25R4012 Questions and Answers 01.pdf

1. Paragraph 5.6 of the PWS States: “The Contractor shall not allow any unregistered MSC student into the program. The COR will provide a list of MSC representatives authorized to enroll students.”

QUESTION: Is the contractor allowed to enroll non-MSC personnel into course sessions?

Answer: Yes, MSC will reserve a set number of seats for each class. The vendor can fill the remainder of seats with non-MSC personnel up to the USCG authorized seat limit.

2. If an offeror has a US Coast Guard approved course that consolidates two of the shorter courses listed under section 7 of the PWS into one course, so long as it meets all requirements of the PWS and is US Coast Guard certified for each independent facet of section 7, is this an acceptable technical approach? One course will priced as $0.00 on the pricing spreadsheet and one course will be fully priced.

Note: The Agency received questions regarding this general question that, in order to not reveal the identity/identities of interested parties, have been consolidated into this combined question and response.

QUESTION: Is this approach acceptable to MSC?

Answer: Yes, the approach is acceptable to MSC so long as it is apparent and fully explained that the USCG certification covers the all requirements of PWS section 7 (Required Training Course and Curriculum). However, offerors who utilize this approach shall explain which PWS requirements are consolidated in that manner and provide an explanation thereof in their technical and price proposals.

3. Does MSC expect all classes in the AB to Mate series to be taught consecutively, or can there be breaks in the training?

Answer: The AB to Mate Program (series) shall be taught consecutively with reasonable breaks for holidays/scheduling, not extended absence.

4. What is the MSC policy on teaching courses on Federal Holidays?

Answer: Yes, teaching courses on federal Holidays is authorized, if necessary.

5. What is the MSC policy on teaching courses on Weekends?

Answer: This is not authorized unless there is a specific and isolated need that the COR has approved prior to instruction occurring on a weekend.

6. What is the MSC policy on teaching courses in the evening?

Answer: This is not authorized unless there is a specific and isolated need that the COR has approved prior to instruction occurring in the evening.

7. Is there an MSC policy on the maximum number of hours in the training day?

Answer: Training is limited to 8 hours a day, Monday through Friday. Any deviation from that requires prior approval from the COR.