MARKET RESEARCH FOR LANGUAGE TRAINING SERVICESMARKET RESEARCH. The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is in the process of conducting market research for Foreign Language Training Services. USSOCOM has an on-going need for foreign language and/or immersion training for its components. This contract will provide USSOCOM components with the ability to order foreign language and/or immersion training as specified herein. The contractor shall provide foreign language instruction to an adult student. This training shall focus on communicative competence in social conversation, general interest, and military topics. Instruction shall include the development of speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills required by the Performance Work Statement (PWS) as measured on the Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT), Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI), or equivalent test as determined by the Government. Instruction shall be conducted in languages determined by the Government to complement USSOCOM mission requirements. The emphasis of instruction shall be on speaking; however, job relevant language terminology and usage in conversation is required in all instruction. Instruction shall be based on proficiency- and communicative-oriented linguistic and adult academic educational principles as used in foreign language learning institutions such as the Department of Defense, Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC) or the Department of State, Foreign Service Institute. The Contracting Officer may order language training for additional organizations if the Contracting Officer determines that the training is related to the Special Operations Mission. The Government has decided to initiate market research to have a better understanding of the current market, trends and solutions available. Questions have been developed to solicit best practices from industry both DoD-based and non-DoD commercial businesses. These questions, as well as a draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) are posted on the Federal Technical Data Solution (FedTeDS) website. FedTeDS is an E-Gov initiative in the Integrated Acquisition Environment (IAE) designed to safeguard sensitive acquisition related information. The link to the Market Research Questions and draft Performance Work Statement are on FedTeDS: https://www.fedteds.gov/fedteds/start.nsf/frm.vendorlogin?openform&SolicitationNumber=USSOCOMLANGUAGETRAININGSERVICES Please visit the FEDTEDS website and submit a request to access these documents. The main goal of this market research is to gain knowledge on the market, look at lessons learned, and different methods of performance metrics from entities having experience implementing solutions for programs similar in size, scope and complexity. Take note that this is not to be used to promote new business development or marketing pitches from Industry, but as a beneficial tool to improve the Government?s understanding of current industry practices, including best practices, industry capabilities, innovative approaches, service levels, and performance strategies and measures. Responses are due NLT Noon EST on 3 Nov 2006. Based on responses and information derived from the market research questions, the Government will schedule one-on-one meetings with the companies on 14-15 Nov 2006 in Tampa, Florida. If there is interest in participating in this market research or any questions, please contact the POCs identified in this synopsis notice. This is not a request for proposal and no proposal will be entertained at this time. The POC for this action is: Mr. William A. Hilliard,
[email protected] or (813) 282-8795 x6107. Responses to this synopsis and market research questions may be sent in electronic format to
[email protected]. The subject line of the email should read ?Language Services Market Research Response? followed by your company name. Mailing the responses via postal will not be honored. This synopsis is in accordance with FAR 15.201, ?Exchanges with industry before receipt of proposals.? The Government recognizes that the information submitted may be company sensitive or proprietary. The Government will not disclose this information outside of the Government and will not duplicate, use, or disclose submitted information for any purpose other than assessing the market. Companies that desire any additional restrictions on use or disclosure of submitted information must identify such restrictions in their submissions. The record copies of the material will be maintained in the contracting office.