Attachment 1 - PWS.pdf

Section C - Descriptions and Specifications

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

17 March 2022

U.S. Army Full Spectrum Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) Level C Program Support Services Fort Rucker, Alabama

Part 1

General Information

1. GENERAL. This is a non-personal services contract to provide Full Spectrum Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape

(SERE) Level C Instruction and instructional support services. The Government shall not exercise any supervision or control over the contract service providers performing the services herein. Such contract service providers shall be accountable solely to the Contractor who, in turn is responsible to the Government. The contract service providers shall ensure it and its personnel do not perform any inherently governmental functions during the performance of this contract to include future task orders.

1.1. Description of Services/Introduction. The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to perform Full Spectrum SERE Level C Instruction and instructional support services as defined in this Performance Work Statement, except for those items specified as government furnished property and services. The contractor shall perform to the standards in this contract and all associated references.

1.2. Background. Students comprise those individuals whose duties place them at a high risk of isolation or capture, as defined by DODI O-3002.05, AR 350-1 (10 December 2017) & the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC).

All Officers who have branched Aviation are required to graduate from the U.S. Army level C SERE School at Fort Rucker prior to starting their Advanced Aircraft Track, unless they have previously attended another Level C SERE School. Additionally, personnel assigned to the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) who cannot attend SERE Level C training at Camp Mackall, NC comprise a significant portion of the U.S. Army SERE School annual throughput. The following categories of personnel are highly encouraged to attend the U.S. Army SERE School at Fort Rucker: Personnel who have the following MOS/ASI/SQI: enlisted aircrew members (includes medical evacuation aircrew members); snipers; pathfinders; military attaches; or personnel assigned to the following type units or duty positions: reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition battalions; long range reconnaissance and surveillance units; Soldiers whose deployment duties will likely require them to operate with little security outside of secure operating bases (this may include, but is not limited to, police transition teams, military transition teams, border transition teams, Security Force Assistance advisory Teams and selected maneuver support and maneuver sustainment personnel); counterintelligence and Human Intelligence (HUMINT) personnel whose deployment duties will likely require them to engage in operational collection outside of secure operating bases (for example, serving on a tactical HUMINT team or HUMINT collection team);

counterintelligence or HUMINT personnel assigned to DCS, G–2or DCS,G–2 duty position; Criminal Investigation Division agents and military police whose deployment duties will likely require them to engage in Criminal Intelligence, investigations or police intelligence operations outside of secure operating bases. Soldiers not included in the above listed categories may attend U.S. Army level C SERE School at Fort Rucker if a battalion commander or higher-level commander has determined level C SERE training is required. This determination should be based on duty assignment, sensitive knowledge, and/or risk of isolation, capture, or exploitation. Army personnel may attend SERE Level C training at other DOD approved service SERE schools throughout DOD. In addition, DoD Civilians, Contractors Authorized to Accompany the Force (CAAF), and other designated personnel may be permitted to attend training if approved in writing by the USAACE G-3.

1.3. Objectives. The mission of the United States Army Full Spectrum SERE Level C Course is to ensure each student graduates with the confidence and appropriate proficiency level to employ SERE and individual Personnel Recovery (PR) tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP) necessary to survive isolation or captivity and return with honor regardless of the circumstances of isolation.

1.4. Scope. The U.S. Army SERE program is a Full Spectrum SERE Level-C training program. The curriculum consists of 21 consecutive training days, plus a “zero day” in-processing day, that provides academic instruction, small group hands-on field training, practical application laboratory instruction, and operational performance exercises. Each phase of training provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to survive, evade, resist, and escape in all global environments and potential captivity scenarios. The course length coupled with the OPTEMPO will require that multiple classes run simultaneously with some overlap.

1.4.1. Support Overview. The Contractor shall provide all personnel (to include instructors, role players, supervisory and support staff), supplies and other items and services (not specifically identified herein to be Government-furnished), necessary to support the development, administration, and execution of instruction of U.S. Military personnel and other Government designees, hereafter to be referred to as students, of the U.S. Army SERE Level C Course, in accordance with the Government-approved Program of Instruction (POI), Course Management Plan (CMP), instructor courseware and all applicable regulations.

1.4.2. Annual Course Training Requirements. The Government requires up to 25 course iterations annually. Class sizes range from 30 students (minimum) to 80 students (maximum) per class. The U.S. Army SERE Level-C Full Spectrum training program annual student throughput is based on several factors, i.e., training quotas to meet initial entry rotary wing training requirements, customer needs at the field unit levels, minimum/maximum class sizes, and availability of resources. The Government’s anticipated student throughput requirement is up to 2000 students annually. The total number of annual course iterations required are determined, documented, and scheduled in the Army Training Requirements and Resources System (ATRRS). The total student throughput requirements drive the number of classes scheduled in ATRRS. These requirements culminate as a final product of the annual Structured Manning Decision Review (SMDR) process with final training schedules posted in the ATRRS.

