Afghan.docx

Have the two-week Afghanistan familiarization courses now all been condensed to one-week courses?

This requirement is for a one-week Afghanistan familiarization course.

What is the likelihood of them really be offered 15 times a year?

This course will be offered up to 18 times per year. This number may change due to low enrollment cancellations and weather related closings.

Are outside speakers recruited to make special presentations compensated by honoraria? If so, are they paid by FSI directly? Or are they paid by the contractor, who must incorporate this into the budget, the bid, the contractor would be submitting?

Yes, honoraria speakers are paid by FSI directly.

Recognizing the uncertainties of staffing of our Afghanistan diplomatic posts, what has the average class size of the Afghanistan familiarization courses been of late, expected to be the coming year?

The class size for Afghanistan Familiarization varies, with the largest classes during the traditional summer transfer season. In FY2014, classes have ranged from 17 to 62 students. We anticipate similar fluctuation in FY2015. The course is currently planned for 17 iterations, with the highest tempo during the summer when the week long course is held at least twice a month.

Is the solicitation to lead this course exclusively for a business entity or can it be considered as a Personal Services Contractor? I'm OK if its via a 1099 rather than a W-2, but just want to clarify.

We do not hold Personal Services Contracts. The solicitation may be for a business or sole proprieter.