Attachment I.pdf

Performance Work Statement

1.0 DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

1.1 Introduction. This is non-personal services Multiple Award Contract (MAC). The contracts are for the continued development and expansion of the USNCC Consortium for Integrated Academic Solutions (CIAS), supporting the strategic growth and outreach of USCC. The contracts awarded are also firm-fixed price, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) awards and support a broad range of academic offerings. IDIQ award and associated membership in USNCCs Consortium constitutes the Contractor (here forward partner institution) as a preferred provider of integrated academic solutions.

The Contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to provide academic programs and services as defined in this Performance Work Statement (PWS). The Contractor shall perform to the standards outlined in this contract.

1.2 Purpose. The purpose of this requirement is for the USNCC to continue growth of high-quality, naval-relevant programs for the maritime services that are readily accessible, low cost, and scalable.

Under this contract, the USNCC envisions providing academic programs and services leading to approximately 15-20 different associate degrees, as well as embedded and stand-alone certificates, micro-credentials, and courses in both technical and non-technical fields of study. The USNCC will accomplish this goal by expanding the USNCC Consortium with higher education institutions across the United States.

1.3 Background. USNCC is the official community college of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.

Mission The U.S. Naval Community College mission is to advance warfighting advantage and enhance operational readiness by providing world-class, naval relevant education to a globally deployed force.

Vision College will develop warfighters across the force who are committed to lifelong learning, are steeped in Naval traditions and values, have sound leadership qualities and ethical decision-making ability, possess improved critical thinking and technical skills and have a deep understanding of the complex maritime environment in which they operate.

1.3.1 History

On February 5, 2019, the Secretary of the Navy issued the Education for Seapower (E4S) Decision Memorandum calling for a bold new direction for naval education. The E4S Decision Memorandum ordered, among other things, the development of a comprehensive naval education strategy. A primary objective of the Strategy was the creation of the United States Naval Community College (USNCC).

The images below provide an overview of the USNCC’s history and timeline.

Current enrollment in USNCC programs exceeds 7,000 students across all degree and certificate programs and seven Consortium partners. Over the span of this contract, USNCC plans to actively enroll thousands more students in both current and projected programs. Upon reaching full operational capacity and funding, USNCC will have the institutional capacity to serve up to approximately 10k-15k students serving across the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.

1.3.2 Naval Services Alignment and Relevance. A fundamental tenet of the USNCC is its alignment to the missions and requirements of the Naval Services. USNCC has established an Executive Steering Committee and advisory groups and sought out subject matter experts to provide strategic oversight and guidance, support “naval-ization” of learning outcomes; and ensure program outcomes align to USNCCs mission and vision.

1.3.3 Program Design. USNCC programs are designed in a modular fashion with certificates, offered as stand-alone credentials and stackable towards an associate degree, built into each program. These credentials align with each student’s chosen professional interests while also fostering the intellectual skills needed to ensure the US remains at the forefront of the world’s maritime forces.

1.3.3.1 All USNCC associate degree programs consist of the following three main components:

a. A Naval Studies Certificate (taught by the USNCC) which counts as 15 of the 60-65 credits required for the associate degree to support ethical decision-making, naval history, geopolitics, and civil-military relations.

b. Intellectual Skills (taught by USNCC or by the USNCC’s partner institution) which includes, but is not limited to, general education courses such as English and math.

c. Professional certificates, taught by the USNCC’s consortium partner institution, which include coursework in a particular concentration.

1.4 USNCC Consortium.

The USNCC is an educational association created with private and public, two and four-year, higher education institutions that offer accredited undergraduate degree programs. USNCC aims to achieve its mission through the continued growth of the Consortium which includes contracting with exceptionally qualified civilian higher education institution(s) to provide a broad range of educational services to USNCC students.

1.4.1 Consortium Agreement. The USNCC Consortium Agreement (Reference Attachment 1 USNCC Consortium Agreement) clearly defines institutional roles and responsibilities, credit transfer and articulation, assessment and oversight, faculty requirements, admissions, and academic recourse for students who leave USNCC or the services prior to degree attainment.

1.4.2 Directionality. The current Consortium Agreement consists of terms for bilateral transfer of credit, i.e. transfer of credit between USNCC and a single institution. In the future, USNCC plans to evolve the Consortium into a multi-lateral model (Association Consortia) which will include transfer of credit(s) between USNCC and partner institutions as well as transfer of credit between partner institutions.

1.4.3 Credit Articulation. The current Consortium Agreement consists of terms for bilateral articulation of credit between USNCC and one partner institution. As part of the Consortium Agreement, USNCC and the institution will also agree and sign a bi-directional articulation agreement that will govern bi-directional transferability between the institutions.

1.4.4 Consortium Membership. The Consortium is a critical component of USNCCs programs.

Award of the IDIQ assumes alignment with the tenets and agreement to participate in the Consortium.

1.5 Partnership Model.

Key features of the USNCC partnership model include the following:

1.5.1 Shared Vision and Goals – share USNCCs mission, vision, and goals, ensuring that all parties are working towards the same outcomes.

