DS01 - FSLT - Draft Solicitation QA.pdf

Reference (i.e.: Attachment # or PWS paragraph) Comment/Question Answers General Is the current incumbent eligible to compete for this opportunity? Yes

PWS Pg 49, VOLUME II: TECHNICAL

We've observed a potential discrepancy between the information requested for resumes and the specific qualifications for Key Personnel as detailed in PWS Paragraph 1.6.14.

Specific Example: For the Registered Dietitian position (1.6.14.2), the PWS outlines qualifications focusing on communication skills, nutritional software experience, knowledge of USDA food regulations, and the ability to instruct on nutrition. However, the resume instructions don't specifically request information demonstrating these competencies.

Please provide guidance on whether resumes should focus exclusively on the requested information on Pg 49 or should seek to comprehensively address the detailed qualifications outlined in PWS Paragraph 1.6.14.

PWS 1.6.14.6 identifies the Instructors as key personnel, however, the instructions for the Technical Volume do not include the requirement. Are Instructors key personnel? The evaluation criteria states "...meets all of the minimum key personnel requirements detailed in FAR 52.212-1 Factor 1 and the PWS...." If Instructors are key personnel, please update the Technical Volume requirements.

Is there a Pg limit for each resume?

FAR 52.212-1 (ADDENDUM) ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS--COMMERCIAL ITEMS, has been updated. Please note that a 5 page limit has been added for all resumes.

PWS Pgs 49 and 51, Volume II: Technical, 52.212-2 Evaluation- Commercial Products and Commercial Services

We appreciate the focus on personnel experience in the Technical Proposal evaluation. However, we have a concern regarding the reliance solely on resumes for six key personnel positions. The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) emphasizes the importance of evaluation factors tailored to the specific acquisition and the inclusion of key areas for source selection decisions (FAR 15.101-1). We are concerned that with the current requirement of submitting only six resumes; the evaluation process might not fully capture a Contractor's ability to execute the project successfully within budget and meet the FAR's requirement . Additionally, this approach could put offerors at a disadvantage if their staffing analysis identifies a greater need for key personnel than the the minimum specified.

To ensure a comprehensive evaluation process that adheres to FAR guidelines and facilitates meaningful comparisons between proposals, we recommend considering the following: Expanding the scope of the Technical Proposal:

introduce additional evaluation criteria that assess a Contractor's understanding of the project requirements and their proposed approach and methodology in contract execution. This could include: staffing requirements analysis and plan (per the CDRL) and key personnel resumes (to include all key personnel labor categories), and program management methodology.

By incorporating these suggestions, the government can: gain a deeper understanding of how each contractor plans to fulfill project requirements; conduct a more rigorous evaluation based on both personnel experience and proposed execution strategies; and facilitate a fair and competitive selection process that aligns with FAR guidelines.

This acquisition is utilizing lowest price technically acceptable source selection procedures. Because of this, proposals exceeding the minimum requirements detailed in the PWS will not be rated higher than those that simply meet the requirements. By submitting a proposal, the contractor is stating that they have the ability to perform the work detailed in the PWS for the price they propose. This will be a Firm-Fixed Price contract so the burden to perform within those price constraints falls on the contractor. Please see the RFP for all relevant technical evaluation information.

PWS, 52.212-2 Evaluation- Commercial Products and Commercial Services, FACTOR I - TECHNICAL - KEY

PERSONNEL

"This paragraph states ""...Award will be made to the offeror with the lowest evaluated price proposal(s) whose offer conforms fully to the solicitation requirements and meets the acceptability standards for all non-price factors..."" The Government has identified minimum number of positions required for some labor categories but not all. Please provide the minimum number for all key personnel labor categories.

The evaluation criteria for the Technical Volume states; ""Proposals will be evaluated to determine if the Offeror meets all of the minimum key personnel requirements detailed in FAR 52.212-1 Factor 1 and the PWS. Technical tradeoffs will not be made and no additional credit will be given for exceeding the minimum requirements of the solicitation."" Is the Government only requiring resumes for the minimum number identified in the Technical Volume instructions? Or, is an offeror to submit a resume based on their proposed staffing for of each labor category?

Since review of resumes is the only technical factor being evaluated, should incorporated resumes highlight how they can ensure execution of the PWS requirements? How will resumes be evaluated to ensure the company can execute the contract?

This acquisition is utilizing lowest price technically acceptable source selection procedures. It is up to the contractor to propose the number of people that they believe are required to meet the requirements of the PWS. In performance based acquisitions, the Government is not hiring a certain number of contractor employees. We are awarding a contract to a contractor that is required to successfully perform the contract. Any resume’s submitted should clearly demonstrate how they meet the requirements of the PWS for that position

PWS Pg 7, PWS 1.6.5 Type of Contract, Pricing

The Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contract structure, combined with significant undefined travel and material requirements, places an unreasonable burden of risk on a potential small business Contractor. While proposing FFP labor costs may be feasible, there is insufficient information for an offeror to develop the accurate cost for travel and materials.

Request the Government provide the budget for the travel and material CLINs, to establish a pricing baseline, and change the travel and material CLINs to Time & Material. The price evaluation is based on total price; there is no mention of cost realism. To remove ambiguity in the price comparison reduces the risk to both the Government as well as the Contractor.

Travel is based on the ships' schedules and is defined as much as possible. Specifics for projected travel requirements can be found in PWS para 1.6.16. Additionally, historical travel information has been provided in the following attachments:

Attachments 3B, 9A, and 10A. The anticipated travel listed in the PWS combined with historical documentation regarding previous travel locations should be utilized to provide a FFP proposal price.

Draft Solicitation The Staffing Plan is not approved by the Government until after the contract is awarded (the delivery date is no later than the last day of the Phase-In period per the referenced paragraph).

The Government has no response to Question 8. Question 8 is a statement.

1.4.1. Staffing Plan a. What course of action will be taken if the Government does not approve the plan? Is the contract terminated?

In accordance with the PWS, the staffing plan will be submitted for approval no later than the last day of the Phase-In period.

The review and approval of the staffing plan will be treated like all other contract deliverables, which is a standard part of contract administration. The Government has the option to allow the contractor to cure the deficiency or terminate the contract for failure to meet any contractual requirement, including the staffing plan if not approved.

b. If during the Phase-In Period the Awarded Contractor realizes their proposed solution is insufficient and need to increase their staffing and price; is the contract terminated?

This will be a performance based, firm-fixed price contract. A firm-fixed-price contract provides for a price that is not subject to any adjustment on the basis of the contractor’s cost experience in performing the contract. The Contractor is required to perform the PWS successfully. MSC is not hiring a certain number of contractor employees, we are contracting for the work detailed in the performance work statement to be completed successfully.

c. If the Government permits the contract to continue and allows the Awarded Contractor to modify their Staffing Plan and adjust their price, this essentially invalidates the selection evaluation.

Once the contract is awarded, the contractor will not have the opportunity to update their price.

d. Recommend the Staffing Plan be included in the Technical Proposal requirement and the plan must be acceptable to the Government as part of the award criteria.

Please see the PWS, paragraph 1.4.1 regarding the requirement to submit staffing plans.

Draft Solicitation, 1.6.15.1 Guidance on Substitutions & 52.212-2 EVALUATION--COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2021), 2.1.6 Key Personnel

All the labor categories on this contract are considered key personnel and their resumes must be included in the proposal. In addition, 52.212-2 states that the only Technical Factor being considered is resumes. Paragraph 1.6.15.1 Guidance on Substitutions states "The Contractor agrees that during the first 180 days of the contract performance period no personnel substitutions will be permitted unless they are necessitated by sudden illness, death, or termination of employment." What will happen if the AC is unable to employ one or more individuals designated as Key Personnel prior to the start of the contract or ever and it is not due to sudden illness or death? Paragraph 2.1 6 states if a Key Personnel is not employed then the Contractor can be found unacceptable. Will the Government allow a substation if one or more Key Personnel become unemployable before the start of the contract? Will the Government confirm employment prior to the award and start of the contract?

FAR 52.212-1 (ADDENDUM) ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS--COMMERCIAL ITEMS, has been updated.

