Q&A _75D301-20-R-6802311_PDF Format_12.17.19.pdf

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A. CONTRACTUAL QUESTIONS:

Section B - Supplies Or Services And Prices/Costs

1. Section B, Subfactor 2 pg. 2

Is it the government’s intention to issue multiple contract awards for the solicitation? If so, how many awardees is the government considering?

Yes, it is the Government’s intention to issue multiple basic contract awards for the solicitation. The

Government is considering awarding one or more basic contract awards for this IDIQ contract.

2. B.2 Contract Type and Services

Is there a maximum number of base IDIQ awardees?

No, there is no maximum number of base IDIQ awardees.

3. How many IDIQs will the government award under this solicitation?

The Government is considering awarding one or more basic contract awards for this IDIQ contract.

4. How many task orders are expected over the life of the IDIQ contract?

Over the life of the previous IDIQ contract there were 30 task orders awarded. However, the number of any future task orders will depend on the Government’s need at the time and cannot be predicted with a reasonable degree of certainty.

5. Section B.2, Section B.7

Will the government be releasing a amending RFP to correct discrepancies such as contract type?

Yes. See the revised RFP.

6. Section B, Subfactor 12 pg. 4

The Contract Structure seems to be in contrast with B.2, particularly… “It is anticipated that multiple task orders will be issued to the contractors … Individual task orders exceeding $3,500 will be competed in accordance with the fair opportunity process”. Are the two task orders exempt from FAR 16.505?

The contract structure B.12 (see RFP) is not in contrast with B.2 (see RFP). The two initial task orders

(Task Orders A and B) are being competed in accordance with the fair opportunity process and are not exempt from FAR 16.505/ not exempt from fair opportunity. Furthermore, all future task orders

(exceeding $3,500) solicited under the subsequent IDIQ contract will also be competed in accordance with the fair opportunity process, except as provided for in paragraph (b)(2) of FAR 16.505, “Exceptions to the fair opportunity process.”

7. B.4 Min and Max Ordering Amounts

Is the maximum ordering amount of $5M for a single TO across all base period and option years?

Maximum ordering amount of $5,000,000.00 is for a single Task Order (inclusive the value of all option periods of a single Task Order). Additionally, please refer to FAR Part 52.216-19, Order Limitations (Oct

1995), which is included in the section I-2 of the RFP and that explains the meaning of the maximum ordering of $5,000,000.00.

(b) Maximum order. The Contractor is not obligated to honor –

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(1) Any order for a single item in excess of $5 Million

(2) Any order for a combination of items in excess of $10 Million, or

(3) A series of orders from the same ordering office within 5 days that together call for quantities exceeding the limitation in subparagraph (b) (1) or (2) of this section….

(d) Notwithstanding paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, the Contractor shall honor any order exceeding the maximum order limitations in paragraph (b), unless that order (or orders) is returned to the ordering office within 3 days after issuance, with written notice stating the

Contractor’s intent not to ship the item (or items) called for and the reasons. Upon receiving this notice, the Government may acquire the supplies or services from another source.

8. Section B.4, Page 3 of 161

Is the Task Order maximum amount of $5 million applicable to Task Order A (Attachment J5) and Task

Order B (Attachment J6)?

Yes. The Task Order maximum amount of $5 million is applicable to Task Order A (Attachment J5). The

Task Order maximum amount of $5 million is applicable to Task Order B (Attachment J6). The maximum ordering amount of $5,000,000.00 is for a single Task Order.

9. Section B.7.2 Cost-Plus-Fixed Fee (CPFF), page 3

Contractors are required to have a Federal approved cost accounting system for Cost Reimbursable type Orders.

Section L. 15 Business Proposal Instructions, page 81

For Cost Plus Fixed Fee task orders, the offeror shall submit with their business proposal the cost data information listed below in Section (c) to include the indirect cost rate agreement and an approved accounting system.

Does the government mean “adequate” accounting system rather than “approved” accounting system?

The distinction is important because contractors cannot request approval of their accounting systems, only Contracting Officers can request approval by DCAA and it requires an audit. FAR 16.3 (referenced in

Section B.7.2) only mentions having an “adequate” accounting system (FAR 16.301-3).

The Domain 2 - Task Order B - contract type has been changed from a cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) to a hybrid type, that is firm-fixed-price (FFP) with an additional time-and-materials (T&M) CLIN; therefore, the requirement to provide an approved cost accounting system has been removed from the solicitation. See the revised RFP.

10. Page 3 - B.7.2 Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF), Paragraph 2

“Contractors are required to have a Federal approved cost accounting system for Cost Reimbursable type Orders.

Contractors will be required to submit a cost proposal with supporting information for each cost element, including, but not limited to, Direct Labor, Fringe Benefits, Overhead, General and Administrative (G&A) expenses, Other

Direct Costs, and Profit consistent with their approved Federal cost accounting system and provisional billing rates.”

a) Will CDC accept a non-Government Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certifying a DCAA-compliant

Cost Accounting System? This is the standard used for NITAAC CIO-SP3.

b) Many Public Health focused companies will never receive a Government Cost Accounting audit due to the predominance of Firm Fixed Price and Time & Materials Contracts.

