Attachment A - Statement of Work.pdf

SOW – Graduate Level Distance Learning

STATEMENT OF WORK

BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO,

FIREARMS AND EXPLOSIVES

NATIONAL CENTER FOR EXPLOSIVES

TRAINING AND RESEARCH

GRADUATE LEVEL DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES (CLINS 0001, 1001, 2001,

3001 AND 4001)

LABORATORY FEES (CLINS 0002, 1002, 2002, 3002 AND 4002)

STATEMENT OF WORK

1.0 GENERAL

This Statement of Work (SOW) is for graduate level distance learning and associated laboratory courses in fire and explosives related forensic science leading to the issuance of a Graduate Certificate or Certificate of Completion by a fully accredited college/university in support of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) arson and explosives training programs.

2.0 BACKGROUND

ATF is a primary Federal Law Enforcement agency with fire and explosives related jurisdiction responsible for administering and enforcing criminal and regulatory provisions of Federal law. In order to carry out this primary mission, ATF maintains a cadre of highly trained special agents who are classified as Certified Fire Investigators (CFI), Certified Explosives Specialist (CES) and Industry Operations Investigators (IOI).

ATF CFI personnel are responsible for conducting investigations involving violations of federal arson laws; conducting forensic scene examinations and investigations of fire incidents to determine origin and cause; identification, collection, analysis and preservation of evidence; providing expert witness testimony in state and federal jurisdictions regarding the origin and cause of fires; and providing technical support to other Federal, state and local agencies regarding the investigation and forensic reconstruction of fire scenes. ATF CFI personnel complete a rigorous two-year training and certification program that includes formal courses, independent study and research, graduate level course work in fire forensics, and practical field experience, which is closely evaluated by a senior CFI mentor during the two-year training process. The majority of the formal training courses are sponsored by ATF and are delivered by the Fire Investigation and Arson Enforcement Division (FIAED) at the National Center for Explosives Training and Research (NCETR) located on Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Alabama. The expected outcome of the CFI two-year candidacy program is to provide the special agents with enhanced investigative capability based on training in scientific and technical aspects of fire forensics, fire dynamics and fire science.

ATF CES personnel are responsible for conducting investigations involving violations of federal explosives laws and regulations; conducting investigations of explosions, both accidental and intentional; maintaining proficiency with the safe handling and disposal of explosives materials; and providing technical support to other Federal, State, and local agencies regarding explosives and destructive devices. The CES program requires special agents to complete a two-year training program that includes formal training courses, independent study, and graduate level course work coupled with practical field experience.

The majority of the formal training courses are sponsored by ATF and are delivered at the National Center for Explosives Training and Research (NCETR) located on Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Alabama. The expected outcome of the CES two-year candidacy program is to provide the special agents with enhanced investigative capability based on training in scientific and technical aspects of explosives technology, applications, and effects.

In 2015, the FIAED added a 15 credit hour academic component requirement to the CFI training curriculum. The academic component requirement includes graduate level coursework in the following:

• Fire forensics

• Fire science

• Fire dynamics

• Computer fire modeling

• Arson law and expert evidence

• NFPA 921/1033 methodology

• Electrical aspects of fire investigation

• Building construction

The result of this academic component is the receipt of a Graduate Certificate or Certificate of Completion in Forensic Science. The specific training requirements for the two-year CFI certification training program is outlined in ATF Order 3333.1A, Certified Fire Investigator Program.

In 2012, the ATF Certified Explosives Specialist (CES) Program added the certification requirement for CES candidates to complete 12 graduate level semester hours resulting in the receipt of a Graduate Certificate Forensic Science. This requirement is outlined in ATF Order 3323.1B, Certified Explosives Program. The forensic science academic credentialing includes, but is not limited to, the following:

Survey of forensic sciences Criminalistics and evidence analysis Chemistry of pyrotechnics Chemistry of explosives Advanced ordnance Explosives laws and regulations Law and expert evidence NFPA 921/1033 methodology Advanced electronics Destructive device exploitation/determination

This contract will be written and administered as an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with the issuance of Firm Fixed Price Task Orders. Therefore, each Task Order will be individually funded.

3.0 SCOPE

This contract provides graduate level distance learning in Forensic Science (Fire and Explosives Investigation) courses to ATF CFI, CES and IOI personnel. The courses must lead to the issuance of a Graduate Certificate in Forensic Science. The program must be able to award the certificate at the graduate level for personnel who possess an undergraduate or higher level of education. If the employee does not possess an undergraduate degree, a Certificate of Completion must be awarded.

This contract also provides advanced laboratory courses that may or may not be associated with continued online coursework. The tuition for courses (semester and/or laboratory) shall not exceed the in-state tuition rate that is offered to students outside this contract.

Any discount will be based on the total number of students registered.

The university must be accredited by one of the listed regional accrediting authorities:

• Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

• New England Association of Schools and Colleges

• Northwest Accreditation Commission / Northwest Commission on Colleges and

Universities

• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

• Western Association of Schools and Colleges

• Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

• Forensic Science Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC)

4.0 OBJECTIVES

The objective of this requirement is to provide ATF CFI and CES personnel with an academic credential resulting from the successful completion of formal graduate level distance education courses covering fire forensics, fire science, fire dynamics, arson law and expert evidence, NFPA 921/1033 methodology, electrical aspects of fire investigation, building construction, criminalistics, chemistry of pyrotechnics, chemistry of explosives, advanced ordnance, explosives laws and regulations, law and expert evidence, advanced electronics, and destructive device exploitation/determination. The anticipated credential is a Graduate Certificate in Forensic Science or Completion Certificate in Forensic Science, with an option to continue in an established program leading to a Master of Science degree in Forensic Science.

5.0 REQUIRED TASKS

The fully accredited college/university contractor shall provide all services necessary to perform the tasks outlined in this Statement of Work (SOW).

5.1 The contractor shall provide specific graduate level distance learning courses in fire and explosive related forensic science topics that lead to the issuance of either a Graduate Certificate in Forensic Science or Certificate of Completion in Forensic Science to a cohort of ATF special agents, which includes CFI and CES personnel.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_States_Association_of_Colleges_and_Schools http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_England_Association_of_Schools_and_Colleges http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northwest_Commission_on_Colleges_and_Universities http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northwest_Commission_on_Colleges_and_Universities http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Association_of_Colleges_and_Schools http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Association_of_Schools_and_Colleges

5.2 The following five core graduate level courses or equivalent are required in support of ATF’s CFI training program:

5.2.1 Methods in Fire and Explosion Investigation NFPA 921/1033. This course shall include, but not limited to, the following topics: Investigative methodology and investigation planning, legal considerations, safety, fire science, fire patterns, building construction and systems, origin determination, interviewing, investigation documentation, physical evidence collection, fire related human behavior, explosions, fire and explosion deaths and injuries, electricity, accidental fires, incendiary fires, vehicle fires, wildfire investigations, management of major investigations, qualifications for fire investigation, case studies, and emerging trends in scientific testing and research.

5.2.2 Fire Dynamics in Forensic Investigations. This course shall include, but not limited to, the following topics: The fundamentals of how chemistry, fire science, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer interact to influence fire behavior. Introductory level fire dynamics with an emphasis on how it can be applied to fire and explosion investigations. Combustion, fire chemistry, products of combustion, heat transfer, ignition, flame spread, burning rates, fire plumes, fuel/air explosions, compartment fire dynamics, ventilation limited fires, fire toxicity, introduction to computer fire models and the use of fire dynamics with the framework of the scientific method when applied to fire scene investigations.

5.2.3 Criminalistics and Evidence Analysis. This course shall include, but not limited to, the following topics: Crime scene investigation techniques and tools; analysis, operation, and function of the forensic laboratory;

application of scientific concepts; instrumentation and microscopy; use of physical evidence; and guidelines for quality control/assurance and accreditation in the gathering of evidence.

5.2.4 The Law and Expert Evidence. This course shall include, but not limited to, the following topics: Overview of how the law and the law of evidence affects the work of the forensic scientist. The legal process from the beginning of a case, most often the crime scene, through the legal process including the trial, appeals, and motions for a new trial. It should include at each stage the legal doctrines of interest to the forensic scientist such as chain-of-custody, work product privileges, laying the proper foundation, exhibits, and the standards necessary to obtain a new trial.

5.2.5 Advanced Fire Dynamics in Forensic Investigations. This course shall include, but not limited to, the following topics: Advanced concepts in fire dynamics such as ventilation effects and the application of fire dynamics principles to investigations.

5.3 The contractor shall make at least one offering of each of the above courses available to cohorts of ATF Special Agent/CFI personnel during a consecutive four-semester period (Fall, Spring, Fall, Spring) and must be willing to work with ATF in scheduling courses to fit the agency training mission.

5.4 The contractor shall make the following courses or equivalent available as part of the track for completion of a master’s degree in Forensic Science for ATF Special Agent/CFIs following completion of the Certificate in Forensic Science.

5.4.1 Computer Fire Modeling. This course shall include, but not be limited to, the following topics: introductory level, non-calculus-based instruction on how to create and run basic fire models and their appropriate uses and limitations with an emphasis on forensic applications; basic conservation equations; Cartesian coordinate systems; use of spreadsheets to create file models; installation and execution of the Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS);

writing of code to create an FDS model, techniques for modeling fire scenes; and verification/validation of fire modeling use.

