B09_ATT_1_Questions_and_Answers_AM_0001_0001.pdf

Questions and Answers

Solicitation 140L0622R0035 – Amendment 0001

1. Factor 1: Experience and Factor 4: Past Performance – Factor 1 states “Offerors may use experience based on their entire team (prime and subcontractors) in describing experience. Factor 4 states “complete the included Past Performance Questionnaire for up to three (3) complete projects performed by the prime contractor.” Will the Government accept PPQs in Factor 4 for projects completed by subcontractors, as is the standard for Factor 1 projects?

Answer: If the prime contractor does not have relevant past performance history, the proposal may include past performance information involving predecessor companies, key personnel who have relevant experience, or subcontractors that will perform major or critical aspects of the requirement.

2. Factor 3: Key Personnel – Will the Government evaluate a Petroleum Engineer more favorably if they have a Petroleum Engineering degree, or will an individual with another related engineering degree and commensurate oil and gas experience be evaluated on an equal basis?

Answer: The offeror is responsible for ensuring that the information provided about any substitution demonstrates how the proposed individual’s knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the key personnel position are commensurate with the identified minimum requirements.

3. If the contractor is proposing additional labor categories, can these labor categories be used in the sample task order estimate assuming the total LOE does not change.

Answer: No changes shall be made to any of the labor categories or quantities in the representative task order pricing table. Offerors must ensure that the labor rates filled in match the ceiling rates in the offeror’s IDIQ pricing schedule.

4. Can you confirm that the total LOE outlined for the sample task order should remain unchanged? If not, how will the agency be able to reasonably compare one contractor to another, especially since the “The total price for the Sample Task Order, as provided in the Sample Task Order Price Matrix, will be used for making the award decision”.

Answer: No changes shall be made to any of the labor categories or quantities in the representative task order pricing table. This solicitation utilizes a pricing model for price evaluation purposes; the pricing model is the provided representative task order pricing table in Attachment 1.

5. There are not fields available in the sample task order pricing worksheet for travel or ODCs. Should these estimates be included in the contractors response or is the agency only evaluating the labor pricing?

Answer: No Other Than Direct Costs (ODCs) shall be prepriced in the pricing schedule.

ODCs will be evaluated at the individual task order level only. No changes shall be made to any of the labor categories or quantities in the representative task order pricing table.

6. Will the task order evaluation criteria be identified in each RFP issued under this prime contract?

Answer: The ordering procedures require the Government to furnish contractors with the evaluation criteria and basis of award at the task order level.

7. Will the contract awards be awarded by individual region assignments?

Answer: This is a nationwide contract. Offerors must be capable of providing the required services at all locations in the continental United States.

8. Will we need to identify the specific regions we plan to cover?

9. Will task orders be released by region, and can selected contractors submit on task orders for any region?

10. Page 23, a. Factor 1 Experience requires projects performed within the last five (5) years. Page 24, d. Factor 4 Past Performance requires PPQs for up to three (3) projects performed within the last seven (7) years. We request the timeframe for recent project examples in Factor 1 be extended to seven years as well to allow for cross-referencing of projects between the two Factors.

Answer: The time period for Factor 1 Experience has been adjusted to within the last seven (7) years.

11. (Factor 4) Page 24, d. Factor 4 Past Performance states that “CPARS may not be used in lieu of the included Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ).” Will the government please consider allowing CPARS if available? This will reduce the burden on the client having to complete a PPQ when a performance evaluation already exists in the form of a CPARS.

Answer: CPARS records may not be used in lieu of the included Past Performance Questionnaires.

12. (Factor 4) If only PPQs are accepted, will the government accept/evaluate existing/previously completed PPQs, or are we required to only use the PPQ provided and request new PPQs?

Answer: Offerors must use the provided Past Performance Questionnaire. Factor 4 has been updated to clarify this requirement.

13. Page 22, page limitations: Can the government confirm that the past performance questionnaires are excluded from the 35-page limit for Factors 2-4?

Answer: The 35-page limitation applies to the responses for Factors 2-4. Factor 4 is Past Performance and is included in this page limitation.

14. (Factor 4) Page 24, d. Factor 4 Past Performance states that the offeror shall complete the included Past Performance Questionnaire for up to three (3) complete projects performed “by the prime contractor.” Can the government confirm if “prime contractor” means that only the proposing prime firm offeror

(versus a subcontractor on the proposed team) can include past performance, or does “prime contractor” mean that the firm (either proposed prime or a subcontractor) must have served as the prime firm on the example project?

Answer: If the prime contractor does not have relevant past performance history, the proposal may include past performance information involving predecessor companies, key personnel who have relevant experience, or subcontractors that will perform major or critical aspects of the requirement.

15. The government’s response to many of our questions will determine which PPQs we include in Factor 4 and affect staffing organization for managing the contract as well. In consideration of the Thanksgiving holiday, we respectfully request an extension to the December 8th deadline to allow ample time for the government to review and respond to all questions, refine our team’s approach accordingly, and request new PPQs if required Answer: No extensions are being granted at this time. The proposal due date remains unchanged.

16. Should resumes be provided for Key Personnel? If yes, are there page limits for the resume? And do they count in the 35-page limit for Factors 2, 3, and 4?

Answer: Offerors are responsible for providing information about the proposed key personnel that demonstrates relevant education, experience, the technical knowledge and expertise to fulfill the scope requirements, and possession of substantial, relevant knowledge within their respective subject areas. Information provided should include education, experience, and relevant skills.

The 35-page limitation applies to the responses for Factors 2-4. Factor 3 is Key Personnel and is included in this page limitation.

17. Should information be provided about overall staff capabilities, or should only the five key personnel be addressed under Factor 3?

Answer: Factor 3 requests information about the Key Personnel positions identified only.

18. Under Factor 4, Past Performance, the RFP indicates that the past performance is limited to the prime contractor. As subcontractors are likely to play pivotal roles, should this also include past performance for any key subcontractor?

Answer: If the prime contractor does not have relevant past performance history, the proposal may include past performance information involving predecessor companies,

19. For the Volume II Price proposal, must the labor categories with the same name that appear under multiple Technical Areas have the same rate? For example, must the rate for a NEPA Compliance Scientist/Engineer 1 be the same as the rate for a Soil Survey Scientist/Engineer 1?

Answer: Offerors have discretion in establishing appropriate rates for each labor category.

20. For the Volume II Price Proposal for the sample task order, the task order pricing sheet does not include a place for ODCs, including travel. Should these costs be estimated and included? If yes, in order to ensure consistency among bidders, could the Agency provide estimates of the amount of on-site time to include in the cost estimates?

Answer: No Other Than Direct Costs (ODCs) shall be prepriced in the pricing schedule.

to any of the labor categories or quantities in the representative task order pricing table.

21. Is the sample task order truly a sample, or will DOI be awarded a task order in conjunction with the BPA award for this specific work based on the responses provided?

Answer: This solicitation utilizes a pricing model for price evaluation purposes; the pricing model is the provided representative task order pricing table in Attachment 1.

This is a representative task order and no resultant task order award is anticipated.

22. Would being identified as the Petroleum Engineer Key Personnel on this BPA impact the ability of an individual to also work on a contract/BPA issued to perform the plugging of the wells?

Answer: No.

23. Subtask 5.1.8 indicates “The contractor shall utilize all available well information to create well schematic deliverables. Please define the information required for the well schematic deliverable (e.g. does it include a wellbore diagram with geological features and casing types?).

Answer: The language in Section 5.1.8 has been updated to clarify that the contractor's role under this contracting vehicle would be to collect any available well schematic records, but not to create well schematics.

24. Are the health and safety plans required under 6.9.2 to include work performed only under a task order under this BPA? Or should they be comprehensive and also include the plugging and abandonment contractors and their work?

Answer: Any required deliverables under this IDIQ apply only to the scope of work under this IDIQ. The scope of this IDIQ does not include plugging and abandonment.

25. As part of the on-site inspection services during plugging and abandonment will contractors under this BPA have “stop work” authority for health and safety concerns and any potential activities impacting site resources of biological, ecological, cultural, or historical significance or sensitivity?

Answer: The Preservation of Historical and Archeological Data clause has been added to Addendum 5.0 to 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Items.

Please see this clause for additional information pertaining to this question.

26. For project experience in Volume I Factor 1 can we use projects that are substantially complete?

Answer: Yes, submitted projects for Factor 1 may be substantially complete.

27. For Volume I Factor 3: Key Personnel, does the government want us to submit resumes? If so, do they count toward page count?

Answer: Offerors are responsible for providing information about the proposed key personnel that demonstrates relevant education, experience, the technical knowledge and expertise to fulfill the scope requirements, and possession of substantial, relevant knowledge within their respective subject areas. Information provided should include education, experience, and relevant skills.

