Description
Sources Sought Announcement The Department of the Interior, National Business Center (DOI NBC) has an existing Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with Mitretek Systems, Inc. DOI NBC is anticipating the need to increase the ceiling on this contract. As an element of market research, DOI NBC is submitting a Sources Sought Announcement to determine if there are other contractors that can meet the requirements of the attached Performance Work Statement. Please note that the PWS requires a significantly broad range of technical capability. Also, maintaining a "conflict of interest free" position is critical to successful performance under this PWS. Any contractor that believes they can fulfill the PWS requirements should submit a capabilities statement in response to this announcement. DOI NBC is not requesting complete proposals. Please send only a capabilities statement. See numbered note 22. PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT 1. GENERAL. The Government requires independent and conflict-of-interest-free high-end Independent Systems Engineering, Technical Support, Acquisition Support and Scientific Services (ISETSAS&SS) supporting a wide-range of systems engineering and technical assistance requirements identified in Delivery and Task Orders issued against the contract. 2. TASKS The contractor shall furnish the necessary resources (except those identified as government furnished equipment, property, or assistance) to accomplish the types of efforts set forth below and when specified by Delivery or Task Orders issued under this contract. 2.1. Technology Management. The contractor shall provide technology management support for government agencies incorporating needs identification, acquisition, operation, servicing, and replacement, including high-level initiatives, such as establishing technology policies and architectural direction to achieve best value of technology or conducting risk assessments of critical-technology initiatives. Technology management support includes hardware and software up to, but not limited to, the system level. 2.2. Evolution Planning: The contractor shall provide strategic planning and guidance for government agencies on the evolution of business processes and system architectures, and the adoption of new technologies. The contractor shall also identify and evaluate the impact of new and emerging technologies. 2.3. Technology Evaluation: The contractor shall provide high-level, expert technical support to government agencies as they evaluate and select appropriate technologies and products, considering the long-term and broad range needs of the government, as well as the immediate best value for separately acquired capabilities. To maximize the value of the Government's investment in research and development, the contractor must maintain an understanding of mature Government sponsored research and development programs applicable, with or without modification to newly identified agency requirements. Agencies must select products and tools that ensure interoperability, allow for efficient maintenance, and provide adequate performance and functionality. To accomplish these tasks, an agency must set criteria, establish laboratories and test environments, evaluate products and technologies, and finally select from these products and technologies to maximize the value to the agency. Because direct and considerable financial benefits can result from selection via this process, it must be managed and conducted in a manner assuring there is no vested interest in the outcome and which possesses known expertise in the field. The decision of which electronic mail system an agency should adopt, for instance, should be supported by unbiased, technical evaluation of alternatives. The contractor will conduct, as required by the government, data collections and quantitative analysis, evaluations, simulations, etc. 2.4. Systems and Services Acquisitions: The contractor shall perform analyses and research for government agencies in support of the acquisition of technology and services, biotechnology systems, energy systems, telecommunications and networking systems. This effort includes specifying, prototyping, modeling, demonstrating, and managing technology systems and related services. It requires the support of technical area experts with reputations and credentials of the highest caliber with extensive previous experience in the acquisition life cycle. It also requires developing models and estimates linking cost, system capability, and mission value to assist agencies in selecting the best combination of systems and services for their missions; developing specifications as input to solicitation documents; reviewing and evaluating industry proposals and performance to ensure that high-quality systems and services are delivered. Evaluations and recommendations must be defensible and totally free of bias or conflict of interest. This high level of independence, objectivity, and expertise is integral to the government in avoiding unnecessary delays, criticism, and potential litigation. 2.5. Independent Validation and Verification: The contractor shall assist government agencies by ensuring, through independent review and testing, the technical quality of systems and products delivered to government agencies. Many aspects of systems development are complex and sensitive to error. Government systems often perform critical mission or information-processing functions where failure could result in economic loss, reduced quality of life, or even loss of life. These technical evaluations should be made in a manner respected for its technical expertise and independence to minimize undue criticism and delay of critical systems developments. 2.6. Assistance to System Users: The contractor shall support government agencies in planning for and transition to the use of new, updated, and modified systems and related programs. With the rapid pace of change in technology and user requirements, such transitions are to be continually expected. This support includes assisting in the definition of requirements, establishing a system concept of operations, conducting trade studies and technology assessments, and developing user documentation. Decisions made in this role not only determine the ultimate effectiveness of technology initiatives, but they can also give great advantage to one technology or product over another. Advice to government users should be provided in a manner reflecting a broad knowledge of government operations, high-level technical capabilities, and complete freedom from conflict of interest. 2.7. Scientific Applications: The contractor shall assist government agencies to meet existing or emerging challenges, such as, but not limited to, chemical/biological defense, public health and safety, environmental, computer and network security, energy and resources management, operations other than war, law enforcement, counter-terrorism, etc. The contractor must provide facilities and staff with advanced degrees and extensive experience in the areas listed herein and other related areas. The contractor must have the technical and management skills to formulate effective solutions to these challenges by helping to translate scientific knowledge into practical skills. Because results of the work can sometimes impact the welfare of individual companies and entire industries, the Contractor must assure objectivity on the work performed. The Contractor shall be impartial, unbiased, independent, and be above reproach. 2.7.1. The contractor shall assist agencies with determining how to better anticipate, prepare for, and respond to existing or newly emerging requirements. The capability to effectively evaluate and guide business processes and technology development in these areas on behalf of our customers is essential. 2.7.2. The contractor shall assist agencies in carrying out programs to protect the health and safety of the public and of government employees. The capability to assess risk, ensure quality control, and evaluate design options in support of government responsibilities related, but not limited to, the delivery of health care services, the safety of our food supply, and the safe operation of chemical and industrial processes is critical. 2.7.3. The contractor shall assist agencies with addressing both environmental compliance and environmental security responsibilities and concerns. 2.7.4. The contractor shall assist agencies with protecting and enhancing the efficiency of energy resources. The areas of support include, but are not limited to biology; microbiology; chemistry; toxicology; environmental health; chemical, mechanical, and nuclear engineering; fluid dynamics; physics; hydrogeology; biostatistics; environmental monitoring and remediation; risk analysis, informatics, electrical engineering, transportation engineering, physics, computer science, mathematics, operations research, simulation and modeling. - END OF PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT -