A1.8 FirstSource III Amendment 1 Q and A Part 1 Contracting Questions.pdf

FirstSource III Solicitation Questions and Answers Part 1: Contracting Questions

70RTAC21R00000003 Amendment 0001

Q# Page Section Paragraph Question Answer 1 L.5

And L.6.2.3.1

Factor 1: Ability to Perform the Work

Will the Government (a) consider proposals in which the offeror commits to achieve the ISO certifications within 180 days of award, and, if so, (b) will such a proposal be evaluated equally with proposals from offerors that have both certifications at time of proposal submission?

No, DHS will not consider proposals where the ISO certifications have not been secured prior to the proposal response date and included with the Phase I proposal in accordance with solicitation requirements.

2 L.5 And L.6.2.3.1

Factor 1: Ability to Perform the Work

DHS has changed the ISO certification requirement and constrained the ability to utilize subcontractors' certifications to teams with an existing JV/MPP. This puts a non-JV/MPP team at a disadvantage or even disqualifies them. Will DHS accept teamed subcontractor's ISO certifications to meet the overall ISO certification requirement?

Please see the revised Factor 1 L.6.2.3.1. DHS will accept first tier subcontractor ISO Certifications where the conditions at 13 CFR 125.6(g) are met.

3 L.7.2.5.2 Factor 4: Past Performance

Referencing Section L.7.2.5.2 Factor 4, DHS states that "Past performance information shall be made available for three of the relevant experience projects represented within your Evaluation Factor 3 - Prior Experience response." It is unclear what the distinction between the information being requested in Factor 3 and in Factor 4 is. Both seem to reference prior experience and contract value and such. Please expand on the differences desired.

The Demonstrated Prior Experience factor looks at if an offeror has performed recent and relevant work while the Past Performance factor looks at how well an offeror has performed recent and relevant work.

In accordance with the solicitation instructions, for Past Performance, the offeror shall provide either a statement regarding available CPARS information, or complete Attachment 7, Past Performance Questionnaire for three of the five references provided for Evaluation Factor 3, Demonstrated Prior Experience.

Please see Sections L and M Evaluation Factors 3 (L.7.2.5.1 & M.3.2) and 4 (L.7.2.5.2 & M.3.2).

4 L.7.2.5.2

Factor 4: Past Performance

Section :L.6.2.5.2 Factor 4 - Past Performance (Volume II), Page(s): 109 - Past Performance (CPARS information does not exist) –For attachment 7, could the government please clarify if this has to be signed by the government official including the

Attachment 7, Past Performance Questionnaire, shall be specific to the FirstSource III proposal. Past Performance Questionnaires

Contracting officer/Contracting Specialist/COR? Could government please allow the offeror to submit previously obtained PPQ's for other procurements?

developed or provided in response to other procurements will not be accepted. A signature on Attachment 7 is not required.

5 H.9 On-Ramping and Off-Ramping

If we originally quote on only one Functional Category and are a successful awardee, is it possible to on-ramp later for the other Functional Category at a later date?

Yes. If the solicitation is reopened for on-ramping, similar to the requirements of this solicitation, offerors may submit proposals for one or both Functional Categories and some, one or all of the small business Socio-Economic tracks under the Functional Categories for which they are certified based on small business program requirements, their capabilities, and their established size standards. For additional information regarding on-ramping, please see solicitation section H.9 On-Ramping and Off- Ramping of FirstSource III Awardees.

6 H.16 Supply Chain Risk Management

Can DHS confirm the Solicitation Section H.16 Supply Chain Risk Management requirements for Offerors? Are we required to provide the manufacturer's name, address, state and/or domain of registration, and DUNS number for all components comprising the hardware and software being procured?

Please see Section H.16 for a note which clarifies the intended definition of all components comprising the hardware and software.

7 L.4.1 Multiple Proposals Can a vendor submit a proposal in response to the ITVAR Functional Category and a second, separate proposal for the Software Functional Category? Can those proposals be considered for multiple small business and/or socio-economic track awards within each of the functional categories?

Please reference Solicitation Section L.4.1 Multiple Proposals. Interested small business offerors may submit proposals for one or both Functional Categories and some, one or all of the small business Socio-Economic tracks under the Functional Categories for which they are certified based on small business program requirements, their capabilities, and their established size standards. A single proposal may be submitted for multiple small business socioeconomic tracks within each functional category, but the multiple tracks shall be clearly indicated in accordance with the instructions provided.

8 111-113 L.5 And L.6.2.3.1

Factor 1: Ability to Perform the Work

Many Small Businesses often need to balance the importance placed on certifications such as ISO and OTTP with the expense incurred in the certification process itself – typically tens of thousands of dollars and significant investment of manpower. Many companies, such as ours, decided to invest in the CMMI Development and Services quality certification process which provides similar assurance of quality processes, practices, and performance. Will the Government consider including CMMI certification as an additional acceptable quality standard for Phase 1?

No, the certification requirements will remain the same for Factor 1.

9 L.7.2.5.1 Factor 3, Functional Category 1

Requirement #2, for recent experience providing IT hardware from multiple OEMs at scale, does not include a page limit under the Response column. Would the page limit be the same as Requirement #1, 1 page per reference?

Please see revised Factor 3, Section L.7.2.5.1

10 L.6.2.3.1

Factor 1: Ability to Perform the Work

The RFP indicates that Prime Contractor, JV or Contractors making up the JV, and Mentor or Protégé in a Mentor Protégé agreement must possess the certificate(s) for ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems And/or ISO 20243:2018 Open Trusted Technology Provider Standards. Can the government consider certificates from a CTA key member or a key subcontractor?