28. For Volume I Factor 4: Past Performance, does the government want us to insert only the PPQs into this section?

Answer: Offerors must use the provided Past Performance Questionnaire. Factor 4 has been updated to clarify this requirement.

29. Similar to the requirements under Factor 1: Experience, will the Government consider allowing Past Performance requirements from both the prime contractor and/or its proposed team?

Answer: If the prime contractor does not have relevant past performance history, the proposal may include past performance information involving predecessor companies,

30. As presented during Industry Day, will the Government please confirm if IDIQ contracts will be issued for specific regions, or will bidders need to compete nationwide? Small Businesses under NAICS 541620 are unlikely to be able to show experience in all four (4) regions.

Answer: This is a nationwide contract. Offerors must be capable of providing the required services at all locations in the continental United States.

31. Does the contract have HUBZone preference?

Answer: This solicitation is a total small business set-aside.

32. For project experience in Volume I Factor 1 can we use projects that are substantially complete?

Answer: Yes, submitted projects for Factor 1 may be substantially complete.

33. For Volume I Factor 3: Key Personnel, does the government want us to submit resumes? If so, do they count toward page count?

Answer: Offerors are responsible for providing information about the proposed key personnel that demonstrates relevant education, experience, the technical knowledge and expertise to fulfill the scope requirements, and possession of substantial, relevant knowledge within their respective subject areas. Information provided should include education, experience, and relevant skills.

34. For Volume I Factor 4: Past Performance, does the government want us to insert only the PPQs into this section?

Answer: Offerors must use the provided Past Performance Questionnaire. Factor 4 has been updated to clarify this requirement.

35. If the contractor is proposing additional labor categories, can these labor categories be used in the sample task order estimate assuming the total LOE does not change?

Answer: No changes shall be made to any of the labor categories or quantities in the representative task order pricing table. This solicitation utilizes a pricing model for price

36. Can you confirm that the total LOE outlined for the sample task order should remain unchanged? If not, how will the agency be able to reasonably compare one contractor to another, especially since “The total price for the Sample Task Order, as provided in the Sample Task Order Price Matrix, will be used for making the award decision.”

Answer: No changes shall be made to any of the labor categories or quantities in the representative task order pricing table. This solicitation utilizes a pricing model for price

37. There are not field available in the sample task order pricing worksheet for travel or ODCs. Should these estimates be included in the contractor’s response or in the agency only evaluating the labor pricing?

Answer: No Other Than Direct Costs (ODCs) shall be prepriced in the pricing schedule.

to any of the labor categories or quantities in the representative task order pricing table

38. Will the task order evaluation criteria be identified in each RFP issued under this prime contract?

Answer: The ordering procedures require the Government to furnish contractors with the evaluation criteria and basis of award at the task order level.

39. Will the contract awards be awarded by individual region assessment?

40. Will we need to identify the specific regions we plan to cover?

41. Will task orders be released by region, and can selected contractors submit on task orders for any region?

42. Can we send a link to our final document instead of emailing multiple files?

Answer: Offerors must submit electronic file versions of their proposal via email. No links will be reviewed.

43. Under Factor 4: Past Performance – it states, “The offeror shall complete the included Past Performance Questionnaire for up to three (3) complete projects performed by the prime contractor within in the last seven (7) years that are proposed to be similar scope, magnitude of effort, and complexities.” This is not consistent with the rest of the document (see Factor 1). Is it preferred to submit past performance from only the prime or both prime and sub?

Answer: If the prime contractor does not have relevant past performance history, the proposal may include past performance information involving predecessor companies,

44. Will Contractor have the latitude to add subs on Task Orders?

Answer: The resultant contractor(s) for this award will be responsible for complying with the limitations and parameters of the Key Personnel clause and FAR 52.219-14 Limitations on Subcontracting. Proposed prices may not exceed the established labor rates on the contractor’s IDIQ pricing schedule. The means and methods for how the contractor(s) propose to accomplish work is at the discretion of each contractor. New labor categories may be added with advanced written approval from the ordering activity Contracting Officer if all applicable acquisition regulations have been followed and the price is determined to be fair and reasonable.

45. We would like to confirm that the Prime Contractor is able to subcontract through a large business entity? We have read and believe we understand the provisions of 52.219-14 LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING, and our question pertains more directly to our need to clarify the definition of " not similarly situated entities" as it relates to the 50% payment requirement Answer: In accordance with FAR Clause 52.219-14, contractors may not pay more than 50 percent of the amount paid by the Government for contract performance, excluding certain other direct costs and certain work performed outside the United States, to subcontractors that are not similarly situated entities. There are no rules pertaining to the other 50 percent of the amount paid by the Government for contract performance, and the contractor has discretion to determine its own means and methods.

