RFP_2018-N-67615_Amendment_0002_GRASP_Questions_and_Answers_14March2018.docx

March 14, 2018

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

RFP 2018-N-67615 Amendment 0002 Geospatial Research, Analysis, and Services Program (GRASP)

1. RFP Section and Page: L.15, Technical Proposal Preparation Instructions, page 82 Question: The RFP states: “The written technical proposal must include, at a minimum, the following sections: Cover Page/Cover Letter (including solicitation number and name of offeror); Table of Contents; and Discussion of Evaluation Criteria.”

Can the Government explain the requirements for Discussion of Evaluation Criteria?

Answer: No, the Government cannot provide additional explanation of the requirements for Discussion of the Evaluation Criteria other than to reiterate that ALL offerors are required to address each of the applicable technical evaluation criteria identified in Clause L.15 when responding to the RFP.

2. RFP Section and Page: L.13, Proposal Page Format, 79 Question: Please verify that the proposal must be submitted in single space format.

Answer: Yes, proposals shall be submitted in single space format. Please see Amendment 0002 for updates.

3. RFP Section and Page: L.13, Proposal Page Format, pagev79

Question: Are commitment letters associated with resumes outside the place limit?

Answer: Yes, commitment letters are excluded from the technical proposal page limit. Please see Amendment 0002 for updates.

4. RFP Section and Page: L.15, Technical Proposal Preparation Instructions, page 87

Question: Please verify the Staff Plan Table Template – is not constrained by the 30-word limit defined in Section L.13 Proposal page format Answer: No it is not constrained by the 30-word limit. The 30 work limit doesn’t apply to the Staffing Plan required for Task Order A and Task Order B. Additionally, the Staffing Plan Table shall be submitted as part of the appendix. Appendices do not count toward the page count. Please see Amendment 0002 for updates.

5. RFP Section and Page: L.17 b.1, Program Planning, Evaluation, and Communication (Small Business Set-Aside IDIA), page 93 Question: The RFP states: “PAGE LIMIT: 5 Pages” Is the 5 pages for each past performance summary or is it 5 pages total for the entire volume?

Answer: The Past/Present Performance narrative is limited to 5 TOTAL pages for addressing ALL of the relevant Past/Present Performance elements. Please see Amendment 0002 for updates.

6. RFP Section and Page: C.4, Technical Requirements, page 8-11 Question: Who is the incumbent currently performing the work described in Task Areas 1A-1E?

Answer: Booz Allen Hamilton Contract 200-2010-37198, Task Order 0006 DRT Strategies, Contract 200-2016-F-90638

7. RFP Section and Page: Section B – Supplies or Services And Prices/Costs, Subsection B. 3 – Number of Awards, , page 3, paragraph 1, lines 5-7 Question: “Large Businesses may only compete in the Non-Set-Aside IDIQ of the requirement. Small businesses are permitted to submit proposals under the Small Business Set-Aside IDIQ and the Non-Set-Aside IDIQ”.

Would the GRASP IDIQ team please clarify whether a Small Business responding to the Small Business Set-Aside IDIQ can propose a subcontractor as part of its team that is a Large Business?

Answer: Yes; however, Small Businesses are reminded that they MUST be in compliance with Section I - FAR Clause 52.219-4, Limitation on Subcontracting.

8. RFP Section and Page: L.9, Solicitation Questions, page 76 Question: When will the responses to the questions be delivered? Will all questions be available to everyone?

Answer: Answers to the questions are hereto attached. Yes, all questions and answers will be made available to everyone via FedBizOpps.

9. RFP Section and Page: C.1, Background and Need, page 6 Question: RFP mentions that GRASP has 50+ personnel. At the pre-proposal conference, it was mentioned that 30 of these are contractors.

1. Are the positions related to this solicitation replacing the current 30 contractors, or will they be additional to the 30 contractors?

2. How many personnel does CDC anticipate for the small-business-set-aside portion?

3. How many personnel does CDC anticipate for the non-small-business-set-aside portion?

Answer Question 1: The Government is unable to make that assessment. The GRASP personnel information provided in the basic IDIQ statement of work is provided as historical/background information only. The period of performance for the current contracts will end once the IDIQ contract is awarded.

Offeror are reminded that this is an IDIQ contract and not a stand-alone contract. This IDIQ contract will be the new contracting vehicle for the GRASP program and offerors shouldn’t assume that it is the same level of work currently being performed. Offerors should base their proposed number of employees based on their technical approach and their understanding of the requirements issued for each task order.

Answer Question 2: This is an IDIQ contract and not a stand-alone contract. The number of personnel will change for each task order issued.

Answer Question 3: This is an IDIQ contract and not a stand-alone contract. The number of personnel will change for each task order issued.

10. RFP Section and Page: B.11, Place of Work and Government-Furnished Equipment, page 5

Question: RFP says that personnel may work on OR off-site. However, in both Performance of Work Statements Attachment J6, C.8, page 9 and Attachment J7, C.8, page 12 it says that “the work is to be performed primarily on-site” and that “the work is to be performed on-site,” respectively.

1. Are there specific positions within each portion that must be on site?

2. Are there requirements for any off-site personnel to regularly attend meetings or events on-site at CDC?

3. Are part-time on-site/off-site arrangements allowed?

Answer Question 1: No; however, Task Order A and Task Order B are both ONSITE (Government Facility). Please see Amendment 0002 for updates.

Answer Question 2: If there is a requirements for any off-site personnel to regularly attend meetings or events on-site at CDC, it will be determined at the task order level.

Answer Question 3: That will be determined at the task order level.

11. RFP Section and Page: B.3, Number of Awards, page 3

Question: RFP says that there will be a small-business-set-aside portion and a non-small-business-set-aside portion. At the conference, it was stated that if a large business wins the non-small-business-set-aside portion, they would be required to subcontract at least part of that to a small business.

1. How much of the non-small-business-set-aside portion would the large business be required to subcontract in that case?

2. If a large business wins the non-small-business-set-aside portion, can they subcontract with multiple small businesses?

3. Can a small business that wins the small business set-aside portion be a subcontractor to a large business that wins the non-small-business set-aside portion?

Answer Question 1: It will depend on the type of subcontracting plan (Individual, Master, or Commercial) being submitted by the offeror.

Answer Question 2: Yes.

Answer Question 3: Yes

12. RFP Section and Page: C.6.e, Security, page 19

Question: RFP says that the Contractor’s personnel may require access to sensitive data.

1. Will any personnel on the contract be required to obtain or have a security clearance?

2. If so, what level of clearance will be required?

Answer: Security Clearance by contractor personnel is not required. Occasionally, contract personnel may be asked to work on projects that require access to Personally Identifiable Information (PII). In these cases, contractor must follow adequate administrative, operational, and technical security controls to prevent unauthorized access to or disclosure of any personally identifiable information (PII) that will be accessed by the contractor http://www.hhs.gov/foia/privacy/index.html

13. RFP Section and Page: L.17, (b.1), PAST/PRESENT PERFORMANCE INSTRUCTIONS – VOLUME III, page 93

Question: RFP says that the offeror shall submit three (3) references and a narrative of five (5) pages. Is the total narrative for all references 5 pages, or is it 5 pages for each reference?

Answer: See Question and Answer #5.

14. RFP Section and Page: GRASP Area Category 1, Task Area 1C, page 10

Question: RFP says a requirement is to “develop virtual learning modules supporting training of GRASP and GRASP partners.”

1. Does GRASP currently have a Learning Management System?

2. Does GRASP have any current certifications that it gives individuals, and if so, what are they?

Answer Question 1: GRASP does not have a Learning Management System

Answer Question 2: GRASP does not offer certifications

15. RFP Section and Page: L.16 Business Proposal Instructions – Volume II, pages 90-92

Question: The Fixed-Price, T&M and Labor Hour CLINs in the Geospatial Research, Analysis and Services Program (GRASP) RFP are part of a competitive procurement for which, “generally no additional data are necessary to determine the reasonableness of price.” FAR 15.403-3(b); see also FAR 15.402(a)(2)(i) (generally directing contracting officers to obtain “[n]o additional data from the offeror, if the price is based on adequate price competition . . .”). CDC has issued a best value request for proposal with the expectation of competition and that, as expected, multiple offerors will submit proposals. Overall, therefore, consistent with the prevailing regulations, we believe that it should not be necessary for CDC to obtain further data from offeror to support price reasonableness.

As you are aware, regulations also advise Government agencies to obtain from offerors “not to obtain more data than is necessary” to support price reasonableness, because “[r]equesting unnecessary data can lead to increased proposal preparation costs, generally extend acquisition lead time, and consume additional contractor and Government resources.” FAR 15.402(a)(3). Thus, before approaching offerors for cost data, regulations at FAR 15.402(a)(2)(ii) require CDC to examine the data available within the Government’s control. This includes, for example, comparison to historical prices paid by the Government for the same or similar items. FAR 15.404-1(b)(2)(ii). This GRASP RFP, which is for similar work that is provided under existing contracts with CDC, is well suited to this comparison.

Therefore, we request CDC remove the requirements for cost build-up, fee, indirect rates, etc. from the GRASP RFP instructions and remove the requirement to include this information in the proposal response.

Answer: Request denied.

16. RFP Section and Page: (b) Cost Data Information – 4. Subcontracted Items, page 91

Question: Does CDC expect subcontractors to provide cost build-up information to the Government?

Answer: Yes, if applicable. .

17. RFP Section and Page: (b) Cost Data Information – 4. Subcontracted Items, page 91

Question: If CDC requires subcontractors to disclose their cost buildup, please confirm that the subcontractor can provide the cost build-up directly to the government via sealed package, and provide the fully loaded labor rate to the prime contractor.

Answer: Yes. The subcontractor can provide the cost build-up directly to the government. If this is the case, when the subcontractor is submitting his offeror he must clearly identified the name of the prime contractor they are subcontracting with for this procurement.

18. RFP Section and Page: Attachment_J7_14February2018.docx, pages 1, 2, 3, 4

Question: CLINs 0001 and 0002 break the labor out by tasks for the Base Period. The government then combines Option Year labor under a single task for CLINs 0004, 0006, 0008, and 0010. Was it the government’s intent to combine the labor for all tasks into the one CLIN for each Option Year?

Answer: CLINs 0001 and 0002 are broken out by task due to the different period of performances. If the Government exercises the option periods the period of performance for all tasks will be the same. So yes, it government’s intent to combine the labor for all tasks into the one CLIN for each Option Year.

19. RFP Section and Page: L.15 Technical Proposal Preparation Instructions – Volume I, page 82

Questions: The instructions state “The written technical proposal must include, at a minimum, the following sections: Cover Page/Cover Letter (including solicitation number and name of offeror); Table of Contents; and Discussion of Evaluation Criteria.”

Is the Discussion of Evaluation Criteria an alignment matrix mapping our response to the evaluation criteria?

Can the Government please define what they are looking for vendors to provide?

Answer: See Question and Answer #1.

20. RFP Section and Page: Section C, Task Area 1C: Training, Page 10

Question: The RFP states that the contract will develop and implement training. Does this include conducting technical training on GIS software and tools or will the contractor directly support the development, coordination and facilitation of technical training with the technical team under GRASP Area Category 2?

Answer: The contractor will support the GRASP training team in the development, coordination, and facilitation of training. This may include supporting a GRASP trainer in conducting the technical training of GIS software and methods, or contract personnel may be asked to lead the training.

21. RFP Section and Page: Section L.10, page 77

Question: Would the government push back the submission time to 12pm on Friday, March 30 to allow for morning delivery through shipping services on that date?

Answer: No; however, the submission date for receipt of proposal has been extended to April 10, 2018 at 10:00 AM EST.

22. RFP Section and Page: Section L.13, 2nd paragraph

Question: The instructions indicate that tables, charts and graphs are limited to 30 words with 8 pt. pitch. Would the government make an exception for the 30-word limit on tables, particularly the required Staffing Plan Table?

Answer: The 30 work limit doesn’t apply to the Staffing Plan required for Task Order A and Task Order B ONLY. However, the 30 work limit is still applicable for all other tables, charts and graphs.

23. RFP Section and Page: Section L.15, page 82

Question: Is there a page limit on resumes submitted as part of the Basic contract personnel section?

Answer: Yes, resumes shall be limited to 3 pages. See Amendment 0002.

24. RFP Section and Page: Section L.15, Subfactor 1

Question: Technical Approach and Understanding of the Requirement, page 82: Can Attachment J4 be submitted as an appendix to the Technical proposal and not be included in limited page count?

Answer: Per Attachment J4, there is no page limit for the attachment. Attachment J4 can be submitted as an appendix to the Technical proposal and is not included in the page limit count. Please see Clause L.12.

25. RFP Section and Page: Section L.15, Subfactor 2: Personnel, page 83

Question: The instructions indicate that we are to identify the hours per week of each individual contractor we plan to employ to meet the basic contract requirements. At the IDIQ level, it is difficult to predict how much time an employee may spend at the IDIQ level when the number of task orders and volume of work is unknown at this time. Would the government consider removing the key staff requirement from the IDIQ basic contract and only apply this requirement to Task Order A? from the solicitation?

Answer: Yes. The requirement to provide a staffing plan has been moved to the task order level. Task Order A and Task Order B requires a staffing plan. A staffing plan is no longer a requirement at the basic contract level. Please see Amendment 0002 for updates.

26. RFP Section and Page: Section L.15, Subfactor 2: Personnel, page 83

Question: The solicitation states: “If the Offeror proposes a key staff at less than 40 hours a week, the offeror must (1) fully justify the rationale for this decision, and (2) address the reasons why a key staff individual would support he work in only a limited manner.” As a small business, it is not possible to fully dedicate an employee to support an IDIQ without funding for that position or without a workload to support the position. Without knowing the number of task orders to be awarded each year, it is challenging to dedicate an employee to support the IDIQ. Would the government consider removing this requirement from the solicitation?

Answer: No; however, the requirement to provide a staffing plan has been moved to the task order level. Task Order A and Task Order B requires a staffing plan. A staffing plan is no longer a requirement at the basic contract level. Please see Amendment 0002 for updates.

27. RFP Section and Page: Section L.15, B1. Task Order A, Management Plan, Page 89

Questions: The government states that the contractor shall identify the roles and responsibilities of key personnel, but key personnel are not a requirement for under Subfactor 2: Experience of Personnel or Subfactor 3: Staffing Plan. Would the government please clarify this requirement?

Answer: For Task Order A and Task Order B, there is no requirement for offerors to identify roles and responsibilities of key personnel for Subfactor 2: Experience of Personnel. HOWEVER, the RFP has been changed to reflect that for Task Order A and Task Order B, the roles and responsibilities of key personnel is a requirement for Subfactor 3: Staffing Plan. Please see Amendment 0002 for updates as well as amended Clause L.15 per the revised RFP.

28. RFP Section and Page: Section L.16, page 92:

Question: When preparing the price for the task order, can we discount from the IDIQ labor rates?

Answer: Yes. The offeror shall discount from the IDIQ rates.

29. RFP Section and Page: Section L.17, page 92:

Question: What is the due date for references returning completed Past Performance Questionnaires to OAS?

Answer: There is no reference to a due date in the RFP. Past/Present Performance Questionnaires can be submitted to the Government at any time prior to award. However, it is highly encouraged that the customers submit the questionnaires as close to the proposal due date as possible. The government is aware that the contractors are not in control of when the government will receive the questionnaires but we encourage you to follow-up to help ensure submission.

As a reminder, Offeror shall provide the list of the companies, government agencies, etc. you requested to complete the questionnaires on your behalf. The list is needed in case the government needs to follow up on your behalf. The list shall be submitted with the offeror’s Business Proposal, VOLUME II, Section 3. See Clause L.17(a)(v)

30. RFP Section and Page: Section M.1 Basis of Award, Page 97

Question: The solicitation states that the Cost/Price evaluation will apply only to the Task Orders. Will the prices submitted as the IDIQ labor rates on Attachment J5 factor into the Basis of Award?

