Second_Round_of_Responses_to_Questions_19AQMM19R0082_-_8-23-19.doc
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Second Round of Responses to Questions 8-23-19 (JAS)
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AUGUST 23, 2019
19AQMM19R0082
SECOND ROUND OF
RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS
19AQMM19R0082
| Question |
| Solicitation Paragraph and Page # the relates to Question |
| Recommended answer or solution (if any) |
| 29. |
| The solicitation states, “When necessary to effectively deliver training and mentoring, the contractor must also provide local interpreters for language support to include material translation and simultaneous interpretation.” Should the cost of the interpreters be considered under CLIN X011 ODCs? Since the need will be defined at the task order level, is this pricing needed with proposal submission or, like other ODCs, be submitted in response to the task orders? |
| C4.3 Logistics and Life Support (Page 25) |
| Price quotes for interpreters and other ODCs will be requested at the task order level. |
RESPONSE:
Yes.
| 30. |
| Are all logistics and life support described under section C4.3 cost-reimbursable ODCs? |
| C4.3 Logistics and Life Support (Page 25) |
| Recommendation is to make this a cost reimbursable ODC. |
RESPONSE:
Yes, ODC’s.
| 31. |
| Are 11x17 size paper allowed for the GANNT chart? |
| L.15 OVERALL EVALUATION, Factor 2 |
Yes, this is industry accepted. These can be inserted as an annex.
RESPONSE:
This information has been provided.
| 32. |
| Font Size is not listed in the RFP |
Suggest Times New Roman 12 with the exception of the GANNT chart. This should be Arial 10.
RESPONSE:
This information has been provided.
| 33. |
| Where should this be addressed in the Technical Proposal |
652.239-71, Security Requirements for Unclassified Information Technology Resources
L.5 DOSAR 652.239-70 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SECURITY PLAN AND ACCREDITA- TION (SEP 2007)
As this is applicable post award, will the COR allow for an executive introduction for both Technical and Management?
RESPONSE:
Information should be submitted as part of Volume I as annex.
| 34. |
| Is a resume required for the DPM? Though listed as Key personnel in Section C and Section H, this is not included in the 5 Resumes required in the Technical, Factor 1. |
| C4.1 Key Personnel; H.1 Key Personnel |
| We suggest this be a requirement. |
RESPONSE:
This information has been provided. The response was yes.
| 35. |
| Will the Government allow the GANNT Chart be inserted as an Annex? |
| L.15 OVERALL EVALUATION, Factor 2 |
| We recommend this be allowed with a summary inserted into the Management section to facilitate the Government’s Review of the Technical and Management Proposal. |
RESPONSE:
Yes, the GANNT can be posted as annex.
| 36. |
| Solicitation states “The contractor shall develop and maintain a sufficient roster of available MTT members in order to conduct up to three (3) training deployments of various sizes in different countries simultaneously” Will the Government issue the projected training schedule with the Task Order Statement of Work so that Contractors can staff training personnel accordingly? This would help contractors to “right size staff” training personnel at the Task Order level. |
| C4.2.1 |
Size, Composition, and Role of Mobile Training Team
N/A
RESPONSE:
Replicated Annual Plan is provided.
| 37. |
| The solicitation states “Depending on the needs, number of different activities happening concurrently, and existing capacity of the particular PCC, the number of trainers or mentors may range from one (1) to six (6).” The solicitation also provides examples of MTT composition. |
To determine the number of trainers to support specific training events, does the Government define a recommended Instructor / Trainee ratio for training courses? If so, will the recommended ration be the same for all training courses, or differ depending on the specific training course curriculum?
C4.2.1 Size, Composition, and Role of Mobile Training Team
N/A
RESPONSE:
See solicitation C.3.3 & C.4.2.1
| 38. |
| In the Schedule of Services, CLIN 0010 Travel and CLIN 0011 Other Direct Costs, the solicitation reads “TBD” in the Description column. Does the Government intend these items to be priced with the proposal, or will these CLINs be priced only at the Task Order level? |
| B.2 PRICES/COSTS – Base Year Pricing. |
N/A
RESPONSE:
The plugs have been provided.
| 39. |
| In the Base Year Pricing Table, the summary line for total estimated costs reads “Estimated Total Cost for Option Year One”. Will the Government correct this line to read “Estimated Total Cost for Base Year”? |
| B.2 PRICES/COSTS – Base Year Pricing. |
N/A
RESPONSE:
This information has been provided.
| 40. |
| In the Option Year 1 Pricing Table, CLIN 1009 is listed as “Travel - TBD |
the Task Order Level”, and CLIN 1010 is listed as “Travel -TBD”.
Will the Government revise CLIN 1009 to read “Curriculum Designer”?
B.2 PRICES/COSTS – Option Year 1 Pricing
N/A
RESPONSE:
This information has been provided.
| 41. |
| PPQ states due date of 22 august 2019. |
| PPQ |
| Will the government consider these to be submitted up to the 28th of August by submission time of the proposal? |
RESPONSE:
Submission is as stated in solicitation.
| 42. |
| Please confirm contract type. H.1 Key Personnel denotes “firm fixed hourly rates”. B.1 states contract is “Labor Hour”. |
| H.1 Key Personnel |
| Recommend reference in H.1 be changed to “Labor Hour” rate. |
RESPONSE:
This is a labor hour contract. Key Personnel 1920 hours.
| 43. |
| Which part of Offeror’s proposal should the letter of intent be submitted, if necessary? |
| H.1 Key Personnel |
| Recommend this be included under Technical Approach Factor 1. |
RESPONSE:
This information should be under Factor l.
| 44. |
| Position descriptions and minimum qualifications are not reflected under H.2. |
| H.2 Position Descriptions and Minimum Qualifications |
| Removal of clause H.2 as descriptions and requirements are denoted in C4.1 and C4.2. |
RESPONSE:
Section title revised and requirements are under C.
