United States Fire Administration

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

16825 South Seton Avenue

Emmitsburg, Maryland 21727

March 1, 2024 

Dear National Fire Academy Contract Instructor:

Welcome to the Instructor information section of our website for National Fire Academy’s (NFA) 

instructors. We have streamlined much of the contract instructor bidding and award information. 

Please read the instructor information carefully as some information has been updated. The course 

schedules are fully integrated into the Instructor Dashboard feature that allows eligible instructors to 

place their bids and monitor their award status on-line. Instructors teaching 2- and 6-day off campus 

courses have access to course coordination plans (CCP) within their dashboards. The CCP has also 

been added to the 2-day, on-campus course offerings. If Friday night instructions are required for a 2-

day on-campus course offering, it will be noted. In addition, the dashboard functionality provides 

instructors with the ability to download course materials and access their course evaluation reports. 

The following information along with the webpage provides materials that will assist you in placing 

your bid(s), general information on how to submit a bid (bids must now meet the minimum bid 

requirement of $1.00), the bid schedule, additional information concerning on-campus residential 

courses, special bidding instructions concerning specific curriculum area(s) and/or courses, and a host 

of policies and procedures that you need to be familiar with. Information referencing contract 

instructor observation and evaluation has been added; this can be found within the policies and 

procedures section. 

IMPORTANT CAMPUS HEALTH SAFETY INFORMATION: 

All instructors are required to follow National Emergency Training Center (NETC) policies in place at 

the time of instruction, which includes but is not limited to health and wellness, safety, and security. 

Current NETC guidelines can be found online at 

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/netc_welcome_package.pdf 

For off-campus deliveries, NFA instructors must adhere to the local public health and safety mandates 

which are in place at the time of instruction at the facility where the course will be delivered. 

ALSO PLEASE NOTE: 

NETC regulations (44 C.F.R. Part 15 and Policy 119-22, VII.A.8 and VII.A.10) prohibit personal 

possession of alcohol or firearms on campus. Refer to the important NETC policy information on 

page 18. 
FEMA policy states that all persons staying on campus for more than one night are required to 

purchase a meal ticket from the campus cafeteria for each day they are on campus. If a meal ticket is 

not purchased, the individual will be asked to leave campus and acquire housing at his/her own 

expense. Refer to the on-campus specific instructions contained on page 10-11 regarding meal ticket 

policy. 

In order to ensure the highest quality of instruction, awards will be made based on what is in the 

Government’s best interest. The Government reserves the right to award to other than the lowest 

priced offeror for reasons such as, but not limited to: 

• Mentoring a new instructor; 

• Observing/evaluating an instructor; 

• Ensuring/maintaining instructor currency; 

• Obtaining the services of an instructor with a particular skill set; or

• Obtaining the services of an instructor that possesses special attributes that will enhance the 

course delivery. 

Please note the NFA reserves the right to make changes to the course delivery schedules and the 

competitive bid requirements. As a result, courses you previously bid on may no longer be offered for 

delivery and/or available for competitive bid. Additionally, bids that are not considered to be fair and 

reasonable will be rejected.

If you have any questions regarding the NFA’s bidding and/or award process, please contact us at: 

FEMA-NFAInstructor@fema.dhs.gov. Thank you in advance for your continued support and 

dedication to the professionalism of the Nation’s fire service. 

Sincerely,

Eriks J. Gabliks 

Superintendent 

National Fire Academy

Attachments
BIDDING INSTRUCTIONS

For all National Fire Academy courses 

General Instructions

Although the Government is not required to award instructor micro-purchase orders based on 

competition, NFA is accepting quotes for instructional delivery of the courses identified in this 

bid package. Awards will be made based on what is in the Government’s best interest. The 

Government reserves the right to award to other than the lowest priced offeror for reasons such 

as, but not limited to, the following: 

• To mentor a new instructor; 

• To observe/evaluate an instructor; 

• To ensure/maintain instructor currency; 

• To obtain services of an instructor with a particular skill set; or 

• To obtain services of an instructor that possesses special attributes that will enhance the 

delivery. 

1. You may only submit bids for those courses you have been prequalified to teach. Bids 

will not be considered if you are not on the approved listing. 

2. When submitting a bid, you will be required to include your Unique Entity Identifier 

number (UEI). You are also required to keep your personal profile information current 

within your Instructor Dashboard – this includes your Biography which must be 

completed and kept up-to-date. Please note: the information you provide should match 

what you have entered in the System for Award Management (SAM). 

3. Your firm-fixed price bid should include your total fee, per diem, travel costs, and 

miscellaneous expenses (include any fees for luggage by the airline and grading of papers 

where applicable). Bids must meet the minimum bid requirement of $1.00. Please refer 

to the “Specific On-Campus Instructions” for additional information regarding oncampus lodging and airport transportation. Lodging is available for on-campus 

instructors. For 2-day off-campus offerings, local ground transportation is provided by 

the state/local host; please refer to the Course Coordination Plan (CCP). For 6-day offcampus offerings, the state/local host is responsible for providing ground transportation 

for the instructor from the airport to the lodging facility, to the class site, and return to the 

airport. The airport listed on the CCP will be where the state/local host should plan to 

pick up the instructor. Instructors are reminded for any course offerings that are awarded 

during the October 1 - November 14 timeframe, you are required to participate in a onetime conference call session in September where Continuing Resolution and course 

delivery details are discussed. You should consider this when placing your bids – 

typically the duration of the conference calls do not exceed 15 minutes. 

4. When submitting a bid, it must be done independently and in accordance with Federal 

Acquisition Regulations (FAR); specifically, FAR clause - 52.203-2 

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.203-2?searchTerms=52.203-2
Independent Price Determination

The offeror certifies that – 

(1) The prices in this offer have been arrived at independently, without, for the 

purpose of restricting competition, any consultation, communication, or 

agreement with any other offeror or competitor related to – 

(i) Those prices;

(ii) The intention to submit an offer; or 

(iii) The methods or factors used to calculate the prices offered. 

(2) The prices in this offer have not been and will not be knowingly disclosed by the 

offeror, directly or indirectly, to any other offeror or competitor before bid 

opening (in the case of a sealed bid solicitation) or contract award (in the case of a 

negotiated solicitation) unless otherwise required by law. 

5. To submit a bid, you will need to log in to your Instructor Dashboard from the National 

Fire Academy Contract Instructor and State Officials Page. The link is: 

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/nfa/about/contract-instructors/. Scroll down until you see the 

contract instructor log in.

6. Next, you will be asked to enter your username and password. If you have forgotten your 

username and/or password, there is a “Forgot Your Username or Password?” option. 

You must reset your password every 90 days. If longer than 90 days, your account will 

need to be reset. Please send a message to the instructor mailbox @ FEMANFAInstructor@fema.dhs.gov. 

7. After signing in, your personal Instructor Dashboard will be displayed where you may 

view course offerings that are available for bid. From this list of eligible courses, you can 

select the Bid Now option. (You will be asked to review and confirm your profile 

information each time you create a new log on session to place a bid – this includes 

reviewing and updating your Biography.) 

8. After your bid(s) have been placed, you will receive a confirmation email message. 

9. The National Fire Academy reserves the right to make changes to the course delivery 

schedules and the competitive bid requirements. As a result, courses you previously 

bid on may no longer be offered for delivery and/or available for competitive bid. 

10. Bids that are not considered to be fair and reasonable will be rejected. 

For additional assistance, please email FEMA-NFAInstructor@fema.dhs.gov. 
National Fire Academy Bid Schedule

All bids must be submitted in accordance with the following schedule. Instructors will only be 

able to place bids during open bidding periods. 

Open Bidding Period For the Courses to be 

Held in the Months of:

Approximate Date 

Instructional Awards Will 

Be Posted

June 1 – July 1 October, November, 

December

August 1

September 1 – October 1 January, February, March November 1

December 1 – January 1 April, May, June February 1

March 1 – April 1 July, August, September May 1 

If your bid/quotation is found to be in the best interest of the Government, a purchase order will 

be issued 30-45 days in advance of the course start date and sent to you electronically. At that 

time, you will be authorized to purchase your airline ticket(s). If you purchase your ticket(s) 

prior to receiving a purchase order, you are doing so at your own risk. 

Please Note: 

In most cases, awards for on-campus courses will take precedence over any other award. 

