TIRNO12R00011-A0001 1 .rtf

OMB Control No. 1505-0081

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

PAGE OF PAGES

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO.

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.

5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable) See Block 16C

J-2-J8-01-XR-O01 000

6. ISSUED BY

CODE

IRS0088

7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6)

CODE

Internal Revenue Service 6009 Oxon Hill Road, Suite 500

Oxon Hill, MD 20745

EDWARDS FREELAND, RUTH 202-283-2896

See Item 6

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No. Street, county, State and ZIP: Code)

Vendor ID: 00055905

TO ALL OFFERORS

TO ALL OFFERORS

TO ALL OFFERORS, WV 99999

(x)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

TIRNO-12-R-00011

x

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

02/27/2012

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

CODE

FACILITY CODE

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

X

X The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers is extended, is not extended.

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning ___1__ copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATA SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and data specified.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

(x) A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER Specify type of modification and authority)

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not, is required to sign this document and return ____ copies to the issuing office.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

1. Amendment 0001 revises pages 3, 50, and 63 (attached) of Request for Proposals TIRNO-12-R-00011. Revisions are indicated by a vertical line drawn in the right hand margin. Offerors shall delete pages 3, 5, and 63 and replace with the attached pages.

2. Amendment 0001 corrects the solicitation issue date at page 1, block 6, from 2/21/2012 to 2/22/2012.

3. Amendment 0001 provides answers to questions received from offerors (see attached).

Except at provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print) 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

15C. DATE SIGNED

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

16C. DATE SIGNED

(Signature of person authorized to sign)

BY _____________________________________________

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

AMENDMENT 0001

PRICE SCHEDULE INSTRUCTIONS

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

NOTE: THE PRICE SCHEDULE IS TO BE COMPLETED ONLY BY OFFERORS WHO PROCEED TO PHASE II, “ORAL PRESENTATIONS” AND III, “PRICE”. THE PRICE SCHEDULE SHALL NOT BE SUBMITTED UNDER PHASE I, “WRITTEN PROPOSALS ( SEE SECTION IV HEREIN, “INSTRUCTIONS/EVALUATION CRITERIA FOR PROSPECTIVE OFFERORS”).

1. Offeror shall furnish a Firm-Fixed “Unit Price” and “Amount” to perform and provide work in accordance with Section I, “Performance Work Statement” (PWS) of the anticipated contract and individual Delivery Orders. Offeror shall furnish a Firm-Fixed “Unit Price” and “Amount” for each item number listed at page 2 herein. The Firm-Fixed “Unit Price” will be used to order the “Transformational Leadership and Ethics Course” as needed via individual Delivery Orders. The “Unit Prices” and “Amounts” shall include all applicable fees/ costs. Below is a description for each item number.

Offerors are encouraged to provide discounts and list in the Price Schedule any final, discounted prices. Offerors’ completed Price Schedule must include any “best and final” discounts offerors’ propose. The Government WILL NOT entertain any further discounts after receipt of offeror’s Price Schedule.

2. The not-to-exceed (NTE) price of $900,000.00 is the contract’s dollar value. The Government is not obligated to pay the contractor any amount in excess of the not-to-exceed price for the total Delivery Order(s) issued in any given year for the life of the contract. Should the contractor exceed the NTE price, it does so at its own risk. (The $900,000.00 is estimated for two (2) courses per year and one (1) “Executive Readiness Wrap-Up Programs” for the Base and each Option Year.)

Item Numbers

Description Transformational Leadership & Ethics Course (0001, 1001, 2001, 3001 & 4001)

BASED ON 1 STUDENT EACH FOR

COURSE 40 HOURS IN LENGTH. Cost for Instructor(s)/Key Personnel, instructor(s)/Key Personnel travel lodging and meals; planning, organization, off-site field trip, providing tools and materials to conduct course; performing project management; providing any other administration/support required to successfully perform the requirements detailed in the PWS as it relates to Transformational Leadership & Ethics Course.

Executive Readiness Wrap-Up Program (0002, 1002, 2002, 3002 & 4002) Cost for Speaker/Speaker travel, lodging & meals for Executive Readiness Wrap-Up Program.

orders) is returned to the ordering office within three (3) days after issuance, with written notice stating the Contractor’s intent not to ship the item (or items) called for and the reasons. Upon receiving this notice, the Government may acquire the supplies or services from another source.

(End of Clause)

II.9 FAR 52.216-22 Indefinite Quantity (Oct 1995)

(a) This is an indefinite-quantity contract for the supplies or services specified in the Performance Work Statement (Section I) and effective for the period stated in the Schedule at Section I.6.

(b) Delivery or performance shall be made only as authorized by orders issued in accordance with the Ordering Clause (Section III.1.4.1). The Contractor shall furnish to the Government, when and if ordered, the supplies or services specified in Performance Work Statements issued by the Government subsequent to award of this contract up to the maximum Not-To-Exceed amount of the contract as stated at page three (3), Item two (2). The Government shall order at least the “minimum” of supplies or services designated in the Schedule at Section I.15.

(c) Except for any limitations on quantities in the Order Limitations clause or in the Schedule, there is no limit on the number of orders that may be issued. The Government may issue orders requiring delivery to multiple destinations or performance at multiple locations.

(d) Any order issued during the effective period of this contract and not completed within that period shall be completed by the Contractor within the time specified in the order. The contract shall govern the Contractor’s and Government’s rights and obligations with respect to that order to the same extent as if the order were completed during the contract’s effective period; provided, that the Contractor shall not be required to make any deliveries under this contract after April 24, 2017.

(End of Clause)

II.10 FAR 52.217-5 Evaluation of OPTIONS (Jul 1990)

Except when it is determined in accordance with FAR 17.206(b) not to be in the Government’s best interests, the Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. Evaluation of options will not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

(End of Clause)Page 63 of 88

SECTION IV:

INSTRUCTIONS/EVALUATION CRITERIA FOR PROSPECTIVE OFFEROR

IV.1 PROSPECTIVE OFFERORS

The evaluation for the “IRS Transformational Leadership and Ethics Course” will consist of three (3) evaluation phases as shown below.

PHASE I: Written Proposals PHASE II: Oral Presentations; and PHASE III: Price

Offerors who DO NOT receive an overall score of “Very Good” or better under Phase I, “Written Proposals”, will be ELIMINATED FROM FURTHER CONSIDERATION. Offerors who receive an overall score of “Very Good” or better under Phase I, “Written Proposals”, will proceed to Phases II , “Oral Presentations” and III, “Price” for further evaluation and consideration for award.

The Government will use an adjectival matrix to score both the Phases I and II. The adjectival ratings are as follows: Exceptional, Very Good, Good, Marginal, Poor and Unacceptable. Phase III, “Price” will be evaluated, but, not rated.

Offerors interested in being considered for award under RFPs TIRNO-12-R-00011 shall first submit “Written Proposals” as detailed at Section IV.2 below.

IV.2 PHASE I: WRITTEN PROPOSALS

Written Proposals must be received no later than 12:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, MARCH 16, 2012 (see Section IV.10 herein). LATE WRITTEN PROPOSALS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. Electronic submittals WILL be accepted. Electronic submittals should be sent to the following e-mail address no later than the closing date above: ruth.e.freeland@irs.gov. Submittals may, also, be hand delivered or mailed no later than the closing date above to the address and contact point listed below.

Internal Revenue Service 6009 Oxon Hill Rd., Constellation Centre Building 5th Floor Mail Room Office of Procurement, OS:A:P:B:B:A Oxon Hill, MD 20745 ATTN: Ruth Edwards Freeland, Contract Specialist TO ALL OFFERORS: See below for questions received and answers. Duplicate questions have been paraphrased.

1. QUESTION: 1 (p. 5): Background. Is the Transformational Leadership and Ethics Course the beginning course of the IRS Readiness Program, or is it the capstone? What other courses are presented as part of the “leadership” curriculum? Will the IRS be willing to share the specific components and features of its two-year Executive Readiness Program in order to ensure that the proposed Transformational Leadership and Ethics Course well aligns with the tenets of this overall program?

ANSWER:

The Transformational Leadership and Ethics Course is one of several course components participants attend over their 2-year XR program. The 2-year program includes:

A 5-day Transformational Leadership and Ethics Course A 3-day First-year Wrap-up session with Executive panel members and outside speakers addressing the OPM ECQ competencies – specific focus for 2012 “to be determined” Periodic 2-hour “Virtual Leadership Moments” seminars with Executive Panel members on “hot topics”. These will include pre and post work assignments.

In addition, each participant must complete 2 developmental assignments of 120 – 180 days within and outside their functional operating area.

Each participant is assigned an External Executive coach and Internal Executive Mentor to support them in the program.

Knowledge of our specific and extensive IRS leadership curriculum courses will not be needed in order to respond to this solicitation.

2. QUESTION: 3.5 (p. 8) Instructional Methodology: This section contains the following sentence: “The design for the training shall include cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains and engage the entire person’s intellect, body, heart, and motion.” Did you mean to say emotion rather than motion? If “motion” was intended, please provide details on how you are defining this.

