23Q0043 Solicitation Amendment.docx

N6893623Q0043

SECTION SF 30 BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

SECTION A - SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

The following have been added by full text:

ANSWERING VENDOR QUESTIONS

The purpose of this amendment is to answer vendor questions. The deadline will not be extended.

1. Is this the first issue of this solicitation (is this a re-compete of an existing Navy requirement or a new requirement)?

A1: This is an existing Navy requirement. Previous contract number N6893620P0005.

1. Can you advise on if there were/are incumbent provider(s) for these services? If Yes – Who is/are the incumbent(s), and can you provide a previous contract number?

A2: CrisisCommunication.net LLC. Previous contract number N6893620P0005.

1. If there is an incumbent, is there a reason the known incumbent may be precluded from bidding on this new or existing requirement?

A3: No, they are not precluded.

1. Does this requirement stipulate that the proposed bidder must hold an active Form DD254 (Top Secret) Facility Clearance "Before BEING AWARDED" this contract?

A4: No. A DD254 is not required.

1. If an active Form DD254 (Top Secret) Facility Clearance is required, will arrangements be made to assist and provide adequate time to process the required paperwork, or are bidders without DD254 (Top Secret) Facility Clearance not advised to participate?

A5: A DD254 is not required.

1. For areas where strict requirements exist for an active Secret/Top-Secret Facility Clearance, would The Government accept a Contractor Teaming Agreements (CTA) under The GSA Construct that fulfills the Facility Clearance requirement?

A6: No strict requirements will exist regarding facility clearances.

1. Can this requirement be facilitated as a HUBZone Small Business Set Aside?

A7: No, based on market reserch, it is a Small Business set aside.

1. Can this requirement be facilitated on the GSA PSS (00CORP PSS) 874-1 SIN (541611) Schedule as a Small Business 8(a) Set-Aside? If so, will the Navy add this contract vehicle to allow small businesses an adequate opportunity to compete and support this requirement?

A8: It is a Firm-Fixed Price (FFP), Indefinite-Delivery, Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract, therefore, we cannot award in GSA.

1. Can you guide the level of effort expected (Total Labor Hours, Labor Hours by Key Team Members, etc.) to complete the Performance Work Statement (PWS)?

A9: See Paragraph 3.3 in the PWS.

1. Does The US Navy (Navy) anticipate that required personnel (Key & Non-Key) supporting N6893623Q0043 work remotely or on client site at Navy offices in Washington DC?

A10: In-person classes are located at Point Mugu and China Lake, CA.

1. What are the Workers' Comp Codes and National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) Classifications for the positions required under? N6893623Q0043? A Workers' Comp Codes and NCCI Classification Code is a three- or four-digit numerical code assigned by NCCI. Class codes are posted to differentiate between the various job duties (such as 8810 - Clerical or 8292 - Warehousing) or the scope of work performed by employees. The designation for specific workman’s comp code impacts costing for workman’s comp insurance.

A11: This contract is not Level-of-Effort. It is a FFP requirement for individual classes.

1. In trying to calculate annual work hours for this project (N6893623Q0043), does Navy use 2,080 (i.e., 40 hours/week * 52 weeks) for employees/contractors according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management Federal Standard? If NO, Please advise on how many hours per year are established for a full time under this contract? Does the Navy calculate annual work hours based on 2,080, 1920, 1860, or “other” please state?

A12: See answer to Question 11.

1. Can the Government provide specific guidance on proposal formatting for each required volume (Technical, Past Performance, Price, etc.), including font size, graphics/tables font size, margins, and page limitations?

A13: See Section L of the solicitation for instructions.

1. Should/Can Past Performance/Relevant Experience information be included in the Technical Proposal Volume, or should Offerors provide a separate Past Performance/Relevant Experience Volume for the response to N6893623Q0043?

A14: Per Section M, Past Performance was not included as an evaluation factor.

1. Are bidders required to provide a price estimate for Travel and ODC Costs related to The N6893623Q0043 Contract? If not, Does the government require that bidders provide a separate "best estimate" of Travel and ODC to accompany the proposal? In such an instance, please provide guidance on which specific proposal volume to include Travel and ODC Cost Estimates.

A15: See Paragraph 3.1.5.1 in the PWS.

1. Is this requirement part of a Multiple Award Schedule/Contract or a Single Award Schedule/Contract?

A16: Single Award Schedule/Contract.

1. Has The US Navy (Navy) held preliminary meetings with specific contractors interested in responding to this solicitation?

A17: No.

