The FSI/SPAS/Area Studies Division's courses cover history, politics, economics, religion and culture, with an emphasis on relevant global issues and United States interests and challenges. The purpose of this BPA is to establish multiple award BPA agreements with a base year and four option years. This BPA is not for United States Government Civil Service jobs. Performance of these services will occur only as authorized by specific task orders detailing dates, and schedules. There is no specific commitment by either party, until dates, and schedules are mutually negotiated by individual order. Orders will be issued under this BPA based upon the government's need and according to FSI's determination of what is most advantageous to the US Government (USG). The Foreign Service Institute is seeking contractors for professional services required by the Department of State and the Foreign Service Institute to: 1. Function as Course Chairs to design and deliver Advanced Area Studies courses on Vietnam Advanced Area Studies courses are organized and conducted by Course Chairs who also bring in area experts from universities, government, and private organizations. An Area Studies course consists of some or all of the following types of activities: lectures, discussions, field trips, participatory activities by class members, readings, audio-visual materials, homework, papers, tests, quizzes and independent study, in order to highlight the key historical, political, economic, and socio-cultural themes for the region as well as American interests and policy issues. Classes meet once a week on Wednesday afternoons for one half day during the period of performance. In 2013, the first offering will run on or about March 6 - June 26 for approximately 17 sessions. The government reserves the right to add additional or subtract sessions beyond this initial projection depending on actual need. Although the typical teaching period for these courses is from mid-September through late June or mid-July, the number of weeks a given course is taught depends on whether there are students in language training who are assigned to the Area Studies Course. Each Advanced Area Studies course within the Foreign Service Institute's School of Professional and Area Studies is closely linked to concurrent language training. Advanced Area Studies courses are designed to teach people how to work effectively in the countries and cultures to which they are assigned.
