MPTA IDIQ Recompete - Performance Work Statement-20260122.pdf

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

Manpower Personnel Testing Analysis

Support Services

In Support of:

Defense Human Resources Activity (DHRA) Defense Personnel Analytics Center (DPAC)

Office of People Analytics (OPA) Defense Testing and Assessment Center (DTAC)

GSA R9 FAS AAS Contract #

GSA Client Order ID (COI):

TABLE OF CONTENTS

D.1 Performance Work Statement 5

D.1.1 Background 5

D.1.1.1 DTAC Background 5

D.1.1.2 Objective 6

D.1.1.3 Performance Requirements 6

D.1.1.4 Place of Performance 7

D.1.1.5 Hours of Operation 7

D.1.1.6 Government Holidays 7

D.1.1.7 Period of Performance 7

D.1.1.8 Payment for Authorized Work 8

D.1.2 Performance Based Scope of Tasks 8

D.1.3 Task 1 – Program Management Support 8

D.1.3.1 Subtask 1 - Coordinate a Project Kick - Off Meeting / Post Award

Conference

D.1.3.2 Subtask 2 – Prepare A Monthly Status Report (MSR) 9

D.1.3.3 Subtask 3 – Convene Senior Management Review (SMR) Meetings 10

D.1.3.4 Subtask 4 - Prepare a Project Management Plan (PMP) 10

D.1.3.5 Subtask 5 - Quality Control Plan (QCP) 11

D.1.3.6 Subtask 6 - Update Quality Control Plan (QCP) 11

D.1.3.7 Subtask 7 – Prepare Trip Reports 12

D.1.3.8 Subtask 8 – Staffing Plan 12

D.1.3.9 Subtask 9 – Legacy Task Order Transition 12

D.1.3.9.1 Phase In 12

D.1.3.9.2 Transition 12

D.1.3.9.3 Transition Plan 13

D.1.3.9.4 Phase-In Activities 13

D.1.3.9.5 Phase-Out Activities 13

D.1.4 Task 2 – Conduct Psychometric Analyses Of Selection, Classification, and Proficiency Tests And Career Exploration Instruments

D.1.5 Task 3 - Develop Test Items for Military Aptitude and Proficiency Tests 14

D.1.6 Task 4 - Develop Test Forms and Survey Instruments for Use in Selection, Proficiency, and Classification Tests and Surveys

D.1.7 Task 5 - Evaluate Test Security 14

D.1.8 Task 6 - Administer Psychological Measurement Instruments 15

D.1.9 Task 7 - Evaluate Characteristics of the Armed Forces 15

D.1.10 Task 8 – Conduct Research on New Types of Test Items, Constructs, and

Selection and Classification and Proficiency Instruments and Methodologies

D.1.11 Task 9 - Provide IT Support for Research Efforts 15

D.1.12 Task 10 - Conduct Analysis and Studies of Geographic and Demographic

Data Files

D.1.13 Task 11 - Support the Defense Personnel Assessment Center's Web-Based and Cloud-Based CAT-ASVAB Systems and Language Testing Systems

D.1.14 Task 12 - Develop and Evaluate Recruiting-Related Initiatives 17

D.1.15 Task 13 - Research Other Selection and Classification and Accession Policy

Issues

D.1.16 Deliverables 17

D.1.16.1 Deliverables Reporting 17

D.1.16.2 Deliverable Media 19

D.1.16.3 Deliverable Reporting Requirements 20

D.1.16.4 Notification Regarding Late Delivery / Problem Notification Reporting 20

