DOL_VETS_TAP_Q_and_A.pdf

DOL VETS TAP Questions & Answers

Offeror Question #1:

In regards to business, can the government provide specific details regarding how many support staff/administrative staff the previous incumbents had for this contract?

Answer #1: The Government’s current requirement is fully explained in the Solicitation.

Offeror Question #2:

Can the contractor provide pivotal information that may not be included within your material that may be beneficial for the program?

Answer #2: To be compliant, the Offeror‘s proposal must include all data and information requested in the attached document titled “Eval factors and Submission Instructions”, be responsive to the PWS, and be submitted in accordance with the instructions set forth herein and elsewhere in this RFP. The DOL may deem an Offeror that fails to comply with the solicitation instructions to be ineligible for an award.

Offeror Question #3: Can you provide me with the spend amount for the current contractor?

Answer #3: The Government’s current requirement is fully explained in the Solicitation.

Offeror Question #4: Please provide me with the deadline for our proposal.

Answer #4: The deadline date and time is posted with the Solicitation.

Offeror Question #5: Block 10 of the SF-1449 for the solicitation identifies the contract as a

"100% small business set-aside”. None of the specific category boxes (e.g., SDVOSB) are checked. However, the SF-1449 “Continuation Pages” document appears to identify the solicitation as an SDVOSB set-aside. (On Page 31, Box 14 - which would identify this solicitation as a 100% small business set-aside - does not have an ‘X’. Box 21 - which would identify this solicitation as an SDVOSB set-aside - is marked with an ‘X’.)

Could you please clarify the set-aside status of this solicitation? We appreciate your response.

Answer #5: This solicitation is 100% set aside for Small Businesses. The continuation pages contained a typo.

Offeror Question #6: Is this A GSA contract? Do I have to have a GSA schedule to bid on it?

Answer #6: The Government’s current requirement is fully explained in the Solicitation. It is not required to have a GSA schedule to submit a proposal.

Offeror Question #7: What is the difference between TAP DOLEW and the TAP course which the DOD Services provide?

Answer #7: TAP DOLEW is one part of the mandatory core training modules in the overall

Transition Assistance Program (TAP). Please refer to paragraph 1.2 Background in the PWS.

Offeror Question #8: Ref Page 22 of the PWS. What is the “metric” being utilized 5,500 to

7,500? Is that personnel

Answer #8: As noted in Technical Exhibit 3, the metric is the number of workshops. Please refer to the updated PWS included with this amendment.

Offeror Question #9: Ref Page 22 of the PWS. Are the remote overseas Workshops Already included in the personnel count or are they additional personnel added to the work load?

Answer #9: Please refer to the updated PWS included with this amendment. The remote overseas workshop workload data is included.

Offeror Question #10: Ref Page 22 of the PWS. What are the geographical locations of the military installations and addresses within in the USA?

Answer #10: Please refer to Attachment A included with this amendment.

Offeror Question #11: Ref Page 22 of the PWS. What are the civilian locations at which the courses are to be taught?

Answer #11: The civilian locations (not on a military installation) would be on an as determined basis. This is an infrequent requirement; however, past experience has shown the need for such flexibility.

Offeror Question #12: Definition of acronym “GPS”

Answer #12: Transition GPS (Goals, Plans, Success)

Offeror Question #13: Number of instructors on the existing contract?

Answer #13: The Government’s current requirement is fully explained in the Solicitation.

Offeror Question #14: Can you provide a sample “quarterly schedule” used in FY16?

Answer #14: A sample schedule is included with this amendment.

Offeror Question #15: According to the Proposal Submission requirements in the Instructions to Offerors section, the offeror’s proposal shall be submitted electronically. However, the

Delivery of Offers Section states hand carried proposals / offers should be submitted to a physical address at Department of Labor.

a. Could the government please clarify if proposal should be submitted electronically, hand carried, or both?

b. If proposals are to be submitted electronically, could the government clarify if electronically means via CD or if electronically means via email? If via email, could the government provide and email address for submission?

Answer #15: Hard copy proposals are required as well as electronic copies. Hard Copies refer to the number of volumes and copies as specified in the Instructions to Offerors. All files need to be submitted on a CD accompanying the hard copies. Only one copy of each volume needs to be submitted electronically via email to the Contract Specialist.

Offeror Question #16: In Instructions to Offerors, the proposal submission indicates that the proposal shall consist of four separate volumes. Is the offeror to provide the government with a

CD and hardcopies of one (1) original copy and three (3) separate copies of each volume?

Answer #16: Yes, hardcopies of one (1) original, three (3) separate copies, a CD, and electronic submission via email to the Contract Specialist.

Offeror Question #17: In Instructions to Offerors, is the offeror required to submit a single CD with all volumes on the single CD? If so, could the government specifically indicate that the single CD is to contain pricing? Does the CD need to contain one (1) original copy and three (3) separate copies of each volume?

Answer #17: The CD needs only one copy of each volume. Duplicate files are not necessary on electronic and CD submission.

Offeror Question #18: In Instructions to Offerors, it states the offeror shall include a matrix to include the background/experience of the company’s proposed key and non-key personnel.

Given large number of people required for a contract of this size, would the government allow the matrix to be included as an appendix or supporting documents, and therefore be excluded from the page count, just as resumes are?

Answer #18: The matrix shall be included within the specified page count limits. Please refer to the Instructions to Offerors for specific instructions.

Offeror Question #19: PWS 1.5 Page 2 How does the government want the offeror to price the

Phase-In period? Is this cost part of the Base Year?

Answer #19: It is the Offeror’s business decision how to price elements. The Phase In period is part of the Base Period.

Offeror Question #20: PWS, Para 1.5, Page 2 The Government identifies the base period and four option periods. Will the Government please provide the period of performance for the undefined option periods?

Answer #20: Each Option Period will be twelve (12) months long. The first Option Period is scheduled immediately following the Base Period. The remaining Option Periods logically follow the first Option Period.

Offeror Question #21: PWS 1.5 & PWS 1.6.19, page 2 & 5The Phase-in period is included in the Period of Performance (POP). Although the PWS calls for a Phase-out period, the POP does not include it. Is the exclusion by design; and should the Phase-out requirement in PWS section

1.6.19 be removed?

Answer #21: The Phase-out period is included in the POP of the final option period.

Offeror Question #22: PWS, Para 1.6.8, Page 3 Paragraph 1.6.8 is missing from the

Performance Work Statement, please clarify?

Answer #22: Please refer to updated PWS included with this amendment.

Offeror Question #23: PWS, Para 1.6.19, page 5, PWS states, “1.6.19 Phase In/Phase-Out

Period: To minimize any decreases in productivity and to prevent possible negative impacts on additional services, the contractor shall have personnel on board, during the ninety (90) days phase in/phase out periods.” As it is more costly to have personnel on board that are not performing on the contract, the contractor usually uses the transition period to recruit, hire, train, and process SOFA requirements. Which personnel should the contractor have on board? Will the Government please clarify this requirement?

Answer #23: It is the Offeror’s business decision to choose an appropriate staffing level for the requirement.

Offeror Question #24: PWS, Para 1.7 Pages 5-6 Based on current events, impact of where our forces are currently located, and transition services provided would the Government please confirm the listing of overseas workshop locations?

Answer #24: Please refer to Attachment B included with this amendment.

Offeror Question #25: PWS 2.1.20 page 8The section states that the Wounded Warrior

Workshop (WWW) is a modified modular DOL EW curriculum consisting of 6 modules; where formal instruction is delivered for 4 hours on days 1 and 3 with individual follow-up in between, and where day 2 is dedicated to individual follow-up. The section goes on to state that the contractor’s billable portion will be completion of the 3-day workshop rather than the completion of the entire DOLEW curriculum. Considering the above, please answer the following questions: a. At the end of a 3-Day WWW, will only 2 out of 6 of the modules have been completed? b. Are WWW participants required to complete all 6 modules of the curriculum, but at a slower pace; and thus, attend 3 separate 3-Day workshops? c. Will Day 1 and Day 3 each offer 4 hours of facilitator availability for individual follow-up (i.e. 4 hours facilitation & 4 hours availability for individual follow-up = 8-hour day); or just during the breaks between the formal instruction sessions within the 4-hour period? d.Will Day 2 offer 8 hours availability for individual follow-up?

Answer #25: A. At the end of a 3-Day WWW, will only 2 out of 6 of the modules have been completed? Yes

B. Are WWW participants required to complete all 6 modules of the curriculum, but at a slower pace; and thus, attend 3 separate 3-Day workshops? Yes

C. Will Day 1 and Day 3 each offer 4 hours of facilitator availability for individual follow-up

(i.e. 4 hours facilitation & 4 hours availability for individual follow-up = 8-hour day); or just during the breaks between the formal instruction sessions within the 4-hour period? 4 hours of facilitation and 4 hours availability for individual follow-up.

D. Will Day 2 offer 8 hours availability for individual follow-up? Yes

Offeror Question #26: PWS 5Pages 12 & 13; Technical Exhibit 3, Page 22 Will the government please provide the attachments referenced in the PWS Task 1 & 3 that are missing: Attachments

A & B- CONUS AND OCONUS Workshops by Locations List, Attachment C- Change Request

Form, Attachment D Attendance Report Form?

Answer #26: Yes, the attachments are included in this amendment.

Offeror Question #27: PWS 5.1.2 PWS 5.1.7; PWS 5.3.2.2 PWS 5.1.2 states that the contractor shall use the highest quality and most cost effective method to ensure all facilitators have been trained on the VETS provided curriculum to support workshops by the end of the phase in period. In order to be in compliance with PWS 5.1.7 and PWS 5.3.2.2, please specify when the

Government will provide Train-the-Trainer materials for the EW and CTTT workshops for the contractor to review and present recommended changes prior to training facilitators?

Answer #27: The Government will supply the contractor with the DOLEW and CTTT curricula materials (Participant Guides, Facilitator Slide Decks, and Facilitator Guides) upon contract award.

Offeror Question #28: PWS para 5.1.1, Page 12 PWS 5.1.1 states “while facilitating the workshop, the contract facilitator shall provide one-on-one employment counseling to participants”, will the government please clarify and define the requirement for one-on-one counseling.

Answer #28: One-on-one counseling consists of answering participants’ questions on workshop content, assisting with review of draft resumes, assisting participants with practical exercises taking place during the workshop, and directing participants to available resources for transition assistance. This may take place during the workshop, at workshop breaks, and generally 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after class begins/ends.

Offeror Question #29: PWS, Para’s 5.1.1.2-5.1.1.3 Page 12 Paragraphs 5.1.1.2 and 5.1.1.3 are missing from the Performance Work Statement. Please clarify.

Answer #29: Please refer to updated PWS included in this amendment.

Offeror Question #30: PWS 5.4.1 In regard to the curriculum development of EW and CTTT instructional materials for online delivery, will the government specify file formats and types that can be launched via Joint Knowledge Online (JKO)? Please specify the requirements for ensuring the learner completes all of the required modules. Is the contractor responsible for course assessments to ensure learner retention of key learning points before course completion can be documented?

Answer #30: During the curriculum development/revision cycle, once any changes to the brick-and-mortar curriculum have been finalized, the Government PM and contractor will work with

JKO to update the online curriculum. JKO makes the changes to the actual content hosted on

JKO. The DOL contractor is not responsible for ensuring learner course completion or learning point retention.

Offeror Question #31: PWS 5.4.1 & TE1 (QASP-RS6) p. 14 & 18 Section 5.4.1 clearly communicates that virtual curricula course content and materials remain current and relevant to ensure service members who are unable to attend TAP training in brick and mortar classroom have the means to obtain online instruction (e.g. current JKO-LMS). However, QASP-RS6 &

RS7 are unclear in how the first and second columns reference sections 5.4.1 and 5.4.2 in that they mention online courses as if they were distinct from virtual courses. Are we correct in understanding the QASP-RS6 & RS7 statements to mean contractors are to: “Deliver curriculum revision support for both brick and mortar, and online courses”?

Answer #31: Yes.

Offeror Question #32: PWS 5.5 p. 14 Will the government provide a plug number to use to price the Optional Task #5?

Answer #32: Please refer to updated PWS and Technical Exhibit 3 included in this amendment.

Offeror Question #33: SF 1449 and Instructions to Offers The current SF 1449 provides for a base year and option years schedule of supplies/services in a very general manner. However, it does not allow for important specific services. For example, CONUS workshops have a difference cost when compared to OCONUS Workshops. Transition workshops have a different cost than CTTT workshops. Curriculum development has a different cost than the workshops, the optional task has a unique cost from the workshops. Finally, a CLIN allowing for travel and

ODC estimates is recommended. Will the Government please provide a more detailed Schedule

B to include the CLIN structure, quantities, and unit pricing requirements?

Answer #33: Please refer to the updated PWS and Technical Exhibit 3 included in this amendment.

Offeror Question #34: SF 1449, Block 10, Page 1, and SF 1449 Continuation, FAR 52.212-5

Subpara (b), Page 31 SF 1449, Block 10 indicates a set-aside for small business, but the following clause is checked as being incorporated in this contract by reference: (21) 52.219-27, Notice of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside (NOV 2011) (15

U.S.C.657f). Please confirm this requirement is a set-aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned

Small Business.

Answer #34: This solicitation is 100% set aside for Small Businesses. The continuation pages contain a typo.

Offeror Question #35: Instructions to Offers 3rd Para, Page 1, & Delivery of Offers, Page 6 The referenced paragraph (FAR 52.212-1, 3rd para, Page 1) states: “The offeror’s proposal shall be submitted electronically.” Please confirm that this is an electronic only submission in lieu of the contradictory instructions for the requirement of hard copies, a CD and physical delivery.

Answer #35: Please submit hardcopies of one (1) original, three (3) separate copies, a CD, and electronic submission via email to the Contract Specialist.

Offeror Question #36: Instructions to Offerors Volume III Pricing The offeror shall provide the pricing in an electronic spreadsheet file compatible with Microsoft Excel. What detail is the government requesting to be included on the spreadsheet?

Answer #36: It is the Offeror’s business decision as to what details are included in the pricing spreadsheet so that the Price Volume corresponds to the Technical Volume.

Offeror Question #37: TE1 (QASP RS6) p. 18 The QASP RS6 row citing paragraph 5.4.1 aligns with what the paragraph says in the body of the PWS. But the QASP RS6 row citing paragraph 5.4.2 mentions online and virtual courses that are not mentioned in the actual paragraph. Are we correct to assume that all curricula revision requirements mentioned in paragraph 5.4.2 are to be extended to corresponding online and virtual courses?

Answer #37: Yes. Please refer to updated PWS included in this amendment.

Offeror Question #38: Technical Exhibit 3 Estimated Workload Data Item 5 and 6 define the timetable for the historical data provided as an “as of date”. Will the government please clarify the period of performance and the “as of” timetable for each item of the data outlined in the estimated quantities provided? (E.g., Item 1, Annually period of performance Oct 2015-Sep 2016 as of end of FY16)

Answer #38: Please refer to the updated PWS and Technical Exhibit 3 included in this amendment.

Offeror Question #39: Technical Exhibit 3 Estimated Workload Data Will the government please provide the number of Employment Workshops and CTTT Workshops conducted for FY

2016 to use in developing a more realistic price?

Answer #39: Please refer to the updated PWS and Technical Exhibit 3 included in this amendment. The workload data includes a range or projected number of workshop delivered on an annual basis (FY) as the total number of workshops may differ from year to year based on number of separating/retiring service members.

