Q A for Spanish-Language Toolbox Talks 75D301-20-Q-72369.pdf

Q & A for Spanish-Language Toolbox Talks

Q1. Page 3 of the RFQ states, “The contractor will identify participating small- and medium-sized construction companies from among its existing contacts.” Is it the expectation that the selected contractor already has connections to adequate companies to recruit the full sample for the field test? If so, can you provide any additional context or justification for this requirement?

A1. It is not necessary.

Q2. Page 4 of the RFQ states, “The contractor will develop a pretest, a demographics form, and a posttest in collaboration with NIOSH researchers.” Does NIOSH have any similar surveys from which to build this pretest, or will the contractor be responsible for creating it from scratch?

A2. Yes, such surveys do exist. It is the intention of NIOSH to share these with the contractor and to work closely on the development of these forms.

Q3. Is the contractor allowed to use incentives to recruit firms and Spanish-speaking workers to participate in this study?

A3. Yes

Q4. Does NIOSH have any preferred regions from which to draw a sample of small- and medium-sized companies for the field test?

A4. It is preferred that the samples be dispersed across the U.S. – Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest & Northwest. However, logistics may not permit such a wide dispersal – particularly in the era of Covid19.

Q5. Does NIOSH have a preference for the number of small- versus medium-sized companies that are recruited?

A5. It would be preferred to have approximately half of the companies in either category. Again, local circumstances may not permit such a division.

Q6. Do you anticipate that site visits will be necessary for: 1) training the field supervisors to implement the Toolkit; or b) monitoring field implementation of the toolkit?

A6. Site visits would be desirable to insure standardization of practices across the entire sample. However, NIOSH is open to other alternatives such as video conferencing, etc… The monitoring of the field implementation could be done remotely – via mail, email and/or phone.

Q7. Is there a contractor that has successfully performed field tests that are similar in size and scope for your agency?

A7. Yes.

Q8. Are there any other considerations for choosing a sample of native Spanish-Speakers working at small- or medium-size firms, such as gender, Hispanic origin, etc.?

A8. No. Past efforts with this populations suggest the overwhelming majority will be male and have non-US nativity.

Q9. Is the vendor responsible for supporting either the IRB or OMB approval process? Do the pre- and post-test surveys need to be completed before OMB is submitted?

A9. No, NIOSH will handle the approval process. Yes, the pre- and post-test surveys will need to be completed prior to submission.

Q10. When does NIOSH anticipate obtaining OMB/IRB approval?

A10. Once submitted, it takes a minimum of 3 – 4 months for approval. Unfortunately, experience suggests that allowing 6 – 9 months is more realistic.

Q11. Is it expected that the FIeld Supervisors leading the training are Spanish fluent and/or bi-lingual in English and Spanish?

A11. Field supervisors need to be fluent enough in Spanish to present the toolbox talks, to respond to questions and to lead discussions in Spanish. The contractor will likely need Spanish-speakers to communicate with many of these individuals. Being bi-lingual is not necessary for the field supervisors.

Q12. For the pre- and post-test, do participating construction workers need to have Spanish-language reading and writing skills?

A12. Yes – but only elementary school level.

Q13. Is there a directory of construction companies that NIOSH could share with offerors?

A13. No, but NIOSH may be able to direct you to organizations serving the immigrant community that have been very helpful in the past with such issues..

Q14. Will NIOSH assist the vendor in gaining cooperation from construction companies? If yes, can you say how this will happen?

A14. Some assistance may be available. It would likely consist of responding to concerns the companies had.

Q15. This is a small business set aside RFQ. In recognition of the fact that in the midst of proposal season some small businesses are stretched in resources for budgeting and responding to Solicitations, would the agency consider granting an extension of the due date for this RFQ?

A15. Fiscal year-end deadlines make extensions prohibitive at this point.