The document outlines a request for proposals (RFP) for private counsel debt collection services in the Northern District of New York. The Federal Debt Recovery Act enables the contracting of private counsel to assist U.S. Attorneys in collecting delinquent federal debts, covering both secured and unsecured civil debts. Contractors must comply with numerous federal and state statutes, ensuring ethical standards in debt collection practices.
The scope includes legal services like negotiation, litigation, and bankruptcy proceedings, with specific protocols for contacting debtors and managing payments. Contingency fees are contingent upon successful collections, with stringent guidelines on payment handling and the referral of debts.
The document details equipment and automation requirements for case management through the Department’s Consolidated Debt Collection System (CDCS) and mandates training for contractor employees. Furthermore, it outlines processes for case referrals, monitoring debt collection efficacy, and returning uncollectible cases.
The primary purpose is to establish a structured framework for private counsel involvement in federally mandated debt collection while ensuring adherence to legal and ethical standards. This RFP represents a significant government push toward more efficient debt recovery methods through privatization, emphasizing accountability and systematic procedures.
The Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) outlines the framework for evaluating the performance of the Debt Collection Management Staff’s private counsel debt collection services in the Northern District of New York. It is designed to ensure that the Contractor meets performance standards established in the Statement of Work (SOW). The Government's role is limited to quality assurance, while the Contractor is responsible for management and quality control.
The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) oversees the contract's technical aspects and monitors Contractor performance through various surveillance methods such as inspections (random, stratified, or periodic) and customer feedback. The plan specifies key performance requirements, including timely case management, adherence to legal regulations, and effective communication with agency representatives, with a 100% acceptable quality level. Performance monitoring objectives include compliance with deadlines, cost control, and maintaining standards in litigation and collections.
Overall, the QASP serves as a critical tool for the Government to ensure accountability and effectiveness in debt collection services, while the outlined methods and performance metrics provide measurable benchmarks for Contractor evaluation. This aligns with the objectives of government RFPs and grants to enhance service delivery and regulatory compliance.
The document is a list of acronyms related to federal government operations, particularly in the context of contracts, grants, and debt collection management. It includes definitions for key terms such as Administrative Contracting Officer (ACO), Contracting Officer (CO), Department of Justice (DOJ), and Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), among others. The list categorizes terms that are vital for understanding processes involved in federal contracts and grants, such as those utilized by the Office of Debt Collection Management and various governmental departments like the IRS and OMB. The purpose of this compilation is to aid stakeholders, including contracting officers and federal agencies, in navigating legal and administrative frameworks governing procurement and debt recovery, ensuring clarity and efficient communication within these domains.
The document outlines contract line item numbers (CLINs) associated with various services related to debt collection, bankruptcy proceedings, and foreclosure handling for the Department of Justice (DOJ). Key CLINs include:
1. **Unsecured Debt Collection Services**: Contractors may receive a contingency fee based on the collections. Legal issues arising in litigation can be billed at a fixed hourly rate, but prior approval is necessary for such work.
2. **Secured Debt Collection and Foreclosure Handling**: Flat fees are provided for uncontested actions with provisions for cost reimbursements related to necessary materials and services. Ancillary legal work must also receive prior authorization.
3. **Bankruptcy Proceedings**: Flat fees for handling bankruptcies are delineated, along with reimbursements for specific out-of-pocket costs (ODCs), requiring proof and approval.
4. **Miscellaneous Activities**: Coverage of ancillary tasks, travel expenses, and other costs is governed by fixed fees and reimbursement guidelines, necessitating pre-approval for any billed hours or expenses.
The overall purpose of this document is to establish transparent billing arrangements, ensuring contractors follow clearly defined protocols for legal and ancillary services while safeguarding federal funding. These contract specifications facilitate oversight and accountability in the execution of government-funded legal work.
The U.S. Department of Justice's Confidentiality Agreement for Contractor Employees outlines strict protocols for handling government-provided data under Contract/Order No. 15JPSS. It mandates that employees must not disclose or disseminate any information obtained during the contract's execution without explicit permission from the Contracting Officer or their representative. The agreement underscores that all data remains government property even post-employment, with severe penalties for unauthorized use or failure to return documents. It aligns with existing legal protections regarding classified information and whistleblower rights, ensuring that employees can report violations without repercussions. Additionally, modifications to the agreement can be made due to legal requirements such as court orders. This document is integral for maintaining data security and the integrity of government operations in compliance with federal standards and statutory regulations.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) outlines cybersecurity and privacy Rules of Behavior (ROB) for General Users, emphasizing user accountability in safeguarding information systems. Effective from January 1, 2019, the ROB mandates compliance with federal laws and DOJ policies, applying to all personnel who access DOJ information. Users must acknowledge their understanding of these rules, protecting Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and adhering to specific protocols regarding access, data handling, and usage restrictions. Key responsibilities include ensuring authorized access, maintaining device security, managing passwords, and reporting security incidents.
