Gadsden_RFP_Q&As.docx

Attachment 1 1630J3-18-R-00003 – Gadsden JCC w/ OA CTS Questions & Answers

1. Q: Page 5, OA & CTS - CLIN 0009, 0010, 0011, 0012, 0013, 0014 - OA and CTS goals listed for base period 1 Dec 18 to 30 Nov 20 seem to indicate goals for one year, not two. Should the goals be doubled?

A: Yes, for the Base Period.

2. Q: Pages 12 and 27 - CLIN 0009, 0019, 1010, 2009, 1010, 3009, and 3010 - The value contradicts the OA goal on page 12 and page 27.

A: Refer to B.2 Pricing Schedule in Amendment 3 to this solicitation, for the correct OA goal by CLIN.

3. Q: Page 12 - OA Goal - Please confirm the OA goal of 397: 177 residential female; 180 residential male; 16 non-residential female; and 24 non-residential male is exclusively for the Gadsden JCC.

A: This is confirmation that the OA arrival goals exclusively for the Gadsden JCC for this RFP total 397 which includes 177 residential female; 180 residential male; 16 non-residential female; and 24 non-residential male is exclusively for the Gadsden JCC.

4. Q: Page 12 - If the OA goal of 397 is exclusively for Gadsden JCC, will the government provide a geographic recruitment area?

A: The geography for recruitment and placement is within the State of Alabama. Each center (contractor) will recruit for their respective center.

5. Q: Page 17 - CTS goal - Can the Government confirm that 278 graduates and 119 former enrollees that make up the CTS goal of 397 are for the entire State of Alabama?

A: The CTS goals of 278 graduates and 119 former enrollees consist of students that separate from the Gadsden JCC and those that relocate to the State of Alabama.

6. Q: Page 40 – Staffing - May we propose additional support staff in residential for the Gadsden JCC, beyond those included in the Occupations Chart and for which Prevailing Wage/Minimum Required rates are not specified?

A: Refer to the RFP for direction regarding staffing.

7. Q: Request the Government define the electronic media (CD/DVD or Flash Drive) Does the Government want 6 individual electronic media (1 per volume) or 1 Electronic media with all volumes?

A: One USB Flash Drive.

8. Q: Page 91 - Cost Detail Narrative - Is a cost detail narrative and/or staffing/salary structure required for the OA/CTS Firm Fixed Price CLINs?

A: Refer to RFP.

9. Q: C.3A – Page 12 and F.5 - Page 12 states that enrollments are in the state of Alabama. The table in section F.5 states that the enrollments are for Gadsden JCC. If the OA/CTS services are only for the Gadsden JCC, is it safe to assume that the Montgomery JCC will be recruiting and placing their own students? If the answer to the above question is yes, please provide the Geographic Assignment Area by County for the Recruitment and Placement for the Gadsden JCC.

A. Refer to response to question 4.

10. Q: H.30 – Page 50 - Please confirm that OACTS is not subject to this requirement as OACTS a Firm-Fixed Price and only subject to the associated CLINS.

A. Refer to Section G, Para. G.3.1, “If applicable under this RFP and the resultant contract, the technical performance incentive fees for OA and CTS shall be as follows: N/A, the OA and CTS services are Firm Fixed Priced CLINs”.

11. Q: Pg.4 (B.2) - The government notes, “changes reflected in OBS shall be based on per student price blocks in ten.” Many of the costs in running a center do not directly change as OBS changes; therefore, adjusting the contract strictly based on cost per student in Blocks of ten is not reflective of what costs will change due to lower/higher OBS. Some costs are fixed regardless of OBS. Will the government consider other methods to adjust the contract other than OBS per student price in blocks of ten? A few examples reflecting that some costs that are (fixed) rather than variable and are not necessarily tied in a 10 to 1 ratio of OBS are the following: • Some salaries in Line 15 (Center Director, Finance Director, Property specialist, Buyers, etc.), • Facility Maintenance Costs (labor and supplies), • Security (Labor & supplies), which costs are tied to the layout of the facility as well as total students. Please advise accordingly as not all costs in running a center move directly proportionally to OBS.

