W91247-25-R-A022 Questions Received And Answers 20250804.xlsx
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- W91247-25-R-A022
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This document is a set of Questions and Answers (Q&A) for the FORSCOM Language and Culture Services solicitation (W91247-25-R-A022), issued by the Department of the Army Materiel Command Mission and Installation Contracting Command. The solicitation seeks a contractor to provide language and cultural training services, including native-speaking language instructors who will create and present authentic lessons to adult foreign language students, as well as technical and language program support personnel.
Key details include a submission deadline of 21 August 2025, firm-fixed-price contract structure, and Service Contract Act (SCA) wage determination requirements. The contract will support language instruction across Eastern/Central and Western regions, with training primarily conducted in-person at military language training facilities. Instructors must maintain specific language proficiency levels (ILR L3/R3/S3/W3), develop Programs of Instruction (POIs), and provide translation services. The contract includes multiple Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs) covering phase-in, program management, language instruction, technical support, travel, and other associated services, with a base period of approximately 5 years and potential for continued performance.
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Sheet1
| FORSCOM Language and Culture Program Solicitation W9124725RA022 Questions | |||||
| Question No. | RFP Section No. | RFP Text | Offeror's Question | Answers | |
| 1 | PWS 1.1 | The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items. | Is Contractor supposed to provide technology as well such as laptops, smartboards, etc.? | NO | |
| 2 | PWS 1.1.1 | The FORSCOM language and culture program supports creativity and flexibility to meet the unique instruction needs of commanders requiring language and/or culture related capabilities for their personnel. The programs courses/training events do not have rigid Programs of Instruction. | This seems to contradict the Government's requirements for the contractor to submit and use POIs and lesson plans to the KO or COR. Can the Government clarify this process for POI use? This is important due to SCA labor categories that differentiate depending on using the Technical Instructor or Technical Instructor/Developer labor category as the Technical Instructor category does NOT allot for intensive development. | POIs are used and are approved by COR but vendor is given wide discresion on content | |
| 3 | PWS 1.1.1 | The FORSCOM language and culture program supports creativity and flexibility to meet the unique instruction needs of commanders requiring language and/or culture related capabilities for their personnel. The programs courses/training events do not have rigid Programs of Instruction. | Is the contractor updating existing POIs regularly or developing/submitting new POIs for each class? This is important due to SCA labor categories that differentiate depending on using the Technical Instructor or Technical Instructor/Developer labor category as the Technical Instructor category does NOT allot for intensive development. Under the SCA a Technical Instructor can only do the following tasks: The Technical Instructor teaches one or more short courses in a technical trade or craft such as electricity, electronics, surveying, aircraft or ship fundamentals, prepares an instructional program in accordance with training or other course requirements, assembling materials to be presented. The instructor teaches assigned topics in accordance with approved curriculum effectively utilizing all allotted time, maintains proficiency in instructional techniques, incorporates current examples in the teaching process (e.g. develops clarification or real world examples of application related to the subject matter); develops and maintains classroom techniques that reflect professionalism, good discipline and enhance teaching. The Technical Instructor alternates teaching techniques in order to maintain high motivation and interest in the subject areas, administers grades, records and critiques examinations; prepares and administers remedial assignments, submits written recommendations for curriculum updates to ensure consistency with changes and innovations in latest applicable publications or documents. | POIs are updated when material becomes obsolete or no longer relevant. This is likely to occur occasionally during the length of the contract but not after every class | |
| 4 | PWS 1.1.1 | The FORSCOM language and culture program supports creativity and flexibility to meet the unique instruction needs of commanders requiring language and/or culture related capabilities for their personnel. The programs courses/training events do not have rigid Programs of Instruction. | Can the Government confirm that if the Contractor is to provide new POI's, than per the SCA a contractor must use the Technical Instructor/Course Developer labor category with the following deception: The Technical Instructor/Course Developer is primarily responsible for curriculum revision and maintenance. Technical curriculum may involve electronics, welding, or more highly technical areas such as radio and electronics repair or operation of weapons systems. This instructor uses a computer to organize and draft a curriculum that breaks a complex subject into blocks or units of instruction, creates graphics, and integrates them into curriculum. Courses may be instructor based, computer-based, simulator based, interactive, or non-interactive. This instructor also teaches short technical courses in accordance with approved curriculum to maintain proficiency and to evaluate and develop new instructional techniques/courses. Job duties also include the following: incorporation of new curriculum in the teaching process (e.g., develops clarification or examples of application related to the subject matter), development and maintenance of classroom techniques that reflect professionalism and good discipline and enhance teaching, development of alternative teaching techniques and scenarios to maintain high motivation and interest in the subject areas, and while acting as the testing officer, the conducting of test analysis and development or revision of test items. | Likely | |
| 5 | PWS 1.6.1.1.7, 1.6.1.1.8 | The COR will evaluate the Contractor’s performance under this contract in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). This plan is primarily focused on what the COR must do to ensure that the Contractor has performed in accordance with the contractual performance standards. It defines how the performance standards will be applied, the frequency of surveillance, and the minimum acceptable defect rate(s). When an observation indicates defective performance, the COR will require the Contractor or designated on-site representative to initial the observation to acknowledge the defective performance. The acknowledgement of the observation does not necessarily constitute Contractor concurrence with the observation, only that the Contractor has been made aware | |||
| of the defective performance. | These sections are duplicates of Section 1.6.1.1.6. Please remove or correct to reflect appropriate text. | Corrected PWS 1.6.1.8 | |||
| 6 | PWS 1.6.8 | The Contractor shall be responsible for providing services, between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except federal holidays or when the government facility is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closings, or similar government directed facility closings. | Can the Government confirm that the hours of operations between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 pm are local time wherever instruction or personnel are located throughout the U.S. and its territories? | Yes PWS 1.6.4 | |
| 7 | PWS 1.6.9 | Place of Performance. Contract service providers shall have routine access to Government-designated facilities, where the majority of work to be performed under this contract shall be accomplished. However, certain tasks may not need to be performed on-site. See Technical Exhibit 6. This list is not exhaustive, though performance locations will be restricted to US States and Territories only. | Can the Government provide a more specific list of locations and frequency of training events delineated by East/Central and West and associated languages or historical languages taught at those locations? This will provide more accurate information for pricing purposes since SCA rates apply. | see historical document TE8 PWS1.6.5 | |
| 8 | PWS 1.19.1 | Post Award Orientation. The Contractor, and any major subcontractor, shall attend the post award conference convened by the contracting activity or contract administration office in accordance with FAR Subpart 42.5. The post award conference will be coordinated by the KO and shall be at no additional cost to the Government. | Can the Government confirm if their intent is to hold the Post Award Orientation virtually or in-person? If in-person, can the Government confirm what location? | Virtual is preferred but in person is available upon request to be held at Fort Bragg NC. PWS 1.6.10 | |
| 9 | PWS 3.5.1 | The Government will provide relevant materials published by the DLIFLC and other Government agencies, some commercial texts, reference materials for instructors, military publications, and authentic texts for contract service prodder use in support of this contract. Commercial resource materials and authentic texts shall not be used in the classroom without prior approval from the KO. | Will the Government provide current or recently utilized lesson plans for contractor review or will contractor develop all new lessons, POIs, etc., upon award of the contract? | current lesson plans can be made available post award | |
| 10 | PWS 3.5.1. and 4.2. | Commercial resource materials and authentic texts shall not be used in the class w/o prior approval from the KO. | Does this requirement only apply to official textbooks, audio/video, or other formal materials or does it also apply to authentic passage/audio/video used to augment instruction and activities? | applies to copyrighted material | |
| 11 | PWS 4.1 | The Contractor shall furnish all supplies, equipment, facilities and services required to perform work under this contract that are not listed under Section 3 of this PWS. | As these items are referenced in the PWS but not in Section 3, does the Government require the contractor to provide all audio/video equipment, scanners, printers, keyboards, computers, white boards and touchscreens, language lab equipment, CD burners, satellite communications equipment, digital cameras and video cameras, video capture software and hardware utilities, sound recording equipment and software and other technologies in the classroom at each location as referenced in the PWS? If this equipment is provided by the Government, what equipment, if any, is the contractor required to provide? | Government provides all equipment | |
| 12 | PWS 4.2 | 4.2 Materials: With COR approval, the Contractor may, and is encouraged to, augment Government Furnished Items with additional, relevant materials beneficial to the learning environment at no additional cost to the Government. accordance with this PWS and as determined by the Government. | Section 3.5.1 states, "Commercial resource materials and authentic texts shall not be used in the classroom without prior approval from the KO." while Section 4.2 states "With COR approval…..." for augmentation of relevant materials. Can the Government confirm whether approval authority is intended to be at the COR or the KO level? | Corrected -COR is reviewing official 3.5.1 | |
| 13 | PWS 5.2 | The Contractor shall perform continual program management and shall provide a program manager whose primary place of duty is FORSCOM Western CONUS regional Center-JBLM, Washington; and the Eastern regional office at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. | Can the Government confirm the split of time that the Government requires the PM to be at each location? Will the Government provide an office at each location for the PM? | The government provides a work location at JBLM and Fort Bragg | |
| 14 | PWS 5.2.2., 1.12.2.1 | 5.2.2. During periods of the program manager’s absence, the Contractor shall provide a designated representative to perform as the program manager. 1.12.2.1. The follow employees are considered as key personnel by the Government: Program Manager The Contractor shall provide a Program Manager (PM) who shall be responsible for the performance of the work under this contract. The name of PM, and Alternate PM (APM) who shall act for the Contractor when the PM is absent, shall be designated in writing to the KO at the post award conference.\ | Section 5.2.2 contradicts section 1.12.2.1 that states the APM will act as the PM in the PM's absence. Can the Government clarify this requirement? | the designated representative in PWS 5.2.2 is the APM | |
| 15 | PWS 1.12.2 | May the PM be dual-hatted as an instructor or other service-provider role (such as providing CLPM support)? | See PWS 1.6.12.2.1. The APM is to be an existing CLP or Instructor position. The PM may be dual-hatted as well, if that individual will be able to perform the responsibilities of both positions as defined in the PWS. | ||
| 16 | PWS 1.12.2 | It would be helpful to know if the contractor has the authority to decide which PMs support each location in the central region or if that’s dictated by the Government. Additionally, it would be helpful if the government could describe the anticipated management level of effort for supporting the “outstations,” i.e. how often will we be required to go to them versus them come to us? | There is only one contractor PM, who supports the entire effort. Otherwise see PWS 1.6.12.2.1 and PWS 5.2. | ||
| 17 | PWS 1.12.2 | Q: May the APM be dual-hatted as an instructor or other service-provider role (such as providing CLPM support)? |
Q: Does the Government desire a full-time or part-time APM? Or does the government only desire one when the PM is unavailable?
