Compiled_Questions_and_Answers_all_(CO_Edits_6_21_16).pdf

DOL-OPS-16-R-00036 (Amendment 000002)

Compiled Questions for Web Services Requirement

OPA/DEC PROGRAM QUESTIONS

1. On Page 5 section 1.1, four teams are identified: content, governance (security, capital planning, enterprise architecture), quality assurance (application testing and accessibility assurance) and technical (application development and infrastructure support). However, the labor categories only allow for 3 Team leads. What is the current team structure?

USDOL Answer: We currently have four teams. One team does not have a team lead due to its small size but we would be open to having a team lead there, as well.

2. Appendix E-Does DOL supply tools for project and cost management in order to facilitate variance tracking and management of SLAs?

USDOL Answer: Yes.

3. Section 3.1.4, Technical Services/Application Development Page 5 & 6:

Can the government please supply the numbers and kinds of applications or an inventory of applications?

USDOL Answer: See the supplied level of effort document.

4. During the execution of project, if the work demands additional resource requirement, how is the surge handled?

USDOL Answer: The government will request additional resources, if needed.

5. Can services be rendered remotely by connecting through secure VPN connection or is the vendor expected to be in attendance at DOL's premise in person?

USDOL Answer: No, See SOW section 3.3.3.5 page 10 (work location)

6. Para 3.3.3, Transition Period reads, “transition period will be immediate.” Can offerors assume that “immediate” is defined as beginning upon contract/task order award? How long of a transition period is anticipated? Will the incumbent be available during this period?

USDOL Answer: Yes. No transition period is anticipated. The incumbent will not be available.

7. Why is there no transition period?

USDOL Answer: Due to timing and funding concerns, there will be no transition period.

8. Does OPA intend to award the contract to only one vendor to provide all the required (21) FTEs?

USDOL Answer: Yes.

9. Can you please provide the current consultants bill rate on the current contract by labor category?

USDOL Answer: No, that is confidential.

10. What has been the yearly spend on these services during FY 14, FY 15 and FY 16?

USDOL Answer: Approximately $3.8M in both FY 14 and FY 15. FY 16 is not finalized.

11. Is there any budget limitation for this project?

USDOL Answer: As there is with any government project, we are limited by the funding we receive.

12. How many FTEs were absorbed by the current contractor from the then incumbent?

USDOL Answer: Approximately 5.

13. Does the current contract use the same labor categories in the same numbers?

USDOL Answer: It is very similar.

14. Is the current contractor’s performance satisfactory to the OPA?

USDOL Answer: Yes

15. Labor Categories Pricing-The Technical Lead category is grouped into one labor category. Will the offeror be allowed to break out the prices/rates into the three categories: Technical, Governance and Content?

USDOL Answer: Yes.

16. Are all 21 FTEs expected to be utilized simultaneously?

USDOL Answer: We are not currently staffed at 21 FTEs but all of the current positions are full-time and ongoing.

17. Please provide the number of current consultants by labor category.

USDOL Answer: As of June 20, 2016:

Program Manager 0

Team Leads/Content-Technical-Governance 2

Web Content Specialist 1

Web Content Editor/Front-end Editor 2

Web Content Editor/Graphics & User End Design 0

Senior Systems Developer 1

Systems Developer 3

System Administrator 2

Desktop Support Specialist 1

Security Specialist 1

Change, Configuration & Release Manager 1

Business Process Specialist/Capital Planning 1

Senior Accessibility Specialist 1

Human Factor/Quality Assurance Specialist 1

18. Has the scope of services changed from the previous contract held by TRI-TECH ENTERPRISE SYSTEMS INC.?

USDOL Answer: The scope is very similar.

19. Currently are all 21 FTEs working on the contract?

USDOL Answer: See the response to question 16.

20. Does the prime contractor need to have direct experience with the department or implement projects using Kanban framework?

USDOL Answer: No on both but the experience with both should be evident in the proposal.

21. Is it mandatory for the approved vendor to follow Kanban framework (Agile)?

22. Can the prime contractor propose a different framework?

USDOL Answer: No.

23. May we use subcontractors for this project?

24. Can the prime contractor use key personnel from the subcontractor?

25. Who is your cloud hosting provider?

USDOL Answer: We are not currently using a cloud hosting solution.

Please see the level of effort document.

26. The RFP says DEC provide it's services using FISMA among others --does this mean the new site has to be FISMA compliant, if so, at what level?

USDOL Answer: There is no new site.

27. The RFP asks for older content that are not moved to the CMS have to be encoded as HTML do you have any automation scripts for deployment?

USDOL Answer: The CMS work is being done under a separate contract. Please see the level of effort document.

28. For the monthly web analytics, do you have any specific format that you want the activity report?

USDOL Answer: We currently pull reports from Google Analytics.

29. For create and motion graphics, does DOL provide content or the contractor is expected to do so?

USDOL Answer: DOL provides the content.

30. What kind of Code Repository tool does DOL use?

USDOL Answer: Git. Please see Appendix D – Technical Standards.

31. Can DOL please clarify the application of the following statement: “All staff with project management responsibilities shall be Project Management Professional (PMP) certified and have experience managing agile software development projects.” Are there any positions other than the Program Manager that require a PMP certification?

USDOL Answer: No.

