RFP_PMO_2014_qA_12-5-13.pdf

RFP – DTFT60-13-R-00003

Project Management Oversight Program Questions and Responses

1. Question: Reference: RFP Section L.24 Labor Categories and Hours Information, Labor Classification: Task Order Manager, Page 163.

According to the above mentioned chart, for 18,116 hours for Task order managers indicate this is for more than one personnel. Are the proposers still limited to provide only one resume for the Task Order Manager role as mentioned on page 146, paragraph three “only ONE individual resume for each position will be evaluated?”

Response: Refer to amendment 002

2. Question: Reference: Section G.25, Subcontractors/Consultants, page 79:

• What criteria will the government use to determine whether the proposed subcontractors are “agreed to” by the Contracting Officer? The clause states that this will be completed at time of award.

Response: Refer to FAR 52.244-2

• At what point in the procurement process will negotiations be conducted and how will the proposed subcontractors be agreed to or approved during the procurement process.

Response: Negotiations will take place, once the competitive range has been established, Offerors will notified via email.

• For example, if a proposed subcontractor does not have an approved accounting system (Section H.12) , will it be denied approval, or will there be special consideration for small businesses that have not had the opportunity to have their systems audited by a federal auditor such as the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA).

Response: Refer to section L.23 of RFP

3. Question: Reference: Section H.26, Subcontracting Goals, page 99. The percentages shown on this page differ from those shown in a table on Attachment J-4, page 2. Please clarify the subcontracting goals for this contract.

Response: Refer to amendment 004

4. Question: Reference: Section H.28, Key Personnel Designations, page 100. Should “Project Manager” be changed to “Program Manager”?

Response: Refer to amendment 002.

5. Question: Reference: PART IV, paragraph 2, page 117, Representations and Instructions.

Mention is made of a Business Proposal. Can you please explain what is meant by this? We did not see this mentioned elsewhere in the RFP.

Response: Refer to amendment 002.

6. Question: Reference: Part IV – Representations and Instructions, paragraph 2, page 117. If we have completed our Reps and Certs on-line, are we required to include a copy of the entire Reps and Certs document (33 pages), or would it be acceptable to provide just Section K instead, checking off that Paragraph D applies? Section L.22, Volume 1, Page 134 only mentions completing and submitting Section K.

Response: Yes, offerors are required to submit a copy of their reps and certs in accordance with Section L and K of the RFP.

7. Question: Reference: Section L.9, page 129. This section indicates questions are due by Friday, November 1 (no time given); however, Section L.6.1, page 126 of the RFP, indicates questions are due by Wednesday, October 30, by 4 pm EST. Please clarify which date (and time) is correct.

Response: Questions are due by October 30, 2013 by 4:00pm EST. Refer to amendment 001.

8. Question: Reference: Section L.14, Two-Step Evaluation Process, page 130:

• Does this clause apply to proposed subcontractors under Section G.25?

• If so, does it apply to all subcontractors, including Small Businesses?

• If the prime contractor proposes to use a subcontractor that doesn’t already have an approved accounting system, will it be deemed non-responsive?

Response: Yes to all

9. Question: Reference: Section L.22, page 134, states that all sections listed under Volumes I, II, and II should be tabbed as shown; however, in the table beginning on page 136, it looks like groups of sections are listed under specific tabs, rather than tabbing each individual section.

Please provide clarification as to how FTA would prefer these three volumes to be tabbed.

Response: Refer to amendment 002.

10. Question: Reference: Section L.22, Proposal Organization and Preparation, Volume II - Technical/Management table, Tab 1, Section 4, page 136: Please confirm whether Section 4 of Tab 1 (Volume II) is limited to 35 pages for Technical Excellence and 25 pages for Organizational Control Plan (total of 60 pages) OR 35 pages total for Section 4 (10 pages for Technical Excellence and 25 pages for Organizational Control Plan).

Response: Refer to amendment 002.

11. Question: Reference: Section L.21.2, Tab 6 – Past Performance: Section 1, Corporate Experience, page 137. This section indicates that we should limit 3 references for the prime and 2 for subcontractors. However, on page 157, Corporate Experience, paragraph (a), it states that the offeror shall provide 4 examples of corporate experience information for active or complete projects (at least 2 from the prime). Please specify the number of project examples to be provided from the prime and the number of project examples from the subcontractors?

Response: Refer to amendment 002.

12. Question: Reference: Section L.22, Proposal Organization and Preparation, in the table under Tab 2 – Staffing and Recruiting, page 137. It is indicated that Section 2, Staffing and Recruiting, is limited to 10 pages. However, we did not see a description of this section in the text indicating what FTA is looking for in the 10-page write-up. Please provide more information on what you are looking for in this section so that we may be sure we are providing adequate detail.

Response: Refer to amendment 002.

13. Question: Reference: Section L.21.1, Proposal Preparation Instructions, page 140, top of page, the paragraph entitled “Modified Pre-Award Survey, SF Form 1408,” states that the Offeror and subcontractors shall complete this form.

• If a proposed Subcontractor doesn’t already have an approved or audited accounting system, will FTA perform an audit to determine whether their system is acceptable, and will this be the basis for approving the proposed subcontractor as required by Section G.25?

Response: Refer to section L.23 of the RFP

• If the Offeror proposes a subcontractor per Section G.25 that doesn’t have an approved accounting system and provides the required SF Form 1408, but the subcontractor fails the preaward audit, would the Offeror be deemed non-responsive?

