1131PL27R0001 - Amendment 0002.pdf

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing items 8 and 15, and returning or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not is required to sign this document and return copies to the issuing office.

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT 1. CONTRACT ID CODE

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER 3. EFFECTIVE DATE 4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUISITION NUMBER 5. PROJECT NUMBER (If applicable)

7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6) CODE

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 11/2016)

Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

FACILITY CODE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers is extended. is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted;

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS.

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

CHECK ONE A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER

NUMBER IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation data, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15C. DATE SIGNED

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

16C. DATE SIGNED

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

PAGE OF PAGES

6. ISSUED BY CODE

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code) (X)

CODE

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

(Signature of person authorized to sign)

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

Previous edition unusable

1131PL

The purpose of this amendment is to provide responses to solicitation questions.

1131PL

United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) 1101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1100 Arlington, Virginia 22209 USA

United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) 1101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1100 Arlington, Virginia 22209 USA

1131PL27R0001

1 32

10/28/2026

10/05/2026

41. Historical and Anticipated Awards Reference: B.1, D.1.9–D.1.10; pp. 3, 32–34 How many events does USTDA anticipate awarding annually? For each of the past three fiscal years, please provide the number of task orders valued at $350,000 or less and above $350,000, and the number and total dollar value awarded to small and large businesses.

Answer: We do not have an estimated total of anticipated awards at this time. For past three fiscal years: FY24 – 5 below and 10 above $350K; FY25 – 1 below and 1 above $350K; and FY26 – 5 below and 15 above $350K. Over the past three fiscal years 19 awards valued at $14.5 million went to small businesses, while 18 awards valued at $11.4 million went to other than small.

42. Event Size Reference: D.1.2, D.1.10; pp. 19–20, 32–33 What is the typical attendance range for reverse trade missions, conferences, forums, training programs, and other events?

Answer: Attendance varies depending on the type, scope, location, and objectives of each activity. For general planning purposes, USTDA's anticipated attendance ranges are approximately:

• Reverse Trade Missions (RTMs): 10–19 foreign delegates, with associated Business Briefings and networking events typically attracting 50–150 participants.

• Conferences: 100–1,000 participants, depending on the scale and objectives of the event.

• Forums, Training Programs and Workshops: 20–100 participants, depending on the subject matter and format.

• Other Events: 10–200 participants, ranging from small executive roundtables and targeted industry meetings to larger networking and stakeholder engagement activities.

These ranges are illustrative and do not represent minimum or maximum attendance requirements. Actual attendance may fall outside these ranges, particularly for large-scale international conferences or virtual and hybrid events.

Specific anticipated attendance figures and associated requirements will be provided in individual Task Order Requests.

43. Planning Time Reference: D.1.2, D.1.10; pp. 19–20, 32–33 What is the typical time between task-order award and event execution, and what is the shortest anticipated planning period?

Answer: Shortest could be 30 days; however, typical time is 90 or more days from date of award.

44. Venue Commitments Reference: D.1.5.1–D.1.5.2; pp. 28–29 Will USTDA approve venue contracts, deposits, room blocks, and other binding financial commitments before the contractor executes them?

Answer: Will be addressed at the task order level.

45. Event Cancellations and Changes Reference: B.1–B.5, D.1.5; pp. 3–5, 28–29 How will USTDA address cancellation penalties, nonrefundable expenses, and adjustments to contractor compensation when an event is canceled, postponed, or materially changed?

Answer: Will be addressed at the task order level.

46. Visa Responsibilities and Delays Reference: D.1.3, D.1.12; pp. 21–24, 36 What visa assistance is required of the contractor, and how are additional costs resulting from visa delays or denials handled?

Answer: Yes. All allowable cost will be reimbursed at the task order level.

47. International Events Reference: D.1.3; pp. 21–24 What percentage of events is expected to occur outside the United States, and in which regions?

Answer: Unknown at this time.

48. Participant Recruitment Reference: D.1.2, D.1.5.2; pp. 20, 29 Will USTDA provide initial participant and industry contacts, or must the contractor develop these lists independently?

Answer: USTDA may provide initial participant lists and industry contacts, as available.

However, contractors are expected to independently research, identify, and recruit relevant U.S. companies, industry representatives, and other stakeholders. USTDA will provide guidance and approvals as appropriate, but contractors should not assume comprehensive contact lists will be provided.

49. Attendance Requirements Reference: D.1.2, D.1.10; pp. 20, 32–34 Will task orders establish minimum attendance or recruitment targets, and how will performance be evaluated if those targets are not met?

Answer: Yes. Will be addressed at the task order level.

50. Registration Fees Reference: B.3, D.1.10; pp. 3–4, 33–34 Will contractors be required to collect and manage registration fees? If so, how will those funds be handled?

Answer: Yes. Will be addressed at the task order level.

51. Sponsorships Reference: B.3, D.1.10; pp. 3–4, 33–34 Will contractors be expected to solicit sponsorships? If so, how will the work be compensated and sponsorship revenue handled?

Answer: Yes. Will be addressed at the task order level.

52. Fixed-Price and Reimbursable Costs Reference: B.1–B.5; pp. 3–5 Which event expenses will be included in fixed-price task orders, and which will be reimbursable? Specifically, how will advertising, registration platforms, and third-party event services be treated?

