140G0125R0006_RFP_Q_A_7-2-25_0001.pdf

Question # RFP Reference Government RFP Text Question / Suggested Change Answer

1 L.10 Subfactor A.2 and J.3

The list of STOs in Section L.A.2 is inconsistent with Section J.3 and the Bidders Library documents.

For example:

L.10.A-2.1 Sample Task Order 1 – Satellite Data Processing Representative Task, whereas the SOO is about Landsat Ground Operations.

For L.10.A-2.2 Sample Task Order 2 - Data and Information Support Representative Task refers to the current TSSC V DMID Task Order, whereas the SOO is about Enterprise IT.

For L.10.A-2.4 Sample Task Order 4 – Satellite Ground Operations Representative Task, whereas the SOO is about ECCOE.

Please confirm that the Sample Task Orders requiring responses are: Sample TO 1 Landsat Ground Operations (LGO) , Sample TO 2 EROS Data Center and Systems (DCS) Branch Enterprise Information Technology (EIT), Sample TO 3 Land Satellites Data System (LSDS) Science Research & Development (LSRD), Sample TO 4 Land Satellites Data System (LSDS) EROS CALVAL Center of Excellence (ECCOE), and Sample TO 5 Landsat Next.

At this time, the government does not anticipate releasing updated SOOs.

The SOOs in the reading room are current/valid. However, the following names used in the solicitation document can be changed for consistency:

For STO 1, change the name in the TSSC Reading Room and corresponding spots within the solicitation, to LANDSAT Ground Operations (LGO) Representative Task.

For STO 4, “” to EROS Cal/Val Center of Excellence (ECCOE) Cal/Val activities Representative Task.

Reference Q&A 5 for STO 2 language clarification.

2 L.9 Factor A and Bidders Library J.3.5 STO5 SOO

The table specifying page limit for each STO in L.9. Factor A is inconsistent with J.3.5 Sample TO 5:

LANDSAT Next STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES (SOO) Section II.

L.9 states 20 pages limit whereas the last bullet in the STO SOO states 10 pages.

For all STOs, would the government limit the responses to 20 pages excluding supporting files with supporting files being BOE/Cost/Staffing in Excel, Schedule in MS Project. Responses limited to 20 pages for all STOs to include supporting files.

3 J.3 and L.10

Question: There appear to be inconsistencies between the RFP Section L.10 and the files in the Reading Library.

The Reading Library documents appear to be from the Draft RFP. Will the Government update the Reading Library files to align with the RFP released 6/3/25? Yes. Updated. Reference Q&A #s 1 and 5.

4 Factor A, pg 70/91 Tansition In TO, state 8 pages, however in B08, at the end of the TO, it states 12 pages. Please clarify. 12 page limit.

5 L.10 pg 75

Thank you for confirming that the STO material in the reading room is correct. We would only point out for consistency that the description in L.10 (Page 75) for STO 2 still references DMID in the paragraph under the title which we believe is incorrect given that STO 2 deals with EIT (language below):

Current RFP Language: The response to this task order is expected to demonstrate the offeror’s ability to operate the Data Management and Information Delivery (DMID) systems efficiently and effectively.

Responses should consider how data collections, key performance metrics and supporting systems will be managed and maintained.

To resolve the language inconsistency within Section L.10 and the STO2 SOO, we recommend updating the language in that paragraph. We have provided suggested language (taken from DRFP):

Suggested RFP Language: The response to this Task Order is to convey requirements for support of the Data Center and Systems (DCS) Branch Enterprise Information Technology (EIT) section at the USGS EROS Center.

Government concurs with the suggested language for clarity purposes.

RFP to be amended.

6 General Could you confirm the name of the incumbent contractor(s) currently supporting this contract, and whether any historical award documentation is available?

Contract PIID 140G0121D0001.

Publicly available information can be found on FPDS.gov under the PIID.

7 Attachment H

Attachment H requires offerors to describe how much work will go to small businesses.

Can you clarify whether there is a recommended or required percentage we should aim for?

Also, will the level of small business participation have an impact on how proposals are evaluated or scored?

Reference section L.11 (E.2) for percentages.

Reference Section M for how proposals will be evaluated.

8 - General - Where should the contractor propose a "Program Management Office" for daily execution of the contract?

As of now, no specific requirement for PMO task order.

Gov anticipates management to be included in the task orders as proposed.

Reference Factor B. Management Plan, is listed in Volume I.

9 - General - Will there be a Task Order for Program Management for the Period of Performance of the contract?

As of now, no specific requirement for PMO task order.

Gov anticipates management to be included in the task orders as proposed.

If/when the government determines we have a requirement for a task order for Program Management, the appropriate ordering procedures will be followed.

10 Page 3 - B - Para. B.1 Total Contract Not to Exceed (NTE) $350,000.00 Should the Total Contract not to Exceed be $350,000,000 not $350,000? Yes. This is a typo.

11 Page 5 - C - Para. C.3.1 Backround

The table below identifies historical labor trends for the Technical Support Services Contract (TSSC) workforces per Contract Year (CY). The information is based on several basic labor classifications and the historical Level of Effort (LOE) for each of the last four (4) contract years.

The chart at the top of page 5 indicates it is the Level of Effort for the last 4 years, however the new contract ceiling has increased to $350,000,000 indicating an increase in workload.

Will the government provide an estimate of the number of hours represented by the increase in total contract value or provide an explanation for the increased ceiling?

