) in accordance with the FAR provision at FAR "52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE" in Section L of this solicitation. See FAR 52.252-1 for an internet address (if specified) for electronic access to the full text of a provision.

K.3 52.209-5 CERTIFICATION REGARDING DEBARMENT, SUSPENSION, PROPOSED DEBARMENT, AND OTHER RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (DEC 2001)

1. 1. The Offeror certifies, to the best of its knowledge and belief, that -
      1. The Offeror and/or any of its Principals -
         1. Are [ ] are not [ ] presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, or declared ineligible for the award of contracts by any Federal agency;

         2. Have [ ] have not [ ], within a three-year period preceding this offer, been convicted of or had a civil judgment rendered against them for: commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a public (Federal, state, or local) contract or subcontract; violation of Federal or state antitrust statutes relating to the submission of offers; or commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, tax evasion or receiving stolen property; and

         3. Are [ ] are not [ ] presently indicted for, or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental entity with, commission of any of the offenses enumerated in subdivision (a)(1)(i)(B) of this provision.

      2. The Offeror has [ ] has not [ ], within a 3-year period preceding this offer, had one or more contracts terminated for default by any Federal agency.

   2. "Principals," for the purposes of this certification, means officers; directors; owners; partners; and, persons having primary management or supervisory responsibilities within a business entity (e.g., general manager; plant manager; head of a subsidiary, division, or business segment, and similar positions).

      THIS CERTIFICATION CONCERNS A MATTER WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF AN AGENCY OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE MAKING OF A FALSE, FICTITIOUS, OR FRAUDULENT CERTIFICATION MAY RENDER THE MAKER SUBJECT TO PROSECUTION UNDER SECTION 1001, TITLE 18, UNITED STATES CODE.

2. The Offeror shall provide immediate written notice to the Contracting Officer if, at any time prior to contract award, the Offeror learns that its certification was erroneous when submitted or has become erroneous by reason of changed circumstances.

3. A certification that any of the items in paragraph (a) of this provision exists will not necessarily result in withholding of an award under this solicitation. However, the certification will be considered in connection with a determination of the Offeror's responsibility. Failure of the Offeror to furnish a certification or provide such additional information as requested by the Contracting Officer may render the Offeror nonresponsible.

4. Nothing contained in the foregoing shall be construed to require establishment of a system of records in order to render, in good faith, the certification required by paragraph (a) of this provision. The knowledge and information of an Offeror is not required to exceed that which is normally possessed by a prudent person in the ordinary course of business dealings.

5. The certification in paragraph (a) of this provision is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when making award. If it is later determined that the Offeror knowingly rendered an erroneous certification, in addition to other remedies available to the Government, the Contracting Officer may terminate the contract resulting from this solicitation for default.

K.4 52.215-6 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE (OCT 1997)

(a) The offeror or respondent, in the performance of any contract resulting from this solicitation, [ ] intends, [ ] does not intend [check applicable block] to use one or more plants or facilities located at a different address from the address of the offeror or respondent as indicated in this proposal or response to request for information.

K.5 52.219-1 SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM REPRESENTATIONS (APR 2002)

(a)(1) The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is-- 541618.

    (2) The small business size standard is 6 million [average annual receipts for 3 preceding fiscal yrs].

    (3) The small business size standard for a concern which submits an offer in its own name, other than on a construction or service contract, but which proposes to furnish a product which it did not itself manufacture, is 500 employees.

(b) Representations.

    (1) The offeror represents as part of its offer that it [ ] is, [ ] is not a small business concern.

    (2) (Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.) The offeror represents, for general statistical purposes, that it [ ] is, [ ] is not, a small disadvantaged business concern as defined in 13 CFR 124.1002.

    (3) (Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.) The offeror represents as part of its offer that it [ ] is, [ ] is not a women-owned small business concern.

    (4) [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.] The offeror represents as part of its offer that it [ ] is, [ ] is not a veteran-owned small business concern.

    (5) [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a veteran-owned small business concern in paragraph (b)(4) of this provision.] The offeror represents as part of its offer that it [ ] is, [ ] is not a service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern.

