Attachment 1 - Performance-based Work Statement (PWS) Amendment 0001.pdf

AMENDMENT 0001

Purchase Agents for Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (AF COOL) Performance Work Statement (PWS)

21 January 2021

1.0. OVERVIEW

1.1. Mission

The Air Force (AF) Credentialing Program Office (CPO) is part of the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) and is responsible for supporting the AF’s efforts to incorporate civilian credentialing opportunities for enlisted Airmen in their personal and professional development and to assist them in transitioning to the civilian workforce. This effort is of a DoD-wide initiative supporting the White House Veteran Employment and Credentialing Initiatives, Veterans Opportunity to Work Hire Heroes Act of 2011, 2012 National Defense Authorization Act Section 558, and the Air Force’s efforts to incorporate civilian credentialing opportunities for Airmen in their personal and professional development. The goal of these initiatives is to enable the AF’s enlisted Active Duty, Air National Guard, and Reserve personnel to be better trained, educated, and motivated to perform the critical tasks of the 21st century Air Force and assist in preparation of transition to the civilian workforce.

2.0. SCOPE

2.1. The contractor shall purchase all approved civilian/industry credentialing exams, course materials, exam preparation materials, and exam preparation courses/boot camps through various credentialing agencies and vendors for the AF CPO. Payment of exams, exam preparation courses, and exam preparation materials is for approved enlisted AF Active Duty, Reserve and Air National Guard Enlisted personnel. Civilian credentials and associated preparation tools that may be paid for by the contractor are identified on the Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On- Line (AF COOL) website located in the Air Force Automated Education Management System (AFAEMS), Air Virtual Education Center within the Air Force Portal (https://www.my.af.mil/).

3.0. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

3.1. Use the AFAEMS for performance of most tasks. This system includes the Air Force Virtual Education Center and the AF COOL website.

3.2. Employees must have the ability and authorization to make purchases of credentialing exams, preparation materials, and course work associated with preparation for civilian credentialing.

3.3. The contractor shall review 100% of applications provided by the CPO to ensure all required credentialing agency/vendor documents required have been included in the enlisted Airmen’s credentialing request and recommend approval/disapproval to the CPO based on the contractor’s findings.

3.4. Upon approval by the CPO, arrange and make payments to the credentialing agency/vendor for the approved cost of the exam, associated fees, books, course materials, and/or courses for preparation for certification using AFAEMS. The approved cost shall not exceed the published price or standard commercial price of the agency/vendor. The cost to purchase shall be paid by the contractor and will be reimbursed monthly. The contractor shall not make any payment in an amount that deviates from the cost approved by the CPO in AFAEMS, and shall immediately recommend disapproval of the exam to the CPO in the event of a deviation in the CPO approved cost.

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3.5. Provide and use all varieties of payment methods to pay for credentialing exams approved in AFAEMS, for example: credit card, money order, check, PayPal, electronic payment, and cash, and other various credentialing exam payments, as requested by the Government. The Government will determine and identify the certification required. A range of certifications will be necessary to support a myriad of personnel requirements consistent with AF COOL. Exam purchases will be single purchases, on-demand purchases, bulk purchases, and/or a combination of these listed. The contractor shall maintain purchasing ability of a minimum of $1.5M monthly.

3.6. Purchase the CPO approved course work, training materials, and certification exam(s). Any purchase made must have a receipt. All vendor receipts will be uploaded to the member’s funding request in AFAEMS under the “receipts” tab.

3.7. Provide data input and reports related to the AF COOL Purchase program. The following information must be included in the Weekly Action Report (WAR). (A001)

3.7.1 Provide a WAR to the AF CPO of paid exams. The WAR will be in the form of a spreadsheet by exam name, vendor/agency, number of exams, cost. The WAR will include issues involving resolved/unresolved payments and student complaints. If requested by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) additional status information reports, such as daily tracking of funds, shall be provided within three (3) working days following the request.

3.7.2 Record exam scores and indicate pass/fail status, based on vendor/agency standards within

AFAEMS as reported by exam certificate and/or score sheet by Air Force customers and/or testing centers. The contractor will pull a weekly grades report from AFAEMS, contact students who have tested and not provided score reports within 30 days, are considered overdue at that time. The contractor will provide updated grades as part of the WAR. (A003)

3.7.3 Scores will be listed with the Airman’s information (full name, duty station, organization, and

Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC)), certification name, and vendor/agency name.

3.7.4 All Airman Information must be handled in strict accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974 due to the information containing Personally Identifiable Information (PII).

3.7.5 The WAR will provide an overdue grades report that will have the Tuition Assistance

Identification Number (TAID), Name, Credential, Grade, and Cost associated with that credential/prep material purchased.

3.8 The contractor shall provide a Monthly Status Report which includes, at a minimum, the amount funds expended and remaining, due by the 5th workday following the end of the month or as required by the COR. All information shall be input correctly into the AI portal. All deliverables will be reviewed for timeliness, accuracy and format, within 10 business days. If a deliverable due date falls on a weekend or holiday, the Contractor shall submit the deliverable on the last workday prior to the due date. (A002)

3.9 Contractor will submit monthly purchase information to government via the Academic Institution (AI) Portal. The purchase information will include a complete breakdown of the Invoice number, TAID, and item purchased. Purchase information and breakdown must be an official copy of record and the information must agree with the invoice being provided. The purchase information must include official bank statement as one of the documents submitted via Wide Area Workflow (WAWF) as part of their invoice. Any refunds/rebates will be highlighted in RED to show a return to the government.

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3.10 Quality Control Plan (QCP): The contractor shall develop and maintain an effective QCP to ensure the services of this PWS will be met. The contractor shall develop a QCP that includes quality control processes and procedures and apply them to meet this requirement. The QCP shall be submitted to the CO for acceptance no later than 10 calendar days after contract award.

4.0. RESERVED

5.0. DELIVERABLE

Deliverable Title Description

A001 Weekly Activity Report (WAR)

Weekly report of paid exams/courses in spreadsheet format, by name, vendor, number of exams, costs, and any resolved/unresolved issues.

A002 Monthly Status Report

Monthly Status Report which includes, at a minimum, the amount funds expended and remaining, a listing of all exams/courses paid for during the month with vendor information, and Tuition Assistance ID number.

A003 Monthly Grade Status Update

The contractor will pull a weekly grades report from AFAEMS, contact students who have tested and not provided score reports within 30 days, are considered overdue at that time. The contractor will provide updated grades as part of the WAR.

6.0. WORKLOAD PROJECTION

6.1. Below is the estimated annual workload based on the requirements in this Performance Work Statement (PWS). Approximately five (5) to eight (8) full time individuals are required to meet the requirements of this PWS.

FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 Average/Year Total Approved Goals 289 920 2125 3,639 4,801 1,838 11,774 Different Certificates 61 199 150 249 282 188 941 Number of Industry Vendors Supported

Enrollments (Indv Exams)

5,816

6,613

3,316

16,581

Individuals 263 1659 2510 3,836 4,709 2,595 12,977 Credentialing Cost Total

$98,245.34

$1,163,251.00

$4,513,183.89

$6,725,615.98

$7,952,705.26

$4,090,600.29

$20,453,001.47

Credentialing Cost Exams

$98,245.34

$896,893.80

$2,777,049.28

$4,038,356.85

$3,160,840.61

$2,194,277.18

$10,971,385.88

Credentialing Cost Study

N/A

$266,002.20

$1,733,765.61

$2,668.654.08

$4,984,580.21

$2,328,116.07

$6,984,348.02

Phone Calls

550/week

114,400 +/-

Emails

500/week

104,000 +/-

Manhours

1,400/week

72,800+/-

*As of 7 Aug 2019

6.3. The following table lists experience and education requirements for contractor personnel by labor category.

Labor Category Job Description Qualifications (Client Expectations) Acquiring and Issuing of Professional Certifications – Purchasing Manager

Responsible for ensuring clients are successful acquiring academic credentials and approved professional certifications IAW AF COOL priorities and procedures. Purchasing Manager is a technical staff member who identifies, loads, and verifies certifications relevant to Air Force Specialties and provides guidance to the Task Team and reports to the AF Program Manager on task progress. Manages and recommends approval to government oversight team the purchases of licensure and certification tests, preparatory courses, and approved study materials.

Manages budget for AF COOL-approved credentialing purchases. Ensures completion within the scheduled timeframe consistent with the AF COOL scope of work.

Organizes, directs, and coordinates the planning and production of all activities associated AF COOL purchasing tasks.

Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree

Minimum of 5 years’ experience leading tasks, mentoring and guiding staff.

Experience working with the Academic Institution Portal (AIP) and Air Force Automated Education Management System (AFAEMS) or comparable system, managing maintenance and update of education records.

Acquiring and Issuing Professional Certifications – Purchasing Agents

Identifies, loads, and verifies certifications relevant to Air Force Specialties. Advises clients regarding appropriate/approved career-field related credentials available, along with available funding and support requirements.

Creates educational goals in AFAEMS, along with approval and funding requests for government-team approval.

Loads and monitors funding requests and receipts for approved credentialing support.

Minimum of Associates Degree, Bachelor’s Degree preferred

Minimum of 3 years’ pertinent experience in automated education management or other personnel management databases

Experience working with the Academic Institution Portal (AIP) and Air Force Automated Education Management System (AFAEMS) or comparable system, managing maintenance and update of education records.

6.4 The following service summary reflects the objectives and thresholds used to track Contractor performance for the contract. The Multi-Functional Team in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan will evaluate all or part of the following elements:

Performance Objective PWS Para Performance Threshold SS 01. Credentialing exam and materials payments maintained in

AFAEMS

3.4 100% of payment information is input and maintained within

AFAEMS

SS 02. Develop and submit all required contract deliverables

3.7;

3.8

No more than one late report or deliverable per month and all critical information is accurate.

SS 03. Receipts for all transactions loaded to member record

3.6 100% of receipts are input and are loaded to the members AFAEMS record

SS 04. Monthly invoices submitted to AI Portal for processing

3.9 100% accuracy

7.0. TRAVEL

7.1. Travel. Contract employees may be required to travel in the performance of this requirement for roadshows and base visits. All travel to fulfill the tasks in this PWS shall receive prior approval from the CO, and costs will be reimbursed in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 31.205- 46, Travel Costs and IAW with the Joint Travel Federal Regulations (JTFR). 7.2. Travel Estimates:

Annual travel projection includes up to four (4) trips per year not to exceed seven (7) business dayseach.

8.0. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The majority of the work will be performed on-site at the Barnes Center for Enlisted Education/CCAF 100 South Turner Blvd facilities on Maxwell AFB/Gunter Annex, Alabama. All functions are to be performed on-site; off-site when approved by the Government. No telework is authorized under this contract. The contractor shall ensure no gap in any labor category exceeds ten (10) working days

8.1. Normal Hours of Operation

The hours of operations shall be an eight-hour duty day Monday through Friday within an availability window of 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. local time (excluding Federal holidays and base closures) as approved by the COR or PM.

8.2. Anticipated Start Day is 1 May 2021.

9.0. RESERVED

10.0. CONTRACTOR IDENTIFICATION

All contractor/subcontractor personnel shall be required to wear AF-approved or provided picture identification badges 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.

11.0. SECURITY REQUIRENTS FOR UNCLASSIFIED SERVICES-CAC Required

11.1. Facility Security Clearance Requirements

Classified access is not required for the performance of this contract.

11.2. Personnel Security Clearance Requirements

Personnel performing work on this contract will not require a security clearance.

11.3. Obtaining Identification

As prescribed by the AFFAR 5352.242-9000, Contractor access to Air Force installations, AFFAR 5352.242-9001, Common Access Cards (CAC) for Contractor Personnel, and FAR 52.204-9, Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel, the contractor must comply with the requirements set forth in these guidance.

The contractor shall obtain base identification and vehicle passes, if required, for all contractor personnel who make frequent visits to or perform work on the Air Force installation(s) cited in the contract.

Contractor personnel are required to wear or prominently display installation identification badges or contractor-furnished, contractor identification badges while visiting or performing work on the installation.

The contractor shall submit a written request on company letterhead to the contracting officer listing the following: contract number, location of work site, start and stop dates, and names of employees and subcontractor employees needing access to the base. The letter will also specify the individual(s) authorized to sign for a request for base identification credentials or vehicle passes. The contracting officer will endorse the request and forward it to the issuing base pass and registration office or Security Forces for processing. When reporting to the registration office, the authorized contractor individual(s) should provide a valid driver’s license, current vehicle registration, and valid vehicle insurance certificate to obtain a vehicle pass. Government ID card holders may not use their credentials to sponsor an individual on to the base to perform work that’s been contracted to an official contractor.

Common Access Cards (CACs). For contractors who require a CAC, contractors shall provide a listing of personnel who require a CAC to the contracting officer. The government will provide the contractor instruction on how to complete the Trusted Associate Sponsorship Systems (TASS) application and then notify the contractor when approved. Contractor personnel shall obtain a CAC from the nearest Real Time Automated Personnel Identification Documentation System (RAPIDS) Issuing Facility (typically the local Military Personnel Flight (MPF)). While visiting or performing work on installation(s)/location(s), contractor personnel shall wear or prominently display the CAC as required by the governing local policy.

During performance of the service, the contractor shall be responsible for obtaining required identification for newly assigned personnel and for prompt return of credentials for any employee who no longer requires access to the work site.

When work under this contract requires unescorted entry to controlled or restricted areas, the contractor shall comply with AFI 31-101, Integrated Defense, and AFI 31-501, Personnel Security Program Management.

Upon completion or termination of the contract or expiration of the identification passes, the prime contractor shall ensure that all base identification passes issued to employees and subcontractor employees are returned to the issuing office.

All commercial vehicles will be directed to Gate 3 (Kelly St) or Gate 4 (Congressman Dickenson for Gunter) for processing through the Commercial Vehicle Inspection (CVI) Area, when operational.

During non-duty hours and holidays, commercial vehicle inspections will be conducted at Gate 1 (Maxwell Blvd) or Gate 4 only. Inspection members will conduct thorough inspections of the interior and exterior of the vehicle for items prohibited from the installation such as explosive devices, weapons and ammunition, drugs, and open or closed alcohol containers.

Failure to comply with these requirements may result in withholding of final payment.

11.4. Pass and Identification

The Contractor shall ensure the following identification items as required for contract performance are obtained for employees:

• DoD Common Access Card (AFI 36-3026)

• Base-specific identification as required by local base and/or building security policies

Failure to return all Government issued identification upon termination of contract or service, termination of employees or expiration of the identification may result in withholding of final payment.

11.5. Computer and Network Access Requirements

Contractor personnel that required access to unclassified government computers and operations systems (Automated Information Systems – AIS) will be designated as AIS-III – Non-sensitive Positions.

Contractor personnel must submit a Tier 1 and the Tier 1 be favorability adjudicated before operating government furnished computer workstations or systems that have access to Air Force e-mail systems.

These investigations shall be submitted by the government at no additional cost to the contractor. NOTE:

Since the clearance process can take up to 18 months, contractor personnel may be issued a CAC before the process is completed after a favorable fingerprint return (3-5 working days). The contractor shall comply with the DoD 5200.2-R, Personnel Security Program, AFI 31-501, Personnel Security Program Management, AFI 33- 119, Air Force Messaging, AFMAN 33-152, User Responsibilities and Guidance for Information Systems, requirements, AFMAN 33-282, Computer Security; AFSSI 7700, Emission Security (EMSEC) Program; and applicable AFKAGs, AFIs, and AFSSIs for Communications Security (COMSEC); and AFI 10-701, Operations Security (OPSEC) Instructions, and Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12, requirements.

11.6. Installation Access Requirements

As prescribed by the AFFAR 5352.242-9000, Contractor access to Air Force installations, AFI 31-218, Motor Vehicle Traffic Supervision, and AFMAN 31-113, Installation Perimeter Access Control.

The contractor shall obtain base identification and vehicle passes, if required, for all contractor personnel who make frequent visits to or perform work on the Air Force installation(s) cited in the contract.

Contractor personnel are required to wear or prominently display installation identification badges or contractor-furnished, contractor identification badges while visiting or performing work on the installation.

The contractor shall submit a written request on company letterhead to the contracting officer listing the following: contract number, location of work site, start and stop dates, and names of employees and subcontractor employees needing access to the base. The letter will also specify the individual(s) authorized to sign for a request for base identification credentials or vehicle passes. The contracting officer will endorse the request and forward it to the issuing base pass and registration office or Security Forces for processing. When reporting to the registration office, the authorized contractor individual(s) should provide a valid driver's license, current vehicle registration, and valid vehicle insurance certificate to obtain a vehicle pass. Government ID card holders may not use their credentials to sponsor an individual on to the base to perform work that's been contracted to an official contractor.

During performance of the service, the contractor shall be responsible for obtaining required identification for newly assigned personnel and for prompt return of credentials for any employee who no longer requires access to the work site.

Upon completion or termination of the contract or expiration of the identification passes, the prime contractor shall ensure that all base identification passes issued to employees and subcontractor employees are returned to the issuing office.

Failure to comply with these requirements may result in withholding of final payment.

11.7. Reporting Requirements: The contractor shall comply with AFI 71-101, Volume-1, Criminal Investigations, and Volume-2, Protective Service Matters, requirements. Contractor personnel shall report to 42d Air Base Wing Information Protection Office, any information or circumstances of which they are aware may pose a threat to the security of DoD personnel, contractor personnel, resources, and classified or unclassified defense information. Contractor employees shall be briefed by their immediate supervisor upon initial on-base assignment and as required thereafter.

11.8. Traffic Laws: The contractor and their employees shall comply with base traffic regulations set forth in AFI 31-218, Motor Vehicle Traffic Supervision and AFMAN 31-113, Installation Perimeter Access Control. Personnel in violation may be issued a Central Violations Bureau Form 1805 traffic ticket.

11.9. Random Installation Entry/Exit Checks: Entry/exit vehicle checks are conducted by order of the 42 ABW Commander. These checks are conducted for the purpose of safeguarding the base and protecting government property by discovering and seizing stolen property, classified information and contraband.

Refusal to submit to an installation (entry/exit) vehicle check may result in the loss of base driving privileges, revocation of base registration, or debarment action.

11.10. Cellular Phone Operation Policy: The use of cellular phones while operating a motorized vehicle is prohibited on Maxwell-Gunter. Although discouraged, drivers are authorized to use devices, i.e. ear bud or ear boom, which allows their cellular phone to be operated hands-free.

The device must not cover both ears. This policy applies to everyone driving on Maxwell AFB and Gunter Annex. Personnel in violation may be issued a Central Violations Bureau Form 1805 traffic ticket.

11.11. Wireless Electronic Devices: The contractor will not establish their own Information Technology (IT) systems or networks (Local Area Networks [LAN], Wide Area Network [WAN], Cellular phone/USB Modem as WAN, Wi-Fi as WAN, etc.), or camera system without the direct permission of the Program Manager and governing communications and responsible information systems office (42

CS).

11.12. Firearms and Ammunition: Transporting weapons or ammunition, concealed or otherwise, IS NOT permitted by any non-law enforcement personnel on Maxwell AFB/Gunter Annex at any time regardless of state issued concealed weapons/LEOSA permits. Violations may result in criminal prosecution under the applicable federal laws.

11.13. Illegal Weapons. The below weapons are considered illegal, unless specifically authorized by competent authority, and are prohibited on Maxwell AFB/Gunter Annex. Violations may result in criminal prosecution under the applicable federal laws.

a. Switchblade knives or knives with any type of automatic blade release.

b. An incendiary/explosive weapon (e.g., grenades, flash bangs).

c. Fireworks

d. Homemade mortars, aka "tennis ball launchers" or similar devices.

