The U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville, AL is seeking potential contractors or sources for procurement of a course of identified as: Interpretive Services. This 24-hour course will be taught over a three (3) 8-day period and is int ended for government employees in natural resources management career fields and others who have interpretation or related job responsibilities. It is anticipated a contract will be awarded with a base year and four (4) one year options. The course is de signed to develop the skills of those implementing the Interpretive Services and Outreach Program in the Corps to show how to develop, evaluate, and contract interpretive media, and to demonstrate the use of regulations that complement the Interpretive Ser vices and Outreach Program. The course will use the basic principles of interpretation to help students achieve the six goals of the Interpretive Services and Outreach Program. The course will use hands-on activities, classroom instruction, and field tri ps to develop interpretive programming and media. Upon completion of the course a student should be able to develop, implement and critique an effective interpretive program and display. Topics covered include (a) definition of interpretation and outreac h; (b) six goals of Corps interpretive efforts; (c) developing interpretive programs and planning interpretive displays; (d) target groups, audience evaluation, learning styles and media selection; (e) use of volunteers; (f) use of cooperating associations ; (g) small visitor center exhibit and wayside contracts; (h)interpretive planning and evaluation; (i) integrating tangibles, intangibles, and universal concepts into interpretive planning; and (j) development and use of goals, objectives, themes and sub-t hemes. Contract requirements for 2008 will include a one-day post award meeting limited to 2 people and a one-day dry run to include all instructors in Huntsville, Alabama. The contractor will develop/revise/update the schedule of instruction, the instructor less on plans, the tests for measurement of student achievement (pretest and posttest), the student training course manual and supporting materials, and visual aids. All instructional and student course material shall be provided on diskette or CD in a compati ble format with Microsoft Word and Power Point Slides. It is anticipated to be two (2) sessions in each year of the contract with 25 students in attendance. Instructors shall have demonstrated work experience during the past 4 years in at least one of the following: (a) interpretive planning, (b) interpretive consulting, (c) Managing and interpretive program at a park, nature center, museum or zoo. Instructo rs should have 100 hours of teaching experience within the last 5 years teaching interpretive-related courses. The following documentation should be provided: (1) when and where; (2) teaching audience, (3) title and a brief description of the course; (4) the course length. The instructors shall have a minimum of a Bachelors Degree with emphasis in Interpretation. Documentation shall include a copy of the diploma. Instructor(s) shall be Certified Interpretive Trainer(s). This is not a formal solicitation. Contractors who can provide the U.S. Army Engineering Support Center with the services referenced in this announcement are invited to submit in writing an affirmative response that includes, at a minimum, the proposed cr edentials and qualifications, and, any additional information indicating a bona fide ability to meet these specific requirements. The previous source for this course was John Veverka & Associates of Laingsburg, MI. The following information should be included with the response to this Sources Sought announcement: Duns Number, Tax Identification Number and Cage Code. All interested sources must be registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) before they c an be considered as potential sources for the courses listed above. For this Sources Sought announcement it is not necessary to submit any additional information, resumes, sales materials or brochures. Main submittals to include company or University point of contact, and, sent via overnight courier to: U.S. Army Enginee ring and Support Center, Huntsville, 4820 University Square, Huntsville, AL 35816-1822. ATTN: CEHNC-CT-P, Robert.f.Whiteley. You may also provide your submittal via e-mail, in word format, to the following address:
[email protected] l. Submittals are requested on or before November 5, 2007. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. If no sources express an interest by October 12, 2007, or if the sources that express an interest are determined by the Government to be unable to meet the re quirements of this announcement, then a sole source award may be made. The Government is not obligated to and will not pay for any information received from potential sources as a result of this request for sources sought. This request for sources sought is for informational and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for bid or proposals, and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. The information provided herein is subject to change and in no way binds the Government to solicit for or award a competitive contract.