NOTICE TO ALL OFFERORS:
REFERENCE: RFP-DCS-01-18
Amendment No. 1
Additional information has been requested by prospective offerors and it has been determined by the Contracting Officer that this information be made available to all bidders. The information is provided in the attached SF-30. The closing date for the above-referenced Request for Proposal is EXTENDED UNTIL 2:00 PM, APRIL 27, 2001 local time.
Keith A. Bond
KEITH A. BOND
Contracting Officer
Attachments
AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT Page 1 of Pages
________________________________________________________________________________
1. CONTRACT ID CODE |3.EFFECTIVE DATE 4/11/2001
_______________________________________|________________________________________
2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 1
________________________________________________________________________________
4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.
________________________________________________________________________________
5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)
________________________________________________________________________________
6. ISSUED BY N CODE
U.S. Department of Labor, ETA/OGCM
Division of Contract Services
200 Constitution Avenue, NW
Room S-4203
Washington DC 20210
________________________________________________________________________________
7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6) N CODE
U.S. Department of Labor, ETA
200 Constitution Avenue, NW
Room
Washington DC 20210
________________________________________________________________________________
8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No. Street, County, State and ZIP Code)
_____________________________________________________________________________
[X]9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO RFP-DCS-01-18
9B. DATED (See Item 11) 03-07-2001
______________________________________________________________________________
[ ]10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.
10B. DATED (See Item 13)
______________________________________________________________________________
11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS
[X] The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14.
The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers [X] is extended, [ ]
is not extended.< ** HOUR & DATE for Receipt of Offers is EXTENDED to: 2:00 PM,
Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date
specified in the solicitation or as amended by one of the following methods:
(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning copies of the
amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the
offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a
reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF
OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR
OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already
submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each
telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and
is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.
________________________________________________________________________________
STANDARD FORM 30 (REV.10-83) Prescribed by GSA FAR(48 CFR) 53.243
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1
AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT Page 1a of Pages
________________________________________________________________________________
12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)
________________________________________________________________________________
13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS. IT MODIFIES
THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.
[ ] A.THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority)
THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT/ORDER
NO. IN ITEM 10A.
[ ] B.THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE
ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation
data,etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).
[ ] C.THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:
[ ] D.OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)
________________________________________________________________________________
E. IMPORTANT: Contractor [ ] is not, [ ] is required to sign this
document and return copies to the issuing office.
________________________________________________________________________________
14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings,
including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible).
THE CLOSING TIME AND DATE OF APRIL 20, 2001 AT 2:00 PM IS BE
ING EXTENDED TO APRIL 27, 2001 AT 2:00 LOCAL TIME.
< See Continuation Sheet
Except as provided herein, all terms & conditions of the document referenced in
Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remain unchanged & in full force & effect
________________________________________________________________________________
15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER | 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING
(Type or print) | OFFICER (Type or print)
| KEITH A. BOND
| Contracting Officer
|
________________________________________|_______________________________________
15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR | 16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
_________________________ | _________________________________
(Signature of person authorized to sign)| (Signature of Contracting Officer
________________________________________|_______________________________________
15C. DATE SIGNED | 16C. DATE SIGNED
________________________________________|_______________________________________
STANDARD FORM 30 (REV.10-83)
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CONTINUATION PAGE
Request for Clarification - DOL Solicitation No. RFP-DCS-01-18
Questions:
1) What is DOL's preference for site selection? The RFP indicates it
could be up to 5 States or up to 20 sub-state sites. Selection of
one or the other may dramatically increase project costs and time
lines.
ANSWER: The evaluation design shall present a methodology(ies) for
identifying States or local areas that have made a significant
commitment to self-service.
2) How many days does DOL anticipate that data collection teams will
be on-site collecting data?
ANSWER: The evaluation design shall present a methodology(ies) for
site visits that will be sufficient to fulfill the information
gathering requirements.
3) Will DOL and/or local representatives assist the contractor in
identifying individuals/groups for interviews? If so, how many
interviews and/or groups are anticipated?
ANSWER: Yes. The evaluation design shall present a
methodology(ies) sufficient to fulfill the information gathering
requirements. This includes identifying the appropriate subjects
for interview.
4) In terms of analysis and reporting of findings, what is DOL's
preference for information on impact and cost effectiveness at the
State level or sub-state level or at the Individual level? It
appears we will be collecting data at multiple levels: individual
users of the self-directed One- stop services (e.g., customer
satisfaction, pre-use, current-use, and post-use), employers who use
the self-directed services (customer satisfaction), and,
States/sites that provide these services. To be able to do any
meaningful statistical analyses on impact and show correlations, we
need clarification on level of analysis and reporting expected by
the DOL.
ANSWER The evaluation design shall present a methodology(ies)
sufficient and statistically robust to measure costs and benefits
and returns on investment of self-directed services to the State,
the local area, and the individual as specified in the requirements.
5) What data, if any, does DOL already collect on States/sites that
may help site selection or save time requesting it from
States/sites?
ANSWER: All data will be available from the States
contained in State reports. Also, see Training and Employment
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Guidance Letter (TEGL) 14-00 and attachments. This can be found at
www.usworkforce.org/documents/tegl/tegl-14-00.pdf.
6) Will DOL identify the appropriate criteria for selecting a
program to include in the analysis?
ANSWER: No. The Self-service function will vary from
area to area. The evaluation
design shall present a methodology(ies) for identifying
States or local areas that have a significant commitment to
self-service.
7) I would like clarification about the 100% Small Business Set
Aside. My firm qualifies as a small business, but I would like to
team with a firm that does not. Under the arrangement, my firm
would be the prime, and our partner would be a subcontractor. Is
that possible? If so, what are the conditions?
ANSWER: Yes. See I.4 of the Solicitation, LIMITATIONS ON
SUBCONTRACTING
8) I had a difficult time understanding which tasks were to be
performed in which years. The RFP calls for one year plus three
option years. After receiving each of the two interim reports, it
appears DOL would make a decision about funding the next option
year. After the second interim report, the final report is due 180
days before the end of the contract. So I concluded the schedule is
as follows:
Option Year 1: Interim Report 1 (process analysis)
Option Year 2: Interim Report 2 (evaluation report)
Option Year 3: Final Report
Is that sequence correct?
ANSWER: YES.
9) Should we provide a bid for only the costs associated with the
initial methodological design or would you like a bid for the full
multi-year evaluation?
ANSWER: OFFERORS SHOULD BID FOR THE BASE YEAR ONLY!
10) The RFP (Sections L.9 and M.2) stipulates that the Project
Director and Senior Researchers must have a degree in "economics,
public administration or business administration." We believe that
individuals with degrees in related social science disciplines are
also qualified to serve in these roles. Would DOL consider
expanding the degree requirement to incorporate related social
science disciplines?
ANSWER: YES.
11) Can extensive relevant experience substitute for the specific
degree requirements of these key personnel?
ANSWER: NO.
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12) The RFP (in the same two sections) suggests that one Senior
Researcher should be assigned to the project full-time and another
should be assigned half-time. We anticipate that, over the course
of the evaluation, there might be substantial slack times (e.g.,
while waiting for data to become available) and that devoting a
senior person full-time to the project, or even half-time, would for
this reason be inefficient and potentially wasteful of project
resources. We believe that both senior researchers could be
effective if their average time commitments over the life of the
project were in the 25% to 35% range, reflecting full-time
involvement during periods of peak project activity and much lower
levels of involvement during slack periods. In light of this, would
DOL reconsider this stipulation?
ANSWER: YES. Offerors shall propose one Senior
Researcher at 75% time commitment and the other Senior Researcher at
25% time commitment.
13) Section L.8 requires letters of commitment for key personnel.
Are these letters of commitment to be submitted with the proposal or
at a later time, such as in response to negotiations or at contract
award?
ANSWER: Please be advised that letters of commitment
are required pursuant to Section L.8 of the solicitation.
14) Pages L-8 and 9 of the RFP state that the technical proposal
(Part 2) should include a description of the offeror's past
experience, and that Part 3 of the proposal also includes past
performance information. What is the difference between the past
experience information in the technical proposal and the past
performance information in Part 3? How is the past experience
information in the technical proposal (Part 2) incorporated in the
evaluation criteria in Section M?
ANSWER: (a) Experience refers to similar work liken to
that in the RFP. Past performance is information provided by the
references, who are provided by the offeror, about the offerors work
experience. (b) Refer to Section M.2 (C).
15). In assessing the impact and cost-effectiveness of
self-directed labor exchange services does the government intend for
the contractor to use a randomly assigned control group?
ANSWER: The evaluation design shall present a
methodology(ies) sufficient and statistically robust to measure
costs and benefits and returns on investment of self-directed
services to the State, the local area, and the individual as
specified in the requirements.
