SOURCES SOUGHT
D -- Language Training Software
- Notice Date
- 7/27/2006
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 511210
— Software Publishers
- Contracting Office
- Department of the Air Force, Air Mobility Command, 6th Contracting Squadron, 2606 Brown Pelican Ave., MacDill AFB, FL, 33621-5000
- ZIP Code
- 33621-5000
- Solicitation Number
- F2VUJ76179A100
- Response Due
- 8/3/2006
- Archive Date
- 8/18/2006
- Small Business Set-Aside
- Total Small Business
- Description
- SPECIAL OPERATIONS FOREIGN LANGUAGE OFFICE COMMERCIAL OFF THE SHELF (COTS) LANGUAGE TRAINING SOFTWARE REQUIREMENT Statement of Need The purpose of this contract is to provide a training software solution to reduce a training gap. The software shall address CL-150 Technology Matrix for Critical Languages initiative, currently identified languages needed by USSOCOM, be compatible with the RapidRoteTM, software already licensed to USSOCOM, and be compatible with PocketPC PDA and Palm PDA computers. 1.0 Specific Tasks. 1.1 Language Component Functionality 1.1.1 Video Immersion Component Functionality. Immersion training software that allows the user to learn, sustain and enhance their language skills in a target language through the use of filmed scenarios with native speakers of situations involving the appropriate use of the target language in common communication scenarios which the user is likely to encounter. 1.1.2 The Immersion Training Software will include capabilities to assist the user in investigating the meaning and forms of the dialog used in the scenarios, increasing vocabulary, understanding proper word order and improving pronunciation, such capabilities to include at least the following: 1.1.2.1 The system will be solely software-based without any hardware dependencies, except microphone and speaker. System will work on MS Windows Operating System. 1.1.2.2 Video support for the target language content, including click to see individual video segment corresponding to the current text or to watch the full video from start to finish. Video to include recorded soundtrack. 1.1.2.3 Audio support for all target language content including pronunciation of each individual word by native speaker in studio, pronunciation of target language content in full clauses or sentences by native speaker in studio and audio speed control allowing the user to dynamically slow the speed of audio playback to between 50% and 90% of normal speed. 1.1.2.4 Record and playback functionality allowing the user to compare his pronunciation to the native speaker pronunciation, including graphical comparative depictions of amplitude, pitch, fricatives use and vowels use over time. 1.1.2.5 Text transcript translation and annotation support for all target language content, including word meaning (English translation) for each word in the content, root word (if appropriate) for each word in the content, relevant grammar information (part of speech, verb tense, other) for each word in the content, sentence meaning (English translation) for every clause or sentence in the content 1.1.2.6 Text transcript display in native script, and navigation support for all target language content, including move to next word in transcript, move to previous word in transcript, move to next sentence or clause in transcript, find next occurrence of the word, find next occurrence of word with the same root form, in the transcript. Target transcript display should be continuously user selectable as the fully diacriticalized form or non-diacriticalized script form and the stressed or non-stressed script form as each language requires. User may print transcript. 1.1.2.7 Vocabulary list support, including ability of the user to create multiple word lists for separate study and to direct the function of activities and exercises via such lists (see below) and import and export of lists. User may click to move to transcript location of the previous or next word in a vocabulary list. User may print lists. 1.1.2.8 Integrated note-taking support, including the ability of the user to attach a note in English, in the target language, or a combination of English and target language to any word in the transcript of the content. User may click to move to previous or next note. User may print notes, import note sets from others, and export notes sets for sharing with others. 1.1.2.9 Bookmark support, including the ability of the user to insert or delete position markers (bookmarks) in the transcript. User may click to move to previous or next marker. 1.1.2.10 Integrated help system, written in English and accessible from inside the program. User may click for help in understanding program functionality and interface. Help must be contextual relative to the screen from which help is requested. 1.1.2.11 One or more interactive pronunciation activities, in which the user may practice the pronunciation of any word or sentence in the transcript, including record and compare functionality with graphic representation of pitch changes, fricatives use and use of vowels during pronunciation of both the user and the native speaker. 1.1.2.12 One or more interactive dialog rehearsal activities, in which the user may practice speaking the role of any participant in any of the content scenario for the domain. User may choose which role to replace and select from promptings of different types, including no prompting, audio prompts, English text prompts or target language text prompts in native script. 