QA_Cochran_Program_Wine_Promotion_for_Serbia_12FPC219Q0038_06262019.pdf

Q&A 12FPC219Q0038, 6/26/2019 Cochran Program Wine Promotion for Serbia Page 1 of 2

No. Question Answer 1 Does the two-week study tour have to take place in September 2019? Or, can it be held any time before the end of September 2019?

There is a strong preference to hold the program in September 2019, as this is the timeframe that would best accommodate the Fellows’ availability. Due to the many variables to consider, the program timing is not an absolute requirement, and there may be some flexibility in the timing of the program. The proposal should include a proposed time and schedule. The program staff will work with the vendor selected and the foreign participants to lock down the dates of the program.

2 Does the two-week training period specified in the RFQ include the Cochran Fellows’ (Fellows) international travel time to/from the United States, or is that two-week period solely account for the United States-based training period?

The two-week period includes departure/arrival days in the United States.

For these Fellows from Serbia, that would also happen to include the departure date, but not the arrival date into Serbia.

3 Can you clarify the period of performance for the Contract (Section 3.0 states two weeks in September)? Is it anticipated to end on September 30, 2019 and must all work be completed and invoiced by then?

We prefer to the program to be two weeks long. The length of the contract is typically 3 months from the when it is signed, but it can be longer to accommodate for both planning and implementation of the program.

4 Can companies from outside the USA apply for this? Can these tasks be performed outside the USA?

No, all activities must be performed in the United States.

5 Does the contractor need to travel to Washington DC for meetings?

Trainers must be present, alongside the Fellows, at all times during the program.

However, trainers are not required to attend meetings in Washington, DC.

6 Is the contractor expected to design the entire training program, or do the government program managers already have a draft training program that they wish for a contractor to execute with primarily travel and logistics support?

The contractor is responsible for the design of the program. Guidance is provided through the SOW and attachments. It is the responsibility of the contractor to organize the lectures, site visits, etc.

7 Can USDA provide any additional information on the specific backgrounds of the Fellows, in terms of their positions, level of management, technical/wine industry experience, and/or share the criteria against which Fellows are assessed for selection, which may provide further insight into their experience as well as their knowledge gaps?

The selected Fellows consists of one (1) Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management official, one (1) winery marketing manager, one (1) wine growers organization member, two (2) wine marketer/promoter, and one (1) owner of a wine importing business.

Q&A 12FPC219Q0038, 6/26/2019 Cochran Program Wine Promotion for Serbia Page 2 of 2

8 Is there a preference to showcase California, where 90% of all U.S. wine is produced and which has many different wine-making regions and varieties, or is there a preference on the part of Fellows and USDA to show two distinctly different wine growing regions, such as California and New York states?

Most Fellows expressed interest in visiting the wine-making regions of California, but other regions can be included in the proposal.

9 Will the Fellows be fluent in English, or will an interpreter need to be provided?

All Fellows speak English, there will be no interpreter. Reading and writing levels may vary per Fellow.

10 Are any of the 2019 Serbian Cochran Fellows currently in the wine import business or engaged in any other importing activities?

At least two Fellows are in the importing business. One Fellow is in the wine promotion/marketing business.

11 What type of contract will be awarded? Firm fixed price 12 Is there a page limit to the response? There is not a page limit for the response.

13 Should separate volumes be submitted for technical and pricing?

Separate volumes are not required for technical and pricing.

14 Can USDA clarify whether there is a ceiling on the total budget for the proposed program described in the RFQ?

$68,000 is the estimated firm ceiling; we would like to keep it at or below that amount.

15 Is there a preferred budget template and narrative USDA requires applicants use for submitting the cost portion response to the

RFQ?

A pricing template is attached for guidance and shows a typical budget for a Cochran program. Please add/delete line items as necessary. Each item should be supported with a narrative. Pricing may be submitted as a table.

16 Can the proposals be submitted via email? Yes, all proposals should be emailed to michelle.jardine@usda.gov, and digital signatures are acceptable.

17 Does the budget include airfare?

International and domestic flights? What is the port of entry for the tour?

The budget should include any domestic airfare needed based on the program proposed. In addition, the requirement should have stated “vendors are responsible for domestic flight costs, if any.” In the case that the program is entirely within location(s) where flights are unnecessary, flights do not need to be included. Additionally, the Fellows are expected to buy tickets from Belgrade to the airport of the vendor’s choice. There is a preference for larger hub airports, since they would be a lot more accommodating with schedule and price to the Fellows, than a smaller regional airport.

mailto:michelle.jardine@usda.gov