B02 Attach 12 Comments on RFQ DRAFT 1-11-24.xlsx
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- ODR&R Data Analytics Product and Support Services Federal contract opportunity
- Solicitation number
- 73351024R0015
- Issued by
- Small Business Administration
About this file
This document contains comments on a draft Request for Quotes (RFQ) for a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) for Disaster Recovery, Mitigation, Policy, and Data Analytics Support Services. The key details are:
The BPA will be issued as a 100% small business set-aside, with the intent to make a single award to a woman-owned small business. The required services include incident management support, technical assistance materials development, and analytical support to inform decision-making processes for disaster recovery efforts. The work is expected to be unclassified. Respondents questioned whether the solicitation should be a woman-owned small business set-aside rather than a total small business set-aside. Feedback was provided on the labor categories, evaluation factors, past performance requirements, and the expected level of effort for the tasks. The government indicated this will be a multiple award BPA.
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Q&A Technical Solicitation RFQ-73351024Q0007 Disaster Recovery, Mitigation, Policy, and Data Analytics Support Services Comments on the RFQ ONLY
| REFERENCE | ||||||
| Question No. | RFP Attachment No. | Page | Section | Para. | COMMENTS | Response |
| 1 | Task Order 1 PWS | 2 | 3. Training | 2 | "Characteristics similar to the University of Virginia..."--- can you please clarify what is meant by this paragraph? Can you provide more specific information? | The brand name or equivalent characteristics listed are required in order to accomplish the TO (including delivery of leading training and education solutions for data visualization and geospatial analysis). |
| 2 | BPA solicitation | 43 | 4 | Is there a requirement for the prime contractor to have a facility clearance? | All contract personnel working onsite or with SBA equipment/systems will be required to clear personnel security suitability. All work is unclassified so a facility clearance is not necessary. | |
| 3 | BPA solicitation | 16 | 2.4 | all | If you keep the labor categories in the RFQ, would you be able to add "or equivalent" after every years of experience? Currently, this statement is in the SME (#3) LCAT but not in the others. This is particular important when it comes to technical staff. Some of the best tech staff in the world don't have college degrees. | Defer to DART | The provided labor categories and qualifications are those determined by the government to be relevant to the subject agreement. The contractor may propose additional labor categories as appropriate. |
| 4 | BPA solicitation | 10 | 2.3.7 | Is the awardee expected to have all SMEs available or does SBA have some of this expertise (either in-house or under other contracts) avaialble to augment? | Awardee is expected to have all SMEs available. | |
| 5 | BPA solicitation | 8, 11 | 2.3.4, 2.3.9 | Can 2.3.4 and 2.3.9 be merged or consolidated? They appear to be very similar. | No, they are distinct tasks. | |
| 6 | BPA solicitation | 5-16 | 2.3 | all | In general, we need some workload data to accuratly gauge the level of effort. For example, sections 2.3.8 and 2.3.9 -- how many times/events shall we anticipate? However, the question applies to all of the tasks. If the bid will only require LCATs and rates/LCAT then workload data would not be required. | LCATs and LCAT rates are the only bid information required. However, for planning purposes, the utilization of contract support for 2.3.8 (as an example) is likely driven by more complex and catasrophic incidents occurring nationwide. |
| 7 | BPA solicitation | 75 | 6.6 | (b) | How can the bidder recommend a total price without workload data (for each task/subtask within 2.3)? | LCATs and LCAT rates are the only bid information required. However, for planning purposes, the utilization of contract support for 2.3.8 (as an example) is likely driven by more complex and catasrophic incidents occurring nationwide. |
| 8 | A01 | 7 | 2.3.3 | 1 | What software tools are currently being used by the SBA? | Defer to DART | SBA utilizes a number of leading platforms and technologies -- please refer to the non-exhaustive list(s)/summary(ies) in the supporting NOTES of the subject TO. |
| 9 | A01 | 7 | 2.3.3 | 1 | Does the SBA prefer any specific software tools? | Defer to DART | See, previous. |
| 10 | BPA-SOW | 78 | 6.8.1 | With the level of detail required for technical approach to encompass 16 tasks in the BPA, TO 1, a QCP, and a transition-in plan, would the government consider extending the page limit to 30 pages? | Defer to contracting | |
| 11 | A01 | 16-18 | 2.4 | In order to promote more competition and participation of small business, we believe it would be best practice to allow for substitution of 1 year of experience for 1 year of education for all labor categories to provide the government with the broadest pool of qualified contractor personnel. Many times, employees who have had experience in their field, have a wealth of knowledge, but do not have college degrees. Allowing substitutions would benefit the government. | Defer to DART | Noted. | |
