Questions_and_Answers-Set_2.pdf

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS-SET 2

Software Development IDIQ

140R8119Q0010

***THE NUMBERING IS A CONTINUATION FROM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS SET 1***

*PLEASE SEE THE REVISED ATTACHMENTS BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR QUOTES*

*RFQ-SOLICITATION-REVISED LIST OF ATTACHMENTS, PAGE 28*

*ATTACHMENT B-REVISED*

*ATTACHMENT C-REVISED*

*ATTACHMENT E-REVISED*

Q31. I requested access to the following below documents yesterday. It appeared they were out on google drive.

Task Order One 3. REFERENCES - The following list of documents are required in the performance of this contract:

• BOR SDLC Framework https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B0K5Y_YOftSBVGFidXNOTDcyZHM

• BOR SDLC Description https://docs.google.com/document/d/1n5y5ad3xzTsVTojHskEdAWb3HbyFYAEqoGn61 C6EPA8/edit#heading=h.bc0dlay0t9ig

Task Order Two 3. REFERENCES - The following list of documents are required in the performance of this contract:

• BOR SDLC Framework https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B0K5Y_YOftSBVGFidXNOTDcyZHM

• BOR SDLC Description https://docs.google.com/document/d/1n5y5ad3xzTsVTojHskEdAWb3HbyFYAEqoGn61 C6EPA8/edit#heading=h.bc0dlay0t9ig

4. TASKS - The contractor shall perform IT Project Management tasks in accordance with task order requirements. The work shall be completed during the period of performance. The project will be evaluated for completeness of tasks and objectives weekly. The Contractor will receive direct or indirect guidance for work and projects from the COR and TSAL (technical service area leads) federal staff.

A31. The links have been disabled and are now included as attachments G and H. Please see Attachment G. BOR SDLC Framework and Attachment H. BOR SDLC Description.

Q32. We’re a newly formed entity. Therefore, we will not have the CPARS rating. However, we’ve completed the “open ratings” past performance evaluation conducted by Duns and Bradstreet. Will that suffice for past performance for this solicitation?

A32. No formal CPARS reports will result in a neutral rating.

Q33. Is it possible for a vendor to offer solutions for some but not all of the types of work described in Solicitation 140R8119Q0010? (That is; could more than one vendor win a contract to do the work here?)

A33. Vendors must provide pricing for all labor categories to be eligible for award. Yes, Reclamation intends to award two IDIQ Contracts https://docs.google.com/document/d/1n5y5ad3xzTsVTojHskEdAWb3HbyFYAEqoGn61

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Q34. Is this solicitation for work that has been fulfilled for USBOR by another vendor in the past? If so, is the incumbent in good standing and bidding on this solicitation as well?

A34. There is no incumbent as this is a new requirement.

Q35. I did not see a defined work location. Can the work be accomplished at the Contractor’s Facilities wherever in the U.S. those are, or will some portion of this effort need to take place in Government facilities? If the latter, where are the Government facilities?

A35. Updated information is in the revised PWS.

Q36. On pages 34–35 of the RFQ, Factor 2 is Past Performance, but Sub-Factor 1b and Sub-Factor 2b (under Factor 1) also both ask for past performance. Please confirm that you want nine past performance references: 3 for the IDIQ itself, and 3 for each task order? Can they be the same 3 past performance submissions for each?

A36. Submitted Past Performances need to be recent and relevant, they can utilize the same Past Performance.

Q37. The IDIQ PWS states that individual task orders will have their own PWS including period of performance, place of performance, travel requirements, description of tasks to be performed, minimum qualifications for personnel, etc. However, neither of the two task order PWS’s included with the RFQ contain enough of that information to provide a bid. For example, there is no period of performance, no place of performance or travel requirements, and the personnel qualifications are not tied to particular labor categories. There is not enough detail in the “Tasks” section to know how many people will be required to accomplish the work.

A37. See the revised PWS’ for the Business Analyst and Project Manager.

Q38. For the cost proposal, because there are no qualifications defined for the various labor categories, there is no meaningful way to provide hourly rates for those categories. For example, Attachment B lists four different levels of Applications Developer. But without knowing how many years of experience or educational requirements are expected for each level, and what technologies the applications will be developed in (developers who know COBOL are in a different pricing tier than developers who know JavaScript, for example), how can the Government meaningfully compare proposals from different vendors?

A38. FAR 39.104 – Information Technology Services.

When acquiring information technology services, solicitations must not describe any minimum experience or educational requirement for proposed contractor personnel unless the contracting officer determines that the needs of the agency—

(a) Cannot be met without that requirement; or

(b) Require the use of other than a performance-based acquisition (see Subpart 37.6). This information cannot be provided, this requirement is considered performance based and the Government identifies the need and the contractor tells the Government how they will fulfill the need.

Q39. Here, I’m asking if I need to list specific personnel and qualifications in my proposal response?

A39. Yes, resumes are required for the Task Orders.