1.5. Period of Performance. The 90 day phase-In will start on 26 May 2023 and end on 25 August 2023.

Phase-In will be accomplished in accordance with paragraph 1.6.20 of this requirement. The period of Performance will commence on 26 August 2023 and end 25 May 2024. The remainder of service under this contract will be accomplished in 4 Option Year periods beginning 26 May 2024 and ending 25 May of each year through 2028.

1.6. General Information.

1.6.1. Quality Control: The Contractor shall establish and maintain a complete Quality Control Plan (QCP) to ensure that contract performance and all requirements are provided as specified. One copy of the Contractor's QCP shall be provided to the Contracting Officer 30 days after contract award for approval. Changes to the QCP as they occur throughout the term of the contract shall be approved by the Contracting Officer. The Contractor QCP shall be available for review/inspection by the Government at all times. At a minimum, the Contractor’s QCP shall include:

1.6.1.1. Inspections. The Contractor shall establish a comprehensive inspection system/process covering all the performance evaluation attributes iterated throughout this PWS. The QCP shall specify the areas to be inspected on either a scheduled or unscheduled basis, the frequency of inspections, and the title of the individual(s) to perform the inspections.

1.6.1.2. Deficiencies. The methodologies for identifying and preventing deficiencies in the quality of service performed before the level of performance and performance quality becomes unacceptable/unsatisfactory, as well as a method of correcting the deficiencies(e.g., retraining, etc.).

1.6.1.3. Record Keeping. On-site records of inspection techniques by the Contractor shall be utilized to initiate, record, and report corrective action procedures.

1.6.1.4. Employee Data. The QCP shall have provisions for accurate and timely reporting of

Contractor employee data regarding specific employee position qualifications and security clearance requirements as iterated throughout this PWS.

1.6.1.5. Documentation Availability. All Contractor QC documentation (by individual position) regarding contract performance and performance quality shall be available at any time upon request and at a minimum provided to the Commander, U.S. Army SERE School and the COR on a monthly basis.

1.6.2. Quality Assurance: The Government will evaluate the Contractor's performance under this contract based on the inspection of services clause(s) of the contract. The Government will record all observations. When an observation indicates defective (i.e., unacceptable/unsatisfactory) performance, the COR will request the Contractor's Program Manager to initial the observation documentation. Under the purview of the Government’s QA program, the Contractor employees shall be subject to impromptu psychological evaluations at any time during the term of the contract. At a minimum, the performance of the following areas will be evaluated:

1.6.2.1. Technical and Tactical Competence. The Contractor shall be cognizant of, and in compliance with, the latest POI as well as DOD and Army-level Personnel Recovery and SERE training guidance and doctrine.

1.6.2.2. Instructor Skills. The ability to prepare for critical course content and to instruct based upon lesson objectives and the capacity to motivate students based on these objectives, as defined in Part 5 of this requirement.

1.6.2.3. Professional Conduct. The Contractor shall ensure all Contractor personnel adhere to the professional standards of behavior IAW with Contractor’s QCP and all applicable Army, TRADOC, and Fort Rucker regulations, and U.S. Army SERE School SOP and policies.

Contractor personnel shall refrain from conduct, on- or off-duty, that brings discredit and undue scrutiny onto the SERE program.

1.6.2.4. Performance Evaluation Meetings. The Contractor PM shall be required to meet at least weekly with the COR and other Government representatives for the first two (2) months of contract performance and monthly thereafter. These meetings shall be conducted to ensure acceptable/satisfactory Contractor performance, performance quality, and address any performance issues. The Contractor may request a Performance Evaluation Meeting in the event a Contract Discrepancy Report (CDR) or other report of substandard performance or performance quality is issued. The written minutes of Performance Evaluation Meetings shall be signed by the Contractor PM, the COR, and any other meeting attendees. Should the Contractor not concur with the minutes, the Contractor shall so state and submit a formal written response regarding any areas of non- concurrence to the Contracting Officer within ten

(10) calendar days of receipt of the signed minutes.

1.6.2.5. Removal of Contractor Employees.

1.6.2.5.1. The Government has the right (IAW 18 U.S.C. § 1382) to bar/ban from the installation and/or from performance under this contract any Contractor employee, or prospective Contractor employee, whose conduct is identified as a potential threat to the health, safety, security, general well-being, or operational mission of the installation and its population.

1.6.2.5.2. Physical Removal of Contractor Employees. The U.S. Army SERE School Commander reserves the right to remove or direct the physical removal of any Contractor employee from a training session/area. If a Contractor employee is physically removed, the Government will immediately inform the Contractor and provide justification for removal in writing within 48 hours. Removal of Contractor personnel does not relieve the Contractor from fulfilling the personnel manning requirements of this PWS.