Please see the revised Factor 1 L.6.2.3.1.

11 Managed Services - do these have to be FedRAMP approved? The FedRamp requirement would be specific to the delivery order statement of work (SOW) and would be determined at the delivery order level.

12 Managed Services & VAR Services - there seems to be nowhere to list pricing. Is that not a consideration to pass to Phase II?

Pricing for the labor associated with Managed Services and VAR Services is located on the ITVAR Services Tab of Attachment 1 ITVAR Pricing Schedule. Pricing is part of Phase II and is not part of Phase I.

13 Do all hardware solutions need to be TAA compliant? TAA requirements may be added at the delivery order level.

Please see the updated Attachment 8, Salient Characteristics. As part of that update, some items require TAA compliance.

14 L.6.2.3.1 Factor 1: Ability to

Will DHS accept teamed subcontractor's ISO certifications to meet the overall ISO certification requirement?

Please see the revised Factor 1 L.6.2.3.1.

15 L.4.1, L.6

If the Offeror is utilizing a Joint Venture - what evidence will the Offeror need to submit to the Government to substantiate that claim?

The offeror shall include the Joint Venture partners, their roles and business sizes in the Signed Cover Letter in a one page diagram. Please see section L.6.2.2 item Q.

16 L.4.1, L.6

Can the Offeror submit qualifications, manufacturer authorizations, and certifications for each, individual member of the Joint Venture?

Please see the revised Factors 1, 3, and 4, Sections L.6.2.3.1, L.7.2.5.1, and L.7.2.5.2.

17 L.4.1, L.6

Does EACH member of the Joint Venture have to hold and maintain the claimed certifications and qualifications?

The partners to the joint venture in the aggregate must demonstrate the past performance, experience, business systems and certifications necessary to perform the contract.

Please see SBA’s rule 13 CFR 125.8(e) and the revised Factors 1, 3, and 4, Sections L.6.2.3.1, L.7.2.5.1, and L.7.2.5.2.

18 L.4.1, L.6

Will the Government recognize a JV as a single entity, including joint certifications?

The partners to the joint venture in the aggregate must demonstrate the past performance, experience, business systems and certifications necessary to perform the contract.

Please see SBA’s rule 13 CFR 125.8(e) and the revised Factors 1, 3, and 4, Sections L.6.2.3.1, L.7.2.5.1, and L.7.2.5.2.

19 G.4 (e) Is teaming or joint venture bidding allowed for this bid ? Yes 20 L.7.2.5.2 Factor 4 - Past

Performance Could Govt please clarify how many past performance and relevant experiences are the burden of the Prime and how many can a sub contribute- as well as if experience and Past Performance can be all sub or all prime. This question was asked numerous times in the Industry Day, and clarity around team helps small business immensely.

Please see the revised Factor 3, Demonstrated Prior Experience and Factor 4, Past Performance, Sections L.7.2.5.1, and L.7.2.5.2.

21 L.6.2.3.2 Factor 2: Supply Chain Risk Management Approach

"Phase I, Factor 2, Supply Chain Risk Management Approach, is required for both Functional Categories. The instruction is not Functional Category specific, but Factor 2 requires a separate and distinct submission for each Functional Category.

Offerors proposing under both Functional Categories shall prepare and submit separate and distinct proposals as stated in Section L.4.1."

Just to clarify, in case the offer is submitting Proposals for both Functional Categories, the government requires offeror to submit separate and distinct SCRM plan for each Functional Category?

A separate and distinct Factor 2, Supply Chain Risk Management Approach response in accordance with Section L.6.2.3.2 is required for each Functional Category if the offeror is proposing in both Functional Categories.

22 L.6.2.2 Signed Cover Letter Would the Government increase page limit to 3 pages in order for bidders to address items A through Q or exclude the diagram (Item Q) from the page count?

The page limit remains the same.

23 36 H.9.2 Off-Ramping of FirstSource III Awardees

Section H.9.2 states: "Non-performing contractors are defined as those contractors that have no active delivery orders within a one year period and no FirstSource III awards at the time of the Off-Ramping." The section goes on to state: "If a “ramped off” Contractor is currently under contract to perform under any delivery order, the Contractor will be required to continue to

There was a typographical error in the first sentence of the second paragraph. Please see the revised Section H.9.2.

perform under the terms of the specific delivery order through its completion."

Question: If a contractor is currently under contract to perform under a delivery order, this seems to contradict the earlier definition of a non-performing contractor. Please clarify.

24 111-113 Factor 1, Functional Category 1: ITVAR (NAICS Code 541519 footnote 18), Ability to Perform the Work

Many Small Businesses often need to balance the importance placed on certifications such as ISO and OTTP with the expense incurred in the certification process itself – typically tens of thousands of dollars and significant investment of manpower. Many companies, such as ours, decided to invest in the CMMI Development and Services quality certification process which provides similar assurance of quality processes, practices, and performance.

Question: Will the Government consider including CMMI certification (Maturity Level 3 or higher) as an additional acceptable quality standard for Phase 1?

No, the certification requirements will remain the same for Factor 1.

25 Attachment

Phase I checklist row 16

This checklist item references RFP section L.6.2 and states that offerors are to include "Small Business Documentation." This term is not defined, will DHS please define or confirm that the information provided in the cover letter and completed Representations and Certifications meet this criterion?

Please see the revised Attachment 6

26 Attachment

Phase I checklist row 20

This checklist item references RFP section L.5.2.3.1 and "Element 3". That section does not exist in the RFP and the term "element" does not appear in the RFP. Would DHS please confirm the intent is for offerors to address table item 3 on RFP page 112?

Please see the revised Attachment 6

27 Attachment

Phase I checklist row 21

This checklist item references RFP section L.5.2.3.2. That section does not exist in the RFP. Would DHS please confirm the intent is for offerors to address item R#1 in the table on RFP page 113?

Please see the revised Attachment 6

28 110 L.6.2.2(Q) Item L.6.2.2(Q) requires a "diagram depicting the corporate members of your team (e.g. prime/sub, JV members, mentor/protégé.) and their roles in the teaming relationship."

Will DHS please clarify how "corporate members" are defined

Corporate members are defined as the offeror and the other businesses that it is partnering with to submit its proposal. The diagram does not and/or confirm that this diagram is not applicable for offerors who are not reliant upon outside corporate members for contract performance? (For example, a VAR by definition uses OEMs and distributors for individual task order fulfillment but these are not "corporate members" in a legal sense.)

apply if an offeror does not rely on outside corporate members. Do not list OEMs on the diagram.

29 111 R# 1 Item R#1 instructs offerors to "include the OEMs you are reselling for." Will DHS confirm that this refers to the OEMs included in the offeror's Attachment 1 response, and not an exhaustive list of all OEMs provided by the offeror? The latter could exceed the permitted page count.

Please see updated L.6.2.3.1, Factor 1 R 1

30 107 Phase III volume III table, factor 5

The Software Functional Category (FC) Attachment 2 list represents packages with very specific functionality. Unlike the ITVAR FC, there are no salient characteristics provided for software, and so there is no basis on which to create a crosswalk. Evaluation of what is "equal" for software packages is very subjective and would place an unreasonable burden on DHS for a sample pricing exercise.

Will DHS confirm that offerors are to treat the software FC as brand name only, realizing that is for evaluation purposes only, and therefore eliminate the crosswalk requirement? If not, will DHS please provide clear guidance for offerors on how to respond?

Offerors are to consider the pricing for the Software FC as “brand name or equal” and for evaluation purposes only. The “or equal” can refer to the generic capabilities of the identified software. Please see the new Attachment 9 Pricing Schedule Crosswalk to use for “or equal” software offerings.

31 111 R2 Item R#2 under ITVAR Factor 1 states, "The certification must be current, non-expired, and active in practice and clearly include the accredited registrar… shall for example be… an O- TTPS Recognized Assessor." Extensive market research shows that 3rd-party assessment (3PA) is not industry practice for O- TTPS. Supporting data points are 1) only approximately 15 organizations globally are verified as holding an O-TTPS 3PA,

2) none of the contractors performing under FirstSource II are O-TTPS 3PA, and 3) the only contract similar to FirstSource III to recognize O-TTPS is NASA SEWP, which requires self-certification (see https://sewp.nasa.gov/iso_20243.shtml) not

3PA.

Please see updated L.6.2.3.1, Factor 1 R 2.

The contractor shall provide a PDF copy of the certification in response to this factor. The certification shall be current (not expired). It shall clearly include the accredited registrar or certification body and registration number (if available). A self-assessment that is validated by an accredited 3rd party meets the

Will DHS remove the requirement for 3PA for O-TTPS and recognize the self-assessed certification in alignment with VAR industry practice?

certification requirement. An accredited registrar or certification body shall be an International Accreditation Forum (IAF) member, ISO/IEC 17021:2015 certified, and/or and O-TTPS Recognized Assessor.

To ensure certification validity, DHS reserves the right to contact the accredited registrar or certification body named.

32 G.4.e This section mentions Teaming arrangement, are Teaming Agreements allowed?

This section, G.4(e) speaks to post award delivery order ordering procedures and applies to post award requirements, not to the IDIQ solicitation.

33 G4.e Under a Teaming Agreement, will the FSIII Team accept certifications (ISO 9001:2018 and/or 20243:2018 O-TTPS) from any member of the Teaming agreement (i.e. Prime Contractor, Distribution Partners and/or OEMs)?

This section, G.4(e) speaks to post award delivery order ordering procedures and applies to post award requirements, not to the IDIQ solicitation.

34 L.6.2.3.1 Factor 1 Would the FSIII Team consider adding Teaming/Distribution Partners to Factor 1, Ability to Perform the Work, R#2, for ISO Certification?

As a Small Business Prime Contractor and an ITVAR, we do not stock or inventory product, but rather, we source from Tier 1 Distribution partners, as well as directly from the Manufacturer, and have leveraged the certifications of our OEMs and Distribution (Teaming) Partners who hold ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems Certifications to meet requirements in past RFP responses.

Please see the response to Question number 2.

35 L.6.2.3.1 Factor 1 Would the FSIII Team consider moving Factor 1, Ability to Perform the Work to Phase II: Volume II, to allow contractors additional time to obtain certifications?

No, Factor 1 remains in Phase I

36 L.6.2.2 (Q.) Can the FSIII Team or SBA explain in sufficient detail which small businesses would qualify as a Protégé (basic requirements) under FirstSource III?

We know the government's standards for the Mentor Protégé Program have changed recently (new SBA rules), with the intention of expanding the number of small businesses that can participate in government contracts like FirstSource III.

