Question_and_Answers_for_Posting_8.21.2019.pdf

Question and Answers Solicitation 24322619R0010

Question 1: Whether companies from Outside USA can apply for this? (like, from India or Canada) Answer 1: A company shall be SBA 8(a) certified and registered in SAM. As stated in the RFP, OPM-Specific Clause 1752.209-72, section (c), “Each employee of the Contractor shall be a citizen of the United States of America, or an alien who has been lawfully admitted for permanent residence as evidenced by Alien Registration Receipt Card Form I-151, or, who presents other evidence from the Immigration and Naturalization Service that employment will not affect his immigration status.”

Question 2: Whether we need to come over there for meetings?

Answer 2: No travel will be authorized under this requirement.

Question 3: Can we perform the tasks (related to RFP) outside USA? (like, from India or Canada) Answer 3: Per PWS paragraph 9.2, “The designated work site is located at the HRSITPMO facility located at 4685 Log Cabin Dr., Macon, GA 31204.”

Question 4: Can we submit the proposals via email?

Answer 4: RFP, Page 2 states, “Offerors must submit an electronic copy of its proposal(s) in PDF and MS Excel Formats via e-mail to scott.amos@opm.gov on or before 11:00 am Eastern time on August 27, 2019.”

Question 5: Will you please explain the basis for 1800 hours per SCA FTE?

Answer 5: The total estimated hours within each labor category are based on the aggregate level of effort, with consideration for holiday and sick/annual leave.

Question 6: As this is SCA work, will you please MAP the Labor Categories on the Pricing Worksheet to the SCA Wage Determination labor categories?

Answer 6: Amendment 00002 maps the labor categories with the pricing worksheet as follows:

Labor Categories Wage Determination Help Desk/Computer/Data Entry Operator Computer Operator I Journeyman Help Desk/Computer/Data Entry Operator Computer Operator II Senior Help Desk/Computer/Data Entry Operator Computer Operator III Lead Help Desk/Computer/Data Entry Operator Computer Operator IV

Question 7: Sec 4.4.3 of the PWS “Foreign Language Ability” refers to a requirement for Spanish Speaking and transcribing skills. Will you please explain in more detail the nature of the work and an estimated workload?

Answer 7: PWS Section 4.4.3 has been revised to include information regarding the nature of the work and an estimated workload.

Question 8: In Section 9.3 of the PWS, there are references to “ rotational after hours on-call hours and in all service areas there are frequent periods of after-hours and weekend work due to system implementation, operations, maintenance, and support needs. “ As these are SCA employees, any hours over 40 per week must be paid as Overtime. Will you please indicate if any of the hours listed in the pricing worksheet are OT hours? If there are no OT hours included, what is the desired process for OT approval? And is there an estimate of the OT hours and should those be priced?

Answer 8: Contractor is required to provide base coverage during the hours defined in PWS section 9.3. As stated in OPM-Specific Clause 1752.200-70 On-Site Working Conditions, “Meeting task objectives within specific timeframes may require the working of extended/overtime hours. Any extended hours must be authorized in advance, and certified as worked by the task Government Project Manager(s).” Overtime hours must be coordinated with and approved by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) in advance. CLIN 00002, Extended Support, may be utilized if extended/overtime hours are required and pre-approved.

Question 9: Please confirm the number of key Personnel will be 4, 2 for CLIN ….1 and 2 for CLIN ….2.

Answer 9: PWS Section 6.1.4 is revised to confirm a quantity of two (2) key personnel are required under CLIN 00001. CLIN 00002, Extended Support, only captures extended/overtime hours for those key personnel from CLIN 00001 should they be required and pre-approved.

Question 10: Can you please clarify the expected hours of support. Clause 1752.200-70 On-Site Working Conditions (July 2005) states Normal operating hours are 7:00 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Meeting task objectives within specific timeframes may require the working of extended/overtime hours. Any extended hours must be authorized in advance, and certified as worked by the task Government Project Manager(s). But paragraph

9.3 Hours of Operation states “…The period of support will be during OPM’s normal duty hours (7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday) Answer 10: Hours of operation and support specific to this requirement have been clarified in PWS section 9.3.

Full coverage is expected without repeated overtime usage.

Question 11: What is the current Level of Effort?

Answer 11: Please see PWS section 6.0 for the estimated level of effort.

Question 12: In regards to Volume 3, Past Performance, does the team lead, for proposal purposes, need to be an 8(a) company?

Answer 12: Yes.

Question 13: Should the Transition Plan be submitted as a separate document, or as part of the technical, keeping within the 15 page limit?

Answer 13: The transition plan shall be submitted with the technical approach remaining within the 15 page limitation.

Question 14: While page limits were given, I did not see specifications on the font size. I recommend Times New Roman, Font 10, especially if the answer to question 1 is that it is part of the proposal. Can the government please specify font size?

Answer 14: Proposals must be in either Garamond or Times New Roman font type (minimum 11 point font size for documents and minimum 9 point font size for all tables, graphs, and OPM attachments).

Question 15: I did not see a DD254. Can you please provide personnel and facility clearance requirements for this contract?

Answer 15: Public trust.

Question 16: How does Government envision utilizing Extended Support Labor Hours CLIN?

Answer 16: CLIN 00002, Extended Support, may be utilized if extended/overtime hours are required and pre-approved.

Question 17: Can we receive Pricing spreadsheet and PPQ in editable format?

Answer 17: The pricing spreadsheet and PPQ were posted on July 23 in editable formats.

Question 18: Is the Key Personnel currently open position?

Answer 18: The key personnel position does not exist under the current structure.

Question 19: Technical Approach – 15 pages limit. Can Government confirm if this include Technical approach, Resources/Staffing Plan, Transition Plan, Key Personnel, and Contractor Team Arrangements.

Answer 19: The Technical Approach 15 page limit includes the detailed narrative, Resources/Staffing Plan, Transition Plan, and Contractor Team Arrangements. Key Personnel resumes do not count toward the Technical Approach page limitation.

Question 20: Evaluation factor does not show technical approach is being evaluated. Can Government clarify this?

Answer 20: Technical approach evaluation methodology is identified in RFP, FAR 52.212-2 – Evaluation – Commercial Items.

Question 21: What clearances (if any) are required for either the contracting firm and/or the personnel?

Answer 21: Public trust.

Question 22: Section 6.0 Personnel Requirements: Are the Total Estimated Hours for Extended Support for Tasks 1 and 2 correct? The contract states 54,000 hours, it tallies 72,000 hours.

Answer 22: Amendment 00002 corrects the extended support hours to 54,000.

Question 23: What font type and size does the Government require we use for our text in the proposal and in tables and figures?

Answer 23: Proposals must be in either Garamond or Times New Roman font type (minimum 11 point font size for documents and minimum 9 point font size for all tables, graphs, and OPM attachments).

Question 24: CTA has been used as a GSA Schedule term. Definition ¬ team members use their respective GSA Contracts and the Government issues purchase orders under each Schedule Contract.

Are you using the team ³CTA² in a generic sense that applies to teaming relationships formed as Prime / Sub?

Would the requirement to provide a copy of the CTA plan as part of the proposal be fulfilled by providing a copy of the Teaming Agreement?

Answer 24: Contractor Team Arrangements (CTA) used in this reference are identified in FAR Subpart 9.6.

Prospective contractors shall submit CTA as defined within the RFP.

Question 25: Section 4.4.3 Foreign Language Ability indicates that Spanish speaking and transcribing skills will be required for of the data entry/transcription and helpdesk/call center functions.

Question: What percentage of the current staff has bi-lingual experience?

Answer 25: Spanish speaking and transcribing skills will be required of the data entry/transcription and help desk/call center functions on less than 3% of the ticket volume.

Question 26: Section 6.0 Personnel Requirements – Please clarify the Historical Workload data provided in the charts under Section 6.0. For example, Tasks 1 and 2 identify the Helpdesk / Computer Data Entry Operator as a required Labor Category, however, no Labor hours are provided for the Base year and/or any of the Out Years – Please Clarify?

Answer 26: Based on historical data, Help Desk/Computer/Data Entry Operator is not needed for tasks 1 and 2, line items has been deleted from PWS and Pricing Matrix for the base year or option periods. CLIN 00002, Extended Support, may be utilized if extended/overtime hours are required and pre-approved. Labor category Help Desk/Computer/Data Entry Operator rate will be available under CLIN 00002.

Question 27: Extended Support for Task Areas 1 and 2 specifically detail labor hours for the Helpdesk / Computer Data Entry Operator Labor Category, however no Labor Hours are provided for this Labor Category in Tasks 1 and 2 General Support – Please Clarify?

Answer 27: Based on historical data, Help Desk/Computer/Data Entry Operator is not needed for tasks 1 and 2, line items has been deleted from PWS and Pricing Matrix for the base year or option periods. CLIN 00002, Extended Support, may be utilized if extended/overtime hours are required and pre-approved. Labor category Help Desk/Computer/Data Entry Operator rate will be available under CLIN 00002.

Question 28: Reference the Historical Workload Data under Section 6.0 specifically related to the Lead Helpdesk / Computer Data Entry Operator. The Historical Workload data reflects 2 FTEs in this Labor Category. However, Section 6.1.4 Desk/Computer/Data Operator (Key Personnel) states ‘This is a full-time position with the anticipation of 480 hours dedicated to Program Management.

Question: What is the number of Key Personnel Positions required?

Answer 28: Two. The 480 hours for the Program Manager can be split by the two Key Personnel or assigned to one based on Offeror discretion.

Question 29: Section 8.0 Government Furnished Items and Services indicates that ‘for work on government site, the OPM will provide shared workspace as needed that is the equivalent to that provided to Government employees in the same general area’.

Question: What work is currently performed offsite? If so, what percentage of work is currently performed off-site?

Answer 29: Currently, none of the work is performed offsite and it is anticipated that none of the work under this requirement is to be performed offsite.

Question 30: Section 9.2 Place of Performance indicates that the designated work site is located at the HRSITPMO facility located at 4685 Log Cabin Dr., Macon, GA 31204 – and further states that Systems production and customer support services are to be provided on-site; however, an exception to provide support from a location other than the HRSITPMO facility may be permissible with prior approval by the COR or the COR’s designee.

Question: What other locations is work currently being performed at?

Answer 30: None.

Question 31: Section 6.1.4 Lead Help Desk/Computer/Data Operator (Key Personnel) - indicates this is a full-time position with the anticipation of 480 hours dedicated to Program Management.