Answer: Direct Labor and ODC as identified at the task order level will be fixed. All other allowable expense will be reimbursable.

53. Advance Funding Reference: B.1–B.5, D.1.11–D.1.12; pp. 3–5, 35–36 What payment arrangements are available for major event expenses, including airfare, lodging, and venue deposits, before the contractor incurs those costs?

Answer: Allowable expenses will be reimbursed.

54. Labor Rates Reference: B.1–B.5; pp. 3–5 Sections B.1 and B.3 reference daily rates, while Section B.5 establishes hourly rates. Please confirm the required basis for task-order labor pricing.

Answer: Please see response to question 32.

55. Predecessor Contracts Reference: B.1; p. 3 Is this a new requirement or a recompete? If a recompete, please identify the predecessor contract numbers and incumbent contractors.

Answer: This is a recompete. Predecessor contractors hourly/daily rates are not releasable; however, the list of awardees can be found at https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/6af4ad5bf5464b77ab09ad72ae55c7de/view

56. Technical/Report Writer Reference: D.1.4; pp. 25–26 Must the Technical/Report Writer have specific reverse trade mission experience, or will comparable technical reporting and government program experience satisfy the qualifications?

Answer: Specific RTM experience is not required. Comparable technical reporting and government program experience is acceptable, provided the individual meets the seven (7) years of relevant experience and qualifications outlined in Section D.1.4.

57. Subcontractor Past Performance Reference: E.2.8; pp. 49–54 May an offeror use a proposed subcontractor's relevant past performance to satisfy the technical experience requirements? If so, how will that experience be evaluated?

Answer: See response to question 7, 35, and 36.

58. AI Terminology and Applicability Reference: D.1.7.1; pp. 30–32 https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/6af4ad5bf5464b77ab09ad72ae55c7de/view

What do “DM Contractor” and “DM Deliverables” mean, and do the AI requirements apply to all contractors under this IDIQ?

Answer: Should state “IDIQ Contractor” and “IDIQ Deliverables.”

59. AI and Proposal Preparation Reference: D.1.7.1; pp. 30–32 Do the AI requirements apply to proposal preparation or only to contract performance?

Answer: D.1.7.1 applies to task order performance.

60. AI Hosting Location Reference: D.1.7.1.1, D.1.7.1.3; pp. 30–31 Does an AI tool developed in the United States require Contracting Officer approval if it is hosted outside the United States?

Answer: Yes.

61. AI Section References Reference: D.1.7.1.4; p. 31 Please confirm the correct section references for “Quality Standards” and “Impartiality” cited in Section D.1.7.1.4.

Answer: “Quality Standards” refers to Section D.1.7 (Performance Standards). There is no separate “Impartiality” section; applicable conflict-of-interest requirements are addressed in Section D.1.10 (Ordering Procedures for Individual Task Orders) and Section D.1.26 (Restrictions on Work Resulting from the Task Order).

62. Reference: Section B.1, Page 3, Paragraph 1; Section B.3, Pages 3–4, Paragraph 1; Section B.5.1, Page 5, Paragraph 1; Section D.1.10, Page 34, "Each offer shall contain" Item 3; Section E.2 (Addendum to FAR 52.212-1), Volume II, Page 55, Paragraph 3 Question: B.1 and B.3 refer to fixed daily rates, B.5.1 asks for fixed hourly rates, D.1.10 says "daily rate … multiplied by the number of hours," and Volume II asks for hourly rates in B.5.1 plus daily rates in Excel. Should offerors propose hourly rates, daily rates, or both? If both, how many hours make up a day, and which rate governs at the task order level?

Answer: See response to question 32.

63. Reference: Section E.3.4, Page 58, Paragraphs 1–2; Section E.2 (Addendum to FAR 52.212- 1), Volume II, Page 55, Paragraph 3 Question: No labor hours or quantities are provided. How will USTDA calculate each offeror's evaluated price (e.g., simple average of rates, a weighted notional labor mix, or a sample task order)? Will option years be included per FAR 52.217-5?

Answer: See response to question 34.

64. Reference: Section B.5.1, Page 5, Paragraph 1

Question: Are the awarded rates ceilings, so offerors may propose lower rates on individual task orders? Should one rate per category apply to both domestic and overseas work, and to on-site and off-site work?

Answer: Yes.

65. Reference: Section C, FAR 52.216-21, Pages 17–18, Paragraphs (a) and (f); Section C, FAR 52.216-22, Page 18, Paragraph (a) Question: The solicitation includes both the Requirements clause (52.216-21) and the Indefinite Quantity clause (52.216-22). Is 52.216-21 intended to apply to this IDIQ? If not, will it be removed by amendment? Please also explain the October 3, 2035 delivery date in 52.216-21(f).

Answer: FAR 52.216-21 is applicable to the resulting IDIQ as task order request will be submitted to pool member in a requirements format. Regarding 52.216-21(f), for task orders awarded prior to the expiration of base IDIQ contract, performance/delivery associated with those task orders may continue through October 3, 2035.

66. Reference: Section B.2, Page 3, Paragraph 1; Section C, FAR 52.217-9, Page 19, Paragraph (c) Question: 52.217-9 allows a total duration of up to 66 months, while B.2 shows 60 months.

Please confirm the maximum ordering period (through April 3, 2032, plus up to 6 months under 52.217-8) and how long task orders may run beyond it.