A: The offeror should base their proposed costs in accordance with the requirements of the RFP.

12. Q: Pg.5 (Pricing Schedule) - Please confirm upon award the government-provided NTE Ceiling and funding for CLIN 0006 Equipment will include amounts for OA and CTS equipment needs.

A: Yes.

13. Q: Pgs. 5-9 (Pricing Schedule); Pg.12 (C.3.A) - It appears the same quantities are used in the CLINs for Initial Arrivals and 90-day retention. (CLIN 0009 & 0010). Can the government explain why these quantities are the same? The question arises for two reasons: First, it is unrealistic to anticipate that ALL arrivals to the center will be retained in Job Corps for more than 90 days. Second, these quantities are inconsistent with other language in the RFP. Per Section C.3.A of the RFP, it states “the contractor performance shall be measured against the goals established by the Employment and Training Administration each year in the Outreach and Admissions Outcome Measurement system.” Program Year 2017 OMS report card (Appendix 501b of the PRH) clearly states that Arrivals with 90-day Commitment have a Goal of 85% of Arrivals. By listing the quantities for initial arrivals the same as for 90 days, the goal becomes 100% and the government is no longer consistent with the OMS goals.

A: See revised schedule B as to the OA goals. However, offeror is referring to performance standards/measurement. The Outcome measurement in The PRH as indicated in the question is 85% but it does not negate that it could be above a 85% retainage.

14. Q: Pgs. 5-9 (Pricing Schedule); Pg. 17 (C.3.D) - It appears the same quantities are used in the CLINs for Graduates/Initial Placements and Graduates/6 Months (CLIN 0012 and 0013). Can the government explain why these quantities are the same? Per the pricing schedule, the government is using the same quantities for three different CTS metrics: • Annual CTS inflows (278 per Section C.3.D) • Initial Placement of Students (A measure of Initial Placement Rate) • Placement of Students as of Quarter 2/6 month (A measure of Placement rate in Q2 after exit). Each of the above metrics are separately identified in the PRH and scored differently per the CTS report card noted in Appendix 501c. For example, the Initial Placement rate is 92% for Graduates and 60% for Former Enrollees per the PY 2017 POMS goals. The goal reflects 92% and 60% of inflows. Per the RFP, the Contractors performance is to be measured against the goals established by ETA, Office of Job Corps each year in the CTS OMS (C.3.D – pg. 17). As currently priced, the contractor is not being measured against said goals. Based on the current pricing schedule, the same quantities indicate that ALL student inflows will become placements, and ALL placements will complete the Q2 survey after exit. Would the government consider adjusting the quantities to reflect National goals? (Note: The above logic would also be applicable to CLINs 0013 and 0014 - Former Enrollees - except the national goal percentages are different.)

A: See respond to question 13.

15. Q: Pgs. 5-9 (Pricing Schedule) - Please clarify/correct the references to 6 months. The CTS performance indicators and PRH requirements have changed; 6-month follow-up surveys are no longer administered.

A: The reference to 6 months will be replaced to reference “Quarter 2”.

16. Q: Pgs. 5-9 (Pricing Schedule); Pg.12 (C.3.A); Pg.26 (F.5) - The Firm-Fixed Price for CLIN 0009-0010, 1009-1010, 2009-2010, 3009-3010 lists a Quantify of 260 for OA. Section C.3.A. Outreach and Admissions has an arrival minimum of 397. Section F.5 Deliverables has an arrival totaling 397. Can we assume the pricing schedule is incorrect and should be 397? In addition, can the contractor assume the quantities listed for the Base Period (CLINs 009-0014) should be double that of the Option Period CLINs? Currently the quantities for the Base Period, which covers two years, are equal to the Option Periods quantities. Please clarify the quantities in the FFP schedule.

A: See responses to Questions #1 and #3.

