RFP_A15054_Amendment_01_Questions_and_Answers.xlsx

XLSX spreadsheet 23 KB Posted May 5, 2015

Attached to: Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program Federal contract opportunity
Solicitation number: RFPA15054
Issued by: Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service

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Other files attached to Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program, newest first.
File	Type	Posted
RFPA15054_Amendment_2.pdf	PDF	May 14, 2015
RFP_A15054_Amendment_02_Questions_and_Answers.xlsx	XLSX spreadsheet	May 14, 2015
Amendment_02_Combined_Synopsis_Solicitation_A15054.rtf	RTF text file	May 14, 2015
Amendment_02_Attachment_A_-_Statement_of_Objectives.docx	DOCX document	May 14, 2015
RFPA15054_Amendment_1.pdf	PDF	May 5, 2015
Attachment_A_-_Statement_of_Objectives.docx	DOCX document	Apr 22, 2015
Attachment_E__Past_Performance_Questionnaire.docx	DOCX document	Apr 22, 2015
Combined_Synopsis_Solicitation_A15054.rtf	RTF text file	Apr 22, 2015
Attachment_B_-_Treasury_SES_CDP_Implementation_Plan_OPM_Oct_2014.pdf	PDF	Apr 22, 2015
Attachment_C_-_SES_CDP_Issuance_Notice_TN-11-007.pdf	PDF	Apr 22, 2015
Attachment_D_-_Price_Submission_Worksheet.xlsx	XLSX spreadsheet	Apr 22, 2015

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Q&A

RFP A15054 SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE CANDIDATE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

