Questions and Responses from Vendors.pdf

Questions and Responses #1 - June 1, 2021

1. Do you know if there will be any sessions occurring at the same time and date?

There may be various overlaps nationwide. It will depend on when/where a presenter can speak.

2. The reason I ask is that I usually do this on my own – but, I wanted to know if that was a possibility in case I needed to have other speakers in that instance. If so, does every speaker need to have had a past of being in prison?

Yes, this requirement is for formerly incarcerated motivational speakers.

3. How much insurance coverage is required?

It doesn't state any minimums or maximums, just that you would need proof of insurance. That would be a decision made by your company.

4. Video and /or remote what format is required?

If in person cannot occur, there is no particular video format; however, it will need to be reviewed prior to the inmates viewing.

5. Can an individual submit a quote for this solicitation or does it need to come from a company?

An individual or a company may respond to this solicitation.

6. Under the SOW Performance Requirements, it asks for a federal register number or State

ID/registration number. Would a State Driver's License be considered State ID in this instance?

No. State driver’s license is not valid in this circumstance. All ex-offenders who were incarcerated in a federal, city or state facility must provide their register number/ID number.

7. Should the SOW include specific expenses for in person travel via airfare, rental car or

POV, per diem, etc. or will those gov approved expenses be covered by the Department, and therefore applicant should only submit hourly fee?

The SOW states all travel and lodging must be forwarded, in writing. Any expenses incurred without approval will be denied for payment. Fees should also be included.

8. Although there are 122 institutions, how many should they realistically budget for, if the applicant is open to traveling to any and all institutions?

This would be determined by the speaker. It will depend on where/when they are willing to travel to.

9. All of our Credible Messengers are formally incarcerated. What does “passing a criminal background check” entail? Are there hard exclusions like sex offenders, too recently released, etc.?

This is a formality. Anyone entering a federal prison, must undergo a background check.

10. Must probation officer approval be included in the application via written letter from probation?

Speakers who are currently on supervised release should seek approval from their Probation Officer and should be disclosed to the BOP prior to speaking engagement.

11. Does BOP want a unit price per session to include all travel and related costs?

It can include your fee; however, all travel and related costs cannot be determined until a vendor knows which institution and when a speaking engagement will take place.

12. Does BOP want a separate unit price per session for the possibility of virtual speaking?

Yes

13. Does BOP want pricing broken down in a specific way? Obviously, travel to BOP facilities in HI will cost more than local travel in contractor's state of residence.

It can include your fee; however, all travel and related costs cannot be determined until a vendor knows which institution and when a speaking engagement will take place.

14. Does BOP want friends and family listed for every speaker or just the principal/contractor?

Friends and Family should be listed for everyone who will participate in the speaking engagements(s).

15. When is the period of performance expected to begin/end?

An estimated date to begin cannot be determined at this time; however, it is expected to begin prior to September 30, 2021. An end date will be determined when available funds for this contract are depleted.

16. One of the questions asks about probation. If some of my speakers are still on parole, are they eligible?

All speakers must receive approval to participate from their probation/parole officer.

17. Everyone on my team has a criminal background which led to each incarceration - should there be any concern on the background check question?

Be truthful in the responses.

18. If a team member only spent one night in jail does that still count as "formerly incarcerated" and can they be part of the team?

Yes, this will suffice, although their "experience" is limited.