Attachment 1 SLFPII PWS.pdf

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

(PWS)

for

Strategic Leadership Fellows Program II

(SLFP II)

DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

1.1 Background. United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) requires a civilian workforce capable of synthesizing diverse issues of national security in order to effectively plan, synchronize, and advocate for global operations and capabilities. USSTRATCOM seeks to continue the Strategic Leadership Fellows Program (SLFP) which is a local, graduate-level, on campus, professional education program that targets Command-specific needs. The SLFP has been conducted annually since 2014.

1.2 Objective. Developing and maintaining capabilities for the Nation requires long-term commitment. The overall objective of this requirement is to provide a comprehensive, strategic-level education program which results in the development of a collaborative and influential civilian workforce with a broad understanding of USSTRATCOM mission sets, capable of strategic thought at an executive level, and capable of synthesizing diverse issues of national security in order to effectively plan, integrate, synchronize, and advocate for global operations and capabilities.

1.3 Period of Performance.

1.3.1 The Period of Performance (PoP) shall be for a one-year base period and four (4) one-year option periods as follows:

1.3.1.1 Base Period: 1 Sep 2025 – 31 Aug 2026

1.3.1.2 Option Period 1: 1 Sep 2026 – 31 Aug 2027

1.3.1.3 Option Period 2: 1 Sep 2027 – 31 Aug 2028

1.3.1.4 Option Period 3: 1 Sep 2028 – 31 Aug 2029

1.3.1.5 Option Period 4: 1 Sep 2029 – 31 Aug 2030

1.3.2 SLFP Spring Term Defined. Training program delivery to the targeted civilian students shall occur during 13 consecutive weeks of the academic institution’s spring semester or term.

This shall occur within the PoP base period or option period, as applicable. For the purposes of this program, the 13-week period of training delivery shall be referred to as the “SLFP Spring Term.”

1.4 Place of Performance. The primary place of performance shall be at the Contractor’s academic campus. Other sites where activities may occur, including administrative activities, includes USSTRATCOM facilities on Offutt AFB. As required, the Government shall provide contractor personnel escorted access to Offutt AFB and USSTRATCOM facilities.

1.5 Scope. This Firm-Fixed-Price requirement is to provide a custom-tailored, professional development program which includes two (2) three (3) credit hour (letter graded) graduate-level courses for 10 USSTRATCOM civilian employees during the spring term of the base period and during the spring term of each of the four (4) one-year option periods. The first course shall teach group collaboration teambuilding and conflict resolution. The second course shall teach strategic deterrence and international relations. The two (2) courses are interconnected and shall run concurrently in the Spring Term with the same 10 students in each course. The contracted academic institution (hereinafter referred to as “the Contractor” SHALL:

1.5.1 Be fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

1.5.2 Have the student learning facilities located within 15 driving miles of Offutt Air Force Base (AFB), Nebraska.

1.5.3 Offer a Master’s degree program in: 1) Business Management (MBA), OR 2) Political Science, International Security, International Relations, or similar degree program.

1.5.4 Offer a three credit hour, graduate-level course covering techniques for team building, collaborative leadership, interpersonal collaboration, conflict resolution, consensus-building, creative problem solving, negotiation, facilitation, group process design, and collaboration engineering.

1.5.5 Offer a three credit hour, graduate-level independent study course on strategic deterrence or international relations.

1.5.6 Have personnel that possess subject matter expertise on academic topics listed in paragraph 1.6.1.

1.6 Requirement – SLFP Structure.

1.6.1 Develop a program management plan outline in the form of a topical outline of the training program with a projected timeline of events for each course during the SLFP Spring Term (CDRL A001). The program management plan outline shall include, at a minimum, the following, modules, courses, lessons or classes:

• Student orientation and enrollment session

• USSTRATCOM Senior Leader interchange on perspective and expectations (kickoff)

• The 3-credit hour course on collaboration, teambuilding, and conflict resolution

• The 3-credit hour independent study course on strategic deterrence or international relations

• (Academic topic) Ethics

• (Academic topic) Effective leadership skills

• (Academic topic) Group dynamics

• (Academic topic) Research methodology

• (Academic topic) Creative problem solving

• (Academic topic) Political theory and international relations

• (Academic topic) Deterrence theory and psychology

• (Academic topic) Strategic deterrence in the context of international relations

• (Academic topic) Hybrid warfare and gray-zone conflicts

• (Academic topic) Political context and history of China and North Korea

• (Academic topic) Strategy and critical thinking

• (Academic topic) Political context and history of Russia

• (Academic topic) Data analysis and presentation

• (Academic topic) Political context and history of Iran

• (Academic topic) Collaborative technologies and innovation

• (Academic topic) Program and project management

• (Academic topic) National and international space law and cyberspace law

• (Academic topic) Enrichment workshops

• (Academic topic) Introduction to one or more cutting-edge technologies (e.g., advanced computing, autonomy, robotics, directed energy, hypersonics, biotechnology, etc.)

• (Academic topic) Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data analytics

• (Academic topic) Electromagnetic spectrum basics, causes of interference, etc.

• Student and faculty mentor sessions

• Independent research and study sessions

• Government Subject Matter Expert (SME) sessions (paragraph 2.6.1.1)

• Fellows alumni collaboration and/or mentor sessions

• Capstone research project that requires synthesis of several of the above topics

• Capstone project presentation practice sessions

• Capstone project presentation event

• Contractor Senior Leader interchange on perspective and expectations (graduation)

Note: Academic topics shall be presented by Session Professors (paragraph 2.1.5)

1.6.2 Develop and adjust program curriculum to include specific learning objectives, faculty involved, and outcomes for the modules, courses, lessons, classes, and events described in paragraph 1.6.1. Curriculum design shall be commensurate with graduate-level work since all program participants will, at a minimum, possess a bachelor’s degree, and most participants will have a master’s degree. Ensure curriculum meets or exceeds standards to award a minimum of six credit hours for successful completion of the two (2) courses. Curriculum design shall include interactive learning as well as a final capstone project for the strategic deterrence or international relations independent study course that requires synthesis of multiple curriculum concepts. Contractor shall make recommendations to the Government regarding general format, structure, and scope of capstone projects.

1.6.2.1 Contractor shall develop and adjust a singular program management plan to include:

1) a detailed description of the program’s curriculum to include specific learning objectives, faculty involved, and expected outcomes for the modules, courses, lessons or classes as described in paragraphs 1.6.1 and 1.6.2, for each course 2) a detailed program schedule for each course based on the program curriculum, and 3) detailed status of faculty and staff, enrichment workshops, program execution, student research/collaborative work area, required textbooks/materials, library access, parking permits, administrative services, and draft completion certificates as described in paragraphs 1.6.3 through 1.6.8 and paragraph 2.1 and subparagraphs for each course (CDRL A002).

1.6.2.2 Contractor shall prepare a singular Progress Report on program status to include program adjustments, changes, or modifications that occurred since submission of the program management plan, as well as any problems encountered and recommended solutions to unresolved issues for each course. The progress report shall not exceed 500 words (CDRL A003).

1.6.2.3 Contractor shall prepare a singular Final Report on the program to include program adjustments, changes, or modifications that occurred since submission of the Progress Report, as well as any problems encountered and recommended solutions to unresolved issues for each course. The final report shall not exceed 1500 words (CDRL A004).

1.6.3 Provide at least three enrichment workshops with local government and business.

Ensure enrichment workshops have relational connections to the modules, courses, or classes described in paragraph 1.6.1. Enrichment workshops shall be designed to provide students with common shared experiences and shall be conducted during the SLFP Spring Term.

1.6.4 Provide learning sessions and instruction to 10 Government civilian students in the SLFP, as delineated in paragraphs 1.6.1 through 1.6.3, during the SLFP Spring Term at the Contractor campus facilities or as designated in Paragraph 1.4.

1.6.5 Provide a student research/collaborative work area at Contractor campus during the SLFP Spring Term that meets the following minimum requirements: 1) A conference room with table and seating for up to 18 participants, 2) 10 laptops with internet access and networked printer access, 3) One (1) networked printer capable of high-quality, color printing and/or timely professional printing services, and 4) An appropriate supply of printer paper.

1.6.6 During the SLFP Spring Term, provide each student with standard and customary university administrative services, to include at a minimum: 1) All required textbooks, information, materials, and extraordinary equipment necessary for program completion, 2) Contractor research library access and privileges, and 3) A comprehensive, all-access vehicle parking permit.

1.6.7 Upon successful program completion, provide each student with: 1) An official transcript of their records, 2) A professional, official certificate of completion, at least 8.5 x 11 inches, embossed with appropriate logos to indicate successful completion of the SLFP, and 3) An 11” x 14” dual-picture black wood frame to include a framed and matted 5” x 7” display certificate and a 5” x 7” color, group photograph of the fellows’ cohort.

1.6.8 Conduct a student orientation and enrollment session. This session may be timed to conform to the Contractor’s normal enrollment timeframe for the spring semester classes of 2026 (or spring semester of applicable option period).

1.6.9 Work collaboratively with Government program manager(s) to coordinate capstone topics, transportation requirements, SME visits, and administrative support.

1.6.10 Provide a venue (auditorium or similar) at Contractor campus to support the kickoff and graduation events identified in paragraph 1.6.1. The venue must support up to 150 people.

2.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

2.1 Personnel.

2.1.1 Qualifications. The Contractor shall provide personnel with the necessary pedagogical knowledge, training, qualifications, and experience to accomplish all task requirements identified in this PWS. The vast majority (at least 90%) of the faculty professors for the program shall possess a Ph.D. (or equivalent, or higher) from an accredited college or university and have taught at the graduate level in a university setting for a minimum of two (2) years. Personnel qualifications may be assessed by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) prior to commencement of work and prior to any change in Contractor personnel.

2.1.2 Faculty Mentors. The Contractor shall provide a pool of personnel with the necessary training, experience, and qualifications to act as faculty mentors for program participants. The faculty mentors’ primary purpose is to facilitate and guide students’ concept/topic synthesis with regard to their final capstone project (i.e., help students make connections among seemingly unrelated notions). The faculty mentor pool shall provide a minimum of 90 combined contact hours and be available for student interaction during the SLFP Spring Term.

2.1.3 Program Director. The Program Director provides senior managerial oversight of the Contractor’s execution of the SLFP outlined in paragraph 1.6 and subparagraphs. Duties include:

1) Coordination of SLFP activities with Faculty Mentors (paragraph 2.1.2), Professors of Record (paragraph 2.1.5), Session Professors (paragraph 2.1.6), Government and industry leaders, and other program stakeholders. 2) Provides oversight of, and direction to, the Program Coordinator (paragraph 2.1.4), and 3) Addresses issues that arise throughout the program.

2.1.4 Program Coordinator. The Program Coordinator is the coordination and operational focal point for the SLFP outlined in paragraph 1.6 and subparagraphs. Duties include: 1) Coordination of SLFP activities with Faculty Mentors (paragraph 2.1.2), Professors of Record (paragraph 2.1.5), Session Professors (paragraph 2.1.6), Government and industry leaders, and other program stakeholders. 2) Drafts the topical outline, detailed outline, progress reports, and final report 3) Coordinates capstone topics, enrichment workshops, SME visits, and requests for Government transportation, 4) Plans and executes the kickoff and graduation events, 5) Orchestrates the student orientation and enrollment session, 6) Oversees the student research/collaborative work area, 7) Prepares student program completion materials, 8) addresses issues that arise throughout the program, and 9) Provides oversight of, and direction to, the Coordinator Assistant (paragraph 2.1.7)

2.1.5 Professors of Record. The Professors of Record conducts the 3-credit hour, graduate-level course on group collaboration, teambuilding, and conflict resolution, and the 3-credit hour course on strategic deterrence or international relations, and assesses student performance for courses and program completion.

2.1.6 Session Professors. Session Professors conduct learning sessions with the students by providing subject matter expertise on the academic topics listed in paragraph 1.6.1. Each learning session shall provide students with a minimum of 2.5 contact hours.

2.1.7 Coordinator Assistant. The Coordinator Assistant is an undergraduate student worker that assists the Program Coordinator (paragraph 2.1.4) during the SLFP Spring Term.

2.1.8 Contractor shall provide executive-level, senior representatives from the university to participate in the Contractor Senior Leader interchange on perspective and expectations (graduation).

2.2 Travel. No travel is anticipated for this requirement other than as referenced in Paragraph 2.6.1.5.

2.3 Security. This requirement is UNCLASSIFIED; therefore, no security clearances of contractor personnel are required. If the Contractor has reason to believe that the work will or has become classified, then it shall inform the COR immediately. If the COR determines that knowledge or any part of the work is classified, then the Contractor shall ensure classified information is handled in accordance with DoDM 5220.22-M, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM).

2.4 Publications – Release of Information. Contractor shall submit to the USSTRATCOM Program Manager and COR any proposed press release, article, paper, report, or presentation material related to this requirement for approval prior to public release. Submission shall be made at least 45 days prior to the desired information release date.

2.5 Quality Control. Contractor shall act in accordance with the Performance Work Statement (PWS) and shall make technical recommendations to the Government in regards to future deliverables and subsequent procurement decisions. Contractor shall have a continuing obligation to inform the Government of known problems and issues with any of the requirements. Deliverables and recommendations shall be provided for Government review and approval. Government COR oversight, and all Contractor efforts under this program shall be conducted in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP).

2.6 Special Considerations. This effort is a collaboration of the Contractor and USSTRATCOM, and as such relies on the full participation of the US Government sponsor, USSTRATCOM.

2.6.1 Government Support. The Government shall appoint a primary COR in support of this requirement. The Government shall also provide additional support outlined in 2.6.1.1 – 2.6.1.7.

2.6.1.1 The Government shall provide a minimum of three (3) SMEs to engage students on topics congruent with the curriculum identified in paragraph 1.6.2 above. During the course of program execution, each SME shall provide at least two (2) contact hours with the student group.

2.6.1.2 The Government shall provide one or more program managers. Program managers shall ensure completion of Government support tasks, interface with Contractor program directors and coordinators, assist students with the organizing, prioritizing and planning aspects of program execution, assist with the process and requirements for project publishing in defense journals, and provide a minimum of 10 contact hours per student.

2.6.1.3 The Government shall provide executive-level, senior representatives to participate in the USSTRATCOM Senior Leader presentation and interchange on perspective and expectations (kickoff), and the capstone project presentation event.

2.6.1.4 The Government shall ensure all SME and program manager contact hours are complementary to, and de-conflicted with, the student group’s normal curriculum schedule.

2.6.1.5 On up to three (3) separate occasions, the Government shall provide group transportation to and from enrichment events or other scheduled curriculum activities. For these instances, the Government shall provide same-day transportation from the Contractor campus to an event/activity with a return to the Contractor campus. Transport shall provide seating for a minimum of 19 personnel to include: one driver, 10 students, four (4) SME/program facilitators, and four (4) contractor personnel. Trip duration shall be limited to no more than seven (7) hours and a total of 150 miles.

2.6.1.6 The Government shall provide topics for student capstone projects no later than 1 November of applicable base or option period. The intent is for each capstone project to be near submission-ready quality for publishing in appropriate defense journals as well as briefed to Government senior representatives during the capstone project presentation event.

2.6.1.7 The Government shall provide names of primary and alternate students no later than 15 December of applicable base or option period.

2.7 Deliverables to COR. Deliverables specified herein shall be produced in digital electronic copy using media compatible with Government software (Microsoft Office applications and Adobe Acrobat). Although an electronic copy is required, USSTRATCOM reserves the right to request additional paper copies of the deliverables. The format of the deliverables is at Contractor discretion. A summary of Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) deliverables are listed in 2.7.1 – 2.7.4.

2.7.1 CDRL A001 – Program Management Plan Outline. The program management plan outline provides technical, management, and schedule data. It outlines the contractor’s approach to perform the effort. Contractor shall develop a program management plan outline in the form of a topical outline of the training program with a projected timeline of events for both courses during the SLFP Spring Term. Delivery is due not later than 1 November of applicable base or option period.

2.7.2 CDRL A002 – Program Management Plan. The program management plan provides technical, management, and schedule data. It describes in detail the contractor’s approach, resources, and needs to perform the effort. Contractor shall develop and adjust a program management plan to include: 1) a detailed description of the program’s curriculum to include specific learning objectives for each course, faculty involvement, and expected outcomes for the modules, courses, lessons or classes as described in paragraphs 1.6.1 and 1.6.2, 2) a detailed program schedule based on the program curriculum for each course, and 3) detailed status of faculty and staff, enrichment workshops, program execution, student research/collaborative work area, required textbooks/materials, library access, parking permits, administrative services, and draft completion certificates as described in paragraphs 1.6.3 through 1.6.8 and paragraph 2.1 and subparagraphs. Delivery is due not later than 1 December of applicable base or option period.

2.7.3 CDRL A003 – Progress Report. The singular progress report provides the Government with a means to evaluate and monitor contractor progress in performing the effort. Contractor shall prepare a Progress Report on program status to include program adjustments, changes, or modifications that occurred since submission of the program management plan, as well as any problems encountered and recommended solutions to unresolved issues for each course. The progress report shall not exceed 500 words. Delivery is due not later than the midpoint of the SLFP Spring Term plus five business days.

2.7.4 CDRL A004 – Final Report. The singular final report provides the Government with a means to evaluate and monitor contractor completion in performing the effort for each course.

Contractor shall prepare a Final Report on the program to include program adjustments, changes, or modifications that occurred since submission of the Progress Report, as well as any problems encountered and recommended solutions to unresolved issues for each course. The final report shall not exceed 1500 words. Delivery is due not later than 31 July of applicable base or option period.

2.7.5 CDRL Table

CDRL Title Delivery

A001

Program Management Plan Outline as described in paragraph 1.6.1 and 2.7.1

Delivery is due not later than 1 November of applicable base or option period.

A002

Program Management Plan as described in paragraph 1.6.2.1 and 2.7.2

Delivery is due not later than 1 December of applicable base or option period.

A003

Progress Report as described in paragraph

1.6.2.2 and 2.7.3

Not later than the midpoint of the SLFP Spring Term plus five business days. Progress Report shall not exceed 500 words.

A004

Final Report as described in paragraph

1.6.2.3 and 2.7.4

Delivery is due not later than 31 July of applicable base or option period. The final report shall not exceed 1500 words.

3.0 SERVICES SUMMARY TABLE

Performance Objectives PWS Paragraphs

Performance Thresholds

TASK - Develop, refine, coordinate and execute the SLFP based on curriculum outlined in PWS paragraph 1.6.

1.6 through 1.6.10.

Performance is acceptable when SLFP modules, courses, and classes are delivered in accordance with accepted Program Schedule and Curriculum 90% of the time.

CDRLs

2.7 through

2.7.4

Performance is acceptable when 95% of deliverable requirements are met and received on time. Critical information is accurate. No more than two sets of corrections/edits; for accuracy or agreed to format; all corrections must be accomplished within four business days.

3.1. Initial Meeting. For the base period, a post-award, pre-performance meeting is required prior to the commencement of performance. For option periods, the Government COR and the Contractor SLFP Program Director (paragraph 2.1.3), shall jointly determine the requirement for an initial meeting.

4.0 WORKING SPACE/MATERIAL/GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY

4.1. Working Space. As required to complete tasks, the Government shall provide necessary working spaces, access, systems, digital certifications, and network administrative support for Contractor efforts at USSTRATCOM facilities. Working spaces shall include, but not be limited to the following: desks, chairs, telephones, computers, printers, copiers, facsimiles and utility service. The Contractor shall ensure that all employees practice utility conservation within Government working spaces.

4.1.1. All communications with DoD organizations are subject to communications security (COMSEC) review. Contractor personnel shall be aware that telecommunications networks are continually subject to intercept by unfriendly intelligence organizations.

4.1.2. The DoD has authorized the military departments to conduct COMSEC monitoring and recording of telephone calls originating from, or terminating at, DoD organizations. Therefore, Contractor personnel are advised that any time they place a call to, or receive a call from, a United States Air Force (USAF) organization, they are subject to COMSEC procedures. The Contractor shall assume the responsibility for ensuring wide and frequent dissemination of the above information to all employees dealing with official DoD information.