Amendment_Three_(Request_For_Clarification_for_Edison_JCC)_-12-11-17.pdf

Request for Clarification Edison Job Corps Center RFP

Solicitation Number: 1630J1-18-R-00004

Item Page # and Reference

Question

1 Page 1

Please confirm the RFP solicitation number since the RFP number of 1630J1-18-R-00004 is different from the FBO posting number of 1630DC-17-N-00017.

Response-The RFP Number is 1630J1-18-R-00004.

2 Page 3 B.1

The background section includes the description of the center operations requirements, but it does not include a description about the career transition services requirements. Please clarify/correct.

Response - See reference in Background to Sections C and F.

3 Page 3 Section B.2

The government notes, “Changes reflected in OBS shall be based on per student price blocks of ten.” Many of the costs in operating a center do not directly change as OBS changes;

therefore, adjusting the contract strictly based on cost per student in blocks of ten is not reflective of what costs will change due to lower/higher OBS. Some costs are fixed regardless of OBS. Will the government consider other methods to adjust the contract other than OBS per student price in blocks of ten?

A few examples reflecting costs that are fixed in nature rather than variable and are not tied in a consistent ratio of OBS are the following:

• Utilities;

• Salaries in Line 15 (Center Director, Finance Director, Property Specialist, Buyers, etc.);

• Facility Maintenance Costs (labor and supplies);

• Security (labor and supplies), which are tied to the layout of the facility, as well as OBS.

Please advise accordingly, as not all costs in operating the center are directly proportional to the OBS.

Response – Sec. B “Changes reflected in OBS shall be based on per student price in blocks of ten.” Remains the same.

4 Page 4, Pricing Schedule

Please confirm upon award the government-provided NTE Ceiling and funding for CLIN 0006 Equipment will include amounts for CTS equipment needs.

Response - There is no NTE for CTS equipment.

5 Page 4-7, Pricing Schedule

Please confirm offerors are not required to provide Estimated Cost, NTE Ceiling or Funds Obligated amounts for the capital CRA, Equipment and Career Technical Skills Training CLINs

Question

(0005, 0006, 0007, 0008, etc.)

Response –Offerors are not required to provide those amounts. DOL will provide those amounts after contract award.

6 Page 4-7, Pricing Schedule

Does the government expect offerors to complete the “% of Unit Price” column with the 60% and 40% rates as identified in the applicable “Description” column?

Response - Yes

Would the government consider revising the percentage splits to 80%/20%? The time period between actual arrivals/placements and billing for these arrivals/placements is very long; the majority of the costs are incurred upon the initial arrival/placement. The delay in billing and payment impacts the contractor’s cash flow.

Response - No.

Page 4-7, Pricing

Schedule

Please clarify the references to 90 days for CLINs 0010, 1010, 2010 & 3010. Should this be revised to “90-day retention”?

Response – that is what was inferred –“90-day retention”.

Page 4-7, Pricing

Schedule

Please clarify/correct the references to 6 months. The CTS performance indicators and PRH requirements have changed;

6-month follow-up surveys are no longer administered. Please consider revising the CLINs to only include the initial placement.

Response – change 6 month follow-up surveys to “Q2 follow-up surveys” wherever mentioned.

Page 4-7, Pricing

Schedule

The graduates and former enrollees are separately identified for the 6-month placement? Would the government consider combining these CLINs as the current Job Corps performance measures track these services as one combined factor?

Response: No.

Pages 13-14, CTT

Programs

When comparing the CTT slots in the RFP to the CTT-10 report there seems to be quite a few differences. Will you please clarify the programs?

JCRO Response – Below are the correct trades and slots

Edison ACT 6

Question

Edison Advanced Automotive* 72

Edison

Automotive and Machine Repair

- Electrical-Electronics Systems

- Brakes * 48

Edison Office Administration 60

Edison Clinical Medical Assistant 30

Edison Nurse Assistant/Home Health

Aide 60

Edison Culinary Arts 30

Edison Advanced A+ Microsoft MCSE 36

Edison Bricklayer, Pre-Apprentice* 20

Edison Carpentry, Pre-Apprentice* 40

Edison Electrical, Pre-Apprentice* 24

Edison Facilities Maintenance, Pre-

Apprentice* 24

Edison HVAC Technician 24

Edison Advanced Plumbing Sewer and

Drain Tech 20

* Is NTC

11 Page 14 C.3.C.13

Please correct the number of CTT slots the center has since the number of slots in the RFP is higher than the total planned average On-Board Strength (OBS).

Response - The correct CTT slots (494) is higher than the OBS

(417) for this center due to the large number of Advanced Training slots at the center. These slots are used 2 to one full-time student.

Page 14, Section

C.3.C.13

Please clarify the 14 ACT slots. Does this number represent 14 full time students?

Response – ACT slots are 6 which represent full time students.

Page 14, Section

C.3.C.13

Is the location of Passaic County College accurate for the ACT program?

Response – Successful offeror will have to negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Passaic, or other community colleges.

Page 14 Section

C.3.C.15 How much bandwidth does the center have?

Question

Response – 30 MBPS

Page 15, Section C.3.D.

CTS

Please clarify if career transition services are only for graduates and former enrollees separating from the Edison center and returning to New York and New Jersey.

