CBRN_Solicitation_Questions_and_Answers_13_Jul_18.docx

CBRN Solicitation #70Z2318RQLT01300 Questions and Answers Rev. 17 July 2018

Question: Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQs) are provided as part of Attachment 2, however there is no due date or mention of them in the proposal instructions. Can the government please confirm that PPQs are required for each past performance reference and advise on the date they should be submitted to the government by?

USCG Response: Past performance questionnaires are required for this solicitation. The actual questionnaire (attachment 2) states that past performance questionnaires are due by the close of the solicitation.

Question: The instructions indicate a maximum of three past performance references to be provided by the offeror. Can the government please provide the minimum number of past performance references required?

USCG Response: The solicitation states that the Government must submit up to three (3) past performance examples for services provided on services of comparable scope and complexity as this solicitation’s requirements.

Question: If an offeror’s past performance is rated as neutral, please confirm that they will be considered technically unacceptable?

USCG Response: An offeror that receives a neutral rating could potentially be considered technically acceptable, as long as the proposal is technical in all aspects.

Question: How often does the government expect trainings to be performed concurrently?

USCG Response: The Coast Guard schedules training based on the individual unit’s availability, which is driven by their operational schedules. The units are required to reach out to us to schedule training so to answer this question is almost impossible. On average, we conduct between 10-15 classes a month.

Question: Under Technical Evaluation Factors, Factor 1: Qualifications, the government states “Offeror will provide a summary that demonstrates the ability to provide the personnel resources and skill sets to fulfill the PWS requirements which includes knowledge, expertise, skills and qualifications. Resumes/Certifications may be used to demonstrate knowledge and expertise, but experience must be quantified and include/indicate when it occurred.” To what extent is the government asking we show the qualifications of non-key personnel?

USCG Response: For each non-key personnel, we need to see a resume that outlines the title of the position, position description, and total time in that specific position performing CBRN related functions.

Question: Amendment 000001 indicates that the period of performance is 1 Aug 2018 – 7 July 2019. Based on the projected start date, when will the first classes associated with this contract be scheduled, where will they be conducted, and which classes will be taught?

USCG Response: Period of performance is 1 Aug 2018 – 31 July 2019. Around 1 Aug 2018 but that is dependent on award date. Right now, we have 5 classes scheduled for the month of August, 3 in Hawaii, 2 in New Jersey, and 1 in St Petersburg, FL. 1 Defense course and 4 standard courses.

Question: When will the lesson plans and curriculum support materials be provided to the awardee?

USCG Response: Upon date of award.

Question: Paragraph 1.6.1 indicates that the government will provide 30 days’ notice prior to all course convenings. Given a 1 August start date, and to assist in better understanding instructor load and travel requirements, please provide the projected training schedule, dates, locations, courses of instruction and number of students per class for the months of August and September?

USCG Response: Period of performance is 1 Aug 2018 – 31 July 2019. Around 1 Aug 2018 but that is dependent on award date. Right now, we have 5 classes scheduled for the month of August, 3 in Hawaii, 2 in New Jersey, and 1 in St Petersburg, FL. 1 Defense course and 4 standard courses. Number of students per class range between 12-24. For the month of Sept, there is currently 5 standard classes scheduled and 1 defense class scheduled. The first class starts on 4 Sept and the last class starts on 26 Sept. We have 5 classes scheduled in FL and 1 class scheduled in MA.

Question: Paragraph 1.2 indicates that the Coast Guard has delivered the Standard and Defense CBRN training program since 2005. Are these coursed currently taught by Coast Guard members or are classes supported by an incumbent contractor?

USCG Response: The CBRN classes are supported via a Government contract.

Question: Paragraph 1.2 indicates that currently classes are taught concurrently. On average, how many concurrent classes are taught weekly and, on average, how many instructors are supporting each class?

USCG Response: The Coast Guard schedules training based on the individual unit’s availability, which is driven by their operational schedules. The units are required to reach out to us to schedule training so to answer this question is almost impossible. On average, we conduct between 10-15 classes a month.

Question: Across the period of performance, what is the minimum, average, and maximum anticipated class size?

USCG Response: We need a minimum of 12 students to conduct a class and a max of 24 per instructor.

Question: Paragraph 1.4 Key Personnel: Which personnel associated with this contract are deemed Key Personnel?

USCG Response: The Project Manager is deemed as Key.

Question: Paragraph 1.9 states that contractor personnel must obtain a Public Trust Clearance. Will the Coast Guard assist in this process? Also, according to various sources, acquiring a public trust clearance takes between 6 weeks and 6 months. Is there an interim process and will clearance held by DoD personnel suffice?

USCG Response: No the Coast Guard will not be assisting in this process. Access to FOUO information is required under this contract. Contractor Personnel must obtain a Public Trust Clearance. In the interim, Non-disclosure agreements shall be completed in accordance with Department of Homeland Security Management Directive 11042.1.

Question: Amendment numbering: The FedBizOpps.Gov website list Amendment 1 as the revised RFP dated 27Jun18 however, Amendment 2 dated 03Jul18 is listed in block 2 of form 30 as amendment/modification 000001. For admin purposes, do you require signature pages for both sections and if so, which is amendment 1 and which is amendment 2?

USCG Response: No signature is required for the amendments.

Question: Paragraph E.2.2 – Volume 3 “Price”: The RFP indicates the pricing volume should be submitted as a completed pricing spreadsheet in MS Excel. Is there a specific format for this section? If so, where is that format located? If not, do you wish to see pricing broken out by CLIN (00001-00006) with travel cost simplified as a total, or do you want to see cost for each class individually with travel associated with each specific training event. If you wish to see materials broken out by individual training/travel event, we will need a training schedule that shows the anticipated course, date, location, and class size. Please clarify.

USCG Response: The Schedule of Services excel spreadsheet allows you to enter for each CLIN.

Question: Pricing: We will need more detail regarding CLIN 00003, Additional Instructor training including location, class length, class size in order to accurately price this section. Please clarify instructional, location, and schedule requirements.

USCG Response: The Coast Guard schedules training based on the individual unit’s availability, which is driven by their operational schedules. The units are required to reach out to us to schedule training so to answer this question is almost impossible. On average, we conduct between 10-15 classes a month. Basically, the additional instructor CLIN is used when we have more than 24 students in one class. Since our max student to instructor ration is 24:1, we will provide an additional instructor to courses scheduled that have more than 24 students needing to take a given course.

Question: Pricing: Guam, Will the classes associated with CLINS 00004 and 00005 be taught as a single group, allowing for one travel event to Guam or will this require multiple events. If multiple travel events are required, please provide a schedule with estimated timeframes.

USCG Response: The Coast Guard schedules training based on the individual unit’s availability, which is driven by their operational schedules. The units are required to reach out to us to schedule training so to answer this question is almost impossible. We try to schedule all GUAM courses together so we don’t make multiple trips out there but again, that is dependent on operational schedules.

Question: Section 3.2 of the SOW states that “The Government shall provide necessary classroom space, projectors, and access to network computers to conduct classroom training and hands-on scenarios.” Will the government please confirm that the instructors can use these projectors and network computers to conduct the training so that we do not have to provide laptops and projection devices. May we also use these network computers and associated printers to print graduation certificates?

USCG Response: Yes, all equipment will be provided by the unit receiving the training. Typically, the instructor sends the units CBRN coordinator the certificates to be printed off.

Question: RFP Standard Form 1449, block 10 states the acquisition is unrestricted, but the posting on FBO states the acquisition is Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business. Please confirm.

USCG Response: This acquisition will be a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business concern. An amendment was accomplished on 3 July 2018 to reflect this.

Question: Do resumes for key personnel and instructors count in the overall page count for the technical volume?

USCG Response: No, resumes are not included in the 20 page count for technical.

Question: What volume should we include the Reps & Certs? Technical or Pricing?

USCG Response: Pricing

Question: RFP/PWS section 5.1.2 states there will be 175 Standard CBRN Training Courses, with no mention of delivery of Standard courses to Guam. Attachment 1-Schedule of Services states there will be 172 stateside course offerings and 5 Standard course offerings in Guam. Please confirm the correct amount of Standard CBRN Course offerings.

USCG Response: The correct number is 172 stateside courses, not 175. We will correct the PWS in post in FBO as an amendment to this solicitation.

Question: RFP/PWS section 5.1.2 states there will be 60 Defense CBRN Training Courses, with no mention of delivery of Defense courses to Guam. Attachment 1-Schedule of Services states there will be 60 stateside course offerings and 2 Defense course offerings in Guam. Please confirm the correct amount of Defense CBRN Course offerings.

USCG Response: There is a different CLIN number that addresses the GUAM courses, which is not included in the separate CLIN that addresses the stateside DEF courses. Same thing goes for the standard CBRN Guam courses.

Question: Will the selection and award of the contract be based in descending order of importance of the evaluation factors: 1) Technical Approach, 2) Relevant Past Performance, and 3) Price?

USCG Response: Please refer to the solicitation where this was addressed.

Question: Note: The header information for attachment 1-Schedule of Services is incorrect. Wrong attachment number, wrong title & RFP reference.

USCG Response: We were able to locate the document with the incorrect title. The Schedule of Services title will be uploaded on FBO via an amendment and reflect the correct title for this requirement.

Question: The FEDBIZOPS.gov website indicates that solicitation # 70Z02318RQLT01300 is a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, SDVOSB set aside however, Form 1449 Block 10 indicates that the acquisition is “Unrestricted”. Please verify which is correct.

USCG Response: This acquisition will be a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business concern. An amendment was accomplished on 3 July 2018 to reflect this.

Question: Under 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions, item (21) 52.219-27 Notice of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside is not checked. Should this be checked or is it correct as is?

USCG Response: This item is now checked and will be posted as an amendment.

Question: Is there a draft schedule with dates and locations?

USCG Response: No.

Question: Section 1.6 lists places of performance and section 5.0 lists the approximate number of convenings of each course. Can you provide a breakdown of how many courses, by course (Standard and Defense CBRN Training) are expected to be delivered at each location?

USCG Response: No. The Coast Guard schedules training based on the individual unit’s availability, which is driven by their operational schedules. The units are required to reach out to us to schedule training so to answer this question is almost impossible.

Question: The expected number of courses indicates that multiple courses will occur in a given week. Is it likely that courses will be scheduled at the same location back-to-back or multiple courses occurring at the same location concurrently?

USCG Response: Yes, it is likely so we can reduce the number of times traveled to one location thus reducing travel expenses.

Question: Who is the incumbent on this contract?

USCG Response: The incumbent on the current contract is Joint Emergency Training Associates LLC.

Question: Will the government provide any instructors or will all instructors be provided by the contractor?

USCG Response: All instructors will be provided by the contractor.

Question: Will the government provide any support personnel for the delivery (equipment technicians, administrative or logistics support, etc.)?

USCG Response: We have three individuals here that ship the training materials to the training locations and they do all the scheduling.

Question: Section 3.1 Must all instructors report to a specific location for the Job Familiarization Requirement (JFR) or is it provided electronically? If instructors must report to a specific location what is that location, how long does the JFR take, and are the hours and travel billable?

USCG Response: That is left up to the company that is awarded the contract. Once awarded, the Coast Guard will provide the course material to the contractor. All instructors need to review the training material and become intimately familiar with the course content in order to teach the Coast Guard curriculum. The Contractor will provide the Coast Guard with a list of their instructors that have completed the JFR upon completion.

Question: Section 3.1 How are the most updated versions of the CBRN-D curriculum and associated materials provided to the instructors? Must the instructors report to a specific location to obtain the curriculum and materials or can they either be electronically or physically shipped to each instructor?

USCG Response: The Coast Guard will mail the course material to the company that is awarded the contract on a CD. From there, the contractor is responsible for ensuring all their instructors have reviewed the course material and are ready to deliver its content to Coast Guard personnel that are in need of CBRN training.

Question: Section 3.3 How and where are CBRN Field Instructors provided the training resources? Are they available at each training location? Or are they issued out of a central location? If the latter is the contractor responsible for the cost of shipping these items to each training location?

USCG Response: Training material is shipped to the units receiving training a month in advance so the training material/equipment will be waiting on the instructor once they arrive to the training location.

Question: SF1449 Block 10 of the 1449 shows the RFQ as “unrestricted”, would the Government please change this to reflect SDVOSB seat aside?

USCG Response: This acquisition will be a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business concern. An amendment was accomplished on 3 July 2018 to reflect this.

Question: Section 5.1.2/ Attachment 1, CLIN 00001 for the pricing of this CLIN is it a correct assumption that there will be 24 or less students for each class?

USCG Response: min of 12 and max of 24.

Question: Attachment 1, CLIN 00006 Is $336,050.00 a “plug in” number that is to be used as the Unit Price and Extended Price? If it is expected that bidders are to provide estimated travel costs as part of the RFQ response, we will need to know how many of each of the classes are expected to occur at each of the training locations listed in section 1.6.

USCG Response: The $336,050.00 is the estimated not to exceed rate for CLIN 00006. Your proposal for CLIN 00006 should be priced at $336,050.00. This will be a cost reimbursable CLIN that will allow you to bill for travel expenses when travel is required for this effort.

Question: Section 1.3.1 Is the Project Manager (PM) expected to be located at the Maritime Law Enforcement Academy (MLEA)? If so, is the Government providing space, computer, network connectivity and phone for the PM?

USCG Response: No.

Question: Please confirm the number of classes for the Standard CBRN Training Course. RFP lists 175 classes while the pricing sheet lists 172 classes.

USCG Response: 172 classes. The PWS will be revised to reflect this change and posted as an amendment on FBO.

Question: Please confirm CLIN 00003 “Add Instructor in accordance with the PWS” is for 60 2-day classes (i.e., 120 days) or for 60 days (i.e., 30 2-day classes).

USCG Response: The Coast Guard schedules training based on the individual unit’s availability, which is driven by their operational schedules. The units are required to reach out to us to schedule training so to answer this question is almost impossible. On average, we conduct between 10-15 classes a month. Basically, the additional instructor CLIN is used when we have more than 24 students in one class. Since our max student to instructor ration is 24:1, we will provide an additional instructor to courses scheduled that have more than 24 students needing to take a given course.

Question: Please provide the geographic location and command for the COR. If the COR is already identified, please provide the name of the COR.

USCG Response: MLE Academy Charleston, SC. Address is 2000 bainbridge Ave, N. Charleston, SC 29405. COR is LT Anthony Scott.

Question: Please provide the geographic location and command for the KO. If the KO is already identified, please provide the name of the COR.

USCG Response: U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, Washington, DC. KO – Sharnte Crown

Question: If the COR is not located at MLEA in Charleston, SC, is there a Trusted Agent (TA) or Technical POC (TPOC) located at the MLEA with whom the PM will coordinate class schedules?

USCG Response: We have a scheduler on staff here at the MLEA that schedules all CBRN training.

Question: May we provide resumes for our instructors as well as our PM candidates?

USCG Response: It is encouraged.

Question: Will the government support issuing Common Access Cards (CACs) to our instructors?

USCG Response: No.

Question: Basis for Award (RFP Section E.3) identifies the method as LPTA yet Section E.3.2 states that the factors are listed “in descending order of importance”? Would the government consider allowing the selection to utilize price-performance tradeoff (rather than LTPA)?

USCG Response: No. The Government will be make an award using LPTA procedures per the solicitation.

Question: If the award is made using LPTA selection, would the government consider utilizing a blended LPTA often used in DoD procurements that requires a Past Performance Confidence Assessment Rating of Substantial Confidence? This helps to ensure that “Based on the offeror’s recent/relevant performance record, the Government has a high expectation that the offeror will successfully perform the required effort.” It mitigates the performance risk that may be associated with the LPTA selection process.

USCG Response: No. The Government will be make an award using LPTA procedures per the solicitation.

Question: How many training sessions does the government anticipate will be conducted simultaneously?

USCG Response: The Coast Guard schedules training based on the individual unit’s availability, which is driven by their operational schedules. The units are required to reach out to us to schedule training so to answer this question is almost impossible. On average, we conduct between 10-15 classes a month.

Question: Does the government have an anticipated number of instructors needed to support the project?

USCG Response: 8

Question: Can the government provide documentation that will allow the instructional team to ask for per-diem rates at local lodging?

USCG Response: The approved per diem rates are listed on GSA’s website; however, the Contracting Officer can provide a letter (if needed) to request per diem rates; however, Hotels are not required to honor the federal per diem rates. It is each property’s business decision whether or not to offer the rate. Hotels also may or may not choose to extend the rate to other individuals, such as government contractors.

Question: Will the government provide a set training schedule and if so, how far in advance will the team be notified of training dates and locations?

USCG Response: Yes, 30 days in advance.

Question: Ref. Para 1.8 Travel: Please verify that the government will not cover labor cost on government required travel days including OCONUS travel.

USCG Response: Yes, this is correct as stated in Para. 1.8 Question: Are there any government supplied resources or anticipated contractor supplied resources associated with CLIN 00003 Additional Instructor training? Where and where will this instruction take place?

USCG Response: The contractor is only required to provide the instructor. All training material/equipment will be provided by the Coast Guard.

Question: With regard to CLIN 00004 and 00005, is the government supplied resource list the same for these courses at CLIN 00001 and 00002?

USCG Response: Yes.

Question: Will training associated with WHEC, WMEC, and WPB units be conducted ashore or afloat?

USCG Response: It all depends on where the unit schedules the training.

Question: Ref. Para 5.1.2, Attachment 2, CLIN 00001: Paragraph 5.1.2 indicates that the will be approximately 175 Convenings of the Standard CBRN Training Course however, CLIN 0001 and Attachment 2 indicates there will be 172 convenings. For pricing and travel planning purposes, please clarify the correct number.

USCG Response: The correct number is 172 stateside courses, not 175. We will correct the PWS in post in FBO as an amendment to this solicitation.

Question: From most east coast locations, travel to Guam average 20-23 hours. This exceeds the 14-hour window indicated in the JTR for business class travel. For planning purposes, will business class travel be approved for these extended flights?

USCG Response: No. You get an extra travel day.

Question: There are two Attachments listed as Attachment 2. The first, is listed as Attachment 2 RFP 70Z02318RPBN00100, Honda Engine Maintenance and Repair Training Support Services. The second, also labeled Attachment 2 is the Past Performance Questionnaire. It appears that the schedule of services is incorrectly titled although the content appears correct. Please clarify. Also, please renumber attachments to avoid confusion.

USCG Response: We were able to locate the document with the incorrect title. The Schedule of Services title will be uploaded on FBO via an amendment and reflect the correct title for this requirement.

Question: Will the training material inventory kits referenced in paragraph 3.3 be shipped to the training site by the government, or will the contractor be responsible for assembly and shipping?

USCG Response: The Coast Guard will ship these items.

Question: The question period does not end until 10 July and given it may take a couple of days to formally respond, request a 5 to 7 day extension on submittal deadline to allow teams to review and adjust for question responses.

USCG Response: An amendment was accomplished; the new solicitation deadline is Tuesday, 24 July 2018 at 12:00 PM, EST.

Question: I would like to ask if the government can provide the number of classes for each of the locations mentioned in the subject RPF. This information is needed in order to provide an accurate pricing.

USCG Response: The Coast Guard schedules training based on the individual unit’s availability, which is driven by their operational schedules. The units are required to reach out to us to schedule training so to answer this question is almost impossible. On average, we conduct between 10-15 classes a month.

Question: CLIN 00001 identifies quantity as 172. Please clarify the correct expected course convenings.

USCG Response: The correct number is 172 stateside courses, not 175. We will correct the PWS in post in FBO as an amendment to this solicitation.

Question: Is the PM the only personnel with Key designation? Will the government consider adding an additional CLIN for key personnel?

USCG Response: Yes, the PM is the only Key. No.

Question: Who is the current incumbent and are they in good standing? Does the government intend to extend this contract to greater than the 1 year base period?

USCG Response: The incumbent on the current contract is Joint Emergency Training Associates LLC. We do not anticipate extending this contract beyond one year.

Question: Can the government please explain the requirement for additional instructors? Does the CLIN quantity represent number of courses, days, hours, etc?

USCG Response: Basically, the additional instructor CLIN is used when we have more than 24 students in one class. Since our max student to instructor ration is 24:1, we will provide an additional instructor to courses scheduled that have more than 24 students needing to take a given course.

Question: Is this Contract covered by a wage determination?

USCG Response: No.

Question: Is this a new requirement, if not is there an incumbent?

USCG Response: There is a current CBRN contract in place that expires 31 Jul 2018. The incumbent on the current contract is Joint Emergency Training Associates LLC.

Question: Is there a chance the Standard CBRN will exceed 175 classes and the Defense CBRN will exceed 60 classes?

USCG Response: The correct number is 172 for Standard CBRN. The Government does not anticipate Standard CBRN exceeding 172 courses and Defense CBRN exceeding CBRN.

Question: Do we anticipate more than 24 students in a course?

USCG Response: Depends on the unit. Min is 12 and max is 24. Basically, the additional instructor CLIN is used when we have more than 24 students in one class. Since our max student to instructor ration is 24:1, we will provide an additional instructor to courses scheduled that have more than 24 students needing to take a given course.

Question: How far in advance are the classes forecasted?

USCG Response: 30 days.

Question: Will the Coast Guard be providing all CBRN equipment at each location or shipping equipment to each location?

USCG Response: Shipping Question: Reference "Amendment 1 - RFP", page 3 of 51, paragraph 1.3.1, topic "Project Manager": Where does the project lead/manager need to be located?

USCG Response: Anywhere identified by the contractor who is awarded the CBRN contract.

Question: Reference "Amendment 1 - RFP", page 5 of 51, paragraph 1.6, topic "Place of Performance": Please clarify place of performance for St. Louis, PWS states St. Louis, MI.

USCG Response: St Louis, Missouri Question: Reference "Amendment 1 - RFP", page 5 of 51, paragraph 1.6, topic "Place of Performance": Is all travel and shipping through commercial carriers and contractor scheduled?

USCG Response: Contractors are responsible for scheduling their own travel. The Coast Guard ships all training equip/material.

Question: Reference "Amendment 1 - RFP", page 5 of 51, paragraph 1.6, topic "Place of Performance": Is a valid Passport required for travel to Guam and/or Puerto Rico?

USCG Response: The contractor is responsible for looking into travel regulations as set forth by the United States.

Question: Reference "Amendment 1 - RFP", page 5 of 51, paragraph 1.8, topic "Travel Reimbursement": Does travel dollars include shipping of training material to and from training locations?

USCG Response: No.

Question: Reference "Attachment 1 - Schedule of Services, and CBRN 1449 Solicitation Form", page Spreadsheet, and 1-3 of 3, paragraph , topic "CLINs": Does an ODC CLIN for shipping of training materials to and from training locations need to be incorporated into the Schedule of Services?

USCG Response: No.

Question: Reference "Amendment 1 - RFP", page 5 of 51, paragraph 1.9, topic "Access to FOUO information is required under this contract. Contractor Personnel must obtain a Public Trust Clearance.": Is there a need for a higher security clearance for either the Program Manager or Individual Instructors?

USCG Response: No.

Question: Reference "Amendment 1 - RFP", page 6 of 51, paragraph 3.1, topic "The Government shall provide a Job Familiarization Requirement (JFR)": When and where will the JFR be provided?

USCG Response: That is determined by the company that is awarded the contract.

Question: Reference "Amendment 1 - RFP", page 6 of 51, paragraph 3.1, topic "The Government shall provide a Job Familiarization Requirement (JFR)": Will there be multiple iterations of the training provided?

USCG Response: That is determined by the company that is awarded the contract.

Question: Reference "Amendment 1 - RFP", page 6 of 51, paragraph 3.2, topic "The Government shall provide necessary classroom space, projectors, and access to network computers to conduct classroom training and hands-on scenarios": Will the Government issue an OMNICAC to the instructors or will contractor be required to coordinate local network access at each training location?

USCG Response: No. The CBRN coordinator for the unit is responsible for getting the instructor access to a computer. The current incumbent instructors travel with their own laptops as an insurance plan and has a copy of the training material on a CD.

Question: Reference "Amendment 1 - RFP", page 6 - 9 of 51, paragraph 3.3, topic "The Government shall furnish the following resources for all CBRN Field instructors, categorized by training program": Will the Government issue a complete standard and a complete defense course training kit to each instructor?

USCG Response: The Coast Guard ships all training equip/material to the training location.

Question: Reference "Amendment 1 - RFP", page 6 - 9 of 51, paragraph 3.3, topic "The Government shall furnish the following resources for all CBRN Field instructors, categorized by training program": Is this equipment maintained in a central location and then packed/shipped to the training locations or does each instructor maintain their own set of training equipment?

USCG Response: The Coast Guard ships all training equip/material to the training location.

Question: Reference "Amendment 1 - RFP", page 6 - 9 of 51, paragraph 3.3, topic "The Government shall furnish the following resources for all CBRN Field instructors, categorized by training program": Where is this equipment currently stored and maintained? At a Government of Contractor Facility?

USCG Response: The Coast Guard ships all training equip/material to the training location. All training equip/material is stored at the MLEA.

Question: Reference "Amendment 1 - RFP", page 6 - 9 of 51, paragraph 3.3, topic "The Government shall furnish the following resources for all CBRN Field instructors, categorized by training program": Will the Government provide a "plug" number for shipping this equipment to/from the training site.

USCG Response: No.

Question: Reference "Amendment 1 - RFP", page 6 - 9 of 51, paragraph 3.3, topic "The Government shall furnish the following resources for all CBRN Field instructors, categorized by training program": Will the Government provide a "plug" number for replacement cost for the consumable items?

USCG Response: No.

Question: Reference "Amendment 1 - RFP", page 6 - 9 of 51, paragraph 3.3, topic "The Government shall furnish the following resources for all CBRN Field instructors, categorized by training program": Who is responsible for the packing and shipping of the training kit to/from the training location?

USCG Response: The Coast Guard.

Question: Reference "Amendment 1 - RFP", page 6 - 9 of 51, paragraph 3.3, topic "The Government shall furnish the following resources for all CBRN Field instructors, categorized by training program": How many training kits will be issued by the Government? Is it one set for each instructor or one set for all instructors?

USCG Response: The Coast Guard ships all training equip/material to the training location. All training equip/material is stored at the MLEA.

Question: Reference "Amendment 1 - RFP", page 6 - 9 of 51, paragraph 3.3, topic "The Government shall furnish the following resources for all CBRN Field instructors, categorized by training program": Will the resources be issued to the instructor at each training location with the requirement for those materials to be turned in at the end of training or will the contractor be required to ship to coordinate the shipment of the training materials to and from each training location.

USCG Response: The Coast Guard ships all training equip/material to and from the training location. All training equip/material is stored at the MLEA. The instructor is responsible for ensuring that the CBRN coordinator at each unit has the shipping instructions and labels, that are provided by the MLEA, in order to ship training equip/material back to the MLEA upon conclusion of the course.

Question: Reference "Amendment 1 - RFP", page 6 - 9 of 51, paragraph 3.3, topic "The Government shall furnish the following resources for all CBRN Field instructors, categorized by training program": Will the course schedule be created to allow for adequate time to ship the materials to and from each training location to ensure the proper resources are available for each iteration of training at each training location?

USCG Response: Yes.

Question: Reference "Amendment 1 - RFP", page 6 - 9 of 51, paragraph 3.3, topic "The Government shall furnish the following resources for all CBRN Field instructors, categorized by training program": Will classes use their organic issued equipment for the courses?

USCG Response: The Coast Guard ships all training equip/material to and from the training location. All training equip/material is stored at the MLEA.

Question: Reference "Amendment 1 - RFP", page 10 - 11 of 51, paragraph 5.1.2 & 5.2.2, topic "Course offerings (172 Standard & 60 Defense Courses)": Will the Government provide a draft training schedule showing dates and locations for training?

USCG Response: Yes, 30 days in advance.

Question: Reference "Amendment 1 - RFP", page 10 - 11 of 51, paragraph 5.1.2 & 5.2.2, topic "Course offerings (172 Standard & 60 Defense Courses)": Will the Government provide a notional training schedule available for previous years showing dates and locations for training?

USCG Response: No.

Question: Reference "Amendment 1 - RFP", page 10 - 11 of 51, paragraph 5.1.2 & 5.2.2, topic "Course offerings (172 Standard & 60 Defense Courses)": On average how many times per month are these courses being offered concurrently at multiple/different CONUS/OCONUS locations?

USCG Response: The Coast Guard schedules training based on the individual unit’s availability, which is driven by their operational schedules. The units are required to reach out to us to schedule training so to answer this question is almost impossible. On average, we conduct between 10-15 classes a month.

Question: Reference "Amendment 1 - RFP", page 10 - 11 of 51, paragraph 5.1.2 & 5.2.2, topic "Course offerings (172 Standard & 60 Defense Courses)": Will the Government provide the actual number of standard and defense courses presented in calendar years 2016 and 2017?

USCG Response: No.

Question: Reference "Amendment 1 - RFP", page 10 - 11 of 51, paragraph 5.1.2 & 5.2.2, topic "Course offerings (172 Standard & 60 Defense Courses)": Is the course scheduling sequential or concurrent?

USCG Response: The Coast Guard schedules training based on the individual unit’s availability, which is driven by their operational schedules. The units are required to reach out to us to schedule training so to answer this question is almost impossible. On average, we conduct between 10-15 classes a month.

Question: Reference "Amendment 1 - RFP", page 10 - 11 of 51, paragraph 5.1.2 & 5.2.2, topic "Class size (1:24 instructor to student ratio)": Historically how often does the class size exceed 24 students; requiring an additional instructor?

USCG Response: The Coast Guard schedules training based on the individual unit’s availability, which is driven by their operational schedules. The units are required to reach out to us to schedule training so to answer this question is almost impossible. On average, we conduct between 10-15 classes a month.

Question: Reference "Amendment 1 - RFP", page 10 - 11 of 51, paragraph 5.1.2 & 5.2.2, topic "Class size (1:24 instructor to student ratio)": Will the Government provide a class size in advance of the training?

USCG Response: Yes.

Question: Reference "Amendment 1 - RFP", page 10 - 11 of 51, paragraph 5.1.2 & 5.2.2, topic "Class size (1:24 instructor to student ratio)": What is the minimum number of instructors required per class regardless of instructor/student ratio?

USCG Response: You need at least 1 instructor. If there are more than 24 students, then an additional instructor will be required.

Question: Reference "Amendment 1 - RFP", page 11of 51, paragraph 5.3.3, topic "The Contractor shall provide graduation certificates for the course.": Will the Government provide on-site printing capability to produce these certificates?

USCG Response: Yes.

Question: Reference "Amendment 1 - RFP", page 11of 51, paragraph 5.3.3, topic "The Contractor shall provide graduation certificates for the course.": Is there a graduation certificate format already approved by the Government?

USCG Response: Yes.

Question: Reference "Amendment 1 - RFP", page 11 of 51, paragraph 5.3.3, topic "The Contractor shall provide graduation certificates for the course.": What is the required quality of the graduation certificate, Litho or Laser?

USCG Response: Whatever is available at the unit.

Question: Reference "Attachment 1 - Schedule of Services, and CBRN 1449 Solicitation Form", page Spreadsheet, and 3 of 3, paragraph Item 00006, topic "Travel not-to-exceed $336,050.00": Does this total include the cost of shipping instructional materials and equipment? Will the Government provide a "plug" number of the shipping of instructional materials and equipment?

USCG Response: No.

Question: Reference "Attachment 1 - Schedule of Services, CBRN 1449 Solicitation Form, and Amendment 1 - RFP", page Spreadsheet, 1-3 of 3, and 26 of 51, paragraph , topic "The Basis of award is Firm Fixed Price and the Unit for CLINS 0001, 0002, 0003, 0004 and 0005 are "each ".": With this being a Firm Fixed Price contract and the unit being each for CLINs 0001, 0002, 0003, 0004 and 0005 it is only possible for the contractor to receive the full amount of the firm fixed price proposed cost if the Government schedules each and every iteration of these five CLINs. This adds significant risk for the contractor. Will the Government please restructure the CLINs to eliminate that risk to ensure the contractor will receive the full dollar value of the proposed amount even if the Government later decides not to schedule specific iterations of the CLINs?

USCG Response: The Government does not intend to restructure the CLINs at this time and we do not anticipate any risk on the contractor with this CLIN structure.

Question: We have seen a lack of competition for Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) bids because many industry vendors purposefully choose not to participate in these types of competitions as they are just a race to lowest price with little thought given to the services that will actually be provided. For example, at least two small business partners declined to participate in this specific procurement solely because it is LPTA. They believe by awarding this competition to the lowest price vendor, the USCG units who will receive these services will ultimately get subpar CBRN training that is not in the best interest of the USCG. To encourage competition and be better stewards of taxpayer dollars, would the Coast Guard consider making this a best value evaluation?

USCG Response: The Government has determined that LPTA is the best approach for this effort. Many contracts have been awarded using LPTA and the Government received superior performance.

Question: The RFP states that the period of performance for this project is only 12-months with no inclusion of option periods. Please confirm that the Government purposefully intended to exclude the option periods for this procurement.

USCG Response: Correct. This effort is only for one year.

Question: The Solicitation posting on the FedBizOpps.gov website lists this solicitation as Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business. However, the Standard Form 1449 lists this effort as unrestricted in box 10 (not a SDVOSB). Which is correct?

USCG Response: This acquisition will be a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business concern. An amendment was accomplished on 3 July 2018 to reflect this.

Question: The FBO listing for Solicitation Number: 70Z02318RQLT01300 states that “Questions for this soliciation must be submitted to the Contract Specialist, Jumaane Benjamin at jumaane.a.benjamin@uscg.mil and the Contracting Officer, Sharnte Crown at sharnte.k.crown@uscg.mil no later than Tuesday, 10 July 2018 at 10:00 am EST”. However, on page 24 of the RFP (Rev. 27 Jun 18) in E.2.1(b) the solicitation states that “All inquiries shall be submitted in writing to jumaane.a.benjamin@uscg.mil and sharnte.k.crown@uscg.mil no later than seven (7) calendar days after the issue date of the solicitation.” Can you please clarify if the closing date for submission of questions is 10 July 2018 at 10 AM as stated on FBO, or rather 7 calendar days after the issue date, which would be 3 July 2018?

In addition, if the closing date for questions is in fact supposed to be 3 July 2018, at what time do they need to be submitted by?

We also recommend you update the RFP document to clarify this discrepancy and issue.

USCG Response: The new solicitation close date will be Tuesday, 24 July 2018 at 12:00 PM, EST. The closing date for questions was Tuesday, 10 July 2018 and questions were accepted through that date.

Question: Is there an incumbent contractor that performed the current training? Can you provide the incumbent contractor’s name, contract number, period of performance and contract value?

USCG Response: Joint Emergency Training Associates LLC is the incumbent contract. The contract number is HSCG23-13-D-QLT003. The Period of Performance is 15 Sep 2013 through 31 July 2018.

Question: The Project Manager is designated as Key Personnel. The Government may designate additional Contractor personnel as Key at the time of award. Are there any other proposed personnel designated as Key?

USCG Response: At this time, the Project Manager is the only posited deemed as key personnel.

Question: Travel is anticipated on this contract. Will a sub-handling cost be allowed on travel costs as required by DCAA?

USCG Response: No, only travel related costs can be billed against the Cost Reimbursable CLIN (CLIN 00006) Question: Period of performance starts 1 August 2018 and the proposals are due 24 July 2018. Will the period of performance shift to a later date?

USCG Response: The proposal due date will not change. The Period of Performance is expected to start on or around 1 Aug 2018.