B08_SOL_Amendment_1_Attachment_A_Final_08252023_0001.pdf

No. Reference RFQ Section Section Page No. Question Answer

1 1 General Information 1.1.2, 1.1.3 1 of 28 PWS Sections 1.1.2 and 1.1.3 discuss only IBC FMD and many of the LCs mention only FMD. Is the government anticipating that task orders will just be issued to support FMD projects?

The IBC FMD PMO provides Project Management as a service to FMD, other organizations within DOI, as well as other Federal customers outside of DOI. The potential exists for task orders to be issued that may encompass any of these customer options.

4 – SOLICITATION

PROVISIONS 4.1 GENERAL

4.1, 1.1.1 36 of 80

4.1 GENERAL states: This requirement is being issued by the Department of the Interior (DOI)/Interior Business Center, Acquisition Services Directorate (AQD) on behalf of the Human Resource Directorate (HRD) but HRD is not mentioned elsewhere in the PWS.

Will PMO support potentially be needed for HRD?

This has been corrected to state "… on behalf of the Financial Management Directorate (FMD)…", not HRD.

4.0. Contractor Personnel

Labor Categories and Required Experience

4.1 - 4.15 13-23 of 28 Can the government provide details about systems and/or solutions that these task orders would support, for example SAP, Oracle, etc.

FMD has historically implemented Oracle Federal Financial solutions for its federal customer base; however, respondants SHOULD NOT CONSIDER THIS THE ONLY SYSTEM PLATFORM that future FMD PMO projects would need to support.

4 – SOLICITATION

PROVISIONS

4.1 36 of 80 In the restricted pool, given the set-aside preference, if an ISBEE is rated the same as a non-ISBEE, will the ISBEE be slected regardless?

Please refer to Section 4.3. F. "....and 2 – 4 to small businesses solely for the Level 3 requirement with a preference given to a qualified ISBEE."

5 1. General Informaiton 2.3, 2.3.1 3 of 28 and 38 of 80 Would the government reconsider making the CMMI requirement to CMMI level 3 vs Level 5 for Unrestricted bidders as an exception?

The government will accept responses from CMMI Level 3, at a minimum, and above for Unrestricted bidders. The RFP has been updated accordingly.

4 – SOLICITATION

PROVISIONS

SECTION 4 – SOLICITATION

PROVISIONS, 4.1 GENERAL

This question relates to ISBEE Preferences. We would like to understand if the preference given to Indian Small Business Economic Enterprises (ISBEE) is given to ISBEE SB subcontractors.

The solicitation does not provide for a preference for ISBEE subcontractors.

However, contrcators should be aware of the Small Business Participation Proposal goals.

FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Dec 2022)

Paragraph a - Affiliates 59 We would like to validate the government will accept a CMMI Level II or above certification from an affiliate as long as we identify the affiliates name and how the affiliate would use this certification in the normal course of business for the offeror. CMMI and ISO certifications must be active and maintained by the Prime Offeror.

Addendum to FAR 52.212- 1 Instruction to Offerors- Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Mar 2023)

Paragraph G.3 41

Are resumes required or desired for Phase I? In section xx, it says resumes are not listed in the proposal directions?

Submisson of resumes with the Phase I proposal is not required but is available for those so inclined.

Addendum to FAR 52.212- 1 Instruction to Offerors- Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Mar 2023)

Paragraph G.2 40

Will the government re-categorize the CMMI levels required, based on the outlined in the following: https://dodcio.defense.gov/CMMC/Model/ See response to question 5 above.

52.212-2 Evaluation—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021)

Paragraph G.2 40 Regarding the Small-Business Set-Aside portion of the RFP: I noticed that CMMI and ISO certifications are not part of the Small Business Phase I Evaluation criteria, but they are listed as Level 3 requirements. Is there a requirement for small businesses to hold this certification for Level 3 tasks?

Yes, pursuant to the requirement identified in the solicitation's Attachment A, Peformance Work Statement, Section 2.5.1, p. 8. Please also refer to Section 4.3. G.

for additional infomation for certification infomation.

Attachment A, Performance Work Statement

Section 5.2 25 Regarding the Small-Business Set-Aside portion of the RFP: There is a requirement to provide individuals who may be required to hold SECRET clearance. Is there a requirement to hold current Facility Clearance Level at the time of proposal?

There is no requirement for current Facility Clearances at the time of proposal;

however, future requirements may dictate this requirement otherwise. Offerors should respond with reasonable assurance that a Facility Clearance is obtainable.

12 N/A N/A N/A Can an ISBEE be a subcontractor on both the restricted and unrestricted pool? Yes.

13 N/A N/A N/A Can we use IDIQ's as past performance if they are relevant in nature without having a task awarded on it?

Demonstrating relevant performance is different than merely being awarded a contract where no performance has occurred.

Attachment A Amendment 1 to RFQ 140D0423R0006

Answers to Solicitation Questions

14 N/A N/A N/A We are interested in RFP 140D0423R0006 and were curious if we can use general IDIQ past performance? More specifically referencing the IDIQ as opposed to a specific task order?

Demonstrating relevant expereince is different than merely being awarded a contract where no performance or experience may have occurred.

15 Section 4 4 37-42

Section 4 of the Solicitation indicates a due date for the Phase I Proposal on September 1, 2023, questions on September 15, 2023, and the Phase II Submission on September 29, 2023. Would the government consider an alternate timeline?

There are no changes to the due dates at this time.

16 Setion 4 4 37-42

Section 4 of the Solicitation indicates staggered due dates for Phase 1 and Phase 2 proposals. Can the Government please clarify how much time will be provided between Phase 1 downselect notifications and Phase 2 proposal submission due date? On the small business track, can the Government provide at least three weeks between downselect and Phase 2 deadline, given the length and level of detail requested in the Phase 2 response? There are no changes to the due dates at this time.

17 2.6.20 2.6.20 34 Can the government confirm that Program Manager and Program Coordinator referred to in this section are the same role?

These are not considered the same position. The Program Coordinator is envisined to be the Offerors main point of contact with the Government and may or may not a have direct performance role under he contract, dending on the Offorer's management plan.

18 Section 4 4 94-105

Section 4.0 indicates that most intermediate roles require ten (10) years of experience or equivalent education and experience as well as a PMP or other advanced certification. Can the government provide clarification on whether reconsideration will be made for intermediate roles to have 5-6 years of experience and a relevant degree?

The requirement will remain unchanged in order to provide the best possible candidate support to the government; however, this does not prevent a submission and will be evaluated in Phase 2 and/or subsequent Task Order award(s).

19 Section 5.1 RFP Section 5.1.1 105

Section 5.1.1 indicates that the primary performance location for assigned contractors is the government's facility located in Herndon, VA. Can the government confirm whether all members of the contractor team will be required to provide fully on-site support, or if on-site support is based on the request of specific FMD clients?

Requirements for on-site support, either at the government's Herndon, VA facility, or FMD the client's site is to be assessed by a project-to-project basis.

20 Section 5 RFP Section 5.2 106

Section 5.2 indicates that the contractor shall maintain the ability to supply cleared resources up to the SECRET level, based on the government's requirement(s). Are there particular subsections of the work to be performed that will be required to hold clearances up to the SECRET level? If so, what percentage of the work or personnel categories are expected to require clearances up to this level?

Clearance requirements will be dictated on a project-by-project basis, based on the needs and requirements of a client that the FMD PMO enters into an agreement with.

Phase 1 Proposal Instructions, 2

G. Phase 1 Proposal Instructions, 2. Subfactor 1 and Evaluation Factor (1) Phase I Evaluations

Can the Government please confirm that Offerors submitting a proposal under the Small Business Set-Aside Portion of this opportunity will need to have both an active CMMI and ISO certification? If required, can the Government please clarify if the Prime contractor must hold these certifications, or if another member of the team or Prime offeror’s corporate affiliate/sister company can provide proof of their active certifications? CMMI and ISO certifications must be be active and maintained by the Prime Offeror.

A, Performance Work Statement, Section 2.5

Attachment A, Performance Work Statement, Section 2.5.1 General

Attachment A, Performance Work Statement, Section 2.5.1 General states that “Tasks for this level do not require the same demands as Level 1 or Level 2 since the focus in generally upon a single system or small project focused requirements. Therefore, the task functions described below will be applied as necessary depending on the needs of the organization requiring the services. Personnel and staffing needs will be moderate in comparison to the other task levels. Contractors performing Level 3 tasks are required to have and maintain CMMI Level II or higher AND ISO 9001 certifications throughout performance of the contract.” Could the Government please explain why CMMI is necessary for a contractor to perform the scope of work described in Attachment A?

