SEWP VI Batch 6 Published 12.16.24.pdf

sewp6_rfp_all_questions

Question Id

Original Question Published Answer

1670 If an Offeror is only submitting a proposal for example Category C, how are we to instruct our customers when completing the Past Performance

Questionnaire to handle Category's A and B in Section 4 Technical Area Relevance Ratings? Are our customers to leave those blank or put N/A?

Yes, the fields for the not applicable Categories should have N/A entered or left blank.

1678 Will the Government provide a template for the Small Business Subcontracting form/template? Or does the Government want each offeror tp provide their own?

No, a template will not be provided. See FAR 52.219-9(g) for guidance specific to commercial subcontracting plans, and 52.219-9(d) for guidance for all subcontracting plans.

1704 Should this file or section be named "TECHNICAL APPROACH (SUBFACTOR A)" as shown here, or "Technical Approach Volume III-A" as shown in A.3.6.B in the table of page 96?

An example of the file name is provided in A.3.6(A)(3): GetItDone_Category#- Technical Approach. The information in the table in A.3.6.B and the section header in A.3.7.3. is not meant to imply a file name structure.

1705 Should this file or section be named "MANAGEMENT APPROACH (SUBFACTOR B)" as shown here, or "Management Approach Volume III-B" as shown in

A.3.6.B in the table on page 96?

An example of the file name is provided in A.3.6(A)(3): GetItDone_Category#- Management Approach. The information in the table in A.3.6.B and the section header in A.3.7.3. is not meant to imply a file name structure.

1719 Table 1, Sample Past Performance Matrix- Category A contains six headers that seem to relate to the Draft RFP's Category A Content Representative Areas. We wanted to confirm whether or not those column headers should be revised to reflect the Final RFP's Category A Content Representative Areas.

The solicitation was amended to match the sample table headings to the available Category A content areas.

1737 Is NASA requiring all primes to submit any documentation from SourceAmerica? Can a prime use an NPA without SourceAmerica's help since all qualified NPAs are published on the AbilityOne website?

"The Commitment Letter is required if Prime intends to compete only on TOs with NAICS/PSC Codes that require AbilityOne subcontracting.

A specific Commitment Letter will be provided to all Prime Contractors when requested at primecontractor@abilityone.org. The Prime Contractor must execute the letter with either SourceAmerica or NIB and include with their proposal submission. This letter must be signed by the designated representative of SourceAmerica or NIB and the Prime Contractor’s authorized representative.

To qualify for subcontracting on the SEWP VI Contract, a nonprofit agency must meet the eligibility criteria of a producing AbilityOne Network Nonprofit Agency in good standing. If it meets the criteria, the NPA must execute an agreement with their respective Central Nonprofit Agency (CNA) (NIB or

SourceAmerica) and meet the reporting and other requirements to the CNA. "

1744 The Mission Suitability Proposal must specifically state for which group the offeror is proposing." Please confirm if small businesses claiming WOSB, EDWOSB, 8(a), HUBZone, etc. should also indicate their socioeconomic status here in addition to Category and Group (B1, B2, C1, C2, etc.).

No.

1752 "The Mission Suitability Proposal must specifically state for which group the offeror is proposing." Although SBA banned self-certification for WOSB in

2020, any company can still self-certify as a woman-owned business or woman-owned small business in SAM.gov without receiving SBA or third-party certification. The SBA’s Office of Inspector General recently released a detailed report highlighting the vulnerabilities of the program to fraud and abuse. To significantly cut down on post-award size status protests and the workload on NASA to independently verify each offeror with SBA, NASA should avoid the risk that companies who are not actually WOSB or EDWOSB from receive NASA SEWP awards (IAW 19.1503(b)(2)). To do so in a way that optimizes NASA's review efficiency, we respectfully request that NASA add a section to Volume I to ask small business offerors to include copies of their active WOSB or

EDWOSB certification from SBA (or one of the four authorized non-profit third party certifiers), or proof that they have a pending application in the DSBS database (IAW 13 CFR 127.504(a)).

The solicitation will remain as stated.

1768 Past Performance Volume, (c) Independent Past Performance Information states "NASA will consider relevant information provided by the Offeror..."

Please clarify the following pertaining to the independent past performance information:

(1) Please confirm that independent past performance information is optional.

(2) Please define how the Government will evaluate this independent past performance information. Note that Section A.4.3 Phase Two-Past Performance does not include “Independent Past Performance Information.”

(2) Please specify the difference between this section and data point #9 under

Information from Offeror section (a).

(3) Please detail how an offeror should include this independent past performance information. For example, should this data be an attachment to the volume?

(4) Please confirm that independent past performance data is excluded from page count.

Independent past performance information is not provided by the Offeror.

NASA may bring in past performance information from other sources, independent of the Offeror's submission.

1817 Since CPARS maintains historical and current past performance records of all Government contracts and task orders, will the Government allow offerors to submit the most recent CPARS report for a Past Performance Reference, in lieu of a Past Performance Questionnaire?

No.

1832 The evaluation criteria indicate a satisfactory level of performance is required, but the Exhibit 2 asks evaluators to rate contractors as Very High, High, Moderate, Low or Very Low. It is not clear what NASA considers to be satisfactory. Suggest identifying whether all sub factors should be rated moderate or better, or adjusting the five options in Exhibit 2 to Exceptional, Very Good, Satisfactory, Marginal and Unacceptable, and require all ratings to be rated satisfactory or better, consistent with standard CPARs practices.

No. Please refer to A.4.3 Phase Two-Past Performance.

1834 The evaluation criteria indicate a satisfactory level of performance is required, but the Exhibit 2 asks evaluators to rate contractors as Very High, High, Moderate, Low or Very Low. We suggest adjusting the five options in Exhibit 2 to Exceptional, Very Good, Satisfactory, Marginal and Unsatisfactory, and require all ratings to be rated satisfactory or better, consistent with standard CPARs practices. For the definitions, you can pull them from Table 42-1 in the

FAR: https://www.acquisition.gov/far/subpart-42.15

No. Please refer to A.4.3 Phase Two-Past Performance.

1863 Class (B) Responses – specifically Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)– states the in order to participate you will do so under

NAICS Code 541519 – this code has a Small Business size standard of $34M it also has an exception for 150 people.

Our business has revenue over $34M annually but does qualify under 150 total employees – can we still be awarded under the exception (under 150 people).

We need to have this question answered to commit resources to respond to this proposal.

Note any SDVOSB could easily be over the $34M size standard with a few awards under this contract.

The Offeror is not required to use the default NAICs code of 541519. They should use the business size determination corresponding to the Proposal level NAICs code they select and enter into the SF-1449.

1865 Page 122. If our sam.gov reps & certs are current, is it still necessary to complete the RFP reps & certs?

Yes, the signed SF1449 and the pages with the required fill-ins must be submitted with the proposal. By signing and submitting the SF1449, the

Offeror has read, understands, and agrees to the terms and conditions of the RFP unless otherwise noted when the proposal submitted.

1866 Since a Qualifying Offeror must have Neutral or Satisfactory confidence level for past performance, please consider allowing offerors to submit CPARS instead of PPQs. A "Satisfactory" or above rating from a CPARS should suffice to show an offerors ability to perform.

Rationale: Many government personnel are unwilling to provide PPQs since they have already completed CPARS and view additional requests as redundant. During a previous contract pursuit with a PPQ requirement, our company had a negative interaction with a contracting officer who expressed frustration at our request, potentially damaging our relationship.

Consequently, we were unable to submit our top projects because the government declined to complete PPQs, despite our "Exceptional" and "Very Good" CPARS ratings. Our only options was to submit only examples where a government representative was willing to go above and beyond to complete the PPQ. The SEWP VI RFP is following this same flawed path, which could lead to similar issues and NASA will not learn about offerors best and most relevant experience.

CPARs cannot be submitted in place of PPQs.

1885 V. FAR 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS Does the government require offerors to complete the Representations and

Certifications? If so, in which volume should they be included?

Yes, the signed SF1449 and the pages with the required fill-ins must be submitted with the proposal. By signing and submitting the SF1449, the

Offeror has read, understands, and agrees to the terms and conditions of the RFP unless otherwise noted when the proposal submitted. The documentation should be submitted in Volume I.

1899 The Relevant Experience Project Exhibit should be duplicated for each REP to be submitted, can these be combined into a single PDF or must they be submitted as separate PDFs? Must the project contract value be above the

$5M or the fees received be above that minimum?

Each REP shall be submitted separately using the Exhibit 1 Relevant Experience Project template. The project contract value shall meet the minimum for the respective business size/socioeconomic category.

1928 Page 110 of main RFP document: Please confirm that CPARS from a member of the JV team are acceptable and thus Past Performance Questionnaires are not required.

CPARs cannot be submitted in place of PPQs

1955 For NAICS 541330, would NASA consider invoking Exception 1 (Military and Aerospace Equipment and Military Weapons) with a size standard of $47M to allow additional competition at the small business level?

No. NAICS 541330, Exception 1 (Military and Aerospace Equipment and Military Weapons) is not in scope.

1961 Can the government clarify if the additional information requested to address all elements under FAR 9.104 is excluded from the page count?

Yes. See Amendment 8.

1972 Our team plans to submit a proposal under Category B and Category C. We are both a Small Business and an 8(a) Certified Contractor. Post Award, we would like to pursue task orders set aside for Small Businesses and task orders set aside for 8(a) Contractors. The current proposal requirements have different thresholds and requirements between 8(a) and SB vendors. If we would like to pursue SB task orders must we comply with the SB proposal submission requirements (ie. Offerors identified as Small Businesses in Category B and C shall provide past performance references showcasing relevant work in at least three (3) content representative areas for content to be rated relevant (pertinent).) even though we represent as an 8(a) contractor. Or would responding IAW to the 8a requirements give us access to every socioeconomic category we present as, including Small Business?

Yes. Regardless of the NAICS code and business size being used for competition, Contract holders that meet the NAICs code and set-aside (or unrestricted) status and any other requirements of an Issuing Agency requirement will have access to the RFQ.

2010 The Exhibit 1 Relevant Experience Project (REP) template requires a NAICS. For commercial projects, contracts with agencies who do not utilize NAICS, and subcontracts is the use of "n/a" acceptable? If not, what do you require?

N/A should be entered in the NAICs row if the project does not have a NAICs code.

2012 Please confirm that Exhibit 5 is outside the 15 page limit for the Management Approach.

Yes.

