Amendment 1 RFP 1630DC-20-R-00020.pdf

(x)

1630DC-20-R-00020

x x copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted ; or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT

THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted , such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

x

Washington DC 20210

ETA OCM NATIONAL

Room N-4643 200 Constitution Ave, NW Office of Contracts Management US Department of Labor

04/06/20200001

13. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO MODIFICATION OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS. IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) is not extended.is extended, Items 8 and 15, and returning

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended , by one of the following methods: (a) By completing

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

FACILITY CODE CODE

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

CODE

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)

7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6)CODE 6. ISSUED BY

PAGE OF PAGES

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.3. EFFECTIVE DATE2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

04/06/2020

CHECK ONE A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority) appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not, is required to sign this document and return __________________ copies to the issuing office.

ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

Amendment 1, with;

1) Questions and Answers for RFP 1630DC-20-R-00020,

2) Revised SECTION B, Pricing Tables, Page 27,

3) Updated Transmittal Letter requirements, Page 30, and

4) Addition of FAR Clause 52.204.17 into the RFP, Page 30.

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

15C. DATE SIGNED 16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR 16C. DATE SIGNED

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

Tova C. Stein

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 10-83)

Prescribed by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

NSN 7540-01-152-8070

Previous edition unusable

The RFP Response due date of TUESDAY, 04/28/2002, 12 PM NOON EST remains the same.

Continued ...

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9 A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect .

TEL: EMAIL: 202-693-4575 STEIN.TOVA.C@DOL.GOV

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR

2 35

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

1630DC-20-R-00020/0001

(See Continuation Page)

NSN 7540-01-152-8067 OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

Sponsored by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.110

Vendor Questions and Answers for RFP - 1630DC-20-R-00020 for Expansion of Registered Apprenticeship Program through Industry Intermediaries

CONTINUATION PAGE

Question 1

Are wage scales based on market data? Many employers are uncomfortable with sharing employee salary data.

a. Pg 29- “ Offer consultation and share industry resources on the development of RAP standards and the launch of approved RAPs, including: a) Train-the-trainer activities; b) On-the-job training outlines; c) Curricula or related instruction and/or outlines; d) Equal Employment Opportunity requirements; and e) Wage scales, etc.”

Answer 1

Ultimately, all RAP program standards are registered through the Office of Apprenticeship or State Apprenticeship Agencies. As part of the RAP standards development, the Office of Apprenticeship staff will work directly with Intermediaries and Registered Apprenticeship sponsors in developing RAP standards. Questions related to wage scale and other elements of RAP standards element will addressed during the process.

Question 2

a) Can we be in contracts with the RAP providers as a curriculum provider while being an intermediary?

b) Can we also be an ETA?

c) How are we expected to navigate potential conflicts of interest?

Answer 2

a) Yes, a contractor can serve the role of both training provider and an Intermediary.

b) ETA does not have sufficient information to respond to this question.

c) If the offeror has potential conflicts of interest they must be disclosed in the proposal and the offer must include an avoidance and/or mitigation plan for how they intend to avoid or mitigate any conflicts. The plan should be included as part of the price proposal file and does not count toward any page count.

Question 3

Can the intermediary be an apprenticeship sponsor too?

Answer 3

Yes, if the offeror has no unmitigated or avoided potential conflict of situation at the time.

Question 4

a) What is incentive funding vs. contract funding?

b) Is incentive funding for potential apprenticeship providers?

Answer 4

a) Incentive funding is a portion of the contract funding, embedded as a budget line item.

The incentive funding provides flexibility to a Contractor to work with employers, joint labor management organizations, or industry associations (or other partners included in a multi-employer partnership) via a sub-contract to directly fund new Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) in targeted industries serving under-represented populations. See SOW Task 9 for additional information.

b) b) Incentive funding may be used to fund potential RAPs partners such as employers, joint labor management organizations, or industry associations (or other partners included in a multi-employer partnership). See SOW Task 9 for additional information.

Question 5

a) What should incentive funding be used for?

b) What are the key goals and intended outcomes for this funding?

Answer 5

See response to Question 4, and Task 9 of the RFP.

Question 6

a) A task is to “Conduct a minimum of 250 individual outreach and informational sessions per year to employers, labor organizations. Conduct a minimum of 100 outreach and informational sessions per year to other stakeholder organizations. Conduct a minimum of 120 outreach and informational sessions per year to Minority-serving organizations.”

What counts as outreach?

b) There are only ~260 days in the year, are we expected to host information sessions for 250 days?

c) How will we be expected to track outreach and its impact?

Answer 6

a) Outreach and informational sessions include, but are not limited to, in-person meetings, conference presentations, employer engagement convenings, etc. Additionally, outreach and information session may also be virtual engagements (e.g. teleconference, video teleconference, etc.) and email marketing. The Department expectation is that both in-person and virtual outreach be utilized as a means of expanding Registered Apprenticeship.

b) See response to question 6a.

c) Contractors will be expected to track whether outreach and information sessions led to engagement and RAP adoption via utilization of the Office of Apprenticeship’s Salesforce platform.

Question 7

How should we measure that we are reaching underserved populations?

Answer 7

Section D.1 of the RFP defines under-represented population as a persons with disabilities, women, Veterans, persons currently or formerly incarcerated, youth, minorities (i.e., Indian and Native Americans, Hispanic, African Americans, among others), and others depending on the industry and specific occupations. Fifty percent of the new Registered Apprentices enrolled must meet one of this characteristic. During the reporting of new enrollment of apprentices, sponsors (through awarded contracts) will report the characteristics of apprentices via a specified DOL system. Additionally, the Contractor will provide data on its outreach and services to under-represented populations via monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.

Question 8

For emerging, high-demand sectors (such as advanced manufacturing) what is expected in outlining skills for new types of work that do not exist in DOL systems yet (for which there might not be an O*NET code)?

Answer 8

For new and emerging high-demand occupations that do not have an O*NET code, RAPs partners will work with the Office of Apprenticeship to process the approval of these occupations.

Question 9

For emerging, high demand jobs that do not have an O*NET code or industry credential (such as jobs in advanced manufacturing), are intermediaries empowered to create credentials with industry groups or third-party evaluators?

Answer 9

See response to Question 8.

Question 10

a. Training through virtual reality simulations is not covered in the language. In discussions with the DOL it may be considered instruction or work-based learning. For new learning mediums and technologies, how will hours in these trainings be aligned with apprenticeship requirements?

b. How should we address this when describing our staff experience and qualifications?

Answer 10

a. ETA intends to review the feasibility of virtual reality simulations trainings under RAPs, and will provide guidance (including training hour requirements) to Contractors following its review.

b. Vendor should address in its proposal its experience with developing and/or implementing a virtual reality training options that meet the requirements of RAPs.

Question 11

For newer organizations, can staff and leadership’s previous experience be counted towards organization capacity and experience?

Answer 11

Yes. Previous experience relevant to a particular task can be counted towards organization capacity and experience.

Question 12

a. For the staffing structure, may an organization utilize current employees and plan on hiring others to fulfil the contract upon winning it?

b. Are organizations expected to have the full staff capacity in place?

Answer 12

Yes, at the point of contract award, key personnel must be identified. Contractor is expected to be at full staff capacity at time of award.

Question 13

Will participating in this program as an intermediary preclude an organization from being an IRAP SRE or IRAP sponsor?

Answer 13

No. Additional guidance will be provided by ETA regarding a contractor implementing both RAPs and IRAPs simultaneously. Note that these funds cannot be used to support IRAP.

Question 14

What is the limit or range for the allowed request per year?

Answer 14

ETA does not have sufficient information to address this question.

Question 15

We noticed that there is not a budget line item for partners or subcontractors and no budget for G&A. Is it possible to include those items?

Answer 15

The following paragraph and Example are hereby added after the 1st paragraph for Section a, Pricing Response –Factor E, page 42 of the RFP.

Subcontractor/partner pricing shall not be listed under Other Direct Costs. The Subcontractor/partner price shall be listed under one of the Direct Labor Categories with their Hourly Labor Rate given for the Quoter W2 Employee. See CLIN 0004 Example Below, Subject Matter Expert Labor Category; Quoter uses a Subcontractor A and Subcontractor B in this Labor Category, and the total hours for CLIN 0004 must now equal the total Original hours given in the RFP Pricing Table for CLIN 0004 Quoters W2 employee. If a Quoter does not use a W2 Employee for a CLIN, and instead uses only Subcontractors, the CLIN , W2 Employee Labor Category and Hourly Labor Rate must still be given, with the number of hours = Zero(0), and the total hours for the CLIN must still equal the total Original hours given in the RFP Pricing Table for that CLIN. G&A is not allowed in this Time & Materials contract, reference is the FAR clause for payment under Time & Materials contracts

Note: All Subcontractors/Consultants that are given in the offeror’s response pricing table, must be listed in the offeror’s transmittal letter, per page 39 instructions. The offeor pricing submission(s) for all of their Subcontractors/Consultants must be viable reasonable pricing.

CLIN 0004 EXAMPLE - Applies to all 4 pricing Tables, (2 year base, 1st Option year thru 3rd Option year)

2 YR BASE YEAR

DIRECT LABOR

CLIN Direct Labor Category Quantity Estimated Number of

Hours

Hourly Labor Rates

Total Cost

0001 Project Director 1 260

0002 Project Manager 1 3,000

Sr. Subject Matter

Expert 1 2,400

0004a Subject Matter Expert 1 2,400

0004b Subcontractor A 1 1,000 xxx

0004b Subcontractor B 1 1,000 yyy Total Hours for CLIN

0004 4,400

0005 Analyst 1 4,000

0006 Facilitator 1 1,000

Marketing & Business Development

Specialist 1 4,400

0008 Web Developer 1 2,240

Clerical/ Admin

Support 1 1,250

Total Direct Labor 22,950

OTHER DIRECT COSTS (ODC's)

0010 Supplies & Materials

Not to Exceed

(NTE) $7,000.00

0011 Travel NTE $60,000.00

0012 Incentive Funding NTE $800,000.00

Total ODC's & Travel $867,000.00

Total Direct Labor, ODC's & Travel

***List any Assumptions/Conditions

Question 16

Can we exceed or change the number of hours allocated per staff? Is there a cap on the total number of hours across all roles? Can we change roles or add roles outside of the four key personnel?

Answer 16

No, A response submitted by an offeror with altered/changed Positions or Position Qualifications from those given on pages 35 and 36 of the RFP will not be accepted.

Question 17

RFP, pg 24, - Task 2 Task 2 includes “250 individual outreach and informational sessions per year. Are multiple mediums, specifically, teleconferences, VTC, and web-based virtual engagements acceptable forms of engagement?

Answer 17

See response to Question 6.

Question 18

RFP - Is there currently an incumbent company supporting this initiative prior to the expansion effort?

Answer 18

Yes.

Question 19 RFP pg 41, Past Performance (Requestor) is a consulting company specializing in workforce development strategies. As a result, consult and solutions architecture are our primary competencies. (Requestor) lacks the past performance provisions requested within the RFP however, we have established a consortium of partners very aligned to the Department of Labor requirement. Would the government consider our subcontract partners’ past performance as representative of (Requestor’s) capabilities to execute this work?

Answer 19

No, See page 41 of the RFP; “Offerors, via references, shall submit up to three (3) past performance evaluations. If a subcontractor(s) is proposed, 2 of the 3 references shall be for the prime contractor and the remaining 1shall be for the subcontractor”.

Question 20

Does the release of this solicitation mean that the current Industry Intermediary contracts will be terminated or affect that existing contract in any way?

Answer 20

ETA will address the status of current Industry Intermediary contracts with those vendors if they are awarded contracts under this solicitation.

Question 21

Are current Industry Intermediary contractors permitted to submit a proposal under this solicitation?

Answer 21

Yes.

Question 22

If existing Industry Intermediary contractors are permitted to submit a proposal under this solicitation, can they propose to work in the same industry as their existing contract?

Answer 22

Yes.

Question 23

a. The RFP states an expectation that 50% of apprentices enrolled should be from underrepresented populations. This would be easier to achieve in some sectors than others. Will DOL consider refining the metric to give consideration to the current percentage of apprentices within a given industry who are from underrepresented populations?

b. For example, would DOL consider changing from 50% of all apprentices enrolled to an increase of 50% relative to the current apprentice composition

Answer 23

a. No. Service to under-represented populations is a goal identified through the RFP.

Recruitment efforts for serving under-represented population should be focused both nationally and regionally in order to meet this goal. Additionally, incentive funding may be used to support strategies that increase RAP opportunities for under-represented populations.

b. No. ETA identified the metric goals based on current Registered Apprentice data target.

Question 24

Section B of the solicitation and the instructions on page 42 provide guidance on pricing, specifying the total number of hours and allocations by labor category. Will the government consider allowing bidders to adjust the number of estimated hours assigned to each labor category? That is, keep the total number of hours per year fixed at 11,475 but permit bidders to adjust the hours for particular roles in the project to reflect their technical approaches?

Answer 24

No, See Question 16, Answer 16.

Question 25

The proposal on page 42 indicates that more than one person can be bid in each labor category but the descriptions of key and non-key personnel on pages 35 and 36 imply one individual per category. Could you please confirm that more than one individual may be bid in each category or clarify if there are any specific limitations for any of the positions?

Answer 25

Yes, more than one individual may be bid for each position within the nine (9) Labor Categories.

Question 26

(Requestor) is partnered with The City University of New York (CUNY) and several healthcare employer-partners including all of the partners of the Continuing Care Leadership Coalition (CCLC) to train and place healthcare professionals, primarily LPN's and CNA's, across New York City. The partners were launching this program based on the incredibly successful Apprentice program training and placing CHW's and CRPA's on Staten Island when COVID-19 took the city hostage. Long question short: (Requestor) and our partners are prepared to train and place 1500 Apprentices across NYC's five boroughs. This does not meet the three State requirement of the RFP but given NYC's size and current need, we are wondering if an exception can be made for the (Requestor)?

Answer 26

No. As stated in RFP Section D.3 Objectives, Note 1: The Department’s overall goal under this contract opportunity is for Registered Apprenticeship Intermediaries to launch, promote, and expand multi-employer Registered Apprenticeship models regionally (3 or more states) or nationally with employers and/or other sponsors.

Question 27

Is the DOL looking for new partners to train and place Apprentices, and promote RAP, or focused primarily on bolstering current grantees?

Answer 27

Yes.

Question 28

Page 38- states that “The total size of an offerors electronic response, including all the files required for this response, shall not exceed Twelve (12) Megabytes.” Would it be acceptable to break up the submission into 2 emails (one technical and one business/price) to keep the size of the emails down? If so, would it be ok to go over the 12 Megabytes limit, as long as each email is under the 12 Megabytes?

Answer 28

No, there shall be one electronic submission per offeror, not exceeding 12 Megabytes.

