1131PL26R0031A0002 - Q and A.pdf

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing items 8 and 15, and returning or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not is required to sign this document and return copies to the issuing office.

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT 1. CONTRACT ID CODE

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER 3. EFFECTIVE DATE 4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUISITION NUMBER 5. PROJECT NUMBER (If applicable)

7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6) CODE

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 11/2016)

Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

FACILITY CODE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers is extended. is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted;

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS.

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

CHECK ONE A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER

NUMBER IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation data, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15C. DATE SIGNED

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

16C. DATE SIGNED

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

PAGE OF PAGES

6. ISSUED BY CODE

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code) (X)

CODE

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

(Signature of person authorized to sign)

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

Previous edition unusable

1131PL

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

The purpose of this amendment is to provide responses to solicitation questions (37 to 140).

1131PL

United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) 1101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1100 Arlington, Virginia 22209 USA

United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) 1101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1100 Arlington, Virginia 22209 USA

1131PL26R0031

1 26

05/20/2026

05/06/2026

Solicitation No. 1131PL26R0031 Amendment 0002

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

37. Section E.1.8, p.39, par.3: For the 7 incumbent SCA-covered staff (tenures 1-15 yrs), if our strategy is to make offers to incumbents, may we submit incumbent resumes labeled "pending offer/acceptance" with the Section E.1.8 certification, or does the Government require accepted offer letters by proposal due date?

Answer: Incumbent resumes labeled as noted are acceptable. Accepted offer letter not required at proposal due date. E.1.8, Certification of Personnel not required for 7 incumbent SCA-covered staff.

38. Reference: Section SF-1449, Page 1, Block 10 Question: Block 10 of the SF-1449 states that this solicitation utilizes NAICS 561110 with a size standard of $15.5M. NAICS 561110 has a size standard of $12.5M. Please verify the size standard provided on the SF-1449.

Answer: See response to Question 35.

39. Reference: Section E.1.8, Page 39, Paragraph 1 Question: The solicitation restricts all font size in an Offeror’s proposal to “not less than 8-point font for tables and graphics.” Would USTDA allow Offeror’s to use 8-point font for headers and footers as well?

Answer: Yes.

40. Reference: Section C.b, Page 7, FAR Clause 52.219-16 Question: FAR 52.219-16, Liquidated Damages – Subcontracting Plan (Sept 2021) is marked with an X. Given that this is a small business set aside and no Small Business Subcontracting Plan is required, would USTDA please remove the X so that the clause does not apply?

Answer: X removed from 52.219-16.

41. Reference: Section D.1.13, Page 34, Paragraph 1; Section E.1.1, Page 37, Paragraph 1

Question: Section D.1.13 states that the contract includes the Fixed Rates for required labor categories. Section E.1.1 states that this will be a single award Firm-Fixed-Price contract. Can USTDA please confirm the contract type?

Answer: Fixed-Price Contract (fixed salary required for PM position and fixed hourly rate required for SCA non-exempt position).

42. Reference: Section E.1.2, Page 37, Paragraph 1; Section E.1.7, Page 39, Paragraph 1 Question: Section E.1.2 states that proposals shall be submitted electronically via Contractproposals@ustda.gov., while section E.1.7 states offers shall be received electronically by the Contract Specialist at IRCContractproposals@ustda.gov. Please confirm which email address offerors should use for proposal submission.

Answer: Contractproposals@ustda.gov

42. Reference: Section E.1.4, Page 38, Paragraph 1 Question: The provided incumbent contract (1131PL20CSA41021) appears to have ended on 10/31/25. Is this work currently being performed and if so, can USTDA kindly provide the contract information?

Answer: Contract 1131PL20CSA41021 expired during the government shut-down.

A 10-month follow-on contract (1131PL25CSA41086) was awarded at the same terms and conditions as 1131PL20CSA41021.

43. Reference: Section SF-1449, Page 1, Block 5; RFP page headers; and Section E.1.2, Page 37, paragraph 1.

Question: Please confirm the correct Solicitation Number (1131PL25R0031 or

1131PL26R0031).

Answer: 1131PL26R0031. Amendment will be issued to correct SF 1449.

44. Reference: Section D.1.10, Paragraph D.1.10.1.1, page 31; Section E.1.4, Paragraph

E.1.4.3, page 38; Section E.1.8, Paragraph a, page 39.

Question: Section D.1.10, Paragraph D.1.10.1.1, page 31 identifies the Project Manager as the sole Key Personnel position. Section E.1.8, Paragraph a, page 39 states that “Names and resumes for ALL proposed individuals must be submitted as part of the proposal.” It further requires a written certification that each individual proposed as Key Personnel was contacted after the solicitation's issuance and is available for contract performance. Section E.1.4, Paragraph E.1.4.3, page 38 also instructs offerors to consider incumbent staffing tenure for SCA-covered positions and no vacancy exists under the incumbent contract. Read together, these provisions create ambiguity as to which proposed personnel must be identified by name and supported with resumes and certifications.

To ensure proposals are prepared and evaluated on a common basis, please confirm whether the solicitation requires submission of a resume and written certification of availability for the Project Manager only, or whether offerors must also submit names and resumes for additional non-key personnel. If the latter, please identify the specific labor categories subject to that requirement.

Answer: As noted in the RFP Section E.1.8, resumes are required for ALL proposed personnel. Further, the Project Manager is the only Key Personnel identified in the RFP Section 1.10.1.1. Lastly, the RFP Section E.1.8, clearly states that Certification of Personnel is only required for individual proposed as Key Personnel.

45. Reference: Section E.1.2 and E.1.7, Page 37 and 38, Paragraph Proposal Due Date and Proposal Submission Question: Section E.1.2 directs offerors to submit proposals electronically to Contractproposals@ustda.gov. Section E.1.7 directs offerors to submit proposals to IRCContractproposals@ustda.gov. Section E.1.3 and the Past Performance instructions in Volume I also cite IRCContractproposals@ustda.gov. Please confirm the single correct email address for proposal submission, and please confirm that submissions sent to both addresses on the due date will be accepted as timely.

Answer: See response to Question 41.

46. Reference: Section D.1.5.2 and E.1.4, Page 30 and 38, Paragraph Security Requirements and Facility Clearance Requirement Question: If the offeror is a joint venture (JV) formed under SBA’s regulations at 13 CFR 121.103(h), will USTDA consider the facility clearance requirement satisfied when the individual JV partners each hold the required SECRET facility clearance, even if the JV entity itself does not separately hold an FCL? Specifically, does USTDA recognize the framework established in the Information Security Oversight Office (ISOO) Joint Notice 2024-01 (October 5, 2023), under which an unpopulated SBA-approved JV may be excluded from the Entity Eligibility Determination (EED) requirement when classified work is performed by the cleared employees of its individual partners?

Answer: See response to Question 36.

47. Reference: Section E.1.8 and E.2, Page 41 and 42, Paragraph Past Performance and

Evaluation Factors Question: Section E.1.8 states that greater consideration will be given to the past performance of the prime, and that subcontractor past performance is evaluated only for subcontractors performing major or critical aspects of the requirement. For a Joint Venture offeror, please confirm whether the past performance of each JV partner will be evaluated as prime past performance (consistent with SBA 13 CFR 125.8(e) for Mentor- Protégé JVs), or whether one JV partner will be designated primary and the other treated as subcontractor for past performance evaluation purposes.

Answer: SBA regulations requires agencies to evaluate each JV member’s experience or past performance individually, if the JV itself does not demonstrate any experience and past performance. JV members will be considered equally.

48. Reference: Section D.1.5.2 and D.1.17.1, Page 30 and 35, Paragraph Security Requirements and Phase-In Period Question: Section D.1.5.2 requires the Contractor to be prepared to assume full responsibility for all areas of operation within 40 calendar days after contract award.

Section D.1.17.1 establishes a Phase-In Period of approximately 30 calendar days beginning after submission of the Phase-In Plan, which is due 10 calendar days after award. Please confirm that the Government's expectation is that contractor personnel security clearances and personnel onboarding will be substantially complete within 40 calendar days of award, and that interim Secret clearance personnel (under D.1.5.1) supported by DOS FAC cards may be used to bridge any gap between contract award and final clearance issuance.

Answer: See response to Questions 8. Successful offeror will be required to assume full responsibility for contract performance within 40 days of contract award.

49. Reference: Section B.1 and B.2 and E.1.8, Page 2-3 and 41-42, Paragraph Schedule of Supplies/Services and Volume II Price Question: Section B.1 establishes 1,912 hours per non-exempt position per contract year, with the Project Manager priced at 12 months. Section E.1.8 requires offerors to provide unburdened annual salary for exempt positions and unburdened hourly rates for non-exempt positions, plus burdened monthly or hourly rates per Section B.1. Please confirm that the Project Manager is to be priced as a monthly rate (12 months per year) and that all other non-exempt positions are to be priced as hourly rates (1,912 hours per year), with the burdened total per CLIN reflecting the firm-fixed-price commitment for that contract year.

Answer: Project Manager may be price at an annual salary (divided by 12 to determine the monthly CLIN amount for each period of performance in the resulting contract).

50. Reference: Section E.1.8, Page 40, Paragraph Volume I Past Performance Question: Section E.1.8 states that Past Performance Surveys should be submitted for one to four most relevant contracts performed within the last 3 years from the date of issuance of this solicitation. Please confirm whether contracts that began more than 3 years prior to the issuance date but are currently ongoing (active within the last 3 years) are considered eligible for past performance submission, or whether the 3-year window applies strictly to the period of performance start date.

Answer: See response to Question 30.

51. Reference: Section D.1.3.3 and D.1.16, Page 22 and 35, Paragraph Training

Center/Conference Room Support and Government Furnished Equipment Question: Section D.1.3.3 requires the Contractor to support seven (7) conference rooms and one (1) Business Center, including AV equipment troubleshooting, with the Contractor working with an audiovisual subcontractor to set up repair visits as needed.

Section D.1.16 states that GFE will include all necessary hardware and software for contract performance. Please confirm whether the audiovisual subcontractor is a separately contracted USTDA vendor (i.e., outside the scope of this contract) and that the IRC Contractor's role is coordination rather than provision of AV repair services.