    (6) [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.] The offeror represents, as part of its offer, that--

1. It [ ] is, [ ] is not a HUBZone small business concern listed, on the date of this representation, on the List of Qualified HUBZone Small Business Concerns maintained by the Small Business Administration, and no material change in ownership and control, principal office, or HUBZone employee percentage has occurred since it was certified by the Small Business Administration in accordance with 13 CFR part 126; and

2. (ii) It [ ] is, [ ] is not a joint venture that complies with the requirements of 13 CFR part 126, and the representation in paragraph (b)(6)(i) of this provision is accurate for the HUBZone small business concern or concerns that are participating in the joint venture. [The offeror shall enter the name or names of the HUBZone small business concern or concerns that are participating in the joint venture:____________.] Each HUBZone small business concern participating in the joint venture shall submit a separate signed copy of the HUBZone representation.

(c) Definitions. As used in this provision--

Service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern--

(1) Means a small business concern-- (i) Not less than 51 percent of which is owned by one or more service-disabled veterans or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more service-disabled veterans; and

(ii) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans or, in the case of a veteran with permanent and severe disability, the spouse or permanent caregiver of such veteran.

(2) Service-disabled veteran means a veteran, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(2), with a disability that is service-connected, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(16).

Small business concern, as used in this provision, means a concern, including its affiliates, that is independently owned and operated, not dominant in the field of operation in which it is bidding on Government contracts, and qualified as a small business under the criteria in 13 CFR Part 121 and the size standard in paragraph (a) of this provision.

Veteran-owned small business concern means a small business concern--

(1) Not less than 51 percent of which is owned by one or more veterans (as defined at 38 U.S.C. 101(2)) or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more veterans; and

(2) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more veterans.

Women-owned small business concern, as used in this provision, means a small business concern--

(1) That is at least 51 percent owned by one or more women; or in the case of any publicly owned business, at least 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more women; and

(2) Whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more women.

(d) Notice. (1) If this solicitation is for supplies and has been set aside, in whole or in part, for small business concerns, then the clause in this solicitation providing notice of the set-aside contains restrictions on the source of the end items to be furnished.

(2) Under 15 U.S.C. 645(d), any person who misrepresents a firm's status as a small, HUBZone small, small disadvantaged, or women- owned small business concern in order to obtain a contract to be awarded under the preference programs established pursuant to section 8(a),8(d), 9, or 15 of the Small Business Act or any other provision of Federal law that specifically references section 8(d) for a definition of program eligibility, shall--

1. Be punished by imposition of fine, imprisonment, or both;

2. Be subject to administrative remedies, including suspension and debarment; and

3. Be ineligible for participation in programs conducted under the authority of the Act.

The offeror represents that--

(a) It [ ] has, [ ] has not participated in a previous contract or subcontract subject to the Equal Opportunity clause of this solicitation; the clause originally contained in Section 310 of Executive Order No. 10925, or the clause contained in Section 201 of Executive Order No. 11114;

(b) It [ ] has, [ ] has not filed all required compliance reports; and

(c) Representations indicating submission of required compliance reports, signed by proposed subcontractors, will be obtained before subcontract awards.

K.7 52.222-25 AFFIRMATIVE ACTION COMPLIANCE (APR 1984)

The offeror represents that--

(a) It [ ] has developed and has on file, [ ] has not developed and does not have on file, at each establishment, affirmative action programs required by the rules and regulations of the Secretary of Labor (41 CFR 60-1 and 60-2), or (b) It [ ] has not previously had contracts subject to the written affirmative action programs requirement of the rules and regulations of the Secretary of Labor.

K.8 52.227-15 STATEMENT OF LIMITED RIGHTS DATA AND RESTRICTED COMPUTER SOFTWARE (MAY 1999)

(a) This solicitation sets forth the work to be performed if a contract award results, and the Government's known delivery requirements for data (as defined in FAR 27.401). Any resulting contract may also provide the Government the option to order additional data under the Additional Data Requirements clause at 52.227-16 of the FAR, if included in the contract. Any data delivered under the resulting contract will be subject to the Rights in Data--General clause at 52.227-14 that is to be included in this contract. Under the latter clause, a Contractor may withhold from delivery data that qualify as limited rights data or restricted computer software, and deliver form, fit, and function data in lieu thereof. The latter clause also may be used with its Alternates II and/or III to obtain delivery of limited rights data or restricted computer software, marked with limited rights or restricted rights notices, as appropriate. In addition, use of Alternate V with this latter clause provides the Government the right to inspect such data at the Contractor's facility.

(b) As an aid in determining the Government's need to include Alternate II or Alternate III in the clause at 52.227-14, Rights in Data--General, the offeror shall complete paragraph (c) of this provision to either state that none of the data qualify as limited rights data or restricted computer software, or identify, to the extent feasible, which of the data qualifies as limited rights data or restricted computer software. Any identification of limited rights data or restricted computer software in the offeror's response is not determinative of the status of such data should a contract be awarded to the offeror.

(c) The offeror has reviewed the requirements for the delivery of data or software and states [offeror check appropriate block]--

[ ] None of the data proposed for fulfilling such requirements qualifies as limited rights data or restricted computer software.

K.9 SIGNATURE BLOCK

I, the undersigned, do hereby attest that all representations and certifications made in this Section K are true.

Also, I, the undersigned, am aware of the penalties prescribed in 18 U.S. Code 1001 for making false statements in offers; and I am legally authorized to bind the company or organization represented.

L.1 NOTICE LISTING SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The following solicitation provisions pertinent to this section are hereby incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date) in accordance with the FAR provision at FAR "52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE" in Section L of this solicitation. See FAR 52.252-1 for an internet address (if specified) for electronic access to the full text of a provision.

NUMBER	TITLE	DATE
52.215-1	INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS--COMPETITIVE ACQUISITION	MAY 2001
52.222-24	PREAWARD ON-SITE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY COMPLIANCE EVALUATION	FEB 1999

L.2 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

The Government contemplates award of a (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) contract resulting from this solicitation.

L.3 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (AUG 1996)

(a) Protests, as defined in section 33.101 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, that are filed directly with an agency, and copies of any protests that are filed with the General Accounting Office (GAO), shall be served on the Contracting Officer (addressed as follows) by obtaining written and dated acknowledgment of receipt from:

Keith A. Bond

Hand-Carried Address:

U.S. Department of Labor, ETA/OGCM
Division of Contract Services
200 Constitution Avenue, NW
S-4203
Washington DC 20210

Mailing Address:

U.S. Department of Labor, ETA/OGCM
Division of Contract Services
200 Constitution Avenue, NW
S-4203
Washington DC 20210

The following solicitation provisions pertinent to this section are hereby incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date) in accordance with the FAR provision at FAR "52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE" in Section L of this solicitation. See FAR 52.252-1 for an internet address (if specified) for electronic access to the full text of a provision.

NUMBER	TITLE	DATE
52.217-3	EVALUATION EXCLUSIVE OF OPTIONS	APR 1984

M.2 BASIS FOR AWARD (BEST VALUE)

The Government intends to evaluate proposals using a two-step methodology. The first step will involve the evaluation of the offeror's INDIVIDUAL STAFF EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS, LETTERS OF COMITMENT, AND PRICE, evaluation factors B, D, and E listed below). Based on these evaluations, a Competitive Range (FAR Part 15) consisting of the most highly rated proposals will be established.

The second step will involve evaluation of the PAST PERFORMANCE of each of the offerors within the competative range, and an evaluation of an ORAL PRESENTATION presented by each of the offerors within the Competitive Range. Evaluation of oral presentations will consist of the offeror's CAPABILITY TO PERFORM THE CONTRACT (evaluation factor A listed below). Therefore, each offer should contain the best terms from a cost or price and technical standpoint

A cost realism analysis will be performed for all technically acceptable offerors to determine the best overall value as described in M.4 of the solicitation. Contract award will be based on the combined evaluations of Contractor's Capability to Perform the Contract, Individual Staff Experience and Qualifications, Past Performance, Contractor's Experience with Related Work, and Price. The contract resulting from this solicitation will be awarded to the responsible offeror whose offer, conforming to the solicitation, is determined to provide the "best value" to the Government, which may not necessarily be the proposals offering the lowest cost nor receiving the highest technical score. It should be noted that cost is not a numerically weighted factor. Although non-cost factors are significantly more important than cost, cost is an important factor and should be considered when preparing responsive offers (proposals). The importance of cost as an evaluation factor will increase with the degree of equality of the proposals in relation to the remaining evaluation factors.

When the offerors within the competitive range are considered essentially equal in terms of technical, past performance and other no-cost factors (if any), or when cost is so significantly high as to diminish the value of the technical superiority to the Government, cost may become the determining factor for award. In summary, cost/no-cost trade offs will be made, and the extent to which one may be sacrificed for the other if governed only by the tests of rationality and consistency with the established factors.

Prospective contractors are advised that the selection of a contractor for contract award is to be made, after a careful evaluation of the offers (proposals) received, by a panel of specialists chosen by DOL/ETA. Each panelist will evaluate the proposals for technical acceptability using a range of scores assigned to each factor. The factors are presented in the order of emphasis that they will receive (i.e., Factor A has the greatest weight, Factor B the second greatest weight, etc.). The scores will then be averaged to select a contractor for award on the basis of their proposal being the most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered.

M.3 EVALUATION CRITERIA AND BASIS FOR AWARD (BEST VALUE)

A. CONTRACTOR'S CAPABILITY TO PERFORM THE CONTRACT (35 points)

The Government will evaluate each offeror's capability to perform the contract on the basis of its oral presentation and the responses it gives during the question and answer session that will follow the oral presentation. In making this evaluation, the government will consider an offeror's : (1) knowledge of the content of the work in terms of constituent activities, their inputs and outputs, and their interrelationships and interdependencies; (2) recognition of the appropriate sequence and realistic duration of the work activities; (3) knowledge of the appropriate types of resources required to perform the work activities; (4) familiarity with the difficulties, uncertainties, and risks associated with the work; (5) knowledge of the personnel and subcontractor qualifications necessary to the performance of the work; and (6)discussion of potential problems, such as increasing the utilization, and present strategies for dealing with them.

B. INDIVIDUAL STAFF EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS (30 points)

This section of the proposal shall include sufficient information for judging the quality and competence of staff proposed to be assigned to the project to assure that they meet the required qualifications. Successful performance of the proposed work depends heavily on the qualifications of the individuals committed to this project, and the adequacy of the time commitment for each individual in relation to the specific tasks that they will perform. Accordingly, the Government, in its evaluation of the contractor's proposal, will place considerable emphasis on the contractor's commitment of personnel qualified for the work involved in accomplishing the assigned tasks.

This section of the proposal shall provide the current employment status of personnel proposed for work under this RFP--i.e., whether these personnel are currently employed by the contractor or are dependent upon planned recruitment or subcontracting. Where subcontractors or outside assistance are proposed, organizational control shall be clearly delineated so as to demonstrate and ensure responsiveness to the needs of the Government.

The following information shall also be furnished:

1. The proposed Project Director;

2. The proposed project organization;

3. The time commitment of all professional personnel assigned to the project (the number of hours per month that each individual will devote to the project over its life), as well as "Letters of Intent" for each professional personnel;

4. A resume for each professional personnel to be assigned to the project. At a minimum, each resume shall include:
   1. The individual's current employment status and previous work experience, including position title, dates in position, duties performed, and employing organization. Duties shall be clearly defined in terms of the role performed, i.e., management, team leader, consultant. Also, indicate whether each individual is currently employed by the contractor, and (if so) for how long.

   2. A statement of the work that the individual has completed or which is currently underway for work that is relevant to the proposed work on the demonstration project.

   3. The individual's educational background;

   4. The position to which the individual would be assigned for the project and the type of work that they would perform in that capacity.

Please be advised that offerors shall be evaluated under this factor based on the following:

1. The experience and qualifications of the proposed Project Director and the amount of time committed to the project. The Project Director must have a bachelor's degree and 5 years of relevant experience in managing a project of this level of complexity. This person must possess knowledge and skills in the area of outreach and recruitment of disadvantaged youth for educational programs, operating a national toll-free number, and developing trend analysis from collection of data. Further, the Project Director must have demonstrated ability to manage staff with varied backgrounds and specialty skill-sets. (Time commitment - 100%)

2. The experience and qualifications of the proposed Communications Coordinator and the amount of time committed to the project. The Communications Director must have a bachelor's degree and a minimum of three years related experience in communications systems and business administration or five years of related experience. This person must possess knowledge and skills in staff training, materials development (for public distribution), and data collection and reporting. Furthermore, the Communications Director must have demonstrated the ability to manage staff. (Time commitment - 100%)

3. The time commitment of all personnel assigned to the project (the number of hours per month that each individual will devote to the project over its life), as well as "Letters of Intent" for each professional personnel. All key professional personnel must devote the designated percentage of time commitment stated above to this project.

4. A resume for each professional personnel to be assigned to the project. At a minimum, each resume shall include:
   1. The individual's current employment status and previous work experience, including position title, dates in position, duties performed, and employing organization. Duties shall be clearly defined in terms of the role performed, i.e., management, team leader, consultant. Also, indicate whether each individual is currently employed by the contractor, and (if so) for how long.

   2. A statement of the work that the individual has completed or which is currently underway for work that is relevant to the proposed work.

   3. The individual's educational background;

   4. The position to which the individual would be assigned for the project and the type of work that they would perform in that capacity; and

   5. Staffing charts listing names, qualifications, and experience of professional personnel (including outside consultants), staff time/time loading charts showing the amount of time each staff person will devote to each task and sub-task, and an indication of how staff will be allocated to perform all necessary field work during the project.

C. CONTRACTOR'S PAST PERFORMANCE (25 Points)

This criterion shall represent 25% of the total score of the proposal. Award may be made from the initial offers without discussions. However, if discussions are held offerors will be provided the opportunity to address unfavorable reports of past performance, if the offeror has not had a previous opportunity to review the rating. Past Performance shall include evaluating offerors with no relevant performance history, and shall provide offerors an opportunity to identify past or current contracts (Federal, State, and local government and private) for efforts similar to the Government requirement.

Offerors shall provide information on problems encountered on the identified contracts and the offeror's corrective actions. The Government shall consider this information, as well as information obtained from any other sources, when evaluating the offeror's past performance. The Contracting Officer shall determine the relevance of similar past performance information. Offers shall submit past performance information regarding predecessor companies, professional personnel who have relevant experience, or subcontractors that will perform major or critical aspects of the requirement when such information is relevant to the instant acquisition. Offerors without relevant past performance history or for whom information on past performance is not available, the offeror may not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably on past performance. In this instance the offeror would receive a neutral score.

D. LETTERS OF COMMITMENT - KEY PERSONNEL/PRESENTERS (10 Points)

(1) Offerors are required to submit Letters of Commitment for the five (5) presenters participating in the oral presentation (excluding observers). These Letters of Commitment should include the presenters position/title for the project and state if they are employees of the prime contractor or subcontractor. Binding signed employment contracts as described in section L.8(3) of the solicitation must be submitted for the key personell and the oral presentation presenters.

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT OFFERORS WILL BE EVALUATED UNDER THIS FACTOR BASED ON THE FOLLOWING:

(1) Letters of Commitment are provided for the five (5) presenters participating in the oral presentation and for key personel.

(2) Letters of Commitment should include the presenters position/title for the project and state if they are employees of the prime contractor or subcontractor.

(3) Binding employment contracts for the designated key personell and the oral presentation presenters.

OFFERORS PLEASE BE ADVISED THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF POINTS (10) UNDER THIS EVALUATION CRITERIA WILL BE AWARDED TO THE OFFERORS WHO SUBMIT LETTERS OF COMMITMENT AND BINDING EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS FOR ALL OF THE DESIGNATED KEY PERSONELL AND ORAL PRESENTATION PRESENTERS. THERE SHALL BE NO DEVIATION FROM THIS REQUIREMENT. IF AN OFFEROR NEGLECTS TO SUBMIT A LETTER OF COMMITMENT OR A BINDING EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT FOR ONE OF THE KEY PERSONELL OR ORAL PRESENTATION PRESENTERS, THE OFFEROR SHALL RECEIVE NO POINTS UNDER THIS EVALUATION CRITERIA.

E. PRICE

Cost Realism will be performed as part of the proposal evaluation process. The purpose of this evaluation shall be (a) to verify the offeror's understanding of the requirement; (b) to assess the degree to which the cost/price proposal reflects the approaches and/or risk assessments made in the technical proposal as well as the risk that the offeror will provide the services for the offered prices/cost; and (c) assess the degree to which the cost reflected in the cost/price proposal accurately represents the work effort included in the technical offer (proposal).

M.4 DETERMINING BEST OVERALL VALUE

In order to determine which offeror represents the best overall value, the Contracting Officer will make a series of paired comparisons among only those offerors that submitted acceptable offers (proposals). If, in any paired comparison, the offeror with the higher expected value also has the lower price, then the Contracting Officer will consider that offeror to represent the better overall value. If the offeror with the higher expected value has the higher price, then the Contracting Officer will decide whether the difference in expected value is worth the difference in price. If the Contracting Officer decides that it is, then they will consider the offeror with the higher expected value and the higher price to represent the better overall value. If not, then the Contracting Officer will consider the offeror(s) with the lower expected value and the lower price to represent the better value. The Contracting Officer will continue to make paired comparisons in this way until they have identified the best overall value.

Pursuant to FAR Subpart 52.215-1 Instructions to Offerors - Competitive Acquisition, the Contracting Officer reserves the right to award without discussion to the source(s) whose offer is the most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered.