AETC PWS A-J - Open Market 16 June.pdf

ID07210019 (Solicitation Number 47QFWA21Q0046) PWS Section A - J

General Services Administration Federal Acquisition Service (FAS)

Greater Southwest Region

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

47QFWA21Q0046

COURSE DEVELOPMENT AND DELIVERY SERVICES

Multiple Award IDIQ for the

HQ Air Education and Training Command (AETC)

Open Market 100% Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) Set Aside

PART I – THE SCHEDULE

(Sections A - J)

June 16, 2021

*Proposals must be received by the Government no later than 3:00PM Central Time on 18 July 2021

Page Intentionally Left Blank for the SF 1449

PART I – THE SCHEDULE

– SECTION B –

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COST

B. 1.0 Services Overview

B. 1.1 Scope Summary Refer to Section C for a complete description and understanding for the Scope of this requirement. The information in this section is a summary of the Scope listed within Section C.

The Contractor shall provide Professional Support Services that include course storyboard creation, modification, and conversion; learning system program management and operation; career field professional advice and curriculum development; distance and on-site curriculum development;

registrar functions; and course development, scheduling, distance and on-site delivery, and competency assessment Professional Support Services.

B. 1.2 Contract Type

This is a Multiple Award Indefinite Delivery - Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ), severable, commercial, non-personal services contract issued in accordance with FAR Part 12, 15, and 16.

B. 1.3 Contract Structure

The total ceiling value for the IDIQ will be $49 Million. The aggregate value of all awarded task orders issued under this IDIQ contract shall not exceed $49,000,000.00. The Government intends to make multiple awards under this IDIQ contract. The aggregate value of all awarded task orders issued under this IDIQ contract, will not exceed $49,000,000.00. The estimated $49,000,000.00 ceiling will be “shared” among the successful awarded vendors. The Government reserves the right to exchange/share capacity between the awarded contractors, increase or decrease ceiling as necessary, and depending on program needs and the results of the fair opportunity.

B. 1.4 Pricing and Costs The pricing for each funded requirement will be determined at the Task Order level. The subsequent Task Orders will be issued as severable, Firm Fixed Priced Task Orders.

A sample pricing spreadsheet is provided for evaluation purposes only and will not be incorporated into the contract.

Travel will be reimbursed directly with no additional overhead or indirect costs authorized.

B. 1.5 Period of Performance The anticipated period of performance (POP) shall for this Multiple Award IDIQ shall be as follows:

Base POP: 26 August 2021-25 August 2022 Option 1 POP: 26 August 2022-25 August 2023 Option 2 POP: 26 August 2023-25 August 2024

B. 1.6 Location of Services to be Provided The work to be performed under this contract will be performed at the Government or Contractor site (to be determined at the task order level). If mission allows, the Contractor may be able to telework with the approval of the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). Refer to Section C and F for more information regarding location of services to be provided.

[End of Section B]

– SECTION C –

DESCRIPTION / SPECIFICATIONS/ SCOPE AND DESCRIPTION OF WORK

C.1.0 Introduction

The purpose of this Performance Work Statement (PWS) is to establish a contract that will provide support in the area professional course development and delivery services to include corresponding operations and support for long-term, planned, and programmed learning requirements. Requirements include course storyboard creation, modification, and conversion; learning system program management and operation; career field professional advice and curriculum development; distance and on-site curriculum development; registrar functions; and course development, scheduling, distance and/or on-site delivery, and competency assessment Professional Support Services.

C.1.1 Background

AETC’s mission is to recruit, train and educate exceptional Airmen. This mission is supported through four principal objectives: Advancing Force Development, Enhancing Lethality and Readiness, Transforming the way Airmen Learn and Cultivating an Environment of Excellence. These priorities must be met aggressively and cost effectively to modernize the education and training provided to all AETC mission partners. To accomplish these learning requirements, AETC must engage with commercial education and training providers to leverage advanced training methods and delivery mechanisms. Programs in support of the

AETC Recruit, Train and Educate (RTE) learning mission must be rapidly responsive, mission-focused and provide solutions that leverage buying power across all RTE operations. Many of the requirements for

AETC are Learning and Distance Learning-centric, contain synchronous and asynchronous training delivery, and are utilized across the Department of Defense (DoD) as well as other federal agencies.

C.1.2 Objectives

● Receive both Interactive Multimedia Instruction (IMI) Storyboard and Course Creation Production, along with Course Content Modification/Upgrade professional support services

● Receive Distance Learning Analysis and Program Management professional support services

● Receive Training Instructor, Syllabi Management and Competency (On Site or Remote as Applicable) professional support services

C.2.0 Scope

The Contractor shall provide Professional Support Services that include course storyboard creation, modification, and conversion; learning system program management and operation; career field professional advice and curriculum development; distance and on-site curriculum development; registrar functions; and course development, scheduling, distance and on-site delivery, and competency assessment Professional Support Services. The Contractor shall perform to the standards in this contract.

Services include technical assessments and development of conceptual tools; meeting support, to include development of technical briefings; oversight management of multiple projects; participation in technical working groups including program Working Integrated Process Teams (WIPTs).

All Air Force Specialty Codes (AFSCs) and methodologies to include Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate (ADDIE) are to be supported as applicable to the individual Task Order. The Government will furnish experts, documentation, and exact requirements upon task order award.

All products created under this contract are the sole property of the United States Government. The

Contractor shall ensure all deliverables are copyright-compliant and free of watermarks, branding, trademarks, etc. Full, unrestricted rights to use, re-use, and modify all content and the source files belong to United States Government agencies.

C.3.0 Specific Tasks

The Government requires tasks to be completed for this requirement in accordance with the PWS and as provided later in this document.

C.4.0 Tasks/Requirements

This contract includes the following Tasks:

● Task 1: IMI Storyboard Production, Course Creation, and Course Development/Modification for

Synchronous and Asynchronous Instructor Led Distance Learning

● Task 2: Distance Learning Analysis and Program Management

● Task 3: Training Instructor, Syllabi Management and Competency Support Services

C.5. Tasks Descriptions

C.5.1. Task 1: IMI Storyboard Production, Course Creation, and Course Development/Modification for

Synchronous and Asynchronous Instructor Led Distance Learning: The Contractor shall provide qualified personnel, administrative control and all tools required to complete both IMI Storyboard and Course

Creation Production, along with Course Content Modification/Upgrades requirements:

5.1.1 At the task order level, Distance Learning requirements that include storyboarding are typically new in nature (no existing online course) and shall be issued in accordance with one of the following two formats as described below in the individual Request for Proposal for contract execution:

A) Format A: Three Requirement Categories: Urgent, requires Three Requirement Categories: Urgent, requires a completed/accepted storyboard within 90 days of requirements submission; Priority, requires a completed/accepted storyboard within 150 days of requirements submission; Standard, requires a completed/accepted storyboard within 210 days of requirements submission.

B) Format B: IMI Interactivity Level I, IMI Interactivity Level II, IMI Interactivity Level III, and IMI Interactivity

Level IV (See Appendix E).

5.1.2 The Contractor shall complete a Front-End Analysis (FEA) and content design services to develop an Instructional Media Design Package (IMDP) storyboard that allows the Government to develop an online hosted distance learning course.

5.1.3 Perform a FEA on each of the specified distance learning course requirements by collecting problem statements, functional requirements, current strategies, learning outcomes, learning objectives, interactivity requirements, and target audience (all items elicited from Government stakeholders) data and performing a case study for the suggested mode(s) of content delivery.

5.1.4 The Contractor shall provide three options upon FEA completion for meeting the Government’s needs, each to include an assessment of media feasibility, cost-benefit analysis, and delivery and deployment analysis. The Government will have two weeks to review the options and make a selection.

5.1.5 Contractor shall provide final storyboards, charts, and functional diagrams in both digital and hard copy format within two weeks of option selection. These products created under this contract are the sole property of the United States Government. The Contractor shall ensure all deliverables are copyright compliant and free of watermarks, branding, trademarks, etc. Full, unrestricted rights to use, re-use, and modify all content and source files belongs to the United States Government agencies. All source files associated with the content creation processes shall be provided to the Government upon delivery of final, accepted deliverables (See Section 5, Attachment 1).

5.1.6 The fully developed IMDP must include a collection of storyboards, concept art, flowcharts, screenplays, game scripts, simulator scripts, prototypes, proofs of concept, etc., that fully convey the

Contractor’s professional guidance on how to meet the course learning objectives, while leveraging the end-user’s system and device capabilities.

5.1.7 The Contractor’s IMDP shall provide the Government with a design for a fully functional, interactive learning experience that meets the desired learning outcomes required by the course requirements owner.

The Contractor shall ensure all deliverables are designed and optimized for presentation on Government furnished and end-users’ personally owned devices (approved desktops, laptops, tablets, phones, etc.,) regardless of connecting network.

5.1.8 Design and implement online course IMI development based on Government supplied storyboards.

At a minimum, the proposed courseware shall:

5.1.9 Meet the learning objectives in accordance with the Government supplied storyboard

5.1.10 Demonstrate mastery in distance learning courseware design and assessment with an approach that is effective, engaging, and sufficiently varied to retain learners’ interest over the total course duration.

5.1.11 Design the course leveraging varied applications of educational technology to include simulations, gaming (Augmented Reality (AR) or Virtual Reality (VR) to enhance real-time participation with the learner), video (including high definition video), interactive text, collaboration with other learners (group projects, group discussions, team learning, etc.), MP3 files, etc.

5.1.12 Embed assessment mechanisms in the completed storyboard/course creation that guides learning

(formative) and allows for certification of module completion (summative). Where appropriate, the assessment mechanisms may include pre-test (test-out) capabilities when mastery of a topic is displayed.

In line with competency-based learning, certification of learning shall come in performance and not solely on tests.

5.1.13 All IMI courseware shall utilize SCORM 1.2 or SCORM 2004 3rd or 4th Edition with interpretation based on Rustici Engine v2013.2 or the newest DoD approved version and must contain no Adobe Flash content.

5.1.14 All IMI courseware shall utilize the available multimedia standards: JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP, MP4, PDF.

5.1.15 All IMI courseware shall be Section 508 Compliant (Level AA and WCAG 2.0)

5.1.16 All IMI courseware shall function on the applicable IT configuration of the Government’s intended audience.

5.1.17 All IMI courseware shall meet the specified level(s) of interactivity (I-IV) as applicable and or requested per individual task order (See Appendix E).

5.1.18 The project management plan for course development shall be submitted to the requesting agency no later than 30 calendar days after performance starts.

5.1.19 Deliver a written User Acceptance Test (UAT) plan to the Government NLT two weeks prior to testing in pre-production and the production environments. The final UAT plan must have testing taking place in the production (actual) environment.

5.1.20 Provide meeting minutes that include all attendees, date, purpose, discussion summary that gives a complete picture of the meeting and action items. Minutes shall be submitted to all meeting attendees by the end of the third workday after the meeting.

5.1.21 Provide status briefings monitoring the quality assurance, progress/status and project reviews applied to the task order. Please refer to Section 5, Attachment 1. Include storyboards, descriptions, and/or scripts sufficient to explicate the Contractor’s professional guidance as to how the learning objectives shall be achieved (prior to full production).

5.1.22 The Contractor shall provide course configuration service management services and course/content onboarding technical support including advice and limited assistance to course/content developers, designers, and subject matter experts in the design, development, and maintenance of interactive multimedia instruction required for successful course/content hosting in an AETC hosted course management system. Contractor personnel shall be required to access (granted by the environment administrator) the hosting environment in order to load and remove courses as required. The system may be cloud based (MS Azure, Amazon Web Service, DISA Cloud, etc. or it may be hosted on terrestrial servers.

5.1.23 The Contractor shall apply expertise in the use of content standards and technologies to support course/content delivery requirements. When a migration to a new hosting location is required, a written migration schedule must be submitted and accepted by the Government. Additionally, a written User

Acceptance Test (UAT) plan shall be submitted to the Government NLT two weeks prior to testing in pre-production and the production environments. The final UAT must take place in the production (actual) environment.

5.1.24 The Contractor shall troubleshoot, diagnose, and remedy course/content loading issues with factual and experiential knowledge.

5.1.25 The Contractor shall provide course owners with acquisition assistance by recommending contract language based on technical specifications and content standards for the AETC hosted learning management system.

5.1.26 The Contractor shall assist AETC with development of course owner guides, and training sessions

(both online and in classrooms).

5.1.27 Required Experience & Education: At a minimum, five (5) years’ experience in the use of content standards/technologies, including but not limited to: SCORM (1.2 and 2004 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th editions), Experience API (xAPI, CMI5), HTML (HTML 4, XHTML, HTML 5), XML, JSON, JavaScript, Microsoft

Silverlight, Oracle Java, cascading style sheets (CSS1-3), Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. At a minimum, five (5) years’ experience in the use of modern training development tools including but not limited to: Lectora, Captivate, and Animate. At a minimum, five (5) years’ experience in use of cloud-based learning management systems.

C.5.2. Task 2: Distance Learning Analysis and Program Management: The Contractor shall provide qualified personnel who can provide administrative control and program management and have the skillset and tools to fulfill the following requirements:

5.2.1 The Contractor shall possess knowledge of military technical training and resource management.

The Contractor shall have knowledge of the Air Force training processes, programs, and requirements.

5.2.2 Serve as the focal point for managing training resources to include programming training events, required courses and other training AFSCs initiatives and projects that must be completed. Specific AFSC details will be provided at the time of individual Task Order requests for proposal.

5.2.3 The Contractor shall develop planning, programming and execution documents for training operations which includes contracted manpower, associated training contracts, and AETC projected student loads.

The Contractor shall ensure all training recommendations are conducted in accordance with AETC-established policies and procedures (www.e-publishing.af.mil). Specific policies and procedures will be provided at the time of individual Task Order requests for proposal. The Contractor shall research and recommend appropriate and acceptable training venues for all contractually required training support. The

Contractor shall develop, maintain, and update AFSC training curriculum and training syllabi in accordance with standard AETC training syllabi format (to be provided by the Government). Ensure training curriculum and training syllabi are standardized AF-wide incorporating lessons learned from the Joint-IED Defeat

Office (JIEDDO) through the incorporation of emerging technologies and joint service “best practices.”

Exact details will be provided at the time of individual Task Order requests for proposal.

5.2.4 The Contractor shall develop communications and information or decision briefings for various Air

Force and DoD agencies and their leadership concerning training program requirements and issues. The

Contractor shall provide the briefings to the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for final review and acceptance prior to the presentations being made.

5.2.5 The Contractor will also provide technical support, planning, consultation, analysis, and expert advice to establish, maintain and improve Air Force Training.

5.2.6 The Contractor shall assess the integration of technology, real world threats, operations and lessons learned into training plans. Assess the impact of these changes to the curriculum to include cost and schedule implications.

C.5.3. Task 3: Training Instructor, Syllabi Management and Competency Support Services (On site or Remote as Applicable): The Contractor shall provide qualified personnel to fulfill the following requirements:

5.3.1 The Contractor shall provide fully qualified instructors that have at least ten years’ experience in the AFSC or career field they are contractually providing instruction for and shall possess knowledge of military technical training and resource management. The Contractor shall have knowledge of the Air

Force training processes, programs, and requirements. The Contractor must have personnel that have graduated the DOD basic instructor course.

5.3.2 Contractor shall serve as the point of contact for organizing and tracking training and syllabi management.

5.3.3 Contractor shall develop Training Syllabi Programming Plans and milestones, in Government approved written format, to provide accurate and timely analyses and program planning required programming actions to comply with appropriate directives and meet milestone requirements.

5.3.4 Contractor shall ensure all capabilities documents are prepared accurately and timely in order to execute contractual training program requirements.

5.3.5 The Contractor shall develop, maintain, and update AETC training curriculum and training syllabi in accordance with standard AETC training syllabi format (to be provided by the Government).

5.3.6 The Contractor shall develop and implement a Competency program management plan tailored to competency and force development missions, as well as the complex and interrelated projects/tasks across

AETC.

5.3.7 The Contractor shall integrate AETC Competency plans and ideas into a master Project

Management Plan (PMP) specific to the AETC mission.

5.3.8 The Contractor shall leverage Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) (or other DoD accepted standards) and industry standards to integrate work and streamline performance management functions in concert with the Government approved PMP.

5.3.9 The Contractor shall provide overall management support in support of the AETC training mission and accomplish all tasks associated with program management. Additionally, the Contractor shall provide management oversight and ensure contractually specified tasks are relevant and coincide with the competency objectives of AETC.

5.3.10 The Contractor shall research and capture historical and current work at AETC and other DoD entities for lessons learned and efficiencies.

5.3.11 The Contractor shall develop project risk analysis and provide guidance in resource or task conflict resolution. This risk analysis shall be kept current through the duration of the Period of Performance and delivered to the Government as indicated in Section 5, Attachment 1.

5.3.12 The Contractor shall utilize industry-standard practices to create a project plan to standardize the competency development projects. This project plan shall capture all major phases of competency development in addition to any specific tasks required to accomplish project goals. The project plan shall be revised as necessary based on overarching project needs or as determined by the Government.

5.3.13 The Contractor shall provide communication plans, meeting agendas and meeting minutes as directed by the Government. Contractor shall create templates for these documents which will be utilized by the project manager and the Government. The Government will agree upon the format within 30 days of contract start.

5.3.14 The Contractor may be required to brief on behalf of AETC to a General Officer or a DoD equivalent level audience. Status briefings are expected to be provided. Status briefings shall include the preparation of support materials.

5.3.15 The Contractor shall develop competency-based curriculum for AETC mission partners and provide instructions and guides on how to implement this curriculum.

5.3.16 The Contractor shall provide professional support services to build, evaluate, and make recommendations on how to improve competency education and training curriculum. Support shall include strategic, DAF-level construction, evaluation, and review of competency curriculum based on expertise, experience, doctrine, and apply to emerging requirements.

5.3.17 The Contractor shall develop and facilitate train-the-trainer curriculum to educate faculty and staff on learning modalities for distance learning using the appropriate or prescribed learning management system and provide expertise in the use of qualitative and/or quantitative methods to include the

Instructional Systems Design (ISD) process to develop online and blended competency curriculum programs. Contractor shall develop distance learning- and blended learning-related briefings and other correspondence to AETC leadership and other stakeholders for release and presenting by Government personnel.

5.3.18 The Contractor shall supply doctoral-level professional support services in Psychometrics, (this

Doctorate includes Psychology, Research Methods and, Statistics and Assessments). The Contractor shall apply research methods and conduct analysis with AETC-wide scope to address operational problems and develop recommendations for development, validation, assessment, and implementation of competencies.

The Contractor shall ensure that studies, research, analysis, and assessments meet or exceed the specific needs of AETC customers.

5.3.19 The Contractor shall coordinate with cross functional representatives from across the AETC, DoD, and for other federal agencies. The Contractor shall provide doctoral-level expertise in Psychometrics, I&O

Psychology, Research Methods, and Statistics for AETC in each of these fields, and in their overlapping application to complex problems. Develops studies to support AETC competency modeling and subordinate processes and models and guides the AETC in development, validation, assessment, and implementation of competencies.

5.3.20 The Contractor shall provide industry recognized organizational psychology technical professional support services expertise with AETC-wide scope and responsibility for assessment of foundational competencies. Applies Psychology, Research Methods, Statistics, and Psychometrics expertise when providing advice for senior leadership on development, validation, assessment, and implementation of foundational and occupational competencies. Manages applied research and analysis projects with AETC-wide scope and responsibility. Develops research and analysis plans and allocates resources to support execution projects. Advises AETC on programs for force development of the Total Force to meet current and future competency needs. Applies psychology at the expert level to assess competencies.

Researches, designs, and applies recognized psychology research methodologies to conduct analysis and assessments and performs statistical analysis such as regression, factor analysis (exploratory and confirmatory), structural equation modeling, clustering, job and task analysis, competency identification, and return on investment analysis and modeling.

5.3.21 Independently designs, plans, coordinates, and conducts doctoral-level inputs for identifying critical problem areas, conceptualizing, and planning programs to address these needs, assessing the status of programmatic efforts or clusters, and determining whether expansion, contraction, or termination of the overall effort is required. Independently plans and develops approaches and methods addressing major problems in assigned broad specialty areas, which is characterized by lack of precedent studies, and requires systematic efforts to expand knowledge in the area.

5.3.22 The Contractor shall compile, analyze, and interpret Competencies Assessment data in light of original hypotheses and new information resulting from studies. Applies and extends advanced statistical techniques to analyze data. Generates recommendations for new programs, policies, doctrine, strategies, studies, and approaches, and advises on advantages and disadvantages of different approaches.

Contractor support shall research and provide recommendations for AETC organizations to assess effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance with recognized professional standards.

5.3.23 The Contractor shall perform large-scale doctoral-level analysis of AETC, and other federal

Government developed databases and shall apply recognized psychometric and psychological principles:

research design, statistical analysis, validation, and bias. Contractor support shall conduct doctoral-level research on current and emerging force development needs. Analyses are conducted to identify and validate foundational and occupational competencies and develop and implement assessments to ensure personnel are being developed to the necessary levels to meet mission and readiness requirements.

Analysis often employs multi-year data sets created from historical personnel files with varying formats not congruent for theoretical and applied research. New and existing survey processes and procedures shall conform to recognized professional psychometric and psychological organizations and standards. Projects may involve working with OSD, other services, federal agencies’ personnel research organizations, industry, and academic personnel research organizations.

5.3.24 The Contractor shall work with AETC, DoD, DAF, academia, professional organizations, private sector, international and military allies to identify current and developing force needs and psychometric methodologies, leverage resources, and facilitate synergistic discussions and plans. Identifies functional community’s competency concerns such as emerging force development needs and provides expert-level assessment and research methodologies across all requirements where appropriate and ensures all products meet and/or exceed professional standards of inquiry. Must be qualified to conduct, and conducts, doctoral-level instruction on all facets of psychometric and relevant psychological knowledge and practice.

Develops goals and objectives that integrate organizational, training, educational, and experiential objectives.

5.3.25 The Contractor shall supply professional support services at the graduate level (Masters) that apply research methodologies and conduct analysis on AETC-wide learning topics to address operational problems and develop recommendations for assessment of foundational competencies. Topics will be provided by the Government within 30 days of contract start.

5.3.26 The Contractor shall ensure the meta-analysis studies, research, analysis, and assessments meet or exceed the specific needs of AETC customers. Coordinates with cross functional representatives from across DoD and other federal agencies. Serves as a technical expert in I/O Psychology, Research

Methods, Statistics, Psychometrics, and Data Visualization for the AETC on competency assessment.

Advises on actions to develop studies to support AETC competency models and in turn guides the AETC in development, validation, assessment, and implementation of competencies.

5.3.27 The Contractor shall provide support that is recognized by industrial and organizational psychology technical experts with AETC-wide scope and responsibility for assessment of foundational and occupational competencies. The Contractor shall provide Psychology, Research Methods, Statistics, Psychometrics and Data Visualization expertise when advising senior leadership on development, validation, assessment, and implementation of foundational and occupational competencies.

5.3.28 The Contractor shall manage applied research and analysis projects with AETC-wide scope and responsibility. The Contractor shall develop research and analysis plans and allocate resources to support execution projects. Contractor shall advise AETC on programs for force development of the Total Force to meet current and future competency needs and apply psychology at the expert level to assess competencies.

