Self-Awareness_Q_and_A.pdf

Q1. Does the Combined Synopsis/Solicitation under solicitation number W912LN17T0001 contain requirements similar to a current contract? If possible, please provide the current contract number. Or, is this a new requirement for the government?

A1. This is a new requirement.

Q2. Good morning. Please advise when the list of ‘interested vendors’ will appear on this solicitation.

A2. It is at the discretion of the Contracting Officer to allow vendors to review the list of other interested vendors. I chose not to activate this function. Furthermore, FBO does not allow this to be changed in the middle of a solicitation.

Q3. Is there an incumbent? If so, please provide the name and contractor number for that vendor.

A3. See Q1.

Q4. On page 13, under ”1. General” of the RFP it states, ”CSPs must have documented experience working with military members in the areas described in section five(5) of this PWS.” How would VTANG like to the CSP to provide that information (i.e. prior recommendations report submitted to one of our prior clients (with names and other personal information redacted)?

A4. Vender’s choice. There is no prescribed format or content required for this solicitation. Self-identification by the vendor, or documented references are acceptable.

Q5. Can the “INDIVIDUAL SELF-AWARENESS TNG COURSES” be performed remotely (Computer interface, Skype, etc.)?

A5. It’s the government’s intent for the training to occur in person, however the vendor is free to submit whatever options it would like for consideration.

Q6. How many “TRAIN THE TRAINER COURSES” does the government anticipate annually?

A6. While it is impossible to project how many students will be interested in a Train the Trainer Course, the government projects two to four courses per year.

Q7. Is there currently a budget in place to fund this requirement?

A7. The government is not free to reveal its fiduciary resources during the solicitation process, however, the VTANG anticipates awarding task-orders against this awarded contract.

Q8. Should the SF1449 form be signed and included with the CLIN pricing in “Volume 1 –Price Quote”?

A8. Yes. Sign and return page 1 of the SF1449 along with the price quote. Also sign and return any SF30 amendments. Paragraph 6 – Volume 1 – Quote Submission has been updated.

Q9. Would the government prefer a proprietary or an existing self-awareness training curriculum?

A9. The government prefers a curriculum as described in the PWS. The government does not prefer one over another.

Q10. Item 1 General states that "CSPs must have documented experience working with military members in the areas described in section 5 of the PWS". Will you consider bids from contractors with comparable experience and successful past performance with non-military USG federal agencies? Or is the military experience an absolute requirement?

A10. See changes in paragraph 1 of amendment.

Q11. Is there an incumbent service provider for this work? If yes, can you please provide the name of that provider/contractor?

A11. See Q1.

Q12. What is the impetus behind this training? Can you please provide further background information as to why the VTANG is seeking this training in the topics outlined in item 5.1 at this time? Can you provide any further documents about the VTANG's "cultural improvement goals" referenced in Item 1 of the PWS?

A12. The background information for this question is provided in sections 1.1, 1.1.1, and 1.1.2 of the

PWS.

Q13. Item 1.8 states that "Other proximal locations may be required..." Can you please indicate where those locations would be?

A13. It is unknown at this time, but due to impending construction projects on our facility, it may be necessary to perform the training at other locations within a few miles of the location described in 1.8.

Q14. Item 3.1.1 states that the government will provide...select Vermont Air National Guard regulations, policies, and other information...This information will support the customization of the delivered products and services." Is there an existing curriculum and/or materials? Or will the contractor be expected to design, develop and produce new customized curriculum and materials?

A14. The intent of paragraph 3.1.1 is to make available to the vendor, terminology and construct that is standard to the military, should the vendor wish to utilize that information in the product they intend to deliver. It is not the intent of the government to mandate that the vendor utilize these materials to customize their products.

Q15. Item 5.1. states that the contractor will provide self-awareness training to...groups of 15-25..."

Who is the audience for this training? Is the audience the Wind leadership referenced in Item 5.2.2? Or are you referring to a different audience?

A15. As referenced in 5.1, the audience will consist of members of all ranks within the organization. The audience referenced in 5.2.2 will consist of senior ranking leaders within the organization.

Q16. Item 5.11 states that the contractor shall "provide ongoing trainer support through 1) refresher training available on request, 2) technical and product content support, and 3) knowledge management." Can you please explain further what you envision for "knowledge management"? Does the VNAG have its own knowledge management system for training? What specific KM tasks are part of this deliverable?

A16. Knowledge management entails providing the government’s trainers with the training, skills and resources necessary to disseminate information throughout the organization, as changes occur to the curriculum, throughout the course of the contract. The government does not currently utilize a specific knowledge management system.

Q17. Item 5.1.1.2 states that the contractor shall conduct train-the-trainer (TOT) courses. How many courses per contract year? How will the attendees be selected for the TOT? Will they be appointed by VTANG leadership? Or will the attendees/participants volunteer to become trainers? Or will the participants already be in training positions with the VTNAG?

A17. See A6. Attendees will volunteer, or be appointed by the government, and then be approved by VTANG leadership.

Q18. Item 5.1.1.3 states that the contractor shall maintain a current list of certified trainers. Is a specific certification required? Please provide more explanation of the certification requirements. Or are you referring to the training-of-trainers (TOT), i.e. that any trainers must have completed the TOT and be certified by the contractor and able to deliver the training content listed in item 5.1? Or are the contract trainers required to be certified in MBTI (Myers Briggs Type Inventory) or some other human performance tool/instrument?

A18. The government intends that the trainers be certified by the contractor utilizing whatever certification process the contractor normally utilizes.

Q19. Item 5.1.2.1 states that "the contractor shall provide, to certified trainers, access to any online forums, FAQs, teleconferences, best practice working groups, video presentations, and other techniques for the life of the contract." What expectations are there for where these resources will be housed, accessed and archived? We ask because Item 3.2 states that "the government will not provide computers or access to the government computer network".

A19. The government intends for the contractor to maintain these resources and provide web-based access via the contractor’s website or access via other commercial electronic means.

Q20. Item 5.2.2. states that "the contractor shall provide unto eight on site application consultation work group sessions each contract year with up to 20 Wing leadership personnel..." Please clarify. Are the Wing leadership personnel distinct from the trainers who will be trained as part of the Item 5.1.1.1 train-the-train deliverable?

A20. Yes.

Q21.Items 5.1 and 5.2.1 seem to be similar in nature. Our understanding of the RFP is that the training for Item 5.1. would be delivered to a group of individuals, while the training under Item 5.2.1 is for one-on-one training. Is this understanding correct?

A21. Yes.

Q22. Item 5.2.2 refers to "executive coaching." Is there a requirement that the contractor supply certified coaches (i.e. IFC-certified)?

A22. No.

Q23. Attachment A, PWS Reference # 5.1.1 states that the contractor must "train up to 20 qualified trainers to conduct train-the-trainer certification courses..." Please clarify - Will the trainers be delivering the TOT? Or are you seeking a contractor who will conduct a TOT and then certify that the trainers who attended the TOT can then deliver the group training outlined in Item 5.1?

A23. This is a typo in attachment A and is corrected in the solicitation amendment. Your second assertion is correct.

Q24. The Description of Work requires several tasks to be conducted on-site (5.1, 5.1.1, 5.2.1, 5.2.2);

however; it does not specify whether or not the training for all tasks will occur on the same weekend.

Will all on-site training for tasks: 5.1, 5.1.1, 5.2.1, 5.2.2 be scheduled around drill weekends (Fri, Sat, Sun)? If so, what is the drill weekend schedule?

A24. See PWS 1.10.

Q25. In the Past Performance section, it mentions, "Additionally, the Offeror may forward the attached Past Performance Questionnaire to previous customers to submit references directly to the contracting office." However, there was no Past Performance Questionnaire attached. Is there a requirement to submit Past Performance Questionnaires?

A25. This was an oversight. The form is now attached to the solicitation.

Q26. The Quote Submission paragraph for Volume 2 says, "This file shall include written information that pertains to the Offeror’s technical capability, services capability, past performance information and any other information required in the RFQ." Is there a requirement to submit any past performance in Volume 2, or will it suffice to put past performance in Volume 3.

A.26 Past performance information is only necessary in Volume 3. I shall remove the language “past performance information” from page 35 - Volume 2 – Technical Performance paragraph.

Q27. "The CLIN worksheets on these pages 26-27 indicate that this opportunity has a ceiling of 750K;

however, pg. 34 says, "The maximum total value of the contract will be $150,000 over the life of the contract." 1. Is the maximum value $150K over the life of the contract, or is it $150K by CLIN, or is it $150K/year?

A27. The total value of the contract across all years shall not exceed $150K.

Q28. What is the total number of personnel to be trained?

