14. Questions and Answers.pdf

RFQ #: N6426722Q5028

Title: Training Services

Questions & Answers

Question #1: Page 76 2. Submission Instructions - Proposal structure and page limits. How would you like us to identify File A-F and what would be contained in each Volume as you reference p.78 File B 5. Volume II shall not include any pricing information.

Answer #1: Label as File A-F. The Volume II reference has been removed.

Question #2: Do we need to include the following in every Volume/File, please clarify and how you would like us to label these as it is unclear on p.76 2. Submission Instructions/Labeling:

• Cover page

• Cover letter

• Table of contents

• Title pages

• Index pages

• Tabs

• Glossary

• Course Catalog

• Facility qualifications or certifications

• And any other pages with "This page intentionally left blank" Answer #2: The reference listed above is located on Page 79 of 87 of the RFQ, which clearly states what qualifies as “PAGE COUNT EXCLUSIONS” which are “exempt from the page count limitations”. The Government will not dictate how the Offeror will submit their documentation outside of what has been stated in Section L and M.

Question #3: Would the Government willing to extend the solicitation period due to the upcoming holiday?

Answer #3: Please see the SF30, RFQ Amendment.

Question #4: Is this a new requirement or an existing requirement? If so, is there any incumbent?

Answer #4: New requirement. No incumbent.

Question #5: What are your KPIs?

Answer #5: No KPI’s are indicated at this stage of the establishment of the BPA. If applicable, KPI’s will be defined at the Task Order level.

Question #6: If we have a teaming agreement with a subcontractor, does the subcontractor's experience count as experience for the prime?

Answer #6: Yes. However, the use of a subcontractor does not eliminate the evaluation factors described within Section L of the RFQ. Therefore, it is in the best interest of the Offeror to submit any and all supporting documents that will satisfy the evaluation factors described whilst using a subcontractor experience.

Question #7: Will the government provide an editable solicitation document?

Answer #7: No.

Question #8: How will call-outs be procured after the BPA is awarded?

Answer #8: When the Government has a bona fide requirement, the Government will compete the Task Order amongst the awardee(s) who qualified in the particular Task Area(s) the Task Order is for.

Question #9: The SAM.gov description states: This is an all-or-none requirement and partial quotes will be deemed unresponsive and will not be evaluated. Does this mean we need to provide a BPA of ALL Training Services related to IAW FAR 13.303-2(a)(l) or would we be able to identify the individual task areas we would like to respond to as you also mention that more than one provider may be selected?

Answer #9: Please see the SF30, RFQ Amendment.

Question #10: Do we have to identify a work plan schedule for five (5) years or just year one?

Answer #10: For 5 years.

Question #11: Please clarify the following: The Government will determine in-person training locations as identified in Section C, Paragraph 4.3 – how would we identify dates or would we work with the Government on scheduling.

Answer #11: Dates and times will be identified at the Task Order level.

Question #12: (Ref. RFQ) What is the NAICS for this solicitation?

Answer #12: 611430 - Professional and Management Development Training

Question #13: (Ref. RFQ) The posted RFQ document starts on page 3 of 87; pages 1-2 are missing. Is there an SF30 for this solicitation?

Answer #13: Not prior to your question, however this the posting of these Questions and Answers, an SF30 has now been issued. See the SF30, RFQ amendment.

Question #14: (Ref. Attachment 1 Price Worksheet) Request clarification for Unit/Qty in CLIN 0001. Is the bidder to provide CLIN/SLIN pricing for delivery and facilitation one (1) training course delivery event with 25 trainees/persons?

Answer #14: Pricing is no longer required. However, the Offeror is required to fill out the “TASK AREA INTERESTS WORKSHEET” accordingly as per the instructions listed within Section L of the RFQ.

Question #15: (Ref. N6426722Q5028_RFQ_Redacted) Has funding for the training identified in this BPA been secured or are the training classes dependent upon future funding to the locations identified in para C.13?

Answer #15: This requirement is to establish a BPA, as such, there is no current funding associated with the establishment of this BPA.

Question #16: (Ref. N6426722Q5028_RFQ_Redacted) The government identifies many CRDLs in the document but did not provide a copy of them. Can the government provide a copy for review prior to the response date?

Answer #16: See Section C, SF30, RFQ Amendment for updates.

Question #17: (Ref. N6426722Q5028_RFQ_Redacted) Will the tasks identified in Section C be coordinated through a central government technical point of contact or will they be coordinated through individual points of contact at locations identified in para C.13?

Answer #17: The Contracting Officer shall be the Point of Contact (POC) for the overall BPA. For future Task Orders, the POC shall be identified at the Task Order level.

Question #18: (Ref. N6426722Q5028_RFQ_Redacted, Section B, pages 3 and Section J, ATTACHMENT I - PRICE WORKSHEET) The Government identified four possible methods of delivery, a. Classroom, b. Live virtual, Computer-based/on-demand, Blended formats incorporating two or more of the above, however it only provided 1 price option. Would the government consider accepting pricing options for each of these options?

Answer #18: Pricing is no longer required. However, the Offeror is required to fill out the “TASK AREA INTERESTS WORKSHEET” accordingly as per the instructions listed within Section L of the RFQ. The preferred method of delivery will be determined at the Task Order level.

Question #19: (Ref. N6426722Q5028_RFQ_Redacted, Section B, pages 3) What is the governments intent of this Note: ”NOTE: The requirements in DFARS 252.211-7003, Item Identification and Valuation, are applicable for this line item. The contractor shall provide DoD unique identification, or a DoD recognized unique identification equivalent.”

Answer #19: Clause has been removed. See the SF30, RFQ Amendment.

Question #20: (Ref. N6426722Q5028_RFQ_Redacted, Section C para 2, page 11) With regard to the assessments, does the government want the cost of the individual assessments or the cost of the training associated with the individual assessments plus the cost of associated assessments.

Answer #20: Offerors should provide costs at the Task Order level for each separately.

Some examples may include the following scenarios:

1. It is possible the Government could issue a Task Order that would include only the administration and debrief of an assessment (Task Area - Developmental assessments).

2. It is also possible that the Government could issue a Task Order that would also include delivery of a training or teambuilding session incorporating the results of an assessment that has previously been taken (Task Area - Training Program Design and Development).

3. Or, it is possible that the Government could issue a Task Order that includes multiple services, such as administering an assessment (Task Area - Developmental assessments), designing a training session incorporating that assessment (Task Area - Training Program Design and Development), and delivering it to the intended audience (Task Area - Facilitation and Teambuilding).

In all cases, the task area costs/rates should still be proposed as separate rates. In a situation like the third scenario above, the three rates would be added together to determine the total cost for the entire Task Order.

Question #21: (Ref. N6426722Q5028_RFQ_Redacted, Section C para 2, page 11) What is the scope and intent of the government training in project management according to PMBoK? PMBok is a broad overview of Project Management principles and processes. Project Management Professional Certification Training must be at least 35 hours to credit for the PMP application for predictive PMP Certification and 21 hours long for Agile Certification Professional Certification.

Answer #21: This will depend on the requirements outlined within a specific Task Order. It is possible that the Government could issue a Task Order for a comprehensive PMP certification prep course, in which case the entire PMBoK might be covered throughout the course. It is also possible the Government could issue a Task Order for a course on a specific project management topic, which would be more limited in scope but should still align with how that topic is covered within the PMBoK as a reference point.

Question #22: (Ref. N6426722Q5028_RFQ_Redacted, Section C para 11, page 19) The government is asking, in some cases, for Commercial Off-The-Shelf training courses which may or may not be copywrite by the vendor.

Does the government intend to reuse this copywrite material outside the scope of this contract? If so, will the government compensate the vendor for each use of the material?

Answer #22: If the Government has a requirement for a Commercial Off-The-Shelf training course it will be competed as a single Task Order and not duplicated. If the Government has an additional Commercial Off-The- Shelf course, it will be competed under another separate Task Order.

Question #23: N6426722Q5028_RFQ_Redacted, Section C para 13, page 20) Does the government have an estimated LOE for training at the locations identified in this contract?

Answer #23: No.

Question #24: (Ref. N6426722Q5028_RFQ_Redacted, Section L.2) Does the government want all pages of file “N6426722Q5028” included in File A of the submission?

Answer #24: See the SF30, RFQ Amendment.

Question #25: N6426722Q5028_RFQ_Redacted, Section L.2) Does the government need a SF 1449 for this solicitation included in File A? If so, does the government intend on developing one for submission?

Answer #25: See the SF30, RFQ Amendment.

Question #27: How many coaching sessions does the customer anticipate being conducted per year?

Answer #27: This will be dependent upon the bona fide need of the Government.

Question #28: What is the course audience for both the Leadership and Coaching requirements?

Answer #28: The audience may vary by Task Order. Most offerings provided to the end-user(s) are open to anyone regardless of their position, level, etc., but there may be requirements where the target is for a specific type of role, experience level, position type, or even specific organization unit/team.

Question #28: For the "Cybersecurity Topics" deliverable, can you please tell us specifically what kind of courses the customer requires? Is this for 8140 and 8570 compliance?

Answer #28: The specific learning objectives and subjects covered under this topic shall be identified at the Task Order level and may or may not need 8140 and 8570 compliance; this will depend on the requirements stated at the Task Order level.

Question #29: What is the course audience for the Cyber Security topics requirements?

Answer #29: The audience may vary by Task Order. Most offerings provided to the end-users are open to anyone regardless of their position, level, etc., but there may be requirements where the target is for a specific type of role, experience level, position type, or even specific organization unit/team. For this subject in particular, we can at least say the audience is more likely than not personnel who occupy technical-scientific, program management, engineering, and cyber-related positions.

