NFA Online Course Developments

This contract will 1.) create four (4) new online courses for NFA; 2.) Conduct an evidence-based needs assessment to inform future online course development priorities across all NFA programs and curricula; 3.) Conduct an evidence-based solutions assessment to determine alternative NFA online/distance-learning course delivery methods as a contingency for unusual or catastrophic incidents and events; and 4.) Develop a comprehensive USFA/NFA-branded Executive Briefing Packet to summarize and promote current NFA programs and curricula to government officials, industry partners, and the public.

Online mediated and self-study courses offered by the National Fire Academy are designed to expand access to high-quality fire and emergency services training, enabling personnel nationwide to learn at their own pace and convenience. By leveraging digital platforms, these courses significantly increase the Academy’s reach, ensuring more responders can enhance their skills and knowledge regardless of location or schedule. This approach directly supports the Academy’s mission to improve fire prevention and life safety by empowering a broader audience with essential, mission-focused skills and education. However, this approach also brings unique challenges and vulnerabilities when online systems and services are disrupted. This contract will address these vulnerabilities both in the course design process and from a systems analysis perspective in the form of an evidence-based solutions assessment.

All courses and materials developed for this contract shall demonstrate sound instructional design methodology that meets the standards required by the American Council on Education (ACE) to qualify for credit recommendations where possible. The instructional content, activities, and evaluation methods must all align with the course objectives and reflect current standards and evidence-based practices in adult learning and the relevant subject matter area. Where applicable, all materials must comply with the guidelines set forth in the most current version of the NFA Online System Technical Specifications (v1.0 as of this date), the NFA Style Guide, AP formatting standards, and be Section 508 compliant.