1.5.2 Planning and Decision – contribute their expertise and resources to inform the partnership’s direction and initiatives.

1.5.3 Integrated Operations – blend of necessary operations to function more efficiently, such as sharing administrative tasks, coordinating schedules, and sharing data.

1.5.4 Flexibility – responsive to changing needs, customizing programs or services to meet the specific needs of the USNCC and services in a unique context.

1.5.5 Coordinated Support – all facets of the student learning journey, e.g. admissions, enrollment student support, academic advising, and communications, are coordinated across institutions.

1.6 Partner Profile

USNCC will contract with institutions that have the following attributes:

1.6.1 High-Quality, Innovative Programs and Approaches – offer exceptional, cutting-edge educational programs. This involves adopting modern teaching methods, incorporating technology, and creating innovative curricula that align with the needs of the military and evolving industries. Programs will be predominantly delivered remotely to globally deployed service members, so digital-first, online-delivery and support is critical.

1.6.2 Leverage Latest Military and Industry Trends – continuously update programs to reflect the latest developments in both military and civilian industries. This includes integrating current trends in technology, policy, and operational practices into the curriculum.

1.6.3 Recognized as Exceptional in Their Fields – recognized for their excellence in specific fields of study that are highly aligned to industry requirements, government and non-government certifications, and competencies, which includes holding specialized accreditations, such as Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB); industry certifications such as those offered by the Computing Technology Industry Association (COMPTIA); and DOD recognition such as designation as a Center for Excellence (e.g. Cybersecurity, Military Health Systems).

1.6.4 Committed to Student Access and Success – Have exceptional academical outcomes while firmly committed to expanding student access. his includes flexible learning options, comprehensive student support services, and clear pathways to academic achievement.

1.6.5 Comprehensive Student Support – provide holistic support to help students succeed, including academic, career, and personal support services. This ensures that military students are guided through every aspect of their educational journey.

1.6.6 Military-Forward and Friendly – go beyond simply accommodating military students— they actively prioritize their needs and recognize the unique value they bring. This includes valuing military training, providing pathways to degree completion as well as educating campus departments on the diverse profiles of USNCC Students.

1.6.7 Robust Credit for Training and Experience – processes for recognizing and awarding credit for prior learning (CPL), military training and experience.

1.6.8 Four-year Pathways – established, pathways to earning bachelor’s degrees that are fully online and asynchronous at accredited institutions.

1.6.9 Student-first Philosophy – share USNCC’s student-first philosophy:

1.6.9.1 Building Accessibility and Transparency into All Aspects of the Student Experience.

Institutions must make every step of the educational journey accessible and clear, from admission to graduation.

1.6.9.2 Meeting the Unique Needs of Students with Empathy and Problem-Solving. Military students often face unique challenges, such as deployments or service-related stress. USNCC values partners who are empathetic and proactive in addressing these issues.

1.6.9.3 Creating Equitable Environments by Removing Barriers. Actively work to remove unnecessary barriers, whether financial, academic, or administrative, to create an inclusive environment for all students.

1.6.9.4 Tracking the Working Adult Student Experience. Closely monitor adult students as a unique population - tailoring services to help them balance work, education, and personal responsibilities.

1.6.9.5 Working Toward Debt-Free Graduates. Firmly committed to minimizing student debt.

1.7 Data Sharing

Comprehensive data collaboration between USNCC and each partner institution is key to maximizing program outcomes and scalability. To support USNCCs data sharing goal while allowing those higher education institutions with smaller information technology teams to succeed as members of the USNCC Consortium, the USNCCs IDIQ contract will include Data Sharing Tiers (Reference Attachment 2:

CIAS Data-Sharing Technical Requirements) that reflect the partner institution's data sharing capabilities at the time of award. USNCC will base student enrollment and task order credit allotment on these Tiers.

2.0 SCOPE AND ORDERING

USNCC will build a Consortium of partner institutions to support USNCC’s strategy. The scope of this contract includes ongoing efforts to enhance the consortium’s infrastructure, ensure the offering of high-quality academic offerings and associate student support, integrate academic technologies, and facilitate the scalability of solutions to meet the evolving needs of member institutions. The IDIQ award will encompass preferred providers that USNCC determines have academic rigor; innovative programs and programming; and can successfully perform the functional, data, and service requirements outlined in the performance work statement. The scope of the services that the Contractor will provide include the following:

2.1 Definitions. See Attachment 3 USNCC CIAS Definitions

2.2 Degree Granting. USNCC offers associate degrees and certificates in conjunction with its partner institutions.

2.3 Associate Degree. USNCC is currently in the process of pursuing accreditation with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education Commission. Prior to USNCC achieving accreditation, the partner institution will be the degree granting institution. Upon achieving degree-granting authority, USNCC intends to become the primary associate degree grantor after an agreed upon period of time. Regardless of degree-granting status, USNCC will offer its degree programs via consortium.

2.4 Certificate. During the entire contract period, the partner institution will be the grantor of professional certificates in the concentration. USNCC will award the Naval Studies certificate.