Increased ceiling is based on inflation over the past 5 years and potential for additional inflation.

12 Page 5 - C - Para. C.3.1 Backround

The table below identifies historical labor trends for the Technical Support Services Contract (TSSC) workforces per Contract Year (CY). The information is based on several basic labor classifications and the historical Level of Effort (LOE) for each of the last four (4) contract years.

The chart at the top of page 5 indicates it is based on several basic labor categories. This is very general in nature and does not provide enough fidelity to provide accurate pricing. Additionally, it provides the incumbent an unfair advantage in responding to the requirements in the solicitation.

Will the government provide a more detailed list of labor categories, classification and labor hours? At this time, no additional list of labor categories will be provided.

13 Page 5 - C - Para. C2.2 Overview

Data Center Operations as a Key Mission Facility supporting Core Science Systems mission responsibilities, and mission functions within USGS in support of data center consolidation efforts. Will the government please define what "data center consolidation efforts" entail?

C.2.1 Background, identifies the following language for your consideration:

EROS can serve as a Core Data Center by the Department of the Interior (DOI) and USGS and contribute as part of the Federal Data Center Consolidation Initiative (FDCCI). As such, EROS can host IT systems from other Federal government organizations.

14 - H.20 GS 1435 Ordering -

The Contracting Officer may, prior to issuing a task order, request the contractor to review a proposed task or project description and provide an estimate of the labor and material costs required to perform the work along with an estimate of the amount of time required to complete the work. After Contract Award, what is the USGS process for awarding Task Orders? Reference section H.20 GS1435 for ordering procedures.

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15 - H.20 GS 1435 Ordering -

The Contracting Officer may, prior to issuing a task order, request the contractor to review a proposed task or project description and provide an estimate of the labor and material costs required to perform the work along with an estimate of the amount of time required to complete the work. Will the USGS issue "RFPs" for individual Task Orders? Reference section H.20 GS1435 for ordering procedures.

16 - H.20 GS 1435 Ordering -

The Contracting Officer may, prior to issuing a task order, request the contractor to review a proposed task or project description and provide an estimate of the labor and material costs required to perform the work along with an estimate of the amount of time required to complete the work.

How many calendar days will the contractor be given to develop a Task Order response to a Task Order request?

This will be determined on a per order basis, as it depends on the complexity of the task order.

17 - H.20 GS 1435 Ordering -

The Contracting Officer may, prior to issuing a task order, request the contractor to review a proposed task or project description and provide an estimate of the labor and material costs required to perform the work along with an estimate of the amount of time required to complete the work.

How many calendar days after submittal of a Task Order proposal does the Government anticipate it will take to award the Task Order?

This will be determined on a per order basis, as it depends on the complexity of the task order.

18 76 of 91 - L - A-2.7: Section 508 Standards The instructions include an area for Section 508 standards. However this section is not mentioned in the outline within the tables on page 70 of 91. Was the inclusion of the 508 standards requirements intentional?

L.10 Subfactor A.2.7 removed. Reference C.4 for high-level 508 requirements.

Additional 508 requirements to be addressed at task order level as applicable.

19 76 of 91 - L - A-2.7: Section 508 Standards If the inclusion of a Section 508 standards requirement was intentional, then what are the constraints regarding page count for this section?

L.10 Subfactor A.2.7 removed. Reference C.4 for high-level 508 requirements.

Additional 508 requirements to be addressed at task order level as applicable.

20 Page 78 - L - Factor C: Past Performance In addition to the information requested above, offerors (prime and subcontractors) are to provide past performance information.

The section of the instructions (Factor C) begins with "in addition to the information requested above".

Neither of the sections in Factor A or B request or require Past Performance Information.

Will the government please clarify what they are referring to when they say "In addition to the information requested above"? That language has been removed.

76 and 81 of 91 - L - Factor C: Past Performance Information

Factor F: Corporate Experience What is the Government's intended difference between the information to be provided in Factor C for Past Performance, and the information to be submitted in Factor F for corporate experience?

Past performance is a measure of the degree to which an offeror satisfied its customers in the past. Experience is the degree to which an offeror has performed similar work and an assessment of offeror’s familiarity with the complexities of the work requirements

22 Page 71 - L - Factor C: Past Performance Table 5 pages for each contract cited.

5-page limit for each PPQ but no limit on the number of PPQ.

The table on page 71 states 5 pages per contract cited, but does not specify the minimum or maximum number of Past Performance references.

Will the government confirm that there is no limit to the number of Past Performance references a contractor can submit? RFP to be amended to reflect a limit of 5 Past Performance references.

23 71 and 76 of 91 - L - Factor C: Past Performance Information

The instructions to Past Performance under Section C are unclear. The table which outlines the document structure cites a 5 page count for each Past Performance Citation and a 5 page limit for each PPQ.

Is the Government expecting a five page writeup for each cited contract in this section in addition to CPARS or PPQ Information?

No, a 5-page write up is not required. CPARS or PPQ will suffice. PPQ shall not exceed 5 pages.

24 Page 71 - L - Factor C: Past Performance Table 5 pages for each contract cited.

5-page limit for each PPQ but no limit on the number of PPQ.

If the Government is asking for 5 page writeups of each Past Performance, would you please allow up to 2 additional pages not tied to a specific Past Performance to discuss those collective past performances at a higher level, such as introductions or conclusions? N/A. 5-page writeup not required.

