Lab_Staffing_QAs__5.18.18_v2.pdf

Question # Page # Section Paragraph Question Response

1 8 Final RFP Section B

Supplies/Services CLINs 5001 - 5005

Under the Supplies and Services pricing schedule on page 8, please confirm that offerors are not requested to price CLINs 5001 through 5005?

Offerors are required to price CLINs 5001 through 5005. Note: In considering the price of the base period and any option periods, the Government will consider that if the extension of service clause (FAR 52.217-8) is exercised, it will be on the exact same rates and terms, other than length of performance, as the base or option period being extended. This sentence will be added to the solicitation. For evaluation purposes only please use the rates from option year 4 to price the extension per FAR 52.217-8. RFP updated

2 11 Final RFP Section E.2

3rd

Please confirm the Federal Travel Regulations (FTR) apply and confirm whether rules in the FTR related to the minimum dollar threshold for maintaining receipts for ODCs apply (e.g., only receipts in excess of $75)? This instruction in the 3rd paragraph seem to indicate that all receipts must be maintained.

Yes, receipts are required. The FTR applies and receipts for travel of $75 or more are required. ODCs are not considered travel for the purposes of this RFP and the FTR does not apply. Please see the ODCs section in the PWS 4.7.

3 19 Final RFP

Section H.4 3rd

The instructions say: "In the event the Contractor’s personnel work during the holiday, they may be reimbursed by the Contractor. However, no form of holiday or other premium compensation will be reimbursed either as a direct or indirect cost, other than their normal compensation for the time worked." Please clarify tha the intent of this section is to indicate that if Contractor company personnel are required to work on holidays, the Contracting company will be able to invoice for the regular compensation to which it is entitled for the work of its employees, but will not be able to charge premium rates to the government? We assume the Government did not mean to control the amount of compensation a Contracting company chooses to pay its employees. Please confirm.

This is correct. You will only be able to bill the government for the hourly rate in the contract.

4 25 Final RFP

Section I.2.b N/A

This is an unrestricted full and open solicitation. Please confirm that FAR 52.219- 14 does not apply.

You are correct. FAR 52.219-14 --Limitations on Subcontracting DOES NOT apply. The RFP will be updated.

5 29 Final RFP

Section I.2.c N/A

Please confirm that FAR 52.222-41 does not apply to this contract? If it does, please provide all applicable wage determinations.

FAR 52.222-41 --Service Contract Labor Standards DOES not apply.

6 18 Final RFP Section H

H.1

a) Please provide clarification on situations where the government anticipates the Contractor to be required to purchase property in the performance of the contract, since the inference is that normally acceptable laboratory equipment will be provided

b) If replacement or new laboratory equipment is projected; what guidance will be provided on equipment specifications to use in the acquisition of new/replacement equipment?

c)Please clarify what role will the host State/Local laboratory play in the process, to including equipment selection, installation, and maintenance?

a) The government does not anticipate that the Contractor will purchase any equipment or property for the performance of the contract related to Program operations; B) The Program will evaluate and select replacement equipment and provide these items to the laboratory. The staff may be asked to participate in multi-center studies or some operational testing, but the Contractor will not be responsible for acquistion or selection. C) State/Local Lab will provide input to the Program to inform selection and we will coordinate to ensure installation can be accomplished, but DHS will provide final decision authority and will procure and provide maintenance on all equipment. NOTE: Section H.1 of the RFP remains as is as a government business practice.

7 12 PWS 4 PWS 4.1 and 4.1.1

PWS 4.1 states "The Contractor shall deliver to the COR and the BioWatch Program Office a copy of the transition plan within 30 days of contract award."

and PWS 4.1.1 states "The Contractor shall deliver to the COR and the BioWatch Program Office a copy of the transition in plan within 10 days of contract award."

Can the Government please confirm that only one transition plan is required and th proper due date?

A transition plan covering initial activity is due within 10 days of award. A final transition plan that covers any remaining initial transition activities, but also outlines the close-out transition activities is due 30 days after award. RFP updated.

RFP Page

Tab C.2 Technical and Business Management Approach

“A corporate representative, such as CEO or VIP, may be present as an observer at the Oral Presentation,"

Please confirm this Offeror's understanding that the intent of this requirement is that the five oral presentation participants must be proposed as program personnel, without regard to the company they are employed by (prime or sub).

The offeror may bring up to five personnel to participate in the oral presentations. At least 3 of the 5 personnel must be PRIME contractors, including the key personnel. Offerors may bring corporate representatives, such as the CEO or VIP, as observers.

A corporate representative can only present if they are acting in one of the key personnel positions noted in the

RFP.

RFP Page

Tab C.2 Technical and Business Management Approach

Please consider allowing Offeror teams to have two (observing-only) Corporate Representatives, including one from the prime, and one from a critical subcontractor.

The RFP does not limit the number of corporate representatives who can observe the oral presentation.

RFP Page

Tab C.2 Paragraph 3 Please consider allowing the prime's Corporate Representative to introduce the Project Manager (PM) and presenting team to the Government evaluators, prior to the commencement of the oral presentation.

Corporate representative who are not acting in one of the key personnel positions noted in the RFP are only observers.

RFP Page

M.3 Factor 1.2 Please clarify how the oral presentation will be scored and weighted as an evaluation factor, relative to the other evaluation factors.

