Attachment 2 - Questions and Answers.pdf

RFI 80NSSC25Q7015

Atachment 2 - Ques�ons and Answers

Ques�on Number Ques�on Answer 1 Can I submit all answers in the email?

Yes, answers can be submited via email.

2 Can the research turn into an actual contract?

Yes, this market research may turn into a contract vehicle. General Services Administra�on (GSA) Mul�ple Award Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs), NASA issued Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quan�ty Vehicles (IDIQs), or other op�ons are under considera�on.

3 Can NASA clarify the evalua�on criteria that will be used to determine whether services should be combined into one enterprise vehicle or separated by service type?

Combining the services will be determined based on the market research/vendor's capability responses that are submited and meet the core PWS areas (Page 3 of the RFI) for any given category (e.g. grounds, custodial, pest).

There may be vendors who are capable of providing only one of the services (Grounds, Custodial, Pest Control) in one area/state.

The criteria is if you have demonstrated experience in the core PWS areas for any given category, we will u�lize that to determine a poten�al enterprise vehicle or separated vehicles by service type.

4 Is NASA considering geographical divisions within the enterprise vehicle structure (e.g., regional awards) or will vendors need to demonstrate capability across all listed states?

Regional requirements are under considera�on. Vendors are not required to respond to every state, but if a vendor would like to be considered for a state, they must submit experience within the last 3 years or ra�onale as to why they can perform the services in any state that they would like to be considered (see RFI instruc�ons). Examples of ra�onale are office loca�ons, personnel resources, teaming arrangements, etc. Also, see

Ques�on 3. This will inform us on what regions or loca�ons we have a pool of vendors that enable compe��on.

5 What is NASA's an�cipated �meline for transi�oning from the current center-based contracts to the enterprise vehicle(s)?

The current strategy is to transi�on each center when their current contracts expire, and each contract ends at various �mes.

The an�cipated period of performance for the enterprise vehicle(s) is 10 years. This strategy is subject to change.

6 Will NASA consider phased implementa�on of the enterprise vehicle(s), star�ng with certain centers or service areas?

Yes, NASA will consider a phased implementa�on.

7 How does NASA envision handling center-specific requirements and varia�ons while maintaining enterprise-wide standardiza�on?

NASA plans to achieve a balance between standardiza�on and center-level flexibility through the development of standardized ordering templates that all Centers will use. These templates will maintain a consistent format and structure across the Agency while allowing for localized customiza�on of requirements based on Center-specific needs.

In addi�on, NASA will implement standard templates for key procurement elements such as Contract Line Items (CLINs), deliverables, pricing, and repor�ng requirements. These will ensure consistency in expecta�ons, streamline the procurement process, and simplify proposal prepara�on for vendors.

At the enterprise vehicle level, there will be standardized CLIN structures, terms and condi�ons, and repor�ng frameworks.

However, Centers will retain the ability to tailor individual orders within this standardized framework to reflect their unique opera�onal or mission-specific needs.

8 Does NASA have a preference for the type of pricing structure (e.g., firm-fixed price vs. hybrid) for the different service categories?

This is to be determined.

Industry's feedback on this subject is encouraged when the Dra� RFP/RFQ is issued.

9 What performance metrics will NASA use to evaluate success at both the enterprise and individual center level?

This is to be determined.

Industry's feedback on this subject is encouraged when the Dra� RFP/RFQ is issued.

10 Will NASA share informa�on about the current service providers and contract values to help vendors beter understand the scope?

Values cannot be provided at this �me. The contract numbers are:

80AFRC23CA004, NNA15BB23C,

80GRC023DA007, NNC15BA02B,

80GSFC20C0098,

80GSFC20D0010,

80LARC24DA007,

80JSC022DA003,

80GRC024DA001,

80GRC024DA002,

80LARC24DA005,

80LARC25DA002,

80MSFC23TA002,

80SSC025D0001,

80AFRC23CA004,

80GRC025DA001,

80GRC020C0007,

80GSFC20C0098,

80GSFC20D0011, 80JSC022AA023,

80JSC022DA003,

80GRC023DA010,

80GRC023DA009,

80GRC025DA002,

80SSC025D0001. These are subject to change as some requirements will be awarded prior to the enterprise vehicle being established.

11 How will NASA handle special projects or emergency services under the enterprise vehicle(s)?

Special projects or emergency services will be on a separate Contract Line Item or Order.

12 Will NASA consider crea�ng set-asides for 8(a), WOSB, or other socioeconomic categories within the enterprise vehicle(s)?

Yes, set-asides are under considera�on, including for 8(a), Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSB), and other socioeconomic categories. However, in order for

NASA to responsibly implement set-asides and s�ll meet its mission needs, we must ensure there is adequate compe��on within each set-aside category.

We strongly encourage vendors in all socioeconomic categories to respond to the RFI. The volume and quality of responses will directly inform our ability to structure set-asides within the enterprise vehicle. Without sufficient response levels—by geography and service type—we may be limited in our ability to set aside por�ons of the work. Robust industry par�cipa�on is cri�cal to both promo�ng small business u�liza�on and enabling compe��ve pricing and best value for the Agency.

13 Will NASA consider the opera�onal and oversight efficiencies that could be gained by awarding this requirement as a single-award contract, rather than a mul�-award BPA or IDIQ?

For example, a single-award approach would reduce the overhead for contract administra�on, minimize the necessity for mul�ple task order procurements and proposal evalua�ons throughout the contract period, streamline oversight of responsible vendors, and promote greater consistency in service quality across Centers and Field Ac�vi�es.

Although a single-award contract is currently not under considera�on, NASA will accept Industry's feedback.

14 What criteria, such as cost-benefit analysis, will NASA use to determine whether a single-award, mul�ple-award, IDIQ, or BPA structure most effec�vely supports its mission across all Centers and Field Ac�vi�es?

NASA is carefully evalua�ng a range of factors to determine the most effec�ve contract structure—whether that be single-award, mul�ple-award, IDIQ, or BPA. Key considera�ons include cost-benefit analysis, an�cipated order volume, mission-cri�cal needs, procurement lead �me, and the ability to ensure broad coverage across all Centers and Field Ac�vi�es.

Equally important is ensuring that we have a pool of high-quality, compe��ve vendors who can perform across a variety of geographic areas and service scopes. The capacity and distribu�on of vendors—both as iden�fied through this RFI and in subsequent RFQ/RFP responses— will be a cri�cal factor in shaping the structure of the enterprise vehicle. The more robust and capable the response, the more flexibility we will have in designing a vehicle that supports small business u�liza�on, regional coverage, and best value to the Government.

15 In the RFI responses, will NASA consider feedback on how a single-award model could beter enable consistent service quality, centralized accountability, and reduced administra�ve burden across loca�ons?

See Ques�on 13.

16 The RFI limits responses to a maximum of six States where vendors can demonstrate capability (Sec�on V, Subsec�on 2, Item b). Will NASA consider submissions from vendors with demonstrated na�onwide experience suppor�ng mul�ple States concurrently beyond the six-State maximum?

Yes, vendors with broader na�onwide experience are welcome to respond. However, to ensure fairness and consistent evalua�on across all submissions, vendors must s�ll follow the RFI instruc�ons and select up to six states they wish to be considered for at this �me.

It is not sufficient to submit only a general capability statement.

Vendors must provide contract-based, state-specific demonstrated experience aligned with the template provided in the RFI. For each selected state, vendors must demonstrate their ability to perform core service areas within the applicable category (e.g., Grounds Maintenance, Custodial, Pest) to be considered acceptable.

This approach enables NASA to evaluate vendor capabili�es equitably and iden�fy where we have sufficient coverage and compe��on across the country.

Broader experience can s�ll be noted in your general capability narra�ve, but it will not subs�tute for the required detailed state-based examples.

17 In the upcoming procurement, will NASA consider including subcontrac�ng requirements, evalua�on factors, or scoring incen�ves that encourage meaningful use of small businesses (including SB, 8(a), SDB, WOSB, EDWOSB, VOSB, SDVOSB, and HUBZone firms), across all service areas to enhance mission delivery, promote innova�on, and support Federal small business goals?

This is to be determined.

Industry's feedback on this subject is encouraged when the Dra� RFP/RFQ is issued.

18 Will NASA consider incorpora�ng the use of AbilityOne nonprofit agencies as an evalua�on factor, awarding addi�onal considera�on to offerors that propose meaningful partnerships suppor�ng Federal priori�es for employing individuals with disabili�es?

This is to be determined.

Industry's feedback on this subject

19 Will NASA consider requiring offerors to demonstrate past performance successfully managing diverse subcontractor

This is to be determined.

Industry's feedback on this subject teams, including small businesses, across geographically dispersed sites to ensure the awarded contractor has proven coordina�on, service consistency, and mission support capabili�es?

20 Will NASA consider including a requirement for detailed subcontractor par�cipa�on plans, supported by measurable metrics for engagement with small businesses and AbilityOne programs, as part of the proposal evalua�on criteria?

This is to be determined.

Industry's feedback on this subject

21 Will NASA consider incorpora�ng light maintenance and repair services into the scope of the upcoming procurement to improve cost efficiency for rou�ne facility needs, while allowing exis�ng facility repair contracts to remain focused on specialized high-complexity repairs?

This is to be determined.

Industry's feedback on this subject is encouraged when the Dra� RFP/RFQ is issued.

22 Would NASA consider adding a dedicated CLIN under this contract to cover small-scale facility maintenance and repair tasks (e.g., sidewalk patching, door and window repair, basic plumbing, and minor electrical work) as a flexible and cost-effec�ve solu�on for addressing rou�ne needs within the physical areas where contractor personnel would already be performing Grounds Maintenance, Custodial, and Pest Control Services?

This is to be determined.

Industry's feedback on this subject is encouraged when the Dra� RFP/RFQ is issued.

23 Would NASA consider incorpora�ng pre- and post-emergency hardening and facility remedia�on CLINs to cover essen�al services suppor�ng safe opera�ons and con�nuity, such as debris removal, tree branch clearance, Please refer to Atachment 1:

Dra� Performance Work Statement regarding the scope of work for severe weather event support. This is subject to change.

sidewalk repairs, minor structural repairs, and other rapid-response needs, following severe weather or other disaster events?

24 Would NASA consider adding a CLIN for preventa�ve maintenance services within the scope of this contract, such as HVAC filter replacements, water filter replacements, and other rou�ne system upkeep?

This is to be determined.

Industry's feedback on this subject is encouraged when the Dra� RFP/RFQ is issued.

25 Would NASA consider adding a CLIN for periodic inspec�on services as part of the maintenance support requirements under this contract, such as HVAC system checks, water quality inspec�ons, safety evalua�ons for poten�al hazards, and general facility condi�on assessments?

This is to be determined.

Industry's feedback on this subject is encouraged when the Dra� RFP/RFQ is issued.

26 Would NASA consider adding a CLIN for small-scale reac�ve facility repairs to address rou�ne facility needs cost-effec�vely under this contract, such as repairing window seals, patching interior or exterior concrete cracks, and other minor correc�ve ac�ons?

This is to be determined.

Industry's feedback on this subject is encouraged when the Dra� RFP/RFQ is issued.

27 For the upcoming procurement, would NASA consider u�lizing a pricing structure that allows vendors to propose pre-approved unit-priced repair services and bundled service offerings under the OLM or IDIQ pool, enabling faster task order execu�on and reducing reliance on hourly rates or tradi�onal T&M models?

This is to be determined.

Industry's feedback on this subject is encouraged when the Dra� RFP/RFQ is issued.

28 What is the name of the current contractor for this contract?

There is not one current contractor for this requirement.

This Enterprise Vehicle will phase in services based on when the current contracts end at each center (subject to change). All current contracts are published.

See Ques�on 10 for a list of current contracts.

29 Will there be a scheduled site visit for this opportunity?

Site visits are an�cipated when a center requires an order for the services.

30 What will be the an�cipated award date for this contract?

The an�cipated award date is the end of Calendar Year 2025. This is subject to change.

31 What will be the an�cipated start date for this contract?

The an�cipated start date is the end of Calendar Year 2025. This is subject to change.

