22R0197 Q and A.xlsx

XLSX spreadsheet 22 KB Posted Jul 21, 2022

Attached to: Specialized Operational Equipment
Solicitation number: 19AQMM22R0197
Issued by: Department of State Office of Acquisition Management

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Written by GovTribe AI · Dec 31, 2023

This document contains questions and responses related to a solicitation notice for specialized operational equipment. The solicitation seeks proposals by August 8, 2022 to establish an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity blanket purchase agreement for the purchase of a wide variety of operational equipment to support crisis implementation and weapons of mass destruction removal efforts. Eligible equipment includes personal protective gear, thermal/night vision capabilities, nonintrusive inspection systems, autonomous reconnaissance drones, and chemical/biological/radiological/nuclear/explosive detection and disposal robots. The Department of State Office of Acquisition Management will make a single award based on a best value tradeoff evaluation of technical understanding, technical and management approach, and past performance. Pricing is not the most significant factor. Questions regarding the solicitation were due by July 12, 2022, and the government does not intend to extend the proposal deadline.

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Other files

File	Type	Posted
Bidders - Approved DD-254 - 19AQMM-22-R-0197.pdf	PDF	Aug 3, 2022
19AQMM22R0197-0001.pdf	PDF	Jul 21, 2022
Bidders DD-254 - 19AQMM-22-R-0197.pdf	PDF	Jul 21, 2022
Attachment A - Specialized Operational Equipment.xlsx	XLSX spreadsheet	Jul 8, 2022
19AQMM22R0197.pdf	PDF	Jul 8, 2022
Attachment B Item List.xlsx	XLSX spreadsheet	Jul 8, 2022
Attachment B - Sample Call Order.docx	DOCX document	Jul 8, 2022

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Sheet1

	19AQMM22R0197 Questions and Responses
		Question	Response	Notes
	1	Name brand only for the equipment or are equal/greater alternates acceptable?	For purposes of proposal submission and evaluation, offerors are to respond on the basis of the brand name equipment identified in the Attachment B. However, if name brand items (Attachment A) are determined not to be available in the market at a later date, the government reserves the right to research and determine alternates as substitution dependent upon the needs of the client.
	2	Section G-001 – Ordering Procedures “All pricing shall remain the same throughout the life of the BPA” – Does this mean we cannot do YoY pricing or have increases?	Price increases/escalations YoY are allowable on Labor rates.
	3	The presolicitation released in May 2022 was a Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5). Is there a set aside for this solicitation?	This requirement is not set-aside for small business concerns. This is a full and open competition.
	4	Attachment A – Specialized Operational Equipment List provided in this solicitation is not identical to the Specialized Operational Equipment List issued in the presolicitation. The presolicitation list included products that are not listed in the released Attachment A. Is there an opportunity to add additional equipment to the Specialized Operational Equipment list either in the proposal response, or at the Delivery Order level?	Attachment A is a live document that will evolve during the life of the BPA as items are updated/upgraded and/or made obsolete by manufacturers.
	5	Is the government only looking for pricing for the equipment listed in Attachment B – Item List for the Sample Call Order, or should pricing also be included for items listed in Attachment A?	For proposal submission and evaluation, just pricing for Attachment B. Offerors must also certify all items on Attachment A are attainable/procureable with current proposed resources. The Government reserve the right to verify with the intended awardee if Attachment A is fully priced prior to issuing the award.
	6	Given complexity of the solicitation requirements, the question timeline does not give sufficient time to ensure all documents and lines within Attachment A have been fully reviewed and cleared. In order to give the government the best possible proposal will the government please consider extending the question deadline to July 25?	Attachment A has been made available since April 29, 2022 through the pre-solicitation notice for interested parties to review so no extension will be given.
	7	Does the government contemplate a single award or multiple awards?	Single award.
	8	Does the government intend to release a fillable pricing spreadsheet, or are we to create our own?	Contractor/Offeror format
	9	Can the government please clarify how bidders are to calculate pricing for CLIN001:
a)	Are we to price items listed on Attachment A? If so, is this for a quantity of 1 each?
b)	If so, will be government award to multiple vendors based on the groupings in Attachment A?
c)	Or are we to price the items listed in Attachment B with the quantities?
d)	Can a bidder price only Attachment B and be considered responsive for award
e)	Are we to price the same set of items and quantities for the Base and both option years?
f)	For items listed a “Various” for Manufacturer, is there a reference specification?	a) Quantity for Attachment A is 1 each. Please refer to the response for question 5 for further clarification.

