NIH_HBCU_PEI_Questions DW edits_after deadline_SBPO Responses (003).pdf

Historically Black College and Universi�es (HBCU)

SOLICITATION NO.:

Submited Ques�ons and Government Answers

1. Does the government have an expecta�on in regards how many awards will be made? If so can this expected award number be shared?

Response: The total number of awards has not been determined.

2. Does the government have an expecta�on in regards how many 8(a) awards will be made? If so can this expected award number be shared?

Response: The total number of awards has not been determined.

3. Page 5 sec�on D states that the Contractor shall be paid by the Government in an amount not less than a total of $250 (minimum) nor more than a total of $T15 mil (maximum) for successful performance of this contract. Can the government clarify this maximum number.

Response: The maximum total of each contract will be in accordance with amendment 2, paragraph B.3(d).

4. Can the government share as to if this is a year one total or is to be applied to the life of the contract.

Response: Please see amendment 2, paragraph B.3(d).

5. If bidders are responding to and are successfully awarded more than one of the task areas, do these limita�ons apply to each award or to the total of all awards/contracts.

Response: Please see amendment 2, paragraph B.3(d).

6. Page 71-The RFP states: "Curriculum Vitae (CV) shall be submited for each person proposed; not to exceed 3 pages per posi�on. CVs are required for all key personnel." Can the government confirm that CVs are only required for the Key Personnel, which the government has iden�fied as the Program Manager?

Response: Yes, Reference page 18, Sec�on G, paragraph G.2 for Key Personnel

7. Page 72-The RFP reference an "atached pricing spreadsheet (Atachment 5)", but we do not see that atachment in the SAM pos�ng. Can the government please provide the pricing spreadsheet atachment?

Response: Please see Amendment #2

8. Page 75-76-How many past performance references are required?

Response: Please see pages 75-76, Sec�on L, paragraph B, #7. Each offeror is requested to submit four

(4) references.

9. Page 76-The RFP references Past Performance Ques�onnaire (Atachment 5), but we do not see that atachment in the SAM pos�ng. Can the government please provide the PPQ atachment?

Response: Please see amendment 2, solicita�on atachment #5.

10. Page 4- The RFP states: " A separate proposal is required for each type of contract ac�vity that an offeror wishes to be considered for". Does this mean we must submit a full 25 page technical for each Task Area we submit for, or just a separate pricing worksheet?

Response: Yes, please see pg. 4, B.3 paragraph a and b.

11. Page 5 and 17-Page 5 indicates the Period of Performance is Date of award- May 8, 2028, while page 17 indicates the Period of Performance is July 8 2023-July7-2028. Can the government clarify which Period of Performance is correct?

Response: Please reference Amendment 002

• Base Year: Date of Award through July 8, 2024

• Op�on Year 1: July 8, 2024 through July 7, 2025

• Op�on Year 2: July 8, 2025 through July 7, 2026

• Op�on Year 3: July 8, 2026 through July 7, 2027

• Op�on Year 4: July 8, 2027 through July 7, 2028

12. Page 5-The total value is stated to be "$T15M". This appears to be a typo, can the government clarify the correct amount, and if this is the value across all 4 areas and all 5 years.

Response: Please reference response for ques�on 3.

13. Page 9- and SOW Page 5-Is the total value of task orders $700K or $750K?

Response: Please see amendment 2 for clarifica�on.

14. Page 70-Can the government elaborate on the expecta�ons of the Center of Excellence Support?

Response: The offeror must submit an explana�on of the proposed technical approach in conjunc�on with the tasks to be performed in achieving the project objec�ves. Proposals which merely restate the requirements of the Government's scope of work will be rated low. Demonstrated understanding of the requirements as supported by the offeror's methodology/approaches, and scheduling. Please reference page 70, 1a - Technical approach.

Response: Please see amendment #2 for clarifica�on.

15. Page 4-Can the government share the number of hours per year for the Labor Categories?

Response: This will be determined at the Task Order level.

16. Does the Government wish Offerors to submit both a technical and price proposal for each of the 4 Task areas?

Solicita�on; B.3 Pricing/Costs, b. Pricing Table "Offerors may submit proposals for one of more of the tasks of the contract ac�vi�es listed below. A separate proposal is required for each type of contract ac�vity that an offeror wishes to be considered for (i.e., an offeror qualified to perform Business and Professional Support Services related Public Health Outreach/Communica�ons and Research, shall submit two proposals, each one focused on the par�cular type of contract ac�vity)."

Response: Please reference response for ques�on 10.

17. Can the Government specify what would qualify a task order to be granted the waiver of the dollar limit and the period of performance ceilings? SOW 4.0 Scope of Work "The Contrac�ng Officer may waive the dollar limit and the period of performance ceilings for individual task orders. Solely the Contrac�ng Officer, on a case-by-case basis, shall determine devia�ons from the dollar limita�on and the period of performance ceilings."

18. Will each task area be awarded a separate contract? Response: Offerors may be awarded more than one task area on a single contract.

Is the ceiling per year or the en�re POP of the contract?

Solicita�on; B.3 Pricing/Costs, d "The Contractor shall be paid by the Government in an amount as listed below: not less than a total of $250 (minimum) nor more than a total of $T15 mil (maximum) for successful performance of this contract"

Response: The ceiling is for the contract dura�on.

19. Is the 25 page limit for each task area? 2. Instruc�ons to Offerors, 3. Proposal Submission Informa�on.

Response: pages 65-67, Sec�on L, paragraph 2, A., #3.- Instruc�ons to offerors

20. Does the Government wish Offerors to submit completed PPQs (Atachment 5) themselves or would the Government prefer the references to submit directly to the Government? 2. Instruc�ons to Offerors, 7. Past Performance Informa�on "Offerors are required to provide the Past Performance Ques�onnaire (Atachment 5) to three (3) of the four (4) references provided above who are requested to complete and submit the ques�onnaire aten�on to Anita Edwards Contract Specialist, anita.edwards@nih.gov and Shannon Scarboro Contract Specialist, email: shannon.scarboro@nih.gov by the proposal due date."

