Questions_and_Answers_0001.docx

140A1623R0003 Program Management & Industrial Engineering Consulting Services (PMIECS) Questions and Answers

Note: Many duplicate questions have been removed. If there is a perceived discrepancy in any of the answers provided, please notify the Contracting Officer immediately for clarification.

Can the government provide a summary of the existing and/or planned software technologies that could be supported under this contract?

Any software requirements will be detailed at the task order level.

What applications and systems are currently used by this program?

There are a wide variety of apps/systems in use, and any requirements referencing such apps/systems will be detailed at the task order level.

Will the industrial engineering consulting scope require on-site support for tasks like property inspections, surveying, and construction designs?

It must be assumed that on-site support will be needed as a part of any task order issued.

Will this be a single award IDIQ?

The government anticipates awarding multiple IDIQs and competing requirements at the task order level.

Page 6, Section A.3 states that the IDIQ contract will consist of a 5-year base with no options. However, there appears to be conflicting instructions in other sections of the document. Page 37, FAR CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY FULL TEXT includes FAR clause 52.217-8 Option to Extend Services (Nov 1999). Can the Government clarify if the contract period will be extended?

FAR Clause 52.217-8 allows the government to unilaterally extend the period of performance for up to a total of six additional months (if necessary) using labor rates from the fifth year of the IDIQ.

There are many (approximately 38) references to past performance included in the solicitation. Page 71-72, L.1 Addendum to FAR 52.212-1, 1. Solicitation Response Instructions and Conditions, Volume I – Technical and Past Performance (Non-Price), a. Technical Information, b. Factor 4 – Past Performance Information, provides detailed instructions for proposers to demonstrate appropriate past performance. However, only Prime experience is to be provided. This question has two parts: (1) Would the government consider sub past performance when the proposer demonstrates that the referenced performance was provided by its staff and is substantively and compellingly applicable to the solicitation. (2) If the government does not consider sub past performance sufficient, would the government provide additional clarity to the statement “If the offeror has no relevant past performance experience in which they acted as the prime Contractor, the offeror must submit a statement stating this and the offeror will be given a neutral rating for past performance.” Per FAR 15.101-1 Tradeoff process, as the solicitation has referenced, the combined score of all technical factors significantly outweighs Factor 5 – IDIQ Pricing. Will the neutral rating of Factor 4 – Past Performance Information negatively impact the proposal score in any way?

Past performance references of proposed subcontractors are allowable ONLY IF the reference being provided was performed by the sub as a prime contractor. A neutral rating, if assigned, does not negatively impact the overall value of a proposal against the RFP criteria; however, in a tradeoff evaluation scenario where offerors are essentially equal on all other non-price factors and are close in price, a company with relevant past performance would be better positioned to receive an award than a firm without any relevant past performance.

Pg 21, Section H.6: Security Requirements - What is involved in a DOI background check?

This will be covered at time of award with the identified IDIQ awardees.

What forms are involved in the background check?

The SF-85P package is what would be required, but additional details would be provided at time of award with the identified IDIQ awardees.

Will the government reciprocate a DoD investigation?

DOI performs background investigations/suitability determinations separate from other agencies.

Federal Information Systems Security Awareness – Can the government provide guidance on how to gain access to that training platform?

This would be done as part of contractor onboarding for any task orders issued against the resulting IDIQ(s).

Security Card – Assume this is a typical Government CAC suffice?

To be determined at the task order level, but generally a PIV card is required for on-site performance.

Pg 70, Section L.1, Paragraph 1: Solicitation Response Instructions and Conditions. The direction for Reps and Certs to “use SAM.GOV” – can we assume that doesn’t require a completed Section K, but instead either a SAM.GOV printout or statement of compliance with SAM.GOV, which one?

If your Reps and Certs are up to date in SAM.gov, nothing further is needed (you do not need to submit a printout nor statement of compliance).

Will the govt allow past performance references for relevant work as a subcontractor?

No. Past performance will only be evaluated/considered for work companies did as prime contractors, where privity of contract was present. Offerors may include past performance references of proposed subs AS LONG AS that work was done by the proposed subcontractor AS A PRIME CONTRACTOR.

Following the formal posting of question answers and/or solicitation amendment, will the government please consider extending solicitation due date by 14 days.

The due date has been extended to 3/23/2023.

SOL: PG 6 A.2 SET ASIDE States: This Requirement Is 100% Set Aside For Indian Owned Small Business Economic Enterprises. Q: Are Alaskan Native Corporations (ANCs) allowed to bid?

This is an ISBEE set-aside and all prime offerors must comply with this requirement. See definitions in DIAR 1452.280-2.

