EHLS PWS_SS.pdf

Performance Work Statement (PWS) English for Heritage Language Speakers

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 The Defense Language and National Security Education Office (DLNSEO) administers the English for Heritage Language Speakers Program within its portfolio of National Security Education Program (NSEP) initiatives.

2.0 BACKGROUND

2.1 The U.S. federal national security community needs professionals with higher levels of proficiencies in critical foreign languages. Most USG funded language training focuses on native English speakers acquiring foreign language skills. Nevertheless, there are numerous naturalized U.S. citizens who are native speakers of critical foreign languages interested in working for the U.S. Federal Government and in need of professional English language skill development.

2.2 The purpose of this requirement is to administer the English for Heritage Language

Speakers (EHLS) Program under the David L. Boren National Security Education Act of 1991, as amended, (NSEA) 50 U.S.C. § 1901 et seq.

2.3 The EHLS Program establishes and improves opportunities for U.S. citizens who are highly skilled native speakers of languages critical to national security to develop professional level English skills (Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) Level 3 (see www.govtilr.org). These individuals are required to seek and find employment in positions throughout the U.S. federal national security community as described in the

NSEA.

2.4 EHLS Scholars enter the program with ILR Level 2 and above English skills, yet still need support with advanced writing and public presentation skills, along with federal workplace familiarization needed for effective public service.

3.0 SCOPE. The Contractor shall provide and implement a state-of-the-art plan for a new and unique approach to:

3.1 Administer, maintain, and update the EHLS Program.

3.1.1 The EHLS Program provides an opportunity for native speakers of critical foreign languages to develop their English language and professional skills to a level that is needed by the national security community.

3.1.2 All EHLS participants receive a full scholarship from the National Security Education Program (NSEP) that includes tuition and a living stipend. The EHLS program is open to native speakers of the following languages: Arabic, Hausa, Kazakh, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, Persian Farsi, Russian, Turkish, and Ukrainian. This list is slightly adapted each year based on national security priorities and the needs of federal organizations that hire EHLS Program graduates.

3.1.3 Instruction for the EHLS Program is provided by an institution of higher education

(IHE). The EHLS curriculum focuses on tasks that are crucial to professional interactions in a government workplace such as: Making oral presentations, conducting research for federal agencies, drawing sound analytical conclusions, organizing and writing concise reports, using accepted email protocol, negotiating with supervisors and clients, running effective meetings, creating resumes, preparing for job interviews.

3.1.4 Besides regular classes with dedicated EHLS faculty, program activities include guest speakers, seminars with recruiters, one-on-one faculty tutorials, and a capstone open source analysis research project.

4.0 REQUIREMENTS: The Contractor shall:

4.1 Develop Implementation Plans for the EHLS Program

4.1.1 Develop plans for the EHLS Program as well as qualifications and criteria necessary to achieve the goals. Assuming 18 EHLS scholarships per year, these goals specifically will relate to the primary purpose of the program:

4.1.1.1 Develop a curriculum that enables professional-level speakers of a critical language to develop professional-level English skills, achieving Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) level 3 in reading, writing, speaking and listening.

4.1.1.2 Prepare EHLS scholars to fulfill the NSEP service requirement through career skills development.

4.1.2 Design an overall program plan to work with a selected institution of higher education to fulfill program goals and objectives.

4.1.3 Provide a two-year planning calendar starting July of the present year.

4.1.4 Integrate the heritage languages prioritized for recruiting scholarship applicants provided by NSEP.

4.2 Partner with an Institution of Higher Education

4.2.1 Identify a qualified institution of higher education (IHEs) to provide the English language studies per 50 U.S.C. § 1902(a)(1)(E)(II).

4.2.2 Provide the Government with recommendations for changes in the selected IHE if needs to be included in the annual plan per 4.1.2.

4.3 Conduct a National Recruiting Campaign

4.3.1 Develop a plan that outlines the best ways to reach the respective language communities with information about the EHLS Program based on 4.1.4 with the goal of an annual cohort of 18 EHLS Scholars.

4.3.2 Conduct outreach for the EHLS Program encouraging individuals to submit applications, and meet with heritage community members throughout the country to discuss the program and the application procedures.

4.3.3 Maintain and update a central EHLS website, and a social media presence.

4.3.4 Ensure that all EHLS related material maintains a consistent message and appearance, and clearly acknowledge that it is a DLNSEO initiative.