| Q: Is the Government’s intent for the contractor PM and APM to be stationed on site at Fort Bragg, NC and/or JBLM? Would it be an acceptable management structure to provide an offsite PM and two onsite APMs? This approach would allow a potential cost savings. | 1-There is only one APM, not two. 2- Yes the position can be dual role No one full time PM and an APM that can be dual role. 3- Both | ||||
| 18 | PWS 1.12.2 | Our understanding is that currently there is no APM, creating a shift between current requirements and those described in the solicitation. Is provision of a dedicated, non-dual hatted APM desired? If so, would the Government consider making provision of a dedicated, non-dual hatted APM a requirement so that proposals that do not offer one (and achieve a lower price thereby) are not evaluated against proposals that do offer one? | APM is not a full time position | ||
| 19 | PWS 5.2.6 | Section Left Blank | This section was left blank. Can the Government confirm if the intent was to leave this section blank or mistakenly left text out of the PWS? | Corrected | |
| 20 | SOW Section 5.2.6 was left empty. | ||||
| Could the Government please confirm that no information was omitted and update the SOW Section numbering? | Corrected | ||||
| 21 | PWS 5.2.8. and 9 | 5.2.8 The contractor shall provide instructional services and curriculum/materials development in the languages listed in Technical Exhibit 4 to students. 5.2.9. The contractor shall provide instructors/curriculum developers on a per class/project basis. The amount of notice provided by the Government for such requests will be determined by the complexity/length of the requirement, the number of personnel required, and the market availability of personnel to meet the requirement's | The term curriculum developer is used continuously in the PWS, considering the fact that DLI material and in general govt furnished material is to be used, does this mean that Curriculum Developers have freedom to supplement and complement all of those material with instructor developed material? Also, can the Government confirm that offerors should use the Technical Instructor/Developer SCA labor category for pricing purposes consistent with SCA labor category descriptions? | Yes | |
| 22 | PWS 5.2.8. and 9 | 5.2.8 The contractor shall provide instructional services and curriculum/materials development in the languages listed in Technical Exhibit 4 to students. 5.2.9. The contractor shall provide instructors/curriculum developers on a per class/project basis. The amount of notice provided by the Government for such requests will be determined by the complexity/length of the requirement, the number of personnel required, and the market availability of personnel to meet the requirement's | When evaluating price proposals, will the Government consider a bidder noncompliant—and thus ineligible for award—if they propose an SCA labor category, such as Tutor (15120) or Technical Instructor (15090), that does not align with the actual duties required (e.g., development of POIs), potentially exposing both the vendor and the Government to Department of Labor audits, penalties, and noncompliance findings? Would the proper use of the 15095 Technical Instructor/Course Developer category mitigate this risk and ensure alignment with SCA guidelines? | It is the responsibility of the offeror to propose labor categories that conform to the requirement and are compliant with labor laws including the SCA. | |
| 23 | PWS 5.2.9; Solicitation Section C Tab A Proposal content | Solicitation: The narrative shall also demonstrate the | |||
| techniques used to accommodate short-fused requirements (Task Orders issued with a period of performance starting within 72 hours) and requirements for language instruction for languages not taught on a regular basis IAW the information contained in Technical Exhibit 5 and Technical Exhibit 7. PWS: On a non-recurring basis, there may be requirements that require contractor response within 48 hours. | Theses two section seem to conflict between Contractor response within 48 or 72 hours. Can the Government confirm whether the Government will require the Contractor to respond to short-termed requirements within 48 or 72 hours? | The intent is for the vendor to acknowledge the request within 48 hours and offering a requirements based solution; and to provide a n offical response (including PWD 5.5.1.6 information) within 72 hours | |||
| 24 | PWS 5.2.9. | "On a non-recurring basis, there may be requirements that require contractor response within 48 hours." | |||
| Q: Would the Gov't please provide some historical data relating to how often these short-notice requirements occur? Would the Gov't consider a distinct price for supporting short-notice vs. requirements with 5 or more days' notice? | This instance has not occurred during current contract. The Government is not changing its pricing structure. | ||||
| 25 | PWS 5.2.9. | "On a non-recurring basis, there may be requirements that require contractor response within 48 hours." |
Q: What does the term "response" mean in this context? What is the Gov't expecting (i.e., an estimate, a roster of proposed personnel, etc.)?
Q: What is the minimum time between issuance of an instruction requirement and the scheduled commencement of instruction?
Q: Assuming that such short-notice requirements are considered exceptional situations, would the Gov't allow for the use of instructors without the 80 hours of Pre-Service Instructor Certification when there is insufficient time between notification and commencement of instruction?
Q: Will the Gov't accept billing for language instructor PSIC training in advance in order to maintain a bench of pre-qualified instructors (level and languages to be determined by the COR)?
| Q: Will the Gov't provide the awarded offeror with a roster of previously utilized and trained instructors to support these short-notice requirements? | a) Response means a reply to the Government acknowledging the request and offering a requirements based solution. b) There is no set minimum as world events happen in real time and agility an important part of the requirement. c) No d) No e) No | ||||
| 26 | PWS 5.2.9 | PWS 5.1, Basic Services, includes the term “curriculum development,” but later paragraphs do not define this task. PWS 5.2.9 provides the only reference to “instructors/curriculum developers,” but there is no explicit requirement to provide qualified curriculum developer personnel. | Will the government provide a clearer description of the curriculum development services that are required? In addition, how many curriculum development personnel are required? | yes | |
| 27 | PWS 5.2.11. | The contractor shall provide translations of materials for the purpose of supporting military missions, such as formal military POIs, briefings, signs for deployments or exercises, and other military and/or training related documents. | Translation is an inherently different skill than curriculum development and instruction. Is it the intent of the Government that the Contractor maintain a separate staff for translation purposes? Does the Government have standards for translation quality, turnaround time, and format? How will the Government transfer documents for translation taking into consideration INFOSEC standards? | The requirement is as stated in the solicitation. For standards, apply any applicable solicitation terms and applicable regulations such as AR 11-6. | |
| 28 | PWS 5.2.11 | "The contractor shall provide translations of materials for the purpose of supporting military missions, such as formal military POIs, briefings, signs for deployments or exercises, and other military and/or training related documents." |
Q: Will the Government provide some estimate of the scope of this requirement? If not, would the Government provide some language limiting the scope of this open-ended requirement?
