Q and As_Final.pdf

RFQ#: 75N91024Q00101

Questions and Answers

RFQ# 75N91024Q00101

1. Q: Is there an incumbent?

A: Yes, the incumbent is Martin Ferguson, under purchase order No. 75N91020P00038, which expires on May 31, 2024.

2. Q: Do you have any guidance on estimated or expected hours? It’s hard to tell from the

RFQ what level of effort would be required to provide good support for this.

A: Please see section 2.1 of the Combined synopsis/solicitation instructions and provisions document. The Government has provided the total estimated costs for optional tasks 1, 2, and 3 of each performance period, located in section 1.4 of the attached RFQ. Quoters should assume the estimated costs provided. In addition, the Government estimates that 525 hours per year are required to complete the required services. This estimate does not include attendance and participation in meetings/conferences. However, quoters are expected to make an independent assessment of the resources required to complete the work described in the SOW and propose a solution and pricing appropriate for the requirement.

3. Q: For the regular meetings listed (not the conferences or annual GDAN meeting) is virtual attendance acceptable or will these regularly need to be in person? Essentially we want to know if it is feasible for this person to work remotely from elsewhere in the US.

A: Per section 2.3.3, Task 3, the Contractor is required to attend in-person/virtual meetings as required. However, the Government has amended the requirements for each meeting to provide clarification. Please see the amended RFQ, 75N91024Q00101_00001.

Please note two additional amendments:

- “HCMI Steering Committee Meetings” has been removed from the list of Moonshot

Meetings under section 2.3.3, task 3.

- The Government has included a general timeframe for the AACR meeting in section

2.3.4, task 4.

RFQ# 75N91024Q00101

4. Q: In the Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Description document, page 3, #3 says “….

the Government estimates that 525 hours per year are required to complete the required services. This estimate does not include attendance and participation in meetings/conferences…”. However, the pricing table on the other document lists $4,000.00 as Estimated Total and it is T&M type. Can the Government please clarify if the estimated total for attending meetings is to only cover logistical expenses but not the labor hours?

A: The Government estimates 525 hours per year to complete the required services.

This estimate does not include labor hours or materials required for attendance and participation at meetings/conferences. Again, quoters are expected to make an independent assessment of the resources required to complete the work described in the SOW and propose a solution and pricing appropriate for the requirement.

The estimated totals provided for optional tasks 1, 2, and 3 of each performance period include time and materials, e.g. logistical expenses and labor hours. Again, quoters should assume the estimated costs provided.

5. Q: Is there a U.S. citizenship requirement for the proposed personnel?

A: Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clause 52.222-54 Employment Eligibility Verification is applicable to this purchase order. Please see the full text of this clause at acquisition.gov.

6. Q: In Section 2.1 [of the combined synopsis/solicitation document], the minimum quote does not require vendors to submit Technical Approach. However, Section 2.2 says Technical Approach as one of the evaluation factors. Can the Government please clarify if the Technical Approach is needed for the response? If it is needed, can you please clarify the requirements for the technical approach?

A: i) Section 2.1 (pages 2-3) describes the items/documents that must be completed and/or attached with each quotation.

ii) Per section 2.2 (page 4), “…quotes must contain the best terms from a price standpoint; clearly and fully demonstrate the quoter's ability to meet the technical requirements including the quoter’s knowledge and experience regarding the technical requirements; and detailed pricing that aligns with the quoter’s technical approach.

Quotes must provide a technical description of the items/services being offered in sufficient detail to evaluate compliance with the requirements in the solicitation. This may include product literature, or other documents, if necessary. Quotes which merely offer to conduct services in accordance with the requirements of the Government's scope of work will not be eligible for award.”

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_222_54

RFQ# 75N91024Q00101

iii) Per section 2.2 (page 5), “The quoter’s technical approach will be evaluated based upon on their understanding of the requirements of the SOW and planned execution of the required tasks. This may include the manner in which the quoter proposes to plan, manage, control, and provide the services and deliverables. The extent to which the quoter demonstrates a solid understanding of addressing anticipated problems, issues, constraints, organizations and system(s) involved and the approach and methodologies proposed to ensure successful accomplishment of all tasks in the SOW may be evaluated. The extent to which to quoter demonstrates relevant examples of organizational experience and expertise will be evaluated. Relevant is defined as work similar in complexity and magnitude of the work described in this SOW.”

7. Q: Will this work require bioinformatics processing? (e.g., data analysis, report formulation, etc.)?

A: No, bioinformatics processing is completed through other CCG contracts. This acquisition is for subject matter expertise to include bioinformatics and processes to help advise CCG.

8. Q: Can this support be split amongst two (2) SMEs?

A: Quoters are expected to make an independent assessment of the resources required to complete the work described in the SOW and propose a solution and pricing appropriate for the requirement. However, see the response to question 2 above (and section 2.1 of the combined synopsis solicitation document).