USNCC RFP Questions and Answers 15 May.docx

USNCC Solicitation Questions and Answers 15 May 2020 @ 3:00PM EST

Q1: Am I reading it correctly that you only want associate degree programs?

A1: As per the RFP and PWS, we are looking for institutions that offer an associate degree OR provide undergraduate education in one of more of the following or similar subject areas: Computer Science, Cyber Security, Applied Engineering, Data Analytics/Statistics, Organizational Leadership, Business Administration, and Science. This does not exclude institutions that offer courses towards the attainment of other degrees.

Q2: I found 3 attachments on the website (RFP, PWS, and Self Certification) and can see that we should complete the self-certification form. Is there anything else that needs to be turned in?

A2: At this time, all that is required is the submission of the Self-Certification form.

Q3: I do not see where there is a place detailing required documents such as questions to respond to in a narrative format. Does that exist?

A3: That does not exist at this stage. That will take place when we compete specific task orders in the future.

Q4: Is the deadline May 28, 2020?

A4: Submission deadline is May 28, 2020 at 3:30PM EST.

Q5: If we are applying as a community college system in partnership with one of our colleges do we both complete the required forms? We do not offer the degrees but our college does so should they complete the form?

A5: Community College Systems should complete the form along with their college partners. Please leave a note in your email submission including all the colleges that are in partnership.

Q6: We participated in the onsite meeting earlier this year. Does this notice mean that we were accepted to move forward with this partnership, if we apply and meet the requirements?

A6: This notice nor participation in this year’s Industry Day constitute a partnership or obligation to partner in the future. A partnership will be represented with a contract award after submission of self-certification form and responsibility determination by the contracting office.

Q7: Per the RFP released yesterday, is self-certification the only input that is requested by you? Are we able to include a White Paper or briefing that demonstrates our deep experience not only as an acknowledged leader in distributed education, but as the Navy’s long-term partner in advanced learning technologies?

A7: At this time, the Self-Certification Form is the only input requested. Once the submission deadline closes and the contracting office has awarded contracts to all qualifying offerors, a pool of partner colleges and college systems will be formed. This pool will then be the only schools able to compete for specific task orders. At the task order level is where specific information and pricing will be requested and subsequently evaluated by the government to choose an awardee.

Q8: Is there a deadline for each step or an overall deadline?

A8: There is only one step for the current deadline of 28 May at 3:30PM EST. Once contract awards are distributed to qualified institutions, task orders will be issued for specific courses/tasks which will have their own deadlines for submission of proposals.

Q9: “Fixed term price” - Can you please explain this language in the contract opportunity section? Is this implying that the students would have a fixed term price that the school would have to maintain a continuous semester hour rate?

A9: There is no price submission requested with the current self-certification. If price submissions are required, it will be communicated on future task orders. Fixed price means the offeror would propose a price associated with the requirement, and if accepted in the form of task order award, the government would pay that price no matter what the actual costs to the offereor are.