17. Q: Pgs. 5-9 (Pricing Schedule) - Please confirm these quantities are only minimums expected from the contractor. (1) What if the contractor exceeds the arrival quantities stated in order to maintain the center’s OBS? Some student arrivals may go to other centers. (2) Why are the graduates and former enrollees separately identified? Currently the Job Corps performance measures track these services as one combined factor. Would the government consider combining these CLINs? (3) What if the contractor exceeds the placement quantities stated?

A: The CLINS will not be combined.

18. Q: Pg. 12 & 17 - The RFP states “the contractor shall provide outreach and admissions services in the state of Alabama” and “the contractor shall provide or arrange for post-center CTS for all eligible students returning or relocating to the State of Alabama.” Given that there is another OA/CTS contract provider in the State of Alabama, is there a geographical area plan to ensure there is not overlap with other OA/CTS contractors in Alabama. Is this contract only responsible for the recruitment and placement of the Gadsden Job Corps Center?

A: See response to question 4.

19. Q: Pg. 28 (G.3.1) - The Technical Performance Incentive Fee section describes the potential for contractors to earn a “technical performance excellence bonus” in addition to the regular technical performance fee. However, the RFP it is not clear as to what percentage maybe earned by the contractor as part of the Performance Excellence Bonus. No column is noted in the Center Operations table provided in the G.3 Fee section. Is it .5% as it has been note in previous RFPs? Prior RFPs included a column with a percentage indicating the calculation to be used for the Performance Excellence bonus. See last column below.

A: Any technical performance excellence bonus will be calculated by the government.

20. Q: Pg. 28 (G.3.2); Pg.91 (L.7.Factor 5.c) - Per BMP instructions noted in Factor 5 of Section L.7, contractor is to propose at a 2.0% cost-incentive fee. Is the contractor to invoice at 2% average cost-incentive fee on a twice monthly basis to be included in the invoice described in Section G.5, Invoice Requirements? The RFP does not provide language concerning this matter as the standard language appears omitted from section G.3.2 Billing and Payment of Cost Incentive Fees. Additionally, in previous RFPs, the Cost Incentive Fee was proposed at 3.5%, but invoiced at 3%, which provided for a more reasonable cost reimbursement rate through invoicing.

A: Refer to G.3.2 of the RFP.

21. Q: Pg.28 (G.3.2 - 2nd Paragraph) - This section states: “Upon completion of the contract year, the Contracting Officer will determine the amount of cost incentive fee earned by the contractor, using the cost incentive fee calculation identified in the table above.” Please describe how the contracting officer will determine the amount? What determines the adjustments up or down from the average cost incentive fee?

A: Refer to G.3.2. of the RFP.

22. Q: Pg.28 (G.3.2) - The cost incentive fee section seems to have omitted some information. According to FAR 16.405-1, Cost-plus-incentive-fee contracts, it states: “This contract type specifies a target cost, a target fee, minimum and maximum fees, and a fee adjustment formula.” (1) What are the adjustment formula, factors and percentages? (2) Will the form be revised or another form included outlining the target costs by year for center operations? (3) Is the Average Cost Incentive Fee equal to Target Cost Fee, which equates to the 2110 budget? (4) Previously, tables to describe the Fee formulas, factors and percentages were provided by tables, like the one noted below:

A: Refer to G.3.1 of the RFP.

23. Q: Pgs.32-33 (G.5.h & i.) - Section (h) describes billing for Fixed Price CLINs, while Section (i) describes billing for OA and CTS. What is the purpose of section (h) as OA and CTS are the Firm-FixedPrice CLINs? Can Section (h) be removed? Otherwise – (1) Please explain why the government requires labor rate information with the billings for a Cost-Reimbursable Contract? (2) Will the government provide a standard form for submitting this information? (3) Please clarify the Staffing Report from the FMS system referred to in section (G.5.h). The Staff Compensation Report currently in FMS is an annual report and does not correspond to semi-monthly billing periods.

A: Section H will not be removed. Refer to G.3.1 of the RFP, under provided table.

