RFQ_75N91019Q00128_Q&A.pdf

Questions and Answers

RFQ# 75N91019Q00128

1. Q: Is there an incumbent?

A: The services are currently provided under BPA Number HHSN261201400002B with ICF Macro, Inc.

2. Q: What is the manning level (FTEs) for the Applicant Assistance Program (AAP) support?

A: Quoters are responsible for providing a solution based on the requirements in the

RFQ.

3. Q: Does the government have an estimated budget for this effort?

A: The Government will not be disclosing internal budgetary information.

4. Q: Number of Contractor staff currently supporting incumbent contract?

A: The Government will not be disclosing proprietary, incumbent information.

5. Q: Would the government consider alternative proposals?

A: Quoters shall provide a solution based on the requirements in the RFQ.

6. Q: Will the government be hosting the online application submission tool or will that be contractor hosted? If contractor-hosted, are we required to complete a privacy impact assessment and/or security plan?

A: The Government will not be hosting an online application tool. It is up to the Contractor to propose a solution in accordance with section 4(3), PURCHASE ORDER REQUIREMENTS / TASKS - Collect AAP applications of the SOW. Section 3(3), SCOPE of the SOW is revised to remove the word “system.” Section 4(3)(2), PURCHASE ORDER REQUIREMENTS / TASKS – Collect AAP Applications of the SOW is revised to remove the word “system.”

7. Q: Would the government consider extending the submission deadline?

A: Yes, the submission deadline has been extended. Quoters shall provide one original quotation VIA EMAIL to Contracting Officer, Megan Kisamore at Megan.Kisamore@nih.gov no later than 3:00 PM EST on Monday, August 19, 2019.

QUOTES RECEIVED AFTER THIS DATE AND TIME WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

8. Q: Would the preferred submission consist of 4 separate pdf files [1) Cover page, 2) Volume I – Technical Volume, 3) Volume II – Past Performance Volume, 4) Volume III – Price Volume], or would you prefer for us to combine all of these into a single pdf for submission?

A: Per section L.2 of the RFQ, quotes must be prepared in three SEPARATE volumes:

Volume I - "Technical Volume", Volume II - "Past Performance Volume" and Volume III - "Price Volume". The cover letter/cover page is a requirement of Volume III – “Price Volume”, in accordance with section L.5.1 of the RFQ.

mailto:Megan.Kisamore@nih.gov mailto:Megan.Kisamore@nih.gov

9. Q: Our understanding is that for CLIN 1 (Base Period), there will be 40 participants per round for 3 rounds during 9/23/2019 – 9/22/2020, for a total of 120 participants. For CLIN2, there would be an additional 10 participants per round for 3 rounds over this period, for a total of 30 additional participants, etc. Could you confirm this is the correct interpretation of the total number of participants for each CLIN?

A: Yes, your interpretation of the total number of participants for CLIN 1 (Base period) and CLIN 2 (Base Period (Optional Quantity)), as described above, is correct.

10. Q: We understand that we should prepare a Cover letter in accordance with FAR 52.212- 1, and that we should be aware of the provisions FAR 52.212-2, FAR 52.217-5, FAR 52.219-6. Could you confirm that there are no other actionable items we need to take regarding the 212-2, 217-5, and 219-6 provisions and that the following language would be sufficient acknowledgement of the referenced provisions to be included in the cover letter? "This offer incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, and is subject to the following referenced provisions: FAR 52.212-1, FAR 52.212-2, FAR 52.217-

5, FAR 52.219-6."?

A: Quotes shall be prepared and submitted in accordance with the RFQ.

11. Q: What are the historical numbers of applicants who take advantage of the program?

A: Per the RFQ, it is anticipated that approximately 250 applications will be submitted for each coaching round in total. The Contractor shall enroll a minimum of 40 small businesses per coaching round. If required, the Contractor shall have the ability to enroll up to 80 small businesses per coaching round.

12. Q: What influence will the contractor have over the selection of participants for the program?

A: The Contractor shall perform the tasks in the RFQ. The Government shall be responsible for the selection of AAP participants.

13. Q: What are the final evaluation criteria that NIH will apply to SBIR/STTR applicants for selection?

A: The Contractor shall perform the tasks in the RFQ. The Government shall be responsible for the selection of AAP participants.

14. Q: Is the ‘high level evaluation criteria’ limited to feasibility, needs of applicants, and alignment with mission of agency?

A: Per section 4(4)(1), PURCHASE ORDER REQUIREMENTS / TASKS - Process AAP Applications - Pre-examine AAP applications, “The Contractor shall conduct a cursory review of AAP applications to determine (a) if the proposed technology fits within the mission of the participating NIH Institutes, (b) on the readiness of the technology to receive NIH SBIR/STTR funding, and (c) on the needs of the small business grant applicants.”

15. Q: Does the government have an existing technology platform for managing the application process?

A: The Government will not be disclosing proprietary, incumbent information. Quoters are responsible for providing a solution based on the requirements in the RFQ. See also:

Q&A #6 above.

16. Q: Do you have specific expectations in terms of length and format for the Lessons Learned and Best Practices deliverables?

A: Lessons Learned and Best Practices deliverables shall be prepared and submitted in accordance with the requirements in the RFQ.

17. Q: Will the Government consider increasing the page limit for the technical volume to 20 pages?

A: The technical volume shall be limited to 15 pages, with 1-inch margins, and using not less than 12-point font.

18. Q: Are graphics, charts, and tables allowed to have smaller (e.g. 10 point) but legible fonts?

A: Yes, Quoters may use not less than 10-point font for graphics, charts and tables.

19. Q: Please confirm that staff resumes can be included in the Technical Appendix.

A: Yes, resumes, letters of commitment, table of contents, works cited etc. may be included in the Technical Appendix.

20. Q: Please confirm that the three required past performance contracts can include contracts from proposed subcontractors.

A: Quoters shall provide past performance information in accordance with the RFQ.

Please see section L.4 and M.4 of the RFQ.

21. Q: Will the government use CPARS/PPIRS primarily for past performance evaluation?

A: Past performance shall be evaluated in accordance with the RFQ. Please see section L.4 and M.4 of the RFQ.

22. Q: Should offerors include organizational conflict of interest (COI) affirmation or certification that there is no COI in the Price Volume?

A: See sub section L.5.3 - ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURE/ MITIGATION, under section L.5 - PRICE QUOTATION INSTRUCTIONS (Volume III).

23. Q: Are the evaluation factors listed in order of importance?

A: The Government shall evaluate quotes in accordance with the RFQ. See FAR 13.106 Soliciting competition, evaluation of quotations or offers, award and documentation.

24. Q: Is there a pricing template that NIH wishes the offeror to use?

A: Quotes shall be prepared and submitted in accordance with the RFQ.