Response: References should be submited directly to the Government.

21. The solicita�on references the Past Performance Ques�onnaire as Atachment 5, but also references the pricing spreadsheet as Atachment 5. Can the Government provide an accurate list of atachments with atachment names? Solicita�on, page 72, page 76 "Offerors are required to provide the Past Performance Ques�onnaire (Atachment 5)" "Addi�onally, the offeror shall complete the atached pricing spreadsheet (Atachment 5) with a summary of the proposed fully loaded labor rates for the base and each op�on year."

Response: Please see amendment 2 solicita�on atachment 5.

22. Can the Government provide all solicita�on documents and atachments? For example, Atachment 5 was not provided in the SAM pos�ng. It is unclear where to find Atachment 5 as well as if Atachment 5 is the Past Performance Ques�onnaire or the pricing spreadsheet.

Response: Please reference ques�on 21.

23. Would the Government be amenable to extending the submission 2 weeks to allow for proper ac�on pending answers to ques�ons as well as for those Offerors submi�ng 4 proposals (1 for each task area)? Also, without access to the required Atachments, Offerors are unable to fully comprehend this effort.

Response: Yes. See Amendment #2.

24. Is the ceiling of spending per Task Order expected to exceed the $700,000 amount?

Solicita�on; Sec�on C; 4.0 Scope of Work; pg. 9 "Individual Task Orders will not be awarded that exceed $700,000 as authorized by sec�on 1331 of Public Law 111-240 (15 U.S.C. 644(r))."

Response: Please reference response for ques�on 13.

25. How many awards does the government intend to issue accross this IDIQ? Solicita�on;

Sec�on B.3; pg. bullet D.; pg. 5 "This is a Mul�ple Award Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quan�ty (IDIQ) contract as contemplated by FAR 16.504."

Response: Please reference response for ques�on 1

26. Did the government intend to atach a separate pricing document, or is the pricing table listed in the solicita�on intended to be the atachment? Solicita�on; Sec�on B.3; pg. bullet B.; pg. 4 "

""[To be completed at award (see Pricing atachment)]"""

Response: Please reference response for ques�on 21.

27. Are contractors expected to propose in our labor hours for each labor category? Solicita�on;

Sec�on B.3; pg. bullet B.; pg. 4 Pricing Table

Response: Yes.

28. For awardees on Task Area 2 providing Acquisi�on Lifecycle Support, does this performance poten�ally OCI the contactor out of future NIH procurements? Solicita�on; Sec�on C; 4.5 Scope Area Descrip�ons; pg. 10 "Business and professional support services involves a wide range of support for Financial Analysis, Business Solu�ons, and Acquisi�on Lifecycle Support; Business Process Improvement and Organiza�onal Assessment; Communica�on and Training; Program Planning and Management Services; Policy Development, Implementa�on, and Administra�on; System Integra�on; and Centers of Excellence Support Services."

Response: Please see amendment 2 for revision.

29. Does this statement indicate that a single contract awardee cannot exceed a funded limit of $15m over the life of the IDIQ? Solicita�on; Sec�on B.3; pg 5 "The Contractor shall be paid by the

Government in an amount as listed below: not less than a total of $250 (minimum) nor more than a total of $T15 mil (maximum) for successful performance of this contract.

Response: No. Please reference response for ques�on 3.

30. How many IDIQ contracts does NIH an�cipate will be awarded for each Task Area in connec�on with this RFP? General General

Response: Please reference response for ques�on 1.

31. Please confirm if the total ceiling value of this IDIQ Contract is $15M for all awardees combined for the 5-year period of performance. RFP Sec�on B.3.d, page 5 Refers to "Ceiling T$15M.

Response: Please reference response for ques�on 3.

32. Please clarifiy if the maximum value of individual task orders shall not exceed "$700K" or "750K"? SOW, page 5, Sec�on 4, para. 4 indicates $700K and the Solicita�on document page 9, Sec�on 4, 4th para. indicates $750K.

Response: Please reference response for ques�on 13.

33. Please clarify the an�cipated period of performance. There is a discrepancy between Sec�on B and Sec�on F of the solicita�on document Sec�on B.3.e, page 5 and Sec�on F.1.b, page 17

Response: Please reference response for ques�on 11.

34. Is there an advantage to teaming with more than 1 HBCU on this requirement? Can we team with mul�ple HBCUs?

Response: There is not an advantage to teaming with more than 1 HBCU, but encourage.

35. What would the HBCU par�cipa�on in the task orders be and how would HBCUs be funded?

Response: Please reference SOW page 4 under 4.0 Scope of Work.

36. Are HBCUs required to have a teaming arrangement with the prime?

Response: Yes. Unless they are able to propose as a Prime.

37. What work would HBCUs be given if awarded this contract?

Response: Please reference response for ques�on 35.

38. Where can Offerors find the HBCU PEI Standard Opera�ng Procedures?

Response: Please see amendment 2, solicita�on atachments.

39. Would the Government consider extending the due date of the proposal intent response sheet if the Q&A will be released a�er May 10, 2023 so Offerors can evaluate ques�on responses in the decision making process?

Response: Yes. Please see Amendment #2.

40. B.3.e; Page 5-The period of performance dates differ from page 17. Please confirm.

Response: Please reference response for ques�on 11.

41. Part III, Sec�on J, Solicita�on Atachments, page 54-Atachment 3, Sec�on K-Reps & Certs, was not provided on SAM. Please provide.

42. L.1.B.b; Page 63-NAICS 541990 size standard increased to $19.5M. Please verify.

43. L.2.3; Page 66-The RFP states "Electronic copies (so�copy) must be submited in a format other than ".PDF" that is compa�ble with Microso� Office 2007 and the ".doc" or ".docx" standard." Under Crea�ng and Naming Files sec�on, the RFP states " create one PDF file for Technical Proposal and Business Proposal". Please confirm is PDF file is acceptable.

Response: Yes, PDF file is acceptable

44. L.15, Other Administra�ve Data; Page 77-Electronic informa�on is located on the offeror's SAM record. Please confirm that the offeror does not need to submit banking informa�on.

Response: Correct.

45. L.11.3.b.1, Business Proposal Instruc�ons; Page 72-Please provide the pricing spreadsheet (Atachment 5).

46. L.15, Other Administra�ve Data; Page 79-Please confirm if the offeror must submit an annual report.

Response: Yes

47. Proposal Submission Informa�on; Page 67-Are a Cover, Cover Leter, Table of Contents, and Introduc�on or Execu�ve Summary included in the 25 pages of the Technical Proposal?

48. "Proposal Submission Informa�on and Technical Proposal Instruc�ons

48a. Technical Discussion, a. Technical Approach, Criterion I: Technical Approach"; Page 67 and 70-"Does the 25 page limita�on apply to the technical proposal regardless of whether proposing one, mul�ple, or all Task Areas?

48b. If so, would you consider allowing an increase in the page limita�on for responders that are specifically proposing to mul�ple or all Task Areas in order to appropriately respond to each Task Area AND ensure successful Center of Excellence (CoE) support?"

Response: Please see amendment 2 for clarifica�on for COE support. Proposal for each Task Area is not to exceed 25 pages per Task area.

49. "SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS B.3. PRICES/COSTS b. Pricing Table";

Page 4-

49a. "Offerors may submit proposals for one of more of the tasks of the contract ac�vi�es listed below. A separate proposal is required for each type of contract ac�vity that an offeror wishes to be considered for (i.e., an offeror qualified to perform Business and Professional Support Services related Public Health Outreach/Communica�ons and Research, shall submit two proposals, each one focused on the par�cular type of contract ac�vity).

49b. Does ""submit a separate proposal is required for each type of contract ac�vity that an offeror wishes to be considered for"", refer only to pricing proposals? Or do offerors need to submit separate pricing and technical proposals for each task area? (And, would that be two pricing and two technical proposals for Task Area 4?)

Response: Please submit separate pricing and technical proposals for each task area. Task Area 4 is considered as one.

49.c. If separate Technical Proposals for each Task Area are required, then do all the page limita�ons for the Technical and Proposal Appendix I - CV apply individually to each Task Area?"

50. "SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS B.3. PRICES/COSTS b. Pricing Table" Page 4- If mul�ple technical proposals are requires as well as pricing proposals per Task Area, would you consider extending the submission due date?

51. Past Performance Ques�onnaire; Page 76-Please provide the Past Performance Ques�onnaire (referenced as Atachment 5). No link was provided.

52. Past Performance Ques�onnaire; Page 76-For small businesses serving as a prime contractor on a team of HBCUs, can CPARs be used in lieu of the Past Performance Ques�onnaires for Past Performance?

53. Sec�on B Pricing Table: Page 4-If the prime contractor proposes various subcontractors to assist in delivery of services, should the proposed fully loaded rate to NIH that includes the subcontractor’s rate.

54. 4.0 SCOPE OF WORK Solicita�on; Page 9-In sec�on the scope of work (solicita�on), the following statement is included, "Individual Task Orders will not be awarded that exceed $700,000 as authorized by sec�on 1331 of Public Law 111-240 (15 U.S.C. 644(r))." However, in the statement of work (SOW) Page 4 the following language is included "Individual Task Orders will not be awarded that exceed $750,000 as authorized by sec�on 1331 of Public Law 111-240 (15 U.S.C. 644(r))." Which statement is correct?

Response: Please see amendment 2 for clarifica�on.

55. Sec�on B Pricing Table; Page 4-Should the contractor include addi�onal LCATs or are the current Labor Categories on page 4 of the solicita�on sufficient to perform the work.

Response: Offerors should propose their labor categories most appropriate for the work.

56. Sec�on J List of Atachments; Page 54 – 55: Please provide the link to Atachment 5: Reference Response Form

57. "Atachment 5 is referenced three �mes in the instruc�ons as the following documents:

- Reference Response Form (page 54)

- Pricing Spreadsheet (page 72)

- Past Performance Ques�onnaire (76)

Please clarify the atachment references."

58. Sec�on J List of Atachments; Page 54 – 55_Please provide the link to Sec�on K: Representa�ons, Cer�fica�ons, and Other Statements of Offerors.

Response: Please Reference page 56, Sec�on K, paragraph K.1 for the link regarding Representa�ons, Cer�fica�ons, and Other Statements of Offerors.

59 Sec�on 6; Page 7-"In the SOW, it says, “Places of performance will be specific to each Task Order.” Is it expected that personnel will be located at NIH? Or, will personnel be able to work primarily, remotely at their HBCUs or offices, except if needed to travel to a loca�on for the task in the case of outreach or a mee�ng?"

Response: Task order will illustrate the loca�on for Personnel.

60. General: Can the government clarify the difference between the NIH HBCU PEI IDIQ versus the PEI 2.0 contract? The goals and objec�ves appear to be similar.

Response: There is no similarity between the PEI 2.0 Contract and the HBCU IDIQ. The PEI Ini�a�ve is a program within the NIH Small Business Program Office and the HBCU IDIQ is a NIH contract.

