Amendment 00003.pdf

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

PAGE OF PAGES

1 144

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO.

00003

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.

5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)

6. ISSUED BY CODE 2543 7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6) CODE 2543 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

(PGO)

Procurement and Grants Office 2920 Brandywine Rd, RM 3000 Atlanta, GA 30341-5539

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (PGO) Procurement and Grants Office 2920 Brandywine Rd, RM 3000 Atlanta, GA 30341-5539

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)

X

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

2011-N-13050

9B. DATED (See Item 11)

05/20/2011

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

10B. DATED (See Item 13)

CODE FACILITY CODE

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

X The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers X is extended, Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

is not extended.

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning 1 submitted; or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEGMENT copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer

TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not, is required to sign this document and return

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

copies to the issuing office.

Amendment is issued to respond to offeror questions and to extend the proposal submission due date.

A. Answers to offeror questions are included in this Amendment on pages 2 thru 14.

B. Proposal submission due date and time is changed from 1:00pm EST Monday, June 20, 2011 to 1:00pm EST Thursday, June 30, 2011 to allow offerors.

C. All other terms and conditions remain unchanged.

Note to Offerors: Offerors are reminded to acknowledge receipt of this amendment pursuant to the instructions in Block 11 above.

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

16A. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

(Signature of person authorized to sign)

15C. DATE SIGNED

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

BY ___________________________________________

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

16C. DATE SIGNED

NSN 7540-01-152-8070 STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 10-83)

PREVIOUS EDITION UNUSABLE 30-105 Prescribed by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

ITEM 10A.

2011-N-13050 00003

Solicitation No. 2011-N-13050 Questions and Answers

Question No. 1: Is Standard Form 33 (Page 1 of 87) to be completed by the offeror, and if so, where in the business proposal should this document be presented?

Answer: Yes, the Standard Form 33 (SF-33) must be completed by the offer. The SF-33 shall be executed and included within the Business Proposal under Tab A – Contract Proposal Cover Sheet.

Question No. 2: Within Section B.2 Type of Contract (Page 2 of 87) it is noted that this is an IDIQ task order contract and that task orders will be separately priced and contain unique statements of work. Within Section L.11 Technical Proposal Preparation Instructions, Subfactor 2 Methodology and Approach (Page 57 of 87), one of the items to be included in the offeror’s proposal is person-hours for key personnel. Operating under the assumption that the key personnel listed in the offeror’s proposal are the same individuals that will support future task orders, please provide clarification as to how person-hours for key personnel are to be calculated given that the scope of work that they will be supporting is unknown.

Answer: It is completely up to the offeror on how to address the calculation of task orders.

THIS IS ONLY AN EXAMPLE!!! One strategy would be to propose a flat annual oversight capacity, based on a certain overall contract dollar threshold of the $2.5 million annual maximum. Another approach is to base the labor hours based on the awards of task, based on the dollar value. There is nothing that says that the key person hours cannot also be related to task performance via some type of reasonable formula. For example, 1 person-hour for key personnel for every $10,000 in task order price.

Question No. 3: Within Section H.24 Facilities (Page 33 of 87) the following is noted “Each task order will stipulate whether on-site or off-site performance, or both, is required.

Accordingly, the contactor shall use the appropriate rates included in the table below”. Does the CDC desire the offeror to provide both on-site and off-site labor category rates for the base and option years as part of its business proposal?

Answer: Yes, both on-site and off-site rates for the base and option years should be included within the Business Proposal. Task Order #0001 will be off-site rates only.

Question No. 4: Within Section J List of Attachments (Page 45 of 87) it is noted under Attachment 5 that Task Order 0001 is to be priced by offerors. What level of pricing detail is required by the CDC for Task Order 0001 (single lump sum price or detailed breakdown by labor category and other direct costs)? Also, where in the business proposal should this pricing information be presented?

Answer: A detailed breakout should be provided for Task Order 0001. This information should be included within in the Business Proposal under Tab A – Contract Proposal Cover Sheet.

Question No. 5: Within Section K.2 FAR 52.204-8 Annual Representations and Certifications (Page 46 of 87 and Page 49 of 87) it appears that paragraph (b) and paragraph (d) need to be completed and submitted with the offeror’s proposal. Is this correct, and if so, where should this information be presented in the business proposal?

Answer: All information requested in Section K – Representations, Certifications, and Other Statement of Offerors shall be executed and included within the Business Proposal under Tab A– Contract Proposal Cover Sheet.

Question No. 6: Within Section K.3 FAR 52.209-5 Certification Regarding Responsibility Matters (Page 49 of 87) it appears that this entire section needs to be completed and submitted with the offeror’s proposal. Is this correct, and if so, where should this information be presented in the business proposal?

Answer: All information requested in Section K – Representations, Certifications, and

Question No. 7: Within Section K.4 Contact for Negotiation/Administration (Page 51 of 87) it appears that this entire section needs to be completed and submitted with the offeror’s proposal.

Is this correct, and if so, where should this information be presented in the business proposal?

Answer: All information requested in Section K – Representations, Certifications, and

Question No. 8: Within Section K.5 Certification (Page 52 of 87) it appears that this entire section needs to be completed and submitted with the offeror’s proposal. Is this correct, and if so, where should this information be presented in the business proposal?

Answer: All information requested in Section K – Representations, Certifications, and

Question No. 9: Within Section L.11 Technical Proposal Preparation Instructions, Subfactor 3 Staff Experience and Capability (Page 58 of 87), item d. states “Relationship between staff’s proposed functions and responsibilities in performing the work and the available time and effort anticipated”. Based upon the stated language, it appears that the CDC is requesting that the offeror provide a description of the functions and responsibilities to be performed by proposed staff to execute the scope of work defined in Section C. However, please provide clarification as to the specific information required by the CDC to satisfy the “available time and effort anticipated” portion of this requirement given the fact that the timing and level of effort required to support Section C work scope elements will be defined in task orders to be awarded in the future.

Answer: It is completely up to the offeror on how to address the available time and effort anticipated.

THIS IS ONLY AN EXAMPLE!!! One strategy would be to propose a flat annual oversight capacity, based on a certain overall contract dollar threshold of the $2.5 million annual maximum. Another approach is to base the labor hours based on the awards of task, based on the dollar value. There is nothing that says that the key person hours cannot also be related to task performance via some type of reasonable formula. For example, 1 person-hour for key personnel for every $10,000 in task order price.

Question No. 10: The RFP published by the CDC for this solicitation includes Attachment 2 – Negotiated Labor Rates (Page 80 of 87) which is a spreadsheet to be used by the offeror to provide fully burdened, negotiated hourly labor rates to be used for all firm fixed price task orders. Please provide clarification as to where within the business proposal this table is to be presented.

Answer: The Negotiated Labor Rates shall be included within the Business Proposal under Tab A as an appendix to the Business Proposal with references made to this appendix where appropriate in the Business Proposal.

Question No. 11: Within Section L.12 Business Proposal Instructions, item (a) 4. (Page 60 of

87) states “Specify the proposed cost, profit or fee (as applicable) per year and total for all years.

Sum by major cost element (e.g. direct labor, other direct costs)”. Please provide clarification as to how the offeror is to satisfy these requirements given the fact that the actual scope and costs for contract performance will be defined in future task orders to be awarded during the base year and option periods.

Answer: Offerors are to complete an overall assessment of the Basic Contract to include the Statement of Work (See Section C of the solicitation) and propose their costs and “as applicable” the profit or fees associated with developing their proposal for the Basic Contract. These cost shall include but are not limited to the fully burdened hourly rates for the professional employee positions identified within the offerors proposal. Offerors are reminded that the Unit Price and Extended Price are Not Separately Priced (See the price schedule table located on Page 2 of 87).

Offerors shall submit a more detailed cost proposal for Task Order #0001 that should include cost, profit or fees (as applicable) in support of the associated Statement of Work (See Attachment 5) associated with Task Order #0001.

Question No. 12: Within Section L.12 Business Proposal Instructions, item (c) 6. (Page 62 of

87) states “Supporting information and cost estimate rationale: In addition to spreadsheet information described above, provide “Reference Notes” that discuss the following additional information:”. Based on the offeror’s review of the entire contents of Section L.12, no reference to “spreadsheet information” could be found. Therefore, please provide clarification as the requirement(s) intended to be conveyed by the language contained in item (c) 6. related to the referenced spreadsheet information.

