Questions_and_Answers_Round_1.pdf

SOLICITATION QUESTIONS (SUBMITTED AS OF JULY 7, 2017)

ODEP STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS IDIQ

OPS DRAFT ANSWERS AND ODEP RESPONSES

(8/19/16)

1) QUESTION: Whether companies from Outside USA can apply for this? (like from India or Canada)

ANSWER: No.

2) QUESTION: Whether we need to come over there for meetings?

ANSWER: Yes. There will be both offsite and onsite visits as determined by the Government at the task order level.

3) QUESTION: Can we perform the tasks (related to RFP) outside USA? (like, from India or Canada)

4) QUESTION: Can we submit the proposals via email?

5) QUESTION: Is this a new requirement or a rebid from previous years?

ANSWER: This is a rebid for similar-type services as those previously provided by the two incumbents under the current multiple-award BPA.

6) QUESTION: If this is a rebid, who are the incumbents?

ANSWER: This is a follow-on requirement for same or similar services under multiple- award BPAs. There are two incumbents:

(1) Concepts, Incorporated (BPA number DOLQ119431629, placed against GSA

Schedule GS-23F-0364K)

(2) Diversity Marketing and Communications, LLC (BPA number DOLQ119431630, placed against GSA Schedule GS-07F-0165U)

7) QUESTION: Is the incumbent eligible to submit a proposal?

ANSWER: Yes.

8) QUESTION: How long has the incumbent been working on the contract?

ANSWER The Period of Performance for both BPAs is 04/01/2011 – 09/30/2016.

Both BPAs were awarded for a Base Year plus Four Option Years and both BPAs were extended for six months (though 09/30/2016)

9) QUESTION: Who had the contract before the current incumbent?

ANSWER: There were not any prior contracts for these services.

10) QUESTION: Does the incumbent have partners and subcontractors working on the contract, if so who?

ANSWER: Requested information is not releasable.

11) QUESTION: What was the total contract award amount for all years with options years included?

ANSWER: The contract value for BPA# DOLQ119431629 totaled $11,367,581. The total contract value for BPA# DOLQ119431630 is $1,821,396.

12) QUESTION: How many positions are currently working on the contract and what are the key personnel positions?

ANSWER: Refer to the solicitation document for Key Personnel requirements.

13) QUESTION: What is the highest paid salary of the key personnel working on the contract?

OPS DRAFT ANSWER: This information is not releasable.

14) QUESTION: What positions are considered key personnel for this contract?

ANSWER: Please refer to REVISED Section C Part 4.1.3 for the positions that are considered “Key Personnel.”

15) QUESTION: Does the current vendor have any special certifications, 8a, HUBZONE, Service Disabled veteran?

ANSWER: Information may not be disclosed. Refer to Section L.1 for information regarding competition requirements and socio-economic qualifications.

16) QUESTION: Do any of the people currently working on the contract have advanced degrees, if so, how many and what’s the highest?

ANSWER: Information may not be disclosed. Refer to Section C Part 4.1.3 for information regarding qualifications of Key Personnel.

17) QUESTION: Are there any expected ODCs?

OPS ANSWER: Yes. These will be defined at the Task Order level. See Attachment J.4 Technical Exhibit 3 for historical data.

18) QUESTION: Is there a ceiling cap on ODCs, if so, how much?

ANSWER: No. See Attachment J4 Technical Exhibit 3 for related historical information about ODCs.

19) QUESTION: At the time of responding to this solicitation, are the Key Personnel required to have a SECRET or TOP SECRET clearance or can they be in the process of obtaining a security clearance?

ANSWER: No. Key Personnel are not required to have SECRET or TOP SECRET security clearances.

20) QUESTION: Is there a requirement for Key Personnel to be current full-time employees of the firm, or can they be contract-based employees?

ANSWER: No. Key Personnel are not required to be full-time employees of the firm and can be contract-based employees. See Section C Part 4.1.2 (Staffing Plan).

21) QUESTION: Is the contractor required to provide an estimated price for Other Direct Costs, e.g. Travel, on-site collateral, materials, etc?

ANSWER: Yes. Offerors must provide a price breakdown for all ODCs. See REVISED Section B.4.1.3 (ODCs and Travel) and Section L (Volume II – Price Proposal, Factor 7, Sub-Factor 1)

22) QUESTION: Will the contractor pay for the Other Direct Costs and be reimbursed by the government?

ANSWER: Yes. ODCs are a cost-reimbursable Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) to be reimbursed upon actual costs. To be reimbursed for ODCs, a contractor must submit a valid invoice supported by valid receipts and other supporting documentation IAW FAR Part 31. The COR will review all invoice for accuracy and validity before approving payment.

23) Reference: RFP Section: C.4.1.3; RFP Text: Although other personnel may also be assigned to perform the tasks of each task order, the personnel listed below are considered essential to the work being performed herein. QUESTION: Will the Government consider limiting the level or number of Position Titles considered as

Key Personnel for the IDIQ and specifying required Functional Responsibilities at the Task Order level instead? Or at least moving requirements for Key Personnel below the Project Manager to the Task Order level ?

24) Reference: RFP Section: M.1; RFP Text: The Government intends to issue a single-award Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract, to be utilized with Firm Fixed Price (FFP) or Time and Material (T&M)/ Labor-Hour (LH) Task Orders with ODC CLINs for Travel and Materials.; QUESTION: Due to the small business requirement and large scope of the potential contract, will the Government consider changing the solicitation to a multi-award IDIQ?

25) Reference: RFP Section: L.3; RFP Text: The proposal of any Key Personnel not currently employed by the Offeror shall be accompanied by letters of intent signed by the proposed Key Personnel indicating their intent to join the Offeror if the Offeror is awarded a contract under this RFP; QUESTION: Due to the large scope of the potential contract, as a small business, we will need to hire additional staff to fulfill the requirements. Will the Government consider extending the submission deadline to enable small businesses time to recruit, make offers, and obtain letters of intent from candidates?

ANSWER: Reference the solicitation for revised due dates.

26) Reference: RFP Section: 4.1.3; RFP Text: Project Director qualifications - 5 years’ experience leading federal-level projects of a similar magnitude; 10 years’ experience in strategic communications planning and implementation, public relations and partnership development; 3 years demonstrable in-depth knowledge of and experience with disability employment issues at the national level;

QUESTION: The large size and scope of this effort will require a project director with advanced education and experience. Will the Government consider enhancing the requirements for the project director to include an advanced degree?

ANSWER: No. See REVISED Section C Part 4.1.3 (Key Personnel) for clarification about the responsibilities of the project director.

27) Reference: RFP Section: 4.1.3; RFP Text: Communications Coordinator qualifications - 5 years’ experience in communications; 5 years’ experience conducting and/or coordinating communications directed at target groups and or examples of successful products, materials or campaigns developed and disseminated to one or more of the target audiences; 5 years demonstrable in-depth knowledge of and experience with disability employment issues at the national level.; Communications Specialist qualifications - 5 years’ experience writing about disability employment issues for executive level officials and for the general public;

4 years’ experience in communications; 5 years demonstrable in-depth knowledge of and experience with disability employment issues at the national level.

QUESTION: The communications coordinator and communications specialist requirements require specialized experience which may preclude many experienced and highly skilled communications professionals. Will the Government consider relaxing the required experience to 3 years of experience with disability employment?

28) Reference: RFP Section: L.1; RFP Text: Interested Offerors shall submit both an original and redacted version of the technical and price proposals; Question: The requirement of a redacted proposal in addition to the use of an Offeror code is redundant. QUESTION: Will the Government consider eliminating one of the requirements?

29) Reference: RFP Section: L.3; RFP Text: The offeror shall provide a speech and accompanying Power Point (PPT) slides for an ODEP Assistant Secretary to deliver a 20-minute presentation at an international meeting with high-level representatives of other nations (i.e., UK, Canada).; QUESTION: As speech writing was not included in the sample task order, can the Government provide additional details on the necessity of the requirement and its importance over all other capabilities?

