SOWGED.pdf

Statement of Work Attachment II

General Educational Development (GED) Contract Computer-Based Testing (CBT) and Paper-Based Testing (PBT)

Statement of Work

MISSION:

The mission of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (Bureau) Education Branch is to provide mandatory literacy programs, as required by Federal laws and rules language, which meet the needs and interests of the inmate population, provide options for the positive use of inmate time, and enhance successful reintegration into the community. In an effort to comply with federal mandates 28 CFR §

544.71 which states an inmate confined in a federal institution who does not have a verified General Education Development (GED) credential or high school diploma is required to attend an adult literacy program for minimum of 240 instructional hours or until a GED is achieved, whichever occurs first and § 544.71 (b) which states all yearly awards of good conduct time will vest for inmate who have earned, or are making satisfactory progress toward earning a General Education Development (GED) credential. The Bureau will provide educational services which potentially lead to a nationally and internationally recognized high school equivalency credential for all Federal prisoners who participate in the literacy program.

Currently, GED tests are delivered using both computer-based testing (CBT) (eventually, with the exception of specialized sites, all testing will be given via computer) and paper-based testing (PBT).

The publisher of the GED test, GED Testing Service, launched the new CBT series of the GED test on January 1, 2014. Currently, PBT is a temporary solution being offered to a small portion of testing centers including correctional institutions.

The FBOP currently has select centers activated to administer the new GED test series via an inmate wide area network (WAN) which connects zero client local area networks (LAN) across the agency.

Activated sites continue to offer PBT also. The contract will cover PBT and CBT and related services for the performance period specified.

PERFORMANCE PERIOD:

The contract will consist of one base period, July 1, 2015 - September 30, 2015, and four 12-month option years (October 1, 2015- September 30, 2016, October 1, 2016 - September 30, 2017, October 1, 2017 -

September 30, 2018, and October 1, 2018 - September 30, 2019), specifically identified in the pricing schedule.

The maximum quantity for test batteries, test administrations,. and related supplies allocated for a performance period will be listed in task order (s) . However, the contractor will be paid based on the actual number of test batteries leased, test and/or subtest administered, supplies, and reports used in each quarter.

THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS PERTAIN TO CBT ONLY:

A. TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION OF BUREAU GED SITE ADMINISTRATORS

(CBT Only)

The contractor shall provide GED site administrators policy and procedure manuals, training materials, and other necessary materials (via electronic documents) with copyright permission for use at all FBOP GED Test Centers as these materials become available. The contractor will provide the Central Office GED Jurisdiction Administrator with 1 electronic copy of all relevant materials with the rights to duplicate and distribute to all field site administrators (known as examiners under PBT) .

B. TEST DELIVERY AND UPDATE (CBT Only)

To activate a new computerized Bureau GED Test Center, the contractor shall provide all available forms of computerized GED tests(GED, GED Ready, all available language versions, Braille, etc.) , standardized forms, and supplies required for the operation and maintenance of a computerized GED testing program. The Bureau GED Administrator, who serves as the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), will notify the contractor in advance of the activation of new FBOP CBT test centers. The vendor will create a new testing center within two weeks of receiving notification from

FBOP.

The contractor shall provide secure log-in information (user ID and password) for approved Bureau GED Administrators to download tests from the Internet for usage. The contractor shall establish procedures to reset user ID and password for FBOP GED Test Centers when needed.

The contractor shall ensure the delivery of computer-based GED tests and standardized forms meet Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBOP information security requirements (to include, but not limit to the zero client LAN environment). Additionally, the contractor shall provide test accommodations for inmates with special learning, physical, and psychological needs.

Additionally, the contractor shall provide updates to test, standardized forms, and supplies as they become available.

C. GED CANDIDATE REGISTRATION AND TEST SCHEDULING (CBT Only)

The Bureau GED Site Administrators shall be responsible for establishing testing schedules, as well as creating, reviewing, and approving Bureau GED candidates' profile information, and assigning the specific GED and GEDReady tests and all subtest for all candidates.

D. SCORING AND REPORTING (CBT Only)

After a testing session, the Bureau GED Site Administer will upload the test results to the scoring site for scoring. The vendor will score test within no less than five business days. The Bureau GED Site Administer will download the test results for internal distribution.

The contractor will immediately notify the Bureau GED Administrator/COR of any changes to transcript or diploma issuance (for example, source of diploma, number of transcripts issued for each GED completion, etc.) and or data reporting. One month prior notification of procedural changes must be executed via contract modification. Web-based scoring and reporting shall comply with the DOJ and the Bureau information security requirements.

All statistical reports are based on the Federal fiscal year, beginning on October 1st and ending on September 30th. Each month, the contractor shall combine CBT test results from all BOP GED Sites into a report providing the pass rate, completions, failures, and usage information by institution, region, and agency. The monthly report will be cumulative. The pass rate consists of the percent between the number of inmates who took the GED test and the number of inmates who passed the test. Additionally, each month the contractor will provide a list of all Bureau GED Sites by region that had no testing activity. The contractor will provide the cumulative statistical reports and no testing activity list by the 15th day of the following month.

The contractor shall also provide a testing activity report quarterly by the 15th day after the end of each quarter. The report will list the number of all Federal prisoners who took the GED Tests each month at each Bureau GED Test Center, to include those with or without testing activity.

These monthly testing activity reports will be used to monitor testing center activity by month and fiscal year.

All statistical reports from CBT should be available electronically which allows for the Bureau to conduct further analyses, disseminate the information to the field and conduct GED security training.

E. DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION CORRECTIONS, CHANGES, AND COMBINING

SCORES (CBT Only)

Upon formal request (telephone or written) from FBOP field or Central Office Administrative staff, the contractor will change demographic information within 48 hours of the request

The contractor shall mail two (2) GED official score reports (transcripts) and one credential (diploma), via United States Postal Service regular mail, to the FBOP Test Center within fifteen (15 ) business days after a FBOP candidate achieves the passing score. The transcripts will be part of the test administration fee. No additional fee will be required. The contractor will notify the GED diploma issuing office within 5 working days of candidates achieving the passing score.

The contractor will not need to mail transcripts for partial or failed test results. The Bureau GED Site Administrators will access the test results online and distribute the results. Upon notification from Bureau field or Central Office Administrative staff, the contractor will release aGED candidate's ID from a Bureau and non-Bureau test center to a specific Bureau test center without additional fees.

For a fee, the contractor shall combine scores from multiple GED transcripts (same test series) that are received from Bureau GED Test Center staff via the Internet, fax, e-mail, or mail. When the combined scores meet the passing standard, the contractor, for a fee, shall mail two (2)transcripts and a diploma to the GED Test Center .

When the combined scores do not meet the passing standards, the contractor shall not mail transcripts. The Bureau GED Examiner can access the combined scores online and distribute the results within the test center. Upon notification from Bureau field or Central Office Administrative staff, the contractor will release a GED candidate's ID (and test results) from a Bureau and non-Bureau test center within 48 hours.

Due to the diverse geographical areas which Federal prisoners are released, it is important to have uniform standards in the credentialing process. The contractor shall make arrangements to provide credentials that are recognized by all U.S. Territories, military services, overseas installations, and U.S. higher education institutions.

The exchange of the GED transcripts and GED candidate personal identification information between FBOP GED Test Centers and the contractor via the Internet shall be conducted using an encryption software or medium that adheres to US DOJ and FBOP information security requirements.

THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS PERTAIN TO PBT ONLY:

A. GED BATTERIES AND SUPPLIES (PBT Only)

Each year by January 15th, the contractor shall provide paper-based test batteries, standardized forms, and all other supplies and materials necessary for the administration of the GED test at Bureau managed facilities' test centers as directed by the Bureau GED Administrator, who will serve as COR for the duration of the contract performance period.

Additional paper-based batteries and supplies and initial stock for new Bureau GED Test Centers will be directed by the COR. All orders are to be processed and shipped within one week from receiving the order.

The contractor also shall provide examiner policy and procedure manuals, training materials, and other necessary materials (hard copies or via electronic) with copyright permission for use at all FBOP GED Test Centers as these manuals and materials become available.

As directed by the COR, the contractor shall provide special test editions such as large print, Braille, audio-cassettes, and consultations and approvals to accommodate inmates with special learning, physical and psychological needs.

The contractor shall provide, on an as-needed-basis, replacement math posters, as directed by the COR.

The contractor shall provide each Bureau Test Center with upgrades to GED test batteries, essay topics, supplies, and materials (paper-based and computer-based) by January 15th of each year or as they become available.

B. SCORING AND REPORTING (PBT Only)

The contractor shall provide scoring services for all PBT administrations conducted at FBOP GED Test Centers. Scoring must be processed within five business days after receipt of answer sheets and related documents. The contractor shall mail two (2)GED score reports (transcripts) via United States Postal Service regular mail, to the FBOP Test Center within ten (10) business days after a FBOP candidate achieves the passing score. Transcripts will be part of the scoring service; no additional costs will incur. The contractor shall make arrangements to issue a credential 10 business days after candidates achieve the passing score.

As directed by the COR, the contractor shall issue, on an as-needed basis, individual transcripts to the Supervisor of Education/Chief GED Examiner or other specified locations.

C. COMBINING SCORES AND OBTAINING GED CERTIFICATES (PBT Only)

The contractor shall combine scores from multiple GED transcripts that are received via Internet, fax, or mail directly from FBOP GED Test Center staff.

FBOP GED Test Centers will utilize the same procedure to submit GED certificate requests.

D. CREDENTIALS (PBT Only)

The contractor shall make arrangements for the issuance of the high school equivalency certificate (GED certificate) or diploma for those FBOP GED candidates who successfully pass the GED tests. On behalf of the FBOP, the contractor shall forward a copy of the score report, application for state credential, and fee payment (if any) to the appropriate State Department of Education within 15 working days from receiving passing score or receiving a request, for the issuance of diploma or certificate.

Due to the diverse geographical areas to which Federal prisoners are released, it is important to have uniform standards in the credentialing process. The contractor shall make arrangements to provide credentials that are recognized by all U.S. Territories, military services, overseas installations, and U.S. higher education institutions.

The exchange of the GED transcript and GED candidate personal identification information between the contractor and the State GED Office via the Internet (if used) shall be conducted using an encryption software or medium that adheres to US DOJ and Bureau information security requirements.

E. STATISTICAL REPORTS (PBT Only)

Unless specified, all statistical reports are based on the Federal fiscal year, beginning on October 1st and ending on September 30th.

At the end of each month, the contractor shall combine all test results from all BOP GED Test Centers (offering PBT) and shall deliver the monthly statistical report no later than the 15th day of the following month. The statistical reports shall include the number of inmates tested, number of inmates who did not pass, number of inmates who passed, and the percentage of inmates who passed by institution, region, and agency. This information must be given in both a monthly view as well as a cumulative year to date view. A monthly statistical report will be provided by institution, security levels, language version and will state number tested and passed.

This report will be providing these totals in monthly views as well as a cumulative year to date view. Additionally, each month the contractor will provide a list of all Bureau GED Sites by region that had no testing activity.

The contractor shall provide all official cumulative statistical reports and no testing activity list monthly (January 15th, April 15th, July 15th, October 15th). These reports will be used to answer congressional inquiries, monitor program performances, and prepare budget requests for the GED program. They also will be used to monitor, compare, and evaluate institution and regional performances.

In addition, error pattern reports will be provided, on an as-needed basis, to support GED security investigations.

All statistical reports should be available electronically which allows for the Bureau to conduct further analyses, disseminate the information to the field and regional locations, and conduct GED security training.

As directed by the COR, the contractor may be asked to generate up to two special reports per year. With the exception of the special reports, all statistical reports (to include error pattern analysis reports, strength and weakness report, etc.) are part of the contract. Such request will be addressed via contract modification.

All test records of the Federal inmates are the property of the Bureau. Therefore, interpretations of test scores and recommendations for program performance will not be made by the contractor.

Due to security concerns, individual test records of Federal inmates will not be shared as part of any GED international database accessible to other jurisdictional GED administrators or the public.

THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS PERTAIN TO CBT AND PBT:

A. RECORD KEEPING (CBT and PBT)

The contractor shall maintain permanent records of all test results from PBT and CBT. Official copies of Federal prisoners' scores, taken for all PBT and CBT, shall be maintained records and test results for an indefinite period of time, unless otherwise directed by the COR.

The record keeping function must provide rapid access to each Federal prisoner's separate and combined scores. Because Federal prisoners, COR, or Central Office GED Administrator will request proof of previous test scores and administrations for periods dating back to the Bureau's initial involvement with the GED program (approximately 1954) . In addition, Federal prisoners may take tests at one Bureau Test Center or another Test Center, transfer to another BOP Test Center, and Bureau staff request that their scores be combined by the contractor. The contractor must be able to combine scores from all testing sessions for a Bureau GED candidate to make arrangements for issuing appropriate GED score reports and credentials when the candidate passes the GED tests.

Upon release from Federal custody, former GED candidates may request in writing, at their own expense, test scores from the contractor for an indefinite period of time. The contractor will provide accurate contact information for former GED candidates released from FBOP custody to request transcripts and/or diplomas. Such score requests will not bring additional financial cost to the FBOP.

The contractor (and its subcontractors, if used) shall view and treat all scores (PBT and CBT) as confidential information and shall not release testing records unless requested by the COR or requested and paid by the involved FBOP GED candidate.

B. RESOURCE STAFF AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT (CBT and PBT)

The Contractor shall dedicate a resource staff specifically to address all issues associated with CBT test software, to provide technical support, and address software issues related to CBT in the FBOP inmate (WAN) and zero client LANs. This support will include, but is not limited to, site administrator(s) user account support and troubleshooting, GED Manager, GED Analytics, data reporting, etc. No additional costs will be incurred for the resource staff.

The contractor shall dedicate a staff to address contract administration and any issue or concerns on PBT admin.

The contractor shall provide, on a quarterly basis, by the 25th day after the end of each quarter, an itemized invoice sent via e-mail to the FBOP Central Office Business Office and the COR.

The contractor shall designate staff members to coordinate and process all matters (such as processing annual BOP GED test administration and security agreements, filling orders, combining scores, preparing statistical reports, addressing test scoring, credentialing, and test security issues, etc.) related to GED tests for the Federal prisoners.

Approximately once a year, the COR may request one of the contractor's resource staff members to provide specialized training (GED accommodations, scoring and credentialing process, etc.) or to assist with GED security follow-ups; no additional costs will incur.

C. INFORMATION SECURITY REQUIREMENTS (CBT and PBT)

The contractor (and its subcontractors, if used) shall view and treat all scores (PBT and CBT) as confidential information and shall not release testing records unless requested by the COR or requested and paid by the involved Bureau GED candidate. The Scoring and Reporting System shall comply with the US DOJ and the FBOP information security requirements.

The exchange of the GED transcript and GED candidate personal identification information between FBOP GED Test Centers and the contractor via the Internet will be conducted using an encryption software or medium that adheres to Bureau information security requirement.

Due to security concerns, individual test records of Federal inmates will not be shared as part of any GED international database accessible to other jurisdictional GED administrators or the public.

In addition, the handling of inmate related information shall comply with the US DOJ and the Bureau information security requirements.