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Q40. The IDIQ PWS states that “The detailed PWS for each Task Order will include minimum qualifications for individuals to perform the tasks.”

a. It also states that, “The detailed PWS will include the period of performance; place of performance; travel requirements…” Upon review of the Task Order One and Two PWSs, this information is not apparent.

b. Also, there is no detailed information on deliverables for these Task Orders upon which to effectively evaluate and build a Level of Effort necessary for a Basis of Estimate for staffing. If that information is contained in the links below, they point to inaccessible Google entry points.

c. Task Orders One and Two Links: • BOR SDLC Framework https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B0K5Y_YOftSBVGFidXNOTDcyZHM

• BOR SDLC Description https://docs.google.com/document/d/1n5y5ad3xzTsVTojHskEdAWb3HbyFYAEqo Gn61C6EPA8/edit#heading=h.bc0dlay0t9ig

Could the Government provide these documents for bidders or another link that will work more effectively?

A40. a. See the revised Business Analyst and Project Manager Task Orders.

b. See the revised Task Orders.

c. The links have been disabled and are now included as attachments G and H. Please see Attachment G. BOR SDLC Framework and Attachment H. BOR SDLC Description.

Q41. Task Order One PWS states that “This task order identifies the scope and requirements for Business Analyst services.” Reference question 1, if the information is available in the links, they are not accessible. Will the Government provide the documents or a better link?

A41. The links have been disabled and are now included as attachments G and H. Please see Attachment G. BOR SDLC Framework and Attachment H. BOR SDLC Description.

Q42. Task Order Two PWS states that “This task order identifies the scope and requirements for IT Project Management services.” Reference question 1, if the information is available in the links, they are not accessible. Will the Government provide the documents or a better link?

A42. The links have been disabled and are now included as attachments G and H. Please see Attachment G. BOR SDLC Framework and Attachment H. BOR SDLC Description.

Q43. Due to the large response requested and only small businesses participating, we request a two-week extension to the response time.

A43. At this time this solicitation will not be extended.

Q44. Task Orders 1 and 2 require FFP quotes, however there is not enough information provided regarding the quantity of deliveries or work. Could the government provide information to allow for level of effort determination?

A44. See the revised Task Orders.

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Q45. The solicitation does not specify font type, font size, or paragraph spacing. We recommend 12 pt Times New Roman single space for normal text and no smaller than 10 pt Times New Roman for tables and figures.

A45. Please use whichever font type, size and spacing that works best for your company’s quote.

Q46. Are resumes (Key and alternate) for 1 Business Analyst position required for task order 1. It is unclear if the desire is for business analysis services from multiple people or one business analyst.

A46. Yes, resumes are required for the Task Orders.

Q47. How does the required for knowledge and experience working in a civilian government setting benefit this solicitation? This requirement implies that a specific person who is currently doing the job is desired.

A47. This is a new requirement, there is not a current contract for this work.

Q48. a. Is the task order for program management, for managing a team already in place or is it for managing the business analyst who is delivering the analysis?

b. If it is a team, how large is the team because that drives the person we will propose?

c. Currently, it seems as if the project manager from one company could be managing the business analyst from another company. Is this the intent?

A48. a. The task order is for a Project Manager. The Project Manager will not be managing a team or managing the Business Analyst. The Project Manager will not be managing staff.

b. The Project Manager will not be managing a team but will be managing the processes of a project.

c. No, the Project Manager will not be managing staff.

Q49. Past performance is requested in Section II Factor 1b and 2b, and as part of Section III Factor Does the Government intend on past performance being submitted in three separate sections?

A49. Submit all your past performance under Section II.

Q50. The links to references provided in each task order lead to inaccessible folders. Please provide the references for all to access.

A50. The links have been disabled and are now included as attachments G and H. Please see Attachment G. BOR SDLC Framework and Attachment H. BOR SDLC Description.

Q51. However, we are unable to access the referenced documents in Attachment_C_- __IDIQ_TaskOrder_One_PWS:

3. REFERENCES - The following list of documents are required in the performance of this contract:

• BOR SDLC Framework https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B0K5Y_YOftSBVGFidXNOTDcyZHM

• BOR SDLC Description https://docs.google.com/document/d/1n5y5ad3xzTsVTojHskEdAWb3HbyFYAEqoGn61C6EPA8/edit#h eading=h.bc0dlay0t9ig

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Can you please advise how we may view these documents to help determine our suitability for this opportunity?

A51. The links have been disabled and are now included as attachments G and H. Please see Attachment G. BOR SDLC Framework and Attachment H. BOR SDLC Description.

Q52. Is the contractor required to be onsite for Task order 1 and 2?

A52. This information is updated in the revised PWS.

Q53. Can you provide the period of performance for both task?

A53. This information is updated in the revised PWS.

Q54. Is the requirements for task 1 and 2 to only include updating the listed documents?

A54. See the updated PWS.

Q55. From attachment C: 4.6 Participate in Team meetings for assigned IT system. How often are team meeting and will the contractor be required to be onsite for the meetings?

A55. Team meetings can be held several times a week. Yes, the contractor will be required to be onsite for the meetings.

Q56. From attachment C: 4.5 Development artifacts that are applicable for the assigned IT system for information related to the business analysis. Documents can include: How many systems are there?

A56. The employee will develop artifacts on new systems developed for Reclamation or modify artifacts for existing systems as assigned.

Q57. The government stated that it is planning to award Task orders One(1) and potentially Task Order Two(2). How will this work with two awardees?

A57. It will depend based on Task Order quoted prices.

Q58. If a vendor can provide 9 different Past Performance will the vendor be scored more favorably?

A58. Submitted Past Performances need to be recent and relevant, they can utilize the same Past Performance. Past Performance is rated as either acceptable, neutral, and unacceptable.

Q59. Is the Past Performance score going to be averaged or added?

A59. Submitted Past Performances need to be recent and relevant, they can utilize the same Past Performance. Past Performance is rated as either acceptable, neutral, and unacceptable.

Q60. Can the government share with us how the management plan (Sub-factor 1a) and technical approach for subfactor 1b and 2b are going to be evaluated?

A60. The submitted technical quote will be evaluated against the established evaluations factors by subject matter experts.

Q61. "Section IV calls out ""Factor 3: Pricing for IDIQ Attachment B, Task Order One pricing Attachment D to include requirements from Factor 1: Subfactor 1b, section f and Task Order Two pricing Attachment F, Factor 1: Sub-factor 2b, section f, identified within Addendum to 52.212-1, Instructions, 140R8119Q0010

Conditions and Notice to Offerors."" Can the government please clarify where section f for Sub-factor 1b and 2b are located?"

A61. All pricing must be submitted under section IV.

Q62. "In the proposal format table it asks for ""1 original of sections I – IV and 3 copies of volumes II – III (4 total), but in the instructions below it asks for 1 original of sections I – IV and then 1 original and 3 copies of volumes II – III (5 total)"". Can the government confirm the number of binders to be submitted and how they should be labeled as currently there are 2 different volumes that will be marked as ‘original’. "

A62. You must submit 1 original of sections I through IV, and 1 original and 3 copies of volumes II and III (5 binders total).

Q63. When is the expected start date of the contract?

A63. Anticipated to start 05/01/2019.

Q64. Can the government please share the labor category level's description in order to standardize the level's across the board? For example: Years of experience, Required Education for a Sharepoint Developer Lvl 1 vs Lvl 2 vs Lvl 3 etc.

A64. FAR 39.104 – Information Technology Services.

When acquiring information technology services, solicitations must not describe any minimum experience or educational requirement for proposed contractor personnel unless the contracting officer determines that the needs of the agency—

(a) Cannot be met without that requirement; or

(b) Require the use of other than a performance-based acquisition (see Subpart 37.6). This information cannot be provided, this requirement is considered performance based and the Government identifies the need and the contractor tells the Government how they will fulfill the need.

Q65. Can you please confirm if vendors are required to have a Security Clearance / Top Secret Clearance in order to bid on this solicitation? If so, is the government willing to sponsor a vendor to obtain a Clearance?

A65. Vendors are not required, nor do they need a Security Clearance or Top-Secret Clearance to submit a quote for this solicitation.

Q66. Two of the labor categories listed in Attachment B, Technical Writer and Training Specialist, appear to be categories subject to the Service Contract Act. As this is an SDVOSB set aside, and some, possibly all bidders may not be able to affirmatively certify to FAR 52.213-3 (k)(2)(i) - (iii), we respectfully request that the appropriate Service Contract Act Labor Standards wage determination(s) be added to the solicitation.

A66. All labor categories are professional services, they are not subject to the Service contract act.

Q67. The DOI Solicitation RFQ# 140R8119Q0010 close date for hard copies is April 23, 2019, which is the Tuesday after Easter. Would the government provide a one-week extension to the submission date to better coordinate and deliver a printed and shipped response?

A67. At this time this solicitation will not be extended.

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Q68. Sub-Factor 1b, section c Past Performance, Sub-Factor 2b section c Past Performance, and Factor 2:

Past Performance all require three references. Does the government want these references to be the same, or can they be different in order to more be more fully aligned to the specific requirements of each section?

A68. Submitted Past Performances need to be recent and relevant, they can utilize the same Past Performance.

Q69. What is the performance location for Task One and Task Two?

A69. Updated information is in the revised PWS.

Q70. Will the government provide access to the linked references in Section 3 of both Task Order One and Two? We have requested access via the link and been told to “Please contact the person directly.”

Access is required because Sections 7.1 of Task Order One and 7.3 of Task Order Two require responses tied directly to the Software development Life Cycle.

A70. The links have been disabled and are now included as attachments G and H. Please see Attachment G. BOR SDLC Framework and Attachment H. BOR SDLC Description.

Q71. Will the Government consider extending the due date due to the nature and complexity of this opportunity?

A71. At this time this solicitation will not be extended.

Q72. Will the Government allow an offeror to submit documents in Sections I through III in Adobe PDF?

A72. Submission of offers need to be in accordance with Pages 32-33 of the solicitation.

Q73. Will the Government allow offerors to include a pricing narrative (in MS Word or Adobe PDF) as part of Volume IV to describe the basis of estimate?

A73. That information is up to each quoters.

Q74. "Please confirm content of each Binder:

Binder I - Sections I - IV (1 Original) Binder 2 - Sections II-III (1 Original) Binder 3 - Sections II-III (Copy 1 of 3) Binder 4 - Sections II-III (Copy 2 of 3) Binder 5 - Sections II-III (Copy 3 of 3)"

A74. You must submit 1 original of sections I through IV, and 1 original and 3 copies of volumes II and III (5 binders total).

