80JSC022R0009 SST III RFP - A0003 - QandA.pdf

80JSC022R0009 RFP Questions Answers 3-28-22 RFP Change

Question # Type RFP Reference Comment or Question Answer

1 General Please provide the expected percentage of task orders that will be awarded as FFP versus CPFF. The percentage of expected FFP and CPFF Task Orders is unknown at this time as Task Orders are driven by customer requirements.

2 General Will the Government please confirm that the Graphics Specialist’s composite direct labor rate of $83.51 is correct and is the highest paid position? This rate is well above the Market rate in Houston.

The Graphics Specialist's composite direct labor rate of $83.51 is correct and this SLC contains the highest composite direct labor rate.

3 General Can the Government provide the preproposal attendee list as was done for industry day and interested party lists?

An attendance list will not be released for the preproposal pricing session.

4 Section B B.8 In reference to “For purposes of payment of cost, exclusive of fee, in accordance with the Limitation of Funds clause, the total amount allotted by the Government to this contract is $(NFI) shall not be included in contract value).” What does “shall not be included in contract value” mean?

The language "shall not be included in contract value” was inadvertently included in the clause. The RFP has been amended to remove this language.

5 Section C, Section E and Section M

Section C - 2.4 Quality Management, Section E - FAR 52 246-11 Higher- Level Contract Quality Requirement, Section M Prospective Contract Responsibility and Eligibility Standards

The RFP seems to provide conflicting requirements for AS9100D/2016 requirements, see below. Given all work is performed in NASA facilities and on NASA systems, we recommend the independent certification/ registration is required language requirement of E 2 be stricken to match the language of C.2.4 and M.10(b)(2).

• C.2.4 JSC has Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) AS9100 registration. The contractor shall perform all work involving this contract in accordance with the JSC Quality Management System and shall ensure all work involving this contract is performed in accordance with SAE AS9100. Task specific quality assurance functions, responsibilities, and tasks will be specified, if required, per Task Order.

• E.2 FAR52 246-11 Higher-Level Contract Quality Requirement. The Contractor shall comply with the higher-level quality standard selected below AS9100D/2016, Tailoring: Specific tailoring is contained in JSC work Instructions. Independent certification/ registration is required.

• M.10 (b)(2) Quality Management Systems – Comply with requirements for Aviation, Space and Defense Organizations SAE Certified AS9100D/2016

The RFP requirements for AS9100D/2016 are not in conflict. Section C requirements address Task Orders whereas Section E addresses higher level contract quality requirements for the Company.

6 Section G and Section J Attachments G 3, Attachments J-16 and J-17

G 3.(a) states "The Government property described in paragraph (c) of this clause may be made available to the Contractor on a no-charge basis for use in performance of this contract... and the Contractor shall comply with the following:.. (NASA's procedures and instructions related to property management and FAR 52-245-1.)" G.3.(c) lists "...property and services are provided..." which contains items such as Office furniture, references to Attachments J-16 and J-17, and Installation facilities with summaries of Government provided equipment contained in each facility. Please clarify the following: 1) In addition to the items stated in Attachments J-16 and J-17 what equipment in each facility identified in G 3.(c) will the contractor inventory during Phase-in and take custody of at CSD? Please provide a list by facility of the Government Property that the contractor will take custody of including: Line Item; Tag Number (if applicable); Item Description; Manufacturer; Model Number; Serial Number; Acquisition Unit Price;Quantity;Extended Price. 2) What quantities of each item list in Attachment J-16 that do not have a Tag Number (items 28 through 41) are being provided? Please expand Attachment J-16 to include Quantities and Extended Price. 3) Attachment J-17 ".. contains applicable inventory and equipment related to the property and facilities, provided by the Government for the purposes of executing the SST III contract. The Contractor shall maintain an accurate accounting of this property list in executing the contract. " The table of Government Property provided in Attachment J-17 only contains a list of items by nomenclature and an "As Required" Quantity for each item listed. Please provide a complete listing of the items specified in J-17 that the contractor will be assuming custody of at the completion of Phase-in to include the information requested in item 1 above.

1.) The RFP has been amended to remove Attachment 16 from G 3(c) and will be managed in accordance with FAR 52 245-1. Beyond anything that is listed in the RFP, there is nothing else the Contractor will be expected to inventory or manage. 2) Attachment J-16 currently reflects the quantity and extended price. Each line item represents one item. 3.) "As Required" is accurate at this time since quantity will be determined based on customer requirements. Customer requirements will vary through the life of the contract. Historically, 140 seats have been made available to Contractor personnel on-site at Johnson Space Center.

7 Section J Attachments Section J, Page 68 SECTION J - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXH BITS, AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS pg. 68 does not match the actual documents provided in section J. Please clarify.

All documents listed in Section J have been provided. Some of the attachments will not be incorporated into the contract until contract award. For example, Attachment J-5, Phase-in Plan is to be submitted with proposal and will be incorporated into the contract by the Contracting Officer after contract award and upon approval by the Government as specified in the DRD.

8 Section J Attachments DRD-01 Requirements 5 a. How many DIQ Task Order requests can the bidder expect to receive from the Government during the 30-day phase-in period?

The quantity of Task Order requests is unknown at this time as Task Orders are driven by customer requirements.

9 Section J Attachments DRD-01 Requirements 5 a. Will the 29 FY21 TOs shown in the Technical Library be included in the Government’s request for TO plans during the Phase-In period? Refer to Question 8.

10 Section J Attachments DRD-01 Requirements 5 a. Will the Government request plans for new TOs during the Phase-In period in addition to the 29 FY21 TOs? Refer to Question 8.

11 Section J Attachments DRD-12 A Are subcontractors required to submit an ACP if they meet both the following criteria or if they meet just one of them? Criteria being contract value expected to exceed $750,000 and services provided require meaning numbers (over 10%) of professional employees.

An Abbreviated Compensation Plan (ACP) is required from a subcontractor that is "providing or contributing a meaningful number of professional employees who will work on the contract", which for this procurement has been defined as greater than or equal to 10% (See

DRD-12 MPORTANT NOTES).

12 Section J Attachments DRD-12

DRD-12 requests an Abbreviated Compensation Plan (ACP), and indicates that the plan is "required from subcontractors providing or contributing a meaningful number of professional employees who will work under the contract. **For purposes of this plan, meaningful number is defined as having > 10% of professional employees who will work under the contract.” Paragraph L.12 indicates that a Total Compensation Plan (TCP) is required, and that it must be submitted by all service subcontractors regardless of the value of their subcontract or the number of employees they have on the contract.

1. Please clarify whether a TCP is required per paragraph L.12 or whether the ACP requested by DRD-12 is sufficient.

2. Please clarify whether the required compensation plan must be submitted by all subcontractors, or only those with > 10% of professional employees on the contract.

We respectfully request an expedited response to this question to give subcontractors sufficient time to prepare compensation plans if necessary.

1. A Total Compensation Plan (TCP) is not required. An Abbreviated Compensation Plan (ACP) is required. The RFP is amended to reflect Abbreviated Compensation Plan throughout the document. In addition, the language included in L.12 has been removed and Section L.12 is now reserved.

2. An ACP is required from those subcontractors who are providing or contributing 10% or more of professional employees who will work on the contract. Reference the DRD-12 MPORTANT NOTES.

13 Section J Attachments DRD-13, Section A

In reference to “Upon approval, the Small Business Subcontracting Plan will become a part of the contract as Attachment J-10, Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCI) Plan.” Shouldn’t the Small Business Subcontracting Plan become part of the contract as Attachment J-15, Small Business Subcontracting Plan and Reports?

Yes. The RFP has been amended to reflect J-15, Small Business Subcontracting Plan and Reports in Section A of DRD-13.

14 Section J Attachments DRD-13, requirement B 2 ii. Please provide DRD-TEST3-CM-04.

The DRD referenced in this section, DRD-TEST3-CM-04, is incorrect.

The correct reference should be Section H.5, JPI 52.219-90 SMALL

BUS NESS SUBCONTRACTING GOALS (OCT 2006) (JOHNSON

PROCUREMENT NSTRUCTION). The RFP is amended to reflect the correct reference.

15 Section J Attachments DRD-13, Section B.2(ii)

In reference to “In addition to eSRS submission, the Contractor shall provide a summary of small business data compared to established goals per DRD-TEST3-CM-04, Management Review Report.”

DRD-TEST3-CM-04 is not one of the DRDs listed in section J-1. Will the Government please clarify which report/DRD the Offeror is to use for this requirement?

Refer to Question 14.

16 Section J Attachments Attachment J-1 Data Requirements Description (DRD): DRD-15: Contractor Financial Management Report (NF533)

Under NF533 Due Dates, there is a requirement for an Initial Baseline Report (submitted in the NF533Q format) due within 30 days after contract award. Since contract award is so close to phase-in and contract start, was this due date meant to be 30 days after contract start to allow time for task orders to be defined?

As the current SST III acquisition schedule displays a contract award date of August 16 with phase-in starting on September 1st, it is unlikely that first year task orders will be awarded within 30 days of contract award, i.e., by September 15th. Hence, there would be no baseline data to display in a NF533Q by that date. Alternatively, would it be acceptable to deliver a 533M no later than the 10th working day following contract start that would provide the initial baseline data for GFY23 task orders?”

The Contractor is required to provide a baseline in NF533Q format 30 working days after the contract award in accordance with NASA Procedural Requirements. The Contractor can initially provide a baseline with information that is readily available (i.e., phase-in costs).

Once Task Orders are issued, the Contractor can submit an updated baseline report with the Task Orders included.

17 Section J Attachments Attachment J-4 - Standard Labor Categories Descriptions (SLC)

Would the Government consider changing the job description of the Graphic Artist to be more commensurate with the level of cost provided in the historical SLC rates? We recommend the following change:

Years of Experience Required: At least 15 years of experience. Job description Guidelines: Degree in engineering or computer science with highly specialized professional experience performing professional work in 3D graphics simulation software development. Demonstrated body of work in traditional graphics rendering software tool development as well as development in commercial gaming engines. Experience with the development of and integration of graphical scene rendering software with simulations. Possesses specialized experience or demonstrated proficiency in the development of multiple advanced graphics rendering software tools as well as expertise in integration of such software with simulations and virtual reality hardware systems including multi-display visual systems such as domes, video walls, and helmet mounted displays.

We acknowledge that the current years of experience are not reflective of the current needs of the speciality. The RFP is amended to reflect this change.

18 Section J Attachments Attachment J-4 - Standard Labor Categories Descriptions (SLC)

How many years of equivalent relevant experience is required to equal a bachelor’s degree, master's degree, and PhD respectively? Is it possible to add the equivalency notes back at the bottom of the job description table (J-4)?

There is no equivalent relevant experience for a bachelor's degree. Per the RFP “MS equivalent experience or training” is a minimum 2 additional years of experience along with a demonstrated body of work in the specialized field of assignment. Per the RFP “PHD equivalent experience or training” is a minimum 4 additional years of experience along with a demonstrated body of work in the specialized field of assignment. The equivalency notes are now included in each SLC description. Therefore, Attachment J-4 will remain unchanged regarding equivalent relevant experience.

19 Section J Attachments Attachment J-4 - Standard Labor Categories Descriptions (SLC)

Some Technical Labor Classes under Job Description Guidelines include a degree in either engineering or science, while some include only a degree in engineering. SST3 involves many software-oriented positions where a computer science degree is held by many individuals who perform this type of work at NASA JSC. Recommend making all SLCs consistent by adding "or science" to the following SLC descriptions, o Engr 1 o Engr 2 o Sr. Engr 1 o Principal Engr 1 o Principal Engr 2 o Principal Engr 3

Example: Degree in engineering or science with demonstrated understanding of simulation and / or software development principles.

"Degree in Engineering or Science" has been added to the SLC's identified.

20 Section J Attachments

DRD-16 - Efficiencies and Innovative Techniques, DRD-17 - Technology, Innovations, and Process Improvement (TIPI) Plan

Request the Government add 10 additional pages to Volume I to allow offerors to be responsive to additional requirements added by J-16 and J-17. The RFP is amended to increase Volume I by 5 additional pages.

21 Section L L 8(b) Paragraph L.8(b) states "Other limitations/instructions identified in JSC 52.215-113 Proposal Formatting Instructions." Please provide a copy or link to the location of this information.

See L.22 PROPOSAL FORMATTING NSTRUCTIONS. (DEC 2019) (JSC PROCUREMENT NSTRUCTION). The RFP is amended to reflect JPI versus JSC in Section L 8(b).

22 Section L L.12(a) In reference to “The proposal shall include a total compensation plan.” Is DRD-12, Abbreviated Compensation Plan (ACP) submitted in lieu of the Total Compensation Plan (TCP) or in addition to a TCP? If a TCP is also required where in the proposal structure should it be submitted?

Refer to Question 12.

23 Section L L.19(d) May major subcontractors submit their cost proposals that contain proprietary information via EFSS directly?

Yes, subcontractors may submit their required proposal information separately using the instructions in L.19, 1852.SOL- NS-1

ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS – PROPOSAL

MARK NG AND DELIVERY THROUGH NASA’S EFSS BOX (NOV

2021).

24 Section L L 21 Table L-2

Draft RFP question 20 states: "Table L-2 will be updated in the final RFP to identify what is included and not included. Resumes are not included in the page limit." however, the final RFP does not exclude resumes from the 85-page limit in Volume I (MA-4 Key personnel approach). Please amend Table L-2 to indicate resumes do not fall within the 85-page restriction.

The RFP is amended to reflect that Key Personnel resumes are not required to be submitted in Section MA4.

25 Section L Table L.2 [Sect L 21(b)] and Sect. L.23.4(a)

Table L.2, Sect. L.21(b) states a 35 page limit to the Past Performance Volume (and those items excluded items from that page limit). Sect. L 23.4(a) requires up to three past contracts for offerors and each proposed subcontractor. Given multiple subcontractors on a team, this only allows a few pages per reference. This will hinder offerors in providing relevant and comprehensive information based on the required information for each contract reference. Therefore, will NASA please consider allowing each contract reference to be limited to five pages instead of an overall 35 page limit for the Past Performance Volume?

Five pages has been added to the overall 35 page limit for the Past Performance Volume. The RFP is amended to reflect a 40 page limit for the Past Performance Volume in Table L 2.

26 Section L Table L.2 [Sect L 21(b)] and RFP Sect L 23.4(l) Will the small business information required for the Past Performance Volume in RFP Sect L 23.4(l) be excluded from the 35 page limit?

Yes. The RFP is amended to exclude this information from the page limit identified in Table L 2 [Sect L 21(b)].

27 Section L L 21 Table L.2 and DRFP Questions and Answers from 1/31/22, Question and Answer #20

Within the answer to Question 20, the Government states that Table L.2 will be updated in the final RFP to identify what is included and not included within page count. The answer also states that resumes are not included in the page limit. In reference to the Final RFP, Table L 2, it shows that Key Personnel Resumes are not included within the page limit, but it shows Key Personnel Resumes under Volume II Past Performance. Will the Government please clarify where the Offeror is to place the Key Personnel resumes and please clarify the resumes are outside of the Volumes page count?

Refer to Question 24.

28 Section L Table L.2 [Sect L 21(b)] and RFP Sect L 23.4(m)

Will the summary of past export control experience required for the Past Performance Volume in RFP Sect L.23.4(m) be excluded from the 35 page limit?

Yes. The RFP is amended to exclude this information from the page limit identified in Table L 2 [Sect L 21(b)].

29 Section L L 22(b)(2)

Per RFP Sect L.22(b)(2), Microsoft (MS) Word files must be submitted in MS Word, not as PDFs. The benefit of submitting MS Word files as PDFs is twofold: 1, Computer settings vary, so a PDF file allows every reader to see exactly what we see and how we see it -- to include how text wraps to subsequent pages, how graphics and tables float with text, etc. 2, MS Word files can become unstable the larger the file size becomes. Therefore, will you please allow MS Word files to be submitted as PDFs?

