Attachment_A_-_Questions_and_Answers-140G0226R0003-Responses_to_Questions_0001.pdf

Attachment A

Questions and Answers

Solicitation 140G0226R0003

Science and Technical Support Services (STSSC) For Mid-Continent Region (MCR) including Central Midwest Area of IL, Water Mission Area (WMA), Laboratory and Analytical Services Division (LASD), and National Water Quality Laboratory

(NWQL)

Question

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Section

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Question USGS’s Responses

1. General N/A Can the Government provide the incumbent company(ies) and contract number(s) for this solicitation?

The incumbent for the Midcontinent area is

Akima Systems Engineering LLC. under IDIQ

Contract 140G0221D0004. The incumbent for

National Water Quality Laboratory (NWQL) is

Montech Inc. under IDIQ Contract

140G0219D0003.

2. (Volume I –

Factors A, B, C, and D)

85 The solicitation states, “A font size shall be a minimum of 12 point with normal spacing.”

Will the Government allow for smaller but legible font size for tables, figures, and charts?

The Government will allow a smaller font only for tables, figures, and charts, and it must be legible. All narratives shall remain at 12-point font; thus, the page limit remains at 30 pages.

3. Attachment 2 N/A Tab Name: UMESC, La Crosse, WI, La Crosse, Cell E17 contains a typo.

Will the Government confirm offerors should update to 1920 hours in Year

1?

Revised Attachment 2, Pricing Schedule – Labor

Categories under the UMESC, La Crosse, WI tab. The revision removes the information previously listed in Column D, replaces it with the corresponding information from Column E, and incorporates 1,920 hours in Column E.

4. Attachment 2 N/A Many of the professional labor categories do not include years of experience or education requirements.

The Government acknowledges that several professional labor categories within the solicitation do not specify minimum education or

Science and Technical Support Services (STSSC) For Mid-Continent Region (MCR) including Central Midwest Area of IL, Water Mission Area (WMA), Laboratory and Analytical Services Division (LASD), and National Water Quality Laboratory

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Would the Government please provide minimum education and years of experience for all professional labor categories to ensure consistency among bidders?

years of experience. This is intentional and aligns with the standardized labor‑category structure used under the current and prior contracts. As shown in the Government’s labor‑category descriptions, certain positions

(e.g., Biologist I–IV) include defined qualification thresholds, while other professional categories are designed to provide offerors flexibility in proposing personnel with qualifications appropriate to their technical approach.

Accordingly, the Government will not be adding minimum education or experience requirements beyond those already stated in Attachment 2.

Offerors should propose qualifications they determine to be suitable and sufficient to meet the requirements of the Performance Work

Statement.

5. Attachment 2 N/A Will the Government consider providing minimum qualifications for the Program Manager designated as

Key Personnel to ensure consistency

Pursuant to Clause GS1330 Key Personnel of the

Solicitation it states “(a) The contractor shall provide a Program Manager to oversee contract performance at no direct cost to the Government.

Science and Technical Support Services (STSSC) For Mid-Continent Region (MCR) including Central Midwest Area of IL, Water Mission Area (WMA), Laboratory and Analytical Services Division (LASD), and National Water Quality Laboratory

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Question USGS’s Responses among bidders? As a reference, USGS's recent STSSC IDIQ solicitation for the Southeast Region required the following:

“May require a bachelor's degree and at least 7 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures. Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.”

Full requirement from SE RFP for reference:

Responsible for the coordination and completion of information technology projects. Oversees all aspects of projects. Sets deadlines, assigns responsibilities, and monitors and summarizes progress of project.

Builds and maintains working relationships with team members, The program manager shall be designated as the key personnel.” This requirement remains unchanged. Offerors shall propose a qualified

Program Manager in accordance with the Factor

D – Key Personnel of the solicitation and the clause as written.

Science and Technical Support Services (STSSC) For Mid-Continent Region (MCR) including Central Midwest Area of IL, Water Mission Area (WMA), Laboratory and Analytical Services Division (LASD), and National Water Quality Laboratory

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Question USGS’s Responses vendors, and other departments involved in the projects. Prepares reports for managers regarding status of project. May require a bachelor's degree and at least 7 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures. Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.

6. Attachment 2 N/A For those labor categories with a graduate degree requirement, should offerors assume a minimum of a

Master’s degree?

Unless the solicitation or its attachments explicitly specify a particular graduate‑level degree (e.g., Master’s or Doctorate), offerors may assume that a Master’s degree satisfies the minimum “graduate degree” requirement. Any degree requirements more specific than that would be detailed in the labor category descriptions.

7. Attachment 2 N/A In Attachment 2, there are two labor categories (Ecologist and Program

Analyst) that have both a non-

The non-numbered Ecologist and Program

Analyst labor categories are correctly identified in Attachment 2; therefore, all labor categories

Science and Technical Support Services (STSSC) For Mid-Continent Region (MCR) including Central Midwest Area of IL, Water Mission Area (WMA), Laboratory and Analytical Services Division (LASD), and National Water Quality Laboratory

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Question USGS’s Responses numbered title as well as several numbered titles (i.e., Ecologist 1, Ecologist 2). Can the Government please clarify if the non-numbered

LCATs are accurate or if they are in error and only the numbered LCATs should be priced?

shall be priced.