16) The RFP asks for the contractor to compute impacts and
conduct cost-benefit analyses for self-directed job search. Such
analyses involve comparing the treatment of interest, self-directed
job search, to some other status, either no treatment or an
alternative treatment such as assisted job search. What was the
intended counter-factual in this RFP?
ANSWER: DOL does not wish to compare self-directed
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service to staff assisted service. The evaluation design shall
present a methodology(ies) sufficient and statistically robust to
measure costs and benefits and returns on investment of
self-directed services to the State, the local area, and the
individual as specified in the requirements.
17) Does the government anticipate other deliverable products
during the base contract period besides the evaluation design
report, OMB clearance package, and progress reports? For budgeting
purposes, should the contractor assume that an interim report will
be submitted during each of the first two option years, with a final
report submitted during the final option year?
ANSWER: Yes. See Answer to Question No. 8.
18) If the contractor feels that the execution of the work plan
would be strengthened by splitting the time of the full-time senior
researcher across two or three senior researchers, can this be
proposed? (e.g., this may permit greater flexibility and number of
staff in terms of deploying a research team to conduct multiple site
visits; may permit greater flexibility in terms of using a research
team to conduct simultaneous tasks, and may bring a wider range of
perspectives and expertise to the proposed research team).
ANSWER: No. See answer to question no. 8.
19) The requirements listed for key personnel for the evaluation of
Self-Directed Labor Exchange Services includes for the Project
Director and the Senior Researcher a graduate degree in economics,
public administration, and business administration. My concern
leading to a question is that many of the professional evaluators
that have extensive experience in the job training and job services
areas (including WIA) emerged from a range of diverse fields. This
is the time period before graduate programs in evaluation existed.
Thus, this requirement is fairly exclusive and rules out immediately
a large number of highly qualified persons who may be interested in
responding to this RFP.
Will DOL/ETA find acceptable graduate degrees in other areas (e.g.,
political science, labor relations); and extensive experience and
expertise in general evaluation and national and state evaluations
in the job training/job services areas in lieu of graduate degrees
specifically in the fields of public admin, business admin, or
economics?
ANSWER: YES.
20). As we have skilled Key Individuals in program management,
surveying, statistical applications, evaluation, cost-benefit
analysis, and process selection, may we utilize an advisory or focus
group of experts to advise the project in WIA law requirements and
various applications? We could work in concert with the WIA and
Self-directed application experts to direct our researchers in their
work. The advisory group would convene periodically and be within
the budget guidelines and limits set by DOL-ETA.
ANSWER YES.
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21) A broad range of skills and experience are required for the
Project Manager and the Senior Researcher. Is it acceptable to meet
the skill requirements through the entire key personnel team,
although individuals proposed for specific positions may not have
all the requirements individually?
ANSWER NO. See answer to question no. 12.
22) Do all of the research questions put forth in the Request For
Proposal have to be addressed within a 12 month time frame?
ANSWER: NO
23) Can a random sample of participants be used within each of the
5 states selected for participation, or must the entire population
using self directed services be involved?
ANSWER: The evaluation design shall present a
methodology(ies) sufficient and statistically robust to measure
costs and benefits and returns on investment of self-directed
services to the State, the local area, and the individual as
specified in the requirements. Services cannot be withheld from any
customer.
24). What are the rules governing former USDOL/ETA employees on
participation in the project? Must they be separated from USDOL for
a minimum amount of time?
ANSWER: (a) An individual may participate in the project
provided he/she is working in a staff position and does not
represent the offeror in its dealings directly with the Department
in any manner. (b) There is no time restriction.
25) Are associations or other similar groups that represent or are
composed of, directly or indirectly, the government bodies that are
to be evaluated eligible for the RFP competition?
ANSWER: YES. Provided they meet the specific small
business eligibility requirements that are stipulated in Section K
of the solicitation.
26) Per Section L.9 (SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS), please clarify if the
educational requirements/experience for the Project Director and
Senior Researcher as stated are the only acceptable levels of
education and experience for these positions.
ANSWER: See answers to Question Nos. 10 & 11.
27) In section M.2 "Criteria for Award", Part A. is labeled
"Technical Approach" and Part C. is labeled "Individual Staff
Experience and Qualifications". However, there does not appear to
be a Part B. Is this an error in numbering, or is Part B missing
from the RFP?