| 12 | A01 | 78 | 6.8.1 | 2 | We recommend that the draft Quality Control Plan (QCP) and draft Transition-In Plan be excluded from the 25 page limit for the technical approach. | Defer to contracting |
| 13 | BPA | 6 of 82 | 2.3.2 | 1, 2 | It would be helpful for SBA to name any specific tools (by trade name) that it has standardized use of internally supporting this scope of work. This will be helpful for bidder's staffing and pricing decisions, and will help SBA transition-in disaster response teams on short notice. | Defer to DART | SBA utilizes a number of leading platforms/technologies -- please refer to the non-exhaustive list(s)/summary(ies) in the supporting NOTES at TO 1. |
| 14 | BPA | 6 of 82 | 2.3.2 | 1, 2 | The phrase at the beginning ("The vendor must provide") could be clarified as to whether this refers to (a) the software itself, (b) the installation, maintenance and administration, and/or (c) use of the tool for any specific use cases. The list of coverage for Expert Products Support (paragraph 2) has vary broad elements ("analysis", "design", "cybersecurity") that suggests this requirement is not requiring such support staff to necessarily be on staff, but that the vendor can obtain such personnel on short order within the set labor categories. This may cause difficulties in bidding. Is this what was intended? | Defer to DART | See, previous. See also, TO 1 for additional details Re: Expert Products Support, Expert Services Support, and Training & Education for ongoing Data Analytics, Spatial Analysis, and GIS Mapping. |
| 15 | 1 | 1 | Background | 2 | The draft has three activities that the SBA can consieer separating or minimally the GIS portion. GIS and having AI skills can be two very separate types of skills and focus for small and/or large firms. See: "Expert Services Support, and Training & Education for ongoing Data Analytics, Spatial Analysis, and GIS Mapping as indicated below." | Defer to DART | Noted. |
| 16 | BPA SOW | 78 | 6.8.1 | 2 | Would the Government Consider allowing 25 pages for technical and then 5 -7 pages for the Staffing Plan for a total of 30 to 32 pages? The SOW tasks take up 11 pages and most have multiple subtask areas to address. This would allow for 2 to 2 and 1/4 pages for each task area. Then a stand along section for the staffing plan which has several bullets to address. | 30 pages |
| 17 | BPA SOW | 12 | 2.3.10 | The SOW states training with engagement in preparedness and mitigation activities to enhance resilience is needed. Can the government elaborate on the expected number of training and level of detail expected for the small business and homeowner audience? | This is idenfied at the Task Order Level | |
| 18 | BPA SOW | 14 | 2.3.10 | As a new overall strategic plan is presented for the Agency (current plan goes through FY26), how is this expected to impact the requested strategic plan for ODRR? | The strategic planning requirement is for how ODRR will strategically implement the Agency-level goals and objectives. | |
| 19 | BPA SOW | 1 | 1 | What specific concepts, strategies, and subsets of AI applications is SBA currently using? | This is defined at the Task Order Level| Please refer to the non-exhaustive list(s)/summary(ies) in the supporting Footnotes indicated in TO 1. | |
| 20 | BPA SOW | 1 | 2 | Is the Government looking to improve current interactive products or build new interactive products? Or both? | Defined at the Task Order Level | SBA utilizes a number of leading platforms and technologies -- including interactive products -- please refer to the non-exhaustive list(s)/summary(ies) in the supporting Footnotes indicated in TO 1. | |
| 21 | BPA SOW | 2 | 3 | Can the SBA please provide a list of Commercial Off the Shelf tools that are approved and available for use at the SBA for this contract? | Reference comment on Line Item 23, question 20 | |
| 22 | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a | In the spirit of ensuring desired impact and outcomes with this BPA, and to avoid the risk of unwarranted change orders and modifications for excessive staffing, as an FFP BPA: (1) Would SBA consider adding a discrete management approach section (for offerors to share their staffing approach)? (2) Would SBA consider adding requirements and intended outcomes for solutions (e.g., for data analytics products / services)? | The BPA is going to be hybrid meaning that the Task Order(s) can be either Labor Hour with fixed labor rates, Firm Fixed Price or Time and Materials | (1) Yes; Under consideration. (2) The ODRR mission includes inherent risks of uncertainty, unforeseeable needs, and/or other widely varying requirements requiring robust, high-reliability technical implementations, frequent low-notice, short-turn-around, and high-impact deliverables (See, TO 1 -- including supporting NOTES -- for further details). |
| 23 | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a | Can SBA consider adding task areas relating to improving survivor experience and CX to reflect key ODR&R priorities in the SBA strategic plan and in alignment with E.O. 14058 ? | Yes, SBA is in compliance of the Executive Order |
