Technical Support Group Contract Support

Sources Sought for Defense Threat Reduction Agency Contingency Operations Division Technical Support Group Contract Support Classification Code: R NAICS Code: 541690 Contracting Office Address Defense Threat Reduction Agency 8725 John J. Kingman Road, MSC 6201 Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-6201 Synopsis This is a SOURCES SOUGHT SYNOPSIS Announcement (SSSA). SSSAs are issued to assist the agency in performing market research to determine industry interest and sourcing capability. No proposals are being requested or accepted with this synopsis. THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION FOR PROPOSALS AND NO CONTRACT SHALL BE AWARDED FROM THIS SYNOPSIS. The Government will not reimburse contractors for any costs associated with responding to this Sources Sought notice. A. DTRA TECHNICAL SUPPORT GROUP (TSG) MISSION The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), Combat Support (CS) Directorate, Contingency Operations Division (CSC) provides policy, operational, scientific and technical guidance; provides training and exercises; develops concepts of operations; and deploys expert teams called Technical Support Groups (TSGs) that provide radiological/nuclear (R/N) assistance, guidance, and operational support to Combatant Commanders (COCOM) and other United States (U.S.) Government (USG) departments and agencies (D/As) in all operational and physical environments to prepare for, respond to, and prevent, the weapons of mass destruction (WMD) threat, specifically the R/N threat. B. SOURCES SOUGHT SUMMARY The purpose of this SSSA is to identify viable sources with the requisite experience and skill sets required to perform the DTRA TSG mission requirements identified in paragraph C below and to provide the types of personnel with the requisite skills/qualifications detailed in paragraph D below. In order to demonstrate their qualifications, interested sources shall submit a White Paper providing the following information: 1) TSG Mission Support Capabilities Statement - Sources shall provide a narrative detailing their experience and current capabilities to perform the DTRA TSG mission requirements identified in paragraph C; 2) Personnel - Sources shall identify their ability to provide personnel who meet the skill sets/qualifications for the four (4) labor categories identified in Section D below. The personnel section should also identify the sources current approach to recruit, retain, and or replace personnel with the Baseline and specific qualifications identified in Section D below. 3) Past Performance - Sources shall submit a detailed narrative explaining their company's experience performing similar type TSG efforts for the Federal Government. This narrative shall include the contract number, period of performance, agency or entity supported, dollar value, and a short synopsis of the scope of the effort to identify their relevancy to this requirement. RESPONSES: Responses to this Source Sought shall not exceed Ten (10) pages in total. In addition to the data requested under Section B above, responses shall include the following information: company name, address, point of contact, telephone number, email address, business size and small business status such as disadvantaged, 8(a), HUB Zone, Woman Owned, Minority Owned, and/or Veteran Owned. The information should be sent to DTRA by 4:00PM, on 24 September, 2010 via email to TSG@dtra.mil. Any questions in response to this SSSA notice shall be submitted to the aforementioned email address. C. DTRA TSG MISSION SUPPORT REQUIREMENT DTRA TSGs are worldwide military led, rapidly deployable teams that train, equip, and advise COCOM designated forces and/or USG personnel in tactical low-visibility R/N search operations. TSGs are comprised of military, civilian, and contractor personnel that provide on-site operational and technical Subject Matter Expertise (SMEs). Additionally, TSGs bring a 24/7 reach back capability to the DTRA Operations Center (OPCEN) providing linkage to numerous USG entities/laboratories (additional SMEs). Due to the unique TSG mission and associated operations, TSG teams are often required to work extended hours in a field environment under austere conditions during operational responses to contingencies with domestic and international travel up to (but not limited to) 90 days per annum. Efforts often require physical exertion over long periods, such as walking and moving heavy equipment over 80 pounds. Some operational support missions may require limited exposure to Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) hazards as well as hostile environments. As certain mission sets may occur in hostile environments, the Government may issue weapons for force protection to contractor personnel. Some TSG personnel will be permanently assigned to overseas locations. NOTE: All contractor support personnel must comply with the Lautenberg Amendment; must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information, Restricted Data or Critical Nuclear Weapons Information Data access; and all contractors must have classified holdings management and facility procedures. D. DTRA CONTRACTOR SUPPORT TSG TEAM CONFIGURATION DTRA TSGs consist of the following four (4) labor support categories provided by contractors: 1. Instructor Special Operations/Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician 2. Senior Instructor Special Operations/EOD Technician 3. Communication Specialist 4. Project Manager DTRA is seeking qualified sources capable of providing up to forty (40) personnel in these four (4) labor categories and at the "estimated" quantities detailed in each labor category. The following section details the Baseline Requirements for Personnel, the Preferred Qualifications/Experience for Personnel and the Labor Category/Estimated Qty/Required & Desired Qualifications for Personnel: Baseline Personnel Requirements The following Baseline requirements are applicable to all personnel EXCLUDING the Project Manager Position: a. Special Operations or Explosive Ordnance Disposal Procedures Experience: All contractor personnel utilized on the DTRA TSG teams must be familiar with special operations or explosive ordnance disposal tactics, techniques, and procedures. Definitions are provided below for further clarity of this requirement. - Special operations are those operations conducted in hostile, denied, or politically sensitive environments to achieve military, diplomatic, informational, and/or economic objectives employing military capabilities for which there is no broad conventional force requirement. These operations often require covert, clandestine, or low visibility capabilities. Special operations are applicable across the range of military operations. They can be conducted independently or in conjunction with operations of conventional forces or other government agencies and may include operations through, with, or by indigenous or surrogate forces. Special operations differ from conventional operations in degree of physical and political risk, operational techniques, mode of employment, independence from friendly support, and dependence on detailed operational intelligence and indigenous assets. - Explosive ordnance disposal procedures are those particular courses or modes of action taken by explosive ordnance disposal personnel to access, diagnose, render safe, recover, and send to final disposal of explosive ordnance or any hazardous material associated with an explosive ordnance disposal incident. a. access procedures--Those actions taken to locate exactly and gain access to unexploded explosive ordnance. b. diagnostic procedures--Those actions taken to identify and evaluate unexploded explosive ordnance. c. render safe procedures--The portion of the explosive ordnance disposal procedures involving the application of special explosive ordnance disposal methods and tools to provide for the interruption of functions or separation of essential components of unexploded explosive ordnance to prevent an unacceptable detonation. d. recovery procedures--Those actions taken to recover unexploded explosive ordnance. e. final disposal procedures--The final disposal of explosive ordnance which may include demolition or burning in place, removal to a disposal area, or other appropriate means. b. Electronic Equipment Handling/Maintenance: - Personnel must be able to set-up, operate sophisticated equipment, and perform minimum equipment troubleshooting and maintenance. Additionally, personnel must be capable of training other personnel on the operation of subject equipment even in an austere field environment. c. Communications: - Personnel must be able to set-up and operate secure satellite communications (SATCOM) and a variety of military and civilian communications equipment and perform equipment troubleshooting and maintenance as required. Personnel must be capable of training other personnel on the set-up and operations of specified communication equipment even in an austere field environment. d. Computers: - Personnel must be proficient in computer utilization, graphics creation and editing, and word processing. e. Medical: - Personnel must be able to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation and basic First-Aid. - At least three personnel must have advance medical qualifications. f. Weapons: - Personnel must be knowledgeable and proficient in the use of assigned small arms (rifle and pistol) weapons for purposes of force protection. Preferred Qualifications for Personnel The following preferred qualifications are applicable to all personnel EXCLUDING the Project Manager Position: a. Prefer personnel possess advanced skills in surveillance/counter surveillance techniques, air operations, advance driver training (tactical/defensive), a minimum of level 2 Advance Special Operations Techniques (ASOT) qualified, advance marksmanship, close quarter combat, advanced surface and underwater operation skills, Survival Escape Resistance and Evasion training, and past experience in Advanced Force Operations, and combat experience. b. Prefer personnel be a graduate of a military Instructor Training Course or civilian equivalent. c. Prefer personnel have a fundamental familiarity/understanding and demonstrated work/field experience in practical application of CBRNE fundamentals and principles. Labor Categories / Estimated Qty/ Required & Desired Qualifications Below is a description of the four (4) Labor Categories required for TSG support as well as the expected qualifications and experience for each of these labor categories. 1. Instructor Special Operations/EOD Technician (up to 25 Instructors) The individual must become a SME on the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's), Tactics, Techniques, and Procedure's (TTP's), and Program's of Instruction (POI's) of the TSGs. The Instructor Special Operations/EOD Technician must become an expert in the use of the TSG search equipment, communications systems, surveillance equipment, and other mission essential gear. The individual is required to operate the equipment on the land, sea, and air either during a contingency operation or on a training mission. The Instructor Special Operations/EOD Technician must become capable of training apportioned forces on the setup and operation of search gear and communications equipment, and directly assist in the conduct of search operations. When directed, the individual must be prepared to operate as a member of a TSG search team. Responsibilities: - Updating SOP's, TTP's, and POI's as required. - Maintain proficiency on all mission essential equipment. - Serve as a SME on all TSG search equipment. - Train designated personnel on TSG search