QnA 041024 v2.xlsx
XLSX spreadsheet 16 KB Posted
- Solicitation number
- 693JJ324Q000019
About this file
This document is a question and answer (Q&A) sheet related to a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) solicitation for an Advanced Presentation and Communication Training course. The solicitation seeks a two-day training to be provided to a highly skilled workforce during the week of September 23, 2024 in Vancouver, WA. The training is intended to expand the participants' capabilities and challenge them to enhance their already outstanding performance.
The Q&A sheet addresses various aspects of the training, including the expected format and level of detail for training materials, potential delivery methods, and the FHWA's approach to feedback and adjustments during the contract period. It also clarifies that there is no incumbent contractor, and that travel costs should be included in the firm fixed price quote. The solicitation does not have any set-asides, and the FHWA is open to proposals from experienced and qualified presenters on their recommended approach.
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| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| QnA 041024.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| 693JJ324Q000019.pdf |
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Sheet1
| Vendor's Question | Government's Response | |
| 1 | Could you provide more insight into the specific challenges the FHWA has encountered in previous presentations and communications training? | We have had no challenges in previous presentation or communications training. We are simply looking for a more unique and advanced form of training for highly skilled and experienced presenters/instructors. |
| 2 | Are there additional qualifications or experiences for the training staff that the FHWA values, beyond those listed in the RFQ? | Please review the RFQ and Statement of Work. |
| 3 | Could you clarify the expected format and level of detail for the training materials mentioned in the RFQ? | Format and detail is for the the propose to suggest based on their experience and knowledge of providing this kind of training to highly skilled and experienced presenters/instructors. |
| 4 | Does the FHWA have a preferred method of training delivery, such as hands-on workshops versus lecture-based sessions? | We are open to proposals from experienced and qualified presenters on what they believe will be most impactful. |
| 5 | Are there specific platforms or technologies that the FHWA prefers for use during the training, especially in the context of remote or hybrid work environments? | No specific platforms or technologies are expected. Focus on presentaiton or instructional skills. |
| 6 | Can you offer any guidance on common pitfalls to avoid in our proposal to ensure it fully meets the FHWA's requirements? | Please follow the instructions in the RFQ. |
| 7 | Beyond the stated evaluation criteria, are there other factors that will significantly influence the award decision? | Please review the instructions in the RFQ. |
| 8 | How does the FHWA approach feedback and adjustments during the contract period? Is there flexibility for iterative improvements based on interim feedback? | Please refer to the Statement of Work. |
| 9 | How does the FHWA typically handle minor deviations from specified performance thresholds? Is there a process for corrective action before it impacts the contract? | The Contractor is required to meet the objectives in the Statement of Work. The Contractor would be given an opportunity to correct minor Deviations. |
| 10 | Are there any upcoming changes or initiatives within the FHWA that could influence the priorities or focus areas of this training? | No. |
| 11 | Is there an incumbent? If so, can you provide the contract information? | There is no incumbent. |
| 12 | Can we include a second trainer- Expert? Coach? Or is this specifically for one trainer/ coach? | This is a non-personal service and the vendor has discretion on how to staff the requirement. |
| 13 | Will this be a presentation only or will we coach each student (record each student presenting their talk and provide feedback)? | The Government is solicting for Advanced Presentation and Communication Training and specific requirements are contained within the Statement of Work. |
| 14 | Could you please provide information on whether there was a previous incumbent for this contract? Additionally, if it's permissible to disclose, I would be interested in understanding the pricing or budgetary allocations for their services. | There is no incumbant and we do not share budget information for competitive acquistiions. |
| 15 | If there is no CPARS information on a vendor does that disqualify them? | No, the vendor will not be disqualified for having no CPARS. |
| 16 | All travel shall be IAW FAR 31.204-46. Don’t know what this means, but are travel costs baked into the final price or billed ? | Part 31 - Contract Cost Principles and Procedures | Acquisition.GOV Follow link to review FAR part 31.205-46 Travel costs and what's allowed. Travel should be part of the total cost of providing the training. |
| 17 | Is there a way to ask about the number of trainers. Perhaps we can phrase the Q: Since these are experienced presenters, we will assume they want extensive practice sessions throughout the 2 day program. Since the facility can accommodate 4 trainers, is this is the optimum number? | This is a non-personal service and the vendor has discretion on how to staff the requirement. |
| 18 | Will there be breakout rooms available for practice sessions? | Yes |
| 19 | What is the professional background / what are the roles that the participants play? We understand they are highly experienced and would like to clarify whether they are experienced trainers and instructors (communications professionals), or they are executives/subject matter experts in a range of roles across the agency who communicate and share information with others? | All are professional engineers. All do 1/2 day to 5 day training courses in specific areas of expertise and priority. In addition, they do more than 60 presentations (20 minute to 60 minutes) every year. They also do webinars of varying length many, many times a year. Their audiences include internal employees, external stakeholders and a variety of backgrounds found in State, National and local venues. |
| 20 | What are the greatest challenges these communicators currently face? | No significant challenges. |
| 21 | What would be your ideal outcome from this training? | Increased excitement and motivaiton to try new approaches to engage audiences and bring about change in the work of those attending their trainings and presentations. |
| 22 | The RFP states that the training should “challenge participants to go beyond their already outstanding performance.” What would be a new or valuable challenge for this group (e.g., learning from video and playback, eloquence in impromptu settings, weaving inspiring personal stories, handling significant pushback or disruption with grace)? | Noting that they are highly skilled and experienced, we would like the proposals to identify what they think could be most beneficial based on their unique experiences. |
| 23 | Do presenters need greater proficiency in bridging intercultural differences? Would the organization benefit from addressing issues of intercultural communication? | Right now I do not think that is an issue for this group. |
| 24 | In which contexts will participants most likely be applying their newly-enhanced skill sets? (Indicate all that apply) | |
| Leading instructional trainings | yes | |
| Co-presenting or co-instructing | yes | |
| Keynotes | yes | |
| Leading small groups to consensus | yes | |
| Facilitating discussion | yes | |
| Peer exchanges | yes | |
| Coaching (1:1 or small group) | Perhaps, but minor aspect. | |
| Providing technical assistance | yes | |
| Moderating panels | yes | |
| Serving on panels | yes | |
| Other ________(please specify) | Executive Briefings | |
| 25 | Will participants need training on speaking with a teleprompter? | no |
| 26 | We understand that the price quote should include only one Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) as specified in the RFQ. Could you please advise whether a detailed justification or breakdown of this budget line is required or recommended as part of our price quote submission? | A breakdown is not required. |
| 27 | The RFQ stipulates that travel must be pre-approved. Could you please provide guidance on the process for obtaining this approval? Additionally, should travel expenses be included within our proposed budget in the price quote, or are they budgeted and approved through a separate mechanism? | Firm Fixed Price quote shall provide pricing for CLIN 000101. This CLIN shall include total price of providing a 2-day training course during the week of Septermber 23, 2024, to include travel. Per the FAR, travel shall be IAW with 31.205-46. |
| 28 | Could you please provide guidance on the appropriate section of our quotation for including statements and representations related to the FAR provisions outlined in Part 4 of the RFQ? Specifically, should these be incorporated within the Organizational Information or the Technical Quote, or is there another preferred format or section for these compliance details? | You can include FAR provisions in Organizational Information or as a separate document. |
| 29 | REF: SOL page 2 of 28, item 1d: Please give an example of the desired table you want to see included in vendor proposals. Our company’s GSA schedule is NOT based on labor categories/hourly rates. We are a 611420/611430 training service provider with approved catalog pricing set per course title / per student only so labor service standards are NOT applicable to our pricing strategy. As such, can this table be omitted in our circumstances? | We are not soliciting this on GSA. Your technical quote will be evaluated based on your technical approach as outlined in the RFQ. |
| 30 | Will it be possible to have the “students” bring work-related projects into the class so we can help them with real-life content? | Yes |
| 31 | What is the expectation for the deliverables? Will there be a survey of attendees? Should we plan to create that? | Deliverables are included in the Statement of Work. |
| 32 | Is there flexibility in the format? If we wanted to offer 1 or 1.5 days of group training followed by individual 1-hour virtual sessions a week or 2 later would be that considered? | Yes. We appreciate consideration provided by the contractor's expertise and experience. |
| 33 | Will lunch be provided during the 2 full day sessions or should we factor in breaks for people to go obtain food? Same question for coffee/water/etc. | The agenda will be agreed upon post award per the SOW. There's no food requirement in the Statement of Work. |
| 34 | Is this a group of attendees who know each other prior to the workshop? | Yes, everyone is well known to each other. |
| 35 | Will there be a point of contact onsite to help with logistics? | Yes |
| 36 | Would it be ok if we asked attendees to do homework prior to the session? | Yes |
| 37 | Would it be ok if we planned an introductory ice-breaker virtual meeting in advance of the session? | Yes |
https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-31
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