| Q: Are hours devoted to providing these tanslations to be billed at the identical rate as language instruction? | Separate task orders will be required for these activities. While these issues might be part of a task order negotiation, the task orders will be FFP and based on the IDIQ pricing, as this is not a labor hour contract. | ||||
| 29 | PWS 5.2.13 | Section Left Blank | Can the Government confirm whether this section was intentionally left blank or is missing text? | Corrected | |
| 30 | PWS 5.2.14 | The contractor shall brief the COR once a quarter (virtually), briefings shall include any problem areas and new issues. During the phase-in period briefings shall be weekly. | Can the Government confirm whether these briefings will be virtual or in-person and if in-person, where? | virtually | |
| 31 | PWS 5.3.1.6 | The contractor shall coordinate and recommend language resources, publications, software, and other items pertinent to the operation of the CLP to the Contracting Officer for review and approval. | Will the Government require the Contractor to purchase these materials at contractor expense or will the Government purchase these materials? | No, contractors will not be required to purchase such materials at their own expense. | |
| 32 | PWS 5.4.1.6 | Section Left Blank | Can the Government confirm whether this section was intentionally left blank or is missing text? | Corrected | |
| 33 | PWS 5.4.1.6.1 | The contractor shall install and configure internal and external “in-out” devices such as scanners, printers, and keyboards upon consultation with local network administrators. | Does the Government require the Contractor to perform these installation and configuration at all sites? Or is this restricted to just Ft. Bragg and JBLM? | Only Ft Bragg and JBLM | |
| 34 | Solicitation TAB B: Pricing Schedule: Factor II: VI CLINS 0006 | Table below and asterisk information below in this section with CLIN 0006 Travel and Plug Figure. | This table and applicable amplification information under the asterisk below the table appear to be applicable to CLIN 0005 - FLSS Travel and stated plug figures. Can the Government confirm whether this information belongs to CLIN 0005 or 0006? | Corrected | |
| 35 | Solicitation: Addendum to 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Products and Commercial Services, C. PROPOSAL CONTENT, TAB B - Pricing Schedule: Factor II | The price submission file should be clearly marked "Tab C, Pricing Schedule" and shall contain a Pricing Matrix and a Pricing Narrative. | |||
| Would the Government please confirm that this should read TAB B Pricing Schedule? | Corrected | ||||
| 36 | Addendum to 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors | Proposal format from Paragraph B assigns Tab B as the “Pricing Schedule…”; while Paragraph C, Tab B directs that we assign Tab C as the Pricing Schedule. |
| It appears that the designation in Paragraph C may have been a typographical error, as the designation of the pricing schedule as Tab B aligns with the rest of the proposal submission requirements. | Will the Government please clarify? | Corrected | |
| 37 | Addendum to 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors and 1.6 General Information | The Technical Approach proposal requirements for the QCP must cover everything listed in PWS 1.6.1.1 through 1.6.1.6. However, the solicitation does not require any proof of demonstrated success in delivering quality services. This increases the risk to the Government of non-performance. |
| Paragraph C, Tab A (ii)(c) Quality Control Plan (QCP) overview. The offeror shall provide a summary of QCP in writing, which demonstrates an effective control system and inspection techniques to attain the level of performance required by the PWS. At a minimum, the program shall address all of the requirements as listed at PWS Paragraphs 1.6.1.1 through 1.6.1.6. | Will the Government add a Past Performance Volume that requires Offerors to provide demonstrated performance in delivering quality LREC services? In addition, will the Government use a graded scale in evaluating past performance (Unsatisfactory - Substantial Confidence)? | The Government determined that past performance is not an appropriate evaluation factor for this acquisition, per FAR 15.304(c)(3)(iii). | |
| 38 | Addendum to Evaluation and Addendum to 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors, Tab F-Responsibility Statement | The Technical Approach proposal requirements for the PSICP must outline "a program for certification of instructors that ensures successful performance of foreign language instruction in accordance with the requirements of PWS 1.6.13.1.3.2 - 3." However, the solicitation does not require any proof of demonstrated success in delivering an effective PSICP. This increases the risk to the Government of non-performance. |
TAB F-Responsibility Statement. The Offeror shall submit a statement of their responsibility, in accordance with FAR 9.104-1 along with supporting documents, such as an Annual Profit and Loss Statement, or other such document to indicate that the Offeror possess adequate financial responsibility, or the ability to obtain such resources. This will be used in the Government's determination of responsibility for the Offeror. We acknowledge FAR 9.104-1 reference in the Responsibility Statement (Tab F). In consideration of FAR 9.104-1(C) which allows Offerors to provide a list of recent contracts with CPARS and Performance recognition, will the Government add a Past Performance Volume that requires Offerors to demonstrate performance in delivering an effective PSICP? In addition, will the Government use a graded scale in evaluating past performance (Confidence Rating or Pass/Fail)?
| See Q&A 37. | ||||
| 39 | Solicitation: Addendum to 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Products and Commercial Services, C. PROPOSAL CONTENT, TAB A, Mission Capability: Factor I, (ii) Technical Acceptability Standard 2: Technical Approach:, (c) Quality Control Plan (QCP) overview | At a minimum, the program shall address all of the requirements as listed at PWS Paragraphs 1.6.1.1. through 1.6.1.6 | PWS sections 1.6.1.2-1.6.1.6 do not exist. Would the Government please renumber the section or confirm that the reference should be for sections .6.1.1.1-3, 1.6.1.1.3.1, and 1.6.1.1.5? | See Q&A 40. |
| 40 | attained the level of performance required by the PWS. The submission addressed all of the requirements as listed in PWS 1.6.1.1. through PWS 1.6.1.6.” | Could the Government clarify which sections will be evaluated as part of Evaluation Criteria B., Factor 1, Technical Acceptability Standard 2 - Technical Approach (c)? | The reference to to PWS 1.6.1.1. though 1.6.1.6. refers to the QCP. At a minimum, the QCP must address each of those requirements. | |
| 41 | The refereneced PWS 1.6.1.6. does not exist. PWS Section 1.6.1.1.9 is the last subsection before moving into PWS Section 1.6.2. | See Q&A 40. | ||
| 42 | Addendum to 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors and 1.6 General Information | The Technical Approach proposal requirements for the QCP must cover everything listed in PWS 1.6.1.1 through 1.6.1.6. However, the provided PWS does not include all these referenced sections. | Will the Government please provide an amended PWS that includes the applicable references for the QCP requirements? | yes |
| 43 | Solicitation: Addendum to Evaluation - Commercial Product and Commercial Services, B. EVALUATION CRITERIA:, Technical Acceptability Standard 2 - Technical Approach, (a) The Pre-Service Instructor Certification Program (PSICP) | The Pre-Service Instructor Certification Program (PSICP) submitted by the Offeror outlines a Program of Instruction for certification of Instructors that ensures successful performance of foreign language instruction in accordance with the requirements of PWS 1.6.13.1.3.2 and PWS 1.6.13.1.3.3. | There are no such sections in the PWS. Will Government please confirm which sections apply to these requirements? | PWS 1.6.13.2. |
| 44 | Can you provide the correct PWS references for the following? “The Pre-Service Instructor Certification Program (PSICP) submitted by the Offeror outlines a Program of Instruction for certification of Instructors that ensures successful performance of foreign language instruction in accordance with the requirements of PWS 1.6.13.1.3.2 and PWS 1.6.13.1.3.3.” The PWS does not contain 1.6.13.1.3.2 or 1.6.13.1.3.3. | See PWS 1.6.13.2. | ||
| 45 | The referenced PWS sections (1.6.13.1.3.2 and 1.6.13.1.3.3) are not in the Draft PWS that was provided. | Will the Government please provide an updated Evaluation Criteria reference that is applicable to the PWS that was provided? | Corrected | |
| 46 | The PWS sections (1.6.61.1, 1.6.8.1.3, 1.6.13.1.3.2, and 1.6.13.1.3.3) referenced in Draft Technical Exhibit 1 do not align with the PWS Sections in the provided Draft PWS. | Will the Government please provide a Technical Exhibit 1 with updated PWS references that align with the current PWS? | Yes | |
| 47 | Solicitation: Continuation of Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs CLIN 0001 | The Contractor shall provide phase-in Foreign Language and Cultural Program in strict compliance with Performance Work |
Statement (PWS) 1.6.18. during the 30 day phase-in period, all specifications, terms, conditions, clauses, and all other provisions
| contained herein. | Can the Government clarify if the Government's intent for this requirement is 1.20.1 vs 1.6.18 which does not exist? | PWS 1.16.24.1. and 5.2.14. | |
| 48 | Solicitation TAB B: Pricing Schedule: Factor II: VI CLINS 0004AA & 0004AB | The Contractor shall provide a daily rate for Foreign Language Instruction Services in strict compliance with the Performance |
Work Statement (PWS) for the Eastern/Central Regions, and all specifications, terms, conditions, clauses, and all other provisions contained herein. & The Contractor shall provide a daily rate for Foreign Language Instruction in strict compliance with the Performance Work Statement (PWS) for the Western Regions, and all specifications, terms, conditions, clauses, and all other provisions contained herein. Given the Government’s request for a Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) daily rate for instruction across multiple locations—each subject to varying SCA Wage Determinations—and the inherent complexity and compliance burden of the Service Contract Act (SCA) and related Department of Labor (DOL) requirements, will the Government consider removing the SCA applicability from this program? Doing so would allow offerors to submit more competitive and predictable pricing, while significantly reducing the risk of DOL audits and compliance exposure.
| Additionally, it is important to note that in several states where this work is to be performed, prevailing state wage laws exceed the SCA Wage Determination rates included in the RFP. Although vendors may be compliant with SCA regulations, they would not be compliant with local State regulations. Removing the SCA requirement may not diminish wage protections but would 5provide greater administrative flexibility and reduce cost uncertainty for both the Government and offerors. Lastly, due to these DOL regulations and state regulations that often add an additional level of complexity, the USSOCOM customer removed the SCA from the SOCOM LREC Training contract in 2015 which is very similar in size and scope to the FORSCOM Language and Culture Program. | The Government declines to make a determination that the Service Contract Act is inapplicable to this contract. | |||
| 49 | N/A | The previous solicitation in 2020 provided Estimated Workload Data based on historical levels of effort. Would the Government please provide updated historical data on historical levels of effort? If not, would the Government please state how reliable the previous historical data released in 2020 is in relation to the current level of effort? | yes | |
| 50 | N/A | No pricing matrix/sheet was provided with the draft solicitation. Would the Government please provide one so that pricing efforts can proceed in sync with the desired format? | Pricing matrix will be provided. The pricing matrix is offered as a tool only, and may be edited as helpful. The verbiage in the matrix is not intended to add additional contract terms, and offerors should ignore any matrix verbiage if it is otherwise contradicted by the solicitation. | |
| 51 | Draft PWS Para. 3.4 | Draft PWS Para. 3.4: “The government will provide incidental property to perform Language and Culture Service at/on military operated facilities located on (See Technical Exhibit 03) based on mission requirements in order to meet the performance requirements stated in this contract.” |
Q: Please update this reference, as the TE have been changed.
| Q: Does this include access to learning management system software? | yes | ||
| 52 | Tech. Exhibits | The previous solicitation provided technical data relating to supported units in Tech. Exhibits 6 & 7. |
Q: Is that information still accurate?
| Q: Would the Government please provide updated versions of these TE? | Pricing matrix will be provided The pricing matrix is offered as a tool only, and may be edited as helpful. The verbiage in the matrix is not intended to add additional contract terms, and offerors should ignore any matrix verbiage if it is otherwise contradicted by the solicitation. | |||
| 53 | PWS | Regarding the level of effort for supporting the “outstations,” how often will instructors be required to go to the students versus the students coming to language facilities come to us? | the majority of the class will be held at installations where the instructor is employed. Travel to locations to instruct is not commonplance | |
| 54 | Wage Determination | As Language Instructor positions are SCA controlled, we need to determine which languages are high density, thus requiring FTE instructors versus which are brought in on an as-needed basis. |
Q: Would the government provide historical data on language instruction so that this assessment can be made with more confidence? This may allow offerors to reduce fringe costs and more reliable/realistic pricing.
| Q: Previous historical data (2020) included multiple entries for JBLM. If this remains accurate, are there three language labs on JBLM? If not, would the government explain why some supported elements are repeated vs. those that are not? | See historical information provided.Yes, there are three language labs on JBLM. | ||
| 55 | TAB A, Mission Capability: Factor I (c) Staffing Plan | "The chart must also depict the number of labor hours, & FTE's for each position." |
Q: How many labor hours/year is the Government using to define "Full Time Equivalent"? Does this figure include the 80 hours of required instructor training?
| Q: In the absence of historical data, would the Gov't provide an example/estimate of annual requirements so that all offerors' costs are based on the same level of effort? | While a specific number of labor haours for a FTE is not definitively established here, a reasonable guide would be the Price Matrix provided. Employees must complete all PWS tasks, so, if an employee has PWS-required training, that would be part of what the FTE would perform during that year. It is estimated that a typical training year would have between 247 and 253 days. | ||
| 56 | TAB B - Pricing Schedule: Factor II instructions | Please confirm the Gov't is asking for the following two documents comprising the pricing submission for TAB B - Pricing: |
1. Pricing Matrix in MS Office Excel format with CLIN pricing as per instructions.
| 2. Pricing Narrative in MS Word or PDF format. | Matrix will be provided | ||||
| 57 | TAB B - Pricing Schedule: Factor II instructions | What data and/or content does the Gov't want included in the pricing narrative? | Matrix will be provided | ||
| 58 | Will the government consider increasing the page limit of Tab A Mission Capability from 35 pages to 50 pages as it was in the previous solicitation? | No | |||
| 59 | Give the volume information requested in Tab A Mission Capability; including management and staffing, Pre-Service Instructor Certification Program (PSICP), multiple Programs of Instruction (POIs), and a Quality Control Plan (QCP); will the Government consider increasing the page limit to at least 50 pages? | No | |||
| 60 | Given the current page limit for Tab A, can the Quality Control Plan (Tab A2 (c)) be included as an appendix to Tab A? | No | |||
| 61 | Would USG consider allowing the 2 POIs and the response to the Technical Scenario, as referenced below, to be included in an Appendix and eliminated from page count. | yes | |||
| 62 | Given the number of POIs and the level of detail required for a complete and compliant response, would the Government consider allowing the POIs as an appendix to TAB A, and not included in the 35-page limit? | yes | |||
| 63 | If the POIs are to be included in the 35-page limit, would the Government consider increasing the page limit to 50-pages to account for the number of POIs and the level of detail required for a complete and compliant response? | No | |||
| 64 | Given 1.14.1.1. that has been added in the PWS and was not in the previous solicitation, does the Government expect contractor personnel to be travelling overseas for this contract? | No | |||
| 65 | 1.14.2. states that iWatch training “shall be completed within 30 calendar days of contract award and within five (5) calendar days of new employees commencing performance with the results reported to the COR NLT 30 calendar days after contract award.” However, 1.14.2.1. states that “Providing Contractor personnel with awareness materials such as the iWatch brochure or wallet card is a cost-effective alternative to training.” Can the Government please clarify if iWatch training is required? | required PWS 1.6.8.1.6 | |||
| 66 | Can the Government clarify if the process described in 1.6.1.1.1. (“The KO and COR will review… …the timeline noted above will apply for review and acceptance for proposed changes.”) takes place before or after the contract is awarded? | after | |||
| 67 | Can the Government confirm that 1.6.1.1.6., 1.6.1.1.7., and 1.6.1.1.8. are intended to be the same? | See QCP coverage in PWS 1.6 - 1.6.1.8. | |||
| 68 | If instructional activities are discontinued as described in 1.6.8.2. of the PWS, will vendors be permitted to invoice for the scheduled instructional services? | Corrected 1.6.12.2.1 | |||
| 69 | Can the Government clarify the apparent conflict between 3.5.1. and 4.2.? 3.5.1. states that “[c]ommercial resource materials and authentic texts shall not be used in the classroom without prior approval from the KO.” However, 4.2. states that “[w]ith COR approval, the Contractor may, and is encouraged to, augment Government Furnished Items with additional, relevant materials beneficial to the learning environment at no additional cost to the Government.” | Corrected -COR is reviewing official 3.5.1 | |||
| 70 | Section 3.4. references “facilities located on (See Technical Exhibit 03).” However, Technical Exhibit 3 is the Interagency Language Roundtable Skill Level Descriptions. Can the Government clarify which technical exhibit this passage is referring to? | Corrected TE4 | |||
| 71 | Can the government confirm that there are no qualifications provided in this solicitation for the instructors or any personnel other than the program manager? | No See 1.6.12.2.1, 1.6.13, 1.6.13.1-1.6.13.8, 1.6.14.1.1-1.6.14.1.6 | |||
| 72 | Please confirm that no resumes are required for key personnel or instructors. | resumes not required | |||
| 73 | Would USG provide the historical workload data mentioned in Section B, CLIN 0002 Yes | Yes | |||
| 74 | Can the Alternate Program Manager also serve as a linguist instructor when not filling in for the Primary Program Manager? | yes | |||
| 75 | Can you clarify if the Pricing Schedule should be marked “Tab B, Pricing Schedule” or “Tab C, Pricing Schedule”? Corrected | TAB B | |||
| 76 | The Technical Plan Development Scenario for 6 Korean Linguists requires mixed level proficiency (Level, 1, 2, and 3) be trained simultaneously in the same classroom setting. We highly recommend developing this training scenario into two separate events to produce the best results for all students. We recommend one event for the Level 1 and 2 personnel and a separate event for Level 3 personnel. Please advise if we can present a technical plan development scenario that includes these two separate events. | FORSCOMs OPSTEMPO does not always allow for students to be seperated by skill level. While they acknowledge this is an accepted practice it cannot always be accomodated | |||
| 77 | FAR Clauses Incorporated by Full Text | Will the government confirm FAR Clauses 52.222-43: Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards-Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts) and 52.222-44: Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards-Price Adjustment are applicable to this contract? | These clauses are applicable. | ||
| 78 | FAR Clauses Incorporated by Reference | Will the government incorporate FAR Clause 52.243-1 Alt I: Changes-Fixed-Price into this contract? | |||
| 79 | FAR Clauses Incorporated by Full Text | Does the government intend to add FAR Clause 52.217-9 Option to Extend the Term of the Contract to this contract? | Corrected | ||
| 80 | Continuation of Deliveries or Performance | Does the government intend to add annual CLIN options as opposed to five year CLINs? | Corrected | ||
| 81 | Continuation of Deliveries or Performance | CLIN 0002 shows a period of performance and quantity of 60 Months and CLIN 0001 shows a quantity of 30 days. | Should CLIN 0002 be adjusted to 11 Months or 59 Months to account for CLIN 0001? | Corrected | |
| 82 | CLIN 0002 | This CLIN shows a Unit of “Months” and a quantity of 60. The CLIN also includes this statement: The Contractor shall provide a daily rate for Command Language Program (CLP) in strict compliance with the Performance Work Statement (PWS) and the historical workload | Should this CLIN use months or days? Please correct this discrepancy. | Corrected | |
| 83 | The “Continuation….” Page 3 labels CLIN 0002 as “Command Language Program Support.” The TAB B Pricing Schedule: Factor II identifies CLIN 0002 as “Program Management.” | Will the Government please correct this discrepancy? | Corrected | ||
| 84 | The evaluation does not include any consideration of Offeror past performance. This significantly increases risk to the Government. To reduce risk, the evaluation should at least consider data in the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS). | Will the Government please consider adding a review of Offeror CPARS as part of the evaluation? | The Government must make a responsibility determination prior to any award, and it is likely that CPARS would be reviewed at that time. | ||
| 85 | Continuation of Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs | Travel CLIN 0005 is listed as FFP. | Will the government adjust Travel CLIN 0005 from FFP to Cost Reimbursable. | Travel CLINs will be invoiced as ODCs subject to the NTE amounts. | |
| 86 | Draft_TE7 | The most recent revision to WD No. 2015-4681 is Revision 24, dated June 4, 2025. | Will the Government make this update to Technical Exhibit 7? | Corrected | |
| 87 | Draft_TE7 | The most recent revision to WD No. 2015-5253 is Revision 26, dated May 30, 2025 | Will the Government make this update to Technical Exhibit 7? | Corrected | |
| 88 | Draft_TE7 | The most recent revision to WD No. 2015-5629 is Revision 26, dated June 2, 2025. | Will the Government make this update to Technical Exhibit 7? | Corrected | |
| 89 | Draft_TE7 | The most recent revision to WD No.2015-5683 is Revision 23, dated June 2, 2025. | Will the Government make this update to Technical Exhibit 7? | Corrected | |
| 90 | Considering the number of questions and the extent of their impact on proposal preparation, would the Government please consider an extension to the deadline? | Yes | |||
| 91 | CLIN 0006 | CLIN 0006 lists a quantity of 5 (unit: each). | |||
| Could the Government clarify what the quantity refers to? | Corrected | ||||
| 92 | CLIN 0006 | PWS 1.6.15 is missing from the PWS. | |||
| Could the Government please provide the updated reference? | Corrected | ||||
| 93 | CLIN 0005 | Could the Government please define the indirect rate at which contractors should bill travel? | Corrected, indirect rates will not be used for ODC Travel | ||
| 94 | CLIN 0005 | Travel is variable, and subject to Government approval. | |||
| Could the Government provide a plug number for travel, for the sake of an apples-to-apples comparison of each Offerors’ total price? | Corrected | ||||
| 95 | CLIN 0003 |
CLIN 0003AA;
| 0003AB | CLIN 0004 does not list any unit or estimated quantity. | |
| Please confirm that the total for CLIN 0003 is made up by Sub-CLIN (SLIN) 0003AA and 0003AB, and that CLIN 0003 will not need to be filled out by the offeror. | Offeror will need to fill out all SUB CLINs | |
| 96 | CLIN 0004 |
CLIN 0004AA;
| 0004AB | CLIN 0004 does not list any unit or estimated quantity. | |||
| Please confirm that the total for CLIN 0004 is made up by Sub-CLIN (SLIN) 0004AA and 0004AB, and that CLIN 0004 will not need to be filled out by the offeror. | Offeror will need to fill out all SUB CLINs | |||
| 97 | According to Technical Exhibit 6, the preferred method of student instruction is “in-person instruction” conducted at one of the Language Training Facilities. | |||
| Could the Government clarify whether the Pre-Instructor Instruction training is also supposed to be conducted in-person at one of the Language Training Facilities? | can be virtual if necessary | |||
| 98 | Regarding the balance of content for each POI, what is the expected balance between (1) the discussion of POI development procedures/methodological approach and (2) the detailed content of the sample lesson plan? | |||
| For example, should the primary emphasis be on (1) articulating our overarching instructional philosophy and POI development | The POIs should reflect the general methodology with expected outcomes. As a general statement, detailed plans are not required, though follow the Instructions in the solicitation. | |||
| 99 | process, with the lesson plan serving as an illustrative example, or (2) should the lesson plan itself be presented with extensive detail? | no | ||
| 100 | When addressing the “successful use of previously developed POIs,” what type of information or evidence would the Government find most compelling to demonstrate Offeror’s experience and capability? | Previous courses and outcomes would be among areas the evaluators might find compelling. | ||
| 101 | For each Program of Instruction (POI), what is the expected level of granularity for the lesson plan outlining? | |||
| For example, should it be a high-level course outline for the full 150 hours, or a more detailed, representative lesson plan for a shorter segment (e.g., one day or week)? | Detailed outline describing one full week of instruction. Refer to the solicitation. | |||
| 102 | Should the articulation of “methods, instructional strategies and understanding of the Skill Level Descriptions” in each POI be (1) integrated directly within the sample lesson plan to demonstrate their application, or (2) presented as a separate, dedicated section within each POI? | integrated | ||
| 103 | What level of detail is expected in regards to articulation of “methods, instructional strategies and understanding of the Skill Level Descriptions”? For example, should we (1) define each method/strategy, explain its theoretical basis, and then show its application, or (2) simply list them and briefly demonstrate their use? | briefly demonstrate | ||
| 104 | In regards to the description of evaluation methods: beyond the DLPT, are there any other Government-designated assessment tool(s) that Offerors should specifically consider or integrate into the evaluation methods for these POIs? | Not specifically; see solicitation. | ||
| 105 | Does the Government have a language preference for one or both POIs (i.e. Korean, as requested under (d) Technical plan development scenario)? | The POIS should be in English the course material that the POIs present to the students should be in whatever target language is being taught | ||
| 106 | What particular sub-skills or communicative functions are of higher priority for FORSCOM linguists (within the ILR 2/2 level)? | listening reading and speaking | ||
| 107 | What specific Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) or operational context should be prioritized in the second POI's curriculum (ILR levels 2+/2+ to 3/3)? | 35M and 35P | ||
| 108 | The contractor shall provide customer service, administrative support, and resource/facilities functions 100% of the time. | CLIN 0003AA requires 1,231 days of technical support, while CLIN 0003AB requires 2,462 days of technical support, neither of which constitute an FTE. SOW 5.4.1 states that support is required 100% of the time. Can the Government please clarify whether Contractor technical support positions will have a part time schedule for on-site work? | TECH SUpport East CLIN0003AA can be conceqptually understood as approximately one full time CME and CLIN 0003AB can be conceptually understood as approximately 2 full time CME. The days are the number of training days in the task order not calendar days | |
| 109 | The SOW jumps from Section 1.6.1.1.3.1 to 1.6.1.1.5 (skipping 1.6.1.1.4) | |||
| Could the Government please confirm that no information was omitted and update the SOW Section numbering? | Corrected | |||
| 110 | SOW Section 5.2.12 was left empty. Could the Government please confirm that no information was omitted and update the SOW Section numbering? | Corrected | ||
| 111 | SOW Section 5.4.1.6 was left empty. Could the Government please confirm that no information was omitted and update the SOW Section numbering? | Corrected | ||
| 112 | Is email or phone support provided only by the onsite technical support position, or can it also be provided by off-site contractor staff? If off-site staff provide technical support, how will partial time be billed under CLINs 0003AA and 0003AB? | Onsite | ||
| 113 | According to the performance standard, “at a minimum, contract service providers shall maintain the equivalent of ILR |
L3/R3/S3/W3 (Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing).”
Does this requirement only refer to the target language…
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