The proposal shall be submitted in MS Word in accordance with JPI

52.215-113 PROPOSAL FORMATT NG INSTRUCTIONS. (DEC 2019)

(JSC PROCUREMENT NSTRUCTION). The RFP is amended to update this provision to submit electronic proposals in Microsoft Office 2016 or higher.

30 Section L L 23.1 and L 23.7

Paragraph L.23.1 include instructions for plans to be submitted under MA 1-3 and TA1, and the instructions in L.23.7 include the statement "Section J - Offerors shall submit the required documents".

Does the Government require only a discussion of key plan highlights in response to L.23.1 while requiring completed plans suitable for inclusion in the Model Contract in response to L.23.7?

The RFP has been amended (L 21, Table L.2 and L 23.7) to provide clarification on which plans are to be submitted in their entirety with the proposal. In accordance with M 9(b), the Government reserves the right to incorporate the offeror’s documentation (e.g. plans) submitted in response to Data Requirements Descriptions in the RFP prior to execution of the contract.

31 Section L L 23 2, TA2, Table L.3(b) Basis of Estimate In order for offerors to provide adequate basis of estimate while also providing a complete response to each sample task order, request supporting rationale for each BOE be excluded from the 85-page limit.

The BOE will be excluded from the Mission Suitability page count. The RFP is amended to reflect this.

32 Section L L 23 2, TA2(c)(2) TRST For each sample task order (STO), the offeror is required to complete the TRST which summarizes the resources or all three STOs. To eliminate multiple copies of the same content, may the offeror submit only one TRST within Volume I?

Offerors are required to submit a copy of the TRT STO 1, TRT STO 2, TRT STO 3, and the TRST-TO in Volume 1 as the TRTs for STOs 1 thru 3 provide different data than the TRST.

33 Section L L 23 2, TA2(c)(3) Standard Labor Categories For each sample task order (STO), the offeror is required to provide their mapping of their labor categories to the SLCs. May the offeror consolidate their mappings and present this content only once in Volume I?

Yes, Offerors may consolidate their mappings and present this content only once in Volume I. The RFP language at L 23 2(c)(3) has been revised to reflect this.

34 Section L L 23 2(c)(4), Table L.4, Cumulative Government Resource Estimate

The GRE for one of the Sample Task Orders seems to vary significantly from what it would take to perform the scope defined in the STO. Can we get confirmation that the GREs are correct for all STOs?

The GRE for STO2 has been changed from 23 to 13 WYEs. The RFP is amended to reflect this change.

35 Section L L 23 2, TABLE L.4: CUMULATIVE Government RESOURCE EST MATE of the RFP

Within this Table, the estimate of the number of resources required for STO2 is shown as 23 WYEs. Is this value meant to include all of the GFE Software projects as noted in the task overview, or are the 23 WYEs specific to the WYEs required to support the development of the GNM software project listed in the task definition?

These are specific to the WYEs required to support the development of the GNM software project listed in the task definition. Refer to Question 35 regarding the revised WYEs for STO2.

36 Section L L 23.4(d) Please provide guidance on how to interpret Employing Agency/Company Name and who the next bullet point, Point of Contact, is referring to?

Employing Agency/Company Name is defined as the organization that the contract was held with. The Point of Contact is the individual that can be contacted regarding the contract at the Agency or Company that the contract was/is held with.

37 Section L L 23.4(d) The instructions say, "If a Government Agency, include both the Contracting Officer and Contracting Officer’s Representative points of contact." Are the Contracting Officer and Contracting Officer’s Representative considered Technical References for purposes of the preceding bullet?

A technical reference would be someone who could attest to the technical performance on the referenced contract. This can include the Contracting Officer, the Contracting Officer's Representative and/or other people that have direct knowledge of your technical capability.

38 Section L L 23.4(h)

In reference to “In addition to the information above, Offerors, any major subcontractors, as defined above, the proposed program manager, and any other organizational entity (parent or affiliated company, division(s), business units, or segments of your company), which is considered to provide meaningful involvement in contract performance, shall each submit the Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ), Attachment L-2, to all of the point of contact references required in paragraph (c) above.” 1) Must all participants who may be considered to provide meaningful involvement in contract performance submit PPQs even if they are not submitting a past performance reference? 2) Point of contract (POC) references are listed in paragraph (d). Must we obtain PPQs from all POCs (i e. CO, COR, Technical POCs, and simply POCs)?

1.) Offerors are required to submit Past Performance Questionnaires in accordance with paragraph L.23.4(h). 2.) The Offeror can request PPQs from whomever is listed as a reference in L 23.4(d). Paragraph (h) is modified to reflect "references required in paragraph (d) above." The RFP is amended to reflect this change.

39 Section L L 23.4(k)

The instructions indicate that we are to provide environmental and safety & health data for each company proposed in a prime-subcontractor relationship. All other instructions for Volume II address only the Prime, or the Prime and Major Subcontractors (defined as having a value of $8 million or more over the life of the contract). Please clarify that the information in Paragraph (k) is only required from the Prime and Major Subcontractors.

The information in Paragraph (k) is only required from the Prime and Major Subcontractors.

40 Section L L 23 5(b)(1)

The Government indicates that it has provided in the technical library, weighted average composite historical direct labor rates under the SST II contract, mapped to the SST III Standard Labor Categories (SLCs). We did not find this information in the solicitation documents released on February 24. Not having this information puts non-incumbent offerors at a competitive disadvantage relative to the incumbent contractor. We request that the Government provide the historical labor rate information as soon as possible.