32. Can DOL please describe its preference for retaining desired incumbent staff, given there will be no or a very limited transition period?

USDOL Answer: Since there is no transition for this contract action, the DOL prefers not to have a break in service due to certain ongoing contractor support functions i.e. releases for Unemployment Insurance Claims and everyday maintenance to other agencies. It is our preference to retain some of the incumbent staff, at least initially, in order to maintain a certain degree of continuity and knowledge base. This is only the DOL’s preference and it is not our intent to suggest who a firm hires.

33. Can the government clarify which team leads based on the listed “staff qualifications” require resumes in our structured team approach?

USDOL Answer: Resumes are required for key personnel only; all Team Leads are key personnel.

34. DOL IT Security Policies knowledge a mandatory requirement?

USDOL Answer: Per the SOW, Section 3.1.6, the contractor will:

Develop a deep understanding of DOL-specific security polices within 45 days after the contract begins, as validated by the Information Security Officer.

35. Is the management place sec. 3.1.7 of the SOW required and evaluated?

USDOL Answer: This section will not be evaluated as a specific item but all evaluated sections should include information about the project management approach to be used.

36. The help desk example seems to only refer to our staff entering data into the JIRA Service Desk application. Were the examples meant to be actual tasks that the contractor would be responsible for? Would we be responsible for not only entering data, but also completing the activity?

USDOL Answer: Yes, the contractor would be required to complete activities similar to those listed in the example.

37. In the “RFP_DOL-OPS-16-R-00036_W_SOW_Clauses_Provisions” document, Page 11 section 3.17 and Page 13 section 3.2.6 describe about the “Project & Program Management” requirements for the contract but the “52.212-2 – EVALUATION – COMMERCIAL ITEMS (Oct 2015)“ section in Page 56 under “Criteria 1 – Technical” sub-section does not have the Project & Program Management as a factor for evaluation.

USDOL Answer: See the response to question 35.

38. Can the government please clarify that in our response should we address about the Project & Program Management, as it’s a SOW requirement but not an evaluation criterion, please advise.

USDOL Answer: See the response to question 35.

39. In the “RFP_DOL-OPS-16-R-00036_W_SOW_Clauses_Provisions” document, Page 30 under Appendix C - Staff Qualifications, it states that commitment letter is required for contingent hires. So it is not required for our employees and only required for contingent hires?

USDOL Answer: Yes, commitment letters are not required for existing employees.

40. In the “RFP_DOL-OPS-16-R-00036_W_SOW_Clauses_Provisions” document, Page 30, Appendix C - Staff Qualifications under Key Staff – Team leads it states that “If the proposed plan includes a team structure, then the lead for each defined team will be considered a key position. In addition to having the skills matching the function of the team, the Team Lead will also have personnel management experience. (Resumes Required)

Can the government clarify it’s understanding of the “proposed plan” and “team structure”?

USDOL Answer: “Proposed plan” refers to your suggested approach in meeting the requirements of the SOW. “Team structure” refers to your suggested staffing for the team.

41. Are the contractors required to provide a staffing plan with an organization chart?

USDOL Answer: This is not a requirement of the SOW.

42. Does the government want] us to follow the current team structure, if so, Any specific reference for the team structure that should be addressed in our response?

USDOL Answer: There is a federal manager for each of the defined teams and that team structure has worked well for us but vendors are welcome to suggest alternatives.

43. Please provide current tools used to develop content.

USDOL Answer: See SOW Appendix D – Technical Standards

44. Please provide current content transcription and caption tools.

USDOL Answer: We don’t currently have tools for these processes in place.

45. Is Drupal migration complete?

USDOL Answer: Please see the level of effort document.

46. What is the timeline to move all content to the Drupal content management server?

47. What is the current process to create captions for the video from supplied transcripts? What are the tools used to support this process?

USDOL Answer: Most of our videos are published on YouTube where you can supply the completed transcript and the timing is done by YouTube. We are currently researching captioning tools.

48. What are the tools used to create still and motion graphics?

USDOL Answer: Software from the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite.

49. What standards are currently followed for HTML and CSS coding?

USDOL Answer: HTML 5, CSS III and Foundation version 5, a front-end framework.

50. Please describe the currently implemented enterprise search solution.

USDOL Answer: For DOL.gov we use DigitalGov Search. For LaborNet (the intranet) we use ElasticSearch.

51. RFP, Appendix C – Staff Qualifications: Is there a citizenship requirement for key personnel?

USDOL Answer: No, FAR 22.1802 allows for any individual who is a documented alien, authorized to live and work in the US to perform under a government contract as long as the individual can meet the security requirements.

52. RFP, Appendix C – Staff Qualifications: Key Staff states “If the proposed plan includes a team structure, then the lead for each defined team will be considered a key position”. Is it correct to understand that if we are not proposing defined teams we do not need to propose key personnel team leads?

USDOL Answer: Yes.

53. SOW Sec. 1.2.General support, maintenance and management for a single content and application development environment for DOL.gov and LaborNet; Where is DOL.gov being hosted? How many environments are available to DOL?

USDOL Answer: In this case we are talking about the one development environment that OPA maintains, not the hosting of the production website.

DOL.gov is hosted both in an offsite Drupal implementation and on DOL-managed servers.

