Q&A-LE Critical Skills_OFOP0001665_final.pdf

Questions and Answers for Law Enforcement Critical Skills Training for Bosnia and Herzegovina OFOP0001665

Date: December 31, 2024

Question 1:

Although the total funding is between $375,000 and $430,000, it is unclear to me how this might be distributed between two awards and I would appreciate your advice. In addition, although it is anticipated that two awards might be granted, is it possible that a single proposal from one organization or partnership might be successful for the total award?

INL Response:

Distribution for multiple awards will be based on the duties performed. One award is preferable.

Question 2:

IADLEST may be interested in putting in a proposal for this announcement. But we most likely would only put in a proposal for four (4) of the six (6) subject areas where we have pre-established Subject Matter Expertise:

• active threat (shooter)

• cybercrimes investigations

• narcotics investigations

• criminal intelligence/data analysis

Would such a proposal be accepted, or must a proposal contain all six (6) subject areas to receive consideration?

INL Response:

It would be accepted, however the award will be based upon the training provided.

Question 3:

For Goal #1, Active Shooter/Active Threat training, should the training be structured to include lecture and tactical hands-on scenarios or just lecture? If scenarios are expected, does the funded organization supply weapons and simunition-type ammunition? If scenarios are expected, will INL assist with finding a location suitable for this scenario training?

INL Response:

INL will assist in finding suitable location but will not provide weapons simunition-type ammunition. If the organization awarded can’t supply simunition weapons INL will assist in locating them.

Question 4:

Must an organization include all six goals, or can we pick and choose which goals to include in our proposal?

INL Response:

We would prefer one vendor for all courses but can consider multiple awards/CM

Question 5:

What expectations does INL have regarding the length of each course? Less than five days, five days, or longer than five days?

INL Response:

5 days for each course

Question 6:

Will all the training take place in Sarajevo?

INL Response:

No, we plan to have courses in Mostar in where state police academy (AEPTM) is located.

Question 7:

Once awards have been determined, will the funded organization(s) have access to the assessment mentioned in the NOFO?

INL Response:

No. That is an internal document and organizations need only provide training we have identified.

Question 8:

Will the classes be conducted in English? If not, should the applicant include interpretation/translation costs in the budget?

INL Response:

Please include interpretation/translation costs in the budget.

Question 9:

Should the applicants include a budget line item for refreshments for each course?

INL Response:

Yes

Question 10:

Is it permissible to provide students with meals rather than providing individual per diem?

INL Response:

Yes, is it permissible. Students need to be provided with lodging and meals (full board)

Question 11:

How many students does INL expect for each class per Goals 1-6?

INL Response:

15-20 students

Question 12:

For goals 2-6, will students have access to computers for hands-on training? If not, should applicant budget for providing students with a computer/software?

INL Response:

No. INL will arrange access to necessary computer and software/CM

Question 13:

Course length - our understanding is each course will be 5 days long, Mon-Fri. Can you confirm?

INL Response:

Each course will last 5 days Monday-Friday

Question 14:

Training Delivery Logistics

• What are the preferred locations/regions for delivering the training within Bosnia and Herzegovina?

• What is the expected class size for each training session?

• Will INL Sarajevo provide facilities and training venues?

• Will INL or Host Government agencies fund the cost of travel (lodging, transportation, per diem) for all students?

• Are there specific training dates, timelines, or scheduling constraints for each of the six training sessions?

INL Response:

• Mostar, where state police academy (AEPTM) is located

• 15-20 students

• One of the options is for INL to coordinate with the Academy (AEPTM) to use the training venues. The other option is for a grantee to provide training venues depending on the circumstances. (for instance, the Police academy is not able to provide training venue for specific dates)

• INL will not fund any of the listed costs; a grantee is obliged to provide lodging and meals for students. Transportation and per diem are expected to be provided by host government agencies, but it is in their discretion.

• No

Question 15:

Budget and Financial Considerations

• What is the process for invoicing, will this be Firm Fixed Pricing?

INL Response:

Award will not be a Fixed Amount Award and disbursement plan will be determined during the awarding process. Normally these are arranged on a quarterly basis tied to quarterly progress reporting.

Question 16:

Collaboration and Communication Will there be opportunities for collaboration with local agencies or other stakeholders? We recommend an initial Site Survey prior to the first course.

INL Response:

INL Sarajevo will serve as the conduit for scheduling and identification of students for training to be provided and collaboration with local agencies will not be required. If a site survey is required for training and it can be conducted within the parameters of the budget INL Sarajevo will concur.

Question 17:

The NOFO states the deadline for submission as February 2, 2023 by 11:59PM EST and Grants.gov lists it as Sunday, February 2, 2025. Can you please confirm the correct deadline for submission?

INL Response:

The correct deadline is February 2, 2025

Question 18:

Grants.gov says program funding/ ceiling is $ 430,000, and award floor is $375,000. Both NOFO and Grants.gov say “anticipated number of awards is 2 awards”.

1. Please clarify the total amount anticipated for each award?

2. Is the total funding pool per award 375K or 430K?

3. Can one application apply for the full 430K ceiling?

INL Response:

For the anticipated number of awards we stated 2 awards but the correct number of anticipated awards would be arranged for 1-2 awards, meaning that one application can be for the full 430K ceiling. Distribution for multiple awards will be based on the duties performed.

One award is preferable. As for the funding pool per award, it would be decided upon the review of applications.