Questions_Answers_for_NNG16573188Q.pdf

#NNG16573188Q 1

Responses to Questions for

Diversity & Inclusion and Diversity Dialogue Project (DDP)

DDP 101 Pilot

Question #1

It appears as though there are differing numbers of cohort groups envisioned in the SOW. For example, page 5, Method, mentions up to 5 cohort groups; page 3, SCOPE, mentions as many as 4 cohort groups; page 3, 1.4, instructs bidders to anticipate piloting 3 cohort groups during the pilot with up to 4 additional cohort groups as an option. Can the government please clarify the number of anticipated cohort groups during the base and option periods of the anticipated contract so that we may provide a reasonable, realistic price?

Response #1

The pilot will include a minimum of 3 cohort groups and maximum of 4 cohort groups including one cohort group at Wallops Flight Facility. For the option year Goddard will host up to 5 cohort groups throughout the year. Vendors may propose per group costs in order to reflect maximum flexibility for planning purposes.

Question #2 Referencing page 5, REQUIRED SKILLS AND PERSONNEL, which positions does the Government consider to be key for this effort?

Response #2

The Key Skills for this work include all of the following: Diversity Training/Facilitation, Organizational Development and Coaching.

Preference will be given for contractors who will utilize external facilitators during the pilot who have previous experience in facilitating GSFC”s DDP program.

Question #3 How many flyers will need to be created each year? Will NASA be responsible for printing and distributing the flyers?

Response #3

1-2 different versions of a flyer will need to be created each year. The D&I program currently has draft flyers with content that has been previously developed for the pilot. Yes NASA will be responsible for all printing and distribution of the flyers.

Question #4 How many electronic messages will need to be created each year?

Response #4

A minimum of 2 electronic messages will need to be created each year. All electronic messages would need to be tailored for specific audiences.

#NNG16573188Q 2

Question #5 How many briefing charts will need to be created each year?

Response #5

One set of briefing charts would need to be developed each year.

Question #6 Does the Diversity Dialogue Project have branding and a style guide to share with the contractor? Or does NASA require a new brand for the program and a new style guide for its redesign effort?

Response #6

The D&I program has current branding that is used for DDP. Previous branding materials will be provided to the selected vendor in order to create new materials. The D&I Program welcomes new ideas provided by the vendor related to rebranding the redesign effort.

Question #7 What available communication channels does GSFC currently use (e.g., social media, print media, website, email)?

Response #7

The D&I Program currently uses the following communication channels: email, website, print media, employee intranet, and strong word of mouth.

Question #8 How many total employees are you trying to reach?

Response #8

Each cohort group will include 13-17 people. The pilot will include a minimum of 3 cohort groups and maximum of 4 cohort groups including one cohort group at Wallops Flight

Facility. For the option year GSFC will host up to 5 cohort groups throughout the year. This will be a total of up to 68 people during the pilot and up to 85 people during the option year.

Question #9 What is the GSFC employees’ preferred method of receiving communications?

Response #9

The D&I Program uses a mix of communication methods to reach all employees.

#NNG16573188Q 3

Question #10

Concerning the requirements for D&I facilitators, the RFP states"...required to be a senior level D&I practitioner with 5 years’ experience in Diversity Training/Facilitation and OD/Coaching skills…."

Then it goes on to require......"Minimum education requirements of Masters of Arts or Science in

Organizational Development AND a certification in Organizational Development/Coaching."

This seems quite limiting--Many D&I practitioners have Masters Degrees with 5 years’ or more experience, but FEW in my experience, have Advanced college degrees specifically in OD who are experts in Diversity work, and are also certified Coaches.

In the Diversity, Inclusion, EEO, HR, Labor Relations, Unconscious Bias and Employee Engagement programs we have designed and presented to other federal agencies--many of them technical organizations, as NASA is--NONE have required this focused a requirement--What about Social

Work, Psychology, Rehabilitation Counseling, DEOMI-graduates and faculty, practitioners, authors, bloggers, and others, with equally valid degrees and experience?

Please consider keeping the Masters’ Degree and Years’ Experience but removing the OD and

Coaching requirement--it is unfair to many small businesses who might otherwise bid on this interesting project.

Response #10

OD and coaching skills are both required to do this work along with Diversity

Training/Facilitation skills. NASA envisions a teaming approach to fulfill the requirements as no sole practitioner would be able to fulfill all of the requested requirements. Since each vendor is expected to bring a team of people in order to meet the requirements all skills listed in the SOW are expected to be covered by a combination of all team members’ expertise, skills and experience. While an individual practitioner may meet two or more of the items listed under required skills, it is expected that the full list of required skills will be fulfilled by a combination of all team members’ skills.

#NNG16573188Q 4

Question #11

Preference to be given to previous NASA Diversity Dialogue facilitators--Why would facilitators who have prior experience teaching NASA Diversity Dialogue be favored over new facilitators with up-to-date experience, materials, philosophy, and a pulse on what is happening outside of NASA, in government, and Private Industry, Academia and Not-For-Profits, and elsewhere—IF--NASA is looking to update, enhance, expand its existing program? Wouldn't limiting new ideas and approaches that might challenge NASA's assumptions around Diversity, Inclusion, Unconscious

Bias, etc., increase the likelihood of Group Think?

Response #11

NASA values new ideas and perspectives as well as experience as we move into the next phase of a program that has a long and positive history. Preference will be given to vendors who team with experienced DDP facilitators in order to bring both a new perspective along with the experience and knowledge of the Goddard DDP. Our goal is to expand the current cadre of facilitators by pairing new facilitators with experienced facilitators both internally and externally. NASA has previously invested in training external facilitators and wishes to continue to capitalize on that investment by leveraging the talent of those with experience working within our program. By reaching back to previous external facilitators the program will maintain consistency and transition/re-learning time will be greatly reduced. We are hoping the redesign effort will allow us to expand into new areas while also building upon our current strong foundation.

Question #12

The FBO notice asks offerors to provide “a description in sufficient detail to show that the service offered meets the Government’s requirement. It is critical that offerors provide adequate detail to allow evaluation of their offer.” Can NASA provide additional information about the detail desired and how they will determine technical acceptability?

Response #12 The Statement of Work outlines services needed for support. There will be no guidance given on how offerors shall propose to satisfy the requirements of the SOW. Selection and award will be made to the lowest priced, technically acceptable offeror. Technical acceptability will be determined by review of information submitted by the offeror.

Question #13 Does the government want to see FFP labor rates or a single FFP to cover all services requested?

Response #13 Responsible sources shall submit a single FFP (all inclusive) offer for requested services.

Question #14 Should our FFP cover base and option periods separately or as a combined price?

Response #14 – The FFP should cover base and option periods separately.

Question #15 Should travel expenses be included in the FFP or will they be reimbursed separately as they are incurred?

Response #15 – Travel expenses shall be included in the FFP accordingly.