1.6.3. Recognized Holidays: Contractor is required to execute instruction and support to instruction irrespective of holidays – federal or local/installation – throughout the entire period of performance.

1.6.4. Hours of Operation: Performance of this PWS requires work IAW the Government’s training schedule, which is a non-standard schedule, to include extended duty days (greater than 8 hours per day), weekends, and holidays. Training schedules may change as necessary to incorporate course updates. Government will notify contractor NLT 72 hours prior to any training schedule changes.

Contractor employees shall be capable of adapting to potential schedule changes. The Government does not authorize scheduled overtime (work over 40 hours every week), except as necessitated to meet potential government-directed “surge” requirements. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to manage their employees’ schedule to ensure all contract requirements are satisfied without the need for overtime. Refer to paragraph 5.3 for additional information concerning active course iteration periods. Should the government need to increase student throughput, the Contractor will have four (4) months to achieve surge capability and may use overtime to accomplish PWS requirements during this transition period.

1.6.5. Place of Performance: Courses will typically be conducted on the military reservation of Fort Rucker, Alabama, and at TAC-X, (a remote military training site near Samson, Alabama), or at other specified contingency training locations by exception. The Contractor shall operate in classrooms, field environments, and the approved Army Resistance Training Labs (RTLs). Contractor employees shall be able to perform work in varied indoor and outdoor conditions, to include extreme inclement weather such as rain and snow. Performance may commence/continue regardless of the weather conditions or post closures, the same as required of Government designated “essential personnel.”

1.6.6. Type of Contract: This is a Firm Fixed Price contract.

1.6.7. Security Requirements:

1.6.7.1. Physical Security - The Contractor shall develop and implement a physical security plan in accordance with guidance contained in AR 190-series and AR 380-19 on physical security.

These regulations will be provided after award of this contract. The Contractor’s physical security plan shall include all Government property and equipment furnished for the performance of this contract. The Contractor shall be responsible for safeguarding all Government property provided for Contractor use IAW the above listed regulations. The Contractor shall be responsible for damage/loss to any Government property (e.g., vehicles, buildings, property, etc.). The Contractor is responsible for insurance for drivers of vehicles and medical insurance for any Contractor employees injured while performing contract services. At the close of each work period, Government equipment and materials shall be properly secured. The Contractor shall immediately notify the Government COR of any incidents of damage, misuse, or any loss of Government-Furnished Property (GFP).

1.6.7.2. Key Control - The Contractor shall be responsible for keys and key cards provided to the

Contractor by the Government IAW AR 190-13, The Army Physical Security Program. Keys shall not be duplicated by Contractor personnel, nor used by unauthorized Contractor personnel. The Contractor shall report any occurrence of duplicated, misplaced or lost keys to the Government within 1 hour after discovery of occurrence. The Contractor shall provide a written report by close of business the next working day, providing details of lost, misplaced or duplicated keys.

1.6.7.3. Lock Combinations – The Contractor shall restrict dissemination of lock combinations to only those personnel who have a direct need for access to the secured area/information. The Contractor shall report to the COR, in writing, the termination of employment of any person possessing lock combinations within 24 hours of termination of employment.

1.6.7.4. Security Clearance. All Contractor personnel must possess and maintain a classified security clearance at the SECRET level verifiable through the Defense Information System for Security (DISS) and the Joint Verification System (JVS) prior to reporting for any work under this contract. Contractor personnel may on a case-by-case basis, begin work under this contract with an Interim SECRET security clearance awarded through Defense Security Services, if approved in writing by the Commander, U.S. Army SERE School. Please note that interim security clearances cannot be granted to non-citizens. A National Agency Background Check (NAC) must be completed prior to employment and verifiable through DISS upon initial in processing.

AR 25-2 also states that interim access, while waiting for the background check, cannot be authorized to non-citizens. If during the background and adjudication process, Contractor personnel are denied a clearance or a current clearance is revoked, they shall be removed from the contract, as they will not be able to perform the duties for the position hired. Additionally, only those Contractor employees with a “need to know” and the appropriate security clearance (Secret in most cases) will be allowed to observe certain sensitive SERE operations/classes in progress. The Contractor shall comply with all applicable Department of Defense (DOD) security regulations and procedures during the performance of this task order. The Contractor shall not disclose and must safeguard procurement sensitive information, computer systems and data, privacy act data, and Government personnel work products that are obtained or generated in the performance of this contract. All Contract employees must adhere to the Fort Rucker guidelines for security, force protection, information disclosure, and conduct.

1.6.7.5. Entrance Clearances. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to obtain entrance clearances for all contractor personnel working on DOD installations and facilities. The installation/facilities will honor all reasonable requests for entrance clearances of essential Contractor staff members working at installations, conditioned only upon presentation of proper credentials and in conformance with the installation security regulations. The Contractor shall ensure that all access is conducted in a manner to minimize interference with military operations at the installation/facility.