CMMI credentialing provides a qualifiable level of quality support and project risk management.

23 N/A N/A N/A Please confirm if a small business may bid on Level 3 as a Prime and also as a sub on another team.

Yes. Please refer to section 4.3. G. Separate and distict propsoals must be received, if proposing on the restricted and unrestricted portions.

24 N/A N/A N/A Please clarify if a cover letter is required for Phase I submittals. Yes, it is required.

25 PWS PWS 2

Will DOI IBC FMD consider changing the Level 2 CMMI requirement to CMMI Level 3 instead of CMMI Level 4? See response to question 5 above.

52.212-2 Evaluation—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021)

Paragraph a.3.vii 54

May organization experience be submitted by the prime and sub(s) on a team?

The solicitation does not prohibit Offerors from providingorganizational experience for their team.

52.212-2 Evaluation—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021)

Paragraph a.3.vii 54 Can you please clarify if past performance write-ups are part of the Phase II proposal response. The section states that past performance contract information is not required, but does not specifically state write-ups are not required. Please clarify.

No past performance write-ups are required. "The Government will use past performance information contained in the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) for evaluation."

Addendum to FAR 52.212- 1 Instruction to Offerors- Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Mar 2023)

Paragaraph G, Number 2, sub-bullet 2, Subfactor 3- Management Plan

40 Please clarify if the noted "organizational lead" is the same as the "Program Coordinator" which is a key personnel position and totally charged as an indirect cost to the contract. If different, can you please clarify the titles/positions? Yes, that is correct.

Addendum to FAR 52.212- 1 Instruction to Offerors- Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Mar 2023)

Para “G. Phase-I Proposal Instructions”

40-41

Para “G. Phase-I Proposal Instructions” – say the page limits for Response of Phase-I is TEN pages exclusive resumes. On the other hand, Phase-II Proposal Instructions also gives page limits as 50 pages (for Unrestricted portion), 30 pages (for Small Business portion) excluding resumes. Need clarification on whether resumes are required with Phase-I submission? or, Phase-II response?

Resumes are not required in the submission of the Phase 1 response, but may be included; and, will not count against the page limitation.

30 Section 2 Paragraph 2.6.20 34

Page 34 para (f) lists only ONE title to be identified as Key Personnel – i.e. Program Coordinator. That means, Resume (whether required with Phase-2 response or Phase-1 response) required is only for ONE Labor position of Program Coordinator. Is this correct?

Resumes are required for personnel listed in Section 2.6.20. Offerors may designate more personnel than required in the RFP.

Addendum to FAR 52.212- 1 Instruction to Offerors- Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Mar 2023)

Paragraph G.2 40

The final sentence of the narrative for Phase I Proposal instructions states, “In addition, each Offeror must clearly identify the effective date of their Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) and International Standardization Organization (ISO) 9001 certifications and each certification’s expiration date. If either of the certifications has not been received, provide the expected date when it will be obtained.” Further under the evaluation criteria, Phase I Evaluation (Unrestricted Portion) states “In addition, the status of the CMMI and ISO certifications will be evaluated. Offerors who do not possess an active certification for both CMMI and ISO, or do not expect to receive approval of either certification by November 30, 2023, will not be eligible for award” and for Phase I Evaluation (Small Business Set Aside Portion) the narrative does not mention evaluation for CMMI or ISO Certification. However, in the PWS Requirement

2.5 Level 3 Tasks, it states “Contractor performing Level 3 tasks are required to have and maintain CMMI Level II or higher and ISO 9001 certifications throughout performance of the contract. NOTE: The Government will verify that an offeror’s CMMI certification is current at time of award. If it is learned that the offeror does not have a valid CMMI certification at the time of award, no award will be made to that offeror.”

Please clarify if small business/ISBEE offerors must prove they hold an ISO and CMMI certification by time of award (estimated 30 November 2023) as part of the evaluation criteria for this effort.

Yes, the certifications must be active and the Offeror must also demonstrate the required certifications by time of award.

