PWS ASEP_Transition Course Support - PWS FY 22-26 Final as of 01 Dec 20.docx

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

Army Strategic Education Program-Transition Course (ASEP-T) U.S. Army War College

Part 1 General Information

1. GENERAL: This is a non-personnel services contract to provide a General Officer career transition course for Army General Officers (GO) retiring or otherwise departing military service. The Government shall not exercise any supervision or control over the contract service providers performing the services herein. Such contract service providers shall be accountable solely to the Contractor who, in turn is responsible to the Government.

1.1 Description of Services/Introduction: The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to perform a General Officer career transition course as defined in this Performance Work Statement except for those items specified as government furnished property and services. The contractor shall perform to the standards in this contract.

1.2 Background: Service members are required to attend a career transition course in accordance with the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, Department of Defense Directives and Army Regulations. Separating Army General Officers require a transition program that not only meets relevant laws and policies, but that addresses transition at a senior executive level. The Army’s standard course for the transitioning personnel is the Soldier For Life-Transition Assistance program (SFL-TAP). However, due to the relatively low number of transitioning General Officers, the high demand on their time, their senior professional level and their geographic dispersion, a unique transition course must be developed.

1.3 Objectives: To develop and conduct a transition assistance program that is flexible and specifically designed to meet the unique needs and concerns of retiring or separating general officers. The program must use executive education principles that combine theory and practice to deliver in depth knowledge for immediate impact. Curriculum, course work, and instruction must thoroughly prepare general officers and their spouses to successfully transition from military service and reenter the civilian life and work force. The course provides a starting point for transitioning general officers and their spouses who must leave the course with an understanding of retirement/separation processes, the medical requirements, and other administration requirements leading up to their last day in service, as well as Veterans Administration (VA) benefits post-Army, as well as the employment environment. They must also have a firm understanding of resumes, interviewing techniques, networking, social media, branding, and other programs or processes necessary for successfully finding post-Army employment, including a vision for their place as executive level leaders in a future forecasted five to ten years out.

1.4 Scope: Each course shall prepare general officers and their spouses to transition from executive military service to the civilian workforce in accordance with the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act and other related Soldier For Life-Transition Assistance program (SFL-TAP) directives and policies. Curriculum and instructional design must be based on principles of executive education using adult learning models and challenging experiential education. Through focused theory developed in collaboration with industry, challenging exercises in breakout groups, and reflection, the transitioning generals develop the products and skills they need to reenter the civilian workforce. The course curriculum shall, at a minimum, include the following: pre- separation counseling, individual transition planning, resume preparation, networking preparation, and individual employment assistance. The course shall be conducted using at least two instructors, to include one primary lead instructor and one alternate or assistant instructor, with guest speakers on key topics when necessary to enrichen the experience. The course must be suitable for execution equally in a face-to face format and an on-line or web based delivery.

1.4.1. The Primary and Alternate Instructors shall meet the "Qualifications" as stated in Paragraph 5.4 of this PWS and shall teach, present or facilitate a majority of the tasks outlined in Paragraph 5.2. However, it is acceptable, with the concurrence of the ASEP-T Course Director, for the contractor to include paid or unpaid outside speakers from the U.S. Government, the private sector and non-profit organizations to discuss tasks related to the introduction of Veterans benefits, ethics, processes, financial and estate planning, and other topics as proposed by the contractor. "Guest Speakers" may include, but are not limited to, sub-contractors, gratis experts, and invited guests who have demonstrated expertise in the field and whose support to the curriculum enriches the experience for the attendees. Any cost associated with "Guest Speakers" must be included in the contractor's proposal. No additional funding beyond the cost of the contract will be provided for "Guest Speakers."

1.5 Period of Performance: The period of performance shall be for one Base Year of twelve (12) months (Academic Year (AY) 2022) and four (4 ea.) twelve (12) month option years (AY-23 through AY-26). There will be five courses per year. All five ASEP-T courses and the Individual Transition Module (ITM) in support of Army Strategic Education Program – Basic (ASEP-B)/ Senior Leader Development Seminar (SLDS) (ASEP-B/SLDS) (para 5.2.16) shall be conducted IAW the Academic Year (AY) course schedule provided by the Army Strategic Education Program. The course dates shall be confirmed with the contractor a minimum of three months prior to the execution of each course. The ASEP-T Course Director will confirm the ASEP-T course dates and the ASEP-B/SLDS Course Director will conform the ITM course dates. Any changes required by the AASEP schedule are subject to mutual agreement between the contractor and the ASEP Course Director. The contract award will serve as notification for the projected course dates. Projected course dates are as follows:

1.5.1 Base Year (AY 22): ASEP-T Courses: 25-29 October 2021, 10-14 January 2022, 04-08 April 2022, 11-15 July 2022, and 15-19 August 2022. ITM – January 22, 2022

