PWS__A3_Checkmate_Support_Follow-On_v1.1_DRAFT_19mar26.pdf

DRAFT PWS – A3 CHECKMATE SUPPORT FOLLOW-ON Solicitation #: FA7014-26-R-PKHB06

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

For

United States Air Force Operations (AF/A3) Air Force Checkmate (AF/A35K) Warfighter Support

Commercial Professional Services Follow-On

Prepared by: HQ USAF / A35K The Pentagon Washington, D.C. 20330

VERSION 1.1, DRAFT, 19 MARCH 2026

DRAFT PWS – A3 CHECKMATE SUPPORT FOLLOW-ON Solicitation #: FA7014-26-R-PKHB06

Contents

SECTION I

1.0 DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

1.0.1 Background

1.0.2 Scope

1.1. REQUIREMENTS

1.2. WARFIGHTER SUPPORT SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT (SME)

1.2.1 Description -Warfighter Support SME

1.2.2 Duties - Warfighter Support SME

1.2.3 Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs) - Warfighter Support SME

1.3. SENIOR SME

1.3.1 Description - Senior SME

1.3.2 Duties - Senior SME

1.3.3 KSAs - Senior SME

1.4. SECURITY SPECIALIST

1.4.1 Description - Security Specialist

1.4.2 Duties - Security Specialist

1.4.3 KSAs - Security Specialist

1.5. OPERATIONS AND WORKFLOW MANAGER

1.5.1 Description - Operations and Workflow Manager

1.5.2 Duties - Operations and Workflow Manager

1.5.3 KSAs - Operations and Workflow Manager

1.6. OPERATIONS RESEARCH ANALYST

1.6.1 Description - Operations Research Analyst

1.6.2 Duties - Operations Research Analyst

1.6.3 KSAs - Operations Research Analyst

1.7. PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT

SECTION II

2.0 SERVICE DELIVERY SUMMARY

2.1 SERVICES

2.2 DELIVERABLE(S)

2.3 QUALITY CONTROL

SECTION III

3.0 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERY, EQUIPMENT, MATERIAL,

INFORMATION, OR SERVICES

3.1 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

SECTION IV

4.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

4.1 NON-PERSONAL SERVICES

4.2 TRANSITION PLAN/PHASE-OUT PLAN

4.3 TRAVEL

4.4 SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

4.5 COMMUNICATIONS SECURITY (COMSEC)

4.6 LISTING OF EMPLOYEES

4.7 VISIT AUTHORIZATION REQUESTS (VAR)

4.8 ADMINISTRATIVE CONCERNS

4.9 SERVICE CONTRACT REPORTING (SCR)

DRAFT PWS – A3 CHECKMATE SUPPORT FOLLOW-ON Solicitation #: FA7014-26-R-PKHB06

1 SECTION I

1.0 DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

1.0.1 Background.

The Checkmate division (AF/A35K), within Air Force Operations (AF/A3), requires contractor support to provide the Chief of Staff of the Air Force (CSAF) and other Department of the Air Force (DAF) leaders with informed advice, opinions, recommendations, and innovative ideas to better support the warfighter. The Checkmate division develops operational plans and concepts to address near-term, current global challenges as outlined in the National Security Strategy (NSS), National Military Strategy (NMS), and National Defense Strategy (NDS). To effectively support Checkmate, the Contractor shall demonstrate exceptional critical thinking and problem-solving skills, coupled with a deep understanding of airpower principles and their application across the operational spectrum. The Contractor shall provide expertise on the decision-making processes used by the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) Tank and the National Security Council (NSC), as well as formal and crisis action planning methodologies. The Contractor will proactively anticipate and resolve complex problems, leveraging their airpower expertise to develop innovative and effective solutions for the warfighter. The Contractor will serve as a readily available "think tank" capability for the AF/A3 and its staff, providing cross-functional expertise and facilitating processes both within and outside of headquarters to advance the air, space, and cyberspace operational vision.

1.0.2 Scope.

To maintain a core of expertise within the AF/A3, the Contractor shall provide personnel with in-depth knowledge of current Air Force and joint issues, demonstrating a strong understanding of airpower principles and their application to strategic and operational challenges. The Contractor will apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to assist Checkmate in anticipating future developments and planning requirements at the institutional, air component, and combatant command (CCMD) levels. This includes proactively identifying potential challenges and developing innovative solutions informed by airpower experience and expertise. The Contractor shall compile comprehensive briefing materials and actively participate in presentations, ensuring that DAF senior leaders receive sound military advice grounded in thorough analysis of airpower capabilities. In general, the Contractor shall provide advanced information gathering and strategic analysis to support Checkmate’s efforts to effectively employ warfighting capabilities, leveraging their expertise to optimize airpower's contribution to national security objectives. Subject matter experts (SMEs) will provide operational planning knowledge and advise service-level efforts in planning current and future contingency operations, applying their critical thinking skills to assess risks and opportunities within the six regional and functional aspects detailed below.

1.1. REQUIREMENTS

1.1.1 The Contractor shall provide Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) capable of delivering expert consultation and analysis on a wide range of national security matters, applying critical thinking and problem-solving skills to complex challenges. While individual SME positions will be regionally agnostic, individuals filling these positions will align to core National Security Strategy (NSS) and National Defense Strategy (NDS) priorities. The core responsibilities of these SMEs shall include:

1.1.1.1 Operational Planning Team (OPT) Support: Planning, leading, and participating in OPTs and representing the Air Force as experts in the application of airpower and operational art.

1.1.1.2 Strategic and Operational Concept Development: Assisting in the development of innovative strategic and operational concepts, with a specific focus on maximizing the effective integration of air, space, and cyberspace power to empower the warfighter at the forward edge. This includes applying critical thinking to evaluate existing concepts and identify opportunities for improvement.

DRAFT PWS – A3 CHECKMATE SUPPORT FOLLOW-ON Solicitation #: FA7014-26-R-PKHB06

1.1.1.3 Effective Employment Expertise: Providing expert advice and informed opinions on the effective use and employment of air, space, and cyberspace capabilities by Combatant Commanders (CCDRs), the military services, Allies/partners, and the interagency community. This requires a deep understanding of airpower principles and their application across diverse operational environments.

1.1.1.4 Wargaming and Modelling and Simulation (M&S): Utilizing wargaming and M&S techniques to drive transformation within the DAF by participating in, and at times directly hosting, wargames and M&S events that assess and analyze emergent Air Force operational plans, capabilities, and force employment concepts. This includes employing critical thinking to analyze wargame and/or M&S outputs to identify key insights for improving warfighting capabilities.

1.1.1.5 Fact-Finding and Analysis: Conducting thorough fact-finding and analysis to support decision-making, leveraging their expertise to identify key trends, assess risks, and develop effective mitigation strategies. A secondary function of this is to provide advocacy for the warfighter at the HAF-level.

1.2. WARFIGHTER SUPPORT SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT

1.2.1 Six full-time equivalents (FTEs) shall be Warfighter Support SMEs, providing focused support to air operations planning, operational art and design, and CCMD contingency plans. This role will be distinct from, but conceptually analogous to, a uniformed services action officer.

1.2.2 Key Duties.

1.2.2.1 Contractors shall assist in developing, coordinating, and advising on the implementation of policies related to air, space, and cyberspace power to support the CSAF, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations (AF/A3), and Numbered Air Force (NAF)/Air Component Commanders and their Staffs. Contractors shall be focused on the near-term time horizon (0-36 months) and the current operational challenges associated with Checkmate division assigned priorities.

1.2.2.2 Contractors shall participate in the operational planning and analysis process and advise the Joint Staff (JS) and CCMD staffs on how to optimize USAF capabilities in support of the warfighter when confronting the operational challenges outlined in NSS, NDS, and other policy guidance.

1.2.2.3 Contractors shall lead and participate in OPTs and represent the Air Force as airpower SMEs.

1.2.2.4 Contractors shall deliver high-level briefings and reports to senior USAF and Department of War (DoW) leaders, translating complex airpower concepts and operations into clear, actionable insights for General Officers and Senior Executive Service (SES) stakeholders.

1.2.2.5 Contractors shall provide advice and assessments to validate that assigned planning inputs are strategically sound, operationally and logistically feasible, and resource informed/supportable according to the delineations of responsibilities as set forth in Title 10, Title 22, Title 32 and Title 50 of the United States Code (USC).

1.2.2.6 Contractors shall provide rapid and reach back support to CCMD staffs and the Joint Force Air Component Commanders (JFACCs) for operational planning activities, contingencies, and exercise events pertaining to supported CCMD Areas of Responsibility (AORs).

1.2.2.7 Contractors shall maintain situational awareness of, and provide recommendations about, the current political-military (Pol-Mil) issues and operational challenges associated with threats and priority regions as outlined within strategic planning guidance, e.g., the NDS, and be able to articulate the impact these have on USAF equities to DAF senior leaders.

DRAFT PWS – A3 CHECKMATE SUPPORT FOLLOW-ON Solicitation #: FA7014-26-R-PKHB06

1.2.2.8 Contractors shall assist Checkmate’s military and Government civilian action officers by gathering information related to taskings from the Office of the Secretary of War (OSW); Office of the Assistant Secretary of War (ASW); Joint Staff (JS) J-5 Strategic Plans and Policy; the Geographic and Functional CCMDs; and the US Intelligence Community (IC).

1.2.2.9 Contractors shall provide senior level support to develop, revise, and review operational plans, policies, procedures, mission objectives, and organizational design for the Air Staff, as needed.

1.2.2.10 The Contractors shall eliminate problems or barriers to mission accomplishment by promoting team building, implementing quality improvements, or responding to concerns of other agencies regarding policies, procedures, and guidelines with respect to assigned threat or regional priorities.

1.2.2.11 Contractors shall provide SME support and advice on a wide range of operational capability requirements and administrative issues with respect to assigned threats and/or regional priorities.

1.2.2.12 Contractors shall evaluate requirements and recommend approaches for adding resources or balancing organizational needs with overall mission requirements and resource interests associated with assigned threats and/or regional priorities.

1.2.2.13 Contractors shall be expected to attend weekly branch-level staff meetings and provide SME support and advice during frequent intra-organizational sessions to share information and recommend staff actions concerning assigned threats and/or regional priorities.

1.2.2.14 Contractors shall support Checkmate’s interactions with senior level management at the General Officer (GO) and Senior Executive Service (SES) levels, as they participate in various groups and organizations and groups within and outside the DAF, including OSW, JCS, CCMDs, Major Commands (MAJCOMs), Components, NAFs, and inter-agency events.

1.2.2.15 Contractors may prepare position papers and present high-level briefing of conclusions that may be conceptual and unproven until vetting, verification, and operational proof of concept activities have been completed.

1.2.3 Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs) – Warfighter Support SME

1.2.3.1 The Contractor shall ensure contract employees are familiar with Air Staff and joint administrative and operations instructions/procedures and are able to address programming, planning, budgeting, policy, and warfighting operational implications. The Contractor shall further ensure that candidate employees have the following qualifications:

1.2.3.1.1 Contractors shall hold a bachelor’s degree(s) [master's degree (MA) or doctorate (PhD) desired but not required] from an accredited university or equivalent service academy. An advanced academic degree(s) in areas such as regional studies, history, international affairs/relations, or national security/policy is (are) desired not required.

1.2.3.1.2 Contractors shall possess multiple in-country experience working geostrategic Pol-Mil issues with Allies or partner nations in one or more of the following fields - Security Cooperation, Defense Policy, Alliance Management, Ministry of Defense or JS Liaison, Force Development, or Burden Sharing.

1.2.3.1.3 Contractors shall have no less than ten (10) years of combined federal [DoW or Department of State (DoS)] experience with five (5) year’s total experience at MAJCOM, HAF or JS/CCMD J2/3/5/8.

1.2.3.1.4 Contractors shall have previous assignment experience preparing US Flag/General Officers for Congressional testimony on US, Allied, or partner-nation defense issues.

DRAFT PWS – A3 CHECKMATE SUPPORT FOLLOW-ON Solicitation #: FA7014-26-R-PKHB06

1.2.3.1.5 Contractors shall be proficient in the use of Microsoft (MS) Office Suite (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and other associated software utilized in personal computing, e.g., Adobe Acrobat.

1.3. SENIOR SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT

1.3.1 One FTE shall be a Senior SME and consultable on a wide variety of national security matters of interest to the DAF, to include but not limited to the national security strategy development and execution process by CCMDs, the Military Services, Allied/partner nations, and the interagency community.

1.3.2 Key Duties.

1.3.2.1 The contractor shall assist in developing, coordinating, and advising on the implementation of policies related to air, space, and cyberspace power to support the CSAF, AF/A3, NAF/Air Component Commanders and their Staffs. The contractor shall be focused on the near-term time horizon (0-24 months) and the current operational challenges.

1.3.2.2 The contractor shall participate in the operational planning and analysis process and advise the JS and CCMDs on how to optimize USAF capabilities against operational challenges.

1.3.2.3 The contractor shall apply SME critical thinking and analytical skills to recommend actions and activities in support of a variety of operational plans and real-world combat operations.

1.3.2.4 The contractor shall provide advice and assessments to validate that planning inputs are strategically sound, operationally and logistically feasible, and resource informed/supportable according to the delineations of responsibilities as set forth in Title 10, Title 22, Title 32 and Title 50 USC.

1.3.2.5 The contractor shall maintain situational awareness of, and provide recommendations about, the current political-military (Pol-Mil) issues and operational challenges associated with threats and priority regions as outlined within strategic planning guidance, e.g., the NDS, and be able to articulate the impact these have on USAF equities to DAF senior leaders.

1.3.2.6 The contractor shall provide recommendations on current national level policies relating to actions necessary to support a variety of major missions and operational plans to inform DAF equities.

1.3.2.7 The contractor shall advise on the use of wargaming and M&S techniques to transform the Air Force and support the design, development, and execution of strategic operational war games and related seminars and workshops.

1.3.2.8 The contractor shall provide Checkmate with expert advice on the most appropriate planning processes and products, command relationships, organizational equities and priorities, operational planning, and employment practices.

1.3.2.9 The contractor shall provide SME support and advice in preparing briefings and written material to aid Checkmate’s ability to provide sound military advice to DAF Senior leaders.

1.3.2.10 The contractor shall advise Checkmate about national security decision-making processes used by the JCS Tank and NSC, as well as analyze service, inter-service, and Joint Force perspectives.

1.3.2.11 The contractor shall provide Checkmate with current events reporting and analysis to assist in anticipating CCMD, Air Component, and interagency responses to global developments, taskings, and planning requirements.

DRAFT PWS – A3 CHECKMATE SUPPORT FOLLOW-ON Solicitation #: FA7014-26-R-PKHB06

1.3.2.12 The contractor shall communicate historical studies, precedents and analyses; provide literature references and searches; and improve the uniformed and Government civilian action officers’ understanding of the influences of institutions, offices, conflicting interests, and personalities on military and other events through advanced research and information search techniques.

1.3.2.13 The contractor shall provide insight on current and historical military thought and advise on the interaction between the other elements of national power, i.e., the diplomatic, informational, and economic, in order provide Checkmate with the best military advice.

1.3.3 KSAs – Senior Subject Matter Expert.

1.3.3.1 The Contractor shall ensure contract employees are familiar with Air Staff and joint administrative and operations instructions/procedures and are able to address programming, planning, budgeting, policy, and warfighting operational implications. The Contractor shall further ensure that candidate employees have the following qualifications:

1.3.3.1.1 The Contractor shall hold a bachelor’s degree(s) [master's degree (MA) or doctorate (PhD) desired but not required] from an accredited university or equivalent service academy. An advanced academic degree(s) in areas such as regional studies, history, international affairs/relations, or national security/policy is (are) desired not required.

1.3.3.1.2 The Contractor shall have no less than ten (15) years of combined federal (DoW or DoS) experience with five (5) years total experience at MAJCOM, HAF or JS/CCMD J2/3/5/8.

1.3.3.1.3 Contractors shall be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite and other associated software utilized in personal computing, e.g., Adobe Acrobat.

1.4. SECURITY SPECIALIST

1.4.1 One FTE shall serve as Security Specialist, performing a wide range of day-to-day administrative security activities associated with highly sensitive and classified environments, including the security management of all security aspects related to a Sensitive Compartmentalized Information Facility (SCIF) and, if necessary, a Special Access Program Facility (SAPF).

1.4.2 Key Duties.

1.4.2.1 The contractor shall assist the Program Manager (PM) and Program Security Officer (PSO) with the overall security management functions of the SCIF and, if necessary, a SAPF.

1.4.2.2 The contractor shall conduct security reviews, inspections and accreditation for the SCIF and SAPF hosted by Checkmate.

1.4.2.3 The contractor shall process visitor requests, maintain personnel access databases and security files; review documents for appropriate classification; and provide initial, annual and exit security training.

1.4.2.4 The contractor shall assist the PSO and Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO) with all security requirements of a SCIF and SAPF, including network and physical security, and associated documentation e.g., the Fixed Facility Checklists, System Security Plans (SSP), Standard Operating Procedures, (SOPs), records, and reports.

DRAFT PWS – A3 CHECKMATE SUPPORT FOLLOW-ON Solicitation #: FA7014-26-R-PKHB06

1.4.2.5 The contractor shall assist the PSO and/or ISSO with reporting and administrative duties as required for security management, including coordinated access to the SCIF, SAPF, and classified computing systems and the use of those systems, such as telephone and tele/video conferencing equipment.

1.4.2.6 The contractor shall prepare, submit and maintain security documentation in accordance with (IAW) the Joint Air Force - Army - Navy Manual (JAFAN), including Program Access Requests, Fixed Facility Checklists, Security SOPs, security databases, Visitor Access Requests, etc.

1.4.2.7 When designated by the SAPCO, the Contractor Program Security Officer (CPSO) may perform Special Access Program Personnel Security Official (SPO) functions.

1.4.2.8 The CPSO will provide initial program indoctrination of employees after access approval and debrief as required.

1.4.2.9 The CPSO will review all foreign travel itineraries of program-accessed personnel and conduct pre- and post-travel briefings/debriefings.

1.4.2.10 The CPSO will evaluate foreign travel trends for SAP-accessed personnel and keep information readily accessible, as well as receive reportable information on SAP-accessed individuals such as personnel changes and derogatory information.

1.4.2.11 The CPSO will ensure adherence to applicable laws as well as national, DoW, and other SAP security policies and requirements such as DoW Special Access Program (SAP) Security Manuals:

DoDM 5205.07 Volumes 1 - 4.

1.4.2.12 When required, the CPSO will ensure that contract-specific SAP security requirements such as TEMPEST and Operations Security (OPSEC) are accomplished.

1.4.2.13 The CPSO will prepare and update SOPs for PSO approval and provide detailed instructions and procedures in accordance with the program’s SCG, SOPs, and applicable marking guides.

1.4.2.14 The CPSO will oversee an information management system for the SAP to facilitate the control of requisite information within the SAP and ensures information systems (IS) are in accordance with DoW Joint Special Access Program Implementation Guide (JSIG).

1.4.2.15 The CPSO will ensure adherence to special communications requirements, capabilities, and procedures within the SAPF, including briefings, debriefings, and foreign travel briefings and ensures that all self-inspections are conducted and oversees transmission of SAP material.

1.4.2.16 The CPSO will develop a transportation plan and forward this to the PSO for approval.

1.4.3 KSAs – Security Specialist

1.3.3.2 The Contractor shall ensure contract employees are familiar with Air Staff and joint administrative and operations instructions/procedures and are able to address programming, planning, budgeting, policy, and warfighting operational implications with particular interest in safeguarding classified, SCI, and SAP material. The Contractor shall further ensure that candidate employees have the following qualifications:

1.4.3.1 The contractor shall have three (3) years of current experience within the last five (5) years in providing interpretation and applying major policy and procedural guidance documentation with regards to the JAFAN for the DoW/DAF as it pertains to security management of systems and facilities.

DRAFT PWS – A3 CHECKMATE SUPPORT FOLLOW-ON Solicitation #: FA7014-26-R-PKHB06

1.4.3.2 The contractor shall have (3) years of current experience within the last five (5) years conducting security inspections/reviews, providing security management of facilities and equipment used in processing classified, SCI, and/or SAP material, accomplishing periodic reports, and overseeing security matters to include communications security, annual training, accreditation standards, physical security requirements, and documentation.

1.4.3.3 The contractor shall have three (3) years of current experience within the last five (5) years of office automation to include MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, and utilizing operating environments such as the Internet, Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRnet), Non-Classified Internet Protocol Router Network (NIPRnet), and Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System

(JWICS).

1.4.3.4 The contractor shall be required to complete the below list of security training classes in order to perform duties. If completed within the past five (5) years, the contract may elect to provide certificates of completion as a part of their proposal to preclude immediate enrollment either in-residence or through distance learning.

Table 1 - Listing of Training Classes Personnel Security Management Course Risk Management for DoW Security Programs Course Intro to DoW Personnel Security Adjudications Course NISP Self-Inspection Course Derivative Classification Identifying and Safeguarding Personally Identifiable Information (PII) Cybersecurity Awareness Course

1.4.3.5 The contractor shall complete future training, as applicable by Air Force requirements, to ensure compliance with performing work tasks related to the security, management, and administration of SCIFs and SAPFs, classified processing equipment within the facilities, and the personnel authorized access to the area and systems.

1.5. OPERATIONS AND WORKFLOW MANAGER

1.5.1 One (1) FTE shall serve as Operations and Workflow Manager, responsible for supervising and facilitating day-to-day operations of the contractor staff and synchronizing office workflow between the contractor and military/Government civilian staff. This position will also serve as site lead for the assigned contractors, responsible for coordinating and interfacing between the Government and the Contractor for administrative purposes and tasks.

1.5.2 Key Duties.

1.5.2.1 The contractor shall distribute tasks to the appropriate contract staff based on respective responsibilities, subject matter expertise, timing, and workload.

1.5.2.2 The contractor shall leverage the HAF Enterprise Task Management Software Solution (ETMS2) Task Management Tool (TMT) to facilitate office workflow and ensure that responses from Checkmate branches are accurate, complete, and correspond to AF/A3 and HAF formatting guidelines.

1.5.2.3 The contractor shall coordinate with Joint Actions Control Office (JACO) (AF/A3J) on all Joint Staff (JS) tasks assigned to Checkmate.

1.5.2.4 The contractor shall facilitate the planning and execution of Checkmate hosted OPTs, including, DRAFT PWS – A3 CHECKMATE SUPPORT FOLLOW-ON Solicitation #: FA7014-26-R-PKHB06 but not limited to, coordinating with external partners, managing and maintaining participant rosters, reserving event locations and information technology support, and coordinating with applicable security agencies, e.g., the Pentagon Force Protection Agency (PFPA).

1.5.2.5 The contractor shall synchronize calendars across the contract and Government staff to ensure organizational coherence and appropriate coverage of required meetings and events.

1.5.2.6 The contractor shall provide oversight of unclassified and classified task management for a high tempo, broad portfolio operationally focused division.

1.5.2.7 The contractor shall plan, coordinate, and manage weekly Checkmate division staff meetings (“Monday Brief” and “Friday Debrief”) to include preparation of consolidated division-wide briefing slides.

1.5.2.8 The contractor shall develop and update Checkmate business practices to improve processes, assure quality, and enhance contractor/Government integration and synchronization.

1.5.3 KSAs – Operations and Workflow Manager

1.5.3.1 The Contractor shall ensure contract employees are familiar with Air Staff and joint administrative and operations instructions/procedures. The Contractor shall further ensure that candidate employees have the following qualifications:

1.5.3.2 The contractor shall be familiar with USAF airpower concepts and capabilities and how these are effectively employed in support of the Joint Force.

1.5.3.3 The contractor shall have no less than ten (15) years of USAF experience, including at least five

(8) years at the MAJCOM-level or higher (or a sister service equivalent) serving in either a Director of Staff (DS) or Chief of Staff (CoS) position.

1.5.3.4 The contractor shall possess expertise in executive-level briefing preparation, strategic planning, and coordination of MAJCOM or Air Staff priorities.

1.5.3.5 The contractor shall hold at least a Master’s degree or equivalent (e.g., Air War College, Senior Developmental Education).

1.5.3.6 The contractor shall have prior experience using ETMS2 or similar enterprise task management tool.

1.6. OPERATIONS RESEARCH ANALYST

1.6.1 One FTE shall serve as Operations Research Analyst, responsible for applying mathematical modeling to support and enhance Checkmate’s analysis of operational problems and airpower concepts to better inform Air Force senior leaders.

1.6.2 Key Duties.

1.6.2.1 The contractor shall leverage accredited modeling and simulation (M&S) tools to provide quantitative analysis of USAF operational problems and emergent airpower concepts at the appropriate classification level.

1.6.2.2 The contractor shall present the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to Checkmate staff and, as required, directly to Air Force senior leaders.

DRAFT PWS – A3 CHECKMATE SUPPORT FOLLOW-ON Solicitation #: FA7014-26-R-PKHB06

1.6.2.3 The contractor shall serve as Checkmate’s M&S SME and recommend appropriate systems, programs, and methods to address division objectives as well as highlight the capabilities and limitations of proposed M&S methodologies.

1.6.2.4 The contractor shall engage with external organizations, both within the Air Staff, as well as the wider DoW and interagency community, to acquire and/or leverage advanced M&S tools necessary to support Checkmate analysis.

1.6.2.5 The contractor shall design, conduct, and evaluate experimental operational models in cases where models cannot be developed from existing data.

1.6.2.6 The contractor shall remain abreast of the current state of the art within the wider M&S community, both with respect to currently in use M&S tools within the Air Force and DoW, but the civilian marketplace as well.

1.6.3 KSAs – Operations Research Analyst

1.6.3.1 The contractor shall hold a bachelor’s degree(s) [master's degree (MA) or doctorate (PhD) desired but not required] from an accredited university or equivalent service academy in operations research; or at least 24 semester hours in a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject-matter courses requiring substantial competence in college-level mathematics or statistics.

1.6.3.2 The contractor shall possess a comprehension of Air Force concepts and capabilities specifically, and US military capabilities and operations more broadly, in order to better integrate these concepts into their M&S efforts.

1.6.3.3 The contractor shall have no less than eight (8) years of combined federal [DoW or Department of State (DoS)] experience with at least 3 (3) years of specialized operational experience in either wargaming, M&S, or some combination of the two.

1.6.3.4 The contractor shall be proficient in the use of Microsoft (MS) Office Suite (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and other associated software utilized in personal computing, e.g., Adobe Acrobat.

1.7. PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT

1.7.1 The Contractor shall ensure employee accountability and minimize turnover. The Contractor shall take all reasonable actions to provide a stable workforce, throughout the duration of the contract, e.g., by working to ensure that no more than one position is vacated within a one-month period or that the same position is not vacated more than twice per twelve-month period. Any FTE vacancies shall be filled within 28 working days of the position being vacated.

2 SECTION II

2.0 SERVICE DELIVERY SUMMARY

2.1 SERVICES

The Contractor service requirements are summarized into performance objectives that relate directly to mission essential items The performance threshold briefly describes the minimum acceptable levels of service required for each requirement and will be assessed on an “Acceptable” or “Unacceptable” basis. These thresholds are critical to

DRAFT PWS – A3 CHECKMATE SUPPORT FOLLOW-ON Solicitation #: FA7014-26-R-PKHB06 mission success.

Table 2 - Services Summary Performance Objective

PWS Para Performance Threshold Method of Surveillance

SS1. Qualified Personnel Section 1 Performance is acceptable when 100% of personnel provided at TO start are qualified in accordance with the PWS.

Customer Complaint 100% Surveillance

SS2. Develop and Submit all Required Deliverables

Section 2.1 Performance is acceptable when:

a) 90% of deliverables requirements are met and received within Government suspense period.

AND

b) 100 % of critical information is verified and accurate.

Customer Complaint Periodic Surveillance

SS3. Personnel Management

Section 1 Performance is acceptable when all FTE position vacancies are filled within 28 working days of the position being vacated.

Customer Complaint 100% Surveillance

SS4. Security Section 4 Performance is acceptable when all employees are in compliance with applicable security plans and protocols with zero deficiencies or violations.

Customer Complaint Periodic Surveillance 100% Inspection

2.2 DELIVERABLES

The Contractor shall provide task order deliverable(s) in a format mutually agreed upon by the US Government and the Contractor. All deliverables shall be reviewed for timeliness, accuracy, and format.

If a deliverable due date falls on a weekend or holiday, the Contractor shall submit the deliverable on the last workday prior to the due date.

Table 3 – Deliverables Deliverables PWS

Para Delivery Date/Description Delivery Location/Person/Format

Draft Quality Control Plan (QCP)

2.3.2 No later than 10 WD after

performance start

Via E-Mail / Contracting Officer (CO) / CO’s Representative (COR) / MS Word

Final QCP 2.3.2 No later than 30 WD after performance start

Via E-Mail / CO / COR / Portable Document Format (PDF)

Submit a Monthly Status Report (MSR); Develop and submit all required deliverables

2.4 95% of reports accurately Periodic Assessment / Inspection;

Monthly status report due on before 15th of each month to COR

Transition/Phase-Out Plan

4.2 14 days before contract end date

Via E-Mail / COR / MS Word

DRAFT PWS – A3 CHECKMATE SUPPORT FOLLOW-ON Solicitation #: FA7014-26-R-PKHB06

Unclassified Travel Report

4.3.1 Within 5 business days

after trip

Via E-Mail / COR / MS Word

Classified Travel Report

4.3.2 Within 5 business days after

trip

Via E-Mail on SIPRnet / COR / MS Word

Information Protection Requirements

4.4.4 Within 30 days of contract

award

Via E-Mail / PDF

Employee Listing 4.6 Employee status or information change

Via E-Mail / PDF

Project Kick-Off Meeting

4.8.5 Within 10 days of contract

award

Via E-Mail

2.3 QUALITY CONTROL

2.3.1 Quality Assurance.

2.3.1.1 The Government shall rely on the Contractors’ existing quality assurance system as the method to ensure that the requirements of the contract and performance thresholds are met; however, the Government reserves the right to monitor and evaluate the quality of services provided and compliance with the contract terms and conditions at any time.

2.3.2 Quality Control Plan (QCP).

2.3.2.1 The Contractor shall develop and maintain an effective quality control program to ensure services are performed IAW this PWS, applicable laws and regulations, and best commercial practices. The Contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services with special emphasis placed on those services listed in this PWS. The Contractor’s quality control program is how it assures itself that the work complies with the requirement of the contract. The Contractor shall periodically update the QCP as changes in program processes occur. The draft QCP is due NLT ten (10) working days after project start. The final QCP is due NLT (30) working days after project start. At a minimum, the QCP shall be reviewed and updated once a year. The Contractor’s QCP shall describe, at a minimum, the following:

2.3.2.1.1 The approach and procedures for communicating with the Government, resolving issues, and identifying potential program improvements for Government consideration.

2.3.2.1.2 Quality control methodology performance expectations and objectives including benchmark metrics and measures. The Contractor shall fully discuss its validated processes and procedures that provide high quality performance for each task area and how these processes and procedures integrate with the Government’s requirements.

2.3.2.1.3 Detailed descriptions of the Contractor’s internal quality review process including the individual(s) responsible, how frequently quality reviews shall occur, the method(s) that shall be utilized, and what services/products/capabilities shall be reviewed by the Contractor.

2.3.3 The records of inspections for the services listed in the Service Summary shall be retained and made available to the Government throughout the contract performance period. The records of inspections shall specify areas shall be inspected on a scheduled or unscheduled basis; how often the inspections shall be accomplished; and the titles of the individuals who shall perform the inspection. The inspection documentation shall be made available to the Government after contract award until final settlement of any claims under this contract.