25 71 and 76 of 91 - L - Factor C: Past Performance Information Can the Government please provide a template to Contractors for the Past Performance Questionnaire? Reference Attachment F.

26 74 of 91 - L - Subfactor A-2: Task Orders The Offeror shall respond to the following representative EROS sample tasks. Details supporting documents are found at Section J.2.

The government refers to J2 in this statement, but J2 is the provisional list of attachments. Did the government intend to reference J3 which is the list of reading room files?

Yes, J.3 includes the reading room files (sample risks) and J.2 includes the transition-in task.

27 79 of 91 - L.11.14 - 14

Personnel availability chart (chart reflecting availability of personnel dedicated to the contract and percentage of work to be accomplished by prime and subcontractors by labor category)

Could the Government clarify what is required in the Personnel Availability Chart or provide an example of what is expected?

For example are you referring to Key Personnel? Is this by task order? Key personnel at contract level and staffing approach at task order level.

28 80 of 91 - L.11.18 - 18, 2nd sentence

If offeror's and significant subcontractor’s accounting system has been reviewed and approved by a Government auditor, provide the auditor's name and telephone number and date of most

Does Significant Subcontractor in this section mean the same as the definition of Significant Subcontractor in Section Factor F: Corporate Experience a) on page 81 of 91? This language will be removed.

29 79 of 91 - L.11.5 and L.11.5 - 5 and 6

5. Cost breakdown to include loaded and unloaded labor rates per labor category, indirect costs (G&A, overhead, fringe benefits, material handling, etc.), ODCs (material, equipment, supplies, travel, etc.), subcontracting, escalation factors and any fee(s). Include personnel availability chart and uncompensated overtime. The breakdown should be submitted in in Excel format. Each contract year (one through five) cost breakdown shall be delineated on a separate worksheet for each year in the Excel file.

6. Subcontractor proposals (if any) that comply with the instructions in #5 above. If a subcontractor does not wish to divulge proprietary cost information to the prime contractor, the subcontractor may submit their proposal to the prime in a sealed envelope marked “for Government use only”. The prime contractor can submit the sealed subcontractor(s) proposal with the prime’s submission.

Note: If a subcontractor is a large business and is also performing $750,000.00 or more of the total value of the proposed effort, the subcontractor must also submit a Small Business Subcontracting Plan to the Government for this effort.

Is the Cost Breakdown referred to in the RFP paragraphs listed to be a cost breakdown per proposed Labor Category?

That is, is the offeror to provide the build up of cost for individual labor categories without the application of labor hours? That is, a rate table for each of the five contract periods.

Language to be amended to better align with T&M requirements:

Breakdown to include loaded labor rates (direct labor hours at specified fixed hourly rates that include wages, overhead, general and administrative expenses, and profit) per labor category, material (equipment, supplies, travel, etc.), subcontracting, escalation factors. Include personnel availability chart. The breakdown should be submitted in in Excel format.

Each contract year (one through five) breakdown, to include any annual escalation, shall be delineated on a separate worksheet for each year in the Excel file.

30 79 of 91 - L.11.5 and L.11.5 - 5 and 6

Note: If a subcontractor is a large business and is also performing $750,000.00 or more of the total value of the proposed effort, the subcontractor must also submit a Small Business Subcontracting Plan to the Government for this effort.

Subcontractors would be submitting a subcontracting plan to the Prime upon award, and would be subject to the Small Business Subcontracting Plan of said Prime.

Why would a company subcontracting to the prime be required to submit a Small Business Subcontracting Plan to the Government?

Language removed. Refer to FAR clause 52.219-8 and 52.219-9 for flow down requirements

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31 79 of 91 - L.11.5 and L.11.5 - 5 and 6

5. Cost breakdown to include loaded and unloaded labor rates per labor category, indirect costs (G&A, overhead, fringe benefits, material handling, etc.), ODCs (material, equipment, supplies, travel, etc.), subcontracting, escalation factors and any fee(s). Include personnel availability chart and uncompensated overtime. The breakdown should be submitted in in Excel format. Each contract year (one through five) cost breakdown shall be delineated on a separate worksheet for each year in the Excel file.

6. Subcontractor proposals (if any) that comply with the instructions in #5 above. If a subcontractor does not wish to divulge proprietary cost information to the prime contractor, the subcontractor may submit their proposal to the prime in a sealed envelope marked “for Government use only”. The prime contractor can submit the sealed subcontractor(s) proposal with the prime’s submission.

Note: If a subcontractor is a large business and is also performing $750,000.00 or more of the total value of the proposed effort, the subcontractor must also submit a Small Business Subcontracting Plan to the Government for this effort.

Are the cost items listed in paragraph #5 required for all proposed labor Subcontractors or only a significant subcontractor? If it is for significant subcontractor what percent of TCV is considered a significant subcontractor? Reference answer to #29.

32 79 of 91 - L.11.5 and L.11.5 - 5 and 6

5. Cost breakdown to include loaded and unloaded labor rates per labor category, indirect costs (G&A, overhead, fringe benefits, material handling, etc.), ODCs (material, equipment, supplies, travel, etc.), subcontracting, escalation factors and any fee(s). Include personnel availability chart and uncompensated overtime. The breakdown should be submitted in in Excel format. Each contract year (one through five) cost breakdown shall be delineated on a separate worksheet for each year in the Excel file.

6. Subcontractor proposals (if any) that comply with the instructions in #5 above. If a subcontractor does not wish to divulge proprietary cost information to the prime contractor, the subcontractor may submit their proposal to the prime in a sealed envelope marked “for Government use only”. The prime contractor can submit the sealed subcontractor(s) proposal with the prime’s submission.

Note: If a subcontractor is a large business and is also performing $750,000.00 or more of the total value of the proposed effort, the subcontractor must also submit a Small Business Subcontracting Plan to the Government for this effort.

What does the Government mean by the phrase in #6 that says "Subcontractor proposals that comply with the instructions in #5 above?"

Significant subcontractor proposals that comply with requirements in #5 shall be submitted. Note: #5 language has been amended with reduced submission requirements.

33 Page 84 - M - Para: M.2

Offers (bids) will be evaluated on the basis of sample task orders. Offerors (bidders) are required to submit ceiling rates on each separately priced item and subline item listed in Section B, or to indicate that the item is "not separately priced" (NSP).

Will the government please clarify what they mean by "offers (bids) will be evaluated on the basis of sample task orders?" That statement implies that only the sample task orders will be evaluated for award.

Reference all of Section M for all evaluation factors and complete basis for award.

34 Page 84 - M - Para: M.2

Offerors (bidders) are required to submit ceiling rates on each separately priced item and subline item listed in Section B, or to indicate that the item is "not separately priced" (NSP).

Will the government confirm whether or not offerors are to only provide pricing for the sample task orders, since those are the only items being evaluated?

Reference L.11 GS2170 for submission requirements. Pricing required for all sample task orders. Rates required at IDIQ contract level.

35 84 of 91 - M.2 - 1st Sentence Offers (bids) will be evaluated on the basis of sample task orders.

Will the Government describe the components and/or any weightings used for the evaluation of the costs for the Sample Task Orders, including the Transition Task Order?

Reference Section M for complete basis for award to include any weightings.

36 89 of 91 - M.3 - Volume II, Factor D, c), 2nd sentence Each offeror’s level of effort and mix of labor proposed will be evaluated to determine that the total price proposed is fair and reasonable.

Could the Government clarify if this sentence is referring to the Sample Task Orders individually or is this referring to the Total Contract Price over the five (5) years?

Reference Section M for complete basis for award to include any weightings.

79 of 91 - Section B Description of Services

Section L, Factor D: Cost/Price Proposal - Paragraph B.1

Factor D: Paragraph 5

Paragraph B.1: This requirement is for Technical Support Services in support of the U.S. Geological Survey Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) center.

00010 Technical Support Services for USGS EROS; Time and Materials (T&M) or Labor Hour (LH) Task Orders. Performance Period (IDIQ Ordering Period): December 2, 2025 – December 1, 2030 00020 Technical Support Services for USGS EROS; Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) Task Orders.

Performance Period (IDIQ Ordering Period: December 2, 2025 – December 1, 2030

Factor D, Paragraph 5. Cost breakdown to include loaded and unloaded labor rates per labor category, indirect costs (G&A, overhead, fringe benefits, material handling, etc.), ODCs (material, equipment, supplies, travel, etc.), subcontracting, escalation factors and any fee(s). Include personnel availability chart and uncompensated overtime. The breakdown should be submitted in in Excel format. Each contract year (one through five) cost breakdown shall be delineated on a separate worksheet for each year in the Excel file.

Will the government confirm that offerors are to provide a rate table for all contract years, for T&M and FFP, with labor hours based on the Average Annual LOE Hours Per CY Chart on page 5?

Language to be amended to better align with T&M requirements as follows:

Breakdown to include loaded labor rates (direct labor hours at specified fixed hourly rates that include wages, overhead, general and administrative expenses, and profit) per labor category, material (equipment, supplies, travel, etc.), subcontracting, escalation factors. Include personnel availability chart. The breakdown should be submitted in in Excel format.

Rate table for each contract year (one through five), to include any annual escalation, shall be delineated on a separate worksheet for each year in the Excel file.

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79 of 91 - Section B Description of Services

Section L, Factor D: Cost/Price Proposal - Paragraph B.1

Factor D: Paragraph 5

Paragraph B.1: This requirement is for Technical Support Services in support of the U.S. Geological Survey Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) center.

00010 Technical Support Services for USGS EROS; Time and Materials (T&M) or Labor Hour (LH) Task Orders. Performance Period (IDIQ Ordering Period): December 2, 2025 – December 1, 2030 00020 Technical Support Services for USGS EROS; Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) Task Orders.

Performance Period (IDIQ Ordering Period: December 2, 2025 – December 1, 2030

Factor D, Paragraph 5. Cost breakdown to include loaded and unloaded labor rates per labor category, indirect costs (G&A, overhead, fringe benefits, material handling, etc.), ODCs (material, equipment, supplies, travel, etc.), subcontracting, escalation factors and any fee(s). Include personnel availability chart and uncompensated overtime. The breakdown should be submitted in in Excel format. Each contract year (one through five) cost breakdown shall be delineated on a separate worksheet for each year in the Excel file. Additionally, will the government confirm that offerors are to provide a rate table for each task order? Reference Vol II instructions.

39 4 & 5 of 91 - Section C.2.1 Background - 5th paragraph

The table below identifies historical labor trends for the Technical Support Services Contract (TSSC) workforces per Contract Year (CY). The information is based on several basic labor classifications and the historical Level of Effort (LOE) for each of the last four (4) contract years.