32 II, paragraph (c) 5, Volume 1, Techncial Proposal, Part II, paragraph (c)

Section 5. Volume 1: Technical Proposal, Part II Staffing Plan, paragraph (c) asks for commitment letters for potential key personnel. Will the Government identify which LCATS are considered Key Personnel?

Though the Program Coordinator is the only position listed as a Key Personnel, offerors are permitted to propose other important, committed personnel who will consistently be working on the requirement as additional key personnel.

33 II, paragraph (e) Section 5, Volume 1 Part II, paragraph (e)

Section 5. Volume 1: Technical Proposal, Part II Staffing Plan, paragraph (e) states “Identification of the Program Coordinator and their qualifications that will serve as the point of contact for the contract and be designated as a Key Personnel for the contract”.

Is the Program Coordinator the only Key Personnel position, and is this the same role as a Project Manager? The Program Coordinator is not the same position as the Program Manager.

Addendum to FAR 52.212- 1 Instruction to Offerors- Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Mar 2023)

Paragraph G.2 40

In our review and analysis of the RFP we noticed that for Level 3 submission you are requiring companies to have both the CMMI level 2 and ISO 9001. We feel this is an overly restrictive requirement since these two certifications are geared to achieve a similar result. Also, to get certified and to maintain both certifications are costly to a small business and will severely limit the competition pool for a negligible increase in contractor capability. We would like to recommend amending the language for Level 3 submission to require either a Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) Level or an International Standardization Organization (ISO) 9001 certification, rather than both, as this will allow for a wider range of qualified candidates for this opportunity. There is no change to CMMI level required for Level 3 tasks.

35 N/A N/A N/A

In reference to the DOI PMO Support Services Solicitation (RFP # 140D0423R0006), if an awarded company on the set-aside portion of the contract outgrows NAICS 541611 during the life of the contract, will the awarded company still be able to compete on the vehicle in the set-aside portion or will it be excluded from future bids and required to off-ramp?

They will continue to be able to perform thoughout the life of the contract, under the set-aside portion.

36 N/A N/A N/A I am inquiring to learn what process there might be with you or others at DOI to obtain confirmation that we qualify as an ISBEE and are qualified to propose on ISBEE Set Aside procurements. Can you help us learn how to receive ISBEE status confirmation?

The definition of an ISBEE is a business activity that is 51% owned by a federally recognized Indian Tribe or owned by one or more Indians enrolled in a federally recognized Tribe. – See Department of Interior Acquisition Regulation (DIAR)

1480.201. Also, an ISBEE is an Indian owned firm that is also considered a small business. – See DIAR 1480.201.

Addendum to FAR 52.212- 1 Instruction to Offerors- Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Mar 2023)

Paragaraph G.4 41

Within the RFP document, on page 41 of 80, as part of the mandatory information regarding the submitting company the Government has requested the NAICS 481111 applicable to our firms contract. The 481111 NAICS Code is for Scheduled Passenger Air Transportation, can the government please clarify if this is a clerical error as the opportunity is posted on SAM.gov as a 541611 opportunity? Yes, this is in error and should be 541611.

Attachment A, Performance Work Statement

PWS 2.5 Level 3 Tasks; 2.5.1 General

With both the CMMI and ISO certifications utilized to achieve the same result, requiring both is overly restrictive because to acquire and maintain both certifications is costly to a small business and will severely limit the competition pool for a negligible increase in contractor capability. Would the government amend the language for Level 3 submission to require either a Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) Level or an International Standardization Organization (ISO) 9001 certification, rather than both, as this will allow for a wider range of qualified candidates for this opportunity? There is no change to the CMMI level required for Level 3 tasks.

52.212-2 Evaluation—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021)

52.212-2 Evaluation—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021)

The verbiage regarding the evaluation of the status of CMMI and ISO certifications only appears under the Unrestricted portion of the Phase I Evaluation Criteria; can the government confirm that CMMI and ISO status will not be evaluated during Phase I for those submitting under the Small Business Set-Aside Portion? This status will be reviewed during Phase 1.

52.212-2 Evaluation—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021)

52.212-2 Evaluation—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021)

48 The deadline of November 30, 2023 for the acquisition of the necessary certifications is only stated under the Unrestricted Portion Evaluation Criteria; can the government confirm that this is the deadline for the Small Business Set-Aside Portion as well?

The deadline is the same for both the Unrestricted Portion Evaluation Criteria and the Small Business Set-Aside Portion.

41 ACQUISITION

F. ACQUISITION

METHODOLOGY

Can the government give an estimated timeframe for when the advisory notification will be provided? The intent is to provide the Phase 1 notifications the Offerors by September 8, 2023.

Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021) (a)(vii) Past

52.212-2 Evaluation—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021) (a)(vii) Past Performance

54 Would the government consider providing a past performance questionnaire for offerors to utilize for contracts that do not have a CPARS, i.e. subcontracts, commercial, etc., to ensure fair evaluation of past performance?

Past Performance questionnaires will not be provided. Please refer to the solicitation for the evaluation of Past Performance evalaution criterion.

Addendum to FAR 52.212- 1 Instruction to Offerors- Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Mar 2023)

Paragraph G 41

The SF 1499 states that the NAICS code is 541611. Section G.4 provides NAICS 481111.

Can the government confirm the NAICS code? The correct identification should be 541611.

44 Section 2 Section 2.6.20 34

Section 2.6.20 states that the Key Position, as identified by the Government, include the Program Manager. Section F of that same section states that the Program Coordinator is considered to be the key contractor personnel. Is the Program Manager the same position as the Program Coordinator? If not, can you provide further clarification of the two positions? The Program Coordinator is not the same position as the Program Manager.

Addendum to FAR 52.212- 1 Instruction to Offerors- Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Mar 2023)

Paragraph G.2 40 Is the Organizational Lead, mentioned in Section 6.2- Subfactor 3, the same position as the Program Coordinator that will be an indirect cost to the contract? Yes.

Addendum to FAR 52.212- 1 Instruction to Offerors- Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Mar 2023)

Section G.3 – Resumes 41

Are resumes required in Phase 1?

Submisson of resumes with the Phase I proposal is not required but is available for those so inclined. Resumes submitted with the Phase 1 responses will not be counted against the page limitations.

47 N/A N/A N/A Is the Government expecting offerors to provide the SF 1449, along with other contractual documents, like the Representations and Certification, in Phase 1?

Yes, the SF 1449 will be required with the submission of Phase II proposals, Representations and Certifications, and any amendments to the RFP.

Addendum to FAR 52.212- 1 Instruction to Offerors- Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Mar 2023) Section G.3

41 If you could you please offer clarification regarding the mandatory resumes with a specified page limit for Phase I? This additional information will help ensure a precise and compliant response.

Submisson of resumes with the Phase I proposal is not required but is available for those so inclined.

Addendum to FAR 52.212- 1 Instruction to Offerors- Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Mar 2023)

Section F

39 How many awards are set aside for small business that is non -ISBEE. 2 - 4 awards with a preference for an ISBEEs

Addendum to FAR 52.212- 1 Instruction to Offerors- Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Mar 2023) Section G.3 41

Is the ten-page limit for the Phase I response inclusive of Subfactor 1 – Technical Approach, Subfactor 3 – Management Plan, and Subfactor 4 - Organization Experience? Yes, that is correct.

Addendum to FAR 52.212- 1 Instruction to Offerors- Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Mar 2023) Section G.5 41 Is it possible to request a one-week extension for the Phase I submission deadline? No extension is being granted at this time.

Addendum to FAR 52.212- 1 Instruction to Offerors- Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Mar 2023) Section H.4.II 40 & 43

Phase I calls for proposed staff for the Organizational Lead and other positions as listed in Section 4.0 of the PWS; however, the only identified Key Personnel is the Program Coordinator, as identified in the Phase II proposal instructions. Can the government clarify the Key Personnel requirements for this proposal? The Organizational Lead and Program Coordinator are the same positions.

Addendum to FAR 52.212- 1 Instruction to Offerors- Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Mar 2023) Section G.2 40

Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instruction to Offerors-Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Mar 2023)

The intent of the statement regarding availability is to understand the status of the personnel envisioned for these positions and what their availability will be during contract/task order performance.

54 N/A N/A N/A Can the government describe the types of projects supported by FMD's Project Management Office?

Current and historical projects range from pre-acquisition support, IT transformation, system (hardware or software) implementation(s), contract(s) management, system requirements and/or testing management, business analytics and consulting, program and project staff augmentation, and other.

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