Horticulture Instructor for Horticulture Occupational Training Program

THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT ANNOUNCEMENT ONLY - Solicitations are not available at this time. This notice does not constitute a commitment by the Government. The information gathered from market research will be vital in the formation and set aside status of the solicitation.The Bureau of Prisons has a future requirement for the provision of Horticulture Instructor for the Horticulture Occupational Training Program for the Federal Medical Center (Carswell) located in Fort Worth, Texas. All duties shall be performed in accordance with standards and methods generally accepted within the industry and in compliance with all Federal and State policies and regulations. The contractor will provide Horticulture Occupational Training Program Services in accordance with the Statement of Work. The Government contemplates awarding of an indefinite-delivery, requirements-type contracts with firm-fixed unit prices resulting from the future solicitation. The contract period shall consist of a 12 month

base period with four 12 month option periods for renewal. The Government anticipates requiring 1440 sessions per year. A session is defined as one hour.A Government solicitation document to provide these services is being developed, and a contract may or may not result. Market research is being conducted to determine interest and capability of potential sources for this requirement. All future information about this acquisition, including the solicitation and/or amendments, will be distributed solely through this site. Interested parties are responsible for monitoring this site to ensure that they have the most up-to-date information regarding this acquisition.All responses to the Market Survey Questionnaire may be submitted via email to vmills@bop.gov . Please note: All contractors doing business with the Federal Government must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database. The website for registration is www.sam.gov. If you have questions about the System for Award Management (SAM), Government procurements in general, or need assistance in the preparation of your quote, a local Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) may be able to help. The Procurement Technical Assistance Program was authorized by Congress in 1985 in an effort to expand the number of businesses capable of participating in the Government marketplace. To locate a PTAC near you, go to http://www.aptac-us.org. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code is 611310 (Size Standard: $27,500,000 annually).DRAFT - Statement of WorkSubjectThe Federal Bureau of Prisons, Field Acquisition Office, intends to make a single award to a post-secondary institution, vocational training or industry-based school that will be responsible for providing instruction in Horticulture Instructor for the Horticulture Occupational Training Program for the Federal Medical Center (FMC) Carswell. Successful completion of the training program must qualify inmates for at least entry-level employment in a specified field upon release.Place of PerformanceThe Horticulture Instructor will conduct the Horticulture Occupational Training Program in the Education Department and/or garden area at the FMC Carswell. FMC Carswell is located at J Street, Building 3000, Fort Worth, Texas.Schedule of PerformanceA session is defined as one hour. The contractor will normally provide six (1) hour sessions per day, 5 days per week, excluding Federal Holidays. Work hours will normally be Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break. These hours may be adjusted to meet the needs of the institution. The contractor shall not normally exceed 30 hours per week. Estimated annual sessions are approximately 1,440 sessions per 12-month period. The sessions are on a requirement basis; therefore, schedule and sessions can changes. Courses should last four (4) months, with new courses starting immediately following the completion of the previous course.Due to the nature of the correctional setting, delays in performance of work may be experienced. Such delays may include but are not limited to inclement weather, electrical or mechanical problems, or other security matters. When contract employees report to the institution but are unable to perform services due to such delays, the contractor will be paid for one session. Normally, any remaining sessions for that day will be suspended and the contractor will be free to leave and the contractor will not be paid for the remaining unperformed sessions. However, if the institution requests that the contractor remain at the institution for eventual performance, the contractor shall be paid for such sessions. In the event of any absence, the contractor may make up his/her time so long as it does not exceed 30 hours in any given week. If the contractor fails to provide coverage, the Government may seek contractual remedy.Education and QualificationsThe contractor shall not be a self-employed individual or individual employed by a post-secondary institution. The contract must be between FMC Carswell and post-secondary institution, vocational training school or industry-based school.The occupational education program must fall under the provider's umbrella of accreditation and lead to transferrable credits resulting in a college certificate, A.A., A.A.S. or A.S. degree. Industry-accepted certification is also acceptable. Providers must be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency. If required for employment, certification tests from outside