54. SOW Section 2 Support the migration of content from the existing DOL.gov to a Drupal-hosted DOL.gov, obtained separately from this contract; what version of Drupal is DOL.gov currently using?

USDOL Answer: See the supplied level of effort document.

55. SOW sec. 3.1.4 Manage search engine platforms via an enterprise search solution or equivalent. Is there currently a tool being used by DOL?

USDOL Answer: See the response for question 50.

56. SOW 3.1.The following section of the SOW describes the requirements and tasks that shall be accomplished to meet these requirements.

Detailed Requirements: does the government desire a response in the technical proposal at the individual requirement level?

USDOL Answer: Vendors should be able to demonstrate capabilities that would allow them to meet the requirements but the response does not need to be written to each specific requirement.

57. Will the government be providing any additional technical proposal structure instructions?

58. In section 3. Requirements – It states that Web and mobile application management will be required and in section 3.2.3 Technical Services/Application Development – It states that Development of mobile applications for mobile operating systems is required.

Would the Government elaborate on the level of effort that may be needed regarding developing and managing Mobile Apps?

59. Would the Government please provide a description of the various, competing projects mentioned in section 3.1.7 [of the SOW]?

USDOL Answer: No specific projects were in mind for this but the SOW has many examples of the types of projects that may need to be prioritized.

60. Would the Government provide examples of contractor activities related to DOL’s System Development Lifecycle Management practices as mentioned in section 3.2.6 [of the SOW]?

USDOL Answer: The SDLC was provided. Please review that for information about how the activities of this SOW correspond to SDLCM requirements.

61. Would the Government provide more detail on providing enterprise services portfolio management as mentioned in section 3.1.2[of the SOW]?

USDOL Answer: Information about the department’s strategic business management program can be found at https://www.dol.gov/oasam/ocio/ocio-entarch.htm. Here is some additional information from the department’s enterprise roadmap documents:

Enterprise Architecture Program Management Primary responsibility for the development and communication of the ER is executed through the Strategic Business Management (SBM) program within the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO). The SBM program manages the business, investment performance and common services elements within the traditional federal EA program scope. This ensures close alignment with the Capital Planning and Investment Control (CPIC) and management functions. The Chief Technology Officer (CTO), who chairs the DOL Enterprise-wide Technology Innovation Forum, is responsible for the technical and data elements of EA. The technical domains include the Data and Information, Systems and Applications, and Network and Infrastructure sub-architecture domains of the EA framework.

In addition to the ER, the SBM program is responsible for:

• Providing a logical structure for classifying and organizing descriptive representations within DOL significant to the management of DOL and the development of its systems;

https://www.dol.gov/oasam/ocio/ocio-entarch.htm

• Providing best practices and lessons learned to create a single architectural view of the organization;

• Facilitating the development of enterprise standards;

• Depicting the organization from three perspectives: (1) Current

State (also called the as-is), (2) Target State (also called the to-be), and (3) Modernization/Transition – strategy and sequencing activities to move from the current to the target state;

• Analyzing EA program maturity, defining program strategies and plans, defining necessary frameworks, and measuring performance;

• Coordinating with OCIO Policy and IT Governance committees to establish EA-related policies and procedures, and establishing associated governance framework and mechanisms;

• Integrating and supporting EA processes and governance within the IT Investment Management Framework including the integrated DOL System Development Lifecycle Management (SDLCM), CPIC, IT Security, and EA management process;

• Providing input into the Department\’s IT Portfolio Management process;

• Coordinating across agencies within the Department to increase visibility and adoption of IT shared services;

• Supporting EA communications, training, and outreach, including the development of an overall EA communications strategy;

• Defining EA tools vision and strategy and ensuring that the selection, deployment, configuration, management and maintenance of such tools of IT deployments are business focused, business driven, and generate business value; and

• Reporting on the status and activities of the SBM program to stakeholders including OCIO leadership, IT Governance entities, agencies, and OMB.

It is important to note that the Office of Public Affairs has a fully developed program in place but we refine our documentation on an ongoing basis to make improvements or to react to new requirements or program changes.

62. In section 2 [of the SOW]. Scope, it states that the contractor must support email subscription services as users of the DOL-supplied email subscription service, obtained separately from this contract. Would the

Government elaborate who will be responsible for obtaining the email subscription serviced mentioned and which service will be used?

USDOL Answer: The Government will obtain the email subscription service. We are currently using GovDelivery, as stated in SOW Appendix D – Technical Standards.

63. In section 2 [of the SOW]. Scope, it states that the contractor must manage websites and applications in an existing cloud environment. Would the government please identify in detail who the current cloud provider is?

USDOL Answer: Part of the DOL.gov website is hosted in a cloud solution provided by USDA’s National Information Technology Center (NITC) that is managed by another vendor. We are not using another cloud hosting solution right now but one could be added in the future.

64. In section 3.1.3 [of the SOW], it states “websites must be coded in HTML using an HTML editing package” Would the government identify which HTML editor they currently use and which editors are acceptable for use?

USDOL Answer: We use the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, as identified in Appendix D – Technical Standards.

65. In sections 3.1.3 [of the SOW], it states “time those captions to the video using an existing process” Would the government elaborate on what this existing process is and if we need to have specific software.

