Question and Answer HSIRM Rev.1.pdf

Question/Answer

Question 1: Is there an incumbent?

Answer 1: Yes, Haztrain Inc. via contract N0018920D0002.

Question 2: ADDENDUM FAR 52.212-1, states each vendor should submit its most favorable terms from a facility security clearance… In which Volume should we include information on our current facility security clearance status and is this information considered part of the page count in the selected volume?

Answer 2: Please see updated solicitation. The Facility Security Clearance is not applicable to this procurement.

Question 3: Under the requirements for quotation content, the Government is asking for our DUNS Number. Does the Government also want our UEI Number?

Answer 3: Yes

Question 4: Under the requirements for quotation content, the Government is asking us to identity our quotation documents as original or a copy. Since this is an online submission, how many copies of each document does the Government want?

Answer 4: Addendum 52.212-1 has been updated to remove this language.

Question 5: Under the requirements for quotation content, the Government is asking us to advise on our interest in West, East, or All allocations. What does the Government mean by West, East or All?

Answer 5: This has been removed from the solicitation. See updates.

Question 6: In the quote page limitations table there is an asterisk * in the Page Limit column title. What is the purpose of this *? Is this * associated with the comment Pages submitted in excess of the page limitations described within will not be evaluated located on Page 8?

Answer 6: The asterisk is directing the reader to the note below the page limit tables, which states the following:

“Page limits represent the maximum pages the Government will evaluate and are not construed as de facto standards for the amount of material expected in the quote.”

Question 7: On this page it states The Price Quote is not page limited; however, the Price quote is to be strictly limited to price information and completed solicitation documents as described in the General Section at the beginning of this text. We were unable to find a "General Section", will the Government please provide?

Answer 7: The General Section refers to the list of items below (4) Volume III – Price Quote; REQUIREMENTS FOR QUOTATION CONTENT, which states items such as price breakdown, completed solicitation documents, name and address of vendor, email address, etc.

Question 8: Subfactor III - Sample of Student Guide/Material references section 3.14 of the PWS. We could not find a section 3.14 in the PWS. Will the Government please advise or provide the information for section 3.14?

Answer 8: See updated Sections 52.212-1 and 52.212-2. The correct PWS section is Section 3.1.4.

Question 9: Subfactor III - Sample of Student Guide/Material references All materials reflect the most current Navy and OSHA policies and guidelines. Will the Government please provide copies of these current Navy and OSHA guidelines referenced?

Answer 9: Offerors are expected to demonstrate an understanding of the requirement by knowing what policies are applicable without government assistance.

Question 10: The instructions for Volume 1, Factor 1: Technical references marginal and unacceptable ratings.

What other ratings will the Government use (i.e., exceptional, substantial confidence, etc) and what are the definitions and expectations for these ratings?

Answer 10: The ratings tables are detailed in Section 52.212-1, 5. Rating Tables. These tables include all the ratings that will be used in the evaluation.

Question 11: We understand the Government's concern with similar magnitude and the uniqueness of this contract has an associated dollar value. As a small business team we have experience supporting multiple mobile training teams operating simultaneously in both CONUS and OCONUS locations which demonstrates our ability to execute contracts of this magnitude but they may not meet or exceed the dollar value of this contract. Will the Government please change the requirement from a dollar value magnitude to one of complexity in conducting training in both CONUS and OCONUS environments?

Answer 11: The Government doesn’t anticipate any changes to the magnitude requirement at this time. Please note that the solicitation does state the government will be evaluating past performance by aggregating magnitude over the references, which will provide smaller companies with lower value contracts to still have similar magnitude to this requirement.

Question 12: The duration of contract period identifies the effective date as 15 February 2024. Previously on page 4 of 100 a date in November 2024 is identified. Is the POP expected to start in November of 2024?

Answer 12: 01 November 2024 is expected POP start.

Question 13: 52.222-42 STATEMENT OF EQUIVALENT RATES FOR FEDERAL HIRE: 52.222-42 STATEMENT OF EQUIVALENT RATES FOR FEDERAL HIRE: We understand the table included in this section is for information only. However, the solicitation included wage determinations for parts of Indiana, Washington, and California. Are these the only WDs we are allowed to use in determining our price?

