Description
This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. This is announcement is set-aside for small business and the associated Product Service Code is R608, SIC Code=7389 and NAICS Code=54193. The Department of Interior, Office of Insular Affairs, has a requirement for in-country Ombudsman caseworkers. The Government reserves the right to award more than one contract as a result of this combined synopsis/solicitation. The contractor shall provide support for three positions for the Federal Ombudsman Office in Saipan, CNMI. The Caseworker/translator shall provide translation and interpretation services; counseling, outreach and assistance in applying for and obtaining relief with appropriate Federal and CNMI agencies. This position requires fluency in English both written and spoken, and in one or more of the following languages: Mandarin Chinese, Tagalog, Bengali, Singhalese, Urdu, Hindi, Nepalese, Tamil, Thai and Korean. The position will require the conducting of initial in-take interviews and, in consultation with the Federal Ombudsman, review of facts presented to determine where to refer the worker for resolution of need presented. The contractor shall provide assistance to the worker throughout resolution of issues. The contractor shall assist in tracking worker's complaint/problem through the resolution process and shall maintain all necessary reports/files to conclusion. Qualified offerors for the positions shall have a minimum of two (2) years translator experience, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Offerors must also have a good working knowledge of Federal and CNMI labor laws. Some substitutions for the two years translator experience may be accepted for those with significant experience in a multi-lingual environment or with advanced degrees or certifications in the additional language. The caseworkers shall also be required to have a good working knowledge of the CNMI laborer permitting process and the resolution process established by the CNMI government for foreign worker claims against their employers. The following tasks shall be provided by the position: 1. Interviewing alien workers, translation/interpretation services and referral of alien workers to CNMI and Federal offices for further assistance, and coordinate activities/follow-up with clientele status on a daily basis. 2. Making preliminary projections of the types of interventions and programs that may be required to successfully address on-going and potential cases. 3. Preparing case-status reports and case summary reports for the Federal Ombudsman, using computer word processes. 4. Reviewing findings, projections and reports with the Federal Ombudsman and making all required modifications and corrections. 5. Drafting complaints, motions and other documents for filing with the CNMI Department of Labor's Hearing Office, based on the complaint statements of nonresident worker claimants. 6. Explaining the comlaint filing process, issued to be addressed at mediation, and process of adjudication to nonresident worker claimants. Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding holidays. NOTE: There will be no overtime work or pay. Proposals shall include two references including name, address, and phone number of supervisors or individuals that have knowledge of the offeror's background in translating services, and ability to fulfill the statement of work. The following contract provisions apply to this acquisition: FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation-Commercial Items, 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial items, 52.212-5 including subparagraphs (11), (12), (13), (14), (15), and (17). Offerors shall provide a technical and price proposal for a base year and four additional one-year option periods. Accordingly, the base contract term shall commence at contract award through September 30, 2005 with four one year options through September 30, 2009. *Note: The offerors' technical and price proposals shall address the Statement of Work and the following evaluation criteria. A Best Value award will be made in accordance with the following criteria listed in descending order of importance: 1. Technical, 2. Demonstrated past experience in translation services, and 3. Price Reasonableness. The following provide the technical sub-criteria (a) Demonstrated fluency in English and demonstrated fluency in one or more of the following languages: Mandarin Chinese, Tagalog, Bengali, Singhalese, Urdu, Hindi, Nepalese, Tamil, Thai and Korean, (b) Educational level. - High School diploma + two years of translating/interpreting experience. The evaluation factors other than price, when combined, are equal to price. Contract awards are contingent upon successful completion of background checks and verification of references. Interviews with offerors may also be required. Technical and price proposal must be received in the following office no later than close of business on August 23, 2004: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Business Center, Division of Acquisition Services, Attn: Fran Buhman, 1849 C Street, NW, Mail Stop1324, Washington, DC 20240.