USDOL Answer: See the response to question 48.

66. This contract may require the contractor to create new microsites or webpages, would these new microsites require their own Cyber security assessment or will they be incorporated into the exiting C&A processes that are reviewed annually?

USDOL Answer: These microsites would not require a separate cybersecurity assessment, and may be assessed at a minimum annually within the existing FISMA reportable major application (MA) C&A process.

67. Would the government elaborate what their current platform consists of in regards to infrastructure, software components, technologies, and COTS products? Additionally would the government elaborate what the future platform should consist of?

USDOL Answer: Please see SOW Appendix D – Technical Standards for a complete list of the software and technologies we currently use.

68. In section 3.1.3 [of the SOW] it gives the example “The Contractor will also provide support for migration of files and data into the Drupal Web content management system.” Would the Government elaborate if it already has a process in place for migration or if it would require the contractor to create and implement a process for migration to Drupal?

USDOL Answer: This specific section refers to the existing need to manually migrate some content. The Drupal platform is managed by a different vendor and that vendor creates automatic migration scripts, as needed. Also see the level of effort document.

69. How many FTEs are on the current contract?

USDOL Answer: See the response to question 17.

70. Would the Government confirm if they suggest 2000 hours per FTE as an estimated number of full-time hours per labor category?

USDOL Answer: Yes, 2000 hours is appropriate per FTE.

71. In section 2, the SOW states: “Support email subscription services as users of the DOL-supplied email subscription service, obtained separately from this contract.” Is th ere a system in place that allows users to subscribe? If so what?

USDOL Answer: See the response for question 62.

72. In section 2, the SOW states: “Support the migration of content from the existing DOL.gov to a Drupal-hosted DOL.gov, obtained separately from this contract.” Is there another contractor already doing the Drupal implementation for DOL? Is Drupal development out of scope for this project?

USDOL Answer: See the response for question 68.

73. In accordance to the RFP, section 3.1 is denoted as “Detailed Requirements” and section 3.2 is denoted as “Specialized Experience Requirements.” Many of the requirements in both sections mirror on another. Can you please clarify what purpose each section serves? Are vendors required to fulfill all requirements listed within section 3.2.?

USDOL Answer: Vendors are required to fulfill all requirements of both sections 3.1 and 3.2. 3.1 are more about “what” should be done and 3.2 is more about “how” it should be done.

74. Under section 3.1.3, is the contractor responsible for usability or user interface design or just the content development? What social media applications/ channels are the Contractors supposed manage/ implement?

USDOL Answer: Just the content development. You can see which social media channels we are using by going to DOL.gov but, as stated in the SOW, the vendor will rarely need to interact with the social media channels.

75. How many tickets does the help desk receive weekly, monthly and annual basis? Is the hours of operation for the Help Desk (8:30 am - 5:30 pm)? Currently, how does the DOL deal with unusual traffic spikes on the website?

USDOL Answer: Please see the level of effort document. The website is protected by Akamai services so unusual traffic spikes do not usually cause concerns for the DOL.

76. Section 3.3.3 Transition Period states: “Transition will be immediate.”

Will vendors be allowed to set up pre award interviews with, if applicable, incumbent staff? Will there be a probation period for pre-award employees or incumbent staff?

USDOL Answer: Immediate transition means that there is not transition between the out-going and in-coming vendors. The incoming vendor needs to start work on September 15, 2016. The DOL does not have a probation period for Contractor staff.

77. According to section 5, work location is to be conducted onsite;

however, would the DOL consider allowing some of the personnel to work off-site?

USDOL Answer: Not on an ongoing basis. Allowance is made for teleworking as stated in the SOW on an as needed basis depending on the situation.

78. The transition period is stated as "Transition will be immediate". This requirement seems to bias the award towards an incumbent currently providing the support. We recommend DOL allows for a 30 day or 60 day transition in period.

USDOL Answer: See the responses to questions 6 and 7.

79. Key personnel resumes are required. What criteria will be used to evaluate these resumes and under what factor will key resumes be evaluated?

USDOL Answer: Key personnel resumes will be evaluated to match the listed experience with the requirements of the SOW.

80. The government provided staff qualification requirements for staff working under this contract. Many positions have no actual years’ experience requirements if the candidate has a degree. Example:

"Business Process Specialist (Capital Planning) will hold a Bachelor’s Degree "or" at least 2 years......" To avoid unusually low price proposals that would cause risk to the performance of the contract, we recommend the government provide a minimum years’ experience level for each labor category along with degree requirements. Example: "Bachelor’s Degree and at least 4 years’ experience or 8 years’ experience."

USDOL Answer: The requirements will stay as is.

81. CLARIFICATION: So that offerors can cogently address requirements in an efficient and well organized fashion, without any redundancy, will the government please advise if the expectation is that Detailed and Specialized requirements in the same functional area (i.e. Content Managment, IT Goverencance etc.) should be addressed separately or together within the 25 page limit?

USDOL Answer: They can be addressed together.

82."CLARIFICATION: To allow offerors to respond to the requirement for ""immediate"" transition, please clarify that:

a) Immediate means effective on date of kick off conference, or if not please specify?

b) There will be at least 30 days transition period to allow for necessary personnel actions (if different, please provide number of transition days allowed)

c) Please explain how this ""immediate"" requirement comports with typical time delays associated with, for example, badging of new contractor staff and the setting up of approved government email accounts?"