To qualify as a protégé a firm needs to be in an approved SBA mentor-protégé arrangement. SBA’s web page has information on SBA’s mentor-protégé program and is updated to include changes referenced in the question. SBA Mentor-Protégé Program

37 B.5 (1) Under Annual Funding item (1) the Government states, "Delivery orders under the lease shall not be deemed to obligate succeeding fiscal year's funds or to otherwise commit the Government to a renewal."

As per FAR 52.212-4 In the event of early termination for the Government’s Convenience, will the Contractor be entitled to an early termination fee, or a “Cancellation Ceiling Charge” for devices leased under this agreement in accordance with FAR 52.212-4 paragraph (l)

This would be specific to the delivery order.

38 Phase I Response In an effort to increase competition and to allow potential bidders to meet certain requirements, would the FSIII Team please consider extending the Phase I response deadline to June 4, 2021 or later into the month of June?

The response date is June 2, 2021 at 10:00 am Eastern.

39 106 Section L.5 Table

Phase I Response If proposing on SDVOSB,8(a), SB, or HUBZone track, will the Government confirm the Offeror should disregard the L.2 WOSB Certification requirement in our proposal response?

Correct, L.2 only applies to WOSB.

40 106 Section L.5 Table

Phase I Response Can the Government please confirm that the Signed SF 1449 should be included with the Signed Amendments?

The SF 1449 does not need to be returned with the signed amendments. A final 1449 will be provided to the successful offerors for signature upon award.

41 49 Section I FAR Clause 52.222-

FAR clause 52.222-41 Contract Labor Standards/Service Contract Act is included in the RFP. Can the government provide the applicable Wage Determinations?

A wage determination is not needed at the IDIQ contract level. If needed any wage determinations would be provided at the order level.

https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/sba-mentor-protege-program https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/sba-mentor-protege-program

42 43 Section I Will the Government include Executive Order (EO) 13706:

Establishing Paid Sick Leave for Federal Contractors (FAR 52.222-62) in this solicitation?

Yes, please see the updated Section I.

43 ITVAR

Pricing

Schedule

Services Estimated Quantity hours have been provided for each Period.

Can the government elaborate on the hours assumption utilized for the estimates. Many of the labor category hours do not equal full time positions.

Please refer to the Instructions to Offerors tab for Attachment 1, ITVAR Pricing Schedule

44 116-118 Factor 3:

Demonstrated Prior Experience

Will the Government allow JV or Subcontractor references for Factor 3, Demonstrated Prior Experience response?

Please see the revised Factor 3, Demonstrated Prior Experience, Section L.7.2.5.1.

45 C.3.2 Software: Any software licenses, products, or maintenance/support services delivered as a standalone product. Software procured under this vehicle shall include all software technical support (updates, patches, bug-fixes, etc.).

Can the government please clarify if standalone product means that the Contractor needs to provide past performance information that includes all of these services or could the Contractor have a past performance providing any (Software licenses, products, or maintenance/support services) of these services?

For offerors proposing in FC 2, Software, the past performance shall be for relevant projects in accordance with Section L.7.2.5.2. This could be any or all of the items referenced within the question.

46 C.3.2 Software: Any software licenses, products, or maintenance/support services delivered as a standalone product. Software procured under this vehicle shall include all software technical support (updates, patches, bug-fixes, etc.).

Can the government please clarify the meaning of "maintenance/support services delivered as a standalone product"?

The government’s intended meaning of maintenance/support services as a standalone product is providing maintenance as updates, patches, and bug-fixes as opposed to labor or professional services.

47 L.7.2.5.2, 2nd Para

For Past Performance, the offeror shall provide either a statement regarding available CPARS information, or a statement indicating its Past Performance references, and have three of the five references provided for Evaluation Factor 3, Demonstrated Prior Experience complete Attachment 7, Past Performance Questionnaire. Past performance information shall

For past performance, the government is requiring 3 references.

be specific to the proposed Functional Category, ITVAR or Software.

Does the government want a total of 5 past performances?

48 For Past Performance, the offeror shall provide either a statement regarding available CPARS information, or a statement indicating its Past Performance references, and have three of the five references provided for Evaluation Factor 3, Demonstrated Prior Experience complete Attachment 7, Past Performance Questionnaire. Past performance information shall be specific to the proposed Functional Category, ITVAR or Software.

Would the Government please clarify if the contractor is supposed to submit 3 or 5 past performances please.

For past performance, the government is requiring 3 references.

49 118 L.7.2.5.2 Factor 4 - Past Performance (Volume II)

Will the Government allow offerors to utilize Past Performance or PPQs from subcontractors on their team? If so, can the Government please clarify the limit for utilizing subcontractor past performance?

Please see the revised Factor 4, Past Performance, Section L.7.2.5.2.

50 116 L.7.2.5.1 Factor 3:

Demonstrated Prior Experience (Volume

II)

Will the Government allow offerors to utilize experience of the subcontractors on their team? If so, can the Government please clarify the limit for utilizing subcontractor experience?

Please see the revised Factor 3, Demonstrated Prior Experience, Section L.7.2.5.1.

51 120 L.8 Anticipated Schedule

Will the Government provide an additional 2 week extension to the Phase 1 Proposal submission date following the release the of the Amendment with Question and Answers?

The new proposal response date is June 2, 2021 at 10:00 am Eastern.

52 Attachment 8 For the labor categories provided in Attachment 8, can the Government please provide the level of security clearance required?

There are no security clearance requirements at the IDIQ contract level.

53 Should a Joint Venture submit Reps & Certs for all parties, or just the managing partner?

The Joint Venture is a new entity with its own name, DUNS number, and CAGE number in SAM, with the entity type identified as a joint venture and individual partners listed.

Therefore, the JV has its own Reps & Certs. Reference: 13 CFR 125.8 https://www.sam.gov/ https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=506624bfc4f4d51cf3da6be751c04a54&mc=true&node=pt13.1.125&rgn=div5#se13.1.125_18

54 107/119 L.7.2.5.3 Proposal Submission Requirements, Factor 5: Price (Volume III), paragraph 3, In Section L.7.2.5.3, paragraph 3, p.119, it says "The crosswalk shall not exceed one page per hardware and/or software solution (represented Pricing Schedule line item) and shall be provided for ALL sample hardware and/or software solutions represented within each Pricing Schedule." RFP Attachment 8 also includes salient characteristics for Value Added Reseller (VAR) Services. Please confirm that no crosswalk is required for VAR Services and the associated LCATs priced in the Pricing Schedule Services tab.

A crosswalk is not required for the labor, just a completed Attachment 1.

55 Attachment 6 Should Column A be Offeror's Proposal Page # versus Solicitation Page?

No. Please see the revised Attachment 6

56 106-107 L.5 Proposal Submission Requirements, RFP Attachment 6 Compliance Checklist, Phase II Tab

The checklist items for Volume III differ from the stated requirements in RFP Section L.5 Proposal Submission Requirements, pages 106-107. Will the Government please revise Attachment 6 to match the proposal requirements in L.5?

Please see the revised Attachment 6

57 L.7.2.5.2 Factor 4 - Past Performance (Volume II)

Many times, for CPARs for IT HW and SW products are very basic and not very informative. Would the Government consider allowing PPQs submissions along with or in place of a CPAR that is non-descriptive of service quality?

No

58 L.7.1 Phase II Proposal Due Date and Submission

The Government states that it wishes to receive proposals with the following subject line: ITVAR_SB or Socioeconomic Category_Company Name_70RTAC21R00000003_Phase II_volume number.

Does the Government wish vendors to submit two separate emails for Volumes II and III?

Yes, please keep Volume II, which is a non-price volume, separate from Volume III which is the price volume. Please send Volumes II and III as separate e-mails and in accordance with the instructions at L.5.

59 111 L.6.2.3.1 Factor 1: Ability to

The Government requests vendors to "Provide the following ISO Certifications for the Prime Contractor, JV or Contractors making up the JV, and Mentor or Protégé in a Mentor Protégé agreement. 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems And/or 20243:2018 Open Trusted Technology Provider Standards" and states that the government will look more favorably on proposals that include both certifications. Please confirm that

The two certifications listed are a proposal requirement. Offerors that do not have either certification do not meet proposal requirements.

the Government will consider proposals from vendors that have neither certification.

60 For companies submitting under multiple socio-economic status, do we put "Multiple" or list all the socio-economic status where the word "Multiple" in the example

Yes, use the word “multiple”

61 Will the Open Group Self-Assessed OTTP v1 O-TTPS 1.1.1 (ISO.IEC 20243:2018) be acceptable

Please see revised Section L.6.2.3.1 Factor 1, R#2

62 Are we required to have teaming partners? No, this is at the discretion of the offeror.

63 Attachment 1 and Attachment 2

The Offeror Discount columns of both Pricing Schedules are rounding the values entered to nearest whole number. This is not affecting the pricing calculations. We would like to request that the formatting on these attachments be altered to display the exact values entered to avoid confusion on the pricing schedules.

Please see the revised Attachments 1 and 2

64 L.2 WOSB This question is regarding L.2 WOSB. We physically do not have a certificate, but we are in Dynamic Small Business Service as WOSB. Do we send a copy of what is in Dynamic Small Business Service as proof in the proposal?

No. The DHS Contracting Officer will check the Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) to verify that the company is designated as certified or has a pending application for certification at the time of the submission of the offer. Reference Section L.2 of the solicitation. If the offeror is not designated as certified or does not have a pending application for certification in the Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) at the time of the submission of the offer, its offer is not eligible for award and will be removed from consideration.

65 L.5, L.7.2.5.1, L.7.2.5.2, M.3.2

We request that DHS please clarify that in the noted sections herein that the term “Offeror” is to be interpreted as the team member that provided the Past Performance AND Prior Experience, and not solely the Contractor.

Please see the revised Factor 3, Demonstrated Prior Experience and Factor 4, Past Performance, Sections L.7.2.5.1, and L.7.2.5.2.

In other words, can subcontractors contribute to the Prior Experience (Factor 3) and Past Performance (Factor 4) sections within the RFP? By allowing for this clarification to include Past Performance of the team members proposing to the Government, DHS will receive a better insight to the Contractor's entire proposed solution, and their project team’s capabilities.

66 110 L.6.2.2 Signed Cover Letter The cover letter is given a page limit of two pages, yet Row Q of the aforementioned section specifies the necessity of a one-page diagram of the corporate structure of team members. Does this one-page diagram count toward the two page limit (meaning the information required in rows A-P of the aforementioned section must fit in one page), or is it in addition to the two page limit?

The diagram is included in the 2 page limit.

67 117 L.7.2.2 Signed Cover Letter It is required that a Cover Letter be provided for Phase 1:

Volume 1, Phase 2: Volume 1, and Phase 2: Volume 2, but only one set of required information is given. Does the Offeror include the same Cover Letter for each phase? If yes, does any information change between the different Phase/Volumes, and if so, what?

A cover letter is required for each Phase and volume, i.e., Phase I, volume I and Phase II, Volumes II and III. The information in the cover letter is the same.

68 99 L.1 paragraph B The SF 1449 template is offered as a possible cover page for proposals submitted in response for Solicitation 70RTAC21R00000003. Is it required for SF 1449 to be used as the Cover Page? When should the Cover Letter be included?

The SF 1449 is not the cover page for proposal submissions. Please use the cover letter at L.6.2.2. A cover letter is required for each Phase and volume, i.e., Phase I, volume I and Phase II, Volumes II and III.

69 110 L.6.2.2 Signed Cover Letter, Row M

Row M lists the need for "Prompt Payment Terms" to be included in the Cover Letter. Please provide more details as to what "Prompt Payment Terms" entails.

These would be your firm’s payment terms

70 L.6.2.2 If a vendor wants to submit as a mentor/protege JV, will the offer be considered for award as long as the JV is approved by SBA prior to date of award?

SBA does not approve Joint Venture Agreements (JVA) created pursuant to an approved Mentor-Protégé Agreement (whether approved through the All Small Mentor- Protégé Program (ASMPP) or the

8(a) Business Development (BD) Program) unless the Joint Venture is pursuing an 8(a) contract. See: 13

CFR 125.9

71 L.6.2.3.1 Will the government consider responses from a JV or Prime- Sub submission where one partner has one ISO certification and the other partner has the other?

Please see the revised Factor 1, Ability to Perform the Work, Section L.6.2.3.1.

72 Attachment 6 Attachment 6 – Compliance Checklist says 2 pages for Element 3 - Describe your delivery process and procedures and how you ensure on time delivery for commercial ITVAR items, yet section L, L.6.2.3.1 page 112 says 1 page. Can you clarify if we follow attachment 6 page count or section L?

Please see the revised Attachment 6

73 106 L.5 Table FAR Clauses. How does the Government want Offerors to address (submit) Reps and Certs Identified in the table on Page 106?

Submit the Reps and Certs in PDF

74 106 L.5 Table The Government requires a variety of formats regarding submission of different proposal sections (e.g., Cover Letter (PDF), Factor 1 response in MS Word). With the exception of Attachment 6, will the government accept a proposal submission that is submitted wholly in PDF format?

Please see the updated Section L.5.

The proposal submission format has been changed to PDF except where indicated.

75 L.6.2.3.1 Factor 1: Ability to Perform the Work

Please confirm that in order to meet the ISO 20243:2018 requirement, that an Offeror must have been accredited by a third party, and that a self-assessment approved by the Open Group does not meet the requirement.

Please see revised Section L.6.2.3.1 Factor 1, R#2

76 L.7.2.5.2 Factor 4- Past Performance (Volume II), Attachment 7

If the contractor is using CPARs as their past performance, what information does the contractor need to provide? If CPARs exists does Attachment 7-Past Performance Reference Check need to be filled out?

If the offeror is using CPARS, they only need to include a statement that CPARS exists. This statement shall also indicate which 3 references from Demonstrated Prior Experience are to be used for Past Performance. See section L.7.2.5.2

77 Attachment 6 Compliance Checklists

Can the government Please check the solicitation section L.5.2.3.1 mentioned for line 20 and 21 on the compliance checklist (attachment 6-Compliance Checklist Phase I and II)?

We believe this should be L.6.2.3.1

Please see the revised Attachment 6 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=56df31957f71214b56d657044d65befc&mc=true&node=pt13.1.125&rgn=div5#se13.1.125_19 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=56df31957f71214b56d657044d65befc&mc=true&node=pt13.1.125&rgn=div5#se13.1.125_19

78 L.5 Proposal Submission Requirements

It is unclear where a bidder is to introduce their team. Is it fair to say that DHS is primarily focused on the ability of a prime contractor to perform?

Offerors are to use item Q of the cover letter for this purpose.

Item Q is intended for offerors to introduce their subcontractors, joint venture partners, mentor/protégé relationships, etc. (with the exception of OEMs) in a visual format.

79 103 L.3 Communications, Questions, and Amendments

Will the Government allow there to be additional question and answer periods during the future phases of proposal preparation?

The government does not contemplate additional Q&A periods, but reserves the right to conduct them.

80 111 L.6.2.3.1 Factor 1: Ability to Perform the Work;

Requirement #1

RFP Page 111 instructs offers to "include the OEMs you are reselling for". Will DHS confirm that they do not want an exhaustive list, but rather OEM's that the reseller is strategically teamed with and have high level partnerships with.

An entire list of all OEM's which a reseller is authorized to resell would exceed the permitted page count and does not show a resellers Depth in OEM relationships.

Please see revised Section L.6.2.3.1 Factor 1, R#1

81 123 M.3.2 Phase II Evaluation, Factor 5 Software Pricing Schedule

Under "Software" spreadsheet, we can provide pricing for all line items, except one, for which we are not a partner. Would that preclude us from bidding on "Software" category?

Offerors shall price all items in Attachment 2, Software Pricing Schedule. If an offeror cannot provide the brand name item, they may provide an “or equal” item. The “or equal” can refer to the generic capabilities of the identified software.

82 Attachment 6 Please clarify the intention of column A, Solicitation Page. Is this column looking for the page in the solicitation where this requirement is stated? Column B already points this out. Or is this column intended for the offeror to show where the relevant content is provided in their proposal?

Please see the revised Attachment 6

83 L.5 Proposal Submission

Volumes I, II, and III all require Cover Letters. Are unique cover letters desired for each volume, or should the cover letter be the same across the 3 volumes?

Yes, the cover letter should be the same across the 3 volumes, See Section L.6.2.2.

84 L.6.2.3.2 Factor 2: Supply Chain Risk

Regarding L.6.2.3.2 Factor 2: Supply Chain Risk Management Approach, question #3: "Describe how you prevent from being

The intent of Factor 2 is as stated in L.6.2.3.2: to determine its level of

Management Approach targeted by malicious actors through the supply chain." Please provide clarification of this requirement. It is impossible for any company selling to the government to truly "prevent from being targeted," as much of a company's federal business activity is part of the public domain which inevitably leads to being targeted. Is the question meant to be about risk mitigation techniques? Such as specific controls the offeror uses that reduce the risk of what happens when we are targeted?

confidence regarding the Offeror’s ability to present a sound and fully executable supply chain risk management approach in support of SOW requirements, based on an assessment of Offeror’s response to the requirements.

85 L.6.2.3.2 Factor 2: Supply Chain Risk

Approach

Regarding L.6.2.3.2 Factor 2: Supply Chain Risk Management Approach, question #1: "Describe how you document and track part numbers back to the OEM." Please clarify this statement.

Is this asking how we verify a part number belongs to a given OEM? Or is this question asking offerors to address their procedures to prevent gray market sourcing? Or is the intent something different?

The intent of Factor 2 is as stated in L.6.2.3.2: to determine its level of confidence regarding the Offeror’s ability to present a sound and fully executable supply chain risk management approach in support of SOW requirements, based on an assessment of Offeror’s response to the requirements.

86 L.7.2.5.3 Factor 5 – Price (Volume III)

Other than being submitted in Word, are there any specifically desired columns, content formatting, content categories for the crosswalk required in Factor 5? Specific directions on content/format of the crosswalk can help ensure it is assembled in a compliant manner.

Please see new Attachment 9, Pricing Schedule Crosswalk.

87 33 H.3.1.1 Are offerors required to provide an ACR for the items proposed in the IDIQ pricing workbook as part of this IDIQ proposal or is the ACR requirement valid only for delivery orders?

The Section 508 ACR is not required at the IDIQ contract level for this solicitation. It would be a requirement at the order level.

88 33 H.3.1.1 Please provide specific instructions regarding where (which factor) and when ACRs generated in response to H.3.1.1 should be included in the IDIQ proposal submission.

The Section 508 ACR is not required at the IDIQ contract level for this solicitation. It would be a requirement at the order level.

89 33-34 H.3.1.2 Are offerors required to provide acknowledgement of section 508 requirements and describe their evaluation methods that will be used to validate conformance to Section 508 as part of the IDIQ proposal submission or is this required only for delivery orders?

This is not an IDIQ contract solicitation requirement but would be a requirement at the order level.

90 33-34 H.3.1.2 Please provide specific instructions regarding where (which factor) and when the information generated in response to H.3.1.2 should be included in the IDIQ proposal submission.

This is not an IDIQ contract solicitation requirement but would be a requirement at the order level.

91 34 H.3.1.3 Are Offerors required to provide a response to H.3.1.3 as part of the IDIQ response or is H.3.1.3 valid only for delivery orders?

This is not an IDIQ contract solicitation requirement but would be a requirement at the order level.

92 34 H.3.1.3 Please provide specific instructions regarding where (which factor) and when the information generated in response to H.3.1.3 should be included in the IDIQ proposal submission.

This is not an IDIQ contract solicitation requirement but would be a requirement at the order level.

93 34 H.3.1.4 Are Offerors required to provide a response to H.3.1.4 as part of the IDIQ response or is H.3.1.4 valid only for delivery orders?

This is not an IDIQ contract solicitation requirement but would be a requirement at the order level.

94 34 H.3.1.4 Please provide specific instructions regarding where (which factor) and when the information generated in response to H.3.1.4 should be included in the IDIQ proposal submission.

This is not an IDIQ contract solicitation requirement but would be a requirement at the order level.

95 40 H.16.1.c.viii Will the Government clarify if paragraph H.16 in its entirely applies to the CLIN level item, as stated in the note in H.16, or "all IoT/OT hardware, systems, devices, software or services that include embedded or incidental information technology" as stated in H.16.1.1.iv?

Paragraph H.16 applies to all IoT/OT hardware, systems, devices, software or services that include embedded or incidental information technology. Use of “CLIN” was provided as an example.

96 118 L.7.2.5.2 Factor 4 - Past Performance (Volume II)

Please clarify if an offeror is submitting multiple proposals (one for IT VAR and one for SW) that include a PPQ, must the Government PPQ respondent submit 2 questionnaires (one for each proposal), or will 1 suffice?

If an offeror is submitting one proposal for ITVAR and one proposal for SW, 2 separate and distinct responses for Past Performance are required for each FC proposal. Therefore, 3 past performance references for the ITVAR proposal and 3 references for the SW proposal would be required.

97 118 L.7.2.5.2 Factor 4 - Past Performance (Volume II)

Please confirm that no separate narrative description of contract relevance is required.

No description of contract relevance narrative is required.

98 99 FAR 52.212-1

Instructions to Offerors-

Please confirm that no product samples are required in either phase of the IDIQ proposal submission for this solicitation.

Correct, no product samples are required in either phase of the IDIQ contract proposal submission.

Commercial Items (JUN 2020) (d)

99 8 B.5 Leasing Will the Government be adding the provision of equipment lease financing services as required by section B.5 to the scope of the statement of work (Section C.)?

The leasing terms remain unchanged at the IDIQ contract level. If leasing occurs at the delivery order level, additional terms and conditions may apply.

100 8 B.5 Leasing In order to accommodate the varying terms and conditions offered by leasing finance companies, which are specific to each lease depending upon what is being leased, prices, market finance conditions and risk determinations, will the Government please defer terms and conditions for leases to the delivery order level? Without delivery order level specific information, it is not possible to determine if the Government's current instructions in section B.5 will preclude lease arrangements.

The leasing terms remain unchanged at the IDIQ contract level. If leasing occurs at the delivery order level, additional terms and conditions may apply.

101 8 B.5 Leasing The following feedback was provided by a professional leasing finance company who specializes in lease arrangements with the U.S. Government.

In paragraph B.5, this sentence serves to limit financing to the Base or initial Fiscal year (12-months or less): “Additionally, under no circumstances will any fees be charged for non-renewal of an option.” Even if non-renewed for the government’s convenience (and regardless of their appropriations available), 52.212-R (l) does not apply and the Government would walk away without a termination liability.

This creates “pure elective option” delivery orders, akin to a “fiscal/contract year” – to – “fiscal/contract year” rental. If you as the contract holder priced it as a multi-year deal (36/48/60-months), finance pricing and funding would be limited to the PV (present value) of the obligated contract period only (i.e.

based on 12 lease payments or less), as there is no intention or requirement beyond the base year. This means we could pay you the PV of the base and each option year as they renew each

The leasing terms remain unchanged at the IDIQ contract level. If leasing occurs at the delivery order level, additional terms and conditions may apply.

option year, but not the full equipment price in advance – not usually a practical contract to entertain. It would not be possible for us or any finance company to finance delivery orders under this language beyond the obligated contract year.

To entertain any extended financing for Delivery orders under this contract

a) The above referenced sentence would need to be removed or acceptably clarified to not apply to any termination for convenience including non-renewals

b) On this subject, one of the following would need to be in the master contract or at the accepted Delivery order Level

1. An acceptable non-substitution covenant (with regard to similar equipment or outsourced services) for the term of the lease contract …or…

2. A mutually approved termination ceiling schedule or formula for the leased equipment (excluding services and ongoing maintenance) through the intended / financed term of each delivery order.

102 12 C.3.2 Are Software as a Service (SaaS) and software subscriptions within the scope of this contract?

Yes

103 C.3.1 Is Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Platform as a Service (Paas) within the scope of this contract?

Yes

104 H.16 Supply Chain Risk Management

The sensitive nature of the information requested in the supply chain management section presents security challenges of the respondents to this contract. Will the government allow a “sealed bid” to be provided by the suppliers?

No, this will continue as an RFP in accordance with FAR Parts 12 and 15.

105 H.16 Supply Chain Risk Management

How will the government be evaluating supply chain performance? We advise that third party inspections, awards and certifications be included in the evaluation process.

Supply chain performance will be evaluated at the delivery order level.

106 H.16 Supply Chain Risk Management

How will bidder and subcontractor information and compliance be verified? Is the data accepted by self-attestation to its accuracy for this phase?

H.16 is a requirement that would be applied at the delivery order level.

There is no IDIQ contract level solicitation response required in response to H.16

107 L.4 If awarded under an Socio-Economic Track (8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB) do vendors automatically qualify to participate in the "All Small Business" task order/RFQ's or would vendors need to submit under the All Small Business Track for participation in that track's task orders and RFQ's.

To be considered for award in both a socio-economic track (8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB) and the all small business track, offerors would need to submit under both the socio-economic track(8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB) and the all small business track. Please see Section L.4.1

108 Attachment 8 LCAT Descriptions

Can you please provide a list of Government sites where work is anticipated to be performed?

Please see Section F.6 for the place of performance.

109 109 L.6.1 If a company submits a bid for Phase I and is not down selected, can they still submit for Phase II?

Yes, this is an advisory down-select decision. Please see Section L.6.3.

110 111 L.6.2.3.1 Table Our company has completed all phases of ISO certifications and expects documentation in June. Can we submit a bid in Phase I, move to Phase II, and submit the certification with Phase II?

No, the certification requirement is part of Phase I.

111 105/122 L.4.2 and M According to the Pre-Proposal Conference, the final evaluation of an offeror will have already been made based on Phase I submission and not revisited or included as part of the Phase II award process; however, L.4.2 of the RFP states, “This solicitation uses a two phase advisory down-select process” and Section M states the “advisory notification will advise the Offeror of the Government’s advisory recommendation to proceed or not to proceed”.

Question: Based on conflicting comments made by the Government during the Pre-Proposal Conference held on 26 April 2021 and the RFP, will the Government please clarify if the ‘advisory down-select’ is truly advisory in nature, or is it a final down-select notice?

Phase I will culminate in an advisory down-select recommendation. The Government’s advice will be a recommendation only, and those Offerors who are advised not to proceed may elect to continue their participation in the procurement.

Please see Sections L.4.2 and L.6.3.

112 L.6.2.3.1 Factor 1 ITVAR and

SW

The relative timing of an ISO certification has no bearing on an offeror’s demonstrated ability to perform the work,…