SOL: PG 8 B.1 STATEMENT OF WORK States: See SOW for full details of this requirement for Program Management and Industrial Engineering Consulting Services. Q: Will the government please elaborate on the Industrial Engineering requirements within the scope of services?

At a high level, the industrial engineering requirements may include, but not be limited to: tests, assessments, studies, oversight of various projects, program guidance and consulting expertise in a variety of fields. Such fields may include, but are certainly not limited to; construction, paralegal, systems and/or data analysis, and monitoring and/or evaluation.

SOL: PG 8 B.2 PRICING SCHEDULE States: offerors shall provide full burdened, fixed price labor rates for each of the labor categories (in the pools being proposed) listed in attachment 2 IDIQ pricing schedule. Q: Will the Government define what is meant by Pools and provide additional instructions regarding how to bid on a particular pool?

The reference to multiple pools was an error and the RFP has been revised accordingly. All awardees will be eligible to be propose/bid on any task order requests released under these IDIQs.

SOL: PG 21 H.6 Security Requirements States: All Contractor personnel will be required to successfully pass a minimum background investigation for any requirement performed under the IDIQs and all Contractor personnel shall comply with Federal laws, regulations, standards, regarding information and information system security. All security requirements and clauses included in the IDIQs will also be applicable and flow down to any TOs awarded under the IDIQs. Security clearance consists of the DOI background check, taking the Federal Information Systems Security Awareness Training (FISSA) training and obtaining a security card. Q: Will Contractor staff need to have completed the required Security clearance including the "DOI background check, taking the Federal Information Systems Security Awareness Training (FISSA) training and obtaining a security card" prior to starting work? Approximately how long does it typically take to complete these requirements and receive the clearance?

Yes. For planning purposes, it can take up to 3 months to process Moderate Risk Public Trust (MRPT) certifications (note these are NOT considered security clearances).

SOL: PG 70 L.1 INSTRUCTIONS States: proposals submitted in response to solicitation number 140A1622R0052 must be formatted in accordance w/ directions. But the solicitation number listed on page 1 SF33 is: 140A162R0003 Q: Would the Government please confirm the correct solicitation number?

The correct solicitation number is 140A1623R0003 and the reference has been corrected in the RFP.

SOL: PG 73 Past Performance States: the maximum number of past performance records shall be 6. Q: is there a minimum number of past performance records required?

There must be a minimum of two (2) records submitted in response to the RFP. The RFP has been amended to reflect this.

SOL: PG 73 Past Performance States: The offeror shall identify relevant past performance in which the offeror has acted as the Prime Contractor on, or is currently acting as the prime on. Q: Would the government consider accepting past performance examples in which the offeror performed as the sub as long as the work being stated is similar in scope and magnitude and recent?

No.

Attachment 2 IDIQ Pricing Schedule Q: Would the government please clarify that vendors providing ceiling rates based upon the Washington, DC Area will cover all potential work across the United States, including high cost of living areas such as HI and CA?

The rates negotiated as part of this requirement are intended to cover any within-scope work regardless of geographic region.

Attachment 2 IDIQ Pricing Schedule Q: Column Headings on the Pricing Sheet: Would the government also clarify that 2d Year would be 2024-2025, the 3d Year would 2025-2026, 4th Year would be 2026-2027, and the 5th Year would be 2027-2028? The headings on the sheet all show the same time period (years).

That is correct. Attachment 2 has been corrected.

Attachment 1 SOW PG 2 Section 1.1 Purpose/Objective States: The Indian Affairs (IA), Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) is leading the effort for the Department of the Interior (DOI) to acquire program management and specialized consulting services by a Contractor(s) who can support a variety of high-end personnel skills in the fields of program management (PM), management analytics, and industrial engineering consulting Q: How are industrial engineering consulting services defined? Please provide a definition or scope of potential tasks.

At a high level, industrial engineering as currently scoped into this program pertains to the optimization of complex processes, systems, or organizations by developing, improving and implementing integrated systems of people, money, knowledge, information and equipment. When combined with program management functions, the aim of the PMIECS program is the provision of highly skilled subject matter experts (consultants) to oversee and advise on a variety of topics/skillsets.

Attachment 1 SOW PG 2 Section 1.2 Background States: The changing needs of our partnerships and customers in Indian Country will increase the number of projects and amount of coordination needed between AS-IA and its three bureaus, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Indian Education, and the Bureau of Trust Funds Administration. Q: Would the government please confirm that other organizations such as Indian Health Service (part of the Department of Health and Human Services rather than Interior) will be able to use this vehicle?

That is correct. This is a department-wide vehicle that may also be utilized by all of DOI and IHS.

Attachment 1 SOW PG 2 Section 1.3.1 Program and Project Management Support States: The Contractor shall provide advice, recommendations, drafting and document support to multiple offices in all areas and requirements for all bureaus/offices under DOI. Q: Would the government identify the approximate size of the project portfolio that could be included under this effort (e.g., approximate number of projects)?

