ID04160022_PWS_Draft.docx

GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

FEDERAL ACQUISITION SERVICE

ASSISTED ACQUISITION SERVICES DIVISION

SOUTHEAST SUNBELT REGION

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

US CENTRAL COMMAND

COMMUNICATION INTEGRATION SUPPORT

ORDER/CONTRACT NUMBER: ID04160022

JANUARY 5, 2016

1.0 Introduction: Work is to be accomplished for the United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) at MacDill AFB, Florida, herein referred to as Client, through the General Services Administration (GSA), Federal Acquisition Services (FAS), Assisted Acquisition Services Division (AASD), Southeast Sunbelt Region.

1.1 Points of Contact {POCs):

GSA Customer Account Manager (CAM):

Atlanta, GA 30308

GSA Senior Contracting Officer (SCO):

Atlanta, GA 30308

Primary Client Representative (CR):

Bldg. 570 I S124 MacDill AFB, FL 33621 Phone: (813) 529-0214

Alternate Client Representative (CR):

MacDill AFB, FL 33621 Phone: (813) 529-0227

1.2 Background: The mission of the Communication Integration Directorate (CCCI) is to serve as the principal advisor to the Commander on all internal and external communication strategies and to support the command's theater objectives. CCCI supports the command's obligation to keep the American people and regional audiences informed about USCENTCOM operations that lead to defeating our adversaries, improving regional stability and promoting and protecting U.S. interest in the USCENTCOM area of responsibility (AOR).

1.3 Objective: Provide a contractor to USCENTCOM in support of the CCCI mission. In rendering the foregoing services, outputs may take the form of information, advice, opinions, alternatives, analyses, evaluations, recommendations, training and/or services to complement the Government's expertise in accomplishing its mission. The nature of this work will at times require the Contractor to be capable of quick response to stringent deadlines. This work will require security clearances as defined in the DoD Contract Security Specifications, DD Form 254.

1.4 Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price.

2.0 Scope: The Contractor shall provide all personnel, supervision, and other items and services necessary to support efforts to collect, translate, and interpret information in support of senior leader decision making, specifically regarding public opinion and the media. The contractor shall provide personnel with a full scope understanding of military, political, social and economic issues that USCENTCOM requires the ability to monitor, along with media activities domestically and in the USCENTCOM AOR, for relevance to USCENTCOM and to provide the Commander the ability to ensure distribution of accurate and timely official information, correct misinformation and support counter propaganda efforts as defined in this performance work statement (PWS), except as specified in Section 3.0 as Government-furnished property (GFP) and services, at MacDill AFB, FL. The Contractor must perform to the standards in this Contract.

This effort will provide a 24/7 "information environment" watch capacity in the USCENTCOM Joint Operations Center (JOC); a highly skilled planning element for strategic communication and coordinating the command's Communication Integration Working Group (CIWG); and public affairs planning, media operations, and social media specialist missions. This PWS specifies deliverables. This requirement is in direct support of all Communication Integration efforts supporting Operations RESOLUTE SUPPORT and INHERENT RESOLVE, as well as other operations, exercises, and task forces as they arise in response to real-world U.S. and coalition military commitments and actions.

3.0 Performance Requirements: The Contractor shall provide all staffing, equipment, and materials necessary to perform the requirements as defined in this PWS. The Contractors shall perform to the performance standards in this Contract.

3.1 Joint Operations Center Media Analysts: Functions as a watch stander for CCCI on a rotational basis in the USCENTCOM Joint Operations Center (JOC). The JOC Media Analysts will be involved in daily (365 days/year) preparation of key briefing materials for USCENTCOM senior leaders and staff personnel, and work closely with the 24/7 CCCI Media Operations Cell (MOC), also physically located in the JOC. Shift/weekend work will be required to ensure proper JOC coverage daily. The watch-stander will coordinate with other JOC team members, associated component staffs, and both higher and subordinate Headquarters (HQ) counterparts to begin formulation of initial courses of action during crisis events, provide updates to the CCCI staff, obtain products relating to operations, and report significant AOR events. Contractor personnel supporting this requirement must possess a Top Secret/Special Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance at time of award. Additionally, the Contractor shall:

3.1.1 Collect, analyze, and assess articles and broadcasts related to the USCENTCOM AOR as reported in the worldwide media, scoring those reports for comparative relevance to the HQ staff, and provide predictive analysis of potential future events and outcomes, as well as recommendations for the staff based on indicators seen in daily reporting.

3.1.2 Work closely with JOC, MOC, the CCCI Media Operations Section, and all CCCI personnel, as appropriate, to assist in the assessment of operational events and assist in the development of time sensitive responses.

3.1.3 Attend necessary working groups to develop documentation used to support strategic planning.

3.1.4 Assist in the preparation of and present CCCl's portion of the daily Commander's Update Brief (CUB) or Theater Update Brief (TUA), as well as conduct media research analysis, ad hoc electronic staff packages, information papers, briefings and other products for the Commander, his staff, and others as needed.

3.1.5 JOC Media Analysts will maintain situational awareness on and will share information on current and future events that have the potential to garner positive, neutral or negative media exposure for CENTCOM and component activities focused primarily on Operation INHERENT RESOLVE (OIR), RESOLUTE SUPPORT (ORS),and other operations and activities in the CENTCOM AOR as necessary. The information will be used to develop required Response to Query (RTQ) and/or Talking Points (TPs) to support defensive operations to correct the record, limit negative reporting, etc. Analysts will also produce CENTCOM news clips on a daily basis.

3.2.1 Communications Integration Working Group (CIWG) Leads: Assist in the synchronization of the plans, effects, themes and messages of USCENTCOM's deliberate and contingency communication activities and management of the assessment of those effects in order to ensure an integrated communication strategy. Direct the management of a collaborative and mutually supporting process to support the command's priorities of the CIWG. The Contractor is responsible for integrating J3 (10), JS (Plans), and J8 (Resources and Analysis) efforts into the process. Additional directorates will be integrated on a case-by-case basis as determined by topic(s). Contractor personnel supporting this requirement shall possess a TS//SCI clearance at time of award. Additionally, the Contractor shall:

3.2.1.1 Contribute to the development of a clearly defined CIWG agenda drawn from the full range of deliberate, steady state, scheduled, emerging and contingency activities within USCENTCOM.

3.2.1.2 Participate in the development of synchronization matrices listing objective, desired effects, themes, messages, enabling actions and assessment matrices identifying successful effects, themes and messages to be leveraged; unsuccessful effects, themes and messages to be modified; and gaps to be addressed.

3.2.1.3 Research communication strategy issues, analyze options, recommend course of action through reports, appears, briefings, and correspondence for presentation to the Combatant Commander, OSD, Joint Staff, Service Headquarters, and other Government agencies. Coordinate with other affected offices throughout DOD and other agencies as required.

3.2.1.4 Provide technical assistance to other offices on assigned communication strategies and ensure communication products and strategies are coordinated with other board and working groups to align actions, engagements, words and images in support of theater strategy objectives.

3.2.1.5 Ensure overarching USCENTCOM and/or DOD policies are integrated into recommended communication products.

3.2.1.6 Provide primary assistance in assessment of communication activities in support of J8 analysis and assessment and JS Key Leader Engagement (KLE) via the CIWG process.

3.2.1.7 Provide primary assistance in completion of a study for the development of a communication common operating picture as well as participate in study groups as needed to develop and prioritize capabilities and requirements for the Command.

3.2.1.8 Provide primary assistance in developing and staffing communication plans and products.

3.2.2 Planning Officers: Planners will be responsible for maintaining situational awareness of USCENTCOM's current and future planning priorities. In addition to developing and coordinating written public affairs guidance (PAG) and talking points (TPs) on long-range issues and operations for senior USCENTCOM leadership, planners will be responsible for developing supporting public affairs and communications strategies, followed up with documentation to support USCENTCOM operational plans. Planners should continually liaise with USCENTCOM JS and J7 directorates with respect to USCENTCOM engagements and exercises in the AOR, including the development of supporting public affairs plans and coordinating those plans with both higher PA authorities and subordinate PA commands. Planners will be expected to participate in USCENTCOM's B2C2WG organizational construct as necessary, as well as support emergent 24/7 shift surge requirements when necessary in case of crisis events or as directed by CCCI director.

3.2.2.1 Develop and coordinate plans for - and participate in - CONUS and OCONUS exercises in support of the J7 and component exercise program. Assess exercises successes and failures, providing feedback into after-action and lessons learned documents.

