Work Ethics Courseware

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the HE1254-26-RF10006 Work Ethics Courseware Request for Information (RFI).

• LMS Integration: DoWEA utilizes a specific LMS and does not require contractors to provide a standalone hosting environment.
• Security & Compliance: SOC 2 Type II certification alone is not equivalent to FedRAMP Moderate. The government requires FedRAMP-authorized solutions or demonstrated FedRAMP Moderate equivalency through a validated assessment against NIST SP 800-53.
• Bandwidth: DoWEA has sufficient internet bandwidth and stability across all regions.
• Certifications: DoWEA does not have a preferred third-party industry certification body; vendor-issued credentials are acceptable.
• Training Delivery: DoWEA prefers a synchronous virtual training model for instructors.
• Section 508 Documentation: A Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) or equivalent documentation may be requested to verify accessibility compliance.
• Pricing Structure: The government does not prescribe a specific pricing structure for this RFI; respondents are encouraged to propose an approach that best supports their solution.
• Course Delivery: The 1/2 credit course will be offered as a fully asynchronous virtual course, a teacher-facilitated blended course, or a flexible model. It is intended as a semester-long course (18 weeks) for students in grades 9-12.
• Content Mapping: DoWEA does not require contractors to map all solution content to specific academic, employability, CTE, or workforce-readiness standards.
• Instructor Materials: DoWEA desires edit rights to contractor-provided instructor resources.
• Integration: The contractor shall support integration with DoWEA's existing enterprise systems, including LMS, SIS, identity provider, and SSO environment.

This document clarifies requirements and expectations for potential bidders responding to the RFI, influencing how solutions should be structured and documented, particularly regarding security, LMS integration, and training delivery methods.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI seeks information on commercially available, off-the-shelf (COTS), virtual high school courseware focused on work ethics. The Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA) aims to provide students with a foundational life skill applicable across all career paths, supporting informed decision-making and awareness of high-demand career opportunities, particularly in skilled trades. This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation.

• Courseware Description: Details on COTS virtual high school courses, including work ethic focus, industry-recognized certifications, and how it emphasizes work ethic as a primary life skill.

• Curriculum Framework: Identification of core thematic pillars or instructional framework.

• Content Details: Specific work ethics and skilled trades covered, and how the course balances character development with career pathways.

• Delivery Method: How the course can be presented effectively to small student populations (18-100 students) in virtual high school settings.

• Assessments: Description of formative and summative assessments, and any student affirmation or reflection components.

• Certification: Information on industry-recognized certificates and earning criteria.

• Instructor Support: Details on instructor resources, professional learning, and preparation, including support for Career and Technical Education (CTE) specialists.

• Technical Support & Delivery: Description of technical support services, response times, and issue resolution.

• Security & Compliance: How the courseware meets Federal security requirements (e.g., FedRAMP), freedom from bias, and accessibility requirements (Section 508).

• Data Rights & IP: How data is managed and protected, and confirmation that data remains Government property.

• Format: Microsoft Word, PDF, or compatible electronic format.

• Content: High-level information based on current capabilities and experience.

• Page Limit: Maximum of 20 pages (excluding pricing information).

• Deadline: Friday, May 15, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST).

• Submission Method: Email responses to Ms. London Thomas (london.thomas@dodea.edu) and Mr. Alim Koroma (alim.koroma@dodea.edu).

• This RFI is for market research and acquisition planning only.

• The Government will not pay for any costs incurred in responding to this RFI.

• Responses do not preclude a contractor from responding to a future RFQ/RFP.

• All submissions become Government property and will not be returned.

• Questions regarding this announcement must be submitted via email by May 7, 2026, at 12:00 PM EST.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is issued by the Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA) to gather information on commercially available, off-the-shelf (COTS), virtual courseware focused on work ethics for high school students (grades 9-12). DoWEA operates 161 schools globally, serving over 67,000 dependents of military and civilian employees. The goal is to provide students with a foundational life skill in work ethics, applicable across all career paths, including skilled trades, and to support informed decision-making regarding postsecondary career pathways. DoWEA currently lacks an existing solution for this objective.

Respondents are asked to provide details on:

• Course Content & Learning Objectives: How the COTS course delivers a work-ethic-focused curriculum, emphasizes proactive work ethic, balances character development with career pathway exposure, and its core instructional framework. Industry-recognized certifications are of interest.
• Assessments & Student Certification: Formative and summative assessments, student value acknowledgments, and criteria for any industry-recognized certificates.
• Instructor Resources & Support: Materials for systemwide implementation, alignment with instructional pillars, engagement tools, and guidance for administering assessments/certifications.
• Professional Learning & Instructor Preparation: Virtual professional learning approaches, integration with digital platforms, training support for instructors and CTE specialists, and instructor-level certifications.
• Technical Support & Digital Delivery: Technical support services, response times, and support for system access, setup, troubleshooting, and updates.
• Security, Compliance, & Accessibility: Compliance with Federal security requirements (e.g., FedRAMP Level 2), freedom from bias, and Section 508 accessibility.
• Data Rights & Intellectual Property: Management and protection of data, confirmation of Government property for data developed, and digital rights for embedded materials.

Interested parties should submit responses in Microsoft Word, PDF, or a compatible electronic format. Responses should include:

• Company name, address, CAGE code
• NAICS codes and business type (e.g., small business)
• Point of contact information
• Description of subcontracting possibilities (prime must perform at least 51% of work)
• Brief description of organizational capability
• Link to standards used in the proposed solution
• Approach to addressing DoWEA's needs, including team composition and time commitments, and appropriateness for high school students.
• Recommendations for improving the Government's work statement.

Responses, excluding pricing, should be limited to a maximum of 20 pages. Proprietary information should be minimized and clearly marked.

Responses are due no later than Friday, May 15, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST).

Questions regarding this RFI should be submitted via email by May 7, 2026, to Ms. London Thomas (london.thomas@dodea.edu) and Mr. Alim Koroma (alim.koroma@dodea.edu).

• This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Quote (RFQ) or a promise to issue an RFQ/RFP in the future.
• The Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI.
• All costs associated with responding are the sole responsibility of the responder.
• Not responding does not preclude a contractor from responding to a future solicitation.
• All submissions become Government property and will not be returned.