QUERIES RESPONSES 72039121Q00011.pdf

RESPONSES FOR THE QUERIES RECEIVED AGAINST

RFQ 72039121Q00011

Thank you for showing interest in subject solicitation. Please see below responses to your queries.

Q1. The SOW includes the phrase, “...key qualifications include fluency in both English and Urdu.” What if not fluent in Urdu.

A1. We have some staff who have limited English ability and hence the request for Urdu fluency. If there is no Urdu fluency, the offeror has the option to explore acquiring translation services (i.e., a translator) as or when needed.

Q2. The SOW also includes the phrase, “...advice to each employee on the current job market,” which, I assume, refers to opportunities in Islamabad, Pakistan. This appears to make a person who is from the area more qualified

A2. A very good, working knowledge of the Pakistani job market is a requirement. the offeror has the option to explore hiring or subcontracting the services of local experts in order to compete.

Q3. Section V(a) Place of Performance states: The Place of Performance is Pakistan which is the method of delivery (e.g. remote, in-person, combination, etc.) for the services to be provided determined during the initial discussion as referred in Section IV-A(i). Question: I wanted to clarify that this work could be done completely remotely, through a virtual platform and that we do not have to go to Pakistan? Is that a fair assessment or are you looking for some on-site visits in Pakistan? If so, how many should we consider and for how long?

A3. While the place of performance is Pakistan as noted in the solicitation., also mentioned is that “the method of delivery (e.g., remote, in-person, combination, etc.) for the services to be provided [will be] determined during the initial discussion as referred in Section IV-A(i).” Offeror may consider presenting a combination of in-person training in Islamabad as well as virtual, however, this is subject to change given the fluent COVID-19 situation in-country.

Q4. For the job hunting/placement assistance, is it mainly local but could be international as well? Are there local job-hunting websites now that we can access or are we putting all of this together during the contract through local resources?

A4. Job hunting/placement assistance is both local as well as International. As stated in the solicitation, “the outplacement services should…focus on the local job market and, where applicable and the extent feasible, the international job market.” Offerors are requested to research and compile all local job-hunting websites as a resource for the employee-clients.

Q5. In section C, how large would the group training sessions be?

A5. In Section A.IV.C, ideally group session should be 25 participants, however, this can vary depending of the need of the participants as well as the subject matter being discussed.

Hope the above addresses your questions and good luck with your submission.