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Statement of WorkCOURT ROOM MISSION SUPPORT SERVICESforOFFICE OF MILITARY COMMISSIONSPART 1Statement of Work1.1. Description of Services/Introduction The Office of Military Commissions (OMC) has a requirement to obtain the services of a qualified contractor to provide support services for court rooms and case preparation. Services required are linguists to provide interpretation, translation, and transcription support; court reporters to provide verbatim transcripts of Commission proceedings; and expert witness for Commission hearings held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and for investigative and case preparation work in other locations such as Washington, DC, Iraq, and Afghanistan. 1.2 Background The Office of Military Commissions (OMC), Office of the Convening Authority, Office of the Chief Defense Counsel, and Office of the Chief Prosecutor require court room support services for Military Commissions hearings convened under the Military Commissions Act of 2006. The Office of Convening Authority, Office of Military Commissions was created as an organization under the control of the Secretary of Defense for the purpose of conducting Military Commissions to try individuals subject to The President’s Military Order of November 13, 2001. The Office of Convening Authority, Office of Military Commissions is located in the Washington, DC metropolitan area; however, services may require travel to various locations both inside and outside the United States.1.3. ObjectivesHighly trained and skilled linguists, court reporters, and expert witnessesPersonnel cleared for work with classified materials including Top Secret and higher Individuals capable of working overseasA multi-year contract/task orderScope The contractor shall provide all management, supervision and personnel required to furnish Linguistic, Court Reporting, and Expert Witness Services as directed by each task order to perform the work described in this SOW.This is a Time and Material Blanket Purchase Agreement. The period of performance for the contract will be a base period of one year from the date of award, followed by 3 one year option periods. The contract total may not exceed XXXXXX. Task Orders will be negotiated, including the period of performance, and issued by the Contracting Officer, for each individual project required under this contract. Changes in the task order price or time to complete the task orders will be made only due to changes made by the Government in the work to be performed, or by delays caused by the Government. PART 2REQUIREMENTS FOR SERVICES2.1 INTERPRETERS:?someone who carries out oral translation from one language to another.There are three different modes of interpretation: simultaneous, consecutive, and sight translation. All three modes involve highly complex cognitive activity, inasmuch as the interpreter must immediately comprehend, analyze, and convert the source message into the target language spoken equivalent.Simultaneous interpreting requires the interpreter to convey continuously the full and accurate meaning of what is said in the source language into speech in the target language, lagging just slightly behind the original message. Simultaneous interpretation may take place in settings where no pauses or interruptions are possible, and is typically delivered using specialized equipment in a sound-proof booth.Consecutive interpretation requires the interpreter to listen, comprehend, translate, and reproduce the original message after the speaker or signer pauses such as in the “question and answer” mode in which the speaker completes his statement and the interpreter begins to interpret after the statement is completed. Sight translation requires the interpreter to immediately convey into the spoken target language the meaning of a document written in the source language. It occurs in such settings as medical interviews, witness interrogations, court proceedings, and international meetings2.2Interpretation Skill LevelsLevel 5 (Master Professional Performance): Able to excel consistently at interpreting in the mode (simultaneous, consecutive, and sight) required by the setting and provide accurate renditions of informal, formal, and highly formal discourse. Conveys the meaning of the speaker faithfully and accurately, including all details and nuances, reflecting the style, register, and cultural context of the source language, without omissions, additions or embellishments. Demonstrates superior command of the skills required for interpretation, including mastery of both working languages and their cultural context, and wide-ranging expertise in specialized fields. Outstanding delivery, with pleasant voice quality and without hesitations, unnecessary repetitions, and corrections. Exemplifies the highest standards of professional conduct and ethics.Level 4+ (Advanced Professional Performance Plus): Able to interpret in the mode (simultaneous, consecutive, and sight) required by the setting and provide accurate renditions of informal, formal, and most highly formal discourse. Conveys the meaning of the speaker faithfully and accurately, including virtually all details and nuances, reflecting the style, register, and cultural context of the source language, without omissions, additions or embellishments. Demonstrates mastery of the skills required for interpretation, including command of both working languages and their cultural context, expertise in a number of specialized fields, and ability to prepare other specialized topics rapidly and routinely. Excellent delivery, with pleasant voice quality and rare hesitations, repetitions or corrections. Performance reflects the highest standards of professional conduct and ethics. Level 4 (Advanced Professional Performance): Able to interpret in the mode (simultaneous, consecutive, and sight) required by the setting and provide almost completely accurate renditions of complex, colloquial, and idiomatic speech as well as formal and some highly formal discourse. Conveys the meaning of the speaker faithfully, including most if not all details and nuances, reflecting the style, register, and cultural context of the source language, without omissions, additions or embellishments. Demonstrates mastery of the skills required for interpretation, including