19GE5024Q0067.pdf

COMBINED SYNOPSIS & SOLICITATION

Customized English Language Training Program for US Embassy Yerevan, Armenia

SOLICITATION NO. 19GE5024Q0067

Issued by:

American Consulate General Regional Procurement Support Office Giessener Strasse 30 60435 Frankfurt am Main Germany

September 4, 2024

Combined Synopsis and Solicitation

Solicitation Number 19GE5024Q0067

Regional Procurement Support Office (RPSO) Frankfurt hereby provides the following Combined Synopsis and Solicitation for:

Customized English Language Training Program for Armenia Law Enforcement Agencies on behalf of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Yerevan, Armenia. All interested sellers shall review the solicitation and offer equipment in accordance with the specification provided in this document.

The evaluation of offers will be based on the tradeoff approach. It is the offeror’s responsibility to prove that the service it is offering meets the requested specifications.

Synopsis:

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice.

This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; offers are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. The solicitation number is 19GE5024Q0067 and is issued as a Request for Quotations (RFQ), unless otherwise indicated herein.

The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular FAC 2024-06, effective August 29, 2024.

U.S. CONSULATE GENERAL

Regional Procurement Support Office

Giessener Strasse 30 60435 Frankfurt am Main

Germany Email: GalloneA@state.gov

Contract Type:

The Government intends to award a single, firm fixed-price contract to the responsible offeror whose offer is determined be providing the best value. The total price shall include all labor, equipment, delivery charges, materials, overhead, profit, insurance, warranty, customs clearance, and all other expenses necessary to deliver the required supplies. No additional sums will be payable on account of any escalations in the cost of materials, equipment, or labor, or because of the Contractor’s failure to properly estimate or accurately predict the cost or difficulty of achieving the results required by this contract. Nor will the contract price be adjusted on account of fluctuations in currency exchange rates.

Term of Contract:

This ensuing contract shall be effective from the date of the Contracting Officer’s signature and shall remain valid until all items are received and accepted by the Government.

Compliance with Specifications:

Offerors shall also provide with their offer, at a minimum, existing product literature substantiating the acceptability of their offered product in accordance with this solicitation’s specifications provided in the solicitation. Failure to provide this information will result in a ‘non- responsive’ offer and removal from award consideration.

Descriptive Literature Required:

Definition: (a) "Descriptive literature" means information (e.g., cuts, illustrations, drawings and original manufacturers' brochures) that is submitted as part of an offer. Descriptive literature is required to establish, for the purpose of evaluation and award, details of the product offered that are specified elsewhere in the solicitation and pertain to significant elements such as (1) design;

(2) materials; (3) components; (4) performance characteristics; and (5) methods of manufacture, assembly, construction, or operation. The term includes only information required to determine the technical acceptability of the offered product. It does not include other information such as that used in determining the responsibility of a prospective contractor or for operating or maintaining equipment. (b) Descriptive literature must be (1) identified to show the item(s) of the offer to which it applies and (2) received by the time specified in this solicitation for receipt of offers. (c) Data displaying more than one model or size shall be clearly marked so as to indicate the specific item being offered. (d) Offers which do not present sufficient information to permit complete technical evaluation by the Government may be rejected. It is the offeror’s responsibility to prove that their proposed solution meets the requested specifications, subject to any limitations elsewhere in this solicitation.

Other Specific Requirements:

Coordination:

The Contractor shall coordinate the delivery of the items with the following Points of Contact (POC): *(to be advised on award).

Acquisition Method and Extent of Competition:

This solicitation is utilizing Simplified Acquisition Procedures at FAR 13.1.

List of Attachments:

1. Attachment I – Representations and certifications

SCOPE OF WORK:

Customized English Language Training Program for Armenia Law Enforcement Agencies

Purpose and Objectives

Project Description and Scope The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) of the U.S. Department of State, represented by International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) Section at the U.S.

Embassy in Armenia has been assisting Armenian law enforcement (LE) agencies to develop and modernize skills and capacities in different areas, including the Central Apparatus, Yerevan, and regional structures since 2001. The USG/INL-funded assistance includes a large spectrum of projects, including, but not limited to technical assistance and training opportunities for central and local units of LE agencies, sharing of expert knowledge about U.S. legislation and institutional practices, management, SOPs, and other types of strategic advising.

The major goal of the current project is to assist interested LE agencies to develop English language skills (proficiency) of up to 100 officers, who are in close or direct interaction with foreigners (foreign counterparts or country visitors) on the ground, and through electronic communication, including conducting international/joint investigations, reviewing/researching English language materials, sources of information, reading and writing mutual legal assistance requests, participating at overseas trainings, networking with FBI, DEA, DHS counterparts or American LE counterparts from state or local police offices.

The LE officers (hereinafter students) nominated for the English language training program will be of different ages and have different levels of English language proficiency, whether from the central apparatus or different service units.

The contractor shall conduct initial assessment of English language proficiency of the students for further determination of course/level eligibility of each candidate. Based on the evaluation results, the contractor shall provide three-level language courses: beginners, intermediate and advanced levels. The courses shall be held in groups and at hours allowing flexibility for officers with duty shifts (e.g., evening classes, three times a week, minimum 2 hrs of each class duration, and 15 mins break). Each course shall be held over a period of up to three months (or distributed over six months, if preferred). Classes shall be held three times per week. The groups shall be composed of up to 15 people in each group. The estimated overall number of students is 100 officers. The students may enroll in two courses (e.g., beginners’ level + intermediate level or intermediate level + advanced level), depending on their aptitude.

The contractor shall deliver courses containing basic, intermediate, and advanced English, with enhanced focus on law enforcement and/or legal terminology, which shall allow the students to master the language of their profession. The contractor shall hold written and oral test or evaluate students’ knowledge at completion of each level.

The contractor shall provide training classrooms and training material (printouts, textbooks, handouts, etc.). Provision of training aids for listening skills development by the vendor are a plus.

Organizational Capacities The contractor must have a minimum of 10 years of experience in the field providing English language training customized for law enforcement professionals. The contractor must provide information (documentation) to support the experience of the organization with similar projects of this size and shall provide two or more past performance references to include organization name, address, telephone number, program coordinator’s name and telephone number, a description of services provided.

The contractor’s facility must have the capacity to offer a minimum of six simultaneous evening classes, each accommodating 12-15 students (three times a week for minimum 2 hours of each class duration, and 15 mins break), with an equivalent number of instructors for execution of this project. The facility shall be located in Yerevan, Armenia.

Personnel and Experience The contractor shall provide detailed descriptions of the demonstrated and documented experiences for all proposed instructors. Availability of resumes is advantageous. Preference will be given to contractors whose instructors have experience with similar programs or have a background as native speakers (American or British). Specialization in teaching law enforcement and legal English will also be considered a plus.

The contractor must appoint a Program Coordinator who shall oversee the implementation and quality of the program. The Program Coordinator shall be the principal liaison between the contractor and the respective section of the U.S. Embassy, as well as act as PoC for organizational matters with the end-users.

Deliverables

- In the beginning, all enrolled students will be tested to determine their appropriate level of entry.

- During the course of studies, all enrolled students will be evaluated for (a) individual performance (including understanding and completion of assignments in the classroom and at home, tests results, other language related activities) and (b) attendance records.

- All successful enrolled students will graduate at the level of language proficiency to which they were assigned at entrance to the course (i.e., beginners, intermediate, or advanced). Successful graduation will be measured by the criteria described under “Measures of Success.”

Measures of Success Students enrolled in any level are expected to develop fluency and communication skills (oral and written) in English through meaningful interaction and collaborative learning strategies. The following criteria will be employed to measure the outcomes from the project:

- At the end of the beginners’ (1,2) level students will be prepared to conduct effective communication (oral) with non-native and native speakers of English on general topics.

- At the end of the intermediate (3,4) level students will be prepared to conduct effective communication (oral and written) on general and specific subject/topics with relevant vocabulary (including police and legal terminology), using middle English vocabulary and understanding the nuances of professional communication.

- At the end of the advanced (5,6) level students will be able to conduct professional communication (oral and written) on different topics with extended vocabulary (involving police or legal terminology), using complex word structures, understanding nuances of professional language, as well as being able to deliver speeches, make presentations and conduct professional discussions in English without interpretation or assistance.

Joint Accountabilities

1.6.1. Contractor Accountabilities:

• Provide qualified personnel and certified instructors to perform the activities specific to this project

• Provide logistics, as required for the adequate delivery of courses

• Regularly provide quarterly written reports to the INL Program Office (PoC Maritsa

Hovhannisyan) in a timely manner on the training program performance status, students’ attendance (including students’ attendance records) and performance

• Complete assigned deliverables within the project schedule

• Complete the project using sound project management and delivery methodology and comply with contract requirements

• Report on issues that may arise regarding project deliverables directly to INL Office/PoC in a timely manner.

1.6.2. INL Accountabilities:

• Provide the contractor with the list of participating students

• Provide an authorized point of contact (PoC) responsible for communicating with contracting office, making organizational decisions or discussing issues that may arise during project implementation

• Provide requested documentation and information to the contractor or end-user in a timely manner

• Conduct coordination with the end-user agencies, as required

• Provide access to INL personnel, as required.

2. Scheduling and Costs

2.1 Timeline

The period of performance (PoP) for this project is twelve months from the contract award date.

The contractor must begin project performance within two weeks from contract award date.

3. Technical Evaluation Criteria

1. Outline of the courses (including textbooks to be used)

2. Experience, expertise

3. Personnel

4. Timeline

Applicable Clauses and Provisions:

The full text of the referenced FAR and DOSAR clauses may be accessed electronically at https://www.acquisition.gov.

The selected Offeror must comply with the following commercial item terms and conditions, which are incorporated herein by reference:

CLAUSE/PROVISION TITLE AND DATE

FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Product and Commercial

Services (Sep 2023)

FAR 52.212-2 Evaluation – Commercial Product and Commercial Services (Nov

2021)

FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications - Commercial Products and Commercial Services (May 2024)

FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Product and

Commercial Services (Nov 2023)

FAR 52.204-7 System for Award Management (Oct 2018)

FAR 52.204-13 System for Award Management Maintenance (Oct 2018)

FAR 52.204-16 Commercial and Government Entity Code Reporting (Aug 2020)

FAR 52.204-18 Commercial and Government Entity Code Maintenance (Aug

2020)

FAR 52.204-29 Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act Orders—

Representation and Disclosures (Dec 2023)

FAR 52.211-6 Brand Name or Equal (Aug 1999)

FAR 52.247-34 F.O.B. Destination (Nov 1991)

CLAUSE/PROVISION TITLE AND DATE

DOSAR 652.229-70 Excise Tax Exemption Statement for Contractors Within the

United States (Jul 1988)

DOSAR 652.229-71 Personal Property Disposition at Posts Abroad (Aug 1999)

DOSAR 652.232-70 Payment Schedule and Invoice Submission (Fixed-Price) (Aug

1999)

DOSAR 652.242-73 Authorization and Performance (Aug 1999)

DOSAR 652.243-70 Notices (Aug 1999)

DOSAR 652.247-70 Notice of Shipments (Feb 2015)

DOSAR 652.247-71 Shipping Instructions (Feb 2015)

FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders - Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Dec 2023) - the applicable clauses under paragraph (b) are: 52.203-6; 52.203-17; 52.204-10; 52.204-27; 52.204- 30; 52.209-6; 52.222-19; 52.222-50; 52.225-5; 52.225-13; 52.226-8; 52.232-33 [U.S Based Company: 52.222-21; 52.222-26; 52.222-36].

The following clause(s) and provision(s) are provided in full text:

Addendum to FAR 52.212-2 Evaluation – Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021)

The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror (as determined within the meaning of FAR Part 9, paragraph 9.104), whose offer conforms to the solicitation and is determined to be the most advantageous solution to the Government, price and other factors considered. Evaluation will be based on offeror’s submission and the provision at FAR 52.212-2, as provided in this solicitation.

Technical and past performance, when combined, are significantly more important than cost or price.

The Government reserves the right to award without any discussions. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers:

(a) The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers:

(i) Technical Capability/Acceptability

The offered products shall conform to the detailed specifications and performance criteria outlined in the solicitation, including materials, dimensions, functionality, and other technical aspects. Evaluation will consider the quality and reliability of the products, which may involve examining product certifications, warranties, and relevant testing results or industry standards compliance. Products will be assessed for their ability to perform as intended in specific use-case scenarios, potentially through reviewing technical documentation or product demonstrations.

Additionally, any innovative features or technological advancements that provide added value or improved performance over competing offers will be considered.

(ii) Past Performance

Past performance information that is independently obtained, by the U.S.

Government, from other Government and commercial sources may also be used during past performance evaluation. Based upon information gained from other Government and commercial sources, past performance evaluation will assess the recency and relevancy of collected information in accordance with 52.212-1. If found recent and relevant, the Government will evaluate whether the offeror had successfully demonstrated an ability to perform. The evaluation of past performance information will take into account past performance information regarding predecessor companies, key personnel who have relevant experience, or subcontractors that will perform major or critical aspects of the requirement when such information is relevant to the acquisition. In addition, the Contracting Officer may use past performance information in making a determination of responsibility.

(iii) Price

The price will be evaluated by the lowest aggregate sum of the items including any delivery charges, custom clearance, handling charge, Value Added Tax (VAT) (if applicable) etc.

(b) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer’s specified expiration time, the Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award.

(End of provision)

FAR 52.214-34 Submission of Offers in the English Language (Apr 1991)

Offers submitted in response to this solicitation shall be in the English language. Offers received in other than English shall be rejected.

(End of Provision)

FAR 52.225-17 Evaluation of Foreign Currency Offers (Feb 2000)

If the Government receives offers in more than one currency, the Government will evaluate offers by converting the foreign currency to United States currency using the U.S. Department of State foreign currency exchange rate in effect as follows:

(1) On the date specified for receipt of offers if award is based on initial offers; otherwise

(2) On the date specified for receipt of proposal revisions.

(End of provision)

Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Product and Commercial Services (Sep 2023)

Pursuant to FAR 12.302(d), the provision at FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Product and Commercial Services (Sep 2023) is augmented as follows:

Submission of Offers: Submit signed and dated offers to the office specified in this solicitation at or before the exact time specified in this solicitation. Offers may be submitted on letterhead stationery. As a minimum, offers must show-

(1) The solicitation number;

(2) A technical description of the items being offered in sufficient detail to evaluate compliance with the requirements in the solicitation. This shall include product literature, or other documents;

(3) Terms of warranty;

(4) Price and any discount terms;

(5) Delivery schedule and method of shipment;

(6) A completed copy of the representations and certifications at FAR 52.212-3 (see FAR

52.212-3(b) for those representations and certifications that the offeror shall complete electronically); and

(7) Past performance information to include recent and relevant three (3) contracts for the same or similar items and other references (including contract numbers, points of contact with telephone numbers and other relevant information).

Offers who fail to furnish required representations or information or reject the terms and conditions of the solicitation shall be excluded from consideration.

Preparation of Offers: Offerors shall prepare and submit its offer in two (2) volumes as set forth below.

VOLUME I: PRICING AND REPRESENTATIONS & CERTIFICATIONS

(i) The offeror shall complete pricing information in the table below.

CLIN Description Unit Quantity Unit Price

Total Cost

0001 English Group Class (level 1 to 4)- cost per student

EA 100

0002 Book/Materials EA 125

0003 Value Added Tax (VAT), if applicable Lot 1

GRAND TOTAL – CLINs 0001 to 0003:

Currency: _____________________________

(i) FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications—Commercial Products and

Commercial Services (May 2024), FAR 20.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (Nov 2021):

Offerors shall submit a completed copy of the above listed representations and certifications.

VOLUME II: TECHNICAL CAPABILITY AND PAST PERFORMANCE

The proposed supply shall meet all of the minimum technical specifications and the delivery terms contained herein. In addition, the offeror shall provide:

(i) Descriptive Literature and Work Plan (information on how the service will be implemented, organizational information, confirmation that the requirements of the SOW can be met, i.e. to offer a minimum of six simultaneous evening classes, each accommodating 12-15 students (three times a week for minimum 2 hours of each class duration.

(ii) A confirmation service can start within 2 weeks of award.

(iii) CV and Expertise of the available teachers, description of the location and classroom, information on the textbooks that will be used;

(iv) Past Performance as described in the SOW

SUBMISSION OF OFFERS:

The complete offer submission shall include:

1. Volume I - Price Offer and a completed copy of the representations and certifications at FAR 52.212-3 and FAR 20.204-24 (Attachment I – Representations and certifications)

2. Volume II - Technical Capability: Descriptive literature, a delivery confirmation, CV and expertise, past performance.

Failure to furnish and deliver all requested information in accordance with the instructions in the solicitation shall result in a non-responsive proposal and removal from award consideration.

The penalty for making false statements is prescribed in 18 USC 1001.

SUBMISSION OF QUESTIONS:

Interested parties may submit any questions concerning the solicitation as soon as possible but not later than 11:00 hours Central European Summer Time (CEST) on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, email to Ms. Gallone at “GalloneA@state.gov.” The email subject line must read “Solicitation 19GE5024Q0067.”

Late questions may not be considered.

OFFER DUE DATE:

Offers shall be submitted as soon as possible but not later than 15:00 hours Central European Summer Time (CEST) on Friday, September 17, 2024, email to Ms. Gallone at GalloneA@state.gov. The email subject line must read “Solicitation 19GE5024Q0067.”

Electronic offers shall be submitted in a format readable by Microsoft (MS) Word, MS Excel, or Adobe PDF, as applicable. The email size shall not exceed 45 MB.

The Government shall not be responsible for an offeror being unable to successfully transmit emails due to any file size constraints of their email systems. Offerors shall ensure that emails have been transmitted.

Use of electronic depositories is not permitted (for example, Google Drive).

Late submissions shall not be considered.

Applicable laws and regulations: Solicitation and award will be subject to laws and regulations of the United States of America.

{END OF SOLICITATION}

mailto:GalloneA@state.gov