61. Sec�on B.3 Price/Costs: "Page 5 paragraph D states that the the Contractor shall be paid by the Government in an amount as listed below: not less than a total of $250 (minimum) nor more than a total of $T15 mil (maximum) for successful performance of this contract. However, under I.4 Addi�onal FAR contract Clauses under FAR Clause 52.216-19 Order Limita�ons infers that the maximum order amount of $49M. Please confirm if the IDIQ ceiling is $15M or $49M."

Response: $49M

62. Sec�on B.3 Price/Costs: Page 4- Under sec�on B.3 Price/Costs, paragraph B. Pricing Table, the RFP states that offerors may submit proposals for one or more of the tasks of the contract ac�vity. Please clarify if offerors are required to submit separate technical and business proposals for each task area ac�vity (e.g., one Technical and one Business proposal for Task Area 1: Biomedical Research, one Technical and one Business proposal for Task Area 2: Business and Professional Support Services) or only submit seperate Business Proposals for each Task Area ac�vity (e.g., One technical proposal for Task Areas 1 and 2 and two seperate business proposals for Task Areas 1 and 2)

Response: Please reference ques�on 49b

63. Sec�on L - Instruc�ons, Condi�ons, and No�ces to Offeror: Page 66- #3, Proposal Submission Informa�on, paragraph 2, states, "Electronic copies (so�copy) must be submited in a format other than ".PDF" that is compa�ble with Microso� Office 2007 and the ".doc" or ".docx" standard." Later in this sec�on under Crea�ng and Naming Files, it states, "Create one PDF file of your Technical Proposal, including all atachments." Please clarify if both a ".doc or .docx" file and PDF file are required for the Technical and Business Proposals.

Response: please reference ques�on 43

64. Sec�on L - Instruc�ons, Condi�ons, and No�ces to Offeror: Page 70- Part b, Technical Proposal Instruc�ons states, "A detailed work plan must be submited indica�ng how each aspect of the statement of work is to be accomplished." Please confirm that the work plan if the workplan can be excluded from the 25 page count or included as an Appendix.

Response: No

The work plan is included in the 25-page count.

65. Sec�on L - Instruc�ons, Condi�ons, and No�ces to Offeror: Page 70- Part b, Technical Proposal Instruc�ons states, "A detailed work plan must be submited indica�ng how each aspect of the statement of work is to be accomplished." Since this is an IDIQ and we won't know specific tasks un�l we receive them at the Task Order level, it is not clear what should be included in the work plan. Should this be submited at the Task Order level and not the IDIQ level?

Response: See response for ques�on 64.

66. Sec�on L - Instruc�ons, Condi�ons, and No�ces to Offeror: Page 70- Part b, Technical Proposal Instruc�ons do not specify the cover sheet requirements for the Technical Proposal. Please clarify what should be included on the cover sheet.

Response: Please see Sec�on L for Proposal Instruc�ons.

67. Sec�on L - Instruc�ons, Condi�ons, and No�ces to Offeror: Page 70-Part b, Technical Proposal Instruc�ons do not men�on a cover leter, table of contents, or execu�ve summary for the technical proposal. If the offeror chooses to include these, can they be excluded from the 25-page count?

68. Sec�on B.3 Price/Costs : Page 4-Under sec�on B.3 Price/Costs, paragraph B. Pricing Table there are 11 labor categories listed, but none iden�ed as Key Personnel. Please confirm which labor categories are key personnel.

Response: Please see Amendment #2 for clarifica�on.

69. Sec�on B.3 Price/Costs: Page 4-Are offerors able to add addi�onal labor categories?

70. Sec�on G.2 Key Personnel: Page 18-Under Key Personnel, the only labor category listed in Program Manager. However, Program Manager is not iden�fied in the table of labor categories under Sec�on B.3 Price/Costs. Please confirm if this is the only role that is key personnel and if so, should offerors add this labor category?

71. Sec�on G.2 Key Personnel: Page 18-Are offerors allowed to iden�fy which staff are key personnel?

Response: No. Please reference page 19 sec�on G.2 key Personnel

72. Technical Proposal Instruc�ons, Criterion II Key Personnel: Page 71- Under Curriculum Vitae, the RFP states CVs are required for each proposed personnel. It also states CVs are required for all key personnel. Please clarify if CVs are required for all proposed personnel or only key personnel.

Response: Key personnel

73. Appendix II Summary of Related Ac�vi�es: Page 67-Can the government confirm what addi�onal informa�on should be included in Appendix II?

74. General: Can the government clarify the difference between the NIH HBCU PEI IDIQ versus the PEI 2.0 contract? The goals and objec�ves appear to be similar.

Response: Please reference response for ques�on 61

75. Technical Evalua�on Factors: Page 81-The evalua�on factors state that offerors should provide a plan to perform task area ac�vi�es (e.g., plan to perform biomedical research and development exper�se as defined in the SOW). The SOW also indicates that offereors need to provide subject mater exper�se in the task areas. However, the goals and objec�ves listed in the SOW appear to align with suppor�ng HBCUs increase capacity and capabili�es to perform this work. Please clarify if offerors will perform these tasks or HBCUs.

Response: Offerors, to include HBCUs, should provide a plan to perform services. Please see amendment 2 for clarifica�on of term “offerors”.

76. (7). Past Performance Informa�on: Page 76-The RFP men�ons submi�ng a past performance ques�ons form (Atachment 5). However, Atachment 5 is not included in the solicita�on and not listed in Sec�on J. Can the government provide this Atachment?

Response: Please see amendment 2 for Atachment 5.

77. (7). Past Performance Informa�on: Page 76-Are offerors required to include past performance narra�ves in the business proposal in addi�on to submi�ng past performance ques�onnaires?

78. Business Proposal Instruc�ons: Page 71- Are subcontractors required to submit annual financial report in their business proposal or is this only a requirement for the prime?

Response: Prime only.

