Technical Assistance and Special Education Professional Services for the Bureau of Indian Education

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND SPECIAL EDUCATION PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR THE BIE ANNUAL ACADEMY,This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. This solicitation, RMM00110018, is issued as a Request for Proposals (RFP). The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through the Federal Acquisition Regulation. The North American Industry classification (NAICS) code is 611710 and the business size maximum is $5.0 Million. 1. INTRODUCTION: The Bureau of Indian Education, Division of Performance and Accountability (BIE/DPA) serves as a state education agency (SEA) for 174 schools with academic programs serving 43,823 students that includes 6,218 students with disabilities (NASIS, 2010) located in 23 states on or near 63 American Indian reservations. BIE/DPA requires technical assistance and special education professional services to provide BIE-funded schools professional development activities as authorized under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) of 2004, P.L. 108-446. 2. PURPOSE: The purpose of this Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract is to provide the BIE Associate Deputy Directors, Education Line Officers, school principals, and BIE-funded school staff with the most current, up-to-date information on critical issues in Special Education. The Special Education Academy is one activity to provide the BIE and school staff at keeping abreast of critical information to meet their responsibilities under the IDEA 2004 requirements in achieving positive educational results for students with disabilities and their families. This purpose aligns with the mission of the BIE . . . "to provide quality education opportunities from early childhood through life . . . " and is also required by IDEA 2004. Additionally, the proposed special education professional activities do not exist within the human resource structure of the BIE/DPA special education office to fully comply with the intent of the IDEA 2004, P.L. 108-446. 3. BACKGROUND: The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA, P.L. 94-142) was enacted by the United States Congress in 1975 which required public schools accepting federal funds to provide equal access to education for children with physical and mental disabilities. Since 1975, the EHA has been revised and renamed as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) of 2004. Today, the IDEA 2004 holds schools and States accountable and responsible for the academic achievement of students with disabilities. Accordingly, the BIE/DPA has moved into a period of creating data systems and collecting special education data around required compliance and performance indicators. Since the inception of the first BIE Special Education Academy in 2008, there has been tremendous interest by school general and special education staff as shown by conference evaluations. Attendance by school staff, education line office staff, and associate deputy directors has increased by 200 from 300 to 500 over the past three years. The anticipated attendance by school staff for the 2011 BIE Special Education Academy is 600. The BIE, like the States, has a responsibility to implement the IDEA 2004 at the State (BIE/DPA) and school levels. 4. SCOPE: The contractor shall provide technical assistance and special education professional development to the BIE/DPA and school staff in improving education results and compliance for students with disabilities. The contractor will be tasked to assist in the planning and organization of the annual 2011 BIE Special Education Academy. The tasks shall include the pre-Academy planning, on-site Academy assistance, and post-Academy evaluation (see C.2 below). The contractor shall submit a written summary report of the post-Academy evaluation by October 31 of each year. 5. CONTRACT OBJECTIVES The objectives shall include: 1. To provide technical assistance in planning, organizing, and facilitating the four-day 2011 BIE Special Education Academy professional development training for BIE-funded school staff.2. To increase school staff knowledge on the legal responsibility for implementing IDEA 2004 in providing special education instruction to students with disabilities.3. To provide an evaluation form for each participant to complete at the end of the Academy.4. To produce a written summary report of the 2011BIE Special Education Academy.5. To provide presenters for special education professional development training at the 2011 Academy. 6. REFERENCES 1. Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) of 2004, P.L. 108-446, 108th Congress, December 3, 2004.2. Elementary and Secondary Education Act (P. L. 107-110)3. Tribally Controlled Community Schools Act (P. L. 100-297)4. Indian Self-Determination Act (P. L. 93-638)5. State Performance Plan, 20 U.S.C. 1416, Section 616(b)(1), (BIE plan at www.bie.edu).6. Annual Performance Report, 20 U.S.C. 1416(b)(2)(C)(ii) and 34 CFR ?300.602, (BIE report at www.bie.edu). 7. GLOSSARY The acronyms, special terms, and phrases used in this PWS are:" Bureau of Indian Education (BIE)." Division of Performance and Accountability (DPA)." Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) of 2004." State Performance Plan (SPP)-a six-year improvement plan for the BIE required by IDEA 2004." Annual Performance Report (APR)-an annual report of meeting the SPP indicator targets required by IDEA 2004." General Supervision-a state responsibility, under federal law, that monitors the implementation of the IDEA 2004, enforces requirements, and ensures continuous improvement. " Native American Student Information System (NASIS)-a data collection system used by the BIE." Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ)-a type of contract that provides for an indefinite quantity of supplies or service during a fixed period of time. 8. CONTRACTOR TASKS: The contractor shall be responsible for: 1. Pre-Academy Planning and Organization:a. To meet on-site or participate in conference calls to discuss the timelines, tasks, and/or refine any activities prior to this group event.b. To provide technical assistance in planning and organizing the logistics for the four-day 2011 Academy group event (one-day session for school principals and three-day session for all attendees including all principals)-marketing, save-the-date flyer, presenters, travel arrangements for presenters, payment of fees to presenters for professional consults service, topics, agenda, evaluation form, registration, Academy information materials. c. To provide an online registration link that includes 2011 Academy information for attendees.d. To prepare information materials for all Academy participants. e. To communicate regularly with the BIE/DPA special education staff and/or the planning committee by e-mail, telephone, and/or postal mail and to be notified immediately of areas that may need attention. 2. On-Site Academy Technical Assistance:a. To provide on-site management (e.g., registration, check-in, disseminate information materials, attendance, awards, et cetera) for all Academy participants.b. To facilitate the one-day pre-session for school principals and the three-day 2011 Academy group event for all school staff including all school principals as requested.c. To conduct an end-of-the-day briefing with BIE/DPA staff to evaluate the day's activities. 3. Post-Academy Activities:a. To prepare a written summary report and/or data analysis of technical assistance provided in number C.2.2 above. b. Provide documentation of services (e.g., evaluation forms, attendance sheets, registration lists) as requested by the BIE/DPA. The attendance list should include name, title, school/agency representation (federal and non-federal), telephone number, fax number, and e-mail address. 9. CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Participate in monthly conference calls.2. Participate in e-mail communication daily, weekly, and monthly on an as needed basis.3. Notify the BIE/DPA of any delay in tasks. 10. GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITIES The BIE/DPA shall select the facility to accommodate the 2011 BIE Special Education Academy and make available planning meeting space and to provide the equipment listed below: 1. Facilities for Pre-Academy Planning Meetingsa. Conference room or classroom for pre-Academy planning meetings. b. Rooms shall include tables, telephone, computers, internet access, and other items to maintain a planning room environment to support the 2011 Academy. 2. Equipment (pre-and on-site 2011 Academy)a. LCD and laptops for the on-site Academy general and breakout sessions.b. Flip chart and markers (pre-planning, on-site, post-Academy).c. Microphones (on-site Academy) 3. Othera. Obtain Academy "Request for Meeting" approval.b. Select the location and property for the Academy group event.c. Convene a 2011 Academy planning committee comprised of DPA special education and school staff. 11. SPECIFIC CONTRACTUAL REQUIREMENTS: a. Cost of Services Professional Services (1 each) 300 Hrs x $_________ = $___________ Administrative Support Staff (3 each) 250 Hrs x $_________ = $___________ Presenters / Key Note Speakers 8 Presentations x $_________ = $___________ b. Reproduction costs Binders, material, etc. 600 each x $_________ = $___________ c. Travel Costs and incidental expenses Travel estimated for eight trips 8 Trips x $_________ = $___________ (Pre-Academy/On Site/Post Academy) d. Other costs each x $_________ = $___________ TOTAL: $ . Complete for each year. 12. RECORDS/DATA: The following records or data (electronic or hard copy) that is generated during the performance of this requirement shall become the ownership of the BIE/DPA: 1. Post-Academy written summary report of evaluation.2. Academy binder with handout information materials.3. Pre- and Post-Academy registration lists.4. Academy attendance lists that includes name, title, school representation (federal and non-federal), phone number, fax number, e-mail address, and other notes. 13. PACKAGING AND MARKING The contractor must ship, by FedEx or other shipping means, the participant information binders for the 2011 Academy from their facility to the 2011 Academy group event site. The location and property will be determined based on site research selection by the BIE/DPA planning committee. 14. QUALITY ASSURANCE The BIE/DPA shall review with the contractor within 45-days of the contract award to discuss assurances that services meet the requirements of the PWS. The assurances will include: " Review of work in progress. " Monthly progress reviews during conference calls on each task. " Progress reports at the end of each task (pre-, on-site, and post-Academy. The contractor shall incorporate BIE/DPA comments as appropriate and provide revised written progress reports.The solicitation and contract shall establish the terms and conditions for assessing, inspecting, and accepting the contractor's performance. 15. DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE IS ATTACHED. 16. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE/HOURS OF OPERATION The scheduled planning meetings shall take place at the BIE/DPA special education offices in Albuquerque, New Mexico and the 2011 BIE Special Education Academy shall take place at a site to be determined based on the site research selection by the BIE/DPA. The contractor is responsible for conducting technical assistance and special education professional services between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday except Federal holidays or when the Government facility is closed due to local or national emergencies, weather related closings, administrative closings, or similar Government directed facility closings. The Government recognizes the following 2011 federal holidays (5 U.S.C. 6103): " January 1-New Year's Day" January 17-Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr." February 21-Washington's Birthday" May 30-Memorial Day " July 4-Independence Day" September 5-Labor Day" October 10-Columbus Day" November 11-Veteran's Day " November 24-Thanksgiving Day " December 26-Christmas Day The contractor is not required to perform services on these holidays. The subsequent federal holidays for 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 will follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management schedule established by federal law. The contractor must at all times maintain an adequate work force for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within this performance work statement when the Government facility is not closed for the above reasons. The contractor shall keep in mind that the stability and continuity of the work force are essential. 