Question 29

Solicitation section E.1.4 (Instructions for Past Performance, Pricing Response, and Reps and Certs) (b) Pricing Response Factor E (page 42) states that Offerors shall provide their Labor Category Descriptions and Hourly Rates that most closely match the Labor Category Descriptions given in this Request for Proposal (RFP) Pricing Table. Can DOL kindly clarify what is needed for "Offeror Labor Category Descriptions" and where that information should be provided, as there is no place for this information in the required pricing tables?

Answer 29

This last sentence of the Section b Pricing Response Paragraph, page 42, is hereby deleted in its entirety from the RFP. No offeror submission is required.

Question 30

Can DOL provide the list of organizations that responded to the Request for Information related to this RFP?

Answer 30

No.

Question 31

In the pricing tables on pages 5-7, the incentive funding is listed as “Not to Exceed” $400,000 per year. However, page 31 states that, “The Department provides the vendor the option to determine if additional resources are required above $400,000 to meet contract goals…”. Can DOL confirm that the pricing tables may include more than $400,000 in incentive funding per year?

Answer 31

The yearly maximum for incentive funding will not exceed $400,000. For Task 9, Page 31, the following 2 Paragraphs are hereby deleted from the RFP, Note 2, and Note 3.

Question 32

Given the current economic climate, will DOL provide any flexibility in the requirement for 1,500 apprentices in the first two years?

Answer 32

No. ETA understands there will be disruptions to services to participants that ultimately may impact performance. As ETA monitors these disruptions, ETA will provide guidance for contract performance measures accordingly.

Question 33

May a single organization serve as a prime applicant for one application and also partner on a different application?

Answer 33

Yes.

Question 34

Overview, D.3, OBJECTIVES -Outside of growing Apprenticeships, is there an objective to also modernize apprenticeships?

Answer 34

ETA intent is to scale RAPs in in high-growth industries, including those that have not traditionally used apprenticeship to meet employer and sector needs.

Question 35

Overview, Note1, Note1- What happens if multiple contractors want to target the same states / region?

Answer 35

ETA encourages the submission of all Proposals. All Proposals will be evaluated.

Question 36

a. D.4 Tasks, Task 1; Project Management, Note1 - Regarding the note ‘Ensure ETA/OA approval is obtained on project deliverables and final products planned for dissemination;’ can you advise on when and what the approval process looks like?

b. Would the plan approval come at the onset of the contract?

c. Within the first 2 months? Or on rolling basis?

Answer 36

a. Contractor shall work with its assigned Contracting Officer Representative (COR) to obtain approval on project deliverables and final products planned for dissemination as stated in the Work Plan and during regular communication with ETA/OA.

b. As stated in Section D.5 of the RFP, within 30 days of contract award, contractor shall develop and submit project work plan (see task 2-9 below). Work plan shall consist of work to be completed annually, and be maintained, updated, and submitted annually throughout the period performance. ETA will review the work plan and provide comments back to the contractor within 15 days of contractor submission of Work Plan.

c. See response to Question 36 b.

Question 37

D.4 Tasks, Task 1; Project Management - Stated metrics of success include, “all in-person events and webinars must have evaluations.” Do you anticipate these evaluations requiring a PRA package?

Answer 37 No. The in-person events and webinars evaluation (i.e. assessment) are optional for attendees.

The assessment of events and webinars should demonstrate the effectiveness of an event.

Question 38

a. D.4 Tasks, Task 2; Conduct Sector-Based Outreach and Recruitment, Task 2 - For recruitment purposes, can you advise on the processes for advertising Apprenticeship online or elsewhere?

b. Can vendors promote RAPs on social media channels that are not controlled by DOL?

Answer 38

a. Vendors shall propose how they will conduct outreach to expand Registered Apprenticeship. If contract is awarded, contractor will work with its assigned Contracting Officer Representative and/or Office of Apprenticeship Project Manager to coordinate outreach strategies.

b. Yes, in coordination with the COR.

Question 39

D.4 Tasks, Task 2; Conduct Sector-Based Outreach and Recruitment, Task 2 - Would vendors be able to conduct outreach for Apprenticeship using the DOL/OA name in our marketing and outreach?

Answer 39

Yes, within the contract award, template language would be provided on how to properly use the Department’s name and/or including approved disclaimer language for use in publishing marketing materials.

Question 40

D.4 Tasks, Task 2; Conduct Sector-Based Outreach and Recruitment, Task 2 - Would vendors be able to create and leverage a cadre of stakeholder partners to support and deliver outreach presentations?

Answer 40

Yes.

Question 41

D.4, Task 2; Conduct Sector-Based Outreach and Recruitment, Task 2 - How will apprenticeships be impacted by not being able to use Federal funds if a business is in layoff status?

Answer 41 ETA’s Office of Apprenticeship and Contracting Officer will work directly with the Contractor to address such issues during contract implementation.

Question 42

D4, Task 6 – Increase Equity (Diversity and Inclusion) in Registered Apprenticeship, Task 6 - Regarding “Develop Affirmative Action plans for any sponsor with five (5) or more apprentices” should this plan explicitly state that half of the apprentices need to be part of the “underrepresented populations”?

Answer 42

No. The contract does not contain any requirement that the contractor develop Affirmative Action plans for any sponsor with five (5) or more apprentices.

Question 43

D4, Task 6 – Increase Equity (Diversity and Inclusion) in Registered Apprenticeship, Task 6 - Does OA have specific guidelines for creating trainings for Diversity and Inclusion strategies?

Answer 43

No. ETA’s expectation is that vendors acquire expertise in Diversity and Inclusion (if it currently does not have in-house expertise) to assist in the development of Diversity and Inclusion strategies. Office of Apprenticeship staff will coordinate plan development with contractor.

Question 44

D4, Task 6 – Increase Equity (Diversity and Inclusion) in Registered Apprenticeship, Task 6 -When tracking the Diversity and Inclusion strategies outcomes in Salesforce, would OA provide a standard template for the customer satisfaction assessments and customer actions?

Answer 44

Guidance for tracking Diversity and Inclusion outcomes will be provided upon contract implementation.

Question 45

D4, Task 6 – Increase Equity (Diversity and Inclusion) in Registered Apprenticeship, Task 6 - Would customer satisfaction assessment data collection require PRA package?

Answer 45

See response to Question 37.

Question 46

D4, Task 6 – Increase Equity (Diversity and Inclusion) in Registered Apprenticeship, Task 6- Regarding affirmative action, is their standard/boilerplate language contractors will pull from when contacting employers?

Answer 46

The plan must meet the requirements for the Equal Employment Opportunity rule (29 CFR Part 30).

Question 47

D4, Task 9 - Incentivize and support sustainability for new Registered Apprenticeship Program and Partnerships, Task 9 - Can incentive funds be provided for internet service fees for remote workers in work-from-home situations?

Answer 47

No. Incentive fund are restricted to new employers, joint labor management organizations, or industry associations (or other partners included in a multi-employer partnership) via a sub-contract to directly fund new RAPs in targeted industries serving under-represented populations.

Question 48

D4, Task 9 - Incentivize and support sustainability for new Registered Apprenticeship Program and Partnerships, Task 9, Note 4 - Under the “Pay for Success” approach, will the prime contractor need OA’s review and approval of a chosen sub-contractor?

Answer 48

Yes. Incentive Plans will be approved by the Contracting Officer Representative on the contract.

Question 49

General - If we must pay attention to layoff status of an employer, can we segment that by job titles rather than company-wide?

Answer 49

ETA and the Office of Apprenticeship will work directly with contractors to address such issues.

Question 50

Miscellaneous - Will vendors be permitted to create and maintain their own web and/or social media presence to support and promote their program?

Answer 50

Yes.

Question 51

a. Will ETA coordinate contractor’s interface with State OAs and SAAs?

b. If so, how?

Answer 51

a. ..Yes

b. The Office of Apprenticeship, the COR, and the assigned Office of Apprenticeship

Project Manager will assist in communications and interface with OA and SAA staff.

Question 52

Section B Pricing

Each pricing table includes a pre-populated NTE cost for Supplies & Materials and Travel. Does the offeror have any flexibility to increase either of these rates?

Answer 52

No.

Question 53

Section C.4 52.217-9 – Option to Extend the Term of the Contract

Will any such extension be a “cost” or “no cost” extension?

Answer 53

Any contract Option period that is exercised will be a cost extension, per FAR 52.217-9.

Question 54

D.3 Objectives

a. The RFP encourages the offeror to connect with other federal Registered Apprenticeship initiatives. We are currently engaged with and/or providing services for two of the initiatives listed. Are we able to claim registered employers and apprentices secured as part of the existing initiatives toward the requirements of this RFP?

b. Will the offeror be able to braid funds if awarded an intermediary contract?

Answer 54

a. Only new employers and apprentices enrolled under the contract would count towards meeting RFP performance goal.

b. Guidance on leveraging funds will be provided after contract award.

Question 55

Task 1 – Project Management

There are several references to use of Salesforce CRM and NIPRS software in the RFP. Will ETA/OA provide training for these programs?

Answer 55

Yes.

Question 56

Task 6 – Increase Equity (Diversity & Inclusion) in Registered Apprenticeship

Task #6 lists two components separated by “OR” which infers the offeror has the option of selecting one of the two components for completion. Please confirm that is the intent and the proposal response should address only one of the two components

Answer 56

No. Proposals may, but are not required to, select both options. A vendor may propose only one component. .

Question 57

Task #7 – Provide Subject Mater Experts & Facilitators

a. The full time EEO subject matter expert is not a position listed on the Labor Category pricing table. Is this an additional position?

b. Is it acceptable for the EEO subject matter expert also serve as the subject matter expert for Task 6 – Increase Equity (Diversity & Inclusion) in Registered Apprenticeship?

Answer 57

a. No, The Subject Matter Expert (SME) positions can be reported within the Sr. SME, and SME, CLINs.

b. Yes.

