Response_to_Questions.docx

Response to Questions N0017819R4039

Pages 50 – 56 is Attachment B which was provided under separate attachment to the solicitation.

1.Within the Combined Synopsis/Solicitation it states the following: "Please include the total price for the base year and all option years. In addition, include the individual cost for each of the classes at each specific location. See Statement of Objectives for estimated number of courses and locations. Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) will be utilized for award in accordance with FAR Part 12. The order will be firm-fixed price." How many classes does the government anticipate conducting each year? We reviewed the Statement of Objectives and it states "NSWCDD seeks to acquire one contractor to provide instruction and facilitation services for the delivery of up to four (4) unique leadership courses offered over the course of a fiscal year." Should we price our proposal as four course per year for Dahlgren and four courses for Virginia Beach per year?

A-There should be a price for each of the 4 different courses requested (LDR 101, LDR 201, LDR 301, LDR 401) and what the price of those courses would be at the Dahlgren and Virginia Beach locations. The intention for the base year is to offer LDR 101 at least once and up to four times total between the two locations, three at Dahlgren and one at Virginia Beach. The intention for the remaining classes (LDR 201, LDR 301, LDR 401) is to offer them in the option years in addition to LDR 101, with up to 4 deliveries each possible. This is not a set schedule; individual calls will be made against the BPA separately each year.

2. Question: Is there a specific format you want the price schedule?

A-There is no preference for the pricing format

3. Question: How many courses does the government anticipate conducting each year at each location?

A-The intention for the base year is to offer LDR 101 at least once and up to four times total between the two locations, three at Dahlgren and one at Virginia Beach. The intention for the remaining classes (LDR 201, LDR 301, LDR 401) is to offer them in the option years in addition to LDR 101, with up to 4 deliveries of each possible. This is not a set schedule; individual calls will be made against the BPA separately each year.

4. Question: Should our price schedule be submitted as a separate document?

A-Yes

5. Question: For pricing the option years, should that be four courses per year for Dahlgren and four courses for Virginia Beach?

A-We are looking for the price of each individual class (LDR 101, LDR 201, LDR 301, LDR 401) for each option year at each location.

6. How many running’s of all classes total do you anticipate throughout the year? Is there a “not to exceed” number?

A-There is not any 'not to exceed', it is anticipated that there may be 2-6 classes at each level per year. There is no guarantee of the number of classes to be run each year.

7. How much notice is given to the contractor prior to holding each class running?

A-Ideally a schedule would be established at the beginning of the Fiscal year of classes to be run. Additional classes may be added later in the year, but would likely be 2-3 months in advance, this is not guaranteed.

8. Might there be concurrent deliveries at each of the two sites?

A-It is not anticipated that concurrent sessions would run, but this may depend on class format.

9. Do you expect to have all four classes delivered at both sites and if so, over how many months’ time?

A-It is anticipated that in the base year of the contract only LDR 101 will be delivered, the other classes will be phased in in later option years. Eventually all classes would be delivered at both sites, there is not a set timeline at this time.

10. Is this a new requirement or is there an incumbent on this contract. If there is an incumbent, who is it?

A-New requirement

11. For pricing purposes, does the government have an idea about the anticipated number of each course that will be taught during the year? If not, should we just price for each course?

A-It is anticipated that there may be 2-6 classes at each level per year. There is no guarantee of the number of classes to be run each year

12. Can we provide either electronic or print materials to the students?

A-Preferred materials for students should be in print

13. The PWS identifies that the leadership courses are to be a minimum of 5 days and a maximum of 8 days. Are the days required to be concurrent, or could the course be delivered 1 or 2 days a week spread over a period of 4-8 weeks?

A-The training is not required to be concurrent days; they can be delivered in 'modules' of shorter days spread out over a period of time.

14. In the data provided online it specifics 4 courses and between 5 to 8 days. What are the expectations on the number of times each course is being offered per year? Such as, Intro to Leadership being offered once per month, quarter, or annually?

A-The intention for the base year is to offer LDR 101 at least once and up to four times total between the two locations, three at Dahlgren and one at Virginia Beach. The intention for the remaining classes (LDR 201, LDR 301, LDR 401) is to offer them in the option years in addition to LDR 101, with up to 4 deliveries each possible. This is not a set schedule; individual calls will be made against the BPA separately each year.

15. The data also indicate two locations for instruction to occur. Does this occur simultaneously or is this staggered? Is this left up to our proposal or discretion?

A-Classes at the two locations will likely not occur at the same time.

16. Are vendors required to provide pricing per class or for the entire year (12 months)? If it's for entire 12 months, how many classes will be held per year and how many participants are expected?

A- There should be a price for each of the 4 different courses requested (LDR 101, LDR 201, LDR 301, LDR 401) and what the price of those courses would be at the Dahlgren and Virginia Beach locations. The intention for the base year is to offer LDR 101 at least once and up to four times total between the two locations, three at Dahlgren and one at Virginia Beach. The intention for the remaining classes (LDR 201, LDR 301, LDR 401) is to offer them in the option years in addition to LDR 101, with up to 4 deliveries each possible. This is not a set schedule; individual calls will be made against the BPA separately each year. Each class could have up to 30 participants each.

17. Page 12 in the solicitation document lists Item No. 0001 for the entire period of performance (12 months plus 4 additional option years). Is pricing required for Item No. 0001 or there will be additional Item Numbers for the additional option years?

A- We are looking for the price of each individual class (LDR 101, LDR 201, LDR 301, LDR 401) for each option year at each location.

18. What format should vendors use for the price proposal - MS Excel or MS Word?

A- No preference for the pricing format.

19. Does the government require a price breakdown by labor and ODCs or price per class?

A-Price by class

20. There were no instructions to offerors in the solicitation. Does the price proposal have a page limit, font size restrictions?

A - No page limit, no font size restrictions.

21. Is technical and pricing information to be included in the same volume or in separate volumes?

A - Separate documents

22. There are a number of fillable FARs in the RFQ. If a vendor has acknowledged those in the SAM record, do they still need to be filled and submitted as part of the proposal?

A - Yes. The same is not pulled while reviewing the proposal.

23. Do you happen to have an anticipated number of course offerings per level each year?

A-The intention for the base year is to offer LDR 101 at least once and up to four times total between the two locations, three at Dahlgren and one at Virginia Beach. The intention for the remaining classes (LDR 201, LDR 301, LDR 401) is to offer them in the option years in addition to LDR 101, with up to 4 deliveries of each possible. This is not a set schedule; individual calls will be made against the BPA separately each year.

24. Is the government only accepting technical proposals at this time?

ANSWER: The two-step sealed bidding process is not being used for this solicitation. Technical and cost proposals should be submitted at the same time.

25. If so, and if our technical proposal is deemed technically acceptable when will we be invited to submit cost bids based on our individual proposals?

ANSWER: Technical and cost proposals should be submitted at the same time.

26. Will the evaluation of bidder’s proposals be based on Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) or based on “The quality of course content is the most important factor; this factor is slightly more important than factors 2 through 5. Factors 1 through 5 are significantly more important than Price?”

ANSWER: The proposal will be evaluated based on the evaluation factors and criteria as laid out in Attachment B.

27. Is there an incumbent contractor?

ANSWER: This is a new requirement

28. If so, who are they?

N/A

29. When does their contract expire?

N/A

30. What was the dollar amount of the previous contract?

N/A

31. Reference SOO - Scope “The ideal design will have multiple modules for each course, allowing for on-the-job application of learning in between the modules.” To clarify is the expectation that 5-8 days would be spread out over the 12 months for each level or would be 5-8 and done all in a row?

A-The vendor is to propose the design of the learning. If the vendor proposes the 5-8 days spread over time (modules format), please also indicate length of each module (1 day each, 2 days, etc.) and length between modules.

32. In case Government prefers course be spread out over 12 months; how many days at a time can the course be scheduled ? i.e. two days in a row followed by courses scheduled every two months.

A-Vendor can propose length, must not exceed 5 days in a row, ie. Government will not hold classes on a weekend.

33. Reference SOO - 6.2.2 - “A teaming approach of at least two instructors per training delivery is desired.” Typically one instructor/facilitator for a class of 30 participants is sufficient. Please clarify why two instructors are desired per training delivery.

A-It has been our experience that more than one instructor is more effective if the course length is longer than 1-2 days. If the Vendor believes that one instructor per delivery is sufficient, please indicate plan for managing learning and course logistics.

34. Reference SOO - 2.0 - Is Leadership Academy currently delivering these courses in-house ?

A- No, these new course would consist of the core classes of the Leadership Academy.

35. Has the program been previously or currently offered?

A-No, this is a new requirement with new objectives.

36. Is there an incumbent?

A-N/A

37. Would an online survey such as SurveyMonkey be acceptable for the class evaluation by participants?

A - yes. Requirement is that the vendor must be able to provide reports to the Government from the evaluation service used.

38. Does Government require use of SLII from Blanchard?

A- Yes

39. Does Government require someone certified in Blanchard and/or Maxwell?

A- Not necessarily, if using model and concepts only. If vendor is using proprietary materials from Blanchard and/or Maxwell, then yes.

40. Would it be acceptable to provide course Prework materials electronically and not in print ?

A-Yes

41. Is there a preference on whether class materials are printed or electronic?

A - Preferred materials for in class are in print, it would acceptable to have supplemental or reference/backup materials available electronically.

42. Please clarify how many past performances are required i.e. – one, or up to three, etc.

A- There is no set number, Vendor should include as many as they believe appropriate and relevant to the level of work.

43. Reference 52.204-8 – “Individual call numbers shall not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250K”. Please clarify does this mean that each course should not exceed Simplified Acquisition Threshold or should all courses total (8 yrly ) for base and option years not exceed Simplified Acquisition Threshold ?

A. Individual call numbers ONLY shall not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250K.

44. On page 12 of the RFP where the net amount of bid is requested, is that to assume ONE instance of each of the four requested courses at each identified VA location? (up to 120 participants max per location x 2 sites = 240 students)

A - There should be a price for each of the 4 different courses requested (LDR 101, LDR 201, LDR 301, LDR 401) and what the price of those courses would be at the Dahlgren and Virginia Beach locations. The intention for the base year is to offer LDR 101 at least once and up to four times total between the two locations, three at Dahlgren and one at Virginia Beach. The intention for the remaining classes (LDR 201, LDR 301, LDR 401) is to offer them in the option years in addition to LDR 101, with up to 4 deliveries each possible. This is not a set schedule or a guarantee of the number of classes to be run in any given year; individual calls will be made against the BPA separately each year.

45. Does the Navy have a preference for running courses consecutively vs concurrently? Will we begin with LDR 101, and complete that series prior to 201, etc or is it possible we may begin all 4 courses simultaneously (but on different delivery days within any given month).

A - The Government intends to offer LDR 101 in the base year and add the additional courses in the options years, though this is not guaranteed. When all 4 classes are offered, they may be offered in any order within the year.

46. For a series that will be 5 to 8 days in duration (= 40-64 contact hours), should we plan on one training day per month to allow for time to apply the content to real world issues? If another sample schedule is preferred, please explain.

A-The vendor is to propose the design of the learning. If the vendor proposes the 5-8 days spread over time (modules format), please also indicate length of each module (1 day each, 2 days, etc.) and length between modules.

47. For the five texts that are referenced as a basis/supplemental guide for each series, does the Gov't or the vendor supply those books? Ex: The Leadership Challenge, by Kouszes & Posner; The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team, by Lencioni, etc. *If the vendor is to supply, it's important to note how many instances of each course are anticipated during the base year.

A - It is expected that the vendor would supply all materials for the class, to include any books to be used. The Government intends to establish a schedule at the beginning of the Fiscal year of the number of classes to be run, this is not guaranteed.

48. SOO 8.3 indicates Contractors may not claim or otherwise use materials, courses or programs developed under this contract, for their own use without express approval from NSWCDD.

Many of the games/content we are proposing are in use on other contracts or in our public trainings. Does 8.3 apply to those? If so will we need to include information about those exercises/games that are used in other trainings to get approval from NSWCDD? How will that be handled?

A - 8.3 will apply to any content or material created specifically for this contract and DoN/NSWCDD. This will not apply to content the Vendor already has developed, or is considered 'off-the-shelf', such as public training classes already offered by the Vendor, that will be included in the training offered to NSWCDD.

49. Regarding the solicitation's four required courses, language on pages 4 and 9 of the Statement of Objectives state that the four courses are to be delivered by the contractor at the Virginia Beach location and at the Dahlgren location. Does this mean that we should price the BPA for delivering eight courses (as the subject four courses at each of the two sites)?

A - There should be a price for each of the 4 different courses requested (LDR 101, LDR 201, LDR 301, LDR 401) and what the price of those courses would be at the Dahlgren and Virginia Beach locations. The intention for the base year is to offer LDR 101 at least once and up to four times total between the two locations, three at Dahlgren and one at Virginia Beach. The intention for the remaining classes (LDR 201, LDR 301, LDR 401) is to offer them in the option years in addition to LDR 101, with up to 4 deliveries each possible. This is not a set schedule or a guarantee of the number of classes to be run in any given year; individual calls will be made against the BPA separately each year.

50. Regarding travel costs and page 10 of the Statement of Objectives, should we include travel costs for delivering the courses in our BPA pricing?

A - The contract will be a firm-fixed price, so pricing should be inclusive of all the costs.

51. Regarding submittal requirements, is our submittal on 8 November to include just a letter of transmittal and the 2-page 1449 (that includes our BPA pricing)?

A - All documents for the proposal are required by 8 November.

52. Regarding the option years, if the Government exercises one or more of the option years, then would the four subject courses remain unchanged or would the Government ask the contractor to develop new courses?

A - The courses and content would remain the same from the base year to the option years.

53. SOO 2.0 SCOPE

....facilitation services for the delivery of up to four (4) unique leadership courses offered over the course of a fiscal year.

....Each class may be offered multiple times throughout the year

This seems to be contradicting. Is the Government planning on only up to 4 courses a year or more than that?

A-There are four (4) courses outlined in Attachment 3 they are:

Each of the above listed courses MAY be offered multiple times throughout the year.