ARNG Recruit Sustainment Program Support Services

RESPONSE DATE HAS BEEN CHANGED TO 10 MARCH 2020. Recruit Sustainment Program Quality Control (RSP-QC) & Retention Services 1. Description The Army National Guard's (ARNG) Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP) is determining capability and seeking comments regarding the attached draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) (see attachment 1). The purpose of this request for information (RFI)/sources sought notice is to provide potential offerors advanced notice of this procurement, gauge interest, and receive any feedback or comments in regards to the PWS. 2.0 Background/ Requirement In 2005, the ARNG Training Pipeline Success (TPS) (i.e., a recruit successfully graduating Initial Entry Training (IET) to be an ARNG Soldier) rates fell to an organizational low of only 68%. As a result, the ARNG designed the RSP to introduce new recruits to the fundamentals of the U.S. Army and the National Guard before they ship for IET to ensure a smooth transition to their ARNG unit of assignment. IET collectively includes both; (1) Basic Combat Training (BCT) and (2) Advance Individual Training (AIT). A recruit can either be shipped to: (1) only BCT; (2) BCT immediately followed by AIT; or (3) only AIT as BCT was previously completed. These recruits drill with their State's RSP personnel instead of with their unit of assignment until they depart for IET. While some units were very proactive in including their new recruits in RSP unit activities and preparing them to be successful, many units were unable to provide the focused attention required to ensure new recruit's shipper packet (personnel records) were administrated correctly from accession, through shipping to IET, and finally graduating. The ARNG Soldiers assigned to support RSP are primarily responsible for the mental and physical preparation of new recruits, while this contract for RSP-QC service is primarily for ensuring each recruit is administratively prepared to attend Basic Combat Training and Advance Individual Training. The contractor shall provide personnel, quality control, and technical services in support of the ARNG training pipeline attrition management program in accordance with the Version 7 - RSP Leaders Guide (see attachment 3) and the requirements contained in NGR 601-1 to ensure each recruit is administratively prepared to attend IET. The contractor shall provide a stable force of qualified support personnel possessing the appropriate knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the contracted services required by ARNG. All tasks/deliverables for this RSP-QC services contract are to ensure recruit's shipper packets are correct and in accordance with RSP Form 08-02-RSP Recruit Pre-Ship Packet Review Checklist-1 August 2018 (RSP-QC Checklist) (see attachment 2), Version 7 - RSP Leaders Guide (see attachment 3), and the requirements contained in NGR 601-1. The Contractor will predominately use two main computer systems to perform the tasks in this contract: (1) The Vulcan module is an online database providing management and reporting functions for the ARNG. It is located within the Retention Management Software (RMS) module in the Strength Maintenance Management System (SMMS). The Vulcan Recruit Sustainment Program User Guide (Vulcan User Guide) (see attachment 4) provides instructions on how to use the Vulcan module. The RSP-QC provides services for an average annual training pipeline of just under 35,000 new recruits. The RSP presently operates at an estimated 287 sites throughout the 54 States and Territories as determined by each State's ARNG Command Structure. 3.0 Requested Information Interested parties are requested to respond to this RFI with a white paper and responses to the five (5) questions in section 6.0. 4.0 Responses White papers in Microsoft Word for Office 2000 compatible format are due no later than 22 March 2020 1300 hrs EDT. Proprietary information, if any, should be minimized and MUST BE CLEARLY MARKED. To aid the Government, please segregate proprietary information. Please be advised that all submissions become Government property and will not be returned. Submit your responses by e-mail to the Contract Specialist at orlando.castrovallescorbo.mil@mail.mil and copy hillari.k.hawkins.civ@mail.mil. Questions regarding this announcement shall be submitted in writing by e-mail to orlando.castrovallescorbo.mil@mail.mil. Verbal questions will NOT be accepted. Questions should NOT contain proprietary or classified information. 5.0 Industry Discussions ANG representatives may or may not choose to meet with potential responders. Such discussions would only be intended to get further clarification of potential capability to meet the requirements, especially any development and certification risks. 6.0 Questions ANG requests a response to the following questions: 1. Do you believe the draft PWS is sufficiently clear to allow for a concise proposal response to be developed to achieving the objectives? Please explain. 2. Are there sections that would benefit and require additional clarification(s)? If so, please identify each of the areas. 3. Please recommend any special qualifications, certifications, and/or educational requirements, if any. 4. The business type is based upon North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 561110 - Office Administrative Services. Is this NAICS acceptable? If not, which NAICS do you recommend? 5. Are the estimated workload data figures and performance standards in the PWS acceptable? Please explain/ advise. 7.0 Additional Information The period of performance is one (1) base year with four (4) option years. The Government anticipates the contract base year to start within the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2021. Security Requirements: TS/SCI clearance is required. 8.0 Summary THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes - it does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. This request for information does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. Further, the Air National Guard is not at this time seeking proposals and will not accept unsolicited proposals. Responders are advised that the U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI; all costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the interested party's expense. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if any is issued. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized on https://beta.sam.gov. Potential responders are solely responsible for monitoring this site for additional information pertaining to this requirement.