The approximate number of projects is unknown at this time, thus the IDIQ nature of the requirement. Task orders will define specific project scope, which may include a continuation of existing services and/or newly identified needs/support.

PWS Section Labor Category Descriptions, Page 1-4 Does the government expect that Level IV SME and Consultant positions will be full time on site? Or part-time employees used on a limited basis for strategy sessions?

This will all be based on requirements detailed at the task order level, but both scenarios mentioned should be anticipated.

Labor Category Descriptions, Page 1-4 Will the government clarify if companies should price based on the highest level of experience requested for each LCAT? For instance, companies would submit Fully Burdened Rates (FBR) for Level I with 2 years of experience, Level II with 4 years, Level III with 6 years, and Level IV with 10 years. (This would give the government comparable rates between companies across the LCATs.)

Attachment 3 has been revised.

Labor Category Descriptions, Page 1-4 Will the government consider limiting the experience range of each position to a three-year range for each position without overlap? This would allow industry to provide more precise pricing that can be compared for competitiveness. For instance, Level I with 2-4 years, Level II with 4-6 years, Level III with 6-8 years, Level IV with 8-10 years.

Attachment 3 has been revised.

SOW, Page 2 Is the OCFO leading this effort? Or will companies be coordinating with The Office of the Assistant Secretary for IA?

OCFO is the sponsoring office; however, task orders will be available for all offices/bureaus within DOI, as well as IHS.

SOW, Page 2 Will the OCFO be utilizing the vendor’s employees across the Department of Interior?

This is a department-wide vehicle available to all DOI offices, as well as IHS.

RFP, Page 6, A.4 How many IDIQ awards does the government intend to make?

We anticipate awarding approximately seven to ten IDIQs, depending on the ultimate findings when performing tradeoff procedures.

RFP, Factor 4, Pg. 73 Does the government wish for companies to include a summary page prior to the 1-page Past Performance examples that encompasses relevant work within the last 3 years?

No.

Section A.2 Set-Aside (page 6 of file Sol_140A1623R0003). Would the government consider changing the NAICs code for this opportunity from 541990, “All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services” to 541611, “Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services”? We believe 541611 more closely aligns with this solicitation and the accompanying Statement of Work as it directly relates to professional support, program management support, business administrative support, program evaluation, acquisition, and policy services. NAICS 541990 specifically excludes any management, scientific, and technical consulting services which are requirements within the Statement of Work.

The NAICS will remain unchanged.

Section A.2 Set-Aside (page 6 of file Sol_140A1623R0003). Would the government consider removing the size standard but keep the opportunity as a 100% set aside for Indian-owned Small Business Economic Enterprises.

The size standard will remain unchanged.

Statement of Work, Page 3, Section 1.3.1, 6th bullet. Does the tool need to be developed or can the contractor choose to use a Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) tool?

There is flexibility on this topic, and additional detail will be provided at the task order level should any tools be required as a part of the proposed solution/approach.

Statement of Work, Page 3, Section 1.3.1, 10th bullet. Is the communication system only limited to MS Teams, SharePoint, and/or Tableau? Is there something already being utilized?

These are the currently available options within DOI, but additional communications options may be required (and therefore identified) at the task order level.

Statement of Work, Page 4, Section 1.3.1, 3rd bullet. Can the government please clarify this task, “Business integration analysts in the development of software designs, computer programming, system testing or training curricula”. There does not seem to be a specific requirement written into this bullet.

This is a potential high level task description that could be accomplished via issuance of a discrete task order. The requirements would be further detailed at the task order level, should such expertise be required.

Statement of Work, Page 4, Section 1.3.4, 3rd bullet. Can this be clarified? What is meant by the “functionality of the office”? What types of tools are required? IT tools? Labor?

To be further detailed at the task order level. The SOW provides high level scope which will provide the basis for more detailed, within-scope work to be clarified at the task order level, if necessary.

Statement of Work, Page 4, Section 1.3.4, 7th bullet. Can the Government please provide clarity on the type of information systems and users the contractor will need to design training programs for?

Training programs could include, but certainly not be limited to; capacity building for a variety of mission-critical and/or specific functions, process improvement, knowledge transfer, and train the trainer. However, this information will all be detailed at the task order level.

Sol_140A1623R0003 Section L – Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors or Respondents; L.2 Addendum to FAR 52.212-1; 1. Solicitation Response Instructions and Conditions; 1.3 Non-Cost/Price Factors; b. Factor 4 – Past Performance Information Pg. 80 “The offeror shall identify relevant past performance in which the offeror has acted as the Prime Contractor on, or is currently acting as the prime on” Would the government allow the utilization of team member past performance in its evaluation where the team member is considered a major sub-contractor?

Only if the referenced past performance of the proposed sub was accomplished as a prime contractor.

Sol_140A1623R0003; B08_Solicitation_Attachment_1_SOW Section L – Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors or Respondents; L.2 Addendum to FAR 52.212-1; 1. Solicitation Response Instructions and Conditions Can the government increase the Factor 1 Technical Capabilities page limitation from 15 to 25 pages to allow space to adequately address the specialties as laid out under Scope in the SOW?

The page limit for the Factor 1 response has been increased to 20 pages.

Solicitation Section A Page 6 Paragraph A.2 Set Aside "Prime offerors must also meet the limitation on subcontracting requirements as stated in FAR 52.219-14 and Department of the Interior Acquisition Regulation (DIAR) 1452.208-3." Does the government mean to reference DIAR 1452.280-3 Indian Economic Enterprise Subcontracting limitations? We were unable to locate DIAR 1452.208-3 DIAR 1452.208-3 was a typo and should say 1452.280-3. This has been corrected. DIAR 1452.280-3 is listed by reference in the RFP and can be found online according to FAR Clause FAR 52.252-2 in the RFP.

Attachment 3 Labor Category Descriptions Page 4 Program Analyst Description Is there additional requirements for this position? It looks as though it may have been cut off mid-requirement.

The PD has been revised.

Solicitation N/A Indian Hiring Preference Does DIAR 1452.226-70 - INDIAN PREFERENCE—DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR (APR 1984) Indian Hiring preference requirement applicable to this solicitation?

It is not included in the RFP.

Solicitation Page 21 Paragraph H.6 Security Requirements H.6 - will the contractor or government be responsible for initiating the minimum background investigation for personnel?

The contractor. Any government security investigations required will be initiated by the government working with the contractor.

Page 3 of the SOW in Section 1.3.1 mentions the development of a one-stop tool that tracks projects through the life of the project and is easily reportable and readable to senior management. Is this required to be a developed tool, or can existing COTS solutions be recommended as well? Please clarify.

Either. This will be further defined at the task order level, should a need be more specifically articulated.

Page 4 of the SOW in Section 1.3.2 mentions developing and deploying a project tracking and reporting capability for education, facility and maintenance, IT and other goals to be tracked, analyzed and presented in real-time to leadership for decision making. Is this required to be a developed tool, or can existing COTS solutions be recommended as well? Please clarify.

Either. This will be further defined at the task order level, should a need be more specifically articulated.

Referencing Section H.4 on page 19 of the Solicitation: Does the government anticipate the IDIQ Program Manager position to be a remote position, or will on-site work be required for this position? Please clarify.

Off-site, primarily; but may be required to go on government sites for meetings and other meetings/events required under task orders.

Referencing page 5 of the Solicitation for the Section explaining Block 15: We ask that the Government please provide a list of potential work locations (Which states, all 50 states?). Please specify.

The place of performance will be defined at the task order level but could be any geographical location in the continental United States, and/or Alaska and Hawaii.

Attachment 1 SOW, Section 1.3.3, page 4 Attachment 3 Labor Category Descriptions, Subject Matter Expert, page 3 The Subject Matter Expert (SME) is a recognized authority across multiple areas of expertise. Provides expert advice or assistance, evaluation of subject, project, reviews, analyses, training, and interpretation of subject matter that reflects detailed, expert knowledge. Perform budgeting documentation, resource assessment, and financial reporting. Supports preparation of reports, budgets, project schedules, and all other diverse needs for the different DOI Bureaus. • Performs complex evaluations of existing procedures, processes, techniques, and/or systems related to office management problems or contractual issues, which would require a report and recommend solutions. • Strategically plan for immediate - 3 year and 5-year strategies on fiscal planning and fiscal discipline on a continuous basis and outside of the budget cycle. • Ability to make project decisions that are evidence/data-based and provide a single voice regarding the projects and their linkage to strategic goals and objectives. Report to leadership of outcomes and decision-making recommendations. SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT: Description: The Subject Matter Expert has industry experience in the relevant subject matter. This individual will use information technology expertise and/or industry focus expertise in fulfilling the interpreted customer specification. The Subject Matter Expert is highly experienced in the industry with regard to information technology. The Subject Matter Expert provides thought leadership related to current and future customer plans regarding the stated information technology The functional duties description for Subject Matter Expertise suggests that the individuals placed in this role should have a heavy understanding of financial management, cost estimating, and budgeting, whereas the job description suggests that the SMEs are to have expertise with Information Technology (IT). Can the Government review the two descriptions and provide additional clarity for the subject matter expert (SME) role in this IDIQ?

The PD has been revised to remove references to Information Technology expertise.

Attachment 1 SOW, Section 1.3.5 Program Analysis Support, page 5 Attachment 3 Labor Category Descriptions, Program Analyst, page 4 Analyzes and critiques programs and systems or develops new programs. Compose, in a clear and concise language, procedure manuals and related technical publications (bulletins, articles, display materials, marketing) concerned with new programs. • Standardized approaches and evaluations of all projects with the ability to gather resources • Review user’s requests for new or modified programs to determine feasibility, cost and time required, compatibility with current system, and capabilities • Outline steps required to develop programs, using structured analysis and design • Plan, develop, test, and document programs, applying knowledge of techniques PROGRAM ANALYST: Description: The Program Analyst analyzes and critiques computer programs and systems, or develops new programs. The Program Analyst may • Review user’s requests for new or modified computer programs to determine feasibility, cost and time required, compatibility with current system, and computer capabilities • Outline steps required to develop programs, using structured analysis and design • Plan, develop, test, and document computer programs, applying knowledge of programming techniques and computer syst The descriptions for Program Analysts functional tasks and job description are closely similar but appears to be incomplete. Can the Government review the two descriptions and revise for additional clarity of the Program Analysts role?

Attachment 3 has been revised to provide additional clarity.

Are any of the labor categories covered by the Service Contract Act?

No. As the work identified in the SOW consists of specialized professional services, the SCA is not anticipated to apply for any task orders issued under any resulting IDIQ.

Where should offerors include the SF33 and any subsequent SF 30 Amendments within the proposal submission?

They are to be included immediately after the list of acronyms, and are not counted against the overall page count.

Paragraphs B.3 and H.2 describe “pools” and B.3 states “The Contractor shall provide pricing for each pool being proposed”. Does this imply that offerors may propose for a subset of the required labor categories, or is this an all or none requirement?

The RFP has been revised to remove reference to “pools”. All labor categories must be proposed to be considered responsive.

Please clarify the Representations & Certifications submission requirement. There are contradictions within the submission instructions as follows: a. Section K begins on page 43 of the solicitation includes additional certifications that are outside of FAR 52.212-3. Should offerors complete these certifications and provide them with our proposal? b. FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Dec 2022) begins on page 49 and continues through page 69. At the top of page 49 the text is highlighted in green and instructs offerors to “complete only paragraph (b) of this provision if the Offeror has completed the annual representations and certification electronically in the System for Award Management (SAM).” Are offerors required to complete paragraph (b) and submit pages 49 through 69 with our proposal submission? c. Paragraph L.1 (page 49) instructs offerors to “Use SAM.gov” to respond to the Representations and Certifications requirement. Should offerors print the Representations and Certifications from SAM.gov and submit them with our proposal?

The instructions are self-explanatory. If the offeror’s SAM representations and certifications are up-to-date then only paragraph (b) of the clause need be checked. Paragraph (b) can be included at the beginning of the proposal and doesn’t count against the total page count.

Are offerors required to complete and submit DIAR 1452.280-4 Indian Economic Enterprise Representation (FEB 2021) with their proposal?

Yes. The provision was unintentionally left out of the RFP, but has been incorporated via the Amendment 001.

RFP Page 19, H.4 Key Personnel. For the required/proposed IDIQ Program Manager, it is assumed they’re required to be at the Program Manager IV level for pricing purposes. Please confirm this is the correct assumption.

The proposed IDIQ PM should be at the Program Manager IV level. The IDIQ PM is an unbillable position.

RFP Page 49 and 70. Page 49 states for contractors to complete either Para (b) or Para (c) through (v) depending on their situation; page 70 Section L.1.1 states to “Use SAM.GOV” under Page Limitation. For any elements requiring completion, we assume they should be included following the “Acknowledgements Page” in Volume 1 and that they are excluded from Volume 1 page count. Please confirm the preferred location and the page count exclusion is correct.

Correct.

RFP Page 71, Page Set-up. For figures, charts, tables, and graphs, are contractors permitted to use alternate fonts so long as they are 10-pt or higher and legible?

Confirmed. RFP updated.

RFP Page 71, Page count restriction for Factor 4 – Past Performance. Given the Government’s intent to leverage outside sources (e.g., CPARS, PPIPRS) to evaluate our past performance, we request allowance for a 1-page introduction to contractor’s Past Performance section to showcase our overall past performance and introduce the (up to) six past performance references. Will the Government allow for a one (1)-page introduction to the Factor 4 response?

It is not required.

RFP Page 77, Factor 4 – Past Performance. States that assigned ratings will either be “favorable, unfavorable, or neutral.” Will the Government provide adjectival ratings for Factor 4 as was included for Factors 1-3?

The adjectival ratings for past performance are separate and distinct from those adjectival ratings under Factors 1-3.

SOW, Page 1 and 2. SOW States “…Industrial Engineering Consulting Services…” as part of the title and as part of the Purpose/Objective. SOW 1.3.4 (Consulting Support) is the only other place Industrial Engineering Consulting services are mentioned. We assume all SOW 1.3.4 services are specific to Industrial Design needs. Please confirm this is correct the correct assumption.

Primarily, yes; however, the requirements related to any of the above referenced services will be more fully articulated at the task order level.

RFP Page 73, Factor 4 – Past Performance. Will the Government allow the proposed Key Personnel Program Manager's experience and expertise to demonstrate past performance and technical capability?

If the referenced past performance was performed as a prime contractor, yes. If not, no.

SOL Page 73, L.1 – 1. Instructions, Volume 1 – 1.3.b Factor 4 - Past Performance Information. Will the Government allow past performance from teaming partners so long as the partners past performance was performed as a prime contractor?

Yes.

SOL Page 78, L1-Addendum to FAR 52.212.-1. Would the Government permit offerors to incorporate an Executive Summary in the response?

Yes. It will not count towards the page limits.

Page 76 Section M, Factor 3 – Staffing Plan. The solicitation states, “The Staffing Plan will be evaluated for thoroughness and completeness, including the listing of all appropriate capabilities, experience, education, training, certifications, clearances, roles, skill sets, Key Personnel (see Section H), resume for the IDIQ Program Manager, and any relevant risk considerations.” There are 32 labor categories listed in Attachment 3. Given that LCATs will be employed on future TOs and no staffing requirements exist at the IDIQ level besides the IDIQ PM, how can the Government evaluate staffing plans at the IDIQ level? What is the Gov’t looking for in a response? Example staff members who may or may not be bid on TOs?

The staffing plan shall describe how the offeror will attract, recruit, retain and replace personnel assigned under this effort. Factor 3 has been updated to clarify this.

Page 74 Section L Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors or Respondents, Proposal Submission Details. The solicitation states, “As stated in FAR 52.212-1(f)(2)(i)(A), if the proposal is emailed, then the proposal must be received at the initial point of entry to the Government Infrastructure not later than 5:00pm (local time) one working day prior to the date specified for receipt of offers.” The proposal is stated as due via email by March 15 at 1700 ED. Can the Government please confirm whether proposals are due March 14 at 1700 ED to accommodate FAR 52.212-1(f)(2)(i)(A), or if the due date is March 15?

The due date has been revised to 3/23/2023 1700 ED. The above referenced section is to make sure the proposal is submitted so that it is received no later than 3/23/2023 1700 ED.

Page 6 Section A.3 Contract Type. Will Task Orders be both FP and T&M or only FP?

To be defined at the task order level.

Attch. 1, Page 4 Attachment 1: SOW, Section 1.3.3 Subject Matter Expertise Attch. 3, Page 3 Attachment 3: Labor Category Descriptions. Attachment 3 states of the Subject Matter Expert, “This individual will use information technology expertise and/or industry focus expertise in fulfilling the interpreted customer specification. The Subject Matter Expert is highly experienced in the industry with regard to information technology. The Attachment 1 description of the Subject Matter Expertise does not mention information technology and describes different disciplines, such as “a recognized authority across multiple areas of expertise;” “office management problems or contractual issues. Please explain whether the subject matter experts are required to have IT knowledge or is Attachment 1 the correct description?

Attachment 1 is correct, though limited knowledge of Information Technology processes and systems may be required at the task order level.

Page 75 Section M: Evaluation Factors for Award, FAR 52.212-2(b) Options. In Section A.3 of the solicitation it states, “The IDIQ contracts will consist of five years with no options.” Subsequently, in Section M: Evaluation Factors for Award, it includes FAR 52.212-2(b) which states the evaluation methodology for options. Can Gov’t confirm evaluation of options are not applicable to this solicitation?

Confirmed.

1.3.b Non-Cost/Price Factors 73 Can the Government confirm if past performance from an affiliate/ sister company can be used?

Yes. For ANCs or similarly situated companies this is allowable.

1.3.b Non-Cost/Price Factors 73 Can the Government confirm if past performance from a member of our Joint Venture can be used?

Yes, as a member of a joint venture would be considered a prime offeror; however, it must be past performance executed as a prime offeror.

1.3.b Non-Cost/Price Factors 73 Can the Government please extend the past performance relevancy from 3 year to 5 years?

The relevance of a past performance reference, as commonly used in federal acquisitions, is 3 years. Therefore, it will remain unchanged in the RFP.

Paragraph B.5 (Page 9) provides contradictory direction on the applicability of G&A to travel costs: (Paragraph 1) Travel may be included on individual TOs as a direct reimbursable with a not-to-exceed (NTE) amount. General and Administrative (G&A) costs are allowed for travel. Contractor shall provide supporting documents for all travel costs with submitted invoices. (Paragraph 2) Individual TOs will identify the specific place(s) of performance. If travel is required to a location that is over fifty (50) miles one-way from the individual TO place of performance and the individual TO includes funding for travel; then, allowable direct reimbursable travel charges may be invoiced in accordance with the current Federal Travel Regulations. Fee, profit, or general and administrative fee will not be allowable on travel expenses. G&A is a common travel cost burden in accordance with Government-approved and audited financial systems. Please confirm that G&A burden will be allowed on travel costs if required by the contractor’s approved accounting system.

Confirmed.

Section L.1 (1) (page 71) Page Set up. May we use font size larger than 12 point for section headings in our proposal?

Yes.

Section L.1 Proposal Submission Details. Page 74. The inclusion of FAR 52.212-1(f)(2)(i)(A) suggests that proposals must be received at the initial point of entry to the Government Infrastructure not later than 5:00pm (local time) one working day prior to the date specified for receipt of offers. However, that FAR paragraph is referring to circumstances when a proposal was received after the exact time specified for the receipt of offers and under what conditions the government could still accept a late proposal. Could you please confirm that proposals received by March 15, 2023, 5:00 PM Eastern Time will be considered on time and accepted by the Government?

Confirmed.

Given the Business Support Services IDIQ Pool 2 solicitation 140A1623R0004 and PMIECS 140A1623R0003 are similar, is the same company eligible to win work for both?

Yes.

Does work on Business Support Services IDIQ Pool 2 solicitation 140A1623R0004 cause an OCI for PMIECS solicitation 140A1623R0003?

Not automatically, but this issue will be addressed at the task order level should potential OCIs be realized/caused.

Page 21. H.6 Security Requirements. Which Indian Affairs (IA) Clearance will be required? Assumption: A SF-85P, Moderate Risk Public Trust, will be required.

SF-85P is the standard, however task order requirements will dictate the level of security needed.

Are there any contracts within the IA or IHS that will transition to this IDIQ?

While there may be contracts that ultimately transition/continue on under the PMIECS umbrella, this is treated as a new requirement with no predecessor work.

Sol_140A1623R0003 71 L.1 Can the Government please clarify if section headers can exceed the required 12 pt font size or use a font other than Times New Roman?

That is confirmed, as long as its 12pt or larger.

Sol_140A1623R0003 13 E.4 Can the Government confirm who the CO and CA will be for this contract?

The Contracting Officer for the resulting contract(s) is anticipated to be Jeffrey Pearson. The Contract Specialist is anticipated to be Lesly Hill. RFP updated.

Sol_140A1623R0003 71 L.1 Can the One-inch margins be indented in order to emphasize various portions of the text, for example, section headers or portions with numbers and/or bullets?

Yes.

B08_Solicitation_Attachment_1_Statement of Work (SOW) 6 3. Orientation Briefing The SOW states that within five working days of the IDIQ award, the Contractor shall conduct an orientation briefing for the Government of which includes introduction of key personnel (KP) with various objectives to be accomplished during this briefing. Is it the intent of the Government for the attendee(s) participating in this briefing to be limited to the key personnel of IDIQ Program Manager or other material contractor back-office support personnel that will be associated with this contract can likewise be in attendance? Furthermore, can the Government please clarify if this orientation briefing can be conducted virtually through Zoom or Microsoft Teams?

The kickoff/orientation should include the IDIQ program manager, contracts manager, senior leader(s) of the company and any other contractor stakeholders that would be expected to add value to a kickoff and to resulting performance. Confirmed that we anticipate any kickoff to be handled electronically using Zoom for Government, Teams or another communication method.

SOW 3 1.3.1 Program and Project Management Support Section 1.3.1, fifth bullet, refers to the research of existing Government-wide resources. Can the Government please define the existing Government-wide resources that the contractor is required to research?

This will be further defined at the task order level.

SOW 4 1.3.4 Consulting Support Section 1.3.4, first paragraph and the corresponding nine bullets that follow within the section refer to contractor performing systems development to implement business solutions and provide detailed reports for all bureau/offices on different work categories and requirements. Can the Government please provide what type of systems development is required to be performed by contractors? Additionally, can the Government please provide additional details such as a specific software program that is to be used by contractors for this requirement? Furthermore, per the ninth bullet on page 5 refers to the design and management of databases. Can the Government please clarify if this is separate from the systems development that is referred to within this section? If this is a separate requirement, can the Government please provide additional details such as a specific software program that is to be used by contractors for this requirement?

The applicable section of the SOW has been revised to remove references that could be construed as an Information Technology-specific requirement.

SOW 5 1.3.7 Training Support Section 1.3.7 details the Training Support personnel will provide individual training, group instruction, lectures, demonstrations, conferences, meetings, or workshops. Can the Government please clarify that these trainings can be conducted virtually via Zoom or Microsoft Teams?

Training requirements will be further detailed at the task order level.

Sol_140A1623R0003 72 L.1 – Volume I, 1.2 Can the Government please clarify if multiple Points of Contacts (POCs) are allowed to be represented for various roles such as a Technical POC, authorized POC, etc.?

Yes, that is allowable.

Sol_140A1623R0003 22 H.9 (b) Mandatory Requirement for Contractor Return of All DOI-Owned and Leased Computing and Information Storage Equipment Can the Government please provide the process of the contractor return of DOI-Owned and Leased Computing and Information Storage Equipment? Will the Government clarify if this is something that is required on all TO’s or if it is an optional requirement the Government may utilize as needed? Additionally, can the Government please provide an example of a third-party firm that would be approved by DOI and furnish the written certification that is required by the Government?

The process will be provided at time of award to identified IDIQ awardees. If H.9 Sol_140A1623R0003 18 H.1 Off-Ramping The Government provides example conditions with specific performance criteria that may lead to IDIQ contractors to be removed. Can the Government please clarify if contractors will be notified in writing when one instance of the three (3) example conditions has not been met? Or will the Government not provide any written notice to contractor per instance as corresponds to the example conditions?

There will be a notification provided to the contractor if an off-ramping process is being considered.

SOW 5 2. Staffing Requirements This section refers to labor categories and descriptions that cover different job duties, responsibilities, and salary requirements. Can the Government please clarify the words “and salary requirements” as it appears this information is not provided within the solicitation documents?

This has been revised to remove the reference.

B08_Solicitation_Attachment_3_Labor_Category_Descriptions_BIA_PMC 1-4 The Consultant description on page 3 contains Levels 1-4 with a definition and example as to the personnel’s necessary competency level within this labor category to include the corresponding hierarchy of supervision of such personnel. However, the remaining labor categories of Program Manager, Project Manager, Business Analyst, Subject Matter Expert, Program Analyst, Technical Writer, and Training Specialist do not contain the same definition and example as the Consultant. Can the Government please provide the definition and example for the remaining seven (7) labor categories as referenced above?

Attachment 3 has been revised.

B08_Solicitation_Attachment_3_Labor_Category_ Descriptions_BIA_PMC 1-4 The eight (8) labor categories contain a section that references Experience/Education/Pay. The years of experience between the Levels I-IV of the labor category have overlapping years within the tiered levels for the years of experience. Can the Government please clarify which tiered level would a candidate be placed in as currently written could fulfill more than a single level due to the equivalency combined of the education and years of experience? Additionally, can the Government please clarify the word “Pay” and or provide additional details as it appears this information is not provided within the document?

Attachment 3 has been revised.

Sol_140A1623R0003 19 H.4 Key Personnel Will the Government please clarify if the contractor’s key personnel of the IDIQ Program Manager is billable and contractor will have the ability to invoice and be paid?

This would not be a directly billed position. IDIQ PMs are typically accounted/billed for as overhead under any issued task orders (indirectly).

Solicitation Package - 140A1623R0003 8, 30, and 31 B.3 Labor Rates Section I Contract Clauses _X_ (2) 52.222-42 Clauses that identify whether service contract act (SCA) is applicable are not indicated other than 52.222-42 is checked. Questions/Clarifications: A) Is SCA applicable to this contract? Note: Inquiring for concerns that the Technical Writers could potentially fall within SCA Occ. Codes: 30461, 30462, and 30463, thereby, Wage Determination (WD) 2015-4281, Rev 25 will also need to be considered for pricing intentions.

SCA does not apply to PMIECS and any references to it have been removed/revised.

B) Is the Customer willing to provide the applicable labor categories and rates based upon X_52.222-42?

N/A. See response to Q96 above.

RFP Page 30, I.1, does the Government consider any positions as being covered by the Service Contract Labor Standards? If so, please provide the applicable wage determination, and include FAR clauses 52.222-41 Service Contract Labor Standards and 52.222-43 Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards-Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts) to allow contractors to submit price adjustments for changes in the minimum Wage Determination wages and/or mandated Health and Welfare amounts.

N/A. See response to Q96 above.

Page 70, L.1.1, states to use SAM.GOV for FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items as part of the Volume 1 response requirements. Please clarify if offerors are expected to include a PDF of our SAM registration that includes this clause, or if offerors should acknowledge that our SAM registration is current and accurate?

The latter.

Page 73, 1.3.b, please confirm that parent and affiliate company past performance can be counted towards the offeror’s prime past performance for Alaska Native Corporations?

Confirmed, specifically for Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs).