AB-133E-16-RP-0022_A001_with_Attachment_8_Q A.pdf

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 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.

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

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

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

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 SOLICITATION

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.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted;

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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.

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

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

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

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16C. DATE SIGNED

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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

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16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

NSN 7540-01-152-8070

Previous edition unusable

A001

AJ630031

Sarah McKim, Contracting Officer

See Continuation Page.

NOAA/WESTERN ACQUISITION DIVISION

CONTRACTS BRANCH

7600 SAND POINT WAY. NE SOU6

SEATTLE WA 98115-6349

NEEA3200-16-00110

AB-133E-16-RP-0022

N/A

1 8

02/24/2016

02/05/2016

02/24/2016

Amendment 1, Page 2 of 8 AB‐133E‐16‐RP‐0022

Continuation Page, Standard Form 30

The purpose of this Amendment A001 to Solicitation #AB‐133E‐16‐RP‐0022, NESDIS HQ Administrative, Technical, and Non‐Scientific Support Services, is to

(1) Provide a new Attachment 8, answers to questions received; and

(2) Amend the RFP as shown by the highlighted sections of the attached amended solicitation.

(1) ATTACHMENT 8 – QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

The following questions were received; duplicate questions have been merged:

Eligibility

1. Would it be acceptable if HUBZone certification is achieved by the time of award?

o Please refer to 13 CFR 126.601(c)

Submission

2. Where should we address our overall technical solution for the IDIQ; how we intend to perform the

IDIQ contract requirements; the Task Order 0001 technical/performance requirements?

o Please follow the instructions provided in Section L.4 regarding what information to provide.

The offerors minimum description of their IDIQ approach is described in L.4(4)(f)(ii) under

Staffing, Management and Communications Approach. The Task Order 1 approach is under

L.4(4)(f)(iii) under Management and Communications Plan. Additional information may be provided at the offeror’s discretion but is restricted to the total page count.

3. Should the "out of page count documents" be placed before the narrative or appendix?

o The list of “out of page count documents” is not presented in any particular order and may be placed in an appendix in the applicable volume.

4. Is a pricing narrative acceptable; Volume III does not just consist only of Attachment 5 and 6?

o A pricing narrative is acceptable. See Section L.10(c) for the format.

5. Ref Section L.4 3.b. iv on page 54 states “Other documentation identified in Section L.3(3)(a) above.

Please clarify as to what documentation is needed for subcontractors as there is no section L.3(3)(a).

Additionally, what documentation is expected to show certification from SAM.gov?

o The reference should have been to L.4(3)(a). The Government will verify SAM registration using the offeror's provided DUNS number. The offeror need not provide certification of

SAM registration. The solicitation has been revised to reflect these two changes.

6. For submission of the Proposal, should the contractor submit an email submission for each of the proposals (Business, Technical, and Cost) or should one email be submitted? Are Zip files OK?

o One email may be submitted. If it is greater than 15mb you may want to split it into separate emails. Zip files may be submitted. However, for all submissions, please note the

Offeror’s responsibility to confirm receipt as described in Section L.9.

7. Should contractor provide a specific subject format in the subject of submission email?

Amendment 1, Page 3 of 8 AB‐133E‐16‐RP‐0022 o The submission number may be referenced.

Timing

8. On page# 22, it states that “The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed 48 months, excluding any extension under the authority of clause

52.217‐8 of this contract”. Does this mean the IDIQ duration is 48 months or is it as stated in page #

3 up to 5/30/2020 including optional periods?

o The proposed Period of Performance is 48 months including three 1‐year option periods, commencing May 2016 and ending May 2020. FAR Clause 52.217‐8 allows for the possibility of an addition 6‐month extension, which, if exercised, would bring the total number of months to 54.

9. What is the expected award date of the IDIQ and the expected start date of Task Order 001?

o Both are anticipated on or around 5/30/2016

Forecasting

10. How many task orders are anticipated to be issued in a given year? How many are anticipated as fixed price? Are majority anticipated to be T&M? Can we assume that anticipated level of effort over the period of performance for this contract would average between 30 and 50 FTE?

o Requirements will be defined as needed. The anticipated number is unknown at this time.

Requirements

11. With this effort being a consolidation of existing functions and services, what companies and contracts were previously performing these functions and services? We understand the government is consolidating contracts. Who are the incumbent contractors and contract numbers?

o The two most significant BPAs are as follows: DG133E‐13‐BA‐0021 with Jamison

Professional Services, Inc.; DG133E‐13‐BA‐0022 with 1st Choice Staffing LLC. The

Government is adding functions (e.g., human resources, analytical and logistics support) to the new acquisition as the lack of these functions was identified as a gap in the services requested.

12. Are there any CBAs in effect on any of the contracts being consolidated under this contract?

o There are no Collective Bargaining Agreements in effect on any of the contracts being consolidated.

Resumes

13. Is the requirement for one resume for each of the labor categories for Task Order 001 or do you require one for each FTE (7) seven in total?

o See Section L.4(4)(f)(iii). "The Offeror shall propose one resume for each of the four (4) labor categories".

14. Would government consider reducing the number of resumes required as key personnel for task order 001 from 4 to 1?

o For Task Order 0001, there are no key personnel required. The only key personnel is the

IDIQ Program Manager for the IDIQ.

15. We find no page limit stated for the individual resumes.

o Each resume shall not exceed two (2) pages.

Locations

Amendment 1, Page 4 of 8 AB‐133E‐16‐RP‐0022

16. In the transmittal letter, it was stated that successful offeror don’t need to be physically located in within the area served. Does this mean working from contractors location is permitted or desired??

o No. This statement was referring to the location of the successful offeror itself. All work under task orders must be performed on‐site, at the NOAA Government facility described in the respective Task Order. There could be possible occasional telework, but a significant amount of the work requirements will be required to be fulfilled on the Government site.

17. Will any of the tasks orders cover multiple NOAA sites?

o It is possible that a given task order might cover more than one geographic location. This will be determined at the task order level. Task Order 001 is for one location only.

18. Since the SCA rates vary at different locations, we assume for evaluation purposes that the rates provided in Attachment 5 should be based on the DC Metro area and that, if needed, additional wage determinations and labor rates for the Regional sites will be identified at the task order level per Attachment 3. Are we supposed to provide one set of prices or prices for each area?

o The rates proposed in Attachment 5 will apply to any location at which work is performed under this IDIQ.

Management

19. Please clarify the Program Manager for each task order. Is it a billable position? Does a resume need to be submitted? Who is to provide the monthly status report to the COR (Task Order 0001)? What is the difference in roles between the Program Manager and Project Manager? Is the PM the same as the Team Leader (Section 7, Point of Contact)? Why is there a Program Manager labor category if the category is not billable? Is the PM on‐site or off‐site? Is it acceptable that the onsite team leader is also responsible for the daily execution of the technical work of the onsite group? What are the education and experience requirements/qualifications for the IDIQ program manager?

The solicitation document has been updated to clarify the differences presented above.

o The IDIQ Manager is a key personnel position for the IDIQ. This position is expected to be the contractor’s primary manager‐level point of contact for the IDIQ and all Task Orders.

Please see Section C.5.

o A resume is required for this position as presented in Section L.4(4)(f)(ii)(e) and will be evaluated as part of the Staffing, Management, and Communications approach factor.

o This position is not billable and is therefore not included in, or part of, the labor categories

(Attachment 1) or price matrices. Offerors are expected to propose a suitable candidate for this Key Personnel position and the Government will not dictate any education or experience requirements.

o The Labor Categories (Attachment 1) and Price Matrices have been updated. Category CC. is now a Program Manager/Team Lead and shall be priced for the IDIQ and may be used for future requirements.

o For Task Order 001, the Price Matrix (Attachment 6) has been updated. A new line for

Project Manager/Team Lead has been added. Offerors are free to propose a number of hours for that category, or none if they want. The Government may require a minimum number of hours in future requirements depending upon the scope of work. However, this individual will not be on‐site for Task Order 0001.

Amendment 1, Page 5 of 8 AB‐133E‐16‐RP‐0022 o For Task Order 0001, one of the on‐site billable individuals may be designated as an onsite team leader to be responsible for the day‐to‐day functions of the onsite personnel.