2.5 Academic Offerings. During the contract period, USNCC will provide a full range of academic offerings at USNCC and via the Consortium.

2.6 Degrees. The degrees awarded will be as follows:

2.6.1 Associate Degree. USNCC will offer the associate degree via the partnership institution until such a time as USNCC becomes a degree granting institution as outlined above. Following is the current, and anticipated associate degree types:

2.6.2 The Associate of Science (AS) highly rigorous in nature, sets the students on transfer paths to bachelor's degree programs in associated program areas. Aptitudes and skills gained should meet professional requirements and lead from an AS seamlessly to four-year programs (with at least one online pathway) at accredited transfer institutions in appropriate bachelor's level degrees. Preference will be given to Contractors with bona fide online four-year pathways from the AS.

2.6.3 The Associate of Arts (AA) highly rigorous in nature, sets the students on transfer paths to bachelor's degree programs in associated program areas. Aptitudes and skills gained should meet professional requirements, if any, and lead from an AA seamlessly to four-year programs

(with at least one online pathway) at accredited transfer institutions in appropriate bachelor's level degrees. Preference will be given to Contractors with bona fide online four-year pathways from the AA.

2.6.4 The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) focuses on applied concentrations and job readiness. Aptitudes and skills gained should meet professional requirements that lead to an AAS degree and professional or industry certifications. All parties understand that transfer from AAS programs to bachelor’s level degrees (including at least one online pathway) may entail additional coursework to meet bachelor’s degree requirements. Preference will be given to Contractors with bona fide online four-year pathways from the AAS.

2.6.5 Other Associate Degrees USNCC will consider associate degree type and nomenclature outside those listed above (e.g. Associate of Engineering) on a case-by-case basis.

2.7 Certificate. The Certificate consists of a targeted set of courses that lead to a credential.

These professional and occupational courses will also provide a basis for the degree concentration. For USNCC programs, all certificates will be available as stand-alone programs and embedded within an associate degree

2.8 Non-degree programs and courses USNCC expects that non-degree courses and non-degree programs will be offered by USNCC and via the partner institution.

a. Courses for degree-seekers. Partner institutions and USNCC may deliver intellectual skills (gen ed), elective, and concentration courses as part of the associate degree curriculum.

b. Non-degree Programs. USNCC non-degree programs will consist of single, stand-alone courses and suites of courses leading to emergent achievement artifacts such as micro-credentials and badges awarded by the partner institution or USNCC (post-accreditation).

2.9 Academic Program Classification. Attachment 4 USNCC Academic Program Classification details the taxonomy and scope of USNCC academic programs at the time of the writing of the PWS and includes current, planned, and potential future programs

2.10 For the purposes of this IDIQ, the classification includes Field at the highest level with associated degrees, and certificates falling under the Field category.

2.11 Non-academic Services. USNCC aims to continue contracting with high-quality institutions that can support a deeply interconnected partnership model. This includes functional and ancillary services for admission and enrollment, online course delivery, and student support for all awarded programs.

2.12 Ordering. Orders off this IDIQ contract (task orders) will be Firm Fixed Price

2.13 Task Orders will be written at the credit level.

2.14 The number of credits per period of performance will vary and will span all Fields, and academic offerings, at an individual partner institution.

2.15 If the Contractor has credit cost variations for different academic offerings, Field, or programs:

2.16 The Contractor shall submit separate cost proposals for each associate degree and certificate, within a field, and

2.17 The Contractor shall submit price variations for individual courses upon USNCC request for the Contractor to offer such courses or suites of courses. The KO will determine if the price variation warrants a modification to the IDIQ or task order.

2.18 Addition of degrees, certificates, courses or suites of courses to a Contractor’s academic offerings during the contract may, or may not, impact targeted credits.

2.19 USNCC will modify credits for each task order based on student interest, needs of the services, and contractor performance.

2.20 USNCC may, at USNCCs sole discretion, modify the number of credits (up or down) for any task order during the contract period.

2.21 Enrollments. At the initial award, USNCC will provide the target number of enrollments for all academic offerings (degree and non-degree). Actual enrollments over the course of the contract will vary depending on the following factors: Breadth or Specialization; Data Sharing Tiers; and other factors outlined in 2.6.

2.21.1 Due to the likelihood of student attrition and the need to replace vacant seats, the estimated enrollment does not represent the number of unique, named students who enroll.

Rather, it signifies the number of students, in general, who are enrolled at the partner institution for any academic offering during the Periods of Performance.

2.22 Stages and Timing. Launching a new program consists of the onboarding and implementation stage with no USNCC students taking any courses followed immediately by the transition and execution stages with students enrolled in courses. The table below outlines the stages and general timing from contract award (new partners) or new program initiation (existing partners) through to standard operations.

3.0 TASKS

3.1 Accreditation. The Contractor shall maintain accreditation of their academic institution and academic programs, including any specialized accreditation and state approval. The Contractor shall notify USNCC within 30 days of any negative action(s) taken related to accreditation status or other programmatic recognition(s).