Answer: The purpose of Attachment J5 is to establish labor rates for the IDIQ and subsequent task orders issued under the IDIQ contract. Since this is a single awarded IDIQ for the Small Business Set-Aside IDIQ and the Non-Set Aside IDIQ, the labor rates will be a factor for award.

31. RFP Section and Page: RFP Section M-3 Evaluation Process, bullet 3. Cost/Price (p.114)

Question: The RFP states that the Government will perform a “comparative assessment (a.k.a. trade-off) of each offeror's proposed cost/price of the task order relative to each offeror's weighted technical score for Section 1 and Section 2 and past/present performance risk assessment to determine the best value”. Without established LCATs and comparative descriptions for each category at the IDIQ level – how will the government determine cost reasonableness for the LCATs proposed for the IDIQ? How will the government perform the cost reasonableness assessment for the Task Order submissions?

Answer: The Government will evaluate the labor categories proposed to determine their applicability and reasonableness relative to the work identified in the basic contract statement of work. The labor rates will be evaluated up front at the basic contract level. Offerors can only propose labor categories and labor rates that were evaluated and accepted at the basic contract level. As a reminder, offerors are expected to discount their labor rates at the task order level.

32. RFP Section and Page: Attachment J6, Section C.4, Task 1, bullets #4, 5, 6, page 7

Question: In order to better understand level of effort for proposed staff, what is the current size of the GRASP Fact Sheet Library, Feature Article Database, and Presentation Library to be maintained?

Answer: Currently, the GRASP Fact Sheet library hosts approximately 50 documents, there are 21 Feature Articles on the intranet, and the GRASP Presentation Library records all presentations by GRASP staff since 2009.

33. RFP Section and Page: Attachment J6, Section C.4, Task 1, bullet #7, page 7

Question: Is the contractor expected to identify new partnerships, in addition to supporting development of existing GRASP partners and collaborators?

Answer: GRASP will identify and develop any formal partnerships; however, contract personnel may be asked to recognize and foster relationships with potential collaborators in the public health community.

34. RFP Section and Page: Not Available

Question: Is there an incumbent for this project? Has it been awarded previously?

Answer: See Question and Answer #6.

35. RFP Section and Page: Section B.11 on page 5

Question: Do you anticipate, or is there an expectation of having, on-site contractor support at CDC in Atlanta? If so, would this be full or part time?

Answer: See Question and Answer #10.

36. RFP Section and Page: Not Available

Question: Can CDC explain the process for the issuance and acceptance of Task Orders given that there is only one contractor (Section H28, page 48 does not seem to apply here)

Answer: Clause H.28 is still relevant for this procurement at the task order level. With a single award, the offeror will still be required to submit a technical and business proposal at the task order level. Clause H.28 outlines the process for requesting proposals after award. The offeror, in response to a RFTOP, will be evaluated on both technical and cost merits. Evaluations will be on a pass or fail basis.

37. RFP Section and Page: RFP Section L.13, Page 79

Question: Section L of the RFP 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" Can the government clarify if this is applicable to all tables including the Staffing Plan Tables?

Answer: See Question and Answer #22

38. RFP Section and Page: Attachment J7, Pg 1

Question: The government identifies seven (7) non-set-aside IDIQ task areas that are included in Task Order B (Attachment J7, Pg 1). The government further identifies nine (9) tasks in Task Order B. Three of those Task Order B tasks (2, 3, and 6) rely on non-set-aside IDIQ tasks that are not included in the seven (7) non-set-aside task areas stated on page 1 of Attachment J7. Is it the government’s intent that all nine tasks in Task Order B should be accomplished using the seven IDIQ task areas, or should our response include activities that are referenced in other IDIQ task areas?

Answer: In Attachment J7, the seven areas identified on page 1 are only stating the task areas within the basic IDIQ that Task Order B is supporting. The nine task areas in the task order PWS represent the actual detailed scope of work that is required for Task Order B. The task areas identified for Task Order B is not a one-to-one relationship to the nine tasks identified in the task order PWS.

39. RFP Section and Page: RFP Section L.15, Page 80

Questions: May the staffing plan table be provided as an appendix outside the page count for the Basic Contract of the non-set-aside IDIQ?

Answer: See Question and Answer #4

40. RFP Section and Page: RFP, B.3, Number of Awards, Page 3

Question: Since large businesses are not permitted to submit a proposal for the set-aside portion of the work described in Section C, what type of award determination/decision will the Government make if none of the small business proposals submitted are deemed “successful”?

Answer: The government will not make award the Small Business Set-Aside IDIQ if none of the proposals submitted are deemed acceptable.

41. RFP Section and Page: Throughout Document

Question: Is the term “non-set-aside” the same as “full and open”?

Answer: Yes. The term “non-set-aside” is the same as “full and open”

42. RFP Section and Page: Section C.3 – Scope of Work, Page 6, Paragraph 4

Question: The scope of work includes “monitor, evaluate, and report upon GRASP operations, programs, and initiates.” Is media and social media monitoring anticipated? If media and social media monitoring are expected, does CDC/ATSDR provide licensing for the analytic tools?

Answer: CDC/ATSDR will provide all software licensing needed to perform requirements in the scope of work Social media monitoring is not anticipated, but should not be excluded.

43. RFP Section and Page: Section C.4 – Task 1: ATSDR GRASP Communications, Outreach, and Partnership Development, Page 7, Paragraph 1

Question: Task 1 indicates “prepare, refine, and share communication products focused on educating the broad public health community regarding the efforts of GRASP.” 1. Please provide the quantity or range and type of communication products to be developed and delivered? There is no quantity mentioned in the Deliverables Schedule (C10).

Answer: Communication products include newsletters, updates, fact sheets, briefing documents, and intranet and internet website content. The quantity of these products will vary. For planning purposes, newsletters may be released quarterly, fact sheets monthly, intranet/internet web content quarterly - bi-annually, updates and briefing documents as needed.

44. RFP Section and Page: Task Area 1C: Training/Page 10, Paragraph 4 Question: What duration of training sessions should the offeror anticipate for web-based and in-person training modules? Are there limits (i.e no more than 4 hours)?

Answer: While there are no defined time limits to training sessions, typical training events last from ½-day (4 hours) to two, 8-hour days.

45. RFP Section and Page: Task Area 1C: Training/Page 10, Paragraph 4

Question: Section: Does CDC/ATSDR provide licenses for training software? If not, can the offeror include the cost of licenses in the business volume of the cost proposal as an ODC?

Answer: CDC/ATSDR will provide all software licensing needed to perform requirements in the scope of work.

46. RFP Section and Page: Section: Attachment J6, Section C, Task A, Pages 6-7 (Att. J6) and RFP, C.4, Category 1, Pages 9 (RFP)

Question: RFP does not mention the task/field area of ‘Monitoring’ at all but attachment J6 does. Should ‘Monitoring’ be also addressed in the RFP? Additionally, these two high-level areas are not described the same (one is ‘Program Planning’ one in ‘Program Evaluation’). How should these be described?

Answer: No, not necessarily. Section C.4, Category 1 has a different title from Task Order A because it is the broad description of the work at the basic contract level. Each task order will have its own title based on the work being performed for that task order.

For further clarification, Program Evaluation is a systematic method for collecting, analyzing, and using data to examine the effectiveness and efficiency of programs and, as importantly, to contribute to continuous program improvement.

Program Monitoring is to track implementation progress through periodic data collection. The overall goal is to provide early indications of progress (or lack thereof). Monitoring and evaluation together measure and assess performance to help improve performance and achieve results.

47. RFP Section and Page: RFP, C.4, Task 1A, Page 9 and Attachment J6, C.4, Task 2, Page 7 (Att. J6)

Question: Section: Several evaluation activities are mentioned in the RFP (strategy (visioning/ideation); organizational assessments, organizational capacity, and operating plans are mentioned) but not the description of work in att. J6. Are these in scope for Task order A? If so, should the offeror address in their Task Order A technical proposal?

Answer: Yes, Task Order A is in scope with the IDIQ. The Basic IDIQ represents the overarching tasks that are covered within the IDIQ. At the task order level, the work is defined and in detail. The PWS associated with Attachment J6 (Task Order A) provides the detailed scope of work. An offeror’s task order proposal should be based off of the task associate with Task Order A.

48. RFP Section and Page: Page 10, Paragraph 2, Task Area 1B

Question: Page 2: Communications and Outreach, includes the following task, "Develop software, tools etc. for information product library; planning, coordination, and management expertise; contribute to training." Does develop software include application software coding? If so, what software coding or scripting languages must the offeror have expertise? If software coding is not in scope, what is meant by this task?

Answer: Develop software…has been changed to “Utilize software…”. Please see Amendment 0002 for updates.

49. RFP Section and Page: CATEGORY 1: Program Planning, Evaluation, and Communication (Small Business Set-Aside IDIQ), L- Instructions, Conditions, & Notices to Offerors, pages 77 & 80, paragraph L.10 & L.14 (f)

Question: Offerors are instructed to submit responses to ATTN: Ms. Genesika Carter, MS K-70 in one paragraph and then MS K-69 in another paragraph. Please confirm which mailstop is accurate for this submission

Answer: The RFP has been updated to reflect: ATTN: Ms. Genesika Carter, MS K-69.

Please see Amendment 0002.

50. RFP Section and Page: CATEGORY 1: Program Planning, Evaluation, and Communication (Small Business Set-Aside IDIQ), L- Instructions, Conditions, & Notices to Offerors, pages 78 & 90, paragraph L.12 & L.16

Question: On pg. 78 Under the Small Business Set-Aside IDIQ it states that Volume II Business Proposal shall be divided into two sections: Section 1 (Task Order A ONLY) and Section 2 (Attachment J5).

This organizational structure does not align with the structure for the business volume presented in L.16. For example, Task order submission in section 1 on pg 78 and is in a section 3 on page 90. Can you please clarify how the business volumes are supposed to be organized?

Answer: For clarification, Section 3 has been added to L.12, Volume III. In Section 3, the offeror shall provide a response to Clause L.16 (a), (b) and (c). Specifically, for clause L.16(b), the offeror shall provide a basis for how the offeror developed their fully burdened rates provided as Attachment J5.

51. RFP Section and Page: CATEGORY 1: Program Planning, Evaluation, and Communication (Small Business Set-Aside IDIQ), L- Instructions, Conditions, & Notices to Offerors, pages 78 , paragraph L.12

Question: Volume III Past Performance shall be divided into two sections: Section 1 (Past/Present Performance Narrative) and Section 2 (Other Administrative Data)

Please clarify what information is required to go in Section 2 and if it applies to only the prime or to the Prime and all subcontractors.

Answer: The information required for Volume III, Section 2 is the offeror’s response to Clause L.18, Other Administrative Data, which is applicable only to the Prime. For further clarification, L.18 has been updated to reflect that submission for this clause is to be provided with Volume III. Please see Amendment 0002 for updates.

52. RFP Section and Page: CATEGORY 1: Program Planning, Evaluation, and Communication (Small Business Set-Aside IDIQ), L- Instructions, Conditions, & Notices to Offerors, pages 83 , paragraph L.15 Subfactor 2: Personnel

Question: RFP states Offeror shall provide “a staffing plan table identifying the name, key staff flag, degree, expertise & qualifications,…” Please clarify what a “key staff flag” is.

Answer: See Clause H.6 of the RFP.

53. RFP Section and Page: CATEGORY 1: Program Planning, Evaluation, and Communication (Small Business Set-Aside IDIQ), L- Instructions, Conditions, & Notices to Offerors, pages 78 & 90 , paragraph L.12 & L.16

Question: On pg. 90, the RFP states that “The business proposal shall be comprised of the following elements: Contract Form, and Representations and Certifications.” AND “The business proposal shall also include the content described in the following three (3) subparagraphs and shall be divided, ordered and tabbed according to the subparagraphs below:

1. What tabbed section should the Contract Form (pg. 1 of RFP) and Reps & Certs be included? Also refer to previous question about organization of business volume.

2. Are subcontractors required to submit signed reps & certs? If so, what section should they be included?

Answer Question 1: The tabbed section Contract Form (pg. 1 of RFP) and Reps & Certs should be included in Volume II Section 3.

Answer Question 2: No.

54. RFP Section and Page: CATEGORY 1: Program Planning, Evaluation, and Communication (Small Business Set-Aside IDIQ), L- Instructions, Conditions, & Notices to Offerors, pages 91, paragraph L.16 (b) Cost Data Information 4. Subcontracted Items

Question: RFP states that offerors must provide a copy of your proposed subcontractors’ cost proposal and point of contact information.

Should this also include letters of commitment from Proposed Subs (distinguished differently than consultant LOCs as requested in ODCs)?

Answer: Yes, if applicable.

55. RFP Section and Page: CATEGORY 1: Program Planning, Evaluation, and Communication (Small Business Set-Aside IDIQ), L- Instructions, Conditions, & Notices to Offerors, pages 92, paragraph L.16 (b) Cost Data Information 7. Indirect Costs

Question: RFP states that offerors provide a copy of “your current indirect cost rate agreement.”

1. Are subcontractors required to submit a copy of their NICRA?

2. If so, may they be submitted in a separately sealed bid via email (graspidiq@cdc.gov) by the submission deadline?

Answer Question 1: Yes, if the subcontractor is submitting a separate business proposal.

Answer Question 2: No. An electronic copy is not acceptable. The subcontractor must submit their NICRA with their individual business proposal.

56. RFP Section and Page: CATEGORY 1: Program Planning, Evaluation, and Communication (Small Business Set-Aside IDIQ), L- Instructions, Conditions, & Notices to Offerors, pages 92, paragraph L.17 (a) Past/Present Performance Questionnaires i.

Question: For past work done as a subcontractor, should references be requested from the Prime contractor, the soliciting agency/client, or both?

Answer: No. Past/Present Performance references cannot come from the prime contractor because the prime contractor isn’t the customer. Past/Present Performance References should come from the actual customer for whom you performed the work.

57. RFP Section and Page: CATEGORY 1: Program Planning, Evaluation, and Communication (Small Business Set-Aside IDIQ), J6, page 9, Section C.8

Question: Must all work be performed at the Chamblee Campus? If not, which tasks must be performed there, and which tasks may performed off site?

Answer: Since this is an IDIQ contract, the Government cannot make that determination at this time. Work location will be determined at the task order level. However, Task Order A and Task Order B are both ONSITE (Government Facility).

58. RFP Section and Page: CATEGORY 1: Program Planning, Evaluation, and Communication (Small Business Set-Aside IDIQ), J6, page 9, Section C.9

Question: Is the travel budget limited to outbound travel only (e.g. sending contractors to remote locations and conferences versus bringing SMEs onsite from remote locations for consultation, training, 508 compliance review, etc.)

Answer: The provided travel budget allows for all travel of contract personnel that relates to project work and other GRASP program requirements.

59. RFP Section and Page: CATEGORY 1: Program Planning, Evaluation, and Communication (Small Business Set-Aside IDIQ), J6, page 7, Section C.4, Task 1

Question: Please clarify this task by providing more information on the nature of the proposal documents and funding for whom and what:

Prepare and/or refine GRASP proposal documents submitted to NCEH-ATSDR, as well as other public health partners, for funding consideration.

Answer: This requirement has been removed. Please see Amendment 0002 for updates.

60. RFP Section and Page: CATEGORY 1: Program Planning, Evaluation, and Communication (Small Business Set-Aside IDIQ), J6, page 7, Section C.4, Task 1

Question: On 2/28/18, we were unable to access grasp.cdc.gov.

Answer: The grasp.cdc.gov site is an intranet site not an internet site. This website is internal to CDC only.

61. RFP Section and Page: CATEGORY 1: Program Planning, Evaluation, and Communication (Small Business Set-Aside IDIQ), J6, page 7, Section C.4, Task 2

Question: Are any of these logic models available, and can GRASP share any existing evaluation studies?

