Attachment II-Technical Support Services for the USCG Training System.pdf

ATTACHMENT II

CONTRACTOR TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE U.S. COAST GUARD

TRAINING SYSTEM

CONTRACT

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

23 MARCH 2010

1.0 GENERAL.

1.1 SCOPE.

The purpose of this Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract is to obtain Contractor technical, and training system support services for the United States Coast Guard (USCG) in various training sites. The service obtained will result in the development of advanced distributed learning (ADL) products in conformance with USCG Training Standard Operating Procedures. The task areas associated with this contract shall include:

• development of new content material for ADL;

• conversion of existing course material to ADL;

• development of performance support tools and electronic interactive manuals;

• operational assessment and testing of ADL products and initiatives;

• program support to determine feasibility of ADL initiatives for supporting human performance;

• media development;

• desktop simulation application, e-games, and immersive environment development; and,

• technical and programming assistance for course delivery, updates, data recovery and maintenance

Task Orders under this contract are expected to be performance based.

1.2 BACKGROUND.

The USCG has undergone dramatic workforce growth in the last decade resulting from changing maritime homeland security needs. USCG Training Centers (TRACEN) and other USCG units have undertaken a tremendous workload to increase training capacity, and to ensure other support for Coast Guard personnel. All organic resources are being consumed by these efforts. Additional assistance is required to ensure that the USCG is supported and is staffed with properly trained people for USCG cutters, boats, aircraft, equipment and facilities.

1.2.1 USCG Curriculum Development Processes. Curriculum development generally comes from one of two processes:

1.2.1.1 “A” School Curriculum. The “A” school curriculum is the training provided to occupational apprentices. An occupational analysis is conducted every 3 to 4 years where the population of the occupation is surveyed regarding the tasks performed in the field. This data is compared against current requirements called Enlisted Performance Qualifications. A group of senior members of the occupation (called rating) as well as a sampling of current performers in the field, review the data and current qualifications and make changes. These changes

(new/revised Enlisted Performance Qualifications) become the basis for modifying the USCG curriculum.

1.2.1.2 “C” School Curriculum. The “C” schools, advanced training, comes about through the application of Human Performance Technology – specifically, by conducting a Front-End Analysis (FEA). USCG conducts a “New Performance Planning FEA” when the tasks to be performed in the field are new or involve new equipment, new missions, and/or new procedures.

When it is determined existing performance in the field is deficient, a “Diagnostic FEA” is conducted. In either case, the USCG will collect additional data regarding those tasks which require training. Frequency, importance, difficulty, criteria for successful performance, tools required, positive and negative influences and other information collected become the inputs for training design.

1.2.1.3 Curriculum Development Methodology. The USCG curriculum development follows the Accomplishment Based Curriculum Development process and is consistent with the Analysis-Design-Development-Implementation-Evaluation (ADDIE) model. Essentially, the USCG’s process distinguishes between those tasks that should be taught to memory (based on a rubric of consequences of error, frequency of performance and difficulty or complexity of the task itself) and those that could be documented in a job aid. For the tasks that should be taught to memory – the USCG applies the science of learning to match instructional strategies for discriminations and generalizations appropriately.

1.2.1.4 Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL). The United States Coast Guard has provided technology-based learning for close to ten years, evolving as new technological opportunities arise and identifying opportunities to better support human performance in the Coast Guard.

Technical and user interface standards were developed and published in Coast Guard Volume 7 Advanced Distributed Learning Standard Operating Procedure (ADL SOP). Coast Guard advanced distributed learning continues to evolve to appropriately meet the needs of USCG personnel. There is a commitment to ensuring personnel have access to reliable, accurate advanced distributed learning that operates within the Coast Guard IT and training system infrastructure.

1.3 CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL.

1.3.1 Program Manager

The Contractor shall provide a Program Manager who shall be responsible for all Contractor work performed under this contract. The Program Manager is further designated as Key by the Government (see PWS 1.4). The Program Manager shall be a single point of contact for the Contracting Officer and the Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR). It is anticipated that the Program Manager shall be one of the senior level employees provided by the Contractor for each work effort. The name of Program Manager(s), and the name(s) of any alternate(s) who shall act for the Contractor in the absence of the Program Manager, shall be provided to the Government as part of the Contractor's proposal. During any absence of the Program Manager, only one alternate shall have full authority to act for the Contractor on all matters relating to work performed under this contract. The Program Manager and all designated alternates shall be able to read, write, speak and understand English. Additionally, the Contractor shall not replace the Program Manager without prior acknowledgement from the Contracting Officer.

