W519TC-24-R-2049 - Attachment 0005 - Response to Industry Questions 13MAY2024.pdf

Solicitation: W519TC-24-R-2049 Requirement: ELT

Question Reference Volume/Topc Question Response

1 N/A N/A

Given the large number of positions requiring “must be a native speaker of American English,” will these positions be registered with the Saudi Department of Labor as exempt from Saudization requirements?

If not, will the contract take into consideration the Saudization requirements under Saudi Vision 2030?

1) The positions will not be registered with the Saudi Department of Labor as exempt from Saudization requirements. 2) Saudization is a priority for KSA but is not a sole factor in selection.

2 N/A N/A

Will State Department entitlements apply?

If so, will they be considered under Labor or

ODC?

No, State Department entitlements don't apply.

3 N/A N/A

Will the “native speaker of American English” positions consider accompanied employees?

If so, will DSSR-related entitlements be included?

This is a business decision by the contractor, however, please be advised, these positions are not reimbursable.

4 N/A N/A

Section B ODC specifies costs IAW PWS para. 3.1. This paragraph specifies equipment and “other items necessary to perform services.” Does this include Iqama and Saudi Department of Labor required entitlements/benefits?

Section B ODC is revised to specify costs IAW PWS 3.2.

5 N/A N/A Estimated number of instruction hours/year 2,000 hours/year/instructor

6 N/A N/A Estimated number of students per class and per year

15 per class, 10 classes per year at a minimum should be expected.

7 N/A N/A Number of daily instruction hours per class 6 hrs per day

8 N/A N/A

Number of classes to be held concurrently. The classes will waterfall in, but the current plan is to build to 10 classes operating simultaniously.

9 N/A N/A

Do the training staff need an access card or paper to enter the base? If so, what documents are required from the instructors to gain access?

The contractors will submit for an Iqama and a background check that will be done by Ministry of Interior. The contractors will have conditional passes until the background check is complete and then they will get a digital pass from MNG.

PWS Section 1.1 / p.1 of 28 Description of

Services/Introduction

As the contractor is responsible for providing "American English Language" instruction, can the Government whether any key personnel positions are requried to be staffed by American citizens?

The instructors must be raised and educated in the United States of America.

PWS Section 1.1 / p.1 of 28 Description of

Services/Introduction

Are there any nationalities that are excluded from working in any position(s) on this contract?

The are no nationalities that are excluded from administrative positions, however, instructor positions must be filled with American English spearkers that possess native fluency.

PWS Section 1.2 / p.1 of 28 Background

Is there an incumbent provider on this contract and, if so, what is the company's name?

Three Lines Spare Parts Company. W519TC-24-P-2015

PWS Section 1.4(b)

/ p.1 of 28 Objectives

Please identify the what "Defense Language Institute Exam" that is to be used as a measure for the 80% minimum qualification score. Is it the ECL?

It is the ELC.

PWS Section 1.4(c)

/ p.1 of 28 Objectives

As the desired proficiency level of SMS is anticipated to be between six months and one year, there will need to be screening of students for pre-course English language capability. Will the ALCPT be used for this purpose and, if so, who will administer the exam to the students?

Yes. The MNG along with OPM- SANG personnel conduct the testing.

PWS Section

1.5.1(f) / p.3 of 28

General Information /

QCP

What materials and equipment are being provided by the MNG to support this contract?

The classrooms, labs, desks, computers, servers, headsets are provided by MNG.

PWS Section

1.5.3.2 / p.3 of 28 KSA Holidays

Will these be paid holidays for contractor staff?

Contractors must comply with host nation labor laws

PWS Section

1.5.3.2 / p.3 of 28 KSA Holidays

How many Saudi holidays does the MNG Aviation School recognize each year?

Contractors must comply with host nation labor laws

PWS Section

1.5.4.3.2 / p.4 of 28 Contractor Housing

Through whom must approval for contractor housing be obtained?

OPM-SANG security officer Mr.

Dennis McCarthy, email:

dennis.j.mccarthy4.civ@army.mil

PWS Section 1.8 / p.5 of 28 Key Personnel

As this paragraph lists what appears to be all contractor positions, can it be assumed that all 17 personnel are key?

Yes.

PWS Section 1.8(2)

/ p.6 of 28 Program Manager

Is the requirement that the Program Manager speak English and Arabic waiverable? If not, what is the required FSI level?

The program manager must possess basic Arabic proficiency (level 3), high level English proficiency (level 5).

PWS Section

1.8(a)(4) / p.6 of 28 Program Manager

Can the contractor submit an individual who served as the Deputy Program Manager for 3 years of a program much larger than the one anticipated here to meet this experience requirement?

Yes. Contractor should explain the experience within proposal.

PWS Section

1.8(b)(4) / p.7 of 28 Testing Control Officer

Please define the expectation(s) for a "native speaker of American English." Is there a testing standard applicable such as ACTFL or is there a citizenship requirement?

FSI Level 5, Native Speaker of American English.

PWS Section 1.8(d)

/ p.7 of 28 American English

Instructors

Is the requirement here that the instructors be American or that they speak 'American English'? Both? If the latter, how is the determination on whether or not a given instructor speaks 'American English' to be made?

Instructors must have native fluency for American English.

PWS Section

1.8(d)(3) / p.8 of 28 American English

Instructors

Must the the DLI ALC familiarization course, if conducted in-Kingdom, be taught by DLI personnel or can contractor personnel who have been trained to teach this course conduct the training?

Contractors are the instructors, using DLI resourses obtained by the contracted company.

PWS Section

1.8(d)(5) / p.8 of 28 American English

Instructors

Please define what a native speaker of American English is. Is it a citizenship/residency requirement? If so, how many years qualify for an American English speaker to be a "native" speaker?

FSI Level 5, Native Speaker of American English.

PWS Section 1.12 / p.9 of 28 Phase In / Phase Out

Period

If there is an incumbent provider, can other bidders seek commitment from these personnel to join the new awardee assuming that the incumbent contractor loses the contract? Will the government provide incumbent resumes to ensure all bidders have access to people in kingdom and able to meet the mobilization requirement?Do current incumbent staff on the contract have any right of first refusal to positions on the contract assuming that a new contractor wins the award?

Proposals submitted by companies must have CVs of all intended hires at that time of submission, and supply them to

OPM-SANG.

Filled does not mean in KSA and working. Merely that they are the intended hires if awarded.

PWS Section 1.12.1

/ p.9 of 28 Phase In Period

This section states that all 17 positions must be "filled not later than 5 days after contract award." Does this mean that the staff for the new contractor must be in the Kingdom five days after award? If this is the case, then all bidders will need to accomplish all pre-deployment activities in order to meet the five day timeline in case they are awarded the contract. How will unsuccessful bidders be reimbursed for these actions?

Filled does not mean in KSA and working. Merely that they are the intended hires if awarded.

Proposals submitted by companies must have CVs of all intended hires at that time of submission, and supply them to

OPM-SANG.

PWS Section 3.2 / p.14 of 28 Materials

Can bidders make the assumption that all materials (ie, paper, printer cartridges, office supplies, etc.) required during Phase In for the contract that are not already onsite may be billed CR under CLIN 0004?

Contractors need to make the assumption that no office materials will be provided and will need to bid accordingly. Yes, CLIN 0004 will be reimbursed directly for materials.

PWS Section 3.2.1 / p.14 of 28 Instructional Books

Are books 7-32 already onsite? If not, consideration to extending the Phase In period should be given as it often takes DLI six months or more to print new textbooks ready for shipment.

While there are books on site, contractor will need to continue to order new books for upcomming classes and manage supply.

PWS Section 3.2.2 / p.14 of 28 Instructional Programs

Can the Government confirm whether these items are already onsite and available to the new contractor? Are these and other instructional items considered contractor-provided GFE or must the new contractor purchase these items from the incumbent?

The contractor should assume that they are responsible to purchase all instructional material.

PWS Section 3.2.2 / p.14 of 29 Instructional Programs

Due to the lead time for item delivery from DLI, will the government provide a list of any training items or materials that have been ordered by the incumbent but not yet delivered? Will the government facilitate transitioning DLI orders from the incumbent to the new awardee?

Yes. Yes.