command of both working languages and their cultural context, expertise in some specialized fields, and ability to prepare new specialized topics rapidly and routinely. Very good delivery, with pleasant voice quality and only occasional hesitations, repetitions or corrections. Performance reflects the highest standards of professional conduct and ethics. Level 3+ (Professional Performance Plus): Able to interpret accurately and consistently in the mode (simultaneous, consecutive, and sight) required by the setting and provide generally accurate renditions of complex, colloquial and formal speech, conveying most details and nuances. Expression will generally reflect target language conventions. Demonstrates competence in the skills required for interpretation, including command of both working languages, their cultural context, and terminology in those specialized fields in which the interpreter has developed expertise. Good delivery, with pleasant voice quality, and few hesitations, repetitions, or corrections. Performance reflects high standards of professional conduct and ethics.2.3 Translation: The transference of the full meaning of a written text from one language to another. Translators are individuals that provide accurate and thorough translations from English into a foreign language or from a foreign language into English of documents as provided by the prosecution team and/or the defense team. 2.4 Transcription:Creating in written form a message that was originally in spoken form. In the event that the Commission requests transcription of original words spoken on tape or other audio material, there generally is also a need for a translation into English of the transcription. Transcribers are an individual that transcribes materials from an audio source into a written source for review of the transcripts by interested parties. These transcriptions can be transcribed in the language recorded and translated into the target language for the use of interested parties. Transcribers will be required to have 5 years experience in transcription of legal based materials. End product is stored on a removable media with a printed copy.2.5 Translation and Transcription Skill Levels.Level 5 (Professional Performance): Can successfully translate virtually all texts, including those where lack of linguistic and cultural parallelism between the source language and the target language requires precise congruity judgments and the ability to apply a translation methodology. Expression is flawless. At this level, the translator consistently excels in a number of specialties, and is generally regarded as one of the arbiters of translating very high level language by persons competent in dealing with such material. Nonetheless, the resulting product may be subject to quality control.Level 4+ (Professional Performance): Can successfully apply a translation methodology to translate texts that contain highly original and special purpose language (such as that contained in religious sermons, literary prose, and poetry). At this level, a successful performance requires not only conveying content and register but also capturing to the greatest extent all nuances intended in the source document. Expression is virtually flawless. Can produce fully accurate translations in a number of subject fields. When the need arises to perform in areas outside of specialization, a translator at this level is able to reach a successful level of performance given the time necessary for acquiring the relevant knowledge of the subject matter. The resulting product is a professional translation which may be subject to quality control.Level 4 (Professional Performance): Can successfully apply a translation methodology to translate a wide variety of complex texts that contain difficult, abstract, idiomatic, highly technical, and colloquial writing. Able to capture subtleties, nuances, and tone and register (such as official, formal, and informal writing). Such texts range from commentary reflecting a specific culture to analysis and argumentation. Linguistic knowledge and familiarity with source language norms enable an individual at this level to translate handwritten documents and other texts that represent spontaneous expression characteristic of native speakers. Expression reflects native usage and consistent control of target language conventions. Can translate materials outside the individual's specialties, but may not reach the absolute subject matter accuracy of the specialist in the given field. The resulting product is a professional translation which may be subject to quality control.Level 3+ (Professional Performance): Can generally translate a variety of texts, such as many scientific or financial reports, some legal documents and some colloquial writings. Can convey the meaning of many sociocultural elements embedded in a text as well as most nuances and relatively infrequent lexical and syntactic items of the source language. Expression reflects target language norms and usage. May be able to operate in fields outside areas of specialty. The resulting product is a draft translation, subject to quality control. Level 3 (Professional Performance): Can translate texts that contain not only facts but also abstract language, showing an emerging ability to capture their intended implications and many nuances. Such texts usually contain situations and events which are subject to value judgments of a personal or institutional kind, as in some newspaper editorials, propaganda tracts, and evaluations of projects. Linguistic knowledge of both the terminology and the means of expression specific to a subject field are strong enough to allow the translator to operate successfully within that field. Word choice and expression generally adhere to target language norms and rarely obscure meaning. The resulting product is a draft translation, subject to quality control.LinguistsTranslators will be required to provide accurate and thorough translations from English into a specified target language or from a source language into English of documents either provided by the prosecution team or the defense team. Transcribers will be required to transcribe materials from an audio, video, or other media source into a written source for review of the transcripts by interested parties. These transcriptions can be transcribed in the language recorded and translated into the target language for the use of interested parties. Interpreters will provide oral interpretation in the simultaneous (also known as conference) mode for commission proceedings or consecutive mode for case preparation. 