26QE073_ATTCH11_Questions and Answers_080426.xlsx

Attachment #11-Q&A Attachment 11-Questions and Answers HE125426QE073- THE LITERATE BRAIN Developing Pedagogical Content Knowledge in the Science of Reading and Writing (Grades PK thru 5)

2 The language on page 21 of the RFP says DoWEA strongly encourages vendors to select already-developed and -deployable commercially available professional learning solutions and adapt them to meet DoWEA requirements. Could the selected vendor combine multiple such sources to create a customized professional learning program that meets DoWEA requirements? Yes. Vendors may combine multiple commercially available professional learning resources, programs, platforms, or tools, provided the proposed solution meets or exceeds all requirements of the PWS. The Government encourages the use of existing commercially available offerings and permits reasonable tailoring or adaptation to align with DoWEA requirements.

3 Please provide examples of professional learning programming, similar in nature and scope to the programming requested in this RFP, that DoWEA vendors are currently using or have used in the past. The Government is not aware of any current or previous professional learning program within DoWEA that is similar in nature and scope to the requirements of this solicitation. Vendors are responsible for identifying and proposing professional learning solutions that meet the requirements of the PWS. As outlined in the solicitation's Relevant Experience evaluation factor, vendors must demonstrate experience within the last five (5) years providing evidence-based Science of Reading and/or Science of Writing professional learning for a PK-12 educational organization that is similar in complexity and subject matter to this requirement. Vendors are required to provide at least one example of relevant experience, and the Government will evaluate that experience as part of the pass/fail screening process.

4 There are only eight business days from the date of the RFP release to the submission deadline. Considering the size and scope of the proposed project, will DoWEA consider an extension to the deadline? The Government appreciates the interest in this requirement. At this time, the solicitation closing date remains unchanged. Any changes to the solicitation, including the submission deadline, will be communicated through a formal amendment to the solicitation. Vendors are advised to monitor SAM.gov for updates.

5 Please confirm that DoWEA intends to award one vendor up to $24,000,000 for the entire scope and duration of work. The solicitation states that DoWEA intends to award one Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP), Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. The $24,000,000 figure shown in Block 10 of the SF-1449 is the SBA size standard associated with NAICS 611710 and is not the contract ceiling value. The solicitation establishes an IDIQ contract with a maximum quantity of 9,000 units over the life of the contract. Orders will be issued based on the Government's actual requirements.

6 May a Vendor submit, on Attachment 8, relevant experience performed by a proposed subcontractor or teaming partner in order to satisfy Step 1, Subfactor 1? If so, must the Vendor identify that subcontractor in its quotation as the party that will perform the corresponding Science of Reading and/or Science of Writing professional learning scope under any resulting contract? Yes. Vendors may submit relevant experience performed by a proposed subcontractor or teaming partner in Attachment 8 to demonstrate the experience required under Step 1, Subfactor 1. If a Vendor relies on a subcontractor's or teaming partner's experience, the quotation shall clearly identify the entity and its proposed role in contract performance. The Government will evaluate the quotation in accordance with the solicitation.

7 PWS 2.1.2.2 states that evidence of alignment "may include accreditation, endorsement, approval, certification, or other formal recognition from the International Dyslexia Institute (IDA) or another nationally recognized organization." Please confirm (a) that the reference is to the International Dyslexia Association, and (b) that formal recognition from another nationally recognized organization whose standards support evidence-based instruction is equally acceptable, and is not required in any particular form. Yes. Both statements are correct.

8 The solicitation incorporates FAR 52.219-8 but does not incorporate FAR 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan. Given that the resulting IDIQ states a maximum quantity of 9,000 units without a stated dollar ceiling, will the Government confirm whether the expected contract value exceeds the $900,000 threshold at FAR 19.702(a)(1)(i), and if so, whether a subcontracting plan will be required of an other-than-small awardee? No. A Small Business Subcontracting Plan is not required under this solicitation.

9 PWS 3.9 states that all data developed under the contract is and shall remain the property of the Government. PWS 2.1.A states the Government intends to leverage commercially available professional learning solutions to the maximum extent practicable, and PWS 2.1.5.5 requires vendors to identify the Government's rights to continue using content within CSOD during and after the contract period. Please clarify whether PWS 3.9 is intended to apply to a vendor's pre-existing commercial intellectual property licensed for use under this contract, or only to material developed specifically for DoWEA under this contract. PWS 3.9 applies only to data and materials developed under this contract and does not transfer ownership of a contractor's pre-existing commercial intellectual property or proprietary content. Vendors shall identify any commercially licensed content and the Government's rights to use such content during and after contract performance in accordance with PWS 2.1.5.5.

10 Attachment 1 prices the Ten Asynchronous Foundational Modules (PWS 2.1.5.2) at 3,367 units in Option Year 1, and the Ten Asynchronous Mastery Modules (PWS 2.1.5.3) at 3,367 units in Option Year 2, with a unit type of Each. PWS 2.1.5 describes each series as approximately ten modules. Please confirm whether these CLINs are to be priced per participant seat or per module, and confirm that no asynchronous modules are required for delivery in the Base Year. As indicated in Attachment 1, the quantity of 3,367 represents the estimated number of participants identified in the Educator Cohort and is included for pricing purposes.

PWS 2.1.5.2 and PWS 2.1.5.3 describe the anticipated asynchronous learning series as consisting of approximately ten modules; however, the quantity of 3,367 reflects the estimated number of participants/users identified in Table 2, Educator Cohort, rather than ten separately priced modules. Offerors should propose pricing in accordance with their standard commercial practice and may propose an alternative pricing structure, provided it clearly aligns with the solicitation CLIN structure and enables the Government to evaluate the total cost of the requirement. Additionally, no asynchronous modules are required during the Base Year.