Response: Refer to section L.23 of the RFP

14. Question: Reference: Section L.21.2, Resumes of Key Personnel and Other Personnel, bottom of page 146. It is indicated that resumes should not exceed 3 pages; however, in the table on page 137, under Tab 2 – Staffing and Recruiting, it indicates that Section 3: Personnel Resumes, should be limited to 2 pages per proposed personnel. Please confirm whether resumes are limited to 2 pages or 3 pages.

Response: Refer to amendment 002

15. Question: Reference Section L.21.2, Tab 6 – Performance History, page 159. This section indicates that descriptions of 5 contracts/task orders shall be provided by the prime contractor and up to 3 for each major subcontractor. Can you please explain the difference between the information requested in this section and the information requested in Section L.21.2, Tab 6 – Corporate Experience, page 157?

Response: Refer to amendment 002

16. Question: Reference: Section L.21.2, Tab 6 - Performance History Summary Matrix, page

159. This indicates that this section is limited to 10 pages. Should this be 10 pages for all of Tab 6, Section 2 – Past Performance, as indicated in the table on page 137?

• If this is not the case, can you revise the total number of pages allowed for the entire section, as shown in the table on page 137, since the Performance History Summary Matrix alone provides for a maximum of 10 pages?

17. Question: Reference: Section L.23: Adequate Accounting System – Preaward, page 162:

• The last sentence of this provision states that “The system shall be approved at the time of submission of the proposal; the information provided is subject to verification and audit.” Does this sentence apply to subcontractors that have not had their accounting system audited by a federal audit agency and, therefore, cannot provide evidence that their accounting system is adequate?

Response: Refer to L.23

• If the Offeror submits an SF Form 1408 for a proposed subcontractor that has not had its accounting system audited and, therefore, cannot provide evidence that it is adequate, would its system be approved at the time the Offeror submits its proposal? “

Response: Refer to L.23

• If not, will FTA request an audit of the subcontractor’s accounting system?

Response: Contractors needing assistance in developing or improving their accounting systems and procedures may request a copy of the Defense Contract Audit Agency Pamphlet NO. 7641.90, Information for Contractors. The pamphlet it available via the Internet at http://www.dcaa.mil. See FAR Part 31.002 Availability of accounting guide.

• If so, would the audit be performed prior to contract award and would the Offeror be rendered no- responsive if the subcontractor’s accounting system is determined to be inadequate as a result of the federal audit?

Response: Refer to section L.23

18. Question: Reference: Volume III, Tab 1, Cost and Price, page 164, Financial Statements. Is it acceptable to submit financial statements separately, either in a sealed envelope along with our submittal or submitted directly to the FTA prior to the proposal submission due date rather than including in the proposal?

Response: Offeror are allowed to submit their financial statements in a sealed envelope along with their proposal in accordance with section L of the RFP and any amendments.

http://www.dcaa.mil/

19. Question: Reference: Volume III – Tab 3 – Accounting System Audit Information, page 170:

• If the Offeror cannot provide a statement from an independent Certified Public Accountant (CPA) prior to the proposal due date that the subcontractor’s proposed accounting system is acceptable and established cost pools are currently in accordance with FAR 31 regarding overhead, G&A and other indirect costs, will the Offeror be rendered non-responsive? Depending on the status of the prospective Small Businesses’ accounting system, it may take longer than one (1) month to make any changes required by the CPA.

Response: Refer to Section L.23

• Does the Offeror assume the risk of being non-responsive if the subcontractor cannot obtain certification from the CPA by the proposal due date, or are there any extenuating circumstances that would allow an extension to a small or disadvantaged business.

Response: Refer to Section L.23

20. Question: Reference: Section L.26, Proposal Page Specifications and Instructions, Binding and Labeling, page 172. Please explain what is meant by Plastic Bindings only? (Further in the paragraph, it is stated that Volumes I, II, and II should be separately bound in a three-ring loose-leaf binder and no spiral bindings are allowed.) Are these considered “Plastic Bindings”?

Response: Refer to amendment 002.

21. Question: Reference: Section L.26, Proposal Page Specifications and Instructions, Binding and Labeling, page 172. It states: “Subcontractor submissions shall identify both the subcontractor and the prime offeror’s name.” Please clarify which particular submissions this statement is referring to.

Response: Refer to amendment 002

22. Question: Reference Section L.26, Page Description and Binding and Labeling, page 172: Is it permissible to include Disclosure and Use of Data clause, date of proposal, RFP number, and page numbers required on each page as headers and footers outside of the 1-inch margins and at a smaller font? This information would take up a lot of space on each page if keeping to a 12 point font and inside of the 1-inch margins.

Response: Offeror shall submit their proposal in accordance with section L. 26 of the RFP.

23. Question: Reference Section L.26, Page Description, page 172. Can you please confirm the following is acceptable? There seems to be some discrepancies within the paragraph:

11 x 17 page size is allowed for charts, matrices, drawings, tables

10 point minimum is allowed for charts, graphs, matrices, tables, etc.

12 point font is required for all text portions of the proposal

Either Arial or Times New Roman is acceptable fonts to be used in the proposal

Response: Refer to amendment 004

24. Question: Reference: Attachment J-2 – Resume. May we set up our own Word template for J-2 (resumes) in order to have room to provide the requested information, or is there already a J- 2 in Word format that can be made available?

Response: Yes Offerors can set up a word template for attachment J-2, however you must use the same information.

25. Question: Please confirm that small businesses (and JVs composed of small businesses) are exempt from the Cost Accounting Standards requirements in B.3 per 48 CFR 9903.201-1.

Response: Please refer questions related to the applicability of federal, state, and local laws and regulations affecting your business to your own attorney. FTA does not provide legal or accounting advice to contractors or proposers.

26. Question: Please clarify what the term “informal JV” means. Refer to paragraph titled 1) Teaming/Subcontract Arrangements and Management.

Response: Refer to amendment 002

27. Question: Please clarify the terms(s) “joint venture/Teaming”.

Does this combined term mean all JV participants or just JV Partners?

Response: Refer to page 139 of the RFP and FAR Subpart 9.6.

28. Question: Please confirm that, notwithstanding any language in the solicitation, there are no prohibitions or penalties associated with a JV being the Offeror.

Response: There are no prohibitions or penalties associated with a JV being the Offeror.

29. Question: The RFP makes several references to management structure in the case of a Joint Venture (“JV”) being the Offeror. These references (for example, Section C.6.b) require the Program Manager and Task Order Manager(s) to be an employee(s) of the managing joint venture partner even though the JV is a legal single entity. What is the reasoning for this requirement? It would seem that so long as the Program Manager and Task Order Manager(s) have appropriate, delegated authority from the JV, their actual employer is less important than their legal and functional roles in the JV organizational structure. This seems particularly true at the Task Order Manager level, where individual Task Orders may not be performed by the Managing JV Member employees.

Response: See Section L.21 of amendment 002

30. Question: Per H.25, and the FAR revisions expected in response to the most recent Defense Authorization Act, is the “51% Rule” able to be met by ensuring that at least 51% of the cost of the work is performed by a contractor similarly situated to the prime, or must it be the actual prime contractor? (i.e.51% of the work being performed by small businesses, vs. 51% by the contractor?)

Response: Refer to amendment 002

31. Question: Do the subcontracting goals at H.26 apply to small businesses, since per FAR part 19.702(b) small businesses are exempt from the small business subcontracting program?

Response: This FAR subpart 19.702(b) is not applicable to small businesses.

32. Question: Please clarify if the maximum value of contract(s) is $750 million, not $750,000,000 million.

Response: Refer to amendment 002.

33. Question: Please clarify if the term “Offeror” as used throughout the RFP refers to the Prime or Joint Venture. Section C.4 (Definition) does not include the definition of Offeror. There is a definition provided in L.20 (on page 133).

Please verify definition provided in Section L.20.

Response: Refer to Section L.20 page 133 and FAR 2.101

34. Question: The current PMO contract has an educational and experience requirement for the Task Order Manager (TOM) to be a “Professional Engineer or Registered Architect or PMP Certification or 15 years of experience in a Program Management Oversight Program.”

Please consider using the same TOM requirements in the RFP DTFT60-13-R-00003.

35. Question: Sections C.6.b and L.21.2.b stipulates that the Geotechnical Engineer be licensed as a “Professional Geotechnical Engineer”.

Would licensure as a “Professional Geologist” also satisfy this requirement?

Response: Refer to amendment 002

36. Question: The “Sample Monthly Contract Status Report” reference in section F.8 could not be located in OP 1-Appendix E. Please provide.

Response: Please refer to response provided in Question 187.

37. Question: Please clarify if the reference to the Project Manager as a Key Personnel should instead be Program Manager.

Response: Refer to amendment 002

38. Question: In the narrative describing the contents of Volume II-Tab 1-Table of Contents it prescribes that “Offerors shall include a cross reference table showing where RFP requirements can be found in there proposal.”

Please clarify as to what exactly is meant by RFP requirements. Should this table be based on the Evaluation Criteria established in Section L and/or M of the RFP?

Response: Refer to page 141 section L.21.2.

39. Question: It appears that the same information is being requested in two places.

Within Volume I - Tab 1 – Technical/Management/Section 4 Technical Excellence/Organizational Control Plan, item ,4) Key Personnel (top of page 145), it reads:

Identify the prime offeror key personnel as identified in the solicitation proposed for this effort.

Provide a cross-walk between the Government specified labor categories for which the key personnel are proposed and the offeror’s- internal labor categories in which the personnel are/will be classified. The cross-walk shall describe their qualifications (education and experience) as it relates to the functional area requirements of the SOW and demonstrate how these qualifications meet or exceed the applicable minimum qualifications established elsewhere in this solicitation.

Under Volume II - Tab 2 - Staffing and Recruiting/Section 1: Key Personnel and Commitment Letters, under the paragraph titled “Key Personnel:” (bottom of page 145), it reads:

The Offeror shall provide a matrix table between the Government specific labor categories for which the key personnel are identified, describe their qualifications (education and experience) as it relates to the SOW in Section C, and demonstrate how these qualifications meet or exceed the applicable minimum qualifications established in the solicitation.

Does the FTA intend this information to be in both places? If so, should it be identical or is there a difference between the two?

Response: See Section L.22 Volume II, Tab 1 and Section L.21.2

40. Question: In the table (on p. 137) showing Volume II Tabs, titles, and page limitations, it lists Tab 2 – Staffing and Recruiting, Section 2: Staffing and Recruiting, and Section 2 limit 10 pages.

In the specific instructions on requirements for the information that goes into the Tab 2 sections (on pages 145 through 155) there is no mention of the information that should go into Section 2 – Staffing and Recruiting, as listed on the table?

What specific information is required to go into the 10 pages indicated on the content table for Tab 2 – Staffing and Recruiting/Section 2- Staffing and Recruiting?