Q75. Will the Government consider receiving electronic submission (e.g., email) instead of hard copy submission?

A75. No.

Q76. "Section b) request that offerors provide a description for the labor category titles outlined in Attachment B. Would the Government consider providing the labor category descriptions and the nomenclature for the Labor Category Levels (e.g. Level I - Junior, 1-3 years of experience, Level II -

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Journeyman, 2-4 years of experience, Level III - Mid level, 4-6 years of experience and Level IV - Senior, 6+ years of experience)?"

A76. FAR 39.104 – Information Technology Services.

When acquiring information technology services, solicitations must not describe any minimum experience or educational requirement for proposed contractor personnel unless the contracting officer determines that the needs of the agency—

(a) Cannot be met without that requirement; or

(b) Require the use of other than a performance-based acquisition (see Subpart 37.6). This information cannot be provided, this requirement is considered performance based and the Government identifies the need and the contractor tells the Government how they will fulfill the need.

Q77. "In the RFQ Instructions, Factor 1: Technical, Sub-Factor 1a: Management Plan, bullet #b states that offerors must submit labor category descriptions in the technical quote and with Attachment B. However, there is no place in Attachment B to submit these descriptions.

a. Please clarify the instructions and revise the provided attachment as appropriate, if the descriptions should be submitted in Attachment B.

b. Will the Government allow an offeror to provide a pricing narrative in Section IV (in MS Word or PDF) to submit the descriptions and to describe the basis of estimates for the Labor Categories?

c. If the descriptions are to be included in Section II - Factor 1: Technical Quote, will the Government exclude them from the page count?"

A77. a. Please submit the revised Attachment B, sheet 2 for labor description under Factor 3. Price, in Section IV.

b. Yes, please see A77. a. for additional information.

c. No, it will not.

Q78. Will the Government please provide examples of similar third-party applications?

A78. This is not applicable to our internally developed applications.

Q79. Would the Government clarify whether a teaming agreement should be included so that Government can determine what constitutes a 'teaming arrangement'?

A79. Under the FARS/DFARS, the federal government must recognize the validity of a contractor teaming arrangement “provided that the arrangements are identified, and company relationships are fully disclosed in an offer or, for arrangements entered into after submission of an offer, before the arrangement becomes effective.” FAR Subpart 9.601. Full disclosure of the teaming arrangement, in other words, must be part of the prime’s bid. Whomever is submitting the quote must be the certified Service- Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB).

Q80. We understand this is a new requirement and the historical data or estimated LOE is currently unavailable. Since there is no data to determine a LOE, we recommend that the government identify the LOE (labor category and labor hours) to ensure that all offerors are being evaluated on a fair, consistent basis.

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A80. This information cannot be provided, this requirement is considered performance based and the Government identifies the need and the contractor tells the Government how they will fulfill the need.

Q81. Will the Government identify the key personnel labor categories and FTEs for each Task Order so offerors can be evaluated consistently and fairly?

A81. This information cannot be provided, this requirement is considered performance based and the Government identifies the need and the contractor tells the Government how they will fulfill the need.

Q82. Please identify the place of performance for each task order, and whether the work will be performed on the Government site or the contract site.

A82. The first two Task Orders will be performed on the Denver Federal Center, Lakewood, Colorado.

Q83. (Ref. RFQ_Solicitation-140R8119Q0010-Software_Development) – Please confirm the address listed for delivery can receive shipments via common carrier (FedEx, UPS).

A83. Yes.

Q84. (Ref. RFQ_Solicitation-140R8119Q0010-Software_Development) – The delivery address listed in Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors (page 33 of 52) is being rejected by common carriers FedEx and UPS as invalid for expedited shipping. Is there an alternative address for delivery?

A84. No, there is not.

Q85. (Ref. RFQ_Solicitation-140R8119Q0010-Software_Development) – Please confirm the delivery time of 1100 EST, as this is going to Denver (Mountain Time).

A85. This time is correct, we will receive delivery by 1100 EST, which is also 0900 MT.

Q86. (Ref. RFQ_Solicitation-140R8119Q0010-Software_Development) – Will the government allow Cover Pages and Table of Contents pages to be excluded from page counts?

A86. No, it will not.

Q87. (Ref. RFQ_Solicitation-140R8119Q0010-Software_Development) – Will the government accept past performance references from a named team member?

A87. Yes.

Q88. (Ref. RFQ_Solicitation-140R8119Q0010-Software_Development) – If a SDVOSB does not have a total of three similar past performances within three years for each of the Task Orders will this preclude an award of the IDIQ?

A88. Submitted Past Performances need to be recent and relevant, they can utilize the same Past Performance.

Q89. (Ref. Attachment C: PWS Task Order One and Attachment E: PWS Task Order Two) – Task Orders One and Two both include a QASP with potential financial penalties if the minimum acceptable quality level is not met. The Questions & Answers -Set #1 states there are no contractors or FTEs currently performing these services (Q.8). No prior level of effort is available. Both Task Orders, in Section 4 Tasks, state ‘The project will be evaluated for completeness of tasks and objectives weekly. The Contractor will receive direct or indirect guidance for work and projects from the COR and TSAL

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(technical service area leads) federal staff.’ Would the government provide clarifying information on how project assignment and priorities will be deconflicted to ensure minimum acceptable quality levels are achievable with assigned workloads?

A89. This specific topic is not the focus of experience relevancy evaluation for Task Order 1 or 2.

Q90. (Ref. Attachment C: PWS Task Order One and Attachment E: PWS Task Order Two) – Will the government please provide the Period of Performance for Task Orders One and Two?

A90. This information can be found in the revised PWS.

Q91. (Ref. RFQ_Solicitation-140R8119Q0010-Software_Development) – Would the government grant an extension?

A91. At this time this solicitation will not be extended.

Q92. "b) Offerors must submit labor category descriptions for each labor category title as part of their technical quote in accordance with FAR 52.212-1(b)(4)). Labor category descriptions must be submitted with Attachment B. Sub-Factor 1a: Management Plan; paragraph b)—please confirm labor category descriptions are to be included in both the Management Plan as well as with Attachment B—Fully Burdened, Contractually Binding Hourly Rates."

A92. Labor category descriptions are to be included using the revised Attachment B, sheet 2 under Factor

3. Price, in Section IV.

Q93. What positions (categories/#s) are defined as key personnel for Task Order 1?

A93. This information cannot be provided, this requirement is considered performance based and the Government identifies the need and the contractor tells the Government how they will fulfill the need.

Q94. What positions (categories/#s) are defined as key personnel for Task Order 2?

A94. This information cannot be provided, this requirement is considered performance based and the Government identifies the need and the contractor tells the Government how they will fulfill the need.

Q95. Please clarify the number of past performance references allowed in total. The instructions indicate 3 for TO 1, 3 for TO 2, and 3 for Factor 2 = 9 in total allowed. However, our assumption is the government is looking for 3 as a maximum to be included in Factor 2, and applied as relevant to Factor 1 1b and 2b as relevant. Please clarify/confirm the total allowed PP and how we should relate them in Factor 2 to Factor 1.

A95. Submitted Past Performances need to be recent and relevant, they can utilize the same Past Performance.

Q96. "b) Description of the work; (i) Technical approach related to system upgrades and integration of AutoCAD or similar third-party applications. This or related technical support is not represented in the IDIQ PWS nor either Task order 1 or 2 PWS. Please confirm that this specific topic is the focus of experience relevancy evaluation."

A96. FAR 39.104 – Information Technology Services.

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When acquiring information technology services, solicitations must not describe any minimum experience or educational requirement for proposed contractor personnel unless the contracting officer determines that the needs of the agency—

(a) Cannot be met without that requirement; or

(b) Require the use of other than a performance-based acquisition (see Subpart 37.6). This information cannot be provided, this requirement is considered performance based and the Government identifies the need and the contractor tells the Government how they will fulfill the need.

Q97. Please confirm there is no page limitation to the Price Volume.

A97. At a minimum Attachments B, D and E must be filled out and included in your quote, under Factor

3. Price.

Q98. Attachment B—Fully Burdened, Contractually Binding Hourly Rates—is it the Governments desire to limit labor categories “Program Manager”, SharePoint Developer”, and “Test Engineer” to only three levels? If so, can the Government advise as to which level the Government does not desire; Level I, the lowest, or Level IV, the highest?

A98. FAR 39.104 – Information Technology Services.

When acquiring information technology services, solicitations must not describe any minimum experience or educational requirement for proposed contractor personnel unless the contracting officer determines that the needs of the agency—

(a) Cannot be met without that requirement; or

(b) Require the use of other than a performance-based acquisition (see Subpart 37.6). This information cannot be provided, this requirement is considered performance based and the Government identifies the need and the contractor tells the Government how they will fulfill the need.

Q99. Attachment B—Fully Burdened, Contractually Binding Hourly Rates—Will the Government allow the contractor to remove the “Functional Subject Matter Expert” position in exchange for the Level IV of each other labor category meets the qualification of a SME? If not, can the contractor, rather than propose levels of Functional SME, which is confusing in itself, will the Government allow the contractor to propose Functional SMEs by discipline rather than level?

A99. FAR 39.104 – Information Technology Services.

When acquiring information technology services, solicitations must not describe any minimum experience or educational requirement for proposed contractor personnel unless the contracting officer determines that the needs of the agency—

(a) Cannot be met without that requirement; or

(b) Require the use of other than a performance-based acquisition (see Subpart 37.6). This information cannot be provided, this requirement is considered performance based and the Government identifies the need and the contractor tells the Government how they will fulfill the need.

Q100. What is the anticipated LOE for Task 1? The Task Order One PWS seems to indicate there is only one FTE (Business Analyst) and that person is key. Can the Government confirm?

A100. This requirement is considered performance based and the Government identifies the need and the contractor tells the Government how they will fulfill the need.

Q101. What is the anticipated LOE for Task 2? The Task Order One PWS seems to indicate there is only one FTE (Project Manager) and that person is key. Can the Government confirm?

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A101. This requirement is considered performance based and the Government identifies the need and the contractor tells the Government how they will fulfill the need.

Q102. Questions & Answers – Set #1 – Question 14 “Can subcontractors past performance be utilized as well?” Answer 14 “No, unless you are involved in a teaming arrangement.” Will the Government please verify that past performance for subcontractors who are under a valid Teaming Agreement with an eligible Prime (SDVOSB) may be used?

A102. Yes, when submitting these documents both the prime and the subcontractors past performance may be used.

Q103. Questions & Answers – Set #1 – Question 14 Can the Government please clarify what the term “Teaming Arrangement” means as it relates to this procurement? Does the term “teaming arrangement” refer to a Contractor Teaming Arrangement (CTA) or a Joint Venture (JV)? If it does refer to a CTA, would all parties forming the CTA have to be of the same socioeconomic status (per the GSA website) – in this case, Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)?

A103. Whomever is submitting the quote must be the certified Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB).

Q104. 52.212-1 Instructions, Conditions and Notices to Offerors, (a) Arrangement of Quote; and, (b) – Separation of Binders and Sections, Pages 32- 33 – The instructions state: “One (1) complete quote containing Sections I through IV will be provided and will be incorporated into the official contract file, this is binder one (1). One (1) original and Three (3) copies of the offeror’s quote containing Sections II through III will be provided for technical review purposes, these will be considered binders two (2) through five (5).”

To clarify: Section I will NOT be in a separate binder. It will ONLY appear in the referenced “One (1) complete quote containing Sections I through IV….” Is that complete binder containing Sections I through IV considered the Original? Is this also the ONLY place that price will appear, in the complete quote binder? Or will there still be a separate binder containing only Section IV?

If both Section 1 and Section IV ONLY appear in the complete binder containing, the we would only be submitting 5 binders total. However, it is also possible to interpret (a) and (b) to mean:

One complete binder; One Original + 3 Copies of Sections II -III; and One Original of Section IV, which would mean 6 binders total.

A104. You must submit 1 original of sections I through IV, and 1 original and 3 copies of volumes II and III (5 binders total).

Q105. Attachment C – IDIQ Task Order One PWS, Section 4.5, Page 2 – It states: “Assist the IT Project Manager in completing the USBR provided IT Software Development artifacts….” Is the IT Project Manager a Government employee?

A105. The task order is for a Project Manager. The Project Manager will not be a Government employee.

Q106. Factor 3: Price, Page 35 – The first sentence in the second paragraph states that Task Order One will be awarded at the time of the IDIQ award. Since there are supposed to be two IDIQ awardees, what are the criteria for awarding Task Order One at the time of award to one of the IDIQ awardees?

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A106. It will depend based on Task Order quoted price. One contractor could be awarded both and the other receives a Task Order in the amount of the minimum guarantee. The last scenario is that each awardee receives a Task Order.

Q107. Factor 3: Price, Page 36 – The first sentence in the third paragraph states that Task Order Two is anticipated to be awarded at the time of the IDIQ award. Since there are supposed to be two IDIQ awardees, what are the criteria for potentially awarding Task Order Two at the time of award to one of the IDIQ awardees?

A107. It will depend based on Task Order quoted price. One contractor could be awarded both and the other receives a Task Order in the amount of the minimum guarantee. The last scenario is that each awardee receives a Task Order.

Q108. Questions & Answers – Set #1, Question & Answer #11 – The answer to question 11 states that “Contract employees may be required to travel either occasionally or continuously in the performance of a task order.” For pricing purposes, can the Government please clarify the level of travel required in both Task Order One and Task Order Two? Furthermore, if contract employees may be required to travel either occasionally – or, more importantly, continuously – including all 17 states in the predominant service area, on future task orders, will the Government provide a travel cost “plug number”?

A108. Task Order 1 and Task Order 2 do not require travel.

Q109. Questions & Answers – Set #1, Question & Answer #10 – The answer to question 10 states that “Onsite personnel is preferred but not mandatory.” For pricing purposes, can the Government please clarify the place of performance for both Task Order One and Task Order Two? Our assumption currently is Denver, Colorado.

A109. This information is included in the revised PWS, onsite at the Denver Federal Center, Lakewood, Colorado.

Q110. Factor 2: Past Performance, Page 35 – Past performance instructions state: “(i) Technical approach related to system upgrades and integration of AutoCAD or similar third-party applications.” Is integration of AutoCAD part of this IDIQ PWS?

A110. No.

Q111. Factor 1: Technical; Sub-Factor 1a: Management Plan, Page 34 – Technical Quote instructions state: “b) Offerors must submit labor category descriptions for each labor category title as part of their technical quote in accordance with FAR 52.212-1(b)(4)). Labor category descriptions must be submitted with Attachment B.” Does the Government want the labor category descriptions submitted with Volume II Technical? Or with Attachment B, which is part of price?

A111. Please submit the revised Attachment B, sheet 2 for labor description under Factor 3. Price, in Section IV.

Q112. Please clarify that Offerors are only submitting ONE single flash drive containing all Sections (I -

IV).

A112. Yes, only submit only 1 flash drive including each section required.

140R8119Q0010

Q113. Should the flash drive have each Section segmented in its own folder to keep each section isolated for clarity?

A113. Yes.

Q114. Our company working with an SDVOSB which is responding to the solicitation mentioned above and we had a very quick clarifying question on the recently released Q&A.