11.14. Anti-Terrorism (AT) Training Requirement.

The objective of Level I - AT Awareness Training is to provide all personnel with requisite knowledge necessary to remain vigilant for possible terrorist actions. Level I - AT Awareness Training is offered to all contractors at the attached hyperlink, http://jko.jten.mil/courses/atl1/launch.html. Click on the link for the non-CAC holders and follow the directions of the website.

11.15. Freedom of Information Act Program (FOIA): The contractor shall comply with DoD Regulation 5400.7-R/Air Force Supplement, DoD Freedom of Information Act Program, requirements. The regulation sets policy and procedures for the disclosure of records to the public and for marking, handling, transmitting, and safeguarding For Official Use Only (FOUO) material. The contractor shall comply with AFI 33-332, Air Force Privacy Civil Liberties Program, when collecting and maintaining information protected by the Privacy Act of 1974 authorized by Title 10, United States Code, Section 8013. The contractor shall maintain records in accordance AFI 33-364, Records Disposition Procedures and Responsibilities; and disposed of in accordance with Air Force Records Information Management System (AFRIMS) Records Disposition Schedule (RDS) located at https://www.my.af.mil/gcss-af61a/afrims/afrims/.

11.16. Reporting Requirements: The contractor shall comply with AFI 71-101, Volume-1, Criminal Investigations, and Volume-2, Protective Service Matters, requirements. Contractor personnel shall report to 42 Air Base Wing Information Protection Office, any information or circumstances of which they are aware may pose a threat to the security of DOD personnel, contractor personnel, resources, and classified or unclassified defense information. Contractor employees shall be briefed by their immediate supervisor upon initial on-base assignment and as required thereafter.

11.17. Internal Operating Instructions: The contractor will adhere to the Air Force activity operating instructions (OI) for internal circulation control, protection of resources, and to regulate entry into Air Force controlled areas during normal, simulated, and actual emergency operations.

11.18. Security Education and Training: The contractor will be required to participate in the government's in-house and web-based security training program under the terms of the contract. The government will provide the contractor with access to the Advance Distributed Learning Service (ADLS) web site.

Contractor personnel will complete DoD IAA Cyber Awareness Challenge and Force Protection computer base training at the ADLS or GOLEARN web site and other security related training as directed by assigned unit.

http://jko.jten.mil/courses/atl1/launch.html http://www.my.af.mil/gcss-

11.19. Operation Security (OPSEC): The contractor will comply with installation and organizational OPSEC requirements in accordance with AFI 10-701 and applicable supplements. They will also receive a local threat briefing.

12.0. ECMRA REQUIREMENT

The contractor shall report ALL contractor labor hours (including subcontractor labor hours) required for performance of services provided under this contract for the Community College of the Air Force via a secure data collection site. The contractor is required to completely fill in all required data fields using the following web address: http://www.ecmra.mil/, and then click on the icon of the DOD organization that is receiving or benefiting from the contracted services.

Reporting inputs will be for the labor executed during the period of performance during each Government fiscal year (FY), which runs 1 October through 30 September. While inputs may be reported any time during the FY, all data should be reported no later than 31 October of each calendar year.

13.0. CONTRACTOR USE OF GOVERNMENT EQUIPMENT

13.1. Government Provided Hardware. Government Provided Hardware. The government will supply required equipment items to complete the purchasing agent duty requirements to include but are not limited to computers, printer, scanner compatible with the organization’s network, CD replicating machinery and other equipment adequate for task requirements.

13.2. Government Provided Software. Microsoft Office applications and current version of Adobe In Design, Photoshop Creative Suite, Adobe Acrobat X, or other professional publishing software.

13.3. Facility. Office space will be provided as applicable to other assigned military and federal civilian personnel.

14.0 PRIVACY ACT

Work under this contract may require that personnel have access to Privacy Information. Personnel shall adhere to the Privacy act, Title 5 of the U.S. Code, Section 552a and applicable agency rules and regulations.

http://www.ecmra.mil/