Attch 1 - PWS - PM Academy and App Course.docx

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

FOR

AFLCMC Program Management (PM) Academy & PM Application Course In Support Of

AFLCMC/AQM & AFIT/LS

23 July 2021

Performance Work Statement (PWS) for AFLCMC Program Management (PM) Academy

1. INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND

As a result of proposed changes to the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Project Management (PM) certification standard, the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) is developing complimentary certification requirements. The scope of this PWS covers two courses required for certification: (1) PM Academy Course and (2) Application Course.

1.1. PM Academy Course

The PM Academy is fully developed and offerings have continued since the first course in September 2018. The course is full-time for 5-weeks per session. There are up to 5 sessions per year with 24-36 students in each session.

AFLCMC/AQ established the PM Academy Course to provide standardized, high-quality training to newly-hired AFLCMC program managers on a variety of defense acquisition topics to foster their growth. Using a mix of classroom instruction and exercises not typically taught in Defense Acquisition University classes, this tailored, hands-on course allows students to prepare and deliver mock presentations to senior leaders, build schedules, conduct technical evaluations, and learn other “day to day” PM core duties. Current Government employees teach the majority of the course. However, former senior Government employees recognized as experts in their field lead the last 6.5 days of the course. These 6.5 days consist of the following topics:

· Leadership Workshop Overview (Day 1)

· Intro to Program Management (Day 1)

· Requirements to Products Flow-Down Process (Day 1)

· Requirements Products Flow Down Exercise (Day 2)

· Acquisition Life Cycle Planning (Day 2)

· Program Schedule Management (Day 2)

· Managing Program Risk (Day 3)

· Market Research (Day 3)

· External Stakeholder Management (Day 3)

· Partnering with Industry (Day 4)

· Managing Successful Source Selections (Day 4)

· Contractor Assessment Reports (CPARS) (Day 4)

· Inspection, Acceptance and Delivery (Day 4)

· Life Cycle Sustainment Planning (Day 5)

· Emerging Acquisition Initiatives (Day 5)

· Problem Solving and Communication Management (Day 5/6)

· Program Leadership (Day 6)

· Senior Leader Panel Discussion (student presentation to panel members) (Day 6.5)

The scope of this effort is to deliver the last 6.5 days of the course.

1.2. Application Course

Unlike the PM Academy Course, the Application Course is not developed.

The intent of this course is to provide an opportunity for GS-13/NH-03/O-4 PMs to apply project management skills to case studies and a war game in order to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding and integration of acquisition concepts. This course should be accessible and understood by a project manager at that experience level, while also preparing them for future challenges they will encounter at the NH-04/O-5 level. Upon completion of contractor course development, the contractor will instruct the course. The Application Course falls under the purview of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT).

The scope of this effort is to develop (base), instruct (option), and update (option) the course.

2. REQUIREMENTS/DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

2.1. PM Academy Course

2.1.1. Training Delivery. The contractor shall provide instruction and support up to five (5) PM Academy sessions per year using the previously developed course material. Each session shall include 6.5 days of instruction as part of the larger 5-week program. Course delivery requires a minimum of one full-time equivalent (FTE) for days 1 through 6 of classroom instruction. The final half-day (0.5 days) requires participation of at least three instructors one of which will be the project lead, in a panel discussion to respond to student questions about instructors’ career experiences within the Air Force. The Project Lead shall moderate the panel, and questions from previous PM Academy sessions may supplement questions from the current session. Instructors supporting the panel shall have instructed for part of the previous 6 days, to ensure previous interaction with the students in the classroom. In order to keep the course material accurate, at the conclusion of each offering, the contractor shall update course material based on student and government PM Academy Coordinator feedback. Updates shall be approved by AFLCMC/AQM. The contractor shall not perform any work attributable to a specified session earlier than 30 calendar days prior to the specified session start date. In the event the Government does not conduct any session, the Contracting Officer shall notify the contractor, in writing, at least 30 calendar days prior to the contractor’s scheduled session start date.

2.1.2. Key Personnel. This effort is critical to the development of AFLCMC’s PM workforce. It requires contractor personnel with a breadth and depth of previous government experience with in-depth knowledge of the Department of Defense acquisition process, Air Force acquisition system, essential skills and best practices for successful program management, and the instructional elements necessary to foster student growth and accomplishment. To avoid an organizational conflict of interest situation, the contractor shall not be an employee of a DoD Original Equipment Manufacturer.