4.4 Administer a National Scholarship Program

4.4.1 Manage a scholarship application process:

4.4.1.1 Host an online system for individuals to submit applications and for reviewers to evaluate applications.

4.4.2 Manage and maintain scholarship award documents until the scholarships are completed.

4.4.3 Administer the scholarship selection process and award paperwork.

4.4.4 Disburse monthly living stipend checks to 18 scholars per year.

4.4.5 The partner shall, within 6 months, transfer digitized official records of EHLS scholars, including testing data, to DLNSEO after the graduation of each year's class, and destroy any remaining paper records to ensure that there is no Personally Identifiable Information (PII) retained by the partner.

4.4.6 Manage a scholarship repayment process for EHLS Scholars who choose to repay their award rather than fulfill the required NSEP Service Agreement, which accompanies their award.

4.5 Perform Proficiency Testing

4.5.1 Conduct a formal English Oral Proficiency Interview of each individual who submits a complete application before competitively reviewing the applications.

4.5.1.1 Assess no more than 175 applications each year with a combination of federal and academic reviewers based on assessment parameters established before the applications are released in February.

4.5.2 Identify up to 50 provisionally selected scholars each year or all who are provisionally selected if the number is smaller.

4.5.3 The partner will conduct formal Oral Proficiency Interviews (OPI) in each provisionally selected applicant’s native language, along with proficiency tests in English reading, writing, and listening for applicants that have been provisionally selected as EHLS Scholars. The target for entrance scores is ILR level 3 or above in the native language OPI, and at least ILR level 2 in each modality of English.

4.5.4 Conduct a pre-program proficiency examination of provisionally selected scholars’ computer skills.

4.5.5 Administer a professional performance assessment to EHLS Scholars upon their entry and exit of the program, and compare results to previous years and to language proficiency outcomes.

4.5.5.1 Provide an exit examination in all modalities of English for EHLS Scholars who successfully complete the program. The target for the exit score is ILR level 3 for all tests.

4.6 Administer EHLS Programs

4.6.1 Implement and adapt curriculum, materials, and interim evaluation procedures leading to superior level (ILR Level 3) competence in English and familiarity of the Federal government job search process assuming a class of 18 EHLS Scholars.

4.6.2 Provide instruction via the IHE for students to interact with materials in an intensive and immersive environment with English focused on an open source research conducted by each scholar based on topic provided by federal government mentors.

4.6.3 Provide an annual two-day in-person open source research project symposium at for up to 75 government officials and government contract partners hosted by the university partner, and on the second day provide a graduation ceremony for the scholars, their families, and select EHLS partners; both to events to include reserving the location, sound support, and refreshments.

4.6.4 Provide pre- and post-planning with DLNSEO for events and engagement.

4.7 Manage, Monitor, Disburse and Report on EHLS Scholarship Funds

4.7.1 Manage the disbursement of funds to grant award recipients.

4.7.2 Scholarship awards shall include financial support for IHE tuition and a living stipend for the intensive portion of the program.

4.7.3 Scholarship supplements will be available upon request by awardees for partial financial support of relocation costs, health insurance, and technology including program laptops.

4.8 Develop and Deliver Reports

4.8.1 Provide annual plan that includes the following:

4.8.1.1 An outline of the program for the upcoming year including the IHE partnership, recruiting, testing, program logistics, and dissemination outputs (Paragraph 4.1-4.7)

4.8.1.2 Develop an annual EHLS Program instructional plan with higher education institutional partner along with a two-year calendar.

4.8.1.3 Provide comprehensive summary of Proficiency Testing (Paragraph 4.5).

4.8.2 Provide brief quarterly summaries based on the annual plan.

4.8.3 Provide annual report following the completion of the annual plan that includes a comparison of the goals and objectives outlined in Paragraph 4.1 with actual results from Paragraph 4.6, and an annual summary about the funding used to administer and implement the EHLS Program (Paragraph 4.7).

4.9 Provide Transition of Contract Services

The Contractor shall provide a plan for transition in and out services to ensure minimum disruption to vital Government business from previous contract.