ANSWER: Although the sample task order does not include speechwriting, all offerors must demonstrate capability to perform all requirements of the IDIQ PWS.

30) Reference: RFP Section: M.2.2/ Sub-Factor 2: Staffing Plan/Key Personnel AND RFP Section: C.2.1.3: Contractual Terms/Key Personnel; RFP Text: It is essential that the successful offeror have qualified key personnel and there must be strong assurances of availability for those proposed in each of the Key Personnel categories; RFP Text: When key personnel are used as an evaluation factor in the best value procurement, an offer can be rejected if it does not have a firm commitment from the persons that are listed in the proposal; QUESTION: Will the Government provide a schedule for task orders to be issued under the IDIQ? This will allow small businesses to schedule availability of qualified key personnel.

31) Reference: Section C – Descriptions and Specifications PWS Part 1: - General Information: 3.4 Website Hosting and Maintenance: QUESTION:Please provide the name of the contractor responsible for Website Hosting and Maintenance.

ANSWER: Development InfoStructure, Inc.

32) Reference: 5.6/Task 6: QUESTION: What is the intended division of work/responsibility between the Website contractor and the Communications contractor?

ANSWER: See REVISED Attachment J.2 Technical Exhibit2.

33) Reference: 5.10/Task 10: QUESTION: Is the response to “emails, calls, social media inquiries or correspondence” expected to be 24/7/365?

ANSWER: No, only during hours of operation as defined in each individual task order. See Section H.13.

34) Reference: Section F- Deliveries or Performance F.1 Performance Requirements Summary; Performance Object-Task 5: QUESTION:

Is there a minimum threshold of “demand for products” and expected rate of increase?

ANSWER: The minimum threshold will be the level of demand at the beginning of the period of performance. Current metrics will be shared with successful Offeror.

The expected rate of increase will be discussed at each task order kick-off meeting and subsequently approved by ODEP. See REVISED Section C Part 5.5.

35) Reference: Section L – Instructions, Conditions and Notice to Bidders L.# Proposal Preparation

• Volume I - Factor 3, Corporate Experience: In the second to last paragraph it says that the sample written materials are not counted toward the 75 page limit of the Technical Proposal. However, in the proposal instructions it says the Technical Proposal has a limit of 85 pages. QUESTION: What is the total required page limit for the Technical Proposal?

ANSWER: The page limit for the Technical Proposal will be 110 pages. See REVISED Section L : Phase 1: Volume I: Mandatory Criteria and Volume I – Technical Proposal.

• Volume II - Factor 7, Sub-factor 1: Price: The instructions require a breakdown of anticipated other direct costs. The SF 1449 also has a requirement for NTE amounts for ODCs and travel.

QUESTION: Can the government provide historical data for ODCs and Travel, addition details for the tasks to allow for estimations? Or can you provide dollar amounts for those CLINS?

ANSWER: See Attachment J.4 Technical Exhibit 3. These exhibits are estimates based on historical data.

36) Reference: RFP Section 1.2, Pages 14-15. QUESTION: Does ODEP already have metrics established for measuring success of its existing strategic communications and outreach activities as managed, performed or coordinated by PC&O?

ANSWER: See Attachment J 4 Technical Exhibit 3.

37) Reference: RFP Section N/A, Pages N/A. QUESTION: Does ODEP already have a strategic plan in place that it could share?

ANSWER: Yes, ODEP is included in the Department’s Strategic Plan. See REVISED Section C Part 1.2 (Background).

38) Reference: RFP Section 1.2, Pages 14-15. QUESTION: Does ODEP already track analytics associated with disability.gov, Policy Works, SEED?

ANSWER: Yes. See Attachment 4 Technical Exhibit 3 of the solicitation.

39) Reference: RFP Section 4.1.3, Pages 23-25. The key personnel required qualifications are quite prescriptive, which may deter most small businesses from submitting a bid. QUESTION: Would the government consider a team where the subject matter expertise was not necessarily housed in the Account Executive/PM, Public Outreach Coordinator, Communications Coordinator, etc. if the team included deep domain experience through one or more subject matter experts who advise the team leadership and content developers? This is a model we have successful applied on past federal contracts, including with ODEP.

ANSWER: No. See REVISED Section C Part 4.1.

40) Reference: RFP Section 4.1.3, Pages 23-25 & Section 5.9, Pages 31-32. Most of the key personnel listed are responsible for content in one form or another. QUESTION:

Does ODEP require event planners and/or logistics personnel for Task 9, event support?

ANSWER: Yes, ODEP requires the vendor to have personnel who have the knowledge, skills, abilities and experience to perform all the required tasks.

41) Reference: RFP PWS Part 5, Pages 27-34. QUESTION: To help inform scope and pricing, what is the expected volume of in inputs and products for this work based average communication and outreach activities in previous years?

ANSWER: The expected volume will be determined at the Task Order level. See Attachment 4 Technical Exhibit 3 for historical data on products and communication and outreach activities in previous years.

42) QUESTION: What proportion of communication materials are print vs. online vs.

electronic vs. audio vs. photographic vs. video formats?

ANSWER: See Attachment 4 Technical Exhibit 3 for historical data provided for informational purposes only. The amount and format of the materials required will be determined by subsequent task orders. Also see REVISED Part C Section 5.5.

43) QUESTION: How many events or exhibits has ODEP participated in years past on average?

ANSWER: See REVISED Section C Section 5.7 (Task 7) and Attachment 4 Technical Exhibit 3 for historical data provided for informational purposes only.

44) Reference: RFP section B.4.1.2, paragraph 1, page 11 QUESTION: What where the time, material and labor budget tabulations for this project in previous years?

Where can we view the submitted Task Orders; to include, time labor, travel and direct costs for the previous year for this project.

ANSWER: The requested information is not releasable.

45) Reference: RFP Section B5, paragraph 1, page 11- QUESTION: What was the previous budget amount for this effort? How was the budget allocated among expected activities: consultative services, market research, materials development, content development, packaging, management, education and outreach, management of collaborative relationships, event support, customer service, project management and administrative support, performance and evaluation.

ANSWER: This information is not releasable.

46) Reference: RFP Section 1.3, paragraph 1, page 15- QUESTION: Are there other strategic communications objectives other than those described in the RFP?

ANSWER: Yes. The objectives in Section 1.3, paragraph 1 refer to the objectives of the PWS itself, rather than ODEP’s communications objectives, which will be identified in subsequent Task Orders.

47) Reference: RFP, Section 1.4, paragraph 1, page 16 – QUESTION: What are the outreach goals?

ANSWER: See REVISED Section C Part 1.4 (Scope) for the overall goals of ODEP’s outreach efforts. Additional specific goals may also be defined at the Task Order level.

48) Reference: RFP, Section 5.1, bullet 2 under consultative services, page 27 – QUESTION: Is this paid media or earned media sources? What sources or placements have been used in the past?

ANSWER: All media placements are earned media. See REVISED Section C Part 5.5 (Task 5).

49) Reference: RFP, Section 5.3, bullet 1, page 28 – QUESTION: Can we get access or view the current creative products for this effort? Are you anticipating the need for new creative and visuals? When was the last time creative was produced?

ANSWER: See REVISED Section C Part 5.3 (Task 3).

50) Reference: RFP, Section 5.11, paragraph 1, page 32 QUESTION: Is there a specific project management tool or software we must use?

What project management tool or software does the DOL follow?

ANSWER: No there is not a specific project management tool or software that must be used. In the past Microsoft Project or similar tools have been used by DOL/ODEP and its contractors, but these are not required.

QUESTION: What formats have been used in the past for progress reporting?

Where can we view past documents?

ANSWER: Progress reports from previous contractors are not releasable. Typically reports have been presented in MS Office formats; i.e., Word, Excel and PowerPoint and in PDF. See REVISED Section C Part 5.11 (Task 11) for additional information.