Answer: The period of performance is 60 months, but pursuant to 52.217-8 the contract may be extended for up to an additional 6 months. See response to question 65 for how long task orders may run beyond IDIQ expiration.

67. Reference: Section B.1, Page 3, Paragraph 2 ("IDIQ Minimum"); Section C, FAR 52.216-19, Page 16, Paragraph (a) Question: The guaranteed minimum is one task order per awardee. Is there a minimum dollar value for that initial non-competitive task order, and when and for what type of activity is it expected to be issued?

Answer: Minimum dollar value is $50K. Guaranteed task order is expected to be issued during the base period of performance. Type of activity is unknown at this time.

68. Reference: SF 1449, Page 1, Block 10; Section D.1.9, Page 32, Paragraph 1; Section E.2.1, Page 45, Paragraph 1 Question: Block 10 shows "Set aside 33% for" alongside WOSB/EDWOSB. Please clarify the set-aside percentage and whether any socioeconomic category receives a preference, or whether this is a partial small business set-aside only.

Answer: WOSB/EDWOSB is not checked in Block 10.

69. Reference: Section E.2.1, Page 45, Paragraph 1; Section E.4, Page 59, Paragraph 1

Question: How will the up to 15 awards be allocated? Will small businesses be evaluated in a separate reserve and also be eligible for the unrestricted awards? Is "no less than five" small business awards a firm floor?

Answer: See response to question 37.

70. Reference: Section D.1.25, Page 43, Paragraphs 1–2; Section D.1.27, Page 44, Paragraph 1;

Section E.2.1, Page 45, Paragraph 1 Question: Are U.S. nonprofit organizations eligible to compete? Will a nonprofit be considered "other than small" for the partial set-aside and therefore required to submit a small business subcontracting plan? Does a U.S.-incorporated nonprofit qualify as a "U.S. firm" under D.1.25?

Answer: Yes.

71. Reference: Section D.1.9, Page 32, Paragraph 1; Section D.1.10, Pages 32–33, Paragraph 2;

Section C, FAR 52.212-5(b)(23) (52.219-14), Page 11 Question: For task orders above $350,000, will USTDA set aside any orders for small businesses? Will other-than-small awardees be notified of task orders reserved for small businesses? Does 52.219-14 apply only to small business set-aside task orders?

Answer: Task orders valued above $350K will be competed among the entire IDIQ pool.

72. Reference: Section D.1.5.2, Page 29, Paragraph 1; Section D.1.17(a), Page 39, Paragraph 3;

Section D.1.17(d), Page 41, Paragraph 1 Question: The USTDA Events Manual, the IQC portal export reporting form, and the After Action Report and Final Report templates are referenced but not attached. Can these be provided before proposals are due?

Answer: The resulting IDIQ pool members will be provided access to the referenced documents and templates upon contract award.

73. Reference: Section E.2.8, Factor 1, Sub-factor 1, Pages 49–50, Paragraphs 1–2 Question: May representative examples include events performed by a proposed subcontractor or teaming partner? Is the five-year window measured from November 6, 2026? May a multi-event program count as one example? Do events with more than 1,000 attendees qualify?

Answer: Yes.

74. Reference: Section E.2.7, Page 48, "Content Requirements" Paragraph; Section E.2.8, Sub-factor 1, Page 51, Paragraph 2 (Experience Coverage Matrix); Section E.2.8, Sub-factor 3, Page 52, Paragraph (i) Question: Does the optional Experience Coverage Matrix count toward the 20-page technical limit? Are resumes required for all nine labor categories or only key personnel? Will named key personnel be binding, and is there a substitution process?

Answer: Resumes are required for personnel proposed to fill all nine labor categories.

Named personnel are binding and during the contract term may only be substituted with approval of the Contracting Officer.

75. Reference: Section E.2.7, Page 48, "Content Requirements" Paragraph; Section E.2.8, Factor 2, Page 53, Paragraph 2; Page 54, Paragraph 1 Question: Is the 3-page past performance narrative a total limit or per reference? Do attached CPARS count toward it? May the same efforts be used for Sub-factor 1 examples and Factor 2?

Answer: Total of 3 pages. CPARS does not count towards past performance narrative.

Offers may address technical factor or sub-factor as necessary.

76. Reference: Section E.2.8, Factor 2, Page 54, Paragraph 3; Attachment 1, Past Performance Survey Question: May offerors prefill the top section of the Past Performance Survey (contract number, period, value, description) before sending it to references?

Answer: Yes.

77. Reference: SF 1449, Page 1, Header; Section E.2 (Addendum to FAR 52.212-1), Volume II, Page 55, Paragraphs 2–3 Question: The SF 1449 says offerors complete blocks 12, 17, 23, 24 and 30, while the Volume II instructions list 17a and 30a–30c. Which blocks are required? Should offerors return only the completed B.5.1 pages or the full solicitation?

Answer: Blocks 12, 17, and 30. Blocks 23 and 24 are information required by B.5.1.

78. Reference: Section D.1.12, Page 37, "Examples of expenses that will not be reimbursed," Bullet 5 Question: Since reservation fees are unallowable, should travel management company fees be built into the fixed labor price?

Answer: Yes. Should be applicable to the labor category responsible for travel arrangement.