Question 14 states: “Can subcontractors past performance be utilized as well?”

Answer 14 states: “No, unless you are involved in a teaming arrangement.”

Does this refer to a traditional teaming arrangement such as a GSA Contractor Team Arrangement? We haven’t found the response requirement for the CTA in the RFQ vendor instructions, do you want that included as part of the management volume?

A114. Under the FARS/DFARS, the federal government must recognize the validity of a contractor teaming arrangement “provided that the arrangements are identified, and company relationships are fully disclosed in an offer or, for arrangements entered into after submission of an offer, before the arrangement becomes effective.” FAR Subpart 9.601. Full disclosure of the teaming arrangement, in other words, must be part of the prime’s bid.

Q115. Evaluation: Reference RFQ_Solicitation-140R8119Q0010-Software_Development, 52.212-2 Evaluation. Presently there are no evaluation criteria specified for Factors 1 or 2. Evaluation criteria is only provided for Factor 3. Will the Government please provide clear and specific evaluation criteria for Factors 1 and 2, all Sub-Factors and all Items contained therein?

A115. Unacceptable, Marginal, Acceptable and Exceptional.

Q116. General: Reference Questions_and_Answers-3-29-2019, A14. The Government mentions “Teaming Arrangements”, is this a broad term to include, Contractor Teaming Arrangements, Prime/Subcontractor Agreements and Joint Ventures?

A116. Under the FARS/DFARS, the federal government must recognize the validity of a contractor teaming arrangement “provided that the arrangements are identified, and company relationships are fully disclosed in an offer or, for arrangements entered into after submission of an offer, before the arrangement becomes effective.” FAR Subpart 9.601. Full disclosure of the teaming arrangement, in other words, must be part of the prime’s bid. Whomever is submitting the quote must be the certified Service- Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB).

Q117. General: Reference RFQ_Solicitation-140R8119Q0010-Software_Development, 52.212-1. It is unclear if cover pages, cover letters, table of contents, tabs, etc. are excluded from page limitations. Will the Government clarify and specifically exclude these items from page limitations?

A117. Each of these documents count against the page count.

Q118. General: Reference RFQ_Solicitation-140R8119Q0010-Software_Development, 52.212-1, Factor 1: Technical. Will the Government please allot 5 additional pages, separate from any existing requirements, for an introduction section (i.e. team introductions, executive summary, etc.)

A118. No.

140R8119Q0010

Q119. General: Reference RFQ_Solicitation-140R8119Q0010-Software_Development, 52.212-1, SF 1449, Item 8. Please provide a 2-week extension so prospective Offerors can fully contemplate and adequately incorporate the Government’s answers to all questions.

A119. At this time this solicitation will not be extended.

Q120. General: Will the Government require COTS or technology evaluations from successful offerors?

A120. Do not understand question.

Q121. General: Will the Government use this IDIQ for new development only or will operations and maintenance support of existing applications also fall within the scope of the resulting contract?

A121. The resulting contract tasks could cover both new development and the operations and maintenance support of existing applications.

Q122. General: Will the Government supply a list of technologies, systems, products, and development languages the successful offeror is expected to support during the life of this IDIQ to allow offerors to adequately develop technical and price proposal? Please supply a list encompassing legacy, current and future/planned technologies.

A122. With the release of future Task Orders for software developers and DBA’s a list of current and future technologies will be provided. This information is not included for the Project Manager or Business Analyst Task Orders.

Q123. Key Personnel: Reference RFQ_Solicitation-140R8119Q0010-Software_Development, 52.212-1, Factor 1: Technical, Sub-Factor 1b, Item b, Page 34 of 52 and RFQ_Solicitation-140R8119Q0010- Software_Development, 52.212-1, Factor 1: Technical, Sub-Factor 2b, Item b, Page 34 of 52. Sub item i of both requirements require names of “specific key personnel”. Sub item ii of both requirements require a “list of alternate personnel resources” and “one alternate personnel for each key personnel”. Item iii of both requirements states “Limit Key Personnel (alternate and non-alternate]. Is sub item ii limited to only key personnel?

A123. Yes

Q124. Key Personnel: Reference RFQ_Solicitation-140R8119Q0010-Software_Development, 52.212-1, Factor 1: Technical, Sub-Factor 1a. The Government has not requested any proposed key personnel at the IDIQ level, but desires to understand the management resources available to manage and oversee the IDIQ and any tasks thereunder. Shall offerors propose key personnel at the IDIQ level? And, will the Government exclude any resumes provided from existing page limitations?

A124. No key personnel are required at the IDIQ level. Yes, resumes are required for the Task Orders.

Q125. Page Limitations: Reference RFQ_Solicitation-140R8119Q0010-Software_Development, 52.212-

1. Can offerors use Appendices for all non-page counted items so that adherence to page limitations is more clearly apparent to the Government?

A125. All documents count against the page count.

Q126. Past Performance. Reference RFQ_Solicitation-140R8119Q0010-Software_Development, 52.212- 1, Factor 1: Technical, Sub-Factor 1a, Item iv, page 34 of 52 and Reference Questions_and_Answers-3- 29-2019, A14. The answer for question 14 seems to conflict with the Government’s desire in the RFQ

140R8119Q0010 reference provided. In the RFQ reference, the Government is interested in knowing the strength of the entire team, including “qualified subcontract and corporate partner/networked individuals”. In this context, the Government should therefore allow subcontractor past performance so that the Government may evaluate the full knowledge/capability and experience offerors provide. We request the Government to reconsider allowing subcontractor past performance, so prospective offerors may include subcontractor experience also. Will the Government allow subcontractor past performance?

A126. Yes.

Q127. Pricing: Reference RFQ_Solicitation-140R8119Q0010-Software_Development, 52.212-1, Factor 1: Technical, Sub-Factor 1a, Item b. Should labor category descriptions be included in Attachment B or can this be a separate document included in the Section IV binder?

A127. Please submit the revised Attachment B, sheet 2 for labor description under Factor 3. Price, in Section IV.

Q128. Technical Approach: Reference RFQ_Solicitation-140R8119Q0010-Software_Development, 52.212-1, Factor 1: Technical, Sub-Factor 1b, Item a, Page 34 of 52 and RFQ_Solicitation- 140R8119Q0010-Software_Development, 52.212-1, Factor 1: Technical, Sub-Factor 2b, Item a, Page 34 of 52. Presently there are no instructions provided as to the content for these sections of the response. Will the Government clearly specify the requirements and evaluation criteria for these items?

A128. Unacceptable, Marginal, Acceptable and Exceptional.

Q129. Do we have to complete these 2 attachments – Attachment D, Attachment F ( TO Pricing one and TO Pricing 2)? Please confirm

A129. Yes, if they are not completed and submitted your quote will be considered nonresponsive and will not be accepted.

Q130. Since this opportunity is an 100% set aside for SDVOSB, can it subcontract or partner/ team up with a Minority owned small business? Please confirm

A130. Under the FARS/DFARS, the federal government must recognize the validity of a contractor teaming arrangement “provided that the arrangements are identified, and company relationships are fully disclosed in an offer or, for arrangements entered into after submission of an offer, before the arrangement becomes effective.” FAR Subpart 9.601. Full disclosure of the teaming arrangement, in other words, must be part of the prime’s bid. Whomever is submitting the quote must be the certified Service- Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB).

Q131. Is this an existing contract or a new contract?

A131. This is a new requirement, there is not a current contract for this work.

Q132. If this is an existing contract, is the Dept. looking to extend the contract to more vendors? If so, how many more vendors will be added?

A132. This is a new requirement, there is not a current contract for this work.

Q133. If existing contract, who is/are the incumbents? Can you please name them?

A133. This is a new requirement, there is not a current contract for this work.

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Q134. Is/are the incumbent(s) eligible to bid on this contract?

A134. There is no incumbent.

Q135. What is the size of the existing contract? Current billable revenue? Contract length

A135. There is no existing contract.

Q136. Do the resources need to reside in those locations of work? Is there any preference to have resources local? How much/what percentage of travel is expected of these consultants?

A136. Both the Project Manager and Business Analyst Task Orders One & Two require the contract employee to be onsite at the Denver Federal Center in Lakewood, Colorado. Travel is not required for these two Task Orders.

Q137. Is pricing model based on travel inclusive or resources only? when travel is approved, is it standard govt rates/policies?

A137. Yes, it is standard Government rates and policies.

Q138. Is budget for travel expenses per contract year? if so, what is it?

A138. No.

Q139. If we have a GSA schedule, are we expected to use that in our pricing model?

A139. Yes.

Q140. can you qualify 'fully burdened', does this include travel?

A140. No, it does not include travel.

Q141. Can you provide the job description for the resources?

A141. Submitting contractor must submit job description.

Q142. How much/what percentage can be traveling consultants?

A142. Both the Project Manager and Business Analyst Task Orders One & Two require the contract employee to be onsite at the Denver Federal Center in Lakewood, Colorado.

Q143. How many vendors will this contract be awarded to?

A143. Two awardees.

Q144. Can this contract be awarded under the GSA IT 70 schedule?

A144. This requirement is being solicited open market.

Q145. How many IDIQ TO contracts will be released with the contract duration? Is it only 2 TO as requested with this submission or more? Please confirm

A145. Task Orders will be awarded as needed by the agency.

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Q146. (b) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (b) that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items:

[X] (1) 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (Sept 2006), with Alternate I (Oct 1995) (41 U.S.C. 4704 and 10 U.S.C. 2402).

What does the above statement mean? Please explain.

A146. Please see FARSITE for clarification at http://farsite.hill.af.mil/vmfara.htm

Q147. Is it the contractor/ prime vendor not supposed to subcontract any work to a small business company or team up with a small business company to deliver these services? Please confirm

A147. Under the FARS/DFARS, the federal government must recognize the validity of a contractor teaming arrangement “provided that the arrangements are identified, and company relationships are fully disclosed in an offer or, for arrangements entered into after submission of an offer, before the arrangement becomes effective.” FAR Subpart 9.601. Full disclosure of the teaming arrangement, in other words, must be part of the prime’s bid. Whomever is submitting the quote must be the certified Service- Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB).

***END OF QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR SOLICITATION 140R8119Q0010***

http://farsite.hill.af.mil/vmfara.htm