R -- Paralegal for ONR FOIA/Privacy/Ethics Program

The purpose of this requirement is to acquire paralegal services for the Office of Naval Research?s Office of Corporate Counsel. The paralegal services are needed to support the FOIA/Privacy/Ethics Programs. The level of effort is for one (1) man year (estimated 1,840 hours) The required duties are as follows: *Under attorney supervision, manages the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)/Privacy Act (PA) program for ONR. ONR receives approximately 120-200 FOIA and PA requests per year. *Maintains a database with all FOIA and PA requests. Creates a new database entry for each new request and updates each entry as needed throughout the life of the request. Date-stamps new requests received by mail. *Maintains paper files of all requests. *Determines whether request is perfected and whether it falls under ONR cognizance. *Drafts all communication to requester, including acknowledgment of receipt, status updates and final decision letter. Drafts all communication to third parties, including letters to contract information submitters and referrals to other agencies. *Communicates with requester and third parties as needed to refine request, negotiate alternate time periods, respond to inquiries, coordinate search, determine releasability of records and resolve other relevant matters. *Conducts a thorough, documented search for requested records. *Once records are located, retrieves records and analyzes them page-by-page to determine releasability in accordance with FOIA and PA law and policy. Consults with attorney as needed. *Sends records with proprietary or business-sensitive information to the submitter for possible objection to release under EO 12600. *In consultation with attorney if needed, determines which, if any, disclosure exemptions apply to records and redacts any non-releasable portions. *Prepares final package for requester. If a denial is required, coordinates denial package with Initial Denial Authority for signature. *Prepares correspondence and package responding to any appeals of denial. Assists attorney with drafting legal memorandum responding to appeal. *Collects information and prepares an annual FOIA and PA report. *Assists attorney with the Ethics and Standards of Conduct program as required. The minimum certifications/requirements are as follows: * Paralegal Certificate or experience. *Adequate experience handling FOIA and PA requests. *Ability to act independently; to conduct research; to quickly and efficiently develop relevant skills and knowledge; to exercise attention to detail; to write, speak clearly and accurately. Quotes must be submitted by 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time (E.T.) on 24 Aug 2007 via email or fax only. The email address to send quotes to is: Kristin_Fuller@onr.navy.mil. The fax number to send quotes is: (703) 696-0066. All quotes received must provide a resume (maximum 2 pages) which outlines qualifications and relevant experience. ONR reserves the right to hold telephone discussions and/or on-site meetings with offerors if needed.