multiparty mediation training

Added: Aug 10, 2017 2:10 pm The following questions was received and answered as follows:

Q: First, contractor will develop basic multiparty facilitation training for CRS staff
(1) (2)
Q1 - According to the information in the amendment, basic mediation training = problem solving meetings, The basic facilitation training program will be 24-hours/3-days.
(a) Is it correct to assume that in this case the training should be geared towards a problem solving meeting; however, because you have included the word "multiparty" the training situation should include at least (4) parties each with different interests in the matter as opposed to the usual (2)-opposing parties in an average mediation? Did we understand that correctly?
or
(b) Are you referring more to a type of "town meeting" where you may have 30+ people each trying to state their particular problems, and asking for solutions.

* Note on definitions needed: As I mentioned, we want make sure of addressing your needs. The truth of the matter is that different folks in different parts of the country may have in mind different concepts when using the words "basic" vs. "advanced" vs. "multi-party." Therefore, clarifying what you mean for each of these terms would be help us avoid misinterpretation.

A: The terms "basic" and "advanced" are terms of art in the alternative dispute resolution field and have the meanings ordinarily attributed to them in that field.

Neither the basic nor the advanced facilitation training program should focus on the typical problem-solving meetings involving a discrete dispute between two parties. Instead, the focus should be on facilitation of dialogue between and among various large groups and stakeholders, such as community action groups, law enforcement organizations, citizen groups and the like, which together represent potentially multiple, non-overlapping interests and concerns. Interaction and dialogue between and among these groups should be mediated through forums such as: 1) guided community meetings of specific stakeholders; 2) public forums open to all; 3) town halls; and 4) other large community meetings.

Per the SOW, the contractor will conduct small "focus groups" with CRS staff and leadership to determine the specific basic facilitation and advanced mediation training content. These focus groups will assist the contractor in identifying the training content that best defines CRS's needs for "basic" and "advanced" content.

As to the number of parties, as indicated earlier, the training should focus on multi-party mediation, meaning in general three or more parties with multiple, possibly non-overlapping interests, rather than two-party mediation aimed at solving discrete disputes between those parties.

Q: Q2 - According to your description CRS stands for Community Relations Service who is the organization that deploys highly skilled professional conciliators, who are able to assist people of diverse backgrounds.
(a) Is it correct to assume that the CRS staff, that you are referring to on line (1) of the first paragraph are the conciliators that you deploy out into the community?
A: Yes, this is correct.

(b) If so, are they the same ones that we will first train on the "basic" and then we will be training them, to be future trainers in the community. Did we get that right? ?
**Note Reason for the last two questions: Understanding our audience will give us a better idea of "timing" for each exercise.
A: This is an option in the SOW. All CRS field staff, also called Conciliators will receive the basic facilitation training and a small subset will receive the train-the-trainer training. This subset will act as internal trainers for the agency.

Q: There was not a task specified for developing the advanced multi-party mediation train-the-trainer materials? Is there an expectation that you would learn by using the advanced mediation training materials and co-training or is there an expectation there will be a separate curriculum developed as a deliverable?
A: While the curriculum for the train-the-trainer is the same as the advanced mediation materials, the train-the-trainer materials will need to be framed for the "trainers" audience. Amendment II of the RFQ adds Deliverable #7 to clarify the government's requirements. Deliverables #7-9 on Amendment I are now #8-10 respectively.

Q: Should the price quote be delivered separately (separate document) from the technical information that demonstrates our understanding of the requirement, deliverables, and experience?
A: This requirement is being done under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (FAR Part 13); therefore, quotes can be submitted in one document or multiple documents for technical proposal and price.

Q: In light of these questions, is there any chance of moving the deadline to Wed. Aug. 9th?
A: The due date has been extended to 4pm ET August 21, 2017.

In addition, the procurement method is changed from FAR Part 13 to FAR Subpart 13.5 Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items. The FAR clauses have been updated accordingly. All other terms and conditions remain unchanged.

Added: Aug 02, 2017 8:36 pm The following questions were received and are answered:

Q: Is it likely that all programs will be conducted in either Washington D.C. or the metropolitan Denver area, or potentially some programs in both locales?
A: It is possible that we will conduct programs in both locations.

