W911S026RA003 Questions OPI Combined 01292026.xlsx
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- OPI Testing and Reporting
- Solicitation number
- W911S026RA003
About this file
This file is a Questions and Answers (Q&A) document for solicitation W911S026RA003, addressing clarifications on Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) testing and reporting requirements. The contract, issued by the Department of the Army Materiel Command Mission and Installation Contracting Command Fort Eustis, is a non-personal services contract requiring up to 19,150 OPIs annually across 110 languages organized in three tiers: Tier 1 (17,000 OPIs), Tier 2 (2,000 OPIs), and Tier 3 (150 OPIs). The period of performance runs from May 18, 2026 to May 17, 2033, with a base period consisting of a 30-day phase-in followed by eleven 12-month ordering periods. The government expects annual price escalations due to inflation and other variables.
Key clarifications address OPI tester certification, where vendors must meet the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) standard but are responsible for developing their own certification methodologies, training protocols, and testing procedures. The government will not provide phase-in periods for tester certification; testers must be fully certified within 14 days for Tier 1 and Tier 2 languages and within 14-90 days for Tier 3 languages. Vendors may use their own OPI protocols and formats provided they align with the ILR scale. Two-Score OPIs (TSOPI) with inferred listening scores and remote proctoring for approximately 500 OPIs are included within the stated volumes. All testing is conducted telephonically from vendor locations, though examinees are at government-approved sites. The government retains read-only and oversight access to all OPI records and audio files, with records retained through contract completion. No-shows are charged at a separate CLIN rate (0009), and vendors with existing language instruction contracts at DLIFLC must disclose potential organizational conflicts of interest for government evaluation. Vendor certifications from incumbent contractors are not transferable to new contractors.
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Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Solicitation Amendment W911S026RA0030001 SF 30.pdf | ||
| Solicitation - W911S026RA003 Professional Appearance (1).pdf | ||
| Attachment 2 - Contract Price Summary 01272026.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| Attachment PPQ OPI W911S026RA003.docx | DOCX document | |
| PWS_OPI_01082026 Final.docx | DOCX document | |
| W911S026RA003 Questions OPI.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| Solicitation - W911S026RA003 Professional Appearance.pdf | ||
| Attachment 2 - Contract Price Summary.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet |
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Text version
Sheet1
| No. | Question | RFP Requirement/Excerpt | RFP Reference | RFP Page # | Answer |
| 1 | Are vendors permited to use their own tester certification standards or will the government provide the OPI tester certification standards and Government approved testing protocols? |
| If vendors must use the government approved tester certification standards and testing protocols and they are not made publically available competition is limited to the incumbent vendor only. | Contractor shall certify OPI testers based on the OPI tester certification standards as stipulated on 5.2.7.1. | PWS 1.4.1.1 | 2 | The requirement is for the vendor to meet the ILR standard, which is the governing criteria for measuring Government examinee proficiency. The degree to which the vendor "certifies" their testers to meet this standard, is upon the vendor. |
| 2 | The PWS states 17,000 OPIs for Tier 1 annually. |
Attachment 2 has 8,400 OPIs for Tier 1 annually.
Solicitation Box 20 has 17,000 OPIs for Tier 1 annually.
Which amount is correct? 1.4.1.3.3 Tier 1 languages: 17,000 OPIs PWS 1.4.1.3.1
Attachment 2
| Solicitation Box #20 Continuation of Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs | 2 | 17,000 for Tier 1 |
| 3 | The PWS states 2,000 OPIs for Tier 2 annually. |
Attachment 2 has 2,450 OPIs for Tier 2 annually.
Solicitation Box 20 has 2,000 OPIs for Tier 2 annually.
Which amount is correct? 1.4.1.3.3 Tier 2 languages: 2,000 OPIs PWS 1.4.1.3.2
Attachment 2
| Solicitation Box #20 Continuation of Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs | 2 | 2,000 OPIs for Tier 2 |
| 4 | The PWS states 150 OPIs for Tier 3 annually. |
Attachment 2 has 350 OPIs for Tier 3 annually.
Solicitation Box 20 has 200 OPIs for Tier 3 annually.