| 45. |
| Are Offeror’s required to submit a completed SF33 as part of their proposal submission? |
| SF33 |
| If required, recommend this be included in the pricing volume. |
RESPONSE:
Yes, information provided.
| 46. |
| Based upon the structure of Section B and paragraph G.3, is it the Government’s intent to issue a separate task order award under this effort for PM and DPM support? |
| B.2 Price/Costs; G.3 Invoicing Schedule |
| Recommend issuance of a task order award for PM and DPM support. |
RESPONSE:
No. One award all labor.
| 47. |
| Invoicing schedules are not applicable to Labor Hour type awards. |
| G.3 Invoicing Schedule |
| Recommend removal of the requirement for an invoice schedule. |
RESPONSE:
Contractor establish invoice schedule.
| 48. |
| Are Offeror’s required to submit Section K as part of their proposal submission? |
| Section K |
| If required, recommend this be included in the pricing volume. |
RESPONSE:
Yes, Section K should be included in Volume I.
| 49. |
| Paragraph L.15 (page 66) state that the Government will evaluate the proposal in three phases. Please advise what the third phase is. |
| L.15 Overall Evaluation |
| Provide information on the third evaluation phase. |
RESPONSE:
This information has been revised to reflect two phases.
| 50. |
| The Cost/Price volume denotes that this is a physically separate volume as a Fixed Price Labor Hour order although Fixed Price Labor Hour is not a contract type. |
| L.15 Overall Evaluation, 3.0 Cost/Price |
| Recommend removal of “Fixed Price” from this clause. |
RESPONSE:
This information has been revised.
| 51. |
| If Subcontractors supporting the effort are not willing to provide the cost build up directly to the Prime, can they provide this directly to the Government via a sealed pricing package? |
| M.10 Price Evaluation |
| Recommend that Subcontractors be allowed to submit price build ups directly to the Government via sealed package. |
RESPONSE:
This information should be provided as one response.
| 52. |
| Please confirm that items reflected under paragraphs C4.3, except for the travel items, and C.4.3.1 will be reimbursed as ODCs. |
| C4.3 Logistics and Life Support; C4.3.1 Deployment Preparation |
| Recommend that items under theses paragraphs, except for the travel items, be reimbursed as ODCs. |
RESPONSE:
Yes.
| 53. |
| Please confirm that Visas will be reimbursed as a travel expense. |
| C4.3 Logistics and Life Support; C4.3.3 Visas |
| Recommend visas be reimbursed as a travel expense. |
RESPONSE:
Yes.
| 54. |
| A CLIN was not provided in Section B for Language Assistants/Interpreters. Will one be provided, or will these costs be reimbursed as an ODC? |
| C4.3.4 Language Assistants |
| Recommend these costs be reimbursed as an ODC. |
RESPONSE:
This information should be provided as ODC’s.
| 55. |
| CLIN 1009 Description says "Travel-TBD at the Task Order Level" while CLIN 1010 description is Travel-TBD and all other CLINs ending in 9 list "Curriculum Designer" as its description. Should the description for CLIN 1009 also say "Curriculum Designer"? |
| Section B.2 Prices/Costs, page 4: |
| We recommend changing CLIN 1009 to state "Curriculum Designer" |
RESPONSE:
This information has been corrected.
| 56. |
| Are Travel and ODC CLIN's to be unpriced for the pricing submission? |
| Section B.2 Prices/Costs, pages 3-6 |
RESPONSE:
This information has been revised.
| 57. |
| If applicable, would Hazard Pay and DBA Insurance Costs be reimbursed to the Contractor for approved travel? |
| Section B.5 Other Direct Costs |
RESPONSE:
Yes, ODC’s.
| 58. |
| The RFP states, “The Offeror shall calculate FTE labor hours as being 1,920 hours per year. Offerors shall complete a table with the following information: contract period, contract line item number reference, labor category description, base period labor rate, base period hours, base period total cost. Offerors shall complete tables with the same information for each option period.” Should we use the format shown in Sec B.2 or will a separate template be provided? |
| Section L.15 Overall Evaluation, Phase 3 COST/PRICE page 68 #5 |
RESPONSE:
B2 format shall be used.
| 59. |
| In Section H (Key Personnel), the Government lists the Deputy Program Manager as Key Personnel, but, in Section L/Factor 1/Technical Approach, the Government requests the Offeror submit 5 resumes--two mentors, 2 Subject Matter Experts, and the Program Manager. Should we include the Deputy Program Manager's resume with the others requested within the Technical Approach? |
| Section H, Key Personnel. Page 38 and Section L, Factor 1: Technical Approach, Question 2, Page 67 |
| We recommend including the DPM resume within the Technical Volume, 800 word limitation. |
RESPONSE:
Yes. Others as Annex, demonstrating offeror understands the requirement.
| 60. |
| In Section H, Key Personnel, the Government notes: In addition to the positions listed here, the contractor may propose other personnel positions it feels are necessary for this contract. The contractor should propose a program management team structure identifying how this structure will ensure contactor can meet IPPOS task order objectives. Should we include the resumes of the proposed personnel we deem necessary for the contract within the Technical Volume, following the mandated 800 word count? |
| Section H, Key Personnel. Page 38 |
| We recommend including the team resumes within the Technical Volume, 800 word limitation. |
RESPONSE:
Only Key Personnel in Technical Volume. Others in Annex.
| 61. |
| (B.2 Prices/Costs) Is it DOS intent that the CLIN 0010 (Travel) and 0011 (ODC) should be left blank and to be determined at Task Order Level. |
| B.2 |
Prices/Cost Page 3 of 72 Recommends that these CLINs either be a plug number or determined at TO level.
RESPONSE:
This information has been revised.
| 62. |
| (B2. Prices/Costs) Option Year 1 pricing table contains two travel CLINs 1009 and 1010. It appears that Clin 1009 is a misprint and should be for the Curriculum Designer position. Was this a misprint or intention by DOS? |
B.2
Prices/Cost Page 4 of 72
RESPONSE:
This information has been revised.
| 63. |
| (B2. Prices/Cost) Is it DOS intent that the contractor fills out the pricing tables with the fully burdened hourly rates? |
| B.2 |
Prices/Cost Page 3 of 72 recommends filling out the pricing tables with fully burdened hourly rate (wage, overhead, fringe, G/A, profit)
RESPONSE:
Yes.
| 64. |
| (B.6 Unpriced Cost) What is considered a miscellaneous unpriced cost? |
B.6
Unpriced Costs
RESPONSE:
Printing costs; language assistance costs, etc.
| 65. |
| (B7 Travel) Contractors are required to obtain travel documents necessary for personnel to travel to required countries. Are the costs for the travel documents a reimbursable ODC expense at the TO level? |
B.7
Travel
CC recommends expenses for necessary travel documents are reimbursable ODC at TO level.
RESPONSE:
Yes.
| 66. |
| (C4.1 Key Personnel) DOS requirement is Program Manager and Deputy PM are “headquarters-based personnel”. What is the definition of “headquarters-based personnel”? |
| C4.1 |
Key Personnel Page 14 of 72 Recommends “headquarters-based personnel” be defined as at the contractors’ facility or contractor’s home office.
RESPONSE:
Staff assigned to facility within 50 miles of DoS supporting this requirement.
| 67. |
| (C4.1 Key Personnel) Program manager Qualification requires “a graduate degree”. Will DOS accept experience of relevant work in lieu of the graduate degree? |
| C4.1 |
Key Personnel Page 15 of 72 Recommends contractor can substitute 15 years of relevant experience or a combination of 10 years relevant experience and a PMP in lieu of a graduate degree.
RESPONSE:
Qualifications for Key Personnel as stated in solicitation.
| 68. |
| (C4.2 Other Personnel) Administrative Support Specialist requires a bachelor’s degree. Will DOS accept experience of relevant work in lieu of the bachelor’s degree? |
| C4.2 |
Other Personnel Page 17 of 72 Recommends contractor can substitute 7 years of relevant experience or a combination of 5 years relevant experience and a CAPM, PHR, or CPL certification in lieu of a graduate degree.
RESPONSE:
Qualifications for Key Personnel in solicitation.
| 69. |
| (C4.3.1 Deployment Preparation) Contractors are required to provide deploying MTT with personal gear, clothing, and supplies. Are the costs for the gear, clothing, and supplies a reimbursable ODC expensive at the TO level? |
| C4.3.1 |
Deployment Preparation
Page 25-26 of 72 Recommends expenses for gear, clothing, and supplies be a reimbursable ODC at TO level.
RESPONSE:
Yes.
| 70. |
| (H19 Insurance) Does Contractor have to provide Certificate of Insurance in their proposal for the BPA or TO? |
| H19 |
Insurance
Recommends the contractor not have to provide the certificate as part of the BPA proposal but at the TO level or upon request by DOS.
RESPONSE:
Contractor shall certify insurances as specified in H.19.
| 71. |
| (K.1 Annual Reps and Certs) Will companies be required to certify their size standard to ensure that small businesses. Without including a requirement to certify their size standard if $15M, NAICS 541611, some businesses that may have been “small” are now operating above the $15M size standard. |
| K.1 Annual Rep and Certs |
Recommends that all contractors be required to submit their SAM registration as well as Reps and Certs as part of Volume I and not counted in the page limit.
RESPONSE:
Yes, Section K should be included in Volume II.
| 72. |
| (L.6 General) Normally under this section the USG detailed the format of the proposal. Can DOS provide the required proposal formatting? |
| L.6 |
General recommends:
1. proposal be formatted in MS Word or Adobe PDF
2. each volume shall contain a Table of Content
3. Page setup parameters.
Margins – Top, Bottom, Left, Right – 1”
Gutter – 0”
From Edge – Header, Footer – 0.5”
Page Size, Width – 8.5” Height – 11”
4. Standard, 12-point minimum font size, Times New Roman fonts are required for text.
5. Tables, charts, Illustrations, and figures may use a reduced font size not less Arial 10pt and maybe on Page Size, Width – 11”
Height – 14”
RESPONSE:
Format information has been provided.
| 73. |
| (L.13 Delivery of Proposal) Based on how the answers to these questions will impact our proposal, will the Government grant an extension to the Proposal Deadline from August 28, 2019 to 4 September 2019 by 3:00PM E.T.? |
| L.13 |
Delivery of Proposal
RESPONSE:
Submission of proposals will be extended to September 4th 2:00 PM EST.
| 74. |
| (L.13 Delivery of Proposal) DOS required Section K to be completed and signed by an authorized official. Is it DOS intent that Section K be submitted in Volume I and not count towards the page limit? |
| L.13 |
Delivery of Proposal
Recommends DOS required Section K be part of Volume I and not counted in the page limit.
RESPONSE:
Yes, Section K should be included in Volume II.
| 75. |
| (L.15 Overall Evaluation) Factor 1: Technical Approach requires word limitations on answers for each question. Is it DOS’ intent that words in Tables, Charts, and Figures do not count toward the word limitation? |
| L.15 |
Overall Evaluation
Page 66-67 of 72 Recommends that DOS allow a limit of three (3) tables, charts, and figures be include by the offer and not counted towards the word limitation. Words in the tables, charts, and figures can be no smaller than Arial 10pt.
RESPONSE:
Citations not counted toward word limitation.
| 76. |
| (L.15 Overall Evaluation) Factor 2: Management Approach requires the development of a Gannt Chart not to exceed 20 of the most important tasks. Is it DOS’ intent that the offeror can develop the Gannt Chart landscape on an 11x14 inch paper? |
| L.15 |
Overall Evaluation recommend the Gannt Chart can be displayed in landscape on 11x14 inch paper with words displayed no smaller than Arial 10pt.
RESPONSE:
Regular paper 8.5 x 11 landscaped.
| 77. |
| (L.15 Overall Evaluation) Factor 1: Technical Approach requires two (2) resumes of police training academy staff, two (2) resumes of SMEs, and a resume of the PM. Is it DOS’ intent that the offeror does not have to provide the resume of the Deputy PM? |
| L.15 |
Overall Evaluation
RESPONSE:
Resumes for Key Personnel. Resumes for SMEs demonstrate understanding of requirement.
| 78. |
| (L.15 Overall Evaluation) Factor 1: Technical Approach requires two (2) resumes of police training academy staff, two (2) resumes of SMEs, and a resume of the PM. Is it DOS’ intent that the offeror only submits a letter of commitment for the key personnel – PM and Deputy PM? |
| L.15 |
Overall Evaluation
Recommends a letter of commitment only be provided for Key Personnel.
RESPONSE:
Selected resumes presented as requested will demonstrate offeror’s understanding of requirements.
| 79. |
| (L15 Cost/Price) DOS estimates the contract start date is September 17, 2019. With this estimated start date and the federal holiday schedule (Labor Day – 2 Sep), DOS only 10 working days to evaluate proposals and complete the acquisition award tasks. Would DOS provide the offerors a “no later than date” or timeframe window for contract award and start date? |
| L.15 |
Overall Evaluation
Recommends DOS adjust the solicitation to read “All proposals shall be valid for a minimum of 120 calendar days from the closing date. The estimated contract start is on / before December 18, 2019”
RESPONSE:
Contract start date as specified.
| 80. |
| (L15 Cost/Price) Offeror required to complete pricing table with contract period, contract line item number reference, labor category description, base period labor rate, base period hours, base period total cost. Offerors shall complete tables with the same information for each option period. Is it DOS intent that the offeror uses the pricing table in Section B.2, pages 3 – 6 of 72? |
| L.15 |
Overall Evaluation
RESPONSE:
Yes.
| 81. |
| (M10 Price Evaluation) Section relates DOS will evaluate the offeror’s price build up for each labor category described in Section B2 to include all cost elements. However, in L15 Cost/Price, DOS only requires the offeror to provide labor rate and total cost. Is DOS intent for the offeror only to offer the fully burdened labor rate in the Volume II Pricing Table? |
| M.10 |
Price Evaluation
Recommends the offeror only provide the fully burden rate for each labor category described in Section B.2 and DOS adjust the language in M10 to reflect this requirement.
RESPONSE:
This information has been revised to reflect information outlined in section B2.
| 82. |
| The Past Performance Questionnaire due date is August 22, 2019. Would the Government please extend the deadline to the proposal due date of August 28 to give more time for the forms to be transmitted? |
| Section J., Attachment 1, p. 54 |
| Change Past Performance Questionnaire deadline to the proposal due date of August 28, 2019. |
RESPONSE:
Submission date is as stated in solicitation.
| 83. |
| It appears that a program management team structure is being requested; where in the requested response should this information be presented? |
“In addition to the positions listed here, the contractor may propose other personnel positions it feels are necessary for this contract. The contractor should propose a program management team structure identifying how this structure will ensure contactor can meet IPPOS task order objectives. The program manager will lead the management team.”
| H.1, p. 38 |
| Please give instructions on where in the proposal this should appear. May the offeror add a section under Factor 2 Management Approach to respond to this? |
RESPONSE:
Offeror submit response to demonstrate ability to meet requirements as specified.
| 84. |
| Where in the proposal should the letters of intent from candidate be placed? If in Vol. I Technical, will they be excepted from page or word limits? |
“The contractor shall provide a detailed resume with their proposal. If proposed individuals are not current employees, the contractor shall provide a signed letter of intent from the candidate.”
| H.1, p. 38 |
| Please permit letters of intent to be excepted from page limit, and specify which volume in which they should be submitted. |
RESPONSE:
Referenced in Volume I Technical as Annex.
| 85. |
| Does this mean references to academic resources and publications? |
“…Citations do not count toward the overall word count, though any other information in footnotes does.”
| L.15, Factor 1, p. 67-68 |
| Please clarify the definition of citations that are excepted from word limits. |
RESPONSE:
Graph titles, footnotes, reference notes, etc.
| 86. |
| Use of the subjective determination of the technical panel to determine Past Performance acceptability rather than an objective measure based on the track records stated in Section M.9 could prevent the Offeror from having a fair opportunity to compete for this contract. With such vague and subjective criteria, determinations could inadvertently be unfairly and unequally applied. Furthermore, the solicitation does not permit the Offeror to submit any explanation or context for evaluating its performance. |
“L. 15: … The technical evaluation panel will subjectively determine whether experience and performance is acceptable or unacceptable by consensus.”
“M.9, Factor 3, p. 72: Track record of achieving contract requirements. Track record of staying within budget.”
Section L.15, Factor 3, p. 68
Section M.9, Factor 3, p. 72 Please clarify the evaluation criteria to specify how the determination of acceptability of experience and performance are determined to ensure that all offerors are evaluated fairly.
RESPONSE:
Both past performance questionnaire and vendor’s response demonstrating knowledge of requirement will be evaluated as specified.
| 87. |
| Where in the proposal should the approach form completing the security plan and certification and accreditation requirements be submitted? |
“All offers/bids submitted in response to this solicitation must address the approach for completing the security plan and certification and accreditation requirements as required by the clause at 652.239-71, Security Requirements for Unclassified Information Technology Resources.”