The Domain 2 - Task Order B - contract type has been changed from a cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) to a hybrid type, that is firm-fixed-price (FFP) with an additional time-and-materials (T&M) CLIN; therefore,

11. Section B.8 Travel Pricing

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For offerors who do not possess a “federally approved cost accounting system,” will a CR CLIN be established? Please advise.

No. A Cost-reimbursement CLIN will not be established. The Domain 2 - Task Order B - contract type has been changed from a cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) to a hybrid type, that is firm-fixed-price (FFP) with an additional time-and-materials (T&M) CLIN; therefore, the requirement to provide an approved cost accounting system has been removed from the solicitation. See the revised RFP.

12. Section B.7 Task Order Pricing: B7.2, CPFF, Page 3 of 161

a) Please confirm “federally approved cost accounting system” is not limited to approved by DCAA or

DCMA. The offeror assumes by the Federal Agency such as HHS, CMS, etc, is acceptable.

The Domain 2 - Task Order B - contract type has been changed from a cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) to a hybrid type, that is firm-fixed-price (FFP) with an additional time-and-materials (T&M) CLIN; therefore,

b) B7.2; CPFF; Page 3 of 161 It is assumed an offeror who does not possess a “federally-approved cost accounting system” will not be excluded from submitting a proposal response to this RFP. It is assumed the offeror may only respond to FFP Task Orders? Please confirm.

The contractor is required to respond to both Task Order A and Task Order B to be considered for an award.

13. Cost Accounting Standards

Can a Cost Accounting System be certified by an approved 3rd party? (NITAAC CIO-SP3 uses this approach). A DCAA audit is at the Government’s discretion. Many strong Public Health small businesses are never audited.

The Domain 2 - Task Order B - contract type has been changed from a cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) to a hybrid type, that is firm-fixed-price (FFP) with an additional time-and-materials (T&M) CLIN; therefore,

14. Questions to Consider around the Accounting System

a) Can an awardee bid on the solicitation if they don’t have an approved accounting system and only bid on only the FFP task orders?

b) If vendor has an adequate system, which means it has gone through the initial audit by

DCMA/DCAA, can the vendor submit a proposal and upon award, request to be audited for approval?

c) Do the prospective vendors need to demonstrate past invoicing on an adequate system, which means it has gone through the initial audit by DCMA/DCAA, to government clients, or will invoicing to commercial clients suffice for this requirement?

d) Do the prospective vendors need to demonstrate past invoicing on an adequate system, which means it has gone through the initial audit by DCMA/DCAA, within a specific time frame? If so, please clarify the time frame.

e) What documentation do you need to validate an approved accounting system.

f) What documentation do you need to validate an accredited accounting system.

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The Domain 2 - Task Order B - contract type has been changed from a cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) to a hybrid type, that is firm-fixed-price (FFP) with an additional time-and-materials (T&M) CLIN; therefore,

15. Section B.7.2

It states in B.7.2 Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) of the RFP, pg. 3, “Contractors are required to have a Federal approved cost accounting system for Cost Reimbursable type Orders. Contractors will be required to submit a cost proposal with supporting information for each cost element, including, but not limited to, Direct Labor, Fringe Benefits, Overhead, General and Administrative (G&A) expenses, Other Direct Costs, and Profit consistent with their approved Federal cost accounting system and provisional billing rates. “

a) Who is the Government Official that renders approval to a Contractor’s accounting system?

b) Does the CDC Contracting Officer possess the authority to review and approve an Offeror’s accounting system based on the documentation submitted with the Business Proposal?

c) Would the CDC consider documentation that provides evidence where an offeror’s accounting system was reviewed and approved by an Independent Certified Public Accountant?

The Domain 2 - Task Order B - contract type has been changed from a cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) to a hybrid type, that is firm-fixed-price (FFP) with an additional time-and-materials (T&M) CLIN; therefore,

16. Section B.1 and B.7.2

In Section B.1, the RFP mentions Cost Reimbursable contracts and in B.7.2, it notes Cost Plus Fixed Fee.

Can the government please clarify which type of contract will be utilized on this IDIQ?

The contract types that the Government will use for this IDIQ are: firm-fixed-price (FFP) and time-and-materials (T&M).

17. Section J

If vendor has an adequate system, which means it has gone through the initial audit by DCMA/DCAA, can vendor submit a proposal and upon award, request to be audited for approval?

The Domain 2 - Task Order B - contract type has been changed from a cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) to a hybrid type, that is firm-fixed-price (FFP) with an additional time-and-materials (T&M) CLIN; therefore,

18. B.12 & I-2.7 (page 4 & 57)

B.12 - “…no task order shall extend more than twelve (12) months beyond the expiration date of the basic contract.”

I-2.7 “…the Contractor shall not be required to make any deliveries under this contract after 24 months from expiration of the ordering period.”

Please verify the maximum length of time a task order may be extended / performed past the basic contract end date?

The maximum length of time a task order may be extended/ performed past the basic contract end date is twelve (12) months. However, the Government may also exercise the “Option to Extend Services” pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clause 52.217-8, “Option to Extend Services”, past the

12 months limitation.

19. B.12 p. 4; paragraph 1

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Section B.12, page 4, paragraph 1 states no task order shall extend more than twelve (12) months beyond the expiration date of the basic contract. Section I-2.7, page 57, paragraph (d) states that the contractor shall not be required to make any deliveries under this contract after 24 months from expiration of the ordering period.

Please clarify the number of months a task order can extend beyond the expiration date.

The maximum length of time a task order may be extended/ performed past the basic contract end date is twelve (12) months. However, the Government may also exercise the “Option to Extend Services” pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clause 52.217-8, “Option to Extend Services”, past the

12 months limitation.

Section C - Description/Specification/Work Statement

20. C.4; Page 7

Can a single contractor be both the "Domain 1" contractor the "Domain 2" contractor?

Yes, a single contractor can, potentially, be awarded both the Domain 1 and Domain 2 task order contract awards.

21. Section C.

Will the government provide a amended RFP with updates to Section C to ensure all requirements addressed during the October 18th conference are included? For example, under Domain 2, the requirement for NPIN Materials Database Information Collection Management is not included in the current Section C.

Section C will not be updated. The answer to this question raised in the example for Domain2 is found in

Task 8 of the contract. Supplemental information about the databases and other technical information is also provided in the attachment to the solicitation, Attachment J10 - Dictionary information collected

NPIN Orgs Materials Funding Campaigns.

Section L - Instructions, Conditions, And Notices To Offerors

22. Page 74 – Section L.7 Proposal Submission

“an original, six (6) paper (“hard”) copies, an electronic copy, and a CD-ROM of the entire proposal.”

Will CDC consider an emailed electronic version of the entire proposal as opposed to “an original, six (6) paper (“hard”) copies, and a CD-ROM of the entire proposal.”

No, the offeror shall submit ALL required proposal formats as specified in Section L.12 of the RFP to be considered for the award.

23. Page 74 – Section L.7 Proposal Submission

“All proposals shall be submitted no later than 10:00 AM EST, Friday, November 22, 2019”

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Will CDC provide an extension to the submission date?

Yes, as the result of several changes in the RFP, the proposal submission deadline is extended. The new proposal submission deadline is 2:00 PM EST, Wednesday, January 22, 2020.

24. We respectfully request extending the submission due date to ensure there is adequate time to deliberate and provide the Government with sufficient information and our best terms from a technical, past performance, and price standpoint.

The new proposal submission deadline is 2:00 PM EST, Wednesday, January 22, 2020.

25. Relative to the RFP due date of November 22nd, when does the Government expect to release

Answers to Questions and provide corresponding Amendment(s)? If questions and amendments are published within 2 weeks of the current due date, will the government consider an extension of the due date?

26. General

Will the government consider a extension at least two-weeks post the release of answers to questions?

27. L.14.2 Past Performance

Should the “last three (3) contracts completed during the last three years” be literally the last 3 contracts completed? Or the last 3 contracts completed that are “similar” in nature to the work scope?

See the revised section L.14 in the solicitation. Offerors are to provide three (3) references only for which the offeror has performed services similar in scope, magnitude and complexity as the requirements identified in the PWS within three (3) years from the date of this solicitation.

28. Page 80 – Section L.14 Past Performance Information

1. Offerors shall submit the following information as part of their Technical Proposal for the Basic Contract (but in a separate Volume) for both the Offeror and proposed major subcontractors:

2. The Offeror shall provide a list of the last three (3) contracts completed during the past three years and the last

(3) contracts awarded currently in progress that are similar in nature to the solicitation work scope. Contracts listed may include those entered into by the Federal Government, agencies of state and local governments and commercial customers.

a) Is CDC looking for a total of six Past Performances (3 Completed and 3 In Progress)?

b) Is this total across both Prime and Subcontractors? Requiring six each from both Prime and

Subcontractors could be exceptionally cumbersome.

No. The Past Performance requirement section of the RFP has been clarified. See the revised RFP.

29. No section specified

Do we need to show previous performance?

Yes. In fact, there are two separate requirements. The first one is for the offeror to provide “Previous

Experience” as a subfactor 2 of the technical proposal for the basic contract. The section one is the requirement to provide “Past Performance” information as a separate volume of the proposal.

Additionally, the Past Performance requirement section of the RFP has been revised. See the revised

RFP.

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30. L.11 Proposal Page Format

Will the government increase (or remove this limitation) the “30-word limit” for tables, charts, graphics, etc?

No, the Government will not increase the “30-word limit” requirement for tables, charts, graphics, etc.

31. L.13.A; Page 77 of 161; Para 1

Does the Offeror have to submit Resumes for the Basic Contract?

No. The resumes are only required for Task Order A and Task Order B under the subfactor 3, “Staffing and Management Plan.”

32. L.13

A staffing matrix that completely describes the types, quantities, and experience of the multiple personnel required to perform this work can easily take multiple pages. With a small page limit, this impacts CDC’s ability to learn about the offeror’s approach to the task order and all the Section L requirements. Will CDC allow this to be outside the page count or add pages to accommodate this table?

Yes. CDC will allow the offerors to submit the staffing matrix as an Appendix, which would not count against the page limit. However, the narrative describing the staffing matrix must be included in the technical proposal.