1.6.7.6. Facility Security Officer. The Contractor shall appoint a Facility Security Officer (FSO) to coordinate all Contractor employee background investigations activity with the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA/Industry).

1.6.7.7. Security Requirements for Contracts Requiring Access to Classified Information. The

Contractor must have a valid Defense Security Services Facility Clearance. All instructor and support positions are required to have a minimum of a SECRET clearance. At a minimum, Contractor personnel requiring access to classified information must enter into a long-term visitor group security agreement if contract performance is on base. This agreement shall outline how the Contractor integrates security requirements for contract operations with the Army to ensure effective and economical operation on the installation. The agreement shall include:

1.6.7.7.1. Security support provided by the Army to the Contractor shall include storage containers for classified information/material, use of base destruction facilities, classified reproduction facilities, use of installation classified mail services, security badge issuance, installation visitor control, investigation of security incidents, installation traffic regulations and the use of security forms and conducting inspections required by DoD 5220.22-R, Industrial Security Regulation, and all Security regulations listed in this PWS.

1.6.7.7.2. Security support requiring joint Army and Contractor coordination includes packaging classified information, mailing and receiving classified materials, implementing emergency procedures for protection of classified information, security checks, and internal security controls for protection of classified material and high value pilferable property.

1.6.7.7.3. Additionally, all contractor personnel must sign a Classified Information

Nondisclosure Agreement (SF 312) prior to performance of duties under this contract and must receive a security debriefing per the SF 312 prior to conclusion of employment under this contract. No contractor employee is authorized to discuss any SERE related classified or FOUO information outside of facilities designated by the Commander, U.S. Army SERE School.

1.6.7.8. Visit Authorization. The Contractor shall submit to the Contracting Officer a visit authorization letter identifying the security clearance level of each employee along with any other pertinent information. The Commander, U.S. Army SERE School, is the final authority on all visitation requests. An initial visit authorization letter shall be submitted as soon as possible after contract award and prior to the scheduled contract start date for any subsequent contract or CLIN authorized. Further, updated visit authorization letters shall be submitted to the SERE School Commander for approval as often as necessary to ensure all data is accurate and current. The Contractor shall be responsible for the accuracy, correctness, and timeliness of visit authorization letter data. Government refusal of Contractor employee’s access to the work site for failure to satisfy the aforementioned requirement shall not relieve the Contractor from responsibility for full acceptable/satisfactory performance and performance quality.

1.6.7.9. Employees of the U.S. Government. The Contractor shall not employ any person who is an employee of the United States Government if the employment of that person would result in a violation of the Joint Ethics Regulation and applicable Government ethics rules and law.

1.6.7.10. National Security Industrial Security Program. All provisions of the National

Security Industrial Security Program Operating Manual apply to performance under the contract.

1.6.7.11. Retrieving Identification Media. The Contractor shall retrieve all identification media, including vehicle decals, from employees who depart for any reason before the contract expires (e.g., terminated for cause, retirement). The Contractor shall then return all retrieved items to the COR for disposal/turn-in.

1.6.7.12. Listing of Employees. The Contractor shall maintain a current listing of employees. The list shall include employee's name, social security number, and level of security clearance. The list shall be validated and signed by the Contractor’s Facility Security Officer (FSO) and provided to the Contracting Officer and Installation Security Personnel Manager (ISPM) prior to the contract start date. Updated listings shall be provided when an employee's status or information changes.

1.6.7.13. Visitor Group Security Agreement (VGSA). The Contractor, COR, FSO shall upon contract award, execute a Visitor Group Security Agreement (VGSA). The Government will provide the contractor the VGSA template. The contractor security personnel support shall provide employees with training required by DOD 5200.1-R, Industrial Security Program Regulation, Chapter 10, and AR 380-5, Army Information Security Program, as well as TRADOC/Installation regulations and guidance. The Contractor shall provide initial and follow-on training to Contractor personnel who may work in Army controlled/restricted areas.

1.6.7.14. Additional Security Requirements. In accordance with DoD 5200.1-R and AR 380-5, the Contractor shall comply with AR 380-19, Information Systems Security; AR 380-40, Policy for Safeguarding and Controlling Communications Security (COMSEC) Material;

and AR 530-1, Operations Security (OPSEC).

1.6.7.14.1. National Defense Emergencies. In the event of a National Defense

Emergency affecting Fort Rucker, the COR will immediately notify the Contractor’s PM.

At that time, the Contractor shall take immediate steps to cease all activities on the installation(s) and will cause all personnel to leave the installation(s) property until notice is given by t h e installation and the Fort Rucker POC that National Defense Emergency conditions are no longer in effect. The COR will coordinate with the Contractor and adjust any training events or contract requirements, accordingly.

1.6.7.14.2. Anti-Terrorism, Operations Security, and iWATCH Training. All contractor employees, to include subcontractor employees, requiring access Army installations, facilities and controlled access areas shall complete AT Level I awareness training within 30 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 30 calendar days after completion of training by all employees and subcontractor personnel.