2.7 Court Services Court Reporters will be required to produce verbatim transcripts in written and digital (MS Word document unless otherwise specified) formats. All reporters are responsible for accurate identification of proper names and places. Final records will be in the format specified by the government. Court reporters should be familiar with or have a working knowledge of “Court Room 21” technology or contractor must make court reporters available for training at government expense. If the contractor’s personnel attend training, no invoicing for their time will take place during the training period. Stenographers will provide verbatim transcripts of legal proceedings using a stenotype machine. After documenting proceedings, stenographic reporters must edit the computer-generated translation for correct grammar. Transcribers (electronic reporting) use audio equipment to record court proceedings. The court reporter monitors the process, takes notes to identify speakers, and listens to the recording to ensure clarity and quality. Electronic reporters and transcribers will produce a written and digital transcript of the recorded proceedings. Voice writing or re-dictation court reporters use computer speech recognition technology to produce real time or near real time written and digital transcripts. 2.8 Expert witnesses Contractor will assist in locating and acquiring expert witness sought by Defense or Trial Counsel only after approval of the Convening Authority. 2.9 Security Requirements All contractor personnel must be eligible for access to classified data/information and must be able to support operations immediately with personnel that currently have SCI access or have had SCI access within the past six months. This requirement deals with sensitive data and privacy act information, making it imperative that all personnel meet all security clearance requirements. Personnel employed by the contractor shall either currently possess or be able obtain the security levels required. The DD254 (Contract Security Classification Specification) applies to this contract. Security clearances up to and including TS/SCI (SI, TK, G, HCS) will be required in the performance of this contract. Exceptions to this requirement can be made with written approval from the COR.2.10Physical SecurityThe contractor shall be responsible for safeguarding all government property provided for contractor use. At the close of each work period, government facilities, equipment, and materials shall be secured.2.11Period of Performance: The period of performance shall be for one Base Year of 12 months and three option years. The Period of Performance reads as follows:Base Year: Date of Award (DOA) plus 12 monthsOption Year I: Month 13 to Month 24Option Year II: Month 25 to Month 36Option Year III: Month 37 to Month 482.12 LitigationContractor shall be responsible for all litigation, including the cost of litigation, brought against it, its employees or agents for alleged acts or omissions. The CO shall be notified in writing of all litigation pertaining to this contract and provided copies of any pleadings filed or said litigation within five working days of the filing. The Contractor shall cooperate with Government legal staff and/or the United States Attorney regarding any requests pertaining to federal or Contractor litigation. 2.13 Quality Control The contractor shall develop a Quality Control Plan (QC Plan) for the term of the contract that establishes and maintains well-documented quality control procedures that ensure the production and deliverance of acceptable performance in accordance with this SOW. The QC Plan shall assure adequate quality control throughout all areas of performance, and shall be implemented to validate reliability and effective performance. The contractor shall be solely responsible for controlling quality work, and providing objective evidence that such control does, in fact, exist. It shall be the responsibility of the contractor to enforce all Quality Control Plan requirements for all subcontractor(s).At a minimum, the contractor’s Quality Control Plan shall include:a. An internal quality control and inspection system for required services. Job titles and all positions of individuals who will conduct inspections must be specified.b. A method to identify, and procedures to correct, any deficiencies in services that may occur.c. A file that documents all inspections, and other quality and internal control actions, including the purpose of the inspection, the results, and any corrective action taken. Upon request, this file shall be made available to the Government during the period of performance.d. Description of the procedures used to ensure that transcripts and translations shall be accurate versions of the original documents, or copied tapes, without omissions, translation or typographical errors. All versions shall contain correct spellings of all personnel, organizations, places, common names and numerical information. The contractor is responsible for the inspection of all contractor prepared materials prior to delivery to the Government.e. Description of how contractor personnel assigned to the QC function shall ensure that summaries are accurate and do not include any subjective interpretation. In the case that errors are found, the reviewer shall coordinate with the COR and provide documentation of the errors in writing, correct the documents and submit to the COR for resolution. Plan Submission and ReviewThe Government reserves the right to review the quality controls established, and to evaluate its effective use in the performance of the requirements under the contract. The QC plan shall be updated every twelve months by the contractor and submitted to the COR for review and approval. The QC Plan is due within seven calendar days of contract award.2.14Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP)A Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) pursuant to the requirements of this SOW shall be devised. 