22Q0023 LDP Program Questions and Answers (02-10-2022).pdf

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W9128F22Q0023 LDP Program Questions and Answers

1. Are the meetings referenced in 1.6.2 associated with or in addition to the Monthly Status Meeting (.6.7) or Monthly Pre-planning Meeting (1.6.4)? How do the Post Award Conference/Periodic Progress Meetings (1.10.9) relate to these other meetings?

The meetings referenced in paragraph 1.6.2. and on the table in paragraph 1.6.7. and 1.6.4. are the same meeting. The meeting is to discuss the overall status of the course and go over the upcoming curriculum. Paragraph 1.6.4 is there to expand on what the meeting will entail.

The post award conference/periodic Progress Meetings in paragraph 1.10.9. do not relate to the meetings in paragraphs1.6.2., 1.6.4, and 1.6.7. This meeting is to advise the contractor/vendor how they are doing in relation to the deliverables of the PWS.

2. Considering the answer to question 2 in the second set of questions, will all contractor actions start on 1 April (the POP date) including submitting the curriculum for review?

Yes, the curriculum will be due in the beginning of April for review prior to class start in May.

This way, this is time to work out any issues prior to the start of classroom session. 8 April is the date the curriculum is requested for submission.

3. Is the term Monthly Status Meeting (1.6.7) the same as the term Monthly Preplanning meetings (1.6.4)? If they are not the same, should Monthly Preplanning Meetings be added to the table in 1.6.7?

The meetings referenced in paragraph 1.6.2. and on the table in paragraph 1.6.7. and 1.6.4. are the same meeting. The meeting is to discuss the overall status of the course and go over the upcoming curriculum. Paragraph 1.6.4 is there to expand on what the meeting will entail.

4. By the revised schedule in 1.6.7, the Kickoff and Program Planning Meetings are now both held in April. What is the expected sequence and timing of the early events in terms of dates or weeks between them for: Contract winner announcement, contractor’s curriculum submission, curriculum approval, Program Planning Meeting (1.6.7 does not state when this occurs), Program Kickoff Meeting, personality testing (i.e., MBTI-type tests) of students, Preplanning Meeting, and Offsite Retreat?

Upon award of this requirement, a final period of performance will be established. Prospective offerors will coordinate and finalize schedules with the government at time of Award. A Proposed schedule is as follows:

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- Program Kickoff Meeting personality testing (i.e., MBTI-type tests) of students: 4 April

- Contractor’s curriculum submission 8 April,

- Curriculum approval: 13 April

- Program Planning Meeting (1.6.7 does not state when this occurs) and Pre Planning meeting (occur on same day for first month): 18 April

- Offsite Retreat:19-20 April

5. Is the term Program Outline (1.6.7) the same as the term Curriculum and Syllabus (1.5.1)? If not, what is the difference between them?

Program Outline spells out the timeline of the program and the curriculum and syllabus provide details about each classroom session.

6. This was asked earlier as Question 8 in the second set of questions, but the answer given indicates the answer is in the Amendment 1 PWS, but nothing marked in red addresses it. So, the question is posed again: “In PWS paragraph

1.6.9 first bullet, if the lead instructor is onsite for the program kickoff meeting in March, may he or she make introductions of the other academic instructors virtually, for those unable to attend in person?”

It would be acceptable for the contractor to introduce others virtually. However, the contract must ensure, that there is equipment in place to support this introduction.

7. Paragraph 1.6.13 is unclear. MBTI practitioners explain the instrument prior to administering it. The Instrument is then deconstructed by the practitioner and student in classroom and one on one settings. NWO’s intent for administering and deconstructing the instrument before, during, and after the retreat is unclear, but we do understand its relevance to coaching sessions. Can we have more fidelity on NWO’s intent as it is not recommended to administer MBTI without an introduction.

Per PWS 1.6.13 The MBTI can be administered prior to the retreat and feedback from the assessment at the Offsite/Retreat.

8. May we get a copy of the Mentoring Resource Guidebook referenced in 1.6.14, or is that a product that the Contractor produces?

Yes, the contractor will receive a copy of the Guidebook

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9. Per paragraph 1.6.15.2, the Contractor is responsible for setting up lodging for students at the Offsite for two nights, but not responsible for paying for the rooms, which will be covered individually by students through their TDY per diem. Is that correct? Yes, government rate room costs will be paid for by students.

Please clarify that those nights will start the night before the Offsite starts. Yes, on 18 April.

Will the night before the offsite also be when one of the dinners is expected? Yes

10. Please confirm per the change to 1.10.4, that if the Contractor is no longer responsible for finding the graduation venue, than the contractor is also not responsible for its cost as well.

