2022_SOW_Training_Review_-_final.docx

Statement of Work

1.0 Introduction

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) has a requirement for the service of a Psychophysiologist or a Consultant in the field of psychology to review, analyze, and provide written recommendations on its current Ram-Air parachute training program for Smokejumpers in both Boise, Idaho and Fairbanks, Alaska; a both locations follow the same training program(s).

The Government intends to award a firm-fixed price contract from this solicitation.

2.0 Background

The BLM employs approximately 140 smokejumpers at its facilities in Boise, Idaho and Fairbanks, Alaska. Smokejumpers require extensive training in parachuting to perform their jobs safely. On an annual basis, the BLM smokejumpers train experienced firefighters to become smokejumpers and provides refresher training to returning smokejumpers at both locations.

The BLM has used the ram-air parachute system in its operations since 1981. This system requires a high level of technical expertise, mental and physical stamina on the part of the individual smokejumper. It requires the smokejumper to manually deploy the parachute, maneuver into a landing position, and properly respond when the parachute malfunctions. In 1997 BLM Alaska had an outside consultant review its training and the BLM feels the need for another Psychophysiologist or a Consultant in the field of psychology to review its training. BLM’s objective is to minimize the likelihood of serious consequences of performance problems while parachuting.

3.0 Scope of Work

The contractor shall review training materials, documentation, and observe 2 weeks of training in both Boise, Idaho and Fairbanks, Alaska. Observation of training will involve both rookies and experienced smokejumpers. The contractor shall focus the review on identifying strategies and training areas they perceive to best prepare the smokejumpers to handle stressful circumstances during parachuting situations.

4.0 General and Specific Tasks

4.1 General Task

The contractor shall review the parachute training BLM provides smokejumpers. This requires reviewing the content of training materials and on-site visits. The contractor shall review training strategies; observe the training process to gather a better understanding of the information and skills that are instructed; review the interaction between trainees and trainers; identify training strategies and methods that work well and identify potential areas for improvement.

4.2 Specific Task

The contractor shall accomplish the following specific tasks:

1. Review written training materials and documentation. In addition, review documentation regarding recent problems with malfunction procedures using the ram-air parachute.

2. The contractor shall meet with Base Management and the Training Cadres in person on Sunday, the day before the 2-week observation time begins (time to be determined). This meeting will be used to outline expectations, rules as stated from both sides, and answer any questions anyone may have.

3. Develop diagnostic questions/tools (through questions or training data) to identify areas of strength, or areas of improvement in the training program prior to observing the program.

4. Observe trainers, trainees, and training in progress.

5. Conduct interview with trainers and trainees. Gather information, for example, on the level of confidence in the trainees’ skills, knowledge, and ability to handle high stress circumstances of parachuting.

6. Analyze written, interview, observation data, and any other information to determine trends in the training.

7. Identify human factors that are involved in the performance of procedures under high stress and time critical circumstances.

8. Identify effective and less effective training strategies and methods.

9. Develop a summary recommendation report. Write the report based on the analysis of information compiled while accomplishing the preceding specified tasks. Any location specific recommendation (Boise or Fairbank) shall be identified in a separately identified section.

5.0 Deliverables and Delivery Schedule

The contractor shall complete a written report within 120 days after observing the ram-air parachute training. The report shall contain any suggested recommendations of possible revisions or changes to the training program. The contractor shall submit the report in hard copy and on an external hard drive.

Reports and submittals shall be delivered to both the Training Managers located in Boise, Idaho and Fairbanks, Alaska.

6.0 Performance

6.1 Place and Period of Performance

The contractor shall visit Boise, Idaho April 10 through April 22, 2022 and Fairbanks, Alaska on April 24 through May 6, 2022 and perform the task as identified in this Statement of Work. On-site visits and work shall be at the BLM training sites located in both Boise, Idaho and Fairbanks, Alaska; work schedule(s) will be laid out during the initial meeting on Sunday before the start of the start of the smokejumper training at both locations.

6.2 Quality of performance

The contractor shall work with the COR(s) gain a better understanding of the ram-air parachute training and/or to resolve issues. The contractor must be on-site to observe training exercises during scheduled training hours. Scheduled meetings with the CO, COR, or other BLM officials must be attended.

The contractor shall professionally type reports and present them as stated in 5.0 Deliverables and Delivery Schedule. Contents of the reports must be written in a professional technical writing style, well organized, factual, clear, and concise. The contractor shall explain or omit jargon specific to his or her profession.

The contractor shall conduct interviews and on-site observations in a unobstructive manner. He or she must articulate questions and use diagnostic tools to gather the information required to analyze the training program.

7.0 Qualifications of Key Personnel

The contractor shall identify by name or firm name key management and technical expert(s) who will work under this contract. Requisite qualifications are as follow:

7.1 Management: A graduate degree and 3 years’ experience in the management of training and evaluation of service contracts.

7.2 Technical/Professional: A graduate degree (Ph.D./M.S.) in Psychology or a related discipline, and 2 or more years’ experience in the design and development of military or civilian training programs.

7.2.1 A strong background and experiences in training design (including training needs, analysis, developing experiential, and computer-based exercises).

7.2.2 A strong background and prior experience in training delivery (experience using and revising training strategies and methods).

7.2.3 A strong background in training evaluation (training effectiveness).

7.2.4 Prior experience with military training programs, including team training, tactical decision-making under stress, and coordinating training for an air crew. The offeror or bidder must have gained first-hand experience by successfully evaluating government or similar training programs.

8.0 Contractor-Furnished Materials

The contractor shall furnish equipment such as cameras, computer, recorders and other equipment and materials required to do the job.

The contractor is responsible for all travel related expenses.

9.0 Government-Furnished Materials/Services

The BLM will provide the contractor access to training facilities, smokejumper trainers and trainees, and documentation on prior incident(s) involving the performance of smokejumpers using the ram-air parachute system.

BLM will furnish the contractor a copy of the Ram-Air Training Manual (RATM) along with any other training materials for the contractor to review at time of award.