24. Q: Pgs. 33 (G.5.i.) - In regards to Billing for OA and CTS – (1) Please identify the specific documentation from CITRIX for the invoice. (referenced in #1 & 2) (2) Confirm #2 should be revised to “90 Day Retention” instead of Arrivals. (3) The current Job Corps performance reports combine Graduate Placements and Former Enrollees (referenced as #3 & 4). Will these be combined for billing purposes? (4) What length of time periods should be included in the reports? (5) 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? (4) Item #5 references a 6-Month Survey (Final Graduate). This section is not relevant as Job Corps has changed the performance measures and eliminated the 6-month survey.

A: Refer to G.5 (i) (5).

25. Q: Pgs. 33 (G.5.i.) - Assuming the 6-month reference is a reference to Quarter 2 survey, the divisor for the goal is based on those who complete the Q2 survey. In addition, this survey is administered by a third-party that is not in control of the contractor. Can the Govt. clarify the following concerns: • If the contractor is restricted to bill only completed surveys, how can the Contractor obtain revenues for those students who are placed but did not respond to the survey? • Will the Govt. provide a percentage as to the national average (or Regional average) of Graduates and Former Enrollees who do and do not complete the Q2 survey after separation? o Note: Such data would be necessary to determine an actual expected QTY and Unit price to ensure fixed costs are covered per the billing process. (6) Because the Survey is performed by a third-party, the contractor does not control this process and potential billable revenue for the contractor is determined by the effectiveness of the third party. How will the Govt. ensure the third-party surveys and captures all the CTS Placed students so the contractor can properly bill placed students?

A: Refer to G.5(i) (5).

26. Q: Pgs. 34 (G.10) - What is the basis of the $750 liquidated damage assessment for invalid placements? • Contractors are no longer required to pay transitional placement payments to students as they were previously required. The only loss to the government for an invalid placement is the unit price of a placement that may have been billed to government and paid by the government to the contractor.

A: The $750 is reimbursement to the Government for invalid placement, not liquidated damages.

27. Q: Pgs. 35 (G.12) - Liquidated Damages – Staffing Can the liquidated damages clauses pertaining to staff vacancies be re-considered? According to FAR 11.501(b): “Liquidated damages are not punitive and are not negative performance incentives (see 16.402-2). Liquidated damages are used to compensate the Government for probable damages. Therefore, the liquidated damages rate must be a reasonable forecast of just compensation for the harm that is caused by late delivery or untimely performance of the particular contract.” As the RFP identifies the Center Operations CLINs as cost reimbursable (and not fixed price), the Government does not incur any damage/cost as a result of vacant positions. The Government is charged only for actual costs incurred by filled positions.

A: No.

28. Q: Pg. 35 (G.12) - (1) The RFP states that the contractor agrees to have a maximum vacancy rating not exceeding 4%. Is there a financial or liquidated damages assessment for exceeding the 4%? If so, what is the assessment calculation? How will this apply, or not apply, to cost reimbursement contracts? (2) How was the 30-day requirement for filling certain positions arrived at by DOL? Based on the current practice of new employees giving at least two-week notice to current employers after accepting a job offer as well as the need for background checks, this appears to be insufficient time to advertise, interview and hire staff, especially for key positions. (3) It is double jeopardy to assess liquidated damages for both situations (1&2 Above): the specified 30-day limitation and then again if over the 4% vacancy rating. (4) Please clarify how the allowable maximum vacancy rating of 4% or less is calculated (based on FTE’s or salaries). (5) In the 4% maximum vacancy limitation, will considerations/adjustments be made for the following: a. Coverage provided by other positions, substitutes, overtime, etc. 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. (6) How will the government determine the 30-day vacancy window? How will this be reported to the government? (7) The RFP states (Section G.12) that the “value specified for the vacant position” will be determined to establish a penalty amount. What is meant by that statement? The proposal provides only the annual position amount – not a monthly amount. It would be excessive to utilize 50% of the annual labor cost to determine the liquidated damages for one month. (8) 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.

A: Identified critical positions needed to be filled as stated in the RFP.

29. Q: Pg. 35 (G.12) - Please clarify the liquidated damages for staffing vacancies does not apply to OA and CTS as OA and CTS are Firm Fixed Price.