8. Attachment 4 N/A In Attachment 4, the instructions for the PPQ state to “provide the entire questionnaire to your Past

Performance Reference (i.e. your client’s Technical Manager, and

Contracting Officer’s

Representative).”

Can the Government confirm the PPQ should be sent to the COR and the

Technical Lead or if it should be the

COR or the Technical Lead?

Attachment 4 instructs offerors to provide the completed PPQ to “your client’s Technical

Manager, and Contracting Officer’s

Representative.” This wording indicates that the

Government intends for the PPQ to be sent to the COR and/or the Technical Manager

(Technical Lead) of your client.

To further clarify, the PPQ should be provided to your clients so that either may complete it as the designated Past Performance Reference. As stated in the PPQ instructions, the Past

Performance Reference—whether the COR or the Technical Lead—will complete Page 2 and return the full questionnaire directly to

Lisa D. Williams, Contract Specialist, at

Science and Technical Support Services (STSSC) For Mid-Continent Region (MCR) including Central Midwest Area of IL, Water Mission Area (WMA), Laboratory and Analytical Services Division (LASD), and National Water Quality Laboratory

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Question USGS’s Responses lisa_williams@ios.doi.gov no later than 2:30 p.m. MDT on July 27, 2026.

9. Attachment 4 N/A In Attachment 4, the instructions for the PPQ state to “provide the entire questionnaire to your Past

Performance Reference (i.e. your client’s Technical Manager, and

Contracting Officer’s

Representative).”

Can the Government confirm a TOM is acceptable as a Technical Lead?

Per the instructions in Attachment 4, the Past

Performance Questionnaire must be provided to the offeror’s Past Performance Reference, defined as the client’s Technical Manager and

Contracting Officer’s Representative.

If the Government’s designated Task Order

Manager (TOM) is the individual who performs the role of technical lead/technical manager for the project—providing technical oversight, guidance, or monitoring of the contractor’s performance—then yes, the TOM would generally be acceptable as the “Technical Lead” for purposes of completing the PPQ.

10. (Volume II) –

Price Proposal

86-87 The solicitation states, “Offerors shall submit pricing identified in

Attachment 2 – Pricing Schedule–

Labor Categories which includes twenty-nine (31) tabs as follows:”

There are 31 tabs listed. Please confirm this is correct, or if there

Confirmed, there are 31 tabs listed on

Attachment 2 -Pricing Schedule-Labor

Categories.

Science and Technical Support Services (STSSC) For Mid-Continent Region (MCR) including Central Midwest Area of IL, Water Mission Area (WMA), Laboratory and Analytical Services Division (LASD), and National Water Quality Laboratory

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Question USGS’s Responses should be only 29.

11. 5. Travel

Requirements

17 Section 5 states, “The Contractor shall not include any overhead, G&A, or profit on the travel expenses.”

While the exclusion of overhead and profit is understandable, contractor

DCAA-approved G&A is typically applied to actual travel costs. Please confirm that G&A is allowed on travel expenses.

This requirement is Firm-Fixed. Section 5 of the solicitation explicitly states that the Contractor shall not include any overhead, G&A, or profit on travel expenses. This language is intentional and is consistent with the Government’s requirement that travel be reimbursed at actual cost only and in accordance with the Federal

Travel Regulations. Therefore, G&A is not allowable on travel expenses under this solicitation.

12. 6. Immunization 18 Section 6 states, “Contractor shall be required to obtain all the necessary immunizations at the Contractor's own expense.”

We maintain that immunizations should be a cost-reimbursable direct cost rather than a contractor expense because the immunizations are explicitly required for the personnel executing this specific contract. In

Section 6 of the solicitation clearly states that the

Contractor is required to obtain all necessary immunizations at the Contractor’s own expense.

This requirement is intentional and reflects the

Government’s position that these costs are not reimbursable under this solicitation.

While we understand your reference to FAR

31.202 regarding the treatment of direct costs, the solicitation specifically designates immunizations as a contractor expense.

Therefore, immunization costs shall not be billed

Science and Technical Support Services (STSSC) For Mid-Continent Region (MCR) including Central Midwest Area of IL, Water Mission Area (WMA), Laboratory and Analytical Services Division (LASD), and National Water Quality Laboratory

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Question USGS’s Responses accordance with FAR 31.202, costs that can be specifically identified with a single, final cost objective (such as a specific contract) must be billed as direct costs.

to the Government under this requirement.

13. GS1346 43 Given the RFP requires all work to be performed in compliance with the

Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, will the Government provide prescription grade safety eyewear necessary for OSHA-compliant performance of duties or is the contractor expected to supply them?

The Contractor is responsible for providing prescription-grade safety eyewear to its employees at the Contractor’s own expense.

14. Submission of

Offer – Proposal

Organization and

Format

82-84 The Volume I chart provides the following file names: “Volume I –

Cover Page,” “Factor A – Project

Staffing,” “Factor B – Management

Plan,” “Factor C - Offeror’s

Capabilities and Prior Relevant

Organizational Experience,” and

“Factor D – Key Personnel.” The solicitation also states, “Offerors

The Government confirms that the Volume I

Cover Page and Factors should be submitted as a single continuous PDF file, not five separate files. Volume I Factors A-D shall not exceed the

30-page limit as instructed on pages 82 and 84.

Science and Technical Support Services (STSSC) For Mid-Continent Region (MCR) including Central Midwest Area of IL, Water Mission Area (WMA), Laboratory and Analytical Services Division (LASD), and National Water Quality Laboratory

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Question USGS’s Responses technical proposal for Volume I -

Factors A, B, C, and D shall contain

(1) an identifying cover page; (2) a table of contents; (3) a listing(s) of tables, drawings, and/or exhibits, if any; and (4) a short introduction or summary describing the overall approach, if desired.”

Can the Government confirm whether

Volume I is to be submitted as one consolidated PDF containing the cover page and Factors A through D, or as five separate PDF files using the file names provided in the chart?

15. Proposal

Instructions

(Volume I -

Factors A, B, C, and D)

84 The solicitation states, “Offerors technical proposal for Volume I -

Factors A, B, C, and D shall contain

(1) an identifying cover page; (2) a table of contents; (3) a listing(s) of tables, drawings, and/or exhibits, if any; and (4) a short introduction or

Please see question number 14 above.

Science and Technical Support Services (STSSC) For Mid-Continent Region (MCR) including Central Midwest Area of IL, Water Mission Area (WMA), Laboratory and Analytical Services Division (LASD), and National Water Quality Laboratory

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Question USGS’s Responses summary describing the overall approach, if desired.”

A. If the Government requires separate files for the Volume I cover page and Factors A through D, can the

Government clarify where the table of contents, any listing of tables, drawings, or exhibits, and the optional introduction or summary should be placed?

B. If the table of contents, listing of tables/drawings/exhibits, and introduction should be submitted as separate files, please provide the required file names.

C. Please also confirm whether one master table of contents covering all

Volume I files is required or whether each factor file should have its own table of contents.

16. (Volume III) 83 The Volume III chart identifies “Other Volume III shall be three (3) separate files.

Science and Technical Support Services (STSSC) For Mid-Continent Region (MCR) including Central Midwest Area of IL, Water Mission Area (WMA), Laboratory and Analytical Services Division (LASD), and National Water Quality Laboratory

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Other

Information

Information” and lists the following file names: “a.1 GS1330 Key

Personnel. (JUL 2001),” “a.2

Provisions,” and “SF1449.”

Can the Government confirm whether

Volume III should be submitted as:

A. One consolidated file or

B. As three separate files corresponding to GS1330 Key

Personnel, the completed provisions, and the signed SF1449 and amendment acknowledgments

17. NWQL,

Lakewood CO tab

Attachment 2

Attachment_2_-_Pricing_Schedule-

Labor_Categories NWQL, Lakewood

CO tab. Instrument Specialist states

N/A for PS or SCA can gov confirm if this is a professional or SCA position?

The Instrument Specialist positions are not considered professional services and are not covered under the Service Contract Act (SCA).

They fall under FAR 52.222‑51, Exemption from

Application of the Service Contract Labor

Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment—

Requirements (May 2014) (Deviation MAY

2026), in accordance with 41 U.S.C. chapter 67.

Science and Technical Support Services (STSSC) For Mid-Continent Region (MCR) including Central Midwest Area of IL, Water Mission Area (WMA), Laboratory and Analytical Services Division (LASD), and National Water Quality Laboratory

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18. Bozeman, MT, (NOROCK), West Glacier, MT & NWQL, Lakewood CO tab

Attachment 2 Attachment_2_-_Pricing_Schedule-

Labor_Categories NWQL ask to price a 01480 – Receptionist. That position doesn’t appear in the WD for any location. Will the Gov please clarify the correct SCA ID and LCAT name?

Revised Attachment 2. Corrected, it should be

01460, Switchboard Operator/Receptionist.

19. Proposal

Instructions

Page 3,4,84 Solicitation 140G0226R0003 pg 3,4, and 84 refer to Attachment 3 - Pricing

Schedule. Can gov confirm the correct reference is Attachment 2?

It should be Attachment 2.

20. Volume II Price

Proposal

Page 86 Solicitation 140G0226R0003 pg 86 states “Offerors shall submit pricing identified in Attachment 2 – Pricing

Schedule–Labor Categories which includes twenty-nine (31) tabs as follows” can gov confirm the correct number of tabs and that there are not extra or missing?

Please see question number 10 above.

21. FISMA

Information

Technology

Security

Page 23 Solicitation 140G0226R0003 pg 23 states “some tasks may require different security levels which will be defined at the task order level”. Can

The Government cannot confirm the required security level at this time. Some tasks may require different security levels, which will be identified at the task-order level.