The historical incumbent rates were posted with Modification 1 to solicitation posting on March 1, 2022.

41 Section L L 23 5(b)(1) With the release of the final RFP, has the Government provided the weighted average composite historical direct labor rates under the SST II contract, as described in L 23 5 (b)(1) on page 202 of the

RFP?

The historical incumbent rates were posted with Modification 1 to solicitation posting on March 1, 2022.

42 Section L

RFP - Section L, L.23.5 (b) (1) Direct Labor Rates; pg. 202

EPM – IRAP tab

Section L.23.5 (b) (1): The 2nd paragraph, 1st sentence, states “For informational purposes only, the Government has provided in the technical library, weighted average composite historical direct labor rates under the SST II contract, mapped to the SST III Standard Labor Categories (SLCs).”

EPM, RAP tab: The "Historical Incumbent Rate" row is utilized if an Offeror is proposing to utilize the NASA provided historical incumbent rate data provided in the NASA Technical Library. NOTE: If the Offeror utilizes direct labor rate data from the NASA Technical Library in Column N, then the Offeror shall not utilize direct labor rate data in Column L or Column N on the "Contractor Incumbent Rate" row discussed next. Data is current as of CY 1 start date.

Please include the historical direct labor rates under the SST II contract in the Technical Library. This information needs to be available to all offerors, as it provides an unfair competitive advantage to the incumbent.

The historical incumbent rates were posted with Modification 1 to solicitation posting on March 1, 2022.

43 Section L Draft RFP L 23 5 b.(1) and RFP L.23.5.b (1)

Draft RFP L.23 5.b.(1) Direct Labor Rates states:

“For informational purposes only, the Government has provided in the technical library, weighted average composite historical direct labor rates under the SST II contract, mapped to the SST III Standard Labor Categories (SLCs). The provision of historical data is only a guide to assist Offerors in developing their proposed base direct labor rates.”

RFP L.23.5.b.(1) Direct Labor Rates states:

“For informational purposes only, the Government has provided in the technical library, weighted average composite historical direct labor rates under the SST II contract, mapped to the SST III Standard Labor Categories (SLCs).”

Question: This data was not provided in the DRFP nor in the Final RFP. Is the Government going to provide this data? Please provide the noted labor rate data.

The historical incumbent rates were posted with Modification 1 to solicitation posting on March 1, 2022.

44 Section L L 23 5(b)(2) Direct Labor Rate Escalation

Section L.23.5(b)(2) Direct Labor Rate Escalation states “For any direct labor rates not included in a FPRA or FPRR, the Offeror shall provide the company's direct labor escalation history for the past three

(3) years.” Please confirm that this requirement does not pertain to the use of Historical Incumbent Rates”.

If Offerors utilize the Historical Incumbent Rates posted in the NASA Technical Library Offerors they are still required to provide their Company's direct labor rate history for the past three (3) years.

45 Section L L 23 5(b)(3) This section requires that indirect rate history for the past three years be provided for any indirect rate(s) not included in an FPRA or FPRR, which is at odds with the EPM Instructions and DRFP Q&A #35.

Which instructions take precedence?

We acknowledge that DRFP Q&A #35 was in conflict with the final RFP language. The final RFP language prevails.

Both L 23 5(b)(3) and the EPM instructions are valid. Regarding L.23.5(b)(3), if an FPRA/FPRR is being utilized then neither the three year historical data for that FPRA/FPRR rate, nor the associated analysis regarding the previous three years versus the current FPRA/FPRR rate need be provided in the Cost Narrative (e g., L.23.5(b)(3)). However, regarding the EPM, the previous three years cost data (pool and base) and the corresponding rate calculations are required, whether or not an FPRA/FPRR is utilized.

46 Section L L 23 5(e)(3) May offerors propose more than one fixed fee rate based on element of cost (e g. Labor vs Non-Labor Material and ODCs)?

Offerors may propose more than one fixed fee rate based on element of cost. As a reminder, there are restrictions on fixed fee rates allowed in accordance with FAR 15.404-4(c)(4)(i).

47 Section L L 23 6(a)

We are asked to "state whether all business systems, including but not limited to accounting, property control, purchasing, estimating, project reporting and employee compensation, which require Government acceptance or approval (as applicable) are currently accepted/approved, by DCAA, without condition. Apart from the accounting system, please identify which specific system approvals are required for an offeror to be considered responsible; thus, eligible for award.

None. The accounting system is the only system required to be determined adequate prior to award of a cost-reimbursable contract.

48 Section L L 23 6(b) If our CAS disclosure statement is approved or if it has a letter of adequacy, are we still required to provide a copy of our disclosure statement?

If the award of this contract will be covered under an Offerors previously submitted and existing Disclosure Statement (DS) then the Offeror need not provide a copy of the DS with the proposal per Paragraph K.6, Part I (b) IF the Offeror completes Paragraph K 6, Part I (c)(1), including (ii). If the award of this contract triggers the requirement for an initial DS, then a copy of that initial DS MUST be submitted with the proposal.

49 Section L Attachments Attachment L-1, STO 2

STO 2 Task Definition states: “The contractor shall lead and develop the Gateway Network Manager (GNM) GFE software project.” However, the STO 2 Deliverables and Schedules includes the Project Plan, Software Development Plan, and Software Verification and Validation Plan, but does not include the GNM software. Please clarify if the Government’s expectation for the STO 2 response is our approach to prepare the required deliverables or our approach to develop the GNM software. If the Government’s expectation is for our approach to develop the GNM software, please provide the GNM software requirements (e g., ICDs) as part of the technical reference library.

