BOA In-House Background Investigator

CONTRACTOR MUST BE ABLE TO COMMUTE DAILY TO THE PERSONNEL SECURITY DIVISION OFFICE IN WASHINGTON, DC

This requirement is being set-aside for small businesses FFP. ATF intends to issue multiple Basic Order Agreements (BOA). BOA's may be awarded to various contractors depending on the needs of the Personnel Security Division (PSD) and available funding. Proposals will be accepted beginning from the date of this solicitation. All responses will be evaluated and a sufficient number of awards will be made to the most highly rated contractors. ATF's objective is to provide a sufficient number of contractors, to ensure prompt and efficient performance of personnel security services.

Due to the nature of the Federal Personnel Security Program, changes in policies, procedures and guidelines are subject to change without notice. Therefore, ATF and the PSD reserve the right to modify the terms of the contract and accompanied Statement of Work (SOW) at any time. All contractors agree to adhere to any new or updated requirements, policies and/or procedures after they are notified of the new terms.

This solicitation is issued to state that any BOA that is awarded will have a period of performance for 60 months from the time of award.

Contractors that are selected for an award, will be offered a BOA. The contractors responsibilities thereunder are subject to changes in Federal law, regulation and policy, which may include, but are not limited to, procedural changes related to the use of government equipment, security procedures and investigative priorities. Modifications may be sent to vendors via electronic mail after review and approval of the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) or the Contracting Officer (CO). The North American Industry Classification System Code (NAICS) is 561611 Investigation Services. Contractors oversight and performance monitoring shall be conducted by an ATF representative to include, but not limited to, the PSD representatives, the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) and the Contracting Officer (CO).

The following clauses are incorporated in full force into the solicitation and contract: FAR Part 52.212.1 Instructions to Offeror - Commercial Items (Oct. 00) and FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items (incorporated by reference). If an contractor is awarded a BOA, he/she must complete a copy of the provisions at FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representation and Certifications-Commercial Items and FAR 52.209-5, Certification Regarding Responsibility Matters. The contractor shall also provide a statement proving he/she has read and understands the terms and conditions set forth in the FAR 52.212-4.

EVALUATION AND SELECTION CRITERIA

ATF will consider awarding a BOA to contractors, as needed, based on past performance, qualifications and experience and capabilities. All interested individuals must submit a complete proposal package (resume and responses to all listed questions and/or statements). Contractor that submit incomplete proposals will be eliminated from further evaluation. Contractor will be screened based on an adjectival rating regarding their experience, qualifications, past performance and capabilities. An interview may also be required.

Contractor shall demonstrate their experience, qualifications, past performance and capabilities. Contractor shall be rated on each response given to the below questions and/or statements. The adjectival rating scale is (from low to high): unsatisfactory, marginal, satisfactory, very good and exceptional. Contractor whose proposal responses receive an overall evaluation determination of satisfactory or higher (meeting the minimum qualifications) may be considered for issuance of an agreement, but are not guaranteed an award.

PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

Anyone wishing to respond to this solicitation should thoroughly read the SOW and ensure all program requirements are met. By submitting a proposal, contractors agree to comply with all terms, conditions and requirements as documented in this solicitation, the SOW and all subsequent modifications.

Each individual contractor/(person) must submit his/her own proposal. Contractor will be notified of their proposal evaluation results in writing. (No phone calls will be accepted).
ATF will review a contractors proposal package (resume and responses to the below listed questions and/or statements) and, if applicable, results of an interview to determine if the contractor meets the minimum qualifications for a position. If the contractor's written proposal meets the minimum qualifications the contractor may be selected for an interview. Upon the conclusion of the interview, the evaluation panel will determine if a contractor will be selected for an award, determine the position for which the contractor qualifies based on skills and past performance and make a final selection decision.
Contractors are hereby informed that if awarded an agreement, the position for which he/she is selected will remain in effect throughout the life of the 60 months agreement.

FACTOR 1- PAST PERFORMANCE/EXPERIENCE

CRITERIA
Past Performance/Experience

For the following eleven (11) questions, respond in no more than 3-5 sentences for each question. Failure to respond to any of the listed questions will result in an automatic failed evaluation.
1. Do you have a four year college degree (bachelors)? If so, provide specifics (i.e. type of degree(s), when obtained, what school).
2. Select the most appropriate response from the below list and provide specifics regarding your experience:
a. I have at least one year of Federal background investigative experience.
b. I have four years within the last five years of experience conducting investigations (i.e., criminal, law enforcement, etc.).
c. I have at least four years of general experience with skills applicable to the investigative field.
3. Do you have experience in the administration of a personnel security program? If so, identify your experience in the administrative functions.
4. Have you ever attended training for Federal background investigations and/or suitability or security adjudication training? If so, provide brief details of the training (dates, vendor who provided training, etc.).
5. What purpose do you believe Federal background investigations serve?
6. What is your familiarity with the Tiered Investigations?
7. Identify and describe at least four investigative coverage requirements for a Tier 5 background investigation.
8. List at least two differences in coverage requirements between a Tier 2S and a Tier 5.
9. Briefly define personal identifiable information and identify the investigators responsibility for safeguarding this type of information.
10. Provide at least one example of your ability to promote a positive team work or team building environment.
11. Provide at least one example of a time that you researched Federal, state and/or local laws and regulations. Describe the goals of your research and if those goals were met.
FACTOR 2 - TECHNICAL APPROACH
Capabilities

For the following four (4) questions, describe your abilities for each category and provide at least one example.
1. Describe your ability to read and implement written directions pertaining to changes in policies and procedures.
2. Describe your ability to switch priorities while maintaining organization and steady flow of processing.
3. Describe how you would assess your written communication skills.
4. Describe your ability to effectively communicate with clear and concise thoughts.

Resume

1. A current, professional resume. Resumes should not exceed three (3) pages to include no more than two (2) references. References should include the two (2) most recent and/or past employments. Resumes exceeding three (3) pages will not be evaluated; the contractor is to provide two (2) references for relevant and recent work performed for investigative services. Relevant is defined as work of similar type and magnitude as that in SOW. Recent is defined as work performed within the last three years; and
2. Resumes should highlight the contractor's experience and capabilities in performing personnel security services.

FACTOR 3 - PRICE (Non-Rated Factor)

ATF will pay and/or reimburse contractors based on the rates as outlined in the current SOW.

Any contractor submitting a proposal for more than the rate stated in the SOW will be eliminated from receiving an award.

Order of Importance: (Factor 1) Past Performance/Experience is more important than (Factor 2) Technical Approach

QUESTIONS: If you have any contractual questions please send email to Simone Rittenhouse at simone.rittenhouse@atf.gov or Jeannine Beavers at Jeannine.Beavers@atf.gov

If you have any technical questions please refer them to Personnel Security Division at CBIP@atf.gov. Proposals are to be submitted via mail at 99 New York Avenue, NE, Suite 1.E-300, Washington, DC 20226, or via email to CBIP@atf.gov and must contain all of the required information as stated in the solicitation.