ATTACH_0001_PWS_PLTCE_LEC_Modern_Standard_Arabic_and_Levantine_Dialect.doc

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

MODERN STANDARD ARABIC (MSA) AND LEVANTINE DIALECT LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION SERVICES

1. INTRODUCTION.

1.1. This contract is for non-personal services. It does not create employment rights with the U.S. Government whether actual, inherent, or implied. By agreeing to perform the services described in these specifications, the Contractor acknowledges that he/she is not, and will not become an employee of the U.S. Government. The Contractor further agrees that he/she will not bring any cause of action in any forum claiming that he/she has become an employee of the U.S. Government.

1.2. This contract is a “non-personal services” contract as defined in FAR 37.101. It is therefore understood and agreed that the Contractor or the Contractor’s subcontractor:

1.2.1. Shall perform the services specified herein as an independent Contractor, not as an employee of the Government.

1.2.2. Shall manage and administer the work required and bear sole responsibility for complying with and all technical, schedule, or financial requirements or constraints attendant to the performance of this contract.

1.2.3. Shall be free from supervision or control by any government employee with respect to the manner or method of performance of the services specified.

1.2.4. Shall, pursuant to the government’s right and obligation to inspect, accept, or reject the work, comply with such general direction of the Contracting Officer, or the duly authorized representative of the Contracting Officer as is necessary to ensure accomplishment of the contract objectives.

2. BACKGROUND.

2.1. General Information. The mission of the PLTCE, as defined by the Deputy Secretary of Defense, is to “…provide flexible language training to US personnel while offering English and strategic language instruction and expertise for NATO Allies and worldwide partners…” (06/01/2007). Instruction is primarily conducted at the advanced proficiency levels (Levels 2 through level 4); however, acquisition courses (Levels 0 – 1) will also be conducted.

2.2. The proficiency levels cited are defined in the U.S. Government Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) skill level descriptions, available under http://www.govtilr.org. Overall, PLTCE offers acquisition, intermediate, advanced and specialized classroom instruction in approximately ten languages and dialects for approximately 400 U.S., NATO/PfP military and civilian linguists each year. NATO proficiency level descriptions (STANAG 6001, 3rd edition) can be found at: www.natobilc.org

3. SCOPE OF WORK.

3.1. Classroom Instruction: The Contractor shall provide the necessary non-personal services and management required to develop course materials, conduct classes, and provide other instructional work to develop and improve the language proficiency of students at the Partner Language Training Center Europe (PLTCE). See paragraphs below for specifics.

3.2. The Contractor shall provide 30 hours of intensive target language instruction a week, for as much as 6 contact hours a day. Instruction shall be performed Monday – Friday, except on recognized U.S. holidays Depending on class size and the number of instructors available in a given language, instructors may be required to teach less than 6 contact hours a day. In those instances, the Contractor shall perform services delineated in paragraphs 3.3., and 3.4. as instructed by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). The instructor may also be required to teach tutorial hours to students on an as needed basis. Tutorial hours will be outside of the regular 30 hours. Tutorial hours shall not exceed 30 hours per contract performance period. The contract performance period consists of three periods (a base period and two subsequent one year optional periods if they are exercised).

3.2.1. The Contractor shall conduct 35-weeks of courses each year. Each course is usually five calendar weeks in length. Class size will typically range from 1-8 students. To allow students to properly prepare for classes, the Contractor shall post a weekly schedule of instruction by 0830 on the Monday before each week of instruction. A draft CY 2016 academic schedule is provided at Attachment 2.1 for planning and pricing purposes. This schedule is subject to change at any time at no additional cost to the Government.

3.3. Other language services: The Contractor may be required to support other language services requirements beyond the basic requirements identified in paragraph 3.2 of this performance work statement, as required. Such services may include course instruction beyond the identified blocks of instruction per academic term, course instruction/development for other U.S. Government entities, interpretation services beyond the incidental requirement outlined in the basic requirement.

4. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS.

General: The Contractor shall provide all labor and materials necessary to perform the language instruction services required by the contract. The Contractor shall utilize automated Microsoft Office Word/data processing equipment and the Internet to the maximum extent. This includes but is not limited to the preparation of computer and Internet based documentation and training materials and other tasks as outlined in this performance work statement (PWS). The Contractor should also be familiar with use of the SmartBoard equipment and be able to integrate its use into daily language instructions.