Question: are the 480 hours in addition to the 1800 Hours allocated per FTE, or is this amount included in the 1800 Hours allotment?

Answer 31: Two. The 480 hours for the Program Manager can be split by the two Key Personnel or assigned to one based on Offeror discretion.

Question 32: Will the Government provide office/desk space for a Fulltime dedicated on-site project manager if one is proposed?

Answer 32: Yes.

Question 33: Page 2 - VOLUME 1: General Information – Cover Page – bullet 6) Verification of compliance with FAR 52.222-35, 52.222.37, or 52.222-38. Verification shall be in the form of information from Veterans Employment & Training Services (VETS) 4212 Service Desk

What information do you want as proof of compliance? Do we include a copy of a previously filed VETS 4212 report or a company profile snapshot or registration number?

Answer 33: Prospective offerors shall submit a current filed VETS 4212 report, the Government will verify via the VETS filing verification.

Question 34: Are there currently multiple shifts scheduled under CLIN 00001? If so, are they night or evening shifts?

Answer 34: There are day, evening, and night shifts, staffed at varying levels.

Question 35: Is there currently work being performed under CLIN 00002? If so, are there multiple shifts schedule?

If yes, what shifts?

Answer 35: No shift work regular shift work is anticipated under CLIN 00002. CLIN 00002, Extended Support, Question 36: The SOW shows “the period of support will be during OPM’s normal duty hours (7:00 – 7:00).” This contradicts the first statement under 9.3 –“The Contractor’s work hours will vary depending on support requirements. In some cases, service areas there are rotational after hours on-call and in all service areas there are frequent period of after-hours and weekend work due to system implementation, operations, maintenance and support needs.” This also contradicts 1752.200-70 “On-Site Working Conditions (b): Normal operating hours are 7:00 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Meeting task objectives within specific timeframes may require the working of extended/overtime hours. Any extended hours must be authorized in advance, and certified as worked by the task Government Project Manager(s).”

Can we confirm what the working shift is supposed to be?

Answer 36: Hours of operation and support specific to this requirement have been clarified in PWS section 9.3.

Full coverage is expected without repeated overtime usage.

Question 37: If we end up with after hour, On Call and OT, how do we bill? Would we need separate CLINs for pricing?

Answer 37: CLIN 00002, Extended Support, may be utilized if overtime hours are required and pre-approved.

Question 38: Listed titles have (3) distinct roles- Help Desk, Computer, Data Operator. These roles are performed, in additional to Records Management. Is it possible to inquire what SCA categories are currently being used?

Answer 38: See answer to question 6.

Question 39: For staffing confirmation and workload planning, how many help desk calls are taken monthly and how many records are entered monthly?

Answer 39: Approximately 52,000 help desk tickets are handled monthly, approximately 4,000 records are entered, and approximately 22,000 secure mail documents are printed and processed for mailing.

Question 40: Are Standard Operating Procedures and Run Manuals in a current version state?

Answer 40: Yes.

Question 41: On pages 53 of the PWS, Section 4.2 - it is stated that training is provided for Help Desk/Call Center Support. What is the duration of this training and expectation for completion prior to providing support?

Answer 41: The duration of the training varies based on the various systems, but it is generally 2 to 3 days, and is anticipated to be completed prior to providing support.

Question 42: Are there any statistics available on how many workstations, servers and telephone stations that will require support?

Answer 42: This work involves support for users of IT applications primarily accounts, passwords, navigation, and other such user assistance. This work does not involve the support of workstations, servers, and telephone stations.

Question 43: On page 53, Section 4.3, The following is stated” Contractor personnel performing in both task areas above shall perform necessary operations with mail processing machines, printers, scanners, etc.”

What does the “etc.” entail?

Answer 43: In this instance, “etc.” is referring to the possibility of the need for operation of office appliances similar in technology and complexity to mail processing machines, printers, and scanners.

Question 44: What operating system is currently running for the Windows based systems?

Answer 44: Windows 10.

Question 45: What is the current transcription hardware being utilized?

Answer 45: Transcription is done via custom software the Government has developed/adapted in conjunction with the particular system(s)/process(es) being supported. The contractor staff will be trained on the use of the software but will have no responsibility for its development or maintenance.

Question 46: Referring to Section 5.1, - Can you elaborate on what “Section 508 compliant” entails?

Answer 46: Section 508 compliance refers to compliance with the standards required by Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. PWS paragraph 5.1 states that “The contractor shall also provide all documentation listed in the Deliverable Table below. All products posted to a website must be Section 508 compliant”. If the contractor provides reporting to OPM via a website, which is not anticipated, about the documents must be within Section 508 compliance.

Question 47: On page 4 of the RFP, it is stated that the “Offeror shall demonstrate relevant past performance or affirmatively state that it possesses no relevant past performance”. Wyandotte Technologies (Wyandotte) is a 100% tribally owned 8(a)/Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) operated and managed within the federally chartered corporation of the Wyandotte Tribe of Oklahoma (WTOK). To enhance our technical capability, Wyandotte Technologies has elected to team with our sister company Bearskin Services, an experienced Support Services prime contractor.

Per FAR 15.305 A.2 (iii), Wyandotte Technologies, a 100% tribally owned 8(a)/SDB claims past performance of sister company Bearskin Services. Wyandotte Technologies will provide technical support and guidance to Wyandotte Technologies.

Will FAR 15.305 A.2 (iii) be accepted so that tribal sister past performance is accepted as “relevant past performance”? Wyandotte Technologies has experience has a subcontractor and Bearskin Technologies has Experience as both a subcontractor and Prime Contractor with this requirement.

Answer 47: If a prospective offeror is “claiming” past performance of another contractor, that contractor has to be associated with the proposal by either a Contractor Team Arrangement, Joint Venture or prime/subcontractor as described in RFP, Volume 3: Past Performance. If a prospective offeror submits past performance of another contractor that has no association with the proposal it will not be considered.

Question 48:

Answer 48: Blended rates are acceptable. It is acceptable to add additional lines to Attachment 7 Pricing Spreadsheet. Please note that this shall be addressed in the Technical Approach submittal.

Question 49: What type of contract does the government plan on awarding? For example, is this a single award IDIQ, BPA, etc.?

Answer 49: The government intends to award one (1) contract with a combination of FFP and LH CLINs.

Question 50: Page 4, Volume 3 Past Performance (attachment 6). Can the government please confirm that CPARS are an acceptable past performance rating instead of submitting a PPQ?

Answer 50: Past Performance Questionnaire shall be completed by a prospective offeror’s customer and sent directly to Scott Amos at scott.amos@opm.gov. The government shall review past performance and integrity information available in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS), including FAPIIS information from the System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions and the Contract Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS).

Question 51: PWS Section 6.0. Can the government please explain what the Extended Support hours will be used for? Is this for Overtime hours or additional bodies to support new tasking?

Answer 51: Contractor is required to provide base coverage during the hours defined in PWS section 9.3. As stated in OPM-Specific Clause 1752.200-70 On-Site Working Conditions, “Meeting task objectives within specific timeframes may require the working of extended/overtime hours. Any extended hours must be authorized in advance, and certified as worked by the task Government Project Manager(s).” Overtime hours must be coordinated with and approved by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) in advance. CLIN 00002, Extended Support, Question 52: Page 1, Wage Determination No. WD 2015-4505. There is a revision #13 released on 07/16/2019.

Does the government plan on issuing an amendment to include the new revision?

Answer 52: Amendment 00002 includes revised wage determination 2015-4488 revision number 9.

Question 53: On page 3 of the Solicitation, it states the resume is not included in the Tech volume page count. It also states that letters of intent are not included in the two-page Limit for resumes. Is the letter of intent included in the Technical Volume page count? Is the cover page counted in the 15 page count?

Answer 53: The letter(s) of intent do not count toward the Volume 2: Technical Approach page limit. The one-page cover page is included in Volume 1.

Question 54: Can we submit the Contractor Team Arrangement (CTA) as an Appendix (separate PDF document) to Volume I?

Answer 54: The Technical Approach 15 page limit includes the detailed narrative, Resources/Staffing Plan, Transition Plan, and Contractor Team Arrangements.

Question 55: Is the Information from Veterans Employment & Training Services (VETS) 4212 Service Desk a requirement to submit to the RFP? If an organization does not meet the requirement, would they be precluded from moving forward?

Answer 55: Yes, the VETS submittal is required and if a prospective offeror does not meet the requirement they would be precluded for award.

Question 56: How long is the period of time allotted between contract award and start of transition period? And is it different than the time between contract award and start date?

Answer 56: The transition period shall start immediately upon commencement of the period of performance, one week after date of award.

Question 57: SCA hourly amount as of July 5 is $4.54 which includes 7 days of sick time. Is that Correct?

Answer 57: Amendment 00002 includes an updated wage determination, which states the health and welfare requirements.

Question 58: Use of full time and part time personnel is acceptable. Is that Correct?

Answer 58: The use of full time personnel is preferred, but part-time personnel could also be used.

Question 59: Are there specified training areas capable of providing the opportunity for new personnel to shadow experienced/incumbent personnel?

Answer 59: There are no specified training areas; however, a part of the orientation of new personnel includes shadowing experienced personnel.

Question 60: Is there space to accommodate shadowing/training at the Help Desk workstation?

Answer 60: Yes.

Question 61: How many people can be trained in one session and how long is a typical class?

Answer 61: The number of people who can be trained in one session varies. The length of the training session varies with the system being addressed, but overall basic training is usually two or three days.

Question 62: For CLIN2 extended hours, it is assumed to be over time. What is the overtime rate?

Answer 62: Contractor is required to provide base coverage during the hours defined in PWS section 9.3. As stated in OPM-Specific Clause 1752.200-70 On-Site Working Conditions, “Meeting task objectives within specific timeframes may require the working of extended/overtime hours. Any extended hours must be authorized in advance, and certified as worked by the task Government Project Manager(s).” Overtime hours must be coordinated with and approved by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) in advance. CLIN 00002, Extended Support, may be utilized if extended/overtime hours are required and pre-approved. Overtime rate is not less than 1 1/2 times the basic rate of pay.

Question 63: Since 3600 labor hours are shown in the base period for the key personnel labor category (Lead Help Desk/Computer/Data Entry Operator) does that mean two resumes are being requested or just one?

Answer 63: Yes, two (2) resumes are required for this key personnel labor category.

Question 64: Are Tier 2 level background investigations required prior to award or assignment of an employee to the contract, or will they be sponsored and submitted by OPM afterwards?

