Combined_Synopsis_&_Solicitation_DDE_2nd_Year_Amend2.pdf

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation for Distance Instructor Services, 2nd Year, Department of Distance Education, U.S. Army War College (USAWC), Carlisle Barracks, PA.

The solicitation number is W91QF0-19-Q-1005. The solicitation is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) pursuant to FAR 13. There are five (5) positions to fill.

This notice incorporates provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2005- 101 effective 26 October 2018 and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS). The complete text of any of the clauses and provisions may be accessed in full text at http://farsite.hill.af.mil This is a Total Small Business Set Aside. The associated NAICS code for this procurement is 611310 and the small business size standard is $27,500,000.00. Product Service Code is U099.

Quotes are due No Later Than (NLT) 22 Apr 2019 at 7:00 a.m. EDT. Quotes shall be emailed to the POC’s for this requirement, Contract Specialist Bethany Flynn at bethany.l.flynn.civ@mail.mil and Contracting Officer Larry L. Brown at larry.l.brown9.civ@mail.mil. All questions shall be submitted via e-mail to the POC’s for this requirement and they will be responded to on an amendment to this solicitation.

Questions should be submitted by 8 Apr 2019 at 7:30 a.m. EDT. Questions submitted after that date may not be addressed.

All vendors submitting a quote must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

The Description of all requirements are in the Performance Work Statement (PWS) to follow.

The following FAR clauses and provisions apply to this acquisition.

The provision at 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors - Commercial, applies to this acquisition (See RFQ to follow for Addendum)

The provision at 52.212-2, Evaluation -- Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. Quoters must include a completed copy of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications -- Commercial Items and 52.219-1, Small Business Program Representations (OCT 2014) – Alternate I (MAY 2014) with its quote.

The clause at 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions -- Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition.

The clause at 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders -- Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition.

Any award resulting from this solicitation will be issued on a Standard Form (SF) 1449.

Additionally:

1. All information on the solicitation must be filled out completely and returned. Incomplete submissions will be determined not in conformance to the Solicitation and may be rejected.

2. Please be sure to read the entire solicitation for sections that require vendor information to be submitted.

3. All contractors must be actively registered in System for Award Management (SAM) in order to receive a Department of Defense contract (See DFARS 252.204-7004 ALT A). Registration information can be obtained at the following website: www.sam.gov/portal /public/SAM/. Contractors are advised to register upon receipt of this solicitation since there is a time lag between registration and registration availability.

4. Quotes which are unrealistic in terms of technical or unrealistically low in price will be deemed reflective of an inherent lack of technical competence or indicative of a failure to comprehend the complexity of the proposed contractual requirement and may be rejected.

5. In selecting the offer most advantageous to the Government the following factors will be considered:

Technical, Past Performance and Price.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES:

1. NAICS AND SIZE STANDARD HAVE BEEN UPDATED.

2. CLIN 0009 QUANTITY HAS CHANGED FROM 6 TO 4

3. CLIN 0006 NOW REFLECTS 'OPTION' STATUS.

4. ADD 'TO BE FUNDED AT THE OPTION OF THE GOVERNMENT' TO CLINS X005 & X006.

Section SF 1449 - CONTINUATION SHEET

PWS

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

U.S. ARMY WAR COLLEGE, SCHOOL OF STRATEGIC LANDPOWER

DEPARTMENT OF DISTANCE EDUCATION, SECOND YEAR STUDIES

FACULTY INSTRUCTOR SERVICE

1. GENERAL:

1.1 Description of Services/Introduction: This Performance Work Statement (PWS) identifies the minimum requirements to serve as a Faculty Instructor and Evaluator for a Distance Education Program (DEP) in the Second Year Studies Program, Department of Distance Education (DDE), U.S. Army War College (USAWC). This work encompasses four online Core Courses and two summer Resident Courses with associated programs, and includes the evaluation of student performance in online discussion forums, appropriate experiential activities, on papers and writing projects, and during resident seminar discussion. The work includes the development, instruction and evaluation of an online elective and a Graduate Seminar. This work is specific to the distance education courses listed in the contract line item schedule. The contractor shall perform to the standards of this contract.

1.2 Background:

1.2.1 The USAWC DEP is an accredited, blended, online and resident Senior Service College spanning two academic years, running from May through the following June during the first year, and June through July the second year. During the first year of studies, the curriculum consists of a two-day resident orientation seminar; a nonresident (online) orientation course; four nonresident (online) core courses; and the two-week First Resident Course in June. During the second year of studies, the curriculum consists of four nonresident (online) Core Courses;

a nonresident (online) elective or writing project; and the two-week Second Resident Course, followed by graduation in July.

1.2.2 DEP courses employ techniques such as instructional commentary, directed readings, learning objects, video and audio recordings. DEP assessment methodologies include but are not limited to: written papers of various formats, ranging in length from 500 to 2000 words; research projects in the range of 5000-6000 words;

asynchronous, online discussion forums where students produce individual or team submissions; online written examinations; exercises; individual verbal presentations (note: Flipgrid, video recording, Cloud link); and face-to-face, synchronous discussion, using both Blackboard Collaborate software and conducted in the seminar room during the two Resident Courses.

1.2.3 The USAWC Learning Management System (LMS) currently consists of two distinct systems. Blackboard performs the functions of a Content Management System (CMS) and Compass serves as a Student Information System (SIS.) As a CMS, Blackboard delivers course content to students and hosts asynchronous discussion forums to access student learning. Blackboard Collaborate™ allows synchronous discussions and real-time interactions between faculty and students. As an SIS, Compass maintains student biographical, contact and academic information, and provides a venue to receive, evaluate and store student products submitted to meet assessment requirements.

1.2.4 International Fellows (IF) are students from the military forces or governments of other nations and generally meet the same selection criteria as their U.S. counterparts. The total number of IFs selected to attend the USAWC DEP varies each year, but generally the total number is between five and 10 students. The IFs participate in the curriculum along with their U.S. counterparts in seminars during both First Year Studies and Second Year Studies using the same educational methodology and resources. However, additional assistance and the mentoring may be necessary for select IFs.

1.3 Objectives: The Faculty Instructor shall provide instruction, assessment and guidance to students enrolled in the

DEP.

1.4 Scope: The Contractor shall serve as a Faculty Instructor and Evaluator providing services for DEP seminars in the Second Year Studies Program, DDE, School of Strategic Landpower (SSL), USAWC. The work encompasses four online Core Courses and two summer Resident Courses with associated programs, and includes the evaluation of student performance in online discussion forums, on papers and writing projects, and during resident seminar discussions. The work includes the development, instruction and evaluation of an online elective and Graduate Seminar. This work is specific to the distance education courses listed in the contract line item schedule.

1.5 Period of Performance: The period of performance shall be 01 June 2019 – 31 July 2024, provided all options are exercised. The Period of Performance reads as follows:

Base Year: 1 June 2019 – 31 May 2020 Option Period I: 1 June 2020 – 31 May 2021 Option Period II: 1 June 2021 – 31 May 2022 Option Period III: 1 June 2022 – 31 May 2023 Option Period IV: 1 June 2023 – 31 May 2024 Option Period V: 1 June 2024 – 31 July 2024 (2-month extension)

The Five option periods will be exercised unilaterally at the Government’s discretion.

1.6 General Information:

1.6.1 Quality Control: The Contractor shall develop and maintain an effective quality control plan (QCP) to ensure services are performed in accordance with this PWS. 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/she assures himself/herself that his/her work complies with the requirement of the contract. The Quality Control Plan (QCP) shall be delivered to the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) within 30 days after contract award. Three copies of a comprehensive written QCP shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer (KO) and COR within 5 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/her QC system.

1.6.2 Quality Assurance: The government will evaluate the Contractor’s performance under this contract in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). This plan focuses on what the Government must do to ensure that the contractor has performed in accordance with the performance standards. The plan defines the application of performance standards, the frequency of surveillance, and the minimum acceptable defect rate(s).

1.6.3 Recognized Holidays: The following Federal legal holidays are observed by this installation: New Year’s Day Labor Day Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday Columbus Day George Washington’s Birthday Veteran’s Day Memorial Day Thanksgiving Day Independence Day Christmas Day

1.6.4 Hours of Operation: During the period in which the Contractor is actively involved in the evaluation process, the Contractor shall be accessible to students and DDE Government employees by e-mail and by phone during normal business hours (8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time) except Federal holidays or when the Government facility is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closings, or similar Government directed facility closings. The Contractor must maintain at all times 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 performed under this contract will be performed at:

a. USAWC, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania.

b. Another location from which the Contractor can perform all aspects of this Contract.

1.6.6 Type of Contract: The government will award a Firm Fixed Priced Contract.

1.6.7 Security Requirements: Contractor personnel performing work under this contract are not required to have a security clearance, but are required to receive a favorable background check to acquire a CAC.

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 Key Control. The Contractor shall establish and implement methods of making sure all keys/key cards issued to the Contractor by the Government are not lost or misplaced and are not used by unauthorized persons.

NOTE: All references to keys include key cards. No keys issued to the Contractor by the Government shall be duplicated. The Contractor shall develop procedures covering 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 locked areas. The Contractor shall immediately report any occurrences of lost or duplicate keys/key cards to the KO.

1.6.7.2.1 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.

1.6.7.2.2 The Contractor shall prohibit the use of Government issued keys/key cards by any persons other than the Contractor’s employees. The Contractor shall prohibit the opening of locked areas by Contractor employees to permit entrance of persons other than Contractor employees engaged in the performance of assigned work in those areas, or personnel authorized entrance by the Contracting Officer.

1.6.8 Special Qualifications: The Contractor is responsible for ensuring all employees possess and maintain currency on items listed in this PWS.

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 KO, 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 shall 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: 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 KO 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: Identified by the potential Contractor at time of bid submission. (No more than two key personnel will be allowed. Contractor shall limit Key Personnel to two (2) instructors per contract. See FAR Clause 5152.204-4001.)

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 required to obtain and wear badges in the performance of this service.

1.6.12.1 Display of ID Badges: Contractor personnel shall wear the ID badge at all times when performing work under this contract to include attending Government meetings and conferences. Unless otherwise specified in the contract, each contractor employee shall wear the ID badge in a conspicuous place on the front of exterior clothing and above the waist except when safety or health reasons prohibit such placement.

1.6.12.2 Answering Telephones: Contractor personnel shall identify themselves as contractor employees when answering Government telephones.

Utilizing Electronic Mail: When contractor personnel send e-mail messages to Government personnel while performing on this contract, the contractor’s e-mail address shall indicate that the sender is a contractor (ctr).

1.6.13 CONDUCT OF EMPLOYEES: The contractor is fully responsible for the performance and conduct of their employees at all times while on post performing under this contract. The contractor shall not allow any employees to perform work under this contract while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any other incapacitating agent, nor shall individuals continue to be employed who engage in bad behavior that violates established Department of Defense (DoD) standards of ethical behavior, harassment, abuse, and the like. T h e Military police and other law enforcement personnel on post have the right to deny entry to post or remove from post any contractor employee for misconduct, which endangers the health or safety of people or property or for reasons of security. In addition, the Post Commander may bar an individual from entering the post under the authority of 18 U.S.C 1382. Removal from post of a contractor employee in accordance with the above shall not relieve the contractor from the requirement to meet all of the terms and conditions of the contract.

1.6.14 Contractor Travel: The Contractor shall be required to travel to Washington, DC during First Resident Course and to Antietam, Sharpsburg, VA and Gettysburg, PA for the Battlefield Staff Rides conducted during the summer resident courses. The Government will provide transportation to all three of these events. The Contractor shall be authorized travel expenses (for meals and incidentals) consistent with the substantive provisions of the Joint Travel Regulation (JTR) and the limitation of funds specified in this contract. All travel requires Government approval/authorization and notification to the COR. The Contractor may be required to travel to off-site training locations in support of this PWS.

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.

2. DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS:

2.1 Definitions:

2.1.1 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.

2.1.2 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.

2.1.3 Contracting Officer's Representative. 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.

2.1.4 Defective Service. A service output that does not meet the standard of performance associated with the PWS.

2.1.5 Deliverable. Anything that can be physically delivered, including teaching, but may include non-manufactured things such as meeting minutes or reports.

2.1.6 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.

2.1.7 Physical Security. Actions that prevent the loss or damage of Government property.

2.1.8 Quality Assurance. The government procedures to verify that services being performed by the Contractor are performed according to acceptable standards.

2.1.9 Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan. An organized written document specifying the surveillance methodology used for surveillance of contractor performance.

2.1.10 Quality Control. All necessary measures taken by the Contractor to assure that the quality of an end product or service shall meet contract requirements.

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

2.1.12 Work Day. The number of hours per day the Contractor provides services in accordance with the contract.

2.1.13 Work Week. Monday through Friday, unless specified otherwise.

2.2. Acronyms:

ACOR Alternate Contracting Officer's Representative AER Academic Evaluation Report AFARS Army Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement AR Army Regulation CAC Common Access Card CCE Contracting Center of Excellence CD Course Director CFR Code of Federal Regulations CMS Content Management System CNSP Commandant’s National Security Program CONUS Continental United States (excludes Alaska and Hawaii) COR Contracting Officer Representative COTR Contracting Officer's Technical Representative COTS Commercial-Off-the-Shelf DA Department of the Army DD250 Department of Defense Form 250 (Receiving Report) DD254 Department of Defense Contract Security Requirement List DDE Department of Distance Education

DEP Distance Education Program DFARS Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement DMDC Defense Manpower Data Center DOD Department of Defense DS Directed Study FAR Federal Acquisition Regulation FRC First Resident Course GFE Government Furnished Equipment GFI Government Furnished Information GFM Government Furnished Material HIPAA Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 JPME Joint Professional Military Education KO Contracting Officer LAN Local Area Network LMS Learning Management System OCI Organizational Conflict of Interest OCONUS Outside Continental United States (includes Alaska and Hawaii) ODC Other Direct Costs OPMEP Officer Professional Military Education Policy

(OPMEP)

PIPO Phase In/Phase Out POC Point of Contact PRP Program Research Program PRS Performance Requirements Summary PWS Performance Work Statement QA Quality Assurance QAP Quality Assurance Program QASP Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan QC Quality Control QCP Quality Control Plan SIS Student Information System SRC Second Resident Course TE Technical Exhibit USAWC U.S. Army War College VOIP Voice Over Internet Protocol

3. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES:

The Contractor shall be directly responsible and accountable for all Government property in his/her possession. The Contractor shall return all Government property in its original condition at the end of the contract period of performance. The Contractor shall sign for receipt of Government property.

The Government will provide the following Government-Furnished Information (GFI), Government-Furnished Materials (GFM) and Government-Furnished Equipment (GFE). Any additional GFI, GFM and/or GFE shall be requested through the COR.

3.1 Services:

3.1.1 Provide access to, maintain and operate the DEP LMS.

3.1.2 Provide a user account on the USAWC Local Area Network (LAN) in accordance with paragraph 4.2.8. This account will include an e-mail address and access to the DEP LMS.

3.1.3 Government property mail services, for official Government business only, and only in direct support of this contract.

3.1.4 Transportation in support of the Washington D.C. trip during First Resident Course and the Battlefield Staff Rides during both Resident Courses.

3.2 Facilities:

3.2.1 Provide access to computer terminals on the USAWC LAN in common-user study carrels in the U.S. Army War College Library, or in DDE spaces, as available. The Government will not issue a computer as GFE to the Contractor.

3.2.2 Telephone services at the USAWC, only for direct support of this contract.

3.3 Utilities: The Contractor shall instruct employees in utilities conservation practices. The contractor shall be responsible for operating under conditions that preclude the waste of utilities, which include turning off the water faucets or valves after using the required amount to accomplish cleaning vehicles and equipment.

3.4 Equipment: Access to, i.e., scanners, fax machines, printers, copiers.

3.5 Materials:

3.5.1 Provide course references in electronic or paper form.

3.5.2 Issue a Common Access Card (CAC), as needed in accordance with paragraph 4.2.8.

4. CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS:

The Contractor shall furnish all supplies, equipment, facilities and services required to perform work under this contract that are not listed under Part 3 of this PWS. Contractor may provide up to two (2) Faculty Instructors to share the responsibilities of this contract. If two Faculty Instructors are submitted, the evaluation of the submission will be based on the lowest qualified of the two in each category found in Section 4, CONTRACTOR

QUALIFICATIONS.

4.1 General: All faculty instructors of this contract shall meet the Contractor Qualifications defined in paragraphs

4.2 of this PWS.

4.2 Acceptability Threshold of a Proposal: To be minimally technically qualified for this solicitation, the contractor must possess the qualities listed below:

4.2.1 A Senior Level College education from a Senior Service College, or have successfully completed a minimum of one graduate level course from each major field of study in the USAWC curriculum. A candidate possessing a Joint Professional Military Education Phase II qualification is a plus; the highest qualified candidate will be a Joint Qualified officer.

4.2.2 A master’s degree from an accredited graduate degree granting institution in a discipline relevant to a major field of study within the USAWC as found below.

a. Strategic Leadership and Ethics

b. National Security Policy and Strategy

c. Theory of War

d. Military History

e. Elements of National Power (Diplomacy, Information, Military, and Economics)

f. Civil-Military Relations

g. Military Strategy, Operational Art and Planning

h. Materiel Acquisition, Force Development, Human and Fiscal Resources

i. Joint Military Doctrine

The highly qualified candidate will have a PhD in a national security related discipline, as cited above, multiple years of teaching experience at a Senior Service College, or other accredited, degree-granting institution of higher learning. In addition to the foregoing, the highest qualified candidate will have other teaching experience, teaching awards, teaching citations, service awards and/or academic promotion.

4.2.3 Minimum of one year experience as a faculty instructor at either a Senior Service College or an accredited graduate degree granting institution teaching graduate level courses. Faculty experience shall be in one of the major fields of studies listed in paragraph 2. Experience must have occurred within the previous three years as reflected on a curriculum vitae, professional resume, and/or similar documents.

4.2.4 Practical experience of at least 6 months each in two or more of the fields of study within the USAWC curriculum listed in paragraph 4.2.2 (a) through (i).

4.2.5 Experienced in the use of Microsoft Office® (i.e. Word, Outlook, Power Point, SharePoint Portal).

4.2.6 Experienced in the use of a Content Management System (CMS) recognized in the academic community; see paragraph 2.3. Examples include, but are not limited to, the current version of the USAWC Compass or Blackboard®. The highest qualified candidate will have over ten years of experience teaching in a SSC distance learning program using Blackboard, collaboration tools, and leading forum as well as experience in course development of a core course or elective and the ability to effectively conduct graduate-level inquiry-driven seminar learning using concepts of adult learning. The Contractor must be knowledgeable in concepts of adult learning, Bloom’s Taxonomy, Seminar Discourse, Seminar Team Building, and Reflective Learning.

4.2.7 Experienced in the use of a Learning Management System (LMS) recognized in the academic community; see paragraph 2.3. Examples include, but are not limited to, the current version of the USAWC Compass, Desire2Learn®, or Moodle™.

4.2.8 Able to meet all requirements to be issued a Common Access Card (CAC) as set forth on the Defense Human Resource Activity website titled, “Getting Your Common Access Card (CAC),” http://www.cac.mil/common-access-card/getting-your-cac/ (accessed 2 OCT 2018).

4.2.9 Able to meet all personnel security requirements to be granted access to a U.S. Government Information System (the USAWC local area network) as set forth in Chapter 4 of Army Regulation 25-2, Information Assurance.

4.2.10 Able to perform word processing and data entry tasks associated with evaluating and electronically annotating student submissions and recording correspondence and conversations in the LMS database.

4.2.11 (Required only if quoting for the Battlefield Staff Guide on CLIN’s XX11 of solicitation) Requires General American Civil War history for context; specific knowledge of the battles of Antietam and Gettysburg; detailed knowledge of the campaign, leaders and the battlefield; and the ability to relate strategic leader competencies and course materials studied by USAWC students to events that occurred on the respective battlefield.

4.2.12 During execution of this contract, if an individual who is actually performing work in accordance with the contract needs to be excused from work, individuals chosen to actually perform work on this contract must present commensurate qualifications as the individuals presented at the time of the award.

4.2.13 Experienced (or able to be trained on site) in the use of visual and automation technology in the individual seminar rooms at Carlisle Barracks (at no additional cost to the government).

5. SPECIFIC TASKS:

Basic Services. The Contractor shall provide services for:

5.1 Core Courses: During each academic year, the Contractor will instruct, advise, monitor academic progress and evaluate two seminars, each composed of up to eighteen USAWC students (military, government civilians, and international fellows) during four online Core Courses. In each Core Course, the Contractor must provide faculty comments evaluating and assessing each student’s performance in each individual evaluation requirement (for example, a paper or an online discussion forum) and for the overall course. The Contractor shall enter these evaluation comments within the appropriate fields in the DEP LMS by the due date in section 7.0, “DELIVERABLES.”

5.1.1 Faculty Preparation, Monitoring and Advising. The Contractor shall analyze course objectives and curriculum materials and incorporate guidance from the DDE Chairman, the Year Group Director and the Course Director (CD), as the Contractor prepares him/herself to lead students through the curriculum materials, tasks and evaluation requirements.

5.1.1.1 USAWC graduates must be exposed to the most current Officer Professional Military Education Policy (OPMEP) guidelines and understand the learning objectives outlined in appropriate Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) documents published by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The real-time nature of Distance Education requires dedicated self-study and preparation by the Contractor to comply with the JPME requirements in the OPMEP. The Contractor shall maintain currency with evolving professional military education requirements through dedicated individual preparation and participation in a program of lifelong learning based on the OPMEP.

5.1.1.2 The Contractor shall attend, and participate in, a faculty training session lasting up to three hours that is conducted by the Course Director for each Core Course. This training usually occurs several weeks prior to the first online discussion forum in a particular course and may include a post-course, after-action review session of the previous, completed Core Course. The Course Director will provide administrative information on the conduct of forums and rubrics for the evaluation of student papers and forum participation. See also section 5.11, “FACULTY

TRAINING.”

5.1.1.3 The Contractor can expect to spend approximately one hour per week per seminar, throughout the entire academic year, communicating with and advising his/her students on administrative and academic issues/requirements (i.e., completion of an external online training course in order to meet specific learning outcomes). The Contractor shall notify the Year Group Director within one business day regarding potential student academic problems or unusual student personal or professional situations that may affect the student’s performance in the DEP.

5.1.1.4 The Contractor shall return student telephone calls and e-mails within twenty-four hours of receipt. The Contractor shall enter substantive conversations with students into the DEP LMS “Official Correspondence” field under “Students” menu.

5.1.1.5 The Contractor shall host and record (at least) two synchronous Collaborate sessions, using the DEP LMS.

At least one session shall cover the essay requirements, and (at least) one session shall cover the Forum requirement(s). If the contractor has two seminars s/he may combine the students in one session.

5.2 Evaluating Writing Requirements. During each Core Course, the Contractor shall evaluate/re-evaluate written requirements (papers) submitted/resubmitted by students from his/her seminar(s).

5.2.1 The USAWC Communicative Arts Directive (CAD) publishes evaluation standards which may be amplified by the Course Director and the Year Group Director. The Contractor shall provide commentary and assessment using the review function in Microsoft Word® directly into each paper. The Contractor shall further provide formal assessment with amplifying commentary in the appropriate DEP LMS fields. Requirements submitted online shall be evaluated online.

5.2.2 The Contractor shall provide each student with feedback on the content, organization, and style of each submission in accordance with DDE guidance. Feedback shall be diagnostic and corrective, giving individual mentorship on writing style, grammar and punctuation, critical thought, organization and substance of content as outlined in appropriate USAWC curriculum material. The intent is to promote effective writing and analysis at the strategic leader and graduate levels and to identify those students who require remedial instruction. Corrective comments, commendatory acknowledgements, and content commentary on each essay must be substantive and constructive, pointing the student toward specific areas for improvement, extending the student’s learning, and identifying strengths.

5.2.3. If a student submits unsatisfactory work, the Contractor shall provide a clear, legible, and detailed analysis that explains why and how it did not meet the standard and the necessary corrections to make that work satisfactory. The Contractor shall make personal notification to each student who fails to meet the standard by telephone or email. The Contractor shall evaluate resubmissions in the same manner as the original submission.

The DDE Chairman makes all final determinations of acceptability of submissions.

5.2.4 The Contractor will complete evaluations of student submissions and resubmissions in the DEP LMS by the due date in section 7.0. During the period in which the Contractor is actively involved in the evaluation process, the Contractor shall be accessible to students and DDE Government employees by e-mail and by phone during normal business hours, 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m., Eastern Time.

5.2.5 The student submissions and data folders are subject to the Privacy Act of 1974. Control of the electronic data/folders requires the Contractor to safeguard all passwords or communications and any data that the Contractor may download as part of the student evaluation process. The Contractor is personally responsible for ensuring that student Privacy Act information is appropriately safeguarded when accessing the current DEP LMS from any location – on site or away from the USAWC.

5.3 Forums. The mostly asynchronous online forum in the DEP simulates the face-to-face discussions held in a seminar room during a resident course. This discourse and collaboration is a critical part of the adult learning model where students face the challenge of submitting their ideas for critical seminar group appraisal and discussion.

5.3.1 During each Core Course, the Contractor shall conduct and evaluate threaded discussions and exercises in one or more asynchronous online forums for each assigned seminar using the forum function within the DEP LMS.

Core Course forums are generally active ten to fifteen days, not to exceed sixty cumulative days for all four Core Courses. Forums are asynchronous but may include synchronous online sessions using USAWC approved systems.

The Contractor shall prepare his/her seminar(s) to conduct the forum by appropriately dividing the students into teams, assigning team leaders, and issuing guidance to team leaders and all students regarding the conduct and objectives of the forum, as directed by the Course Director.

5.3.2 Core Course forums evaluate student achievement of course learning objectives through dialogue and collaboration. This dialogue generally takes two forms. First, students individually post answers in response to a question provided by the Course Director and initiated by the Contractor, then post subsequent replies to other students ‘entries. The Contractor guides the discussion to ensure that all aspects of a question are addressed to achieve the learning objectives. These discussions may be written or potentially via video/audio recording and presentation. Second, students may assume roles within a notional group and collaborate to produce team and /or individual products assigned by the CD, ranging from a policy statement to a prioritized list of capabilities to a deliberate plan or short point/decision paper. The Contractor answers student questions, helps guide the work schedule and provides corrections and insights to ensure that students achieve the learning objectives.

5.3.3 When written, student posts must reflect graduate-level thought and conform to the same writing standards in the USAWC CAD that are applied to course papers; this includes citing the source of material that informs a comment, even if from a fellow student. Typical initial posts may consist of 250 words with response posts of 150 words. As technology and modalities advance, forums may require video/audio recorded entries and dialog using various producst, i.e.; Blackboard®, FlipGrid, smart phones, cloud sites, and etc. The Communications Arts standards for communications of all types will apply.

5.3.4 During the faculty training session listed in paragraph 5.1.1.2, the CD will specify the learning objectives, timing, format, questions to be addressed and an evaluation rubric for each forum. The Contractor shall exercise judgment to accomplish the faculty instructor tasks stated in paragraph 5.3.2. When directed by the Course Director (CD) or when needed to achieve Learning Outcomes, the Contractor shall enter the forum software and read all new student posts; personalize material provided by the CD then post it to guide that day’s discussion; provide periodic posts throughout the forum, as needed, to ensure student discussion is achieving the learning objective; and provide a summary of the day’s dialogue to include alternative opinions on certain points, lessons learned and instructions needed for the next stage of the discussion.

5.3.5 The Contractor shall evaluate student performance toward achieving course learning objectives throughout the conduct of the forum. The Contractor shall enter an evaluation of each student’s performance into the DEP LMS following the completion of the forum by the due date in section 7.0. If a student’s work in the forum is unsatisfactory in either frequency or content, the Contractor shall provide a clear, legible and detailed analysis explaining why and how the student did not meet the standard. The Contractor shall make personal notification by telephone or email to any student who fails to meet the standard then assign and evaluate an alternate requirement provided by the Course Director.

5.4 First Resident Course (FRC). The Contractor shall provide in-residence instruction and facilitation to one seminar according to curriculum requirements of the U.S. Army War College DEP during two weeks in June.

Each seminar will consist of approximately eighteen DEP students.

5.4.1 The Contractor shall prepare for the FRC by reviewing and applying instructional material provided by DDE. The Contractor will attend a faculty development and training meeting (lasting up to eight hours) prior to and an after-action review meeting (lasting up to three hours) following the FRC.

5.4.2 The First Resident Course involves approximately eight hours of facilitation during each of eight days of seminar instruction. The Contractor shall accompany his/her seminar during the approximately ten-hour battlefield staff ride to Antietam, Sharpsburg, VA on one day. The Contractor shall also lead up to two (2) sequential small- group visits during the approximately sixteen-hour trip to Washington, DC.

5.4.3 The Contractor shall review course materials and conduct sufficient outside professional study to be able to effectively conduct graduate-level, inquiry-driven seminar learning. The Contractor must be knowledgeable in concepts of adult learning, Bloom’s taxonomy, seminar discourse, seminar team building and reflective learning.

5.4.4 The Contractor shall participate in seminar social activities lasting up to eight cumulative hours during the FRC beyond the requirements in paragraph 5.4.2.

5.4.5 The Contractor shall evaluate each student on his/her oral presentations during the FRC. This evaluation will address content, organization, and delivery according to criteria in the USAWC CAD amplified by the Course Director. The Contractor shall enter this evaluation into the DEP LMS by the due date in section 7.0.

5.4.6 The Contractor shall evaluate each student on his/her individual seminar participation and overall performance during the FRC, applying guidance from the Director, FRC and Year Group Director. The Contractor shall enter this evaluation into the DEP LMS by the due date in section 7.0.

5.5 Second Resident Course (SRC). The Contractor shall provide in-residence instruction and facilitation to one seminar according to curriculum requirements of the USAWC DEP during two weeks in July. Each seminar will consist of approximately eighteen DEP students who will be joined for several days by approximately three invited civilian guests under the Commandant’s National Security Program (CNSP).

5.5.1 The Contractor shall prepare for the SRC by reviewing and applying instructional material provided by DDE. The Contractor shall attend a faculty development and training meeting (lasting up to eight hours) prior to and an after-action review meeting (lasting up to three hours) after the SRC.

5.5.2 The SRC requires the Contractor to perform eight days of seminar facilitation, accompany his/her seminar during the approximately ten-hour battlefield staff ride to Gettysburg on one day, and attend the graduation ceremony lasting one half-day followed by the faculty course after-action review meeting. Four of the eight days require approximately eight hours of seminar facilitation while the remaining four days involve approximately five hours of seminar facilitation due to a separate three-hour Graduate Seminar conducted on each of those days.

5.5.3 The Contractor shall review course materials and conduct sufficient outside professional study to be able to effectively conduct graduate-level, inquiry-driven seminar learning. The Contractor must be knowledgeable in concepts of adult learning, Bloom’s taxonomy, seminar discourse, seminar team building and reflective learning.

5.5.4 The Contractor shall participate in seminar social activities with students and invited CNSP guests lasting up to eight cumulative hours during the SRC beyond the requirements in paragraph 5.5.2.

5.5.5 The Contractor shall evaluate each student on his/her individual seminar participation and overall performance during the SRC, applying guidance from the Director, SRC and Year Group Director. The Contractor shall enter this evaluation into the DEP LMS by the due date in section 7.0.

5.5.6 The Contractor shall also prepare an Academic Evaluation Report (AER) covering each student’s performance during the entire two-year DEP. This AER will be completed to address evaluative criteria determined by the US Army, USAWC, and the DDE. A categorical quantitative assessment of each student for both First and Second Year Programs is provided via the DEP LMS. The Contractor shall counsel each student regarding this AER, which will be forwarded to each student’s parent organization or service component. The AER format will be the most current version of the student’s service, agency or department. The Dean of the School of Strategic Landpower (SSL) within the USAWC and/or Chairman of the Department of Distance Education will publish a memorandum of instruction before SRC that specifies format, timing and procedures for completion of AERs for all military personnel, government civilians and international fellows.

5.6 Graduate Seminar (CLIN Exercised at Option of the Government). The Contractor shall develop and teach a Graduate Seminar as part of the Second Resident Course (SRC). The Graduate Seminar is intended to provide an in-depth survey of a focused area of study at the strategic level and is conducted in accordance with guidance from the DDE Chairman, the Year Group Director and the Director, SRC. The Graduate Seminar may or may not include evaluations of student performance.

5.6.1 The Graduate Seminar consists of ten to twelve hours of face-to-face instruction in a seminar setting during Second Resident Course. The students attending a Graduate Seminar may or may not be the same students assigned to the Contractor’s regular seminar during SRC; the size could range from approximately10 to 50 students.

5.6.2 When preparing the Graduate Seminar for the first offering (development), the Contractor shall attend up to one hour of instruction, provided by DDE, on how to develop a Graduate Seminar. The Contractor may be required to meet with the Year Group Director or the Director, SRC for up to two meetings (not to exceed two hours per meeting) during the academic year to discuss appropriate topics, format and resources for the Graduate Seminar. The Contractor shall ensure that the Graduate Seminar embodies current doctrine and knowledge and shall provide academic commentary to enhance student comprehension through supplemental and contrasting perspectives.

5.6.3 The Contractor shall develop the Graduate Seminar to meet the milestones in the SRC Memorandum of Instruction and the DDE production schedule. The Contractor shall coordinate with the Director, SRC to acquire appropriate course materials.

5.6.4 ,In the year that the graduate seminar is already developed, the Contractor shall update the Graduate Seminar for subsequent offerings to ensure item embodies current doctrine and knowledge. Additional DDE preparation instruction is available to the Contractor without cost to the Government.

5.6.5 Number of CLINS: to allow for proper invoice submission, the contract will allow for three CLINS for the Graduate Seminar and one CLIN for development.

5.7 Online Elective (CLIN Exercised at Option of the Government). As required, the Contractor shall serve as Course Director and develop or update, teach and evaluate an online elective to be conducted for approximately six weeks during the months of April and May during the Second Year Studies Program. The class size will average approximately 25 students. The online elective provides students with instruction in a specialized strategic subject which builds on the knowledge gained during the DEP and is either of personal or professional interest to the student.

The Contractor…