SFSIAQ10R0028_ Q A_ Team Building for CS and FSS.docx

SFSIAQ10R0028

Team Building for CS and FSS Solicitation Q&A

1. I understand this opportunity is a BPA. Do all team members considered to work on this project have to be cleared prior to proposal submission? I understand that it can take 3-6 months and we have not even begun the clearance application process for our team.

You do not have to be cleared to submit a proposal.

1. Has anyone done similar work for FSI in the past? If so, who?

Team Building Associates

1. How were the facility specifications developed?

Facility specifications were developed based on past experience and basic needs of this type of program.

1. Is FSI aware of any facilities in the prescribed service area that fit the detailed specifications outlined in the RFQ? If so, please identify.

Choice of space is at contractor discretion, but successful recent programs have taken place in the Grange County Park, in Great Falls, Virginia, and Rockwood Manor, a Montgomery County park, in Potomac, Maryland.

1. Is travel for vendor personnel authorized under this contract?

No. Bids should be fully loaded to include necessary expenses.

1. Why does the State Department require a vetted IT security plan to conduct teambuilding activities?

The security clearance is stated in the following clauses and provisions 652.239-70, 652.239-71 and 652.237-71. For more information please go to http://www.statebuy.state.gov/dosar/fullscreen.asp?menu_id=40

1. Please clarify the limits on physical requirements for the experiential exercises.

Exercises should not require any physical requirements beyond that needed for typical low element activities. Exercises selected by the contractor will be reviewed with Orientation staff prior to implementation for their appropriateness. Please see page 14 of the solicitation.

1. In case of inclement weather, does the government anticipate that teambuilding sessions would be cancelled/rescheduled, or is the intention to keep all scheduled days and have a contingency plan for weather and similar events that may affect an outdoor session?

The government does not anticipate cancelation or reschedule due to weather, but specifies that the site have adequate indoor/covered space for use in inclement weather.

1. If sessions are cancelled or rescheduled, will the government reimburse vendors for any travel-related expenses associated with the cancelled or rescheduled session?

Cancellations will be made with as much advanced notice as possible, and are not expected to be often. In such cases, costs incurred would be reimbursed if they were authorized under the contract.

1. Is it FSI’s intention or desire that all sessions take place at the same facility?

Different facilities may be used for Civil Service and for Foreign Service Specialist classes, however in the case of a two day Foreign Service Specialist offsite, where the class is split in two, the same facility must be used for both days.

1. Does FSI anticipate multiple awards? Or, would FSI consider separate awards for facilitation and the facility?

This is a fully loaded firm fixed priced multiple award Blanket Purchase Agreement. Please see itemized lines on the solicitation and section B for a detailed breakdown for bidding.

1. Who will be conducting the other days of training for the program?

Other training days are conducted by a combination of internal FSI staff, outside presenters and subject matter experts.

1. Is there a requirement or a preference to cap the team building training at a maximum of 12 or 13 individuals, or would the government consider combining more people into a single session if it proved advantageous to the team building exercises?

Details about small group size can be found in the solicitation (please see section C). Small group size for both Civil Service and Foreign Service Specialist will be determined by overall class size. During offsite activities, the class will be split into small groups, each with its own facilitator. However if during the course of the offsite activities, facilitators would like to do some, but not all, activities combining two or more groups, that is acceptable.

1. Please confirm that breakfast and lunch are to be provided to Foreign Service Specialist groups, but not to Civil Service groups.

Yes that is correct

1. How are breakfasts and lunches to be handled with Civil Service participants?

This is not the contractor responsibility.

1. How long is the lunch period for Civilian Service and for Foreign Service Specialist?

45 minutes to an hour, max.

1. Has the Team Building format been used before for the orientations?

Yes.

1. If yes, what were three of the outcomes that derived from the Team Building format?

a. Students understand that teambuilding skill, like technical proficiency, is an essential component of a successful career

b. Students understand how the diversity of personalities in any team impacts the team’s success

c. Students discuss and develop strategies to work within a diverse group to accomplish a mission and appreciate each individual’s contributions.

1. Is there an incumbent?

Team Building Associates

1. If yes, will the incumbent be responding to the RFP?

The incumbent is not precluded from bidding for this solicitation.

1. Is there a specific formatting process to follow for the technical narrative?

Please submit your proposal according to the instructions in section “L” of the solicitation.

1. When planning for breakfast and lunch, what is the approximate number of Foreign Service Specialist staff to prepare for?

Usually, one staff person from FSI accompanies the class, but occasionally it may be two staff people.

1. Is Breakfast expected to be continental or hot?

Breakfast has typically been a hot breakfast, but continental is also acceptable. The idea behind having a breakfast is to provide time and opportunity for the students to begin to know each other in a more casual setting than the classroom.

1. How much time should be allocated for breakfast?

30 – 45 minutes is usually enough time for breakfast.

1. Is it ok to incorporate the opening session into the latter part of breakfast if breakfast is required to last longer than 30 minutes?

Yes, an opening session may be incorporated into the end of breakfast.

1. My interpretation of answering questions in section “I” is, as long as you reference the paragraph pertaining to the provision that demands a response you can do it on a separate piece of paper. Is that correct?

No, we require that a completed section “I” is provided with your proposal.

1. Can you tell us if there is an incumbent or if this is a new requirement for the Foreign Service Institute?

See answer 19.

1. Is there an incumbent currently providing this training?

See answer 19.

1. If so, who is the incumbent?

See answer 19.

1. Is the incumbent eligible to respond to this solicitation?

Yes

1. If so, are you satisfied with the incumbent’s performance to date?

Yes