4.1. Instructional Tasks.

4.1.1. The Contractor shall conduct foreign language instruction and other related services as outlined in this PWS. The language instruction shall reflect current usage of the language in the target language country. Thus, students shall be exposed to dialects, slang expressions and specialized terminology (e.g. military/security, political, economic, scientific/technological, culture and social, geography: physical, political, and economic.). The topic of “culture” shall be treated as it contributes to proper understanding of a text or message and as it becomes critical in the ability to effectively transmit a message and to interact appropriately with native speakers. Learning materials shall be derived from current and authentic sources and from all media (printed, audio, visual, electronic, etc.). The focus is on communicative competence using functional, task-based language and activities. The instruction shall include oral communication, pronunciation, structure, listening and reading comprehension, writing, as well as special skills development such as, translation, interpretation and transcription.

4.1.2. The Contractor shall include material that addresses various aspects of the society where the target language is spoken (e.g. military and security, economic and political, scientific and technological, culture and social, and geography: physical, political, and economic).

4.2. Work Breakdown Structure.

4.2.1. Perform Class Preparation Activities. The Contractor shall perform the following tasks to prepare for classroom instruction: Prepare a syllabus, select appropriate materials addressing the major topical areas listed in paragraph 4.1.1. above (military/security, political, etc.), determine media to be used (audio, video, Internet, etc.), select activities to develop proficiency/skills, develop exercises/activities to meet proficiency development needs, develop quizzes/tests to monitor student progress.

4.2.2. The Contractor shall present his/her syllabus to the COR upon arrival at the PLTCE.

4.2.3. The Contractor shall post a weekly schedule NLT 0830 on the Monday of each week. The schedule shall reflect, as a minimum, activities to be conducted and sources used during each instructional period.

4.2.4. On the first day of class, the Contractor shall conduct a student needs analysis to identify each student’s strengths/weaknesses, special requests/needs. During the first week, the Contractor shall refine the needs analysis and on Friday provide the Program Manager with a written report for each student and a plan for dealing with the findings.

4.3. Perform Instructional Activities.

4.3.1. The Contractor shall conduct daily lessons, minimally six, 50-minute periods per day.

4.3.2. The Contractor shall assign homework on a daily basis that is tailored to the needs of each student.

4.3.3. The Contractor shall provide feedback on completed homework assignments, identifying problem areas and conducting immediate remediation. Students who fail to complete assignments or do so carelessly shall be reported to the COR or his designated representative, normally the Military Language Instructor (MLI).

4.3.4. The Contractor shall counsel students on academic progress.

4.3.5. The Contractor shall communicate problems with students to the COR/MLI in a timely manner, i.e. on the day the problem first arises (e.g., student tardiness, disruptive behavior, absence).

4.3.6. The Contractor shall provide tutorials as needed or requested by students before/after the six period each day.

4.3.7. The Contractor shall provide suitable out-of-class activities for classes. The Contractor shall inform the COR of location and planned activities during these outings at least two days in advance.

4.3.7. The Contractor shall prepare all teaching materials prior to beginning of class. At no time should teaching materials be prepared during teaching hours.

4.4. Perform other academic duties.

4.4.1. The Contractor shall provide limited translation/interpretation services for the COR and the Director of PLTCE on class-related subjects. This support may consist of short (2 pages or less) translations and/or brief (less than 30 minutes), informal consecutive interpretation. Both translation and interpretation support will be coordinated within the 30-weekly hours identified in paragraph 3.2.

4.4.2. The Contractor shall research, identify, and recommend suitable commercially available instructional materials that meet the global proficiency development needs of the students.

4.4.3. The Contractor shall work as a team member to develop instructional material, coordinate instructional activities and assignment of student sections with other instructors, as instructed by the COR. These services will be coordinated within the 30 weekly hours identified in paragraph 3.2.

5. CONDUCT.

5.1. Appearance. The Contractor shall present a neat, well-groomed professional appearance at all times.

5.2. The Contractor shall conduct himself/herself in an efficient and professional manner consistent with business standards and in a manner expected of an instructor in an institution of higher learning. Contractor shall interact with fellow contractors, staff and students in a courteous, polite, and professional manner.

5.3. Cultural Sensitivities. The Contractor shall be aware of cultural and other sensitivities of students and fellow Contractors. All instruction will be conducted in a manner that is never offensive, demeaning or a cause for any problems of a non-academic nature.

