The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) intends to contract with Cultures Connecting, LLC, 16536 121st Ave SE, Renton, WA, 98058-5371 on a sole source basis, under authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), for Cultures Connecting’s “Train the Trainer: Strategies for Facilitating Courageous Conversations on Race” seminar based on the presenters’ (Dr. Caprice Hollins and Ilsa Govan) authored text Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Strategies for Facilitating Conversations on Race. Cultures Connecting has been identified as the only source capable of providing the required content. Specific characteristics of the custom training courses require instructors that possess expert knowledge of systemic and institutional racial dynamics, equity and justice, cultural tensions and conflict, and other forms of privilege in the workplace. The expert knowledge provided (inclusive of the text) required to present from the limits the availability to a sole source. Only this suggested source can furnish the requirements, to the exclusion of other sources, because they are the only vendor who has instructors with expert knowledge of the text referenced above, which will be provided and referenced throughout the seminar. Market research via web search suggested that no other vendors besides the aforementioned provide trainings on the text. Other vendors do not have the requisite permissions to present such a seminar on the authors’ text. No solicitation package will be issued. This notice is NOT a request for competitive quotations; however, all responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation, which shall be considered by the agency. The Government will consider responses received by September 7, 2021 @ 12 pm est. NO SOLICITATION IS AVAILABLE. A request for more information or a copy of the solicitation will not be considered an affirmation response to the Special Notice. Telephone responses or inquiries to this Special Notice will NOT be accepted. Responses shall be submitted electronically to
[email protected]. Responses must include sufficient evidence that clearly demonstrates the vendor is available and can provide the required professional services and content. If no written response is received that clearly demonstrates an ability to meet all requirements, is more advantageous to the Government, and is received by the deadline, CFPB shall make award on a sole source basis to Cultures Connecting. Responses shall provide, at a minimum, the following: 1. Company name and address, contact information, DUNS Number, and business size (Large Business, Small Business, Disadvantaged Business, 8(a), Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, HUBZone, etc.). Please ensure contact information includes the name of the point of contact, email address, and telephone number should the Government have questions regarding individual responses. 2. Whether your services are available through a Government contract vehicle or Open Market. 3. A brief capabilities statement (not to exceed 5 pages) that includes a description of your company's standard line of business, methodology for gathering information, your proposed professional services, as well as a list of customers for which your company currently provides these services. 4. Training offered to meet the needs of CFPB, in conjunction with the textbook mentioned earlier in this Special Notice. This notice does not restrict the Government to an ultimate acquisition approach. All firms responding to this notice are advised that their response is not a request that will be considered for contract award. All interested parties will be required to respond to any resultant solicitation separately from their response to this notice. A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed acquisition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.