51) Reference: RFP In PWS part 5. QUESTION: Are you looking to award all tasks to one agency, or will the tasks be awarded separately or in parts? Are you looking for agencies to submit for all tasks?

ANSWER: Yes, all tasks will be awarded to one vendor. Offerors shall propose the full scope of PWS requirements.

52) QUESTION: Is the current marketing plan available for review?

ANSWER: No. ODEP does not have a current marketing plan..

53) QUESTION: Is there any published research that is available for review?

ANSWER: See https://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/research.htm#1

54) Reference: Section J – List of Attachments; J.3 Sample Task Order; Part 4:

Contractor Furnished Personnel, Items and Services, 4.1.1 Staffing Plan: QUESTION:

In order to ensure fair evaluations against an incumbent contractor, will the government give a higher rating to a company that proposes current employees vs.

contingent hires?

https://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/research.htm#1

55) Reference: RFP Section 5.1 Task 1: Consultative Services, Page 27. QUESTION: Are there existing branding guidelines that the contractor will be expected to use with message development or will the contractor be expected to create/evolve ODEP’s look and feel?

ANSWER: Yes, there are established branding guidelines to which the contractor must adhere. See REVISED Section C Part 5.1 Task 1.

56) Reference: RFP Section 5.2 task 2: Market Research, Page 28; QUESTION: Will the contractor be privy to previous market research findings?

ANSWER: Yes, to the extent that such data is available, it will be shared with the successful Offeror.

57) Reference: RFP Section 5.4 Task 4: Content Development/Writing and Editing, Page 29; QUESTION: Does DOL have a sense of which materials will be authored by the contractor and which materials will be produced by others with or for ODEP?

ANSWER: Yes, see REVISED Section C Part 5.4 (Task 4).

58) QUESTION: Should social media content development be included in this section [Part 5.4 Task 4] as well?

ANSWER: Yes. See REVISED Section C Part 5.4 (Task 4).

59) Reference: RFP Section 5.6 Task 6: Management of On-line Media Communications, Page 3;

a. QUESTION1: Does the ODEP initiative use DOL social media accounts? If not, could you please confirm which social media accounts have been secured for use by the ODEP initiative?

ANSWER: See REVISED Section C Part 3.5 (Government Furnished Equipment)

b. QUESTION 2: What is the expected frequency of social media message dissemination? For example, how many times per week does the DOL anticipate wanting to post to Facebook?

ANSWER: See Attachment J4 Technical Exhibit 3 for historical data.

c. QUESTION 3: What is the anticipated frequency of monitoring and moderating efforts? Twice daily, once daily, weekly?

ANSWER: See REVISED Section C Part 5.6 (Task 6) for additional information about the on-line dialogues that would be monitored and moderated and

Attachment J4 Technical Exhibit 3 for historical data on the frequency of these events.

60) Reference: RFP Section L.1. Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors – General, Page 87

a. QUESTION 1: We submitted our interested offer to Erica S. Nemmers on Tuesday, July 6, 2016 and did not receive an alphanumeric offeror code. Is this still a requirement of the RFP?

ANSWER: Yes

b. QUESTION 2: If yes, when should we expect to receive the offeror code?

ANSWER: Please see revised dates in the solicitation.

61) Reference: RFP Section L.3; Paragraph(s) 7; Page(s) 94: On page 94, under Volume I: Technical Proposal, the RFP states resumes will not be included in the page limit. QUESTION: Since they are not included in the page limit, would the Government allow resumes for both the IDIQ and the CDE Sample Task Order to be included an appendix?

ANSWER: Yes, as long as contained within Volume I. See REVISED Section L (Volume I – Technical Proposal).

62) Reference: RFP Section M.1, Sub-Factor 2; Paragraph(s) 2,; Page(s) 102:

QUESTION: For the accessibility testing requirement mentioned under Phase I:

Volume I: Mandatory Requirements Section 2, does the Offeror remediate the three documents or just list the errors and suggest a mitigation plan?

