The contractor must supply an e-mail account and a new, preconfigured notebook PC and printer to each student soldier. Soldiers are responsible for their own Internet connectivity, either on barracks LANs or by dial-up telephone line. Ownership of the notebook PC and printer will revert to the contractor if the student does not complete nine credit hours within two years of study, Dobeck said. The soldier must then reimburse the government not only for the hardware but also for the cost of courses taken. Current reimbursement for Army continuing education is 75 percent, said Linda Dian Stoskopf, Army director of education.
Enrollment is limited to soldiers who have at least three years remaining in their tours of duty.
The contractor must arrange to continue courses if any students are transferred away from the three forts. Speakers said there are about 15,000 potential students for the base year. The Web portal must host numerous functions, Stoskopf said. The portal, which must be up and running within three months after contract award, will serve admissions testing, advising, registration, textbook ordering and distribution, and on-site test proctoring needs. Students, mentors and tutors must have access to online chat.