Cincinnati_QA's_DOL-ETA-17-R-00021.pdf

Cincinnati Job Corps Center: DOL-ETA-17-R-00021 Questions and Answers

Question 1: The PRH is referenced in the RFP as the requirement to follow including complying with all updates and amendments. The requirements must be held constant based on time of proposal/award. Otherwise, as the program lines are fixed price (Lines 01, 02, 03 and 04 –

Academic and CTT), contractors will be forced to submit Requests for Equitable Adjustments (REA) regularly as the proposed/fixed contract prices will be based on the current requirements. The Job

Corps’ annual revisions to the performance measures also have cost implications that will impact the fixed price lines. For example, the Office of Job Corps annually adjusts the performance measures and weights, which may shift the contractor’s focus and cause changes in the costs of the

Fixed Price lines. The program function lines cannot be Fixed Price with the current regulation and involvement of the Office of Job Corps pertaining to the program administration.

Answer: If there are changes that occur in the PRH that will ultimately affect pricing in the

RFP, the Government will address that internally and plan a course of action that will cause the least impact on carrying out the program.

Question 2: Provide a description of the monthly contract reporting responsibilities, as the PRH financial requirements must change with the implementation of the Fixed Price components.

Answer: Please see Section G.4. Invoice Requirements.

Question 3: The Government is still involved in administering the programs with the PRH requirements, although the program lines are fixed price.

Answer: Yes

Question 4: The Government requires detail labor invoices for fixed price contract lines.

Answer: Correct

Question 5: The contract technical incentive fees are managed by the Government’s annual variations in performance expectations in relation to other contractors, instead of the specific contract performance.

Answer: It's in relation to your contract performance against Job Corps Center performance overall.

Question 6: The Government requires review and approval of staff incentive programs, although the staff labor lines are fixed price.

Answer: Correct

Question 7 / Section(s) B.1 and C.3: Why is there a planned and minimum OBS of 202 students but a target OBS of 197 students. Please explain the difference.

Answer: Target OBS has been removed and no longer applies to this procurement.

Question 8 / Section B.2: Pertaining to Cost Reimbursement CLINs, the RFP states: “There will be no fee/profit or overhead permitted on these lines.” It is unreasonable for the Government to expect contractors to manage and support these areas without G&A costs for the corporate support.

All six cost reimbursable categories require some type of G&A to be incurred. From procuring and implementing strategic agreements, corporate review and/or approval of subcontracts, corporate facility maintenance oversight, corporate purchasing oversight, FAR, contracts, CPSR, subcontractor submission/approval by OCM, etc. The government’s expectation of savings in G&A will not be achieved. The contractor’s G&A expense will be the same as the responsibility to manage and support the contract is unchanged. Therefore, contractors will be required to allocate the G&A costs within the Fixed Price CLINs unit costing.

Answer: Contractors will be able to be reimbursed for G&A costs applicable to these items with negotiated indirect cost rate agreements (NICRAs) approved by the contractor's

Federal cognizant agency (FCA). These NICRAs are approved on an annual basis based on proposals submitted by the contractor. These proposals are due six months after the end of each fiscal year. Contractors will also be able to apply profit to the above line items. The estimated G&A and proposed profit will be considered as part of the solicitation evaluation process and reasonableness.

Question 9 /Section B.2: Is an economic price adjustment to be negotiated in this contract? This section references FAR 16.203, which is titled Fixed-price Contracts with Economic Price

Adjustment. If so, please describe the adjustment factor.

Answer: Please see Section I.6 in the amended solicitation.

Question 10 /Section B.2: Please clarify the meaning of the Not-to-Exceed (NTE) reference used with the Cost Reimbursement contract section. We understand that NTE’s are different from ceilings, and we have seen Job Corps contracts with very high NTE’s used for the capital areas that are either increased or exceeded over time. Please confirm that contractors will be reimbursed for the actual cost of the service or item for these CLINs and SubCLINs, as stated in this section: “The contractor will be reimbursed for the actual cost of the service or item.”

Answer: Please see Section B.2 in the amended solicitation.

Question 11 / Section B.3: What is the turn-around time for approvals that contractors can expect from the COR and CO? The delays of approvals can result in increased airfare costs.

Answer: Please see Section B.3 in the amended solicitation.

Question 12 / Section B.3: How will the COR and CO approvals be documented for official authorization?

Answer: Approvals will be documented with the Travel Request Form through electronic communication.

Question 13 / Section B.3 and C.1.C: Please clarify the OBS basis for the pricing. Two sections seem to conflict. Section B states, “Offerors shall propose at the TARGET OBS LEVEL of 197”.

Section C states, “Performance up to 103 percent of capacity shall be performed within the estimated cost of this contract.”

Answer: This language has been removed; see amended solicitation.

Question 14 / Section B.3: Describe where the total proposal price should be presented for evaluation purposes. The Pricing Schedule does not include a grand total, nor is another worksheet presented with the total contract price.

Answer: Attachment J.1 has added a tab for the Grand total amounts of the spreadsheet.

This spreadsheet should automatically calculate all totals.

Question 15 / Section B.3: Please confirm the Estimated Cost and Total columns in the Pricing

Schedule should be identical for the Cost Reimbursable SubCLINs.

Answer: Please see Section B.3 in the amended solicitation.

Question 16 / Section B.3: Please confirm the contract will be expected to be managed on the overall cost basis annually of the contract by major CLINs, instead of by SubCLINs. The contractor may need to consider changes amongst the lines in option years and revise the SubCLINs budgets based on actual experience.

Answers: Correct

Question 17 / Section B.3: Line 25 – Insurance, for Liability Insurance and Line 26 – Motor Vehicle

Expense, for DOL-owned vehicles were excluded from the SubCLINs. We recommend these lines to be included as SubCLINs in the Cost Reimbursable section.

Answer: Please see Section B.3 in the amended solicitation.

Question 18 / Section B.3: What is the Government’s expectation for adjusting/increasing the option years costing for the Cost Reimbursable CLIN/SubCLINs? As the lines are cost reimbursable, should contractors propose an inflation factor?

Answer: Yes, Contractors should include an inflation factor not more than 2% for each year.

Question 19 / Section(s) B, G.7 and Attachment J-I: CLINs 1003, 2003, 3003 and 4003 pertain to

Surge OBS pricing. It appears this information is requested as a possible component to an option exercise.

Answer: Correct

Question 20 / Section(s) B, G.7 and Attachment J-I: We recommend this pricing be requested with more details and closer to the time of an option exercise. As it is a revision to the scope of work, the request here is too generic to provide a reasonable cost for 10 OBS. The cost is impacted primarily by the residential/non-residential mix and the trade type (i.e., the addition of 10 slots to an OCT trade may cost significantly more than the same number of slots for an ACT program.)

Answer: Should the government choose to exercise an option on a resultant contract, the

Option Year OBS Surge pricing will be requested at time of notification, if necessary.

Question 21 / Section(s) B, G.7 and Attachment J-I: The costs would also have to be detailed for the two components: Fixed Price and Cost Reimbursable.

Answer: Correct

Question 22 / Section(s) B, G.7 and Attachment J-1: What does NSP mean in the Type?

Answer: Not-Separately-Priced

Question 23 / Section(s) B, G.7 and Attachment J-1: Please clarify the costs to be entered in the

Surge CLINs fields. Are these expected to be a total cost for a change of 10 OBS slots, or a per student cost? Section B states: “Only exercised if change in OBS increments of ten (10)” and has open cells in the Estimated Cost and Total columns. Attachment J-1, Pricing Schedule states: “Only exercised if change in OBS.” and requires only the Total amount (not the unit price), but the OBS

Surge Price worksheet references an “OBS Surge per Student Price”. Section G.7 states: “The surge

OBS shall be based on the per student price identified in Section B of the contract.”

Answer: Yes, please enter the average Student per Day Cost for a change of 10 OBS slots.

The Student per Day costs has a tab in Attachment J.1.

Question 24 / Section F.3: Please clarify the Period of Performance. Section F.3 Operations states that Center Operations shall commence on November 1, 2018. However, the base period of performance is shown as January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018. Please clarify.

Answer: Please see Section F.3 in the amended solicitation.

Question 25 / Section G.3.3: According to the RFP, the contractor shall not invoice for any technical performance incentive fee or performance excellence bonus until the bi-lateral modification has been awarded. The Government’s untimely modification of the incentive fees in the past makes this unacceptable for contractors.

Answer: Thank you.

Question 26: Approximately two years ago the cost fee component changed from a 3.6% Fixed Fee and 1.2% Technical Incentive to a Cost Incentive Fee and Technical Incentive. With this change came a change in how the contractors were allowed to bill the government. Fee vouchering changed from 4.8% (3.6% Fixed Fee and 1.2% Average of Technical Incentive) fee to 2% or 3% (revised minimum) equally over 24 periods, with the remaining (Cost Incentive and Technical Incentive) fee calculated and paid after contract year-end. This change has a big impact on contractors’ cash flow and financing abilities and the Contractors expressed their concerns with the government. At that time the government committed to timely reconciliations, modifications and payments of the remaining fee. However, reconciliations, modifications and payments have not happened for center contracts under this new fee structure. In two examples, the contract years ended in March 2016. It is now almost one year since both contract years ended, and the fee reconciliation, modification and payment to the contractor for the outstanding remaining fees has not been completed.

Answer: Contracts ending in March, April, May and June do experience a delay in the reconciliation and payment/recovery of incentive fees earned/unearned due to end-of-PY timing. There are further delays related to implementation of changes to Outcome

Measures in the new PY. We are looking at possible changes in the process to shorten the reconciliation and modification time frames.

Reconciliation worksheets have been developed, are under review and will be published shortly.

Question 27: We recommend allowing the contractors to bill for a minimum or average fee level throughout the contract.

Answer: No

Question 28 / Section G.4 (g): It appears this contract will have a different invoicing process from the current PRH procedures for vouchering. Will the government provide the new procedures and a standard invoice worksheet to list the costs by type and to identify the applicable contract periods?

Answer: The invoice process remains the same. Contractors may bill 50% of costs incurred on a semi-monthly basis for the 1st through the 15th and the 16th through 30th/31st.

Question 29 / Section G.5: It appears the section G.5 has been omitted from the RFP. Please clarify the section G.5.

Answer: G.5 is RESERVED, as Invoicing Requirements have been combined in G.4. Invoicing

Requirements.

Question 30 / Section G.4(h)(1): Will the Government provide the standard Excel format for invoicing with the public vouchers?

Answer: No. The invoice process remains the same.

Question 31 / Section G.4(h)(1): Please explain why the invoicing for the Fixed Price

CLINs/SubCLINs should not be as described in Section B (page 4) which states: “…permit the contractor to bill 1/2 of that unit price per bi-weekly invoice.” The detail labor rate for each employee should not be necessary. Billing by the unit cost will allow the contractor to bill for all of the SubCLINs (labor and non-labor) in the same format.

Answer: Contractors may bill 50% of costs incurred on a semi-monthly basis for the 1st through the 15th and the 16th through 30th/31st.

Question 32 / Section G.4(h)(1): Define the “Staffing Report from the FMS system” that should be included for the billing period. Is this a new report? Is this the current Staff Vacancy Report? If the

Staffing Report to be used is the same as the Staff Vacancy Report, Job Corps needs to update and standardize the reporting requirements for this monthly report, as regional expectations are not consistent.

Answer: Yes, you should include the current Staff Vacancy Report that coincides with the dates you are submitting for payment.

Question 33 / Section G.8: Please describe how the $50 per day cost was determined for liquidated damages. The damage amount seems high based on the variable costs for students remaining on center for excess days. According to FAR 11.501(b), “Liquidated damages are used to compensate the Government for probable damages. Therefore, the liquidated damages rate must be a reasonable forecast of just compensation for the harm that is caused by late delivery or untimely performance of the particular contract.” Will the government consider revising the calculation to be more similar to the current practice, which is 15% of Student per Day Cost? (2) According to page 4, the liquidated damages will only be assessed on the Fixed Price costs. In the past, the 15% of student per day cost was determined reasonable as some costs are fixed and do not decrease with slight changes in the number of days a student is on center. Applying this methodology to this new contract type would mean that the liquidated damages should be applied to the cost reimbursable categories, not the fixed price CLINs. We recommend the government consider an assessment of

70% to the Student per Day Cost of the Cost Reimbursable CLIN total, based on the current CR

SubCLINs in the RFP. If the SubCLINs are revised, the percentage may have to be adjusted.

Answer: Please see Section G.8 in the amended solicitation.

Question 34 / Section G.8: Section G.8 includes a sentence in the second paragraph which states:

“If the annual student cost is not stated for any given year, it shall be computed by dividing the total contract amount for the year by the total planned average on-board strength.” This statement seems to contradict the $50 per day cost referenced in the first paragraph.

Answer: Please see Section G.8 in the amended solicitation.

Question 35 / Section(s) G.8 and G.9: These sections both pertain to students obtaining center services (resulting in costs) that should not be provided. Therefore, if the intent of the liquidated damages is to compensate the government for the loss, the assessment of the liquidated damages should be the same. As mentioned in the concern above, we recommend the government consider an assessment of 70% to the Student per Day Cost of the Cost Reimbursable CLIN total, based on the current CR SubCLINs in the RFP. If the SubCLINs are revised, the percentage may have to be adjusted.

Answer: Please see Section G.8 in the amended solicitation.

Question 36 / Section(s) G.8 and Attachment J-1: Section G.8 states references a Student per

Year Cost and Per Day Cost to be identified in Section G.7. Section G.7 does not include the table.

Additionally, Section G.7 is related to Surge Option CLINs, not liquidated damages.

Answer: Please see Section G.8 in the amended solicitation.

Question 37 / Section(s) G.8 and Attachment J-1: The Liquidated Damages table provided in

Attachment J-1 is only necessary if the Government calculates the liquidated damages based on the

SY cost.

Answer: Please see amended J.1 Attachment

Question 38 / Section(s) G.8 and Attachment J-1: The Liquidated Damages table included in

Attachment J-1 does not include a row for Option Year Four.

Answer: Please see amended J.1 Attachment

Question 39 / Section(s) G.8 and Attachment J-1: The Liquidated Damages table in Attachment J-

1 includes narrative language that should be removed if the fee is not based on a Student per Year

Cost.

Answer: Please see amended J.1 Attachment

Question 40 / Section G.12: The RFP states that the contractor agrees to have a maximum vacancy rating not exceeding 5%. Is there a financial or liquidated damages assessment for exceeding the

5%? If so, what is the calculation?

Answer: Please see Section G.12 in the amended solicitation.

Question 41 / Section G.12: How was the 14 days requirement for filling certain positions arrived at by DOL? Based on the current practice of new employees giving at least two-week’s notice to current employers after accepting a job offer, this appears to be insufficient time to advertise, interview and hire staff, especially for key positions. We recommend the time period be increased to 120 before damages are assessed.

Answer: Please see Section G.12 in the amended solicitation.

Question 42 / Section G.12: It would be double jeopardy to assess liquidating damages for both situations: (2 above) specified day’s limitation and then again to (1 above) if over the 5% vacancy rating. Either these positions identified in (2 above) specified days limitation need to be taken out of the (1 above) 5% vacancy rating calculation or a fill vacancy liquidated damage should NOT be assessed if the contractor is being assessed a 5% vacancy rating liquidated damage assessment.

Answer: Please see Section G.12 in the amended solicitation.

Question 43 / Section G.12: Please clarify the Academic Advisor position. This title is not identified in the staff listings in Attachment J-1 or J-4.

Answer: It is an optional position that is recognized by the government.

Question 44 / Section G.12: Please clarify how the allowable maximum vacancy rating of 5% or less is calculated (based on FTE’s or salaries).

Answer: Please see Section G.12 in the amended solicitation.

Question 45 / Section G.12: The information regarding vacancies and filling positions seems contradictory. The contractor agrees to have a maximum vacancy rating not exceeding 5%, but vacancy rates of 5% or less will require positions to be vacant for extended periods of time.

Answer: The 5% threshold indicates levels that may be detrimental to student services.

Question 46 / Section G.12: Please clarify the timing for Liquidated Damages assessment-the position table references 14 days for some titles, while the last paragraph states: “Liquidated damages will not be assessed at the value specified for the vacant positions within the first 30 days of the vacancy.”

Please detail what is meant by the “value specified for the vacant position”. The contract will provide only the annual amount. It would be excessive to utilize 50% of the annual labor cost to determine the liquidated damages for one month.

The RFP states: “Corporate representation may serve to cover vacancies, however, the salary for the position can be charged to the contract and the difference between corporate salary and the filled position salary must be charged to G&A. Damages will be assessed at 50% of the value specified for the vacant position for days 31 through 60 and 100% of the value for the vacant positions for all days after 60 days.” There should be no limit to the salaries charged to the contract as the personnel lines are fixed price.

Please confirm the liquidated damages will be executed via contract modification by the

Government before the contractor is to subtract the amount from a subsequent voucher.

Answer: Please see Section G.12 in the amended solicitation.

Question 47 / Section G.13: The language of this section is not clear it includes references to vacant positions and does not provide calculation examples.

Answer: No examples will be provided.

Question 48 / Section G.13: The section references “minimum OBS level.” Is this the same meaning as “target OBS level”? If not, please explain “minimum.” Additionally, clarify the 95% of what level (minimum or target), if necessary.

Answer: Correct

Question 49 / Section G.13: This section should be removed.

Answer: No

Additional Comments to Question 49:

a). At times, the Job Corps policy changes significantly affect student recruitment, qualifications for admission and qualifications for retention, which is not within the contractors’ control.

Additionally, enrollment freezes in the past have affected the OBS levels.

Answer: The government will take in to consideration factors outside of the operator's control with respect to this resultant contract, with an OA element; for example, low applicant inventory.

b). The contractor’s ability to recruit and retain students has an inverse correlation with the status of the economy. As the economy improves, students are more difficult to recruit for Job Corps. The reverse is the case as the economy declines.

Answer: The government will take in to consideration factors outside of the operator's control with respect to this resultant contract, with an OA element; for example, low applicant inventory.

c). Center operators are required to coordinate with OA contractors and do not have complete responsibility for maintaining the Target OBS level when the OA and center contracts are separate.

Please reconsider this liquidated damage assessment.

Answer: The government will take in to consideration factors outside of the operator's control with respect to this resultant contract, with an OA element; for example, low applicant inventory.

Question 50 / Section G.13: The 95% OBS level should be an average for a contract period, instead of a daily determination. OBS fluctuates at the centers, especially after the winter breaks.

Clarify the “value specified for the vacant OBS slots.” The contract does not include a section identifying a value for vacant OBS slots. As only a portion of the contract is fixed price, it is not reasonable to base the assessment on the full student per day cost. The cost reimbursable costs are based on actual costs and are not incurred if the OBS is low. Additionally, 50% of the value appears punitive and excessive. For example, in the Ottumwa contract, 5% of the target OBS is less than 12 students. Minimal cost savings would be generated by the absence of 12 students for one additional day beyond 30 days. Will the government consider revising the calculation similar to the current practice for excessive leave days based on 15% of Student per Day Cost?

Please confirm the liquidated damages will be executed via contract modification by the

Government before the contractor is to subtract the amount from a subsequent voucher.

Answer: Please see Section G.13 in the amended solicitation.

Question 51 / Section(s) G.15 and H.27: These two sections are identical. Please explain why the compensation is limited to the Executive Level I pay rate if all of the personnel lines are Fixed Price instead of Cost Reimbursable.

Answer: Please see Section G.15 in the amended solicitation.

Question 52 /Section(s) H.23 and HH.24: These sections include references to final indirect cost rates and agreements.

Answer: Correct

Question 53 / Section(s) H.23 and H.24: Please describe what the close-out process will include based on the current RFP requirements, as G&A is not allowed on the Cost Reimbursement CLINs and the other contract CLINs are Fixed Price.

Answer: Please see Section H.23 and H.24 in the amended solicitation.

Question 54 / Section(s) H.23 and H.24: What process will be required for finalizing/approving

G&A rates? This does not seem necessary based on the contract mix.

Answer: Please see Section H.23 and H.24 in the amended solicitation.

Question 55 / Section H.30: Please explain why “Incentives that are charged to the contract shall not be paid without prior approval of the Contracting Officer’s Representative.” is necessary for the personnel lines that are all Fixed Price CLINs, instead of Cost Reimbursable.

Answer: This is necessary so the COR can confirm Contractor Performance is satisfactory to receive incentive payments for the billing period.

Question 56 / Section H.31: Please clarify if the contractor’s requirements to notify the government of the funding status in this contract clause replaces the requirement in the Limitation of Funds clause 52.232-22 listed in Section I.

Answer: These two clauses are separate. H.31 is in the event the government needs to incrementally fund specific line items. FAR Clause 52.232-22 is for the Contractor to notify the Contracting Officer in writing whenever it has reason to believe that the costs it expects to incur under this contract in the next 60 days, when added to all costs previously incurred, will exceed 75 percent of the total amount so far allotted to the contract by the Government.

Question 57 / Section I.9: Please confirm the FAR 52.222-99 reference for Establishing a

Minimum Wage for Contractors is officially FAR 52.222-55, which has been listed in other Job Corps contract RFPs.

Answer: Please see I.10 in the amended solicitation.

Question 58 / Attachment J-1: There are several formula errors throughout the Attachment J-1 worksheet. Will the Government Issue a revised Excel file?

Answer: Please see amended J.1 Attachment.

Question 59 / Attachment J-1: The Pricing Schedule in Attachment J-1 appears to have been updated and is not identical to the Section B Pricing Schedule. Please confirm that the Attachment J-

1 Pricing Schedule form is the correct format.

Answer: Please make sure to click on all tabs in the Excel Workbook, Attachment J.1.

Question 60 / Attachment J-1: The Attachment J-1 does not include the Technical Performance

Fee Schedule shown in Section G.3.1. As this chart will become a part of the awarded contract, the contractors should provide these amounts in the proposal. Will the Attachment J-1 be revised to include this table?

Answer: Please see amended J.1 Attachment.

Question 61 / Attachment J-1: Staffing Prices – Is the contractor required to propose the monthly or annual costs by position? It appears the worksheet is built for each contract year period, but the

Pricing Schedule worksheet is calculating 12 times the amounts presented in the Staffing Prices worksheet, which would require a monthly position cost in the Staffing Prices file. Additionally, the

Pricing Schedule as issued appears to require a per month cost, not a per student cost.

Answer: The Staffing Prices worksheet will be a supplemental attachment to the resultant contract.

Question 62 / Attachment J-1: Does the number entered in the “Hours” column represent the Full-time Equivalent (FTE); therefore, contractors may revise the 1’s populated in the worksheet to something less or even remove the numbers?

Answer: Yes, please revise the 1's populated in the worksheet to reflect your proposed FTEs for the respective areas.

Question 63 / Attachment J-1: How do the “Overhead” and “G&A” columns differ from the G&A outlined in Line 17-Indirect Administrative Expenses?

Answer: Line 17 is not applicable and has been grayed out.

Question 64 / Attachment J-1: Please confirm the offerors are allowed to propose a fee (separate from the Technical Incentive Fee) on the Fixed Price CLINs within the Staffing Prices worksheet.

The Fully Burdened Rate includes a column for Fee.

Answer: G&A could be applied to the fixed price CLINS within the staffing prices worksheet.

G&A could also be applied to the cost reimbursable CLINS. The overall G&A costs proposed on the RFP suggested format or using "overall contract total" should provide the same G&A costs claimed. Therefore, we see no real need for a change.

Question 65 / Attachment J-1: The Staffing Prices worksheet includes lines for the non-labor fixed price SubCLINs, such as Lines 02, 04, 06, 08, 10, 14, 16, 17, 22 and 24, which are linked to the

Pricing Schedule worksheet. The majority of these costs will not be labor costs, but instead these costs will be for materials and supplies, services, etc. Please confirm offerors can revise the formulas in the Pricing Schedule worksheet for the non-labor lines to represent the monthly cost of the non-labor category.

Answer: Yes, please revise the formulas for those specific line items and show the formula used if necessary.

Question 66 / Attachment J-1: Please clarify if offerors should revise the titles of the positions listed in the Staffing Prices worksheet. The CTT trade instructors do not align with the trades outlined in the RFP. Additionally, should unique position titles be inserted as necessary in the

“Other” section of each Line?

Answer: Yes, please revise the positions listed to align with the trades you are proposing if necessary.

Question 67 / Attachment J-1: Clarify how subcontracted positions should be presented within the Staffing Prices worksheet.

Answer: Column D, titled "Subcontractor FTE" should be completed accordingly. Also, see

Subcontractor tab for any Subcontractor prices that do not convey to the breakout in

Column D.

Question 68 / Attachment J-1: Describe how and when the Subcontractor Pricing worksheet should be completed. It is unclear how this should be completed for the proposal.

Answer: Please complete the name of the Subcontractor, the work to be performed, and the calculations as requested in the spreadsheet.

Question 69 / Attachment J-1: Please confirm this form is only applicable for subcontracted services in the Cost Reimbursable SubCLINs.

Answer: This information is required for any Subcontractor you plan to use in the performance of this contract.

Question 70 / Attachment J-1: According to the attachment listing, the Inventory Estimate was to be provided as Attachment J-11. However, no Attachment J-11 was provided on FBO. Please provide the listing.

Answer: Attachment J-11 will be provided as requested.

Question 71 / Attachment J-12: The Utility and Fuel information provided in Attachment J-12 seems outdated (2014 costs). Please provide more recent information.

Answer: Utility and fuel data provided is the most current as of the posting of this amendment.

