RFP - 80GSFC26R0028 SMBA - Questions and Answers 1-9.pdf

Near Earth Orbit Network’s

Sounder for Microwave-Based Applications

Request for Proposal 80GSFC26R0028

Questions and Answers

Below are questions and answers related to the Sounder for Microwave-Based Applications (SMBA) Request for Proposal (RFP) 80GSFC26R0028. In the event of any discrepancy, the RFP provisions and contract terms (including all amendments) will take precedence.

Question Number Document Page

Number Section Paragraph Question / Comment

1 RFP -

80GSFC26R0028

SMBA

L-21 GSFC 52.215-

210 MISSION

SUITABILITY

PROPOSAL

INSTRUCTIONS

(c) The RFP instructions state "The offeror shall provide, at the beginning of this volume using the table provided below, a detailed compliance matrix that cross-references the offeror's numbering structure and corresponding volume page number with all requirements associated with each subfactor delineated in paragraph (d) below. The offeror may utilize its own unique numbering structure provided the compliance matrix provides clear traceability to each of the subfactor requirements described below."

Is it acceptable for offerors to expand the cross reference table to provide mapping to the specific "shall" within the associated Section L requirement paragraph?

Government Response:

Yes, this is acceptable. The matrix should result in a clear traceability between the vendor’s proposal and the Section L requirements.

2 RFP -

80GSFC26R0028

SMBA

L-9 GSFC 52.215-

201 PROPOSAL

PREPARATION -

GENERAL

INSTRUCTIONS

(a) (3) The RFP instructions require "Each proposal volume shall be submitted in a single searchable Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) file". The volumes will include multiple attachments and appendices (e.g. OCI Plan, Small Business Subcontracting Plan, etc).

Can attachments/appendices be submitted as separate searchable pdf files?

Government Response:

Please follow the instructions including the exceptions stated in paragraph (a)(3):

Each proposal volume shall be submitted in a single searchable Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) file (compatible with ADOBE Reader version DC or 2017), with appropriate bookmarks except for certain Mission Suitability items as specified in Volume II and Cost/Price Volume Exhibits in Volume III. Offerors shall submit Mission Suitability items in Excel when specified. Offerors shall submit all Cost/Price Volume Exhibits in Excel and the exhibits shall contain all formulas.

3 RFP -

80GSFC26R0028

SMBA

L-10 GSFC 52.215-

201 PROPOSAL

PREPARATION -

GENERAL

INSTRUCTIONS

(b) (1) RFP instructions include page limits on the Basis of Estimate at 2 pages per WBS Level 4 BOE. Our BOE narrative includes explanation on the comparable programs used in our estimates, Cost Estimating Relationships, etc. Are these explanations included in the page limits? If so, how are they counted as they are typically in an introduction section and not repeated in each BOE.

Based on (9) BASIS OF ESTIMATES (BOE) there is substantial detail that needs to be included for the BOE section of the cost volume including travel matrices, non-labor BOM details discussion of similar programs, etc. How can we meet the 2 pages per level 4 WBS requirement?

Government Response:

The Government will add a Common Estimating Basis Narrative limited to two pages. The specific instructions added will be, “Offerors may include a section in the Basis of Estimate titled “Common Estimating Basis Narrative” to describe common similar programs, standards, or other basis. This section shall not include any calculations which shall be included in the BOEs submitted at the lowest WBS Level (WBS Level 4).”

4 RFP -

SMBA

Enclosure 2 Cost Exhibit 1-8

L-39 Cost Volume Instructions

Cost Instruction

(c)(8) Enclosure 2 , Exhibit 5

FFP pricing does not break out Cost of Money and Profit.

The entire premise is that the contractor bears all cost risk.

Once agreed upon, the government pays that price regardless of what it actually costs to perform.

Recommend removing the Profit/Total Cost Breakouts

Government Response:

The Government will amend Enclosure 2, Exhibit 5, to remove the profit/total cost breakouts.

5 RFP -

80GSFC26R0028

SMBA

Enclosure 2 Cost Exhibit 1-8

L-32, L-42 Cost Volume Instructions

Mission Suitability

Subfactor C Cost instructions (f)(1)

Enclosure 2 , Exhibit 8

T&M CLINs are, by their nature, undefined in scope at proposal time. The exact hours are not known, the labor categories that will be required and whether all of the T&M Contract value will even be utilized. Additionally T&M CLINs tend to be more direct labor driven as opposed to material/ODC costs that can be subcontracted out to qualifying small businesses.

Recommend removing CLIN 003 from Small Business Plan.

Government Response:

There is no valid FAR Part 19 exclusion in this circumstance. Please consider the CLIN 0003 T&M ceiling value part of the overall contract value for the Small Business Subcontracting Plan.

6 RFP -

80GSFC26R0028

SMBA

L-42 Cost Volume Instructions

(e)(1) IDIQ T&M Rates

Solicitation requires that the calculation of Fully Burdened T&M rates shall be shown in the BOE section.

Please confirm that is acceptable that a separate Excel file for the T&M rate calculations can be submitted as part of the BOE section and is not part of the BOE page restriction.

Government Response:

The Government will amend the Request for Proposal to clarify that the calculation of the Fully Burdened T&M rates is exempt from the page count. The entire BOE section shall be in PDF form.

7 RFP -

80GSFC26R0028

SMBA

L-42 Cost Volume Instructions

(e)(1) IDIQ T&M Rates

Solicitation requires T&M rates only from Significant Subcontractors.

If T&M non-significant subcontractors are required during execution, please confirm that the Prime’s applicable loadings and fee would apply to their cost on CLIN 003.

Government Response:

Confirmed; however, non-significant subcontractors will still be evaluated for reasonableness before being included in the executed task order.

8 RFP -

SMBA

B-3 thru B-7, E-3 thru E-4, F-2

Section B CLIN Structure, Section E Acceptance Locations & Section F Delivery Schedule

GFSC

52.211-90, GFSC

52.246-93 &

GFSC

52.247-72

Section E, Clause GSFC 52.246-93 Acceptance includes a table which relies on the Deliverable Item No.

That numbering is based on the numbering from the table under Sections B & F, which is labelled as “Item No.”

Please confirm that these columns in Sections B & F represent the Deliverable Item nos. referenced in the Section E, Acceptance table.

Government Response:

Confirmed. The “Item” number cited in the Section B clause GSFC 52.211-90

SUPPLIES AND/OR

SERVICES TO BE

PROVIDED corresponds to the “Delivery Item No.” in the Section E clause GSFC

52.246-93 ACCEPTANCE.

9 RFP -

80GSFC26R0028

SMBA

E-1 Inspection and Acceptance

52.246-2

INSPECTION

OF

SUPPLIES –

FIXED

PRICE (AUG

1996)

52.246-2 INSPECTION OF

SUPPLIES – FIXED PRICE

(AUG 1996) applies to the CLIN 2, FFP Production CLINs. The FAR clause and the statement of work does not specify the acceptance timeline for F2 and F3 hardware deliveries.

Contractor recommends NASA acceptance of F2 and F3 hardware to be provided no later than sixty (60) calendar days after submittal of the DD250, Material Inspection Report to NASA. If the acceptance time line is not defined in the contract, it may impact Contractor's completion of milestone events and Contractors ability to receive payment for work performed.

Government Response:

No change. The Acceptance timelines for Flight Model 2 and Flight Model 3 are defined in Section E clause GSFC 52.246-93 as “Post- Bench Acceptance Test at the Spacecraft/Mission

Elements Contractor’s Facility.”