Moreover, additional regulations address mobile computing, email use, and the handling of classified information. The document articulates the consequences for violations, including potential disciplinary actions such as loss of access or termination. Ultimately, this ROB serves as a critical framework for maintaining cybersecurity integrity within DOJ operations, mitigating risks associated with unauthorized access and data breaches while ensuring compliance with relevant laws and standards. It reinforces the organization's commitment to protecting sensitive information through established behavior protocols for all users.
The Consolidated Debt Collection System (CDCS) establishes Rules of Behavior (ROB) for all users, including Department of Justice (DOJ) employees, private counsel, and contractors, regarding the security and acceptable use of its information systems. These rules aim to ensure compliance with various federal regulations and DOJ standards, holding users accountable for any misuse of information, especially personally identifiable information (PII). Noncompliance may result in sanctions ranging from warnings to criminal prosecution for serious violations.
Key responsibilities include maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive data, following security procedures to prevent unauthorized access, and reporting any incidents immediately. Users must comply with guidelines for handling classified information, password security, hardware and software use, and remote access to ensure system integrity and availability.
The document underscores the importance of user accountability in safeguarding DOJ IT resources while detailing the consequences of violations. Overall, the ROB serves as a fundamental framework for ensuring security and risk management within the CDCS, reflecting the DOJ’s commitment to protecting sensitive information and complying with federal laws.
The U.S. Department of Justice has issued Policy Statement 1400.03, which provides guidance for inquiries related to the policy. Individuals from the Department of Justice's DCM PC program who have questions or comments are encouraged to reach out to designated Points of Contact (POCs) for assistance. Contact options include emails directed to specific DOJ addresses, along with telephone and physical address details. However, specific POC names, titles, and emails are currently marked as "TBD" (to be determined), indicating that these are pending finalization. This document emphasizes the importance of facilitating communication regarding the policy, reflecting the DOJ's commitment to transparency and accessibility in governance and operational procedures.
The document outlines the procedures for managing debtor payments within the U.S. Department of Justice, specifically regarding the refund process for civil TOP debts. Users are guided to review financial histories and disbursement details through a series of steps in the Financial Transaction system. If there is a reason to deny a refund, users must contact the Help Desk for assistance. A section provides contact information for the Help Desk and program points of contact (POCs) for any inquiries related to the instructions. The emphasis is on monitoring and ensuring accurate refund processing while maintaining open communication channels for support. This instruction is pertinent for proper financial management in federal programs, reflecting the government's commitment to accountability and service to the public.
The document outlines a request for proposals (RFP) for private counsel debt collection services in the Northern District of New York, designated as solicitation number 15JPSS25R00000002. It seeks qualified law firms or solo practitioners to assist the U.S. Attorney’s Office in collecting delinquent federal debts through actions involving secured and unsecured collections, bankruptcy, and foreclosure. The RFP is limited to small businesses under the NAICS code 541110, with details about various Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs) related to unsecured and secured debt collection services.
Proposals must demonstrate compliance with eligibility requirements, including proof of bar admission and good standing, alongside a comprehensive submission that includes technical and price proposals. The evaluation will occur in two phases, with the first phase consisting of pass/fail criteria and the second incorporating technical performance, past performance, and pricing. The Government plans to award up to three contracts over a five-year period, beginning March 16, 2025. Emphasis is placed on experience, administrative capabilities, and quality of writing within the proposals.
Overall, this RFP reflects the government's aim to enhance its capability in legal debt collection while ensuring fairness, compliance, and best value through rigorous evaluations.
The document outlines the submission requirements for a past performance proposal related to the U.S. Department of Justice's Private Counsel Debt Collection Program for the Northern District of New York. It specifies the vendor’s information, including name, address, and contact person details, as well as the proposal submission date and validity (180 days). Crucially, it mandates that the vendor identify three client references from contracts completed within the last three years, similar to the requested services. Offerors must submit past performance questionnaires for these references, which will be evaluated based on recency, relevance, and quality, contributing to a confidence assessment rating. The government reserves the right to verify past performance through direct contact with these references, ensuring comprehensive assessment accuracy. This proposal is a standardized requirement in government RFP processes, emphasizing the importance of proven experience in similar service areas to qualify for the contract opportunity.
The document outlines the Past Performance Questionnaire for firms interested in participating in the U.S. Department of Justice's Private Counsel Program for Debt Collection in the Northern District of New York. It provides detailed instructions for both the offeror and the evaluator. The offeror must complete sections with firm details and previous debt collection work, while client references evaluate the firm's performance on various criteria, including quality, schedule adherence, cost control, management, small business subcontracting, and regulatory compliance. Each performance element requires assessments with ratings ranging from 'Exceptional' to 'Unsatisfactory,' accompanied by narrative explanations. The questionnaire submission deadline is set for November 25, 2024. The process aims to gather insights on firms' past performance to inform selections for legal services in recovering federal debts, underscoring the DOJ's commitment to effective procurement practices. This structured evaluation helps ensure that hired firms meet the necessary standards for quality and performance in sensitive government debt collection matters.
The document outlines a price proposal for private counsel debt collection services in the Northern District of New York, referenced as RFP 15JPSS25R00000002. It consists of various service categories related to unsecured and secured debt collection, including specific pricing structures for attorney and paralegal rates, flat fees for managing foreclosure cases, and other related services. The pricing components include contingency fees for unsecured debt collection, firm-fixed hourly rates for attorneys and paralegals, and reimbursements for out-of-pocket costs such as materials and travel. This comprehensive pricing structure is designed for potential contractors responding to the federal request for proposals, establishing clear expectations for services rendered and associated costs. The proposal reflects the government's efforts to streamline debt collection processes while ensuring compliance with legal and financial standards.
The document outlines a sample Employment Commitment Letter associated with Solicitation No. 15JPSS25R00000002 for Private Counsel Debt Collection services in the Northern District of New York. The letter serves as a formal commitment from an individual to an attorney firm, indicating the signer’s readiness to begin employment contingent upon the firm securing a contract in response to the specified solicitation. The letter is structured with placeholders for the date, the recipient's details, the firm’s name, and the signer's information, emphasizing the formal nature of the commitment to the Private Counsel Program once the contract is executed. The primary purpose of this document is to establish a binding intent to employ, highlighting the importance of pre-employment commitments within federal contracting processes related to legal services and support roles.
The document outlines a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Private Counsel Debt Collection services within the Northern District of New York, managed by the U.S. Department of Justice. Its primary aim is to engage contractors to provide comprehensive legal services for debt collection, covering a performance period from March 16, 2025, to March 15, 2030, with potential extensions. The contract incorporates fixed-price, labor-hour, and contingency fee structures for various services, including unsecured and secured debt collection as well as bankruptcy proceedings. It specifies detailed pricing for collected debts and outlines allowable expenses, restricting reimbursement for certain costs such as travel and skip tracing.
The document emphasizes requirements for contractor performance, including the necessity for background checks, compliance with regulations, and maintaining confidentiality of sensitive data. It also outlines contract administration procedures, invoicing processes, and the need for contractor accountability in adhering to performance standards. This RFP reflects the government's commitment to utilizing external legal expertise in optimizing debt collection, ensuring compliance with procurement regulations, and safeguarding taxpayer interests through meticulous oversight.
The U.S. Department of Justice is soliciting proposals for the Private Counsel Debt Collection Program for the Northern District of New York under Solicitation No. 15JPSS25R00000002. This request invites vendors to submit technical proposals detailing their capabilities in debt collection, attorney qualifications, and administrative processes. The proposal requires comprehensive information, including business data, representations and certifications, experiences in debt collection, and detailed resumes of the proposed attorneys. Key aspects include the firm’s history in debt collection for various types of clients, particularly for the federal government, as well as systems for case management and responsiveness to inquiries. Additionally, the firms must demonstrate their capability to handle potential increases in case volume without subcontracting or travel reimbursements. A significant emphasis is placed on writing quality and the adherence to federal regulations surrounding conflict of interest and certification requirements. This RFP aims to ensure the DOJ selects experienced and capable firms to effectively manage debt recovery for public agencies while maintaining compliance with all legal and operational standards.