The agency’s strategic plan for FYs 2022-26 -- including all subject task areas:
1. Ensure equitable and customer-centric design and delivery of programs to support small businesses and innovative startups
2. Build resilient businesses and a sustainable economy
3. Implement strong stewardship of resources for greater impact
| 24 | TO1 | All | 4-Jan | 4-Jan | Can the government clarify its expectations aound the expected level of effort for each task area under TO1? As currently written the descriptions are at a high-level without an adequate description of the frequency of each activity listed under each task in sections 1-4. This additional level of detail is necessary to allow bidders to effectively price TO1 from a common point of understanding. | The Government specified in Task Order 1 the requirements needed in order to accomplish the necessary work identified in TO 1 | SBA encourages innovation and the best value to the government in the use of leading platforms and technologies to advance data-to-actionable insights. Please refer to TO 1 -- including all non-exhaustive list(s)/summary(ies) in the supporting NOTES -- in calculating best bid. |
| 25 | We recommend that to ensure the highest quality of standards in delivery, Government requires the bidders to be CMMI SVC Level 3, and ISO 9001 certified | Noted. | ||||
| 26 | 1. The draft has three activities that the SBA can consider separating or minimally the GIS portion. GIS and having AI skills can be two very separate types of skills and focus for small and/or large firms. See: "Expert Services Support, and Training & Education for ongoing Data Analytics, Spatial Analysis, and GIS Mapping as indicated below." | GIS is identified under BPA Paragraph 2.3.3. Data Analytics Expert Services Support which is a discreet task| See, below. | ||||
| -- RE: GIS Skills |
Several vendor-neutral forums and consortiums in government, industry, and academia offer helpful resources including: i. the GIS&T Body of Knowledge (including topics such as Foundational Concepts, Computing Platforms, Programming & Development, Data Management, Cartography & Visualization, and GIST & Society); ii. The Federal Geographic Data Committee’s Lexicon of Geospatial Terminology[1]; iii. the Geospatial Data Act[2]; iv. GSA’s GIS Standards[3]; and v. EPA’s Geospatial Policies and Standards[4].
-- RE: AI Skills See, Exec. Order No. 14110, 88 FR 75191 (2023), At pp. 75191-75226 (36 pages); available at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/11/01/2023-24283/safe-secure-and-trustworthy-development-and-use-of-artificial-intelligence .
| NOTES: |
| [1] https://www.fgdc.gov/policyandplanning/a-16/lexicon-of-geospatial-terminology |
| [2] https://www.fgdc.gov/gda |
| [3] https://www.gsa.gov/real-estate/design-and-construction/geographic-information-systems |
| [4] https://www.epa.gov/geospatial/geospatial-policies-and-standards |
SOLICITATION NO. N40084-12-R-6500
PROJECT TITLE/LOCATION:
GOVERNMENT PRE PROPOSAL INQUIRY FORM
Contracting Solicitation RFQ-73351024Q0007 Disaster Recovery, Mitigation, Policy, and Data Analytics Support Services Comments on the RFQ ONLY
| REFERENCE | ||||||
| Question No. | RFP Attachment No. | Page | Section | Para. | COMMENTS | Response |
| 1 | Solicitation RFQ-73351024Q0007 | 2 | 1.1 | 1 | For the RFP, clarification as to whether the awarded must be a Woman-Owned Small Business? "SBA intends on issuing a single award Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 8.405-3. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this BPA is 541611, “Business management consulting services.” This is a Woman-Owned Small Business award. This acquisition is conducted under the authority of FAR 8.405- 6(a)(1)(A)." Will SBA be open to a prime being something other than a woman-owned small business? | This was a "draft" and it was also stated that sections were subject to change based upon responses received |
| 2 | Solicitation RFQ-73351024Q0007 | 1 | On p. 1 of 7 of the main RFQ doc the box checked says "is NOT a small business set aside" yet the other documents state that it is a 100% small business set aside. Please clarify. | Reference question 1 response | ||
| 3 | BPA solicitation | 2 | 1.1 | 1 | Is there going to be special consideration for SDVOSB/VOSB certified businesses as SBA now runs that program? (Meaning, could a VOSB Prime this contract or can a prime get additional points if they put a VOSB as a subcontractor?) | Reference question 1 response |
| 4 | We request this procurement be changed to a Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) set-aside. FAR 19.203 Relationship Among Small Business Programs states in part, |
c. Above the simplified acquisition threshold. For acquisitions of supplies or services that have an anticipated dollar value exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold definition at 2.101, the contracting officer shall first consider an acquisition for the small business socioeconomic contracting programs (i.e., 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, or WOSB programs) before considering a small business set-aside (see 19.502-2(b)).
