DEIA RFQ Questions and Answers_Final.pdf

SBU - CONTRACTING AND ACQUISITIONS

Questions & Answers For DEIA RFQ: 19FS1A22Q1911:

1. On page 15 of the SOW the Government references a “Proposed SME” with qualifications that were to be detailed in Section II. However, Section II does not contain a list of qualifications for the Proposed SME. Can the Government provide the qualifications required of the Proposed SME?

Answer:

• Demonstrated substantial, large-scale, and recent experience with conducting organization-wide Training Needs Assessments or similar organizational experience

• Extensive in-depth knowledge and up-to-date subject matter expertise about DEIA and EEO issues.

• At least 10 years of successful experience working with federal government agencies, preferably with the U.S. Department of State, especially including review of DEIA, leadership, and management related issues within federal agencies

• Extensive knowledge of and practice in adult learning, DEIA training Development, Delivery and Assessment, and Quantitative/Qualitative Research.

• At least a Public Trust security clearance.

2. Can the Government provide an award and contract start date for this effort?

Answer:

• The Government intends to award this on or before April 18, 2022.

3. Will the government grant a 10-day extension of the due date?

• Yes. The Government will extend the due date to April 1, 2022.

4. Is this opportunity a set aside and if so, which one?

• As stated in the RFQ, this effort is set-aside for 100% small business.

5. How many DOS resources or staff will support this opportunity and how many hours per week will be dedicated per resource or staff?

Answer:

• The COR/DEIA SME will conduct weekly status updates with 2-3 FSI support personnel. The COR/DEIA SME will be available for consultation as needed.

6. Can we utilize a past performance from one of our subcontractors?

• Subcontractor past performance is acceptable as long as the subcontractor intends to perform on this contract if awarded.

7. Other than what is stated in the RFQ, what type of data, documentation or reports will be required to be captured/reviewed and included in the analysis?

Answer:

• Data, documentation, and reports will be provided by FSI components

• The contractor will review and analyze all data, documentation and reports provided by FSI

8. Within the 8 schools noted, there are 43 collective centers and offices. Approximately how much data exists for each center/office?

Answer:

• FSI DEIA Inventory of courses will be shared upon contract award.

• 5 FSI Courses Focused on DEIA o PT 107 EEO/Diversity Awareness for Managers and Supervisors o PT 144 Mitigating Unconscious Bias o PT 175 LGBT at State o PT 218 Leading a Diverse Workforce o PK 405 Preventing Harassment at State

• 5 DEIA Courses Sponsored by FSI o PT 171 Basic EEO Counselor Training o PT 173 EEO Counselor Refresher Course o PT231 Valuing Employees o PA447 Disability and Reasonable Accommodation o GCLO Interagency Roundtable on Diversity Equity and Inclusion

• Approximately 100 training modules, presentations or other learning tools incorporated into FSI courses with a broader focus

9. I understand the report and recommendations are expected by August 1st. What is the targeted date for the award?

• Please refer to the answer to question number 2.

10. If the targeted date for award is missed, will there be an opportunity to modify the expected date for completion by the number of days behind?

• No other date is targeted at this time.

11. At a high-level, what is your process to exercise Right of First Refusal?

• The Government will evaluate each sub-contractor (if applicable) submitted accordingly.

12. Can DOS clarify the number and titles of the trainings that will need to be reviewed? For example, the Equal Employment Opportunity / Diversity Awareness training and the Mitigating Unconscious Bias course were mentioned, but it is unclear if the contract is limited to those 2 trainings or if there are more Answer:

• Please refer to the answer to question 8.

13. Are there recordings of the trainings that can be included in the curriculum review?

Answer:

• Upon Award FSI COR/DEIA will determine what recordings of trainings will be shared

14. For interviews and focus groups that are with FSI stakeholders, will the Government take the lead on identifying the FSI stakeholders?

• FSI COR/DEIA will identify FSI Stakeholders

15. For the presentations that are specified as contract deliverables, will these be conducted virtually or in-person?

• TBD upon Award of Contract

16. Has FSI previously benchmarked any of their training curriculums? If so, will the contractor have access to previous benchmark reports?

• FSI has not benchmarked it DEIA curriculum.

17. Can the government provide further detail on the Proposed SME’s necessary qualifications (particularly regarding “expertise on key thematic, historical, political, economic, and socio-cultural themes for the region, sub-region or country, American interests and policy issues and how the U.S. and USG policy are perceived”)?

• Please refer to the answer to question 1.

18. Would the government consider an extension of the submission deadline to allow offerors to incorporate answers to questions into their responses?

• Please refer to the answer to number 3.

19. Would the government provide further instruction as to the page limit of the technical proposal?

Answer:

• The technical proposal should be limited to 25 pages (Resumes of proposed personnel not to exceed 3 pages each including examples of foreign affairs experience)