Attachment 8 - Master List - RFQ Question Matrix (Responses).xlsx
XLSX spreadsheet 87 KB Posted
- Solicitation number
- 49100425Q0005
- Issued by
-
National Science Foundation
About this file
This is a questions and answers matrix document containing responses to 207 pre-solicitation questions regarding the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Unified Network for Innovative Technology and Engineering (UNITE) Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA).
The responses clarify that this is a small business-led BPA with a $200M ceiling over 5 years, with plans to award up to 5 BPAs. Responses are due by February 7, 2025. The BPA covers four task areas: Business Administrative Services, Technical and Engineering Services, Training, and Marketing/Public Relations, spanning 5 NAICS codes (541330, 541990, 541611, 611430, 561920). Teams must be able to perform under all NAICS codes either as a prime or through a Contractor Team Arrangement (CTA). Only small businesses can be CTA members, while large businesses can only participate as subcontractors. The answers confirm that 50% of work must go to small businesses, clarify pricing structures, and address teaming arrangements. They also provide details about the initial Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) SEATS task order, which will be awarded to one of the five BPA holders.
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Sheet1
| ATTACHMENT 3-RFQ QUESTION MATRIX | |||||
| # | Question [Input by Potential Quoter] | Reference -Specify document, page number(s), and specific section [Input by Potential Quoter] *questions will not be answered with no reference | Response to Question [Provided by Government] | Change to RFQ based on Government Response [Provided by Government] | |
| 1 | How does NSF see participation on the BPA related to conflict of interest for organizations that would propose projects to the directorates the BPA would serve? | N/A | offerors must ensure compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 9.5, Organizations must disclose any actual or potential OCI as part of their proposal submission. NSF will evaluate such disclosures on a case-by-case basis and may impose restrictions or mitigation measures to address identified conflicts. | Change to RFQ based on Government Response [Provided by Government] | |
| 2 | Can a large business be a sub to a small business for UNITE? | N/A | Yes | ||
| 3 | Do bidders needs to have current GSA schedules for all of the listed NAICS codes? | N/A | Yes, if you are submitting as an Prime Contractor (if not a CTA), you are responsible for being able to perform under each NAICS: 541330, 541990, 541611, 611430, 561920. The CTA must be able to collectively cover all 5 NAICS 541330, 541990, 541611, 611430, 561920. | ||
| 4 | Can bidders focus their proposals on a subset of the NAICs codes and/or capability needs | N/A | Yes, if you are submitting as an Prime Contractor (if not a CTA), you are responsible for being able to perform under each NAICS: 541330, 541990, 541611, 611430, 561920. The CTA must be able to collectively cover all 5 NAICS 541330, 541990, 541611, 611430, 561920. | ||
| 5 | Referenced section includes the following statement: "All SINs are required award of the BPA to ensure all BPA holders have the opportunity to quote on BPA orders when the order’s principal purpose SIN is determined to be one of those SINs. A BPA-level holder who does not have any MAS CTA members who cover that SIN will not be able to compete on that order. BPA-level quoters who cannot cover SINs may add the missing SIN to the BPA as a modification to the BPA when they have been awarded the missing SIN on their MAS contract." This statement seems to conflict with the Go/No Go Criteria specified in Section E.3 on pages 109-110, which implies that each team must perform under all NAICS. Can the Government please confirm if the BPA-level quoters must cover ALL SINS at the time of proposal submission? | Document: 49100425Q0005+-+UNITE+BPA+(DRAFT), Page Number: 6, Section A.2 (FSS RFQ Introductory Language) | The language to be deleted "All SINs are required award of the BPA to ensure all BPA holders have the opportunity to quote on BPA orders when the order’s principal purpose SIN is determined to be one of those SINs. | Deleted from Section A.2 FSS RFQ INTRODUCTORY LANGUAGE | |
| 6 | Referenced section defines a Subcontractor as follows: "Explicitly Identified as “Subcontractors” in the BPA that do not have privity of contract with the Government (whether or not they are a GSA Schedule Holder) but must sign the BPA agreement and have a DOE/NNSA Facility Clearance prior to Task Order performance." Can the Government confirm that a DOE/NNSA Facility Clearance is NOT required for Subcontractors, since no other facility clearance requirements are specified elsewhere in the Draft RFQ or SOW documents? | Document: 49100425Q0005+-+UNITE+BPA+(DRAFT), Page Number: 12, Section A.10 (Definitions) | Language updated | Subcontractor – Explicitly Identified as “Subcontractors” in the BPA that do not have privity of contract with the Government (whether or not they are a GSA Schedule Holder) but must sign the BPA agreement and have a NSF Facility Clearance (if necessary) prior to Task Order performance. NOTE: This does not preclude use of BPA level CTA Team Leads, BPA level CTA Team Members, or any other contractor to perform as a subcontractor on any order notwithstanding they are not explicitly identified as a subcontractor on the BPA unless prohibited by the Ordering Contracting Officer. | |
| 7 | The 5-year period of performance is identified as "1 Jan 2025 – 31 Dec 2030." This calculates to a 6-year period of performance. Should the PoP end date be 31 Dec 2029? | Document: 49100425Q0005+-+UNITE+BPA+(DRAFT), Page Number: 108, Section D.10 (Quote Preparation Instructions..), Subparagrah (3) | Updated. | (3) | GSA MAS/Price Lists. The Vendor shall provide all applicable GSA MAS/Price Lists for itself and its Team Members (if applicable). In accordance with FAR 8.405-3(d)(3), contractors may be awarded BPAs that extend beyond the current term of their GSA Schedule contract, so long as there are option periods in their GSA Schedule contract that, if exercised, will cover the BPA’s period of performance. Vendors are able to hold concurrent MAS schedules to meet the requirements of FAR 8.405(d)(3). Clearly state whether the applicable Schedule, (including any team member’s GSA MAS), inclusive of unexercised options, expires prior to the end of the five-year BPA period of performance (XX Month 20XX – XX Month 20XX) |
| 8 | "Government will issue the CISE Task order to1 of the 5 teams selected for BPA award. " Does the Government intend to award a total of five (5) BPAs? | Document: 49100425Q0005+-+UNITE+BPA+(DRAFT), Page Number: 111, Section F.1. General, Paragraph 1 | Yes, 5 teams will be selected for the BPA as a BPA holder. The holder can be a CTA Leader or Prime Contractor (if not a CTA). | ||
| 9 | Sections D.7 through D.10 Provide Instructions only for preparing the BPA Quote. The document does not provide instructions for preparing the SEATS Task Order Quote (Page Count, Technical Volume, Pricing Volume, etc.) Will the Government provide instructions for preparing the SEATS Task Order in the final RFQ? | Document: 49100425Q0005+-+UNITE+BPA+(DRAFT), Page Numbers: 104-108 | See Section SECTION F - EVALUATION FACTORS FOR COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING (CISE) SEATS TASK ORDER AWARD | ||
| 10 | 1. Do all members of a CTA have to be small businesses, or can a large business be a CTA member while the SB is the CTA Team Lead? | Section D Sample Price Quotation Instructions page 108 | CTA members must be small businesses. This is a small business led BPA. Large businesses can only be Subcontractors. See section D.5…. For proposed CTAs, at least one CTA Team Member per NAICS, not including subcontractors, must be shown as small under their awarded MAS Contract in GSA E-Library (www.gsaelibrary.gsa.gov) in order to be considered under BPA establishment for Evaluation Factor 1 at the time of quote submission. | ||
| 11 | 1. Will SBs have to form a CTA for each SIN/NAICS code? Meaning that do we propose for each SIN on the BPA, or we have one CTA for all the SINs/NAICs code on the BPA we want to bid on? | Sections D Sample Price Quotation Instructions page 108 | No. Small Businesses (SBs) do not need to form separate CTAs for each SIN/NAICS code. They may form a single CTA to cover all the SINs/NAICS codes they intend to bid on. However, all SINs/NAICS codes listed in the BPA must be addressed in the proposal collectively through the CTA members or individually by the vendor. | ||
| 12 | 1. How many BPA holders per SIN do you anticipate receiving an award for this? | Section D Instructions page 104 | The holder (CTA Leader or Prime Contractor (if not a CTA)) is repsonsible for performing under each NAICS if awarder a BPA. There will be 5 BPA holders in total. Each holder is responsible for performing under all 5 NAICS. | ||
| 13 | 1. Can NSF provide the projected ceiling amount of the BPA and anticipated task over values that will be issued on this BPA per each performance period? | Section A BPA Holder and award number page 6 | The maximum estimated usage for the BPA is $200 million, though the government does not guarantee specific task order values during each performance period. Orders will be issued based on agency requirements. | ||
| 14 | Can the NSF provide the labor categories for the 13 FTEs for the SEATs task order. | SEATs Task Order SOW | The labor categories are not explicitly defined in the provided SEATs Task Order SOW, but they include roles that support technical and administrative tasks as detailed in the SEATs scope of work | ||
| 15 | What SIN, NAICs code will the SEATS task order be issued under | SEATs Task Order SOW | The SEATS task order will be issued under NAICS codes relevant to technical and engineering support, such as 541330, as these align with the task areas specified in the SOW. | ||
| 16 | 1. If a CTA or small business has a large subcontractor, will that sub's past performance be counted for the bid? If so, how many can be used? | Section E evaluation factors for awards page 110 | Yes. See Section D. 9. | ||
| 17 | 1. Is this a new BPA or are there incumbents? If so, who? Is there an incumbent firm currently performing the work on the SEATs task order or other task orders to be released on this BPA? If so, please provide names of firms and contract numbers | Section A terms and conditions | This BPA is new initiative under the UNITE framework. The Incumbent on the SEATs contract is a large Business vendor. The new SEATs order is expected to be Small Business Led. | ||
| 18 | 1. When is the anticipated release date of this BPA? The draft solication has 2022 dates | Section D page 105 | NSF seeks to award the BPA by February, 2025. | D.7 INSTRUCTIONS FOR BPA ESTABLISHMENT QUOTE PREPARATIONdates updtad to Month / Day XX /Year 20XX. | |
| 19 | Can the government confirm if both 541330EMI and 541330ENG are required or just one of the two? | UNITE+BPA+(DRAFT) |
| A.2.1. Professional Services – Technical and Engineering Services (non-IT) | The offeror need only demonstrate capability for the general NAICS 541330, not specific SINS. | ||
| 20 | Can the government clarify the maximum estimated usage for the BPA? There are references to both $30 million and $200 million in the solicitation documents. | UNITE+BPA+(DRAFT) |
| A.12 Supplies and Services | The maximum estimated usage for the BPA is $200 million over five years. | Updated Section A.9 BPA ORDERING PROCEDURES #14 | |
| 21 | Can a small business certified Joint Venture with a MAS GSA Schedule enter into a MAS Order level CTA with other small businesses to create a team that includes all of the required SINS? If so, can the JV be the lead on the CTA? | UNITE+BPA+(DRAFT) |
| A.30 Contractor Teaming Arrangements | Yes, a Joint Venture (JV) with a MAS GSA Schedule can enter into a MAS Order-level CTA with other small businesses to meet the required SINs. The JV can act as the lead on the CTA as long as it meets the Small business requirements outlined in the Section A.34. | ||
| 22 | The solicitation states that "Each CTA Leader or Prime Contractor, if not a CTA, shall ensure that small business (itself, if a small business and its small business Team Members (if applicable) receive at least 50% of contract obligations during each reporting period and cumulatively during performance of the BPA." Can the government confirm that CTA team members will not be required to recertify as small business over the course of the BPA and instead just prove that the small business member of the CTA has received 50% of the cumulative call order work? | UNITE+BPA+(DRAFT) |
| A.34 Small Business Requirements | CTA team members will not need to recertify as small businesses during the BPA term. Instead, the small business member of the CTA must demonstrate that at least 50% of cumulative call order work was awarded to small businesses during each reporting period. | ||
| 23 | Can the government please update the Instructions for BPA Establishment Quote Preparation to correspond with a 2024 or 2025 release? The dates currently listed in this section are from 2022. | UNITE+BPA+(DRAFT) |
| D.7 Instructions for BPA Establishment Quote Preparation | Will be updated during official solicitation release. | ||
| 24 | Can the government confirm that past performance examples from the Team Leads, Team Members, and any proposed subcontractors can be used in the Past Performance section of the SEATS Task Order Quote? | UNITE+BPA+(DRAFT) |
| F.4 SEATS Volume II - Technical Information - Task Order Quote Preparation | Yes, past performance examples from Team Leads, Team Members, and subcontractors can be used in the Past Performance section of the SEATS Task Order quote, as specified in the technical information requirements. | ||
| 25 | Can the government confirm that teams are required to have all SINS on their GSA Schedules at the time of award, not at the time of submission? The evaluation criteria in UNITE+BPA+(DRAFT) (page 106) suggests at the time submission. However, the BPA Ordering Guide (page 4) implies at the time of award. | Attachment 6 - BPA Ordering Guide |
| d. Applicable NAICS/SIC Code and Small Business Size Standards | The government confirms that teams Collectively are required to have all NAICS on their GSA Schedules at the time of award. If offering as a Prime contractor (Not a CTA) the offeror must have All NAICS in GSA as they are required to be able to perform under all NAICS. Must have all NAICS at the time of submission. The ordering guide is for placing orders against the BPA. The BPA holders will have already already established that they can perform under all NAICS at the BPA Level. | ||
| 26 | To help inform offeror's level of effort and staffing approach, will the government please provide examples and an estimated number of deliverables expected to be completed under each Work Area listed in the SEATS Task Order Statement of Work? For example, how many program soliciations and management plans are expected under Work Area 1? How many slide deck and web pages will be created/updated under Work Area 3? | Attachment 7 - SEATS Task Order Statement of Work |
Pages 3-4
| VI - Contractor Staff Requirements, Role and Responsibilities | The government has not provided specific examples or estimated deliverables in the solicitation. Offerors are advised to use the detailed requirements in the SEATS Task Order SOW to formulate their proposal for the specific order. | ||
| 27 | Can the government confirm that offerors are allowed to proposed their own mix of labor categories for the SEATS Task Order so long as the personnel requirements in VI. Contractor Staff Requirements, Role and Responsibilities are met with the cumulative personnel proposed? | Attachment 7 - SEATS Task Order Statement of Work |
Pages 3-4
| VI - Contractor Staff Requirements, Role and Responsibilities | Yes, the government confirms that offerors may propose their own mix of labor categories for the SEATS Task Order as long as the proposed personnel collectively meet the requirements in VI. Contractor Staff Requirements, Role, and Responsibilities. If the SOW identifes labor categories, the offer must address alternative approach. | ||||
| 28 | The RFQ seems to use Task Order, Order, and Call Order as interchangeable terms (which are distinct from "BPA Order"). Please confirm. If, however, these terms are intended to convey different meanings, would the Government please include their unique definitions within the A.10 Definitions list. | BPA RFQ, page 6, Section A.2 (first instances of Task Order and order) | |||
| BPA RFQ, page 8, Section A.2.4 (first instance of call order) | Task Orders refer to specific assignments under the BPA. | Section A.2. language and section A.2.4. has been updated to reflect "Task Order" | |||
| 29 | A.33(e)(1) of the RFQ states: "If Order Security requirements exist, only BPA Holders possessing a Facility Clearance shall be eligible for Orders. BPA Holders shall not participate in Order competitions with security requirements until they have a Facility Clearance." This implies that Facility Clearances are not required to hold a BPA contract. If this is accurate, it should follow that Subcontractors are not required to have a DOE/NNSA Facility Clearance. The definition for Subcontractor in Section A.10 of the RFQ currently specifies clearance is required. Please confirm or revise as appropriate. | BPA RFQ, page 11, Section A.10 and page 21, Section A.33(e)(1) | The government confirms that Facility Clearances are not required to hold a BPA. However, Facility Clearances are necessary for specific orders with security requirements. Subcontractors performing such tasks must also meet clearance requirements. Section A.10 of the RFQ may need to be revised for consistency. | ||
| 30 | A.9 #18 of the RFQ states: "The contractor shall provide all quotes requested by the ordering Contracting Officer within 5 working days of receipt of the request." In contrast, A.33(e)(2) of the RFQ states: "Quote Submission: BPA Holders shall be capable of providing a quote within a 48 hour period depending on the exigency of the need. For non-urgent requirements, BPA Holders will submit quotes within ten (10) calendar days of issuance of the RFQ Order, unless otherwise specified." Please clarify this discrepancy. | BPA RFQ, page 11, Section A.9 #18 and page 22, Section A.33(e)(2) | Upodated | A.33 Ordering Procedures (e)(2) Quote Submission: BPA Holders shall be capable of providing a quote within a 48 hour period depending on the exigency of the need. For non-urgent requirements, BPA Holders will submit quotes within five (5) calendar days of issuance of the RFQ Order, unless otherwise specified. Responses from BPA Holders will be streamlined and succinct. At a minimum the quote will include: | |
| 31 | Other Direct Costs are listed as Direct Reimbursable. Will Total Cost Input (TCI) contractors be allowed to recover their cost of G&A on ODCs? | BPA RFQ, page 13, Section A.12 | No, NSF intends burdened labor rates. The NFS intends to use order level materials (OLM) not Other Direct Costs (ODC)s. | Language added to Section A.12 "*NSF intends burdened labor rates. The NFS intends to use order level materials (OLM) not Other Direct Costs (ODC)s." | |
| 32 | A.13 of the RFQ includes this statement: "Costs incurred under Travel and ODC CLINs will be reimbursable direct costs in accordance with Section (c) below." However, there does not seem to be a Section (c) following. Is this a typo that is meant to direct the reader to Sections (a) and (b) below or was additional information inadvertently removed? | BPA RFQ, page 13, Section A.13 | Typo/ Oversight. Language is Updated. | A.13 states… "Costs incurred under Travel and ODC CLINs will be reimbursable direct costs in accordance with Section (a) and (b) below." | |
| 33 | A.23 states: "Orders for services specified in the Schedule of the BPA may be issued by any Contracting Officer from DOE or NNSA offices within the ordering period of the BPA." Are these references to DOE and NNSA correct? | BPA RFQ, page 16, Section A.23 | Oversight/ Typo. Language updated. | A. 23 Ordering Period "Orders for services specified in the Schedule of the BPA may be issued by any Contracting Officer from NSF offices within the ordering period of the BPA. Task Orders issued prior to BPA expiration may be carried out to completion. | |
| 34 | The RFQ moves from A.28 to A.30. Is this intentional or was content inadvertently removed? | BPA RFQ, page 19, Section A.30 | Updated. A.28 Contractor Contact and Information is updated. | Updated to "A.29 Contractor Contact and Information" | |
| 35 | A.30 of the RFQ states: "Subcontractors, whether they hold a Multiple Award Schedule Contract or not, are not part of the CTA for BPA purposes and are not a party to the BPA Agreement." This seems to be in direct conflict with the definition of Subcontractor as provided in A.10 which states that they "must sign the BPA agreement." Please confirm that Subcontractors do not sign the BPA and adjust the language in A.10 to be consistent with A.30. | BPA RFQ, page 19, Section A.30 and BPA RFQ, page 12, Section A.10 | These sections appar to conflict, but do not. Section A.10 pertains to subcontractors explicitly identified in the BPA. These subcontractors, though lacking privity of contract with the Government, are required to sign the BPA agreement to acknowledge their roles and responsibilities. |
Section A.30 focuses on CTAs, emphasizing that subcontractors are not considered part of the CTA for BPA purposes and do not have privity of contract with the Government. This means they are not direct parties to the BPA Agreement in the context of a CTA.
| 36 | A.33(c) of the RFQ includes the statement: "When exceptions (c)(24) exist, the Order will be processed as a sole source procurement, including a limited sources justification." This appears to be a typo. Please clarify if the reference is intended to be "exceptions (c)(2)–(4)" or something different. | BPA RFQ, page 20, Section A.33(c) | Typo. Language Updated. | A.33 (C) When exception (c)(1) exists, the Government reserves the right to issue the RFQ to only three (3) contractors. When exceptions (c)(2-4) exist, the Order will be processed as a sole source procurement, including a limited sources justification. Unaffected BPA Holders will not be notified of the exception. |
| 37 | Does a CTA Member need to hold the SIN assigned to an Order RFQ in order to participate with another CTA Member who does hold the assigned SIN and will be the Order Lead to bid on it? | BPA RFQ, page 22, (1) | No the CTA member does not need to hold the specific NAICS assigned to an order in order to participate with another CTA member who does hold the the assigned NAICS and will be the Order Lead to bid on it. The CTA enables team members to access contracts they might not qualify for individually by combining their capabilities to meet complex government requirements. | |
| 38 | Will the Government allow Govt Furnished Equipment (GFE) and Govt Furnished Property (GFP) in the possession of an Order Lead ("Acme") be allowed to move to a new Order also awarded to Acme within this BPA? Or will the Government require that Acme turn-in the GFE and GFP to the Government and then the Government re-issue the GFE and GFP to Acme again under the new Order? | BPA RFQ, page 25, Section A.35 | The transfer of GFE and GFP is typically allowed within the same BPA if the new order is a continuation or related. However, the government may require the equipment to be returned and re-issued based on internal property management policies. | Updated section A.35 to add (c) The transfer of GFE and GFP is typically allowed within the same BPA if the new order is a continuation or related. However, the government may require the equipment to be returned and re-issued based on internal property management policies. |
| 39 | Since FAR 52.212-4 Alt I is included, will the Government accept a Fixed Amount ($) for indirect costs? | BPA RFQ, page 48, Section B.8 | Yes, FAR 52.212-4 Alt I permits the government to accept a fixed amount for indirect costs. | |
| 40 | Section D of the RFQ states: "The Vendor shall submit its quote in accordance with Section 11." Please provide clarification regarding Section 11. Is this in a different document or is this a typo? | BPA RFQ, page 103, Section D | Typo. Language Updated. | updated "Section D of this Request for Quote (RFQ) are Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Quote preparation instructions and evaluation will apply to the BPA Award ONLY. The Vendor shall submit its quote in accordance with Section D. " |
| 41 | D.7(3) of the RFQ states, "With the exception of headers/footers, spreadsheets, charts, diagrams, design drawings, graphs, and tables, the Vendor’s quotation shall use 12-point (or larger) Times New Roman font." Please confirm that a 10-point san serif is acceptable for the text within those exceptions. | BPA RFQ, page 105, Section D.7(3) | Yes, with the exception of headers/footers, spreadsheets, charts, diagrams, design drawings, graphs, and tables, the Vendor’s quotation shall use 12-point (or larger) Times New Roman font. | |
| 42 | Regarding D7(4), please confirm that the volume cover and cross-reference matrix are also excluded from the page limitation. | BPA RFQ, page 105, Section D.7(4) | Yes, lanugage updated | Section D.7.(4) updated… Every page of each Volume II shall be counted towards the page limitation, including attachments, appendices, and annexes, except the following: |
Table of Contents Title Pages Glossary Volume Cover Cross-Reference Matrix
| 43 | D.8 of the RFQ states: "The Vendor shall submit the following for Volume I Other documents…" The list jumps from (5) to (7) and is missing (6). Is this a typo or was content inadvertently removed? | BPA RFQ, page 106, Section D.8 | Updated numbers. | |||
| 44 | D.10 and F.5 of the RFQ require, "Submit cost/price quote information using Microsoft EXCEL version 2013 or lower…" Microsoft ended support of Excel 2013 on April 11, 2023. It is difficult to find a computer that still has that version due to security concerns with obsolete software. Please consider allowing submission of the Excel file in the currently supported Office 365 version. | BPA RFQ, page 107, Section D.10 and BPA RFQ, page 113, Section F.5 | Removed language in Section D.10 and F.5. "Version 2013 or lower was removed" | |||
| 45 | D.10 of the RFQ includes Sample Price Quote Submission Instructions. Item C in this section states: "NNSA will not establish a BPA with a GSA MAS Holder whose rate submission in response to this RFQ exceeds its current contract rate structure listed on GSA Advantage." Is this reference to NNSA supposed to be NSF? | BPA RFQ, page 107, Section D.10 | Update language | D.10 updated...NSF will not establish a BPA with a GSA MAS Holder whose schedule, inclusive of all options, ends prior to the BPA period of performance. This requirement applies to all CTA Members. | ||
| 46 | RFQ page 109 states: “(4) The GSA MAS Schedule contract prices are inclusive of all applicable federal, state and local taxes. No post-award adjustments to labor rates shall be made for the purpose of reimbursing any other Federal, State, and local taxes and duties.” May the Team Lead and CTA members propose a second set of BPA labor rates for work that occurs within New Mexico, to accommodate the NMGRT? | BPA RFQ, page 109, Sample Price Quote Submission Instructions and Attachment 2 | No. | |||
| 47 | E.3(2) states: "Each Team provides adequate representations that it contains at all NAICS (collectively) in their eLibrary in the upper right of the page under Socio-Economic or they do not qualify." This sentences seems to be missing a word after contains (or the word "at" after contains should be removed?) and is, therefore, unclear. Please clarify. | BPA RFQ, page 110, Section E.3(2) | Languaged updated | removed the word "at" | ||
| 48 | Page 110 of the RFQ moves from Section E.3 Factor 1 to Section 12.4 Factor 2. This seems to be in incomplete transition of numbering from one system to another. Obsolete references to Section 11 remain under 12.4 on page 110 ("Section 11.17 (e)(1)") and on page 111 ("Failure to apply the discounts consistent with the instructions in Section 11 may result in the quote being removed from further consideration for award.") Please adjust these Section 11 references to point to the new numbering. | BPA RFQ, pages 110 and 111, Section 12.4 | Language updated | sections updated to reflect Section D.9 in factor 2 and Section D.10 in Factor 3 | ||
| 49 | F.1 of the RFQ states: "The potential offerors are under no obligation to propose under the Task Order, but offers may receive additional consideration for selection if they meet the all criteria/ Evaluation Factors identified in Section factors for AND have the capability to perform the Task Order Statement of work identified in Section #7." Please provide clarification regarding the reference to "Section factors" and Section #7. | BPA RFQ, page 111, Section F.1 | Updated language | F.1 states… "The potential offerors are under no obligation to propose under the Task Order, but offers may receive additional consideration for selection if they meet the all criteria/ Evaluation Factors identified in Section factors for AND have the capability to perform the Task Order work areas identified in the SEATS Task Order Statement of work (Attachment #7)." | ||
| 50 | F.2 of the RFQ states: "The Government intends to award the Task Order to the Vendor(s) whose quotations represent the best value to the Government, based on the Government’s evaluation of three factors:" However, following this only two factors are listed: Technical Approach and Price. Please clarify. | BPA RFQ, page 111, Section F.2 | updated language | F.2. updated..."The Government intends to award the Task Order to the Vendor(s) whose quotations represent the best value to the Government, based on the Government’s evaluation of two factors: Technical Approach; and Price (listed in descending order of importance)." | ||
| 51 | Will the Government allow additional labor categories to be proposed? | Attachment 2, tab "Govt Labor Descriptions" | Yes, the Government may consider additional labor categories if they are justified and align with the specific requirements of the task order or BPA scope. Proposals for new labor categories should clearly demonstrate how they support the objectives outlined in the solicitation. | |||
| 52 | Will the Government consider adding the following labor categories for SIN 561920 - Convention and Trade Show Organizers: Project Manager, Production Specialist, Videographer and Strategic Communications Manager? | Attachment 2, tab "Govt Labor Descriptions" | The Government may consider adding these labor categories if they are necessary for fulfilling the scope of SIN 561920. Each proposed labor category must align with the scope and demonstrate relevance to the services required. | |||
| 53 | Page 10, under "All Contracting Activities" states that the "Other Than small CTA Member" must adopt GSA schedules, labor categories, and rates of the CTA lead." Please confirm that the "Other Than Small CTA Member" must adopt the GSA schedules, labor categories and rates of the CTA member who is the order lead as that CTA member will have the labor categories most appropriate for that type of work. | Ordering Guide, Section 5(e), page 10 | Yes, the "Other Than Small CTA Member" must adopt the GSA schedules, labor categories, and rates of the order lead, as per the directive on page 10. This ensures consistency in labor categories and rates within the team structure. | |||
| 54 | Are there specific platforms (e.g., Learning Management Systems, webinar tools) that must be used for virtual or online training? | SOW, 7.0, Page 8, NAICS 611430 - Professional and Management Development Training | The RFQ does not mandate specific platforms but suggests that vendors should ensure compatibility with commonly used tools for virtual training. Recommendations or approvals may be provided during task order performance. | |||
| 55 | Will the government typically provide existing materials, or should the vendor anticipate developing all content and resources? | SOW, 7.0, Page 8, NAICS 611430 - Professional and Management Development Training | The vendor should anticipate developing content and resources unless specified otherwise in the task order. If existing materials are available, the Government will provide them as part of the task order deliverables. | |||
| 56 | Regarding the effectiveness of the training programs being evaluated, are there specific outcomes or metrics the government would prefer to use? | SOW, 7.0, Page 8, NAICS 611430 - Professional and Management Development Training | The Government may specify additional metrics in the task order based on the program objectives. | |||
| 57 | Typically, will training content be tailored for specific NSF directorates or missions, or will there be a standardized approach? | SOW, 7.0, Page 8, NAICS 611430 - Professional and Management Development Training | Training contend will be tailored for specific NSF directorates or missions at the task order level. | |||
| 58 | Does the government have a specific approach or plan for a training needs assessment? | SOW, 7.0, Page 8, NAICS 611430 - Professional and Management Development Training | The Government may outline a training needs assessment approach in individual task orders. | |||
| 59 | Are there guidelines for the frequency and duration for "continuous learning opportunities?" | SOW, 7.0, Page 8, NAICS 611430 - Professional and Management Development Training | Vendors are expected to recommend a frequency and duration based on best practices and the needs of the targeted workforce or program goals. This will be determined at the task order level. | |||
| 60 | Regarding providing ongoing support for career development and advancement, are there existing strategies or programs the government prefers to use or should the vendor anticipate development and delivery of these? | SOW, 7.0, Page 8, NAICS 611430 - Professional and Management Development Training | While the Government may have existing career development programs, the vendor should anticipate developing and delivering tailored strategies unless otherwise specified in the task order. Collaboration with NSF to align efforts with existing initiatives is expected. | |||
| 61 | Is there an existing IT platform for e-learning modules? | SOW, 7.0, Page 8, NAICS 611430 - Professional and Management Development Training | Vendors should inquire during task order performance or prepare to recommend a suitable platform based on the scope of work. | |||
| 62 | Does the government have specific certification requirements for coaches and mentors? | SOW, 7.0, Page 8, NAICS 611430 - Professional and Management Development Training | Vendors should align qualifications with industry standards and propose certifications relevant to the task order requirements. | |||
| 63 | Is "administrative management consulting to optimize office processes and procedures" referring to HR operational tasks such as classification, staffing, compensation & benefits, performance management, LR/ER. | Attachment 1 (SOW), page 6, Professional Services - Business Administrative Services | These are general descriptions of contractor responsibilities. This will be clarified at the task order level based on specific requirements. | |||
| 64 | For "facilitate change management" will staff be expected to be either Prosci certified or be a Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP)? | Attachment 1 (SOW), page 6, Professional Services - Business Administrative Services | The documents do not mandate specific certifications like Prosci or CCMP. However, possessing such certifications may be advantageous and should be proposed if they add value to the scope of work. | |||
| 65 | For "provide analytical support for data-driven decision-making and performance management", does this include data visualization and the use of tools such as Tableau or PowerBI? If yes, is there a specific data visualization software NSF uses/desires? | Attachment 1 (SOW), page 6, Professional Services - Business Administrative Services | This cannot be determined at the NSF-wide BPA level. These are general descriptions of contractor responsibilities. This will be clarified at the task order level based on specific requirements. | |||
| 66 | For "develop and implement quality assurance processes", are there specific processes NSF desires the vendor to use/implement? | Attachment 1 (SOW), page 6, Professional Services - Business Administrative Services | This cannot be determined at the NSF-wide BPA level. These are general descriptions of contractor responsibilities. This will be clarified at the task order level based on specific requirements. | |||
| 67 | For elearning, does NSF currently have a learning management system? If so, can you please provide the name of your LMS? | Attachment 1 (SOW),page 8, Professional Services-Training | Vendors should prepare to recommend or integrate a suitable LMS as part of the task order requirements. | |||
| 68 | For "Develop certification programs to validate the skills and competencies of personnel," can the government share which certification programs, or competencies for which certifications, are desired to be developed? | |||||
| Attachment 1 (SOW) page 8, Professional Services-Training | These are general descriptions of contractor responsibilities. This will be clarified at the task order level based on specific requirements. | |||||
| 69 | Why has the Government chosen the Convention and Tradeshow Organizers (561920) NAICS when the underlying requirements and tasks are far more aligned with 541613 and 541820? In the Industry Day review, the rationale was based on historic/prior outlays but the requirements displayed in the Industry Day deck and the pre-solicitation SOW do not support the NAICS selection. Moreover, the section headers used reveal the underlying intent. Can the NAICS requirements be revised to better reflect the SOW requirements? | Attachment 1 (SOW) page 8, Professional Services-Marketing and Public Relations; Draft RFP Page 8, Section A.2.4 Professional Services - Marketing and Public Relations; Attachment 6, Page 6 - Professional Services - Marketing and Public Relations. | The rationale for selecting NAICS 561920 appears tied to historical spending patterns and the scope of organizing conventions and trade shows. If the tasks align more closely with 541613 (Marketing Consulting Services) or 541820 (Public Relations Services), the Government may consider revisiting the NAICS code to better reflect the Statement of Work requirements in the future. | |||
| 70 | Can you please confirm the volume of purchases anticipated under this BPA? In the RFP, the value is projected as "$30M over 5 years" but later in the document the volume is relfected as "The maximum estimated usage for this BPA is $200,000,000.00." In the Ordering Guide the "estimated usage" is also identified as "$200 million per BPA Holder." | RFP Page 11, Section A.9 BPA Ordering Procedures and Page 13, Section A.12 Supplies and Services. Also Attachment 6 - NSF UNITE BAP Ordering Guide, Page 3 Section: Introduction | Languaged updated | Section A.9 (14.) states | "The Government estimates, but does not guarantee, that the volume of purchases under the BPA may be approximately $200 M over 5 years. The Government is obligated only to the extent of authorized BPA Call Order purchases awarded under the BPA." | |
| 71 | Can you please confirm the number of BPA Task Areas? In the RFP document, under Corporate Experience, Vendors are asked to "Demonstrate that the Vendor or CTA, collectively, including Team Leads, Team Members, and subcontractors, has experience performing work required under each of the eight BPA Task Areas identified in SOW § 7.0...." However, in the SOW, there are only five task areas listed. | RFP Page 107, Section D.9 Quote Preparation Instructions: Volume II--Technical Information and Attachment 1 (SOW) Pages 6-9, Section 7.0 BPA Task Areas | Language updated | D.9(1)(a) updated to state ...(a) Demonstrate that the Vendor or CTA, collectively, including Team Leads, Team Members, and subcontractors, has experience performing work required under each of the four BPA Task Areas identified in SOW § 7.0 | ||
| 72 | Is there a requirement for U.S. citizenship or a Conflict of Interest standard that will be incorporated into this Task Order? | Attachment 7 - SEATS Task Order, General Question | Must be a U.S. Citizen. | |||
| 73 | Do all CTA team memberd need to provide the same level of dicounts for their GSA MAS Schedule labor categories? | Pricing sheet Attachment 2 - column (8) | Refer to Section D.10. of BPA Soliciation. | |||
| 74 | Please confirm that only one Attachment 2 subission is required per CTA team? | Pricing sheet Attachment 2 | Yes, only one Attachment 2 submission is required per CTA team | |||
| 75 | SEATS - Section VI - Contractor Staff Requirements: Will the Government consider years of experience subsitution over the required advance degree in the cited fields? | SEATS - Section VI - Contractor Staff Requirements | The CISE SOW section VI (a) 1 specifically states, “Equivalent experience and/or certifications are acceptable in place of MS. “ | |||
| 76 | Please provide further clarification as to what your requirement is for the following: No MAS labor categories, labor rates, or price lists will be added or awarded in the BPA. An awarded BPA will specify the required minimum discounts to be used on all future order solicitations as well as a reference to the applicable GSA MAS contract number(s). | 49100425Q0005 - UNITE BPA (DRAFT); page 107 - D.10 Price Instructions | Vendors must use their current GSA MAS labor categories and apply the agreed minimum discounts for all future solicitations. The Government may consider changes to the MAS labor categories/ price lists during the period of performance of the BPA, however, this will only occur at the governments request. | |||
| 77 | Please calrify if you are requiring DC and New Mexico: C. | For the purposes of price quote evaluation at the BPA level, vendors shall assume the work associated with the Sample Price Quote is performed in Washington, DC, and shall apply their minimum discount rate for performance outside the state of New Mexico only. | 49100425Q0005 - UNITE BPA (DRAFT); page 108 - C Price Instructions | D.10 (4)(C) language is updated. | language updated to state "For the purposes of price quote evaluation at the BPA level, vendors shall assume the work associated with the Sample Price Quote is performed in Alexandria Virgina." | |
| 78 | Please providec further clarification on the New Mexico cited requirement: *Though Vendors will be permitted to offer greater discounts on resultant solicitations under an award BPA, for purposes of this solicitation, the specific identified overall minimum discount (outside New Mexico) must be applied to each labor category in response to this solicitation. | 49100425Q0005 - UNITE BPA (DRAFT); page 111 - C Price Instructions | Vendors must apply the minimum discount rate to each labor category for this solicitation. Greater discounts may be proposed for individual solicitations under the BPA. | |||
| Section 12.5 was updated to E.5. | E.5 Languaguage updated "*Though Vendors will be permitted to offer greater discounts on resultant solicitations under an award BPA, for purposes of this solicitation, the specific identified overall minimum discount must be applied to each labor category in response to this solicitation. " | |||||
| 79 | Does NSF plan to follow standard FAR clause 52.216-22, Indefinite Quantity as implemented in the MAS contract terms to allow the continuation of orders up to 60 months after the base MAS contract has expired, including exercising options? If yes, please would the government consider revising or clarifying the requirement that "NSF will not establish a BPA with a GSA MAS Holder whose schedule, inclusive of all options, ends prior to the BPA period of performance"? | Draft RFP, pg. 108 | Yes, the NSF intends to follow FAR clause 52.216-22, which allows for the continuation of orders up to 60 months after the base MAS contract has expired, provided all options are exercised. However, the current requirement that "NSF will not establish a BPA with a GSA MAS Holder whose schedule, inclusive of all options, ends prior to the BPA period of performance" reflects the necessity for active MAS contracts throughout the BPA period. BPAs are not permitted to go beyond the period of performance (inclusive of options) of the MAS schedule. | |||
| 80 | Will the Government allow CTA partners to have a CTA period less than the full period of the BPA? | Draft RFP, pg. 108 | No | |||
| 81 | We are a small business but our MAS Schedule ends before the end of this BPA. Please would the government consider revising the "NSF will not establish a BPA with a GSA MAS Holder whose schedule, inclusive of all options, ends prior to the BPA period of performance" so that we can be a CTA partner? Please might we agree to come off the CTA (and BPA) when our current MAS ends and/or revise the CTA (and BPA) when our MAS is renewed? | Draft RFP, pg. 108 | No, the Government requires all CTA partners to align with the full BPA period to ensure consistency and long-term team performance. | |||
| 82 | Are we only able to use the Government Labor Categories presented in Attachment 2 throughout the life of the BPA? Do we need to suggest additional categories at this proposal stage or will we have the option to add to our BPA labor categories later? | Attachment 2 - BPA Price Quote (Sample Price Quote tab) | Yes, the Government may consider additional labor categories if they are justified and align with the specific requirements of the task order or BPA scope. Proposals for new labor categories should clearly demonstrate how they support the objectives outlined in the solicitation. | |||
| 83 | Attachment 2 includes a list of Government Labor Categories - will vendors be able to include additional labor categories at the Task Order level as needed to meet requirements? | Attachment 2 - BPA Price Quote (Sample Price Quote tab) | Yes, vendors may propose additional labor categories at the Task Order level, provided they align with the GSA MAS schedule and meet the task order's requirements. | |||
| 84 | The Sample Price Quote is structured in a way that only one CTA Team Member can capture their GSA Labor Category mapping and rate. Do vendors have the flexibility to propose multiple options for Team Members, if we have multiple MAS CTA members who can cover that SIN? | Attachment 2 - BPA Price Quote (Sample Price Quote tab) | vendors can propose multiple options for CTA Team Members to cover a SIN, but all proposals must be mapped and documented in compliance with the Sample Price Quote structure (Attachment 2). | |||
| 85 | The Government has expressed a desire to increase opportunities for small businesses through this vehicle. The Ordering Guide (Attachment 6) suggests a CTA composition requirement to include different socio-economic categories. However, the the UNITE BPA-level requirements and evaluation criteria do not reflect this order-level requirement. Please can the government clarify whether a CTA Team must have each specified socio-economic category on the CTA team to become a UNITE BPA contractor? | Attachment 6 - NSF Ordering Guide page 8 (e. Small Business) | No, the BPA-level requirements do not mandate a CTA Team to include all specified socio-economic categories. | |||
| 86 | Regarding evaluation factors, please can you clarify what "extensive experience" means in the "high confidence" category? Please may we suggest that experience must be relevant to NSF --perhaps either at NSF or at another science research agency? | Draft RFP, 12.4 Factor 2 - Past Experience/Corporate Experience, pg. 110 | "Extensive experience" refers to a demonstrated track record of successfully completing projects of similar scope and complexity. Relevant experience with NSF or similar science research agencies is likely to contribute to a higher confidence rating (Draft RFP, 12.4 Factor 2). | |||
| 87 | Small business prime contractors and CTA Team members may need to procure other direct costs (ODCs) not on their GSA MAS contracts such as task order-specific equipment, materials, consultants, and subcontractors. For maximum flexiblity, please confirm the government will allow small business primes and CTA Teams to procure ODCs through all GSA MAS appropriate methods such as Open Market Items, Order Level Materials (OLMs), and any ODCs under the ANCILLARY GSA MAS SIN. | A.13 Travel and Material Costs | Yes, small business primes and CTA Teams may procure ODCs through GSA MAS-approved methods, including Open Market Items, OLMs, and ANCILLARY SINs, as outlined in A.13 Travel and Material Costs. | |||
| 88 | Can you clarify whether a large firm is able to join a CTA as a subcontractor or whether it can only bid under a prime small business (outside of a CTA)? | A.30 Contractor Teaming Arrangements | a large firm can join a CTA as a subcontractor but cannot independently bid as a prime under a CTA designated to be small business led. | |||
| 89 | If a CTA is not used, will the prime small business be required to conduct at least 50% of the work for each task order, or can the 50% be met by several small businesses together (e.g., one small does 30% and another small does 20%)? | A.30 Contractor Teaming Arrangements | The 50% percent can be met by several small businesses together. | |||
| 90 | Will a CTA/small prime business be required to conduct at least 50% of the work for each task order or will this requirement met at the BPA level? | A.30 Contractor Teaming Arrangements | The 50% percent can be met by several small businesses together. | |||
| 91 | Which of the NAICS size standars for 541330 must the team member be an SB under (i.e., 541330 vs. 541330EMI vs. 541330ENG have different size standards) | UNITE BPA (Draft), Page 6, Paragraph A.2.1 | 541330 | |||
| 92 | GSA does not have an 541330 SIN; however, tt does have 541330EMI and 541330ENG SINs. How will the Government assess whether a team has coverage across the 541330 SIN if GSA does not have an associated SIN? Given there is no 541330 SIN in GSA, we recommend using the 541330ENG and 541330EMI SINs because they are defined in GSA. | UNITE BPA (Draft), Page 6, Paragraph A.2.1 | No. | |||
| 93 | 541330, 541330EMI, and 541330ENG each have different size standards. Which size standard must each CTA team have a members meet? Given there is no 541330 SIN in GSA, we recommend using the 541330ENG and 541330EMI size standards because they are defined in GSA. | UNITE BPA (Draft), Page 6, Paragraph A.2.1 | The team must meet the applicable size standards under NAICS 541330, not the SINS. | |||
| 94 | Can the Government confirm the potential BPA ceiling? On page 11, the solicitation states $30M vs. page 13 states $200M. | UNITE BPA (Draft), Page 11, Paragraph A.9 Section 14 and page 13, A.12 | A.12 was updated. | |||
| 95 | How many task areas are there? The draft document states 8 BPA Task Areas in one place and four BPA Task Areas in another place. | UNITE BPA (Draft), Page 107, D.9 | Five. Section D.9. was updated. | |||
| 96 | Which socio-economic status must the CTA cover? (i.e., must you have all: 8a, SDVOSB, VOSB, EDWOSB, WOSB, Hubzone)? |
| In addition, each CTA includes at least one Small Business, one Small Disadvantaged Business (SDV), One Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business concern (SDVOSB), and one HUBZone in order to meet socio-economic set-asides for requirements under the UNITE BPA and As directed by Executive Order 14091, Further Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government. | Attachment 6 - UNITE BPA Ordering Guide, Page 8 | Amendment 6, Section e. is updated. |
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