75N96019Q00004_-_Government's_Responses_to_Industry_Questions_.pdf

75N96019Q00004 - Government's Responses to Industry Questions 000001

.No. Questions Answers

1 How many participants do you project per cohort? Reference 2.1. Program Format of the Task Order SOW

We assume that the following is a typo: "The target deployment date to begin delivering the first program is no later than April 30, 2019.” Can you please clarify what the first delivery date is and any other significant dates in regards to the overall timeline?

See Amendment 000001 SOW for changes.

For clarification, we assume that the "Sample Cohort Topics Outline” in the appendix is just a sample. Are we correct in our assumption and that you are looking for us to develop original curriculum for this program?

The sample outline contains topics and areas of training from past leadership development programs for non-supervisors and supervisors, as well as focus areas mentioned in the SOW

By what date will questions be answered? We planned on responding on May 16, 2019; however, questions and answers were posted May 17, 2019

5 When is the anticipated date of award? Reference Answer #2 in the above Responses to Industry Questions

6 What does the IDP (individual development plan) currently consist of? Is “IDP development” by participants internal or external to this RFP?

Reference 2.1.1 in Task Order SOW and 2.0 in the SOW

“shadowing” is not mentioned elsewhere. How should we budget for this? Shadowing in SOW refers to professional development resources available within the NIEHS organization from which this leadership program can encourage and promote to its program participants

8 Please define “cohort.” How many cohorts does NIEHS plan to support between now and the end of FY21?

Reference 4.1 in SOW and 2.1 in the Task Order SOW

9 In FY 20 and 21, could cohorts participate simultaneously or is there a preference for them to participate sequentially within each FY?

Sequentially

In Attachment 1: 4.1, 2): please define “collaborative cross-institutional dialogue.” Do you perhaps mean dialogue between different divisions within NIEHS or are you anticipating dialogue with other NIH units or outside agencies?

Dialogue between different divisions within NIEHS

In 4.1, 2): are “development projects” individual projects or team projects? (We are thinking about the amount of time it would take for 30- 40 participants to present individual projects on the last program day.) 4.2 also mentions “Development Projects” and suggests these are the same as “action learning assignments.” Is this interpretation correct? Is the contractor expected to provide feedback and direction, and check progress on these projects?

SOW references Development Projects and Other Activities as instructional learning of key principles and models presented in the leadership training components, as well as applying the learning to enhance participant knowledge which may be done through individual or group activities. Also covered in Task Order. 4.2.1. references and explains the “Capstone Project”, which would be individual.

12 How many hours of coaching is NIEHS anticipating for each of the 30-40 participants? Section 4.5.6 mentions that “each session in the

Coaching hours are contingent on awarded contractor and NIEHS’ final determination of self-assessment tools to be used for the program but is individualized coaching component” should be evaluated, but does not mention the number of coaching sessions for each participant.

anticipated that they shall not exceed a total of 2 hours per participant during the 4-6 month program duration.

13 Will different program sessions within a cohort be held at the two locations mentioned, or will a cohort meet entirely at one location or the other?

A cohort shall meet at one location or the other

14 Please provide a list of responsibilities and duties that will be provided by NIESH staff

Reference 8.0 in SOW

Can the 1-day orientation and the first 2-day classroom session be held concurrently? (Attachment I: 4.5.3 seems to suggest this.) Can the final 2-day session and the final 1-day out-briefing and program wrap-up be held concurrently? (This is not specified in 4.5.4.)

No and No

Attachment I: 4.2.1 states “participants will be required to complete a Capstone Project at the end of the program.” Is this the same or different from the “development project” and “action learning assignments” we reference in question 7? Do the Capstone Projects begin at the end of the program, or do they develop the project during the program and present it at the end of the program? Will these be team or individual projects? Is the contractor expected to teach participants how to identify, explain, evaluate solutions, and make recommendations and to provide oversight of progress (4.2.1), or is this a part of the program that will be led by NEIHS staff?