20. On page 80, the Government role, Task Monitor is defined. The subsequent sentence references

Task Manager. Please confirm that these terms are referring to the same role.

o Yes, these are the same role and has been revised to read "Federal Task Manager”.

Personnel

21. Is US Citizenship a requirement for the perform team members?

o Yes, the Government requires U.S. Citizenship.

22. Will NOAA allow, say 15‐30 days, for bringing new personnel on‐board to support the awarded task?

o The successful offeror must have personnel available to staff Task Order 001 from the time of task order award. It is understood that the successful offeror will require that personnel complete the badging and background checks. A reasonable time period for a start is a maximum of 2‐weeks.

23. What Security Clearance Level, if any, is required? Are security cleared personnel required to maintain personnel files?

o No Security Clearance is required. Offerors must complete a background investigation primarily for access to a Federal facility.

o The selecting and documentation for hiring is a Government function. The successful

Contractor will assist with the preparation and tracking of the personnel packages through the workforce management hiring process.

Past Performance

24. Please confirm whether we need to include Past Performance Questionnaires in the technical proposal or should they come directly from our reference clients in a timely manner.

o The questionnaires are to come to the government directly from the clients.

25. Is the number of references to submit exactly 5 or up to / no more than 5? Can the government change the requirement to a minimum of 5 past performances?

o The solicitation has been revised to state "up to 5."

26. The Past performance Matrix does not count towards the 20 page limit. Would the government consider excluding the Past performance narratives from the 20 page Technical Proposal limit? We recommend that an additional five (5) pages be given for the five past performance narratives. Why is the Narrative separated from the Matrix?

o The past performance narrative is included as part of the total page count. As described in

Section L.4(4)(f)(iv), the narrative “shall include a project description stressing the relationship to the work required by this solicitation”. The matrix does not include a summary or relationship to this requirement.

o

27. Can we send recent CPAR evaluations in place of questionnaires?

o No. Please do not submit CPAR evaluations. The Government will obtain those directly from the PPIRS.

28. Do all past performance experience have to come from the HubZone Prime? Can past performance from proposed subcontractors be included? How many must come from prime?

Amendment 1, Page 6 of 8 AB‐133E‐16‐RP‐0022 o Please see L.4(4)(f)(iv)(a). Subcontractor's past performance will be accepted. However, at least half of the Past Performance references shall be for work that the prime conducted, either as a prime or as a subcontractor.

Pricing and Labor Hours

29. RFP Section L.4 (5) ‐ Volume III ‐ Price ‐ Public Price List of Catalog is noted here. Is NOAA showing a preference of GSA schedule here on this contract? Or the actual price / rates will be more preferable than the GSA Schedule rates?

o No preference is being implied. Offerors shall propose their best rates.

30. In reference to page 3, how are offerors to fill out schedule B for CLINS 0001, 1001, 2001, etc?

o Schedule B for CLINS will be completed by NOAA at the time of award.

31. Please confirm a FTE is 1920 hours. It is customary to calculate a labor year at 1880 hrs.

o The Government FTE for this award is equivalent to 1920 labor hours.

<will change numbering on final>

Is the Period of Acceptance 30 days as per FAR 212‐1(c) o The Acceptance Period shall be no less than 90 days. This is now reflected in L.4(3)(b)(i).

Solicitation

32. Where are Attachments 1‐4?

o As listed in Section J, these attachments are located at the end of the solicitation document.

33. The solicitation notes that the RFP is for one IDIQ contract. Is this just a current intent that may change considering the number of proposals received, or if the idea of a separate RFP for competing another part of the subject work under the GSA schedule is dropped?

o See Section L.1. This solicitation is for NOAA/NESDIS Headquarters and is for one single IDIQ.

Other NOAA solicitations for other offices are not related to this requirement.

Labor Categories

34. Can the Government please provide the Experience/Education Requirement for each of the

Personnel Assistant I, II and III labor categories? Can the Government please revise the

Experience/Education Requirement for the Conference Planner I. It states a bachelor’s degree can be substituted for 4 years of experience but the position does not require 4 years of experience.

