Questions_and_Answers.pdf

Questions and Answers

1. Is there an incumbent currently providing this work? If yes, can you please provide the name of the incumbent and the current contract number?

Response: There is no current contract.

2. How many foreign lawyers typically participate in each mock negotiation?

Response: It is not just foreign lawyers; it is often too, non-lawyers high-ranking government officials; the total number of foreign delegates usually ranges between 10 and 20.

3. How many U.S. pro bono lawyers typically participate in each mock negotiation?

Response: At least 4, as we usually divide the foreign delegation into two sub-groups which compete with each other; at least 2 US lawyers negotiate with each subgroup of foreign delegates.

4. What are some of the countries that have sent lawyers to be trained in past years?

Response: Iraq, Egypt, Pakistan; (Note: please see answers to question 2; it is not just lawyers).

5. Does CLDP already have a roster of pro bono firms they are satisfied with or should offerors be prepared to bring firms to the program through their own networks?

Response: As implied in the solicitation, resorting to lawyers who all come from the same firm may raise conflicts of interests. CLDP is looking for pro-bono lawyers from different firms.

6. C.4.1: Please confirm our understanding of the tasks required to be performed by the successful contractor:

a. Identify, organize and coordinate a team of pro bono lawyers meeting the stated qualifications to participate in each session;

Response: Correct.

b. Work with CLDP and the volunteer lawyers to prepare term sheets for each mock negotiation;

Response: Correct.

c. Work with CLDP and the volunteer lawyers to prepare relevant presentations;

Response: Correct.

d. Identify and secure a free venue for each event at a participating law firm’s offices.

Response: Correct.

7. C.4.1: Is the Contractor required to perform any services (coordination, communication, etc.)

for the foreign lawyers who will be trained?

Response: No

8. C.4.1.1: How should travel expenses be treated in the offeror’s proposal? Will the selected contractor be responsible for organizing and paying for approved travel by the pro bono teams?

Response: Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs) have been added for travel. All travel shall be provided at cost. The Government will use the ceiling amount of $10,000.00 per year for proposal evaluation purposes.

9. C.4.1.4: Are there any specific size or IT requirements for the free venue?

Response: Yes; capacity to accommodate large groups and several subgroups in different meeting rooms. The word “free” has been removed from this section, and the cost of this venue is assumed to be included in the offeror’s pricing.