79. Business Proposal Instruc�ons: Page 71-Under Basic Cost/Price Informa�on, it states offerors shall complete the atached pricing spreadsheet (Atachment 5). However, this not included in the solicita�on. Atachment 5 is also referenced as the past performance ques�onnaire. Please advise.

Response: Please see amendment 2 for clarifica�on.

80. Type of contract and number of awards: Page 63-Can the government confirm how many awards will be made for each Task Area or in totality?

Response: Please reference response for ques�on 1.

81. Sec�on A - Solicita�on/Contract Form: Page 3-Sec�on A is referenced on page 3, but is not men�oned in the Table of Contents. Is there a place we can find the informa�on?

Response: Yes, please see SAM.GOV for page 1 of the solicita�on, Sec�on A.

82. Scope of Work Task 1: Page 4-Will the Biomedical Research & Development task area include task orders related to ins�tu�on capacity building, specific research projects, and/or educa�on/training for students?

Response: please reference SOW, sec�on 4,4.0

83. B.3. Prices/Costs - a. The final contract will contain the price provisions agreed upon by the Government and the Offeror. Offerors shall submit prices based on the Task Area of their exper�se according to the Sec�on B Pricing Table. The hourly rates and annual ceiling priced proposed in the BUSINESS PROPOSAL are fixed contract terms and may not be exceeded without the writen authoriza�on of the NIH Contrac�ng Officer. Page 4-In sec�on a., are we required to submit any pricing for each of the tasks area before or a�er the contract is awarded? The table states a�er reward. If so, what do we submit with the Business Proposal? Please clarify.

Response: Please see amendment 2 for clarifica�on.

b. Pricing Table - For the purposes of this RFP, the offeror's proposed labor rates, as shown in the BUSINESS PROPOSAL represents the best price for a given labor category based on the type of technology(s) the offeror is pursuing. Page 4-Can the Government please provide more direc�on on pricing? Should our Business Proposal be submited with all of the labor rates iden�fied in the pricing template before or a�er award?

Response: Please see amendment 2 for clarifica�on.

84. "TASK AREA 1: Biomedical Research and Development - Biomedical research and development involves the broad area of science that looks for ways to prevent and treat diseases that cause illness and death in people and in animals. This general field of research includes many areas of both the life and physical sciences. Biomedical research and development involves u�lizing biotechnology techniques, biomedical researchers study biological processes and diseases with the ul�mate goal of developing effec�ve treatments and cures. Biomedical research is an evolu�onary process requiring careful experimenta�on by many scien�sts, including biologists and chemists. Discovery of new medicines and therapies requires careful scien�fic experimenta�on, development, and evalua�on." Page 10-Can the Government provide more clarity with Biomedical Research and Development? Is educa�on and training in Biomedical Research something you can consider?

Response: No, reference page 10

85. Sec�on J - LIST OF ATTACHMENTS - Atachment 4: Summary of Related Ac�vi�es Page 54- Is atachment 4 - Summary of Related Ac�vi�es - to be submited apart of the technical proposal?

Response: Yes

86. Sec�on J - LIST OF ATTACHMENTS - Atachment 5: Reference Response Form: Page 54 -Can we be provided a link so we can obtain this form?

Response: Please see amendment 2 for atachments.

87. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION INFORMATION: Page 66-Can the Government consider giving more response �me? Recommended June 2nd, 2023?

Response: Please see amendment 2 for clarifica�on.

88. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION INFORMATION: Page 66 -Can the Government consider providing a single-space or double-space requirement?

Response: Either.

89. Criterion 1: Technical Approach: Page 71-What are the NIH expecta�ons for successful Center of Excellence (CoE) support? What does successful CoE support look like to the NIH?

Response: Please see amendment 2 for clarifica�on.

90. "Criterion II: Key Personnel - Qualifica�ons and experience of offeror's technical and project management personnel who will be responsible for the coordina�on and execu�on of all facets of the work covering supply chain management, financial analysis, business solu�ons, acquisi�on lifecycle support, business process improvement and organiza�onal assessment support, communica�on, outreach and training support, program planning and management services, supply chain management support, asset management products and services, policy development, implementa�on, and administra�on services, system integra�on support and COE support. Curriculum vitae's (CV) shall be submited for each person proposed; not to exceed 3 pages per posi�on. " Page 71-Can the Government please provide clarity on qualifica�ons and experiences? If we are submi�ng a proposal for the Biomedical Research or Lab Services scope area, will the qualifica�ons be the same for all Program Managers as Key Personnel?

91. (7). Past Performance Informa�on - Past Performance Ques�onnaire Page 76-Offerors are required to provide the ques�onnaire - listed as atachment 5 - to 3 of the 4 references. Can this ques�onnaire be provided?

Response: Please see amendment 2 for atachments.

92. b. Business Proposal Instruc�ons > 1. Basic Cost/Price Informa�on: Page 72-Addi�onally, the offeror shall complete the atached pricing spreadsheet (Atachment 5) with a summary of the proposed fully loaded labor rates for the base and each op�on year. Can the government please provide the Pricing Spreadsheet (Atachment 5)? It was not included in the RFP posted to SAM.gov.

Response: Please see amendment 2 for atachments.

93. 7. Past Performance Informa�on: Page 75- offerors are required to provide the Past Performance Ques�onnaire (Atachment 5) to three (3) of the four (4) references provided… "93a.) The government has two separate references to ""Atachment 5"" - one is for pricing and second one is for Past Performance Ques�onnaire. Please correct these references.

Response: Please see amendment 2 for atachments.

93b.) Please provide the Past Performance Ques�onnaire. It was not included in the RFP posted to SAM.gov"

Response: Please see amendment 2 for atachments.

94. 7. Past Performance Informa�on: Page 75-Offerors are required to provide the Past Performance Ques�onnaire (Atachment 5) to three (3) of the four (4) references provided above… "94a) What is the word ""above"" referring to in this sentence? The government has not specified how many past performances are required. Please clarify what the term ""above"" is referring to.

Response: 4 references are required.

94b) Please confirm the government is reques�ng four past performances with minimum of three past performance ques�onnaires (PPQs)

Response: Yes.

94c) To reduce workload burden on the contrac�ng staff at our Client agencies, we request the government allow submission of CPARS where available instead of PPQs. "

Response: Review sec�on L. CPARS may be submited, but not instead of PPQs.

95. 7. Past Performance Informa�on: Page 75-Offerors are required to provide the Past Performance Ques�onnaire (Atachment 5) to three (3) of the four (4) references provided above… What is the government's expecta�on for past performances from the HBCUs that have never done contrac�ng work before? What will the government accept in lieu of the "tradi�onal" past performance that is typical to government contractors?

Response: Offerors, to include HBCUs, should provide past performance informa�on that is relevant and recent to the SOW.

96. B.3. PRICES/COSTS (item d): Page 5-The Contractor shall be paid by the Government in an amount as listed below: not less than a total of $250 (minimum) nor more than a total of $T15 mil (maximum) for successful performance of this contract "96a. There appears to be a typo in this sentence. The leter ""T"" a�er the $ needs to be removed.

Response: Please see amendment 2 for clarifica�on.

96b). Please clarify if the government is saying that the maximum total ceiling of this contract is $15 million or is the government saying that a contractor cannot bid on any more Task Orders once they have earned a maximum of $15 million on this IDIQ? "

Response: Please see amendment 2 for clarifica�on.

97. B.3. PRICES/COSTS (item h):Page 5-An example of current ordering procedures is atached.

The referenced atachment appears to be missing from the RFP package posted on SAM.gov.

Please provide the Current Ordering Procedures.

Response: Please see amendment 2 for atachments.

98. "B.4.f. Labor Categories: Page 6- The labor categories represent the Government's best es�mate of the kinds of personnel required for successful contract performance. The contractor is expected to map from the contract categories to the contractor own categories, for the purpose of matching resources to requirements. Please provide the Labor Categories the government is referring to in this sec�on of the RFP.

Response: Please see B.3 Labor Categories

99. B.5 Prices: Page -For the purposes of this RFP, the offeror's proposed labor rates, as shown in the BUSINESS PROPOSAL represents the best price for a given labor category based on the type of technology(s) the offeror is pursuing. Please clarify what the government means by "…type of technology(s) the offeror is pursuing."

Response: Please see amendment 2 for clarifica�on.

100. 2.0 Background Informa�on: Page 8-The PEI 2.0 Cohort consists of 21 HBCUs and 43 small businesses. Is it the Government's expecta�on that only those companies and HBCUs that are part of the Cohort can bid on this IDIQ?

Response: No

101. 4.0 Scope of Work:Page 9-Individual Task Orders will not be awarded that exceed $700,000 as authorized by sec�on 1331 of Public Law 111-240 (15 U.S.C. 644(r)). In paragraph B.3 Price/Costs (Item d), the government says "The Contractor shall be paid by the Government in an amount as listed below: not less than a total of $250 (minimum) nor more than a total of $T15 mil (maximum) for successful performance of this contract." Here the government says Individual Task Orders will not exceed $700,000. Is the $15M referring to the IDIQ ceiling? Please provide clear informa�on on what is the IDIQ ceiling and what is the maximum value/amount of each individual Task Order.

102. G.4.b Reques�ng Task Order Proposals: Page 20- Contractors are not required to propose on all TORFPs...However, it may affect the Contractor's eligibility for con�nua�ons or extensions of the resultant Task Order. Please clarify what the government means by "...it may affect the Contractor's eligibility for con�nua�ons or extensions of the resultant Task Order." What does the phrase "resultant task order" mean in this paragraph?

Response: The phrase "resultant task order" refers to a task order that is issued as a result of an agreement, negotiation, or decision made during a contracting process. In the context of government contracts and procurement, a task order is a document that outlines specific tasks, services, or deliverables to be provided by a contractor under a previously awarded contract. The "resultant task order" signifies the task order that arises or emerges from the contracting process, outlining the finalized scope of work and terms for the contractor to follow.

103. G.4.c Compe��ve Ordering Process: Page 20-"Generally, the Contractor will be asked to demonstrate the following as appropriate:...

References to evaluate past performance…" We request the government reconsider reques�ng Past Performances and References to evaluate Past Performance for each and every Task Order. We recommend the Government evaluate the Contractor/Offeror team past performances and references at the IDIQ level. Requiring contractors to request References (i.e. PPQs) puts undue burden on small businesses and in the case of this IDIQ, will discourage our HBCU partners from ac�vely par�cipa�ng in Task Orders because of the excessive administra�ve burden which they are not accustomed to.

Response: Reference ques�on 102

104. G.4.e Fair Opportunity: Page 21- "All awardees will be given a fair opportunity to be considered in accordance with the FAR as follows:

...ii.For orders exceeding the simplified acquisi�on threshold up to $5.5 Million, inaccordance with 16.505(b) (1)(iii); and, iii.For orders exceeding $6 Million, in accordance with FAR 16.505(b)(1)(iv)." In Sec�on 4.0 Scope of Work, the Government "Individual Task Orders will not be awarded that exceed $700,000…" However, this sec�on of the RFP seems to indiciate that the government can award Task Orders up to $6 million.

Please clarify what if there is a maximum dollar value limit on individual Task Orders and if yes, what is the correct maximum Task Order dollar value limit?

Response: Please reference ques�on 3

To determine the correct maximum task order dollar value limit for a particular case, one should refer to the documentation provided by the contracting agency or authority, such as the request for proposal (RFP), contract terms and conditions, or any special clauses. These documents will outline any limitations on task order values and other relevant restrictions that need to be taken into account when submitting proposals or executing the contract.