Response – Yes

16 Page 16, Section E

Does the center have any video/surveillance camera? If so, how many, where are they located, and where are they monitored?

Response – The center has one security camera. It is located at the Welcome Center.

17 Page 17 Section C.3.E.4

Does the center have any video/surveillance camera? If so, how many, are they all functional, where are they located, and where are they monitored?

Response – No the center only has one security camera. It is located at the Welcome Center.

Page 17, Section

C.3.E.7

The RFP includes the contract clause about financial management according to the PRH. Currently the PRH does not address financial management of a Firm-Fixed-Price CTS contract. As the CTS CLINs are fixed price, please confirm the contract will be granted a PRH waiver for budget, expense, vacancy and staff compensation reporting. These changes may also require FMS revisions.

Response – The PRH is not relevant to Firm Fixed Price Contract. The PRH references fiscal controls and financial management.

19 Page 19, Section C.3.F.10

The section describes the requirements for student health services. There is a new statement after the PRH citations, which states: “The contractor shall ensure medical coverage is available between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. each weekday, and for four hours on each day of the weekend.”

If this requirement stands, please confirm this requirement does not require additional hours from those identified in the PRH, which outlines specific numbers of hours per week, based on OBS.

Response – the requirement is for center-based medical staff (Wellness Manager) and medical subcontracted services. The respondent is responsible for scheduling coverage.

Question

Page 24-25, Section

G.3.1

The Technical Performance Incentive Fee section describes the potential for contractors to earn a “technical performance excellence bonus” in addition to the regular technical performance fee.

(1) The Center Operations fee chart does not include a section for the calculation of this Performance Excellence Bonus. Please provide the applicable percentage and clarify whether the form will be revised.

Response- Job Corps will provide a worksheet for the fee reconciliation and will establish the parameters for determining what percent will be considered below, average and above in performance. These parameters are set yearly and would not be available at the time of an RFP. Two months after the end of each contract year, Job Corps will calculate the earned fee by completing the PBSC reconciliation worksheet and provide the worksheet to share with the operator so they can see what fee they are entitled to, based on the performance they had during the contract year. A modification is done to add the earned fee to the contract or reduce the fee billed from the contract depending on whether they excelled or performed poorly.

(2) Please confirm the incentive fees are not applicable to

CTS, as they are firm fixed price CLINs.

Response- That is correct. CTS Services are Firm Fixed Price.

Page 25-26, Section

G.3.2

According to the instructions, contractors can only invoice the average cost incentive fee of 2%, and no technical incentive fee until the reconciliations are complete and the contract is modified. This fee rate of 2% appears unreasonably low as fee does not equate to profit. Contractors are obligated to use fees to also provide for other costs that are not allowable to the contracts, according to the FAR, but necessary to maintain business operations.

In addition, previously there was a cost-incentive fee with a minimum (fixed) fee (3.0%) unless the contractor was 10% above target costs, at which point all cost-incentive fee was forfeited. As currently stated, there does not appear to be any minimum cost incentive fee? Is that correct? Or is the 2% the minimum (fixed) fee assuming the contractor does not exceed

Question

10% of target costs? Can the government clarify the fee structures and/or if there are missing tables as noted above?

Response-Please refer to Section G.3.1 and G.3.2. The average cost incentive fee is 2%. The average cost incentive fee is the target cost fee.

The language in this section is not consistent about the amount contractors are permitted to invoice for the cost incentive. The last statement reads: “On its invoice, the contractor would invoice the total minimum cost incentive fee in equal increments.” Earlier in this section it references billing the “average” fee instead of the “minimum” fee. Please confirm the reference should be changed to “average”.

Response- Change “minimum” to “average”. No fee will be allowed to be billed until the fees are earned.

Page 25, Section G.3.2, 2nd paragraph

This section states: “Upon completion of the contract year, the Contracting Officer will determine the amount of cost incentive fee earned by the contractor, using the cost incentive fee calculation identified in the table above.”

(1) Please describe how the contracting officer will determine the amount? Response- Section G.3.2 describes the process.

(2) What determines the adjustments up or down from the average cost incentive fee? Response-See Section G.3.2

23 Page 25, Section G.3.2

The cost incentive fee section seems to have omitted some critical information. FAR 16.405-1, Cost-plus-incentive-fee contracts, states: “This contract type specifies a target cost, a target fee, minimum and maximum fees, and a fee adjustment formula.”

(1) What are the adjustment formula, factors and percentages? Response- Section G.3.2 describes the process.

(2) Will the form be revised or another form included outlining the target costs by year for center operations? Response- Section G.3.2 describes the process. Please see the first column in table G.3.1.

(3) Is the Average Cost Incentive Fee the Target Cost Fee, Question which equates to meeting the Target Cost or meeting the budget? Response- Section G.3.2 describes the process. The average cost incentive fee is 2%. The average cost incentive fee is the target cost fee.

Page 30, Section G.5(h)

& (i)

In regards to Billing for CTS –

(1) Please confirm section (h) does not apply to this RFP as section (i) describes the CTS billing. Response-Correct.

Section I describes the CTS billing.

(2) Please identify the specific documentation from CITRIX for the invoice. (referenced in #1 & 2) Response – POMS 10 report

(3) Confirm #2 should be revised to “90 Day Retention” instead of Arrivals. Response – POMS 10 report

(4) The current Job Corps performance reports combine Graduate Placements and Former Enrollees (referenced as #3 & #4). Will these be combined for billing purposes? Response-No

(5) What length of time periods should be included in the reports? Response– monthly

(6) In order to properly reconcile the arrivals and placements for COR acceptance and billing purposes, electronic tracking will be necessary for these acceptance verifications and billings. Will the Job Corps systems be revised to accommodate this change?

Response- Electronic tracking is being considered.

(7) Item #5 references a 6-Month Survey (Final Graduate).

This section is not relevant as Job Corps has changed the performance measures and eliminated the 6-month survey. Response – 6 month survey means the Q2 survey after placement.

25 Page 31, Section G.7 The SY Cost chart combines the two base years. Is this correct?

Typically each contract year is identified separately.

Response – Yes

26 Page 32, Section G.12

Would the government reconsider the 30-day requirement to fill vacancies for the Center Director, Senior Residential Counselor, Security Personnel and the Academic Supervisor? It typically takes longer than 30 days to post and advertise a vacancy; obtain and assess resumes and potential applicants;

interview for the position; vet senior candidates with the Region (including interviewing for CD candidates); and then to provide the selected candidate time to give appropriate notice

Question to their current employer.

Response –No consideration for more than 30 days is given at this time.

27 Page 32, Section G.12

Liquidated Damages – Staffing We request the liquidated damages clauses pertaining to staff vacancies be re-considered. According to FAR 11.501(b):

“Liquidated damages are not punitive and are not negative performance incentives (see 16.402-2). Liquidated damages are used to compensate the Government for probable damages. Therefore, the liquidated damages rate must be a reasonable forecast of just compensation for the harm that is caused by late delivery or untimely performance of the particular contract.”

As the RFP identifies the Center Operations CLINs as cost reimbursable, not fixed price, the Government does not incur any damage/cost as a result of vacant positions. The Government is charged only for actual costs incurred by filled positions.

Response –No, this remains as is.

28 Page 32, Section G.12

(1) The RFP states that the contractor agrees to have a maximum vacancy rating not exceeding 4%. Is there a financial or liquidated damages assessment for exceeding the 4%? If so, what is the assessment calculation? Response - per page 31 – “ Damages will be assessed at the rate of 50 percent of the value specified for the vacant position(s) from days 31 through

60. Damages will be assessed at the full value specified for the vacant positions after 60 days. Damages will be assessed and subtracted from a subsequent voucher.”

(2) Please clarify how the allowable maximum vacancy rating of 4% or less is calculated (based on FTE’s or salaries).

Response – see above response

(3) In the 4% maximum vacancy limitation, will considerations/adjustments be made for the following:

a. Coverage provided by other positions, substitutes, overtime, etc. Response - No

b. Proposed float savings - With the expectation that turnover and vacancies will occur, it has been standard practice to propose float/vacancy savings and reduce the proposed costing accordingly.

(4) How will the government determine the 30-day vacancy window? Response – the date contract starts. How will this be reported to the government? Response – email to the COR as

Question well as in CITRIX – Financial Management System (FMS)

(5) Please detail what is meant by the “value specified for the vacant position”. The proposal will provide only the annual position amount. It would be excessive to utilize 50% of the annual labor cost to determine the liquidated damages for one month. OCM to respond

(6) Please confirm the liquidated damages will be executed via contract modification by the Government before the contractor is to subtract the amount from a subsequent voucher. OCM to respond

(7) Please confirm Section G.12 is not applicable to the CTS section.

Response- Correct, Section G.12 is not applicable to CTS.

29 Page 32, Section G.13

Will the government re-consider the Surge clause?

Response – No. Changes to contract amounts for revisions in OBS are dependent on the number of students, the trades revised, etc. It is not a simple calculation using SY cost.

30 Page 33, Section G.15

This section references reimbursement for GSA rental charges.

Currently the contractor does not process payments for GSA rental charges, instead they are handled by the national office.

It appears this section is irrelevant and should be removed.

Response-That is correct. The section is not relevant to this solicitation.

31 Page 33, Section G.15.A

In the invoice section, it describes semi-monthly invoicing, but this section references providing lists to the COR who will have 10 days to review the lists and determine acceptance of valid arrivals and placements. It appears that the contractor first sends the lists to the COR, obtains approval for each accepted arrival/placement, and then submits the invoice with the support for the approved arrivals and placements.

(1) Is it correct that these lists are submitted to the COR separately and prior to the invoicing process? If so, how often should these lists be submitted to the COR?

(2) What is the expected format for the lists? Are these the same CITRIX reports as referenced on page 30?

What determines the “initial acceptance” and “final acceptance” of placements?

Response- The lists would be submitted monthly, but format is currently undetermined.

32 Page 33, Section These sections include several references to “arrivals.” As

Question

G.15.A.3 & 4 these sections pertain to CTS, please confirm the references to “arrivals” should be replaced with “placements.”

Response- change to “placement” and delete arrival” for both.

33 Page 37, Section H.6.B

Please confirm the reference to Attachment J.14 should be corrected to Attachment J.17 for the Davis-Bacon wage determinations.

Response-Yes, please correct to Attachment J.17

34 Page 37, Section H.6

Do Residential Counselors, who work shifts when students are sleeping or in class, have to meet the same educational requirements as prime and swing shift Residential Counselors?

In other words, do all Residential Counselors need to meet educational requirements listed in the PRH? Is the salary the same for all Residential Counselors regardless of the shift worked?

Response-Yes

35 Page 47, Section H.30 & H.31

Please confirm these sections do not apply to CTS as these CLINs are Firm-Fixed-Price sections and not under the same FAR restrictions as cost reimbursable-type contracts.

Response- Correct

36 Page 71 & 23 L.1 & F.2

Section L.1 states: “The Government contemplates the award of a Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF) type contract resulting from this solicitation.”

Section F.2 states: “This is a Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF) and Firm Fixed Price Combined contract.” Please clarify.

Response- This is a Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF) and Firm Fixed Price Combined contract.

37 Page 74; Section L.6.H.

Chart

In addition to the hard copies, does the government want 1 flash drive for each “factor” (a total of 6 Flash Drives) or 1 flash drive with all factors included?

Response-One flash drive containing all factors

Page 77; Section L.6.I.

Organization of Proposals

The RFP states “Offerors must tab each specific factor, subfactors and elements…”, Does this mean the government wants a physical tab on the starting page for each factor, subfactor and element for a total of 23 tabs on the technical, 8 tabs for staff resources, and 9 tabs for relevant experience? Or is it acceptable to tab the main sections (Technical Approach, Staff Resources, and Relevant Experience) and begin each

Question factor, subfactor and element with their own heading within the proposal?

Response- Yes, Solicitation states: “Offerors must tab each specific factor, subfactor, and element; and provide a clear and concise response or you will be considered non-responsive”.

Firms can indicate the range of elements on the page.

39 Page 84, Section L.7, Factor 5, b

The section includes a reference to the National Job Corps Staff Compensation data report. Please clarify if this report is relevant to this procurement.

Response- No

40 Page 84, Section L.7 FACTOR 5.d.

Please confirm this narrative detail section is not applicable for CTS as these CLINs are Firm-Fixed-Price sections.

Response-The narrative detail section is not applicable to CTS.

41 Attachment J-1

Please confirm this section does not apply to CTS as these CLINs are Firm-Fixed-Price sections.

Response-Attachment J.1 cost details are not required for CTS.

42 Attachment J-1

The Attachment J-1 does not include Section E. Is this correct?

Should the following sections be re-lettered?

No, please use the updated attachment J.1

Attachment J-1.pdf

43 Attachment J-12

Please clarify the information is accurate. 2014 and 2015 seemed comparable while there was a significant drop in 2016.

Was this drop related to an action taken at the center that will result in utility cost savings going forward?

Response- The information is correct. The cause for the drop is unknown beyond possible variance due to weather.

44 N/A

Are the washers and dryers at the Edison center government-owned property or are they leased? If they are government owned, are they all operable? If they are leased, how many units are leased?

Response – They are owned.

Question

45 N/A

Does the center own a vehicle equipped for driver’s education training?

Response – No. They do not use a GSA vehicle for Driver’s Education.

General Upon contract award, will the center operator be required to report actual and budgeted spending in FMS for the CTS component which is awarded on a Fixed Price basis?

Response – Yes

B.2 p.3-7 Throughout this section the OA and CTS CLINS are referred to as Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP). More specifically, on p.2 it states that offerors shall compute a total price for following Firm- Fixed-Price Outreach and Admission, and Career Transition Services CLINS. However, based on the pricing schedules in this section and the invoicing/payment terms in section G, the OA and CTS CLINS are structured as a fixed unit price. As such please address the following questions:

- Can a service-related FFP contract, as opposed to goods-related, assign units as a measure of performance? Response-Yes

- Can a FFP contract assign a performance metric that influences the total price of the contract, thereby making the total price of the contract indefinite rather than fixed? Response-Yes, the FAR allows many flexabilities.

- Can a FFP contract be structured in a way that the government has no minimum cost obligation?

Response-The question is unclear. Also, O/A CLINs are not applicable to this contract. Yes, the FAR allows many flexabilities.

G.3.2 p.25 The first paragraph of this section contains conflicting statements. Please clarify which of the following shall apply:

The contractor will be permitted to invoice the 2.0% average cost incentive fee on a twice a monthly basis

The contractor would invoice the total minimum cost incentive fee in equal increments.

Question

Response- See answer to question No. 21. No fee will be allowed to be billed until the fees are earned.

G3.2 p.26 The amount of the technical performance excellence bonus is not given.

Will it be .25% as it has been in recently issued solicitations?

Response- See answer to question No. 20

H.6.C p.37 This section indicates that the Prevailing Wage/Minimum Required amounts listed in the table are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) locality based survey data. These amounts are incorrect based on our BLS research (see source below). Please consider revising.

Source: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_35614.htm which provides BLS salary statistics for the New York-Jersey City-White Plains, NY-NJ Metropolitan area, which by definition includes Edison, NJ.

Response-The listed BLS data is accurate.

L.7 factor 5.d p.84-85 Please confirm this narrative detail section is not applicable for CTS as these CLINs are Firm-Fixed-Price sections.

Response- Correct, narrative details are not applicable to CTS.

L.6.H, p74 and M.2.A.4, p92

Please confirm if a Past Proposal submission is required from contractors with the minimum number of references in the PPIRs system. The table on page 74 conflicts with the information on page 92.

Response- The Government will use the PPIRS-RC system to retrieve qualitative assessments for the prime Offeror, partners in the case of a formal teaming arrangement, or subcontractors. Each offeror’s past performance shall be evaluated in accordance with FAR 15.305(a)(2). For purposes of this solicitation, contractor past performance will be based on data from PPIRS-RC, or if an Offeror has fewer than five references in PPIRS-RC, the Offeror must solicit past performance references from current government or commercial clients using the form attached (Attachment J-7).

The Government will primarily rely upon references from similar contracts for the same or similar services, and/or similar in value. However, the Government may rely upon any https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_35614.htm

Question other PPIRS-RC report for the Offeror/team. Offerors with no Past Performance history will receive a “Neutral” rating.

Is the 72-slot Advanced Automotive program operated by the UAW? If so, please provide the UAW’s staffing for this trade.

Response – three instructors

Is the 48-slot Automotive Electrical-Electronics Systems- Brakes program operated by the UAW? If so, please provide the UAW’s staffing for this trade.

Response – two instructors

Is the Advanced Plumbing program taught by a National Training Contractor, 3rd party provider or Center-based trade?

If provided by a 3rd party provider, please provide the MOU regarding the operation of the program.

Response-It is Center-based

Please provide a listing of GSA vehicles.

Response – the list can be found in Attachment J-10.

Please confirm only the fringe benefit breakdown is required for the CTS contract in Attachment J-1 and not all the detailed costs.

Response- That is correct

Please confirm a J-3 is not required for the CTS contract.

Response-That is correct

Please provide the BLS region by metropolitan area utilized to determine the prevailing minimum wages in H.6.C.

Response-

To whom and where should the proposal be shipped (Boston or Washington)?

Response- The proposal shall be shipped to Barry Jordan at the address listed in item No. 8 on the front page of the solicitation.

The GSA Fleet/Vehicle List was not included as attachment with the RFP. Will DOL be providing the GSA Fleet/Vehicle List in a forthcoming amendment in order that appropriate insurance costs can be estimated?

Response – the list can be found in Attachment J-10.

The CTT Table on page 13 of the RFP has different slot counts for Office Administration, Advanced A+/MCIE, and Advanced Plumbing than the CTT-10 report that accompanies this solicitation. Please confirm the CTT

Question offerings and assigned/approved slots.

Response-See updated table on Question No. 10.

Is HVAC a new CTT for the center? The CTT-10 for the last program year (PY-16) does not list it.

Response – It is a new CTT, replacing Painting.

Is the center required to provide placement services to Advanced Training (AT) students from states outside of New Jersey and New York?

Response – Yes, in New York and New Jersey only.

Is the center designated as an approved High School Equivalency (HSE) testing site by the State of New Jersey?

Response – Unknown.

The CTT table on page 13 of the solicitation does not list the automotive CTT’s as being offered by a National Training Contractor (NTC). Please clarify which basic and advanced training CTT’s are offered by an NTC and which are center operated.

Response-See earlier response to similar question, they are operated by an NTC.

Is the 10 page CTS proposed section supposed to be bound separately or is it part of the overall technical approach?

Response-It should be part of the overall technical approach.

General Upon contract award, will the center operator be required to report actual and budgeted spending in FMS for the CTS component which is awarded on a Fixed Price basis?

Response – Yes.

B.2 p.3-7 Throughout this section the OA and CTS CLINS are referred to as Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP). More specifically, on p.2 it states that offerors shall compute a total price for following Firm-Fixed-Price Outreach and Admission, and Career Transition Services CLINS. However, based on the the pricing schedules in this section and the invoicing/payment terms in section G, the OA and CTS CLINS are structured as a fixed unit price. As such please address the following questions:

- Can a service-related FFP contract, as opposed to

Question goods-related, assign units as a measure of performance? Yes, The FAR allows many flexabllities for structuring contracts.

- Can a FFP contract assign a performance metric that influences the total price of the contract, thereby making the total price of the contract indefinite rather than fixed? Yes, The FAR allows many flexabllities for structuring contracts.

- Can a FFP contract be structured in a way that the government has no minimum cost obligation?

- Yes, The FAR allows many flexabllities for structuring contracts.

G.3.2 p.25 The first paragraph of this section contains conflicting statements. Please clarify which of the following shall apply:

The contractor will be permitted to invoice the 2.0% average cost incentive fee on a twice a monthly basis

The contractor would invoice the total minimum cost incentive fee in equal increments.

Response: Both are applicable

G3.2 p.26 The amount of the technical performance excellence bonus is not given.

Will it be .25% as it has been in recently issued solicitations?

Response: See Question No. 21

H.6.C p.37 This section indicates that the Prevailing Wage/Minimum Required amounts listed in the table are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) locality based survey data.

These amounts are incorrect based on our BLS research (see source below). Please consider revising.