Science and Technical Support Services (STSSC) For Mid-Continent Region (MCR) including Central Midwest Area of IL, Water Mission Area (WMA), Laboratory and Analytical Services Division (LASD), and National Water Quality Laboratory

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Requirements

Summary the Government confirm no higher than a public trust clearance will be required for any position? If not, please provide the highest credentialing for each labor category and location as applicable.

22. Past Performance Page 80 FAR 15.305(a)(2)(iii) – states, “The evaluation should take into account past performance information regarding predecessor companies, key personnel who have relevant experience, or subcontractors that will perform major or critical aspects of the requirement when such information is relevant to the instant acquisition.” however, the Solicitation

140G0226R0003 pg 80 states “the

Government will not consider PPQ reference on any other vendor(s) other than the offeror”, will USGS consider major subcontractor past performance?

FAR Overhaul Part 15.202(c) outlines the considerations for evaluating past performance.

These include:

• Information provided by the offeror, as well as information obtained from other sources;

• The currency and relevance of that information, the source, context, and overall performance trends, with the SSA determining the relevance of similar past performance;

• Relevant information regarding predecessor companies, key personnel with applicable experience, or subcontractors performing major or critical aspects of the requirement; and

• The past performance of a joint venture, and, if the joint venture lacks such history, the past

Science and Technical Support Services (STSSC) For Mid-Continent Region (MCR) including Central Midwest Area of IL, Water Mission Area (WMA), Laboratory and Analytical Services Division (LASD), and National Water Quality Laboratory

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Question USGS’s Responses performance of each joint venture member.

As stated on page 80 of the solicitation under

Factor E, “The Government will not consider

PPQs for any vendors other than the offeror.”

However, the Government is permitting partners to the Joint Venture to submit aggregate past performance PPQ’s as indicated within the Joint Venture entities in accordance with 13 CFR 125.8. As indicated on page 80 of the solicitation, in the case of an offeror without a record of relevant recent past performance, or for whom information on past performance is not available, the offeror will be evaluated neither favorably nor unfavorably on past performance.

Therefore the Government will not accept Past

Performance Questionnaires (PPQs) from an offeror’s subcontractors. Only PPQs for the prime offeror will be considered and or JV’s.

Science and Technical Support Services (STSSC) For Mid-Continent Region (MCR) including Central Midwest Area of IL, Water Mission Area (WMA), Laboratory and Analytical Services Division (LASD), and National Water Quality Laboratory

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23. Key Personnel Page 79 Are there specific qualifications or certifications the Government expects of the PM? Similar to other regions, we suggest the PM to have an active

PMP certification

The Offeror must provide the qualifications and any relevant certifications proposed for the

Program Manager, in accordance with the requirements outlined in the solicitation.

24. SF1449 /

Schedule of

Supplies/Services

1–2 Block 10 on the SF1449 indicates a set-aside, and later the solicitation states this is a “100% Competitive

8(a) set-aside.” Can the Government confirm the correct set-aside type for this procurement and issue an amendment if needed to align all references?

On page 1 of the SF1449, Block 10 lists the

Set‑Aside as ‘100%,’ with the 8(a) designation checked in the second column. Page 2, Item 3 of the SF1449 further confirms that the solicitation is a 100% competitive 8(a) set‑aside. The applicable NAICS code is 541990 (All Other

Professional, Scientific and Technical Services), and the corresponding small business size standard is $19.5 million

25. Performance

Work Statement

– Performance

Work Statement

(major requirements list)

9–10 In order to promote fair competition, will the Government provide an estimate of current staffing levels (by labor category and location), typical annual task order volume, and the most frequently used labor categories to help non-incumbents size recruiting and transition risk?

You can access this information on SAM.gov under the Search tab and then under the

Contract Awards tab for IDIQ Contract

140G0221D0004 and for IDIQ Contract

140G0219D0003.

Science and Technical Support Services (STSSC) For Mid-Continent Region (MCR) including Central Midwest Area of IL, Water Mission Area (WMA), Laboratory and Analytical Services Division (LASD), and National Water Quality Laboratory

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26. Task Request, Ordering, Acceptance

36–37 The contract describes Firm-Fixed

Price Task Orders (FFPTO), but later references “LHTO” in ordering language. Please confirm whether any

Labor-Hour task orders will be used, or if all task orders will be Firm-Fixed

Price only.

That was a typographical error. All Task Orders will be issued as firm‑fixed‑price.

27. Task Request, Ordering, Acceptance

37 It is intended that task orders be issued at least twenty-one (21) workdays prior to start date.” How often does the Government anticipate shorter and/or longer lead times, and what is the minimum lead time the

Government expects the contractor to support?

The Government’s intent remains to issue task orders at least twenty‑one (21) workdays prior to the required start date; however, there may be occasions when a shorter lead time is necessary. In such cases, the Government will provide as much advance notice as practicable.

28. Place of

Performance and

Performance

Hours / FAR

7.108 statement

8–9 Please clarify the Government’s expectations for off-site/telework support by function. Which PWS areas are most likely to be approved for off-site work, and what is the approval process/timeline at the task order level?

The Government’s expectations for off‑site or telework support are governed by FAR

Overhaul 7.108. Under this policy, agencies may not prohibit contractor teleworking unless the

Contracting Officer determines in writing that the agency’s requirements-including security requirements-cannot be met if telework is

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Question USGS’s Responses permitted, and such a prohibition is expressly stated in the solicitation.

Consistent with this, off‑site or telework support may be allowable for certain PWS functions where duties can be performed remotely without impacting security, access, or mission requirements. Approval for off‑site work will be determined at the task‑order level. Each task order will identify whether telework is permitted for specific functions, along with any associated limitations or conditions.

At the task‑order stage, the Government will review the nature of the work, security considerations, and performance needs to determine whether off‑site support is appropriate. The approval process and timeline will be addressed in the task‑order instructions issued with each requirement.

29. Place of

Performance and

Performance

8–9 The PWS states normal duty hours across multiple regions and requires prior approval for work outside those

The Government may allow flexible schedules for off‑site personnel to accommodate different time zones, as appropriate to mission needs.

Science and Technical Support Services (STSSC) For Mid-Continent Region (MCR) including Central Midwest Area of IL, Water Mission Area (WMA), Laboratory and Analytical Services Division (LASD), and National Water Quality Laboratory

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Hours hours. For off-site staff, will the

Government allow flexible schedules across time zones to meet responsiveness, and how will

“overtime” be handled on FFP task orders?

Overtime will be addressed at the task‑order level and considered on a case‑by‑case basis.

30. Pws –

Accessioning

Support /

Physical Science

Technical

Laboratory

Services

14–16 The PWS includes extensive laboratory support (e.g., accessioning, acidification, hazardous materials handling). Will the Government provide required site-specific safety training, PPE requirements, and any medical surveillance requirements at each lab location? Is training non-reimbursable at the Offerors’ cost?

The Contractor is responsible for providing PPE to its employees at the Contractor’s own expense.

Page 18, Number 7. Training states “In performing its responsibilities under the contract, the Contractor shall use only fully trained, experienced, and technically proficient personnel. At its own expense, the Contractor shall perform and maintain all professional and general training. The Government will make no reimbursement for training required to qualify

Contractor employees for any requirements specified in this contract. Specialized training required to accomplish specific work assignments directed by the Government may be

Science and Technical Support Services (STSSC) For Mid-Continent Region (MCR) including Central Midwest Area of IL, Water Mission Area (WMA), Laboratory and Analytical Services Division (LASD), and National Water Quality Laboratory

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Question USGS’s Responses billed to the Government only when (1) the training is preapproved by the TOM or the

COR; (2) the specific training is in direct support of work assignments performed under this contract.”

31. Immunizations 18 Immunizations are stated as contractor expense and not reimbursable. Can the

Government identify which locations/task types are most likely to require immunizations and whether any waivers/alternatives (e.g., reassignment) are permissible if a candidate cannot receive certain vaccines?

Please see question number l2 above.

32. Government

Furnished

Property

19–20 The Government Furnished Property section lists possible

PCs/tablets/phones and potential vehicles/boats “as needed” at task order level. Can the Government identify which locations typically provide GFP (PCs, lab equipment access, vehicles) vs. requiring

The Government cannot identify specific locations in advance. GFP availability will vary by requirement and will be addressed at the task‑order level.

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Question USGS’s Responses contractor-furnished items?

33. Government

Furnished

Property /

Gs1420 Use Of

Government

Computers

20 & 48 For IT access, will contractor staff be issued DOI/USGS laptops, or will personal/company devices ever be allowed to connect to USGS networks? If BYOD is allowed for any scenario, what are the minimum security configurations and approval steps?

The Government will provide contractor personnel with Government‑furnished laptops.

34. Security

Requirements:

Facility Access

And Information

Technology

33–35 Security language states EOD is required and includes citizenship/residency requirements (3 years). Can the Government confirm the risk/sensitivity levels anticipated for typical labor categories (e.g., admin support, developers, lab staff) and expected timelines for EOD and final adjudication?

Please see question number 21 above.

35. PWS

Background

(NWDC) / LIMS

Support

7 & 14 For custom application development/maintenance (e.g., NWDC support, LIMS support, DevOps), what environments/tools

The custom application development/maintenance for NWDC is GitLab in our CHS group. We use Amazon Cloud and

JIRA for ticketing. Yes, the Government

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Services/IT

Computer

Programming

Technician will be used (e.g., Git platform, CI/CD, cloud provider, ticketing tools like JIRA), and will the Government provide access to existing repositories and documentation during transition?

provides access to existing repositories and documentation during transition. We also use

FIGMA for user-interface design work which we can provide access to.

Environments/tools for NWQL LIMS support, DevOps: SmartIT (Bison Support) ticketing tool; database tools like SQL developer and/or

DBeaver; StarLIMS Integrated Development

Environment. Yes, the Government will provide access to existing repositories and documentation

36. CoLabs and

Contract Lab

Data

Coordination

15 The PWS references SharePoint and

JIRA use in CoLabs support. Can the

Government confirm whether contractor personnel will receive accounts for these systems and whether any licensing constraints exist?