5.3.29 The Contractor shall research, design, and apply recognized psychology research methodologies to conduct analysis and assessments and perform statistical analysis such as regression, factor analysis

(exploratory and confirmatory), structural equation modeling, clustering, job and task analysis, competency identification, and return on investment analysis and modeling. Contractor shall independently consult and interact with AETC staff authorities on competency assessment development and execution. Contractor shall research and provide recommendations on analysis systems for AETC organizations to assess effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance with recognized professional standards.

5.3.30 The Contractor shall perform large scale analysis on AETC, and other Government developed databases and apply recognized psychology principles: research design, statistical analysis, validation, and bias. The Contractor shall conduct research on current and emerging force development needs. The

Contractor shall conduct analysis to identify and validate foundational and occupational competencies and develop assessments to ensure personnel are being developed to the necessary levels to meet mission and readiness requirements. Analyses often employ multi-year data sets created from historical personnel files with varying formats not congruent for theoretical and applied research. New and existing survey processes and procedures shall conform to recognized professional Psychological organizations and standards. Projects may involve working with OSD, other services, federal agencies’ personnel research organizations, industry, and academic personnel research organizations. Some projects may also lead to high quality peer-reviewed publications.

5.3.31 The Contractor shall work with AETC, other DoD entities, academia, professional organizations, private sector, international and military allies to identify current and developing force needs and psychometric methodologies, leverage resources, and facilitate synergistic discussions and plans.

5.3.32 The Contractor shall identify functional community’s competency concerns such as emerging force development needs, providing expert-level assessment, and research methodologies across all requirements where appropriate. Ensure all products meet and/or exceed professional standards of inquiry and data visualization. Contractor support must be qualified to offer technical instruction on all facets of analysis, assessment, and data visualization.

5.3.33 The Contractor shall develop competency goals and objectives that integrate AETC organizational, training, educational, and experiential objectives.

5.3.34 The Contractor shall develop a Force Development program management plan tailored to AETC

Force Development missions, as well as the complex and interrelated projects/tasks occurring across the

Air Force enterprise.

5.3.35 The Contractor shall leverage background and experience in force development to keep the

AETC’s force development objectives and execution on track.

5.3.36 The Contractor shall analyze the magnitude and complexity of this project and provide clear and effective communication to AETC stakeholders. Contractor shall leverage PMBOK (or other DoD accepted standards) and industry standards to integrate work and streamline performance management functions in concert with the PMP.

5.3.37 The Contractor shall utilize industry-standard practices to create a project plan to standardize the force development projects. This project plan shall capture all major phases of force development in addition to any specific tasks required to accomplish project goals. The project plan shall be revised as necessary based on overarching project needs or as determined by the Government.

C.6.0 Non-Personal Services

This contract is a non-personal services contract as defined by FAR Subpart 37.101. Contractor personnel rendering services under this contract are not subject to supervision or control by Government personnel.

The Contractor shall be responsible for the supervision of the Contractor employees. The Contractor shall generate reports and other deliverables as specified by the PWS.

C.7.0 Deliverables

Deliverables will be specified by the Government. Format and delivery schedule will be outlined in the

Deliverable Schedule (Attachment 2/Technical Exhibit 2 – Deliverables Schedule). All deliverables shall be timely, accurate, legible, and complete. When a deliverable is scheduled on a Federal Holiday, the deliverable will become due the next working day following the holiday.

C.8.0 Telework

To meet the requirements in this PWS and at the Government’s discretion, the Contractor may authorize employees to telework. Telework may be authorized, however the official place of performance remains at the place of performance as stated above. This will be determined at the Task Order level.

The Contractor shall define all company policies and procedures for implementing and managing the telework program. The Contractor shall include a plan to monitor telework employees and the tasks performed in the submitted Quality Control Program (QCP). The QCP along with any changes/updates must be pre-approved by the COR and Government Project Manager (PM) prior to implementation.

C.9.0 Quality Control (QC)

The Contractor shall develop and maintain an effective QCP to ensure services are performed in accordance with this PWS. The Contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services. The Contractor’s quality control program shall ensure all work complies with the requirement of the contract. The QCP will be delivered to the COR within 30 days after contract award and within 5 working days when changes are made thereafter. After acceptance of the QCP, the Contractor shall receive the Contracting Officer’s (CO) acceptance in writing of any proposed change to the QC system.

C.10.0 Quality Assurance (QA)

The Government will evaluate the Contractor’s performance under this contract in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) Attachment 7. This plan is primarily focused on what the Government must do to ensure that the Contractor has performed in accordance with the performance standards. It defines how the performance standards will be applied, the frequency of surveillance, and the minimum acceptable defect rate(s).

