S-12-0093_Q A 2.pdf

AG-6395-S-12-0093

Q & A #2

7/12/12

Q1. Section 1.8.1 states that proposals are not to exceed 50 pages in length, including the cover letter, but not including personnel resumes or responses to the sample task orders. This section also states that proposals shall include a cover page and completed and signed SF 1449. Do the cover page and SF 1449 count toward the page limit?

A1. Yes

Q2. Section 1.4 states that “the NOP will reimburse contractors for documented costs incurred for literatures searches arranged by the technical report contractor with the National Agricultural Library.” This section also states that the contractor may not directly invoice the government for reference materials procured outside the National Agriculture Library. Could you please clarify the reimbursuable research expenses we may incur through arrangement the National Agricultural Library? Is it correct to assume that we will be able to purchase and be reimbursed for relevant documents (e.g., journal articles) through the National Agricultural Library? Does the library charge a separate fee for performing literature searches?

A2. Contractors are to take the cost of research materials and searches into account when developing their pricing. The National Agricultural Library does conduct many basic searches free of charge. For subject matter specific detailed searches, they charge a fee, but they cannot determine that fee before the search is described. These fees will not be reimbursed by the NOP.

Section 1.4 has been amended to clarify this point. Please see attachment AG-6395-S-12-0093 Amend 0001.