33. L.13

The requirements of L.13 state that “the description shall also include: a) A staffing matrix showing type and number of staffing resources readily available for the base effort, including breakdown by skill sets and functions of each person.” This required table cannot be constructed in the 30 work limitation on tables. Can this be excepted from the restriction? Or submitted as an attachment?

Yes. CDC will allow the offerors to submit the staffing matrix as an Appendix, which would not count against the page limit and could be constructed in the unlimited word count limitation.

34. Conflicting language in these 2 sections re: Past Performance:

L.13 TECHNICAL PROPOSAL PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS

L14. Past Performance Information ; P 80, PARA 1

“Technical Proposal for the Basic Contract (but in a separate Volume)” Is the Government requesting a separate volume (Volume III) for past performance?

The past performance section should be submitted as an appendix to the Business Proposal. Please see the revised RFP.

35. L.14 Past Performance Information (P 80 PARA 1)

This section clearly states that Past Performance data and references are only required for Volume 1 in the Basic Contract. However, on pages 77 and 78 it indicates that past performance and references are also required as part of the submission for Task Orders A and B. Please clarify if the instruction on page

80 is correct or if we should include past performance and references in multiple locations.

The Government confirms that the instructions on page 80 paragraph 1 are correct and the “Offerors need only submit references for Volume I, Basic Contract; additional references for Task Orders A and B are NOT required.” The offeror appears to refer to subfactor 2, Corporate Capability/Experience, which relates specifically to Task Orders A & B and shall be included within the technical proposals for the Task

Orders A & B.

36. L.13 TECHNICAL PROPOSAL PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS (P. 76 Section 1 - Basic Contract.)

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Since Attachment J.3 Labor Categories is required in the Technical Proposal, can the Attachment J.3 be moved to an Appendix?

Yes. The attachment J.3 can be moved to an Appendix. The Attachment J.3. states that, “There is no page limit for this attachment.”

37. L.12 General Instructions (P 75 PARA 8)

L.12 (f) references a Milestone Payment Schedule. Is a Milestone Payment Schedule required in addition to the Schedule B pricing for Task Order A and Task Order B?

Yes. Milestone Payment Schedules are required in addition to the Schedule B pricing for Task Order A and Task Order B.

38. Section L.7

Will the government consider a electronic submission?

No, the offeror shall submit ALL required proposal formats as specified in Section L.12 of the RFP to be considered for the award.

39. Section L.11

Wil the government consider increasing the page limitations for the basic contract from 20 to 35 pages?

The Government increased the page limit for the basic contract to 25 pages. See Section L 13 of the revised RFP.

40. Section L.11

Wil the government consider increasing the page limitations for the task orders from 15 to 25 pages?

The Government increased the page limit for each task order to 25 pages. See Section L 13 of the revised

41. Section L.10, page 75

Section L.13, A. Basic Contract, page 77

Section L.14, Past Performance, item 1, page 80

L.10 Proposal Contents Offerors shall submit a proposal that is divided into two (2) separate and distinct volumes as listed below: [Volume I & Volume II]

L.13.A. BASIC Contract - Reference Section 'C’ of the solicitation to prepare a response for Volume I - Section 1 of the technical proposal. Page Limit: 20 pages (not including resumes)

The written technical proposal is limited to twenty (20) pages, including the cover page and table of contents.

Appendices may be included in this section. However, appendices shall only include resumes and requested literature (if any). Appendices do not count against the page limit.

L.14.1. Offerors shall submit the following information as part of their Technical Proposal for the Basic Contract

(but in a separate Volume) for both the Offeror and proposed major subcontractors

a) The government indicates that there should only be 2 volumes (technical and business). In the requirements for past performance, the government requests that the past performance information be submitted in a separate “volume”. Does the government intend for offerors to submit the past performance section in a third volume (e.g. Volume 3), or should the past performance section be submitted as an appendix to Volume 1?

The past performance section should be submitted as an appendix to the Business Proposal

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b) Can the government confirm that past performance is excluded from page count if submitted in a separate appendix.

Past Performance narrative/ write up shall be limited to 4 pages and should be included as an appendix within the Business Proposal. See the revised section L.14 in the solicitation.

42. Section L.11, page 75

The CD-ROM which comprise the offeror’s proposal shall be in MS Word .doc file format except the cost proposal quantitative data shall be provided in a spreadsheet in MS Excel .xls format.

There are often elements of a proposal that are only available in PDF (e.g., commitment letters, salary documentation, vendor quotes, etc.). For those elements of the proposal, will it be acceptable to submit those in PDF as an attachment to the main MS Word document for the relevant section?

The Government confirms, that for the elements of the proposal that can only be submitted in PDF format (such as supporting documents, quotes, etc.), it will be acceptable to submit those in PDF as an attachment to the main MS Word document for the relevant section.

43. Section L.13.A – Basic Contract, Subfactor 1, paragraph d, page 77

The offeror shall clearly demonstrate their understanding of the work by fully completing Attachment J3 hereto in which the offeror identifies the appropriate labor categories needed to successfully complete all of the work identified in the PWS for the basic contract.

Will there be an opportunity to add labor categories after the IDIQ award if a future task order requires a labor category that is not submitted with our original proposal?

No, the Government does not plan on adding any additional labor categories after the IDIQ award;

therefore, the offeror must propose all labor categories necessary for the successful performance of the requirements described in PWS.

44. L.13.A; Page 77 of 161; Para 2

What sections/documents can the Offerors include as an Appendix?

Please review Sections L and M of the revised solicitation as it relates to the items to be included as appendices.

45. Section L.14 – Past Performance Information, paragraphs 1 & 2, page 80

Offerors shall submit the following information as part of their Technical Proposal for the Basic Contract (but in a separate Volume) for both the Offeror and proposed major subcontractors.

The Offeror shall provide a list of the last three (3) contracts completed during the past three years and the last (3) contracts awarded current in progress…

Please clarify the number of past performance references that are expected to be submitted.

a) Is it 3 completed and 3 current for the prime and each proposed subcontractor? For example, if the offeror has a proposed subcontractor, is that a total of 12 past performance references (6 for the offeror and 6 for the subcontractors)?

b) Or is the requirement to provide a total of 6 past performance reference that is divided among the offeror and major subcontractors?

The Past Performance requirement section of the RFP has been revised. See the revised RFP.

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46. L.14; Page 80 of 161; Para 1

How is the Past Performance Information different from Subfactor 2. Previous Experience submission?

For purposes of this procurement, “past performance” is defined as performance on "active and physically completed contracts" and certain orders under existing contracts. The Government reserves the right to consider various sources of information about the offeror's past performance.

Subfactor 2, Previous Experience, refers to the offeror’s recent experience as it relates to performing the tasks and technical requirements specified in the Performance Statement of Work. The previous experience subfactor shall demonstrate the offeror’s ability to perform work on time, within budget, and at a high level of quality.

47. Section L.15 – Business Proposal Instructions, paragraph 3, page 81

The business proposal shall also include the content described in the following four (4) subparagraphs and shall be divided, ordered, and tabbed according to the subparagraph below.

The business proposal instructions indicate there are 4 subparagraphs to address, but the solicitation only identifies three: a) Contract Proposal Cover Sheet, b) Other Administrative Data, and c) Cost Data

Information. Can the government provide information regarding the 4th subparagraph to address?

The Section L.15 has been corrected to state that there are 3 subparagraphs that must be addressed.

See the revised RFP.

48. L.15, Business Proposal Instructions “The business proposal shall also include the content described in the following four (4) subparagraphs . . . .”

The remaining portion of L.15 lists only three (3) subparagraphs (a), (b), and (c), but there is no “(d).”

We respectfully ask the Government to clarify the reference to four (4) subparagraphs.

The Section L.15 has been corrected to state that there are 3 subparagraphs that have to be addressed.

49. L.15 p. 81-83; paragraph 3

Section L.15, page 81, paragraph 3, states that the business proposal shall include the content described in the following four (4) subparagraphs. Only three subparagraphs follow: (a)(b) and (c).

Is a subparagraph (d) missing or should this requirement be for “three (3) subparagraphs”?

The Section L.15 has been corrected to state that there are 3 subparagraphs that have to be addressed.

50. L.15 p. 81; paragraph 1 (last sentence)

Section L.15, page 81, paragraph 1 states that for CPFF task orders, the offeror shall submit the cost data information listed in section (c).

For the FFP task order, is it acceptable to only include a summary quote with labor categories, fully burdened labor rates, hours, ODCs and travel without the detailed cost data information described in section (c)?

Not it is not acceptable. The detailed cost data information explaining how the burdened labor rates are being derived shall be included with the proposal submission. See attachment J13 - Quote Cost

Template.

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51. L.15 p. 82; (c ) iv

Section L.15 (c), page 82, iv – Subcontracted Items requires a copy of the proposed subcontractors’ cost proposal be provided. Subcontractors do not typically provide fully disclosed proposals to prime contractors as it contains proprietary direct and indirect rate information.

Is a fully disclosed proposal required from the subcontractors for the CPFF task order and if so, can the government provide submission instructions? Can the government confirm that fully disclosed subcontractor proposals are not required for the FFP task order?

Fully disclosed subcontractor proposals are required for each task order. Please note that the Domain 2 -

Task Order B - contract type has been changed from a cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) to a hybrid type, that is firm-fixed-price (FFP) with an additional time-and-materials (T&M) CLIN. See the revised RFP.

Subcontractors can submit their fully disclosed proposals directly to the Government per the same proposal submission instructions in the RFP.

52. Section L.15 (c) Cost Data Information, ii. Fringe Benefits, page 82

vii. Indirect Costs, page 83

Show fringe benefits as a separate cost category.

This is to include both incurred rates and allocation bases at a level of detail that shows the incurred indirect costs for each sub-element that comprises each indirect rate pool.

Section L.15 (c) indicates to list both fringe benefits and indirect costs separately. If a company combines fringe benefits into its overhead and G&A rates, is it sufficient to provide the requested information only for the overhead and G&A pools in the “Indirect Costs” section? A company that allocates fringe benefits in this manner will clearly identify the fringe benefit costs in the overhead and G&A pools.

If the offeror is using Total Cost as the base, they would have to show how Fringe costs have a causal beneficial relationship to the allocation base. If that is what the offeror is proposing, they must provide a breakdown of their indirect rate structure with a general explanation of their allocation bases. The bottom line is that the Government has to clearly see how the contractor’s burdened rates are being built. The offerors shall provide a detailed breakdown of what their burdened rates are composed of.

53. Section L, L.11, Page 75

We respect the government's desire to limit graphics, charts, illustrations, tables etc. to 30 words. This limitation however drastically limits the content of traditional graphics and tables such as management organizational charts; staffing matrices; identification of anticipated problems, risks and mitigation plans; transition timeline; resumes, and past performance tables, all required for compliance in the proposal. We respectfully ask the Government to reconsider the 30 word limitation or modify its use as applicable to only the technical plan.

No, the Government will not increase the “30-word limit” requirement for tables, charts, graphics, etc

54. Section L, L.11, Page 75

The government's direction regarding page limitations state: "Where a page limit applies, the page limit includes cover letter, table of contents, index, attachments, illustrations, charts, tables, diagrams and all other documents; except appendices. Resumes are excluded from the technical proposal page limit."

Can the Government please confirm the completed Attachment J3 may be included as an appendix to

Volume 1: Basic Contract, and does not count towards the 20 page limit as stated in the instructions on the Attachment J3.

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The Government confirms the completed Attachment J3 may be included as an appendix to Volume 1:

Basic Contract and would not count towards the 25-page limit as stated in the instructions on the

Attachment J3.

55. Section L, L.14, Page 80

The Government states that Offerors shall submit Past Performance Information "as part of their

Technical Proposal for the Basic Contract (but in a separate Volume)." Can the Government please confirm the Past Performance Information will be an appendix to Volume I Technical Proposal, Section

1: Basic Contract, and delivered as a separate document?

Past Performance narrative/ write up shall be limited to 4 pages and should be included as an appendix within the business proposal. See the revised RFP.

56. Section L, L.14, Page 80

In Section L.14 for Past Performance Information, the Government states that the "Offerors shall submit the following information as part of their Technical Proposal for the Basic Contract (but in a separate

Volume) for both the Offeror and proposed major subcontractors" and then further states "The Offeror shall provide a list of the last three (3) contracts completed during the past three years and the last (3) contracts awarded currently in progress that are similar in nature to the solicitation work scope."

Would the Government please confirm that a total of 6 performance writeups (3 completed and 3 ongoing) are required (to include those from the offeror and major subcontractors)?

See the revised section L.14 in the solicitation. Offerors are to provide three (3) references only for

57. Section L, L.14, Page 80

The Government indicated at the Industry Day that Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) will be required relative to the submitted Past Performance Information. Would the Government please consider submittal of CPARs vs. PPQs when possible?

No, the Government requires PPQ. See the revised section L.14 in the solicitation. Offerors are to provide three (3) references only for which the offeror has performed services similar in scope, magnitude and complexity as the requirements identified in the PWS within three (3) years from the date of this solicitation.

58. L.14, Page 80

Past Performance Information, “Offerors need only submit references for Volume I, Basic Contract;

additional references for Task Orders A and B are NOT required. Offerors shall submit the following information as part of their Technical Proposal for the Basic Contract (but in a separate Volume) for both the Offeror and proposed major subcontractors:” And pg. 78, Section B1. Task Order A, under Subfactor

2. Corporate Capability/Experience” “The offeror shall provide documentation or references of recent experience as it relates to performing the tasks and technical requirements.” Can the Government please clarify what is meant by references within the task orders since pg. 80 indicates references would only be required for the Basic Contract. Also, please clarify what volume the past performance should be submitted in (either as a separate volume/component of the Basic Contract, included with the Basic

Contract, or otherwise).

The references are required for the IDIQ only. See the revised section L.14 in the solicitation. Offerors are to provide three (3) references only for which the offeror has performed services similar in scope, magnitude and complexity as the requirements identified in the PWS within five (5) years from the date of this solicitation.

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59. Section L, L.15, Page 81

The solicitation states, "The business proposal shall also include the content described in the following four (4) subparagraphs and shall be divided, ordered and tabbed according to the subparagraphs below:" However, there are only three (3) subparagraphs following this statement.

Would the Government please clarify if this statement should have referenced only three (3) subparagraphs?

The Section L.15 has been corrected to state that there are 3 subparagraphs that have to be addressed.

60. Section L.15, page 81, paragraph 3

The instructions state that the business proposal shall also include the content described in the following four (4) subparagraphs: (a) Contract Proposal Cover Sheet, (b) Other Administrative Data, and

(c) Cost Data Information. Please confirm if there are only 3 applicable subparagraphs or provide the 4th subparagraph.

The Section L.15 has been corrected to state that there are 3 subparagraphs that have to be addressed.

61. Section L, L.15, Page 81

The solicitation states "The business proposal shall be comprised of the following elements: Contract

Form, and Representations and Certifications. The contract form found in Part I, Section A, a completed copy of Section B (Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs), and the completed Representations and

Certifications contained in Part IV, Section K, of this solicitation."

Does the Government expect that offerors submit separate business proposals, one for each Task

Order, or one business proposal, inclusive of both task orders?

The Government expects the offerors to submit two separate business proposals, one for each Task

Order.

62. Section L, L.13, Volume 1, Section B, Page 77-79

The current page limit of 15 pages per task order is highly restrictive. We respectfully ask the

Government to consider increasing the page limit for Task Order Proposals to 20 pages and exclude from this count the cover page, table of contents, and staffing matrix.

The Government increased the page limit for each task order to 25 pages. Furthermore, the cover page and table of content are included in the page count. However, the staffing matrix is excluded from the page count and should be submitted as an appendix. See the revised RFP.

63. Section L, L.13, Volume 1, Section B1 and B2, Page 78-79

"The offeror shall provide the Transitional Plan with their proposal, which will be evaluated based on the following factors: adequacy, feasibility, risk management, and a description of how it will interact and cooperate on the transition with the incumbent contractor." Will the Government allow the Transitional

Plan to be included as an Appendix to the Task Order Proposals?

Yes. The Transition Plans can be submitted as appendices to the task order proposals.

64. Section L.11, Page 75 of 161

Are works cited/bibliographies exempted from the NTE page limit for the technical proposal?

No, they are not exempt from the NTE page limit.

65. Section L.11, Page 75 of 161

Will the Government consider increasing the page limit for the technical proposal given the number of requirements to be addressed? For example, Task Order B has 11 tasks in subfactor 1 alone and is only allocated 15 pages.

RFP 75D301-20-R-68023 Page 14 of 48

The Government increased the page limit for each task order to 25 pages. See the revised RFP.

66. Section L.11, Page 75 of 161

Will the Government consider excluding cover page, cover letter, and table of content from the technical proposal page limit given the number of requirements to be addressed in this volume?

No. However, the Government increased the page limit for basic contract and each task order to 25 pages.

67. Section L.11, Page 75 of 161

Can offerors include letters of commitments from subcontractors and consultants in the Appendices?

Yes, letters of commitments from subcontractors and consultants can be added as an appendix.

68. Section L.11, Page 75 of 161

The solicitation states that "text included in any illustrations, charts, graphics, tables, or diagrams may be no less than 8 pt pitch and shall not exceed 30 words," however required charts such as the Gannt, staffing matrix, and LOE table will exceed the 30-word limit. Please clarify this requirement.

The Gannt Chart, Staffing Matrix can be submitted as appendices, however, the description of these documents must be included in the narrative of the technical proposal.

69. Section L.11, Page 75 of 161

Are call out boxes exempt from the NTE 30-word limit requirement for any illustrations, charts, graphics, tables, or diagrams?

No, they are not.

70. Section L.12, Page 75 of 161

Please confirm that the E-mail version of the proposal is to be submitted to the Contracting Officer, Ms.

Liubov Kriel, at NPIN@cdc.gov

The Government confirms that the electronic version of the proposal shall be submitted to Ms. Liubov

Kriel’s attention at NPIN@cdc.gov email address. Also, note ALL other formats required to be submitted that are listed in section L.

71. Section L.13, Page 77 of 161

For Technical Proposal Section 1 - Basic Contract, Subfactor 2 (Previous Experience), are offerors expected to include descriptions of projects completed within the past three years?

Yes. See the revised section L.14 in the solicitation. Offerors are to provide three (3) references only for

72. Section L.13, Page 77 of 161

For Technical Proposal Section 1 - Basic Contract, Subfactor 1, should offerors include Attachment J3 in this section or as an appendix?

Yes. The offeror shall include Attachment J3 as an attachment, which shall not be counted against the page limit.

73. Section L.13, Page 77 of 161

Please confirm that staffing and management plan is not required for Technical Proposal Section 1 -

Basic Contract.

The Government confirms that the staffing and management plan is not required for Technical Proposal

Section 1 - Basic Contract.

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74. Section L.14, Page 80 of 161

The solicitation states that offerors need to submit past performance information "as part of their

Technical Proposal for Basic Contract (but in a separate Volume)." Should offerors include past performance information in the Appendix of Volume I or create a separate Volume III? Please clarify

Past Performance narrative/ write up shall be limited to 4 pages and should be included as an appendix within the business proposal. See the revised RFP

75. Section L.14, Page 80 of 161

Please confirm that past performance information is excluded from the technical proposal page limit?

Past Performance narrative/ write up shall be limited to 4 pages and should be included as an appendix within the business proposal. See the revised RFP.

76. Section L.14, Page 80 of 161

The solicitation states that "offerors shall provide a list of 3 contracts completed during the past 3 years and 3 contracts awarded currently in progress that are similar in nature to the solicitation work scope."

Is an offeror (including proposed major subcontractors) required to submit past performance information for a total of 6 contracts or is the offeror and proposed major subcontractors EACH required to submit past performance information for 6 contracts? Please clarify.

The prime is required to submit information on 3 contracts and the subcontractors should submit information on past contracts as appropriate to their experience with the proposed task (i.e 1-6 contracts). Section L14 has been revised, please refer to the revised RFP.

77. Section L.14, Section M.3.2

Are offerors required to submit past performance questionnaires or just provide a list of list of the last three (3) contracts completed during the past three years and the last (3) contracts awarded currently in progress that are similar in nature to the solicitation work scope.

See the revised section L.14 in the solicitation. Offerors are to provide three (3) references only for

78. Section L.15 (c), Page 82 of 161

The solicitation states that offerors are required to "show fringe benefits as a separate cost category."

This is normally done for CPFF contracts and not FFP contracts. Please clarify if this requirement is applicable to Task Order A (Attachment J5)?

Yes. It is applicable and required for all contracts.

Section M - Evaluation Factors For Award

79. M.1.C

It appears the Cost/Price evaluation is limited to the Task Order only, while the evaluation of the

Technical Proposal for the Basic Contract is significantly more important than Technical Proposal for the

Task Orders. Please confirm.

The Government confirms that the cost/price evaluation is limited to the task orders only. Furthermore, the technical proposal for the basic contract is significantly more important than the technical proposal for the task orders.

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80. What task is DLH the incumbent for?

DLH is the incumbent for the Domain 2 Task Order B. This information was provided in the section M-2 of the RFP.

81. Section M.2. Evaluation Factors, 2. Technical Evaluation Criteria – Task Orders A and B, Subfactor 3.

Staffing and Management Plan, item e, page 85

How well the offeror has described a staffing matrix showing type and number of staffing resources readily available for the base effort, including breakdowns by skill sets and functions of each person

Will the government consider providing current or anticipated labor hours to ensure all bidders can adequately estimate the work required to fulfill all elements of the PWS?

No. The Government encourages offeror to estimate labor hours based on providing all of the services in the most efficient manner possible.

82. Will maximum values be provided for evaluation of each subfactor? Ex. 10 pts subfactor #1 in Basic

Contract; 10 pts for subfactors 1&2 in basic contract/ 20 pts for subfactors 1&2 in basic contract

No, the evaluation is based on an adjectival system. See sections M2 & M3 of the RFP.

83. Evaluation Factors

Can the Government clarify if any points will be associated with the (3) evaluation factors or sub-factors of the solicitation (page 84)? If so, what are their value for each factor and sub-factor?

No, the evaluation is based on an adjectival system. See sections M2 & M3 of the RFP.

Section J - List Of Attachments

84. J.4

Are the labor rates loaded labor rates?

Yes. See the revised Attachment J.4 in the RFP.

85. Labor Categories

If subcontractors are used, does the government prefer separate labor categories for each sub or should subs map to the Prime’s labor categories?

Subcontractors should map to the Prime’s labor categories.

86. Labor Categories

For labor categories, can they be spread across the primary and subcontractors, or does the prime need to have approved labor categories for everyone submitted?

The prime needs to have approved labor categories for everyone [subcontractor] submitted.

87. J.6 Incumbent Contract

What is the contract period?

The Period of Performance of the Domain 2 task order is as follows:

09/23/2014 – 9/22/2019. The Period of Performance has been extended through 01/22/2020.

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What is the contract value?

The Domain 2 task order contract value: $8,062,305.00.

What labor categories are utilized on the contract?

The Government will not release this information.

88. J.5 Incumbent Contract

(Repeat of above questions in Question 5)

What is the contract period?

The Period of Performance of the Domain 1 task order contract is as follows:

12/23/2016 – 12/22/2019. The Task Order will be extended under the authority of FAR 52.217-8.

What is the contract value?

The Domain 1 task order contract value: $4,622,690.03.

What labor categories are utilized on the contract?

89. J.5 and J.6

Task Orders seem to be very broad and not specific to an NPIN function or activity.

The Task Order A & B tasks cover all task areas within each corresponding Domain 1 and 2. Furthermore, each task within those task orders cover all functions and activities of each task area within the corresponding domains 1 and 2.

Will there be more than awardee for task orders?

No. There will be one awardee for task order A and one awardee for task order B. For all future task orders, there will be one awardee per task order.

90. Unspecified

As the Task Orders in the RFP are written, the scopes of work are the entirety of Domains 1 and 2 for

Task order A and B, respectively. This presents a challenge as the proposals will be duplicative between the Base Contact and the Task Orders. In addition, the scopes of work do not allow for true task order solutions or pricing, as they are broad and general without specific activities and executable task descriptions. Can the government please clarify?

The tasks within the sample task orders are more detailed and in depth to the core NPIN program, whereas those contained in the IDIQ contract PWS are very general to the types of services that may be requested by the program.

91. No specific section

Are domain 1 and 2 awarded to 2 separate contractors?

The current Domain 1 and 2 task orders are awarded to 2 separate contractors.

Can you write to only 1 domain or must you do both?

See section M of the RFP. “The Offeror must demonstrate that they are technically capable to perform services in Domain 1, Information and Communication Technology, and Domain 2, Communication and

Education, to be considered for award.”

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92. It appears that the solicitation is for the contractor to apply to both domains. Is this so, or can a contractor apply for the basic IDIQ and just one domain?

The offeror must submit proposals for both domains. See section M of the RFP. “The Offeror must demonstrate that they are technically capable to perform services in Domain 1, Information and

Communication Technology, and Domain 2, Communication and Education, to be considered for award.”

93. J.4

Where do we submit rates associated with the full labor categories that are included in the technical proposal since the business volume only applies to the Task Orders?

The full labor rates shall be submitted within the Attachment J4 of the solicitation. See attached revised

94. No section specified

Can we partner with a larger company that is not a small business concern?

This requirement is a small business set-aside and the prime contractor has to be considered a small business…