D.1.17 Employment of Department of Defense (DoD) Personnel Restricted 20

D.1.18 Training 20

D.1.19 Key Personnel 21

D.1.19.1 Key Personnel Designation 22

D.1.20 Use of Human Subjects 22

D.1.21 Contractor Facilities 25

D.1.22 Use of Government Property / Information 25

D.1.22.1 Responsibility of Government Information 25

D.1.22.2 Government Furnished Software 26

D.1.22.3 Contractor Use of Government Equipment 26

D.1.22.4 Property Management System 27

D.1.23 DoD Information on Non-DoD Information Systems 27

D.1.24 General Purpose Office Equipment and Information Technology Costs 29

D.1.25 Security 29

D.1.25.4 National Agency Check and Inquiries (NACI) 30

D.1.25.5 Trustworthiness Determination and Security Clearances 30

D.1.25.6 IT Security Compliance 31

D.1.25.7 Disclosure of Information 31

D.1.25.8 Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) CJIS 32

D.1.25.9 Denial of Entry 33

D.1.25.10 Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) 33

D.1.26 Organizational Conflict of Interest 34

D.1.27 Joint Ethics Regulation 35

D.1.28 No-Cost Settlement 35

D.1.29 Contractor Personnel Administration 36

D.1.29.2Non-Supervision of Contractor Employees on Government Facilities 36

D.1.30 Interrelationships of Contractors 37

D.1.31 Ethics and Conduct 37

D.1.32 Government Furloughs 37

D.1.33 Confidentiality of Information 38

D.1.34 Restrictions 38

D.1.35 Service Contract Reporting 38

D.1.36 Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) 39

D.1.37 Records Management 39

D.1.38 Roles and Responsibilities 40

D.1.39 Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) 40

D.1.40 Performance Requirements Summary Matrix 41

D.1.41 508 Compliance 42

D.1.42 Invoicing 42

D.1.43 Performance Work Statement Attachments 43

D.1 MANPOWER PERSONNEL TESTING ANALYSIS (MPTA) SUPPORT SERVICES

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

D.1.1 BACKGROUND

The Defense Personnel Analytics Center (DPAC) is part of a Department of Defense (DoD) Field Activity called the Defense Human Resources Activity (DHRA) which supports major programs and initiatives within the DoD. DPAC is the DoD’s premier center for excellence providing information on the total force, families, and veterans through the collection of data and analytical research. DPAC is designated to serve in direct analytic support to the Military Services and the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) to conduct comprehensive analysis on how policy or environmental changes will affect the performance or composition of the workforce. Through analysis, DPAC is prepared to inform on questions pertaining to recruiting, hiring and retention, succession planning, training, and increased talent-based assignment matching throughout the Department. Data will be used to support a wide spectrum of studies, analyses, policy objectives, research projects, reporting requirements, and the development of enterprise technology solutions for the Department. These activities support primarily OSD, but major support is also provided to the Military Departments, DoD Agencies, OMB, the Congress, the Congressional Budget Office, other Federal Agencies (including DoL, VA, DoED, DHS, HHS, Commerce, OPM), DoD contractors, private research organizations, universities, financial industry, and the general public. DPAC houses the Office of the Chief Data Officer, the Office of the Actuary and Allowances Directorate, and the Office of People Analytics Directorate (OPA). Within OPA there are six primary functions: (1) recruitment – performed by the Joint Advertising Market Research & Studies (JAMRS) program, (2) testing and assessment

– performed by the Defense Testing and Assessment Center (DTAC), (3) retention and readiness research – conducted by the Retention & Readiness Division (R&R), (4) health and resilience research – conducted by the Health & Resilience Division (H&R), research strategy and prioritization – led by the Research, Strategy, Policy, and Dissemination Division (R-SPD), and advanced data science – performed by the Data Science, Statistics and Survey Support Division (DS4). This contract will provide primary support for testing and assessment efforts led by

DTAC.

D.1.1.1 DEFENSE TESTING and ASSESSMENT CENTER (DTAC) BACKGROUND

The DTAC is responsible for the research, development and evaluation of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB); establishment and administration of evidence-based non-cognitive accessions instruments for military compatibility; development of career exploration tools and guidance; and the online test delivery of the ASVAB and associated accession and job classification tests, including all DoD language tests and the Joint Service Tailored Adaptive Personality Assessment System (JS-TAPAS). The ASVAB is the single aptitude battery given to all applicants for the U.S. Armed Forces and is used by the Services to determine qualification for enlistment and entry into military specialties. DTAC is charged with research and development in support of two Department of Defense (DoD) testing programs, and for the development and fielding of the ASVAB. The two DoD programs are the Enlistment

Testing Program (ETP) and the Career Exploration Program (CEP). The ASVAB is administered in two modes. In the ETP, an adaptive version called the Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) version of the ASVAB (CAT-ASVAB) is used in most all locations, while the Paper-and-Pencil ASVAB (P&P- ASVAB) is utilized in a small number of remote locations. In the CEP, administration is currently approximately evenly split between P&P-ASVAB and CAT-ASVAB.

Eventual elimination of P&P-ASVAB is a goal for both the ETP and CEP.

D.1.1.1.2 The CAT-ASVAB is currently being administered to applicants that process through the Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) and through nearly all Military Entrance Testing (MET) Sites. Almost all applicants (99+%) take the CAT-ASVAB. The P&P-ASVAB is administered in some remote Military Entrance Testing (MET) sites to less than 1% of military applicants. DTAC is currently responsible for development and sustainment of an online test delivery system for the CAT-ASVAB and special purpose tests administered alongside the CAT-ASVAB via an internet-based system (called iCAT) which is administered at the MEPS, MET sites, and other remote locations. iCAT delivery has been transitioned to a Cloud platform.

D.1.1.1.3 Supporting the ASVAB and other military tests requires a substantial amount of research and development in the areas of selection and classification, military compatibility, and career exploration. This is necessary in order to maintain the most efficient selection and classification procedures. This contract will provide support for all military testing research and development efforts led by DTAC.

D.1.1.1.4 In addition to ASVAB, the DTAC is responsible for delivery of associated accession and job classification tests administered via the CAT-ASVAB platform, including JS-TAPAS. The DTAC is also responsible, depending on the test, for delivery, data extracts, and select psychometric research for computer-based versions of DoD’s language tests. These tests currently consist of the Defense Language Proficiency Tests (DLPT), the English Comprehension Level (ECL) tests, the In-Course Proficiency Tests (ICPT), Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI), and the Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB). This contract will provide support for all tests under DTAC’s responsibility, including the DoD language testing programs.

D.1.1.2 OBJECTIVE

The contractor shall provide scientific, technical, analytic, marketing and IT support services that lead to the development and execution of studies and applications supporting the Enlistment Testing Program (ETP) and Career Exploration Program (CEP) as well as new DoD personnel programs, research and studies of force readiness and personnel policies to support Deputy Assistant Secretary for Readiness and Director of Accession Policy.