Source: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_35614.htm which provides BLS salary statistics for the New York- Jersey City-White Plains, NY-NJ Metropolitan area, which by definition includes Edison, NJ.

Question

Response-https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_35614.htm is correct.

L.7 factor 5.d p.84-

Please confirm this narrative detail section is not applicable for CTS as these CLINs are Firm-Fixed-Price sections.

Response-Correct. Narrative Detail is not applicable.

L.6.H, p74 and M.2.A.4, p92

Please confirm if a Past Proposal submission is required from contractors with the minimum number of references in the PPIRs system. The table on page 74 conflicts with the information on page 92.

Response – See Question No. 52

Can you please clarify how many pages we have to respond to the CTS Technical questions as the PowerPoint presentation stated 20 and the RFP stated 10 pages.

Response- Since the Center only has CTS (not OA), the page limit is 10 pages, rather than 20 for a center with both.

During the walkthrough, the swimming pool was surrounded by what appeared to be construction fencing. Is the pool still in use or under repair?

Response – The swimming pool is under repair.

Is there a dental lab on site? It is not clear from the facility survey.

The Wellness Center was not able to be seen completely during the walkthrough as students were being seen in the northern section of the building.

Response – Yes.

C. C.3, C.11 High

School Equivalency (HSE)/High School

Diploma (HSD), Page

Are there any memorandums of understanding (MOU) or cooperative agreements with any entity or entities which result in the award of a high school diploma to students enrolled at the Edison Job Corps Center? If so, will the Government provide copies of such understandings and/or agreements? In addition, do any such memorandums or agreements result in receipt of financial resources to the Center for the operation of a high school diploma program? I f so, what is the annual amount of financial resources received?

Response – Any MOU with outside entities would have to be

Question made by the successful bidder.

C.C3, C.13 Career

Technical Training, Is the Automotive and Machine Repair-Electrical-Electronics Systems-Brakes career technical training offers offered by a National Training Contractor? If so, will the Government provide the staffing pattern for this offering?

Response – See Question No. 10

C.C3, C.13 Career

Technical Training, Is the 24 slot level for Advanced Microsoft MCSE-Windows 7/8 and Advanced CompTIA A+ Technician correct? All information technology offers are listed as 30 slot programs in the PRH.

Response – See question No. 10.

C.C3, C.13 Career

Technical Training, Is the 30 slot level for Advanced Plumbing Sewer and Drain Tech correct? The PRH indicates the offering at 24 slots.

Response – See question No. 10

C.C3, C.13 Career

Technical Training, As to Advanced Plumbing Sewer and Drain Tech, the PRH identifies the program is either delivered by or through Roto Rooter; however, during the site visit, it did not appear Roto Rooter is involved in this offering at Edison. Can the Government clarify the arrangement with Roto Rooter as well as identify whether the offering is delivered by the center operator or a third party?

Response – There is no on-going relationship with Roto Rooter.

The training is center based.

C.C3, C.13 Career

Technical Training, As to Advanced Career Training, Passaic County College, is identified as the provider of such services. Are there any memorandums of understanding (MOU) or cooperative agreements with Passaic County College? If so, will the Government provide copies of such understandings and/or agreements?

Response – See question No. 78

84 C. C.3, C.14 Concurrent Training, Page 14

In the Solicitation, it indicates that concurrent training is applicable to this contract. Are there any memorandums of understanding (MOU) or cooperative agreements with any entity or entities relating to concurrent training? If so, will the Government provide copies of such understandings and/or agreements?

Response – Any MOU would have to be developed by the successful bidder.

85 F. F.4, Place of Performance, Page 23

Given contract requirements include career transition services;

are there identified places where the Government expects the

Question contractor to operate?

Response – In the most efficient and effective locations proposed by the offeror, in addition to American Job Centers.

Pages 13-14 Clarify the number of slots for the on-center advanced plumbing sewer and drain tech program. It does not reconcile to the NOJC master profile or the CTT-10 Report.

Additionally, clarify whether the advanced plumbing sewer and drain tech program is sponsored by Roto-Rooter, as noted on the CTT-10.

Response – See question No. 10.

Pages 25-26

Clarify the methodology used to reconcile the incentive fees.

The RFP states “Annually, the Employment & Training Administration (ETA) will establish and publish the performance range for the upcoming program year (PY)”.

Please advise when this will be provided or if it has been provided, can it be included as part of the solicitation?

Response – This will be provided by the Job Corp National Office when developed.

Additionally, please clarify how the cost incentive fee(s) are allocated (e.g. how does an operator earn the maximum cost incentive fee of 4.0%? What are the target or fee sharing levels?

Response-See Section G.3.2.

Submission requires inclusion of the average technical performance incentive fee (1.2%) and the average cost incentive fee (2.0%) for the purpose of cost analysis and contract award amount. This approach will cause an artificial under-run of 1.2% for unbilled technical performance incentive fee on the center financial report.

Response-See Section G.3.2.

Page 30 Clarify the “Staffing Report from the FMS system” as it relates to paragraph (h)

Fully Burdened Labor: Insert the fully burdened labor rate for each employee for the billing period in Excel format and include the Staffing Report from the FMS system for the billing period.

Is this the ETA 2110s or the Staff Salary Compensation Supplement?

Question

Response-No, it is the staff vacancy report.