C.11.0 Inspection and Acceptance

Additional information regarding Inspection and Acceptance is provided in Section E of this document.

Additional requirements may be incorporated at the Task Order Level regarding Inspection and Acceptance.

C.12.0 Federal Holidays

Federal Holidays: The contractor is not required to perform services on holidays unless requested and approved by the COR. Additionally the contractor is not required to perform on Federal Holidays declared by executive order (i.e., the day after or before Christmas Day).

New Year’s Day Labor Day

Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday Columbus Day

President’s Day Veteran’s Day

Memorial Day Thanksgiving Day

Independence Day Christmas Day

C.13.0 Hours of Operations

The Contractor is responsible for conducting business, between the general business hours to be determined at the Task Order level. Monday thru Friday except Federal holidays or when the Government facility is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closings, unscheduled Federal holidays, or similar Government directed facility closings. The Contractor must at all times maintain an adequate workforce for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within this PWS when the Government facility is not closed for the above reasons. When hiring personnel, the Contractor shall consider the stability and continuity of the workforce as essential.

C.14.0 Security Requirements

Contractor personnel performing work under this contract/task order will need a SECRET clearance to provide services for task orders requiring a SECRET level classification. Not all task orders will require a SECRET clearance. The security requirements are in accordance with the DD Form 254 in Attachment 4 (the requesting organization’s security monitor is responsible for initiating this form). If access to classified information is not required during the solicitation process and or task orders, prospective contractors do not have to possess facility clearances to bid on the solicitation. However, the successful bidder must have a facility clearance to perform on the contract if required. The contracting team should make every effort to develop a solicitation package that does not require access to classified information. The solicitation DD Form 254 will be marked “For Planning Purposes Only” and provided to the supporting CO for review and incorporation into the requirements package. The preliminary DD Form 254 includes the what, why, when, and where for a contractor that requires access to classified information. The Contractor should communicate any changes to the security requirements through the program COR if one has been appointed, the client Industrial Security Specialist (ISS) and back to the CO for incorporation into the

C.15.0 Required Security Reporting:

The Contractor shall notify the COR of all terminations/resignations, etc., within five days of occurrence.

The Contractor will return any expired Government issued identification cards/credentials and building passes, or those of terminated employees to the COR. If an identification card or building pass is not available to be returned, a report must be submitted to the COR referencing the pass or card number, name of individual to whom issued, the last known location, and disposition of the pass or card. The COR will return the identification cards and building passes in accordance with facility policies.

The Contractor shall provide a written and detailed report of any adverse information related to Contractor personnel to the GSA Contracting Officer as soon as possible. The report shall contain detailed and relevant information. The subsequent termination of employment of an employee does not obviate the requirement to submit this report.

The Contractor shall provide, through the COR, an annual report with updates as changes occur to identify the names of personnel who are active, pending hire, have departed within the quarter, or have had a legal name change (submitted with documentation).

The Contractor is required to report certain events that have an impact on the status of the facility clearance (FCL) and/or the status of the contract employee’s personnel security clearance as outlined by National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (DOD 5220.22-M) Chapter1-3, Reporting Requirements. Contractors shall establish internal procedures as necessary to ensure that cleared personnel are aware of their responsibilities for reporting pertinent information to the Facility Security Officer and other federal authorities as required. CORs will ensure reports are included in COR files.

C.16.0 Physical Security:

The Contractor shall be responsible for safeguarding all Government equipment, information and property provided for Contractor use. At the close of each work period, Government facilities, equipment, and materials shall be secured.

C.17.0 Post Award Conference/Periodic Progress Meetings:

The Contractor shall attend any Post Award Conference convened by the contracting activity or contract administration office in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 42.5. The CO, GSA PM, COR, and other Government personnel, as appropriate, may meet periodically with the Contractor to review the Contractor's performance. At these meetings, the CO will apprise the Contractor of how the Government views the Contractor's performance and the Contractor will apprise the Government of problems, if any, being experienced. Appropriate action shall be taken to resolve outstanding issues.

These meetings shall be at no additional cost to the Government.

C.18.0 Contracting Officer Representative (COR):

The COR monitors all technical aspects of the contract and assists in contract administration. The COR will be identified by separate letter. A letter of designation issued to the COR, a copy of which is sent to the Contractor, states the responsibilities and limitations of the COR especially with regard to changes in cost or price, estimates, or changes in delivery dates. The COR is not authorized to change any of the terms and conditions of the contract.

C.19.0 Key Personnel:

The Contractor shall provide a Program Manager for each task order who shall be responsible for the performance of the work. The name of this person and an alternate who shall act for the Contractor when the manager is absent shall be designated in writing to the CO. The Program Manager or alternate shall have full authority to act for the Contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract.

The Program Manager or alternate shall be available between 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday thru Friday except Federal holidays or when the Government facility is closed for administrative reasons.