D.1.1.3 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

The contractor shall provide scientific, technical, analytical, marketing, and IT support services on-site and off-site for Manpower Personnel Testing Analysis (MPTA) Support for the Defense

Testing and Assessment Center (DTAC) within the Defense Personnel Analytics Center. All work shall be performed in accordance with the Performance Work Statement (PWS). In order to maximize the advantage of rapidly changing technologies and leverage new technological breakthroughs, the contractor shall provide research studies, marketing materials, and technical support for DTAC’s primary mission in the following areas:

(A)Development of the ASVAB, in all modes of administration

(B)Development of the ASVAB CEP

(C)Development and computer delivery of language aptitude and language proficiency tests and psychometric technical support for test development

(D)Research and development of ETP and ASVAB CEP Improvements (E)Development and maintenance of software and systems for Computer-based Testing (CBT) selection and classification instruments, to include Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) systems, across web and cloud platforms

(F)Development and maintenance of cloud computing services for test delivery and website hosting

(G)Development of non-cognitive assessments for use with enlistment and officer populations

(H)Development and maintenance of websites for program information and marketing materials

(I) Evaluation of armed forces readiness and representation of today’s youth in the armed forces

(J) Development and evaluation of recruiting-related initiatives related to selection and classification of military applicants

D.1.1.4 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Place of performance shall be at the contractor’s facility. Some Information Technology (IT) work, identified in tasks D.1.11 and D.1.13, and some test development work, identified in tasks D.1.3, D.1.5, D.1.6, and D.1.10 may be performed at the Government site, DoD Center, 400 Gigling Road, Seaside, CA 93955-6771. Most other work will be performed at the contractor’s facility or at field locations.

D.1.1.5 HOURS OF OPERATIONS

The Contractor shall ensure support and coverage between the local core hours of 0830-1700 Monday through Friday except Federal holidays or when the Government facility is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closings, or similar Government-directed facility closings.

D.1.1.6 GOVERNMENT HOLIDAYS

The following Government holidays are normally observed by Government personnel: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King’s Birthday, Presidential Inauguration Day (metropolitan DC area only), President’s Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, any other day designated by Federal Statute, Executive Order, and/or Presidential Proclamation, or any other kind of administrative leave such as acts of God (i.e. hurricanes, snow storms, tornadoes, etc.), Presidential funerals or any other unexpected Government closures.

D.1.1.7 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance is as stated in the solicitation/contract.

D.1.1.8 PAYMENT FOR AUTHORIZED WORK

No payments will be made for any unauthorized supplies and/or services or for any unauthorized changes to the work specified herein. This includes any services performed by the Contractor of their own volition or at the request of an individual other than a duly appointed Contracting Officer. Only a duly appointed Contracting Officer is authorized to change the specifications, terms, and conditions under this effort.

D.1.2 PERFORMANCE BASED SCOPE OF TASKS

The Contractor shall effectively participate in planning and strategy sessions, effectively interact with customers, resolve complaints and problems, and keep management properly informed as to operational issues, problems, future needs, and technological developments. The Contractor shall have experience working with Government-approved software, to include but not limited to, MySQL, Oracle, and Microsoft Access databases, Java, C++, .Net, Python, R, RStudio, Fortran, SAS, Adobe Illustrator, Power BI, and Microsoft Office. They should have experience working with eQIP eAPP data, JPASE data, CATS data, and OPM DIF data.

● TASK 1 – PROGRAM MANAGEMENT SUPPORT

● TASK 2 – CONDUCT PSYCHOMETRIC ANALYSES OF SELECTION, CLASSIFICATION, AND

PROFICIENCY TESTS AND CAREER EXPLORATION INSTRUMENTS

● TASK 3 – DEVELOP TEST ITEMS FOR MILITARY APTITUDE AND PROFICIENCY TESTS

● TASK 4 -- DEVELOP TEST FORMS AND ASSESSMENT INSTRUMENTS FOR USE IN

SELECTION, PROFICIENCY, AND CLASSIFICATION TESTING

● TASK 5 – EVALUATE TEST SECURITY

● TASK 6 – ADMINISTER PSYCHOLOGICAL MEASUREMENT INSTRUMENTS

● TASK 7 – EVALUATE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ARMED FORCES

● TASK 8 – CONDUCT RESEARCH ON NEW TYPES OF TEST ITEMS, CONSTRUCTS, AND SELECTION

AND CLASSIFICATION AND PROFICIENCY INSTRUMENTS AND METHODOLOGIES

● TASK 9 – PROVIDE IT SUPPORT FOR RESEARCH EFFORTS

● TASK 10 – CONDUCT ANALYSIS AND STUDIES OF GEOGRAPHIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC

DATA FILES

● TASK 11 – SUPPORT THE DEFENSE TESTING AND ASSESSMENT CENTER’S WEB-BASED

AND CLOUD-BASED CAT-ASVAB SYSTEMS AND LANGUAGE TESTING SYSTEMS

● TASK 12 – DEVELOP AND EVALUATE RECRUITING-RELATED INITIATIVES

● TASK 13 – RESEARCH OTHER SELECTION AND CLASSIFICATION AND ACCESSION POLICY

ISSUES

D.1.3 TASK 1 – PROGRAM MANAGEMENT SUPPORT

The contractor shall provide program management and project management support under this Contract. This includes the management and oversight of all activities performed by contractor personnel, including subcontractors, to satisfy the requirements identified in this Performance Work Statement (PWS). The contractor shall identify, by name, a Program Manager (PM), who shall provide management, direction, administration, quality control, and leadership of the execution of this contract. The contractor shall schedule meetings and provide deliverables in accordance with (IAW) Section D.1.16

D.1.3.1 SUBTASK 1 – COORDINATE A PROJECT KICK-OFF MEETING/ POST- AWARD

CONFERENCE

The Contractor PM shall schedule and coordinate an onsite or virtual Project Kick-Off Meeting with the Government. The meeting will provide an introduction between the Contractor personnel and Government personnel who will be involved with the contract. The meeting will provide the opportunity to discuss technical, management, security issues, and travel authorization and reporting procedures. The purpose of the kick-off meeting is to aid both the Contractor and the Government in achieving a clear and mutual understanding of all contract requirements in the Contract and identify and resolve potential issues (See FAR Subpart 42.5 Post award Orientation).

