SFSIAQ16Q4001_Media_Training_QA.docx

1. In section F.1, Place of Performance on page 14. It states, “Services under this contract will be performed primarily, but not exclusively, at the Government’s facility located at The George P. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center at 4000 Arlington Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia.” Can the government confirm whether other locations would be within the Washington, D.C. Metro, or could the contractor need to travel outside the local area?

At this time, there are no courses scheduled outside of the Washington, D.C. Metro area. However, this could change in future years.

If travel is required, would travel costs be reimbursed separately by the government?

If travel is required to a location other than FSI, travel costs will be reimbursed in accordance with Section G. Please see “Amendment 001”.

2. Is this effort a follow on from a previous Media Training Task?

This is a follow on requirement for existing Media Training workshops.

If so, is it possible to list approximately how many labor hours are required throughout each BY/Opt Yr?

See Section B. Each workshop outlines number of hours and offerings per year.

3. Should we assume 8 working hours are required for the travel requirements?

No, see Question #1.

4. Should we include deliverables (CDRL's) in our bid for example, monthly reports, technical data reports, meeting minutes?

Yes, See Section B. Your price quote shall be fully-loaded (all-inclusive)

5. What city, state will the training be held?

Training will be held primarily in Arlington, Virginia. See Section F.

6. On page 25 (52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications) it states, “The Offeror shall complete only paragraph (b) of this provision if the Offeror has completed the annual representations and certification electronically via the System for Award Management (SAM) website accessed through http://redirect.state.sbu/?url=http://www.acquisition.gov.”

Does that mean the Offeror would not be required to submit the entire Representations and Certifications portion [paragraphs (b) through (p)] but ONLY page 28 with paragraph (b) of the provision?

Correct.

7. Am I correct in assuming it should read current SAM documentation, not ORCA?

Yes, there will be an “Amendment 001” to correct this.

8. If yes, would it be considered sufficient current documentation to include a copy of the “Entity Information” page from the SAM website indicating the company’s name, active registration status and expiration date?

Yes, as long as the ‘Representations and Certifications’ is visible within the print out.

9. Would there be any harm in providing both the current SAM documentation and the completed Representations and Certifications pages [paragraphs (c) through (p)]?

No, you may submit both.

10. On page 43 (M.1 Evaluation Factors) under Factor 2: Past performance it states, “Within your technical proposal, provide names and contact information for at least three but not more than five references who can describe and document Contractor’s successful past performance providing this type of training.”

Should the references be included in Factor 1: Quality (Technical), Factor 2: Past Performance, OR both?

Either. Factor 2: Past Performance may be incorporated into the “Technical Proposal”, which also includes resumes, etc. For purposes of clarification for this question, the term “Technical Proposal” is meant to distinguish Pricing information from Resumes and Past Performance information.

11. Would valid email addresses be sufficient “contact information” for the 3 to 5 references?

Yes, as long as they are valid. Emails or telephone numbers will suffice.

12. Is there a maximum number of past performance surveys an Offeror is allowed to submit?

Yes, five. One survey per reference.

13. Are Offerors permitted to submit evaluations, letters, emails or other forms of feedback from workshop participants and/or clients to validate examples of successful, relevant past performance?

Yes, but only to supplement information. As least three direct references who are able to be contacted are required.

14. Are Offerors permitted to staple portions of the bids or must they use only paperclips and/or rubber bands?

Yes, staples, paperclips and rubber bands are permitted. Please no plastic binding.

15. How will Media Training for FSOs differ from the Media Training provided to Local Staff or Senior Officials? Will the audience for these three groups be substantially different, requiring variant POIs?

The goals and objectives section for each course differentiate between training FSOs, senior officers, and local staff. Generally speaking media training for local staff will have a heavier emphasis on teaching coaching skills while training for FSOs and senior officials will emphasize slightly more the spokesperson role.

16. What are the min/max class sizes for the 3 day, 1 day and 1/2 day training events?

Minimum class size is 5 and maximum is 24 for all classes in this solicitation.

17. Will training for the media and public speaking solicitations run concurrently; i.e. the same week?

Of the courses covered in this solicitation we do not anticipate classes running concurrently. However, there may be some rare exceptions where due to space constraints and other considerations two classes would be offered at the same time.

18. What is the budget for this project?

This information will not be provided

19. What is the expected number of attendees for each training session?

Minimum class size is five and the maximum is 24 for all classes in the solicitation

20. Can you clarify the difference between the Line Item list on pg. 3-5 versus the list on pg.7 B.4?

These line items are the same and are for pricing data. Please fill out your pricing data on page 7.