3.1.1 USNCC Accreditation and degree-granting. The Contractor acknowledges that USNCC will receive accreditation during the course of the IDIQ contract. The Contractor further acknowledges that the Contractor will be the associate degree grantor until USNCC becomes accredited at which point USNCC intends to become the primary degree grantor after an agreed upon period of time.

3.1.1.1 The Contractor shall actively support USNCC during the degree-granting transition.

3.2 Teach-out.

The Contractor shall maintain a teach out plan in the event of Contractor program discontinuation or institutional closure, ensuring students can complete their programs or transfer to accredited institutions.

The plan must remain compliant with accreditation and regulatory requirements.

3.3 Consortium.

The Contractor shall agree to join a bilateral consortium agreement with the USNCC. To review the Consortium Agreement (reference Attachment 1 USNCC Consortium Agreement).

3.4 Academic Offerings.

The Contractor shall provide academic instruction and programming.

3.4.1 Associate Degree. The Contractor shall provide academic services, including academic instruction, for an associate degree. The associate degree, when granted by the Contractor, shall be:

a. no less than 60 credits (semester hour or equivalent)

b. online and asynchronous

c. an Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Arts (AA)

d. an Associate of Applied Sciences (AAS)

e. include a professional certificate that is:

1. fully embedded in the associate degree without extending time to the associate degree.

f. Reference 3.4.2

3.4.1.1 The associate degree, once USNCC becomes a degree grantor, will come from USNCC.

3.4.2 Professional Certificate. The Contractor shall provide academic services, including academic instruction, for an online, asynchronous professional certificate.

3.4.2.1 The professional certificate shall:

a. consist of courses approved by USNCC (generally, six to eight courses), and

b. correspond to the associate degree subject area, and

c. be offered as a stand-alone credential that students can directly be enrolled in separate to the associate degree, and

d. be offered fully embedded in the correlated associate degree

e. Reference 3.41

3.4.3 Non-Degree, Non-Program enrollments. The Contractor shall enroll identified students (in non-degree seeking status) into individual courses, or a suite of courses and award credit upon successful completion honoring all financial terms and conditions outlined below.

3.4.3.1 Pre-requisite and remedial courses. The Contractor shall include all pre-requisite and potential remedial courses in the Academic Degree Plan. USNCC will determine whether pre-requisite or remedial courses will be allowed. If allowed, USNCC will determine the maximum number of courses that USNCC will fund.

3.4.4 Naval Relevance. The Contractor shall provide customization and contextualization to meet the specific naval requirements of the USNCC consistent with the Contractor’s institutional policies.

3.4.4.1 Customization USNCC will collaborate with the Contractor to customize academic offerings, as needed, to meet specific naval requirements or programmatic learning outcomes. This may involve revising program outcomes, and adding, removing, or exchanging courses.

3.4.4.1.1 USNCC will scope an institution’s customization capabilities during the solicitation process.

3.4.4.1.2 USNCC will determine if the Contractor’s capabilities to tailor curricula meet the USNCC’s needs.

3.4.4.1.3 The Contractor should be willing to make curricula adjustments throughout the course of the contract to benefit the services.

3.4.4.2 Contextualization. The Contractor shall take quantifiable steps to “naval-ize” course content while maintaining course integrity and faculty autonomy. Steps may include, but are not limited to, faculty development related to the USNCC program and goals; adapting course content or assignments in standardized syllabi to enhance naval relevance; and guiding faculty on incorporating assignment options that support naval students’ focus on naval-relevant areas.

3.4.5 Transitioning Consortium Students. The Contractor shall, at task order award, provide a plan detailing how they will manage and support Transitioning Consortium Students where the student is no longer participating in the USNCC program. This plan should ensure a seamless transition and continued support for students, even in the event that a particular program is phased out or discontinued.

3.4.5.1 For Transitioning Consortium Students, the Contractor shall:

3.4.5.1.1 Allow students to complete their program of study at the Contractor’s institution, honoring the other non-financial terms of this task order, and

3.4.5.1.2 Actively manage and support students in transferring to another comparable Consortium partner institution and program.

3.4.5.1.3 Provide a list of alternative courses to any USNCC Naval Studies courses that the student did not complete prior to transitioning to facilitate the award of the degree or certificate.

3.4.5.1.3 Reference 3.2.

3.4.6 USNCC Delivered Courses. Current USNCC delivered courses include English 101 and the five courses of the USNCC Naval Studies Certificate. For descriptions and further information on USNCC courses see Attachment 5 USNCC Naval Studies Certificate and Attachment 6 English 101 Overview.

3.4.6.1 While the degree grantor, the Contractor shall maximize credit acceptance for USNCC delivered courses into the Contractor’s academic degree plan following the contractor’s standard articulation policies and procedures using:

a. ACE recommendations where applicable (See Attachment 7 ACE Recommendations for NS Courses), or

b. reciprocity of accredited courses, or

c. the contractor’s internal course evaluation process

3.4.6.2 The Contractor shall accept the five Naval Studies courses and USNCCs English 101 (as needed), into the Contractor’s Academic Degree Plan at a minimum, for a total of 18 credits.

3.4.6.3 The Naval Studies Certificate is a required component of USNCC programs. The Contractor shall avoid taking steps that impede student completion of the Naval Studies courses while enrolled in the program. The Contractor shall:

a. Train advisors on the USNCC program, the agreed Academic Degree Plan, DON and DHS services goals, including the criticality of the Naval Studies Certificate to the program and services.

b. Report instances of students wanting to depart from the agreed program plan to USNCC within three (3) business days.

c. Refrain from having students take Contractor courses as a substitute for Naval Studies courses, and flag/notify USNCC of students who are within twelve (12) credits of graduating who have not completed all Naval Studies courses.

3.4.6.4 The Contractor shall articulate additional USNCC developed courses, during the contract period, following the requirements outlined in 3.4.6.1, if those courses fit seamlessly into the Contractor’s Academic Degree Plan.

3.4.7 Four-year Pathway(s). The Contractor shall have established bachelor's degree pathways.

3.4.7.1 AS/AA. The Contractor shall have one (or more) established articulation agreement(s) with an accredited four-year institution approved by USNCC. To be approved by USNCC, the four-year institution must:

a. be an accredited institution

b. offer fully online asynchronous bachelor's degree programs.

c. offer a minimum of one degree program related to the awarded associate degree(s).

d. accept program to program or 2+2 transfer agreement for the proposed associate degree program.

3.4.7.2 AAS. The Contractor shall have at least one pathway to a relevant bachelor's degree program with a 2+2 transfer agreement and may also have pathway(s) to more rigorous programs that may require additional coursework beyond the AAS program.

3.4.7.3 At USNCC direction, the Contractor shall work with USNCC to identify and establish additional four-year transfer pathways in accordance with the USNCC Consortium Agreement.

3.4.7.4 The Contractor shall have a plan for supporting students who choose to transition to:

a. one of the Contractor’s bachelor's degree programs, or

b. one of the Contractor’s 2+2 pathway partners, or

c. another institution besides those listed above.

3.5 Course Delivery. In support of Task 3.4

3.5.1 The Contractor shall deliver courses listed in the USNCC approved academic degree plan (ADP) as frequently as possible, but at a minimum of three terms per academic year. Courses shall be:

a. open to all the Contractor’s students unless an exception is agreed to by USNCC.

b. six to ten weeks unless an exception is agreed to by USNCC.

c. fully online and asynchronous

3.5.1.1 In limited circumstances, the Contractor shall, with bilateral agreement between the Contractor and USNCC, enroll students in an in-person or hybrid version of a course, honoring all other terms of this contract. These circumstances include:

a. a student lives in proximity of a campus, and

b. attendance of on-ground or hybrid classes will not disrupt the student’s performance of job duties, and

c. the student has requested and in-person course and been approved by the Contractor and

USNCC, and

d. the online and residence courses are consistent with one another.

3.5.2 The Contractor shall make all academic resources that are available to other students available to USNCC students when USNCC students are enrolled in a course regardless of type of academic offering, type of student, or modality.

3.5.2.1 The Contractor shall have the capabilities to provide a smaller or greater number of course seats with associated resources, at USNCC direction during a period of performance.

3.5.3 In limited circumstances, the Contractor shall adapt course length as mutually agreed between USNCC and the Contractor. Examples of limited circumstances are as follows:

a. advanced level courses requiring additional time, or

b. courses that require a longer period of study to maximize student success.

3.5.4 The Contractor shall demonstrate an aggregate student: faculty ratio of no more than 25:1 unless approved otherwise by USNCC.

3.6 Instructional Materials. Digital materials are strongly preferred and should be used exclusively, if feasible. The Contractor shall provide and distribute all instructional materials (including labs or other required course instructional materials) available digitally for the USNCC’s globally distributed student population.

3.6.1 The Contractor shall seek to identify the most cost-effective instructional materials, including Open Educational Resources (OER), digital materials, and/or digital rentals where possible.

3.6.2 The Contractor shall verify students are provided with applicable instructional materials no later than five (5) days prior to course start regardless of modality or type of materials.

3.6.3 If the Contractor is not using currently using 100% digital materials, the Contractor shall provide the following as part of the non-price quote:

3.6.3.1 a plan and associated timeline to reach that goal for USNCC students as part of the Contractor’s proposal, and

3.6.3.2 a plan for how non-digital resources will be disbursed to globally deployed students no later than five days before the start of the course.

3.7 Academic Records and Credentials. The Contractor shall work with USNCC to align enrollment and academic record management policies and processes.

3.7.1 Transfer Credit. The Contractor shall award the maximum transfer credit possible.

3.7.1.1 The Contractor shall disclose and have clear processes related to credit for prior learning (CPL).

CPL may include but are not limited to evaluation and review of military experience and education captured on the Joint Services Transcript (JST), as well as any CPL coming from prior college coursework, AP credits, CLEP, professional certifications, work history, or self-directed study.

3.7.1.2 With reference to internal Contractor policies, American Council on Education (ACE) recommendations, or internal review, the Contractor shall offer appropriate transfer credit for military training (including courses and experience) completed throughout students’ entire military service.

3.7.1.3 The Contractor shall accept the digital submission of the student’s JST as an official record of training and courses taken that may be eligible for credit towards the degree program, including training received as a service member.

3.7.1.3.1 The Contractor shall accept the record of college-level courses taken at other institutions when recorded on the JST without the need to request the original transcript from the other institution consistent with their policies for credit transfer.

3.7.1.3.2 The Contractor shall accept (un)official transcripts for the purpose of awarding transfer credit for courses and credits not captured on the JST.

3.7.1.3.3 If the Contractor requires official transcripts for transfer credit not captured on the JST, the Contractor shall, in order of USNCC preference from most to least preferred:

a. provide provisional transfer credit based on unofficial transcripts for initial advising, or

b. require new students to submit official transcripts by the end of their first term in the program, or

c. require new students to submit official transcripts prior to beginning their first term in the program.

3.7.1.4 For new students, the Contractor shall transmit all transfer credit evaluations based on JST or any other unofficial or official student credit transfer records as early as possible and no later than 8 weeks after new students’ first term in their program of study for new students

3.7.1.5 For continuing students, the Contractor shall transmit all transfer credit evaluations based on JST or any other unofficial or official student credit transfer records within 6 weeks of student submission of any additional documentation thereafter.

3.7.1.6 The Contractor shall accept the digitally transmitted record of USNCC courses completed as the official USNCC transcript.

3.7.2 Eligibility. The Contractor shall implement processes in accordance with USNCC-prescribed eligibility for the registration of new and continuing students in Contractor courses.

3.7.2.1 New Students. The USNCC will provide the Contractor new student eligibility status according to the admission timelines established (reference 3.10)

3.7.2.1.1 USNCC considers all applicants initially submitted to the Contractor to be new students eligible to take a course with USNCC funding.

3.7.2.1.2 Students in their first term will be eligible to enroll in one course and either an orientation or lab component unless USNCC grants an exception.

3.7.2.1.3 The Contractor shall disenroll students at USNCC direction:

3.7.2.1.3.1 The USNCC will inform the Contractor of change(s) of status or target start date via manual updates or data exchange transmissions.

3.7.2.1.3.2 USNCC will update new admit eligibility statuses up to the add/drop deadline.

3.7.2.1.3.3 The Contractor shall take appropriate administrative course drop actions within two business days upon receipt of USNCC directives or by the add/drop deadline, whichever comes first.

3.7.2.2 Continuing Students. The USNCC will transmit eligibility status and the number of courses and credits that a student is eligible to take at the Contractor institution no later than four weeks prior to the start of each Contractor term.

3.7.2.2.1 The Contractor shall enroll, disenroll, and change course load of students at USNCC direction:

a. The USNCC will inform the Contractor of change(s) of status or target via manual updates or data exchange transmissions up until the add/drop deadline.

3.7.2.2.2 The Contractor shall take appropriate administrative course drop, add, or change actions within two business days upon receipt of USNCC directives or by the add/drop deadline, whichever comes first.

3.7.2.3 All Students. The Contractor shall be solely responsible for consistently monitoring and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of the dynamic Eligibility List.

3.7.2.3.1 The Contractor shall take all necessary administrative actions based on the latest list and change directives from USNCC.

3.7.2.3.2 USNCC will not provide funding to the Contractor for any students who are not on USNCC Eligibility List at the drop/add deadline. The Contractor shall provide the COR with documentation should there be a discrepancy.

3.7.2.3.3 In the event the Contractor is unable to contact a student not listed or removed from the Eligibility List and the Contractor decides not to administratively withdraw said student, the Contractor shall not pass the financial burden to the student.

3.7.2.4 Self-funded Courses. The Contractor shall inform USNCC of any student self-funded course(s) via data sharing protocols by indicating the following:

a. self-funding and course registration via the course registration feed and at the latest via the course Census feed.

b. course completion via the course completion feed.

3.7.2.4.3 USNCC will discourage students from self-funding courses at the Contractor institution while taking a USNCC Naval Studies course.

3.7.2.4.4 The Contractor shall monitor, enroll, and dis-enroll USNCC students as required by the actions above.

3.7.2.4.5 The Census data feed should contain all dropped courses, all self-funded courses as well as a final list of students enrolled in USNCC-funded courses for that term.

3.7.2.4.5.1 Post census date - the Contractor shall document, substantiate and provide a mitigation plan for any modifications to the Census data feed.

3.7.2.4.5.2 The Contractor shall submit documentation, in writing and using USNCC template, to the USNCC Registrar within 48 hours of discovery for validation and corrective action.

3.7.3 Evaluated Education Plan. Upon student acceptance to the program, the Contractor shall draft an approved evaluated education plan (academic advisory report (AAR)) (e.g. AAR, or Military Degree Plan) for that student with details proscribed by USNCC.

3.7.3.1 The report shall be delivered to USNCC in a standardized digital format, in either XML or CSV twice a year in the first year of the partnership, and every term starting in the second year of the program, or at USNCCs request and with content directed by USNCC.

3.7.4 Transcripts; Audits; and Graduations and Commencement Exercises. The Contractor shall provide transcript, audit, and graduation services to USNCC students.

3.7.4.1 The Contractor shall provide a degree audit for each USNCC student’s certificate and overall degree components of the program plan requirements at least twice a year, as well as upon directives from USNCC or upon request by USNCC students.

3.7.4.2 The Contractor shall abide by the fee terms outlined herein.

3.7.4.2.1 Reference 3.15.

3.7.5 FERPA. The Contractor shall adopt USNCC’s FERPA waiver process in order to allow the sharing of student information data between the institutions.

3.7.5.1 The USNCC will require all applicants to digitally sign their FERPA waiver with their Common Access Card (CAC) to validate their identity during their application process, and prior to any digital data transmission with the Contractor.

3.7.5.2 The Contractor shall provide USNCC with the Contractor/s FERPA for review and if necessary, development of a shared USNCC and Contractor FERPA waiver.

3.7.5.3 The Contractor shall facilitate USNCCs final approval of the FERPA waiver according to USNCC determined timeline.

3.7.5.4 Once operational, USNCC will transmit digitally signed copies of student FERPA Waivers to the Contractor during USNCCs transmission of the new applicant feed.

a. The Contractor may waive the need for this transmission at any time in writing via email.

3.8 Strategic Communications. The Contractor shall coordinate with USNCC to develop strategic communications that are fully aligned.

3.8.1 The Contractor shall provide strategic communication deliverables, processes, and information relating to:

3.8.1.1 Marketing, website(s). The Contractor shall:

a. provide content review and approval to inform program datasheet & flyer,

b. use approved USNCC and Department of Navy imagery to include seals, emblems, logos, and

DVIDS photography to represent organizations and operations.

c. provide technical content to USNCC and conduct review of complementary associate degree and standalone certificate program pages on the USNCC website.

d. coordinate social media and other external communications with USNCC including social media, articles, and marketing materials.

3.8.1.2 Landing Pages. Development of associate degree program and certificate pages on the Contractor’s website is not a task or requirement under this contract. Should the Contractor choose to develop such pages, the Contractor must facilitate USNCC review and obtain approval prior to publication.

3.8.1.3 Press releases, and other related materials for public affairs. The Contractor shall:

a. publish press release announcement to raise awareness of programs, in coordination with USNCC public affairs and communications staff to include final review.

b. provide institutional quotes and final review of related USNCC press release(s) to raise awareness of programs.

c. coordinate any other public affairs efforts with USNCC so they are complementary to USNCC efforts.

3.8.1.4 USNCC Student Data. The Contractor shall protect USNCC student data as outlined in 3.13.

3.9 Student Communications. The Contractor shall take steps to align the Contractor’s USNCC related student communications to those of USNCC.

3.9.1 The Contractor shall provide a list of current time-bound automated email and other communications that the USNCC students might receive as part of their experience in a format determined by USNCC.

3.9.1.1 These communications will include the automated communications that applicants and students might receive during their experience at the Contractor.

3.9.2 Upon USNCC review, the Contractor shall modify automated email content or formulate new additional emails to USNCC students to minimize confusion and boost student learning outcomes.

3.9.3 The Contractor shall not publish or otherwise transmit communications related to USNCC programs without USNCC consent and approval.

3.9.4 USNCC will share USNCC student communications with the Contractor to increase alignment.

3.10 Admission and Enrollment Process. The Contractor shall streamline the application and enrollment processes to minimize steps and requirements for participating students.

3.10.1 Upon receipt of new applicants, the Contractor shall send an admission decision no later than three weeks prior to the student’s target program start date. Admission statuses include admit, deny, waitlist, or recommendation to defer for a future start date.

3.10.1.1 All schools must accept and ingest any data received from USNCC related to new applicants to minimize instances by which applicants have to re-enter the same information in PI systems as compared to the data points they have already provided to USNCC. The data sharing process to be discussed in 3.10.

3.10.1.2 The Contractor shall actively work to support students in the collection of necessary documentation, and in taking any steps necessary to enroll in, in a way that is consistent with how they support non-USNCC students and with processes agreed upon with USNCC.

3.10.1.3 The Contractor shall not require the collection of official higher education transcripts for purposes of acceptance into their program

3.10.2 Student Admission Eligibility. The Contractor shall consider all enlisted service members sent in the new applicants feeds by USNCC

3.10.2.1 The Contractor shall accept USNCC attestation of high school completion or GED, via the Joint Service Transcript (JST) or via USNCC attestation.

3.10.2.2 If the Contractor is unable to accept USNCC’s attestation of high school completion at proposal submission, then the Contractor shall:

a. provide a Contractor’s proposal that will include requirements from applicants in providing their high school graduation (e.g. documentation required, timeline for submission prior to admissions decision, any regulations that might impact an applicant’s admissions status.

b. provide a mitigation plan to assist impacted applicants with clear and timely steps required to submit their proof of high school completion.

c. provide a plan for initiation or completion of high school requirements for any applicants who might be considered under the Contractor’s Ability to Benefit (AtB) policies

3.10.3 Contractors shall inform USNCC if the Contractor can accept completion of the USNCC Naval Studies Certificate in lieu of a High School Diploma for students who may not have completed a High School Diploma or equivalent.