AT level I awareness training is available at the following website: http://jko.jten.mil. Per AR 530-1 Operations Security, the contractor employees must complete Level I OPSEC Awareness training. New employees must be trained within 30 calendar days of their reporting for duty and annually thereafter. The Contractor and all associated subcontractors shall brief all employees on the local iWATCH program (training standards provided by the requiring activity ATO). This locally developed training will be used to inform contractor employees of the types of behavior to watch for and instruct employees to report suspicious activity to the COR. This training shall be completed within 15 calendar days of contract award, with the results reported to the COR no later than 60 calendar days after contract award. Thereafter, the Contractor shall ensure that new employees complete this training within 30 calendar days of commencing work under this contract and report the results to the COR within 5 business days of the completion of training. Contractor shall comply with FAR 52.204-2, Security Requirements. This clause involves access to information classified “Confidential,” “Secret,” or “Top Secret” and requires contractors to comply with— (1) The Security Agreement (DD Form 441), including the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (DoD 5220.22-M); (2) any revisions to DOD 5220.22-M, notice of which has been furnished to the contractor.

1.6.7.14.3. Threat Awareness and Reporting Program (TARP) Training. Contractor employees shall attend an annual TARP briefing on security. Newly assigned contractor personnel must attend the first available briefing following employment.

This briefing will be coordinated by the Installation and administered by Government Security personnel.

1.6.7.14.4. Access and General Protection/Security Policy and Procedures. The Contractor and all associated subcontractor employees shall comply with applicable installation, facility, and area commander installation and facility access and local security policies and procedures (provided by the Government representative). Contractor and all associated sub-contractors employees shall provide all information required for background checks to meet installation access requirements to be accomplished by installation Provost Marshal Office, Director of Emergency Services or Security Office.

Contractor workforce must comply with all personal identity verification requirements (FAR clause 52.204-9, Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel) as directed by DOD, HQDA and/or local policy. In addition to the changes otherwise authorized by the changes clause of this contract, should the Force Protection Condition (FPCON) at any individual facility or installation change, the Government may require changes in contractor security matters or processes.

1.6.7.14.5. Information assurance (IA)/information technology (IT) training. All

Contractor employees and associated sub-contractor employees must complete the DoD IA awareness training before issuance of network access and annually thereafter. All Contractor employees working IA/IT functions must comply with DOD and Army training requirements in DoD 8570.01, DOD 8570.01-M, and AR 25-2 within six months of appointment to IA/IT functions. Information assurance (IA)/information technology (IT) certification. Per DoD 8570.01-M , DFARS 252.239-7001, and AR 25- 2, Contractor employees supporting IA/IT functions shall be appropriately certified upon contract award. The baseline certification stipulated in DOD 8570.01-M must be completed upon contract award.

1.6.7.14.6. Army Training Certification Tracking System (ATCTS). All contractor employees with access to a government info system must be registered in the ATCTS (Army Training Certification Tracking System) at commencement of services, and must successfully complete the DOD Information Assurance Awareness prior to access to the IS and then annually thereafter.

1.6.7.15. Reporting Requirements. The Contractor shall comply with the security guidance found in

AR 195-1, Army Criminal Investigations Program. Contractor personnel shall report to an appropriate authority any information or circumstances of which they are aware may pose a threat to the security of DOD personnel, Contractor personnel, resources, and classified or unclassified defense information. Contractor employees shall be briefed by their immediate supervisor upon initial on-installation assignment and as required thereafter.

1.6.8. Special Qualifications: The Contractor shall provide personnel who possess, at a minimum, the following skills, abilities and qualifications:

1.6.8.1. Contractor Personnel. The Contractor shall be responsible for managing a sufficient workforce and provide a labor mix with the appropriate credentials as stated in this PWS (paragraphs to accomplish the mission). Unless otherwise specified in this PWS, all contractors must be U.S citizens and full spectrum SERE-C prior to the start of any employment on this contract, to include Wartime, Peacetime Governmental Detention (PGD) and Hostage Detention (HD) training. This can be accomplished by either graduating from a DOD course that combines all three training requirements or having graduated from separate courses that trains these skillsets. This requirement does not apply to the personnel performing mission/administrative support duties listed in paragraph 5.7.

1.6.8.1.1. Sustainment/Continuing Education. Upon contract award and throughout the life of the contract, the Contractor shall ensure that their personnel maintain currency and certifications required for their position. Government may, on a case-by-case basis and upon receiving a written request from the Contractor, allow the Contractor personnel to attend (on a space available basis) any training required under this contract. This training is by exception only, with proper justification by the Contractor and must be approved in writing by the Commander, U.S. Army SERE School.

1.6.8.1.2. Contractor personnel fulfilling roles outlined in paragraph 1.6.11 shall not be used to satisfy instructor–to-student ratio requirements during operational training iterations.

Contractor personnel fulfilling roles outlined in paragraph 1.6.8.6.6 shall not be used to satisfy instructor-to-student ratio requirements during the same operational training iterations for which they are performing Training Support duties.

1.6.8.2. Physical Skills and Abilities: Contractor shall ensure all employees possess the physical skills and abilities necessary to perform under this contract. Instructors will be subjected to high levels of physical and mental stress in the performance of normal duties. The nature of SERE course execution requires high standards of mental and physical fitness. Contractor shall assess their employees’ physical and mental readiness prior to commencement of work under this contract and ensure that mental and physical readiness are maintained for the duration of employment under this requirement. Any employee dismissed due to their inability to perform does not relieve the Contractor from responsibility for fill rates, or full satisfactory quality of performance.

1.6.8.2.1. Contractor employees serving in Survival or Evasion Instructor positions may, depending on section of assignment, participate in SERE field training exercises in rough terrain, requiring adequate physical fitness to be able to lift/carry 45 pounds, walk up to six (6) miles per day with a rucksack, and provide up to ten (10) consecutive hours of instruction.

1.6.8.2.2. Contractor employees executing Role-play Instructor duties shall conform to the following physical requirements to be considered suitable for Role-play duties: full active range of motion (FAROM) and muscle strength of 5/5 with strong resistance against gravity and examiner of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, knee, and ankle joints; FAROM of the cervical and lumbar spine; perform upper body pushing/pulling activities while holding up to 75 pounds of supported weight; perform upper body lateral pushing/pulling activities while holding up to 75 pounds of supported weight; lift, lower, and reach overhead while holding up to 10 pounds of equipment; lift and carry 50 pounds up to 50 meters/10 minutes; lift and lower up to 75 pounds of supported weight vertically from shoulder height to ground, or from ground to shoulder height; stand for 50 minutes with a 10 minute break; navigate uneven terrain for up to 200 m.

1.6.8.3. Commercial Driver’s License. The Contractor shall ensure that a minimum of three (3) personnel possesses a valid Class C Commercial Driver's License, with HAZMAT endorsement, throughout the term of this contract to assist with transport of pyrotechnics required in various portions of the SERE program. Personnel fulfilling this requirement must complete certifications mandated by governing regulations and SOP for pyrotechnics issue, transport, and handling – currently, this requirement is AMMO 45, 67, and 108 certifications.

1.6.8.4. Psychological Evaluations. Prior to any performance of duties in support of this contract, all

Contractor employees, excluding mission/administrative support personnel performing tasks listed in paragraph 5.7, shall receive an initial psychological evaluation that will be performed by the Government’s Human Factors Psychologist. The Program Manager or Deputy Program Manager will coordinate with the SERE Human Factors section to schedule these examinations, at no cost to the Contractor. This evaluation is required in order to assess the employees’ ability to effectively perform the unique work and tasks associated with the requirements enumerated throughout this PWS. The Contractor shall understand that the extremely sensitive nature of the work and tasks to be performed under this contract necessitate that the Contractor’s employees undergo the aforementioned evaluation and further they must be found “fit” to perform duties in support of this contract. The Government shall be the sole arbiter of this determination, WITHOUT EXCEPTION, due to the nature of the training material and the training environment associated with the Full Spectrum Level C SERE program. Subsequent evaluations shall be conducted throughout the term of the contract, at a minimum annually, or at the discretion of the Government. The Government reserves the right to immediately, and if need be, physically, remove a Contractor employee from the work-site should they exhibit negative psychological tendencies or problems that endanger others (especially students); or otherwise may disrupt or disturb the training environment. The Contractor shall immediately remove any employee(s) from performance in any position requiring Human Factors clearance if the Government identifies said employee(s) to exhibit tendencies as described above. If removal is deemed appropriate following adequate Government psychological evaluation and SERE Command Team review, the Contractor shall replace the position or positions vacated with qualified individuals in an expeditious manner, not to exceed 90 days. Removal of Contractor employees under these conditions does not relieve the Contractor from responsibility for full satisfactory quality of performance.

1.6.8.5. Drug/Alcohol Screening. The Contractor shall not allow any employee to perform work under this contract while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any other incapacitating agent IAW DFARS 252.223-7004, Drug-Free Work Force. The Contractor shall establish and execute a random drug-testing program consistent with DFARS 252.223-7004, Drug-Free Work Force for the duration of service under this requirement.

1.6.8.6. Instructor Staff. Prior to any interaction with students in support of this contract, contractor personnel filling instructor positions shall have successfully completed any approved DoD Instructor Trainers Course (ITC), or other equivalent course, (e.g., attended a TRADOC approved instructor-training course while on active duty). The Government may, on a case-by- case basis, and upon receiving a written request from the Contractor, allow the Contractor’s employees to attend the Foundation Instructor Facilitator Course (FIFC), pending space availability. Any exception to this requirement must be approved in writing by the Commander,U.S. Army SERE School. This will not relieve the Contractor from meeting the contract performance requirements.