organizations may be administered to individual inmates upon completion of a specific occupational education program. However, the individual skill competency certification will not replace the training program's overall accreditation.The occupational education program must lead to a college certificate, A.A., A. S., A.A.S. or industry-recognized certificate qualifying inmates for at least an entry-level position of employment. Credits earned from the college certificate, A.A., A.S., or A.A.S. must be transferrable to a four-year college. The contractor shall possess a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university recognized in the United States Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.Four-year degree programs and programs in liberal arts/general studies are not authorized, although limited and specific courses of a liberal arts/general studies nature may be permitted if directly related to preparation for a specific occupation or vocation. The contractor must be certified as an instructor in Master Gardener Horticulture with a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture Sciences.Supplies and EquipmentThe contractor will provide the following supplies, equipment, and curriculum materials: Certified tests; training aides; video demonstrations; computer based software; and textbooks.The contractor will make recommendations to the Supervisor of Education pertaining to the selection and purchase of additional supplies and equipment. The institution will provide the following supplies, equipment, and curriculum materials: classroom space for instruction; an outdoor area to facilitate hands on training and development; water source; expendable containers; fertilizers; maintenance and up-keep of outdoor gardens and horticulture areas; related equipment; supplies; and educational materials.Description of DutiesThe contractor will provide instruction for Horticulture Occupational Training Program in accordance with Bureau of Prisons Program Statement 5353.01, Occupational Education Programs, and Bureau of Prisons Program Statement 5300.21, Education, Training and Leisure Time Program Standards.Twenty-forty percent (20-40%) of the curriculum's competencies must be hands-on replication of the actual work environment. Application of hands-on work must be occupational in nature. An institution live work project may be utilized to demonstrate or apply hands-on competencies. Electronic or computer-based simulation does not satisfy the hands-on or live work requirement.The Supervisor of Education must approve live work projects.Marketable programs shall afford inmates the opportunity to gain in demand skills in a specific occupation, industry, or trade. The marketable program must qualify inmate graduates for at least an entry-level position in horticulture or landscaping. As a precondition of the proposal for the contract, the contractor shall specify in writing to the Supervisor of Education the position(s) of employment for which inmate graduates will be eligible to apply.The Supervisor of Education has determined the minimum of class participants who will attend a full time program for a period of four (4) months is 25 inmate participants. Once the inmate participants complete the program, they will be reassigned to work details which will utilize their newly acquired skills and knowledge of the horticulture industry. A new class will resume after every four month program. Instructors placed on site by the contractor are responsible for the maintenance of transcripts, student attendance records, statistics, and certification records.Certified testing will be provided by the contractor. The certification test must be provided and proctored by an accredited university or college towards a Horticulture Technician certificate completion. Any costs incurred with this service will be the responsibility of the contractor.Scope of PerformanceThe Horticulture Occupational Training Program focuses on providing inmates with basic knowledge and skills in landscaping and organic gardening in general and practical horticulture. Inmate participants will:• Gain an understanding of the career opportunities in the broad, diverse, and rapidly expanding industry of horticulture.• Identify the economic, aesthetic and social importance of horticultural plants.• Obtain the competency necessary for greenhouse and field production of horticultural plants through on-site practical work experience.• Acquire basic knowledge and skills necessary for gaining meaningful employment within horticulture related businesses and industries through meaningful classroom and hands-on work experiences.• Produce quality ornamental and edible plants for utilization and consumption at FMC Carswell, as well as, for use in community outreach programs.AttireThe contractor is expected to wear professional clothing while on duty. The attire worn shall also be appropriate for the correctional environment in which the contract employee will be performing.Inmate ManagementProvision of services will require frequent and unsupervised contact with inmates. The contract employee shall not be responsible for the management of any inmates, other than to ensure inmates involved within the contract's scope of work abide by all rules to ensure their safety and well-being. The successful contractor shall attend the Institution Familiarization Orientation program prior to assuming institution involvement. Reimbursement to the contractor for the time spent in the institution orientation or other specific security related training will be at the contract rate, prorated