SF30_EA133W-15-RP-0044_Amendment_0002.pdf

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. Name and Title of Signer (Type or Print) 16A. Name and title of Contracting Officer (Type or Print)

Timothy Wampler

AWIPS Contracting Officer

15B. Contractor/Offeror 15C. Date Signed 16B. United States of America

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

16C. Date Signed

(Signature of person authorized to sign)

NSN 7540-01-152-8070 30-105 STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 10-83)

PREVIOUS EDITIONS UNUSABLE Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

1. Contract ID Code Page of Pages

1 24

2. Amendment/Modification No. 3. Effective Date 4. Requisition/Purchase Req. No. 5. Project No. (if applicable)

0002 SEPT 10, 2015 NWWH0000-15-04009

6. Issued By Code AJ930073 7. Administered By (If other than Item 6) Code SEE BLOCK 6

NOAA/EASTERN REGIONAL ACQUISITION DIV

200 GRANBY STREET

8TH FLOOR

NORFOLK, VA 23510

8. Name and Address of Contractor (No., Street, County, and Zip Code) (X) 9A. Amendment of Solicitation No.

X

EA133W-15-RP-0044

9B. Date (See Item 11)

10A. Modification of Contract/Order No.

10B. Date (See Item 13)

Code Facility Code

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

X

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers is extended X is not extended.

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing items 8 and 15, and returning 1 copy of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDG-

MENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT

IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

12. Accounting and Appropriation Data (if required)

N/A

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACT/ORDERS.

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

(x) A. This change order is issued pursuant to: (Specify authority) The changes set forth in item 14 are made in the Contract Order No. in item 10A.

B. The above numbered Contract/Order is modified to reflect the administrative changes (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.)

Set fourth item 14, pursuant to the authority of FAR 43.103 (b)

C. This supplemental agreement is entered into pursuant to authority of:

D. Other (Specify type of modification and authority)

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not, X is required to sign this document and return one (1) copy to the issuing office.

14. Description of Amendment/Modification (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

Amendment 0002 to EA133W-15-RP-0044 (1) Incorporates Questions and Answers and makes changes to (2) Request for Proposal (RFP)

Secion B.3 Effective Period, (3) RFP Section B.4 Schedule of Prices, (4) RFP Section L.6 Commerce Acquisition Regulaiton (CAR) 1352.215-

70 Proposal Preperation Paragraph L.6.(b)(1)(ii)(E)(3), (5) RFP Section L.6 Commerce Acquisition Regulaiton (CAR) 1352.215-70 Proposal

Preperation Paragraph L.6.(b)(1)(ii)(F), (6) RFP Section L.6 Commerce Acquisition Regulaiton (CAR) 1352.215-70 Proposal Preperation

Paragraph L.6.(b)(2)(i)(A), (7) RFP Section L.6 Commerce Acquisition Regulaiton (CAR) 1352.215-70 Proposal Preperation Paragraph

L.6.(b)(2)(i)(C), (8) RFP Section L.6 Commerce Acquisition Regulaiton (CAR) 1352.215-70 Proposal Preperation Paragraph L.6.(b)(2)(i)(D),

(9) RFP Section L.6 Commerce Acquisition Regulaiton (CAR) 1352.215-70 Proposal Preperation Paragraph L.6.(b)(2)(iii)(B), (10) RFP

Section L.6 Commerce Acquisition Regulaiton (CAR) 1352.215-70 Proposal Preperation Paragraph L.6.(b)(2)(iii)(C), (11) RFP Section L.6

Commerce Acquisition Regulaiton (CAR) 1352.215-70 Proposal Preperation Paragraph L.6.(b)(3)(iii), (12) Appendix L.3 - Reference Data

Sheet, (13) Appendix L.4 - Relevant Project Questionnaire, (14) Attachment J.7 - Product Improvement Pricing Schedule, (15) Attachment J.8

- Government Furnished Property.

1) EA133W-15-RP-0044 Amendment 0002 incorporates the following Questions and Answers:

Industry Question 1)

In L.6.(b)(2)(iii)(A), second paragraph, the government asks that Offerors describe their Technical Solution with respect to all provisions of the

SOO including but not limited to contain the offeror’s performance work statement that describes their Technical Approach for: Operation and

Maintenance (O&M), Communications, System Development Life Cycle (SDLC), Security, and Product Improvement (PI).

In Table L.6.2, the RFP asks for the PWS to be provided as part of the management solution.

Issues:

1 – The PWS is asked for in both the Technical Solution and in the Management Solution. These are page-limited sections of the proposal and asking for the PWS twice uses pages the Offeror may require for explaining their Technical and Management solutions.

2 – We do not believe the PWS should describe the Technical Approach. Instead, the PWS should describe the requirements for each task and how performance will be measured.

Recommendations:

1 – Reword the instruction at L.6.(b)(2)(iii)(A) cited above to delete reference to the PWS so that the PWS does not contain the technical approach.

2 – Require the PWS to be provided only as part of the Management Solution.

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 1)

Reference to the Performance Work Statement (PWS) has been removed from Request for Proposal (RFP) EA133W-15-RP-

0044 Amendment 0002 Section L.6.(b)(2)(iii)(A) Factor 1 – Technical Solution. The PWS is only required in the Management

Solution.

Industry Question 2)

The RFP includes the FAR EVMS clause (52.234-4) with no associated limitation of the requirement to only the developmental work or the

Cost Plus contracted work. Please clarify that EVMS is applicable only for the Cost Plus CLINs.

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 2)

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.234-4 Earned Value Management System, will be applicable to all Cost or Incentive type task orders as well as task orders for developmental work.

Industry Question 3)

Chief Enterprise System Architect Labor Category description in Attach J.7 is identical to the Chief Architecture Engineer Labor Category description in Attach J.5. Are these the same Labor Category positions? If so, which Labor Category name should be used for consistency? If not, are the labor category descriptions accurate?

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 3)

Chief Enterprise System Architect has been corrected to Chief Architecture Engineer. See, Attachment J.7 - Product

Improvement Pricing Schedule - Amendment 0002.

Industry Question 4)

Are offerors required to submit a Plan (Far 52.219-9 Small Business Subcontracting Plan-Alternate II (Oct 2001)) and if so, in which volume is it to be included? If required, recommend excluding from page count.

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 4)

Yes. A Small Business Subcontracting Plan is required to be submitted in Volume II – Technical Proposal. See Request for

Proposal (RFP) EA133W-15-RP-0044, Section L.6(b)(2)(i)(D)(3). Offerors response to the Small Business Subcontracting Plan and Socioeconomic Goals will not count towards the Volume II – Technical Proposal page limitation.

Industry Question 5)

Please clarify if the prime may provide the OCI response and warrant under prime’s authorized signature on behalf of itself and the entire team including subcontractors or whether documentation from each subcontractor complete with authorized signature is also required to be submitted.

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 5)

Yes. The Prime is required to address any Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI), of itself or any subcontractors at any tier, in its Volume I – Business Proposal submission.

Industry Question 6)

Please clarify if a prime contractor is still required to submit detailed subcontractor proposals to support the prime Volume III bid if

“competitive analysis” is basis for subcontractor selection. Recommend deleting requirement for detailed subcontractor pricing information to be included with the proposal if the prime contractor has a DCMA approved Purchasing/ Procurement System.

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 6)

If the prime contractor has a Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) approved Purchasing System then this is not necessary. The prime contractor shall submit a copy of its DCMA approval of its Purchasing System, if available, with its

Volume I – Business Proposal.

The Government does reserve the right to obtain the Prime’s subcontractors pricing breakdown prior to the award of the

IDIQ. Requesting this information will not be considered “Discussions” per FAR 15.306(d).

Industry Question 7)

If detailed price information is required for all subcontractors, clarify if subcontractors are required to provide a “Certificate of Independent

Price Determination”.

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 7)

Yes, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.203-2, Certificate of Independent Price Determination, flows down to the

Subcontractor. If applicable then the clause applies to subcontractors.

Industry Question 8)

Clarify that Commercial-Off-the-Shelf (COTS) product quotes are also required to be included with proposal documentation.

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 8)

Yes.

Industry Question 9)

SOO requires contractor to establish a collaborative development environment under the NOAA Virtual Lab (vLab). Which CLIN will cover the effort required to accomplish SOO objective 4.1.7?

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 9)

The Product Improvement Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) will be used for any development work. Once established and in a steady state then this work will fall under the Operations and Maintenance CLIN.

Industry Question 10)

Please clarify that WBS elements must be decomposed to the level the offeror considers appropriate “up to but not exceeding” Level VII.

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 10)

Industry Question 11)

According to the Base Period table in section B.4, Phase in starts on August 15, 2016 and lasts for 3 months. All of the other CLINS (O&M, Security, Product Improvement, and Communications) also start on August 15, 2016 and last for 12 months. In addition, paragraph 4.1.11 states that “the incumbent contractor is responsible for AWIPS until phase-in is complete at which point system responsibility will be turned over to the incoming contractor”. Finally, the answers to questions from industry day state that contract award will be August 15, 2016. Please clarify the relationship between the timing of contract award, phase in, and contract execution as well as the responsibility of the incumbent contractor during this time frame.

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 11)

The Operations and Maintenance (O&M), Security, and Communications Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINS) will begin at contract award, and will ramp up based on program requirements during Transition. The Product Improvement CLIN will begin at any time after contract award, and be based on requirements.

Industry Question 12)

Section L does not specify formats for the Volumes I and II. Would the Government like these documents submitted in Microsoft Word (and if so what version) or Adobe PDF?

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 12)

See Request for Proposal (RFP) EA133W-15-RP-0044 Amendment 0002 Section L.6.(b)(1)(ii)(F) “The Volume I - Business

Proposal shall be submitted in Adobe PDF format. Documents, spreadsheets, or other data submitted must be compatible with

Microsoft Office 2010. Electronic submission of proposals is not authorized.” And L.6.(b)(2)(A) “The Volume II - Technical

Proposal shall be submitted in Adobe PDF format. Documents, spreadsheets, or other data submitted must be compatible with

Microsoft Office 2010. Electronic submission of proposals is not authorized.

https://www.acquisition.gov/sites/default/files/current/far/html/Subpart%2015_3.html#wp1088919

Industry Question 13)

L.6. (b) (2) (i) (D) states, "A completed copy of Attachment J.5 - Key Personnel Definitions shall be submitted as part of Volume II –

Technical Proposal. Attachment J.5 - Key Personnel Definitions does not count towards the Volume II – Technical Proposal page limitation."

Unlike the Solution Area Tables, the Key Personnel Definitions table does not contain fields for Offerors to complete. Will the Government clarify the requirement?

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 13)

This has been corrected, Attachment J.5 Key Personnel Definitions, is not required to be submitted with Offeror’s Proposal.

Industry Question 14)

L.6. (b) (2) (i) (D) states, "Completed copies of Appendix L.3 - Reference Data Sheet shall be submitted as part of Volume II – Technical

Proposal." L.6. (b) (2) (iii) (A) (C) states, "For each project cited, a completed Appendix L.3 - Reference Data Sheet to be submitted directly to the Government by their references." Please confirm that Reference Data Sheets are only submitted directly to the Government.

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 14)

Appendix L.3 – Reference Data Sheet is sent to the reference that will then send it directly to the Contracting Officer.

Industry Question 15)

L.6. (b) (2) (iii) (A) (D) (3) (iii) Are cost build-up, other than J.7, submitted in MS Excel?

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 15)

Yes, cost build up is to be provided in Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and Adobe PDF format . See Request for Proposal (RFP)

EA133W-15-RP-0044 Amendment 0002, Section L.6.(b)(3)(iii).

Industry Question 16)

L.6. (b) (2) (iii) Table L.6.2 PWS/WBS section, item #2 states that the WBS and WBS Dictionary is to be defined through Level VII. We recommend the Government change this requirement to define the WBS structure through Level III. Does the Government concur with this recommendation?

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 16)

No.

Industry Question 17)

Amendment 1 - Industry Question 22 resulted in a change to Section L.6(b)(2)(i)(C), that states, "Helvetica 10 point font is to be used for graphics, figures, tables, footnotes and legends". Helvetica is not a standard font for Microsoft Word 2013 and Adobe Illustrator, and some printers do not support this font. In addition to Helvetica 10 point font, will the Government concur to the use of Arial 10 point font for graphics, figures, tables, footnotes and legends as well?

“Proposal font type shall be Times New Roman. No substitutions of font type will be allowed, except as expressly identified herein. Proposal font size shall be 12 point. No reduction of font size will be allowed in the proposal. Helvetica or Arial 10 point font is to be used for graphics, figures, tables, footnotes and legends.”

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 17)

Yes, a Sans Serif font may be used for graphics, figures, tables, footnotes and legends. See Request For Proposal (RFP)

EA133W-15-RP-0044 Amendment 0002, Section L.6 (2)(i)(C).