1.6.8.6.1. Survival Instructors. Survival Instructors will not be counted against the POI-driven instructor to student ratio requirements until qualified and certified IAW the U.S. Army SERE School Instructor Certification Program. Cross-leveling employees from other positions to provide the service is acceptable provided the cross-leveling does not interfere with other instructional or training/training support obligations. Survival Instructors shall perform all Survival-related Field Training, to include meeting survival needs during Evasion Movement training, and participate in debriefing of survival training phase IAW SERE Level-C POI and U.S. Army SERE School SOP.

1.6.8.6.2. Evasion Instructors. Evasion Instructors will not be counted against the POI- driven instructor to student ratio requirements until qualified and certified IAW the U.S.

Army SERE School Instructor Certification Program. Cross-leveling employees from other positions to provide the service is acceptable provided the cross-leveling does not interfere with other instructional or training/training support obligations.

Evasion Instructors shall perform Evasion Movement training, Escapes training, Barriers to Evasion, Evasion FTX duties, and participate in debriefing of evasion training phase IAW SERE Level-C POI and U.S. Army SERE School SOP.

1.6.8.6.3. Resistance Training Instructors. Resistance Instructors will not be counted against the

POI-driven instructor to student ratio requirements until qualified and certified IAW the U.S. Army SERE School Instructor Certification Program. Cross leveling employees from other positions to provide, the service is acceptable provided the cross leveling does not interfere with other instructional or training/training support obligations.

Resistance Instructors shall perform Resistance Training Laboratories (RTL) and participate in debriefing of RTL IAW SERE Level-C POI and U.S. Army SERE School

SOP.

1.6.8.6.4. Academics Instructors. Instructors performing classroom-based Academics instruction shall be identified prior to the course iteration for which they are performing these duties and shall not be used during role-play instruction during the same course iteration. Personnel performing Academic instruction shall be fully certified on all lesson IAW the U.S. Army SERE School Instructor Certification Program and shall otherwise not be counted against the POI-driven instructor to student ratio requirements. Academics Instructors shall perform Academic training IAW SERE Level-C POI and U.S. Army SERE School SOP.

1.6.8.6.5. Role Players. Role-play instruction is conducted to varying degrees across all operational sections. Training of role-play instructors will be accomplished IAW all applicable regulations and policies. Role-players will not satisfy the instructor to student ratio requirements until qualified and certified IAW the U.S. Army SERE School Instructor Certification Program. Cross-leveling employees from other positions to provide the service is acceptable provided the cross leveling does not interfere with other instructional or training/training support obligations. Contractor must provide sufficient role-play qualified staff to meet all instructor to student ratios while providing a minimum of forty-five (45) days per year of out-of-role rotational time to support role-play instructor mental health and well-being. The out-of-role period can be either consecutive or broken into up to three 15- day periods. Christmas exodus/holiday block leave may count as a maximum of one (1) of these 15-day periods. Personnel on their out-of-role rotation may perform duties outlined in paragraph 1.6.8.6.6. as well as any non-roleplay instructional duties defined in this PWS in which they are fully qualified (Assistant Instructor) or certified (Primary Instructor). While in this out-of-role period, instructors may not participate in role-play training in any capacity, including the training of other role-play instructors.

1.6.8.6.6. Training Support Personnel. The Contractor shall staff a Training Support Section. These personnel shall bear primary responsibility for the tasks outlined in paragraphs 5.6 and 5.8 of this PWS. All Training Support Section personnel must be fully qualified SERE instructors. The Contractor shall identify any section personnel chosen to augment the Training Support Section at the beginning of each course iteration, NLT the day prior to Zero Day. These personnel shall only perform training support duties during that iteration. Exceptions to this requirement must be requested in writing to the Commander, U.S. Army SERE School.

1.6.9. Post-Award Orientation:

1.6.9.1. The contractor agrees to attend a Post-Award Orientation convened by the Contracting Officer in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 42.5, Post-Award Orientation.

1.6.10. Contracting Officer Representative (COR):

1.6.10.1. The COR will monitor all technical and performance aspects of the contract and assist the (KO) in contract administration. The COR is authorized to perform the following functions:

Assure that the Contractor performs the technical requirements of the contract Perform inspections necessary in connection with contract performance Maintain written and oral communications with the Contractor concerning technical and performance aspects of the contract Issue written interpretations of technical requirements, including Government drawings, designs, and specifications Monitor Contractor's performance and documents and notifies both the

Contracting Officer and Contractor of all deficiencies Coordinate availability of Government furnished property Provide site entry of Contractor personnel

1.6.10.2. Additionally, government cadre assigned to the U.S. Army SERE School will perform training oversight. Any training observations made will be submitted to the COR for review and inclusion in status reports, as appropriate.

1.6.11. Key Personnel:

1.6.11.1. Program Manager (PM). The Contractor shall designate and identify to the Government a PM.

The PM shall be responsible for the overall execution of Contractor efforts and will have full decision-making authority on behalf of the Contractor in regard to all performance under this contract. The PM shall have a minimum of five (5) years of documented and verifiably successful Program Management experience of comparable size, and scope of the requirement defined in this PWS. Experience can be military, civilian, contractor, or a combination of the three. The following qualifications (in addition to the minimum qualifications) are preferred: teaching and management experience in a DoD SERE-related program.

1.6.11.2. Deputy Program Manager (DPM). The Contractor shall designate and identify to the

Government a DPM. The DPM shall oversee all operational training executed in support of this contract. The DPM shall have a minimum of three (3) years of documented and verifiably successful management experience in a DoD SERE-related program and will have full authority to act on the Program Manager’s behalf in his absence. The following qualifications (in addition to the minimum qualifications) are preferred: teaching experience in a DoD SERE-related program; management experience specific to the U.S. Army SERE School.

1.6.12. Required Personnel:

1.6.12.1. Quality Control Manager. The Contractor shall designate and identify to the Government a Quality Control Manager. The Quality Control Manager shall be responsible for the Contractor’s Quality Control Program, and act as liaison with Government Quality Assurance personnel (to include the COR) on matters relating to Contractor employee performance and evaluations. The Quality Control Manager shall have a minimum of three (3) years of documented and verifiably successful experience managing a Quality Control/Quality Assurance Program. The following qualifications (in addition to the minimum qualifications) are preferred: teaching and management experience in a DoD SERE-related program.

1.6.12.2. Training Manager. The Contractor shall designate and identify to the Government a

Training Manager. The Training Manager shall be responsible for Contractor personnel training and progression, as well as overseeing the Training Support efforts outlined in paragraphs 1.6.8.6.6, 5.6 and 5.8 of this requirement. The Training Manager shall have a minimum of three (3) years of documented and verifiably successful experience managing a standardization, training, or instructor training program, as well as a minimum of five (5) years of experience as an Instructor Trainer/Evaluator (or equivalent) in a SERE Level C program.

1.6.12.3. Safety Coordinator. The Contractor shall designate and identify to the Government a Safety Coordinator. The Safety Coordinator shall be responsible for the Safety and Occupational Health Program for Contractor personnel and will act as liaison with the Government Safety Officer to ensure all Army and unit-level safety-training requirements for Contractor employees are fulfilled. The Safety Coordinator shall have a minimum of three (3) years of documented and verifiably successful experience managing a safety program of comparable size and scope to the requirements outlined in this PWS. The following qualifications (in addition to the minimum qualifications) are preferred: safety experience relative to SERE training

1.6.12.4. Mission Support Manager. The Contractor shall designate and identify to the

Government a Mission Support Manager. The Mission Support Manager shall be responsible for coordinating and supervising the following requirements: Administration, Registrar, Security, Logistics, IT, A/V Support, Facilities, and Transportation. The Mission Support Manager shall have a minimum of seven (7) years of documented and verifiably successful experience managing logistical and/or administrative activities of a similar size and scope to the requirements outlined in this PWS.

1.6.12.5. Section Leadership

1.6.12.5.1. Section Manager. The Contractor shall designate a Manager for each of the two (2)

Operational Sections – Field Training (encompassing classroom, field, and laboratory Survival, Evasion, and Escape policy and skills training), and Resistance Training (encompassing classroom and laboratory Resistance policy and skills training). Additionally, the Contractor shall designate an Academics Manager to coordinate and supervise all classroom-based Academic training. These individuals shall provide Contractor employee supervision and administration and shall represent the Contractor regarding section business at SERE Detachment meetings requiring Contractor participation. Section Managers shall have a minimum of five (5) years’ experience in a supervisory capacity of similar size and scope to this this requirement. Preference shall be given to individuals with expertise in the skills taught within the given section.

1.6.12.5.2. Lead Instructor. The Contractor shall designate a Lead Instructor for each of the four (4) skills areas – Survival, Evasion, Escape, and Resistance Training.

Additionally, the Contractor shall designate a Lead Instructor to act as Academics Training Adviser for all classroom-based training. These individuals shall provide Subject Matter Expertise-based guidance and mentorship to assigned Contractor personnel, as well as bear primary responsibility for the Contractor’s execution of course material IAW POI and SOP. Lead Instructors shall have a minimum of five (5) years’ experience as a fully certified instructor/trainer in the skills taught within their section and demonstrate superior communication and mentorship skills. The following qualifications (in addition to the minimum qualifications) are preferred: full certification as Evaluator in the associated discipline, IAW the U.S. Army Staff & Faculty Certification Plan.