The meeting may be conducted at a location within the local Seaside/Monterey commuting area at the Government’s discretion. At a minimum, the attendees shall include Key Contractor personnel, key stakeholders, other relevant Government personnel, and the GSA Region 9 Contracting Officer (CO) and Project Manager (PM). The Contractor shall provide the following at the Kick-Off meeting:

(1)Kick-Off Meeting PowerPoint Slides

(2)Project Management Plan (PMP) - Which was accepted at the time of award and will be reviewed and discussed at the Kick-Off meeting. The Contractor will submit the Final PMP per the deliverables schedule in D.1.16.

(3)Draft Quality Control Plan (QCP) – Which was accepted at the time of award and will be reviewed and discussed at the Kick-Off meeting. The Contractor will submit the Final QCP per the deliverables schedule in D.1.16.

D.1.3.2 SUBTASK 2 – PREPARE A MONTHLY STATUS REPORT (MSR)

The Contractor PM shall develop and provide an MSR using Microsoft (MS) Office Suite applications, by the 10th of each month via electronic mail to the GSA PM, Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and the CO. The MSR report shall summarize for each contract line item:

Financial Review/Expenses, accomplishments during the period, problems met or anticipated, activities anticipated during the next reporting period, and utilization of personnel. The MSR report will be provided in the format provided as PWS Attachment B: Monthly Status Report. The MSR shall include the following:

(1)Activities during the reporting period, by task order/ project (include on-going activities, new activities, activities completed; progress to date on all above-mentioned activities).

Start each section with a brief description of the task.

(2)Problems and corrective actions taken. Also include issues or concerns and proposed resolutions to address them.

(3)Personnel gains, losses, and status (security clearance, etc.).

(4)Government actions required.

(5)Schedule (show major tasks, milestones, and deliverables; planned and actual start and completion dates for each).

(6)Summary of trips taken, conferences attended, etc. (attach trip reports to the MSR for the relevant reporting period).

(7)Accumulated invoiced cost for each CLIN up to the previous month.

(8)Projected cost of each CLIN for the current month.

(9)Badging roster or updates in accordance with PWS D.1.25.5.4.

(10) QC Plan Surveillance Chart in accordance with PWS Section D.1.3.5.1

D.1.3.3 SUBTASK 3 – CONVENE SENIOR MANAGEMENT REVIEW (SMR)

MEETINGS

The Contractor PM shall convene a monthly Senior Management Review and contract activity meeting with the COR, and other vital Government stakeholders. The purpose of this meeting is to ensure all stakeholders are informed of the monthly activities and MSR, provide opportunities to identify other activities and establish priorities, and coordinate resolution of identified problems or opportunities. The Contractor PM shall provide minutes of these meetings, including attendance, issues discussed, decisions made, and action items assigned, to the COR following the meeting.

The monthly SMR report shall summarize for each contract line item: Financial Review/Expenses, accomplishments during the period, problems met or anticipated, activities anticipated during the next reporting period, and utilization of personnel.

D.1.3.4 SUBTASK 4 – PREPARE A PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN (PMP)

The Contractor shall document all support requirements in a PMP. The PMP shall:

(1)Describe the proposed management approach.

(2)Contain detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all tasks/projects.

(3)Include milestones, tasks, subtasks and projects required by this contractor.

(4)Provide for an overall Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and associated responsibilities and partnerships between Government organizations.

D.1.3.4.1 The Contractor shall provide the Government with a Draft PMP at time of proposal, upon which the Government will accept the PMP virtue of contract award and provide comments at the kick-off meeting.

D.1.3.4.2 The final PMP shall incorporate the Government’s comments within the timeframe specified in D.1.16. The PMP is an evolutionary document that shall be updated annually at a minimum. The Contractor shall work from the latest Government-accepted version of the PMP at time of award.

D.1.3.5 SUBTASK 5 – QUALITY CONTROL PLAN (QCP)

The contractor shall provide a detailed draft (QCP) that is applicable to the contract and in consideration of all requirements. The QCP should detail how the contractor intends to monitor, inspect and correct deficiencies for the requirements of the PWS. At a minimum, the plan shall provide its methodologies to be utilized in achieving the Government’s objective within acceptable levels of quality as outlined in the Performance Requirements Summary (PRS) (D.1.40). The plan should address:

(1)Type, level and frequency of Contractor’s Quality Control actions, including remediation, if necessary.

(2)Inspection checklists and records

(3)Deficiencies reported to COR

(4)Reports

(5)Meetings

D.1.3.5.1 QUALITY CONTROL PLAN (QCP) REPORTING

Concurrent with submission of the invoice, the contractor will create a Deliverable Post Award Collaboration (PAC) under the basic contract number in ASSIST for the contractor to upload the Monthly Status Report.

The QC Plan surveillance is a chart that the contractor must fill out and deliver with its monthly status report to summarize performance results for each element in the Performance Requirement Summary (PRS) section of the PWS (D.1.40). This report includes surveillance results at the contract level, including all active task orders. The contractor must fill in the appropriate lot size, number of unacceptable deliverables within each lot size. Lot size for each PRS element is described in the Government’s Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan.

The contractor will select the GSA Contracting Officer, GSA Program Manager, and Client COR / A-COR as the Responsible person in ASSIST when creating the PAC. When loading documents into the PAC, the contractor shall select “report” with the submission to ensure the documentation is auto-filed in Tab 47, “Surveillance” in the Contract File (CF).

D.1.3.6 SUBTASK 6 – UPDATE QUALITY CONTROL PLAN (QCP)

The Contractor shall update the QCP submitted with their proposal and provide a final QCP as specified in

D.1.16 The Contractor shall periodically update the QCP, as specified in D.1.16, as changes in program processes are identified.

D.1.3.7 SUBTASK 7 – PREPARE TRIP REPORTS

The Government will identify the need for a Trip Report when the request for travel is submitted.

The contractor shall keep a summary of all long-distance travel including, but not limited to, the name of the employee, location of travel, duration of trip, and point of contact (POC) at travel location. If a Trip Authorization requirement is identified by the Government, the contractor shall provide a Travel Authorization Request (PWS Attachment E) within five days after trip completion. If a Trip Report is needed, the contractor shall provide the report within five days after trip completion.

D.1.3.8 SUBTASK 8 – STAFFING PLAN

The Contractor shall submit a Staffing Plan that describes the understanding and requirements and details the number of personnel by skill level/ labor category needed to satisfy the objectives and requirements of the contract and demonstrates that it will possess available staff with the requisite education/experience/skills to successfully perform the contract requirements. The Staffing plan must provide at a minimum:

(1)A detailed discussion of the methods and approach that will be taken to acquire and/or retain skilled staff that will meet or exceed the contract requirements.

(2)A discussion of the offerors approach to effectively communicate and coordinate with the Government.

D.1.3.9 SUBTASK 9 – LEGACY TASK ORDER TRANSITION

At time of award of this IDIQ contract, the Government will assess the status of any active orders under the legacy IDIQ contract for transition to the follow-on contractor. The outgoing contractor may be required to provide transitional phase out services under the contract terms or the continuity of services clause, as applicable.

D.1.3.9.1 PHASE IN

To minimize any decreases in productivity and to prevent possible negative impacts on additional services, the Contractor must have a transition plan per section D.1.3.9.3 that will ensure requirements will continue with minimal disruption to the DTAC. During the phase in period, the Contractor must become familiar with performance requirements to commence full performance of services on the contract start date. Submit requests for physical and network access at performance locations. The Contractor must provide to DTAC information on all transition tasks.

Establish procedures with the predecessor to ensure transition of provided services without any degradation of service.

D.1.3.9.2 TRANSITION:

The Contractor must begin the process of transitioning personnel in coordination with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and user organizations immediately following completion of all security requirements. Contractor shall be required to adhere to DTAC’s Contractor in/out processing requirements, section D.1.3.9.4 and D.1.3.9.5. Full Contractor performance begins upon completion of all transition activities with incumbent for up to one hundred eighty (180) days of contract award, or sooner as directed by the Government. Task Orders may specify a more specific transition period. The Contractor must complete the transition of its workforce within one hundred eighty (180) days of contract award.

D.1.3.9.3 TRANSITION PLAN

The Contractor must provide a detailed transition plan with associated timelines for tasks that addresses both phase-in and phase-out for the contract. This plan must be submitted with the Contractor’s proposal and should be updated as required.

D.1.3.9.4 PHASE-IN ACTIVITIES

The Contractor must include in its transition plan and perform, at a minimum, the following activities during the phase-in period:

(1)Submit requests for physical and network access at performance locations

(2)The Contractor must provide to DTAC information on all transition tasks.

(3)Establish procedures with the predecessor to ensure transition of provided services without any degradation of service.

(4)The contractor shall identify how it will coordinate with the incoming contractor and/or Government personnel to transfer knowledge regarding the following:

(a)Project management processes.

(b)Points of contact.

(c)Location of technical and project management documentation.

(d)Status of ongoing technical initiatives.

(e)Appropriate contractor–to-contractor coordination to ensure a seamless transition.

(f) Schedules and milestones.

(g)Actions required of the Government.

(h)The contractor shall also establish and maintain effective communication with the incoming contractor/Government personnel for the period of the transition via weekly status meetings

D.1.3.9.5 PHASE-OUT ACTIVITIES

The Contractor must include in its transition plan and perform, at a minimum, the following activities during the phase-out period:

(1)Ensure all services and performance objectives required by the PWS and contract are met throughout the phase-out period.

(2)The Contractor must provide to DTAC information on all transition tasks.

(3)Establish procedures with the successor to ensure transition of provided services without a degradation of service.

(4)Provide copies of all instructions, records, databases, datasets, contract performance metric data, vendor points of contact, and all other procedures and associated artifacts developed by the Contractor or in the performance of this contract to the successor.

D.1.4 TASK 2 – CONDUCT PSYCHOMETRIC ANALYSES OF SELECTION, CLASSIFICATION, AND

PROFICIENCY TESTS AND CAREER EXPLORATION INSTRUMENTS

Evaluate issues and instruments in the realms of selection and classification and career exploration. Perform analyses of cognitive and non-cognitive measures; conduct statistical modeling using Item Response Theory (IRT) methods, or other mathematical modeling techniques. Perform analyses of test and item scores and compute item level statistics. These analyses could include factor analyses of test scores, structural equation modeling, advanced applications of IRT, machine learning, natural language processing, artificial intelligence, and other multivariate techniques. Develop criterion measures such as job samples or knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs), or using other modern approaches to criterion measurement.

Examine test validity utilizing approaches such as validity framework, validity argument, theory of action, or other modern approaches.

