Questions 15B50525Q00000021.pdf

Questions regarding Cosmetology Vocational Training Instructor 15B50525Q00000021

Could you please let us know if there’s an incumbent instructor already supplying the service, or if this is a new requirement that’s being solicited?

- There is not an incumbent instructor currently and there is no contract in place.

Could you also confirm whether the prison already holds the TDLR school license for reporting inmate student completed hours to the Texas Department of Licenses and Regulation or if we will be required to submit those hours on the students’ Behave after they complete all course work?

- Yes, FMC Carswell holds a TDLR License

Do you have an anticipated start date for this contract?

- We are anticipating awarding by the beginning of November, although the current shutdown might delay the aforementioned.

What supplies and equipment will the contractor be required to provide?

- All necessary supplies and equipment are available on site.

What equipment, books, or materials will be furnished by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP)?

- All equipment, books and materials necessary to achieve licensing requirements will be provided by FMC Carswell

What is the anticipated average and maximum number of inmate students per class?

- Estimated 25-28

Will the contractor be expected to provide replacement coverage during absences, and if so, what level of advance notice is acceptable?

- No, contractor is not expected to provide replacement coverage during absences.

Will the BOP provide the existing cosmetology curriculum and lesson plans, or is the contractor expected to develop and maintain them entirely?

- Yes, FMC Carswell will provide a curriculum. The contractor is required to update the curriculum as needed to include current skills.

Does the current program already meet all Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR) requirements, or will the contractor be responsible for updating the curriculum to maintain compliance?

- Yes, the program meets TDLR requirments

How long does the security clearance process typically take for instructors (NCIC check, fingerprints, background, credit report, etc.)?

- On average, 1-2 months

If the primary candidate’s clearance is delayed, will the BOP allow a substitute instructor to begin while clearance is pending?

- No, contractors shall meet all requirements prior to commencing any work inside the institution.

How does the BOP handle schedule changes due to institutional lockdowns or other delays? Will instructors be compensated if classes are canceled after arrival?

- For any institutional delays or lockdowns that occur prior to arrival of scheduled work hours, contractors will be notified by the COR or Supervisor of Education. If they occur during scheduled work hours the Supervisor of Education will decide on the course of action on a case-by-case basis and the needs of the institution.

- Instructors will be only compensated for time worked.

Are there any restrictions on billing for partial weeks if fewer than 30 hours are delivered due to closures or institutional needs?

- There are no restrictions on billing partial weeks

What format and frequency are expected for student progress reports, attendance records, and inventory logs?

- FMC Carswell will maintain a six-part folder containing all necessary documents required by the program's policy.

Who will serve as the primary point of contact for day-to-day program issues, the Supervisor of Education or the COR?

- COR

Is this the first time FMC Carswell is executing a cosmetology program, or has it been oƯered in prior years?

- It has been oƯered in prior years

Regarding Section 3: List of Attachments, could you clarify whether any supporting documents are required at the time of proposal submission, or if these attachments are only necessary post-award as part of contract execution?

- Section 3 only contains admin documentation for government use only. No documentation other than the SF-1449 is required. You are welcome to attach any other documentation you deem necessary but is not required.

In Section 52.212-2: Price and Past Performance, are we required to enter any information for this section as part of the proposal submission?

- No, these are only the evaluation factors for this solicitation.

Could you confirm whether this contract includes provisions for extension or renewal beyond the initial period of performance?

- As of now, the government has not identified the need for an extension beyond the initial period of performance.

Does the “accrediting school” have to be accredited by a state or federal accrediting agency or licensed by the state?

- By the State

Does the instructor have to be an employee of any accredited / licensed school?

- No, as long as the instructor has a license

Does the contractor / subcontractor have to be an accredited / licensed school?

- No, as long as the instructor has a license

Will the government purchase the supplies and inventories or should that be included in the costs for the quote?

- The government will purchase supplies and inventories

Does the instructor have input into what supplies and inventories are used?

- Yes, but they will be subject to review in order to meet security requirements.

Are the supplies and inventories for students and / or live models?

- Yes, both students and live models

Will an assistant be allowed if more than 25 students?

- No

Does the government anticipate more than 25 students or more than one class?

- Estimated 25-28

Are there 25 styling stations?

- No, there are only 15

Is there a classroom set up? Computer / projector / screen?

- Yes

CIMA (the online textbook) for the teacher is necessary; can CIMA be utilized for students?

- No online textbook will be utilized as students will not have access to computers