Attachment 5 - Questions and Answers 03 Jun 25.pdf

Attachment 5 - Questions and Answers Emotional Intelligence

319 IRO

03 Jun 25

If any questions were not answered that you submitted by the due date of 23 May 2025, please feel free to reach out to TSgt Cabuang at angelomykael.cabuang.1@us.af.mil. Be advised that some of the questions were considered similar in nature and were combined.

Q1. How many potential users will be assessing the software during the term of services? For example, I understand that the training will be used for the Department of Defense, however will each user have an individual log in? Or will there be a general access hub for the training? In addition, how many projected users does the Department of Defense intend to have?

A1. There will be two logins per training: one for the main participant group to view the interactions and a second for the volunteer participant to engage in the scenario.

Q2. Furthermore, as the solicitation calls for several potential training courses to take place in different projected time zones, will there be classes for specific training? If yes, how many participants per class setting?

A2. Each session of Emotional Intelligence utilizing the scenarios outlined in the solicitation is a ‘training.’ There may be up to 25 participants per session.

Q3. Do you have an example of what you mean by "Sessions include Mixed Reality Live Simulation training delivered through video conferencing." but NO headsets involved? Are you looking for bespoke, in headset, content?

A3. The platform should allow for the entire participant group (up to 25 per session) to be able to observe the scenario taking place. One participant from the group will actually engage in scenario. This is not a 1:1 training.

Q4. Will the avatar experience be integrated within Zoom, Microsoft Teams, WebEx, or a standalone proprietary platform? In addition, please clarify the fidelity of avatars expected.

A4. Avatars must have human-like expressions, be animated and responsive. Avatars should be synced with performer’s face so that the avatar’s expression follows the facial expressions of the performer. PWS 1.6 Zoom or Microsoft Teams (web-based) can be used for screen sharing. (PWS 1.5)

Q5. Can AI be used to support non-verbal animation or gesture synchronization, provided responses remain human-led as required by PWS 1.4.3?

A5. AI support should not be utilized. (PWS 1.4.3)

Q6. Are there any minimum technical or cybersecurity compliance requirements (e.g., FedRAMP authorization, browser compatibility standards, bandwidth thresholds) for the session delivery platforms? Additionally, will the government provide the necessary network access sponsorship, including any required whitelisting, waivers, or IT security approvals to enable full platform functionality within its security posture?

A6. The contractor shall utilize a training platform that can be shared via Zoom or Microsoft Teams.

*The government does not intend to approve a web-based application to be utilized on Air Force network because of this requirement. No software, applications, or add-ins will be approved for download on any government computers.

Q7. Can you confirm whether ‘Emotional Quotient certified’ refers to a specific certification program (e.g., EQ-i 2.0, Genos, etc.) or if this requirement can be met through evidence of experience and training in emotional intelligence frameworks?

A7. There is not a single specific certification that is required to meet that requirement.

Some examples would be Talent Smart EQ Certification and Daniel Goleman EI Course or anything available commercially.

Q8. Can the government clarify what is meant by ‘mixed reality live simulation training’ in the absence of virtual reality headsets, AI, or automated responses? Is there a specific delivery platform or visual simulation software the government expects vendors to use?

A8. The training is not geared toward a single user system, but rather group training where one participant will engage in scenario and remainder of group observe scenario. No AI or automated responses, means the person on the contractor/vendor side of the software is providing the responses in real time and it is not AI/automated response driven.

Q9. Can the government clarify how 24/7 global availability is expected to be maintained if sessions rely on live human performers and are not AI-enabled? Is the expectation that performers are always live on demand, or is asynchronous scheduling acceptable?

A9. The expectation is that performers are always live. Scheduling sessions are a minimum of 5 days prior.

Q10. Is there a specific mixed-reality simulation platform or vendor the government has used in the past or intends to use for this effort? Or is the government open to reviewing proposed solutions that meet the stated objectives using different technical approaches?

A10. Please find solutions in accordance with the Performance Work Statement. Technical Approach/plan has been added as an evaluation factor.

Q11. Can you clarify if the government already provides the software that includes the mixed reality simulations or if that software the contractor/vendor would have to provide and/or customize?

A11. The solicitation is requesting that software from the contractor/vendor.

Q12. Will pricing be evaluated based on total contract value (base + all option years), or per-session cost?

A12. See Addendum to FAR 52.212-2 Factor 1: Total Evaluated Price.

Q13. Can the government confirm that no in-person attendance or travel is required for delivery of services under this PWS?

A13. There is no in person attendance for this PWS. It is all virtual.

Q14. Can the government please advise where offerors should include "Discounts for prompt payment" in their proposal?

A14. Page 7 of the Combo Document – a space was added for this information.

Q15. Will the government require or provide EQ assessments pre- or post-session, or can the contractor propose its own evaluation method?

A15. The government has an evaluation; however, would consider a contractor’s evaluation if it meets our needs and is approved by the AF Survey Office which we can assist with submitting. PWS 2.5

Q16. What data elements are expected per session (e.g., timestamped learner decisions, facilitator observation, emotional tone logs)? Can the government confirm whether a standard format or data schema will be provided for session reporting and participant logs? Should reporting be compiled as aggregate trends, per-session summaries, or individual participant feedback reports?

A16. Not a requirement.

Q17. Is the contractor responsible for selecting and applying a specific emotional intelligence framework (e.g., Goleman, Bar-On), or will one be provided by the government?

A17. Not required.

Q18. Please specify what kinds of training package/scenario examples are acceptable (e.g., slides, exercises, etc.)?

A18. Word doc, pdf, PowerPoint outlining examples of scenarios across all required themes will be accepted.

Q19. Please clarify the fidelity of avatars expected.

A19. See PWS 1.6

Q20. Will the government waive the performer requirement for Emotional Quotient certification?

A20. No

Q21. Please confirm whether training will be conducted onsite at Grand Forks AFB with the instructor present, or virtually.

A21. The contractor/vendor would provide the training virtually.

Q22. How do you expect the participants to implement what they learn from the training?

A22. They will implement what they learn from engagement/observation with the training in their daily interactions.

Q23. Are pre-recorded training sessions with access to the trainer via chat or email permissible?

A23. No

Q24. Who is required to provide a virtual platform for the training sessions?

A24. The contractor/vendor is responsible for the training platform to be utilized.

Q25. What are the ranks/grade levels of the participants attending the training sessions?

A25. All ranks/grade levels can attend.

Q26. What is the number of expected participants per contract year? What is the number of expected participants per training session in a contract year?

A26. Expected to have 100 sessions per year; each session may have up to 25 participants.

Q27. Are you looking for a clinical therapist or a certified coach for emotional intelligence. We provide coaching and facilitation for the other military departments and would love to have a discussion on what exactly you’re looking for (i.e., software).

A27. The government is not looking for a clinical therapist or certified coach for emotional intelligence.

Q28. We would like to know if this is a brand-new contract OR if there is (was) an incumbent performing these services. If not brand new, could you please provide the current / previous contract number?

A28. Vendor: Emotional Intelligence Institute, Contract# FA465923P0006.

Q29. The RFP states that for CLIN 0001, there is a requirement for QTY(100) 1-hour sessions. Is each session intended to be for one person, or will multiple people attend each session? If multiple people are expected to attend, is there an average number of attendees per session?

A29. Multiple people will attend; up to 25 per session.

Q30. What technology is expected or allowed to render and control avatars during sessions (e.g., Unity, Zoom plug-in, OBS, browser-based rendering)?

A30. Up to the contractor to determine what technology or platform they will use to meet the requirements of PWS 1.6.

Q31. Are facial tracking tools or motion capture hardware (e.g., Leap Motion, FaceRig, mocap suits) required or recommended?

A31. Avatars should be synced with the performer’s face so that the avatar’s expression follows the facial expressions of the performer. No facial tracking or motion capture is required for participants.

Q32. Is a sound booth or controlled audio setup expected for performers, or is a standard webcam/mic setup acceptable?

A32. Standard webcam/mic setup is acceptable as long as there are no background sounds/noises.

Q33. How much time is it from award to delivery?

A33. The projected start date is on 01 Jul 25.

Q34. Will the government provide additional facilitator-specific guidance beyond the facilitation packet mentioned in PWS 2.1? If so, can an example be shared?

A34. The government will not provide additional guidance. The facilitation packet referenced in PWS 2.1 is a requirement for the vendor to provide.

Q35. Will customization (e.g., rank/gender/name) be handled dynamically in-session, or must all configurations be pre-loaded? What flexibility is allowed to customize names, ranks, gender, and settings within scenarios in real-time or pre-session?

A35. Scenarios may be modified regarding rank/gender/name prior to the session starting at no additional cost. PWS 1.4.9

Q36. Will participants be tracked across time to determine mastery or growth, or is this a single exposure?

A36. Single exposure

Q37. How does the government define a "library" of scenarios within the context of this requirement? Our organization distinguishes between general content themes and designated scenario libraries, and we seek clarity on whether all existing content must be structured as a library to qualify for use. What expectations exist for the number of distinct topics or scenarios offered to the government, and will a minimum quantity or thematic diversity be required?

A37. Library includes scenarios in the following themes: Leadership, Peer-to-Peer, Resilience, Suicide Prevention and Postvention, Sexual Assault and Harassment, and includes scenarios specific to both military and spouses. Each theme should have a minimum of 5 scenario options (military & spouse scenarios can be interchangeable if appropirate). PWS 1.4.1

Q38. Will the contractor be responsible for writing or adapting scripts? Are there writing guidelines (e.g., military tone, jargon, rank structure)? Who approves script changes or custom submissions?

A38. All scenarios should utilize Air Force tone, jargon, rank, etc (PWS 1.4.9). The government shall have the freedom to slightly modify an existing scenario on the contractor’s library if deemed necessary at no costs to the government. Script changes or slight modification will only be requested and approved by the Integrated Resilience Office

Q39. Is there a cap on total daily session hours per performer, considering the 100-session annual limit?

A39. No cap in the contract. Typically, the government does not ask for more than a few session hours per day.

Q40. Are different formats expected for sessions involving spouses versus military personnel, or will all sessions follow the same structure regardless of audience?

A40. The same structure will be followed.

Q41. Are sessions intended to support just-in-time one-offs, or will participants complete a multi-session progression toward full emotional intelligence competency (e.g., across a defined model)?

A41. Sessions will be utilized stand-alone and not in multi-session progression. They may be the culmination of other training conducted locally.

Q42. Can the government provide a sample session structure (e.g., 10-minute check-in, 2–3 scenarios, 5-minute closeout)?

A42. Each session has a 15-minute technical check prior to session start time. A brief intro to the session will be provided by the in-person government facilitator, typically we will have 3 scenarios per hour with time for discussion by participants and government facilitator between scenarios. The third scenario could conclude at the hour mark of the session and discussion for that scenario could take place after the session with the contractor has ended.

Q43. Will the government be releasing additional documentation post-award to supplement the PWS, such as session flow templates, detailed facilitator guidance, or government-approved interaction protocols?

A43. To be provided by the contractor within 7 days after contract award. PWS 3.0

Q44. Will the contractor be responsible for providing the hosting platform and associated infrastructure for the live avatar experience, or will the government provide the environment (e.g., Teams-hosted virtual space)?

A44. The contractor will be expected to provide the hosting platform. See PWS 2.6

Q45. Will facilitators be expected to conduct one session at a time, or will the government require support for multiple concurrent sessions? What is the maximum number of concurrent sessions that may be scheduled at any given time? Additionally, what lead time will the vendor have to assemble or recall avatar performers prior to each session? Is there a defined minimum level of effort for each training session (e.g., a requirement that each session consists of at least two scenarios delivered over a two-hour period), or will the structure and duration of sessions be determined solely by day-of demand?

A45. We may have up to 3 concurrent sessions, though that would not be typical. The contractor has a 5-day lead time per the PWS to arrange for the session. Each session will be determined by the requirements for that agency we are supporting; previously the government has commonly conducted 3 scenarios per hour.

Q46. Is there a requirement for a structured debrief at the conclusion of each session, and if so, is the avatar performer expected to participate in this debrief process, or is this solely the responsibility of the facilitator or government staff?

A46. There is a debrief after each scenario; the contractor is not expected to participate in the debrief process.

Q47. Can a single avatar performer run multiple back-to-back sessions (e.g., 10+ in a day), or is this discouraged for quality assurance?

A47. Performers should complete no more than 3 back-to-back sessions to ensure quality assurance.

Q48. Please clarify the wage classification and fringe benefits applicable.

A48. See Attachment Provisions and Clauses. FAR 52.222-42 Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires.