ATTACHMENT 6 - QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC)

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION (NOAA)

OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH (OAR)

OFFICE OF SCIENCE SUPPORT (OSS)

NOAA CENTRAL AND REGIONAL LIBRARIES (NCRL)

LIBRARY STAFFING SERVICES

QUESTION & ANSWERS

SOLICITATION #1305M321RNRMA0002

ATTACHMENT 6

1305M321RNRMA0002 ATTACHMENT 6 - LIBRARY STAFFING SERVICES Q&A

TABLE OF CONTENTS

REQUIREMENT QUESTIONS 3

ACQUISITION QUESTIONS 8

REQUIREMENT QUESTIONS

1. Inquiring about additional expenses such as: background checks and the levels required for employment with the NOAA, required drug screening and the level of drug screening (5 panel, 10 panel, hair follicle), and any other pre-employment related screenings or checks that may be required to service this contract. (PWS Section 4.1)

a. The contractor positions for this contract are deemed non-sensitive, low risk positions. Please see section 4.1, Security, in the PWS for more details about screening prospective employees to service this contract.

2. Will task orders be for full time personnel? Would the Government also need part-time support on any task order?

a. It is unknown whether all task orders will be for full-time personnel, or if part-time support will be needed.

3. Will the Program Manager be required to work onsite? If so, at what location will the PM be required to work?

(PWS Section 3.2.3)

a. The Government assumes this question is in regards to the Project Manager (PM), not a Program

Manager. No, the PM is not required to work onsite.

4. I see no hours listed for the Program Manager, how many hours will be required? (PWS Section 3.2.3)

a. The Government assumes this question is in regards to the Project Manager (PM), not a Program

Manager. The Government does not require a stand-alone PM on task orders and the PM is not considered a billable labor category.

5. If COVID-19 situations don’t improve by contract award, will telework be allowed? (PWS Section 4.3)

a. Reference Section 4.3 of the PWS for telework guidelines.

6. Does the Government anticipate that the Project Manager will work on-site at the Library full-time as a billable staff member? (PWS Section 3.2.3)

a. No, the PM is not required to work onsite. The Government does not require a stand-alone PM on task orders and the PM is not considered a billable labor category.

7. Since the RFP task areas include archives, data analysis, will the Government permit substitution of Master’s in

Library Science for the Project Manager's qualifications with a degree in a related field such as Information Management, Archival Administration, Information Science, etc.? (PWS Section 3.2.3)

a. No, the Government has determined that having a Master’s in Library Science is imperative to the oversight and management of librarian-type labor categories and task orders.

8. PWS 3.1.3 indicates a total of 10 Librarians (7 Silver Spring; 1 College Park; 2 Asheville). However, the Price

Worksheet shows a total of 11 Librarians. Would NOAA please clarify where the eleventh Librarian is located?

a. PWS Section 3.1.3 has been changed, and the edits can be found in the updated Attachment 2 to the RFP.

Contract Personnel will be required as the need dictates, and will be specified in individual Task Orders.

As stated in RFP Section E.2.6(c)4.b., the Price Worksheet is a mockup and will only be used for price evaluation purposes.

9. What is the average monthly number of items requiring metadata for inclusion in NOAALINC? (PWS Section

2.1)

a. In FY20, the monthly average was 50.

10. What is the average monthly number of items requiring metadata for inclusion in the NOAA Institutional

Repository? (PWS Section 2.1)

a. The monthly average is between 300 - 400 items. In FY20, NCRL ingested 4,896 objects that required metadata.

11. What are the other online databases the NCL deems necessary to the creation of the metadata records? (PWS Section 2.1)

a. See PWS Sect. 2.1.1: OCLC Connection, Sirsi Workflows and Excel.

12. What metadata schema are used to create descriptive metadata? (PWS Section 2.1)

a. NCRL uses MODS (Metadata Object Description Schema) for records created for the Institutional

Repository and MARC for records being created for the Sirsi catalog.

13. What systems does NCRL use to create persistent identifiers? (PWS Section 2.1)

a. NCRL uses the DataCite platform to mint DOIs.