1. The purpose of the QASP is to:a. Define the roles and responsibilities of participating Government officials.b. Describe the evaluation methods that will be employed by the Government in assessing the Contractor’s performance.c. Describe the process of performance documentation.2. Roles and Responsibilities of Participating Government Officialsa. The COR will be responsible for monitoring, assessing, recording, and reporting on the technical performance of the Contractor on a day-to-day basis. The COR will have primary responsibility for completing “Quality Assurance Surveillance Forms” to document their inspection and evaluation of the Contractor’s work performance.b. The Contracting Officer (CO) or designee has overall responsibility for evaluating the Contractor’s performance in areas of contract compliance, contract administration, and cost and property control. The CO shall review the COR’s evaluation of the Contractor’s performance and invoices. 3. Performance Evaluation MeetingsThe Contractor’s representatives shall meet with the COR on a weekly basis or as deemed necessary by either party. These meetings will provide a management level review and assessment of Contractor performance, and a discussion and resolution of problems.2.15 Work ScheduleThe contractor shall provide support as needed for each order, up to and including a seven-day workweek and a 24-hour day. The regularly assigned hours of duty will be established by the COR and will normally consist of an 8 hour workday, Monday through Friday and may include work on weekends and Federal holidays, except when the Government facility is closed. The contractor must at all times maintain an adequate work force for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within this statement of work; therefore, the contractor shall keep in mind that the stability and continuity of the work force are essential. Lunch breaks or other routine breaks during the day are not included in the workday. Contract employees wishing to take a lunch break or other breaks during the day will not log those periods as time worked. Based on the needs of OMC, contractor employees may be required to work shifts. Shift work must be justified and approved in writing by the OMC COR. Shift work will be paid at the regular rates. Overtime or hours in excess of 40 hours per week may be required to support the mission. The contractor may be required to be available to the Government on the Federal Holidays listed below: New Year’s DayLabor DayMartin Luther King Jr.’s BirthdayColumbus DayPresident’s DayVeteran’s DayMemorial DayThanksgiving DayIndependence DayChristmas Day2.16 Place of Performance Place of performance shall vary with requirements. The majority of the work will occur at the OMC deployed facility at US Navy Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and some other overseas locations. Additional work shall be performed on site at the OMC facilities in the National Capital Region (generally Arlington, Rosslyn, and Crystal City, VA). Contractors will be required to travel under this contract. The contractor shall demonstrate the ability to support personnel requirements in such environments. Transcription may only take place at a government facility or contractor facility. Under no circumstances will a linguist or court reporter be permitted to work or produce deliverables at a residence or at a public facility using a computer, or other equipment accessible by the public, i.e. a public library's computer, cyber cafe, etc. All classified work will be done in an approved Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF), for which the government will make available.2.17 Court Appearance or Court Room Work: All personnel performing services under this contract may be required to testify.2.18 Post Award ConferenceThe contractor shall attend any post award conference convened by the contracting activity or contract administration office. 2.19 Staffing RequirementsThe Contractor is responsible for the satisfactory supervision of its employees at all times. Satisfactory supervision includes verifying attendance positions, and upholding the work requirements of all personnel assigned under the contract. The Contractor shall provide the COR with the name of the Program Manager before commencement of services. The Program Manager shall have full authority to act for the contractor on all technical matters relating to daily operation of this contract.Program Manager is designated as the Key Personnel for this contract. The Program Manager is responsible for direct interaction with the COR and this contract’s Contracting Officer regarding overall contract quality and performance, including responsiveness, work product, quality reporting, and workload management. While overall contract quality/performance is the primary responsibility of the Program Manager, this individual is also expected to perform the other contracting activities (described in this SOW) as time permits and on an as needed basis. The Program Manager shall perform Quality Control actions on the work product of all assigned personnel under this contract in accordance with the Quality Control provisions of this contract. 2.20Identification of Contractor EmployeesAll contract personnel attending meetings, answering Government telephones, and working in other situations where their contractor status is not obvious to third parties are required to identify themselves as such to avoid creating an impression in the minds of members of the public that they are Government officials. Contract personnel will be required to obtain and wear badges in the performance of this service.2.21Removal from the WorksiteAll work under this contract shall be performed in a skillful and workmanlike manner. The Contracting Officer may require, in writing, that the Contractor remove from the work any employee the Contracting Officer deems incompetent, careless, or otherwise objectionable.2.22 Editors Review documents already translated and provide an accurate and thorough analysis of the translations from English into the target language and from the target language into English of documents as provided by the prosecution team and/or the defense team 2.23 LanguagesThe contractor shall provide Linguist(s) fluent in languages ordered. All Linguists shall be fluent in English. Under the contract, the government shall require, at a minimum, Linguist(s) be fluent in languages in the chart below. Language Arabic - Classic Arabic - Iraq Arabic - Libyan Arabic - Modern Arabic - Saudi Arabic - Yemeni Bengali Farsi French Kurdish Pashtu - Afghan Pashtu - Peshawari Persian Tadjik Urdu 2.24 Language Proficiency Language proficiency testing in the source language(s) and English is required for all levels of linguists in the four basic communications skills (listening, reading, writing, and speaking). Evidence of language proficiency testing with acceptable results is required for all linguists prior to assignment. Testing shall have occurred no more than five years ago. In-house testing by companies that provide linguistics services will not be accepted. OMC will not reimburse fees charged for language proficiency testing and/or costs associated with state certification; e.g., training and travel. 