Labor/Employee Relations and Workers Compensation Support

This is not a solicitation announcement. This is a sources sought synopsis only. The purpose of this sources sought synopsis is to gain knowledge of potential qualified small business sources and their size classifications (i.e., HUBZone 8(a), 8(a), HUBZone, Service-Disabled Veteran-owned, Veteran-Owned, and Small Disadvantaged Business) relative to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code. Responses to this sources sought synopsis will be used by the Government to make appropriate determinations about potential sources. Only small business sources shall respond to this sources sought synopsis. Project Title: Labor/Employee Relations & Workers Compensation Support Project Description: The purpose of the project is to obtain resources needed from a contractor with senior government Labor and Employee Relations (LER) experience to assist in providing expert guidance and advice to management, LER Staff and employees regarding all aspects of labor and employee relations. The contractor will consult with the program's team leader and specialist to initiate work. The contractor will advise and assist management with addressing varying aspects of LER by providing guidance on the best courses of action available, based on relevant factors and considering the current culture and trends of the organization. Depending on the complexity and scope of issues raised, the contractor will provide support in conducting investigations and inquiries of the facts and circumstances presented in a grievance (either negotiated or administrative), including collecting documentary evidence, conducting interviews, and holding meetings, as appropriate. The contractor will prepare written clear concise investigative reports addressing all issues and findings, which will be used by the management official in rendering his/her decision. LER actions may include, but are not limited to, the following: performance-based actions (PIP, performance warning memos, within-grade increase denials, rating summaries, etc.), conduct-based actions (written and verbal counseling, admonishments, warning memorandum, leave restrictions, Official Reprimands, suspensions from duty, removals), grievances, formal appeals to MSPB, EEO, worker's compensation and unemployment compensation claims, unfair labor practices, information requests, and other necessary labor-management obligations. The contractor may also be required to assist management and/or the LER Specialist in drafting performance standards and elements. The contractor must have the ability to analyze case law and relevant factors to make contract interpretations, bargaining unit determinations, negotiability determinations, and advising management in the development, application, and interpretation of a wide range of labor relations policies and practices. The contractor will perform other related LER issues and functions as assigned. The contractor will draft documents for final approval and/or signature, as directed by the LER Director or designee. The contractor will also provide administrative/clerical assistance and support, inclusive of, but not limited to, creating file folders, printing, copying, shredding, establishing and FDA/LER network drive and/or web page content to ensure all policies, guidance, current templates and other relevant information is in a central location for LER specialists and customers. The contractor will provide assistance and support with usage and content updates that LER specialists need for the EWITS caseload tracking system. The contractor will be responsible for ensuring legal compliance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, CBA's, etc., of all ER/LR actions processed. Your responses to the questions provided below will assist the Government in selecting the appropriate acquisition method. Page limit: Maximum 15 pages (font size Times New Roman 11 or larger). A copy of the company capability statement will also be accepted (but not in place of the responses to the below questions). The anticipated period of performance is 12 months. After review of the responses received, a pre-solicitation synopsis and formal solicitation may be published in the Federal Business Opportunities. Response to this notice must include company name, address, point of contact, size of business pursuant to the NAICS code, and must respond to the following questions: 1. Is your business a small business under the NAICS code? 2. Does your firm qualify as a small disadvantaged business? 3. If disadvantaged, specify if your firm is certified under Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act? 4. Are you considered a certified HUBZone firm? 5. Are you considered woman-owned or operated business? 6. Are you a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned or Veteran-Owned business? 7. Describe your proven capability to provide process documentation services. 8. Describe your experience with providing assistance in addressing varying aspects of LER. 9. Describe your proven capability to conduct the range of investigations and inquiries of the facts and circumstances presented in a typical labor grievance. 10. Describe your proven capability to write clear, concise investigative reports about various LER actions. 11. Describe your proven capability to analyze case law on LER issues in order to make contract interpretations and other determinations. 12. Describe your proven capability to draft documents for review and approval. 13. Describe your proven capability to provide administrative/clerical assistance and support. This is not a request for proposals and in no way obligates the Government to award any contract. Responses to this notice shall be mailed to: Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Acquisitions and Grant Services, 5630 Fishers Lane, Room 2081, Rockville, MD 20857, Attn: James Whitt; or by facsimile to (301) 827-7106. Telephone and email responses will not be accepted. Responses must be received in writing, by no later than August 13, 2012, 4:30 PM, local time. No solicitation is currently available. Responses to this sources sought synopsis will not be considered adequate responses to the solicitation, a request to be added to a prospective offerors list, or a request to receive a copy of the solicitation. Reference No. 1109522.