Attach_II_15BNAS20RRCA0001_SOW.pdf

Statement of Work (SOW) Attachment II

STATEMENT OF WORK

HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY (HSE) CREDENTIAL AND TESTING SERVICES

MISSION

The mission of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (Bureau) Education Branch is to provide mandatory literacy programs, as required by Federal laws and rules language, which meet the needs and interests of the inmate population, provide options for the positive use of inmate time, and enhance successful reintegration into the community. In an effort to comply with federal mandate 28 CFR § 544.70 which states an inmate confined in a federal institution who does not have a verified General Education Development (GED) credential or high school diploma is required to attend an adult literacy program for minimum of 240 instructional hours or until a GED is achieved, whichever occurs first and § 523.20(b)(c) which states all yearly awards of good conduct time will vest for inmate who have earned, or are making satisfactory progress toward earning a GED credential. The BUREAU will provide educational services which potentially lead to a nationally and internationally recognized high school equivalency (HSE) credential for all Federal prisoners who participate in the literacy program.

BACKGROUND

The Bureau is an agency of the Department of Justice (DOJ). It consists of 122 institutions throughout the United States, including Hawaii and Puerto Rico; 6 regional offices, a Central Office (headquarters), 2 staff training centers, and 24 Residential Reentry Management offices.

The Bureau is responsible for the custody and care of approximately 181,000 adult Federal offenders.

Approximately 84 percent of these inmates are confined in Bureau-operated facilities, while the balance is confined in secure privately-managed or community-based facilities and local jails.

The HSE credential must be accepted by all 50 states and Territories, military services, overseas installations, and foreign entities. The vendor must be aligned to education and/or career standards making the HSE credential equivalent to earning a high school credential/diploma. The HSE credential shall be accepted by colleges and universities nationwide, as well as be relevant and acceptable in the job market.

The following Bureau Program Statements, which are available electronically at http://www.bop.gov/, are applicable to this contract.

Program Statement 5300.21 – Education, Training, and Leisure Time Program Standards.

Program Statement 5350.28 – Literacy Program (GED Standard)

Program Statement 5310.15 – Minimum Standards for Administration, Interpretation, and Use of Education Tests

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The contract shall consist of one base period: date of award to 12 months, and four consecutive 12-month option years (Approximately: option year 1: 13 months to 24 months, option year 2: 25 months to 36 months, option year 3: 37 months to 48 months, option year 4: 49 months to 60 months.

SCOPE

TEST DELIVERY

The HSE exam shall be available in paper-based test (PBT) and computer-based test (CBT) batteries, covering the following subjects with a subtest for each:

• Language Arts, Reading and Writing

• Social Studies

• Science

• Mathematics

The following is a concise overview* of the four subjects:

• Language Arts, Reading and Writing o The ability to read closely and to critically understand a range of increasingly complex texts taken from workplace and literary contexts, with an emphasis on non-fiction, although source materials from literature will also be included.

o The ability to marshal evidence and analyze arguments while also expressing oneself clearly and fluently in writing.

o The ability to correctly apply basic grammar and usage conventions and to determine the meanings of unfamiliar words.

• Social Studies o Applying social studies reasoning skills and practices to content drawn from the four domains of civics and government, United States history, economics, and geography and the world.

o Analyzing source documents and interpreting data represented in a variety of ways relevant to social studies, including maps, graphs, and tables.

• Science o Applying scientific reasoning skills and practices to content drawn from the three domains: life science, physical science, and earth and space science.

o Understanding scientific content that pertains to two focusing themes: health and the human body and energy.

• Mathematics o Executing and applying core computations with precision and fluency.

o Applying both quantitative and algebraic reasoning skills and mathematical practices to a broad range of real-life, workplace, and academic contexts.

*Note: For detailed standards, objects, skills, etc. for each subject area refer to the Common Core Standards and College and Career Readiness Standards (CCR).

The HSE test shall be provided in English and Spanish. The HSE test shall provide a Braille version, employ screen-reader technology (with headphones for audio for each test item), and tactile graphics.

There must be more than one form of Spanish audio version. HSE subtests shall be randomized from to ensure testers taking the same subtest are not administered identical test. Additionally, the vendor shall provide test accommodations for testers with special learning needs, as well as, physical and psychological needs. Testing accommodations such as Braille, English and Spanish audio, extended time, tests using screen-reader technology, and tactile graphics shall be administered at the same cost as other test batteries. Limited test forms are only acceptable for Braille, English and Spanish audio, tests using screen-reader technology, and tactile graphic test versions.

HSE subtest shall be available to administer by 1) the tester scoring at an acceptable level on a corresponding subject prerequisite subtest 2) by authorization of Education Branch, or 3) the vendor approving a written request of Education Branch.