(d) In determining which socioeconomic program to use for an acquisition, the contracting officer should consider, at a minimum-
(1) Results of market research that was done to determine if there are socioeconomic firms capable of satisfying the agency’s requirement; and
(2) Agency progress in fulfilling its small business goals
| In accordance with SBA’s website, to help provide a level playing field for women business owners, the government limits competition for certain contracts to businesses that participate in the Women Owned Small Business Program. These contracts are for specific industries where women-owned small businesses are substantially underrepresented. SBA maintains a list of those eligible industries and their North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes. Congress requires SBA to conduct a study every five years to identify industries in which small businesses owned and controlled by women are underrepresented in the Federal marketplace. In accordance with the most recent study, NAICS 541611 Administrative Management & General Management Consulting Services is listed as being underrepresented in the Federal marketplace. According to the most recent study, there is a pool of 731 WOSBs with NAICS 541611 who may be eligible to submit a proposal. It is recommended that the government issue this requirement as a Woman-Owned Small Business Set Aside which will help the federal government, including SBAs WOSB goals, of reaching its goal to award 5% of all prime and subcontracting dollars to WOSBs. | Reference question 1 response | ||||||
| 5 | A01 | 2-Jan | 1.1 | 1, 2 | The cover page states "This is a notice that the resultant contract is for a 100% Total Small Business set-aside". The second paragraph on page 2 section 1.1. states "This is a Woman-Owned Small Business award." We encourage the Government to consider Total Small Business as a solicitation to only WOSB will limit the number of viable proposals. If the government intends to issue this solicitation as a Total Small Business set-aside we recommend using a vehicle like Oasis Small Business Pool 2 to limit the number of responses received by the government. There are 36 reputable firms on OASIS SB Pool 2. | Reference question 1 response | |
| 6 | SF 18 | 1 | checked box - is not a small business set-aside. | Reference question 1 response | |||
| 7 | BPA | 1 | 100% Small Business | Reference question 1 response | |||
| 8 | BPA | 2 | 1.1 | Woman-Owned Small Business | Reference question 1 response | ||
| 9 | SF 18 | 1 | The Task Order 1 PWS is not listed as an attachment. | Reference question 1 response | |||
| 10 | TO 1 | 1-5 | The Task Order 1 PWS is not listed as an attachment. | Reference question 1 response | |||
| 11 | SF 18 | 2-Jan | Attachment numbers do not match up with the BPA Solicitation document | Reference question 1 response | |||
| 12 | BPA | Attachment numbers do not match up with the SF 18 | Reference question 1 response | ||||
| 13 | 1 | 1 | Cover page | n/a | Can SBA please specify if this is a WOSB set-aside or small business set-aside opportunity? | Reference question 1 response | |
| 14 | BPA SOW | 2 | 1.1 | The second paragraph identifies this requirement as a “Woman-Owned Small Business award.” However, the remainder of the document references the requirement as a Total Small Business set-aside/award. Can the Government please confirm this is a Woman Owned Small Business set aside? | Reference question 1 response | ||
| 15 | 4 | 1 | SF18 | 1 | The cover letter indicates this is not a small business set aside | Reference question 1 response | |
| 16 | 3 | 2 | 1.1 | 2 | The language indicates this is a 100% woman owned small business set aside although the cover page indicates this is a small business set aside. | Reference question 1 response | |
| 17 | Is this solicitation full and open, small business set-aside, woman-owned set-aside, or some combination thereof? | Reference question 1 response | |||||
| 18 | A01 | 2 | 1.1 | The SOW indicates that this is a Woman-Owned Small Business award, while the Draft Sources Sought announcement on the GSA platform states "small business set-aside." We would encourage the "small business set aside" to remain, so that it is expanded to all small businesses, in order to promote more small business participation and competition. | Reference question 1 response | ||
| 19 | A01 Draft BPA SOW | 2 | 1 | 1.1 | 1.1 states that this is "This is a Woman-Owned Small Business award." However, the cover page to this document, Section 1.4 and section 6.2 all state that this is for "a 100% Total Small Business set aside." Can the government clarify whether this soliciation will be a WOSB set aside? | Reference question 1 response | |
| 20 | BPA | 2 of 82 | 1.1 | 2 | Page 2 of the RFQ states "This is a Woman-Owned Small Business award." We recommend SBA provide consistency in the award intention througout the documents and clarify that on the SF1449 and section 1.4 of the SOW. | Reference question 1 response | |