46. While we will be submitting a nationwide proposal for all services, will contracts be awarded for individual or full services on a regional basis?

47. SF 1449: Will the government extend the proposal due date to December 15, 2022?

Answer: No extensions are being granted at this time. The proposal due date remains unchanged.

48. Volume I, Factor 1: Experience: This factor requires the provided projects be from the last five years. Will the government increase this performance period to seven years to be consistent with the seven-year requirement under Factor 4: Past Performance?

Answer: The time period for Factor 1 Experience has been adjusted to within the last seven (7) years.

49. Volume I, Factor 4: Past Performance: This factor allows for up to three PPQs to be submitted completed projects performed by the prime contractor. Will the government allow these PPQs to include our subcontracting partners?

Answer: If the prime contractor does not have relevant past performance history, the proposal may include past performance information involving predecessor companies,

50. Volume I, Factor 4: Past Performance: Will the government revise the requirement that projects be “complete” to “substantially complete” (or similar wording, for example 50 percent complete) to allow inclusion of ongoing projects that demonstrate relevant contractor experience?

Answer: Yes, submitted projects for Factor 4 may be substantially complete.

51. Addendum 1.0: Schedule of Supplies or Services: Clause states "Task order coordination and handling fees are not permitted." Please verify that G&A applied to subcontractors and other direct costs in accordance with approved disclosure statements is allowed.

Answer: The provided labor rates shall be fully loaded inclusive of G&A expense, overhead and profit. Addendum 1.0: Schedule of Supplies or Services has been updated to clarify this.

52. Please clarify if the annual rates are to be burdened? And if so to also include profit?

Answer: The provided labor rates shall be fully loaded inclusive of G&A expense, overhead and profit. Addendum 1.0: Schedule of Supplies or Services has been updated to clarify this.

53. Please verify that for the "Sample Task Order Pricing" Offerors are only to include the Attachment 1 Final Labor Table rates per year as hours are already included and there is no place to insert any other costs.

Answer: No changes shall be made to any of the labor categories or quantities in the representative task order pricing table. This solicitation utilizes a pricing model for price

54. Please clarify whether the Past Performance Questionnaires required under Factor 4 (3 pages each, 9 in total) will be counted as part of the page limitation (35 pages combined for Factors 2, 3, and 4.).

Answer: The 35-page limitation applies to the responses for Factors 2-4. Factor 4 is Past Performance and is included in this page limitation.

55. Given the nature of this contract’s work, will the following Federal Acquisition Regulation clauses be incorporated with the contract and subsequent task orders?

1. FAR 52.236-2, Differing Site Conditions

2. FAR 52.243-4, Changes

3. FAR 52.246-25, Limitation of Liability-Services

4. FAR 52.249-14, Excusable Delay

Answer: The above clauses will not be included. The services required for this solicitation are commercial in nature.

56. What insurance requirements will be applicable to the contracts issued?

Answer: There are no specific insurance requirements.

57. FAR Clause 52.219-4, Limitations on Subcontracting (September 2021) (Deviation 2021) (page 9-10 of 57): Based on this clause and the reporting worksheet included as Attachment 7, Limitation on Subcontracting Worksheet, it appears that with a proper teaming agreement multiple Small Businesses can help meet the subcontracting requirement. Can DOI BLM confirm that any first tier subcontractors that meet the Small Business NAICS Code 541620, $16.5 Million, which are issued work by the Small Business prime, would qualify for calculating the total work issued to Small Business entities under the contract? Can DOI BLM clarify if any other Small Business NAICS classifications for Tier 1 subcontractors would also be included? Would such a teaming agreement be required to be submitted with the proposal?

Answer: In accordance with FAR Clause 52.219-14, a similarly situated entity means a first-tier subcontractor that has:

i. The same small business program status as that which qualified the prime contractor for the award (e.g., for a small business set-aside contract, any small business concern, without regard to its socioeconomic status); and

ii. Is considered small for the size standard under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code the prime contractor assigned to the subcontract.

58. The bottom of Page 22 of 57 states, “(2) While not required, the Contractor may include in its subcontracts for commercial products and commercial services a minimal number of additional clauses necessary to satisfy its contractual…” It appears that some words are missing at the end of the sentence; can DOI BLM complete the sentence for contractor review and use?

Answer: This page has been updated to state, “(2) While not required, the Contractor may include in its subcontracts for commercial products and commercial services a minimal number of additional clauses necessary to satisfy its contractual obligations.

(End of clause)”

59. Question related to the Addendum to 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Items (NOV 2021), Addenda 1.0: Submission Instructions Specific to this Solicitation (Submittal Requirements). Submittal Requirements (page 24 of 57) states that for Volume 1, “The provided page limitations are inclusive of cover letters, pictures and charts. Title pages, dividers and table of contents shall not be counted in the page limitations. Any information provided beyond this limit will not be evaluated.” Does this page limitation include the Past Performance Questionnaires to be completed by clients and included in the proposal? Does this page limit include the experience information/resumes for Key Personnel?

Answer: The 35-page limitation applies to the responses for Factors 2-4. Factor 3 is Key Personnel and is included in this page limitation. Factor 4 is Past Performance and is included in this page limitation.

60. Question related to the Addendum to 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors – this Solicitation (Submittal Requirements). Submittal Requirements, Volume 1, c.

Factor 3: Key Personnel (page 26 of 27), indicates item 2. Air Quality Specialist as singular. The Evaluation Factor (page 36 of 37, c. Factor 3: Key Personnel, Item

2) also indicates the Air Quality Specialist as singular. However, Special Clause, Key Personnel (Page 14 or 15 of 57) lists Air Quality Specialist(s). Should contractors propose one or multiple Air Quality Specialists for this key position?

Answer: Special Clause 1 has been updated to state “Air Quality Specialist.” One individual shall be proposed for this position.

61. Question related to the Addendum to 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors – this Solicitation (Submittal Requirements). Submittal Requirements, Volume 1, d.

Factor 4: Past Performance (page 26 of 27): This instruction states that completed Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQ) should be included in the proposal for three (3) complete projects performed by the prime contractor within the last (7) seven years that are proposed to be similar scope, magnitude of effort, and complexities.” Questions: (1) Generally, PPQ input from the client is not returned to the contractor in an effort to promote honest feedback; can DOI BLM confirm that the completed forms with client input should be included in the contractor proposal?; (2) Given the PPQ is four pages and the input can generally fit on 2 or 3 pages, can the non-relevant page of instructions and any pages without client input be excluded from the proposal, given the page limitations for the proposal?; (3) Projects that Small Businesses perform which may be relevant to this contract’s scope and complexity may include ongoing, multi-year ID/IQ contracts with completed and ongoing projects; can ID/IQ programs/projects be used for PPQs if several years of work have been completed?

Answer: 1) Yes, completed forms with client input should be included in the contractor proposal.

2) No.

3) Submitted projects for Factor 4 may be substantially complete. Offerors that have IDIQ contracts are encouraged to submit projects that are at least substantially complete at the task order level to demonstrate past performance.

62. Question related to the Addendum to 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors – this Solicitation (Submittal Requirements). Submittal Requirements, Volume 2, c.

Price, ii (page 27 of 57). This states, “The offeror shall submit and complete the provided representative task order pricing table in Attachment X, utilizing the categories and prices included in the offeror’s completed IDIQ pricing schedule.

Offerors may NOT discount the rates within the IDIQ pricing schedule (Representative Task Order Pricing Table).” Can DOI BLM confirm that Attachment X refers to Attachment 1, Pricing Schedule?

Answer: This has been corrected to read Attachment 1 – Pricing Schedule.

63. Question regarding Attachment 2 SOW: Section 5.8.2 (page 8 of 13): Regarding the scope for Site Inspection Services in the Statement of Work, there is a requirement to notify the client 12 hours after an issue “arises.” Can the wording be adjusted to 12 hours after an issue is “discovered”? Also, can the form of notification (phone, email, etc.) be specified?

Answer: The Statement of Work has been revised to replace "arises" with "discovered" in Section 5.8.2. The desired form of notification for an issue would be specified by the corresponding Federal agency when issuing a task order and will not be detailed in this Statement of Work. Generally this type of notification shall be issued to the Contracting Officer or Contracting Officer’s Representative.

