RFI-Competency Modeling for Mission Critical Occupations

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document contains responses to questions submitted by potential vendors regarding "Competency Modeling for Mission Critical Occupations".

This document is a template for a Q&A sheet and does not contain any specific questions or answers. The provided text indicates a structure for recording contractor questions and government responses related to SOW sections or references, but no actual content has been populated.

As there are no specific questions or answers provided, this document does not currently impact the solicitation requirements, due dates, or submission rules.

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

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is seeking to update existing competency models and develop new ones for Mission Critical Occupations (MCOs) to ensure the workforce possesses the necessary competencies to support the DOT mission, particularly concerning automated technologies. The goal is to create a comprehensive competency library for gap assessment and personnel selection.

The selected vendor will be responsible for:

• Developing competency models by identifying/creating competencies, determining applicability to positions and grade levels, and defining labels, definitions, and work behaviors.
• Implementing a system for employees to complete self-assessments and supervisors to evaluate employees based on assigned competencies.
• Generating assessment scores to identify skill gaps and performing post-assessments to ensure gaps are closed.
• Providing training recommendations for skill gaps at both employee and enterprise levels.
• Optionally integrating the competency assessment system with DOT's internal Learning Management System (LMS).

The contract will have a base year and up to three option years.

• Project Management (including kick-off meeting, project plan development, and regular meetings).

• Validating and updating existing DOT competency models, and creating new models for occupations lacking them, ensuring adherence to legal requirements and professional guidelines.

• Developing competency models for IT, cybersecurity, and key occupations related to automated technologies.

• Creating a plan for a legally defensible pre-employment assessment process.

• Implementing the competency assessment system.

• Documenting all completed work and providing technical reports.

• Vendors must submit a package including understanding of scope, technical capability, staff assurance, references, and cost/quote with itemized expenses.

• Key personnel must include an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist with specific experience and education.

• Federal government experience is required for key personnel.

• A NACI (level 5) background investigation is required.

• The contractor must comply with all confidentiality and privacy regulations.

Other / Unclassified (Sources Sought Notice)

This Sources Sought Notice (SSN) is issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to seek industry comments and identify potential contractors capable of performing services related to updating and building new competency models for Mission Critical Occupations (MCOs) and other DOT positions involved in overseeing automated technology safety. The DOT aims to create a comprehensive competency library for workforce assessment, gap identification, and subsequent gap closure.

• Document Type: This is NOT a Solicitation or a Request for Proposal (RFP). It is a Sources Sought Notice to gather information.
• DRAFT Statement of Work (SOW): A draft SOW is attached, outlining the scope of services required.
• NAICS Code: 541612 (Human Resource Consulting Services).
• Period of Performance: Anticipated to be four years (one base year and three option years).
• Response Requirements: Interested parties must submit a Company Capability Statement tailored to the DRAFT SOW, including business size, proposed contract type, estimated cost, and suggested labor categories.
• Submission Deadline: Responses are due by 12:00 PM Eastern Time on Friday, May 01, 2026.
• Submission Method: E-mail responses to Maliha.Habib.CTR@dot.gov with a courtesy copy to Robin.Golden@dot.gov. Reference "Competency Modeling for Mission Critical Occupations" in the subject line.
• Page Limit: Responses shall not exceed 10 pages, excluding attachments.
• No Reimbursement: DOT will not reimburse any organization for time, effort, or costs expended in responding to this notice.
• Attachments: SSN Cover Page, DRAFT Statement of Work, Question and Answer Worksheet.

This notice is crucial for potential bidders interested in providing human resource consulting services related to competency modeling. It provides an early look at the government's needs and allows interested parties to express their capabilities and provide feedback before a formal solicitation is issued.