hourly. The contractor may, at any time, be removed from the institution at the discretion of the CEO. The contractor is to constantly be aware of security and maintain a professional relationship with inmates at all times. Any violation of the institution rules and regulations are to be brought immediately to the attention of any Government employee employed at the institution. The contractor will be required to provide documentation to the COR, or designee, of any infractions of institutional rules and regulations by inmates for proper action.Institution Security The contract employee will be required to sign in and out of the institution for accountability purposes. A badge will be issued and worn at all times for proper identification. The contractor and all employees involved in the provision of services under this contract shall meet certain security requirements prior to the provision of services. The Health Services Administrator is responsible for conducting the appropriate vouchering and criminal background checks (National Crime Information Center [NCIC]).The contractor agrees to complete the necessary documents needed to complete the required security checks. An individual who does not pass the security clearance will be unable to perform services under the contract. If the resulting contract is to be awarded to an individual, all clearance procedures shall be applied prior to award. Individuals who do not pass the security clearance will not be awarded a contract. The final determination and completion of the security investigation procedures will be made at the sole discretion of the institution. Any individual deemed not suitable by the BOP requirements will not be granted access to perform services under the contract. This is a condition of the contract. The contractor must be in compliance with Department of Justice regulations at 8 CFR 274a regarding the employment of aliens. A copy of the directive is available upon the contractor's request. The Contractor, if an individual other than a corporation, upon contract award must complete several Human Resource Management forms. The forms are referenced as follows:(1) National Crime Information Center (NCIC) check;(2) Declaration of Federal Employment (OF-306);(3) FD-258 (fingerprint check);(4) Law Enforcement Agency checks;(5) Vouchering of Employers;(6) Employment Resume;(7) Completed Contractor Pre-employment Questionnaire;(8) Release of Information;(9) Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (SF-85 for Low Risk, SF-85P for above low risk);(10) Credit Check, if applicable;(11) Urinalysis, if applicable.Non-Personal Services/Common Law Employee InformationThe service is a contractual arrangement and not a personnel appointment. Payment is based on the provision of an end product or the accomplishment of a specific result. The service does not constitute an employer/employee relationship. The contractor will not be subject to Government supervision, except for security related matters. However, contractor performance shall be monitored.If the resulting contract is made to an individual(s), the provision of these services has been determined to meet certain criteria for creating common law employee relationship. Therefore, the BOP is responsible for the payment of FICA taxes (7.65%) and the withholding of the individual's taxes. These responsibilities apply only when award of this solicitation is made to an individual. It does not apply to companies or individuals who are incorporated. For evaluation purposes, an additional 7.65% will be added to the price submitted by individuals who are not incorporated.Payment TermsPayment terms as specified in FAR 52.212-4(g) apply. The contractor shall provide a monthly invoice to the FMC Carswell - Accounting Department, which accurately reflects days worked, number of sessions, and the total amount due for the previous month's services. The due date for making an invoice payment by the designated payment office shall be the 30th day after the designated billing office has received a proper invoice, or the government has accepted the services performed by the contractor. The contractor can, however, offer discount payment terms for prompt payments as specified in block 12 on the SF-1449 form of this solicitation. Half sessions will not be authorized for payment.END OF DRAFT STATEMENT OF WORK***Please answer the following questions on a company letterhead**1. Please indicate your business size in relation to the SBA size standard provided above.2. Can your firm provide the services in compliance with the requirements listed in the draft Statement of Work?3. Do you have any issues/questions/concerns with the draft Statement of Work?4. Can your firm provide all inclusive "session" pricing to include all costs associated with the performance of the required services?5. Can your firm provide firm fixed unit prices (i.e., session pricing) for future contract periods (for example: a contract with a base year and four option years, equating a total of five years)?6. Can your firm quote pricing in the next 6-8 weeks for a contract with an effective date of May 1, 2019?7. How many calendar days does your firm need to prepare a quotation resulting from this solicitation?8. Is your company registered, and active, in the System for Award Management (www.sam.gov)?9. Please furnish the following information in reference to your firm:Company Name:DUNS number:Address:Point of Contact:Telephone Number:E-mail Address:I am extremely appreciative of the time you have taken to complete this questionnaire. Please email your response to vmills@bop.gov .