| 21 | ALL | All | All | ALL | Would to Government consider inserting the HUBZone Price Adjustment clause FAR 52.219-4 for this solicitation? | No | |
| 22 | BPA-SOW | 74 | 6.2 | RFQ Set Aside | Please delete this sentence “However, other appropriate NAICS codes and PSCs may apply.” 541611 is an appropriate NAICS code for the entire Statement of Work provided. If this sentence cannot be deleted, please identify the other NAICS codes and PSCs that can apply to this BPA. | Removed | |
| 23 | 74 | 6.2 | "However, other appropriate NAICS codes and PSCs may apply" | Removed | |||
| 24 | 1 | 2 | 1.1 | n/a | Can SBA indicate whether they will add a large business track or if they intend to release a separate solicitation for a large business BPA? | There will not be a large business BPA as it has been shown that a small business can accomplish the work | |
| 25 | BPA | 2 of 82 | 1.4 | 1 | Given the stated size of the procurement ($90 million as noted in Secion 1.9), we recommend that this be a multi-award BPA, not the single award as stated. There are fundamental incompatibilities between (a) the large size relative to the 561411 NAICS size standard, (b) the small business set aside requirement, and (c) the wide range of anticipated services and short turnaround task potential involved in disaster work. A single award at size and scope gives the impression that this procurement is aimed at a large firm using a small firm as a prime. | This will be a multiple award which will be set aside for small business with a possible economic specific category that has been performing these services. This is an estimate only, this does not mean the Government will utilize the entire $90M | |
| 26 | 1/3/00 | 2 | 1.1 | 2 | We believe that in order to promote small business utilization, to provide capacity, redundancy and value, that the SBA should conisder making more than one award as a small business set aside. | It will be a multiple award | |
| 27 | BPA | 26 | 2.22 | "3. not for the establishment of this BPA" Does this mean a SB cannot create a SB CTA for the BPA? That any Team put together for the BPA must be a SB Prime with Subcontractors only? "BPA Holders" are mentioned in the text. Is there any intent to make this a multiple-award solicitation? What does "BPA-level CTA" mentioned later in the section refer to? | You can have a teaming arraingment at the Task Order level, not the BPA level as the contract is at the TO level. |
This will be a multiple award Corrected BPA Level CTA to Task Order
| 28 | BPA solicitation | It is unclear if you intend to make a single award to a single vendor/team OR if you intend to make multiple awards to multiple vendors/teams. | This will be a multiple award | |||
| 29 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Is this a new requirement by SBA or a recompeition of existing work (either an existing BPA or a consolidation of requirements being performed under multiple vehicles). If it is existing work who is the incumbent(s)? | Recompete under a single award BPA |
| 30 | BPA solicitation | 5 | 2.3 | If the intent is (or changes to) include having multiple awardees, can a bidder bid on just one Task Area (within the solicitation section 2.3) or does the bidder have to bid on all the Tasks to qualify? | The vendor must have the capabilites to perform all tasks at the BPA Level | |
| 31 | BPA solicitation | It is unclear if an award will be made to qualified vendor(s) who meet some capabilities or if all capabilities must be met by a single vendor. | They must meet all capabilities | |||
| 32 | Solicitation RFQ-73351024Q0007 | 1 | 11 | Throughout the documents it is stated that this will be a single award yet it also appears that there will be competition at the task order level. Can you clarify the intent? | Under Paragraph 3.13 BPA Order Procedures are the steps involved at the Task Order level that are required in order to establish that TO which the vendor is requested to provide additional discounts from the BPA pricing (the additional discounts are not required but requested since the BPA pricing flows to the TO's) | |
| 33 | BPA-SOW | 33 | 3.10.3 | Most Favored Customer | We recommend deleting this section in compliance with GSA rules and regulations. GSA Schedule holders are allowed to discount to other government entities without penalty of compliance with a Most Favored Customer clause. We agree that pricing will be complete, fair, and reasonable and offer our most competitive rates with discounts. | Removed |
| 34 | BPA solicitation | 16 | 2.4 | all | Regarding the labor category requirements. Is it possible to remove these requirements and use the labor categories in of the individiual bidders' MAS schedule? Not all labor categories (across companies) are the same in terms of names, requirements, etc. While we can do our best to show a roadmap between our MAS schedule LCATS, they will likely not be exact. | The cross reference is provided in the pricing sheet |
| 35 | BPA solicitation | 33 | 3.10.2 | 1 | Our GSA MAS includes a small escalation every year. Can we assume that this GSA MAS schedule escalation is acceptable? If not, this could negatively impact our GSA schedule. | The MAS will be adhered to and it is anticipated that the vendors will escalate the out years |
| 36 | 33 | 3 | 10.2 | In section 3.10.2 it states "Prices are set at the Blanket Purchase Agreement level for the entire period of performance. Prices must not escalate and are not subject to upward adjustment during the term of this Blanket Purchase Agreement without approval of the Contracting Officer." |
| Given ongoing rise in inflation as well as labor costs, would the government consider providing the opportunity for reasonable adjustments in labor rates? | The vendor is expected to escalate the out years based on there schedule | ||||||
| 37 | BPA-SOW | 75 | 6.6 | Submission of Quotes | Recommend revising the evaluation criteria to say that technical and price volumes are evaluated where technical evaluation factors 1, 2 and 3 when combined are significantly more important than Factor 4 Price. As technically rated proposals become more equal, price may become the determining factor in the award decision. | Changed | |
| 38 | BPA-SOW | 75 | 6.6 | 2 | The listed non-price factors include Factor 1, Technical Approach for the BPA, and Task Order 1, Factor 2, Hiring and Retention, and Factor 3, Past Performance. The following sentence states: "The four (4) technical factors listed above and past performance, when combined, are equal, when compared to price." Will the government please correct the language on page 75 to reference (3) technical factors? | Corrected | |
| 39 | BPA solicitation | 75 | 6.6 | (a) | There are only three factors listed but in the sentence that follows it states that there are "four (4) technical factors..." Please clarify. Pg. 78-79 only includes three factors as well. | Corrected | |
| 40 | BPA-SOW | 79 | 6.8.1 | Factor 3 | Request the Government provide the definition of a major subcontractor. | Removed "Major" as that is part of the DFARS which SBA does not follow | |
| 41 | BPA solicitation | 79 | Factor 3 | Factor 3 | In the fifth paragraph it looks like two separate throughts were merged. It appears the first sentence should be a stand alone statement/requirement. Does that reference to the "identification of subcontractors" fit in this section? | Yes | |
| 42 | BPA-SOW | 79 | 6.8.1 | Factor 3 Past Performance | It is recommended to adjust the past performance referenced contracts requirement from projects that "must have started within the last three (3) years" to "ongoing or completed within the last three (3) years." | Change made | |
| 43 | BPA-SOW | 79 | 6.8.1 | Factor 3 Past Performance | Recommend that past performance reference contracts be limited to only those from the small business prime contractor. | No it can be any subcontractor | |
| 44 | BPA solicitation | 79 | Factor 3 | Factor 3 | In the fourth paragraph it states "...within the same Schedule and SIN..." What if we use a commerical client as a past performance? The work is related but commercial clients don't use these terms. | The Government can permit commerical past performance. Added commerical services | |
| 45 | 1 | 79 | 6.8.1 | n/a | Can SBA consider allowing WOSB, SBA-certified MPJVs to bid as prime for the BPA if both JV partners are on GSA SIN 541611 (but the actual JV is not a SIN schedule holder)? | Depending on how this is being solicited | |
| 46 | BPA | SIN and NAISC code references. Page 79 restricts past performance to only the same Schedule and SIN. Some contracts with other Schedules and SINs include similar types of work. Suggest any contract that can be referenced with similar work be allowed for submission. | Corrected | ||||
| 47 | BPA-SOW | 75 | 6.6 | b Options | As the award will be a BPA, the evaluation of offerors is listed as "adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement." As this is a BPA, a rate card would likely be used for price evaluation. It is recommended that the Government evaluate the quoted prices for reasonableness based on existing GSA schedules. | A rate card is not being utilized to determine fair and reasonable pricing | |
| 48 | Task Order 1 PWS | 2 | 3. Training | 2 | "Characteristics similar to the University of Virginia..."--- can you please clarify what is meant by this paragraph? Can you provide more specific information? | The characteristics listed below are required in order to accomplish the TO, the Univeristy of Virginia currently provides this services. | |
| 49 | TO 1 | if a response to Task Order 1 PWS - Data Analytics Support will be required during proposal submission, and if so, how it will be factored into the evalution criteria. | Based on the technical response on how TO 1 is going to be performed | ||||
| 50 | BPA-SOW | 81 | 6.8.2 | Please confirm how TO 1, Attachment 4 will be evaluated. | 1. Describe in detail, the methodology for successfully performing and accomplishing the tasks in this PWS and Attachment 2 – Initial Task Order, including but not limited to, all means methods, processes, procedures, and timeline it will use to accomplish the work, how the services will meet the technical requirements. | ||
| 51 | BPA | 19 | 2.4 | last | "The only resumes and letters of commitments that will be provided at the BPA Level will be the Project Manager, Senior Consultant and Subject Matter Expert." Understand the requirement at the Task Order level. Are there Key Personnel requirements at the BPA level? | The only resumes and letters of commitments that will be provided at the BPA Level will be the Project Manager, Senior Consultant and Subject Matter Expert. | |
| 52 | BPA | 24 | 2.18 | Are Transition Plans focused on the Task Orders? Is there a requirement for transition in and out at the BPA level. Timelines may not fit with an overall BPA-level staffing. | The BPA Level | ||
| 53 | BPA | 34 | 3.12.2 | Section A referenced for BPA General Terms and Conditions. Is this Section 4 of the BPA? | Section 4 is Local Terms and Conditions | ||
| 54 | BPA | 75 | 6.6 | Technical Volume Factor 1 is for the BPA and Task Order 1. Should the Task Order 1 be a separate submission that follows the Section 3 BPA Ordering Guide for task orders? That format includes different criteria versus the BPA submission. | The contractor will provide a technical for the BPA and a technical for TO 1 | ||
| 55 | 79 | 6.8.1 | Factor 3 | "The period of performance of the referenced contracts must have started within the last three (3) years and must be contracts performed within the same Schedule and SIN, with similar scope and complexity, as this requirement." | Corrected | ||
| 56 | BPA | 79 | 6.8.1 | Factor 3 | "The period of performance of the referenced contracts must have started within the last three (3) years and must be contracts performed within the same Schedule and SIN, with similar scope and complexity, as this requirement." For 2 years, COVID restictions impacted many programs with delays or extensions. Suggest allowing past performance within at least five (5) tears be allowed. | it will remain at 3 years to be most recent, 5 years is to long to go back and the vendor may not be performing the services since 5 years ago | |
| 57 | BPA | 79 | 6.8.1 | Factor 2.4 | "4. The staffing plan must include resumes for key personnel, commitment letters from key personnel, and a description of the current personnel resources, which identifies all the position/labor categories that will be available." Is this intended for the task order level? If not, what are the key positions at the BPA-level? | The TO level will identify the personnel that will flow down from the BPA | |
| 58 | BPA SOW | 19 | 2.4 | Last one | The only resumes and letters of commitments that will be provided at the BPA Level will be the Project Manager, Senior Consultant and Subject Matter Expert. Q: If the key personnel are currently employed with the offeror, does the Government still want letters of commitment? | Yes | |
| 59 | BPA | 75 | 6.6 | 3 factors identified in the bullets followed by the statement "The four (4) technical factors listed above and past performance, when combined, are equal, when compared to price. " Is there a fourth factor? | Referance | ||
| 60 | BPA | 77 | 6.7.c | Technical Quote requirements lists (1) through (6). (5) is missing. | Corrected | ||
| 61 | BPA SOW | 32 | 3.6 | 1 | Can the Government please provide the rest of the information here: 3.6.1 BPA Structure | ||
| This BPA is organized in two major segments: (this is blank in the SOW) | Corrected | ||||||
| 62 | BPA SOW | 33 | 3.9.1 Catalog | 1 | Can the Government please update this section or clarify what they would like the contractor to do regarding shredding and recycling? This looks like it may be a carryover from another proposal: 3.9.1 Catalog | ||
| The Contractor must make available to all authorized users of this Agreement the services required to provide recycling & shredding support. | If it is required then the contractor will provide recycling and shredding support | ||||||
| 63 | BPA SOW | 78 | 6.8.1 | Eval Factor | Would the Government consider allowing the QCP to be part of an appendix and not count towards page count? | Yes | |
| 64 | |||||||
| 65 | BPA SOW | 82 | 6.8.2 | Section 1.4 indicates best value, but the text in this section asserts that SBA/Government “may use any price analysis technique(s) as it deems appropriate." Can the Government please confirm this is a best value tradeoff? | Best value | ||
