Solicitation 86615524R00003 Amendment 0001.pdf

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT 1. CONTRACT ID CODE

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICAITON NO. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE 4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO. 5. PROJECT NO. (If applicble)

7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6) CODE

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 10-83)

Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

FACILITY CODE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICIATION NO.

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers is extended, is not extended.

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

(a)By completing items 8 and 15, and returning copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted;

or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment your desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPIRATION DATA (If required)

13. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO MODIFICATION OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS.

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

CHECK ONE A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER

NO. IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc. ) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not, is required to sign this document and return copies to the issuing office.

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15C. DATE SIGNED

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

16C. DATE SIGNED

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION ( Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

PAGE OF PAGES

6. ISSUED BY CODE

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code) (X)

CODE

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

(Signature of person authorized to sign)

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

NSN 7540-01-152-8070

Previous edition unusable

Solicitation Amendment No.: 86615524R00003 0001 Financial Improvement Services

Government's Responses to Contractor’s Questions

No. Reference Questions Answers

1 General Are there documents we should review or people we should speak with prior to responding?

The entire solicitation and all attachments to the solicitation are included in the SAM posting under Solicitation #:

86615524R00003.

2 Solicitation Do you have a timeline for making the decision on RFP? The anticipated start of the period of performance is 07/21/2024.

3 General Are there any special circumstances or "hot buttons" of which we should be aware?

The entire solicitation and all attachments to the solicitation are included in the SAM posting under Solicitation #:

86615524R00003.

4 General What kind of relationship do you want with your outside Contractor during the duration of contract terms?

Contractor and Government relationship.

5 General

What role will pricing play in the decision? Predictability?

Risk/Reward sharing? Cost reduction? (e.g. Is solicitor looking for more Cost Effective alternatives for services requested?

Please refer to Volume IV on page 45 of the solicitation and Factor VI - (Price) on page 47. In addition, refer to attachment 0004 - Price Schedule, Attachment 0008 - Sample Labor Categories Breakdown Worksheet without Rates, and Attachment 0009 - Sample Price Breakdown with Labor Hours & Rates.

6 General

What issues are of concern regarding contract pricing? Please refer to Solicitation section E (5) 3 (page 43) and 4 (page 45) on instructions of what pricing information to submit and Solicitation section E (7) 1 (page 47, 2 (page 48), and 3 (page 49) on the Basis for Award. The Government intends to evaluate proposals and award a contract as stated in the solicitation.

7 PWS

Are any contractor services to be conducted on a worksite? Please review PWS section 1.7 "Place of Performance." The primary places of performance for this requirement will be at either the Contractor site, Ginnie Mae’s facility located at 425 3rd St SW, Washington, DC 20024 (contingent on-site justification approval), or some other remote location(s) as agreed upon by the COR.

8 PWS

Once the bid is awarded to the vendor, will they be provided an initial ramp up period (up to 3 months/90 days) to complete any/all additional onboarding of new employees alongside any training deemed necessary to complete solicited service?

Please review PWS section 1.13 "Transition In." The contractor shall complete transition of the services from the incumbent contractor within 2 months of the contract start date.

9 Solicitation

The RFP: 86615524R00003 displayed 5 years of contract availability, will this be awarded in its entirety, or will the contract be up new bid every year?

This requirement is for a base period of 1-year (July 21, 2024, through July 20, 2025) with four 12-month option periods. Unless the Government exercises the option Clause pursuant to FAR Clause 52.217-9 and FAR 52.217-8, the resultant contract will consist only of the base period. The government retains discretion to determine whether to exercise option years based on various factors such as performance, funding availability, and program requirements. Furthermore, at the end of each period, the government may elect to use FAR 52.217-8 Option to Extend Services for up to six additional months.

10 General

At which point will funds be guaranteed for deposit? The government intends to fully fund the base year and each option year when exercised unless otherwise stated under HUDAR Clause 2452.232-72 and HUDAR Clause 2452.232-74. Instructions on invoicing will be included in the contract, specifically under Attachment 0003 - Ginnie Mae Invoicing Clause & ACH Form.

11 General Will an NDA agreement be necessary once the contract is awarded or at any point in the contracting award process?

No.

12 General When the initial 12-month contract period reaches its dates of completion, will there be a new RFP submitted?

No, see response to question 9 above.

13 General

Will the vendor selected for this RFP be the exclusive service provided for the contract once awarded? If so, is this for the full duration of Fiscal Year 2029?

The Government intends to award a single contract to one awardee resulting from the solicitation. The anticipated period of performance will be for a base period of 1-year with four 12-month option periods.

14 General

In the event of financial reporting and analytical forecasting, will solicitor request true-up meetings and or reviews with contract vendor to report analysis? If so, who will be responsible for scheduling forecast meetings?

The Government will request periodic true-up meetings and reviews for financial reporting and forecasting. The project manager assigned by the contractor will be responsible for coordinating and scheduling these meetings.

15 General What criteria is important to you in selecting a firm? How would you rank the criteria?

Please refer to Solicitation section E (7) 2 and 3, pages 47-49 of 60 for the evaluation criteria and for the descending order of importance for the evaluation factors.

16 General

How many other contractors are competing for this RFP? This acquisition is set-aside for 8(a) participants on a competitive basis. Offers are solicited only from small business concerns expressly certified by the Small Business Administration (SBA) for participation in the SBA’s 8(a) Program as defined in Federal Acquisition Regulation 52.219-18.

PWS 1.3.3.2 Financial Systems (page 7)

The Government states that the Contractor "should prepare its system security plan to demonstrate that it meets the requirements for A&A … which will require the preparation of several related documents… and that "Each financial or mixed system that the contractor manages, develops, enhances, releases, and/or upgrades will additionally…" Can the Government clarify this scope and expected deliverables are not related to this contract, and if so, please remove them from the RFQ?

The requirements for the system security plan are relevant and necessary for ensuring compliance with Ginnie Mae security standards. These are integral to the contract's scope and will remain in the RFQ. All requirements under PWS section 1.3 Constraints (1.3.1. Security and Privacy Requirements for Information Technology (IT) Procurements and supporting IT Service Providers and 1.3.2 Information Security) must be adhered to by the contractor.

PWS 3.2.1 (page 16) The Government notes under section 3.2.1 that the Contractor will be provided access to "M. Procurement" process flows.

Will the Government clarify what activities within the procurement lifecycle is intended to be supported by this Contract?

The contractor shall support various stages of the procurement lifecycle including planning, solicitation, award, and post-award management as detailed in the PWS section 3.2.1.

PWS 5.2 (page 20) Can the Government clarify how many reconciliations are performed today in support of Financial Reporting reviews noted in section 5.2?

Historically, between 4 - 6 reconciliations have been performed per quarter.

PWS 5.2 (page 20) Can the Government clarify whether the reconciliations are done on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis for purposes of reviewing the financial reports?

Reconciliations are performed on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis as part of the financial reporting process. For this contract it is typically quarterly.

PWS 5.2 (page 20) Can the Government provide an estimated range of how many "ad-hoc" requests are typically made in a given month in support of Deliverable A006 and examples and/or level of complexity?

Typically, 1-5 ad-hoc requests are made per quarter. Examples include unplanned data analyses and additional reports, varying from simple queries to complex data compilations. More time is given for complex compilations as to not disrupt staffing levels.

PWS 5.3 (page 20) In Section 5.3, the Government notes that the contractor "shall support the internal audits of financial business processes" and where the performance standard is that the Contractor should "Submit a Corrective Action Plan by the 5th business day after receipt of quarterly modeling deliverable". Can the Government clarify what other financial business processes are expected to be reviewed by the Contractor and how they are related to the quarterly modeling timeline? Can the Government also provide an estimated number range of issues/corrective actions generated per month?

Other financial business processes include budgeting (e.g., negative subsidy review), forecasting, and variance analysis. These processes are reviewed quarterly in line with the modeling deliverables though may have staggered delivery to avoid staffing logjams

PWS 5.4 (page 21) Section 5.4 details that the Contractor "may be required to develop and deliver training." Due to the Firm Fixed Price nature of this contract, can the Government provide a range of how many trainings are expected to be developed and delivered by the Contractor each performance year?

The contractor is expected to develop and deliver 2 to 3 training sessions per performance year and based on work performed, subject to adjustment based on specific contract requirements and amendments.

PWS 6 (page 23) Deliverable A010 Vulnerability Report and A011 Chain of Custody Letter don't appear to be relevant to the scope of services being performed in the PWS nor align to any of the PWS Task Areas which require a price (Clins X001 - X005).

Could the Government please remove these deliverables from Section 6 Deliverables table?

