Spacepower Training Draft Solicitation Questions_and_Answers.pdf

FA251822R0002 Spacepower Training Services for 319 CTS and 533 TRS - Draft Solicitation Questions # Document Section Title or RFP Text Page Question SAM-D Answers

1.

Price Worksheet CLIN 0002 Training Workshop

Per the PWS training workshop hours are to use existing curriculum and instructors. Recommend this be FFP and included as part of CLIN 001.

Noted, but kept separate as effort is not defined to allow as FFP and embedded into

CLIN 0001

2. PWS 3 Performance Requirements 15

Some of the items in this paragraph detail the support to either the 319 CTS, 533 TRS, or both. SCIF/collateral security requirements, registrar, scheduler and Foreign Disclosure Reviewer do not differentiate between the 319 CTS and 533 TRS. Which unit do these positions support?

Change made in PWS section 3.0. The 533 TRS requires support for course development and instruction, and on-line learning. Everything else in the PWS section refers to the 319 CTS.

3. PWS 3.1.1.1.4 COMESPACEFOR 16

What is the correct designator of this course? The course says COMESPACEFOR but the description refers to the position as DIRSPACEFOR.

Change made in PWS section 3.1.1.1.4 to describe "COMSPACEFOR" not

"DIRSPACEFOR".

4. PWS 3.1.1.3 Training Workshops 20 Is a formal RFP required prior to using training workshops?

At this time what is understood as a formal RFP will be required prior to use of any workshop training. An update to the PWS section 3.1.1.3 now states " Use of training workshop hours shall be approved by the CO unless delegated to the COR prior to using them. The COR will track the use of training workshop hours. "

5. PWS 3.1.4.26 Network Security, second paragraph 34

Is the contractor required to support other SETC customers with their specific network and stand-alone system accreditations? If so, who are the other customers and what are their stand-alone systems?

The contractor is required to support as described now in the updated PWS section

3.1.4.26 (p34), stating: "The Contractor shall be responsible for System and Network Security within building 1876, including all hardware/software connected to, and supporting NIPR, SIPR, SSEL, TSSEL, commercial internet (excluding NSSI commercial internet), associated clients (e.g. towers, laptops, etc.), peripheral equipment (e.g.

projectors, scanners, etc.). In addition, the Contractor shall coordinate building 1876 JWICS support."

6. PWS 3.1.7.2 SCI VAR 39

Is the contractor required to support VARs for all SETC courses? If so, who are the other customers and how many students are expected to attend?

What was PWS Section 3.1.7.2 has now been deleted. The VAR requirements are adequately stated in PWS Section 3.1.7.1.

7. PWS 3.1.7.13 Collateral Security 40 Should JPAS be DISS since JPAS is no longer used?

The reference within 3.1.7.12 (then 3.1.7.13) and table in PWS section 7.3 mentioning JPAS has changed to DISS.

8. PWS 3.1.8 On-line Learning 40 Should para in description be 3.2.6? Online learning for 533 TRS is detailed in para 3.2.6 not 3.2.4. Updated reference made in PWS section 3.1.8.

9. PWS 3.1.14 FDR 46

Should DS4 in table be COMSPACEFOR? No reference to DS4 in the course listings. Will any of the other On-line courses require FDR support? OW-OL, I-

SPD-OL?

Course list at the end of para 3.1.14 was removed. FDR disclosure support may change due to HHQ requirements. The last line of this para now reads: FDR tasks and priorities will be based on input from the PM, 319 CTS Dean, and the USSF FDO.

10. PWS

3.2, standard C 533 TRS Requirements 47

Are 533 TRS instructors qualified and certified IAW 533 TRS policies or 319 CTS OI and CDG? Both are listed. Can 533 TRS policies be provided?

533 TRS instructors are qualified IAW 533 TRS Policy Memos pertaining to Instructor Internship and Instructor Qualification. Both memos are now attached to the solicitation.

11. PWS 3.2.1.1 EUST 47

How long is each course shift? The workload data table shows two shifts per class.

Each training shift is 8 hours per class day and the Contractor support is typically on the day shift (0730-1530 L). Contractor’s instructor/developer support is expected to teach a minimum of 40 hours per class. This will be dependent on curriculum development workload and Active Duty instructor availability.

12. PWS 3.2.1.2 OUST 47

How long is each course shift? The workload data table shows two shifts per class.