| 66 | BPA SOW | 74 | 6.2 | Can the government provide other NAICS codes or PSCs that may be used at the Task Order Level? | the BPA information flows to the TO level | ||
| 67 | 1 | 81 | 6.8.2 | n/a | Can SBA confirm that subcontractors may include their GSA approved rate cards on SIN 541611 as alternate rate cards? | No | |
| 68 | 1 | 79-80 | 6.8.1 | n/a | Can SBA confirm that past performance can be submitted for all teaming partners (including all sub-contractors)? | Yes | |
| 69 | A01 Draft BPA SOW | 79 | 6 | 6.8.1 | Factor 3 states that: "The period of performance of the referenced contracts must have started within the last three (3) years and must be contracts performed within the same Schedule and SIN, with similar scope and complexity, as this requirement." |
| Would the government consider changing the undelined language above to "referenced contracts must have period of performance within the last five years and must be..."? As currently written the requirement is restrictive and this revised language will allow bidders to demonstrate a broader level of past performance and provide a more comprehensive understanding of each bidder's capabilities. | No it will remain at 3 years | ||||||
| 70 | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a | In the spirit of bringing the best of industry to this opportunity, would SBA consider requiring commercial past performance for RFQ responses, especially considering the emphasis in the BPA on understanding the U.S. small business ecosystem? | Yes | |
| 71 | 1 | 16-18 | 2.4 | n/a | Can SBA confirm key personnel requirements? Is it 3 key personnel (i.e., PM, Sr. Consultant, SME) or 12 requirements across all listed Labor categories ? | 3 | |
| 72 | A01 Draft BPA SOW | 16-19 | 2 | 2.4 | In Section 2.4 the Project Manager is the only Labor Category marked as Key Personnel in the title. However, on Page 19 the SOW states that "The only resumes and letters of commitments that will be provided at the BPA Level will be the Project Manager, Senior Consultant and Subject Matter Expert." Is the Senior Consultant and the Subject Matter Expert also required to be Key Personnel at the BPA level? | Yes | |
| 73 | TO1 | 4 | 8 | 8.a | The TO requires a Senior Project Manager as Key Personnel for TO1, however, this is not a defined labor category in the BPA. Did the government intend to require "Project Manager" instead? If so, can this individual be the same key personnel as the Project manager at the BPA level? | Change to Project Manager | |
| 74 | TO1 | 4 | 8 | All | Are the three labor categories listed the only three categories bidders may use in their proposal and staffing for TO1? Based on the nature of the tasks, other BPA LCATGS may be applicable such as the Senior/Junior GIS Consultants? | The contractor will have the opportunity to provide additional labor categories at the TO level | |
| 75 | BPA solicitation | 76 | 6.7 | b. | This paragraph references a "SOW". Is this the "Task Order 1 PWS" document? | Both documents, corrected to indicate both documents | |
| 76 | BPA solicitation | 72 | (d)(1) and (d)(2) | Can you clarify the intent of these two paragraphs? | The vendor is required to respond if they will be providing telecommunications or not, if not then the vendor will mark "No" This is a requirement per FAR | ||
| 77 | BPA solicitation | 78 | 6.8.1 | 1 | What is Attachment 2? Is that the same as the "Task Order 1 PWS" document? | Attachment 2 is Task Order 1 | |
| 78 | BPA | 32 | 3.6.1 | Two major segments mentioned. What are they? | Corrected | ||
| 79 | BPA | 12-14 | 2.3 | Section numbering is off beginning after Section 2.3.10. Is the total number of sub-tasks 16? | Corrected | ||
| 80 | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | Can SBA please consider including oral presentations and high-tech, interactive artifacts as part of the overall proposal process to equip SBA with the best fact base for selecting a long-term team of partners? | No | |
| 81 | BPA solicitation | 81 | 6.8.2 | 4th paragraph | We couldn't find these attachments (3 and 4) in the draft RFQ documents. Did we miss these? | The pricing sheet was not part of the review | |
| 82 | 1 | 2.2 | n/a | Can SBA confirm that current SBA contractors serving on loan disbursement or digital engagements over the last three years are prohibited from participating in the BPA? | They are not prohibited from proposing on this action | ||
| 83 | 1 | 25 | n/a | n/a | Can SBA confirm if there is an incumbent contractor for the task areas in the draft RFQ? | J&M Global Solutions LLC | |
| 84 | Is there an incumbent currently providing the services specified in this BPA solicitation or Task Order 1? | J&M Global Solutions LLC | |||||
| 85 | A01 | 5 | 2.3 | 1 | Are there timeframes for the deliverab les mentioned in the tasks? | This will be identified at the task order level |
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .