B08 RFP 959006-23-R-0009_Amendment 2.pdf

29 June 2023

Subject: Request for Proposal (RFP) # 959006-23-R-0009 – Amendment #2 – Facilitation professional services for the Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation in Tucson, Arizona

The following answers are provided in response to all questions received by the Government prior to the cutoff for question submission, in response to RFP #959006-23-R-0009. The following document has been revised in response to the questions received, 1) Attachment 1 - Performance Work Statement (Task 3.2.1, page 4). Evaluation of Proposal (Section M) has been updated and is included below. Additionally, FAR Clause 52.216-31 – Time-and- Materials/Labor-Hour Proposal Requirements – Commercial Acquisition is added to this RFP.

Question #1: If [we] read the RFP correctly, it looks like the contractor could propose all-virtual meetings?

It says “…. in-person, virtual, or combined as appropriate and determined in the Contractor Project Schedule and Engagement Plan. The contractor shall determine meeting locations based on Project Schedule and Engagement Plan to ensure meetings occur throughout the NWFP area.”

Is there anywhere a statement anywhere…that there is a preference or requirement for at least some in-person meetings?

Answer #1: Yes, there is a requirement for one in-person meeting in Task 3.2.1 of the PWS.

The PWS has been revised to clarify this requirement. The remaining meeting tasks may be proposed in-person, virtually, or any combination; however, the evaluation of proposals in Section M (see below) has been updated to include language regarding the mix of meeting types throughout performance of the requirement.

Question #2: [Are we] correct that this was just posted…and the turnaround time is only a couple weeks? For [an equal opportunity] at this RFP, there would need to be at least a one-month turnaround time…

Answer #2: The proposal deadline was extended in Amendment #01 to 17 July 2023.

Question #3: Is this the same work that CBI has been doing previously, or is this a new contract?

Answer #3: This is a new requirement. CBI was under contract for work on a Bioregional Assessment (BioA) within the Northwest Forest Plan (NWFP) Area. That work was a related effort, as the BioA was the first step in identifying planning options for Forest Service in updating the NWFP. The work contemplated under this PWS is for a separate planning process and format, specifically incorporating a Federal Advisory Committee consistent with the Federal Advisory Committee Act.

Question #4: Are you looking for just one provider to cover both Region 5 and 6 of the NWFP area?

Answer #4: Yes, this PWS is looking for a single provider to support work within the entire NWFP, which includes both Region 6 and portions of Region 5. Proposals may include subcontractors and team approaches.

Question #5: Is there any way to get the names and contacts of firms that have expressed interest in the work? [For teaming possibilities]

Answer #5: The Government cannot release information on potential offerors for receipt of any question or proposal received in response to an RFP. During initial posting of an RFP to SAM.gov, the system allows for the option to collect information on the Interested Vendors List. This option was selected for this requirement, which allows those who choose, to add their contact information to this list. The list may be checked on the RFP in SAM.gov to see if any interested vendors have placed their information on the list. This will be the only place for other vendors to see who is interested in this requirement.

Question #6: [Request to add a POC to distribution]

Answer #6: All RFPs for the Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation, that are competitively released, will be posted to SAM.gov under the “contract opportunities” page and vendors can review them there. All documentation, such as the RFP and attachments, can also be downloaded on SAM.gov. Registered entities can select internal Points of Contact (POCs) to receive notifications from SAM.gov, when RFPs under the entities’ specified NAICS are released from any agency.

EVALUATION OF PROPOSAL

Evaluation criteria (Section M) is revised as provided below:

1. Technical Evaluation Approach. The evaluation process will consider the following.

a. Understanding of the Task. The evaluation process will consider the extent to which the proposals demonstrate a clear understanding of the technical features involved in meeting the solicitation. Proposals will be evaluated to determine the extent to which all the technical requirements have been considered, defined and satisfied and whether each requirement of the solicitation has been addressed in the proposal in accordance with the Proposal Submission section of the solicitation. Proposals will also be evaluated based on the extent the approach will maximize engagement opportunities. In addition, proposals will be evaluated on the extent to which the approach demonstrates how the offeror intends to meet the desired Contractor expertise outlined in Section 12.2 of the PWS. Proposals will be evaluated to determine whether the Offeror’s methods and approach in meeting the requirements provide the Government with a high level of confidence of successful completion and if the approach taken is feasible and will result in the RFP requirements being fully met or exceeded.

This RFP contains no other changes, except those identified above. The proposal due date remains due (via email) no later than Monday, 17 July 2023, by 2:00 p.m. AZ time. Note:

Arizona remains on Mountain Standard Time (MST) throughout the year. There is no Daylight Savings Time in Arizona. Please e-mail your proposal response to harrison@udall.gov. If you have additional questions regarding the provided answers, please feel free to contact me at harrison@udall.gov.

Very Respectfully, Terri L. Harrison Contracting Officer

Enclosures:

Attachment 1 – Performance Work Statement_REV1 mailto:harrison@udall.gov