Sol_1282A725Q0013_Amd_0001.pdf

(x) x x

1 copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted ; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 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.

x

11/20/2024

13. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO MODIFICATION OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS. IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) is not extended.is extended, Items 8 and 15, and returning

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

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

FACILITY CODE CODE

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

1282A725Q0013

CODE

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)

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

USDA FOREST SERVICE

GREAT ONYX JOB CORPS CENTER

3115 OLLIE RIDGE ROAD

MAMMOTH CAVE KY 42259

PAGE OF PAGES

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.3. EFFECTIVE DATE2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO.

5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

11/20/2024

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

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority) appropriation data, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

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

ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

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

The purpose of this modification is to implement questions and answers. See continuation page for more information.

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

15C. DATE SIGNED 16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR 16C. DATE SIGNED

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

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

Dennis Cantrell

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 11/2016)

Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

Previous edition unusable

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

Question Answer 01 Will the government provide a transition period if the contract is awarded to a new contractor? If so, how long will the transition period be? If not, please clarify performance expectations for new contractors during the first 30 days of the new contract.

The new contractor must provide a instructor by the initial reporting date or "contract start date", The transition period will consist of new staff training, bucket truck certification, and student credintial training, all training must be complete within the first 30 days of contract aswell as student staff conduct training.

02 The solicitation states that a “list of equipment…that will be used to complete the project” should be provided in the technical capability. Please clarify what is meant by “equipment” since the PWS p.10 indicates all necessary equipment and supplies will be provided by the government.

Office equipment and Training materials required by Job Corps

PRH.

03 Please clarify “key personnel” that are required to be submitted with the technical capability. Does this include both corporate and center personnel?

YES, Center Work Program Officer and , Corporate

04 Please clarify if the contractor will have direct access to Job Corps information systems such as CIS and CTS to monitor performance and trends upon award.

Yes, 05 Please clarify if contractor will have a direct Placer code and be listed on Job Corps placement reports in the performance of the placement strategies outlined in the PWS including direct job referrals, transition assessments, placements, 12-month follow-up, and other post center placement services.

Yes, 06 The training and orientation section states that a substitute will be required when instructors attend “special training required by the contractor.” Please clarify that substitutes are only required if the instructor’s absence is more than 5 days, which is the period listed in other parts of the PWS (e.g., p.8 section 3.2).

Yes, 07 Please clarify if certified instructor information is to be submitted as part of the proposal.

YES,

08 Please clarify if the student file listed in section 6 is referring to a hard copy file or the student efile.

Both are required, 09 Could you clarify any specific curriculum or training materials that must be followed, or is the contractor expected to develop their own materials?

Following the Job Corps PHR standards. All cirriculum is centered around the established E-Tar for the trade. All material's will be provided by the center. Any Industry specific training will be developed by the Instructor and WPO, based on Industry leaders reccomendation and approval from DOL

10 Are there any reporting requirements or performance metrics that will need to be tracked or submitted?

Refer to Performance Work Statement.

1282A725Q0013_Amd_0001

11 Travel costs paid by the center. Are there any additional reimbursable expenses (e.g., materials, travel, certifications) that should be factored into the contract pricing proposal?

No.

12 What certifications are preferred/required for the instructor? ISA Certified Arborist or ISA Master Arborist?

ISA Certified Arborist, ISA Master Arborist, 3-5 years exp. as a field trainer/ foreman, Bucket Truck certified, Certified Tree Climber is preferred, General First Aid training is required

13 What certifications are preferred/required for the substitute? Does the substitute need to meet the same criteria as the primary instructor? Is there a formal approval process for substitutes?

Refer to Performance Work Statement. The substitute needs to meet same criteria with no lag time between the substitute. The Government Point of Contact will be in Charge of the approval process. They will decide if the substitute meets the requirements of the contract.

14 Could you clarify which specific ISA certification is desirable for the Urban Forestry instructor role? e.g., ISA Certified Arborist, Certified Tree Climber, etc.

Refer to Performance Work Statement.ISA Certified Arborist, ISA Master Arborist, Bucket Truck certified, Certified Tree Climber, Herbicide Applications License, Chainsaw Train the Trainer.

15 Is there a page limit for the technical, past performance, capability, and price portions of the proposal?

Refer to Performance Work Statement. No.

