Solicitation H9821026QA001

Attachment 1 – Performance Work Statement

CENTCOM-AFRICOM DEGREE PROGRAM

Performance Work Statement (PWS)

21 April 2026

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Force Education and Training (DASD

FE&T) implements policies and procedures for Career Investment Programs (CIP) that are critical for war-fighting readiness as well as to ensure that service members are prepared for transition to the civilian workforce following military service. As a CIP, Voluntary Education

(VolEd) programs enable Service member access to quality postsecondary educational opportunities, empower informed Service member decision-making, shape meaningful personal and professional pathways, and drive military student success in higher education. On behalf of the DASD FE&T, the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES), a component of the Defense Human Resources Activity (DHRA), manages a portfolio of Defense voluntary education programs that help Service members achieve their personal and professional career goals.

The U.S. Armed Forces (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Space Force, National

Guard, and Reserve) and Coast Guard require undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate (credit and non-credit) degree programs, delivered in face-to-face and alternative learning formats, to military personnel serving in the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) and United

States Africa Command (AFRICOM) Areas of Responsibility (AOR). Service locations for this contract are subject to change and may include any country within the CENTCOM and

AFRICOM AORs as established in the Unified Command Plan issued pursuant to 10 U.S.C. §

161. Appendix A lists the countries currently in the CENTCOM and AFRICOM AORs and the military bases where services are currently required, including Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt (Sinai), Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, and United Arab Emirates. Services under this contract may be required at any military location in the CENTCOM and AFRICOM AORs. The U.S. Armed Forces

(Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Space Force, National Guard, and Reserve) and Coast

Guard require academic and student support services for undergraduate and graduate (credit and non-credit) degree programs in APPENDIX H, delivered in face-to-face traditional and alternative learning formats, to military personnel serving outside of the Continental United

States (OCONUS).

Areas may include:

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) and United States Africa Command

(AFRICOM) Service locations for this contract are subject to change and may include any country within the overseas AORs.

Appendix A lists the countries currently in the AORs and the military bases where services are currently required. Services under this contract may be required at any military location in the

AORs.

2.0 BACKGROUND

This program operates in accordance with DoD Directive 1322.08E, “Voluntary Education

Programs for Military Personnel”; DoD Instruction 1322.19, “Voluntary Education Programs in

Overseas Areas”; and DoD Instruction 1322.25, “Voluntary Education Programs.” In accordance with these directives and instructions, educational programs and services comparable to those

Service members receive in the Continental United States (CONUS) must be provided in overseas areas as well. Programs and education support services enable Service members to achieve their educational and vocational goals, advance in their professional responsibilities, and transition to the civilian workforce upon completion of their military careers. For almost 75 years, public academic institutions have provided US Armed Forces serving overseas with accredited college degree programs. This program has evolved to where Service members deployed to remote locations within contingency areas also receive a variety of educational services in a variety of delivery formats to include traditional face-to-face classroom instruction, and course delivery using a variety of technology-based solutions (e.g., online learning, streaming, hybrid, etc.). The number of courses requested by the local Education Services Office

(ESO) may vary according to troop population, mission, and geographic considerations.

3.0 SCOPE

The Contractor shall provide the personnel, management and materials necessary to deliver a variety of education programs and services to US Armed Forces serving in OCONUS

(CENTCOM/AFRICOM AOR). In coordination with DoD’s existing network of military education and learning resource centers, the contractor shall provide accredited college instruction leading to the award of undergraduate and graduate degrees, academic, financial assistance advisement, and testing support services at National Test Centers and forward deployed locations. The contractor awarded the undergraduate liberal arts degree program will also provide testing support services at National Test Centers (NTC). Academic degree programs shall be delivered via face-to-face instruction and alternative learning formats. The objective of this requirement is to provide Service members with educational opportunities comparable to what are available to CONUS- based Service members. The contractor shall ensure educational programs, courses, and content are the same as those provided through formal academic processes on the home campus. The purpose of this contract is to obtain post-secondary (credit and non-credit) programs needed to enable Service members to achieve their educational goals.

This contract is not a guarantee of program enrollments by Department of Defense (DoD) personnel and other eligible personnel in an educational institution’s academic programs, and the government is not requesting online-only programs. The contractor must be capable of delivering required services onsite. Abbreviations used in this PWS are contained in PWS Appendix I.

No Obligation of Government Funds: The contract explicitly states that the Department of

Defense (aka Department of War) will not pay the educational institution. This means the agency is not creating an obligation “in excess of an appropriation” or “in advance of an appropriation.”

Third-Party Payment: The contractor’s compensation comes from a third party, namely the students, through their tuition assistance funding and/or reimbursements.

4.0 REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor shall provide non-credit, certificate, undergraduate and graduate degree programs, educational services, and testing services at military locations in OCONUS (CENTCOM and AFRICOM

AORs) as follows:

4.1 Degree Programs

4.1.1 Accreditation and Institutional Requirements

4.1.1.1 The contractor shall be an accredited institution recognized by the US Department of

Education for face-to-face undergraduate and graduate courses, and regionally or nationally accredited by an agency recognized by the US Department of Education for distance learning courses and course delivered via alternative learning formats. Accreditation is neither divisible nor transferable. A non-accredited institution or organization cannot claim accredited status solely because of any affiliation or arrangement with an accredited institution. Only accredited institutions may provide course offerings.

4.1.1.2 Regional accreditation is required for face-to-face instruction. Per DoDI 1322.19, to receive tuition assistance (TA), Service members in the overseas duty location who are not already enrolled in a postsecondary course may not receive TA unless they enroll in courses offered by contracted universities. The course can be face-to-face, hybrid, online, or other alternative delivery format. This restriction is for the first course only. To preserve federal resources and students' time, credit received in face-to-face courses must be widely transferable to other regionally accredited institutions and must count toward an undergraduate or graduate degree program. Given the transient nature of military students, it is especially important that credits earned by students be portable to other educational institutions. The requirement for that support lifelong learning by Service members and other authorized adult learners within the U.S.

military communities served by the voluntary education organizations of each of the U.S. Forces in CENTCOM/AFRICOM AOR.

4.1.1.3 The contractor shall be in compliance with voluntary education program directives and instructions. The contractor shall ensure it has taken the necessary steps to comply with the following programs and principles:

a. Be in compliance with DoD Directive 1322.08E, Voluntary Education for Military Personnel, DoD Instruction 1322.19, Voluntary Education Programs in Overseas Areas, and DoD

Instruction 1322.25, Voluntary Education Programs.

b. Agree to sign the Department of Defense Voluntary Education Partnership Memorandum of

Understanding; and

c. Contractors shall adhere to the Principles of Excellent for Education Institution Serving

Service members.

4.1.1.4 The contractor shall maintain the same admission and graduation standards that exist for the same programs at the main administrative and academic office. The Contractor shall include credits from courses taken in the CENTCOM and AFRICOM AORs in establishing academic residency to meet degree requirements. The contractor will conduct on-installation courses that carry identical credit values, represent the same content and experience, and use the same student evaluation procedures as courses offered through the main campus.

4.1.1.5 The Contractors shall comply with requirements of Military Services Academic Portals

(Air Force Automated Education Management System (AFAEMS), Army IgnitED, Navy

College Management Information System (NCMIS). These portals provide centralized methods of applying for TA and in which academic institutions post enrollments, invoice for student enrollment, post class schedules, and provide grades for Service members.

4.1.1.7 In AORs where more than one university is providing academic services, the Contractors shall jointly develop a Cooperation Agreement that outlines the programs awarded pursuant to each contract and the courses to be offered by each Contractor.

a. The Cooperation Agreement shall be provided to the CO and COR thirty (30) business days after the start of the contract period.

b. The Cooperation Agreement shall be reviewed every two years, unless an earlier review is requested. If the Cooperation Agreement is amended, the amended version of the

Cooperation Agreement shall be provided to the CO and COR within thirty (30) business days of completion.

4.1.2 Academic Programs Offered

The contractor shall:

4.1.2.1 Provide accredited courses supporting the degree programs identified in Appendix B, Academic Programs, to include:

a. Liberal Arts courses leading to award of Certificates,Associate of Arts Degrees, Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Arts Degrees

b. Graduate courses leading to award of a Graduate Certificate or Master Degree

Degree programs shall be consistent with the degree programs available at the Institution of

Higher Education’s home campus. Students' participation in the degree programs shall be funded through military tuition assistance (TA) based on service policy, under the GI Bill, U.S.

Department of Veterans Affairs, or funded individually by an eligible student. The Government will not provide funding for student tuition for academic courses through this contract. TA funding used by Service members taking courses under this contract requires military service approval via separate processes in accordance with each military services’ education policy. The

Contractor is not responsible for obtaining TA approval for Service members enrolled in courses under this contract.

4.1.2.2 Enroll students, provide institutionally related advisement, provide administrative/clerical support services for the program, deliver instruction in the programs, assess first time college students, and implement a system to determine appropriate academic placement. The services, supplies, and support provided in-theater shall be consistent with home campus support.

Contractor shall utilize home campus support services only when feasible and without jeopardizing face-to-face, on-ground student support and guidance services.

4.1.2.3 Develop an unofficial Degree Plan by the end of the student’s second course for all students pursuing a degree with the contractor. The Degree Plan shall project and schedule courses annually and by term, include a variety of delivery formats, and account for irregular military work schedule and unanticipated changes in the mission. At a minimum, the Degree

Plan shall include the number of credit hours and/or courses needed to successfully complete the

Contractor’s residency requirement.

4.1.2.4 Provide an electronic degree completion report listing all individuals (to include military personnel, family members, DoD civilians, and DoD Contractors), by name and service affiliation, who have completed the requirements for a certificate, Associate, Bachelor’s, or

Graduate degree to the appropriate Education Center listed in Appendix C and the COR. The report shall include, but is not limited to, source and total amount of tuition (TA, GI Bill, student self-pay, Military Spouse Career Advancement Account, etc.) military affiliation, type of degree awarded, date of degree, degree program, and location. The Contractor shall submit the report within thirty (30) days after the end of each term that comprises the academic year (e.g. fall, winter, spring, summer terms, etc.).

4.2 Education Program Requirements

4.2.1 Education Program Instruction

The Contractor shall deliver the program(s) awarded as follows:

4.2.1.1 Degree programs described in Appendix B at the location specifics in Appendix A. If degree programs are required at additional sites within the CENTCOM AOR, the on-site

Education Services Officer (ESO) or Site-Specific Technical Assistant (SSTA) will request services through the COR. The Contracting Office is the only Government representative authorized to add performance locations to the contract.

4.2.1.2 The course quantities requested by local ESOs will vary according to troop population, mission, operation tempo, and geographical considerations. Changes to set term dates may be expected and shall be accommodated based on exercises and deployments and other events impacting installation populations. Modification of term lengths requires approval by the COR with coordination of the local ESO or SSTA. All credit awarded under this contract for traditional and hybrid instruction shall be resident credit.

4.2.2.1 The Contractor’s instructional delivery shall be consistent with the instructional methods used at the home campus. Instructional delivery methods shall include face-to-face on-site instruction, hybrid instruction, and alternative delivery methods offered by the contractor utilizing latest technology advancements and the most recent delivery methods used in higher education.

4.2.2.2 Instructors shall be available to teach all awarded programs at all sites as indicated in

Appendix B. Face-to-face class instruction is considered traditional education in a physical classroom or other live synchronous video and audio learning technology format. With the live synchronous video and audio learning technology format, students shall meet in a classroom and have live synchronous audio and video communication with the instructor. Instructors shall be in a classroom with other students. Distance learning is a field of education that delivers on-line instruction to students who are not physically present in a traditional education setting such as a classroom. Hybrid instruction is a combination of distance learning and face-to-face classroom instruction. For this contract, hybrid instruction is when instruction is delivered face-to-face at least fifty (50) percent of the time. The Contractor shall have the exclusive right to teach On-site classroom courses on US military installations within the geographical areas. This exclusive right does not limit the access of students to alternative instruction delivered by non-contracted schools originating from the United States. Students may participate in distance learning programs of their choice. No restriction on access to alternative instruction is implied or authorized under this contract.

4.2.3 Student Enrollments and Class Size

4.2.3.1 Course Registration and Enrollments – All enrollments shall be in conformance with the applicable guidance listed below:

a. Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA)

b. Host Nation Agreements

c. DoD, Military Service and Command Policies

The Contractor shall only enroll those academically qualified individuals who have a valid

Identification and Privilege Card issued by the Military Services and who meet the eligibility required herein. With written authorization of the CO or the COR, the Contractor may enroll other individuals. The Contractor shall only enroll those individuals who meet the requirements of the country’s SOFA or other formal Host Country Agreements.

4.2.3.2 The Contractor shall receive and review class enrollment and drop/withdrawal requests in accordance with Military Service requirements as directed by Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine

Corps, Space Force, National Guard, and Reserve and Coast Guard policies. The Contractor must establish a record for the Service member in the Contractor’s student information system, unless such a record is already established. The Contractor may register military TA students only after the students receive approval for TA for the applicable course.

4.2.3.3 The Contractor shall register all students in the same manner, subject to the same academic regulations, and with the same support as those students would receive on-campus.

4.2.3.4 For each term of the academic school year, the Contractor shall report Face-to-Face and

Alternative Learning enrollments per CLIN per site for each Military Service in an Excel compatible spreadsheet format. The Contractor shall provide a summary page and list of all enrolled non-SOFA students, identified in paragraph 4.2.4 f though h below, by category for each enrollment period no later than 10 business days following the end of the enrollment period.

4.2.3.5 Class Size – The Contractor shall establish minimum and maximum class size for any single location and will coordinate with the ESO on available space and facilities. If approved by the COR, the contractor, at its discretion, may conduct a scheduled course with less than nine students to accommodate student needs but must notify the COR at least five days prior to the course start date if it plans to allow the course to continue with fewer than nine students.

a. When the demand for an on-site course has exceeded capacity, the Contractor and ESO shall make a good faith effort to provide a duplicate course at the same location in the same term. Considerations regarding offering a duplicate on-site course include but are not limited to faculty and space availability.

b. For locations where course delivery is received via live-stream (no instructor physically in the room), the minimum enrollment shall be three students in order to create a classroom environment for students and to support team activities at the remote location.

The Contractor may make exceptions to this enrollment minimum on a case-by-case basis depending upon student’s course needs for degree progression.

4.2.4 Student Eligibility

Eligible students include:

a. U.S. Military Personnel

b. U.S. DoD Civilians

c. Dependent Family Members

d. U.S. DoD contractors and United States Government (USG) sponsored citizens

e. United States Armed Forces Retirees, Widows, and their dependents

f. Non-USG sponsored citizens

g. Local Nationals

h. Third-Country Nationals

Priority for enrolling for all courses shall comply with DoDI 1322.19 and will be given in the following order: Service members, U.S. DOD Civilians, dependent family members of service members and DoD Civilians, military retirees, U.S. non-DOD personnel, local nationals, third country nationals. The Contractor, in coordination with the COR, shall formulate a system to provide such priority and it shall be published and provided to each ESO and COR prior to the initial commencement of contracted services.

4.2.5 Student Withdrawals and Refunds

The Contractor Shall:

4.2.5.1 Report student course withdrawal to each service’s centralized portal for students using

TA.

4.2.5.2 Pay proportionate refunds to the Government and the students in accordance with DoDI

1322.25.

4.2.6 Course Schedule

4.2.6.1 The Contractor, after consulting and coordinating with the COR, shall develop annual and term course schedules to ensure courses are projected and available to permit degree/program progression. The Contractor shall not deviate from schedules without approval of the COR.

a. Annual Schedule: The annual course schedule shall be the masterplan for all term schedules. The annual course schedule shall be finalized thirty (30) calendar days prior to commencement of each academic year’s first term and published at least three (3) weeks prior to commencement of each academic year’s first term registration on the institution’s website. The first annual course schedule shall be developed during the

Contractor’s phase-in period. The annual schedule shall ensure that range of course offerings facilitate student progression towards degree completion, considers historical data on course offerings and student enrollment patterns, and takes into consideration scheduled military training activities and other military related factors that might impact course participation and enrollment.

b. Term Schedule: Each term, the Contractor shall finalize the schedule listing courses and instructors no later than thirty (30) calendar days prior to the term start date. The

Contractor shall publish the finalized course schedule for each term by location on the institution’s website.

c. Contractors that enroll students at any time during the year and do not operate within set terms shall provide the ESO with general a course schedule and report contract requirements by utilizing business quarters as a delivery timetable rather than the term system.

The Quarters are:

1st Quarter: August 1- October 31

2nd Quarter: November 1 -January 31

3rd Quarter: February 1 – April 30

4th Quarter: May 1 – July 31

4.2.6.2 Undergraduate classroom instruction shall generally not exceed eight (8) weeks in duration. Adherence to these guidelines is at the discretion of the Contractor. Courses less than six (6) weeks long will not be authorized without COR approval.

4.2.7 Course Syllabus

4.2.7.1 The Contractor shall develop and produce a course syllabus listing learning outcomes, instructional and reference materials, examination information, grading procedures, incomplete policy, involuntary withdrawal policy, and student requirements for each course.

4.2.7.2 The Contractor shall make a copy of the course syllabus available three weeks before the start of classes. The syllabus shall also be available on the institutional website one week prior to the term start date. The syllabus shall be specific and current to the course content provided in theater.

4.2.8 Student Services

4.2.8.1 Veterans Administration (VA) Education Benefits – the Contractor shall:

a. Secure a determination from the VA (no later than 45 days before registration for the first course of the Contractor approved programs) concerning full-time course load for purposes of financial benefits granted to a student.

b. Process and certify applications for VA Benefits.

c. Notify the VA of ineligible veterans.

4.2.8.2 Advisement – The Contractor shall be responsible for advisement to all students and prospective students for all programs and shall:

4.2.8.2.1 Provide all Service members an unofficial education plan before enrolling in the first class.

4.2.8.2.2 Inform students of federal and institutional financial aid for which they qualify and assist in applying for the aid. Assist students with completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

4.2.8.2.3 Provide students with a formal degree plan after completion of six semester hours of credit.

4.2.8.2.4 Provide the student an official evaluation of all prior learning after six (6) undergraduate hours of study and the student has arranged for all prior college transcripts and Joint Service Transcripts.

4.2.8.2.5 Have on-line communication services, i.e., email and other internet capabilities between sites and home campus to facilitate rapid communications with faculty, students, and program administrators.

4.2.8.2.6 Ensure the faculty is available to students for consultation outside of class time. The Contractor shall require its faculty establish and publish a schedule of these consultation hours, no later than the second day after the beginning of a course. Consultation can be face-to-face or through electronic format.

4.2.9 Financial Aid Resources

The Contractor shall make available to all students and prospective students, military and non-military, information on available financial aid. Information shall include the following resources per DoDI1322.25: College Scorecard (http://collegecost.ed.gov/scorecard), The College

Navigator (http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator), Financial Aid Shopping Sheet

(http://www2ed.gov/policy/highered/guid/aid-offer/index.html), and CFPB Paying for College webpage (http://www.consumerfinance.gov/paying-for-college).

4.2.10 Library Services

4.2.10.1 The Contractor shall ensure students have access to the resources that meet both the

Contractor’s standards and the accreditation standards for the subject courses offered. This shall include access to home campus library system, electronic databases and librarian services at a distance. The Contractor shall meet this requirement by placing reference materials in local libraries and/or through the internet and other emerging technologies.

4.2.10.2 Institutional Support of Research for Degree Programs

The Contractor shall ensure that research and other source materials are readily available. The

Contractor shall ensure faculty and students have access to the home campus library system, http://collegecost.ed.gov/scorecard) http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator) http://www2ed.gov/policy/highered/guid/aid-offer/index.html) http://www.consumerfinance.gov/paying-for-college) including research support. This requires access through internet to virtual text databases and research librarian assistance.

4.2.11 Grades

4.2.11.1 The Contractor shall provide grades to each student no later than 14 days after course completion. Students shall have access to grades via academic website.

4.2.11.2 Specific requirements for providing grades, by Service, are:

a. Army, National Guard, Army Reserves: The contractor shall submit grades no later than

14 days after the published term end date via the Army's ArmylgnitED portal using the web-grading tool or by sending a flat file via File Transfer Protocol (FTP), configured to specifications provided by the Army.

b. Air Force, Space Force, and Air Force Reserve Components: The contractor shall submit grades no later than 15 days after the published term end date via the Air Force Academic

Institution Portal (AI Portal).

c. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Navy Reserve Components.: Contractor shall submit grades no later than 15 days after the published term end date via the Navy College

Management Information Systems (NCMIS) Grade Entry Portal.

4.2.12 Transcripts

4.2.12.1 The Contractor shall provide official transcript upon student’s request.

4.2.12.2 Ensure all student requests for transcripts or official academic standing are processed within 15 days of receipt by the Contractor’s issuing office. The Contractor shall work with the appropriate Service organizations to establish an electronic transfer system compatible with the

Joint Services Transcript System.

4.2.13 Tuition Assistance

4.2.13.1 Tuition Assistance (TA) is Government funding provided to Service members for payment of tuition. TA and enrollments cannot be guaranteed by the Government and are not considered for this contract. The exact percentage of Government TA liability will be determined by each service in accordance with applicable directives. The Government retains the option to pay 100% of the unit cost for each enrollment/course designated as mission essential training.

4.2.13.2 If the Contractor is enrolling a Military student, the Contractor shall only process students add, drop or withdrawal requests using TA funding IAW Military Service policies and procedures.

4.2.13.3 The Contractor shall follow current applicable TA management processes as outlined by

U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Space Force, or U.S. Coast

Guard policies for TA payment for tuition, student withdrawals and refunds.

4.2.13.4 The Contractor shall only enroll a Service member as a TA student if the student has

TA approval IAW Military Service TA policy. This restriction does not apply to Service members paying for the enrolled course with non-TA funds.

4.2.13.5 When supporting Army students, the contractor will follow ArmyignitED procedures.

(https://www.Armyignitlogin.aspx)

4.2.13.6 When supporting Air Force students, the contractor will follow AFAEMS procedures.

(https://afaems.langley.af.mil/webesp/)

4.2.13.7 When supporting Navy students, the Contractor will follow Virtual Education Center

(VEC) procedures. (https://www.navycollege.navy.mil/ncpasmnt/nccasmnt.cfm)

4.2.13.8 When supporting Marine Corps students, the Contractor will follow Marine Corps procedures. (http://www.usmc-mccs.org/education/mta.cfm)

4.2.13.9 When supporting Coast Guard students, the Contractor will follow Coast Guard procedures.

(http://www.uscg.mil/yotf/cgi/active_duty/pay_for_college/ta/eligibility.asp)

4.2.14 Military Service Education Portals

Each branch of military service maintains a service unique education portal as follows:

4.2.14.1 ArmyIgnitED is the education system for the United States Army. ArmyIgnitED provides a centralized method of applying for TA for the students, and through the ArmyIgnitED

Institutional Portal, institutions can post class schedules, invoice for student enrollment and provide grades at the end of each term. Institutions must use ArmyIgnitED to submit invoices and grades for U.S. Army students.

4.2.14.2 Air Force Automated Education Management System (AFAEMS) - AFAEMS is the education system of record for the United States Air Force/Space Force. AFAEMS provides a centralized method of applying for TA for the students, and through the AFAEMS Institutional

Portal, institutions can post class schedules, invoice for student enrollments and provide grades at the end of each term. Institutions must use AFAEMS to submit invoices and grades for U.S.

Air Force/Space Force students.

4.2.14.3 Navy College Management Information System (NCMIS) – NCMIS, which is the education portal for the U.S. Navy, provides a centralized method of applying for TA for Navy, Marine Corp, and Coast Guard, personnel. Through the NCMIS Institutional Portal, institutions can post class schedules, invoice for student enrollment and provide grades at the end of each term. Institutions must use NCMIS to submit invoices and grades for U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine

Corp, and U.S. Coast Guard, students.

4.2.15 Requirements Contract Restrictions

4.2.15.1 Under this requirements contract, only the Contractor may market/advertise its available programs and courses on overseas installations. Pursuant to DODI 1322.19, non-contract academic institutions shall not be permitted on overseas installations, their programs and courses will not be marketed/advertised, and only the Contractor will be represented at on-installation education fairs. Subject to command policies and with installation commander approval, the

Contractor will be allowed to display literature and/or promotional materials in designated areas of the installation. However, college fairs sponsored by DOD Dependents Schools and the participation of academic institutions in Military Service programs with the purpose of transitioning Service members to civilian life are authorized.

4.2.15.2 There is no restriction hereunder regarding information and marketing materials in

Education Centers pertaining to Military Service specific programs. Government contractors providing the types of educational instruction not covered by this contract, such as adult continuing education or non-college credit, military professional training hosted by government organizations may work with the education offices and provide services on the installation.

4.2.16 Publicity and Marketing

4.2.16.1 The Contractor shall be responsible for preparing marketing materials and publicity of a general nature concerning the programs offered under this contract. All on-base, free publicity shall be coordinated with the ESO/SSTA and COR prior to dissemination. This applies to such media releases as daily bulletins, base and other newspapers, email, and Armed Forces Network

(AFN) radio and television announcements. The Contractor shall not advertise programs on-base that are in direct competition to programs that were awarded to other contractors under the solicitation for overseas education services. Commercial printing costs for contractor-produced publicity are assumed by the Contractor. Outdoor banners, in-door stand up banners, and flyers/brochures for programs offered under this contract may be placed in high traffic areas on base and in the education facility after coordination with the COR/ESO/SSTA.

4.2.16.2 Coordinate with ESO/SSTA when publicizing programs outside of the education facility. Publicity will be solely about the programs offered under this contract. Outreach efforts may include setting up tables during base community events and in common areas (high traffic areas such as BX/PX, Commissary, Library, food courts, and dining facilities) and at local unit events. At outreach events, Contractor shall not obtain unsolicited contact information from event attendees unless the individual requests the Contractor provide further information about the school and its programs following the outreach event. Contractor shall direct prospective students to the education center for additional information and tuition assistance briefings.

4.2.16.3 All articles written by contractor personnel which describe their experience teaching on a downrange installation to include operational activity must first be coordinated with the COR and must be reviewed and approved by the appropriate military public affairs office before publication.

4.2.16.4 Publicity will be solely about the programs offered under this contract. Outreach efforts may include setting up tables during base community events and in common areas (high traffic areas, such as BX/PX, Commissary, Library, and food courts) and sponsoring local unit events, but only after ESO approval. The Contractor is not required to submit online requests for events organized by the ESO or within the education facility area.

4.2.16.5 The Contractor may offer non-credit community service courses, credential programs, lectures, seminars, or workshops when approved by the Government prior to any commitment by the Contractor. The Contractor may partner with other agencies to sponsor base events. This is intended to serve as contractor, public relations and marketing and does not imply an expansion of contract scope. Additionally, these services, if provided, shall be at no cost to the

Government.

4.2.17 Website

Develop and maintain a website specific to overseas locations. Website shall be operational and functional at the beginning of the first term supported by this contract. The website shall include at a minimum: College catalog, online registration capabilities, course syllabi for courses offered overseas, annual schedule by location and forthcoming term schedule to include course, instructor, site and time. Website shall provide information on academic requirements, policies, student services, all tuition and fees to be charged, and courses for academic credit.

Additionally, the Contractor must maintain current links to Military service education portals, if applicable, and direct students to education offices for tuition assistance policies. Website shall include information on financial aid and appropriate list of POCs at the school should students need assistance.

4.2.18 Course Materials and Catalogs/Bulletins

4.2.18.1 The Contractor shall make available all course materials and equipment for instructor and student use ten days prior to the first day of class. Students are responsible for the cost of textbooks and related materials. Students may obtain textbooks from sources other than the

Contractor. The Contractor shall provide when possible either no cost, or low-cost alternatives to printed textbooks.

4.2.18.2 The Contractor shall develop and produce a Standard Catalog/Bulletin that lists only those programs and courses that the Contractor is approved to offer under this contract no later than 180 days after contract award and prior to Term 1 of each academic year. The Standard

Catalog/Bulletin shall be approved by the COR prior to release. The Contractor must keep the catalog/bulletin current at all times. The catalog/bulletin shall provide information on academic requirements, policies, student services (including services at a distance), all tuition and fees to be charged, and sources for academic credit. This information shall be duplicated on the institution Web site. The Contractor shall provide a copy to COR, each ESO and SSTA, and each matriculated student prior to the beginning of the school year.

4.2.19 Academic Degree Completion Report

The Contractor shall award the appropriate certificate(s) and degree(s) to students who have successfully completed all program requirements. The Contractor shall send written notice, certified by a responsible school official attesting the degree program. The Contractor shall provide a degree completion report to the COR by the end of February and August of each year.

The report shall list the number of graduates, and the number certificates, Associates, Bachelor's and Graduate degrees awarded during the reporting period.

4.2.20 Graduation Ceremony

The Contractor shall conduct an appropriate graduation ceremony for its graduates. The

Contractor shall conduct a formal graduation ceremony in every country where onsite courses are held when fifteen or more students are graduating. Graduation location, date and ceremonial participants shall be made known to the COR and each local ESO/SSTA no later than 45 calendar days prior to the scheduled ceremony. When multiple contractors serve together on a specific installation, they may conduct a single combined graduation ceremony at a central location. Contractors may also participate in recognition ceremonies hosted by the ESO/SSTA when it has less than fifteen graduates. In instances where graduates from multiple universities to include non-contracted institutions are being recognized in one combined ceremony, it is the base ESO/SSTA’s responsibility to organize the ceremony with minor assistance from the

Contractor.

4.2.21 Field Representatives

4.2.21.1. The Contractor shall assign a Field Representative (FR) to each Education Center where the Contractor offers onsite courses. The FR will act as point of contact for the contracted institution at the installation. If the FR position is vacant for more than two (2) weeks, the

Contractor will provide an alternate person onsite to fulfill the FR duties. FRs or their substitutes must be onsite during scheduled registration periods. FR vacancies/absences of more than two

(2) weeks must be coordinated with the COR. If the FR is absent during scheduled onsite office hours, due to extenuating circumstances, office hours may be held virtually to ensure continuity of support. Virtual office hours may also be used to augment on-site support beyond the minimum required hours.

4.2.21.2 The Contractor shall provide a FR at each Education Center for at least twenty (20) hours per week where there are at least fifty (50) enrollments in contracted courses per year. For installations where there are over 1600 enrollments per year, no less than two (2) FRs shall be assigned to the office. FR schedule shall be coordinated with the ESO/SSTA. Office hours may be scheduled based upon local installation needs and adjusted, as needed, to better serve the student and community population. For example, at sites with enrollments that warrant only 20 hours per week, the Contractor may schedule two 10-hour blocks, or four 5-hour blocks, etc.

depending on local needs. The hours may be outside of the education office’s hours if needed to better serve students. Office hours shall be posted in a conspicuous place in the Education

Center. During ESO/SSTA vacancies, the FR will assist with site visits from the COR. The

Contractor and ESO/SSTA shall agree on the local procedures for how students will be supported during FR vacancies.

4.2.21.3 FRs shall perform the following:

a. Maintain attendance records.

b. Provide program information.

c. Provide prospective student information and assistance with scheduled courses, course syllabi, institutional policy and program requirements.

d. Assist students with financial aid for grants or VA benefits.

e. Establish procedures to maintain regular communication among home campus, regional headquarters and other installation offices.

f. Coordinate the FR’s office hours with the local ESO/SSTA. The FR shall ensure that office hours are posted in a conspicuous place and that the hours are strictly observed.

The FR shall inform the ESO in cases when the FR will be absent during posted office hours.

g. Counsel students on contractor academic programs to include testing and related career goals.

h. Register students who will use active-duty TA for contractor courses only after approval from the ESO or counselor.

i. Accept tuition assistance authorizations only after they have been completed, signed, and approved by the ESO or designated representative

4.2.21.4 The contractor shall expect a minimum of four (4) Staff Assistance Visits (SAV) from the COR/ACOR, operations and circumstances permitting, with the intent to monitor site performance of and provide guidance if needed to at least 25% of the CENTCOM/AFRICOM

Education Centers.

4.3 Testing Support

4.3.1 National Test Center Support

4.3.1.1 The Contractor shall provide National Test Center (NTC) service to include College

Level Examination Program (CLEP) and DSST internet based testing (iBT) exams, on-line credentialing examinations, and other DANTES-funded electronic exams to eligible military and civilian examinees, and other exams as needed. The Contractor shall support other examinees, on a space-available basis, after approval from the appropriate ESO and installation commander.

The Government will provide the facility and utilities for the operation of the NTC. The

Contractor shall provide a test administrator, computer equipment, commercial internet service, technical support, and any other equipment/support necessary to operate an NTC. If permitted by applicable regulations, access to installation commercially procured internet service may be provided to the Contractor.

4.3.1.2 The Contractor shall provide electronic testing services to eligible military and civilian personnel. Types of exams given must be mutually agreed upon between the Contracting

Officer's Representative (COR) and the NTC. The contractor shall proctor electronic exams for students enrolled in distance education courses with non-contracted colleges and universities on a space available basis. The Contractor may charge students a test administrative fee for each three-hour long test. The Government is not responsible for paying any fees charged by the NTC.

If the exam is over three hours in duration, the Contractor may charge an additional fee per additional hour, but the total non-refundable advance test administration service fee shall not exceed $50.

4.3.1.3The Contractor shall complete an application and payment agreement with the various testing agencies as required for the base-sponsored National Test Center establishment. The

Contractor shall have sixty (60) days to obtain the necessary agreement for a test examiner to become certified to provide required testing services. The Contractor shall be paid the test administration fee directly from the test vendor. The test administration fee is based on the rate paid by DANTES under contracts with The College Board and with Prometric Inc.

4.3.1.4 The Contractor shall provide test proctoring services for exams delivered electronically.

Exams proctored shall include college/university exams and any other type of electronic exam executed at the installation Education Center. The contractor may charge students a test administration fee, up to but not exceeding the standard administration fee established by

Government policy and paid by DANTES under contracts with The College Board and with

Prometric for administration of CLEP eCBT and iBT DSST tests, respectively. However, the

Government assumes no liability for the payment of fees charged for NTC services.

4.3.1.5 National Test Center service shall be supported at the following locations mutually agreed upon with the Government:

a. Bahrain: Naval Support Activity Manama

b. Djibouti: Camp Lemonnier

c. Jordan: Joint Training Center to 332 AEW

d. Kuwait: Ali Al Salem Air Base, Camp Buehring, Camp Arifjan, Al Jaber Air Base

e. Qatar: Al Udeid Air Base

f. Sinai: South Camp

g. United Arab Emirates: Al Dharfa

Additional locations may require NTC services in the future.

4.3.1.6The National Test Center Service shall operate in accordance with the Service Schedule provided below:

Total Average Tests per week Session Schedule Per Week No less than

8 or below 3

9-11 5

12-24 7

25 or above 9

4.3.1.6.1 A session is defined as a 2-3 hour block before or after lunch. There are 10 blocks in a week. Some certification and credentialing exams, due to their varying lengths, may extend through multiple testing blocks on a given day.

4.3.1.6.2 If coordinated with and approved by the ESO/SSTA or education center personnel, NTC sites with volumes averaging 8 tests or below per week, may conduct the three session schedule in one day, with two sessions before lunch and one session after lunch, or one session before lunch and two sessions after lunch.

4.3.1.6.3 All session schedule testing blocks offer testing by a scheduled appointment thus an

NTC staff member will know in advance if testing has not been scheduled for a session schedule block.

4.3.1.6.4 Staffing shall be based on the average number of tests conducted at the NTC for the previous 12 months. The Contractor shall obtain ESO/SSTA concurrence on the NTC operating hours in accordance with the Service Schedule above. In calculating the average number of annual tests conducted at an NTC for purposes of determining staffing, months with testing volume affected by major atypical events such as pandemics or hostilities shall not be included.

4.3.1.6.5 Deviations from this Service Schedule are not permitted unless mutually agreed upon by the Contractor and the ESO. If the Contractor and ESO cannot agree on a schedule or hours of operation, the COR shall make the determination. . At a minimum, the Contractor shall provide NTC testing services at each location on a quarterly basis.

4.3.1.6.6 The Contractor shall have an established policy for acceptance of CLEP and DSST examinations that identifies minimum passing score requirements for individuals' CLEP and

DSST exams with corresponding course requirements.

4.3.1.6.7 The Contractor shall comply with all terms and conditions of the Test Center

Agreement and CLEP Addendum between the Contractor and Educational Testing Service

(ETS) for the administration of CLEP eCBT examinations and with the Letter of Agreement and

DSST Internet Based Test Administration Guide with Prometric for the administration of the iBT

DSSTs. The above stated agreements must be completed prior to the start of the first NTC testing event after the contract start date.

4.3.1.6.8 The Contractor shall provide required resources for administering CLEP eCBT and iBT

DSST examinations as described in the Test Center Agreement and the DSST Internet Based

Test Administration Guide, respectively, to include computer equipment, commercial Internet service, technical support, and test administrator support.

4.3.1.6.9 The Contractor shall meet all operating guidelines and requirements as specified in the

CLEP Test Center Handbook and DSST Internet Based Test Administration Guide.

4.3.1.6.10 The Contractor shall accept the DANTES-determined standard test administration fee for eligible DANTES-funded military and civilian examinees. DANTES will pay the fee to The

College Board or Prometric, as applicable, who will in turn pay the Contractor for the total number of administered exams provided to eligible DANTES-funded examines. For unfunded testing, the Contractor shall not charge the examinee a service fee in excess of DANTES-determined standard test administration fee for eligible DANTES-funded military and civilian examinees.

4.3.1.6.11 The Contractor shall provide the Education Services Officer at the installation with a monthly report containing an attendance roster of DANTES funded students with a pass/fail result (based on American Council on Education (ACE) recommended scores), a breakdown of tests taken by test provider, and the total number of tests taken by each branch of service. The

Contractor shall also provide a copy of CLEP eCBT test results to all examinees upon completion of exam, with the exception of exams with a writing component. The report is due

NLT COB on the 1st business day of each month.

The contractor shall provide the COR with an annual report containing pass/fail results for all

DANTES funded students, a breakdown of tests taken…