Tanzania 19AQMM24R0008 A0001 Q and A.pdf

19AQMM24R0008 - GPOI Capacity Building Assistance in Tanzania Nmbr Question Answer

Is there a timeline when these trainings will be happening or they are spread throughout the year?

Generally, GPOI tries to conduct the tasks listed in the Section 2.2. Required Tasks table throughout the year. However, the training sequence may vary at the discretion of the GPOI training team and TPDF trainer cadre to promote training efficiencies.

Topic: Specialty and Technical Trainers

Question: Will Specialty and Technical Trainers (not senior) require a lower rank?

No.

Topic: Training

Question: Will GPOI or the previous contractor provide the most recent documentation regarding lessons learned for the TPDF after contract award?

The winning contractor may request from GPOI and the partner nation the most recect lessons learned and after action reports after contract award.

Topic: Licenses

Question: Does DOS require the contractor to procure all required business licensure to operate in Tanzania legally and to be fully compliant with all Tanzanian immigration and labor laws?

Per SOW 2.5.5. "Licenses. The Contractor shall obtain all licenses required to procure, ship, and deliver equipment and supplies specified in the SOW to the place of performance." Additionally A002 adds DOSAR 652.242-73 Authorization and Performance which is required to be included in all solicitations and contracts to be awarded and/or performed overseas.

Topic: Senior Specialty Trainer

Question: “The SOW states that the Senior Specialty Trainer shall have additional qualification for the following tasks as outlined in the SOW” Please verify that the Senior Speciality Trainer is one individual that meets both the EHAT/CMD/IEDD and Medical task requirements and not two separate personnel.

No, unless specified in the SOW, these are separate personnel. Each Speciality Trainer must possess the qualifications listed with that respective task.

Topic: Procured Equipment

Question: Appendix 1 requires the purchase of the BaoFeng BF-F8HP (UV-5R 3rd Gen) 8- Watt Dual Band Two-Way Radio (136-174MHz VHF & 400-520MHz UHF) Includes Full Kit with Large Battery This item is produced in China, does the Government offer and specifications or altnerative products in lieu of this device or is it directing the purchase of this Chines produced communications item?

SOW Change.

Appendix 1 has been revised to remove any reference to a BaoFeng.

Topic: Contractor Supplied Equipment

Question: The contract incorporates FAR 52.204-24—Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (NOV 2021) as a compliance requirement. The PWS specifies procurement of the Autel EVO II Series UAV Thermal Drone, which is made by a company headquartered in Shenzen China. Please specify a non-Chinese owned Drone for comparison that would be acceptable.

There is no Autel EVO or a drone requirement in the contract.

Topic: Key and COR Approved personel

Question: Section 5 states " Offerors shall identify relevant degrees, professional certifications, and prior experience for key personnel and COR-approved personnel as part of their technical proposal." Section 2 states there is a 4 page limit on each resume. Are we correct in assuming that the government does not require proof of degrees and certifications (copies of the documents) to be submitted with the proposal?

Yes.

Topic: Key and COR Approved personel

Question: If the government requires proof of degrees and/or certifications (copies of the documents) to be included with the resumes, we respectfully request an increase to the "4-page" page restriction on individual resumes.

Offerors should Section L-016 and the proposal instructions more carefully. The following are exclusions from the page limitation. Additionally, Offerors should note that degrees and/or certficiations must be identified in proposals.

• The cover page

• Table of contents

• Resumes for all proposed personnel (see required format in SOW Appendix 4.2)

• Resume crosswalk templates for all proposed personnel (See required format SOW Appendix 4.1)

• Copies of any relevant professional certifications

• Copy of DD214

• Letters of Commitment

• Price-redacted cost proposal

• Personnel Staff/Labor Basis of Estimate (BOE) Matrix (see required templates in SOW Appendix 5.2)

• Training Schedule/Sequence Matrices (see required template in SOW Appendix 5)

• Any Gantt Chart or other matrix attached provided as part of work plan

Topic: Contractor Supplied Equipment

Question: Is there a color preference for the Aid Bag?

No, green or camouflage is always good.

Topic: Contractor Supplied Equipment

Question: Do the Government need all contents to fit inside the bag? If so, should the bag to come fully stocked/packed or would the FAT pack the bag themselves?

The Buddy First Aid Kit (BFAK) should come fully stocked/packed. The SOW Appendix 1 BFAK requirement has been revised to conform with the 2023 UN COE Manual, , Chapter 3, Annex C, Appendix 1.1 quantiies for the BFAK.

Topic: Contractor Supplied Equipment

Question: IV solutions are considered pharmaceuticals and will require signature by a doctor upon delivery. Is that possible? Would the Government prefer the contractor to ship the IV bags separately and not include them as part of the bags until necessary ie.

predeployment? This would make inventory and storage much easier.

TCCC requires IV solution to be provided. TCCC training material does not require a bag.

Also, IV solution should be locally procured if possible.

Topic: Fuel and Oil

Question: The SOW states that the offeror is to provide fuel and oil for the conduct of training. As training scope, type of training and potential mission requirements impact quantities of POL products, will GPOI consider making fuel and oil a cost reimburseable item?

The SOW Section 2.5.2 requirement to provide fuel and oil has been deleted.

Topic: Personnel Requirements

Question: Will the Government permit the offeror to utilize the same personnel who may have qualifications at mulitple tasks during Tasks A- J if the tasks don't run concurrently and COR approval is secured in advance?