Which amount is correct? 1.4.1.3.3 Tier 3 languages: 150 OPIs PWS 1.4.1.3.3
Attachment 2
| Solicitation Box #20 Continuation of Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs | 2 | 150 OPIs for Tier 3 | ||||
| 5 | Is this work performed virtually? In person at a contractor facility? In person at a gvovernment facility? | 1.5.6 Place of Performance: The work to be performed under this contract will be performed from anywhere in the Continental United States (CONUS), Alaska, Hawaii and U.S. territories or countries pre-approved by the government. | PWS 1.5.6 | 5 | All vendor OPIs are conducted telephonically via the locations stipulated in 1.5.6. | |
| 6 | Will this work be performed on the government's site? | 1.7 Key Control: If applicable, the Contractor shall establish and implement methods of making sure all keys issued to the Contractor by the Government are not lost or misplaced and are not used by unauthorized persons….These procedures shall be included in the Quality Control Plan. | PWS 1.7 | 6 | Vendor OPIs are conducted from their place of work, which can vary via 1.5.6. The examiees, however, are located at Government approved sites. There are some examinees, via pre-approval by the Government, that may test outside a Gornmnent site, i.e. Teacher applicants to the DLIFLC. | |
| 7 | Attachment 2 has two separate CLINS for No Shows (0009) and ODCs (0013). 1.14 implies that No-Shows are considered ODCs. |
Where do vendors charge No-Shows? 1.14 Other Direct Costs (ODCs): All non-conducted testing when the Government facility is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closings, or similar Government directed facility closings on day of testing shall be charged at the No-Show rate per test. Examinee absence shall also be charged at the No-Show rate per test. PWS 1.14
| Attachment 2 CLINS 0009 and 0013 | 8 | No-shows are a cost incurred when an examinee fails to appear for an appointment. It is not and ODC. A no-show is to have it's own CLIN. ODC can cover any other unforeseen costs. |
| 8 | We are a vendor currently providing contract language training to DLI students. Past testing contracts with DLIFLC have been limited to vendors that do not provide instruction to DLI students. |
| Does the government consider a vendor with language instruction contracts with DLI an unresolveable OCI scenario or an immediate disqualification for pursuing this OPI contract? | 1.19 Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI): Contractor and subcontractor personnel or their independent contractors performing work under this contract may receive, have access to or participate in the development of proprietary or source selection information (e.g., cost or pricing information, budget information or analyses, specifications or work statements, etc.) or perform evaluation services which may create a current or subsequent OCI as defined in FAR Subpart 9.5. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer immediately whenever it becomes aware that such access or participation may result in any actual or potential OCI and shall promptly submit a plan to the Contracting Officer to avoid or mitigate any such OCI. The Contractor’s OCI Mitigation Plan will be determined to be acceptable solely at the discretion of the Contracting Officer. In the event the Contracting Officer unilaterally determines that any such OCI cannot be satisfactorily avoided or mitigated, the Contracting Officer may affect other remedies as he or she deems necessary, including prohibiting the Contractor from participation in subsequent contracted requirements which may be affected by the OCI. | PWS 1.19 | 9 | Yes. The Government is to be informed if a vendor is also a vendor tester for their own students. This is a conflict of interest. Testers are not test their own students. |
| 9 | Is it a correct understanding that the winning vendor will be notified 60 days prior to the start date of 18 May 2026 (19 March 2026) to begin the phase in? |
What are the requirements for Phase-in/Phase-out and how are those services billed to the government?
| What personnel must be on board during the phase in/phase out? Key personnel only or all testers? | 1.20 Phase In /Phase Out Period: To minimize decreases in productivity and to prevent possible negative impacts on additional services, the Contractor shall have personnel on board, during the sixty (60) day phase in/ phase out periods. During the phase in period, the Contractor shall become familiar with performance requirements in order to commence full performance of services on the contract start date. | PWS 1.2 | 9 | Contractor must have complete capability by the start of service, the phase in language has been removed. | ||
| 10 | Are test prompts, role-plays, and elicitation strategies provided by the Government, or is the contractor responsible for developing and validating them? | 5.2.7.1 Contractor shall ensure all OPI testers employed under the contract are certified to adhere to the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) scale and Government approved testing protocols . The ILR scale is the Government authorized standard of rating factors from which OPI proficiency garnered. | PWS 5.1.2. | 19 | With the exception of "elicitation strategies," the vendor is to provide. The Goverments role to provide strategies and guidance to better help the vendor with the overall product. The "subjective" nature of the OPI demands guidance from the Government. Strategies are a part of this guidance. We do not train the venfor or provide the necessary components for their OPI. | |
| 11 | Does the Government provide the certification standards or can vendors create their own certification? | Contractor shall certify OPI testers based on the OPI tester certification standards as stipulated on 5.2.7.1 | PWS 5.1.1.1 | 19 | The requirement is for the vendor to meet the ILR standard, which is the governing criteria for measuring Government examinee proficiency. The degree to which the vendor "certifies" their testers to meet this standard, is upon the vendor. | |
| 12 | If certification must be performed to a government standard, will the government provide those standards? | Contractor shall certify OPI testers based on the OPI tester certification standards as stipulated on 5.2.7.1 | PWS 5.1.1.1 | 19 | No. The ILR is a matrix, rubric, or criteria to which the vendor OPIs are to follow. The Government can provide the rubric. However, the Government does not dictate the standard to certify to the criteria. | |
| 13 | If the government will provide the certification standards, when will those standards be provided? As part of this RFP? During the Phase-in? | Contractor shall certify OPI testers based on the OPI tester certification standards as stipulated on 5.2.7.1 | PWS 5.1.1.1 | 19 | The ILR standard or criteria is available to the vendor via public means or by the Government. We can provide this information durin the RFP period. | |
| 14 | Do certifications that testers received from the incumbent vendor transferrable to a new vendor? | Contractor shall certify OPI testers based on the OPI tester certification standards as stipulated on 5.2.7.1 | PWS 5.1.1.1 | 19 | No | |
| 15 | What methodology does the Government approve for assigning the Inferred Listening Score (ILS)? | 5.1.2.1 Two-Score OPIs (TSOPI) shall require an Inferred Listening Score (ILS) along with the OPI score. 5.1.4. Contractor shall provide up to 9,000 Inferred Listening Scores (ILC) over a 12-month period. | PWS 5.1.2.1 and 5.1.4. | 19 | The vendor, when required, is to simply match the score received on the OPI. If an examinee who falls under the TSOPI criteria receives a 1+, for example, a 1+ ILC will accopany the OPI score. 1+ in OPI and 1+ ILC. | |
| 16 | Are there required documentation or justification standards for ILS determinations? | Contractor shall provide up to 9,000 Inferred Listening Scores (ILC) over a 12-month period. | PWS 5.1.4 | 19 | The vendor is to document via document or electronically that an ILS score has been provided. This is accomplished via a "score report." The documented score shall display the OPI score and ILS score. | |
| 17 | Should the ILS be reported as a numeric score only, or accompanied by narrative explanation? | Inferred Listening Score shall be included with the OPI score report. | PWS 5.1.4.1 | 19 | Numeric score only. | |
| 18 | What remote proctoring platforms or technologies are approved? | Contractor shall provide remote proctoring for up to 500 OPIs. | PWS 5.1.5 | 19 | via computer. If a remote proctoring session is to occur, the examinee and surroundings are to be visible via computer camera. Proctor must be able to see the person taking the exam live, face and immediate environment. The concept mimicing an in-person event. | |
| 19 | For a tester to be considered available (within these 14 days) do they need to be certified? Or can that occur later? | 5.2.5.1 Tier 1 languages must be available for testing within fourteen (14) days from the start of the contract. |
5.2.5.2 Tier 2 languages must be available for testing within fourteen (14) days from the start of the contract.
5.2.5.3 Tier 3 languages. Twenty-five (25) languages shall be available for testing within fourteen (14) days from the start of the contract. The remaining fourteen (14) languages shall be available within ninety (90) calendar days from the start of the contract.