equipment and operations. - As needed, advise and assist designated personnel during search operations, to include in actions on an objective. Required Skills/Qualifications: - Must have a fundamental familiarity/understanding and demonstrated work/field experience in practical application of CBRNE fundamentals and principles. - Physically capable of working extended periods in self contain breathing apparatus (SCBA). - Familiar with small unit tactics and the military decision making process. - Must be able to travel on short notice and be able to work non-standard hours. - Must be physically and mentally qualified for deployment and performance of duties to include tactical operations in austere, hostile environments and able to maintain Army Physical Fitness Test of 270 or above. - Possess effective oral and written communicative skills. - Proficient with Microsoft Office and common office software applications. - At least three personnel must have Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC) 18D or pararescue experience and maintain the following certifications: basic trauma life support, advance trauma life support, advance cardiac life support, or emergency medical technician - paramedic. Desired Skills/Qualifications: - Former Special Forces Operator (SOF) Operator, SFQC graduate or service school equivalent - Knowledge and experience as an ASOT level 2 Operator - Military Instructor Training Course or civilian equivalent. - Army Advanced NCO Course (ANCOC) or service equivalent. - At least 2 years experience as an instructor at a training command or operational unit, or training department or service equivalent. - Qualified or experienced in air operations. - Qualified or experienced in small boat operations. - Experienced in land and maritime reconnaissance and surveillance operations. - Experienced in surveillance/counter surveillance techniques. - Experienced in fast rope operations. - Experienced in climbing techniques. - Experienced in underwater operations. - Familiar with dive medicine and emergency procedures. - Experienced in dive mission planning. - Qualified military dive supervisor or civilian equivalent. - Experienced in dive equipment maintenance procedures. - Small boat operation experience to include Small Boat coxswain qualified or civilian equivalent. 2. Senior Instructor Special Operations/EOD Technician (Qty- up to 15 personnel) The personnel possess the required qualifications/skills of an Instructor Special Operations/EOD Technician and the following: Responsibilities: - Develops and continually updates POI's, TTP's, and SOP's for all TSG mission sets. - Establishes lesson plans, training scenarios, and exercises for apportioned forces as directed by the senior contractor representative based on guidance by the TSG chief. - Provides tactical and technical guidance to TSG personnel, and Instructor Special Operations/EOD Technicians. - Ensures all Instructor Special Operations/EOD Technicians in his team are deployment ready. - Ensures established regulations, policies, and standards are met and enforced. - Performs other duties as assigned/required by the TSG Chief. - Ensures that the team reads, understands, and trains in accordance with TSG SOP's and TTP's. - Ensures that the team is proficient in instructing all portions of the TSG POI. - Ensures that the team training is following the critical task list and the guidance of the senior contractor representative based on guidance by the TSG chief. - Accountable for assigned equipment and personnel. - Must be an SME on TSG search equipment and procedures. Required Skills/Qualifications: - ANCOC or service equivalent. - Former SOF Operator, SFQC graduate or service school equivalent - Must have successfully performed the duties of an Instructor Special Operations/EOD Technicians. - Demonstrated ability to manage and effectively lead teams in operational or training environments. - Ability to develop and implement suitable SOP's, TTP's, and POI's for tasks that have not been addressed. - Familiar with small unit tactics and the military decision making process - Ability to assist the TSG element during tactical/operational planning. - Perform additional duties as assigned/required by the TSG Chief. Desired Skills/Qualifications: - Experienced in the military deliberate/hasty planning process. - Experienced in the planning and supervision of underwater operations. - Experienced in the planning and supervision of surveillance/counter surveillance techniques. - Qualified military dive supervisor or civilian equivalent. - Familiar with diving medicine and emergency procedures. Communication Specialist (Qty - up to 9) The individual must be a SME on tactical military and civilian land mobile radios. The person must be a SME on Ku/X/L Band and tactical satellite terminals which provide network connectivity between TSG field deployed teams and the DTRA OPCEN. The individual must possess the required qualifications/skills. Responsibilities: - Install, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot various secure and non-secure radio communications systems to include, but not limited to, Internet Protocol (IP) based VSAT and TACSAT communications systems used by the TSGs. - Install, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot secure and non-secure Tactical Local Area Networks (TACLANs) including configuration of "CISCO" routers and Microsoft Exchange servers supporting the TSG IP based netcentric communications architecture. - Install, operate, and maintain Special Purpose Communications Vehicles. - Oversees the repair, maintenance, and accountability of all communications equipment. - Advises the TSG Chief on all communications matters. - Lead trainer for the TSG on all communications equipment. - Keeps up to date with emerging technology to determine the feasibility of incorporating new equipment or systems into the TSG communications architecture. - Trains the civilian and military staff of the DTRA OPCEN on satellite communications. systems. As needed, assists the DTRA OPCEN with trouble shooting their communications systems. - When directed by the senior contractor representative based on guidance by the TSG chief develops communication and training plans and coordinates internal TSG readiness exercises. - Must be technically proficient in the use of all TSG search equipment. - Must be able to perform the duties of an Instructor Special Operations/EOD Technician. - Maintains property accountability for all TSG deployable communications assets as sub-handreceipt holder in the TSGs. - Assists CSC COMSEC CUSTODIAN with management of COMSEC material. - Assists and advises CSC on all matters relating to TSG deployable communications systems. - Provides weekly maintenance status update of all Communications equipment to TSG Chief. Required Skills/Qualifications: - Former Special Operations Communications Operator or graduate of either a Joint Special Operations Communications Course or Forward Communications Operators Course. - Must be able to install, operate, and maintain Harris AN/PRC-117F, AN/PRC-117G secure SATCOM systems, Harris AN/PRC-152, and Motorola XTS-5000 LMR radios. - Must be knowledgeable in the handling, storing, safe guarding, and destruction of COMSEC materials. - Install, maintain and operate network and communications equipment such as modems and multiplexers, routers, servers, Harris Falcon III radio systems, switch multiplexers, up and down converters, frequency and timing systems, high powered amplifiers and power supplies, antenna Systems, IP based telecommunications, and routers. - Operate communications monitoring equipment, spectrum analyzers, data communications analyzers, oscilloscopes, multimeters, telephony analyzers, IP network analyzers, and communications security equipment. - Request satellite usage, bandwidth and time, configure communications links, trunks and circuits, engineer network design/topologies, performs communication site surveys, earth orbit satellite acquisition and access, interface commercial equipment with military communications, and oversee military satellite operations. - Must be knowledgeable on a wide range of communications theories, concepts, principles, practices, and procedures. - Proficient with Microsoft Office and common office software applications. - Possess effective oral and written communications skills. Desired Skills/Qualifications: - SFQC 18E graduate or service school equivalent. - A prior military certified diver with a qualification to a depth of 130 feet or civilian equivalent. - Knowledgeable in surveillance operations. - Knowledgeable in tag, track, and locate operations. - Knowledgeable in personnel recovery planning and operations. 4. Project Manager (Qty - 1) The Contractor Project Manager (CPM) develops core training outlines, training plans, records, and risk management reviews in coordination with the CSC Program Manager (PM) or designated representative. They provide monthly reports, cost expenditures, training status, and equipment status to the CSC PM as required. As such, this requires an Acquisition Workforce Level II in Program Management or equivalent. The CPM functions as the business and programmatic coordinator for the contractors TSG team. They do not serve as an operational, functional TSG member performing R/N efforts. Responsibilities: - Ensures the contractor personnel are deployment ready. - Ensures established regulations, policies, and standards are met and enforced. - Responsible for providing trained and qualified personnel. - Responsible for all of the actions of contractor personnel under this contract. - Ensures POI's, TTP's, and SOP's for all TSG mission sets are current. - Monitors lesson plans, training scenarios, and exercises for apportioned forces. - Performs other duties as assigned/required by CSC PM. - Ensures that the contractor personnel read, understands, and trains in accordance with TSG SOP's and TTP's. - Monitors contractor's proficiency in instructing all portions of the TSG POI's. - Ensures that the team training is following the critical task list and the guidance of the TSG Chief. - Knowledge of the Tools required for introduction, registration, training, monitoring, and closing of support contract such as Wide Area Workflow and/or CPARS. - Maintenance of above tools as required. - Requirements Analysis for spend plan justification. - Primary point of contact for maintaining the Statement of Work deliverables, objectives, and thresholds including monthly reporting, quarterly reporting, and reporting of any substantive slippage or effect on cost, schedule, and performance. - Serve as the contractor focal point for providing program planning, management, review, and oversight of specific programs within TSGs. - Develops authoritative analyses and written reports for quarterly program reviews. - Provide required reports to the Contracting Officer Representative and/or CSC PM. - Maintain liaison with appropriate offices and individuals within CSC to keep them abreast of significant accomplishments, changes, other substantive events, and remain knowledgeable of achievements elsewhere. - Conducts formal presentations and briefings to CSC leadership and other personnel as directed by CSC leadership. Required Skills/Qualifications: - Proficient with Microsoft Office and common office software applications. - Possess effective oral and written communications skills. - Proficient in financial reporting and cost analysis. - Knowledgeable in budget development and fiscal management. - Graduate of a Contracting Officer's Representative Course. Desired Skills/Qualifications: - Knowledgeable in military decision making process. E. REFERENCE DOCUMENT: DoDD 5015.62 Defense Threat Reduction Agency