Each training shift is 8 hours per class day and the Contractor support is typically on the day shift (0730-1530 L). Contractor’s instructor/developer support is expected to teach a minimum of 40 hours per class. This will be dependent on curriculum development workload and Active Duty instructor availability.

13. PWS 3.2.4 Basic Services 49

Is the contractor to support all courses in Table 3 and 4? Table 4 is described as future/proposed/efforts. 319 CTS para 3.1.2 clearly defines their future courses.

Recommend similar language if the intent is to only support Table 3 courses.

Contractors will be required to support all courses in Table 3. While there may be future proposed efforts listed in PWS section 3.2.4, those are currently determined by the Career Field Managers for 533 TRS but may change in the future. Future training needs are not always predetermined for 533 TRS.

14. PWS

3.2.5.2.2, 3.2.5.2.4, 3.2.5.5, 3.2.5.8, 3.2.5.9, Instructor qualification, Lesson Certification, Courseware Documentation, Participation in Planning, Course feedback 50, 51

Can the contractor be provided a copy of 533 TRS Policies? The 319 CTS provided their OI and CDG that details all the requirements for course execution (planning, execution, and post actions), courseware development, instructor qualification, and courseware documentation.

533 TRS can provide policies. 533 TRS does not have a published OI. 533 TRS follows AFH 36-2235, vols 1-13 (in particular vol 9) when it comes to Instructional Systems Design. Instructor Internship and Qualification Memos have been provided. The 533 TRS Schoolhouse Training Manager (GS) is the Project Manager responsible for managing and directing planning, execution and post actions for all training. The Training Development Element (GS) directs all course development actions. Previous AETC policy was folllowed by 533 TRS, expectation is for STARCOM to develop similar policies/procedures in the future and 533 TRS shall follow it.

15. PWS 3.2.5.5 Courseware Documentation 50

What is the requirement for total hours of courseware development and maintenance? Para 3.2.5.1 states the contractor shall maintain 180 hours of curriculum and 3.2.5.5 conflicts with this. Para. 3.2.5.5 states the contractor shall provide documentation (lesson plans, instructional aids, and measurements) for all lessons of all 533 TRS courses.

Contractors will be required to maintain all curriculum and update them as needed.

PWS section 3.2.5.1 stated anticipated workload effort.

16. PWS 3.2.5.6 Lesson Material 51

What is the requirement for total hours of lesson material? Para 3.2.5.1 states the contractor shall maintain 180 hours of curriculum and 3.2.5.6 conflicts with this para. 3.2.5.6 states the contractor shall provide support for completed lesson materials for all lessons for 533 TRS courses listed in para 3.2.1 and table 3 of this PWS.

Contractors will be required to maintain all curriculum and update them as needed.

PWS section 3.2.5.1 stated anticipated workload effort.

17. PWS 3.2.5.7 Instructor Preparedness 51

Are contractors to be qualified on all lessons to support OUST and EUST? This paragraph states the contractor is to be prepared to instruct all lessons for OUST 104-day course and EUST 87-day course, yet para 3.2.5.2.4 states the contractor will only teach 40 offerings per course and coordinate with instructor staff on which lessons to teach. Additionally, para 3.2.5.1 states the contractor will only maintain 180 hours of curriculum.

Contractor is expected to teach a minimum of 40 hours per class. This will be dependent on curriculum development workload and Active Duty instructor availability.

18. PWS 3.2.5.2.3 Instructor Certification 50

Should courses in the description be changed to Areas of Capability? Para 3.2.2 title is Areas of Capability and not courses. Additionally, there is no other reference to courses outside of table 3 and 4.

In Technical Training we refer to Subject Matter Expertise. All of our current instructors are "capable" of developing and teaching each system, but that is part of our struggle. We need expertise for curriculum and instructional credibility. PWS Section 3.2.5.2.3 now states "Instructor Capability. Contractor instructors shall be capable in the areas of capability described in para 3.2.2 of this PWS."

19. PWS 3.2.5.8 Participation in Planning 51

What are the specific meetings and activities associated with course planning, execution, and post-execution for 533 TRS courses? The 319 CTS OI para 8, 9, and 10 (pages 28-40) detail all of the activities associated with planning, execution and post-execution for 319 CTS courses.

The 533 TRS does not have an OI or CDG that outlines specific meetings and activities associated with planning, execution, and post-execution. 533 TRS currently refers to AFIs and AETCIs for the planning, execution, and post-execution processes. 533 TRS expects STARCOM to develop their own policies/procedures in the future.

