Attachment 1 - PWS LPD.doc

UNCLASSIFIED

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (DRAFT v14.0)

Leadership and Professional Development

15 November 2010

1.0 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s (NGA) mission is to provide timely, relevant, and accurate geospatial intelligence in support of national security. The National System for Geospatial Intelligence (NSG) is the combination of technology, policies, capabilities, doctrine, people, data, and communities necessary to produce geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) in an integrated multi-intelligence, multi-domain environment. A key agency priority is the training and development of its leaders and its employees. To that end, the National Geospatial-Intelligence College (NGC), which is located in the Human Development Directorate (HD), is seeking to modernize its leadership and professional development program for the NGA workforce to achieve new levels of effectiveness in visionary leadership, decision-making, communication, collaboration and engagement, and strategic development. The NGA workforce, as defined for this solicitation, are Pay Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 (comparable to General Schedule (GS) grades 1 – 15), and Senior Executives.

The NGC is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE). There are two NGC campuses, NGA Campus East located in Springfield, VA and NGA Campus West located in St. Louis, MO. Additionally, NGA extended learning sites will become operational over the coming months/years in locations around the world. The typical hours of operation for these facilities are from 0700 to 1630 local time. In addition to resident training, NGC deploys mobile training teams that provide training services to locations around the world.

The NGC requires competency-based commercial training that is customized to reflect the NGA mission, vision, culture, and core values. Specifically, this training includes the following:

1. Leadership Development Training

(a) Career-Long Leadership Development Program

· Four offsite in-resident courses for NGA leaders at all levels (Contractor provided facilities - East and West)

· Courses are band specific for employees at Pay Band 1 through Senior Executive

· One course for employees at Pay Bands 1-3

· One course for employees at Pay Band 4

· One course for employees at Pay Band 5

· One course for Senior Executives

(b) Executive Leadership Development Course

· One offsite in-resident course (Contractor provided facility in the East)

· Course is band specific for Pay Band 5 employees

(c) Leadership Fundamentals Course

· One course (taught at NGC Campuses - East and West)

· Course is open to employees at the Pay Band 5 level and below

2. Professional Development Training

(a) Professional Communications Skills Training Program

· Three courses (two writing skills courses and one briefing skills course) taught at NGC campuses – East and West

· Courses are open to employees at the Pay Band 5 level and below

(b) Interpersonal Communications Skills Course

· One course (taught at NGC Campuses - East and West)

· Course is open to employees at the Pay Band 5 level and below

2.0 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

The following documents are applicable to the PWS to the extent specified in Section 3.0.

2.1 NGC Assessment Program CONOPS, dated 1 February 2010

2.2 NGC Curriculum Development CONOPS, dated 23 January 2009

2.3 Council on Occupational Education (COE) Handbook of Accreditation for Federal Institutions, 2010 edition (specifically Standards 2, 3, and 11)

2.4 NGC Staff and Faculty Handbook, dated March 2010

2.5 NGA Mission, Vision, Values, and Focus Areas

2.6 Intelligence Community Directive Number 610, Competency Directories for the Intelligence Community Workforce, (Annex A, B, C, and D), 1 September 2003

2.7 Intelligence Community Integrated Leadership Competency Model

2.8 United States Office of Personnel Management, Guide to Senior Executive Service Qualifications, June 2010

2.9 National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Correspondence Guide, dated 2007

3.0 REQUIREMENTS

3.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAINING

3.1.1 In coordination with the Government Program Manager, the contractor shall adapt their commercial training curriculum with limited modifications to customize the course materials to reflect the NGA mission, vision, culture, and core values. The Contractor shall collaborate with the Government Program Manager on the customization, and complete the customization of their commercial course material within 60 days of contract award. The Contractor should expect to make adjustments, as needed, throughout the period of performance.

3.1.2 The Contractor shall provide the courses with reference to the general educational guidelines/criteria referenced in paragraph 2.0 Applicable Documents (numbers 2.2-2.3 and 2.5-2.9) and in compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act; and will perform under general guidelines established by the National Geospatial-Intelligence College (also reference numbers 2.1 and 2.4).

3.1.3 The Contractor shall provide instructional methodologies that reflect approaches designed for adult learners, such as the use of student reading and pre-course work (using e-learning or other innovative approaches), experiential learning with immediate diagnostic feedback, project-based work to enhance learning in the context of the NGA operational environment, and case study exploration with facilitated discussion. The instructional methodology should minimize the use of lecture/power point/slide presentations.

3.1.4 The contractor shall employ adult experiential learning methods in the conduct of instruction. Additionally, the Contractor shall help students draw together all aspects of the course experience, by facilitating:

3.1.4.1 The processing, as a group and on an individual basis, of what they have just experienced, insights gained, and application.

3.1.4.2 The development of strategies for collaboration to achieve mission accomplishment, such as developing professional networks.

3.1.4.3 The preparation of individual action plans to apply what was learned in the course directly back to their work at NGA.

3.1.5 The Contractor shall document the instructional design for each course in coordination with the Government Program Manager (also reference paragraph 2.0 Applicable Documents, number 2.2 and 2.3). At a minimum, each course design document will include the following:

3.1.5.1 Course Overview (description of each lesson and the instructional strategy and methodologies to be used)

3.1.5.2 Course Objectives (to include the performance-based outcomes for each lesson)

3.1.5.3 Student Evaluation and Remediation Plan (Kirkpatrick Level 2-Learning)

3.1.5.4 Strategies for Learning Transfer

3.1.6 The Contractor shall provide file copies of the course design documents and lesson materials (i.e., course syllabi, learning outcomes and lesson plans, and student materials) for each course to the Government Program Manager, to include recurring updates (reference also para 5.0).

3.1.7 The Contractor shall assess student learning (i.e., Kirkpatrick Level 2) by administering appropriate evaluation and measurement instruments that are approved by the Government Program Manager (also reference paragraph 2.0 Applicable Documents, number 2.1).

3.1.7.1 The Contractor shall provide its evaluation criteria and metrics for determining participant learning (e.g., awareness building, skill building, and behavior change).

3.1.7.2 The Contractor shall provide its proposed evaluation criteria and metrics for determining learning transfer (i.e., Kirkpatrick Level 3)

3.1.7.3 The Contractor shall administer the NGC End-of-Course Survey and complete the NGC End-of-Course Survey Tracking Sheet at the completion of each course iteration. Additionally, after each course iteration, the Contractor shall provide the completed survey package to the Government Program Manager (or designated representative) within two working days from the course completion.

3.1.8 The Contractor shall host and provide access to any online content related to student pre-course work and the completion of a course (to include, but not limited to, student pre-reads, web-based training (WBT), and multimedia projects).

3.1.8.1 The Contractor shall electronically track student registration, participation, and completion of all online content/activities and provide a written status report to the Government Program Manager as requested.

3.1.8.2 The Contractor, upon receipt of participant information, shall send e-learning access instructions and any pre-course assignment instructions to the course participants.

3.1.8.3 The Contractor shall ensure content hosted online remains current.

3.1.8.4 The Contractor shall provide ongoing technical support while hosting the online content.

3.1.8.5 In the event the Government desires to host the online content on internal NGA networks, the Contractor shall provide the e-learning material packaged according to the latest version of the standards for Shareable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) and in accordance with the technical specifications provided by the Government.

3.1.9 The Contractor shall teach a pilot offering (with actual students) of each course, solicit feedback and, in concert with the Government Program Manager, make agreed upon adjustments prior to subsequent sessions of each course. The pilot offering is a full running of each course with actual student participants in the classroom.

3.1.9.1 The Contractor shall conduct the pilot offering for each course within 90 days of contract award for all courses except the course for Senior Executives within the Career-Long Leadership Development Program and the Executive Leadership Development Course (the pilot offering for these two courses will be within 120 days of contract award).

3.1.9.2 The Contractor shall conduct the pilot offering for each course in the Career-Long Leadership Development Program as well as the Executive Leadership Development Course in the Contractor-provided training facility located within approximately 75 miles of the metropolitan Washington DC area (reference para 3.2.5 and 3.3.5). The Contractor shall conduct the pilot offering for the Leadership Fundamentals Course, the Interpersonal Communications Skills Course, and each course in the Professional Communications Skills Training Program in the NGC Campus (East or West). The exact NGC Campus location will be determined at contract award.

3.1.10 The Contractor shall conduct and manage appropriate preparation activities prior to the start of each course, such as discussion of participant needs and course design with the Government Program Manager, compilation of training materials, and the provision of additional instructors as necessary.

3.1.11 The Contractor shall be responsible for preparing, providing, and shipping of all course materials. The Contractor’s administrative duties include but are not limited to:

3.1.11.1 Coordinating (in person or via telecom) with the Government Program Manager at least 5 business days prior to the start of each class to receive a class roster, learn the size and composition of the class, and discuss any special needs of the group.

3.1.11.2 Preparing and providing (in hard copy and electronic versions) a file copy of any new or revised course materials to the Government Program Manager (one week prior to the course start date)

3.1.11.3 Duplicating course materials for participants’ use

3.1.11.4 Maintaining a daily NGC class roster (as provided by the Government Program Manager) that reflects student attendance in each session of the course. Additionally, the Contractor shall provide a copy (hard copy or soft copy) of the attendance roster to the Government Representative (as designated by the Government Program Manager) by 0900 on each class day.

3.1.12 Within 3 working days after each course offering, the Contractor shall review with the Government Program Manager the student/course assessment data and discuss course outcomes (to include Kirkpatrick L-1, L-2, & L-3 assessment data and instructor assessment data). As a result of the assessment data, the Contractor shall coordinate with the Government Program Manager to determine what (if any) adjustments need to be made prior to the next course offering to ensure quality and continuous improvement (ref also para 3.1.11.2). The Contractor should expect to make adjustments, as needed, throughout the period of performance.

3.1.13 The Contractor shall participate with the Government Program Manager in an NGC annual review of the curriculum for each course to ensure the curriculum is current, congruent with needs, consistently taught, and is of high quality.

3.1.13.1 The Contractor shall provide any recommended course and content updates in writing to the Government Program Manager for approval for the life of the contract.

3.1.13.2 The Contractor shall notify the Government Program Manager prior to making any content or material changes.

3.1.14 Programs and faculty, and as applicable, the classrooms, residences and dining facilities must be available within 60 days of contract award (estimated date for contract award is 1 June 2011), although exact course dates are not yet defined.

3.1.14.1 The Contractor shall provide an integrated course schedule to the Government Program Manager for approval for the Career Long Leadership Development Program and the Executive Leadership Development Course. The Contractor shall then deliver course offerings in accordance with the approved schedule.

3.1.14.2 The Contractor shall deliver offerings of the Leadership Fundamentals Course, the Professional Communications Skills Training Program, and the Interpersonal Communications Skills Course in accordance with the Government provided schedule.

3.1.15 The Government Program Manager (or designated Government Representative) will select course participants, manage course registration, and provide the class roster and NGC End-of-Course Survey package for each iteration of all courses (to include the pilot offerings) over the period of performance (also reference para 3.1.7.3 and 3.1.11.14).

3.2 CAREER-LONG LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

The issues facing the NGA today are becoming more challenging and complex. As a result, meeting this challenge will require that NGA Leadership have the appropriate knowledge, skills and abilities to achieve new levels of effectiveness in visionary leadership, team leadership, decision-making, collaboration and engagement, and strategic development. The career-long NGA Leadership Development Program will advance these objectives.

Specifically, this program is to provide NGA leaders at all levels (from entry level to Senior Executives) with a learning experience, to include an off-site residential component, which will prepare them to lead (individually and as part of a team) transformational change within NGA, across the Intelligence Community (IC) and the broader National System for Geospatial Intelligence (NSG). The instruction must be innovative, employ adult experiential learning methods in the conduct of instruction, and incorporate the work of leadership thought leaders and intellectual contributors. It is essential that the NGA Leadership Development Program heighten the leadership knowledge and skills of the participants through increasingly complex experiential activities, action learning, compelling case studies, interactive exercises, facilitated discussions, 360-degree feedback tools and other current methods of learning.

The overall objective of the program is to equip participants with the appropriate knowledge, skills and abilities required for their Pay Band, to lead people, teams, projects, and/or organizations. Program goals include the following:

· Maximize human and technical capabilities, including recognizing and leveraging their own and their colleagues’ technical, functional, and/or substantive expertise.

· Foster a collaborative environment that leads to organizational rapid and advantageous decision making, including breaking down personal and organizational barriers, and developing professional networks.

To this end, the learning outcomes expected to be interwoven throughout the leadership development program include, but are not limited to the following (Note: As the pay band level increases for each course, the level of complexity and the desired proficiency levels expected also will increase):

· Demonstrate contemporary leadership principles, practices, and strategies

· Select and apply appropriate leadership style based on context and situation

· Recognize how personal actions affect others in various environments and identify how to read these actions in others

· Integrate and implement appropriate leadership behavior (i.e., ethical, collaborative, collegial)

· Devise and implement strategies for continuous learning for self and others

· Create innovative solutions through prudent risk taking to meet organizational objectives

· Model and promote an organizational culture to optimize the Agency mission in accordance with NGA Core Values

· Devise and implement strategies for influencing and empowering others and teams The estimated annual throughput by band for this program is:

312 Band 1-3 employees (24 students per class) 264 Band 4 employees (24 students per class)

72 Band 5 employees (24 students per class) 32 Senior Executive employees (16 students per class) Additionally, approximately two-thirds of the course offerings will be in/around the metropolitan Washington DC area and one-third of the offerings will be in/around the metropolitan St Louis, MO area.

3.2.1 The Contractor shall provide a competency-based line of instruction that offers a hierarchical, thematically linked curriculum for the career-long leadership development program. Targeted competencies include but are not limited to those referenced in paragraph 2.0 Applicable Documents, number 2.6-2.8.

3.2.1.1 The Contractor shall provide an integrated, coherent suite of courses that will help leaders at all levels speak with a common leadership language (i.e., the curriculum must be aligned across all leadership levels from the Pay Bands 1-3 course up through the Senior Executive course).

3.2.1.2 The Contractor shall provide a program framework that includes the following three components (reference also paragraph 3.1.3 and 3.1.4)

· Pre-course work to augment the in-class program

· In-class instruction employing adult learning methodologies

· Post-course work and follow-up to reinforce learning application and drive learning transfer to the workplace

3.2.2 Under the guidance of the National Geospatial-Intelligence College (NGC), the Contractor shall provide four courses as part of a career-long leadership development program for NGA leaders at all levels (from Pay Band 1 through Senior Executive). Specifically, the residential portion for the four courses will be approximately 40 instructional hours in length. This program will be based on the Contractor’s commercial training, adapting the content to reflect the NGA mission, vision, culture, and core values.

3.2.3 The Contractor shall provide all courses at the UNCLASSIFIED level of classification.

3.2.4 The Contractor shall possess the following qualifications

3.2.4.1 Demonstrated strong performance of experiential leadership development education.

3.2.4.2 Record of effectiveness in working with leaders at all levels.

3.2.4.3 Understanding of the government operating environment (preferably the Intelligence Community (IC)).

3.2.4.4 Primary and back-up faculty with at least a Bachelor’s degree and documented expertise in cutting-edge leadership theories and approaches appropriate for responding to today’s leadership challenges.

3.2.4.5 Primary and back-up faculty members must demonstrate expertise in the subject area of responsibility, and an ability to deliver instructional content using adult education principles and teaching methodologies.

3.2.5 The Contractor shall provide the on-site residential and dining facilities (all-inclusive and located in a safe environment) within approximately 75 miles of the metropolitan Washington DC area and the metropolitan St. Louis, MO area commensurate with professional-level housing and with pricing levels within the U.S. Government per diem rate (accommodations and meals will be paid by each participant at the U.S. Government per diem rate per day).

3.2.5.1 Single residential rooms in one facility shall be provided beginning the evening before the start of the first class day and available through the end of the course. The rooms shall include at least a double-size bed, wireless internet, a private bath, and shall be otherwise designed to be conducive to long periods of study and reflection for professionals at all levels. The residences shall be a minimal distance to the classrooms and dining facilities to minimize travel time between activities and reduce the impact of being exposed to poor weather conditions. Workout facilities are preferred, but not required.

3.2.5.2 Quality food service shall be provided for three meals for the duration of the course. Additionally, morning and afternoon snacks with beverages shall be available in proximity to the classrooms. A variety of offerings shall be available, specifically to accommodate individuals with special dietary needs.

3.2.5.3 Classrooms/training facilities must be state-of-the-art and conducive to professional level discussions and education. The classrooms must also be designed to incorporate various facilitation methodologies and audiovisual equipment, including (but not limited to) computer workstations with internet access, wireless, chart pads, small group discussions, etc.

3.2.5.4 Breakout rooms in proximity to the larger classrooms must be available for small group discussions and similarly equipped to the classrooms.

3.2.5.5 The Contractor shall provide any ground transportation incident to executing the course curriculum and for meals. The Contractor shall also pay any fees required incident to executing the course curriculum.

3.3 EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COURSE REQUIREMENTS

The purpose of this course is to provide high-performing Pay Band 5 leaders with a learning experience that will prepare them to lead (individually and as part of a leadership team) transformational change within NGA, across the Intelligence Community (IC) and the broader National System for Geospatial Intelligence (NSG), and further develop their ability to lead large sections within the NGA. This requires leadership/management tradecraft (such as strategic thinking, decision making, team leadership, and talent development) and leadership skills (such as leading change, articulating the vision, and results orientation) with an Intelligence Community and broader Federal enterprise focus.

The instruction must be innovative and incorporate the work of leadership thought leaders and intellectual contributors. It is essential that this executive leadership development course heighten the leadership knowledge and skills of the participants through experiential activities, action learning, compelling case studies, interactive exercises, facilitated discussions, 360-degree feedback tools, and other current methods of learning.

This course will provide proven and emerging theoretical constructs used by leading organizations in developing and executing organizational vision, mission, strategy, and team leadership. The learning outcomes expected for this course include, but are not limited to the following:

· Demonstrate strategic leadership and planning skills at the executive level, to include the ability to: strategically manage and leverage the diversity of our human capital resources; create a compelling strategic vision; employ motivation strategies, leverage financial and information resources, and lead transformational change (as an individual leader and part of a leadership team)

· Appropriately apply political savvy to understand, meet the needs of and create buy-in from key stakeholders

· Demonstrate effective communication and collaborative skills using a variety of synchronous and asynchronous technologies

· Implement strategies to develop the personal and professional attributes that are critical to successful performance at the senior executive level

· Plan how to bring about transformational change both within and outside the organization to meet emerging organizational goals

· Build collaborative relationships across the enterprise

· Encourage innovation through prudent risk taking to meet organizational objectives

· Apply ethical reasoning and principles in a variety of real world situations

The estimated annual throughput for this course is 40 Pay Band 5 employees (20 students per class). Additionally, the course offerings will be in/around the metropolitan Washington DC area.

3.3.1 The Contractor shall provide a competency-based line of instruction for the Executive Leadership Development Course. Targeted competencies include but are not limited to those referenced in paragraph 2.0 Applicable Documents, number 2.6, 2.7, and 2.8.

3.3.1.1 The Contractor shall provide a course framework that includes the following three components (reference also paragraph 3.1.3 and 3.1.4)

· Pre-course work to augment the in-class program

· In-class instruction employing adult learning methodologies

· Post-course work and follow-up to reinforce learning application and drive learning transfer to the workplace

3.3.2 Under the guidance of the National Geospatial-Intelligence College (NGC), the Contractor shall provide an executive development course for NGA leaders at the Pay Band 5 level. Specifically, the residential portion for this course will be approximately 40 instructional hours in length. This course will be based on the Contractor’s commercial training, adapting the content to reflect the NGA mission, vision, culture, and core values.

3.3.3 The Contractor shall provide the course at the UNCLASSIFIED level of classification.

3.3.4 The Contractor shall possess the following qualifications

3.3.4.1 Demonstrated strong performance of experiential leadership development education.

3.3.4.2 Record of effectiveness in working with leaders at all levels.

3.3.4.3 Understanding of the government operational environment (preferably the Intelligence Community (IC)).

3.3.4.4 Primary and back-up faculty with at least a Bachelor’s degree and documented expertise in cutting-edge leadership theories and approaches appropriate for responding to today’s leadership challenges.

3.3.4.5 Primary and back-up faculty members must demonstrate expertise in the subject area of responsibility, and an ability to deliver instructional content using adult education principles and teaching methodologies.

3.3.5 The Contractor shall provide the on-site residential and dining facilities (all-inclusive and located in a safe environment) within approximately 75 miles of the metropolitan Washington DC area commensurate with professional-level housing and with pricing levels within the U.S. Government per diem rate (accommodations and meals will be paid by each participant at the U.S. Government per diem rate per day).

3.3.5.1 Single residential rooms in one facility shall be provided beginning the evening before the start of the first class day and available through the end of the course. The rooms shall include at least a double-size bed, wireless internet, a private bath, and shall be otherwise designed to be conducive to long periods of study and reflection for professionals at all levels. The residences shall be a minimal distance to the classrooms and dining facilities to minimize travel time between activities and reduce the impact of being exposed to poor weather conditions. Workout facilities are preferred, but not required.

3.3.5.2 Quality food service shall be provided for three meals for the duration of the course. Additionally, morning and afternoon snacks with beverages shall be available in proximity to the classrooms. A variety of offerings shall be available, specifically to accommodate individuals with special dietary needs.

3.3.5.3 Classrooms/training facilities must be state-of-the-art and conducive to professional level discussions and education. The classrooms must also be designed to incorporate various facilitation methodologies and audiovisual equipment, including (but not limited to) computer workstations with internet access, wireless, chart pads, small group discussions, etc.

3.2.5.4 Breakout rooms in proximity to the larger classrooms must be available for small group discussions and similarly equipped to the classrooms.

3.3.5.5 The Contractor shall provide any ground transportation incident to executing the course curriculum and for meals. The Contractor shall also pay any fees required incident to executing the course curriculum.

3.4 LEADERSHIP FUNDAMENTALS COURSE REQUIREMENTS

The context of this course will present strategies leaders can employ to align the NGA mission, vision and values to behaviors that support our agency’s national objectives. This course will set a solid foundation of principles that support an understanding of the expectations of leadership behaviors for all NGA employees. A variety of leadership concepts and approaches will be explored within the NGA environment and in relation to the leadership competencies set forth by the Intelligence Community Integrated Leadership Competency Model. Additionally, the NGA mission and NGA’s role within the Intelligence Community and the broader National System for Geospatial Intelligence (NSG) will also be examined.

The instruction must be innovative and incorporate the work of leadership thought leaders and intellectual contributors. It is essential that this Leadership Fundamentals Course heighten the leadership knowledge and skills of the participants through experiential activities, action learning, compelling case studies, interactive exercises, facilitated discussions, and other current methods of learning. This course will provide proven and emerging theoretical constructs used by leading organizations in developing and executing organizational vision, mission, strategy, and leadership.

The learning outcomes expected for this course include, but are not limited to the following:

· Define leadership in a variety of situations and settings.

· Explain how a leader’s personal commitment to and connection with the NGA mission, vision, core values and goals are essential for promoting shared cultural values and inspiring commitment and performance in others.

· Explore different leadership concepts, practices, and principles individually and within various team settings.

· Sharpen awareness of each student’s personal leadership style and behavior and their impact on others.

· Explain and understand the various types of teams, how they succeed or fail and develop strategies to increase personal effectiveness as both a team leader and member of a team in real world situations.

The estimated annual throughput for this course is 160 employees at Pay Band 5 and below (20-24 students per class). Additionally, approximately two-thirds of the course offerings will be facilitated at NGA Campus East and one-third of the offerings will be facilitated at NGA Campus West.

3.4.1 The Contractor shall provide a competency-based line of instruction for the Leadership Fundamentals Course. Targeted competencies include but are not limited to those referenced under paragraph 2.0 Applicable Documents (numbers 2.6, 2.7, and 2.8).

3.4.2 Under the guidance of the National Geospatial-Intelligence College (NGC), the Contractor shall provide a Leadership Fundamentals Course (40 instructional hours in length) for NGA leaders at the Pay Band 5 level and below. This course will be based on the Contractor’s commercial training, adapting the content to reflect the NGA mission, vision, culture, and core values.

3.4.3 The Contractor shall provide the course at the UNCLASSIFIED level of classification.

3.4.4 The Contractor shall possess the following qualifications

3.4.4.1 Demonstrated strong performance of experiential leadership development education.

3.4.4.2 Record of effectiveness in working with leaders at all levels.

3.4.4.3 Understanding of the government operating environment (preferably Intelligence Community (IC)).

3.4.4.4 Primary and back-up faculty with at least a Bachelor’s degree and documented expertise in cutting-edge leadership theories and approaches appropriate for responding to today’s leadership challenges.

3.4.4.5 Primary and back-up faculty members must demonstrate expertise in the subject area of responsibility, and an ability to deliver instructional content using adult education principles and teaching methodologies.

3.5 PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Professional communication skills are required of employees at all levels of the organization. Employees are expected to compose a variety of written documents: white papers, staff summary sheets, memorandums, e-mails, trip descriptions, justifications for attending training, meeting invitations and notes, after-action reports, purchase requests, incident reports, resumes, and self assessments for annual performance evaluations, to name a few. They are also expected to develop and confidently deliver briefings that may be described as informational, persuasive, or requiring a decision to audiences of different backgrounds and interests.

It is essential that the NGA Communications Skills Training Program be an opportunity to heighten the knowledge and skills of the NGA workforce through experiential activities, action learning, interactive exercises, one-on-one instructor feedback, facilitated discussion, and other current methods of learning. The learning outcomes expected for this program include, but are not limited to the following:

FOUNDATIONAL-LEVEL WRITING SKILLS COURSE

The learning outcomes expected for this course include, but are not limited to the following:

· Assess current level of grammatical proficiency and identify areas for improvement

· Practice using correct grammar, punctuation, word choice, and sentence structure when developing written communications

· Demonstrate how to develop paragraphs to get ideas across

· Given a specified audience and purpose, create written communications that are correct, concise, consistent, clear, and complete (and receive feedback)

· Edit a document to ensure it accomplishes its purpose, meets the needs of its audience, and adheres to standards for English grammar and the NGA style guidelines The estimated annual throughput for this course is 80 employees at Pay Band 5 and below (10-12 students per class). Additionally, approximately two-thirds of the course offerings will be facilitated at NGA Campus East and one-third of the offerings will be facilitated at NGA Campus West.

Intermediate-level Writing Skills Course

The learning outcomes expected for this course include, but are not limited to the following:

· Assess current level of proficiency in writing and editing a written document and identify areas for improvement

· Demonstrate ways to organize content to achieve a logical progression of ideas and clear transitions

· Apply a structured writing system to enhance writing efficiency and clarity

· Given a specified audience and purpose, create written communications that are correct, concise, consistent, clear, and complete (and receive feedback)

· Demonstrate critical thinking skills when reviewing and editing a document for information gaps, inconsistencies, inaccuracies, and noncompliance with the standards for English grammar and the NGA style guidelines The estimated annual throughput for this course is 80 employees at Pay Band 5 and below (10-12 students per class). Additionally, approximately two-thirds of the course offerings will be facilitated at NGA Campus East and one-third of the offerings will be facilitated at NGA Campus West.

FOUNDATIONAL-LEVEL BRIEFING SKILLS COURSE

The learning outcomes expected for this course include, but are not limited to the following:

· Identify the elements of a good oral presentation and discuss the importance of research and organization in preparing an effective presentation

· Use PowerPoint to create effective visuals to support oral presentations

· Examine strategies for addressing audience questions and managing time during an oral presentation

· Develop and deliver oral presentations that are tailored to a specific audience and purpose and receive personalized feedback

· Apply strategies for reducing anxiety associated with public speaking

· Demonstrate proper verbal and non-verbal communication skills when delivering oral presentations

· Convey confidence and professionalism when presenting an oral presentation

· Conduct a self-assessment of one’s presentation skills by reviewing a recorded session of an oral presentation The estimated annual throughput for this course is 80 employees at Pay Band 5 and below (10-12 students per class). Additionally, approximately two-thirds of the course offerings will be facilitated at NGA Campus East and one-third of the offerings will be facilitated at NGA Campus West.

3.5.1 The Contractor shall provide a competency-based line of instruction for the Professional Communications Skills Training Program. Targeted competencies include but are not limited to those referenced in paragraph 2.0 Applicable Documents, number 2.6.

3.5.2 Under the guidance of the National Geospatial-Intelligence College (NGC), the Contractor shall provide two writing skills courses and one briefing skills course (24 instructional hours for each course) as part of a professional communications skills training program for the NGA workforce at the Pay Band 5 level and below. The writing and briefing courses will be based on the Contractor’s commercial training, adapting the content to reflect the NGA mission, vision, culture and core values.

3.5.3 The Contractor shall provide the course at the UNCLASSIFIED level of classification. However, the class discussions and work projects may be classified up to the TOP SECRET/SCI level of classification.

3.5.4 The Contractor shall possess the following qualifications:

3.5.4.1 Demonstrated strong performance of experiential adult learning education.

3.5.4.2 Record of effectiveness in working with professionals at all levels.

3.5.4.3 Understanding of the government operational environment (preferably Intelligence Community (IC)).

3.5.4.4 Primary and back-up faculty with at least a Bachelor’s degree and documented expertise in professional writing and briefing skills.

3.5.4.5 Primary and back-up faculty members must demonstrate expertise in the subject area of responsibility, and an ability to deliver instructional content using adult education principles and teaching methodologies.

3.5.4.6 Primary and back-up faculty must have an active TOP SECRET/SCI clearance at time of contract award.

3.6 INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Interpersonal skills are a core competency for all NGA employees. Employees at all levels are expected to develop and maintain effective working relationships, especially in difficult situations. They must demonstrate respect, understanding, courtesy, tact, and empathy in dealing with peers, supervisors, and colleagues, as well as internal and external stakeholders.

It is essential that the NGA Interpersonal Communications Skills Course be an opportunity to heighten the knowledge and skills of the NGA workforce through experiential activities, action learning, interactive exercises, feedback tools, facilitated discussion, and other current methods of learning. The learning outcomes expected for this course include, but are not limited to the following:

· Identify, diagnose and resolve interpersonal behaviors that may undermine a workgroup’s success

· Use diagnostic instruments to gain insight into one’s own communication style and identify areas of improvement

· Recognize the role emotions play in communication

· Discuss self-awareness and self-management techniques for creating conditions for effective face-to-face communication

· Identify barriers to listening and discover how these barriers can result in unproductive communications

· Explore strategies to communicate effectively with virtual teams (i.e., work teams where members are geographically separated)

· Employ strategies to defuse intensity during difficult conversations through case studies and practices geared toward real-life situations

· Examine the drivers of customer engagement and employ them in real-world situations

· Experiment with innovative, problem-solving solutions The estimated annual throughput for this course is 80 employees at Pay Band 5 and below (20-24 students per class). Additionally, approximately two-thirds of the course offerings will be facilitated at NGA Campus East and one-third of the offerings will be facilitated at NGA Campus West.

3.6.1 The Contractor shall provide a competency-based line of instruction for the Interpersonal Communications Skills Course. Targeted competencies include but are not limited to those referenced in paragraph 2.0 Applicable Documents, number 2.6.

3.6.2 Under the guidance of the National Geospatial-Intelligence College (NGC), the Contractor shall provide a course on developing effective interpersonal communications skills (40 instructional hours in length) for NGA employees at the Pay Band 5 level and below. This course will be based on the Contractor’s commercial training, enhanced to adapt the content to reflect the NGA mission, vision, culture and core values.

3.6.3 The Contractor shall provide the course at the UNCLASSIFIED level of classification.

3.6.4 The Contractor shall possess the following qualifications:

3.6.4.1 Demonstrated strong performance of experiential adult learning education.

3.6.4.2 Record of effectiveness in working with professionals at all levels.

3.6.4.3 Understanding of the government operational environment (preferably Intelligence Community (IC)).

3.6.4.4 Primary and back-up faculty with at least a Bachelor’s degree and documented expertise in the area of interpersonal communications skills (e.g., emotional intelligence, influencing/negotiating, conflict management, customer relationship management; problem solving, leveraging diversity, oral communications, etc.).

3.6.4.5 Primary and back-up faculty members must demonstrate expertise in the subject area of responsibility, and an ability to deliver instructional content using adult education principles and teaching methodologies.

4.0 PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

AQL: Customization reflects the NGA mission, vision, culture, and core values throughout the curriculum with at least 90% accuracy

Each educational course is competency-based with clearly stated objectives, defined content relevant to the objectives and a method of evaluating student learning that aligns to the course objectives AQL: 100% of the courses have a curriculum that is competency based with clearly stated objectives at the appropriate level of learning, defined content relevant to the objectives and a method of evaluating student learning that aligns to the course objectives

Instructional methodologies reflect the use of pre-course work and approaches designed for adult learners AQL: 100% of the courses have a curriculum that contains pre-course work and employs adult experiential learning methods in the conduct of instruction

· The processing, as a group and on an individual basis, of what they have just experienced, insights gained, and application.

· The development of strategies for collaboration to achieve mission accomplishment, such as developing professional networks.

· The preparation of individual action plans to apply what was learned in the course directly back to their work at NGA.

Instructional methodologies reflect experiential learning methods and the use of participant action plans to apply what was learned in the course directly back to the workplace

AQL:

· 100% of the courses require participants to construct personalized action plans to apply what was learned in the course back to the workplace

· 100% of the Instructors receive a Satisfactory quality score on the NGC Instructional Assessment Form when assessed at least quarterly

The course design document will include the following:

· Course Overview (description of each lesson and the instructional strategy and methodologies to be used)

· Course Objectives (to include performance-based outcomes for each lesson)

· Student Evaluation and Remediation Plan (Kirkpatrick Level 2)

· Strategies for Learning Transfer AQL: 100% of the course design documents reflect the following:

· Instructional objectives are behavior based and communicate sound instructional outcomes that align with the required competencies

· The organization of the course, its supporting materials, and teaching methods collectively align with the instructional objectives and allow for consistency of instruction

Course design documents and lesson materials will include the required information AQL: The course design document and lesson materials for each course (to include recurring updates) are provided on time, are high quality and reflect alignment with instructional objectives.

There is a clear linkage between student assessment(s) and the required level of proficiency reflected by the instructional objectives.

AQL: Metrics reflect student learning:

· Average of at least 4.0 (on a 5-point scale) for the learning metric on the NGC End-of-Course Survey Summary Reports for each course iteration throughout the period of performance

· Minimum average score of 40% for the Net Promoter Score on the NGC End-of-Course Summary Reports for each course iteration throughout the period of performance

Contractor hosts online content related to student pre-course work and the completion of a course.

AQL: All online content is hosted by the Contractor and is accessible to the Government Program Manager and course participants

Teach a pilot offering with a full complement of students in the classroom for each course within 90 days of contract award for all courses except the course for Senior Executives within the Career-Long Leadership Development Program and the Executive Leadership Development Course (the pilot offering for these two courses will be within 120 days of contract award).

· Pilot offerings completed on time with a satisfactory quality score on the NGC Instructional Assessment Form.

· Average of at least 4.0 (on a 5-point scale) for the following metrics on the NGC End-of-Course Survey Summary Report for all pilot offerings:

· Satisfaction

· Relevancy

· Quality of Instruction

· Course Quality

· Minimum average score of 40% for the Net Promoter Score on the NGC End-of-Course Summary Reports for all pilot offerings