Questions and Answers 20230405.pdf

# Reference Question Answer 13 1 Are we submitting Attachment 017 in addition to the FPDS, SOW, PWS, etc.? In other words, do we submit both documents for each reference?

Attachment 017 shall be submitted for each REP, no matter which Verification Method is selected. Please refer to the updated RFP.

14 1 Does Part I of Attachment 017, REP Template, require a signature if the FPDS includes all of the required information?

Attachment 017 does not require a signature if #1 Verification Method is chosen. Please refer to the updated RFP.

15 1 If you submit an FPDS-NG report and an annotated PWS/SOW identifying the correlation to the claimed scoring elements and that set of information is enough to validate the claimed scoring elements is there any need to fill out Part 2 of the Attachment 17 form? Was the intent to allow offerors to submit just the FPDS- NG report along with the annotated PWS/SOW and just Part I of Attachment 17 and if it verifies the claimed scoring elements and Part 1 information then there is no requirement to fill out Part 2 of Attachment 17 and no requirement to get a signature on Attachment 17? Right now the statements in L12.1.3 are ambiguous in that regard as noted above.

In reference to Attachment 017, Parts I and II shall be completed regardless of the verification method. Part III only needs to be completed if the Offeror is submitting a REP in accordance with L.12.1.3.2 and an FPDS-NG Report is not available. Please refer to the amended RFP.

16 1 Is the intent that an offeror would need to follow the second path in L12.1.3 in the case where the combination of the FPDS-NG Report and the annotated PWS/SOW together are not enough to clearly substantiate the claimed experience? (right now section L12.1.3 says that if the FPDS-NG report itself doesn’t provide verification for all claimed scoring elements that you have to submit the 3 elements (signed attachment 17, annotated PWS/SOW and award documentation)). The FPDS-NG report by itself would not substantiate all the claimed scoring elements, however, the combined FPDS-NG report along with the annotated PWS/SOW might. Note also that the certification drop down only allows for FPDS verification (we assume what was meant there was FPDS plus the PWS/SOW) and signature verification. Suggest clarifying if FPDS verification refers to FPDS plus the annotated PWS/SOW.

Please refer to the amended RFP.

17 3.1 This should include LH also, in accordance with Section B.2? Please refer to the amended RFP.

18 002 Labor

Category Description Final

There are 44 labor categories in which the years of experience column in the spreadsheet are blank. Does a blank field in that column indicate zero years of experience are required or will the government provide an update with years of experience required for those categories?

The blank field indicates the labor category does not require minimum years of experience.

19 4.1.8 This section 4.1.8 was IT Services Management Support in the previous draft. In section L.12.8 table still has PWS Section 4.1.8 IT Services Management Support. Please correct this information on page 31 of 156.

The Government confirms Section 4.1.8 and L.12.8 are consistent.

20 4.8.3 This task does not have a provision for contractor to acquire (purchase) any equipment. Will all task orders that include this scope also include a list of the GFE/GFI/GFS to be handled to satisfy this requirement?

Please reference PWS Section 3.6.1.

21 4.8.8 This task includes a provision for contractor to “acquire … licenses and/or commercial maintenance agreements”. Will all task orders that include this scope also include a list of the items to be procured?

Please reference PWS Section 3.6.2.

22 6.2.c "The Contractor should coordinate the location of the nearest VA fingerprinting office through the COR"

Will the VA consider changing this requirement to include other government agencies which can create electronic fingerprints such as HHS offices or police stations to reduce potential travel and related costs?

Thank you for your suggestion, however the Government will not update at this time.

23 7.3.2 The draft RFP states Price/Cost Volume shall be submitted in Microsoft Excel

Can the Excel tables orientation layout be set at landscape?

In accordance with L.14, Cost/Price proposals, Offerors shall use the Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet in Section J, Attachment 001, entitled, “Pricing Attachment”.

24 8.1.6 Small Business Participation Report

The Small Business Participation Report is due quarterly. However, is it the Government's intent that contractors maintain compliance with small business participation goals cumulatively on an annual basis?

The Government will review the contractor's small business participation performance on a quarterly basis and make any necessary adjustments to the contractor's quarterly past performance score based the ability to achieve those goals.

Compliance with small business participation commitments are intended to be tracked cumulatively for the life of the contract.

25 Amendment 016 There is a reference to Amendment 016 but no guidance on the format and what is required in the document. Can the government supply a template or explain what contents are expected?

Please refer to the amended RFP for clarification on Supporting Documents for Self-Scoring Worksheet (referred to as Attachment 016).

26 Attachment 001 Cell B125 is grayed out – please confirm if an On-Site rate is required for this position? Cell B125 (Project Director On-Site Rate)

Only tabs highlighted yellow require inputs. Please refer to the Instructions tab.

27 Attachment 001 Why is Project Director blanked out? Only tabs highlighted yellow require inputs. Please refer to the Instructions tab.

28 Attachment 001 Why is the Project Director having several of the fields black out? Only tabs highlighted yellow require inputs. Please refer to the Instructions tab.

29 Attachment 001 The Government has provided areas to input indirect rates applied to travel and ODCs. There are no places, however, to enter indirect rates applied to subcontractor and/or material costs. Will the Government provide an updated worksheet?

No, inputs for the indirect rates applied to travel and ODCs should be for the Prime contractor.

30 Attachment 001 Column B (On-Site T&M Fully Loaded Blended Labor Rate) for the Project Director Labor Category is not highlighted in yellow like the other Labor Categories. Can the government confirm that an on-site rate for Project Director should not be supplied?

Only tabs highlighted yellow require inputs. Please refer to the Instructions tab.

31 Attachment 001 The RFP and Attachment 001 do not explicitly define our Subcontractor pricing is provided. Can the USG please advise on Subcontractor pricing instructions?

No. The Offeror shall propose blended ceiling rates (i.e., to include prime and subcontractors) for Time & Materials (T&M)/ Labor Hour (LH) task orders (TO)s by completing the Pricing Attachment (Attachment 001) in accordance with Section L.14.

32 Attachment 001 The pricing file to be completed has a heading for indirect rates in separate columns for Travel and ODCs.

For some companies indirect rates are different for ODCs which are Materials from ODCs otherwise. Can you clarify whether ODCs in this file should be interpreted as for Materials, or will you revise the table such as to have different columns for each of the non-labor cost areas, such as: Materials, Travel, and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)?

The Offeror shall propose ceiling rates for Time & Materials (T&M)/ Labor Hour (LH) task orders (TO)s by completing the Pricing Attachment (Attachment 001) in accordance with Section L.14.

33 Attachment 001 Is there a specific locality (geographic region) that proposed ceiling rates should be based on? No.

34 Attachment 001 How are Offeror’s supposed to calculate and propose ceiling rates for travel and ODC indirect rates

(Columns H and I of the “Proposed Rate Input” Tab of the Pricing Attachment (Attachment 001))? What are the elements that are provided for use in our basis of estimate to determine these types of rates with no travel identified/defined or ODC materials required for the IDIQ-level?

The Offeror shall propose ceiling rates for Time & Materials (T&M)/ Labor Hour (LH) task orders (TO)s by completing the Pricing Attachment (Attachment 001) in accordance with Section L.14.

35 Attachment 002 In the table, 51 of the 175 LCATs have a blank in the “Number of years experience” column. Many indicate Junior level in the LCAT title, yet there are a few that do not. Please confirm zero years of experience are required for the LCATs with a blank.

The Government confirms.

36 Attachment 002 Are all identified labor categories to be priced at an UNCLASS rate structure? Assuming UNCLASS represents labor categories performing unclassified work, yes.

37 Attachment 002 If the labor roles are priced for UNCLASS work environments, will offerors be allowed to adjust/increase proposed rates to reflect any elevation in clearance requirements at the Task order level?

The Offeror shall propose ceiling rates for Time & Materials (T&M)/ Labor Hour (LH) task orders (TO)s by completing the Pricing Attachment (Attachment 001) in accordance with Section L.14.

38 Attachment 002 Language: Some of the labor categories are blank in the “Number of Years experience” and “Substitutions” columns.

Question: Should offerors assume blank cells indicate that no minimum years of experience are necessary for these roles?

In the event that a specific order includes requirements in excess of a LCAT definition, then LCATS may be added at the order level.

39 Attachment 002, #084, Informatic Specialist/Bioinfor matician

Reference: An Informatic Specialist/Bioinformatician providea high level expertise in the application of technology to areas of interest to government health organizations including Medical Informatics or Public Health Informatics; statistics, bio-statistics, mathematics; specific tools and data resources relevant to the federal health mission including SAS, Epi Info, etc.;

Minor typo: providea should be provides.

Noted.

40 Attachment 007 and 016

These two documents appear to be missing. Is this intentional? If yes, when will they be provided? Attachment 007 is "reserved" (no submission required at this time). Please refer to the amended RFP for clarification on Supporting Documents for Self-Scoring Worksheet (referred to as Attachment 016).

41 Attachment 009, POB/DOB; and Section 6.2.b

Comment: Date of Birth is not specified in Section 6.2.b.

Question: Is Date of Birth necessary? If so, we recommend it be provided under a separate cover with the Social Security Number.

Yes, Date of Birth is required.

42 Attachment 010 Recommendation: We recommend asking for the Subcontractor’s SAM.gov UEI instead of the DUNS number.

The Government concurs. Attachment 010 is updated.

43 Attachment 012 We strongly encourage VA to add a requirement for a minimum time employed prior to claiming a Veteran as an employee for the purposes of Attachment 012.

We have reason to believe that companies intending to compete for T4NG2 are engaging Veterans on a temporary basis for minimal hours to complete low-skill tasks based on providing survey feedback, and that the primary objective of these companies is to increase claimed points for employed Veterans for T4NG2.

This behavior does not serve the Veteran community’s interests, nor VA’s objective with including Veteran Employment as an award consideration.

By revising the T4NG2 solicitation to require that a Veteran employee must either (1) have a start date at least 45 days prior to the T4NG2 solicitation release, or (2) be a salaried employee or compensated on an hourly basis, VA will mitigate the impact of bad actors and shift focus to companies that have fostered a dedicated and sustained relationship with the Veteran community.

Recommendation received.

44 Attachment 013 In which volume should Attachment 013 (013+--+Veterans+Employment+Certification.docx) be attached:

Volume 3 - Past Performance or Volume 5 - Solicitation, Offer and Award Documents and Certifications/ Representations?

Volume 5. Please refer to the amended RFP.

45 Attachment 013 Will the government please clarify if submitting as a JV, is one submission for the Veterans Employment Certification required, or are signed forms from both the JV protégé and mentor required?

Only one submission of the Veterans Employment Certification is required.

