Responses To Consolidated Questions 1-73 HDCSO MTT Instruction.pdf

Responses to Questions for Solicitation, W911S7-25-R-A010, HDCSO MTT Instruction

1. Could you inform me if this is a new requirement or a follow-on to an existing contract?

If the latter, could you provide me with the Contractor Name and Contract

a. Response: This is a new requirement.

2. Who is the current incumbent contractor teaching the in-residence CRE Responder Basic Course, 9EF99/920-F96 (MC)?

a. Response: The in-residence course instruction isn't contracted.

3. What is the expected number of students at each of the 10 iterations?

a. Response: We are expecting 50-100 students per class.

4. What is the desired instructor to student ratio?

a. Response: Classroom (1-25), Practice Exercises (1-10) IAW POI.

5. In the chart in PWS TECHNICAL EXHIBIT 1 DELIVERABLES SCHEDULE, it lists 11people required at each location. Is that 11 instructors required for each iteration?

a. Response: This is based off the number of students expected to be at each class. IAW POI Classroom ratio: 1-25, Practical Exercises: 1-10

6. Would the government consider setting up a NTE Travel Plug CLIN for the Base and each option year? And the awardee would submit estimated travel costs for approval by the government for each Task Order/Class? This would help ensure fairness in competition and avoid companies underestimating travel expenses on an LPTA award.

a. Response: A separate CLIN will be available for travel, however, travel costs should be estimated using the JTR Travel Per Diem Rates, https:// www.travel.dod.mil/Policy-Regulations/Joint-Travel-Regulations/ http://www.travel.dod.mil/Policy-Regulations/Joint-Travel-Regulations/

7. Would other similar instructor certifications be acceptable in place of the Common Faculty Development Instructor Course (CFD-IC)?

a. Response: IAW TRADOC PAM-350-70-3, all instructors must be CFD- IC qualified.

8. Is there/Will we be provided a breakdown of the (number of) students in each location?

a. Response: Yes.

9. Is there an incumbent on this opportunity?

a. Response: No. this is a new requirement.

10. Contractor does NOT need to develop and supply curriculum and equipment?

a. Response: The contractor does NOT need to develop and supply curriculum or equipment.

11. Confirming whether any of the Key Personnel are intended as full-time or part-time and only KP need resumes in the proposal?

a. Response: Key Personnel can be either or both per Contractor’s discretion.

b. Response: Yes, only resumes for Key Personnel

12. SAM.gov reads that deadline is August 29th but the solicitation says both August 19 and August 29. Which is the correct date?

a. Response: : The deadline to submit proposal is 29 August 2025

13. Solicitation Pg 30, Paragraph 1.8 Would the Government please clarify whether the Cover Page, Table of Contents (TOC), and Acronyms and Abbreviations pages are included or excluded from the stated page limits?

a. Response: : : Per Addendum to 52.212-1, Instructions for Offerors, Para 1.8 Table reads: Volume 1, General Information, NTE 8 pages, include: Company’s Cover Page, Exceptions/Assumptions, and Offeror’s General Information. The Fill-In Clause page limit is unlimited.

The acronyms and abbreviations are included in the PWS and are not required to be included in the proposal.

14. Solicitation Pg 30, Paragraph 1.8

In the Volume I General Information section of the proposal organization table, it requires a Company Cover Page for that Volume; however, there is no Cover Page requirement listed for the other Volumes. Would the Government please confirm whether each proposal volume is required to include its own cover page?

a. Response: Only Volume 1 requires a Cover Page.

15. Solicitation Pg 31, Paragraph 1.8 Would the Government consider accepting Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) evaluations in lieu of the required Performance Assessment Questionnaires (PAQs) to satisfy the solicitation’s past performance submission requirements?

a. Response: Per Addendum to 52.212-1, Instructions for Offerors, Para

1.8 Table reads: Volume III Factor 2, Past Performance can include CPARS and PPQs.

16. Solicitation Pg 31, Paragraph 1.8

In Volume III Factor 2: Past Performance section of the proposal organization table it states: "...*NTE 10CPARS/PPQ's submission up to 3 with unlimited page count..." This is confusing because all the other instances of the NTE acronym in the table refer to the Not to Exceed page count for that section. Therefore, if this is referring to the max page count for the Past Performance factor? If so, that contradicts the "unlimited page count" reference. Likewise, if the NTE in this instance is referring to the number of CPARS/PPQs that can be submitted (i.e., we can submit up to 10 CPARS/PPQs), then that contradicts the "up to 3" reference.

