SFSIAQ14Q3001_Q A.docx

1. Could you please provide the incumbent names and contract numbers for these services?

There are multiple incumbents, as this was previously a multi-award Blanket Purchase Agreement. 21 vendors were awarded a Blanket Purchase Agreement from the previous solicitation.

2. Is this new work or has this work been contracted previously?

This work has been contracted previously.

3. If contracted previously, what is the average dollar volume of work completed by a contractor under the BPA?

The dollar amount cannot be released at this time. You may submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for additional information.

4. If contracted previously, what is the percentage of work done in the US vs. overseas?

95%

5. In terms of professional qualifications, how important is Foreign Affairs experience? If we have none, would we be considered not technically qualified?

Foreign Affairs experience is highly desirable. Lacking foreign affairs experience will not automatically disqualify you.

6. In terms of Personnel Transportation/Travel Costs (noted on pages 20-21), would contractors who reside outside of the Metro area be reimbursed for travel? Or, are you looking only for contactors who reside in the metro area It is not a requirement to reside in the Washington, D.C. metro area. However, travel expenses to and from the National Foreign Affairs Training Center (FSI) will not be reimbursed to the contractor. The contractor will be offered per diem and M&IE in accordance with Section G.2 for any classes/requirements which take place outside of the Washington, D.C. metro area.

7. We are writing to inquire if the Government would accept offers for the above solicitation under the NAICS code 541611 Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services. In our experience, the services required under the RFQ are frequently procured under the that category in addition to the education category currently named in the RFQ.

No, this requirement will remain under NAICS code 611430. Your company must be registered under this NAICS code in order to submit a quote.

8. Can I bid with more than one company?

As an individual, your resume may be submitted by more than one company. Any partnering must be done as a prime/subcontractor relationship. The prime must perform at least 51% of the work. Subcontracting plans will be approved or denied during the evaluation process.

9. Considering that the contractor is requested to quote 'fully loaded, firm fixed rate' fees (Section B.4) for coaching sessions (8 hours over 4 months per Section B. CLINs 021-025), that some sessions may require travel (Section F.2.B), and that travel expenses for executive coaching are to be included in the session fee (Section G.2), please advise how such travel expenses should be reflected in the cost

It is up to you how to calculate such costs. Please provide a fully loaded rate, which means inclusive of all costs, including travel. The vendors shall provide ONE rate per line item in Section B.

10. Regarding the requirement of 'documented evidence of effectiveness as an executive coach within a USG environment' (Section C.4.D), are non-Foreign Affairs USG entities (e.g., DHS, HHS, FEMA, etc.) considered relevant?

Documented evidence within a USG environment is highly desirable. You may submit any experiences you deem relevant.

11. Regarding the requirement of 'documented experience of at least 5 years working within the Foreign Affairs culture' (Section C.4.D), are non-USG organizations involved in international development and humanitarian affairs considered relevant (e.g., multilateral organizations, international research institutions, development contractors, NGOs)?

Documented experience within the Foreign Affairs culture is highly desirable. You may submit any experiences you deem relevant.

12. As with the indication of typical number of courses delivered on an annual basis (Section C.4.A), is it possible to indicate the typical (or anticipated) number of coaching sessions provided on an annual basis?

The typical number of coaching sessions per individual client can be up to, but is not limited to, five- each approximately an hour long.

13. Regarding the requirement that coaches must be graduates of an ICF-approved certification program (Section C.4.D), how would you assess a proposal that includes experienced coaches (15 years of executive coaching experience) who are in the final stages of completing such a program?

As stated, the requirement is that coaches must be graduates of an ICF-approved certification program.

14. As a clarification of the submission requirements for executive coaching services (Section M, and M.1.2.a), please advise what sort of documented evidence is required/preferred specifically for i) the offering firm, and ii) each individual consultant proposed (e.g., should the technical proposal include a 2 page summary, three client references, and additional evaluations/reference letters for each proposed consultant?).

The offeror shall submit resumes of each proposed consultant, a sample instructional design, a list of completed relevant training or professional certifications, a list and summary of at least three Client Engagements, and three examples of relevant past performance with summaries and contact information. If an offeror is brand new and has absolutely no experience at all, this shall be stated within the past performance information. Please see Section M for further detail.

15. Can this requirement be facilitated as a SBA 8 (A) Set-Aside?

No

16. Does the Department of State have the requisition in-house for this particular solicitation (Number SFSIAQ14Q3001)?

This question is unclear. This solicitation is a requirement for an upcoming need and will result in multiple award blanket purchase agreements.

17. Is this the first issue of this solicitation - Is this a re-compete of an existing Department of State requirement or a new requirement?

This is a re-compete of an existing Department of State requirement.

18. Can you advise on whether or not there were/are incumbent provider(s) for these services? If Yes – Who is the incumbent?

Please see question number 1.

19. Has the Department of State held preliminary meetings with specific contractors interested in responding to this solicitation?

No

20. Is it estimated that full funding exists for this solicitation? If so, is there an intended funding threshold and what is the minimum for this threshold?

This solicitation will result in multiple unfunded blanket purchase agreements. Funded BPA Calls will be issued as required by the Program Office (LMS). The intended thresholds will not be revealed.

21. Is this requirement on schedule to execute a contract with the selected vendor doing the current fiscal period?

Yes.

22. Is there a prescribed procedure for technical evaluation on this solicitation? If so, can you describe procedures?

Yes. Please refer to refer to Section M.

23. Can you assist us by sending a copy of the solicitation, as we have had difficulty downloading the documents?

Please use the following link to access the solicitation. https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=4dddad7514517ba3901f5f22b1f49323&tab=core&_cview=0

24. Section B.3 of the solicitation states that “the contractor shall provide a per session fully loaded, firm fixed rate." What is the length of each session (minutes per session) for the general leadership training (BLS, ILS and ALS)?

Each course is approximately five days long with up to, but not limited to a total of 10 sessions per course. Sessions may run from up to, but not limited to, two or three sessions per day running approximately 1 ½ to 3 hours each with 15 minute breaks between.

25. Does FSI's Leadership & Management School currently use an off-the-shelf or a customized learning management system? FSI’s Leadership and Management School currently has a customized learning management system.

If the learning management system is off-the-shelf, which one is FSI using? N/A

26. In addition to DVC and Adobe Connect what other blend leaner and e-learning platforms, instructional design tools, and virtual educational tools does FSI’s Leadership Training Division currently use to design, deliver and evaluate its training? (i.e. Google hangouts, podcasts, Adobe Captivate, Storyline, etc.)

Currently, FSI is exploring additional platforms than DVC and Adobe Connect. No other formats are functioning.

27. Is it expected that all deliverables will be delivered in English to native speakers of English?

Yes

28. What is the median age of enrollees in the Leadership Training Divisions’ training programs?

LMS does not track this information.

29. Does FSI anticipate significant changes in the enrollee demographic? if so, please describe these anticipated changes? (i.e. new hires, an influx of “Millennial” employees, etc.)

LMS does not anticipate any significant change in enrollee demographics at this time.

30. Section C.2 states “ If providing instructional services, the contractor must demonstrate capabilities in each of the four courses of interest.” while section C.4.B states the following professional qualification — "Knowledge and training expertise of at least 7 years in the subject matter related to the precepts and learning objectives of one or more of the four courses.”

The contractor must demonstrate capabilities, knowledge, and training expertise in each of the categories on which the contractor chooses to quote on. The contractor may quote on one or more than one of the courses

31. Please clarify the requirement: Does the contractor need to have expertise in the content for only one course or is the contractor required to have expertise in the content of all four courses?

The contractor may submit a proposal package for one or multiple or all of the course categories. The contractor must have the required expertise in the categories he or she chooses to propose on.

32. Section C.4.A refers states that “A total of 100 plus sections across the four mandatory courses are being delivered annually to the Department of State’s foreign and civil service personnel. Approximately, 33 sections each of the Fundamentals of Supervision and 37 sections of the Basic Leadership Skills courses shall be offered annually.

What does “section” mean? A section means one class offering of a course.

Is a section the equivalent of a “course” or “class”? A class.

Does this refer to 33 different courses, each with its own unique content? No.

Or do you mean that a specific course may be offered 33 times? Yes.

33. Section F.2.A Instructional Assistance states the "Services under this contract will be performed primarily at the Government's facility located at the George P. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center (FSI) at 4000 Arlington Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22204.”

Is it required that the contractor be based in the Washington, DC metro area full-time or can some of the instructional assistance work be completed off-site? In the case of delivering actual course content face-to-face I understand that the contractor will need to be present at FSI in Arlington, at one of the Department of State’s domestic or overseas locations, or at another USG agency location. However, is it anticipated that some of the instructional design work (curriculum review, creating course materials, etc.) will be performed virtually from the contractor’s place of business? If FSI agrees that the contractor may complete some of the instructional deliverables off-site, what percentage of contract time will the contractor be required to be on-site at FSI in Arlington?