Response: Refer to amendment 002.

41. Question: In the table showing section content and page limitation for Volume II, Tab 2 - Staffing and Recruiting/Section 3: Personnel Resumes, it reads: Limit 2 pages per proposed personnel (page 137).

Under instructions in the text on p. 146, it reads: The page count for each resume should not exceed (3) pages.

Please clarify, are the resumes for all personnel limited to two (2) or three (3) pages?

Response: Refer to amendment 002

42. Question: Within Volume I - Tab 4 – Organizational and Individual Conflicts of Interests/Section 1 Organizational and Individual Conflicts of Interest, the paragraph reads: The Offeror shall Complete and submit the Government-provided Conflict of Interest (COI) matrix spreadsheet, attachment J-6, in the Section J, List of Attachments. . . . . Offerors shall refer to the Conflict of Interest Language in Section H, Special Requirements prior to completing and submitting the Conflict of Interest matrix spreadsheet. See J-13, Conflict of Interest Matrix.

Neither Attachment J-6 nor Attachment J-13, as indicated in the text, is a Conflict of Interest Matrix.

The Table of Contents for the RFP lists Attachment J-11 Conflict of Interest Statement. Is this the intended attachment to meet the requirement referenced variously as Attachment J-6 and Attachment J-13 in the text?

Response: Refer to amendment 002

43. Question: Under TAB 5 – Subcontractors, first paragraph at top of page 157, it reads: Offeror shall submit a consent letter, executed by each subcontractor, teaming partner, and/or joint venture partner, authorizing release of adverse past performance information to the Offeror, so the Offeror can respond to such information.

Is there a template for or example of the more detailed content to go in the letter?

Response: No

44. Question: As a point of clarification is the FTA referring to the proposal due date in this section (see below) as part of the Task Order Proposal due date as opposed to the RFP proposal due date?

In addition, the CO’s written consent is required for a Contractor to enter into subcontracts in accordance with FAR clause 52.244-2, “Subcontracts”, and in accordance with Section H, titled, “Subcontract Approval.” The Contractor shall notify the CO reasonably in advance of placing any subcontract or modification thereof, including the information identified in FAR clause 52.244-2 (e)(1). Each request for subcontract consent package, if required, must be submitted to the CO by the proposal due date.

Response: Offeror did not submit question in accordance with section L. 6.1 of the RFP.

45. Question: In the table (on p. 137) showing Volume II tabs, titles, and page limitations, it lists:

Tab 6 – Past Performance, Section 1: Corporate Experience, and Section1: Limit 3 references for Prime and limit 2 for subcontractors.

In the specific instructions on requirements for the information that goes into Tab 6, under the paragraph Corporate Experience (in the middle of page 157), it states: Offeror shall provide four (4) different examples of corporate experience information for active or complete “relevant/recent” contracts/task orders and/or subcontracts (including Federal, State, and local Government or commercial) directly related to the services identified in Section C. At least two

(2) experience described must be from the Prime Offeror.

What is the desired number of project examples (reference information) for the Prime? 2 or 3 reference projects? How many total reference project examples does the FTA want from subcontractors?

Response: Refer to amendment 002

46. Question: Are the Past Performance Questionnaires to be submitted for the reference project examples required above? 4 total or 5 total past performance questionnaires?

Response: Refer to amendment 002

47. Question: In the instructions on requirements for the information that goes into Volume II, Tab 6, Section 2: Past Performance, under the subtitle Performance History Summary Matrix (page 159), it reads: The offeror shall provide a summary presentation of all prime offeror and major subcontractor/team member performance history submissions, in columnar format . . .

Two questions:

Where it refers to “all prime offeror and major subcontractor/team member performance history submissions,” are the submissions the project examples required under Corporate Experience?

Response: Refer amendment 002

The Past Performance Questionnaire projects?

Response: Refer to amendment 002

In the table (on p. 137) showing Volume II tabs, titles, and page limitations, for Tab 6 – Section 2: Past Performance, it reads “Section 2: Limit 10 pages. Page 159 (as quoted above) allows for 10 pages for the Performance History Summary Matrix alone. Please clarify the maximum total number of pages for this section?

Response: Refer to amendment 002

48. Question: Volume II, Tab 6, Section 2: Past Performance, under the subtitle Performance History (bottom of page 159) reads:

. . .Each major subcontractor/team member shall submit up to three (3) recent and relevant contracts/task orders for which it has performed as either a prime contractor or subcontractor.

However, the next paragraph (top of p 160) states: Subcontractor/team member submissions shall clearly identify their role (prime or subcontractor) in the contract/task order.

Is the information required for major subcontractors only as indicated on page 159? Please confirm.

Response: Refer to amendment 002

49. Question: Volume II – Tab 7 – Sample Task Order (on page 160) does not appear in Section L.22: PROPOSAL ORGANIZATION AND PREPARATION on page 134 nor in the matrix showing Volume II content and page limitations on page 137.

Two questions:

Is it the FTA’s intention to include the Tab 7 – Sample Task Order in Volume II?

Are there any page restrictions for Tab 7 – Sample Task Order?

Response: Refer to amendment002.

50. Question: In the paragraphs under Volume II – Tab 7 – Sample Task Order, there are two references to different attachments where the sample TORP can be found, as follows:

The sample task order requirement package (TORP) is provided in Attachment, J-10 (Sample TORP). Refer to Page 160.

See Attachment J.8 Cost Schedule for Sample Task Order. Refer to Page 161; (d) Task Order Costs.

Please specify where the format for the required TORP input is located. In both?

Response: Refer to amendment 002

51. Question: Within the subheading Page Description on p. 173, it states: …text portions of the proposal shall be no smaller than size 12 and font type shall be Times New Roman…. Later in the paragraph it states: Graphs, tables and spreadsheets where necessary must be 10 point or larger Arial or Times New Roman font type. All other text must be typed using 12 point (or larger), single-spaced, and using Arial or Times New Roman font type.

Which is the desired font/font size?

Response: Refer to amendment 004

52. Question: Attachment J-7: Contract Pricing Summary Templates seems to be set up for a Prime/Sub-Contractor relationship as opposed to any other teaming arrangement, such as a Joint Venture or partnering arrangement.

Please consider modifying the Attachment J-7 accordingly to address such teaming arrangements.

Response: Attachment J -7 will not be changed.

53. Question: Reference is made to labor rates as prescribed in Section B.18.1. However; there is no Section B.18.1 in the RFP.

Please clarify if the Section reference should be B.19 instead.

Response: Refer to amendment 002.

54. Question: Please clarify if the price proposal to be included in Volume III is to only include a Cost Plus Fixed Fee scenario using the labor categories and distribution as prescribed in Section L.24.

Response: Refer to section L Volume III

55. Question: Volume II – Tab 7 – Sample Task Order, Part (c) Task Specific Qualifications and Experience states: The sample task order proposal shall include three subparts: Subpart 3A – Personnel Qualifications, and Subpart 3B – Corporate Experience. Proposal preparation requirements for these subparts are set forth at Attachment 08.

Two questions:

There was not a Subpart 3C specified for this Part. Should Tab 7 – Part (c) only include two subparts?

Response: Refer to amendment 002

Attachment 08 does not include proposal preparation requirements. Please specify where the preparation requirements are located.

Response: Refer to amendment 002

56. Question: The last sentence (page 162) in Section L.23 ADEQUATE ACCOUNTING SYSTEM –PREAWARD states: The system shall be approved at the time of submission of the proposal; the information provided is subject to verification and audit.

The first paragraph (page 170) under Volume III – Tab 3 – Accounting System Audit Information, however, states The Offeror, JV, Partnering/Teaming and all major subcontractors shall provide the current (within the last year) audit report/findings/letter and point of contact with phone number or e-mail address from the Offeror’s Federal Government Cognizant Audit Agency that the Offeror’s accounting system has been approved and is adequate for firm fixed price and cost reimbursement contracts.

Please clarify when the system is considered to be approved. Also, please clarify if the same evidence of an adequate accounting system is required for both of these sections.

Response: A DCAA audit report or independent auditor review determining adequate accounting system may be considered as evidence, See Section L.23 of the RFP. Contractors needing assistance in developing or improving their accounting systems and procedures may request a copy of the Defense Contract Audit Agency Pamphlet NO. 7641.90, Information for Contractors. The pamphlet it available via the Internet at http://www.dcaa.mil. See FAR Part

31.002 Availability of accounting guide.

57. Question: Within Volume III – Tab 1 – Cost and Price it states: Various spreadsheets will be required in different sections of the cost proposal. The spreadsheets shall “roll up” to the Summary worksheet tab in the Cost Exhibit. Include the Summary worksheet in this Section.

The offeror shall furnish supporting breakdowns for each cost element, consistent with its cost accounting system…The offeror shall utilize a Microsoft Excel compatible spreadsheet in “readable” format that shows all formulas and links for review Cost breakdown by Government Fiscal Year Proposal…

Two questions:

Are the spreadsheets referred to in this section the same as the spreadsheets included in Attachment J-7 Cost Pricing Summary?

Response: Yes

Should the Summary worksheet and supporting breakdowns be included before the Table of Contents for this section?

Response: No, Refer to section L of the RFP.

58. Question: Within the subheading Direct Labor Rates it states: The Offeror shall incorporate a 2.5% escalation per year after the first year of performance and shall complete both tables as listed in fill-in in B.18 and B.18.1. See Attachment J-6 to complete labor rates for B.18, and Attachment J-8 for B.18.1.

Is it the FTA’s intention to include the completed Attachment J-8 form in addition to the B.18.1 table?

Response: Refer to amendment 002

59. Question: Within the last bullet in the Indirect Rates Section, the last bullet on page 166 states: In addition, the prime offeror and each major subcontractor/team member and JV shall propose indirect rate ceilings, as a rate per contract year, for each category of indirect expense (e.g., overhead, general and administrative, material handling, etc.), to be applied to applicable base costs of labor at the task order level.

Three questions:

Do non-major subcontractors need to provide rate ceilings? Does each JV member need to provide a rate ceiling, or does one rate ceiling for the JV apply? Can one rate ceiling for each category be applied to all team members?

Response: Refer to Section L.24 of the RFP.

60. Question: Within the subsection Fixed Fee it states: Fixed fee is not authorized on proposed consultants under the resultant contract.

Is the term “consultants” considered to be the same as contractors and/or subcontractors for the purpose of this proposal?

Response: Refer to FAR Part 31.205.33 Professional and Consultant Service Costs. The cost composite for a consultant shall include the daily compensation rate, number of days of expected service, and estimated travel and per diem costs.

61. Question: Within the subsection (bottom of page 169) Cost Proposal Worksheet it states:

Major subcontractor/team member Indirect Rate Ceiling Tables will be incorporated into the contract.