HSE scores shall provide various passing performance levels to indicate various levels of proficiency and readiness postsecondary programs (college and/or career).

PBT and supplies shall be directed by the Contracting Officers Representative All PBT orders are to be processed and shipped within one week of the scheduled test.

SCORING

The vendor shall provide scoring services for all HSE test (subject subtest, corresponding subject prerequisite subtest, test with accommodations). HSE test results and score reporting shall be available 30 minutes after test are transmitted and received, on average, but shall not exceed three days, except in special circumstances. In the case of PBT, scoring must be processed within three business days after receipt of answer sheets and related documents.

The Bureau will attempt to avoid duplicate records, but when identified, the vendor shall combine scores (records or accounts) from multiple records. Upon notification, test records for Federal inmates from outside of Bureau shall be combined with test results in Bureau test centers. The vendor shall work with the test center staff and/or COR

RECORDS AND REPORTS

The vendor shall provide the Agency with near real-time reporting about Bureau testers that have taken tests, as well as provide statistical reports, trend analysis, and empirical data via an interactive reporting system with on-demand and secure data retrieval. This data and reporting shall be available for all subject subtest and corresponding subject prerequisite subtest. The reporting system shall maintain knowledge of key performance indicators, trends, and metrics which shall be available by test center, institution, region, and agency-wide.

The vendor shall encrypt test results and tester demographic data and transfer the information via a secure file transfer protocol (SFTP) site to the Agency for processing 24 to 48 hours after completing a test. The vendor shall work with Bureau on the data layout and transfer site and time, to determine the optimum format of providing data and information to the Government.

All statistical reports are based on the Federal fiscal year, beginning on October 1st and ending on September 30th. Each month, the vendor shall combine test results from all Bureau test centers into a report providing the number of inmates tested, completions, failures, credentialed previous month, pass rate, and usage information by institution, region, and agency. The monthly report shall provide completions by quarter and cumulative. Additionally, the monthly report shall provide a list of all test centers by region that had no testing activity (this may be on a separate spreadsheet of the same workbook). The vendor shall provide the cumulative statistical reports and no testing activity list by the 10th day of the following month. Statistical reports should be provided electronically allowing the Bureau to conduct further analyses, dissemination to the field, and conduct training. As directed by the COR, the vendor may be asked to generate up to two special reports per year.

The interactive reporting system shall provide an individualized prescriptive score report for each subject subtest and corresponding subject prerequisite subtest regardless of outcome (passed and failed subtest). This report shall be used to assist BOP instructors in developing data-driven instructional lesson plans/curriculums that shall allow them to improve BOP tester test outcomes. Based on the results of any taken and scored test (subject subtest and corresponding subject prerequisite subtest), the individualized prescriptive score report shall include the following:

• The learner’s score and percentile

• Skill areas and skills for improvement

• Skills needed to achieve at a higher passing performance level

• Evaluation of written answers (essays, extended written responses, etc.)

• Suggested HSE study materials

• Study plans correlated and customized to multiple HSE published material (print and electronic) with specific page, unit, module, screen, etc. references

• Print functionality

All tester accounts shall be accessible from any BOP test center. Tester account information (demographic, personal, contact, etc.) shall be editable through self-service via the interactive reporting system or upon request (telephone or written) from BOP field or Central Office staff, in no more than 48 hours of the request.

Tester records which include partial or failed test results shall be available to BOP. Upon a tester’s release from BOP custody, the vendor shall provide means for the tester’s record to be available to be transferred to the tester or another entity responsible for the tester’s custody. This shall be at no extra cost to the Agency. Within 48 hours of notification from BOP field or Central Office Administrative staff, the vendor shall release a tester’s record from BOP and/or import tester’s records into BOP control.

The vendor shall maintain permanent records of all Federal inmate’s test results, to include all test scores and administrations dating back to approximately 1954. Official copies of all records and test results shall be maintained for an indefinite period of time, unless otherwise directed by the COR. All test records of Federal inmates are the property of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

The vendor shall view and treat all scores and data as confidential information and shall not release testing records unless requested by the COR or requested and paid by former inmates/testers. Due to security concerns, individual test records of Federal inmates shall not be shared as part of any database accessible to other HSE testing programs or the public. The storage and exchange of records and personal identification information between the Agency and the vendor shall adhere to US DOJ and BOP information security requirements.

CREDENTIALS

The vendor shall make arrangements for the issuance of the HSE credentials (diploma and transcript) for those tester who successfully pass the HSE tests. On behalf of the BOP, the vendor shall provide a state endorsed HSE credential. Within 15 working days from passing the HSE test or receiving a request, the vendor identified State Department of Education shall issue a credential (diploma or certificate). The exchange of records and personal identification information between the vendor and the State Department of Education shall adhere to US DOJ and BOP information security requirements.