b) the Government intends only to issue a single award.

c) Yes.

d) Yes.

e) Offerors should only price out the base year.

f) This reference is for Attachment A. The specifications for Attachment A are in the weblink to the right. However, the Government are only requesting pricing on Attachment B for proposal submission and evaluation.

10 Can the government clarify the labor categories for CLIN002:

a) We do not find labor categories included in Attachment A or B. Does this CLIN strictly refer to the two Key Personnel in H-016? If not, where are the labor categories described?

b) Are these categories for CONUS or OCOUNUS work? a) The labor categories are in provision H-016.

b) CONUS.

11	As there is no detailed description of travel destination or duration For CLIN 003, will the government provide a plug number?	Offerors may use a plug number of $50,000 for the Sample BPA Call.
12	As there is no detailed description of required logistics or duration For CLIN 004, will the government provide a plug number??	Offerors may use a plug number of $50,000 for CLIN 004 for the Sample BPA Call.
13	Please provide a DD254 for this requirement.	To be provided
14	Regarding section H-036, does the Government anticipate a requirement for TCN’s?	There may be a small need for third-country nationals, but that would be determined on a project-by-project basis following award.
15	Regarding Attachment B Item List:

a) Will the government accept brand name substitutions that are equivalent in specifications and performance?

b) Line 23 – Please specify the required NIJ rating for Plates. Do you require NIJ certified plates? Also please specify dimensions and number of plates (Front only, both torso, side plates?

c) Line 36 – Does this refer to additional helmet brackets? Or the mounting system to attach PS15 goggles to the brackets?

d) Line 37 – Please provide any performance specifications for the IR illuminator

e) Line 38 – Please provide any performance specifications for the IR beacon

f) Line 42 – Please provide desired pouch dimensions a) No; in order to standardize proposals evaluation no substitutions are accepted.

b) NIJ Level IIIa, full coverage, with detachable cover. 30 medium NIJ Level IIIa Vests with plates; 70 large NIJ Level IIIa Vests with plates; front and back plates, and side plates.

c) The brackets on the helmets are to mount Night Vision Goggles.

d) Please use the specs for the ATN IR850 Pro Long Range IR Illuminator w/Adjustable Mount, Black, ACMUIR85PR or equivalent mountable on a picatinny rail.

e) Please use the specs for the Cejay Neptune Multi-Purpose Beacon or equivalent mountable via straps to webbing, belts, uniform, wrist.

f) Please use the 5.11 Flex Molle 9 x 6 Pouch.

