RFC's_for_1630J1-18-N-00001.pdf

Request For Clarifications

1. Recently, the Department of Labor has issued RFPs where the majority of Center operational cost is bid as a firm fixed price contract. Will the Government revise this RFP and apply that policy to this procurement?

No, refer to pages 5, 6, 7 & 8 of the solicitation. Firm Fixed Price (FFP) and Cost Reimbursable (CR) sections are identified. FFP and Cost Reimbursement CLINS are also identified in these sections.

2. Page 19: According to the US Department of Labor’s website, the Protecting Our Workers and Ensuring Reemployment (POWER) Initiative ended in FY2014. What are the compliance expectations for this provision?

This provision is not applicable to this solicitation.

3. Page 26, G.3.2: Please confirm the contractor may bill the average cost incentive fee on the monthly invoices.

No, the contractor cannot bill monthly the average cost incentive fee as stated in the NOTE on page 26 of the solicitation.

4. Page 33: Please confirm that the 4% vacancy threshold excludes the specific positions listed in G.12?

You must maintain a 4% vacancy threshold for those vacancies included and listed in G.12.

5. Page 33: Please confirm that only the minimum labor grade salary and not the fringe rate is included in this clause? “

This clause does not include fringe benefits…” as stated on page 33.

6. Page 33: Please confirm that there is no penalty for vacancies under the 4% vacancy rate threshold?

Penalties apply to the position(s) stated in G.12 and at a 4% vacancy rate.

7. Page 33: Please confirm that in order to maintain critical staff coverage, student safety and contract management, contractors may utilize of Center based substitute, on-call, and acting staff plus acting Corporate management to cover vacancies without damages being assessed. This is a common and necessary business practice.

If there is a vacant position that qualifies in the chart on page 33 section G.12, damages will be assessed as stated.

8. Page 33: The Government does not provide any payment for vacant positions and the operator is responsible to perform the full scope of work under this contract. What is the basis for the Government to claim and recoup damages when the Government sustains no monetary damages and the full scope of work continues to be performed regardless of the vacancy rate?

Funding has been provided despite a low OBS and or a high staff vacancy rate; hence the reason to recoup unused funds for vacant positions and low OBS and not performing at contract capacity.

9. Section H.6.C.: The prevailing minimum wage listed in the RFP for Guidance Counselors is $39,157 while the wage for Residential Counselors is only $28,438. The qualifications and educational requirements for both these positions is the same. Will the Government establish $39,157 minimum wage for Residential Counselors?

Prevailing wages are specific to the area where the contract will be executed. Wages are based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics and stand as stated.

10. Page 38: Please confirm that bidders will be considered responsive if dormitory staff who are not categorized as Residential Counselors (thus not required to meet education requirements) are proposed as part of the overall Dorm staff structure?

Residential advisor staff performing duties as senior residential counselor and or residential counselor must be identified. Dormitory staff identified as carrying out these duties under another title will be considered non-responsive.

11. Page 48: H.30 Incentives: Will the Government accept a proposed compensation cost consisting of base pay plus commission for OA and CTS staff for achieving individual student outcomes as compensation and not subject to the incentive limitations?

No. As stated, you must “provide annual incentives” to your staff. If incentives are charged to the contract, they cannot exceed 1% of total gross wages and staff must not be awarded over $5,000 per individual.

12. Page 75-76: The Orals Presentation and Orals Topic charts on pages 75-76 are in conflict. Please confirm that the order of the Orals presentation matches the Factor order in the RFP – 1) Technical Approach; 2) Staff Resources; 3) Relevant Experience.

The questions for the technical approach start on page 81, the order of the technical approach starts on page 93. The details of the approach starts on page 94. See latest Amendment for the Oral Presentation order.

13. Page 76: The RFP Statement of Work includes Outreach/Admissions and Career Transition Services. Please clarify if offerors are to address Outreach, Admissions and CTS in the Orals presentation.

Yes, outreach and admission and career transition must be addressed during oral presentation. See the most recent amendment.

14. Page 78: The RFP requires an Orals Presentation, 85-page written Technical Approach, and a 20-page written Narrative Orals Presentation. Will all 3 components be evaluated as part of the Technical Approach?

Yes, all information submitted will be evaluated.

15. Page 78: The RFP requires an Orals Presentation, 85-page written Technical Approach, and a 20-page written Narrative Orals Presentation. How will all 3 Technical Approach components be taken into consideration in the award of the contract?

An award will be based on the proposal that represents best value for the government. This includes all elements that are submitted and evaluated for this solicitation.

16. Pages 78-79: Please confirm that the Oral Presentations Slides and the Narrative of Oral Presentation should be bound with Technical Approach.

These are two separate documents; [1] oral presentation slides with narrative and [2] Technical Proposal.

17. Page 78: There are no evaluation factors for the Narrative of Orals Presentation. How will the written Narrative be evaluated?

The detail written narrative will be a reference for the government to the oral presentation. There is no change in the evaluation criteria.

18. Page 79: Item c. Page Numbering states that each presentation slide must identify the corresponding page number in the written narrative. Does the “written narrative” refer to the 85-page Technical Approach or the 20-page Narrative of Oral Presentation?

As stated in item “C” each presentation slide must identify the corresponding page number in the associated written narrative.

19. Page 80: Organization of Proposals: There are 29 Elements within the Technical Approach. Is it acceptable to tab the Factors (Technical Approach, Staff Resources & Relevant Experience) and Subfactors, but not include separate tabs for Elements, as long as the page number of Elements is included in a Table of Contents and each Element is clearly identified within the text?

No. All responses must correspond to the specific question. As stated, offeror’s must TAB each specific factor, subfactor and element to the specific question.

20. Page 84: Please confirm that the Org Chart will be exempt from Staffing Resources page count.

Yes, as stated in the solicitation, the staffing chart is excluded from the page limitation.

21. Page 89: Section L, Narrative Cost Detail. The RFP states the OA and CTS contract is firm, fixed price. Please confirm a narrative cost detail is no longer required.

As stated in the solicitation, a narrative for each cost detail on the 2110 is required for all contract years. This includes OA and CTS.

22. Page 90-91: Vacation pay is an allowable direct contract expense. Should the Contractor bill the Government for earned, but unpaid staff vacation as it is accrued or should this cost be included in the Phase-Out proposal?

Yes, the contractor should bill the government as earned, but it should not be included in the phase out proposal.

23. The OA and CTS components are firm fixed price, performance reimbursable activities that should not be subject to the G12 staff vacancy penalties. Is this correct?

Only positions in G.12 will be subject to penalty.

24. Requests for Clarification (RFC) are to be submitted electronically to Sheryl Algee by 2:00 PM ET on January 16, 2018. The Contracting Officer is named throughout the RFP as Jeannett Jackman.

Please clarify who is the contracting officer for this St Louis procurement.

Chang, Chin-Jen will be the contracting officer. Sheryl Algee will be the point of contact.

25. Is the St Louis center part of the Job Corps National Office pilot for security and safety? If so, what projects have been completed and what projects are still pending?

No, the St. Louis Job Corps is not a part of a National Office pilot for security and safety.

26. The address listed for the ACT program is for TCU Manpower Training Center. Is this for the Advanced Career Training (ACT) program or the Advanced Training program?

TCU Manpower Training Center is Advanced Training program, not an Advanced Career Training.

27. The RFP indicates on page 15 there are 100 TCU slots which are typically listed as AT slots. ACT according to PRH 3.14 is for “students pursuing an associate’s degree at accredited higher education institutions”. What college or university are the 12 ACT slots associated with?

The 100 TCU slots are AT slots. ACT is with St. Louis Community College.

28. Will the contractor receive payments for arrivals or placements exceeding the goals?

Contractor will be paid for all validated outreach/admission and placement goals. These goals are supported by a funded CLINs.

29. Please confirm the Equipment CLIN 0006 and similar CLINs in the option years will fund center operations, OA and CTS equipment needs.

B category funds will be stated in the NTE Limits and charged against the appropriate CLIN.

30. Please confirm offerors are not required to provide amounts for the capital CRA, Equipment and Career Technical Skills Training CLINs (0005, 0006, 0007, etc.).

B category funds will be stated in the NTE Limits funding for CLINs 0005, 0006, and 0007 by the agency.

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

Yes, this refers to students that have arrived and have been in present for duty status for 90 days.

32. The references in CLINs 0012 & 0014 to 6 months are not relevant as Job Corps does not track students 6 months after placements. Should this be replaced with Q2?

If your 6 month follow up falls within Q2, then yes. Whatever quarter you are in during the 6th month follow up, is the quarter you will report.

33. Please clarify the Firm, Fixed Price structure for OA and CTS.

1. Based on the populated quantities of 1 in the pricing schedule, it appears the government is requesting a total price identified at 60% for the initial arrival/placement, and the remaining 40% for the 90 days/Q2 arrival/placement. With this structure, is the contractor expected to bill a prorated amount of the total price each billing?

2. Based on the assumption in #1 above, how does the information in Sections G.5 & G.15 relate?

G.5 speaks to invoicing. G.5 (i) specifically refers to invoicing against OA and CTS. For OA, the contractor will invoice a % based on the number of intake students that have arrived. After 90 days, the contractor will invoice a % for the number of students from that same intake who are in the present for duty status. For CTS, the contractor will invoice a % for the initial placement, and the contractor will invoice a % after confirmation of the placement.

G.15 speaks to how contract funds will be used and invoices billed for the 60 / 40 split. The first paragraph speaks towards employee compensation, and G.15 A. Payment speaks towards billing for OA and CTS. These are two separate subject matters located in G.15. One addresses employee compensation, and the other addresses contractor compensation.

34. Based on the new requirements of the RFP, various sections of the PRH are not relevant and/or require revision for the OA & CTS sections of the contract.

Provide a description of the monthly contract reporting responsibilities, as the PRH financial requirements must change with the implementation of the Fixed Price components. Currently the PRH does not address financial management of a Firm-Fixed-Price contract. Please confirm the contract will be granted a PRH waiver for budget and expense reporting for OA & CTS. These changes may also require FMS system revisions.

TBD at a later date

35. Does the slot number for the ACT program represent 12 full-time slots/students?

Yes, ACT programs are 1:1 ratios.

36. Please confirm the name of the building construction career technical offering since the CTT-10 report lists this trade as facility maintenance.

The name of the building offering construction is Building Construction Technology (name changed from Facility Maintenance) under HBI, an NTC program.

37. Please provide the applicable concurrent training MOU’s for the procurement.

Current concurrent training MOU is between the incumbent and the applicable entities, therefore, proprietary. New operator will be expected to establish appropriate MOUs according to the PRH requirements.

38. The RFP states “the contractor shall provide or arrange post-center CTS for all eligible students” returning or relocating to the State of Missouri. Given that only 18 students from St. Louis Job Corps Center were placed outside of the city and county of St. Louis in the last 12 months, should the returning and relocating geographic area change from the state of Missouri to the City and County of St. Louis? This would match the OA recruitment area and it would eliminate overlap of other OA/CTS contractors in Missouri.

See amendment

39. How many security cameras are operational at the center and where are they located? Where is the control area where all of the video feed for the cameras?

Does the center have an access control system and if so what is the type and brand?

There are a total of 90 cameras throughout the campus. The main video feed is at the welcome center

40. Please correct the chart at the top of the page. We believe it should tie to the chart below (total of 780; not the OBS total of 520).

See amendment

41. The RFP fee information is incomplete. The RFP language would not be adequate to implement in a contract award. Please revise and clarify.

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. The Center Operations fee chart does not include a section for the calculation of this Performance Excellence Bonus. A rate and calculation must be identified in the proposal/contract. Please confirm the rate is 0.50%, as outlined in other Job Corps RFP’s.

Clarify whether the offeror should revise the form.

2. Please confirm the Technical Performance Fees are not applicable to the OA/CTS CLINs as they are not identified in the RFP.

Follow the instruction as stated in the RFP. OMS performance during a program year will determine the fee earned. This process removes repetitive billing for a fee that is not earned during the course of performance. Percentage for the performance bonus is not included and should not be calculated

42. The cost incentive fee section excludes FAR-required 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. The RFP/contract must clearly identify the terms for fee adjustment. Please confirm the following for compliance with the FAR:

a. The total of the Cost Reimbursable CLINS 0002 and similarly in option years, are the

“Target Cost”;

Yes, that is correct.

b. The Fee Adjustment Formula is 50% government and 50% contractor for over runs and under runs, consistent with other Job Corps contracts.

Budgetary overruns and underruns are shared on a 50/50 basis.

2. Will another cost incentive form be included in Section G outlining the target costs by year for center operations?

Please note that the contractor shall not invoice for any technical performance incentive fee until and/if any fee is earned, and a contract modification is issued.

3. Confirm contractors are allowed to invoice the Average Cost Incentive Fees of 2% throughout the contract years. The paragraph only addresses “additional cost incentive fees” earned. Please revise the language accordingly.

Please note that the contractor shall not invoice for any technical performance incentive fee until and/if any fee is earned, and a contract modification is issued.

43. It appears this contract will have a different invoicing process from the current PRH procedures for vouchering. Will the government provide the new procedures and a standard invoice worksheet to properly bill the government?

Use the standard invoicing system. Contractors should Invoice on a 1034 for O/A and CTS.

1. Confirm section (h) Fixed Price is not applicable to this contract as section (i) describes the billing for OA and CTS, which are the fixed price CLINs in this contract.

Follow the instructions of section of (h)… Section (i) references FIXED PRICE invoicing for

OA / CTS.

2. Section G.5.(i) is titled “Outreach Administration and Transition Costs.”

a. Please confirm this should be revised to Outreach Admissions and Career Transition

Services.

“Outreach Administration” should be revised to “Outreach/Admissions.”

b. The OA and CTS sections are not consistent as some sections reference a unit price, but other sections in the RFP reference a total price to be allocated 60%/40%.

There is the “Unit”, “Unit Price” and “Total Price” for OA/CTS. “Total Price” will be changed to “Amount”

c. Please identify the specific documentation from CITRIX for the invoice (referenced in #1 & 2)

Check with Regional Office / COR of the contract.

d. Confirm #2 should be revised to “90 Day Retention” instead of Arrivals.