4.10 Participate in a Post-Award Conference

This meeting shall provide an introduction between the Contractor personnel and Government personnel who will be involved with the contract. The meeting shall provide the opportunity to discuss technical, management and security issues. The Post Award Conference will aid both the Government and Contractor in achieving a clear and mutual understanding of all requirements, and identify and resolve any potential issues. The Contractor shall be prepared to discuss any items requiring clarification and gather information as necessary to support each deliverable.

4.11 Key Personnel

4.11.1 Key personnel for this requirement is the Contractor’s Director of the EHLS Program.

4.11.2 The Contractor shall ensure there is no degradation of services to the Government as a result of personnel turnover, and shall notify the Government of any impending personnel changes.

4.12 Section 508 Requirements

The Contractor shall comply with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C 794) and the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board’s (U.S. Access Board) information and communication technology (ICT) accessibility standards at 36 CFR 1194.1 for requirement deliverables. The applicable standards are available at https://www.access-board.gov/ict/. The following standards have been determined to be applicable to this contract:

Technical Standards E205 – Electronic Content E208 – Support Documentation and Services

5.0 DELIVERABLES

Annual Deliverables PWS Ref. Delivery Date

Transfer Official Records 4.4.5 Transfer of EHLS Scholars’ official records no later than six month following graduation.

Provide Annual Plan 4.8.1 30 September each calendar year

Provide Quarterly Reports 4.8.2 Quarterly updates starting on day 90 through the end of each funding period.

Provide Annual Report 4.8.3 NLT 30 Oct each calendar year https://www.access-board.gov/ict/

Annual Deliverables PWS Ref. Delivery Date

Transition-in Plan 4.9 Within 10 business days of the start of the contract

Transition-out Plan 4.9 90 days before the last day of the contract

Post-Award Conference Notes 4.10 Within 5 business days after the conference is held

Contractor Manpower Reporting

5.1 NLT 31 October each calendar year

Annual Small Business Report 5.2 30 days after the end of each performance period

* Dates are specified in calendar days. When needed, the contractor will receive comments from NSEP within 10 – 15 business days.

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

5.2 The contractor shall submit an annual report in the contractor’s format to demonstrate the progress towards small business subcontracting stated in the Small Business Participation Commitment Document (SBPCD) submitted with the contractor’s proposal. The report is due no later than 30 days after the end of each period of performance, and shall be submitted to the CO and COR. Additionally the contractor shall submit the report via email to the DHRA Office of Small Business Programs at dodhra-small-business@mail.mil.

5.3 The goals for small business subcontracting at DHRA are XX% of total contract value.

The contractor shall submit a copy of its plan to meet the subcontracting goals for this contract, within 30 days after award. The goals shall be submitted to the COR, CO and via email to the DHRA Office of Small Business Programs at dodhra-small-business@mail.mil. The contractor shall submit an annual report in the contractor’s format to demonstrate its small business subcontracting towards its goals. The report is due no later than 30 days after the end of each period of performance, and shall be submitted to the CO and COR. Additionally the contractor shall submit the report via email to the DHRA Office of Small Business Programs at dodhra-small-business@mail.mil.

6.0 Travel

https://sam.gov/ mailto:dodhra-small-business@mail.mil mailto:dodhra-small-business@mail.mil mailto:dodhra-small-business@mail.mil

6.1 The Government anticipates travel associated with this contract to events that allow for effective recruitment of applicants for EHLS Scholarships. Travel outside the local Washington, DC metropolitan area is expected to occur on average at a rate of 2 individual travel days per month CONUS. Travel outreach commitments that are local to the Washington, DC area are anticipated to occur on an average of two days per month. The contractor shall propose these trips three months in advance for government approval in quarterly report 4.8.2. It is understood that some of the requirements for these trips may arise in a shorter timeframe. For these particular instances, once a trip is known, it should be forwarded immediately to the government for approval before travel occurs.

6.2 Contractor costs for Government authorized travel shall be approved in advance by the COR or CO. Contractor payment claims shall include applicable documentation to support actual costs incurred (e.g. airfare and hotel/lodging receipts). No fee or G&A will be allowed, only actual costs will be reimbursed. Failure to provide appropriate documentation may result in a loss of reimbursement of travel expenses.

7.0 RECORDS MANAGEMENT

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

These policies include the preservation of all records, regardless of form or characteristics, mode of transmission, or state of completion.

