SOURCES SOUGHT
R -- Research & Evaluation Services
- Notice Date
- 1/8/2013
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 541990
— All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Contracting Office
- Department of Labor, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management, Procurement Services Center, S-4306 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20210-0001, United States
- ZIP Code
- 20210-0001
- Solicitation Number
- DOL131RI21630
- Archive Date
- 2/2/2013
- Point of Contact
- Antoinette Ingram, Phone: 2026934582, Jeanette L.B. Quitoriano, Phone: 2026934570
- E-Mail Address
-
Ingram.Antoinette@dol.gov, quitoriano.jeanette@dol.gov
(Ingram.Antoinette@dol.gov, quitoriano.jeanette@dol.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business
- Description
- OFFICE OF DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT POLICY (ODEP) STATEMENT OF WORK FOR RESEARCH AND EVALUATION SERVICES I. INTRODUCTION The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is seeking contractors to provide support for a range of activities designed to assist ODEP in the policy development process and further its mission of increasing employment opportunities for and economic advancement of youth and adults with disabilities. Specifically, contractor support is being sought to assist ODEP in: developing and providing technical assistance: conducting policy analysis, research, and evaluation activities; identifying and validating effective models; providing statistical support and analysis; providing training and presentation; performing a variety of knowledge transfer activities; developing policy related tools and resources; report writing; and other activities designed to effectuate systems change on a wide variety of disability and employment topics. II. BACKGROUND ODEP's mission is to assist the Secretary of Labor in providing leadership to increase employment opportunities for adults and youth with disabilities; to support the implementation of the employment-related goals of the administration; and to achieve a lasting systemic impact on the employment process and related employment supports through identification and validation of effective practices and the translation of such knowledge into actionable policy recommendations and other policy products for broad dissemination, adoption and utilization. ODEP is charged with developing policy and initiatives that eliminate barriers to the employment and training of people with disabilities so that they are better equipped to meet the demands of the 21st century workplace. ODEP's stakeholders include: public and private employers; employer organizations, Federal, state and local government and non-government agencies and systems; people with disabilities; disability advocates; and service providers. To fulfill its mission, ODEP implements a wide range of activities designed to develop and inform the policy process and to effectuate systemic changes needed to improve employment opportunities and workforce participation of youth and adults with disabilities across a wide variety of service delivery systems Most of the anticipated activities undertaken by the entities selected via this solicitation will revolve around policy analysis and development, identification of effective practices, development and dissemination of technical assistance, and research and evaluation in the following 4 areas: • workforce systems(including its myriad of partners); • preparing transition age youth to enter the workforce; • employers and the workplace; and • employment-related supports, such as transportation, assistive technology, and personal assistance. Research and evaluation support will also be needed to assist ODEP in assessing the impact of its activities, and to facilitate accurate and timely reporting of its outcomes. Additional focus areas may arise in the future, and are not always predictable. They will depend on a variety of factors, including the policy priorities and concerns of the administration and of the Secretary of Labor, legislative developments in the Congress, trends in the nation's economy and labor market, and the emergence of issues and pressures among various constituencies. This is a new solicitation, and the Office of Disability Employment and Policy anticipates awarding multiple Blanket Purchase Agreements. A. PURPOSE The purpose of this procurement is to competitively select contractors to provide a range of activities designed to assist ODEP in the policy development process as described previously. Such support includes: technical assistance, policy analysis; and research and evaluation (including but not limited to case studies, the identification and validation of effective models and statistical support and analysis); training and presentations; knowledge transfer activities; the development of policy related tools and resources; report writing, including white papers, briefing papers etc.; and other activities designed to effectuate systems change on a wide variety of disability and employment topics. ODEP recognizes that effectively addressing the complex and significant barriers to employment faced by people with disabilities requires multiple strategies and the active involvement of many stakeholders, including agencies within the Department of Labor, other Federal agencies, state and local governments, non-governmental organizations, the disability community and employers. Accordingly, the contractor will also be expected to provide logistical and administrative support to assist ODEP in bringing together national experts and interested stakeholders for targeted strategic meetings and think tanks necessary to develop informed policy recommendations and related policy products. Such support will enhance ODEP's capacity to generate credible policy products, effective practices, and recommendations on key topics; to conduct research and evaluation activities effectively and efficiently; and to assess the impact of its investments on effectuating systems change needed to improve the employment landscape for persons with disabilities. B. OBJECTIVES The objectives of this procurement are to obtain: 1) Timely, high-quality, cost effective technical assistance from experts in the policy content areas identified in Section III; 2) Implementation of a process that improves the Government's ability to maintain/gain up-to-date subject matter expertise, and make validated information accessible to and useful by relevant stakeholders. 3) Policy analysis and development support including: i. Policy-related research and the drafting of proposed legislative language and other policy products ii. Various policy-focused writing services. 4) Research and evaluation activities intended to assist ODEP in assessing its impact and facilitating accurate reporting of its outcomes. 5) Effective logistical support to facilitate forums for policy and research development. III. SCOPE OF WORK/SERVICES TO BE PERFORMED A. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS The Offeror will furnish all management, highly qualified personnel, facilities and materials to design and conduct the identified policy, research-related, and technical assistance activities. All work will be conducted in accordance with the requirements of fully executed task orders, this Statement of Work or Statement of Objectives, and all other terms and conditions of this contract. Please Note: To be considered for a particular task order involving policy analyses and development, technical assistance and training, or research and evaluation, Offerors must demonstrate specific subject matter expertise and experience in the related policy area and in carrying out the particular types of activities described in Task 1 to Task 3 below. If an Offeror itself does not have the capability to perform a given task or have the necessary content expertise, the Offeror may satisfy the RFQ by proposing to use a subcontractor that has this capability and experience by documenting their availability and agreement to subcontract for this work. Offerors must include technical approach, personnel qualifications, and all relevant past performance in proposals. Such information must clearly demonstrate the knowledge and experience of all personnel in relevant areas and evidence of the use of social media and other e-based communication tools. B. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS Policy Content Areas: The policy content areas will include, but are not limited, to the following: 1) accessible technology solutions 2) advancing economic status through employment, including through tax and work incentives and other asset development strategies 3) affirmative action 4) aging and disability 5) cultural competence and working with businesses 6) customized employment and customized job development 7) employers and employer organizations, including evidence-based and new and emerging strategies that address demand-side needs. 8) integrated employment, including Employment First policies and strategies 9) public workforce system, including its functioning as an Employment Network 10) Social Security work incentives 11) Retention and return-to-work 12) Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and federal contract compliance 13) self-employment and entrepreneurship 14) workplace flexibility 15) workplace supports (such as personal assistance, transportation and housing) 16) youth transitioning to the workforce and entities that support transition (for example, federal, state and local Departments of Education, mental health services, and other partners, and the "Guideposts for Success") 17) specific statutes and regulatory requirements relevant to disability, including but not limited to the Workforce Investment Act, the Rehabilitation Act (including Sections 503 and 504), the Social Security Act, the Small Business Act, various authorities under Medicaid, various authorities under Education, federal tax provisions relating to disability, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. In their response to this solicitation, Offerors should identify the particular policy areas for which they would like to be considered for Task Orders and demonstrate how they meet the requisite subject matter and experience qualifications to perform policy analysis and development, technical assistance, and research and evaluation as detailed in Tasks 1-3 below. ODEP intends to select multiple contractors to assist it in accomplishing its mission. Task 1: Policy Analyses and Development A. Policy Analyses: The Offeror must demonstrate knowledge and ability to analyze policy in relevant content areas. B. Drafting of Legislative and Administrative Policy Language: The Offeror must demonstrate knowledge and ability to translate general policy recommendations into specific legislative, regulatory and administrative recommendations with justification and specific proposed supporting language. C. Policy Product Development: The Offeror must demonstrate knowledge and ability to translate general policy recommendations and knowledge of specific content areas into policy products including draft policy guidance and information that could be shared with the field D. Knowledge Transfer: The Offeror must document contract or subcontract experience in conducting knowledge transfer activities that include translating research and existing knowledge into actual utilization, including the identification and adoption of successful strategies and models through a variety of means. E. Facilitation of Policy and Research Development via Strategic Think Tanks, Focus Groups, and Other Policy-Focused Meetings: The Offeror shall identify specific staff with relevant policy expertise who also has documented experience facilitating meetings designed to facilitate policy and research development and other related functions identified by ODEP. One example of a facilitated policy focused meeting shall be provided and a list provided of other such activities performed by the Offeror describing their purpose, format and outcome (including policy product development). F. White Papers/Issue Briefs: The Offeror must demonstrate knowledge and ability to analyze information and prepare professional quality white papers/issue briefs of interest to DOL/ODEP in specified content areas. For each area listed in Task 1 A-F for which the Offeror claims policy analysis and development expertise, the Offeror shall provide one example of work, as well as the contract or subcontract staff identified with this expertise by individual and content area. They should also provide a list of other similar work the Offeror has performed, and in the case of Task 1-E the Facilitation of Policy and Research Development via Strategic Think Tanks, Focus Groups, and Other Policy-Focused Meetings, this list should include information about the purpose, format and outcome of the meetings/activities. Do not submit any confidential or top secret information. All policy analysis and development initiatives will include an evaluation component that at minimum measures project performance, relevance and utilization. The Offeror should therefore provide an explanation as to how an evaluation would be conducted, and identify the results expected. Task 2: Technical Assistance,Training, and Knowledge Transfer The Offeror must demonstrate knowledge and experience in developing and providing technical assistance, training, and knowledge transfer in order to support capacity building and systems change for workforce development programs, employers, and service providers, and to inform policy analysis and development. A. Technical Assistance: The Offeror must document prior experience in provision of technical assistance in Section III B content areas. Technical assistance may include activities that foster capacity building and systems change, including but not limited to: strategic planning; needs assessment; collection and analysis of disability employment policy-related issues; materials development including curricula, web-based technical assistance materials, etc.; and technical assistance for adoption, implementation, transfer and replication of effective practices, knowledge and strategies. B. Training: The Offeror must document prior experience in the provision of training in Section III B content areas. Training projects may be linked to technical assistance. Training projects may be conducted in a variety of forums including small and large group settings, conferences and workshops, and through multi-media formats. Training may be targeted to: national, regional, state and/or local staff, service providers and employers as appropriate. C. Knowledge Transfer: The Offeror must document contract or subcontract experience in conducting knowledge transfer activities that include translating research and existing knowledge into actual utilization, including the identification and adoption of successful strategies and models through a variety of means. All technical assistance, training, and knowledge transfer initiatives will include an evaluation component that at minimum measures relevance and utilization. The Offeror should therefore provide an explanation as to how an evaluation would be conducted, and identify the results expected. The Offeror shall identify contractor and subcontractor staff with subject matter expertise in providing technical assistance, training, and knowledge transfer activities in each area in which they claim expertise related to policy analysis and development. See Section III.B The Offeror shall also provide examples of work related to these activities by specific content area(s). Task 3: Research and Evaluation Projects The Offeror may be required to conduct research projects related to specific policy issues as specified under a particular task order. The Offeror may also be required to conduct evaluation-related projects. These projects may require the Offeror to arrange and conduct site visits to collect information through informal discussions with service delivery personnel and constituent organizations. The Offeror may also be required to implement experimental, quasi-experimental, mixed-methods or qualitative designs to validate the effectiveness of promising practices that promote the employment of people with disabilities. Also, conducting cost benefit, quantitative and qualitative data analysis may be required. Other evaluation projects may include studies to support ODEP in complying with departmental and other reporting requirements such as the Government Performance Results Act of 2010(GPRA 2010). These projects will be used to inform ODEP's reporting on the agency's effectiveness, to assess its performance and efficiency, and to determine the agency's long term impact on employers and the systems that that provide employment related training and support services to people with disabilities. The Offeror shall provide at least one example of work performed in each area of research and evaluation and a list of other documents produced related to disability employment. Task 4: Survey Design and OMB Clearance Package Preparation: Surveys may be conducted under the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) clearance and may be by mail, telephone, internet or multi-mode. The Offeror will prepare the necessary materials under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) for clearance by the Office of the Chief Evaluator (CEO) and the OMB as appropriate, design the questionnaires, field the survey, and process the responses so that the data are ready for analysis. The successful performance of this contract will require the Offeror to have frequent interaction with ODEP staff and perform assigned work in the most cost effective manner. The Offeror must also have access to highly qualified people from many disciplines and the ability to access a variety of databases and organizations---public and private----in the disability, employment, and associated fields. The Offeror shall provide concrete examples of the survey design and OMB clearance packages they and their subcontractors have developed and implemented. Availability of Personnel. The Contractor will provide qualified personnel within 14 calendar days after receipt of a fully executed Task Order or Task Order modification. Reasonable time allowance of up to 30 calendar days will be allowed, at the discretion of the Contracting Officer's Representative, where a requirement is for a unique or unusual skill. Standards of Work The contractor agrees that the performance of work and services pursuant to the requirements of this contract will confirm to high professional standards. IV. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE The majority of the work will be performed on the Contractor's site. Occasionally, the Contractor will work on the Government site or at another location determined by the COR. V. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE The period of performance for the awarded IDIQ Contract shall be for five (5) years from the date of contract execution. VI. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS/OUTPUTS A. REPORTS/DELIVERABLES The contractor submits administrative and financial reports necessary for monitoring performance of work at the time and in the number of copies specified, to the project officer designated for each task order. If requested by the project officer, briefings (in person or by phone) are held on the final reports on each task order. Many of the tasks under this contract are open-ended and process oriented. They may involve the provision of support and technical assistance for programs that address the employment and employment-related supports needs of people with disabilities in the nation. However, the contractor must demonstrate progress in performance of each of the subtasks required in the individual task orders, as follows: Administrative Reports (1) A detailed description of the work performed during the reporting period under each task order hereunder, in terms of the established critical milestones. (2) A detailed description of work that is to be performed during the next reporting period under each task order. (3) If applicable, a brief description of any technical or administrative problems that have arisen during the reporting period under any task order issued or any problems that are expected to arise during the next reporting period. (4) Changes in personnel during the reporting period. Financial Management Reports (1) Total expenditures for the reporting period. (2) Cumulative expenditures through the reporting period. (3) Balance of contractual funds as of the end of the reporting period. (4) Total expenditures per Task Order for the reporting period. (5) Cumulative expenditures per Task Order through the reporting period. (6) Expenditures and hours of effort expended by each individual by labor category and Task Order during the reporting period. Reports are due monthly to the Contracting Officer's Representative. The Contractor agrees that the performance of work and Services pursuant to the requirements of this contract will conform to high professional standards. Notice to Government of Delay When the Contractor has knowledge that any actual or potential situation is delaying or threatens to delay the timely performance of this contract, the Contractor will, as soon as the scheduling delay is identified, relay all relevant information to the Contracting Officer. B. DELIVERABLES The Contractor will make deliverables and perform in accordance with the provisions of fully executed Task Orders. General Deliverables: include reports, work breakdown schedules, work plans, staffing plans, management plans, etc. Technical Deliverables: recommended policy statements, analysis data or spreadsheets, videos, etc. that is in compliance with accessibility requirements. C. ACCESSIBLE FORMATS All documents and deliverables prepared for or provided to ODEP must be in accessible formats and must meet the criteria outlined in Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1998 and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 (WCAG 2.0). Such deliverables may include, but are not limited to training, training materials, presentations, documents, reports, websites, webcasts, podcasts, forms, and PDFs. All documents and deliverables prepared for or provided to ODEP must be in accessible formats. This includes but is not limited to PowerPoint, PDFs, Word, fillable forms, charts and graphs, graphics, videos, and electronic materials. All materials submitted in hardcopy must be provided in an accessible electronic copy at the same time of hard copy submission. Any multimedia (i.e., DVDs) must be captioned and navigable by assistive technologies and any commands must be navigable by assistive technology, to include JAWS-readable compliant format (508 compliant) a. All PDFs created for or provided to ODEP must be in accessible formats. All graphics, charts, and graphs in a PDF must be attributed with appropriate descriptive alternate text. All text content in the PDF must be readable with a screen reader or Adobe's "readout-loud" function on each page in a comprehensive and sequential manner, to include all information provided in any alternate text descriptions for graphics. Any fillable form fields must be readable in a sequential manner and executable by keyboard or other assistive technology b. All copies shall be provided on disk in Microsoft Word format. The final product shall be provided in publication-ready, JAWS-readable compliant format c. All web-based systems and applications provided for use by or created for ODEP must be accessible and meet the criteria outlined in Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Department's DLMS 9 Chapter 600. All web-based downloadable documents supported by any web based system or application must be posted in an accessible manner to include JAWS-readable compliant format (Section 508 compliant). d. All training, vocal presentations, and training documents must be provided in an accessible format. The "point-and-click" method of training with screenshots is not sufficient. All screenshots of user actions must be given an equivalent alternate verbal or text description and a non-mouse-based action, and all materials must be provided in an accessible electronic format (preferably Word) D. PROGRESS REPORT The Contractor shall provide the ODEP COR with monthly progress reports. The brief reports will summarize progress on each task, anticipated problems and resolutions, and future activities. Contractor shall present findings in meetings with ODEP as needed. E. TRANSITION (Phase-In/Phase-Out) Transition Phase-In. The Contractor's transition plan shall describe the approach to be utilized in transitioning work from the existing Contractor or Government actor, as applicable, to meet performance requirements of this SOW. Appropriate planning allows for a transition to be accomplished without disruption of ongoing work and without compromising the ODEP mission and program objectives. At a minimum, the transition plan shall identify the start and end period, transition approach (work effort, workforce, procurement strategies, milestones, etc). Transition Phase-Out. Transition Phase-Out. At the end of the contract, the Contractor may be required to provide phase-out support for up to 90 days pursuant to the applicable continuity of services contract clause to include all government furnished property and data created or produced for this effort.
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/DOL/OASAM/WashingtonDC/DOL131RI21630/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20774, United States
- Zip Code: 20774
- Zip Code: 20774
- Record
- SN02960871-W 20130110/130108234059-fc03e9b2b65dd64599dd10bdf54c00ad (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
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