19-233-SOL-00098_Responses_to_Questions.pdf

Department of Health and Human Services/Program Support Center

Intelligent Automation/Artificial Intelligence (IAAI) solutions, services and products

Solicitation No. 19-233-SOL-00098

Responses to Questions

# QUESTIONS FROM PROSPECTIVE

OFFERORS

REFERENCE (if included in question)

Pg No. GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSE

1 Can we use cooperative agreements/grants as experience?

No. We are not accepting cooperative agreements / grants as experience.

Is Organizational Experience from partners/subcontractors allowed or do the three government contracts have to come from PRIME only?

Prime Only. We are looking for future contract holders that can actually perform the work identified in the solicitation.

Can you please clarify if the government will accept commercial (non-government) past performance also?

Past Performance is no longer being evaluated as part of this solicitation and has been removed as an evaluation factor.

The cover letter states the Past Performance must be “via Government Contracts”; however, Attachment J.1 allows for selection of a commercial client. Could the Government please clarify whether they will consider commercial past performance that meets the requirements?

Can we provide public government-sponsored enterprise and/or Commercial Experience for the Past Performance?

7 Is there an incumbent? There is no incumbent.

Please confirm if this is an international bid or limited to USA registered companies only.

This opportunity is restricted to U.S.

companies only.

9 Will there be a scheduled site visit for this opportunity?

No.

10 What will be the anticipated award date for this contract?

We anticipate an award in mid to late March 2018. However, this is not guaranteed.

What will be the anticipated start date for this contract?

The effective date of the IDIQ contract will be the date of award. It is anticipated that task orders will be issued following award as federal agencies/component offices seek to utilize this contract.

12 What is the current total annual awarded amount for this contract?

This is not applicable to the IDIQ Contracts.

The IDIQ Contracts awarded will obligate the minimum guarantee as stated in Section B.4 of the solicitation. There is currently no information pertaining to future Task Orders that will be issued under this contract vehicle.

Have funds been appropriated for this opportunity?

Each IDIQ Contract awardee will receive the minimum guarantee as stated in Section B.4 of the solicitation.

We partner with a company that is qualified to deliver this job. Can we bid under our name and designate the company we partner with as our contractor? Or, do they need to be the one submitting the bid under their name?

The Offeror must be the company that is qualified to provide the services as well as serve as the Prime Contractor.

Is this contract only requesting contractor support (personnel), or is it requesting products/solutions to the Govt.?

Both. Please review the entire Statement of Work in Section C of the solicitation. The contract primarily supports the acquisition of services. However, there could be instances where SAAS solutions might be purchased under a task order (TO)

Will this be a single or multiple award?

As stated in the Cover Letter and the Solicitation, this is a solicitation for an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract. It is anticipated that multiple awards will be made.

Due to the government shutdown, it is not possible for our clients to fill-in and otherwise fully respond to the Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQs) that are required by the due date of the Proposal. How should we proceed?

In light of the partial government shutdown it has been decided that past performance will not be evaluated under this solicitation.

Is it possible to extend the due date for submission of proposals to February 11, 2019?

The Solicitation Response date is now 08 February 2019.

In light of the furlough and its impact on the past performance questionnaire, is it possible to provide a 1 week extension on this RFQ?

will not be evaluated under this solicitation.

Can you confirm that we may use the past performance of a significant subcontractor as part of our proposal response?

will not be evaluated under this solicitation.

Section L.7 Inquiries/Submission states “The proposal must be submitted no later than Wednesday, January 30, 2019 at 8:00am Eastern Standard Time.” Due to the Government shutdown is it the intent of the

HHS PSC to extend the due date and time of proposal submission?

L.9.3.2 Factor 2: Technical Capability. It is unclear of what the government is requiring in this section, since it keeps referring to Factor 1: Organizational Experience. Given the examples the offeror will provide in Factor 1: Organizational Experience is it the intent of the government that the offeror include in Factor 2: Technical Capability information that articulates a high-level understanding of the conceptualization, development and delivery of innovative IAAI solutions? Can the offeror provide this information as part of its response to Factor 1: Organizational Experience due the page limitation of the proposal?

Each evaluation factor is evaluated separately. Therefore, Offerors should respond accordingly.

L.9.3.2 Factor 3: Management Approach and Risk Management Plan. It appears the numbering is incorrect; was it the intent of the government to number this section as L.9.3.3?

Yes. See the Amendment to the solicitation that now reflects the correct number.

L.11 Past Performance Information Instructions states in paragraph 3 “A maximum of five (5) performance references shall be submitted for contracts within the past 3 years.” This appears to be in conflict with Section L.9.3.1 Factor 1 Organizational Experience where this section states “Provide information on a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of four (4) government contracts (federal, state, local) from the past 5 years…” Can the government provide clarification if the past performance should be the past three

(3) years or past five (5) years; in addition to a maximum of four (4) or five (5) contracts to be submitted?

In reference to L.9.3.1 Factor 1:

Organizational Experience, is it the intent of the government that the offeror shall provide the information in this section on contracts that is described in Section L.11 Past Performance Information, paragraphs 3 and 4?

