Preproposal_conference_QandAs_finalized.pdf

Count Questions from Industry Answers

Under 5. Specific Tasks, 5.1 Objective, the solicitation states, "The complete LDP and its elements will be the property of DSS." The solicitation also asks for industry accepted programs. Most industry accepted programs and behavioral style self-assessments are proprietary and based in licensed materials and intellectual property. While the content delivered by our company can be licensed to DSS for a period of time, ownership remains with the company. Can the solicitation be updated to allow for license of material for the duration of the IDIQ instead of ownership?

Yes, solicitation will be updated. While DSS will own the program, individual elements that are proprietary or considered intellectual property may be licensed.

Section 5.4.2 states that the contractor will "design, develop and deliver three FLDW per year (two workshops for Tier 1 and one workshop for Tier

2)." Will the Tier 1 workshop be delivered twice or are these two workshops part 1 and part 2 (consecutive programs) for Tier 1?

It is anticipated that two Tier 1 cohorts will run per year; therefore, Tier 1 delivered twice

Section 5.4.3.4 states that the appropriate FLDW for each Tier will be at least two days and no more than four days. For the purposes of building competencies and allowing for the most impactful experience, a longer classroom period is preferred. However, if our four day proposal is compared to competitors two day proposal, value cannot be equally compared. Would DSS like the contractor to propose both a two and four day option to allow for appropriate comparison of price proposals?

3 and a half days

Section 5.10 outlines the requirement for quarterly webinars and discussions focused on leadership topics of interest. Figure 1 on page 21 outlines four webinars entitled "mind" focus, "body" focus, "spirit" focus, and "mind" focus lifelong learning & leader development. Are these webinars the same and if so, should they be a mind, body, spirit, mind focus or focused on leadership topics of interest?

The figure is provided as an example only; content for the webinars should be identified by the vendor

Section 5.11 outlines the requirement of an E-Portal. Is it necessary for the contractor to design, develop, deliver and administer a new portal specifically for this effort or could the contractor recommend use of an existing DoD E-Portal such as Globalnet?

Contractor can recommend use of an existing DOD portal and provide modifications and administration within DOD IT and DSS OCIO constraints.

In the event a company is unsure if our past performance are listed in the Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS), is there a Past

Performance Questionnaire that can be sent to prior clients as an alternative way to ensure DSS receives information directly from past performance agencies?

Past performance questionnaires are not going to be utilized

7 Does DSS prefer a virtual or live train the trainer option? The delivery mechanism does impact cost. Live

The description of the Past Performance requirement on page 75 of the RFP implies that this solicitation is restricted to only those companies that have performed a minimum of three similar efforts with a government organization that uses the Past Performance Information Retrieval System

(PPIRS). It is common in solicitations to accept past performance assessments as a subcontractor on Government and Commercial contracts in the form of Surveys or other instruments from the organization having been served. Will the government accept Past Performance as a subcontract or provider of similar services to commercial businesses and not restrict Past Performance to only Offerors who have served organizations who use

PPIRS?

Past performance questionnaires are not going to be utilized. The PPIRS will be utilized for this solicitation.

Of the three required Past Performance submissions, how many Past Performance citations must come from the Prime and how many can come from the subcontractor?

This is a business decision.

What is the format and required information for the Past Performance submissions? Normally, a Past Performance form and a separate customer evaluation form is included as an attachment to the submission.

In accordance with Section L: Offerors shall submit Past Performance and

Technical in one Microsoft Office 2007 or later PDF file, not password protected.

The requirement for the Subcontracting Plan on pages 75 and 76 of the RFP is extremely confusing. The last sentence of the paragraph specifies that 50.5% of the subcontracting dollars must go to small businesses, but the table that is provided only adds up to 40%. What is the required small business total percentage?

This will be updated to reflect: 34.5%, 3.0%, 3.0%, 5.0%, 5.0%; this is a requirement of large businesses proposing

12 is there any information or materials we should be prepared to provide on Wednesday? No

13 Will answers to questions submitted by all vendors be emailed to all vendors? The questions and answers will be publically available through FBO

Will the Government revise the solicitation to remove FAR clauses 52.249-2, Termination for Convenience of the Government (Fixed-Price), and

52.246-4, Inspection of Services – Fixed Price? The clauses conflict with FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Items.

Clause 52.212-4 is required by the FAR to be included in all contracts for the acquisition of commercial items. In this case, the solicitation expressly states that the Government requires commercial items. Paragraphs (a) and (l) of FAR 52.212-4 establish the requirements for terminations for convenience and inspection/acceptance in commercial item purchases. The requirements of FAR 52.212-4(a) and (l), however, are not consistent with those of 52.249-2 and 52.246-4. Therefore, those clauses must be eliminated from the solicitation. FAR 12.202(c) instructs agencies that when “another part of the FAR is inconsistent [with part 12], part 12 shall take precedence.”

These clauses will be updated in an Amendment.

Will the Government confirm that the deliverables required by the solicitation must be exactly as those sold by vendors in substantial quantities in the commercial marketplace and CANNOT modified for Government use in any way? According to FAR 2.101, a commercial-off-the-shelf

(COTS) deliverable must be sold to the Government “without modification.” If the Government desires a COTS solution, will it revise the solicitation to provide that the deliverables offered by vendors must meet the definition of “COTS” in FAR 2.101 and that no Government modification will be necessary? If the Government requires some modification, will the Government revise the solicitation to require the delivery of

“commercial items” rather than COTS?

COTS with modification as applicable to DSS workforce and environment.

Leadership Development Program Q&A DRAFT

3 weeks and 2 days is an unusually short response time, particularly for a multi-cohort, year-long program with 13 inter-related elements. In fact, it’s only 2 weeks and 3 days from the Pre-Proposal Conference and the response date. The shortness of the time is exacerbated by the inclusion of two major holidays during this well-known vacation period. Even organizations with strong past performance need time to modify COTS programs for DSS’s specific needs and customize the other 12 elements. In order to provide fuller and more open competition, will the

Government move the Response Date to 3 FEB 2017?

OBE

Page 2, Item No. 0002: MAX QUANTITY is listed as 25. Elsewhere the solicitation says 2 Tier 1 LDP courses per year for a maximum of 5 years, which would be a Max Quantity of 10. Can the Government reconcile these two numbers?

This is correct as written.

Page 3, Item 0003: MAX QUANTITY is listed as 15. Elsewhere the solicitation says 1 Tier 2 LDP course per year for a maximum of 5 years, which would be a Max Quantity of 5. Can the Government reconcile these two numbers?

This is correct as written.

Page 4, Item 0005: Train the Trainer IAW PWS Section 5.18: 5.18 requires an option for “DSS to assume full ownership and execution of the

LDP.” Does “full ownership and execution of the LDP” mean that DSS would take over all 13 elements of the LDP?

Yes; however note response to question #1 regarding licensing

1.4.4.1 In order to determine the proper COTS program and its modifications for Tier I, we need additional information on how this group includes

“both emerging leaders and experienced supervisors”. The developmental needs of emerging leaders and experienced supervisors overlap but are not the same. Approximately what percentage of the GG7–GG11employees are “experienced supervisors”? Approximately what percentage of the

GG12–GG13employees are “experienced supervisors”?

Unable to provide detailed response. GG7-11 are not supervisors; not able to provide % of GG12-13 are supervisors; A business decision will need to be made by the Contractor

1.4.4.3: States that “Each Tier 2 cohort will include a minimum of 7 participants and no more than 25 participants.” Best practices in adult learning suggest different approaches to instructional design for a group as small as 7 compared to a group as large as 25. Will the Government re-consider these parameters to reduce this possible range of participants?

No; Correct as written

22 1.6.5 Place of performance lists the contractors’ site as an acceptable location. What types of functions may be performed on contractor site?

The FLDW must be performed at Gov site; Executive Coaching may be performed at Gov location; the Leadership Conference & Keynote speaker must be preformed at Gov site; all other tasks may be conducted at

Contractor site or via virtual environment

1.6.7: Requires a favorable NAC at time of submission. Will a contractor’s internal system that includes employment & education verifications, criminal state and national checks, OFAC list check and sex offender registry meet this requirement?

Refer to question #26

24 1.6.7.2 Please define “work period”. Please define “secured”. Properly stored in accordance with DSS facility requirements.

25 1.6.8 Please provide criteria for demonstrated maturity and life experiences. Is this part of the evaluation criteria for identified key personnel?

Documented in the resumes; 2 pages per resume NTE 10 resumes incorporated by amendment

4.3: Please confirm that the language requiring the Contractor to submit the necessary paperwork “to enable the applicable individuals to be cleared prior to beginning work on this contract” means that personnel have until contract delivery begins to get the NAC.

After further research, The Contractor personnel performing work under this contract must have a favorable National Agency Check (TIER I

INVESTIGATION).The TIER I INVESTIGATION will be initiated by the agency upon award. The Contractor must maintain a favorable TIER I

INVESTIGATION for the life of the contract. If additional employees are added, they must also meet the requirement for a valid TIER I

INVESTIGATION prior to working on this project.

5.1 DSS is requiring that COTS programs and industry-recognized Behavioral Style Self-Assessments and Leadership 360-Degree Assessments are part of LDP. This section states that “The complete LDP and its elements will be the property of DSS.” Does this mean that DSS expects contractors to give up ownership of their COTS programs and their intellectual property, and that owners of Behavioral Style Self-Assessments and

Leadership 360-Degree Assessments will be expected to give up ownership of their intellectual property?

See question #1 regarding licensing

5.15.3.1/2 Is the requirement for the contractor to provide the framework for the Shadowing and Rotational Program as well as execute the program?

This is framework only; DSS will execute.

5.3.1 States that all participants are “geographically dispersed”. With they be in the same physical location for the FLDW’s and Leadership

Conference?

Yes

5.3.3.1.3 When and how will the “current leadership related content within the DSS Learning Management Systems (LMS) and other resources” be available to Offerors so that we can meet the requirement that “Contractor will utilize and leverage” this content when developing the LDP content in response to this solicitation? Because this is a requirement for proposals, will this information be available within 24 hours of the Pre-Proposal

Conference?

This is not a requirement for proposals. Content will be available upon award of contract. However, DSS currently has a contract with Skillsoft for training materials (including Skillsoft Government Leadership Advantage), Books 24x7, and associated content

5.4.1 This section defines the FLDW as “an introduction to leadership concepts and methods…” What previous training on leadership concepts and methods will Tier I and Tier II participants have had? If possible, please break this down by GG7-GG11, GG12-GG13, and GG14-15.

Prior training, education, and experience will not be known until individuals apply for acceptance in the program.

5.7.1 Requires a “minimum of six coaching sessions and no more than eight sessions”. 5.7.3.2 says coaching will be “limited to six sessions.”

Is six or eight the correct number?

Total of 8 interactions: one pre coaching session; six coaching sessions; and one post coaching session. The pre- and post- sessions are intended for administrative purposes.

33 5.7.3.2 Please define the terms “pre-administration” and “during administration.”

5.7.3.2. The pre- and post- sessions are intended for administrative purposes.

5.10.1 Are all Tier I and Tier II participants required to participate in these Webinars and Discussions? This impacts the content of these

Webinars and Discussions and how they are woven into the 12-month plan.

Yes

52.252-1, L-1, 4. Subcontracting Plan:

-Please confirm that this language does not require subcontracting, but that it sets a goal if the Offerors is going to subcontract.

-Please confirm the percentages per Type of Small Business, and if these are goals or requirements per category.

- If a Subcontracting Plan is required, is it a separate document with its own page limit?

A subcontracting Plan is required if you are a large business proposing; this is a DoD requirement; separate with no page limit.

36 Can you clarify the requirements for NAC at proposal submission? Would a secret or above security clearance satisfy the NAC requirement? Refer to question #26

Key personnel, are all personnel intended to work this effort, considered key? I see the five personnel considered key, but there will likely be more than one coach associated with this effort, must we have all staff known at proposal submission?

Yes, key personnel must be identified. However, coaches are not required to be identified at this time.

May we use a CPARS reference instead of a PPIRS reference for the Past Performance? Must there be a CPARS and/or PPIRS record to use a past performance reference?

CPARS and PPIRS are a part of the same system utilized to evaluate; this will be updated in an amendment.

In section 1.6.7, it states all personnel working this effort must have valid NAC at time of proposal submission. Is this to say we must identify all personnel in advance of proposal award?

Refer to question #26

We believe there is no current incumbent doing this work, is this true? Is there a Leadership Program in place or will this be the first at DSS? There is only a CLIN structure and Deliverable Schedule for the Base Year provided, are we to assume the Option Years will have the same CLIN

Structure? Or does the maximum number of deliveries represent expectations for the full 5 option years?

There is no incumbent; this is an IDIQ base with a 5-year ordering period

41 Is there a government estimate for the IDIQ ceiling value? Unavailable for public information.

Delivery Instructions say to provide Sections A-M in Microsoft 2007 or later file, however there is on a PDF version of the solicitation on GovWin.

Shall we convert the file to Word or will the government provide a word version of the PDF?

Continue to use the PDF version and submit in PDF.

Can you clarify its documentation requirement to show alignment with DSS LDP curriculum? Would certifications in various leadership development tools/assessments satisfy the requirement?

The documentation required pertains to the identified elements and their alignment against the COTS product with modification as applicable to/for the DSS workforce and environment.

Can you clarify the number of executive coaching sessions? In 5.7.1 it says a minimum of six and no more than eight and further down in 5.7.3.2, indicates coaching services limited to six sessions.

See question #32

Can you clarify its requirements for the catalog of leadership development topics? Does DSS want the contractor to build a catalog in the e-portal or work through DSS’s existing contract with Skillsoft?

The e-portal should reflect material available through Skillport.

In 1.6.11 Key Personnel for Subject Matter Expert Facilitator – “Documented successful completion of an Instructor or Facilitator Training Course that aligns with the DSS LDP curriculum”. Can this be a Non DOD program?

Yes

Will the cohorts be grouped together based on experience, tenure and level in the Tier 1 group? Since the levels of experience vary so much we would prefer to group them accordingly so that the content is specific to the different levels; thus increasing the impact Cohorts will be grouped by grade only as outlined in the PWS.

There have been significant changes from previously released information regarding the LDP program, which is generating many questions from industry. It is likely that the government will be unable to answer all the questions prior to the 21DEC16 proposal conference with industry. To insure completeness and allow for ample competition, will the government consider extending the submission date for RFP responses until

February 6 th

OBE

Typically the small business goal is inclusive of the socio-economic small business goals. As stated in the RFP, the Small Business goal is 20% and the total of the socio-economic goals also equal 20%. Please confirm that the TOTAL goal is 20% and that the socio-economic small business goals are inclusive in the overall small business goal.

See question #11

Please confirm that the Subcontracting Plan is a separate document to be submitted, is unlimited in page count and does not count towards the pages in the 25 page technical response See question #11

Subcontracting Plan statement: The Offerors shall demonstrate it plans to subcontract at least 50.5% (DoD goal) of its total proposed subcontracting dollars to small businesses, …” Please confirm that subcontracting is not a requirement of the LDP contract.

See question #11

There is a disconnect between the language in L.4 regarding the Subcontracting Plan for small businesses (50.5%) and the Small Business Program

Goals shown in the table at 40%. Will the government please clarify?