The table actually shows the historic LOE hours by "Basic Labor Classification" grouped together rather than broken-out by CY.

Would the Government provide this data by Contract Year so all offerors have a better understanding of the recent contract's labor trends? No, the government does not intend to provide this data by contract year.

40 5 of 91 - Section C.2.1 Background - Average Annual LOE Hours per CY The table below identifies historical labor trends for the Technical Support Services Co

We notice that the table on page 5 of 91 of the June 2025 Solicitation is identical to the table provided on page 8 of 93 in the 2020 Solicitation.

Can the Government confirm that the LOE hours per CY as shown in the table have not changed since roughly 2016?

Since no other workload data is provided to develop a BOE or pricing, we want to confirm that the LOE hours have not changed.

The graph reflects a rough "average". These have remained similar for many years, with slight variations, hence "average".

41 25 of 91 - Section F.7.1 Hours of Work - 2nd and 3rd paragraphs

The first shift (day shift) is generally performed during regular business hours, the second shift (swing shift) is generally performed after the day shift ends, and the third shift (graveyard) is generally performed after the second shift ends.

With a portion of the workforce covered by the Wage Determination referenced in Section H.2 page 39 of 91, could the Government give all offerors some guidance on the expectation for premium pay to employees for working on the 2nd and 3rd shifts?

The government does not intend to provide guidance on pay rates beyond what is already stated in the solicitation.

42 76 of 91 - Section L - A-2.5: Sample Task Order 5 - Landsat Next Representative Task Second bullet states "A contractor work breakdown structure (WBS) that provides a mapping to the Government PWBS." Will the USGS please provide the Government PWBS? Reference reading room files.

43 - Section L - Factor D: Cost / Price Proposal

There is no pricing matrix for contractors for this effort included in the files provided, which is typically a part of the response requirements. They typically make it easier for contractors to provide pricing information in a way that’s easy to compare and evaluate between multiple competitors while also providing the contractor with a format to help understand the cost and pricing requirements.

Would the Government provide a standard price matrix for all offerors to utilize? The government does not intent to provide a template.

44 - Section L - Factor D: Cost / Price Proposal

Will the Government be open to holding a post-RFP conference with bidders to help clarify and guide prospective bidders on how best to structure pricing and ensure pricing submissions can be compared "Apples to Apples" with each other? No plans for post-RFP conferences at this time.

45 78-80 of 91 - Section L - Factor D: Cost / Price Proposal

L.D.5. Cost breakdown to include loaded and unloaded labor rates per labor category, indirect costs (G&A, overhead, fringe benefits, material handling, etc.), ODCs (material, equipment, supplies, travel, etc.), subcontracting, escalation factors and any fee(s). Include personnel availability chart and uncompensated overtime. The breakdown should be submitted in in Excel format. Each contract year (one through five) cost breakdown shall be delineated on a separate worksheet for each year in the Excel file.

Factor D.5 begins by stating "cost breakdown to include" which would indicate a request for an overall cost/price for the proposal… but later requirements L.D.7-L.D.12 ask for a Cost Proposal for the Sample Tasks.

Is the government requesting a price proposal for the overall proposal as well as a cost proposal for each sample task, or simply a cost proposal for each of the sample tasks? Reference instructions in Section L.

46 70 of 91 - Section L - Technical Format, Volume 1 (Technical) Factor A: Technical ApproSample Task Orders are all 20 pages. Can the Microsoft Project schedules be submitted as an attachment outside of the page count? No.

47 70 of 91 - Section L - Technical Format, Volume 1 (Technical) Factor A: Technical ApproSample Task Orders are all 20 pages. Can the basis-of-estimates (BOE) be submitted as an attachment outside of the page count? No.

74, 75, 76 of 91 - Section L, Factor A: Technical Approach, Sub Factor A-2: Task Orders - Each section A-2.1 through A-2.5

Each section A-2.1 through A-2.5 has the same text "A task plan for this task order, in include (at a minimum) approach, scope, schedule, staffing (using titles from the skill matrix), Level of Effort (LOE) by month, and the basis-of-estimate (BOE).

Task Orders A-2.1 (Satellite Data Processing), A-2.3 (Science Support) direction calls out use of a development schedule in softcopy using Microsoft Project

Task Order A-2.5 (Landsat Next) states "It is requested that the schedule, cost, and staffing be provided using Microsoft Project"

There is no mention of "Microsoft Project" for Task Orders A-2.2 (Data & Information Support), and A-

2.4 (Satellite Ground Operations), yet the word "schedule" is used in the task description.

What is the schedule expectation for these tasks that do not mention Microsoft Project?

Schedule presentation is up to the contractor for the tasks that do not mention MS Project.

49 71 of 91 - Section L.9, Proposal Format and Submission Instructions (modified) - Factor D

Prime – Supporting Cost Proposal, including Pricing Model, Personnel Availability Chart, Uncompensated Overtime

Subcontractor - Supporting Cost Proposal, including Pricing Model, Personnel Availability Chart, Uncompensated Overtime, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (if applicable)

Will the Government provide additional guidance on the requirements for the "Pricing Model" listed in the table for the Prime and all Subcontractors?

The government does not intend to provide additional guidance beyond what is stated in the RFP at this time.

50 - Section L - Section L.11 GS 2170 VOLUME II Factor D sub section 6 Subcontractor proposals (if any) that comply with the instructions in #5 above Does this apply to cost type (T&M) subcontractors only? Language amended in #5 to reduce submission requirements.