Should be “90 day Retention.”

e. Item #2 pertains to students retained 90 days. Currently the Job Corps system assigned codes do not function properly to allow a new contractor access to students who would reach 90 days retained in the first three months of the contract. Will the government correct this problem prior to the contract start date? If not, contractors must be allowed to bill for 90 days retention for three months following the expiration of the contract.

Use the students 640 Paid Days to determine their 90 day period.

f. Item #5 references a 6-Month Survey (Final Graduate). Please confirm this applies to both graduates and former enrollees, which the Pricing Schedule indicates. Additionally, Job Corps has eliminated the 6-month survey after placement. Should this be updated to Q2, which occurs 6 months after separation?

Yes, this refers to 6-month graduates and former enrollees. Yes, use the current quarter that is in line with the 6 month time frame of reporting.

g. The current Job Corps Post-Separation Placement Survey Reports for Q2 combine

Graduates and Former Enrollees and do not identify the different students (referenced in #5). Will these be combined for approval/billing purposes?

All placement types must be identified individually in accordance with initial and follow up and identified and billed accordingly in the vouchering process after the COR’s approval.

h. What length of time periods should be included in the reports?

Vouchering twice per month, the voucher should include an arrival verification for the previous arrivals that have been approved by the COR. The time period should align with your vouchering time line. 1-15 and 16-30.

i. 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?

To be determined.

44. The language of this section is not clear or adequate for contract implementation. As the RFP later becomes the contract, the language must be clarified/revised in the RFP/proposal phase. According to FAR 11.501(b), “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.”

1. As the center operations contract is cost reimbursable, the government does not incur a financial loss for vacant positions. As this clause is stated, the assessments would be punitive, not a reasonable compensation to the Government for probable damages.

The contract is funded to support proposed FTE’s. If a FTE is vacant over a period of time, the proposed FTE may not be in the best interest of the government.

2. The RFP states that the contractor agrees to have a maximum vacancy rating not exceeding 4%. Please define the financial or liquidated damages assessment for exceeding the 4%? The RFP is not complete in this regard. This would be double jeopardy to assess for a vacancy rate exceeding 4% as well as a specified fill rate for designated positions.

The contract is funded to support proposed FTE’s. If a FTE is vacant over a period of time, the proposed FTE may not be in the best interest of the government.

3. Please clarify how the allowable maximum vacancy rating of 4% or less is calculated (based on vacant FTE’s or salary amounts). The calculation must be standardized and defined in the contract.

Staff Monthly Vacancy Rate is located in FMS. Proposed salary for the position will determine the amount reduced from the contract.

4. In the 4% maximum vacancy limitation, how will considerations/adjustments be made for the following:

a. Coverage provided by other positions, substitutes, overtime, etc. Contractors propose coverage for vacancies in critical areas, such as security, residential living, etc.

The government will look at the vacant position as indicated in G.12. Damages are assessed as stated in the RFP.

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.

It is expected that your vacancy rate will not exceed 4% and position identified in G.12 will be filled within the specified timeframe before damages will be assessed as stated in the RFP.

5. Please detail what is meant by the “value specified for the vacant position”. Assessments at

50% or 100% of a specified position rate after 30 or 60 days seems punitive.

Value specified of the vacant position will come from the contractor’s submitted and approved BMP salary range / IGCE.

6. Please confirm the assessments for vacancies only pertain to the position titles identified in the chart, not to other vacant positions.

Yes, this is correct.

7. 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;

otherwise, the contract will not reconcile.

Liquidated damages will be assessed in accordance with policy as stated in the RFP

8. How will the government determine the 30-day vacancy window? How will this be reported to the government? The current vacancy report in FMS is not adequate for this type of reporting.

The contractor will submit a monthly center effectiveness report to the COR with vacancies included. This will be compared to data in FMS.

9. 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 to their current employer.

Not at this time.

10. The chart of positions includes Security Personnel. As the other positions in this listing are management or senior staff, please confirm the reference of “Security Personnel” should be revised to “Security Supervisor.”

As stated in the RFP, “Security Personnel” is the correct term.

45. Surge CLIN – The government notes: “The surge OBS will be calculated at the per student price identified in G.7 of the contract.” The increase in OBS is not a simple calculation using SY cost.

The costs may differ based on trades that may be revised, the residential or non-residential designation of the slots, etc. Will the government consider other methods to adjust the contract OBS instead of using per student price? Please advise;

The surge in OBS will be evaluated and calculated as stated in the RFP. Operational factors that are affected by a change in OBS as stated by the contractor will be calculated based on approved 307 CTT Change Request and all other related factors.

46. This section references reimbursement for GSA rental charges. Currently Job Corps contractors do 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.

Your comment will be taken into consideration

47. 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?

Submit the list as stated in the RFP; students name and identification number. Once it is approved, you can bill the appropriate amount on your next voucher which will include the approve list of names and identification number. 1st – 15th and 16th – End of Month;

vouchering periods.