1.5.2. Option Year 1 (AY23): ASEP-T Courses: 24-28 October 2022, 09-13 January 2023, 17-21 April 2023, 10-14 July 2023, and 21-25 August 2023. ITM – January 21, 2023

1.5.3. Option Year 2 (AY 24): ASEP-T Courses: 23-27 October 2023, 08-12 January 2024, 15-19 April 2024, 08-12 July 2024, 19-23 August 2024. ITM – January 20, 2024

1.5.4 Option Year 3 (AY 25): ASEP-T Courses: 28 October – 01 November 2024, 13-17 January 2025, 07-11 April 2025, 14-18 July 2025, and 18-22 August 2025. ITM – January 18, 2025

1.5.5 Option Year 4 (AY 26): ASEP-T Courses: 27-31 October 2025, 12-16 January 2026, 13-17 April 2026, 13-17 July 2026, and 17-21 August 2026. ITM – January 17, 2026

1.6 General Information

1.6.1 Quality Control: The contractor shall develop and maintain an effective quality control program to ensure services are performed in accordance with this PWS and relevant DoD Instructions and Army Regulations. The contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services. The contractor’s quality control program is the means by which he assures himself that his work complies with the requirement of the contract. The QCP is to be delivered within two weeks after contract award. Three copies of a comprehensive written QCP shall be submitted to the KO and COR within five working days when changes are made thereafter. After acceptance of the quality control plan the contractor shall receive the contracting officer’s acceptance in writing of any proposed change to his QC system.

1.6.2 Quality Assurance: The government shall evaluate the contractor’s performance under this contract in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan. This plan is primarily focused on what the Government must do to ensure that the contractor has performed in accordance with the performance standards. It defines how the performance standards will be applied, the frequency of surveillance, and the minimum acceptable defect rate(s).

1.6.4. Hours of Operation: The contractor is responsible for executing the course between the hours of 8:00 to 5:00 Monday thru Friday except Federal holidays or when used a facility is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closings, or similar Government directed facility closings. The exception is the ASEP-Basic Course/ Senior Leader Development Seminar (ASEP-B/SLDS), Introductory Transition Module (ITM, para 5.2.16), which the contractor will execute IAW the ASEP-B/SLDS approved curriculum. Additionally, the contractor will coordinate a no-host social networking for ASEP-Transition Course participants for a period not to exceed 2 hours. The networking event may overlap the last hour of class or sequentially with the day’s lesson depending on the proposed curriculum. For other than firm fixed price contracts, the contractor will not be reimbursed when the government facility is closed for the above reasons. The Contractor must at all times maintain an adequate workforce for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within this PWS when the Government facility is not closed for the above reasons. When hiring personnel, the Contractor shall keep in mind that the stability and continuity of the workforce are essential.

1.6.5 Place of Performance: The work to be performed under this contract will be performed in the National Capital Region (NCR) utilizing facilities with appropriate classroom equipment for presenting lessons, close proximity to dining establishments, and to the greatest extent possible, easy access to lodging for commuters. The contractor shall propose locations for the course to the ASEP-T Course Director for final approval by the Director, Army Strategic Education Program (ASEP).

1.6.5.1. Face to Face. Courses may be executed at a United States Government facility or private facilities approved by the Director, Army Strategic Education Program (ASEP), U.S. Army War College (USAWC). The Contractor is responsible for selecting a facility and for gaining the Director, Army Strategic Education Program (ASEP) approval for the facility before committing to the facility. Selection of a non- governmental or commercial facility is feasible effective 6 July 2018, with the ASEP-T Course receiving an exemption from AR 1-50, Army Conference Policy requirements. A non-governmental or commercial facility may now be considered as a competitive, cost-effective alternative to a U.S. Government facility.

1.6.5.2. On-line. When face to face delivery of the ASEP-Transition course is not feasible due to a DoD policy restriction and/ or local or national condition the Director, Army Strategic Education Program (ASEP) must approve the ASEP-Transition course for execution via on-line or web based delivery. The contractor shall execute the five days of course using a web based solution IAW paragraph 5.2.4.1 of this PWS utilizing facilities with appropriate equipment for presenting lessons. The contractor will determine the best location to facilitate execution and inform the ASEP-T Course Director of the selection. There is no paid travel to the contractor, by the government, for their staff to execute on-line / web-based courses.

1.6.6 Type of Contract: The government will award a Sole Source - Firm Fixed Price contract.

1.6.7 Security Requirements: Contractor personnel performing work under this contract are not required to have a current security clearance but shall be able to gain access to government installations or facilities.

1.6.7.1. Physical Security: The contractor shall be responsible for safeguarding all government equipment, information and property provided for contractor use. At the close of each work period, government facilities, equipment, and materials shall be secured.

1.6.7.2. AT Level I Training. This provision/contract text is for contractor employees with an area of performance within an Army controlled installation, facility or area. All contractor employees, to include subcontractor employees, requiring access Army installations, facilities and controlled access areas shall complete AT Level I awareness training within 30 calendar days after contract start date or effective date of incorporation of this requirement into the contract, whichever is applicable. The contractor shall submit certificates of completion for each affected contractor employee and subcontractor employee, to the COR or to the contracting officer, if a COR is not assigned, within 30 calendar days after completion of training by all employees and subcontractor personnel. AT level I awareness training is available at the following website: https://atlevel1.dtic.mil/at.

1.6.7.3. Access and General Protection/Security Policy and Procedures. Contractor and all associated sub-contractors employees shall comply with applicable installation, facility and area commander installation/facility access and local security policies and procedures (provided by government representative). The contractor shall also provide all information required for background checks to meet installation access requirements to be accomplished by installation Provost Marshal Office, Director of Emergency Services or Security Office. Contractor workforce shall comply with all personal identity verification requirements as directed by DOD, HQDA and/or local policy. In addition to the changes otherwise authorized by the changes clause of this contract, should the Force Protection Condition (FPCON) at any individual facility or installation change, the Government may require changes in contractor security matters or processes.

1.6.7.4. iWATCH Training. This standard language is for contractor employees with an area of performance within an Army controlled installation, facility or area. The contractor and all associated sub-contractors shall brief all employees on the local iWATCH program (training standards provided by the requiring activity ATO). This local developed training will be used to inform employees of the types of behavior to watch for and instruct employees to report suspicious activity to the COR. This training shall be completed within 30 calendar days of contract award and within 21 calendar days of new employees commencing performance with the results reported to the COR upon completion of the training.

1.6.7.5. OPSEC Training - Per AR 530-1, Operations Security, the contractor employees must complete Level I OPSEC Awareness training. New employees must be trained within 30 calendar days of their reporting for duty and annually thereafter. The contractor shall submit verification of training completion by each contractor employee and any subcontractor employee, to the COR or to the contracting officer, if a COR is not assigned, within 30 calendar days after completion of training by all employees and subcontractor personnel.

1.6.7.6. Additional Training Requirements. Contractor shall accomplish any additional training that the Department of Defense, Department of the Army, or the Commandant of the USAW may determine necessary for personnel working on military installations or working with military personnel (not to exceed 10 hours of instruction).

1.6.8. Special Qualifications. None

1.6.9 Post Award Conference/Periodic Progress Meetings: The Contractor agrees to attend any post award conference convened by the contracting activity or contract administration office in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 42.5. The contracting officer, Contracting Officers Representative (COR), and other Government personnel, as appropriate, may meet periodically with the contractor to review the contractor's performance. At these meetings the contracting officer will apprise the contractor of how the government views the contractor's performance and the contractor will apprise the Government of problems, if any, being experienced. Appropriate action shall be taken to resolve outstanding issues. These meetings shall be at no additional cost to the government.

1.6.10 Contracting Officer Representative (COR): The (COR) will be identified by separate letter. The COR monitors all technical aspects of the contract and assists in contract administration The COR is authorized to perform the following functions: assure that the Contractor performs the technical requirements of the contract: perform inspections necessary in connection with contract performance: maintain written and oral communications with the Contractor concerning technical aspects of the contract: issue written interpretations of technical requirements, including Government drawings, designs, specifications: monitor Contractor's performance and notifies both the Contracting Officer and Contractor of any deficiencies; coordinate availability of government furnished property, and provide site entry of Contractor personnel. A letter of designation issued to the COR, a copy of which is sent to the Contractor, states the responsibilities and limitations of the COR, especially with regard to changes in cost or price, estimates or changes in delivery dates. The COR is not authorized to change any of the terms and conditions of the resulting order.

1.6.11 Key Personnel: The following personnel are considered key personnel by the government: contract manager and lead instructor. The contractor shall provide a contract manager who shall be responsible for the performance of the work. The name of this person and an alternate who shall act for the contractor when the manager is absent shall be designated in writing to the contracting officer. The contract manager or alternate shall have full authority to act for the contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The contract manager or alternate shall be available between 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday thru Friday except Federal holidays or when the government facility is closed for administrative reasons. Qualifications for all key personnel are listed below: the contract manager must be able to represent the Contractor for all issues related to the contract. And, the lead instructor must meet the minimum qualifications as required in paragraph 5.4.

