15 July 2011 Q_A3

DATE: 15 July 2011

SUBJECT QUESTIONS & Answers #3 (Solicitation DOL111RP21274)

VENDOR QUESTION 1: (1) We would like to hire a graduate student on a standard research assistantship to help with the literature review and data analysis. Since graduate student research assistant is not listed in attachment 6 on wage determination, could you please confirm that it would be acceptable to hire a graduate student as part of the fixed price portion of this contract?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: At this time, we will not advise offerors regarding elements or information to be included in proposals for submission under subject RFP. As such, individuals hired under the contract are solely the decision of the offeror, as long as the individual(s) meet(s) the requirements prescribed in the solicitation and resultant contract. To be responsive to the RFP, your proposal must comply with the all of solicitation requirements, specifically following requirements prescribed in provisions 52.212-1 (instructions to offerors) and 52.212 (Evaluation).

VENDOR QUESTION 2: As far as we can tell, you do not require a detailed budget

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE:

The Government anticipates adequate price competition to result from this solicitation and do not require any cost information with submission of offers. However, offerors are encouraged to review solicitation provision 52.212-1 to ensure proposals contain all required submittals.

VENDOR QUESTION 3: I wanted to know if the proposal can be submitted by a non-U.S. based organization

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE:

In response to your question below, the solicitation invites all interested vendors to submit proposals for consideration. Therefore, the decision to submit a proposal rests solely with your organization. DOL will consider all proposals submitted and will make award to the offeror whose proposal is responsive to the solicitation requirements and determined to provide the overall best value to the Government.