32 What is the current monthly or total annual awarded amount for this contract?

There is not a single-award contract for this requirement.

Each center has individual contracts.

33 Is this an exis�ng contract? There are exis�ng contracts at each NASA Center/Facility.

34 What is the current contract number?

See Ques�on 10.

35 What is the date you an�cipate pos�ng this opportunity on Sam.gov?

This is to be determined.

36 If unable to provide more detailed scope informa�on now, can you please provide a rough approxima�on of the Grounds Maintenance scope for the following loca�ons, even if only the poten�al area of turf to be mowed / managed?

1.Michoud Assembly Facility (New Orleans, LA) 2.Stennis SC (Hancock, MS) 3.Johnson Space Center (Houston, TX) 4.Ellington Field (Houston, TX) 5.Marshall Space Flight Center (Huntsville, AL) 6.Kennedy Space Center (Cape Canaveral, FL)

Most centers are over 2,000 acres of land area with a few reaching greater than 20,000. We do not expect that all of the available land will require grounds maintenance and addi�onal details on sizing will be provided during later phases of the solicita�on. Please focus your narra�ve and/or past performance on providing services to a mul�-facility campus and how your opera�on can scale to meet requirements.

37 Are H-2B workers prohibited from execu�ng any of the scope included in this RFI?

Badges must be issued to all individuals who require physical access to NASA Center's or logical access to designated NASA resources (i.e. computers). A chain of trust is followed which simultaneously captures the biometrics, photograph, iden�ty source documents, and background inves�ga�on of the applicant and can be �ed to the iden�ty of that applicant at any point in the iden�ty management process.

38 How many different Grounds Maintenance contractors are providing services today across all in-scope loca�ons?

39 Regardless of the ul�mate approach-to-market (one enterprise vehicle v. one enterprise vehicle for each service), can you please give some indica�on of the earliest a solicita�on could be released?

NASA is currently targe�ng the end of 2025 for release of the ini�al solicita�on, with ordering an�cipated to begin in early 2026, phased in alignment with the expira�on of exis�ng loca�on-based contracts.

Please note that this �meline is subject to change based on evolving budget condi�ons, scope adjustments, or other federal priori�es. We will con�nue to keep industry informed as the schedule is refined.

40 What is the an�cipated acquisi�on �meline for this requirement, including Dra� RFP, Final RFP, and award?

This is to be determined.

41 Will this be a single-award or mul�ple-award IDIQ contract, and will there be set-asides for 8(a), SDVOSB, or other small business categories?

General Services Administra�on (GSA) Mul�ple Award Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs), NASA issued Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quan�ty Vehicles (IDIQs), or other op�ons are under considera�on. Set-asides to socioeconomic categories will be determined by the market research.

42 Are incumbent contractors currently performing this scope across NASA Centers? If so, can

See Ques�on 10.

you share past contract numbers or vendor names?

43 Will each order be center-specific, or will some orders include mul�-center support across regions?

Each order will be tailored for the center. Some orders may include mul�-center support.

44 Will labor categories and hours be standardized across centers or tailored to each task order?

Pricing for labor categories will be established on the enterprise-vehicle. Labor categories and hours will be tailored based on the requirements of each center.

45 For CMMS, can you confirm whether FMX, Maximo, TRIRIGA, or another system is in use at each center?

Currently Maximo is in use at each center.

46 Does the Government intend to provide a transi�on period or phase-in/phase-out plan between vendors for con�nuity?

Yes, a Phase-In/Phase-Out Plan will be provided.

47 Will vendors be required to propose performance metrics?

This is to be determined.

Industry's feedback on this subject is encouraged when the Dra� RFP/RFQ is issued.

48 How will performance-based payments be structured?

This is to be determined.

Industry's feedback on this subject is encouraged when the Dra� RFP/RFQ is issued.

49 Can you provide a sample or an�cipated deduc�on schedule (referenced in Atachment 5) for missed or non-conforming services?

This is to be determined.

Industry's feedback on this subject

50 Can you clarify how hybrid FFP/T&M orders will be structured? Will there be a ceiling for T&M or LH components?

This is to be determined.

Industry's feedback on this subject

51 Will offerors be required to submit unit pricing or fully burdened rates per site?

This is to be determined.

Industry's feedback on this subject is encouraged when the Dra� RFP/RFQ is issued.

52 Are Order Level Materials (OLMs) expected to be pre-priced or submited on a per-order basis?

This is to be determined.

Industry's feedback on this subject

53 How many NASA-furnished IT devices per site will be issued?

Is there a defined maximum?

This is to be determined.

Industry's feedback on this subject is encouraged when the Dra� RFP/RFQ is issued.

54 Are there any ITAR, CUI, or NIST 800-171 compliance requirements?

This is to be determined.

Industry's feedback on this subject is encouraged when the Dra� RFP/RFQ is issued.

55 Are vendors responsible for archiving NASA records at contract comple�on, or will records be transferred to NASA personnel?

This is to be determined.

Industry's feedback on this subject is encouraged when the Dra� RFP/RFQ is issued.

56 Will NASA define Key Personnel roles at the IDIQ level, or only at the order level?

Key Personnel may or may not be required. This is to be determined.

Industry's feedback on this subject is encouraged when the Dra� RFP/RFQ is issued.

57 Is there a minimum clearance or badge turnaround �meframe vendors should account for in transi�on planning?

Badging requirements/�meframes will be iden�fied on the enterprise vehicle and will be accounted for during phase-in.

58 What are the training requirements related to safety, environmental, and emergency procedures across centers?

Any requirements will be included in the overall Enterprise contract and/or at the Order level if required.

59 How will emergency custodial and severe weather response be ordered and priced — FFP, IDIQ, or T&M?

This is dependent on the contract type. This is to be determined.

60 Will vendors be pre-posi�oned with materials and equipment for emergencies, or will those be task-ordered?

This is to be determined.

Industry's feedback on this subject is encouraged when the Dra� RFP/RFQ is issued.

61 What is the an�cipated contract structure (IDIQ with task orders, BPA, or other vehicle)?

General Services Administra�on (GSA) Mul�ple Award Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs), NASA issued Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quan�ty Vehicles (IDIQs), or other op�ons are under considera�on.

62 Will all NASA centers be included under a single award or split across zones/mul�ple awards?

This is to be determined.

63 Will the Government publish a dra� RFP, Industry Day, or Q&A forum before release?

Yes, it is an�cipated that a dra� RFP, Industry Day, and Q&A forum will be available.

64 Will vendors propose on all centers at once, or will task orders be competed individually a�er IDIQ award?

This is to be determined based on the overall strategy and number of respondents to the RFI and to the RFP/RFQ.

65 How will service levels and frequencies (e.g., mowing, snow removal, pest control) be defined per site?

This is to be determined.

Industry's feedback on this subject is encouraged when the Dra� RFP/RFQ is issued.

66 What criteria will be used to determine 'pres�ge' vs.

'standard' grounds areas for mowing and landscape care?

This is to be determined.

67 Will the Government define any Key Personnel posi�ons required at the IDIQ level?

Key Personnel may or may not be required. Key Personnel may be required at the order level.

68 What is the badge processing �meline at each center, and are there differences between sites?

See ques�on 59.

69 Will there be a required minimum level of supervision for night/weekend work?

This is to be determined.

Industry's feedback on this subject is encouraged when the Dra� RFP/RFQ is issued.

70 Which CMMS pla�orms are currently used at each NASA Center (e.g., Maximo, TRIRIGA, FMX)?

Currently Maximo is in use at each center.

71 Is the contractor expected to host, maintain, or interface with a third-party CMMS?

This is to be determined.

72 Will vendors be evaluated on their ability to analyze and report metrics, or are these strictly defined by the government?

This is to be determined.

Industry's feedback on this subject is encouraged when the Dra� RFP/RFQ is issued.

73 Can you provide a sample or summary of the Deduc�on Schedule (Atachment 5) for non-conforming performance?

This cannot be provided at this �me.

74 How will NASA measure �meliness and quality compliance across geographically diverse centers?

This is to be determined.

Industry's feedback on this subject

75 Will performance incen�ves or disincen�ves be applied at the task order level?

This is to be determined.

Industry's feedback on this subject is encouraged when the Dra� RFP/RFQ is issued.

76 For Order Level Materials (OLMs), will the government provide a ceiling per order or require separate approval for each item?

The Government will establish a base OLM ceiling at the �me of order award based on the an�cipated need to support performance. Contractors may use these OLMs as needed to complete the defined scope of work without requiring separate approval for each item.

Addi�onal approvals are only required if a new requirement emerges that was not originally scoped in the order. In such cases, the contractor will need to provide an updated es�mate and receive approval for any increase to the OLM ceiling.

77 Will there be a centralized government equipment pool, or is the contractor expected to supply all tools per site?

The contractor is expected to supply all tools per site. This is subject to change.

78 Will each task order include site-specific storm prepara�on expecta�ons (e.g., reflec�ve markers, salt storage)?

Yes, each order will include site-specific storm prepara�on expecta�ons.

79 How will the government handle emergency response SLAs (e.g., blood/infec�ous material clean-up in <1 hr)?

This is to be determined.

Industry's feedback on this subject is encouraged when the Dra� RFP/RFQ is issued.

80 Are post-storm and snow removal tasks expected to be pre-priced or issued as separate IDIQ task orders?

Post-storm and snow removal tasks may be issued as a separate Contract Line Item or Order.

81 Will a Pricing Template, Workload Indicators, and Performance Standards be provided in the final RFP?

Yes, all will be provided in the final

RFP/RFQ.

82 Will the Government provide historical level of effort, square footage, or frequency data for each facility?

This cannot be provided at this �me. Addi�onal informa�on will be provided in the Dra� RFQ and

RFQ.

83 What is the expected / op�mum response size by page numbers?

There is no page number requirement.

84 Is the current RFI response sought only from the service providers with 8(a) set-aside status?

No, RFI responses are not only sought from vendors with 8(a) set-aside status.

85 Can sole source selec�on be possible should you find our response matches your needs?

Sole source selec�on is not being considered at this �me.

86 Wanted to confirm that this is a consolida�on effort to bring the required work, currently being performed by various vendors at the different centers into one NASA-wide requirement. If so, is it possible to verify the ID numbers of all the ac�ve contracts which would be impacted by this effort?

See Ques�on 10. The impacts to current contracts are subject to change.

87 Would you have addresses with a spreadsheet of number of buildings and there purpose or current use of the building?

This is for the pest control services at Wallops Flight Facility (WFF, Wallops VA, and Langley Research Center(LaRC), Hampton, VA. Sq foot of buildings serviced if available.

Most centers have over 300 facili�es with a few with more than 500. These facilites are a mix of opera�onal, research & development, administra�ve, and support facili�es of various sizes.

We do not expect all of the facili�es will require custodial services. Addi�onal details on sizing and expected services will be provided during later phases of the solicita�on. Please focus your narra�ve and/or past performance on providing services to a mul�-facility campus and how your opera�on can scale to meet requirements.

88 1. Each project example must clearly iden�fy and align with the state(s) and core service area(s) listed in Sec�on IV”— QUESTION: Can this be region?

For example: we are opera�ng Grounds, Custodial and Pest in the Southwest Region – can we respond to the requirements of California, New Mexico and Texas? This will

Yes, you may include mul�ple states in your response if they match the specific states listed in the RFI. However, it’s important to understand that the Government is not evalua�ng by general region—we are assessing capability and interest in specific states. The purpose is to determine both your past performance and your likelihood clear up a few things for us, as we can also respond for Alabama, Virginia, Florida – since we have opera�ons at Alabama, South/North Carolina & Illinois that has the same comparable weather/condi�ons.

of bidding or mobilizing for work in each state.

For example, having experience in North Carolina alone would not automa�cally provide NASA with confidence that your company can or will perform in Florida. If you list a state in which you have not performed work in the last 3 years, you must provide a clear ra�onale—such as your ability to mobilize staff, proximity of personnel, office presence, or exis�ng teaming arrangements— to support your interest and ability to perform in that state.

Please refer to the RFI instruc�ons and experience template for guidance on how to provide this informa�on effec�vely.