70 -- Special Purpose Learning/Language Software

AFDW/A7KS, Bolling AFB, DC, is soliciting offers for a language learning system as specified below. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information as included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. The reference number is F1AF296335A100 and will be issued as a request for quotation. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-09. The NAICS code is 511210 and the size standard is $23M. This acquisition is being solicited as a Total Set-Aside for Small Business. There are two line items as follows: CLIN 0001 ? Special Purpose Learning/Language Software 1 EACH The general requirement is for software, integration, training and support for a language learning system for multiple languages. These language software programs will allow users to work independently at various levels of difficulty. The programs can be distributed quickly and run on multiple platforms such as desktops, laptops, handheld devices or downloaded from websites. SAF/IAPA requires a comprehensive system that can support a wide range of languages and military domains. It is essential that new and lesser known languages can be developed quickly. Key differentiators are interactive language learning software programs, military content, conversational content, diplomatic/political content, quick deployment, independent learning, and less commonly taught languages. Deliverables provide the following general functionalities: 1. Software that allows users to learn vocabulary and phrases in a large number of designated target languages: Computer software that enables the learner to rapidly memorize utterances, likely replies, general and job related vocabulary lists. The user will be able to memorize words and phrases relevant to the domain. Hardware/Software enable the learner to communicate by selecting prerecorded general and job related utterances on a computer screen and having the computer speak the utterances. The user will be able to independently improve language knowledge and pronunciation in the target domain. The user will be able to communicate by having a computer pronounce and display words or phrases selected from a pre-established set. 2. Immersion Language Training Software in designated target languages: Language immersion software simulates environments enabling language learners to independently build vocabulary, investigate language structure, perfect pronunciation, and role play conversations and gain other key language skills in specialized topic areas. Immersion language training software allows users to learn and enhance their language skills in a given target language within a specified subject domain. Filmed scenarios will allow the user to interact with fictitious characters in target language in selected domains. For SAF/IAPA purposes, these may be scenarios involving such activities as conversations with government officials, politicians and military members and understanding local press reports (newspapers, television, radio). Language learners should be able to investigate the meaning and forms of the dialog used in the scenarios. Vocabulary building, word order, and pronunciation exercises are an integral part of the immersion training software. 3. Required Functionalities: 1. Video Content Management For All Designated Target Languages. Individual video segments correspond to the current text. Video will include recorded soundtrack. (Studio sound quality) 2. Audio Support For All Designated Target Language Content: Native speakers pronounce individual words and phrases. (Studio sound quality) 3. System has record and playback features 4. Text Transcript Translation and Annotation Support For All Designated Target Language Content. Word and sentence meaning (English translation) for each word in the content. Relevant grammar information (part of speech, verb tense, other) for each word in the content 5. Text Transcript Navigation Support For All Designated Target Language Content 6. Vocabulary List Support: User can create multiple word lists and direct the function of activities and exercises 7. Integrated Note-Taking Support. User can attach a note in English or the designated target language to any word in the transcript of the content 8. Bookmark Support. User can insert or delete bookmarks in the transcript 9. Integrated Help System: Written in English and accessible from inside the program 10. Interactive Pronunciation Activities: User can practice the pronunciation of any word or sentence in the transcript 11. Interactive Dialog Rehearsal Activities 12. Vocabulary Building Activities 13. Sentence and Word Dictations 14. Cloze Exercises: Fill-In Blank Segments 15. Memorization software: Allows the user to efficiently memorize the meaning and pronunciation of a pre-selected word list relevant to the chosen domain. The system will be solely software based without any hardware dependencies other than microphones and speakers. The system can work on any platform run on the Windows Operating System 16. Software allows the user to select a word or phrase from a set of words or phrases relevant to the domain, and have the computer then pronounce the selected word or phrase. The system will be solely software-based without any hardware dependencies, except microphone and speaker. The system can work on any platform run on the Windows operating system. 17. Government will designate PDA systems. If the designated PDA software is government owned, the government will provide file format information or make it available to the contractor. 18. Integrate the pronunciation and memorization software components for use by handheld devices. The contractor will develop engines to download these components onto commercial handheld devices designated by SAF/IAPA. 19. Provide reach-back capability for deployed users via a contactor owned, operated and maintained server residing on the Internet. 20. The contractor will develop an engine so that users can download immersion training environments posted to the site in their entirety. 21. The system will be solely software based without any hardware dependencies other than microphone and speaker. The system can work on any platform as long as it supports the Windows operating system. 22. The system will not be solely web-based. The system can work on any platform not connected to the internet as long as it supports the Windows operating system. 23. Rapid development: System?s platform must be able to accommodate specific needs such as mission-specific scenario development. Delivery time should be within 3 months or less. 24. Platforms, operating systems, and software will be upgraded regularly to ensure maximum usability. 25. The defined user community will be able to share and use each other?s learning programs. 26. Programs will be delivered via CD-ROM, Web Browser, Windows-based PDAs and Palm PDAs. 27. Adding new languages: As languages critical to the Global War on Terror are being identified, grammars need to be added as well as support for keyboards and fonts on all hardware platforms 28. Critical Languages: Armenian, Azerbaijan, Mandarin, Dari, Farsi, Georgian, Indonesian, Iraqi Arabic, Korean, Modern Standard Arabic, Pashto, Punjabi, Tagalog, Turkmen, Russian, Sorani, Urdu. 4. Definition of Licensed User Community: User Community is estimated at 800 International Affairs Specialists (IAS), IAS trainees and IAS support personnel. It is projected that the user communities may grow in size over 5 years. The SAF/IAPA community license will cover a user community comprised of all personnel directly and/or indirectly supporting the Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs (SAF/IA) International Affairs Specialist (IAS) Program.. Contractor agrees that there are no extra charges for additional users as long as the user is part of the community identified above. 5. Designated Target Languages for Video Interactive Content Managements in Military Domain: Critical Languages: Armenian, Azerbaijan, Mandarin, Dari, Farsi, Georgian, Indonesian, Iraqi Arabic, Korean, Modern Standard Arabic, Pashto, Punjabi, Tagalog, Turkmen, Russian, Sorani, Urdu. Preference will be given to contractors who can offer a wide range of less commonly taught languages. Examples of military domains are General Military Terminology, Rapport Building Interviews, Personal Background Interviews, and Force Protection Medical Assistance. CLIN 0002 ? Maintenance/Technical Support 1 EACH Contractor makes available all software upgrades. Over the term of this Contract, the contractor will provide software upgrades at no additional cost to SAF/IAPA. The contractor agrees to make dedicated personnel available to provide technical support over the lifetime of the contract. A qualified expert will respond to technical support issues within 24 hours of a reported problem. Target Languages for Video interactive content management should cover a wide variety of languages needed in the context of national security interests and cover critical languages. Delivery is required NLT 18 Dec 06. Award will be evaluated based on lowest price technically acceptable by meeting all requirements as the evaluation factors. The following clauses and provisions apply to this acquisition: 52.212-1, ?Instructions to Offerors-Commercial? 52.212-2, ?Evaluation-Commercial Items? ? This service will be awarded using simplified acquisition procedures in accordance with FAR 13.0. 52.212-3, ?Offerors Representations and Certifications? ? Offerors must submit in the offer their CAGE Code, DUNS Number, and Tax-ID Number. 52.212-4, ?Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items? 52.212-5, ?Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Items? 52.222-26, ?Equal Opportunity? 52.222-35, ?Affirmative Action for Disabled Veterans and Veterans of the Vietnam Era? 52.222-36, ?Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities? 52.222-37, ?Employment Reports on Disabled Veterans and Veterans of the Vietnam Era? 52.232-33, ?[Payment by] Electronic Funds Transfer [--Central Contractor Registration]? DFARS clauses are incorporated in this solicitation with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text: 252.212-7000, ?Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items? applies to this acquisition. 252.212-7001, ?Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders Applicable to Defense Acquisition of Commercial Items? 252.232-7003, ?Electronic Submission of Payment Requests? To be eligible for an award, all contractors must be registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR). A contractor can contact the CCR by calling 1-888-227-2423 or via the internet at www.ccr.gov. Offers must be submitted via e-mail or fax, to be received no later than 11 Dec 06, to the attention of Grace K. Fontana, Grace.Fontana@bolling.af.mil, AFDW/A7KS, Studies & Analysis Acquisition Support Team, 110 Luke Ave Suite 200 Bldg 5681, Bolling DC 20032-0305. Oral responses are not acceptable. Any questions or comments may be addressed to John D. Hill, Contract Specialist, John.Hill2@Bolling.af.mil.