2024-K12 Q A 3.docx

Question & Answer # 3 Professional Services for Government Contracting Mentorship Program – OMWBE 2024-K12

This document is posted to capture the questions received during the question & answer period for Competitive Solicitation OMWBE 2024-K12. This document is the official response to the questions received through 5 PM, Monday, September 9, 2024.

No questions or responses included in this document require changes to the solicitation.

Any additional questions regarding this solicitation must be directed to the Procurement Coordinator listed below.

Marilyn First 360-407-9341 DESProcurementConsulting@des.wa.gov

OMWBE will not respond to emails immediately. However, OMWBE will contact all those who email when they have finalized program requirements, communication plans, and specific starting dates.

No.

Unfortunately, I will be out of the country and will not be able to make the demonstration dates. The procurement does state "may" be invited. I do not want to continue to work on this procurement if the demonstration is a requirement. Please advise.

OMWBE will determine if demonstrations will be scheduled for up to twelve bidder(s) with the highest scored bids in Category 1, and up to three (3) bidders in Category 2.

If demonstrations are scheduled for any bidders, they will be required of all bidders.

If demonstrations are scheduled, the Procurement Coordinator will set demonstration dates. Dates for demonstrations listed on Page 6 of the Competitive Solicitation (October 14-18, 2024) are anticipated demonstration dates.

The Procurement Coordinator may schedule demonstrations, solely at their discretion, outside the dates of October 14-18, 2024.

If no demonstrations are planned, no bidders will be scheduled for demonstrations.

No.

Mentors and the Program Administrator contracted under this solicitation will provide program content and administration. Mentors and the Administrator will be the driving force for the Program. They will provide content, leadership, and opportunities for Protégé learning and growth.

OMWBE staff will provide support and assistance and will resolve any conflicts that may arise.

No.

· establish new or strengthen their existing business plans.

· identify specific skills gained or strengthened during the Program.

· work with newly established professional networks.

· accomplish goals for their business established at the start of Program.

Also see Exhibits B-1 - Scope Statements and B-2 - Performance Requirements for additional details.

No.

Mentors will also convey the importance of certification and will encourage any non-certified businesses to apply for certification.

No.

The initial contract term between Mentors and OMWBE runs from approximately November 1 until June 30, 2025.

On-going, formal arrangements between participants on a contracted basis will not continue past the contract term. However, participants may choose to continue relationships with one another outside the program and initial contract term.

If the funding for the Mentorship Program is available past the initial term which ends on June 30, 2025, it will be for new Protégés who have not yet participated in the program.

No.

This is a pilot program, and as such there is no history of program risk(s). However, OMWBE consulted other publicly funded mentorship programs to identify and to work toward avoiding risks by:

· ensuring Mentors and Protégés are carefully paired for maximum program effectiveness.

· establishing regular check-ins to identify any challenges in schedules and communication between the Protégés and Mentors, to list a couple of examples. .

No.

(Rev5/8/2023)

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