Sources Sought for Cross Connection Controls Training for the OEHE-IHS

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the "Indian Health Service Buy Indian Act Indian Economic Enterprise Representation Form." It serves as a self-certification for offerors to confirm they meet the definition of an "Indian Economic Enterprise" as required by the Buy Indian Act. This form is to be submitted in response to a Sources Sought Notice, Request for Information (RFI), or Solicitation.

• Eligibility Criteria: The form requires the offeror to represent whether they meet the definition of an "Indian Economic Enterprise" with "Indian Ownership" under the Buy Indian Act. This definition must be met at the time of offer, contract award, and throughout the contract performance period.
• Required Information: Offerors must provide:
  • Name of Federally Recognized Tribal Entity (if applicable)
  • Name of the 51% owner of the IEE Firm
  • Business Name
  • Certifying Signature
  • Print Name
  • DUNS Number
• Consequences of False Information: The form warns that submitting false or misleading information is a violation of law, punishable under 18 U.S.C. 1001, and false claims are subject to penalties under 31 U.S.C. 3729-3731 and 18 U.S.C. 287.
• Additional Requirements: Offerors must also be registered with the System of Award Management (SAM).

This form is critical for any bidder seeking to be considered for contracts under the Buy Indian Act. Bidders must accurately complete and submit this representation to self-certify their eligibility. Failure to meet the criteria or provide accurate information can lead to disqualification or penalties. It also highlights that contracting officers may require further documentation of eligibility.

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

The Indian Health Service (IHS) requires hands-on cross connection control trainings for tribal utility and IHS staff in the lower 48 States and Alaska. The goal is to provide off-the-shelf and customized trainings and certifications (or certification facilitation) to ensure safe water and wastewater systems.

• Provide existing "off-the-shelf" cross connection control training courses, including "Cross Connection Specialist Certification" and "Backflow Assembly Tester Certification." These courses should be available for minimal modification.

• Develop new training courses upon request to meet emerging tribal utility operational needs.

• Deliver training in person and/or via instructor-led live virtual sessions.

• Ensure in-person training is highly interactive, with at least 33% allocated for hands-on exercises.

• Provide necessary materials and equipment for training delivery, including laptops and projectors.

• Coordinate closely with the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) and IHS staff.

• Training content and manuals require review and approval by the EHSC.

• Draft course materials must be submitted within 90 days of BPA call execution, with revisions completed within 10 business days of comment receipt.

• Final training materials must be submitted in specified editable formats (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, PDF).

• Training closeout documentation (sign-in sheets, evaluations, rosters) must be submitted within two weeks of training completion or with the invoice.

• Performance will be monitored through course documentation review and random inspections.

• Trainings can occur anywhere in the continental United States and Alaska.

• The IHS will secure training venues.

• Workload varies; vendors should be capable of providing at least three trainings per year, though there is no guarantee of work.

• Instructors must have a minimum of five years' experience in water operations and cross-connection control training, with tribal utility experience being preferable.

• Evidence of adult education competencies is required.

• Training materials must conform to Section 508 accessibility standards.

• Software application files should be in preferred formats (MS Word, JPG, PDF, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint).