Clean Copy - Performance Work Statement PWS FORSCOM Language Contract - 20250804.pdf

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT LANGUAGE AND CULTURE SERVICES UNITED STATES

ARMY FORCES COMMAND (FORSCOM)

PART 1

GENERAL INFORMATION

1. General. This is a non-personal services contract to provide Language and Culture Services to include instruction, curriculum development, and translation/interpretation, for individual and group training both on site and virtually, and military learning/training environments. 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, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to perform Language and Culture Services for the United States Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) and other authorized Government agencies and organizations, as defined in this Performance Work Statement (PWS), except for those items specified as Government furnished property and services. The contractor shall perform to the standards set forth in this contract.

1.1.1. The FORSCOM language and culture program (hereafter “program”) supports creativity and flexibility to meet the unique instruction needs of commanders requiring language and/or culture related capabilities for their personnel. The program’s courses/training events do not have rigid Programs of Instruction (POIs) but rather use the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) proficiency level descriptions, as well as current theories and teaching methodologies in the fields of Second Language Acquisition (SLA) and Adult & Continuing Education, as a framework for the development of POIs, lesson plans, activities, etc. These skill descriptor definitions can be found at http://www.govtilr.org, and it is the responsibility of the Contractor to familiarize all contract service providers with each of the skill level descriptors found on the ILR website, as well as with current theories and teaching approaches and methodologies in the fields of SLA and Adult & Continuing Education. The program’s teaching methodology is eclectic in nature but broadly falls under the umbrella of Communicative Language Teaching, given its primary focus on language and culture within the context of communication and its secondary focus on the structure(s) that inform that communication. At each ILR proficiency level, very specific behaviors are exhibited and expected. Contract service providers will assesses the ILR level of each student in the skills to be taught and then develop and/or present appropriate lessons, materials and activities to generate as much uninhibited, spontaneous, and culturally appropriate manipulation of the target language, culture knowledge, and cross-cultural competence amongst the students as possible, in order to prepare the students for duty related work/engagements and/or the Defense Language Proficiency Test System (DLPTS) or other formal and/or informal proficiency measures, as required by the Government. The Contractor shall support the program in its efforts to bridge the gap between global language and technical/mission language by integrating training and education for Government- defined, operationally relevant elements into lesson plans and POIs. These may include culture-specific information related to a particular target area, culture-general concepts, cross-cultural competence, rapport building, map reading, briefing skills, weather reports, scenarios related to specific engagements/contingencies, military terminology, and similar topic areas. Contract service providers are expected to help create a learning atmosphere that incorporates culturally and militarily operationally relevant realia and other authentic materials into the learning environment. Contract service providers are also expected to integrate the use of WebTools and current and emerging technologies (such as online learning management systems, basic audio/visual equipment, interactive whiteboards and touch-screens, satellite news broadcasts, interactive computer programs, social media and data sharing applications, digital audio/video media, etc.) into the learning environment to augment instruction and mirror the learning environment to the anticipated engagement environment to the greatest extent practicable.

1.2. Background. There is an ever-increasing demand for language and cultural capabilities throughout the

Department of Defense (DOD), spurred by lessons learned and command guidance for Regional Aligned Forces’ engagements globally. The Army has faced this challenge in a variety of ways, to include increased instruction for Soldiers, increased performance of document exploitation (i.e. translations), and development of self-paced curricula. All personnel are required to receive some level of instruction in target languages and/or cultural orientations, with requirements ranging from ILR 0+ to 4+ in one or more skill. A variety of instructional resources are available to accomplish these goals. Command Language Programs (CLPs) throughout the Department of Defense (DOD) are the vehicles for accomplishing this required language and culture instruction.

Additionally, there are increasing requirements for higher levels of proficiency to ensure the accomplishment of military tasks, as well as expanding technical requirements necessary for commanders to ensure professional linguists both maintain minimum proficiency levels and enhance their proficiency to meet the Army’s stated goal of ILR L3/R3/S3 (Listening, Reading, and Speaking). The CLPs provide facilities, equipment, and a combination of classroom instruction, self-paced learning opportunities, web-based instruction, and unit instruction to meet the needs of professional linguists, as well as all other Army personnel requiring language and/or culture capabilities to accomplish their military functions. As the Army participates in myriad Joint engagements, Army CLPs may also provide services to linguists from other services such as the Air Force, Marines and Navy, as well as their Reserve Components. With the permission of the designated Contract Officer’s Representative(s), other Government organizations may also utilize this contract to request one or more of the Language and Culture Services defined in this PWS in support of DOD CLPs and language and culture related requirements.

1.3. Objectives. The primary objective of the program is to assist Active Army (AA), Reserve Component (RC), and

Army National Guard (ARNG) linguists to achieve and maintain/sustain the Army minimum qualification level of ILR L2/R2 and/or S2 [depending on the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)] and strive to enhance proficiency to the Army’s stated goal of L3/R3/S3, as measured by the DLPTS, to meet the requirements of military engagements and contingencies. An additional objective is to provide pre-engagement language and/or culture instruction to a select number of General Purposes Forces (GPF) to achieve, at least, ILR L0+/S0+, with the stated goal of ILR L1/S1 or higher, as measured by the DLPTS or other Government-designated assessment tool(s).

1.4. Scope. The Contractor shall provide the language and/or culture education/training services outlined in Section

5, Specific Tasks.

1.5. Period of Performance: The period of performance for this contract shall be a one (1) month phase-in period, an eleven (11) month base ordering period, and four (4), one-year option ordering periods.

1.6. General Information.

1.6.1. Quality Control. Quality Control is the responsibility of the Contractor. The Contractor is responsible for the delivery of quality services to the Government.

1.6.1.1. Quality Control Program: The Government is committed to a highly interactive relationship between the

Contractor’s Quality Control methods and personnel and the Government’s Quality Assurance methods and personnel. This relationship shall be achieved through an effective Prevention Based Quality Control Program dedicated to ensuring the best possible products and services to end users. The Contractor’s Quality Control Plan (QCP) summary shall be submitted with the Contractor’s proposal. The Contractor shall submit their QCP no later than thirty (30) calendar days after award and five (5) calendar days after any revisions to the KO/COR for review and acceptance prior to implementation. After acceptance of the QCP, the Contractor shall receive the Contracting Officer’s (KO) acceptance in writing or any proposed changes to the QC procedures.

1.6.1.2. The Contractor’s QCP shall demonstrate its prevention-based outlook by meeting the objectives stated in the

PWS throughout all areas of performance. The QCP shall be developed to specify the Contractor’s responsibility for management and quality control actions to meet the terms of the contract. The QCP, at a minimum, shall address continuous process improvement; procedures for scheduling, conducting, and documenting inspections;

discrepancy identification and correction; corrective action procedures, to include procedures for addressing Government discovered non-conformances; procedures for root cause identification and analysis; root cause corrective action plans to prevent re-occurrence of non-conformances; procedures for trend analysis; procedures for collecting and addressing customer feedback/complaints.

1.6.1.3. The Contractor shall provide a checklist or monitoring instrument that documents the performance and quality of orientation of all personnel. This instrument shall also document pre-service and in-service training of all contract service providers. While the Contractor is responsible for the professional development of its contract service providers, the Government reserves the right to mandate the use of Government furnished curricula or topics (related to SLA, ACE, Government policies and procedures, prescribed methodologies and pedagogy, etc.).

Training documentation shall be made immediately available to the COR upon request. A record of the pre-service and in-service training must be maintained for each contract service provider, to include the number of hours and the topics of the training. This record should be submitted to the COR at the end of each month. The POIs for each topic shall also be made immediately available to the COR upon request.

1.6.1.4. Record keeping and reporting requirements of the contract. The Contractor shall maintain documentation of each contract service provider’s history of training and performance, to include any and all training certificates, positive or negative write-ups, Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs), and anything else that will assist the COR to determine a contract service provider’s effectiveness/suitability in support of this contract. Such information shall be summarized and reported or otherwise be made available to the COR with 3 business days of a request from the COR. The Contractor shall inform the COR immediately of any and all personnel changes of the contract service providers.

1.6.1.4.1 The QCP shall describe methods of direct and indirect communication with the Government regarding performance of the contract. The communications shall include periodic, formal meetings with the Government, as needed. Informal communications shall also be addressed in the QCP.

1.6.1.5. Upon request from the COR, the Contractor shall provide all reports generated as a result of the Contractor’s quality control efforts. This shall include any summary information used to track quality control, including any charts, graphs, or other visual representations of the data.

1.6.1.6. The Contractor’s QCP shall be incorporated into and become part of this contract after the plan has been accepted by the KO. Proposed changes made after KO acceptance shall be submitted in writing through the COR to the KO for review and acceptance prior to implementing any revision. The Contractor’s QCP shall be maintained throughout the life of the contract and shall include the Contractor’s procedures to routinely evaluate the effectiveness of the plan to ensure the Contractor is meeting the performance standards and requirements of the contract.

1.6.1.7. Corrective Action Report (CAR): When the Contractor's performance is unsatisfactory, a CAR will be issued by the COR. The Contractor shall reply in writing within five (5) business days from the date of receipt of the CDR, giving the reasons for the unsatisfactory performance, corrective action taken, and procedures to preclude recurrence.

1.6.1.8. Quality Assurance: The COR will evaluate the Contractor’s performance under this contract in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). This plan is primarily focused on what the COR must do to ensure that the Contractor has performed in accordance with the contractual performance standards. It defines how the performance standards will be applied, the frequency of surveillance, and the minimum acceptable defect rate(s). When an observation indicates defective performance, the COR will require the Contractor or designated on-site representative to initial the observation to acknowledge the defective performance. The acknowledgement of the observation does not necessarily constitute Contractor concurrence with the observation, only that the Contractor has been made aware of the defective performance.

1.6.2. NA

1.6.3. Recognized Federal Holidays: The Contractor is normally not required to perform services on recognized federal holidays. However, that requirement is subject to mission execution requirements.

New Year’s Day Labor Day Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday Columbus Day Washington’s Birthday Veteran’s Day Juneteenth Memorial Day Thanksgiving Day Independence Day Christmas Day

1.6.3.1. When a holiday occurs on a Saturday, Federal employees are normally granted the previous Friday as the holiday observance. When a holiday occurs on a Sunday, Federal employees are normally granted the following Monday as the holiday. Contract service providers shall work on the same days the Government is scheduled to work.

1.6.3.2. Course Cancellation/Postponement. In the event military requirements dictate either postponement, alteration of scheduled classes, or course cancellation in whole or in part, the COR will furnish the Contractor with reasonable advance notice of such change. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this subpart, the COR will give the contractor a minimum of 48 hours’ notice. The Government bears no responsibility for payment of affected cancelled services upon having furnished such notice to the Contractor.

1.6.3.2.1 Inclement Weather. In the event of government-directed inclement weather postponement of scheduled classes already in actual session, for the particular day affected, the Contractor shall be entitled to daily payment.

Contractor may invoice accordingly, as if such interrupted class (es) had been permitted to continue to the end of that day. However, this entitlement shall NOT extend to permit Contractor payment for the remainder of courses thereafter cancelled by the KO or COR IAW other applicable provisions of this contract.

1.6.3.3. When an unforeseen installation closure occurs on a regularly scheduled day of work, the Contractor will have the following options:

1.6.3.3.1 Reschedule the work so it is performed the following day, unless the following day falls on a weekend.

1.6.3.3.2 Reschedule the work on any day that is mutually satisfactory.

1.6.4. Hours of Operation: Contract service providers will typically be responsible for conducting business between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday thru Friday, except Federal holidays or when the Government facility is shut down. This duty schedule will be dependent on location and unit requirements, but will not exceed a 40-hour workweek. Depending on unit requirements, contract service providers may also be required to support training on evenings and/or weekends on a periodic basis. 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. No overtime (OT) or compensatory time (CT) is authorized. Contractor personnel shall not exceed a 40 hour work week; flexible work schedule may be considered.

1.6.5. Place of Performance: Contract service providers shall have routine access to Government-designated facilities, where the majority of work to be performed under this contract shall be accomplished. However, certain tasks may not need to be performed on-site. See Technical Exhibit 8. This list is not exhaustive, though performance locations will be restricted to US States and Territories only.

1.6.6. Security Requirements/Installation Access.

1.6.6.1. Contractor personnel shall comply with all applicable security and safety regulations, guidance, and procedures, including local, referenced in this PWS and in effect at the work sites. Contractor personnel security requirements are as shown below:

1.6.6.1.1 All personnel hired are required to possess and maintain a favorably adjudicated National Agency Check with

Inquiries (NACI) investigation as a condition of employment. IAW DODI500.9999. The contractor shall ensure that all employees working on this contract has an favorably adjudicated NACI 100% of the time with no deviations. (AQL 100%) Any waiver of the requirement for a favorably adjudicated NACI shall be coordinated with and approved/disapproved by the KO/COR.

1.6.6.1.2 All personnel must meet requirements IAW Department of Defense Direction (DODD) 8140.

1.6.6.1.3 Clearances, IRC, and CNAC-I shall be maintained for the duration of the contract. (Facility Clearances not required)

1.6.6.2. Contractor shall ensure compliance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12).

1.6.6.3. Additional Security Requirements: The Contractor is responsible for safeguarding information of a confidential or sensitive nature. The Contractor’s failure to safeguard any privileged information may subject the Contractor and/or the Contractor's employees to criminal liability. Provisions of the Privacy Act apply to all records and reports maintained by the Contractor. All records, reports, evaluations and documents shall become and remain the property of, and subject to, the exclusive control of the U.S. Government. All reports and documents prepared by the Contractor and Contractor employees in the fulfillment of duties under this contract shall become and remain the property of the U.S. Government.

1.6.6.4. The Contractor shall maintain documentation of favorably adjudicated NACIs, or waiver of a favorably adjudicated NACI, and IRCs in the Contractor’s personnel file.

1.6.6.5. The Contractor shall coordinate with the COR regarding initiation or waiver of NACI’s. Facility Security Officer (FSO) or designated Contractor Security Representative (CSR) shall submit required employee documentation of security clearances and documentation of adjudicated NAC-Is, or waiver of NACIs and IRC through the COR to the Government Security point of contact or directly to the Government lead at the installation to the Government Security point of contact.

1.6.6.6. Physical Security: The Contractor shall be responsible for safeguarding all Government equipment, information and property provided for contract service providers’ use. At the close of each work period, government facilities, equipment, and materials shall be secured in accordance with local installation and/or facility policies.

1.6.7. Key Control: The Contractor shall establish and implement methods of making sure all keys issued to contract service providers by the Government are not lost or misplaced and are not used by unauthorized persons. NOTE:

All references to keys include key cards and other physical methods of unlocking secured Government facilities, equipment, and/or materials. No keys issued to the contract service providers by the Government shall be duplicated. The Contractor shall develop procedures addressing key control that shall be included in the QCP.

Such procedures shall include turn-in of any issued keys by personnel who no longer require access to the applicable secured facilities, equipment, and/or materials. The Contractor shall report any occurrences of lost, duplicated, or otherwise compromised keys to the KO and COR within 24 hours of the Contractor’s becoming aware of the incident.

1.6.7.1. In the event keys other than master keys are lost or duplicated, the Contractor shall, upon direction of the KO, re-key or replace the affected lock or locks; however, the Government, at its option, may replace the affected lock or locks or perform re-keying. When the replacement of locks or re-keying is performed by the Government, the total cost of re-keying or the replacement of the lock or locks shall be deducted from the monthly payment due the Contractor. In the event a master key is lost or duplicated, all locks and keys for that system shall be replaced by the Government and the total cost deducted from the monthly payment due the Contractor.

1.6.7.2. The Contractor shall prohibit the use of Government issued keys by any persons other than contract service providers. The Contractor shall prohibit the opening of locked areas by contract service providers to permit entrance of persons other than contract service providers engaged in the performance of assigned work in those areas, or personnel authorized entrance by the COR.

1.6.7.3. NA

1.6.8. Special Qualifications.

1.6.8.1. General (applicable to all contract service providers):

1.6.8.1.1 NA

1.6.8.1.2 The Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring all contract service providers possess and maintain current certifications as indicated in this PWS, as well as meet all security requirements during the execution of this

1.6.8.1.3 Contract service providers shall be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language to effectively carry out all contract requirements. They shall have a command of both written and spoken English to clearly and effectively communicate with co-workers, customers, and the general public. At a minimum, contract service providers shall maintain the equivalent of ILR L3/R3/S3/W3 (Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing). (AQL 100%) The Contractor shall ensure its contract service providers meet this requirement prior to performing work on this contract and continue to maintain the required proficiency levels throughout the contract’s duration. The Government reserves the right to have contract service providers’ English language proficiency assessed, at the Government’s expense, at any time during the Period of Performance (POP).Contract service providers shall be eligible to work in the United States. The Contractor shall verify this eligibility prior to the Contract service provider performing work under this contract.

1.6.8.1.4 Access and General Protection/Security Policy and Procedures: All contract service providers shall comply with applicable installation, facility, and area commander installation/facility access, local security policies, and security procedures provided by the Government Security Manager Representative. Contract service providers shall provide all information required for background checks to meet installation access requirements to be accomplished by the installation Provost Marshal Office, Director of Emergency Services, and/or Security Office.

Contract service providers shall comply with all personal identity verification requirements as directed by Department of Defense (DoD), HQ Department of Army (DA), and/or local policies. In addition to the changes otherwise authorized by this contract, should the Force Protection Condition (FPCON) at any individual facility or installation change, the Government may require changes in Contractor and subcontractor security procedures.

1.6.8.1.4.1 Contractor will maintain compliance with HSPD-12 by obtaining a favorably adjudicated NAC-I, and by obtaining hard copy fingerprints for background checks. In addition, Contractors will not be able to perform services under this contract until they have obtained such favorable adjudication.

1.6.8.1.5 Antiterrorism Awareness Training for Contractors 252.204-7004

1.6.8.1.5.1 Antiterrorism Awareness Training for Contractors (JAN 2023): (a) Definition. “Military Installation: means a base, camp, post, station, yard, center, or other activity under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of a military department or, in the case of an activity in a a foreign country, under the operational control of the Secretary of a military department or the Secretary of Defense (see 10 U.S.C. 2801 (c)(4)). (b) Training: Contractor personnel who require routine physical access to a Federally controlled facility or military installation shall complete Level I antiterrorism awareness training within 30 days of requiring access and annually thereafter. In accordance with Department of Defense Instruction O-200.16 Volume 1, DoD Antiterrorism AT Program Implementation: DoD AT Standards, Level I antiterrorism awareness training shall be completed. (1) Through a DoD sponsored and certified computer or web-based distance learning instruction for Level I antiterrorism awareness; or (2) Under the instruction of a Level I antiterrorism awareness instructor. (c) Additional information. Information and guidance pertaining to DoD antiterrorism awareness training is available at https://jko.jten.mil/ or as otherwise identified in the performance work statement.

1.6.8.1.6 iWATCH Training: The Contractor shall ensure all contract service providers are briefed on the local iWATCH program [training standards provided by the requiring activity Anti Terrorism Office (ATO)]. This local developed training will be used to inform contract service providers of the types of behavior to watch for and instruct them to report suspicious activity to the COR. This training shall be completed and the results reported to the COR within 30 calendar days of contract award in accordance with Technical Exhibit 2 – Deliverables Schedule.

New contract service providers shall complete the training within 10 calendar days of commencing performance of work under this contract.

1.6.8.1.7 Contract service providers shall have a favorable National Agency Check with Inquiry (NACI) for all instructors, Technical/Resource personnel, and staff by the start date of full performance and must maintain the level of security required for the duration of the contract. Contractor personnel shall comply with all applicable security and safety regulations, guidance, and procedures, including local, referenced in this PWS and in effect at the work sites. All personnel must meet requirements IAW DODD 8140.

1.6.8.1.7.1 Contractor personnel shall have a favorable National Agency Check (NAC) with inquiry in accordance with

Security definition for personnel who occupy “ADP (Automated Data Processing) Sensitive” positions, as per AR 380-67, paragraph 2-13, “The Personnel Security Program” no later than the start date of full performance.

1.6.8.1.8 Contract Service Providers Requiring Access to Government Information Systems: Some contract service providers may require access to Government-controlled information systems during performance of work under this contract. This will vary by location and anticipated duration of the service(s) to be provided by each contract service provider. All contract service providers who require access to a Government information system shall be registered in the ATCTS (Army Training Certification Tracking System) at commencement of support services and must successfully complete the DoD Information Assurance Awareness prior to receiving access to the information systems. Training shall be required annually after the initial training. Completion certificates shall be submitted to the COR within fifteen (15) calendar days from date of commencing performance under this

1.6.8.1.9 OPSEC Training: Per AR 530-1, Operations Security, all contract service providers shall complete Level I

OPSEC training in accordance with Technical Exhibit 2 Deliverables Schedule.

1.6.8.1.10 Information assurance (IA)/information technology (IT) training: The contract service providers with access to Government computer networks shall complete annual DODIA Awareness training in accordance with Technical Exhibit 2 – Deliverables Schedule.

1.6.9. Health and Safety Requirements: The Contractor shall conform to the Installation Safety Program in accordance with AR 385-10. The Contractor shall publish a Safety Standard Operations Procedure (SOP) for safety and provide a copy to the COR no later than thirty days after award of the contract. The Contractor shall be responsible for organizing the implementation of the Installation’s Safety and Energy Procedures Plan.

1.6.9.1. Environment and OSHA: The Contractor shall comply with local, state, Federal, environmental, and

Occupational Safety and Health ACT (OSHA) http://www.osha.gov/, rules, and regulations. All pertinent provisions of the publication 29 CFR 1910 to provide safe control, protection of life and health of its contract service providers and other persons; for prevention of damage to property, materials, supplies, and equipment;

and for avoidance of work interruptions in the performance of this contract. The Contractor’s Safety SOP shall comply with applicable OSHA requirements, and shall be updated as changes occur.

1.6.9.2. Any apparent conflict between compliance with such local, state and Federal laws, rules and regulations, and compliance with the requirements of the contract shall be immediately brought to the attention of the KO and COR for final resolution. In addition to any verbal notification, the Contractor shall notify the KO within 5 business days, in writing, of such conflicts. The Contractor shall be liable for all fines, penalties, and costs, which result from violations of, or failure to comply with, all such local state, or Federal laws, rules, and regulations.

All unsafe acts or conditions fostered by the Contractor or contract service providers may be grounds for the KO or COR to immediately halt any and all Contractor performance until all unsafe acts have been corrected. The Contractor shall take due caution not to endanger personnel during performance of this contract.

1.6.9.3. Personnel Safety: The Contractor shall perform work requirements in a manner to protect building, property, and occupants from any harm or injury. The Contractor shall immediately correct all safety deficiencies upon notification by the KO or COR. The Contractor shall notify the KO or COR, of the corrective action that was taken, and the completion date.

1.6.9.4. All personnel shall be provided with information pertaining to the Contractor’s arrangements for emergency medical treatment prior to the start of the base period. This information shall include the local hospital name and phone number, along with detailed instructions on how to contact emergency personnel on the local installation.

1.6.9.5. Accidents and Injuries: The Contractor shall submit a written report within three (3) workdays of occurrence to the KO, COR and the Installation Safety Officer. Report shall include the events and facts applicable to all accidents or injuries to contract service providers while on the installation(s). The written report shall be completed using the DA Form 285, http://www.apd.army.mil/ U.S. Army Accident Investigation Report.

1.6.9.6. Non-Compliance: When brought to the attention of the KO, the KO will notify the Contractor of any non-compliance with reporting accidents and injuries and the action to be taken. After receipt of notice of deficiencies, the Contractor shall immediately take corrective action to eliminate reporting non-compliance.

1.6.10 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 (FAR) Subpart 42.5. The post award conference will also be utilized to ensure contractor understands all HSPD-12 requirements. The KO and/or COR may meet periodically with the Contractor to review the Contractor's performance. At these meetings the KO and/or COR 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.

1.6.11 Contracting Officer Representative (COR): The COR will be identified by separate letter of appointment. The

COR monitors all technical aspects of the contract and assists in contract administration. The COR is authorized to perform the following functions: Assures that the contract service providers perform the technical requirements of the contract; performs inspections necessary in connection with contract performance;

maintains written and oral communications with the Contractor concerning technical aspects of the contract;

issues written interpretations of technical requirements, including government drawings, designs, specifications; monitors Contractor's performance and notifies both the KO and Contractor of any deficiencies;

coordinates availability of GFP, and provides site entry to contract service providers. 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 contract.

1.6.12 Key Personnel: Key personnel shall not be added to or removed from the contract without express acknowledgement of the COR. Any changes to the working status of these key personnel shall be transmitted (in writing) to the KO/COR within ten (10) work days of the proposed change. If, for any reason, any key person(s) become, or are expected to become, unavailable for work under this contract for a continuous period exceeding 30 workdays, the Contractor shall promptly provide a substitute with equal or greater qualifications than that of the original employee. The Contractor shall ensure all key personnel terminated or released from performance on this contract are replaced within ten (10) workdays of the termination or release.

1.6.12.1 The following are considered key personnel by the Government:

1.6.12.1.1 Program Manager (PM)/Alternate Program Manager (APM): The Contractor shall provide a single PM for the entire effort, covering both the Eastern Region (located at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.) and a PM for the Western Region (located at JBLM, Washington). The name of this person, and the designated Alternate PM (APM), whom shall act for the Contractor when the PM is absent, shall be designated in writing to the KO at the post award conference or within 30 days to the KO. The PM or designated APM shall have full authority to act for the Contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The PM or designated APM shall be available between the hours of 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Eastern Time (ET), Monday through Friday, except federal holidays or when the government facility is closed for administrative reasons.

1.6.12.1.2. Academic Coordinator for the Western Region: The Contractor shall provide an Academic Coordinator for the

Western Region (located at JBLM, Washington). The Academic Coordinator will ultimately be responsible for the mentorship and professional development of Western Region contract service providers involved in instruction and curriculum development, as well as the selection of same for each course/project. In addition, the Academic Coordinator will assist the Government and fellow contract service providers with creating and assessing tailored course materials, activities, and curricula for each course/project. The Academic Coordinator shall be located at the JBLM Language and Culture Center, JBLM, WA. The Academic Coordinator shall be designated in writing to the KO/COR for approval within five (5) days of contract award. The Academic

Coordinator shall be available between the hours of 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Eastern Time (ET), Monday through Friday, except federal holidays or when the government facility is closed for administrative reasons.

1.6.12.2 Qualifications for all Key Personnel:

1.6.12.2.1 Program Manager. The PMs shall meet or exceed the following minimum qualifications: The Program Manager shall have a minimum of a Master’s Degree (MA) in Second Language Acquisition, Cultural Anthropology, Cross-cultural Communication, Instructional Design, or a related field of study; or a Bachelor’s Degree in (a) Foreign Language (with teaching concentration), Second Language Acquisition, Cultural Anthropology or Cross-cultural Communication, or Instructional Design or a related field of study; AND five years of adult education experience. The PM shall also have a minimum of five years of demonstrated managerial experience dealing with personnel and program/project management. The APM shall be nominated from existing CLP or Instructor positions and shall meet or exceed the same qualifications as the PM. The PM may be dual-hatted as well, if that individual will be able to perform the responsibilities of both positions as defined in the PWS.