Answer: AV maintenance and repair is separately contracted service. IRC role is to coordinate maintenance and repair service.

52. Reference: Section D.1.3.2.1_, Page_21____, Paragraph_First___ Section B.1 Page 2 Paragraph Tables

Question: Section D.1.3.2.1 states "Staff and operate two (2) USTDA reception areas, one on the 11th floor (Primary Receptionist Area) and the other on the 10th floor (Secondary Receptionist Area). Both reception areas must be staffed at all times during normal business hours, including backup coverage during breaks or scheduled/unscheduled leave". In Section B.1, only 1,912 hours are noted for the two receptionist positions. Why is there only one FTE's worth of hours noted for Admin Support/Receptionist when the two positions must be staffed during all working hours and are located on two different floors?

Answer: The 11th Floor receptionist area is the primary reception area for all visitors to USTDA. The 10th Floor receptionist area may be manned on a rotational basis or as the contractor determines appropriate to meet the RFP requirements.

53. Reference: Section E.1.8, Page 39, Paragraph 2 of “Staffing and Management” Question: Per the RFP, the offeror is to provide: "Names and resumes for ALL proposed individuals must be submitted as part of the proposal." If the offeror proposes using incumbent staff as a transition approach, other than PM - Key Personnel, and given that offeror has 40-days for transition of incumbent or new workforce, we believe the requirement to provide resumes for beyond Key Personnel seems excessive - while giving incumbent contractor an advantage against competitors. Would government be acceptable to offeror proposed approach to meeting staffing without additional resumes beyond PM as part of bid submission?

Answer: USTDA believes that having resumes for all proposed personnel is essential for the technical evaluation of the qualification, education, and specific experience of an offeror’s proposed team.

54. Reference: Section E.1.7. , Page 39 Paragraph 3

Question: E.1.7. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION: This section states: “The Offeror assumes full responsibility for ensuring that offers are received electronically by the Contract Specialist at IRCContractproposals@ustda.gov”, however, section E.1.2. PROPOSAL DUE DATE (page 37): states proposals are to be submitted to Contractproposals@ustda.gov,” please confirm which email address bids should be submitted to.

55. Reference: Section E.18. , Page 40 Paragraph 2

Question: The solicitation requires that proof of a Secret Facility Clearance be included in the proposal submission. Our Facility Clearance documentation (NISS Facility Clearance Report) is designated as Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). To ensure full compliance with solicitation requirements and DoD CUI handling policies (DoDM

5200.48 and NISPOM), please clarify the following: 1.) May Offerors transmit the proof of Facility Clearance separately via DoD SAFE to the Contracting Officer or designated mailto:IRCContractproposals@ustda.gov mailto:Contractproposals@ustda.gov

Government recipient, referencing the proposal submission? a. If yes, please confirm that this document may be submitted outside of the Volume I submission, and provide the name, title, and email address of the appropriate Government recipient authorized to receive CUI via DoD SAFE. 2.) Alternatively, would the Government accept a statement within our Volume I submission confirming that the Offeror currently holds a valid Secret Facility Clearance, with the NISS report to be provided via DoD SAFE at time of contract award?

Answer: Offerors should submit the NISS Facility Clearance Report as a FIPS-compliant, password-protected attachment to Volume I of the proposal submission.

The password shall be transmitted separately to the Contracting Officer to ensure compliance with CUI handling requirements under DoDM 5200.48. Designated Government Recipient-Garth Hibbert, Contracting Officer, ghibbert@ustda.gov This approach maintains compliance with CUI safeguarding requirements while supporting the standard proposal submission process.

56. Section E.1.8, p.40, par.6: If we submit a CPARS in lieu of a PPQ under the past performance paragraph, does that CPARS count toward the 4-survey limit?

Answer: Yes.

57. Section E.1.8, p.40, par.5: Will State & Local Government or commercial past performance be evaluated equivalently to Federal past performance, or will Federal be weighted more heavily?

Answer: All relevant past performance records will be evaluated equally.

58. Section D.1.3.1.5, p.20, par.6: Approximately how many FOIA requests does USTDA receive annually, and is the contractor expected to perform redaction (PII / exemption application) or only support OGC in performing it? This shapes the Sr Admin/Records Mgmt + Sr Admin/Project IS staffing.

Answer: USTDA processes approximately 85 requests annually, with an average response time of 25 days for simple requests and 80 days for responses that require additional research and a large quantity of records. The IRC supports OGC with this requirement.

59. Section D.1.3.1.1, pp.17-18: (a) Will the contractor administer/operate TDAMIS, SharePoint, and PM Information System files, or only enter/verify data as an end user?

(b) Will the Government provide training and credentials at start, or are we expected to onboard with existing system competency?

Answer: Training will be provided for USTDA specific systems such as TDAMIS.

However, it is our expectation that proposed personnel be proficient with commercially available systems such as MS SharePoint, etc.

mailto:ghibbert@ustda.gov

60. Section B.1, pp.2-3, par.1: Section B prices labor in hours but the contract is FFP. Please confirm offerors propose fully-burdened fixed monthly/hourly ceilings with the total annual price as the FFP CLIN value, and that variation within 1912 annual hours (OT/holidays/sick) is absorbed by the contractor at fixed price.

Answer: Please submit pricing as requested in the RFP.

61. Section D.1.4, pp. 25-29 & Attachment 2 (WD Rev 36, dated 03/30/2026): PoP starts 09/29/2026. (a) Will the Government issue a contract mod incorporating any superseding wage determination released between proposal date and contract start? (b) Should we price to Rev 36 as the floor or escalate to expected SCA increases at FY27 effective date?

Answer: Price as is customary using the current WD or FAR 52.222-42 benchmark included in the RFP. Updated WD will be incorporated as required.

62. SCA Classification of LCAT #5 (Admin Support / Information Specialist).

The PWS Section D.1.4 qualifications for the Admin Support / Information Specialist position include duties (policy creation, program evaluation, staff training) that classify the position as Administrative Assistant (SCA 01020) under the SCA Directory.

However, the GS-9 / Step 3 benchmark provided in the solicitation produces an hourly rate ($36.10) below the SCA WD floor for Administrative Assistant ($39.97). Could the Government confirm whether this position is intended to be classified as Administrative Assistant or Secretary III, and reconcile the GS-9 benchmark with the duty set?

Answer: Please utilize WD or FAR 52.222-42 benchmark included in the RFP as is customary.

63. Section M Evaluation of Labor Rate Realism.

Will the Government conduct a price realism analysis under FAR 15.404-1(d), and if so, will the GS-equivalent benchmarks indicated in the solicitation be applied as the realism reference, or is the SCA WD the controlling benchmark?

Answer: See RFP Section E,2.

64. Incumbent Employee Pricing.

Per EO 14055 and FAR 52.222-17, the successor contractor must offer right of first refusal to qualified incumbent employees. To support successor-transition planning, could the Government provide the incumbent's published Service Contract Act rate ranges for the labor categories in this PWS?

Answer: Executive Order referenced was rescinded on January 20, 2025. FAR clause referenced no longer exists.

65. Position specific LR / LS per DOL SCA Occupation Handbook

For all non-senior roles/position, to accurately map positions to wage determination, we request agency provide guidance by position on the level of supervisory and responsibility - as noted in the DOL SCA Occupation handbook. Simple crosswalk image attached for reference.

Answer: Offeror may map existing positions to the WD as determine.

66. Reference: Section D.1.4 – Personnel Qualifications, Page 25, Project Manager Question: The PWS states that the Project Manager must have the “ability to provide on-site technical support, troubleshooting issues with AV equipment during events.” Please clarify the scope and extent of this responsibility. Specifically, what types of audio-visual systems and event support are anticipated under this requirement (e.g., conference room AV, hybrid meeting platforms, presentations, video teleconferencing, microphones, projectors, livestreaming, etc.), and is the expectation limited to basic user-level troubleshooting and coordination, or does the Government anticipate more advanced technical/engineering-level AV support?

Answer: All listed examples are relevant and anticipated at basic user-level troubleshooting and coordination.

67. Reference: Section D.1.4, Page 25, Personnel Qualifications; Section B.1, Page 2, Schedule of Supplies/Services Question: Will the Government provide a crosswalk/mapping of the required labor categories in the solicitation to the applicable SCA labor categories for purposes of pricing and compliance with the Service Contract Labor Standards?

Answer: See response to Question 65.

68. Reference: Section E.1.8, Page 39, Volume I: Technical and Past Performance

Question: For the Past Performance section, does the Government require a written narrative describing relevant past performance projects/contracts, or will the Government solely evaluate past performance based on the Past Performance Surveys submitted directly by references and/or attached CPARS? If a narrative is required, are there any specific content or format requirements?

Answer: Offerors may choose to include a narrative to establish relevancy or that information can be included in the survey. If included in the proposal, we have no specific format requirement.

69. Reference: Section E.1.8, Page 39, Volume I: Technical and Past Performance Question: Under FAR 15.305(a)(2)(iii) and GAO B-407917.2, agencies should take into account affiliate past performance unless restricting the use of such affiliate past performance reasonably relates to the agency’s needs in choosing a contractor that will best serve the government’s interest. May an offeror rely on affiliate past performance to demonstrate prior experience? If affiliate past performance is not permitted, what is the basis for the restriction?

Answer: Past performance of an affiliated company may be used where the offeror’s proposal demonstrates that the resources of the affiliate will affect the performance of the offeror. The relevant consideration is whether the resources of the affiliated company- its workforce, management, facilities or other resources--will be provided or relied upon for contract performance such that the affiliate will have meaningful involvement in contract performance. If the aforementioned are not demonstrated in the offeror’s proposal, the affiliate past performance record shall not be submitted for consideration.

70. Please confirm whether incumbent personnel are eligible for capture/non-disclosure restrictions and whether the Government anticipates incumbent workforce transition cooperation.

Answer: Offerors may contact incumbent personnel to determine their availability.

71. Please provide historical annual metrics for:

• number of FOIA requests processed,

• average monthly intake,

• average response timelines,

• and backlog volumes for the past three fiscal years

Answer: See response to Question 58. No backlog currently exist.

72. Reference: RFP, FAR 52.222-42 Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (RFP pg 10), which provides the equivalent rate levels and FAR 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (RFP pg. 12) are included.

Question: Will the government provide the SCLS occupational code mapping for each required labor category?

Answer: See response to Question 65.

73. Reference: RFP Section D.1.10.1.1 Key Personnel is defined as only the Project Manager (RFP pg.31). Reference: Section E.1.8 Quote/Proposal, Technical Approach, Item a.

Staffing (second paragraph, RFP pg. 39) states that "Names and resumes for ALL proposed individuals must be submitted as part of the proposal.”

Question: Currently, it seems the government is requesting resumes for all personnel proposed, which favors the incumbent contractor greatly. Since this is a non-personal services contract, the Project Manager is the only key personnel defined, and incumbent capture is anticipated for SCLS positions, will the government consider requiring Offeror's to only submit a resume for the key personnel - Project Manager?

Question: Or, is the Offeror required to submit resumes for all personnel proposed?

Answer: See response to Question 17 and 53.

74. Reference: RFP Section E.1.4.3, pg. 38, provides nonexempt staffing level and tenure periods.

Question: Since the government has provided tenure periods for all non-exempt incumbent staffing, it seems that the incumbent staff would be the only Offeror that would be able to submit resumes for these personnel for their corresponding positions.

And, since it seems based on this information that the government is hoping for incumbent capture for the follow-on requirement, will the government consider removing the proposal requirement to submit resumes for all proposal personnel to ensure fair and equitable competition amongst offerors?

Answer: See response to Questions 53 and 64. USTDA expects all offeror to propose qualified teams regardless of make up (incumbent or non-incumbent).

75. Reference: RFP Section E.1.8.a. (pg. 40) Certification of Personnel states that the "Offeror shall provide a written certification that each individual proposed as Key Personnel was contacted after the issue date of the solicitation and that the individual has confirmed that he/she is available for contract performance. No specific format required for this certification.”

Question: Is this certification only required for the Project Manager/Key personnel? Or, is this certification required for each proposed personnel?

Answer: See response to Questions 37 and 44.

76. Reference: RFP Section E.1.8.a Staffing & Management (pg. 39-40) states that "resumes for any proposed individual using “experience” in lieu of a “college degree” to qualify, must clearly document the relevant successful work history."

Question: Can the government clarify how many years of individual “experience” is required in lieu of a “college degree” to qualify?

Answer: Offerors should provide documentation of the candidate’s relevant work history, demonstrating qualifications and competencies comparable to those typically associated with a college degree and those that meet the minimum years of relevant work experience as outlined in the RFP.

77. Reference: RFP Section B.1 (pg. 2), CLIN 0001, 1001, 2001, 3001, 4001 list the Project Manager with a quantity of 12.

Question: Is that 12 months total? Or, is quantity meant to be 12 hours monthly for the Project Manager?

Answer: See response to Question 49.

78. Reference: RFP Section D.1.3.5 (pg 24) Senior Admin Support to include Records

Management/Custodian Duties (Non-Exempt) qualifications lists in last bullet a requirement for related certifications.

Question: Which certifications does the USTDA consider relevant to the job function?

Answer: Any record management certification which validates the holder’s expertise in organizing, maintaining, and protecting organizational records (e.g.

Certified Records Manager (CRM), etc.). Please note that the requirement is for a college degree and/or related certification.

79. Reference: RFP Section D.1.3.5 (pg. 26) Senior Admin Support/Project Information Specialist to include Facilities and Audio-Visual Management for Conference Rooms, Training Rooms, and Business Center Management (non-exempt) qualifications lists in last bullet a requirement for related certifications.

Question: Which certifications does the USTDA consider relevant to the job function?

Answer: Please note that the requirement is for a college degree and/or related certification. Offerors should identify certifications, if applicable to the position.

80. Reference: RFP Section D.1.3.5 (pg. 27) Admin Support/Project Information Specialist to include Facilities and Audio-Visual Management for Conference Rooms, Training Rooms, and Business Center Management (non-exempt) qualifications lists in last bullet a requirement for related certifications.

Question: Which certifications does the USTDA consider relevant to the job function?

Answer: See response to Question 79.

81. Reference: RFP Section D.1.3.5 (pg. 27) lists qualifications for Admin Support/Project Information Specialist to include Facilities and Audio-Visual Management for Conference Rooms, Training Rooms, and Business Center Management (non-exempt) and the qualifications of the Admin Support/Project Information Specialist (non-exempt).

Question: So that we can price in the correct line item, does the Admin Support/Project Information Specialist (non-exempt) qualifications equate to the job title/labor category in Schedule B (pg. 2) of Admin Support/Project IS?

Question: So that we can price in the correct line item, does the Admin Support/Project Information Specialist to include Facilities and Audio-Visual Management for Conference Rooms, Training Rooms, and Business Center Management (non-exempt) qualifications equate to the job title/labor category in the Schedule B (pg. 2) of Admin Support/Project IS or Admin Support/Facility & Audio-Visual Management?

Answer: See response to Question 62.

82. Reference: RFP Section D.1.3.5 (pg. 28) Admin Support/Information Specialist (non-exempt) qualifications lists, in last bullet, a requirement for related certifications.

Question: Which certifications does the USTDA consider relevant to the job function?

Answer: See response to question 79.

83. References: RFP D.1.5.2, (pg 30) and RFP Section E.1.4 (pg. 38) both state that the "Contractor shall be prepared to assume full responsibility for all areas of operation under the contract, within 40 calendar days after contract award." RFP D.1.17.1, pg. 35 states that the "Phase-In Plan will last approximately 30 calendar days."

Question: Will the government clarify if the contractor has 30 or 40 calendar days for the phase-in period and update the RFP accordingly?

Answer: See RFP Section D.1.17.

84. Reference: RFP, Sections E.1.2 (pg. 37), E.1.3 (pg. 38) and E.1.7 (pg. 39) provide different email addresses for submission of questions and proposal.

Question: Please confirm which email address should be used for questions and proposal submission - Contractproposals@ustda.gov or IRCContractproposals@ustda.gov?

85. Reference 1: RFP, Section D.1.9 Place of Performance (pg. 31) states that "With the exception of the Receptionist positions covering the 10th and 11th floor reception desks and the mailroom, situational teleworking may be granted with the CO/COR approval."

Reference 2: RFP E.1.8.a (pg. 40, last sentence of 1st paragraph) states that "All proposed staff are required to perform work at USTDA facility, no proposed hybrid staffing model (onsite and telework) will be considered."

Question: Will the clarify if proposed staff will be allowed to telework under this contract and update the inconsistency in the solicitation accordingly?

Answer: There is no inconsistency in the solicitation regarding this matter, all contractor personnel are required to perform work at USTDA facility. Situational Telework as referenced in the RFP refers to temporary telework arrangements that may be authorized by the CO or COR for specific circumstances, such as emergencies and other life situations, which may result in contractor personnel requesting to telework temporarily. The excepted positions (eg. receptionist, mailroom, etc.) must be covered at all times.

86. Reference: RFP Section E.1.8.a (pg. 40) states that "Facility Clearance and Security Clearance requirements must also be addressed under this sub-factor. Facility Clearance documents containing CUI may be appropriately redacted or password protected."

mailto:Contractproposals@ustda.gov mailto:IRCContractproposals@ustda.gov

Question: In reference to the documents containing CUI, is the government requesting the Offeror provide security clearance documents on each proposed personnel? This documentation usually is only provided after contract award. Please clarify.

Answer: The RFP only requires offerors to provide evidence of its Facility Clearance at the procurement stage.

87. Reference: RFP Section E.1.8.a (pg 40) states that "Certification of Personnel: Offeror shall provide a written certification that each individual proposed as Key Personnel was contacted after the issue date of the solicitation and that the individual has confirmed that he/she is available for contract performance. No specific format required for this certification."

Question: It seems that the government is anticipating each Offeror contact the incumbent personnel prior to submitting a proposal for this requirement. As only the incumbent contractor would have access to incumbent personnel contact information, this request seems to create an unfair competition situation. Therefore, we request that the government remove the requirement for certification of personnel in its entirety or provide contact information for all incumbent personnel.

Question: If the government's intent is to have the key personnel sign a letter of commitment for availability of contract performance, please reword Section E.1.8.a Certification of Personnel to clarify this as the requirement.

Answer: See response to Questions 37 and 44.

88. Reference 1: RFP Section B.1 Schedule of Supplies/Services - CLIN tables. (pg. 2).

Reference 2: RFP Section E.1.8 Volume II - Price, item c.

Question: Should Offerors input unloaded/unburdened hourly rates for each labor category in each CLIN in Section B.1 Schedule of Supplies/Services? Or, should these rates be full loaded rates?

Answer: See RFP Section E.1.8 Volume II – Price, Items c and d.

89. Reference 1: RFP Section B.1 Schedule of Supplies/Services - CLIN tables. (pg. 2).

Reference 2: RFP Section E.1.8 Volume II - Price, item d.

Question: The government requests Offerors provide two (2) separate price sheets (one burdened and the other fully loaded or burdened) as part of its Section B.2 submission in Volume II. Does the government have templates that the Offeror should use for ease of evaluation? Or, should we create the price sheets?

Answer: Please use the tables in RFP Section B.1 (pages 2 and 3) or offerors may create their own price with the required information.

90. Reference: entire RFP.

Question: Will the government consider extending the proposal due date for at least 14 business days following the release of answers to questions so that Offerors may adequately review and incorporate changes into their proposals?

Answer: 14 business days extension not anticipated at this time.

91. Reference: Contradictory Information — Proposal Submission Email Address Section: E.1.2 and E.1.7 Page: 37 and 38 Paragraph: E.1.2 (Proposal Due Date) and E.1.7 (Proposal Submission) Question: Section E.1.2 identifies the proposal submission email address as Contractproposals@ustda.gov, while Section E.1.7 identifies the submission email address as IRCContractproposals@ustda.gov. Please confirm the correct and official email address for proposal submission to ensure offerors do not receive a non-responsive determination due to submission to the wrong address.

92. Reference: Scope Clarification — Dual-Desk Receptionist Coverage

Section: D.1.3.2.1 and B.1 Page: 21 and 2 Paragraph: D.1.3.2.1 (Reception Area) and B.1 (Schedule of Supplies/Services) Question: Section D.1.3.2.1 requires both the 10th and 11th floor reception areas to be staffed at all times during normal business hours, including backup coverage during breaks and scheduled and unscheduled leave. However, the CLIN structure in Section B.1 reflects a single Admin Support/Receptionist position at 1,912 hours per year. Please confirm whether the Government's intent is for the single Receptionist position to provide coverage for both desks through cross-utilization of other labor categories, or whether the Government anticipates a different staffing approach to satisfy the continuous dual-desk coverage requirement.

Answer: See response to Question 52.

93. Reference: Technical Requirement — Off-Site Mail Transportation Section: D.1.3.4 and D.1.16 Page: 23 and 35 Paragraph: D.1.3.4 (Mail Room and Copier Areas Support) and D.1.16 (Government Furnished Equipment) Question: Section D.1.3.4 requires contractor personnel to pick up outgoing mail and express delivery pouches and deliver to the post office and other off-site locations, including packages via commercial delivery vendors. Section D.1.16 addresses Government Furnished Equipment but does not reference a vehicle. Please confirm whether the Government will provide a vehicle for off-site mail runs, or whether the contractor is expected to furnish transportation for this requirement, so that offerors may accurately account for this cost in their pricing.

Answer: No vehicle required. Rideshare services provided by the government under its rideshare contract, if needed.

94. Reference: Scope Clarification — Audiovisual Subcontractor Relationship Section: D.1.3.3 Page: 22 Paragraph: D.1.3.3 (Training Center/Conference Room Support) Question: Section D.1.3.3 references working with an audiovisual subcontractor to set up repair visits as needed. Please clarify whether this audiovisual subcontractor is a separately awarded USTDA contract, a vendor relationship managed and funded by the IRC contractor, or a Government-arranged service, and whether any associated costs should be reflected in the offeror's proposed price.

Answer: See response to Question 51.

95. Reference: Contradictory Information — Solicitation Number Section: SF 1449, Block 5 Page: 1 Paragraph: SF 1449 Block 5 (Solicitation Number) Question: The solicitation number shown in Block 5 of the SF 1449 cover page reads 1131PL25R0031, while the correct solicitation number used throughout the remainder of the solicitation document is 1131PL26R0031. Please confirm the official solicitation number and advise whether an amendment will be issued to correct the SF 1449 cover page.

Answer: See response to Question 43.

96. Reference: Annual Records Processing and NARA Transfer Volume Section: D.1.3.1.1 Page: 17–18 Paragraph: D.1.3.1.1 (Agency Records Management) Question: Please provide the approximate annual volume of records processed, archived, or transferred to NARA under the incumbent contract to assist offerors in developing accurate staffing and workload estimates.

Answer: Transfer volume varies. However, no additional staff beyond the positions listed are required. Additionally, contractor personnel are not required to work beyond the 40-hour work week for FTEs.

97. Reference: FOIA Platform Identification and GFE Access Timing Section: D.1.3.1.5 Page: 20–21 Paragraph: D.1.3.1.5 (Support to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Program) Question: Please identify the specific FOIA tracking and case management platform currently used by the Agency (e.g., FOIAXpress, GovQA, or other system). Additionally, please confirm whether contractor personnel will receive Government-furnished licenses and system access credentials on or before the contract performance start date.

Answer: FOIAXpress. USTDA will furnish all licenses and system access credentials as needed.

98. Reference: Mail and Package Processing Volume Section: D.1.3.4 Page: 23 Paragraph: D.1.3.4 (Mail Room and Copier Areas Support) Question: Please provide the approximate average monthly volume of inbound and outbound mail and packages processed under the incumbent contract to support accurate workload and staffing estimates for the Admin Support/Mail & File Mgmt. position.

Answer: Volume varies. However, no additional staff beyond the positions listed are required. Additionally, contractor personnel are not required to work beyond the 40-hour work week for FTEs.

99. Reference: Evaluation of Corporate Recruiting Capability Under Staffing and Management Sub-Factor Section: E.1.8(a) and E.2 Page: 39–40 and 42–45 Paragraph: E.1.8(a) (Staffing and Management) and Addendum to FAR 52.212-2 (Evaluation Criteria) Question: In Amendment 0001, Question 18, the Government confirmed that no incumbent preference exists and that offerors may choose whatever staffing strategy is needed to meet requirements. However, the proposal instructions require named individuals and resumes for all proposed positions, which inherently advantages the incumbent contractor whose entire team is already in place and cleared. To ensure a level competitive playing field consistent with the Government's stated position of no incumbent preference, please confirm that the evaluation of Sub-Factor 1 – Staffing and Management will consider an offeror's demonstrated corporate recruiting infrastructure and workforce retention capability as meaningful components of the evaluation — and not solely the qualifications of named proposed individuals.

Answer: See response to Question 53 and RFP Section E.1.8 – Technical Approach,

(b) Implementation (page 41).

100. Reference: Waiver of Project Point of Contact Reference Requirement for Non- Incumbent Proposed Personnel Section: E.1.8(a) Page: 39–40 Paragraph: E.1.8(a) (Staffing and Management) Question: The proposal instructions require project points of contact (names, phone numbers, and emails) for all proposed individuals who can address individual performance, while explicitly exempting incumbent staff from this requirement. This asymmetry creates a significant competitive disadvantage for non-incumbent offerors, particularly small businesses. It is standard professional practice for job seekers to conduct confidential searches without notifying their current employer or project stakeholders. Requiring project POC references for contingent hires forces candidates to prematurely expose their job search to current clients and project leads — risking their current employment and professional relationships if the offeror does not win — or withdraw from consideration entirely. This structurally advantages the incumbent whose cleared team is already in place, and directly contradicts the Government's stated position in Amendment 0001, Question 18, that no incumbent preference exists. The Government is respectfully requested to waive the project POC reference requirement for all non-incumbent proposed personnel, consistent with standard industry recruiting practice and the Government's obligation to promote full and open small business competition under

FAR 19.

Answer: USTDA believes it is necessary to have a mechanism in place to validate information contained in resumes that are being used to evaluate an offeror’s proposed team’s qualifications, experience, and expertise in performing the requirements of the RFP. The requirement for not requesting POCs for incumbents was at the overwhelming request of prospective offerors for the previous IRC RFP posting that was cancelled. As noted in the response to Question 18, there are no government preferences; therefore, if the current requirement of not having incumbents include POCs is perceived as such, this RFP will be amended to require ALL resumes (to include that of incumbents) to include the required POC.

101. Reference: Scope and Application of Price Realism Analysis

Section: E.2 Page: 42–45 Paragraph: Addendum to FAR 52.212-2 (Evaluation Criteria — Price) Question: The evaluation criteria state that the Government may conduct a price realism analysis and that prices found unrealistically low will be ineligible for award. Please confirm that any price realism analysis performed will be used solely for risk assessment purposes — specifically to identify potential buy-ins — and will not be used to adjust, normalize, or otherwise modify evaluated prices for comparative ranking or tradeoff purposes.

Answer: The RFP Section E.2 clearly state the purpose of price realism, if conducted.

102. The Schedule identifies one labor category line item for each position at 1,912 productive hours annually. Please confirm whether the Government intends one FTE per labor category or whether offerors may propose alternate staffing mixes provided all performance requirements are met.

Answer: USTDA anticipated one FTE per labor category; however, offerors may propose its own staffing mix to perform the requirements of the resulting contract.

103. Please confirm that the Project Manager is only to expected to work for 12 hours per month and that this work is expected to be onsite as indicated in D.1.10.1 on page 31

Answer: That is incorrect. See response to Question 49.

104. Since the 30-day phase-in and 40-day assumption of operations run concurrently, please confirm the expected date by which all contractor personnel must possess final badges, network access, and facility access.

Answer: Start of the period of performance noted in the RFP.

105. The solicitation requires resumes for “ALL proposed individuals.” Please confirm whether contingent hires may be proposed or whether all proposed staff must be current employees or formally committed candidates at time of proposal submission.

Answer: It is our expectation that the proposed personnel whose qualifications and experience were used to determine an offeror’s technical rating, would be the team available for performance if the offeror was awarded the contract.

106. Please clarify whether offerors may propose cross-utilization of staff across multiple functional service areas during surge or leave coverage periods.

Answer: See RFP Section E.1.8(a) – STAFFING AND MANAGEMENT.

107. Please clarify whether technical evaluation emphasizes staffing continuity/incumbent retention, management methodology, cleared staffing readiness, or price realism as primary discriminators.

Answer: See RFP Section E.1.8.

108. Given the incumbent contract value of $4.39M over five years and current cleared labor market conditions, please clarify whether the Government anticipates materially higher pricing under this recompete.

Answer: The incumbent contract was awarded over 5 years ago. We are aware that labor market conditions are different from 5 years ago.

109. Please confirm whether the Government intends to conduct a price realism analysis in addition to price reasonableness.

Answer: See RFP Section E.2.

110. According to USASpending, the incumbent contract listed by the Government expired on October 31, 2025. Can the government confirm whether or not there is an active, on-going project and if it is fully staffed?

Answer: See response to Question 42.

111. Would the Government please extend the submission deadline by at least one week?

Answer: Yes. The solicitation will be amended to extend the submission deadline by seven calendar days.

112. Must proposed staffing exactly match Section B.1 quantities and labor categories?

Answer: See response to Question 102.

113. What differentiates an “Outstanding” from a “Good” rating for Staffing & Management?

Answer: See RFP Section E.2 for the description of technical factor and sub-factors ratings

114. Does the Government have a preferred structure or ordering for Volume I beyond the required sub factors?

Answer: No preferred structure or order.

115. Will proposals be screened for responsiveness before adjectival ratings, and what causes non responsiveness?

Answer: Yes. RFP Section E.2 - ADDENDUM TO FAR 52.212-2, EVALUATION-- COMMERCIAL ITEMS, will be amended to provide additional clarification concerning this criterion.

116. Is greater weight given to individual resumes or the overall staffing/management approach?

Answer: Technical Factors and Sub-factor will be evaluated as outlined in the RFP.

117.