TED- TITLE VI, TITLE VII-EEO & DBE COMPLIANCE REVIEWS

TED COMPLIANCE REVIEWS- This sources sought is for information and planning purposes only; it is not to be construed as a commitment by the government. (THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION). A contract may not be awarded as a result of this sources sought notice. The Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), on behalf of Federal Transit Administration, Office of Civil Rights ; through this sources sought is gathering information for market research purposes solely. The capability package for this sources sought market research in not expected to be a proposal; but rather statements regarding the company's existing experience in relation to the areas specified in the Statement of Need. STATEMENT OF NEED TITLE: Title VI, Title VII - EEO and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (TED) Compliance Reviews 1. Background and Purpose of the Requirement The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) provides financial assistance to local transit agencies, regional transportation authorities, and state departments of transportation, and metropolitan planning organizations that are responsible for providing transportation services nationwide. The FTA is responsible for civil rights compliance and monitoring to ensure transit services are provided in a non-discriminatory manner. Several statutes and regulations prohibit discrimination. FTA is responsible for ensuring compliance in accordance with the following: 1. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 49 CFR 21 Title VI prohibits discrimination among no persons in the United States, on the grounds of race, color or national origin, be excluded from participation and denied the benefits under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department of Transportation. Title VI ensures that the level and quality of transportation service is provided without regard to discrimination. 2. Title VII (EEO) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Federal Transit Laws, 49 U.S.C. 5332(b) Title VII prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin and religion. It is unlawful employment practice for an employer (1) to fail or refuse to hire or to discharge any individual, or otherwise to discriminate against any individual with respect to his compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, because of such individuals race, color, religion, sex, or national origin; or (2) to limit, segregate, or classify his employees or applicants for employment in any way which would deprive or tend to deprive any individual of employment opportunities or otherwise adversely affect his status as an employee, because of such individuals race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It shall be an unlawful employment practice for an employment agency to fail or refuse to refer for employment, or otherwise to discriminate against, any individual because of his race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, or to classify or refer for employment any individual on the basis of his race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. 3. Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), 49 CFR Part 26 The DBE program is implemented by recipients of the U. S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Financial Assistance. DBE ensures nondiscrimination in the award and administration of DOT assisted contracts awarded by recipients. The main objectives of the DBE Program are: - To ensure that small disadvantaged business enterprises (DBE) can compete fairly for federally funded transportation-related projects. - To ensure that only eligible firms participate as DBEs. - To assist DBE firms in competing outside the DBE program. The Purpose The purpose of this requirement is to conduct Title VI, EEO, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) Programs/DBE Unified Certification Programs (TED) and prepare in-depth corresponding reports detailing areas where the recipients have conformed or are noncompliant with DOT regulations and/or FTA guidance. The compliance reviews shall involve elements of operations, oversight, and policy/practice review and analysis. Synopsis of Tasks The contractor shall perform the tasks listed below, however this is not an all inclusive lists of tasks associated with the requirement. 1. Attend Annual Kickoff and Program Review Meeting to review TED compliance review schedule, changes in conducting reviews, new or modified regulations, FTA procedures and any other administrative matters. 2. The contractor shall develop a work plan and schedule for TED compliance reviews. 3. The contractor shall review grantee's information prior to the compliance review. 4. The contractor shall conduct the on-site compliance review. 5. The contractor shall complete all final analysis and prepare comprehensive reports for each compliance review. 6. The contractor shall provide technical assistance directly to the grantee. 7. The contractor shall enter the process stages and findings into OTRAK. 8. The contractor shall prepare monthly progress reports. 9. The contractor shall prepare the Task Order Summary Report summarizing challenges and lessons learned preparing for and conducting compliance reviews. 10. Upon the COR's request, the contractor shall provide program support and perform special assignments associated with FTA's compliance program for TED. NOTE:Respondents to this sources sought shall submit a written statement addressing techncial capabilties, knowledge, and related experience in performing the described statement of need. NOTE 2:All shall complete Attachment 1- RFQ Questionnaire Form and submit the completed questionnaire along with their capabilties packages. All social economic categories will be accepted. If an award is made in the future the anticipated NAICS code is 541611 which would be designated for this requirement. The capability packages should contain the following: your company's name, point of contact, address, phone number , DUNS number, business size under the NAICS code or social economic category. Indicate if your company is on the GSA schedule, list your GSA contract number and schedule. Capability packages should be no more than 3 pages, the questionnaire is a separate stand alone document and will not count toward 3 page limit. Please submit all capability packages electronically. Questions about this requirement are to submitted 02 December 2013. by 2:00PM.