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

7.3 In accordance with 36 CFR 1222.32, Contractor shall maintain all records created for

Government use or created in the course of performing the contract and/or delivered to, or under the legal control of the Government and must be managed in accordance with Federal law. Electronic records and associated metadata must be accompanied by sufficient technical documentation to permit understanding and use of the records and data.

7.4 Defense Human Resources Activity and its contractors are responsible for preventing the alienation or unauthorized destruction of records, including all forms of mutilation.

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

36 CFR 1230.

7.5 The Contractor shall immediately notify the COR upon discovery of any inadvertent or unauthorized disclosures of information, data, documentary materials, records or equipment. Disclosure of non-public information is limited to authorized personnel with a need-to-know in accordance with all applicable privacy, security, and information protection policies. The Contractor shall ensure that the appropriate personnel, administrative, technical, and physical safeguards are established to ensure the security and confidentiality of this information, data, documentary material, records and/or equipment is properly protected. The Contractor shall not remove material from Government facilities or systems, or facilities or systems operated or maintained on the Government’s behalf, without the express written permission of the COR. When information, data, documentary material, records and/or equipment is no longer required, it shall be returned to DHRA control or the Contractor must hold it until otherwise directed. Items returned to the Government shall be hand carried, mailed, emailed, or securely electronically transmitted to the COR. Destruction of records is EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED unless in accordance with Paragraph (7.4).

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

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

7.8 The Contractor shall not create or maintain any records containing any non-public

Defense Human Resources Activity information that are not specifically tied to or authorized by the contract.

mailto:dodhra.mc-alex.dhra-hq.mbx.records@mail.mil mailto:dodhra.mc-alex.dhra-hq.mbx.records@mail.mil

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

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

8.0 SECURITY [numbering skips are intentional]

8.1 Personnel Security. Overarching security requirements are UNCLASSIFIED.

Contractor and subcontractor personnel will not require access to DoD facilities, network(s), Information Technology (IT) systems, and Government Furnished Equipment (GFE). Contractor and subcontractor are not required to obtain, DoD credentials, (also known as the Common Access Card (CAC)) for physical and logical access to federally controlled facilities and DoD Information Systems (IS) containing Personally Identifiable Information (PII) or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

8.1.1 All Contractor personnel assigned to this contract are required to obtain and maintain the appropriate background investigation (BI) and adjudication or suitability determination in accordance with DODI 5200.02-DoD Personnel Security Program

(PSP).

8.1.2 The contractor/subcontractor personnel on this contract will be designated performing in Non-Sensitive positions for Unclassified access in accordance with Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) investigative alignment, and DoDI 5200.02, DoDM 5200.02 and 32 C.F.R. Part 117.

8.1.3 No employee may perform under this contract or have access to information or systems under this contract until they have completed a Tier 1 (T1) Position of Trust for unclassified access or higher background investigation (BI) that meets the requirement or be in the process of a Personnel Security Investigation (PSI) with a minimum of interim eligibility.

8.2 Security Clearances. N/A

8.3 Staffing. The personnel supporting this contract who require access to DoD information with CUI/PII data, or DoD IT/Information Systems must be Citizens of the United States. The citizenship requirement also applies to personnel assigned or working on the contract at any remote sites.

8.4 Onboarding. Prior to requesting access to DHRA sponsored resources (e.g., DoD credential(s), Network(s), IT systems, Information Systems (IS) or facility), the contractor must provide an official request via DHRA’s onboarding system(s)/encrypted email/DoD SAFE accompanied by a complete Defense Logistics Agency Headquarters (DLAH) Form 1728 - Request for HQC Contractor Badge and/or Information Technology (IT) Access. The DHRA Security and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Personnel Security (PERSEC) will validate the contractor meet the requirement.

8.5 Listing of employees & Clearance Documentation. The Contractor shall maintain a current listing of employees. Within 10 calendar days of contract award, the Contractor shall provide the COR a list of all company employees assigned to this effort. The employee list should include the following information: Contract number, employee information (full legal names), DHRA center/office, location of performance, clearance level needed (e.g., None (Position of Trust for unclassified access)), IT access level needed (privilege, authorize or other). The list shall be validated by the company and DHRA Personnel Security (PERSEC). The Contractor shall provide the COR with an updated listing when any employee’s status or information changes.

