Attachment 3 - TO 0001 PWS (5-31-2024).docx

Defense Human Resources Activity (DHRA)

Defense Language and National Security Education Office (DLNSEO)

Performance Work Statement DLNSEO Language Instruction Services Promotional Material

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The Defense Language and National Security Education Office (DLSNEO) requires contracted services of language, regional expertise, and culture (LREC) instruction to Active Component, National Guard, Reserve Component, and/or Department of Defense (DoD) civilians (hereafter referred to as “DoD personnel”) in response to DoD training needs. The training will be held at U.S. accredited institutions of higher education (IHEs). A database of all accredited U.S. IHEs is provided by the U.S. Department of Education at https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/home.

2.0 BACKGROUND

2.1 DLNSEO leads the nation in recruiting, training, sustaining, and enhancing language and culture capabilities to ensure national security and defense readiness by:

a) Building a highly-qualified pool of U.S. citizens with foreign language and international expertise committed to public service through programs and policies.

b) Leading the Department’s strategic policy planning regarding foreign language, culture, and regional expertise for Department of Defense personnel.

c) Providing programmatic oversight of high-value national security and Defense training and education initiatives; and

d) Ensuring national and Departmental governance through the National Security Education Board and the Defense Language Steering Committee, as well as other organizational and professional bodies.

2.2 DLNSEO manages several language training initiatives, one of which is the Language Training Center (LTC) Program. The LTC Program was established in 2011 under Section 529 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2010 to accelerate the development of foundational or higher-level expertise in strategic languages and regional studies for DoD personnel by leveraging U.S. IHEs to meet the existing and demonstrated training needs of DoD units, offices, or agencies.

2.3 Over the past five years, the LTC program has provided grants to 10 higher education institutions that delivered over 1,400 language, regional studies, and culture courses to more than 10,000 Department of Defense employees, including Active Duty military, National Guard, Reserve, and civilian personnel. Over 2,500 DoD personnel completed intensive language training, consisting of 120 or more hours of instruction resulting in increased language proficiency. Additionally, the number of languages taught has increased, demonstrating the capacity of the LTCs to utilize local resources in meeting DoD training needs. Each center has an institutional capacity to provide customized training to meet the specific needs of various DoD entities. Each of the LTCs provide:

a) Training to DoD personnel that yields measurable language skills in reading, listening, and speaking;

b) Training to DoD personnel in critical and strategic languages that are tailored to meet operational readiness requirements, and

c) Alternative training of delivery systems and approaches to meet language and regional area studies requirements of DoD personnel, whether pre-, during, or post-deployment.

In the past, training provided by the LTCs included but is not limited to the following:

a) Instruction in Arabic, Chinese, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Kurdish, Pashto, Persian (Dari & Farsi), Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Slovak, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Thai, Ukrainian, Urdu, and occasionally other requested languages.

b) Intensive language courses for DoD personnel who have achieved intermediate to advanced level proficiency in the target language and want to sustain or increase their language proficiency.

c) Iso-immersion courses that offer advanced level students the opportunity to communicate with native speakers in a simulated learning environment.

d) Short duration pre-deployment training for National Guard and Reserve Components to provide language and cultural awareness training

e) Video teleconference courses for units, offices, or agencies that are able to offer DoD personnel release time for participation but are unable to fund travel and per diem expenditures.

f) Asynchronous online courses that allow DoD personnel to complete work while maintaining their typical work schedule.

g) Basic acquisition training to provide language and culture training to DoD personnel who begin with no prior knowledge of the proposed language.

IHEs experienced with the LTC pedagogical approach, and that developed models to provide critical foreign language instruction to DoD military and civilian personnel can be found at https://www.dodltc.org/. LTCs at these IHEs have a broad range of staff including instructors, language subject matter experts (SME), language training supervisors, and project managers Language instructors possess undergraduate degrees or higher (or equivalent), are experienced in teaching adults using proficiency-oriented methods and materials aimed at all ILR skill levels, and have four years or more of experience in teaching the target language to adult learners in an intensive, proficiency-oriented environment.

2.4 The LTC Program awards IHE grants for the purpose of exploring the instructional model and building a curricular foundation. As stated earlier, the LTC Program is the partnership between higher education institutions and DoD units, organizations, or agencies. This PWS allows DLNSEO to provide DoD components the opportunity to further expand and offer additional features that are not presently offered through the LTC Program.

3.0 SCOPE

DLNSEO seeks the creation of outreach and publicity material for the Language Instruction Services (LIS) initiative to solicit Department of Defense components to partner with DLNSEO for the purpose of ordering LIS task orders for language and teacher training courses.

The outreach material will be built upon the fundamental structure of the LIS requirement. Training will be available through a portfolio of IHEs via individual task orders including definitive task requirements, nature and scope of work, deliverables, and special requirements. The training will be in the following functional languages: Arabic (incl Levantine dialect), French, Indonesian, Korean, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Persian (Dari, Farsi, Tajik), Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese. Instruction may include regional and cultural components, or teacher training. Language instruction services are provided beyond those available at the grant-funded LTCs. Instruction shall be offered virtually, at an IHE, or at a Government facility, as defined by DoD organization or agency within each task order.

Students participating in the training will be Department of Defense civilian, military active duty personnel, or National Guard, some of whom may be serving in language-dependent assignments. Instruction shall include development of the speaking, listening, reading, and (as an ancillary ability) writing skills required to interact effectively with foreign nationals and members of a host country’s military. All work within this contract is at the classification level of UNCLASSIFIED.

Instruction will occur using a variety of methodologies:

· Platform-based instruction is provided within a physical facility where instructor and students are present with one another.

· Distance-based instruction is provided over the internet were instructor and students are not physically present with one another and utilize the assistance of a learning management system (e.g., Blackboard, Canvas, Moodle). Instruction can occur synchronously (with instructor and students interacting live and at the same time) or asynchronously (with instructor and students not interacting live).

· Iso-immersion instruction within the context of this requirement is to be provided domestically within the United States, and is intended to simulate living and learning in an environment where the language and culture are native to the area.

4.0 REQUIREMENTS The Contractor Shall:

4.1. Create and provide handout material

4.1.1 Create a professional quality promotional one-pager, palm card brochure, and course catalogue of the LIS for DoD components that will potentially use this instrument for their training needs.

4.1.2 Provide soft-copy (digital) versions of the documents listed in 4.1.1 that can be forwarded to DoD components or be used for web delivery.

4.1.3 Provide 300 hard-copies each of the one-pager and palm card.

4.1.4 Provide 100 hard-copies of the course catalogue.

4.2 Create and provide professional quality slide decks of the LIS for DoD components that will potentially use this instrument for their training needs.

4.2.1 Provide an extended slide deck presentation of up to 30 pages.

4.2.2 Provide a more concise five-page slide deck for shorter presentations.

4.3. Participate in a Post Award Conference. This meeting shall provide the Contractor personnel and Government personnel the opportunity to discuss technical and logistical details associated with the requirement. The Post Award Conference will aid both the Government and Contractor in achieving a clear and mutual understanding of all requirements, and identify and resolve any potential issues. The Contractor shall be prepared to discuss any items requiring clarification and gather information as necessary to support each deliverable.

5.0 DELIVERABLES

The Contractor shall provide deliverable(s) in a format mutually agreed upon by the Government and the Contractor. All deliverables will be reviewed for timeliness, accuracy, and format. If a deliverable due date falls on a weekend or holiday, the Contractor shall submit the deliverable on the last workday prior to the due date. In fulfillment of this effort, the Contractor shall provide the following deliverables to the COR.

4.1.3 Provide draft versions of material within 30 days of task order start and final products within 60 days of task order start

4.2.2 Provide draft versions of material within 30 days of task order start and final products within 60 days of task order start

5.1 The contractor shall report contractor labor hours (including subcontractor labor hours) required for performance of services provided under this contract via the System for Award Management (SAM) (https://sam.gov) in accordance with DFARS 252.204-7023.

6.0 TRAVEL

6.1 Travel is not required for this effort.

7.0 RECORDS MANAGEMENT

7.1 The Contractor shall comply with all applicable records management laws and regulations, as well as National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) records policies, including but not limited to the Federal Records Act (44 U.S.C. chs. 21, 29, 31, 33), NARA regulations at 36 CFR Chapter XII Subchapter B, and those policies associated with the safeguarding of records covered by the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a). These policies include the preservation of all records, regardless of form or characteristics, mode of transmission, or state of completion.

7.2 In accordance with 36 CFR 1222.32, all data created for Government use and delivered to, or falling under the legal control of, the Government are Federal records subject to the provisions of 44 U.S.C. chapters 21, 29, 31, and 33, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), as amended, and the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a), as amended and must be managed and scheduled for disposition only as permitted by statute or regulation.

7.3 In accordance with 36 CFR 1222.32, the Contractor shall maintain all records created for Government use or created in the course of performing the contract and/or delivered to, or under the legal control of the Government and must be managed in accordance with Federal law. Electronic records and associated metadata must be accompanied by sufficient technical documentation to permit understanding and use of the records and data.

7.4 Defense Human Resources Activity and its contractors are responsible for preventing the alienation or unauthorized destruction of records, including all forms of mutilation. Records may not be removed from the legal custody of Defense Human Resources Activity or destroyed except for in accordance with the provisions of the agency records schedules and with the written concurrence of the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). Willful and unlawful destruction, damage or alienation of Federal records is subject to the fines and penalties imposed by 18 U.S.C. 2701. In the event of any unlawful or accidental removal, defacing, alteration, or destruction of records, Contractor must report to the COR and the Defense Human Resources Activity Component Records Management Officer at dodhra.mc-alex.dhra-hq.mbx.records@mail.mil so DHRA may report promptly to NARA in accordance with 36 CFR 1230.

7.5 The Contractor shall immediately notify the COR upon discovery of any inadvertent or unauthorized disclosures of information, data, documentary materials, records, or equipment. Disclosure of non-public information is limited to authorized personnel with a need-to-know in accordance with all applicable privacy, security, and information protection policies. The Contractor shall ensure that the appropriate personnel, administrative, technical, and physical safeguards are established to ensure the security and confidentiality of this information, data, documentary material, records and/or equipment is properly protected. The Contractor shall not remove material from Government facilities or systems, or facilities or systems operated or maintained on the Government’s behalf, without the express written permission of the COR. When information, data, documentary material, records and/or equipment is no longer required, it shall be returned to DHRA control or the Contractor must hold it until otherwise directed. Items returned to the Government shall be hand carried, mailed, emailed, or securely electronically transmitted to the COR. Destruction of records is EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED unless in accordance with Paragraph (17.4).

7.6 The Contractor is required to obtain the Contracting Officer’s approval prior to engaging in any contractual relationship (sub-contractor) in support of this contract requiring the disclosure of information, documentary material and/or records generated under, or relating to, contracts. The Contractor (and any sub-contractor) is required to abide by Government and Defense Human Resources Activity guidance for protecting sensitive, proprietary information, classified, and controlled unclassified information.

7.7 The Contractor shall only use Government IT equipment for purposes specifically tied to or authorized by the contract and in accordance with Defense Human Resources Activity policy.

7.8 The Contractor shall not create or maintain any records containing any non-public Defense Human Resources Activity information that are not specifically tied to or authorized by the contract.

7.9 The Contractor shall not retain, use, sell, or disseminate copies of any deliverable that contains information covered by the Privacy Act of 1974 or that which is generally protected from public disclosure by an exemption to the Freedom of Information Act.

7.10 The Defense Human Resources Activity owns the rights to all data and records produced as part of this contract. The Contractor shall not include any contractor markings on deliverables created under the contract. All deliverables under the contract are the property of the U.S. Government for which Defense Human Resources Activity shall have unlimited rights to use, dispose of, or disclose such data contained therein as it determines to be in the public interest. The contractor shall not use or disclose any data or deliverables under this contract for any purposes other than performing the contract, unless expressly approved by the Government.

