1. Can you apply if you do not have any historical data with PTAC as required in Attachment C? Proposals will only be accepted from organizations with existing MEDC PTAC grant agreements during this funding cycle. 2. Can we receive data on the current PTAC budget and client services provided? The FY15 PTAC budget is $1.5M. For information on client services provided, please reference Section III of the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Solicitation for Cooperative Agreement Applications (SCAA). 3. The work statement refers to "limited funding" can you provide a range of dollars that will be available? The FY16 PTAC budget has not been established. It may be up to $1,500,000. 4. Deliverables are very broad. Are there additional metrics that will be required to be met? Metrics include, but are not limited to client counseling hours, new clients, and value of contracts awarded to active clients. 5. We have 3 RPI zones in our region. Can the proposal include the consolidation of all three RPIs to be served by a single provider? A single provider can provide coverage to more than one Prosperity Region. 6. Can letters of support be included? Letters of support are not to be included in this phase of the RFP review. 7. On page 5 of the RFP, do you have a formula that you wish to be used in calculating the staff turnover rates, and what time period do you wish the turnover rate to encompass? For example, 3 years, 5 years, 10 years, etc. Over the last 3 fiscal years (FY13-FY15 year to date), to compute your annual employee turnover for each year, figure the average number of employees during the measurement period (fiscal year). Add the number of employees at the beginning of the period to the number at the end. Divide by two to find the average number of employees, then divide the number of employees separated during the period by the average number of employees to find the employee turnover rate. Stated as a formula, the calculation looks like: R = S/((B + E)/2), where R is the turnover rate, S is the number of separated employees and B and E represent the beginning and ending size of your workforce. For example, if you have 2 employees at the start of the period and 4 1
at the end, your average number of employees is 3. If 1 employee left, that s 1/3, or 0.33 (multiply by 100 to express the figure as 33 percent). 8. Regarding the submittal of the RFP, do you want each requested element attached as a separate document, or do you want all of the documents submitted in one PDF document? Please reference Section III.D.1. 9. What is the dollar value of the funding available for this RFP? The FY16 PTAC budget has not been established. It may be up to $1,500,000. 10. How many awards does the state anticipate awarding under this RFP? Up to 12 awards will be made. 11. Page 1. The heading says this is a Request for Qualifications however the term Request for Proposals is used elsewhere. Is this an RFP or a Request for Qualifications? Request for Proposals. 12. Section I,B. How will Return on Investment/Cost per Job be calculated? Calculation is based on the dollar value of the MEDC grant awarded to the host organization divided by the value of contracts awarded to PTAC clients. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. 13. Section I,C. With respect to the statewide centralized PTAC database: a. Will tech support be provided? b. Will legacy data from the current data bases be imported? c. Will the database be operational on Windows XP, 8 and 10? d. Will the database support DLA 1806 and 1806-T reporting? 2
e. Will the MEDC make a commitment not to release or sell client information to third parties? Yes, subject to the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act. MEDC. f. Who will have access to the database other than PTACs? g. What is the implementation timeline? Implementation is expected to be complete by January 1, 2016. h. How will transition costs from current data systems to the new statewide system be covered? Transition costs shall be funded directly by MEDC. 14. Section I, C. What is the tracking and reporting standard for counseling hours defined by MEDC? The tracking and reporting standard for counseling hours will establish client database tracking and reporting guidelines, including, but not limited to the level and amount of counseling data, deadlines for data input, and other critical information. 15. Section I, C. Will travel be required to coordinate with MDC on the development and implementation of a standardized statewide PTAC training program? All projected travel should be based on your proposed approach to the management of the PTAC program and integration with economic development partners. a. If so, how much travel will be required (frequency of trips, duration, etc.)? Considering the numerous variables, it is difficult to determine an accurate allocation of time required for travel. The intention is to develop operational efficiencies, reduce redundancies, and contain costs through standardization of introductory level and other training courses and marketing materials as much as reasonably possible, while exploring other collaborative opportunities to strengthen the training program offerings through the PTAC program. b. How is that travel to be funded? All travel expenses should be incorporated into the overall budget proposal. c. What is the expectation for the amount of PTAC staff time to be allocated to this requirement? 3