1. Is it estimated that full/total funding exists for this solicitation? If so, is there an intended Maximum/Minimum funding threshold?

A18: The individual orders will be fully funded.

1. Is the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA) Wage Determination in force with this RFQ? If so, can you advise a) What SCA/Wage numbers are applicable? And b) What City and State SCA Wage Determination takes precedence?

A19: No, there is no level-of-effort.

1. For areas where strict requirements exist for the number and types of past performance as a PRIME Vendor, would the government accept a Contractor Teaming Agreements (CTA) under The GSA Construct that fulfills Past Performance requirements?

A20: Past Performance is not an evaluation factor.

1. How many students do you anticipate for the virtual sessions? Based on our virtual training experiences 12-15 is ideal and any participant count past 20 would be more challenging to effectively facilitate virtually.

A21: Up to 40 students per session.

1. Firstly, we are curious about the anticipated class size. Could you kindly provide insight into how many participants are expected per session? This information would help us tailor our proposal to meet the specific needs of the Navy's requirements.

A22: Up to 40 students per session.

1. Secondly, we are eager to ensure our proposal aligns precisely with the Navy's objectives. Could you clarify whether the emphasis of the Risk Communication Training is on enhancing personnel's skills for hazards planning and preparedness, crisis communication, or an overall improvement of the supervisors skills in dealing with difficult situations? Given that the course targets supervisors and ESDPs, understanding this distinction would aid us in crafting a proposal that precisely matches your expectations.

A23: This course is targeted for Supervisors and Scientists and Engineers, so an emphasis on all three areas (hazards planning and preparedness, crisis communication, and an overall improvement of the supervisor’s skills in dealing with difficult situations) would be ideal.

1. Additionally, we encountered a challenge while attempting to register on the PIEE website, specifically related to the Location Code. Could you kindly provide the correct Location Code or assist us in resolving this matter? Your support in this regard would be greatly appreciated.

A24: The location code, within the PIEE registration module, refers to the vendor’s unique CAGE code.

1. Please provide the background that is driving a course titled Risk Communication.

A25: This course is designed for Supervisors and Scientist and Engineers in a development program (ESDP) to communicate information in high concern situations and issues.

1. Please provide a definition of what is meant by Risk Communication. We want to make sure we submit a proposal that focuses on your specific needs and objectives.

A26: See Paragraph 3.3.1.2 in the PWS.

1. We work with DoD organizations on a monthly basis and are not sure what would require us to implement NIST SP 800-171.

A27: The clauses are required to be in the contract but the Contracting officer has determined that NIST SP 800-171 is not required to be implemented under this contract.

1. I accessed the solicitation but unable to register in PIEE. I am receiving an error message when trying to search a “group”. Is this a requirement?

A28: Solicitations can be sent to the Contract Specialist (CS) over email. However, our firewall has been known to delete attachments that are too large. It will be the responsibility of the Vendor to contact the CS to ensure that the entire package was received before the specified deadline of the closing date of the solicitation.

SECTION C - DESCRIPTIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS

The following have been modified:

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

Performance Work Statement for Risk Communication Training

19 July 2023

1.0 SCOPE

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) is to provide risk communication training, specifically the course, “Risk Communication”, to the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD) command at China Lake and Point Mugu, California (CA), for the Human Capital Management Group (DEA4000). Training will support the Supervisory Development Program and Entry-level Engineering Science Development Program (ESDP), which provide initial training to new supervisors and ESDPs. The objective is to help the NAWCWD personnel that are responsible for communication about high concern workforce or risk issues.

Upon completion of the course, participants should be able to describe changes in how information is processed in high concern situations; craft and deliver messages responsive to questions and concerns; describe communication strategies to enhance believability, trust, and credibility in high concern situations; and describe ways to communicate information proactively about high concern issues.

2.0 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

N/A

3.0 REQUIREMENTS

3.1 General Requirements:

3.1.1 Compatibility: The Contractor shall maintain the capability to prepare documents and software packages compatible with the Government IT environment through the security classification of Unclassified. The current operating environment required for this contract includes:

The Contractor shall maintain the ability to interface with and transfer data to and from requiring office software applications and their upgraded versions. The Contractor shall maintain state-of the-art anti-virus software and ensure that all media are virus free when delivered. The Contractor shall be capable of Internet and Local Area Network (LAN) communications with the Human Capital Development Department. Contractor personnel shall be capable of maintaining real-time communications, both voice and data transfer capabilities, with the Human Capital Development Department during working hours whether at a Contractor work site or on travel.

3.1.2 Work Location, Facilities, and Telework:

3.1.2.1 Work location: Approximately 50 percent of work will be performed at Government site and 50 percent of work to be performed at Contractor site. Government sites include China Lake and Point Mugu, CA. Contractors performing on-site support will be provided access to the training classroom and any needed training equipment.

3.1.2.2 Telework: Telework is not authorized for this contract.

3.1.3 Contract Status Reporting: The Contractor shall provide the following documentation:

3.1.3.1 Monthly Progress and Financial Status Report: The Contractor shall provide a progress and financial status report. The report shall include work accomplished since submittal of the last report, both monthly and cumulative man-hour labor costs expended by labor category, and material and travel costs. (Contract Data Requirement List (CDRL) A001)

3.1.3.2 COVID-19 Mitigation Plan: The Contractor shall prepare a COVID-19 mitigation plan in preparation for any last minute Command restrictions. This plan will include an option to do training virtually. (CDRL A002)

3.1.3.3 Class Material: The Contractor shall provide class material. The Contractor shall ensure all material is 508 compliant in accordance with the U.S. Rehabilitation Act. (CDRL A003)

3.1.4 Work Schedule to include Government Installation Work Schedule, Holidays, and Installation Closure:

3.1.4.1 Work Schedule:

The Holidays applicable to this contract are: New Year's Day, Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., Washington’s Birthday (President's Day), Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

In the event that any of the above holidays occur on a Saturday or Sunday, or alternate Friday, then such holiday shall be observed as they are by the assigned Government employees at the using activity.

NAWCWD works a 4/5/9 work schedule. Therefore, alternate Fridays are not a part of the normal workweek for work performed on-site at a NAWCWD site. The majority of the Government offices are closed on alternate Fridays.

No deviation in the normal workweek will be permitted without express advance approval by the designated Contracting Officer or Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) with coordination of the using departments.

The Contractor may allow its employees to work the installation work schedule provided the requirements of this PWS are met. If the Contractor chooses to allow its employees to work an alternate schedule in support of this contract, any additional costs associated with the implementation of the alternate schedule vice the standard schedule are unallowable costs under this contract and will not be reimbursed by the Government. Additionally, the alternate schedule shall not prevent Contractor employees from providing necessary staffing and services coverage as required by the Government to the COR.

3.1.4.2 Installation Closure:

When Federal facilities are closed by the Government, or when Federal employees are officially excused from work due to a holiday or a special event, severe weather, a security threat, or any other Government facility related problem that prevents Federal personnel from working at the Government facility, Contractor personnel assigned to work at that facility in support of such Federal employees shall follow their parent company’s policies.

While generally Contractor personnel may not perform work on-site at a Government facility without oversight from Federal personnel, in very limited circumstances, work being performed by Contractor personnel may be deemed mission essential and performance of such mission essential work may be authorized to continue at the Government facility despite the facility being otherwise closed for normal operations. The circumstances permitting work being performed by Contractor personnel to be deemed mission essential are extremely limited and generally only apply to performance of efforts related to public health, safety, or matters related to national security. The cognizant Contracting Officer must concur with any determination that work being performed by Contractor personnel is mission essential.

3.1.5 Other Direct Costs:

3.1.5.1 Travel: Travel may include general and administrative expenses, but shall not include profit. For in-person training the Contractor’s Instructor shall travel to NAWCWD at China Lake or Point Mugu, CA, from the point of origin, for each scheduled class, and lodge at a hotel in the vicinity for the duration of the class. Travel cost shall be included in the cost of the class.

3.1.5.2 Material: Reserved.

3.1.6 Subcontractors and Consultants: Provisions stated herein shall be clearly and effectively communicated to all Subcontractors providing support under this contract. All provisions of this PWS shall flow down to Subcontractors providing support under this contract.

3.1.7 Management of Contractor Personnel: The Government will neither supervise Contractor employees nor control the method by which the Contractor performs the required tasks. Under no circumstances will the Government assign tasks to, or prepare work schedules for, individual Contractor employees. The Contractor shall manage its employees and guard against any actions that are of the nature of personal services, or give the perception of personal services.

3.2 Security:

3.2.1 Citizenship Requirements: Only U.S. citizens may perform under this contract. If the Contractor cannot find qualified U.S. citizens to perform the work, the Contractor shall submit a citizenship waiver request with justification to the Government Security Office. The waiver request should include:

3.2.2 Installation Access: Access to the NAWCWD China Lake and Point Mugu bases will be via visitor badge granted bt the Naval Air Weapons Station/Naval Base Ventura Country Visitor’s Center or NAWCWS Securuty Office.

3.3 Detailed Requirements:

3.3.1 Risk Communication Training:

3.3.1.1 The Contractor shall deliver a one-day (8-Hour) Risk Communication Training course to the NAWCWD workforce.

3.3.1.2 The Contractor shall teach students to:

a. describe changes in how information is processed in high concern situations;

b. craft and deliver messages responsive to questions and concerns;

c. describe communication strategies to enhance believability, trust, and credibility in high concern situations; and

d. describe ways to communicate information proactively about high concern issues.

3.3.2 Training Delivery Methods / Accessibility:

3.3.2.1 The Contractor shall provide training via online, Virtual Instructor Led Training (VILT), or in-person.

3.3.2.1.1 VILT: VILT is a virtual class held during a set timeframe with a live instructor.

3.3.2.1.1.1 The Contractor shall ensure training is accessible from the NMCI network via Government machines/assets. NMCI machines are only able to access web-based platforms. The use of employee’s personal devices will depend on the classification level of the information being provided.

3.3.2.1.1.2 The Contractor shall hold VILT classes on a Contractor-provided online platform accessible on NAWCWD employee computers (behind NMCI firewalls and restrictions) or on personal devices.

3.3.2.1.1.3 The Contractor shall provide an online virtual machine. If specific software is required for the course, the Contractor shall provide such software pre-loaded within the online virtual machine.

3.3.2.1.1.3.1 The Contractor shall provide support for the online virtual machine provided in PWS Section 3.3.2.1.1.3 throughout the online class.

3.3.2.1.1.4 The Contractor shall provide a test link and class login link to the NAWCWD Course Coordinator 1 week prior to class.

3.3.2.1.1.5 The Contractor shall ensure that instructors are available 30 minutes prior to the start of each class to ensure successful student login.

3.3.2.1.2 In-Person: In-person training is a hands-on training held during a set timeframe with a live instructor.

3.3.2.1.2.1 The Government will provide classroom space, in accordance with PWS Section 3.1.2.1.

3.3.2.1.3 The Government may change the class delivery method no less than 6 weeks prior to the start date, unless Command-wide restrictions are implemented (see 3.3.2.2).

3.3.2.2 COVID-19:

3.3.2.2.1 All courses are subject to transition from in-person to a VILT format upon updated NAWCWD Command COVID-19 restrictions.

3.3.2.2.2 The Contractor shall develop a COVID-19 mitigation plan in preparation for any last minute Command restrictions (CDRL A002).

3.3.2.2.3 The Government will notify the Contractor within 24 hours of any changes to the NAWCWD COVID-19 restrictions that require transition from in-person to a virtual format.

3.3.2.3 Accessibility:

3.3.2.3.1 The Contractor shall ensure training is accessible from the NMCI network via Government machines/assets.

3.3.2.3.2 The Contractor shall ensure all training is 508 compliant in accordance with the U.S. Rehabilitation Act.

3.3.3 Course Materials:

3.3.3.1 Vendor Logistics Package:

3.3.3.1.1 The Government will send a Vendor Logistics Package to the Contractor no less than 5 weeks prior to the start of the class.

3.3.3.2 Student Guides and Training Material:

3.3.3.2.1 The Contractor shall provide Risk Communication classroom materials, including but not limited to student workbooks, slides, and evaluations (CDRL A003).

3.3.3.2.2 The Contractor shall provide electronic copies of all classroom materials no less than 2 weeks prior to the start of the course (CDRL A003). The Government will upload electronic copies of all classroom materials to a Navy internal system. Access will be restricted to students registered for the class.

3.3.3.2.3 The Government may be unable to distribute hard copies to employees during extended telework periods. The Contractor shall inform the Government if electronic materials will create an additional burden that diminishes the effectiveness of the training.

3.3.3.3 Course Evaluations:

3.3.3.3.1 The Contractor shall utilize NAWCWD’s online Course evaluation to evaluate the instructor/course delivery.

3.3.3.3.2 The Contractor shall provide course evaluation login instructions to students during class and provide time during class for students to complete the course evaluation.

3.4 Labor Category Definition: Not Applicable

3.5 Minimum and Maximum Quantities

As referred to in paragraph (b) of FAR 52.216-22 “Indefinite Quantity" of this contract, the contract minimum quantity for the five-year ordering period is 1; the maximum quantity is 10 trainings per year for the Risk Communications Courses, totaling 50, for the five-year ordering period.

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