14. What is the average monthly number of questions the NCL receives that can be answered with simple, readily available information and the average number that require more complex, in-depth and time-intensive requests?

(PWS Section 2.2)

a. NCRL receives approximately 66 non-complex questions per month. In FY20, NCRL completed 56 in-depth, time-intensive research projects, usually requiring at least 20 hours each to complete. It is not possible to calculate a meaningful monthly average for how many in-depth projects requests are received.

15. How does NCL track reference and research requests? (PWS Section 2.2)

a. NCRL uses a Google form to track reference requests and Trello to track more in-depth research projects such as bibliographies.

16. What is the average monthly volume of interlibrary loan requests? (PWS Section 2.3)

a. In FY20, the monthly average was 44.

17. What is the average monthly volume of document delivery requests? (PWS Section 2.3)

a. In FY20, the monthly average was 49.

18. What electronic system(s) does NCL use to perform interlibrary loan and document delivery work? (PWS Section

2.3)

a. OCLC’s Worldshare.

19. What is the average monthly volume of bibliometric analysis requests? (PWS Section 2.4)

a. Please refer back to PWS Section 2.4; the bibliometric analysis is quite varied and may range from a single researcher profile report to an entire program analysis, so it is not possible to present an average monthly volume number that makes sense. The Library does complete two large, recurring projects that require quarterly reports and analysis as well as annual reports.

20. What software is authorized and used to track and monitor the manuscript approval process? (PWS Section 2.5)

a. It is an internal, Oracle-based system that was developed and built within NOAA. Some offices also use Clarivate’s Manuscript Central.

21. PWS 3.1.3 indicates that scientific writing, copy editing, manuscript approvals will be performed by the contractor at the NCEI Library in Asheville, North Carolina. However, performance location is not indicated for 508 compliance work. At which location(s) will 508 compliance work be performed? (PWS Section 2.5)

a. PWS Section 3.1.3 has been revised to specify that “Contract Personnel will be required as the need dictates, and will be specified, along with tasks and level of effort, at the task order level.” Section 508 compliance work may be required at any of the performance locations, but will be specified at the task order level. See Attachment 2 - Performance Work Statement (PWS) - R1.

22. Are scientific writing, copy editing, and manuscript approvals performed only at the NCEI library and/or may they be performed from another NOAA library location, such as NCL? (PWS Section 2.5)

a. PWS Section 3.1.3 has been revised to specify that “Contract Personnel will be required as the need dictates, and will be specified, along with tasks and level of effort, at the task order level.” Scientific writing, copy editing, and manuscript approvals work may be required at any of the performance locations, but will be specified at the task order level. See Attachment 2 - Performance Work Statement

(PWS) - R1.

23. What is the average number of physical materials processed monthly? (PWS Section 2.7)

a. In FY19, the monthly average was 50. The Library has been closed due to COVID 19 since April, 2020, so the number of processed items for FY20 are not available and they would be very low.

24. What is the average number of physical library materials shelved monthly? (PWS Section 2.7)

a. In FY19, the monthly average was 34. The Library has been closed due to COVID 19 since April, 2020, so the number of circulation for FY20 are not available and they would be very low.

25. What is the average number of circulated library materials checked-in and loaned out monthly? (PWS Section 2.7)

a. In FY19, the monthly average was 34. The Library has been closed due to COVID 19 since April, 2020, so the number of circulation for FY20 are not available and they would be very low.

26. What system(s) is used to perform inventory and maintenance processes? (PWS Section 2.7)

a. Sirsi Dynix Workflows.

27. What other local Government-provided databases are used to control library materials? (PWS Section 2.7)

a. None at this time.

28. What systems are used to track and produce reference and research metrics? (PWS Section 2.7)

a. NCRL uses a Google form to track reference requests and Trello to track more in-depth research projects such as bibliographies.

29. What are the average number of items prepared for digitization monthly? (PWS Section 2.7)

a. NCRL currently is preparing approximately 300 items a month which are shipped out to a digitization contractor. However, this number is variable as it depends on NCRL having a current digitization contract in place.