Please clarify the Program Manager qualifications.

o The Labor Categories (Attachment 1) have been updated. The attachment only lists minimum education or experience.

35. Are the labor categories recommended for Task Order (TO) 1 (Attachment 6), the only ones the customer expects Offerors to propose for performance of the work? Per the labor categories and descriptions provided at the ID/IQ level, it seems that there are other labor categories that more closely align with the Tasks as defined in the TO SOW.

o The Labor categories are recommended for Task Order 1. Offerors shall complete the

Attachment 6, Price Matrix for Task Order 001, using the labor categories provided in that attachment. Offerors may propose alternatives as long as they provide a cross walk between the matrix and the proposed labor categories in their proposals. If alternative

Amendment 1, Page 7 of 8 AB‐133E‐16‐RP‐0022 labor categories are proposed, the offeror shall provide a cross walk between the matrix and the proposal and provide one resume for each of the proposed labor categories. This cross walk shall be presented in Volume II and is not included in the total page count.

o The hours recommended for the positions are to be considered full time equivalents (FTEs).

36. Can you identify which of the IDIQ labor categories are SCA labor categories? Will the contract be considered odd or even?

o The Government will not provide this information. Offerors are encouraged to reference the "Service Contract Act Directory of Occupations," Fifth Edition, which may be accessed at the following website: http://www.wdol.gov/library.aspx. The successful offeror will be responsible for ensuring that their employees are provided with all benefits required under the Service Contract Act.

37. Can you provide the step within the GS class designation, within Attachment 4, that best aligns with the Government's estimated equivalent hire rate?

o The Government will not provide a step designation for each position. Please reference FAR

22.1016(b)(2), which states: "Wages paid white collar employees shall be an hourly rate for each class. The rate shall be obtained by dividing the general pay schedule step one biweekly rate by 80." The current general pay schedule rates can be found at the following website: https://www.opm.gov/policy‐data‐oversight/pay‐leave/salaries‐ wages/2016/general‐schedule/

SOW

38. What Video/Conferencing, Travel system, and Time Collection Systems does NESDIS use? What commercial and custom tools (hardware, software, etc.) are being used? Will any of these tools be available or required to be used by the contractor after award?

o Hardware: NESDIS uses Codian MCU Video Conferencing System bridge with Tanberg equipment and routing through Cicso. Note that the successful offeror will not be responsible for maintaining the video conferencing, only for the logistics and coordination with the IT Help Desk for arranging use and any support.

o Software: The travel system is Gelco Travel Manager; Time Collection is WebTA Kronos.

NESDIS management uses an action tracking system on a Microsoft Share Point. Routine

Microsoft applications with a concentration on Power Point and Excel. Correspondence from the Headquarters is sent to the Department via Data by Design (Software) upload and transmission. Financial Data is processed through the NOAA Management and Reporting

Query. All of these will be available to the on‐site personnel under this award.

39. RFP Section C.4 alludes to performing of number of administrative functions that require the consumption of a significant amount of office supplies and and material, if printed for distribution ‐ for example presentations and graphics and briefing charts. Is it OK to assume that all material costs under all tasks be covered by NOAA as Government furnished items?

o That is correct.

40. RFP Section C.4. What are the specifics of day‐to‐day activities in support of program management.

o Standard non‐professional activities in support of project management.

Amendment 1, Page 8 of 8 AB‐133E‐16‐RP‐0022

41. For administrative/operational support including processing, scanning and indexing/filing, will the

Government please provide equipment specifics for the type of imaging equipment used; and what are the thresholds for OCR capture (quality of scanned image)?

o The scanning and indexing of files refers to Adobe Acrobat .pdf with indexing using a standardized naming convention.

42. Will the Government please clarify what “handling outgoing contact requests” means and what support activity is required?

o The NESDIS Headquarters office manages an action tracking tool based on Microsoft Share Point. There are numerous data calls related to budget, acquisition and logistic information required on a monthly or quarterly basis. The requests for data are prepared by the Government Point of Contact. The Contractor is required to action out the requirement, track, consolidate and provide the data back to the Government Point of Contact at the close of the action.

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