SOURCES SOUGHT
R -- Request for Information- Alernative Resolutions to Conflict (ARC)
- Notice Date
- 10/2/2008
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 541611
— Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
- Contracting Office
- Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration, Headquarters TSA, 601 S. 12th Street, TSA-25, 10th Floor, Arlington, Virginia, 22202
- ZIP Code
- 22202
- Solicitation Number
- RFI-ARC
- Archive Date
- 11/13/2008
- Point of Contact
- Michael R. Villano, Phone: 5712271502
- E-Mail Address
-
Michael.Villano@dhs.gov
- Small Business Set-Aside
- Total Small Business
- Description
- Request for Information: Support for TSA’s Office of Civil Rights and Liberties Alternative Resolutions to Conflict (ARC) The Transportation Security Administration is seeking information regarding contractor support to the Office of Civil Rights and Liberties. Consequently, the TSA is soliciting information to determine the availability of capable small business contractors that can accomplish this task. Information submitted will be used to assist the Government in the continuing development of its acquisition strategy for a nationwide program for support to the Office of Civil Rights and Liberties. This RFI is issued solely for market research, planning and information purposes and is NOT to be construed as a commitment by the Government to enter into a contractual agreement, nor will the Government pay for information solicited hereunder. All information received in response to this RFI that is marked Proprietary will be handled accordingly. Responses to the RFI will not be returned. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI. BACKGROUND The Transportation Security Administration, Office of Civil Rights and Liberties (OCRL) upholds laws, regulations and Executive Orders, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation and age in employment and the provision of services. The Office is responsible for ensuring that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not discriminate against its employees, former employees or applicants for employment and that TSA conduct its programs and activities free of discrimination. In addition, the office is responsible for administering the Agency’s Alternative Dispute Resolution process in accordance with 29 Code of Federal Regulation 1614(b)(2) which states that an agency shall establish or make available an alternative dispute resolution program that is accessible for the informal and formal complaint process. TSA’s Alternative Resolutions to Conflict (ARC) implements ADR methods in various ways, including facilitated meetings and mediation with the aid of a neutral third party. This is a voluntary process for individuals initiating the EEO complaint process and has proven to be a worthwhile program. ARC allows individuals to present and discuss workplace issues, which often times led to resolution of the EEO complaint, thereby avoiding the lengthy and costly litigation process. ARC has proven to be particularly effective in improving communication and promoting mutual acceptance in the workplace. The Informal/ARC Division: The mission of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Office of Civil Rights and Liberties (OCRL) is to promote equal employment and prevent and eliminate unlawful discrimination in the workplace. Specifically, the OCRL enforces laws, regulations, Executive Orders, and policies which prohibit unlawful discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, parental status, and protected genetic information. The OCRL also enforces laws, regulations, Executive Orders, and policies which prohibit retaliation for opposing any practice made unlawful by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Equal Pay Act, and the Rehabilitation Act, or for participating in any stage of administrative or judicial proceedings under those statutes. In addition Alternative Resolutions to Conflict (ARC) is the alternative dispute resolution program in TSA’s Office of Civil Rights and Liberties. The Informal/Alternative Resolutions to Conflict (ARC) Division is responsible for the prompt, fair, and impartial processing of informal EEO complaints. The Division’s services begin when someone calls the Office of Civil Rights and Liberties. An EEO counselor will explain the EEO complaint process and provide information to assist callers in making informed choices on how to proceed, electing between traditional EEO counseling or Alternative Resolutions to Conflict Process to resolve their concern. In traditional counseling, the Counselor conducts an informal inquiry in an attempt to resolve the issue at the lowest possible level. Individuals are provided an ARC package which must be completed and returned if the initial conversation with the EEO counselor does not resolve the issue. Upon return of the ARC package, an EEO counselor is assigned and will begin the EEO process. If resolution is not obtained, the notice of right to file a formal complaint of discrimination is provided to the complainant to continue the complaint process. ARC provides complainants, where appropriate, the opportunity to resolve their EEO complaints through a private