Q: Can the initial Advanced Multiparty Mediation Training Programs and the Training-for-Trainers Program be conducted sequentially and on one trip (3 days for the Advanced Program, a two-day weekend layover with per diems covered, and three days the following week) if the programs are conducted in either Washington D.C or the Denver metropolitan area, or will conducting the Advanced Programs and the Training-for-Trainers Programs require two separate trips, one for each program?
A: The first Advanced Mediation Training and the second Advanced Mediation Training, which is combined with the Training for Trainers, are separate trainings. The Training for Trainers can only be combined with the second Advanced Mediation Training.

Q: Are the costs for the optional training programs - the Basic Multiparty Mediation Training Program, Advanced Multiparty Mediation Programs and Training-for-Trainers Programs - to be included in the $120,000 budget or will they be contracted and paid for separately under a separate contract?
A: Yes, they should be included.

Q: The RFQ notes a travel budget of $5,000. We assume that this amount is for ground and air travel, and per diems for trainers are covered separately. Is this correct? If so, should per diems be estimated for programs that would be conducted in either the Washington D.C. or Denver areas, and indicated separately in the budget?
A: The proposal need not address travel expenses because it is defined as a Not To Exceed line item. It is not anticipated that travel cost will exceed $5,000; proposal pricing should be a firm fixed-price amount for each deliverables. Travel will be approved in advance and contractor will be reimbursed for expenses for incurred on behalf of the government accordingly. Emphasis of the quote should be on meeting the technical requirements of the RFQ.

Q: The $5,000 limit for travel may not cover the costs for travel for all of the required and optional training programs if the contractor has to travel some distance from Washington DC or the metropolitan Denver area. What adjustments for additional travel costs will be made if travel cannot be covered by the $5,000 currently allocated?
A: It is not anticipated that travel cost will exceed $5,000; proposal pricing should be a firm fixed-price amount for each deliverables. Travel will be approved in advance and contractor will be reimbursed for expenses for incurred on behalf of the government accordingly. Emphasis of the quote should be on meeting the technical requirements of the RFQ.

Q: Should per diems for hotels and meals for trainers be included in the $120,000, or will this be covered separately? The final location of training programs makes a difference in calculating per diems. If trainers are located close to the Washington D.C or Denver area and do not have to stay overnight or cover hotels or full days of meals this makes a difference in calculating per diems.
A: It is not anticipated that travel cost will exceed $5,000; proposal pricing should be a firm fixed-price amount for each deliverables. Emphasis of the quote should be on meeting the technical requirements of the RFQ.
I also received the below question and my response:

Q; I would like to know if new businesses can submit for this proposal? It states requesting references for former work conducted. At this time, I have not been involved on single work of this nature but have a background to complete work.
A: Hi, yes you are welcome to submit a quote. You must ensure your proposal provides information to demonstrate your understanding of and ability to perform. Good luck and thank you for your interest

Additional questions will not be accepted after 4pm ET August 4, 2017. The due date for quotes is extended to 4pm ET August 21, 2017.

Added: Jul 27, 2017 10:07 am Amendment I (attached) is issued to revise the statement of work to 1-larify scope and objectives from facilitation focused on "problem solving meetings," which is really basic mediation training to include basic facilitation training, which will focus on non-problem solving meetings, like community forums, community dialogue, etc. Specific revisions are: 1-clarification of the requirements at paragraphs 2. Scope and 3. Objectives; 2-change Task #2 from Basic Multi-Party Mediation Training Program to Basic Multi-Party Facilitation Training Program Development; 3-replace Task #3 Basic Multi Party Training Program Delivery with Basic Multi-Party Facilitation Training for Trainer's Program Development; 4-replace Task #4 Basic Multi Party Training for Trainers Program Delivery and replace with Option to Deliver One (1) Basic Multi-Party Facilitation Training Program; 5-Task #6 Advanced Multi-Party Mediation Training Program Development is now Task #5; 6-Task #7: Advanced Multi-Party Mediation Training Program Delivery is now Task #6; 7-Task #8 Advanced Multi-Party Mediation Training for Trainers Program Delivery is now Task #7; 8-Task #9: Option to Deliver One (1) Additional Advanced Multi-Party Mediation Training Program is now Task #8; 9-Task #10 Delivery of Basic and Advanced Mediation Training Program Materials is replaced with Task #9: Delivery of Training Program Materials; and 10-paragraph 5 Deliverables Schedule is revised for modified tasks.