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51 - Section L - Section L.11 GS 2170 VOLUME II Factor D sub section 6 "the subcontractor may submit their proposal to the prime in a sealed envelope marked"

Since this is an electronic submission, can the Government please verify how the subcontractors should submit proprietary data to the Government?

"Sealed envelope" language removed. Proprietary information shall be marked accordingly and submitted electronically.

52 81 of 91 - Section L - Volume III, Factor E: Small Business Participation, E.2 Small BusinThe government has provided a Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) goal of 24.00%.

The statutory goal of SDB subcontracting value is 5.0% as noted by the SBA for the Department of Interior.

Please confirm that this is the goal vs. the indicated 24.00% within the RFP. Changed to 5% consistent with posted DOI goals.

81 of 91 and 90 of 91 - Section L, Factor 5 and Section M, Factor F, Corporate Experience - Section L, Factor F, Paragraph a.

Section M, First Paragraph

Section L: The Government will assess the breadth, depth, relevance, and currency of the offeror’s experience based on data provided in Corporate Experience.

Section M: The evaluation will be a subjective assessment of the offeror’s experience with work of similar nature, scope, complexity, and difficulty to that which must be performed under the prospective contract contemplated by this solicitation.

The Government will evaluate the work performed for each referenced contract for similarity and relevance to the work required under the contemplated contract.

Section L askes offerors to provide corporate experience based on breadth, depth, relevance, and currency, however Section M appears to be evaluating primarily on similar work.

Will the government confirm that similar work is defined as breadth and depth as required in section L? First sentence from Factor F under Section L is removed.

54 - Section M - A-2.6 Transition-In Plan Task Order Last Bullet: The proposal will be evaluated on the plan for developing initial responses Will the USGS please provide the process they will require the contractor to use in developing the contractor's initial response to task orders? Reference ordering instructions in RFP.

55 90 of 91 - Section M, Factor F, Corporate Experience - Section M, Last Paragraph

Offerors (prime and significant subcontractors) shall provide only for corporate experience that is relevant and current as defined above. The offeror will be credited with only those contract references that the Government determines to be relevant and current. Will the government confirm what the term “current as defined above” is referring to?

The preceding text in Factor F. For clarity, the word "defined" will be amended to "described".

56 General Question: For planning purposes, will the Government please provide the anticipated contract award date? Reference SF33 for anticipated period of performance.

57 78 of 91 - Section M, Factor F, Corporate Experience - Section M, Last Pargraph

Cost breakdown to include loaded and unloaded labor rates per labor category, indirect costs (G&A, overhead, fringe benefits, material handling, etc.), ODCs (material, equipment, supplies, travel, etc.), subcontracting, escalation factors and any fee(s). Include personnel availability chart and uncompensated overtime. The breakdown should be submitted in in Excel format. Each contract year (one through five) cost breakdown shall be delineated on a separate worksheet for each year in the Excel file. Will the government provide the incumbent unburdened (unloaded) labor rates to ensure a level playing field for all offerors? No.

58 74 of 91 - Factor A: Sub Factor A-2 Sample Tasks and J.3 Reading Library - Section L, A

The Offeror shall respond to the following representative EROS sample tasks. Details supporting documents are found at Section J.2. (note previous question, this should be J.3)

The information provided in J.3, the reading library does not correspond with the task orders listed in Section L. The statements of objectives and associated documents in J.3 do not align with Section L. It is currently unclear what Sample Tasks we are responding to. For example, Sample Task Order #1 in Section L is "Satellite Data Processing" however in J.3.1 the SOO is for "Landsat Ground Operations". Sample Task Order #4 in Section L is, "Satellite Ground Operations", however in J3.4, the SOO is for "LSDS ECCOE Project".

Will the government please confirm that the appropriate Statements of Objective, Aligned to the appropriate sections in L, are in each Sample Task Order and their corresponding folders in J.3, or move them accordingly?

The names of the Sample Task Orders in the solicitation have been amended for consistency. The government confirms that the appropriate Statement of Objectives are in each sample Task Order located in the reading room.

59 L.9, L.11, M.3 - pages 70, 71, 80 and 89

Clarification: Page 70 L.9 states under Proposal Organization: Proposals shall be submitted in two volumes, with Volume I containing the Technical Proposal and Volume II containing the Business Management Proposal.

Page 71 list three volumes, Volume I (Technical); Business Volume (Cost Volume ) this one appears to only contain factor D Cost/Price Proposal for Volume II; and Business Volume (Other) – III – appears to contain only Factors E, F, G

Section L.10 -page 73 lists Volume I (technical proposal instructions, and then Section L.11- page 78 states Business Management Proposal instructions and separates this into two volumes: Volume II – Factor D (Cost/Price Proposal); and on page 80 states Volume III – Factor E thru G

Should the business volume be one or two volumes as stated in L.11 or should it be combined into one as stated in L.9?

Language amended to reflect.

Business volume should be two volumes. Total proposal three volumes.

60 L.9 - page 73 Question: Is there file size limit for the email submission? File size limited to 40MB per email.

61 B.1, H.18 - pages 3 and 37 Clarification: Please confirm the total contract NTE is $350,000,000.00. Section B.1 states the NTE is $350,000.00. Section H.18 states the NTE is $350,000.000.00. Total is $350,000,000.00.