1.3.1.1 The Program Manager shall be available to the COTR via telephone between the hours of 0830 and 1630 ET, Monday through Friday, and shall respond to a request for discussion or resolution of technical problems within eight (8) business hours of notification.

1.3.2 Qualified Personnel The Contractor shall provide qualified personnel to perform all requirements specified in task orders awarded under this Contract. All Contractor employees supporting task orders under this Contract shall be citizens of the United States and shall be able to read, write, speak and understand English.

1.3.2.1 Specific Personnel Requirements

1.3.2.1.1 Program Manager: Must possess:

• Masters level degree in Human Performance Technology, Instructional Systems Technology, or equivalent.

• Three (3) years experience in Government and/or Industry e-Learning initiatives

• Three (3) years Project Management Experience in ADL

1.3.2.1.2 Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) Specialist

• Master level degree in Instructional Systems Technology or in an equivalently similar field.

• One (1) years experience in Government and/or Industry human performance analysis initiatives

1.3.2.1.3 Graphic designer: must possess a baccalaureate level degree in graphic design

1.3.2.1.4 Videographer/photographer: must possess an associate degree in Videography/photography or 5 years experience in the field.

1.3.2.1.5 Technical Writer: must possess BS/BA degree, preferably in English, engineering, business, or the sciences is required in addition to proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite (Project, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel).Requires 5-8 years experience. Prior experience with all or most of the following is desired:

• Highly proficient in developing written documents and briefing materials expected

• Experience supporting working groups, studies and analysis, document reviews, and coordinates meetings as directed

• Creation of document templates and style guides.4. Knowledge of and ability to uses various word-processing and desktop publishing software applications

• Experience with user guides for software applications, security plans, test plans, etc

• Experience in following style guides and Data Item Descriptions

• Ability to recognize grammatical and formatting errors in client document deliverables

• Experience working with developers and engineers in the support of technical documentation

• Understanding of Data Communications Technology

• Understanding of Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Homeland

Security (DHS)

1.3.2.1.6 Programmer: must possess an associate degree in computer science or related field and two (2) years experience working with government IT systems.

1.4 KEY PERSONNEL.

The personnel listed above are considered essential to the work being performed under this contract. Before removing, replacing, or diverting any individual designated as Key by the Government, the Contractor must: (1) Notify the Contracting Officer at least 2 weeks in advance of the individual leaving or being reassigned; (2) submit justification for the replacement in sufficient detail to permit evaluation of the impact on this contract; and (3) obtain the Contracting Officer's written approval. All proposed substitutes shall possess qualifications equal to or superior to those of the Key person being replaced.

The following key personnel are considered to be essential to the work being performed:

Individual’s Name Individual Title

Program Manager

1.6 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE.

The primary place of performance shall be at the contractors facility and may be at various training sites throughout the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) including: Yorktown VA, Petaluma CA, Elizabeth City NC, Cape May NJ, Camp Lejeune NC, New London CT, Charleston SC, Washington DC, Mobile AL, Alameda CA, Oklahoma City OK and Chesapeake VA.

1.7 KICK-OFF MEETING.

For each task order awarded under this contract, the Contractor’s Program Manager shall attend a Kick-Off Meeting with the Contracting Officer and the COTR not later than five (5) business days after the date of award. The purpose of the Kick-Off Meeting, which will be chaired by the Contracting Officer, is to discuss technical and contracting objectives of the contract and review the Contractor's project plan. The Kick-Off Meeting will be held at the Government’s facility. Additional requirements will be specified in each task order.

1.8 PROJECT PLAN.

For each Task order awarded under this contract, the Contractor shall provide a draft Project Plan at the Kick-Off Meeting for Government review and comment. The Contractor shall provide a final Project Plan, for each task order, to the Contracting Officer and COTR not later than three (3) business days after the Kick-Off Meeting.