46 Attachment 014 Upon adding up the percentages in the “Goals” column, we noted they total to more than 35%, i.e., 5 + 5+ 3 + 17 + 15 = 45. Therefore, would the Government please confirm the correct numbers for overall small business requirements in L.13.3 as well as Attachment 14?

The small business participation requirement for this procurement is 35%. Attachment 014 provides a breakout of the small business participation requirement by socioeconomic category.

47 Attachment 014 Can the Government provide further detail on the completion of the Small Business Participation Commitment (Attachment 14)? If an offeror is an SDVOSB should they list 100% in both VOSB and SDVOSB rows?

If an offeror is a SDVOSB, then the work anticipated to be completed directly by the offeror (I.e. not by the offeror’s subcontractors) would count for both VOSB and SDVOSB.

However, the Small Business Participation Commitments should factor in the work to be completed by the offeror as well as the offeror’s subcontractors.

48 Attachment 014, Attachment 015

Section L.10.2 provides file name conventions for Offerors. Attachment 014 (L.13.3) is included in this file naming, but the T4NG2 Self Scoring Worksheet does not provide an opportunity for a file name(s) in Column F as an associated supporting document.

Can the government confirm that no file attachment is required for Small Business Participation Commitment.

In accordance with L.13.3, Offerors must use the provided spreadsheet, Attachment 014 found in Section J of the Solicitation. Please rename this file replacing Prime Offeror with your company name.

49 Attachment 015 What is the maximum point value possible for L.13.3 Small Business Participation Commitment on Attachment 015 T4NG2 Self-Scoring Worksheet?

The theoretical maximum number of points would be 500 points if the Offeror proposed to meet 100% for all five socioeconomic categories

50 Attachment 015 There remains no differentiator within this solicitation that positively impacts firms with relevant experience within the VA. We strongly recommend the TAC includes a new scoring areas for VA past performance. A simple remedy would be to allow offerors, and offerors only (i.e. no subs) to submit proof of up to 3 additional projects that meet the minimum REP qualifications (i.e. 1 year performance, ongoing or within 5 years, $250,000 min TCV) and a satisfactory or better CPAR rating.

We would recommend 300 points per qualifying project

Recommendation received and considered.

51 Attachment 015 Requirements are cut off by cell. Please update Scoresheet to show hidden text (i.e., B-15, B-141) Please see updated Attachment 015 52 Attachment 015 Attachment 015, Self Scoring Worksheet.xlsx does not provide a location where Offerors are to include any

SF30s that may be issued as a result of any Amendment(s), or the applicable file name. We recommend that the Government update Attachment 015 and include this information under Volume 5.

Please utilize L.15.a in Attachment 015

53 Attachment 015 Attachment 015, Self Scoring Worksheet.xlsx does not allow Offerors to include the file name for the SB Participation Commitment excel spreadsheet. We recommend that the Government update Attachment 015 to allow for this addition.

Please utilize L.15.f in Attachment 015

54 Attachment 015 According to the current Self Scoring Worksheet, Offerors will receive points for demonstrating a positive record of performance on Relevant Experience Projects (REPs).

The Government concurs.

55 Attachment 015 The recent point changes (increasing cost accounting to 200 points, increasing CMMI Level 3 certifications to 300 points each) provide a distinct advantage to large businesses and JVs with a large business Mentor over stand-alone SDVOSBs, especially when SDVOSBs only receive 100 points in RFP L.9. In light of this unfairness, it is respectfully requested that the Government reconsider these changes in order to level the playing field between Large Businesses and SDVOSBs?

Thank you for your suggestion.

56 Attachment 015 There is significant confusion amongst potential Prime Offerors about the maximum score for self-scoring due to different interpretation to the current self-scoring sheet. Can the government confirm what is the maximum possible scoring points for this RFP Response. Without knowing this answer, it will be hard for industry to identify the proper number of REPs needed for maximum scoring.

The theoretical maximum number of points is 16,490

57 Attachment 015 L.15.e – Should a drop down be added for “Not Applicable” in this section? Please utilize "Yes" or "No" for this field.

58 Attachment 015 Please confirm that a small business prime can set a goal of 100% for each of the socioeconomic categories they qualify for. For example, if an offeror is SDB, HUBZone, SDVOSB, are they allowed to claim 300 points in Attachment 015, section L.13.3?

The Small Business Participation Commitments should factor in the work to be completed by the offeror as well as the offeror’s subcontractors. Therefore, an offeror should only commit to 100% within a given socioeconomic category if it intends for 100% of the dollars obligated during the entirety of its T4NG2 contract will go to companies within that socioeconomic category.

59 Attachment 015 Will a small business prime get 100% SB credit on the contract for each of its socioeconomic categories? The Small Business Participation Commitments should factor in the work to be completed by the offeror as well as the offeror’s subcontractors. Therefore, an offeror should only commit to 100% within a given socioeconomic category if it intends for 100% of the dollars obligated during the entirety of its T4NG2 contract will go to companies within that socioeconomic category.

60 Attachment 015 If an SDVOSB offeror intends to subcontract 5% of the work to a WOSB, is the offeror allowed to claim 100 points as it is meeting 100% of the Govt’s WOSB goal?

No. In this scenario the Offeror would input "5%" and receive 5 points.

61 Attachment 015 Clarification: L.12.8 does not reflect the points presented in Solicitation Section L.12.8. Please clarify which are correct.