Draft Solicitation, 1.6.14.1 - 1.6.14.6, FACTOR I: TECHNICAL – KEY PERSONNEL

The requirements for the Factor 1 Key Personnel state (page 49) "The Offeror shall provide the following documentation, via resume, showing it meets the requirements for key staff as outlined in Paragraphs 1.6.14.1, 1.6.14.2, 1.6.14.3, 1.6.14.4, and 1.6.14.5 of the PWS. ..." . The evaluation criteria states "...meets all of the minimum key personnel requirements detailed in FAR 52.212-1 Factor 1 and the PWS...." There are additional key personnel listed in PWS paragraph 1.6.14; specifically 1.6.14.6 Instructor(s). Are Instructors Key Personnel? If yes, then include 1.6.14.6 in the Technical Factor.

FAR 52.212-1 (ADDENDUM) ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS--COMMERCIAL ITEMS, has been updated.

Draft Solicitation, VOLUME II Is there a page count for this Volume? No

Draft Solicitation, FACTOR 1: TECHNICAL - KEY PERSONNEL

Regarding the phrase "exceeding minimum requirements," does it pertain to exceeding qualifications criteria (such as possessing more than the minimum 10 years of Program Management experience) or does it refer to submitting a greater number of resumes than the minimum specified for each labor category (for instance, if the Contractor believes that more than one Instructional Developer is necessary to perform the requirements)?

Both. This is a lowest price technically acceptable source selection. Resumes are required for certain positions. Meeting or exceeding the requirements for those positions will not earn the contractor any extra credit. Further, the Government is not specifying the number of contractor personnel required for the position. FAR 52.212-1 (ADDENDUM) ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS--COMMERCIAL ITEMS, has also been updated.

Draft Solicitation, 52.212-2 Evaluation- Commercial Products and Commercial Services The Government has classified this acquisition as a commercial product and per the FAR an offeror is permitted to submit multiple proposals. Will multiple proposals be permitted for this solicitation?

The Contractor is permitted to submit multiple proposals, but this is a lowest price technically acceptable source selection so additional credit will not be given to exceeding the minimum requirements of the solicitation. Each proposal will be graded separate and independent, as a single proposal, regardless of the number of proposals are submitted by a single offeror.

Draft Solicitation, 52.212-2 EVALUATION--COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2021)

LPTA contracting makes it essential that the government award the contract to a contractor who can perform all aspects and is completely technically acceptable. The technical evaluation only considers unvetted or verified resumes. How is the Government going to determine whether a bidder can successfully execute the contract from resumes alone especially considering the many complex logistical and open ended requirements? Recommend additional factors or subfactors to ensure proper evaluation of proposals. Some options to consider adding are: 1) Understanding of need. Does the proposal fully answer the solicitation requirements? 2) Management approach.

Does the proposal have, or can the contractor be reasonably expected to develop, management processes and procedures to ensure a successful project? 3) Technical approach. Do the proposed technical methodologies, techniques, solutions, and services meet the procurement documents requirements? Is the staffing sufficient?

This acquisition is utilizing lowest price technically acceptable source selection procedures. Because of this, proposals exceeding the minimum requirements detailed in the PWS will not be rated higher than those that simply meet the requirements. By submitting a proposal, the contractor is stating that they have the ability to perform the work detailed in the PWS for the price they propose. This will be a Firm-Fixed Price contract so the burden to perform within those price constraints falls on the contractor. Please see the RFP for all relevant technical evaluation information.

PWS 1.6.4.2

Is the contractor expected to account for the cost of a contingent facility in the FSLT? Pricing Spreadsheet in the instance of unforeseen circumstances

Not at time of proposal. In accordance with Paragraph 1.6.4.2 of the PWS, if a Contractor owned facility is required, the price of the facility will be negotiated and incorporated into the contract, through a contract modification, prior to the time of need.

PWS Pg 6, 1.6.3 Hours of Operations, 5.1.7 Instructor Workshop, TECHNICAL EXHIBIT 3

To meet the required mission, paragraph 1.6.3.1 and 5.1.7 state there will be requirements that exceed a normal work week. The pricing worksheet only includes price, not hours. Does the Government require separate pricing for the extended work year? Does the Government consider some or all of the labor categories to fall under the Fair Labor Standards Act? With the requirement for longer than 40 hour weeks to meet mission tasks, the FLSA requires the employee to be paid 1.5 times their hourly rate. If the Government invokes FLSA, additional information is required to determine the number of hours that will be at the higher rate. The total hours include providing training and travel time.

FLSA will be invoked under this conract. With that being said, the Government is not hiring someone to work for a certain number of hours, we are contracting for the services to be performed.

PWS - Pg 14, PWS Paragraphs 1.6.16.1 and 1.6.16.2 Travel

These paragraphs discuss providing and shipping consumable supplies for the four (4) winners of the Captain DAVID M. COOK FS Excellence Award attending the Advanced Culinary Course at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) and to eight (8) winners attending the Joint Military FS (JMFS) Award Presentation at the National Restaurant Association annual training forum in Chicago, IL. Is there a travel requirement for the Contractor implied in these paragraphs? If there is no travel, recommend these paragraphs be removed since the requirement is defined in paragraph 5.2.5, If there is travel, please provide the number of days and the number of Contractor personnel required.

Revised PWS paragraph 1.6.16.1.2, 1.6.16.1.3, and 1.6.16.1.4

PWS - ATTACHMENT 3A, TSAs and CMP, Attachment 3A, PWS Paragraph 1.6.4.1.2

Attachment 3A Paragraph 4(G) identifies the requirements for a Training Support Analyst (TSA) during Recipe Testing and paragraph 1.6.4.1.2 states travel requirements for the TSA and CMP. Is a TSA and/or CMP required for this contract and if so, what are the qualifications required to fill these position(s)? Are there any additional performance requirements for a TSA other than supporting Annual Recipe Testing? The PWS provides no performance requirements for the CMP; if required, what are the required support tasks?

Revised PWS paragraph 1.6.4.1.2 and updated attachment 3A

PWS Pg 6, 1.6.3 Hours of Operations, 5.1.7 Instructor Workshop, TECHNICAL EXHIBIT 3

To meet the required mission, paragraph 1.6.3.1 and 5.1.7 state there will be requirements that exceed a normal work week. The pricing worksheet only includes price, not hours. Does the Government require separate pricing for the extended work year? Does the Government consider some or all of the labor categories to fall under the Fair Labor Standards Act? With the requirement for longer than 40 hour weeks to meet mission tasks, the FLSA requires the employee to be paid 1.5 times their hourly rate. If the Government invokes FLSA, additional information is required to determine the number of hours that will be at the higher rate. The total hours include providing training and travel time.

FLSA will be invoked under this contract.

Revised PWS paragraph 1.6.16.1.2, 1.6.16.1.3, and 1.6.16.1.4

PWS Pg 24, 5.1.5

What is the Contractor's role in the Government's annual review of the curriculum? Will the Government conduct the reviews in absence of the Contractor, providing the revisions to the Contractor to implement into the curriculum? Or is the Contractor required to attend the annual reviews? If the latter, which Contractor personnel are required to attend the reviews? What is the location and duration of each course's annual review?

Revised PWS paragraph 5.1.6.1 and 5.1.7

PWS Paragraph 5.1.5 Material Review & Updates

Detailed information on course material revisions during the period of performance is required for a staffing analysis.

What is the frequency of minor and/or major course materials updates as a result of policy changes and/or system revisions as outlined in requirement 5.1.5 of the solicitation? What has been the historical volume/quantity of Curriculum Change Requests in the past five years? Do you anticipate this volume to stay consistent or to increase/decrease in the future? How can the Contractor manage properly staffing to an unknown load of work? Can the government consider establishing a standardized formula to calculate workload-to-staffing ratios. This formula should incorporate flexibility to adjust staffing levels (modification) when workload demands surpass predetermined thresholds.

Revised PWS paragraph 5.1.7

PWS Pg 24, 5.1.6.2

Detailed information on new curriculum design and development and/or modification during the period of performance is required for a staffing analysis. How many new courses will be developed and/or modified during a period of performance? Can the government consider establishing a standardized formula to calculate workload-to-staffing ratios for new course development. This formula should incorporate flexibility to adjust staffing levels (modification) when workload demands surpass predetermined thresholds.

Revised PWS paragraph 5.1.6.1 and 5.1.6.2

PWS Pg 22, 5.1.3, Attachment 1 Attachment 1 lists Cargo Fuels' Management and Accountability (CFMA). It is not on the list of courses in the PWS

5.14.4.1. Please update either the PWS paragraph or Attachment 1.

Revised PWS paragraph 5.1.6.2.1

PWS Pg 22, 5.1.1, Attachment 2 Please provide the percentage of classes to be taught in Norfolk, VA vs San Diego, CA for each period of performance. Revised PWS paragraph 1.4

PWS Pg 22, 5.1.1, Attachment 2 Will the Awarded Contractor be required to deliver a proposed training schedule during Phase-In Period? Is the

Awarded Contractor expected to conduct training classes the first month of the Base Period of Performance? Will the Awarded Contractor be expected to provide 120 weeks of training in the 11 month Base Period of Performance?

Revised PWS paragraph 5.1.1

PWS Pg 22, 5.1.4.3 Are the simultaneous events listed in this paragraph only classroom training events or does it include ship assist visits, training on the USS Mount Whitney, or Captain David M. Cook award winner ships?

Revised PWS paragraph 5.1.4.3

PWS Pg 27, 5.2.4 What is the maximum number of additional (Ad Hoc) Shipboard Culinary Training events that would occur? Revised PWS paragraph 5.2.4

Technical Exhibit 1 Several of the paragraphs referenced in the Technical Exhibit do not exist in the Performance Work Statement. Please update this Exhibit.

Revised PWS Technical Exhibit 1

PWS, Technical Exhibit 3 Item 1 Is the requirement 120 weeks or 120 courses per period of performance? The majority of the listed courses are longer than one week.

Revised PWS paragraph 5.1.1

Draft Solicitation, PWS 1.6.6.1 Personnel Security Requirements

Please confirm that only the Chef and Dietician labor categories require a Secret clearance and all other labor categories do not require the clearance. Are contractors required to have a Secret clearance to access Government facilities (e.g., to instruct logistics courses and/or conduct annual curriculum reviews)? Are contractors required to have a Secret clearance if they are onboard a ship to conduct logistics training? Paragraph 1.6.4.1.2 Ad Hoc Training/Logistics Services TSA locations/CONUS/OCONUS states training will be conducted onboard MSC operated vessels (homeport, shipyard, or in port/underway CONUS/OCONUS). Will the DD254 be provided with the solicitation?

Revised PWS paragraph 1.6.6.1 DD254 was provided and will be again.

Also, please see updated FAR 52.212-1 (ADDENDUM) ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS--COMMERCIAL ITEMS

Draft Solicitation, 1.6.4.1.2 Ad Hoc Training/Logistics Services TSA locations/CONUS/OCONUS:

Since each Shipyard is privately owned and has their own safety requirements for visitors, they may require additional insurance policies. Request the Government provide a list of all potential Shipyards along with a POC and contact information to permit the offerors to determine the visit requirements and to include the cost in the price proposal.

Information provided in PWS section 1.6.4

Draft Solicitation, 1.6.14.1 Program Manager (PM) and/or Alternate for the Contractor, 5.3 PM and/or Alternate for Contractor

As stated in the PWS Introduction, this is a contract to provide support for Food Services (FS) and Logistics Training—not in executing logistics programs that would require the qualification stated in paragraph 1.6.14.1 and 5.3.

Recommend the qualifications be revised to include experience in instructional systems design and training/instruction. The tasks being performed are education related; the required logistics experience is defined in the qualifications for the Instructors. Experience in the areas of instructional design, technical writing and teaching appear to be more appropriate than logistics. The paragraph also states that the Contractor shall provide the name of an Alternate who will act for the Contractor during the absence of the PM. Is the alternate required to have the same qualifications as the PM?

The government requires the qualifications as stated within the PWS Revised PWS paragraph 1.6.14.1

Draft Solicitation, 1.6.14.6 INSTRUCTOR(S)

The draft solicitation increases the instructor qualification requirements as compared to the current contract and will significantly reduce the pool of eligible candidates. Would the government consider aligning requirements with the

August 2023 and December 2023 draft solicitations or offering experience-based waivers to broaden the pool of qualified applicants?

The government requires the qualifications as stated within the PWS

Draft Solicitation, 1.6.14.6.1

The requirements for an instructor have increased since the current contract. These updated requirements are notably stringent, to the extent that personnel with 20+ years of experience in United States Navy logistics and supply chain management may not meet the key personnel minimum qualifications criteria. Recommend a combination of either three (3) years of documented experience managing afloat stock control operations AND/OR equivalent experience in logistics management. For example, ten (10) years or more of progressively responsible experience with

United States Navy logistics and supply chain management could be comparable to three years of large deck afloat experience. It is recommended that the Government remove the "large deck" requirement as it might be a limitation for current and future recruitment efforts. It is worth noting that there are highly skilled senior enlisted supply personnel who have gained extensive experience on smaller ships. Recommend: Instructor minimum qualifications:

Three (3) years’ experience managing afloat Stock Control operations and hands-on level of knowledge, skills, and abilities with Supply/Logistics operations AND/OR ten (10) years’ progressively responsible experience with United

States Navy logistics and supply chain management. Must possess instructor experience in a military environment. At least one instructor must have a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience with United States Navy logistics and supply chain management. Must possess instructor experience in a military environment.

The government requires the qualifications as stated within the PWS

Draft Solicitation, 1.6.16.1.4 Travel USS Mount Whitney, 5.2.1.2.1 Specialized Food Production/Service Techniques Training

Paragraph 5.2.1.2.1 states "...Contractor shall coordinate with FS SME to produce and finalize recipes..." How many recipes will the Chefs prepare for the training? How many servings are required? Could the Government provide the maximum cost per serving?

Revised PWS paragraph 5.2.1.2.1

Draft Solicitation, 1.6.16.1.4 Travel USS Mount Whitney, 5.2.1.2.1 Specialized Food Production/Service Techniques Training

Paragraph 1.6.16.1.4 and 5.2.1.2.1 have different requirements. 1.6.16.1.4 states the Chefs "...will provide hands on support during an actual reception, if it occurs" and paragraph 5.2.1.2.1 (in the Specific Tasks section) does not mention the task. Is the Contractor responsible to prepare food for an official reception? lf so, is the Contractor responsible for providing all the food for the reception if the reception is considered training?

Revised PWS paragraph 1.6.16.1.4

4.3.3.1 states "List of food and disposable service items will be provided by the Government at least 14 days prior to the required start date..." How does a Contractor provide a Firm Fixed Price of the requirements if the recipes are not defined? The historical data point states "does not exceed $3000." Inflation has been greater than 6% over the last several years so historical information is not useful. FFP contracts are used when the requirements are well known;

setting the requirement 14 days before the event does not seem to meet the criteria of well-defined requirement. As stated in previous questions/comments, the Government should provide the budget and the CLIN should be T&M not

FFP.

If the Offeror would like to apply inflation to the pricing, that should be included in its FFP proposal.

Draft Solicitation, 1.6.16.1.6 Recipe Testing and Showcasing, Assist Visits and CAPTAIN DAVID M. COOK winner visits

There are several requirements for the Contractor to provide ingredients and materials while performing training onboard, for showcasing, and for recipe testing. The PWS provides cost information only for the training on the USS

Mount Whitney, historically not exceeding $3000. Please provide the maximum budget for all offerors to use for each Period of Performance. Food prices have increased sharply over the last several years; will the Government consider yearly Economic Adjustments to address inflation?

The Government has provided historical information for reference. There is no budget. The contractor is required to included their estimated costs for these items in its FFP proposal. The Government will not be allowing for EPA in this contract.

Draft Solicitation, 5.1.3 Course Instruction/Attachment 1 Attachment 1 lists Cargo Fuels Management and Accountability (CFMA). This course is not listed in paragraph

5.1.4.4.1.1 or 5.1.4.4.1.2. Is this course included in the logistics courses to be taught? If yes, please provide the details associated with the frequency and location.

Revised PWS paragraph 5.1.6.2

Draft Solicitation, 5.1.1 Scheduled Training /Attachment 2 Attachment 2 provides a summary of the training classes from 2015 through 2023. During 2015 to 2021, logistics course were taught in both Norfolk and San Diego classrooms but in 2022 and 2023 it appears Norfolk was used exclusively. In order to provide a travel estimate, the percentage of classes to be held in each location is required.

Revised PWS paragraphs 1.4 and 5.1.1

Draft Solicitation, 5.1.4.3 Staffing

This paragraph states "...Additionally, different courses offered simultaneously will be no more thant three (3) logistics courses and two (2) culinary courses ...Contractor should be able to have adequate staff to enable two (2) Chefs per culinary class if student demand requires higher numbers, more than five (5) students, than the government provided galley can handle due to space limitations..." Based on the initial requirement to offer two culinary courses simultaneously, does each class of five (5) students count as week(s) of instruction? If the requirement is to have two different culinary courses taught simultaneously and have sufficient staffing to have two Chefs per class, then is the minimum number of Chefs required now four versus the two stated in the PWS? Do simultaneous culinary training events include only classroom training or does it include training on the USS Mount Whitney, the training for the Captain David M. Cook award winners, and training onboard other ships based on request/direction?

Revised PWS paragraph 5.1.4.3

Draft Solicitation, 5.1.5 Material Review & Updates This paragraph (5.1.5) defines the Contractor's responsibility for reviewing and providing recommended updates on the training material. The paragraph also states the Government will conduct annual reviews of the curricula and identify changes to the Contractor for curriculum updates.

Revised PWS paragraph 5.1.5

Are the Government reviews limited to Government participation or are the Contractor's Subject Matter Expert and Instructional Developer required to participate in these reviews? How many days will these reviews be scheduled for and will the reviews be in-person or virtual? Will the reviews be scheduled in a Government facility or will the Contractor be responsible to provide a facility?

Revised PWS paragraph 5.1.5

There is no timeline identified in the PWS for the curriculum updates to be implemented into the curriculum and training material. Is the Government considering this workload a level of effort without a defined delivery or are updates expected to be completed and submitted to the COR for approval NLT TBD months after the requirement was identified and provided to the Contractor? This is required for staffing and impacts the number of Instructional

Developers and Technical Writers required to execute the tasks.

Information provided in PWS paragraph 5.1.6.1 and 5.1.6.2

Is the Government review stated in these paragraphs 5.1.5.1 to 5.1.5.3 the same as the review stated in 5.1.7 or are these separate reviews?

Information provided in PWS paragraphs 5.1.7 and 5.1.6.1

Draft Solicitation, 5.1.5 Material Review and Updates, 5.1.6.1 Curriculum Changes

The process for curriculum review is requires clarification. Paragraph 5.1.5 states the Contractor is responsible for review of the training material and the Government will review all the curriculum on a yearly basis (5.1.5.1 to 5.1.5.3).

Paragraph 5.1.6.1 states "Contractor will perform an annual curriculum review for all courses, schedule determined by the Contractor, allowing for final review at the annual Instructor Workshop. All curriculum changes proposed by the Contractor to established courses listed in Attachment 1 shall be accomplished using a Curriculum Change Requests (CCRs) submitted to the COR, as specified in TE 2."

Revised PWS paragraph 5.1.7

a. Is the Government planning to conduct their annual review of the course curriculum during the Instructor Workshop (5.1.7) or conduct meetings throughout the year, or both? (5.1.5.1 - 5.1.5.3)

Information provided in PWS paragraphs 5.1.7 and 5.1.6.1

5.1.7 Instructor Workshop

b. Is the Contractor to submit CCRs only after the Instructor Workshop or throughout the year to address proposed changes?

Information provided in PWS paragraphs 5.1.7 and 5.1.6.1

c. Will the COR review and approve updates throughout the year (not just at the Instructor Workshop), some of which may result from annual Government reviews? If so, what is the purpose of the Instructor Workshop with respect for final review and curriculum approval?

Information provided in PWS paragraphs 5.1.7 and 5.1.6.1

d. Paragraph 5.1.7 states "...for the purpose of gathering all the instructors and curriculum developers from the Logistics and Culinary disciplines plus up to four (4) Government personnel in an effort to improve and refine the training processes and to review and update curriculum and policy/procedures. .." What is the objective of the "final review" at the Instructor Workshop? Is the focus on improving and refining training processes or to review and update curriculum and policy/procedures? Two weeks is insufficient time to review all the curriculum for the courses identified in Attachment 1.

Information provided in PWS paragraphs 5.1.7 and 5.1.6.1

Draft Solicitation, 5.1.6.2 New Curriculum Design and Development and/or Modification How many new courses will be developed during a period of performance? This information is required for staffing analysis.

Revised PWS paragraph 5.1.6.2.1

Technical Exhibit 1 Technical Exhibit 1 has a performance indicator for new or revised course/curriculum development. There is no CDRL associated with this paragraph. Please provide a CDRL that includes workload/frequency of new course development.

Revised PWS paragraph 5.1.6.2.1

Draft Solicitation, 5.1.6.2.1 Course Handbook

This paragraph indicates, "Contractor will create course/handbook within three (3) months of receipt..." What does "receipt" specifically refer to? Is it receipt of a request from the Government? As this paragraph is a sub-paragraph to

5.1.6.2, does the three-month timeframe apply to new curriculum design and development and/or modification?

Could the Government define the product "course/handbook" and outline the requirements in the associated CDRL

A07?

Revised PWS paragraph 5.1.6.2.1 and attachment A07

Draft Solicitation, 5.2.1.1.1 SERVSAFE Food Handlers’ Training:

Is the SERVSAFE Food Handler's Training included in the 120 weeks of instruction? The requirement is 4 per month, and each class is 4 hours long, or 2 days per month, 24 days per year. This equals 4.8 weeks of SERVSAFE training. Are the 4.8 weeks of SERVSAFE instruction included in the 120 total weeks of Food Services and Logistics instruction or are the SERVSAFE 4.8 weeks of instruction in addition to the 120 total weeks of instruction?

The 120 scheduled training weeks includes the SERVSAFE offerings

Draft Solicitation, 5.2.1.1.2 SERVSAFE Manager Exam proctor Are SERVSAFE exam proctoring sessions conducted virtually/online or in-person? If in-person, where are the sessions held? Are Government facilities provided? Additionally, could you provide details on the workload, frequency, and/or maximum number of proctoring sessions per period of performance?

Revised PWS 5.2.1.1.2. Proctoring is virtual.

Draft Solicitation , 5.2.4 Shipboard Culinary Training (Ad Hoc), 1.6.16.1.5 FS Training

Are the "Shipboard Culinary Training (Ad Hoc)" (5.2.4) and "FS Training" (1.6.16.1.5) the same or different requirements? Are these two references referring to the same "assist visit" requirement of up to 10 per year

(1.6.16.1.5)? If different, the Government needs to define a maximum number of 5.2.4 "Shipboard Culinary Training (Ad Hoc)" events.

Information provided in PWS paragraphs 1.6.16 and section 5

Technical Exhibit 1 Several of the paragraphs referenced in the Technical Exhibit do not exist in the Performance Work Statement.

Please update this Exhibit.

Revised PWS Technical Exhibit 1

Draft Solicitation, Technical Exhibit 3 Item 1

Item 1 states 120 scheduled training courses per year. This is inconsistent with the PWS. Is the requirement 120 weeks of training or 120 training courses per year? Also, some period of performances are six (6) or 11 months; is the training requirement proportionate to the length of the period of performance (e.g., 60 weeks of training in six (6) months and 108 weeks of training in 11 months)?

Revised PWS paragraph 1.4

Draft Solicitation, Technical Exhibit 3 Items 8 & 9 Technical Exhibit 3, item 8, states an average of seven (7) calendar days per trip. Is this exclusive of travel? Revised PWS Technical Exhibit 3 PWS 1.6.4.3 Will this facility be near Norfolk or San Diego or it can be anywhere in the CONUS? Revised PWS paragraph 1.6.4.3

PWS 1.6.6.1

Will any other personnel provided by the contractor be required to obtain security clearances aside from the chefs, dietician, and any replacements in case of an approved substitution? The security clearances are required for the ships only, or for anyone teaching or conducting business on a base?

Revised PWS paragraph 1.6.6.1

PWS 4.3.3.1.2

It is clear that the contractor is responsible for all consumables. Should the contractor also account for purchasing equipment, uniforms, books, etc. as noted in Attachment 8?

Yes, Attachment 8 is the supply list of consumables that the Contractor needs to purchase.

Attachment 3A, Training Support Analyst (TSA) The position of Training Support Analyst does not appear in the PWS. Is this a contractor role or provided by the military?

Revised PWS attachment 3