62 M.2 - page 84

Clarification: M.2 states "Offerors (bidders) are required to submit ceiling rates on each separately priced item and subline item listed in Section B". Is the government asking offerors to provide T&M ceiling rates for each labor category for each contract year?

T&M rates for each labor category for each contract year.

"Ceiling rate" term removed.

63 M.2 - page 84

Clarification: M.2 states "Offerors (bidders) are required to submit ceiling rates on each separately priced item and subline item listed in Section B". Is the government asking offerors to provide T&M ceiling rates for all prospective labor categories rather than just those used in pricing the Sample Task Orders?

Text amended to: "Offers will be evaluated in accordance with the specified factors below (M.3). Offerors are required to submit rates (as described in FAR 16.601 - Time-and-materials contracts) to be incorporated at the IDIQ contract level. "

64 L.11 (6) - page 79 Clarification: Please confirm that subcontractor proposals are not required unless the subcontractor is considered "significant" AND providing effort on Sample Task Orders. Confirmed.

65 L.11 (6) - page 79 Question: Are offerors required to provide T&M rates for subcontractor labor categories even if subcontractors are not providing labor on STOs?

No. Subcontract data only needed if proposing on the sample task orders. Amended to reflect.

66 L.11 - pages 81 and 82

Clarification: Section L.11, Factor F, page 81 states "a significant subcontractor is defined as a subcontractor that will be performing at least 20% of the proposed labor hours. Section L.11 Factor G, page 82 states "Significant subcontractors shall submit a plan for professional employees if assigned a meaningful number of employees. The term “meaningful” is defined as the equivalent of five FTEs of professional (exempt from Service Contract Labor Standards) employee hours, in compliance with the SCA". Since offerors are only proposing the sample task orders, will the government provide clarification on how offerors are to determine if a subcontrator is considered significant? Factor F, Corporate Experience, it states the metrics and the threshold.

67 L.9 Business Management Format, Volume II: Business, Factor D table; and L.11, Volume II, Factor D - pages 71 & 78

Table in L.9 reads - Section K Contractor Certification and Representations (prime and subs); however, instructions in L.11 does not specify that the Section K should include those of its subcontractors.

Question: If an Offeror has an approved purchasing system, would it be acceptable for the Offeror to include a statement that acknowledges the certification and representations have been requested of its subcontractors and that they can be made available upon request of the CO versus including them in the actual Volume II proposal submission? L.9 amended to remove the "prime and subs" language.

140G0125R0006 Q&A version 7-2-25 Page 5 of 8

68 F.6.5 Deliverable Table - page 25

Clarification: Due to renumbering of final proposal paragraphs, it appears that the table of deliverables on

p. 25, Section F.6.5, may incorrectly reference the sections describing the deliverables. Please confirm that those deliverables in the table referenced F.7.X should actually read F.6.X, and those reference F.9.X should actually read F.8.X to match the relevant paragraphs. For example, the table references F.7.1 for the Orientation Briefing Schedule, whereas the RFP paragraph seems to be F.6.1. Correct, the table amended.

69 RFP Section L

Section L.9 states that the proposal package shall be split into two volumes, but the description below the instructions describe three volumes. Please clarify if Volume II Business (Cost/Price) and Volume III Business (Other) should be split into two separate Volume files or combined into one file with a shared title page and Table of Contents. Language amended to reflect three total volumes. See question # 59.

70 Factor B

Will the Government please confirm that Signed Statements of Availability for Key Positions will be excluded from page count? As stated on pg 70, there is a 10 page limit on Key Positions and 2 Page limit for each resume.

71 RFP Section L.10, Sub Factor A-2, pages 74-76

Section L states that each Sample Task Order (STO) requires a schedule. STOs 1 and 5 specify the schedule should be provided as a softcopy using Microsoft Project. STO 2 requires a schedule (no mention of softcopy). STOs 3 and 4 require a schedule be provided in softcopy using Microsoft Office Suite (aka Office 365). Will the Government confirm that Schedules provided for the five STOs and Transition Task will be excluded from page count? The schedule is part of the page count.

72 RFP Section L Transition In Instructions Section C and Attachment J

Attachment J lists the page limit for the Transition Task Plan is 12 pages. The RFP instructions in Section L list the Transition In Task Order response limit is 8 pages. Will the Government please confrim the page limit the Transition In Task Order Approach in Factor A is 12 pages? Confirmed 12.

73 RFP Section J.2 (page 61) Will the Government confirm that Offerors are required to submit a Completed Preaward Survey of ProspectiveContractor Accounting System Checklist? Confirmed.

74 RFP Section L.11 (page 79)

In Volume II, the "Personnel Availability and Uncompensated Overtime" are required as shown in D.5.

However, these items are also shown as D.14 and D.15. Which factor reference should the Personnel Availability and Uncompensated Overtime be included? This is duplicate language. D.14/D15. RFP amended accordingly.

75 RFP Section L.11 (page 79)

Section D.6 states that "Subcontractor proposals (if any) that comply with the instructions in #5 above."

Which subcontractors are required to submit costing?

D.5 amended to reflect commercial (T&M) requirements.

D.6 clarified to state subcontract data only needed if significant subcontractor is proposing on the sample task orders.