64. Question regarding Attachment 2 SOW: Section 5.8.5 (page 8 of 13): The requirement states “The contractor shall ensure that construction operations avoid impacting resources of biological, ecological, cultural, or historical significance or sensitivity and implement mitigation measures as required in the agency authorization as identified in the NEPA and Section 106 of the NHPA processes.” Given that construction operations are being inspected rather than implemented under this contract, can this item’s wording be changed to “The contractor will conduct inspections to determine whether any construction operations may impact resources of biological, ecological, cultural, or historical significance or sensitivity and will recommend mitigation measures as required in the agency authorization as identified in the NEPA and Section 106 of the NHPA processes.”

Answer: Language in Section 5.8.5 has been updated to clarify the contractor's role under this contracting vehicle as that of inspection and not construction implementation.

65. Question regarding Attachment 2 SOW: General, 7.3. Data Rights (page 11 of 13):

This states, “The Government has unlimited rights to all documents/material produced under this contract. All documents and materials produced under this contract shall be Government owned and are the property of the Government with all rights and privileges of ownership/copyright belonging exclusively to the Government. These documents and materials may not be used or sold by the contractor without written permission from the CO. All materials supplied to the Government shall be the sole property of the Government and may not be used for any other purpose. This right does not abrogate any other Government rights.”

Contractors generally retain one copy of files for a time dictated by internal or government document retention requirements. Can DOI BLM confirm that each contractor can retain one copy of contract documents in accordance with standard document retention policies?

Answer: The date rights information in section 7.3 of the Statement of Work has been deleted. Offerors shall refer to the information in FAR 52.227-17 for data rights information specific to this IDIQ. If there are any additional data rights requirements, these will be identified at the task order level.

66. Question regarding Attachment 2 SOW: General, 7.5. Physical Security: This states, “The contractor shall be responsible for safeguarding all government equipment, information and property provided for contractor use.” Can DOI BLM confirm that any costs for providing security should be included in task order-specific proposals and project work plans should such measures be necessary?

Answer: Specific government equipment, information and property provided for contractor use will be provided at the task order level if applicable.

67. Question regarding Attachment 2 SOW: General. 7.7. Contractor Travel: This states, “The contractor may be required to travel in the continental United States (CONUS) during the performance of this contract. Travel requirements will be outlined in individual task orders. The contractor will be authorized travel expenses consistent with the substantive provisions of the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) and the limitation of funds specified in each task order. All travel requires prior Government approval/authorization and notification to the COR.”

Can DOI BLM clarify what constitutes approval for travel? For example, if travel is included in the project work plan for a task order and the work plan is approved, does that constitute approval for travel?

Answer: Specific procedures for travel will be handled at the task order level. Generally, Government approval/authorization is considered written or verbal approval from a Government official with proper authority (i.e. Contracting Officer).

68. Question regarding Pricing: Questions on Attachment 1, Pricing Schedule, Sheet 3, ANF Sample Task Order Pricing and Attachment 3 - Sample Task Order and Sample Task Order Pricing. Sheet 3 includes prescribed labor categories and hours. The Solicitation also states at Submittal Requirements, 2. Volume II c.

Price, ii. (page 27 of 57), that “The offeror shall submit and complete the provided representative task order pricing table in Attachment X, utilizing the categories and prices included in the offeror’s completed IDIQ pricing schedule.” Questions:

(1) Can DOI BLM confirm that the labor categories and hours included on Sheet 3 can be modified in the contractor’s response to the Sample Task Order?; (2) Some of the labor categories (such as Scientist/Engineer I, II, III) appear under more than one item on the Sheet 1, Final Labor Table. Does DOI BLM anticipate that the same labor categories under different work areas (for example, Environmental Testing and Reclamation Planning) would have the same rates and are interchangeable on the Final Labor Table and for the Sample Task Order Pricing?

Answer: 1) No changes shall be made to any of the labor categories or quantities in the representative task order pricing table. This solicitation utilizes a pricing model for price evaluation purposes; the pricing model is the provided representative task order pricing table in Attachment 1.

2) Offerors have discretion in establishing appropriate rates for each labor category.

When completing the representative task order pricing table in Attachment 1, offerors shall utilize the rates included in the offeror’s completed IDIQ pricing schedule.

69. Question regarding Pricing: Attachment 1, Pricing Schedule, Sheet 1, Final Labor Table. We understand that alternate labor categories can be provided. Can the Scientist and Engineer categories be separated if the offeror feels this is appropriate?

Answer: Addenda 1.0 to 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Items (Nov 2021) has been updated to clarify this. Offerors must provide a rate for all provided labor categories in the pricing schedule. The IDIQ pricing schedule includes mandatory labor categories that must be completed; offerors are also allowed to submit additional labor categories for prime and subcontractor pricing.