Request for Information - Executive Writing Course

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides industry feedback and clarification questions regarding the draft requirement for an Executive Writing Course (Notice ID: FA701426QB008). It aims to foster a common understanding of scope, access, deliverables, pricing, and execution risk.

• Course Duration: Preferred duration is 2 days or less, but contractors can suggest alternatives.
• Class Size: Minimum 4, maximum 30. Average class size is currently 4.
• Audience: Primarily Space Staff action officers who have completed the SAF Action Officer Course, though exceptions may occur.
• Curriculum: A standardized curriculum is expected, though tailoring for varying student experience is acknowledged.
• Materials: Government will provide HOI 33-3 and approved EXSUMs/decision-ready staff products. Existing course materials may also be provided.
• Government Systems & Access: Government will provide HQSF Teams accounts, CAC-enabled access, and necessary equipment. Basic access will be provided for Teams. Contractor is responsible for the virtual classroom environment.
• Administration: DSK will manage course advertising and enrollment; contractor will reconcile rosters. Contractor is responsible for developing an instructor evaluation instrument.
• Testing & Grading: An End-of-Course (EoC) exam, graded by the contractor based on a contractor-provided rubric, is expected. Remedial training for scores below 70% is the Government's responsibility.
• Deliverables: Monthly deliverables include curriculum or material reviews. Monthly status reports will include scored assessments and class demographics. Quarterly reports will include student feedback, pass/fail rates, and recommendations.
• Ordering Structure: This is a draft document; no ordering structure is established. An IDIQ or BPA vehicle is anticipated. Pricing should include 12 courses annually with an option for 3 additional courses.
• Pricing: The Government is considering fixed unit pricing per course but is open to suggestions. Contractors should propose separate labor categories or a consolidated staffing model.
• Data Rights: The Government desires rights to all materials used for the course, and the incorporation of pre-existing proprietary materials is negotiable.

This document provides critical clarifications that will inform bidder proposals regarding course design, delivery, administration, staffing, and pricing. It highlights areas where the Government is open to contractor recommendations, particularly concerning pricing structure and staffing models.

Statement of Objectives (SOO)

To provide an Executive Writing Course (EWC) for Space Staff action officers to enhance their executive writing skills, focusing on active voice, clarity, conciseness, accuracy, and executive format. The goal is to enable action officers to produce decision-ready staff packages compliant with executive writing standards, transitioning them from standard writing to high-level executive communication.

• Develop, administer, facilitate, and instruct the EWC.

• The course content should address the proposed use of AI, such as GPT-type tools, but not be AI-centric.

• Adjust content based on student feedback and obtain DSK approval for changes.

• Administer the course using existing Government tools (e.g., ETMS2, Teams, Outlook) for signups, attendance, and communication.

• Create and administer tests with a grading scale requiring students to score 70% or higher.

• Provide instruction and best practices for executive writing principles approximately once per month.

• Instruction will focus on documents listed in HOI 33-3, including a practicum using the Chief of Space Operations (CSO) executive summary (EXSUM) format, with real-world examples provided by DSK.

• Assume introductory skill level of an undergraduate degree and/or six years of government or interagency experience.

• Conduct instruction virtually via Microsoft Teams during normal business hours (Eastern Time).

• Develop and administer anonymous electronic feedback surveys upon course conclusion.

• Provide monthly status reports and quarterly data analysis.

• Course Content Accuracy: 95% of course content must align with desired course outcomes.

• Course Effectiveness: 90% of participants should report improved skills.

• Course Quality: 95% of instructor evaluations must be satisfactory or higher.

• Course Delivery: 100% of courses must be held on scheduled dates.

• Performance anticipated to commence August 2026.

• Courses will be delivered virtually via Microsoft Teams.

• The contractor will provide personnel, tools, content, material, and supervision.

• This is a non-personal service, commercial acquisition.

• The government will retain Government Purpose Rights for training materials, curriculum, grading rubric, and data.

• The contractor must have a HQSF Teams account requiring CAC and government-furnished equipment (e.g., laptop) to facilitate the course.

• The SAF Action Officer Course (AOC) is a prerequisite to the HQSF EWC.

• The HQSF intends to issue a single-award, Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) with a five-year ordering period.

• Simplified Acquisition Procedures will be utilized.

• Course instruction (via MS Teams)

• Monthly Status Report (PDF/MS Word/PPT)

• Quarterly Data Analysis (PDF/MS Word/PPT)