Final_Response_to_Questions_from_Industry.docx

1. For existing programs, what if the changes, revision or update process requires more than a 20% change to materials? Will this constitute a new program and as such require a contract modification to add a new CLIN and allow a new unit price to be assigned to the materials?

Answer 1: If any revisions or updates to existing program materials in a contract year (e.g. Base or Option Year) result in more than a 20% change to those materials, then the awardee shall provide a quote for the revised list of materials. Based on the quoted price, the Government will make a price fair and reaonable determination. This determination may be based on competitive quotes, other than certified cost and pricing data, market research analysis, or any other price analysis technique in order to determine the price as fair and reasonable. If the price for the revised list of materials is found to be fair and resonable, then a new CLIN may be added to the contract for subsequent ordering purposes. If the quoted price is not determined to be fair and reaonable and a fair and reasonable price cannot be negotiated with the incumbent then the revised materials may be resolicited and a new contract awarded for those materials.

2. If new programs (not already identified in the PWS) should be required at any point during the 3 year contract, how will materials be ordered for the new program? Will a contract modification be required to add a new CLIN and allow a unit price to be assigned to the materials?

Answer 2: The Government does not anticipate any new material requirements during the ordering period for this contract.

3. If additional material is required beyond what is in the RFP/PWS currently, will a contract modification be required to increase the required quantities and/or add a new CLIN and allow a unit price to be assigned if it is new material and/or components of a Facilitator or Participant Kit? (Examples: skill guide cards, wallcharts, etc.)

Answer 3: The quantities cited for each CLIN are estimates, as such, the Government may order quantities in excess of the quantities cited on the contract, and conversly may order less quantities than are cited on the contract.

See response to question #1, should the revisions exceed 20%.

4. Page 3 – 211 – All Supplies/Services descriptions refer to “attachment (1) for details associated with this kit.” There was no attachment 1 issued with this “new” RFP. Please confirm if offeror is to use Attachment_1_Sales_Force_Training_Material_Descriptions from Amendment 1 posted to FBO on 27 August, 2015.

Answer 4: Prospective offerers are to use the file labled “Material_Descriptions_V4” uploaded with this ammendment (Ammendment 5), for details associated with all existing material kits.

5. Page 71 – CLIN 0030AA and 0030AB refer to PWS Section C.8.7 for a description of the Executive Officer Functions (XOF). Should it refer to PWS Section C.8.8 as C.8.7 is Recruiting Station Operations (RSOPS)?

Answer 5: Yes it should refer to C.8.8. this should apply to the CLIN and all options.

6. Page 219 – 241 – Delivery Information. Under Ship To Address – Currently CLIN 0001 has a ship to address of ARD Marsh Center Jessica Quinones in Quantico, VA, however in the PWS on page 268 the shipping location is identified as MCRD San Diego. Also on page 268, under C.4.2. “Contractor shall ship instructional materials, via trackable shipping service, to the location as specified in the course CLIN or by the COR via task order.” On page 264 “252.216-7006 Ordering (May 2011) (b) All delivery orders or task orders are subject to the terms and conditions of this contract. In the event of conflict between a delivery order or task order and this contract, the contract shall control.” If the contract identifies a specific address and the task order identifies another, then based on the above, the orders are required to be shipped to the address on the contract. Is it possible to change the Ship To Address on all CLIN’s to “TBD by Task Order”?

Answer 6: The Ship to address on all CLINs of the contract will be changed to “TBD by Task Order”

7. Page 268 – C.4.1. The first sentence references “print specification attachment”. Please confirm if offeror is to use Attachment_1_Sales_Force_Training_Material_Descriptions from Amendment 1 posted to FBO on 27 August, 2015?

Answer 7: No. Prospective offerers are to use the file labled “Material_Descriptions_V4” uploaded with this ammendment (Ammendment 5), for details associated with all existing material kits.

8. Page 268 – C.4.1. The potential exists for a variance in the instructional material printing requirements of up to 20%. All costs associated with the production/printing, including the 20% variance, and shipping shall be included in the specific CLINs as described. Are the referenced variances ONLY to be included in future production/printing of complete PK’s and/or FK’s using the newly approved print specs created after the update/revision cycle has been completed or does the government envision a separate production/printing and shipping of only the changes (also known as retro-fits) to existing PK’s and/or FK’s already issued to the government?

Answer 8: Referenced variances ONLY refer to and include future production/printing of complete PK’s and/or FK’s using updated print specs provided or approved by the COR. The government does not envision a separate “retrofit” for previously purchased materials.

9. Page 268 – C.5. Current Instructional Materials. Last sentence reads “See material descriptions attachment for print specifications.” Please confirm if offeror is to use Attachment_1_Sales_Force_Training_Material_Descriptions from Amendment 1 posted to FBO on 27 August, 2015?

Answer 9: No. Prospective offerers are to use the file labled “Material_Descriptions_V4” uploaded with this ammendment (Ammendment 5), for details associated with all existing material kits.

10. Page 268 – C.5.3.2. Participant Kit (Skill Guide Card) – Please confirm that this is a set of two (2) double sided Skill Guide Cards (plural) and that the quantity required is up to 2050 sets each contract year.

Answer 10: This is a set of two (2) double sided Skill Guide Cards (plural) and the quantity required is up to 2050 sets each contract year. The skill guide cards are: (1) Definitions/Ethical Decision Making Process”, and (2) Ethical Commitments for Recruiting

11. Page 271 – C.6.1. “Up to 10 of the 245 hours of developed instruction may be e-learning.” The prior RFP defined e-learning and Web-based learning, however it is not included in this revised RFP/PWS. For clarity and pricing, please define e-learning for this RFP/PWS.

Answer 11: Elearning will be section 508 accessibility standard compliant, scenario based e-learning lessons with branched, menu-driven, and whole-screen active objects. It is recommended that Adobe Captivate be used for the simulations however; any commercial eLearning authoring software proposed must be capable of meeting requirements above and must be approved prior to contract award. Final Versions of any Elearning shall comply with C.6.1.3 of the PWS.

12. Page 271 – C.6.1.2. “Three (3) Facilitator Kits and up to 20 participant kits shall be available for each pilot and first implementation under the custom development CLIN.” Customarily (3) Facilitator Guides, up to 20 Participant Guides and only the necessary quantities of Wall Charts, Activity Cards, and any other instructional material needed for the specific event are provided. (i.e.: 1 set of wallcharts if conducting training in one room). Additionally the material for pilot and first implementation are customarily produced with “development” grade materials (not “final” grade materials) and Facilitator bags are not provided. Will this be acceptable for each pilot and first implementation under the custom development CLIN?

Answer 12: The intent of the PWS is to have (3) Facilitator Guides, up to 20 Participant Guides and the necessary quantities of Wall Charts, Activity Cards, and any other instructional material needed for the specific event. (i.e.: 1 set of wallcharts and other instructional materials per training room). Material for pilot and first implementation may be produced with “development” grade materials (not “final” grade materials) and Facilitator bags are not required at pilot and/or first implementation.

13. Page 272 – C.6.4.2. Last sentence reads (Up to 96 instructional hours each contract year). For clarity, should this read (Up to 96 instruction review hours each contract year)?

Answer 13: It should read “(Up to 96 instruction review hours each contract year)”.

14. Page 272 “By the minute, finished video similar to the video in Sales Force Leadership (SFL), see SFL attachment).” Please clarify what FBO posted attachment is referred to here.

Answer 14: Examples of videos expected to be developed in accordance with CLINs 0022, 1022, and 2022, are availble upon request. These files are too large to be loaded to FBO.GOV.

15. Page 273 C.8. Future Instructional Materials: “See material descriptions attachment for print specifications…..” Please confirm if offeror is to use Attachment_1_Sales_Force_Training_Material_Descriptions from Amendment 1 posted to FBO on 27 August, 2015?

Answer 15: No. Prospective offerers are to use the file labled “Material_Descriptions_V4” uploaded with this ammendment (Ammendment 5), for details associated with all existing material kits.

16. Page 273 and 274 C.8. Future Instructional Materials: Offerors are required to price material for programs that have not yet been developed using print specifications of similar instructional materials as noted. After a contract has been awarded, and the courses are developed, what ability will the contractor have to adjust the price should the approved print specifications cause the costs to vary by more than 10%? If there is not an ability to adjust the pricing, the contractor will be required to develop within the material budget which may negatively impact the ability to incorporate “new” and “improved” technologically innovative solutions to the development of future instructional materials.

Answer 16: See response to question #1 should the Future Instructional Materials exceed the 20% variance discussed at section C.4.1 of the PWS. For Future Instructional Materials the baseline will be the similar instructional materials noted.

17. Page 275 – C.10.1. “Upon issuance of a task order, the COR, members of the NTT and Contractor shall communicate to produce a plan of action and milestones (POA&M) within 15 calendar days of the task order.” Will one (1) task order be issued for each material CLIN for the required material for the entire contract year (POP) or will multiple task orders be issued on the same CLIN for smaller quantities during the contract year (POP)? If task orders are issued differently, please explain Pricing is generally volume specific, so we are trying to determine if materials will be ordered in bulk or in smaller quantities.

Answer 17: Any Task Order issued may include multiple or single CLINs with varying quantities, therefore prospective offerors should price accordingly. However, the government anticipates ordering in bulk when possible at the Governments discretion.

18. Page 275 – C.11.3. “All instruction shall be promulgated by the NTT.” This is in the Administrative Notes section which is C.10. Should this be renumbered C.10.3?

Answer 18: Solicitation will be be renumbered C.10.3

19. Page 275 – C.10.4. All shipments of materials shall be completed on time in accordance with issued task orders. Because the instructional materials required in the PWS are customized and specific to this government contract only and not Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) products produced and sold to other customers, the production of the instructional materials in section C.5 and C.8 cannot be done in advance of receiving a task order. Therefore, a reasonable amount of time should be provided to the contractor to manufacture, produce and ship any material ordered via task order. Typically, a minimum of 20 – 30 days may be required for FK’s and large volume orders to deliver quality materials on time. Additionally some specialty items may take longer to manufacture, produce and deliver on time. Will contractors be allotted sufficient time if required?

Answer 19: Contractors will be allotted sufficient time to fulfill task orders. The government understands that the custom nature of the materials causes an increased lead time for production. A plan of action and milestones shall be established per C.10.1

20. Page 277 – C.12.2. Please confirm where the end of the quotation is in the second paragraph, so that the required statement is complete

Answer 20: The closed quotation should be after USMC. At the end of the paragraph.

21. Page 282 – “Volume II Part A shall be limited to 20 pages total and shall address only the Quality and Content of Developed Instruction factor. The Government will evaluate the following: The offeror shall describe in detail and demonstrate their understanding of the processes, knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to provide instructional development content, quality instructional material (Production/Printing and Shipping), video and graphic development, to execute the intended strategy, as described in the PWS.” Please clarify if the processes, knowledge, skills and abilities needed to Product/Print and Ship Materials (all functions that happen after the Development process has been completed) are to be included in this evaluation factor (Volume II Part A). If the Production/Printing and Shipping of the materials is a vital part of the processes used to maintain instructional version control and quality control, should this also be included in the Management of Instruction material factor (Volume II Part C)? Please provide additional guidance.

Answer 21: The Government’s intent is to evaluate the Production/Printing process as part of “Quality and Content of Developed Instruction”. The process of production and printing speak to quality of the developed content.

22. Page 283 Part B – Quality and Presentation of Instructional Materials – “Volume II Part B has no page limitation and shall provide a reproduced sample of the material the offeror will provide throughout the life of the contract. The Government will evaluate the following: Each Offeror shall reproduce a sample instructional materials provided by the government (C.5.15. MEPS Comm) according to the print specifications attachment.” Please clarify, if the government is requesting that each offeror produce and deliver 5 complete MEPS Facilitator Kits including the MEPS Participant Kits for evaluation, to include the bag, bag tags, wall charts, skill reference cards, Facilitator Guides and Participant Guides? If yes, please note that the instructions on Page 280 on the Table: Volumes/Page Limits indicate that the contents of this deliverable is supposed to fit into Part B of Volume II (a three ring binder) and 5 paper copies and 1 CD ROM are required. Please clarify what is to be prepared/presented and evaluated and how many sets are required.

Answer 22: The government wants ONE (1) complete MEPS-Comm Kit (Facilitator and Participant) according to the print specifications minus the Wall Charts, Bag, Bag Tag, and CD/DVDs. This anwer changes the table on page 280 of the solicitation.

23. Page 283 - Volume II Part B Quality and Presentation of Instructional Materials. It appears that Volume II Part B is for MEPS samples (as noted above in question 31) and any other past examples of quality instructional materials the offerors wish to present. If offerors are sending additional past examples of quality instructional materials how should they be presented? Again, can they be full size samples (wire-bound portfolios, wall charts, game boards, activity cards, etc) or must they adhere to the 3 ring binder limitation and Proposal Format instructions on page 280 of the RFP?

Answer 23: The Government wants to see what propsective offerors have produced in the past. Additional examples offered are not bound by the 3 ring binder limitation.

24. Since the awarded Contractor will be assuming the printing/shipping for current materials from the incumbent, would it be possible to know who is the existing printing/shipping vendor currently being used and if they are performing to expectations?

Answer 24: The previous contract has expired.

25. We discovered the following discrepancy between the Printing Specifications Attachment A and PWS. Please clarify if these 2 courses should be added to the PWS or should be deleted from the printing Specs;

T3 Process for MC3 Page 107 NOT IN PWS Course List ETT Generic and SNCOIC Page 1110 NOT IN PWS Course List

Answer 25: The T3 process for MC3 and ETT Generic/SNCOIC have been removed from the material specifications Version 4. Prospective offerers are to use the file labled “Material_Descriptions_V4” uploaded with this ammendment (Ammendment 5), for details associated with all existing material kits.

26. The requirement is for instruction materials to be e-reader compatible. Please clarify what materials need to be e-reader compatible:

Answer 26: The is YES to all instruction material above. All instructional materials resulting from developed instruction, during the period of performance of this contract, need to be e-reader compatible. It is not expected that the vendor revise current materials to be e-reader compatible.

27. What is the required format for the e-reader materials, i.e., .epub?

Answer 27: The primary file should be a PDF/UA format and/or .epub

28. Are there security requirements for the printing vendor?

Answer 28: There are no security requirements for the printing vendor.

29. We will use our experience in printing training materials for the following if no specific requirements are provided:

Is there a preferred bond paper weight minimum (i.e., 20 lb., 24 lb., 28 lb., etc.) for Participant Guide, Facilitator Guide, Answer Keys, Role Plays, etc.?

What is the thickness of the lamination needed for Skill Reference cards?

What is the label material and weight for the Binder Labels?

What is the paper/material weight of the Wall Chart? Do you want the Wall Charts to ship flat in boxes or rolled up into tubes individually?

What is the paper/material weight of the Tabs?

Answer 29: Prospective offerors are expected to use their experience in printing training materials while following the minimums or equivalents listed below:

Facilitator guide and facilitator guide support materials – 70lb Matte, Participant guide and role plays/handouts – Regular paper.

lamination needed for Skill Reference cards -- 3 mil, 2 sided

Binder Labels - 60lb self-adhesive sticker paper/material weight of the Wall Chart -- 78lb YUPO type non tear. Wall charts are packaged folded in the kit bag, or when ordered separately, shipped folded flat in boxes.

paper/material weight of the Tabs -- 80lb matte with laminated tab.

30. We are interpreting Offeror is responsible for shipping fully collated, assembled and complete FGs, PGs etc. and Government will NOT be responsible for assembling any materials. Please confirm.

Answer 30: Offeror is responsible for shipping fully collated, assembled and complete FGs, PGs etc. and Government will NOT be responsible for assembling any materials.

31. In order to provide a FFP, please provide an average quantity per shipment for all the programs. For example:

C.5.1.2 Participant Kit - Up to 1500 each contract year (shipped to MCRD San Diego, CA).

Will these 1500 each contract year be shipped at one time, or in increments such as 15 deliveries of 100 each, 3 deliveries of 500 each etc.?

Answer 31: Any Task Order issued may include multiple or single CLINs with varying quantities, therefore prospective offerors should price accordingly. However, the government anticipates ordering in bulk when possible at the Governments discretion.

32: C.5.1.3 Facilitator Kit – Up to 7 each contract year (shipped to MCRD San Diego, CA).

· Will the 7 Facilitator Kits be delivered at once or in 7 separate deliveries or are they intended to be included with the shipments of the Participant Kits?

· Or, if possible, please provide a Shipment Order History we can use to determine shipping requirement details.

· Please provide lead times (or approximate) for shipping requirements, i.e. 30 days prior to the program delivery date.

Answer 32: Any Task Order issued may include multiple or single CLINs with varying quantities, therefore prospective offerors should price accordingly. However, the government anticipates ordering in bulk when possible at the Governments discretion It is anticipated that a material order will be made quarterly. In regard to smaller totals such as C.5.1.3, the past ordering has been in one delivery. Contractors will be allotted sufficient time to fulfill task orders. The government understands that the custom nature of the materials causes an increased lead time for production. A plan of action and milestones shall be established per C.10.1. Past lead times have ranged from 30-45 days.

33. C.5.20.2 Will the Contractor be responsible for printing participant names on the MCRC logo certificates via a provided roster or will this be the responsibilities of the Government?

Answer 33: This is the responsibility of the government for all participant certificates with the exception of participants attending Contractor led facilitation.

34. C.6.1 Our formula for hours of developed instruction per day is six and one half (6.5) (0800-1600, accounting for lunch and 10 minute breaks per hour of instruction). Therefore, the 235 hours equates to approximately 36 days of developed instruction per contract year. Please confirm this is the intent and expectation given the requirements for developing the eight (8) Future Instructional Materials and making revisions to selected existing materials listed in C.5 based on Task Orders.

Answer 34: The PWS has a requirement for up to 245 hours not 235. PWS C.6. details Instructional Development, specifically, “Development may be used for any combination of completed instruction hours.” The government does not necessarily envision development strictly for the eight items listed in C.8 nor has the government broken the hours down into days. The requirement is for 245 hours of developed instruction.

35. Please clarify the face-to face meetings for instruction development:

(A) Are these meetings the same as the four (4) instruction review sessions identified in C.6.2?

(B) If not, is there an expectation of the number and duration of face-to face meetings or is the Offeror expected to provide the recommendation for the number and duration of these meetings based on their experience in instruction development and the 245 hours of developed instruction per contract year?

(C) Please clarify “unless otherwise specified via C.6.2 and C.6.3”.

Answer 35:

(A) No.

(B) At a minimum face-to-face meetings for instructional development will include 5 meetings: Data Gatherings, Design Document Reviews, Technical Reviews, Pilots, and First Implementation. The duration of the meetings will vary depending upon the length and complexity of the instruction being developed.

(C) C.6.2 details the instruction review process, this includes a report from the instruction review (C.6.2.3). The report “must detail the process of how changes, revision, update to resources, documents, training time, personnel, or equipment should be implemented to best meet instructional needs.” This includes any recommended meetings to accomplish the recommended revisions. If the government decides to act upon the recommendations in the report (C.6.3) the instructional development will be conducted via the 245 hours in C.6.1. There is not a minimum number of meetings for instructional development resulting from instruction review sessions, the process outlined and agreed to by the COR will determine the meetings needed.

36. C.6.1.2 Please clarify the expectation for how many programs will require three (3) Facilitator Kits and up to 20 Participant Kits for pilots and first implementation, i.e. how many programs will the 36 days of developed instruction cover?

Answer 36: The intent of the PWS is to have (3) Facilitator Guides, up to 20 Participant Guides and the necessary quantities of Wall Charts, Activity Cards, and any other instructional material, that would make a complete kit, needed for the specific event. (i.e.: 1 set of wallcharts and other instructional materials per training room). Material for pilot and first implementation may be produced with “development” grade materials (not “final” grade materials) and Facilitator bags are not required at pilot and/or first implementation. This is expected for every development. There is not a minimum number of “programs”, the government anticipates up to 245 hours of developed instruction per PWS C.6

37. Based on C.9.1, is the total of 200 Facilitation days each contract year to include the onsite train-the-trainer workshops outlined in C.9.13 or are the train-the-trainer sessions in addition to the 200 Facilitation days? If in addition to, please provide the number of days required for train-the-trainer workshops.

Answer 37: The onsite train-the-trainer workshops outlined in C.9.13 are included in the total of 200 facilitation days.

38. Please provide the locations for the train-the-train sessions.

Answer 38: Locations vary and may change, but have been primarily located near Major recruiting headquarters. i.e. the NTT at MCB Quantico (VA) and Leesburg (VA), Recruiter School at MCRD San Diego (CA.), the two Recruiting Regions located at MCRD Parris Island (SC.) and MCRD San Diego (CA.), as well as the six Marine Corps District Headquarters located in Garden City (NY.), New Cumberland (PA.), MCRD Parris Island (SC.), Fort Worth (TX.), Great Lakes (IL.), and MCRD San Diego (CA).

39. Please confirm any Contractors’ personnel working on this project will not require security clearances levels such as Secret or Trust

Answer 39: Contractors’ personnel working on this project will not require security clearances levels such as Secret or Trust

40. Is the Contactor accountable for designing and providing facilitation techniques and approaches within the train-the trainer program or is only program content desired?

Answer 40: Contractor is accountable for facilitating program content while utilizing Effective Training Techniques. Train the trainer techniques and approaches are developed and will be shared with the contractor. PWS 9.1.4 will be followed and provides a vehicle to recommend changes.

41. Is the Contractor accountable for providing an evaluation program for train-the-trainer?

Answer 41: Yes, per PWS 9.1.4 all facilitation will be evaluated.

42. Page 281 of 285 - The Table lists 1 CD-ROM in six (6) instances. C.i states: One (1) CD ROMs with corresponding proposal material content and logically named files shall be included with each of the four (4) volumes.

· Please clarify the Volume II requirement is either three (3) separate CD-ROMs for Parts A, B, and C or if all the materials for Volume II should be included on one (1) CD ROM.

Answer 42: All the materials for Volume II should be included in one (1) CD ROM.

43. Volume II Part B –Page 283 of 285

· We are assuming we do not need to include the MEPS materials that have been provided on FBO on the CD ROM. Please confirm or clarify.

· In the Printing Specifications for MEPS Communication Skills as of August 5, 2015, Tracking System FG_v1.1 45 pages is listed under FACILITATOR MATERIALS: TAB: TRACKING SYSTEM INSTRUCTIONS. However, this document is not part of Amendment 4 October 30 on FBO. Please provide.

Answer 43:

· The MEPS materials that have been provided on FBO does not need to be included on the CD ROM.

· have been removed from the material specifications Version 4.

44. As it would mean a total of 75 distinct sample elements/pieces, please confirm the intent is for the Offeror to send five (5) copies/sets of sample instructional materials of all fifteen (15) MEPS materials provided in the MEPS Print specification and posted on FBO or if one (1) complete set would be sufficient.

Answer 44: The government wants ONE (1) complete MEPS-Comm Kit (Facilitator and Participant) according to the print specifications minus the Wall Charts, Bag, Bag Tag, and CD/DVDs.

45. If the Offeror chooses to provide additional past examples of quality instructional materials, please confirm five (5) copies/sets would also be required.

Answer 45: One copy will be sufficient

46. To demonstrate the experience of staff members dedicated to this effort, would you like to have representative resumes included in the proposal submission?

· If yes, should they be included or excluded from Page Limits?

Answer 46: There is no need for individual staff member experience. However, the Government is interested in prospective offerors experience from an overall performance perspective (e.g. past performace). Therefore, prospective offerors are expected to submit all required performance information in accordance with the Volume III requirements of the solicitation.

47. Page 283 Part B – Quality and Presentation of Instructional Materials. There are two different print specification attachments on FBO which contain the MEPS Comm program. Please confirm the file named MEPS_Print_Specs_8-05-15 posted to FBO on 30 October is to be used to reproduce the sample.

Answer 47: The following files (uploaded with ammenement 4 on 30 October) shall be used to create the sample materials to be submitted with offers:

Participant Guide:

Reference_MEPS_BinderLabel_PG

MEPS PG_V1.1

Facilitator Guide:

Reference_MEPS_FG_BinderLabel

Reference_MEPS_Tabs_FG

MEPS_FG_Section 1_v1.1

MEPS FG_v1.1

MEPS Questioning Techniques Leader Guided Practice_v1.0

MEPS QTs Interview Scenario Score Sheet Handout_9-3-12

Reference_MEPS_MiniCharts

MEPS Slides_v1.1

Since the Skill Guide Cards and the Mini Charts are the same product (one for PG and one for FG) it is only necessary to produce one set for the sample. Please insert the MiniCharts into the FG and do not include the skill guide cards in the PG.

48. Page 283 Part B – Quality and Presentation of Instructional Materials. In the Facilitator Materials section on the file named MEPS_Print_Specs_8-05-15 posted to FBO on 30 October there are two items noted (TAB: Tracking System Instructions and a File: Tracking System FG_v 1.1) but there are no matching files on FBO to produce these items. Please clarify if these are or are not to be included in the MEPS sample. If they are required in the MEPS sample, please provide the appropriate files.

Answer 48: The Tracking System and all related content has been removed from the Material Description Version 4. Prospective offerers are to use the file labled “Material_Descriptions_V4” uploaded with this ammendment (Ammendment 5), for details associated with all existing material kits. See response to question #47 for a complete understanding of what is expected to be reproduced for the MEPS Sample.

49. Page 283 Part B – Quality and Presentation of Instructional Materials. A file named Reference_MEPS_SmallChart_8-5x11 was posted to FBO on 30 October with Amendment 4 however it is not listed on the MEPS print specifications. Please confirm if this should be reproduced with the MEPS sample.

Answer 49: Yes the mini charts should be reproduced. See response to question #47 for a complete understanding of what is expected to be reproduced for the MEPS Sample.

50. Page 283 Part B – Quality and Presentation of Instructional Materials. A file named Reference_MEPS_DVD_Video_Label was posted to FBO on 30 October with Amendment 4 however no DVD is listed as a deliverable on the print specifications provided for the MEPS sample. Please confirm if this should be reproduced on a blank DVD with the required MEPS sample.

Answer 50: DVD is not required. The government wants ONE (1) complete MEPS-Comm Kit (Facilitator and Participant) according to the print specifications minus the Wall Charts, Bag, Bag Tag, and CD/DVDs. See response to question #47 for a complete understanding of what is expected to be reproduced for the MEPS Sample.

51. Page 283 Part B – Quality and Presentation of Instructional Materials. A file named MEPS_CD_PPT_Label_1.1 was posted to FBO on 30 October with Amendment 4 however no CD is listed as a deliverable on the print specifications provided for the MEPS sample. Please confirm if this should be reproduced on a blank CD with the required MEPS sample.

Answer 51: CD is not required, The government wants ONE (1) complete MEPS-Comm Kit (Facilitator and Participant) according to the print specifications minus the Wall Charts, Bag, Bag Tag, and CD/DVDs. See response to question #47 for a complete understanding of what is expected to be reproduced for the MEPS Sample.

52. Page 283 Part B – Quality and Presentation of Instructional Materials. If an offeror desires to provide video production (30 second time limit, MP4 format) as examples of past quality instructional materials, are DVD’s an acceptable form of delivery? If not, please identify the acceptable form. How many copies are required?

Answer 52: Yes, A DVD is acceptable, one copy is sufficient.

53. Paragraphs C.5.1.2, C.5.2.2, C.5.3.2, C.5.12.2, C.5.15.2 and C.5.20.2 Is there a minimum quantity that will be shipped or a standard (normal) quantity for shipping? The cost of one shipment of 1000 items is substantially different from the cost of shipping 50 items, 20 times. Any assistance with approximating the normal shipment size will help refine the cost estimate. If not the shipment size, then the approximate number of shipments per year.

Answer 53: Any Task Order issued may include multiple or single CLINs with varying quantities, therefore prospective offerors should price accordingly. However, the government anticipates ordering in bulk when possible at the Governments discretion It is anticipated that a material order will be made quarterly. In regard to smaller totals such as C.5.1.3, the past ordering has been in one delivery. Contractors will be allotted sufficient time to fulfill task orders. The government understands that the custom nature of the materials causes an increased lead time for production. A plan of action and milestones shall be established per C.10.1. Past lead times have ranged from 30-45 days.

54. Paragraph C.6.1 “At a minimum face-to-face meetings for instruction development will include: Data Gatherings, Design Document Reviews, Technical Review…. Etc” Are the face-to-face meetings described in para C.6.1 (Instructional Development), the same meetings specified in paragraph C.6.2 (Instruction Review)?

Answer 54: No. Please see response to question #35 answer for an expanded reply.

55. Paragraphs C.9.1. What is the location (s) of the required facilitation?

Answer 55: Locations vary and may change, but have been primarily located near Major recruiting headquarters. i.e. the NTT at MCB Quantico (VA) and Leesburg (VA), Recruiter School at MCRD San Diego (CA.), the two Recruiting Regions located at MCRD Parris Island (SC.) and MCRD San Diego (CA.), as well as the six Marine Corps District Headquarters located in Garden City (NY.), New Cumberland (PA.), MCRD Parris Island (SC.), Fort Worth (TX.), Great Lakes (IL.), and MCRD San Diego (CA).

56. Volume II, States offeror should assume the Government has no prior knowledge of facilities, capabilities, and experience and will base its evaluation on the information present in the proposal. Therefore, Volume II - Part B has no page limit, but requires offeror to reproduce sample materials provided by government (C.5.14 MEPS Comm). (C.4. Instruction Material Production/Printing and Shipping) (C.4.1) states that facilitation kits shall include a carrying case/bag that can support all instructional materials associated with the respective kits. We are requesting to provide one master sample of (C.5.14 MEPS Comm) to include a carrying case/bag that can support all instructional materials associated with the respective kits to include label. This will elevate the need to provide 5 duplicated samples of (C.5.14 MEPS Comm) in Volume II, Part B.

Answer 56: The government wants ONE (1) complete MEPS-Comm Kit (Facilitator and Participant) according to the print specifications minus the Wall Charts, Bag, Bag Tag, and CD/DVDs.

57. So, that we may continue to be efficient and not wasteful, can we send what you request by email or flash drive? Also, send only the updated requested information that you require?

Answer 57: No. While the Governments requirement has not changed, the change in sample material submission, CLIN Structure, and additional clarity of the PWS and Instructions to offerors, necessitate that new proposals be submitted. The proposals should acknowledge all solicitation ammendments.

58. Please advise of the status of previously-submitted proposals under this numbered solicitation in September, which were valid for 120 days - specifically, have they been rejected and/or returned to the offerors or, alternatively, destroyed? If no action has been taken are previous offers considered valid, in whole or in part?

Answer 58: After review of the initial proposals, it was determined that reopening the solicitation and incoporating changes to the Performance Work Statement (PWS) and Instructions to offerors was in the Governments best interest. See response to question 57 regarding proposal submission.

59. How is an offeror to distinguish its new proposal under this solicitation, as altered by Amendment 4, (in light of the strict instructions on labeling header/footer areas of pages of the proposal solely with the RFP number) in order to avoid any confusion with prior proposals?

Answer 59: The Government expects new proposals to be submitted in response to this solicitation. The proposals should acknowledge all solicitation ammendments.

60: The original solicitation posted on 21 August 2015 (Number M00263-15-R-1028) was released on Standard Form 1449. Subsequent Amendments (1-3) were issued on Standard Form 30 with proposals due at noon on 14 September 2015. While this 29 October 2015 document has been posted as “Amendment 4” on FBO, it was not issued on the typical Standard Form 30 used for Amendments and there is no citation within the document calling it “Amendment 4”. Instead, it was issued on Standard Form 1449. Therefore, please advise if this FBO Amendment #4 posting (file name “Solicitation_Conformed_Copy”) represents a completely “new” and/or “stand-alone” solicitation, even though it is using the same solicitation number? Also, are any of the previous Amendments and/or attachments still relevant to this new RFP? If yes, please clarify what Amendments and/or attachments are still relevant.

Answer 60: When Amendment 4 was posted FBO, the SF-30 was inadvertently ommitted from the posting. Instead a “Conformed Copy” of the 1449 was posted. The “Conformed Copy” contains all the changes cited on ammendments 1-4. When offerors submit proposals they should cite solicitaiton number “M00263-15-R-1028” and acknowlege all ammendments.

61. Page 1 – Box 28 is not checked and “0” signed copies are noted. Is this correct? Are offerors not are required to complete blocks 17a, 30a, 30b and 30c and return the SF 1449 with their proposals?

Answer 61: No, box 28 was overlooked and blocks 17a, 30a, 30b, and 30c is required to be completed by each offerors.

62. Page 281 III. Volume I – Completed Request for Proposal (RFP) (1) Completed and signed RFP: Should Block 17a on Standard Form 1449 also be completed?

Answer 62: Yes

63. Page 281 (1) Completed and signed RFP Last bullet “Signed offer with proposed prices for one…..” requires offeror to provide pricing in Volume I, however on page 284 Section VI. Volume IV – Price reads “The Price information shall not appear anywhere in any of the other respective Volumes.” Please advise.

Answer 63. The total price of the offerors proposal for the Base Period and the two (2) 12 month options period will be included in the “Completed and Signed RFP” Volume I. However, In Volume IV the offeror will include a price proposal with the corresponding Contract Line Items Numbers (CLINs). See instructions at VI Volume IV – Price page 284.

64. Page 284 – VI. Volume IV – Price the first sentence “…..corresponding to Contract Line Items Numbers (CLINs) at section B of the RFP”. While not labeled anywhere as Section B, is Page 3 – 211 of the RFP Section B?

Answer 64: The reference to Section B will be removed.

65. Page 285 – Contractor Manpower Reporting was previously removed in Amendment 1. Please confirm that this is not relevant to the new conformed copy of the solicitation.

Answer 65: Manpower reporting is still a part of the solicitation and will be entered in to the contract terms and conditions of the contract.

66. Question: Page 226 – 241 – Delivery Information. Under Delivery Date – For CLIN’s associated with Option Year 1, should the POP be 21-Dec-2016 to 20-Dec-2017? For CLIN’s associated with Option Year 2, should the POP be 21-Dec-2017 to 20-Dec-2018?

Answer 66: Yes, the period of performance should be as stated above. The dates are estimated dates. The option years will be corrected at the time of award to reflect the correct period of performance throughout the life of the contract.