2014-N-15780_Questions_and_Answer_Clarifications.docx

Questions and Answer Clarifications RFP No. 2014-N-15780 Achieving Public Heath Impact Through Policy: Analysis, Engagement and Dissemination January 21, 2014

1. The vendor requests that the government extend the due date for the Achieving Public Health Impact Through Policy (2014-N-15780) proposal for one week due to the inclement weather in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area. The weather has impacted travel and working conditions for our staff and teaming partners, and their safety is our primary concern.

Answer: The due date for proposals will not be extended.

2. From what I have been able to glean from the amended RFP and the questions and answers, the RFP does not appear to require that applicants have a cost accounting system. Is that is correct?

Answer: All vendors must be able to track costs on individual, especially Time & Materials/Labor Hour, task orders.

3. Do we need to include a proposed rate for every category? Or, only those for which we have existing staff?

a. If we do need to propose a rate for every category, can we either: 1) include staff from the companies partnering with us on this bid, or 2) estimate rates based on similar categories?

Answer: Yes, a rate has to be proposed for every labor category. The rates submitted will be ceilings rates for the duration of the IDIQ. When individual task orders are released, IDIQ holders will not be able to propose rates higher than those proposed and accepted for the IDIQ. All rates for individual task orders will be proposed through the prime contractor as an hourly rate.

4. Is it acceptable for a prime to submit financials in a sealed package?

Answer: Yes, it is acceptable to submit financials in a sealed package. Any separately submitted financial information must be submitted in one (1) hard copy, four (4) CD ROMS, and one (1) electronic version by the proposal due date in accordance with the instructions in the RFP. If this information is received late, it will not be included in the evaluation process of proposals.

I. The offeror must demonstrate that it has the necessary financial capacity, working capital, and other resources to perform the contract without assistance from any outside source. In addition to the submission of financial statements, this includes submission of information regarding available line of credit, bonding capability, and available facilities for contract performance. (If assistance from outside sources is required, indicate the amount required and the anticipated source(s)."

Answer: The purpose of L.10 is to ensure that offerors have the financial capacity to perform work under this contract without assistance. The exact manner by which offerors demonstrate this capacity is a matter within their discretion.

6. We are puzzled by the requirement for the NAICS code for this solicitation, as stated in the amended RFP:

"B. Domain 2: Stakeholder Engagement, Assessment and Analysis This domain is set-aside for small businesses under NIACS code 541720. Only small businesses qualifying under this NAICS code are eligible to submit proposals."

Since this is primarily a call for support in the area of stakeholder engagement, are there no other NAICS codes that are acceptable?

Answer: The NAICS code for this requirement is 541720.

7. The past performance requirement states that “Offerors shall complete the reference information table in the attached “Past Performance Questionnaire” form...” Is this Attachment 7? What is the purpose of Attachment 8?

Answer: See question and answer number 29.

8. I am looking on FBO and don’t see SF30’s to indicate the 2 amendments. Are we not required to send those in?

Answer: Please acknowledge all amendments in writing in the business proposal under Tab A.

9. Section L.10.B instructs the offerors to complete the pricing table in Attachment 3 which will consist of the maximum loaded labor rates for each labor category. There are no instructions for providing a cost build-up for these rates. Section L.10.K.1 instructs the offerors to include backup documentation to verify the proposed labor rates for the sample task order. Can the government please confirm that backup documentation for labor rates are only needed for the sample task order, and that the sample task order is for evaluation purposes only and will not result in an awarded task order to the offeror?

Answer: See answers to questions 119 and 155. Back up documentation is required for all labor rates. The sample task orders are for evaluation purposes only.

10. In Attachment 5, Sample Task Order 2/Statement of Work, Task 5 says “Plan and facilitate three separate meetings (one for stakeholders from small businesses, one for stakeholders from medium businesses, and one for stakeholder from large businesses).” But, in the Deliverables Summary Table, in Task 5, in the third column (Quantity/Frequency) it lists 1 meeting.

Answer: One (1) meeting for each of the stakeholder groups, three (3) meetings total.