Answer 13: The Wage Determinations listed in the solicitation include the CONUS/OCONUS state locations where trainings may occur.

Question 14: 52.222-42 STATEMENT OF EQUIVALENT RATES FOR FEDERAL HIRE: We understand the table included in this section is for information only. However, the solicitation included wage determinations for parts of Indiana, Washington, and California. What are the significance of attaching these wage determinations?

Answer 14: See question 13.

Question 15: 52.222-42 STATEMENT OF EQUIVALENT RATES FOR FEDERAL HIRE: We understand the table included in this section is for information only. However, the solicitation included wage determinations for parts of Indiana, Washington, and California. Of the two "instructor" related Occupation Codes in the wage determinations is the Government expecting us to use?

Answer 15: The Government cannot stipulate what Labor Category on the Wage Determination to use. FAR clause 52.222-42 is included for informational purposes regarding if that contractor person was a government employee.

Question 16: The Past Performance Report Form requires our customer to send a copy to lorna.d.mohney.civ@us.navy.mil. The email address is different than the ones provided on page 10 of 100 in the Provision and Clauses document. Which is correct?

Answer 16: The Past Performance Report Forms shall be emailed to angelo.l.conicelli.civ@us.navy.mil and christopher.d.whiteside2.civ@us.navy.mil. A new form is uploaded.

Question 17: The reference to the Course Completion Report in this matrix is PWS 5.1.9. We cannot find a PWS paragraph 5.1.9. We do see mention of a course completion report in 3.1.9. Is paragraph 3.1.9 the reference we should use?

Answer 17: The solicitation has been updated to reference PWS Section 3.1.9.

Question 18: The reference to the Student Critiques in this matrix is PWS 5.1.9.3 We cannot find a PWS paragraph

5.1.9.3 We do see mention of a Student Critiques in paragraph 3.1.9 and as part of the Course Completion Report .

Is paragraph 3.1.9 the reference we should use?

Answer 18: The solicitation has been updated to reference PWS Section 3.1.9.

Question 19: This matrix refences Key Personnel (PWS Paragraph 7.0). PWS Paragraph 7.0 addresses quality control. We cannot find a reference to Key Personnel in the PWS. Will the Government please explain this requirement?

Answer 19: QASP has been updated.

Question 20: This matrix refences Audits (PWS Paragraph 8.2). We cannot find a reference to Audits or paragraph

8.2 in the PWS. Will the Government please explain this requirement?

Answer 20: see answer 17

Question 21: Under the deliverable identified as 52.222-50, what is the specific content of the deliverable?

Answer 21: The deliverable is outlined within that FAR clause and will be monitored in accordance with the FAR and Quality Surveillance Assessment Plan (QASP).

Question 22: This section states the HSIRM Refresher Course can be done in conjunction with a HSIRM course or combined with another HSIRM Refresher Course. Will the Government please define what they mean by "combined with another HSIRM Refresher Course"?

Answer 22: HSIRM Refresher Course can be completed in conjunction to the HSIRM course or “combined HSIRM REF” meaning offering back to back refresher courses (i.e., two HSIRM REF course).

Question 23: The table on page one identifies the HSIRM REF "stand alone" as global/resident. Global infers an online format. What system/s are currently being used to conduct the online version of the course?

Answer 23: The current system used is Learning Management System (LMS) is SAKAI and Adobe Connect for live sessions.

Question 24: Is the 2025 tentative/draft schedule completed. Will the Government provide us with a copy as part of the solicitation request?

Answer 24: The current FY25 schedule is on the Naval Safety Command website. The link is https://navalsafetycommand.navy.mil/Learning/NAVSAFENVTRACEN/Course-Schedule/

Question 25: Do the current course materials meet the ACE standards?

Answer 25: No

Question 26: To meet this requirement are all instructors required to be qualified as Instructor/Curriculum Developers or will the Government add a labor category for Instruction System Designers?

Answer 26: The Government cannot mandate a labor category be used and is not dictating a specific qualification requirement, it is up to the contractor, to determine what they feel will best meet the government’s needs.

Question 27: The contractor is required to bear all costs for the reproduction and distribution of student materials.

To determine the associated costs with this requirement, will the Government provide a list of all current student materials provided, the page count for each, and the number of color copied pages are required in each set of materials.

Answer 27:: The requirement has changed from the material previously provided on the current contract. The government is looking for textbook type of content, with slides and lesson plans to facilitate training of this course.

Here are the following materials needed:

Student guide that outlines the course objectives with content to instruct and with pictures in color. Limit pages 350

Question 28: Are we required to provide the student course materials in both hard and digital copies?

Answer 28: Yes

Question 29: In today's digital world can the course materials be provided in an online dropbox format as a means of distribution to students?

Answer 29: A digital format is required, but this in addition to (and not in lieu of) the hard copy of the student course materials provided to students. All digital copies of course materials will be provided to the government to facilitate online courses.

Question 30: What is the current format being used for the Student Guide/Manual to include page count, number of color pages, and binding.

Answer 30: The current format no longer reflects the government needs, which have changed from the previous contract. See answer to question 27, the government is looking for textbook type of content, with slides and lesson plans to facilitate training of this course, and a student guide that outlines the course objectives with content to instruct and with pictures in color. The limit of pages is 350.

Question 31: What is the current format being used for the Student Handbook to include page count, number of color pages, and binding.

Answer 31: There is no requirement for a “Student Handbook,” just a Student Guide/Manual (the PWS has been updated to reflect that). The required format is answered in Answer 30 and described in the PWS.

Question 32: Can the Student Guide/Manual and the Student Handbook presented in a digital format or in an on-line drop-box menu?

Answer 32: See Answer to Question 29. There is no Student Handbook; see Answer 31.

Question 33: Is the references Student Guide/Manual and the Student Handbook the same document or two separate documents?

Answer 33: See answer 31, there is no Student Handbook, just a Student Guide/Manual. The PWS has been updated.

Question 34: Will the Government provide a "plug" number to cover the cost associated with the reproduction and distribution of course materials?

Answer 34: No; contractors are free to propose whatever price they believe will cover their costs. Please note this is a firm fixed price contract.

Question 35: Is the computer and audio visual requirement required to execute the training provided on-site by the Government or is in contractor provided?

Answer 35: The computer(s) is not provided by the government; however, all audio-visual aids, i.e. projectors, speakers, etc., are provided on site by the government for resident courses.

Question 36: Page 5 of 19, paragraph 3.1.6. This section states the Government will provide computer and audio visual equipment (when available). At what point in the training pre-execution phase will we be informed of what equipment is or is not available?

Answer 36: This information will usually be provided no later than 30 days prior to the start date of the individual task order.

Question 37: The multiple course related "sheets" identified in paragraph 3.1.9, are these Government prepared and provided or is the contractor required to develop and provide these "sheets"?

Answer 37: The government will provide electronic “student attendance sheet” prior to each course start date and the contractor will send back updated “student attendance sheet” as a final attendance upon course completion. For “Student Test Answer sheet” all tests will be administered via LMS SAKAI.

Question 38: This section indicates the contractor is required to provide a two version A/B test and answer keys at the beginning of the contract. Do versions of these tests already exists and will we be provided copies?

Answer 38: No, the contractor will develop two versions of tests and provide them to the government.

Question 39: How much time will we have to develop these two version A/B test and answer keys?

Answer 39: The contractor will have between contract award and contract performance start date of 01 November 2024.

Question 40: Will the Government please consider allowing us to submit monthly invoices with a clear and concise description and cost data associated with courses completed during the previous month instead of us being required to submit up to 87 invoices annually?

Answer 40: Invoices will be submitted upon each course iteration as completed after issuance of a task order(s).

Question 41: Will the Government please define what they mean by "permit/decal".

Answer 41: PWS section 3.2.2 Permits/Decals: Each contract instructor/manager shall obtain a permit/decal as required by the visited activity security office as necessary to enter the work sites.

Question 42: Is the 24-hour requirement to replace an instructor considered clock hours or business hours?

Answer 42: It is 24 clock hours.

Question 43: Replacing an instructor within 24 clock hours in CONUS is doable, but at OCONUS locations this becomes challenging. Will the Government consider allowing two (2) instructors with authorized travel for OCONUS locations?

Answer 43: The government has no issue with the contractor allowing two instructors for OCONUS locations.

Question 44: paragraph 5.4 This section states the primary instructors who delivered the video presentation during Volume I Non-Price Factor – Sub-factor V. We cannot find a Subfactor 5 in the Provisions and Clauses attachment.

Will the Government please define this requirement?

Answer 44: The PWS has been updated.

Question 45: What is the current student instructor ratio being provided by the incumbent contractor at CONUS and OCONUS locations?

Answer 45: The instructor and student ratio is HSIRM 24-HR is 1:25 and HSIRM Refresher is 1:30.

Question 46: Will the Government please define the requirement for a video presentation during Volume I Non-Price Factors – Sub-factor V?

Answer 46: There is no subfactor V and video presentations are not required; see answer 44.

Question 47: We are making the assumption that classrooms are coordinated and provided by the Government. Is the assumption correct?

Answer 47: Yes.

Question 48: We are making the assumption that the comprehensive knowledge test identified in this section is the same two version A/B tests identified in paragraph 3.1.9. Is this assumption correct?

Answer 48: Yes

Question 49: Will the Government provide a detailed list of the class materials and course admin materials we are required to ship?

Answer 49: No, all student and relevant admin materials are responsibilities of the contractor. The government will provide oversight on what should be provided.

Question 50: Are there currently any and what are the ITAR, Foreign Disclosure, or other requirements associated with shipping these materials to OCONUS locations?

Answer 50: Contractors will follow each OCONUS locations guidance for shipping course materials.

Question 51: The government wants invoicing at the completion of each event. That would mean anywhere from 6-8 invoices per month. This will make the FFP invoicing complicated as there will be different cost each time for travel and equipment cost. How do we invoice if travel expenses exceed or, in some instances, not exceed the FFP?

Answer 51: The contractor will submit course invoice for each course separately after the issuance of a task order(s) and completion of course performance.

Question 52: paragraph 5.1.4, Under this section a new instructor must teach one or more convening with a previously "established" instructor. We are assuming this addition "established" instructors travel would be reimbursed by the Government contrary to the travel reimbursement guidelines identified in PWS paragraph 4.1. Is this assumption correct?

Answer 52: No. The government will not be reimbursing for the established instructors.

Question 53: paragraph 7.0, This section requires an instructor evaluation system. We are assuming the travel and per-diem associated with providing an on-site evaluator in addition to the instructor being evaluated will be reimbursed by the Government contrary to the travel reimbursement guidelines identified in PWS paragraph 4.1. Is this assumption correct?

Answer 53: The government will not reimburse.

Question 54: The number of training events during the five-year period are an estimate. Will the Government please provide a list and number of classes that have been taught in past five years and by each year?

Answer 54: No, the current course listing of locations in the PWS is where the course has been provided/conducted.

The Government can order as many/as little courses as necessary within the 5-year ordering period as long as it does not exceed the individual course ceiling and overall contract value ceiling.

Question 55: The number of training events, provided in the General paragraph, during the five-year period are an estimate. Paragraph 3.1.11 only allows for invoicing after a course is taught. Paragraph 5.1.4 expects the instructional staff to remain reasonably constant. Paragraph 5.3 calls for a Contract Manager. To maintain continuity of the program, program management, and reasonable instructor availability, will the Government consider establishing a CLIN for a full-time Instructor/Contract Manager that can be billed on equal payment monthly?

Answer 55: No, the government will not consider establishing a CLIN for a full-time Instructor/Contract Manager.

The contractor can utilize at their discretion; however, the Government will not allow for a separate charge and/or CLIN for this support.

Question 56: Can the government share where in the solicitation documents the CDR is explained?

Answer 56: The CDR, or Contractor Discrepancy Report, is addressed in the QASP. Furthermore, the CDR may be used by the Government in the event that the contractor has inadequately and/or failed to perform in some capacity in accordance with the PWS.

Question 57: Will the government reimburse the contractor for expenses related to producing and reproducing instructional materials?

Answer 57: No, the government will not seperately reimburse the cost for any instructional materials. It will be the contractor’s responsibility to provide. This is a firm fixed price contract and the prices proposed by the contractors should account for whatever costs they may incur.

Question 58: PWS states "Training schedules are planned on a year-to-year basis and the contractor will be notified at least sixty (60) days prior to the beginning of each fiscal year as to the number and locations where the training will be held." Can the Government please provide the Base Year training schedule OR guarantee a minimum of annual courses to be conducted in the Base Year?

Answer 58: Please see Section A of the PWS and the Naval Safety Command website https://navalsafetycommand.navy.mil/Learning/NAVSAFENVTRACEN/Course-Schedule/

Question 59: Paragraph 3.1.11 only allows for invoicing after a course is taught. Paragraph 5.1.4 expects the instructional staff to remain reasonably constant. Paragraph 5.3 calls for a Contract Manager. To maintain continuity of the program, program management, and reasonable instructor availability, will the Government consider establishing a CLIN for a full-time Instructor/Contract Manager that can be billed in equal monthly payments?

Answer 59: See Answer to Question 40.

Question 60: For the classes offered through the Learning Management System. Are they already created in the

LMS?

Answer 60: There is a shell that can be updated.

Question 61: Will the Government accept a final CPARS in lieu of the Past Performance Report Form?

Answer 61: No, although the government may still evaluate CPARS, it is not in lieu of the PPRF.

Question 62: Paragraph 3.1.6, The paragraph states "for locations other than Norfolk, the contractor is responsible to provide a projection system and computer laptop unless the course manager indicates this equipment is available at that location." Will the government reimburse the contractor for equipment used for training?

Answer 62: Paragraph 3.1.6 of the PWS has been revised; please see updated PWS.

Question 63: Will the Government accept a final CPARS in lieu of the Past Performance Report Form?

Answer 63: See answer to question 61.

Question 64: Volume I is limited to 40 pages and just Subfactor I, II, and III? There is no technical corporate write up or requirement for Key personnel? The Technical proposal is limited to 10 pages for Quality Control Plan, 10 pages for Contingency Plan, and 20 pages for sample student guide is that correct?

Answer 65: The government will accept no more than 10 pages for Quality Control Plan, 10 pages for Contingency Plan, and 20 pages for sample student guide. However, the contractor does not have to use all pages allowed. There is no requirement to submit a “technical corporate write up” or describe “key personnel”.

Question 66: Subfactor III states “..submit Student Guide/Manual IAW section 3.14 of the PWS..” PWS does not have a section 3.14 it stops at 3.10 and then goes to 4.0. Please advise correct section? Also, to confirm this does not have to be the whole manual in the 20 page limit is just an example?

Answer 66: Sections 52.212-1 and 52.212-2 have been updated to read as “3.1.4”. Offerors do not have to submit the entire manual; see evaluation criteria. Offerors are to submit a sample, not to exceed 20 pages, to show what their proposed student manual would look like and to demonstrate that they understand the requirement.

Question 67: The past performance report Form has an email and name on the top to send back to but the instructions in solicitation have different email addresses please verify which is correct? Can we change form or will a new one be sent out?

Answer 67: See Answer to Question 16.

Question 68: The quote sheet is price per course for each type held the same over a 5 year period? Is that correct?

Answer 68: Please See Enclosure 4_HSIRM SRRB Agenda CPFP FY21_V4 that was provided.

Question 69: For the optional ceiling, we are asked to price 20% of the classes, but the maximum ceiling for those classes is 11.10% of the full contract ceiling. Can we get clarification on how to address that difference? Can the number of classes during the extension be reduced to 11%, or the extension max ceiling for the courses be raised 20%?

Answer 69: PWS and Pricing Spreadsheet have been amended and offerors are to only price 6 months of courses for the option.