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QUESTIONS & ANSWERES
What underlying technologies are in place at NM Trains to support web portal services? Specifically, what server hardware, operating system, web server, web-application server, database, and portal toolkit are available, or is it up to bidders to propose such a system?

NM Trains has access to web servers at Oso Grande Technologies (OGT) for hosting services through its Administration Services Agreement with New Mexico Technet. Technical Data on OGT capabilities is available at there website (www.osogrande.com). Other functions such as specific database design and support are not yet part of any agreement.
What is the role of Oso Grande Technologies in performance of the "Intake and Assessment", "Online Assessment and Learning Services", and "Data Gathering" components of this project, especially in regards to portal and web development services?

There is NO current agreement with Oso Grande Technologies for any
of the above mentioned services.
Is there a specified overhead rate established by USDOL for this project?
No.

During the bidder's conference, it was said, "This RFP is targeted to people going to work in call centers." Answers to other questions repeat this statement of direction. However, the RFP in places goes well beyond call centers as in the call for a "list of potential technology related employment opportunities." What is your counsel on such points?

Community needs item 5 calls for a plan for "ongoing... network analysis." What network? The "knowledge network" mentioned under global objectives?

Under curriculum design, second paragraph, does"sustainable" mean "continuing" or something else?

Community needs analysis, to be finished in 60 days, depends in important ways on the data gathering, not set to start for 90 days. Is this something to be noted in the response and then resolved in developing the contract?
The Community Needs Analyses will be responsible for collecting all the skills, profiles, labor supply/demand, training resources and other LMI in the first sixty days. The Data Gathering component then realigns and displays this data in profile, forecast and labor condition formats for economic development and trainer purposes to be completed in 90 days.
What is the network referred to in the item 5 referring to the plan networking analysis?
This does refer to the knowledge networking and delivery of information included. This especially relates to the educational components necessary for completion of the individual learning maps.
Does sustainable mean continuing or something else?
It refers to the programs ability to continue to deliver curriculum over the life of the project not just the demonstration period.
The community needs analysis needs to be completed within 60 days but depends on data gathering that is not to start for 90 days. How do we reconcile this?
We will need to come to resolution on what is included in each component and adjust dates accordingly. This will probably have to happen after award unless bidders perceive that the current language will change their formula for costing the project.
Will successful candidates be required to use technologies in place at Oso Grande Technologies / NM Technet, or is there the flexibility to propose and use custom solutions more suited to the described tasks?
Bidder can purpose whatever solution they feel is best. If Oso Grande offers a better option they will be used.
Is Oso Grande bidding on the web services component of this project?
We do not know.
There are no worksheets specified for the salary and overhead estimates required in sections 2.3.2 and 2.3.3.
Develop and use your own.
If a program client takes a job, gets laid off and then returns on a call-back from the company that laid them off:
A. Do they go through the program again?
No
B. Get counted as 2 jobs towards the ultimate 3000 jobs?
No
C. Should we recommend the rules and definitions?
No

What happens to the clients that do not qualify for call centers and are on the tech track? How quickly will they be able to get tech training?
Still to be determined - but the demo will be responsible for only the call center training.
There is some confusion regarding the timeline. When Trains determined the timeframes for each Category were calendar days or workdays used in the calculation? i.e. 9 months is 270 calendar days, but 260 workdays constitutes a calendar year. In the RFP it's indicated that work must be done in 9 months, then the timeline indicates 270 days. Everyone just wants to make sure we are all working with the same definition.
Use the days calculation --- and they are calendar days.
Whose servers will be used to host the online portions? Has that been determined? If not, may we recommend NM Technet in the proposal?
Servers are your decision - You can recommend Oso Grande.

Training for first time supervisors is important in call centers. Should that be included?
No, these demonstration programs are limited to entry level employees.
Will an Individual Learning Map be available?
Yes, Trains is developing one.
Are there required procedures for hiring coaches and mentors?
No.
What are the One Stop Centers and who manages them?
Offices designated by the local boards to provide labor exchange, training access, information, referrals and other employment and training services. They are contracted to Serco (Las Vegas, Grants and Taos) as of January 1, 2003, and NMDOL (Silver City and Carlsbad).
Should the current Trains assessments be used and what are they?
Trains is using Selection Advantage (call center specific) and ACT Workkeys (abilities in math, language and technologies). These can be used or alternative assessment instruments proposed.
Can the call centers be contacted?
Not until the awards are made.
Should the budget worksheet requested in Part II of the RFP correspond directly to the categories indicated for funds available in Part I on Page 9? If so, where should indirect costs be reflected?
Yes, indirect costs are Item 9 of the Part II Budget Sheet and should be included in the Part II total which in turn should correspond to the budget category amounts on page 9.
Have the MOA's with Workforce Development Boards and One-Stop Shops referred to in Page 2 in the RFP been signed?
No.
The RFP indicates that partnerships are encouraged. Will our bid for all services in all sites that includes partnerships among entities whose strengths are complementary be considered a benefit in the decision-making process by the selection committee?
Yes. Under the Curriculum Design category, (page 5) The RFP requests that the vendor "focus on building the skills required for success in a call center." At the vendors conference, Terry suggested employability skills would be essential.
Are employability skills being viewed as a separate program from the call center training?
Employability skills are part of the overall training with additional skills as required by call center (for example Keyboarding/basic math)
Where is the emphasis being placed? On call center training (nuts and bolts) or employability/life skills?
Both are essential, though most call centers conduct their own tech training.
Can we be creative and comprehensive in how we approach this portion of training as long as the needs are addressed?
Yes.
Where will the call center/employability skills training take place in each community?
At the call center or some other available facility.
Will candidates receive this training at the call center even though they have not yet been hired yet?
Yes.
Can we get a little more detail about the products being serviced in each site? It will help with the customization plans for each community?
Varies and is continually changing so plan accordingly.
Will there be any preferential treatment provided any bidder due to there past history or political relationship?
All proposals will be fairly and objectively evaluated by the entire TRAINS Board with absolutely no consideration based on any previous relationship or connections.