2.2.1_Attachment C_NTED Solicitation Questions_Government Responses_04-02-2026.pdf

Item #

70FA2026Q00000010

Questions / Clarifications / Comments Solicitation Reference Government Response

1 Is there an incumbent? Yes

If yes, what is the incumbent's name, contract number, award amount and duration?

Acclaro Research Solutions, Incorporated; 70FA2021F00000076; $6,027,119.39; 5-years (a base year and four option periods).

3 Is required past performance within three years or five years? Factor 3, pg. 68 Within the Past 5-years.

Sections A.1 and A.2 state that the SOW is dated 03/05/2025, and Attachment A shows that date. However, section B.5 references a SOW dated 11/04/2025. Which SOW version is correct and is Attachment A the latest SOW?

Sections A.1, A.2, B.5, Attachment A

SOW Version 03/05/2025 is correct.

The Key Personnel listed in C.9 (pg. 57) and in Attachment D do not include the DHS Section 508 Trusted Tester, which is the first Additional

Key Personnel position listed in Attachment A, Section 3.4.1. Please confirm that this role either should or should not be included in the

Phase II submission (resumes and pricing).

C.9, Attachment A (3.4.1), Attachment D

FEMA has confirmed that the DHS Section 508 Trusted Tester is a required Key Personnel position.

Attachment "D" has been revised to include this Key Personnel position.

The Key Personnel listed in C.9 (pg. 57) provides the opportunity to add Unique Labor Categories if Key. Are we able to propose additional key labor categories? If so, should we add additional rows to Attachment D to include these?

C.9, Attachment D

Yes, Offerors may propose up to four unique labor categories based on their technical approach. This information is referenced on page 73 of 124 within the solicitation. The "Attachment D, 2.2.1_Attachment

D_NTED TOPR 70FA2026Q00000010 Pricing Worksheet_03-17-2026" has been updated to allow the unique labor categories to be added to the worksheet.

The Key Personnel section in the SOW lists the Senior Advisor as 18 years of experience (pg. 19) while section A.4 and Attachment D - Pricing Worksheet list it as 8 years. Which is correct?

A.4, Attachment A (3.4.1), Attachment D

FEMA has clarified that the correct minimum experience requirement for the Senior Advisor position is 8 years, as reflected in Section A.4 and Attachment D. The SOW has been revised to reflect the correct minimum experience requirement for the Senior Advisor position is 8 years.

Is there an incumbent for this work or any other similar work? If so, please provide contract information.

General

Acclaro Research Solutions, Incorporated; 70FA2021F00000076; $6,027,119.39; 5-years (a base year and four option periods).

Can the government provide the contract information for any similar past contracts (i.e. may not be current incumbents but did similar work)?

General

Acclaro Research Solutions, Incorporated; 70FA2021F00000076; $6,027,119.39; 5-years (a base year and four option periods).

Can the government confirm if the three Third-Party Subject Matter

Experts are supposed to be experts in training best practices or specific FEMA content?

2.1 Onsite Review

Yes, the Subject Matter Experts should be trained in training best practices and emergency-management course content as referenced in Sections 2.2-2.4.

If the Third-Party SMEs are supposed to be content experts, are they each expected to be expert in all of the content or are each required to specialize in certain areas?

2.1 Onsite Review They are each expected to be expert in all of the content.

Date: 03/31/2026

Questions / Clarifications / Comments Solicitation Reference Government Response

Date: 03/31/2026

If different areas of expertise are required, can the government please define the three areas?

2.1 Onsite Review

The courses cover a wide range of topics from all-hazards curricula to sponsored trainings by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), National Preparedness

Directorate (NPD), National Training and Education Division (NTED), Training Partners Program (TPP).

Is it assumed that the three third-party reviewers will be the same for all reviews?

2.1 Onsite Review No, the reviewers should Subject Matter Experts in the topic being reviewed for FEMA.

14 Is the contractor required to travel to all of the courses / facilities? 2.1 Onsite Review Yes, that is correct.

Are the three SMEs required to travel to each location or will they each be assigned unique locations?

2.1 Onsite Review The Subject Matter Experts are expected to travel.

16 How many in-person courses must be reviewed per location? 2.1 Onsite Review The number of in-person courses that must be reviewed per location will be determined post-award based

FEMA's mission priorities.

17 How many locations will require onsite reviews? 2.1 Onsite Review The number of onsite reviews that must be reviewed per location will be determined post-award based

FEMA's mission priorities.

18 What is the current number of courses to be reviewed? 2.1 Onsite Review FEMA requires a dedicated team to perform the course reviews. While the number of reviews will vary based on mission priorities, the contractor shall provide the labor capacity to address the flow of work within a standard work week.

Is the contractor responsible for developing the evaluation criteria? Are past examples available?

2.1 Onsite Review

No the contractor is not responsible for developing the evaluation criteria. Examples are available for the successful Offeror.

Can the government provide the number of courses and facilities that will require onsite reviews for each Option Year?

2.1 Onsite Review No.

For any documents related to the onsite review, will SMEs complete course content and materials reviews onsite, or will they perform the task virtually?

2.1 Onsite Review They will do both.

Is there an existing evaluation process the Government requires the contractor to use, or will the contractor recommend an evaluation process?

2.1 Onsite Review Yes, there is an existing evaluation process the Government requires the contractor to use.

How many online courses does the Government anticipate the contractor will audit per month?

2.2 Online Review

FEMA requires a dedicated team to audit online course. While the number of reviews will vary based on FEMA's mission priorities, the contractor can expect five (5) audits per month historically. FEMA does not guarantee this volume, and the actual requirements may vary based on mission need.

In what format are online courses offered (SCORM packages, videos, etc.)?

2.2 Online Review

The format will vary based on type of course and the actual requirements may vary based on mission need.

Are courses accessible via a Learning Management System (LMS)? If so, which LMS does the Government use?

2.2 Online Review Yes, access is a on a case-by-case basis.

Is there an existing evaluation process the Government requires the contractor to use, or will the contractor recommend an evaluation process?

2.2 Online Review es, there is an existing evaluation process the Government requires the contractor to use.

If the contractor recommends updates or changes to any onsite or online course, will the contractor be responsible for leading or contributing to the design or development of course updates?

2.3 Courses Re-certification Yes.

If the contractor identifies gaps or a need for additional onsite or online courses, will the contractor be responsible for leading or contributing to the design or development of new courses?

2.3 Courses Re-certification Yes.

29 Is there a current course re-certification process? 2.3 Courses Re-certification Yes.

Questions / Clarifications / Comments Solicitation Reference Government Response

Date: 03/31/2026

Does the Government anticipate a need for the contractor to review or revise the process, or will the contractor be expected to follow the current process?

2.3 Courses Re-certification The contractor be expected to follow the current process.

31 How many instructors will be audited during the process? 2.4 Instructor Audit All of them.

32 At what location will the contractor audit instructors? 2.4 Instructor Audit Onsite at the location assigned.

What Labor Category for the SME does the government anticipating doing the auditing?

2.4 Instructor Audit

FEMA expects instructor audits and related audit support to be performed by the Emergency Management SME labor categories (SME 1–4). The Government has not designated a separate labor category for auditing, nor has it assigned audit responsibilities to a specific SME tier. Any qualified SME may be utilized for audit activities based on tasking and experience level.

How many webinars does the government expect or anticipate the contractor should host each year?

2.12 Section 508 Webinars The number of webinars will vary based on FEMA's mission needs.

35 How has the government determined the required Labor Categories? Attachment D Based on similar, prior contracts/awards.

How has the government determined the level of effort for each Labor

Category?

Attachment D Based on similar, prior contracts/awards.

Does the government believe that the three SMEs expected in the reviews will be mapped to the Senior Management Analyst position?

Attachment D This is determined by the Offeror.

There are three Senior Management Analyst positions, two are allocated 800 hours and one is allocated 900 hundred hours. Can the government explain the discrepancy?

Attachment D The allocated hours are correct.

What Labor Category does the government expect to conduct the 508 compliance?

Attachment D

FEMA has confirmed that the DHS Section 508 Trusted Tester is a required Key Personnel position.

Attachment "D" has been revised to include this Key Personnel position.

Can the government map the Labor Category Level of effort (i.e., hours) to the specific tasks in the SOW?

Attachment D No, as that will be determined by the Offeror's Technical Proposal.

41 Can the contractor change the labor hour mix? Attachment D No. This is noted in Section (C) Business Quatation Instructions.

Can the contractor combine like labor categories to create one full-time employee (FTE)?

Attachment D No. This is noted in Section (C) Business Quatation Instructions.

Can Phase Two participants provide "representative" resumes for each

Labor Category?

Attachment D

Resumes shall be submitted for each Key Personnel position. This is noted in Section Phase II; Factor-2:

Staffing Plan and Key Personnel.

Can the government clarify if the Option Year activities will be the same type of work for different courses? If not, please explain.

Attachment D It is anticpated the work will be the same.

Can the government provide the number of trips included in the

$200,000 travel budget?

Attachment D No, as travel cannot be predetermined.

Questions / Clarifications / Comments Solicitation Reference Government Response

Date: 03/31/2026

46 Can the government clarify what is expected in the Other Direct Costs? Attachment D This is defined by FAR Part 31.202.

Can the government explain what comprises the Fees for Other Direct

Costs?

Attachment D Unexpected fees associated with Other Direct Costs.

Where would the government expect the contractor to include the allowable G&A for Other Direct Costs?

Attachment D This is defined by FAR Part 31.202.

Will the government provide the IGCE amount either now or to the down selected group?

No.

50 Can the government confirm that all positions on this contract are key? Key Personnel All the key positions are identified in the Statement of Work.

Can the government confirm that the 30 pages is comprised of only Factor 2 - Staffing Plan, Factor 3 - Corporate Experience, and Factor 4 -

Management Approach? That is Factor 1 - Technical Approach, Factor 2 - Key Personnel, and Factor 5 - Price are NOT included.

Phase II - Technical Quotation Instructions

As stated in the soliciation, Phase II - Techanical Quotation Instructions, shall not exceed 30, single sided

8.5 inch by 11-inch pages and shall use a type-pitch that is no smaller than a standard 12-point font type, with the exception of charts, graphs and tables shall use a pitch not smaller than 10-point font. Phase II includes Factor 2 Staffing Plan and Key Personnel; Factor 3 Corporate Experience; Factor 4 Management Approach and Factor 5 Price.

Can the government confirm whether the projects should be "performed within the past five (5) years for clients" or "within the 3-year window" both of which are referenced on page 68?