30. What is the volume of materials for each material type the NCEI receives each month? (PWS Section 2.8)

a. The contractor is responsible for receiving and processing a small but steady stream of records in paper and digital image (PDF, XLS table) formats. The volume is approximately 7-9 packages/month in paper, and 12-15 digital files/month. The bulk of the materials processing involves cataloging and archiving ad hoc shipments of historical records and publications from other parts of NOAA. These are primarily in paper format, but also include microfilm and microfiche. Given the nature of these accessions, receipt is sporadic, but averages 2-3 NARA Federal Records Center size (10.5x12x15") boxes per month.

31. What are the number and locations of the various NCEI facilities? (PWS Section 2.8)

a. See: https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/about/locations#:~:text=Space%20Center%2C%20Mississippi- ,Directions,Stennis%20Space%20Center%2C%20Mississippi%2039529

32. Will the archivist be required to perform work at each of these locations? Which databases and specialized systems are to be used by the contractor? (PWS Section 2.8)

a. PWS Section 3.1.3 has been revised to specify that “Contract Personnel will be required as the need dictates, and will be specified, along with tasks and level of effort, at the task order level.” Archivist work may be required at any of the performance locations, but will be specified at the task order level.

See Attachment 2 - Performance Work Statement (PWS) - R1.

b. Sirsi Dynix Workflows, and NCEI's Oracle-backed Archive Records Tracking and Inventory System (ARTIS). The contractor accesses both via web application; no programming experience is required.

33. Since the Project Manager is overseeing the project management and contract administration, and not providing technical library services, is it acceptable that the Project Manager holds a college degree and has significant experience managing Federal contracts, but not a MLS? (PWS Section 3.2.3)

a. The Project Manager minimum qualifications identified in the PWS have been determined by the Government to be necessary for the successful oversight and management of the Library Staffing Services Contract.

34. The PWS lists nine (9) positions listed across the four locations. Attachment 4 Price Worksheet lists thirteen (13) total positions. The PWS has one additional Librarian III. Can the Government please clarify the count and location of each position. (PWS Section 3.1.3)

a. PWS Section 3.1.3 has been revised to specify that “Contract Personnel will be required as the need dictates, and will be specified, along with tasks and level of effort, at the task order level.” See Attachment 2 - Performance Work Statement (PWS) - R1. As stated in RFP Section E.2.6(c)4.b., the Price Worksheet is a mockup and will only be used for price evaluation purposes.

35. Also, in the PWS, can the Government confirm that all positions for NOAA Central Library in Silver Spring, Maryland are full-time positions?

a. It is unknown whether all positions will be for full-time personnel, or if part-time support will be needed.

36. Are there specific reasons why the Project Manager has to have the following Minimum Qualifications: (PWS

Section 3.2)

a. Four (4) or more years of position advancement in libraries or archives?

b. Two (2) or more years successful experience managing multiple library staff?

c. Master's in Library Science?

d. The Project Manager minimum qualifications identified in the PWS have been determined by the

Government to be necessary for the successful oversight and management of the Library Staffing Services

37. Will NOAA accept relevant Staffing and Human Resources experience as a substitute to those Minimum

Qualifications? (PWS Section 3.2.3)

a. The Project Manager minimum qualifications identified in the PWS have been determined by the

Government to be necessary for the successful oversight and management of the Library Staffing Services

38. What risks (known and unknown) were mitigated during the last contract period? Will NOAA provide funding to mitigate known risks (Contingency reserves) and unknown risks (Management reserves)?

a. N/A - Not relevant to the current requirement.

39. If the following positions were full time permanent roles with NOAA, what would the hourly rate be?

a. NOAA Central Library in Silver Spring, Maryland

i. Librarian III

ii. Librarian II

iii. Paraprofessional

b. Betty Petersen Memorial Library, College Park, Maryland,

i. Librarian III (with a background in meteorology, climatology, remote sensing)

c. National Centers for Environmental Information Library, Asheville, North Carolina

i. Librarian II (with a background in meteorology, climatology, and scientific writing)

d. National Centers for Environmental Information Archives, Asheville, North Carolina

i. Librarian II (with a background in archival maintenance)

e. The Government is able to provide the GS equivalent ranges for the four positions required under the contract. They are as follows: Librarian III, GS-12/13, Librarian II, GS-11/12, Librarian I, GS-9, Library Technician/Paraprofessional, GS-7/8

40. How much contractor travel is required? Is the travel local or state-to-state or other? (PWS Sect. 4.4)

a. Contractor travel to perform tasks will be infrequent, but may be local or out of state, and will be specified at the task order level.

41. How has COVID impacted the day-to-day operations? What measures or guidelines has NOAA implemented onsite to protect employees and Contractors?

a. All library locations closed in April 2020. All library work is done via telework with a very small amount of work (1 position) that is still focused on physical tasks in the Silver Spring HQ. NOAA has required all federal and contractor staff to take Covid 19 safety training. All personnel who enter the Silver Spring HQ building must wear masks and NOAA has provided gloves and hand sanitizer. Contract personnel do not go into the building without clearance from the COR and they must enter their times and locations into a journal system to track where they have been and who they have encountered.

42. What percentage of current workload is performed via telework?

a. Roughly 95 percent since COVID restrictions were implemented; after COVID, the Government anticipates telework will be roughly 40-60 percent of the workload.

43. In reference to PWS Attachment 2 RFP 3.1.3, will “additional resources” be the same as current positions? (i.e

Librarian I, Librarian II, Librarian III, Paraprofessional)

a. The text “additional resources” is not included in PWS Section 3.1.3. Only the four positions identified in the PWS will be required. PWS Section 3.1.3 has been revised to specify that “Contract Personnel will be required as the need dictates, and will be specified, along with tasks and level of effort, at the task order level.” See Attachment 2 - Performance Work Statement (PWS) - R1.

44. In reference to PWS Attachment 2, 5.1 Government Furnished Property, what, if anything, does NOAA expect

The Offeror to provide to the contractors?

a. Reference PWS Section 5.2, which requires the Contractor to provide only property that is not furnished by the Government; this is anticipated to be very minimal, but will be specified at the task order level.

45. In reference to PRS Attachment 3, how will performance be measured on the activities that are not mission essential?

a. Specific metrics are not currently in place for non-mission essential tasks but will be identified at the task order level and discussed at task order kick-off meetings.

46. Will NOAA provide email addresses to contractors?

a. The government will supply NOAA email addresses to contract personnel.

ACQUISITION QUESTIONS

1. Verify that pre-employment sexual assault / sexual harassment training is required. (RFP Section C.3.20)

a. See Section C.3.20(b)(4) which identifies this required training and the timeframes for completion and reporting.

2. Can the offeror submit subcontractor’s past performance as part of its Factor C - Past Performance? (RFP Sections E.2.6 and E.3)

a. Yes, past performance of subcontractors can be submitted; however, offerors’ submission of subcontractor past performance is limited to no more than two (2) of the possible five (5) past performance contract references provided. See RFP - 1305M321RNRMA0002 - Amendment 0001, Sections E.2.6.(b).3.a and E.3.(b).3.a.

3. Under Factor B: Past Performance, Can the Government change the requirement for contracts to have completed a minimum of 2 years to 1 year? (RFP Sections E.2.6 and E.3)

a. The Government assumes this question is in reference to Factor B: Experience, not Factor C: Past

Performance. The requirement for on-going contracts to have a minimum of two (2) years completed on the contract has been changed to “minimum of one (1) year completed on contract”. See RFP - 1305M321RNRMA0002 - Amendment 0001, Sections E.2.6.(b).2.a and E.3.(b).2.a.

4. We are currently performing multiple contracts, each with a small size however if aggregated they will meet the requirement in the current solicitation. Will the Government consider the aggregate of contracts size to meet the requirement for similarity of size? (RFP Sections E.2.6 and E.3)

a. No, contract references submitted under past performance must individually demonstrate relevancy (similarity in size and scope).

5. Is there currently an incumbent company or previous incumbent, who completed similar contract performing these services? If so - can you please provide incumbent contract number, dollar value and period of performance?

a. The current incumbent is Library Associates of Maryland, LLC. The Government will provide only the contract number, GS-07F-0367N, and order number, AB-133E-16-NC-0163.

6. Are you satisfied with incumbent performance?

a. The Government is not at liberty to disclose this information.

7. If there is a contract in place, can you please provide the person name and contact detail of the individual who is actually performing these services?

a. In accordance with the Performance Work Statement (PWS) Section 3.1.4, a list of the incumbent contractor personnel will be provided to the awarded vendor.

8. Can you please confirm how many years the incumbent candidate worked with this requirement?

a. The incumbent has been involved with this requirement since fiscal year 2010.

9. Is this contract covered by the EO 13706?

a. Yes, Executive Order (EO) 13706 applies to this contract. The EO applies to contracts governed by the

Federal Labor Standards Act (FLSA), including employees who qualify for an exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime provisions. This contract is for professional services, and as such, the labor categories are deemed exempt from the FLSA.

10. Can you please confirm, whether the fringe ($4.22 / $4.54) is applicable to this requirement or not?

a. This contract is for professional services, and as such, the labor categories are deemed exempt from the FLSA and the Service Contract Act (SCA) does not apply.

11. Is this position covered by the SCA? If so, what occupation code is utilized for this requirement per applicable DOL wage determination?

a. This contract is for professional services, and as such, the labor categories are deemed exempt from the

12. Will you accept CPARS evaluations in lieu of a Past Performance Questionnaire in relation to our Past

Performance? (RFP Sections E.2.6 and E.3)

a. No, CPARS evaluations will not be accepted in lieu of Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQ); however, be sure to note RFP Section E.3.(b).3.c.

13. Does “Key Personnel” refer to our contract management staff? Are there other type personnel which you mean to be included as “Key Personnel”? (RFP Section C.3.14)

a. In accordance with Section C.3.14, Key Personnel that shall be assigned to this contract is a Project Manager.

14. In Section E.2.6: CAR 1352.215-70 PROPOSAL PREPARATION (APR 2010), (b) VOLUME – TECHNICAL PROPOSAL, 3. FACTOR C: PAST PERFORMANCE, line d. iii states the following: “References are requested to complete these questionnaires and submit them by email directly to Molly Jackson, at molly.jackson@noaa.gov, and Julia Hamilton, at Julia.l.hamilton@noaa.gov.

On the Past Performance Questionnaire, at the bottom of page 1, it states the following: “Note; NOAA requests that the client completes this questionnaire and submits directly back to the offeror. The offeror will submit the completed questionnaire to NOAA with their proposal and may duplicated this questionnaire for future submission on USACE Solicitations. Clients are highly encouraged to submit questions directly to the offeror.

However, adjustive ratings and definitions to be used to best reflect your evaluation of the contractor’s performance.”

Can you please clarify if clients should send Past Performance Questionnaires back to the Offeror? Or should Past Performance Questionnaires be sent to Ms. Jackson and Ms. Hamilton? (RFP Section E.2.6 and PPQ)

a. PPQs shall be submitted in accordance with RFP Section E.2.6.(b).3.d.iii. The PPQ has been revised.

See Attachment 5 - Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) - R1.

15. For the past performance requirements - will submitted past performance from both the subcontractor and prime contractor be accepted? (RFP Sections E.2.6 and E.3)

a. Yes, past performance of subcontractors can be submitted; however, offerors’ submission of subcontractor past performance is limited to no more than two (2) of the possible five (5) past performance contract references provided. See RFP - 1305M321RNRMA0002 - Amendment 0001, Sections E.2.6.(b).3.a and E.3.(b).3.a.

16. Will the government accept a labor rate specific to performance location (ie: one rate for the DMV area and one for Asheville, NC)?

a. No, only one labor rate for each labor category should be proposed.

17. We respectfully request the following changes to the proposal requirements:

a. Past Performance Questionnaires are not counted toward the page limit for VOL I. They would take up a significant portion of the total page count limiting offerers' ability to fully respond to the solicitation's requirements. (RFP Section E.2.6 and PPQ)

i. In accordance with RPF Section E.2.6(b).3.d.iii, PPQs received directly from the offeror will not be considered. PPQs shall be submitted in accordance with RFP Section E.2.6.(b).3.d.iii. The PPQ has been revised. See Attachment 5 - Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) - R1.

b. Add 20 (or more) pages to allow for more detailed discussions of offerors' approach to the transition, understanding and approach to the work, and to allow for additional information such as a summary of benefits page to provide the government a better understanding of offers. These things would be difficult for us to discuss in a meaningful way given the current page count, and we are concerned it could affect our ability to be evaluated fairly. (RFP Section E.2.6) mailto:Julia.l.hamilton@noaa.gov

i. The requirement for proposals to be double-spaced in RFP Section E.2.6.(a).6.D. formatting and content instructions, has been revised to single-spaced. See RFP - 1305M321RNRMA0002 - Amendment 0001, Section E.2.6.(a).6.D.

c. Allow for single spacing for charts and call-out boxes. For example, we would like to provide an experience matrix as well as an organizational chart that would best be presented as single-spaced graphics. (RFP Section E.2.6)

i. The requirement for proposals to be double-spaced in RFP Section E.2.6.(a).6.D. formatting and content instructions, has been revised to single-spaced. See RFP - 1305M321RNRMA0002 - Amendment 0001, Section E.2.6.(a).6.D.

d. Allow for font and spacing exceptions for addendums not produced by offerors. For example, we would also like to provide our benefits summary sheet, if space allows. The sheet is provided to us by our benefits provider and is single spaced with font that doesn't match the proposal requirements; however, it may be highly useful for the government in its evaluation of our company especially as this feature is vital to our ability to successfully attract and retain highly-qualified employees. (RFP Section E.2.6)

i. The Government will not allow for font and spacing exceptions for proposal addendums.

18. Since this is a set aside for Women Owned Small Business who may not have as much corporate experience, would the government consider waiving the requirement for at least 2 years completed on a contract before it can be discussed as part of the Experience? (RFP Section E.2.6)

a. The requirement for on-going contracts to have a minimum of two (2) years completed on the contract has been changed to “minimum of one (1) year completed on contract”. See RFP -

19. Attachment 4 uses the same labor Category for each position (Librarian III); Will the Government please clarify which Labor Categories are to be used for completing this worksheet? (Attachment 4 - Price Worksheet)

a. The labor categories in Attachment 4 - Price Worksheet have been revised to reflect all four labor categories. See Attachment 4 - Price Worksheet - R1.

20. The PWS specifies three levels of Librarian (I, II, and III); however, the Price Worksheet has only three rows of Librarian III. Would NOAA please clarify if the offeror is to price all rows in the Price Worksheet at the Librarian III category? (Attachment 4 - Price Worksheet)

a. The labor categories in Attachment 4 - Price Worksheet have been revised to reflect all four labor

21. The “Note” on the bottom of the Past Performance Questionnaire requires the reviewer to submit the completed questionnaire to the offeror, who is to submit it with their proposal. However, the instructions state the reviewer is to submit it directly to the Contract Specialist. Would NOAA please clarify instructions on how the Past Performance Questionnaire is to be submitted? (RFP Section E.2.6 and PPQ)

a. PPQs shall be submitted in accordance with RFP Section E.2.6.(b).3.d.iii. The PPQ has been revised.

22. Is the contract subject to the Service Contract Act? If so, would NOAA please provide the reference WDs for each location and position?

a. This contract is for professional services, and as such, the labor categories are deemed exempt from the

23. May we use single spacing in tables and graphics? (RFP Section E.2.6)

a. The requirement for proposals to be double-spaced in RFP Section E.2.6.(a).6.D. formatting and content instructions, has been revised to single-spaced. See RFP - 1305M321RNRMA0002 - Amendment 0001, Section E.2.6.(a).6.D.

24. May we use single spacing in the key personnel resume? (RFP Section E.2.6)

a. The requirement for proposals to be double-spaced in RFP Section E.2.6.(a).6.D. formatting and content

25. Should the contractor provide a Project Manager labor category and hourly rates in Attachment 1 – Price

Schedule? (Attachment 1 - Price Schedule)

a. No, the Government does not require a stand-alone PM on task orders and the PM is not considered a billable labor category.

26. To adequately provide the level of detail required to respond to the task requirements, would the Government allow for an additional 15 pages? (RFP Section E.2.6)

a. The requirement for proposals to be double-spaced in RFP Section E.2.6.(a).6.D. formatting and content

27. For Volume I Technical Proposal and Volume II Business/ Price Proposal, will the Government allow charts, tables, resumes, and graphs to be presented using single space and/or 10-point font? (RFP Section E.2.6)

a. The requirement for proposals to be double-spaced in RFP Section E.2.6.(a).6.D. formatting and content

28. Factor B: Experience states that the experience must be, “either on-going (with minimum of two (2) years completed on contract) or completed within the last three (3) years.” Given the small business nature of this contract, will the Government consider changing the experience criteria to “either on-going or completed within the last three (3) years, demonstrating the offeror’s experience and successful execution of contracts with a similar nature, scope, complexity, and difficulty to that proposed by this solicitation.” This still requires the Offeror to clearly demonstrate that the experience is relevant. (RFP Section E.2.6 and E.3)

a. The requirement for on-going contracts to have a minimum of two (2) years completed on the contract has been changed to “minimum of one (1) year completed on contract”. See RFP -

29. RFP Attachment 1 – Price Schedule shows four different labor categories. Attachment 4 – Price Worksheet shows only two labor categories but lists “Librarian III” three times. Please clarify if these two attachments should show the same four labor categories. (Attachment 4 - Price Worksheet)

a. The labor categories in Attachment 4 - Price Worksheet have been revised to reflect all four labor

30. When was this NOAA Library Staffing Services contract last awarded?

a. This requirement was last awarded in fiscal year 2016.

31. To whom was the prior NOAA Library Staffing Services contract last awarded?

a. Library Associates of Maryland, LLC

32. Is the current contractor invited to participate in this RFP?

a. Any vendor who meets the requirements established in the RFP is eligible to participate in this RFP.

33. What are the primary Work Performance areas the current contractor is performing well?

34. What are the primary Work Performance areas the current contractor can improve on?

35. What type(s) of discounts have been offered in the past for this contract?

36. Can NOAA share the proposal submitted by the last awarded Offeror for the NOAA Library Staffing Services contract?

a. No, proposals submitted in response to a solicitation are considered Source Selection Information and the Government is not at liberty to disclose this information.

37. What benefits does the current NOAA Library Staffing Services provider offer its contractors (i.e., health and welfare benefits, 401K, paid vacation, etc.)?

a. This information is unknown to the Government, but even if known, the Government would not be at liberty to disclose.

38. Does NOAA require the awarded Offeror to provide benefits beyond compensation to the contractors? If yes, what does NOAA require?

a. NOAA does not require offerors to provide any benefits other than those required by law.

39. What is the “ceiling price” for the current contracted personnel?

a. NOAA Central Library in Silver Spring, Maryland

i. Librarian III

ii. Librarian II

iii. Paraprofessional

b. Betty Petersen Memorial Library, College Park, Maryland,

i. Librarian III (with a background in meteorology, climatology, remote sensing)

c. National Centers for Environmental Information Library, Asheville, North Carolina

i. Librarian II (with a background in meteorology, climatology, and scientific writing)

d. National Centers for Environmental Information Archives, Asheville, North Carolina

i. Librarian II (with a background in archival maintenance)

e. The Government is not at liberty to disclose this information.

40. Can contractors be the Offeror’s W-2 employees or 1099 contractors?

a. The Government does not determine the relationship between the offerors and their respective employees.

41. Should client references send past performance questionnaires to NOAA or offeror? RFP 3 Volume I, 3. d. ii.

states “Past performance questionnaires received directly from the offeror will not be considered.” Attachment #5 Library Staffing Services states: The offeror will submit the completed questionnaire to NOAA with their proposal. (RFP Section E.2.6 and PPQ)

a. PPQs shall be submitted in accordance with RFP Section E.2.6.(b).3.d.iii. The PPQ has been revised.