Questions_from_vendors_W_Responses_OPMMOIUS_and_WSU_Comments-_FINAL_v1.docx

Questions from vendor

Response:

The Government is requesting the vendors ISO 9001 or CMMI certification for services. This will ensure added quality assurance. There are no sub-factors, just a certification.

Response:

Yes

Response:

Contractor is to produce the Project Management Plan (PMP) after contract award.

The PMP is a coordinated compilation of planning elements and for OPM-MOI program should include the following elements (usually as separate attachments or files):

1.Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) (including WBS Dictionary)

2. Schedule

3. Spend Plan (Typically a monthly plan of expenditures)

4. Risk Assessment/Risk Management Plan (or Risk Mitigation Plan)

Main focus and purpose of PMP (within OPM-MOI program) is to cover scope, schedule, cost (via spend plan), and risks. Other recommended elements can include quality, communications, human resources, procurements, and stakeholder engagement. The PMP becomes the baseline or reference point for measuring project performance during execution.

While the PMP is the responsibility of the contractor, OPM-MOI staff includes experts in program management who are available to advise and support them in these efforts. The level of support will be dependent on the contractor’s internal ability and experiences with project management, but potentially limited by OPM-MOI staff workload and engagement with other projects.

p.7, SOW – Business Licenses The Evaluation Criteria for Technical Evaluation Factor 1 (page 31, last bullet) requires offerors to provide “proof of appropriate business licenses as outlined in the Solicitation.” However, the SOW states (p.7, Business Licenses) that a Saudi Business License will not be required for U.S businesses. Will the Government please clarify what business licenses a U.S offeror must have and provide proof of within the Technical Evaluation Factor 1?

Response:

Saudi business license is not required to perform this contract. However, the contractor must have the appropriate U.S business license to conduct this type of work

Response:

The contractor will be given access to GDP policies and procedures to the extent GDP policy permits once SCAs arrive in country and begin engagement with the GDP.

Response:

The Saudi work week runs Sunday-Thursday with an average training session running 4-6hrs (starting between 7-9am to about 11-2pm). Exact durations of the training day may vary and be negotiated to some degree between SCAs and the GDP.

Response:

Come with different skill levels, but all have worked in corrections for some years, and have some knowledge of basic corrections. The presumptive default is that this is their first exposure to corrections based on modern, evidence-based correctional practices.

Response: No

If project funds and scheduling allow, make-up training sessions may be scheduled.

Response:

This is not known, nor will it be known until the program begins. The assumption should be that the SCAs will not participate in the assessments, but will have access to the reports and findings.

Response:

MI&E and lodging expenses are covered under the PSA for personnel on TDY.

As envisioned, training would be conducted over the course of the project duration in two separate, approximately year-long iterations. There may be some flexibility in the timing of course deliveries over the duration of the project should extenuating circumstances arise. There may be circumstances in which the GDP requests schedule adjustments, subject to ongoing coordination with the contractor and OPM-MOI.

Response:

Timing is as stated in the solicitation – “subsequent to award.”

Response:

KSA will provide travel funding for GDP participants and the two interpreters attending study tours.

Response:

The first study tour should take place prior to the first training session.

Response Please see pricing attachment

QUESTIONS PERTAINING TO THE SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS, THE STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW) AND PRICING:

1. Section I, Submission Information Pertaining to Request for Proposal, page 2, states that the Contractor must hold its proposal valid for up to 180 calendar days from date of submission; however, the FedBid site states that “bids must be valid for 30 days.” Please confirm the correct period of validity for offers.

Response: The correct period will be 180 calendar days

2. Statement of Work (SOW), Page 7: Please clarify if Contractors must be licensed in the KSA to perform this contract. Page 7 of the RFP states that U.S. businesses are NOT required to have a KSA business license, but directly below that it states that Contractors must be appropriately licensed.

Response:

Saudi business license is not required to perform this contract. However, the contractor must have the appropriate U.S business license to conduct this type of work

3. SOW, page 7, Requirements, and page 14, Translation, states that the “The Contractor will develop and deliver an instructor training program for [the topics listed below] (page 7) and that “The contractor will provide course materials and study tour materials, such as curricula, presentations, handouts, homework assignments and instructor guides.” (page 14). However, pages 13-14 of the RFP state that the KSA will provide “All on-site support services for courses given in Saudi Arabia to include training facilities, equipment and supplies.”

Can the INL more clearly define the responsibilities of the Contractor vis-à-vis the KSA in terms of providing training support – i.e., is the Contractor responsible for providing the curricula, presentations, handouts, homework assignments and instructor guides for the training courses and Study Tours, and the KSA is responsible for providing the physical training facilities, equipment and supplies? What exact “equipment and supplies” (e.g., student tables/desks/chairs, computers/laptops/printers, A/V equipment, writing utensils, etc.) will the KSA be providing for both the training courses and the Study Tours? How and who will coordinate the logistics for the KSA-provided equipment and supplies used on the Study Tours that take place in the U.S.?

The KSA will provide all equipment needed at the KSA training academy. The contractor should provide the SCAs and guest instructors with their own personal gear (duty belt, flashlight, handcuffs, CPR mask, etc. – that is required to demonstrate how to perform basic escort, first aid, cuffing, etc. No equipment should be required for the KSA study tours.

4. SOW, pages 9-10, Requirements 1(a-e), states four trainers per session for the Academy Instructor Certification (General Course) and three per each Specialized

Course. Please clarify whether the trainers referenced here are meant to be the Training Specialists or the SCAs.

Depending on the skill sets of the SCAs, it could be the SCA plus guest instructor; however the default assumption should be the training specialists.

5. SOW, page 12, Study Tour: Will the Study Tours run concurrently with any of the regular KSA training courses? If so, should the Contractor assume additional personnel will be needed for the “up to three study tours in the U.S.”? a. Can the INL more clearly define the SCAs’ role(s) in implementation of the “study program”? While the RFP states that each SCA position is full-time over the course of the contract, it is not clear how much time or effort each SCA position will devote to administering the study program, project management/reporting, quality control, curriculum development and coaching/mentoring.

The study tours should not be held concurrently with training, but occur before or after training. The SCA should: help define the scope of the study tour (e.g. main topics of focus); input on selection of KSA personnel to participate; accompany the group; help arrange for all logistics in transit and on the ground; brief KSA participants prior to departure and de-brief upon return; help serve as escort throughout the study tour.

6. SOW, page 12: In reference to the “Locally Employed Staff,” we understand that the USG will hire one Locally Employed Staff in Riyadh to provide project support to the SCAs. Can the INL provide more details as to the specific roles and responsibilities of the Locally Employed Staff? Will he/she primarily be supervised/managed by the SCAs or by the USG Program/Project Manager?

The essential function of the Locally Employed Staff (one person) is administrative assistance. Contractor staff may not supervise direct-hire staff, which includes the Locally Employed Staff. By project support, we mean to assist with basic administrative needs and routine office management.

7. SOW, pages 13-14, Project Management, states “The Contractor will provide the necessary administrative support to execute the project.” However, directly below that, it states that the KSA will provide “office space” and “logistical and administrative support for two SCAs and one Locally Employed Staff, including in-country transportation” in addition to providing “on-site support services for courses given in Saudi Arabia.” Can the INL please clarify who is responsible for providing the required administrative support? If the Contractor is partly or wholly responsible, will these be considered additional personnel/positions?

The Saudi side of the OPM-MOI program will provide office space and local transportation, in addition the hiring of one administrative assistant as noted in question 6, to assist with clerical tasks and local logistical/coordination needs. The Embassy provides housing, medical, and sponsorship for visas, permits and licenses. Happy to respond to other specific questions about administrative support if required.