However, the NFA reserves the right to award courses in a manner that is in the best interest of 

the Government. 

NFA reserves the right to make changes to the course delivery schedules and the competitive bid 

requirements. As a result, courses/roles you previously bid on may no longer be offered for 

delivery and/or available for competitive bid. 
Special Instructions for the Planning and Information Management (PIM) Curriculum

The Statement of Work for this contract includes eight (8) hours of in classroom preparation time 

to be completed in the classroom on the day prior to the start date of the class. Preparation efforts 

may include but are not limited to small course content Instructor Guide (SM) and Student 

Manual (SM) revisions, changes to PowerPoint materials, adjustments in student handouts and/or 

activities based on recently available publications and minor revision to class specific IT 

workbooks resulting from software changes/additions available at the time of the class offering. 

Special Instructions for Administration of Public Assistance for Community Recovery 

Course

The Statement of Work for this contract includes eight (8) hours of in classroom preparation time 

to be completed in the classroom on the day prior to the start date of the class. This is necessary 

to prepare course materials and logistics prior to the start of the course.

Special Instructions for Exercise of Leadership: Self Course (R5201) 

The statement of work for this course includes accessing the NFA Online Mediated/Blackboard 

classroom for the two weeks prior to the start of on campus instruction to review and grade 

students pre-course assignments and two weeks after the conclusion of on campus instruction to 

review and grade students post-course assignments. 

Special Instructions for Exercise of Leadership: Organization Course (R5202) 

The statement of work for this course includes accessing the NFA Online Mediated/Blackboard 

classroom for the four weeks prior to the start of on campus instruction to review and grade 

students pre-course assignments and 10 days after the conclusion of on campus instruction to 

review and grade students post-course assignments. 

Special Instructions for Exercise of Leadership: Community Course (R5203) 

The statement of work for this course includes accessing the NFA Online Mediated/Blackboard 

classroom for the four weeks prior to the start of on campus instruction to review and grade 

students pre-course assignments and 10 days after the conclusion of on campus instruction to 

review and grade students post-course assignments. 

Special Instructions for Exercise of Leadership: Capstone II Course (R5204) 

The statement of work for this course includes accessing the NFA Online Mediated/Blackboard 

classroom for the two weeks prior to the start of on campus instruction to review and grade 

students pre-course assignments and record students in-class assignments. 
Special Instructions for Battlefield Guide for Exercise of Executive Leadership: Capstone 

II Course (R5204) 

Using the general details of the curriculum for Executive Leadership (R5204) Unit 3 curriculum 

(Integrating the Exercise of Leadership from Gettysburg to Fire and Emergency Service) 

facilitate a Pre-staff Ride Briefing (conducted in the classroom the day before the staff ride); 

facilitate a staff ride of the Gettysburg National Military Park (starting and ending from the 

NETC); and facilitate a Post Staff Ride Integration Activity (conducted in the classroom 

immediately following the Gettysburg Staff Ride. 

Coordinate with R5204 contract instructors and the R5204 Training Specialist at least 48 hours 

prior to pre-staff Ride Briefing to verify all activity times, number of students with assigned roles 

and questions, and any potential modifications based on weather, special student needs, park 

logistics, etc. 

Review and make recommendations to the R5204 Training Specialist for any modifications/ 

replacement of related curriculum.

Assist R5204 contract instructors with evaluation of any required student assessment tools. 

Special Instructions for EMS Quality Management (R0158)

Instructors are expected to access the NFA Online Mediated/Blackboard classroom for the two 

weeks prior to the start of on campus instruction. Instructors will be expected to grade and 

provide feedback for students’ pre-course assignments during the two-weeks. 

Special Instructions for EMS Incident Operations (R0147)

This 6-day course is a practical application of ICS-200 knowledge, skills, and abilities. The 

course utilizes two roles for instructional delivery and management, Instructors and Exercise 

Controllers. 

Instructors are expected to deliver course content, including didactic presentation, class 

activities, and simulations/exercises in accordance with the current version Instructor Guide. 

During exercises, Instructors are expected to facilitate exercise progression and students’ actions, 

responses, and critical decision making. This role is during the full 6 days of the course. 

Exercise Controllers are expected to setup, transition, and breakdown exercise equipment, 

materials, and supplies, manage government furnished equipment necessary for the exercises 

(including accountability of radios and other equipment/materials), simulate dispatch and various 

resources, and assist Instructors with facilitation of exercise progression and students’ actions, 

responses, and critical decision making. This role is days 3-6 (Tuesday – Friday of an NFA 

resident offering) of the 6-day course.
Special Instructions for Fire and Investigative Sciences Courses

Fire Investigation: First Responders (F/S/W0770) 

This two-day course presents a basic overview of a fire investigation. Instructors will present the 

basics of fire chemistry and explain the role of the first responder in relation to fire suppression 

and fire investigation. The course will stress the importance of fire scene awareness, evidence 

identification, preservation, and the basics of a fire investigation. 

Physical requirement: 

Instructors should be able to lift and move 20 pounds to facilitate the delivery of course materials 

and participate in student activities.

Fire Investigation: Essentials (R0772) 

This 10-day course is the foundation of the fire investigation curriculum. The course utilizes 

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 921, and other professional documents to addresses 

the technical and scientific knowledge and skills needed to conduct successful fire/arson 

investigations. Instructors use a combination of classroom instruction, activities, written 

assignments and group projects, and students will demonstrate the ability to conduct sciencebased fire investigations that culminate, when appropriate, in prosecution for the crime of arson. 

A K-9 may be present in class with their handler.

Instructor assignments for the Essentials classes are broken down into three roles which are 

eligible for bids: 

Pre-Course Week & Week 1: 

This instructor will assist with class starting on the Monday of the week prior to the class starting 

(Pre-Course Week) and going through the Friday of the first week of class (Week 1). This 

instructor will be heavily involved in assisting with the logistics of the setup of the Burn Range 

and classrooms. This instructor will, among other duties, help set up the Burn Cells, Flashover 

Cells and in some classes, the Multi-Cell Unit. This instructor will also provide limited 

classroom instruction during Week 1. 

Week 1 & Week 2: 

This instructor will assist with class starting on the Monday of Week 1 going through Thursday 

of the second week of class (Week 2). This instructor will, among other duties, also help set up 

the Burn Cells and Flashover Cells, as well as the scenarios for the fire scene practicals. This 

instructor will also provide limited classroom instruction during Week 1 and Week 2. This 

instructor will assist with the grading of essays and presentations. This instructor will assist the 

Training Specialist in making sure all administrative and logistical matters are completed at the 

end of the course. 
One Week (Thursday Week 1 through Wednesday Week 2): 

This instructor will assist with class starting on the Thursday of Week 1 going through 

Wednesday of the second week of class (Week 2). This instructor will, among other duties, also 

help set up the Burn Cells and Flashover Cells, as well as the scenarios for the fire scene 

practicals. This instructor will also provide limited classroom instruction during Week 1 and 

Week 2. This instructor will assist with the grading of essays.

Physical requirements:

Instructors (excluding legal) must be able to lift and move up to 50 pounds to facilitate the 

delivery of course materials and participate in student activities. Instructors are responsible for 

assisting with the placement (lifting, carrying, rolling, moving, stacking/unstacking) of furniture, 

furnishings, carpet, and other items in each burn cell and preparing individual burn cells for use 

by the students. Instructors may be required to use short ladders (under 16 feet), hand trucks, 

carts, small power tools, hand tools, and shovels and to demonstrate the use of other sceneprocessing tools. 

Instructors are required to participate in the student activities/demonstrations in various 

capacities, including setup and presenting the demonstrations. 

Instructors are required to work outdoors and should be capable of working in various weather 

conditions, including inclement weather, during periods of rain, heat, snow and ice. 

Fire Investigation: Electrical Systems (R0776) 

This six-day, specialized course addresses the critical skills essential to the effective 

investigation and evaluation of fires involving potential electrical fire causes. 

Instructors/Technicians will demonstrate current techniques, practices, protocols and standards 

that assist investigators in the evaluation of electrical systems and associated components. 