The oral presentation will be evaluated as part of the Technical/Business Management Approach factor; this evaluation factor is significantly more important than factors 2, 3, and 4.

PWS Page

3.3 Quality

Assurance Oversight and Notification Plan

3.3.1 The Contractor shall deliver to

the COR and the BioWatch Program Office a copy of the Quality Assurance Oversight and Notification Plan

Please consider requiring an initial QA Oversight and Notification Plan as an attachment to the Offerors' responses that is not within page count.

See Section 3.3.1. The Contractor shall deliver to the COR and the BioWatch Program Office a copy of the Quality Assurance Oversight and Notification Plan within 30 days of contract award, with updates delivered within 30 days of the Option year being awarded.

13 PWS 6 2.3.2 1

Use of alternate or centralized facilities and designated training support staff is preferred or required? The first line of 2.3.2 states that the Contractor will ensure that the individual(s) is capable of demonstrating sufficient competency prior to arrival at the operational laboratory to minimize burdens on the remaining incumbent staff.

Use of alternate or centralized facilities and designated training support staff is preferred, but not required.

NOTE: the use of the term “centralized” refers to a common training location that is separate from the labs.

RFP Updated to add Centralized definition in section 5.0

Attachment J.4: RFP Question Form

RFP 70RHAD18R00000003

BioWatch Lab Staffing

PWS 6 and

2.3.2.1 and 2.3.2.2

Will the trainee's hours be billable while undergoing initial training at the centralized facility?

No, any personnel being trained prior to arriving at the operational laboratory is a cost that the contractor will absorb as a cost of doing business. Once personnel have completed the initial training successfully and are working in a Biowatch lab any additional training the government requires will be at the cost of the Government. RFP updated, see section H.10.

15 6 and 7

2.3.2.1 and 2.3.2.2

Will the travel, lodging and per diem costs associated with training at the centralized training facility be billable to the government?

No, any personnel being trained prior to arriving at the operational laboratory is a cost that the contractor will absorb as a cost of doing business. Once personnel have completed the initial training successfully and are working in a Biowatch lab any additional training the government requires will be at the cost of the Government. RFP updated, see section H.10.

16 6 and 7

2.3.2.1 and 2.3.2.2

Will the reagents and consumables associated with training at the centralized training facility be provided by third parties at no cost to the Contractor?

Reagents and consumables for training will be provided by the Program

17 PWS 6 2.3.2 1

If an independent training facility is proposed will DHS supply capital equipment to support the training such as a PCR instrument, beadbeater, pipettes, PCR workstations, etc?

Upon award and further review of the training proposal, DHS will work with the Contractor to determine which pieces of equipment and instruments are necessary.

Once established, those items will be provided by the Program.

18 PWS 7 2.4.3 1

If the use of staff from other operational locations to supplement the location of the event should be minimized, is it required that the Contractor provide additional resources for surge support?

Yes. It is up to the Contractor to propose a mechanism to provide surge support that has minimal impact on routine operations in a cost-effective manner.

19 PWS 10 3.2.5 1

Due to the large number of laboratory staff and dispersed locations, DHS anticipates additional multiple staff to assist the PM and TM, will these positions be billable to DHS?

Positions should be included in the proposal and will be evaluated accordingly.

20 PWS 14 4.6 2 Is time spent at the National Conference for attendees that are on the contract, billable?

Yes. All travel required by the government outside the local commuting area will be reimbursed to the contractor in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulations. PWS updated.

21 PWS 9 PWS 3.2.3

Upon further review of the pricing instructions spreadsheet vs PWS documents I see the pricing spreadsheet indicates two Technical and Project Managers at 3840 hours/year for each position while the PWS refers to them in the singular, i.e. one TM and one PM.

This has been corrected in the PWS section 3.2.3.

Section 3.2.4 already is plural as it states "Technical Manager(s).

22 4 CLIN 0004 Travel NTE

Was it the DHS intent that the travel budget included in CLIN 0004 account for travel required for training outside of the operational laboratory for Demonstration of Competency? If not how would DHS like for the contractor to provide for a separate budget travel estimate? Currently there is not a designated spot in the Cost Estimate Spreadsheet to provide for a separate travel estimate.

Yes. Travel is under CLIN 0004.

23 4 CLIN 0005 ODC's / Safety Training (NTE)

Was it the DHS intent that the ODC/Safety Training budget included in CLIN 0005 account for the materials that will be required for training outside of the operational laboratory for Demonstration of Competency? If not how would DHS like for the contractor to provide for a separate budget estimate for these training materials? Currently there is not a designated spot in the Cost Estimate Spreadsheet to provide for a separate material estimate.

Yes. CLIN 0005 covers safety training and the materials required for training.

24 59 L.4.2 Content of Proposal Volumes:

Format Instructions

Does DHS have guidelines or a recommended breakdown of number of pages per section for the 5 different components of the technical volume?

No. It is the sole discretion of the offeror regarding the breakdown of number of pages per section.

25 59 L.4.2 Content of Proposal Volumes:

Format Instructions

Will DHS consider removing the Small Business Subcontracting Plan from the 30 pg limit?

No. The Small Business Subcontracting Plan is included in the page limit. However, DHS is increasing the page limit for the Technical Volume to 50 pages.

RFP updated.

26 59 L.4.2 Past Performance Questionnaires

Related to the PPQ requirement within the technical volume, is it acceptable for the contractor to provide a table with a list of the POCs the questionnaire was sent to or does the government want us to provide a copy of the blank PPQ with customer information on page 1?

It is acceptable for the contractor to provide a table with a list of the POCs the questionnaire was sent to.

27 60 L.4.2 Tab B) Cross Reference Matrix Is the cross-reference Matrix included in the 30 page count?

No. The cross-reference matrix is not included in the 50-page count.

28 61 C.2 Technical Business Management Approach: Oral Presentation

Will the contractor need to provide a TAB C.2 in the proposal for this section since there will be no information provided in the written proposal? No.

29 61 C.2 Technical Business Management Approach: Oral Presentation

Will DHS please specify the timeframe for which oral presentations are scheduled, for example, within X days of the written submittal date of 29 May?

No. Offerors will receive a scheduled date and time within 10 calendar days of the presentation.

30 62 L.4.2.I Tab D) Personnel Qualifications and Experience

Are resumes to be included as an appendix? Is there a page limit for resumes?

Yes. Resumes shall be included under Tab D - Personnel Qualification and Experience, as an appendix. There is a 3-page limit for each resume. RFP updated.

31 64 L.4.2.II

Organizational Conflict of Interest Certification Instructions

The instructions for providing the Organizational Conflict of Interest Certification are located within the Price Volume instructions, however the paragraph states it shall be included as an attachment in the Technical Proposal. Will DHS please confirm which volume they would like for the OCI Certification or mitigation plan to be included in? Also, does this certification or plan count against the page count?

The Organizational Conflict of Interest Certification shall be included in the Price volume. There is no page limit for the price volume. RFP update.

32 6 (J.1) 2.3.2.1 1 How many documents are currently on the Master Document List? 75 to 80

33 7 (J.1) 2.3.2.2 1 How long does it typically take a new hire to be trained in sample processing and PCR set-up processes?

This depends on the level of training that the technician has at hiring. For an individual familiar with basic laboratory techniques, it should not take longer than 7- 10 days to accomplish these training activities. Please refer to the technical library for the associated process SOPs for additional information.

34 7 (J.1) 2.4.3 1 If use of staff from other operational locations to supplement the location of the event should be minimized, is it required that the Contractor have their own surge support team?

Yes. It is up to the Contractor to propose a mechanism to provide surge support that has minimal impact on routine operations in a cost-effective manner.

35 10 (J.1) 3.2.6 1

In referring to the requirements for the separate individual to be able to conduct and document a yearly inventory of all DHS procured durable laboratory equipment, it states that the individual must have experience serving as a laboratory supply specialist; how much experience and would this experience also be required of the TM/PM position?

This language has been changed in the PWS to read "…..with some experience serving as a laboratory supply specialist." Although helpful, this experience will not be required of the TM/PM position.

36 14 (J.1) 4.6 2 Does the $130K allocation for travel cover travel to the National BioWatch Workshop and Travel to Exercises?

Yes.

37 57 L.3 3 The hyperlink provided for the VETS - 100A leads to a page that no longer exists.

Will the government please provide the annual VETS-100A?

VETS-100A has been replaced by VETS 4212. See https://vets4212.dol.gov/vets4212 to register.

38 58 L.3 6 Will the government please confirm that the NDA, with HWC, Inc, required is outside of page count? Yes, the NDA is not included in the 50-page limit.

39 58 L.3 6 Will the government please clarify which volume the NDA copy should be provide in?

The NDA shall be included in the Technical volume as an attachment.

40 60 I 1 Will the government please clarify if the required Tabs shall be a blank page? If so, will they be considered outside of page count?

The required Tabs shall include the title of the section only. The Tabs are not included in the 50-page limit.

41 60 I Tab B Will the government please confirm that TAB B - Cross Reference Matrix is outside of page count?

Yes. The cross-reference matrix is not included in the 50-page limit.

42 68 M M.2 Will the government please confirm that the letters of commitment required for Key Personnel will be outside of page count?

The Letter of Commitment is not included in the 50-page limit. It is to be submitted under the Pricing Volume with no page limit. RFP updated.

43 69 M Factor 1.2 Will the government please clarify when the 20 slide presentation shall be provided?

Electronic slides shall be provided 2 days before the scheduled oral presentation. A hard copy shall be presented at oral presentation.

44 69 M Factor 2 Will the government please clarify how many key personnel resumes are required for submission?

Any individuals identified as "Key Personnel" should provide a resume or summary of qualifications.

45 General Are companies required to have a facilities clearance; if so what level facilities clearance is required?

No

46 General Will the government please provide the position descriptions including years of experience, education requirements for all required labor categories listed in Attachment J.3?

Please refer to section 3 ("Contractor Personnel") of attachment J.1 (Performance Work Statement, section 3.1, Qualified Personnel) for this information.

47 General Will the government please provide the GS equivalents it expects for personnel fulfilling the labor categories listed in Attachment J.3?

No. Please refer to section 3 ("Contractor Personnel") of attachment J.1 (Performance Work Statement, section 3.1, Qualified Personnel) to aid you in making this determination.

48 13 PWS 4.4

Based on historical contract data, will the government please provide the performance locations (e.g. zip codes)?

See Attachment J.6- "List of Documentation Available Only From the Contracting Officer".

49 13 PWS 4.4 Will the government please provide the number of staff for each location?

See Attachment J.6- "List of Documentation Available Only From the Contracting Officer".

50 #3-8 SF1449 CLINS

The Product/Service description, Medical - Laboratory testing corresponds to NAICS code 621511. The NAICS code listed, however, on page 57 of 71, Sec 2) “Small Business Classification” is 541380. The 621511 NAICS code 3 year annual receipt average is be more in line with the projected 5 year cost of this program and allow a small business to more effectively demonstrate past performance as described on Page 62 of 71, Section Tab (E) Past Performance: “prime or first-tier subcontractor on previous or current relevant projects/tasks that are similar in size, scope and complexity to the work identified in the PWS”.

Questions: Would the government considering changing the NAICS code to 621511? If the government does not change the NAICS code from 541380 to 621511, than what constitutes similar past performance in size, scope and complexity? Could you please provide an example?

This is not medical/clinical laboratory testing. NAICS Code 541380 better captures the nature of the work involved which is not diagnostic in nature. This testing is of environmental samples, which falls into NAICS 541380- Testing Laboratories (which includes biological testing, but not Medical or Veterinary).

General Question

We understand that the exact location of services to be provided under the contract is sensitive information. That said, the location of services has an impact on wages and availability of talent. Will DHS consider providing the general location of services to assist contractors in determining realistic wages?

The city/state of each locations of services are included as a document under Attachment J.6- "List of Documentation Available Only from the Contracting Officer."

52 29 & 31 Section I 52.222-62 Does EO13706 apply to this RFP? Yes, both EO 13706 and Service Contract Act apply.

General Question

Are there specific background screening requirements for employees and potential candidates?

Background checks are required; the local jurisdictions may have additional requirements that are site specific.

See PWS, section 4.2, Security.

General Question

Are employees and potential candidates required to possess a clearance? If yes, what level?

No.

55 Attch J.3 The location of BioWatch services will have an impact on wage rates and has the potential to impact the ability of a contractor to retain a qualified workforce. Will DHS consider revising the pricing format to accept multiple location pricing?

Due to the Biowatch Laboratories being considered FOUO, the Pricing format is unable to be revised and posted. Offerors may alter the pricing sheet to account for various labor rates at multiple Biowatch locations/jurisdictions. NOTE: See FOUO document, "Lab Staffing Samples Per Day."

56 7 PWS 2.4

Will DHS provide historical information regarding the annual number and duration of surge and special event support that has occurred under the existing BioWatch contract to include number of events per year, average duration and average number of personnel mobilized?

No. See PWS, section 2.4.2.

57 29 & 31 Section I 52.222-41 Do the Service Contract Labor Standards apply to this RFP? No, FAR 52.222-41 does not apply.

58 59 L L.4.2 Are we correct to understand that the Cross Reference Matrix is not included in the Volume I page limit?

Yes. The cross-reference matrix is not included in the 50-page count.

59 59 L L.4.2 Request that offerors be permitted to provide an Executive Summary no more than four (4) pages but not counted against the Volume I page limit

No. Executive Summary shall be included in the 50-page limit.

60 59 L L.4.2 Request that the Technical / Business Management and Approach be allocated a 30 page limit that is not included in the overall volume page limit.

No. The Technical / Business Management and Approach is included in the 50-page limit.

61 59 L L.4.2

L.4.2 states the Small Business Subcontracting Plan is included in 30-pg. limit.

Section M.3 states Factor 4 – Small Business Subcontracting Plan has no page limit). Question - Request no page limit for this section since A DCMA approved master subcontracting plans coupled with an individual plan for a solicitation is at least 20 pages.

The Small Business Subcontracting Plan is included in the 50-page limit.

62 62 L L.4.2 Tab D) Personnel Qualifications and Experience. Question - Request offerors be permitted to submit three page key personnel resumes that are not counted against the Volume I page limi

Resumes shall be included under Tab D - Personnel Qualification and Experience, as an appendix. There is a 3-page limit for each resume. RFP updated.

63 62 L L.4.2

Tab D) Personnel Qualifications and Experience. A Staffing Matrix that lists 131+ personnel names and their education, experience, and relevant qualifications will require multiple pages to demonstrate that proposed staff meet the relevant technical, business managerial, and educational requirements outlined in the PWS.

Question - Request offerors be provided 15 pages for a section narrative introduction and a staffing matrix that is not included volume pg. limi

No. Tab D will be included in the 50-page limit.

64 62 L L.4.2 Tab E) Past Performance, References. Question - Request offerors be permitted to submit up to three page Past Performance References that are not counted against the Volume I page limi

No. Tab E will be included in the 50-page limit.

65 62 L L.4.2 Tab E) Past Performance, list of all relevant DHS on-going contracts or contracts completed for the specified period. Question - Request that this list not be counted against the Volume page limit

No. Tab E will be included in the 50-page limit.

66 7 Continuation

Sheet

NA

Period of Performance: 07/01/2018 to 06/30/2023 Question - Please confirm that 07/01/2018 is the estimated contract award date Offerors should use as the basis for our pricing. Correct.

67 13 F F.3

F.3 states - The place of performance shall be at the contractor’s facilities.

Question - This statement does not agree with the Section 4.4 Place of Performance text on Page 13 of the PWS. Please confirm that Section 4.4 supersedes.

The primary place of performance will be a combination of the contractor's facilities and the DHS at state or local Public Health Laboratories and Jurisdictions, per PWS, section 4.4. RFP updated.

68 32 I I.2 FAR 52.237-3 Continuity of Services (Jan 1991). Question - Can offerors expect the support described in this clause from the incumbent contractor during transition-in?

Yes, there will be an "overlap" of services during the transition-in period with the incumbent contractor and the new contractor.

69 33 I I.2

FAR 52.237-3 Continuity of Services (c) States, “The Contractor also shall disclose necessary personnel records and allow the successor to conduct on-site interviews with these employees. Question --What does the government define as "necessary personnel records"? What Information in a personnel record needs to be available for disclosure?

Personnel records include the individual employees personnel information, including resume, job description, training records, etc. (including DOCs, blood-borne pathogen training), HR actions (if any), and awards.

70 35 I I.3.a

HSAR 3052.209-72 Organizational Conflict of Interest states •Development of proposed technological/systems solutions related to DHS current or future programs and initiatives.

Question - Please clarify whether participation in the BioWatch Technology Enhancement initiative, technical demos, and Test & Evaluation/Operational Test & Evaluation are examples of an Organizational Conflict of Interest

Yes. Biodetection Technology Enhancements acquisition involves the development of a technological/system solution related to DHS biodefense.

71 36 I I.3

I.3 HSAR Clauses (Incorporated by Full Text) HSAR 3052.209-70 Prohibition on Contracts with Corporate Expatriates (JUN 2006). (f) Disclosure. - This clause has fill-ins. Question - are offerors required to complete these fill-ins and submit them with their proposals? If so, are we correct to provide these fill-ins in Volume II- Price? Yes.

72 36 I I.3

HSAR 3052.209-72 Organizational Conflict of Interest (c) Disclosure: The offeror hereby represents, to the best of its knowledge that:

___ (1) It is not aware of any facts which create any actual or potential organizational conflicts of interest relating to the award of this contract, or ___ (2) It has included information in its proposal, providing all current information bearing on the existence of any actual or potential organizational conflicts of interest, and has included a mitigation plan in accordance with paragraph (d) of this provision. Question - are offerors required to complete these fill-ins and submit them with their proposals? If so, are we correct to provide these fill-ins in Volume II- Price?

Yes. OCI shall be included in Volume II-Price.

73 38 I I.3 HSAR 3052.219-72 (a) Provisions is not checked on this page which indicates it is not incorporated into the contract or solicitation. Section L and Section M indicate that this clause is incorporated to the solicitation. Question - Please clarify.

The box should be checked for HSAR 3052.219-71.

The provision is incorporated in the solicitation and shall be incorporated in the contract. In order to receive credit under the source selection factor or subfactor, the offeror shall provide a signed letter of mentor-protégé agreement approval from the DHS Office of Small Business and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) before initial evaluation of proposals. The contracting officer may, in his or her discretion, give credit for approvals that occur after initial evaluation of proposals, but before final evaluation. RFP updated.

74 39 I I.3 HSAR 3052.219-71 (b) Clauses is not checked on this page which indicates it is not incorporated into the contract or solicitation. Section L and Section M indicate that this clause is incorporated to the solicitation. Question - Please clarify.

The box should be checked for HSAR 3052.219-71.

The provision is incorporated in the solicitation and shall be incorporated in the contract. In order to receive credit under the source selection factor or subfactor, the offeror shall provide a signed letter of mentor-protégé agreement approval from the DHS Office of Small Business and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) before initial evaluation of proposals. The contracting officer may, in his or her discretion, give credit for approvals that occur after initial evaluation of proposals, but before final evaluation. RFP updated.

75 39 I I.4(b((3) I.4(b)(3) states - Ensure critical personnel are identified within 30 days of award or contract designation as critical. Question - Request the Government provide a definition for critical personne

All contractor employees are critical to this contract.

76 40 I I.4(e) This section states The Contractor shall complete a written plan within 30 days after award of this contract. Question - What written plan is required? Is it listed in the list of deliverables?

The Contractor shall prepare and submit a continuation of essential services plan to the Government - due 30 business days after date of the award.

77 56 L L.1

L.1 FAR 52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998) requires offerors to complete FAR 52.204-17. Question - Section L does not identify in which volume or tab of the proposal response the Offerors should include the required information. Please identify the appropriate section As an attachment to Volume II.

78 56 L L.3.1

We encourage the Government to consider a 14-day extension to provide offerors adequate time to properly respond to the forthcoming amendment and answers to questions. If an extension is provided, we respectfully request the Government provide early notification for offeror's planning purposes.

No.

79 57 L L.3.1

RFP states "….all electronic submissions shall be in Microsoft Office file formats."

Question: We respectfully request that any required signed documents, e.g. cover letter, SF33, SF30s, Section K, and company proprietary manuals/plans/documents, be submitted as Adobe PDF

Permissible.

80 57 L L.3.1 L.3.1 states “Vendors shall submit an electronic copy of your firm’s proposal using WinZip software”. Question: May offerors use alternative software to create password-protected, AES-256 encrypted zips files for proposal submission?

No. The Government may not have the capability; thus, cannot ensure that all of offerors documents will be reviewed and evaluated if non-WinZip software is utilized.

81 57 L L.3.1

RFP Section 1) Delivery of Proposals. Question: What is the government's email size limit for electronic proposal submissions? Question: If necessary due to possible file sizes, may Offeror's submit WinZip files in multiple email submissions?

Offerors shall submit an electronic copy of proposals using WinZip software. The email size limit is 30 MB.

82 57 L L.3.2

Question: We recognize that the NAICS code and small business size standard of $15,000,000 applies to the prime offeror. Pursuant to FAR 19.703 and section 8(d) of the Small Business Act, it is the prime contractor's responsibility to assign a NAICS code that best describes the principal purpose of the subcontract. Please confirm that the Prime Offeror can select the NACIS codes for its subcontractors per FAR 19.703 and section 8(d) of the Small Business Act.

The prime contractor determines the NAICS code that best describes the product or service being acquired by the subcontract.

83 57 L L.3.5 RFP Section 5) Interested Offeror’s Questions. Question: We respectfully request the government provide the amended RFP, as a result of questions and answers, in both a track changes version and a conformed version

The Government will be posting Questions and Answer on FBO as well as the updated RFP and PWS.

84 57 L L.3.3 Are we correct to understand that the VETS-100A report is to be provided in Volume II - Price?

Yes. However, VETS-100A has been replaced with VETS 4212. See https://vets4212.dol.gov/vets4212.

85 58 L L.3.6.b Are offerors permitted to waive the requirement to submit a NDA with the Contractor providing support services for source selection?

No.

86 58 L L.3.6.b Does the Government also require that the Offeror's subcontractors execute NDAs with HWC?

No. The NDA flows down from the Prime to the subcontractors.

87 58 L L.3.6.b

L.3.6.b states - HWC, Inc. (Hassett Willis) may serve as SSO members. An NDA between offeror and HWC is required and offeror should contact HWC as soon as possible to enter into an NDA(J7) and submit signed agreement with proposal.

Question - Will any subcontractors/consultants supporting HWC on this effort be covered under the NDA signed by HWC or will a separate NDA need to be executed by those parties?

Any and all subcontractors/consultants supporting HWC on this effort are covered under the NDA signed by HWC. No separate NDA need to be executed by those parties because the NDA will flow down to subcontractors.

88 58 L L.3.6.b Are we correct to understand that copies of signed NDAs with the Contractor providing support services for source selection are to be provided in Volume II - Price without any page limits?

Yes.

89 59 L L.4.1

RFP states "Organization charts, tables, or other graphic illustrations may use 10-point font." Question: We respectfully request the minimum required font size for charts, tables, and graphic illustrations be 9-point. Question: We request the option for graphic captions and call out (focus) boxes be the same minimum font requirement as charts, tables, and graphic illustrations

No.

90 59 L L.4.1 RFP states "Organization charts, tables, or other graphic illustrations may use 10-point font." Question: We respectfully request the option to use Arial font styles for charts, tables and graphics. No.

91 59 L L.4.1 RFP Section 1) General Information. Question: We respectfully request that the proposal's Cover Pages be excluded from page count and excluded from font restrictions.

Cover Pages are not included in the page count.

92 59 L L.4.1

RFP states "In those instances where reduction is allowable, Offerors shall ensure that the print is easy to read." Question: Please provide further clarification for this instruction. Question: Request that screenshots/photographs (JPG/PNG files) with text that is not intended to be read, but instead used as a sample/example of programs/locations/etc. be excluded from font requirements.

Section L.4.1 is referring to instances when 10-point font is allowable rather than 12-point font.

Screenshots/photographs (JPG/PNG files) with text that is not intended to be read, but instead used as a sample/example of programs/locations/etc. are excluded from font requirements.

93 59 L L.4.1

RFP states "To aid in the evaluation process, proposal shall be clearly and concisely written as well as neat, indexed and cross indexed, and logically assembled." Question: Please provide further clarification for this instruction.

Question: In reference to "indexed and cross indexed", is the government requesting hyperlinks be used when referencing other sections within the same volume?

No hyperlinks; but information is organized, referenced and cross-referenced to logically follow and understand.

94 59 L L.4.1 RFP states "Header/footer information (which does not include any information to be evaluated) may be included in the margin space." Question: We respectfully request that text in the header/footer be excluded from font requirement

No.

95 59 L L.4.2

RFP Section 2) Content of Proposal Volumes: Format Instructions. Question: We respectfully request that the following sections, which aids in a neat, indexed, and logically assembled proposal, be excluded from page restrictions: Cover/Title Page, List of Figures, Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms, Cross Reference Matrix.

Cover/Title Page, List of Figures, Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms, Cross Reference Matrix are not included in the 50-page limit.

96 59 L L.4.2

RFP states "All pages of each volume shall be appropriately numbered (i.e. "Page 1 of 10," etc.). Question: Does the government have a preference for how the non-page counted pages should be numbered? For example, NPC 1.1, NPC 1.2, etc.; or excluded-1, excluded-2, etc

No.

97 59 L L.4.2 L.4.2 Requests a Cover Letter in the Technical Volume. However, there are no instructions as to required content. Question - Request the Government provide the required content.

Content of the Cover Letter is at the discretion of the offeror.

98 60 L L.4.2 Tab C.1) Technical / Business Management Approach (Written Proposal) Question - Does the Government mean for offerors to provide two strategies one for training and one for staffing during special and surge situations?

This is at the offeror's discretion.

99 61 L L.4.2

Tab C.2 Orals Presentation. Question - Request the Government provide an approximate schedule, or range of dates, in which it anticipates conducting the Ora Presentations, so that Offerors can manage and plan for key personnel's availability?

No. Offerors will receive a scheduled date and time within 10 calendar days of the presentation.

100 61 L L.4.2 Tab C.2 Orals Presentation. Question - Will the Government provide a projector to display the presentation or is it the Government's intent that the Offerors brief from the hardcopy slides?

The Government will provide audio/visual equipment needed for the oral presentations.

101 61 L L.4.2

Tab C.2 Orals Presentation. Question - Request the Government clarify when and how the oral presentation electronic copies must be submitted. Are they to be submitted at the orals presentation via CD/Flash Drive or via email upon notification of the date and time of the presentation

Electronic copies shall be provided to the CO and CS two days before scheduled presentation via email.

CD/Flash Drives are not permissible.

102 61 L L.4.2 Tab C.2 Orals Presentation. Question - Are we correct to understand that offerors may determine how many key personnel will participate in the orals presentation?

The offeror may bring up to five personnel to participate in the oral presentations. At least 3 of the 5 personnel must be PRIME contractors, including the key personnel. Offerors may choose how many key personnel will participate. Offerors may bring corporate representatives, such as the CEO or VIP, as observers.

A corporate representative can only present if they are acting in one of the key personnel positions noted in the

RFP.

103 61 L L.4.2 Tab C.2 Orals Presentation. Question - Are we correct to understand that offerors key personnel may be contingent hires?

Yes.

104 61 L L.4.2 Tab C.2 Orals Presentation. Question - Are we correct to understand that some of the key personnel may be from a subcontractor?

Yes. The offer may bring up to five (5) Personnel to include the key personnel to participate in oral presentations. At least three (3) of the five personnel must be Prime Contractors including the Key Personnel.

105 61 L L.4.2 Tab C.2 Orals Presentation. Question - Are we correct to understand that of the three (3) orals personnel who are prime contractors not all are required to be key personnel?

Yes.

106 61 L L.4.2 Tab C.2 Orals Presentation. Question - Are we correct to understand that the corporate representative is not counted in the five (5) personnel?

Yes, unless they are acting as a key personnel who is presenting. Offerors may bring corporate representatives, such as the CEO or VIP, as observers.

A corporate representative can only present if they are acting in one of the key personnel positions noted in the

RFP.

107 61 L L.4.2 Tab C.2 Orals Presentation. Question - Can the corporate representative (e.g., VIP) be from a major subcontractor?

Yes.

108 61 L L.4.2

Tab C.2 Orals Presentation. Question -Will the Government's Oral Presentation evaluators have read or seen the oral presentation materials prior to the scheduled presentation, or will those evaluators be reading/seeing those materials for the first time at the scheduled presentation?

The evaluators will have seen the contractor's oral presentation materials prior to the oral presentation.

109 61 L L.4.2 Tab C.2 Orals Presentation. Question -Will the Government evaluators have read the Offerors' proposals prior to oral presentation? Yes.

110 62 L L.4.2 Tab C.2 Orals Presentation. Question - What is the format of the offeror’s presentation of its answers and problem resolutions to the scenario? Is this presentation via (e.g., electronic slides, verbal, white board, other)?

The format of the oral presentation is at the offeror's discretion. Presenters will utilize electronic slides during their presentation with copies of slides for evaluators.

There is a 20-slide limit. The government will provide a white board, paper, and writing materials for the offerors as well as audio/visual equipment need for the oral presentations.

111 62 L L.4.2 Tab C.2 Orals Presentation. Question - Will the orals presentations be video recorded?

No.

112 62 L L.4.2 Tab E) Past Performance states - list of all relevant DHS on-going contracts or contracts completed for the specified period. Question - What content is required for this list?

Offerors should use the list for past performance references, a.-j., as a guide.

113 62 L L.4.2

Tab E) Past Performance, list of all relevant DHS on-going contracts or contracts completed for the specified period.. Question - Are we correct to understand that the specified period is not older than three (3) years from the date of the solicitation?

Yes, past performance shall be no older than 3 years from the date of the solicitation.

114 62 L L.4.2 Tab E) Past Performance, list of all relevant DHS on-going contracts or contracts completed for the specified period.. Question - Are we correct to understand that subcontractor contracts should be included in this list? Yes.

115 63 L L.4.2

Tab E) Past Performance. Question - if publicly available reports and data (e.g., PPIRS, CPARS) are available for an offerors/subcontractors past performance reference, will the Government accept these in lieu of past performance questionnaires?

No. Past Performance Questionnaire must be provided.

116 63 L L.4.2

Tab F) Small Business Subcontracting Plan states, "Offerors shall provide a record of previous performance in carrying out the goals of subcontracting plans by including two (2) Summary Subcontracting Reports (SF 295) for recent individual contracts." SSR's are annual summary reports at the company level by agency.

They include all contracts for a specific agency and would not reflect performance on individual contracts. Question - Should this reference be changed to Individual Subcontracting Report (ISR)/SF 294 which is for individual contracts?

The sentence should read: "Offerors shall provide a record of previous performance in carrying out the goals of subcontracting plans by including one (1) Summary Subcontracting Report (SF 295). The Summary Subcontracting Report shall include recent contracts." RFP updated.

117 64 L L.4.2 Tab F) Small Business Subcontracting Plan. Question - Please confirm the goals identified in the table are goals represented as a percent of subcontract value

The percentages represents the minimum subcontracting dollar amount of total contract value.

118 64 L L.4.2 Tab F) Small Business Subcontracting Plan. Question - Please confirm that the 40% SB Goal is inclusive of all of the socio-economic subcategory goals.

No. The 40% represents the over-all goal under the small business category. This has been updated to reflect the new SB goal of 33%.

119 64 L L.4.2

II. VOLUME II: PRICE. Tab A. Note: Organizational Conflict of Interest Certification Instructions states - The contractor is also required to complete and sign an Organizational Conflict of Interest Statement in which the contractor (and any subcontractors, consultants or teaming partners) agree to disclose information concerning the actual or potential conflict with any proposal for any solicitation relating to any work in the contract. Question - Are these statements required in the submitted proposal? If yes, are we correct to understand they are to be provided in Volume II Price and not counted against page limits

Yes. The statements are required with the submission of the proposal. All contractors are responsible for submitting a OCI statement. There are no page limits.

120 64 L L.4.2

II. VOLUME II: PRICE. Tab A. Note: Organizational Conflict of Interest Certification Instructions states - All actual or potential OCI situations shall be handled in accordance with FAR Subpart 9.5 and shall be included as an attachment in the Technical Proposal. Question - Should actual statements be submitted in the Volume II Price Proposal? If not, are these statements excluded from Volume I Technical page limits?

The statements shall be submitted within Volume II - Price Proposal. RFP updated.

121 65 L L.4.2

II. VOLUME II: PRICE. Tab A. Note: Organizational Conflict of Interest Certification Instructions states - The Offeror (including any teaming/sub-contractor partners) shall disclose the following information in Volume II of their Proposal for contracts (to include task orders, delivery orders, and Blanket Purchasing Agreement) and subcontracts where the Offeror is currently supporting DHS or has supported DHS in the past year: Question - Are we correct to understand offerors are only required to disclose this information if they have and actual or potential OCI situation?

Yes.

122 65 L L.4.2

II. VOLUME II: PRICE. Tab A states - If the Offeror proposes different labor categories, they shall provide rationale as for why these labor categories are being proposed. Question - Are Offerors permitted to change the Pricing Table, Attachment J.3 as needed?

yes

123 68 M M.2

M.2.a requests Signed letters of commitment form for key personnel. Question - Are we correct to understand that signed letters of commitment for key personnel are to be provided in the Volume II Price Proposal? If they are to be included in Volume I, Technical are we correct to understand they are not counted against page limits?

Yes. Signed letters of commitment shall be provided in Volume II - Price Proposal.

124 68 M M.2 M.2.a requests Signed letters of commitment form for key personnel. Question - Will the Government be providing a letter of commitment form or did the Government mean “from” vice “form”?

The sentence shall read "Signed letters of commitment from key personnel". RFP updated.

125 69 M M.3

Factor 1.1 states - The Government will evaluate the Offeror’s transition plan to acquire and have trained staff acceptable to the local laboratory director ready to assume analytical operations from the incumbent contractor. The transition plan…Question - Are we correct to understand that this section should state transition approach vice plan to be consistent with Section L?

The transition approach should include a transition plan.

126 3 PWS 2.1.1 What levels in DHS are involved in positive result notification?

This question is not covered in the section of the PWS cited.

127 4 PWS 2.1.2.10 Request the Government clarify page numbering as 2.1.2.10 is used twice. Noted. RFP updated.

128 4 PWS 2.1.4

Request Government correct section numbering 2.1.4.4 and 2.1.4.5 to 2.1.4.1 and

2.1.4.2 Noted. RFP updated.

129 6 PWS 2.3.1

Will the Government provide for laboratory site(s) visits by training staff personnel post contract award?

Yes; based on an approved training plan/proposal.

130 7 PWS 2.3.2.2

Request the Government clarify if training is to be provided that supports all DOC requirements or just sample processing and PCR set-up processes.

At a minimum, sample processing and PCR set-up.

131 7 PWS 2.3.2.3

2.3.2.3 states - It is expected that new staff successfully complete Demonstration of Competency within 90 days of the initiation of training. In Section 10.0 Performance Requirement Summary the Performance Objective provided in the table states "Upon arrival at an operational location, the new staff must complete the full Demonstration of Competency within 90 days." Question - Please verify that the full Demonstration of Competency should be completed within 90 days of arrival at an operational location vice within 90 days of the initiation of training

According to the BioWatch Demonstration of Competency (DOC) protocol, the DOC should be completed within 90 days of the initiation of training irrespective of the date of arrival of the new staff at the operational location. PWS updated.

132 8 PWS 3.1.2

3.1.2 lists Molecular Scientists. Attach_J.3_-_Price_Proposal_Format lists Biological Scientist. Question - Request the Government clarify the naming of this labor category

The "molecular scientist" mentioned in section 3.1.2 of the PWS refers to "biological scientist" in Attachment J.3. PWS updated.

133 10 PWS 3.2.5.2

3.2.5 States that staff may assist the PM or the TM. The qualifications listed in

3.2.5.2 are the same as 3.2.2.2 and apply to the TM but there are not comparable qualifications for the PM. Question - Request the Government clarify this section and include the qualifications relevant to the PM that are the same as 3.2.2.1 - The…