New_QA.pdf

Questions & Answers I - January 16, 2015

T1

1. Question: From the Turbo Bid website, I am not able to view or download the solicitation document you are referencing. Is there an alternate website or way for me to obtain the solicitation document?

Answer: All Government Solicitations over $25,000 are required to be posted to FedBizOpps.

2. Question: In a Joint Venture arrangement, can the financial capabilities of the JV partners (individually and as a whole) be considered in response to Section L.5(iv), Financial Capabilities, Section L.7(f)(4)? If a Joint venture is being developed specifically in response to this solicitation, should the solicitation include financial statements from each of the JV partners (for the past 3 years)?

Answer: Joint Ventures will not be allowed nor accepted for this solicitation.

3. Question: Section B.2 refers to Section H.11, “Issuance of Task Orders”. Should that reference be Section H.8?

Answer: Yes, Reference should be H.8

4. Question: Section D.7 indicates that certain task orders may require a Secret security clearance. If the majority owner of a JV or the Prime in a Prime / Sub relationship does not have a Secret Facility Clearance, but a sub to the JV or Prime/ Sub relationship does, can the Offeror still compete on task orders requiring Secret clearance so long as it is processed through the subcontractor partner?

Answer: A facility Clearance is not required for the IDIQ awards that result from this solicitation. Any required clearances will be at the task order level.

5. Question: Many of the sample task orders only reference a general area for international travel, but not specific countries. Since foreign taxes may apply based on longevity of contract or otherwise, do we need to be concerned with capturing those costs or are these foreign tax costs reimbursable pursuant to FAR 52.229-6, “Taxes – Foreign Fixed-Price Contracts”?

Answer: The travel language from the sample task orders has been removed. If travel is required on a task order after the IDIQs are awarded the Offeror’s Business proposal will reflect those costs. Not all task orders under the awarded IDIQs will require travel.

6. Question: Section 1.18 includes FAR 52.237-7, “Indemnification and Medical Liability Insurance”. This seems to relate to patient care and the delivery of medical judgment, diagnosis or specific medical treatments. Is this contemplated by this solicitation? If not, should this medical liability insurance requirement be removed?

Answer: This would apply to the Medical Contract.

7. Question: Section M.4.4 indicates that sample task orders are being solicited without travel. Yet, the sample task orders provide specific information as to domestic and international trips (number, duration, general location). Does this mean that the written price proposal should not discuss any costs relating to the travel indicated on the Sample Task Orders?

Answer: Travel has been removed from the sample task orders.

8. Question: Corporate/Relevant Experience and Capabilities and past performance references that only experience/past performance within the past three (3) years is applicable. Given the complexity of the

T2 services, inclusive of international travel, will the CDC change the three (3) year threshold to five (5) years?

Answer: Requirement remains unchanged.

9. Question: In a Joint Venture arrangement, will the experience of each joint venture partner and/or the unique past performance of individual key personnel (at any joint venture partner company) be considered acceptable under the Corporate/Relevant Experience and the past performance sections of this solicitation?

Answer: Joint Ventures will not be allowed nor accepted for this solicitation.

10. Question: Are there incumbents on the contract? Are they eligible to apply or they have graduated out of 8(a) program?

Answer: Yes there are incumbents. 13 CFR 124.507(d)” Award to firms whose program terms have expired. A concern that has completed its term of participation in the 8(a) BD program may be awarded a competitive 8(a) contract if it was a Participant eligible for award of the contract on the initial date specified for receipt of offers contained in the contract solicitation, and if it continues to meet all other applicable eligibility criteria. (1) Amendments to the solicitation extending the date for submissions of offers will be disregarded.”

11. Question: We have searched through the RFP thoroughly and could find the following information: On Jan. 8, when the Government published the last three (3) RFPs, each one of the FBO postings has a different NAICS Code listed in the bottom right of the FBO RFP Front Page, as Follows: 2014N16601 (NAICS 541712), 2014N16601CDC2 (NAICS 561110), and 2014N16601CDC3 (NAICS 541611).

Then there is have that statement that was released on Sept. 24 "This notice will be posted three (3) separate times, once under each of the afformentioned NAICS. There will be up to three contracts awarded under each of the NAICS codes however they are being solicited together under the same solicitation.” We are still confused and would sincerely appreciate a clarification. We will submit a question formally as well but it tremendously impacts our company’s teaming and bidding strategy so any clarification you can provide would be helpful. We just want to know if the Government wants separate proposals for each solicitation number (i.e. Tech and Business for the overall IDIQ, Tech and Business for each of the two selected NAICS code areas).

Answer:

2014N16601 (NAICS 541712) - There will be up to three contracts awarded 2014N16601CDC2 (NAICS 561110) - There will be up to three contracts awarded 2014N16601CDC3 (NAICS 541611) - There will be up to three contracts awarded

One solicitation is being posted under 3 separate NAICS... Medical, Professional Technical, and

Administration. There will be up to three contracts awarded under each of the NAICS code. Offerors may provide proposals on any or all NAICS codes.

T3

12. Question: Are 2014-N-16601, 2014-N-16601CDC2 and 2014-N-16601CDC3 - three separate bids? Is the Government planning on awarding multiple contracts under each of the three solicitations separately?

Answer: These are three different contracts being solicited for under a single solicitation. The government will plan on awarding multiple contracts under each of the NAICS codes.

13. Question: After reviewing the subject solicitation, it seems that the government did not indicate when questions were to be received. When is the due date for questions regarding this solicitation?

Answer: L.10 Inquiries (May 1998) Inquiries concerning the solicitation document should be submitted in writing to the issuing office. Any additions, deletions, or changes to the solicitation will be made by an amendment. OFFERORS ARE INSTRUCTED SPECIFICALLY TO CONTACT ONLY THE SOLICITATION CONTRACTING OFFICE IN CONNECTION WITH ANY ASPECT OF THIS REQUIREMENT PRIOR TO CONTRACT AWARD. PROPOSALS AND ALL CORRESPONDENCE RELATING TO THE SOLICITATION DOCUMENT SHALL BE SUBMITTED TO THE CONTRACTING OFFICE. Inquiries should be received at the Contracting Office no later than 14 days after the solicitation issue date, and must be submitted via e-mail to iie3@cdc.gov.

14. Question: I have questions about the opportunities posted under the following solicitation numbers:

2014N16601CDC3 Combined Synopsis/Solicitation - on FBO, 2014N16601CDC2 Combined Synopsis/Solicitation - on FBO, and 2014N16601 Combined Synopsis/Solicitation - on FBO. Could you please provide the incumbent contract number? If not, is this a new requirement?

Answer: 200-2010-36361, 200-2010-36428, and 200-2010-36423; Eagle Applied Sciences, LLC 200- 2010-36423; SciMetrika, LLC 200-2010-36428; A+ Government Solutions, LLC 200-201036361

15. Question: Can you please tell me if this is a new requirement? If not, who is the incumbent, and what are the current rates?

Answer: No, this is not a new requirement. The incumbents are Eagle Applied Sciences, LLC 200-2010-

36423; SciMetrika, LLC 200-2010-36428; and A+ Government Solutions, LLC 200-201036361. Contractor rates are proprietary and can’t be disclosed.

16. Question: How can ________ help you to meet the contracting goals for Department of Health and Human Services?

Answer: If interested, please issue a proposal in accordance with the solicitation.

17. Question: Please confirm this statement - There will be 3 contracts awarded under each of the NAICS codes under the same solicitation and we will only have to reply to the NAICS that we have experience.

Answer: Correct, Offerors only have to respond to the NAICS that they have experience with, Also, there will be up to a maximum of three contracts awarded under each NAICS code.

18. Question: Does this contract require any security facility clearance (SECRET, TOP SECRET, etc.)?

Answer: Facility Clearances are not a requirement of this solicitation. If required it will be at the task order level.

19. Ref. RFP, Sec. B- Supplies Or Services And Prices/Costs, Page 2:

Question: Can the Government clarify what is to be used for UNITS in Section B of the Proposal Submittal?

mailto:iie3@cdc.gov

T4

Answer: This will be one reflecting one single overall cost to provide for the requirement. Offeror shall outline costs of providing for each individual service within task order business proposals.

30. Ref. RFP, Sec. H.6 – Security Clearance Requirements, Page 32, Paragraph C:

Question: Our experience with supporting security clearances indicates that the process can occasionally be lengthy for a final determination which impedes the Government’s ability to receive support from qualified contractor personnel. Is it anticipated that the Government Contracting Officer will provide temporary determinations for any contract personnel that can fulfill all the preliminary requirements so that work at CDC offices can commence in advance of a final clearance determination?

Answer: If required for services in a task order, Security Clearances must be acquired before any work can commence.

31. Ref. RFP, Sec. L.4 – Proposal Format, Page 103, Paragraph f and Sec. L.5 – Written Technical Proposal Instructions, Page 104, Paragraph b:

Question. In which proposal/volume should the past performance data appear—in the Technical Proposal or the Business Proposal?

Answer: Section L has been revised. Past Performance information will be submitted in the Technical Proposal.

32. Ref, RFP, Sec. L.5 – Personnel Expertise and Management Plan, Page 105, Paragraph ii:

Question. The instructions provide clarification on Letters of Commitment for any proposed personnel that are not current employees of the Offeror; however, it is unclear whether this section is requiring resumes of proposed management personnel or Technical personnel that will be performing the tasks identified in the sample tasks. Can the Government please clarify if resumes are desired for Key Management personnel or if there are identified Key Personnel that relate to the sample tasks? If Key Personnel resumes are requested specific to the sample tasks, can the Government please identify which are Key Personnel?

Answer: This refers to the Corporate Key Personnel and Management. If Key Personnel are required under (v) Sample task requests they must be provided there.

33. Ref. RFP, Sec. L.5 – Personnel Expertise and Management Plan, Page 105, Paragraph ii:

Question. Are Letters of Commitment/Letters from Subcontractors excluded from the 50-page limit for the Technical Proposal?

Answer: Yes

34. Ref. RFP, Sec. L.5 – Personnel Expertise and Management Plan, Page 105, Paragraph ii:

Question. Are the Labor Category Lists (of three most abundant resources) excluded from the 50-page limit for the Technical Proposal? 2014-N-16601 Solicitation Questions 16 January 2014 Answer: No as this is part of the Technical Proposal.

35. Ref. RFP, Sec. L.5 – Financial Capabilities, Page 106, Paragraph b(1) & c(iv):

Question. Is the Letter of Commitment/Certification from the Bank excluded from the 50-page limit for the Technical Proposal?

Answer: No

36. Ref. RFP, Section L.5 (b) (vi) Past Performance, Page 107, Paragraphs 3 and 4:

Question. Where in the proposal response should vendors include subcontractor past performance?

T5

Answer: It shall be included in the same place as the Prime contractor’s provides their Past Performance.

37. Ref. RFP, Section L.5 (b) (vi) Past Performance, Page 108, Paragraph 1:

Question. Can the Government confirm that all listed past performances (including the 5 previously completed contracts and all currently relevant in scope/complexity) should have Past Performance Information Surveys conducted?

Answer: Yes, if possible.

38. Ref. RFP, Sec. L.6 and L. 7, Page 108 and 110:

Question. Two Section L sets of instructions are included for the Business Proposal (L.6 and L.7). Please clarify which version is to be followed, or if both are to be taken into account in proposal preparation. If both, can the Government prioritize the order of information?

Answer: Section L has been revised.

39. Ref. RFP, Sec. L.6 (d), Page 109:

Question. Can the Government clarify if an Excel format should be used for the supporting costs requested?

40. Ref. RFP, Sec. M.3 – Past Performance, Page 118, Paragraph b:

Question. Can the Government confirm that past performance should be item #6 (rather than item b)?

Answer: Yes, Past Performance is Section M.3 should be #6 rather than item b. This has been revised.

41. Question: We understand that Solicitation Number 2014-N-16601 is an 8 (a) Competitive Set Aside;

however we are a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). Do we have the opportunity to also bid in any capacity? Please advise.

Answer: To be eligible to propose you must be an 8 (a).

42. Question: Is it the government’s intent to require Offerors to submit proposal responses for all three (3)

NAICS Codes associated with the three related Solicitation Numbers 2014-N-16601, 2014N16601CDC2, and 2014N16601CDC3?

Answer: Offerors are only requested to propose on the NAICS they choose and have experience with.

43. Question: The solicitation states that the services solicited will support CDC’s major, international programs. It also references that international travel may be required. Is it the government’s intent to convey that the place of performance will primarily be in the United States? If so, what is the principal location? If not, what is the likelihood that international travel will be required on a Task Order basis?

Answer: Principle locations of performance for task orders under the IDIQ awards will be Atlanta and

Washington D.C. It is a possibility that a task order may require up to 49% of the period of performance on International travel status. These task orders are very limited to the overall IDIQ award. Principle locations will be determined at the task order level.

44. Question: If international travel is required, what is the estimated length of stay?

Answer: See answer to question 43

T6

45. Question: If international travel is required, what country(ies) is likely to be requested at the Task Order level?

Answer: Unknown at this point. Travel will be determined at the task order level and the needs of the services solicited.

46. Question: The solicitation requires subcontract consent/approval (FAR 52.244-2). Does the government have a preference regarding if the negotiation memorandum should be submitted at the IDIQ level, or on a Task Order basis?

Answer: Subcontract consent/approval (FAR 52.244-2) is to be provided for at the IDIQ level.

47. Question: Would the government clarify how they will determine price reasonableness for this LPTA procurement?

Answer: Price reasonableness will be determined in accordance with FAR Part 15.404-(b)(2)(i-vii)

48. Question: Page 18, Section G.3: Can the government provide a listing of the positions under this procurement that are Wage Determined as defined by the SCA? If no positions are wage determined, can the government clarify the inclusion of the wage determined schedule?

Answer: There are no set positions under the Service Contract Act (SCA) Wage Determination (WD) as any of the SCA WD positions could be required at any point during the resultant contract’s period of performance.

49. Question: Page 18/19, Section G.5: Please confirm that Offerors are to provide information on their current CPAR representative post contract award. If required as part of proposal submission, please advise as to which volume this information should be contained.

Answer: CPAR Representative information shall be provided in G-5 in on page 19 of the solicitation.

50. Question: Page 26, Section H.3: Please confirm that Offerors are to provide information on minimum insurance requirements post contract award. If required as part of proposal submission, please advise as to which volume this information should be contained.

Answer: Requirements of H.3, Minimum Required Insurance, will be provided to the Contracting Officer post IDIQ award but before task order award.

51. Question: Page 27-32, Section H.5: Please confirm that Offerors are to provide contractor and contractor employee non-disclosure agreements post contract (or task order) award. If required as part of proposal submission, please advise as to which volume this information should be contained.

Answer: Contractor and Contractor Employees shall provide the Government signed non-disclosure agreements post IDIQ award but prior to performance beginning of a task order.

52. Question: Page 35, Section H.7: Can the government confirm that offerors are to complete and update online representations and certifications in SAM as opposed to ORCA and that other language in that section remains valid.

Answer: Yes, Offerors are to complete and update online reps and certs in SAM.

53. Question: Page 60, Section 1.12: Given that this is an 8(a) procurement can the government confirm whether or not offerors must provide targets for small disadvantage business (SDB) participation?

T7

Answer: targets are not required

54. Question: Page 65, first paragraph under section I.18(a) states: “The Contractor shall maintain during the term of this contract liability insurance issued by a responsible insurance carrier of not less than the following amount(s) per specialty per occurrence: * “ Question: The amount of insurance required is not listed. Please share the amount of contract liability insurance.

Answer: The individual Offeror will propose the dollar amount based on market norms.

55. Question: Page 104, Section L.4.f: CDC often allows for 10pt font for tables and 8pt for graphics in procurement responses. Will the government allow for the same here to allow for reuse of standard corporate proposal graphics?

Answer: Yes, as long as the tables and graphics are readable to the evaluation panel.

56. Question: Page 104, Section L.4.f.5: Will the government accept statements certifying SAM is up to date in lieu of completed Section K?

57. Question: Page 104, Section L.4.f.8: Does the government intend for past performance information to be presented in both the business proposal and technical proposal?

Answer: No, please provide Past Performance in the Technical proposal. Section L has been revised.

58. Question: Page 107, Section L.5.b.1.v: Can Task Orders reference the core IDIQ text or should they stand alone?

Answer: As task orders are individual requirements they should stand alone.

59. Question: Page 107, Section L.5.b.1.c.vi: Can major proposed subcontractors submit past performance references in addition to the Prime’s references as long as the total number from the team is 5?

Answer: The Prime contractor is responsible for performing 51% of all work under the awarded IDIQs.

As such 51% of the past performance needs to be from the prime contractor. Teaming Partners and/or major subcontractors may submit Past Performance to the extent of the 49% of services they may perform under the awarded IDIQs.

60. Question: Page 109, Section L.6.d: Can the government confirm that there are no pricing requirements for the basic IDIQ contract (e.g., a schedule of rates) and that pricing is only to be provided for the sample task orders?

Answer: Correct.

61. Question: Where should the offeror include annual and audited financial statements as required in sections L.7.b & L.5.b.iv (110-111) and L6 (pages 107-108).

Answer: Section L has been revised. If required in the revised Section L please submit in both in the Technical and Business Proposal insuring no pricing information is placed in the technical proposal.

62. Question: Page 119, under M.4 Evaluation of Written Price Proposal, Bullet #4 states: “Sample Task Orders are being solicited without travel. However domestic and international travel may and likely will be required throughout the duration of awarded contract’s periods of performance and awardees will have to propose price in accordance with travel as outlined in individual Request for Task Order Awards.

T8

All travel will be subject to reimbursement at Cost only.” Please confirm that travel should not be included in pricing of the sample task orders.

Answer: There is no pricing required for travel in the sample task orders.

63. Question: Please confirm that offerors are to only include a response to the task orders that match the domain (NAICS code) for that specific proposal.

Answer: Correct.

64. Question: For pricing purposes, please identify the Place of Performance for all service requirements in sample task orders 0001, 0002, 0003, 0004, 0005 and 0006.

Answer: CDC, Atlanta GA.

65. Question: For each of the task orders (0001-0006), can the government indicate which service requirements that have incumbents vs. new/vacant positions?

66. In Sample Task 002, Office of the Director, Stop Transmission of Polio (STOP) Program, Service Requirement 1, CDC has included, Develop a system that permits applicants to directly input their information online for review by the database prior to a recruiter being assigned the file.

Question: Is specific software and/or database management system (DBMS) required for this database?

67. In Sample Task 002, Global Health Security Branch, Service Requirement 1, CDC has included, “Create and produce graphic communication public health products for dissemination to multiple international audiences, especially in the Africa Region.”

Question: Are there special graphics software requirements that must be identified and planned for reasonable pricing?

68. In Sample Task 003, FELTP and Systems Branch, Asia and Americas International Travel, CDC has included “1 trip to the continents of Canada, Europe, and possibly Asia Japan, or Mexico for an estimated 5 work days of TDY.”

Question: If the offeror is required to price travel: Can CDC clarify this is a total of 2 anticipated international trips of 5 days each with a possibility of up to 2 additional trips for 5 work days each?

Answer: Offeror is not required to price travel. Please review revised task orders.

69. In Sample Task 003, Field and Applied Epidemiology Training Program Branch, CDC has included “International Travel: 4 trips to Africa and/or Asia for a total of 48 TDY days.”

Question: If the offeror is required to price travel: Can CDC confirm the maximum number of trips approved is 4 with any combination of African and/or Asian destinations? This is not a maximum of 4 trips per destination?

70. In Sample Task 004, International Laboratory Branch (ILB), Service Requirement 1-2, CDC has included “International Travel: 4 trips to the continents of Africa, Europe, South America and/or Asia for an estimated total of 64 days of TDY.

T9

Question: If the offeror is required to price travel: Can CDC confirm the maximum number of trips approved is 4 with any combination of African, European, South American and/or Asian destinations?

Or, is this a maximum of 4 trips per continent destination?

71. RFP Reference C.2.C - “Technical Requirements” RFP Reference L.5(b)(1)(i) - “Technical Approach and Understanding of the Requirements"

Question: Section C.2.C seems to only summarize the IDIQ technical requirements and is quite broad, and the remainder of Section C contains the requirements to be addressed in L.5(b)(1)(ii) - L.5(b)(1)(iv).

Please clarify the technical requirements that should be addressed under L.5(b)(1)(i) in regards to the following statement: “….address and describe the proposed technical approach to comply with the services required of the IDIQ and Sample Task Orders….."

Answer: Both, (i) specifically states services of the IDIQ and sample task orders. You will have to address specifics for the sample task orders in (v) Sample Task Requests

72. Question: Please provide labor categories for personnel required for this IDIQ, and Task orders 3 & 4.

Answer: These are services and as such it is up to the Offeror to determine the proper labor categories to propose to provide for the services as well as the number of each to propose.

73. Question: Please provide the number of FTE required for this IDIQ, Task Orders 3 & 4.

Answer: These are services and as such it is up to the Offeror to determine the proper labor categories to propose to provide for the services as well as the number of each to propose.

74. Question: In case it is required that we provide resumes for "all" personnel, please provide a response to the two previous questions.

Answer: Response provided.

75. Question: Do all Graphics have to be 12 font 1.5 spaced?

Answer: Please see question and response to question 55.

76. Section L.4(f) includes specific requirements for the business proposal volume, as do sections L.6 and L.7.

Question: Please clarify not only the format required for the business proposal, but also the specific elements in the specific order we are to provide them in the business volume. Sections L.4(f), L.6 and

L.7 do not require the same information in the same order or format.

Answer: Please review revised section L.

77. Question: For the individual task order pricing requested, please clarify the number of FTEs for each position.

Answer: It is up to the Offeror to determine how many individuals will be needed to perform the services required in the task orders.

78. Page 104 (Section L.4) specifies that Past Performance Information is to be included in the Business Proposal, but the specific instructions in Sections L.6 and L.7 do not mention past performance.

Question: What is required in this section? Is this the same information required in the Technical

Volume?

T10

Answer: Please review revised section L.

79. Question: Does the 1.5 line spacing apply to the Business Proposal also?

Answer: Yes.

80. L.4 Proposal Format (RFP pg 103)

(a) Your proposal must be prepared in two parts: a “Technical Proposal” and a “Business Proposal.”

(e) A separate proposal must be submitted for each NAICS code contract that you wish to be considered for. Offerors submitting one proposal for multiple NAICS codes will not be considered

L.5(b) (RFP pg 105) The written technical proposal is limited to fifty (50) pages with 1.5 line spacing

L.5(b).v Sample Task Requests (RFP pg 107)

Please provide detailed and comprehensive Business and Technical (one each) proposals for each

Sample Task Request (total of 2 Business and 2 Technical proposals), of the, scope, purpose, and any potential problems of the project to demonstrate a complete understanding of the intent and requirements of each sample task requests associated with your specific NAICS code submission. ………”

Question: Please clarify the number of Proposal Volumes that are required, for two tasks under one

NAICS, along with their page limitations.

Answer: 4 proposals total, 2 Technical and 2 Business. Please relook section L as it has been revised.

81. The instructions appear to request two proposals each (Business and Technical) for each of the two

Sample Task Requests (that correspond to the Offeror’s targeted NAICS).

Question: Does the 50 page limit apply to each of the Technical proposals requested under RFP L.5(b).v?

Answer: Please relook section L as it has been revised.

82. ' G.2 Reimbursement of Cost (Apr 2000), Page 17

Question: Will work permits, visas and vaccinations be reimbursed by the government?

Answer: Yes.

83. C.2 Statement of Work, C. Technical Requirements, a) Professional/Technical Services, Page 8

This category describes providing technical assistance in laboratories.

Question: Can you please describe the type of laboratories that the professionals would be required to work in (i.e. chemical labs, wet labs, biocontainment labs, BSL-3 labs, ABSL-3 labs, BSL-4 labs)?

Answer: The activities outlined for these professional/technical services do not require applicable contractors to enter CDC laboratories.

84. C.2 Statement of Work, D. Special Requirements, Page 9

Question: Which languages would you require the foreign language translators to speak?

T11

Answer: French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Arabic are the most common although others may be requested as needed. These individuals would need to speak English in addition to the requested foreign language.

85. I.15 FAR 52.232-19 Availability of Funds for the Next Fiscal Year (Apr 1984), Page 61

The following statement in the solicitation indicates a date or year should be provided however, it is blank: "Funds are not presently available for performance under this contract beyond [blank].”

Question: What is the date or year?

Answer: If required, the date will be placed in at the task order level

86. 'Question: Please provide a list of countries that the contractors would be required to visit.

Answer: If services under a task order require travel the countries will be listed on the individual request for task order proposals.

87. Question: 'Please specify which resumes are to be included in the separate appendix required. Are these specific to each Task Order or the overall contract?

Answer: The resumes are for the overall IDIQ

88. Question: Do tabs count against the 50 page limit? Cover, TOC, Appendix (Resumes) do not count.

Answer: No

89. Electronic Submission: "two copies of the technical proposal and business proposal in CD format"

Question: Do we need to submit two separate CDs for both Technical and Business (a total of 4 CDs)? Or we should submit two CDs with Technical and Business on both of them (a total of 2 CDs)?

Answer: 4 CDs total, 2 Technical (1 editable and 1 not editable) and 2 Business (1editable and 1 not editable).*****Note the total of 4 would be for a proposal submission on 1 NAICS. If proposing on 2

NAICS it would be 8 CDs total and if proposing on all three NAICS it would be 12 CDs total.

90. 'Question: 0004 - "Service Requirement 1-2, 3-4, 6-7" does it mean that we need one or two people to fill these types of positions? If not, then how we should interpret the numbering?

Answer: The numbering indicates the quantity of services and it is up to the Offeror to determine how many people will be proposed to fulfil the services.

91. 'Question: Please clarify the required position titles and number of positions for each of the Service

Requirements in the task orders.

Answer: These are services and it is up to the Offeror to determine the types of labor categories and the quantity of people to propose the services as listed.

92. Reference: D. Special Requirements; 7. Security Requirements

a) The highest level of security required under this contract is “Secret”. In order to be eligible for work requiring facility and individual security clearances, the Contractor shall acquire and maintain security clearances up to and at this level. If a Contractor does not have the appropriate clearances, it will not be eligible to propose on task orders requiring security clearances.

a. Question: Is a clearance required upon award?

T12

b. Question: Will all awardees be cleared upon award in preparation for upcoming task orders Answer: I don’t understand the question. If clearances are required they will be at the task order level.

Question: Are there incumbent secret cleared staff that will need to be transitioned? If so, what will take place if you don’t have a clearance?

Answer: None of the current A Plus, SciMetrika or Eagle contractors possess secret clearances.

93. Reference: D. Special Requirements; 8. Transition and Succession The Contractor shall have a transition and succession plan that demonstrates the capability to ensure a smooth transition with current contracts and/or successor contracts with a minimum of disruption to customer services. Within 15 calendar days of contract award, the Contractor will meet with the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) to identify Contractor employees who have provided services to various customer agencies under other contracts that may be transitioned to this contract.

Determinations will be made in cases where there is some question as to whether a person would be “continuing” to perform the same or substantially the same service for CDC.

Question: Please provide the number of current number of personnel that serve on the current contract that may be transitioned.

Answer: There are currently over 90+ services being performed under the 3 NAICSs. Services will not be transitioned. If the services are required under the new IDIQ awards, task order requests for the services will be solicited from the new IDIQ holders. This will be done and new task orders in place prior to the current task orders ending.

94. Reference: G.4 Service Contract Act Wage Determination Requested (Jul 1999)

The Contracting Officer has furnished the required data to the Department of Labor and requested a wage determination. Any such determination received prior to contract award will be incorporated into this solicitation by amendment. If a Wage Determination is not received until after award of a contract, it will be incorporated into the contract by modification and the Contractor shall be required to comply with it retroactively, to the beginning date of the contract period. Any proposal for equitable adjustment associated with such post-award incorporation of a wage determination must be submitted within 30 calendar days after such incorporation.

Question: Please identify the labor categories that are considered wage determination in the overall

IDIQ and in the sample task orders.

Answer: Please reference the attached SCA WD provided as attachments to the solicitation.

95. Reference: (2) The first page of the proposal must show –

(i) The solicitation number;

(ii) The name, address, and telephone and facsimile numbers of the offeror (and electronic address if available);

(iii) A statement specifying the extent of agreement with all terms, conditions, and provisions included in the solicitation and agreement to furnish any or all items upon which prices are offered at the price set opposite each item;

T13

(iv) Names, titles, and telephone and facsimile numbers (and electronic addresses if available) of persons authorized to negotiate on the offeror’s behalf with the Government in connection with this solicitation; and

(v) Name, title, and signature of person authorized to sign the proposal. Proposals signed by an agent shall be accompanied by evidence of that agent’s authority, unless that evidence has been previously furnished to the issuing office.

Question: Can this information be presented on the first page after the cover page?

Answer: Cover page and 1st page are not the same. This information is required for the 1st page.

96. Reference: Section L; b) Specific Instructions

(1) The technical proposal must be prepared on 8 ½” x 11” paper, using no smaller than a 12 point font and a 1” margin.

Question: Can tables, graphs, charts and graphics be presented in a smaller point size? If so, please specify acceptable point size.

Answer: Yes but only to accommodate existing corporate graphics.

97. Reference: Section L; b) Specific Instructions

Resumes shall be placed in an appendix to the technical proposal and shall not be included in the 50 page limitation.

Question: Is there a page limit for the resumes?

98. Reference: Section L; (ii) Personnel Expertise and Management Plan

List the names, titles, and proposed duties of all personnel that will be assigned to this project. For all proposed personnel, provide a discussion on their education, background, recent experience, and specific experience in performing the type of work that is called for by the statement of work.

a. Question: Given this is an IDIQ please clarify whether you are speaking of representative personnel?

Answer: IDIQ Key personnel and any sample task order personel offeror identifies as key personnel.

b. Question: Are you referring to corporate management and oversight?

Answer: Yes if they are considered Key personnel for the IDIQ

99. Reference: Section L; (iii) Corporate/Relevant Experience and Capabilities Describe management’s commitment of adequate and qualified resources to complete the tasks specified in the Statement of Work. Demonstrate within the last three (3) years where these types of services have been provided and include contract numbers and a detailed description of what services were provided. Document recent successful experience in managing similar or related work that is comparable in technical complexity. Discuss corporate experience in acquiring, retaining, and managing the best-qualified staff to include health and welfare benefits, pensions, Individual Retirement Accounts and other benefits that may be negotiated with hired staff.

Question: Can we include subcontractor information to meet this requirement?

Answer: Yes, however, all Corporate/Relevant experience cannot be the Subcontract’s only. If the Prime cannot demonstrate they have corporate/relevant experience to support 51% of the requirement or performance of the contract, the Technical Evaluation Panel may evaluate the Offeror as unacceptable.

100. Reference: Section L; (v) Sample Task Requests

T14

Please provide detailed and comprehensive Business and Technical (one each) proposals for each Sample Task Request (total of 2 Business and 2 Technical proposals), of the, scope, purpose, and any potential problems of the project to demonstrate a complete understanding of the intent and requirements of each sample task requests associated with your specific NAICS code submission. Each statement should clearly identify any potential or anticipated problems that may be encountered and should describe the proposed technical approach to comply with each of the requirements specified in the Statement of Work of the two sample task requests.

a. Question: Is the bidder to supply additional management plan, corporate experience and capabilities and past performance for each task order?

Answer: Please refer back to Section L; (v) Sample Task Requests and provide proposals based on the solicitation requirement.

b. Question: Each sample task order is a requisition for a particular position, do you want a full recruiting process for each position or can we reference the information in the general IDIQ proposal?

Answer: Please refer back to Section L; (v) Sample Task Requests and provide proposals based on the solicitation requirement.

c. Question: Can you provide labor category title/name?

Answer: These are services and the Offeror shall propose the types of labor categories and the quantity of service providers needed to provide for the service.

101. Reference: Section L; (vi) Past Performance Provide a list of the last five (5) contracts, grants, and/or cooperative agreements completed during the past three years, and all contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements currently in process for work similar in size and complexity to this acquisition.

Question: Can subcontractor past performance be included as a part of the five (5) contracts, grants and cooperative agreements required?

Answer: See answer to question # 59

102. Reference: Section L; (vi) Past Performance and Past Performance Information Survey Form (Attachment J.9) In these sections, the following information seems to conflict.

Provide a list of the last five (5) contracts, grants, and/or cooperative agreements completed during the past three years, and all contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements currently in process for work similar in size and complexity to this acquisition. The contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements listed may include those entered into by commercial customers as well as the Federal Government, and agencies of State and Local Governments. The Government will determine which contracts are relevant to the solicitation for survey purposes. Page 107

(1) Each offeror shall send out the Past Performance Information Survey Form located in Attachment J.9 to each of the offeror’s past performance references Points of Contact (POC) identified in the contracts listed in the Past Performance Information above. Page 108

a. Question: Should we wait for the Government to determine relevancy prior to submitting the surveys to our contract POC as stated in statement number one on page 107.

Answer: No the sentence you pointed out has been deleted.

T15

b. Question: If not, can we include subcontractor past references in support of this requirement.

Answer: See answer to question #59

103. Reference: Section L; L.6 Business Proposal Instructions (Apr 2000)

Question: Should we provide the same business proposal information for our subcontractors as well?

Answer: No.

104. Reference: (c) Contractor will be required to provide Labor, Overhead, G&A, and Fringe detail as appropriate to enable the government to determine price reasonableness.

a. Question: Is there a list of labor categories that we are required to price for the overall IDIQ?

Answer: No, there is no list.

b. Question: If not, will labor rates be determined on a task order basis?

Answer: Yes, the Offeror shall propose labor categories and quantities of labor providers based on each individual task order requirement.

105. Reference: (f) Other Administrative Data

Question: Should we provide the same business proposal information for our subcontractors as well?

Answer: No.

106. Reference: M.2 Initial Screening of Proposals:

During the initial screening the lowest priced proposal/s for each service area will be sent to the Technical Evaluation Panel to be evaluated to determine if the Offeror/s are technically acceptable.

Once up to three technical proposals are determined to be technically acceptable, and their business proposals are evaluated as being realistic and reasonable, no other Offerors proposal (business or technical) evaluations will be performed”.

Question: How will reasonableness be determined if we are just pricing task orders not a labor category list?

Answer: Please review Section M.4. Price reasonableness will be determined in accordance with FAR Part 15.404-(b)(2)(i-vii)

107. Reference: RFTOPs general instructions:

Question: How many candidates should be offered to support each office?

Answer: Please provide services to fulfil the requirements in the sample task order requests.

108. Reference: RFTOPs minimum experience:

Question: Will the government accept degrees in areas other than Business Administration for the positions requesting a BA in Business Administration?

Answer: Please propose based on the requirements of the solicitation.

109. Reference: 1. Page. 103 “(c) You must submit an original plus four (4) copies of your technical proposal and an original plus four (4) copies of your business proposal in hard copy as well as two copies of the technical proposal and business proposal in CD format to:”

T16

Question: Is the government looking to receive the following breakdown for the overall IDIQ?

IDIQ – Volume 1 Technical – 1 original and 4 copies (5) and 2 cd’s

IDIQ – Volume 2 Business – 1 original and 4 copies (5) and 2 cd’s

Answer: Yes, for each NAICS proposing on.

110. Reference: 2. Page. 104

“(e) A separate proposal must be submitted for each NAICS code contract that you wish to be considered for. Offerors submitting one proposal for multiple NAICS codes will not be considered.”

Question: Is the government looking to receive the following breakdown?

NAICS 571712 – Volume 1 – Technical =1 original and 4 copies (5)

NAICS 571712 – Volume 2 – Business = 1 original and 4 copies (5)

NAICS 561110 – Volume 1 – Technical = 1 original and 4 copies (5)

NAICS 561110 – Volume 2 – Business = 1 original and 4 copies (5)

NAICS 541611 – Volume 1 – Technical = 1 original and 4 copies (5)

NAICS 541611 – Volume 2 – Business = 1 original and 4 copies (5)

Answer: 2 per technical proposal and 2 per business proposal that Offeror is proposing on. If Offer proposes on all three NAICs there will be a total of 30 Business and Technical proposals due. Also two CDs shall be submitted for each technical proposal and 2 CDs for each business proposal per a

NAICS.

Question 1: Are cd’s required for the NAICS proposal submissions?

Question 2: How many cd’s are required for NAICS proposal submissions?

Answer: 2 per technical proposal and 2 per business proposal for each NAICS Offeror is proposing on.

Question 3: If an organization is planning to submit a response to the entire solicitation, is it correct that the total number of volumes that the government is expecting is 40 and 4 cds?

Answer: No, if Offeror is submitting proposals on all 3 NAICS the total volumes will be 30 plus 12 CDs

111. Reference: Sample Administrative Task Request 0006 states “Place of Performance: TBD. Point of contact: TBD”

Question: In general, will contract staff work on client site or contractor site? Rates will differ based on this information

Answer: Client site in Atlanta Georgia

112. Reference: Sample Administrative Task Request 0006 states “Beyond Core Hours: Each service requires 15 hours beyond the established core hours through the established period of performance.”

T17

a. Question: Does Service Requirements 1 – 3 equal three unique services?

b. Question: If so, does the government require 15 hours beyond core hours for each service, for a total of 45 additional hours?

Answer: Yes

113. Question: On page 114 of 120 – Section M - Evaluation Factors For Award – Subsection M.2 Initial Screening of Proposals – Clause b. During the initial screening the lowest priced proposal/s for each service area will be sent to the Technical Evaluation Panel to be evaluated to determine if the Offeror/s are technically acceptable. Once up to three technical proposals are determined to be technically acceptable, and their business proposals are evaluated as being realistic and reasonable, no other Offerors proposal (business or technical) evaluations will be performed”. On page 114 of 120 – Section M.3 Evaluation of Written Technical Proposal and Past Performance – clause (c) states “The price factor will only be evaluated if the technical factor, inclusive of Past Performance, is determined to be acceptable. The Government will evaluate each proposal to determine technical acceptability (price excluded).” Which is accurate?

Answer: Solicitation clause Section M.2(b) to which you refer informs contractors that the Contracting Officer will pull the lowest price proposal from each of the NAICS services and send the technical proposal to the Technical Evaluation Panels for evaluation. If the Technical Evaluation panel evaluates that proposal as Technically Acceptable, the Contracting Officer will then evaluate the business proposal. If the Business Proposal is evaluated to be fair and reasonable, the Offeror is viable for award of one of the IDIQ contracts. The process described in Section M.2(b) is consistent with Section M.1, Basis for Award, which provides that this is a lowest price technically acceptable procurement. Accordingly, if the Offerors business proposal is not evaluated as fair and reasonable, Offeror will not be viable for award. This process will continue from the lowest price up until the 3 Technically Acceptable Offerors with the lowest price have been selected. Once the 3 have been selected no further technical or price evaluations will take place.

114. Question: Pages 2, 3 and 4 of 120 – Section B - Supplies Or Services And Prices/Costs requires the contractor to provide a quantity and one unit price for each Sample Task. However, within each Sample Task there is quite a variance of the education, experience and background for personnel under different Service Requirements. Is it the government’s intent that contractors provide one blended hourly rate for the personnel under each Task Order regardless of differences, in what otherwise would be categorized as labor categories? Just as an example of why we ask, under Sample Professional Task Request 0001 the Service Requirement EERB-1 calls for a Native-level fluency in oral and written French and Spanish who has Doctoral level training in linguistics and/or foreign language instruction with a Minimum of 8 years experience with public health and medical terminology in French and Spanish experience, including infectious and chronic diseases, nutrition, water and sanitation, reproductive health, injury, and complex humanitarian emergencies; a Minimum of 8 years experience applying cultural and linguistic differences based on country/region (Central and South American Spanish, West African and Haitian French) and audience (e.g., scientific language for highly educated adults vs. plain survey language for children and illiterate adults) and a Minimum of 8 years experience preparing public health professionals for real-world international assignments in global public health – yet within the same Sample Task IIR Service Requirement 1 calls for an individual with Minimum Education Requirement of a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Bioinformatics, Business, or Health Policy; Minimum number of years experience = 3 years; Minimum

T18 of 3 years work experience in public health management; and Experience and knowledge of computer software, such as electronic mail, e-calendar, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

Answer: No, this is not a Labor hour contract. The pricing requested on pages 2, 3, and 4 of the solicitation will be the total price for all the services associated for the sample task requests under that individual NAICS.