PWS Section 3.2.3 / p.14 of 28 Instructional Videos/

Media

Can the Government confirm whether these items are already onsite and available to the new contractor? Are these and other instructional items considered contractor-provided GFE or must the new contractor purchase these items from the incumbent?

The contractor should assume that they are responsible to purchase all instructional material.

PWS Section 3.3.4 / p.14 of 28 Testing Programs

Please confirm whether a sufficient number of ALCPTs currently exists onsite to cover until more can be ordered from DLI.

There are currently enough for transition.

PWS Section 4.2.1 / p.16 of 28 Tasks

Will the Government confirm that the contract is to develop a 3-week specialized program of instruction to teach "medical English" to students of the Saudi MNG Aviation School?

The requirement for the 3-week medical English instruction from the PWS 4.2.1. has been removed.

PWS Section 4.2.5 / p.17 of 28 Tasks

The contractor must maintain sufficient manning to ensure a 15:1 student to instructor ratio. Please confirm that, should student population exceed 150 SMS that the contractor will be allowed to mobilize and charge for additional instructors as well as sufficient notice to accomplish all personnel mobilization activities.

Yes. The USG and contractor will negotiate a Change Order and incorporate the increased requirements into the contract along with the additional/applicable funding required.

PWS Section 4.2.11

/ p.18 of 28 Tasks

Will the contractor be responsible for ECL administration or will this be conducted by USMTM or other personnel?

OPM-SANG is responsible for administering the ECL with MNG on-site.

PWS Section 4.2.14

/ p.18 of 28 Tasks

Please confirm that the contractor will be allowed to hire additional instructors should the student population exceed 150 students.

Yes. The USG and contractor will negotiate a Change Order and incorporate the increased requirements into the contract along with the additional/applicable funding required.

PWS Performance Requirements

Summary / p.22 of

Technical Exhibit A

Please define which OSHA Regulations apply to this contract. If OSHA noncompliance is identified relating to MNG Facilities, will the USG intervene or provide a mod to repair or mitigate those risks?

The requirement for OSHA compliance has been removed in Technical Exhibit A.

39 General General

Are females eligible to be hired as contractor staff? If so, do sufficient facilities exist at the MNG Aviation School to support female staff?

This is not the Aviation school, it is the Ground school. Yes, instructors can be female. Some changes will be required to manage facilities to accomidate female instructors (i.e. restroom markers)

40 General General

Is there a minimum NITAQAT level that must be maintained by the contractor during the PoP of this contract?

No.

41 Pricing Volume VAT

Although many US-Saudi FMS contracts claim to be free from VAT taxation, this is never the case. How should contractors bill for payroll and other VAT that would not obviously be attributable to CLIN X004?

An updated Pricing Matrix, Attachment 0002 is included within this Amendment which includes a line item for VAT and a surrogate value for evaluation purposes.

This CLIN will be funded at time of award and contractors will be able to invoice VAT expenses off this

CLIN.

42 SF 1449 / p.3 of 68 Section A Narrative

Please detail the process required to establish a Non-Disclosure Agreement with Federal Acquisition Strategies, LLC as required by the solicitation documents.

Please contact FAS directly (utilizing the information provided in Section A, paragraph 5 of the

RFP).

PWS 1.8 Key

Personnel

CV

Please identify the preferred resume format, length and any specific details that need to be highlighted. If there is a preferred format, with the USG provide a template to ensure uniformity across all bidders?

There is no preferred format for resumes. Resumes must be a maximum of two (2) pages, which does not count towards the Volume 1 18-page narrative limit.

PWS 1.8 Key Personnel p.7

Language

What is the required FSI language level for IT Technician?

IT Technician must have, at minimum, FSI level 3 in both Arabic and English.

PWS 1.8 Key Personnel p.5

Program Manager

Can the USG clarify if alternate program manager/contract manager can be any of the key personnel? If not, is this an additional billable position?

Yes, a key personnel may be act as an alternate program manger/contract manager.

PWS 1.8 Key Personnel p.6

Program Manager

Can the USG confirm these Arabic language and post secondary educations courses are a must for the alternate PM/Contract Manager?

Prefered. Must display competency levels with CV if not met.

PWS 1.8. Key Personnel p.7

American English Instructors

Can the USG clarify if non-American English Instructors will be considered if education credentials are equivalent to conventional US education program?

No.

48 PWS 1.2. pg 1 Background

PWS states that previous training at the Saudi Ministry of National Guard (MNG) Aviation School was required to raise the English proficiency of Saudi Military students (SMS) to appropriate levels.

DISCUSSION: This contractor assumes these “levels” refer to each SMS achieving 80 percent or higher proficiency on the DLI Exam.

QUESTION: As “levels” is plural in the PWS statement, are there other local or program standards being used to assess SMS proficiency that drove the restart of a previous OPM program?

The ground school program closed years ago when the MNG decided to integrate for ELC.

There is not the required capacity available at the Aviation ELC.

49 PWS 1.3 pg 1 Scope

PWS states that “The Contractor shall provide all personnel, supplies, contractor transportation, educational tools, instructional materials, securing housing arrangements, and other items necessary to perform services . . . “ DISCUSSION: This contractor understands providing its own autonomous transportation for its coordination, resupply, and contract personnel movements.

QUESTION: Is there any requirement for the contractor to provide or assist transportation of SMS population?

No.

50 PWS 1.4(c) pg 1 Objectives

PWS states that the contractor will assist SMSs through instruction, training and exercises to reach proficiency within six months to one year from the start of training.

DISCUSSION: The PWS statement makes it clear that graduation/completion of the course is proficiency based rather than limited by a designated time for all SMSs.

QUESTION: Since the course completion for each student is proficiency based, has the MNG established a class size for initiating each course or is this planning decision left to the contractor?

The class size will start with 15 students, but the contractor is able to combine classes if deemed appropriate for size and availability.

51 PWS 1.4.1 pg 2 Quality Control Plan

(QCP)

PWS states that the Contractor will have 10 days to submit a final QCP after receiving Government comments about its draft submission.

DISCUSSION: Under Part 2, Definitions and Acronyms, a “day” is defined as Calendar Day unless otherwise specified. With the turnaround possibly having two weekends included in a 10-day turnaround, submission of a final QC Plan on time may be problematic.

QUESTION: Request the Government consider changing the 10-day turnaround time to 10 working days.

Noted. Requirement remains unchanged.

52 PWS 1.5.1(a) pg 2 QCP

PWS states that the Contractor’s QCP must provide an organizational structure and “. . .

lines of authority, the names, qualifications, duties, responsibilities, and classification of each member of the Quality Control Team.

DISCUSSION: Listing of contract personnel in PWS paragraph 1.12.1 does not include QC staff or refer to “contractor classification” other than in Paragraph 1.5.1.

QUESTION 1: Does the reference to the QCP Team Member’s “classification” refer to labor category, level of expertise, assigned title, or some other designation?

QUESTION 2: As QC is not referenced in paragraph 1.12.1, please clarify staffing in Government’s reference to a Contractor Quality Control Team.

The contractor is responsible for quality control to meet all the performance requirements of the PWS. The Government is looking for insight on how the Contractor is going to perform the quality function.

53 PWS 1.5.1(f) pg 3 QCP

PWS states a QC requirement for how the contractor will inventory and track maintenance of all MNG provided equipment and materials.

DISCUSSION: Neither the PWS nor any attachment lists the MNG provided equipment and materials.

QUESTION: Please provide a list of MNG provided equipment and materials so the contractor can assess impact, if any, on planned mission and staffing.

The computers, servers, headsets, display screens, and monitors will be the custodial responsibility of the contractor. Replacement will be conducted through a PR routed through OPM-SANG.

PWS Paragraphs 1.5.3, 1.5.3.2, and

1.5.4.1 pg 3,4 (Recognized

Holidays)

Recognized Holidays

PWS states in Paragraph 1.5.3.2 (KSA Holidays) are set by the Khashm Al-Aan Military Complex Command. Paragraph

1.5.4.1 states that Government facility offices may be closed by MNG on holidays referenced in Paragraph 1.5.3.2.

DISCUSSION: Paragraph 1.5.3.2 does not specifically list current or future KAA Complex Command designated holidays or even estimate the number of holidays.

QUESTION: As contractors use specific holiday information to calculate basis of estimate, productivity in man-years, and establish benefit packages during proposal development, please provide at least the number of holidays typically designated by the Command and current CY 2024 designated holidays included in Paid Time Off (PTO).

There are two days of national holidays, but it is the custom for the king to grant government employees the last two weeks of Ramadan off. This is not guaranteed.

PWS Paragraphs 1.5.4, 1.5.4.1, 1.5.4.2, and 1.5.4.3 (Operating Hours) pg 3, 4

Operating Hours

PWS 1.5.4 states that Government Office Hours, Government Facility Operating Hours, and Contractor Support Hours may differ.

DISCUSSION: This Contractor assumes references to “Government” in this PWS means OPM-SANG and the USG.

QUESTION: Please confirm that the contractor’s workplace is in an OPM-SANG operated facility on KAA.

The workplace is an MNG owned and operated facility. The hours of operation are those of the MNG, not US.

PWS Paragraph 1.5.4.3.1

(Contractor Work Plan) pg 4, 10

Contractor Work Plan

PWS states that after Government review and return of the Contractor’s Work plan, the Contractor will have three (3) days to submit its Final Work Plan.

DISCUSSION: Under Part 2, Definitions and Acronyms, a “day” is defined as Calendar Day unless otherwise specified. Turning a final product in 72 hours after return of Government’s comments on draft plan may be problematic.

QUESTION: Request that the Government consider changing its requirement above from a 3 calendar day turnaround to 3 workdays.

Noted. PWS has been adjusted from 3 calendar day turnaround to 3 business days.

PWS Paragraph 1.5.4.3.2

(Contractor Housing) pg 4

Contractor Housing

PWS states that all US citizens supporting this contract shall be housed in US Government approved housing areas.

DISCUSSION: This Contractor’s experience suggests that Government approved housing areas are generally defined as “secure” compounds.

COMMENT: Please clarify if the Government has approved any economy housing areas as meeting security requirements outside the compounds.

No.

PWS Paragraph 1.5.4.3.3

(Contractor Transportation)

Contractor Transportation

PWS states that all transportation necessary to execute this contract shall meet KSA vehicle safety requirements.

DISCUSSION: This Contractor understands this requirement for moving its personnel and equipment and supplies in support of this contract.

QUESTION: Does “necessary transportation” include any requirement to move / transport Saudi Military Students?

No.

1.6.1 pg 5

Text states that the Contractor shall participate in Government scheduled and unscheduled meetings outside of regular duty hours and may be required to send managerial, supervisory, or other knowledgeable personnel to these meetings.

DISCUSSION: Paragraph 1.6 states that attending the meeting (post award) shall incur no additional costs to the Government.

Paragraph 1.6.1 states that meetings may start or end outside of regular duty hours.

QUESTION: Please clarify that knowledgeable personnel (other than PM or his alternate) that are directed to attend these meetings outside the normal duty day will be eligible for Overtime or Compensatory Time for work beyond normal duty hours.

other than PM or his alternate, none.

PWS Paragraph 1.8 (Key Personnel)

Solicitation, Section L, Paragraph 10-A pg 5, 50

Key Personnel

PWS lists the PM, Alternate PM, Test Control Officer, Information Technology Technician, and ELT Instructors as Key Personnel. Solicitation Section L, Paragraph 10A (Proposal Instructions) allows 2 pages for each key personnel position resume and requires a maximum of 2 pages for each candidate’s letter of intent.

DISCUSSION: Designating all 14 instructors as Key Personnel appears to trigger the Section L requirement to provide a 2-page resume and similarly a 2-page letter of intent from each candidate during the proposal process. This appears to be an over-reach as it would likely require each Contractor to pursue resumes and intent letters from some or all incumbent employees during the proposal process, an action that will be viewed unfavorably by the incumbent.

Requesting resumes for the entire work force (as key personnel) during the proposal process appears to provide the incumbent an unnecessary and unfair advantage over other competitors.

QUESTION: Request the Government consider removing the instructor work force from its key personnel designation in Paragraph 1.8.

Noted, however, the requirement remains unchaged.

1.8(a)

(Key Personnel) pg.

Key Personnel

PWS states that the Program Manager will be answerable to the MNG School Officials and Cadre at KAA and to OPM-SANG advisors and contracting partners.

DISCUSSION: Language in this paragraph seems to approach the definition of personal services as it relates to the PM responding to OPM SANG “advisors” and “contracting partners.”

QUESTION 1: Who are the OPM “advisors” that will appear to control our Program Manager’s actions?

QUESTION 2: As this Contractor intends to bid this opportunity as the Prime of a very capable team, who are the other contracting partners mentioned in Paragraph 1.8(a)?

This is not a personal services contract. The Program Manager will serve as the primary point of contact to the COR in OPM-SANG and the Cadre at the National Guard Military Schools (NGMS).

"Partners" are NGMS and OPM-

SANG.

PWS Paragraph

1.10 (Data Right)

Data Right

PWS states that the Government will have unlimited rights to the all documents and materials produced for this contract and that all software and codes will belong to the Government.

DISCUSSION: This contractor understands Paragraph 1.10 means that all products belong to the USG.

QUESTION 1: Will the Saudi Government (i.e., the MNG) have any claim to any and all products created in this contract?

QUESTION 2: If the MNG claims ownership with the USG of any products, software, or codes, please clarify which products are included.

No. MNG has no rights to US IP.

1.12.1

(Phase-In Period) pg 9

Phase-in Period

PWS states that the transition with the prior “instructor” NLT within 90 days of contract start immediately upon acceptance.

DISCUSSION: Transitions are usually accomplished between the incoming and outgoing contractors.

QUESTION: Why is the Government apparently directing the transition down to instructor level?

Acknowledged. The PWS requirement is revised to "contractor" as opposed to "instructor".

1.12.1

(Phase-In Period) pg 9

Phase-in Period

PWS lists the PM, IT Tech, TCO, and 14 instructors and mandates that these positions be filled not later than 5 days after contract award.

DISCUSSION; Filling 17 positions NLT than 5 days after contract award presumes the awarded contractor will hire 100 percent of the incumbent work force.

• Hiring 17 positions presumes there are no vacancies on the incumbent work force at time on new contract award and that all incumbent employees will contract with the new contractor.

• Presenting any or all of the 17 employees (EXPAT) within 5 days is unrealistic as it takes more than 5 days to transfer iqamas in country and up to 4 weeks to move US personnel in from CONUS.

• Awarded contractor will not move personnel from CONUS to fill these positions until award is made

• As written, the 5-day requirement unfairly favors the incumbent.

QUESTION: Request the Government consider revising its description of the Phase-In Period in order to present a feasible solution that allows contractors other than the incumbent to be successful.

Filled means that the contractor has hired employees and can provide CVs of these employees.

1.12.3(a)

(Steady State Operations) pg 9

Steady State Operations

PWS states that the contractor must be able to rotate new classes into the schedule if students are able to complete the training program in less than 12 months.

DISCUSSION: PWS seems to suggest that each class has 15 students. Increasing student load will require an entire class to finish the training faster than 12 months.

Completing an entire class (all 15 students) in less than 12 months presumes uniformity of learning among all students and equal aptitude across the class’ students. Some students may take 6 months, some may take 7 or 8 and some may require the entire 12-month period. Classroom and new student candidate capability may drive the Contractor’s capability to accelerate one class in order to start another one sooner than 12 months.

QUESTION: What is the availability of new class loads and classroom space to add classes to the program sooner than every 12 months?

The classes can be combined when at the same point of progression, but have decreased in size to a point where they can be combined in classes of 15 or less. There are also 5 additional classrooms in the building.

1.12.3

(Steady State Operations) pg 9

Steady State Operations

PWS states that there are 5 testing labs and 30 computer stations.

DISCUSSION: PWS tasks the Contractor to provide all necessary contractor equipment and materials but is unclear as to what MNG equipment and supplies are available.

QUESTION: Are the 30 computer stations mentioned in Paragraph 1.12.3 MNG equipment or is it necessary for the Contractor to provide new computers for this support?

Computers are purchased through OPM-SANG. Contractor has custodial responsibility. MNG provides the funds.

Paragraph 1.12.2 (Phase-Out Period) pg 9 PWS Paragraph

1.12.4 (Phase-Out Period) pg 9

Phase-out Period

PWS Paragraph 1.12.4 states that the outgoing contractor will remain a minimum of 30 days to facilitate contract turnover to the new contract.

DISCUSSION: Paragraph 1.12.2 (Phase Out Period) states that the transition with the next instructor (should be contractor) will be completed within 90 days of contract start.

The timelines mentioned in these two paragraphs are confusing.

QUESTION: Request the Government clarify the responsibilities and time line the incumbent (outgoing) Contractor will follow if a new contractor is chosen.

There is a 30 day transition period in which the incumbent will continue to teach and the new instructors will observe and learn the current pace and timing of instruction being given.

Administrators will begin transition within that 30 days, and at the end, the new contractor will be fully engaged in normal operations.

Part 3 Contractor Furnished Items and Services Paragraph 3.2.1 (Materials) pg 14

Materials

Text states the course consists of Books 7 through 32 and each book will be completed within 2 weeks.

DISCUSSION: Using the 2-week timeline for each of 26 books makes the course duration 52 weeks. In order to complete the course sooner than a full term, the Contractor will have to ensure the entire class finishes books at a faster rate.

QUESTION: Please clarify that “within 2 weeks” criteria for completing books does in fact allow for more rapid class advancement.

Within 2 weeks means book and tests complete. The progression is set at 2 weeks.

Part 4 Specific Tasks

Paragraph 4.1.1.1 (Basic Services) pg

Basic Services

Text states that the Contractor will provide English Language Training to the National Guard Military School faculty and staff.

DISCUSSION: This contractor expects to initially train 150 students annually.

QUESTION: Are the MNG faculty and staff included in the initial 150 annual student load?

No.

Paragraph 4.2.1 (Tasks) pg 16

Tasks

Text states that the Contractor shall develop a specialized medical POI and another specialized POI for the MNG.

DISCUSSION: With 14 instructors completing 26 books over a 52-week period for a minimum of 150 students, the bandwidth of the contractor force to develop two major POIs may be problematic.

QUESTION: Please clarify the Government’s intent on how internal POI development can occur without impacting 15:1 student to instructor ratio for platform and laboratory instruction.

Development is for teaching improvement and delivery, not on the POI.

Part 6 Attachment and Technical Exhibit Listing

Tech Exhibit A:

Performance Requirements

Summary (PRS) PWS Paragraph 1.8

(Key Personnel)

A-1

Text states the acceptable threshold for hiring 100 percent of key personnel as identified in 30 days and performing within 90 days.

DISCUSSION: This threshold appears to conflict with Paragraph 1.12.1 that required completion of initial staffing within 5 days.

QUESTION: Request the Government consider relooking timelines for all staffing to eliminate confusion in the several PWS paragraphs and the PRS.

Filled means that the contractor has hired employees and can provide CVs of these employees.

It does not mean working at ELC.

Working at ELC will commence within 90 days of award. These statements are not meant to conflict.

PWS 1.8 (Key

Personnel) pg 5-8 Key Personnel

Text - Beginning of Section 1.8 defines a list of FIVE key personnel as: "The following personnel are considered key personnel by the Government: Program Manager, Testing Control Officer, Information Technology Technician, Instructor, and Lab Instructor."

However the lettered subsections (1.8.a through 1.8.d) provide requirements for FOUR key personnel.

QUESTION: Offeror assumes that the desired set of Key Personnel is a total of three resources: Program Manager (1x);

Test Control Officer (1x); IT Technician (1x).

Will the Government confirm that assumption?

PWS 1.8 has been revised.

PWS Attachment 1 (Estimated

Workload Data) pg

Estimated Workload Data

TEXT - The table provided at PWS, Attachment 1, provides an estimate of 14 resources for "English Language Instructor".

QUESTION - Offeror assumes that "English Language Instructor" includes requirements specific to "Instructors" and "Lab Instructors". Will the Government confirm that these resources are not considered Key Personnel?

The instructors are required to teach the SMSs, which is the necessary function of the contracted service.

74 PWS 3.2 pg 14

TEXT: "3.2. Materials: The contractor shall provide office supplies and materials such as paper, printer cartridges, and all other office supplies and materials needed in the performance of this contract; automated data processing equipment (ADPE) such as computers for contractors, and anything else needed for the contractors to perform administrative duties. All ADPE connecting to the Government network shall be reviewed and approved by the Government prior to purchase by the contractor; office furniture; cellular and desktop telephones, etc."

