Draft_H92222-14-R-0020_SWMS_Group_A_Strat_Comm_Creative_Writer_SOW.doc

DRAFT H92222-14-R-0019 SWMS Group A

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

UNITED STATES SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND STAFF SUPPORT

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION CREATIVE WRITER

1. Background. The office of strategic communication (SOCC-SC) within the Headquarters, United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) requires production of USSOCOM articles, speeches, annual communication plan, and other highly visible correspondence in support of the commander, USSOCOM. Organizations impacted and dependent on the functional title x efforts of the strategic communication office are the general public, the services, the USSOCOM SOF components, and the senior leadership in charge of the USSOCOM functional directorates. The office of strategic communication coordinates, synchronizes, and routinely works closely with the commander’s action group (CAG), legislative affairs (SOLA), and the special operations public affairs (SOPA).

2. Purpose and overall objective. The overall objective of the command creative writer task is to provide a professional writer responsible for the compilation and production of USSOCOM articles, speeches, annual communication plan, and other highly visible correspondence in support of the commander, USSOCOM. The work completed under this task order will be overseen by SOCC-SC and coordinated with the cag, sola, and SOPA. This effort will also ensure alignment of institutional messages, key staff engagements, and command actions.

3. Specific Requirements. The requirements encompass the following:

a. Research.

i. Contractor shall conduct research that requires liaison with the many sources necessary to complete the mission in a time-sensitive or time-compressed environment. The research can include receiving information through an assigned task, information papers, direct interface and coordination with subject matter experts internal and external to USSOCOM, and civilian counterpart professionals, reviewing previously written documents/publications, reviewing oral testimonies and presentations and collect, maintain and archive command information for access as required in the government’s development of the annual posture statement. Additionally, the contractor will maintain the command fact sheet and data portal. Specific aspects of the research to be conducted includes, but is not limited to:

1. Analysis of historical documents and products giving reference to USSOCOM and Joint SOF Operations

2. Review of published and non-published military and civilian professional journals and periodicals

3. Situational awareness of world current and trend events broadcasted for public consumption

ii. Compilation/Assemble: Contractor shall compile information, data, and research material for assimilation in the required written format.

iii. Contractor will develop and present a construct outline with suggested order for compilation/assembly of draft/final products

iv. Specific aspects of the compilation and assimilation conducted include, but are not limited to:

1. Timely compilation and assimilation of the material so as to afford the reviewer time to affect or adjudicate change in the appearance, tone, or direction of the product

2. Clear notification of all references, sources, or origination of thought and material

3. Provision of atmospheric or environmental trend analysis that supports or refutes the subject material

4. Management of track change records of the material to effectively manage the content

b. Writing

i. Contractor will prepare written correspondence and ensure the myriad voices of Special Operations Forces communicate with one message and serves as a resource for USSOCOM leadership. Additionally, prepared documentation shall provide talking points for use in speaking engagements and interactions with multiple and diverse groups, and for both traditional and non-traditional audiences. Throughout the entire process, Contractor will provide updates and drafts of completed work, so corrections or changes in direction can be accomplished in an efficient and timely manner and vet these through the command strategic communicator. Specific aspects of the writing conducted include, but are not limited to:

1. A seasoned, clear, and relevant SOF thinking approach to all subject matter

2. Experienced, SOF-communal credibility in all subject matter

3. Acute awareness of the target audience, military and civilian

4. Representation of factual, relevant historical and potential trends influencing the topic area

5. Provision of assessed and mitigated perception management

c. Editing and Reviewing

i. Contractor shall review and edit different products provided from inside and outside of USSOCOM.

ii. Contractor shall obtain approval from the USSOCOM Strategic Communication office before they edit/review any products that did not originate within the Strategic Communication office.

iii. Specific aspects of editing and reviewing products include, but are not limited to:

1. Proactive, timely participation in the edit and review process

2. Innate ability to work under pressure or compressed timelines

3. Provision of candid, honest, and forthright input and professional assessments

4. Willingness to accept constructive criticism as a team player

d. Coordinating

i. Contractor shall provide the required coordination with information sources within and outside the command for research, data gathering, and final compilation of required text and supporting graphics.

ii. Contractor shall not release any material outside the command without prior approval from SOCC-SC and review by SOPA or designated representative.

iii. Specific aspects of coordinating include, but are not limited to:

1. Extensive knowledge of DOD, DOS, Interagency, USSOCOM, Joint, and Service stakeholders infrastructure and staff coordination system and entities

2. USSOCOM specific “know how” and “how to” operational experience in accomplishing action officer, subject matter expert, and SOF professional Title X functions and obligations staff coordination

3. Extensive professional contact list internal and external to USSOCOM, Joint and SOF Community

e. Publication/Posting

i. Contractor shall deliver final copies of finished documents/products as required. This requirement also may include emailing document, posting to specified web pages and portals, establishing hotlinks in document to pertinent fact sheets and other data sources.

ii. Specific aspects of coordinating include, but are not limited to:

1. Meet or exceed expectations of cradle to grave publication and posting deadlines; planned or compressed schedules and milestones in the process

2. Knowledge of the systems by which any published document shall be broadcast, internal and external to USSOCOM

3. Situational awareness and institutional knowledge of the IT solutions to promulgate the product over strategic communication media of broadcast via both military and civilian media systems

4. Innate ability to maximize the intent of electronic and written print to serve USSOCOM interests as directed (world wide web, portal, blog, and other chat media of communication)

4. Deliverables

a. Articles

i. Contractor shall provide support to research, write, overall assemble, and edit articles submitted for publication on behalf of the CDR, USSOCOM

ii. Contractor shall research and provide responses to requests for published articles received from publications and organizations outside of the command

iii. Contractor shall coordinate, as needed, with information sources within and outside the command for research, data gathering, and final compilation of required text and supporting graphics

iv. Articles shall be delivered on an as-required basis

b. Speeches

i. Contractor shall provide support to research, and edit speech texts to be delivered by the CDR, USSOCOM

ii. Contractor shall coordinate with internal and external offices for research, data gathering, and compilation

iii. Contractor shall maintain a comprehensive understanding of USSOCOM vision, mission, priorities, objectives and the Commander’s intent

iv. Speeches shall be delivered on an as-required basis

c. Strategic Communication Plan

i. Contractor shall support the development of the annual Strategic Communication Plan

ii. Contractor shall support the development and publication of emerging requirements relative to specific and focused topic area communications plans (e.g., a communication plan in response to inquiries demanding a SOPA, SOLA, CAG coordinated quick response relevant to specific topic area of concern or inquiry)

d. Other Written Reports and Documentation

i. Contractor shall deliver other written documents as required in support of the Commander

ii. Contractor shall provide assistance and required solutions, written reports, and documentation associated or in conjunction with active participation in the SOCC-SC Time Sensitive Planning (TSP) and Crisis Action Team (CAT) operational planning and execution, when required

5. Personnel skills and capabilities-See figure 1 below Figure 1 SOW Skills/Qualifications

Position (Labor Category) Required Skills/Qualifications

Creative Writer

(Strategic Communication SME)

· Undergraduate degree required, master’s level desirable

· Contractor personnel shall possess/meet the following qualifications:

· Work experience directly related to the task area with prior military experience preferred. Recent experience with the speech/ article/plan writing

· Shall be well versed in all branches of Service and have a working knowledge of the joint service environment and of strategic communication concepts and USSOCOM core competencies

· Staff officer background in a higher headquarters setting is preferred

· Extensive communication skills required, both written and oral, with the ability to communicate at all levels in a highly-professional manner

· Working knowledge of computers and software programs such as Microsoft Office, Excel, and PowerPoint

6. Service delivery summary: The following SDS items outline key requirements/deliverables in performance of this task order. Overall performance assessments will be provided to the Contracting Officer by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) per the procedures under the basic contract Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan. Meeting or not meeting the below thresholds will be the basis of that performance evolution.

Figure 2 Task Order Level Service Delivery Summary

Threshold Method of Evaluation

Does the contractor’s performance conform to contract and task order requirements, specifications and standards of good workmanship (e.g., commonly accepted technical, professional, environmental, or safety and health standards)?

· For example:

· Does the product or service provided meet the thresholds outlined within the PWS/SDS?

· Does the Contractor’s work measure up to commonly accepted technical or professional thresholds?

· What degree of Government technical direction was required to solve problems that arise during performance?

· Were there any security or OCI violations?

· Does the contractor consistently deliver the commitments made within the task order proposals?

All staff in place on Day One of the Period of Performance

Contractor receives no more than one (1) formal customer complaint per year for each task order

Contractor successfully resolves any customer complaint within five (5) working days of receipt or less time as specified in the task order

No security or OCI violations acceptable. 100% Compliance.

All proposed commitments were implemented without Government intervention and any associated benefits were realized.

Inspection

· Inspections by COR(s)

· Hand reviews of products/ deliverables

· Formal Customer Complaints

· COR solicits feedback from TRs, leadership/ SMEs/ interested parties on accuracy and quality of deliverables and quality of performance

· Review of Monthly reports

deliverables completed in an accurate, timely manner in compliance with task order PWS requirements?

· Did the contractor successfully transition the task order within the required timeframe to ensure full support of all PWS requirements on the task order start date?

· Were all monthly reports and self-assessments submitted in PEAC accurate and timely?

· No (0) late deliverables as defined in the deliverables section of the task order PWS per year.

· No more than (1) late monthly reports/self-assessments per year; and no more than 2 working days late.

No more than (2) sets of corrections/ edits, and all corrections must be accomplished within three (3) working days.

All proposed transition plan and support requirements were realized upon task order start; Government was not required to ensure successful transition

· COR solicits feedback from TRs, leadership/ SMEs/ interested parties on accuracy and quality of deliverables and quality of performance

· Did the contractors processes ensure all internal company management/personnel activities such as employee timecards, hours per pay period, “overtime approvals”; time off to remain within “80 hrs per pay period”; leave, vacancies, etc. did not require Government involvement or effect the performance required within the PWS?

· Did the contractor ensure coverage of task requirements and deliverables still being produced during any periods of internal turnover of personnel/vacancies including reasonable and known surge periods/requirements as required?

· If a cost reimbursable travel is utilized on the task order, did the contractor get the appropriate COR approvals; manage travel funds/budget; and invoice appropriately per the JTR and standard accounting practices?

· Did the Contractor do anything innovative that resulted in a cost savings?

· Funding allocated for cost reimbursable travel was managed effectively (i.e. no travel occurred without approval, proper funding on task order, and expiring funds were compared to known travel requirements to ensure all funding would be properly utilized prior to the end of the period of performance.

· Accommodated fact of life changes and minor increases within scope in order to align with the natural ebb and flow of the specific task order requirements for all FFP task orders

· For all FFP tasks; Support /deliverables were received as outlined within the PWS at the proposed price without requiring Government involvement.

Any “Surge or reachback” support if proposed was provided without degradation to other areas of the task requirements and/or requiring PCO involvement.

· COR solicits feedback from TRs, leadership/ SMEs/ interested parties on accuracy and quality of deliverables and quality of performance

· Is interaction between the contractor and the Government satisfactory or does it need improvement?

· Was the quality of problem identification and corrective action plans, if applicable, focused on customer satisfaction?

· Did the contractor personnel exhibit reasonable and cooperative behavior?

Contractor receives no more than two (2) formal customer complaints per year for each task order.

Contractor successfully resolves any customer complaint within five (5) working days of receipt or less time as specified in the task order.

· Formal Customer Complaints

· COR solicits feedback from TRs, leadership/ SMEs/ interested parties on accuracy and quality of deliverables and quality of performance

· Review of Monthly reports

· Was the appointed task leader trained and effective in managing all contractor support personnel across the entire task as outlined within the PWS?

· Did the contractor manage all personnel to ensure all requirements were met; i.e. redirecting resources across tasks; cross training when applicable; ensuring no loss to requirements during absences or vacancies with coordination only with the Requiring Activities for awareness and successful management of related tasks?

· Were off-site personnel effectively utilized?

· How well did the Contractor select, retain, manage, and ensure continuous training of employees, and replace, when necessary, task order personnel throughout the task order period of performance as required?

· For example:

· How well did the Contractor match the qualifications of any key or Task Lead positions, as described in the task order, with the person who filled the key position?

· Did the Contractor support and train Task Leads/Action Officers so they were able to work effectively?

· Was the contractor aware of any performance related issues and were the appropriate actions taken to ensure quick resolution?

· Were the contractors' internal business practices/processes /plans successful in hiring and then retaining all qualified support personnel?

No more than one (1) total validated violation. Upon notice of violation, Contractor shall immediately correct or establish acceptable corrective action plans within 15 working days

No more than two (2) required corrections. Total validated changes as a result of not following current policy or processes or having appropriate skill set for position

· Contractor receives no formal customer complaints per year for each task order. Contractor successfully resolves any customer complaint within (2) working days of receipt or less time as specified in the task order.

· No more than (2) personnel related changes due to ineffective performance or inappropriate qualifications.

· Contractor successfully manages personnel to meet all requirements defined in the PWS, regardless of absences or vacancies, 95% of the time.

· Formal Customer Complaints

· COR solicits feedback from TRs, leadership/ SMEs/ interested parties on accuracy and quality of deliverables and quality of performance

· COR solicits feedback with regards to the level of Government involvement in identified internal company personnel related issues

7. Government furnished equipment/materials: The Government anticipates on-site support for this requirement therefore, the government will provide all equipment and materials, and access to all necessary networks and systems required to support the activities required under this task order. The Government will provide furnished office spaces (workstations, office automation equipment, telephones, and furniture) and supplies at MacDill AFB for contractors working in support of this effort. Contractor personnel will have access to secure telephones, a photocopier, data, fax (secure and unclassified), and shredder on a non-interference basis when needed to perform the work requirements.

8. Security

a. Security will be in accordance with the attached DD254. Contractor team individual(s) supporting this task will be cleared at the SECRET level at the start of the task. Contractor will require access to NIPRNET/SIPRNET computer systems only at government facilities. Contractor will be authorized to courier classified information up to the “Secret” level in performance of official duties upon approval of and designation by the contracting officer representative (COR), PM and/or KO.

b. The contractor shall ensure requirements are fulfilled for safeguarding classified information and classified materials, for obtaining and verifying personnel security clearances, for verifying security clearances and indoctrination of visitors, for controlling access to restricted areas, for protecting government property, and for the security of automated and non-automated management information systems and data. The contractor's management system shall prevent unauthorized disclosure of classified and sensitive unclassified information. The government shall be immediately notified if any security incident or any indication of a potential unauthorized disclosure or compromise of classified or sensitive unclassified information.

c. The contractor shall provide security management support. Typical efforts include, but are not limited to, performing classified document control functions, classified materials inventories, program access requests, preparing and monitoring personnel indoctrination and debriefing agreements, and maintaining and using security-related databases.

9. Reports. Monthly reports per basic contract Statement of Work at Section 7 are applicable. The appointed COR name and information will be located in the task order DD 1155, Section F. Additionally, all reports specific to this task order, outlined in SOW Section 2.1, Deliverables, shall be submitted as described herein.

10. Travel. Travel will be performed as directed by SOCC-SC in support of task order as described below. Contractor will ensure travel expenses are incurred in accordance with the Joint Travel Regulations. Travel is required to various CONUS locations (OCONUS travel is not anticipated) as part of the SOCC-SC Creative Writer support requirements. Travel may be required for assisting with any off-site research, development, compilation, or publication of written or oral presentations as required. Most likely destination is Washington, D.C. and possible locations are Component HQs consisting of United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) and Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) at Fort Bragg, NC; Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWCOM or NAVSPECWARCOM) at Naval Base Coronado, CA; Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) at Hurlburt Field, FL; and Marine Corps Special Operations Command (MARSOC) at Camp Lejeune, NC.

11. MATERIAL: No material is required for this effort. All material will be provided by the Government.