Reference Answer #7 in the above Responses to Industry Questions, Reference 4.2.1 SOW and 2.1.2 Task Order SOW

Attachment I: 4.6.1 states that the contractor will meet NEIHS program staff to review the proposed plan at least 60 days prior to program launch. If NEIHS were able to select a vendor by June 1, 60 days to program launch puts the launch no earlier than August 1. This leaves only the final 2 months of FY’19 for program delivery. How will this be managed?

The program will be awarded and have a period of performance that begins

FY19.

Similarly, Attachment i: 4.1, 3) states: “The length for the cohort with program completion shall be 4 – 6 months for participants.” Even with the earliest possible start date, the first cohort is likely to take us into FY’20. Is this a problem?

Reference Answer #7 in the above Responses to Industry Questions

Will participants use regular work hours, their own time, or a combination of those to complete program-related activities (e.g., prework, reading, completing assessments, etc.)?

Participants will use a combination to complete program related activities.

For the mid-level development and senior/executive leadership programs, what percentage of participants typically graduate from the programs? What criteria are used to determine whether participants are successful or unsuccessful? What criteria will be used to determine whether participants in the current program will graduate?

NIEHS staff will determine graduation requirements

21 Is the contractor expected to track and report on participants’ quality and/or quantity of program-related coursework?

Reference 3.3 in TO SOW

Attachment I, 4.5 states that the contractor, upon request, shall manage aspects of program logistics. Based upon our years of past experience, logistics such as those listed can take considerable time away from program development and delivery if not accounted for. We would appreciate knowing whether logistics management is or is not a requirement of the program in order to budget accurately for the time.

NIEHS Program Manager and Program Support Staff will work with the awarded contractor to mitigate considerable time focused on program logistics. However, the contractor should anticipate some logistics management in regards to the items referenced in SOW, like email correspondence, program scheduling, etc.

Attachment I, 4.5.3 states “orientation day shall be included in the first session.” Does this mean that the first meeting will consist of 3 concurrent days, i.e., 1-day orientation and 2-day learning session?

As mentioned in SOW, there is flexibility for orientation to be incorporated into the first 2-day session, but it is contingent on NIEHS final approval of awarded contractor’s proposed program and schedule

Attachment I, 8.2 states that the government will provide office supplies if needed. Participants will need program binders (as specified in 4.6.2) among other materials (e.g., tabbed inserts, and hardbound learning journals, etc.). Will NEIHS pay for these or should we include them in our budget?

Reference 4.6.2 & 12.0 SOW The Contractor shall provide a program binder of course materials for each program participant. See Amendment 000001

SOW 2.1.1. Classroom Training & Collaborative Dialogue – Contractor shall provide classroom training and collaborative cross-institutional dialogue with other cohort participants. Is the reference to “collaborative cross-institutional dialogue” related to all participants in the leadership development cohort interacting together OR does this mean individuals in unrelated cohorts?

Participants in the leadership development cohort

SOW 4.2.1. Participants will be required to complete a Capstone Project at the end of the program to apply principles learned and skills developed. The project will entail participants identifying a business/operational deficiency or challenge at NIEHS, a concise explanation of the issue, evaluation of possible solutions and/or improvement options, and recommendations via a business case presentation. Does the government desire for the Capstone Project to be initiated and completed during the leadership development program? If not, what mechanism does the government anticipate to ensure the project is completed?

Project will be initiated during the program and completed at the end

SOW 4.3. Individualized Coaching Session(s) and Coaching Tools: The Contractor is expected to provide a debrief of Assessment Data to ensure that:

Participants understand self-assessment results, along with survey feedback from peers and supervisor(s).

Reference 2.1.3 TO SOW

Individualized coaching sessions will focus on discussing strengths and areas for improvement of skills and abilities based on survey feedback and self-assessment results.

Please clarify the use of “self-assessments” and “survey feedback from peers and supervisor(s)”. We would anticipate administering a 360 degree assessment for all participants, as well as select self-assessments. Is that acceptable to the government?

Individualized coaching sessions – Is the government open to ongoing individualized coaching sessions with each participant around specific growth areas in the Leader Development Plan? For example, is the government open to each cohort member participating in twice monthly coaching sessions for the duration of the program?