Are the Indirect Ceiling Tables required for non-major subcontractors?

Response: Refer to section L.24 of the RFP

62. Question: Within the third paragraph of the subheading Audit Information it states: If the Offeror, JV, Partnering/Teaming, major subcontractor has had an audit within the last year (within 12 months)…

Are audits required for non-major subcontractors?

Response: Refer to section L.23

63. Question: B.18 and B.19 21-22 B.18 – Rate Table for Pricing CPFF states a maximum of 2.5% escalation per year. B.19 Labor Rate Table for Pricing FFP does not state an escalation rate. Is this capped at 2.5% as well or are we free to bid something different?

Response: The 2.5% is not applicable to table B.19. Offerors shall submit a proposal in accordance with their technical approach.

64. Question: C.6.b. Minimum Personnel Requirements 36-37 The RFP states that the Task Order Manager is required to be a licensed Professional Engineer. Will 15 years of experience in a program management oversight program be acceptable in lieu of a P.E. license?

Response: Refer to amendment 002

65. Question: L-22, Proposal Organization 134-135,136-137, 138-171 - On page 134-135, the RFP states, “Offerors shall tab each section listed below under each volume for ease of reference.” On page 136 and 137, another tab and section breakout is provided that includes page restrictions, but it does not coincide with the required tab/section listing on pages 134-135. Pages 138-171 provide details of the information required per section, but these sections do not coincide with pages 134-135 or 136-137. Would you clarify which structure is correct so we can organize the submittal to best meet your needs?

Response: Refer to amendment 002

66. Question: Volume I –The Offer and Other Documents 136 Tab 2, Certification and Representations, notes to see J-7 attachment and Section K of the RFP. J-7 doesn’t appear to be the correct attachment. What is the correct attachment?

Response: Refer amendment 002

67. Question: Volume I –The Offer and Other Documents 136 Tab 3, Small Business Subcontracting Plan, notes to see J-8 attachment. Isn’t J-4 the correct attachment?

Response: Refer to amendment 002

68. Question: Tab 2, Section 3 137 The RFP states personnel resumes are limited to 2 pages per personnel. Form J-2 and page 146 limit personnel resumes to 3 pages. Can you clarify?

69. Question: Tab 6 Past Performance 137 Section 1 is limited to 3 references for prime and 2 for subcontractors. However, page 157, Corporate Experience requests 4 project examples from prime or subcontractor. Please clarify.

Response: Refer to amendment 002

70: Question: Vol II, Tab 2, Section 2 137 The RFP states that this section is Staffing and Recruiting and allots a limitation of 10 pages. In the detail description on sections starting on page 145, there is no Volume II, Tab 2, Section 2 Staffing and Recruiting. What is the content supposed to include?

Response: Refer to amendment 002

71. Question: Vol I and Vol II, Table of Contents 138 and 141 The RFP states, “Also include a list of all tables and figures. Offerors shall include a cross reference table showing where RFP requirements can be found in their proposal.” It is not asked for in Vol III. Would you like a comprehensive Table of Contents, List of Tables/Figures, and Cross Reference Table for the entire three-volume submittal included in each volume for ease of reference?

Response: Refer to Section L Volume I and II of the RFP

72. Question: Vol II, Tab 2, Key Personnel, 4th sentence 145 The RFP states, “The Offeror shall provide a matrix table between the Government specific labor categories for which the key personnel are identified, describe their qualifications (education and experience) as it relates to the SOW in Section C, and demonstrate how these qualifications meet or exceed the applicable minimum qualifications established in the solicitation.” This is nearly identical information as required on pg 145, Tab 1, 4) Key Personnel. Also, the page allocation (per pg 137) for Tab 2, Section 1, is two pages, which would accommodate the two one-page commitment letters only.

Do you want this information in both places, and are the page restrictions correct?

Response: Refer to amendment 002

73. Question: Vol II, Tab 2, Key Personnel 145 The RFP states, “The Offeror shall provide letters of commitment certify that the Government shall have full access to the key personnel as required by the Government.” Is this required for the Project Manager and all Task Order Managers or just for the Project Manager and the Task Order Manager that will be evaluated?

Response: Refer to amendment 002

74: Question: Resumes of key personnel 146 The RFP states to see Attachment J-6 for resume template. Can you clarify that the resume template is Attachment J-2 and not Attachment J-6?

75. Question: QA/QC Manager 152 The RFP states one of the requirements of the QA/QC Manager as, “Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) Certification or similar credential is required.” Is years of experience or ISO certification acceptable in lieu of the CMQ/OE certification?

Response: Years of experience or ISO certification is not acceptable in lieu of the CMQ/OE Certification. ISO certification is a company/organization certification vs. CMQ/OE which is an individual certification or qualification of a person. The QA/QC Manager must possess a CMQ/OE Certification or similar credentials (e.g. Quality Engineer, Quality Auditor, Quality Improvement Associate, Quality Inspector, Quality Process Analyst, Reliability Engineer.)

76. Question: Past Performance, first paragraph 158 The RFP states, “The Offeror shall be responsible for ensuring that each of the customer references receives, completes and returns Attachment J-2, Past Performance Questionnaire, to the appropriate Government point of contact.” J-2 is not the correct form; it appears J-3 is. Please clarify.

Response: Refer to amendment 002

77. Question: Past Performance, near end of first paragraph 158 Further in the same paragraph, reference is made to “The cover letter at Attachment J.9 Past Performance Questionnaires Instructs the point of contact to return completed questionnaires to the designated Government Point of Contact.” Again, it appears that J-3 is the correct form. Please clarify.