1.9 PROGRESS REPORTS.

The Program Manager shall provide a progress report to the Contracting Officer, COTR and Sub-COTRs via electronic mail. This report shall include a summary of all Contractor work performed under this contract, including an assessment of technical progress, schedule status, any travel conducted and any Contractor concerns or recommendations for the previous period.

1.9.1 At a minimum, the following information shall be included in each monthly report:

• Progress This Period.

• Status of All Sub-Tasks (with attached copies of meeting minutes, point and working papers).

• Indication that the delivery date is being met or if not description of new delivery date. It must include the reasons for a change in date and identify the impact of the change on the project.

• What is needed from the government in order to meet the delivery date.

• Activity Planned for the Next Reporting Period: Planned supporting activities, as well as the status of all products/working papers, including planned delivery date and actual and/or anticipated delivery date.

• Problems Encountered: Identification of any problems, issues or delays and recommendations as to their resolution concerning the problems submitted during the interim, and any corrective action that was taken to correct identified problems.

1.10 PROGRESS MEETINGS.

The Program Manager shall be responsible for keeping the COTR informed about Contractor progress on task orders awarded under this contract, and ensure Contractor activities are aligned with Coast Guard objectives.

1.10.1 The Program Manager shall be available to meet with the COTR upon request to present deliverables, discuss progress, exchange information and resolve emergent technical problems and issues. These meetings shall take place at the Government's facility. Additional details will be provided in each Task order awarded under this contract.

1.10.2 The Program Manager shall be responsible for keeping the Contracting Officer, COTR, and Sub-COTR informed about Contractor progress throughout the performance period of this contract, and ensure Contractor activities are aligned with Coast Guard objectives.

1.10.2.1 For the first two months after contract award, the Program Manager shall, at a minimum, meet with the Sub-COTR on a weekly basis to discuss progress, exchange information and resolve emergent technical problems and issues. These meetings shall take place at the Government’s facility.

1.10.2.2 After the initial two month period, meetings shall be held at intervals mutually agreed upon by the Sub-COTR and Contractor. These meetings will also be held, if requested by the Contractor, whenever the need arises. These meetings shall take place at the Government's facility.

1.11 GENERAL REPORT REQUIREMENTS.

The Contractor shall provide all written reports in electronic format with read/write capability using applications that are compatible with the Coast Guard Standard Workstation (Windows XP and Microsoft Office Applications).

1.12 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY.

It is anticipated that Task orders issued under this contract will be performance based.

Performance based Task orders will include a Performance Requirements Summary (PRS) prepared by the Government that is specific to that Task order. In general, the PRS will set forth the expected outcomes (objectives) of the Task order, the service(s) required of the contractor to attain the objectives, a performance standard per outcome, and a plan for a reduction in payment in the event the contractor does not meet the performance standard. It is the intent of the Government to maintain consistency in standards and associated reduction schedules for same or similar outcomes from Task order to Task order. The PRS is not an exclusive remedy and inclusion of the PRS does not preclude the Government from using any other remedy available by law or contract terms, including reductions in payment in accordance with any clause for inspection of services.

2.0 GOVERNMENT TERMS & DEFINITIONS.

2.1 ADL- Advanced Distributed Learning

2.2 Class “A” School – Entry-level enlisted training in a specific rate (e.g. Food Service Specialist, Yeoman, Information Systems Technician)

2.3 Class “C” School – An advanced level course of instruction

2.4 COTR – Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative, a Government employee

2.5 FLETA - Federal Law Enforcement Training Accreditation

2.6 FTR – Federal Travel Regulation

2.7 IDIQ – Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity

2.8 ISD – Instructional Systems Development

2.9 JFTR - Joint Federal Travel Regulation

2.10 JTR - Joint Travel Regulation

2.11 MLE - Maritime Law Enforcement

2.12 MWR – Morale, Wellness, and Recreation

2.13 PRS – Performance Requirements Summary

2.14 PWS – Performance Work Statement

2.15 ROI - Return on Investment

2.16 SOP – Standard Operating Procedure

2.17 SSMR - Shore Station Maintenance Records

2.18 Sub-COTR – Sub-Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative, a Government employee

2.19 USCG – United States Coast Guard

2.20 USCG Standard Image – The Coast Guard has standardized what software will be installed on a “standard” Coast Guard computer. Frequently this software has been modified to operate within the CG’s computer and security infrastructures. All computers installed with the standard image will have the identical capabilities.