5.4. Team Player. The Contractor shall work as a team player with other individuals, including staff, contractors and other instructors on course planning, assignment of students to classes, materials development, and other administrative or instructional duties. The Contractor shall ensure that any initiatives are fully coordinated with the COR.

5.5. Student Interaction. Contractor shall not initiate contact (email, phone etc.) with former students. Also, Contractor shall not question/confront students about comments they provided in sensing sessions or end-of-course questionnaires. Such questions shall be directed to the COR.

5.6. Alcohol/Drug use in the workplace will not be tolerated. Any Contractor/sub-contractor found to be under the influence of, consuming, or using alcohol or drugs while on duty will be subject to administrative action from the Contracting Officer, which may include contract termination.

5.7. Utilizing electronic Mail. When Contractor personnel send E-mail messages as part of contract performance (or otherwise relating to contract matters), each sender shall include his/her name (both first and last names) and identify him/her clearly as a Contractor.

6. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS.

6.1. Physical Security. The Contractor shall safeguard all Government property in the work area. All offices, laboratories, and buildings shall be secured when not occupied.

6.2. Key Control. The Contractor shall establish and implement methods of ensuring that all keys issued to him/her by the Government are neither lost, misplaced, nor used by unauthorized personnel. Contractor shall not “loan” keys to classrooms/offices to students.

6.2.1. The Contractor shall report the loss of key(s) as soon as the loss is discovered, but in any event, not later than the Government’s next scheduled workday.

6.3. Substitutes. The Contractor shall advise the COR of anticipated absences, for any reason, as far in advance as possible. For emergency absences of one day or less, the Contractor must notify the COR no later than 0815 on the day of absence.

6.3.1. The Contractor shall provide and compensate a suitable and acceptable substitute for all periods of time that the Contractor is unable to perform the services.

6.3.2. All substitutes must be approved in advance by the Contracting Officer. The substitute must have comparable credentials to those of the Contractor. Substitutes shall have no claim whatsoever against the Government for services rendered and compensation shall be considered a business relationship between the Contractor and the chosen substitute. Failure to arrange for a qualified substitute in a timely manner may be considered breach of contract.

6.3.3. Proposed substitute(s) credentials (resume) must be provided to the COR at least six weeks prior to anticipated absence. Credentials of the proposed substitute shall address the following areas:

- Target language and English proficiency (how, when acquired).

- Education (degrees, major subjects)

- Teaching experience (what was taught, for how long, target audience, number of contact hours)

- Experience in developing instructional/test materials

- Life/work experience in target language country (number of years after age 18)

- References / letters of recommendation/ performance appraisals

6.4. Installation Access. Per the GCMC security procedures for non-DoD ID card holders (http://www.marshallcenter.org – Under Contractors link), the Contractor will be authorized and must obtain an Installation Pass for Sheridan Kaserne and Artillery Kaserne, Garmisch, from the local U.S. Army Garrison – Garmisch Administrative Office. Failure on the part of the Contractor to maintain currency of the Installation Pass will be considered sufficient grounds for the Government to terminate the contract prior to its normal expiration.

6.4.1. In order to be able to obtain the Installation Pass, the Contractor shall submit a Polizeiliches Führungszeugnis (Good Conduct Certificate) annually, except DoD issued CAC card holders or those with SOFA status. Additional background checks may be conducted in order to receive an Installation Pass. Failure to qualify for an Installation Pass will terminate the contract.

6.4.2. The Contractor must possess and present the following identification and permits as indicated:

(a) German citizens: a clear copy of their Ausweis (German ID Card) or passport showing their picture and full name.

(b) Citizens of the European Union (EU) – member countries other than Germany: a clear copy of their Aufenthaltsgenehmigung (Residence Permit).

(c) Non-U.S.-ID Cardholders and other citizens of non-EU-member countries: a clear copy of their Arbeitserlaubnis (German Work Permit) and country ID card or passport showing their picture, full name , country of issue, and nationality.

(d) U.S. ID Cardholders: a clear copy of the front of their ID Card. U.S.-ID cardholders do not need an Aufenthaltsgenehmigung or Arbeitserlaubnis.

6.5. Copyright Considerations. See Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) Clause 252.227-7020, Rights in Special Works (http://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dars/dfars/html/r20110916/252227.htm#252.227-7020).

6.5.1. Reproduction of PLTCE produced training materials. The materials described in paragraph 6.5. above may be cited, referenced, or reproduced in part or whole by the Contractor for professional, educational, or other non-commercial purposes with the concurrence of the Director of PLTCE, and on the condition that such citation, reference, or reproduction acknowledges PLTCE as the source and that the Contractor does not use Government time, equipment, or supplies for such reproduction of materials.

6.6. Contractor Training. The Contractor shall complete annual Government-furnished training in the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) during the performance of this contract and other potential topics or systems deemed necessary during the performance of this contract. The training is anticipated to occur within five working days of reporting on-site at the GCMC and be no more than four hours in length per session. Any Contractor behavior deviating from standards taught in the course shall be grounds for termination of the contract.

6.6.1. Within five working days of reporting on-site at the GCMC, the Contractor will be provided training/guidance on the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) skill level descriptions and the user agencies’ “Final Learning Objectives” (FLO). The training is anticipated to be no more than four hours. Most of the training will be in the form of written guidance.

6.7. Logistics Support. Contractor personnel will not have PX and Commissary privileges in association with this contract. The Contractor shall not request students to purchase items for him/her from those facilities.

6.8. The Contractors shall provide his/her own computers and printers.

6.9. The contractor shall report ALL contractor labor hours (including subcontractor labor hours) required for performance of services provided under this contract for the language instructional services via a secure data collection site. The contractor is required to completely fill in all required data fields using the following web address: http://www.ecmra.mil/.

6.10. Reporting inputs will be for the labor executed during the period of performance during each Government fiscal year (FY), which runs October 1 through September 30. While inputs may be reported any time during the FY, all data shall be reported no later than October 31 of each calendar year, beginning with 2016. Contractors may direct questions to the help desk at help desk at: http://www.ecmra.mill.

6.11. Substitution of Key Personnel

6.11.1. Key Personnel. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer prior to making any changes in personnel assigned to key positions. The key position is defined as:

6.11.1.1. MSA/Levantine Language Instructor

6.11.2. During the first ninety (90) calendar days of performance, the Contractor shall make no substitutions of key personnel unless illness, death, or termination of employment necessitates the substitution. After the initial ninety (90) calendar day period, the Contractor may propose substitutions. The Contractor shall provide a suitable substitute for all periods of time that the Contractor is unable to perform the services. The Contractor shall provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitutions, complete resumes for the proposed substitutes, and any additional information requested by the Contracting Officer. The Contractor shall, prior to making any substitution permanent, demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Contracting Officer that the qualifications of the proposed substitute personnel are equal to or better than the qualifications of the personnel originally identified for the position. The Contracting Officer will notify the Contractor within 15 calendar days after receipt of all required information of the decision on proposed substitutions.

6.11.3. Unplanned Absences. For emergency absences, the Contractor shall notify the COR immediately on the day of absence.

6.11.4. Planned Absences. Proposed substitute(s) credentials (resume) shall be provided to the Contracting Officer at least six weeks prior to an anticipated absence.

6.11.5. The Contractor shall ensure there is no degradation of services to the Government as a result of personnel absences or substitutions. The Contractor will not be paid for any gaps in services performed under this contract. Failure to arrange for a qualified substitute in a timely manner may be considered breach of contract.

7. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY AND SERVICES.

7.1. General. The Government will provide access to instructional and office space, facilities, and minimum equipment and/or services listed herein for the conduct of this PWS, including access and use of the Marshall Center Library and its holdings.

7.2. Property. The Government may provide desktop computer systems capable of interacting with the Marshall Center automation infrastructure. The Government will not provide computers that connect to the PLTCE commercial WiFi access point.

7.3. Facilities. The Government will provide classrooms, language and computer laboratories and/or suitable rooms for conducting instruction in the building or other suitable locations should a move be required during the period of the contract.

7.3.1. Routine maintenance will remain the responsibility of the Government.

7.4. Distribution. Installation and unit distribution of necessary correspondence and reports will be provided by the PLTCE.

7.5. Other services. The Government will provide routine custodial services, refuse collection, and health and safety controls as required and in accordance with existing regulations and procedures common to the organization and its Government buildings.

8. DEFINITIONS.

8.1. Quality Assurance. Those actions taken by the Government to check the performance and quality of services to determine whether or not they meet the requirements of the PWS.

8.1.1. Defective Service. Defective service may result in the Government terminating the contract, and or negative performance evaluation from the Marshall Center COR.

8.1.2. Inspection Records. Forms that are used are used to evaluate a Contractor’s performance under this contract. Unsatisfactory ratings may adversely impact the Contractor’s ability to be selected for future contracts with the PLTCE.

8.1.3. The Contractor shall have educated native speaker proficiency in the target language.

8.2. Abbreviations.

8.2.1. PLTCE - Partner Language Training Center Europe

8.2.2. PWS - Performance Work Statement

8.2.3. SOQ – Student Opinion Questionnaire

8.2.4. COR – Contracting Officer’s Representative

9. QUALITY CONTROL.

9.1. The Contractor shall develop and maintain an effective quality control program to ensure services are performed in accordance with this PWS and meet the performance thresholds. The Contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services. The Contractor’s quality control program is the means by which the Contractor is assured that the work complies with the requirements of the contract.

9.2. At a minimum, the Contractor shall develop quality control procedures that address the areas identified in the Performance Requirements Summary.

10. QUALITY ASSURANCE.

10.1. The Government will monitor the Contractor's performance under this contract using the surveillance methods identified in the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan. The Contractor will be given the opportunity to correct or address any adverse findings resulting from the Government’s surveillance consistent with the Inspection/Acceptance clause in the contract. Failure to correct any adverse findings or failure to deliver all services described in this contract may result in non-acceptance of the services by the Government. Failure to meet the standards of this PWS may result in a deduction of price at least equal to the value of the unperformed or poorly performed services. Performance of a service will be evaluated to determine whether or not it meets the performance threshold. Re-performance at no cost to the Government is the preferred method of correcting any unacceptable performance. The Contractor shall provide the Government written response why the performance threshold was not met, how performance will be returned to acceptable levels, and how recurrence of the cause will be prevented in the future. Failure to provide services in accordance with this contract could also result in termination of the contract for cause and/or adversely impact the Contractor’s ability to be selected for future contracts as documented in the Contractor Performance Assessment Report System (CPARS).

10.2. The Contractor will be provided feedback on performance evaluations and the observations of Government personnel, as well as student evaluations and comments. The “Class Visitation Report” at Attachment 2.2, indicates what the observer expects to see. The “Student Critique” questionnaires at Attachment 2.3 are administered to students at the end of each course of instruction. A point value is assigned to each question and a rating assigned.

10.3. Performance Requirements Summary. The Contractor service requirements are summarized into performance objectives that relate directly to mission essential items. The performance level of each featured end product briefly describes the minimum acceptable levels of service required for each requirement. These thresholds are critical to mission success.

*No instances of failure to engage in professional, courteous and polite conduct per paragraph 5.2.

*No valid complaints from students or peers regarding inappropriate contact with students or culturally offensive behavior per paragraphs 5.3. and 5.5.

*No instances of failure to work as a team player per paragraph 5.4.

*No instances of alcohol or drug use in the workplace per paragraph 5.6.

Random Sampling, Customer feedback.

* No more than 1 late posting of weekly schedule per course per paragraph 4.2.3.

* 100% compliance with performing student needs analysis per paragraph 4.2.4.

* No more than 2 instances of failure to take corrective action in response to feedback from class visitations conducted by COR or designated representative per paragraph 10.2.

* Final rating on the “Student Critiques” must be not less than “partially/adequate/sufficient” on items 1-4, with no negative comments in the “Instructor Effectiveness” section. The COR will validate student feedback to determine if the standard is met.

* No more than one instance of failure to coordinate with other instructors per paragraph 4.4.3.

Periodic Inspection, Customer feedback.

* No instances of failure to notify the COR of unscheduled (emergency) absence NLT 0815 on the anticipated day of absence per paragraph 6.3.

* No instances of failure to obtain qualified substitute in accordance with paragraphs. 6.3.

Random Sampling , Customer feedback.

10.4. The PLTCE Department Chair will serve as the COR for this contract.

11. ATTACHMENTS.

11.1. Attachment 2.1 - PLTCE FY 2016 Class Schedule

11.2. Attachment 2.2 - Class Visitation Report

11.3. Attachment 2.3 - Student Opinion Questionnaire