Physical requirements:

Instructors (excluding legal) must be able to lift and move up to 50 pounds to facilitate the 

delivery of course materials and participate in student activities. Instructors are responsible for 

assisting with the placement (lifting, carrying, rolling, moving, stacking/unstacking) of furniture, 

furnishings, carpet, and other items in each burn cell and preparing individual burn cells for use 

by the students. Instructors may be required to use short ladders (under 16 feet), hand trucks, 

carts, small power tools, hand tools, and shovels and to demonstrate the use of other sceneprocessing tools. 

Instructors are required to participate in the student activities/demonstrations in various 

capacities, including setup and presenting the demonstrations. 

Instructors are required to work outdoors and should be capable of working in various weather 

conditions, including inclement weather, during periods of rain, heat, snow and ice. 
Fire Investigation: Forensic Interviewing and Evidence (R0780)

This new six-day course, with two weeks of pre-course work (three weeks total), is an intense, 

interactive, and realistic experience providing students with information on various types of 

forensic evidence and related information that can be gathered at a fire scene and the knowledge 

and skills to document, collect, and submit evidence for investigations. Students will be required 

to perform realistic, hands-on practicals of collecting and submitting items of evidence.

Instructors should have, and be able to demonstrate, specialized skills of crime scene processing, 

on include, but not limited to: fingerprints, tire/shoe impressions, and tool mark impressions.

Instructors should also have specialized knowledge in evidence collection and packaging.

Physical requirements:

Instructors must be able to lift and move up to 50 pounds to facilitate the delivery of course 

materials and participate in student activities. Instructors are responsible for assisting with the 

placement (lifting, carrying, rolling, moving, stacking/unstacking) of training materials, to 

include mannequins, furniture, furnishings, carpet, and other items in practical scenarios for use 

by the students. Instructors may be required to use short ladders (under 16 feet), hand trucks, 

carts, small power tools, hand tools, and shovels and to demonstrate the use of other sceneprocessing tools.

Instructors are expected to be engaged with students for the two weeks prior to the start of on 

campus instruction. Instructors will be involved answering questions, interacting with students 

via email, telephone, or other electronic means. Instructors will have written assignments to 

grade and provide feedback throughout the two-weeks of pre-course work. Primarily this is 

accomplished through the learning management system (Blackboard, Canvas, etc.). The 

estimated level of effort is 4 to 5 hours of engagement per week for each week of pre-course 

work. A K-9 may be present in class with their handler.

Fire Investigation: Case Preparation and Testimony (R0790)

This six-day course on campus, with two weeks of pre-course work (3 weeks total) is an intense, 

interactive, and realistic experience providing students with case development, case review, and 

the knowledge and skills to prepare to testify as an expert. This course is offered in a blended 

format; students are assigned a cold case file two weeks prior to arrival with corresponding 

course work. 

Instructors are expected to be engaged with students for the two weeks prior to the start of on 

campus instruction. Instructors will be involved answering questions, interacting with students 

via email, telephone, or other electronic means. Instructors will have written assignments to 

grade and provide feedback throughout the two-weeks of pre-course work. Primarily this is 

accomplished through the learning management system (Blackboard, Canvas, etc.). The 

estimated level of effort is 4 to 5 hours of engagement per week for each week of pre-course 

work. 
Legal staff will conduct a roundtable discussion with students on topics such as qualifying as an 

expert, courtroom demeanor and expert testimony. Legal staff will also review and critique 

students’ written reports. Further, legal staff will assist in providing a realistic courtroom 

experience by providing direct- and cross-examinations of the given scenarios. 
Requirements for Module Instructors (Housing will be approved for one night prior to, and 

through the, last day of the period of performance.) 

Curriculum Course Module Period of Performance

Fire Investigation Fire Investigation: Essentials Instructor –

Pre-Course 

Week and 

Week 1

Monday of Pre-Course Week 

through Friday of Week 1 

Fire Investigation: Essentials Instructor –

Week 1 and 

Week 2

Monday of Week 1 through 

Thursday of Week 2 

Fire Investigation: Essentials Instructor –

One Week

Thursday of Week 1 through 

Wednesday of Week 2

Fire Investigation: Essentials Legal 2nd Wednesday of offering

Fire Investigation Fire Investigation: Forensic 

Evidence and Interviewing 

Instructor Pre-Course work two weeks

prior to course start date; 

Sunday through Friday

Instruction services

Fire Investigation: Case 

Preparation and Testimony 

Instructor Pre-Course work two weeks

prior to course start date; 

Sunday through Friday

Instruction services

Fire Investigation: Case

Preparation and Testimony

Legal Monday through

Thursday of offering

Fire Investigation Fire Investigation: Electrical 

Systems

Electrical 

Technician

Tuesday through Thursday

Fire Investigation: Electrical 

Systems

Instructor Sunday through Friday

Fire Investigation Fire Investigation: Technical 

Aspects

Fire 

Investigator

Monday through Friday

Fire Investigation: Technical 

Aspects

Fire Engineer Wednesday through Thursday

Emergency Medical Services Emergency Medical Services: 

Incident Operations 

Exercise 

Controller

Tuesday through Friday

Incident Management Executive Analysis of Fire 

Service Operations in

Emergency Management

Mentor 1st Thursday through

2nd Thursday of offering

Incident Management Command and Control of Fire 

Department Operations at 

Natural and Man-Made Disasters

Exercise 

Controller 

1st Thursday through

2nd Thursday of offering

Leadership and Executive 

Development

Exercise of Executive Leadership:

Capstone I

Battlefield

Guide

Sunday through Monday of 

offering

Planning and Information 

Management

Emergency Resource

Deployment Planning (SOC) 

Instructor 

(Primary)

Prep day Saturday;

Instruction Sunday through 

Friday

Emergency Resource

Deployment Planning (SOC) 

Instructor 

(Standards of 

Cover)

Prep day Saturday;

Instruction Sunday through 

Wednesday
Planning and Information 

Management

Emergency Resource

Deployment Planning (SOC)

Instructor 

(Geographic 

Information 

Systems)

Prep day Tuesday (PM);

Instruction Wednesday 

through Thursday

Planning and Information 

Management

Analytical Tools for DecisionMakingInstructor 

(Primary)

Prep day Saturday;

Instruction Sunday through 

Friday

Instructor

(Data)

Prep day Saturday;

Instruction Sunday through 

Friday
Specific On-Campus Instructions

1. Airport Transportation: Airport transportation to the National Emergency Training Center

(NETC) is only as indicated on the NETC Airport Transportation Schedule: 

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/netc_welcome_package.pdf. Please contact the 

Transportation Office before scheduling flights, as the schedule varies. Special runs/pick-ups 

will not be provided. If you cannot make flight arrangements that coincide with the NETC 

transportation schedule, you should include the cost of a rental car/limo in your 

quote(s). There is no transportation to/from the airport for the 2-day on-campus courses; so 

you should include the cost of a rental car/limo in your quote. If you plan to use the NETC 

shuttle, you MUST contact the Transportation Office 2 weeks prior to your arrival to reserve 

a seat. If you do not do so, a seat may NOT be available. For more information, please 

contact the Transportation Office at (301) 447-1113 or FEMA-NETCHousing@fema.dhs.gov. 

2. On-campus Housing: On-campus housing will be provided at no cost. If you request oncampus housing, it will be approved for one night prior to the course delivery start date. 

Check-in time is 2:00 p.m., on the day of arrival. You will be required to check out of your 

room the day the course delivery ends; unless you are teaching a course that ends at 4 p.m. 

In this instance, you will be provided housing for that night and check out by 9 a.m. the next 

morning. For 2-day, on-campus offerings, you may arrive on Friday and you must depart 

campus on Sunday. Housing will not be provided for weekends between consecutive 10-

day/6-day offerings unless a cost savings to the Government can be demonstrated. If you are 

awarded consecutive courses and you desire lodging for the weekend between the courses, 

you must deduct the cost of one round trip (minimum reduction of $250.00) from one of your 

two bids provided such lodging is available. This must be coordinated with NFA purchasing 

staff by emailing FEMA-NFAInstructor@fema.dhs.gov well in advance of your arrival,

preferably upon receipt of your award notification. NETC reserves the right to assign rooms 

and will not consider special requests, unless required to accommodate a disability. If you 

have a need for special housing accommodations, please mark the appropriate box on the 

quote form. Please advise whether you have any special allergies or medical disabilities that 

would require special housing accommodation(s) while you are staying on the NETC 

campus. Your accommodation(s) must be specified in writing by your physician or medical 

attendant on their stationery. This can be mailed to the following address or faxed: 

National Emergency Training Center 

ATTN: Smiley White

16825 South Seton Avenue 

Emmitsburg, MD 21727 

(301) 447-1052 (fax) 

The request, along with your physician’s documentation, must be sent to the NETC prior to 

your arrival on campus. No special accommodations can be made without prior approval. 