DRAFT PWS – A3 CHECKMATE SUPPORT FOLLOW-ON Solicitation #: FA7014-26-R-PKHB06

2.3.4 Performance Reporting. The Contractor’s performance shall be monitored by the Government and reported in a monthly Customer Survey or an annual Contractor Performance Assessment Reports (CPARs) depending on the awarded dollar amount. The Contractor’s performance shall be recorded in the Contractor Performance Assessment Reports System (CPARS), as noted during Contractor surveillance and contract administration. Performance standards shall include the Contractor’s ability to provide or satisfy the following: satisfactory solutions to requirements with the necessary customer support providing solutions and services that meet or exceed specified performance parameters, deliver timely and quality deliverables to include 95% accurate reports and responsive proposals, and ensure solutions to requirements comply with applicable policy and regulation.

2.3.5 Performance Evaluation Meeting. The Contractor may be required to meet as deemed necessary by the Government or request by Contractor. However, if the Contractor requests, a meeting shall be held. The written minutes of all performance evaluation meetings shall be signed by the project manager, Contract Officer (CO) and COR. Should the Contractor not concur with the minutes, and the Contractor shall provide their areas of non-concurrence in writing to the CO within ten calendar days of receipt of the signed minutes.

2.4 Monthly Status Report. The Contractor shall provide the COR with a Monthly Status Report (MSR), no later than the 15th of each month subsequent to the reporting period, i.e., January’s report is due NLT 15 February. This MSR shall contain information pertaining to the tasks that each individual employee accomplished in support of the contract as well as major deliverables and projects undertaken by the contract team as a whole. This will serve as a vital product in capturing contract performance.

3 SECTION III

3.0 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERY, EQUIPMENT, MATERIAL,

INFORMATION, OR SERVICES

3.1 Government Furnished Property. The Government will provide standard office furniture (at a minimum, seating and a desk), classified/unclassified computers, classified/unclassified telephones, and standard supplies required for routine office work.

4 SECTION IV

4.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

4.1 Non-Personal Services.

The Government will neither supervise Contractor employees nor control the method by which the Contractor performs the required tasks. Under no circumstances shall the Government directly assign tasks to, or prepare work schedules for, individual Contractor employees. It shall be the responsibility of the Contractor to manage its employees and to guard against any actions that are of the nature of personal services or give the perception of personal services. If the Contractor feels any actions constitute, or are perceived to constitute personal services, it shall be the Contractor’s responsibility to notify the CO immediately. These services shall not be used to perform work of a policy/decision making or management nature, i.e., inherently Governmental functions. All decisions relative to programs supported by the Contractor shall be the sole responsibility of the Government.

4.2 Transition Plan/Phase-Out Plan.

The Contractor shall provide a transition/phase-out plan 90 days before contract completion date. The plan shall include a description of how each step shall be accomplished to ensure no interruption in service. The Contractor shall have a total of 14 days for the transition/phase-out plan.

DRAFT PWS – A3 CHECKMATE SUPPORT FOLLOW-ON Solicitation #: FA7014-26-R-PKHB06

4.3 Travel.

The Contractor shall be required to travel to attend meetings in support of tasks listed above to fulfill PWS requirements. All trips shall be in accordance with regulatory requirements and actual travel shall be coordinated and pre-approved by the COR in writing. The Government will only reimburse allowable costs in accordance with FAR 31.205-46, Travel costs and the current Joint Travel Regulation (JTR).

The Contractor shall be required to provide travel receipts to the COR as attachments in wide-area workflow (WAWF) for all allowable costs. Travel projections are subject to change based on the Government’s requirements. Local travel: Local travel is considered the National Capital Region (NCR) and a 50-mile radius. All meetings within the NCR shall be considered a cost of doing business and shall not be separately reimbursed. Contractor travel for a task order related meeting or performance reviews is considered a cost of doing business and shall not be reimbursed.

4.3.1 Unclassified Travel Report (UTR).

The contractor shall prepare and deliver an UTR following each trip to the Checkmate COR within five

(5) business days of returning from travel. UTRs are not required for local travel as defined in the Federal Travel Regulations. This report serves both to provide administrative tracking of contractor travel but also is vital in ensuring effective After Action Reports (AARs) occur upon return. At a minimum, the UTRs shall include the following details:

• Name of Individual Traveling

• Destination

• Dates

• Cost

• Background/Actions to Date (Including Past Travel to Location)

• Purpose of Trip

• Relationship to Current Checkmate Efforts/Projects

• Participation of Traveler

• Results of Trip

• Recommended Follow-On Actions

• Problems/Issues if any

4.3.2 Classified Travel Report (CTR).

When the classification of a trip’s details makes the use of a UTR infeasible, the contractor shall prepare and deliver a CTR to the COR within five (5) business days of returning from travel. CTRs are not required for local travel as defined in the Federal Travel Regulations. The CTRs shall include the same details as the UTR (per para 4.3.1).

4.4 SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

4.4.1 This section shall be considered a supplement to Block 14 of the Government provided DD Form 254, Contract Classification Specification. The following security requirements shall apply to this effort. Also, see the attached DD Form 254.

References:

• DoDI 5220.22, National Industrial Security Program (NISP), Effective 10 December 2021

• DoDM 5200.2, DoW Personnel Security Program (PSP), 3 April 2017

• DoDM 5200.01, Vol 1-3 Information Security Program, 28 July 2020

• AFI 16-1404, Information Protection, 29 July 2019

DRAFT PWS – A3 CHECKMATE SUPPORT FOLLOW-ON Solicitation #: FA7014-26-R-PKHB06

4.4.2 Physical Security.

The Contractor shall safeguard all US Government property and controlled forms provided for Contractor use and adhere to the Government property requirements contained in this contract. At the end of each workday, all Government facilities, equipment and materials shall be secured per local security protocols. The Contractor must maintain a final TOP SECRET/SCI (TS/SCI) security clearance. The Contractor is authorized unescorted access to, and the ability to open and close, the Checkmate vault (1E712) and the Copy Room (1E676A).

4.4.3 Security Clearance and Performance.

This PWS requires all personnel to hold and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance. The Contractor shall ensure all personnel have a current and final TS/SCI clearance or hold an interim TS clearance which is being processed for completion prior to proposal submission. Also, Contractor personnel shall require access to Restricted Data (RD), Critical Nuclear Weapon Design Information (CNWDI), Formerly Restricted Data (FRD), Sensitive compartmented Information (SCI), Special Access Program (SAP), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Foreign Government Information (FGI), and alternative or compensatory control measure (ACCM). The following positions require Contractors under this PWS to hold a TS/SCI security clearance. For all task order (TO) requirements with classified work or access to classified information (see reference task and description below), the Contractor shall require the following security clearance requirements:

Table 4 – Security Clearances FTE Description Clearance Required 6 Warfighter Support Subject Matter Expert Top Secret with SCI and SAP/SAR 1 Senior Subject Matter Expert Top Secret with SCI and SAP/SAR 1 Security Specialist Top Secret with SCI and SAP/SAR 1 Operations and Workflow Manager Top Secret with SCI and SAP/SAR 1 Operations Research Analyst Top Secret with SCI and SAP/SAR

4.4.3.1 Security Investigation Requirements. All personnel requiring TS/SCI and SAP/SAR access under this contract shall undergo a favorably adjudicated Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) as a minimum investigation. The SSBI shall be maintained current within 5 years and requests for Special Background Periodic Reinvestigation (SBPR) shall be initiated prior to the 5-year anniversary date of the previous SSBI or SBPR.

4.4.4 Classified Information. For all TO requirements with classified work or access to classified information, the Contractor shall:

4.4.4.1 Comply with, coordinate and complete a DD Form 254, Department of Defense Contract Security Classification Specification requirements. Upon execution of award, the CO shall sign the DD Form 254 for incorporation into the TO. The customer/requiring activity shall provide security classification guidance for contract performance. The Government will oversee handling and storage of classified information and provide appropriate storage capability for all classified material. All classified information shall be returned to the Government upon termination of the TO.

4.4.4.2 The Contractor shall ensure all personnel have a current and final TS clearance prior to proposal submission. Contractor personnel shall have appropriate clearances adjudicated prior to commencing work on any TO unless otherwise approved in writing by the CO. The Contractor shall also complete visit requests for each individual that shall be performing work on a TO in the Defense Information System for Security (DISS) prior to performance start unless otherwise approved in writing by the CO.

4.4.5 The Contractor shall notify the servicing Information Protection Office of contract award within 30 days after basic contract award. The notification shall include:

DRAFT PWS – A3 CHECKMATE SUPPORT FOLLOW-ON Solicitation #: FA7014-26-R-PKHB06

• Name, address, and telephone number of company representatives

• The contract number and contracting agency

• The highest level of classified information to which Contractor employees require access

4.4.6 Facility Security Clearance. The Contractor shall possess a facility security clearance at the classification level of TS, prior to proposal submission. Local security clearance requirements shall apply to all work performed under the contract.

4.4.6.1 Visitor Group Security Agreement (VGSA). The Contractor shall enter into a long term visitor group security agreement if contract performance is on base for 90 days or more. This agreement shall outline how the Contractor integrates security requirements for contract operations with the DAF to ensure effective and economical operation on the installation. Enter into a long term VGSA through the host base Information Security Program Manager, when applicable. Provide the information requested by the Notification of Government Security Activity and Visitor Group Security Agreements Clause, AFFARS 5352.204-9000. Visitor Groups shall safeguard all collateral classified information IAW DoDM 5200.01 Volume 3, DoD Information Security Program: Protection of Classified Information;

AFI 16-1404 Air Force Information Security Program, AFI 16 1406, Air Force Industrial Security Program, and other directives deemed necessary by the servicing Information Protection Office. In addition to the items required by AFFARS 5352.204-9000, the VGSA shall outline how the Contractor integrates security requirements for contract operations with the Air Force to ensure effective and economical operation on the installation, the use of security forms and conducting inspections required by DoDM 5220.22 Volume 3, National Industrial Security Program: Procedures for Government Activities Relating to Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI), and protection of high value pilferable property.

4.4.6.2 Security Training. The Contractor shall ensure employees are trained as required by DoDM

5200.01 Volume 3, DoD Information Security Program: Protection of Classified Information; AFI 16- 1404 Air Force Information Security Program. The Contractor shall also provide initial and follow-on training to their Contractor personnel who work in Air Force controlled/restricted areas IAW AFI 31-101, Air Force Installation Security Program. This training shall be provided by an appointed security manager for the on-site Visitor Group. The security manager may be a full-time or an additional duty position.