Added: Jul 25, 2017 3:42 pm

The following questions were received and answered as follows:

Q: Would we be disqualified if we were to include the resumes of key personnel with our RFQ?
A: No, we do not require minimum qualification for this contract. Therefore, any resumes submitted cannot be evaluated as a basis for award decisions. Award of any contract as a result of this RFQ will be to the technically acceptable proposal that represents the best value to the government to include Section 508 conformance and cost. Pricing for the deliverables must be firm-fixed price. Quote must include Contractor's DUNS; and include three (3) references where same or similar services were previously provided. Reference information must include company name/agency, point of contact name, email address and phone number, and contract/order number. Contractor must have a current registration in the governmentwide System for Award Management at https://www.sam.gov.

Q: The RFQ asks for a quote, but from what I understood the quote was set at $120,000, no? It also mentions the submission of invoices, but it is stated that the contract would not last more than 12 months which to me is simple Math 120/12 months = $10,000/month + up to $5,000 in traveling???
A: This is a firm fixed-price requirement and the $120,000 is based on available budget, market research and previous similar contracts. Quotes must include a firm fixed-price for each deliverable:

1. Task #1: Project Schedule Development and Delivery
2. Task #2: Basic Multi-Party Training Program Development
3. Task #3: Basic Multi-Party Training Program Delivery
4. Task #4: Basic Multi-Party Training for Trainers Program Delivery
5. Task #5: Option to Deliver One (1) Additional Basic Multi-Party Training Program
6. Task #6: Advanced Multi-Party Mediation Training Program Development
7. Task #7: Advanced Multi-Party Mediation Training Program Delivery
8. Task #8: Advanced Multi-Party Mediation Training for Trainers Program Delivery
9. Task #9: Option to Deliver One (1) Additional Advanced Multi-Party Mediation Training Program
10. Task #10: Delivery of Basic and Advanced Mediation Training Program Materials

All deliverables are to be completed within 365 days from the date of any contract award. Any award will be a firm fixed-price contract, invoices may be submitted upon inspection and acceptance of each deliverable by CRS. Invoices for hourly labor-hour performance will not be accepted. FAR clause 52.232-16 Progress Payments (APR 2012) is added and incorporated by reference.

Q: Is the suggestion based on actually counting the hours that we are engaged on this contract and arriving at a different figure every month, or can we make an estimate based on the dates that the officer tells us when the seminars are to be conducted and divide the $120,000 evenly on the total # of months?
A: Any award will be a firm fixed-price contract; invoices may be submitted upon inspection and acceptance of each deliverable by CRS. Invoices for hourly labor-hour performance will not be accepted. FAR clause 52.232-16 Progress Payments (APR 2012) is added and incorporated by reference.

Q: I also looked up the traveling quote and I did not see strict figures or values, but more than anything, the reasonable standard of travel...meaning not extravagant, correct?
A: Yes, that is correct. Reimbursement for travel must be reasonable standard travel and where possible in accordance with Federal Travel Regulations. All travel expenses that exceed $25.00 must be supported by receipt. In addition, the contracting officer can provide any awardee a letter stating that travel is for official federal government business and therefore request consideration of offering government rates for this purpose. While there is no guarantee that merchants such as airlines will accept this, it can be made available.

Q: Last, but not least, is there a limited number of pages that you want us to abide by for the response.
A: No, there is no limited number of pages, however this requirement is being competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (FAR Part 13); quotes should include the information to demonstrate an understanding of the requirement, deliverables, experience and price.

Q: is this is a new contract? If not, could you please identify which company won the previous award, and reveal whether they are an incumbent?
A: Yes, this is a new contract, there are no incumbents.

Q: In terms of the video choice to go along with the exercises, would we have to create one to go with the ideas that the group will be sharing with us, or do you have videos of certain situations that we can use. perhaps from body camps, or do we have to create videos from scratch?
A: There is no video requirement for this contract. We believe you are referring to the Section 508 standard. This standard is applicable to any electronic media used for training such a PowerPoint presentations.

All other terms remain unchanged.

Added: Jul 18, 2017 10:53 am See attached Request for Quotation.