ANSWER: The Offeror must remediate all documents. See REVISED Section L.3 (Mandatory Criteria).

63) Reference: RFP Section L.1; Paragraph(s) 4; Page(s) 87: QUESTION:

Would the Government please confirm that contact information and names of subcontractors will be allowed in the redacted proposal?

ANSWER: No contact information and names of subcontractors will be not be allowed in the redacted proposals. The information will only be allowed in un-redacted proposals. See Revised Section L.

64) Reference: RFP Section L.1; Paragraph(s) 7; Page(s) 87: QUESTION:

Would the Government please identify all information to be redacted in the proposal, including the past performance section?

ANSWER: See Revised Section L

65) Reference: RFP Section SF 1449, Schedule of Supplies/Services;

Paragraph(s) Box 20; Page(s) 3: In the Schedule of Supply / Services on SF 1449:

QUESTION: Would the Government please confirm the labor categories for Non-

Key Personnel are as follows: graphics/media specialist; consultant/subject matter expert; special events coordinator?

ANSWER: Confirmed; however, the Offeror may propose other, Non-Key Personnel and Labor Categories they believe are needed to perform the tasks.

66) Reference: RFP Section L.3, Sub-Factor 1; Paragraph(s) 7; Page(s) 95,:

Sub-Factor 1: Management/Work Plan on page 95, under #2 the RFP states “if Subcontracting or teaming arrangements are proposed, the Contractor shall provide a detailed description of how services will be provided by the two (2) entities.”

QUESTION: Are we allowed to subcontract with more than 2 entities?

ANSWER: Yes.

67) Reference: RFP Section L.3, Sub-factor 2 ; Paragraph(s) 7; Page(s) 96:

QUESTION: Does the Government require the Offeror to identify non-key personnel in the proposal? If so, will the Government allow Non-Key Personnel resumes to be included in the appendix?

ANSWER: No, the Government does not require the Offeror to identify non-key personnel in the proposal, but the Staffing Plan should indicate how personnel would be made available to the government to perform all the tasks specified in the

PWS.

68) Reference: RFP Section J.1 ; Paragraph(s) 4; Page(s) 111: In J.1 Technical Exhibit 1: Estimated Workload – it states, “Offerors should propose the specific level of effort and mix of labor categories, including positions not specified as Key Personnel it believes is needed to accomplish the task specified in each subsequent task order.” QUESTION: Where in the proposal should the Offeror include Non-Key Personnel and their labor categories?

ANSWER: Identify Non-Key Personnel and their labor categories and functional responsibilities in the Staffing Plan (Volume I) and provide rates in Price Proposal (Volume II). See REVISED Section L.3 (Volume I – Technical Proposal).

69) Reference: RFP Section J.2; Paragraph(s) Tables; Page(s) 112: J.2.

Technical Exhibit 2: System Technical Components for Websites. QUESTION:

Would the Government please explain the purpose of this exhibit in relationship to the requirements of the IDIQ?

ANSWER: The Government provided the information to inform the Offeror of the available content management software. See Section J.2 Technical Exhibit 2.

70) (T13) Reference: RFP Section L.3, Factor 3 ; Paragraph(s) 4,7; Page(s) 94:

QUESTION: Given the breadth and detail needed to respond to the Task Order CDE Would the Government separate the page count of this task order from the 85 page limit of the IDIQ? If yes, please provide the page limit for the Task Order if there is one.

ANSWER: Yes, the Government will allow a separate page count for the response to the Sample CDE Task Order, with a page limit of 25 pages. See REVISED Section L (Volume I – Technical Proposal)

71) Reference: RFP Section L.3, Factor 3; Paragraph(s) 5; Page(s) 97: Under Factor 3: Corporate Experience on page 97, it states that offerors may also provide examples of marketing materials such as brochures, pamphlets, etc. QUESTION:

Would the Government please provide guidance as to how the Offeror is to submit the additional materials in an accessible format or is ok to submit these materials in a non-accessible format?

ANSWER: See REVISED Section L (Factor 3).