8. SOW, page 13, Project Management, further states that the Contractor should “Draft a project schedule and spend plan and submit them to the USG and the KSA Program Directors for approval within 60 calendar days of receipt of funding.” Given that the RFP gives specific course durations and schedules, will Contractors have flexibility in terms of proposing alternate course durations and schedules, provided that all course, curricula and other training requirements are met? Does the Contractor have flexibility in determining the duration of each topic within the general and specialized Programs of Instruction (PoIs) listed on pages 8-12 of the RFP?

Response:

Within acceptable norms and with a thorough explanation of how the deviation will meet the requirement – yes.

9. In reference to the “KSA PSA Standard Governance Requirements Deliverables” shown in the table on page 15 of the RFP and the “Example Timetable and Deliverables” shown in the tables on pages 18-19, is the Contractor responsible for submitting the monthly Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) Reports?

Ordinarily, IV&V is performed by an independent Contractor who is not directly performing on the program so that there is no subjectivity in reporting of program performance indicators.

10. SOW, page 14, Audit & Independent Verification & Validation (IV&V): Can the INL please confirm that all IV & V activities will be performed by a neutral third-party?

Response:

The contractor will not perform audit or IV&V. OPM-MOI will arrange for these requirements to be met.

11. SOW, page 22 states that “The Offeror shall be responsible for per diem, Medevac, visas and passports;” however, below it, on page 22, it states that the USG will provide “Administrative and miscellaneous support to include employment and residency sponsorship (for the purpose of obtaining visitor visas), residence permits, driver’s licenses, assistance with obtaining family visitor permits and other related documentation” for U.S. citizens who are government employees or contractors working in furtherance of the Women Corrections Academy Training Project, and who are relocated to Saudi Arabia in support of this project.” Can the INL confirm whether the USG will provide assistance in securing/facilitating visas for Contractor personnel relocating to the KSA for the sole purpose of serving on this program, or will this be the Contractor’s responsibility?

Response:

The Government will provide a sponsor letter needed to obtain visas for contract staff. The contractor is responsible for obtaining the visas through the Saudi Embassy or a Saudi Consulate.

12. SOW, page 22 similarly states that the USG will provide “Residential services, including leasing, managing, furnishing and maintaining housing” as well as “Travel services to arrange air and land transportation…to include all work-related travel in Saudi Arabia” for U.S. citizens who or contractors working in furtherance of the Women Corrections Academy Training Project and who are relocated to Saudi Arabia in support of this project.” Can the INL clarify whether it will be responsible for identifying and providing housing for Contractor employees relocating to the KSA to work on this project in addition to arranging travel to the KSA for Contractor employees? Will the Contractor or the INL be responsible for the costs of said housing and transportation?

Response:

The Government will provide for residential housing for contract staff, including payment of rent and basic utilities. Housing units come fully equipped and furnished. The contractor should arrange travel for contract employees consistent with the Fly America Act and approval of the COR. The contractor may bill travel expenses as approved by the COR and in accordance with the terms of the contract

13. SOW, page 26, requires that “The offeror provide resumes for all proposed Key Personnel positions for approval by the USG.” What is the estimated timeframe for reviewing/approving resumes and for conducting the DS/SI/PSS preliminary background checks in conjunction with the MRPT determination (reference RFP page 25)?

Response:

This process depends on the individual clearance. It could range from 3months to a year.

14. SOW, page 29: Training Specialists: “The Training Specialists shall travel to and from Riyadh as necessary to successfully offer the required training courses outlined in the SOW. They shall arrive on-site with sufficient lead time to prepare for successful course instruction and delivery and shall leave Riyadh after courses have complete[d]. These individuals will report to the SCA-Program Manager. Lodging will be provided by the USG, while in Saudi Arabia. This position will be full-time during course preparation and delivery for a maximum of up to two years.”

The specifics of how this will be executed rest with the bidder – reference should be made to the overarching goal of the program and how these pieces fit within that framework.

Particular to the Level of Effort (LOE) for Training Specialists, the SOW indicates that they will be full-time during course preparation and delivery maximum of up to two years (page 29); however, in a previous solicitation reference, it states that there could be gaps of 2-4 weeks between courses (page 6). Additionally, given that the RFP does not state how many Training Specialists are required, can the INL please provide more specific details regarding the LOE expected for curriculum development and delivery of training by the Training Specialists?

15. Page 31, Technical Evaluation Criteria, contains a table that separates out costs for Labor, Training and Travel for each contract year. However, the Bid Template provided with the RFP asks Offerors to show their total proposed price for Labor, Training and Travel as a consolidated number for each contract year. Please confirm whether Offerors should provide the prices as required in the Bid Template, or as in the table on page 31 of the RFP.

Response: Correct, the pricing table is attached.

16. Page 34, Technical Evaluation Factor 3: Staffing, states that Offerors should describe the “Extent to which resumes of non-key personnel demonstrate education, professional experience and certification(s) appropriate for the positions proposed.” Elsewhere in the RFP documents there are no references to any non-Key Personnel. Please confirm that resumes are required for non-Key Personnel positions, and please specify what, exactly, these positions are.

Response:

There are no non-key personnel positions on this contract/project. The SCAs and the training specialists are Key Personnel, and resumes are required.

17. The Bid Template also asks for “Manufacturer” and “Part Number.” Please explain how these are relevant to the SOW – since the awarded Contractor will only be providing labor and training services, how should Offerors fill out the “Manufacturer” and “Part Number” cells in the Bid Template?

Response: This is only applicable to products and is provided by Fedbid. It is not relevant to this requirement.

18. For pricing purposes, should Bidders assume three Study Tours?

Response: Yes

19. What information is required in the “Seller Description” part of the Bid Template?

Response: The only items required are on page 6 of the solicitation (Submission Requirements).

20. To ensure parity among offers, can the INL please specify (or estimate) the required number of Training Specialists?

Response:

The solicitation references a recommendation for trainers depending on the courses. A responsive bid will assume best practices in the response.

21. Page 31, Evaluation Criteria, states that “proof” of the “Offeror’s ability to deploy SCAs and Training Specialists and their ability to perform the scope of work and Post within 30 days of contract award” is required to be selected for contract award. Can the INL please specify what forms of “proof” are acceptable to demonstrate this?

Response:

Resumes with detailed training completed and active certifications.

22. Pages 32-33, Technical Evaluation Factor 2: Past Performance: The instructions listed in Attachment 2 state that the Offeror’s contract references should complete the Past Performance Survey and return the completed form directly to the DoS. However, pages 32-33 of the RFP states that Offerors should provide “a minimum of two (2) and a maximum of three (3) Past Performance Contract Profiles (refer to Attachment 2 – Past Performance Contract Profile)” for evaluation of their proposals. Please confirm that Offerors should send Attachment 2 to their contract references for completion and have the references return the completed forms directly to the

Response: Please submit references (Past Performance to Fedbid)

DoS. Secondly, please clarify if and how Offerors should complete the Past Performance section of the proposal – i.e., should Offerors only complete Part 1 of Attachment 2 and submit this as their Past Performance proposal volume, or is there a separate document titled “Past Performance Contract Profiles” that was meant to be released with the RFP?

Response: Offerors are only submitting the Past Performance Survey (which shall include their Government references)

1. FedBid says that Offerors may submit bids in minimum bid decrements of $1.00, but the pricing template asks offerors to include their lowest price. Please clarify if it is sufficient for bidders to enter their lowest proposed prices in the pricing template, or if bidders are also expected to manually upload their bids via the FedBid site in $1.00 decrements.

Response: Please see price attachment

2. FedBid states under “Evaluation Criteria/Basis of Award: Sellers understand that the Marketplace ranks all Bids by price; however, pursuant to applicable acquisition regulations and/or departmental guidelines, Buyers may use criteria other than price to evaluate offers. Accordingly, please note that, unless otherwise specified in the Buy Terms, below, to the extent required by applicable regulations and/or guidelines, award will be made to the responsible Seller whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Buyer on the basis of price, technical capability, delivery and past performance.” However, the RFP says that proposals will be evaluated using the Best-Value Trade-Off Criteria. Can the INL confirm whether this is LPTA (Lowest-Price, Technically Acceptable) or Best Value?

Response: This requirement will based on Best Value

3. FedBid lists the following requirements for this acquisition, which seem inconsistent with the Statement of Work. Please confirm if and how each item listed below is applicable. a. BIDDING REQUIREMENTS: “Seller Attachment(s): In addition to providing pricing through the marketplace, Sellers have the OPTION to include certain non-pricing information as document(s) attached to their Bid, so they are received no later than the closing date and time of this Buy. The attachment(s) should include the following non-pricing information: This area is blank. Please provide the remainder of this sentence.

Response: Please see pricing attachment.

b. Brand Name or Equal: The Buyer is allowing Sellers to submit bids for alternate items, provided those items meet all of the salient physical, functional or performance characteristics specified by the RFP. Sellers MUST enter exactly what they are bidding (including make, model and description) into the blank description field in order for the bid to be considered. Please explain how this requirement is applicable to the current solicitation, since the SOW requires labor and training services, not equipment or related items.

Response: Does not apply, it is only applicable to

c. Purchase Order or Delivery Order: The Buyer intends to issue award using a PO or delivery order. Sellers unable to accept POs or delivery orders will not be considered for award.” Please confirm this is applicable to the current solicitation.

Response: Not all Fedbid language applies, this solicitation is not applicable to the solicitation.

d. BUY TERMS: “All equipment must be new and unused, in original packaging and unaltered – no grey-market or refurbished products. Please confirm this is applicable to the current solicitation. . Response: Not all Fedbid language applies, this solicitation is not applicable to the solicitation.

e. “All items must also be manufacturer-approved, covered by a manufacturer’s warranty and procured through a manufacturer-approved distribution channel. Sellers must be able to document their ability to provide items through manufacturer-approved distribution channels upon request.” Please confirm this is applicable to the current solicitation.

Response: Not all Fedbid language applies, this solicitation is not applicable to the solicitation.

f. “All bid prices must include shipping FOB Destination. No partial shipments are permitted, unless otherwise specified by Contracting Officer at time of award.” Please confirm this is applicable to the current solicitation.

Response: Confirmed

g. “The selected Offeror must comply with the following commercial item terms and conditions. FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors – Commercial, applies to this acquisition. The selected Offeror must submit a completed copy of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items. FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. The following FAR clauses in paragraph (b) of FAR clause 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Items, will apply: 52.222-21, 52.222-26, 52.222-35, 52.222-36, 52.222-37, 52.225-13, 52.232-34.” Please confirm these FAR Clauses are each applicable to the current solicitation.

Response: Confirmed

“To be considered for award, Sellers must be manufacturer federally authorized distributors/resellers of the equipment/services they are offering with a demonstrated capability of delivering the orders within the timeframes specified. Sellers are required to provide documentation to be considered for award.” Please confirm this is applicable to the current solicitation. If yes, please clarify what is meant by “Sellers must be manufacturer federally authorized distributors/resellers of the equipment/services they are offering.” Please also state the acceptable means of proof for demonstrating that Offerors have the “capability to deliver orders within the timeframes specified” and specify what exact “documentation is required to be considered for award.”

Response: Confirmed

1. Can the INL please provide more clarity regarding to what extent the Contractor is intended to liaise between the two parties (i.e., the USG and KSA) in executing the RFP training requirements?

The SCAs will be a critical communication link between the USG and KSA in regards to the technical aspects of how the KSA is advancing in the development of its personnel, including objective analysis of skill levels, abilities, receptiveness of the students to the training, etc.

3. Can the INL provide more concrete details pertaining to the USG’s expectations for the overall Level of Effort (LOE) required of staff, such as by providing a staffing matrix with relevant tasks and hours anticipated for each task by position?

The vendor should define the level of effort and a matrix of tasks and hours.

3. The RFP documents do not describe the specific structure, order or contents of the proposal, specifically the Price and Past Performance sections. Can the INL provide guidance as to what should be included in each of these sections?

Response: Both document are attached, The offeror should provide their own pricing and the survey is given to your representatives (references).

4. For the Past Performance Factor, the RFP requires three past performance references that are “directly relevant to the required effort that are of similar size (dollar value), scope and complexity.” Can the INL provide an estimated value for this project, so that Offerors can select past performance references that meet the dollar value-relevancy criterion?

Response: The offerors are to provide the Government with pricing. Please see pricing attachment.

5. Please confirm the correct solicitation number for this opportunity – FedBid and FBO list solicitation number PR7627943_01, but the RFP lists solicitation number 191NLE18R0012.

Response: The PR is the purchase request and 191NLE18R0012 serves as the actual solicitation.

1. Reference: Acquisition NAICS Code 1.1 Question: Can the government clarify which NAICS code this acquisition will fall under? On the solicitation, it states the corresponding NAICS code is 541611 Administrative Management and General Management Consulting while the opportunity’s FedBid page presents 611430 Professional and Management Development Training

Response: Please utilize NAICs code 611430 for this requirement

2. Reference: Business Licenses 2.1 Question: Please confirm that US Businesses are NOT required to have a Business License?

Response: Correct business licenses are not required.

3. Reference: Page 3; Evaluation Section requirements 3.1 Are attachments or appendixes presenting training instruction information considered to be part of the page count?

Response: No, the training appendix will be a separate component and not part of the page count

3.2 Are cover pages considered part of the page count?

Response: No, the cover pages are considered separate

3.3 Can the government expand the page count for the Plan of Action and Statement of Understanding section from 15 pages to, at least, 20 pages?

Response: The Government will make an exception to extend no more than 20 pages. A penalty will not be given if over 15 pages.

4.4 Are offerors allowed cross reference between evaluation sections (i.e. Plan of Action/Statement of Understanding with Cost/Price or Staffing information)?

Response: No, the offerors may not cross reference sections.

3.5 Would the government consider consolidating the Plan of Acton and Statement of Understanding with the Hiring Experience section into a single, 40-page volume?

Response: No, the Government is requesting not to consolidate for this requirement

4. Reference: Page 3; Price Submission Requirements 4.1 Can the government clarify whether a PDF or Excel sheet is required for the cost/price section of the proposal?

Response: An excel should be provided.

5. Reference: Page 3 and 32; Past Performance 5.1 Past Performance Contract Profiles: Can the government clarify if the two pages is the attachment 2 completed, or is the offeror able to provide a 2-page narrative along with the attachment 2? If 2-page narrative, can the government clarify if you would like to provide a template regarding what it should contain or if offeror may use their own template?

The offeror will utilize the PPS provided and forward to their Govt representative (who will fill out the survey). The complete PPS shall be no more than 2 pages. Offerors will not use their own template.

5.2 Attachment 2 Past Performance Survey: Could the government clarify or provide guidelines for completing this survey? (Is offeror supposed to send blank survey to a government representative, does government rep send the survey directly to government, to whom do they send it to, by when, etc.)

Response: The survey should be sent to three government representative. The Govt representative will Past performance information and all PPS should be uploaded on Fedbid

6. Reference: Page 4; Course Curriculum 6.1 Question: Is the contractor expected to develop and produce the Course Curriculum, syllabus, POI’s and student training material or will they be reviewing, updating and adapting existing Corrections training courses?

Reviewing, updating, adjusting existing course curricula to fit the circumstances (capabilities and gaps) of the KSA.

7. Reference: Page 5; Course Schedule 7.1 How are the courses schedules structured (the RFP indicates that there can be two to four-week gaps between courses)? Is the government or KSA responsible for setting the course dates or is the offeror to supply a sample schedule?

A sample schedule should be provided and a final schedule will be negotiated with the KSA. 7.2 Are Training Specialists provided housing in host nation during gaps between courses?

Response:

Training specialists will receive government-provided housing for the periods of time of training including a couple of administrative days prior to and immediately following specific courses. Stays in government housing may be permissible to cover short gaps of a week or less between courses, subject to availability of TDY housing units. If TDY units are not available and we need to lodge Training Specialists in commercial lodging, the gaps would not be covered at program expense.

8. Reference: Page 16; Government – and Host Nation Provided Support 8.1 Could the government and host nation clearly list and explicitly state which equipment, materials, and items that the government and host nation will provide?

Response:

The Offeror should assume that the KSA will provide all necessary equipment, training materials, etc. for the students and their training academy.

8.2 Regarding providing comprehensive cost proposal, could the government and host nation provide a specific list of equipment, materials, and other items an offeror is required to provide?

Response:

The Offeror should assume that the KSA will provide all necessary equipment, training materials, etc. for the students and their training academy.

The contractor should provide the SCAs and guest instructors with their own personal gear (duty belt, flashlight, handcuffs, CPR mask, etc.) that is required to demonstrate how to perform basic escort, first aid, cuffing, etc. No equipment should be required for the KSA study tours.

8.3 Does GFE encompass office equipment and basic supplies only, or does it include all equipment needed for students and staff, i.e.: tactical vests, ballistic and non-ballistic shields, helmets, chemical agents, gas masks, batons, handcuffs, leg irons & belly chains, knee pads, elbow pads, etc.?

Response:

The KSA will provide all equipment to conduct the training.

8.4 Are SCAs and Training Specialists expected to use contractor or government/host nation provided communication equipment/services?

The Government will provide cell phones for domestic communications within Saudi Arabia. The OPM-MOI facility has capability of making toll-free phone calls to and from the United States for official or reasonable personal needs. TDY housing has internet available. The contractor may provide other communications equipment/services at their option, but they will NOT be billable to the contract.

9. Reference: Page 29; Medical Clearances 9.1 What are the medical clearances required to satisfy this requirement? Is there a list that offeror can access?

The contractors should provide a proof they are medically fit to perform overseas for a long period of time. Must submit DS-3057.

10. Reference: Page 30; I) Plan of Action and Statement of Understanding 10.1 Question: A requirement of this evaluation factor includes ISO 9001 and/or CMMI for Services Certification. However, these requirements are not mentioned throughout the entire solicitation. Could the government remove this requirement as a portion of the Plan of Action and Statement of Understanding, or expand upon the precise requirement?

Response:

The Government is requesting the vendors ISO 9001 or CMMI certification for services. This will ensure added quality assurance. There are no subfactors, just a certification

11. Reference: Page 34; Staffing Plan Evaluation Criteria 11.1 The solicitation mentions that offeror must designate roles for proposed non-key personnel, will the government consider only assigning Senior Correctional Advisors (SCAs) as key personnel and Training Specialists as non-key personnel?

No. SCAs and Training Specialists are key personnel.

11.2 Will the Government consider re-defining Key Personnel as: Senior Corrections Advisor - Program Manager (SCA-PM) and Senior Corrections Advisor (SCA)?

No. SCAs and Training Specialists are key personnel.

12.1 Does the government have a timeline for contract award?

At this time, the Government does not have a specified timeline. Please Note: the period of performance is subject to change.

12.2 SCA and Training Specialists Personnel restrictions: Are there USG or KSA mandated restrictions on the personal “lifestyles” preferences of personnel hired to conduct and oversee this training?

Response:

All SCA and Training Specialist personnel are subject to Chief of Mission authority and any restrictions he/she may impose. Saudi Arabia has what some consider a restrictive social environment with restrictions on consumption of alcohol, socially appropriate dress, and public interaction between genders.

12.3 Are Demobilization or Transition plans due with the proposal submission or after award?

Response:

Both plans are due with the proposal.

12.4 Regarding project travel requirements, is there a plug that the government would like all offerors to use for pricing?

Response: Please see attachment