2.21 Nonstandard Computer – Any computer that does not have the standard image installed.

These include most training computers and any support computer that has additional software added.

3.0 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED RESOURCES.

3.1 The Government will provide the facilities, workspace, equipment, computers and supplies necessary to perform the on-site portion of Contractor services required in this contract, unless specifically stated otherwise in this work statement.

3.1.1 The Contractor shall use Government furnished resources only for the performance of work under this contract, and shall be responsible for returning all Government furnished resources in good working condition, subject to normal wear and tear.

3.2 The Government will provide all necessary data and information for Contractor services performed under this contract

4.0 CONTRACTOR FURNISHED PROPERTY.

The Contractor shall furnish all materials, equipment and services necessary to fulfill the requirements of this contract, except for the Government Furnished Resources specified in PWS 3.0 and 5.0 of this work statement.

5.0 REQUIREMENTS.

5.1 ADVANCED DISTRIBUTED LEARNING DEVELOPMENT.

The Contractor shall provide Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) development support. The Contractor shall develop new and convert existing course material to ADL and develop appropriate performance support tools as identified by performance analysis and as established via the curriculum outline development process. These shall include- e-games, electronic performance support systems, simulations, and other immersive ADL products. The Contractor shall develop appropriate effective learning objects for inclusion in Coast Guard ADL repository, LMS, or other designated CG hosting environments. The Contactor shall meet the following ADL design requirements:

5.1.1 The Contractor shall meet development requirements of the USCG’s Advanced Distributed Learning Standard Operating Procedures (SOP Volume 7) including the appended Standards and Styles Guide and other training SOPs as appropriate to the product being delivered. These SOPs are located at http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg1/cg132/

5.1.2 The Contractor shall meet technical standards for delivery via the Coast Guard Standard Workstation, LMS, and the CG intranet. The Contractor shall ensure ADL development is Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) conformant in the version currently employed by USCG. The Contractor shall ensure ADL development is 508 compliant.

5.1.3 The Contractor shall provide lifecycle support for ADL assets so that the assets function as intended and contain the correct information

5.1.4 Prepare design documents in accordance with USCG SOPs, including Volume 6, Curriculum Outline, Volume 7 Advanced Distributed Learning, and other requirements specified in the call. Prepare storyboards for content development. Design ADL, including instructional, structural, and navigational design, to conform to USCG styles, standards and requirements, including the ADL SOP Volume 7, including the styles and standards guide, established educational theories, practices, and performance support. These shall be accomplished using software, hardware, and other tools readily available within USCG or specified in the call.

5.1.5 Select appropriate ADL systems to support development of human performance and testing of competencies.

5.1.6 Prepare and structure tests and practical application exercises so that these are reliable indicators that a learner has learned to perform the tasks identified in the objectives.

5.1.7 Develop initial versions of online courses to include screen presentations, interactive components, and assessments.

5.1.8 Perform formative and summative evaluations, including pilot studies

5.1.9 Revise versions in accordance with feedback from reviews and data obtained in pilot testing.

5.1.10 Develop plans for piloting training experiences developed under calls.

5.1.11 Develop reports of pilot studies usable in finalizing the training products.

5.1.12 Participate in reviews

5.1.13 Perform Life Cycle maintenance on ADL products and supporting documentation as required.

5.1.14 Ensure work and processes conform to USCG training SOPS (http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg1/cg132/), standards, and styles, and other requirements stipulated in the calls.

5.2 PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

The Contractor shall provide project coordination services in support of activities outlined on each Task order issued under this contract. Program management support services include ensuring continuity of training materials, consistency of layout, presentation, and flow of subject matter; provide technical assistance and guidance to the COTR on current instructional technology during the development of training aids and delivery methodology, to include knowledge of computer-based training, desktop video conferencing, multimedia, audio, graphics, and distance learning technologies; develop monthly status reports, and maintain master files for all Contractor supported program areas.