1.6.12 Identification of Contractor Employees: All contract personnel attending meetings, answering Government telephones, and working in other situations where their contractor status is not obvious to third parties are required to identify themselves as such to avoid creating an impression in the minds of members of the public that they are Government officials. They must also ensure that all documents or reports produced by contractors are suitably marked as contractor products or that contractor participation is appropriately disclosed. Contractor personnel are not required to obtain a badge in the performance of this service.

1.6.13 Contractor Travel: Contractor will be required to travel to or within the NCR during the performance of this contract to attend meetings, conferences, and training. The contractor may be required to travel to off-site training locations and to ship training aids to these locations in support of this PWS. Contractor will be authorized travel expenses consistent with the substantive provisions of the Joint Travel Regulation (JTR) and the limitation of funds specific in this contract. All travel requires Government pre-approval/authorization and notification to the COR. Contractor shall receive and utilize the government per-diem rate for lodging, air-fare, rental cars and subsistence. Travel will not exceed $20,000 for each year of the contract.

Additional travel costs, if necessary, will be directed and funding provided and added to the contract as required using JTR per diem costs.

1.6.13.1 Army Four-Star General Career Transition Seminar Travel (optional unfunded CLIN) Contractor will be required to travel to execute Army Four-Star General Career Transition Seminars (paragraph 5.3) during the period of this contract for a specific period of performance and at the a specific place of performance (paragraph 5.3.3.4) as directed by the Director, Army Strategic Education Program or their executive agent – Course Director, ASEP-T. The contractor may be required to travel to off-site training locations and to ship training aids to these locations in support of this task. Contractor will be authorized travel expenses consistent with the substantive provisions of the Joint Travel Regulation (JTR) and the limitation of funds specified in this contract. All travel requires Government pre- approval/authorization and notification to the COR. Contractor shall receive and utilize the government per-diem rate for lodging, air-fare, rental cars and subsistence. Travel for this task will not exceed $10,000 for each year of the contract. Additional travel costs, if necessary, will be directed and funding provided and added to the contract as required using JTR per diem costs.

1.6.14 Other Direct Costs: Travel as outlined in paragraph 1.6.13. Facility costs IAW this PWS (Paragraph 5.2.3)

1.6.15 Data Rights: The Government has unlimited rights to all documents/material produced under this contract. All documents and materials, to include the source codes of any software, produced under this contract shall be Government owned and are the property of the Government with all rights and privileges of ownership/copyright belonging exclusively to the Government. These documents and materials may not be used or sold by the contractor without written permission from the Contracting Officer. All materials supplied to the Government shall be the sole property of the Government and may not be used for any other purpose. This right does not abrogate any other Government rights.

1.6.16 Organizational Conflict of Interest: Contractor and subcontractor personnel performing work under this contract may receive, have access to or participate in the development of proprietary or source selection information (e.g., cost or pricing information, budget information or analyses, specifications or work statements, etc.) or perform evaluation services which may create a current or subsequent Organizational Conflict of Interests (OCI) as defined in FAR Subpart 9.5. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer immediately whenever it becomes aware that such access or participation may result in any actual or potential OCI and shall promptly submit a plan to the Contracting Officer to avoid or mitigate any such OCI. The Contractor’s mitigation plan will be determined to be acceptable solely at the discretion of the Contracting Officer and in the event the Contracting Officer unilaterally determines that any such OCI cannot be satisfactorily avoided or mitigated, the Contracting Officer may effect other remedies as he or she deems necessary, including prohibiting the Contractor from participation in subsequent contracted requirements which may be affected by the OCI.

1.6.17 PHASE IN /PHASE OUT PERIOD: Not applicable.

PART 2 DEFINITIONS & ACRONYMS

2. DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS:

2.1. DEFINITIONS:

2.1.1. CAREER READINESS STANDARDS. A set of common and specific activities and associated relevant deliverables that must be achieved to demonstrate service members are prepared to transition effectively to pursue their personal post-separation higher education career technical training, and civilian employment goals.

2.1.2. CONTRACTOR. A supplier or vendor awarded a contract to provide specific supplies or service to the government. The term used in this contract refers to the prime.

2.1.3. CONTRACTING OFFICER. A person with authority to enter into, administer, and or terminate contracts, and make related determinations and findings on behalf of the government. Note: The only individual who can legally bind the government.

2.1.4. CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE (COR). An employee of the U.S. Government appointed by the contracting officer to administer the contract. Such appointment shall be in writing and shall state the scope of authority and limitations. This individual has authority to provide technical direction to the Contractor as long as that direction is within the scope of the contract, does not constitute a change, and has no funding implications. This individual does NOT have authority to change the terms and conditions of the contract.

2.1.5. DEFECTIVE SERVICE. A service output that does not meet the standard of performance associated with the Performance Work Statement.

2.1.6. DELIVERABLE. Anything that can be physically delivered, but may include non- manufactured things such as meeting minutes or reports.

2.1.7. DOL EMPLOYMENT WORKSHOP. Mandatory DOL-led workshop which focuses on the mechanics of resume writing, networking, job search skills, interview skills, and labor market research.

2.1.8. INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN. A written plan designed to meet particular goals for individual career development that is aligned with the eligible Service member’s organization and operational missions.

2.1.9. KEY PERSONNEL. Contractor personnel that are evaluated in a source selection process and that may be required to be used in the performance of a contract by the Key Personnel listed in the PWS. When key personnel are used as an evaluation factor in best value procurement, an offer can be rejected if it does not have a firm commitment from the persons that are listed in the proposal.

2.1.10. PHYSICAL SECURITY. Actions that prevent the loss or damage of Government property.

2.1.11. QUALITY ASSURANCE. The government procedures to verify that services being performed by the Contractor are performed according to acceptable standards.

2.1.12. QUALITY ASSURANCE Surveillance Plan (QASP). An organized written document specifying the surveillance methodology to be used for surveillance of contractor performance.

2.1.13. QUALITY CONTROL. All necessary measures taken by the Contractor to assure that the quality of an end product or service shall meet contract requirements.

2.1.14. SUBCONTRACTOR. One that enters into a contract with a prime contractor. The Government does not have privity of contract with the subcontractor.

2.1.15. TRANSITION GPS. A package of activities and curriculum specifically designed to provide eligible Service members with the targeted set of knowledge, skills, documentation, and assistance required to meet the CRS before transition and enable a successful transition from active duty back to civilian life.

2.1.16. WORK DAY. The number of hours per day the Contractor provides services in accordance with the contract.

2.1.17. WORK WEEK. Monday through Friday, unless specified otherwise.

2.2. ACRONYMS:

PART 3

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT, AND SERVICES

3. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES:

3.1. Services: The Government will provide an ASEP-T Course Director to advise, review and approve proposed agendas, curriculum-educational programs, and training modules as necessary to ensure compliance with the Objectives (Paragraph 1.3), Scope (Paragraph 1.4) and Tasks in Part 5 (Tasks) of this PWS. The ASEP-T Course Director will provide an approved list of students who will attend each course NTL 30 days prior to the course start DTG and will be available to assist with management of student attendance, to act as point of contact for receiving course materials, and will be present to observe at least day one of the course to ensure execution meets ASEP’s academic standards.

3.2 Facilities: The Contractor is responsible for selecting a facility and for gaining the Director, Army Strategic Education Program (ASEP) approval for the facility before committing to the facility. Selection of a non- governmental or commercial facility will require the ASEP Office to initiate a conference approval in accordance with AR 1-50, Army Conference Policy, before the Contractor can commit to the facility. Clarification: effective 6 July 2018, the ASEP-T Course was exempted from AR 1-50, Army Conference Policy requirements. A non-governmental or commercial facility may now be considered as a competitive, cost-effective alternative to a U.S. Government facility.

3.3 Utilities: None.

3.4 Equipment: None.

3.5 Materials: None.

PART 4

CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES

4. CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

4.1. General: The Contractor shall furnish all supplies, equipment, facilities and services required to perform work under this contract that are not listed under Section 3 of this PWS.

4.2. Facility: The contractor shall provide the course facility including setup and necessary support equipment. Courses are to be conducted in the National Capital Region utilizing facilities and lodging at a place with immediate access to lodging, and must be IAW the published government rate in the Joint Travel Regulation. Food, beverages, and amenities, whether from retail facilities on the sight or otherwise catered and provided in conjunction with the courseware, must be acceptable in price to conform to per diem rates. See Paragraph 3.2 for further explanation of facility approval.

4.3. Materials: The Contractor shall produce all program materials to include read-ahead packets, invitations, charts, posters, maps, nametags, name tents, student materials, and post event surveys to support course execution and AAR. The contractor shall develop participant binders or workbooks to include all course curriculum and materials relevant for student participation including: itineraries, agendas, student/participant list, required biographies, required handouts or slides, maps, important phone numbers and any other applicable course material as a take-away.

4.3.1. Course material that is specifically adapted to the general officer retirement experience will be provided by the contractor. Materials include workbooks, commercially available textbooks, and career transition manuals developed by the contractor that cover the curriculum discussed in Section IV above. The contractor shall submit developed course material to the ASEP-T Director 5 days prior to conducting course developed for general officers. If there are any revisions needed to the course material, the contractor shall provide a copy of new material to the ASEP-T Director 30 days prior to a course dates. Course material will be provided to each course military participant (the contractor is not required to provide duplicate material to attending spouses) at each course.

