TOR Outreach PWS_Attachment 1_Final.pdf

Attachment 1

Performance Work Statement

A. Scope and Objectives - The primary focus is to create and strengthen networks that connect the Combat

Capabilities Development Command (CCDC)- Army Research Laboratory (ARL), academia, industry, and government agencies and that facilitate the exchange of scientific ideas, the production of knowledge, and the development of a STEM workforce by carrying out the K-College STEM education and outreach programs on behalf of the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of the Army to help address the nation’s need of a diverse, agile and highly competent STEM-literate talent pool. In order to successfully achieve these objectives the CCDC ARL’s vision includes developing a pipeline of STEM repository where people attain the skills and experience for the future workforce. The network facilitates the attainment of Army objectives and ensures the Nation’s preeminence in science and technology (S&T).

The Army derives value from its relationships with academia, industry, and other government agencies.

The mission of the CCDC-Outreach Program Office is to create and strengthen connections to the academic, industrial, and government agencies who have shared interests and a stake in the Nation’s advancement of science and technology. The community is populated by the STEM talent and the Outreach Program Office augments the pipelines that provide the STEM talent. The outreach mission is simultaneously a philosophy, a purpose, and a commitment. In pursuit of this mission, the CCDC-ARL Outreach Program Office will contribute to the overarching missions of the CCDC-ARL and of the Army. The contractor shall manage, plan and execute the Laboratory’s STEM education and outreach program portfolio that will focus on the following STEM priorities and core objectives:

B. The contractor shall perform the following tasks:

1. Task 1: The contractor shall develop a DoD Historical Clack Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Minority Serving Institutions (MI) Student Internship Program that addresses leveraging ARL research investments to support the education and training of the Nation’s future scientific workforce and strengthen the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command – Army Research Laboratory (CCDC-ARL) and overall DOD commitments to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education and research in disciplines important to the defense mission. The program will provide greater access to scientific and technical information and encouragement to faculty and students of institutions of higher education through programs and activities available through defense laboratories.

2. Task 2: The contractor shall develop technical management plan and provide a layout of the organizational structure and reporting chain (internal), the organizational interfaces, which includes technical POCs. The contractor shall identify each task in the scope of work and the methodology for execution also, include a scorecard to track personnel and resources used to support each task. The plan will list any and all security requirements (access, clearance, etc…) and track status. The contractor shall process as required all clearances though the Defense Security Service (DSS) Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS). A master schedule will be developed to ensure program continuity and program milestone achievement, as well as, serve to de-conflict competing requirements. All travel will be managed in accordance with the Joint Travel Regulation (JTR) as a reimbursable cost. Controlling and protecting data is a critical element of a successful plan. The contractor’s process shall include: (1) established data access control; (2) separate data platforms to prevent transfusion for isolated employees to operate; (3) an established monitoring system capability for controlling hardcopy; (4) an electronic and oral sensitive system to safe guard personal identifiable information (PII). All contract deliverables are extensively managed through the master schedule to ensure overall contract integrity and successful task accomplishment. All program reporting, contract actions and data interchange shall be conducted in a digital environment using electronic and web-based applications.

3. Task 3: The contractor shall develop a website that describes the program and provides information about the technical areas of interest of participating DoD Laboratories. The website format shall include an application form and a telephone number, and an e-mail address for questions to be answered by the contractor. The website shall have opening and closing dates to allow for applications to be made. Program officers shall have back door access to pull down applications for evaluation and selection. The contractor shall provide the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) briefings prior to release each year. The website shall contain all relevant information about the Programs and shall be updated as required. The contractor shall ensure that the website maintains a security certificate (SSL). The website shall initially contain the following information:

1) Program description;

2) List of participating labs;

3) Contact information for the lab coordinators;

4) A link to the CCDC-ARL website and participating Labs; and

5) An online application process.

The contractor shall maintain and update the website periodically, or whenever there is a need to do so. The website can be electronically linked to relevant parts of the ARL website.

4. Task 4: The contractor shall compile and maintain a database containing past and present applicants and participants. Past applicant and participant information will be in possession of the government and will be held strictly confidentially as required by the DFARS for Personal Identifiable Information (PII).

5. Task 5: The contractor shall actively recruit and assist potential applicants to apply to the Programs. The contractor shall provide assistance, by phone, email, fax, or regular mail to persons who are interested in the Programs. Using their extensive network, shall release approved program details to HBCU/MI by email blast and through opportunities for engagement through affinity groups.

6. Task 6: The contractor shall facilitate the submission of applications by electronic means (e.g., via the website or email); shall receive, log-in, sort, and otherwise process the applications; and shall assure that the applicants are eligible to participate in the Program. Participation in these programs may require a security clearance, if so, may be limited to United States citizens or nationals and to legal permanent residents of the United States. Some restrictions may apply to permanent residents regarding eligibility for a Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance.

7. Task 7: The contractor shall coordinate and assist potential applicants to match their research interest to that of the participating army research and development laboratories. The contractor shall send the applications to the program officer or suitable lab coordinators for their consideration. The contractor shall be informed by CCDC-ARL as to which applicants the Labs wish to host. In conjunction, the contractor shall receive guidance from CCDC-ARL regarding which applicants are to be appointed.

8. Task 8: The contractor, if required, shall convene a panel of suitable Research & Development (R&D) experts and/or managers to determine selected candidates. The contractor, upon approval for candidates, shall send students appointment terms and conditions, request for acceptance and, or declination, and other on-boarding forms. The contractor shall (1) notify the selected applicants of the offer of appointment by email, with an attached response form that can be downloaded, signed, and returned to the contractor; (2) collect responses from selected applicants; (3) determine program start dates via consultations with laboratory coordinators and participants who submit acceptance forms; (4) notify the coordinator at the host laboratory of acceptances and declinations; (5) send email to applicant formally appointing her/him as an intern and detailing terms of appointment: and (6) notify all non-selected applicants by email of their status.

9. Task 9: As required, the contractor shall enter selected applicants’ personal information into the Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS). The initiation of appropriate background investigations will be coordinated with the appropriate CCDC-ARL security officials.

10. Task 10: The contractor shall coordinate the DoD HBCU/MI Program with other CCDC-ARL supported programs that are encouraging students to participate in research at army laboratories.

Such coordination may include the referrals of potential applicants and participants to the program.

11. Task 11: The contractor shall process stipends an agreed upon amount bi-weekly through their corporate’s payroll an agreed upon amount bi-weekly. The stipend amount would include potential relocation cost and travel in accordance with the joint travel regulation. The contractor shall process and make stipend payments to the participants and shall make payments for travel and other expenses to the participants, as provided by the terms of the program. The contractor shall keep accurate accounting of funds received for the contract and shall prepare checks or electronic payments and relevant documents to distribute applicable stipends. The contractor shall use procedures that provide secure and effective management of financial resources.

The contractor shall be issued funds for stipends, travel and relocation (housing) and maintain financial records, and prepare financial reports requested by ARL, that detail disposition of funds provided via the contract.

12. Task 12: The contractor shall develop a series of professional development seminars for program students that involves other Army Educational Outreach programs. The contractor shall provide two planned professional development seminars; listed below are seminars used previously to support CCDC-ARL summer programs.

• Leadership Development: Learning to Lead – This module will introduce students to the difference between the functions of leaders and managers, traits typically associated with leadership, categories of leadership and Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

Participants will be engaged with individual and group exercises, pretests, and case studies.

• Technical Writing- The participants will be introduced to the difference between technical and business writing. They will be given various exercises for the development of an agenda, a technical brief, abstract, and business letter.

• Communication, Presentation and Networking Skills - The objective of this module is to present the different types of communication, with emphasis on successful communication strategies. Presentation and networking skills are as important as written skills. Participants will role play, use case studies and skits to critique the content of this module. Participants will leave this session with a greater understanding and appreciation for the importance of good communication, presentation and networking skills.

• Resume Writing - This module with provide participants with the mechanics for the development of a quality resume. Participants will be given exercises to develop their resumes.

• Credit Survival Skills for Young Professionals - This module will provide helpful tips and advice for participants in managing their credit while in college without falling into trouble with credit cards along the way. Participants will learn about the different types of credit available, keys to credit survival, how to read a credit report, and how bad credit can hinder their job employment.

• Effective Interviewing Skills: “The Spotlight is on you” - This module will introduce the participants to everything they need to know to do their best in a job interview; it is designed to help the participants land the job of their dream. They will participate in mock interviews and skits all designed to help them market their strengths, skills, and personal qualities. This seminar will be fun as well as beneficial to the participants.

• Ethics for Young Professionals - Today, more than ever, ethics has become the basis for organizational success or failure. Many young professionals enter the workforce not understanding the importance of their conduct, behavior, affiliations, associations and decisions.

This session will introduce participants to various concepts that will determine their futures success or failure in a government organization, or in any defined related organization.

C. The contractor shall provide the following deliverables:

1. Financial Status Report (Quarterly) – Financial and administrative information on applications, placements, progress, interactions, and payments of stipends, allowances, tuition and fees, travel, balance or carry-over due to drop-outs will be executed based on the calendar quarterly schedule (January – March, April-June, July-September, and October-December). This report must include a line-item corresponding to each current CCDC ARL students indicating the amounts paid in tuition and fees, stipends, and any other funds. The quarterly report should include a metric for payments that tracks on-time and late payments.

2. Stipend Status Report (Monthly) – Financial information on payment of stipends, allowances, tuition and fees, and travel for CCDC ARL students. This report may be submitted in MS excel spreadsheet format to the COR on or before the fifth day of the preceding month.

3. The contractor shall conduct quarterly meetings and one annual Program Management Review (PMR) with the COR, and other government personnel at the discretion of the COR. The annual PMR will be held in conjunction with the fourth quarterly review.

4. Applicant Analysis Report (Annually) – This report shall include the following information on applicants: Undergraduate school; (2) GRE scores; (3) grade point average (GPA); (4) discipline;

(5) gender; (6) ethnic group; and (7) matriculating institution state distribution. The information shall be analyzed and evaluated to the extent that the outreach effort can be judged for effectiveness. Include information on minority recruiting that includes a description of the effort conducted to attract qualified minority applicants, and a description of the results.

5. Selectee Analysis Report (Annually) – This report shall include the following information on selectees: (1) undergraduate school; (2) intended graduate school; (3) GRE scores; (4) GPAs; (5) discipline; (6) general evaluation of recommendations; (7) gender; (8) ethnic group; and (9) matriculating state distribution. Include a list of selectees who turned down the CCDC ARL Outreach Program award and their reasons why. The information shall include an analysis so that trends can be inferred and critiqued, and the outreached effort can be evaluated for effectiveness.

D. AT/OPSEC Required PWS Paragraphs:

Question 2a: For contractors requiring Common Access Card (CAC). Before CAC issuance, the contractor employee requires, at a minimum, a favorably adjudicated National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI) or an equivalent or higher investigation in accordance with Army Directive 2014-05. The contractor employee will be issued a CAC only if duties involve one of the following: (1) Both physical access to a DoD facility and access, via logon, to DoD net-works on-site or remotely; (2) Remote access, via logon, to a DoD network using DoD-approved remote access procedures; or (3) Physical access to multiple DoD facilities or multiple non-DoD federally controlled facilities on behalf of the DoD on a recurring basis for a period of 6 months or more. At the discretion of the sponsoring activity, an initial CAC may be issued based on a favorable review of the FBI fingerprint check and a successfully scheduled NACI at the Office of Personnel Management.

Question 11: For Contract Requiring Performance or Delivery in a Foreign Country, DFARS Clause 252.225-7043, Antiterrorism/Force Protection for Defense Contractors outside the US. The clause shall be used in solicitations and contracts that require performance or delivery in a foreign country. This clause applies to both contingencies and non-contingency support. The key AT requirement is for non-local national contractor personnel to comply with theater clearance requirements and allows the combatant commander to exercise oversight to ensure the contractor’s compliance with combatant commander and subordinate task force commander policies and directives

Question 12: For contracts that require handling or access to classified information. Contractor shall comply with FAR 52.204-2, Security Requirements. This clause involves access to information classified “Confidential,” “Secret,” or “Top Secret” and requires contractors to comply with— (1) The Security Agreement (DD Form 441), including the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (DoD 5220.22-M); (2) any revisions to DOD 5220.22-M, notice of which has been furnished to the contractor.

E. Inherently Governmental Functions: The Contractor shall not provide inherently governmental functions as defined in FAR 2.101 under this task order.

F. Non-Personal Services: The Government will neither supervise contractor employees nor control the method by which the contractor performs the required tasks. Such Contractor employees shall be accountable solely to the Contractor who, in turn, is responsible to the Government. Under no circumstances will the Government 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 believes that any actions constitute or are perceived to constitute personal services, it shall be the Contractor's responsibility to notify the Procuring Contracting Officer (PCO) immediately.

G. Contractor Furnished Items and Responsibilities: The Contractor shall furnish all personnel, facilities, equipment and supplies unless otherwise provided by the Government. Contractor shall propose resources to address requirements for this task order.

H. Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP): The Government will monitor the Contractors performance under this contracting accordance with the Governments QASP.

I. Government Furnished Property and Services: The Government customer will sponsor the appropriate security clearances, Badging, Common Access Cards (CAC), Theater Business Clearance (TBC), Letter of Authorization (LOA), and access to government/military facilities for contractor to perform appropriate tasks.

J. Data Rights: At the task order level, the contractor and its subcontractors shall provide a detailed Data Rights Assertion table (contractor format acceptable) that identifies and provides information pertaining to technical data (including computer software documentation) and computer software that the contractor and subcontractors claim to qualify for delivery with less than Unlimited Rights. The contractor shall agree not to withhold delivery of the technical data or software based on its claims. The Government shall investigate the validity of the contractor’s claims, and therefore, reserves all its rights regarding the technical data/software in question.

K. Place of Performance: The contractor’s facility.

L. Period of Performance: The performance period consist of a twelve month based period.

M. Points of Contract:

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): Dr. Vallen L. Emery, 301-394-3585, email:

vallen.l.emery.civ@mail.mil Contracting Officer (KO): Leroy R. Hardy, Jr., 919-541-4722, email:

Leroy.r.hardy.civ@mail.mil Contract Specialist (CSPEC): Ramila Century, 919-549-4214, email:

Ramila.century.civ@mail.mil mailto:Leroy.r.hardy.civ@mail.mil mailto:Ramila.century.civ@mail.mil