SPECIAL NOTICE
99 -- DHS CPO Letter to Industry on Reconstitution and Reentry
- Notice Date
- 3/16/2022 5:19:37 AM
- Notice Type
- Special Notice
- Contracting Office
- HOMELAND SECURITY, DEPARTMENT OF US
- ZIP Code
- 00000
- Solicitation Number
- DHS_CPO_Memo_Reconstitution_March_2022
- Archive Date
- 09/30/2022
- Point of Contact
- DHS Acquisition Policy
- E-Mail Address
-
Acquisition.Policy@hq.dhs.gov
(Acquisition.Policy@hq.dhs.gov)
- Description
- March 16, 2022 Subject: DHS and Component Reconstitution and Reentry Dear Industry Partner, This letter is to provide an update on the upcoming transition toward reconstitution and reentry for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its Components. �As nationwide COVID-19 cases continue to decrease along with the rising number of fully vaccinated individuals, many DHS and Component facilities will soon begin to reopen according to reconstitution plans. �This does not mean that DHS will immediately operate exactly as it did pre-pandemic with worksites being fully occupied. Rather, many employees who are currently working offsite under approved telework or remote work arrangements will continue to do so. �Our experience in the past two years has shown that the work continued to be done by federal and contractor employees alike regardless of worksite. Undoubtedly, many have concerns regarding reentry into the workplace after such a prolonged pandemic. �We want our industry partners to know that their health and safety are just as important to us as our own. �Thankfully, the vaccination rate among federal and contractor employees far exceeds the national average. DHS and Component safety plans will outline additional protocols, including continued use of personal protective equipment, physical distancing, enhanced cleaning measures, altered workspaces, internal testing programs, and ongoing workplace flexibilities. The current guidance remains in place.� It should also be noted, as outlined on the Safer Federal Workplaces Task Force website, that when the�COVID-19 Community Level�is MEDIUM or HIGH in a county where a federal facility is located, onsite contractor employees who are not fully vaccinated or who decline to provide information about their vaccination status should be able to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test from within the previous 3 days when in that facility. If a contractor employee is regularly tested pursuant to an agency testing program, then they do not need to be able to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test from within the previous 3 days when in a federal facility unless required to by the agency testing program. All on-site personnel, federal or contractor, are required to follow signage posted in DHS facilities or operational locations regarding masking or other requirements as well as comply with all instructions by Federal Protective Service officers and facility managers.� Otherwise, just as at the beginning of the pandemic, program offices are responsible for determining if their contractors are needed on-site to perform their work. �Because of the wide spectrum of requirements across so many offices and programs, we advise our industry partners to reach out to their contracting officers and program representatives with any questions regarding returning to the workplace. We also recommend that you review the latest Safer Federal Workforce Task Force guidance, �Initial Implementation Guidance for Federal Agencies on COVID-19 Community Levels and Mask-Wearing,� as well as the updated FAQs: What's New? | Safer Federal Workforce. � Thank you again for your dedication and perseverance throughout this pandemic. �We look forward to transitioning into the new normal together with you all. � Sincerely, Paul R. Courtney Chief Procurement Officer
- Web Link
-
SAM.gov Permalink
(https://sam.gov/opp/d2a18c5ae43d45e39773350d5210535d/view)
- Record
- SN06268466-F 20220318/220316230052 (samdaily.us)
- Source
-
SAM.gov Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
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