2.1.2.1. Instructors. The contractor shall provide instructors who have a minimum of 25 years’ experience leading complex Air Force acquisition programs, including an assignment as a: (1) Senior Materiel Leader, (2) a Program Executive Officer/Deputy, or (3) the commander or executive director of an acquisition center or major command within the Department of the Air Force. Instructors shall keep abreast of changes and current trends in the acquisition process to be able to develop new material for student consumption as acquisition emphasis changes, and to be able to respond accurately to student questions regarding new developments or processes. To support the diverse student population, collectively the instructor cadre (at least 3) shall meet the following demographic characteristics (one member can fill multiple criteria as long as all the criteria is met):

2.1.2.1.1. At least one female member

2.1.2.1.2. At least one male member

2.1.2.1.3. At least one retired military member

2.1.2.1.4. At least one “career civilian” member (i.e. retired from a civil service career, but never served in the military)

2.2. Application Course

The scope of this requirement includes the development of the course (base), course delivery (option), and course updates (option).

2.2.1. Course Development. The contractor shall develop a not-to-exceed 5 day in-residence course for an estimated 20 students / offering in accordance with AFH 36-2235 Vol 10 (www.e-publishing.af.mil) and the following course objective: “Apply project management skills to acquisition case studies/war-game to prepare for the Advanced Project Management Board certification.” The contractor shall complete course development no-later-than 9 months from authority to proceed.

2.2.1.1. Course Development Elements. Development shall incorporate the following elements:

- Critical thinking. Program Managers will have a practical knowledge of what it means to think critically, and how to overcome everyday problems and challenges associated with program cost, schedule, performance, and risk by applying critical thinking skills. Just as important, PMs shall learn to identify and avoid critical thinking missteps (biases, heuristics, and fallacies) so as not to waste time and energy focusing on things that have little to no impact on program success.

- A critical thinking / problem-solving framework. The intent is for students to use this framework to decompose case studies.

- Case Studies. The government anticipates 8-12 case studies, but the development contractor’s instructional strategy will drive the exact number. Case studies should cover a breadth of topics encompassing as many PM functional competencies, Adaptive Acquisition Framework Pathways and types of systems (satellite, aircraft, missile, etc…). At a minimum, the contractor shall provide case studies that cover at least three Adaptive Acquisition Pathways. Case studies shall be based upon real Department of Defense Acquisition programs (past or present). The intent of these case studies is to allow for a Harvard Business School Case Method style approach consisting of the following:

Read and analyze the case. In addition to background information on the situation, each case ends highlighting a key decision that the students need to make. The student’s job is to sift through the information, incomplete by design, and decide what they would do.

Discuss the case. Students bring ideas to a small team of classmates to share their findings. Together, students begin to see the case from different perspectives, better preparing them for class.

Engage in class. Students debate with fellow classmates on the best path forward. The faculty member facilitates this highly engaged conversation, but the students’ comments and experiences drive it.

- War-game(s). The intent of this element is to allow students to go beyond simply developing and discussing a course of action for each case study. For a subset of case studies, this element allows students to test their or their classmate’s course of action to determine how that particular course of action could play out. The contractor shall use their discretion to determine how many war-games to use in this course.

2.2.1.2. Course Testing

2.2.1.2.1. Alpha Testing. The contractor shall conduct Alpha testing of the course. Alpha testing shall consist of a contractor facilitated table-top review of each of the first three course elements (reference 3.2.1.1) as they are completed or nearing completion with AFIT/LSB (Course Director) and AFIT/LSA (Instruction System Designer) representatives. The intent of the Alpha test is to provide interim feedback throughout the course development process. The contractor shall address all comments from Alpha testing prior to the Beta test.

2.2.1.2.2. Beta Test. The contractor shall conduct a Beta test. The objective of the Beta test is to present the completed/integrated course to select members from AFLCMC and AFIT. As a result, the Beta test is a single event unless performance dictates subsequent tests. The contractor shall address all comments from the Beta test prior to AFIT acceptance.

2.2.1.3. Course Materials

2.2.1.3.1. The contractor shall develop and deliver the following course materials:

· Case Studies

· War-game(s) materials

· Instructor reference, guide(s), and training materials

· Classroom presentation materials

· Syllabus (see attached template)

· Lesson Objectives and Measures of Merit (LOMM) (see attached draft)

· Grading Rubric

2.2.1.3.2. Final delivery of these course materials shall capture all agreed to feedback from course testing (paragraph 3.2.1.2)

2.2.1.3.3. The contractor shall ensure that course materials comply with Section 508 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (36 CFR Section 1194)

2.2.1.3.4. The contractor shall identify any copyrighted material and provide the appropriate release

2.2.1.3.5. The contractor shall provide the original source and appropriate attribution(s) for any images or photos

2.2.2. Course Delivery

2.2.2.1.1. After completion of course development, the contractor shall instruct the course up to 10 times per year.

2.2.3. Course Updates

2.2.3.1.1. In order to keep the course relevant, upon government request, the contractor shall develop one new case study in accordance with 2.2.1.1 Case Studies section.

2.2.4. Key Personnel

2.2.4.1.1. As a result of the target audience and the “Application” taxonomy level of this course, the contractor shall provide course developers/instructors with a minimum of 25 years’ experience leading complex Air Force acquisition programs, including an assignment as a: (1) Senior Materiel Leader, (2) a Program Executive Officer/Deputy, or (3) the commander or executive director of an acquisition center or major command within the Department of the Air Force. This cadre of personnel shall be well versed in all applicable regulations, policy, and challenges encountered in an acquisition program office.

4. CONTRACTUAL REQUIREMENTS

4.1. Quality Assurance. The Government will monitor the Contractor’s performance. The Government reserves the right to review services provided.

4.2. Quality Control. The Contractor is solely responsible for the quality of services provided. The Contractor is also liable for the Contractor employee negligence, and any fraud, waste, or abuse. The Contractor shall re-perform any work for failure to perform in accordance with the specified requirement at the Contractor’s own expense and at no additional cost to the Government.

4.3. Place of Performance.

4.3.1. The primary work location for PM Academy updates and Application Course development and updates shall be at the contractor facility or contractor designated location. On occasion, the Government may hold meetings with the contractor at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH.

4.3.2. The location for the PM Academy instruction/delivery is at a Government facility located within the Dayton/Kettering area. The Government will provide the specific location NLT 30 calendar days prior to the start of training. If the course needs to be offered virtually, the Government will notify the contractor NLT 30 calendar days prior to start of the course/training.

4.3.3. The primary location for the Application Course instruction/delivery is on AFIT’s campus, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH. However, some offerings may require travel to other CONUS-based Department of Air Force bases. The Government will provide the specific location NLT 30 calendar days prior to the start of training. If the course needs to be offered virtually, the Government will notify the contractor NLT 30 calendar days prior to start of the course/training.

4.4. Normal Hours of Operation. The average workweek is 40 hours. The average workday is 8 hours and the window in which those 8 hours may be scheduled is between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The curriculum instruction delivery is scheduled between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

4.5. Government Furnished Equipment/Information.

The contractor shall provide all equipment/material necessary to execute the scope of this requirement.

The Government will provide the Contractor with access to the appropriate reference materials, facilities, and commercial internet. The Government will provide access to all Government facilities as necessary, including sponsorship for access to non-Government facilities, for execution of all Contractor tasks.

All records, files, documents and work papers provided by the Government or generated in support of this work effort are Government property and shall be marked, maintained, and disposed of per the current AFI standards. The Contractor shall coordinate material and facilities availability and schedule with the applicable Government POCs for designated systems.

The Contractor shall be responsible for safeguarding all Government property provided for Contractor use. At the end of each work period, all Government facilities, equipment, and materials shall be secured.

4.6. Contractor Identification. All contractor/subcontractor personnel shall be required to distinguish themselves from Government employees. When conversing with Government personnel during business meetings, over the telephone or via electronic mail, contractor/subcontractor personnel shall identify themselves as such to avoid situations arising where sensitive topics might be better discussed solely between Government employees.

Contractors/subcontractors shall identify themselves on any attendance sheet or any coordination documents they may review. Electronic mail signature blocks shall identify their company affiliation. Where practicable, contractor/subcontractors occupying collocated space with their Government program customer should identify their work space area with their name and company affiliation.

4.7. Security Requirements. All recommendations and materials shall be unclassified. The Contractor shall take appropriate measures to ensure the protection of data to specified levels for the duration of the contract. The Contractor shall follow all appropriate security procedures regarding identification badges, entry control cards, and vehicle passes. The Government will direct the Contractor of the necessary avenues required acquiring the appropriate identification badges, entry control cards, and vehicle passes. The Contractor must return all issued badges and passes to the Government at the end of the contract, before final payment will be made.

4.8. Course Curriculum Content. PM Academy curriculum shall comply with all applicable DoD, USAF, and AFLCMC-level policy, regulation, and guidance. Application Course curriculum shall comply with AFH 36-2235 Vol 10 and AFIT policies.

5. DELIVERABLES

5.1. Application Course Final Materials. Following completion of the Beta test and incorporation of any feedback, the contractor shall deliver all course materials (reference paragraph 3.2.2) needed to conduct the course to AFIT/LSB. All course material will reside on AFIT’s Learning Management System – CANVAS.

5.2. Application Course Updates. The contractor shall deliver all course materials (as applicable) based on any course updates to AFIT/LSB.

6. ORDERING PROCEDURES

6.1. Task Order Issuance. Task Orders (TOs) will be issued against this contract to place orders for instructor support of the PM Academy, instructor support of the Application Course, and periodic updates to the Application Course. The initial TO for the Application Course Development will be issued at award of the base contract. Procedures for ordering are as follows:

6.1.1. CLIN X001 – PM Academy Instruction. The CO will notify the Contractor, in writing or with the issuance of a TO, at least 30 days prior to the beginning of Contractor performed instruction. Multiple courses may be scheduled and ordered with the issuance of a single TO, provided scheduled dates include at least 30 days notification to the Contractor. Course dates for the PM Academy will not overlap, only one course will be held at any given time. The written notification of intent to issue a TO does not obligate or bind the Government until a TO is issued. However, the contractor is not required to accept a TO for course instruction that does provide for at least 30 days of advance notification from the beginning of the Contractor performed instruction.

6.1.2. CLIN X002 – Application Course Instruction. The CO will notify the Contractor in writing, or through the issuance of a TO, at least 30 days prior to the beginning of a scheduled course. Multiple courses may be scheduled and ordered with the issuance of a single TO, provided scheduled dates include at least 30 days notification to the Contractor. Course dates for the Application Course will not overlap, only one course will be held at any given time. The written notification of intent to issue a TO does not obligate or bind the Government until a TO is issued. However, the contractor is not required to accept a TO for course instruction that does provide for at least 30 days of advance notification.

6.1.3. CLIN X003 – Application Course Development and Updates. An order under CLIN 0003 for Application Course Development will be issued at the time of award of the basic IDIQ contract. At the issuance of a TO under CLINs 1003 – 4003 for Application Course Updates, the Contractor will provide an update to the Application Course in accordance with section 2.2.3 of the PWS. Delivery and incorporation of the completed update is required within six (6) months of the issuance of a TO.

6.2. Support for Multiple Courses. While only one Application Course and one PM Academy course will be held at any given time, there may be occasions where the Application Course and PM Academy will be held during the same or on overlapping dates. In these situations, the Contractor is still required to provide instructors as specified within this PWS to concurrently support the Application Course and PM Academy.

7.0 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY (PRS)

7.1 PM ACADEMY COURSE

PRS #1:

The contractor shall deliver course instruction as-scheduled in accordance with paragraph 2.1.1

PRS #2:

The contractor shall provide key personnel in accordance with paragraph 2.1.2.

PRS #3:

The contractor shall provide quality instruction in accordance with paragraph 2.1.1

7.2 APPLICATION COURSE

PRS #4:

The contractor shall deliver course instruction as-scheduled in accordance with paragraph 2.2.2 No contractor induced deviations from the posted course offering schedule

100% inspection by the COR.

PRS #5:

The contractor shall provide key personnel in accordance with paragraph 2.2.4

PRS #6:

The contractor shall provide quality instruction in accordance with paragraph 2.2.2

8. COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

Combating Trafficking in Persons (CTIP) is a worldwide problem posing a transnational threat involving violations of basic human rights. The DoD has a zero tolerance policy for TIP. As part of the 2013 National Defense Authorization Act, the Pentagon is required to take action against any contractor engaging in any activities related to labor trafficking, sex trafficking and child soldiering. The contractor should familiarize its employees with TIP by going to the DoD CTIP site at: http://ctip.defense.gov/Home.aspx. The contractor should immediately report all suspicious activity of its employees to the COR or CO.