5.4.2 Advanced Computer Fire Modeling. This course shall include, but not be limited to, the following topics: creating and use of fire models with a Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) to assist with fire investigations and trial advanced meshing techniques, modeling of wind and other ventilation sources, using model output to diagnose problem areas, and how to conduct sensitivity analysis of computer fire model results.

5.4.3 Basic Electrical Theory and Failure Analysis in Forensic Fire

Investigations. This course shall include, but not be limited to, the following topics: basic electrical failure analysis and familiarization with how electricity, electrical appliances, and electrical devices can be potential ignition sources; electrical theory; electrical wiring techniques;

circuit protection; appliance protection; identification of electrical melting on conductors; scene investigation methodology; current research topics;

and NFPA 921 considerations.

5.4.4 Advanced Electrical Theory and Failure Analysis in Forensic Fire Investigations. This course shall include, but not be limited to, the following topics: electrical charge, Coulomb’s Law, electric potential, electric and magnetic fields, electrostatic discharge, electromagnetic induction, Faraday’s Law, Lentz’s Law, transformers, three-phase systems, motors, power systems, and thermal degradation of insulation.

5.5 The following four core graduate level courses or equivalent are required in support of ATF’s CES training program:

5.5.1 Survey of Forensic Science. This course shall include, but not be limited to, the following topics: forensic science overview as it relates to the presentation of forensic evidence in criminal law procedures; the review of forensic evidence including pathology, toxicology, dentistry, DNA, death scene investigation, and criminalistics, among others; and a review by national standards boards and scientific and technical working groups.

5.5.2 The Law and Expert Evidence. This course shall include, but not be limited to, the following topics: an overview of how the law and the law of evidence affects the work of forensic scientist; and the legal process from the beginning of a case, most often the crime scene, through the legal process including the trial, appeals, and motions for a new trial. It should include at each stage the legal doctrines of interest to the forensic scientist such as chain-of-custody, work product privileges, laying the proper foundation, exhibits, and the standards necessary to obtain a new trial.

5.5.3 Chemistry of Explosives, Pyrotechnics, and Hazardous Materials. This course shall include, but not be limited to, the following topics: basic familiarization of the chemistry of explosives, pyrotechnics, improvised explosives and hazardous materials through a combination of traditional classroom presentations, online courses, and hands on laboratory experiments. Topics should also include chemistry and history of explosives, pyrotechnics, hazardous material, improvised explosives, clandestine laboratories producing illicit substances, clandestine laboratory safety and exploitation, field detection and characterization of improvised explosives materials, synthesis of improvised explosives materials and controlled substances, thermal susceptibility testing of explosives, neutralization and render safe of improvised explosives material, hypergolic reactions, current threat briefing, forensic analytical techniques, and GHS hazard information. This course has an associated 40-hour on-site lab requirement billable under CLIN 0002, 1002, 2002, 3002 and 4002.

5.5.3.1 The associated lab is a week-long course designed to provide students with an advanced understanding of the chemistry principles of pyrotechnics, propellants, and explosives. This course is specifically designed for individuals involved with the manufacture, management, identification, regulation, analysis, disposal, and/or use of all types of energetic compositions. Pyrotechnic and explosive chemistry principles discussed in lecture will be supplemented with hands-on laboratory, problem solving, and range demonstration exercises including pyrotechnic composition mixing, stoichiometric calculations and weighing, and sensitivity testing to characterize explosives.

5.5.3.2 These chemistry principles are presented in a manner to be understood and applied by bomb technicians and certified explosives specialists.

5.5.4 Blast Injuries and Effects. This course shall include, but not be limited to, the following topics: a comprehensive view into the nuances of the effects that explosives have on the human body; specifically, the primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary blast effects on the lungs, the cardiovascular system, neurological functions, integumentary systems, long bone extremities, optic system, and ophthalmic system; and the appropriate triage measures and means to quickly treat the most serious life-threatening conditions of victims to mass casualty explosive events. This course shall provide the opportunity to research a focus area of interest related to casualties of explosives events.

5.6 The following courses must be offered for consideration as electives for completion of a master’s degree in Forensic Science for ATF Special Agent/CESs following completion of the Certificate in Forensic Science.

5.6.1 Forensic Ordnance Identification & Recognition. This course shall include, but not be limited to, the following topics: the fundamentals of a practical deductive process used to identify unknown military ordnance, as well as the safety precautions that should be applied in order to minimize associated hazards. The course should focus on the identifiable construction features associated with how a munition is designed to function. This course has an associated 40-hour on-site lab requirement.

5.6.2 Methods in Fire and Explosives Investigation NFPA 921/1033. This course shall include, but not be limited to, the following topics:

investigative methodology and investigation planning, legal considerations, safety, fire science, fire patterns, building construction and systems, origin determination, interviewing, investigation documentation, physical evidence collection, fire related human behavior, explosions, fire and explosion deaths and injuries, electricity, accidental fires, incendiary fires, vehicle fires, wildfire investigations, management of major investigations, qualifications for fire investigation, case studies, and emerging trends in scientific testing and research.

5.6.3 Explosives/Arson Laws and Regulations. This course shall include, but not be limited to, the following topics: an overview and examination of the Federal statutes governing arson/explosives through analysis of interstate commerce issues, scrutiny of expert witnesses, and Fourth Amendment protections; an examination of the controls over explosives including the comprehensive regulations that govern those individuals who possess explosives materials; and licensing marking, safe storage, and classification of explosives.

5.6.4 Criminalistics and Evidence Analysis. This course shall include, but not be limited to, the following topics: crime scene investigation techniques and tools; analysis, operation, and function of the forensic laboratory;

application of scientific concepts; instrumentation and microscopy; use of physical evidence; and guidelines for quality control/assurance and accreditation in the gathering of evidence.

5.7 The contractor shall make at least one offering of each of the courses listed in 5.5 and

5.6 available to cohorts of ATF Special Agent/CES personnel during a consecutive four-semester period (Fall, Spring, Fall, Spring) and must be willing to work with ATF in scheduling courses to fit the agency training mission.

5.8 The contractor shall offer the Chemistry of Pyrotechnics and Explosives Laboratory as a stand-alone course for Certified Explosives Specialists (CESs) and Industry Operations Investigators IOIs).

5.8.1 Students who successfully complete the course shall receive a certificate of completion. Students who successfully complete the continued online coursework will acquire graduate level credits applicable to a degree or certificate program.

5.8.2 This week-long course will provide students with an understanding of the chemistry principles of pyrotechnics, propellants, and explosives. These chemistry principles are presented in a manner to be understood by students with minimal or no chemistry background and experience.

5.8.3 For IOI’s, the course is specifically designed for individuals with management, identification, regulation, analysis and/or use of all types of energetic compositions. Pyrotechnic and explosive chemistry principles will be discussed in lecture and supplemented with laboratory and/or range demonstrations.

5.8.4 For CESs, the course is specifically designed for bomb technicians and explosives specialists involved with the manufacture, management, identification, regulation, analysis, disposal, and/or use of all types of energetic compositions. Throughout the week, pyrotechnic and explosive chemistry principles discussed in lecture will be supplemented with hands-on laboratory, problem solving, and range demonstration exercises including pyrotechnic composition mixing, stoichiometric calculations and weighing, and sensitivity testing to characterize explosives.

5.9 The contractor shall flexibility regarding unscheduled events. The contractor shall be capable of working with special agents who may be unable to meet deadlines due to unscheduled events with as little as a one-day notice. The contractor shall provide the special agent a reasonable amount of time to complete assignments, prior to the start of the subsequent semester.

5.10 The contractor shall annually review course critiques with the Explosives Enforcement and Training Division and the Fire Investigation and Arson Enforcement Division. This review will ensure the content meets ATF’s evolving explosives and fire training needs.

5.11 The contractor shall work with the Explosives Enforcement and Training Division and the Fire Investigation and Arson Enforcement Division personnel in the development of additional advanced level courses deemed necessary to meet ATF’s expanding and/or changing training needs.

6.0 DELIVERABLES

The contractor shall ensure the accuracy, functionality, completeness, professional quality, and overall compliance with government guidelines/requirements of the deliverables.

Written documents shall be concise, succinct and clearly written.

The contactor shall accept, as a transfer credit, courses successfully completed at an accredited academic institution prior to award of this contract. These transfer credits are to include courses completed by CFI, CES and IOI personnel as outlined in the respective orders.

7.0 CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL

It is the contractor’s responsibility to ensure their staff is educated/trained to perform this contract pursuant to the requirements of their accrediting authority; and to ensure there is an adequate level of support maintained at all times.

8.0 KEY PERSONNEL

The below positions are considered Key Personnel. These positions are suggested types of Key Personnel required to perform the services identified in this SOW; however, it is the Contractor’s responsibility to identify the correct personnel necessary to perform under this requirement. If the identified position title is different for the services identified, please provide your corresponding position title.

-Professor

-Assistant Professor -Associate Professor -Adjunct Professor -Graduate Teaching Assistant

9.0 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The place of performance will be based out of the college/university contractor’s physical location with an established program for distance learning courses.

10.0 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The performance of this requirement is a one-year base period with four one-year option periods (for a total of 60 months if all options are exercised).