B09_Attachment_9_Q_A_Amd_002_0002.docx

140G0125R0010 Amendment 002 Q&A

1. Solicitation Response Instructions and Conditions The instructions state that “Each Volume shall be submitted as separate documents.” However, the table that follows lists individual file names for components within each volume Volume I (e.g., Vol I Cover, Vol I Ack, Factor 1 Mgmt Plan, Factor 2 Transition Plan, etc.).

To ensure full compliance, please confirm whether the Government intends:

One consolidated file per volume (e.g., a single Volume I file containing the cover page, acknowledgment page, and all evaluation factors as internal sections), or Separate files for each component listed in the table, despite being part of the same volume.

Each item in Volume I shall be submitted as separate documents meaning separate files for each component listed in the table.

Gainesville: System Security Specialist I-II, St Pete: Community Outreach I-III, Baton Rouge: Researcher I-VII, Lafayette: Subject Matter Expert I-VIII, Montgomery: Community Outreach I-III, Researcher I-VII Norcross: Community Outreach I-III, Columbia, MO: Community Outreach I-II, General Biologist I-IV, Researcher I-VII, Subject Matter Expert I-VI, Tuscaloosa: Warehouse Specialist I-III.

Attachment 1 has been corrected to incorporate these labor categories for Year 1 – 5 and to remove Stennis Space Center, MS. Wage Determinations in Row 3 for Contract Year 1 has been updated as well to reflect correct Rev and date.

Since method of proposal submission will be email, can the Government clarify whether offerors must email their proposals to USGS by 5PM CST on Monday 1/26/26 (the due date for offers) or by Friday 1/23/26 at 5PM CST (one working day prior) for their submissions to be timely?

No. For this solicitation, proposals submitted via email must be received at the Government’s designated email address no later than 5:00 PM CT on January 26, 2026. RFP will be amended in Section L to state “Notwithstanding FAR 52.212-1(f)(2)(i)(A), when proposals are submitted via email, proposals shall be considered timely if received at the Government’s designated email address no later than 5:00 PM CT on January 26, 2026.

It is our understanding that FAR 52.212-1(f)(2)(i)(A) establishes an exception under which a late offer may still be considered if it was received at the initial point of government entry by 5:00 p.m. one working day prior to the deadline as a safe harbor for offers delayed within government systems.

Please clarify: Is the official deadline for email submissions the date and time specified in Block 8 of the SF1449 (or applicable amendment), consistent with FAR 52.212-1(f)(1) or does the Government intend to establish 5:00 p.m. local time one working day prior as a separate, earlier deadline for email submissions?

See question 14

a. Does the government request backup documentation as part of the plan? If so, we will need an unknown number of additional pages to accommodate this request.

b. Revised to 7 pages

30.

In Attachment 1 Labor Categories.xlsx, certain cells for hourly rates are shaded out and noted as not requiring a price. Can the Government clarify the reason for shading these specific labor category/location/contract year combinations (e.g., no anticipated work in those areas)?

The solicitation instructs offerors to price only non-shaded cells, but does not explain why some are shaded. This vagueness could lead to assumptions about scope or requirements, potentially affecting pricing strategy or compliance. Clarification ensures accurate understanding of expected work distribution. Reference: Section B-3, Attachment 1.

Shaded cells indicate no anticipated work in those areas. Reference Rev 1 for removal of labor categories.

31.

The amendment (Sol_140G0125R0010_Amd_0001.pdf) inserts a statement into PWS Section XII.5.9 regarding motorized vehicles as GFE/GFP, but the text appears truncated ("allowing a contractor to use a Government van Continued..."). Can the Government provide the complete text of this insertion?

The provided amendment text is incomplete, creating ambiguity in the full policy on liability, insurance, and use of motorized vehicles. This could impact risk assessment, insurance planning, and compliance with GS1413. Reference: Amendment Page 2, Section C PWS XII.

“Continued….” is system generated and indicates that the text continues on the next page. (the example given states "allowing a contractor to use a Government van once a day to go to the post office - even if using a logbook for the contractor to 'check-out' the asset and assume responsibility for the asset temporarily since the asset cannot be temporarily insured by the contractor

- is not permissible.”

32.

Section M-2 lists seven "most-used" labor categories with estimated hours for price evaluation. Are these hours the total across all five contract years, and do they represent a not-to-exceed or minimum commitment?

While the categories and hours are listed, the solicitation does not specify if they are cumulative or annual, or their binding nature. This vagueness affects pricing realism and LOE estimates. Reference: Section M-2, Q&A #11 (which referenced Attachment 1 but did not disclose hours).

As stated on page 81 “The most-used labor categories listed below indicate estimated hours for the five (5) contract years.”

See question 25.

For Factor 4 Past Performance, the offeror determines contract similarity, but the Government evaluates based on "similar contracts." Can the Government provide examples or criteria for what constitutes "similar" in terms of size, period, variety, and complexity?

Q&A #2 states the offeror determines similarity, but evaluation ambiguity remains on how the Government assesses it (e.g., via CPARS). Clarification reduces risk of mismatched expectations. Reference: Section L-1 Factor 4, Q&A #2.

Reference Amendment 001 Question 2. Offerors are responsible for selecting and submitting past performance examples that best demonstrate relevant experience.

34.

In PWS Section III, tasks are described generally (e.g., "participate in field research activities"). For IDIQ purposes, can the Government clarify if task orders will include specific deliverables, metrics, or standards beyond the general PWS?

The PWS uses broad language, which is typical for IDIQ but vague for proposal planning (e.g., transition, management). Clarification ensures alignment on expected TO specificity. Reference: Section C-1 III.

Yes reference H-8

35.

Section H-16 details security requirements, including background investigations. Can the Government clarify timelines for EOD approvals and if delays in processing (e.g., NCHC/NACI) could impact transition or performance start?

Detailed but ambiguous on processing times, which could affect transition planning (Factor 2). Clarification aids in realistic scheduling. Reference: Section H-16, Q&A #9 (GFE/PIV).

Background investigation and EOD approval timelines can vary and are dependent on multiple factors. The Government recognizes that delays in processing may occur and expects offerors to plan accordingly in their transition approach. The Government will work with the selected contractor, as appropriate, to coordinate onboarding consistent with Section H-16; however, no specific processing timelines are guaranteed.

36.

For SCA-covered labor categories, how will wage adjustments under FAR 52.222-43 be applied (e.g., per location/WD revision), and are offerors required to include escalation contingencies in rates?

Updated WDs provided, but vagueness on adjustment process amid multiple locations. Clarification ensures compliant pricing. Reference: Section B-3, Attachment 3, FAR 52.222-43.

For contracts with multiple performance locations, wage adjustments will be applied only to the affected labor categories and locations associated with a revised Wage Determination. Offerors should price using the current Wage Determinations provided and should not include speculative escalation for future SCA adjustments, which will be handled in accordance with FAR 52.222-43.