17R00011_Amendment_1.pdf

CTT training programs-Electrical 1630DC-17-R-00011

August 21, 2017

NOTICE TO ALL OFFERORS

REFERENCE: AMENDMENT NO. 1

RFP 1630DC-17-R-00011

Additional information has been requested by prospective offerors and it has been determined by the Contracting Officer that this information is made available to all bidders. The closing date and time for the receipt of proposals remains September 5, 2017, 2:00 p.m. local time.

Attachment(s)

CTT training programs-Electrical 1630DC-17-R-00011

RFP RESPONSES TO REQUEST FOR CLARIFICATION QUESTIONS

1. PAGE 5

D. Centers, Programs, and Slots

The NTC shall provide contracted career technical training programs in conformity with the following number of centers (including agency centers), programs, and slots:

NTC Centers Programs Slots

Awardee 67 107 2840

Our analysis of the of the Program Offerings table shows that the total number of programs assigned are 118 plus Francis Perkins WBL when including the double and triple clusters. The

Fred G. Acosta Center shows one Building Construction Technology (BCT) program which is actually closed, however, the Region has requested that this program be transferred to Timber

Lake Job Corps Center. Also, the Homestead BCT slots were to be transferred to Shreveport which is now showing as a 48 slot BCT program. However, due to the lack of facility space the nd

Shreveport BCT program was never realized. Subsequently, we have been awaiting approval for the 24 Homestead BCT slots to be transferred to one of two programs approved in Region I for start-up being Edison HBI HVAC and New Haven HBI Plumbing. Should we include the cost of this program in our Cost Estimate?

A: Yes. The government will review each proposal based on the number of training programs listed in the RFP.

2. PAGE 9

C.2 PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

A. Reporting

(l) NTC Operational plan – The NTC shall develop, in conjunction with centers and regional offices, as appropriate, an annual NTC Operational Plan and submit it to the Job Corps National

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) within 90 days of the report template being available following final contract award in the base year.

The above paragraph mentions a report template will be available following the contract award.

We have submitted an operation plan in the past but did not have a template. Is this something new and should we wait to receive the template before preparing an operation plan?

A: As stated above, the report template will be available within 90 days after final contract award. This does not apply to current contracts.

CTT training programs-Electrical 1630DC-17-R-00011

3. PAGE 11

B. Requirements for NTC Programs and Services

(8) Center Curriculum Development

Standards Based Education and Training – The NTC shall fully support the advancement to standards-based education and training across all Job Corps Centers. When fully integrated, centers will have incorporated some or all of the following components: Industry or CTT

Foundations courses, student cohorts, evening studies, revised career technical training schedules for students, multi-step instruction for students, and assigned collaboration time for staff. NTC staff will be required to participate in the associated staff development sessions and collaborative meetings, as applicable. The NTC will work collaboratively with the Job Corps centers, Job

Corps Regional Offices, and National Office staff to implement required Job Corps policies applicable to NTC career technical training providers.

The above paragraph includes several ambitious initiatives that generates the following questions for NTC responsibility and expectation.

1. Will cohorts be implemented in the construction trades with specific graduation dates?

2. Will NTC instructors be required to be available for evening classes?

3. Will the construction trade 8-hour training day be eliminated for new training schedules

(i.e. cohorts)?

A: The key terminology in the text above is “…support…” and “When fully integrated…” The government will address the individual concerns listed on an ad hoc basis.

4. PAGE 12

C. Staff Qualifications

Field staff/coordinators are expected to have the same teaching and technical credentials and capabilities as instructors [illustrated in C (3)]. They shall attain and maintain industry or employer specific certifications or credentials required by specific partnerships.

Field staff/coordinators are expected to have the same teaching and technical capabilities as instructors but is it mandatory that they maintain the same technical credentials as some credentials such as the OSHA 500/502 have to be renewed at a high cost?

Under this requirement, for some the financial burden will be of no benefit as not all field staff conduct training under the above-mentioned credential.

A: The government’s expectation is that field staff/coordinators have the same level of teaching credentials as the instructors they manage. It’s most important for the instructors to have the credentials they are trying to ensure students attain.

CTT training programs-Electrical 1630DC-17-R-00011

5. PAGES 12/13

C. Staff Qualifications

(3) Career Technical Instructors

(E) Background Investigations

All NTC instructors and field staff shall meet all federal, state and local law requirements for background investigations that are mandatory for center-operated staff working with children and youth. Center operators may opt to pay for the background investigations of NTC instructors and include them as part of the center’s obligation. However, it is the NTC’s choice whether to accept. If the NTC chooses to process an investigation internally, the request must be submitted immediately, so as to coincide with the timing of the center staff clearances. Whenever a new center contract begins, NTC instructors will be required to provide an updated background check (current within last11 months) as a condition of being rehired. NTCs must notify the COR of any such activity as it occurs on respective campuses.