Qualifications for all key personnel are listed in Attachment A

The Contractor shall not replace any personnel designated as Key Personnel without the written concurrence of the CO. Prior to utilizing personnel other than those specified, the Contractor shall notify the CO and the COR. This notification shall be no later than five calendar days in advance of any proposed substitution and shall include justification (including resume(s) and labor category of proposed substitution(s)) in sufficient detail to permit evaluation of the impact on contract performance.

Substitute personnel qualifications shall be equal to, or greater than, those of the personnel being substituted. If the CO and the COR determine that the proposed substitute personnel are unacceptable, or that the reduction of effort would be so substantial as to impair the successful performance of the work under the contract, the Contractor may be subject to default action as prescribed by FAR 52.249-6, Termination (Cost Reimbursement). All substitute personnel must be oriented and trained for contract performance at the Contractor’s expense.

C.20.0 Special Qualifications:

The Contractor is responsible for ensuring all employees possess and maintain current training in the following:

AT Level I Training and Cyber Awareness Challenge. All contractor employees, to include sub-contractor employees, requiring access to DoD installations, facilities and controlled access areas shall complete AT Level I awareness training within 14 calendar days after contract start date or effective date of incorporation of this requirement into the contract, whichever is applicable. The contractor shall submit certificates of completion for each affected contractor employee and subcontractor employee, to the COR or to the contracting officer, if a COR is not assigned, within seven (7) calendar days after completion of training by all employees and subcontractor personnel. AT Level I and Cyber Awareness training is available at the following website: http://jko.jten.mil.

C.21.0 Identification of Contractor Employees:

All contract personnel attending meetings, answering Government telephones, and working in other situations where their Contractor status is not obvious to third parties are required to identify themselves as Contractors. They must also ensure that all documents or reports produced by Contractors are suitably marked as Contractor products or that Contractor participation is appropriately disclosed. Government in instances where contractors will be working on a Government site, permanent badges will be required.

C.22.0 Contractor Travel:

Contractor personnel may be required to travel during the performance of this PWS to attend meetings, conferences, and training. The Contractor may be required to travel to off-site training locations.

Contractor will be authorized travel expenses consistent with the substantive provisions of the Joint Travel Regulation (JTR) and the limitation of funds specified in this contract. All travel requires Government prior approval/authorization and notification to the COR.

Travel shall be approved in advance via the Consent to Purchase (CTP) form (Attachment 5). The Contractor shall submit and route the CTP request form and travel breakdown to the COR for approval through the GSA ASSIST system and uploaded as a Post Award Collaboration at least two weeks in advance. A cost breakdown shall be provided to support all travel expenses. The COR has the authority to approve travel costs for a trip that does not exceed $10,000.00. If multiple individuals are traveling to the same location, the COR can approve the trip only if it does not exceed $10,000.00 for all individuals traveling. If travel costs for a trip exceeds $10,000.00, the COR, GSA PM, and GSA Contracting Officer must then review and approve/disapprove or request a revision to the CTP. Emergency requirements shall be defined/initiated and approved/validated by the COR on a case-by-case basis.

In the event lodging is not available at the published lodging rates (or below the published rates), the Contractor shall submit a CTP with a complete explanation of the circumstances in advance of the travel dates, and the backup documentation from at least three (3) hotels in the TDY location to substantiate the unavailability claim. The CTP shall be reviewed and approved/rejected by the COR and Contracting Officer in advance. Travel charges over and above allowable lodging rates and/or per diem without proper approval and support documentation from three lodging facilities, shall be paid at the expense of the Contractor. The Contractor shall make every effort to save Government dollars, to stay at hotels that are below the Government rate, negotiate the lowest airfares and car rentals, and shall plan travel in as far advance as possible. All CTPs for travel shall be approved by the COR at all dollar values.

After travel is incurred, documentation/receipts shall be sent to the COR (with the invoice submittals).

NO PAYMENT WILL BE MADE WITHOUT DOCUMENTATION/RECEIPTS.

NOTE: The Government reserves the right to audit, thus; the Contractor shall keep on file all backup support documentation for travel, materials,) made on behalf of the Government under the terms of the

C.23.0 Trip Reports:

For all travel required under the terms of this PWS, the Contractor shall submit Trip Reports five (5) working days after completion of a trip for all long-distance travel and for local travel when requested by Government Task Lead.

The Trip Report shall include the following information:

● Personnel traveled

● Dates of travel

● Destination(s)

● Purpose of Trip; contract effort supported and Task Order number; Government Agency supported (if applicable), explain the benefits of the travel to the Government.

● Actual Trip Costs

● Approval Authority

● Summary of events

C.24.0 Intellectual Property Rights:

The existence of any patent, patent application or other intellectual property right that restricts any deliverable must be disclosed in…