5.3 TECHNICAL WRITING SUPPORT.

The Contractor shall provide technical writing services in support of this contract.

5.3.1 The Contractor shall develop training materials to support new modules of established courses and for newly added curriculum. Provide technical writing/editing in support of product development, generating project documentation and report deliverables. These shall be accomplished using software, hardware, and other tools readily available within USCG or specified in the call.

5.3.2 The Contractor shall draft original text/test material by conferring with subject matter experts and researching technical publications to determine the information to be used. Ensure work and processes conform to USCG training SOPS, standards, and styles, and other requirements stipulated in the calls.

5.3.3 Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team. Participate in reviews. Perform Life Cycle maintenance on text documents as required.

5.3.4 The Contractor shall ensure all documents are reviewed for: clarity, presentation, organization, and style; readability and suitability to audience; and conformance to published standards.

5.4 VIDEOGRAPHY/PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPORT SERVICES.

The Contractor shall operate and maintain audiovisual (AV) equipment, provide for processing and handling of exposed film, produce video tapes, operate cameras and perform audiovisual work in the production of training and presentation aids. Examples of Contractor tasks include the following:

5.4.1. The Contractor shall capture and review photographs.

5.4.2 The Contractor shall scan and edit digital video images.

5.4.3 The Contractor shall produce training films and video reports.

5.4.4 The Contractor shall perform digital editing.

5.4.5 The Contractor shall ensure proper lighting, exposure, focus and composition during photographic or video production work is practiced.

5.4.6 The Contractor shall perform basic film processing functions, as required, to produce prints and slides for publication and training aids.

5.4.7 The Contractor shall maintain an inventory of equipment, aids and supplies.

5.4.8 The Contractor shall assist in the planning and utilization of audiovisual equipment for use in the production of aids, in courses, or publication work.

5.4.9 The Contractor shall write, edit, and proof training clips for web, network or TV delivery.

5.4.10 The Contractor shall perform simple maintenance on AV equipment as required.

5.4.11 The Contractor shall instruct staff and students in use of AV media as required.

5.5 GRAPHICAL DESIGN AND MODELING SUPPORT.

The Contractor shall provide computer graphics support for training and informational materials.

5.5.1 The Contractor shall develop, create, and produce 2 and 3 dimensional color slides, animations, 8” x 10” transparencies, and hard copy.

5.5.2 The Contractor shall produce finished digital graphics and animations for use in interactive courseware and training programs.

5.5.3 The Contractor shall edit digitized video for use in interactive courseware and training programs.

5.5.4 The Contractor shall produce illustrative material for classroom presentations and student handouts.

5.5.5 The Contractor shall ensure all photographs and video clips comply with the guidance found in the formal training system SOPs and E-Learning Standards and Styles Guide.

5.6 PROGRAMMING SUPPORT.

The Contractor shall provide Programming Support to include the following:

5.6.1 Input training and performance support solutions in ADL program applications used within USCG for training and performance support purposes. These shall be accomplished using software, hardware, and other tools readily available within USCG or specified in the task order.

5.6.2 Evaluate the technical functionality of ADL materials and applications produced so these produce no errors or harm to the server, LMS, network, or work station

5.6.3 Revise programmed solutions as so that these run as intended, accurately calculate and post data to the LMS, meet the ADL Styles and Standards requirements, and meet the requirements set forth by the COTR.

5.6.4 Ensure all ADL is SCORM conformant with SCOs recognized at the lesson level and lower if identified in the task order. The version of SCORM in use within USCG must be used for each project.

5.6.5 Provide the uncompiled files for the solution to the Coast Guard in a form that can be edited and recompiled without dependence on the contractor.

5.6.6 Participate in reviews

5.6.7 Perform Life Cycle maintenance on ADL assets and supporting documentation as required.

5.6.8 Ensure work and processes conform to USCG training SOPS, standards, and styles, and other requirements stipulated in the task orders.

6.0 REFERENCES. References will be provided in each task order under this contract.

7.0 DELIVERABLES. The specific requirements for all deliverables will be described in each task order under this contract.