Loren Data's SAM Daily™

FBO DAILY ISSUE OF MAY 12, 2007 FBO #1993
MODIFICATION

U -- Leadership Development Training

Notice Date

5/10/2007
 

Notice Type

Modification
 

NAICS

611430 — Professional and Management Development Training
 

Contracting Office

Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Acquisition Management Division (VA), 1100 Wilson Boulevard Room 2133, Arlington, VA, 22209-3939, UNITED STATES
 

ZIP Code

22209-3939
 

Solicitation Number

DOL07MRP20028
 

Response Due

5/30/2007
 

Archive Date

6/16/2007
 

Point of Contact

Sarah Mengel, Contracting Officer, Phone 202-693-9834, Fax 202-693-9826, - Darrell Cooper, Director, Acquisition Management Division, Phone (202)693-9831, Fax (202)693-9826,
 

E-Mail Address

mengel.sarah@dol.gov, cooper-darrell@msha.gov
 

Small Business Set-Aside

Total Small Business
 

Description

Amendment #4: This amendment is to post questions and answers regarding this solicitation. Please note that Amendment #2 extended the due date for proposals to May 30, 2007 12:00PM (EST). Question 47: In section 7.1.6 the RFP outlines a requirement for small learning teams to be assigned a facilitator for each of the one week-long modules. Are we correct in assuming the contractor is providing these facilitators? Answer 47: Yes Question 48: The RFP states that a facilitator is to be assigned to each learning team. If learning team activities are built into the program through out each week long session is it the government?s expectation that there will be three facilitators/instructors on site for each week long session? Answer 48: Yes three facilitators can move between cohorts if this does not affect quality, efficiency and reduces costs to the Government. Any time that small groups are working independent from the cohort a facilitator is required. Question 49: Will the contractor be responsible for assigning learning team activities? Answer 49: Yes Question 50: Section 7.1.9 outlines a requirement for the 360 assessment results to be available at the first classroom session, scheduled per the RFP for June 3, 2007. Is the government?s expectation that the 360 will be administered and assessments completed by all subjects and raters by the June 3 session? Assuming contract award is made within five days of the solicitation due date, May 15, 2007, this only allows for eight business days for responses to be collected from all subjects and raters. Answer 50: The first cohort is scheduled for June 24, , 2007 and the proposals are due May 30, 2007. The 360 will be administered and assessments completed by all subjects and raters prior to the June 24, 2007 cohort. Question 51: In section 7.1.12 the RFP mentions a cohort graduation. Is the contractor responsible for planning and leading the cohort graduation activities and will this take place at the end of the third cohort session? Answer 51: The contractor is not responsible for planning or leading the graduation activities but is expected to participate in the activity which will take place at the end of cohort 3. Question 52: Section 9.4 states a requirement for a post-program assessment to determine roi. Is this assessment targeted towards the mentor and participant supervisor? Can the government provide any additional requirements for the assessment and analysis expected from the contractor? Answer 52: The mentor and participant should be included in any final assessment and the proposal may include other complementary information sources that will be incorporated into the analysis. Question 53: Have job task analysis been performed for the various positions that the participants would be considered for? If so, would they be available for the awarded proposer? Answer 53: Some have and some have not. For the analysis that MSHA does have we can make those available after contract award. Question 54: Have the prospective candidates undergone a preliminary assessment in leadership proficiencies in a formal selection process? Answer 54: YES Question 55: Is there a selection process in place for candidates? Answer 55: YES Question 56: Does the MSHA management provide leadership development for union or non-union personnel or both? Answer 56: YES Question 57: Does your training facility have outdoor areas that could be utilized for problem solving and teambuilding activities? Answer 57: YES Question 58: Should per diem be included in the Commercial Proposal given meals and lodging are provided? Answer 58: Breakfast and Lunch are provided, please see section 8 of the Statement of Work. Question 59: Does MSHA want an ?off-the-shelf? program? Answer 59: MSHA requires a program as specified in the statement of work. Question 60: It?s implicit to us that is not what MHSA expects; please clarify that MHSA expects a Leadership Development Program that is designed and developed specifically for the ?pool of employees.? Answer 60: MSHA requires a Leadership Development Program that complies with the solicitation. Question 61: Assuming a program specifically developed for MHSA, then what time frame would MHSA schedule for ?design and development? for he first module? Answer 61: The design and development would be provided in your proposal. Question 62: Is the June 3rd start date still the target date, or is a later start date being considered: Answer 62: The first cohort date has been changed to start June 24, 2007. Question 63: The RFP notes in 7.1.2. The contractor shall develop, design and implement the program in accordance with the following learning methodologies guidelines; Lecture in Workshops, Experiential Activities in Workshops and small groups, Individual or Small Group Coaching, Learning Team Activities, Individual Practices and Reflection. We understand these methodologies . . . however the statement refers to ?methodologies guidelines? . . . . . . implying MHSA uses a set of guidelines. Can you please provide these guidelines? Answer 63: This sentence is referring to the methodologies. Question 64: Are the number of hours per full day (Monday ? Thursday) limited? That is, can activities be planned into the evenings on those days, such that some days could extend to 10 ? 12 hours? Answer 64: See 7.1.8 of the statement of work. Question 65: Please provide the status of the participants in Cohorts 2 ? 8 . . . .are they exempt or non-exempt, bargaining unit or non? Answer 65: BOTH Question 66: Item 7.1.9 calls for a 360?a feedback and MBTI. Are all participants in a leadership position or be in one prior to attending? Answer 66: NO Question: 67: Will other developmental assessments be considered by MHSA? Assessments such as the Hogan Suite focus directly on leadership development, coaching and mentoring. Please advise. Answer 67: The question is not fully understood. The proposal is expected to comply with all the solicitation requirements. Question 68: Item 7.1.10 . . . . . . the RFP stated: ?The contractor shall provide a ? day mentoring development session? . . . we assume the ??? is a ?1? . . . correct? ? Day. Answer 68: The contractor shall provide a one half day mentoring development session for the mentors that MSHA will identify and match to each participant. MSHA will schedule the mentors to receive their one half training and work with their mentees the remaining one half day toward the later part of each participant?s first week of training. (i.e. interact with trainers/facilitators, work with mentee in the development of ILDP, develop a mentor/mentee agreement) Question 69: 7.1.11 What is MSHA?s ?knowledge transfer assignment? to be provided to each participant? Answer 69: MSHA will provide assignments i.e. interviewing MSHA Leaders that are preparing to retire, preparing a paper and presenting back at classroom session. Question 70: The underpinning of MHSA is safety . . . . . . . does MHSA expect a safety tie-in to the leadership development program? Please advise. Answer 70: MSHA is only interested in a leadership program that addresses the program content described in the solicitation. Question 71: Does MHSA expect a meeting or a comprehensive conference call with the awardee prior to commencing with Cohort 1? Answer 71: YES Question 72: This solicitation is a total small business set aside. Has it been determined that this must be 100% set aside for small businesses, or would a large business be considered? Answer 72: No Question 73: If this solicitation must go to a small business, who would MSHA recommend a large business contact to discuss teaming arrangements? Answer 73: No Question: 74: When is the anticipated award date of this solicitation? Answer 74: It is anticipated that an award will be made within the first two weeks of June but this is not guaranteed. Question 75: Section 2.0 of the RFP states: ??designed for preparing journeyman level technical personnel?? What types of backgrounds can we expect of the ?journeyman? personnel coming into this program? Answer 75: Primarily technical mine inspectors, safety and health specialist and engineers. (See background information in the RFP) Question 76: Section 7.1.4 of the RFP states: ??Necessary changes and adjustment will be made to the program based on this feedback.? What is the anticipated level of changes required from the first cohort to subsequent cohorts? How will these changes affect and be incorporated into MSHA?s proposed schedule? Answer 76: It amount of adjustments depend on the feedback received from the Pilot Group in Module 1, who are existing supervisors. A schedule change is not anticipated. Question 77: Section 7.1.5 of the RFP states: ?Provide a 3 week residential program that will be delivered in one week increments over approximately an 8 month period at the MSHA training facility at Beaver, West Virginia.? Our understanding is that MSHA wants to implement a 3 week residential program mapping the OPM Executive Core Qualifications. Given these core qualifications cover many topics, can we assume MSHA would accept a proposed curriculum of 5 to 6 courses if they could be offered within the 3 week constraints, covering the topic areas of the OPM requirements? Answer 77: The question is not clear. The proposal is expected to comply with the solicitation. Question 78: Is there any chance the MSHA would extend each cohort to 4 weeks if it meant a more comprehensive and robust delivery of content? We ask this especially given the time constraints that some of the additional program requirements put on this program (i.e. keynote speakers, mentorship programs, individual coaching). Answer 78: no Question 79: Section 7.1.6 of the RFP states: ?Each cohort shall be comprised of small learning teams; with a maximum of eight participants per team, with an assigned facilitator for each team for each of the 3 one week-long modules.? We interpret this to mean that each cohort will have three instructors (one for each of the three teams). Given our experience and instructional expertise, we feel that assigning three instructors per 20-25 students is an unnecessary expense for MSHA to incur. Answer 79: It is acceptable to propose three facilitators that can move between cohorts if this does not affect quality, efficiency and reduces costs to the Government. Any time that small groups are working independent from the cohort a facilitator is required. Question 80: Section 7.1.7 and 7.1.8 of the RFP refers to the need for ?combined activities? between cohorts. It also described the need for evening activities. Please elaborate on the specifics of these ?combined activities.? Given the residential nature of this program, we assume that these combined activities can be planned as evening activities outside of the classroom. This would prevent these combined activities from cutting in on the instructor?s time. Answer 80: Yes?.Combined activities are meant to be team building and knowledge sharing. How you propose to schedule the available time is up to you. Question 81: Section 7.1.9 of the RFP states: ?The contractor shall provide the results of both the 360 and MBTI to the participant during their first classroom session. The contractor shall provide each participant with a minimum of one hour individualized coaching session on their assessment results.? This requirement literally translates to 24 hours of individual coaching time for the instructor. Given the other time constraints of the requirements for this program, when should these coaching sessions take place? Answer 81: Please include this information in the proposal Question 82: Section 7.1.9 of the RFP describes the 360 and MBTI administration. Does MSHA want the MBTI integrated into the training? Do all instructors need to be MBTI certified? What kind of 360 does MSHA desire? Answer 82: Yes, MSHA wants the MBTI integrated into the training. You should choose one that supports the training program you propose. Question 83: Section 7.1.10 of the RFP describes mentoring development sessions for the program. Can you please clarify the specifics of this requirement? As we understand it, MSHA will identify outside mentors and match them to cohort participants. Does the vendor provide the half day mentorship training? Answer 83: Yes the vendor provides the one half day mentorship training. Question 84: Is the vendor to work in a half day of mentor/mentee interaction during class time of the first week? Answer 84: Yes Question 85: Section 7.1.1 of the RFP mentions ?application of leadership theory as it pertains to MSHA.? What are MSHA?s expectations regarding ?application of leadership?? Does MSHA want the vendor to tailor delivery from the podium or expect customized course materials ahead of time? Answer 85: Course material shall be provided in proposal. Question 86: Sections 8.6 and 8.7 of the RFP describe the meal arrangements for the instructors and participants. Are we to assume that dinner will be provided as well for the instructor by MSHA? Answer 86: MSHA will provide meals as described in 8.7 of the solicitation. MSHA will provide Breakfast and Lunch and Refreshments. Question 87: Section 13 of the RFP states: ?The contractor shall describe fully its company capabilities and present a design for the LDP, including a detailed agenda, learning objectives, topics, activities/practical exercises, and proposed assessment tools and participant evaluations?? What level of detail is expected in answering this section, i.e. are you looking for a full design of the program or a more general discussion of the design elements? Answer 87: The proposal calls for a design, as described in the statement of work. Question 88: Section 2 mentions that Developmental Assignments will be a part of the MSHA leadership program but no specific requirements for developmental assignments are outlined in the solicitation. Does the government intend to include this in the program? Answer 88: Please see 7.1.11: The contractor shall develop a list of potential assignments and readings that support or enhance the classroom learnings and/or the participants individual needs as identified by the assessment process. The list shall be a part of the proposal and MSHA will approve the list within 5 days of a contract award. These assignments shall be completed by the participants during the time between the classroom sessions. Additionally, MSHA will provide a knowledge transfer assignment for each participant. Participants will include assignments with milestones and completion dates in their ILDP. The participants individual assignments will be reviewed and approved by the participants mentor and the COTR before being finalized in their ILDP. The participants progress on assignments in the ILDP shall be tracked and recorded. The participants must complete all items in the ILDP before the end of the cohort. Subsequent changes to the participants ILDP must be approved by both the mentor and the COTR. (see deliverable) NOTE: THIS NOTICE WAS NOT POSTED TO FEDBIZOPPS ON THE DATE INDICATED IN THE NOTICE ITSELF (10-MAY-2007); HOWEVER, IT DID APPEAR IN THE FEDBIZOPPS FTP FEED ON THIS DATE. PLEASE CONTACT fbo.support@gsa.gov REGARDING THIS ISSUE.
 

Web Link

Link to FedBizOpps document.
(http://www.fbo.gov/spg/DOL/MSHA/ArlingtonVA/DOL07MRP20028/listing.html)
 

Place of Performance

Address: National Mine Health and Safety Academy 1301 Airport Road Beaver, WV

Zip Code: 25813

Country: UNITED STATES
 

Record

SN01292349-F 20070512/070510224239 (fbodaily.com)
 

Source

FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)

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