The vendor shall provide paper and electronic official score transcripts and credential (diploma), via United States Postal Service regular mail and secure download, to the test centers within fifteen (15) business days after the HSE test is passed. The transcripts shall be part of the test administration fee.

No additional fee shall be required. For a fee, upon request (written or verbal) the vendor shall provide duplicate paper or electronic official documents (transcript or diploma) to test centers, Central Office, or individuals.

Upon release from Federal custody, former inmates/testers may request, at their own expense, accounts and official documents (transcripts and/or diplomas) from the vendor for an indefinite period of time. The vendor shall provide accurate instructions for former inmates/testers released from BOP custody to request official documents (transcripts and/or diplomas).

SUPPORT

The vendor shall provide updates to test and supplies as they become available. Any testing artifacts required to administer the test shall be provided to BOP test centers this does not include consumable materials (pens, pencils, calculators, etc.).

The vendor shall provide examiner policy and procedure manuals, training materials, and other necessary materials (hard copies or electronic) with copyright permission for use at all test centers as these manuals and materials become available.

The vendor shall provide HSE credential verification and records for BOP test centers and Central Office upon request to support the Agency’s compliance with Federal regulation and policies.

The vendor shall dedicate a resource staff specifically to address all issues associated with the CBT testing platform, to provide technical support, and address software issues related to CBT in the BOP testing environment. This support shall include, but is not limited to, BOP staff user account support and troubleshooting, record and reporting system, etc. No additional costs shall be incurred for the resource staff. The vendor shall dedicate a staff to address contract administration and any contract administration and operations matters. The vendor shall designate staff members to coordinate and process all matters (such as processing BOP request, combining scores, preparing statistical reports, addressing test scoring, credentialing, and test security issues, etc.).

The vendor shall provide a means and support to establish and eliminate testing centers by request of the COR. The process of establishing and eliminating test centers shall begin within two weeks of notification.

The vendor shall provide, on a monthly basis, an itemized invoice sent via e-mail to the Bureau Central Office Business Office and the COR.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Approximately twice a year, the COR may request the contractor’s resource staff members to provide specialized training (HSE accommodations, scoring and credentialing process, etc.). No additional costs shall be incurred.

Upon the COR’s request, the vendor shall provide the BOP the following:

• Additional trainings be developed (agenda, content, presentations, activities, resources, etc.) for specific identified topics. The developed training material shall be available for continued use by the Agency.

• Provide trainers (professional highly experienced trainers) to conduct/deliver a day (approximately 8 hours) of in-person HSE related training for BOP Education staff at sites identified by the COR.

o The trainer is expected to wear professional clothing while delivering the in-person training. The attire worn shall also be appropriate for the environment in which the trainer will be performing.

• Provide follow-up with Education staff related to training content.

ADDITIONAL TEST DELIVERY

BOP recognizes the importance of job training for the inmate population. With few exceptions, all BOP institutions offer occupational training programs. Program offerings vary from institution to institution, due to the graphical location and mission of the location, number of vocational instructors, etc. Certified production technician, logistics technician, cook, baker, machinist, heating, ventilation and air conditioning specialist, automotive mechanic, electrician, plumber, mason, welder, carpenter, and forklift operator are among some of the job training programs available.

Preference will be given to vendors whose testing platform is able to provide access to a variety of occupation training (OT) testing which results in industry recognized and accepted certification currently being taught in BOP facilities. These various professional industry recognized certifications shall enhance inmates’ post-release employment opportunities to work in, at least, an entry-level position of employment in a specific occupation, industry, or trade.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

Current Environment*

• Client-side Environment:

o 200 test centers across 122 institutions with no less than five testing clients per test center o Dell ThinOS (Blast and/or PCoIP)

• Infrastructure (LAN/WAN) o T1 line 1.5 Mbps per institution (shared platform access)

• Centralized private virtual network (on-premise solution/software defined platform) delivering assessments to 122 sites nationwide o VMWare hypervisor (BOP current validated version) o Microsoft Windows OS (BOP current validated version)

• Proxy/Internet o 50 Mbps connection (shared platform access)

• Quantities o Approximately 6,000 clients o Average concurrent test administered daily 350 - 400

* Note: Environment description subject to changes (versions, bandwidths, concurrent connections, etc.)

Key Business Objectives/Intended Results:

• A cloud-based managed testing platform (cloud-based solution/platform) which must have the option to function on a centralized private virtual network (on-premise solution/software defined platform) delivering assessments to 122 sites nationwide.

• The vendor shall provide interfaces (consoles, portals, etc.) and tools for administration of the HSE testing. Describe these interfaces and tools in detail.