Question 72 / Attachment J-12: Please clarify the Government’s expectation for proposing the

Utility Costs for the option years. Should the amounts provided on Attachment J-12 be proposed for all years (base and option)?

Answer: Provide your anticipated costs for all years, base and option periods.

Question 73 / Section(s) L.5.A and L.5.I: Please confirm the electronic email submission is the only requirement and a separate paper mailing is not necessary. The instructions seem to conflict about mailing the proposal and providing a CD.

Answer: Please see Section L in the amended solicitation.

Question 74 / Section L.5.I: Please clarify/confirm the BMP submittal will include four electronic files:

(1) BMP proposal as outlined in Section L.5.I.A.5

(2) Attachment J-1 Pricing Schedule*

(3) Attachment J-4 Staffing Chart*

(4) Attachment J-6 Subcontracting Plan (as applicable)* and *formatted in Excel 2007 or earlier

Answer: Please see Section L in the amended solicitation.

Question 75 / Section L.5.I.A.5(a)(b) and (f): The RFP states that the offeror shall submit

Attachments J-1, J-4 and J-6 on a CD to the Department of Labor in Excel 2007 or earlier version.

Since the entire proposal is shown as an electronic submission, is the requirement for submission of a CD still valid?

Answer: Please see Section L in the amended solicitation.

Question 76 / Section L.I.A.5.a.11: Please clarify how the requirement for a listing of the fully burdened monthly labor rates for each of the positions proposed required in the BMP submittal section (a) is different from the staffing information provided in the Attachment J-1, Staffing Prices worksheet? Is this the same information? If not, what is the required format for the information in section (a)?

Answer: Please see Section L in the amended solicitation and Attachment J.1.

Question 77 / Section L.I.A.5.c: The language in the Pricing Schedule and Cost Detail, Section c, does not seem to require any information from the offeror. Please clarify if the Attachment J-1 worksheets should be provided within this section.

Answer: Yes

Question 78 / Section L.I.A.5.c: Please confirm the Government’s Note of “Offerors shall propose the maximum technical performance incentive fee (2.4%).” pertains only to the CLINs 0001A, 1001A, 2001A, 3001A and 4001A.

Answer: No. Offerors should use the average incentive fee of 1.2%. Please see Section G.3 in the amended solicitation.

Question 79 / Section L.I.A.5.d: Confirm the subcontract information requested is only required for the costs proposed for the cost reimbursable CLINS/SubCLINs.

Answer: This information is required for any Subcontractor you plan to use in the performance of this contract.

Question 80 / Section(s) L.I.A.5.e and M.3: According to this Transition Costs section and the

Evaluation section: “To foster competition and create more of a level field, please note that the

Government will not evaluate transition in or transition out in evaluated cost/price.” The exclusion of transition-in costs from the evaluation of cost/price distorts the evaluation and cost of the award to the government. The costs should be evaluated and considered as a part of the proposal price.

Although the transition costs are not evaluated, the government will incur the costs proposed;

therefore, the costs should be evaluated and considered in the best value analysis. Total costs should be evaluated as considered in other agencies, and in order to reflect the true taxpayer cost.

Answer: Please see Section M in the amended solicitation.

Question 81 / Section L.I.A.5.e: Are contractors required to propose start-up costs (i.e., student clothing, office supplies, etc.) as a part of the transition costs, or will the existing supplies on center be available to the new contractor?

Answer: Please see Section L in the amended solicitation.

Question 82 / Section L.I.A.5.e: The instructions state the proposed transition in costs will appear in CLIN 0001 on the pricing schedule. Please clarify as CLIN 0001 is identified for the Fixed Price

Center Operations costs.

Answer: Please see Section L in the amended solicitation.

Question 83: Job Corps PRH Change Notice 15-13 “Policy and Requirements Handbook (PRH)

Chapters 3, 5, and 6 – Deletion of References to Summer Break,” dated April 29, 2016 states that “In an effort to ensure leave models that reflect the workplace environment, summer break has been discontinued. The effective period begins summer of 2016, and remains in effect each year thereafter.” Please confirm offerors should provide costing based on the new standard of only one break, which would require 50 weeks of student costs instead of 48 weeks (i.e., food, medical services, dorm supplies, etc.).

Answer: Correct

Question 84: Please confirm offerors should consider the new rule and guidance provided in

Training and Employment Notice No. 36-15 issued May 23, 2016, announcing the publication of the

Final Rule Defining and Delimiting the Exemptions for Executive, Administrative, Professional, Outside Sales and Computer Employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The Job Corps contract is proposed to start after the December 1, 2016, effective date of the rule.

Answer: Correct

Question 85: Where should contractors reference the total proposal price for evaluation purposes?

As there is not a summary proposal price as provided in the 2110 Financial Display in the past, should contractors provide a subtotal for each contract period (excluding the Surge CLINs)?

Answer: Attachment J.1; document will automatically calculate the grand total.

Question 86: All of the Cost Reimbursable CLINs/SubCLINs include costs that may be out of the contractor’s control. Please describe how increase adjustments will be considered for unanticipated cost changes (i.e., student medical emergency costs, utility rate increases, etc.)

Answer: Offerors have been performing these contracts for over 30 years for the government. It is expected that the Offeror can calculate an average annual cost for their proposal. While unforeseen events may occur, if it is necessary to increase the NTE amounts, the Contractor of the resultant contract must notify the government to negotiate an adjustment in a timely manner.

Question 87: Staff incentive plan: RFP requires that the staff incentive plan be approved prior to payout. However, it is not clear where the cost for the incentive plan is to be included. It is a personnel cost but personnel costs are fixed price. If the incentive costs are included in the fully burdened rate, why is the government requiring prior approval when paid? Is staff incentive plan payout considered "cost reimbursable?"

Answer: This language has been removed.

Question 88: The header for CLIN 0002 on page 8 states, "including G&A" but, that header is not repeated in Attachment J-1

Answer: Please see amended solicitation and Attachment J.1

Question 89: CLIN 0007 and CLIN 0008 in the J-1 worksheet show "6" in the quantity field. Should that be for 12 months or should it be actual units projected to be produced annually.

Answer: 6 months for each CLIN

Question 90: There is no surge CLIN in year 1, should there be?

Answer: No

Question 91: Page 40-41 liquidated damages for staff levels and liquidated damages for failure to maintain OBS levels, are new. If you reduce staff to account for a low OBS scenario, you can potentially get penalized twice. Liquidated damages clauses should be applied to subcontractors where applicable will these be added to the RFP?

Answer: Please see Section G in the amended solicitation.

Question 92: Pages 42-43, Payments for arrivals and CTS and new procedure for COR to approve individual factors within 5 business days. What is the appeal process and what happens when the

COR does not respond within 5 business days?

Answer: Please contact the Contracting Specialist and Contracting Officer.

Question 93: Page 57, Key personnel - list the Center Director only. In the staff resources section the list of key personnel is expanded, which is correct?

Answer: Correct, key personnel includes: the Dep. Center Dir., Admin. Dir., Programs Dir., Training Managers and Career Success Manager.

Question 94: Page 59, Review and approval of staff development and incentives: What is the purpose of the approval procedure for incentives? It is understandable if the expenditures are cost reimbursable as staff development costs are. But for incentive costs, does the government intend for the incentive costs to be part of the fixed unit personnel cost or to be included as reimbursable in the training line? Details are already provided in the staff resources proposal section. Only changes should require subsequent approval. We need clarification on where the government thinks it should be charged.

Answer: The performance incentives are to be separate.

Question 95: Page 102, new section requires narrative justification only for CLINS

0002,1002,2002,3002, 4002. This is for food expense, other medical expense, other facilities expense, utilities, training and travel, and for each option year. Fixed unit price costs for all other line items including line 17 G&A. Since the indirect cost agreement with the DOL Office of Cost

Determination requires that all direct costs be included in the base when determining indirect cost rates, does the government want the G&A cost for these CLINS to be included in line 17 or to be added to each cost reimbursable CLIN. Since they dropped the requirement to submit a copy of the indirect cost agreement, it may be advisable to just include the indirect cost for cost reimbursable items on line 17 with the indirect costs associated with the fixed cost lines. However, this would make that G&A a fixed price. Also, we need clarification on the indirect cost for personnel lines.

The J-1 salary spreadsheet includes a column for G&A. But there is also a fixed price line 17 for indirect costs. What goes where?

Answer: Please see revised Section B.3 and Attachment J.1

Question 96: Where is attachment J-17?

Answer: Please see Section J in the amended solicitation.

Question 97: Does the cost incurred paragraph which includes materials and supplies apply only to the cost reimbursable lines or does it also apply to the fixed price line. The fixed price line requires the fully burdened staff costs. Does this include the G&A and fee?

Answer: Please see Section B.3 in the amended solicitation.