Yes, contractor personnel will receive accounts for these systems as required and there are no licensing constraints.

37. Transition

Periods

37 Transition: The phase-in plan is due within five (5) calendar days after award. For a non-incumbent, can the

Upon award, the Government will provide the

Contractor with the information necessary to begin transition. This will include the site points

Science and Technical Support Services (STSSC) For Mid-Continent Region (MCR) including Central Midwest Area of IL, Water Mission Area (WMA), Laboratory and Analytical Services Division (LASD), and National Water Quality Laboratory

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Government confirm what information will be provided immediately upon award (site points of contact, badging steps, system access steps, current task order pipeline)?

of contact, required badging procedures, system access instructions, and any applicable information regarding the current task order pipeline. Additional details will be shared during the post‑award kickoff to support timely submission and execution of the phase‑in plan.

38. Factor E – Past

Performance

Questionnaires

85–86 Past Performance Questionnaires

(PPQs) must be submitted directly by client references and “ONLY PPQs

WILL BE ACCEPTED.” Can the

Government confirm whether CPARS references may be used in lieu of

PPQs if a client is unable to complete

PPQs?

PPQ’s are part of Factor E – Past Performance, which needs to be addressed by the offeror, and submitted by the offeror’s client as reference.

The Government reserves the right to review

CPARS as stated on page 79-80, paragraph eight

(8) under past performance “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).”

39. Attachment_2 Attachment_2 Can the Government please provide levels for the program Analyst.

Please see question number 7 above.

40. Attachment_2 Attachment_2 Can the Government please provide levels for the Ecologist?

Please see question number 7 above.

Science and Technical Support Services (STSSC) For Mid-Continent Region (MCR) including Central Midwest Area of IL, Water Mission Area (WMA), Laboratory and Analytical Services Division (LASD), and National Water Quality Laboratory

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41. 52.212-2, Factor

E - Past

Performance

79-80 RFP p. 79, Factor E - Past

Performance on RFP references

"contract" multiple times. Further, the

Past Performance Questionnaire

(PPQ) document (Attachment 5 of the

Solicitation) has several references to

"contract" within the document.

However, a prime offeror and its team members may have very strong past performance references that – while not FAR-based contracts – still align extremely well when considering the criteria for scope, size, complexity, and recency requirements.

Considering this, will USGS accept and evaluate PPQs for awards other than FAR-based contracts, such as cooperative agreements?

Cooperative agreements are financial assistance instruments and are not contracts.

Therefore, the Government will not consider any agreement types that are not procurement contracts.

42. Submission of

Offer – Proposal

Organization and

Format

82-82 The Government states “Offerors proposal package shall be submitted in four (4) separate volumes and shall be organized within the specific file

That was a typographical error. The solicitation should reflect three (3) volumes. In Volume I, column one lists each factor, column two identifies each factor’s title, and column three

Science and Technical Support Services (STSSC) For Mid-Continent Region (MCR) including Central Midwest Area of IL, Water Mission Area (WMA), Laboratory and Analytical Services Division (LASD), and National Water Quality Laboratory

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Question USGS’s Responses requirements as described in the chart below.” Can the Government confirm that the submission should be done by complete Volume (1-3) and not individual Factors/Files as identified by File Names. Can the Government also confirm each Volume’s Title.

provides the corresponding file name.

43. 84 Based on industry standards, will the

Government allow graphics and tables to use 10pt font?

Please see question number 2 above.

44. NWQL,

Lakewood CO tab

Attachment 2

Attachment_2_-_Pricing_Schedule-

Labor_Categories NWQL, Lakewood

CO tab: The following LCATS:

Chemical Analytical Services I, Chemical Analytical Services II-SME and Chemical Analytical Service II -

SME/Mentor; are listed as SCA. Upon reviewing their related job duties, YOE and experience requirements, they appear to be Professional

Services (PS) positions. Can the government confirm if their intention

These labor categories are classified as Service

Contract Act (SCA) positions and are not considered professional services. Please refer to

29 CFR 541 for the regulatory criteria distinguishing professional positions.

Science and Technical Support Services (STSSC) For Mid-Continent Region (MCR) including Central Midwest Area of IL, Water Mission Area (WMA), Laboratory and Analytical Services Division (LASD), and National Water Quality Laboratory

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Question USGS’s Responses is to have these positions classified as

SCA or PS?

45. Attachment_2 The list of positions for USGS

NOROCK in West Glacier, MT has two sets of LCATS, one in Glacier

County and one in Flathead County.

Can the Government please confirm which is accurate?

That is correct. The USGS NOROCK West

Glacier positions reflect the same Science Center operating in two different counties-Glacier

County and Flathead County.

46. Attachment_2 The Biology Technician I and II in

NOROCK West Glacier, MT have the exact same description of duties, can the Government please confirm if this is accurate?

Attachment 2 – Pricing Schedule has been revised to reflect differing levels of experience for Biology Technician I and II positions.

Although the duty descriptions may appear similar, the distinction between the two levels is based on expected experience and proficiency.

The Government confirms that the pricing schedule accurately reflects this differentiation.

Tabs 3–6, 9–20, and 25–31 have been revised

0.accordingly.

47. Are Offerors permitted to propose additional Key Personnel and provide

Offerors may propose additional Key Personnel if they believe it strengthens their approach;

Science and Technical Support Services (STSSC) For Mid-Continent Region (MCR) including Central Midwest Area of IL, Water Mission Area (WMA), Laboratory and Analytical Services Division (LASD), and National Water Quality Laboratory

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Question USGS’s Responses the supporting resume for Factor D? however, only the positions identified in the solicitation are required. Any additional Key

Personnel included in an Offeror’s proposal may be supported with resumes under Factor D

48. 52.216-1 Type of

Contract. (APR

1984)

71 Will the government please clarify if the TOs are FFP or FFP/LOE?

Please see question number 26 above.

49. Factor E – Past

Performance

Will the Government consider the

PPQ of a sister subsidiary as that of the Prime Contractor?

As stated on page 80 of the solicitation under

Factor E, “The Government will not consider

PPQs for any vendors other than the offeror.”

50. General Will this contract be managed by a single COR?

Yes.

51. PWS and

Technical

Exhibits

Can the Government provide historical data or estimated utilization ranges by labor category for each location?

Please see question number 25 above.

52. Evaluation

Criteria

For purposes of evaluating "similar contract size," may offerors demonstrate capability through multiple relevant contracts that collectively reflect the scope, staffing, Offerors may combine multiple contracts that together reflect the overall scope, staffing, geographic dispersion, and complexity of the solicitation's $30M value requirement, as long as each example aligns with the solicitation’s

Science and Technical Support Services (STSSC) For Mid-Continent Region (MCR) including Central Midwest Area of IL, Water Mission Area (WMA), Laboratory and Analytical Services Division (LASD), and National Water Quality Laboratory

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Question USGS’s Responses geographic dispersion, and management complexity of this requirement, rather than a single contract of equivalent dollar value?

evaluation criteria.

53. Solicitation, Factor E – Past

Performance

80 The solicitation states PPQs are limited to the offeror, while also allowing joint venture past performance to be evaluated in aggregate. Can the Government confirm whether JV partners may submit PPQs?

The Government is permitting partners to the

Joint Venture to submit aggregate past performance PPQ’s as indicated within the Joint

Venture entities in accordance with 13 CFR

125.8. As indicated in the solicitation page 80, in

the case of an offeror without a record of relevant, recent past performance or for whom information on the past performance is not available, the offeror will be evaluated neither favorably nor unfavorably on past performance.

54. Solicitation, Section GS1330

Key Personnel

42 The solicitation identifies a Program

Manager as key personnel; however, the expected duty location and level of on-site presence are not clearly defined.

Can the Government clarify whether the Program Manager is required to be on-site, co-located with supported

The Program Manager may perform duties off‑site. On‑site presence is not required unless specified at the task‑order level.

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Question USGS’s Responses sites, or permitted to perform duties remotely?

55. Solicitation, Factor E – Past

Performance

80 Will the Government reconsider the size similarity of Past Performance citations? 8(a) contractors typically have a contract value threshold we must adhere to. It is beneficial to the

Government to consider this threshold while evaluating similarity in size of

Past Performance citations.

The Government will consider size similarity for solicitation 140G0226R0003 by evaluating whether cited past performance, even when derived from multiple smaller contracts, collectively demonstrates the offeror's ability to manage the complexity, scale, staffing, and multiple-location demand of the requirement.

56. Past Performance

Evaluation

Period

The solicitation limits relevant past performance to contracts performed within the last three years. We respectfully request that the

Government reconsider this requirement and extend the lookback period to seven years.

Many federal service contracts have five-year periods of performance, and, due to recent procurement delays, numerous contracts have been extended through bridge contracts or

The Government appreciates the thoughtful feedback regarding the past performance lookback period. After careful consideration, the

Government intends to maintain the three (3)-year look-back as stated in the solicitation. This timeframe ensures that evaluations are based on directly applicable performance that best reflects an offeror’s current capability to meet the requirements of this procurement.

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Question USGS’s Responses six-month option extensions. As a result, a three-year limitation excludes a substantial amount of highly relevant, successful contract performance that demonstrates an offeror's ability to perform the required work.

Expanding the evaluation period to seven years would:

- Increase competition by allowing a broader range of qualified offerors to compete.

- Enable the Government to evaluate complete contract performance over the life of comparable long-term contracts rather than only a portion of that performance.

- Better reflect an offeror's demonstrated capability managing contracts of similar scope, complexity, and risk.

- Avoid disproportionately favoring

Science and Technical Support Services (STSSC) For Mid-Continent Region (MCR) including Central Midwest Area of IL, Water Mission Area (WMA), Laboratory and Analytical Services Division (LASD), and National Water Quality Laboratory

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Question USGS’s Responses incumbent contractors or those with only the most recent awards, while excluding highly relevant predecessor contract experience.

A seven-year lookback would provide the Government with a more comprehensive assessment of each offeror's performance history while maintaining a strong focus on relevant and recent experience.

Would the Government consider revising the solicitation to permit the submission of relevant past performance performed within the previous seven years?

57. Submission of

Offer -

Proposal

Organization and

Format

“Submission of Offer -

Proposal Organization and Format” states that the offeror's proposal package shall be submitted in four (4) separate volumes. However, the proposal organization table identifies only Volumes I–III for offeror

Please see question number 42 above.

Science and Technical Support Services (STSSC) For Mid-Continent Region (MCR) including Central Midwest Area of IL, Water Mission Area (WMA), Laboratory and Analytical Services Division (LASD), and National Water Quality Laboratory

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Question USGS’s Responses submission, while Factor E (Past

Performance Questionnaire) is designated as "No Volume" and is submitted separately by the offeror's references. Could the Government please clarify whether the offeror is required to submit only Volumes I–

III, with Factor E handled separately by the questionnaire respondents?

58. Can the Government provide historical information regarding the typical number of concurrently active task orders, average task order duration, or typical task order size?

Please see question number 25 above.

59. Does the Government consider experience supporting Federal laboratories, technical facilities, research organizations, or scientific programs outside of USGS to be relevant past performance?

Experience and Past Performance are two different evaluations. Prior experience relates to whether you’ve done similar work in the past;

past performance relates to how well you did that work.

60. Will experience providing logistics, warehouse, inventory management, Please see question number 59 above.

Science and Technical Support Services (STSSC) For Mid-Continent Region (MCR) including Central Midwest Area of IL, Water Mission Area (WMA), Laboratory and Analytical Services Division (LASD), and National Water Quality Laboratory

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Question USGS’s Responses and scientific support services for other Federal agencies be considered relevant?

61. Does the Government anticipate future task orders involving field deployments, remote locations, or temporary scientific support activities?

The Government cannot anticipate future task orders that may involve field deployments, remote locations, or temporary scientific support activities. Such requirements will be defined at the task‑order level.

62. Can the Government identify which labor categories are anticipated to receive the highest utilization during the base period?

Please see question number 25 above.

63. Can the Government provide historical task order volumes by functional area (laboratory support, GIS, administrative support, warehouse support, scientific support, etc.)?

Please see question number 25 above.

64. Can the Government provide historical labor category utilization and estimated annual labor hours?

Please see question number 25 above.

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65. Is there an incumbent contractor currently performing these services? If so, will the Government provide incumbent information and historical staffing levels?

Please see question number 1 for incumbent.

Please see question number 25 for historical information above.

66. Approximately how many active task orders does the Government anticipate annually?

The Government cannot predict the number of task orders that may be issued annually.

67. What percentage of the anticipated work is expected to occur at each major servicing area (MCR, CMWSC, NWQL, ESPD, WMA)?

The Government cannot predict the percentage of anticipated work for each major servicing area. Work distribution will depend on mission needs and will be defined at the task‑order level.

68. Will task orders generally be awarded on a labor-hour basis, firm-fixed-price basis, or a combination of both?

Please see question number 26 above.

69. Would the Government please consider extending the past performance and past experience windows to 5years?

Please see question number 56 above.

70. Does the Government intend to award the IDIQ to a single company or

Page 71, FAR provision 52.216-1 Type of

Contract states “The Government contemplates

Science and Technical Support Services (STSSC) For Mid-Continent Region (MCR) including Central Midwest Area of IL, Water Mission Area (WMA), Laboratory and Analytical Services Division (LASD), and National Water Quality Laboratory

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Question USGS’s Responses multiple companies? award of a single Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-

Quantity (IDIQ) Contract that allows for the issuance of Firm-Fixed Price Task

Orders resulting from this solicitation.

71. Will the government assign task orders to a single company or multiple companies?

Please see question number 70 above.

72. If the Government intends to award the IDIQ and task orders to multiple companies, how many companies does it intend to award to?

Please see question number 70 above.

73. Does the Government intend to retain the current incumbent or work with a new contractor?

The Government does not predetermine or announce whether the incumbent will be retained. All proposals will be evaluated in accordance with the solicitation and applicable regulations. Award will be made to the offeror whose proposal represents the best value to the

Government.

74. What are the Government’s pain points for the current contract and what key areas of improvement are

The Government cannot discuss or disclose information related to the current contract.

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Question USGS’s Responses desired?

75. Does the Government anticipate any delays in the start of the period of the performance?

The Government does not anticipate any delays to the start of the period of performance at this time.

76. How many companies provided questions in response to this solicitation?

The Government cannot disclose this information.

77. What timeframe does the Government intend to award the IDIQ?

The Government has not established a specific timeframe for award of the IDIQ.

78. Will the government provide PPE for any science technicians who have the potential to be exposed to hazardous material?

Please see question number 30 above.

79. Based on…