2.24.1 The minimum acceptable language proficiency shall result from one of the following sources:By the U.S. Government: Members of the Interagency Language Roundtable (Department of State/Foreign Service Institute; Department of Defense/Defense Language Institute; Department of Justice/Federal Bureau of Investigation; Peace Corps; United Nations). A proficiency rating of 3 or above in speaking, listening, reading, writing, and congruity judgment in the source language and a proficiency rating of 3 or above in speaking, listening, reading, writing, and congruity judgment in English is required.By the State Courts: Several states have a certification program for court interpreters, while some states have a Registry of Tested Interpreters based on Qualifications Examinations. Persons who pass the Qualifications Examination are eligible to be included in the Registry of Tested Interpreters. Certification or inclusion on the Registry of Tested Interpreters by any of the following members of the Consortium for State Court Interpreter Certification is acceptable proof of language proficiency: (1) Arkansas; (2) California; (3) Colorado; (4) Delaware; (5) Florida; (6) Georgia; (7) Hawaii; (8) Idaho; (9) Illinois; (10) Maryland; (11) Massachusetts; (12) Michigan; (13) Minnesota; (14) Missouri; (15) Nebraska; (16) New Jersey; (17) New Mexico; (18) North Carolina; (19) Oregon; (20) Utah; (21) Virginia; (22) Washington; and (23) Wisconsin. The languages that are certified or tested will vary depending on each state’s requirements. Certification as a Court Interpreter by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts or by the State Courts is acceptable, but is not required unless a Certified Court Interpreter(s) is the subject of a Call. Any Certified Court Interpreters that are assigned to other linguistic duties under the contracts shall be paid at the rate for the labor category to which assigned.By Private Language Testing Institutions: A = Advanced, S = Superior, or H = High skill levels in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in the source language. Speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English are acceptable. Low, novice, and intermediate skill levels of proficiency will not be accepted.Other acceptable providers of language proficiency testing include the following professional interpreter associations (the list is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute OMC’s endorsement of any of the associations):ALTA Language Services (ALTA) American Translators Association (ATA)American Counsel of Teachers of Foreign Languages (ACTFL)Bay Area Court InterpretersCalifornia Court Interpreters AssociationCalifornia Federation of Interpreters, Inc.Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT)Defense Language Institute (DLI)Educational Testing Services (ETS)Foreign Service Institute (FSI)National Association of Judiciary Interpreters & TranslatorsNorthern California Translators Association Peace CorpsSouthern California Translators AssociationTranslators and Interpreters GuildPART 3GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES3.0 Travel When deployed to forward areas where commercial lodging and meals are not available, the government will provide adequate housing, meals, protective personal ensemble, and transportation. The government will provide all necessary training required for overseas deployment. 3.1 Facilities The Government will furnish the necessary workspace for the contractor staff to provide the support outlined in this SOW to include desk space, telephones, computers and other items necessary to maintain an office environment. Secure Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) for classified information work will be provided.3.2 Equipment As required personnel will be provided with spaces with a desk, workstations, network access, printer, and appropriate administrative supplies to accomplish assignments. The government will not provide stenography machines or other stenographic devices.3.3 Lock Combinations The contractor shall establish and implement methods of ensuring that all lock combinations are not revealed to unauthorized persons. The contractor shall ensure that lock combinations are changed when personnel having access to the combinations no longer have a need to know such combinations. These procedures shall be included in the contractor’s Quality Control Plan. 3.4 Travel CostsWhile performance under the contract will require travel by contractor personnel, all costs outside the local commuting area will be arranged and provided by the government. The government will provide all access cards and control devices necessary for the contractor to perform their duties. Any other travel, if required, shall be approved by the COR and in accordance with the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR). Software OMC uses and will provide voice recognition software and also uses video for recording.3.6 Translator Request Form Requirement (TRF) (Attachment 3):a. Except for contractor personnel who are on full time status or as described in paragraph C. herein, a TRF is required for all work performed under the above-numbered contract. The Contractor shall not work without a TRF. Furthermore, the contractor understands that the Government will not pay for work performed without a TRF when a TRF is required. b. If the requirement under a TRF is modified significantly, the TRF form must document the requirement change. c. When on TDY, contractor personnel are considered to be on full-time status. TRF’s are not required for work commenced and completed while on TDY. If the contractor commences but does not complete performance on a requirement while on TDY, the contractor may not complete that requirement after TDY without a TRF. d. TRF Approvals and Submittal:- Signed by the Translator- Signed by the customer (services received)- Signed by the Contractor (services quality checked)- Signed TRF provided to the COTRTRF’s must also be provided to the Government on a monthly basis as supporting documentation for invoices. Additionally, invoices must document TDY status when TRF’s are not required. PART 4CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES4.0 General: Except for those items specifically stated to be government furnished in Part 3, the contractor shall furnish everything required to perform this SOW.4.1 Stenographic Equipment Contractor will provide any and all equipment needed for stenographic operations as stated in Part 3, paragraph 3.2PART 5SPECIFIC TASKS5.0 Linguist: Contractor’s language service personnel SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1 shall be required to provide any of the above defined services to include: interpretation, translation, transcribing, consecutive interpretation, simultaneous interpretation, conference mode interpretation, and court room. Further, services shall include providing interpretation or expert consultation for prosecutors, defense counsel, appointing authority, other experts, and their staffs and as needed by commission members and the presiding officer subject to the approval of the Convening Authority. 5.1 Contractor’s language service personnel SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1 shall provide linguist services from English into a foreign language or from a foreign language into English, for the Language Labor Categories. See Attachment 1, Languages.5.2 Interpreting: The contractor shall be prepared to provide interpreting services in any and all of the following modes: simultaneous interpretation, consecutive interpretation and sight translations. The contractor must be able to work with interpreting equipment in the commission room or other facilities, and also, as necessary, equipment used to provide remote interpreting services by telephone. The contractor may be required to work with other interpreters working on behalf of the Convening Authority in team interpreting situations in longer proceedings.5.3 Translating: Prepare an English translation from a variety of foreign language source exhibits, including but not limited to video and audio cassette recorded conversations, facsimile documents and written and typed materials, such as legal documents, diaries, computerized files, personal papers, maps, charts, ledgers and notes. Provide accurate and complete translations free of typographical errors and without the omission of word or words from the texts. Use accepted Standard English punctuation in all English translations. Type the translation from the original source in the format specified.5.4 Transcribing: Assignments shall include written document transcriptions of audio/video-taped or real-time conversations: Type (or if directed, write) verbatim, the words spoken on the source recording or during the conversation. Transcription work product must be in final form and be free of errors in spelling, grammar, and in normally accepted word choice and punctuation. Transcription assignments shall be performed in accordance with the requirements (e.g. electronic format specified, language(s) required, time frame for completed product, etc.) as stated at the task order level. Court Reporters: Court Reporters shall record proceedings, which usually involve 11 to 15 active participants and an indeterminate number of witnesses. Monitor recording equipment to ensure all proceedings are being captured and recorded and make detailed notes explaining physical actions by parties to the proceedings. From recordings and court documents, types or by other electronic means, produces a verbatim record of the proceedings in printed and MS Word formats with responsibility for correct format, insertion of explanatory notes, attachment of description of all exhibits, proper arrangement of numerous documents, and indexing of the file. Responsible for preparing and processing the record, including making necessary copies. At the task order (TO) level, the government will specify the type of court reporter required as stenographer, transcriber, or voice writing/re-dictation reporter. Deliverables: The contractor shall be responsible for delivering all end items specified in the TO and for returning all source documentation in a timely manner. Court reporters and linguists shall be available NLT 21 days following receipt of a TO. Once the deliverables have been accepted it shall become the property of OMC. The following are deliverables that fall within the scope of this requirement:5.6.1 Deliverables ScheduleDeliverableFrequency# of OriginalsMedium/FormatSubmit ToSOW 5.3 – Translation of written textAs stated at the task order level 1MS WordRequesting organization as indicated on TOSOW 5.4 and 5.5 - Transcription of spoken or other audio/visual materialAs stated at the task order level1MS WordRequesting organization as indicated on TOSOW 2.13.1 – Quality Control PlanTo be submitted within seven (7) days of contract acceptance1MS WordContracting Officer and COR SOW 2.14 Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP)As stated at the task order level 1MS WordContracting Officer and COR SOW 5.5 – Records of ProceedingsAs stated at the task order level1MS WordClerk of Courts Office5.7Acceptance Criteria: The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) will issue acceptance for the delivery of services upon the successful completion of the tasks required under each order.5.8 Skills TestTranslators will undergo a skills evaluation to test their level of translation. End product is stored on a removable media with a printed copy. 5.9 Performance Meetings: As necessary when determined by the CO, be prepared to discuss the performance of employees and status of existing task orders. Written minutes of all Performance Meetings will be prepared by the Contractor and shall be signed