Considering the numerous variables, it is difficult to determine an accurate allocation of time required for staff. The intention is to develop operational efficiencies, reduce redundancies, and contain costs through standardization of introductory level and other training courses and marketing materials as much as reasonably possible, while exploring other collaborative opportunities to strengthen the training program offerings through the PTAC program. 16. Section I, C. Will there be any other associated costs related to the requirement to coordinate with MDC on the development and implementation of a standardized statewide PTAC training program (i.e. webinar software, other training materials, etc.)? No additional costs beyond the current training program system in place are expected. a. If so, how will those costs be funded? No additional costs beyond the current training program system in place are expected. 17. Section I,C. Is the statewide PTAC training program for Michigan business to be used in addition to training currently offered by a PTAC center? The intention is to develop operational efficiencies, reduce redundancies, and contain costs through standardization of introductory level training courses and marketing materials as much as reasonably possible, while exploring other collaborative opportunities to strengthen the training program offerings through the PTAC program. a. Who will be delivering the standardized training-the local PTAC office or the State? The local PTAC office. 18. Section I,D. Are there detailed requirements on the services provided by the program beyond provide expert Procurement Technical Assistance to Michigan Companies seeking government contracts? For information on client services provided, please reference Section III of the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Solicitation for Cooperative Agreement Applications (SCAA). a. What constitutes expert assistance? For information on client services provided, please reference Section III of the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Solicitation for Cooperative Agreement Applications (SCAA). b. What is the definition of procurement technical assistance as it will be applied to any resulting agreement from this RFP? 4
For information on client services provided, please reference Section III of the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Solicitation for Cooperative Agreement Applications (SCAA). c. Are we to provide assistance to any business in Michigan? Assistance is to be provided to businesses within your proposed region of coverage. d. May PTAC assistance be allocated based on local criteria such as bid opportunities, capacities, interest level, etc.? For information on client services provided, please reference Section III of the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Solicitation for Cooperative Agreement Applications (SCAA). 19. Section II,A,1. What type of information is desired regarding Business History? Provide organization start date, overall mission, and proposed region of coverage, in addition to the stated information in Section II.A.1. 20. Section II, A,2. Is the page limit for the narrative section 10 or 12 pages (12 or 14 with satellite pages added)? Total limit says 10 pages but subsection limits (program management, prosperity region involvement, etc.) add up to 12 pages. Total page limit for Section II.A.2 is 10 pages for an office without a satellite and 12 pages for an office with a satellite. Each section has a limit and the number adds up to 12 (or 14 with a satellite), so at least one section will be below the individual limit, allowing for the flexibility to lengthen a response within a particular section. 21. Section II, A,2,(i)1. Are the goals listed the complete list of required goals for the proposed program? Additional goals that contribute to the objectives of the project may be developed in the award phase. 22. Section II, A,2, (ii) and (iii). What is the definition of coordination and collaboration as it will be applied to these sections? Please reference Section I.B of the RFP for Background and Objectives. 23. Section II,A,2,(iii),2. What type of coordination and collaboration with the MDC will be reasonably expected for the coming FY? Please reference Section I.B of the RFP for Background and Objectives. a. Will travel be required? 5
