IAH001_QA_posted.pdf

70T05018Q9NIAH001

Q&A

Q: Will the clinical mental health professional need to hold licensure in Texas?

A: Licensure may be from any state.

Q: Based on the PWS content, a peer support program already exists. Is the government looking for a facilitator only?

A: This is a new requirement. The government is looking for a contractor to include a proposed curriculum (PWS 2.0) that includes all of the topics listed in the PWS Attachment One.

Q: Is the peer support program a tiered-system?

A: Uncertain of what the contractor is asking. There are two levels: Basic and Train-the-Trainer. See PWS

1.2 and 1.3.

Q: Does the train the trainer program need to be evidence based?

A: The T-T-T program does not need to be evidence based.

Q: Does the Combined Synopsis/Solicitation posted as solicitation number 70T05018Q9NIAH001 on FBO contain requirements similar to an existing contract or will this be a new requirement?

A: This is a new requirement.

If possible, please provide the current contract number.

Q: Is this a new project or have your provided these services in the past?

A: This is a new requirement.

Q: Will the TSA personnel being trained be the "Trained volunteers" on the job?

A: The trained employees will become the TSA volunteer peer supporters.

Q: Are there specific issues to address?

A: At a minimum, all topics listed in the PWS, Attachment One need to be addressed.

Q: If there is an incumbent are they able to provide additional services on this solicitation?

A: This is a new requirement.

Q: Is there a not to exceed budget?

A: All training costs are to be included in this firm fixed price contract. See PWS 2.1 Scope.

Q: Are there specific credentials required for the clinical mental health professional?

A: See PWS 3.1. Clinical licensure in a mental health profession.

Q: Will there be follow-up coaching or any planned follow-up once training is complete?

A: Currently, all planned, in-person training, is included in this solicitation.

Q: Will the TSA curriculum be made available to the contractor during development stage of the project to integrate this training properly?

A: This is a new requirement. A TSA peer support curriculum does not exist. The contractor should include their proposed curriculum. See PWS 2.0.

Q: What topics are covered in the existing peer support curricula?

A: See PWS Attachment One. The minimum topic areas required in the curriculum are listed in the PWS.

Q: Can we review the existing material?

A: This is a new requirement.

Q: Can years of experience count for those trainers who do not hold Master's degrees?

A: There is no exception for the educational requirement.

Q: I see the performance period is over 12 months with one renewable option, does that mean the classes should be taught monthly, weekly, or even offered daily?

A: See PWS 2.1. The base period is 12 months. There will be five (5-day) Basic peer support classes and two TTT classes scheduled during this base period. A total of seven classes.

Q: Will the government give credit to the trainers who created the curriculum, and have their company names included on the training materials?

A: The government will not include the company’s name anywhere on the curriculum or during the training. After award, the contractor and program staff will modify the proposed curriculum to fit TSA and DHS specific subject areas and it will then become the property of DHS. See PWS 2.0.

Q: What type of screening takes place for the attendees to be allowed to take the class?

A: Volunteers provide a written application, supervisor recommendation/approval and then a DHS mental health clinician conducts an interview as part of the decision to participate in training.

Q: What are you looking for in particular for each student who is admitted to the class?

A: This question is not pertinent for this solicitation.

Q: What is the length of training per day you are expecting?

A: See PWS 2.2. Hours of instruction per day can vary; the weekly minimum is 32 hours.

Q: Is there a range?

A: No less than 32 hours per week of instruction are required. Thirty-two to 40 is an acceptable range.

Q: Is there a particular time of the day or evening that you would prefer to have the training?

A: Classes will typically be a day schedule.

Q: Will visual aids be allowed in the class?

A: Visual aids are allowed.

Q: Will projectors and flip charts be available in the training room(s)?

A: See PWS 1.2 Scope. The contractor is responsible for providing all materials to conduct the training.

The government is responsible for providing the training room and students.

Q: How often will the classes meet?

A: See PWS 2.1. There will be five Basic peer support classes and two TTT classes scheduled during this base period. See PWS 9.0, the contractor will be notified at least 21 days’ notice prior to class start date.

Q: What are the projected number of participants in each class?

A: See PWS 2.3. Class size will not exceed 25.