USPS/UPU tied funding supply chain enhancements: design, development and translation of standardized security training packages

This open call for tenders concerns the engagement of an e-learning and classroom-based training designer/ developer to create training content for the UPU’s Postal Operations Directorate (DOP) in partial fulfilment of Outcomes 17.1 and 23.4 of the USPS/UPU tied funding supply chain enhancements.

The DOP seeks an e-learning and classroom-based training designer/developer to create a complete package of e-learning and classroom-based training content on specific postal security topics. The services are to include all planning, execution and implementation, as well as instructor training for UPU staff.

The selected Vendor will be responsible for designing at least 20 e-learning modules in SCORM2 or HTML format, in English, with complementary classroom-based training courses, based on UPU staff feedback and documentation. The Vendor will also translate all components of the 20 e-learning and classroom-based train-ing courses into the other UPU languages, namely Arabic, French, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. The Vendor will also be responsible for ensuring the accurate and complete transmission of each translated e-learning course to the UPU Trainpost platform.

The deadline for the submission of tenders is 12 October 2023 at 16.00 CEST.

1. Is this program currently conducted in a different format, such as a classroom mode? If yes, please share outcome of the program?
   1. It is not
2. We presume that the UPU will provide all source content for the project in English, either in its raw form or in a structured document/PowerPoint format. The vendor is not required to gather or aggregate additional content. Please confirm.
   1. Correct.
3. We presume that the UPU will provide the vendor with the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for this opportunity to help with the course's inputs in English, case studies, and scenarios and review the final deliverables. Please confirm.
   1. Correct.
4. We understand that UPU wants to create custom solution for the target audience considering their culture and level of expertise. Therefore, Please share more information about target audience. Age, Profession, Responsibility, Prior Knowledge etc? Information regarding this will help us to create more meaningful approach for the creation of learning program.
   1. The target audience will be postal security experts that may range in age from 25-60years.   They may have very basic or extensive knowledge.  The courses being created will be introductions to these topics that should be accessible to all.
5. What specific criteria or outcomes would you consider for program's success?
   1. The course needs to be engaging and effective for a cross level of participants.
6. .We understand UPU is using Trainpost platform for their training needs. Please share the name or detail of LMS where training will be hosted
   1. This will be hosted on a Moodle platform.
7. RFP states, “Develop and create tailored animations, video productions, films, graphics and new artwork for all digital learning content, as needed to increase interaction and learning”. We are aware that the UPU seeks animation, film, graphics, and artwork to be incorporated into the modules. Regarding videos/film, could you please specify your preferences regarding the type of video/film?

       For e.g.,

   1. Live Action – click here

   2. Animation

                  a. 2D   - click here

                  b. 3D – click here

   3. Whiteboard Animation – click here

   Please share more details for video such as number of videos, types, duration, topic. For Live action videos, do we need to travel and shoot the video ourselves or UPU will provide us with the video content while XXX's responsibilities are primarily focused on production and post-production editing? Please clarify.

         The 2D, 3D and whiteboard animation would all be acceptable.  Live action video is not mandated.

8.  We understand that UPU wants to translate all components of the e-learning and classroom-based training into all other UPU languages, i.e., Arabic, French, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. Please provide your input or suggestion regarding the preferred dialect to be used when translating for these languages.

   • Standard dialects for all languages should be used.
     
     

9. RFP states,” The 20 training courses shall cover topics such as UPU rules and regulations, dangerous goods, alarm resolution, mail theft, revenue protection, misuse of the postal supply chain, road safety and liaison activities.” Based on our understanding, it appears that there are a combined total of 20 modules, not courses, which are spread out among 8 different training courses. Please clarify, if our understanding aligns with UPU for the training structure of program outlined in the RFP.
   If not, please share more details of UPU’s interpretation of terms “course” and “module”. We request more detailed clarification to ensure that our proposal is in line with the UPU's expectations.

   • Your understanding is correct, there would be 20 training modules spread out of 8 courses.
10. Do we need to follow any specific accessibility guidelines in the course for people with hearing and vision loss? For instance, two of the popular accessibility guidelines that we follow are WCAG Accessibility Guidelines and The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines. Please clarify
    1. There are no specific guidelines to follow, however it would be good to allow for individuals who have difficulty in hearing to access in all languages as well.   

11. Which is your preferred choice of eLearning development tool?
    1. Articulate Storyline
    2. Articulate Rise
    3. Any other

    •    Articulate Rise or Storyline have both been utilized previously and are well received.

   13. RFP states, “Design and develop high-quality customized e-learning and classroom-based content and digital learn-ing experiences for stakeholders”. We understand that the scope of project is to design and develop e-learning and classroom-based content. However, we need more clarity/details on - "digital learning experiences for stakeholders”. 

1. Interaction is a high priority, the UPU currently utilizes Kahoot to engage during instructor led training.  We would like to increase engagement both virtually and in person.

   14. Will UPU accept the e-learning modules either in SCORM or HTML as developed by the Vendor or should Vendor seek prior authorization from UPU of final format?

1. The UPU will provide further instructions regarding provision of HTML or SCORM

   15. Can the translation of material be outsourced to trusted partners? 

1. Yes, however according to section 2.2 The Vendor shall be liable for all work performed, including any acts or omissions, by its agents, consultants, employees and subcontractor

   16. For the transmission of the e-learning modules to the UPU Trainpost Platform, how should the modules be imported? What technical possibilities are available, file transfer, API calls, Web service, etc?     

1. The eLearning modules will be uploaded directly to the Trainpost platform which uses the Moodle backbone.

   17. Will any additional information on the module performance be necessary, such as results, training session duration etc., or will any additional information be gathered by UPU directly through the UPU Tranpost Platform?

1. This information will be tracked via Trainpost.

   18. Will all background information and content on the topics to be addressed by the e-learning modules be provided by UPU? 

1. All background or source information for the modules will be provided by the UPU.

   19. If so, how many documents (total number of pages) will the Vendor need to review prior to starting the design and development of the e-learning modules? 

1. There are several documents and slide decks totalling approximately 350 pages.

   20. Is the Vendor expected to conduct independent research on the topics to be addressed in the e-learning modules?

1. No

   21. Is the Vendor expected to conduct interview with UPU stakeholders? If so, can you confirm how many interviews/hours are expected to be conducted and that those will be carried out remotely?         

1. A UPU Subject Matter Expert team will be provided to ensure the eLearning created is accurate and what is required for the Designated Postal Operators.

   22. One of the eight topics for the e-learning is “dangerous goods”. Does this include dangerous goods appearance in X-ray images and/or any sort of X-ray screening component? Our computer-based training application allows for X-ray image analysis and interpretation in addition to supporting PowerPoint presentation and e-learning modules. 

1. This does involve x-ray images and x-ray screening.

   23. Is there a minimum number of audio-visuals that UPU is expect to receive as part of the project?

1. "The e-learning training modules should cover the following topics, within the approximate duration indicated: 
   • UPU rules and regulations: one module of 15 minutes; 
   • Dangerous goods: three modules of 30 minutes each; 
   • Alarm resolution: one module of 15 minutes;
   • Mail theft: two modules of 15 minutes each;
   • Revenue protection: four modules of 15 minutes each;
   • Misuse of the postal supply chain: seven modules of 15 minutes each;
   • Road safety: one module of 30 minutes;
   • Liaison activities: one module of 15 minutes."

   24. Can external consultants be involved in the development of such audio-visuals?

1. Yes, see question 2 above.

   25. What is the expected duration of the online complimentary ILT/classroom based training course? 

1. The duration of the course should be adequate to provde the necessary ILT training for Designated Postal Operators to complement the virtual training. 

   26. Is the ILT/classroom training course expected to be delivered only once?

1. Yes - subsequent ILT courses will be delivered by those UPU experts who participated in the initial course provided by the winning bidder.

   27. When consultant is required to travel and carry out tasks from HQ in Bern, will such travel and costs be negotiated by Vendor and UPU on an ad-hoc basis, or should we price such travel in this proposal? 

1. They will be negotiated on an ad-hoc basis.

   28. Since the answers to the questions here presented are critical in the development of the technical proposal, would it be possible to extend the deadline for the submission of the technical proposal?

1. No, the deadline may not be extended.  You may view additional information relative to these topics here:  https://www.upu.int/en/Postal-Solutions/Programmes-Services/Postal-Supply-Chain/Security#dangerous-goods