Preproposal Conference Q and A.pdf

Question 1: There are a number of questions regarding the estimated level of effort (LOE) as this is the first time the consolidated audit is being outsourced. As such, what, if any, insight can the government provide regarding the LOE for this effort?

Answer 1: The Government’s LOE projections are provided in LOE Estimates excel attachment with Amendment 3.

Question 2: Would the Government prefer to have the price broken out between Task A and Task B (with Task C included as part of Task B) versus all together to allow for greater awareness for the estimates LOE for the two main Tasks? Since the two tasks are independently unique, this would allow the offerors greater precision in their estimates as well.

Answer 2: Yes, the offerors shall price out Task A, B and C separately.

Question 3: As this proposal conference is being held on Friday, September 18th, and the proposal has been extended to 6 business days after on Tuesday, September 29th, would the Government consider another extension to allow bidders to ensure the results of the conference are appropriately considered within the proposal?

Answer 3: The proposal due date is extended to October 7, 2020.

Question 4: Page 49 under Past Performance: If the offeror is proposing to subcontract (or use joint ventures/ partners, or other entities other than the prime contractor to perform) more than 20% of the contract value, the offeror shall submit a separate chart and narrative described for past performance above, for the proposed subcontractor(s). Can the Government please clarify whether the past performance is expected for all subcontractors if proposing more than 20% of the contract value or only those subcontractors proposed to have more than 20% of the contract value?

Answer 4: Separate past performance is required for all subcontractors if proposing more than 20% of the contract value.

Question 5: Should Attachment 6 be included in Price volume?

Answer 5: Yes, Attachment 6 would be included as part of the Price Volume, given its applicability to that volume.

Question 6: In Section 5.1.1.6, Information Technical Audit Approach, did prior audits include vulnerability testing or penetration testing?

Answer 6: Yes, when possible. In accordance with Federal Information System Controls Audit Manual, or FISCAM, the Contractor shall review HUD’s vulnerability assessments (which may include penetration testing) as well as be prepared to independently perform its own to determine if HUD managements’ vulnerability assessments are effective.

Question 7: Given the unpredictability of travel, show travel expenses be included in the proposal? If they should be included, should they be quoted as under pre-COVID travel or during COVID travel with applicable restrictions?

Answer 7: Travel costs will be reimbursed in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations 31.205-46 Travel costs.

Question 8: Would HUD-OIG consider expanding the technical page limit to 25 pages, from 20 pages, in the technical approach area?

Answer 8: Yes, the technical approach volume page limitation is increases from 20 to 25.

Question 9: Can you provide the Sign-In Sheet of vendors in attendance of the preproposal conference?

Answer 9: The sign in sheet will be attached with Amendment 3.