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

8.6.1 The Contractor shall allow access only to those employees who need the sensitive information to perform services under this contract and who have acknowledge that sensitive information shall be used solely for the purpose of performing services under this contract. The Contractor shall prevent its employees from discussing, divulging, or disclosing any such information to any person or entity except those persons within the Contractor’s organization directly performing the contract.

8.7 Information Technology (IT) Level Investigation Requirements. The contractor/subcontractor personnel supporting this contract will not require access to DHRA IT & Information.

8.8 Personal Identifiable Information (PII) and Tier Investigations. All personnel supporting this contract must protect PII data according to the Privacy Act of 1974.

Personnel requiring access to Information Technology (IT) or access to DoD Information Systems that contain military active duty, guard, or reservists’ PII or information pertaining to Service members that are otherwise protected from disclosure where such access has the potential to cause serious damage to national security, must be vetted accordingly and protect the data. BI levels required for each job function or necessary access, include, but are not limited to, the following:

8.8.3 Tier 1 for Non-Sensitive – Low Risk: All Personnel whose access to military PII is limited to data entry or singular search capability require, a minimum, a favorably adjudicated Tier-1 (T1) BI.

8.8.4 The Contractor shall report immediately to the DHRA Privacy Office and secondly to the COR discovery of any Privacy breach.

8.9 Controlled Unclassified Information Requirements for DoD Contractors. The following procedures will be used to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) documents and materials:

8.9.1 HANDLING: Access to CUI material shall be limited to those employees needing the material to perform their duties. The CUI marking is assigned to documents and material created by a DoD User Agency. CUI is not a classification, but requires extra precautions to ensure it is properly safeguarded and disseminated and is not released to the public without government authorization.

8.9.2 MARKING: The Contractor shall mark unclassified documents containing CUI as follows: “CUI" at the top and bottom of each page, include the CUI warning box, and the CUI Designation Indicator Block as required in DoDI 5200.48. In a classified document:

8.9.2.1 Mark other records such as computer print outs, photographs, films, tapes, or slides in accordance with DoDI 5200.48 so the receiver or viewer knows that it contains CUI material.

8.9.2.2 Mark a message containing material in accordance with DoDI 5200.48. Unclassified messages containing CUI material must show the abbreviation (CUI) before the text begins.

8.9.2.3 Ensure documents transmitting CUI material call attention to any attachments containing CUI.

8.9.2.4 CUI material released to a contractor by a DoD user agency must have the following statement on the front page or cover:

THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS CUI MATERIAL AND MUST BE

REVIEWED BY A GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE UNDER THE

REQUIREMENTS OF DODI 5200.48, DODI 5230.09, and DODI 5230.29.

8.9.3 STORAGE: The Contractor shall, place CUI material in an out-of-sight location during normal work hours, if the work area is accessible to persons who do not have an authorized government purpose for access to the material. After normal duty hours, the Contractor shall store CUI material to prevent unauthorized access by filing it with other unclassified records in unlocked files or desks when internal building security is provided and the file is marked as CUI. When there is no internal security, locked buildings or rooms usually provide adequate after hours protection. For additional protection, store CUI material in locked containers such as file cabinets, desks, or bookcases.

8.9.4 TRANSMISSION: CUI documents and materials may be transmitted via first class mail, parcel post or, for bulky shipments,-fourth class mail. Within the CONUS discussion of CUI material on the telephone is authorized if necessary for the performance of the contract and no alternative is available. Electronic transmission of CUI (voice, data, or facsimile) should be by approved secure communications systems whenever practical. If there is a fax transmission, the sender must ensure the intended receiver is available to receive it or a cover sheet will be used to allow carrying it to the final recipient to avoid unauthorized disclosure of the CUI.

8.9.5 RELEASE: CUI material shall not be released outside of the contractor’s facility except to the representative of DoD or DHRA.

8.9.6 DESTRUCTION: When the CUI material no longer meets the threshold for safeguarding and dissemination, the Contractor shall immediately decontrol it, process it through the records management process, and destroyed by the approved methods identified in DoDI 5200.48 to preclude its disclosure to unauthorized individuals by rendering it unreadable, indecipherable, and irrecoverable.

8.10 Position of Trust (POT) Requirements. DCSA and OPM offers the Tier background investigations, Tier 1 (T1) – Tier 5 (T5) for Position of Trust determination. The T5 being the most stringent investigation and T1 being the least stringent.