Please do not contact the Housing Office directly to request special accommodations. 
While we make every attempt to accommodate your request for special housing, we cannot 

guarantee specific dormitory rooms. 

If you have special dietary needs, you should contact the cafeteria at (301) 447-1551 prior to 

arrival on campus. 

Security is responsible for providing emergency medical services at NETC. Any instructor, 

who may have special needs in the event of an emergency, should consider notifying 

Security upon arrival to the campus. 

FEMA policy states that all persons staying on campus for more than one night are required 

to purchase a meal ticket from the campus cafeteria for each day they are on campus. If a 

meal ticket is not purchased, the individual will be asked to leave campus and acquire 

housing at his/her own expense. 

PLEASE NOTE: NETC has instituted a new process for purchasing meal tickets. You must 

now purchase your meal ticket within two weeks prior to your arrival on the campus. You 

should go to http://netcmealtickets.com/ to order your meal ticket. The cost of the meals will 

obviously be based on the length of the stay on campus. If you have questions regarding your 

meal ticket, please call 301-447-1551. 

3. Issuance of Badges/Parking Permits: Only instructors staying on campus will be issued 

badges/parking permits at the Housing Office in Building C. Any instructor commuting 

to/from campus daily will be issued a badge and parking permit at the front gate. The badge 

will be effective for the entire period the instructor is teaching. The photo for the badge for a 

commuting instructor will be scanned from the individual’s driver’s license.

4. Adherence to the following clause: 

HSAR 3052.204-71 

CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEE ACCESS (SEP 2012) 

ALTERNATE I (SEP 2012)

(a) Sensitive Information, as used in this clause, means any information, which if lost, misused, 

disclosed, or, without authorization is accessed, or modified, could adversely affect the national 

or homeland security interest, the conduct of Federal programs, or the privacy to which 

individuals are entitled under section 552a of title 5, United States Code (the Privacy Act), but 

which has not been specifically authorized under criteria established by an Executive Order or an 

Act of Congress to be kept secret in the interest of national defense, homeland security or foreign 

policy. This definition includes the following categories of information: 

(1) Protected Critical Infrastructure Information (PCII) as set out in the Critical 

Infrastructure Information Act of 2002 (Title II, Subtitle B, of the Homeland 
Security Act, Public Law 107-296, 196 Stat. 2135), as amended, the 

implementing regulations thereto (Title 6, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 29) 

as amended, the applicable PCII Procedures Manual, as amended, and any 

supplementary guidance officially communicated by an authorized official of the 

Department of Homeland Security (including the PCII Program Manager or 

his/her designee);

(2) Sensitive Security Information (SSI), as defined in Title 49, Code of Federal 

Regulations, Part 1520, as amended, “Policies and Procedures of Safeguarding 

and Control of SSI,” as amended, and any supplementary guidance officially 

communicated by an authorized official of the Department of Homeland Security 

(including the Assistant Secretary for the Transportation Security Administration 

or his/her designee);

(3) Information designated as “For Official Use Only,” which is unclassified 

information of a sensitive nature and the unauthorized disclosure of which could 

adversely impact a person’s privacy or welfare, the conduct of Federal programs, 

or other programs or operations essential to the national or homeland security 

interest; and

(4) Any information that is designated “sensitive” or subject to other controls, 

safeguards or protections in accordance with subsequently adopted homeland 

security information handling procedures.

(b) “Information Technology Resources” include, but are not limited to, computer equipment, 

networking equipment, telecommunications equipment, cabling, network drives, computer 

drives, network software, computer software, software programs, intranet sites, and internet sites.

(c) Contractor employees working on this contract must complete such forms as may be 

necessary for security or other reasons, including the conduct of background investigations to 

determine suitability. Completed forms shall be submitted as directed by the Contracting Officer. 

Upon the Contracting Officer's request, the Contractor's employees shall be fingerprinted, or 

subject to other investigations as required. All Contractor employees requiring recurring access 

to Government facilities or access to sensitive information or IT resources are required to have a 

favorably adjudicated background investigation prior to commencing work on this contract 

unless this requirement is waived under Departmental procedures.
(d) The Contracting Officer may require the Contractor to prohibit individuals from working on 

the contract if the Government deems their initial or continued employment contrary to the 

public interest for any reason, including, but not limited to, carelessness, insubordination, 

incompetence, or security concerns.

(e) Work under this contract may involve access to sensitive information. Therefore, the 

Contractor shall not disclose, orally or in writing, any sensitive information to any person unless 

authorized in writing by the Contracting Officer. For those Contractor employees authorized 

access to sensitive information, the Contractor shall ensure that these persons receive training 

concerning the protection and disclosure of sensitive information both during and after contract 

performance.

(f) The Contractor shall include the substance of this clause in all subcontracts at any tier where 

the subcontractor may have access to Government facilities, sensitive information, or resources.

(g) Before receiving access to IT resources under this contract the individual must receive a 

security briefing, which the Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR) will arrange 

and complete any nondisclosure agreement furnished by DHS.

(h) The Contractor shall have access only to those areas of DHS information technology 

resources explicitly stated in this contract or approved by the COTR in writing as necessary for 

performance of the work under this contract. Any attempts by Contractor personnel to gain 

access to any information technology resources not expressly authorized by the statement of 

work, other terms and conditions in this contract, or as approved in writing by the COTR, is 

strictly prohibited. In the event of violation of this provision, DHS will take appropriate actions 

with regard to the contract and the individual(s) involved.

(i) Contractor access to DHS networks from a remote location is a temporary privilege for 

mutual convenience while the Contractor performs business for the DHS Component. It is not a 

right, a guarantee of access, a condition of the contract, or Government Furnished Equipment 

(GFE).

(j) Contractor access will be terminated for unauthorized use. The Contractor agrees to hold and 

save DHS harmless from any unauthorized use and agrees not to request additional time or 

money under the contract for any delays resulting from unauthorized use or access.

(k) Non-U.S. citizens shall not be authorized to access or assist in the development, operation, 

management or maintenance of Department IT systems under the contract, unless a waiver has 
been granted by the Head of the Component or designee, with the concurrence of both the 

Department’s Chief Security Officer (CSO) and the Chief Information Officer (CIO) or their 

designees. Within DHS Headquarters, the waiver may be granted only with the approval of both 

the CSO and the CIO or their designees. In order for a waiver to be granted:

(1) There must be a compelling reason for using this individual as opposed to a U. 

S. citizen; and

(2) The waiver must be in the best interest of the Government.

(l) Contractors shall identify in their proposals the names and citizenship of all non-U.S. citizens 

proposed to work under the contract. Any additions or deletions of non-U.S. citizens after 

contract award shall also be reported to the contracting officer.

(End of clause)
Specific Off-Campus Instructions

You now have access to individual Course Coordination Plans (CCP) for off-campus course 

deliveries. The CCP contains specific information regarding the course delivery location, course 

sponsor name and contact information, lodging information, and the nearest airport to the delivery 

location. 

In the past, the nearest airport was listed separately in the bid package. Now you will need to view 

the CCP for the specific delivery you are bidding on to get that information. You can access the 

CCP through your dashboard by clicking on the “CCP” link. (See screen shot below.) 

For 2-day off-campus offerings, ground transportation is provided by the State/local host; please 

refer to the CCP. For 6-day off-campus offerings, ground transportation is provided by the 

State/local host; please refer to the CCP.

Beginning in FY2014 – states can offer any 2-day NFA course as a train-the-trainer delivery. As 

a result, your audience may include other fire service instructors and educators. You will need to 

work closely with the state to determine audience needs.
3052.209 - 72 - Disclosure of conflicts of interest.

As prescribed in (HSAR) 48 CFR 3009.507, insert the following provision: Disclosure of 

Conflicts of Interest (DED 2003) The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will award 

contracts only to those offerors whose objectivity is not impaired by conflicting interests. Based 

on this policy (a) The offeror shall provide a statement in its proposal which describes in a 

concise manner all past, present or planned organizational, financial, contractual or other 

interest(s) with an organization whose interests may be substantially affected by Departmental 

activities, and which is related to the work under this solicitation. The interest(s) described shall 

include those of the proposer, its affiliates, proposed consultants, proposed subcontractors for 

more than 20% of the work and key personnel of the offeror and any subcontractor accounting 

for more than 20% of the contract. Past interest shall be limited to within one year of the date of 

the offeror’s technical proposal. Key personnel, for purposes of this clause, shall include any 

person owning more than 20% interest in the company, and the company’s corporate officers, its 

senior managers and any employees responsible for making a decision or taking an action on this 

contract where the decision or action can have an economic or other impact on the interests of a 

regulated or affected organization.

(b) The offeror shall describe in detail why it believes, in light of the interest(s) identified in (a) 

above, that performance of the proposed contract can be accomplished in an impartial and 

objective manner.

(c) In the absence of any relevant interest identified in (a) above, the offeror shall submit in its 

proposal a statement certifying that to its best knowledge and belief no affiliation exists relevant 

to possible conflicts of interest. The offeror must obtain the same information from potential 

subcontractors prior to award of a subcontract. 

(d) The Contracting Officer will review the statement submitted and may require additional 

relevant information from the offeror. All such information, and any other relevant information 

known to DHS, will be used to determine whether an award to the offeror may create a conflict 

of interest. If any such conflict of interest is found to exist, the Contracting Officer may (1) 

disqualify the offeror, or (2) determine that it is otherwise in the best interest of the United States 

to contract with the offeror and include appropriate provisions to mitigate or avoid such conflict 

in the contract awarded.

(e) The refusal to provide the disclosure or representation, or any additional information 

required, may result in disqualification of the offeror for award. If nondisclosure or 

misrepresentation is discovered after award, the resulting contract may be terminated. If, after 

award, the Contractor discovers a conflict of interest with respect to the contract awarded as a 

result of this solicitation, which could not reasonably have been known prior to award, an 

immediate and full disclosure shall be made in writing to the Contracting Officer. The disclosure 

shall include a full description of the conflict, a description of the action the contractor has taken, 

or proposes to take, to avoid or mitigate such conflict. The Contracting Officer may, however, 

terminate the contract for convenience if he or she deems that termination is in the best interest 

of the Government. 

(End of clause) 
Important Policy Information

Cancellation Policy: A contract instructor shall not be penalized for the cancellation of a course 

delivery as a result of an emergency situation beyond their control (i.e., severe illness and/or 

death of an immediate family member, acts of God or the public enemy, fires, floods, unusually 

severe weather, strikes and acts of the Government). A contract instructor may be penalized for 

the cancellation of more than one course delivery within any 12-month period as a result of a 

nonemergency situation if a purchase order has been issued. The resulting penalty is as follows: 

For the applicable course, the instructor will be deemed ineligible to teach for a period not to 

exceed 12 months beginning on the date of the second nonemergency cancellation. 

If a course is cancelled by NFA and the instructor has a nonrefundable airline ticket, to receive a 

full refund, the instructor must submit a copy of the ticket to the Program Manager and 

Micropurchase Staff. A modification to the original purchase order will be processed. You may 

voucher separately. If an instructor can change the date of his/her ticket and is charged a 

“change fee,” he/she must submit a copy of the receipt to the Program Manager and 

Micropurchase Staff for the amount of the change fee. A modification to the original purchase 

order will be processed. You may voucher separately. If requesting reimbursement for 

nonrefundable airline tickets or change fee, the instructor must submit the required information 

within 30 days of the course start date.

Consecutive Deliveries: A contract instructor will not be allowed to teach consecutive deliveries 

in different locations regardless of if he/she is the lowest priced offeror for both deliveries. A 

contract instructor must have at least 1 full calendar day for travel purposes prior to the course 

start date. The full day would be the day after a scheduled class ends and the day before a 

scheduled class begins. NFA reserves the right to make exceptions on a case-by-case basis if it 

is in the best interest of the Government. 

In most cases, awards for on-campus courses will take precedence over any other award. However, 

the NFA reserves the right to award courses in a manner that is in the best interest of the 

Government. 

The National Fire Academy reserves the right to make changes to the course delivery schedules and 

the competitive bid requirements. As a result, courses you previously bid on may no longer be 

offered for delivery and/or available for competitive bid. 

Purchasing Airline Tickets: Instructors are not authorized to purchase airline tickets until they 

receive an approved purchase order (typically 30-45 days in advance of the course start date). The 

exception being unusual or mitigating circumstances that require verbal authorization from the 

micropurchasing/simplified acquisition staff. Examples include: 

1) last minute/emergency instructor recruitment/replacement, and/or 

2) need to quickly purchase an airline ticket because due to the remote location of the course 

delivery, reasonably priced airfare is limited. 
In the event an instructor purchases a ticket without an approved purchase order or verbal 

authorization from the micropurchasing/simplified acquisition staff, he or she will be held liable 

for the full cost of the airline ticket.

Contract Instructor Observation and Evaluation: In accordance with NFA-specific Standard 

Operating Procedure 500.3 “Contract Instructor Observation and Evaluation,” by accepting an 

instructional contract with the NFA, instructors are automatically subject to the provisions of this 

observation and evaluation program and shall uphold and support them without compromise or 

exception. 
Important NETC Policy Information 

You are required to follow all NETC Campus policies/guidelines at time of instruction, which 

includes but not limited to health and wellness, safety and security, and emergencies. 

Policy changes have occurred at the National Emergency Training Center that requires your 

immediate attention. Please read the following carefully and completely because you are 

responsible for the information it contains. 

FIREARMS: Prohibited on Campus. Due to heighted security requirements, please 

understand security and law enforcement personnel may search you, your vehicle or your 

luggage. Maryland law is very narrow in its definition of law enforcement officers who may 

carry firearms. For your own protection, and to expedite your processing into NETC, do not 

bring weapons of any kind to campus. Weapons includes knives with blades longer than 3 

inches, machetes, bow and arrows, ammunition, rifles, shotguns, pistols, etc. 

Sworn/Commissioned and State Peace Officer Standards, and Training-Certified Officers, 

Federal Officers, or local officers with concurrent jurisdiction who require a firearm for the 

performance of required official duties must declare at the point of entrance to the campus and 

store the firearm with security for the duration of the stay. 

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: Alcohol is not allowed on-site and will be confiscated. 

Consumption of alcoholic beverages is limited to the Command Post Pub (On Campus Licensed 

Bar) and the Log Cabin (consumption supervised by on campus bar personnel) at NETC. 

All personnel arriving at NETC must present photo identification. 

You shall be required to carry photo identification on you at all times. Entry to the 

campus will be denied without this form of identification. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Security Specialist as noted, or the 

Admissions Office at (301) 447-1035. 
NETC Human Dignity Statement

The uniqueness of all individuals at the National Emergency Training Center (NETC) is 

recognized in their individual diversity, which can be a resource that enriches the working and 

learning environment through the sharing of differing perspectives. Equal opportunity is 

provided to all employees, students, contractors and visitors. This is supported by:

• Ensuring equal opportunity to all employees, students, contractors and visitors;

• Prohibiting all discrimination and harassment;

• Supporting affirmative employment policies and practices;

• Encouraging employees, students, contractors and visitors to communicate and behave in 

a manner that is sensitive to, and acknowledges the viewpoints of others;

• Regarding diversity as a resource that enriches the working and learning environment 

through the sharing of differing perspectives, experiences and ideas;

• Removing barriers to teamwork through collaboration, problem-solving and the 

constructive resolution of conflicts; and

• Continuing to identify and eliminate barriers.

Employees, students, contractors and visitors are expected to treat each other with respect at all 

times. Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated and will result in appropriate administrative 

or disciplinary action including removal and debarment from the facility.
Administrative Requirements for Instructors

Registration in System for Award Management (SAM)

On April 4, 2022, the unique entity identifier used across the federal government changed from 

the DUNS Number to the Unique Entity ID (UEI) (generated by SAM.gov). 