Offeror Question #40: PWS – Pg4 1.6.6 Type of Contract The Government contemplates award of an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quanity (IDIQ) type contract with Fixed Price, Time and

Material or Labor Hour orders. Labor categories or hours were not provided. Will the government provide this information?

Answer #40: It is the Offeror’s business decision to propose specific labor categories and the number of hours required. The Government’s current requirement is fully explained in the Solicitation.

Offeror Question #41: 1.6.5. Place of performance Does DOL have a centralized place of performance (i.e. the SFL has Fort Knox Tele Center at Human Resources Command)?

Answer #41: A centralized DOL place of performance is not relevant to this requirement.

Paragraph 1.6.5 describes where the work on this contract will be performed. Please refer to attachments A & B (CONUS & OCONUS site lists) included in this amendment.

Offeror Question #42: 1.6.5. Place of performance 2. How many installations will be serviced and what is the list of expected locations by installation? (a). Are the installations a combination of Army, Navy, Air Force, USMC, and Coast Guard installations? Or country specific locations?

(b). Will the contractor be required to provide business insurance upon contract award in a set amount (i.e. $1M/2M) with the DOL as a secondary insured?

Answer #42: A. Please refer to attachments A & B (CONUS & OCONUS site lists) included in this amendment. B. There is not enough information to answer the question.

Offeror Question #43: Is this a Service Contract Act contract?

Answer #43: No.

Offeror Question #44: Item 1.6.6 Type of Contract: The Government contemplates award of an

Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) type contract with Fixed Price, Time and

Material, or Labor Hour orders. (1). Is this a hybrid contract? If so, which elements are considered fixed price; time and materials, or labor hours? (a). Will the contractor be involved in the research and redesign of the DOLEW program (re: research and results of research)?

(b). Is DOL anticipating the use of the hybrid contract model? Please define exactly what type of contract you will award under this request for proposal.

Answer #44: The Government contemplates award of an ID/IQ contract with Fixed Price, T&M, and Labor Hour orders. The Government’s current requirement is fully explained in the Solicitation.

Offeror Question #45: 1.6.7. Equipment. What equipment will be provided to the contractor?

Will the equipment be provided for each installation? (1) Will the DOL provide office space on the installations in coordination with the local DoD, Reserve, or DHS TAP office? (2) Will

DOL coordinate facilitator space at the Human Resources Command's IT site for online training?

Answer #45: Part 3 of the PWS outlines the Government Furnished Items and Services. The individual military installations are responsible, in accordance with the TAP Memorandum of

Understanding (MOU) for providing classroom facilities and necessary equipment to deliver the workshops, and are responsible for classroom set up. This requirement does not require DOL office space on the military installations.

Offeror Question #46: Incumbent and Past Contract History. (1) Who is the incumbent for the contract? (2) What was the past awarded contract number? (3) What was the prior contract award value?

Answer #46: The Government’s current requirement is fully explained in the Solicitation.

Offeror Question #47: Can the contractor and the COR be the same individual?

Answer #47. No.

Offeror Question #48: Does this RFP have prior or current contract #, period of performance, and value, with: incumbent contractor name, # of FTEs on current contract, Length of service of current incumbent contractor personnel, Contact information for incumbent contractor personnel?

Answer #48: The Government’s current requirement is fully explained in the Solicitation.

Offeror Question #49: Are the subcontractors required to be registered with SAM.gov?

Answer #49: Yes.

Offeror Question #50: Will contractors be assigned specific locations for overseas workshops

OCONUS?

Answer #50: Please refer to the attachments A & B (CONUS & OCONUS site lists) included in this amendment.

Offeror Question #51: Price Proposal: Is there a particular format that is to be followed? Can

DOL provide a template, or can we create our own format?

Answer #51: It is the Offeror’s business decision as how to complete the Price Volume to correspond to the Technical Volume.

Offeror Question #52: Are resumes for Key Personnel required with the offer submission?

Answer #52: Yes.

Offeror Question #53: In cases where Surge workshops may be required to facilitate, should pricing be inclusive with the original pricing proposal?

Answer #53: To be compliant, the Offeror‘s proposal must include all data and information requested in the attached document titled “Eval factors and Submission Instructions”, be responsive to the PWS, and be submitted in accordance with the instructions set forth herein and elsewhere in this RFP. The DOL may deem an Offeror that fails to comply with the solicitation instructions to be ineligible for an award.

Offeror Question #54: When is the contract expected to be awarded?

Answer #55: The Government anticipates award to be made as early as January 2018.

Offeror Question #55: Is it a single award or multiple awards contract?

Answer #55: The Government contemplates issuing a single award ID/IQ contract.

Offeror Question #56: Can we propose a GSA schedule price?

Answer #56: It is the Offeror’s business decision as to what is included in the Price Volume so that it corresponds to the Technical Volume.

Offeror Question #57: The Government’s only obligation is the Guaranteed Minimum Amount of Service for the Base Period under the contract. What is the minimum dollar amount for the contract?

Answer #57: The minimum dollar amount for the Base Period will be satisfied with the award of the first Task Order.

Offeror Question #58: Evaluation Factors and Submission Instructions This instruction states the Volume I page count excludes the Factor 2 QCP portion of the offerors’ response. Will the

Government please clarify if the Volume I page limit also excludes the Factor 3 and Factor 4 portions of the offerors’ responses?