8.10.1 The Government is responsible for the cost of POT or sponsor a DoD-determined equivalent background check for unclassified access.

8.10.2 The Position of Trust BI process requires the DoD Government Security Office to review each request and establish the BI sponsorship. Submit a request and list of personnel for security investigation to the DHRA Security Office point of contact(s) to be provided by the COR - NLT five (5) business days after contract award.

8.10.3 Per DCSA, a T1 meets the requirement for a Non-Sensitive position. A new application for a DoD T1 BI for Position of Trust determination requires FBI fingerprints check, proof of US Citizenship and a Personnel Security Questionnaire (PSQ) on the Standard Form (SF) 85 using the National Background Investigation Services – electronic Application (NBIS/eApp). The Contractor employees shall provide all requested information pursuant to the Privacy Act of 1974 when requested by the Government.

The Government Security Office will provide instructions according to the individual case and Tier BI to access the eApp system. For information visit NBIS at https://www.dcsa.mil/is/nbis/

8.10.4 Reciprocity. The DHRA and DLA PERSEC will use reciprocity to the extent possible and if necessary will request re-adjudication by the DCSA Adjudication and Vetting Services (AVS) to support the DoD standards per Executive Order E.O 13467.

8.10.4.1 A BI equivalency will be according to the investigative alignments offered by the OPM and the DCSA here, https://www.dcsa.mil/Portals/91/Documents/pv/GovHRSec/Position_Designation_Inve stigation_Type_Chart_Sept_2017.pdf

8.10.4.2 Reciprocity consideration includes verifying break in service longer than 24 months as a US Military, US Civilian or US Contractor from the last favorable investigation.

8.10.5 A new Position of Trust applicant under this contract must obtain at a minimum interim eligibility from DLA Security prior to the assignment and performance of their duties in support of the Government in this contract.

8.10.6 DHRA’s interim Position of Trust eligibility is sponsored by DHRA Security and approved by DLA PERSEC.

8.10.7 Eligible interim Position of Trust personnel expectations include, but are not limited to:

8.10.7.1 Comply with all personnel security requirements as specified by DHRA and DLA

PERSEC;

8.10.7.2 Attain and maintain favorable FBI fingerprint results;

8.10.7.3 Comply with all investigative and adjudicative requirements, which includes responsiveness to time-sensitive requests (e.g., interview(s), additional information or clarification) from the DLA PERSEC, investigator or the adjudicative agency.

8.10.7.4 Attain and maintain favorable eligibility to the designated BI.

8.11 Controlled/Restricted Areas. N/A

8.12 Physical Security. The Contractor shall safeguard all Government property and controlled forms provided for Contractor use and adhere to the Government property requirements contained in this contract. At the end of each work day, all Government facilities, equipment and materials shall be secured.

8.13 Pass and Identification Items. The Contractor shall ensure the pass and identification items required for contract performance are obtained for employees and non-government owned vehicles.

8.14 DoD Credentials/Common Access Card (CAC). N/A

8.15 Retrieving Identification Media. The Contractor shall retrieve all identification media, including vehicle passes from employees, including those who depart for any reason before the contract expires; e.g. terminated for cause, retirement, etc.

8.16 Key Control/Access Badge Control. The Contractor shall establish and implement methods of making sure all keys/badges issued to the Contractor by the Government are not lost or misplaced and are not used by unauthorized persons. The Contractor shall not duplicate any keys issued by the Government.

8.16.1 Prohibited Use. The Contractor shall prohibit the use of keys, issued by the

Government, by any persons other than the Contractor’s employees and the opening of locked areas by Contractor employees to permit entrance of persons other than Contractor employees engaged in performance of contract work requirements in those areas.

8.17 Conduct while on Government Installation. N/A

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

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

8.20 Government Furnished Equipment (GFE). N/A

8.21 Lock Combinations. N/A

8.22 Offboarding. Upon completion of the contract, an employee’s relocation or termination of an employee, or upon request from the COR in accordance with DHRA centers or offices security policies coordinate the employees removal from work under this contract with the COR.

8.20.1 If at any time, any Contractor personnel supporting this contract are unable to obtain/maintain an adjudicated T1 BI, the Contractor shall immediately notify the COR and coordinate removal of such a person from work under this contract and replace the individual with appropriate level background investigation knowledge, skill and ability (KSA) required to perform services.