A28. Unknown at this time.

Q29. How often should we expect to conduct Train-the-Trainer sessions?

A29. See A6.

Q30. Para 5.2 states, "The contractor will have the ability to provide 1 on self-awareness training courses". Can you clarify this requirement-- is it executive coaching? If not, then what is the difference between requirements 5.2 and 5.1?

A30. The individuals identified in 5.2 as described in this question are those requiring extra instruction on the items in 5.1. The description of this training appears in 5.2.1.

Q31. There is a deliverable in the 5.4 Deliverables Table to "provide customized approach for Individual training NLT 7 days prior to the start of training." Can you clarify what this means?

A31. For the individuals identified in 5.2 requiring individualized training because they did not grasp the concepts as presented in the group setting, the government expects the contractor to provide a plan for delivering individual training designed to alleviate the lack of understanding by the individual.

Q32. Will we be conducting 1 on 1 self-awareness training every month?

A32. The government has no way to predict this. The 1 on 1 training will be requested via contract task orders.

Q33. Is it possible to conduct this training virtual, or must it be on-site?

A33. See A5.

Q34. Can the executive coaching be conducted virtually (phone / skype)?

A34. See A5.

Q35. Can you clarify this requirement regarding executive coaching. Is the requirement for executive coaching in 5.2.2 actually part of 5.2.1?

A35. These are separate requirements. 5.2.1 is for those requiring individual training. 5.2.2 is intended for senior Wing leadership.

Q36. How often should we expect to conduct application consultation working group sessions?

A36. The government has no way to predict this. The working group sessions will be requested via contract task orders.

Q37. CLIN 0001AA: MAX QUANTITY 20; (5.1) "no less than ten (10) training sessions and as many sessions as the contractor deems necessary..." Is the intent for contractors to bid proposal at 20 training sessions?

A37. No. The intent is for the contractor to bid a unit price per course, which consists of no less than 10 sessions and as many sessions as the contractor deems necessary to complete a course. Please see 1.2 “Scope of Work” in the PWS.

Q38. CLIN 0002AA/AB/AC: MAX QUANTITY 10; (5.1.1) "ability to create up to 20 trainers..." (5.1.1.2) "Class size will vary..., but will range between 10 and 20 participants." Should the "MAX QUANTITY" of courses read "2" and not read "10"?

A38. The government has stricken the language “up to 20” in 5.1.1.

Q39. CLIN 0003: "at a government facility designated by the government." (5.2) States "via electronic and telephone or in-person visits..." Please clarify.

A39. The training classes themselves will be conducted at a government facility designated by the government. The access described in 5.2 is for access after the training classes occur.

Q40. CLIN 0001AA/AB/AC, 0002AA/AB/AC, 0003AA/AB/AC, 0004AA/AB/AC, 0005AA/AB/AC; (Pages 25 &

26) CONTRACT MINIMUM/MAXIMUM QUANTITY AND CONTRACT VALUE; Is the total contract maximum value ($150,000) for all 3 years combined which includes the OPTION YRs (BASE YR $50,000, OPTION YR 2, $50,000, OPTION YR 3 $50,000) or is each year (BASE YR, OPTION YR 2, and OPTION YR 3) the maximum contract value of $150,000 (resulting in $450,000)?

A40. See A27.

Q41. CLIN 0001AA/AB/AC, 0002AA/AB/AC, 0003AA/AB/AC, 0004AA/AB/AC, 0005AA/AB/AC; (Pages 28 &

29) DELIVERY INFORMATION; Is the delivery of the training based on calendar year and not fiscal year?

"POP 01-MAY-2017 TO 30-APR-2018"

A41. The period of performance is correct.

Q42. How many total people will be trained by the contractor and the trainers over the contract year?

A42. See A28.

Q43. Intent of schedule: (1.10 Hours of Operation): "between the hours of 8:00am and 10:00pm...

Monday through Friday" Is the intent of the 158th FW... for contractors to conduct training for full-time personnel during the weekdays and have the Trainers who have been trained in the Train-The-Trainer course to conduct training for the "traditional guard"?

A43. The intent of the government is to execute this contract as described in paragraph 1.10.

Q44. Do you anticipate all training events occurring on the normal workday, on UTA weekends, at Annual Training (location?), or a combination of all?

A44. See PWS 1.10.

Q45. Will there be the availability for consecutive training days or are ALL training events/days singular in nature? This will greatly impact travel expense. For example: Availability for multiple training events occurring within the same week; Ex: Week 1: 4 sessions of 0001, 1 session of 0002, and 2 sessions of 0004; Availability for multiple training events occurring on the same day; Ex: Day 1: 1 session of 0001, 1 session of 0002 (refresher training.) OR is the intent to conduct 1 training event per week or per month?

A45. It is the government’s intent to conduct multiple training sessions each week, however, the government cannot commit to this construct.

Q46. I do not understand the relationship between pages 3 to 12 and the forms beginning at the bottom of 25 through the middle of page 27. If the maximum award is $150,000., how can sum of each of the program offerings in the first option year, option year 2 and option year 3 seemingly be $450,000 each?

A46. Regardless of the individual unit prices, the ceiling price of the contract shall be $150,000. A higher unit price would result in less classes. This is an Indefinite Quantity Indefinite Delivery contract. The government may award individual task orders for the individual contract line items - up to a total cost of $150,000 - over the life of the contract.

Q47. A completed copy of the representations and certifications at FAR 52.212-3 (see FAR 52.212-3(b) for those representations and certifications that the offeror shall complete electronically); I could not fine these forms and/or how to access them. The four websites I found mentioned on pages 32 & 33 did not produce results for the following reasons: two of them because my computer was "not secure, one could not find" and the other said accessing that site might create problems within my computer.

A47. Your company’s System for Award Management (www.sam.gov) includes an electronic version of the FAR provision 52.212-3; also known as representations and certifications. Completing this electronic version satisfies the FAR 52.212-3 requirement. This website uses a government security certificate and may not be immediately recognized by your personal computer. The website is safe.

Q48. ITEM 2 on page 34 says: "Additionally, the Offeror may forward the attached Past Performance Questionnaire to previous customers to submit references directly to the contracting office." I could find not such form attached.

A48. This was an oversight. The form is now attached to the solicitation.

Q49. PWS Reference 5.1: Provide training of not less than 10 sessions in groups of 15-25 for a duration of 2-4 hours per session covering, at a minimum, the topics. Will the 10 sessions run concurrently or as needed over the duration of the IDIQ?

A49. Each course will have a class size of 15-25 students. Each course will consist of no less than 10 sessions lasting 2-4 hours per session. A course is complete when all of the 15-25 students have completed all of the 10 or more 2-4 hour sessions.

Q50. PWS Reference 5.1.1: Train up to 20 qualified trainers to conduct train-the-trainer certification courses on dates and locations scheduled by the COR. Are these course dates and locations to occur in different locations and dates over the duration of the IDIQ? Can the government provide an estimate and location for these 20 trainers?

A50. See A13. Dates will be determined via individual contract task orders.

Q51. PWS Reference 5.2: The contractor shall have the ability to provide individual self-awareness training, telephonic and electronic executive coaching and on-site application consultation. How often will the on-site application consultation occur during the IDIQ?

A51. Dates will be determined via individual contract task orders.

Q52. PWS Reference 5.2.2: Provide up to eight on-site application consultation work group sessions of up to eight hours duration each contract year with up to 20 Wing leadership personnel for the application of the self awareness strategies to the VTANG. Is the on-site application consultation stated in 5.2.2 the same as listed in 5.2.2? Please clarify that this requirement is for up to 8 sessions with up to 20 leadership personnel in each session.

A52. ? Yes.

Q53. Please confirm the value of the entire IDIQ is $150,000 or $150,000 per CLIN. Page 26 of the RFP lists CLINs with minimum amount and maximum amount of $150,000.00 for each CLIN.

A53. This is partially due to the limits of the government contract writing software. The resulting contract will be an Indefinite Quantity Indefinite Delivery (IDIQ) contract with a minimum value of $25,000 and a maximum value of $150,000. The Government guarantees the contractor will receive at least $25,000 in orders but not greater than $150,000 over the course of the contract, regardless of the unit prices offered. Your unit prices may add up to far greater than $150,000, but then the government would order fewer classes. Do not discount your prices to meet a $150,000 ceiling.

Q54. What is your overall goal with this project? Who identified the need? What are your expected outcomes?

A54. See A12.

Q55. What are 8 onsite group application sessions? Please explain what this means? Will all participants in these sessions have been through the workshop first?

A55. See amended language in paragraph 5.2.2. (This training is intended to provide executive leaders with tools and strategies for the successful implementation of all training encompassed in this contract).

