BAA Questions and Answers - final.docx

BAA 0002-21 - Amendment I October 12, 2021 Question and Answers

Question 1: Will the Government consider releasing this IDIQ with Firm Fixed Price task orders considering some of the scope and resulting projects can be performed by companies solely providing commercial services in a Firm Fixed price engagement?

We believe the Government has the opportunity to define clear deliverables based on measurable results as required in the BAA. FAR 12.207 and OMB guidance restricts the use of cost-type contracts to circumstances where requirements are not clear enough to allow for a fixed-price contract or uncertainties regarding the requirements or performance do not permit costs to be estimated with sufficient accuracy to use any type of fixed-price contract. We can provide examples of commercial projects related to this scope in our white paper should the Government allow for Firm Fixed Price task orders.

Answer:

In accordance with the BAA, “The Government intends to award cost-type IDIQ contracts under this BAA and cost-type definitive contracts for vendors who are not awarded IDIQ’s. Cost-type contracts include cost-reimbursement (FAR 16.302), Cost-sharing (FAR 16.303), or cost-plus fixed fee (FAR 16.306). Proposals based on any other type of contract may NOT be considered. However, the Government reserves the right to award another type of contract at its sole discretion.”

Question 2: I have two questions as there is conflicting information in the documentation:

1. Correct due date: Documentation mentions both Oct 15 & 18. Which is correct?

1. What is the correct page count on the technical proposal? The documentation mentions both 15 & 20 pages maximum.

Answer: The closing date of the BAA is October 18, 2021. The maximum number of pages allowed for the technical proposal is 20 pages.

Question 3: Page 10, "Volume I – Technical Proposals" states in the first bullet that "one hard copy" of the proposal is required, in addition to an electronic submission. Given the difficulties of travel and uncertainty of courier and delivery services during the continuing challenges of the pandemic, would the government omit the requirement for a hard copy submission and accept electronic-only submissions?

Answer: Electronic copies will be accepted. The requirement for hard copies is a typo; this will be corrected in the forthcoming amendment.

Question 4: Page 7, top, affirms the DLA’s commitment to small businesses; are any awards to be set aside for small businesses?

Answer: BAA’s are unrestricted acquisitions. While no awards will be set aside specifically for small businesses, proposals are accepted from small businesses and depending on the proposal value, a small business subcontracting plan must be submitted by large businesses for review. Section 5 of the BAA explains in further detail.

Question 5: How many awards are planned for this BAA?

Answer: There are no set number of awards planned. All, some, or none of the proposals submitted may be awarded.

Question 6: Page 18, Part 1 – Overview, item b. Accounting System references inclusion of “a description of the accounting system proposed for this research and a copy of accounting system approval from Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) or the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).” Will a third-party auditor’s approval letter suffice to meet this requirement?

Answer: Resulting awards would be routed through DCAA for auditing purposes. They would also process interim invoices. DCAA would not be able to utilize audits performed by third parties to complete this process.

Question 7: Based on the response to our question #6 regarding the DCAA audit, we are still not certain whether an approved accounting system is required to be eligible for an award or if the DCAA will audit contractor accounting systems after award. Could you please let us know if not having a DCAA audit prior to submission of our proposal disqualifies us from consideration?

Answer: An approved accounting system is required prior to award. If a vendor submits a proposal and the cost analyst finds it hasn’t been approved by DCAA, they will coordinate with DCAA and ask them perform a Pre-award Survey of the prospective contractor’s accounting system. The process can take some time but it doesn’t automatically exclude a vendor from receiving a cost contract (unless the approval is not granted).

Question 8: Page 21, Section 8, states "After the initial IDIQ contracts have been awarded the Government intends to issue an amendment to reopen this BAA to allow IDIQ awardees and other offerors to submit White Papers for consideration." QUESTION: If “other offerors” not receiving an IDIQ award are allowed to submit White Papers the same as IDIQ awardees, can you please clarify what the Government sees as the advantage of IDIQ proposal submissions?

Answer: IDIQ’s are useful in situations where the Program Office decides they would like to expand an existing project or explore a topic in which a research candidate has experience/expertise. The use of IDIQ’s also helps to streamline the procurement process resulting in greater efficiency.

Question 9: Is a Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) document available that industry can review?

Answer: No, there is no FAQ document available regarding the subject BAA.

Question 10: Section 1 invites innovative solutions for “Technical Data Management Transformation (TDMT) and supply chain resilience.” QUESTION: Does this interest extend to TDMT and optimizing supply chain performance for medical equipment and supplies?

Answer: The DLIR PM stated the following:

For DLIR program, TDMT is narrowly focused on Class IX items. However, SCM Program can entertain supply chain optimization/resilience of medical equipment supplies.