Coaching hours are contingent on awarded contractor and NIEHS’ final determination of self-assessment tools to be used for the program but is anticipated that they shall not exceed a total of 2 hours per participant during the 4-6 month program duration.

29 Please elaborate on individualized coaching expectations and duration. Reference Answer #28 in the above Responses to Industry Questions

SOW 4.5.1. All records, files, documents, and work papers associated with this program shall be the property of the Federal government. In addition, all materials customized to meet the NIEHS requirements shall be the property of the Federal government. Please clarify above statement. If we are using our existing, proprietary leadership development program content is the government anticipating paying for the sole and exclusive use and rights to our content?

Rights to the Program of Instruction developed shall be property of the Federal Government.

SOW 4.5.4. Programs shall be scheduled when dates are determined. The target deployment date to begin delivering the first program is no later than April 30, 2019. Is there a revised program launch date?

Reference Answer #2 in the above Responses to Industry Questions

32 Could you give me some further information on the date provided in this paragraph? Did you mean “April 30, 2020”?

Reference Answer #2 in the above Responses to Industry Questions

SOW 4.5.4. Programs shall be scheduled when dates are determined. The target deployment date to begin delivering the first program is no later than April 30, 2019. The Contractor shall be evaluated based on their performance during the first program.

Reference Answer #2 in the above Responses to Industry Questions

With regards to the Past Performance requirement, does predecessor companies include work performed as an employee for previous employers?

No

How is travel cost accounted for? Will there be a separate line item for cost reimbursable travel?

Reference 12.0 SOW Travel IS NOT reimbursable under this contract; it should not be directly billed under task orders. It should be incorporated in the Contractors total price.

36 Are there limitations on subcontracting? Reference FAR 52.219-14 Limitations on Subcontracting.

Is only the coaching experience working with federal employees considered or will the experience be considered from coaching private sector employees as well? (From paragraph 3.1)

Reference 3.0 SOW

38 Is any preference given to vendors who have coaches who are employed, vs planning to join, vs current subcontractor? (From paragraph 3.1)

Reference Factor 2, FAR 52.212-2 Evaluation Factors

Will the government also provide facilitation equipment, such as projector, lunches, etc., in addition to the facilities or will those be the responsibility of the awardee? (From paragraph 4.1)

Reference 8.0 SOW for the government supplied equipment

40 Paragraph 4.5.4 mentions that the first program will begin 4.30.2019, we assume this date has changed, is there a new one?

Reference Answer #2 in the above Responses to Industry Questions

Paragraph 4.3 mentions coaching. Are 1-1 coaching sessions only for assessment debriefs or will students require additional coaching outside of assessment result debrief?

Coaching hours are contingent on awarded contractor and NIEHS’ final determination of self-assessment tools to be used for the program but is anticipated that they shall not exceed a total of 2 hours per participant during the 4-6 month program duration.

42 Can coaching sessions be virtual via Webex or is the expectation for coaching session/assessment debriefs to be in person?

Yes, there is flexibility for coaching to be virtual

43 How many participants in total are expected to go through the course? Reference 2.1 TO SOW 44 How many participants are expected per session? Reference 2.1 TO SOW

45 Regarding the design of responses: Do you have a preferred pricing format that outlines each line item?

Reference FAR 52.212-1, “Instructions to Offerors–Commercial Items”

46 Please provide any contract evaluation criteria available to those responding to this request.

Reference FAR 52.212-2, “Evaluation – Commercial Items”

47 Are there past performance requirements? If so, what are they? Reference FAR 52.212-2, “Evaluation – Commercial Items” 48 Is there a preferred resume template/format? No preferred resume template/format

Regarding coaching: Is there a preferred structure and duration for individual coaching?

Coaching hours are contingent on awarded contractor and NIEHS’ final determination of self-assessment tools to be used for the program but is anticipated that they shall not exceed a total of 2 hours per participant during the 4-6 month program duration.

50 Regarding course logistics: Do all program coordination meetings need to be in-person or can some be virtual?

There is flexibility for some virtual coordination meetings.

