2012-N-14293 - Questions and Answers.docx

Questions and Answers 2012-N-14293, Point of Dispensing Online Design Tool for Public Information and Communication

I am hoping to find out if there is an incumbent contractor for this effort, or is this a new requirement?

1. What is the time period of hosting required for this project? The RFP states on page 10, “ Vendor will upload and host all data files for the module during and after the time frame specified in the contractual agreement.” There is no end date; Contractor should continue to host all the data files for the project on their server(s) in order for the module to exist.

1. Is there a need for any Maintenance and Operations support needed for the web-based tool that will be developed under this contract? Minor operations support may be needed, such as rebooting a contractor-owned server if it is non-operational, or answering an inquiry from the CDC project officer. Every effort will be made by CDC project officer to report all bugs found and to fully test the module during the time period of the contract to minimize actions, inquiries, and fixes needed after the contract.

1. Is there a need for technical assistance and training support for the web-based tool that will be developed under this contract? Per page 11 of the RFP “A train-the-trainer session will be conducted by the contractor to provide the project team with the capability to further instruct users.” This training will be for the CDC project team only, who can later conduct all future training for users.

I am hoping to find out if there is an incumbent contractor for this effort, or is this a new requirement? I appreciate your time and help.

We are submitting questions on the above-referenced solicitation:

1. Is there an incumbent contractor currently performing this scope of work, and if so, can you please provide their name and how long they have held this contract? There was a contractor that built the Medical Countermeasure Response Trainer (http://mcrt.train-emst.com). This company was Engineering and Computer Simulations and their contract was for less than one year and ended September 30, 2011.

2. Is this set aside for small business and if so what is the small business size standard? No

3. Can you confirm the technical proposal is 25 pages in length, excluding staff CV¹s, cover pages, tables of contents, and lists of figures and diagrams? Section L.3. states the technical proposal shall not exceed 20 pages in length, and then also states the maximum length as 25 pages. So there is a discrepancy. 25 Pages in length

4. Can you provide guidance on costing the business proposal? The RFP states this is firm fixed price and Section B provides for a single, annual unit cost. However, the RFP also states, " Given the dynamic nature of the mission, the actual workload may vary significantly during the task order period of performance and the task order may be modified accordingly. The labor categories and number of hours established in the task order may be modified during the period of performance to reflect current mission requirements". In the event that the workload increases, the government will negotiate a firm fixed price for the additional workload.

A. How will funds be obligated upon award? An award obligates the funds subject to compliance within the contract. When services are received, approved, and accepted, vendor will invoice and payment proceeds.

B. Should the business proposal provide labor categories/rates in Section B given the unknown quantities required for the contract? Propose according to what is stated in Section B.

C. How will Travel and Other Direct Costs be funded? Is there a uniform government estimate for these costs that should be used by bidders? Costs should be included into the pricing. We cannot release the government estimates.