HPORT Performance Work Statement.docx

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

For 56 FW Human Performance Optimization Research Team (HPORT) 21 July 2022

1.0 INTRODUCTION: As the 56 FW Human Performance Team (HPT) initiative continues to grow, inclusion of experienced researchers in aerospace and exercise physiology will assist in accelerating establishment of best practices and evaluation of program effectiveness. In order to validate the Human Performance Team’s methods, research efforts must parallel the human performance enhancement efforts. The research support in aerospace and exercise physiology will extend to programs designed to increase the ability of the Air Force to maintain fitness for duty, mitigate injury, and perform at a peak physical level.

The Human Performance Optimization Research Team (HPORT) consists of one part-time Lead Research Analysist and one full-time Research Analyst Assistant. The Lead Research Analyst and assistant will serve as investigators and supporting scientists to devise and apply techniques in human physiology and related sciences to enhance performance of Air Force Personnel, including aircrew, RPA operators and special operations forces. These individuals will apply knowledge of specialized equipment and techniques to conduct research on improving physical and cognitive performance of Air Force personnel. This requires proficiency with all aspects of the operation and application of specialized instrumentation, equipment, and devices used to conduct experimental research with human subjects. The HPORT will participate in development and execution of experiments with human subjects including development of research proposals, protocols and test plans for research involving human performance optimization. They will collect and analyze data, authors’ scientific manuscripts, and present results at scientific meetings and internal reviews. When directed to do so by the 56 FW HPT Program Director or their designee, the HPORT will interact with customers and outside organizations to collaborate, and leverage external technologies and resources. Participation in the development of research plans and strategies with HPT subject matter experts for consultation in regards to operational and research aeromedical physiology related issues is also required.

2.0 DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES: The contractor employees shall provide Advisory & Assistance services to assist the 56 FW HPT in HPT data management, generating human performance (HP) curriculum, creating study designs, obtaining IRB or other necessary approval to conduct studies, and with interpretation and presentation of study findings.

2.1 Lead Research Aerospace Physiologist Analyst: The contractor requires expert knowledge in human performance, medical research, human systems integration, and human subject research regulatory requirements. The candidate shall have a PhD level degree (PhD in physiology strongly desired) with at least five years of experience in research and evaluation for human systems engineering and human performance research. Familiarity with fighter wing culture is also highly desired. The contractor shall have expert knowledge in Federal and Department of Defense regulations, and Air Force medical and personnel policy related to human subject research.

2.1.1 The contract employee shall have at least five years of experience and expertise in physiology research, and shall be able to design, conduct, and oversee a wide variety of physiological tests and experiments including, but not limited to, acceleration and altitude physiology in military settings.

2.1.2 The Lead Research Analyst will oversee and lead the 56 FW HPORT. Contract employee will provide direct oversite and guidance to the Assistant Research Analyst to meet the objectives and initiatives important to the costumer.

2.1.3 The contract employee shall serve as a subject matter expert in designing operational or medical countermeasures effective against current aerospace physiological problems.

2.1.4 The contract employee should have experience presenting research at national or international meetings and should be published in peer reviewed physiological and/or medical journals.

2.1.5 The contract employee shall perform and complete assignments involving work with diverse and dynamic groups. The contractor shall establish and maintain a constant and effective working relationship within the 56 FW, MAJCOMs, Air Staff, academia, business, and industry customers, partners, and stakeholders for coordination, support, and changes to the scope of assigned work. The contractor shall maintain effective working relationships with principal investigators, program managers, researchers, and support staff involved in the acquisition of medical systems and conduct of aerospace medical and human performance research.

2.1.6 The contract employee shall prepare and maintain test results, technical information, reports, and briefings on progress, and provide evaluation, analysis and recommendations for ongoing and proposed aerospace research topics.

2.1.7 The contract employee shall prepare research/T&E proposals, protocols and informed consent documents for research efforts. The contractor employee shall write technical reports acceptable for publication in scientific journals.

2.2 Assistant Research Aerospace Physiologist Analyst: The contractor requires knowledge in human performance, medical research, human systems integration, and human subject research regulatory requirements. The candidate shall have a master level degree (degree in physiology strongly desired) with at least three years of experience in research and evaluation for human systems engineering and human performance research. Familiarity with fighter wing culture and knowledge in Federal and Department of Defense regulations, and Air Force medical and personnel policy related to human subject research are also strongly desired.

2.2.1 The contract employee shall manage the day-to-day HPORT operations and be an expert in all the aforementioned Lead Research Analyst job duties noted from 2.1.3-2.1.7 in this PWS.

2.2.2 The contract employee will be supervised by the Lead Research Analyst and shall comply with guidance and directions provided by the Lead Research Analyst in accordance with this PWS.

2.2.3 The contract employee will assist the Lead Research Analyst in accomplishing all objectives/milestones determined by the customer, in accordance with this PWS.

3.0 BASE SUPPORT:

The contractor shall be provided office space, computer and office equipment (including PC) and office supplies as needed. All software and hardware, passwords/access to military Internet/E-mail and applicable database will be available within the scope of the contract. The contractor shall comply with local, AF and DoD policies.

4.0 GENERAL INFORMATION:

4.1 The overall period of performance for this task order is 12 months from effective date of award, with two possible one-year option periods.

4.2 Work performed by the Lead Research Analyst may be performed primarily in remote status if approved by the CO, COR, and HPT Program Director. Work will be accomplished by the Assistant Research Analyst at Luke AFB, AZ 85309. Temporary alternate work locations may be assigned by the Contracting Officer Representative as circumstances dictate.

4.3 The Lead Research Analyst shall conform to a part-time work schedule. Annual part-time hours will be no less than 360 hours per year unless otherwise approved by the COR. If program interests require more than anticipated 400 billable hours this also must be approved by the COR. It is up to the contracting company to monitor any hours that will require COR approval. The typical hours of operation will fall between 0800-1700 Monday through Friday. However, there may be times when it is necessary for the contractors to work before or after typical duty hours to accomplish objectives in support of HPT research projects. Although atypical hours may be occasionally required, the Lead Research Analyst will not exceed budgeted annual hours. All alternative work schedules and locations must be approved by the Contracting Office Representative with the approval of the 56 FW HPT Program Director or their designee. If duties are performed, at an off-site location a thorough explanation of working tasks, dates, and times must be submitted with the monthly billing invoice and approved by the COR.

4.4 The Research Analyst Assistant shall conform to the regular Monday through Friday work schedule. The typical work hours are 0800 – 1700, Monday through Friday. However, there may be times when it is necessary for the contractors to work before or after typical duty hours to accomplish objectives in support of HPT research projects. Although atypical hours may be occasionally required, the Research Analyst Assistant will not exceed 40 hours per week. All alternative work schedules and locations must be approved by the Contracting Office Representative with the approval of the 56 FW HPT Program Director or their designee. If duties are performed, at an off-site location a thorough explanation of working tasks, dates, and times must be submitted with the monthly billing invoice and approved by the COR.

5.0 OTHER DIRECT COSTS AND TRAVEL:

HPORT contractor personnel will be required to travel when authorized to participate in customer business line related meetings and conferences to fulfill respective mission goals. Such travel will only be as directed and coordinated through the COR within thirty days in advance of all contractor travel in order to obtain proper authorizations. The specific travel locations, duration, number of trips, atypical work hours, etc. will be upon direction of the Contracting Officer and/or Contracting Officer Representative without modification to the task order, as long as adequate travel funding is available in accordance with the resulting task order. Contractor shall bill the government for reimbursable expenses in accordance with the Joint Travel Regulation (JTR) applicable for the appropriate geographical area for non-local travel costs incurred as a result of a request by the government to execute the task requirements.

6.0 SECURITY:

6.1 Position of Trust. All contractor personnel require a minimum of a National Agency Check with written Inquires (NACI)/SF85 for any position that requires access to the internet, use of automated systems or unescorted entry into restricted or controlled areas prior to reporting for duty in support of any task order. The investigation is not for a security clearance; it is for a position of trust. This is a mandatory requirement set forth in DoD 5200.1-R and AFI 31-501 Information Security. All documentation required for security certification shall be the responsibility of the contractor. No foreign nationals shall be employed for any task order issued under this contract without prior approval of the Government.

6.1.1 Operations Security (OPSEC). The contractor shall provide OPSEC protection for all sensitive/critical information as defined by AFI 10-701 (Operations Security), the 56 FW OPSEC Plan, and critical information list. The contractor shall participate in the 56 FW sustained OPSEC awareness training or include OPSEC training as part of their on-going security program. The 56 FW OPSEC coordinator will evaluate the OPSEC posture of AF contract activities and operations. This requirement is set forth in 56 FW Sup to AFI 10-701.

6.1.2. Information Security and Force Protection. The contractor shall provide Information Security and Force Protection training as defined by AFI31-401(Information Security Program Management) and AFI 10-245 (Air Force Antiterrorism Standards). The contractor shall participate in the 56 FW sustained Information Security and Force Protection/Anti-terrorism training or include this training as part of their on-going security program. The 56 FW Security Manager will evaluate the training posture of AF contract activities and operations. This requirement is set forth in AFI 31-40, AFI 10-245 and applicable AETC and local supplements.

6.2 Information Assurance Requirements. The Contractor shall ensure that all personnel accessing information systems have the proper and current information assurance certification to perform information assurance functions described in DoD 8570.01-M, Information Assurance Workforce Improvement Program. The Contractor shall meet the applicable information assurance certification requirements.

7.0 REPORTS AND DATA REPORTING REQUIREMENTS:

7.1 Contractor Progress, Status and Management Report (PSMR). On a monthly basis, the Lead Research Analyst shall provide a status report with each monthly invoice. The information will be on project status and describe the work accomplished. The report will include financial status describing hours and costs expended per individual during the current period as well as cumulative hours and costs through the current reporting period. The contractor employee shall also identify any issues/problems anticipated in schedule or cost ceiling during the next reporting period.

The report shall have five sections:

1. Project Title, Time Period of report, Date

2. Performance: Current status of deliverables, measured against project expectations.

3. Schedule: Have scheduled activities and milestones been completed on or before time, and impact of delays.

4. Costs: Are there any actual or significant deviations, are significant costs adequately explained in terms of project plans? (i.e. large initial equipment purchase, followed by labor related costs.)

5. Risk: Are there known or anticipated opportunities or events that will or can affect project.

Reports shall be submitted in a non-proprietary or commercial easily transferrable format and by hard-copy if desired.

7.2 Technical Report – Study/Services. Final reports are to be submitted upon completion of each project.

The report shall have seven sections:

1. Project Title, Time Period of report, Date

2. Introduction: Background to the report, significance to the flying community, project objectives, working hypotheses, and discussion of previous and/or related studies.

3. Methods: Description of study design, equipment utilized, subject inclusion/exclusion criteria, and what protocols, standards and parameters were adhered to.

4. Results: Description of study results with raw data, graphs, tables, or other visual aids for summarizing this information.

5. Discussion: Interpretation and implication of study findings, as well as discussion of how results relate to the flying community and/or other similar study findings.

6. Conclusions: Summary of conclusions drawn from the study findings and their relation to the initial working hypotheses.

7. Recommendations: Provide recommendations on how to utilize the study findings for program improvement and/or to the benefit of the flying community. Recommendations for additional future studies is also appropriate.

All reports and data shall be submitted in a non-proprietary, easily transferrable format and by hard-copy if desired.

7.3 All reports, data, findings and literature shall be property of the 56 FW. The contractor shall not reuse or distribute project information without the express permission of 56 FW and shall retain all 56 FW origin markings.

8.0 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS:

The contractor shall comply with all applicable operating procedures, standard methods, best management practices, management plans, and existing requirement analysis, laboratory processes and analytical procedures. The following documents of issue are in effect on the date of the Request for Proposal (RFP) release.

8.1 Public Laws and Statutes. The contractor shall comply with the latest issue or version (including all changes and amendments) of federal, state and local statutes or other regulations in effect on the date of issuance of the individual task orders unless otherwise noted.

8.2 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996. The contractor shall ensure that HPORT staff maintain valid HIPAA training certification through an approved source.

8.3 AFI 33-332, Privacy Act Program, is mandatory in its entirety.

8.4 DoD Directive 5500.7, Standards of Conduct, Latest Version

9.0 CONTINUATION OF ESSENTIAL DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE (DoD) CONTRACTOR SERVICES DURING CRISIS:

The performance of these services is not considered to be mission essential during time of crisis. Should a crisis be declared, the Contracting Officer or his/her representative will verbally advise the Contractor of the revised requirements, followed by written direction.