See question #11

Section B, Item 0002: the maximum quantity is listed as 25. In section 5.4,2, the Tier 1 LDP courses are described as 2 per year for a maximum of

5 years, which would be a maximum quantity of 10. Will the Government please clarify the number of courses per year and total for all option periods combined?

There are no option periods on the base IDIQ. This is an IDIQ with a 5 year ordering period. 25 is listed as an option for future potential expansion

Section B, Item 0003: the maximum quantity is listed as 15. In section 5.4.2, the Tier 2 LDP courses are described as 1 per year for a maximum of

5 years, which would be a maximum quantity of 5. Will the Government please clarify the number of courses per year and total for all option periods combined?

See question #53

How does the Government intend to resolve the conflict between having COTS programs, Industry-Leading Behavioral Style Self-Assessments, Leadership 360 Degree Assessments and Commercial Reading Literature, all of which likely has existing intellectual property to the contractor and the statement in Section 5.1 “The complete LDP and its elements will be the property of DSS.” ?

See question # 1

Section 5.18.1 states: “The Contractor shall present an option for DSS to assume full ownership and execution of the LDP. Designated DSS personnel will require training and certification (as appropriate) to assume these tasks and responsibilities in order to deliver the program as designed and developed.”

• What is the timeframe that DSS will assume full ownership of the program?

• Are there parts of the program that DSS will not take ownership of?

• What are the qualifications of the individuals who will be executing the program?

o Do they meet the same minimum requirements for key personnel of the LDP contractor program?

• Not all industry vendors are authorized to certify practitioners in delivering and evaluating assessments, will the DSS faculty be able to acquire certifications from outside of the LDP program?

Unknown at this time; DSS personnel will have equal qualifications if the organization elects to take ownership.

In section 1.6.7.2 Physical Security; Will the Government please define “the close of each work period” as well as how the materials, facilities and equipment are “secured”.

End of duty day; secure. See question #24

In section 1.6.8, please provide criteria for demonstrated maturity and life experiences. Is this part of the evaluation criteria for identified key personnel?

See question #25

In section1.6.9 please provide the anticipated format for Periodic Progress Meetings. Is this meeting driven by the Contracting Officer or the contractor?

Periodic progress meetings based on CO and COR; other meetings may be requested by the contractor

1.6.4 In the event of Government facility closures, is work permissible on contractor site if applicable? AND Section 1.6.5 states the Place of performance lists the contractors’ site as an acceptable location. What types of functions may be performed on contractor site?

See question #22

Please resolve the disconnection between section 5.7.1 which states: “Requires a “minimum of six coaching sessions and no more than eight sessions” and section 5.7.3.2 which says coaching will be “limited to six sessions.”

See question #32

Per section 1.4.4.3, “Each Tier 2 cohort will include a minimum of 7 participants and no more than 25 participants.”

• For planning purposes of program elements can the government provide a more specific number for each cohort?

• Does the government intend to cancel programs if the cohort falls below 7 participants?

No more specific number for cohort, although expect size to be 15 or more.

yes, will not start new cohort if less than 7.

In documenting appropriate qualifications for the facilitators and instructors what credentialing authorities are acceptable to the Government

(Section 5.4.3.7)?

Those civilian and military authorities recognized in industry that meet training development and delivery standards.

Will the “current leadership related content within the DSS Learning Management Systems (LMS) and other resources” (section 5.3.3.1.3) be available to Offerors prior to award to facilitate early development of curriculum content? If yes, how?

No, not available prior to award. However, DSS currently has a contract with Skillsoft for training materials (including Skillsoft Government

Leadership Advantage), Books 24x7, and associated content

Section 5.13: Reading Assignments: DSS will provide a recommended list of readings , yet Contractors is to compile and publish post-reading assignments as well as incorporate recommended readings into the FLDW. Will the government provide the list of readings now? Many of COTS programs already incorporated recommended readings, Will the Government consider developing the reading list to include works from the COTS programs?

Reading list provided after contract award. Yes, will consider inclusion of reading materials.

66 Will the government please define the terms “pre-administration” and “during administration” in Section 5.7.3.2? See question #33

Section 5.15: It is unclear if the contractor is to execute the Shadowing and Rotational Program or provide the framework and facilitation of the program. Please clarify.

Provide framework; will be updated in amendment

(Reference RFP pages 7 & 8). 1.3 Objectives: The objective of this PWS is to procure service provider(s) that will deliver, facilitate, and administer a “commercial off-the-shelf” (COTS) LDP curriculum/training program, with modification as applicable, to/for the DSS workforce and environment. The COTS should be an industry recognized program, or combination of programs, workshops, courses, seminars or activities that have been successfully delivered to DoD or government clients. It’s understood that COTS tools are requested for the tasks: Facilitated Leadership

Development Workshops (FLDW), Behavioral Style Self Assessments, and Leadership 360 Degree Assessments. (Question). With respect to a

“COTS LDP curriculum/training program” and “industry recognized program or combination of programs”, do you mean simply a “commercial

LDP” that has been delivered to DoD or government clients? Can one replace “COTS” with “commercial solutions” when used in the PWS except for tasks where COTS tools are requested?

DSS is looking for a commercial solutions that meets the requirements of this solicitation. How a contractor achieves this is a business decision.

(Reference RFP pages 12 & 13). Section 1.6.11 Key Personnel, identifies education, experience and skills for key personnel. (Reference RFP page 75) Technical.

The Offerors shall demonstrate it meets the following criteria within a 25 page limit count:

a. Proposal clearly demonstrates the Offerors understands and will meet the delivery schedule of the requirement.

b. Proposal clearly demonstrates an understanding and integration of the 13 elements essential to this requirement, as stated in the PWS.

c. Proposal clearly demonstrates the Offerors will provide appropriate personnel to meet the key personnel requirement.

(Question) Are resumes required for key personnel as part of the technical response submission? Do executive coaches and speakers need to be identified and qualified also in the technical response? Would resumes be include within the page count limitation?

Resumes required for key personnel; not required for coaches and supervisors.

(Reference RFP page 18). 3.3. Equipment: Contractor personnel supporting and performing work under the DSS LDP training curriculum will be required to access DSS equipment, such as computer and instructional technology, and shall be granted access to such equipment as necessary to perform, only during the conduct of the DSS LDP training curriculum, DSS shall provide all necessary equipment to perform this requirement.

(Reference RFP page 19). 4.2. Facility Clearance: The Contractor is not required to possess and maintain a facility clearance from the DSS. And

4.3. Security Clearances: Contractor personnel, including subcontractors, performing work under this contract must have a favorable National

Agency Check (NAC) at the time of the proposal submission, and must maintain a favorable NAC for the life of the contract. It is incumbent upon the Contractor to ensure that the necessary security paperwork is submitted in sufficient time to enable the applicable individuals to be cleared prior to beginning work on this contract. (Question) How do contractor personnel access DSS networks with government provided GFE without a facility clearance and individual security clearance? If staff have a higher clearance than a 'NAC' will that be acceptable?

NAC required for access to systems; Contractor is restricted to affiliation with LDP only. Also refer to question #26 for additional information.

4. The "Subcontracting Plan" section on Page 75 of the solicitation states that the Offerors must demonstrate plans to subcontract at least 50.5% of total proposed subcontracting dollars to small businesses. The Small Business Program Goals table on page 76 shows a small business requirement of 20% with another 20% allocated to specific types of small business programs. (Question) Can the government please clarify if there is a minimum percentage of total contract dollars required for work performed by subcontractors and how the percentage is required to be allocated?

The Subcontracting Plan portion of Section L has been revised.

The "Factor 3: Price" section on Page 78 of the solicitation provides different quantity amounts for CLINs 0002 and 0003 than the ones listed in

"Section B - Supplies or Services and Prices" on Pages 2-4. (Question) Can the government clarify that the Offerors should submit pricing information for the reasonableness consideration based on quantities listed on Page 78 and if that price should be different than the price information filled out for Section B?

Section L / M is based on what the anticipated need is going to be as of now.

However, the IDIQ is written to accommodate growth in this program and greater need over the next 5 years. Please follow section L & M to be properly evaluated.

6. (Question) Would the government consider an extension for this proposal to 23 January, so that industry will have adequate time to judiciously respond?

No

1.6.11 What is the process and timeline required to replace key personnel?

Are any personnel based full time on-site at DSS facilities?

No personnel based at DSS; timeline to replace in 30 days.

3 For events held at DSS facilities, what support services are currently available for use?

For FLDW and the Leadership Development Conference, is the contractor expected to price the cost of providing food and beverage or light refreshments for participants?

Could you provide details about the CDSE facility that will host workshops/conferences? Are there kitchen facilities, catering services, etc.?

No food and beverages or light refreshments will be included in contract;

standard multi-purpose classroom facilities.

76 5.3.3.1.3 Can you describe or share what the “current leadership related content within the DSS Learning Management Systems” includes?

DSS currently has a contract with Skillsoft for training materials (including

Skillsoft Government Leadership Advantage), Books 24x7, and associated content.

5.5/5.6 Will all results of the “Behavioral Styles Self-Assessments” and the “Leadership 360 Assessment” be treated as the confidential property of each participant?

Yes

78 5.6.3.1 Are all Tier 1 and tier 2 participants in supervisory positions. If some are not how will we handle the “Leadership 360 Assessment”?

Not all in supervisory positions; those without subordinates should complete

240 assessment (peer and superior).

5.7 Must all of the six to eight Tier 2 Executive Coaching sessions (per participant) be on-site or with the endorsement of the participant can the coaching be conducted using other means such as video conferencing, phone etc. – our call in pricing

Will all face-to-face Executive Coaching be conducted at and conducted at the DSS Center for Development of Security Excellence facility or can we conduct them at our facility?

Coaching can be conducted via other method than face-to-face

5.7.1 Will select Tier 1 candidates that receive a 360 degree leadership assessment require individual or group executive coaching? If so, is there a planning number available for the number of such candidates?

No

81 5.10 Is there a required platform or software to be used for DSS LDP webinars? No; system must be accessible by employees

82 5.10.1 Can a quarterly “brown bag lunch” be utilized in place of a webinar to facilitate interactive discussion? No; due to the distributed nature of the DSS workforce

5.11 What scope/capability should be included in the LDP E-Portal?

Can the current CDSE E-Portal site be leveraged to cover the LDP effort?

Can the CDSE site host the LDP E-Portal?

as defined in 5.11-5.11.3.6

5.12.1 During the Leadership Development Conference, how many instructors will be required? (the SOW indicates 2/course – does that translate into 6 for the conference?)

2/cohort to facilitate cohort based activities during breakout sessions.

5.16 Does DSS have a Leadership Individual Development Plan template or format? If so, please provide.

Are Individual Development Plans integrated into the Performance Review Process? No and no.

5.18 What is the timeline for “Train the Trainer” implementation?

How many DSS personnel will require “Train the Trainer” certification? Beyond option year 5.

5.18 What is the timeline for “Train the Trainer” implementation?

How many DSS personnel will require “Train the Trainer” certification? Duplicate of question #86

88 L-1 Will past performance questionnaires be issued for this contract? No

89 L-1 3 Is there an estimate for overall contract value? The Government cannot provide that information.

90a L-1 4 For the Small Business Subcontracting Plan, is it sufficient to present our small business subcontracting goals, outreach policies and a list of small business partners to demonstrate our capability to meet the small business program goals for this requirement?

90b Is a business which is only classified as a large business in the training NAICS code required to submit a small business subcontracting plan?

90c What percentage of total contract value does the CO expect to be subcontracted to small businesses?

90d What would be acceptable justifications for assigning a smaller proportion of the contract to small business contractors?

90a This is a business Decision, follow the guidance provided in the solicitation.

90b If under the NAICS for this solicitation, you are a large business, then you will be required to. It is all based on the NAICS for this solicitation, even if you are small business under other NAICS.

90c In accordance with DOD regulation as stated in the solicitation.

90d That is a business decision

Given the upcoming federal holidays over the next few weeks, would the government consider extending the deadline for submissions past Friday, January 6 at 11:59am?

Done.

With respect to past performance information provided by the Offerors, could the government please clarify how many past performance references should be submitted and what/if any administrative elements of each submission, for example (reference/client contact information, contract number, period of performance, value, etc.) are required with our submission in an effort to assist the government verify each reference in PPIRs?

Refer to the solicitation updates

93 Can the Government please confirm that the small business subcontracting goals are stated in terms of percentage of subcontracted dollars?

If you are a large business, 50.5% of the proposed subcontracting dollars should be set aside for small businesses in accordance with the DOD mandated subcontracting goals.

Can the Government confirm the small business percentages that the Offerors will be evaluated against? The chart on pages 75-76 is confusing in light of the 50.5% goal stated just above it. The chart shows the different socioeconomic categories as additive to 40% which is not consistent with the way goals are measured. One small business could qualify under multiple socioeconomic categories. It is possible that one small business could qualify under all the socioeconomic categories. Please explain the additive nature of the chart. If an Offerors subcontracts to a small business that aligns to multiple Types, how will the Government evaluate? For example, if the Offerors subcontracts 30% of the dollars to a single small business that is (1) Veteran-Owned and (2) Small Disadvantaged Business, would the Government view this plan as a demonstration of 30% to subcontracting or 60% (30% to Veteran-Owned + 30% for Small Disadvantaged )?

The 50.5% goal is a result of the DOD mandated small business subcontracting goals.

Understanding the DoD goal to subcontract of 50.5%, is there a minimum threshold the Offerors needs to subcontract in order to submit an

“Acceptable Proposal” rating during evaluation?

the minimum is 50.5 as stated, if you can't meet that then follow the solicitation instructions and explain why.

Should FAR 52.209-1 QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS (FEB 1995) stated on pages 47-48 be applicable to this solicitation? If so, which products, services and deliverables does it apply to? Can the government please confirm the extent to where the FAR 52.209-1 QUALIFICATION

REQUIREMENTS (FEB 1995) stated on pages 47-48 of the solicitation applies to the products and services that would be proposed against the scope requirements in section 1.4 of the solicitation?

This clause was removed.

97 Will the government consider extending the submission date to a minimum of 10 business days following the receipt of answers to questions? Done.

On page 26 of the RFP, section 5.8.1, can the government clarify the definition of “Full Spectrum Leadership (FSL)?” Is FSL a term of art, a proprietary program, or something else?

Concept uniting all elements of program.

99 Can we include resumes in an appendix that does not count toward the 25-page page count? Yes

100 Does the government intend to have a page limit per resume? No

101 What is the government’s approximate budget for this work? Can the government provide a range if not a specific number? The Government cannot provide that information.

On page 75 of the RFP, section 4, the Government says, “The Offerors shall demonstrate it plans to subcontract at least 50.5% (DoD goal) of its total proposed subcontracting dollars to small businesses, see below for breakout” but the table following that statement only shows a proposed breakout that adds up to 40% instead of 50.5%. Can the government please clarify its goal for subcontracting breakout?

Updated

On page 76 of the RFP, section 4, the Government lists a table of its proposed breakout of types of subcontractors to participate in this opportunity.

Does the government intend for bidders to include a first from each of these categories in this bid, or as many as possible? Will a bidder receive an

“unacceptable” rating if it does not meet all six of the categories presented in the table?

Refer to question #93

How many Subject Matter Expert Facilitators and how many Subject Matter Expert Instructors would the government like vendors to propose as key personnel – one of each or more?

Vendor is expected to propose one SME instructor and one SME facilitator per Tier

105 Will all workshops be delivered live at DSS locations, or can some of them be delivered virtually? Webinars are virtual; workshop and conference live at CDSE.

Per paragraph 5.4.1. May the Offerors adapt previously developed and delivered instruction, presentation, and models so that it maps to DSS values, principles, fundamental and core competencies, and strategic goals and objectives?

Yes

Per paragraph 5.4.3.2. the government describes FLDW customization as “limited” yet paragraph 5.4.1., 5.4.2. and 5.4.3.1. all use words such as

“tailored,” “with linkage,” “incorporate relevance” which infer a customized approach to FLDW development.

No question.

Question: Would the government clarify its expectations with regards to the level of effort it expects to be applied to the development of FLDW materials?

Actions necessary to meet requirements specified in 5.4-5.4.3.7 and outlined in 5.1, 5.2, & 5.3

Since Offerors have no control over the government completing PPIRS on its contract performance, would the government deem Past Performances

“acceptable” for submissions of client past performance questionnaires that are rated “Very Good” overall?

No, evaluations will be based upon PPIRS.

PPIRS CPARS ratings include multiple, rather than one overall rating. Accordingly, will the government deem as acceptable contracts receiving one or more CPARS.

As stated in the solicitation, there should be a "very good" rating across the board.

Per paragraph 5.3.3.1.3. Would the government describe and provide access to the “current leadership related content within the DSS Learning

Management Systems (LMS)?” If the Offerors is to determine the degree to which it can utilize and leverage leadership related content (non-proprietary), some description and/or access is required.

To provide at time of contract award; DSS currently has a contract with

Skillsoft for training materials (including Skillsoft Government Leadership

Advantage), Books 24x7, and associated content.

Per paragraph 4.3. Will the government authorize Offerors to process personnel for NAC in advance of contract award (to fulfill the requirement

NAC completion by the time of proposal submission)?

Refer to question #26

113 Per paragraph 4.3. Can project staff obtain a NAC by the time of contract award or in the first 30 days of contract award? Refer to question #26

Is CL005 Train the Trainer an Option the government may choose to exercise (per para 5.18.1? If so, is CL005 to be priced and added to CL001 –

CL004 or priced and depicted separately from CLIN 001 – 0004?

Please price all CLINS

Per paragraph 1.5. and Factor 3: Price.

-Which CLIN (and at what frequency) are priced to be a part of base year Offerors pricing?

-What CLIN (and at what frequency) should the Offerors price for each of the four option years?

-Given the high variability of the number of students that might attend CLIN 0002 and CLIN 0003, would the government (for the sake of equitable

Offerors pricing) designate a specific number of students for Tier 1 and Tier 2?

Please refer to Section M of the solicitation Factor 3 Price for price evaluation information. This is a 5 year IDIQ type contract and does not have option years.

116 Will the government allow PDF submission of proposal documents? Yes

Reference Factor 2: Technical. The RFP states that “the delivery schedule requirement” will be assessed on a go/no go basis. Question: What is the delivery schedule in terms of period of performance months?

The resulting contract will be a 5 year ordering period from date of contract award. As stated in the solicitation, the plan delivery (CLIN 0001) CLIN

0001 60 days after contract award with CLIN 0002 and 0003 30 days after date of delivery order award.

118 May the Offerors submit its technical and price proposal in pdf rather than MSWord format? Yes, PDF.

Per paragraph 5.11 E-Portal. Paragraph 5.11.3.1. infers the contractor provides an on-line E-portal yet paragraph 5.11.3.2. infers the possibility of using existing DSS IT and LMS architecture in support of the portal. Question: Would the government clarify whether or not the contractor is building the E-Portal from the ground up or leveraging current systems?

Contractor provides analysis and recommendation on the use of existing IT and LMS architecture.

Would the government provide an example of the time needed and approvals required for the integration of a new software with the DSS IT enterprise (paragraph 5.11.3.3.)?

Unable to provide.

121 Can the Offerors/contractor propose an E-Portal solution that is not integrated with (e.g. operates outside of) the DSS IT enterprise? Yes, but must meet DOD IT/DSS OCIO requirements.

On page 20, under section 5.1 Objective it states “

The complete LDP and its elements will be the property of DSS.” Most industry-recognized COTS have IP regulations and content cannot be owned by the agency. Do you mean all other DSS specific elements created in addition to the COT content?

See question #1

In the CLIN structure you list different quantities then the instructions to Offerors under Factor 3: Price. For some of the CLINs (e.g. 002) a live help desk mist be provided whether there are 7 participants or 250, so pricing is not necessarily cohort based. Can you explain the evaluation quantity process? Also, are the max quantity over the 5 years of the IDIQ or for each year of the contract? Can the CLIN structure be broken out by each element of the program instead?

CLIN

Supplies and Services Max Quantity

Factor 3 Instructions MAX Quantity

001 Program Plan

002 Tier 1 course

003 Tier 2 courses

004 LDP Maintenance

005 Train the Trainer

No change to CLIN

Portals are typically based on a license or volume of seats/users pricing. Do you want access for all potential participants starting in the base year, or access for only those participating in a cohort that year? Will the number of participants on the portal grow each year to include all of the previous years cohort participants along with the current year’s cohort? Do you want the option to share posted information with the entire DSS workforce within the base year or future years?

Only those participating; yes; reserve option.

5.1 The complete LDP and its elements will be the property of DSS. Will DSS expect the contractor to release copyright of OTS content? IF DSS expects ownership of the contractor’s copyrighted material, will bids be considered for award if the contractor writes an exception retaining the rights to the contractor’s copyrighted materials?

See question #1

126 Does DSS have an existing LDP program in place? No

127 Is there currently an incumbent for the LDP program? If so, why is DSS opening up a bidding process. No

What is the name of the Behavioral Style Self-Assessment DSS currently use? If none, will DSS be willing to use an assessment recommended by the contractor?

None; yes, willing to consider as it meets requirements

What is the name of the 360 Degree Assessment DSS currently use? If none, will DSS be willing to use an assessment recommended by the contractor?

None; yes, willing to consider as it meets requirements

5.7 Executive Coaching: Will DSS expect to schedule coaching sessions for all 200 Tier 2 staff during year 1? If not, can you provide more details regarding your coaching plan? Or does DSS expect the contractor to provide a recommended coaching plan and approach?

No, only those participating in the T2 cohort

131 Is there a platform that e-portal must operate under? Must meet DOD IT/DSS OCIO requirements.

132 Does DSS currently have an LMS? If so, which one? yes, multiple STEPP & SumTotal; Skillsoft.

133 Can DSS share their identified competencies for Tier 1 and Tier 2? Already provided.

134 National Agency Check – How soon after award will the contractor need to secure favorable National Agency Checks for Key Personnel Refer to question #36

Keynote speakers: Does DSS require internal staff/leaders to serve as Keynote speakers? Will DSS rely on contractor recommendations for Keynote

Speakers?

Vendor provides in addition to DSS

136 Do subcontractors need to identified or listed as part of the proposal? Or is DSS only interested in seeing the contractor’s small business plan? Small Business plan to meet the DoD goals.

Will the Government post the answers to industry questions on fbo.gov, or are contractors required to be in attendance at the pre-proposal conference to receive answers to questions?

An amendment will be forthcoming

Will the Government consider loosening the requirement for Key Personnel in proposals (Section 1.6.11)? This requirement is overly restrictive on small businesses and disadvantaged businesses, who can provide this program for DSS at a cost savings but may not have the ability to name key personnel at the time of submittal. Specifically, can the requirement to identify the Subject Matter Expert Facilitator, Subject Matter Expert

Instructor, Instructional Systems Designer, and Executive Coaches as key personnel be removed?

No

If the Government will not remove the requirement for Key Personnel, will the Government accept representative resumes to show the experience and education levels of our Facilitators, Instructors, and Coaches? These positions are used across multiple contracts in small business, and are difficult to commit as key personnel.

Resumes are required for evaluation as stated in the solicitation.

The Government has identifies key personnel requirements in C 1.6.11. Section L-1 2. c. requires that the “proposal clearly demonstrates the

Offerors will provide appropriate personnel to meet the key personnel requirement.” Offerors assumes the Government wishes to see key personnel resumes in this section of the technical proposal.

Yes

Does the Government have a template or specific information it wishes to be included with the Past Performance references (e.g. contract number, contract type, value, number of full-time equivalents, Government point of contact)?

Refer to the solicitation updates

L-1 1. requires that the three Past Performance references submitted “reflect a PPIRS rating of ‘very good’…” May the Offerors include (and submit Past Performance Questionnaires for) highly-relevant, highly-rated Past Performance references which are not in PPIRS?

No.

143 L-1 4. Subcontracting Plan does not appear to have a page count. Is this the Government’s intent? Yes.

L-1 states that the Offerors shall submit 1. Past Performance, 2. Technical, 3. Price, and 4. Subcontracting Plan. Items 2-4 states in which format these items are to be submitted. L-3 states that “all proposals (including three separate files as stated above) shall be submitted to and received… via email.” Offerors assumes Government wishes to receive four files to meet the requirements for the four items section L-1. In what format does the Government wish to receive Past Performance references?

Yes, refer to the solicitation updates.

Section L does not specify any style requirements (e.g. page size, font, font size, line spacing, graphics). Is this the Government’s intent? Offerors suggests: 8.5x11” pages, minimum 12-point font for text, minimum 8-point font for graphics, no hyperlinks, minimum single-spaced lines, fold-outs not to exceed 11x17”, and to count fold-outs as two pages.

Suggestion noted.

How should the Catalog of Leadership Development Topics (C 5.14) be hosted – on the Government’s website or the Contractor’s? Is the

Government’s intent for the Contractor to build a secure IT system to allow for collaboration? If so, please provided detailed system specifications as well as what systems will be provided by the Government vs. the Contractor?

No requirement to build system, hosted through DSS license…