All projected travel should be based on your proposed approach to the management of the PTAC program and integration with economic development partners. b. If so, how much and who will fund those costs? All travel expenses should be incorporated into the overall budget proposal. 24. Additionally, what is the reasonable expectation for the amount of staff time that will be required for coordination, communication, and collaboration with the MDC? Considering the numerous variables, it is difficult to determine an accurate allocation of time required for staff. All projected allocation of staff time should be based on your proposed approach to the management of the PTAC program and integration with economic development partners. 25. What is being required of MDC as corollary communication and collaboration with local PTACs? Please reference Section I.B of the RFP for Background and Objectives. 26. Section II, A,2,(iii),2. Please clarify what is meant by economic gardening tools. Economic gardening tools are services, programs, and other resources a PTAC program leverages in their comprehensive approach to economic development that focuses on helping existing companies grow. 27. Section II, A, 5. How are staff turnover rates defined or calculated? Over the last 3 fiscal years (FY13-FY15 year to date), to compute your annual employee turnover for each year, figure the average number of employees during the measurement period (fiscal year). Add the number of employees at the beginning of the period to the number at the end. Divide by two to find the average number of employees, then divide the number of employees separated during the period by the average number of employees to find the employee turnover rate. Stated as a formula, the calculation looks like: R = S/((B + E)/2), where R is the turnover rate, S is the number of separated employees and B and E represent the beginning and ending size of your workforce. For example, if you have 2 employees at the start of the period and 4 at the end, your average number of employees is 3. If 1 employee left, that s 1/3, or 0.33 (multiply by 100 to express the figure as 33 percent). 28. Section III, D, 2. If oral presentations are required, how much advance notice will be given? Up to 72 hours. 6
To be determined. No. a. Will travel be required? b. Are those travel costs allowed to be applied to the subsequent award agreement? 29. Section III,D,3,b. What criteria will be used to determine job creation, job retention, tax revenue implications, federal and defense spending, and other economic considerations? Criteria, if used, will be determined by the Joint Evaluation Committee (JEC) during the evaluation. 30. Is this an open, competitive bid process, or is it restricted to existing PTAC programs? Proposals will only be accepted from organizations with existing MEDC PTAC grant agreements during this funding cycle. 31. What is the underlying intent of this RFP process? Please reference Section I.B of the RFP for Background and Objectives. Yes. 32. Are there administrative, performance reporting, or financial reporting requirements for this program? a. If so, what are they? Quarterly performance and financial reporting. 33. Where are we to specify our proposed service area? Propose service area in Section II.A.1 Business History. Yes. a. Is it presumed that the service areas will correspond with the Governor s Prosperity Regions? 34. How will payment occur under the resulting agreement? 7
Reimbursement payments will be made quarterly. 35. What is the period of performance for the resulting agreement? October 1, 2015 through September 30, 2016. 36. Will there be option years? There will be one base year with one option year. 37. On page 2, entitled Section I, Work Statement, please provide more clarification and detail to items 1, 2 and 3 under C) Minimum Qualifications so that responder clearly understands what they are agreeing to. The intention of the stated minimum qualifications is to develop operational efficiencies, reduce redundancies, and contain costs through standardization of PTAC-related activities as much as reasonably possible, while exploring opportunities to strengthen the overall management and implementation of the PTAC program. The tracking and reporting standard for counseling hours will establish client database tracking and reporting guidelines, including, but not limited to the level and amount of counseling data, deadlines for data input, and other critical information. 38. Item 1: Why is the MDC taking on this activity when the Michigan PTAC s have established database systems in place, some as many as 20 or more years? Please reference Section I.B of the RFP for Background and Objectives. a. How will the statewide centralized PTAC database improve PTAC services to individual clients, that can t be accomplished locally? The intention of statewide centralized PTAC database implementation is to develop operational efficiencies, reduce redundancies, and contain costs. b. If a system other than PTAssist is chosen, please note that we will lose years historical client data. Legacy client data will be transferred to the chosen database, when necessary. 39. Item 1: How will the statewide centralized PTAC database affect individual PTACs ability to run quarterly reports for their other funding source, the Defense Logistics Agency? All current DLA reporting functions will continue to be available to the PTAC program office through the chosen database. 8