It is your responsibility as a contract instructor to maintain and keep your SAM registration 

current. This includes your address (physical, as well as, e-mail) and banking/direct deposit 

information. If your address changes, please notify us in writing, as well as updating your 

address in SAM. The website for SAM is: www.sam.gov

If you make changes in your banking information, e.g., direct deposit information, you will need 

to make the change directly within your SAM record; and you will also need to provide this 

information to the FEMA Finance Center in Winchester, Virginia, at (540) 504-1899, to avoid 

any delay in payment. In addition, we strongly advise that you annotate your invoice (if 

submitting an electronic invoice- use the Additional Details Block) with a note to indicate your 

banking information has changed. For example, if you have relocated to another state and as a 

result changed banks, you will need to make notification so that payment can be made to the 

correct account.

NOTE: The National Fire Academy has the right to refuse your bid and go to the next bidder to 

issue an award if your registration in SAM is not current. 
Background Suitability Process/National Crime Information Center (NCIC) 

Background Suitability Process/National Crime Information Center (NCIC) check: Effective 

October 10, 2019 by direction of FEMA Personal Security Division (PSD), Office of the Chief 

Security Officer (OCSO) we are only required to process a National Crime Information Center 

(NCIC) check for National Fire Academy (NFA) Instructors to be conducted every six (6) 

months. Training, Administration, Planning and Analysis (TAPA) Section staff will contact NFA 

Instructors to obtain the Personally Identifiable Information (PII). 

The following Personally Identifiable Information (PII) will be required every six (6) months 

after the initial NCIC computer check:

• Full name

• Date of birth

• Place of birth 

• Social Security number 

As of October 5, 2022, the FEMA Facilities Access Form must be completed and signed in 

order for the NCIC check to be performed. TAPA staff will request this be completed by 

instructors in order to meet this requirement. 

Note: Repeat fingerprinting is no longer required. 
Contract Instructor Statement of Work

February 1, 2023

BACKGROUND

The Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974, Public Law 93-498, authorizes the 

National Fire Academy (NFA) to function as the national focal point for fire prevention and 

control training. The NFA provides volunteer, combination and career fire service and allied 

professionals access to advanced training through on- and off-campus programs. The U.S. Fire 

Administration’s NFA is located at the National Emergency Training Center (NETC) in 

Emmitsburg, Maryland. 

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this contract is to obtain the services of a qualified contract instructor who will 

deliver NFA courses following the Instructor Guide and Student Manual in a manner which 

reflects the highest standards of the adult education profession and the American Council on 

Education College Credit Recommendation Service. Prior to, during and after delivery of the 

course, the contract instructor represents NFA and should therefore present him/herself 

accordingly. To ensure the highest quality of instruction, the NFA evaluates the performance of 

the instructor in accordance with this Statement of Work and evaluation instruments used in each 

training program. 

APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

The contractor (hereafter called “Instructor”) shall perform classroom instruction and 

administration in conformance with the instructions and guidance provided in the following 

documents, as appropriate, for the program under which this contract is awarded. The contractor 

is responsible for being knowledgeable of and adhering to the following documents (available 

upon request): 

-NFA Course Instructor Guide and Student Manual (located within Instructor Dashboard) 

-Appropriate NFA Evaluation instruments

-Course Sponsor Coordination Plan (located within Instructor Dashboard) 

-Course Roster 

-NETC Contractor Background and Suitability Requirements 

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/nfa/about/contract-instructors/teach-for-nfa.html

-NFA Human Dignity Statement

-All related DHS/FEMA/USFA policies and instructions

-Academic Code of Conduct and Ethics (Series 700.1) 

-Conduct on the NETC Campus (Series 700.1a, NETC Instruction 119-22) 

-NETC Vehicle Registration and Parking Policy (NETC Instruction 119-4) 

-Student Performance Measures: Grades Policy and Table (Series 700.4 & 700.4.1) 

-Student Performance Measures: Assessment and Course Retake Policy (Series 700.5) 

-Student Performance Measures: Maintaining Student Grades (Series 700.7) 

-Academic Grievances and Grade Appeals (Series 700.6) 

-NFA Graduation Procedures

-NFA Student Dress Code (Series 700.1a, NETC Instruction 119-22, VII. Section F) 

-NETC IT Security Policies (Series 700.8) 
DEFINITIONS

For the purposes of the Statement of Work, the following definitions will be used:

On-Campus Course: refers to all NFA courses delivered on the NETC campus including, 

9-day, 6-day, and 2-day courses. 

Off-Campus Course: refers to all NFA courses delivered at a location other than the NETC 

campus including 10-day, 6-day and 2-day courses as well as State sponsored and enfranchised 

courses

Training Specialist: refers to the individual responsible for courses within a specific curriculum 

area such as Fire investigation, public education, incident management, etc.

Program Manager: refers to the individual responsible for a specific program area where NFA 

courses serve as components of the program. 

Training, Administration, Planning and Analysis (TAPA) Branch: refers to the individual(s) 

responsible for purchasing for NFA (Micropurchase staff).
SCOPE OF WORK

(All Courses: On-Campus or Off-Campus)

Under this contract, the instructor shall deliver NFA courses as described in the tasks below. 

This scope of work applies to any course taught in the on-or-off campus mode. Program-specific 

requirements follow this scope of work.

Courses may be delivered on the NETC campus in Emmitsburg, Maryland, or at selected sites 

throughout the United States. All required instructional materials, classroom keys and 

audiovisual and laboratory equipment will be furnished by the Government or host facility and 

made available by the start of the course delivery.

The instructor shall:

1. Meet and/or electronically communicate with the Training Specialist and/or Program 

Manager (whichever is applicable) prior to and upon completion of courses to discuss 

arrival times and any other essential course administrative information.

2. Obtain the permission of the Training Specialist before making any changes to the 

established/printed curriculum for the course that is being taught. Some examples of this 

include: changes to PowerPoint slides, use of outside print-based, audio and/or video 

materials and invitation of guest speakers/lecturers. While contract instructors are 

encouraged to provide current and innovative methods to improve the quality of the 

course delivery, Training Specialist approval is required. In addition, any alterations or 

deviations from content become the property of the NFA and must be provided to the 

Training Specialist at the end of the course delivery.

3. Ensure that all audiovisual equipment, laboratory equipment (when applicable) is in 

proper working condition and instructional materials/aids, e.g., student handouts, etc., are 

available before class begins.

4. Prepare for and deliver the course materials as prescribed in the Instructor Guide (IG), 

including content, sequence, timing, audiovisual presentation, and instructional 

methodology; this may include the use of a computer-based Learning Management 

System (LMS), bring your own device (BYOD) technology – student use of laptop 

computers, tablets and other hand-held devices to read and view electronic course 

materials.

5. Ensure that your instructional materials are the most current version of the course. NFA 

IGs can be located in the Instructor Dashboard for the courses that you are eligible to 

teach.
6. Grade any course-specific papers, projects, tests, final exams, written assignments, etc., 

using established/government furnished grading rubrics. Maintain security over all 

teaching materials; e.g., tests, answer keys, graded answer sheets, and letter recorded 

student grades; submitting the recorded scores/grades the above items to the Training 

Specialist and/or Program Manager at the end of the course delivery in accordance with 

the form and procedures developed for each course. For off-campus courses please 

submit the above items to the state/local host. If a blank grade sheet is not provided in 

the IG, the instructor must prepare a grade sheet, which lists the student’s name and a 

letter grade for each student. NOTE: These materials shall not be reproduced or 

distributed without written permission of the Training Specialist or Deputy 

Superintendent.

7. Meet with students who wish to appeal their end-of-course grade and notify the NFA 

Training Specialist before the meeting is conducted with the student. Notify the local 

host representative of this meeting. Notify the state/local host and NFA immediately if a 

student fails the course. A student who receives an incomplete or failure for a course 

shall be allowed the opportunity to remediate the grade to a passing score.

8. At the conclusion of the course delivery, the instructor will submit all course delivery 

materials (student evaluations (unless using online evaluations), student roster with letter 

grades recorded, projects, and graded exam sheets) to the Training Specialist and/or 

Program Manager. Test documents and any extra materials that were not used shall be 

returned to the Training Specialist and/or Program Manager to ensure security and 

integrity of the course assessment process. For off-campus courses please submit the 

above items to the state/local host. Note: Graded exam answer sheets shall be given to 

the students for their review, but they must be collected and returned to the NFA with the 

course delivery materials.

9. Report student discipline problems to the Training Specialist and/or Program Manager 

(whichever is applicable) or local site representative as soon as possible.

10. Keep an accurate student attendance record (course roster) for the entire length of the 

class and submit that report to the Training Specialist or Program Manager (whichever is 

applicable) or local site representative upon completion of the course.

11. Brief students on the NFA end-of-course and long-term evaluation processes and 

facilitate the process either electronically online or by using paper questionnaires per the 

instructions in #22.

12. Present student certificates in accordance with established program procedures.

13. Return all reusable course materials for which the instructor has responsibility, and report 

equipment damage, loss or inoperability to the Training Specialist or Program Manager 

(whichever is applicable) and local site representative for off-campus courses.

14. Remove excess papers, used easel pad chart paper and tape on walls or boards and ensure 

classrooms are left in a neat and orderly condition. 
15. Meet or discuss (telephone) with the Training Specialist and/or Program Manager 

(whichever is applicable) after the delivery and provide specific recommendations 

concerning the course, materials, equipment, facilities, etc., as appropriate.

16. Treat students fairly, equitably and in accordance with the NFA Human Dignity 

Statement.

17. Prevent hostile environment incidents while conducting any class for the NFA. This 

includes (but is not limited to) admonishing students who make any comment that could 

be construed as offensive, and remaining alert for drifts in classroom atmosphere that 

could lead to inappropriate comments. Instructors will participate in Hostile 

Environment briefings when requested.

18. Be familiar and in compliance with the DHS/FEMA/USFA policies and instructions that 

deal with: equal opportunity in Federal education and training programs, civil rights, 

equal opportunity and affirmative employment, accessible electronic and information 

technology, equal opportunity for persons with disabilities, sexual harassment, and 

harassment and retaliation, Internet security, and physical security.

19. Brief students on the Academic Code of Conduct and Ethics policy.

20. Brief students on and initiate the end-of-course evaluation process. Instructors will 

receive log-on cards with directions for completing the online evaluation. Instructors 

shall provide sufficient time during regular class hours for students to complete the 

end-of-course evaluation survey and excuse themselves from the classroom during this 

time. In addition, instructors shall brief students on the NFA’s long-term evaluation 

process. 

21. Be responsible for general oversight of classroom activities during the course. The 

instructor(s) shall be prepared to deliver any of the units of instruction. The instructors 

shall contact each other to discuss and mutually agree upon which modules each 

instructor shall teach. The teaching responsibilities shall be as evenly distributed as 

possible; however, each instructor may be required to teach all of the modules should it 

become necessary.

22. When not actually performing classroom instruction, use such time solely in support of 

the contracted course delivery to prepare and complete course-related educational 

developmental tasks. All instructors shall be available in the classroom during the entire 

teaching day, except during scheduled meal periods. Exceptions to this policy must be 

approved by the Training Specialist or Program Manager (whichever is applicable).

23. Be present the entire period of performance stated on the contract instructor’s purchase 

order. Failure to fulfill this requirement in its entirety will result in a deduction (equitable 

adjustment) to the purchase order. Instructors must propose, in writing, an amount to be 

deducted from his/her purchase order to the NFA Training Specialist for approval who in 

turn will notify the TAPA Program Specialist to process a modification to the instructor’s 

purchase order.
24. Dress in a professional manner and present themselves as professionals and in accordance 

with the NFA student dress code.

Additional Instructor Responsibilities 

1. Instructors may be required to use our Learning Management System (LMS) in oncampus or off-campus classes. If required to use the LMS, training will be offered. 

Additionally, instructors must complete the annual system security process to retain 

access to the LMS. 

2. Research current issues and prepare items to augment and supplement existing materials 

with recent lessons learned or late-breaking events.

3. Accomplish on-going review of course content and recommend improvements in 

editorial, format, pagination, and content tracking of educational materials and supporting 

visuals.

4. Undertake necessary interaction with related USFA program office activities.

5. Plan for upcoming modules/course of instruction and carry-over to upcoming deliveries 

regarding presentation of new materials.

6. Prepare for “next-up” presentation(s).

7. Coordinate other class support activity (i.e., Library, campus staff and/or contractors, 

etc.).

8. Grade course-specific assessments, papers, projects, tests, final exams, written 

assignments, etc., using established/government furnished grading rubrics and in 

accordance with item #6 of general requirements.

9. Coordinate and plan for required post-course evaluation of student projects (i.e., review 

of 6-month submissions in selected courses).

10. Undertake assigned changes in computer support such as transferring selected materials 

to software graphics.

11. Maintain all course teaching materials and in consultation with staff to ensure proper 

labeling of support items, storage and security of materials following use, etc.

12. Provide routine maintenance specific to courses presented in a laboratory environment.

13. Individual tutoring and counseling, both during and sometimes after the normal class day, 

for students having difficulties with class materials.
14. Provide “customer service” and technical assistance support to students, both in and 

outside of the classroom.

15. Assist individual and groups of students with class projects. 

16. Serve as NFA’s “first point of contact” ascertaining and recommending action on special 

student needs such as a minor injury, illness, or an unexpected need to depart early for a 

back home emergency, etc.

17. Assist other instructor(s) with such things as group activities, usually occurring on an 

hourly basis. 

18. On a limited basis, serve as a guest lecturer in other classes.

19. Assist in the development of other instructor(s) and team-teach to mentor new instructors. 

20. Participate in appropriate and related miscellaneous activities on campus (i.e., Focus 

Group sessions, sharing of subject matter expertise with campus staff and contractors). 

21. On occasion, operate without support of any kind during periods when the facility is in a 

weather emergency shut-down phase or delayed opening status but while classes remain 

in session. 

22. In the rare event of a classroom or building emergency, instructors should take a student 

roster with them and assist in the safe evacuation of and accounting of students. 

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED MATERIALS

The following materials will be provided by the Government: 

• Instructor Guide materials (available electronically on Instructor Dashboard);

• Electronic access to all applicable DHS/FEMA/USFA/NFA policies, instructions, 

directives;

• Course grading rubrics and/or written instructions and procedures for grading and 

recording of student assessments; and 

• Computer based Learning Management System (i.e. Blackboard)

DELIVERABLES

Upon period of performance, contract instructor shall provide: 

• Completed grade sheet with student name and letter grade; and

• Oral and/or written recommendations concerning the course, materials, equipment, 

facilities, etc.
ON-CAMPUS COURSE DELIVERY

Instructors delivering NFA courses on campus shall:

1. Stay aware of and in compliance with all current campus health and safety protocols 

while remaining vigilant in protecting yourself and students from avoidable infections on 

campus (COVID-19, flu, colds, etc.).

2. Remind students of the importance of health awareness and compliance with protective 

measures on campus so that all NFA community members can succeed in a safe and 

productive learning environment.

3. Acquire a key for their classrooms from Security, Building V-1 prior to class start-up. 

Note: Updated campus security protocol now requires a daily check-out/check-in of 

classroom key(s) from Building V-1.

4. Obtain cabinet and closets keys from the individual Training Specialist.

5. Review the “Property Accountability Inventory” form found on the podium when 

reporting to the classroom. If you note some item missing (except tables and chairs as 

these fluctuate), please report it to the IT Technician or COTR as outlined on the 

inventory form. If it is “after hours” and staff is not available, contact Security at 

extension 1111. You are not responsible for the missing property; you are only 

responsible for reporting the missing property.

6. Secure classrooms and assigned breakout rooms when they are not occupied; instructors 

should lock the classroom when the students are dismissed for lunch and unlock it when 

they return.

7. On the first morning of class, correct the course roster, note “no shows” and return 

marked up rosters to the NETC staff representative present.

8. Refrain from using the copier in the administrative staff area. 

9. Non-Government owned computers (laptop, tablets) used by instructors, students, guest 

lecturers must be connected to the peripheral cable access points (HDMI, Audio, USB) 

on the podium, only. No personal equipment may be connected directly to a government 

owned computer, i.e. disconnecting cables to make connections. No USB device (thumb 

drive, memory stick, external drive) may be connected to any government computer. 

Training Specialist can assist with the transfer of files from instructors or students, if 

necessary. 

10. Secure the instructor work rooms (Building J, Room 112A) when leaving for the day.

11. Return to Security in Building V-1, the classroom key(s) upon class completion and 

before departing campus.
12. Report classroom property and equipment issues to staff promptly, as outlined on the 

“Property Accountability Form” located in the classroom.

13. Maintain a current knowledge of and abide by NETC Emergency Plans including those 

for medical and fire incidents. (NETC Occupant Emergency Plan Instructor/Student 

Guide)

14. Park only in designated areas assigned to contract instructors.
ON-CAMPUS “PROGRAM” SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

Planning and Information Management (PIM) Curriculum: 

The Statement of Work for this contract includes eight (8) hours of in classroom preparation time 

to be completed in the classroom on the day prior to the start date of the class. Preparation 

efforts may include but are not limited to small course content Instructor Guide and Student 

Manual revisions, changes to PowerPoint materials, adjustments in student handouts and/or 

activities based on recently available publications and minor revision to class specific 

Information Technology workbooks resulting from software changes/additions available at the 

time of the class offering.

Volunteer Incentive Program (VIP): 

The Volunteer Incentive Program and the component courses of the program along with VIP 

Weeks are coordinated by the Volunteer Incentive Program Manager (VIPM).

In addition to the above listed requirements, Instructors shall: 

1. Keep the VIPM and the respective Training Specialist aware of any issues arising during 

delivery of VIP courses. 

2. Advise the respective Training Specialist and VIPM of a student needing to leave early. 

2-Day On-Campus Courses:

The 2-day on-campus courses are coordinated by the State Weekend Program Manager 

(SWPM).

In addition to the above listed requirements, Instructors shall: 

1. Direct all questions concerning the course delivery, student application requirements, 

course cancellations, and payment/invoicing directly to the Program Manager. 

2. Direct all questions concerning curriculum content directly to the appropriate NFA 

Training Specialist (Curriculum Manager). 

3. Provide their own transportation to and from NETC. 

4. Housing is provided on campus per the instructor purchase order. 

5. Check out the assigned classrooms to ensure that everything required for the course is 

available. Classrooms and equipment are set up in advance for the two-day on-campus 

programs. 
6. Participate in a brief introduction meeting with other instructors, the SWPM, and state 

staff members on Friday evening or Saturday morning, as determined by the SWPM. 

The meeting is held in the State Weekend Operations Center in Building J, Room 124. 

7. Administer, review, correct and provide feedback on quizzes, tests, final exams, written 

assignments, papers, etc. using established government-furnished grading rubrics. 

8. Maintain security over all teaching materials (e.g., tests, answer keys, answer sheets and 

student grades); submitting the above items to the Training Specialist and/or Program 

Manager at the end of the course delivery in accordance with the form and procedures 

developed for each course. Note: These materials must not be reproduced or distributed 

without written permission of the NFA Training Specialist or Deputy Superintendent. 

9. Meet with students who wish to appeal their end-of-course grade and notify the NFA 

Training Specialist and/or Program Manager before the meeting is conducted with the 

student. Notify the state representative of this meeting. Notify the state/local host and 

NFA immediately if a student fails for the course.

10. At the conclusion of the course delivery, the instructor will submit all course delivery 

materials – signed student roster with letter grades recorded, projects, and exam grade 

sheets to the SWPM. Test documents and any extra materials that were not used shall be 

returned to the SWPM to ensure security and integrity of the course assessment process. 

Note: Graded exam answer sheets shall be given to the students for their review, but they 

must be collected and returned to the NFA with the course delivery materials.

11. Per instructions, assist the students with the online course evaluation process. 

12. Certificates will be emailed to the students by the NETC Admissions Office upon 

successful completion of the course. Note: If a student does not receive a final letter 

grade of C or higher (score of 70 percent or above), the student will not receive a 

certificate. A student who receives an incomplete or failure for a course shall be allowed 

the opportunity to remediate the grade to a passing score. 

13. After the class, a follow-up email will be sent to the instructor requesting 

comments/feedback on the course delivery. The instructor’s response must be sent to 

FEMA-NFA-OutreachTraining@fema.dhs.gov and it should contain the course title, date 

of delivery, and location. 
OFF-CAMPUS “PROGRAM” SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

6-Day Off-Campus Courses: 

The 6-day, off-campus courses are coordinated by the Program Manager (PM). 

In addition to the above listed requirements, Instructors shall: 

1. Communicate course delivery requirements and travel arrangements with the PM and 

local site contact at least 25 days in advance of the start date of the course. 

2. Upon completion of the course delivery, the instructor will provide the state/local host the 

off-campus course cover sheet, letter graded roster and graded exams. The state host shall 

scan and email the off-campus course cover sheet, letter graded roster and graded exams 

to the NFA within 3-7 days following the course end date. Paper copies should be 

maintained by the state/local host until the electronic copies are received by the NFA. 

After which they should be properly disposed of by shredding. This is effective January 

1, 2023, with a period of January, 2023 to March 1, 2023 allowed for the transition. Test 

documents and any extra materials that were not used must disposed of properly (e.g., 

shredded/destroyed) to ensure security and integrity of the course assessment process. 

Note: Graded exam answer sheets may be given to the students for their review, but then 

must be collected and scanned for return to the NFA. 

3. Certificates will be emailed to the students by the NETC Admissions Office upon 

successful completion of the course. Note: If a student does not receive a final letter 

grade of C or higher (score of 70 percent or above), the student will not receive a 

certificate. A student who receives an incomplete or failure for a course shall be allowed 

the opportunity to remediate the grade to a passing score. 

4. If an NFA course delivery kit was provided, it must be inventoried at the conclusion of 

the course, and the packing slip must be signed off on by the instructor to ensure that 

everything is accounted for, prior to mailing back to NFA. 

5. A follow-up email will be sent to the instructor after the class requesting 

comments/feedback on the course delivery. The instructor’s response must be sent to: 

FEMA-NFA-OutreachTraining@fema.dhs.gov and should contain the course title, date 

of delivery and location. 
2-Day Off-Campus Courses: 

The 2-day off-campus courses and the component courses of the program along with scheduling 

are coordinated by the Program Manager (PM) who is responsible for managing course 

deliveries. 

In addition to the above requirements, Instructors shall: 

1. Contact at least 25 days before the delivery 1) the state and local representative (listed on 

the Course Coordination Plan (CCP) to discuss travel itinerary, lodging, classroom setup, 

etc.; and 2) the PM to discuss any other essential course/administrative information.

2. Administer, review, correct and provide feedback on quizzes, tests, final exams, written 

assignments, papers, etc., using established/government furnished grading 

rubrics. Maintain security over all teaching materials; e.g., tests, answer keys, graded 

answer sheets, and letter recorded; submitting the above items to the local site 

representative at the end of the course delivery, in accordance with the form and 

procedures developed for each course. If a blank grade sheet is not provided in the IG, 

the instructor must prepare a grade sheet, which lists the student’s name and a letter grade 

for each student. Note: These materials shall not be reproduced or distributed without 

written permission of the Training Specialist or Deputy Superintendent.

3. Certificates will be emailed to the students by the NETC Admissions Office upon 

successful completion of the course. Note: If a student does not receive a final letter 

grade of C or higher (score of 70 percent or above), the student will not receive a 

certificate. A student who receives an incomplete or failure for a course shall be allowed 

the opportunity to remediate the grade to a passing score. 

4. Upon completion of the course delivery, the instructor will provide the state/local host the 

off-campus course cover sheet, letter graded roster and graded exams. The state host shall 

scan and email the off-campus course cover sheet, letter graded roster and graded exams 

to the NFA within 3-7 days following the course end date. Paper copies should be 

maintained by the state/local host until the electronic copies are received by the NFA. 

After which they should be properly disposed of by shredding. This is effective January 

1, 2023, with a period of January, 2023 to March 1, 2023 allowed for the transition. Test 

documents and any extra materials that were not used must disposed of properly (e.g., 

shredded/destroyed) to ensure security and integrity of the course assessment process. 

Note: Graded exam answer sheets may be given to the students for their review, but then 

must be collected and scanned for return to the NFA. 

5. A follow-up email will be sent to the instructor after the class requesting 

comments/feedback on the course delivery. The instructor’s response must be sent to: 

FEMA-NFA-OutreachTraining@fema.dhs.gov and should contain the course title, date 

of delivery and location.