8.20.2 As the contractor replaces employees, the contractor shall submit the outgoing employee’s installation access and return all CACs/badge(s)/identification card(s) immediately to the COR, who will turn it in to the local Installation Access Control Office or Government Security Office.

8.20.3 Submit an Off-boarding notification to the COR and the DHRA PERSEC as soon as the contractor knows an employee is leaving the contract.

8.20.4 When personnel change, provide updated personnel security list to the COR within three business days of a change.

9.0 CYBERSECURITY

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

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

10. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED INFORMATION (GFI)

DLNSEO will provide policies, guidelines, and documentation for the EHLS Program, including:

2027 EHLS scholarship application and evaluation rubric 2027 EHLS scholarship application recruitment plan 2026 EHLS curriculum 2026 EHLS annual plan 2026 EHLS annual report 2026 EHLS website content 2026 EHLS professional performance assessment test and evaluation rubric

11. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The Contractor shall perform the work associated with this performance work statement at the Contractor’s facility. The Contractor shall meet with DLNSEO staff at the Mark Center, Alexandria, VA up to four times per year.

12.0 QUALITY CONTROL

The contractor shall implement and maintain a Quality Control Plan (QCP) to ensure work performed conforms to the scope of work and meets the requirements under this PWS. The QCP shall, at a minimum provide a method for performing inspections;

identifying, correcting and preventing problems/defective service; addressing customer complaints, and improving the quality of services over the life of the contract.

13.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE

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

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

14.0 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

The Contractor acknowledges that it is familiar with FAR Subpart 9.5, Organizational and Consultant Conflicts of Interest, and agrees to avoid, neutralize or mitigate such conflicts of interest in accordance with the principles set forth in the FAR. If the performance requires the Contractor (to include subcontractors) to supply technical support related to systems or projects with which the Contractor is already directly concerned, either by prime or subcontract, the Contractor shall immediately inform the Contracting Officer. The PWS may be withdrawn if a conflict is found. The Contractor shall not undertake performance of any PWS requirements which requires it to supply technical support regarding such systems until the notice is given, and written consent to proceed is issued by the Contracting Officer.

15.0 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

Document Web link DoDI 8582.01, Security of Unclassified DoD Information on Non-DoD Information Systems https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/D D/issuances/dodi/858201p.pdf

Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI)

1025.02 – National Security Education Program (NSEP) and NSEP Service Agreement https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/D D/issuances/dodi/102502p.PDF?ver=T6V-pr7JW1q-qlhFRkuklA%3d%3d

DoD Instruction 8500.1 Cybersecurity https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/D D/issuances/dodi/850001_2014.pdf

DoD Directive 5400.11 DoD Privacy Program https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/D

D/issuances/dodi/540011p.pdf DoD 6025.18 DoD Health Information Privacy Regulation https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/D D/issuances/dodi/602518p.pdf

DoD 5200.2-R Personnel Security Program https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/D D/issuances/dodi/520002p.pdf?ver=2018-05-11- 100552-223

Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD) 12.

https://www.dhs.gov/homeland-security-presidential-directive-12

16.0 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT SUMMARY (PRS)

16.1 Purpose. The PRS lists performance objectives for the required services the

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

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

Performance

Objective

PWS

Paragraph Performance Standard/Acceptable Quality Level https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/540011p.pdf https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/540011p.pdf https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/602518p.pdf https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/602518p.pdf

Update Implementation plans

4.1

Performance is acceptable when the contractor has provided an updated Implementation plan for the EHLS program which prioritizes the objectives and goals, is submitted on time, and accounts for size and time constraints of the program.

Scholarship award documentation 4.4.1

Manage and maintain scholarship award documents, after EHLS Scholars graduate the documents have been sent to DLNSEO within 6 months 100% of the time.

Perform Proficiency Testing 4.5

EHLS Scholars who graduate from the program complete 100% of the proficiency testing, and at least 70% of the graduates receive at least one target ILR score of level 3.

Develop and submit all required deliverables

5.0 Performance is acceptable when:

a) 90% of deliverable requirements are met and received on time

AND

b) critical information is accurate

17.0 Mandatory Training Requirements:

Contractor employees performing under this contract shall complete the following mandatory trainings within 30 calendar days of reporting for duty and annually thereafter when applicable.