Answer: Spreadsheet information would include the “proposed cost, profit or fee (as applicable) per year and total for all years. Sum by major cost element (e.g. direct labor, other direct costs)” outlined in Section L.12(a)4. Offerors must provide Reference Notes in an attachment/appendix to the Business Proposal with references made to the attachment/appendix where appropriate in the Business Proposal.

Question No. 13: Within Section L.12 Business Proposal Instructions, item (c) 6. v. (Page 62 of

87) states “Travel: Provide the cost of travel including destination, duration, # of travelers, # of days, purpose, per diem, transportation, and the basis for the proposed costs”. Please provide clarification as to how the offeror is to satisfy this requirement given the fact that the actual scope and costs for contract performance, including travel, will be defined in future task orders to be awarded during the base year and option periods.

Answer: 6.v is applicable to Task Order #0001 only (if applicable).

Question No. 14: Within Section L.11 Technical Proposal Preparation Instructions, Subfactor 3 Staff Experience and Capability (Page 58 of 87) states “Resumes: Resumes shall not exceed two

(2) pages per person. Note: resumes are not included in the Technical Proposal page limit”.

However, this same note is not included under Subfactor 3 of the Part B Task Order #1 instructions (Page 59 of 87). Since the instructions presented under Subfactor 3 of the Part B Task Order # include the requirement to provide resumes and/or Curriculum Vitae of current and proposed employees who will be used under the task order, are the resumes or Curriculum Vitae presented in Part B of the technical proposal also excluded from the 10 page limit?

Answer: Resumes shall not exceed 2 pages per person and are not included in the page limit for the Technical Proposal for the Basic Contract or Task Order #0001.

Question No. 15: How many IDIQ awards will be made? How many companies will be entered into the IDIQ?

Answer: The Government may elect to award a single delivery order contract or task order contract or to award multiple delivery order contracts or task order contracts for the same or similar supplies or services to two or more sources under this solicitation.

Question No. 16: Pertained to the technical proposal instructions, Section L.11.A Subfactor 2 Items d and e, CDC is asking for “person-hours for key personnel” and “scheduling of time and resource commitments.” What bases does CDC want us to use for providing resource estimates given the broad, non-specific nature of the various Task Areas in the Performance Work Statement? Also, can the CDC confirm that they want person-hour and scheduling information in the technical proposal?

Answer: See the Answer for Question No. 2 and Question No. 9 above. Yes, information in support of L.11A should be included within the Technical Proposal.

Question No. 17: On page 56 of the RFP, CDC is limiting the number of words in all tables to

30. Since we think tables can present much useful information in a concise manner, would the CDC consider lifting the restriction, or making it a restriction on each cell of a table rather than the entire table itself?

Answer: Yes. It will be acceptable to include text exceeding the 30-word limitation but the required page limit remains the same. The intent of the 30 word limit is to prevent offerors from cramming text into such graphics, charts, illustrations, tables etc. in order to keep within specified page limits.

Question No. 18: The RFP requests three past performance descriptions. Do these projects have to be from the prime contractor alone or can they be from the team as a whole?

Answer: Past/present performance descriptions received for work performed as the prime contractor, subcontractor, consultant, or other will be accepted.

Question No. 19: L.10 Proposal page format (page 53) states: Where a page limit applies, the page limit includes cover letter, table of contents, index, appendices, attachments, illustrations, charts, tables, diagrams and all other documents. L.11 A (page 55) states: Resumes shall not exceed two (2) pages per person. Note: resumes are not included in the Technical Proposal page limit. Please confirm the resumes are the exception that L.11 A supersedes L.10 instructions.

Also, please confirm resumes will not be included in page counts in both basic & task order proposals.

Answer: Resumes shall not exceed 2 pages per person and are not included in the page limit for the Technical Proposal for the Basic Contract. Resumes shall not exceed 2 pages per person and are not included in the page limit for the Technical Proposal for the Task Order #1.

Question No. 20: L12. (b) Past/Present Performance (page 58) states: For each of the three (3) references, offeror shall submit a narrative of the offeror's past/present performance describing the work and the relevance of such work/experience as it related to the "relevance" definition cited above. Page limit: 5 pages total. Please clarify that whether each reference has a 5 page limit, or all 3 references combined should be 5 pages.

Answer: All 3 references when combined shall not exceed 5 pages total.

Question No. 21: Confirm the past performance references should be in the template in Attachment 3 and the narrative should be included in that template (not separate).

Answer: All offeror narratives relative to their performance shall be included within the Business Proposal under Tab B - Past/Present Performance. All Past/Present Performance Questionnaires must be submitted by the references (not by the offerors) via email or fax as instructed on Page 1 of Attachment 3 (same as Attachment J-3).

Question No. 22: Please confirm that the offeror collects the references and submits with the proposal (they are not sent from reference separately).

Answer: See page 81 of 87. All Past/Present Performance Questionnaires must be submitted by the references (not by the offerors) via email or fax as instructed on Page 1 of Attachment 3 (same as Attachment J-3).

Question No. 23: Is the task order a sample or will it be awarded?

Answer: Task Order #0001 will not be a sample. The Government anticipates awarding Task Order #0001.

Question No. 24: Subfactor 2 D & E (page 54): Verify that for the base contract we will provide approach to estimating the person-hours and approach to scheduling time (not actual commitments for personnel presented).

Answer: See the Answer for Question No. 2 and Question No. 9 above.

Question No. 25: Could the CDC provide some example tasks that could be issued under Task Area 7? What types of work will be required for this Task Area?

Answer:

• With assistance and guidance from CDC, develop operating guidelines and procedures for the Advisory Team for Environment, Food and Health (the Advisory Team). These documents could include topics such as personnel qualifications, responsibilities, equipment and supplies, procedures for notification, activation, mobilization, function, management of data and records, etc. Documents such as the Nuclear/Radiological Incident Annex of the National Response Framework could be used as the basis of the operating guidelines and procedures

• Develop and maintain a compendium of resource and training materials for use by members of the Advisory Team. This would require knowledge of and familiarity with relevant information and guidance documents related to nuclear/radiation planning, preparation and response information.

Question No. 26: Do the three performance references from prior clients need to be all from the prime, or can some of the references be for projects executed by subcontractors on the bid?

Answer: Yes. Past/Present Performance Questionnaires received for work performed as the prime contractor, subcontractor, consultant, or other will be accepted.

Question No. 27: General - Please clarify that the SF33 and SF30 Forms should be included as part of our Business Proposal, not as part of the Technical Proposal, and therefore do not count against the Technical Proposal page limit.

Answer: The Standard Form 33 and the SF30 Forms shall be executed and included within the Business Proposal under Tab A– Contract Proposal Cover Sheet. These forms are not included in the page limit.

Question No. 28: G.4 Personnel Rates Table (Page 17 of 87) - This paragraph states that only “professional” labor categories should be included. It appears that administrative labor categories will also be needed on most, if not all, task orders. Should administrative labor categories also be considered and included?

Answer: No, administrative labor categories should not be included.

Question No. 29: L.10 (Page 56 of 87) - The proposal instructions specify using the .doc (for MSWord) and .xls (for Excel) formats. May we use the more recent .docx and .xlsx formats?

Answer: Yes.

Question No. 30: L.12(a) (Page 60 of 87) - Item 4 - Since we are to price only Task Order #0001, which should take less than five years to complete, could you please clarify how we respond to Item 4 that asks us to specify costs per year and total for all years.

Answer: The period for performance for Task Order #0001 shall be for 12 months from the date of award. The table below shall be used to record the overall cost for Task Order #0001. The table shall be included within the Business Proposal under Tab A – Contract Proposal Cover Sheet.

CLIN Supplies/Services Qty/Unit Unit Price Extended Price

0001 Contractor shall provide an Internal Dosimetry Uncertainty Assessment in accordance with the attached Statement of Work

Period of Performance: 12 months from the date of award

1 Job

Question No. 31: Item 5 - Is a statement regarding CASB Disclosure Statement required since small businesses are typically exempt from CAS and this procurement is a small business set-aside?

Answer: Yes. Although CASB rules do not apply to contracts with small business, a statement whether your organization is subject to cost accounting standards; whether your organization has submitted a CASB Disclosure Statement, and if it has been determined adequate; whether you have been notified that you are or may be in noncompliance with your Disclosure Statement or CAS must be provided.

Question No. 32: L.12(c)6 (Page 62 of 87) - Section 6.i. includes a reference to “Evaluation of Professional Compensation provision located in Section L.2 above.” We could not locate this provision in the RFP. Could you please provide it?

Answer: The reference to Section “L.2” should be “L.1”. See FAR 52.222-46 Evaluation of Compensation for Professional Employees (Feb 1993.

Question No. 33: L.12(c)6 (Page 62 of 87) Please confirm that Sections 6.iii through 6.ix are applicable only to Task Order #0001.

Answer: Yes, 6.iii through 6.ix are applicable to Task Order #0001 only.

Question No. 34: Reference: Attachment 5 (Task Order #0001). Does the Contracting Officer have the discretion to award Task Order #0001 without further negotiations? In other words, is the proposal for Task Order # 0001 an example of how we would propose to perform the task or should it be treated as an actual proposal. If it is an actual proposal, can CDC specify a schedule.

Answer: The contracting officer may award Task Order #0001 without discussions with offers (except clarifications as described in FAR 15.306(a)). The Government anticipates awarding Task Order #0001. Task Order #0001 is an actual request. The following pricing schedule should be used for Task Order #0001.

CLIN Supplies/Services Qty/Unit Unit Price Extended Price

0001 Contractor shall provide an Internal Dosimetry Uncertainty Assessment in accordance with the attached Statement of Work

Period of Performance: 12 months from the date of award

1 Job

Question No. 35: Reference: Attachment 5 (Task Order #0001), Section C.7 states: “The contractor will be provided access to the information and personnel required to execute these tasks. The Government will provide the access to RSB automation systems and architecture needed to develop the dosimetry uncertainty tool. The Government will work with the contractor to beta-test the uncertainty tool.”

Answer: This reference to Government Furnished Property is hereby deleted and no longer applicable.

Question No. 35a: The “Deliverables” section only mentions a “Draft Final Report” and a “Final Report”. Is the “dosimetry uncertainty tool” a deliverable?

Answer: Not applicable based on previous answer to Question No. 35.

Question No. 35b: Can CDC provide a more detailed description of the RSB automation systems and architecture that will be provided for development of the uncertainty tool? What are the names of the operating systems and software that comprise the RSB automation systems and architecture? Is it mandatory that this automation system and architecture be used?

Answer: Not applicable based on previous answer to Question No. 35.

Question No. 36: Reference: RFP Section C.4, Technical Requirements, Task Area 1 – “Provide guidance to CDC in interpreting the human health risks associated with radiation and chemical exposure, to include both environmental and medical exposures.”

Given that the focus of the Solicitation is on health physics and associated activities, Task Area 1 requiring support in interpreting the human health risks from both chemicals and radionuclides needs to be clarified. In the context of this Solicitation, is the CDC asking for guidance in interpreting the human health risks associated with chemicals in addition to interpreting the human health risks associated with radionuclides? Alternatively, is the CDC asking for expertise in estimating health risks associated with radionuclides with known chemical toxicity, such as uranium.

Answer: The answer is both. Although the focus of our solicitation is on radiological hazards, and the bulk of our anticipated work will deal with radionuclide exposures, CDC may be asked to evaluate exposure situations that involve both radionuclides and chemicals.

Question No. 37: L. 11.A, Subfactor 2, paragraphs d and e require that we proposed person-hours for key personnel and scheduling of time and resource commitments for the SOW.

However, in reviewing SOW Task Areas 1-9 (p. 7-8 of 87), it seems that many of these task areas are open-ended, and that the level of effort required would depend on the specific tasking received from CDC. Please provide guidance as to what level of effort is expected each Task Area.

Answer: See the Answer for Question No. 2 and Question No. 9 above.

Question No. 38: Section L11, Subfactor 1 describes three items that should be addressed in demonstrating an understanding of the project. It appears items (b) and (c) are more appropriate for Subfactor 2 than for Subfactor 1. If they are intended to be for Subfactor 1, please clarify the intent of these items.

Answer: Items (b) and (c) for Subfactor 1 are intended to provide an overview and general discussion. In Subfactor (2), discussion is expected to be much more detailed.

Question No. 39: Paragraph 4 of Section C.4 (p. 7 of 87) of the SOW states that “the Contractor shall be available to meet, as necessary, with the appropriate Government representative to present and discuss the overall work plan including milestones and strategies.” What is the Government’s expectation for face-to-face meetings outside the conduct of Task Orders?

Answer: We like to conduct face-to-face kick off meetings prior to the start of a project to meet all the participants and to ensure contractor and CDC are all on the same page and in agreement in terms of approach and expectations. Also, we would like to have the option of having face-to-face meetings if necessary during the project. Depending on the complexity of the task, it may be necessary to meet face-to-face during the project.

Question No. 40: Clause C.6 (p. 9 of 87) lists travel as "cost-reimbursable (i.e., actual costs, no profit)." Do "actual costs" include any applicable indirect rate burden normally applied by the contractor?

Answer: Travel costs include transportation costs (e.g. airfare, rental vehicle, etc.) to and from the site and per diem costs (lodging and meals) for 12 hours or more, and miscellaneous (airport taxi, tips, etc.).

Question No. 41: Clause H.4 (p. 21 of 87) makes several references to labor rates (including one reference in H.4(e) to a "fully burdened hourly rate for the subject category set forth in Section B"), which seem to be consistent with a labor-hour or T&M type contract; however, Section B has no labor categories listed (which would seem to be consistent with a firm-fixed-price contract), and Clause B.2 (p. 2 of 87) states that this is an IDIQ contract (which would be consistent with a labor-hour or T&M contract), but also that task orders under this contract will be firm-fixed-price. Finally, L.5 indicates that Task Orders placed under the contract will be firm-fixed-price. Please clarify.

Answer: This is an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) task order contract.

Task orders will be issued on a firm-fixed-price basis. This is not a cost-reimbursement Time-and-Materials contract or Labor-hour contract. Offers will proposed the labor categories. In accordance with FAR 52.222-46, Evaluation of Compensation for Professional Employees, offers are required to submit for evaluation a total compensation plan for professional employees.

Question No. 42: Clause H.24 (p. 33 of 87) requires the contractor to have both on-site and off-site overhead rates for work under this contract. Please clarify, since all task orders will be firm-fixed-price.

Answer: Each individual task order will be identified as off-site or on-site and offer overhead rate can vary depending on the worksite location.

Question No. 43: Clause H.25 (p. 33 of 87) indicates that Performance-Based Services Contracting techniques will be applied to task orders issued under this contract. Given this, the requirements of H.4 regarding key personnel seem to be unwarranted. Please clarify.

Answer: Refer to HHSAR Clause 352.242-70, Key Personnel, located in Section I.1 of the solicitation and provided below in full text.

352.242-70 Key personnel.

As prescribed in 342.302(c)(2), the Contracting Officer shall insert the following clause:

Key Personnel (January 2006)

The key personnel specified in this contract are considered to be essential to work performance. At least 30 days prior to diverting any of the specified individuals to other programs or contracts (or as soon as possible, if an individual must be replaced, for example, as a result of leaving the employ of the Contractor), the Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer and shall submit comprehensive justification for the diversion or replacement request (including proposed substitutions for key personnel) to permit http://www.hhs.gov/policies/hhsar/subpart342.html#342.302Contractadministrationfunctions.� evaluation by the Government of the impact on performance under this contract. The Contractor shall not divert or otherwise replace any key personnel without the written consent of the Contracting Officer. The Government may modify the contract to add or delete key personnel at the request of the contractor or Government.

(End of clause)

Question No. 44: The second paragraph of L.10 (p. 56 of 87) states that “text included in any illustrations, charts, graphics, tables, or diagrams may be no less than 8 pt pitch and shall not exceed 30 words.” Is the 30 word limitation for each block of text, or for the table/chart/graphic/diagram as a whole (e.g., matrices showing the qualifications of the proposed personnel could, by virtue of simply listing all the names, exceed the 30-word limitation)?

Would it be acceptable to include text exceeding the limitation so long as it is in 12 pt pitch?

Answer: Yes, it is acceptable to include text exceeding the 30-word limitation but the required page limit remains the same. The intent of the 30 word limit is to prevent offerors from cramming text into such graphics, charts, illustrations, tables etc. in order to keep within specified page limits.

Question No. 45: In Section L.11, Subfactor 3, Staff Experience and Capability (p. 59 of 87), the language calls for experience and qualifications of both the organization and the personnel.

However, the following is ambiguous. Does it refer to the organization, the personnel, or both?

Provide a list of previous or ongoing Government or non-Government contracts, subcontracts, grants, or similar or related in scope and complexity. Provide a general description of the work performed and describe how the work is related to the requirements of this RFP. Provide a discussion of recent (within 5 years) successful experience in managing similar or related work this is comparable in technical complexity. This should include the proposed staff functions and the time available for the effort.

Answer: Yes, Subfactor 3 – Staff Experience and Capabilities refers to both the organization and the personnel.

Question No. 46: Section L.12 (p. 60 of 87) does not provide direction on where you would like the detailed cost proposal for Task Order 0001 placed within the business proposal.

Answer: This information should be included within in the Business Proposal under Tab A.

Question No. 47: Section L.12(b)(1) (p. 61 of 87) references Attachment J-3. We assume this should be Attachment 3. Please confirm.

Answer: Yes, Attachment J-3 and Attachment 3 reference the same attachment.

Question No. 48: Are the references required by L.12(b)1 (p. 61 of 87) only for the prime contractor, or for subs as well? If they are not required for subs, are we permitted to submit them and will they be evaluated?

Answer: Past/present performance references received for work performed as the prime contractor, subcontractor, consultant, or other will be accepted.

Question No. 49: Section L.12(c)(2) (p. 61 of 87) mentions "relating to the work or services."

Please clarify.

Answer: “relating to the work or services” is relevant to the “work or services to be performed under this requirement”.

Question No. 50: Section L.12(c)(6) (p. 62 of 87) references "spreadsheet information described above." Please clarify which spreadsheet this section is referencing.

Answer: “spreadsheet information described above.” references the offeror spreadsheets used to document the Business Proposal submitted in support of Section L.12(a).

Question No. 51: The first paragraph of M.3 (p. 64 of 87) states that "Part "A" of the Technical Factor is more important than Part "B" (i.e., Task Order)." Could you please quantify the relative weightings of Part "A" and Part "B"?

Answer: The Government will conduct a separate evaluation of Part “A” and Part “B” to come up with the Total for the Subfactor Relative Weight for each Part. The Government will then combine the totals for Part “A” and Part “B” to come up with the average Overall Total for the Subfactor Relative Weights. This Overall Total will be considered as the Technical Factor rating using the same scale as used in the previous scoring for Part “A” and Part “B”.

If more than one offeror has the same Evaluation Factor rating (all four (4) factors combined), the Technical Factor for Part “A” will be considered to be more important than Part “B”.

For example, if Offeror 1 and Offer 4 have the same Evaluation Factor rating AND Offer 4 Total for the Subfactor Relative Weight rating for Part “A” is higher than Offer 1; Offer 4 will be favored over Offer 1.

Question No. 52: Attachment 2 (p. 80 of 87) requires labor rates for each contract period by "Position Title." Are the "Position Titles" related to the labor categories mentioned elsewhere.

Since there is no description in the solicitation of either labor categories or position titles, how do we come up with the position titles in Attachment 2?

Answer: The information in Attachment 2 as well as the labor categories are to be provided by offerors upon their assessment of the of the Basic Contract Statement of Work (See Section C of the solicitation).

Question No. 53: Also regarding Attachment 2, if a contractor has an existing GSA schedule with rate categories that are suitable for work under this contract, may they propose those categories and rates for this contract? If so, would we just submit our schedule as backup for those rates?

Answer: Offerors may propose categories and rates from an existing GSA schedule along with information in accordance with instructions provided in Section L of Solicitation No.

2011-N-13050.

Question No. 54: Please confirm that the 50 percent self-performance requirement (Limitation on Subcontracting) will be assessed across the each contract as a whole, rather than the individual task orders. For example, would a Task Order 1 proposal contemplating significant (i.e., greater than 50 percent of the labor) subcontractor participation be acceptable?

Answer: In accordance with FAR 52.219-14 -- Limitations on Subcontracting. (Dec 1996), at least 50 percent of the cost of contract performance incurred for personnel shall be expended for employees of the concern. Limitation on Subcontracting will be accessed at the task order level.

352.242-70 Key personnel.