MODIFICATION
U -- ON-SITE MICROSOFT EXCHANGE 2003 TRAINING AT SEVEN AIR FORCE BASES WORLDWIDE BETWEEN DEC 2004 AND MAR 2005 (Questions and Answers)
- Notice Date
- 11/24/2004
- Notice Type
- Modification
- Contracting Office
- ESC/NI4K, 5 Eglin Street, Hanscom AFB, MA 01731-2117
- ZIP Code
- 01731-2117
- Solicitation Number
- FA8726-05-Q-0001
- Response Due
- 2/24/2005
- Archive Date
- 2/24/2005
- Point of Contact
- Richard F. Fox, 781-271-2131
- E-Mail Address
-
Email your questions to Click Here to E-mail the POC
(Jeffrey.Wong@hanscom.af.mil)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- NA RFQ Questions and Answers. 1. Is the class required based on Microsoft training courses? * Answer: MS 2400 Implementing and Managing MS Exchange Server 2003 or equivalent is the appropriate course material. 2. Is there an incumbent for this bid or has the training been pre-awarded to another vendor? * Answer: There has been no previous award. 3. Are the pre-scheduled training dates firm? * Answer: Training dates have been coordinated among several units for each location. We desire to maintain the proposed schedule as closely as possible. 4. When providing the delta number for an additional 12 students, will these 12 students be in the same class for a total student count of 24? Or will we be providing a second training session with a student count of 12? * Answer: A single class will be conducted at each location with a minimum of 12 students and a maximum of 24 students. 5. Does a detailed description for the class, mean a course outline? Or would you prefer something else, if so what? * Answer: As a minimum the course description should include a course outline and a detailed listing of class materials provided to each student. 6. Must equipment arrive early for inspection to training locations? What is normal for equipment brought to overseas locations? * Answer: Equipment must be on location in sufficient time to permit classroom sessions to begin on schedule. The vendor is expected to have all material and equipment in place at the start of class. 7. Can classes be delivered off site? We have multiple locations in close proximity to those Air Force Bases where delivery is to be scheduled. Would students be allowed to attend training at our facility? * Answer: Vendors are welcome to submit alternative solutions to provide the requested classes at the locations specified. Any alternate location must be within 20 miles (34 km) of the locations specified. 8. Are laptops acceptable for training at your locations? * Answer: Laptops are acceptable for training. Typically there is no wireless infrastructure at USAF locations. 9. Are any pre-equipped training rooms available for use for this training? If so, is there any cost associated to the vendor delivering the training? * Answer: Each specified location will provide a classroom with power and an overhead projector. There will be no internet access. 10. Will the Air Force be able to assist with the shipment of the portable classrooms to Japan and Germany and back to the United States to insure timely delivery? Our concern is that if standard international courier methods are used the equipment may be delayed in customs and be subject to taxes, tariffs, import duties etc. Assistance with shipment of courseware to Japan and Germany may also be requested. * Answer: No assistance from the Air Force should be expected regarding shipment. 11. Does your request for delta prices for an additional 12 students refer to: 1. A concurrent class, requiring an additional 12 laptops and trainer? 2. A subsequent class, utilizing the initial 12 laptops and instructor? 3. One class accommodating 24 students? * Answer: A single class will be conducted at each location with a minimum of 12 students and a maximum of 24 students. 12. Do any of the requested Air Force bases have a computer lab that can be utilized instead of using a portable classroom? * Answer: Quotes are requested for vendor supplying all material and equipment without any computers or software being available at specified locations. 13. For Travel and Expenses some companies bill for actual expenses. Can we quote an estimated "not to exceed rate"? * Answer: Vendors should quote firm fixed price for services. Selection will be based on best value to the Government for services provided. 14. Will the Air Force Bases provide the training room for the delivery of the classes, or will the contractor need to make those arrangements and include the costs into the quote? * Answer: Each specified location will provide a classroom with power and an overhead projector. There will be no internet access. 15. If the Air Force Bases provide the training room will those rooms be equipped with whiteboards? Flip charts? Projector Screen? Internet access? * Answer: Each specified location will provide a classroom with power and an overhead projector. There will be no internet access. 16. Is there a possibility that our instructor could be housed on base while delivering the classes? * Answer: Accomodations on base will not be provided for instructors. 17. Are you able to provide specifics on which Microsoft Exchange 2003 courses are required? Is the complement of courses the same for all locations? * Answer: MS 2400 Implementing and Managing MS Exchange Server 2003 or equivalent is the appropriate course material. Content will be the same for all locations. 18. Cost for transportation, lodging, meals and incidental expenses incurred by personnel are subject to limitations contained in the Federal Travel Regulations. Typically, we bill these expenses after the travel has occurred following FAR requirements. Is it correct, that you would like this cost inclusive within the FIRM FIXED PRICE QUOTE vs a separate billable item? * Answer: Vendors should quote firm fixed price for services. Selection will be based on best value to the Government for services provided. 19. On item 3, you request a quote for a 12 student class at each site, plus delta prices for an additional 12 students (on a site-by-site basis). Which of the below is current? 1. With the additional 12 student sites, class size will be 24. 2. With the additional 12 student sites, an extra week will be added. 3. With the additional 12 student sites, 2 simultaneous classes of 12 each will be running at that site. * Answer: A single class will be conducted at each location with a minimum of 12 students and a maximum of 24 students. Each student is expected to have all necessary equipment and materials provided to complete the class. 20. Is it also assumed that each student must have a separate work station for the course. Is this correct? If 12 students - 12 workstations If 24 students - 24 workstations. * Answer: A single class will be conducted at each location with a minimum of 12 students and a maximum of 24 students. Each student is expected to have all necessary equipment and materials provided to complete the class. 21. Is a data projector available at the site or is this the responsibility of the vendor? * Answer: Each specified location will provide a classroom with power and an overhead projector. There will be no internet access. 22. Can the equipment be shipped in advanced for receipt in a secure environment? * Answer: The hosting unit will provide secure storage for equipment shipped in advance. 23. On the McConnell AFB, KS site, the date is stated as 11 February 2005, should this date be 7-11 February 2005? * Answer: Dates for the class at McConnell AFB, KS are 7-11 February 2005 24. The response date is November 30th and the first training date is slated as December 13th, (8 business days from receipt of solicitation). Can you advise what date award will occur in an effort to allocate adequate pricing for shipping and travel? Additionally, can you advise if the first site is a 12 student or 24 student site? * Answer: If delays occur in awarding the contract the schedule will start at the earliest scheduled class that the vendor and Air Force mutually agree. Later dates will be scheduled following the established pattern and unit availability. The first class at Fairchild AFB, WA is expected to have 24 attendees. 25. Is it possible to win a portion of this bid that being only the bases that are in the United States? * Answer: A single contract award will be made for all training. 26. Will our Instructor be able to use on-base lodging facilities? In the past, our instructors have been able to use the BOQ, but this seems to vary according to each contract. * Answer: Accomodations on base will not be provided for instructors. 27. Will there be an existing classroom at each location in addition to our mobile classroom, or will the mobile classroom be the only source of equipment? * Answer: Each specified location will provide a classroom with power and an overhead projector. There will be no internet access. 28. Does the buyer have a requirement for Microsoft Certification Testing for Exchange Server 2003? * Answer: No certification testing is required. 29. The solicitation asks for delta pricing for 12 additional students. Will it be permissible for 2 students to share 1 machine, or does the buyer prefer a 1 to 1 ratio of students to workstations? * Answer: A single class will be conducted at each location with a minimum of 12 students and a maximum of 24 students. Each student is expected to have all necessary equipment and materials provided to complete the class. 30. Is there any way you can be more specific in your solicitation. I have included the four courses below that we offer. However, course 2400 is the most popular one. Just want to make sure we offer the right class to you. In addition, we can also customize the class for you to so that can be an option as well. (i.e. 3-4 chapters from course 2008 and 10-12 chapters from course 2400). * Answer: MS 2400 Implementing and Managing MS Exchange Server 2003 or equivalent is the appropriate course material. 31. If our training facility is within the boundaries of avoiding TDY costs, etc. for your folks would this qualify it as a "portable classroom" ? If the answer is Yes, could you please let me know what the limit is on how far away the classroom could be from the AFB. * Answer: Vendors are welcome to submit alternative solutions to provide the requested classes at the locations specified. Any alternate location must be within 20 miles (34 km) of the locations specified. 32. Do any of the training facilities on these Air Force bases where the training is to be conducted already have computers? If the answer is no, are laptops an acceptable solution. * Answer: Each specified location will provide a classroom with power and an overhead projector. There will be no internet access. Laptops are acceptable for training. Typically there is no wireless infrastructure at USAF locations. 33. The solicitation asks for a base quote for a class of 12 students, plus a delta price for an additional 12 students (total of 24). Is this for two classes of 12 students at the same location, or a single class of 24 students? * Answer: A single class will be conducted at each location with a minimum of 12 students and a maximum of 24 students. Each student is expected to have all necessary equipment and materials provided to complete the class. 34. Who is the incumbent that provides this training or similar training to the end-user unit(s) now? * Answer: There has been no previous award. 35. Would we be responsible for the computers the students will use? * Answer: The vendor would be responsible for providing all equipment and course materials for conducting the class. 36. What is the background of the students (i.e are they technical)? * Answer: Students will be at the E-3 to E-6 level with responsibility for fielding initial infrastructure at a deployed location to provide Network Control Center (NCC) services at the deployed location. 37. Will we provide food? * Answer: Services are limited to equipment, course materials, and training. 38. When you talk about portable classroom, would this mean our firm providing the facility and equipment? If so which cities would this be? * Answer: Vendors are welcome to submit alternative solutions to provide the requested classes at the locations specified. Any alternate location must be within 20 miles (34 km) of the locations specified. 39. If I use certified Microsoft Courseware, would you like the course description also? * Answer: Vendors should provide a detailed description of the course and course materials provided to each student. 40. How soon will this be awarded after the 30 Nov 2004 date? * Answer: The award will be made as soon as reasonably possible after 30 Nov 2004. 41. Is the schedule firm for the start date of 13 Dec 2004, or is there flexibility due to portable classroom, shipping, etc. * Answer: If delays occur in awarding the contract the schedule will start at the earliest scheduled class that the vendor and Air Force mutually agree. Later dates will be scheduled following the established pattern and unit availability. 42. Any clearance requirements for instructors? * Answer: Instructors will not require a security clearance. 43. What is the definition of a portable classroom? * Answer: A portable classroom is whatever resources a vendor must provide to affect the requested training with only a classroom with power and an overhead projector. There will be no internet access. Laptops are acceptable for training. Typically there is no wireless infrastructure at USAF locations. 44. Will the Government provide the training facility? * Answer: A classroom with power and an overhead projector will be provided. There will be no internet access. Typically there is no wireless infrastructure at USAF locations 45. Is the government looking for the contractor to provide the PC's, Projector, and Software for the course? * Answer: Quotes are requested for vendor supplying all material and equipment without any computers or software being available at specified locations. 46. Should pricing be based on 12 students that include travel, shipping, etc or Do you want shipping of equipment and material broken out as separate items? * Answer: Pricing should break out the cost for a single class of 12 students with additional pricing for additional students up to a total of 24 students in a single class. 47. Will the classrooms have access to the Internet? * Answer: There will be no internet access. 48. Under the 7 locations, and the dates requested McConnell AFB, KS simply states February 11, 2005. All of the other dates specify a 5 day period. Is the class in KS supposed to be just one day? Should it run for 5 days starting February 11- 15, 2005? Or, is there an error in the date? * Answer: Dates for the class at McConnell AFB, KS are 7-11 February 2005 49. Are we looking at MS course 2400 for this training? If so, is Authorized courseware a requirement. * Answer: MS 2400 Implementing and Managing MS Exchange Server 2003 or equivalent is the appropriate course material. 50. Travel and expenses, are they subject to per diem rates. Is there a facility on each base that a non DOD trainer can stay for the week that they will be training. * Answer: Accomodations on base will not be provided for instructors 51. Do you have to bid on all the bases as a part of this solicitation. * Answer: A single contract award will be made for all training. 52. Can we use the Air Force transportation system for sending our Portable labs to each training site. This would be particularly helpful for overseas. * Answer: No assistance from the Air Force should be expected regarding shipment. 53. For each of the additional 12 students for each site, are you looking At the same week for one group of 24 or two for 12 or are you looking at an alternate week for the second group. Would this affect the time table to do this training. * Answer: A single class will be conducted at each location with a minimum of 12 students and a maximum of 24 students. Each student is expected to have all necessary equipment and materials provided to complete the class. No impact on the schedule is expected. 54. Would extending the hours in each day and adding the 2011 trouble shooting workshop for Exchange Server 2003 be of interest? Or would adding the two day 2008 Design course be of interest? * Answer: MS 2400 Implementing and Managing MS Exchange Server 2003 or equivalent is the appropriate course material. 55. Will our instructors be able to get into each facility the day before class for set up? also, would the be able to access the facility on weekends if the class begins on a Monday. * Answer: Each hosting unit will provide instructors prior access to facilities to insure classrooms are ready for class start. 56. Can we ship all materials for each class to each base prior to the training date. Will we have a point of contact for each location. * Answer: Equipment must be on location in sufficient time to permit classroom sessions to begin on schedule. The vendor is expected to have all material and equipment in place at the start of class. Each host unit will provide a point of contact to support training. 57. Will over head projectors, tables, chairs, and power for the laptops Be provided in each location. Will this also be the same for overseas? * Answer: A classroom with power and an overhead projector will be provided at all locations. There will be no internet access. Typically there is no wireless infrastructure at USAF locations. 58. Is the training to be 40 hours per location? * Answer: Training is expected to be 40 hours at each location. 59. What level of computer skills best describes the attendees? For example, are they beginners or do they know how to use email but do not know Microsoft Exchange - and all its features? * Answer: Students will be at the E-3 to E-6 level with responsibility for fielding initial infrastructure at a deployed location to provide Network Control Center (NCC) services at the deployed location. Students will typically have some previous experience with Microsoft Exchange in an NT4 or Windows 2003 environment. 60. Who will attend these classes - for instance types of job function, rank, civilian, senior or young adults? * Answer: Students will be at the E-3 to E-6 level with responsibility for fielding initial infrastructure at a deployed location to provide Network Control Center (NCC) services at the deployed location. 61. What objectives do you want to accomplish with this training? * Answer: MS 2400 Implementing and Managing MS Exchange Server 2003 or equivalent is the appropriate course material. 62. What Operating System is being used in the Air Force (e.g. Windows 2000, Windows XP) and is it consistent across the 7 identified bases? * Answer: Students are fielding systems with a Windows 2003 environment. 63. Do you want emphasis placed on shared calendar and task management? * Answer: MS 2400 Implementing and Managing MS Exchange Server 2003 or equivalent is the appropriate course material. 64. How much would you like to use interactive and creative techniques that build retention and make the sessions enjoyable? * Answer: MS 2400 Implementing and Managing MS Exchange Server 2003 or equivalent is the appropriate course material. 65. Are the classes to be held on the Base? * Answer: A host unit at each base will provide access to a classroom with power and an overhead projector at all locations. There will be no internet access. Typically there is no wireless infrastructure at USAF locations. 66. Will the Air Force handle all the logistics for the class - facilities, food, name badges, sign up, etc? * Answer: No special arrangements will be made beyond providing a classroom. 67. What type of facility would be provided for the classes? * Answer: A classroom with power and an overhead projector will be provided at all locations. There will be no internet access. Typically there is no wireless infrastructure at USAF locations. 68. Does it have Internet connection or do we need to provide it? * Answer: There will be no internet access. 69. Is there a broadband network that could be tapped into? * Answer: There will be no broadband access. 70. What type of IT support would be available in each location? * Answer: No IT support will be provided. 71. How important is it to teach the protocol of email, how to use it effectively, as opposed to the software functionality? (For example, when to use an attachment versus putting the message in an email note, how to use the subject line as the message area) * Answer: MS 2400 Implementing and Managing MS Exchange Server 2003 or equivalent is the appropriate course material. 72. How important is it to include how to use the software as a communications tool - with communications processes, and responsibilities? * Answer: MS 2400 Implementing and Managing MS Exchange Server 2003 or equivalent is the appropriate course material. 73. When would we know the number of attendees to ensure we had the correct number of machines? * Answer: The first class at Fairchild AFB, WA is expected to have 24 attendees. Four of the remaining classes are also expected to have 24 attendees.
- Web Link
-
ESC Business Opportunities Web Page
(http://www.herbb.hanscom.af.mil)
- Place of Performance
- Address: N/A
- Zip Code: N/A
- Country: N/A
- Zip Code: N/A
- Record
- SN00713010-W 20041126/041124211900 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps.gov Link to This Notice
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