Att 5 - Questions and Responses (05-OCT-2023).docx

Vessel & Field Research Operations Support Services Solicitation Questions and Responses

Question #1: Is this a new requirement or a follow-on? If it is a follow-on, what is the current/incumbent contract number?

Response #1: This is a follow-on requirement. The current contract number is 1305M318DNCND0002.

Question #2: Will anything in this posting be affected in case of a Government shutdown?

Response #2: The offer due date and deadline for submission of questions is unchanged at this time. An alternate point of contact, James Price (james.e.price@noaa.gov), has been added to this posting. Mr. Price will be available during any potential shutdown to address questions and concerns in lieu of the Contracting Officer and Contract Specialist.

Question # 3: Who is the incumbent contractor?

Response #3: The incumbent contractor is Cardinal Point Captains, Inc.

Question # 4: Section 3.2 of the Performance Work Statement (PWS) is missing.

Response #4: A revised version of the PWS with corrected numbering has been uploaded to the SAM posting.

Question # 5: RFP E.15(a).2., page 47 of 55. E.15(a).2. states, “Proposals should be typed, double-spaced, with one-inch margins, using size 12-font or equivalent, unreduced in size 8 ½’’ by 11’’ page formatting not exceeding 40 pages, single-sided, and exclusive of key personnel resumes and any certificates of insurance.” Please clarify if the 40-page limit only applies to the Technical Proposal.

Response #5: Yes, the 40-page limit is applicable only to the Technical Proposal.

Question # 6: RFP E.15(a).2., page 47 of 55. E.15(a).2. states, “Proposals should be typed, double-spaced, with one-inch margins, using size 12-font or equivalent, unreduced in size 8 ½’’ by 11’’ page formatting not exceeding 40 pages, single-sided, and exclusive of key personnel resumes and any certificates of insurance.” 40 double-spaced pages is insufficient for the level of detail required to adequately respond to Factors A through D. Request the Government change the format requirement to single-spacing or double the allotted number of pages.

Response #6: The 40-page, double-spaced page limit will not be revised.

Question # 7: RFP E.15(a).2., page 47 of 55. Request the Government allow graphics (tables and figures) be excluded from the 12-font, double-spaced requirement. Would no smaller than 10pt font single-spaced text for tables and graphics be acceptable?

Response #7: Yes, graphics (including tables and figures) may be reduced to 10pt. font with single-spaced text.

Question # 8: RFP E.15(b).A.1, page 48 of 55. E.15(b)1) states, “Demonstrate an understanding of the contract requirements as stated the “ONMS VFROSS Performance Work Statement.” Due to the page constraints and double-spaced text requirements, responding to all PWS areas seems almost impossible. Would the Government consider the statement be updated to only addressing PWS 3.1 Tasks and subsections?

Response #8: The Government will not revise the statement.

Question # 9: RFP E.15(b).A.4 and E.18(b).2.i, pages 48 of 55 and 54 of 55. E.18(b).2.i states, “Offerors will be considered on their management of core contract processes such as: contract compliance; implementation of quality control measures;…” These requirements are listed under Factor B – Management Approach Evaluation, however, they are included in E.15(b).A.4 Factor A – Technical Capability. Please clarify if we are to respond to these requirements under Factor A Technical Capability or Factor B Management Approach.

Response #9: The requirements may be responded to under Factor B – Management Approach.