conversation with their supervisors or managers with the support of a neutral third person. The ARC process is an employee option to work toward resolving issues informally. Any agreements reached as a result of these discussions are fashioned by the parties, are voluntary, and follow legal guidelines. The conversations often result in better communications on a daily basis. REQUIREMENTS It is expected that the proposed vendor provide the following mediation services to TSA: •Assure ADR website update in real time •Generate ADR reports •Provide transformative mediators •ADR Vendors must be registered with the Central Contractor Registry •Qualifications for Mediators: Possess BA, BS, MA, PH.D or equivalent from an accredited college or university; 11-25 continuing education contact hours in past 24 months in Transformative Mediation; Minimum of 10 mediations in past 24 months using the Transformative Model; •Mediation Process: •Must be able to assign a case(s) within 2 hours; Vendor makes initial contact with counselee within 24 to determine regular days off, work hours and leave schedule. •Vendor will make contact to coordinate available dates/time with responding and resolving parties. •Vendor will make follow-up calls and emails after initial contact with counselee and POC •Vendor will submit completed letter and forward to counselee, POC, and mediator once date and time are confirmed. •Vendor will design an ADR Website which will include information such as weekly ADR reports, outcome, and forms are recorded on the website. •Vendor will submit monthly invoices to TSA via website •Vendor will submit weekly mediation reports to TSA via website •Vendor will submit monthly mediation, satisfaction survey reports to TSA via website Post-Satisfaction Survey Results •Completed survey forms for mediation are to be submitted at the end of the month. •Submission of completed surveys by Party filing Party, Responding Party, Resolving Official, Representative, TSA Field Counsel •Data from surveys should be complied monthly •Survey results should be reported to TSA monthly Mediator’s Report •Completed by Mediators at the conclusion of a mediation •Report captures mediation outcome and length of mediation Website: •Create and maintain website •Continuous quality improvement to website •TSA request implemented within 24 hours TSA is seeking to procure transformative and directive mediation services for Federal EEO complaints. Services will focus first on resolution and if resolution is not obtained, will develop an impartial and appropriate factual record upon which to make findings on discrimination claims raised by individuals (referred to as complainants) and formalized in their written complaint. OCR’s Alternative to Resolution to Conflict program will be utilizing the transformative mediation model in addressing conflict and potential and existing EEO complaints as a part of the ADR services. ACQUISTION STRATEGY TSA wishes to set aside this program for small businesses under NAICS code 541611, Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services, and teaming arrangements are encouraged. The contractor will be subject to the provisions of the Service Contract Act. INFORMATION REQUESTED Please provide a Capabilities Statement that includes answers to the questions below as well as a description of your core EEO/EO/CR technical competencies, past experience in EEO/EO/CR support, clients, current contracts (Federal and private), contact information and small business classification (8(a), SDVO, etc.). 1.What is your experience and knowledge of Transformative Mediations? 2.How many years have your company conducted mediation services? 3.Does your company have certified Transformative Mediators? And if so, where did they receive their certifications. 4.What is your experience and knowledge of Traditional Mediations? 5.How many years have your company conducted meditation services? 6.Does your company have certified Traditional Mediators? And if so, where did they receive their certifications. 7.What is your company’s experience in conducting facilitations? 8.Does your company have mediators that are available to travel within and out of the United States, including Federal Operated Airports and territories? 9.How would your company interface with the Transportation Security Administration to obtain mediation orders and requests? 10.What type of reporting mechanism are available 11.How are Customer Satisfaction Surveys are handled? RESPONSE INSTRUCTIONS Responses should not exceed 10 pages and should be submitted not later than 12:00 p.m., (EST), October 29, 2008. Submissions should be sent electronically to: Michael.Villano@dhs.gov. Questions may be directed to Michael Villano at the same address.
- Web Link
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(https://www.fbo.gov/?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=d7d5cfc508b1355b3e761785a10d0ccb&tab=core&_cview=1)
- Place of Performance
- Address: 701 S. 12th St., Arlington, Virginia, 22202, United States
- Zip Code: 22202
- Zip Code: 22202
- Record
- SN01687590-W 20081004/081002221240-e0ed94fdf7ece12dbc7a67cc7ebd0eda (fbodaily.com)
- Source
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