40. Please list the defined counseling hours the MEDC is asking the PTACs to track in FY16. Identifying marketing opportunities and educating clients, Applications, certifications and registrations, Preparation and submission of bids and proposals, and Subcontracting Opportunities. 41. Item 3: Please provide more clarification/detail as to what is meant by a standardized statewide PTAC training program for Michigan businesses. The intention is to develop operational efficiencies, reduce redundancies, and contain costs through standardization of introductory level and other training courses and marketing materials as much as reasonably possible, while exploring other collaborative opportunities to strengthen the training program offerings through the PTAC program. 42. On page 4, entitled Section II, Submission Format, item iii, number 2), please define economic gardening tools, providing a listing of what these tools are. Our current contract does not require us to integrate these tools. Economic gardening tools are services, programs, and other resources a PTAC program leverages in their comprehensive approach to economic development that focuses on helping existing companies grow. a. How in-depth are you expecting the PTACs to integrate economic gardening tools? Please reference Section I.B of the RFP for Background and Objectives. b. Are we to only be aware of the tools and know who to refer our clients to for the economic gardening services? Please reference Section I.B of the RFP for Background and Objectives. c. If not, please clarify expectations of how PTACs are to use these tools. Please reference Section I.B of the RFP for Background and Objectives. 43. If PTACs are expected to become more than a referral service for the above economic gardening tools, (see question 2, above) do you see a conflict of services by the MDC grant proposing the PTAC s become involved in economic development? Please reference Section I.B of the RFP for Background and Objectives. 9
44. If you do not see a conflict of services, please explain why not, so that responders may be assured that they will not be in violation of the SCAA requirements. We have been told by DLA that all our services/time must be tied directly to government contracts. a. The following is submitted as reference as to why the above question is being asked: The SCAA states the definition of a PTAC as: Professional, specialized assistance provided to a client that enables it to identify potential contractual opportunities and obtain or perform under contracts with DoD, other Federal agencies, State and/or local governments, and with Federal, State and/or local government prime contractors. This specialized assistance may consist of, but is not limited to, assistance in locating potential contracting opportunities, using electronic commerce as it relates to Federal, State and/or local government procurement, assisting in preparation of registrations, proposals and financial and contractual forms, and providing guidance on quality assurance and production issues relating to Federal, State and/or local government-specific requirements or specifications. In addition, the SCAA states: The purpose of the program is to provide specialized and professional technical assistance to individuals and businesses that are seeking to pursue and successfully perform under contracting and subcontracting opportunities with DoD, other Federal agencies, and/or State and local governments as described in the paragraph above titled Counseling Services. The purpose of the program does not include General business training or small business development counseling. For example, the PTAC shall not offer clients training on topics such as access to loans, ISO 9000, Lean, Six Sigma, or manufacturing, except where the manufacturing assistance specifically relates to compliance with Federal, State and/or local government-specific requirements. Assistance to individuals interested in starting a new business. Marketing on behalf of clients. That is, the PTAC may not sell to Federal, State and/or local governments or to other entities on behalf of their clients and may not represent clients to Federal, State and/or local governments or to other entities. However, PTACs may make introductions to facilitate information exchanges. Employee development related training (e.g., vocational type training, basic writing skills) for client personnel. Grantees shall not be expected to be in violation of the SCAA requirements. 45. On page 4, entitled Section II, Submission Format, item iv, number 2), please clarify what is meant by prioritizing active clients. Address your approach to effective overall client management to achieve the greatest economic impact. 10
46. On page 5, Number 4 refers to Historical Performance Metrics, Data Sheet tabs 1-4. Data Sheet 1 asks for Awards (Federal, DoD, DHS, State and Local) in FY14. I understand how to answer Number of Awards, Total $ Awarded. My question is how to answer: % of clients receiving (insert category here) awards. The number of clients change from quarter to quarter as new clients are added and/or deleted. In addition, due to the Prosperity Region Initiative, some PTAC s lost and /or gained counties during FY14 and client count would change. Please explain how to determine the number of clients vs % of clients receiving awards in the various categories. The information can be presented using this formula: Number of unique active clients that received awards through FY14 divided by the total number active clients reported at the end of FY14. If necessary, provide your logic if unable to address the data request as stated. 47. On page 5, Number 4 refers to Historical Performance Metrics, Data Sheet tabs 1-4. Data Sheet 1 asks for information on DHS awards in FY14. I don t believe the PTAC s have been asked to track this. Please explain how to answer this question. Note within your proposal that the data is unavailable or provide comparable data. 48. On page 5, Number 4 refers to Historical Performance Metrics, Data Sheet tabs 1-4. Data Sheet 1 asks for Local Awards in FY14. The client management database used by some PTAC s does not separate State and Local awards, they are combined in the selection drop down box. Please explain how we are to provide answers to the State Awards in FY14 and Local Awards in FY14 section. Note within your proposal that the data is unavailable or provide comparable data. 49. Page 7, 3) b.), states the MSF reserves the right to consider economic impact on the State when evaluating proposal pricing. This includes, but is not limited to: job creation, job retention, tax revenue implications, federal and defense spending, and other economic considerations regarding the respective region. Please explain tax revenue implications, and how this relates to an individual PTAC s RFP evaluation. How are other economic considerations regarding the respective region defined? Criteria, if used, will be determined by the Joint Evaluation Committee (JEC) during the evaluation. 50. FYI there is a typo on page 8. The second sentence begins, Expect, I believe it should be Except. Acknowledged. 11
51. Page 9, M) Electronic Receipt, states that electronic versions of your proposal sent must be received and time-stamped by the MEDC Will the Responder receive notification that the proposal was received? MEDC Contracts and Procurement Services will respond to each RFP Proposal submitter s email address, acknowledging receipt of each proposal received. 52. Our other MEDC grants currently have an indirect cost rate of 15%, will that be the case with this grant? Submit your budget as necessary. 53. What is the cost sharing requirement / expectation on this grant? A cost sharing requirement/expectation does not exist. 54. What portion of that cost share can be in-kind? Cost share requirements do not exist. 55. Can this grant be renewed based upon the DLA funding cycle? The performance period is October 1, 2015 through September 30, 2016 with one option period from October 1, 2016 through September 30, 2017. 56. Can this grant be extended based upon the DLA funding cycle? The performance period is October 1, 2015 through September 30, 2016 with one option period from October 1, 2016 through September 30, 2017. 57. For travel, would the University Economic Development Association conference be approved? Please reference Section III.D.3. 58. For travel, would the APTAC conferences be approved? Please reference Section III.D.3. 59. For travel, would the statewide PTAC meetings with overnight accommodation be approved? Please reference Section III.D.3. Yes. 60. For Travel, would per diem be considered appropriate for food and beverage? 12
61. Is hosting (providing coffee, soda, breakfast rolls or lunch at a training event) allowed in the budget? Follow the applicable federal cost principles as referenced in the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Solicitation for Cooperative Agreement Applications (SCAA). a. If so, what are the guidelines? Follow the applicable federal cost principles as referenced in the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Solicitation for Cooperative Agreement Applications (SCAA). 62. Is this Request for Proposal open for response by any interested entity? If not, please explain. Proposals will only be accepted from organizations with existing MEDC PTAC grant agreements during this funding cycle. 63. What are the names of the people in the Procurement Team Unit? Page 1. The Procurement Team Unit no longer exists. Its functions are now a part of the MEDC Contracts and Procurement Services Unit. Persons in the Contracts and Procurement Services Unit are Adam Robach, Aileen Cohen, Jodi Hankerd, Peter Morse, Kristyn Blackmer and Chelsea Edgett. 64. Which communities has MEDC determined to be most impacted by contraction in the manufacturing sector? Page 2. Flint, Detroit, Southfield, Westland, Livonia Wyoming, Grand Rapids, Sterling Heights, Ann Arbor, and Taylor. 65. Please define the objective for requiring a state database. Page 2. The intention of statewide centralized PTAC database implementation is to develop operational efficiencies, reduce redundancies, and contain costs. 66. Regarding the state database, please detail what is meant by administered directly by the MEDC. Will PTAC staff in centers throughout the state continue to manage the data by entering and updating client data information? Page 2. MEDC will directly fund the PTAC database and have access to all data contained within. PTAC staff in centers throughout the state will continue to manage the data by entering and updating client data information. 13