L.5, p. 64
DOSAR 652.239-70 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SECURITY PLAN AND ACCREDITA- TION (SEP 2007) Please confirm that this requirement should be addressed in Vol. II Price.
RESPONSE:
Address in Volume I as annex.
| 88. |
| How will the determination of acceptable experience be made? Descriptions of experience is not part of the information that that is specified in Section L.15. |
“…The Offeror must convince the technical evaluation team that it can meet all of solicitation's technical requirements acceptably, has acceptable experience for these requirements, and has acceptable past performance.”
| L.15, Overall Evaluation, 2., p. 66 |
| If corporate relevant experience is to be an evaluation factor, then please permit offerors to provide descriptions of their experience in the response. |
RESPONSE:
Offeror’s response to technical specifications as stated in solicitation.
| 89. |
| Where in the proposal can the offeror demonstrate the abilities specified in the evaluation criteria? The word-limited response to Factor 2 instructions in L.15 only permit a Gantt chart and response to a report of abuse. |
· “Demonstrate ability to develop and maintain reliable vendors in multiple challenging environments.
· Demonstrate ability to manage the budget.
· Demonstrate ability to manage multiple sets of administrative tasks required to deploy staff.”
M.9, Factor 2, p. 72
L.15, Factor 2, p. 68 Please give instructions on where in the proposal the content to which these criteria will be applied may be provided. May the offeror add a section under Factor 2 Management Approach to provide a description of our solution to be measured by these criteria?
RESPONSE:
Critical contract performance areas as specified to demonstrate vendor’s ability to perform functions.
| 90. |
| Are there additional criteria other than those specified in M.9 on which offerors’ past performance will be evaluated? The Attachment 1 Past Performance Questionnaire contains questions about other aspects of performance that are not mentioned as evaluation factors in M.9. |
Track record of achieving contract requirements. Track record of staying within budget.”
| M.9, Factor 3, p. 72 |
| Please clarify the evaluation factors or confirm that no other factors or will be considered in the evaluation of past performance. |
RESPONSE:
Offeror’s references will inform past performance in these areas, offeror’s response will demonstrate ability to perform.
| 91. |
| Which positions correspond to the resumes requested for “Provide two resumes of individuals you deem excellent mentors for partner-country police training academy staff. Provide two resumes of individuals you deem excellent subject matter experts on the issue of formed police unit policy.”? |
| L.15, Factor 1, p. 67 |
C4.2, p. 17-25 Please specify which positions correspond to these requested resumes to enable us to propose qualified and experienced candidates.
RESPONSE:
See Section C4.2.1 Other Personnel descriptions.
| 92. |
| Is a resume required and/or permitted for Deputy Project Manager? |
“Provide resume of individual you deem excellent Program Manager. (800 words per resume)” L.15, Factor 1, p. 67
C4.1, p. 14-15 Please clarify whether a resume is required for Deputy Project Manager. If it is not required, will the Government allow one to be submitted?
RESPONSE:
This information has been provided.
| 93. |
| Will the Government permit the inclusion of a compliance matrix in Volumes I and II for the convenience of the evaluators? |
| L. 15, p. 66 |
| Please permit a compliance matrix to be included in Volumes I and II and to be exempted from page and word limitations. |
RESPONSE:
Yes.
| 94. |
| What is the specific justification for the IPPOS contract to be changed from an 8(a) set-aside? |
SF 33, p. 1
C-2, p. 10 Please provide the specific justification that this procurement strategy was changed. Please include specific changes to the contract that have justified this.
RESPONSE:
This is a new requirement.
| 95. |
| If the justification to the change from an 8(a) set-aside is a 25% change in scope, what were the specific scope changes? Can you identify the areas that changed from the original scope of work? We only identify one area that changed minimally. Does this include vehicle training also? |
| SF 33, p. 1 |
C-2, p. 10 If the justification to the change from an 8(a) set-aside is a 25% change in scope, please specify what the specific scope changes were.
RESPONSE:
This is new requirement.
| 96. |
| What is the definition of “headquarters” in the context of the staff base? What is the address of this location? Will these staff be in a Government facility? If so, will work space, and government furnished furniture computers, and communication equipment be provided? |
“The Program Manager is a headquarters based position….”
“The Deputy Program Manager is a headquarters based position….”
C4.1, p. 14
H.1, p. 38 Please define “headquarters” and give the location of the headquarters.
RESPONSE:
This information has been provided.
| 97. |
| For the “headquarters” location for the base for Program Manager and Deputy Program Manager will these staff be in a Government facility? If so, will work space, and government furnished furniture computers, and communication equipment be provided? |
“The Program Manager is a headquarters based position….”
“The Deputy Program Manager is a headquarters based position….”
C4.1, p. 14
H.1, p. 38 Please specify the type of facility for the “headquarters” location for the base for Program Manager and Deputy Program Manager (Government facility)? If so, will work space, and Government furnished furniture, computers, and communication equipment be provided for these staff?
RESPONSE:
Contractor provide facility for Headquarter staff. No GPE.
| 98. |
| What is the scope or definition of “agreed coaching?” What person or entity originates (e.g., TNA, INL, Host Country etc.) or decides what the PCC needs? |
Provide agreed coaching…. “
| C.4.2, Capacity Building and Organizational Development Expert, p. 23 |
| Please define “agreed coaching” and explain what person or entity determines the needs for this. |
RESPONSE:
Partner Contributing Countries’ agreement.
| 99. |
| For deliverable 5.6 End-of-Mission Report, is there a template or required format? |
| F.4, p. 31 |
| Please specify the requirements for this report. |
RESPONSE:
No Templates provided.
| 100. |
| What are the requirements and the procedures for returning unserviceable equipment or property to the Government or disposing of it? It is often not practical/economical to send broken equipment back to the US, unless it is sensitive. |
| F.13, p. 32 |
| Please give the requirements and the procedures specific to this contract for returning unserviceable equipment or property to the Government or disposing of it. |
RESPONSE:
In accordance with FAR 45.
| 101. |
| In circumstances where INL or embassy assistance is needed to obtain visas because of host government requirements (e.g., letter from the embassy stating our purpose in country in order to get the visa), will the Government provide these documents? |
“INL will not provide support or facilitation for obtaining visas or passports.”
| H.8, p. 43 |
| Please amend the requirement to give exceptions for issuing mission or travel documents when host governments require this documentation that only the U.S. Government can provide. |
RESPONSE:
Contract acquire all travel documents staff required. If authorization needed, USG will provide authorization.
| 102. |
| H.1, 38: Regarding prescreening of candidates prior to submission to INL, do standards of medical fitness and form DS 6561 apply? |
“Contractor also shall prescreen candidates prior to submission to INL. Prescreening shall consist of criminal, background, credit, and reference checks, as well as prior employment verification.”
| H.1, p. 38 |
| Please clarify that the screening requirements are limited to those listed. |
RESPONSE:
Contractor clears staff to expedite requirements for DoS to complete requirements.
| 103. |
| Does INL have a list of required medical equipment & supplies that need to be onsite in order to render medical assistance to members of the MTT in the field? |
| C4.2, Medic, p. 23-24 |
| Please specify the required medical equipment and supplies list for rendering medical assistance, if applicable. |
RESPONSE:
Active certifications for field medics. Industry standard on supplies.
| 104. |
| Does INL have a list of required medical equipment & supplies that need to be onsite in order to train with during the basic medical courses (first aid/first responder and casualty care.) |
| C4.2, Medic, p. 23-24 |
| Please specify the required medical equipment and supplies list for use in training courses, if applicable. |
RESPONSE:
Standard in trade.
| 105. |
| Training and Senior Training Advisor duties include evaluation of training and trainees. What standard, document, tool, or policy will be the basis of these evaluations? |
| C.4.2, Senior Training Advisor, p. 19 |
| Please specify the standard, document, tool, or policy that will be the basis of these evaluations. |
RESPONSE:
UN standards, DoS standards.
| 106. |
| Pre-training assessments are one of the duties of the Senior Training Advisor. These are not mentioned in deliverables. What are the requirements or template for these pre-training assessments? |
| C.4.2, Senior Training Advisor, p. 19 |
| Please specify the requirements or template for these pre-training assessments. |
RESPONSE:
DoS historical records for PCC performance.
| 107. |
| If there were to be an instance in which the INL requests a quicker deployment but the contractor cannot support it, what would the consequences be? Would this be considered non-compliant with the contract or reflect unfavorably on the contractor’s performance record? Does this open a negotiation between INL and the Contractor? |
“INL expects the contractor to mobilize the MTT to start training 4 weeks from receipt of request. INL will endeavor to provide the contractor more advance notice whenever possible, and may occasionally have to ask the contractor to deploy an MTT more quickly.”
| C4.2.1, p. 25 |
| Please provide more information about the vague requirement to deploy an MTT more quickly than 4 weeks from receipt of request. |
RESPONSE:
Isolated instances due to PCCs supporting or changes in deployment schedules.
| 108. |
| The due date of _17:00:00__ local time __08/28/2019 _ is still showing on Form SF 33. |
| SF 33, box 9., p.1 |
| We respectfully request the Government to amend this form to show the actual due date (specified on L.13 (August 28, 2019 by 3:00 PM EST)). |
RESPONSE:
This information has been changed.
| 109. |
| For line items for “Travel-TBD” and “Other Direct Cost (ODC)-TBD,” how should these be filled in? Are these line items to be left blank because they are “TBD?” |
The relevant CLINs are: 0010, 0011, 1010, 1011, 2010, 2011, 3010, 3011, 4010, 4011.
| Section B., B.2, p. 3-6 |
| Please give guidance on how to correctly complete Section B for these line items. |
RESPONSE:
This information has been provided.
| 110 |
| Does the government want responses for the Technical Volume to be limited to the three Factors described in Section L.15? |
| L.15, pgs. 66—68. |
RESPONSE:
As specified in solicitation.
| 111 |
| RFP section B.1 Type of Contract states “This is a single-award Labor Hour reimbursable contract.” |
Since there’s travel and ODC’s associated as well, can you please further define actual contract type?
B.1, pg. 3
RESPONSE:
This information has been provided.
| 112 |
| The PM and DPM positions are located at “headquarters,” does that mean within INL office spaces at DoS? |
| C.4.1, pg. 14. |
| The work location of the PM and DPM can be at the contractor facility as long as direct communication is maintained on a 24/7 basis. |
RESPONSE:
Contractor to establish Headquarters within 50 miles of DoS. This information has been provided under previous modification to solicitation.
| 113 |
| Deployment Preparation lists items that MTT will need, but will they need Personal Protective Ensemble (PPE) as well? |
| C4.3.1 |
| Yes, it is possible that these and other items for safety and security will be needed in some locations. In such cases, the contractor will request and obtain permission from the Contracting Officer for the procurement of equipment for safety and security prior to purchase. These items will be the property of the US Government and will be returned to the USG at the end of the contract period of performance. The contractor will be reimbursed for the cost of the items only if approved by the Contracting Officer. |
RESPONSE:
As specified in C.4.3 and C.4.3.1
| 114 |
| Deployment Preparation lists items that MTT will need, but will they need a hardened laptop and satellite communications capability for safety/ security? |
| C4.3.1 |
| Yes, it is possible that these and other items for safety and security will be needed in some locations. In such cases, the contractor will request and obtain permission from the Contracting Officer for the procurement of equipment for safety and security prior to purchase. These items will be the property of the US Government and will be returned to the USG at the end of the contract period of performance. The contractor will be reimbursed for the cost of the items only if approved by the Contracting Officer. |
RESPONSE:
Not required.
| 115 |
| Insurance Requirements clearly outlines needs to CONUS government spaces but MTT will work OCONUS so will DBA costs be reimbursable? |
| H.19 |
| Yes. |
RESPONSE:
Yes.
| 116 |
| Will the government consider providing a workable pricing spreadsheet that includes DBA calculations and uplifts such as COLA, Post Differential and Danger Pay for MTT’s? |
Yes. USG will provide.
RESPONSE
ODC’s calculations at task level.
| 117 |
| Can active security clearance be used instead of a Moderate Risk Public Trust (MRPT) Certification? |
| C4.1; C4.2; H4; H5; H6 |
| Yes. Active SECRET clearance in JPAS is acceptable. |
RESPONSE:
Offeror to provide application for all staff to perform to receive MRPT.
| 118 |
| Is there an incumbent for this effort? If so, who is the incumbent and what is contract number for the current effort? |
RESPONSE:
This is a new requirement. No incumbent.
| 119. |
| As written: “The Contractor shall provide international airfare to/from the PCC” |
| B.7, Page 7; C.4.3.2, Page 26 |
| Recommend that the government clarify that international airfare to/from the PCC is billable to the contract. |
RESPONSE:
Travel is reimbursable. This information has been provided.
| 120. |
| As written: “Key Personnel for this contract is firm fixed hourly rates” Is it the Government’s intent to provide a firm fixed price CLIN for Key Personnel labor? |
| H.1, Page 38 |
| Recommend that the Government clarify that all labor will be billed on a time and materials or labor hour basis, and that labor hour rates are awarded based on the vendor’s cost volume. |
RESPONSE:
This information has been provided.
| 121. |
| L.5 As written: “DOSAR 652.239-70 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SECURITY PLAN AND ACCREDITA- TION (SEP 2007) |
All offers/bids submitted in response to this solicitation must address the approach for completing the security plan and certification and accreditation requirements as required by the clause at 652.239-71, Security Require- ments for Unclassified Information Technology Resources. (End of provision)” Questions: 1) Where in the proposal does the Government want Industry to provide our approach to this requirement? 2) Does Industry’s response to this requirement count against our page budget/word count constraint?
| L.5, Page 64 |
| Recommend that the Government require the winning vendor to submit this approach as part of the kickoff briefing. |
RESPONSE:
This information should be submitted under as part of Volume I.
| 122. |
| L15, Factor Two: |
What, if any, is the word limit for text in the GANTT Chart?
| L15 Factor Two, Page 68 |
| Recommend that the Government not limit amplifying text in the GANTT chart |
RESPONSE:
Charts submitted on 8.5 X 11” paper, landscape.
| 123. |
| L15, Factor Two: |
Do words within graphics, tables, or figures count against the word limit for the technical response?
Will the Government specify a font and minimum font size and page margins?
Do resume template headers count against the resume word count?
| L15 Factor Two, Page 68 |
| Recommend that words within graphics, tables, and figures not count against word budgets. |
Recommend Arial Narrow or Times New Roman with a minimum 10 Point Font Size; 8 Point Minimum for Graphics, Tables, and Figures
Recommend that resume templating headers NOT count against resume word count
RESPONSE:
No.
| 124. |
| L15, Factor Three, Past Performance: |
Can the Offeror submit past performance from Subcontractors?
Is there a minimum or maximum number of past performance questionnaires required?
| L15, Factor Two, Page 68 |
| Recommend that the Government permit the submission of first tier subcontractor past performance. |
Recommend that the Government require a minimum of three past performance citations from each offeror team.
RESPONSE:
Three past performance. This information has been provided.
| 125. |
| M9, Evaluation Criteria; Factor 2: Management Approach; as reads: “Demonstrate ability to develop and maintain reliable vendors in multiple challenging environments. |
Demonstrate ability to manage the budget.
Demonstrate ability to manage multiple sets of administrative tasks required to deploy staff.”
1) Does the Government intend for Industry to respond to these criteria within the word count budget for the five technical requirements listed in Paragraph L15, Technical Approach, pages 66-67?
| M9, Page 72 |
| Recommend that the Government provide a page budget for Industry to respond to these evaluation criteria. |
RESPONSE:
Yes.
| 126. |
| Section H.1 KEY PERSONNEL states “The contractor should propose a program management team structure identifying how this structure will ensure contactor can meet IPPOS task order objectives.” |
Does the Government intend for offerors to proposae an organizational structure and approach?
If so, will the Government specify where such a description should be provided?
If such a description is desired, will the Government increase word/page count for such a description?
Section H.1 KEY PERSONNEL
Recommend the Government remove the requirements to “…propose a program management team structure identifying how this structure will ensure contactor can meet IPPOS task order objectives.”
If the Government leaves this requirement in the RFP, recommend the Government allocate an additional four (4) pages, or at least 1000 words, in the proposal to do so.
RESPONSE:
Under Management Approach Factor 2.
| 127. |
| L.15, Factor 1: Technical Approach |
The RFP states “Citations do not count toward the overall word count, though any other information in footnotes does.”
Can the Government define their interpretation of the term “Citation” in this context?
Is it simply a short reference to a document, web page or other existing information?
Or, is it a fuller note that could include extracts from CPARs, quotes from customers, or additional data, that would not be included in word count?
L.15, Factor 1: Technical Approach
Recommend the Government more fully define the term “Citation” to include not only the simple reference, but any supporting extracted word from that reference, while not counting towards the overall word count.
RESPONSE:
For example, references, titles, footnotes.
| 128. |
| H.1 KEY PERSONNEL states that the two key personnel are the Program Manager and Deputy Program Manager and that “The contractor shall provide a detailed resume with their proposal. If proposed individuals are not current employees, the contractor shall provide a signed letter of intent from the candidate.” |
L.15 Factor 1: Technical Approach requires offerors “Provide resume of individual you deem excellent Program Manager.”
Can the Government confirm that offerors are to provide only one Program Manager resume and are not required to provide a Deputy Program Manager resume, as well?
H.1 KEY PERSONNEL
Recommend the Government clarify that offerors are to submit only a single Program Manager resume and are not required to submit a Deputy Program Manager resume.
RESPONSE:
Resumes for both Program Manager and DPM. Other submission demonstrate understanding of the requirement as specified.
| 129. |
| L.15 OVERALL EVALUATION |
If the offeror repeats one of the Government’s questions to better enable evaluators to track compliance, will the repeated question count against word count?
L.15 OVERALL EVALUATION
Recommend restated RFP questions not count against page count.
RESPONSE:
Yes.
| 130. |
| B.2 PRICES/COSTS |
Hourly Rate- Paid Only When Activated for Work
Does this only apply to CLINs 3 through 11? And not to CLINs 1 and 2?
| B2, Page 3 |
| Recommend Government clarify. |
RESPONSE:
CLINS 1 and 2 are full time positions as specified.
| 131. |
| H.4 ADDITIONAL SECURITY REQUIREMENTS |
As written: The Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing (e-QIP) system shall be utilized for all contractor personnel that require an MRPT certification for (contract or task order) performance. Contractor administrative access to the NP2 portal and to e-QIP requires that the contractor employee be a US citizen and possess a minimum of a Moderate Risk Public Trust (MRPT) certification prior to access being granted.
Does the US Citizen requirement only apply to the specific contractor personnel who access e-QIP?
| PAGE 41 |
| Recommend that the government confirm that the US citizen requirement only applies to the specific contractor personnel who access e-QIP and not to all contractor personnel |
RESPONSE:
Yes.
| 132. |
| C4.3 Logistics and Life Support |
As written:
The contractor will provide all logistics, travel and life support, including lodging, per diem, transportation to/ from airports, international airfare, visas, immunizations, DBA and medical evacuation insurance, for deployed personnel. The contractor shall also provide vehicles and local drivers to support personnel throughout all activities. When necessary to effectively deliver training and mentoring, the contractor must also provide local interpreters for language support to include material translation and simultaneous interpretation.
Are these expenses billable to the contract?
| PAGE 25 |
| Recommend that the government clarify that these expenses are billable to the contract. |
RESPONSE:
Yes.
| 133. |
| C4.3.1 Deployment Preparation |
As written:
The contractor shall provide each individual deploying on an MTT with a set of personal gear including the fol- lowing: 1 memory stick (8 GB), 1 pair boots, 6 polo shirts with IPPOS logo, 4 khaki tactical pants (511-type), 1 utility belt. As necessary, the personal gear kit may also include climate appropriate clothing (e.g., 2 piece rain suit, boonie hat, etc.).
Are these expenses billable to the contract?
| PAGE 25 |
| Recommend that the government clarify that these expenses are billable to the contract. |
RESPONSE:
Yes.
| 134. |
| F.14 STANDARD WORK HOURS |
As written:
Under this award, a workweek for all employees shall be eight (8) hours per day, forty (40) hours per week. A 6- or 7-day workweek may be authorized for OCONUS deployments. Nine-hours per day may also be authorized for some OCONUS deployments. Additional hours must be approved by INL in advance.
Are 6- or 7-day weeks and nine-hour days billed at standard rate for 8 hours? When does overtime rate apply?
| PAGE 32 |
| Recommend that the government clarify overtime rate policy |
RESPONSE:
The 6 or 7-day work week are specified as normal. No overtime when these weeks are specified.
| 135. |
| Are all personnel required to have valid US passports, even if they are a TCN? |
| B.8., j., 1., p.8 |
| Permit TCNs who have passports other than US. |
RESPONSE:
Amended the SOW, as required to work on this contract and able to get an MRPT.
| 136. |
| For the Medic, is any level EMT sufficient to fulfill this requirement? |
| C4.2, p. 17 |
| Confirm that any level EMT certification fulfills the requirement. |
RESPONSE:
Certifications are specified in solicitation. Active certification is required.
| 137. |
| Are contractor personnel allowed to self-drive? |
Please confirm that contractor personnel allowed to self-drive.
RESPONSE:
As specified with task order for logistics support. Typically not allowed.
| 138. |
| What is the government's required file for cost proposal submissions (Excel, .pdf)? |
| L.13, L.15 |
p. 66-69 Please confirm that the cost proposal should be .pdf format, with Section B included in the .pdf file.
RESPONSE:
The cost proposal submission should be in Excel.
| 139. |
| Can you please confirm if pricing is required for this table and what Labor the government is wanting in this table that is not associated with a specific CLIN? |
RESPONSE:
The Government intends to use your total Labor and Total Travel and ODC’s for each POP. The Chart in B is for building your cost for this table.
| 140. |
| Is it a total of all labor categories below as summary of cost for labor? |
RESPONSE:
Yes. Use the plug provided for Travel and ODC’s for your total costs in the base, and each option.
| 141. |
| Same for ODC and Travel, should it be the total of the provided plug numbers? |
RESPONSE:
Yes, that POP was corrected in the Amendment to correct CLIN 1009 to Curriculum Designer as in other POP’s, Travel is CLIN 1010, and ODC’s is CLIN 1011.
is respectfully requesting an extension to the proposal due date. Thank you for your time in considering our request.
RESPONSE:
The solicitation has been extended.
27 | Page
File details come from the government source that posted it.