Executive and Emerging Executive Development Plans in support of ASN (M&RA) EMPO

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides answers to vendor questions regarding Solicitation N0018926QB050, clarifying various aspects of the PWS and contract requirements.

• Course Duration: DELP and CELP programs are intended to be 4-day events. The day prior to the program start includes hotel check-in and a welcome dinner, making it a 5-day total event.
• Venue Arrangement: Contractor-arranged third-party residential conference venues are acceptable if they meet proximity, FEMA Hotel and Motel National Master List, on-site security, and 24-hour maintenance requirements.
• Hybrid Delivery: While Leadership Workshops can be virtual, DELP and CELP cohorts must be delivered in-residence. Pre-work, post-work, and executive coaching may be completed virtually.
• Consultant Engagement: Senior-Level Consultants and ICF-certified coaches can be 1099 independent contractors or subcontractors, but the prime contractor remains responsible for ensuring qualifications and performance.
• Delivery Dates: While the solicitation indicates June delivery, a pre-approved delivery of DELP and CELP prior to September 30, 2026, is acceptable to allow for lead time. Courses should run the same week at a facility in close proximity.
• Participant Count: The solicitation is clear on the participant count and capacity planning.
• Prior Contractor Data: The Government will not provide access to prior contractor proprietary data or internal contract performance materials.

Several clarifications adjust the interpretation of delivery timelines and program structures. Bidders should note the confirmed 4-day program duration and the flexibility in delivery dates up to September 30, 2026. The document also confirms that the solicitation is clear on its face for several other questions, indicating no changes to those specific requirements.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0001) to solicitation N0018926QB050 adds Attachment 06 - Answers to Questions Received N0018926QB050. It also adds clause FAR 52.222-90, "Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors" (Deviation 2026-00038), effective April 2026, pursuant to Executive Order 14398.

• Attachment 06 has been added.

• Clause FAR 52.222-90 has been added.

• The "List of Attachments" section has been modified to include Attachment 06.

• The addition of "Answers to Questions Received" may impact how bidders prepare their proposals.

• The new clause FAR 52.222-90 introduces a new requirement related to DEI discrimination.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined presolicitation notice/solicitation for commercial services, specifically for the design and delivery of graduate-level executive leadership education programs and supporting capabilities for senior leaders within the Department of the Navy (DON), on behalf of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (ASN) for Manpower and Reserve Affairs (MRA) Executive Program Management Office (EMPO). The government intends to award a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) Purchase Order contract.

The solicitation requires services related to executive and emerging executive development plans. Specific deliverables include:

• Design of DELP (Executive Leadership Development Program) - Base Period

• Design of CELP (Executive Leadership Program) - Base Period

• Delivery of DELP - Four Day Event - Base Period

• Delivery of CELP - Four Day Event - Base Period

• One-Day Leadership Workshops - Base Period

• Consultation - Base Period

• Materials - Base Period

• Travel (Lodging and Meals) - Base Period Option periods for these deliverables are also included.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) Purchase Order.

• Period of Performance: Base Period (June 1, 2026 - May 31, 2027) with potential option periods extending through May 31, 2030.

• NAICS Code: 611310 (Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools).

• Small Business Standard: $34.5 million.

• Quotes are due by May 8, 2026, at 10:00 AM EST.

• Questions are due by April 29, 2026, at 10:00 AM EST.

• Submissions must be electronic via email to Shanna Harris and Sean Bennett.

• Quotations must be submitted in two volumes: Volume I (Non-Price Quotation) and Volume II (Price Quotation).

• Evaluation will be based on a Best-Value Trade-Off source selection process.

• Non-price factors (Performance Approach, Past Performance, Socio-Economic Plan) are considered more important than price.

• Performance Approach and Past Performance are of equal importance and considered significantly more important than Socio-Economic Plan.

• Price will be a significant factor, especially if non-price factors are equal or nearly equal.

• This acquisition is being solicited as full and open competition.

• Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• A HUBZone small business price evaluation preference is applicable.

• The previous contract action for a portion of these services was with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

• Paper copies of this solicitation will not be available.

• All applicable Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) clauses are incorporated by reference.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the "Past Performance Information Form" which offerors must complete to provide details about their past performance on relevant contracts. This information is crucial for the government's evaluation of an offeror's ability to successfully perform the work described in the solicitation.

• Name of Offeror
• Contract Number, order number, or identifier
• Customer Name & Location
• Customer Point of Contact (Name & Title)
• Telephone Number and e-mail address
• Total dollar amount for this effort during the past five (5) years (with specific instructions for ordering vehicles)
• Number of personnel (FTE) performing per year (avg.)
• Period of Performance (From/To)
• Detailed description of the work performed (sufficient to demonstrate relevance)
• Quality, delivery, or cost problem(s); corrective action(s) taken; and effectiveness of the corrective action(s)
• Subcontractor(s) Utilized (description of work and annual dollar value)

Bidders must accurately and thoroughly complete this form to provide evidence of their past performance. The details submitted will be used to assess the offeror's experience and capability in relation to the requirements of the current opportunity. Failure to provide complete and relevant information may negatively impact the evaluation of the proposal.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a pricing spreadsheet provided for informational purposes to assist contractors in developing their price quotes for the N001896QB050 ASN (M&RA) EMPO Executive Dev. Programs opportunity. It outlines the structure for cost elements across a base period and three option years.

• Cost Elements: Includes categories such as Design of DELP, Delivery of DELP, Leadership Workshops, Consultation, Travel (Not-to-Exceed), and Materials (Not-to-Exceed).
• Performance Periods: Delineates pricing structure for a Base Period, Option Year I, Option Year II, and Option Year III.
• Pricing Structure: Requires Hours/Job, Rate, and Total for each cost element within each performance period.
• Totals: A section for the Total Overall Price is included.

This spreadsheet is crucial for bidders to understand the expected cost breakdown and structure for their proposed Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) quote. Bidders must use this as a guide for developing their total FFP proposal, ensuring all solicitation requirements are covered. It is explicitly stated that this is not a Level of Effort (LOE) contract. The contractor is responsible for proposing a comprehensive FFP that encompasses all requirements.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). Its purpose is to outline the Government's method for systematically verifying that the contractor is performing all services required by the Performance Work Statement (PWS) in a timely, accurate, and complete fashion.

• Critical Performance: Focuses on the timely, accurate, and thorough completion of all contract/task order requirements.
• Performance Standards: Assesses schedule adherence, deliverable submission against specifications, and past performance (conformance to requirements, adherence to schedules, cooperative behavior, customer satisfaction).
• Surveillance Methods: Utilizes random or planned sampling, periodic inspection, and validated customer complaints.
• Performance Measurement: Details how specific performance elements (Contractor Quality Control Plan, Contract Deliverables, Overall Contract Performance, Invoicing) will be measured, including surveillance methods, frequency, and acceptable quality levels.
• Incentives/Disincentives: Outlines the consequences of unsatisfactory performance, including potential contract termination, loss of future contracts, non-exercise of options, and the issuance of Contract Discrepancy Reports (CDRs). It also notes that quality products will be incentivized.

This QASP is crucial for bidders as it defines how their performance will be monitored and evaluated. Understanding these standards, methods, and consequences is essential for developing a compliant and competitive proposal and for managing contract execution effectively. It highlights the government's expectations for quality, timeliness, and overall performance.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the Contract Administration Plan (CAP) for Fixed Price Contracts. It details the responsibilities of various government personnel, including the Procuring Contract Office (PCO), Contract Administration Office (CAO), paying office, and Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), in managing and administering contracts.

• Procuring Contract Office (PCO): Responsible for pre-award duties, questions during pre-award, Freedom of Information inquiries, changes to contract terms, and post-award conferences.
• Contract Administration Office (CAO): Responsible for matters specified in FAR 42.302 and DFARS 42.302, unless otherwise designated.
• Paying Office: Responsible for processing payments of proper invoices after acceptance.
• Contracting Officer's Representative (COR): Responsible for technical interface with the contractor, including providing technical advice, recommendations, and clarifications. The COR is also responsible for contract surveillance, monitoring performance, identifying potential issues, and reporting to the PCO. This includes managing the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) if applicable. The COR also handles invoice review and approval, acceptance of services/deliverables, and developing statements of work for change orders. Administrative duties include maintaining contract files and correspondence.
• Technical Assistant (TA): Assists the COR with routine administration and monitoring, identifying deficiencies, reviewing deliverables, and assisting with reports, but cannot provide technical direction or clarification.

This document clarifies the roles and responsibilities of government personnel involved in contract administration. Bidders should understand who their points of contact will be for various aspects of the contract, particularly the COR for technical matters and performance monitoring. It also emphasizes that only the PCO or CAO has the authority to modify contract terms, and any requests outside the scope of the contract must be formally processed.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

The Department of the Navy (DON) requires a contractor to provide a holistic leadership development program and supporting capabilities to continue and expand senior executive leadership development and continual learning opportunities at the University-level.

• Design and deliver two customized, graduate/post-graduate level learning programs for DON SES Tiers 2/3 and 2-DON Tier 1 (emerging executives).

• Programs aim to develop cohesive executive teams, meet strategic context challenges, enhance leadership capabilities, institutionalize leadership practices, increase accountability, and foster self-awareness and collaboration.

• Utilize the ADDIE Model for instructional design (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation).

• Incorporate flexible, technology-driven options, including webinars and a learning management system.

• Provide ongoing course-related consultation as needed.

• Design and develop the DON Executive Leadership Program (DELP) for SES with less than 4 years experience and the Career Executive Leadership Program (CELP) for SES with more than 5 years experience.

• Deliver five-day in-residence program events for DELP and CELP.

• Offer Graduate-level leadership workshops tailored to the DON Executive Competency model.

• Achieve an average score of 4.0/5.0 on program evaluation for each full program.

• Individual program segments must attain a score of 3.0 (met expectations) or better.

• Submit monthly summary reports on leadership development activities.

• Work to be performed at the Contractor's site, with potential for DON facilities in the Washington DC metro area for events.

• Online offerings will be virtual and available on-demand for at least 30 days after delivery.

• Primary course hours are 0800-1600, Monday-Friday, with potential for after-hours networking.

• Contractor must identify a Program Manager as a single point of contact.

• Senior-Level Consultants require Master's Degree or better with at least 15 years of federal agency experience and relevant coaching certifications.

• Facilities must comply with FEMA requirements and have 24-hour maintenance and on-site security.

• All programs and materials produced at Government expense are the property of the Government.