by both the contractor and the contracting officer.Performance Standards Summary Contractor performance under this contract shall be measured by its ability to meet Acceptable Quality Levels (AQL). All work will be governed by meeting or exceeding the levels defined with Performance Standards and AQL.The required AQL shall be error free. In courtroom interpretation must be verbatim. The contractor shall meet or exceed the quality requirements specified in the contractor Quality Control Plan.Technical Exhibit 2 defines the Performance Standards and AQLs, to which the contractor shall develop performance criteria and approach. The performance metrics are grouped into several categories:Performance ObjectiveAQLPerformance ThresholdMethod of SurveillancePRS # 1. Provide interpreting services - Provide accurate and complete interpretations of materials or conversations without the omission of a word or words from the conversations, text or drawings- Consecutively interpret a foreign language into the English language and English into the foreign language- Prepare written documentation in the language, completion time, and format specified- Errors include but are not limited to: misinterpreted word improper context, improper syntax, incomplete interpretationZero deviation from Standard100% inspection PRS # 2 Translate from English to a foreign language or vise versa various source materials such as recorded conversations, writings, computerized files, diagrams, etc. -Prepare accurate and complete translations, free of typographical errors and without the omission of a word or words from the conversations or source- Prepare written documentation in the language, completion time, and format specified - Transcripts submitted on time with few errorsZero deviation from Standard100% inspection PRS # 3Transcribe audio/video recordings or real-time oral communications - Type (or if directed write) verbatim spoken words from source material, free of typographical errors and without the omission of a word or words from the conversations- Prepare written documentation in the language, completion time, and format specified- Transcripts submitted on time with few errors (5.4)- Records of Proceedings (5.5) submitted on time with no errorsZero deviation from Standard100% inspection PRS #4Record proceedings, monitor recording equipment, make detailed notes, and produce a verbatim record of the proceedings. -Produce a verbatim, error free, record of proceedings on timeZero deviation from Standard100% inspection PRS#5Prepare for and testify in proceedings as required -Appear at proceedings on time, in appropriate attire, and prepared to testifyZero deviation from Standard100% inspection BPA Structure The BPAs expire after ____ years, or at the end of the FSS contract period, whichever is earlier. The BPAs will be for a base year and ______ one-year options. The Government may extend the terms of the BPAs beyond the current period of performance by exercise of the next option. This will be accomplished by written notice to the Contractor no later than the commencement date of the option period of performance provided the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least 30 days before the agreement expires. The preliminary notice does not commit the Government to the extension.The following Schedule applies to this agreement: Period of Dollar ThresholdPerformancePerformance Capacity per YearDatesTBDTBDTBDThe total duration of the BPAs, including the exercise of options under this clause, shall not exceed the GSA FSS period of performance. The dollar limit of all the BPAs is ____________.The BPAs shall be reviewed annually before the anniversary of their effective date and revised as necessary. The BPAs may be discontinued by either party upon thirty (30) days written notice.OrderingOrders will be placed by the Washington Headquarters Services OSD Acquisition Directorate. The ordering Contracting Officer shall ensure compliance with all rules and regulations. Orders shall be received and accepted via hardcopy, facsimile, or email. When a task order is required, the Contracting Officer will issue a request for proposal from the Contractor. The Contractor shall then submit a proposal to the Contracting Officer, and the Contracting Officer will either accept the Contractor’s proposal and issue the task order, or negotiate with the Contractor. If negotiations are entered into, the order will be issued to reflect the negotiated and agreed to price for the task order. Each task order shall be binding on the Contractor when the task order is issued by the Government. Failure to reach agreement on the price for any task order for any order issued before the price is established will be considered to be a dispute under the Disputes clause.CONTRACTOR VISITSThe COR will approve and coordinate all Contractor visits to a sponsor's agency and other DOD agencies necessary for performance under each order. All security visit requests shall be submitted to the COR for approval.TRAVEL POLICIES AND PROCEDURESIt is anticipated that performance under the BPAs may require travel. All travel will be at the request of the government via the COR under specific task orders issued. If travel is required outside the metro area, it will be addressed separately by task order.Reimbursement for travel in conjunction with the performance of a task order under the BPAs will be in accordance with the Joint Travel Regulations. INDIVIDUALS AUTHORIZED TO PURCHASE UNDER THE BPA Authorized BPA UsersThe principal user of the BPA will be OMC. Other potential users of the BPA, with the consent OMC and approval of the Contracting Officer, are other offices within the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Other Defense Agencies, and the Joint Staff. a.Task Orders – Orders placed under this Agreement may be made orally, by fax, by E-mail, or by regular mail. Each call will be assigned a task order number. b. Authority to Place Calls – The roster below indicates those personnel who have been granted authority to place orders and commit Government funds. Authorized BPA Callers Authority Limit per Call Order WHS AD Contracting Officer(s) ____________PRICING COMPLIANCE The vendor warrants by performance of any call placed under this Agreement that the prices charged to the Government shall be as low as or lower than those charged the vendor’s most favored customer for comparable quantities under similar terms and conditions. REQUIRED CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENTSThe Contractor shall submit to the Contracting Officer prior to the award of a Task Order under this BPA, a signed copy of the Contractor Employee Confidentiality Agreement (incorporated into this BPA as Attachment 2) and shall ensure that each employee signs a Confidentiality Agreement. ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST (OCI)Purpose: The primary purpose of this clause is to aid in ensuring that:The Contractor’s objectivity and judgment are not biased because of its present, or currently planned interests (financial, contractual, organizational, or otherwise) which relate to any work issued pursuant to this agreement; The Contractor does not obtain an unfair competitive advantage by virtue of its access to non-public Government information regarding the Government’s program plans and actual or anticipated resources; and The Contractor does not obtain any unfair competitive advantage by virtue of its access to proprietary information belonging to others.Scope: The restrictions described herein shall apply to performance or participation by the Contractor and any of its affiliates or their successors in interest (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Contractor”) in the activities covered by this clause as prime contractor, subcontractor, co-sponsor, joint venture, consultant, or in any similar capacity. The term “proprietary information” for the purposes of this clause is any information considered to be so valuable by its owner that it is held in secret by them and their licensees. Information furnished voluntarily by the owner without limitations on its use, or which is available without restrictions from other sources, is not considered proprietary.Access To and Use of Government Information: If the Contractor, in the performance of this contract, obtains access to information such as plans, policies, reports, studies, financial plans, or data which has not been released or otherwise made available to the public, the Contractor agrees that without prior written approval of the Contracting Officer, it shall not: (a) use such information for any private purpose unless the information has been released or otherwise made available to the public, (b) compete for work based on such information after the completion of this contract, or until such information is released or otherwise made available to the public, whichever occurs first, (c) submit an unsolicited proposal to the Government which is based on such information after such information is released or otherwise made available to the public, or (d) release such information unless such information has previously been released or otherwise made available to the public by the Government.Access To and Protection of Propriety Information: The Contractor agrees that, to the extent it receives or is given access to proprietary data, trade secrets, or other confidential or privileged technical, business, or financial information (hereinafter referred to as “proprietary data”) under this contract, it shall treat such information in accordance with any restrictions imposed on such information. The Contractor further agrees to enter into a written agreement for the protection of the proprietary data of others and to exercise diligent effort to protect such proprietary data from unauthorized use or disclosure. In addition, the Contractor shall obtain from each employee who has access to proprietary data under this contract, a written agreement that shall in substance provide that such employee shall not, during his/her employment by the Contractor or thereafter, disclose to others or use for their benefit, proprietary data received in connection with the work under this contract. The Contractor will educate its employees regarding the philosophy of Part 9.505-4 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation so that they will not use or disclose proprietary information or data generated or acquired in the performance of this contract except as provided herein. Subcontracts: The Contractor shall include this or substantially the same clause, including this paragraph, in consulting agreements and subcontracts of all tiers. The terms “Contract,” “Contractor,” and “Contracting Officer,” will be appropriately modified to preserve the Government’s rights.Disclosures: If the Contractor discovers an organizational conflict of interest or potential conflict of interest after award, a prompt and full disclosure shall be made in writing to the Contracting Officer. This disclosure shall be made on the OCI Analysis/ Disclosure Form provided as an Attachment to this agreement, and shall include a description of the action the Contractor has taken or proposes to take in order to avoid or mitigate such conflicts.Contractor shall ensure employees agree to use appropriate disclaimers clearly stating the employees’ opinions do not necessarily reflect the position of the United States Government in any public presentations they make or articles they write that relate to any aspect of contract performance.Remedies and Waiver:(1) For breach of any of the above restrictions or for non-disclosure or misrepresentation of any relevant facts required to be disclosed concerning this contract, the Government may terminate this contract for default, disqualify the Contractor for subsequent related contractual efforts, and pursue such other remedies as may be permitted by law or the contract. If, however, in compliance with this clause, the Contractor discovers and promptly reports an organizational conflict of interest (or the potential thereof) subsequent to contract award, the Contracting Officer may terminate this contract for the convenience of the Government if such termination is deemed to be in the best interest of the Government. (2) The COR is not authorized to re-delegate his/her authority. (3) The COR is not authorized to initiate acquisition actions by use of imprest funds or blanket purchase agreements, nor to issue purchase orders, place calls or delivery orders under basic agreements, basic ordering agreements or indefinite-delivery contracts. ................
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