Yes, participants will have attended the training as outlined in 5.1 of the PWS. See 5.2.2 in the PWS.

Q56. By individual self awareness sessions do you mean coaching sessions or 360 feedback?

A56. The government does not name or request a specific type of instruction.

Q57. Does everyone in the course get individual coaching? If not, how are people selected for this?

A57. No. The PWS and solicitation do not state this. For train the trainer training, see A17. Paragraph

2.1.10 has been removed in the amendment.

Q58. Is coaching for improvement or development (i.e. is it necessary or desired)?

A58. See sections 1.1, 1.1.1, and 1.2.

Q59. Just confirming that coaching can be done virtually?

A59. See A5.

Q60. How long are coaching sessions? Do they remain confidential or will the CO need a report?

A60. All session durations are prescribed in section 5 of the PWS. There is no requirement in the contract for the “CO to get a report”. If you are referring to section 2.1.10, it has been removed in the amendment.

Q61. And all in class sessions will be done in Vermont? What type of classroom? What media is available?

A61. See A13. See the PWS, paragraph 3.2.

Q62. Can information be shared online?

A62. See A5 and A19.

Q63. Can we book back to back sessions for the 2-4 hour class?

A63. Yes, for different courses, based on government personnel availability.

Q64. What happens if a class falls below the minimum - is it cancelled? Do we get expenses paid if it is cancelled at the last minute?

A64. Courses once ordered, cannot be cancelled.

Q65. What level are WING leadership personnel?

A65. Up to and including the Wing Commander.

Q66. Why do you want a train-the-trainer? Will you be taking this to other people in VTANG? What support do you want past the train the trainer?

A66. The intent of train-the-trainer is to train our own people with our own trainers. Yes. Support for train the trainer is articulated in the PWS, 5.1.2.

Q67. Do you have a 360 assessment you use or would you prefer we identify one?

A67. There is no reference to a 360 assessment in the PWS or solicitation.

Q68. Since the Solicitation is in PDF format, how does one fill in the "Offeror to Complete Blocks" on the face sheet and "sign it."

A68. There are many ways for an offeror to satisfy this requirement. Some are, but not limited to, sign electronically via .pdf software; or print, wet-ink sign, and scan the document.

Q69. Is it appropriate to state (see attached draft) that the Offeror agrees to stipulations as outlined in the Solicitation or do we need to copy each paragraph and note that we will comply.

Q70. Is there a "standard" form used for submissions of this kind? A form SF 1449 is mentioned and I do not see where to obtain it.

Q70. The attached 40 page solicitation is the SF 1449. Please refer to the bottom right corner of page 1

Q71. I do not understand the relationship between pages 3 to 12 and the forms beginning at the bottom of 25 through the middle of page 27.

A71. This is partially due to the limits of the government contract writing software. The resulting contract will be an Indefinite Quantity Indefinite Delivery (IDIQ) contract with a minimum value of $25,000 and a maximum value of $150,000. The Government guarantees the contractor will receive at least $25,000 in orders but not greater than $150,000 over the course of the contract, regardless of the unit prices offered. Your unit prices may add up to far greater than $150,000, but then the government would order fewer classes. Do not discount your prices to meet a $150,000 ceiling.

Q72. Is there any need to respond to Attachments, Delivery Information? I am assuming not since they refer to agreed upon section of the solicitation.

A72. Please refer to A8.

Q73. In the section (begins on page 30) 52.212-1, Item 8: (8) A completed copy of the representations and certifications at FAR 52.212-3 (see FAR 52.212-3(b) for those representations and certifications that the offeror shall complete electronically); I could not fine these forms and/or how to access them. The four websites I found mentioned on pages 32 & 33 did not produce results for the following reasons:

two of them because my computer was "not secure,"one could not find SF 1449 and the other said accessing that site might create problems within my computer. Is my best bet to call The GSA on Monday?

A73. You company’s representations and certifications are included in its System for Award Management www.sam.gov/ registration. There is no need to complete the FAR provision 52.212-3 manually.

Q74. On page 32, It implies in item (3) that the submission needs a time and date stamp on offer, wrapper... Is this to be submitted on paper or can it be electronically submitted.

A74. Offerors are expected to submit electronically as indicated in the solicitation narrative in FBO and on page 35 under paragraph 6 - Quote Submission. Submission timeliness will be determined by the date and time the proposal arrives at the government email server.

http://www.sam.gov/