USDOL Answer:

a. It does mean the date of the kick off conference but, the Government understands that a vendor may not be at full staffing immediately.

b. The usual time to on-board an employee is approximately two weeks.

c. There will not be a transition period with the incumbent.

If there are delays due to the Government not being able to provide email accounts or other capabilities, that will not be held against the vendor.

83. Section 5 (work location) This section states all work "..will be performed at the Government worksite unless specifically authorized by mutual agreement.." and also addresses potential or telework consistent with DOL policies. CLARIFICATION: For pricing consistency across offerors, will the government please confirm that all pricing for the 21 FTEs should be at the offerors government site rate?

USDOL Answer: Yes, the pricing should be at the government site rate. The mutual agreement language only applies to inclement weather or natural disaster telework capability.

84. QUESTION: Will the government specify if it envisions any circumstances under which contractor staff may be required to attend meetings or other events at local locations other than 200 Constitution Ave and for which expenses such as local mileage, parking, etc. will be reimbursable?

USDOL Answer: There are rare instances where contractor staff may need to attend an event outside of 200 Constitution Ave. All travel shall be approved in advance by the COR or CO, and the Federal Travel Regulation, at FAR 31.205-46 shall be used as a guide to reimbursement surround any travel.

85. SOW states that Division of Enterprise Communications (DEC) accomplishes tasks “in accordance with the DOL SDLCM processes (the approved DOL project life cycle); and Kanban agile project management processes”, and “The Contractor will use industry best practices for information technology project management; web and mobile application development; …”.

a. With the required conformance to the DOL SDLCM and industry best practices, would CMMI DEV II or above be required to demonstrate contractor ability to institute and conform with application development and quality control best practices?

b. If industry or third party certification and standards are not required, how would the Government evaluate and ensure the Contractor uses and maintains industry best practices?

USDOL Answer: CMMI DEV II is not required. If the vendor follows the DOL SDLCM processes and our established Kanban agile project management processes, the vendor will be using industry best practices.

Office of Procurement Services (OPS) Questions

86. Is a JV partnership/ arrangement is permitted for this opportunity?

USDOL Answer: Yes, as long as the 8(a) JV is approved by the SBA.

87. Our company is a Small Business Administration (SBA) Section 8(a) contractor operating under a SBA-approved Mentor-Protégé Agreement (MPA) with two other vendors. We simply want to ask and get confirmation that this JV partnership/ arrangement is permitted for this opportunity.

USDOL Answer: As long as the 8(a) JV is approved by the SBA.

88. Can the prime contractor leverage the subcontractor’s references/past performance information?

89. Since the questions are due on 15th, when are the answers expected?

USDOL Answer: No longer than 5 business days from Q&A end date.

90. Since the time between the release of Q & A and due date would be very short, will the department consider moving the due date for responses by another 2 weeks after release of Q&A?

USDOL Answer: USDOL does not anticipate extending the response date at this time.

91. Is there an incumbent contractor for this RFP? If so, could you please provide their company name and contract number?

USDOL Answer: There is a current contract in place. The incumbent is Tri-Tech Enterprise Systems. The existing contract number is DOL-

OPS-15-F-00065

92. Could you please provide the details of the incumbent contractor, including the award amount for base and all option periods?

USDOL Answer: See response to question 91. The award amount for this contract is $3,810,265.36 (18 months Period of Performance).

There are no options on the current contract.

93. Is there a limit on the number of sub-contractors on the bid?

94. If we are subcontracting, is there a limit on how many companies we can partner with to provide the required resources?

95. It appears that this solicitation is a reissuance of the previous one that was cancelled without any reason provided to the vendor community. How confident are you that the department has funds and will not seek extending the current contractor and will award this contract for the best response? We understand that the government has the right to cancel RFP anytime. However as a small business, we are limited on resources and would like to make sure that our efforts won’t go in vain. We understand that you can’t provide assurances. However, we want to make sure that chances of you cancelling this RFP again is very limited and we can move forward without hesitation to put a best proposal forward.

USDOL Answer: USDOL/OPA has had this requirement for the past 17 years. An agency needs still exists for these services.

96. Outside the USA allowed to apply for this? (e.g. From India or Canada)

USDOL Answer: Any firm with 8(a) status (as approved by the US Small Business Administration) can compete for this opportunity.

However, per section 3.3.3.5 of the SOW/ Work Location, all work must be performed at the government worksite. Please review FAR Part 19 for more information and SBA.gov to determine eligibility.

97. If the company is outside the USA, would the vendor need to come over there for meetings?

USDOL Answer: Yes, please see section 3.3.3.5 of the SOW/Work Location.

98. Can we perform the tasks (related to RFP) outside USA? (e.g, from India or Canada)

USDOL Answer: No, See section 3.3.3.5 Work Location (page 10) of the SOW: Although the Government anticipates that all work will be done at the government site, if the contractor makes space available for contractor work (e.g. for teleworking), the government can conduct on-site monitoring to note safety issues, adequate space for staff and other workplace issues at any time.

99. Can we submit the proposals via email?

USDOL Answer: No electronic submissions are allowed, please see the cover letter for proposal submittal instructions.