No. Nevertheless, past performance will no longer be evaluated under this solicitation.

Section L.9.3.1, last paragraph, number (B).

Please define HHS’s definition of an operational environment. This definition seems to be different across various government agencies and services.

Definition of Operational Environment:

- conditions, circumstances and influences that affect the employment of capabilities

Past Performance. We support both federal government efforts, and support advanced analytics using our Artificial Intelligence Environment for genomic mutation analysis for cancer in the commercial sector. Will you accept Past Performance for the Mayo Clinic and Translational Genomic Research Institute.

Past performance will no longer be evaluated under this solicitation.

Would a commercial contract supporting a govt. program count as a past performance reference? Does subcontractor past performance count or does the work need to be from the prime?

Past performance will no longer be

Also, given there was no draft RFP, would the government consider an extension of the due date? Would a 60 day turn around be amendable?

The proposal submission date has now been extended to February 8, 2019, at 8:00am, EST.

Within the Project Description of the IAAI Cover Letter it states that the PSC is looking to obtain “IAAI solutions, services and products.” Given the Government is looking to obtain total solutions and also products, is the Government willing to add a CLIN for already existing commercial software in addition to Labor Hours in the fee schedule?

No.

Will the Government procure required Software and other components through a task order to an awardee for this contract?

If yes, where does an offeror include pricing for these types of components? What are the specifications of the Software that the vendor would need to include pricing in their bid submission?

This contract primarily supports the acquisition of services. However, there could be instances where COTS solutions might be purchased under a task order (TO). For the purpose of proposing price under this solicitation, please follow the instructions in Section L.10 of the Solicitation document specifically with regard to the Pricing Scenario.

For past performance, there is a request to provide a past performance questionnaire.

However, due to the government shut down, some government personnel are not available to respond to the questionnaire.

Should the due date be moved to accommodate when government personnel are back and can respond to the will not be evaluated under this solicitation.

questionnaire or should the requirement be changed?

Can the government extend the due date of the proposal due to accommodate when government personnel are back from the government shutdown and can respond to the past performance questionnaire submission?

will not be evaluated under this solicitation.

In the proposal instructions, the RFP asks to respond to four functional areas in C.4.1.

However, the RFP lists 10 functional areas.

It does not seem to call for responses to IAAI system design documentation and technical data support, IAAI interoperability, test and evaluation support, IAAI Quality Assurance Support, IAAI Technical training support, IAAI Professional development and training support, IAAI program support and IAAI logistics operations and maintenance support. Can the government clarify the instructions and if respondents should address these other areas in their responses or just the four that are listed.

Please follow the instructions outlined in Section L of the Solicitation. Offerors are only asked to respond to functional areas 1

– 4.

Is the organizational experience section different from the past performance section?

Yes. In light of the partial government shutdown it has been decided that past performance will not be evaluated under this solicitation.

Is the organizational experience section considered part of the 25-page technical response? Or is that part of the past performance section?

Please read the instructions outlined in the solicitation. Organizational experience is part of the 25-page technical response. It is important to note that Past Performance will no longer be evaluated under this solicitation.

Given the innovative nature of this requirement, would the government consider extending the relevant past performance references to include commercial entities and other international governments as well as state and local agencies?

Past Performance will no longer be evaluated under this solicitation. Therefore, neither past Performance questionnaires nor past performance references will need to be provided.

The solicitation states that this vehicle may be accessed by other federal agencies, could the government please elaborate on what the process will be for other agencies to access the vehicle?

PSC is a shared services provider for many federal agencies throughout the government. Under this IDIQ, PSC’s acquisition staff may issue contracts / orders on behalf of other federal agencies interested in utilizing this contract.

Page 77 of the RFP cites “It is requested that Offerors provide CPARs reports associated with their past performance references, as applicable. For contracts that do not have performance information available through PPIRS, Offerors are requested to provide the Past Performance Questionnaire (Attachment J.1) directly to their reference. The reference should complete the questionnaire and submit information directly back to the Government via email to Jessica.Treanor@psc.hhs.gov by the close date of this solicitation”.

However, attachment J.1 Past Performance Questionnaire state the Due Date is Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at 8:00am.

Can you please confirm which date is correct?

Past Performance will no longer be

In light of the Government shutdown – we have past performance questionnaires that will need to be filled out by government personnel effected by the shutdown – is there any consideration for extending the due date for the solicitation or at least the submission date for the Past Performance Questionnaire?

will not be evaluated under this solicitation.

Are Sub-contracted past performances allowed? If so – the Prime contractor would be responsible for filling out Attachment J.1

– Past Performance Questionnaire and would be considered a Commercial Client even though the work was performed for a federal agency?

Not Applicable. In light of the partial government shutdown it has been decided that past performance will not be evaluated under this solicitation.

Is HHS effected by the Government Shutdown and is it reasonable to believe that the contract office will be open and accept all bidders responses on January 30, 2019 at 8am?

The Program Support Center (PSC) is not effected by the shutdown. Reponses to our solicitation are due on the published date and time. The Solicitation Response date is now 08 February 2019.

Given the short suspense of due date for this solicitation and the Past Performance Questionnaire – we would respectfully request the government extent the due date for submitters to allow for enough time to will not be evaluated under this solicitation.

properly get the PPQ’s vetted and returned to HHS.

When should we anticipate answers to the questions?

Answers to the questions are provided in this amendment.

Section 1.9.3.1 Factor 1 – Organizational Experience The government requires the vendor to provide a minimum of three (4) and a maximum of four (4) government contracts (federal, state and local) from last five years.

Since the Technology solutions are emerging solutions, to allow for competition, would the government accept commercial past performances in lieu of past performances aligned with government contracts only.

It has been decided that past performance

Section B.1 – Brief Description of Services and Supplies The government has noted the intent to procure services and products.

Can the government please provide instructions to submit product pricing?

Please refer to Section L.10 of the solicitation which discusses how to prepare Business Proposals and pricing. See specifically, information about the Pricing Scenario and see the corresponding Attachment, Attachment J.2. There could be instances will products will be procured at the task order level. However, pricing for products is not required at this time.

Does HHS/PSC use any IAAI products that are COTS tools?

Whether or not PSC uses COTS tools is not relevant for responding to this solicitation.

Can the government accept past performance from commercial clients?

Since AI and ML have been adopted by commercial clients sooner than the federal government, it would be in the beneficial to HHS for the vendor to bring experience from commercial as well.

Please follow the instructions outlined in the Solicitation. We are looking for Offerors with prior Government experience.

Additionally, it has been decided that past performance will not be evaluated under this solicitation.

Technical Volume Page count – can you increase the page count limit from 25 to 35 pages?

Please follow the instructions outlined in the Solicitation. The page limit for Technical Proposals shall remain at 25 pages.

Do you have any pilot programs that are already underway or implemented to support AI and ML? If so, can you provide any details on what technologies have been used and the duration of the pilot program?

Whether or not PSC has a pilot program is not relevant for responding to this solicitation.

Can you create a small business track within the IDIQ so that few task orders can be set aside for small business?

It is anticipated that awards will be made to both small and large businesses allowing for Small Business Set Asides at the Task Order level, as applicable.

The proposal due date is January 30, 2019 at 8:00 AM The Attachment J.1 has a due date of January 23, 2019 at 8:00 AM.

L.11 states “The reference should complete the questionnaire and submit information directly back to the Government via email to Jessica.Treanor@psc.hhs.gov by the close date of this solicitation.”

Please change the due date for Attachment J.1, Past Performance Questionnaire’s response to coincide with the DUE DATE OF PROPOSAL

As per L.11 Government is asking for “maximum of five (5) performance references shall be submitted for contracts within the past three years.”

In Section L.9.3.1 “Provide information on a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of 4 (four) government contracts (federal, state, or local) from the past 5 years.

Please change the Section L.11 to state “past 5 years” instead of “past 3 years” to maintain consistency in various sections?

L.11 is Past Performance. L.9.3.1 is organizational experience. They are different. Nevertheless, Past Performance has been removed as an evaluation factor for this Solicitation.

Please allow a 3 weeks extension to the proposal due to February 20, 2019.

Reponses to the solicitation are due on the published date and time. The Solicitation Response date is now 08 February 2019.

Instructions states: Technical proposals shall be limited to 25 pages double-spaced, with 1-inch margins, and using not less than 12-point font.

Please allow a smaller size font for the tables and graphics ensuring readability.

Graphic, Diagram, Chart Spacing & Font Size: The Technical Proposal instructions found in Section L.9 on Page 71 have been revised. It now states: “It is important to note that the test and font contained within charts or diagrams may be single spaced and no less than 9-point font. All other elements within technical proposals shall be double spaced, with 1-inch margins and using no less than 12-point font.”

mailto:Jessica.Treanor@psc.hhs.gov

Instructions states: Technical proposals shall be limited to 25 pages double-spaced, with 1-inch margins, and using not less than 12-point font. Please allow a single-spaced writing.

Please follow the instructions outlined in Section L.9 on Page 71. Only “double spaced” will be accepted.

Can subcontractors be added after contract award?

Yes, subcontractors may be proposed when competing for task orders.

How should software pricing be represented in Attachment J.2 Pricing Scenario and Instructions given unknown capabilities are required?

Offerors should be following the instructions provided in the first Tab of the Pricing Scenario, Attachment J.2. No additional pricing other than what is presented in the pricing scenario should be added to the Excel spreadsheet.

Would the Government please provide a two-week extension to the due date?

Reponses to our solicitation are due on the

Page 72, L.9.3.1 FACTOR 1:

ORGANIZATIONAL EXPERIENCE, states, “Provide information on a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of 4 (four) government contracts (federal, state, or local) from the past 5 years that demonstrates experience in the following Functional Areas identified in Section C.4.1” and page 77, L.11 PAST PERFORMANCE INFORMATION INSTRUCTIONS, states, “A maximum of five (5) performance references shall be submitted for contracts within the past three years.” Please confirm the organizational experience and past performance requirements.

On page 77 (L.11 Past Performance Instructions), the solicitation notes that references “should complete the [past performance] questionnaire and submit information directly back to the Government via email to Jessica.treanor@psc.hhs.gov by the close of this solicitation.”

Due to the partial government shutdown, references may be unable to provide feedback and/or submit Past Performance

Reponses to our solicitation are due on the mailto:Jessica.treanor@psc.hhs.gov

Questionnaires by the close date of this solicitation. Would the Government consider extending the submission date by one week to February 6, 2019 to account for potential delays related to the shutdown?

On Page 81 (M.6 Past Performance Evaluation), the solicitation discusses that "each reference will be evaluated for relevancy based on the scope and magnitude of effort and complexities of the work performed and how it compares to the services specified in Section C of this solicitation."

Can the Government confirm if the references will be evaluated against all the services specified in Section C or only the required four functional areas noted, for example, in L9.3.1, L9.3.2, and M.5.2?

On page 72 (L.9.3.1), the solicitation asks offerors to provide organizational experience associated with four functional areas. It appears the title used for Functional Area 3 varies throughout the document. Will the Government confirm that the following references to Functional Area 3 refer to the same functional area?

Page 10 (C.2.1): “Functional Area 3: IAAI System Design Documentation and Technical Data Support” Page 12 (C.4.1): “IAAI System Design Documentation and Technical Data Support” Page 72 (L.9.3.1): “Functional Area 3:

Systems Design Support and” Page 79 (M.5.1): “Area 3 – Systems Design Support”

On page 72 (L.9.3.1 Factor 1:

Organizational Experience), the solicitation requests “information on a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of 4 (four) government contracts (federal, state, or local) from the past 5 years.” On page 77 (L.11 Past Performance Instructions), the solicitation notes that “a maximum of five

(5) performance references shall be submitted for contracts within the past three years.”

Can the Government specify whether offerors may use the same examples for organizational experience and past performance references?

On page 71 (L.9 Technical Proposal Instructions), the solicitation states that font should be “not less than 12 point.”

Can offerors use a font size smaller than 12 point for tables and figures?

found in Section L.9 on Page 71 have been revised. It now states: “It is important to note that the test and font contained within charts or diagrams may be single spaced and no less than 9-point font. All other elements within technical proposals shall be double spaced, with 1-inch margins and using no less than 12-point font.”

Does the Government have a target number of awardees?

No specific number of awards are anticipated at this time.

Will the Government indicate how that number is split across large and small businesses?

There is no specific determination of how awards will be split among business size.

All Offerors will be evaluated based on the evaluation factors in Section M.

Will the Government clarify whether offerors that perform work as part of the ideation phase may be precluded from taking part in a future full-scale implementation task?

Please read the requirements of the solicitation. Offerors on this contract must be able to demonstrate that they are capable of performing in functional areas 1- 4.

Can the Government comment on whether offerors will be required to handle and manage protected health information (PHI) or personally identifiable information (PII)?

If this is a requirement, it will be specified at the task order (TO) level.

Under section C.12, CMS has laid out the 5 “Classes” of labor category with anticipated positions and levels of seniority under each position. If a contractor wishes to propose a position outside of these explicitly stated classes during the life of the IDIQ, how will the maximum rate be determined?

The five classes described in the solicitation represent a wide scale of labor categories and personnel experience. At the Task Order level, Offerors would have the option to propose Class Level labor categories, or to propose several different labor categories and would then provide a mapping of those labor categories to the “Class Level” that is indicated in their IDIQ contract. For the purpose of proposing price under this solicitation, please refer to the instruction in Section L.10 of the solicitation, as well as the instructions provided in the Pricing Scenario Attachment J.2. Offerors will want to provide fixed ceiling rates for each Class level.

Section L.9 Technical Proposal Instructions states, “Technical proposals shall be limited to 25 pages double-spaced, with 1-inch margins, and using not less than 12-point font”. Does this include text within graphics and tables?

found in Section L.9 on Page 71 have been revised. It now states: “It is important to note that the test and font contained within charts or diagrams may be single spaced and no less than 9-point font. All other elements within technical proposals shall be double spaced, with 1-inch margins and using no less than 12-point font.”

Section B.5.1 outlines five classes of labor categories. However, we have found that depending upon the size, scope and complexity of a task order, a wider range of labor categories may be necessary. In addition, a wider range of labor categories may accommodate a broader range of rates to offer the government the best possible value. Would the government consider splitting each of the LCAT classes into a high, medium and low so that vendors might offer a broader range of rates? For example, Class I-High, Class I-Medium and Class I-Low.

The rates that offerors propose will be considered fixed ceiling rates for each Class. This means that, at the Task Order level, an offeror may have various labor categories that fit within one Class Level, but the rates of any of those may not exceed what you have proposed as your Class Level ceiling rate, for that particular Class, allowing offerors to propose a range of rates, within each Class.

Section L.9. indicates that the technical proposal shall be double spaced. Must ancillary content in the proposal, such as the cover and text in the margins (header/footer), also be double-spaced?

found in Section L.9 on Page 71 have been revised. It now states: “It is important to note that the test and font contained within charts or diagrams may be single spaced and no less than 9-point font. All other elements within technical proposals shall be double spaced, with 1-inch margins and using no less than 12-point font.”

Section L.9. indicates that the technical proposal shall be double-spaced. Must the other proposal volumes – business and past performance – be doubled spaced as well?

Yes.

Please note, Past Performance is no longer being evaluated as part of this solicitation and has been removed as an evaluation factor.

Section L.9. indicates that font must be 12 point. May vendors use other font sizes for graphics, call out boxes and/or tables?

found in Section L.9 on Page 71 have been revised. It now states: “It is important to note that the test and font contained within charts or diagrams may be single spaced and no less than 9-point font. All other elements within technical proposals shall be double spaced, with 1-inch margins and using no less than 12-point font.”

Section M.5.1 outlines organizational experience factors for evaluation. These factors do not include Functional Areas 5 through 10. Could the government please confirm that Functional Areas 5 through 10 will not be evaluated as part of the organizational experience?

You read correctly. We are evaluating the Offerors experience in functional areas 1-4.

Please respond accordingly.

Section M.5.2 outlines technical capability factors for evaluation. This section notes that only four functional areas will be evaluated. Could the government please confirm that Functional Areas 5 through 10 will not be evaluated as part of the technical capability?

You read correctly. We are evaluating the offerors experience in functional areas 1-4.

Please respond accordingly.

Section M.5.2 indicates that an organizational chart should be included.

May bidders provide this organizational chart in an appendix that will not be included in the 25-page limit for the technical proposal? Also, can an alternate orientation be used (landscape instead of portrait)?

Yes. An organizational chart may be provided as an appendix and can be in either portrait or landscape orientation.

Attachment J.1. Past Performance Questionnaire indicates that questionnaires are due by January 23, 2019. Could the government please extend this due date to the proposal due date on January 30, 2019?

been removed as an evaluation factor.

The Solicitation Response date is now 08 February 2019.

Section C.2.1 lists Functional Area 3 as “Functional Area 3: IAAI Systems Design Documentation and Technical Data Support”. In Sections L.9.3.1 and M.5.1 it lists Functional Area 3 as “Systems Design Support “. Are sections L.9.3.1 and M.5.1 meant to include “Technical Data Support” as well?

The error has been corrected. Sections C.2.1, L.9.3.1 and M.5.1 now read exactly the same for Functional Areas 1 – 4.

Please see the detailed information below:

Functional Area 1: IAAI Applied Ideation and Design Support Functional Area 2: IAAI Engineering and Process Engineering Support Functional Area 3: IAAI Systems Design Documentation and Technical Data Support

Functional Area 4: Engineering, Prototyping and Model Making Support

Is DHHS looking at a data only solution or data integrated solution with GIS?

We are NOT looking for a final solution at this time.

Are there any existing systems that would be acceptable to DHHS?

We are NOT looking for an offeror to provide a system(s) at this time.

What information should an offeror provide under Factor 2: Technical Capability as the instructions (Section L) and Evaluation Criteria (Section M) both state, "The organizational experience information provided by the offeror demonstrates a clear understanding of innovative IAAI solutions, services and products as identified in the statement of work (SOW) with respect to each of the required four functional areas identified in Section C.4.1.

Additionally, the organizational experience information articulates a high-level understanding of the conceptualization, development and delivery of innovative IAAI solutions" which seems like a reiteration of Factor 1: Organizational Experience?

The Offeror in responding to Factor 2:

Technical Capability must provide information that demonstrates a clear understanding of innovative IAAI solutions.

Section L pertains to instructions that Offerors should follow in submitting their proposal. Section M pertains to how offerors will be evaluated.

Is there a page limit for the Business Volume?

No. Be sure to read Section L.10 for specific instructions on how to prepare Business Proposals.

The Past Performance Questionnaire (Attachment J) shows a January 23rd due date. Are these questionnaires due by January 23 or by the proposal due date, January 30?

been removed as an evaluation factor.

The conflicting due date is no longer a factor.

On page 75, Section L.10.4 Cost or Pricing Data, Part 2 Material Indirect Rate Support: “An indirect rate shall be proposed in accordance with the Offeror’ s current negotiated indirect rate agreement.”

Under a previously awarded PSC IDIQ Contract, PSC allowed for contractors to utilize their most current rate at the time of invoicing and also adjust for rate variance, The labor rates proposed by Offerors are to be fixed ceiling labor rates for each Class Level I-V. See also responses to questions 70 and 72.

Offerors are required to provide a fixed indirect material rate in accordance with their negotiated indirect rate agreement.

See L.10.4 for instructions on how to provide a fixed indirect material rate if an will the Government reimburse the contractor with revised provisional rates that are in place at time of task order submissions and invoicing in lieu of a fixed indirect material rate?

Or are the current provisional rates required to confirm rates are not above the established fixed indirect material rate?

Or does the fixed indirect material rate only apply to offerors that do not have a negotiated agreement rate?

Can the Government clarify what is required in this section?

offeror does not have a negotiated indirect rate agreement.

87 Can we use 10-point font for exhibits?

found in Section L.9 on Page 71 have been revised. It now states: “It is important to note that the test and font contained within charts or diagrams may be single spaced and no less than 9-point font. All other elements within technical proposals shall be double spaced, with 1-inch margins and using no less than 12-point font.”

88 Can exhibits be single spaced?

found in Section L.9 on Page 71 have been revised. It now states: “It is important to note that the test and font contained within charts or diagrams may be single spaced and no less than 9-point font. All other elements within technical proposals shall be double spaced, with 1-inch margins and using no less than 12-point font.”

How many vendors does the Government expect to award on this vehicle?

Are we correct to assume that the required responses to Factor 1 (Organizational Experience) and Factor 2 (Technical Capability) are to be two discrete sections, with Factor 1 addressing the first four Functional Areas and Factor 2 addressing all 10 Functional Areas?

Factor 1 and Factor 2 are discrete sections.

As stated in the instructions L.9.3.1 and L.9.3.2, Offerors shall provide information pertaining to the required four functional areas.

On page 74, Section L.9.3.2 the instructions for Factor 2: Technical Capability only reference Factor 1: Organizational Experience. Are these the correct instructions for Factor 2?

The instructions in Section 9.3 including the instructions for Factors 1 and 2 have been revised.

Our understanding of the labor category classes is that one rate is to be proposed for each class and applied to anyone that falls under that class. Thus, under Class IV a Junior Data Scientist would have the same rate as a Junior Test Analyst even though the data scientist is a higher paid position. Can the govt. please confirm this is the correct understanding?

The five classes described in the solicitation represent a wide scale of labor categories and personnel experience. At the Task Order level, offerors would have the option to propose Class Level labor categories, or to propose several different labor categories and would then provide a mapping of those labor categories to the “Class Level” that is indicated in their IDIQ contract. For the purpose of proposing price under this solicitation, please refer to the instruction in Section L.10 of the solicitation, as well as the instructions provided in the Pricing Scenario Attachment J.2. Offerors will want to provide fixed ceiling rates for each Class level. See also response to question 72.

How many IDIQ awards are anticipated to be made?

This is a multiple award contract with the number of awards unknown at this time.

Can vendors use a sprint duration other than 1 month (with justification in the proposal)?

Our solicitation specifies a specific sprint duration. Please follow the published instructions.

Regarding “Sample IAAI Architecture Diagram” on RFP page 73 (section L.9.3.1), what is the difference between the box labeled “UI/UX” and the box starting “Frontend…”? Both seem to represent the user interface. Can the govt. provide guidance?

Please keep in mind that the diagram is only intended to illuminate various elements an Offeror may choose to discuss when demonstrating their technical expertise.

With respect to the diagram, UI/UX means every detail that the user may control or interact with. UI/UX development is a complex process that often integrates elements of design, engineering and psychology. In contrast, front-end development refers to the interface running and operating. This typically embraces a lot more programming work which includes understanding HTTP protocols, principles of work servers, browser and the particularities of displaying the web on various devised that are currently available in the commercial market.

Regarding “Sample IAAI Architecture Diagram” on RFP page 73 (section L.9.3.1), is there a significance to the order of the blue boxes 1,2,…,5? We ask because the top row from left to right goes in the order 1, 2, 5, 3 (rather than say 1, 2, 3, 4).

There is no significance to the order of the blue boxes.

Regarding “Sample IAAI Architecture Diagram” on RFP page 73 (section L.9.3.1), for “Pipelined Storage,” what are the inputs to and outputs from the pipeline?

The diagram is simply intended to illustrate the definitions identified immediately above the diagram. Offerors may choose to discuss one or more of the defined elements.

Offerors are in no way required to duplicate the diagram or content. However, to avoid confusion, “pipeline” has been removed from the diagram. Information regarding inputs and outputs is not available.

Information of this nature would be addressed at the Task Order level.

Regarding “Sample IAAI Architecture Diagram” on RFP page 73 (section L.9.3.1), for the term “Job Management” and “Job Orchestration,” to what does “jobs” refer?

(The term is not used elsewhere in the document, except in the contact (C.1.1) of human jobs.)

the definitions identified immediately above the diagram. Offerors may choose to discuss one or more of the defined elements.

Offerors are in no way required to duplicate the diagram or content. However, to avoid confusion this element has been removed from the diagram.

Regarding “Sample IAAI Architecture Diagram” on RFP page 73 (section L.9.3.1), what is the function of the box labeled “Serving”?

the definition identified immediately above the diagram. Offerors may choose to discuss one or more of the defined elements. Offerors are in no way required to duplicate the diagram or content.

However, to avoid confusion this element has been removed from the diagram.

Regarding “Sample IAAI Architecture Diagram” on RFP page 73 (section L.9.3.1), in the gray dotted area labeled “2.

Algorithms,” does the term “algorithm” refer to algorithms for training and tuning, or to something else?

The diagram is just an example of how Offerors may choose to demonstrate their experience. Offerors are in no way required to duplicate the diagram. Algorithms is a generic term and with respect to this specific diagram refers to both training and tuning. They are also used for UI/UX.

Please pay close attention to the definitions immediately above the diagram.

Regarding in L.9, “It must disclose your technical approach in sufficient detail to provide a clear and concise presentation that includes, but is not limited to, the requirements of the technical proposal instructions.”: Under what factor does the technical approach fall? Neither Factor 1 and Factor 2 request a technical approach.

The technical approach pertains to the information that is required in L.9.3

Regarding in L.9, “It must disclose your technical approach in sufficient detail to provide a clear and concise presentation that includes, but is not limited to, the requirements of the technical proposal instructions.”: Please clarify, what other items are requested under “not limited to”?

The technical approach pertains to the information that is required in L.9.3.

Whatever Offerors feel they need to provide to demonstrate their organization experience, technical capability and Management Approach / Risk Management Plan in sufficient detail per the instructions in L.9.3.

Please clarify the instructions in section L.9.3.2, Factor 2: Technical Capability on what Offerors must write to respond to Factor 2 beyond discussion of organizational experience. The 2 sentences on page 74 in that section both discuss what Offerors must discuss with regard to organizational experience.

The instructions in Section L.9.3 have been revised.

Is the intent for the narration that Offerors provide for Factor 2 to be a further elaboration of the Organizational Experience in Factor 1, given that the explanation for Factor 2 only requires Offerors “in Evaluation Factor 1 [to] demonstrate” certain things, and “within each of the examples of organizational experience” to include certain information?

Any guidance that the Government can provide on what narration goes into Factor 1 versus 2 would help Offerors provide consistent responses for evaluation.

The govt. states that Factor 1 requires us to provide Organizational Experience with 3-5 contracts. Factor 2, however states: “The organizational experience information provided by the Offeror in Evaluation Factor 1 must demonstrate a clear understanding of innovative IAAI solutions, services and products as identified in the statement of work (SOW) with respect to each of the required four functional areas identified in Factor 1 and in Section C.4.1. Within each of the examples of organizational experience, Offerors must include information that articulates a high-level understanding of the conceptualization, development and delivery of innovative IAAI solutions.”. How is this different from the Organizational Experience narrative?

Based on Q14 above, how do we demonstrate understanding of the SOW areas through our Organizational Experience?

Please read the instructions in Section L.9.3 that state that Offerors must be able to demonstrate their experience in Functional Areas 1-4. Offerors should then refer to Section C (SOW) which details Functional Areas 1-4.

Based on Q14, another clarification we need is whether we need to provide an approach in Factor 2?

Regarding L.9.3.2, Factor 3, Management Approach and Risk Management Plan, are there any topics that Offerors must cover on “management approach” beyond the 3 numbered items in the section?

No.

Regarding M.5 on page 79: The table under “Acceptability Standard” states “in at least 3 separate government contracts”, whereas section L.9.3.1 refers to “a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of 4 (four) government contracts.” The statements are not consistent. Can Offerors use more than 4 contracts?

Please follow the instructions identified in the Solicitation. The instructions require at least three and no more than four contracts.

The acceptability standard refers to the minimum. The minimum is three (3)

The Offeror shall NOT provide more than four (4) contracts demonstrating their organizational experience in functional areas 1-4.

M.5 is stating that at least three (3) should be discussed.

L.9.3.1 is stating that Offerors must use at least three (3) and no more than four (4).

Section L.10.6, “Information on their cognizant field audit offices”: What information should Offerors provide if the small business does not perform cost reimbursable contracts?

Cost reimbursement type Task Orders will not be issued under this IDIQ. Task Orders will only be Firm Fixed Price and/or Time and Materials contract types.

On Page 76 request (4) reads “Information on their cognizant field audit offices”. Since this request is under L.10.6 Subcontracting Plan are you asking for the subcontractor’s cognizant SBA office if subcontractor is small?

With some crucial questions related to the structure and content of the proposal, offerors cannot draft until we get a clarification on construction of the proposal, where tech approach fits, how factors 1 and 2 differ, etc. We request the government to extend the deadline for the proposal by 1 week.

We request the govt. to extend the PPQ deadline to be the same as the proposal submission and extended by a week.

How many contracts does government intent to award against this IDIQ?

Please confirm offeror does not need to address Function Area 5 – Functional Area 10 in RFP response.

The Offeror does not need to address Functional Area(s) 5 – Functional Area(s) 10.

Under section B.5.1, government provides five class of labor categories (Class I – Class V). Does government has detailed definition of those five classes? (e.g. Years of experience, certification)

Please see section C.12 titled Labor Class Definitions

Does offeror have to quote for all five classes in the attachment J2 – Pricing Scenario?

Yes. Please follow the instructions found in our pricing scenario.

Which agencies within HHS are eligible to order through this IDIQ?

PSC’s acquisition office can issues orders on behalf of any Federal Agency under this contract.

What is the current technology landscape and infrastructure available within HHS where the IAAI solutions are planned to be developed and hosted?

This information is unknown at this time.

This is an overarching IDIQ. Specific requirements will be defined at the task order level.

Does HHS have any preference for Cloud based infrastructure for hosting the IAAI solutions?

Preferences will depend on specific requirements which will be defined at the task order (TO) level. This solicitation is for the overarching IDIQ.

Considering that there is a shutdown and many of the personnel signing the PPQ are furloughed, we kindly request the govt. to extend the deadline for the PPQ submission to 7th February.

Do subcontractor qualifications meet the pass/fail standards?

The prime must meet the pass / fail standards

Do the pass/fail standards have to be with government contracts (the section above indicates past performance must be with federal work)?

Yes. The organizational experience provided, must be via Government Contracts/Orders.

In the table provided, PSC included Set- Aside clauses for HUB Zone, Total Small Business, SDVOSB, EDWOSB and WOSB concerns, as well as the Limitations on Subcontracting (52.219-14). The set-aside clause for 8(a) and small disadvantaged businesses was omitted. Will PSC consider including FAR Clause 52.219-18 Notification of Competition Limited to Eligible 8(a) Participants?

I.2.1: Task Order Set-Aside Clauses

The following clause section includes Total Small Business Set-Aside clauses that may be included in a task order set aside in accordance with 52.219-13. For set-aside orders, the appropriate FAR clause as listed below applies at the task order level.

The requested clause will be added at the Task Order level, as applicable.

Does PSC intend to award to a mix of large and small businesses?

If so, will be there a minimum number of small business awards?

B.2: TYPE OF CONTRACT; L.3

TYPE OF CONTRACT

B.2: The contract type awarded is Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ).

L.3: The Government contemplates award of multiple Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity contracts resulting from this solicitation.

4, 70

Yes.

No.

To allow more effective presentation, will the government allow tables and graphics using a smaller font size, for example:

tables 10 point, graphics 9 point?

L.9

Technical proposals shall be limited to 25 pages double-spaced, with 1-inch margins, Graphic, Diagram, Chart Spacing & Font Size: The Technical Proposal instructions found in Section L.9 on Page 71 have been revised. It now states: “It is important to note that the test and font contained within charts or diagrams may be single spaced and using not less than 12 point font.

and no less than 9-point font. All other elements within technical proposals shall be double spaced, with 1-inch margins and using no less than 12-point font.”

Please clarify: do all offerors need to provide subcontractor commitment letters, regardless of whether they are a small business themselves?

L.10.6

If named subcontractors are proposed, Offerors shall include a commitment letter from the subcontractor…

The requirement under Section L.10.6 Subcontracting Plan, is for “All Offerors, other than those certifying themselves as a small business under the authorized NAICS industry subsector.”

What is the anticipated frequency and volume of Task Orders issued under this

IDIQ?

C.1.2

The purpose of these indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts is to enable PSC Contracting Officers to order for HHS or on behalf of other agencies to quickly obtain IAAI related solutions, services and products.

Unknown at this time.

Is PSC requesting offerors to add the labor categories per CLASS into the J.2 template, and then provide a ceiling rate for each labor category with the plug hours against each labor category?

Or, is PSC requesting offerors to provide one rate per CLASS with a ceiling rate against the plug hours?

Attachment J.2 Section L.10.3

Attachment J.2 says:

Labor - Complete proposing only on the Class I - V labor categories specified (see C.12 of the solicitation for definitions). Do not propose labor categories using titles that differ from the class categories specified. Calculate using the numbers of hours specified for each category. The rates used in the pricing scenario must match the Loaded Labor Rates proposed in Section B for each category and contract year.

Section L.10.3, says:

Business proposals shall include a completed copy of Section B of the solicitation providing all proposed Loaded Labor Rates and the proposed

Please follow the Solicitation instructions.

We are asking you to provide the ceiling rate for each class. We are then asking you to plug those numbers into our pricing scenario. Please review the instructions in Section L.10 and in the Pricing Scenario Attachment J.2 to be sure you are in compliance.

Materials Indirect Cost Fixed Rate.

Please define the Term Predecessor Companies?

Section M.6

81-82

Past Performance is no longer being

In this section you mention “The Term Offeror is inclusive of key personnel. Does this mean we can label someone key and then use any experience at other companies they have in their past as Past Performance?

Section M.6 81-82 Past Performance is no longer being

Will the government allow for a 2-week extension from the date answers to questions are received to allow sufficient time for offerors to respond with their best value proposal?

General The Solicitation Response date is now 08

Section C.4.1 includes all Functional Areas.

Given the limited page count for the response, please confirm this is limited to the evaluation of Functional Areas 1-4 (required four functional areas).

M.5.2

The organizational experience information provided by the offeror demonstrates a clear understanding of innovative IAAI solutions, services and products as identified in the statement of work (SOW) with respect to each of the required four functional areas identified in Section…