1.1.2.13 One or more vocabulary building activities in which the user sees a portion of the transcript in native script with a word missing and types in the correct word based on various prompts. The user may choose to have the software task him on any word in the transcript chosen randomly, any word in a selected section of the transcript or any word on a word list that he has created using the programs vocabulary list support or any word on an imported word list. Available prompts for the user will include the meaning of the word, the pronunciation of the word, and the word as performed in the video. 1.1.2.14 A word dictation activity in native script, in which the computer pronounces a word and the user types the word he hears. The user may choose to have the software task him on any word in the transcript chosen randomly, any word in a selected section of the transcript or any word on a word list that he has created using the program?s vocabulary list support or any word on an imported word list. 1.1.2.15 A sentence dictation activity in native script, in which the computer pronounces a sentence from the transcript and the user types the sentence he hears. The user may choose to have the software task him on any sentence in the transcript chosen randomly, or any sentence in a selected section of the transcript. 1.1.2.16 A sentence unscrambling activity in native script, in which the user takes the scrambled words of a sentence in the transcript and puts them in the proper order. The user may choose to have the software task him on any sentence in the transcript chosen randomly, or any sentence in a selected section of the transcript. Available prompts for the user will include the meaning of the sentence, the pronunciation of the sentence, the sentence as performed in the video. 1.1.2.17 A cloze exercise in which the user views a portion of the transcript with a number of words blanked out, and must choose the correct words to fill those blanks from a provided list. The user may choose to have the software task him on passages from any section in the transcript chosen randomly, or any passage in a selected section of the transcript. Available prompts for the user will include the pronunciation of the transcript passage. 1.1.2.18 A comprehensive learner?s grammar reference for the language, with internal links between related topics, and a means to navigate from a particular word in the transcript to the relevant portion of the reference grammar as follows: For each word in the text transcript, the software will display a list of the relevant grammatical attributes of the use of that particular word in the specific context, and click on any listed grammar attribute to access the section of the grammar reference that addresses that topic. 1.1.2.19 The immersion training software will be a single program that properly handles display, input, operations and activities for scenarios in all supported languages and permits a user to switch from one scenario to another within the program, including from a scenario in one of the supportive languages to a scenario in another of the languages. Supported languages to include Armenian, Azerbaijani, Chinese, Dari, Farsi, Georgian, Indonesian, Iraqi, Korean, Kurdish, MSA, Pashto, Punjabi, Russian, Tagalog, Turkmen and Urdu. Target language input will be available via remapped keyboard or via clicking on a resizable live virtual keyboard displayed on screen. 2.2 Flashcard/Memorization Component Functionality. Flashcard/Memorization Software that allows the user to efficiently memorize the meaning and pronunciation of all or portions of a pre-selected lexical list (a list of target-language words, phrases or sentences to be learned) relevant to the chosen domain: 2.2.1 The Flashcard/memorization system will be solely software-based without any hardware dependencies, except microphone and speaker. System will work on MS Windows Operating System, Palm PDA system and Pocket PC system, including text display in native script. Palm PDA and PocketPC versions need not include pronunciation comparison or activities requiring target language text input. 2.2.2 Flashcard/memorization software will allow for Lexical List preview, and will provide multiple memorization modes including 1) Recognize Target Language and correctly associate with English, 2, Recognize Target Language, correctly associate with English and correctly type English, 3) Recognize English and correctly associate with Target Language, and 4) Recognize English, correctly associate with Target Language and correctly type Target Language. Software will combine multi-mode process into integrated learning activity that self-modifies based on user performance and results in learning of the material. 2.2.3 Flashcard/memorization software will allow for pronunciation practice for Target Language words and phrases, including comparison of user pronunciation to that of a native speaker. Memorization software will also include functionality for dictation practice and for bi-directional multiple-choice activities based on the words and phrases to be memorized 2.2.4 The flashcard/memorization software will be a single program that properly handles display, input, operations and activities in all supported languages, and allows the user to move from a lexical list in one supported language to a lexical list in another supported language within the program. Supported languages to include Afrikaans, Albanian, Transliterated Amharic, Arabic (Modern Standard), Armenian, Asturian, Aymara, Azerbaijani, Baluchi, Basque, Belorussian, Bemba, Transliterated Bengali, Berber, Bulgarian, Cebuano, Chamorro, Chechen, Chinese, Mandarin, Croatian, Czech, Dari, Transliterated Dari, Dinka, Estonian, Faroese, Farsi, Transliterated Farsi, Finnish, French, Frisian, Georgian, Transliterated Georgian, German, Greek, Transliterated Greek, Guarani, Haitian Creole, Hebrew, Transliterated Hebrew, Hindi, Transliterated Hindi, Hungarian, Ilocano, Indonesian, Iraqi Arabic, Transliterated Iraqi, Italian, Transliterated Japanese, Javanese, Kazakh, Kongo, Korean, Transliterated Korean, Kurdish Kurmanji, Kurdish Sorani, Transliterated Kurdish Sorani, Latvian, Lithuanian, Luganda, Transliterated-Macedonian, Malay, Pashto, Transliterated Pashto, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Transliterated Punjabi, Quechua, Romanian, Ruanda, Russian, Serbian, Slovak, Slovene, Somali, Sorbian, Sotho, Spanish, Swahili, Swazi, Tagalog, Tajik, Tausug, Thai, Transliterated Thai, Transliterated Tigrinya, Tongan, Tswana, Turkish, Turkmen, Ukrainian, Urdu, Transliterated Urdu, Uzbek, Vietnamese, Wolof, Xhosa, Yoruba, Zulu. Target language input will be available via remapped keyboard or via clicking on a resizable live virtual keyboard displayed on screen. 2.3 Alphabet Learning in Context Component Functionality. Flashcard/memorization software will include alphabet investigation and alphabet learning in context functionality described in the following requirement statement: the user sees a word or phrase from the Lexical List in the script of the native language. The user may view the word displayed normally, or separated into discrete letters, or displayed all in the stand-alone form of the letters, as he or she chooses, as long as the requested view is appropriate for the target alphabet. The user can hear the letter name and/or common sounds for any given letter. The user can see an explanation in English of the various attributes of that letter, and can also see via highlighting on a virtual keyboard where that letter is located on the standard keyboard layout for that language. The user can easily navigate to the next letter in the word or phrase being displayed, or to the next occurrence in the flashcard/memorization tool?s list of words containing the letter currently highlighted. The user can also select any letter in the target alphabet and navigate to the next occurrence of that letter in the Lexical List. Supported languages to include Armenian, Dari, Farsi, Georgian, Iraqi Arabic, Korean, Modern Standard Arabic, Pashto, Punjabi, Russian and Urdu. 2.4 One-Way Communication Component Functionality. One-way Communication Software that allows the user to select a word or phrase from a pre-established set of words or phrases relevant to the domain, and have the computer then pronounce the selected word or phrase: 2.4.1 The system will be solely software-based without any hardware dependencies, except microphone and speaker. System will work on MS Windows Operating System, Palm PDA system and Pocket PC system. 2.4.2 User may choose from available word and phrase lists for various domains or purposes. User may choose to view only a subset of the chosen list by typing in words or parts of words that must be contained in a word or phrase. User may then view the words and phrases in that list or sub-list in various orders, including numerical order, alphabetical order, by recency of use, by frequency of use or by a user-assignable short-form code. User may then select a single word or phrase by clicking the mouse or selector, which will then cause that word or phrase to be displayed on the screen in native script and played aloud over the device?s speakers or via the device?s headset/speaker output. 2.4.3 User may add to the delivered lists or create new domain-specific word/phrase sets by collecting spoken utterances in the field. 2.4.4 User may create customized Personal User Lists by selecting and collecting words and phrases from the delivered or field-created pre-selected word/phrase sets. 2.4.5 User may create customized Personal User Lists by field-modifying the English-language, native-language and audio content of a pre-existing word/phrase list. 2.4.6 System will import pre-established word/phrase lists read from CD-ROM or downloaded from a server. 2.4.7 System will be capable of converting a pre-existing lexical word/phrase list to a format usable in Pocket PC PDAs and Palm PDAs. 2.4.8 The system will be a single program that properly handles display, input, operations and activities in all supported languages, and allows the user to move from a lexical list in one supported language to a lexical list in another supported language within the program. Supported languages to include Afrikaans, Albanian, Transliterated Amharic, Arabic (Modern Standard), Armenian, Asturian, Aymara, Azerbaijani, Baluchi, Basque, Belorussian, Bemba, Transliterated Bengali, Berber, Bulgarian, Cebuano, Chamorro, Chechen, Chinese, Mandarin, Croatian, Czech, Dari, Transliterated Dari, Dinka, Estonian, Faroese, Farsi, Transliterated Farsi, Finnish, French, Frisian, Georgian, Transliterated Georgian, German, Greek, Transliterated Greek, Guarani, Haitian Creole, Hebrew, Transliterated Hebrew, Hindi, Transliterated Hindi, Hungarian, Ilocano, Indonesian, Iraqi Arabic, Transliterated Iraqi, Italian, Transliterated Japanese, Javanese, Kazakh, Kongo, Korean, Transliterated Korean, Kurdish Kurmanji, Kurdish Sorani, Transliterated Kurdish Sorani, Latvian, Lithuanian, Luganda, Transliterated-Macedonian, Malay, Pashto, Transliterated Pashto, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Transliterated Punjabi, Quechua, Romanian, Ruanda, Russian, Serbian, Slovak, Slovene, Somali, Sorbian, Sotho, Spanish, Swahili, Swazi, Tagalog, Tajik, Tausug, Thai, Transliterated Thai, Transliterated Tigrinya, Tongan, Tswana, Turkish, Turkmen, Ukrainian, Urdu, Transliterated Urdu, Uzbek, Vietnamese, Wolof, Xhosa, Yoruba, Zulu. Target language input will be available via remapped keyboard or via clicking on a resizable live virtual keyboard displayed on screen. 2.5 Palm PDA and Pocket PCs Component Functionality. The PDA/Handhelds Extensions for the Flashcard/Memorization Software will further enable lists of words or phrases to be transferred to a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), and used to deliver the core of the desktop functionality of the Flashcard/Memorization Software and One-way Communication Software in a highly mobile platform. 2.5.1 The Mobile Extension for the Flashcard/Memorization Software and One-way Communication Software must support both the PocketPC and Palm PDA platforms. 2.5.2 The Flashcard/Memorization desktop and laptop applications, plus their respective Mobile Extensions for the PDA will work as an integrated system with each other. 2.6 Cultural Reference Component Functionality. Cultural Introduction and Reference Software for the primary country in which a target language is spoken. Each cultural study will educate the user to important aspects of life in the region and provide an overview of the history, people, religious and government institutions that make up the land and people of the region. Each cultural study is to be an interactive multimedia CDROM of originally produced material and collected resources and links to help an American-centric user develop a working understanding of the region, from the military perspective. 2.7 Self-Explanation Component Functionality. A Tutorial Software System that serves as a multimedia introduction to the Software program as a whole, as well as to each of the individual technology components. It will provide the user with a graphical and audio multimedia overview of the purpose and functionality of each of the individual programs, including at a minimum 1) the Immersion Training Software, 2) the Flashcard/Memorization Software, 3) the Alphabet Training Software, 4) the One-way Communication Software, and 5) the Cultural Introduction and Reference Software. The self instructional system will incorporate animated screen captures, voiceovers, and video to acquaint users with the language-learning software functions and help them become more efficient and effective learners. 3.0 Contract Type and Period of Performance. This contract will be executed by a combination of means. 3.1 USSOCOM Site License. The product shall be licensed for use and reproduction within USSOCOM, JSOC, USASOC, NAVSPECWARCOM, AFSOC, MARSOC, and the TSOCs. 3.2 Master Sets of CDs. Three sets of master CDs shall be delivered to HQ, USSOCOM (SOFLO) and the five main USSOCOM subordinate commands. This total of eight (8) sets of master CDs shall include all products and languages and be completed within 30 days of contract award. These products shall be licensed for use and duplication by all SOF personnel. 3.3 Access to Training Content. All SOF shall have access to a vendor web site to obtain new lessons, materials and languages produced by the vendor for all US Government customers and other customers. 3.4 Technical Support and Update/Upgrade. The vendor shall provide USSOCOM unlimited telephone and email technical support all upgrades, to include new lessons, materials and languages produced by the vendor for all US Government customers and other customers. There could be five (5) to ten (10) option years and the years shall start on the same calendar day as the initial award of the contract in which USSOCOM may, at its convenience, order and receive all system upgrades and new languages and scenarios created during the previous 12-months for a fixed price for each of the option years. 4.0 Deliverables. Products will be delivered in accordance with the SON 5.0 Security Requirements. The software content shall be UNCLASSIFIED. 6.0 Government Furnished Information and Equipment. None. 7.0 Acceptance. The contractor shall present deliverables to the SOFLO COR who will determine if the deliverable is acceptable to the government. PLEASE SEND ALL CORRESPONDENCE TO JULIE.CORCHADO@MACDILL.AF.MIL OR CONTACT ME AT 813-828-3978
- Place of Performance
- Address: 7701 TAMPA POINT BLVD, MACDILL AFB, FL
- Zip Code: 33621
- Country: UNITED STATES
- Record
- SN01099553-W 20060729/060727221030 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
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