QandA.pdf

• Question 1. Reference (a) states that Arbinger is "the only source that can provide this specialized training" and also that quotes will be accepted from authorized resellers holding a Letter of Authorization. Which statement governs? If authorized resellers may receive award, on what basis is the acquisition characterized as sole source rather than brand name?

A: The synopsis is being updated to specify that the Navy’s requirement is for The Arbinger Institute’s Developing and Implementing an Outward Mindset (DIOM) and Outward Leadership (OL) Coaching Program, identified in the statement of work (SOW). The solicitation provision requesting OEM authorization was included only as a standard protective measure in the event an entity other than the OEM (The Arbinger Institute) submitted a quote for the Arbinger training. It does not indicate that the Government anticipated competition or that the acquisition was suitable for a set-aside. Any non-OEM respondent would still be required to demonstrate it could legally meet the Government’s complete proprietary requirement as an authorized reseller of Arbinger’s content.

• Question 2. Paragraph 3.1 of Reference (b) requires "an expert or master facilitator" without reference to any named organization. Is Arbinger certification a requirement of this acquisition?

If so, where is it stated in the Statement of Work?

A: The Government confirms that Arbinger certification is a mandatory requirement. To ensure the integrity and exact replication of the proprietary training methodology, the facilitator must hold active certification directly from the licensing body (The Arbinger Institute). The solicitation SOW will be updated to explicitly reflect this.

• Question 3. Was the brand-name authority at FAR 6.103-1(d) considered, and if so, why was FAR 6.103-1(b) selected instead?

A: The solicitation has been revised to reflect Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) 12.102(a) as the authority.

• Question 4. What is the aggregate estimated value of this requirement including the base period and the two option periods described at paragraph 3.4 of Reference (b), and is that aggregate value within the simplified acquisition threshold?

A: The Government’s estimate is procurement-sensitive and will not be disclosed. However, the Government considered the total anticipated value of the requirement, including the base period and both option periods, and confirms the aggregate anticipated value is within the Simplified Acquisition Threshold.

• Question 5. Was a small business set-aside determination made and documented for this requirement under FAR Part 19?

A. Yes. This requirement was not set-aside for small business because the acquisition was determined to be a sole source requirement for The Arbinger Institute’s training series and The Arbinger Institute is a large business under the applicable NAICS code. Therefore, the

Government did not have a reasonable expectation that award could be made to two or more responsible small business concerns.

• Question 6. What market research was performed to establish that no source other than Arbinger and its resellers can satisfy the requirements stated in Section 3.0 of Reference (b)?

A. Market research, conducted in accordance with FAR Part 10, included reviewing the previous training provided, conducting internet searches, reviewing the GSA Federal Supply Schedule, and obtaining a market research quote. This research confirmed that The Arbinger Institute, LLC is the sole developer, owner, and licensing authority of the proprietary 'Developing and Implementing an Outward Mindset' (DIOM) curriculum. Continuity with Arbinger Institute DIOM training is critical to build upon the established framework deployed in FY25; introducing a non-compatible methodology would cause substantial duplication of cost to the Government and disrupt program alignment.

• Question 7. Will the Government release the unredacted Statement of Work, or at minimum identify the requiring organization and the Technical Point of Contact redacted at paragraphs 1.0 and 7.0, so that prospective sources can assess fit against the actual operational challenge the training is intended to address?

A. The Government will not release an unredacted Statement of Work or disclose the requiring organization or Technical Point of Contact. All communications concerning the solicitation must be directed solely through the Contracting Officer.