Please use the dropdown list (Column C) to select the Sub- Function Area for the submitted REP. The score will auto populate in Column E. The Government confirms point structures in Attachment 015 are accurate.

62 Attachment 015 Clarification: L.12.7 does not reflect the points presented in Solicitation Section L.12.7. Please clarify which are correct.

The Government confirms point structures for L.12.7 in Attachment 015 are accurate.

63 Attachment 015 Clarification: L.12.9 Priority #5 does not reflect the points presented in Solicitation Section L.12.9 Priority #5. Please clarify which are correct.

The Government confirms the point structure for L.12.9 Priority #5 in Attachment 015 is accurate.

64 Attachment 015 There is no preference for firms with VA domain experience. This is a mistake and VA-specific scoring should be included in the evaluation.

The VA has come under fire as of late due to their contractor selection and system implementation controls.

The solicitation as it stands could likely see 30 new companies with ZERO VA domain experience awarded prime contracts, which will substantially exacerbate the VA's current situation. Subcontracting will not adequately address the loss of experience and knowledge this will impact. We recommend the TAC reconsider this area.

Thank you for your suggestion.

65 Attachment 015 If Offeror has selected “No” in column C for L.15.c, should Offeror enter N/A in column F, or is a response document required?

If the Offeror has selected “No” in column C for L.15.c,the Offeror should enter "N/A" in column F.

66 Attachment 015 If Offeror has selected “No” in column C for any elements of L.11, should Offeror enter N/A in column F, or is a response document required?

If the Offeror has selected “No” in column C for any elements of L.11,the Offeror should enter "N/A" in column F.

67 Attachment 015 The Self Scoring Worksheet, in particular the points awarded to high-dollar value projects, is likely to benefit very large system integrators at the expense of all other bidders. Few emerging large businesses are likely to have a large roster of $30M+ projects. Would the Government consider removing this element of the Self Scoring Worksheet? Doing so would put the emphasis on relevant experience regardless of project value.

No.

68 Attachment 015 What is the maximum number of points an offeror may receive in the Self-Scoring worksheet? The theoretical maximum number of points is 16,490 69 Attachment 015 Since most small businesses do not hold contracts that are over $30M, would the Government please consider changing the points allocation for relevant experience project values for small business offerors to:

up to $7M = 10 points; $7M - $15M = 20 points; and $15M+ = 30 points.

Recommendation received.

70 Attachment 015 We request the Government include in Attachment 015 additional points for Offerors who have the ISO/IEC Certification 20243: 2018.

Recommendation received.

71 Attachment 015, L.12.1

Points assigned for L.12.1 for responses 'Yes (as a Prime)" and Yes (as a Sub)" are the same. Page 133 defines Prime Contractor as “the Contractor has privity-of-contract with the Government for all contractual obligations under a mutually binding legal relationship with the Government." Providing equal points to work performed as a Prime or sub does not take into account the contractual obligation and delivery responsibilities of the Prime Contractor. Will the Government consider giving more points for work as performed as Prime to recognized the Prime relationship? Please adjust Attachment 015 accordingly, if applicable.

No. Thank you for your suggestion.

72 Attachment 015, L.12.8

Recommendation: We recommend modifying this to recognize the breadth of Sub-Functional Areas similar to Section L.12.6 with recognizes the breadth of Main Functional Areas.

Recommendation received.

73 Attachment 015, L.13.3

To avoid an unfair competitive advantage, which could subject the VA to potential protests, we request that the Government reconsider using a point assignment that gives assigned points for (1) meeting or (2) for exceeding Government's target for SB participation commitment in each social economic category. This is because L.13.3 coupled with L.9 (SDVOSB/VOSB Factor) and L.13.2 (Veteran Employment), represents 6.7% of the points available in the Self-Scoring that can only be maximized by a SDVOSB Offeror. The Top 30 being a combined pool of all Offerors (M.1.1), puts any non-SDVOSB offerors at a significant scoring disadvantage. Please adjust Attachment 015 accordingly, if applicable. This suggestion removes the high-value points the solicitation currently allows to particular Offerors with no requirement to provide substantiating evidence.

Recommendation received.

74 Attachment 015, L.13.3

In response to previous questions, the Government had stated it would not give points to an Offeror who SB Participation Commitment did not meet the Government's target. Currently Attachment O15 provides points for percentages under the Government's target. Please confirm that an Offeror who does not meet the stated target will not receive any points for a social economic category. Please adjust Attachment 015 accordingly, if applicable.

Per L.13.3, the overall small business requirement is 35%. Per M.4.3, in order to be eligible award, Offerors must meet the 35% minimum requirement.

75 Attachment 016 Could the Government please specify requirements regarding Attachment 16 - Supporting Documentation for Self Scoring Spreadsheet?

Please refer to the amended RFP for clarification on Supporting Documents for Self Scoring Worksheet (referred to as Attachment 016).

76 Attachment 016 What kind of evidence is the government expecting from the prime contractor in addition to the REPs to demonstrate the actual work that has been carried out? Would it be appropriate to provide evidence of the specific deliverables that were submitted to the client? Can we utilize the Monthly Status Report (MSR) as proof? Also, is it permissible to use the statement of work created between the prime contractor (Company A) and sub-contractor (Company B) as evidence to support the REPs for federal government client work?

Please refer to the amended RFP for clarification on Supporting Documents for Self Scoring Worksheet (referred to as Attachment 016).

