QA_15Q4008_Presentations_Final.docx

1. What is considered a “normal” class size for this solicitation?

PP217 – 24 participants PP224 – 24 participants PG140 – Varies from 9 to 42. Ideally we are around 24, but it’s very seasonal.

2. The courses are listed as 3 hour (units) – what is the expected duration of the course?

The SOW indicates the following:

· Training will be delivered for the following courses:

PG140 – Three hour unit(s) delivered approximately eight times per year, subject to change PP217 – Three hour unit(s) delivered one time per year, subject to change PP224 – Three and a half hour unit(s) delivered one time per year, subject to change The entire courses are as follows:

PG140 – 3 weeks PP217 – 2 weeks PP224 – 1 week

3. Is it possible to get detailed course descriptions for as specified in PG 140, PP 217, and PP 224 in SFSIAQ15Q4008?

PP217

Course Description This course is designed to help political specialist LE Staff gain a greater understanding of how their work supports Washington end-users. It will also assist students in defining more ways to add value to their sections by upgrading job-related skills to better advance U.S. foreign policy interests.

Course Objectives

· Learn how the Department of State is structured and how the interagency process works.

· Learn how U.S. values and institutions affect foreign policy including the role of Congress.

· Better understand political LES' role in implementing U.S. policy.

· Improve drafting, interviewing, interpreting, and oral briefing skills and knowledge of formats.

· Gain deeper understanding of U.S. foreign policy priorities in their countries through a series of personalized consultations.

· Improve management of VIP visits.

PP224

Course Description This course provides advanced training designed to sharpen professional skills, deepen understanding of the U.S. government and its policy goals and the role of LE Staff in advancing U.S. foreign policy interests. The training will focus on five thematic areas: 1) Skill-building exercises and workshops; 2) Global Issues and U.S. diplomacy; 3) Regional Issues and U.S. diplomacy; 4) Governance and democracy; and 5) Effective communication.

Course Objectives

· Participate in skill-building exercises and workshops.

· Discuss timely policy topics and issues with subject-matter experts.

· Learn about the policymaking process in Washington.

· Explore foreign policy priorities.

· Share best practices and strategies for success with fellow students.

PG140

Course Description Designed to prepare officers for their first assignment to a political or economic section, this course emphasizes development of core skills, basic knowledge (especially economics) and professional attitude. Course coordinators utilize a combination of lectures, individual assignments, interactive exercises, case studies and discussions.

Course Objectives

· Advocating and advancing U.S. policy goals as part of the strategic planning process and regular outreach activities.

· Working effectively across USG entities and the U.S. Embassy country team.

· Reporting and analysis of political, economic and commercial trends.

· Integrating economic and political issues.

· Briefing senior officials, public speaking, note taking, contact work and delivering demarches.

· Drafting cables and preparing mandatory political/economic reports.

· Understanding and analyzing data and its relevance to economic and political events.

· Understanding the current context of global issues such as human rights, promoting democracy, U.S. military culture, fundamentals of modern global economics and transnational trafficking.

4. Is this contract only open to businesses in the D.C. metro area, or are travel costs an allowable part of the lump sum offer price?

Offerors do not have to live in the D.C. metro area. Travel costs to and from FSI will not be reimbursed separately. The offeror shall provide a full-loaded (all-inclusive of all costs) rate per session.