The Government's expectiation for the STO 2 response is for the Offerors to provide a plan for all required products and software to be delivered for evaluation purposes only. The Government only lists the products applicable to the evaluation. This is sample Task Order therefore you can assume that no ICDs will be needed. One of the products that the Offeror would create if the contract was awarded is the GNM requirements document, and therefore was not requested for the evaluation.

50 Section L Attachment L-4, Key Personnel Resume

This paragraph requests three personal references for each key person. Attachment L-4, items 6.b and 6.e, request what appear to be professional references (e.g., contracting officer or contracting officer’s representative, and immediate supervisor for experience referenced in the resume). Please clarify that only one set of references is requested and that references need to be provided in only one location in the proposal. Also, Item 6.f appears to be a duplicate of item 6.b. Please delete either 6 b or 6.f.

Yes, only one set of references is required. The RFP is amended to modify 6 c to reflect "References, including points of contact (contracting officer, contracting officer's representative, technical representative, etc.)

and contract numbers, for experience referenced in item b above." and 6.f has been deleted.

51 Section L Attachments Attachment L-5, Past Performance Matrix Is the information on the Matrix limited to only the contract references provided in response to the requirements of Paragraph L 23.4(a)? Yes.

52 Section L Attachments Attachment L-5, Past Performance Matrix Are we required to provide a contract citation for every SOW paragraph in which we intend to have a team member perform work on the contract?

Yes, the matrix should be consistent with the past performance narrative.

In the event of a conflict between the narrative and the relevance matrix, the narrative will take precedence as the Offeror's intended response.

53 Section L Attachments Attachment L-5, Past Performance Matrix What is the purpose of the "Legend of Resources Provided for Past Performance of Parent/Affiliate"?

What information does the Government expect us to provide in this part of the matrix?

The purpose of the legend is for the offeror to define symbols, shapes or colors that are used to convey past performance information in the matrix. For example, if offeror has workforce and management experience under SOW paragraph 5.2, the matrix would be filled in to reflect the defined legend symbols in the applicable column.

54 Section L Attachments Attachment L-5, Past Performance Matrix What is intended by the terms Workforce, Management, Facilities, and Other in the Legend area?

Workforce are SLC labor resources proposed to be applied by the parent/affiliate. Management are SLC management resources proposed to be applied by the parent/affiliate. Facilities are proposed facility resources to be applied by the parent /affiliate.

55 Section L Attachments Attachment L-5, Past Performance Matrix How will the Matrix be evaluated with respect to Paragraph M.6? The matrix is part of the proposal past performance data evaluated in M 6.

56 Section L Attachments Attachment L-5, Past Performance Matrix

Given the diversity of the SST III SOW, it is difficult to include all coverage in only 3 past performance citations - except for the incumbent. Will NASA consider allowing for additional past performance citations to complete coverage of the SOW? Or will NASA allow and appropriately score or account for narrative material that includes specific SOW items that are not in the 3 permitted citations?

The prime and each major subcontractor can provide up to three past contracts. The RFP will remain unchanged.

57 Section M M.10 Prospective Contractor Responsibility and Eligibility Standards (OCT 2021)

Section M.10 addresses additional responsibility requirements. The Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) Plan is addressed in Section L; however, Quality Management Systems (Aviation, Space and Defense Organizations SAE Certified AS9100D /2016) is not addressed in Section L. Please specify where we are to address compliance with Quality Management Systems (Aviation, Space and Defense Organizations SAE Certified AS9100D /2016). Provide the applicable Volume and specific section in which this is to be addressed.

Offerors may provide compliance with Quality Management Systems (Aviation, Space and Defense Organizations SAE Certified AS9100D /2016) in accordance with L.23.6(i).

58 Section M M.10 (b)(1)

In reference to “Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) Plan in accordance with the Notice of Potential Organizational Conflicts of Interest in Section L and FAR 9.504.” FAR 9.504 refers specifically to the contracting officer’s responsibilities with regard to organizational conflicts of interest. Elsewhere, throughout the RFP, we are instructed to address OCI in accordance with the parent regulation FAR

9.5. Will our OCI response be evaluated specifically against FAR 9.504 or more broadly against FAR 9.5?

More broadly against FAR 9.5. The RFP is amended to reflect this in M.10.

59 EPM EPM, CFAOT tab, Cell A-9

Cell A-9 states major subcontractors are 45% of the total contract value, however Section L states major subcontractors "For the purposes of this solicitation, a “major subcontractor” is any team member (e.g., a subcontractor or inter-divisional organization) with an estimated total contract value that equals or exceeds $8,000,000 over the period of performance for this contract." Are CFAOTs only required from subcontractors at 45% of the total contract value? Please clarify.

CFAOTs are required from any Major Subcontractor with a total contract value that equal or exceeds $8,000,000 over the period of performance.

The "45% of the total contract value" wording is in error and has been removed from the EPM.

60 EPM TRT Tabs The SST III TRTs that are included in the EPM don’t have a column for SOW 5 2.1. The column headings skip from SOW 5.1 to SOW 5.2.2. Please indicate if Offerors should add a column to address

SOW 5.2.1.

A column for SOW paragraph 5 2.1 was inadvertently omitted. The EPM is amended to include a column for this section.

61 EPM TRT STO2 and STO3 Tabs TRT STO2 and TRT STO3 refer to Task Order 1 in the box near the top of the sheets. Please indicate if Offerors should update to Task Order 2 and Task Order 3.

The grey box near the top of TRT STO 2 has been updated to reflect Task Order 2 instead of Task Order 1. The grey box near the top of TRT STO 3 has been updated to reflect Task Order 3 instead of Task Order 1.

62 EPM FBAC Tab

The template on this tab is required of "the prime Offeror, each major subcontractor and all subcontractor(s) as defined in NFS 1852 231-71(d)." NFS 1852 231-71(d) indicates that a total compensation plan and the information required on the FBAC Tab is required from all subcontractors "having a total potential value expected to exceed the threshold for requiring certified cost or pricing data as set forth in FAR 15.403-4" (which is $2 million). However, Paragraph L.12 indicates that this information is only required from subcontractors who exceed the FAR 15.403-4 threshold and exceed 10 percent of the contract's total potential value (including options and the phase-in period).

Additionally, DRD-12, Abbreviated Compensation Plan indicates this data is only required from "subcontractors providing or contributing a meaningful number of professional employees who will work under the contract," where "meaningful number is defined as having > 10% of professional employees who will work under the contract." To eliminate confusion, we request the Government remove the following statement from the FBAC tab in the Excel Price Model - "This template is required of the prime Offeror, each major subcontractor and all subcontractor(s) as defined in NFS 1852 231-71(d)."

Refer to Question 12. The EPM language will not be modified. For further clarification, an Abbreviated Compensation Plan (ACP) is required from a subcontractor that is "providing or contributing a meaningful number of professional employees who will work on the contract", which for this procurement has been defined as greater than or equal to 10% (See DRD-12 MPORTANT NOTES).

63 EPM FBAC Tab

In the FBAC tab it states "A separate template is required per labor category type (exempt, non-exempt non-union, and non-exempt union). t should be noted that the minimum hourly fringe benefits rate cannot be less than the DOL specified minimum rate listed in the RFP under Section J for non-exempt employees." Please identify where in Section J the DOL specified minimum rate listed in the RFP under Section J for non-exempt employees is listed.

The Service Contracts Labor Standards (SCLS) is not applicable to this contract with regards to Wage Determinations (WDs) applicable to non-exempt employees. Hence, there is no applicable Wage Determinations provided in Section J. The EPM will be amended to remove WD language from this section.

64 EPM TRST-TO Tab Formula in Column F in the TRST-TO doesn't sum the total WYE for the three STOs. Please indicate if Offerors should update the formula to properly sum the STOs. Also, cell F10 indicates FTEs rather than WYEs.

The formulas in Column F (Lines 15 thru 31 and 35 and 36) have been corrected to sum all three STOs. The Line 32 has been corrected to sum lines 15 thru 31 for each STO and in total. Line 34 has been updated to reflect the correct STO header for each Column. The cell F10 has been updated to reflect WYEs and not FTEs.

65 EPM PIT

The EPM PIT tab instruction box calls for a BOE to be developed for phase-in, similar to the STOs.

however, section L and the EPM is silent on where this BOE is to reside. Can the Government provide instruction on where to put this BOE information to allow for proper evaluation?

The Phase-In BOE is to be included as part of the Cost Volume.

66 EPM General Will the Government allow modifications to the EMP file such as adding lines, columns or tabs (this is important for more subcontractors, missing SOW paragraphs, etc.)?

The TRT Columns are not to be modified, nor are the lines containing the SLCs. Additional lines, if needed, may be added for NLRs. Any other Tab(s) requiring information necessary to accurately price an Offerors cost proposal may be modified in order to do so. Further, Offerors may add additional Tabs as necessary in order to support any element of cost (i.e., an indirect rate or subcontractor hours/cost, etc.).

67 EPM General Please provide the total number of incumbents so that companies can accurately fill the incumbent recapture section of the excel file.

This data will not be provided as both a Government Resources Estimate has been provided for the Sample Task Orders and Specified Resources have been provided for the hours to be bid. Incumbent capture data is to be based on the Offeror's proposed approach.

68 EPM General How will Non-Labor Resources, beyond Travel, be evaluated at the IDIQ level given there is no "Other" line item for these costs in the ISCT-SR tab of the EPM. Would NASA consider providing a plug for "Other" Non-Labor Resources?

A plug for "Other" Non-Labor resources will not be included in the ISCT- SR tab, as these are Specified Resources and no other resources are requested. The EPM has been updated to include a Materials specified resources line item in the ISCT-SR tab.

69 EPM Tab TRST – TO Should cell F15 total cells C15, D15, and E15? If so, cell F15 to F31 will need correcting.

The formulas in Column F (Lines 15 thru 31 and 35 and 36) have been corrected to sum all three STOs. The Line 32 has been corrected to sum lines 15 thru 31 for each STO and in total. Line 34 has been updated to reflect the correct STO header for each Column. The cell F10 has been updated to reflect WYEs and not FTEs.

70 EPM Tab TOPT Should cells D23 and E23 be multiplied by cells D20 and E20?

The formula for Column D and Column E, Lines 23 thru 39, has been updated. The "FTE" references have also been changed to "WYE".

However, if the "Team Productive Hours per WYE Conversion Factor" is the same for all three STOs, then the original formula would have functioned properly.

71 EPM Tab TOPT In cell C97 through E97 – fee is being applied to NLR. Should Fee be removed from the NLR?

To assist Offerors the Cell C97 thru E97 has been modified to reflect that travel is non-fee bearing in accordance with Section B.5 (A). Offerors may need to modify the Cell C97 thru E97 further to reflect their proposed approach regarding the application of fee rate(s) to any other proposed NLR cost(s).

72 EPM Tab ISCT -SR In cells C88 to G88– fee is being applied to NLR. Should Fee be removed from the NLR? The cells C88 thru G88 have been modified to reflect that travel is non-fee bearing in accordance with Section B.5 (A).

73 EPM FBAC Tab

Please clarify the data requested in the FBAC tabs. The instructions require that total WYE, hours and labor cost be entered for each labor type and fringe pool proposed. By using totals for these values, the resulting percentages will reflect a weighted average over the 5 year contract and as such the total fringe percentage will not coincide with the rates entered in the OHT tab.

Yes, the Government understands that the five year weighted average will not match up directly with each individual contractor fiscal year rate shown on the OHT tab. The FBAC tab is used to support DRD-12 and aid in that analysis while the OHT tab is used to price each individual year of the five year contract.

74 EPM OHT & GAT tabs May offerors modify the Cost Elements within the indirect rate templates to reflect the composition of their rate pools? Yes.

75 EPM OHT & GAT tabs

Indirect rate templates state “NOTE: IMPORTANT: Self-calculating formulas MUST BE PROVIDED for all grey shaded areas.” For indirect rates included in an FPRA or FPRR and the composition of both the burden pool and base is not required, may offerors enter values, i e., rates, in the associated grey shaded areas?

Yes.

76 EPM OHT & GAT tabs These tabs request FTE data for contractor prior year and forecasted indirect rates. Please confirm the FTE data requested is for the labor included in the expenses for the applicable indirect pools.

The term "FTE" has been updated to "WYE" for consistency. The WYEs are to reflect the number of WYEs participating in the particular applicable expense line item (i e., FICA, B&P, etc.) that comprise the cost of that particular expense line item.

77 EPM ISPT Tab Please clarify if EPM ISPT tab, row 8 column "d" through "h" should be titled "Firm-Fixed Price" No. Row 8, Column d through h, has been updated to read "Contract Year Price (Cost + Fixed Fee)" Additionally, cell C9 has been updated to read "Phase-In (FFP)"

78 EPM/Section B B.5 and EPM FBAC tab

Section B 5 of the RFP refers to the Service Contract Labor Standards in FAR 22.10 and the FBAC Template in the EPM requires a detailed breakdown of Health and Welfare benefits.

Please confirm that SCLS/WD applies to this contract and will NASA provide a Wage Determination for use in the proposal?

FAR 22.10, Service Contract Labor Standards (SCLS), covers several things. The SST III contract is not subject to the SCLS AS THEY RELATE TO WAGE DETERM NATIONS (WD). Therefore, a WD is not applicable. Offerors are reminded that other sections of FAR 22.10, Service Contract Labor Standards (SCLS), is applicable such as the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and applicable Executive Orders (EOs).

79 EPM/Section L EPM OHT & GAT tabs and L.23 5(b)(3)

The request for supporting base detail, including a breakout of existing and forecasted business base data seems excessive and overly taxing particularly for offerors that have forward priced rate proposals submitted, reviewed and/or approved by DCMA/DCAA. Will the Government consider removing this requirement or, at a minimum, allowing for summary level data in lieu of detailed contract information?

The requirement will remain. However, Offerors are reminded that the goal of the Government is to be able to determine that the indirect rate is reasonable and realistic for the effort proposed.

80 EPM/Section L L 23 5(d)(2) and EPM OHT, GAT and FBAC tabs

The RFP states: "When multiple versions of the same template are required, then submit the multiple templates inside one worksheet stacked vertically." Does this also apply to the OHT, GAT and FBAC tabs such that if an offeror has more than one "OHT" rate the template should be copied and stacked vertically versus a new tab?

Yes per the instructions. However, if Offerors have more that one "OHT" rate, a separate tab identifying that additional rate is also acceptable (i.e., a fringe benefit rate and an overhead rate may be shown on separate tabs).

81 EPM/Section L EPM, CFAOT tab; L.21 pg. 187 Section L.21 states "Cognizant Audit Office Template (CAOT) of Volume Ill are requested by March 21 2022", please confirm this is in reference to the "COGNIZANT FEDERAL AGENCY AND AUDIT OFFICE TEMPLATE (POINTS OF CONTACT & AUDIT DATA)" (CFAOT) Tab in the EPM xlsx file?

Yes.

82 EPM/Section L L 23 5(b)(3) and EPM OHT tab instructions Please confirm that the requirements outlined in the Section L Cost/Price and EPM OHT instructions apply only to indirect cost rates as defined by an Offerors disclosed cost accounting and estimating practices.

The requirements of L.23.5(b)(3) and EPM OHT tab instructions apply to any rate utilized in the Cost Proposal.

83 EPM EPM, ISPT tab Please clarify if EPM ISPT tab, row 8 column "d" through "h" should be titled "Firm-Fixed Price?" Refer to Question 77.

84 EPM EPM, RAP tab

On the RAP tab, the first sentence of instruction indicates that the minor subcontractors must deliver this RAP tab. They aren’t required to deliver any other tabs within the EPM, therefore, is this direction by mistake? If not, can the RAP tabs for the subcontractors, both major and minor, be delivered as part of the primes EPM file?

The instructions are not a mistake. Minor Subcontractors are required to provide the IRAP if they are required to submit an Abbreviated Compensation Plan (ACP) per the criteria identified in DRD-12.