Yes.

Topic: Leahy Vetting

Question: Will the requirements for the Leahy Vetting be included in the MOA between the US Embassy and the Host nation? Will a list of all Leahy Vetted personnel with signed confirmation by Tanzanian Leadership be provided for the contractor to verify?

Offerors should review the SOW and solicitation more more carefully. Leahy vetting is not a Contractor responsibility. Leahy vetting is a requirement (by the Embassy and Department) already memorialized in a legally binding agreement between the US and Tanzania. The TPDF Training Center Commandant and all members of the TPDF trainer cadre must be vetted. The TPDF will provide a list of all personnel to be vetted. The government will formally advise the contractor when this Leahy vetting is completed.

Topic: Required Personnel

Question: Does submitting other non-required personnel as part of technical proposal, not required by this SOW, provide a higher rating?

Not necessarily. More does not mean better. However, the proposed inclusion of additional other personnel which clearly indicates an offeror's understanding of project scope and whose inclusion clearly describes a stronger technical approach to the work will be considered in proposal evaluation.

Topic: Other Admins Performance Requirements

Question: Can the government confirm if surge support refers to non-required personnel on 3.2.4?

Any request for surge support shall come from the CO or COR through a contract modification.

Topic: Appendix 3 Senior Technical Trainer

Question: Will the government consider nationals of NATO allied countries for Sr Techncial Trainer since NATO military experience is one of the minimum requirements?

Yes, unless otherwise specfied. Additionally, the SOW has been updated to include UKUSA allies Austrailia and New Zealand where NATO is listed.

Topic: Place of Performance

Question: This section identifies the locations where tasks A - J are to be conducted but states they are "subject to change". When will the government finalize the locations for training and how much time will the awardee have to respond to changes in the Place of Performance if they happen?

Contractors should plan on the locations listed in the SOW. Final locations may not be determined until after contract award.

Topic: Personnel / Staffing

Question: Section 3.2.1 identifies the requirement for the contractor to provide a Contract Project Manager as Key Personnel. As part of the minimum qualifications, the Project Manager is required to have ""...relevant security force (police or military) capcity building experience or program management experience withing the last 5 years" as well as reflecting a preference for a certification as a program/project management professional from the Program Management Institute (PMI)" Table 2.6 #4 identifies that the contractor should provide a point of contact such as a "Program Manager". "PMI is the "Project Management Institute" and has certifications for BOTH "Project Managment Professional (PMP)" and "Program Managment Professional (PgMP)". Would the government please clarify if the requirement is for a Project Manager or a Program Manager?

The vendor is required to manage the contract -- thus the requirement in 3.2 is for contract management. Offerors shoould review closely what is required to manage this contract and decide which PMI course or certificaiton might best best enable them to accomplish this effecively.

Technical Section: L-017 - Technical Proposal Format Paragraph: Factor 3: Management Approach, 2) Specific Examples of Past or Similar Performance Page #: Pg. 40

Question: As the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has ruled in favor of allowing the evaluation of experience to consider past performance information regarding affiliated companies, will the Government allow it so long as meaningful involvement is demonstrated? If affiliated companies experience is allowable, please consider Offeror's to submit meaningful involvement language within the proposal that is excluded from page count or have it's own page limitations of at least five (5) pages.

The government has assessed the current page count limitations and page count exclusions and does not intend to consider any changes. Offerors are encouraged submit strong, thorough proposals IAW with current formatting and page count limitations.

Further, in order to stay withn the limits of proposal length, offerors might consider removing those parts of their technical proposal which do not directly address evaluation factors.

Technical Section: L-017 - Technical Proposal Format Paragraph: Factor 3: Management Approach, 4) Quality Control and Assurance Plan Page #: Pg. 40

Question: As Quality Control and Assurance Plans are typically a lengthy document, please consider excluding this plan from the 25-page technical limit. If this is not considered to be excluded, please consider Offeror's to provide this plan with a minimum of five extra pages to the total page limitations for technical bringing this volume to a minimum 30-page limit.

See Question 21.

Technical Section: Att 1 SOW GPOI Assistance in Tanzania.pdf Paragraph: 4.1 Resume Crosswalk Template Page #: Pg. 54

Question: SOW 4.1 Resume Crosswalk Template's last column "Supporting Documents" includes an example of "[Document Reference]". Please clarify if the Government is expecting Offeror's to provide copies of original documents (i.e., certifications, degrees, licenses, etc.) with our proposal for Key and COR-Approved Personnel.

See question 9.

Technical Section: L-017 - Technical Proposal Format Paragraph: Factor 2: Qualifications of Proposed Key Personnel Page #: Pg. 40

Question: The requirement states: "1) Crosswalk. The Offeror shall use the resume crosswalk template detailed in Appendix 4.1 of the SOW to summarize how the proposed candidate’s experience, qualifications, and skills support the specific key personnel requirements identified in the SOW." Please clarify if the Resume Crosswalk is only for Key Personnel candidates or for both Key and COR-Approved Personnel candidates.

Per the SOW, Section 3.3. Proposed Personnel. The Contractor shall assign to this contract all the personnel whose resumes are submitted at the time of proposal. The Contractor shall also complete the qualifications crosswalk template for key and COR-approved personnel provided in Appendix 4. Resumes shall be submitted for all key personnel and COR-approved personnel using the template provided in Appendix 4.

Technical Section: L-017 - Technical Proposal Format Paragraph: Factor 2: Qualifications of Proposed Key Personnel Page #: Pg. 40

Question: The requirement states: "3) Relevant Proof of Military Duty. The Offeror shall include all civilian certifications and a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214) or equivalent foreign military document for claimed military service and qualifications for each key peronnel candidate." Please clarify if the Government is expecting Offeror's to provide copies of the original documents for Key Personnel only or for both Key and COR-Approved Personnel candidates.

See the answer to Question 24.

Technical Section: 11. Security Clearance Requirements Paragraph: 11. Security Clearance Requirements Page #: Pg. 39

Question: Please clarify if the Project Manager is required to possess an active security clearance at the SECRET-level or above at time of proposal submission or is obtaining this clearance by contract start acceptable?

The Secret clearance is required at proposal submission.

Technical Section: TASK H and TASK I. Pre-Deployment Training Equipment

4.8.1. Paragraph: 4.8.1. Page #: Pg. 31

Question: The requirement states: "The Contractor shall procure and deliver equipment according to the quantities and specifications outlined in Appendix 1. Equipment shall support all performance objectives required in Tasks B through G." The pricing template for Task H includes only equipment for Task E. Similarly, the Task I tab includes equipment for Task F only. Please clarify this requirement and or define the distinction between tasks H and I.

The Appendix 1 equipment shall be purchased the Base Year and each Option Year of the contract. Appendix 2 equipment is a one (1) time purchase in the Base Year only.

Technical Section: 4. Scope of Work. Paragraph: 4.4 Task D. TPDF Lessons Learned Workshop Page #: Pg. 13-14

Question: The SOW does not provide performance objectives for Task D. Please consider adding performance objectives for this task to the SOW as Volume I, Technical, requires Offeror's to answer how we are to achieve performance objectives and the SOW requires Offeror's to "provide all management, training, personnel, equipment, training support materials, technology, supplies, and incidentals necessary to meet the performance objectives defined in each required task", yet not each task/subtask contains performance objectives.

TPDF leadership and cadre should lead the conduct of the LLW, however, the Contractor will help provide advice to TPDF leaders by asking or suggesting further questions or discussion points to facilitate the dialogue.

Technical Section: 4. Scope of Work. Paragraph: 4.5.14. Subtask E.8. Explosive Hazardous Awareness Training Page #: Pg. 26

Question: The SOW does not provide performance objectives for Task E, Subtask E.8.

Please consider adding performance objectives for this subtask to the SOW as Volume I, Technical, requires Offeror's to answer how we are to achieve performance objectives and the SOW requires Offeror's to "provide all management, training, personnel, equipment, training support materials, technology, supplies, and incidentals necessary to meet the performance objectives defined in each required task", yet not each task/subtask contains performance objectives.

The Contractor shall plan, design, and conduct EHAT using the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) Programs of Instruction (POI). See the UNMAS POI.

Technical Section: 4. Scope of Work. Paragraph: 4.6 Task F. TPFD Pre Deployment Training and Mentorship - DRC Battalion Page #: Pg. 28-29

Question: The SOW does not provide performance objectives for Task F. Please consider adding performance objectives for this task to the SOW as Volume I, Technical, requires Offeror's to answer how we are to achieve performance objectives and the SOW requires Offeror's to "provide all management, training, personnel, equipment, training support materials, technology, supplies, and incidentals necessary to meet the performance objectives defined in each required task", yet not each task/subtask contains performance objectives.

The performance objectives for Task F are identical to Task E

Technical Section: 4. Scope of Work. Paragraph: Task G. Jungle Operations Training - Two

(2) Training Iterations Page #: Pg. 29-31

Question: The SOW does not provide performance objectives for Task G. Please consider adding performance objectives for this task to the SOW as Volume I, Technical, requires Offeror's to answer how we are to achieve performance objectives and the SOW requires Offeror's to "provide all management, training, personnel, equipment, training support materials, technology, supplies, and incidentals necessary to meet the performance objectives defined in each required task", yet not each task/subtask contains performance objectives.

See the table in Section 4.7.4. Key training objectives.

Technical Section: 4. Scope of Work. Paragraph: 4.8 Task H&I. Pre-Deployment Training Equipment Page #: Pg. 31-32

Question: The SOW does not provide performance objectives for Task H&I. Please consider adding performance objectives for this task to the SOW as Volume I, Technical, requires Offeror's to answer how we are to achieve performance objectives and the SOW requires Offeror's to "provide all management, training, personnel, equipment, training support materials, technology, supplies, and incidentals necessary to meet the performance objectives defined in each required task", yet not each task/subtask contains performance objectives.

The Contractor shall procure and deliver equipment according to the quantities and specifications outlined in Appendix 1. Equipment shall support all performance objectives required in Tasks B through G.

Technical Section: 4. Scope of Work. Paragraph: 4.9 Task J. Peace Operations Training Center (POTC) Equipment Page #: Pg. 32-33

Question: The SOW does not provide performance objectives for Task J. Please consider adding performance objectives for this task to the SOW as Volume I, Technical, requires Offeror's to answer how we are to achieve performance objectives and the SOW requires Offeror's to "provide all management, training, personnel, equipment, training support materials, technology, supplies, and incidentals necessary to meet the performance objectives defined in each required task", yet not each task/subtask contains performance objectives.

The Contractor shall procure and deliver equipment according to the quantities and specifications outlined in Appendix 2. Equipment shall support all performance objectives required in TASK B, TASK C, TASK D, TASK E, TASK F and TASK G.

Technical Section: M-001 - Evaluation Factors Paragraph: Factor 1: Technical Approach Page #: Pg. 45

Question: The requirement states: "The proposal will additionally be evaluated on the inclusion, for each proposed candidate, of a letter of commitment…" Please clarify Letters of Commitment are only required for Key Personnel or both Key and COR-Approved Personnel candidates.

Per the SOW, the Contractor shall assign to this contract all the personnel whose resumes are submitted at the time of proposal. The Contractor shall also complete the qualifications crosswalk template for key and COR-approved personnel provided in Appendix 4. Resumes shall be submitted for all key personnel and COR-approved personnel using the template provided in Appendix 4. The Contractor shall provide the CO and COR a signed written agreement between the candidates and the Contractor as evidence of his/her commitment to work on the contract.

Technical Section: SOW Section 4.5.6.1 and 3.5 Paragraph: Task E. Required Personnel, and 3.5 Senior Technical Trainer Page #: Pg. 16 and 50

Question: The SOW provides us with qualifications for all positions except the “Senior Technical Trainer – One (1)” listed in the Table Task E. Required Personnel, with exception of this narrative in SOW Section 3.5:

"The Senior Specialty Trainer shall have a minimum of 10 years of technical experience which includes a relevant blend of military skills, experience, knowledge, and current certifications that will enable that individual to successfully train specific task performance objectives on this SOW. Individuals being proposed and billed to this position must complete a Resume and Resume crosswalk as noted in Paragraph 3 of this SOW. In addition to these minimum qualifications, Senior Specialty Trainer shall have additional qualifications for the following tasks as outlined in the SOW."

Since this position within the table doesn’t assign a specialty, does this position just need to meet the qualifications of the minimum qualifications provided above? If not, please provide minimum qualifications for this position.

Yes, for Subtasks E.9 and E.10 the Senior Specialty Trainer shall have the technical experience which includes a relevant blend of military skills, experience, knowledge, and current certifications that will enable that individual to successfully train to the Subtask performance objectives.

Technical Section: SOW Section 4.5.6.1 and 3.5 Paragraph: Task E. Required Personnel, and 3.5 Senior Technical Trainer Page #: Pg. 16 and 52

Question: Subtask E.3 lists a Senior Techincal Trainer - One (1) UN Logistics and E.4 lists a Senior Technical Trainer - One (1) Logistics. Are these two positions equivalent to the qualifications listed in SOW Section 3.5 Senior Technical Trainer (COR-Approved Personnel) under the bullet point of UN Logistics Trainer? If not equivalent, please provide minimum qualifications for the Senior Techincal Trainer - One (1) Logistics position.

Yes.

Technical Section: SOW Section 4.5.6.1 and 3.5 Paragraph: Task E. Required Personnel, and 3.5 Senior Technical Trainer Page #: Pg. 16 and 50

Question: Subtask E.2 lists a Senior Techincal Trainer - One (1) Engagement/CIMIC and E.4 lists a Senior Technical Trainer - One (1) Engagement. Are these two positions equivalent to the qualifications listed in SOW Section 3.5 Senior Technical Trainer (COR-Approved Personnel) under the bullet point of Engagement/CIMIC Tasks? If not equivalent, please provide minimum qualifications for the Senior Techincal Trainer - One (1) Engagement position.

Yes.

Business Section: L-019 - Business Vormat (Volume III) Paragraph: General Page #: Pg. 42

Question: Please confirm that Volume III, Business, does not have a page limitation.

There is no page limit for this volume. This will be/has been noted in Amendment 001.

Business Section: CONTRACT CLAUSES - CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE FAR 52.252-02 (FEB 1998) Paragraph: 52.211-6 - Brand Name or Equal (Aug 1999), (3) Page #:

Pgs. 33-34

Question: This Clause states if an item is identified as Brand Name or Equal the Offeror is to "Include descriptive literature such as illustrations, drawings, or a clear reference to previously furnished descriptive data or information available to the Contracting Officer."

If applicable, please confirm that this kind of information will be excluded from any page count restrictions.

Amendment 001 of the solicitation will be issued to revise L-016 to include "descriptive literature such as illustrations, drawings" in the exemption page limitations of the technical proposal.

Business Section: CONTRACT CLAUSES - CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE FAR 52.252-02 (FEB 1998) Paragraph: 52.211-6 - Brand Name or Equal (Aug 1999), (3) Page #:

Pg. 33-34

Question: If determined supporting information is applicable and required with the proposal, please provide further guidance where and in what format the DoS requires this to be included in the proposal. Suggest all Brand Name or Equal requirements information/documentation be provided as an Appendix to the proposal package so it can be segregated and evaluated by the appropriate evaluating team as it may include cost information and could add volume to file size of an individual volume.

Information will continue to be part of Volume I, Technical Proposals; Beyond that no perspective format will be provided.

Price Section: 7.5. Other Administrative Performance Requirements. Paragraph: 7.5.9.

Contingency Surge Support. Page #: Pg. 19

Question: Please clarify if the contractor is required to provide surge support outside of standard and routine requirements, this should be done through a formal contract modification to consider estimated contract/task cost increase as required and this does not need to be factored into cost at the proposal stage, correct?

Any request for surge support shall come from the CO or COR through a contract modification. Therefore, this does not need to be factored into the cost with the proposal.

Price Section: 4.5 Task E: TPDF Pre Deployment Training and Mentorship - MINUSCA Battalion Paragraph: 4.5.15. Subtask E.9. Leadership Training Page #: Pg. 27

Question: Please clarify if this should be two trainers x five training days for up to 30 or 50?

SOW Change.

Section 4.5.15. has been revised to: Subtask E.9. Leadership Training. The Contractor shall plan and design five (5) training days of Leadership training for as many as thirty (30) TPDF leaders preparing to deploy to a UN mission.

Price Section: L-018 - Price Proposal Instructions/Format Paragraph: General Page #: Pg.

Question: Please confirm that Volume II, Price, does not have a page limitation.

Yes, no page limit.

Reference SOW 1.3. What is the current deployment schedule of TPDF forces to the UN Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MONUSCO), and to the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)? How long are units deployed for on these missions? How many different units have deployed in support of these missions?

The winning Contractor may request the information upon contract award.

Reference SOW 2.5. Where will training equipment, supplies and vehicles acquired by the contractor be stored? Is there an existing facility or is the contractor expected to procure a storage facility?

The items will be shipped to Kunduchi Peacekeeping Training Center as stated in the SOW and stored in the container they are shipped in until the time of the inventory

If the contractor is required to procure a storage facility, does the Government have a preferred location for this facility?

No storage facility, items will be shipped to Kunduchi Peacekeeping Training Center

Reference Table 2.6, Contract Management Requirements, item 7. Where will the in person meetings with the COR be conducted?

Attend in-person and/or virtual conferences and scheduled meetings on SOW-related subjects as directed by the COR.

In-person meetings will normally occur at the GPOI Program Office.

Reference Table 2.6, Contract Management Requirements, item 9. What language(s) will interpreters be required for? What language(s) does the TPDF use? Is training expected to be in any language other than English?

Per the SOW, Section 9. LANGUAGE. All training materials, including POIs, shall be in English. All training delivered in Tanzania shall be conducted in English.

Can the Government confirm that the “in-country” requirements described in SOW Task A will be conducted within Tanzania? Will any of the Task A requirements occur outside of Tanzania?

Task A "in-country" requirements are for Tanzania.

Can the Government please provide or describe relevant authoritative documents, such as Memorandum(s) of Understanding (MOUs) among stakeholders (i.e. Department of State, Department of Defense/ US Africa Command (AFRICOM), Africa Union, United Nations) that describes roles and responsibilities and/or other relevant information that may inform coordination and collaboration among the contractor and relevant stakeholders?

No, refer to the SOW and other solicitation documents.

Reference SOW 7.4. This section of the SOW references partner nation responsibilities.

Question: In the context of this section of the SOW, is the partner nation always Tanzania, or could the partner nation referred to here be another country within the Africa Union?

The SOW is titled, "Global Peace Operations Initiative Capacity Building Assistance in Tanzania". The partner nation refered to is Tanzania.

Reference SOW 3.3. The minimum and preferred requirements for the Team Lead (key personnel) position appear to be overly restrictive and, in some cases, contradictory. For example, a typical O-3 has between 4 to 10 years of experience, and not the otherwise required 15 years of experience. An E9 typically has more than 20 years of experience.

Citing preferred experience that includes battalion level command of a combat arms unit (typically occurring after 17 years of service as an officer) does not recognize the fact that other officer specialties, such Ordnance, Civil Affairs and Military Police specialties, among others), are just as relevant to peace operations as combat arms specialties, and that NCOs and Warrant Officers do not serve in battalion level command positions. Given the wide range of relevant qualifying military experience, can the Government simplify the requirements by only requiring five years of relevant military leadership experience as an O-3 or above graded officer, CW3 or higher warrant officer, or E-7 or higher NCO with experience after 09/11/2001, and removing the preferred experience that is currently defined as command of a combat arms battalion level command qualification? This will allow each offeror to select from a wider range of qualified candidates than is currently described in the SOW.

SOW Change.

Section 3.3. In-Country Team Lead has been revised to: "(Preferred) Battalion and/or brigade staff experience while deployed to a combat, peacekeeping, or other contingency operation."

General: Contract Number:

Question: Could you please confirm the actual contract number for this solicitation?

The solicitation is 19AQMM24R0008. The contract number has not yet been identified, but before award one will be assigned.

Technical: Statement of Work (Section C):

Question: Could you provide more details on the specific training modules to be delivered under each CLIN, especially for the In-Country Team Lead and Senior Specialty Trainer positions?

No, that is for the contractor to propose.

Technical: Statement of Work (Section C):

Question: Are there any specific certifications or qualifications required for the trainers beyond what is listed in the solicitation?

All trainers shall have the skills and experience necessary to achieve the task’s performance objectives.

Technical: Training Support Equipment (CLINs 009, 1009, 2009, 3009):

Question: Can you provide a detailed list of the training support equipment required for this contract?

Yes, a detailed list of equipment is in Appendix 2 of the SOW.

Cost: Defense Base Act (DBA) Insurance (CLINs 006, 1006, 2006, 3006)

Question: Could you confirm whether DBA insurance costs are reimbursable on a cost-reimbursable basis with no fee?

DBA costs will be paid for on a cost-reimbursement basis. No other costs (fee, overhead, profit, etc.) will be paid for under this CLIN, and offerors shall not include any such costs under this CLIN.

Cost: Airfare and Transit Costs (CLINs 007, 1007, 2007, 3007):

Question: Are there any specific guidelines or limits for reimbursable airfare and transit costs?

Allowable costs under this CLIN should follow the Federal Travel Regulations (FTR) which governs travel for executive branch agencies. In addition Fly America Act is also applicable.

Evaluation Factors (Section M):

Question: Could you provide more detail on the weight and importance of each evaluation factor listed in Section M?

No more specific information beyond what is already in M-001 of solicitation will be provided.

Section: 2.2. Requirements (Pg 2 - 3)

Question: Will any of the Tasks be concurrent or are they all sequential?

See the answer to Question 1.

Section: 2.2. Requirements (Pg 2 - 3)

Question: Is a tentative planning schedule available to show the interaction of the Tasks?

No.

Section: 2.5.2. Equipment and Supplies (Pg 4)

Question: Is an estimated volume of fuel and oil that will be required to support this SOW available to facilitate accurate pricing?

The Section 2.5.2 requirement to provide fuel and oil has been deleted.

Section: 4.2 Task B (Pg 10 - 11)

Question: Is this task the same as the ATM/TRM task?

The contractors shall propose training for Task B as listed.

Section: 4.0 Scope of Work

Question: Are the existing POIs, lessons plans, and training schedules in use by the Partner Nation available for use in planning our proposal?

No, the existing material will be provided after contract award, including an updated list of publicly available UN training materials.

Section: 4.3.8. TPDF IDC (pg 13)

Question: Are the 40 hours of OCONUS prep work allowed to be conducted at any point or do they have to preceed Task C?

Per Section 4.3.8. The Contractor shall conduct a minimum of forty (40) hours of planning prior to the start of this task.

Section: 4.3.8. TPDF IDC (pg 13)

Question: Is the 40 hours of OCONUS work for each of the four (4) trainers assigned or is it a total of 40 hours?

A total of 40 hours.

Section: 4.5.5. PDT (Pg 15)

Question: Are the 40 hours of OCONUS prep work allowed to be conducted at any point or do they have to preceed Task E?

Per Section 4.5.5. The Contractor shall conduct a minimum of 40 hours planning prior to this Task.

Section: 4.5.5. PDT (Pg 15)

Question: Is the 40 hours of OCONUS work for each of the four (4) trainers assigned or is it a total of 40 hours?

A total of 40 hours.

Section: 4.5.8. Sub Task E2 (EP/CIMIC) (Pg 17)

Question: Have the Partner Nation already transitioned to the UN EP structure and doctrine or are they still practicing FET doctrine and will require a transition program?

Per Section 4.5.8. The Contractor shall plan, design, and conduct ten (10) training days of EP and CIMIC section training and mentor and assist the TPDF trainers as they conduct the training.

Section: 4.5.10. Sub Task E4 (BN Staff) (Pg 18)

Question: Is this Task the same as CSOS under the existing IDIQ?

Per Section 4.5.10. The Contractor shall propose training for a UN Infantry Battalion Staff (STAFF) Training.

Section: 4.5.11. Sub Task E5 (Tactics) (Pg 21)

Question: Is this Task the same as SST under the existing IDIQ?

The Contractor shall propose training as per the SOW, Section 4.5.11. Subtask E.5. Small Unit Tactics (TACTICS) and Individual Skills Training for UN Peacekeeping Operations.

Section: 4.5.12. Sub Task E6 (CO Staff)(Pg 23)

Question: Is this Task the same as CGML under the existing IDIQ?

The Contractor shall propose training as per the SOW, Section 4.5.12 Subtask E.6.

Company-level Operations (COYOPS) Training for UN Peacekeeping.

Section: 4.7.10 Task G (JW) (Pg 31)

Question: Are the 40 hours of OCONUS prep work allowed to be conducted at any point or do they have to preceed Task G?

Per Section 4.7.10. The Contractor shall conduct a minimum of Forty (40) hours of planning prior to the start of this task.

Section: 4.7.10 Task G (JW) (Pg 31)

Question: Is the 40 hours of OCONUS work for each of the four (4) trainers assigned or is it a total of 40 hours?

A total of 40 hours.

Section: 4.8. Tasks H and I (Equipment) (Pg 31 - 32)

Question: Items on the list are made in china, is there an exemption for them or are there suitable alternates available?

SOW Change.

Section 4.8.1. has been revised to add: "All equipment should be U.S. procured and not China made."

Technical: RFP L-016, 10 -, Pg. 39

Question: The cited passage reads, "For each line item inserted under the 'Equipment' column in Attachment 2 - Tanzania Pricing Proposal Template, Tabs A through E, offerors shall insert the applicable delivery date in the table below for each item." Did the Government mean to write, "For each line item inserted under the 'Equipment' Tab in Attachment 2 - Tanzania Pricing Proposal Template, Columns A through E, offerors shall insert the applicable delivery date in the table below for each item."?

L-016, 10 is updated to read as follows: " For each line item included under the “Equipment” tab in Attachment 2 - Tanzania Pricing Proposal Template, offerors shall insert the applicable delivery date in the delivery date column each item. Offers that propose delivery that will not clearly fall within the applicable required delivery period will be considered nonresponsive and rejected. The Government reserves the right to award under either the required delivery schedule or the proposed delivery schedule, when an offeror offers an earlier delivery schedule than required. The proposed delivery schedule will be evaluated under Factor 1 (Technical Approach)."

Additionally, please see the amended Pricing Proposal Template

Technical: RFP L-017, Factor 4, Pg. 40

Question: Can offerors submit Excel attachments of their price-redacted versions of the full cost/price proposals and simply reference said attachments in Factor 4 as opposed to reproducing the price-redacted versions of the full cost/price proposals in their entireties in the Factor 4 sections of the narrative Technical Volumes?

Yes.

Technical: RFP L-017, Factor 4, Pg. 40 and SOW Appendix 5 (5.1 & 5.2), Pg. 56

Question: Does the schedule and work plan need to cover the option years?

The schedule and work plan only needs to cover the base period

Technical: RFP L-017, Factor 3, 2), Pg. 40

Question: Can past performance citations come from both prime and subcontractor performance?

Yes.

Technical: RFP - L-017, Factor 4, Pg. 40 and SOW Appendix 5, Pg. 56

Question: Will the Government confirm their intent is that Matrix 5.1 should be filled out for each major task in the SOW (i.e., 4.1 – Task A, 4.2 – Task B, etc.)?

Yes.

Price: RFP L-018, 4), a., Pg. 41 and L-016, 10 -, Pg. 39

Question: The first cited passage reads, "Offerors shall not add, delete, or otherwise alter the existing content." However, the second cited passage reads, "For each line item inserted under the 'Equipment' column in Attachment 2 - Tanzania Pricing Proposal Template, Tabs A through E, offerors shall insert the applicable delivery date in the table below for each item." Including applicable delivery dates would require offerors to alter the existing content as there is no allowance in the spreadsheet to list delivery dates. Will the Government explain how to proceed given this?

See question 76.

Bus Vol: RFP L-019.3, Pg. 43

Question: If an offeror does not possess audited financial statements, will the Government accept an offeror's internally generated data for L-019.3 items (a) through (d)?

a. Yes

b. The contractor will be evaluated on the submitted compiled financials and other financial documents.

RFP: RFP 52.204-24 - Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (NOV 2021), Pgs. 33 & 34 and 52.204-26 - Telecommunications Equipment or Services-Representation (OCT 2020), Pg. 34

Question: Should offerors complete and return attachments of the cited representations with their proposals? Are there any other representations required to be returned with proposals as attachments?

Offerors should submit any required represenations that are not already covered by annual representations and certiciations in SAM.gov.

RFP: RFP H-033, Pgs. 18 & 19

Question: Will the Government confirm the following? Technical consulting and management support services (i) is specifically related to FAR Subpart 9.508 (g) whereby the Government would incorporate or endorse curriculum provided by the contractor in performance of this contract, into a future competitive acquisition. Therefore, an award of this task order would not preclude the contractor or the contractor’s subcontractors/teaming partners from participating in other solicitations or awards unless the Government specifically incorporated or endorsed curriculum provided by the contractor in performance of this contract, into those solicitations or awards.

FAR 9.508(g) provides an example of a grounds rule based organizational conflict of interest (OCI) which would prevent the company who created that plan from competing in associated competitive requirements. This contract is not primarly to provide plans for any other future requirement as that example illustrates. The government does not reasonably envision there will be any grounds rule based OCIs as a result in the performance of this requirement.

RFP: RFP L-016, 1-, Pg. 38

Question: Can type be larger than 11-point size for headers, graphics, callout boxes, etc.?

Font size shall be as per the RFP.

SOW: SOW Appendix 5, Pg. 56

Question: The SOW refers to, "...attached excel [sic] Appendix 5.1 and 5.2 and examples documents included in RFP". However, no Excel artifacts for 5.1 nor 5.2 were included in the RFP package. Will the Government provided these artifacts to offerors as Excel files as opposed to just images in a PDF and allow offerors to submit them as attachments that are referenced in the technical narrative volumes as opposed to pasting them in the technical narrative volumes? If no, should offerors flesh out the columns to cover all 52 weeks for the base engagement? Should offerors cover the option years?

Yes. This attachement will be provided in an editable format (MS Excel) if it has not been already. Offerors should also note that this attachment is excluded from their page count and that it should complement the narrative or other information provided in their technical propoal. Offerors may make adjustments to the the Excel document.

SOW: SOW 4.4, Pgs. 13 & 14

Question: In SOW 4.4.1, the Government indicates the task will last three days (one day for preparation and two days for the workshop). SOW 4.4.6 indicates two full-time personnel conduct five days of task performance and that hours shall not exceed 80. Will the Government confirm the task will last three days with the Senior Technical Trainer expending up to 30 hours, the Team Leader expending up to 30 hours, and the Scribe expending up to 20 hours?

The total labor hours for this task shall not exceed 80 hours, not including travel, or the equivalent to two (2) full-time personnel conducting five (5) days of task performance.

General: RFP SOLICITATION, OFFER, AND AWARD, Box 9, Pg. 1

Question: Considering the necessary complexity of RFP responses, including multiple key and COR-approved personnel, will the Government issue an extension to August 19, 2024?

No.

General Question:

Question: Is there an incumbent provider for this engagement, and if so, will the Government disclose the incumbent's name?

No.

Section 2.5 of the SOW, specifically 2.5.2: “The Contractor shall provide all fuel and oil necessary for the actual conduct of training”.

Question: Do you have an estimated # of vehicles, miles, and vehicle types for each task?

The Section 2.5.2 requirement to provide fuel and oil has been deleted.

Section: 2.5.5 License

Question: Does DOS require the Prime Contractor to have a current business license to operate in Tanzania?

2.5.5. Licenses. The Contractor shall obtain all licenses required to procure, ship, and deliver equipment and supplies specified in the SOW to the place of performance. DOSAR 652.242-73 will also be added to the solicitation with Amendment A002 to the solicitation.

Section: 4.2 Task B TPDF Peacekeeping Training Resource Management Course (PTRM)

Question: Besides deveopment of the 5-day Intelligence Training Course does DOS rerquire the Prime Contractor to develop additional curiculum or will the curiculum/Lesson Plans be provided to the Prime Contractor by DOS/UN?

Existing material will be provided after contract award, including an updated list of publicly available UN training materials. The quantity of the material will be extensive: approximately 1.5-2 gigabites of powerpoint presentations (PPTs) material. The government is confident that this existing material will be useful, broad in scope, substantive, and tremendously useful-- that the winning contractor will be able to draw on it heavily to refine their training materials. The government also recognizes that much of the training material it provides after contract award will still need to be updated or even developed from scratch. The government also assumes that offerors bidding on this contract are likely to already possess some of their own, in-house materials or have done their their market research to catalogue those materials that may be easily and efficiently available to them already.

Offerors should note which performance objectives are "mentor only" and should note the planning hours authorized on each task in the SOW -- recognizing also that Offerors may choose to propose additional planning hours for POI development in their technical proposal. Offerors are reminded that in Section M of the RFP, their Technical Approach (Factor 1) will be evaluated on, among other things, their "skill at developing and adapting high-quality and engaging programs of instruction (POI) and training materials, often on short notice, particularly in the context of a field training environment" and their Schedule and Work Plan (Factor 4) will be evaluated on, among other things, how clearly their work plan depicts or explains "how programs of instruction (POIs) and training modules will be developed, reviewed, and organized for delivery on each task." The government recognizes that the contractor's development of topnotch training materials for delivery in Tanzania is a critical part of contract performance, and looks forward to evaluating technical proposals reflecting this understanding -- but also assumes that offerors with strong proposals will have the right blend of personnel, resources, and technical expertise to efficiently refine, develop and deliver training in Tanzania before this contract becomes a POI development "jobs program." Finally, the government wants to strongly convey to all Offerors that surveillance of contracted POI development (and pricing) after contract award will be a program office priority, particuarly if that winning contractor has proposed additional planning hours for POI development in their techncial proposal. In such a scenario, that winning contractor should expect frequent, formal, and rigorous oversight of ther POI development work plan and invoicing from both the COR and CO.

Section: 4.5. TASK E. TPDF Pre Deployment Training and Mentorship - MINUSCA Battalion / 4.6. TASK F. TPDF Pre Deployment Training and Mentorship - DRC Battalion

Question: Are the training tasks unique for each Battalion or are they specific to the Area of Operation

Training for each task should be tailored to each TPDF Mission Area

Section: 4.5. TASK E. TPDF Pre Deployment Training and Mentorship - MINUSCA Battalion / 4.6. TASK F. TPDF Pre Deployment Training and Mentorship - DRC Battalion

Question: Will each Battalion be trained simultaneously or will each training be conducted sequentially?

See the answer to Question 1.

Section: 7.4. Partner Nation Responsibilities 7.4.4, 7.4.8

Question: Is the Prime Contractor expected to procure vehicles to support the contract beyond those vehicles addressed in the SOW? If so, does DOS have an issue with leasing vehicles or purchasing used vehicles from the local market to be used for the duration of the contract?

No. However offerors should note that long-term leasing requires a PKO Waiver and should include that in their technical proposal.

Section: APPENDIX 1: EQUIPMENT LIST FOR TRAINING (TASK H,I ) / APPENDIX 2:

EQUIPMENT LIST FOR POTC (Shall be delivered prior to Task B; Base Year Only)

Question: Are there any restrictions regarding the procurement of equipment outside of those addressed in Attachments 3.4, and 5?

No.

Some of the Team Lead key personnel position qualifications as written appear to include unnecessary preferred qualifications. Can the Government simplify the qualifications by removing the preferred qualifications that include prior combat arms battalion command experience, and remove required minimum pay grade requirements of E9 (for an NCO) and W-3 (for a warrant officer)? This will allow offerors access to a much wider pool of otherwise highly qualified candidates capable of fulfilling duty requirements for this important position.

See SOW Change and Question 52. The government does not believe that the current minimum qualifications and preferrred qualifications for certain key and senior COR-approved personnel are, as revised, "unneccessary." To the contrary, the government believes that the current personnal requirements in their entirety -- including exceedingly flexible minimum qualifications for most personnel on this contract -- will absolutely enable offerors to recruit a wide pool of highly qualifed and high performing personnel to perform on this contract.

PWS Reference: page 4, para2.5.4

Question: Are we providing additional materials for classes or is it their intent to use the items that they are purchasing?

2.5.4. Supplies. The Contractor shall provide training aids, training materials, and administrative supplies necessary for conducting training, including consumable supplies.

PWS Reference: page 8, para 3.6

Question: Are the CDC requirements a billable item?

Include in price proposal.

PWS Reference: page 9, para 4.1.2 Task A, line 10

Question: Is there a defined outcome statement or documentation (TCCC skill sheets, etc...)?

No.

PWS Reference: page 10, para 4.2.2 Task B, line A

Question: Is there medical support embedded or assumed within life support requirement?

Part of the training is to conduct a resource analysis of training plans to discern the resource…