1. OPSEC Awareness for Military Members, DoD Employees and Contractors IAW

DoDM 5205.02, “DoD Operations Security (OPSEC) Program Manual”, dated October 29, 2020. The training is currently available at:

https://securityawareness.usalearning.gov/opsec/index.htm

2. Unauthorized Disclosure of Classified Information and Controlled Unclassified

Information IAW DoDI 5200.48, “Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)”, dated March 6, 2020. The training is currently available at:

https://securityawareness.usalearning.gov/disclosure/index.html

3. DoD Mandatory Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Training, Executive

Order 13556, Controlled Unclassified Information and DoDI 5200.48, “Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)”, dated March 6, 2020. The training is currently available at: https://securityawareness.usalearning.gov/cui/index.html https://securityawareness.usalearning.gov/opsec/index.htm https://securityawareness.usalearning.gov/disclosure/index.html https://securityawareness.usalearning.gov/cui/index.html

4. Insider Threat Awareness IAW DoDD 5205.16, “The DoD Insider Threat Program”, dated August 28, 2017. The Training is currently available at:

https://securityawareness.usalearning.gov/itawareness/index.htm

5. Privacy Act and Personally Identifiable Information IAW DoDI 5400.11, “DoD

Privacy and Civil Liberties Programs”, dated January 29, 2019. The training is currently available at: https://securityawareness.usalearning.gov/piiv2/index.htm or https://public.cyber.mil/cyber-training/training-catalog/

6. IT Security Awareness IAW title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, section 930.301.

The training is currently available at:

https://securityawareness.usalearning.gov/cybersecurity/index.htm or https://public.cyber.mil/cyber-training/training-catalog/

7. Counterintelligence Awareness and Reporting Training IAW DoD Directive

5240.06, “Counterintelligence Awareness and Reporting (CIAR)”, dated July 21, 2017. The training is currently available at:

https://securityawareness.usalearning.gov/cidod/index.html

8. Annual OSD Records and Information Management Training (DHA-US1369) IAW

Administrative Instruction 15, “OSD Records and Information Management Program”, dated November 17, 2020. The training is currently available at:

https://jkodirect.jten.mil/

9. Antiterrorism (AT) Level 1 Training. IAW DoDI O-2000.16-V1, “DoD

Antiterrorism Program Implementation” dated, November 17, 2016, Change 3, May 7, 2021. The training is currently available at: https://jkodirect.jten.mil/ (JS-US007).

10. Combating Trafficking in Persons (CTIP). See Clauses Incorporated by Reference, FAR 52.222-50. The training is currently available at:

https://ctip.defense.gov/Training/

The Contractor shall provide a copy of its employee(s)’ training certificates to the COR to meet the mandatory training requirements, and a roster with completed training.

18.0 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

18.1 All data, information, reports, analysis, databases, materials, training, briefings, scripts, video, websites, and deliverables, regardless of media or format, provided by the Government or generated by the Contractor in the performance of this contract are or shall become and shall exclusively remain property of the Government.

https://securityawareness.usalearning.gov/itawareness/index.htm https://securityawareness.usalearning.gov/piiv2/index.htm https://public.cyber.mil/cyber-training/training-catalog/ https://securityawareness.usalearning.gov/cybersecurity/index.htm https://public.cyber.mil/cyber-training/training-catalog/ https://securityawareness.usalearning.gov/cidod/index.html https://jkodirect.jten.mil/ https://jkodirect.jten.mil/ https://ctip.defense.gov/Training/

18.2 The Contractor shall not use the information or materials received or generated in performance of this contract for any purpose other than the performance required herein. The Contractor shall not transfer or assign any level of rights to material generated in performance of the contract to any other third-party without the Contracting Officer’s written permission.

18.3 The Contractor shall not formally register any patent, copyright, or trademark that is in any way related to performance under this contract with any domestic or foreign registration body without the written permission of the Contracting Officer. Upon approval by the Government, the Contractor shall effect the registration in the name of the United States Department of Defense.

18.4 The Contractor shall remove any company logos, names, titles, proprietary information, or other such markings from any product or deliverable prior to submitting to the Government, publishing, or releasing publicly.

18.5 The Contractor shall not release to anyone outside the Contractor's organization involved in performing the contract any unclassified information, regardless of medium (e.g., film, tape, document), pertaining to any part of this contract or any program related to this contract, unless approval is provided in writing by the Contracting Officer.