2018 Could the government please clarify if contractors may submit CPARS ratings in lieu of past performance questionnaires? In certain cases, when the awarding contracting office and program office have changed since the contractor's performance, the agency Points of Contact may be reluctant to provide past performance questionnaires as the previous CO and COR have already completed CPARS evaluations. Allowing contractors to submit the FAR-approved CPARS ratings could greatly assist the industry.

CPARs cannot be submitted in place of PPQs.

2020 Page 106 top paragraph: The solicitation states, "An Offeror may submit a single award IDIQ/BPA at the contract/agreement level for as a single past performance reference."

While submitting a single award IDIQ for past performance, could we submit CPARS ratings from one of the BPA calls instead of CPARS for the BPA itself?

No, 2029 The cover letter indicates that the "Offeror’s proposal shall include completed exhibits in Microsoft Office Excel format with working cell formulas." Would the government please clarify that the only documents that need to be submitted in Excel format are Exhibits 3a, 3b, 3c, and 4?

The documents that need to be submitted in excel are Exhibits 3a, 4 and 5.

2032 In Section A.3.7.1, page 98, the RFP states that "The offeror must provide relevant experience as it relates to the NAICS code being used for competition." Does the government want us to use Exhibit 1, Relevant Experience Project Table to fulfill this requirement?

A REP provided by an Offeror shall meet the mandatory experience technical area for the category being proposed on Exhibit 1- Relevant Experience Project

Table.

2034 In reference to Section A.3.7.1, page 98, the RFP states that "The offeror must provide relevant experience as it relates to the NAICS code being used for competition." Please define what the "NAICS code being used for competition" is?

"NAICS code being used for competition" refers to the NAICs code and business size selected by the Offeror at the time of submission as their

Proposal level NAICs code and as entered in the SF1449.

2059 In reference to Section A.3.7.3 Technical Approach, The solicitation states:

“The offeror must provide a summary description of their offerings and capabilities as it relates to the scope of the proposed Category as provided in A.1.2 GSFC 52.211-91 SCOPE OF WORK (FEB 2016). The summary shall provide detail as to how the offeror will support the four Acquisition Objectives including information in the following areas:

1. The scalability and extensibility of the offeror’s capabilities that demonstrates the offeror’s ability to deliver the fullest range of ITC/AV

Solutions and/or Services for the proposed category, both inclusive of the listed technical areas and the breadth and depth beyond those Areas within the scope of the given Category.

2. The offeror shall describe their ITC/AV-based solutions and/or services and how the proposed features provide technological leadership in allowing for the next generation of technology in terms of both solutions and services.

3. The offeror shall describe their ITC/AV-based solutions and services and how the proposed architectural features provide technological leadership in allowing for the next generation of technology.”

Could the government reiterate the four acquisition objectives to which it refers.

The Acquisition Objectives are provided in Attachment A-SEWP Scope, Section

A.1. ACQUISITION OBJECTIVES.

2101 In Section A.3.7.1, Third Bullet, it states, “Offeror’s subcontracting plan and AbilityOne Commitment Letter, ...” Could you confirm that this is the small business subcontract plan and not a general subcontracting plan?

The subcontracting plan referenced in Section A.3.7.1 is the small business subcontracting plan.

2119 Page 98 states, "The offeror must provide relevant experience as it relates to the NAICS code being used for competition." How does the experience requested in this bullet differ from the experience requested in A.3.7.1(b) Mandatory Experience Offerings? What specifically is required in response to this requirement? Where, in the proposal, should we answer this question?

This information should be provided in the relevant past performance volume of the proposal. There is no relationship between the relevant experience in the Past Performance section and the e REPs provided in Exhibit 1.

2124 Is it possible to split the PPQ into two documents, one for Category A and one for Categories B & C? The document is long and for those of us only bidding

Category A the document has 3 1/2 pages that is not applicable.

Yes.

2133 If an offeror is a small business protégé and bidding Category B/small business using an 8(a) Mentor protégé JV, can the offeror/protégé bid Category B/Large business Enterprise-wide IT Solutions as well?

Yes.

2137 In section A.3.7.1, there are requirements for 1) an AbliityOne Commitment Letter and 2) an explanation of subcontracting plan. Will the Government please clarify if these requirements apply to businesses participating in the

SBA 8(a) Program?

Yes, these requirements apply to businesses participating in the SBA 8(a) Program.

2138 Page 105 states: "A contractor can compete for a SEWP VI contract using any of the eligible in-scope NAICS for the category in which they are competing and are not beholden to using NAICS 541512- Computer Systems Design Services."

Please provide guidance for the following scenario: An offeror qualifies as a small business for only one applicable NAICS code, 519290, for Category B and C. The company lacks direct past performance under this NAICS code because it conducts most of its sales through SEWP V, which falls under NAICS 541519 ITVAR. Can the company use its past performance within NAICS 541519 ITVAR instead of past performance specifically within NAICS 519290 for Category B and C?

If the Offeror's the NAICS code being used for competition is 519290, then all past performance references must relate to NAICs code 519290.

2148 Does the offeror need to update all the NAICS codes utilized under footnote 18- on Sam.gov? or will the Primary NAICS 541512, 541519 suffice?