76 RFP Section B.1 Section B.1 notes a Total Contract Not to Exceed (NTE) of $350,000.00. Will the Government confirm the NTE is $350,000,000.00? Confirmed NTE is $350,000,000.00

77 RFP Section L.11 (page 79)

Section D.6 states that "The prime contractor can submit the sealed subcontractor(s) proposal with the prime's submission". As the soliciation revised submission to electronic, are the subcontractor(s) able to submit proprietary sealed packages directly to the Government? Reference answer to question 51.

78 RFP Section B.1 Section B.1 notes a Total Contract Not to Exceed (NTE) of $350,000.00. Should this note $350,000,000.00? Yes.

RFP Section L.9, Factor D & L.11, Volume II, #18

Will the Government confirm that only an approved DCAA accounting system will meet this requirement? Normally, for contractors other than educational institutions and nonprofit organizations, the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) is the responsible Government audit agency. However, there may be instances where there is an agency other than DCAA.

Given potential bidders for TSSC supported the Landsat Next MOC industry study

Do companies who are supporting the Landsat Next MOC industry study have a real or perceived OCI with the TSSC program Sample Task Order #5? No.

Given potential bidders for TSSC supported the Landsat Next MOC industry study

If there is a real or perceived OCI, can the Government confirm that any bidders who provided responses to the above study are precluded from being awarded a prime contract for the TSSC program? N/A. No OCI.

L.11, Volume 1, Factor C #a - M, Volume 1, Factor C

Section L states that offers, (prime and subcontractor are to provide past performance information.

However, Section M says past performance should only be included for prime and significant subcontractors. Will the Government confirm that prime and all subcontractors can submit past performance references? Only significant subcontractors.

Sample TO 3: LSDS SCIENCE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT (LSRD) SOO A. PWBS 1.1.2 - TSSC LSRD Planning and Management;

Please advise if there is a PWBS section 1.1.1 that should preceed A. PWBS 1.1.2 No, there is not.

Section C.4 Accessibility Requirements; Section L.10 GS 2160 Technical Proposal Instructions (Modified) Sub-factor A-2.7: Section 508 Standards;

and Section M.3 Sub-factor A-2.7: Section 508 Acceptance Criteria

As the Task Orders under Sub Factor A-2 are samples, not actual TOs to be performed upon award, can the Government please confirm that Section 508 ACRs (described in Section L.10 GS 2160 Technical Proposal Instructions (Modified) Sub-factor A-2.7) are to be provided after award/during contract performance, and are not required as part of the proposal response.

A.2.7 removed. Reference C.4 for high-level 508 requirements.

Additional 508 requirements to be addressed at task order level as applicable.

Section C.4 Accessibility Requirements; Section L.10 GS 2160 Technical Proposal Instructions (Modified) Sub-factor A-2.7: Section 508 Standards;

and Section M.3 Sub-factor A-2.7: Section 508 Acceptance Criteria

Please clarify what is meant by "commercially available Information and Communication Technology (ICT) items" described in the Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) language that states: "Offerors must provide an ACR for each commercially available Information and Communication Technology (ICT) item offered through the contract." Does this only include out of the box COTS tools and hardware or customized dashboards and proprietary tools as well? A.2.7 removed.

Section C.4 Accessibility Requirements; Section L.10 GS 2160 Technical Proposal Instructions (Modified) Sub-factor A-2.7: Section 508 Standards;

and Section M.3 Sub-factor A-2.7: Section 508 Acceptance Criteria

Please clarify where the response to Section A-2.7 should be included - should it be a separate section or appendix within Volume I Factor A, and is it outside of page count.

A.2.7 removed.

87 General

Given the extensive nature of the proposal requirements, and in consideration of the potential impact that responses to offerors’ questions may have on proposal preparation, would the Government consider extending the proposal due date to at least two weeks (14 calendar days) following the issuance of answers to offeror questions? This additional time would enable offerors to thoroughly review and incorporate any clarifications or updates resulting from the Government’s responses, ensuring submission of comprehensive and fully compliant proposals. RFP response due date extended 7 days.

88 Section B Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs On pg 3 there appears to be a typo under B.1 Description of Services. The last line reads "Total Contract Not to Exceed (NTE) $350,000.00 when it should read $350,000,000.00. Yes, this is a typo which is corrected to $350,000,000.00.

89 L.9, GS 2150 Proposal Format and Submission Instructions (Modified) Would the Government provide the size limitation per file and per email transmission for submission of files? 40mb per email.

90 L.9, GS 2150 Proposal Format and Submission Instructions (Modified) Can the Government accept .zip files via email for submission of proposal files? Yes.

91 C.2.1 Background

The "Average Annual LOE Hours Per CY" table mirrors the one from the 2015 solicitation. Could the Government provide the most recent LOE data and detailed descriptions of the labor classifications listed in the table?

The average table is based off four years of very broad LOE.

No detailed descriptions will be provided at this time.

J.3 Provisional List of Reading Library Files & L.10 GS2160 Technical Proposal Instructions (Modified), A-2.2 and A-2.4

There are apparent discrepancies between Section L Sample Task Orders 2 and 4 and the Reading Libraries. STO 2 requires that Offerors write to Data Management and Information Delivery (DMID), but the Reading Library's Statement of Objectives (SOO) is for Data Center and Systems (DCS) Enterprise Information Technology (EIT), not for DMID. STO 4 requires writing to Satellite Ground Operation system, but the Reading Library's SOO is for EROS CALVAL Center of Excellence (ECCOE). Please advise regarding these differences.

The names of the Sample Task Orders in the solicitation have been amended for consistency.