8.0. SECURITY

8.1 Personnel Security. Overarching security requirements are unclassified. The contractor and subcontractor personnel under this contract will not require access to Federal Government resources such as, DoD network(s), Information Technology (IT) systems or other assets. Including, space, Government Furnished Equipment (GFE), DoD credentials, also known as the Common Access Card (CAC) for physical and logical access to federally controlled facilities on a recurring basis and or DoD Information Systems (IS) containing Personally Identifiable Information (PII) or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

8.2 Access to Sensitive Information. To the extent that the work under this contract requires the Contractor to have access to DoD sensitive information the Contractor shall after receipt thereof, treat such information as sensitive and safeguard such information from unauthorized use and disclosure. The Contractor agrees not to appropriate such information for its own use or to disclose such information to third parties unless specifically authorized by the Government in writing.

8.2.1 The Contractor shall: Establish appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect any and all non-public Government data to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of government data.

8.3 Conduct while on Government Installation. The Contractor shall not assign work or direct its employees to access government information, systems, or installations unless the employees have and maintain the required background investigation, clearances, and authorizations.

8.4 Weapons, Firearms, and Ammunition. Contractor employees are prohibited from possessing weapons, firearms, or ammunition, on themselves or within their contractor-owned vehicle or privately-owned vehicle while on all government installations.

8.5 Reporting Requirements. Contractor personnel shall report to an appropriate authority any information or circumstance of which they are aware that may pose a threat to the security of government or contractor personnel, resources, or information.

9.0 CYBERSECURITY

9.1 Cyber Incident Reporting. In addition to DFARS 252.204-7012, the Contractor shall notify the DMDC Incident Response (IR) team by emailing an initial cyber incident report to dodhra.dodc-mb.dmdc.list.ir-team@mail.mil, the Contracting Officer, and the COR within one hour of discovering any cyber incident. The Contractor shall follow up with a supplemental report every 24 hours until the incident is closed.

9.2 Information System Security. The Contractor shall implement IS security protections that are appropriate for the confidentiality, integrity, and availability needs of the contract. The protections must include the administrative, technical, and physical safeguards necessary to protect all nonpublic Government data.

10.0 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED ITEMS

10.1 The Government will provide summary information about the LIS for the promotional material, legacy data for the reporting tools, and contact information for potential video interviewees.

11.0 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

11.1 The oversight of the contract shall be conducted on the Contractor's premises.

12.0 QUALITY CONTROL

The Contractor shall implement and maintain a Quality Control Plan (QCP) to ensure work performed conforms to the scope of work and meets the requirements under this PWS. The QCP shall, at a minimum provide a method for performing inspections; identifying, correcting, and preventing problems/defective service; addressing customer complaints, and improving the quality of services over the life of the contract.

13.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE

13.1. The Government reserves the right to perform inspections and surveillance to evaluate the Contractor’s compliance to the contract terms and performance of the requirements in the PWS.

13.2. Contract Discrepancy Report (CDR). In the event of unsatisfactory Contractor performance, the COR or CO will issue a CDR that will explain the circumstances and findings concerning the incomplete or unsatisfactory service. The Contractor shall acknowledge receipt of the CDR and respond in writing as to how he/she shall correct the unacceptable performance and avoid a recurrence. The Government will review the Contractor's corrective action response to determine acceptability and will use any completed CDR as part of an overall evaluation of Contractor performance when determining present or future contractual actions.

14.0 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

15.0 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT SUMMARY (PRS)

15.1 Purpose. The PRS lists performance objectives for the required services the Government will surveil. The absence of any contract requirement from the PRS shall not detract from its enforceability nor limit the rights or remedies of the Government under any other provision of the contract including the clauses entitled “Inspection of Services” or “Inspection” or “Default” in Section E and Section I of the contract.

15.2 Components. The PWS states the performance objective (required service), and threshold (performance standard, accept and reject points (if applicable)) in either a qualitative or quantitative fashion for each critical success factor.

Performance Objective

PWS paragraph

Performance Standard/Acceptable Quality Level

a) 100% of deliverable requirements are met, accepted, and received on time

AND

critical information is accurate

b) 100% of deliverable requirements are met, accepted, received on time

AND

critical information is accurate

16.0 MANDATORY TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

Contractor employees performing under this contract shall complete the following mandatory trainings as stated within the base award of the contract for this task order.