Q&A_7-14.pdf

RFP Questions for DTFH6117R00027 – 7/14/17

Questions in black, FHWA responses in red.

1. In Section C.7.2, under Virtual Simulations, on p. 21 of the RFP, there is a statement that “The Contractor shall develop Three-Dimensional (3D) simulations, similar to NHI’s virtual bridge inspection CBT (computer-based training) which is a standalone component that is used in an NHI training course. The Government requires that the proposed simulation operate in a similar manner to a virtual world without the need to connect to the Internet or a network.” Could you provide access to a copy of this so it is clear to all bidders what is required? Unfortunately, I cannot provide a copy or access to the virtual bridge training environment. What I can tell you is that it was developed with a Unity engine that allows the participant to engage and interact with the learning environment. It allows the participant to pan and zoom around to locate and test various features. The participants need to select the proper tools and identify proper precautions before they attempt to test and evaluate the conditions of the various bridge elements. This is definitely Level 3 interactivity.

2. In Section L.4, under the Volume II – Business and Cost/Price, Part I – Cost/Price Information, on p. 71 of the RFP, item (a) states that “The Government’s required labor categories are included in J.2 for all Offerors as input to the cost/price proposal preparation.

Price proposals must adhere to the pricing structure established in J.2.” Can we submit additional labor categories that we feel are warranted and that offer value to the government?

No, offerors must use the listed categories. For example, could a labor category of Quality Assurance/Quality Control or Video Graphics Designer be used?

3. In Section L.4 under the Volume 1 – Technical Proposal, Part I – Technical Approach, on p.

70 of the RFP, item 6. states that the technical proposal should show “Demonstrated knowledge of how to include classroom management and student engagement best practices in various synchronous environments (face-to-face, WCT, VCT).” In Section C.4 Scope of Work, on p. 4 of the RFP, there is also a statement that states “This ID/IQ contract provides for the development, update, and delivery of ILT, WBT, VCT or flipped classroom training, …” Similarly, under Section C.6 General Work Description, there is a statement that “This contract provides for the development, update, and delivery of ILT, WBT, VCT or flipped classroom training, …” However, there is no mention of WCT in any of the Delineation of Contractor Tasks in Section C.7 (i.e., Section C.7.1 through C.7.4) of the RFP. Should we also include information on our approach to provide WCT? If so, what requirements should be addressed? Yes, offerors should address their approaches to delivering in a Web Conference Environment. As this is the base contract, there is no specific course or delivery mechanism identified. Specific delivery mechanisms and approaches will need to be addressed in the Task Order proposals when we identify the specific courses and methods for course delivery. At this point, we are looking for the philosophy and approach for how the contractors encourage and engage their instructors to lead or facilitate a training session, how do instructors prepare and use the existing materials, and how do instructors engage and encourage learner participation during the session deliveries.

4. In Section L.4, under the Volume 1– Technical Proposal, Part I – Technical Approach, on p.

70 of the RFP, item 5. states that the technical proposal should “Demonstrate how the Contractor will obtain subject matter expertise in each of the subject areas. The discussion needs to demonstrate how to select SMEs that have a solid grasp of the subject area;

familiarity with legal and regulatory requirements; knowledge of FHWA programs, initiatives and guidance related to each of the subject areas.” Is it satisfactory to describe our approach of how we will obtain and select SMEs as the statement indicates, or must we identify SMEs in our proposal? Identify SMEs. Would we be able to identify specific SMEs in each task order proposal that would be applicable for the tasks and courses specified in the task order statement of objectives? Yes.

5. Section L.1 Competition Requirements, on p. 68 of the RFP, states that “This requirement is being solicited through full and open competition for all tasks and requirements described above. Additionally, two contract awards will be set aside for small businesses in accordance with FAR 52.219-7. There is no change to the requirements or tasks for the partial small business set-aside under this solicitation.” Does this mean that contracts will be awarded to large business in addition to small businesses? It’s a possibility. Will small businesses be competing against large businesses on individual task orders? Yes.

NOTE: All offerors must clearly state on the cover of each proposal volume whether they want to be considered for the small business set‐aside or the unrestricted competition. Small businesses may elect to be considered for both the set‐aside and unrestricted competition. In this case, the small business will not need to submit an additional proposal.

6. Please provide a summary of the various subject areas listed under C.5.1 (Financial Management) and C.5.3 (Civil Rights). The topics listed in the tables provides a general idea of the types of topics that are either currently being offered or for consideration for the next 5‐year cycle. Currently the

Financial Management area has 3 active courses (the 231 series courses available on the NHI

Website). Currently the Civil Rights area has 1 active course (the 361 series available on the NHI

Website). Please keep in mind that the context is always in reference to using Federal‐aid funding for projects.

7. Please confirm vendors shall submit proposals in accordance with Section L.3, which means the Government does not expect vendors to submit physical (or "original") hard copies. Confirmed, no physical copies requested.

8. What specific training software/ design tools are currently used by NHI? What software/tools would the Government prefer to use to develop the elearning products? The National Highway Institute is currently using the following tools:

Microsoft PowerPoint 2016

Adobe Presenter

Adobe Captivate

TechSmith Camtasia 9.0 for Windows

The National Highway Institute has also accepted files created in other software programs provided those programs are SCORM 1.2 compatible and will function properly when accessed on the Learning Management System.

Unless otherwise specified in specific task orders to be developed under this ID/IQ contract, the government does not have a preference as to which tool(s) deliverables are developed in. Please note that all task orders will require the contractor to provide all source files and assets used to create the final deliverable product.