20. PWS 3.2.5.13 Courseware Evaluation 51

Is this a requirement or additional work that would require a separate RFP? The para states “an annual review may be required” and the “TDE chief shall coordinate with the COR the need for the contractor to provide a written summary.” The 319 CTS CDG and para 3.1.11 of this PWS states Periodic/Comprehensive reviews will be conducted on an annual basis for 319 CTS courses. Additionally, the 319 CTS implements a Periodic review checklist to perform this action. If the intention is to perform Periodic reviews of the OUST 104-day course and EUST 87-day course, this should be stated as a required action and not “may be required” as stated in para 3.2.5.13. PWS section 3.2.5.13 has changed and now includes "is required".

21. PWS 3.2.6 Workload Data 52 How many courses will on-line learning support? This para states 40 but table 3 only lists 13 EUST and 12 OUST courses for a total of 25 courses annually.

Note 1 of Table 3 states that "the amount of course offerings may vary based on annual accession throughput requirements". We can change paragraph 3.2.6 to reflect the note. Currently, there are no online-training requirements for either course, this may change in the future.

22. PWS 3.3 Table 5, ISD 52

Does the 533 TRS require a separate ISD position similar to the 319 CTS requirements in para 3.1.11? This table and para 3.2.5.13 indicate an ISD support function is required for the 533 TRS.

No, 533 TRS has government employees that are Instructional Systems Specialists.

Table 5 is interpreted to mean that the contractors will have knowledge of the ISD process.

23. PWS 7 533 TRS Task Lead 61 Could 10 years of experience plus Bachelor’s degree be substituted for Master’s degree requirement? Yes. 10 years experience can substitute education requirement.

24. PWS 7.2 SPD-SBM-100, SBM-SBM-OL 62

Should these requirements be different than the requirements for SPD-SEW- 100? They are the same requirements and the mission areas are significantly different.

Changing the SBM skills/expertise to read: 3 years of experience in Space Battle Management , CSpOC SBM operations, general space operations

25. PWS 7.3 IT 65

Do all IT personnel require CISSP or just the IT Manager and one IT system administrator identified as a key position? All IT positions do not require CISSP. CISSP is only required for the IA position.

26. PWS 7.3 IA 65

Could 10 years of IA experience plus an Associate’s degree be substituted for Bachelor’s degree?

The IA position requires CISSP. Ten years of experience could substitute for a Bachelor’s degree.

27.

Instruction s to Offerors

2.F Factor 2 Subfactor 2.1 Course Instruction and Development (Trade-Off) 6 What is meant by “(Trade-Off)” in the title heading of Subfactor 2.1?

"Trade-Off" is a signifier of a greater evaluation weight given to a non-price factor.

Price is not the top factor expressing best value to the government in this acquisition.

In its discretion, the Government reserves the right to engage in a tradeoff process, trading a superior technical approach over a lower price, if it determines that represents the best value to the Government.

28.

Instruction s to Offerors

2.F Factor 2 Subfactor 2.1 Course Instruction and Development 6

The description for Subfactor 2.1 lists PWS sections 3.2.2.1, 3.2.2.3, and 3.2.2.5 at the end of the paragraph. These are only SME listings under the 533rd PWS portion and not specifics toward course support to the 533rd TRS. Can the Government please clarify the intent of the inclusion of these PWS section references?

Subfactor 2.1 has been adjusted to reflect the following: "Subfactor 2.1 Course Instruction and Development The offeror shall provide a technical approach that demonstrates the offeror’s detailed knowledge of spacepower courseware documentation (PWS Section 3.1.3.5) and delivering spacepower instruction both in a classroom (PWS Section 3.1.1.1) and On-Line System Development and Support (PWS Section 3.1.8). The offeror shall separately demonstrate their detailed knowledge of PWS section 3.2.2. as it pertains to spacepower."

29.

Price Worksheet ; PWS 4.3 Transition 55

Because a deliverable is required and work is to be performed during Transition, can a CLIN for Transition be added to the Price Worksheet?

No additional CLIN will be added. Instead, the Transition deliverable has been adjusted to after 10 business days after start of contract performance.

30 ITO

ITO, pg.6, Factor 2

The offeror shall provide a technical approach that demonstrates the offeror’s detailed knowledge of courseware development (PWS Section 3.1.3.5) and delivering instruction both in a classroom (PWS Section 3.1.1.1) and distance learning virtual environment (PWS Section 3.1.8) as it pertains to space operations, warfighting, and threats through employing the Spacepower disciplines of Orbital Warfare, Space Electronic Warfare, and Space Battle Management (PWS Sections 3.2.2.1, 3.2.2.3, and 3.2.2.5).

Section 3.1 - 3.1.14 References 319 CTS Requirements; 3.2 - 3.2.5 References 533 TRS Requirements.

Is it the Government's intent to relate 319 CTS Requirements (3.1.3.5, 3.1.1.1, and 3.1.8) to the 533 TRS requirements (3.2.2.1, 3.2.2.3, and 3.2.2.5)? If so, will the Government restructure the PWS to clearly demonstrate the relationship?

Subfactor 2.1 has been adjusted to reflect the following: "Subfactor 2.1 Course Instruction and Development The offeror shall provide a technical approach that demonstrates the offeror’s detailed knowledge of spacepower courseware documentation (PWS Section 3.1.3.5) and delivering spacepower instruction both in a classroom (PWS Section 3.1.1.1) and On-Line System Development and Support (PWS Section 3.1.8). The offeror shall separately demonstrate their detailed knowledge of PWS section 3.2.2. as it pertains to spacepower."

31 ITO

ITO, pgs.6-7, Sub Factors

2.1 - 2.3;

ITO, pg. 4, H

(2) "…..All the requirements specified in the solicitation are mandatory......"

Since the evaluation factors only include specific PWS paragraphs and limited page count for each subfactor, will the Government please clarify where we should respond to requirements 3.1.4-3.1.7 and 3.1.9-3.1.14? For example, the IT, IA, SCIF, and Security do not appear to fit in the defined Tech Volume "buckets." Will the Government consider increasing the page limit and evaluation factors to accommodate all the requirements specified in the solicitation?

Page limit has increased to 10 pages, but the Volume II. Technical Approach instructions have been revised to state, "Technical proposal should be specific and complete. Legibility, clarity, and coherence are very important. Your responses will be evaluated against the Technical subfactors. Be as specific as possible towards satisfying the subfactors. Address your technical solution towards your technical knowledge of at least meeting the Government’s requirements of each technical subfactor. All the requirements specified in the solicitation are mandatory. By your proposal submission, you are representing that your firm will perform all the performance requirements specified in the PWS. Do not merely reiterate the objectives or reformulate the requirements specified in the solicitation."

32 ITO

ITO, pg. 7, subfactor 2.2

(b) (3) and (c)

(1)

" If cross-utilization of any task order positions is proposed, address benefits derived from this approach and clearly describe how this benefits the Government. While exempt from the volume page limitations, individual PDs shall not exceed one page (Position Description, Attachment)."

"No person shall be submitted representing multiple positions towards this."

If a position description contains collateral duties of another position and it is described how this benefits the Government, will the Government clarify the apparent contradiction in requirements (b) (3) and (C ) (1)? If we cross-utilize an individual, may we submit his resume for both positions? This language has been removed from the Instruction to Offerors & Basis of Award

PWS General

Previous RFI draft PWS indicated the number of FTEs for 319 CTS and 533 TRS.

Will the Government include FTEs for the 319 CTS and 533 TRS? If not, will the Government confirm if the number of FTEs remains the same as the former RFI draft PWS?

Previous RFI draft reflected maximum number of seats at the 319 CTS and at 533 TRS.

Did not and does not express the requested FTE number as this is a performance based requirement with no established minimum number of FTEs.

ITO, pg. 2 G.

….. The Offeror shall submit their proposal for consideration no later than 04:00 pm Mountain Standard Time on 26 November 2021.

Will the Government consider extending the Due date, as Nov. 26th falls within the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend. Yes.

Spacepower Price Worksheet

Line 15, Line 33, Line 51, Line 69, and Line 87 note in description:

"532 TRS Future Course with Curriculum Development"

Will the Government correct 532 TRS Future Course Curriculum with 533 TRS Future Course Curriculum? Corrected to reflect 533 TRS

PWS, pg. 55, paragraph 4.3

"..The Contractor shall provide a transition plan ten business days after contract award kick-off meeting to the COR and CO that addresses all actions necessary to ensure a seamless transition." What is the transition period for this contract? 30 days after award

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