Question 58

Task 9 – Incentivize and support Sustainability for New Registered Apprenticeship program and Partnerships

a. Please confirm the proposal response will include a proposed incentive funding plan (general overview) with a detailed incentive funding due following notification of award.

b. Please confirm the timeline for submitting the detailed incentive funding plan is 60 days from notification of award as described in Section D.5, Deliverable Table (see RFI page 39).

c. Please confirm that commitments from employers and other partners participating in the incentive funding plan are provided 60 days from notification and are not included with the RFP response.

d. Can the incentive funding plan be modified following approval? For instance, if a new opportunity arises, will ETA consider a revised plan in order for the offeror to immediately leverage the opportunity?

e. What is the frequency of the incentive funding plan approval? Is it a onetime approval for the base year contract with annual renewals thereafter?

f. Regarding the incentive funding plan to be submitted within 60 days of award notification, are there guidelines or restrictions on the amounts to be spent on (1) RA sponsors, (2) community service organizations, (3) national and/or regional minority-serving organizations and institutions, (4) academic institutions, or (5) other groups?

g. Can these funds be used to advance the partnerships called for in Task 6 (Second Option), Task 7 and 8?

h. Can some of those incentive funds be used for implementing pre-apprentice strategies and partnerships with educational institutions called for in Tasks 7 and 8 respectively?

i. Note 5 to Task 9 says: “In the case of funding employers in joint labor-management programs or large corporations with subsidiaries and nationwide footprints, the contractor shall provide guarantees for equal distribution among a variety of employers in the selected industry to ensure equity and unbiased distribution.” Can you please expand on this guidance, perhaps explaining what a violation of this would be?

j. Based on your extensive experience with apprenticeships, do you have guidelines or thoughts about how to strike the proper balance between the desire for encouraging the hiring of apprentices during the term of the contract with the goal of sustainability after the contract?

Answer 58

a. Proposal response shall include a proposed incentive funding plan (general overview) with a detailed incentive funding due following notification of award

b. Yes the timeline for submitting the detailed incentive funding plan is 60 days from notification of award as described in Section D.5, Deliverable Table

c. The timeline for submitting the detailed incentive funding plan is 60 days from notification of award as described in Section D.5, Deliverable Table. Employer commitments must be in place prior to final approval of the incentive plan.

d. Yes.

e. Incentive plans must be submitted within 60 days of award. Modifications to plans must be approved by the COR.

f. See Task 9 - Incentivize and support sustainability for new Registered Apprenticeship

Program and Partnerships for guidance on total funding to be used for Incentive funding.

g. See Task 9 - Incentivize and support sustainability for new Registered Apprenticeship

Program and Partnerships for guidance. Plans must be approved by the COR.

h. See Task 9 - Incentivize and support sustainability for new Registered Apprenticeship

Program and Partnerships for guidance. Plans must be approved by the COR.

i. See Task 9 - Incentivize and support sustainability for new Registered Apprenticeship

Program and Partnerships for guidance. Plans must be approved by the COR.

j. Vendor proposals should identify strategies for expansion and sustainability of Registered

Apprenticeship.

Question 59

Section E.2.3 Factor C – Staff Experience and Qualifications

Due to a recent staffing change, we are currently recruiting for one of the key personnel positions required for the project. How can we best comply with the requirement for providing a resume in the event the position is not filled prior to the RFP response submittal?

Answer 59

All offerors may propose contingent hires as long as a fully signed bilateral commitment letter accompanies the resume.

Question 60

ETA is funding a number of apprenticeship grants and contracts where the same participant might benefit from two different programs. Following the language in ETA's recently issued guidance on Apprenticeship programs, can the recipient of one of these contracts count as a participant an individual (apprentice) receiving services under another grant or contract as long as those new services (for example related technical instruction) are unique and separate from what is being funded under the existing program?

Answer 60

No, DOL has not issued a concurrent enrollment (also known as a co-enrollment) policy that would allow this.

Question 61

What information is needed about the industry association and its partners to show initiative support?

Answer 61

The question does not provide enough information to respond to this question.

Question 62

In order to allow Offerors enough time to provide a responsive proposal to meet DOL’s needs, would DOL consider extending the due date?

Answer 62

No.

Question 63

Task 1 – Given the COVID pandemic, would DOL consider changing any in-person kickoff meeting to virtual ones depending on DOL’s preferences and the coronavirus-related guidance on social distancing at the time of the kickoff?

Answer 63

Yes.

Question 64

Task 2 – The task requires over 600 sector-based outreach per year, yet only has $30,000 a year in travel. Is there guidance on in-person for online outreach events?

Answer 64

See response to Question 6. ETA also supports virtual engagement events during the COVID-19 epidemic.

Question 65

Task 3 – Some SAA states have limited understanding of non-traditional registered apprenticeship programs, so providers in those states are considering industry-recognized apprenticeship programs. Is there guidance on how these two programs will interact?

Answer 65

For information on Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Program (IRAP), please visit https://www.apprenticeship.gov/industry-recognized-apprenticeship-program. Note that this contract will be funded exclusively with Registered Apprenticeship funds which cannot be used to support IRAP.

Question 66

Task 7 – Can the solution include multiple SMEs totaling Full Time or does it have to be a single person that is the EEO SME?

Answer 66

See response to Question 57.

Question 67

Task 7 – Is the annual capped at $400,000 per contract or can the same program receiver over $400,000 for apprentices in multiple years.