(2) What is the format to submit the student names/info for approval?

Memo to COR with appropriate language and also include the students name and identification number.

(3) What determines the COR’s “initial acceptance” and “final acceptance” of arrivals/placements?

The COR will respond in writing identifying the approved number of students after the CORs verification of the submitted names, identification number and all required information for verification.

(4) What is the contractor’s procedure if the COR does not process the lists within 10 days? This will impact the contractor’s invoicing process and cash flow.

Check with the Regional Director of that region

(5) Section G.15 3 & 4 include several references to “arrivals.” As these sections pertain to CTS, please confirm the references to “arrivals” should be replaced with “placements.”

Yes, your comment is correct

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

Yes, this section should refer to Attachment J.17. Contractors shall ensure that they are incorporating the prevailing construction wage determination according to the Davis-Bacon Wage Determination.

49. Please confirm the Prevailing Wage/Minimum Required chart applies to prime and subcontractors.

The narrative language below the chart states these wages apply only to subcontractor employees.

This chart applies to both prime and subcontractors.

50. There are a few questions regarding the minimum required wages in this chart:

• The RFP wage for guidance counselor is $39,157. However, for residential counselor, the wage is only $28,438. These positions require the same credentials. I don’t understand the discrepancy in required wages. Recruiting many residential counselors at $39k will be a tough task. Recruiting them at $28k is pretty much impossible. The $28K wage found in this chart is what Residential Advisors without degrees is being paid. We can’t pay degreed residential counselors the same as non-degreed entry level security staff. We will never fill the positions.

• Related to the previous, senior residential counselors are only listed at $39,393, while senior guidance counselors are listed at $55,496. We can’t pay senior residential counselors at $39k. That’s the amount we need to pay regular residential counselors.

• Counseling supervisor is at $60,000, but academic supervisor is only at $50,448. I don’t understand why academic supervisor would be so much lower than counseling supervisor. Even the old national staff compensation (which was outdated and always significantly lower than market) had a minimum wage of $53,000 for academic supervisor.

Offerors may propose wages according to local rates.

51. Please confirm this incentive section applies only to the center operations CLINs as this is the cost reimbursable portion of the contract.

Yes, this incentive section applies only to the center operations CLINs.

52. Please confirm this training section applies only to the center operations CLINs as this is the cost reimbursable portion of the contract.

Yes, this training section applies only to the center operations CLINs.

53. The topics chart states “Operate center during a multi-year million dollar renovation”; however, there is not a subfactor that matches this in L.7 (pages 80-84). Is the chart or L.7 accurate?

This question will be removed.

54. Should the narrative of oral presentation include technical, staff resources and relevant information?

The oral presentation information will be in accordance with the RFP Section L – Instructions for Proposal Submission.

55. In the page numbering section it states: “For technical approach and staff resources, each presentation slide must identify the corresponding page number in the associated written narrative.” Is this referring to the 20 page narrative of oral presentation or the 85 page technical and 20 page staff resources?

Offerors should identify the corresponding page numbers in both the narrative of oral presentation and the Technical Approach/Staff Resources proposals.

56. Will questions about the RFP and/or center be accepted after the pre-proposal conference/site visit, which is scheduled for January 23, 2018? Typically, RFP’s allow questions to be submitted after the site visit, sometimes up to a week after to allow contractors to submit questions that may have been identified during the site visit.

See amendment

57. M.2 lists all the factors and subfactors as being evaluated. Does that mean all the slides and written will be evaluated? (Technical: 85-page written narrative & 60 slides; staff resources: 20 pages written & 10 slides; relevant: 20 pages written & 10 slides; and the 20-page narrative of oral presentation)

All submitted information pertaining to the procurement will be evaluated.

58. Please confirm on Attachment J-1 that no Fringe Benefit detail needs to be provided for OA and CTS as they are Firm Fixed Price instead of Cost Reimbursable.

Details of fringe benefits are required of cost-reimbursable line items only.

59. Please confirm the Attachment J-3 is only applicable for center operations. The RFP list of attachments references Attachment J-3 for OA & CTS, but the actual attachments include the forms only for center operations. OA and CTS CLINs are Firm-Fixed-Price sections, so the J-3 should not be relevant.

Attachment J-3 is only applicable for center operations.

60. Please fill out Attachment J-5, List of Career Technical Skills Training (CTST) Slots

See page 15 of the RFP for CTST slots; also included in this amendment

61. This attachment provides utility information – Clarify if the water costs include sewer charges. If not, please provide historical costs for sewer.

Sewer costs are not separate.

62. Please provide the applicable DBA and SCA Wage Determinations as should be found in Attachments J-17 & J-18, respectively.