3.10.4 The Contractor shall provide a dedicated or specific point of contact (e.g. enrollment coach, admission counselor etc.) for admission questions and support.

3.11. Support Services. The Contractor shall provide support services to USNCC students across all time zones and shall accommodate students located in remote areas with limited bandwidth commensurate with services provided to all other students.

3.11.1 The Contractor shall provide advising, coaching and support services via individual staff at a level consistent with the student to staff ratio in place at their institution. Services and resources include:

3.11.1.1 Training for current staff or specialized staff serving as advisors/coaches to USNCC students-Collaboration with the USNCC Student Success team to continue optimizing advising/coaching best practices to:

a. refer students to Contractor’s resources (e.g. tutoring, writing support, library resources) they need to complete their coursework,

b. assist students with the eligibility and course registration for Contractor’s courses, and

c. address any questions students have related to their progress in the program.

3.11.2 If the Contractor does not currently provide customized support for specialized programs or populations, the Contractor shall indicate how they will serve and support the USNCC population of students in such a way that takes into account their unique needs and aspects of the program and enrollment.

3.11.3 The Contractor shall provide proactive advising and retention support at a level that is equivalent to that provided to all other students

3.11.4 As directed by USNCC and consistent with Contractor policies, the Contractor shall collaborate with the USNCC to disseminate information or provide additional support that may apply, or is specific, to USNCC students (e.g. payment, registration process, and access to digital course materials).

3.11.5 The Contractor shall actively promote continued enrollment and retention of USNCC students commensurate with services provided to other students. This may include successful course completion, and early or proactive outreach to students who are at risk or struggling academically.

3.11.6 The Contractor shall provide technology support (e.g. helpdesk) to accommodate a global student population to include: knowledge management articles; specific, published times when live support is available, appointment-based guidance and support center ticketing.

3.11.7 Responses to student issues should be made within no more than 24 hours during the week and no later than the next business day on weekends and holidays.

3.11.8 The contractor shall implement military-friendly policies, such as allowing students to withdraw without penalty or to receive incompletes due to military service obligations such as deployment or other operational requirements.

3.12 Data Sharing. The Contractor shall have a data sharing and integration protocol to support delivery of all facets of the academic programs. The USNCC will determine the method and timing of data sharing, the protocol (to include USNCC defined data dictionary, format, and data exchange cadence, process, and procedures), and the Application Programming Interface (API) configuration, as required.

3.12.1 Reference: Attachment 2 Data Sharing Technical Requirements.

3.13 Usage of Data. While USNCC students authorize the disclosure of PII with the Contractor by signing a FERPA waiver, data sharing by the Contractor shall only be used for the purposes of providing education to the participating student, consistent with contractual or other regulatory requirements. The Contractor shall protect student data.

3.13.1 the Contractor shall not use individual or aggregate USNCC student data for reporting or public disclosure except for as required by regulatory bodies and mandatory reporting.

3.13.2 the Contractor may use USNCC student data in its reporting only when DFARS 252.204-7012 standards are followed; it is aggregated with non-USNCC students; USNCC students cannot be identified as a group; no specific PII is released; and that no individual student can be identified from the released data.

3.14 Data Security. Privacy Act Notification-52.224-1. The Contractor will be required to design, develop, or operate a system of records on individuals, to accomplish an agency function subject to the Privacy Act of 1974, Public Law 93-579, December 31, 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) and applicable agency regulations. Violation of the Act may involve the imposition of criminal penalties.

Reference 3.14

3.14.1 The Contractor shall safeguard covered defense information, including USNCC student data (PII), as per DFARS 252.204-7012 Safeguarding Covered Information and Cyber Incident Reporting as well as safeguard USNCC student data (PII) consistent with the rules of the Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99). Any cyber incidents that occur must be reported as per specified in DFARS 252.204-7012 and

SECNAVINST 5239.19A.

3.14.2 The Contractor shall have in place an Information Security Plan (ISP) that outlines the manner in which the institution will meet appropriate data/information security standards. The Contractor will implement information security controls that supports the establishment of a secure and resilient system for the storing of USNCC student information. Such controls will be operational, technical, and management in nature with a focus on standards and/or guidelines utilized for the purpose of maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of USNCC student information (i.e., NIST SP 800-53).

a. The Contractor shall communicate any cyber incidents that occur to the COR within six

(6) hours of said incident and prior to the submission of a formal incident report in accordance with DFARS 252.204-7012.

b. The Contractor shall represent whether cloud computing will be used in the performance of the contract (DFARS 252.239-7009 Representation of Use of Cloud Computing).

3.15 Cost and Invoicing. General. The Contractor shall provide costs and invoicing as detailed below.

3.15.1 The…