The Offeror's Proposal Level NAICs codes and any other NAICs codes notated in Exhibit 4 must reflect their SAM.gov NAICs code listing.

2151 RFP Document-A.3.7.1 (last bullet)

• Provide information addressing all the elements under FAR 9.104 to demonstrate responsibility (address the elements under this section that are not addressed in another proposal volume).

Where in Volume I does the Government require the narrative and/or documentation associated with response to this bullet as there is no page count allotted for discussions in this Volume.

The information and documentation associated with FAR 9.104 should be provided as part of the information in response to A.3.7.1 OFFER VOLUME, (a)

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS within as a PDF file within Volume I of the offer.

2152 Section 3.7.1 A- Are offerors who are submitting only in Category C required to submit CMMI Certification or proof that the certification is in progress?

No.

2153 The RFP states a SB can use a subcontractor for REPs and past performance if they do not have the performance, but can a subcontractor be used in responding to the technical questions and sustainability sections within

Mission Suitability?

Subcontractors can be referenced in the Mission Suitability section as support of the Offeror's capabilities.

2176 It is our understanding that, for small businesses, that for each of the REPs being submitted, that each REP only needs to speak to 1 Task Area within a category even if the REP covers multiple Task Areas. Is this a correct assessment of the requirement?

Yes.

2240 When submitting a proposal for a relevant Category as a small business, will the proposal submission tool allow an offeror to select multiple small business socio-economic set-asides for a single Category proposal? If not, will small businesses need to submit the same proposal more than once to capture all of the relevant socio-economic set-asides for a relevant Category proposal?

No, only one NAICs code and business size can be selected as the NAICS code being used for competition. You should submit only one proposal with Exhibit

4 completed that reflects all applicable small business categories your company qualifies for.

2242 For (a) TECHNICAL APPROACH (SUBFACTOR A), the government requires "a summary description of their offerings and capabilities as it relates to the scope of the proposed Category as provided in A.1.2 GSFC 52.211-91 SCOPE OF WORK (FEB 2016). The summary shall provide detail as to how the offeror will support the four Acquisition Objectives..." Please define the four acquisition objectives.

The Acquisition Objectives are provided in Attachment A-SEWP Scope, Section

A.1. ACQUISITION OBJECTIVES.

2266 Section A.4.4: "The Government will validate the consistency between all proposal volumes and any inconsistencies identified may indicate a lack of understanding and adversely impact the offeror’s overall mission suitability confidence rating." For Category A, does this mean that the technical response in Volume 3 can only include the technical areas proposed in the Mandatory

Experience spreadsheet (Exibit 3a)?

No.

2270 For Category A - Letter of Authorization: many offerors have standing partnerships with OEMs/providers. For offerors submitting bids through a JV, is it acceptable for the LOAs to be in the name of one of the JV partners, instead of the JV entity itself?

The LOA must be in the name of the JV entity.

2280 Instructions state: For joint ventures the Offerors shall provide the work done and qualifications held individually by each partner to the joint venture as well as any work done by the joint venture itself.

Is this just a general statement or, within Volume 1, do JVs need to provide a list of the work done and qualifications held individually and by the JV?

It is a general statement. JVs do not need to provide a list of the work done and qualifications held individually.

2287 In Section A.3.7.2 it states:...The offeror must provide past performance submissions as it relates to the NAICS code being used for competition. if an offeror is proposing in Category B and has three Past Performances to use, do all three have to have the same NAICS code? or can they use any of the NAICS

Codes they have checked on Exhibit 4?

Amendment 8 clarified that if a NAICs code of a referenced contract or award, does not exist or match the NAICS code being used for competition then the

Offeror should describe how the work relates to the NAICS code being used for competition.

2288 Instructions state: For joint ventures the Offerors shall provide the work done and qualifications held individually by each partner to the joint venture as well as any work done by the joint venture itself.

Does the Government want this information provided in a list that is separate from the REPs? If so, please provide specific details about what you're looking for exactly. "Provide work done and qualifications held" is vague. What details are the government looking for?

No, this is a general statement and not a requirement for additional information.

2290 "All Contractors competing and awarded a SEWP contract under NAICS Codes provided in A.1.34 NAICS and In-Scope NAICS Codes have a mandatory requirement to utilize AbilityOne non-profit organizations as Subcontractors on orders utilizing any of the referenced NAICS codes identified with an asterisk."

and

"Offeror’s subcontracting plan and AbilityOne Commitment Letter, if applicable: The AbilityOne Commitment Letter shall identify the POC from

SourceAmerica/NIB and identify plans to subcontract with qualified nonprofit agencies for SEWP opportunities within identified NAICS Codes." If all bidders are required to use AbilityOne subcontractors, under what circumstances would an AbilityOne commitment letter NOT be applicable?

An AbilityOne Commitment Letter is not applicable if the offeror is not submitting under NAICS/PSC Codes delineated by an asterisk * in the RFP.

2293 "The Offeror shall also provide the following information:

And

For joint ventures the Offerors shall provide the work done and qualifications held individually by each partner to the joint venture as well as any work done by the joint venture itself."

Please confirm that no specific information is being requested by this bullet point for the Offer Volume and that it is provided as guidance that applies to other sections.

Confirmed.

2301 Will NASA accept CPARS in lieu of PPQs? No.

2318 Does the Government desire that all offerors would incorporate comments about how they intend to utilize AbilityOne providers in the mandatory service areas?

No. There is no requirement for offerors to incorporate comments on how they intend to utilize AbilityOne providers.

2358 Section A.4.5 Responsibility Determination (Page 120) - Can you clarify what, if any, additional information offerors should provide in the proposal related to responsibility outside of what is already covered in the specified proposal volumes? The section lists elements that will be evaluated but doesn't call out a specific proposal requirement.

Offerors do not need to provide additional information related to responsibility outside of what is already covered in the specified proposal volumes.

2367 We have CPARS reports with the feedback included from Federal level clients which are more authentic than the PPQ. Can we provide those relevant CPARS reports in lieu of the PPQs?

No.

2402 Can the offeror submit a past performance from one their subcontractors to count as 1 of the 3 past performances being submitted for the SEWP VI proposal?

No.

2404 For Category C, can the past performances submitted be one of the NAICS Codes in Section A.1.34 on page 63 Table "Category C- Information

Technology, Communication, and Audio Visual (ITC/AV) Mission Based Services"?

The NAICs code of a referenced contract or award must relate to the NAICS code being used for competition which is selected at time of proposal from the

Section A.1.34. Table.

2410 For Category C, can the PPQ submitted be one of the NAICS Codes in Section A.1.34 on page 63 Table "Category C- Information Technology, Communication, and Audio Visual (ITC/AV) Mission Based Services"?

The NAICs code of a referenced contract or award must relate to the NAICS code being used for competition which is selected at time of proposal from the

Section A.1.34. Table.

2412 During the industry day on June 4th, the government demonstrated the process of submitting a proposal on the NASA portal and was selecting various offeror information like NAICS Code, does all the offeror's Category C PPQs must all have the same NAICS Code that was entered on the proposal submission portal? For example, all being the NAICS Code 541512.

Yes.

2414 Will the government accept a CPAR submitted by the offeror instead of submitting a PPQ signed by the project Contract Officer/COR/PM?

No.

2417 What are the four Acquisition Objectives for SEWP VI? It does not state that on page 111 and it is not found elsewhere in the RFP document. It implies a list 3 items, but not very clear. Please spell out specifically the 4 Acquistion

Objectives for SEWP VI so that the offerors can respond to them.

The Acquisition Objectives are provided in Attachment A-SEWP Scope, Section

A.1. ACQUISITION OBJECTIVES.

2424 Reference A.3.6 Proposal Preparation (B) Proposal Content and Limitations, Page 97. In item 7, the offeror seeks clarification if this restriction applies to a single contract being referenced in multiple proposals for the following scenarios:

Scenario 1 - A Small Business Prime offeror is bidding as a Prime in categories B and C. Can they use the same contract reference as a Category B REP/past performance and as a Category C REP/past performance, resulting in potential narrative duplications in the contract descriptions?

Scenario 2 - A Small Business Prime offeror is submitting a contract on which they performed as a subcontractor as either a REP or past performance in support of their Prime NASA SEWP proposal. The entity who performed as the prime on that contract reference is also bidding NASA SEWP VI as a prime and is using that same contract refence in their bid, resulting in potential/incidental duplications in the narrative descriptions of the work. Can both of these offerors use the same contract as long as the description clearly reflects the work actually performed by each entity? We urge the Government to allow this, as there was similar (but more restrictive) language in the GSA Polaris solicitation which resulting in one of our Prime contractors forbidding us from referencing our own work because they were also referencing it in their Prime bid.

In the scenarios presented, the same reference can be utilized in the separate proposals.

2426 Where should offerors put their completed Representations and Certifications? In Volume I under responsibility IAW A.3.7.1, bullet 10 or in

Volume III IAW A.3.7.2 (b); (4), v.; Attachment A: SEWP Statement of Work?

Offerors should place their completed Representations and Certifications in Volume I under responsibility IAW A.3.7.1, bullet 10.

2429 Reference Exhibit 2 - PastPerfQues-SEWP VI. In Section 6, the form requires that the evaluator provide the initial cost and fee of the contract and the current cost and fee of the contract. This information would only be available and applicable to Cost-Type contracts. For contracts where the information may be available, Technical or Program Management-type evaluators are not going to know this data or have it on-hand. They will have to route this through their contractual and financial Government counterparts which will significantly delay the turnaround of the PPQ. Strongly recommend removing the requirement to break our cost and fee.

The requirement to provide the initial cost and fee of the contract and the current cost and fee of the contract in Exhibit 2 - Past Performance

Questionnaire, Section 6, is primarily applicable to Cost-Type contracts. For T&M or FFP LOE contracts, offerors should provide the total contract value and any relevant cost information available. For work performed as a subcontractor, offerors should provide the subcontract value and any relevant cost information available.

2441 Please confirm if Exhibit 4- NAICS Size Standard Crosswalk should be submitted as a separate Excel file.

Yes.

2456 Proposal Preparation A.3.7.2 (a) Page 109:Request that the past performance summary matrix also be excluded from the page limit of 10 pages, as this will take at least 1/2 page of space away from the narrative.

The past performance summary matrix is included in the page limit of 10 pages.

2457 Category A - Technical Areas NAICS code references: Responding as a Small Business. When selecting our 4 technical areas, do we need to ensure that we are considered a Small Business under the NAICS code listed in the Technical

Area description? For example, we are responding as a Small Business but are not considered small under NAICS code 513210. Therefore, we should not select Technical Area 8: Software and Cloud Technology as one of our 4 response areas. Is that an accurate statement?

No. For the four designated Technical Areas in Phase 1, the Offeror's NAICs code being used+C76 for competition does not need to match the product

NAICs code of a Technical Area.

2511 Is CMMI certification a requirement for Categories A, B, and C for a small business responding to this RFP?

As noted in the RFP CMMI certification is only required for Category B.

2524 On Exhibit 4, are offerors to complete size standards for all listed NAICS within the respective categories? For example, are offerors to list their size standard for all NAICS listed within CAT B, or only the NAICS code(s) the offeror is utilizing to compete? For example, if an offeror is a SB under one NAICS code listed in CAT B but a Large Business/OTSB for another NAICS within Category B, should the offer indicate "LB" and "SB" even though the offeror is submitting as a Small Business under CAT B?

Yes Exhibit 4 should be filled out fully with all NAICs codes and associated business sizes corresponding to the Offeror's sam.gov listing. If an offeror is submitting as a Small Business, they should indicate in Exhibit 4 any NAICs codes for which they qualify as a large business.

2533 Regarding Past Performance project references, please clarify what NAICS codes offerors are to map the three project references too? Are project references limited to the NAICS codes listed within each respective Category, or can any NAICS code within the NASA SEWP RFP be utilized across

Categories?

The NAICs code of a referenced contract or award must relate to the NAICS code being used for competition which is selected at time of proposal from the

Section A.1.34. Table.

2544 Will the Government accept CPARS evaluations in lieu of completed PPQs?

Many Government customers will not complete a PPQ evaluation if a CPARS has been completed as CPARS is the required past performance reference for the Government.

No.

2546 Are the CPARS/Recent Evaluations for each project reference to be submitted in addition to a completed Exhibit 2 - Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ), or will a completed CPARS for a project reference be acceptable instead of a newly completed Exhibit 2 PPQ?

No. CPARs cannot be submitted in place of PPQs.

2574 A.3.7.2 Past Performance Volume, Pg. 107, states "Recent customer evaluations of past performance including Award Fee Evaluation results, Fee Determination Official letters, Annual Performance Evaluation Forms, or any other written performance feedback. (Excluded from the page limitation)."

Confirming that Offerors should submit their most recent Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPAR).

No, offerors should not submit their CPARs.

2580 A.3.7.2 Past Performance Volume, Pg. 110, states "The offeror shall provide the questionnaire provided as Exhibit 2 to this RFP for each of the above references to establish a record of past performance." Can the most recent CPAR be submitted for a Past Performance reference in lieu of Exhibit 2?

No.

2625 pg. 105 A.3.7.2. The offeror must provide past performance submissions as it relates to the NAICS code being used for competition. If the primary contract's

NAICS code is not representative of the entire body of work, will the Government accept the offeror assigning a NAICS Code that aligns to the work performed?

Yes.

2634 In reference to Exhibit 2, PPQ form, Will the government please allow all contractors the option to submit CPARS instead of PPQ's for Past

Performance?

No.

2641 Re: A.1.34 & A.1.35 Re: AbilityOne contracting and NAICS Codes. The legend clearly indicates NAICS with a single asterisk in A.1.3.4 must have an AbilityOne

Subcontracting relationship.The legend in A.1.3.4 for 541519e has only the double asterisks noting SEWP NMR waiver and does not show or indicate a separate single asterisk. Does this mean that for 541519e, we do not need an AbilityOne subcontractor?

Yes.

2659 With regards to the required AbilityOne Commitment Letter, are we committing our company to make an attempt to meet the 2% business goal or are we committing that we will achieve the 2% business goal for services every quarter?

2% is a target goal to be reported annually based on total value of task orders that falls under the designated NAICS codes (marked with an asterisk in

A.1.34).

2683 In Section A.3.7.1 on page 98: Must the AbilityOne Commitment Letter due at time of proposal submission identify specific companies, or only plans to work with SourceAmerica to meet the AbilityOne subcontracting goals?

A specific Commitment Letter will be provided to all Prime Contractors when requested at primecontractor@abilityone.org. The Prime Contractor must execute the letter with either SourceAmerica or NIB and include with their proposal submission. This letter must be signed by the designated representative of SourceAmerica or NIB and the Prime Contractor’s authorized representative. A Commitment Letter is required at the time of proposal submission. A Formal Agreement identifying the specific AbilityOne Nonprofit(s) being utilized as subcontractor(s) is due upon award.

2696 Will NASA please state whether primes must exclusively use the SourceAmerica pool of NPAs for the AbilityOne requirement?

The Prime Contractor may use any qualified AbilityOne Nonprofit Agency provided by either NIB, SourceAmerica or both. To qualify for subcontracting on the SEWP VI Contract, a nonprofit agency must meet the eligibility criteria of a producing AbilityOne Network Nonprofit Agency in good standing. If it meets the criteria, the NPA must execute an agreement with their respective Central Nonprofit Agency (CNA) (NIB or SourceAmerica) and meet the reporting and other requirements to the CNA.

2732 80TECH24R0001 SEWP VI Final RFP, Section A.3.7.1 OFFER VOLUME, Page 98 indicates “The offeror must provide relevant experience as it relates to the

NAICS code being used for competition.” 80TECH24R0001 SEWP VI Final RFP, Section A.3.7.1 OFFER VOLUME, Page 103, For Category B and C, “Only

[Relevant Experience] projects with NAICS codes listed as in-scope for SEWP VI are to be submitted.” 80TECH24R0001 SEWP VI Final RFP, Section A.3.7.2 PAST

PERFORMANCE VOLUME, Page 105 states: “The offeror must provide past performance submissions as it relates to the NAICS code being used for competition.” ndustry Day Presentation, SEWP VI Website Proposal Submission Demo (4 June 2024), indicates only one NAICS Code can be selected with proposal submission. QUESTION: NASA has assigned a single specific NAICS Code for each SEWP VI Category (A, B, and C). However, the referenced Final RFP Section A.1.34 lists numerous NAICS Codes in scope for each category. In regards to Volume I – Offer and Volume II – Past

Performance instructions, there is conflicting guidance for relevant experience, REPs, and past performance submissions required based on the singular/plural use of “NAICS Code.” The SEWP VI Website Proposal Submission demo provided at Industry Day also created confusion regarding these instructions, with NAICS Code selection seemingly being limited to a single NAICS Code.

(a) Can the Government please confirm that Past Performance submissions for Volume II – Past Performance, like the REPs provided in Volume I – Offer, can be related to any of the NAICS Codes for each Category listed on Pages 61-63?

(b) Assuming that any of the in-scope NAICS Codes are applicable to both REPs and Past Performance submissions, can the Government please confirm that these NAICS Codes for both Past Performance Submissions and REPs will represent the initial offerings that will be reflected in the initial Contract

Database of Record upon Contract award?

No, the Past Performance references must relate to the NAICS code being used for competition. The Contract Database of Record will be populated with the

NAICs code and business sizes provided by the Offeror in Exhibit 4.

2738 The Government provides that, "The offeror must provide past performance submissions as it relates to the NAICS code being used for competition." May a past performance with NAICS Code of 541330 (Exception 1, 2, or 3) be utilized for Categories B and C?

Yes, it the past performance relates to the NAICS code being used for competition.

2757 Page 100 of RFQ, states "Provide information addressing all elements under FAR 9.104 to demonstrate responsibility (address the elements under this section that are not addressed in proposal volume)." Where should we include this information within Volume I and is this information excluded in our page count. The table on Page 95/96 does not list or include the FAR

9.104 information in the proposal components. Requesting clarification and additional details on how to address and if the information provided is part of the page count or not.

The information and documentation associated with FAR 9.104 should be provided as part of the information in response to A.3.7.1 OFFER VOLUME, (a)

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS within as a PDF file within Volume I of the offer.

2760 The RFP prohibits inclusion of embedded PDF images (pg 92) and requires the PDF format in the volumes to be searchable. This requires inserting full PDF pages for things like CPAR reports and small business reports into the volume after the word documents are converted to PDF. These pages will retain their native margins and fonts which will not comply with the proposal margins.

Request the government allow offerors to include PDF supplemental documents in their native format.

Supplemental documentation may be provided in their native format. Note that all documentation will be included within the associated page counts based on the minimum font size requirements.

2768 Would the Government please consider adding as in-scope NAICS 541330 Exception 1 (Military and Aerospace Equipment and Military

Weapons), Exception 2 (Contracts and Subcontracts for Engineering Services Awarded Under the National Energy Policy Act of

1992) and Exception 3 (Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture), with a $47M revenue threshold to the Category B: Enterprise-Wide Information

Technology, Communication, and Audio Visual (ITC/AV) Solutions AND Category C- Information Technology, Communication and Audio Visual

(ITC/AV) Mission Based Services? The RFP as currently drafted effectively EXCLUDES larger small businesses who do not have projects large enough to provide 4 REPS with $30M but are also not small enough to fit under the very narrow revenue range currently set forth in A.1.34.

No. the stated NAICs coded are not in scope.

2796 Many businesses (small and other than small) have merged or been acquired for the purpose of combining their assets to better serve the full scope Federal contracts like SEWP VI. For Category B Relevant Experience Projects, please allow Other than Small Business Offerors to use Relevant Experience Projects from parent, affiliate, or predecessor companies with a MRCL.

Other than Small Business Offerors may use Relevant Experience Projects from parent, affiliate, or predecessor companies with a MRCL.

2803 The example on page 107 for calculating average annual value works only for cost type contracts. We respectfully recommend using total contract value for the Past Performance value criteria instead of average annual value to more fairly evaluate all contract types.

The solicitation will remain as stated.

2807 Should Offerors complete the Offeror Representations Certifications pages 122- 151 of the RFP and submit them within Volume I - Offeror Volume?

Yes, the signed SF1449 and the pages with the required fill-ins must be submitted with the proposal. By signing and submitting the SF1449, the

Offeror has read, understands, and agrees to the terms and conditions of the RFP unless otherwise noted when the proposal submitted. The documentation should be submitted in Volume I.

2816 Does the mandatory AbilityOne requirement, for NAICS listed with an asterisk, apply to Set-Aside entities as well?

Yes.

2819 If using a Federal contract as past performance, can offerors submit the most recent CPARS reports in lieu of Exhibit 2?

No.

2836 Section A.3.7.1 states that the AbilityOne Commitment Letter shall identify the POC from SourceAmerica/NIB and identify plans to subcontract with qualified nonprofit agencies for SEWP opportunities within identified NAICS Codes. For the requirement to “identify plans to subcontract” in the AbilityOne Commitment Letter, can the Government clarify what specific criteria or information is required to be included in the Commitment Letter?

A specific Commitment Letter including the required information will be provided to all Prime Contractors when requested at primecontractor@abilityone.org. This letter can be from either NIB, SourceAmerica or both Central Nonprofit Agencies (CNAs).

2837 A.4.5 Prospective Contractor Responsibility: any special standards established for this acquisition under FAR 9.104-2.

What are the other special standards for this RFP if any? Not mentioned in the RFP document.

There are no special standards for the RFP.

2841 FAR 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS (Applicable for Fixed Price Orders): (c) Changes. Changes in the terms and conditions of this contract may be made only by written agreement of the parties.

Can we submit exceptions to this terms and conditions, Please confirm.

No.

2880 Are all offerors required to have a Letter of Commitment from AbilityOne if they intend to compete only on TOs with NAICS that do not require

AbilityOne?

No.

2907 RFP says, “Provide information addressing all the elements under FAR 9.104 to demonstrate responsibility (address the elements under this section that are not addressed in another proposal volume).

Please confirm that the response to this requirement is excluded from page count.

Yes.

2911 "The offeror must provide a summary description of their offerings and capabilities as it relates to the scope of the proposed Category as provided in

A.1.2 GSFC 52.211-91 SCOPE OF WORK (FEB 2016)."

In this context, does “offerings and capabilities” refer to the millions of items (e.g., products and services) available from our catalog, or does it refer to the capabilities (e.g., logistics and project management) that enable us to deliver those offerings?

Offerings and capabilities refer to the Offerors overall general offerings and capabilities, not specific line items, products and/or services.

2917 The offeror must provide a summary description of their offerings and capabilities as it relates to the scope of the proposed Category as provided in

A.1.2 GSFC 52.211-91 SCOPE OF WORK (FEB 2016).

The summary shall provide detail as to how the offeror will support the four

Acquisition Objectives including information in the following areas”

4 (a) should the Offeror explain their offerings and capabilities as it is related to the scope of all eleven technical areas (of the proposed Category B) or only the four content representative areas that the Offeror selected to showcase

REPs and past performances in?

Offerings and capabilities refer to the Offerors overall general offerings and capabilities, not specific line items, products and/or services.

2942 The offeror must provide relevant experience as it relates to the NAICS code being used for competition.

Can any NAICS code in Exhibit 4 be considered a code for “competition”?

The NAICs code for competition is selected by the Offeror at the time of the proposal submission and as indicated in their SF 1449. The available NAICs codes to select from are those in Exhibit 4.

2953 The RFP states "In no event can an offeror compete as a prime and as part of more than one joint venture or teaming arrangement per category." Please confirm that Category B Unrestricted and Category B Small are considered two different categories.

No. Category B Unrestricted and Category B Small are the same Category - Category B.

2974 Section A.3.7.2(b) - pages 109-110. Given the burden on government customers to complete Exhibit 2 PPQs, would the Government accept completed, most recent CPARS in lieu of PPQs?

No.

3036 The referenced paragraph states that each proposal volume shall be submitted in a single, searchable Adobe Portable Document Format 9PDF) file, yet provides examples of file names for individual documents associated with each volume. Is it acceptable for offerors to provide one file for each volume, or does the Government want individual files (examples provided include exhibits and LOAs) as separate files?

Each proposal volume should be submitted as a single searchable Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) file. The examples of file names provided are for organizing the documents within the volume before combining them into a single PDF file

3081 Do we need to submit REP in the given template? Yes.

3089 For SBA approved Mentor-Protégé JVs, is there a limitation on the number of

REPs or Past Performance that can be submitted by the large business mentor to qualify in the small business categories?

The mentor cannot submit REPs or Past Performance references.

3115 If a small business bidder does not plan to bid for services under Product Service Codes (PSC): D321, is it exempt from the requirement to provide an

AbilityOne subcontracting plan?

All offerors are required to include AbilityOne subcontracting if they plan to bid under NAICS and PSC codes designated with an asterisk* in the RFP, which requires the use of AbilityOne as subcontractors.

Reference Solicitation A.1.35 AbilityOne Subcontracting for guidance.

3124 [Final RFP, A.3.7.3, page 110] Can small business offerors constrain their response to Mission Suitability to the technical areas reflected in the REPs?

No.

3141 Will the Down-Selects be done on rolling basis (e.g. as the decision is made) or will they be done in batches at the end of each Phase evaluation?

Down Selection will be made at the end of each Phase as a whole and not on a rolling basis.

3143 In an effort to increase small business participation, can a contractor sub to more than one Prime contractor within the same category?

Yes.

3155 Would the contractor extended commercial warranty flow down terms from an OEM be able to be included in as much as they do not conflict with SEWP or

Agency supplemental terms and conditions?

No. Terms from the OEM must be submitted and negotiated at the task order level with the Issuing Agency.

3157 In as much as private contractors have signed NDA's and confidentiality agreements with other private sector…