ANSWER: There is a typographical error. CRITERIA B -
INDIVIDUAL STAFF EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
28) In Part L.9 Special Requirements, the Project Director and the
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Senior Research (100% time) must have "graduate degrees in
economics, public administration, or business administration" and
the Senior Researcher (50%) must have a "bachelor's degree in
economics, public administration, or business administration". Are
other graduate degrees acceptable? For example, PhD in disciplines
like political science, sociology, or psychology which require
candidates to be trained in the latest statistical methodologies and
utilize rigorous (and identical to those used by economists, MBAs
and MPAs) evaluation methodologies.
ANSWER: See answers to Question Nos. 10 & 11 and 12.
29) Please define "sub-state areas" (in Section C.3)
ANSWER: See "Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (P.L.
105-220) Section 116 "Local
Workforce Investment Areas"
30) Section L.9 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS, is deleted in its entirety
and replaced with the following:
The key personnel positions and their required time commitment are
listed as follows:
PROJECT DIRECTOR -- Must have a graduate degree in economics, public
administration or business administration and 5 years of relevant
experience in managing a project of this level of complexity. They
must possess knowledge and skills in the area of WIA
implementation,One-Stop operations, evaluation study design and the
application of the latest statistical methodologies. The Project
Director must have the knowledge, skills and abilities to engage in
interviewing senior policy makers and developing and carrying out a
complicated work plan within a scheduled timetable. Further, they
must have demonstrated the ability to manage staff with varied
backgrounds and specialty skill-sets. Time commitment - 25%.
SENIOR RESEARCHER -- One who has demonstrated both knowledge and
experience in the area of WIA implementation, One-Stop operations,
evaluation study design and the application of the latest
statistical methodologies. Must have a graduate degree in economics,
public administration or business administration or a related
social science and three years of relevant experience in related
work. Time Commitment - 75%.
SENIOR RESEARCHER -- One who has demonstrated both knowledge and
experience in the area of WIA implementation, One-Stop operations,
evaluation study design and the application of the latest
statistical methodologies. Must have a bachelor's degree in
economics, public administration or business administration or a
related social science and three years of relevant experience in
related work. Time Commitment - 25%.
31) Section M.2(C) INDIVIDUAL STAFF EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS is
deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
C. INDIVIDUAL STAFF EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS (25 points)
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This section of the proposal shall include sufficient information
for judging the quality and competence of staff proposed to be
assigned to the project to assure that they meet the required
qualifications. Successful performance of the proposed work depends
heavily on the qualifications of the individuals committed to this
project, and the adequacy of the time commitment for each individual
in relation to the specific tasks that they will perform.
Accordingly, the Government, in its evaluation of the contractor's
proposal, will place considerable emphasis on the contractor's
commitment of personnel qualified for the work involved in
accomplishing the assigned tasks.
This section of the proposal shall provide the current employment
status of personnel proposed for work under this RFP--i.e., whether
these personnel are currently employed by the contractor or are
dependent upon planned recruitment or subcontracting. Where
subcontractors or outside assistance are proposed, organizational
control shall be clearly delineated so as to demonstrate and ensure
responsiveness to the needs of the Government.
The following information shall also be furnished:
(1) The proposed Project Director
(2) The proposed project organization, including key
personnel
(3) Staffing charts listing names, project roles,
qualifications, and experience of all professional personnel
(including outside consultants), staff time/time loading charts
showing the amount of time each staff person will devote to each
task and sub-task, and an indication of how staff will be allocated
to perform all necessary field work during the project.
(4) A resume for each professional personnel to be assigned
to the project. At a minimum, the resume shall include:
(a) The individual's current employment status and
previous work experience, including position title, dates in
position, duties performed, and employing organization. Duties
shall be clearly defined in terms of the role performed, e.g.,
management, team leader, consultant for technical assistance, lead
investigator, chief analyst.
(b) A statement of the work that the individual has
completed or which is currently underway for work that is relevant
to the proposed work.
(c) The individual's educational background.
PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT OFFERORS WILL BE EVALUATED UNDER THIS
FACTOR BASED ON THE FOLLOWING:
(1) The experience and qualifications of the proposed Project
Director and the amount of time committed to the project. It is our
expectation that this position will require 25% of the proposed
individual's time. The Project Director must have a graduate degree
in economics, public administration or business administration and a
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minimum of five years relevant experience in managing related work.
They must possess knowledge and skills in the area of WIA
implementation, One-Stop operations, evaluation study design and the
application of the latest statistical methodologies. The Project
Director must have the knowledge, skills and abilities to engage in
interviewing senior policy makers and developing and carrying out a
complicated work plan within a scheduled timetable. Further, they
must have demonstrated the ability to manage staff with varied
backgrounds and specialty skill-sets.
(2) The experience and qualifications of the two senior researchers
and the amount of time committed to the project. It is our
expectation that these positions will require one senior researcher
at 75% time commitment and one at 25% time commitment. They must
possess knowledge and skills in the area of WIA implementation,
One-Stop operations, evaluation study design and the application of
the latest statistical methodologies. The senior researcher
designated at 75% time commitment must have a graduate degree in
economics, public administration or business administration or a
related social science. The senior researcher designated at 25%
time commitment have a bachelor's degree in economics, public
administration or business administration or a related social
science. Both senior researchers must have three years relevant
experience in related work.
(3) The time commitment of all personnel assigned by name to the
project, according to task and subtask, (the number of hours per
month that each individual will devote to each aspect of the project
over its life).
(4) An explanation of how the proposed staff deployments are in line
with the contractor's design and approach for undertaking the tasks
outlined in ETA's proposed statement of work.
(5) The qualifications and experience of staff (including outside
consultants) along with brief resumes for each professional person
assigned to the project.
RFP-DCS-01-18
BIDDERS
LIST
1. Berkely Policy Associates
440 Grand Ave. Suite 500
Oakland, CA 94610-5058
510-465-7884
Sabrina Williams
2. WESTAT
1650 Research Boulevard
Rockville, MD 20850-3129
301-251-1500
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Dee Schofield
3. Sparhawk Group, Inc.
1375 Commonwealth Ave. Suite 7
Allston, MA 02134
617-787-0388
Joe Frees
4. Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.
600 Maryland Avenue, S.W. Suite 550
Washington, DC 20004-2512
202-863-1736
Karla Dixon
5. Johnson, Bassin & Shaw, Inc.
8630 Fenton Street, 12th Floor
Silver Spring, MD 20910
301-495-1080
Jacqui Hamilton
6. Coffey Communications, LLC.
6917 Arlington Rd. Suite 224
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-907-0900
Amy Coffey
7. Research and Evaluation Associates, Inc.
6320 Quadrangle Drive, Suite 180
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
919-493-1661
Deborah Jones
8. Dr. Gilbert Green
The Green Group
1280 Bison Ave. #B 923
Newport Beach, CA. 92660
888-460-3210
9. DAH Consulting, Inc.
99 Wall Street, 25th Floor
New York, NY 10005
212-514-6862
Nadia Padmore
10. Public Policy Associates, Inc.
119 Pere Marquette Drive
Lansing, MI 48912-1231
517-485-4477
11. Marianne Linger
Technical Assistance & Training Corporation
Email: lingerm@tatc.com
Ph: 202-408-8282
12. John Trutko
Capital Research Corporation
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(703) 522-0885
jtrutko@aol.com
13. Girts Austrins
A.J. Boggs & Company
Tel: 517/333-0100
Fax: 517/333-0145
gig@ajboggs.com
14. John Tapogna, MPP
ECONorthwest
888 SW Fifth Avenue - Suite 1460
Portland, OR 97204
Ph: 503 222 6060
15. Ron D'Amico
Social Policy Research Associates
1330 Broadway, Suite 1426
Oakland, CA 94612
510-763-1499 (ext. 628)
ron_damico@spra.com
16. Employment & Training Institute, Inc.
153 Skylands Road
Ringwood, NJ 07456
(973) 962-9100
Kenneth Ryan, President, kryan@etiworks.com
Ronnie Kauder, Vice President, rkauder@etiworks.com
17. Joanne Farley
Farley & Associates
5315 Wakefield Drive
Hilliard, Ohio 43026
(614)876-0050
jfarley@columbus.rr.com
18. Ken Wanless
KSJ & Associates, Inc.
5203 Leesburg Pike Suite 901
Falls Church, VA 22041
703-824-7705 or 703-824-7802
19. Howard A. Raik, President
CHP International, Inc.
1040 North Boulevard, Suite 220
Oak Park, IL 60302
(708) 848-9650
hraik@chpinternational.com
20. Quality Resource/Trinty CME
2253 Dr Andrew J Brown Ave
Indpls, IN. 46205
(317) 471-9826 or (317) 925-8275
Mac Tolbert Jr or Rev Dr. O'Neal Shyne Jr
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