Question #30: How many Cyber Security course engagements does the Customer project per year?

Answer #30: This will be dependent upon the bona fide need of the Government.

Question #31: How many Data Science courses do you project per year?

Answer #31: This will be dependent upon the bona fide need of the Government.

Question #32: For the Project and Program Management courses, how many iterations does the Customer anticipate per year? Are candidates simply preparing for PMI governed certification exams, or is the Customer looking for customized Project Management training that is specific to their individual roles and department requirements?

Answer #32: This will be dependent upon the bona fide need of the Government. It is possible that the Government could issue a Task Order for a comprehensive PMP certification prep course, in which case the entire PMBoK might be covered throughout the course. It is also possible the Government could issue a

Task Order for a course on a specific project management topic, which would be more limited in scope but should still align with how that topic is covered within the PMBoK as a reference point.

Question #33: For the Professional Development Courses, how many iterations is the Customer projecting per year.

Answer #33: This will be dependent upon the bona fide need of the Government.

Question 34: What is the preferred Customer course audience for the Government's Professional Development courses?

Answer #34: The audience may vary by Task Order. Most offerings provided to the end-user(s) are open to anyone regardless of their position, level, etc., but there may be requirements where the target is for a specific type of role, experience level, position type, or even specific organization unit/team.

Question #35: Can you please provide further details on the Quality and Production Assurance and Management requirement? Are there specific topic areas centric to the Customer's requirements that they would like addressed?

Any course names based on previous Market Research efforts conducted by the customer? Further clarification under the Course CLINS and Course Descriptions would be helpful.

Answer #35: Specific information describing exact topics and learning outcomes for subjects will be addressed at the Task Order level.

Question #36: For onsite courses, will the Customer provide classrooms that are equipped with workstations?

Answer #36: SOW, Section 12.1 addresses Government furnished training facilities for in-person training courses. Equipment not specified within the SOW 12.1 may not be available the Government furnished training facilities.

Question #37: Is it the expectation of the Government that the Contractor add the cost of travel at the Task Order level? There are no Travel CLINS listed in the pricing sheet provided by the Government.

Answer #37: If applicable, and only at the Task Order level, may Travel Costs be applied. All Travel Costs shall be in accordance with the federal Joint Travel Regulations (JTR).

Question #38: If the exact level of need may change from year to year in any given area, what will be the notification process be and how long with the vendors have to provide responses/proposals to those changes and addressing the emergent needs?

Answer #38: If there is a requirement for something wholly new, there is a high likelihood that such a requirement would be addressed under Task Area 5.0, Training Program Design and Development.

Question #39: For custom created content, what is the development process going to be? How many meetings?

Revisions/Evaluations of the courseware? What is the anticipated timeframe from the announcement of the Task Order to the expected delivery date of the course under development?

Answer #39: As specified in Section C of the RFQ, Paragraph 3 (more specifically in Paragraph’s 3.2 and 3.4), the vendor shall develop a work plan and propose a timeline that is appropriate for conducting the work required under the task within 30 days of award. The exact number of meetings or revisions/evaluations of course content or other products may depend on the nature of the requirement. The Government is interested in the vendor's expert insight in proposing an appropriate schedule, to which the Government may respond with feedback before we come to a mutually agreeable timeline, as outlined in Section C of the RFQ, Paragraph 3.

Question #40: Course materials are requested to be electronic and physical in Section 4.6 Course Materials to include physical and electronic. What is the preferred method of delivery for the course materials? Physical copies, or electronic copies?

Answer #40: This will be determined at the Task Order level and will in based in large part on the delivery method of the training activity.

Question #41: Section 6.0 references conducting retreats. Is the Contractor expected to set up and facilitate these retreats?

Answer #41: Section C of the RFQ, Paragraph 6 does include as possible services, the facilitation and successful run of teambuilding events/retreats, etc. The Government has Government-furnished training facilities for said services, unless otherwise indicated at the Task Order level.

Question #42: (Reference Page 31 of the RFQ) Does the delivery date of the CLIN specified as 30 dys. ADC represent the delivery time once the TO is issued?

Answer #42: No, the delivery will be determined at the Task Order level.

Question #43: What is the course duration for in-classroom and virtual delivery methods? Is the per person price on Attachment 1, for per person per day of training?

Answer #43: Instructional days are defined within the Section C of the RFQ, Paragraph 3.4. The number of instructional days for a particular training event will vary based on the requirements specified at the Task Order level.

Question #44: Do we have to add the cost of travel to the training cost?

Answer #44: If applicable, and only at the Task Order level, may Travel Costs be applied. All Travel Costs shall be in accordance with the federal Joint Travel Regulations (JTR).

(End of Questions and Answers)

NOTE: As identified on Page 78 of 87 of the RFQ, no further questions will be accepted by the Government at the date and time specified below:

“Questions must be submitted within three (3) calendar days of release of the solicitation.”