Would the Government please clarify the number of CPARS/PPQs allowable for submission and the total page limitation for Factor 2:Past Performance.

a. Response: The Past Performance section has been revised. See amended Solicitation.

17. Solicitation Pg 32 and 33, Paragraph 2.3 and 2.4 Paragraph 2.4 states: "...Volume III, Technical Approach (FACTOR 3) TAB D. The Technical Volume shall include Factor 2, Technical Approach and include the Technical Approach Narrative, Technical Executive Summary, Transition-in plan and Quality Control Plan as described below..." However, the Past Performance Volume is also listed as Volume III. Would the Government place confirm that the Technical Approach Volume should be Volume IV and the Management Volume is Volume V to coincide with those Volume references in the Evaluation criteria? Also, is the Technical Approach Factor 3 or Factor 2?

a. Response: Revised to read: Volume III Factor 2: Past Performance, Volume IV Factor 3: Technical Approach. See amended solicitation.

18. Solicitation Pg 31 and 33, Paragraph 1.8, 2.4, and 2.4.1 Paragraph 2.4 requires a Quality Control Plan be provided as part of the Technical Approach Volume; however there is no TAB designation for the Quality Control Plan in paragraph 2.4.1. In addition, in the proposal organization table provided in paragraph 1.8, the NTE 60 page limitation is divided between the Technical Approach Narrative (NTE 30), the Technical Executive Summary (NTE 10), and the Transition Plan (NTE 20). Will the Government please clarify if the Quality Control

Plan should be its own TAB under paragraph 2.4.1 or should it be a subsection of the Technical Approach Narrative under TAB D1? If it is to be a separate TAB under paragraph 2.4.1, would the Government please update the table in paragraph 1.8 to reflect a NTE page limit for the Quality Control Plan?

a. Response: The solicitation has been amended to add QCP and the NTE totals have been adjusted.

19. Solicitation Pg 32 and 36, Paragraph 2.4 and 4.3 Paragraph 2.4 of the solicitation requires the submission of a Quality Control Plan (QCP); however, there is no reference to the evaluation criteria for the QCP in paragraph 4.3. Please clarify the evaluation criteria for the Quality Control Plan so we can ensure full compliance with the proposal instructions.

a. Response: Solicitation has been amended to include the evaluation criteria.

20. Solicitation Pg 33 and 36, Paragraph 2.4.1 and 4.3

TAB D2: Technical Executive Summary in paragraph 2.4.1 requires an Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) be provided, but these requirements are not referenced in paragraph 4.3 (Evaluation Factors for Award). Will OCI compliance be evaluated as part of the award decision? If so, please provide the evaluation criteria for this element of the proposal.

a. Response: The Technical Executive Summary will not be evaluated.

21. Solicitation Pg 35, Paragraph 4.2 Paragraph 4.2 states in part, "...The Government will consider three aspects duringand source of information)..." The three elements of "relevancy" - Scope, Magnitude, and Complexity - are not normally identified in CPARS or PPQs. Therefore, does the Government want offerors to provide a Past Performance citation for each of its identified relevant past projects? If so, please provide a NTE page limitation for these citations within Volume III.

Response: The solicitation has been amended to revise the Past Performance Volume as well as the Evaluation Criteria.

22. Solicitation Pg 3, Table

23. Solicitation Pg 3, Table

With this being a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable acquisition strategy, will the Government please provide a yearly travel schedule by location to make this fair to all offerors preparing travel cost data?

a. Response: There will be thirty (30) days’ notice prior to each class being conducted.

a not to exceed plug number for this annual travel and make it a cost reimbursable Line Item?

Line Item 0002, 1002, 2002, 3002, 4002 is asking the unit price for travel. Will the Government consider providing

b. The locations of MTT are identified in the PWS. Ask RA can the Ktr expect to train at each location listed annually?

24. Solicitation Pg 9, Table Will the Government consider adding a Line Item during the base year for the 60 transition-in period and changing the base period to 10 months?

a. Response: This is a new requirement, the Transition-In Period will occur at the beginning of the follow-

25. Solicitation Pg 9, Table Line Item 0001 identifies an initial delivery schedule of 30 Sep 2025 to 29 Sep 2026.

Is 30 September the first day of the 60 day transition-in period?

a. Response: This is a new requirement, the Transition-In Period will occur at the beginning of the follow-on requirement in Sep 2030.

26. Solicitation Pg 31, Table This section states "NTE 10 CPARS/PPQ's". Does the "10" mean we can submit up to 10 CPARS/PPQs?

a. Response: The solicitation has been amended to revise the Past Performance Volume as well as the Evaluation Criteria.

27. Solicitation Pg 31, Table This section states "NTE 10 CPARS/PPQ's submission up to 3 with unlimited page count." Does this mean we are limited to submitting only 3 CPARS/PPQs with unlimited page count?

a. Response: The solicitation has been amended to revise the Past Performance Volume as well as the Evaluation Criteria.

28. Does CPARS/PPQs mean either/or? For example if we submit a CPARS a PPQ is not required.

a. Response: The solicitation has been amended to revise the Past Performance

Volume as well as the Evaluation Criteria.

29. Solicitation Pg 32 and 35, Paragraph 2.3 and 4.2 These sections are asking us to provide a "performance reference". Historically we assumed performance reference meant a 3 page description of 3 past performance citations which included contract information and a summary of the size, scope, complexity, magnitude, quality, recentness, relevance, etc. Will the Government on requirement in Sep 2030.

allow us to submit these citations with a page limit of 3 for each citation?

a. Response: The solicitation has been amended to revise the Past Performance Volume as well as the Evaluation Criteria.

30. Solicitation Pg 33, Paragraph 2.4 The title of this paragraph identifies (Factor 3). However, the first line calls out Factor

2. Which factor reference should we use in our Response?

a. Response: It should read: Volume IV, Technical Approach (Factor 3). Solicitation has been amended.

31. Solicitation Pg 33 and 36, Paragraph 2.4 TAB D1 and 4.3.1.1 These sections require us to demonstrate a complete understanding of the required tasks in PWS Part 3 specifically with respect to the technical functions of the PWS identified below. There are no specific technical functions listed below this sentence. Will the Government please define what specific technical functions they are referring to?

a. Response: MICC needs to respond.

32. Solicitation Pg 33, Paragraph 2.4 TAB D2a This appears to be a training/instructor support contract that normally does not create potential OCI problems.

Is the Government asking us to just provide our general corporate OCI plan that highlights the actions we take to mitigate known or perceived OCI?

a. Response: The Technical Executive Summary will not be evaluated.

33. Solicitation Pg 33, Paragraph 2.4 TAB D2b

a. Response: Unable to answer, need more clarification.

34. Solicitation Pg 34 and 39, Paragraph 3.1.1, 3.1.4, and 1.2.6 Paragraph 3.1.1 on page 34 identifies 19 August 2025 at 12:00 PM CT as the closing date and time. Paragraph

3.1.4 on page 34 and 1.2.6 on page 39 identify 29August 2025 at 12:00 PM CT as the closing date and time. Which is correct?

a. Response: 29August 2025 at 12:00 PM CT teammates?

the 10 page limit) or a discussion of our teaming agreements and how we manage and integrate our preferred Teaming Agreements: Is the Government asking us to attach copies of our teaming agreements (which exceed

35. Solicitation Pg 36, Paragraph 4.3This section identifies the Volume IV Technical Approach including two elements 1) Technical Approach Narrative and 2) Transition Plan. In contrast paragraph 2.4 on page 33 of 55 identifies Volume III Technical Approach including only one element Technical Approach Narrative and a Tab D2 Technical Executive Summary consisting of an OCI plan and Teaming Agreements. Will the Government please clarify which Volume is the Technical and what specific information you need as part of the proposal evaluation

a. Response: Revised to read: Volume III Factor 2: Past Performance, Volume IV Factor 3: Technical Approach. See amended solicitation.

36. Solicitation Pg 39-41, Paragraph All

There seemed to be confusion on previous instructions as to what exactly was required in each of the Volumes. This Addendum to Evaluation lists the specific evaluation requirements and what is required in each volume. For example Volume IV Technical only requires us to provide Response: to three (3) elements - Technical Approach Narrative. Transition-in Plan, and Quality Control Plan. We are assuming the previous information provided for Volume II Price, Volume III Past Performance, Volume IV Technical Approach, and Volume V Management Approach has been replaced by this Addendum and were are to only follow the instructions in the Addendum. Is this assumption correct?

a. Response: The information is repetitive and has been revised. See amended solicitation.

37. PWS Pg 1, Paragraph 1.1

Can we assume there is no incumbent contractor performing this task?

a. Response: Yes, this is a new requirement.

38. PWS Pg 5, Paragraph 3

In reference to the equipment and course material we need to verify is in place during the 10 hour day before course commencement. Is the equipment provided by the unit or regional training center or is this equipment stored at Fort Leonard Wood and shipped to the training site by the HD/CSO?

a. Response: Equipment will be provided and shipped by the government to the training site.

39. PWS Pg 5, Paragraph 3 Will the Government please provide a list and quantity of the equipment we need to verify and take care of during the 10 hour days before or after the course?

a. Response: Equipment package matches the POI requirements. HDCSO will provide a complete list of equipment and training products during the Kick-Off meeting.

40. PWS Pg 5, Paragraph 3.1 Will the Government please provide a copy of the FY/26/27/28 yearly schedules so we can provide an accurate cost estimate for travel?

a. Response: By utilizing the government rate at each of these locations, all contractors will have an equal opportunity to budget travel expenses.

41. PWS Pg 5, Paragraph 3.1.1

Are courses expected to commence in any of the 3 territories' during the period of performance, which ones, and when?

a. Response: Not at this time.

42. PWS Pg 6, Paragraph 3.2.1.1 What is the likely hood of a class size exceeding 100?

a. Response: The maximum class size will remain 100 students.

43. PWS Pg 6, Paragraph 3.2.1.1 Will the Government provide copies of the lesson plans so we can verify the instructor to student and student to equipment ratios?

a. Response: Yes, while the POI will be provided, NFPA standards are available to all though NFPA.

44. PWS Pg 6, Paragraph 3.2.1.1

Will the Government provide copes of the CMP, ISAP, and Compliance Testing SOP before the proposal submission date?

a. Response: N/A

45. PWS Pg 8, Paragraph 3.8.2 Are these binders part of the equipment and material shipped from Fort Leonard Wood to the Training Site?

a. Response: All equipment/training materials will be shipped by HDCSO from Fort Leonard Wood to the training sites.

46. PWS Pg 11, Table

Are the 11 travelers identified in this table only contractors supporting this contract?

a. Response: Yes.

47. PWS Pg 11, Table

We assume that these are the planned locations of the 10 iterations each year of the POP. Is this assumption correct?

a. Response: By utilizing the government rate at each of these locations, all contractors will have an equal opportunity to budget travel expenses.

48. PWS Pg 12, Paragraph 4.2 Compliance Officer is mentioned several time in the PWS but there are no defined tasks associated with this position. Will the Government please provide of list of task for the Compliance Officer?

a. Response: The Compliance Officer is provided by the government

49. PWS Pg 13, Paragraph 4.2.1.3.2 Will the Government provide a list of vehicles?

a. Response: N/A

50. PWS Pg 13, Paragraph 4.2.1.3 Are other instructor training courses like ABIC, FEMA Instructor, other Service Instructor Course, etc., or individuals with a "H" skill identifier acceptable in lieu of the CFD-IC?

a. Response: Only previously earned instructor certifications will be recognized with a follow-on expectation to gain the CFD-IC certification within 6 months following the contract being awarded.

51. PWS Pg 13, Paragraph 4.2.1.3.1

Will the instructors be able to complete this training during the 60-day transition-in period?

a. Response: See Response to Question #50. There will be no 60-day transition-in period at the start of the contract. The 60-day transition period will take place if the follow-on contract is awarded to another Contractor.

52. PWS Pg 19, Paragraph 4.7.7.1

Does this training include the CFD-IC if needed?

a. Response: Only previously earned instructor certifications will be

53. PWS Pg 20, Paragraph 4.7.9

Are these inventories conducted at Fort Leonard Wood?

a. Response: Please refer to the section in PWS (4.7.9).

54. PWS Attachment 1 Pg 30 The attachment states the TSP including the POI, CMP, ISAP, and Lessons plans are attached as PDF files. Will the Government please provide these attachments?

55. Solicitation, Paragraph Cover and 3.1.1 The Solicitation cover page states the due date is 29 August. Paragraph 3.1.1 states the closing date is 19 August. Can the Government verify the due/closing date?

a. Response: The due date is extended until Thursday, 4 Sep 25, 1200 CST

56. Solicitation, Instructions for Offerors

Past Performance. Will the Government verify that Volume III Factor 2: Past Performance has a NTE 10 count page limit and a requirement for 3 CPARS/PPQs submissions with no page limit?

a. Response: Revised to read: Volume III Factor 2: Past Performance. See amended solicitation.

57. Solicitation, Paragraph 2.3 and 4.2 Past Performance. Will the Government accept Past Performance (CPARS and PPQs) of subcontractors? Or is the Past Performance CPARS & PPQs only that of the Prime Contractor?

a. Response: The Past Performance CPARS & PPQs only that of the Prime Contractor?

