Amendment 001 for RFP 1605C2-26-R-00004.pdf

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing items 8 and 15, and returning or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

E. IMPORTANT: is not is required copies to the issuing office.

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT 1. CONTRACT ID CODE

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER 3. EFFECTIVE DATE 4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUISITION NUMBER 5. PROJECT NUMBER (If applicable)

7.ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6) CODE

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 11/2016)

Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

FACILITY CODE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. is extended. is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted;

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS.

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

CHECK ONE A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER

NUMBER IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation data, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15C. DATE SIGNED

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

16C. DATE SIGNED

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

PAGE

6. ISSUED BY CODE

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code) (X)

CODE

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

(Signature of person authorized to sign)

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

Previous edition unusable

PAGESOF

Contractor

The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers to sign this document and return

Valerie S. Pickard

See continuation page

US Department of Labor 200 Constitution Ave, NW N-2305 Washington DC 20210

US Department of Labor Office of Contracts Management 200 Constitution Ave, NW Room N-4643 Washington DC 20210

CAS

ETA OCM NATIONAL

1605C2-26-R-00004

04/17/2026

04/01/2026

1 78

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGES

NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(B)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT

(F)

OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

Sponsored by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.110

ITEM NO.

(A)

QUANTITY

(C)

NSN 7540-01-152-8067

1605C2-26-R-00004/0001

The purpose of amendment 0001 is to:

A). Extend the proposal due date to Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 12:00PM ET.

B). Provide answers to vendors' pre-submission questions. (see continuation pages)

C). Provide a revised RFQ. Revisions are highlighted in yellow. (See attachment titled

"Request for Proposal for

1605C2-26-R-00004_Revised ".)

RFP 1605C2-26-R-00004 - Growing Quality Registered Apprenticeship Programs through Industry Intermediaries Question

Title Section Number

Question Detail Government Response

1 Industry Areas

1.1.

Description of Services/Intro duction:

The instructions state that the Office of Apprenticeship within DOL's - ETA is seeking the services of multiple offerors for this RFP. Is it advisable for an offeror to focus on just one industry area? For example, should the offer proposal be for one industry (Educational Services) instead of all listed industries? Is this the preference of DOL-ETA on this RFP? Thank you for your guidance.

The Department recommends that Offerors submit application(s) for industry(ies) in which an Offeror can provide quality program development expertise services for, and detail specific expertise, approaches, strategies for targeted industry(ies).

Offerors that submit more than one application must submit a separate application for each sub-tier. The application will be reviewed independently.

2 One -Time Payment to New Sponsors

5.1 -Task 4 Do we build funding into the budget for task 4 –provide one-time payment to new sponsors or is there an additional bu dget for this one-time funding?

The one-time program development payments are expected to be funded under this RFP's Program Development CLIN under the ODC Category.

3 Number of New Employers Discrepancy

5.1 Task 3 and

F. Volume I - Factor 1 pg 64

Task 3 lists the need for 150 new employers registered into existing national programs and national guideline standards, but Volume I lists the need for 15.

Which is the accurate number?

See revised Part 7 Exhibit Table 2 corrected language:

"register a minimum of one hundred and fifty (150) new employers into existing multi-employer national programs and national guideline standards and/or assist these employers to develop new multi-employer national programs and national guideline standards."

4 Status of Key Personnel

1.6.11 Do key personnel need

to be W2 employees?

Letters of Intent must be signed by contingency hires (new W2 employees/sub contractors/consultants), dated, and must state (1) the intention to remain employed by the offeror, and (2) will work for at least six months on the resultant contract if awarded to the vendor.

5 Marketing and Business Developmen t Specialist Role

1.6.11 Can the Marketing and

Business Development Specialist role be split into two separate roles?

No. Please note that an individual (who is qualified for multiple labor categories) can bill for more than one labor category; however, vendor cannot bill at the same rate for a lower labor category. Vendor must bill for the work performed for each labor category.

6 Additional Personnel

1.611 Do we need

a contract and compliance lead to ov ersee the Federal Acquisition Regulation on the team as part of the personnel?

No, any questions concerning the FAR should be directed to the Contracting Officer and Contract Specialist.

7 Past Performance

F. Volume I - Factor 2 pg 66

We have extensive experience as a grant intermediary, but not direct RFP contracts with the federal governments. What re quirements are necessary to be a contractor with the

DOL?

To be a contractor-the offeror must submit a proposal that demonstrates its understanding of the specific requirements and objectives listed in the RFP and PWS, the overall scope of work required, and the offeror’s technical capability and proposed methods and approaches to perform the work described in this PWS. The offeror shall ensure that its comprehension of, and feasibility of accomplishing, the tasks outlined in the PWS within the required schedules are clearly demonstrated. Award will be made to the offeror whose proposal is most advantageous to the Government based upon an integrated assessment of the evaluation factors and subfactors.

8 Past Performance

F. Volume I - Factor 2 pg 67

Can we use past Federal and State Grant performance for past performance?

No, grants may not be submitted for past performance.

9 General - Letters of Support/Co mmitment

General The RFP focuses on and encourages outreach to organizations, but we do not see a sections for letters for support/commitment.

Should we be collecting letters of commitment and/support from exist ing partners to help achieve the work?

Letters of support/ commitment are not required from existing partners. Offeror can provide letters to support/ back-up offeror's services and technical abilities.

10 Resumes for Personnel Submissions

Part 5 Task 1 and F.

Subfactor 3 pg

In Part 5-Task 1, it states to submit resumes within 30 days of contract award prior to working on the project, but in section F. Subfactor 3 pg 65, it statest to submit the resumes with the application. Which time-frame is accurate?

The Government intends for key personnel to be identified at contract award, with resumes submitted within 30 days. It is expected that the Offerors will thoroughly vet and identify qualified key personnel prior to submitting its proposal to the Government.

Following contract award, the Government will request résumés for all proposed key personnel to verify that the individuals possess the requisite expertise to perform the contracted tasks.

11 Single Proposal Covering Multiple Sub-Tiers

Section C, Part 1 / Pages 9–12 (Industry Table & Notes)

May a single offeror submit one combined proposal covering more than one industry-specific sub-tier — for example, both Sub-Tier 1.3 (Defense Industrial Base/Shipbuilding/Mar itime) and Sub-Tier 1.8 (Advanced Manufacturing)? If yes, should the offeror submit one proposal or separate proposals for each sub-tier?

The Department recommends that Offerors submit an application for industry(ies) in which an Offeror can successfully provide quality program development expertise services for, and detail specific expertise, approaches, strategies for targeted industry(ies).

Offerors that submit more than one application must submit a separate application for each sub-tier. The application will be reviewed independently.

12 Past Performance Questionnai re – Per Contract vs.

Per Period of Performance

Section F / Past Performance Instructions (Page 66)

Should offerors submit one Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) per contract — based on contract number — or a separate PPQ for each base year and option year period of performance under the same contract?

Offerors should submit one Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) per contract

13 Performance Threshold Discrepancy

– Task 3 Minimum Requirement s

PWS Part 5, Task 3 (p.23) / Tech. Exhibit 1

PRS#6-8

(p.28-29) / Tech. Exhibit 2 Deliverables 3B-3D (p.30-

31) / Section F & G Evaluation Criteria (p.64- 65, 68-69)

The RFP contains conflicting minimum performance thresholds for Task 3 across multiple sections:

- New Employer Registration: PWS Task 3 (p.23) and PRS#6 (Tech. Exhibit 1, p.28) state a minimum of 150; Tech. Exhibit 2 Deliverable 3B (p.30) and Section F/G Evaluation Criteria (p.64-65, 68-69) state a minimum of 15.

- Existing Employer Expansion: PWS Task 3 (p.23) and PRS#7 (Tech. Exhibit 1, p.28) state a minimum of 50;

Tech. Exhibit 2 Deliverable 3C (p.30) and Section F/G Evaluation Criteria state a minimum of 20.

- National Program

See revised Part 7 Exhibit Table 2 corrected language:

"register a minimum of one hundred and fifty (150) new employers into existing multi-employer national programs and national guideline standards and/or assist these employers to develop new multi-employer national programs and national guideline standards" and "serve as a national program sponsor for a minimum of five (5) multi-employer programs or a minimum of ten (10) individual employers."

Sponsorship: PWS Task 3 (p.23) and PRS#8 (Tech. Exhibit 1, p.29) state a minimum of 5 multi-employer or 10 individual employers; Tech.

Exhibit 2 Deliverable 3D (p.30-31) and Section F/G Evaluation Criteria state a minimum of 2 multi-employer or 5 individual employers.

Which set of thresholds is authoritative and will offerors be evaluated against?

14 Contract Type page 4, page

Section 1.6.6 on page 14 states the Government anticipates award of a Fixed Price Contract.

However, Section B on page 4 lists labor

The contract will be awarded as a Firm-Fixed Price contract. Both the Government and awarded vendor will use the labor hours for management purposes.

categories and hourly rates. Please confirm that the resulting contract will be Fixed Price, and that any hourly rates provided are solely for evaluation purposes only and will not be incorporated as billable rates in the resulting contract.

15 One-Time Employer Payment budget and preferences pages 4-8 Are the one time awards to sponsors/employers for program development part of the estimated NTE total ODCs listed in the budget outlined in Section b - Supplies or Services/Prices (pages 4-8)? Is there a desired amount per employer/program or any preference in how that funding is allocated?

Yes. The one-time program development payments are expected to be funded under this RFP's Program Development CLIN under the ODC Category. ODC amounts have been set and provided by the Department in Section B.

16 Task 3 Deliverable goals pages 23, 28, 30, 64, 69

Please confirm the required numbers/metrics for deliverables 3B, 3C, and 3D as it appears there is conflicting requirements within the RFP. There seems to be some inconsistencies across three of the deliverables (3B, 3C, and 3D) - specifically, pages 23 and 28 calls for the vendor to register/assist 150 new emploers and 50 existing employers and serve as a program sponsor for 5 multiemployer programs or 10 individual employers, but pages 30 and 69 calls for 15 new employers and 20 existing employers, and 2 multi-employer/5 individual employers. Please

See revised Part 7 Exhibit Table 2 language: "register a minimum of one hundred and fifty (150) new employers into existing multi-employer national programs and national guideline standards and/or assist these employers to develop new multi-employer national programs and national guideline standards" and "serve as a national program sponsor for a minimum of five (5) multi-employer programs or a minimum of ten (10) individual employers."

confirm the correct target numbers.

17 Labor Category / hours flexibility pages 4-8, Is it permissible to modify the labor categories and the hours per labor category to better align with the scope and specific sector focus?

This is implied on page 32.

No. Offerors shall use the labor categories and hours identified within RFP to submit quote. See revised pages 4-8 of RFP for updated information.

18 Website pages 4-8, The previous intermediaries included hours for a website developer but that labor category is not included on pages 4-8. Should intermediaries plan to use the DOL website or still retain the option to develop

See revised pages 4-8 of RFP for updated information.

intermediary-specific websites?

19 National Program sponsorship requirement page 23, 29, 30, 64, 69

Is it permissible for a subcontractor or partner organization to fulfill the national program sponsor deliverable requirement to "serve as a program sponsor for 5 multiemployer programs or 10 individual employers"?

Yes, through a teaming agreement (e.g., Sub-Offeror and partnership contractual agreement), a partner organization can fulfill the national program sponsor requirements.

20 Task 2 Deliverables page 29 and

Task 2 does not appear to have any deliverables. Is this correct?

See revised Part 7, Exhibit 2 of RFP for updated deliverable.

21 Invoice Documentat ion page 29 and

What types of documentation will DOL require to support the submission of invoices on this fixed price contract?

Supporting documentation will be required to validate the monthly invoice and billed hours.

22 Work Plan Budget and Actual Costs page 22 The solicitation requires Offerors to develop, maintain, and submit a monthly Work Plan that includes "Estimated Budget / Actual Costs".

Given the Government intends to award a Fixed Price contract, please confirm that Offerors will not be required to provide Budgeted or Actual Costs as part of the monthly Work Plan submissions, since such cost reporting is not required or applicable under a Fixed Price contract type.

See revised Part 5, Task 1 of RFP.

23 Responsibili ty for Deliverables and National Program Sponsor Role

PWS, Part 5 (Tasks 1-4)

The RFP references several deliverables and activities that, in some locations, appear to be the responsibility of the National Program Sponsor, while in other locations similar activities appear to be part of the contractor's scope of work.

Examples include, but may not be limited to, apprenticeship standards development, vetting of Application for Registration submissions, and development of registration-ready apprenticeship. Can the government please clarify: (1) which deliverables are the explicit responsibility of the Contractor under this acquisition, and (2) which deliverables, if any, are

Awarded vendors shall be solely responsible for ensuring all tasks and deliverables are met per contract terms and conditions.

expected to be completed by participating National Program Sponsors rather than the Contractor?

24 Number of Employers Expected to Become National Program Sponsors

PWS,

employer engagement and program development tasks

The RFP references multiple employer engagement, registration, and apprenticeship expansion benchmarks; however, it is unclear how many employers are expected to become National Program Sponsors as opposed to participating under an existing sponsor or intermediary model.

Can the Government please clarify: (1) whether there is a target or minimum

There is no set metrics for the number of employers that are expected to become National Program Sponsors. Part 5, Task 3 of the RFP states “Register a minimum of one hundred and fifty (150) new employers into existing multi-employer national programs and national guideline standards and/or assist these employers to develop new multi-employer national programs and national guideline standards;” "Assist a minimum of fifty (50) existing employers per year to expand into new occupations by developing or joining multi-employer national programs, national programs, and/or local programs;" and “Serve as national program sponsor for a minimum of five (5) multi-employer programs or a minimum of ten (10) individual employers where sponsoring a program serves as a barrier to registration.” Awarded vendor(s) under this RFP shall work with all employers regardless of if an employer chooses to sponsor their own program or join an exising or new group national program(s).

number of employers expected to become National Program Sponsors during the period of performance, and (2) whether employer performance metrics include employers that participat under an existing sponsor, or only those employers that themselves become sponsors?

Additionally, Part 5, Task 2-4 has metrics necessary for successfully meeting contract goals and objectives.

National Programs have a broader reach than local programs; however, strategies should also include local and regional programs.

25 Employer Participation Metrics and Counting Methodolog y

PWS,

outreach, recruitment, and reporting requirements

The RFP includes quantitative performance expectations related to employer outreach and engagement.

However, the solicitation does not clearly define how employers are to be counted for performance reporting purposes. Can the Government clarify

The RFP does not specify or set metrics for sector-based outreach and recruitment. All employers that register a program or sign an employer acceptance agreement to join an existing program will be counted towards performance goals.

whether employers that participat in outreach activities (e.g., informational sessions or accelerators) but do not ultimately register or expand a registered apprenticeship porgram should be counted toward employer engagement metrics, or whether only employers that complete registration or program expansion milestones should be included?

26 Budget RFP-B - Supplies or Services/Price s

Are the Labor Categories and number of hours listed for each year of the contract (starting on page 4), required? Or can we submit a different mix of labor categories/ hours to align with our proposed plan?

See revised RFP for updated information. The revised labor categories is required and offerors cannot submit a different labor mix.

27 Budget RFP-B - Supplies or Services/Price s

Are the ODCs listed in pages 4-8 for each year the only ODCs allowed to be proposed for the project (Supplies and Materials, Travel, and Program Development)? Can we propose other categories?

Offeror cannot propose other labor categories. The ODCs are fixed.

28 Budget RFP-B - Supplies or Services/Price s

Travel is listed under ODCs, should it be listed in ODCs or a separate category for Travel?

Travel is listed under ODCs as part of this RFP.

29 Budget RFP-B - Supplies or Services/Price s

Where do subcontractors fit in the budget? Should they be included as “Contractual” as its own line item, or ODCs, or include them in the Labor Categories?

All subcontracts and teaming arrangements must be factored into the provided pricing template for each period of performance.

30 Awards Structure

1 How many awards are anticipated per sub-tier or overall?

Multiple awards are anticipated and will be made based on availability of funding.

31 Employer Incentives

Task 4 Given we will source incentive funds from PfP vendors, how will the Department handle incentive funds for industries that are not selected as a part of the PfP. For example, four awards are expected for PfP, if an industry under Growing Quality Registered Apprenticeships is not covered by PfP, where shall we source incentive funds from?

Category 2 of PfP "Rapid Scaling of the Registered Apprenticeship System" focuses on scaling Registered Apprenticeship programs by providing incentive funding in all industries or subsectors not funded under Category 1, with the exclusion of Advanced Manufacturing which is covered under the American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund.

32 Current Intermediari es in Additional Industries

General Question

Can a currently contracted Industry Intermediary submit an RFP for a different Industry category and still maintain their current contract?

All Offerors are encouraged to submit proposal under the RFP. Awards will be made based on availability of funding.

33 Multiple Submittals and Awards

General Question

Can a single offeror submit proposals for multiple industries and receive multiple awards?

The Department recommends that Offerors submit an application for industry(ies) in which an Offeror can successfully provide quality program development expertise services for, and detail specific expertise, approaches, strategies for targeted industry(ies).

Awards will be made based on the availability of funding.

Offerors that submit more than one application must submit a separate application for each sub-tier. The application will be reviewed independently.

34 Number of Employers per Year for National RA Program Developmen t Support

PART 5 -

SPECIFIC

TASKS, Task 3

Regarding the requirement in Task 3 that states the Offeror shall “Assist a minimum of fifty (50) existing employers per year to expand into new occupations by developing or joining multi-employer national programs, national programs, and/or local programs.” There is an additional bullet below that statement which says, “the Program should: “Serve as a national program sponsor for a

"Assist a minimum of fifty (50) existing employers per year to expand into new occupations by developing or joining, multi-employer national programs, national programs, and/or local programs" is a separate task from "Serve as national program sponsor for a minimum of five (5) multi-employer programs or a minimum of ten (10) individual employers where sponsoring a program serves as a barrier to registration.

Thus, the awarded vendor must perform these two tasks.

Through a teaming agreement (e.g., Sub-Offeror and partnership contractual agreement), a partner organization can fulfill the national program sponsor requirements.

minimum of five (5) multi-employer programs or a minimum of ten (10) individual employers where sponsoring a program serves as a barrier to registration.”

Can DOL confirm whether the intent is for the offeror to ASSIST employers to develop or join multi-employer national programs, national programs, and/or local programs, OR…is the intent for the “Offeror” to “serve as the sponsor directly in cases where sponsorship is a barrier to program registration?” Is there an expectation from DOL that the offeror serves as a RA sponsor or just assist employers to develop or join RA programs that meet the criteria above?

35 Definition of New Employers

PART 5 -

SPECIFIC

TASKS, Task 3

Can the DOL clarify how “new employers” are defined for the purposes of Task 3?

Specifically, would employers that join an existing multi-employer program but are new to Registered Apprenticeship be counted, and how should employers expand into new

A new employer is an employer who does not currently have a program or has not signed an employer acceptance agreement to an existing program.

Employers that join an existing program may be counted towards the employer applicable goals. An existing program that expands into new occupations will also be counted towards performance goals.

occupations be categorized?

36 Number of Employers in Multi-employer or Individual Employer Programs

PART 5 -

SPECIFIC

TASKS, Task 3 and PRS 3D

The Performance Work Statement (Task 3) states that the Offeror shall “serve as a national program sponsor for a minimum of five (5) multi-employer programs or a minimum of ten (10) individual employers.”

However, the Performance Requirements Summary (PRS 3D) appears to reference a lower threshold of two

(2) multi-employer programs or five (5) individual employers.

Can DOL clarify which requirement is correct and should be used for proposal development

See revised Part 7 Exhibit Table 2 corrected language:

"serve as a national program sponsor for a minimum of five (5) multi-employer programs or a minimum of ten

(10) individual employers."

and performance expectations?

37 Number of New Employers Registered and/or Assisted into Existing Multi– employer National Programs and NPS

PART 5 -

SPECIFIC

TASKS, Task 3

Task 3 describes the requirement to “Register a minimum of one hundred and fifty (150) new employers into existing multi-employer national programs and national guideline standards and/or assist these employers to develop new multi-employer national programs and national guideline standards” and this 150 number is repeated in the PRS#6 on page 28. However, the Deliverable Schedule’s (Task 3, 3B), specifies that an awardee should

See revised Part 7 Exhibit Table 2 corrected language:

"serve as a national program sponsor for a minimum of

“Register a minimum of fifteen (15) new employers into existing multi-employer national programs and national guideline standards and/or assist these employers to develop new multi-employer national programs and national guideline standards.”

Can DOL confirm the correct number requirement for this task?

38 Number of Existing Employers per Year into New Occupations

PART 5 -

SPECIFIC

TASKS, Task 3 and Factor 1, Deliverables

In Task 3 page 23 the RFP states “Assist a minimum of fifty (50) existing employers per year to expand into new occupations by developing or joining multi-employer, national programs, and/or local programs”. However, in Factor 1 Page 64 and on the Deliverables Schedule (Task 3, 3C) on Page

See revised Part 7 Exhibit Table 2 corrected language:

"fifty (50) existing employers" for each period of performance.

30, the RFP states “a minimum of twenty

(20) existing employers per year expand into new occupations by developing or joining, multiemployer national programs, national programs, and/or local programs.” Can the DOL please clarify which requirement is correct?

39 Funding Budget for One-Time Payments

PART 5 -

SPECIFIC

TASKS, Task 4

Task 4 references one-time payments to employers and/or sponsors to support RA program development;

however, the RFP does not appear to identify a separate budget or funding allocation for these payments. Can DOL clarify whether these one-time payments are expected to be funded through this contract or through DOL-

The one-time program development payments are

Development CLIN of the ODC Category.

funded Pay-for- Performance (PfP) incentive funding?

40 Level of Effort

Page 4: B - Supplies or Services/Price s

Page 32:

Technical Exhibit 3:

Historical Estimated Workload Data

Page 4 of the solicitation provides an estimated Level of Effort by labor category that differs from the LOE table provided on page 32.

Specifically:

Several labor categories appear on page 4 but are not included in the table on page 32 (e.g., Trainer, Editor and Writer, Graphic Artist).

The table on page 32 includes a Web Developer role that does not appear on page 4.

The hours for the Marketing & Business

See revised RFP for updated information.

Development Specialist differ significantly (1500 hours on page 4 vs.

3960 hours on page 32).

The total LOE differs between the two sections (14,690 hours

vs. 14,650 hours).

Could the Government please confirm which LOE and labor category structure is correct and should be used for proposal development and pricing?

41 Past Performance

Page 66:

Factor 2 - Past Performance

Would the government consider CPARS in lieu of PPQs?

No, the Government requires PPQs.

42 Incumbent Is there an incumbent currently providing this work? If so, can you please provide the contractor's name, See "https://www.apprenticeship.gov/investments-tax-credits-and-tuition-support/registered-apprenticeship-industry-intermediaries" to access current list of DOL-funded Intermediaries.

contract number and value?

43 Project Plan Part 7 - Technical Exhibit Index - Technical Exhibit 1

Is a proposed project plan due with proposal submission or after award?

No. Proposed project plan is due 30 days after awards.

44 Place of Performance

1.6.5; 3.4 Is remote work (i.e.

work at home) required for all personnel working on this contract or could personnel also work in the Offeror's facility?

Yes. The place of performance for this contract is remote/ telecommuting (work at home). Travel is required under the contract as identified via the project work plan.

45 Indirect Costs

Factor 3 -

PRICE

Are indirect costs built into the pricing for labor categories?

The labor categories should be fully burdened rates.

46 Clarifying primary support recipient(s) under Task 3

Section C, Part 5 - Specific Tasks

Regarding the requirement in Task 3 that states the Offeror shall “Assist a minimum of fifty (50) existing employers per year to expand into new occupations by developing or joining multi-employer national programs, national programs, and/or local programs.” There is an additional bullet below that statement which says, “the Program should: “Serve as a national program sponsor for a minimum of five (5) multi-employer programs or a minimum of ten (10) individual employers where sponsoring a program serves as a barrier to registration.”

Can DOL confirm whether the intent is for the offeror to

"Assist a minimum of fifty (50) existing employers per year to expand into new occupations by developing or joining, multi-employer national programs, national programs, and/or local programs" is a separate task from "Serve as national program sponsor for a minimum of five (5) multi-employer programs or a minimum of ten (10) individual employers where sponsoring a program serves as a barrier to registration.

Thus, the awarded vendor must perform these two tasks. Through a teaming agreement (e.g., Sub-Offeror and partnership contractual agreement), a partner requirements.

ASSIST employers to develop or join multi-employer national programs, national programs, and/or local programs, OR…is the intent for the “Offeror” to “serve as the sponsor directly in cases where sponsorship is a barrier to program registration?” Is there an expectation from DoL that the offeror serve as a RA sponsor or just assist employers to develop or join RA programs that meet the criteria above?

47 Clarifying minimum program targets under Task 3

Section C, Part 5 - Specific Tasks

The performance Work Statement (Task 3) states that the RA programs to be developed or joined shall “serve as a national program sponsor for a minimum of five (5) multi-employer

See revised Part 7 Exhibit Table 2 corrected language: is "serve as a national program sponsor for a minimum of programs or a minimum of ten (10) individual employers.”

However, the Performance Requirements Summary (PRS 3D) appears to reference a lower threshold of two

(2) multi-employer programs or five (5) individual employers.

Can DOL clarify which requirement is correct and should be used for proposal development and performance expectations?

48 Defining "new employers" under Task 3

Section C, Part 5 - Specific Tasks

Can DOL clarify how “new employers” are defined for the purposes of Task 3?

Specifically, would employers that join an existing multi-employer program but are new to Registered Apprenticeship be counted. Also, would employers expanding into new occupations

A new employer is an employer who does not currently have a program or has not signed an employer acceptance agreement to an existing program.

Employers that join an existing program or a multi-group program may be counted towards the employer applicable goals. An existing program that expands into new occupations will also be counted towards performance goals.

be categorized as "new employers?"

49 Clarifying funding source(s) for payments under Task 4

Section C, Part 5 - Specific Tasks

Task 4 references one-time payments to employers and/or sponsors to support RA program development;

however, the RFP does not appear to identify a separate budget or funding allocation for these payments. Can DOL clarify whether these one-time payments are expected to be funded through this contract or through referrals to DOL-funded Pay-for- Performance (PfP) incentive funding awardees?

The one-time program development payments are

50 Cover pages and cover sheets

Section F, A.

Format and B.

File Packaging

Section A. Format and section B. File Packaging of Section F refer to a cover page and cover sheet, respectively, and prescribes a format for each. Can DOL please clarify whether each proposal volume should have both a cover page and a cover sheet, or if these may be collapsed into a single cover page/sheet that addresses all of the formatting and content requirements?

Each proposal volume does not require a cover sheet.

51 Page limit exclusion for Sumarry Section

Section F, C.

Page Count

Can DOL please confirm if the Summary Section referred to in section D. Content Requirements qualifies as an executive summary and is therefore excluded from the page limitations outlined in section C.

Yes, that is excluded.

Page Count for Volume I - Technical?

52 Letters of intent

Section F, D.

Content Requirements

Can DOL please confirm that letters of intent need only be submitted for contingency hires for key personnel positions?

Yes, that is correct.

53 Personnel matrix/chart

Section F, Factor 1 - Technical Approach, Subfactor 3:

Key Personnel

The instructions for Subfactor 3: Key Personnel refer in various ways to a set of personnel matrices or charts. Can DOL confirm that they expect essentially two personnel matrices or charts of key and non-key personnel, the first being "a matrix/chart that illustrates the labor category that each individual/ consultant/ sub-offeror is assigned to, and the five (5) PWS tasks that each individual is also

All offerors should follow the Instructions to Offerors Section for proposal preparation instructions.

assigned to," and the second being "a time loading matrix/chart that illustrates the proposed number of hours allocated for each labor category for each of the four (4) tasks"?

54 PPQ POC

contact list

Section F, Factor 2 - Past Performance,

(4) Past Performance Questionnaire

As the due date for the PPQ contact list and the complete proposal coincide, can DOL confirm whether the POC contact list may be embedded in the proposal as part of Volume II - Past Performance, or if the POC contact list should be submitted as a separate document to accompany the proposal?

The PPQ POC list should be a separate document

55 Solicitation Number in Attachment

Att. A19-E.2 / SF1449 Block

Attachment A19-E.2 appears to show RFP 1605C3-26-R-00004, while SF1449 Block 5 identifies Solicitation No. 1605C2-26-R- 00004. Please confirm the correct solicitation number to use on the Question and Answer spreadsheet and in all proposal file names/submission materials.

The correct Solicitation 1605C2-26-R-00004 - Growing Quality Registered Apprenticeship Programs through Industry Intermediaries. This number 1605C3-26-R- 00004 was a typo

56 Required Task 3 Targets

PWS 5 Task 3;

Tech Ex. 2;

Factor 1

Please confirm whether the binding annual performance targets are the Task 3/PWS counts of 150 new employers, 50 existing employers expanding into new occupations, and 5 multi-employer or 10 individual-employer sponsor arrangements, or the lower counts of 15, 20, and 2/5 stated in Technical Exhibit 2 and the Technical

See revised Part 7 Exhibit Table 2 corrected language:

"register a minimum of one hundred and fifty (150) new employers into existing multi-employer national programs and national guideline standards and/or assist these employers to develop new multi-employer national programs and national guideline standards" and "serve as a national program sponsor for a minimum of five (5) multi-employer programs or a minimum of ten (10) individual employers."

Evaluation Factor.

Please identify which counts offerors should price to and which counts will be used for post-award performance evaluation.

57 Definition of New Employer

PWS 5 Task 3 Please define 'new employer' for purposes of Task 3.

Does this mean new to Registered Apprenticeship entirely, new to a specific sponsor or national guideline standard, new to the intermediary, or new to the target industry?

A new employer is an employer who does not currently have a program or has not signed an employer acceptance agreement to an existing program.

58 Definition of Existing Employer

PWS 5 Task 3 Please define 'existing employer' in the expansion metric.

Does this refer to an employer already registered in any Registered Apprenticeship program, already participating in the

The expansion metric refers to an employer who participates in the sponsor's Registered Apprenticeship program or is already active within a high-growth industry/occupation.

same sponsor's program, or already active in a program within the target industry?

59 New Program vs.

New Occupation Counting

PWS 5 Tasks 3-4

When the PWS references developing new Registered Apprenticeship programs and expanding into new occupations, please clarify whether 'new programs' means only net-new registered programs with new sponsors, or whether new occupations/work processes added under an existing registered sponsor also qualify. Please also identify how each scenario should be counted under Tasks 3 and 4.

A new Registered Apprenticeship (RA) program sponsor or an existing RA program sponsor can add new occupations and the vendor will receive credit under the contract.

60 New Occupations Under New Employer Metric

PWS 5 Task 3 Under the new employer metric, the program 'should include' new occupations added to

A program sponsor must include new occupations to programs and determine whether they meet the program office's definition of a high growth industry/occupation.

existing programs. Is addition of a new occupation required for every employer counted, or only where applicable based on the model being used?

61 Double Counting Across Metrics

PWS 5 Tasks 3-4

May the same employer be counted in more than one category (for example, a new employer entering an existing multi-employer program, then expanding into a new occupation, and/or being part of a sponsor-barrier arrangement), or must all counts be unduplicated across Tasks 3 and 4 and across contract years?

An employer may join an existing multi-employer program, expand into a new occupation, etc. within any given period of performance. Awarded vendor will received credits toward its performance for all activities it conducts under the contract.

The contract goal is to grow Registered Apprenticeships in new and high growth Industries and Occupations (as defined in the RFP) through rapid development of programs and quality technical industry expertise, and not circumvent the process for the sake of receiving credits towards performance.

62 National Sponsor Metric Count Method

PWS 5 Task 3 For the requirement to serve as national program sponsor for multi-employer programs or individual employers, please clarify whether a

Counts under this metric will include the number of signed Employer Acceptance Agreements AND approved apprentice registrations.

Through a teaming agreement (e.g., Sub-Offeror and partnership contractual agreement), a partner national sponsor arrangement can also count toward the new employer or existing employer expansion measures, and whether counts are based on signed sponsor agreements, approved registrations, or first apprentice enrollments.

organization can fulfill the national program sponsor requirements under the RFP.

63 Size or Cap of One-Time Payments

Pricing Schedule;

PWS 5 Task 4

Does DOL have an expected per-recipient cap, annual cap, or anticipated range for the one-time program development payments to new sponsors and/or employer partners? If no fixed amount exists, what pricing assumptions should offerors use?

There is no expected per-recipient cap, annual cap, or anticipated range for the one-time program development payments. Awarded vendors are expected to provide a plan for how they will distribute the NTE amount within 60 days of contract award.

64 Eligible Recipients for Direct Payments

PWS 5 Task 4 Please clarify which entities may receive the one-time program development payments: new sponsors only, New sponsors and/or employer partners (or other partners included in a multi-employer partnership) developing new RA programs and/or expand into new occupations or joining multiemployer national programs, national programs, and/or local employer partners only, existing sponsors expanding into new occupations, employers joining a multi-employer sponsor, related instruction providers, or other partners included in a multi-employer partnership.

programs in targeted industry(ies) may receive a one-time payments.

65 Allowable Uses of Direct Funding

PWS 5 Task 4 Beyond registration, design/start-up, and curriculum development, may one-time payments support work process development, wage scale development, articulation agreements, data setup, sponsor legal setup, job task analysis, or other registration-ready activities? Please provide a clearer list of allowable and unallowable uses.

This will be determined on a case by case basis as the question arises with the awardee(s).

66 Multiple Award Deconflictio n

PWS 1.3, 1.4;

Multiple Award

Because multiple awards are anticipated, please describe the lead-assignment, deconfliction, and dispute-resolution process when more than one intermediary is working in the same industry, with the same employer, or with cross-sector employers. How will DOL handle self-generated leads versus DOL-referred leads?

DOL does not intend to award multiple contracts for the same industry.

67 Multiple Sub-tier Proposal Strategy

PWS 1.3; RFP

Instructions

May an offeror submit proposals for more than one industry/sub-tier, including both industry-specific sub-tiers and sub-tier 2.0, and if so, should each sub-tier be submitted as a separate technical/price volume set or as one combined proposal?

The Department recommends that Offerors submit application(s) for industry(ies) in which an offeror can provide quality program development expertise services for, and detail specific expertise, approaches, strategies for targeted industry(ies).

Offerors that submit more than one application must applications will be reviewed independently.

68 Scope of Sub-tier 2.0

PWS 1.3 Sub-tier 2.0

Note 2 states that offerors applying for sub-tier 2.0 must provide program development services to all industries not listed in sub-tiers 1.1-

1.9. Please confirm

whether DOL expects a single 2.0 awardee to cover all remaining industries, or whether offerors may propose a defined subset within sub-tier 2.0 based on demonstrated expertise.

Offerors applying for sub-tier 2.0 must provide program development services to all other industries not listed in the Industry Specific Services (i.e., sub-tier 1.1-1.9).

Additionally, Offerors applying for sub-tier 2.0 shall have the ability to timely secure and utilize a list of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) who are ready and available when needed for multiple industries, including industries in which the respondent is not an industry expert to assist employers in program development.

69 Matrix Requirement Refers to Five Tasks

RFP Factor 1 Subfactor 3

Subfactor 3 asks for a matrix showing the five

(5) PWS tasks each individual is assigned to, but the PWS appears to contain four primary tasks.

Please confirm whether the required staffing matrix should map personnel to Tasks 1-4 only, and

There are four (4) tasks in the PWS. The reference to a fifth was an error.

whether the reference to five tasks is an error.

70 Success Metrics for Contract

PWS Section 1.3 (Objectives) + Part 5 (Tasks 2–4) + Technical Exhibit 1 (PRS)

Can the Department clarify the primary success metrics for this contract (e.g., number of new RA programs, number of employers engaged, number of apprentices enrolled, sustainability of programs)?

Review PWS Tasks 1-4 to see all performance metrics that will be used to measure success.

71 Total number of awards anticipated

Section C / Solicitation Overview

(SF1449 +

narrative)

Is there a target number of total awards anticipated across all industry sub-tiers?

No. Awards will be made based on availability of funding.

72 Ability to submit multiple applications

PWS Section 1.3 (Objectives – Industry Structure)

May an offeror submit multiple prime applications for different industry sub-tiers? If yes, will the applications be evaluated independently?

The Department recommends that Offerors submit application(s) for industry(ies) in which an offeror can provide quality program development expertise services for, and detail specific expertise, approaches, strategies for targeted industry(ies).

Offerors that submit more than one application must applications will be reviewed independently.

73 Performance Targets

PWS Part 5 – Task 3 + Technical Exhibit 1 (PRS 6–8)

Are the stated targets (e.g., 150 new employers/year, 50 expansions/year) required minimums for each contractor, or are they aggregate across all awardees?

The metrics identified in Part 5 of the RFP are for individual contracts for each period of performance.

74 Expectation s for Apprentices hip Accelerators

PWS Section

1.4 (Scope) + Task 2 & Task

Can the Department clarify expectations for “Apprenticeship Accelerator” convenings (e.g., format, duration, required outcomes)?

Are these convenings expected to be DOL-led, contractor-led, or co-led?

Visit https://www.apprenticeship.gov/sites/default/files/523 55_DOL_IndFS_AppAccelerators_v2.pdf for more information about Apprenticeship Accelerators.

The Apprenticeship Accelerators are expected to be Contract-led. If approved, an accelerators can be in partnership with the Department.

75 SAA vs.

USDOL

programs

PWS Task 3 (Program Development Support)

Given the focus on national programs, will only new national programs or employers joining existing national programs registered with USDOL count towards performance goals for the contract.

Are programs registered with SAA

No. while the focus is on national program expansion, local programs will also be considered for OA states and SAA states.

only counted towards performance goals if they are registered under National Guideline Standards?

76 PWS Task 3 Discrepancy : Employers

PWS Task 3 + Technical Exhibit 2 (3B– 3D)

There is a descrepancy between the written tasks and the Deliverables chart in terms of the number of new employers. The written out tasks on page 23 say Task 3:

"Register a minimum of one hundred and fifty (150) new employers into ..." But on Page 30 in the Deliverables Schedule it lists Task 3B: "3B.

Register a minimum of fifteen (15) new employers into ..."

Please clarify.

Correct language is "register a minimum of one hundred and fifty (150) new employers into existing multi-employer national programs and national guideline standards and/or assist these employers to develop new multi-employer national programs and national guideline standards."

77 PWS Task 3 Discrepancy Participating Employers in Group NPS

Task 3 discrepancy between page 23 and 30.

There is a descrepancy about the number of employers registered into the Offeror's National Group Sponsored program.

Page 23 says “Serve as national program sponsor for a minimum of five (5) multi-employer programs or a minimum of ten (10) individual employers where sponsoring a program serves as a barrier to registration.”

However the Deliverables at the bottom of page 30 says: Task “3D. Serve as national program sponsor for a minimum of two (2) multi-employer programs or a minimum of five (5) individual employers where sponsoring a program serves as a barrier to registration.”

See revised Part 7 Exhibit Table 2 corrected language:

"serve as a national program sponsor for a minimum of

78 One-time payments – pass-through vs

ODC

PWS Task 4 (Funding + Payments section) + Section B (ODCs)

There is a task to "Provide one-time payment to new sponsors and/or employer partners (or other partners included in a multi-employer partnership) via a sub-contract to offset costs to develop new RA programs and/or expand into new occupations by developing or joining, multi-employer national programs, national programs, and/or local programs in targeted industry(ies).

Allowable activities that direct funding may be used to support RA development, launch, and sustainability,…