D.1.5 TASK 3 – DEVELOP TEST ITEMS FOR MILITARY COMPATIBILITY, APTITUDE AND

PROFICIENCY TESTS

Subject Matter Experts and Item Writers/Editors will create, edit, and update test items and accompanying graphics for military compatibility, aptitude and proficiency tests. Conduct content and sensitivity reviews and provide item development reference material and equipment as needed. Item development will include use of an item bank for storage of item content (including images), statistics, and history; coordinating with test developers on pool and form development; coordinating with test delivery specialists on item formatting for online delivery; writing or editing of test specifications; and reviewing and implementing new item development procedures, as required.

D.1.6 TASK 4 -- DEVELOP TEST FORMS AND ASSESSMENT INSTRUMENTS FOR USE IN

SELECTION, PROFICIENCY, AND CLASSIFICATION TESTING

Develop item pools, test forms, interest inventories, military compatibility assessments, surveys, and other types of psychological measurement instruments, as needed to evaluate testing program issues and meet accession goals. As necessary, scan paper answer sheets and build analysis databases. Provide test development reference material and equipment as needed. Conduct content, sensitivity, and differential item functioning reviews of test items in accordance with professional testing standards. Document psychometric characteristics and quality of test forms and psychological measurement instruments. Develop and revise test specifications and test development procedures.

D.1.7 TASK 5 – EVALUATE TEST SECURITY

Develop, evaluate, and implement procedures for detecting item or test compromise. This will include statistical procedures as well as procedures to use during site observations and web patrols for content.

D.1.8 TASK 6– ADMINISTER PSYCHOLOGICAL MEASUREMENT INSTRUMENTS

Set up test sites, either computer-based (including remote proctoring or unproctored environments) or paper-and-pencil, train test administrators, administer tests or surveys, and build the necessary analysis files. This includes obtaining Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and Human Subject Protection Program (HSPP) approvals, as necessary, scanning of paper answer sheets, processing of computer-based item level data, developing user guides, test administration instructions, and other training documents, and developing on-line training systems.

D.1.9 TASK 7 – EVALUATE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ARMED FORCES

Gather data, conduct analyses, and document results of evaluations of characteristics of the Armed Forces. This includes developing population representation reports, evaluating capabilities of the all-volunteer force, and evaluating other aspects of military force readiness.

D.1.10 TASK 8 – CONDUCT RESEARCH ON NEW TYPES OF TEST ITEMS, CONSTRUCTS, AND

SELECTION AND CLASSIFICATION AND PROFICIENCY INSTRUMENTS AND METHODOLOGIES

Evaluate new types of test items, constructs, and selection, classification, proficiency, and career exploration instruments. Design and conduct research studies or focus groups to evaluate the new item types, constructs, instruments, and methodologies. Develop criterion measures such as job samples or knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs), or using other modern approaches to criterion measurement. Examine test validity utilizing approaches such as validity framework, validity argument, theory of action, or other modern approaches. Work with stakeholder groups to implement promising new approaches operationally into the ETP and CEP. Research and evaluation will address both cognitive and non-cognitive measures.

Testing methodologies will include unidimensional, unfolding, mixture and multidimensional IRT and span adaptive, forced-choice, situational judgment, and conventional testing. Efforts may explore the use or incorporation of methodologies based on artificial intelligence, generative artificial intelligence, or emerging technology capabilities.

D.1.11TASK 9 – PROVIDE IT SUPPORT FOR RESEARCH EFFORTS

Provide programming and technical support for research projects that involve collecting computer-based testing data. This includes developing computer programs using C++, Java, .Net, and other such computer languages. Programming will include documentation of both computer-based conventional testing systems and computerized adaptive testing systems.

Work also involves conducting analysis of software system performance and performing troubleshooting of software and hardware systems, providing general troubleshooting for issues that arise as part of the development and data collection efforts, conducting Quality Assurance (QA) software testing on the computer-based testing systems, and providing procedural documentation, including user’s guides, software installation procedures, and other such documents. Provide psychometric quality assurance for checking item selection and scoring of adaptive, forced-choice, and conventional computer administered tests.

Continuously modernize software development processes and adhere to the DoD CIO guidance on secure software development requirements and methodologies.

D.1.12TASK 10 – CONDUCT ANALYSIS AND STUDIES OF GEOGRAPHIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC

DATA FILES

Conduct analyses and studies of DoD data files containing geographic and demographic data.

The files include the Recruit Market Network and Relocations systems files and other data fields of military units and installations as well as of the civilian work force and other geopolitical entities.

D.1.13TASK 11 – SUPPORT THE DEFENSE PERSONNEL ASSESSMENT CENTER’S WEB-BASED

and CLOUD-BASED CAT-ASVAB SYSTEMS AND LANGUAGE TESTING SYSTEMS

Provide architectural, programming, and technical support for the Computer-based testing operational activities. This involves developing and maintaining computer programs and websites using C++, .Net, Java, and other such computer languages. Primary programming efforts will support the CAT-ASVAB for both ETP and ASVAB CEP administrations, other accession and job classification tests administered via the CAT-ASVAB platform (including noncognitive assessments, like JS-TAPAS), and language testing delivery systems, for web-based versions and cloud-based versions. Programming must be performed in accordance with Government guidelines and security requirements. Programming will include documentation of both computer-based conventional testing systems and computerized adaptive testing systems.

Programming includes development of web applications for the purpose of dissemination of official selection and classification information.

D.1.13.1 Other computer technical support includes system support to field testing locations, HQ United States Military Entrance Processing Command (USMEPCOM), and Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC). This involves supporting maintenance of the certification and accreditation process, conducting analysis of software system performance and performing troubleshooting of software systems, providing general troubleshooting for issues that arise for the ASVAB and language testing systems, including network troubleshooting and phone support. Technical support also includes providing

Configuration Management (CM) procedures and conducting Quality Assurance (QA) software testing on computer-based testing systems, providing computer programs and utilities to support the operations of the field-testing locations, providing procedural documentation, including user’s guides, software installation procedures, and other such documents, and providing technical support for development of learning management systems focused on training test administrators.

D.1.13.2. Other technical support includes sustaining cloud-related services for new and existing testing systems and software to a secure DoD compliant cloud delivery platform. In addition, establishing a continuous modernization strategy that will align with the DoD CIO and DHRA CIO digital modernization requirements and complies with the DevSecOps, Zero Trust, and other Cybersecurity and IT requirements.

D.1.14TASK 12 – DEVELOP AND EVALUATE RECRUITING-RELATED INITIATIVES

Provide research and development on a wide variety of recruiting-related initiatives in the area of selection and classification of military applicants and personnel. Such efforts may include initiatives such as developing English language skills in military applicants who appear to be otherwise qualified for military service, researching the use of calculators during testing, researching retest score gains, researching using ASVAB as an alternative to Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB) for entrance into language training, and in general, researching avenues to increasing the number of applicants and recruits without degrading the integrity of the military testing program. Provide research, development, and maintenance in the area of career exploration for the purpose of generating recruiting leads and exposing participating students to careers in the military Services. Develop and maintain career exploration instruments for the ASVAB CEP and supporting program materials (to include websites, marketing materials, and publications) for various stakeholders, including students, parents, and counselors. Establish and refine business processes to support administration of the ASVAB

CEP.

D.1.15TASK 13 – RESEARCH OTHER SELECTION AND CLASSIFICATION AND ACCESSION POLICY

ISSUES

Conduct research, development, and evaluation of contemporary manpower and personnel issues facing the United States and the NATO Alliance. Evaluate and document the latest developments in strategic military Human Resources (HR) and the HR research community.

D.1.16 DELIVERABLES

The following schedule of milestones will be used by the DTAC COR to monitor timely progress under this contract. The following abbreviations are used in this schedule:

NLT: No Later Than

All references to Days: Government Workdays

D.1.16.1 DELIVERABLES REPORTING

All deliverables and reports shall be submitted through the Deliverable Post Award Collaboration (PAC) under the Basic Contract number in ASSIST. The Contractor will select the GSA Contracting Officer, GSA Project Manager and Client COR / A-COR as the Responsible person in ASSIST when creating the PAC. When loading documents into the PAC, the Contractor shall select “report” with the submission to ensure the documentation is auto-filed in Tab 47, “Surveillance” in the Contract File (CF). The contractor shall submit the deliverables listed in the following table:

PROJECT DELIVERABLE /

CONTRACT DELIVERABLE

MILESTONE/DELIVERABLE PWS

REFERENCE

PLANNED /COMPLETION DATE

Milestone Project Start (PS) D.1.3.1 At contract award

Milestone Kick-Off Meeting/ Post Award

Conference

D.1.3.1 Within 5 workdays of contract award

Contract Deliverable Kick-Off Meeting Slides (Unclassified) D.1.3.1 (1) 1 Day before Kick-off meeting

Contract Deliverable Monthly Status Report (Unclassified) D.1.3.2 Monthly (10th calendar day of the next month)

Contract Deliverable Senior Management Review (SMR)

(Unclassified)

D.1.3.3 15th Calendar day of each month

Contract Deliverable Project Management Plan – Draft (Unclassified)

D.1.3.4;

D.1.3.4.1

Considered draft and accepted at time of contract award.

Contract Deliverable Project Management Plan – Final

(Unclassified)

D.1.3.4.2 10 workdays after receipt of Government comments on accepted Project Management Plan

Contract Deliverable Quality Control Plan (QCP) (Unclassified) D.1.3.5 The QCP submitted with the offerors proposal will be accepted by the Government by virtue of the award.

Updates shall be submitted, as necessary, during the life of the contract.

Contract Deliverable Final Quality Control Plan (Unclassified) D.1.3.6 10 workdays after receipt of Government comments on accepted Quality Control Plan

Project Deliverable Trip Report (Unclassified) D.1.3.7 5 days after Trip Completion

Contract Deliverable Transition Plan (Unclassified) D.1.3.9.3 At time of proposal submission

Contract Deliverable Service Contract Reporting (eCMRA Reporting) (Unclassified)

D.1.35 NLT 31 October of each calendar year

Project Deliverable Technical Reports (Unclassified or

Controlled Unclassified Information)

D.1.2 To be determined at task order level

Project Deliverable Informal Technical

Information (Unclassified or Controlled Unclassified

Information)

D.1.2 To be determined at task order level

Project Deliverable Technical Recommendation involving management actions, policies, or procedures. (Unclassified or Controlled Unclassified Information)

D.1.2 To be determined at task order level

Project Deliverable Data collection instruments or methodology (Unclassified or Controlled

Unclassified Information)

D.1.2 To be determined at task order level

Project Deliverable Detailed research, evaluation or data collection design documents (Unclassified or Controlled Unclassified Information)

D.1.2 To be determined at task order level

Project Deliverable Briefing and briefing materials (Unclassified or Controlled Unclassified Information)

D.1.2 To be determined at task order level

Project Deliverable Adjunct lessons learned technical write-ups, reports, or other forms of documentation (Unclassified or Controlled Unclassified Information)

D.1.2 To be determined at task order level

Project Deliverable Test items; test forms; diagrams; chart exhibits; graphs; slides, or photographs; or combination of these forms. (Unclassified or Controlled Unclassified Information)

D.1.2 To be determined at task order level

Project Deliverable User maintenance manuals for implementation of any models, systems, or other software designed to meet specific requirements of a TO or the contract. (Unclassified or Controlled Unclassified Information)

D.1.2 To be determined at task order level

Project Deliverable Empirical databases or datasets including file formats, layouts, and other documentation (Unclassified or Controlled Unclassified Information)

D.1.2 To be determined at task order level

Project Deliverable All executable and source code developed under this contract

(Unclassified or Controlled Unclassified

Information)

D.1.2 To be determined at task order level

Project Deliverable Documentation necessary for interpreting and maintaining computer programs developed under this contract. (Unclassified or Controlled Unclassified Information)

D.1.2 To be determined at task order level

Project Deliverable Problem Notification Report (PNR) (Unclassified)

D.1.16.4 Per Government Request

Contract Deliverable Key Personnel Designation (Unclassified or Controlled Unclassified Information)

D.1.19.1 At time of proposal submission

Milestone CPARS (Unclassified) D.1.36 Annually (at the Contract Level only)

Contract Deliverable 508 Compliance confirmation (Unclassified)

D.1.41 At time of proposal submission

Contract Deliverable Non-Disclosure Agreement Unclassified)

D.1.25.7 As necessary.

D.1.16.2 DELIVERABLE MEDIA

The contractor shall provide electronic copies of each deliverable. Electronic copies shall be delivered via email attachment or other media by mutual agreement of the parties. The electronic copies shall be compatible with current MS Office products or other applications as appropriate and mutually agreed to by the parties.

D.1.16.3 DELIVERABLE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

All applicable deliverables, their required delivery dates, and destination of delivery will be specified under this contract, or otherwise specified by the COR. The schedule for completion of work to be performed under this contract will be delineated under this contract, as applicable. For purposes of delivery, all deliverables shall be made by close of business (COB) 5:00 P.M. local time (Seaside, California) at destination on the date due.

D.1.16.3.1 All deliverables submitted in electronic format shall be free of any known computer viruses or defects. If a virus or defect is found, the deliverable will not be accepted. The replacement file shall be provided within two (2) business days after notification of the presence of a virus.

D.1.16.3.2 Each deliverable shall be accompanied by a cover letter from the Contractor on company letterhead. Multiple deliverables may be delivered with a single cover letter describing the contents of the complete package.

D.1.16.4 NOTIFICATION REGARDING LATE DELIVERY / PROBLEM NOTIFICATION (PNR)

The Contractor shall notify the DTAC COR via a Problem Notification Report (PNR), PWS Attachment A: Problem Notification Report, as soon as it becomes apparent to the Contractor that a scheduled delivery will be late. The Contractor shall include in the PNR the rationale for late delivery, the expected date for the delivery, and the project impact of the late delivery. The GSA DTAC COR will review the new schedule and provide guidance to the Contractor. Such notification in no way limits any Government contractual rights or remedies including, but not limited to, termination.

D.1.17EMPLOYMENT OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE (DoD) PERSONNEL RESTRICTED

In performing this contract, the contractor will not use a subcontractor at any tier, as a consultant or employ (on either a full or part-time basis) any active-duty DoD personnel (civilian or military) without the prior written approval of the Contracting Officer. Such approval may be given only in circumstances where it is clear that no laws or DoD, or service instruction, regulations, or policies might possibly be contravened and no appearance of a conflict of interest will result.

D.1.18 TRAINING

The Government will not allow costs, nor reimburse costs associated with the Contractor’s training of Contractor employees in an effort to attain and/or maintain any minimum personnel qualification requirements that may be established for performance of this contract.

Requirement-specific training costs shall be approved in advance by the COR and related to the program as determined by the CO. The Contractor will maintain the professional qualifications and certifications of its personnel through on-going training. Unless specifically authorized by the Contract, the Contractor will not directly bill the Government for any training.

The Contractor shall provide personnel with expertise to successfully perform the aforementioned tasks and maintain a training program to ensure their staff is adequately trained and current on required skills, certifications, and qualifications. Personnel shall demonstrate good communication skills and shall be flexible and adaptable in a dynamic environment. The Contractor shall effectively participate in planning and strategy sessions, effectively interact with customers, resolve complaints and problems, and keep management properly informed as to operational issues, problems, future needs, and technological developments.

The Contractor shall have experience working with Government-approved software, to include but not limited to, MySQL, Oracle and Microsoft Access databases, Java, C++, .Net, Python, R, RStudio, Fortran, SAS, Adobe Illustrator, Power BI, and Microsoft Office. They should have experience working with eQIP data, JPASE data, CATS data, and OPM DIF data.

The Contractor shall have experience working with Cloud technologies, have experience and expertise working with DoD Security Technical Implementation Guides, Cybersecurity Technical Orders and Directives.

D.1.18.1 The Government will not pay training costs for replacement personnel or for the purpose of keeping Contractor personnel abreast of advances in the State of the art or for training of Contractor personnel on equipment, computer languages, and computer operating systems that are available on the commercial market. The Contractor will have full responsibility for keeping Contractor personnel abreast of advances in the State of the Art.

D.1.19 KEY PERSONNEL

The following are the minimum personnel who shall be designated as “Key.” The Government does not intend to dictate the composition of the ideal team to perform this contract.

Therefore, the Government encourages and will evaluate additional Key Personnel as proposed by the offeror.