Pages 31-32 The RFP has established a rate of $750 for invalid placements.

Since the CTS portion of the resulting contract is a fixed price with 60% for initial placement and 40% for 6-month follow-up, the total proposed liquidated damages appear excessive and appear punitive, as the rates historically were developed based on the average placement costs.

Since an invalid placement would not be subject to a 6-month follow-up, please consider the impact on the full burden of liquidated damages, and consider modifying the rate to 60% of the unit cost, as determined by award.

Response-Please refer to Section G.10 Job Corps Measures 2nd & 4th Quarter follow-up placements.

Please validate that the 6 month follow-up uses the 2nd Quarter measure.

JCRO – Yes, references to 6 and 12 month follow-ups mean 2nd and 4th Quarter Follow-ups.

Page 32 DOL has established a not to exceed vacancy rate of 4%. The most recent Rolling-12 Month Vacancy Report shows the average vacancy rate at all contract centers of 9.2% through 10/31/17. The higher vacancy rate is attributed to low-OBS across the nation, as a result of lower prospects associated with limited to no investment in media advertising.

The RFP further states that “Damages will be assessed at the rate of 50 percent of the value specified for the vacant position from days 31 through 60. Damages will be assessed at the full value specified for the vacant positions after 60 days. Damages will be assessed and subtracted from a subsequent voucher.

Since vacancies do not add to the cost of operation, we believe the damages are punitive. Similar to the model for low OBS, the government should include requirements in PRH Appendix 502 and the ETA 2110 that provides for a “minimum expected under-run” associated with the language provided for staff vacancies. This would assure the government that funds are available to recover without punitive damages. Should the operator experience a deficit in OBS or Vacancy rates, those deficits will be considered as part of the cost incentive fee reconciliation. Please advise. Response-Please refer to Section G.12

91 Page 37 The prevailing wages outlined appear excessive in comparison

Question to the negotiated collective bargaining agreement in the local school district. For instance, an academic teacher’s prevailing wages at the Edison Job Corps Center, would place them on Step 11 of 13 of the current negotiated Salary Guide. We could not identify comparative BLS data for the various positions.

Please clarify.

Response-Section H.6 is correct.

The chart includes an asterisks (*) stating – “*These minimum required wage rates apply only to those employees that are not covered under the Service Contract Act wage requirements.” Wage Determination No. 2015-4193 Rev 3, dated 7/25/2017 lists Security Guard II at $19.18 per hour or $39,894.40 per year. The Prevailing Rate is listed at $45,312.

This would imply that it would be in the government’s best interest if operators subcontracted security guards at the SCA rate in lieu of paying prevailing rates. Please confirm

Response-Section H.6 is correct.

PRH Exhibit 5-3 lists the minimum qualification for the recently established Residential Counselor, which are identical to those the Counselor. The exception is within the duties, in which the Residential Counselor manages dormitory living, and the (guidance) Counselor conducts career technical/academic, social, and personal and career development counseling.

We understand that “The Residential Advisor position will be phased out with the award of each new center contract.” The impact will cause the immediate layoff of approximately 25 or more current employees, with experience and institutional knowledge, which may be perceived as a violation of Executive Order No.13495, and that if the contractor, as a result of such direction, becomes involved in litigation with a former center employee, or is threatened with such involvement, should the contractor request that the United States enter into such litigation to protect the interests of both the contractor and the United States?

Response: The question is unclear and we are unable to answer it at this time.

Question

Additionally, while the minimum qualifications for the two positions are identical, the duties are much different. Please clarify why prevailing (minimum) wages are the same.

Response: The question is unclear and we are unable to answer it at this time, Page 46 Section H.26 indicates “For those solicitations posted through the Small Business Administration’s SUB-Net at -https://www.sba.gov/contracting/finding-governmentcustomers/subcontracting/sub-net the Prime Contractor shall include the following statement: “THIS IS A SUBCONTRACTING OPPORTUNITY” in all subcontract solicitations.” However, it does not include restrictions on the use of FBO. Since the implementation of SUB-Net, we have not received any inquiries, offers, proposal, quotes, or bids from small businesses. We have seen Job Corps Centers using FBO to post requirements, such as Long Beach Job Corps Center, Carville Job Corps Academy, Carrasco Job Corps Center, Los Angeles Job Corps Center and others posting requirements.

Has the restriction on the use of FBO by Job Corps operations been lifted? Please advise.

Response-No

Page 47 The RFP indicates “The Government may reimburse direct costs under the subject contract for staff training that is unique to, and directly benefits, the Job Corps Program.” The narrative goes on further to state, “In the event of a conflict, this clause supersedes and takes precedence over any provisions contained in the PRH as well as the contractor’s proposal in connection with staff training.”

PRH Exhibit 5-4 outlines the required staff training that is unique to the Job Corps Program. While most of the training can be provided by operators, many of the OSHA course required for safety are offered by OSHA, NFPA or other organization. Regardless of the type of training requested, our experience is that any and all training request are being summarily dismissed or disapproved at the COR level.

Many operators have been paying for these training requirements through indirect cost pools to ensure compliance. Since the training is a direct benefit to the https://www.sba.gov/contracting/finding-governmentcustomers/subcontracting/sub-net https://www.sba.gov/contracting/finding-governmentcustomers/subcontracting/sub-net

Question center/program, why is DOL disapproving such requests, only to be billed through higher and capped indirect cost pools.