ANSWER: Yes, we can edit this word to “emotion”.

3. QUESTION : 3.2 (p. 10): Class Length and Course Size. What previous IRS-sponsored leadership training will participants have completed prior to the Transformational Leadership and Ethics Course?

ANSWER: Prior to attending the TL&E course, most XR participants will already have attended the “Opening session” and the “Executive Communications” course segments.

4. QUESTION : 3.12 (p. 10): Class Length and Course Size. What percentage of the participants will be supervisors? What typical job responsibilities do the participants have? Please provide sample job titles for participants. Please provide the range and percentage of GS levels for participants.

ANSWER: 100% of the XR participants are seasoned Senior Leaders generally at the IR-01 level. They are managers of managers overseeing operations (of various sizes) in any of our Operating Business Divisions. This could involve overseeing tax-related or non-tax-related work (Human Resources, Information Technology, etc).

5. QUESTION :V.10 (p. 72): Due Dates. We do not see a date for a bidder’s conference. Will there be such a conference? If yes, may remote vendors attend via telecon?

ANSWER: There will not be a bidder’s conference.

6. QUESTION: May a vendor submit more than one proposal?

ANSWER: An offeror may submit only one proposal -- however, a vendor may propose more than one scenario as to how they will provide "Transformational Leadership & Ethics Course" within its proposal. Amendment 1 establishes a page limit for Phase I, "Written Proposals." The page limit is no more than 40 pages per written proposal. All scenarios must be included within the 40 pages of the offeror’s written proposal. Resumes may be in addition to the 40 pages.

7. QUESTION: General: How will prospective vendors be notified that Q&A have been posted? FBO.gov has a “watch this opportunity” link, but no “interested vendors” link. In a related vein, FBO is not showing an “interested vendor” list. How may we know who our competition is?

ANSWERS: The Government inadvertently omitted the date for posting questions and answers. The date should have been no later than 4:20 PM, Eastern Standard Time on February 27, 2012.

The Government has determined not to show interested vendor(s) to offerors.

8. QUESTION: Ref: IV.2.2.2.4 Factor 4, Corporate Resources; Subfactor (d) Resume(s) of Key Personnel; p. 66, paragraph 1; 3rd sentence: “Instructors shall be renowned authorities who are highly credible in the field of executive leadership.” Could you clarify your expectations of what qualifications this comprises?

ANSWER: The Government expects that any offeror would ensure their "lead" instructors have many, if not all of the following experiences in their resumes which demonstrate their credible, well-regarded reputation with this subject-matter:

Has published relevant Leadership/ethics articles in Journals, books, texts.

Has developed/delivered video or web-based training on the subject Has experience as a requested keynote speaker, presenter, workshop leader at leadership/management conferences or symposiums. (experience as speakers at International conferences would demonstrate an even broader acknowledgement of their knowledge/authority on the subject) Has experience delivering presentations or serving on panel discussions on this subject in radio/television programs Is a sought after consultant with businesses/large corporations related to leadership/ethical challenges Has spent time conducting research in this subject-matter area

9. QUESTION: I was wondering if a Not-to-Exceed amount has been established or estimated for this effort? Section II.9 is a FAR clause that references an NTE amount in Section I.1; however no NTE amount appears to be defined.

ANSWER: Offeror(s) shall refer below and to the revised page three (3), Item 2 of the RFP for this response. See attached page 3 (three), Item 2.

The not-to-exceed (NTE) price of $900,000.00 is the contract’s dollar value. The Government is not obligated to pay the contractor any amount in excess of the not-to-exceed (NTE) price for the total Delivery Order(s) issued in any given year for the life of the contract. Should the contractor exceed the NTE price, it does so at its own risk. (The $900,000.00 is estimated for two (2) courses per year and one (1) “Executive Readiness Wrap-Up Program for the Base and each Option Year.)

10. QUESTION: Does an incumbent exist for this effort or is this a new requirement for the agency? If an incumbent exists, can you please provide the incumbent contractor and contract number?

ANSWER: There is not an incumbent for this specific requirement. Although not completely identical, the government did have a contract for similar services in the past.

11. QUESTION: : I see the Request for Proposal small business set aside but I did not see the Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) included in the checked boxes.

Will being Women Owned Small Business qualify a vendor as a potential supplier or are you just looking at 8a, Hub zone companies?

ANSWER: The Government is seeking ANY Small Business that meets the NAICS code and size standard identified at page 1, block 10 of the Request for Proposal.

12. QUESTION: You include the statement: "The Contractor shall arrange an off-site field trip that will allow, encourage and instruct participants to explore, experience and observe leadership discussed in a case presented in the course. The off-site field trip shall occur during each course ordered.'

A) Do you expect 25 to 30 students to actually "explore experience observe leadership" within an actual organization that is working on a day to day basis? If so please elaborate on how you expect this to be done.

ANSWER: The Government will not propose how this will be done or provide historical data surrounding this area. This is a performance-based requirement. It is the responsibility of the offeror to discuss/propose how you will conduct the experiential training.

B) If you have seen this done anywhere before please elaborate on the details. What organization was used and what consulting firm facilitated this?

ANSWER: The Government will not provide historical data surrounding this area. This is a performance-based requirement. It is the responsibility of the offeror to discuss/propose how you will conduct the experiential training.

C) Do you have organizations in the Kansas City area in mind who actually would be open to this kind of visit? If so please identify.

ANSWER: This is a performance-based requirement. It is the responsibility of the offeror to discuss/propose your designed approach that will be delivered in the Kansas City area.

D.) How critical is this in evaluating proposals that will be submitted?

ANSWER: The government expects the offerors will submit a proposal that addresses our stated requirements and the government will fully consider and evaluate all elements of the offeror’s proposed course.

13. QUESTION: Will the IRS consider accepting electronic copies of the proposal in PDF format?

ANSWER: Yes, we will accept your proposals electronically. Please ensure you use Times New Roman and your font size is no smaller than pitch 12 .

14. QUESTION: On page 11, DELIVERABLES & DUE DATES, is the "initial meeting" referred to in I.8.1.C synonymous with the date of the Kickoff meeting? Or does that refer to the date of the oral presentation? Or some other date?

ANSWER: The “initial meeting” refers to the “Kick-Off Meeting” at I.8.1.B of the RFP.

15. QUESTION: On page 14, what does it mean for a contract to be identifed as "INDEFINITE-DELIVERY, INDEFINITE QUANTITY" (I.12) and what relationship does this have (if any) to the RFP Period of Performance specification of one Base Year + 4 Option Years (I.14)?

ANSWER: “Indefinite-Delivery, Indefinite Quantity” means the Government is uncertain as to the exact time of delivery or quantity of courses to be ordered in any given year for the Base and four (4) Option Years to be awarded. The estimated quantity of courses for the Base Year and four (4) Option Years are identified at I.2 (last sentence) of the RFP.

16. QUESTION: On page 69, ORAL PRESENTATIONS, INSTRUCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS (PHASE II), section IV.3.4.2 says that "Offerers will be given up to 45 minutes to orally present." What is the TOTAL scheduled length of the oral presentation session, factoring in both the actual presentation time and time for the Government's clarifying questions?

ANSWER: The total time for “Oral Presentations” is up to 45 minutes. The total time for the Government’s clarifying questions may be up to 15 minutes. The total time of these two (2) segments together is up to one hour.

17. QUESTION: Just to be absolutely clear: There should be NO reference to pricing (or discounts) in this Proposal Submission Phase (Phase I)? The price schedule will ONLY be submitted by offerers who successfully PASS this phase, is that correct?

ANSWER: Pricing or any reference to pricing should not be submitted under Phase I, “Written Proposals”. Pricing should be submitted per IV.4.1.

18. QUESTION: Regarding Section 1.4.1 Key Personnel Qualifications: If one or more of the proposed instructors for the course do not meet the minimum educational requirements, as stated in Section I.4.1, does that automatically disqualify the proposal if all other qualifications were met?

ANSWER: No, this will not be a cause for "disqualification" under Phase I, “Written Proposals”. The “Key Personnel Qualifications” will be considered and evaluated under Phase I, “Written Proposals”. Offerors who receive an overall score of “Very Good” or better will proceed to Phase II, “Oral Presentations” and then Phase III, “Price” for further evaluation.

19. QUESTION: Regarding Section 1.3.6 Speaking Engagement: Who will be the audience for this presentation?

ANSWER: The audience will be the same Executive Readiness (XR) participants that attended the Transformational Leadership and Ethics Course. This speaking engagement will be held during the participant's "First Year Wrap up" Session (the 1st of the 2 year XR program) which will be held in the Washington, DC metro area in September 2012.

20. QUESTION: Regarding Section 1.3.11.1 - Change in Training Facility and Location: If the Government decides to change the location of the training facility, are you saying that the Contractor would be the one responsible for securing the new location?

ANSWER: No, the government will still be providing the training facility. The Government reserves the right to hold the training in another "city" location where the IRS has other training facilities. The Contractor will not be responsible for securing the facilities at the new location.