Responses To Questions 5 Feb 2021.docx

RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS - RFQ 70Z08420QBB500900

Date: 5 February 2021 NOTE: Numbers 5 through 9 has been added to the Q&R document.

1) QUESTION: On Beta.SAM.gov, this solicitation is classified as an 8(a) set-aside. On the solicitation's SF1449, it is listed as a small business set-aside. Can you please let us know if this solicitation is open to all small businesses, or just those with 8(a) status?

RESPONSE: The solicitation is set aside and open to 100% Small Business under NAICS 541611.

2) QUESTION: Is there a current incumbent for this work? If so, can you please let us know who the incumbent is, and the contract number?

RESPONSE: Yes – Thundercloud Labs, LLC out of Christiansted VI. The contract number is HSCG84-16-D-BB5081.

3) QUESTION: We have just started a company, we are a women owned company. We are just starting out in this field. Unfortunately, it has been a lot of learning on our end. We came across the contract. If you can direct us on how we can proceed would be greatly appreciated.

RESPONSE: This is a solicitation not a contract. If your company is interested and would like to submit a quote the solicitation is posted on the BETA.SAM.gov website at https://beta.sam.gov

4) QUESTION: Would the government allow CPARS to be used in place of PPQs for this solicitation?

RESPONSE: No

5) QUESTION: Since the base period commences on April 6, 2021, can the government provide the number of Functional Analysts and Operational Research Analysts needed for the base period? This would allow us to identify the appropriate number of Analysts prior to the beginning of the base period.

RESPONSE: It is anticipated, but subject to change and not guaranteed, that the U.S. Coast Guard requires one Functional Analyst and one Operational Research Analyst. Per estimated quantities on page 5 and 6 of the solicitation. The estimated quantities specified in the “Schedule of Supplies/Services” are estimates only. The quantities needed may go up or down depending on the need of the Coast Guard.

6) QUESTION: FAR Clause 52.222-41 Service Contract Labor Standards is “checked”. However, this Program Management and Analytical solicitation appears to require “employees employed in a bona fide professional capacity”. Please clarify the government’s intent for “checking” this FAR Clause 52.222-41.

RESPONSE: FAR 52.222-41 was checked in error and is not applicable to this solicitation.

7) QUESTION: The notice is classified as an 8(a) Set-Aside on opportunity on beta SAM and in other documentation listed as "100% total small business". Are you able to clarify the intended set-aside classification?

RESPONSE: See Response at Question 1

8) QUESTION: Solicitation Provisions - pp. 45-46. Will the Government accept Past Performance Questionnaires from clients of each team member, or are PPQ's only expected to come from the clients of the submitting prime vendor?

RESPONSE: The government will not accept PPQ’s from clients of each team member. PPQ’s can come from clients of the submitting prime vendor.

9) QUESTION: We currently have highly qualified staff on hand who meet the minimum requirements for the Operations Research Analyst, however we do not currently have staff on hand who meets all the requirements for the Functional Analyst. We do have a highly qualified Program Manager with 25+ year of Project Management experience supporting the Department of Defense, however she does not have a Bachelor’s Degree or PMP.

My question is if there is in flexibility in the requirements for the Functional Analyst position? Will experience be considered in lieu of degree/certifications?

RESPONSE: No – the Functional Analyst must meet the minimum requirements as outlined on page 14 of the solicitation.