67. Will the state database continue to ensure PTAC client confidentiality? Will the client database be accessed only by the respective PTAC center personnel? Page 2. MEDC will not share database information with third parties without approval from the client business subject to the Freedom of Information Act. MEDC will follow the Open Meetings Act, Freedom of Information Act, federal law, and any other applicable laws that guide transparency and sharing of information. A PTAC program office will only have access to their respective client business records within the database. 68. What are the evaluation factors for choosing the provider of a state database? PTAC centers use the client database to prepare reports for the Defense Logistics Agency. Each PTAC chose the business entity offering the database management service that best fits its needs with specific capabilities and customer service. Capabilities and customer service varies significantly between companies. CMS has been fine tuning the capabilities and custom reports for our individual center for over twenty years. Page 2. The procurement of the database product will follow MEDC procurement policies. 69. Regarding the Minimum Qualifications, please define in detail the tracking and reporting standard for counseling hours. Page 2. The tracking and reporting standard for counseling hours will establish client database tracking and reporting guidelines, including, but not limited to the level and amount of counseling data, deadlines for data input, and other critical information. 70. Please describe in detail the standardized statewide PTAC training programs to be developed. Will PTAC centers have the option to adapt standardized training to match their region and their clients? Page 2. The intention is to develop operational efficiencies, reduce redundancies, and contain costs through standardization of introductory level and other training courses and marketing materials as much as reasonably possible, while exploring other collaborative opportunities to strengthen the training program offerings through the PTAC program. 71. Please provide the MEDC definition of economic gardening and a list of economic gardening tools. DLA grants officers limit scope of PTAC services to those relating directly to government procurement. By integration, do you mean making appropriate referrals to partners who do economic gardening activities, i.e. MEDC Business Development Managers, MEDC Export, Small Business Development Center, and other state, federal, and local partners? Page 4. 14
Economic gardening tools are services, programs, and other resources a PTAC program leverages in their comprehensive approach to economic development that focuses on helping existing companies grow. Yes. 72. Please define Responder s Authorized Expediter. Would this be the same person as the official of the Responder authorized to bind the Responder? Page 5. 73. Please describe situations where a responder would be awarded to perform services for a combination of regions. Page 6. Please reference Section III.D.3. 74. What are the names of the people and the names of the organizations for those selected to be on the Joint Evaluation Committee to evaluate technical proposals? Page 6. The five JEC members will include one representative from each; Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC), Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) Business Development, and the private sector, as well as the Michigan Defense Center Operations Manager. Specific individual representatives, outside of the MDC Operations Manager, have not been formally identified. 75. Under the heading Program Narrative, it states: The proposal should indicate the ability of the Responder to meet the requirements of this RFP, especially the time constraints, quality, and recent projects similar to that described in this RFP. Please clarify this sentence and include what is meant by time constraints and recent projects similar in terms of the Responder being able to meet requirements. Page 7. Time constraints refers to the performance period (12 months) and recent similar projects refers to demonstrated efforts in delivery of services toward the Objectives identified in Section I.B. 76. Under Step III Criteria for Satisfactory Budget Proposal, (b) Please explain how tax revenue applies to this proposal and define what is meant to be included under other economic considerations regarding the respective region. Page 7. Criteria, if used, will be determined by the Joint Evaluation Committee (JEC) during the evaluation. 15
77. Regarding Data Sheet 1, 1806 reports combine state and local awards as one element. Historical data available do not separate state from local awards. May Data Sheet 1 be changed to say State and Local Awards in FY 14? Note within your proposal that the data is unavailable or provide comparable data. Yes. 78. Regarding Data Sheet 2, may our PTAC use the previous definitions for Active Clients and New Clients for all years, including 2015, since we began the pilot program April 1, 2015? 79. Regarding Data Sheet 3, are we to provide information as of current date? Are you asking for a current active client number based on when we began the DLA pilot program? Our PTAC began the DLA pilot program on April 1, 2015. At that time, our active clients reset to 0. Our current database shows active clients according to the definition provided on Data Sheet 3 from April 1, 2015 to present date, which is four months. Explain within the proposal which data you choose to provide. 80. Will a representative of the Procurement Team acknowledge the date and time received for each proposal email submitted? Page 9. MEDC Contracts and Procurement Services will respond to each RFP Proposal submitter s email address, acknowledging receipt of each proposal received. 81. Information within attachment C required Data Sheet 2- If your program was not required to submit FY reports for new clients totals prior to FY 14, will we be able to support an N/A as far as data submission? Explain within the proposal which data you choose to provide. 82. Information within attachment C required Data Sheet 3- Please clarify the % of Active Clients~ Is the determining factors based on YTD FY 15 numbers and you are requesting documentation back to FY10 for percentage numbers? Data Sheet 3 is requesting current program data. If a program has 100 clients and 30 of them have been an active client for 24 to 60 months, then the percentage would be 30%. 83. As a MEDC CDC member, I m wondering why within the PTAC RFP there is no mention of PTAC service delivery being by CDC Regions and/or Prosperity Regions? Additionally, the RFP seems vague on who the eligible applicants 16
are. My concerns are centered on a real or perceived departure from the Governor s vision (and supported by the Legislature through RPI funding) of streamlining service delivery around shared regions and organizations. Proposals will only be accepted from organizations with existing MEDC PTAC grant agreements during this funding cycle. 84. In regards to the minimum qualifications it is stated that we can either agree or disagree to the agreement to transition to a statewide centralized PTAC database that will be funded and administered directly by the MEDC. Can you explain who will have access to the database and if every center will be allowed to view all of the businesses that are located within the database or will they only have the ability to only view their clients? PTAC program offices will only have access to their clients and Michigan Defense Center will have access to all information. 85. The RFP states that the purpose is to maximize homeland security and defense business opportunities for small businesses and small business innovation research programs while focusing on communities most impacted by the contraction in the manufacturing sector. What is the measurement, and/or what metrics are you using, to represent the impact of manufacturing contraction? Our region has experienced manufacturing losses that resulted in double-digit percentage increases to local employment rolls, but the NUMBER of jobs lost is in the hundreds, not the thousands that were impacted in Lower Michigan. The MEDC defined communities most impacted by the contraction in the manufacturing sector are Flint, Detroit, Southfield, Westland, Livonia Wyoming, Grand Rapids, Sterling Heights, Ann Arbor, and Taylor. 86. Our organization has been serving Michigan citizens and businesses since 1968 and can point to millions of dollars of successful collaborative economic accomplishments with dozens of organizations, including the MEDC. However, we have no history to date with the MDC. Does this lack of MDC experience disqualify our organization? From the listed Evaluation Factors and Weights (RFP pg 7), it appears that our organization would score well on these criteria as long as we are not penalized heavily for not having prior MDC experience. Our organization has served extensively several companies with defense contracts in our region, including GS Engineering and Calumet Electronics. Proposals will only be accepted from organizations with existing MEDC PTAC grant agreements during this funding cycle. 87. Section A, Purpose, of the RFP states that The MSF is seeking to identify host organizations to provide Procurement Technical Assistance services to Michigan 17
businesses, and in Section B, Objectives are stated as Coordinate with Procurement Technical Assistance Centers ( PTACs ) in this state to. Our question is: Would our agency be WORKING WITH the existing PTAC for our region, or would our agency BECOME the PTAC for our region? Proposals will only be accepted from organizations with existing MEDC PTAC grant agreements during this funding cycle. 88. Is there a preference for regional delivery of PTAC services? If so, what is that formula? Proposals will only be accepted from organizations with existing MEDC PTAC grant agreements during this funding cycle. 89. Approximately $1.5M in funding for the State of Michigan was available in 2015. Is there a formula for disbursement of these funds by region? There is no formula for disbursement of FY16 funds. However, the level of awarded funds will be based on the merit and substance of the proposals. 18