A: See G.10.

30. Q: Pg. 35 (G.15) - This section references reimbursement for GSA rental charges. Currently the contractor does not process payments for GSA rental charges, instead they are handled by the national office. It appears this section is irrelevant. Should it be removed?

A: G.15 will remain in the RFP.

31. Q: Pg. 36 (G.15.A) - In the invoice section, it describes semi-monthly invoicing, but this section references providing lists to the COR who will have 10 days to review the lists and determine acceptance of valid arrivals and placements. It appears that the contractor first sends the lists to the COR, obtains approval for each accepted arrival/placement, and then submits the invoice with the support for the approved arrivals and placements. Can you clarify the process? For example, (1) Is it correct that these lists are submitted to the COR separately and prior to the invoicing process? If so, how often can these lists be submitted to the COR? (2) What is the expected format for the lists? Are these the same CITRIX reports as referenced to on page 33? (3) What determines the “initial acceptance” and “final acceptance” of arrivals? What determines the “initial acceptance” and “final acceptance” of placements?

A: (1) Is it correct that these lists are submitted to the COR separately and prior to the invoicing process? Yes If so, how often can these lists be submitted to the COR? There is no established limitation on the number of submissions.

(2) What is the expected format for the lists? Are these the same CITRIX reports as referenced to on page 33? Yes

(3) What determines the “initial acceptance” and “final acceptance” of arrivals? This is an internal process.

What determines the “initial acceptance” and “final acceptance” of placements? This is an internal process.

32. Q: Pg. 36 (G.15.A.3&4) - (4) These sections include several references to “arrivals.” As these sections pertain to CTS, please confirm the references to “arrivals” should be replaced with “placements.”

A: In Section G.15.A.3 and 4, replace the references to the term arrivals with the term “placements.”

33. Q: Pg. 40 (H.6.B) - Please confirm the reference to Attachment J.14 should be corrected to Attachment J.17 for the Davis-Bacon wage determinations.

A: Yes. Refer to Amendment 0003 of the RFP.

34. Q: Pg. 40 (H.6.C - Chart) - The chart calls references Senior Residential Counselors and Residential Counselors; However, the J-4 staffing chart for line 5 references Residential Living Manager, Residential Living Supervisors, and Residential Advisors. Which is correct?

A: The correct position titles are Senior Residential Counselors and Residential Counselors.

35. Q: Pg.50 (H.30 Incentives) - Please confirm H.30 Incentives does not apply to OA and CTS as these CLINs are Firm-Fixed-Price sections and not under the same FAR restrictions as cost reimbursable-type contracts.

A: See response to Question #10.

36. Q: Pg. 50 (H.31) - Please confirm H.31 Reimbursement of Training Costs does not apply to OA and CTS as these CLINs are Firm-Fixed-Price sections and not under the same FAR restrictions as cost reimbursable-type contracts.

A: Refer to Section B, Para. B.2.

37. Q: Pg. 66 (J-1 and J3); Pg.91 (L.7. Factor 5.c &d) - Please confirm the J-1 and J-3 do not apply to the OA and CTS as OA and CTS are Firm-Fixed-Price CLINs. Please confirm the narrative detail section is not applicable for OA and CTS as these CLINs are Firm-Fixed Price and the provided J-3 also has no detail for OA and CTS.

A: See response to Question #8.

38. Q: Pg. 82 - The proposal Format lists the number of copies for all sections are Four hard copies and one electronic version (PDF). Should the Four hard copies of each section be bound as one submission and separated by tabs? Or should each section of the proposal be bound separately and copied four times? Please clarify.

A: Refer to Section L, Para. L.6 (I)

39. Q: Pg. 82 - The Narrative of Oral Presentation is to include written 20 pages. Please clarify if the written portion should contain all oral sections to include Technical, Staff Resources and Relevant Experience?

A: Refer to Section L, Para. L.6 (H) and (I)

40. Q; Pg. 83 - There are no occupations listed in PRH 3.13 please clarify the location of the occupations in the PRH.

A: The correct PRH reference is: Exhibit 3-5 Job Corps Career Technical Training Programs Student/Teacher Ratios.

41. Q: FFP Pricing Schedule and C.3 Program Content, A. Outreach and Admissions (OA) - Recruitment goals conflict in FFP Pricing Schedule and C.3 Program Content, A. Outreach and Admissions (OA) - Please clarify the number of applicants to be recruited in both the FFP Pricing Schedule and C3. Program Content, A. Outreach and Admissions.

A: The number of OA arrival goals for the Gadsden JCC for this RFP total 397 which includes 177 residential female; 180 residential male; 16 non-residential female; and 24 non-residential male is exclusively for the Gadsden JCC.

42. Q: FFP Reference - The OA recruitement goal of 397 uses a 3% Weekly Termination Rate (WTR) based on the contracted center OBS of 260 (260 OBS x 3% termination x 51 weeks = 397). In the case where the WTR is lower, resulting in a lower number of separations and real opportunities to recruit applicants for enrollment, how will contractors be reimbursed for fixed costs?

A: The government will not respond to this hypothetical question.

43. Q: Outreach and Admissions and Center Recruitment - Do other OA providers recruit for the Gadsden Job Corps Center?

A: Post contract award, no other providers will be required to recruit for the Gadsden JCC.

44. Q: FFP CLINS for Outreach and Admissions - "Quantity" in the OA CLINS - Should the "Quantity" lised in the Base Year FFP CLINS be 2 times the "Quantity" in the Option Year FFP CLINS?

A: Yes. See response to Question #1.

45. Q: FFP CLINS for CTS Graduate and Former Enrollee "Quantities" - How did the Government arrive at listed "Quantities" for CLINS 0011, 0012, 0013, and 0014 for the Base and Option Year Periods? Should the "Quantity" lised in the Base Year FFP CLINS be 2 times the "Quantity" in the Option Year FFP CLINS? How will contractors be reimbursed for Fixed Cost in the event that the respective "Quantity" for Graduates and Former Enrollees is not available?

A: Refer to Section B, Para. B.1 and B.2. See response to Question #1.

46. Q: FFP CLINS and CTS Graduate and Former Enrollee - CTS Performance includes Initial, Q2, and Q4 performance metrics. The FFP CTS CLINS for Q4 are not included. Please clarify.

A: The government is not including Quarter 4 CLIN for CTS.

47. Q: CTT Offering Table, Page 16. - CTS Performance includes Initial, Q2, and Q4 performance metrics. The FFP CTS CLINS for Q4 are not included. Please clarify.

A: This is to confirm that only Quarter 2 CLIN for CTS is included.

48. Q: P. 40 – H6C Wage Comparability - Please confirm that offerors are allowed to have non-counseling personnel supporting Residential Counselors that are not categorized as Residential Counselors as part of the overall Dorm Life structure.

A: Refer to the RFP for direction regarding staffing.

49. Q: Section H.7 A - Applicable Service Contract Act wage determination version not posted. - Could the government clarify which of the following SCA wage determinations are applicable? 15-4601 rev.5 or 15-4602 rev.5

A: Refer to Section J, Attachment J-18.

50. Q: Key Personnel - Are offerors allowed to submit an alternate as a Key Personnel, in the event the primary candidate becomes unavailable?

A: No.

51. Q: L.7. Factor 3 - Major Subcontractors - Will the Government define the minimum qualifications that define a subcontractor as "Major"?

A: Subcontractors that will perform major or critical aspects of the requirement.

52. Q: Section J-12 - Water Utility not posted - Will the Government provide Water utilitiy cost?

A: Yes – Refer to Section J, Attachment J-12, for historical water utility costs.

53. Q: SectIon L.7 Factor 5.b.2) and Section H.6 C Wage Comparability - H.6 C Wage Comparability There exists a requirement to provide Annual Salary Ranges for each position. Section H.6.C provides minimum required wages for 10 positions but no Annual Salary Range. - Does the government require contractors to bid the H.6.C categories at the minimum Wages provided?

