B09_Attachment_8_Q_A_Amd_001_0001.docx

140G0125R0010 Amendment 001 Q&A

1. Solicitation Page 75, Section L, paragraph b “Non-technical information, Factor 4 “Past Performance” states that, “[t]he offeror shall submit completed Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQs) for a minimum of three (3) and maximum of (5) similar (in terms of contract size, period of performance, as well as the variety and level of complexity of services performed) contracts in which it has participated during the past three (3) years.” Can you confirm that, per FAR 15.305(a)(2)(iii), offerors are permitted to submit PPQs from contracts performed by their prospective subcontractors?

a. Yes, confirmed.

2. Regarding B08_Attachment_5_Past_Performance_Questionnaire.docx: The PPQ does not have any items related to the contract description. How will the Government evaluate “of past performance on similar contracts” if there is not information to determine if the past performance submitted is similar in scope? To address this issue, can offerors use the “Narrative Explanation” on page 3 of the PPQ to provide an explanation of similarity/relevance?

a. As indicated in Factor 4 description, the offeror is to determine which of their contracts are similar in terms of size, period of performance and complexity of services performed. Narrative Explanation section is for an explanation for statements indicating “outstanding” or “unacceptable”.

3. In Section L-1, Factor 3: Key Personnel the page limit is listed as 4 pages. It further states, “page limitation does not apply to resume(s) or signed statement(s) of availability, which are limited to 1 page each.” Can the Government clarify that the resume is excluded from page count as stated in Section H-3? Can the Government further confirm that the 1-page limit applies only to the signed statement of availability

a. Resumes and the signed statement of work are a 1-page limit each. The 4 page limit does not apply to resumes or the signed statement of work with an exception in H-3 which does allow for the IDIQ Program Manager resume to not count to any page count limitation.

4. C-1 Performance Work Statement, III. Performance Work Statement, Page 11. Independently, and not as an agent of the Government, the Contractor shall provide all plant, equipment, labor and materials (unless otherwise provided herein) necessary to provide Science and Technical Support Services necessary to accomplish the mission of the USGS. What equipment, plant and materials is the contractor required to provide?

a. Standard office space, office IT, tools, incidental materials and any other internal support costs off-site. Currently, USGS provides GFE (i.e. laptops, software) for on-site personnel. Reference GS1413 Government Property – Use at Government Facility as well as XII. Government Furnished Property for further information.

5. Regarding Solicitation Submission Instructions, specifically the paragraph from the bottom of page 76 to the top of page 77: Since the date specified for receipt of offers is January 20, and January 19 is a federal holiday, must the proposal be received by 5:00pm on January 16?

a. Block 8 of the SF1449 states 01/20/2026 1700 CS which is not a federal holiday. Reference Question 6 and Amendment 001 for extension.

6. Request for Extension: Noting that the solicitation period overlapped with the federal holiday season, and to ensure the Government receives the most comprehensive and high-quality technical responses, would the Government consider extending the proposal due date by 10 business days?

a. The government will allow an extension to 1/26/2026.

7. Management Plan Page Limit: The current 8-page limit for the Management Plan may constrain Offerors from providing the detailed approach, staffing plan, key personnel resumes, and past performance write-ups. Would the Government consider increasing the page limit to 25 pages to allow for a sufficiently detailed response?

a. Page Limit remains the same. Resumes fall under Key Personnel Factor 3. Reference question 3 for further explanation.

8. Page Count Exclusions: To allow Offerors to fully demonstrate the qualifications of proposed staff without compromising the Management approach narrative, would the Government confirm that Key Personnel Resumes, Letters of Commitment, and Past Performance Summaries are excluded from the 8-page Management Plan limit?

a. Reference question 7.

9. Government Furnished Equipment (GFE): Historically, USGS has provided GFE (e.g., laptops, software licensing) and Personal Identity Verification (PIV) cards for on-site support. Can the Government confirm if GFE and PIV cards will be provided for this Southeast Regional effort? If so, should Offerors exclude the cost of IT equipment from their price proposals?

a. Reference H-23 GS1413 Government Property – Use at Government Facility and XVI. HSPD-12 REQUIREMENTS. CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL SECURITY AND SUITABILITY REQUIREMENTS page 18 for PIV. On-site support will be provided with GFE and PIV cards.

10. Wage Determinations: The solicitation references Wage Determinations (WDs) dated December 3, 2025. Can the Government confirm these are the applicable WDs for pricing purposes, and that Offerors should base their labor rates on these specific versions?

a. Attachment 3 Wage Determinations has been updated to reflect the most up-to-date versions that are applicable for pricing purposes.

11. The Government will apply our rates to specified estimated hours for seven “most‑used” categories for a comparative total price. Will the Government disclose Attachment 1 category list and definitions (Attachment 1 is referenced but not included in the PDF) and clarify whether these seven categories are SCA‑covered or professional (exempt) for purposes of FAR 52.222‑43 and FAR 52.222‑46 evaluations?

a. Reference SAM.gov for attachments. Attachment 1 includes a column identifying Service Contract Act (SCA) or Professional Service (PS)

12. L‑5 requires we specify whether each fixed hourly rate applies to prime, subs, or affiliates. May we use one rate per labor category regardless of performer (prime/sub), or must we state separate rates for sub‑performers? If one rate is allowed, please confirm no premium billing for sub labor will be accepted

a. One fully burdened labor rate per labor category. This rate will apply regardless of whether the work is performed by the prime or subcontractor. Premium billing will not be accepted. Rates proposed and awarded will represent the maximum payable rates under the contract/task order.

13. Can CPARs be used in lieu of PPQ?

a. Factor 4 page 75 states “Offerors with no record of relevant past performance must submit a signed and dated statement to that effect.” Factor 4 page 81 states “The Government reserves the right to use past performance information obtained from sources other than those identified by the offeror, including but not limited to past performance information located in the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) and Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS).

14. Please confirm that PPQs should be submitted via email to Kimberly Schneider.

a. Correct as stated on Page 1 of the PPQ

15. How many incumbent employees are there currently?

a. As of today, 1/7/2026, there are 84 employees

16. What document format should PPQs be sent in?

a. Word or PDF image1.png