Phase 2 QA Amendment 6.pdf

Reference:

Paragraph/Sentence Question Answer

L.6.2, Volume III: Factor 4: Past Performance, Page 65

Do the projects in Volume II Factor 4 Past Performance need to match the projects included in Volume I Factor 1 Experience?

No, the projects identified in Past Performance do not need to match the projects included in Factor 1 Experience.

However, if the past performance is for a partner or subcontractor, the Offeror must have submitted partner/subcontractor info for the at company in Volume I.

2 L.6.2, pages 65-66

For the Volume II small business subcontracting plan requirements (as described in Section L.6.2, page 65-66), we see that FHWA is requesting a Master Subcontracting Plan and the Attachment J.3 Subcontracting Plan. In accordance with FAR 52.219-9, we intend to provide — in Attachment J.3 — the estimated percentage goal and dollar amounts for each subcontract socioeconomic category, and answers for Questions 1.1 to 10. We do not intend to provide a separate Master Subcontracting Plan, since we do not have a firm-wide plan, and FAR 52.219-9 allows for individual plans instead. Can FHWA confirm that our intended approach to only submit Attachment J.3 complies with the requirements of FAR 52.219-9, and that a separate Master Subcontracting Plan is not required? If not, can FHWA clarify what else is needed to remain compliant?

A separate Master Subcontracting Plan is not required - Attachment J.3 is sufficient.

RFP language has been updated.

Volume II: Factors 2 and 3: Oral Presentation Requirements, Is it the expectation of FHWA that the slides contain the talking points or is the expectation that the slides should be comprehensive responses to the requirements?

It is not required that the slides be comprehensive responses. Per the RFP, "The Government will evaluate the Oral Presentation, not the slides – the slides are merely an aid to the oral presentation.

However, inconsistencies between the oral presentation and the slides may be a basis for a lowered confidence." Accordingly, please ensure that your slides and presentation are consistent.

Attachment J.3 The Subcontracting Goals template in Attachment J.3 refers to Base Year rather than Base Term. Because it is unknown how many TOPRs may be released and awarded in each contract year, and the mix of subcontractors that may be needed for those tasks, would it be acceptable to submit a single Subcontracting Goals table in Attachment J.3 covering the contract term rather than separate tables for each contract year?

Yes. It is acceptable to submit a single table covering the entire contract term.

5 L.6.2 Volume II, Pages 65-66

In a recent response to a question, FHWA stated that a Master Subcontracting Plan is not required to be submitted. However, the instructions on page 65 of the modified RFP still appear to require two sets of subcontracting plans (see underlined language). "Each prime Offeror who is other than a small business must include within its proposal a complete copy of their Small Business Subcontracting Plan, satisfactorily addressing all of the administrative requirements set forth in FAR 52.219-9. The Offeror must also submit a subcontracting plan in accordance with the instructions/format in Attachment J.3 Subcontracting Plan." Can FHWA confirm that a single Subcontracting Plan in accordance with the template in Attachment J.3 is the only document that is required?

A single subcontracting plan in accordance with Attachment J.3 is the only required document. RFP language updated to remove "also" to avoid confusion.

6 Oral Presentations

Please clarify when the time clock will be started for offeror presentations, specifically, will offerors be given time to introduce their team/presenters separate of the time limitation or will introductions count toward the time limit?

The introductions will count towards the time limit.

7 Oral Presentations

Similarly, please clarify when the time clock will be stopped for the end of the presentation, specifically, should offerors account for a presentation summary and the review panel to ask questions in the allotted time, or will FHWA permit these not be counted toward the time limit?

The review panel will not be permitted to ask any questions. If the Offeror would like to include a summary, this will count towards the time limit.

8 Volume 2 Submission For Volume II – Do we need to submit our presentation slides in a PDF format in addition to the PowerPoint file, or do you just want the PowerPoint file, and only the Resume/Past Performance/Subcontracting Plan in PDF?

The slides must be submitted in Power Point. You may also submit them as a PDF, but the PDF is not required. The Resume/Past Performance/Subcontracting Plan should be submitted in PDF or Word.

Volume II, Factor 3 - Key Personnel Resume

On question 2, currently, the RFP Amendment 5 lists the following criteria for the IDIQ Program Manager:

Volume II: Factor 3: Management and Staffing Approach - Key Personnel Resume (2 pages) The Offeror must provide a resume for the proposed IDIQ Program Manager who will be participating in the oral presentation. The proposed IDIQ Program Manager is required to participate in the Oral Presentation. The proposed Program Manager must meet the requirements of the Program Manager described in Attachment J.1. In addition, the Government highly desires that the Program Manager’s resume demonstrates the following:

• Evidence of at least 15 or more years of experience with projects of the same size, scope, and complexity to this requirement (including project management support services in a supervisory and/or leadership role).

• A Master’s Degree or relevant professional certification (if applicable, preferred but not required).

• For the purpose of the IDIQ Program Manager only, J.1 Labor Categories, a PMP and/or demonstrated management of an IDIQ of similar size and magnitude may be substituted for the professional engineer’s license OR road safety professional certification (level 1).

However, the cross-referenced J.1 Labor Categories attachment is not updated to reflect this change. It still states the following for the PM: Program Manager: The Program Manager (PM) shall be responsible for overall management of the contract, including quality control and assurance for all products delivered to the government and availability of resources to complete all task orders. The PM shall have 15 years of experience in related contract management. The PM shall have demonstrated success in providing high quality products meeting the customer’s expectations, and in keeping programs involving multiple subcontractors on schedule and within budget. The PM shall have a professional engineer’s license OR road safety professional certification (level 1), and relevant experience. In this secnario, the RFP allows some with a MS degree of higher and 15+ years of demonstrated experience managing an IDIQ of similar scope with no other professional certifications (PMP, PE, Road Safety Professional etc.) to be the Program Manager. But the J.1 attachment would not.

Attachment J.1 reflects the requirements for the Program Manager labor category generally. Specifically for the IDIQ program manager, these requirements have been modified. RFP updated for clarity. The IDIQ Program Manager will be required to meet the requirements of the labor category as modified by the RFP.