Answer #58: The fifty page limit for the Technical Approach Volume includes all four factors, excluding resumes, covers, title pages, executive summaries, and table of contents and supporting documentation.

Offeror Question #59: Evaluation Factors and Submission Instructions The submission instructions seem to indicate that subcontractor experience will only be accepted if the Prime bidder has no corporate past performance. Will the Government accept subcontractor past performance submissions to supplement the Prime bidder's past performance? If so, can the

Government please clarify how subcontractor past performance will be evaluated?

Answer #59: Yes; the Government will accept subcontractor past performance in accordance with the Instructions to Offerors. Past Performance of proposed subcontractors will be evaluated along with the Prime as per the Instructions to Offerors.

Offeror Question #60: Evaluation Factors and Submission Instructions Will the Government be providing CLINs and plug numbers to price for materials and Other Direct Costs such as travel?

Answer #60: Please refer to the updated PWS and Technical Exhibit 3 included in this amendment.

Offeror Question #61: Evaluation Factors and Submission Instructions Is this procurement subject to the Service Contract Act of 1965?

Answer #61: No.

Offeror Question #62: SF30 Amend 00001 No information was provided regarding how the

Volume III - Price will be evaluated in the Evaluation Criteria included in Amendment 0001.

Can the Government please provide details on how the price evaluation will be conducted?

Answer #62: The Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total of all

CLIN prices to ensure that pricing is not unbalanced. Price will be evaluated for completeness and reasonableness using the techniques in FAR 15.404-1(b) (2). Price may become significantly more important as technical ratings approach equality. No adjectival ratings will be used to evaluate Price.

Offeror Question #63: Evaluation Factors and Submission Instructions Will the Government accept electronic signatures using Acrobat PDF software?

Answer #63: Yes.

Offeror Question #64: Evaluation Factors and Submission Instructions Can the Government please provide instructions on what documentation and information will be required to obtain a visitor pass for hand carried proposals?

Answer #64: Please deliver hand carried proposals to the Francis Perkins Building (200

Constitution Ave NW, Washington DC, 20210) visitor entrance at 3 rd and C Streets NW. Call either the Contract Specialist (202-693-7162) or the Office of Procurement Services front desk

(202-693-4570) and someone from the Office of Procurement Services will be dispatched to collect your proposal.

Offeror Question #65: Evaluation Factors and Submission Instructions and SF 1449 and

SF1449 Continuation Pages, SOFA, Clauses, Provisions Page 6 of the Evaluation Factors and

Submission Instructions document states that the offeror is to "hold the prices in its quote firm for 60 calendar days from the RFP response due date, unless another time period is specified in an addendum to the solicitation." Form SF 1449, Page 1 Block 27a references the FAR 52.212-1, which in the SF1449 Continuation document on page 8, item (c) states that “the offeror agrees to

"hold the prices in its quote firm for 30 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers, unless another time period is specified in an addendum to the solicitation." Can the

Government please clarify whether prices are to be held firm for 30 or 60 calendar days?

Answer #65: Prices shall be held firm for 60 calendar days.

Offeror Question #66: Evaluation Factors and Submission Instructions Paragraph 3 of page 1 indicates that the proposal is to be submitted electronically, while the last paragraph on the same page seems to allude to a hard copy (or hand delivery) submission in its discussion of tabs and in the requirement to provide a CD copy of the proposal . Further, page 6 provides instructions for hand delivery. Can the Government please clarify the proposal delivery method and instructions?

Answer #66: To be compliant, the Offeror‘s proposal must include all data and information requested in the attached document titled “Eval factors and Submission Instructions”, be responsive to the PWS, and be submitted in accordance with the instructions set forth herein and elsewhere in this RFP. The DOL may deem an Offeror that fails to comply with the solicitation instructions to be ineligible for an award.

Offeror Question #67: Evaluation Factors and Submission Instructions and Past Performance

Questionnaire The Instructions to Offerors document states for Volume II - Past Performance

Information the Past Performance Questionnaire, the contractor shall not complete any part before providing the questionnaire to the evaluation POC. The Past Performance Questionnaire states the offeror must fill in the solicitation number, fax number, email address, and name of

Contracting Officer prior to providing the questionnaire to the customer, or provide the customer with the information to fill in. Can the Government clarify which instructions the contractor is to follow for providing the Questionnaire to the customer?

Answer #67: The Offeror shall fill in the solicitation number, fax number, email address, and name of the Contract Specialist prior to providing the questionnaire to the customer, or provide the customer with the information to fill in.

Offeror Question #68: Performance Work Statement The PWS provides a duration of 12 months for each Period of Performance, but does not provide estimated dates. Can the

Government please provide estimated dates for each period of performance for pricing purposes?

Answer #68: Each Option Period will be twelve (12) months long. The first Option Period is scheduled immediately following the Base Period. The remaining Option Periods logically follow the first Option Period.

Offeror Question #69: Performance Work Statement Referencing PWS section 1.6.3

Recognized Holidays, are local holidays to be observed by contractor staff at OCONUS locations in addition to the holidays listed?

Answer #69: Only the holidays noted in paragraph 1.6.3 of the PWS will be recognized.

Offeror Question #70: Performance Work Statement Referencing PWS section 1.6.5 Place of

Performance, can the Government specifically identify all military installations and One Stop

Career Center locations where work will be performed?