A: IAW Section H, Para. H.6C, the contractor/subcontractor is required to pay comparable wages equivalent to occupations in the labor market; and for those occupations the Government have identified in the table under this section, the contractor/subcontractor is required to pay the prevailing wages as the minimum.

54. Q: SectIon L.7 Factor 5.b.2) and Section H.6 C Wage Comparability - There exists a requirement to provide Annual Salary Ranges for each position. Section H.6.C provides minimum required wages for 10 positions but no Annual Salary Range. If the minimum wages shown for the 10 categories provided in H.6.C are to be proposed, iaw section 5.b.2), will the government provide the corresponding Annual Salary Ranges?

A: IAW Section L, Para. L.7, Factor 5 (b.) (2), the Offeror is required to include a description of the offeror’s staff salaries including annual salary ranges for each position.

55. Q: Section L.7 - Proposal Format - In the past, requirements stated that the Technical Approach, Staff Resources, and Relevant Experience are bound together as one. Past Performance and the Business Management Proposal are separately bound together. Are there any specific requirements on how each Factor will be bound for this effort?

A: Refer to Section L, Para. L.6 (I)

56. Q: P. 95 – M2 Evaluation Factors - In evaluating the submitted proposals, what weight will the Oral Presentation have in relation to the other submitted volumes for Technical Approach, Staff Resources, Relevant Experience, Past Performance and the BMP?

A: Offerors will be evaluated in accordance with the RFP as to the offeror’s responses submitted for each Factor/subfactor(s) and element(s). Slides and narrative should address the Factors/subfactor(s) and elements in accordance with the RFP.

57. Q: P. 82 – L6Ic Instructions for Proposal Submission (Page Numbering) - Relating to the identification of associated written narrative page numbers on the Technical Approach and Staffing Resources slides, are we to identify the page number of the 20 page Oral Narrative or the page number of the narratives of the Technical Approach and Staffing Resources written narratives that were submitted as responses to the RFP Factors 1 and 2?

A: Refer to Section L, Para. L.6, Block c. of the table. “For Technical Approach and Staff Resources, each presentation slide must identify the corresponding page number in the associated written narrative”.

58. Q: 4. P.82 – L6I Instructions for Proposal Submission - Most recent RFPs issued by OCM have requested that the written responses to Factors 1,2 and 3 be bound together and Factor 4, 5 and Oral Narrative be bound separately. Can you clarify for this procurement? Also please clarify if the Presentation slides should be bound with each writen response Factor?

A: Refer to Section L, Para. L.6 (H) and (I)

59. Q: 5. P.82 – L6I Instructions for Proposal Submission - In what form or via what method should the electronic files be submitted? (i.e flash drive, CD, email)

A: See response to Question 7.

60. Q: Facility Use - Is there a facility use or management agreement central to the operation of the Gadsden Job Corps Center and Gadsden State Community College that pertains to facility maintenance, Gadsden State Community College student visitors, etc.?

A: Yes - The Gadsden JCC has an MOU with Gadsden State Community College.

61. Q: Page 67, J-16 - Please post the listed Performance Report Cards and listed reports.

A: Refer to following attached reports: OMS10, OAOMS10, POMS10, CTTRC, MPO35 and MSO20.

62. Q: Is carpentry offered by the National Training Contractors (NTC)?

A: No. The Carpentry Career Technical Training Program at the Gadsden JCC is center-operated as stated in the RFP.

63. Q: Page 40, Section H.6 - Do Residential Counselors, who work shifts when students are sleeping or in class, have to meet the same educational requirements as prime and swing shift Residential Counselors? In other words, do all Residential Counselors need to meet educational requirements listed in the PRH? Is the salary the same for all Residential Counselors regardless of the shift worked?

A: Yes. The salary is the same regardless of the shift work.

64. Q: Are offerors allowed to have staff in the dormitories supporting student living and development and Residential Counselors that are not categorized themselves as Residential Counselors.

A: Refer to the RFP for direction regarding staffing.

65. Q: Are offerors allowed to have staff in the security department supporting Security Guards who are not themselves categorized as Security Guards?

A: Refer to the RFP for direction regarding staffing.

66. Q: Page 16 - List of Career Technical Skills Training (CTST) Slots. With the new stringent guidelines in Residential staff requirements are there any plans for the Advance Human Service Worker/Residential? Could we propose making an adjustment?

A: The Job Corps Program has begun to phase out the Advance Human Service Worker/Residential Career Technical Training Program. An alternative trade offering will be implemented post contract award, that aligns with the Region’s overall career pathways strategy.

67. Q: Page 82; Proposal Format - In addition to the hard copies, does the government want 1 flash drive for each proposal section (a total of 6 Flash Drives) or just 1 flash drive with all sections included?

A: See response to Question #7.

68. Q: Page 82, Proposal Format - The table includes a requirement for a 20-page Narrative of Oral Presentation. Please clarify if this includes the Technical Approach only, or if the narrative is also required to include Staff Resources and Relevant Experience. Will this narrative be evaluated?

A: The table in Section L .6. I (proposal format) of the RFP, outlines the proposal sections, the format, page limitation and number of copies. Please refer to the RFP.

69. Q: Evaluation - How will the oral presentation be weighted in the evaluation compared to the written submission?

A: Offerors will be evaluated in accordance with the RFP as to the offeror’s responses submitted for each Factor/subfactor(s) and element(s). Slides and narrative should address the Factors/subfactor(s) and elements in accordance with the RFP.

70. Q: Since the Center property is leased from the college, are the grounds keeping tasks shared or are they solely at the responsibility of the Center. If shared, can we be provided with the MOU?

A: Refer to response to Question #60. The government will not provide a copy of the MOU between the college and the current center operator.

71. Q: Considering the new PRH requirement for Residential Counselors, is Advance Human Service Worker/Residential still a viable and approved trade?

A: Refer to the response to Question #66.

72. Q: Where is the Advanced Human Services Worker/Residential training conducted?

A: On-Center

73. Q: The facility survey indicates there is an annual rent expense of $113,590. Should this expense be included in the proposed cost?

A: No

74. Q: Is the Carpentry Trade an NTC offering?

A: No

75. Q: The RFP outlines 397 arrivals a year; however, the CLIN reflects 260. What is the correct annual arrival goal?

A: 397 arrivals

76. Q: For CTS, the RFP reflects 278 graduates and 119 Former Enrollees for a total of 397 per year. Whether the arrival goal is 260 or 397, this number either exceeds or meets the number of arrivals each year. Is this the correct number of graduate and former enrollee assignments to the contract per year?

A: The CTS goals for the contract total 397, which includes 278 Graduates and 119 Former Enrollees.

77. Q: The RFP states that the contract will provide CTS services to eligible students returning to and relocating to the state of Alabama. The OA contract just reflects responsibility for arrivals to Gadsden. Is the CTS contract responsible for services to all students that return or relocate to Alabama or just those who complete Gadsden?

A: The CTS contract is responsible for services to students that return or relocate to Alabama.

78. Q: The JCRL reports reflect that there is a stand-alone OA/CTS provider that currently is contracted for the state of Alabama. Based on start and end dates showing, it appears they are just completing their first two years in May 2018. Will they remain in place covering the entire state after the award of Gadsden for the additional three option years? If so: Will they also provide CTS services in the state? Will they still be allowed to send arrivals to Gadsden as well or just Montgomery?

A: The government will not provide the status of another contract. Respond to the requirements of this RFP.

79. Q: Two OA/CTS contractors in a state the size of Alabama creates a conflict with no defined territory especially with Gadsden OA/CTS being a fixed price contract. The contract will be dependent on having an individual assigned territory that supports the population needed to achieve the annual arrival goals in order to appropriately earn the funds needed to operate the OA/CTS portion. What will the defined territory be? If it remains outlined as just the state of Alabama, will the other contractor be assigned a designated area to recruit from to allow achievement of arrival goals or could both contractors potentially be competing in the same territory for arrivals?

A: Refer to question 4 response.