Response: Refer to amendment 002

78. Question: Performance History Summary Matrix 159 Is the summary matrix referred to here for the same projects from the past performance questionnaires or is it in addition to the questionnaire projects? Response It is limited to 10 pages and does not specify the 3-year restriction. Is this correct?

Response: Refer to amendment 002

79. Question: Performance History 159 This section asks for up to five contracts/task orders. Is this in addition to what is being asked for under Past Performance on pages 158 and 159 or are these the same projects? Is there a page restriction?

Response: Refer to amendment 002.

80. Question: Sample Task Order 160 The RFP states, “The sample task order requirement package (TORP) is provided in Attachment, J-10 (Sample TORP).” Attachment J-10 is a copy of the Oversight Procedures. Please clarify what is required for the Sample Task Order.

81. Question: (d) Task Order Costs 161 The RFP states, “See Attachment J.8 Cost Schedule for Sample Task Order.” Is this correct?

Response: Refer to amendment 002

82. Question: Direct Labor Rates 165 The RFP states, “The Offeror shall incorporate a 2.5% escalation per year after the first year of performance and shall complete both tables as listed fill-in in B.18 and B.18.1. See Attachment J-6 to complete labor rates for B.18, and Attachment J-8 for B.18.1.” Is this correct?

Response: Refer to amendment 002

83. Question: Cost Proposal Worksheet 169 The RFP states, “The Contract Pricing Summery, Attachment J-6, with appropriate back-up material as follows:” Attachment J-6 appears to be the modified Pre-award Survey of Prospective Contractor Accounting System Checklist. Would you please clarify?

Response: Refer to amendment 002

84. Question: CD-ROMS 172 The RFP states that CD ROM volume data should be organized as separate files in searchable .XLSX and .DOCX file formats as specified for schedule price. In the second sentence it states that electronic media versions of the proposal files are to be formatted in Adobe Acrobat 7.0 (PDF) or higher. Are we to provide both file formats for all documents?

Response: Yes

85 Question: First paragraph 173 The RFP states that print type used in text portions shall be no smaller than size 12 and font type shall be Times New Roman. Print type used in charts, graphs, figures an tables shall be no smaller than size 12, but must be clearly legible. Further in the same paragraph, it states that graphs, tables and spreadsheets where necessary must be 10 point or larger Arial or Times New Roman font type. All other text must be typed using 12 point (or larger), single-spaced, and using Arial or Times New Roman font type. Please clarify the font type and size restrictions.

Response: Refer to amendment 004

86. Question: #1 and 2 J1 Question 2 refers to amendments to the solicitation being signed and included, but aren’t these listed on the SF 33 form and, therefore, included in #1?

Response: Yes this information is included on the SF33, however question still requires a response.

87. Question: J and L #6 J1 and page 158 The question asks where the Past Performance Questionnaires are located in the proposal. The questionnaires are required to be sent directly to FTA; not included in the proposal according to Vol II, Past Performance, page 158.

Response: Offeror shall respond by stating that Past Performance Questionaries’ are to be sent electronically to FTA in accordance with the RFP. (Refer to section L in RFP)

88. Question: J # 7 and #15 J1 Aren’t these two questions contradictory? Can you clarify?

Response: Please fill out attachment J-1 accordingly.

89. Question: J Subcontracting Plan, page 2 J4 Subcontracting Plan Template, page 2, FY 2013 Target Goals – The table heading states “% of Dollars Subcontracted…” and the note below the table states “These target goals are to be applied to the overall value of the acquisition/contract.”

Is the intent the goals in the table (46% or 40% as clarified in #2 below) are applied to both “Dollars Subcontracted” AND “Total Contract Value”? OR

Is there a percentage of the overall value of the contract required to be subcontracted to all businesses, regardless of size and separate from the percentages noted in the table to be applied to the Total “Subcontracted” Dollars?

Response: Refer to amendment 004. Total estimated dollar value of ALL planned subcontracting, i.e., with ALL types of concerns, the revised goals will be completed under amendment 004.

DOT current subcontracting goal is 43.0% for Small Business (hereafter referred to as SB), 5.00% for Small Disadvantaged Business, including 8(a) Program Participants, (hereafter referred to as SDB), 5.00% for Women-Owned Small Business and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (hereafter referred to as WOSB), 3.00% HubZone business (hereafter referred to as HUBZone), 3.00% Veteran Owned Small Business (hereafter referred to as VOSB) and 3.00% Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (hereafter referred to as SDVOSB) concerns for Fiscal Year (FY) 2014. For this procurement, DOT expects all proposed subcontracting plans to contain at a minimum the aforementioned percentages.

These percentages shall be expressed as percentages of the total estimated subcontracting dollars.

90: Question: J Subcontracting Plan, page 2 J4 Subcontracting Plan Template, page 2, FY 2013 Target Goals and RFP, page 99, clause H.26 Subcontracting Goals – Two different sets of “subcontracted” goals are stated.

Please confirm: The Subcontracting Goals stated in the RFP, clause H.26 (SB 40%, SDB 5% etc.) are the required minimum goals for this requirement.

91. Question: J Disc of Lobbying J9 Is this form supposed to be included in Representations and Certifications of our proposal and is it to be completed by the prime and all subcontractors?

Response: Refer to amendment 002. Yes the prime and subcontractors shall fill out attachment J- 9.

92. Question: Reference: Section B.19, Labor Rate Table for Pricing FFP, page 22. Do the loaded composite labor rates include profit?

Response: Yes

93. Question: Reference: Section H.12, Accounting System Reviews, page 92. For purposes of pricing subcontractor services:

o How do we handle small subcontractors that do not have a general overhead or fee structure?

o Is it permissible to use subcontractor’s “billing rates” that are inclusive of both overhead and fee in these instances?

o Can subcontractors self-certify their overhead rates?

Response: Refer to Section H.12

94. Question: Reference: Paragraph Section H.26, Subcontracting Goals, page 99. Is it permissible for firms to be self-certified in SAM and qualify as DBEs, small businesses, etc.?

This was allowed in the previous PMOC proposal, but we would like to verify that this is still acceptable.

Response: Small business certification is determined by the Small Business Administration

(SBA)

95. Question: Reference: Attachment J-9, SF LLL - Disclosure of Lobbying Activities. This form was not listed in the requirements tables on pages 136 and 137.

o Do we need to complete if there are no lobbying activities to be disclosed?

o If so, where should this form be included in Volume I?

o Do subconsulants need to complete this form as well as the prime?

96. Question: Reference: Section L.22: Proposal Organization and Preparation, Volume III table, Tab 2, Section 2: Fill in Sections B.8.1 and B.8.2 Tables, page 137. Only table B.8.1 is shown in the RFP (page 15); we did not see a B.8.2. Please advise whether a table will be added or if the reference to B.8.2 is in error.

97. Question: Reference: Section L.21.1, Proposal Preparation Instructions, page 138. Is it permissible to combine the table of contents with the cross-reference matrix as long as we are referencing both the RFP page numbers and the proposal page numbers?

Response: Offeror shall submit their proposal in accordance with section L.21.1 of the RFP.

98. Question: Reference: Volume II, Tab 2, Staffing and Recruiting, B. Minimum Personnel Requirements, Clerical Support Staff, pages 150-151. Is "Document Control" no longer considered as a separate position?

Response: Refer to amendment 002.

99. Question: Reference: Volume II, Tab 2, Staffing and Recruiting, B. Minimum Personnel Requirements, QA/QC Manager, pages 152-153. The requirements call for “CQM/OE certification.” Please advise whether a professional engineering (PE) license is sufficient for this labor category.

Response: Refer to amendment 002

100. Question: With the pre-proposal conference scheduled for November 18th and the proposal due shortly after on December 2nd, are you considering an extension due to a possible clarification resulting from the pre-proposal and the Thanksgiving holiday falling the week before December 2nd?

Response: The due date for proposals has been extended until 3:00pm EST. December 11, 2013.

Refer to amendment 002.

101. Question: In Section L.26, Paragraph on Binding and Labeling, page 172: the RFP states “Plastic Binding ONLY” but later in that same paragraph states “Volumes I, II, and III must be separately bound in three-ring loose-leaf binders that will permit the volume to lie flat when open. NO SPIRAL bindings are allowed” So, which is required - 3-ring binders or plastic, spiral bindings?

Response: Refer to amendment 002

102. Question: In Section L.26, Paragraph on Page Description, page 172-173: the RFP states that “print type used in the text portions of the proposal shall be no smaller than size 12 and font type shall be Times New Roman. Further down in the same paragraph it states “text must be typed using 12 point (or larger), single-spaced and using Arial or Times New Roman font type.”

Which would you like Arial or Times New Roman?

Response: Refer to amendment 004.

103. Question: Within the TOC of the RFP and on page 116 list of attachments, J-9 DISCLOSURE OF LOBBYING ACTIVITIES is noted and included, but within Volume 1, 2 and 3 the RFP does not request the form. Do you want this form to be completed and submitted and if so, by just the prime and in which Volume?

Response: Refer to amendment 002

104. Question: Can supplemental resumes be included? And if so, in what section?

Response: Not enough information to respond to this question. Please refer to section L.6.1.

105. Question: In Section L, Volume II, Tab 6 Corporate Experience and Past Performance under paragraph Performance History, page 159, can you confirm that the five projects provided either do or do not include reference information?

Response: Refer to amendment 002

Also, can you confirm that these five projects are coming from the prime firm only and if the team has major subconsultants they will need to provide three additional projects. Do projects need to come for subconsultant team members in addition to the five projects, if so how many from each?

Response: Refer to amendment 002

106. Question: In Section L, Volume II Technical and Management table, page 137, under Tab 6, Section 1 Corporate Experience, the RFP states that it wants a limit of 3 references from the Prime and 2 References for the Subcontractors. In Section L, Volume II, Tab 6 Corporate Experience and Past Performance on page 157, the RFP states the offeror shall provide 4 different examples of corporate experience information including reference information. Can you please clarify if you want 4 total from the prime only or if you want 3 total from the prime and 2 for each subconsultant on the team.

Response: Refer to amendment 002

107. Question: In Section L, Volume I, Tab 1, Organizational Control Plan, Subsection 4, Key Personnel on page 145, the RFP requests “a cross-walk between the Government specified labor categories for which the key personnel are proposed and the offeror’s internal labor categories in which the personnel are/will be classified. The cross-walk shall describe their qualifications (education and experience) as it relates to the functional area requirements of the SOW and demonstrate how these qualifications meet or exceed the applicable minimum qualifications established elsewhere in this solicitation.” Further down, in Section L, Volume 2, Tab 2…