Answer #70: Please refer to attachments A & B (CONUS & OCONUS site lists) included in this amendment.

Offeror Question #71: Performance Work Statement Places of Performance in PWS section

1.6.5 are described as military installations, One-Stop Career Centers, and other locations which may vary. How will DOL VETS contractors gain access to military installations to instruct courses? Will CACs or other federally-issued identification be issued to the contractors to allow access to places of performance and if so, what is the process to obtain this identification?

Answer #71: The contractor will coordinate base access for their facilitators at the installations.

The facilitators should possess a valid driver’s license and/or passport.

Offeror Question #72: Performance Work Statement The PWS states that the Government contemplates award of an IDIQ type contract with Fixed Price, Time and Material, or Labor

Hour orders. Can the Government please confirm that this will be a single award IDIQ contract?

Answer #72: The Government contemplates issuing a single award ID/IQ contract.

Offeror Question #73: Performance Work Statement PWS section 1.6.7 states the contractor is responsible for safeguarding Government furnished equipment, information and property. Will the Government provision or issue contractors equipment and property, and what provisions will the Government assign the contractors on-site to safe guard it on a military installation or One

Stop Center?

Answer #73: The contractor will not be issued equipment and property other than the appropriate Facilitator Guides.

Offeror Question #74: Performance Work Statement Personnel requirements in the PWS do not provide any security vetting or process for contractor staff. Can the Government confirm there is no security clearance, background check, or security vetting process requirements for DOL

VETS contractor staff?

Answer #74: The contractor will coordinate base access for their facilitators at the installations.

The facilitators shall possess a valid driver’s license and/or passport.

Offeror Question #75: Performance Work Statement Will the Government provide for limited

CONUS travel when local CONUS facilitators are not available?

Answer #75: Yes, that would fall under the ODC line item.

Offeror Question #76: Performance Work Statement Will the Government please define what qualifies as "local" in terms of employee travel?

Answer #76: Local travel is defined per the Federal Travel Regulation. All travel requires

Government approval/authorization and notification to the COR.

Offeror Question #77: Performance Work Statement PWS section 1.6.14.1 discusses other direct costs as including re-production costs, postage costs for mailing of essential training material used by facilitators under this contract such as facilitator guides and CD/DVDs used in the workshops. Can the Government please: 1. Clarify if ODCs are also include shipping costs for mailing of essential training material, and 2. Describe what essential training material is and if it includes participant materials used in the workshops

Answer #77: Yes, ODCs include costs for mailing of essential training material. Essential training material would be material used by the facilitator (Facilitator Guide, CD/DVDs).

Essential material, in this case, does not include participant material.

Offeror Question #78: Performance Work Statement PWS section 1.7 states the contractor shall work with the Designated Responsible Officer(s) to ensure SOFA compliance. Will the

Government identify Designated Responsible Officers contact information to the contractor upon award?

Answer #78: Yes.

Offeror Question #79: Performance Work Statement PWS section 1.7 states contractor personnel are to be available to support these overseas workshops. Can the contractor support include virtual and telephonic means or is the support required to be face-to-face/on-site?

Answer #79: The overseas workshops are instructor led, brick-and-mortar classes at the military installations.

Offeror Question #80: Performance Work Statement Will the Government provide a typical schedule of a complete Wounded Warrior Workshop, which shows how many hours are required for counseling, how many hours are required for facilitation, and the corresponding number of days needed to complete the DOLEW as described in PWS section 2.1.20?

Answer #80: Paragraphs 2.1.20 and 5.1.1.4 of the PWS provide sufficient detail of the Wounded

Warrior workshop schedule.

One module will be covered during 4 hours of classroom instruction. For the contractor, the wounded warrior “workshop” would consist of 3 consecutive business days. The facilitator will instruct a module for 4 hours on Day 1 and another module for 4 hours on Day 3. On Day 2 and any time on Days 1 and 3, during regular working hours, that the facilitator is not on the podium, the facilitator will be available to provide individual follow up to participants, and conduct detailed coordination with the military site transition manager.

Offeror Question #81: Performance Work Statement How will the contractor access the

Government provided building and classroom to instruct classes? Will the Government provide the contractor keys, etc. for access?

Answer #81: The Government (military transition services personnel) will have the building/classroom open for the workshop. The Government will not provide the contractor keys for access.

Offeror Question #82: Performance Work Statement Will the Government provide supplies for the classrooms, such as paper, dry erase and regular markers as part of the facilities provision in section 3.1?

Answer #82: Yes. In accordance with the Transition Assistance Program Memorandum of

Understanding (TAP MOU), the military services are responsible to provide audiovisual equipment (projection screen, overhead projector, microphone, DVD or appropriate video capability), white board, markers, flip charts, and computer with Internet access.

Offeror Question #83: Performance Work Statement Will the Government provide internet capability for facilitator and participants? If not, is the contractor responsible for providing classroom internet service for facilitator, participants, or both?

Answer #83: Yes. In accordance with the Transition Assistance Program Memorandum of

Understanding (TAP MOU), the military services are responsible to provide audiovisual equipment (projection screen, overhead projector, microphone, DVD or appropriate video capability), white board, markers, flip charts, and computer with Internet access.

Offeror Question #84: Evaluation Factors and Submission Instructions As this is an IDIQ contract, on what basis will task orders be awarded?