	Solicitation Section	Question/#	Answer
	RFP/Imp. Plan	1. We understand that Cohort 1 will be the first official SES CDP offered by the Department of Treasury through TEI and that TEI’s vision is to manage and implement future cohorts as a multi-agency offering. (Request for proposal page 2). We further understand that The Internal Revenue Service operates under an existing OPM-approved SES CDP implementation plan although it is not prohibited from participation under [the TEI] plan. (SES CDP Implementation plan page 1). Does TEI already have bureaus and agencies identified to take part in these cohorts? If so, who are they? If not, how and by whom will such partners be sought, and in what timeframe?	Participating bureaus and agencies ("Agencies") are responsible for advertising for, vetting, and selecting their own candidates per the merit staffing process. Agencies have made selections for Cohort 1. The Government anticipates that the Agencies will be made known to the vendor upon award.
	SOO	2. What specific pan-Government or pan-Treasury problem is TEI trying to solve by creating this multi-agency program. Why this RFP? Why now?	The Government currently has a need for this program and has secured adequate funding to provide the program.
	SOO	3. As the curriculum is to be designed for a multi-agency approach (Statement of Objectives Page 3) is it correct to assume that any classroom element of this program will qualify as interagency ECQ-based hours?	Although federal regulations require a minimum of 80 hours of interagency classroom training tied to the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs), the Government does not anticipate that all classroom training will specifically be a part of the 80-hour rewquirement, although all elements of the program should be tied to ECQs.
	Att. D	4. We appreciate from reading Attachment D Price Submission worksheet that Treasury seeks a curriculum that comprises Orientation week, 80 Interagency hours, enriched additional ECQ-based training, Continuing learning seminars, peer learning, executive coaching and ECQ statement coaching. Is it intended that each participant in the cohort will take part in all of these activities?	Yes.
	Att. D	5. How are participants for enriched additional ECQ-based training and continual learning different from those participants taking part in 80 hours of interagency training? Are we correct in assuming 25 participants for all Cohort One elements? (Attachment D Price Submission worksheet)	The Government anticipates there will be no difference in the participants, and that approximately 25 candidates will participate in all elements of the Cohort.
	Att. D	6. What differentiates the content for Enriched additional ECQ-based training and continual learning from 80 Interagency hours training? (Attachment D Price Submission worksheet)	Regulations require at least 80 hours of interagency classroom training tied to the ECQs. Enriched and continual learning should still be tied to ECQs, but need not be interagency and need not be in the classroom.
	SOO	7. The documents provided make no mention of online teaching. Is it acceptable to offer some elements of Cohort One—for example orientation and continual learning as webinars or asynchronous online modules?	The Government does not discourage proposals that include different content delivery types such as via electronic methods.
	Att. D	8. Is peer learning something that will take place within hours allotted for classroom education or is this anticipated as intercession action learning and/or teleconference/shared space collaboration? (Attachment D Price Submission worksheet)	The Government anticipates peer learning will be intercession action learning and/or teleconference/shared space collaboration; however, the Government welcomes vendor proposals for all elements of the SESCDP, including the appropriate peer learning component for a superior SESCDP program .
	Att. D	9. Are we correct in assuming that most coaching and ECQ statement coaching will take place by phone? If it is necessary for this coaching to take place one-on-one in DC please specify. (Attachment D Price Submission worksheet)	The Government anticipates that coaching can take place telephonically.
	Att. D	10. What is meant by document management? Is this materials for participants to be handled through a Learning Management System? Or templates, reports and other material to be shared between Treasury and the contractor? Or both? If something different, please explain. (Attachment D Price Submission worksheet)	The Government welcomes proposals from vendors on how best to design and implement a document management system specifically for an SES CDP.
	Imp. Plan	11. (SES CDP Implementation plan page 1). To what extent will the successful contractor be working directly with the ERB? To what extent will the successful contractor be working directly with the Bureau/Agency Appointing Authority? Clarity around process and sign offs will help us with our pricing.	The Government anticipates that the contractor will work directly with the ERB on an as needed basis.
	SOO	12. In Attachment A Statement of Objectives Page 2, 5.2 Curriculum Development, it is not clear if Treasury seeks a detailed curriculum as part of this RFP, or merely the demonstration of capacity and experience to deliver such a curriculum. Please advise what level of detail is needed on components/modules within this RFP. A detailed curriculum would typically include session descriptions, learning objectives, classroom activities and recommended resources.	The Government seeks a detailed curriculum as part of this RFP.
	SOO	13. Is the goal of the RFP to obtain contractor support to manage the implementation of the existing Treasure SES CDP?	Treasury has an Implementation Plan approved by OPM, but no existing program beyond that descibed in the Implementation Plan.
	SOO	14. Will the contractor will be responsible for administration and management of the SES CDP for Cohort 1 while simultaneously, reviewing the program and making recommendations for future improvements?	The Government anticipates that any recommendations for program improvement will take place on an on-going basis.
	SOO	15. Previous sections of the RFP indicate that Treasury already has an existing SES CDP. Is the objective of paragraph 5.2 for the contractor to update the existing CDP curriculum based on the review conducted in paragarph 5.1? Or, is the contractor creating a new curriculum that will be delivered to Cohort 1?	See answer to question #13. The Government anticipates the contractor will create a program consistent with the Implementation and Corporate Plans approved by OPM.
	SOO/Issuance Notice	16. Are the modules that the contractor will develop part of the: 1)80 hrs of formal interagency and/or multisector training; 2)The TEI sessions; or 3)Supplemental training & activities as described in the issuance notice?	The Government welcomes vendor proposals for all elements of the SESCDP. The Government reserves the right to make a decision as to which elements the contractor will provide per cohort.
	RFP	17. Part I – Summary, #5. After reviewing the tasks listed in the RFP, it appears that it would be pertinent to set this aside for small businesses, but according to Part I- Summary, #5, this will not be set aside. Allowing this effort to be open to large businesses will greatly diminish the number of small businesses that will compete for this, however, there are multiple small businesses that have excellent past performance and will be able to provide these services at a very competitive price. Questions: Has any market research been done to determine if small businesses can complete this effort? Why is this effort not being set aside for small businesses?	The Government conducted preliminary market research between January and July 2014, using GSA-listed vendors, non-listed vendors, and Government agency providers. Both the IRS Office of Small Business and the Department of the Treasury's Small Business Administration Representative reviewed and approved this Full and Open competitive strategy.
	RFP	18. Is the Government using the Simplified Acquisition Process for this effort?	As noted on page 1 of the RFP, this procurement is being conducted IAW FAR subpart 12.6 "Streamlined Procedures for Evalution and Solicatiation for Commerical Items."
	SOO	19. Is contractor expected to deliver a specific 360 competency instrument, or can options be offered based on the participant's situation?	The Government currently does not require a specific assessment to meet the OPM regulatory requirements; however, the Government does anticipate that any assessment(s) will be facilitated at the beginning of the SESCDP and after the SESCDP is complete.
	SOO	20. Will coaches be required to debrief the results of 360 or other assessments?	The Government does not currently require that coaches debrief the assessment(s); however, it is open to all proposals for delivery of this element.
	SOO	21. Will Government assign a coaching and/or mentoring program liaison to support matching and tracking?	The Government will assign a mentor. The Government may or may not assign a coach. The Government anticipates the vendor will provide mentor training.
	SOO	22. Is coaching a mandatory part of the program for all participants, or will it be voluntary?	Coaching is not required per the OPM regulations governing the SESCDP, but the Government anticipates all participants will be required to have a coach during the SESCDP process.
	SOO	23. What is the expected duration (in months or hours) of the coaching engagements?	The Government welcomes proposals on the appropriate length of coaching for a superior SESCDP program.
	SOO	24. Will other developmental assessments (MBTI, EQ, etc) be expected as part of the program or coaching?	The Government welcomes proposals on all assessments that are appropriate for a superior SESCDP program.
	SOO	25. How many participants are expected to attend the program during year 1?	Given approximately 25 participants per cohort and up to 2 cohorts in the first year, the Government anticipates up to approximately 50 participants in the first year.
	General	26. Is there an incumbent contractor supporting your current SESCDP? Is support for your SESCDP part of a larger support contract?	This is a new requirement with no incumbant.
	Imp. Plan	27. In support of the SESCDP, has the Department of the Treasury used OPM’s Assessment Center (Shepherdstown, WV) for the delivery of the 360 Degree Leadership Competency Assessment Program? Would coordinating and integrating the use of OPM’s 360 Degree Leadership Competency Assessment Program be an acceptable alternative, or is the Department of the Treasury moving away from the use of other Government programs/function like OPM’s Assessment Center and want alternatives to the OPM Program?	In support of this SESCDP, the Department of the Treasury has not used OPM’s Assessment Center. This solution is not consistent with the program objectives.
	Imp. Plan/SOO	28. In support of the SESCDP, has the Department of the Treasury used FEI’s ECQ training Program? Would coordinating and integrating the use of FEI’s program be an acceptable alternative, or is the Department of the Treasury moving away for the use of other Government program like OPM’s FEI ECQ Training.	In support of this SESCDP, the Department of the Treasury has not used FEI'sECQ training Program. This solution is not consistent with the program objectives.
	Imp. Plan	29. The initial approved program (pilot) is for internal employees and future programs will be internal and external in terms of who can apply to participate in the program; please confirm that the intent was to have only Department of the Treasury employees in the initial program offering?	It is not the Government's intent to have only Department of the Treasury employees in the initial offering.
	Att. D/SOO	30. Does the pricing include the Federal employees’ travel and per diem based on the FTR, or is this considered separately and paid for by the employee’s agency?	All Agencies are responsible for their candidate's expenses.
	SOO	31. Is the contractor to handle all of the logistics for travel and hotel accommodations, but each Federal employee attending would pay their travel and per diem?	See answer to question #30.
	RFP	32. On page seven (7) of the Combined Synopsis Solicitation A15054.rtf, the format instructions state: ‘Use 8.5”x11” size paper, single spaced (doubled spaced between paragraphs) and single-sided;’. Does this mean there should be a single space between each line?	No addititional space is required between lines. The intent to is permit more text on each page, not less.
	SOO	33. Page 2: “The recommendation shall identify components that could be managed and implemented by federal staff as well as those components that should be outsourced by contractor support. The review and recommendations shall be documented and submitted to the COR.” Please advise what, if any, opportunities the contractor will be precluded from by advising that components should be outsourced by contractor support?	The intent of the question is not clear. The Government reserves the right to make any determination as to what components will be managed and implemented by the federal Government.
	SOO	34. Page 3: “The curriculum shall be designed for a multi-agency approach and not focus on the mission of the Department of the Treasury alone.” Is the Department contemplating sharing the curriculum with other agencies?	The Government reserves the right to offer the curriculum to other agencies.
	SOO	35. Page 4: How long does it take to clear personnel on average? Must all staff be US citizens?	Insufficient information to answer.
	RFP	36. Page 9: “ Please submit supporting information demonstrating the extent to which your proposed pricing is discounted from your standard published rates.” The required pricing sheet does not ask contractors to show rates. Please advise how contractors can show discounts.	You may provide additional pricing information not to exceed 2 pages in Volume II - Price.
	RFP	37. Page 16: “Offerors are hereby notified that the Government asserts unlimited rights to the Statement of Work captured at contract award and any later modifications and all metrics, procedures, processes, intellectual property, etc. developed in performance of the contract.” Please advise what exactly the Government asserts unlimited rights to.	"Unlimited Rights" is defined in the cited FAR clause 52.227-14. See here: https://www.acquisition.gov/sites/default/files/current/far/html/52_227.html
	RFP	38. RFP Section Part I – Summary, 16, page 1 – The responses for this RFP are due on May 25, 2015 which is a Federal holiday. Does the Government plan to extend the due date to accommodate submission of quotes on a day in which the Government is open for business?	The due date is extended to 4pm EST Tuesday May 26.
	SOO	39. RFP Section Statement of Objectives (SOO), 5.1, Paragraph 1, Page 2 – In what ways would we collaborate with TEI in executing the program? For example, in the Issuance Notice, Section C (3) states that the Executive Resource Board will select and approve mentors for SES candidates. Will the contractor collaborate with the ERB in selection, approval or management of the mentoring component?	See answer to question #11.
	SOO	40. RFP Section Statement of Objectives (SOO), 5.1, Paragraph 2, Page 2 – The list of minimum requirements for the proposal does not include evaluation. What is TEI’s approach to evaluation and how might the vendor collaborate to ensure the program is evaluated for quality and impact?	The Government welcomes vendor proposals for all elements of the SESCDP, including proposed evaluation programs.
	SOO	41. RFP Section Statement of Objectives (SOO), 5.1, Paragraph 2, Page 2 – The list of minimum requirements for the proposal states “continuing learning” as a requirement. What does this mean in the context of the proposal? For example, does it mean that the vendor integrate principles of continuous learning into the curriculum? Or is it asking how we might address learning post-program?	The Government anticipates that continuous learning generally means integrating principles of continuous learning into the proposed curriculum.
	SOO	42. RFP Section Statement of Objectives (SOO), 5.1, Paragraph 3, Page 2 – The RFP states that we will provide TEI with “lessons learned” upon program completion. Can we also provide lessons learned over the course of the program in an effort to assess quality, impact and make appropriate course corrections to the program design or delivery?	Yes, as appropriate.
	SOO	43. RFP Section Statement of Objectives (SOO), 5.2, Paragraph 1, Page 2 – The RFP asks that the contractor “develop a detailed curriculum.” Is this done as part of the proposal or something that is expected after award?	See answer to question #12.
	SOO	44. RFP Section Statement of Objectives (SOO), 5.6, Paragraph 1, Page 3 – Please further define incentives and dis-incentives based on performance metrics.	The prospective contractor shall propose (1) means to encourage outstanding fulfilment of the requirement as measured by the metrics stated at SOO 5.5, and (2) penalties in the event performance as measured by such metrics is poor. Creative responses are welcome. The intent is to create a scheme that rewards good performance and discourages bad.
	SOO/RFP	45. RFP Section Statement of Objectives (SOO), 6.5, Paragraph 6.5, Page 4 – The RFP asks that we provide resumes for key personnel including those involved in (1) curriculum design, (2) instructional delivery, and (3) program management. In the Combined Synopsis Solicitation (page 8), it indicates that we provide three resumes. Does this mean that we provide resumes for each of the three categories, and are not limited to the number of resumes we provide under each of the category?	The intent of the request was for the vendor to provide a single resume for each component, summing to three resume total.
	SOO/RFP	46. RFP Section Statement of Objectives (SOO), Paragraph(s) 4.2 Place of Performance: Page(s) 1 – Are Offerors allowed to work at their home office location during the period of performance for this contract?	The Government exerts no control over the time and location of a vendor's work schedule or location except as the vendor's presence might be necessary for delivery of a program.
	SOO	47. RFP Section Statement of Objectives (SOO), Paragraph(s) 5.5 and 5.6 Incentives, Dis-incentives: Page(s) 3 – What are examples of incentives and dis-incentives in this context? Are these financial incentives/dis-incentives?	See response to question #44.
	SOO	48. RFP Section Statement of Objectives (SOO), Paragraph(s) 6.5 Key Personnel: Page(s) 4 – In the fourth sentence of this paragraph, how is the term “memorialize” defined?	The contract award document will include the names of Key Personnel as offered.
	SOO	49. Reference: SOO Section 2. Background, paragraph 1, page 1
Question: Is there an incumbent for this effort?	See answer to question #26.
	SOO	50. Reference: SOO Section 5. Performance Objectives, paragraph 2, page 2. Question: Does TEI have any documentation clarifying their expectations for each of the ten “topics” the program needs to address (i.e. orientation, mentor raining/ administration/ monitoring, 360 leadership assessments, etc.)?	No.
	SOO	51. Reference: SOO Section 5. Performance Objectives, paragraph 4 and 5, page . Question: If the contractor designs a custom curriculum for TEI, will TEI expect to retain ownership of that curriculum upon completion?	Ownership of data is addressed in FAR Clause 52.227-14 as cited in the RFP. Reference answer to question #37.
	SOO	52. Reference: SOO Section 5. Performance Objectives, paragraph 4 and 5, page 3. Question: Can existing COTS curriculum be used as a component of the training and executive development components?	The Government welcomes vendor proposals for all elements of the SESCDP, including the use of existing curriculula and any support for the proposition that it is superior to designing a new curriculum .
	SOO	53. Reference: SOO Section 5. Performance Objectives, paragraph 4 and 5, page 3. Question: Is TEI looking to design a new curriculum, or simply revise the existing Treasury CDP program to make it applicable to multiple agencies?	See answer to question #13.
	General	54. Is there an incumbent to this work? Is so, who is currently supporting the SES CDP?	See answer to question #26.
	General	55. What is the current size of the team supporting this work today? What is the breakdown between employee and contractor?	TEI currently has one full-time program manager overseeing the SESCDP. The Government welcomes vendor proposals for all elements of the SESCDP, including the breakdown between employee and contractor.
	General	56. It would help to understand the circumstances driving the need for a new vendor to support this work. Is there a specific reason as to why the Government is issuing the SES CDP RFP now?	See answer to question #2.
	RFP	57. We have found that commercial experience can be of great value with similar programs to the SES CDP. With regards to Attachment E, Past Performance Questionnaire, will commercial experience be treated the same as federal Government experience?	Submitted Past Performance information will be evaluated using the criteria set forth in the RFP. Specifically, " The Government will evaluate the degree of relevancy between each Offeror’s past performance information and the solicitation requirements. In assessing the relevancy, the Government will evaluate the degree of similarity in size, scope, and complexity between an Offeror’s past performance information and the work anticipated to fulfill the SOO."
	SOO	58. Reference: RFP Section A, SOO Paragraph(s) 5.1, Page(s) 2

The Statement of Work identifies “Orientation” as an item to be addressed by the contractor. Attachment D, the price submission proposal identifies an “orientation week.” Does TEI envision a five day orientation period?

The Government welcomes vendor proposals for all elements of the SESCDP, including the appropriate duration of an orientation component for a superior SESCDP program .
SOO	59. Reference: RFP Section A, SOO Paragraph(s) 5.1 Page(s) 10

The Statement of Objectives on page 2 contains a reference to an “ECQ statement development.” It is not referenced in any of the other materials. Is it synonymous with an Executive Development Plan, or something else?

“ECQ statement development” refers to the final package each candidate must submit to OPM.
SOO	60. Reference: RFP Section C, Paragraph(s) 5- 5.1, "I" Page(s) 2

The OPM approved Treasury SES CDP at page 10 indicates that each candidate will attend two TEI sessions. Should the contractor assume that TEI will assume the identification and scheduling of appropriate programs?

The Government welcomes vendor proposals for all elements of the SESCDP, including the appropriate programs that meet this requirement. TEI sessions are often presented by outside vendors .
Att. D	61. Reference: RFP Section D, Price Submission, Paragraph(s) #0011 Page(s) 1

What does "peer learning" mean beyond wht occurs and what is measured in the classroom?

See answer to question #8.
Att. D	62. Reference: RFP Section C, Paragraph(s) # 0016 Page(s) 2

Does the "Reading Plan Development & Implementation" refer to the development of a reading plan over and above what is assigned as the 80 hour core requirement?

Yes.
RFP	63. As stated in the Combined Synopis/Solicitation p. 8 under Factor 1 Technical, please expand on the relevance of providing a Statement of Work.	The winner's proposed Statement of Work will be incorporated in the the final contract and become the document of record regarding the vendor's proposed solution to the Government's requirement.
	[End - questions received]

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated Nov 14, 2017.