16 What parameters will constitute a waiver for the certification?

5-7 credible years in the tree care industry, cerdible experence as a foreman or team leader/field trainer, extensive post secondary education in the tree care industry "Forestry /

17 Is it possible that this contract will be split between two contracts if qualified personnel are identified in separate proposals?

No.

18 What is the anticipated timeline the instructors will start? 1/6/2025

19 If a potential candidate is relocating from another state for this opportunity, are there temporary housing accommodations available on campus?

No.

20 What specific performance metrics or outcomes will be used to assess the instructor's effectiveness?

The Instructor Grade card will be auto populated monthly and quaterly. The weighted grading factors shall include , Student Trade Completion, Job Training Match (JTM) , Work Based Learning hours (WBL), Primary and secondary credintal obtainment, 2nd and 4th quater job attainment.

21 What is the anticipated timeline for instructors to complete the ISA or similar certification upon hire?

30-90 day from the reporting date of the instructor

22 Are there any specific minimum qualifications or skillsets beyond certifications that are essential for the instructors?

For example, First Aid/AED/CPR, ect. And are these certifications required for the instructors to begin working?

Refer to Performance Work Statement.First Aid/ AED/ CPR, Bucket Truck Certification, Chain Saw train the trainer, Osha 10, herbicide application certified, Basic computer literacy, Puncuality, work place professonalisim, USDA Goverment Drivers License, are essintial but are not required for the instructor to start work the instructor will have a 30-90 day

23 Could you clarify if there are any prioritized skills within the technical capability requirements? This helps to highlight the most relevant skills and experience in the proposal.

Refer to Performance Work Statement. Basic Computer Literacy, and ability to follow instruction for center standars/policy

24 Are there particular tools or technologies the instructors are expected to use, or would specific technology experience add value to the technical proposal?

Yes the instructor must utilize a standard desktop computer, The instructor must display Basic computer literacy and ablity to navigate in the Center's Information System (CIS)

25 Can you confirm if this contract requires Aircraft Public and Passenger Liability insurance in addition to Workers Compensation/Employer’s Liability Insurance, General Liability Insurance, and Automobile Liability Insurance?

Refer to Performance Work Statement. YES

26 Should PIV compliance be included in the Contractor’s technical capabilities, including information on the appointed rep that will manage compliance?

Refer to Performance Work Statement. YES

27 Does this contract require on-site (in-person) supervision from the Contractor for Contractor Personnel?

Refer to Performance Work Statement. NO

28 Can a copy of the Job Corps Urban Forestry Training Achievement Record (TAR/eTAR) be provided?

Yes

29 Can you clarify if the Contractor or Contractor Personnel is responsible for job placement services?

Yes contractor personell must work in tandum with center placement specialist to ensure quality job placement is obtained based upon student skillset and specialized training.

30 Is the contractor or the contractor’s personnel responsible for providing job placement services to students upon completion of the training program.

Yes contractor personell must work in tandum with center placement specialist to ensure quality job placement is obtained based upon student skillset and specialized training.

31 Will the contractor be responsible for developing the curriculum, or will the Job Corps Center provide a curriculum that the contractor will deliver and, if needed, update for the program?

All cirriculum is centered around the established E-Tar for the trade. All material's will be provided by the center. Any Industry specific training will be developed by the Instructor and WPO, based on Industry leaders reccomendation and approval from

DOL

32 Will the Contractor or Contractor Personnel be responsible for all placement assistance functions?

No.

33 Could you clarify whether the contractor or contractor personnel will be responsible for the full range of placement assistance functions outlined in the PWS? Additionally, should all placement activities, such as developing individualized placement strategies, identifying job and training opportunities, and supporting students in career transition, be coordinated directly with the COR as specified?

No, However contractor personell must work in tandum with center placement specialist to ensure quality job placement is obtained based upon student skillset and specialized training.

34 Is the Center responsible for the costs associated with students earning additional credentials/certifications?

Yes

35 Could you clarify if the Contractor or Contractor Personnel will be responsible for job development and placement of students who complete the Urban Forestry Program?

Yes

36 Could you please confirm whether the contractor or contractor personnel will be responsible for participating in or coordinating with the Center Industry Council as part of their role?

Yes

37 Could you clarify what types of training would be considered ‘special training’ for instructors under this contract? Are there specific topics or certifications that would meet this definition? Approximately, how many hours of training should per contact year?

Annual saftey trainings, Annual student staff conduct training, annual gov. drivers licence training, quaterly OMS training, Approximatley 25 hrs per yr. Center provided.

38 Are there specific qualifications or requirements for substitute instructors provided during these training sessions? Should they meet the same criteria as the primary instructors?

Refer to Performance Work Statement. The substitute needs to meet same criteria with no lag time between the substitute. The Government Point of Contact will be in Charge of the approval process. They will decide if the substitute meets the requirements of the contract.

39 Is there a list of preferred or approved third-party investigative agencies for performing background checks, or will any licensed agency meeting state or federal standards be acceptable? For example, Checkr, Clear Checks, ect.

NO.

40 Are there specific background check requirements beyond criminal history, such as credit checks, motor vehicle reports, or specific state-level checks, that we should be aware of?

NO

41 In cases where the Job Corps requests drug testing due to reasonable suspicion, will the center cover any costs associated with additional drug screenings, or are those costs the contractor’s responsibility?

Yes

42 Could you confirm if the Job Corps requires any specific elements to be included in our drug screening policy, or will our standard contractor drug screening policy suffice?

Should this policy be noted in the Contractor’s technical requirements?

NO

43 Could you please clarify which methods of drug testing are acceptable or preferred for compliance with the contract’s chemical testing requirement? Specifically, are urine and hair testing sufficient, or are there additional methods (e.g., saliva or blood testing) that should be considered?

Refer to Performance Work Statement. Standard emplyoee drug testing procedure to be implemented (urine test)

44 Could you clarify the extent to which the contractor is expected to develop the curriculum based on the Arborist Certification Study Guide and TAR? Are there any specific instructional milestones or content requirements tied to these milestones?

The only mile stone and center policy to be implemented is once a student reaches 60% in their E-Tar the student will then become eligible for Paid Work Based learning opprotunities to be obtained and implemented by the instructor in co-operation with the WPO

45 For career placement assistance, could you provide more details on the contractor’s specific responsibilities, such as coordinating job placements, offering resume or interview support, or any other placement activities expected in item 2.A.14?

Refer to Performance Work Statement.The Instructor will assit the student in conducting Job searches within their field of training, schedule interviews, conduct mock interveiws, and ensure student is prepaired with proper employability skills, and fully grasp the concepts of the daily task they will perform at the place of employment.

46 Are there particular tools or technologies the instructors are expected to use, or would specific technology experience add value to the technical proposal?

Refer to Performance Work Statement. Proper function and saftey for fall protection, PPE, chainsaw use, ropes/rigging

47 Are there specific components or standards the Quality Control Plan should meet to ensure compliance, and should any updates or changes to the plan be submitted for review? Should this information be included in the contractor’s technical capabilities?

Refer to Performance Work Statement. Yes, refer to ensure PRH requirments

48 Could you confirm whether the detailed record-keeping requirements, such as student files and CIS data entry, are the responsibilities of the contractor personnel (instructors) directly, with oversight from the contractor, or if the contractor is expected to manage these records directly?

Refer to Performance Work Statement. Yes The instructor will be required to maintain all records and student files in accordance with the PRH/ Center policy access to student E- TAR and E-folder must be made availble to the contractor for oversight

49 Could you provide more details on the specific information that needs to be entered into the Center Information System (CIS), and will training be provided on accessing and using the system?

Yes, Training shall be provided by the center, accountability, student case notes, incedent reports, evaluations, work based learning hours, Public Land Conservation hours, accedint reports, and credintialing must be maintained on a daily, weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly bases.

50 Could you confirm the required format and specific frequency for the periodic progress reports, and are there any preferred templates or specific data points to include?

Yes, all formats will atuo populate for all required information within CIS, based upon what information the instructor will input will determine the frequency.

51 Could you clarify if overtime pay should be included in the budget for the Urban Forestry Instructor role, particularly to cover additional training and peak seasonal demands?

No

52 Could you provide specific examples of past performance standards or benchmarks that successful contractors have met in this role?

Yes. Mainly assiting students in the job placement process and ensuring the training is of top quality to suit the students for industry specific needs.