ProTech Oceans 2.0 Questions and Answers.pdf

ProTech Oceans 2.0 Questions and Answers

1. Will traditional teaming be allowed on the contract?

Traditional teaming will be allowed.

2. C.3.1.11 was not included in google form. As detailed in the additional information that we have attached to this response, please consider changing the NAICS code assigned to the Oceans Domain to NAICS 541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences

As of right now, NAICS 541620 will be the NAICS code used for ProTech Oceans 2.0

3. C.3 talks about coastal "response" and "recovery" but the only labor categories involving engineering are 1 and 14. Please address Ocean architecture and engineering and whether architecture and engineering Task Orders solicitations may be expected. Is this contractor services, rather than staff augmentation?

Architecture Engineering requirements will not be fulfilled through ProTech Oceans 2.0.

4. We are a small business based in Alaska specializing in collection, management, analysis, and reporting of biological and environmental data. We replied "yes" to elements where we felt we could provide at least 60% of the services listed.

Each scope/task area represents a broader scientific topic. Vendors will not be disqualified or receive a lower rating if they do not address every aspect of the scope task area as long as vendors can demonstrate capability and understanding of the broader scientific topic of the task area. RFI’s will be released prior to task orders being issued to identify the specific tasks required.

5. What past performance is acceptable for Prime and subcontract?

Past performance will be addressed in the draft RFP, but will be similar to the ProTech Satellite and Fisheries 2.0 past performance submission. (Satellite RFP posted to sam.gov Fisheries draft RFP also posted to sam.gov)

6. C.3.2.1 Will limited expertise in scientific diving operations disqualify a firm that has qualifications in the rest of the requirement?

Each scope/task area represents a broader scientific topic. Vendors will not be disqualified or receive a lower rating if they do not address every aspect of the scope task area as long as vendors can demonstrate capability and understanding of the broader scientific topic of the task area. RFI’s will be released prior to task orders being issued to identify the specific tasks required.

7. Do we need to address every point in a subpoint to claim experience? For example, 3.2.1 has 3 separate components. If company has experience in one component can subpoint experience be claimed? Provide oceanic and atmospheric research coordination and support delineating regional ecosystems, promote partnerships at the ecosystem level, and implement cooperative strategies to improve regional ecosystem health to include scientific diving operations.

Each scope/task area represents a broader scientific topic. Vendors will not be disqualified or receive a lower rating if they do not address every aspect of the scope task area as long as vendors can demonstrate capability and understanding of the broader scientific topic of the task area. RFI’s will be released prior to task orders being issued to identify the specific tasks required.

8. Consider quarterly reports for contractors that have not yet been awarded any Task Orders

The government will consider this.

9. Please expand Labor Category 14, Engineering, to include sea-level rise adaptation: building seawalls, raising coastal infrastructure, strengthening/repairing coastal sewage systems, damage abatement, property abandonment, etc.

Agreed

10. We replied No to a few elements where we cannot provide the service in-house but we partner with other small businesses to provide these services to our clients. For example, social science services or vessel availability and operations. Were you expecting these services to be provided without any additional subcontractors?

Subcontracting is allowed for any service that cannot be provided in-house.

11. Can a JV be created and past performance used from any JV member With some strategic hires/consultants, subcontracting/teaming, or growth, we can also support PWS 3.1?

Past performance from a JV member will be allowed up to a limited number of submissions.

12. C.3.2.10 please provide link to information on the ReCon System https://www.glerl.noaa.gov/metdata/metReCON_about.html

13 If the entire procurement is set-aside for small businesses (SBs), will NOAA AGO forgo Source Sought Notices/Requests for Information (RFI) as they are very costly for SBs to respond to the requests?

NOAA will continue to use RFI’s/Sources Sought, vendors may choose whether to respond or just wait until a formal RFP is posted.

14. Concerning C.3.4.4, please state the Homeland Security components involved and which plans, programs, and policies are being addressed, including how and why. For example, does this include Coast Guard, CBP, FEMA, ICE, or other DHS components?

Currently, the Oceans program has had no Task Orders that involved Homeland Security but language has been added if they need arises. A sources sought or RFI will be posted if any Homeland Security requirement is needed.

15. Is there a minimum threshold of Past Performance; will like to see at least 5 years of proposal notice date, within three years may be difficult for a small business?

Past performance will be addressed in the draft RFP but will be similar to the ProTech Satellite and Fisheries 2.0 past performance submission. (Satellite RFP posted to sam.gov Fisheries draft RFP also posted to sam.gov)

16. There is no scope element that directly addresses Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility.

Recommend you add C.3.4.16. Provide assistance to the Government with developing, evaluating and assessing programs that address underserved ethnic and economic groups. The goal is to deliver NOS' services to diverse, underserved groups with equity and inclusion and to ensure our products are accessible to the differentially enabled.

DEIA requirements are still being determined.

17. If ProTech Oceans is a total small business set aside, will it still be mandatory? If so, this would mean that the entire of NOAA procurements are theoretically set aside. Is this in the Agency’s best interest?

The Professional, Scientific, and Technical (ProTech) Program was never intended to address all of NOAA's procurements. Adequate flexibility exists in the Mandatory Use Policy for Contracting Officers to find solutions for their NOAA clients outside of ProTech.

18. C.3.5.1 and C.3.5.2. Please define educational and training content desired. Does this include ocean acidification, sea-level rise, river-delta algae blooms, oil spills, and other climate-mitigation issues?

Agreed

19. Is there a minimum value of Past Performance?

Past performance will be addressed in the draft RFP but will be similar to the ProTech Satellite and Fisheries 2.0 past performance submission. (Satellite RFP posted to sam.gov Fisheries draft RFP also posted to sam.gov)

20. Suggest that the first degree listed for Labor Category 3 be Environmental Sciences

Agreed.

21. If ProTech Oceans is a total small business set aside, will full and open procurements be released outside of ProTech?

For NOS requirements requiring full and open competition will be procured outside of ProTech Oceans 2.0.

22. Labor categories 17 and 19 refer to Economist and Social Scientist, respectively. Considering that serious legal issues are involved in coastal resilience, preparedness, response, and recovery, please include coastal attorneys, as well.

If required will be defined at the task order level and an RFI will be released to gather capability from vendors.

23. Suggest you change the title of Labor Category 23 to Capacity Building Specialist or Educator/Trainor

Labor Category 23 will remain unchanged.