QUESTION: Will the Government confirm that winning Offeror will be given access and connectivity to MNG computer networks?

Yes.

75 RFP L.A pg 50

TEXT: "Each file of the proposal shall consist of a Table of Contents, Summary Section, and the Narrative discussion. "

QUESTION: We assume that the Table of Contents, as well as the cover page, are excluded from page count. Will the Government confirm that assumption?

Correct, Table of Contents and Cover Pages are excluded from the page count.

76 RFP L.A pg 50

TEXT: "Each file of the proposal shall consist of a Table of Contents, Summary Section, and the Narrative discussion. "

QUESTION: We assume that the Summary Section will be no longer than one page, and that its content will be excluded from page count. Will the Government confirm that assumption?

No. The summary section is included within the page count.

RFP L.A.3 (Price

Factor) pg 56 Price Factor

TEXT: "The Offeror shall complete the Price Matrix (Attachment 007) as detailed below … Offerors shall submit their proposals using the MS Excel Price Matrix (Attachment 007)."

QUESTION: Will the Government confirm that the Price Matrix is Attachment 0002 the RFP, not Attachment 007)?

Correct. The Price Matrix is included at Attachment 0002.

Price Matrix RFP

L.A.3 (Price Factor) pg 56

Price Factor

TEXT: "Proposed prices will be used by the Government to calculate the total evaluated price. For each proposal, the Government will calculate a Total Evaluated Price by adding the total of the base, all Option Period prices and the 6‐Month Option to Extend Period. The Offeror shall complete the Price Matrix (Attachment 007) as detailed below."

QUESTION: Will the Government please confirm what specific costs are expected to be covered by the $5000 ODC plug number?

PWS 3.2 details what costs are allowed under ODC.

RFP L.A.3 (Price

Factor) pg 57 Price Factor

TEXT: "Price Information: All information relating to the proposed price including all required supporting documentation must be included in the section of the proposal designated as the Price Volume. Under no circumstances shall this information and documentation be included elsewhere in the proposal."

QUESTION: Will the Government confirm what type of cost/price supporting documentation is required by the government under this FFP contract? Can the Government provide more information on what should be included in the Price Volume?

Offerors shall submit pricing in accordance with Section L of the RFP, which requires offerors to complete Attachment 0002, Pricing Matrix. Certified Cost and Pricing Data is not being requested by the USG at this time.

RFP L.A.2 (Past

Performance) pg 52 Past Performance

TEXT: "The Offeror shall also submit the written consent of its key subcontractors to allow the disclosure of its subcontractor’s past performance information to the Offeror.

In addition, letters of commitment shall be included for all key subcontractors for their past performance to be considered."

QUESTION: Offeror assumes that letters of consent and letters of commitment are to be included as an appendix in the Past Performance Volume and are excluded from page count. Will the Government confirm that assumption?

Correct, these are excluded from the page count.

RFP L.A.2 (Past

Performance) pg51-

Past Performance

TEXT: Instructions for Past Performance include "2) A list and description of ALL recent Government, Commercial, and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contracts that are relevant to this solicitation and requirement,..." (this is to include the prime and subcontractors) and each recent and relevant contract shall begin on a new page to clearly delineate between efforts. RFP also states "8) There is a 10‐page limit"

QUESTION: Given the list of requirements for Past Performance Section 1 narrative, additional requirements for Sections 3 and 4, and the requirement that each contract citation must begin on a new page, the page constraint of 10 pages for Volume 2 can easily be a challenge for offerors. Offeror respectfully requests that the page limit be increased to 15 pages.

Noted. Considering the pages that are not included in the page count, 10 pages for volume 2 remains unchanged.

RFP L.A.2 (Past

Performance) pg 55 Past Performance

TEXT: Past Performance Factor Instructions, Proposal Volume 2 – Content, Item e: Past Performance Questionnaire:

“The offeror shall email to the Contracting Officer a list of all the POCs who were sent a questionnaire. The Government must receive this list no later than the proposal due date.”

QUESTION: Please confirm that this list should be emailed separately from the Proposal Volume 2 content and thus is NOT included in the 10-page volume page count.

Correct. This is not included in the proposal page count.