3.2.2.2 Coordinate and execute strategic communication seminars with AOR partner nations. This includes working with Embassy country teams, JS Theater Security Cooperation experts, partner nation Ministry of Defense officials and partner military public affairs leadership.

3.3 Media Operations Officers: Contract personnel on the Media Desk will be responsible for researching, writing, and coordinating responses to media queries; and when directed and under U.S. Government supervision, answer media queries on a non-attributable basis. Media Operations Officers will rotate on shift work as part of the 24/7,365-days/year CCCI Media Operations Cell (MOC), co-located with the JOC, to work with the JOC analysts to provide media monitoring and real-time feedback on news and press coverage on key USCENTCOM issues, providing the ability to alert CCCI leadership of breaking coverage and to correct inaccurate reporting. Additionally, Media Operations

Officers will:

3.3.1 Conduct research as required in order to write public affairs guidance (PAG), response to query (RTQ), and talking points (TPs) on key issues.

3.3.2 Plan and conduct daily conference calls with community PAOs, including both higher PA headquarters and USCENTCOM component PA offices.

3.3.3 Provide media training expertise to key senior USCENTCOM leaders or designated spokespersons.

3.3.4 Develop and provide preparatory books for key senior USCENTCOM leaders in advance of media engagements.

3.3.5 Develop and provide a timely rollup summary product to CCCI leadership and other USCENTCOM leaders at the end of a media engagement or coverage of a high profile issue.

3.3.6 Assist in the preparation of senior CCCI personnel in executing weekly public affairs briefings (via DVIDs and/or conference calls) with the Pentagon Press Corps, including the development of timely talking points, taking notes on the briefings, researching queries in real-time as required, etc.

3.4 Regional Media Specialists. The Regional Media Specialists will provide multilingual monitoring of AOR-specific foreign news sources, and provide timely and contextual analysis of current events and affairs, including: trend analysis on key issues developing over time; a range of foreign affairs complex issues; public opinion; and media sentiment, etc. Using foreign language fluency and regional expertise the Specialists will work with CCCI Planning Officers and Media Operations Officers to ensure public affairs themes and messages within broader public affairs plans are contextually and appropriately nuanced at the following levels: historically; politically; socially; culturally; and economically. Specialists shall offer a deep knowledge of international relations, especially as issues apply to the interests the United States holds within different countries and regions, including: worldwide trade; international and/or regional law; US foreign policy and regional policy; economics; domestic security; terrorism; and regional environment/geography. Through research and continued study of a region, the Specialist shall provide insightful, objective analysis that can be instrumental in assisting CCCI with formulation of a present approach to communications as well as future goals.

Additionally, the Specialist will:

3.4.1 Provide cultural and language expertise as needed during non-working hours to the JOC and the MOC, to include written translation services when required

3.4.2 Engage in CENTCOM foreign language social media platforms to include Facebook, Twitter, etc., and to inform and educate audiences about key USCENTCOM themes and messages, in coordination with the Command Information Section Chief.

3.4.3 Provide foreign language news media expertise and advice to CCCI leadership. Inform leadership of social, political, economic, and religious motivations behind major thought provoking leaders (i.e. large news outlets, reporters, writers, or popular and well-regarded bloggers with online forum presences).

3.4.4 Provide translation for cutlines, captions, etc.

3.4.5 Be available to travel in the AOR to provide public affairs support and cultural expertise.

3.5 Social Media and Website Content Manager: The Social Media and Website Content Manager will be responsible for CCCl's English and foreign language social media and website platforms at the tactical level, to include creative design and technical maintenance, all under the strategic supervision of CCCl's Command Information Section Chief (USMIL). The Manager will also be responsible for oversight of statistical analysis of website and post views by URLs, regions, etc. The Manager will also produce frequent posts to CCCl's social media and website platforms, particularly during crisis events, and as requested by senior USCENTCOM leadership. By recognizing trending themes and social media statistics, the Manager shall recommend variations of messaging, themes and subject matter. Additionally, the Manager will be responsible for:

3.5.1 Remotely updating CCCl’s English and foreign language social media and website platforms during non-working hours, if necessary.

3.5.2 Maintaining keen focus on the security requirements associated with CCCl's English and foreign language social media and website platforms, and work closely with USCENTCOM's J6 Directorate to ensure CCCl's adherence to USCENTCOM and DOD social media and website security requirements and policies.

3.5.3 Providing administrative contractor support for Regional Media Specialists.

3.5.4 Writing and editing AP style feature stories for publication on the USCENTCOM website and social media platforms.

3.5.5 Having a working knowledge of website coding and design in order to best advise the command on how to display information for public viewing on the USCENTCOM website.

3.6 Photo journalist: The Photojournalist will be responsible for capturing photo and video coverage of command related events and activities, and writing feature stories or deep captions in AP Style for publication on USCENTCOM's website and social media platforms. The Journalist will also be responsible for recording and maintaining an historical record of CENTCOM coverage for quarterly update under the USCENTCOM historian. The Journalist may also be directed to travel with the USCENTCOM Commander in order to photograph, record and publish information for the general public, the media, and the USCENTCOM websites, as well as for command historical purposes. The Journalist will liaise with the Social Media and Website Content Manager and the Regional Media Specialists to gage the types of coverage to consider during exercises, and during travel with general officers and/or other USCENTCOM-related travel. All developed products are for the approval of the Command Information Section Chief or appropriate CCCI U.S. Government representative.

3.6.1 Be available to work during non-working hours, especially as it relates to travel for USCENTCOM.

3.6.2 Provide both photographic and videographic support as needed. The Journalist should be able to shoot video for key exercise events and senior leader engagements, and then render and edit video and B-roll via video editing software for media release, for use on the USCENTCOM website, and for USCENTCOM in-house video productions.

3.6.3 Operate Defense Video and Imagery Distribution System {DVIDS) as required and have knowledge of filing B-roll and video through DVIDS for release.

3.7 Website Designer: The Website designer will be responsible for maintaining the USCENTCOM public-facing website: www.centcom .mil. The Website Designer will be IT certified and have advanced knowledge in JAVA Script, HTMLS/CSS3 and experience with content management systems {CMS). The Designer is responsible for content implementation and maintenance of an extensive destination website, the creation of new pages and CMS templates. The Website Designer will also be responsible for:

3.7.1 Maintain, troubleshoot, and improve performance, functionality, and reliability as needed on the website and its CMS.

3.7.2 Manage seasonal or event-based transitions of site content and imagery.

3.7.3 Conduct tests on website design and functionality to include browser testing.

3.7.4 Ensure the site is in compliance with all DOD and CENTCOM website and IT security policies.

3.7.5 Maintain keen focus on the security requirements associated with CCCl's English and foreign language social media and website platforms, and work closely with USCENTCOM's J6 Directorate to ensure CCCl's adherence to USCENTCOM and DOD social media and website security requirements and policies.

3.7.6 Advise the command on proper courses of action to comply with future website initiatives that may be mandated by DOD.

3.7.7 Assist the Social Media and Website Content Manager, and Photojournalist in writing and editing content to be posted on USCENTCOM website and social media platforms.

3.7.8 Write and edit feature stories and cut-lines in AP Style.

3.7.9 Assist the Photojournalist in the operation of Defense Video and Imagery Distribution System (DVIDS) and have knowledge of filing B-roll and video through DVIDS for release.

3.7.10 The Website Designer must be available to work during non-working hours to troubleshoot and maintain the USCENTCOM website, as required.

4.0 Security Requirements: The Contractor shall have TS//SCI clearance to perform Sections 3.1 to 3. X requirements prior to Contract award. For those required to work at USCENTCOM ,the Government will furnish the contractor with a photo security badge and key card, which will provide the contractor access to all required spaces at USCENTCOM . The Contractor will abide by the rules governing display and safeguarding of the badge and key card and will report any lost or stolen badge/key card immediately to the Special Security Officer (SSO). Interim or TS or TS//SCI clearances will not be considered acceptable at time of award. The Contractor shall submit completed clearance packages at contract performance start. Upon any increase in security requirements after award, updated clearance packages must be submitted within ten (10) calendar days of identification of any such increase.

4.1 Breach of Security: Neither Contractor nor any Contract personnel shall disclose nor cause to be disclosed any information concerning operations which could result in or increase the likelihood of the possibility of a breach of the activity's security or interrupt the continuity of operations.

4.2 Classified Information: Disclosure of information, to any person not entitled to receive it, or failure to safeguard any classified information that may come to the Contractor, or any person under their control, may subject the Contractor, their agents or employees, to criminal liability under 18 U.S.C. §793 and §798.

4.3 Physical Security: The Contractor shall be responsible for safeguarding all Government property, official information (classified and unclassified) and controlled forms provided for Contractor use. At the end of each work period, all Government facilities, equipment and materials shall be secured. When not under the direct control of Contractor personnel, all Government facilities, equipment, and materials utilized by Contractor personnel shall be secured.

4.4 Privacy Act: Work on this project may require that personnel have access to Privacy Information. Personnel shall adhere to the Privacy Act, Title 5 of the U.S. Code, Section 552a, and applicable agency rules and regulations.

5.0 Deliverables: All deliverables shall become the property of the U.S. Government and the Contractor shall provide the deliverables with unlimited data rights. Unless otherwise stated, all deliverables shall be submitted in both hardcopy and electronic media. Monthly Reports: Each report following the close of the calendar month. Each report shall be submitted in the GSA's electronic Web Based Order Processing System (currently ITSS).

5.1 Monthly Reports: Each report shall be due the 14th day of the following month, following the close of the calendar month.

6.0 Performance Criteria: The Services Summary identifies the performance objectives and performance thresholds for all critical requirements associated with providing the services outlined in this PWS. This section contains only those items considered most important for mission accomplishment. The performance objectives are those services/tasks required in the PWS. The performance threshold briefly describes the minimum acceptable levels of service required for each requirement. The thresholds are critical to mission success. The Government requires the Contractor to perform at the acceptable levels throughout the life to contract.

Performance/Deliverables Matrix:

U.S. Government on request.

98% delivery timeliness and content accuracy.

100% inspection

Periodic inspection

up-to-date product to CCCI-M or designated personnel at least once a month (by last Friday of month).

100% inspection

6.1 Inspection and Acceptance: Inspection and acceptance will occur in accordance with FAR 52.246-3, Inspection of Services-Fixed Price. In the absence of other agreements negotiated with respect to time provided for government review, deliverables will be inspected and the contractor notified of the CR's findings within five (5) work days of normally scheduled review. If the deliverables are not acceptable, the CR will notify the PM immediately. All deliverables shall be timely, accurate, and presented in accordance with this Performance Work Statement. The Quality Assurance Personnel (QAP) will determine final acceptance of all products. To determine contract compliance, the QAP will acknowledge receipt of all products. This will attest to the on-time and satisfactory nature of each product delivered. Examples of acceptable report/deliverable formats used by CCCI will be provided to the Contractor at Contract start date.

6.2 Unsatisfactory Work: Unless otherwise negotiated, the contractor shall correct or replace all non-conforming services or deliverables found by the Government as a result of quality assurance surveillance, not later than five (5) workdays after notification of non-conformance.

7.0 Government Furnished Property and Services: The Government shall provide the Contractor necessary access to Government personnel with functional, activity, management information, and planning process expertise required to perform the requirements outlined herein. For Contractor personnel required to work at USCENTCOM HQ, the Government shall provide such support as office space, furniture, computers, forms, normal office supplies, classified and unclassified storage, fax, and Internet and telephone access. The telephone and network access shall be for official use only and shall be subject to communication management monitoring and security monitoring in accordance with AR 105-23 and 380-53, respectively. All furnished equipment, spaces, accesses and badges, will be returned to the Government's control on or before 30 days after completion of the contract. For Contractor personnel working off-site, the Contractor will provide such support as blackberries, computers, normal office supplies, fax, and Internet and telephone access.

7.1 Office Space: The Government will provide, and/or make available, administrative office space as described below. Government facilities comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) work-place standards. Should hazards be identified, the Contractor will notify the Government in writing, and the Government will correct the hazard, taking into account safety and health priorities. Compliance with OSHA and other applicable laws and regulations for the protection of employees is exclusively the obligation of the Contractor. The Government assumes no liability or responsibility for the Contractor's compliance or noncompliance with such responsibilities. The contractor shall not alter or modify the furnished office space without specific written permission from the Government. The Contractor shall return all facilities and equipment to the Government at the end/termination of the Contract. The office space and equipment provided for use in the performance of this Contract shall be used only for performance of this Contract.

8.0 General Information:

8.1 Government Responsibility: The Government shall provide points of contact (POCs) for this PWS. The POCs shall be the primary representative of the Government coordinating the technical performance of the contract. The QAP and the POCs shall be the sole Government representatives authorized to give technical direction/coordination to the Contractor on the contract and shall be responsible for the provision of Government-Furnished Information or Equipment (GFI/GFE) for those required to work on-site. However, the Government POC retains the right to delegate this oversight for technical compliance of the PWS due to the varied requirements and different buildings from which these personnel will operate. Any delegation of technical compliance oversight will be provided to the Contractor in writing. The Government shall identify POCs for this PWS upon contract award. The Government will furnish the Contractor with access, as needed, to all pertinent documentation at USCENTCOM, Director of Communication Integration (CCCI), within five working days of contract award.

8.2 Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) Designation: After contract award, the Contracting Officer will appoint a COR and issue a COR Designation Letter stating the authority of the COR. The contractor will receive a copy of the written designation.

10.0 Quality Assurance: The Government will evaluate the Contractor's performance of this Contract. For those requirements listed in the Performance Matrix, the CR or other designated evaluator will follow the method of surveillance specified in this Contract. Government personnel will record all surveillance observations. When an observation indicates defective performance, the CR or other designated evaluator will require the Contractor manager or representative at the site to initial the observation. The initialing of the observation does not necessarily constitute concurrence with the observation. It acknowledges that the Contractor has been made aware of the non-compliance.

Government surveillance of requirements not listed in the Performance Matrix or by methods other than those listed in the Performance Matrix (such as provided in the Inspection clause) may occur during the performance period of this contract. Such surveillance will be completed according to standard inspection procedures or other contract provisions. Any action taken by the CO as a result of surveillance will be according to the terms of the Contract.

11.0 Workload History: The chart below is purely historical information and is provided solely as a tool to assist in preparing proposals and is not intended to be the only possible solution to the Government's requirements in this performance-based solicitation.

1 Pashtu; 1 Farsi; 1 Russian

13440

11.1 Preferred Labor and Knowledge Mix: The following labor categories (or equivalent) and knowledge qualifications are preferred to be proposed in the mix of labor:

JOC Media Analysts

Planning Officers

Media Operations Officers

Regional Media Specialists

Social Media and Website Content Manager

Photojournalist

Website Designer

12.0 Reimbursable Costs: The inclusion of reimbursable costs is a direct allocation of costs associated with support of this contract. Travel, material, and communication services (all referred to herein as Other Direct Costs (ODCs) incurred shall be funded and approved in writing by the Government prior to commencement.) The Government may modify requirements to increase or decrease contract related reimbursable costs based on need and associated costs. All costs should be billed based on actual expenditures. General and Administrative (G&A) charges shall be identified and billed as a separate line item. The contractor shall report to the Government when 75% of awarded and funded reimbursable cost ceilings have been reached for each ODC cost element listed below

12.1 Travel Costs: Costs for transportation may be based on mileage rates, actual costs incurred, or a combination thereof, provided the method used results in a reasonable charge. Travel costs will be considered reasonable and allowable only to the extent that they do not exceed on a daily basis, the maximum per diem rates in effect at the time of the travel. The Joint Travel Regulations (JTR), while not wholly applicable to Contractors, shall provide the basis for the determination as to whether travel costs are reasonable. Maximum use is to be made of the lowest available customary standard coach or equivalent airfare accommodations available during normal business hours. Exceptions to these guidelines shall be approved in advance by the Contracting Officer.

12.1.2 Travel Requirements: The Contractor shall be available for conferences and meetings to be held at various locations both within the United States and OCONUS as scheduled by the QAP. The QAP will provide a minimum of three working days' notice for meetings held CONUS or seven working days' noticed for conferences and meetings held outside the United States. When required, the Government shall pass security clearances and Sensitive Compartmented Information {SCI) access requirements to organizations to be visited by the Contractor, in conjunction with this contract. Travel will be required to fulfill the requirements of this contract. The Government shall attempt to identify all travel locations per requirement in advance.

12.2…