| 5.2.5.3.1 Contractor shall report on which 25 of the 39 languages are to be supported as of day 14. | PWS 5.2.5 | 21 | Testers are to be certified testers prior to any testing events. Only under certain situations is there a deviation from this requirement. Guided OPI being an example. |
| 20 | If testers need to be certified to be considered available, will vendors be able to use the 60 day phase-in period to certify testers? | 5.2.5.1 Tier 1 languages must be available for testing within fourteen (14) days from the start of the contract. |
5.2.5.2 Tier 2 languages must be available for testing within fourteen (14) days from the start of the contract.
5.2.5.3 Tier 3 languages. Twenty-five (25) languages shall be available for testing within fourteen (14) days from the start of the contract. The remaining fourteen (14) languages shall be available within ninety (90) calendar days from the start of the contract.
| 5.2.5.3.1 Contractor shall report on which 25 of the 39 languages are to be supported as of day 14. | PWS 5.2.5 | 21 | Phase-in Language has been removed. | |||
| 21 | Does the Government require adherence to a Government-owned or Government-approved OPI protocol, or may contractors use their own OPI protocols as long as they align with the ILR scale? | 5.2.7.1 Contractor shall ensure all OPI testers employed under the contract are certified to adhere to the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) scale and Government approved testing protocols . The ILR scale is the Government authorized standard of rating factors from which OPI proficiency garnered. | PWS 5.2.7.1. | 22 | Vendor is to use their own protocols so long as they align with the ILR. The Government may provide "guidance" if necessary. The Government may also provide samples of what is acceptable, but its usage is through mutual agreement. | |
| 22 | Does the Government require the use of a scoring worksheet or standardized OPI rubric, and if so, will this be provided to the contractor? | 5.2.7.1 Contractor shall ensure all OPI testers employed under the contract are certified to adhere to the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) scale and Government approved testing protocols . The ILR scale is the Government authorized standard of rating factors from which OPI proficiency garnered. | PWS 5.2.7.1. | 22 | The ILR scale/standard is in effect a rubric. However, the vendor is to document via form or other acceptable means a justification of the rating. This allows Government to see if the test was conducted within the confines of the ILR. | |
| 23 | Will the Government provide tester training materials or protocols, or is the contractor responsible for developing training aligned to Government-approved testing protocols? | 5.2.7.1 Contractor shall ensure all OPI testers employed under the contract are certified to adhere to the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) scale and Government approved testing protocols . The ILR scale is the Government authorized standard of rating factors from which OPI proficiency garnered. | PWS 5.2.7.1. | 22 | Contractor is to provide their own training protocols. The only stipulation here is that the training protocols lead to meeting the desired outcome, i.e. meeting the ILR Standard/rubric. The Government may provide "guidance" to better help the vendor meet those expectations. The Goverment does not train the vendor. | |
| 24 | Are existing certifications from other vendors (e.g., ACTFL OPI) acceptable? | 5.2.7.1 Contractor shall ensure all OPI testers employed under the contract are certified to adhere to the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) scale and Government approved testing protocols . The ILR scale is the Government authorized standard of rating factors from which OPI proficiency garnered. | PWS 5.2.7.1. | 22 | ||
| 25 | Will there be a transition-in period, and if so, what activities are expected? | 5.2.7.1 Contractor shall ensure all OPI testers employed under the contract are certified to adhere to the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) scale and Government approved testing protocols . The ILR scale is the Government authorized standard of rating factors from which OPI proficiency garnered. | PWS 5.2.7.1. | 22 | Phase-in Language has been removed. | |
| 26 | Will the Government provide incumbent testing documentation or process guidance? | 5.2.7.1 Contractor shall ensure all OPI testers employed under the contract are certified to adhere to the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) scale and Government approved testing protocols . The ILR scale is the Government authorized standard of rating factors from which OPI proficiency garnered. | PWS 5.2.7.1. | 22 | No. The ILR is a matrix, rubric, or criteria to which the vendor OPIs are to follow. The Government can provide the rubric. However, the Government does not dictate the standard to certify to the criteria. The ILR scale is a public rubric. In theory, the vendor or bidder should already be aware of its existence. | |
| 27 | Is a new contractor expected to mirror the incumbent’s OPI format, or may it implement its own compliant processes | 5.2.7.1 Contractor shall ensure all OPI testers employed under the contract are certified to adhere to the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) scale and Government approved testing protocols . The ILR scale is the Government authorized standard of rating factors from which OPI proficiency garnered. | PWS 5.2.7.1. | 22 | OPI format or delivery is up to the vendor. All that is considered here is that the vendor provides a score that is in alignment with the ILR scale/standard/rubric. | |
| 28 | Does the Government require that OPI Tester Trainers be Government-designated or Government-approved, or may the Contractor independently qualify OPI Tester Trainers? | Contractor’s OPI Tester Trainers shall meet with Government subject matter experts (SMEs) and the COR to receive performance feedback, clarification, and policy updates. | PWS 5.2.7.2. | 22 | OPI Tester trainers are to be provided by the vendor. The Government does not dicated who may or may not be a tester trainer. The only exception is if there is perceived or determined conflict of interest. | |
| 29 | What are the actual quantities and names for each CLIN? Attachment 2 and the Continuation of Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs do not match. | Attachment 2 | ||||
| Solicitation Box #20 Continuation of Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs | 3 | Pricing Sheet Comind page shall be CLIn Structure | ||||
| 30 | Will the govnerment allow annual price escalations or is the government expecting on fixed price for 7 years? | Period of Performace 18 May 2026 to 17 May 2033. | Solictiation Continuation of Deliveries or Performance | 13 | Yes, price escalations are expected, due to inflation or other variables. We expect price escalation from year to year. See updated Pricign Attachment | |
| 31 | Where is Attachment #3 - Past Performance Questionnaire? | 1.4.2.4.3.1. For all contracts identified by the offeror as a past performance reference, the offeror shall forward a copy of the Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) and Cover Letter (Attachment 3) to the points of contact responsible for monitoring performance under such contracts. | Solictiation 1.4 Proposal Content | 90 | attachement is updated in SAM.Gov | |
| 32 | Does the government expect employee names for all potential testers in the proposal response? This is contrary to the requirement that testers be identified within 14 days after contract start. | A Staffing plan must address for all staff, the proposed employees' name, certifications, education and training levels for each labor category to ensure personnel have expertise and the qualifications as described in the PWS.... | Solictiation 1.4.3.5. Organizational/Staffing and Management Approach |
PWS 5.2.5 Language Testing Availability 93
| Company staff names and qualifications related to this requirement are necessary. The names of the testers are not required within the 14 days. Company shall provide us with some sort of org chart as to who constitutes the staff and their respective roles. Qualifications such as eductation and experience aids the Government in seeing if the vendor has at intent of providing staff that has inherent qualities in relation to the servcies required. Work hours are strictly projections. The requiremnt by the stakeholders varies from year to year. | ||
| 33 | Does the government expect to see a resume/CV for all key personnel at proposal submission or 5 working days after award? These two requirements contradict. | Resumes of key personnel shall be submitted. |
All Key Personnel shall provide a Curriculum Vitae (CV) for each of the personnel listed below. shall be provided in writing to the Contracting Officer no later than five (5) working days after contract start. Solictiation 1.4.3.5. Organizational/Staffing and Management Approach
PWS 1.10 Key Personnel
| the proposal shall identify managmenet and staffing approch, and shall incude proposed names. Upon award the Key Personnel shall CV shall be provided no ltaer then 5 days after commencet of Perio d of Perofrmance . | ||||||
| 34 | There is no "Fixed Price Labor" worksheet in Attachment 2. | The 'Fixed Price Labor' worksheet in Attachment 2 identifies the Labor Categories and estimated annual hours of services to be acquired for performance of all the PWS requirements. | Solictiation 1.4.5 Volume V - Factor 4: Price | 97 | Language has been updated see Amendment 1 | |
| 35 | There are no labor categories listed in the pricing workbook. Does the government want to see labor categories or FFP units? | The offeror shall at a minimum provide the required information in each column for each labor category listed in the Pricing Workbook. | Solictiation 1.4.5 Volume V - Factor 4: Price | |||
| Solictiation 1.4.5.4. Attachment 2, Pricing Workbook. | 97-98 | Language has been updated see Amendment 1 | ||||
| 36 | What is Surge pricing? This is not described in the PWS or solicitation. |
| Also, the current Attachment 2 does not have a location for surge pricing. | The offeror shall not include SURGE pricing for the 1-month Phase-in. The | |||
| offeror shall indicate if prices proposed are from the prime or its subcontractors/ teaming partners. | Solictiation 1.4.5 Volume V - Factor 4: Price | |||
| Solictiation 1.4.5.4. Attachment 2, Pricing Workbook. | 98 | Language has been updated see Amendment 1 | ||
| 37 | This requirement does not call for labor hours by labor category. How should vendors address this requirement? | The proposed total billable hourly rates may not be adjusted except as provided by FAR Clause 52.222-43, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards (SCLS)-Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts) for labor categories deemed to be SCLS applicable. Therefore, offerors are cautioned to include inflation where warranted. Additionally, the actual expended labor hours of any successful offeror may differ substantially | ||
| from the hours per labor category projected in Attachment 2, yet the successful offeror will still be bound by its proposed cap rates. | Solictiation 1.4.5 Volume V - Factor 4: Price | |||
| Solictiation 1.4.5.4. Attachment 2, Pricing Workbook. | 98 | Language has been updated see Amendment 1 | ||
| 38 | What will occur during the 30 day Phase in? | For the purpose of preparing a price proposal, the contractor shall assume that the basic period of performance will be a base period consisting of a thirty (30) day phase-in period and 11-months and six (6) additional12-month ordering periods. | Solictiation 1.4.5 Volume V - Factor 4: Price |
Solictiation 1.4.5.4. Attachment 2, Pricing Workbook.
| Solictiation 1.4.5.4.1 | 98 | Language has been updated see Amendment 1 | |
| 39 | The provided Attachment 2 does not call for labor categories. How should vendors address this requirement? | 1.4.5.4.4. Offerors shall specify if specific labor categories fall under the Service Contract Labor Standards by indicating 'SCLS' and providing the selected SCLS occupation code in the applicable column of Attachment 2. | |
| Complete all columns for all labor categories. For any labor categories deemed as SCLS, the direct rate, fringe benefit detail, and other information will be used to validate SCLS rate requirements (e.g.: health and wellness requirements). Once all information has been provided, enter the total billable labor rate for the listed labor categories and calculate the total value for each labor category for each year using the estimated hours provided. A total evaluated price is located at the bottom that shall be a sum total of all labor categories for all 7 years with the specified number of hours. | Solictiation 1.4.5 Volume V - Factor 4: Price |
Solictiation 1.4.5.4. Attachment 2, Pricing Workbook.
| Solictiation 1.4.5.4.4 | 98 | Language has been updated see Amendment 1 | ||||
| No. | Question | RFP Requirement/Excerpt | RFP Reference | RFP Page # | Answer | |
| 1 | While the PWS provides estimated annual Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) volumes at the tier level (Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3), does the Government have historical or projected information regarding the distribution of OPIs among individual languages within each tier that it is able to share for planning and staffing purposes? | 1.4.1.3 Contractor shall conduct up to 19,150 OPIs over a 12-month period |
1.4.1.3.1 Tier 1 languages: 17,000 OPIs
1.4.1.3.2 Tier 2 languages: 2,000 OPIs
| 1.4.1.3.3 Tier 3 languages: 150 OPIs | PWS §§1.4.1.3, 5.2.9 | PWS pages 2, 23 | Yes. The Government does use projections as a means of determining whether or not a delay in services is allowable. The Government does stipulate that some languages may be difficult to stand-up fully by contract launch. Volume and knowledge of the projected availablity of qualified appicants are examples. High volume languages like Spanish, who also have a large volume of potential testers are expected by available at launch. Languages such as Chechen, which have low volume and low potential tester pools may lead to some delay. |
| 2 | If language-level historical data is not available for release, please confirm whether Offerors should assume an even distribution of OPIs across languages within each Tier for proposal planning purposes. | 1.4.1.3 Contractor shall conduct up to 19,150 OPIs over a 12-month period |
1.4.1.3.1 Tier 1 languages: 17,000 OPIs
1.4.1.3.2 Tier 2 languages: 2,000 OPIs
| 1.4.1.3.3 Tier 3 languages: 150 OPIs | PWS §§1.4.1.3, 5.2.9 | PWS pages 2, 23 | The tier structure is implemented for this purpose. High density and priority languages are Tier 1. Very low density and low applicant pools are Tier 3. This will be addressed when the vendor demontrates their testing capability upon award. The Government can provide a list of "priority languages." | |||
| 3 | Please confirm whether the Government anticipates reassigning languages between Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 during the period of performance, and if so, whether such changes typically occur through contract modification or tasking direction. | “The list of languages is not inclusive and is subject to change.” | PWS §5.2.3 | PWS page 20 | This is difficult to project. Changes between Tiers are necessitated through needs by the DoW or significant swings in language volume. Changes to tiers of languages will be assigend by individual Task Orders | |
| 4 | Section 5.2 references support for up to 110 languages and notes that the language list is not inclusive. Please confirm the process and expected lead time for adding new languages not identified in Table A during contract performance. | “The list of languages is not inclusive and is subject to change.” | PWS §5.2.3 | PWS page 20 | Depending on the language, the Government will give the vendor adequate time to adjust. For very obscure languages, the Government is prepared to give up time to hire and train testers. The Government may approve of or ask for "guided" or "alternative" OPIs as a means of testing until the full stand-up is available. These new langagues will be desginated at the task order level. | |
| 5 | The PWS references Two-Score OPIs (TSOPI), including an inferred listening score (ILS). Please confirm whether the estimated annual tier volumes include TSOPIs, or if TSOPIs represent an additional workload beyond the stated OPI quantities. | “Two-Score OPIs (TSOPI) shall require an Inferred Listening Score (ILS) along with the OPI score.” | PWS §1.4.1.2.1 | PWS page 2 | Yes. The Government, using historical data, projects how many TSOPIs may be needed tive the total amount 19,150 OPIs projected. | |
| 6 | The PWS notes that a limited subset of OPIs may require remote proctoring. Can the Government confirm whether the estimated annual figure of approximately 500 proctored OPIs is included within the stated tier volumes or represents an additional requirement? | “Contractor shall provide remote proctoring for up to 500 OPIs. ” | PWS §1.4.2 | PWS page 2 | This fugure is derived by estimating how many DLIFLC teachers will be hired. These teachers are not vendor teachers, but potential teachers to be hired for the Insitute. They are not military or DoW members, but civilians applying to the Institute. They often test from home. Remote proctoring is requested to monitor such proceedings. | |
| 7 | Please confirm whether Government access to OPI records is intended to be read-only for audit and oversight purposes, or whether Government users will be required to approve, modify, or release OPI scores within the Contractor’s system of record. | “The Government shall have access to the data for the duration of this contract.” | PWS §5.2.13.1 | PWS page 25 | Both. Through oversite and Quality Assurrance methods deployed by the Governmen, the Government may request a change to score. | |
| 8 | The PWS requires audio recording of all OPIs for quality control and audit purposes. Please confirm the required retention period for OPI audio files and related test records. | “Contractor shall provide all information, including test audio files...” | PWS §5.2.13.1 | PWS page 25 | The Government may require audio upon request and all audio upon completion of the contract. | |
| 9 | Section 1.13 of the PWS states that the Contractor may be required to travel CONUS and within the National Capital Region (NCR) to attend meetings, conferences, and/or training. For planning and cost estimation purposes, can the Government provide an estimated frequency, duration, and typical locations of such travel during a contract year? | “Contractor may be required to travel CONUS and within the National Capital Region (NCR) during the performance of this contract to attend meetings, conferences, and/or training.” | PWS §1.13 | PWS page 8 | This has rarely, if ever, happened. This stipulation was introduced by previous MICC offices for emergency purposes. The pricing should be based on current travel prices. This is not typical and has only happened once in over 15 years. Such a requirement, like all the services, are stiuplated within the Task Order. |
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