Federal Bonding Program

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document contains technical questions related to the Federal Bonding Program, likely seeking clarification on contractor capabilities and program administration.

• Geographic Coverage: Can the contractor issue fidelity bonds in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam, US Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands?
• Electronic Platform: Can the contractor provide a website for electronic purchase and issuance of fidelity bonds, distinguishing between bonds funded by DOL grants and other funds?
• Data Security: Can the contractor maintain a secure electronic database for bond issuance information, protecting confidentiality?
• Program Start Date: Can the contractor begin administering the fidelity bonds program as described in Part 5 of the PWS within 30 days?

These questions seek to clarify the operational scope, technical capabilities, and implementation timeline for the Federal Bonding Program. Bidders should consider these points when formulating their proposals to ensure they can meet the specified requirements.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

The goal of this Performance Work Statement (PWS) is to procure an underwriting company or agency to administer the Federal Bonding Program (FBP). The program aims to help justice-involved and other at-risk individuals find private sector employment by providing fidelity bonds to employers, protecting them from losses due to employee theft or illegal acts.

• Provide fidelity bonding coverage to justice-involved and other high-risk individuals across all fifty states and six outlying areas.

• Develop and maintain a secure website for states to electronically purchase and request bonds, distinguishing between DOL grant funds and other funding sources.

• Maintain a secure electronic database for bond issuance information, protecting confidentiality.

• Provide sufficient professional and administrative personnel for program management, technical management, and administrative support.

• Administer a program of bond purchase, making states, localities, and other entities aware of fidelity bond availability.

• Provide efficient claims adjustment services, with claims settlement no later than 6 months from inception.

• Cooperate with any DOL-engaged contractors for FBP evaluations.

• Provide additional services as directed by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), including attendance at meetings, training, technical assistance, marketing strategy development, and maintenance of a toll-free number.

• Quantitative Reports: Number of bonds issued by state (QTD, YTD, PTD), number of settled claims, job industry/sector, hourly wage, weekly hours, employee demographics (gender, ethnicity, race), and firm size.

• Bond Issuance Data: Bond number, bond amount ($5,000 - $25,000), and effective date.

• Technical Support: Maintain a log of technical errors and issue resolution status.

• Qualitative Reports: Submitted within 45 days post-quarter, including performance analysis, program experiences (successes/challenges), awareness actions, planned events, material availability, technical assistance requests/responses, and purchasing prospects.

• Quality Control: Contractor must develop and maintain an effective quality control program.

• Quality Assurance: Government will evaluate performance based on the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP).

• Period of Performance: One (1) Base Period of 12 months and four (4) 12-month option periods. Base Period: March 25, 2027 – March 24, 2028. Option Periods extend through March 2, 2032.

• Place of Performance: At the discretion of the contractor.

• Contract Type: Anticipated Time and Materials.

• Key Personnel: Project Manager and Assistant Project Manager with specific degree and experience requirements.

• Staffing: Must maintain an adequate workforce for uninterrupted performance during specified hours (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday, excluding Federal holidays).

• Confidentiality: All personnel with access to records must sign a confidentiality and non-disclosure agreement. Follow DOL instructions for record retention and destruction.

• Phase-In/Phase-Out: Contractor shall have personnel on board during the 30-day phase-in/phase-out periods.