Please clarify expectations regarding meeting the training requirements of PRH Exhibit 5-4 and which costs should be included within the business management proposal for line #27 or should we leave that line blank.

Response- It is up to the contractor to propose whatever costs they anticipate. The contractor must receive prior written approval by the Contracting Officer for all staff training for which a contractor seeks reimbursement as a direct cost. The contractor assumes the risk that its training costs will be disallowed by DOL for failure to obtain prior written approval from the Contracting Officer. In the event of a conflict, this clause supersedes and takes precedence over any provisions contained in the PRH as well as the contractor’s proposal in connection with staff training.

Page 55 Please clarify whether the intent of incorporating FAR 52.216-4 is solely related to a contractor adjustment proposal, or whether there is a literal requirement that notice is to be provide for each change in rates of pay, including fringe or the cost of supplies and materials. Taken literally, this clause may require daily notice reflecting salary changes of staff turnover, benefit enrollment, and non-labor supplies and materials.

Response- The intent of incorporating this clause is to accurately reflect the contractor requirements for Economic Price Adjustments that was updated in January 2017.

Page 56 The J-3 does not include cost information for options to extend as noted in FAR 52.217-8. Section L is silent regarding the matter. Please clarify whether DOL expects operators to provide a 2110 detail for the option extension period.

Response- A narrative justification for each line item of the ETA 2110, Attachment J.3, is required for all contract years. Include all explanatory narratives and necessary calculations showing how costs are determined. Please note that for option years, the contractor only has to provide a narrative where the rational and justification for the option year costs differs from the base period costs

Page 58 The language in the RFP may need to be updated. On

September 20, 2016, the Department of Labor published a Notice in the Federal Register to announce that, beginning

Question

January 1, 2017, the Executive Order 13658 minimum wage rate is increased to $10.20 per hour (81 FR 64513). This Executive Order minimum wage rate generally must be paid to workers performing work on or in connection with covered contracts. Additionally, beginning January 1, 2017 Response – This Executive Order was considered in this RFP.

Wage Comparability was discussed under H.6.

Page 60 Attachment J-12 only includes the estimated daily average cost, which is assumed to include electric, water, and natural gas. Please clarify why the monthly detailed breakout of costs for electric, water, and natural gas was not included. We request the cost and usage data from Energy Watchdog be provided to ensure the costs are fair and reasonably stated for the utilities. Otherwise, please validate the cost per day provide so that it can be used as a basis.

Response- The information contained in J-12 is valid.

Page 74 Clarify requirement for submission of 20 pages under “Past Performance.” Under Section L7 and M4, it appears that the information is a duplicate of the requirements under “Relevant Experience.” Please provide clarification regarding expectations of the 20 page Past Performance narrative, as it appears the evaluation is taken solely from outside (e.g. PPRIS, OMS, Questionnaires, etc.) sources.

Response – Relevant Experience and Past Performance are two different areas and require separate responses.

Pages 78-79 Subfactors 1C Element 4 and 1F Element 4 along with Subfactors 1C Element 1 and 1F Element 5 are nearly identical.

Since this is a joint Center/CTS contract which hopefully will result in unified activities, and considering the 10 page limitation on the CTS portion, would DOL consider removing the duplication, or it is expected that different approaches be offered for center and CTS operations?

Response – The 10 page CTS response should be in answer to Subfactor 1F – Career Transition Services.

What is DOL’s development plan for Edison?

Response – There is no separate plan for Edison other than performing at a high level with a full capacity in a safe and secure environment.

When was the last facility survey completed and what were the findings?

Response – The last survey was in July 2017.

What are the immediate repairs and renovations that DOL will be funding?

Response – There are no major projects anticipated at this

Question time, however as with any older facility, this could change at any time.

Will the winning management operator, be responsible for the removal of the out dated buildings and any expense that will occur due to this removal?

Response – If a decision is made to remove outdated buildings, the removal will be funded with CRA funds.

What is the trade mix plan for the future, and if there is none, then will it be reviewed?

Response – this decision has not yet been made.

Is the center’s OBS the norm for the term of the contract?

Response – The OBS is what was stated in the RFP. The OBS will remain until it is changed by the National Office.

What is the 2016 utility cost and facility maintenance cost for the center and may we receive copies of these costs?

Response – The Utilities cost can be found on attachment J-12.

Understanding that the “center operated trades” have a shorter certification completions period than do the external DOL approved programs such as HBI and other buildings unions, may we have documents showing the certifications requirements of these programs?

Response – The Center-based trades do not necessarily take shorter periods to complete than the NTC trades.

Certifications for all trades can be found in the Job Corps Community website.

Are additional funds provided for advanced trades and health care trades since these programs have high operating cost?

Response – These programs are funded at required costs.

Could DOL provide Staffing levels, based on security staffing, and residential staff, based on 417 students on attending the campus daily.

Response – It is up to the Offeror to determine required staff levels.

Are there any after daily session of trainings and trades, programs that students participants can participate in, if so by who?

Response – it would be up to the offeror to determine what to propose for after-hour programming.