Amd 0002 Q and A Document.pdf

Solicitation 1305M324Q0240 Questions NOAA Responses 1 Who is the current incumbent contractor performing this work? Coastal Fishery Concepts 2 How has the incumbent's performance been evaluated over the course of the contract? Are there any specific areas where they have excelled or underperformed?

NOAA is not able to publicly release this information. Past performance evaluations are conducted in accordance with FAR Subpart 42.15.

3 Are there any specific considerations or challenges anticipated in transitioning from the incumbent to a new contractor?

None identified.

4 Are there any lessons learned or best practices from the incumbent's performance that potential offerors should consider?

NOAA is not able to publicly release this information. Past performance evaluations are conducted in accordance with FAR Subpart 42.15.

5 Is the incumbent contractor allowed to bid on this solicitation, and if so, are they retaining any key personnel that might affect the new contract?

There is no restriction against the incumbent competing for this solicitation. NOAA cannot advise on key personnel retention.

6 Is subcontracting the scientific aspects of the SOW permitted under this contract?

Yes, provided the applicable limitations on subcontracting are adhered to; reference FAR Deviation 52.219-14 Limitations on Subcontracting (OCT 2022) (DEVIATION SEPT 2021) contained in the RFQ.

7 What level of oversight will the prime contractor be expected to maintain over the subcontractors?

The prime contractor is ultimately responsible for performance. The level of delegation between the prime and its subcontractors is at the prime contractor's discretion, provided performance meets Government requirements.

8 Are specific qualifications or certifications required for subcontractors performing scientific tasks?

Any applicable specific qualifications are detailed in the PWS.

9 Must subcontractors be identified and approved before contract award, or can they be proposed post-award?

The solicitation has been amended to provide additional information for contractors proposing as part of a contractor teaming arragement.

10 Are there any limits or restrictions on the percentage of work that can be subcontracted?

Yes, reference FAR Deviation 52.219-14 Limitations on Subcontracting (OCT 2022) (DEVIATION SEPT 2021) contained in the RFQ.

11 How will the performance of subcontractors be evaluated and factored into the overall performance assessment of the prime contractor?

The solicitation has been amended to provide additional information for contractors proposing as part of a contractor teaming arragement. WIth respect to post-award performance, the Government will provide a past performance evaluation for the prime only with no distinction between the prime and subcontractor in terms of performance.

12 What specific documentation and reporting requirements are there for subcontractors that are not identified in the SOW?

There are no additional reporting requriements regarding subcontracting beyond those prescribed by the PWS and/or the applicable clauses contained in the task order.

13 Based on historical travel, can the government estimate the level of travel for the next contract?

We expect there will be a minimum of 2 trips per month and in times of increased fishing effort or right whale seasons, trips sometimes could potentially be as frequent as 4 per month depending on how a trip is structured and what areas are included in a single trip

14 Are the required monthly dockside visits at different ports within the Southeast or is this focus on North Carolina?

The majority of outreach is in North Carolina and now Virginia, however, multiple trips per year are conducted to all other SE ATL-side states especially during right whale season and any other unforseen needs (i.e., SC, GA, FL)

15 Are data forms used to gather the information described from the fishing community in sections 1.1, 2.1.2, 2.1.3? Can the government provide a copy of the data form or describe in greater detail the information to be collected under these sections?

No data forms are used; SERO is open to format but in general is looking for informaiton relevant to TRTs and bycatch such as information on fisheries' effort and potential shifts, fishery operations, fishery operation changes, environmental changes or new regulations impacting fisheries, and gear characteristics.

16 Can the Government identify the number of fishery-related by-catch events requiring the assistance described in 2.1.4 for each of the last five years?

This number is highly variable. In some cases this year, we had 4-5 incidents within a two week period and other times we had no bycatch over a few months.

17 How does the Government currently receive the recommendations and written communications described in 2.1.5, 2.1.6, 2.2.2? e.g. database, shared spreadsheet, email, monthly reports

Monthly reports via email as well as real-time emails following each outreach visit.

18 Can the government provide copies of the written summaries described in sections 2.2.2 and 2.2.3?

Outreach material is available on TRTs websites, however the scope of the subject requirements involves taking the TRT regulations and breaking them down for fishermen in an understandable and digestable manner.

19 How many potential violations described in section 2.3.5 have been reported by the liaison each of the last five years?

NOAA is not able to publicly release this information.

Solicitation 1305M324Q0240 Questions NOAA Responses 20 During the last contract, can the government define how much travel was invoiced?

Monthly invoices varied with travel but the yearly amount was not to exceed $15,000 a year.

21 Can the government provide a copy of last year’s annual report described in 3.2?

NOAA is not able to publicly release this information.