100. Is it possible to expand the set-aside to also include SDVOSB’s and improve the candidate pool of small businesses?

USDOL Answer: No, this requirement will remain in the 8(a) program.

101. My company is not an 8(a) certified. Can we be a subcontractor with an 8(a) company?

USDOL Answer: Yes.

102. Is this the same solicitation that was on FBO in January 2016? If so, our company submitted a proposal that was not acceptable by your office.

Then, we found that it was cancelled. Could we submit another response to this solicitation by July 1st?

USDOL Answer: The requirement is the same but there have been changes to the SOW and proposal submittal process. You may submit a response as long you meet the eligibility criteria for 8(a) as approved by the US Small Business Administration.

103. Is the incumbent allowed to bid on the re-compete?

USDOL Answer: Any company with 8(a) status via the US Small Business Administration is allowed to compete as long as they meet the eligibility requirements.

104. Have the incumbent employees been offered the right of first refusal?

USDOL Answer: No, this contract does not fall under the Service Contract Act (SCA).

105. Can the government confirm the contract start date and the award timeframe? The RFP cover letter mentions proposals should be valid until October 1, 2016 then the SF 1449 mentions a base period starting September 15, 2016. However, FPDS is showing the incumbent contract expiration date of September 30, 2017.

USDOL Answer: Award date is estimated to be on or around September 13 to 14, 2016 with an anticipated start date of September 15, 2016. The contract you are referring to was the original contract and not the current contract.

106. Does the incumbent qualify for the re-compete?

USDOL Answer: See response to question 103.

107. What is the annual cost of the current contract and the total contract value?

USDOL Answer: The annual cost is approximately $3,810,265.36 (18 months Period of Performance). Please be reminded that this is the pricing for this current contract.

108.The cover letter for amendment 00001 states the following: **Please call and make arrangements to drop off your proposal in advance of the 3:00 PM Eastern Time deadline on June 15, 2016.

Can the government please clarify, if the date (June 15, 2016) mentioned above is the deadline date to call the CO to make arrangements to drop off the proposal on or before July 01, 2016?

USDOL Answer: This should state: **Please call and make arrangements to drop off your proposal in advance of the 3:00 PM Eastern Time deadline on July 01, 2016. (See also, amendment 00002)

109. Reference 52.212-2 (Evaluation – Commercial Items) pages 54-58 of the RFP.

The evaluation criteria describe an adjectival rating scale for technical assessments. Further, the evaluation of past performance establishes a confidence/risk assessment based on recency and relevancy. These evaluation approaches are consistent with a best value procurement approach. Recommend that the sentences referencing Low Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) be removed (from the Cover Letter and Evaluation Criteria) and replaced with a best value terminology consistent with the evaluation approach prescribed in the current solicitation.

USDOL Answer: See amendment 00002. Basis for award is Best Value.

110. Reference 52.212-2 (Evaluation – Commercial Items) pages 54-58 of

FAR 15.101 indicates that LPTA is only appropriate when best value is expected to result from the selection of a technically acceptable proposal with the lowest evaluated price. The current evaluation criteria establishes adjectival ratings indicating that a higher rating (e.g. exceptional) has a high probability of success, while a lower rating (e.g., acceptable) offers only an average probability of success. Based on these criteria, LPTA is not an appropriate acquisition method for the government to maximize its likelihood of success. Request removal of language stating LPTA (from the Cover Letter and Evaluation Criteria) and replace with language offering a best value award, thus maximizing the likelihood of successful contract performance.

USDOL Answer: The Basis for award is Best Value.

111. Reference 52.212-2 (Evaluation – Commercial Items) pages 54-58 of

Despite the fact that LPTA will reduce the government’s likelihood of a success, if the government chooses to procure on the basis of LPTA, request that the evaluation criteria be aligned to be consistent with that method of procurement. Guidance for LPTA procurement approach is provided in FAR 15.101-2; further guidance is offered in appendix A of the following defense acquisition website: http://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/policy/policyvault/USA007183-10- DPAP.pdf . Such guidance would require that technical proposals be http://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/policy/policyvault/USA007183-10-DPAP.pdf http://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/policy/policyvault/USA007183-10-DPAP.pdf evaluated on an “acceptable/unacceptable” basis; and that past performance be evaluated on a “pass/fail” basis. Evaluations that consider risk; success factors; trade-offs; best value; or other manner of segregating offerors would not be appropriate. Should any of these methods be considered, a best value trade-off acquisition approach should be used. Request the evaluation criteria be adjusted to clearly indicate and apply the appropriate methodology for the applicable acquisition type.

USDOL Answer: See amendment 00002; The Basis for award is Best Value.

112. This is in regards to the subjected RFQ, as mentioned in the PWS, Offeror need to submit past performance in one form (Attachment 4), we are unable to find it with the RFQ docs, can you send the attachment via email?

USDOL Answer: No, Please see amendment 00001 for the form within

FBO.

113. We have a question regarding the Past and Present Performance Information Reference Form. For one of our references, we were a Sub of a Sub-Contractor for a federal government contract. For question number seven, would we check the box for Sub-Contractor?

USDOL Answer: Yes

114. Reference the cover letter: proposal Instructions, paragraph (h), page

3. Can offerors provide an acronym list not included in the 25 page limitation?

USDOL Answer: No.

115. Reference the proposal instructions (par. H). The RFP mentions delivery of CD copies but no details is provided. Please confirm that electronic copies are required and, if so, in what quantity and format? With the exception of the unlocked/unprotected excel price list requested on page 3, is Adobe pdf format acceptable? Are CD copies of both the original and redacted version of the proposal required?

USDOL Answer: No electronic submissions will be accepted. 1 CD with your proposal response (not redacted) and 6 hardcopies redacted Volume I Technical proposals ONLY – No pricing - should be submitted via the mailing address on the RFP cover letter which is:

USDOL/Francis Perkins building, 200 Constitution Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20210. Again, you should submit a total of seven (7) proposal items (6 hard copies of Volume I Technical ONLY - plus 1 CD Copy that contains Volume I Technical and Volume II Price (The CD can be included in the Key Code Envelope if large enough to accommodate a CD – if not, please submit the CD in a separate envelope/package).

116. Are offerors expected to complete Blocks 21-24 (pricing information) in the SF1449? If yes, can you please provide an editable version of this form?

USDOL Answer: No, please use the excel spreadsheet to complete the pricing information.

117. The RFP requests delivery of 6 hard copies of the proposal. Please confirm that this number includes the original version (original + 5 copies)?

Also, please clarify that the original copy should be redacted in the same manner as the copies with the exception of a cover page with the stated contractor information.

USDOL Answer: Yes. The CD is the only submittal that is not redacted and should contain Volume I Technical, Volume II Pricing, SF-1449 and SF-30. See response to question 115.

118. For pricing purposes, what is the anticipated start date of the awarded contract? There is a discrepancy between the labor categories sheet, which lists 9/30/16 and the SF 1449, which lists 9/15/2016.

USDOL Answer: Anticipated start date is 09/15/2016.

119.The RFP states that award will be made to the “Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) offeror. However, the RFP cover letter states that Price is the lowest weighted evaluation factor, which is in line with a best value type award. Can the Government please clarify the importance of price in the award evaluation and how it will be evaluated?

USDOL Answer: The Basis of award is Best Value.

120. Please confirm that the Past Performance portion of the proposal is excluded from the 25 page limit for the Technical Proposal.

USDOL Answer: Yes, it is excluded from the 25 page limit.

121. Para 18 (page 18 terms and conditions) Organizational Conflict of Interest, “…The contractor is also required to complete and sign an Organizational Conflict of Interest Statement in which the contractor (and any subcontractors, consultants or teaming partners) agree to disclose information concerning the actual or potential conflict with any proposal for any solicitation relating to any work in the statement of work.” Does the Government require this signed statement to be submitted with the proposal? If so, should the statement be incorporated as part of Volume II?

USDOL Answer: No signed form or signature is needed at this time.

Further clarification at time of award will be provided to the awardee if needed.

122. We have resources that have capabilities to build 508 compliance web sites but as a company we have not delivered a 508 compliance web site.

However, we have built many commerce and content management sites.

Please let us know if we will be able to respond to the RFP.

USDOL Answer: Yes, as long as you meet the requirements of an 8(a) small business program as certified by the US Small business administration.

123. The RFP notes there should be a technical proposal (of no more than 25 pages); however, there is no subsequent outline stated. What is the preferred outline on what specific information should be provided for the technical factors? What should elaboration on our ability to fulfill the technical requirements include (e.g., experience, methodology, etc…)?

USDOL Answer: Your proposal response should address the technical requirements listed in the attached Statement of Work.

124. Is a GSA STARS (II) small business eligible for consideration for this contract?

USDOL Answer: This is set-aside for open market competitive SBA 8(a) vendors only. This is not a GSA procurement, therefore 8(a) Stars II is not eligible.

125. Amendment #1 released on June 9th says this is an IDIQ. Will multiple task orders be issued in parallel on the IDIQ?

USDOL Answer: Yes, if an agency needs exists. This requirement will be awarded as a DOL-wide IDIQ.

126. Is the current contract also an IDIQ?

USDOL Answer: No, but it only services one agency within USDOL.

127. What is the anticipated date of award?

USDOL Answer: We anticipate an award date on or around 09/15/16.

128. Memorandum (n) Can the Government please clarify the required “representations and certifications?” Our understanding is that the only representations and certifications required is paragraph (b) of FAR 52.212- 3 and any exception statements.

USDOL Answer: If your firm has a SAM.GOV account and you are active, then there is no need to submit a hard copy of the REPS AND CERTS as the DOL can pull the REPS AND CERTS from SAM.GOV.

Only the firms that do not have an active SAM.GOV account need to submit a hard copy of the REPS AND CERTS at the time they submit their proposal. Yes, that is correct. Per 52.212-3, the only representations and certifications required is paragraph (b) of FAR

52.212-3 and any exception statements. Paragraph (b) would be submitted in VOL 1.

129. Memorandum (n) Can the Government please confirm that the completed copy of the representations and certifications should be part of Volume I -Technical and does not count in the 25 page limit?

USDOL Answer: See response to the question above. No, it does not count toward the page limit.

130. Memorandum (o) Can the Government confirm that the “Acknowledgement of Solicitation Amendments” (Form 30) should be included in Volume II – Cost and is excluded from the Supplemental Price Information page count?

USDOL Answer: Solicitation amendments (SF 30) should be submitted with VOL I on the CD ONLY, no hard copy submissions of the SF-1149 or SF-30. The DOL confirms that these form are excluded from the page count.

131.Memorandum (h)(a) Can the Government please verify if one 7 digit code should be created for a team or if separate 7 digit codes should be created for each team member?

USDOL Answer: One code should be provided for everyone.

132. Memorandum (h)(a) Our understanding is that the Key Code should be listed along with its referenced company inside the separate sealed envelope. Please confirm.

USDOL Answer: Yes.

133. Memorandum (h)Our understanding is that six (6) hard copies of the proposal must be submitted and that each proposal consists of two (2) volumes: Volume I – Technical and Volume II- Cost. Can the Government please confirm that Volume I and Volume II can be submitted together in a single binder?

USDOL Answer: Yes, as long as each volume is labeled accordingly.

134. Memorandum (h) Our understanding is that only Volume I – Technical in Proposal copies 2 through 6 should be redacted. Please confirm.

USDOL Answer: Each hardcopy proposal (Volume I ONLY) should be redacted. The CD is not redacted and shall contain - Volume I Technical, Volume II Pricing, SF-1449 and SF-30.

135.Memorandum (h) Our understanding is that only three files (one copy each of the original and redacted Volume I – Technical and one copy of the original Volume II – Cost) are required on the CD. Please confirm the required content on the CD and identify the required labeling of the CD.

USDOL Answer: All hardcopy volumes should be redacted. The CD is not redacted. You may label the CD with 1) your company name and

2) key code. CD and Key code may be packaged in the same envelope. The vendor is submitting a total of seven (7) items to USDOL (6 redacted hardcopy Volume I Technical proposals and one CD that is not redacted which shall contain Volume I Technical, Volume II Price, SF-1449 and SF-30).

136 .Memorandum (h) Our understanding is that the Past and Present Performance Information Reference Sheet and one page description for each Past Performance Project are excluded from the 25 page limit of Volume I – Technical. Please confirm.

USDOL Answer: The DOL confirms that this is correct.

137. Would the government please clarify if Offerors are required to submit 6 total redacted copies or 1 original and 5 redacted copies?

USDOL Answer: 1 original redacted hardcopy proposal, 5 redacted hard copy proposals. 1 CD (VOL I & II, SF-1449 and SF-30) that is not redacted [A total of seven (7) items].

138. The Proposal Instructions: Redacting Hard Copies Item “A” states:

Create a 7 digit code that references offeror name, proprietary software names, and any other names that could identify the offeror to the source selection board. Is that correct? or should “Should Not” be added in the?

USDOL Answer:

1. Create a 7 digit code and place it on a piece of paper.

2. Place the paper in an envelope with one copy of your non-redacted CD. You should also write the key code on the CD.

3. Seal the envelope and write the following words on the front of the envelope along with code: e.g. “Key Enclosed-ABC-01-23”

4. See also, sample in Amend 00002 RFP Letter.

139. What is the ceiling rate for this contract?

USDOL Answer: This information is not being disclosed as this is not a construction contract.

140. Per your request for the proposal to be submitted as hardcopy, can we submit the proposal in the same format via email instead?

USDOL Answer: No, the DOL will not accept e-mail submittals.

141. Can DOL please clarify the basis for award / evaluation criteria? The technical assessment includes adjectival ratings, which are typically used for a best value evaluation, but the RFP also mentions LPTA.

USDOL Answer: The Basis for Award is Best Value

142. If the basis for award / evaluation criteria is LPTA, it is our understanding that all offerors should be asked to bid against the same LOE for comparison purposes in order to maintain the LPTA evaluation. If LPTA is in fact the basis of award, we ask that DOL please remove language that allows for manipulation of labor hours in the pricing spreadsheet. Regarding the labor hours in the pricing sheet, does DOL consider 1 FTE to be 2000 hours of DL (billing) per year? We are used to seeing 1880 hours for 1 FTE, which does not include vacation/sick and other administrative leave.

USDOL Answer: The Basis for Award is Best Value. Yes, please use 2000 hours for one FTE.

143. The RFP requests a "font size greater than or equal to 10 pitch". Our understanding is that pitch only applies to fixed fonts, such as Courier New, and not to proportional fonts, such as Times New Roman or Arial. Can DOL please confirm that Times New Roman 12 point font and/or Arial 10 point font are acceptable?

USDOL Answer: Times New Roman 12 point font and/or Arial 10 point font are acceptable.

144. Can DOL please confirm that the offeror should provide one (1) original, non-redacted hard copy of the proposal (Proposal 1)?

USDOL Answer: No, all hard copy proposals are redacted. The CD is the only submittal that is non-redacted.

145. Regarding instructions for redacting Proposals 2 – 6, is there a type of identifier that should be used for references to subcontractors? Should the offeror use the same code number with a "–S1" at the end to replace the company name of a subcontractor?

USDOL Answer: The same code is used for the prime and sub.

146. Can DOL please provide further guidance on items that should be redacted in Proposals 2 – 6? Aside from company names, logos, identifying marks, and key personnel names, what additional items should be considered for…