That is Correct

11. PRS 3 states a requirement for six guest speakers at the Offsite. Nowhere else in the PWS is this requirement described. What is the NWO expectation about these speakers and their relation to other events at the Offsite?

A two day, overnight, retreat held for reflection, introspection, individual development planning, team exercises/problem solving sessions for the purpose of orienting students on topics of leadership and start the class bonding process. A minimum of six speakers, from outside the Corps of Engineers shall address the LDP Class Retreat, providing a variety of points of view from successful leaders. We are particularly interested in the mix of representatives from business, government, industry and universities, as well as the specific backgrounds of the selected individuals.

12. PRS 9 and 1.6.19.1 both reference food at graduation. Is food a cost borne by NWO or the Contractor?

No. It is a responsibility of NWO.

13. Technical Exhibit 3, Objective 1, Strategy 3 mentions “… integrating feedback from 360 diagnostic assessment into measurable behavioral change ….” Will the results of a 360 assessment be made available to the contractor, or is the contractor expected to administer this assessment?

Per PWS 1.6.13 the Contractor is required to administer at least one individual leadership assessment, such as the Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator or Strength Finder, to assess each student’s strengths and/or weaknesses relating to each individual’s emotional intelligence and leadership skills.

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14. Reference Solicitation Page 5 - #1.6.8. Program Kickoff with Contractor and Cohort: In r, the Contractor and Program Manager will present a program kick-off/orientation session to the NWO cohort”. Please clarify is “r” for April ?

Yes it should read April. This typographical error will be fixed at time of Award.

15. Are there any key personnel qualifications or any specific certifications requirements?

There is no outlined requirement, however it is desired that the lecturers and other associated personnel have experience instructing, coaching and student assessment.

16. Reference Q&A – For the minimum of six speakers at the offsite retreat – Should speaker resumes be included in the proposal?

Not required, however will be accepted and helpful if provided

If so, are speaker resumes part of the evaluation criteria? Not part of the evaluation criteria.

17. Are resumes for key personnel required & part of evaluation criteria & what’s the resume page limit?

Not required, no limit, can be submitted if desired.

18. Offsite Retreat - Are the retreats overnight or just during the days?

The retreat starts on the evening of the 18th and concludes at the close of business on the 20th.

Students will stay overnight at the retreat location.

How long a day should we plan for (i.e. evening activities)?

There should also be some teambuilding activity or appetizer social hour so candidates can get to know one another on the first night. The remaining two days will start at 8am and conclude at 5pm.

How soon would you see the first retreat starting? i.e. 0800 hour.

PWS Paragraph 1.10.4 provides specific Hours of Operation. Please follow guidance provided in that paragraph.

Is there flexibility on dates in April?

See answer to Question 4. Dates provided are preferred and any changes to dates will be coordinated on a case-by-case basis.

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19. Reference Solicitation Page 6 - #1.6.15.2. “The Contractor is responsible for the costs of two lunches, two dinners, and two breakfasts, including nonalcoholic beverages whose total costs cannot exceed the meal rate for each individual specified in the Joint Travel Regulation in effect at the time of the Fall Offsite”. Are the meal cost reimbursable to the Contractor as specified under JTR?

No

20. Reference Solicitation Page 6 - #1.6.15.2. “… Each attendee will be orders and therefore are responsible for his or her own lodging costs”. To clarify, Contractor is responsible for providing an offsite retreat location AND each LDP participant will make their own arrangements for lodging and cover the cost of lodging directly?

The contractor is responsible for making lodging arrangements (I.E. setting up a block of rooms for all participants) however students are responsible for the cost of the lodging.

21. Reference Solicitation Page 8 #1.6.19.1….. Graduation Event –“ …with appropriate breaks to include for lunch, ….”Is the Contractor responsible to provide lunch for up to 50 people ?

No. It is a responsibility of USACE/NWO project POC.

22. Is there a defined budget allocated to this effort?

All offers should reflect a fair and reasonable price. All offerors should provide offers that reflect a best effort. Price will be evaluated IAW Clause 52.212-2 as a best value evaluation.

23. Are any restrictions on how I pay our experts. Most of our expert speakers are employees and they will have to be paid on an overload basis for their work. Are there any restrictions on overload payments (i.e. will I have to buyout their teaching/research responsibilities)? Or do I make one overall inclusive bid for the training and then is it up our organization how expenses are paid for?

All cost incorporated with training experts shall be included in the line items for Instructing Costs in the price schedule. The government does not dictate how or when the contractor is to pay Experts or its employees. All employs should be paid in accordance with local, state and federal labor guidelines and the policies of the offerors organization.

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