77 Attachment 016 As noted in Q&A #4, Attachment 016 – Supporting Documentation for Self Scoring Worksheet was not included with the final RFP package. The Government’s response was that “Attachment 016 was not released with the RFP as this attachment is to be submitted by the Offeror to support its proposal in accordance with L.10.3.” However, in Section L.10 Proposal Submission Instructions, item c. table, the instructions for L.10.3 Supporting Documents for Self Scoring Worksheet do not reference Attachment 016, rather they state the following naming convention: (Prime Offeror) SD-SSW.PDF and/or (Prime Offeror) SD- SSW.ZIP. Whereas, in Section L.10.3, item iv. the instructions state that “if “Yes” is entered in Column C, the Offeror shall enter the file name(s) in Column F for each associated supporting document submitted in Attachment 016.”

To remove any confusion, please confirm that Attachment 016 is part of the offeror’s submission and equivalent to the offerors’ Supporting Documents for Self Scoring Worksheet, to be submitted as (Prime Offeror) SD-SSW.PDF and/or (Prime Offeror) SD-SSW.ZIP. We would also suggest the Government revise the RFP to remove Attachment 016 from Section J of the RFP if it is not a Government-provided attachment.

Please refer to the amended RFP for clarification on Supporting Documents for Self Scoring Worksheet (referred to as Attachment 016).

78 Attachment 016 Since Column F of both Attachments 015 and 016 appear to require the same information, why is Attachment 016 needed? Please explain.

Please refer to the amended RFP for clarification on Supporting Documents for Self Scoring Worksheet (referred to as Attachment 016).

79 Attachment 016 Attachment 016, Supporting Documentation for Self-Scoring Worksheet, was not issued with the final RFP.

Please provide us with Attachment 016.

Please refer to the amended RFP for clarification on Supporting Documents for Self Scoring Worksheet (referred to as Attachment 016).

80 Attachment 016 The RFP references Attachment 016 - Supporting documentation for Self Scoring Worksheet, however no such attachment was included in the files released.

Question: Could the Government please clarify that Attachment 016 is referencing the Supporting Documents for Self Scoring Worksheet (with the file name "(Prime Offeor) SD-SSW.pdf") and is not a form we are required to fill out?

Please refer to the amended RFP for clarification on Supporting Documents for Self Scoring Worksheet (referred to as Attachment 016).

81 Attachment 016 L.10.2.c, Content Requirements: In the Content Requirements table, Row L.10.3 specifies a file/content for Supporting Documents for Self Scoring Worksheet.

What does the Government expect this file would contain as pertains to scoring documentation? Are Offerors to replicate the submission of verification/supporting documentation in this file as well?

Please refer to the amended RFP for clarification on Supporting Documents for Self Scoring Worksheet (referred to as Attachment 016).

82 Attachment 016 Is this file meant to include the Verification of Relevant Experience Submission Data for each REP? If so recommend that, this be split into 10 files with names (Prime Offeror)_REP_x_SD-SSW.PDF. The will lower the file size and complexity of the submission data. If this is not the file for verification of relevant experience, then should verification items be placed in the same file as each relevant experience project template? (Prime Offeror_REP-x).

Please refer to the amended RFP for clarification on Supporting Documents for Self Scoring Worksheet (referred to as Attachment 016).

83 Attachment 016 What Volume does L.10.3 Supporting Documents for Self Scoring Worksheet go? Volume 1. Please refer to the amended RFP for clarification on Supporting Documents for Self Scoring Worksheet (referred to as Attachment 016).

84 Attachment 016 Item a-iv refers to “Attachment 016.” But nowhere in the RFP does the Government stipulate requirements for the contents of Attachment 016. Section L.10.2 describes a series of files that will contain all the associated supporting documentation to be submitted for an Offeror’s proposal. But nowhere does the RFP specify what files are to be included in Attachment 016. Is Attachment 016 the Zip file to contain all supporting documentation? Is Attachment 016 the same as (Prime Offeror) SD-SSW.PDF? If so, we ask the Government to specify what files are to be included in SD-SSW.PDF and/or Attachment 016, since all supporting documentation files are already identified elsewhere in the table in L.10.2.

Please refer to the amended RFP for clarification on Supporting Documents for Self Scoring Worksheet (referred to as Attachment 016).

85 Attachment 016 Please confirm whether Attachment 016 – Supporting Documentation for Self Scoring Worksheet is to be submitted in Volume 1.

Please refer to the amended RFP for clarification on Supporting Documents for Self Scoring Worksheet (referred to as Attachment 016).

86 Attachment 016 What specific documents should be submitted in file, “(Prime Offeror) SD-SSW.PDF and/or (Prime Offeror)

SD-SSW.ZIP?

Please refer to the amended RFP for clarification on Supporting Documents for Self Scoring Worksheet (referred to as Attachment 016).

87 Attachment 016 Please confirm that any “Supporting Documents for Self Scoring Worksheet” must be included as part of Volume 1 - General.

Please refer to the amended RFP for clarification on Supporting Documents for Self Scoring Worksheet (referred to as Attachment 016).

88 Attachment 016 Section L.10.3 item b.iv instructs Offerors to record the name for each associated supporting document submitted in Attachment 016. These document names are the same as what an Offeror enters into Attachment 015 column F. All Attachment 015 column F entries are currently standalone files with names listed in the L.10.2 Proposal Files table. L.10.2 lists the Supporting Documents for Self-Scoring Worksheet as "Free Format" and not tied to Attachment 016. Could the Government clarify what is required in the Supporting Documents for Self-Scoring Worksheet file?

Please refer to the amended RFP for clarification on Supporting Documents for Self Scoring Worksheet (referred to as Attachment 016).

89 Attachment 016 Section L.10.3 states, "No other format or additional proposal documentation will be considered." Section L.10.2 associates the Supporting Documents for Self Scoring Worksheet to this solicitation section (Section L.10.3). Please clarify what is required for the Supporting Documents for Self Scoring Worksheet file.

Please refer to the amended RFP for clarification on Supporting Documents for Self Scoring Worksheet (referred to as Attachment 016).

90 Attachment 016 There is a reference to Amendment 016 but no guidance on the format and what is required in the document. Can the government supply a template or explain what contents are expected?

Please refer to the amended RFP for clarification on Supporting Documents for Self Scoring Worksheet (referred to as Attachment 016).

91 Attachment 016 Amendment 016 is required if answering “Yes” in Column C, however no guidance on the format and what is required in the document.

Is this document made up of only the tagged PWS’s or SOW’s supporting the 10 Reps’?

Should it have a Table of Contents and page numbers?

Can the government supply a template or explain what information is expected and how it should be presented?

Please refer to the amended RFP for clarification on Supporting Documents for Self Scoring Worksheet (referred to as Attachment 016).

92 Attachment 016 In addition to PWS/SOWs, will the Government allow offerors to use other types of contract documents/deliverables to verify and validate general scope, nature, complexity, and purpose?

Please utilize "Attachment 016 - Supporting Documentation for Self Scoring Worksheet".

93 Attachment 016 Some PWS/SOW tend to be vague and not specific enough to show relevancy. Would the Government allow other contract and/or contract performance related documentation as support documentation (e.g., monthly reports, deliverable samples, client presentations, etc.)?

Please utilize "Attachment 016 - Supporting Documentation for Self Scoring Worksheet".

94 Attachment 016 Please clarify if offerors should provide the Verification of Relevant Experience documentation in a single file called “Supporting Documents for Self Scoring Worksheet” or if offerors should provide the Verification of Relevant Experience documentation as an appendix to each applicable REP Template (Attachment 017) submitted (i.e., REP-1 Template with associated FPDS-NG Report and Contract SOW/PWS, REP-2 Template with associated FPDS-NG Reports and Contract SOW/PWS and so on)?

Please refer to the amended RFP for clarification on Supporting Documents for Self Scoring Worksheet (referred to as Attachment 016).

95 Attachment 016 Question: Please provide Attachment 16- Supporting Documentation for Self-Scoring Worksheet Please refer to the amended RFP for clarification on Supporting Documents for Self Scoring Worksheet (referred to as Attachment 016).

96 Attachment 016 Please provide Attachment 16- Supporting Documentation for Self-Scoring Worksheet Please refer to the amended RFP for clarification on Supporting Documents for Self Scoring Worksheet (referred to as Attachment 016).

97 Attachment 016 Language: Pg. 111: ATTACHMENT 016 – SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION FOR SELF SCORING WORKSHEET Pg. 128: iv. If “Yes” is entered in Column C, the Offeror shall enter the file name(s) in Column F for each associated supporting document submitted in Attachment 016. Question: Will the government be providing Attachment 016?

Please refer to the amended RFP for clarification on Supporting Documents for Self Scoring Worksheet (referred to as Attachment 016).

98 Attachment 016 In the most recent Q&A released, the Government indicates that Attachment 16 is actually the corroborative contract documentation that the contractors are supposed to submit with the proposal.

Question: Recommend the Government remove Attachment 16. Clarification we as contractors are to name this documentation Attachment 16.

Please refer to the amended RFP for clarification on Supporting Documents for Self Scoring Worksheet (referred to as Attachment 016).

99 Attachment 017 Attachment 17 states: briefly explain the rationale supporting your claim, to include identification of document reference/titles, page numbers, section/paragraph headings, as applicable.

Question: The identification of document reference/titles, page numbers, section/paragraph headings typically involves the creation of an comprehensive cross-reference matrix. To convincingly map the 60+ functional and sub-functional areas in the T4NG2 SOW to an REP SOW will require at least 2 standard pages of text. May bidders include both documents (a cross-reference matrix and annotated REP SOW) together in Attachment 016? Or must the cross-reference matrix be pasted into Attachment 017?

Offerors may utilize Attachment 016 for Supporting Documents for Self Scoring Worksheet. Please refer to the amended RFP for clarification on Supporting Documents for Self Scoring Worksheet (referred to as Attachment 016).

100 Attachment 017 Is there a page limit for Attachment 017, or a character limit for the fields within the Attachment 17 REP Template?

There is no page limit or character limit.

101 Attachment 017 Can the government confirm that a completed Relevant Experience Project (REP) is submitted in its native format (i.e., MS Word) or should it be submitted as an Adobe PDF file?

Please refer to Attachment 017, Instructions and L.10.2 for proposal files.

102 Attachment 017 Can Offerors alter the Header to indicate their company name and/or Sam.gov UEID? Similarly, should Offerors alter the footer to indicate that the information provided contains proposal disclosure and business sensitive information?

No.

103 Attachment 017 In the draft RFP the Government asks Offerors to submit copies of their Relevant Experience Project SOWs to substantiate experience in the claimed Functional Areas. However, in the Industry Day it was stated that the Attachment 017 Relevant Experience Project (REP) Template will have an un-page limited section where Offerors are to describe their relevant experience. Can the Government clarify how this Attachment 017 description section will be used to score REP relevance for the Functional Areas? Will the information contained in this description also be used to substantiate the information in the SOWs or can it be used in lieu of a SOW?

Please refer to L.12.1.3 for Verification of Relevant Experience Submission. Information within Attachment 017 will be verified using one of the verification documents identified in L.12.1.3. Attachment 017 shall be used to substantiate the information provided but cannot be used in lieu of.

104 Attachment 017 On Part I of Attachment 017 – Relevant Experience Project Template, does the “Relationship to Prime Offeror” indicate the relationship to the Prime Offeror for the T4NG2 effort (i.e., Mentor, Protégé, subcontractor, etc.) or the relationship to the Prime Offeror for the relevant experience project identified (i.e., Prime, Subcontractor). If it is the relationship to the Prime Offeror for the T4NG2 effort, how is the relationship verified using the FPDS report as required in Section L.12.1.3?

Relationship to the Prime Offeror for the Relevant Experience Project.

105 Attachment 017 We respectfully request that the government unlock the Attachment 17 REP Template so offerors can format responses for ease of review (e.g., bullets, bolded language, italics, color).

Thank you for your request. The Government will not unlock Attachment 017.

106 Attachment 017 The Start Date cell converts a date entry to the format: YYYY-MM-DD.

The End Date cell date format is: MM/DD/YYYY.

What does the Government prefer for the date format?

Please use the date selection tool for each entry, regardless of date formatting result.

107 Attachment 017 All References: Highlight this information in the scanned documents to include documented references/titles, page numbers, section/paragraph headings, as applicable.

Recommendation: We strongly recommend “tagging” the highlighted areas to make it easier on the Offeror and easier on the evaluation team. Tagging was used effectively for CIO-SP4 and GSA Polaris. Tags can consist of Prime/Subcontractor, Contract Number, Main Functional Areas, Sub-Functional areas etc.

It is incumbent upon Offerors to clearly identify what specific sections of its proposal are being used to validate claimed points; and the proposed method of tagging is acceptable assuming the method is clearly explained.

108 Attachment 017 All References: Highlight this information in the scanned documents to include documented references/titles, page numbers, section/paragraph headings, as applicable.

Recommendation: Recommend “tagging” the highlighted areas to make it easier on the Offeror and easier on the evaluation team.

Thank you for your suggestion.

109 Attachment 017 For each PWS 4.1 thru 4.11 do you only to provide the SOW/PWS section numbers and page numbers to find the information in those reference documents? Do you want more information? If so, please specify exactly what you want.

Please review the "Note" under each prompt for Part II of Attachment 017.

110 Attachment 017 For 5. L.12.8 REPS within Sub-Functional Areas, do you only to provide the SOW/PWS section numbers and page numbers to find the information in those reference documents? Do you want more information?

If so, please specify exactly what you want. For this response does the offeror on the REP form only one PWS Sub-Functional area?

Please review the "Note" under each prompt for Part II of Attachment 017.

111 Attachment 017 For 6. L.12.9 Relevant Experience Projects in Individual Sub-Functional Areas, do you only to provide the SOW/PWS section numbers and page numbers to find the information in those reference documents? Do you want more information? If so, please specify exactly what you want. For this response, does the offeror on the REP form only one PWS Sub-Functional area that is associated on the Self-Scoring Sheet?

Please review the "Note" under each prompt for Part II of Attachment 017.

112 Attachment 017 Part I - Relationship to Prime Offeror lists the following options: Prime, Subcontractor, Joint Venture Mentor. If the Offeror is an MPJV can/should we identify the protege as Joint Venture Protege?

Yes.

113 Attachment 017 Section L.12.3.1 indicates that Attachment 017 requires a signature only when and FPDS is not available in order to verify Part I information. Can you confirm that a signature from the CO and COR is only required when an FPDS record is not available? .

A signature may also be required in the event that the FPDS record does not contain adequate information to verify the Part I information.

114 Attachment 017 Part I contains data found in the project task order FPDS. Section L.12.1.3 states that contract award documentation is only required if a current and accurate FPDS is not available. However, the "Note" under the Part I table requests further contract award documentation to substantiate Part I. This same note follows Part II items 1-3. Can the government please clarify the requirement on what is required to substantiate the Part I information and Part II items 1-3?

Documentation required to substantiate information contained in Attachment 017 is IAW L.12.1.3. Please refer to the amended RFP for additional information.

115 Attachment 017 The Verification Method field contains a drop down selection of "FPDS Record (Attached)" and "Signature Below by reference identified above". The description in the table below indicates the signature constitutes acceptance of the above REP Submission. Please confirm that the signature confirms the accuracy of both Part I and Part II/

Please refer to the updated RFP, specifically L.12.1.3. If a signed Attachment 017 is required under L.12.1.3, yes the signature acts as the confirmation for Part I and II.

116 Attachment 017 The instructions in Attachment 17 indicate in multiple places (instructions for questions 4, 5, 6; similar language for 7) that Offerors should justify claimed scores with documentation "to include the identification/explanation of the excerpts of Contract or Task Order documentation that substantiate the information."

Can the government please confirm that for the purposes of demonstrating alignment with T4NG2 requirements that the government will consider a variety of different reasonable "Contract or Task Order documentation" types (e.g. contract modifications, requirement appendices, CPARS performance descriptions, formal contract artifacts etc.) to substantiate contract experience details of questions 4-6, and past performance information under question 7?

Offerors may utilize Attachment 016 for supporting documentation to support claimed points.

117 Attachment 017 The Attachment 017 template includes a field for REP Identifier (REP-1, REP-2, etc.), but offerors may wish to change the order of REPs after receiving signed forms back from the customer. These forms may be locked for editing after signatures are added. Are offerors permitted to annotate signed REP forms with the final REP number if it differs from the number identified at the time of REP signature?

Offerors may utilize Attachment 016 for supporting documentation to explain this inconsistency.

118 Attachment 017 Many SOWs/PWSs and related contract documents have higher level IT service area descriptions than those contained in the RFP. Can an offeror substantiate work performed by providing a detailed description under main or sub functional areas validated by a signature from the cognizant CO/COR/COTR along with a SOW/PWS and/or other contract documents that contain broader references to the work performed?

Offerors may utilize Attachment 016 for supporting documentation.

119 Attachment 017 Attachment #17 instructions, item 3 states, “Offerors shall respond to all questions and requests, as applicable.” Is the VA referring to “questions and requests” contained in Attachment #17 or to additional questions and requests that are result from the evaluation of the offeror’s proposal?

This reference refers to questions and requests contained in Attachment 017.

120 Attachment 017 Would the Government please confirm whether a "scanned document" means a PDF document? "Scanned documents" refers to any documents submitted to validate claimed points.

121 Attachment 017 Would the Government please provide a list of anticipated "scanned document(s)," submitted in support of Attachment 017?

"Scanned documents" refers to any documents submitted to validate claimed points.

122 Attachment 017 For L.12.5 through L.12.9, would the Government please provide separate, additional input sections/fields for (1) Brief Explanation and (2) Excerpts of Contract/TO Documentation?

No. Please utilize the text box for each section.

123 Attachment 017 Would the Government please provide a 017 template that allows Offerors to add responses without formatting restrictions?

Thank you for your request. The Government will not unlock Attachment 017.

124 Attachment 017 Can the Government please confirm that Attachment 017 does _not_ require highlighting? The Government confirms. The Offeror shall provide excerpts of Contract, Task Order and/or Award documentation that substantiate the information within Volume 2 of the proposal submission.

125 Attachment 017 If an Offeror enters text whose very first character is bold and highlighted, then currently the REP Template forces all following text into that same highlighting -- making REP Templates visually difficult for Evaluators to read. Ditto all-unformatted text: visually difficult to read. Therefore, would the Government please consider free-formatting in response boxes in the REP Template to facilitate Evaluation with formatted text that is more visually readable for Evaluators?

Thank you for your request. The Government will not unlock Attachment 017.

126 Attachment 017 Please provide a recommended location to provide a narrative to explain divisions, subsidiaries, acquisitions, or affiliates of the offeror’s REP.

Offerors may provide this information in Attachment 017 or utilize Attachment 016. Please refer to the amended RFP for guidance about Attachment 016.

127 Attachment 017 Instructions inside Attachment 17 instruct Offerors to denote refer-ences/titles, page numbers, and sec-tion/paragraph headings, as applicable to supporting/verification documents for each question. If we are to do this and highlights are also to be added inside each supporting/verification document, why does Attachment 17 also ask us to include excerpts? This ap-pears to be duplicative to what is already highlighted in the support-ing/verification documents, and it also can significantly increase the length of the Attachment 17, which needs to be read, approved, and signed by Government personnel in Part III.

Thank you for your comment. These references may be used to validate claimed points.

128 Attachment 017 The locked template prevents offerors from being able to format their responses in the text box. Will the Government allow offerors to convert the template so that format-ting is unlocked?

No.

129 Attachment 017 How do we provide the data required in L.12.1.2 (i), (j), (k) if Attachment 017 does not provide text fields for the data required in L.12.1.2? Please clarify.

VA confirmed that Attachment 017 does contain text fields to respond to these elements.

130 Attachment 017 Attachment 017 uses two different date formats in the "From" and "To" fields for “TOTAL PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE” in PART 1. One is “yyyy-mm-dd” and the other is “mm/dd/yyyy”.. In an effort to ensure proper understanding of the dates, would the Government please consider issuing a new Attach. 017 correcting this discrepancy?

Please use the date selection tool for each entry, regardless of date formatting result.

131 Attachment 017 Attachment 017 consists of a series of Plain Text form controls as fillable fields in the document. Would the government consider changing those form control to Rich Text to enable easier formatting and easier consumption for the Government?

No.

132 Attachment 017 In the event a Contractor has legally changed its business name since completion of a project, we assume offerors should document that in the Contractor Name field of Attachment 017. Please confirm.

Yes. In addition, Offerors are encouraged to submit supporting documentation IAW Attachment 016.

133 Attachment 017 Do Offerors need to highlight / point out in the PWS that supports Attachment 017 every Sub-Functional that applies to each project or only the Priority Sub-Functional areas where we are claiming credit.

The Offeror must highlight, or otherwise identify, the specific written passages in the SOW or PWS that support the claimed Functional Area.

134 Attachment 017 Would the Government consider removing this section in Attachment 017? Per the table listed in L.10.2 all CPARS (L.13.1) are to be grouped together in one file and managed…