1.6.12.2.2. Academic Coordinator for the Western Region: The Academic Coordinator for the Western Region shall meet or exceed the following minimum qualifications: The Academic Coordinator shall have a minimum of a Masters Degree (MA) in (Applied) Linguistics, Second Language Acquisition, Cultural Anthropology, Cross- cultural Communication, or Instructional Design; or a Bachelors Degree in (a) Foreign Language (with teaching concentration), (Applied) Linguistics, Second Language Acquisition, Cultural Anthropology or Cross-cultural Communication, or Instructional Design AND five years of adult education experience. The Academic Coordinator must have a minimum of three years of demonstrated experience as a teacher trainer in SLA methodology or English as a Second/Foreign Language (ESL/EFL) methodology. The Academic Coordinator must have demonstrated experience as a personnel manager or teacher mentor.

1.6.13 Language Instructors shall possess, at a minimum:

1.6.13.1 Maintain a minimum ILR 4 in each modality to be taught in the target language, as well as a minimum ILR

L3/R3/S3/W3 in English.

1.6.13.2 Successfully complete the Contractor-provided Pre-Service Instructor Certification. This mandatory pre-service instruction is required prior to any instructor assuming classroom duties. The Pre-Service Instructor Certification Plan (PSICP) shall include, at a minimum: at least eighty (80) hours of experiential instruction, education/training in the areas of: current methods and theories of SLA, teaching adult language learners, integrating culture (to include culture-general and cross-cultural competence) into language learning, US Army culture and rank structure, classroom management, integrating technology into language teaching, assessing language proficiency, ILR skill descriptions, communication-based teaching, learner-centered instruction, assessing learning styles, and learning strategies. The Contractor shall provide the COR completion certificates for all instructors prior to the start date of individual task orders in accordance with Technical Exhibit 2 – Deliverables Schedule. (AQL 100%)

1.6.13.3 Successfully complete at least 40 hours of annual contractor-provided in-service instruction, except for those in a less than half-time status, who must attend a prorated amount of in-service instruction relative to the amount of time they will actually be working on the contract. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to provide in-service, professional development instruction for its instructors to cover advances in SLA methodology and adult language teaching/learning. Any materials developed during this instruction shall become the property of the Government. (AQL 100%)

1.6.13.4 Maintain expertise in using methods and materials that facilitate proficiency based, as well as the ability to adapt authentic materials or repurpose traditional language materials using the Interagency Language Roundtable Language Skill Level Descriptions to tailor curricula to meet student needs. This includes translation of materials into the target language for instructional purposes, and ensuring that materials prepared are at the appropriate level of proficiency. Instructors shall also possess experience in lesson planning;

preparation of classroom quizzes, writing POIs and/or lesson plans geared to various skill levels, and development of appropriate homework activities to augment classroom instruction.

1.6.13.5 Instructors are teaching adult students at a professional level for the world of work and must be familiar with current strategies and theories that address myriad adult learner individual differences (age, sex/gender, education level, experience level, motivation, rank, socioeconomic status, personal history, etc.). KOs will ensure that contracts require vendors to certify in writing their employees language proficiency. Contract instructors hired to provide foreign language instruction must have a foreign language proficiency level of at least L3/R3, . KOs will ensure that contracts require vendors to certify in writing their employees English language proficiency. Contract foreign language instructors must have a 2+ or higher English fluency level (speaking, listening, and reading), and must have . Instructors must have one or more years of prior experience teaching a foreign language to adult English-speaking students, unless waived by terms of the contract.

1.6.13.6 Possess experience in word processing using foreign fonts, and familiarity with working in a Windows (MS

Office) environment. Instructors shall have experience in using templates to create computer assisted instruction lessons in support of their lesson plans or as stand-alone lessons for homework. In situations such as certain low-density languages which do not have software packages, this requirement may be waived by the COR.

1.6.13.7 Possess expertise in integrating audio, video, and computer assisted multi-media into the foreign language classroom.

1.6.13.8 Possess experience in the operation and use of a modern classroom and web-based technologies (such as interactive whiteboards and touchscreens, multi-media players, and WebTools) as teaching resources.

1.6.13. Other Personnel Qualifications:

1.6.14.1 Technical Support: The Contractor shall provide Technical Support at the FORSCOM Western CONUS Regional Center at JBLM, Washington; and the Eastern regional office at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

1.6.14.1.1. Technical Support Personnel shall possess, at a minimum:

1.6.14.1.2. Expertise in commonly applied automation and information systems operating principles. Practical working knowledge of computer systems, hardware and software, networks and the ability to configure and troubleshoot the hardware and software. Ability to administer a Local Area Network (LAN) and comply with all upgrade, data back-ups, and security requirements mandated by the local COR and/or the Network Enterprise Center (NEC) at each military installation.

1.6.14.1.3. Expertise in the setup, installation, and use of computer peripherals, Audio/Visual (A/V) equipment, general multi-media equipment, interactive whiteboards and touchscreens, DVD/CD burners, scanners, printers, satellite communications equipment, digital cameras and digital video cameras, video capture software and hardware utilities, sound recording equipment and software, etc. Ability to teach others how to operate equipment as required.

1.6.14.1.4. Expertise in the installation and use of typical office software, such as the MS Office suite of products, data management programs, educational and foreign language software; particularly experience with installation and use of foreign fonts. Ability to review and test software packages for potential use in projects and classroom environments Ability to stay up to date on computer technology and recommend upgrades and new equipment to the COR, as necessary.

1.6.14.1.5 Expertise with authoring software to include: the ability to design webpages for web-based lessons, develop and use templates, import audio and video media, creating hyperlinks and linking sound files, editing technological aspects of lessons, creating navigation tools and strategies, manipulating foreign fonts and using font development software, developing keyboard layouts for foreign fonts when necessary. Assist all staff, teachers and students with computer/technology and related technological issues.

1.6.14.1.6 Expertise in managing and maintaining a web site, using current HTML-based authoring tools, configuring and managing language learning telecommunications links comprised of satellite television broadcasts, teleconferencing, video conferencing and Internet distance learning programs.

1.6.15 Command Language Programs (CLP) Support: The contractor shall have military experience, preferred military linguist and knowledge of Command Language Programs (CLP), that have additional expertise in manipulating excel spreadsheets, Microsoft Schedule, web-based systems, PowerPoint, and other software programs. The contractor shall have communication, excellent organizational skills, and leadership skills to work effectively with government and contract staff and understands the parameters inherent in each category. The contractor shall also have:

1.6.15.1 Expertise in providing customer service, staff support, and resource/facilities functions

1.6.15.2 Organizational skills for controlling and maintaining an extensive inventory of materials, publications, equipment, and other assigned facility resources.

1.6.15.3. Ability to assist customers (in person, via email or phone) in the selection and checkout of materials (per local

Government policy) and orientation to the use of language facility resources.

1.6.15.4. Ability to support staff and instructors with such administrative functions as copying, typing, duplication of classroom materials such as A/V and multi-media, training aids, classroom setup and tear down, coordination with the COR for supplies, and other similar tasks.

1.6.15.5. Coordination expertise for the scheduling of facility resources and learning activities/events, as well as the ability to track and monitor the use of facility resources.

1.6.15.6. Ability to generate word-processed or data-based reports on attendance, inventories, scheduling, etc.

1.6.16. Contractor Personnel:

1.6.16.1 Identification of Contractor Personnel: All Contract service providers 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.

1.6.16.1.1. All Contractor personnel working at JBLM, Fort Bragg, and all Contractor personnel performing requirements for III Corps shall obtain a Department of Defense (DoD) Common Access Card (CAC).

1.6.16.1.2. The Contractor shall provide Photo Identification Badges to all other Contractor personnel.

1.6.16.1.2.1 Such identification shall be worn at all times, when performing work under this contract, to include attending Government meetings and conferences. Contractors shall wear the identification badges in a conspicuous place on the front of exterior clothing and above the waist, except when health or safety reasons prohibit such placement or when being used for computer access.

1.6.16.2 Contract service providers are responsible for coordinating installation access issues prior to prior to performance under individual task orders.

1.6.16.3 The Contractor shall develop, maintain, and provide to the COR on a monthly basis an updated roster which shall include names and positions of all contract service providers as well as indicate which employees were issued CAC or other forms of government identification cards. The Contractor shall submit the initial roster to the COR within ten calendar days after commencement of the base period in accordance with Technical Exhibit 2 – Deliverables Schedule.

1.6.16.3.1 The Contractor shall immediately report any lost CAC or government issued identification cards to the COR and Military and/or DoD police agencies. The Contractor shall immediately collect the CAC and other government issued forms of identification upon termination of employee, or at the end of the contract performance period. The CAC and other government issued forms of identification shall be returned to the COR within one (1) hour of employee termination, or at the end of contract performance period, whichever comes first. Final payment may be delayed if Contractor fails to comply with these requirements.

1.6.16.4. Contractor Personnel Appearance and Performance: It is essential that all contract service providers meet the highest standards of professionalism and personal integrity. The Contractor shall ensure their personnel do not perform work under the influence of alcohol, illegal prescribed drugs or any other incapacitating agents.

Contract service providers shall be neatly groomed and dressed in business casual attire to present a professional appearance at all times.

1.6.16.5. Interference: Contract service providers shall not interfere with Government activities.

1.6.16.6. Weapons: Contract service providers shall not transport,…