• The testing platform shall allow the government the capability to manager (add, delete, and edit) user accounts. Provide a bulk account creation and deletion process.

• The vendor shall provide the government a single centralized backend administrative management interface. The backend administrative management interface shall provide management from multiple levels by test center, complex, region, and agency. Describe the backend administrative management interface in detail.

• For exam delivery, the vendor shall provide minimum/recommended system requirements (CPU, memory, disk storage capacity, etc.). Identify the requirements needed for the back-end HSE server environment, as well as any front-end client device requirements. Please identify any dependencies or limitations that confine the deployment options to specific hardware types, operating systems, or deployment modes (e.g., appliances or endpoints).

• The vendor shall provide details specific to user session average bandwidth usage/consumption based upon educational content type (audio, video, etc.). Additionally, indicate any hardware and/or software requirements for content test delivery (i.e., caching equipment, plug-ins, etc.)

at customer location.

• The testing platform shall support high availability configurations.

• In the case of migration, the vendor shall provide a migration plan to ensure the continuity of user accounts, data, and progress.

Service Level Agreements (SLAs) shall be adhered to for a testing platform:

• System Availability - 99% availability for users accessing the testing platform via the Internet 365 days/year, from 7:00 AM EST – 11:59 PM EST, 7 days /week.

• In measuring the availability, the platform must not be down, nor functioning at an unacceptable level of service, for more than 7 hours and 12 minutes (total) every month. Time associated with prior scheduled and approved maintenance must not be included in the downtime availability determination. Unacceptable level is defined as <98.9% availability for users accessing the system via the Internet 365 days/year, from 7:00 AM EST – 11:59 PM EST, 7 days /week.

• Written affirmations shall be provided identifying upgrades and patches that have been applied to the system or that are scheduled to be applied by COB on Monday for the prior week.

• Daily data backups of BOP data shall be conducted outside of service hours.

• Provide weekly report of testing platform usage to include bandwidth usage, general administrator logging, and inactive test center NLT COB on Tuesday for the prior week.

• Provide weekly report on numbers of simultaneous users and system response time NLT COB on Tuesday for the prior week.

• Provide monthly synopsis of problems encountered during the month, by NLT five (5) business days after the end of the month.

• For testing platform problems during hours of service (365 days/year, from 7:00 AM EST – 11:59 PM EST, 7 days/week) a qualified technician with access to the necessary systems, skills, and resources to troubleshoot should be available with a delay of no more than 10 minutes via telephone or email.

• For unplanned/unexpected testing platform outages during hours of service (365 days/year, from 7:00 AM EST – 11:59 PM EST, 7 days /week) platform experts with access to the necessary systems, skills, and resources to troubleshoot should be available with a delay of no more than 10 minutes via telephone or email for Education Branch and i-Connect Support Team. For outages a target resolution of 24 hours or less depending on the corrective actions required to return the system to normal operations. Experts shall be dispatched to be on-site at either Washington D.C.

or Grand Prairie in 48 hours of complete outage.

• The vendor cannot remotely access any government computers.

• Application event logging is required to include user transactions logs (system access, duration of general access, time spent per session, etc.). Application logs must be exportable to a syslog database for forensics and analysis. If the testing platform accesses external feeds or integrations with third-party software or services, those interactions shall be logged. The government reserves the right to deny any third-party software or services.

• The vendor shall provide a secured isolated space/domain for the government (i.e., BOP specific URL). Authentication controls must fail securely and deny access.

• The vendor’s LMS shall support multi-factor authentication for administrative users. Describe this process.

• The testing platform shall provide the user self-service feature for password or account reset.

• The testing platform shall provide a failed login attempt threshold with government notification.

• The vendor shall provide a session management auditing feature(s). Describe the auditing features in detail.

• Credentials shall be transported using a suitable protocol (minimal 256 bit) for encrypted link.

• Encryption shall must meet or exceed the FIPS 140-2 cryptographic libraries standards.

• The vendor’s testing platform shall provide a key management system (KMS). Describe the KMS in detail.

• The testing platform application shall support binary digital signature by a publicly trusted

Certificate Authority.

• The testing platform shall use encryption for all application traffic. Please describe. Additionally, define all ports and protocols used for communication.

• Solution must be browser based and browser agnostic.

• Additional client software shall not require additional licensing (i.e., OpenJava, Adobe Flash, etc.). If additional client software is required the vendor shall assume all cost. Please list additional client software required, if any.

• Isolation and segregation of all authenticated user accounts, to include data, and organizational units is required. Please describe.

• Public access is not authorized.

• The testing platform must provide 508 compliance. Please provide 508 VPATs with the proposal.

• The BOP reserves the right to provide its own licensing for operating systems, databases, etc.

• The testing platform must be compatible with BOP’s current Microsoft supported server operating system version.