Answer: GRASP does not have a standard logic model as the team is involved in a variety of diverse projects each with their own needs. Many projects are ad hoc in nature or a result of emergency response situations. Evaluation of the program is continually evolving.

62. RFP Section and Page: CATEGORY 2: Integrated GIS Science, Technology and Visualization (Non-Set-Aside IDIQ) C- Description Specifications/Work Statement, page 11-12, Section Task Area 2A

Question: 1. Are there any preferences or constraints for GIS technologies?

2. Will there be a list of CDC priorities to focus the GIS tasks?

3. Is there a currently system in place? Where is it hosted? Who is responsible for hosting the system?

4. What is the source data? Are there multiple data streams?

Answer Question 1: While there are no set constraints for GIS technologies, current software in use by the program include the ArcGIS Suite of products (ESRI, Inc.), Quantum GIS (qgis.org), SaTScan (SatScan.org), R, and other GIS analysis, GIS data manipulation, and map production tools. GRASP also explores new technologies to provide the most appropriate tool for the required task.

Answer Question 2: GRASP currently works across Centers to provide geospatial science and technology support and leadership to the agency. Priorities are dynamic based on current public health needs and emergencies as they arise. For a high-level description of CDC priorities, please see CDC’s Winnable Battles Answer Question 3: Yes, there is a system in place and is hosted by GRASP Answer Question 4: A variety of source data exists including data procured by GRASP, and data from a variety of surveillance systems across the CDC

63. RFP Section and Page: CATEGORY 2: Integrated GIS Science, Technology and Visualization (Non-Set-Aside IDIQ) C- Description Specifications/Work Statement, page 13, Section 2D

Question: 1. Who's the audience? How many departments?

2. How is the data currently collected (formats)? What are the timelines for collection?

3. Do we want hybrid applications or is the focus on iPhone vs. Android?

4. Is security a concern?

Answer: The audience can be diverse. Much of our field support includes, but is not limited to, response to natural disasters or other public health related emergencies. The audience can include public health professionals at the local and state level, to international health agencies, to a general public user. Likewise, the number of departments is variable. Data are collected in a variety of formats depending on the circumstances often with short timelines. Technology should be platform independent and security is potentially a large concern if personally identifiable information is included.

64. RFP Section and Page: CATEGORY 2: Integrated GIS Science, Technology and Visualization (Non-Set-Aside IDIQ) C- Description Specifications/Work Statement, page 13, Section 2E

Question: Is there a technology stack preference / constraint?

Answer: Technology stack preferences include SQL Server for database, DOT NET for middleware and HTML, JavaScript and CSS for frontend development.

65. RFP Section and Page: CATEGORY 2: Integrated GIS Science, Technology and Visualization (Non-Set-Aside IDIQ) C- Description Specifications/Work Statement, page 14, Section 2F

Question: What's the scope? How many independent systems need to be integrated?

Answer: As needs are continually emerging and changing the overall scope and number of systems cannot be determined. The ability to adapt to changing demands and needs is crucial.

66. RFP Section and Page: CATEGORY 2: Integrated GIS Science, Technology and Visualization (Non-Set-Aside IDIQ) C- Description Specifications/Work Statement, page 15, Section 2H

Question: Would we plan to brainstorm possible datasets to explore in addition to the data provided by the organization, in order to deepen analysis?

Answer: Yes, GRASP strives to use the most appropriate data for analysis.

67. RFP Section and Page: CATEGORY 2: Integrated GIS Science, Technology and Visualization (Non-Set-Aside IDIQ) C- Description Specifications/Work Statement, page 15, Section 2I

Question: What's the scope? How many independent databases need to be integrated? What automation procedures are currently in place?

Answer: As needs are continually emerging and the number of databases cannot be determined. The ability to adapt to changing demands and needs is crucial.

68. RFP Section and Page: CATEGORY 2: Integrated GIS Science, Technology and Visualization (Non-Set-Aside IDIQ) C- Description Specifications/Work Statement, page 15, Section 2K

Question: Are there constraints on 3rd party software - Sisense, Tableau, Domo, etc..?

Answer: All 3rd party software is subject to a security risk assessment by the Office of the Chief Information Security Officer (OCISO) prior to installation.

69. RFP Section and Page: CATEGORY 2: Integrated GIS Science, Technology and Visualization (Non-Set-Aside IDIQ) C- Description Specifications/Work Statement, page 15, Section 2L

Question: 1. How is the data currently collected?

2. What platform is used to store the data?

3. Are there preferred programs/methods used to clean the data?

Answer: Data are collected utilizing a variety of techniques based on dynamic circumstance and the needs for the specific task. A Microsoft platform is typically used to store data (such as SQL Server). There currently are no preferred methods to clean the data.

70. RFP Section and Page: CATEGORY 2: Integrated GIS Science, Technology and Visualization (Non-Set-Aside IDIQ) Section M-Evaluation Factors for Award Past Performance Evaluation Process, page 109, Section Integrated GIS Science, Technology and Visualization 6th bullet

Question: What is the CDC/GRASP SDLC / EPLC process?

What are compliance / security requirements?

Answer: Information about EPLC can be found at https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/ocio/eplc-lifecycle-framework.pdf. Security requirements change depending on the specific task.

71. RFP Section and Page: CATEGORY 2: Integrated GIS Science, Technology and Visualization (Non-Set-Aside IDIQ) Section M-Evaluation Factors for Award Past Performance Evaluation Process, page 109, Section Integrated GIS Science, Technology and Visualization 7th bullet

Question: Is this referring to social media or project status communication?

Answer: This section refers to communicating project status to team members to coordinate project, team, and Agency goals.

72. RFP Section and Page: CATEGORY 2: Integrated GIS Science, Technology and Visualization (Non-Set-Aside IDIQ) Section M-Evaluation Factors for Award Past Performance Evaluation Process, page 110, Section Integrated GIS Science, Technology and Visualization 13th bullet

Question: Is this part of a web application or plugin/add-on to an analysis tool (Excel, Tableau)?

Answer: Visual representations of data and information are created both as web applications, or through analysis tools, depending on the needs of the project and how the visualizations are to be used.

73. RFP Section and Page: Not Available

Question: Please identify the incumbent and the contract number.

Answer: See Question and Answer #6

74. RFP Section and Page: L.15, p. 85, paragraph 1

Question: What is the government’s expectation for length of transition period?

Answer: It is critical to the nature of the work at GRASP that the transition occurs seamlessly to ensure no interruption of service. We would expect it would take no more than one week to have essential staff on site.

75. RFP Section and Page: L.16, p. 90, paragraph (b)

Question: Cost Data Information: Please confirm that the Government will provide access or licenses for CDC-owned software and COTS products necessary for accomplishment of the PWS. If not, please clarify which licenses are the responsibility of the contractor.

Answer: The government will provide access to all software required. Please note CDC requires all software installs to have a valid license and to be approved for use on the CDC network.

76. RFP Section and Page: L.16, p. 90, paragraph (b)

Question: For pricing purposes, please clarify what GFE the government will provide for any off-site contractors requiring access to CDC systems.

Answer: If required at the task order level, offsite contract staff will not be provided equipment for teleworking. High-speed or broadband internet connectivity must be provided at contractor expense.

77. RFP Section and Page: L.17, p. 93, paragraph (b.1)

Question: Past/Present Performance Narrative: Will the government consider past performance narratives from a subcontractor?

Answer: Yes. The government will consider past/present performance narratives from a subcontractor. However, the subcontractor’s narrative should be a part of the prime contractor’s narrative and submitted with the prime’s proposal. The Government will not evaluate two independent and separate narratives. If two different past/present performance narratives are submitted for one proposal, the government will only consider and evaluate the narrative from the prime contractor. As a reminder, the past/present performance narrative is limited to 5 TOTAL pages.

78. RFP Section and Page: L. 17, p. 94, paragraph (b.2)

Question: The solicitation states that past performance includes work conducted within 3 years from the date of this solicitation. Please clarify whether on-going projects are also acceptable (provided there is sufficient contract experience to permit assessment).

Answer: Yes. Ongoing projects are also acceptable.

79. RFP Section and Page: L.13, p. 79, paragraph 1

Question: Will the government allow the cover letter/cover page, table of contents not to be included in the page count to allow for a more detailed response?

Answer: No. Where a page limit applies, the page limit includes cover letter/cover page, table of contents, index, attachments, illustrations, charts, tables, diagrams and all other documents; except appendices.

80. RFP Section and Page: L.15, p. 83, Subfactor 2: Personnel, paragraph 3

Question: Will the Government allow moving the Staffing Matrix to the Appendix to allow for a more detailed response to the Staffing requirements?

Answer: Yes. See Question and Answer #4.

81. RFP Section and Page: Attachment J.5, p. 1, Section 5.1 (no paragraph)

Question: Does the Government anticipate that the level of effort will be constant for the base and each option year? If not, will the Government provide LOE estimates for each year of the task order (or estimate range for each option year)?

Answer: Assuming the reference for this question is Attachment J6 and Attachment J7 and not Attachment J5, the task orders are Firm Fixed Price and not Time and Materials. Attachment J6 and Attachment J7 states that the technical requirements are the same for the “base period and any exercised options.” The Government will not provide level of effort estimates for the base year or any outlying option years.

82. RFP Section and Page: Attachment J.5, p. 1, Section 5.1 (no paragraph)

Question: Will the government provide additional details to better understand the basis of estimate for this work? Will the government provide the current status of this work effort as well as the requirements document to help in estimating the LOE required by the contractor?

Answer: No. See Question and Answer #81.

83. RFP Section and Page: C.4., p. 8, Task C.4.5

Question: Please confirm that the Government will provide access any databases required for data collection and analysis.

Answer: Contract personnel will have access to all databases available as needed for data collection and analysis.

84. RFP Section and Page: Not Available

Question: Why is the ceiling amount for small business IDIQ so low? Is it not in the government’s interest to create more room to deal with any future events during the period of performance? Please consider increasing the ceiling.

Answer: The ceiling amounts are based on the independent government cost estimate (IGCE) developed by the Government. For the 5 year period of performance, labor required to perform each of the IDIQ task areas as well as estimated unknown work were taken into consideration when developing the IGCE. Therefore, the ceiling for the Small Business IDIQ will not be increased.

85. RFP Section and Page: Section I Preproposal Presentation Slide

Question: The slide includes a clause that doesn’t appear in the RFP. Specifically, 52.232.20 Limitation of Cost Answer: The Government is aware of FAR 52.232.20 Limitation of Cost being listed in the RFP and it was removed with this amendment.