4.4. Equipment: The Contractor shall provide all equipment necessary for effective presentation of course materials.

PART 5

SPECIFIC TASKS

5. Specific Tasks:

5.1. Basic Services: The contractor shall develop and execute an education and training program with relevant transition assistance services for the ASEP-T General Officer transition course.

5.2. Tasks: The contractor shall complete the following tasks.

5.2.1. Develop a current, relevant and modular curriculum that is adaptable to face to face or on-line delivery and includes, but is not limited to, the following:

5.2.1.1. Present a vision for the future (five to ten years), based on professional standards established by a nationally recognized recruiter, futurist or other recognized professional, that assists transitioning general officers to determine where they best fit as an executive leader.

5.2.1.1.1. Provide assistance with creating and executing a detailed individual transition plan. The plan will include at a minimum the Service member’s and spouse’s (as desired) post-military service employment, education, and training. The plan will also include at a minimum the following objectives:

5.2.1.1.2. Development of a pre-separation timeline;

5.2.1.1.3. Career goals with realistic expectations;

5.2.1.1.4. Nationally recognized psychological job interest/aptitude survey; and

5.2.1.1.5. Translating military background into civilian terminology and skills assessment.

5.2.1.3 Effects of a career change including, but not limited to, the following:

5.2.1.3.1. Change in personal identity;

5.2.1.3.2. Stress; and

5.2.1.3.3. Issues facing spouses (spouse course will be IAW Task 5.2.10) and families of retiring military general officers.

5.2.1.4. Employment assistance including, but not limited to, the following:

5.2.1.4.1. Resume (or curriculum vitae as required by individual) and cover letter preparation;

5.2.1.4.2. Contact development and networking with special emphasis on instruction that requires students to develop functional networking plans and social media (LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, etc…) pages;

5.2.1.4.3. Job search methods, including professional employment services,

5.2.1.4.4. Personal branding, elevator speeches and personal marketing;

5.2.1.4.5. Interviewing techniques;

5.2.1.4.6. Civilian salary scales and salary negotiations;

5.2.1.4.7. Post-interview actions;

5.2.1.4.8. Public, non-profit and community service opportunities;

5.2.1.4.9. Case studies of general officers who have transitioned successfully; 5.2.1.4.10. Legal and ethical constraints unique to retiring General Officers; and 5.2.1.4.11. Proper civilian senior executive attire.

5.2.1.5. Personal financial planning including, but not limited to, the following:

5.2.1.5.1. Retirement pay;

5.2.1.5.2. Thrift Savings Plan;

5.2.1.5.3. Survivor Benefits Plan;

5.2.1.5.4. Post-9/11 GI Bill;

5.2.1.5.5. Impact of VA Disability;

5.2.1.5.6. Impact of Social Security; and

5.2.1.5.7. Estate planning.

5.2.2. Present the curriculum describe in the Scope of Work 1.4 and Task 5.2.1 – 5.2.1.5.7 of this PWS using methods consistent with principles of executive education and adult learning models that minimize lecturing the students. The course is limited to 18 general officers, and spouses (spouse course will be IAW Task 5.2.10) so at most, the maximum number of students in any course would be 36. This is to ensure small group instruction (under the guidance of at least two facilitators) and to maximize the use of challenging exercises in breakout groups. Build in time for reflection in the curriculum model. “Death by PowerPoint” is unacceptable. Ensure that all materials presented (e.g. briefings, charts, videos, etc) are made available as take away products for the students. Challenging exercises include but is not limited to the following:

5.2.2.1. Wifi enabled exercises.

5.2.2.1.1. Building a resume.

5.2.2.1.2. Creating and using LinkedIn and other social media profiles, and the uses of social media in executive transition.

5.2.2.1.3. Research, networking, and interviewing using computer platforms to manage your transition plan.

5.2.2.2. Interview techniques and mock exercises to simulate formal interviews, informal meetings (networking) and chance encounters that help market skills.

5.2.2.3. Mock exercises on techniques in negotiating the offer.

5.2.3. Provide the course facility including setup and necessary support equipment. This requirement is for five days of course ware covering VOW Act, Soldier for Life Program and Department of Labor requirements tailored to a General Officer (senior executive) audience, plus any additional instruction outlined in this performance work statement, in direct coordination with the ASEP-T director. The contractor is responsible for proposing an adaptable curriculum that meets the legal and regulatory requirements for transition assistance and that can be modified with advanced notice when legal or regulatory requirements change. The ASEP-T director will ensure the proposed program meets Army standards and is approved by the U.S. Army Human Resources Command. Topics covered are in accordance with the VOW Act, Soldier for Life and other Department of Defense and Army regulations now and in the future if amended by Army regulation or policy. Facility size should be adequate to seat 18-36 participants based on a course limit of 18 general officers, who have the option to include their spouses (spouse course will be IAW Task 5.2.10), hence up to 36 participants. Light refreshments will be provided for the morning (e.g. coffee and tea) and afternoon (e.g. coffee, soft drinks, and snack food) sessions and during breaks. The courses shall be booked utilizing suitable facilities in the National Capitol Region and must be in accordance with cost parameters in the Joint Travel Regulation.

5.2.4. Conduct five (5) five-day courses, approximately eight hours per day, instructing general officers and their spouses (including separate spouse curriculum IAW Task 5.2.10) on transitioning from executive military service into the civilian workforce. Each course will consist of no more than 18 retiring general officers as determined by the Army Strategic Education Program Office via the ASEP Net. The ASEP Office will provide a list of attendees to the contractor no later than 30 days prior to the course. The contractor shall produce all program materials to include read- ahead packets, invitations, charts, posters, maps, nametags, name tents, student materials, and post event surveys to support course execution and AAR. The contractor shall develop participant binders or workbooks to include all course curriculum and materials relevant for student participation including: itineraries, agendas, student/participant list, required biographies, required handouts or slides, maps, important phone numbers and any other applicable course material as a take-away.

5.2.4.1 Conduct ASEP-Transition course via on-line or web based delivery when face to face delivery of the course is not feasible due to a DoD policy restriction and/ or local or national condition. The contractor shall adapt the curriculum, setup and execute the course using a web based solution accessible and available for free (examples include, Zoom, Teams, Skype, etc.) to the students. The contractor shall inform the students at least 2 weeks in advance of the course which platform it will use. The course shall contain and provide for five days of course ware and instruction outlined in this performance work statement for the face to face course. The course shall be adequate to educate 18-36 participants IAW the course limit outlined in this PWS.

5.2.5. Coordinate a no-host networking event on day two of the course that includes engagement with recently retired General Officers. Identify a minimum of three retired General Officers of diverse ranks (e.g. retired Brigadier Generals, Major Generals, and Lieutenant Generals) who possess a variety of post military employment experiences to invite for the purpose of sharing their experiences, mentoring and networking. Conduct coordination and invitations to the event in conjunction with the ASEP-T Course Director.

5.2.6. Conduct a pre-course survey designed to gather high performance principles from the course’s military participants regarding career goals, retirement goals, special interests, work experience, individual concerns, etc. The contractor shall mail/email pre-course surveys to the participants no later than 25 days prior to the course so that results from the surveys may be incorporated into the course and individual transition plans. The contractor shall include an online assessment of high performance principles that provides insights on areas of interest, leadership strengths, styles and industries that best match the student’s skill set, passion, and or hobby and professional interest.

5.2.7. Concurrent with the course, provide individual counseling sessions for each participant (and spouse, as applicable). These counseling sessions will include at a minimum the following:

5.2.7.1. Feedback on the course participants’ individual transition plan.

5.2.7.2. In-depth resume critique, with the goal of producing a near final draft;

5.2.7.3. Assessment of each participant’s experiences identifying professional strengths to emphasize in their job search process;

5.2.7.4. An in-depth review of the participant’s networking plan with the goal of producing a functional methodology to use in job searches and to easily and effectively expand over time. This includes a critique of LinkedIn and other social media products used in networking.

5.2.8. Develop and administer a course evaluation form to assess course effectiveness. This contractor developed evaluation form will include topics such as determination of overall course effectiveness, strong points, weak points, suggestions for course improvement, general comments, etc.

5.2.9. Provide up to 2 hours of follow-on services (telephonic or in person) for each military participant for a period not to exceed 90 days following that participant’s retirement from military service. Follow-on services provided by the contractor will be measured in increments of 10 minutes and will not exceed 2 hours per person. Possible follow-on topics include, but are not limited to:

5.2.9.1. Resume and cover letter updates;

5.2.9.2. Job search methods, including professional employment services and advertisements;

5.2.9.3. Interviewing techniques; and

5.2.9.4. Civilian salary scales and salary negotiations.

5.2.10. Develop a spouse specific curriculum that is both integrated with the participant’s education and, when appropriate, provides break-out sessions to address spouse specific topics. Ensure learning outcomes and topics covered in the curriculum are nested and supporting of each other. Coordinate topics with the ASEP-T Director to ensure that topics address the needs of transitioning service-members and their spouses.

5.2.11. Provide a post-course report based on feedback and results of course evaluation responses. The contractor’s post course report shall address evaluation responses from paragraph 5.2.8., including “lessons learned” and proposed corrective action where deficiencies have been identified, and will be provided to the ASEP-T Course Director within 10 working days.

5.2.12. Reports: Provide to the ASEP-T Course Director and COR a Quarterly Report NTL 10 working days after the end of each DoD quarter (IAW the FY) providing a summary of the course feedback, a listing the number of military participants requesting follow up counseling services as set forth in this contract, the number of hours used per military participant and the discussion topic without specific details (i.e. resume, VA benefits, etc.).

5.2.12.1 Provide the ASEP-T Course Director and COR one (1) annual report no later than 15 September of the contract year summarizing the 4 quarterly reports including analysis that highlights the key successes in the course, student feedback, and any changes proposed for the next fiscal year (FY) curriculum. The report will also provide an annual longitudinal study of previous ASEP-T course graduates to assess the efficacy of the course in meeting the course’s main objective – to adequately prepare the retiring general officer for a successful transition. The assessment will survey officers that are three (3) months or more past their retirement date. The ASEP-T Course Director will provide ASEP team support for contact information and or guidance to the contactor if required.

5.2.13. The contractor shall develop and submit a draft of the pre-course survey to the ASEP-T Course Director 30 days prior to conducting the first course. If there are any revisions needed to the pre-course survey, the contractor shall provide a copy of the new pre-course survey to ASEP- T Course Director 30 days prior to all subsequent course date.

5.2.14. The contractor shall develop and execute a draft course evaluation form to the ASEP-T Course Director for approval prior to conducting the first course. Once approved, the contractor shall distribute surveys to the course’s military participants at the conclusion of the course. Completed evaluation forms will be mailed to the ASEP-T Director directly by the contractor within 10 working days of completion of the course. Electronic means of delivering the evaluations is also authorized (i.e., web based surveys). The contractor shall participate in after action reviews (AARs) of each course within 21 days of the course concluding. Participants in the AARs include but are not limited to: the ASEP-T Course Director, U.S. Army War College Leaders, course instructors, guest speakers, other participants, and others instrumental to the instructional design. The objective of the AAR is to identify areas to sustain and areas to improve in subsequent courses.

5.2.15. Provide a course outline of updated course curriculum, including changes identified during all AARs, 30 days prior to each course.

5.2.16. Conduct annually one (1) one-day Introductory Transition Module (ITM), of approximately five hours, instruction on transitioning from executive military service into the civilian workforce in support of the Army Strategic Education Program – Basic (ASEP-B)/ Senior Leader Development Seminar (SLDS) (ASEP-B/SLDS). Each ITM will train up to 200 students, containing both the general officers and their spouses, with content designed to arm students with a sufficient understanding of the tasks associated with a future transition from the Army. The ASEP Office will provide a list of attendees to the contractor no later than 30 days prior to the course. The contractor shall produce all program materials to include read-ahead packets, charts, student materials, and course materials to support course execution. The contractor shall develop a Transition "Starter Kit" or workbooks to include all course curriculum and materials relevant for student participation including: any required presenter/ speaker biographies, required handouts or slides, important phone numbers and any other applicable course material as a take-away. The contractor will coordinate the execution of the ITM with the ASEP-B/SLDS Course Director including any agenda and curriculum adjustments. The proposed curriculum will be provided to the ASEP-B/SLDS Course Director for review and approval NTL 45 days prior to its execution. The ASEP-B/SLDS course Director will provide the venue and all necessary audio visual equipment to facilitate the presentation and execution of the ITM.

The following tasks (5.3) is being placed on an optional unfunded CLIN; which, will only be exercised if the Director, Army Strategic Education Program (ASEP) approves their execution. The government has no obligation to exercise performance of the following tasks unless the contractor receives a Task Order Modification, signed by the Contracting officer authorizing performance of the tasks with the obligation of funds for the conferencing tasks.

5.3. Army Four-Star General Career Transition Seminar

5.3.1 Objective. To develop and conduct customized and tailorable executive transition sessions that are specifically designed to meet the unique needs and concerns of retiring United States Army four-star general officers. The level of instruction must be appropriate for senior executives, and must thoroughly prepare the participants to enter the civilian labor market.

5.3.2 Scope. Each session shall provide instruction on translating executive military experience into comparable civilian positions, to include: choosing a compatible work field, developing and honing an efficient resume and cover letter, cultivating social media (e.g. Linked In) profiles, interview techniques and considerations, translating military service to suit the needs of the civilian employer, appropriate instruction on establishing LLCs or serving on Corporate Boards, negotiating for salary and benefits packages, and mandated VOW Act and SFL-TAP information – requirements.

5.3.3 Tasks.

5.3.3.1 The contractor shall provide the session at the location designated in the request.

5.3.3.2 The contractor shall conduct no more than 4 customized executive transition sessions in an academic year IAW the Period of Performance as determined by the Director, Army Strategic Education Program (ASEP) to support the retirement of four-star general officers. Sessions will be conducted in one-day, not to exceed 4 hours. Each session will support one retiring four-star general. Spouses are encouraged to also attend. The government will provide the names of the attendees to the contractor prior to each seminar.