Service Contract Act Wage Determinations:

• Wage Determination No.: 2015-5075

• Revision No.: 8

• Date Of Revision: 01/10/2018

Davis-Bacon Wage Determination for Heavy and Highway:

• General Decision Number: MO180001

• Date: 02/02/2018

Davis-Bacon Wage Determination for Building:

• General Decision Number: MO180051

• Date: 02/02/2018

Davis-Bacon Wage Determination for Residential:

• General Decision Number: MO180064

• Date: 01/05/2018

63. Please confirm the narrative detail section is not applicable for OA or CTS as these CLINs are

Firm-Fixed-Price sections.

Yes. A narrative cost detail is required for O/A and CTS as stated in the RFP

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

There are two vehicles equipped with driver’s education.

65. The Solicitation states that “the contractor shall provide or arrange Post-center Career Transition Services annually for all eligible students enrolled at the St. Louis Job Corps Center that are returning and or relocating to the state of Missouri”. Is the designated geographic area, the state of Missouri, correct? For this procurement, shouldn’t the geographic area be the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County, Missouri? –

See Amendment

66. In the document; Page 5, Page 6, Page 7, Page 8, there are references to “September 31”. Should the date reference be changed to “September 30”?

Page 5 PHASE IN should be September 1, 2018 to September 31, 2018

67. Should the service provision for all eligible students returning and relocating be the City of St.

Louis and St. Louis County, Missouri rather than the State of Missouri?

See amendment

68. It indicates 520 students are recruited for the St. Louis Job Corps Center; however, the total annual arrivals are 780. What others Job Corps centers will this contract recruit eligible applicants?

Only recruiting for the St. Louis Job Corps Center.

69. It appears that the question and answer period is immediately following three hour presentation (technical, relevant experience, and staff resources). Is this correct?

The structure of the question and answer period will be discussed before the start of the presentation with the government’s point of contact.

70. Who decides the number of breaks; the length of time for the break; and when breaks are scheduled to take place?

This will be discussed before the oral presentation starts.

71. It states that the question and answer period will follow and may cover the entire proposal. Are questions limited to the information presented orally or may questions be asked about any aspect of the proposal submitted?

Questions may be asked about any aspect of the proposal that has been presented.

72. Who is responsible, the Government or the offeror, for tracking established time limits?

The government will establish a time keeper.

73. As the presentation moves from subfactor to subfactor as well as factor to factor, does time stop at the conclusion of a subfactor or factor and then restart at the beginning of the next presentation?

Follow the time limits in the RFP.

74. For the question and answer period following the oral presentation, from the Offerors presentation team, may all presenters be present in the presentation room at the same time?

Yes. “Presenters” can be present during the QA sessions.

75. Will a non-presenting operator for the PowerPoint presentation be allowed in the room without being counted in the 5 people allowed in the room as presenters?

As stated in the RFP… Offeror Attendees – A maximum of 5 presenters will be allowed into the presentation room at any one time for presenting. This includes the IT person. .

76. If a person on the list of attendees is unavailable to participate in the oral presentation, can offeror’s make a substitution? If not, how will the Government evaluate that particular part of the oral presentation?

A maximum of 5 presenters will be allowed in the room. There is no evaluation criterion for not having a maximum number of presenters.

77. As to topics: “Describe how resources will be organized and deployed” and “operate center during a multi-year million dollar renovation”, there are no response sought under Factor 1, Technical Approach, for these topics.

This question will be removed.

78. In addition, topic areas such as outreach, admissions and career transition services are not included in the oral presentation. Please clarify.

See amendment

79. Are offerors permitted to develop presentation slides using Prezi software?

Refer to the use of media paraphernalia instructions in the RFP.

80. Are offerors permitted to develop and utilize presentation slides containing embedded video and/or audio capabilities?

Yes. Embedded information will count towards your time allotted.

81. The Solicitation indicates that “the offeror shall also provide an electronic copy of the final presentation slides along with a written narrative that reflects the oral presentation”. Given the oral presentation is delivered after proposal submission, is the timing of submission correct as to the narrative?

On arrival, provide a hard copy of the presentation slides and the narrative of the slides.

82. It states that “the oral presentation will be audio recorded by the Government. The recording will be available to the Technical Evaluation Panel for their review during the source selection, and be maintained as part of the source selection record”. What is the Government intention relating to video and/or audio taping the presentation?

Reference material for the record.

83. Given the audio tape recording will not be provided, may Offerors tape their own presentation as well as video tape the presentation.

No.

84. What is the expected time frame between notification and delivery of the oral presentation?

Oral presentations will start approximately 18 days +/- after proposals are due. This includes weekends.

85. As to the Narrative of Oral Presentation, is such narrative submitted before or after the oral presentation?

Narratives are submitted with the oral presentation for the reviewers to follow…

86. As to Element 2, it indicates the following: “Demonstrate how your safety and security procedures and approaches will be tailored to the features of this center, including.” Should the sentence end after the word "center" or is there additional information missing after the word "including"?

Yes, the sentence should end after the word “center”.

87. As to Element 2, it indicates the following: "Offerors shall thoroughly demonstrate counseling, remediation of shortcomings, placement, and other support activities that will be offered to graduates and former employees." Should it read "former enrollees" rather than “former employees”?

Yes, this should read enrollees.

88. For an experienced Job Corps contractor, with information in the PPIRS-RC system, what submission requirements exist for this factor?

Please follow the submission instructions in the RFP.

89. Given there is a written proposal, presentation slides and an oral presentation for Factor 1, Technical Approach; Factor 2, Staff Resources; and Factor 3, Relevant Experience; as well as a Narrative of Oral Presentation, how will these four components be evaluated? Will each have equal value or is there an order of importance for evaluation purposes?

The order of importance has not changed. See Section M of the RFP.

90. For the Firm Fixed Price component of the solicitation which pertains to OA and CTS, should indirect cost and fee be separated out or be built into the Firm Fixed Price?

Separated out.

91. The amount of the technical performance excellence bonus is not given. Will it be .25% as it has been in recently issued solicitations?

Percentage for the performance bonus is not included and should not be calculated.

92. What percentage of the cost incentive fee can be invoiced?

None - 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 RFP.

93. Please confirm that narrative cost detail for OA and CTS is not applicable to this solicitation as they are Firm-Fixed-Price.

Yes.

94. The chart below appears on page 76 with reference to Oral Presentation topics. Please provide more clarification for topic #1. Which resources is it referring to? Also, the sentence is incomplete. It ends with the word “and”. Also for topic #7 regarding operating the center during a multi-year renovation, please clarify if this topic should be stricken from the list as not applicable.

Topic #1 - Should say “Describe how resources …. organized and developed”... This is referencing technical resources.

Topic #7 – will be removed

The chart below has been changed and is in located in this amendment

T i

A li bl F t Describe how resources will be organized and deployed

Technical Approach Career Pathways Technical Approach Counseling, placement, and support activities Technical Approach Relationships with State Boards, etc. Technical Approach Strategies for implementing standards of conduct Technical Approach Development and maintenance of site facilities/safe healthy, and secure living and learning environment

Technical Approach

Operate center during multi-year million dollar renovation Technical Approach

Relevant Experience Relevant Experience Staffing Resources Staffing Resources

95. Please clarify if the 20 page “narrative of oral presentation” refers to the technical presentation only. The limited page allowance would seem to indicate this.

Yes – this refers to the technical presentation.

1. Will you please confirm the proposal delivery address?

U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration Office of Contract Management (OCM) 230 South Dearborn Street Chicago, Illinois 60604 Attention: Jeanette Jackman

2. RFP page 38, H.6 – part C, identifies the minimum salary required for listed positions. Is the minimum salary reflective of the base salary? If not, please identify what fringe is included.

Yes, base salary is listed.

3. RFP pg. 76 states: “The Offeror shall provide a list of attendees and their presentation topic with its proposal (this does not count against page limitation).” Should this information be included as an attachment to the 20-page Narrative of Oral Presentation?

Yes.

4. RFP pg. 77 states: “The offeror shall submit a final version of their planned Oral Presentation materials as part of their written submission. The offeror shall also provide an electronic copy of the final presentation slides along with a written narrative that reflects the oral presentation.”

Is it acceptable to include the presentation slides and the Narrative of Oral Presentation together as a separate bound volume?

Yes.

5. RFP pg. 77 states: “Proposals submitted in response to this solicitation shall include a transmittal letter and the sections listed below.” How many copies of the transmittal letter are required? Is it acceptable to provide the transmittal letter in the same volume as the Technical proposal?

RFP states that … Shall in include “a” Transmittal Letter. One transmittal letter is needed.

6. RFP page 86, Factor 3. Relevant Experience, Subfactor 3F-IG Reports requires that we “Provide all reports involving the offeror that were developed by the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Labor.” Please confirm that Semiannual Reports to Congress published on the OIG website are not included in the reports requested.

As stated in the RFP, “reports that were developed by the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Labor.”

7. RFP pages 93-100 describe the proposal evaluation criteria. The Oral Presentation is not listed as part of the evaluation criteria. Please clarify if/how the Oral Presentation will be evaluated and where it fits within the order of importance listed on RFP page 93.

See Oral Presentation order of importance in this amendment.

96. Are the ACT slots a 1 to 1 ratio?

The 12 ACT slots are a 1:1 ratio for college courses.

97. Should the Fees be included in the Fee chart in RFP / the negotiated proposed rate.

Please refer to the instructions on the RFP in section G.3 concerning rates.

98. Section G.5 Invoicing: (i) billing for Outreach Admissions and Career Transition – Explain which module will be used in the CITRIX platform within CIS and or JCRL to bill for arrival, 90 day retention and Career Transition Services.

Consult with the Chicago Regional Office on which documents will be used to verify invoicing for

OA/CTS

99. G.15 FUNDING AND FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION - The language has been changed to reflect each section of the payment process; OA and CTS.

A. Payment:

1. Upon Initial Inspection and Acceptance of Admission Arrivals

Upon receipt of the Arrivals List for Initial Acceptance, the COR shall have ten business days to review the student arrivals list and determine acceptance of valid arrivals. Payment shall be made in the amount of 60% of the total unit price of the arrival upon the initial acceptance of a valid arrival. Once the COR has completed initial acceptance of an arrival, the contractor can submit an invoice that includes request for payment of the initially accepted arrival. The invoice shall specify the student’s name and identification number to enable the COR sufficient information to validate payment.

2. Final Inspection and Acceptance of Admission Arrivals

Upon receipt of the Arrivals List for Final Acceptance, the COR shall have ten business days to review the student arrivals list and determine acceptance of a valid arrival. Payment shall be made in the amount of 40% of the total unit price of the arrival upon the final acceptance of a valid arrival. Once the COR has completed final acceptance of an arrival, the contractor can submit an invoice that includes request for payment of the finally accepted arrival. The invoice shall specify the student’s name and identification number to enable the COR sufficient information to validate payment.

3. Initial Inspection and Acceptance of the Career Transition Placements

The COR shall have ten business days to review the documentation and determine initial acceptance of valid career transition placement. Payment shall be made in the amount of 60% of the total unit price of the placement upon the initial acceptance of a valid career transition placement. Once the COR has completed initial acceptance of a career transition placement, the contractor can submit an invoice that includes request for payment of the initially accepted career transition placement. The invoice shall specify the student’s name and identification number to enable the COR sufficient information to validate payment.

4. Final Inspection and Acceptance of the Career Transition Placements

Upon receipt of the Career Transition Placements List for Final Acceptance, the COR shall have ten business days to review the student Career Transition Placement List and determine acceptance of a valid placement(s). Payment shall be made in the amount of 40% of the total unit price of the placements upon the final acceptance of a valid career transition placement(s). Once the COR has completed final acceptance of a career transition placement, the contractor can submit an invoice that includes request for payment of the finally accepted career transition placement. The invoice shall specify the student’s name and student identification number to enable the COR sufficient information to validate payment.

100. Section G.3:2 Payment of Cost Incentive Fees:

The title has been changed to include “Performance Excellence Bonus”

Technical Performance Incentive Fee/Performance Excellence Bonus:

Upon completion of the contract year, the Contracting Officer will utilize the Job Corps’ Outcome Measurement System (OMS) data to evaluate the contractor’s overall technical performance, based on achievement of Program Years’ goals, and will determine the level of technical performance incentive fee earned by the contractor. The Contracting Officer will then issue a contract modification to increase the estimated cost and funding on the contract’s technical performance incentive fee line if incentive fee is earned. Upon receipt of the modification, the contractor would include the technical performance incentive fee earned on the next monthly invoice. Performance Excellence Bonuses will be awarded at the end of the contract year as well. Please note that the contractor shall not invoice for any technical performance incentive fee until and/if any fee is earned, and a contract modification is issued. Offerors shall propose the average/target technical performance incentive fee of 1.2%.

Topics – The offeror’s oral presentation will address the following:

Topic Applicable Factor Career Pathways Technical Approach Counseling, placement, and support activities Technical Approach Establishing Relationships with State Boards, etc. Technical Approach Maintenance of Sound Discipline: Strategies for implementing standards of conduct

Technical Approach

Facilities and Site Maintenance: Development and maintenance of site facilities/safe healthy, and secure living and learning environment

Technical Approach

Outreach Technical Approach Admissions Technical Approach Career Transition Services Technical Approach Staffing Resources Technical Approach

Career Technical Skills Training CTT Program Number of Training Slots Bricklayer 20 Carpentry 40 Cement Masonry 20 Building Construction Technology 24 Painting 20 Plastering 20

The Annual Arrivals are listed below;

Annual Arrival by Center – GAP Table

Center Male

Residential Male Non

Residential Female

Residential Female Non Residential Total

St. Louis 418 32 270 60 780

Grand Total 780

Annual Arrival by Month

Month Male Female Total

January 42 31 73

February 42 31 73

March 42 31 73

April 42 31 73

May 42 31 73

June 28 20 48

July 25 17 42

August 42 31 73

September 42 31 73

October 42 31 73

November 42 31 73

December 19 14 33

Total: 450 330 780

The Quantity, Unit, Unit Price and Amount titles will reflect on the base years and following option years within the FFP for OA/CTS CLIN structure.

FIRM, FIXED-PRICE

Line Item

(CLIN)

Description Quantity Unit Unit Price Amount

0009 Outreach & Admissions (60% of total price), Initial Arrival 580

EA

0010 Outreach & Admissions (40% of total price), 90 days EA

Career Transition Services/ Graduates (60% of total price), Initial placement 520