Academic/Research Educational and Support Services

THIS NOTICE IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP). The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to gather information from industry for a potential Government acquisition to provide a Academic/Research Centers Educational and Support Services. The Government considers information on market capabilities, common industry standards, latest technological advances, commercial terms and conditions, timelines for adaptation and integration, estimated pricing and possible suppliers and sources to be helpful. All feedback and information received may be used to determine the appropriate acquisition strategy for a possible future acquisition. This notice is issued solely for market research and planning purposes and does not constitute a request for proposal, request for quote, or invitation for bid, nor does its issuance in any way restrict the Government as to its ultimate acquisition approach. No award will be made from this RFI and the Government will not pay for any effort expended in responding to this notice. This RFI is prepared for planning purposes only and is not restricted to small businesses. If the Government decides to pursue an RFP, portions of your RFI response may be incorporated into the Performance Work Statement (PWS). Sources are discouraged from submitting any information deemed competition-sensitive or proprietary. However, if sources elect to submit competition-sensitive or proprietary information, sources bear sole responsibility for marking said information as such to ensure appropriate safeguarding by the Government. The Government shall not be held liable for any damages incurred if proprietary information is not properly identified. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned. Correspondences related to the RFI should be submitted electronically via e-mail to jeremy.kersey.1@us.af.mil and gail.vendel@us.af.mil. Please provide a white paper, no longer than 10 pages, commenting on your capabilities to accomplish the requirements from the Academic/Research Centers Educational and Research Support Services (Draft) PWS by describing recent experience (past three years) in the following areas: 1. Experience with a contract of this scope or similar effort. 2. Experience with formal classroom education as well as synchronous and asynchronous on-line instruction (live distance learning). A. Type of instruction, nature of the classes, and recent experiences developing and/or modifying courses on designated subject areas for education and training conducted in both formal classroom settings and through distance learning/on-line courses. (PWS: Section 6.2 and 6.4) B. How to use the full capability of knowledge/course/learning management systems (specifically, Blackboard 9.1 LMS). (PWS: Section 6.2.5) 3. Experience identifying, developing media solutions; use of video, audio, computer animation, and multimedia communications, to meet education needs or fill instructional gaps. Examples from recent projects converting paper-based correspondence courses into engaging, interactive, on-line, or blended learning formats. (PWS: Section 6.3) 4. Experience developing/implementing curriculum in negotiation, mediation and alternate dispute resolution. Examples from recent projects working in negotiation and/or mediation. 5. Experience in the US national communication framework to include public affairs, public diplomacy, and information operations strategic communication. Experience developing/implementing curriculum in Joint Doctrine, Leadership Communication, Source Credibility & Building Trust, Communication, Persuasion & Audience, Organizational Storytelling, Crisis Communication, Leading during an Era of Social Media, Information Operations & Public Affairs. 6. Experience within the AF nuclear enterprise on nuclear or weapons of mass destruction counter proliferation policy and/or consequence management. Examples from recent projects. Expertise on Nuclear and WMD topics relevant to the AF and others in the US national security community. (PWS: Section 6.5) 7. Experience vectoring education and training participants to accomplish/maintain currency in all requirements to sustain qualification skills. Examples from recent projects maintaining/upgrading databases for tracking student skills and demographics. (PWS: Section 6.6) 8. Experience developing web and software applications using any of the following tools: HTML, XML, Oracle, Java. Examples from recent projects. 9. Experience performing internet/intranet information support activities. Experience with these support activities specifically for Air Force organizations. (PWS: Section 6.9) 10. Experience providing event support. Examples from recent projects. (PWS: Section 6.11) 11. Capability to provide (via reach-back) subject matter expertise, up to and including the doctorate level, to perform research in support of the Government's efforts to meet the requirements of the PWS, particularly section 6.10. (PWS: Section 6.10) E-mail responses to this request for information are preferred, and should be sent to: jeremy.kersey.1@us.af.mil and gail.vendel@us.af.mil. All questions must be submitted in writing and forwarded to the aforementioned point of contact, Mr. Jeremy Kersey at (334) 953-5036 and Ms. Gail Vendel (334) 953-3521. The due date and time for responses to this RFI is 9 Aug 2016 at 4:00 pm Central Standard Time.