Deliverable A010 Vulnerability Report and A011 Chain of Custody Letter have been deleted in their entirety. Please refer to Attachment 0001 - Performance Work Statement (Rvsd 04242024). See PWS page 23 of 25.

Solicitation 3 Proposal Format Summary

(page 43)

The Government mentions that the "Attachment 0008 - Sample Labor Categories & Hours Breakdown Worksheet without Rates" should be included in both Part I - Technical Proposal and Part II - Volume VII - Price Document? Can the Government clarify how the Attachment should be included in Part I?

Please refer to Solicitation section E (5) 3 and 4, pages 43-45 of 60 for the proposal format summary and volume content. Specifically, from the proposal format summary:

Attachment 0008 - Sample Labor Categories & Hours Breakdown Worksheet without Rates (among other documents) is to be submitted with Volume I - Technical Approach under Part I— Technical Proposal while

Attachment 0009 - Sample Price Breakdown Worksheet with Labor Hours & Rates (among other documents) is to be submitted with Volume VII - Price Document under Part II—Business Proposal.

Solicitation 4 Volume

Content (page 43) Can the Government confirm the sample research and position paper is to be excluded in the 10 page limit of the Technical Approach?

Yes, the sample research and position paper are excluded from the 10-page limit underVolume I - Technical Approach.

Solicitation 4 Volume Content (page 43-44)

Will the Government please clarify whether the project schedule should be included in the Technical Approach or Management Plan? It is listed as a requirement for both currently.

Please refer to Solicitation section E (5) 4. a and b, pages 43-44 of 60 for the volume content. Specifically, Part I—Technical Proposal Volume I - Technical Approach bullet # 4 states that the offeror must submit a project schedule that demonstrates a clear understanding of the required operations and HUD requirements with realistic timeframes for performing all tasks.

while

Part I—Technical Proposal Volume II - Management Plan bullet # 2 sub bullet # 4 states that the offeror must submit a Management Plan that details schedules of all tasks and subtasks, meetings, and deliverables.

Solicitation 4 Volume Content (page 44)

Can the Government please clarify how many Past Performance references are required from a subcontractor with greater than 20%? Will the Government please consider 5 past performance references in total with at least 2 from a subcontractor if over 20%?

Please refer to Solicitation section E (5) 4. c, pages 44-45 of 60 for the volume content. Among other items, Volume III - Past Performance under bullet # 1.

The solicitation states that, if the offeror has more than 5 relevant past performance references, then the offeror must provide the most recent 5 references. It is up to the offeror whether they propose to subcontract (or use joint ventures/ partners, or other entities other than the prime contractor to perform) more than 20% of the contract value. If they so then the offeror must submit a separate chart and narrative describing past performance above, for the proposed subcontractor(s).

Also refer to Solicitation section E (7) b, page 48 of 60 under the evaluation criteria for the table describing the Rating Standards for Past Performance.

Solicitation 7 Evaluation Factors - Factor II (page 46)

Within Volume II - Management Plan, the Government asks for " key positions/roles and responsibilities (positions/role and not individuals to be named to such position/role)." Can the government clarify if additional key positions and roles are to be proposed by the bidder in addition to the Project Manager and Alternate Project Manager?

PWS section 4.5, Contractor Personnel lists the Government's key personnel as the Contract/Project Manager and an alternate. It is up to the offerors to propose any additional key positions and roles that they consider necessary to meet the project objectives, in addition to the Project Manager and Alternate Project Manager.

Solicitation 7 Evaluation Factors - Factor III (page 47)

Within Factor III - Past Performance of the evaluation criteria, can the Government clarify how references will be utilized to score the offeror' s past performance?

Please refer to Solicitation section E (7) 1, pages 46-47 of 60 for Factor III - Past Performance. This section specifically states how references will be evaluated under Factor II. Also refer to Solicitation section E (7) 2 b., page 48 of 60 for the evaluation criteria describing the Rating Standards for Past Performance.

Solicitation (C)(2)3.

C. - (C)(2)3. L. (page

7)

Will the Government please confirm that each of these provisions are relevant to this solicitation?

The requirements for Federal Information Technology Security under Solicitation section C (2) 3. are all relevant and necessary for ensuring compliance with Ginnie Mae security standards. These are integral to the contract's scope and will remain in the RFQ. All requirements under this section must be adhered to by the contractor.

General Per FAR 52.219-18, Joint Ventures approved by SBA, in which at least one of the participants is in the 8 (a) program are allowed to submit a bid. Please confirm.

This requirement is set-aside for 8(a) small business concerns on a competitive basis. The offeror must ensure to adhere to any limitations on subcontracting and/or any SBA requirements regarding Joint Ventures.

Solicitation Is there a minimum number of past performance references that need to be submitted? For 8a firms, it might be difficult to submit 5 past performances for this type of work. Can the government consider reducing the number to 3 in total for each bidding team.

Please refer to Solicitation section E (5) 4. c, pages 44-45 of 60 for the volume content. Among other items, Volume III - Past Performance under bullet # 1.

The solicitation states that, if the offeror has more than 5 relevant past performance references, then the offeror must provide the most recent 5 references.

General How many FTE incumbent staff are currently performing the work

The incumbents’ technical solution, to include the number of proposed FTEs is protected information. It is up to each Offeror to propose their own technical approach and solution that aligns with the PWS and Solicitation requirements.

General Is the incumbent's work similar in scope to that in the solicitation?

The current contract's (86615622C00003) scope is similar to this reprocurement.

Solicitation Are there experience /certification requirements for the key personnel and alternate? Please provide if required to satisfy a requirement.

PWS section 4.5, Contractor Personnel lists the Government's key personnel as the Contract/Project Manager and an alternate. This section also lists their requirements as:

The Contract/Project Manager and alternate shall have full authority to act on all contact matters relating to daily operations of this contract. Accordingly, at a minimum, the points of contact shall have the technical knowledge of the requirement and be in the position to actually receive assignment, guidance, and direction from the COR, PM, and CO per HUDAR 2452.237-73, "Conduct of Work and Technical Guidance" and shall be allocated enough hours to the requirement to ensure successful performance.

These points of points of contact shall each be an employee of the Contractor. An employee of a subcontractor is not acceptable for either of these positions. The Contract/Project Manager or alternate shall be available between the hours of 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday EST, except Federal Holidays or when the Government facility is closed for administrative reasons.

Technical Approach We have developed white papers and position papers for past and current clients. Due to the proprietary nature of these, will it be expected that client reference in the document be redacted?

Yes, please redact any client-specific references in the documentation to protect confidentiality and proprietary information.

Solicitation In what section should the sample research and position paper be included? Will it be considered as part of page limit?

Please refer to Solicitation section E (5) 3 and 4, pages 43-45 of 60 for the proposal format summary and volume content. Include the sample research and position paper as part of Part I—Technical Proposal.

The sample research and position paper are excluded from the 10-page limit under Volume I - Technical Approach.

Solicitation Will the government extend proposal submission date to 5/10? The solicitation requirements are quite extensive for small 8a firms, in addition to the need to properly incorporate responses from QA.

The Solicitation closing date remains 5/03/2024 1200 ET

Solicitation What section(s) should Executive Summary, and Proposal cross reference be included?

The Solicitation does not call for either of these items.

41 General Please provide the name of the incumbent Francis Awoyera & Associates P.C.

Solicitation In what section should the sample research and position paper be included? Will it be considered as part of page limit?

Please refer to Solicitation section E (5) 3 and 4, pages 43-45 of 60 for the proposal format summary and volume content. Include the sample research and position paper as part of Part I—Technical Proposal.

The sample research and position paper are excluded from the 10-page limit under Volume I - Technical Approach.

Solicitation Will the government extend proposal submission date to 5/10? The solicitation requirements are quite extensive for small 8a firms, in addition to the need to properly incorporate responses from QA.

The Solicitation closing date remains 5/03/2024 1200 ET

Solicitation What section(s) should Executive Summary, and Proposal cross reference be included?

The Solicitation does not call for either of these items.

41 General Please provide the name of the incumbent Francis Awoyera & Associates P.C.

Governments Responses to Industry Questions

Governments Responses to Industry Questions

Governments Responses to Industry Questions

Governments Responses to Industry Questions

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF PROCUREMENT

OFFICER

451 SEVENTH STREET SW

ROOM 5256

WASHINGTON DC 20410-1000

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF PROCUREMENT

OFFICER

451 SEVENTH STREET SW

ROOM 5256

WASHINGTON DC 20410-1000

1) Responses to questions are on page 2 - 8 herein; and

2) Attachment 0001 - Performance Work Statement (Rvsd 04242024). Deliverable A010 and A011 are deleted in their entirety. Please refer to page 23 of 25.