Will an NTC be reimbursed for required background investigations due to new center operators or should an estimated cost for background investigations required due to new center operator contracts be included in our price and cost analysis?

A: The costs for background investigations required due to new center operator contracts should be included in the offeror’s price and cost analysis.

6. PAGE 13

3) Career Technical Instructors

D) Ability to work with the eligible youth population - All instructors must have the interest, desire, experience, and ability to work patiently and effectively with youth from various economic, social, and cultural backgrounds regardless of their race, sex, national origin, or religious preference. Instructors must also have the willingness and ability to effectively teach students with disabilities.

If specialized instructor training is necessary to effectively teach disabled students will the cost of the training be an allowable expense?

A: No.

7. PAGE 14

D. Professional Development

(l) Staff Training – Professional development tied to industry, licensing/credentials, or teaching certifications shall not be charged to this contract.

Does the above statement apply to a current offered benefit for an annual Tuition Reimbursement allotment of up to $1,200 for courses directly related to professional growth?

A: Benefits described are at the sole cost of the offeror.

CTT training programs-Electrical 1630DC-17-R-00011

8. PAGE 14

E. Staff Responsibilities

(1) Senior Leaders

Submit an annual travel plan for approval by the contracting officer. Plans must be structured by ETA/Job Corps region, efficiently targeting resources. Center visits that require air travel will be limited to one per year for programs performing at a “B” or higher. Each region should also be budgeted for 2 unexpected visits annually. These estimates will account for instructor turnover, industry representative visits to centers or partnering facilities, requests for meetings with center directors, and any other approved travel category.

As demonstrated this past year projecting annual travel to specific sites is impossible due to unanticipated program situations that warrant priority. Utilizing our average turnover data we estimate a minimum of 14 vacancies during the first contract period. In consideration of interviews and new instructor training and the number of training programs at 118 can the 2 allowed unexpected visits be increased to 8 per Region?

A: The government will consider such requests on an ad hoc basis.

Submit an annual training plan for approval from the contracting officer, which covers all staff training, as well as individual requirements for instructors.

An annual general staff assembly of all our National staff, field coordinators and instructors for the purpose of providing training in safety, DOL/NTC Policy, exceeding minimum performance outcomes, all new industry technologies, tools, products, installation techniques, IT training resources etc. will better enable us to meet the travel requirements in the above first bullet while providing an essential and critical component for success. Can we budget for an annual general assembly of all our Job Corps staff?

A: Training, and travel associated with the training, will be reimbursed in accordance with clause

C.1.C., Governing Regulations and Handbook.

9. PAGE 18

C.3 PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT

B. Registered Apprenticeship Placements

The following Registered Apprenticeship placement requirements will be instituted and mandatory for this contract:

CONTRACT YEAR MANDITORY PERCENTAGE OF NTC

GRADUATES PLACED IN REGISTERED

APPRENTICESHIPS

Base Year 20%

Option Year 1 20%

CTT training programs-Electrical 1630DC-17-R-00011

Option Year 2 25%

Option Year 3 25%

Option Year 4 25%

Unlike other building trades such as carpentry, painting and brick, registered apprenticeship opportunities for our largest training program, Building Construction Technology (BCT), has a substantially less pool of registered apprenticeship programs from which to secure apprenticeship positions. Our landscaping and HVAC programs also fall into the low apprenticeable category. The combination of the 3 programs equates to over 50% of our program offerings. Please note that BCT, HVAC and landscaping do offer positions with high starting wages and excellent opportunities for career advancement.

In consideration of the above, can the mandatory percentage of graduates placed in registered apprenticeships be lowered by 10% across contract year periods and is there a penalty if the goal is not met?

A: No.

10. PAGE 25

C.9 ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

C. Time Sheet Verification

The center director, or his/her designee, shall sign weekly time sheets verifying the NTC instructor’(s) time on center.

All our staff submit their hourly weekly time electronically. Their immediate supervisor must approve all timesheets before processing can begin. This efficient and cost-effective method also meets green standards. In consideration of the above, Time Sheet Verification process, how will the center director or his/her designee capture this information and to whom will they submit it?

In addition, will the instructor have an opportunity to sign off on what the center recorded?

A: The government will allow electronic signature/approval of instructor timesheets. All discrepancies in timesheet verification will be handled by the COR on an ad hoc basis.

11. PAGE 30

G.1 METHOD OF PAYMENT

The contractor shall bill the Government in arrears for work performed under the contract at intervals of no more than once every month. Invoices shall be submitted concurrently to the payment office and the COR.

Compare language in the above PAGE 30/G.1 METHOD OF PAYMENT to language immediately below in PAGE 48/ I.3 52.216-7 ALLOWABLE COST AND PAYMENT (JUN

2013).

CTT training programs-Electrical 1630DC-17-R-00011

A: Section B.2 and Section G.1 are corrected to state, “The contractor shall bill the Government in arrears for work performed under the contract at intervals of no more than once every 2 weeks.”

12. PAGE 48

I.3 52.216-7 ALLOWABLE COST AND PAYMENT (JUN 2013)

(a) Invoicing.

The Government will make payments to the Contractor when requested as work progresses, but

(except for small business concerns) not more often than once every 2 weeks, in amounts determined to be allowable by the Contracting Officer in accordance with Federal Acquisition

Regulation (FAR) Subpart 31.2 in effect on the date of this contract and the terms of this contract.

The Contractor may submit to an authorized representative of the Contracting Officer, in such form and reasonable detail as the representative may require, an invoice or voucher supported by a statement of the claimed allowable cost for performing this contract

The information on page 30 appears to contradict the information on page 48. Can we bill twice a month (the 15 th and 30 th or 31 st

A: Section B.2 and Section G.1 are corrected to state, “The contractor shall bill the Government in arrears for work performed under the contract at intervals of no more than once every 2 weeks.”

13. PAGE 43

H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.34 REIMBURSEMENT OF TRAINING COSTS

The Government may reimburse direct costs under the subject contract for staff training that is unique to, and directly benefits, the Job Corps Program. Training initiated or hosted by the Government where contractor attendance is required may also be reimbursed as a direct cost under the contract. However, costs incurred by a contractor for staff training, including but not limited to, the maintenance of staff skills and qualifications, may be included in the contractor’s indirect cost pool, if reasonable, allowable, allocable, and approved by the contractor’s Federal cognizant agency.

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.

https://www.acquisition.gov/sites/default/files/current/far/html/Subpart%2031_2.html#wp1095552

CTT training programs-Electrical 1630DC-17-R-00011

H.34, Reimbursement of Training Costs provides consideration for allowed training expenses that are otherwise disallowed under D. Professional Development that states:

(l) Staff Training – Professional development tied to industry, licensing/credentials, or teaching certifications shall not be charged to this contract.

The Journey level pool of building trade employees from which the NTCs hire their instructors do not nor are they required to be in possession of OSHA-500/502 certification that would enable them to provide certified OSHA 10 training while working in the field. Nor do they have or need to possess any type of teaching credential in their respective industry. Funding for training to acquire these critical credentials has always been provided through the NTC contract.

To hold prospective employees financially responsible for obtaining and maintaining these credentials is not practical.

Considering the above and especially the critical addition the OSHA 10 certificate would offer our students in obtaining trade related employment including apprenticeship and higher wages can funding for OSHA-500/502 and instructor industry certification be allowed?

A: The government makes no changes to the text of the RFP as related to this topic. The government does not expect prospective employees to personally bear the cost of training.

Offerors shall address how they intend to ensure qualified, credentialed staff.

14. PAGE 1

STANDARD FORM 33

What is the depository address in Item 9 on the Standard Form 33?

A: 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Room N-4643, Washington DC 20210.

15. PAGE 75

Section M.1 Evaluation of Proposals states: All evaluation factors, expect for cost, will be adjectivally rated.

A: This statement is deleted from the solicitation.

16. PAGE 75

Section M.2 Order of Importance of evaluation factors states: The evaluation factors listed in descending order of importance are as follows.

A: This statement is changed to state: The evaluation factors are as follows.

17. PAGE 71

Section L.7 Instructions For Proposal Submission, Proposal Section Content, Past

Performance states: The evaluation will include the past performance of offerors in complying with subcontracting plan goals for small disadvantaged business (SDB) concerns, monetary targets for SDB participation and notifications submitted under

FAR part 19.1202-4(b).

CTT training programs-Electrical 1630DC-17-R-00011

A: This paragraph is deleted from the solicitation.

18. PAGE 77

Section M.3 Evaluation Factors, Past Performance states: The evaluation may include the past performance of offerors in complying with subcontracting plan goals for small disadvantaged business (SDB) concerns, monetary targets for SDB participation and notifications submitted under FAR part 19.1202-4(b).

A: This paragraph is deleted from the solicitation.

19. PAGE 10

Section C - DESCRIPTIONS/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK, C.2

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS, B. Requirements for NTC Programs and Services, (4)

Placement Services

The NTC shall ensure that graduates of the transportation service worker, rail mechanical service worker, and machinist programs are knowledgeable of what constitutes a job-training match within those industries, and assist students in seeking advanced training, applying for full-time employment in the field they have been trained, or pursuing a career in the U.S.

Armed Forces.

This NTC is carpentry and construction.

A: Replace “transportation service worker, rail mechanical service worker, and machinist programs” with “electrical, facilities maintenance, HVAC, landscaping and plumbing programs”.