Answer 67

If the question pertains to the use of Incentive funding, the yearly maximum for incentive funding will not exceed $400,000, and must be expended within the period of performance for that contract year. The contract budget, including incentive funding, cannot be expended across multiple contract periods of performance. All contractors will submit incentive plans to the COR for approval.

Question 68

Can the transmittal letter be less than 12 point font and 1-inch margins?

Answer 68 https://www.apprenticeship.gov/industry-recognized-apprenticeship-program

No.

Question 69

Does Vol II have the same font size and margin restrictions in Vol I?

Answer 69

No.

Question 70

Can the excel tables be less than 12 point font as long as it is legible?

Answer 70

Yes, but no less than 8 point font.

Question 71

Can the excel tables have less than 1-inch margins?

Answer 71

Yes.

Question 72

Can the offerors provide a separate word document in Vol II for the list of assumptions and conditions?

Answer 72

No. The assumptions and conditions for the offeror to list, are given in at the end of each Pricing Table in Section B, PRICING, as part of the Excel Spreadsheet submission for each year. If the offeror has additional assumptions and conditions, they should be listed with the submitted Excel Spreadsheet assumptions and conditions for the Summary Pricing Table.

Question 73

Can DOL please confirm this is not part of a DOL BPA?

a. If it is part of a DOL BPA, can you please list the BPA.

Answer 73

This RFP is not part of a DOL BPA.

Question 74

Can DOL confirm whether is a GSA schedule bid?

a. If this is a GSA schedule bid, can you please provide the schedule and SIN numbers?

Answer 74

This RFP is not a Request for Quotation (RFQ) against a GSA schedule.

Question 75

Section B Tables: Are the CLIN plug number totals for Supplies and Materials, Travel, and Incentive Funding inclusive of the offeror’s government approved G&A indirect burden?

Answer 75

The NTE CLIN amount for other direct costs is all-inclusive. Payments will be made in accordance with FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items, Alt I, paragraph (i).

Question 76

Section B Tables: If the CLIN plug number totals for Supplies and Materials, Travel, and Incentive Funding are not inclusive, can the offerors add a line to the tables in Section B to account for the offeror’s government approved G&A indirect burden?

Answer 76

No.

Question 77

Section E.1.4.b: Where should the offeror provide their labor categories rates and descriptions?

Answer 77

See Question 29, and Answer 29.

Question 78

Extension of Deadline for Response - The deadline of April 28th is extremely challenging. Given the challenges our organizations are facing in response to COVID 19 is it possible to have a 30 day extension of the deadline to submit responses to the solicitation?

Answer 78

No.

Question 79

Changing Economic and Labor Market Conditions due to COVID 19 - The full extent of COVID 19's impact on the labor market and expanded apprenticeship opportunities has yet to be fully determined. In the 2 Year Base period will the Department continue to leverage its flexibilities and authorities with contractors regarding any adjustments needed to contract deliverables?

Answer 79

See response to Question 32.

Question 80

Leveraging Resources and Shared Outcomes - The Department issued guidance/FAQ in February 2019 "What is the policy on leveraging resources and shared outcomes among the various ETA and apprenticeship initiatives?" Will this guidance continue to apply to contracts funded through this solicitation?

Answer 80

Yes.

Question 81

Task 7 (p. 28 and 29) “Provide Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and Facilitation” requires the contractor to “Obtain a full-time industry SME (via Key Personnel or consultants via sub-contract) to provide technical assistance to employers, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors, other Registered Apprenticeship stakeholders, OA staff and SAAs on the development of new or expansion of existing RAPS.” It also requires the contractor to “Obtain a full-time EEO Subject Matter Expert (SME) (via staff identified as Key Personnel or consultants via a sub-contract) to serve as “Navigators” to guide partnership efforts around implementing diversity and inclusion plans …” and other related responsibilities.

Section D.6. identifies “Key Personnel” including “Subject Matter Expert.” Section 6.2 “Remainder of Personnel – Position Qualifications” includes a “Senior Subject Matter Expert.”

Neither section references an EEO SME. Is it allowable for the contract to include three SMEs – Subject Matter Expert, Senior Subject Matter Expert and EEO Subject Matter Expert?

Answer 81

See response to Question 57 and the amendment.

Question 82

Multiple Applications from a Single Offeror – Will the Department accept and consider funding two applications from the same Offeror for two different primary industry sectors?

Answer 82

There will be no applications as this is an RFP for a contract. DOL expects to award only one contract per Contractor. As stated in Task 3 of the RFP, a Contractor shall propose one primary industry, and if appropriate, identify secondary industry(ies), in any high-growth sector targeted for Registered Apprenticeship expansion. Additionally, ETA (prior or during to contract award) may permit a Contractor to implement both a primary industry and a secondary industry for RAPs expansion.

Question 83

Task 8 calls for 1 full-time industry SME and one full-time EEO SME, however the SME hours allocated in Pricing Table B equals 2200 hours per each year of the base period. A full-time equivalent requires 1880 hours per year, therefore the 2200 is not sufficient to cover two full-time SMEs in that category. Would the DOL adjust the SME hours to equal 3760 per year and 7520 to cover the base period?