Answer 64: Tier 2 background investigations are not required prior to award; however, personnel are required to provide background investigation information and receive an interim clearance prior to being allowed to work under the awarded contract.

Question 65: Please confirm that the hourly labor rate provided in the pricing spreadsheet should be inclusive of any subcontractors, and that only one rate per labor category is requested?

Answer 65: Correct. Only one rate per labor category is requested.

Question 66: Is there an allowance for approved travel or other direct costs (ODC) besides labor?

Answer 66: No.

Question 67: Are Spanish speaking and transcription skills required for 100% of the positions since they are all listed as Help Desk/Computer/Data Entry Operator job titles?

Answer 67: No.

Question 68: Page 1 of the RFP states that the Period of Performance commences one week after the date of award.

However, the PWS states that the transition plan shall cover 30 days.

Does contract start occur simultaneously with transition? i.e., is there a 30-day transition and an 11 month base period?

Answer 68: The transition period shall start immediately upon commencement of the period of performance, one week after date of award.

Question 69: PWS 4.1 states “Screen menus, Standard Operating Procedures, and Run Manuals shall serve as task direction, with priorities and ad hoc written requests provided by the task Government Project Manager(s).”

Can the government please provide the Standard Operating Procedures and Run Manuals as attachments to the RFP?

Answer 69: No. The Standard Operating Procedures and Run Manuals are voluminous, and there are multiple such document/sets of documents for each service area, all of which will be appropriately addressed through training, after award.

Question 70: Reference: “Service Contract Labor Standards: Wage Determination No. WD 2015-4505 Revision Number 12 was first posted on www.wdol.gov on 04/25/2019, applies to this acquisition and will be incorporated into the resulting contract (Attachment 3). Roles that are considered service employees subject to Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) are; Help Desk/Computer/Data Entry Operator, Journeyman Help Desk/Computer/Data Entry Operator, Senior Help Desk/Computer/Data Entry Operator, and Lead Help Desk/Computer/Data Entry Operator.

The contractor shall identify the Wage Category in their offer.”

Are the labor categories that are subject to FLSA also subject to the Service Contract Act and the Wage Determination?

Answer 70: Yes.

Question 71: The solicitation states that Offerors are required to propose Key Personnel for the Lead Help Desk/Computer/Data Entry Operator position. However, page 1 of the RFP states this position is subject to SCA / Wage Determination. Executive Order (EO) 13495, “Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers Under Service Contracts,” requires all qualified incumbents filling these positions be offered the same position prior to being replaced by new employees. This presents a problem because bidders who are not the incumbent cannot plan to use existing staff or offer contingent employment upon award since the right of first refusal must go to the incumbent contractor employees. Given this situation, will the Government remove the requirement for these key personnel positions since commitments cannot be made to contingent hires?

Answer 71: The offeror is free to address this circumstance by planning to comply with the right of first refusal regarding incumbent employees; however, the offeror cannot be bound to compliance if the incumbent employees refuse employment offers. The key personnel position does not exist under the current structure.

Question 72: “Systems production and customer support services are to be provided on-site; however, an exception to provide support from a location other than the HRSITPMO facility may be permissible with prior approval by the COR or the COR’s designee.”

Do any of the incumbent personnel work off-site?

Answer 72: No.

Question 73: “Perform system activity, job, and connectivity monitoring on server, workstations, and telephone systems. Troubleshoot system issues, problems, failures, and resolution. Notify IT specialists and/or management as appropriate.”

Are the referenced IT specialists and management personnel referenced in PWS 4.2 referring to contractor or Government staff?

Answer 73: The referenced IT specialists and management personnel are Government staff.

Question 74: For Volume 1, will the government allow more than one-page cover letter to allow enough space to provide the requested information?

Answer 74: No.

Question 75: The estimated hours for Extended Support are different on PWS 6.0 and Attachment 7 for the following two labor categories: 1) Senior Help Desk/Computer/Data Entry Operator; and 2) Lead Help Desk/Computer/Data Entry Operator (43,200 and 7,200, respectively, on the PWS versus 28,800 and 3,600 on Attachment 7). Can the government please clarify the correct number of hours?

Answer 75: Amendment 00002 corrects the extended support hours to 54,000.

Question 76: CLINS X0001 is Firm Fixed Price. Attachment 7 calculates a monthly Price. Can the government please confirm that the FFP unit of measure for these CLINS is month (not hours), and contractors will bill the government monthly? If not, can the government please advise on the invoice process and the unit of measure for which contractors will bill against?

Answer 76: CLIN X0001 will invoice a monthly Firm Fixed Price.

Question 77: Will the government please provide the SF33 Form?

Answer 77: The Government will not issue an SF 33 as this is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items.

Question 78: Will the government please clarify if offerors should make proposals valid for a specific number of days?

Answer 78: Amendment 00002 adds as the following, “Prospective offerors shall make proposal valid for 90 days.”

Question 79: Could the Government please confirm there are 0 hours for the ‘Help Desk/Computer/Data Entry Operator’ labor category for FFP CLIN X0001?

Answer 79: Confirmed. Help Desk/Computer/Data Entry Operator hours are deleted in the PWS and Pricing Matrix labor category for FFP CLIN X0001.

Question 80: There are 0 hours for the ‘Help Desk/Computer/Data Entry Operator’ labor category for FFP CLIN X0001. Are offerors to provide an hourly rate for this position?

Answer 80: Based on historical data, Help Desk/Computer/Data Entry Operator is not needed for tasks 1 and 2, line items has been deleted from PWS and Pricing Matrix for the base year or option periods. CLIN 00002, Extended Support, may be utilized if extended/overtime hours are required and pre-approved. Labor category Help Desk/Computer/Data Entry Operator rate will be available under CLIN 00002.

Question 81: Executive Order (EO) 13495, “Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers Under Service Contracts,” requires contractors to offer all qualified incumbents their same positions prior to being replaced by new employees.

To ensure bidding offerors are able to honor this and offer incumbents their same position, will the government please provide a mapping between the solicitation’s labor categories and the incumbent employee’s Wage Determination LCATs?

Answer 81: The labor categories currently used are the similar to the BPA with the exception of Key Personnel.

Question 82: Regarding SBA 8(a) status verification, is a copy of the offerors’ SBA's Dynamic Small Business Search profile which indicates 8(a) status acceptable?

Answer 82: Yes.

Question 83: We request additional clarification on what the government is requesting in PWS 3.0 Transition for the following bullets:

• Status of Ongoing Technical Activities and Initiates

• Location of Technical and Project Management Documentation

• Documents, Code, Software and Data Answer 83: These are included in a general (not exhaustive) listing of reports and documents that are expected to be addressed or provided as applicable based on the transition plan proposed.

Question 84: What level of clearance is required for the personnel positions on the contract?

Answer 84: Public trust.

Question 85: Is there a facility security clearance required for the contract? If yes, do all the companies on a team need to hold the security clearance?

Answer 85: Yes, employees must be cleared by OPM Personnel Security via completing a background investigation prior to being allowed to work under the contract. Those contractor employees who are required to work at an OPM facility must be cleared. However; since the work is performed onsite at OPM the company does not have to hold a Facility Security Clearance.

Question 86: Will the Government be providing all equipment necessary to support the call center/helpdesk?

Answer 86: Yes.

Question 87: Is the Government providing a Call Management software application to track calls and knowledge base information?

Answer 87: Yes. Some user intake is by phone, but some is by email. The actual call management software is custom-developed by OPM, but the ticketing system used is Footprints; however, different instances of Footprints are used for different service areas.

Question 88: Is the Government requiring key personnel resumes for the Extended Support CLIN Lead Help Desk/Computer/Data Entry Operator position(s)?

Answer 88: No, CLIN 00002, Extended Support, may be utilized if extended/overtime hours are required and pre-approved.

Question 89: Please clarify that the key personnel (lead help desk/computer/data operator) position is the equivalent of two (2) FTEs, the PWS states 3,600 hours for this position.

Answer 89: That is correct. There are two key personnel required.

Question 90: If the Key Personnel position is two (2) FTEs, are the 480 hours of PM work dedicated by Lead Help Desk Operator split across the two positions or performed by single lead?

Answer 90: Two. The 480 hours for the Program Manager can be split by the two Key Personnel or assigned to one based on Offeror discretion.

Question 91: Transition plan "documents, code, software, and data" requirements clarification from the incumbent (PWS 3.0)

Answer 91: Items within PWS 3.0 are included in a general (not exhaustive) listing of reports and documents that are expected to be addressed or provided as applicable based on the transition plan proposed.

Question 92: What are your 8570 computing environment requirements?

Answer 92: That information does not apply to this requirement.

Question 93: What is the expected staffing level during the Transition Period?

Answer 93: The expected staffing level is full staffing as soon as possible, with staffing to begin upon award, and onboarding to take place as soon as employees are granted an interim clearance to work onsite.

Question 94: For an emergency call during non-business hours, what is the minimum response time?

Answer 94: The expected response time is no more than two hours.

Question 95: What is the current staffing level of effort on the incumbent contract?

Answer 95: 41.

Question 96: Is there an incumbent on this contract?

Answer 96: Yes.

Question 97: If incumbent is present, kindly provide the name of the incumbent, contract # and the contract value for the base and option years?

Answer 97: Incumbent contractor is Comp – Tech, BPA Calls issued against BPA OPM3214A0007 have not exceeded an aggravate value of $11,943,906.30.

Question 98: Is the incumbent eligible to bid on this?

Answer 98: All offerors meeting the set aside requirements in accordance with the RFP would be eligible.

Question 99: We request the Government to extend the Past performance questionnaire from our customers due to OPM till the proposal submission date, please. All government customers are requesting sufficient time to get this done. Appreciate your consideration.

Answer 99: Amendment 00002 extends the past performance questionnaire due date to August 27, 2019.

Question 100: Please confirm if the page limit for each project submittal is three (3) pages only.

There seems to a bit of a discrepancy. While the solicitation instructions for Volume 3: Past Performance clearly states 3-page limitation for each project submittal, the second paragraph that starts with “the contractor/team lead of a JV shall submit a maximum of three (3) projects for evaluation. Each project will have a past project team attached as the cover page (attached 5). Past project forms will not count towards page limitation”. We request the Government to clarify if the page limitation for each project submittal is only three (3). Thank you Answer 100: Confirmed. Past performance has a three (3) page limitation per project, not to include the Past Project Form (Attachment 5 of the RFP).

Question 101: If the Offeror is a Joint venture between an 8(a) and another firm, we assume that the JV (together as a team) should submit a maximum of three (3) projects. We request the Government to confirm on this, please.

Answer 101: Where a subcontractor/JV agreement is proposed, an additional maximum of two (2) projects for the subcontractor/Team Member/other partner shall be submitted.

Question 102: If there is a subcontractor added by the JV Offeror (Offeror is a JV between an 8(a) and another firm and this JV entity brings another major subcontractor to the team), can the subcontractor to the JV bring no more than two (2) relevant projects? We request the Government to clarify / confirm on this, please.

Answer 102: Where a subcontractor/JV agreement is proposed, an additional maximum of two (2) projects for the subcontractor/Team Member/other partner shall be submitted. The Government expects no more than five (5) past performance submittals per proposal.

Question 103: We humbly request the Government to provide an extension on the proposal due date till August 27, 2019, please.

Answer 103: Amendment 00001 extended the proposal due date to August 27, 2019.

Question 104: Will the Government extend PPQs and proposal response dates by two weeks?

Answer 104: Amendment 00002 extends the past performance questionnaire due date to August 27, 2019.

Question 105: 2. Page 1, paragraph 9, in reference to the Service Contract Labor Standards: Wage Determination No. ED2015-4505 of the RFP states: The contractor shall identify the Wage Category in their offer. Is the offer support to put their Wage Determination mapping category in the Function/Title Column in Attachment 7, pricing worksheet?

Answer 105: Yes. If the contractor proposes a different wage category than what is provided.

Question 106: Attachment 7- CLIN 10001- HRSITPMO System Production and Customer Support Firm-Fixed Price and CLIN 10002- Extended Support for HRSITPMO Systems Production and Customer Support Labor Hour The hours for the FFP CLIN and the LH CLINS are different. What’s the difference in hours between the two

CLINS?

Answer 106: Contractor is required to provide base coverage during the hours defined in PWS section 9.3. As stated in OPM-Specific Clause 1752.200-70 On-Site Working Conditions, “Meeting task objectives within specific timeframes may require the working of extended/overtime hours. Any extended hours must be authorized in advance, and certified as worked by the task Government Project Manager(s).” Overtime hours must be coordinated with and approved by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) in advance. CLIN 00002, Extended Support, may be utilized if extended/overtime hours are required and pre-approved.

Question 108: Attachment 7- Can the Government please clarify the difference in CLIN structure? If CLIN 10002 is strictly surge hours, why is there hours listed under CLIN 10002 for Help/Desk Computer/Data Entry Operator and none under CLIN 10001?

Answer 108: Based on historical data, Help Desk/Computer/Data Entry Operator is not needed for tasks 1 and 2, line items has been deleted from PWS and Pricing Matrix for the base year or option periods. CLIN 00002, Extended Support, may be utilized if extended/overtime hours are required and pre-approved. Labor category Help Desk/Computer/Data Entry Operator rate will be available under CLIN 00002.

Question 109: Attachment 7- the government provided estimated hours for each labor category, the hours provided for the firm-fixed price CLIN doesn’t equate to full-time positions. Can the Government please clarify? I.E. 3600 for lead data operator would only equate for 1.9 FTE., Answer 109: The total estimated hours within each labor category are based on the aggregate level of effort, with consideration for holiday and sick/annual leave. An FTE is estimated at 1800 hours.

Question 110: Attachment 7- Is the work proposed in CLIN 10001, the same work proposed in CLIN 10002, or are these separate tasks?

Answer 110: CLIN 00002, Extended Support, may be utilized if extended/overtime hours are required and pre-approved.

Question 111: RFP, Proposal Submission, Volume 3: Past Performance, Page 4 – Does the Government evaluation BPA Calls or Task Order submitted under IDIQs as a single past performance citation or does the Government evaluate the main BPA and calls issued under it as 1 citation?

Answer 111: This is dependent on the submittals from a prospective offeror. If an offer submits past performance information on a call or task order it will be evaluated as one. Prospective offerors are cautioned not to submit past performance information on a call as well as the master blanket purchase agreement or IDIQ.

Question 112: RFP, Proposal Submission, Volume 3: Past Performance, Page 4 – How will the Government weigh a single company proposing with 3 Past Performance citations against a JV with up to a total of 5 past performance citations?

Answer 112: Past performance is not weighted.

Question 113: PWS 6.1.4, Key personnel – Can the Government please verify the number of FTEs for Key Personnel and which labor categories are considered Key Personnel? The current section is PWS 6.1.4 only identifies 480 hours but the RFP is requesting multiple resumes for Key Personnel.

Answer 113: Two. The 480 hours for the Program Manager can be split by the two Key Personnel or assigned to one based on Offeror discretion.

Question 114: How does the Government intend to award this contract? As a single award contract or as a BPA?

Answer 114: The government intends to award one (1) contract with a combination of FFP and LH CLINs.

Question 115: RFP, Proposal Submission, Volume 3: Past Performance, Page 4 – Would the Government allow submission from a Mentor Protégé JV as a conjoin Past Performance submission where the managing partner would inherit the past performance references from the non-managing partner? We currently do not have any other partners on our team and are planning to submit this proposal as a Prime for our MPJV but need clarification on the past performance due to the Joint Venture language specified within the RFP.

Answer 115: The contractor/Team Lead of a JV shall submit a maximum of three (3) projects for evaluation. Each project will have a Past Project Form attached as the cover page (Attachment 5). Where a subcontractor/JV agreement is proposed, an additional maximum of two (2) projects for the subcontractor/Team Member/other partner shall be submitted.

Question 116: Attachment 7 Pricing Worksheet lists the estimated hours for the Lead Help Desk/Computer/Data Entry Operator as 3,600. This is the equivalent of 2 FTEs. Can the government confirm there two Key Personnel required for the Lead Help Desk/Computer/Data Entry Operator labor category?

Answer 116: Yes, that is correct. There are two key personnel required.

Question 117: For a non JV bid, that constitutes one Prime and one Subcontractor, what are the number of past performance requirements? Would 3 suffice?

Answer 117: The contractor/Team Lead of a JV shall submit a maximum of three (3) projects for evaluation. Each project will have a Past Project Form attached as the cover page (Attachment 5). Where a subcontractor/JV agreement is proposed, an additional maximum of two (2) projects for the subcontractor/Team Member/other partner shall be submitted.

Question 118: Can the government share any current COTS products being utilized for Records Management and Call Center support?

Answer 118: Teleform and Footprints are used but have been customized for the operations on which they are used.

Question 119: The RFP says that resumes are only required for each "Key Personnel" labor category specified in paragraph 6.1.4 of the PWS, plus a signed letter of intent. The problem is that paragraph 6.1.4 contains only one labor category, "Lead Help Desk/Computer/Data Operator" followed in parenthesis by "(Key Personnel)," which means that only one resume is needed. The instructions also say that resumes are not required for non-key personnel.

I'd like to clarify, is a resume needed for the Lead position?

Answer 119: The Lead Help Desk/Computer/Data Operator position is “Key Personnel”. There are two such positions, and two resumes are required.

Question 120: Attachment 7 Price Sheet – CLIN X0001 provides for all hours for each labor category with the exception for Help Desk/Computer/Data Entry Operator. Were the hours for this labor category omitted on purpose or will the government provide the number of hours in which these positions should be staffed?

Answer 120: Based on historical data, Help Desk/Computer/Data Entry Operator is not needed for tasks 1 and 2, line items has been deleted from PWS and Pricing Matrix for the base year or option periods. CLIN 00002, Extended Support, may be utilized if extended/overtime hours are required and pre-approved. Labor category Help Desk/Computer/Data Entry Operator rate will be available under CLIN 00002.

Question 121: Attachment 7 Price Sheet – Is CLIN X0002 to be used to provide overtime rates?

Answer 121: CLIN 00002, Extended Support, may be utilized if extended/overtime hours are required and pre-approved.

Question 122: The hours listed in section 6 – Personnel Requirements Extended Support for Tasks 1 & 2 do not line up with the hours listed in Attachment 7 CLIN X0002. Which document provides the correct hours?

Answer 122: Amendment 00002 corrects the extended support hours to 54,000.

Question 123: The solicitation states that the "The Period of Performance is anticipated to be five years consisting of a one-year base period and four one-year option periods, commencing one week after date of award". The solicitation does not include a date of award. Does OPM have an anticipated date of award at this time?

Answer 123: Award is anticipated within FY19; however, the timeframe is subject to change.

Question 124: The section states that the offeror shall submit a one page Cover Letter. However, Attachment 4, Evaluation Matrix says "N/A" for page limit for the Cover Page. Please clarify which one is accurate.

Answer 124: Amendment 00002 changes Attachment 4 from N/A to one page.

Question 125: The government indicates the table of contents will not be included in page limitation. If the offeror includes a title page prior to the table of contents for each volume, will the government exclude the title page?

Answer 125: A title page is not required. If a prospective offeror wants to submit a title page it will not be counted.

If any other information that is outside a title page is included, the information will be disregarded.

Question 126: Please confirm that the government allows a maximum of 3 projects for evaluation for any offeror who proposes without a subcontractor or teaming partner.

Answer 126: Confirmed.

Question 127: The Transition Plan section indicates that there is an incumbent. Can the government please provide the incumbent name and their Prime Contract #? Is the incumbent eligible to recompete their work?

Answer 127: Incumbent contractor is Comp – Tech, BPA Calls issued against BPA OPM3214A0007 have not exceeded an aggravate value of $11,943,906.30. All offerors meeting the set aside requirements in accordance with the RFP would be eligible.

Question 128: Key Personnel (resumes do not count towards Technical Approach page limit; however, each shall not exceed 2 pages excluding letters of intent.

It's clear that the letter of intent is not included in the resume page count. Please also confirm that the letter of intent is not being counted into the Technical Approach 15-page limit?

Answer 128: Confirmed. The letter of intent does count towards the Technical Approach 15 page limit.

Question 129: The Executive Order 13706 has been updated to include an increase in the Health and Welfare dollars for SCA Occupations, and subsequently, WD 2015-4505 Revision Number 13 was published on July 16, 2019. This increases the benefits paid to employees who fall under this determination. Will the government incorporate the revised Determination into this RFP?

Answer 129: Amendment 00002 includes revised wage determination 2015-4488 revision number 9.

Question 130: Since EO 13706 proscribes a standard amount of leave for individuals who have been employed on the contract, including previous iterations of the contract, will the Government please provide an average number of years, per labor category, that the current workforce has been working on this family of contracts?

Answer 130: The average…