Answer #84: Orders will be issued against the single award ID/IQ contract.

Offeror Question #85: Performance Work Statement Can the Government specify who is responsible for printing, supplying / shipping, storing, and managing DOLEW and CTTT participant materials at course locations? If the contractor is responsible for printing and shipping DOLEW and CTTT materials to each site, can the Government provide an estimate of the volume of each?

Answer #85: The Government is responsible for printing, shipping, storing, and managing participant material at course locations.

Offeror Question #86: Performance Work Statement Can the Government please specify if the contractor facilitators set up the government provided classrooms or will classrooms be set up for instruction and class materials set out for the facilitators? For example, will the contractor facilitator have to turn on classroom computers, facilitator computer, audio-visual equipment, move tables and chairs, set out guides, and then turn off computers, tear down the classroom daily or at the completion of the 2 or 3-day course?

Answer #86: The military transition services personnel at the installations are responsible to set up the classrooms.

Offeror Question #87: Can the Government please specify if the contractor facilitators set up the government provided classrooms or will classrooms be set up for instruction and class materials set out for the facilitators? For example, will the contractor facilitator have to turn on classroom computers, facilitator computer, audio-visual equipment, move tables and chairs, set out guides, and then turn off computers, tear down the classroom daily or at the completion of the 2 or 3-day course?

Answer #87: The military transition services personnel at the installations are responsible to set up the classrooms.

Offeror Question #88: Performance Work Statement PWS section 5.1.1.4 refers to section

2.1.19 for Wounded Warrior Workshop information. Is 2.1.20 a more appropriate cross reference?

Answer #88: Yes, please refer to the updated PWS included in this amendment.

Offeror Question #89: Performance Work Statement Is the Train-the-Trainer requirement to review and present recommended changes as referenced in PWS section 5.1.7 a one-time event?

Answer #89: The Government will provide the contractor with the DOLEW and CTTT curriculum materials (Participant Guides, Facilitator slidedecks, and Facilitator Guides) upon contract award. The contractor is expected to develop their Train the Trainer regime in order to ensure their facilitators are prepared to instruct DOLEW and CTTT workshops at the completion of the phase-in period.

Offeror Question #90: Performance Work Statement Is the contractor responsible for developing course materials for a DOLEW or CTTT eBook as part of the PWS section 5.4 (Task

4, 5.4.1 and 5.4.2)?

Answer #90: In effect, yes. However, the eBooks do not contain different content from the hard copy participant guides. The contractor would assist in formatting the participant guides for publishing as eBooks.

Offeror Question #91: Performance Work Statement Is the contractor responsible for delivering course materials used in JKO? For example, does the contractor have to deliver an e-learning package compliant with JKO standards as part of the curriculum development and revision tasks in PWS section 5.4 (Task 4, 5.4.1 and 5.4.2)?

Answer #91: No, the contractor in collaboration with the PM and COR will work with JKO to update the online curriculum to reflect changes made to the brick-and-mortar curriculum.

Offeror Question #92: Performance Work Statement Can the Government please provide a timeline/schedule and frequency of the curriculum development tasks in PWS section 5.4.1? For example, would an instruction and training materials package be due in 4 weeks, 4 months, or within a year of executing the contract?

Answer #92: The tasks in section 5.4.1 would follow the TAP Interagency Curriculum Working

Group’s review cycle. This generally begins in the March/April timeframe with subsequent curriculum changes implemented in January of the following year. This timeframe/schedule is subject to the schedule and work of the working group.

Offeror Question #93: Performance Work Statement Can the Government provide the frequency of the TAP Program Reviews cited in PWS section 5.5.1?

Answer #93: This optional task, if awarded, would occur once during the contract duration.

Offeror Question #94: Technical Exhibit 2 Deliverables Schedule In Technical Exhibit 2, the final briefing medium/format is an MS Word email attachment and in-person meeting. In PWS section 5.6.4, the contractor is to present the final briefing in writing only. Can the Government please specify the correct requirement?

Answer #94: Please refer to the updated PWS included in this amendment.

Offeror Question #95: Technical Exhibit 3 Estimated Workload Data Can the Government please identify the CONUS and OCONUS locations to be supported?

Answer #95: Please refer to the updated PWS and Technical Exhibit 3, and Attachments A & B included in this amendment.

Offeror Question #96: Technical Exhibit 3 Estimated Workload Data Can the Government provide the estimated workload data shown in Technical Exhibit 3 broken down by location for each course?

Answer #96: Please refer to the updated PWS and Technical Exhibit 3, and Attachments A & B included in this amendment. Those documents provide sufficient information for proposal planning purposes.

Offeror Question #97: Technical Exhibit 3 Estimated Workload Data Can the Government identify the remote overseas locations mentioned in Technical Exhibit 3, Item 3?

Answer #97: At present, the remote locations are in Cuba, Romania, and Qatar. These can change based on local travel requirements.

Offeror Question #98: Technical Exhibit 3 Estimated Workload Data Technical Exhibit 3

Estimated Workload Data Item 2 Overseas (OCONUS) 3-day Workshops and Item 3 Remote

Overseas Workshops are accounted for separately but do not have a separate mention in the

PWS. Can the Government provide the differentiation between these two types of workshops?

Answer #98: The difference between the workshops is covered by paragraph 2.1.12 of the

PWS.

Offeror Question #99: Can the Government clarify which CLINs on the SF 1449 will be FFP, T&M or LH? Alternatively, Technical Exhibit 3-Estimated Workload Data lists 8 items with estimated quantities—can the Government indicate for each item whether you are expecting a

FFP, T&M or LH price?

Answer #99: The Government contemplates award of an ID/IQ contract with Fixed Price, T&M, and Labor Hour orders. The exact makeup of orders will be determined for each Order after the

IDIQ is awarded.

Offeror Question #100: The base period includes a 90 day Phase In Period—can the Govt clarify if this 90 day transition period should be priced separately from the items listed in the

Technical Exhibit 3-Estimated Workload Data? Will DOL provide a copy of the curriculum so that offerors may assess the level and intensity of the training required during the phase in period?

Answer #100: The Government’s current requirement is fully explained in the Solicitation. The transition period is inclusive of the Base Period, and shall be identified in the price proposal.

Offeror Question #101: The PWS indicates that the Project Manager is key personnel but also indicates an alternate. Is the alternate Project Manager also considered key personnel?

Answer #101: Yes.

Offeror Question #102: The PWS indicates that the Contractor will be required to travel

CONUS and OCONUS during the performance of this contract to attend meetings, conduct training and site visits. The PWS also indicates that limited international travel is allowed under the contract when a local facilitator is unavailable. Is travel under this contract a cost reimbursable line item? If so, will the Government provide a NTE “plug” number so to level the playing field?

Answer #102: Travel will be considered an Other Direct Cost.

Offeror Question #103: The PWS states that ODCs include travel for “domestic, and overseas site visits, surge workshops, emergency workshops and travel associated with training new facilitators, re-production costs, and postage costs. Please clarify if the Govt is only anticipating

12 travel requirements per year (see Technical Exhibit 3-Estimated Workload Data). 12 trips a year (inclusive of CONUS and OCONUS) seem unrealistically low given the maximum number of combined CONUS and OCONUS DOLEW and CTTT workshops could be as high as 9,412 workshops per year. Can the Govt provide any historical costs associated with these ODCs such as amount of reproduction required, postage, etc?

Answer #103: Please refer to the updated PWS and Technical Exhibit 3 included in this amendment.

Offeror Question #104: The phase in period is described as 90 days during which the contractor shall become familiar with the performance requirements and have personnel on board to commence full performance on the contract start date. Please clarify that the official “contract start date” will be 90 days from the date of contract award to accommodate the phase-in transition from the incumbent contractor to the new contractor.

Answer #104: It is the Offeror’s business decision how to price elements. The Base Period is inclusive of the Phase In Period.

Offeror Question #105: Is there a transition out plan for the current contractor to share and transition critical data during this 90 day period to the new contractor?

Answer #105: Yes.

Offeror Question #106: The new contractor is required to train facilitators on the DOL TAP

Employment Workshop during this 90 day phase in period—will the government provide the

Train the Trainer guide and curriculum or is the new contractor expected to develop this during this phase in period?

Answer #106: The Government will provide the contractor with the DOLEW and CTTT curriculum materials (Participant Guides, Facilitator slidedecks, and Facilitator Guides) upon contract award. The contractor is expected to develop their Train the Trainer regime in order to ensure their facilitators are prepared to instruct DOLEW and CTTT workshops at the completion of the phase-in period.

Offeror Question #107: Does the Govt have any specific requirements surrounding the training of new facilitators?

Answer #107: The requirements are addressed in paragraphs 5.1.2 and 5.1.2.1 of the PWS.

Offeror Question #108: The Govt indicates that the Wounded Warrior Workshops are billable at the completion of the 3-day workshop rather than at the completion of the entire DOLEW curriculum. Are billable standards for the 3 different types of workshops (Wounded Warrior, DOLEW, CTTT) different and not based on the total days delivered?

Answer #108: It is the Offeror’s business decision how to write Pricing and Proposal documents to correspond to the Technical Approach volume.

Offeror Question #109: Section 5.1.1 refers to Attachments A and B which were not included in the RFP and related attachments. Can the Govt please provide these attachments?

Answer #109: Please refer to the updated PWS and Attachments included in this amendment.

Offeror Question #110: Specific Tasks, Section 5.1.1.1 Are these virtual workshops the same curriculum and format as the standard workshops? Are these live or recorded virtual workshops? How often are these virtual workshops conducted? The PWS states that the virtual

TAP employment workshops may be conducted remotely or at the US Army Human Resources

Command Facility at Ft. Knox; please clarify how the workshops can be conducted remotely?

Are facilitators able to conduct these workshops from any location? Will the Govt provide access to the Army ACAP OpenQwaq platform?

Answer #110: The workshops referenced in section 5.1.1.1 follow the same curriculum as the standard brick-and-mortar workshops. They are live workshops conducted through a virtual classroom. The facilitator and participants can access the classroom from any computer with an internet connection. Upon contract award the Government will coordinate with the Army to provide the software and training on use of the platform.

Offeror Question #111: Can the Govt clarify how often there are changes to the VETS provided curriculum and how long the contractor has to ensure all facilitators are trained on the changes?

Answer #111: The contractor can expect changes to the curriculum annually. The contractor must ensure all facilitators are trained on the changes to meet the implementation date set by the

PM. The…