16	Will the Government please provide a justification for the TOP SECRET facility clearance requirement as it relates to the product list and scope of this BPA?	The Government has updated the facility security clearance to SECRET.
17	The RFP lists key personnel and states each shall have TOP SECRET security clearances prior to contract performance. Will the Government please clarify whether TOP SECRET clearances are required for personnel involved in the performance/execution of this BPA who do not need access to classified material and/or areas?	The Government has updated the personnel security clearance to SECRET and only applicable to the Program Manager.
18	Section H-01 references both TOP SECRET and SECRET clearance requirements. Will the Government please clarify which positions require which clearance level?	The Government has updated the facility and personnel security clearance to SECRET.
19	Can the Government confirm that no pricing is needed for the line items in the Sample Call Order Attachment B?	Attachment B Pricing is required for award.
20	The RFP stipulates that the “price proposal depict the development of the labor rates proposed in Section B for the base and all option years.” Will the Government provide a pricing template specific to labor rates?	Contractor/Offeror format
21	The RFP stipulates that “Offerors are not required to submit certified cost or pricing data with their proposals.” Is individual line-item pricing required for those items listed in Attachment A? If so, what are the quantities for which the pricing will be based and what percentage of items on the list are we able to “no bid” without penalty?	No.
22	Are freight costs to be included with any required product pricing or separately at the call order level? If required with products in Attachment A, will the Government provide the specific ship-to location(s)?	Freight costs should be included at the Call Order level. The Government will provide specific ship-to locations at the Call Order level.
23	To what number and frequency are economic price increases allowed during the contract period to support extreme circumstances with fuel costs, material increases, and supply chain issues?	None. The Government expect the awardee to have a robust procurement process and agreements with suppliers to elinimate any delivery issues.
24	If a requested product is discontinued, will the Government allow generational replacement or suggested replacement from that same OEM?	Yes. This relates to Attachment A only.
25	If a requested product is discontinued, is an alternative from another OEM, with a datasheet, acceptable?	Yes. This relates to Attachment A only.
26	Will the Government accept an alternative for any item from another OEM, with a datasheet?	Yes. This relates to Attachment A only.
27	The RFP states it’s the Government’s intention to award one BPA. It also references on page 45 (h) that the Government may choose to make multiple awards. Will the Government consider making this a multiple-award contract, should it prove to be in the best interest of the Government?	No, just single award for this requirement.
28	“Evaluation Factors for Award” is at the bottom of page 51, however no evaluation factors for award under Price Evaluation are given. Would the Government please provide the Price Evaluation factors for award?	Price is the least significant factor in a Best Value Trade-Off evaluation. Please refer to "M.2 Relative Order of Importance".
29	RE Cat.: Inspection/Detection Equipment; 2-lines identified as “Ballistic Inspection Tool Bag - Various Hand Tools”. (LINES 2633 &2655) Both Product Code and OEM are identified as “Custom”. May we assume that the part requirement is the part identified by the Web Link provided?	Yes.
30	RE Cat.: Inspection/Detection Equipment; 2-lines identified as “Ballistic Inspection Tool Bag - Various Hand Tools”. (LINE 2657) The OEM is identified as “Custom”, while no Product Code or Link is provided. May we assume that this is the same part that is requested by link found in the above references question?	Yes.
31	RE Cat.: Computer/IT, there are six parts that specify the same Detailed Description of “Use Local Requirements,” with OEM identified as “Multiple”: Monitor, Printer, Scanner, Copier, Flash Drives, & Projector. (LINES 2698, 2701, 2702, 2703, 2706, 2707) Will the Government be providing these specific requirements?	That information is specified by the web link for each of those lines in Attachment A.
32	RE Cat.: Mobile signaling / radio stations; line identified as “Large Area Maintenance Shelters,” Please provide more information on the model(s) required. (LINE 2128)	The Offeror question is referencing an incorrect item on Attachment A. Item specifications for Line 2128 is https://teaheadsets.com/.
33	The Sample BPA Call SOW references a lead time of 2 weeks or less. Given current issues with the global economy and supply chain, along with the variety and complexity of the products and quantities listed in Attachment B, such a short lead time is highly unlikely as the Offeror would have to commit to carrying a large inventory up front with no guarantee of an order. Is a longer lead time for the items listed in Attachment B acceptable as part of the Offeror’s approach to the Sample Call Order? Is a lead time of no more than 2 weeks the expectation for all call orders under this BPA?	The 2-week lead time is the standard for most Call Orders to be issued because of the end-user's urgent need. Longer lead time Call Orders will be identified at the call order level.
34	Is the Government seeking a BPA for labor and equipment or labor only? NOTE: Many vendors/suppliers will not guarantee product pricing beyond 30-90 days.	The Government seeks a BPA for both labor and equipment.
35	What evidence constitutes “PM certification or equivalent?”	The Project Management Professional certification issued by the Project Management Institute is the standard expectation to demonstrate project management competency. Should Offerors have another means to demonstrate project management competency, the Government will review and entertain Offerors' presentations. This could include certifications offered by other organizations or demonstrated three years of experience.
36	Logistical Support/Training, and Shipment/ Delivery Staff positions appear dependent on the end user and delivery location. Should proposed Key Personnel be specific to the Sample Call order?	The Key Personnel are required at the BPA level. Individual BPA Calls may require additional, specialized Key Personnel over and above those required in the base BPA. (Key Personnel are defined as those reviewed and approved by the Government prior to BPA or BPA Call award, and are generally expected to be available for the lifetime of the award.)
37	Are clearance requirements specific to Key Personnel only or anyone who will be assigned to this contract?	SECRET personnel clearance is required for proposed Program Manager
38	H-031 suggests SECRET clearances are acceptable. Can the Government clarify which positions require a clearance and at what level?	SECRET personnel clearance is required for proposed Program Manager
39	Other than the PM certifications previously stated, are there any other minimum requirements or preferences for selection?	Please refer to M-001 - EVALUATION FACTORS AND BASIS FOR AWARD
40	The cover letter shall contain a statement that the Offeror’s proposal is valid for a period of 180 calendar days from the submission date of the proposal. Please confirm that this is only applicable to labor pricing.	The 180 calendar days refers to pricing for all contract activities, goods, and services.
41	Provide at least three (3) Past Performance Summaries… Is there an upper limit? If an Offeror submits an ID-IQ or BPA, are they limited to (1) task order / call order? Or can they write the submission as (1) summary?	Offerors should provide only three Past Performance Summaries, and they should relate to activities substantially similar to these BPA.
42	Is relevant past performance for contracts that are in support of the Department of State preferrable in order to demonstrate understanding of State’s mission?	No.
43	Is the Government seeking sample pricing for all items?	Pricing for all items in Attachment B allows the Government to compare standarized items for this sample call order between bidders.
44	Does the Government intend to award the sample call order concurrent with the award of the overarching BPA?	The Sample Call Order is notional, and is intended to increase Offeror's understanding of potential Government requirements and intentions, and to ensure that the Government may equally evaluate proposals from different Offerors. The Government reserves the right to award a Call Order at the time of BPA Award. This may or may not be the sample call order, or any portions, thereof. This decision is at the Government’s discretion.
45	What does the 2-week lead time refer to?

a) Time to deliver equipment to the end user?

b) Time to deliver equipment to a designated a federal warehouse? (per SOW, Scope Item #3)

c) Time to establish a validated purchase order with certified pricing and delivery timelines?o	Time to deliver equipment to a designated a federal warehouse? (per SOW, Scope Item #3)
d) Time to establish a validated purchase order with certified pricing and delivery timelines?	The 2-week lead time refers to the time to deliver equipment to the end user
	46	Several items are manufacturer specific – The SOW and FAR 52.212-1 (e) allow the Offeror to submit alternatives. Can the Government provide salient characteristics to justify suitable alternatives?	Please refer to Government responses to question 1 and 43.
	47	Some items are being procured under other USG contracts. Will the Government be willing to complete the administrative processes to prioritize delivery to this contract? NOTE: This may result in a unit price increase to the impacted contract.	It depends on the particular priority of the particular national security requirement. This will be decided at the BPA Call level.
	48	IRIDIUM 9575A (Un-flashed): The manufacturer of this model has an existing BPA with the DISA EMSS program office. If another Government office wants to procure devices and airtime, the manufacturer recommends ordering through the existing vehicle. Can the Government clarify how vendors should quote this item?	Offerors should undertake their own best judgment on this issue.
	49	Fully Loaded Vest with Plates: IIIA is soft armor and then it requests fully loaded with plates, is it meant that the plates are IIIA or actual rifle plates required?	This line is for NIJ level IIIA, with detachable collar, biceps, groin (30 medium NIJ Level IIIa Vests with plates/70 large NIJ Level IIIa Vests with plates).
	50	Uline Gloves: What sizes are needed?	Medium: 100 units, large: 250 units, and extra large: 150 units.
	51	Cordova Ogre 7720: What sizes are needed?	Medium: 5,000 units, large: 10,000 units, and extra large: 7,000 units.
	52	IR Illuminator & IR Beacon: Is the requirement for handheld or weapon mounted (what type of weapon) or helmet side rail mounted? What variation/ type is required i.e., Infrared Heat Lamps or Infrared Light Emitting Diodes or Laser Infrared Illuminators? What frequency wavelength i.e., 850nm or 940nm?	The IR Illuminator can be handheld and/or mountable on a picatinny rail. The IR Beacon can be mountable to webbing, belts, unitform, or wrist. Offerors may use the 850nm wavelength frequency for purposes of drafting a proposal.
	53	Aimpoint 9000SC: Which DOT size is required? 2 or 4?	4 MOA dot
	54	QSA 102 Training: Training shows QTY of 6 but for how many students for each session? Is or are the training locations in the same area or is travel required? Are the kits for training procured in quantity of line 41? Or should additional kits of 6 or 12 each per course be procured to conduct the training?	The training kits are described in line 40 of Attachment B; line 41 refers to the full kits. The question of how many students for each session demonstrates a misunderstanding of the Government's intention - the requirement is for a 'training kit', not the delivery of a training session.
	55	Flex Pouches: What size is needed? i.e., 9x6 inches or 12x12 inches? Which color is needed? Padded for sensitive items or regular pouch? Velcro or zipper or button to close the pouch?	9"x6" regular nylon pouches with zipper
	56	Confirming that this contract is being procured as a small business set aside under NAICS Code 339999 All Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing.	Please refer to the Government response to question 3.
	57	If registered as a small business under NAICS Code 339999, confirming that it does not require a subcontracting plan?	The Government confirms that a subcontracting plan is not required if a small business concern is awarded the BPA.
	58	Is there a small business utilization goal (by percentage) for large businesses?	No.
	59	Will the Government allow an Executive Summary to summarize capabilities?	Please refer to L.5 Proposal Preparation Instructions and Formatting
	60	What items will require training?	No training on any equipment listed in Attachment B. Training requirements will be determined on future BPA Call Order(s).
	61	Are all items being shipped to Poland?	For the purpose of the Sample Call Order, Offerors may assume that items listed in Attachment B are to be delivered to Poland. Subsequent Call Orders may have other destinations.
	62	Where should we put the freight cost since there doesn't appear to be a separate line for it?	004, 104, and 204. Please also refer to the Government response to question 12.
	63	Section B seems to indicate a cost-plus structure (e.g., pricing for labor rates and travel), while the pricing spreadsheets and general contract requirements indicate a firm fixed price requirement.	Equipment is FFP, Labor is Labor Hours, Travel and other are Cost Only
	64	For the Pricing Volume, are offerors supposed to price the Sample Call Order (Att B) for the proposal, or do we need to price full equipment list (Att A), or both? Are there labor rates that are required to be priced as well?	Offerors are only required to price the Sample Call Order for the proposal (i.e. Attachment B). This includes labor rates for both Key Personnel and other personnel.
	65	Section H-031 (e) indicates the necessity of safeguarding and properly disposing of any classified material received or generated in the service of this contract. Is this indicative of the need to have TS safeguarding at the contractor facility or is this an instruction for work at a government site?	Facility Clearance revised at the SECRET level. This is for Contractor facility.
	66	Section L page 47 references “Factor 1: Technical Understanding of the Overall Requirement” and “Factor 2: Technical & Management Approach to Sample Call Order.” What information are offerors required to provide for these 2 factors?	Please see section M.3 of the Solicitation.
	67	Please clarify if you need an IR Beacon or IR Aiming laser for line #38. The part number versus the description have conflicting information. If it is an IR aiming laser, please clarify if you need both visible and invisible laser?	Please use the specs for the Cejay Neptune Multi-Purpose Beacon or equivalent mountable via straps to webbing, belts, uniform, and wrist .

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated Jul 21, 2022.