All training will be conducted at a physical FSI site, either the FSI campus or a State department location overseas or domestically. The location of any instructional design depends upon the task requested. Coaching may be done from a contractor’s office. The percentage of contract time dedicated to curriculum review and design may be up to 10%.

34. What percentage of the course materials we create/design/develop/revise for the Basic Leadership and Introduction to Supervision courses offered in Solicitation SFSIAQ14Q3001.

Approximately up to 10%

35. What percentage of the course work is delivered online or virtually?

Currently, none.

36. Can you please tell me the number of hours for the introductory meeting about the Executive coaching program?

Approximately up to, but not limited, to one hour.

37. And, is it possible please to read what is included in your confidentiality requirement?

Not at this time.

38. Do you accept work experience at the World Bank or at the International Institute of the United States Graduate School at the United States Department of Agriculture for your evaluation factor of five years of experience within the Foreign Affairs culture?

Any relevant work experience can be submitted. Experience with Foreign Affairs culture is highly desirable.

39. Finally, are we able to negotiate our price upon your offer? Or, are you willing/able to share please your acceptable price ranges for these courses and coaching assignments?

The offeror shall submit their pricing offer in accordance with Section B. Our Government Cost Estimate will not be released. Section B, Pricing, will be evaluated in accordance with Section M

40. Is there a current incumbent or is this new work? If there is an incumbent, can the government provide the company’s name?

See question 1

41. Under PWS Section C.4.A Instructional Assistance Background, it states in the last sentence of paragraph “In addition, the course content for each course will be developed, updated and/or blended with other delivery means such as online courses or webinars, as needed, to meet the growing needs of LTD and Department of State learners.

Does the government have courses already developed for CTRN 001, CTRN002, CTRN003, and CTRN004

No.

If so, can the government clarify the statement in question #2 (In Addition, course content for each course will be developed)

As stated “….the course content for each course will be developed, updated and/or blended with other delivery means such as online courses or webinars, as needed, to meet the growing needs of LTD and Department of State learners.”

42. Under PWS Section C.4.Requirements the RFP lists course learning objectives.

QUESTION: Based on the learning objectives, will the vendor have to use their literature/educational reference material to develop courseware or will the government provide references for courseware development?

The government will provide references.

43. Under PWS Section C.4 .B Instructional Assistance Professional Qualifications and Section M-Evaluation Criteria, paragraph M1.1.a, Evaluation Factors /Sub-Factor 1 (Technical), it states: instructor personnel must have documented experience working within the Foreign Affairs culture (e.g., State Department, USAID, Peace Corps, intelligence agencies).

QUESTION: Will the government accept instructors and facilitators with 7 or more years’ experience instructing courses such as Interpersonal Communication skills, Situational Leadership, Teambuilding, Supervision, and EEO/Diversity to DoD active duty, corporate executives, private sector managers, and DOD civilians?

Any relevant work experience can be submitted. Experience with Foreign Affairs culture is highly desirable.

44. Under PWS Section C.4 A. Instructional Assistance-Background it states in last sentence of paragraph that “In addition, the course content for each course will be developed, updated and/or blended with other delivery means such as online courses or webinars, as needed, to meet the growing needs of LTD and Department of State learners.

QUESTION: With regards to online courses being developed, will the contractor be required to develop online courseware in accordance with SCORM and Section 508 compliant requirements?

Yes

QUESTION: What Learning Management Systems (LMS) does FSI currently use for online training?

An FSI customized system.

QUESTION: Does the government have an LMS the contractor can test eLearning courseware prior to delivery

Yes.

45. Under PWS Section L.4 it states “Prospective offerors are encouraged to submit quotes on recycled paper with a high post-consumer waste content and there must be no type of binding.

QUESTION: How does the government want proposals submitted? With just a coversheet and held in place using rubber bands? Placed individually in envelopes; or submitted in plastic folder/sleeves?

The offeror may decide, as long as there is no binding (spiral binding, staples, etc.)

46. Under PWS Section L4 it states “It is recommended that the proposing contractor use brevity, clarity and a sense of restraint in answering all requirements Please see page limits in Section M, Evaluation Factors”

QUESTION: The RFP mentions page limit in L4, but what is the proposal page limit? I did not find page limits in Section M.

There is no page limit for the proposal package as a whole. Please refer to Section M, Deliverables.

47. Under PWS Section M-Evaluation Factors: Deliverables Required, it states -Resumes of current contractor staff who would deliver training under this contract, no more than 2 pages per staff.

QUESTION: Can the vendors submit resumes for instructors/facilitators who have signed offer letters to work on this contract if awarded?

The offeror shall submit resumes of individuals who would deliver under this contract.

48. Are there current BPA incumbents? How many incumbents?

See question 1

49. In the past have the majority of BPAs been awarded to individual consultants or to Small Businesses?

Both.

50. Pricing CLINS cover Executive Coaching and delivery of each of the four, 5-day Leadership courses. The SOW discusses instructional development services. How are instructional services to be priced?

The four, 5-day Leadership courses are the Instructional Assistance and Development. Any qualifications listed under Instructional Assistance apply to all four courses.

51. Please clarify the requirement, Under CTRN005 – Coaching, Professional Requirements states “Must be a graduate of an International Coaching Federation-approved coaching program.

The awardee must be a graduate of an International Coaching Federation approved coaching certification program.

52. Please clarify the requirement, Under Section M, Deliverables for Executive Coaching states- Copies of coaching certifications from ICF or an ICF approved organization.

Copies of coaching certifications from either ICF itself or an organization approved by ICF to offer coaching certification.

53. What is the requirement? Is it question 51, 52, or both?

Both

54. Under Section M, Deliverables for Executive coaching states: “List of at least 3 client engagements”. Is this for each coach resume included in the proposal or is it 3 client engagements/past performance contracts for the company?

Both. Offerors shall submit: Resumes, a list and summary of at least three Client Engagements, and three examples of relevant past performance with summaries and contact information

55. Under Section M, Deliverables for Instructional Assistance states “Summary 2 page listing of relevant training completed or professional certifications related to requirements described in CTRN 004” . Is this in addition to information already provided in the individual resumes or is this some type of company listing? Please clarify the “Summary page 2” requirement.

This is in addition to the resumes and separate from three examples from past performance. Offerors shall submit: The offeror shall submit resumes of each proposed consultant, a sample instructional design, a list of completed relevant training or professional certifications, a list and summary of at least three Client Engagements, and three examples of relevant past performance with summaries and contact information. If an offeror is brand new and has absolutely no experience at all, this shall be stated within the past performance information. Please see Section M for further detail.

56. Under Section M, Deliverables for Executive Coaching states “Summary 2 page listing of relevant training completed or professional certifications related to requirements described in CTRN 005” Is this in addition to information already provided in the individual resumes or is this some type of company listing? Please clarify the “Summary page 2” requirement.

This is in addition to the resumes and separate from three examples from past performance. Offerors shall submit: The offeror shall submit resumes of each proposed consultant, a sample instructional design, a list of completed relevant training or professional certifications, a list and summary of at least three Client Engagements, and three examples of relevant past performance with summaries and contact information. If an offeror is brand new and has absolutely no experience at all, this shall be stated within the past performance information. Please see Section M for further detail.

57. Under Section M, Deliverables for Instructional Assistance states “Sample instructional design prepared by the contractor for a 3 hour training segment on any topic related to executive development.” For a sample design submission is FSI looking for a course outline or actual course materials (PowerPoints, Participant Guide, etc.)?

FSI is looking for a sample instructional design.

58. Page 8. C.1. Background: “Virtual opportunities that integrate educational technology into the curricula and on-the-job opportunities are being developed as supplements and/or alternatives to these classroom-based courses”.

Q: Are these opportunities being currently developed or will these be in upcoming task orders?

Both.

59. Page 8 C.2. Purpose: “This solicitation is two-fold: to obtain the services of a contractor to supply necessary and qualified personnel capable of 1) providing instructional services for face-to-face, virtual and/or distance learning leadership courses and/or 2) serving as external executive coaches. The Contractor may provide both or one of these services. If providing instructional services, the contractor must demonstrate capabilities in each of the four courses of interest”.

Q: Are there existing contractors/incumbents doing this work for FSI, and if so, will the government identify them?

Please see question 1

60. Page 9. C.4 A. Instructional Assistance-Background: “Approximately, 33 sections each of the Fundamentals of Supervision and 37 sections of the Basic Leadership Skills courses shall be offered annually. Approximately, 26 sections of the Intermediate Leadership Skills and 11 sections of the Advanced Leadership Skills shall be offered annually.

Q: Can you please define what the government means by the term “sections”?

Individual class offerings.

61. Page 11. C.4.B CTRN 001-General Leadership Training – Fundamentals of Supervision (FoS): “Based on the FoS training modules, co-deliver with LTD trainers approximately 50% of the five-day classroom-based presentations that incorporate the use of educational technology, including blended learning technologies, DVC, webinars, Adobe Connect, and similar methodologies”.

Q: Are all training modules co-delivered with LTD trainers?

A majority are co-delivered with LTD trainers.

62. Page 14. C.4.D. CTRN005-Coaching: “Follow the coaching guidelines certified by the International Coaching Federation and documented by the Department of State Leadership Coaching Program”.

Q: Although flagged as a “new opportunity” with no incumbents, has FSI been working with executive coaches in other programs? If yes are they internal or external to the organization? Industry is asking as due to the statement “documented by the DOS Leadership Coaching Program”. What is this documentation and how do we get documented?

This is a recompete of an existing opportunity for which we have incumbents. Incumbents are both internal and external.

63. Page 14. C.4.D. CTRN005-Coaching: “Documented experience of at least 5 years working within the Foreign Affairs culture (e.g., State Department, USAID, Peace Corp)”.

Q: Would comparable experience within the federal market space be accepted? We have ICF Certified Executive Coaches, however their experience is across Federal space and minimal to none in State, USAID, Peace Corp, etc.

Documented experience within the Foreign Affairs culture is highly desirable. You may submit any experiences you deem relevant.

64. Page 18. F.2. Place of Performance: “Services under this contract will be performed primarily at the Government’s facility….”

Q. Does the government anticipate adding requirements around security clearances for the prime contractor or their instructors, and will the government sponsor contractors for security clearances?

We do not anticipate adding additional requirements for security clearances. Please see clause 652.204-70 on page 26

65. Page 18. F.2.B Executive Coaching: “Dependent upon the Government client and contractor coach, the place of performance may be on the phone or face-to-face in the location preferred by the Government”.

Q: Is there a preference or does industry price both especially considering potential overseas clients?

Overseas clients are not anticipated. Please provide one fully loaded rate in accordance with Section B and C.

66. Page 20. G.2 Contract Administration Data – Travel: “FSI shall assist the contractor in obtaining the necessary country clearances. All travel arrangements, including air reservations, obtaining passports and visas, are the sole responsibility of the contractor”

Q: On average how much notice is given for overseas travel?

Approximately one month.

67. Page 52. Section M – Evaluation Factors: “Resumes of current contractor staff who would deliver training under this contract, no more than 2 pages per staff”.

Q: Is there a limit on the number of contractor staff resumes to submit?

No, however the offeror shall only submit resumes for contractor staff who will be performing under the contract.

68. Q: Is it a correct statement that there is no page limit on the contractors RFP submission?

There is no overall page limit on the RFQ submission. Please see Section M.

69. Page 8. C.2 Purpose. Doesn’t Section B reflect the delivery of the courses - prices are per session? What about the other things mentioned like develop new courses, redesign existing course, develop new courses, conduct needs assessments, customized executive leadership coaching? Are all of these potential requirements to be priced in the CLIN prices? How do you do that? Or will those types of things be priced later?

Please build these tasks into your fully loaded rate. These tasks are further outlined in Section C.4. B.

70. Page 48. Section L – Section K. Representations and Certifications. Please fill out completely.

Q: May the Offeror only complete paragraph (b) of the provision because the offeror has completed the annual representations and certifications via http://www.aquisition.gov?

Yes

71. Is funding in place? If so, how much funding has the government received on this project?

This solicitation will not result in a funded definitive contract. This solicitation will result in multiple unfunded blanket purchase agreements. Funded BPA Calls will be issued as required by the Program Office (LMS). The intended thresholds will not be revealed.

72. Page 49. Quote Delivery. Please note that all postal mail is scanned before it is delivered to this office. In order for your correspondence to be received in a timely manner, please allow time for this process to occur.”

Q. How long does scanning process take prior to acceptance of proposals by FSI?

The time varies. Please note that a courier (FedEx or UPS) is preferred.

73. Page 52 Sec M (Evaluation Factors) Is the government asking for a design outline, an entire facilitation notes/guide, student guide, etc. for the 3 hour training segment on any topic related to executive development?

The government is asking for a sample instructional design.

74. Page 11. C.4.B “Documented experience working within the Foreign Affairs culture (e.g., State Department, USAID, Peace Corps, intelligence agencies).”

Q. Is 7 years’ experience in the federal marketplace acceptable?

Documented experience within the Foreign Affairs culture is highly desirable. You may submit any experiences you deem relevant.

75. Page 52. Section M “Summary 2 page listing of relevant training completed or professional certifications related to requirements described in CTRN 001 through CTRN 004.”

Q. Does the government want to see two (2) pages addressing each CTRN, or two (2) pages addressing all four (001-004) Instructional Assistance CTRNs?

You may use the same relevant training/certifications for all four CLINS if you choose. If you do this, please state that you are doing so. You may also choose to submit different relevant training/certifications for each CLIN.

76. Page 52. Section M Q. Is there an overall page limitation for responses?

No

77. Page 48. Section L.4 “Quotes should be in Times New Roman with an 12 point font.”

Q, May offerors use smaller font types and sizes (other than 12-point Times New Roman) in tables and call-out boxes, and if so, which sizes and fonts are acceptable?

To the maximum extent practicable, quotes should be in Times New Roman with and 12 point font

78. Section M. “Summary 2 page listing of relevant training completed or professional certifications related to requirements described in CTRN 001 through CTRN 004.”

Q. Should offerors address the learning objectives listed in the Solicitation as well as the CTRNs?

Yes.

79. Are all of the Instructional Assistant Professional Qualifications mentioned in C.4.B supposed to be covered/included in the 2-page resume mentioned in Section M under Deliverables Required? In the listing of required deliverables at the beginning of Section M, there does not appear to be another section where bidders are to list their qualifications.

The qualifications should be listed within the resumes. Offerors shall submit: The offeror shall submit resumes of each proposed consultant, a sample instructional design, a list of completed relevant training or professional certifications, a list and summary of at least three Client Engagements, and three examples of relevant past performance with summaries and contact information. If an offeror is brand new and has absolutely no experience at all, this shall be stated within the past performance information. Please see Section M for further detail.

80. In the C.2 “Purpose” section of the solicitation, it states: “If providing instructional services, the contractor must demonstrate capabilities in each of the four courses of interest.” If we wish to bid on each of the four courses (FoS, BLS, ILS, and ALS), how are we to provide that information in the Technical Proposal? Under the “Deliverables Required” listed in Section M there does not appear to be a place for providing this information.

The deliverables required applies to all CLINS. You may submit a package of required deliverables for each CTRN.

81. In Section M.1.1.a: Evaluation Factors, Subfactor 2) reads: “Quality, coherence, and appropriateness of the proposed approach or methodology to perform the required work, including a detailed course design appropriate for adult learners and senior executives, copy of all proposed tools to be used (exercises, presentation slides, etc.), and appropriate use of multimedia tools in seminar.”

Are you looking for bidders to submit a complete course design for one of the Leadership Classes described in the solicitation, along with exercises, presentation slides, and readings? Or is this referring to a “sample instructional design prepared by the contractor for a 3 hour training segment on any topic related to executive development” mentioned at the beginning of Section M in the list of Deliverables Required?

FSI is looking for a sample instructional design for a 3 hour training segment.

82. Could you please explain the relationship between the “Deliverables Required” listing at the beginning of Section M and the Evaluation Factors and Subfactors that follow. There are some differences in how the requirements are described.

Deliverables required are what make up the technical proposal. These are hard copies of your qualifications, sample designs, etc. The Evaluation Factors and Subfactors are how we will be evaluating the required deliverables.

83. In Section M, Factor 2 (Past Performance), Subfactor 2: Success, it states: “The offeror will be rated on the level of success in past performance opportunities. This will be judged based on evaluations from previous performance; submitted participant evaluations from other organizations; submitted reference letters from other organizations; and feedback received from organizations where offeror has provided similar training, based primarily but not exclusively on phone interviews with references provided by offeror. **Offeror must submit at least three references with contact information (name and company with email and/or phone numbers). Please see two questions below regarding this.

a. Are you looking for bidders to submit copies of evaluations or reference letters from other clients, along with a list of references; or is the request to provide the names and contact information for references that will be contacted? The language in the Deliverables Required at the beginning of Section M asks bidders for a “List of at least three client engagements including the name of the business or federal agency served, a summary of the services rendered, and contact information to verify references.”

No. The offeror is to submit a summary of the relevant experience and contact names and information. Your listed references will be contacted by FSI

b. When the wording in Subfactor 2 says “from other organizations,” can these include other Schools at the Foreign Service Institute?

Yes.

84. Contractor is asked to provide a “per session” fully loaded, firm fixed rate, which is for the entire class period – five days. How will late starts or day-long cancellations of class for inclement weather be handled?

The contractor shall be paid a prorated amount as determined by the Contracting Officer Representative.

85. Since no type of binding is permitted on packages submitted, what is an acceptable method for keeping materials together?

See question 45.

86. Do Department of State employees and FSI training staff have acess to Skillport/Skillsoft?

Yes

87. Does the perspective contractor for the instructional assistance component of the solicitation need to have coaching as a skill area?

No

88. Are written hard-copy reference letters required as part of the proposal package? Are references letters in the body of an email acceptable? Several of my references are currently overseas and will not be able to provide hard-copy references by the April 25 deadline. However, they can provide references in an email and then I could print out and include hard-copies in my bid package.

Reference letters are not required. The offeror shall submit resumes of each proposed consultant, a sample instructional design, a list of completed relevant training or professional certifications, a list and summary of at least three Client Engagements, and three examples of relevant past performance with summaries and contact information. If an offeror is brand new and has absolutely no experience at all, this shall be stated within the past performance information. Please see Section M for further detail.

Your references will be contacted by FSI after your proposal submission.

89. Is there a specific best format that FSI would like to see the cost proposal in?

Please submit in accordance with Section B.

90. Will FSI be responsible for printing/reproduction of classroom materials?

Yes

91. Will FSI be providing the training curriculum, or will FSI be taking contractor prior trainings and asking them to adapt pre-existing trainings to their leadership needs?

FSI will be providing the training curriculum.

92. When and where will Oral Presentations take place? When and where will Mock Sessions for Executive Coaching take place?

At the Foreign Service Institute, as stated in Section M. Offerors in the competitive range will be invited to FSI for Oral Presentations and Mock Sessions.

93. Will there be pricing consideration for design and review of course material?

Please factor your cost for design and review of course material into the fully loaded rate in Section B.

94. What is the tempo/expected volume of Executive Coaching sessions? What would be estimated minimum and maximum per week?

The tempo would be approximately up to, but not limited to, 1 hour per week

95. Are small businesses, who are not individuals, eligible to bid for this procurement? If so, is there a requirement as to the maximum number of staff/consultants that the company can include in the proposal?

Yes. This is a total small business set-aside. No there is not a maximum, however you should only submit the resumes of staff who will be performing under this contract.

96. Must a contractor bid on all courses in the Instructional Assistance area? Or can a contractor bid on just one course, for example, Fundamentals of Supervision?

An offeror can bid on just one or multiple courses. Please see Section B.4

97. Must a contractor bid on both service areas – Instructional Assistance and Executive Coaching? Or could a contractor bid on only one service area?

An offeror can bid on just one or multiple courses. Please see Section B.4

98. If a small business (not an individual) bids on “Instructional Assistance Services,” would the company need to provide one instructional design sample and 3 references for each staff/consultant of the company proposed? Or could the company submit one instructional design sample, 3 references for the company, and a small sample of CVs for staff/consultants appropriate and available to support the work? Could the requirement for the “Summary 2 page listing of relevant training” be completed based on the company experience, rather than for each individual of the company proposed?

The offeror can submit one instructional design sample and 3 references for the company, in addition to the resumes/CV’s for the staff who will be performing under the contract. Relevant training experience can be company based.

99. If a small business (not an individual) bids on “Executive Coaching,” would the company need to provide 3 references for each staff/consultant of the company proposed? Or could the company submit 3 references for the company? Could the requirement for the Summary 2 page listing of relevant coaching be completed based on the company experience, rather than for each individual of the company proposed?

The offeror can submit one instructional design sample and 3 references for the company, in addition to the resumes/CV’s for the staff who will be performing under the contract. Relevant training experience can be company based.

100. If a small business company (who is not an individual) advances to the Oral Presentation would all staff/consultants of the company proposed need to participant in the mock sessions?

The maximum numbers of presenters for the oral presentations and mock sessions is two.

101. Is there any documentation the State Department would accept in lieu of the “copy of the coaching certification” as stated on page 52 of 55?

No.

102. Please confirm if working with international organizations such as the United Nations or the World Bank would meet the requirement for “experience working in a Foreign Affairs Culture,” as stated on page 14 of 55?

See question 38.

103. Please provide information on the number of coaching sessions (1 session = 8 hours of coaching over a 4-month period) anticipated in one contract year?

Up to but not limited to 4 sessions per 4-month period.

104. Under Instructional Assistance, please confirm if “sections” refers to number of course deliveries anticipated per year as described on page 9 of 55. For example: Approximately, 33 sections each of the Fundamentals of Supervision and 37 sections of the Basic Leadership Skills courses shall be offered annually. Please confirm that the State Department anticipates 33 deliveries of the 5-day Fundamentals of Supervision course.

The State Department anticipates 33 sections of the 5-day Fundamentals of Supervision.

105. Is it possible for the contractor to provide separate rates for services required under Instructional Assistance? For example, could the contractor provide a training design rate and a separate training delivery rate for line items 001-020?

No, it must be one fully loaded rate.

106. Could executive coaches proposed for this procurement also be eligible to be proposed for/accepted to provide coaching and other services for Procurement Sol. SFSIAQ14Q3003 – Executive Training and Organizational Development.

Yes.

107. Will the Leadership and Management School provide a pre-set curriculum for this training?

Yes

108. Will contractors have the authority to use their current pre-set curriculum?

No

109. At this time how many instructors currently staff the requested positions?

LTD has seven full-time FTE training instructors and 21 vendors.

110. Will the contracting officer extend the proposal delivery date to Friday May 9th, 2014? This enables this vendor to use more of its instructor/facilitator/coaching staff in developing our technical response. This month many of them are performing work nationwide.

The RFQ will be extended to April 30 at 12noon EST.

111. Could the contracting officer establish an overall page limit for the proposal submitted? This page limit should include the resume limitation within the solicitation and provide a limit on technical input so as to establish a consistent structure for all vendors responding to the solicitation. This page limitation will also support the contracting officer’s desire to limit extraneous inputs as stated within the solicitation.

There is no overall page limit. Please refer to Section M.

112. General—What is the ceiling award amount for this BPA?

There is no ceiling amount because BPA’s are not funded. The ceiling amount per BPA Call is $150,000

113. General—How many total awards do you expect to give per area?

The exact number unknown. FSI intends to award multiple Blanket Purchase Agreements.

114. General—Does FSI provide a staff person to moderate, audit, or provide any other services during a typical training program?

Yes

115. General—What is the average lead time for receiving training assignments?

At least, approximately two weeks

116. General—Presently, does FSI do Level 1, 2, or 3 evaluations for each program?

All 3.

117. General—When teaching a course, do you allow instructors flexibility in their teaching style and supporting materials to allow for maximizing the individual learning experience, or is FSI more concerned with consistency and content control?

FSI allows for flexibility. The sample instructional design should showcase the teaching style.

118. Section B—What training materials and support equipment (manuals, leaders’ guides, flip charts, LCD, copying services, etc.) does FSI provide for each session?

All

119. Sections B and C.4.B—Please clarify if all expected labor from Contractor is covered in the fixed price per session cost? For example, “develop or revise FoS training and learning materials and resources for face-to-face, on-line, and/or virtual delivery for continuous learning.”

Yes, Section B required a fully loaded, all-inclusive rate.

120. Section C.2—Subcontractors are mentioned as needing to be approved by the Government but there is no place to explain why teaming benefits FSI. Request that a three-page Executive Summary be added to introduce the entire package and any teammates.

Yes, you may submit this information.

121. Section C.4.a—When you refer to “sections” of a course, are you referring to specific modules or to iterations of the entire course?

Iterations that equal class offerings.

122. Section C.4.a—Please confirm that LTD will not be providing co-instructors for training sessions.

LTD will be providing co-instructors.

123. Section C.4.c Executive Coaching—How many executive coaching sessions have you provided per year?

Approximately 90 plus.

124. Section H.2 Contractor Responsibility states, “The contractor is to ensure that the professional personnel assigned to this contract have the training, skills, clearances and certifications necessary…” Please confirm that instructors and coaches are not required to have clearances.

No clearances are necessary; however the awarded contractors must comply with 652.204-70, page 26.

125. Section L.4—Please confirm that binder clips are an accepted method of containing the response.

Yes.

126. Section L.4—Can tables, graphics, charts, and callout boxes be in an alternative font (e.g., 10 pt. Arial type font?)

Yes

127. Section L.6—Please confirm that contractors may not deliver quotes in person and must use a Courier Service (recommended) or the U.S. Postal Service.

Offerors may deliver in person, however this is not the preferred method.

128. Section M Evaluation Factors—What is the page limit for the three client engagements required?

There is no page limit. Offerors shall submit: Resumes (no more than 2 pages per proposed staff member), a sample instructional design, a list of completed relevant training or professional certifications, a list and summary of at least three Client Engagements, and three examples of relevant past performance with summaries and contact information. If an offeror is brand new and has absolutely no experience at all, this shall be stated within the past performance information. Please see Section M for further detail.

129. Section M.1.1.a and M1.2.a Evaluation Factors, Factor 2 Past Performance—Part of the evaluation for PP is based on “evaluations from previous performance; submitted participant evaluations from other organizations; submitted reference letters from other organizations and feedback received form organizations where offeror has provided similar training” and says that these will be based primarily but not exclusively on phone interviews. Is there a way that a contractor can provide any of these as part of their bid?

Your past performance relevancy will be evaluated by the Technical Evaluation Panel. The points of contacts for each past performance reference will be contacted by the Contracting Officer.