What is MIMIC?
Military Interactive Multimedia Instruction Center (MIMIC) provides Distributed Learning (DL) courseware to every component of the Army and several organizations within the DoD.

What is Distributed Learning?
Distributed Learning (DL) is customized computer applications (i.e., courseware) for training soldiers and helping them maintain proficiency on a variety of systems. The educational material is delivered to the student(s)/unit(s) via stand-alone CD-ROM or the Internet.

How long has MIMIC been providing this Service?
The MIMIC program at Camp Dodge, Iowa, has been providing DL courseware to soldiers since 1993, when it began operation under the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). As an R&D organization, MIMIC participated in many of the DoD's earliest efforts to use DL. In the late 1990s, the Army National Guard recognized the value of DL for training its members, and MIMIC became a government-owned, contractor-operated activity of the National Guard Bureau (NGB).

What are some of MIMIC's accomplishments?
To date, MIMIC partnerships have produced over 1000 hours of DL for soldiers of every rank in every component of the Army and several other DoD organizations. Completed and on-going projects range from basic lessons delivered on stand-alone CD-ROMs to fully integrated courses delivered worldwide over the Web. Programs include both synchronous and asynchronous components lasting from a few minutes to several hundred hours.

What are the benefits of using MIMIC to develop DL courseware?
MIMIC offers an alternative when outsourcing the design, development, and delivery of DL courseware. MIMIC, a field activity of the National Guard Bureau, can provide the management and technical expertise needed for your organization to field top-quality DL for your soldiers. When partnered with MIMIC, your organization can focus on training instead of project management, administration, or quality assurance.

What kind of personalized service can I expect?
An experienced advisor guides and manages each project from inception to final acceptance. All advisors are serving or retired Guard or active duty soldiers. Their experience and background as Army trainers help them communicate with the training proponents, while their technical expertise enables them to work closely with the designers and developers. This ensures that you are getting exactly what you need to maintain your readiness.

What kind of contracts do I have to initiate or administer to work with MIMIC?
Because MIMIC is also a government activity, you will not need to initiate or administer any contracts to work with MIMIC. A simple Memorandum of Agreement between the National Guard Bureau and your organization will serve to formalize the partnership and detail the responsibilities of all parties.

How does the MIMIC DL courseware development process work?
Your project advisor guides you through all the project's phases while you designate the necessary subject matter experts. MIMIC will confirm the earlier cost estimates for the project and will develop a project schedule. Transfer of funds is handled through GSA FEDSIM using an MIPR. At your request, MIMIC also provides specialized consulting, educational analysis, and resource management services.

What are the normal “Project Phases?”
MIMIC uses a proven four-phase system that delivers customized results for each of our clients. For more information about the individual phases, visit our Project Phases page.

What other services does MIMIC provide?
In addition to our custom courseware development, MIMIC provides a host of support services. Read more about them on our Support Services page.