17. DELIVERY DATES/PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE The government's intention is to award this contract with a base period and four option periods as follows: The duration of the base period shall start upon contract award to October 31, 2011." Option Period 2: November 1, 2011 to October 31, 2012" Option Period 3: November 1, 2012 to October 31, 2013" Option Period 4: November 1, 2013 to October 31, 2014" Option Period 5: November 1, 2014 to October 31, 2015 18. TECHNICAL EXHIBITS AND ATTACHMENTS The following exhibits and attachments are not attached to this performance work statement but can be reviewed or obtained from the following websites listed: 1. Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) of 2004, P. L. 108-446. An electronic copy can be found at http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/osep/index.html.2. State Performance Plan (SPP). An electronic copy can be found on the BIE website at www.bie.edu.3. Annual Performance Report. An electronic copy can be found on the BIE website at www.bie.edu. Please include your TAX ID Number, CAGE Number (obtain at www.ccr.gov), and DUNS Number when submitting your quote. The Offeror shall provide their quote to provide this service and respond to the Evaluation Factors delineated at the end of this synopsis. This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference; with the same force and effect as if they were given if full text. The provisions at FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Items, FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations of Certifications apply to this acquisition. Offerors must include a completed copy of the provision 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certification/Commercial Items with their quote. If the offeror does not have a copy of this provision, you may obtain a copy at http://www.acqnet.gov/far. Provision 52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by reference. Clauses Incorporated by Reference, FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items (SPR 1998). FAR 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders - Commercial Items, FAR 52.222-3 Convict Labor, FAR 52.233-3 Protest after Award, FAR 222-19 Child Labor-Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies, FAR 52.225-1 Buy American Act-Balance of Payments Program-Supplies, FAR 52.225-3 Buy American Act-North American Free Trade Agreement-Israeli Trade Act-Balance of Payments Program, FAR 52.225-13 Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchase, FAR 52.225-15 Sanctioned European Union Country end Products, FAR 52.232-36 Payment by Third Party, FAR 52.239-1 Privacy or Security Safeguards, FAR 52.214-64 Preference for Privately owned U.S. Flag Commercial Vessels, FAR 52.222-21 Prohibition of Segregated Facilities, FAR 52.222-26 Equal Opportunity, FAR 52.222-35 Affirmative Action for Disabled Veterans of the Vietnam Era, FAR 52.222-36 Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities, FAR 52.222-37 Employment Reports on Disabled Veterans and Veterans of the Vietnam Era, FAR 52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer Central Contractor Registration, FAR 52.243-1 Changes Fixed Price (Alt I), FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions Commercial Items, FAR 52.222-41 Service Contract Act of 1965 (as amended), FAR 52.242-15 Stop Work Order, FAR 52,242-17 Government Delay of Work, FAR 52.217-5 Evaluation of Options; FAR 52.217-8, Option to Extend Services (para one, 60 days); 52.217-9 Option to Extend the Term of the Contract Para (a) 60 days, para (c) three years); FAR 52.216-18 Ordering (para a, Date of Award through September 30, 2004 with two option years); FAR 52.216-19 Order Limitations (Para a, $100.00; Para b (1) $500,000.00; Para b(2) $500,000.00 Para 3, 30 days); FAR 52.216-22 Indefinite Quantity (Para d, September, 30, 2004 with two option years); FAR 52.216-27 Single or Multiply Awards; Department of the Interior Acquisition Regulation (DIAR) 1452.226-70 Indian Preference, DIAR 1452.226-71 Indian Preference Program, DIAR 1452.204-70 Release of Claims. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS Clause. This requirement may or may not be waived. FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation. The Evaluation Factors are in ascending order of importance. The Evaluation Factors are: 1) Price; 2) Technical Capability 2a: Technical Excellence: Describe ability to meet CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES section of the SOW; 2b. Technical Approach: Describe approach, including comprehension of requirements to accomplish the SOW. 2c. Personnel Qualifications: Provide Resumes; 2d. Past Experience: List contracts that are of comparable size, complexity and similar; and 3) Past Performance: Provide recent & relevant contracts for the same or similar items, contract numbers, points of contacts with telephone numbers, email address and other relevant information. Award at each option year will be based on the funds available. Quotes will be submitted in writing and signed by an individual with the authority to bind their respective company; electronic submissions via fax are acceptable. Closing Date for Proposals is December 30, 2010, 10:00 a.m. mountain time. You may send your proposals to BIA, Albuquerque Acquisition Office, Attn: Marita Roth, 1001 Indian School Road, Ste 347, Albuquerque, NM 87104, or you can fax your quotes to +1 (555) 000-0000. Currently, emailed quotes are not being accepted.