105. Sec�on J - List of Atachments; Business Proposal Atachments: Page 54- Atachment 5 Reference Response Form "105a). The referenced Atachment 5 appears to be missing. Please provide the Reference Response Form.

Response: Please reference ques�on 21

105b). Please confirm that the ""Reference Reform Form"" is same as Past Performance Ques�onnaire. "

Response: Yes

106. Sec�on J - List of Atachments; Technical Proposal Atachments: Page 54- Atachment 4 Summary of Related Ac�vi�es Atachment 4 is not referenced anywhere in the proposal other than in Sec�on J.

Please clarify that this informa�on is not required as part of the IDIQ proposal submission.

Response: Please reference Amendment 002

107. Sec�on J - List of Atachments; Technical Proposal Atachments: Page 54 Atachment 4 Summary of Related Ac�vi�es Please provide reference to Atachment 4 - what is the purpose of this form?

When is the contractor expected to complete the form? How is it incorporated into the IDIQ proposal?

Response: Please reference atachments

108. Sec�on J - List of Atachments; Business Proposal Atachments: Page 54- Atachment 6: Small Business Subcontrac�ng Plan The link provided by the Government takes us to the NIH Enterprise Document Genera�on System with an extensive library of documents. However, the specific Atachment 6 or just the Small Business Subcontrac�ng Plan is not on this website. Please provide us with a copy of the Small Business Subcontrac�ng Plan.

Response: The HHS subcontrac�ng plan can be located using the following link. SBCX (hhs.gov)

109 Sec�on J - List of Atachments; Business Proposal Atachments and Sec�on M - Evalua�on Factors for Award, 3. Mandatory Qualifica�on Criteria: Page 54 and 81- "Sec�on J - Atachment 7:

Offeror's Point of Contact.

Response: Please reference atachments and links

110. Sec�on M - Proposal Summary and Data Record, NIH 2043 (Atachment 7)" "110a) Please confirm that Atachment 7 - Points of Contact is NOT required in the IDIQ Business Proposal. There are no instruc�ons to submit this in the Proposal Instruc�ons.

110.b) Please provide us with the ""Mandatory Required Proposal Summary and Data Record, NIH 2043"" form which appears to be missing from the RFP. "

Response: Please reference atachments and Links

Sec�on J - List of Atachments; Business Proposal Atachments and Sec�on M - Evalua�on Factors for Award, 3. Mandatory Qualifica�on Criteria 55 and 81 "Sec�on J - Atachment 8 - Disclosure of Lobbying Ac�vi�es, OMB Form SF-LLL

Response: Please reference atachments and Links https://osdbu.hhs.gov/

111. Sec�on J - Atachment 10 Instruc�ons for Submi�ng Electronic Invoices via Email to the NIH Office of Financial Management (OFM) Effec�ve April 23, 2020 (Updated April 21, 2022), AND

Sec�on M - Disclosure of Lobbying Form (Atachment 10)…" There appears to be a mismatch in the Atachment numbers. In Sec�on J, the required form is labeled Atachment 8 but in Sec�on M, the same form is labeled Atachment 10. However, Atachment 10 in Sec�on J is �tled "Instruc�ons for Submi�ng Electronic Invoices via Email to the NIH Office of Financial Management (OFM) Effec�ve April 23, 2020 (Updated April 21, 2022)."

Response: Please reference atachments and Links

112. Sec�on J - List of Atachments; Business Proposal Atachments: Page 55- Atachment 9: Execu�ve Order 14041 Sept 2021 Please confirm this atachment is for reference purposes only. There is no ac�on required by the contractor with reference to Atachment 9. If yes, perhaps this should be moved under

INFORMATIONAL ATTACHMENTS.

Response: Illustrated in Sec�on J; Link is provided

113. SECTION K - REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS: Page 56-"Complete, and INCLUDE as part of your BUSINESS PROPOSAL:

SECTION K - REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

which is included as an Atachment in Sec�on J-LIST OF ATTACHMENTS, SOLICITATION ATTACHMENTS of this solicita�on." "1) Please provide us with a copy of SECTION K - REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS which is referenced as an Atachment in Sec�on J-LIST OF ATTACHMENTS, SOLICITATION ATTACHMENTS of this solicita�on but is not provided.

2) Please confirm that if the Contractor has completed Representa�ons and Cer�fica�ons on SAM.gov, we do not need to complete it again OR

3) Can we include a PDF copy of our Representa�ons and Cer�fica�ons from SAM.gov in the proposal? "

Response: Illustrated in sec�on K, 1 and 2 ; link provided. Yes, you may provide a copy in .pdf.

114. 2. Instruc�ons to Offerors; 2. Separa�on of Technical and Business Proposals: Page 65- Each proposal shall reflect the unique capabili�es and approaches of the offeror. Duplicate proposals are not acceptable… Can the Government please clarify what it means by "duplica�ve proposals"? For example, if a contractor is bidding on all four task areas, our approach to staffing, managing, etc. maybe the same, but specifics to the Task Area technical aspects will be different. Please confirm that government does not consider reuse of our company informa�on across our own proposals for all four task areas as "duplica�ve".

Response: Reusing your company's information across your own proposals for different task areas may not be considered "duplicative" by the government, provided that the information is relevant, accurate, and applicable to each specific task area. It is important to tailor your proposal content to address the unique requirements and objectives of each task area while demonstrating how your company's experience and capabilities are well-suited for those tasks.

115. 2. Instruc�ons to Offerors; 2. Separa�on of Technical and Business Proposals: Page 65 - Each proposal shall reflect the unique capabili�es and approaches of the offeror. Duplicate proposals are not acceptable… If an HBCU is teamed with mul�ple Small Businesses, they will likely reuse their content and past performances across mul�ple proposals. Please confirm this is acceptable and not considered "duplica�ve".