79. Reference: Section D.1.10, Page 34, Paragraph following Item 5 ("For member organizations…") Question: Is the membership organization statement (membership information and openness to non-members) required in the IDIQ proposal, or only in task order proposals?

Answer: The membership organization statement is only required at the ordering or task order request stage as outlined in Section D.1.10 of the solicitation.

80. Reference: Section D.1.7.1, Pages 30–32, Paragraphs D.1.7.1, D.1.7.1.1, D.1.7.1.2 and D.1.7.1.4

Question: The AI section refers to the "DM Contractor," "DM Deliverables," D.1.8.1 (Quality Standards) and D.1.10 (Impartiality), which do not exist in this RFP. Please confirm the intended references. Do common enterprise tools (e.g., productivity suite assistants) and machine translation count as incidental use? Does the U.S.-developed requirement apply to remote simultaneous interpretation platforms?

Answer: See response to question 58.

81. Reference: Section E.2.6.1, Page 47, Paragraph 1 Question: Will pre-proposal conference slides and attendee lists be posted on SAM.gov?

Answer: See RFP Amendment 0001.

82. Reference: Section E.2.7, Page 48, “Content Requirements” Paragraph (d) and page limitation table; Section E.2.8, Sub-factor 3, Page 52, Paragraphs (i), (ii) and (vi); Section D.1.4, Page 26, Paragraph 1 (“One individual may perform multiple roles…”) Question: At the pre-proposal conference, USTDA said offerors should include nine resumes, one for each labor category. Section D.1.4 allows one person to fill more than one role, and Sub-factor 3 asks offerors to show they can staff several concurrent task orders in different U.S. and international locations. Will USTDA allow resumes beyond the nine labor categories, such as more than one candidate in a category to show depth for simultaneous or larger events? If so, is there a maximum number of resumes, and do the additional resumes stay outside the 20-page Technical Volume limit? When one person is proposed for more than one labor category, how should the resume show that they meet the minimum qualifications for each role?

Answer: Each offeror may address the requirements of Section E.2.7 as you determine. As noted in E.2.7 page limit table, CVs are not included in the 20 page technical limit.

83. Reference: Section E.2.8, Page 49–50, Paragraph Factor 1, Sub-factor 1 Question: May the five representative examples be provided collectively by the offeror's proposed team, including examples performed by a proposed major subcontractor, to satisfy the collective requirements for attendance of 100–1,000, at least one event held outside the United States, and arranging visits by foreign delegations that included senior representatives? If so, how should the offeror attribute each example to the team member that performed it?

Answer: Yes. The five representative examples may collectively include experience from the prime offeror and proposed major subcontractors. Each example must clearly identify the entity that performed the work, its specific role and responsibilities, and the required event details outlined in Section E.2.8. Collectively, the examples must demonstrate the required capabilities, including attendance levels, international event experience, and management of senior foreign delegations.

84. Reference: Section E.3.3, Page 56, Paragraph 1 Question: Section E.3.3 states that for Past performance the Government will assess the prime, all team members, and all major subcontractors individually and in totality. Does the same team-totality approach apply to the evaluation of representative examples and sector experience under Factor 1, Sub-factors 1 and 2?

Answer: The referenced section applies to the evaluation of past performance.

85. Reference: Section C/D clause list, Page 10 (FAR 52.219-14), and Section E.2.1, Page 45 Question: For an offeror bidding in the small business set-aside pool, please confirm that work performed by a similarly situated small business subcontractor will be treated in accordance with FAR 52.219-14 for purposes of the limitations on subcontracting, and confirm whether the subcontractor must be identified by name in the proposal at submission.

Answer: FAR 52.219-14 is applicable to the award to ensure that small businesses performing set-aside contracts self-perform the required minimum percentage of the work rather than acting as a passive pass-through to large businesses. The RFP requires that offerors addressed their capability, experience, and expertise as they relate to the listed factors and sub-factors.

86. Reference: Section E.2.8, Page 53–54, Paragraph Factor 2 Question: Where an offeror's relevant past performance was performed as a major subcontractor (more than 20 percent of an order's value), may the prime contractor on that effort serve as the Past Performance Survey reference, and will that record be evaluated as the offeror's own past performance?

Answer: The COR or contract POC.

87. Reference: Section B.1 and D.1.10, Page 3 and 32-33, Paragraph “Multiple-Award Indefinite-Delivery, Indefinite-Quantity Contract” and “Ordering Procedures for Individual Task Orders” Question: Can USTDA provide historical or anticipated estimates for the number of task orders expected per year under this IDIQ, including the approximate distribution among reverse trade missions, conferences/forums, trainings, and other events?

Answer: See response to question 41.

88. Reference: Section D.1.3, Pages 21 – 23, Paragraphs (a) – (d) Question: For planning purposes, can USTDA describe the typical size, duration, and complexity of recent events similar to those anticipated under this IDIQ, including average attendee counts, number of cities, number of foreign delegates, and level of USTDA involvement?

Answer: Events differ significantly in size, duration, and complexity. USTDA is involved in planning approval but the contract is primarily responsible for successfully executing the task order requirements.

89. Reference: Section D.1.2 and D.1.4, Pages 20 and 25, Paragraphs “Summary of Requirements” and Minimum Skill Set Item 2

Question: Does USTDA anticipate that a single IDIQ awardee may be asked to perform multiple task orders at the same time? If so, can USTDA provide examples of the level of concurrent performance expected of an individual contractor?