58. Attachment 3 - PWS MTT Instruction CRE Basic, Paragraph 1.1 The Government requires International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) HAZMAT Certification. Will the Government accept National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (ProBoard) Certification in lieu of IFSAC Certification?"

a. Response: No

59. Attachment 3 - PWS MTT Instruction CRE Basic, Paragraph 4.2.1.3 and 4.7.7.1 Paragraph 4.2.1.3 states Instructors shall be fully Common Faculty Development- Instructor Course (CFD-IC) qualified. Paragraph 4.7.7.1 states the Government will provide Instructor Certification Training IAW para 4.2.1.3.1. Should this reference

4.2.1.3 instead of 4.2.1.3.1, as paragraph 4.2.1.3 details Instructor Certification requirements?

a. Response: Only previous earned instructor certifications will be

60. Solicitation, Cover

Will the Government extend the due date by one week to allow time for bidders to react to and integrate the Government's answers to questions into our proposals?

a. Response: The due date is extended until Thursday, 4 Sep 25, 1200 CST.

61. Attachment 3 - PWS MTT Instruction CRE Basic, Attachment 1 Attachment 1, Program of Instruction, in the PWS states, "TSP – including POI, CMP, ISAP, and lesson plans for the CRE Responder Basic Course, 9EF99/920-F96 (MC) course are separately attached as PDF files." The files are not available in SAM.gov. Will the Government provide the Program of Instruction (POI) and Training Support Package (TSP)?

a. Response: MICC should answer this, also with the understanding that a Nondisclosure agreement needs to be signed.

62. Solicitation, Continuation of Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs

The CLIN Structure represents 12 fixed price payments each year to cover the required training events in the PWS. Is it the Government's intent for bidders to submit a fixed price to be invoiced at the fixed amount each month?

Response: YES.

63. Attachment 3 - PWS MTT Instruction CRE Basic, Paragraph 4.2.1.3

"PWS Para 4.2.1.3 states ""The Contractor shall provide fully Common Faculty Development- Instructor Course (CFD-IC) qualified instructor personnel." Please clarify the intent of the requirement for CFD-IC “qualification.” Does this requirement refer to instructors possessing the instructional competencies consistent with the CFD-IC standard, or does it require formal completion and certification of the CFD-IC course? If formal CFD-IC certification is required, does the requirement apply to all instructors delivering the training, or would the presence of a lead instructor holding this certification satisfy the requirement?"

a. Response: Only previous earned instructor certifications will be recognized with a follow-on expectation to gain the CFD-IC certification within 6 months following the contract being awarded.

64. Attachment 3 - PWS MTT Instruction CRE Basic, General Question

What responsibilities, if any, with the Contractor have for maintaining version control of training materials?

a. Response: The responsibilities rest on the government.

65. Attachment 3 - PWS MTT Instruction CRE Basic, General Question What responsibility with the Contractor have for providing student certifications and maintain training records?

a. Response: The contractor will be responsible for the knowledge and skills training and provide results to the government. The government will be responsible for entry into the system and maintaining appropriate retention of student records.

66. Will the government please confirm the due date/time for proposals is 29 August

2025 at 1200CT?

67. Will the government please confirm that proposals are to be submitted electronically only?

a. Response: Yes, electronically only.

68. Can the government please confirm that the POI and TSP for this course is the IFSAC-accredited course for the DOD?

a. Response: Yes, the POI is IFSAC accredited.

69. Will the government please provide the TSP (including POI, CMP, ISAP) attachment as referenced in the PWS?

a. Response: See IFSAC

70. Please clarify the page limit for Volume III Factor 2: Past Performance. Is it NTE 10 pages or NTE 10 PPQs or up to 3 PPQ submissions each with unlimited page count?

a. See amended solicitation.

71. After reviewing the Performance Work Statement and coordinating with our internal R&D team, we identified a potential issue regarding the instructional requirements.

Specifically, the IFSAC mandate calls for 45 hours of training material, while the contract currently stipulates delivery within 40 hours. We want to ensure full compliance with both the Government’s requirements and IFSAC accreditation standards.

a. Response: Only previous earned instructor certifications will be recognized with a follow-on expectation to gain the CFD-IC certification within 6 months following the contract being awarded. The POI will be provided, though NFPA and IFSAC standards are available through the IFSAC and NFPA sites.

72. Could the Government please provide the official Government-furnished curriculum? Access to this will allow us to determine what changes may be required to ensure alignment with IFSAC compliance.

a. Response: The POI will be provided, though NFPA and IFSAC standards are available through the IFSAC and NFPA sites.

73. Due to the time required to make these arrangements and conduct a curriculum review, we respectfully request an extension of the proposal deadline beyond August 29th. This would allow us to fully address the above issues and submit a compliant and responsive proposal.

a. Response: The due date is extended until Thursday, 4 Sep 25, 1200 CST.