Response: Reusing content and past performance information across multiple proposals is generally acceptable as long as it is relevant and applicable to each proposal. However, care should be taken to ensure that the reused content is tailored to fit the specific requirements of each proposal and not simply copied and pasted without modification.

116. 8. Sec�on of Offerors: Page 68- ...the Contrac�ng Officer, at his/her sole discre�on, may limit the number of proposals in the compe��ve range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient compe��on among the most highly rated proposals. Please explain how the government will establish "compe��ve range" since this is not explained in the RFP.

Response: In general, proposals received based on the evaluation criteria specified in the RFP. After this initial evaluation, the competitive range consisting of the most highly-rated proposals that have a reasonable chance of being selected for award. The agency will then typically engage in further discussions or request updated proposals from the offerors within the competitive range. This process helps the agency to refine its understanding of each offeror's proposal and to identify any areas where additional information or clarification may be necessary before making a final selection.

117. 8. Sec�on of Offerors: Page 68 In determining the compe��ve range and the Offerors to be included, the Contrac�ng Officer may also take into considera�on the small business socio-economic status of Offerors. Please clarify which Socio-Economic status will be given preferen�al evalua�on and why?

Response: Since this requirement is already determined to be a set-aside, no further preference will be given.

118. b. Business Proposal Instruc�ons > 2. Proposal Cover Sheet 72 Item 6 "Proposed Cost and/or Price; Profit or Fee…and total; "1) Please clarify what the government means by Proposed Cost and/or Price - our understanding is that we are to price a list of Labor Categories that the Government will provide in the Pricing Spreadsheet which is currently missing from the RFP package. Is this accurate?

If yes, what do we include on the COVER SHEET?

Response: Proposed cost and/or price generally refers to the total cost or price that an offeror proposes for their solution in response to a government RFP. If the RFP specifies a list of labor categories that should be included in the proposed cost or price, then it is likely that the pricing spreadsheet you mentioned will be provided by the government later in the process. If the pricing spreadsheet is not yet available in the RFP package,. In any case, it is important to carefully review the RFP instructions and requirements related to proposed cost and/or price to ensure that your proposal addresses all relevant aspects of this evaluation factor.

2) Since contractors are required to price out individual hourly rates for various Labor Categories, what do we insert under TOTAL on the COVER SHEET of the proposal?

We recommend the government remove Item # 6 requirement from COVER SHEET. "

Response: Agreed.

119. 4. Small Business Subcontrac�ng Plan 73 If the proposed contract exceeds a total es�mated cost of $700,000 for the en�re period of performance, the offeror shall be required to submit an acceptable subcontrac�ng plan At the IDIQ level, there isn't a total es�mated cost. Please clarify this requirement.

Response: Agreed. Please see amendment #3.

120. 4. Small Business Subcontrac�ng Plan 73 THIS PROVISION DOES NOT APPLY TO SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS. Please confirm that Small Business Concerns are not required to provide a Small Business Subcontrac�ng Plan with our proposal.

Response: No subcontrac�ng plan is required for small businesses.

Response: See response for ques�on 119.

121. 4. Small Business Subcontrac�ng Plan 74 9. Assurances that the offeror will include in all subcontracts the contract clause "U�liza�on of Small Business Concerns." Assure that all subcontractors, other than small businesses, in excess of $700,000 adopt a plan similar to the plan agreed upon by the offeror. Please clarify what the government means by "...in excess of $700,000..." mean in this sentence.

Response: See response for ques�on 119.

122 4. Small Business Subcontrac�ng Plan 74 9. Assurances that the offeror will include in all subcontracts the contract clause "U�liza�on of Small Business Concerns." Assure that all subcontractors, other than small businesses, in excess of $700,000 adopt a plan similar to the plan agreed upon by the offeror. The wording of this requirement "Assure that all subcontractors, other than small businesses, in excess of $700,000 adopt a plan similar to the plan agreed upon by the offeror." is confusing. Please help us understand what is intended here.

Response: See response for ques�on 119.

123. 4. Small Business Subcontrac�ng Plan 74 "If the proposed contract exceeds a total es�mated cost of $700,000 for the en�re period of performance, the offeror shall be required to submit an acceptable subcontrac�ng plan in accordance with the terms of the clause en�tled ""Small Business Subcontrac�ng Plan,"" FAR Clause No. 52.219-9, incorporated herein by reference in the Solicita�on.

a. THIS PROVISION DOES NOT APPLY TO SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS" Please clarify that Small Businesses do not need to respond to par/agraph d - items 1 through 11 in our proposal.

Response: See response for ques�on 119.

124. b.Business Proposal Instruc�ons > Item 14 75 "Proposal Summary and Data Record

(NIH-2043)

The Offeror must complete the Form NIH-2043, atached, with par�cular aten�on to the length of �me the proposal is firm and the designa�on of those personnel authorized to conduct nego�a�ons and submit with the Business Proposal. (See SECTION J, Atachment en�tled, PROPOSAL SUMMARY AND DATA RECORD)." "1) This requirement seems to have merged with Item 14. Looks like a return to separate the sec�ons was missed.

2) Please provide Form NIH 2043 which was not included with the RFP package. "

Response: (1). Illustrated page 76 and 77 Sec�on L, b. Business Proposal Instruc�ons 7. Past Performance Informa�on. (2). Please reference atachments

125. b. Business Proposal Instruc�ons > 16. Subcontractors 79 d. Informa�on on their cognizant field audit offices. We request the Government remove this prohibi�ve requirement as most HBCUs will not have this informa�on.

Response: Agreed.

126. b. Business Proposal Instruc�ons > 16. Subcontractors 79 f. A complete cost proposal in the same format as the offeror's cost…