72) Reference: RFP Section L.3, Factor 3; Paragraph(s) 4,7; Page(s) 94:

QUESTION: For small business certification, other than the SAM electronic record, what certification does the Government require of the Offeror to include in their proposal as proof of that certification?

ANSWER: See Section L.1, paragraph “a.” for information.

73) Reference: RFP Section J.3 Sample Task Order; Paragraph(s) Subtask 1.1, 1.3, Task 2; Page(s) 123,125: Under subtask 1.1; the Government is requesting at least two conceptual approaches for a public awareness campaign which may include video production and distribution. Also, under task 2, the Government is requesting market research activities (focus group testing) as well. Due to the nature of the work that will be performed, these activities can only be priced by deliverable and not hourly. QUESTION: As such, would the Government please confirm that these services should be priced as cost-reimbursable ODCs for this effort?

ANSWER: No. All services related to direct labor shall include an hourly rate and shall not be proposed as ODCs.

74) Reference: RFP Section J.3 Sample Task Order; Paragraph(s) Task 5;

Page(s) 129: In the Campaign for Disability Employment sample task order, Task 5 relates to Product Packaging & Distribution. QUESTION: Will the Government cover printing, packaging, and distribution costs associated with materials fulfillment facilitated through the FCIC clearinghouse?

ANSWER: Yes. See REVISED Section C Part 5 (Task 5).

75) Reference: RFP Section J.3 Sample Task Order; Paragraph(s) Subtask 1.1, 1.3; Page(s) 123,125: In the Campaign for Disability Employment sample task order, Subtask 1.1 requests that the contractor “develop and present a minimum of two (2) well-developed conceptual approaches for future public awareness campaign activities to be conducted under the auspices of the CDE.” QUESTION:

Given that the costs associated with various conceptual approaches may vary greatly, will the Government accept budget ranges in the Offerors proposal?

ANSWER: No, the offeror must propose the appropriate labor mixes based on its understanding of the PWS requirements.

76) Reference: RFP Section J.3 Section K; Paragraph(s) 1; Page(s) 70: In Section K – Offeror Representations and Certifications, it states “The offeror shall complete only paragraph (b) of this provision if the offeror has completed the annual representations and certification electronically via the System for Award Management (SAM) website.” However, in paragraph c of this section, the RFP states “Offerors must complete the following representations.” QUESTION: Can the government please confirm that offerors only need to complete paragraph b if the offeror has registered in SAM within the last 12 months?

ANSWER: All offerors registered in SAM despite the registration period must complete paragraph b. All SAM registrations must be current.

77) Reference: RFP Section L.2; Paragraph(s) 10; Page(s) 88: Under Section L.2, the RFP states “Questions or requests for extension submitted after the cut-off date may not be considered.” QUESTION: Since it is before the cut-off date, can the Offeror request the due date be extended until August 12th?

ANSWER: Please refer to revised solicitation for relevant due dates.

78) Reference: RFP Section SF1449, Schedule of Supplies/Services;

Paragraph(s) Box 20; Page (s) 3: QUESTION: Can the Offeror add additional cost-reimbursable item numbers for ODCs in the IDIQ?

ANSWER: Yes. The offeror can propose additional ODCs other than those listed in the table that provides estimated ODCs.

79) Reference: RFP Section L.3; Paragraph(s) 9; Page(s) 93: Under L.3 Sub-factor 2. Accessibility Competence (Case Scenario 1), the RFP states Offerors shall review, identify and mitigate potential accessibility issues. QUESTION: How shall Offerors submit this section of the proposal to the Government?

ANSWER: See REVISED Section L.3 (Sub-factor 2).

80) Reference: RFP Section SF 1449, Schedule of Supplies/Services;

Paragraph(s) Box 20; Page(s) 2,3: In SF 1449 Schedule of Supplies/Services, labor categories have quantities of hours identified with each. QUESTION: Is the Offeror required to use these hours in the proposal or can the Offeror propose different hours allocated to each labor category listed?

ANSWER: The quantities on the SF 1449 are estimated workloads and are for information purposes only. Offerors should submit a price proposal, including a labor mix (labor categories, labor hours, labor rates), required to complete the full scope of PWS requirements.

81) Reference: RFP Section SF 1449, Schedule of Supplies/Services;

Paragraph(s) Box 20; Page(s) 2,3: QUESTION: Can Offerors propose labor categories without an estimate of hours in the budget?

ANSWER: No, for each labor category proposed, the Offerors must provide the estimate of hours on which their budget is based.

82) Reference: RFP Section L.3 Factor 3 and Factor 6; Paragraph(s) 4; Page(s) 97, 99: In Factor 3: Corporate Experience, paragraph 2, the RFP states the proposal shall include summaries of 3 recent projects conducted by the prime contractor. In Factor 6: Past Performance, the RFP states Offerors must provide a minimum of 3 past performance descriptions for projects that are recent and relevant.

QUESTION: Can the Government please clarify where these three past performances examples need to be described? This appears to be a duplicate effort.

ANSWER: See Section L.3 for detailed instructions about what is required for each factor. See Sections M.2.3 and M.2.6 for the evaluation criteria that will be applied for each respective factor.

83) Reference: RFP Section L.3 Phase I: Volume I: Mandatory Requirements Section 2, Sub-factor 2: Accessibility Competence; Paragraph(s) 9; Page(s) 2,3:

QUESTION: If remediation is required for the accessibility testing requirement mentioned under Mandatory Requirements Sub-factor 2: Accessibility Competence, can the PowerPoint document be submitted as a PDF and does DOL have a PowerPoint accessibility checklist that the Offeror should follow? For example, native PowerPoint files fail the HHS checklist due to their design elements, which cannot be corrected.

ANSWER: Yes the PowerPoint document can be submitted as a PDF. DOL does not have a checklist for the purposes of this evaluation. Remediate to the best of your abilities and document your findings. See REVISED Section L (Mandatory Criteria)

84) Reference: RFP Section M.1, Sub-factor 2: Demonstrated Accessibility Competence Paragraph(s) 2; Page(s) 102: Under M.1, Sub-Factor 2, QUESTION:

the RFP states Offerors will review 3 PDF documents and list and correct all accessibility errors, however, the documents provided in Dropbox include 2 PDFs and 1 PowerPoint. Is this an error?

ANSWER: Yes, the error has been corrected. See REVISED Section M (Phase 1:

Mandatory Criteria)

85) Reference: RFP Section Accessibility Competence: Case Scenario 1 - Dropbox; Paragraph(s) Dropbox documents; Page(s) ALL: QUESTION: If there is something inherent in the design of a table that makes it inaccessible, or which makes it impossible to pass the Acrobat accessibility checker (e.g. regularity error), will it be sufficient to explain this issue and make recommendations for how to address it in the source document?

ANSWER: The Government requests that the Offeror remediate. Remediate to the best of your abilities and document your findings. See REVISED Sections L & M

86) Reference: RFP Section Section B – Supplies or Services and Prices;

Paragraph(s) ALL; Page(s) 2.3: In Sub-factor 1: IDIQ Pricing, the RFP states all Offerors shall complete Section B of the solicitation for the Base Year and all Option Years. QUESTION: It appears that nothing in Section B needs to be completed by the Offeror in the proposal. Section B is just a description of the types of contracts to be awarded. Please confirm.

ANSWER: Correct.

87) Reference: 5.5 Task 5 QUESTION: What is the anticipated volume of packaging required?

ANSWER: The volume will be determined at the Task Order level. See REVISED Section C Part 5.5 (Task 5) and Attachment J.4 Technical Exhibit 3.

88) QUESTION: Since a Technical Contractor is responsible for the hosting and maintenance of the identified systems, including all websites and applications used by the Communications and Outreach Contractor (Disability.Gov, ePolicyWorks, etc), please describe the expectations for the Communication and Outreach Contractor to establish technical, secure connections to the TC systems.

ANSWER: See REVISED Attachment J.2 Technical Exhibit 2.

http://disability.gov/