51 When is the first program anticipated to start (SOW initially stated 30 April 2019)?

Reference Answer #2 in the above Responses to Industry Questions

Referencing 2.1 “Program Format: There will be approximately 30 – 40 NIEHS junior staff to be trained per cohort.” Is there an option to split the cohort throughout the sessions into two smaller groups of 15- 20 for more impactful engagement?

No

53 Referencing 2.0 Objectives: Does NIEHS have a self-assessment tool already in use?

No

Related to Combined Synopsis/Solicitation for Commercial Items: There are two solicitation numbers that appear to have identical content:

75N96019Q00004 and NIEHS21900001. Are they one in the same?

Yes

Should Contractors submit a complete copy of Representation and Certifications from www.sam.gov or will it be acceptable to complete only section (b) if the Contractor has completed the annual representations and certifications electronically in SAM?

Provide as requested.

56 Is there an incumbent currently providing these services? No

57 How many cohorts does the Government anticipate participating in this program each year?

1-2 per year

Should Contractors submit a complete copy of Representation and Certifications from www.sam.gov or will it be acceptable to complete only section (b) if the Contractor has completed the annual representations and certifications electronically in SAM?

Reference Answer #55 in the above Responses to Industry Questions

Section (b) Tab 2 – Price Quote - We understand the Government is seeking a list of recommended assessment tools. We assume contractors should provide pricing for each recommended assessment as a separate line item in the Contract Price Matrix. Please confirm.

Contractors will provide this service under multiple task orders to multiple participants and should acquire assessment tools to use during the duration of the program……. The contractor should factor those costs into their price to provide a service. It’s an IDIQ with FP task orders… factor it into your indirect costs, G&A, OH, profit/fee and roll it up into the hourly rates for those categories

Section (b) Tab 2 – Price Quote - The Task Order Pricing Matrix does not provide a line item for recommended assessments. How should Contractors account for these costs?

Contractors will provide this service under multiple task orders to multiple participants and should acquire assessment tools to use during the duration of the program……. The contractor should factor those costs into their price to provide a service. It’s an IDIQ with FP task orders… factor it into your indirect costs, G&A, OH, profit/fee and roll it up into the hourly rates for those categories

SOW 2.1.1 Classroom Training & Collaborative Dialogue – please confirm in section a) that the 2-day training sessions will be delivered in consecutive days. Please also confirm in section b) how many hours do you use to define a “day-long session”.

Reference 10.0 SOW

SOW 2.1.3 Individualized Coaching Sessions and Self-Assessment Tools – The SOW states: “The Contractor is expected to provide a debrief of Assessment Data”. What assessments have been utilized in the past?

NIEHS has used a variety of assessment tools in the past for various other leadership development programs and trainings

63 Is there a specific assessment the Government prefers? If so, which one(s)? Reference Answer #62 in the above Responses to Industry Questions

64 We understand the Government will select the assessment from a selection of assessments provided by the Contractor. Will the Government

The IDIQ SOW and task order SOW list what service is needed from the contractor administer the assessment(s) or does the Government expect the Contractor to administer the assessment(s)?

How many coaching sessions are being requested? Coaching hours are contingent on awarded contractor and NIEHS’ final determination of self-assessment tools to be used for the program, but is anticipated that they shall not exceed a total of 2 hours per participant during the 4-6 month program duration.

Additional assessments that increase the self-awareness and awareness of differences in personality / leadership styles are recommended. We assume Contractors should provide a list of recommended additional assessments in our Technical Response. Is that correct?

The basis of award listed in 52.212-2 states what is important to the Government. Please review the instructions and evaluation criteria in order to know how to respond.

If so, should Contractors provide pricing in the Cost/Business Response for recommended assessments?

Contractors will provide this service under multiple task orders to multiple participants and should acquire assessment tools to use during the duration of the program……. The contractor should factor those costs into their price to provide a service. It’s an IDIQ with FP task orders… factor it into your indirect costs, G&A, OH, profit/fee and roll it up into the hourly rates for those categories

IDIQ SOW 4.5.4 – The target deployment date to begin delivering the first program is no later than April 30, 2019. As this date has passed, does the Government have an alternate date in mind?

Reference Answer #2 in the above Responses to Industry Questions

69 Is there an incumbent for this work? No 70 If there is an incumbent, what assessment is currently being used? No incumbent 71 Have any of the participants of this program taken assessments previously? Participants for this new program have not yet been confirmed

72 Is the government looking for a self-assessment and a separate 360 assessment to provide the feedback from peers and supervisors?

The government is seeking assessment recommendations from the awarded contractor

73 Does the government have content that covers the three primary developmental areas?

No

74 Can the government discuss how it arrived at the NTE ceiling of all inclusive $625,000 for the 3 year contract?

No, that is Programs ceiling to be used within the 5 year ordering period

Can the government provide virtual learning platforms such as Adobe Connect, if one is used?

No, however some flexibility exist for virtual coaching and some use of web-based learning tools by the awarded contractor and with final approval by the government.

The IDIQ SOW states delivering the first program is no later than April 30, 2019. Further the SOW states the Contractor shall provide program binder and materials at least 60 working days prior to the first day of the program. Can the Government provide a date for when the first program will need to be delivered given that we are now in May?

Reference Answer #2 in the above Responses to Industry Questions

77 Can the Government clarify the number of cohorts expected for base and option years? How many participants will be in each cohort?

There are no option years in the task order

Attachment 1: IDIQ STATEMENT OF WORK: Section 4.3: Is the Contractor requesting copies of available at the time of submission or is acceptable to submit after award notification?

Question is unclear as section 4.3 is, “4.3. Individualized Coaching Session(s) and Coaching Tools:”

79 Attachment 1: IDIQ STATEMENT OF WORK: Section 4.5 subsection 4.5.4: Is the date listed as April 30, 2019 for the target date correct?

Reference Answer #2 in the above Responses to Industry Questions

80 Will the contractor be required to provide the meals for lunch and the breaks?

Not for meals but for break times.

Could you please elaborate on the requirement that "instructors shall be knowledgeable with federal management issues and familiar with the business of science"?

Reference 1.0 SOW

If work performed as an employee for a previous employer is considered appropriate as past performance, can one leave out the order number since order numbers are not applicable for internal assignments in most cases?

The Quoter should provide sufficient information for the Government to use in assessing their submission

83 Is there a contractor currently providing these services? If so, who is the incumbent?

No

What is the minimum number of hours of individualized coaching you envision for each individual in the cohort?

Coaching hours are contingent on awarded contractor and NIEHS’ final determination of self-assessment tools to be used for the program, but is anticipated that they shall not exceed a total of 2 hours per participant during the 4-6 month program duration.

Attachment II, section 2.1.2 states that the “Contractor is expected to offer any of the following and make suggestions about timing and frequency of periodic group workshops, action learning assignments, and reinforcement of concepts already learned”. Are these “periodic group workshops” the same as the “two-day training sessions of classroom based instruction”? Of would these “periodic workshops” be in addition the the five two-day training sessions described elsewhere in the SOW?

These may be activities and/or assignments that briefly occur during the scheduled training sessions as well as can be assignments that participants complete on their own time or during their regular work day.

Attachment II, section 2.1.1, c) states that “In the leadership training and learning phase the contractor shall incorporate a variety of instructional approaches utilized in a blended learning environment...” By the term “blended learning” is NIEHS referring to the combination of onsite, face-to-face group training, plus, individualized coaching, plus mentoring? Or is NIEHS also seeking a virtual component (such as recorded webinars, online community of practice, e-learning modules, etc.)?

Refers to providing a variety of instructional mechanisms that appeals to the diversity of the participant audience, which can include but is not limited to face to face interaction, lecture/classroom style, the incorporation of various forms of media, etc

The SOW states that the contractor is responsible for providing binders of materials to all participants. We understand that we need to complete the contract pricing and task order pricing matrices based on labor categories.

While some of the costs for materials development could fall under the instructional designer and/or project manager categories, where and how

The SOW has been amended and will allow for ODCs relative to printing and binding to be reimbursed should the offeror indicate costs for development of materials and printing?

Although we understand you are seeking a fully-loaded fixed price, we are hesitant to build materials development and printing costs into the labor pricing matrices as that would inflate the cost and not accurately reflect the actual labor costs.

88 The SOW indicates that the original target deployment date to begin the program was April 30, 2019. What is the new preferred start date?

Reference Answer #2 in the above Responses to Industry Questions

89 Will NIEHS pay for the cost of purchasing the assessment tools? Or should the offeror build that cost into the total price quote?

Quoters should build that into the hourly rates

Which assessment tools does NIEHS currently use (Disc, Hogan, MBTI, strengths Finder, other?) with its staff?

NIEHS has used a variety of assessment tools in the past for various other leadership development programs and trainings. The government is seeking assessment recommendations as referenced in the SOW and Task Order

Why does the Executive Coach require, at a minimum, an ICF certification? What makes ICF certification a better coach? Personally, we do not embrace and identify with ICF, we seek better and higher standards. Our skills and experience allow us to perform at the same level or better than any ICF coach. Our company is about providing results to the clients based on their needs and wants to transform peoples lives in every aspect of their lives, personal and professional.

� The definition of Coaching Science is:

Coaching science is the scientific foundation that underpins the work of all professional coaches. ... Human Performance Science

- research and theoretical models supporting optimal performance in life and work. Neuroscience - research and theoretical models supporting optimal physical and mental health and well-being.

That is what we do, however, we do not call ourselves “Coaching Scientists”, we are just coaches. Our main core objective is to transform the individual in their behavioral performance with the end result being narrowing the gap between knowing and doing to help them do things that probably never thought possible of doing. This will create stronger Leadership Skills and Team

The government’s requirement states that Executive Coaches should possess at a minimum the ICF certification, however if vendor’s proposals demonstrate that their certifications, standards, and/or qualifications meet or exceed those identified as the “minimum certification” and fulfills the solicitation requirements, this will be taken into consideration as the government evaluates responses based on the identified evaluations factors.

Since we do not have in the last three years a “Major contract” as defined in

b. Volume II - Past Performance:

(a) Tab 1 – Reference List

Reference attachment FAR 52.212-2, “Evaluation – Commercial Items” Factor 2

How we can still qualify for this opportunity since we have not only the credentials but the knowledge experience and application to be a great candidate for this solicitation.

FAR 52.212-1 states: Executive Coaches should have, at a minimum ICF certification. Since the leadership program participants are will all be GS- 11 or lower, is there a need for proposed coaches to have ICF certifications>

The government’s requirement states that Executive Coaches should possess at a minimum the ICF certification, however if vendor’s proposals demonstrate that their certifications, standards, and/or qualifications meet or exceed those identified as the “minimum certification” and fulfills the solicitation requirements, this will be taken into consideration as the government evaluates responses based on the identified evaluations factors.

FAR 52.212-1 (4) c. (b) 1. 2. 1. Is entitled Task Order Price Sheet – (Attachment IV). In the solicitation documents, we have found Attachment I and II, but no Attachment IV (or Attachment III). Would you please provide us with Attachment IV (and III, if we will need it)?

The attachment IV was a typo. There is not a separate Task Order Price Sheet. Quoters are to use the Task Order Pricing Matrix:

FAR 52.212-1 Quote Preparation Instructions c. Volume III – Price Submission (a) 3. : Representation, Certifications, and Other Statements of Quotes tells us to (1) Complete the online Reps and Certs and (2)INCLUDE as part of your price quote. Question: Are you requesting that we copy and paste the completed Reps and Certs into the pages of our price quote? Typically, we just need to confirm that we have completed these, and since government agencies have access to SAM, the agencies use that information rather than having the many pages from SAM downloaded and included as part of the proposal

Reference Answer #55 in the above Responses to Industry Questions

FAR 52.212-1 Quote Preparation Instructions c. Volume III – Price Submission (b) Tab 2 – Price Quote. 2. Task Order Pricing Matrix states “Quoters shall submit separate pricing for STO 1. Are you only asking for pricing for the FY19 single cohort? Or are you asking for pricing as well for FY20 and FY 21 – in this case we would need to know the number of cohorts in each of those future FYs

Provide pricing as stated for the TO SOW provided.