Answer 83

For Task 7, page 29, second bullet, the word “full-time” is hereby deleted in its entirety; and for the third bullet, the word “full-time” is hereby deleted in its entirety. For Section D.5 DELIVERABLES, Table, Task 7 Provide Subject Matter Experts (SME’s) and Facilitation, Page 34, Paragraph a1) the word “full-time” is hereby deleted, and Paragraph b) the word “full-time” is hereby deleted.

Question 84

Is the target of this procurement private/public industry?

Answer 84

Yes. Specifically, but not limited to: industry associations, labor-management organizations, workforce intermediaries, consortia of employers, state-wide community college systems or consortia of community colleges, etc.

Question 85

Is there leeway in the staffing plan?

Answer 85

Proposals must only include the labor categories and hours listed in the price tables.

Question 86

Can a list of the entities that expressed interest in the first RFI be shared?

Answer 86

No.

SECTION B – Pages 4 thru 7, REVISED PRICING TABLES 2 YR BASE, 1st thru 3rd OPTION YEAR

The SECTION B pricing tables on pages 4 thru 7 of the RFP, are hereby deleted and replaced with the following pricing tables.

2 YR BASE YEAR

DIRECT LABOR

CLIN Direct Labor Category Quantity Estimated Number of

Hours

Hourly Labor Rates

Total Cost

0001 Project Director 260

0002 Project Manager 3,000

Sr. Subject Matter

Expert 2,400

0004 Subject Matter Expert 4,400

0005 Analyst 4,000

0006 Facilitator 1,000

Marketing & Business Development

Specialist 4,400

0008 Web Developer 2,240

Clerical/ Admin

Support 1,250

Total Direct Labor 22,950

OTHER DIRECT COSTS (ODC's)

Supplies, Materials, Travel, Conference Fee, Industry Fees, Incentive Funding, and Other Allowable Direct

Cost activities as approved by

Contracting Officer Representative

Incentive Funding Not to Exceed

(NTE)

$800,000.00 Total

(NTE) $867,000.00

***List any Assumptions/Conditions

1st OPTION YEAR

DIRECT LABOR

CLIN Direct Labor Category Quantity Estimated Number of

Hours

Hourly Labor Rates

Total Cost

1001 Project Director 130

1002 Project Manager 1,500

Sr. Subject Matter

Expert 1,200

1004 Subject Matter Expert 2,200

1005 Analyst 2,000

1006 Facilitator 500

Marketing & Business Development

Specialist 2,200

1008 Web Developer 1,120

Clerical/ Admin

Support 625

Total Direct Labor 11,475

OTHER DIRECT COSTS (ODC's)

Supplies, Materials, Travel, Conference Fee, Industry Fees, Incentive Funding, and Other Allowable Direct

Cost activities as approved by

Contracting Officer Representative

Incentive Funding Not to Exceed

(NTE)

$400,000.00

(NTE) $432,000.00

***List any Assumptions/Conditions

2nd OPTION YEAR

DIRECT LABOR

CLIN Direct Labor Category Quantity Estimated Number of

Hours

Hourly Labor Rates

Total Cost

2001 Project Director 130

2002 Project Manager 1,500

Sr. Subject Matter

Expert 1,200

2004 Subject Matter Expert 2,200

2005 Analyst 2,000

2006 Facilitator 500

Marketing & Business Development

Specialist 2,200

2008 Web Developer 1,120

Clerical/ Admin

Support 625

Total Direct Labor 11,475

OTHER DIRECT COSTS (ODC's)

Supplies, Materials, Travel, Conference Fee, Industry Fees, Incentive Funding, and Other Allowable Direct

Cost activities as approved by

Contracting Officer Representative

Incentive Funding Not to Exceed

(NTE)

$400,000.00

***List any Assumptions/Conditions

3rd OPTION YEAR

DIRECT LABOR

CLIN Direct Labor Category Quantity Estimated Number of

Hours

Hourly Labor Rates

Total Cost

3001 Project Director 130

3002 Project Manager 1,500

Sr. Subject Matter

Expert 1,200

3004 Subject Matter Expert 2,200

3005 Analyst 2,000

3006 Facilitator 500

Marketing & Business Development

Specialist 2,200

3008 Web Developer 1,120

Clerical/ Admin

Support 625

Total Direct Labor 11,475

OTHER DIRECT COSTS (ODC's)

Supplies, Materials, Travel, Conference Fee, Industry Fees, Incentive Funding, and Other Allowable Direct

Cost activities as approved by

Contracting Officer Representative

Incentive Funding Not to Exceed

(NTE)

$400,000.00

***List any Assumptions/Conditions

Section E.1.2, Page 39, The last sentence of the 1st Paragraph is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following sentence.

“The transmittal letter shall also identify any proposed Subcontractors/Consultants, must contain a statement to the effect that the proposal is guaranteed for a period of at least

(120) days from the date of proposal receipt by the Government, and a statement that the offeror received Amendment 1 for RFP 1630DC-20-R-00020.”

FAR 52.204.17 Ownership or Control of Offeror (Jul 2016) is hereby incorporated by reference into this RFP.