Answer: If an IDIQ pool member bids on multiple task order and is successful, performance of those task orders may overlap. It would therefore be the contractor’s responsibility to ensure successful performance of the contracted requirements.

90. Reference: Section B.5.1 and E.2.8, Pages 6-7 and 52, Paragraphs “Other required Labor Categories may be proposed at the task order level” and Factor 1, Sub-Factor (3)v Question: For task orders requiring surge support, will contractors be permitted to propose additional consultants, subcontractors, temporary staff, interpreters, destination management firms, or technical specialists at the task order level, provided they meet the requirements of the solicitation and task order?

Answer: Yes.

91. Reference: Section E.2.8, Page 52, Paragraph: Factor 1, Sub-Factor 3(i), (ii), and (v) Question: At the IDIQ proposal stage, does USTDA expect offerors to identify all personnel who may perform across the contract, or may offerors propose a core management team and describe their process for identifying additional task order-specific personnel and subcontractors?

Answer: Personnel proposed to fill the nine labor categories contained in the RFP.

92. Reference: Section D.1.4 and B.5.1, Pages 25 and 7, Paragraphs “Minimum Qualifications per Contractor Role” and “Labor Categories must be assigned to individual task orders only when deemed necessary” Question: Section D.1.4 states that one individual may perform multiple roles if qualified. For evaluation purposes, will USTDA accept a staffing approach in which core personnel perform multiple labor category functions, with additional specialized support added at the task order level as needed?

Answer: See response to questions 90 and 91.

93. Reference: Section D.1.10 and D.1.14, Pages 34-35 and 38, Paragraphs “Each task order request shall contain the instructions for proposal/quotation submission” and “Performance of Task Orders” Question: What response times does USTDA anticipate for competitive task order RFQs under this IDIQ? For example, how much time will contractors typically have to submit technical and price proposals after receipt of a task order RFQ?

Answer: Typically 21 calendar days or less.

94. Reference: Section D.1.2 and D.1.14, Pages 20 and 38, Paragraphs “Contractors must be capable of organizing activities within short or evolving timeframes” and “Performance of Task Orders”

Question: What are the typical planning lead times USTDA anticipates for reverse trade missions, conferences/forums, trainings, and other events? Are short-turnaround events expected to be common or exceptional?

Answer: See response to question 43.

95. Reference: Section D.1.5.1 - D.1.5.3, Pages 28-30, Paragraphs “USTDA Responsibilities,” “Contractor Responsibilities,” and “Shared Responsibilities” Question: For conferences, forums, trainings, and reverse trade missions, how much of the agenda, speaker identification, delegate coordination, and site visit development is typically led by USTDA versus the contractor?

Answer: Contractor’s responsibility unless the task order states otherwise.

96. Reference: Section D.1.3(e), D.1.4, and E.2.8, Pages 23-24, 24-25, and 51-52, Paragraphs “Supporting Technical Assistance and Documentation,” Minimum Skill Set items 1 and 3, and Factor 1, Sub-Factor 2 Question: To what extent does USTDA expect the event management contractor to possess in-house sector expertise, versus identifying and managing qualified technical experts or subcontractors at the task order level?

Answer: At the task order level sector expertise may be gained through qualified technical experts or subcontractors.

97. Reference: Section D.1.2 and D.1.22, Pages 20 and 42, Paragraphs “Activities may take place anywhere in the United States or overseas” and “Place of Performance” Question: Can USTDA provide an estimated percentage or general expectation of activities that will occur in the United States versus overseas?

Answer: No estimated percentage or general expectation currently. Place of performance will be determined by each task order requirement.

98. Reference: Section D.1.2, D.1.3, and D.1.4, Pages 20-23 and 27, Paragraphs “Summary of Requirements,” D.1.3(a)-(d), and “Technical/AV Support” Question: Does USTDA anticipate that virtual and hybrid events will remain a regular part of the task order mix? If so, what level of virtual platform management, livestreaming, recording, and technical production support is typically expected from the contractor?

Answer: Yes. USTDA anticipates continued use of virtual and hybrid events, depending on program needs. Contractors should demonstrate experience in virtual platform management, audiovisual coordination, livestreaming, recording, speaker support, and real-time technical troubleshooting. Specific technical production and support requirements will be outlined in individual Task Orders.

99. Reference: Section D.1.4, D.1.10, and E.2.8, Pages 25-28, 34-35, and 52, Paragraphs “Minimum Qualifications per Contractor Role,” “Each task order shall specify,” and Factor 1, Sub-Factor 3(iv) Question: For larger conferences, forums, or multi-city RTMs, does USTDA have expectations regarding minimum on-site staffing levels, or should staffing be proposed by the contractor based on the specific task order requirements?

Answer: Staffing should be proposed by the contractor in response to the task order request.

100. Reference: Section D.1.3(a), D.1.4, and D.1.5.2, Pages 21-22, 27, and 29, Paragraphs “Reverse Trade Missions,” “Logistics Coordinator,” and “Contractor Responsibilities” Question: For RTMs, what level of delegate support is typically expected during travel in the United States? For example, does USTDA expect contractor staff to accompany delegates throughout the full itinerary, including travel between cities, meals, site visits, and evening events?

101. Reference: Section D.1.2, D.1.5.2, and D.1.12, Pages 20, 29, and 36, Paragraphs “Summary of Requirements,” “Contractor Responsibilities,” and “Reimbursable Expenses” Question: Will contractors generally be responsible for booking international and domestic air travel directly for foreign delegates and contractor personnel, or will USTDA or another government mechanism handle any portion of travel booking?

Answer: Contractors will be responsible for foreign delegates travel arrangement.

102. Reference: Section D.1.17(b) and D.1.17(c), Pages 39-41, Paragraphs “After Action Report” and “Final Report” Question: Can USTDA provide examples or approximate page lengths for typical After Action Reports and Final Reports required under recent similar events?

Answer: USTDA will provide reporting templates. Report lengths vary by activity, with After Action Reports being concise and Final Reports more comprehensive. Specific requirements will be established at the Task Order level.

103. Reference: Section D.1.3(e), D.1.17(a), and D.1.17(d), Pages 24, 39, and 41, Paragraphs “Data Collection, Analysis, and Reporting,” “Data Collection,” and “Closeout and Final Submission” Question: What tools or systems does USTDA currently use or prefer for participant registration, survey administration, attendance tracking, export outcome reporting, and final report submissions?

Answer: USTDA does not require specific platforms for registration, surveys, or attendance tracking. Contractors may propose appropriate tools, subject to approval. Export reporting forms and Final Report submission instructions will be provided by USTDA.

104. Reference: Section D.1.2, D.1.4, D.1.5.1, and D.1.5.2, Pages 20, 25, and 28-29, Paragraphs “Summary of Requirements,” Minimum Skill Set item 9, “USTDA Responsibilities,” and “Contractor Responsibilities” Question: For conferences and forums, how much responsibility does the contractor typically have for marketing and participant recruitment versus USTDA, partner organizations, embassies, or industry associations?

Answer: Contractor is responsible marketing unless otherwise stated in the task order.

105. Reference: Section D.1.10, Page 34, Paragraph 5 under “Each offer shall contain at a minimum” Question: The solicitation notes that corporate sponsorship may be sought for some events. Can USTDA clarify whether contractors may be responsible for identifying, soliciting, managing, or administering sponsorships, and whether sponsorship-related work will be specified at the task order level?

Answer: Sponsorship requirement will be specified at the task order level.

106. Reference: Section B.3, B.5.1, and E.2.8 Volume II, Pages 3, 5, and 55, Paragraphs “Task Order Prices,” “Fixed Hourly Rates,” and “Price, Contract Documents, and General Information” Question: The solicitation references both daily rates and hourly rates in different sections. Can USTDA confirm whether offerors should propose fixed hourly rates or fixed daily rates for the labor categories in Section B.5.1?

Answer: See response to question 32.

107. Reference: Section B.5.1, Pages 6-7, Paragraph “Other required Labor Categories may be proposed at the task order level” Question: May offerors propose additional labor categories at the task order level when needed, such as registration manager, sponsorship coordinator, graphic designer, travel agent, photographer, videographer, local event staff, or destination management support?

Answer: See response to question 90.

108. Reference: Section D.1.3€, D.1.14, D.1.27, and E.2.8, Pages 23-24, 38, 44, and 52, Paragraphs “Supporting Technical Assistance and Documentation,” “Performance of Task Orders,” “Subcontracting Plan,” and Factor 1, Sub-Factor 3(v) Question: Will USTDA evaluate favorably a staffing model that uses a small core event management team supported by pre-vetted subcontractors for technical, protocol, trade, interpretation, AV, and destination-specific requirements?

Answer: Staffing for the base IDIQ should address the nine labor categories contained in the RFP. Offerors may address the evaluation factors with additional information as deemed necessary.

109. Will USTDA provide an Excel pricing template for submission of the required Fixed-Daily Rates? If not, please clarify the required format and methodology for converting the Fixed- Hourly Rates in Section B.5.1 to Fixed-Daily Rates.

a. The solicitation alternates between hourly and daily rates, while the pricing table requests hourly rates. Please confirm the required pricing unit and, if both are required, the hours-per-day conversion and rounding method. Please also identify the quantities, labor-category weights, or other methodology that will be used to calculate the evaluated price across the base and option periods.

Answer: No. See response to question 32.

110. Please clarify how subcontractor labor and other subcontractor costs should be priced at the task-order level. Should subcontractor labor be incorporated into the firm-fixed-price portion of a task order, or treated as an ODC/reimbursable cost? If treated as reimbursable, please confirm whether the prohibition on fee or profit applies to those subcontractor costs.

Answer: At the task order level subcontractor labor will be treated as ODC (FFP).

111. May multiple event-specific purchase orders or task orders under one continuing contractual arrangement for the same customer/program be presented as one past-performance reference, supported by a single customer respondent with knowledge of those orders? If so, please identify the required contract identifiers, performance dates, and value reporting.

Answer: Separate Task Orders under a continuing contractual arrangement may be reported individually or collectively, provided the relevant scope, dates, and values are clearly identified. Multiple events within a single Task Order must be reported as one contractual effort, consistent with Question 12.

112. Is demonstrated experience in every listed sector (critical minerals, digital infrastructure, transportation, and energy) required for an acceptable rating, or may an offeror demonstrate substantive experience in a subset together with a credible approach to obtaining expertise in other sectors?

Answer: No. Experience in every listed sector is not required. Offerors may demonstrate substantive experience in a subset of sectors, along with a credible approach to identifying, recruiting, and engaging qualified technical expertise for other sectors, as outlined in Section E.2.8, Factor 1, Sub-Factor 2.

113. Please clarify how the 30 percent host-country-services limit is calculated, including whether incidental local lodging, food, transportation, venue, and A/V expenses are excluded from that limit. How do these provisions apply to overseas remote coordinators, interpreters located in third countries, and task orders involving multiple host countries? Please describe when and how nationality waivers may be requested.

Answer: Lodging, food, transportation, venue, A/V expenses, etc. are excluded, but our services such as local technical experts, overseas remote coordinators, interpreters, etc. are included. If needed, waivers may be requested from the Contracting Officer. 30 percent host-country-services limit will be addressed at the task order level.

114. Does “relevant final CPARS” mean a completed final-contract assessment only, or may a finalized annual/interim assessment for an ongoing contract be submitted instead of a survey?

Please confirm whether identifying information sufficient for Government retrieval is acceptable and whether CPARS attachments are excluded from the three-page past-performance narrative limit.

Answer: Finalized annual/interim assessments are acceptable.

115. Which positions must be identified by name and supported by resumes at IDIQ proposal submission? Must offerors provide a named individual for each of the nine priced labor categories, or may some positions be addressed through the recruitment approach authorized by Sub-Factor 3? Are letters of commitment required for proposed personnel who are not current employees?

Answer: See response to question 74.

116. Please provide the current USTDA Events Manual and available reporting/export-outcome templates before proposal submission. Please also clarify the anticipated duration and frequency of post-event participant follow-up and whether follow-up extending beyond the event will be separately identified and funded within each task order’s period of performance.

Answer: See response to question 72.

117. Please clarify whether allowable indirect costs may be applied to reimbursable ODCs, given the prohibition on fee or profit. Please also clarify the distinction between prohibited reservation-related charges and otherwise allowable travel-management labor, vendor booking fees, and mandatory accommodation charges, and identify which costs must be recovered through fully burdened labor rates.

Answer: Direct labor, ODC, and other cost identified at the task order level as FFP may be burdened. All other allowable cost covered by the reimbursable task order CLIN will not be burdened.

118. May approved, paid venue/hotel deposits and prepaid airfare be invoiced as reimbursable costs before the event occurs? Please clarify treatment of reasonable nonrecoverable cancellation or change costs resulting from Government-directed changes, visa denials, or other circumstances beyond the contractor’s control, including the required approval process.

Answer: All allowable and unrecoverable (in the case of cancellations) expenses will be reimbursed.

119. Section D.1.4 requires the Protocol Specialist to have formal training or certification in protocol, diplomatic protocol, international protocol, or a related field. Must the proposed

Protocol Specialist hold this training or certification at the time of IDIQ proposal submission, or only when proposed for a specific task order? Please also confirm what types of training or certification USTDA will accept as meeting this requirement.

Answer: Proposed personnel must meet the qualification for the position being submitted for.

120. Section B.1 establishes a multiple-award indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract, and Section C includes FAR 52.216-22 (Indefinite Quantity). Section C also includes FAR 52.216-21 (Requirements), which states that this is a requirements contract and that the Government shall order all specified services from the Contractor. Please confirm whether FAR 52.216-21 is intended to apply to this IDIQ. If not, will it be removed by amendment? Please also confirm the final delivery date, as FAR 52.216-21(f) references October 3, 2035, while the period of performance ends April 3, 2032.

Answer: See response to questions 65.

121. Reference: Section D.14, Pages 25-26, Paragraph 2 Question: The RFP requires the Contractor to “demonstrate that its proposed team possesses the qualifications necessary to perform the requirements of each task order”. Considering that USTDA may add additional labor categories/positions at the task order level (per RFP page 6), would USTDA please consider amending this IDIQ requirement to “demonstrate that its proposed team possesses the qualifications necessary to perform IDIQ Section D.1 Statement of Work” (or similar).

Answer: RFP will remain as issued. Offeror should demonstrate that proposed team meet the qualifications of assigned positions, and where sector and additional expertise is needed at the task order level, offerors should demonstrate how they will obtain those skill sets to successfully perform at the task order level.

122. Reference: Section D.1.10, Page 32, Paragraph 2 Question: The RFP states that the “initial task order will be awarded on a non-competitive basis”.

Please confirm that USTDA will award each IDIQ an initial non-competitive task order before issuing any competitive task orders.

Answer: Initial task order will be awarded on a non-competitive basis as noted in the RFP.

123. Reference: Section D.1.10, Page 32, Paragraph 2 Question: The RFP states that the “initial task order will be awarded on a non-competitive basis”.

How will USTDA determine the scale and scope of the initial task order for each holder?

Answer: In the post-award environment for the base IDIQ, task order will be assigned to successful offerors based on award ranking from 1 to 15.

124. Reference: Section D.1.10, Page 32, Paragraph 2

Question: The RFP states that the “initial task order will be awarded on a non-competitive basis”.

Please confirm that USTDA will not off-ramp an IDIQ holder or decline to exercise an option period prior to issuing the non-competitive initial task order.

Answer: See Section D.1.16. USTDA cannot determination a Contractor’s extended lack of participation in competing for task orders or poor performance if the guaranteed minimum has not yet been performed.

125. Reference: Section E.2.8, Page 52, Paragraph 2 Question: The first paragraph under Sub-Factor 3 references key personnel including the parenthetical (e.g. Program Manager, Logistics Coordinator, Conference Coordinator, etc.). With reference to the labor categories listed on pages 5-6, it appears that some positions like the Project Manager are essential to successful contract performance and must remain consistent throughout the life of the IDIQ, whereas others can be provided through appropriately qualified specialists staffed based on task order level requirements. Would USTDA please confirm the IDIQ-level key personnel positions for this contract?

Answer: All nine labor categories included in the RFP.

126. Reference: Section E.2.8, Page 52, Paragraph 2 Question: The first paragraph under Sub-Factor 3 states that “Offerors shall provide resumes showing the academic and work experiences of the Offeror’s key personnel.” Please confirm that offerors should provide resumes for key personnel positions only, and that resumes for non-key roles/other experts will not be evaluated.

Answer: CVs required for the proposed personnel to fill the nine labor categories included in the RFP.

127. Reference: Section E.2.8, Page 54, Paragraph 1 Question: Please confirm that an offeror submitting a copy of a relevant final CPARS in lieu of a past performance survey may do so as an additional non-page limited section in Volume I.

Answer: As noted in the bolded sentence, relevant final CPARS may be submitted in lieu of a past performance survey.

128. Reference: Section E.3.2, Page 56, Paragraph 2 Question: This section indicates that USTDA will review the “feasibility of approach” within which USTDA will evaluate “the extent to which the proposed approach is workable”. Is the “approach” a reference to the Management Approach required in Sub-Factor 3 of Volume I?

Answer: Technical approach.

129. Reference: Sections E.5-E.7, Pages 59-63 Question: Please confirm that offerors should complete and return Sections E.5, E.6, and E.7 of the RFP as part of Volume II.

Answer: Yes. Unless previously completed electronically in SAM.gov.

130. Reference: Section B.1 and B.3, pp3–4; B.5.1, pp5–6; E.2.8, p55, Volume II pricing instructions.

Question: B.5.1 specifies fixed, fully burdened hourly rates, while B.1/B.3 refer to daily rates and E.2.8 requests fixed-daily rates in Excel using the B.5.1 format. Please confirm the controlling unit for the signed solicitation, Excel submission, price evaluation and task-order pricing. If both units are required, please specify the daily-hour basis and issue a corrected template.

Answer: See response to question 32.

131: Reference: Section E.2.8, Factor 1 Sub-factor 1, pp49–51; Factor 2, pp53–54; E.3.3, p57.

Question: May the five representative technical examples include experience of a proposed major subcontractor, with its precise role and proposed workshare disclosed? Please confirm whether the maximum three past-performance contractual efforts applies to the entire proposed team or separately to the prime and each major subcontractor.

Answer: Yes. Past performance requirement applies to the prime or team where subcontractor relationship is contemplated.

132. Reference: Section E.2.8, Factor 1 Sub-factor 1, p50, paragraph (i), and p51, example information.

Question: For a contractor-managed national or regional trade-promotion pavilion within a larger exhibition, how should the 100–1,000 overall-attendance criterion be applied? May a discrete pavilion program qualify as a similar event, and what attendance documentation should be supplied to distinguish the contractor-managed program from total exhibition attendance?

Answer: Overall-attendance criterion applies to programs managed by the offeror.

133. Reference: Section D.1.25, p43, paragraphs 2(d)–(g); D.1.14, p38; FAR 52.219-14 incorporated at p11.

Question: For overseas events, how should locally supplied venue/AV services, interpretation, exhibit fabrication, equipment rentals and installation be classified for the 30% host-country services cap and the incidental-services exception? Please clarify the treatment of purchased fabricated goods and the interaction with applicable small-business subcontracting limitations. At what stage and through what process may an offeror request a nationality/source waiver?

Answer: See response to question 113.

134. Reference: Section D.1.5.2, p29, first paragraph.

Question: Please provide the current USTDA Events Manual referenced in the performance requirements, or identify when and how offerors may access it, including any requirements relevant to staffing, pricing, travel or reporting.

Answer: See response to question 72.

135. Reference: Section E.2.8, Factor 2, pp53–54.

Question: The solicitation permits no more than three contractual efforts, but also directs offerors to send the survey to three references. Please confirm whether three surveys or final CPARS records are required, or whether an offeror may submit fewer than three recent relevant efforts, and how the limit applies where separate task orders share a master contract.

Answer: No more than three past performance record. Final CPARS or survey may serve as past performance record.

136. Reference: Section E, Sub-Factor 1: Event Planning and Management Experience, Pages 49-50, Paragraph 1 Question: May some or all of the five representative examples be events performed by a proposed major subcontractor or teaming partner, with the partner identified and its specific responsibilities described for each such example? Relatedly, may the collective capabilities listed in items (i) through (ix), including at least one event held outside the United States, be demonstrated across the combined team rather than by the prime offeror alone?

Answer: Offeror should address the evaluation factors as listed and demonstrate its capability to perform the requirements contained in the RFP.

137. Reference: Section D.1.4, Minimum Skill Set, Page 24; and Section E, Sub-Factor 3:

Manage…