DLNSEO Qualitative Scale

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY. This RFI is issued solely for market research information to identify potential sources that are interested in, and capable of, performing the work described in this RFI. It does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. Funding is not available at this time. This request for information does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service. The Department of Human Resources Activity (DHRA) is not seeking proposals and will not accept unsolicited proposals. DESCRIPTION: The Defense Language and National Security Education Office (DLNSEO) requires a qualitative scale that details various levels of mastery of the competencies listed in section 8 of the Draft DoDI 5160.70 (See attachment A), Defense Language Regional Expertise, and Culture Program. The scale will support the development of culture education and training programs throughout the Department of Defense (DoD), and be the foundation for outlining assessment strategies. BACKGROUND: In 2010 a Competency Model to Link Cross-Cultural Competence (3C) to job and mission specific tasks contract was awarded to address the requirements of the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness and the Defense Language Office, in regards to relevant culture competencies , competencies definitions, and how those culture competencies are linked to jobs and missions. It was a reduced effort that relied on a small sample of participants from the Army and the Marines. The cognitive task analysis (CTA) method of collecting data had never been used in support of any other similar DoD Culture Community projects. The results generated by using CTA produced results that clarified terms and definitions associated with culture competencies used in the DoD, and put other related research efforts into perspective. The 2010 project led to a validation effort that included a sample of participants across all services, Special Operation Forces, Foreign Area Officers, the Intelligence Community, and DoD civilians. The DLNSEO Cross-Cultural Competence (3C) Model validated the previous work and provided a list of cultural competencies that form the baseline for successful interactions across cultures. The model was developed using the data gathered from practitioners across the DoD and other agencies, and targets the skills, knowledge, and behaviors necessary for successful interactions as well as develop the proper education and training programs. This is a 12 month project that will rely on collecting data from across the DoD, Special Operations, Foreign Area Officers, and the Intelligence community to develop the various levels of mastery. Therefore an Institutional Review Board approval is required before data collection begins. SUBMISSION INFORMATION: All potential sources are invited to submit a written capability statement that includes information that demonstrates the vendor's ability to provide the services/supplies described in this RFI. Responses shall also include a cover sheet that identifies the following information: 1. Company Name & Address 2. Point of Contact Name/Telephone/Email 3. North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code. Identify the NAICS code under which your company would provide the supplies/services described in this RFI 4. Business Size/Status. From the list below, identify all of the business sizes applicable to your company under the NAICS code identified at item three above. Small Business Veteran-Owned Small Business Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Small Disadvantaged Business Woman-Owned Small Business Large Business 8(a) Certified HUBZone Small Business 5. Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number 6. Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code. 7. If you have a GSA or other contract vehicle that covers these services, provide the contract number. Responders are advised that the U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI; all costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the interested party's expense. All information received in response to this RFI that is clearly marked Proprietary will be handled accordingly. Acknowledgement of receipt of responses will not be made and RFI submissions will not be returned. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if issued. The information provided in this RFI is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. RESPONSE DUE DATE: Responses are due by Wednesday June 8th, 2016 at 12:00 PM EST. All responses shall be submitted electronically to the DHRA Procurement Support Office point of contact: Jose Vasquez, Contract Specialist, jose.l.vasquez60.civ@mail.mil.