Factor 3: Corporate Experience Past five (5) years.

Can the government confirm that Factor 5 - Price is the same as the

Business Quotation?

( C) Business Qutation Instructions Yes, that is correct.

54 Will down-selected firms have an opportunity to ask more questions? General Yes, this information will be provided to the firms at time of notification.

The SOW (Attachment A) references specific tasks (onsite/online reviews, re-certifications, instructor audits, grant reviews, NIMS reviews, # of testing). Can you provide the estimated annual volume for each task type (e.g., number of course reviews, audits, or 508 tests per year) to support accurate labor-hour projections against the hours shown in Attachment

D?

Reference: Section 2.0 of the SOW FEMA requires a dedicated team to perform the course reviews. While the number of reviews will vary based on mission priorities, the contractor shall provide the labor capacity to address the flow of work within a standard work week.

Questions / Clarifications / Comments Solicitation Reference Government Response

Date: 03/31/2026

For the 3 Independent Third-Party SMEs required per course review (SOW 2.1–2.3), are there additional certification, conflict-of-interest, or background requirements beyond the minimums listed in the SOW and

Attachment D labor categories?

Reference: SOW Section 2.1–2.3 No.

The SOW (2.3, 2.7) mentions ongoing consultation for process improvement. What is the expected frequency, format, and any success metrics for these consulting services?

Reference: SOW Section 2.3, 2.7

FEMA has not specified a required frequency, format, or unique success metrics for the ongoing process improvement consultation described in SOW Sections 2.3 and 2.7. These activities are expected to be provided on an as needed basis, in a format directed by the Government, and performance will be evaluated under the QASP using standard criteria such as timeliness, accuracy, completeness, and adherence to SOW requirements.

NIMS Reviews (SOW 2.6) reference the October 2017 doctrine. Has

FEMA issued any updates or additional guidance since the SOW date that must be applied?

Reference: SOW Section 2.6 There are no updates or addititional guidance since the SOW date.

Section 508 testing (SOW 2.8–2.12) requires DHS-approved Trusted

Tester processes. Can you share the current approved tools, reporting templates, or standard remediation timelines?

Reference: SOW Section 2.8–2.12

FEMA has not published a list of DHS approved Section 508 testing tools, reporting templates, or standard remediation timelines. Contractors are required to perform testing in accordance with DHS Trusted Tester processes, document findings, and provide remediation recommendations or plans using Government directed formats and schedules provided during performance. No standard remediation SLAs have been defined by the Government.

Attachment D pre-populates specific hours for every labor category in every period (e.g., Project Manager = 1,750 hrs, SME Cat. 1 = 900 hrs, etc.). Are these the Government’s estimated hours that offerors must use for pricing, or may we propose different hours while still mapping to the listed categories and minimum qualifications?

Reference: Attachment D, Base Year and Option Periods Sheets

No. The This is noted in Section (C) Business Quatation Instructions.

The three “Sr. Mgmt Analyst” rows in Attachment D have different hours (800 / 800 / 900). Are these intended as three separate full-time equivalents, or is this simply a breakdown of total Sr. Mgmt Analyst effort?

Reference: Attachment D, Base Year Sheet

Three separate full-time equivalents.

Questions / Clarifications / Comments Solicitation Reference Government Response

Date: 03/31/2026

Attachment D shows $0 labor in the ICGE Summary and every period total. Is this the Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE), and should offerors still propose fully burdened rates that will be multiplied by the pre-filled hours to calculate the labor CLIN?

Reference: Attachment D, ICGE Summary Sheet

The "Attachment D; IGCE Summary Tab" uses a formula to populate the labor rate for each period of performance. Offerors must complete the fully burdened labor rates for each period of performance.

There seems to be a date discrepancy: Solicitation (SF-1449 & Section A) states Base Period 08-01-2026 through 07-31-2027. Attachment D states Base Year 09/14/2026 – 09/13/2027 (and corresponding option periods).

Which period of performance is correct for pricing and performance?

Reference: Solicitation Section A.1, Attachment D, Base Year Sheet

While the anticipated start date is September 14, 2026, the Period of Performance is defined as one base year from the date of award. In the event of a delayed award, the PoP dates will be adjusted accordingly via the award document to maintain the full 12-month performance duration.

In the Option Period 4 sheet of Attachment D there is a note: “Travel assumptions are included above with no anticipated travel for task orders.” However, CLINs 0002/1002/etc. carry a $200,000 NTE for Travel each period. Can you clarify whether travel is or is not anticipated, and what the $200,000 NTE is intended to cover?

Reference: Attachment D, Option Period 4 Sheet; Solicitation Section

A.3 The notation has been removed from Option Period 4 worksheet.

CLIN 0004 / 1004 / etc. (“Fees for Other Direct Costs” – $7,000 NTE) is still unclear. What specific fees does this CLIN cover (e.g., transaction fees, licensing, etc.) that cannot be charged under CLIN 0003 ODCs?

Reference: Solicitation Section A.3 Unexpected fees associated with Other Direct Costs.

Attachment B (QASP dated 01/28/2026) is referenced but was not provided. Can you confirm whether the QASP contains performance metrics or thresholds that differ from the SOW?

Reference: Solicitation Section A.2 Attachment B, he Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) begins on page 113 of 124 of solicitation

70FA2026Q00000010.

Section 1.4 of the SOW lists “N/A” for applicable/reference documents.

Are there any FEMA policies, templates, or updated guidance (beyond the NIMS 2017 link) that must now be followed?

Reference: SOW Section 1.4

There are no additional mandatory policies or templates required for proposal submission or initial performance. While FEMA maintains internal guides for reference, the 2017 link remains the only governing document for this solicitation. Any future templates will be provided post-award.

Proposal due date on the SF-1449 is 04/10/2026 at 12:00 PM ET. Is this still current? Are there any page limits, volume instructions, or submission method updates (e.g., sam.gov portal vs. email)?

Reference: SF-1449, Block 9 The due date for Phase One (1) quotation submission is 04/10/2026;12:00 PM ET of the issuing office. The information for quotation preparation is referenced in Section E.1 Quotation Preparation Instructions

Questions / Clarifications / Comments Solicitation Reference Government Response

Date: 03/31/2026

What are the evaluation factors and their relative importance for this task-order award under FAR 8.4 / GSA MAS procedures?

Reference: SF-1449, Block 9

Evaluation factor information is stated in the section E.7 FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation Commercial Products and Commercial Services of solicitation 70FA2026Q00000010.

The estimated task-order value in Section B.4 is $2M–$5M (inclusive of options). Does this IGCE include the labor calculated from Attachment D hours × proposed rates, or only the fixed Travel/ODC/Fees amounts?

Reference: Solicitation Section A.3 This is a total estimated task order value which includes labor, travel, ODCs and Fees.

In the Option Period 4 sheet of Attachment D there is a note: “Travel assumptions are included above with no anticipated travel for task orders.” However, CLINs 0002/1002/etc. carry a $200,000 NTE for Travel each period. Can you clarify whether travel is

Reference: Attachment D The notation has been removed from Option Period 4 worksheet.

Poistion described in the labor categories (e.g., Project Manager, Senior Consultant, Sr. Mgmt Analyst, etc.) do not explicitly require US citizenship based on the provided documents. Is US Citizenship required for each position

Reference: Section 2.0 of the SOW Workers must be legally eligible to work in the United States as defined by FAR 22.1802 and FAR 52.222-

54.

In Attachment A (page 11 of 29) of the RFQ 1798539 SOW document, the first labor category listed under “Additional Key Personnel” is “DHS Section 508 Trusted Tester.” However, this labor category does not appear in the pricing worksheet (Attachment D – Pricing Worksheet) or within the CLIN structure. Could the Government please clarify how offerors should address this inconsistency? Specifically, are offerors expected to propose pricing for this labor category? If so, could the

Government provide guidance on the anticipated level of effort, including the estimated number of hours?

Attachment A - Page 11 FEMA has confirmed that the DHS Section 508 Trusted Tester is a required Key Personnel position.

Attachment "D" has been revised to include this Key Personnel position.

74 What is the anticipated due date for phase 2?

Page 76, Section E.8 - Evaluation

Factors

Phase 2 is contingent upon the completion of Phase 1 evaluations. The Government intends to move to Phase 2 immediately following the advisory notifications. A detailed schedule for Phase 2 will be provided in the 'Instructions to Offerors' sent to those invited to proceed.

What tasks or products are anticipated to be charged against the NTE

ODC bucket?

Page 4, Section A.3 - CLINS Page 16, Section B.8 - Travel/Other

Direct Costs This is defined by FAR Part 31.202.

Questions / Clarifications / Comments Solicitation Reference Government Response

Date: 03/31/2026

Specific travel locations beyond the Washington Metro Area are not detailed in the document and would likely depend on the needs of the

Training Partners Program (TPP) and the tasks assigned under the contract.

a. Which, if any, personnel must be local to the Washington, DC metro area?

d. Where do the SMEs need to be located?

Page 15, Section B.5 - Services to be Acquired / B.6 - Period of

Performance

FEMA has not imposed residency or geographic location requirements for any contractor personnel, including Key Personnel and SMEs. No roles are required to be permanently onsite. Remote and hybrid work is permitted for all roles, with onsite presence required only when dictated by specific tasking. Travel is event driven and may include nationwide CONUS locations for onsite course reviews or audits, with associated costs reimbursed under the Travel CLIN.

Once the contractor compiles audit results and recommendations, who implements the recommendations?

Pages 23-24 (SOW), Section 4.10.1

Course Review Board Meetings The TPP Program Managers.

Can you provide more specifics on which areas of emergency management subject matter expertise are required?

a. For what specific type(s) of emergency management is expertise required?

Pages 3-4 (SOW), Section 1.2 Scope /1.3 Objective

Page 7 (SOW), Section 2.5 Grant Review Application Review

Consulting and Logistics Support

FEMA has not specified narrow or discipline specific emergency management subject matter expertise requirements. SMEs are expected to possess relevant, general emergency management experience consistent with NTED/TPP training activities. All SMEs assigned to this requirement are expected to have relevant knowledge of grant evaluations, including participation in consensus based review processes. No additional role specific subject matter specialties have been prescribed by the Government.

Emergency management expertise is not required for effective project management—that is the role of the subject matter experts. Including this requirement will drive up the cost for the project manager. We respectfully request that the requirement for emergency management expertise be removed from the project manager position.

Page 9-10, Section A.4 Price Schedule (Labor Sategories/Project

Manager qualifications) This requirement will remain in the Project Manager position.

Please provide a list of courses or information on course content to help offerors understand the specific expertise required.

Pages 5–6 (SOW)

Section: 2.0 Specific Requirements / Tasks – TPP Sponsored Courses

FEMA has not provided a list of specific courses or detailed course content as part of this solicitation.

Courses supported under NTED span a wide range of emergency management and homeland security subject matter and are Government directed and variable over time. Offerors are expected to propose SMEs with broad emergency management and instructional design review expertise, consistent with the ADDIE model and NIMS doctrine, rather than expertise tied to specific course titles.

Questions / Clarifications / Comments Solicitation Reference Government Response

Date: 03/31/2026

81 Please provide details on the role of the senior consultant.

Page 10, Section A.4 - Price Schedule (Labor Categories)

Please reference "Attachment A" on page 98 of 124 within the solicitation for the roles of the Senior Consultant.

82 Are the SMEs required to have experience with Delphi method?

Page 7 (SOW), Section 2.5 Grant

Application Review Consulting and Logistics Support

The Contractor shall have the capability of using the Delphi Method or other consensus building techniques to facilitate the process of grant application reviews and to optimize the value obtained from a

SME review panelwhile also minimizing costs.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or metrics FEMA uses to evaluate the success of the Training Partners Program (TPP)?

Page 21, Section: Quality Assurance

Surveillance Plan (QASP) Table

The surveillance activities will focus on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as timeliness, accuracy, completeness, and adherence to technical specifications as defined in the Statement of Work (SOW).

Are there any specific tools or systems required for tracking compliance and managing audits?

Page 26 (SOW) Section 6.0 Government Furnished Resources

Pages 23-24 (SOW) Section 4.9-

4.11 Reporting Requirements

No, there is no specific internal system that we use for data collection and tracking.

85 Is the contractor expected to be onsite for the entire course delivery?

Page 87 (SOW) Section 2.1 Onsite

Review No, the contractor is expected to be onsite for audits and evaluations but is not required to stay for the entire delivery.

86 Who selects the courses and schedules the time for the audits?

Page 87 (SOW) Section 2.0 Specific

Requirements/Tasks: TPP- Sponsored Courses

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is reponsible.

What's the relationship among all the subtasks?

a. The scope has 4 requirements and there are 12 specific subtasks. Is each subtask required for each requirement?

Pages 85-91 (SOW) Section1.2 Scope

FEMA has clarified that all twelve subtasks apply to each of the four requirements described in the SOW.

Subtasks are not optional or selectively assigned; rather, they are foundational activities that support every requirement when invoked.

Since CLIN 0001 is structured as a Labor Hour CLIN with a Not to Exceed (NTE) amount, please clarify the Government’s basis for price evaluation.

Will price be evaluated based on: (a) total proposed NTE value, (b) fully burdened labor rates only, or (c) total evaluated price derived from proposed labor hours by category?

Pages 3–4 Section A.3 – CLIN Structure (Labor Hour CLIN 0001 with NTE amount) Please reference Factor-5: Price on page 81 of 124 within the solicitation.

Questions / Clarifications / Comments Solicitation Reference Government Response

Date: 03/31/2026

The solicitation identifies required labor categories and estimated labor hours by category. Will the Government please confirm that offerors are required to use the level of effort or hours per labor category for evaluation purposes, or should offerors develop their own assumptions for pricing?

Pages 8–10 Section A.4 Price Schedule – Labor categories listed without estimated hours This is noted in Section (C) Business Quatation Instructions.

Please confirm whether offerors may apply labor rate escalation across option periods, and if so, whether the Government recommends a specific escalation methodology or maximum annual escalation rate.

Sections A.3 and A.4 – Base and Option Period pricing structure.

That is a business decision which must be made by the Offeror when developing their pricing for this requirement.

CLIN 0004 is identified as 'Fees for Other Direct Costs' with an NTE amount. Please clarify whether this CLIN represents an administrative handling fee applied to ODCs, and whether offerors should propose this as a percentage of ODC value or a fixed proposed amount.

Page 4 CLIN 0003 (ODC) and CLIN 0004 (Fees for ODC)

This is defined by FAR Part 31.202.

Given that the solicitation permits onsite and telework performance under the same labor rate, should offerors assume no location-based cost differentiation, even if onsite work occurs in higher cost locations such as FEMA HQ?

Pages 8-9 Section A.4 – Rates apply to both onsite and offsite work including telework locations

That is a business decision which must be made by the Offeror when developing their pricing for this requirement.

Please confirm whether subcontractor labor must be proposed using the same fully burdened labor rates as the prime contractor, or whether subcontractor labor may reflect subcontractor specific rates, provided those rates remain within the contractor’s GSA MAS labor category pricing.

Page 16 Section B.7 Price Schedule

– Labor rates apply to prime contractor, subcontractors, and consultants

The fully burden labor rates shall not exceed those of the Prime Contractor's GSA MAS Labor Category

Section 3.3 says, "The contractor shall assign full-time key personnel for the duration of the task order period of performance..." but the hours provided do not support full-time personnel. Please clarify the discrepancy.

Page 92 (SOW) Section 3.3 Key Personnel

The Government intends that 'Full-Time' in Section 3.3 refers to Availability and Exclusivity. While the estimated workload is stated in the Solicitation, the Key Personnel must be dedicated solely to this Task Order and available to respond to requirements throughout the Period of Performance. Offerors should propose a pricing structure that accounts for this availability.

DHS Section 508 Trusted Testers are listed under 'Key Personnel' but they are not included in the Pricing Attachment D. Are the Section 508

Testers required? If yes, how should they be priced in the pricing worksheet?

Page 92 (SOW) Section 3.3 Key Personnel

FEMA has confirmed that the DHS Section 508 Trusted Tester is a required Key Personnel position.

Attachment "D" has been revised to include this Key Personnel position.

The key personnel role Senior Advisor lists the mininum years of experience as 18 years in the SOW. In Pricing Attachment D, the minimum years of experience for the Senior Advisor is 8 years. What is the correct minimum years of experience for the Senior Advisor labor category?

Page 101 (SOW) Section 3.4.1 Additional Key Personnel

FEMA has clarified that the correct minimum experience requirement for the Senior Advisor position is 8 years, as reflected in Section A.4 and Attachment D. The SOW has been revised to reflect the correct minimum experience requirement for the Senior Advisor position is 8 years.

Questions / Clarifications / Comments Solicitation Reference Government Response

Date: 03/31/2026

Please provide an estimate (historical or projected) of monthly/quarterly counts by task type (SME course reviews, NIMS consistency reviews, Section 508 tests, on site instructor audits, re certifications, Delphi grant review panels), including typical surge windows.

PWS 2.2-2.12

Specific counts cannot be predetermined and taskings will be issued as the FEMA mission requirements dictate which will define the specific volume and timelines. For the contractor's proposal, offerors should provide unit pricing for each task type as requested in the solicitation.

Are SME / NIMS reviews, and 508 testing able to run in parallel or must they be sequential, and please identify any interdependencies between the processes?

PWS 2.2-2.12

The Government has not stated that SME reviews, NIMS consistency reviews, and Section 508 testing must be performed sequentially. There is no requirement in the solicitation or Government Q&A that mandates one activity be completed before another. Accordingly, the solicitation does not prohibit parallel execution of: SME course reviews (onsite or online), NIMS consistency reviews and Section 508 compliance testing.

Will the Government furnish templates or style guides for review reports, 508 findings, NIMS consistency matrices, and re certification memos?

Yes.

Are there additional considerations or limitations on the positions that can bedesignated as "key personnel"?

PWS 3.3 No.

Does the Governemnt expect to designate additional key roles post-award?

PWS 3.3 No.

The PWS require 15 days notice and KO approval to replace key staff. In emergency situations, will FEMA accept short-notice substitutions in emergencies if the replacement is fully qualified?

PWS 3.3 Yes.

Are there constraints on approved telework locations for key roles or

SMEs, given price schedule language on onsite/offsite parity?

No fixed location limits are imposed on Key Personnel or SMEs, with the following Government stated conditions: Primary place of performance is identified as the Washington Metro Area, but remote and hybrid work is explicitly permitted for Key and non

Key personnel, except where onsite presence is required by task SMEs performing onsite reviews are expected to travel outside the Washington Metro

Area, including nationwide CONUS locations, and related travel is reimbursable.

Questions / Clarifications / Comments Solicitation Reference Government Response

Date: 03/31/2026

Are there any location limits for key staff/SMEs and any required response times for ad hoc meetings or site audits

No fixed location limits are imposed on Key Personnel or SMEs, with the following Government stated conditions: Primary place of performance is identified as the Washington Metro Area, but remote and hybrid work is explicitly permitted for Key and non

Key personnel, except where onsite presence is required by task SMEs performing onsite reviews are expected to travel outside the Washington Metro

Area, including nationwide CONUS locations, and related travel is reimbursable.

Will the Governemnt provide tempates for routine reports and meetings?

PWS 4.9-4.11 Yes, these will be provided post-award to the selected contractor.

The SOW mentions cloud folders (SharePoint/Dropbox/iCloud). Will FEMA provide full access to the Government controlled repository, or must the contractor supply and accredit a platform meeting DHS CUI safeguards?

PWS 6.0 FEMA will provide full access to the Government controlled repository to the selected contractor.

Will the government clarify the number of relevant contracts/projects and period of performance for those projects required for this solicitation response? Page 68 makes reference to a maximum of three projects performed within the last five years (paragraph 2), however paragraph 3 states five projects. The last paragraph on page 68 makes reference to a “3 year window” for performance. Page 77 references up to three projects performed within the past 3 years.

Corporate Experience The three (3) relevant contracts/projects, performed within the past five (5) years for clients (including federal, state, and local governments and commercial clients) as the prime or subcontractor, which demonstrate experience comparable to the SOW requirements.

Will the government correct the formula for the “Base Year” summary which currently excludes the “Base Year Fees for Other Direct Costs” from the summary formula?

Pricing Worksheet ICGE Summary Tab

The Base Year Total formula has been corected on the Total Price Summary tab.

Will the government please confirm the positions that are designated as Key Personnel and how they should be accounted for in the Pricing

Workbook? Specifically, the SOW (page 10, Section 3.3 Key Personnel) states that Qualified DHS Section 508 Trusted Tester is Key, but the

Pricing Workbook does not include a DHS Trusted Tester Labor Category.

SOW page 10 Section 3.3 Key Personnel and Excel Pricing

Workbook

FEMA has confirmed that the DHS Section 508 Trusted Tester is a required Key Personnel position.

Attachment "D" has been revised to include this Key Personnel position.

Questions / Clarifications / Comments Solicitation Reference Government Response

Date: 03/31/2026

Will the government clarify if Offerors must only use the Labor Categories identified in the Pricing Workbook, or if additonal labor categories can be proposed? RFP Page 8 states that the number of rows may be adjusted based on the number of Labor Categories proposed and Offerors shall propose all necessary labor categories below in addition to the Key Personnel positions. RFP Page 70 (c) Business Quote Instructions states that Offerors may propose up to 4 unique labor categories based on the technical approach.

RFP page 8, RFP page 70, and Pricing Workbook

The Government’s estimated hours and other direct costs set forth in Attachment “D” are for price quotation preparation only and are not a guarantee. Offerors shall not deviate from these parameters.

Quotations may be rejected if the Government plug-in numbers are not used to derive the proposed amount under the Price Schedule. Offerors may propose up to four unique labor categories based on their technical approach. This information is referenced on page 73 of 124 within the solicitation.

Will the government please clarify the level of effort expected for Key Personnel? Specifically, the SOW page 10 states that "the Contractor shall assign full-time key personnel…" while the hours for each labor category/key personnel in the pricing worksheet are estimated to be less than full time.

SOW page 10 and Pricing Workbook

The Government intends that 'Full-Time' in Section 3.3 refers to Availability and Exclusivity. While the estimated workload is stated in the Solicitation, the Key Personnel must be dedicated solely to this Task Order and available to respond to requirements throughout the Period of Performance. Offerors should propose a pricing structure that accounts for this availability.

Will the government please clarify whether the Hours identified for each labor category in the Pricing Workbook can be changed by the Offeror based on our technical approach?

Pricing Workbook The plug hours in Attachment D are mandatory and may not be changed. Offerors may propose up to four unique labor categories based on their technical approach. This information is referenced on page 73 of 124 within the solicitation.

Page 15 of the RFP references a SOW dated 11/04/2025 and lists 9 work areas that do not align to the SOW dated 03/05/2025. Will the government please confirm that the Services to be Acquired should be consistent with the March 5, 2025 SOW that was attached to the RFP.

RFP page 15. Section B.5 Services to be Acquired

Services to be acquired should be consistent with the March 5, 2025, SOW that was attached to the RFP.

Will the government please clarify the years of experience required for the Senior Advisor? The SOW states 18 years of experience, while the

Pricing Workbook tables state 8 years of experience.

SOW page 19 and Pricing Workbook

FEMA has clarified that the correct minimum experience requirement for the Senior Advisor position is 8 years, as reflected in Section A.4 and Attachment D. The SOW has been revised to reflect the correct minimum experience requirement for the Senior Advisor position is 8 years.

Does the Government anticipate a transition period between the incumbent contractor and the new contractor?

General It is anticipated there will be a transition period but this is not guarnteed.

The task description does not provide an expectation of the contract other than describing the Trusted Tester Program. Is it fair to assume that the task requires the contractor to implement the Trusted Tester

Program as part of 508 Compliance support across the contract?

SOW 2.9 508 Compliance Testing Yes.

Would the government be open to considering additional webinar platform or technologies in addition to Adobe Connect?

SOW 2.11 Bi-Weekly Discussions Yes.

Questions / Clarifications / Comments Solicitation Reference Government Response

Date: 03/31/2026

Are courses outside of NTED (e.g., EMI, CDP) included in the scope of review/audits?

General - Course Catalog No.

Can the government please confirm that for each Corporate Experience project should include a description of the anticipated benefit the experience will bring to the FEMA NTED, and not FEMA CID?

page 69, E.1 Yes, each project must include a description of the anticipated benefit the experience will bring to the

FEMA NTED, not FEMA CID.

The LCAT table in the Pricing Workbook lists the Senior Management Analyst three times (all with the same Education and Experience, Bachelors +4). Should the Senior Management Analyst hours be combined and this position listed in just 1 row?

Pricing Workbook All three (3) are designated as separate Key Personnel.

Can the government confirm the duties of the Senior Consultant position (specifically the mentions of assisting the Principal Consultant, a role not described by the government in this solicitation)?

page 98, Section 3.4.1

Performs moderately complex evaluations of existing procedures, processes, techniques, models, and/or systems related to management or performance problems or assists with the design of new processes, models or systems as required by clients. Directs or assists with preparation of analysis, reports and/or presentations. Uses a variety of sophisticated problem-solving tools to assist in analysis and guide decision making. Advises clients of options and next steps. Depending upon the scope and complexity of the program or project, may provide project direction or assist the Principal Consultant or Project Manager for the project. Provides daily supervision and direction to staff. Defines and directs technical specifications and tasks to be performed by team members, defines target dates of tasks and subtasks or assists Principal Consultant or Project Manager with same. Depending upon the scope and complexity of the program or project may provide guidance and assistance in coordinating output and ensuring the technical adequacy of the end product or assist. For smaller or less complex projects, maintains responsibility for successful completion of the project, adherence to schedule and project milestones, quality of deliverables, accuracy of analysis and reports, and customer/client satisfaction. Demonstrates exceptional oral and written communications skills. This information is referenced on page 98 of 124 within the solicitation.

Questions / Clarifications / Comments Solicitation Reference Government Response

Date: 03/31/2026

Can the Government clarify whether offerors are required to identify and provide resumes for all (11) Key Personnel roles listed in the SOW at the time of proposal submission, or whether certain roles may be proposed as on-call or to-be-filled positions post-award?

3.3 Key Personnel - p10

Yes, all 13 roles identified in the SOW are key personnel, and offerors must provide resumes for the 11 roles at the time of proposal submission.

If the Government does require key personnel to be named at the time of proposal submission, are the four Emergency Management SMEs are expected to be the same personnel throughout the life of the contract?

3.3 Key Personnel - p10

Should the Contractor Key Personnel change, the Contractor shall notify FEMA of the change and provide the shall provide resumes for each of the proposed Key Personnel demonstrating the credentials and relevant experience required to meet the qualifications set forth in the SOW.

The RFQ states "Offerors may propose up to four unique labor categories based on their technical approach. Each unique labor category will be evaluated based on a level of effort quoted by the offeror for the base period and each option period." - Are any additional proposed labor categories expected to be designated as key personnel?

C. Business Quotation Instructions -p70

That is determined by the Offeror as stated in the Factor 2: Staffing Plan and Key Personnel on page 70 and 124 of the solicitation.

The RFQ specifies minimum education requirements for certain Key Personnel positions. Can the Government clarify whether relevant professional experience may be substituted for formal education requirements, and if substitutions are permitted, what experience equivalency should be applied (for example, whether additional years of experience may substitute for an advanced degree such as a Master’s)?

3.3 Key Personnel - p10 The Contractor must meet the minimum education requirements as specified.

How often will SMEs be required to travel for onsite review of TPP-funded courses?

2.1 Onsite Review

The exact number of trips will be determined post-award based on FEMAs mission needs. For evaluation purposes, all offerors shall include a cost estimate for travel in their cost proposal. Currently, travel will be reimbursed at cost in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR).

Questions / Clarifications / Comments Solicitation Reference Government Response

Date: 03/31/2026

Does TPP certify courses on its own recognizance? Do any courses receive certification through NDEMU?

2.3 Course Re-certification

FEMA has not stated that the Training Partners Program certifies courses on its own recognizance. The contractor’s role is limited to review, audit, and recommendation support, with final decisions retained by

FEMA Program Managers. Additionally, courses associated with NDEMU or other non

NTED entities are outside the scope of this requirement and do not receive certification under this contract.

The RFQ states: “The Contractor shall ensure that the contractually required level of support for this requirement is maintained at all times.

The Contractor shall ensure that all contract support personnel are present for all hours of the workday.” However, the hours identified in the pricing worksheet for the listed labor categories do not appear to equate to a full-time equivalent (FTE) position for any individual labor category.

Can the Government clarify how the Contractor is expected to maintain the required availability during all hours of the workday given the level of effort reflected in the pricing worksheet?

3.2 Continuity of Support - p10

The Government intends that 'Full-Time' in Section 3.3 refers to Availability and Exclusivity. While the estimated workload is stated in the Solicitation, the Key Personnel must be dedicated solely to this Task Order and available to respond to requirements throughout the Period of Performance. Offerors should propose a pricing structure that accounts for this availability.

Can the Government clarify how the Contractor is expected to maintain the required availability for the Project Manager during the defined hours of the workday (8am to 5pm ET) given the level of effort reflected in the pricing worksheet - less than full-time equivalent?

3.4.1 - p11

The Government intends that 'Full-Time' in Section 3.3 refers to Availability and Exclusivity. While the estimated workload is stated in the Solicitation, the Key Personnel must be dedicated solely to this Task Order and available to respond to requirements throughout the Period of Performance. Offerors should propose a pricing structure that accounts for this availability.

The SOW does not indicate the anticipated volume of task orders for Sections 2.1 through 2.6 during the base period or option years. Can the Government provide historical data or estimated annual quantities for onsite reviews, online reviews, course recertifications, instructor audits, grant application reviews, and NIMS reviews to support proposal preparation and pricing?

Sections 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6 Specific counts cannot be predetermined and taskings will be issued as the FEMA mission requirements dictate which will define the specific volume and timelines. For the contractor's proposal, offerors should provide unit pricing for each task type as requested in the solicitation.

Questions / Clarifications / Comments Solicitation Reference Government Response

Date: 03/31/2026

Section 4.3 states that the place of performance is the Washington Metro Area. Section 2.1 requires onsite course reviews at training partner delivery locations. Please confirm whether SMEs performing onsite reviews are expected to travel outside the Washington Metro

Area to course delivery sites, and whether associated travel costs will be reimbursable under Section 4.5.

Sections 2.1, 4.3, 4.5 The SMEs performing onsite reviews are expected to travel outside the Washington Metro Area to course delivery sites. associated travel costs will be reimbursable.

Section 3.3 designates the DHS Section 508 Trusted Tester as a Key Personnel position. Please confirm whether the Government will accept a

Trusted Tester certification that is obtained after contract award but prior to the performance start date, or whether the certification must be held at the time of proposal submission.

Section 3.3 The certification must be held at the time of quotation submission.

A.1. States that "The Contractor shall furnish …. and facilities (except as Government furnished)…".