Industry Question 18)

Attachment J7 Product Improvement Pricing Schedule and RFP Section H.3 Key Personnel - Attachment J7 includes a title and description for a "Chief Enterprise System Architect" which is a different title then H3 "Chief Architecture Engineer", is there a correlation?

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 18)

This discrepancy has been corrected; see Request for Proposal (RFP) EA133W-15-RP-0044 Amendment 0002, Attachment J.7

- Product Improvement Pricing Schedule - Amendment 0002.

Industry Question 19)

Reference G.10 – CAR 1352.24570 – Government Furnished Property, Paragraph 1, Page 26 –

“States, “The Contractor shall be accountable for, and have stewardship of, the property in the performance of this contract.” Please confirm the contractor is accountable only for property within its facilities.

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 19)

The Contractor shall be responsible for all Government property in its possession.

Industry Question 20)

Section B – Please confirm that all CLINs begin on 15 August 2016.

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 20)

See Request for Proposal (RFP) EA133W-15-RP-0044 Amendment 0002, Section B.4 Schedule of Prices. The Base Period of

Performance for Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs) 1001, 1002, 1003, and 1004, will commence on August 15, 2016, or date of award, through twelve (12) months thereafter.

Industry Question 21)

Section G.6 - This section identifies the invoicing requirements for T&M and LH CLINs including detailing indirect costs and fixed fee. Please confirm these details are only required under cost type CLIN/invoices.

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 21)

Industry Question 22)

Section H.8 - This section details the requirements for detailed travel cost in invoice submittals, however no cost type CLINs have been identified in Section B. Please confirm this requirement is only applicable when a task order other than FFP has been issued under the Product

Improvement CLIN?

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 22)

Industry Question 23)

Section L, Table L.6.2, PWS/WBS and Attachment J.2 Work Breakdown Structure - Table L.6.2 requires a WBS and WBS Dictionary

"through Level VII" and also cites that it be in accordance with the Section J diagram "at a minimum". Attachment J.2 defines two levels of the

WBS. Please confirm that the minimum for the WBS and WBS Dictionary is Level II, per Attachment J.2.

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 23)

Yes. WBS level should be as appropriate and needed to define Offerors proposed work.

Industry Question 24)

B.4 – According to Attachment J.7, Product Improvement reflects costs for ‘travel’ and ‘other direct costs’ on a fixed basis per contract year.

According to Industry Day Technical Questions and Answers, the CLIN0002 task orders are on a case-by-case basis, by CPAF, CPIF, or T&M.

According to Section L of the final RFP (EA133W-15-RP-0044.pdf), Product Improvement encompasses HW footprint reduction, DR reduction, handling a 12-fold increase in data, and handling emerging technologies.

Will the Government please provide clarification on how the cost structures align with the Product Improvement scope?

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 24)

Task order type will be determined at the time of task order award based on the task order requirements as appropriate.

Industry Question 25)

B.4 - It appears that CLIN 1001 Operations and Maintenance and CLIN 1004 Transition (Phase-in) overlap for the initial three-month period.

Will the Government please clarify if this is the NWS intent?

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 25)

Yes. The Government intends for Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs) 1001 Operations and Maintenance and CLIN 1004

Transition (Phase-in) to overlap.

Industry Question 26)

L.6 - Will the Government define an 11" x 17" as two pages to avoid ambiguity?

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 26)

Yes. A “foldout” is defined as a page that has been folded to meet the size restriction of 8-½” x 11”. Foldout pages must fold entirely within the volume and will count as two (2) pages. Foldouts shall fold from left to right (sideways), shall not exceed 8-

½” x 11” as folded. Foldouts may be used for drawings, schematics, charts, graphs, tables, and photographs. Foldouts shall fold entirely within the page size, and may not include any material on the back side. 8-½” x 14” sheets as well as 11” x 17” sheets can be used for foldouts such as; drawings, schematics, charts, graphs, tables, and photographs that are not conducive to a 8-½” x 11” sheet, shall fold entirely within the page size, and may not include any material on the back side. Foldout text pages will not be allowed. See Request for Proposal (RFP) EA133W-15-RP-0044 Amendment 0002, Section L.6.(b)(2)(i)(C)

Industry Question 27)

Table L.6.2 - AWIPS Management Solution Areas – The PWS/WBS and WBS dictionary are to be submitted within the 200-page volume. The

WBS can be up to Level 7. This is a new item and was not accounted for in the original DRFP page count.

Will the Government please consider excluding the PWS/WBS and WBS dictionary from the technical volume page count?

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 27)

No. The Performance Work Statement (PWS) and Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) are included in the page count.

Industry Question 28)

J.7 Product Improvement Pricing Schedule - The Product Improvement CLIN requires a rate table with binding rates. The labor categories and hours are specified. It is not clear if the categories or hours can be changed or if additional labor categories and hours can be added.

Will the Government please clarify if the J.7 rate table can be modified or altered to reflect different approaches to the Product Improvement

CLIN?

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 28)

Projected categories do not limit the Government to only these categories. Additional labor categories can be negotiated at the task order level. For the purposes of Request for Proposal (RFP) EA133W-15-RP-0044 the categories and estimated level of effort in Attachment J.7. - Product Improvement Pricing Schedule are not to be modified or altered.

Industry Question 29)

M.4 - In the DRFP, there was a clause to account for a cost realism analysis to adjust the offeror's proposed amount to a most probable cost to the Government. This clause is not in the FRFP and the Government has removed the clause to make an award to other than the lowest-priced offeror or the offeror with the highest technical score if the source selection official deems that to do so would result in the best value to the

Government. Will the Government please clarify the Government's position on this clause, and consider adding the clause to the Final RFP?

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 29)

No. The Government has removed cost realism analysis from Request for Proposal (RFP) EA133W-15-RP-0044.

Industry Question 30)

SOO Sec 8 - The SLAs are divided into "Mandatory" and "Mandatory - Subject to Adjustment." It is not clear how bidders are to propose different SLAs for adjustment. Will the Government please clarify on how bidders are to propose different SLAs for adjustment?

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 30)

Service Level Agreements (SLA’s) are to be proposed in the Offeror’s Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) based on its technical solution.

Industry Question 31)

J.8 - It is not clear if bidders can add GFP to the list provided. Will the Government please provide clarification on the GFP list?

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 31)

No. See Request for Proposal (RFP) EA133W-15-RP-0044 Amendment 0002, Attachment J.8 Government Furnished

Property. Attachment J.8 Government Furnished Property is a list of all Government property that will be furnished to the

Contractor that the Contractor will take physical possession of and will be responsible for per Federal Acquisition Regulation

(FAR) 52.245-1, Government Property.

Industry Question 32)

J.5 - Key Personnel Definitions - The Product Improvement Manager is a key individual per J.5, but is not allocated hours in the Product

Improvement Pricing Schedule in J.7

Are Offerors to price the Product Improvement Manager in the O&M / FFP CLIN or the Product Improvement CLIN?

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 32)

Offerors should use the Product Improvement CLIN for the Product Improvement Manager hours.

Industry Question 33)

Attachment J.8 - The Government Furnished Property list (Attachment J.8) does not include any items in the ANCF, but does include items in the BNCF.

Is there no GFP associated with the ANCF?

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 33)

No, there is no Government Furnished Property (GFP) located at the AWIPS Network Control Facility (ANCF). See Request for Proposal (RFP) EA133W-15-RP-0044 Amendment 0002, Attachment J.8 Government Furnished Property.

Industry Question 34)

Attachment J.8 - The Government Furnished Property list (Attachment J.8) does not include any items associated with the TCDR.(The Testbed

Communications Distribution Rack (TCDR) is described in the System Description and Environment document as "a multi-rack equipment bay that contains the termination points for the external connections to the Testbed."

Is there no GFP associated with the TCDR?

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 34)

There is Government Furnished Property (GFP) located at the Testbed Communications Distribution Rack (TCDR). See

Request for Proposal (RFP) EA133W-15-RP-0044 Amendment 0002, Attachment J.8 Government Furnished Property.

Industry Question 35)

Will the Government please provide a Microsoft Word version of Appendices L.3 and L.4 that includes functioning checkboxes and tables?

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 35)

Yes. See Request for Proposal (RFP) EA133W-15-RP-0044 Amendment 0002 for fillable Adobe .pdf versions of Appendix L.3

- Reference Data Sheet and Appendix L.4 - Relevant Project Questionnaire.

Industry Question 36)

Will the Government allow each Offerors Past Performance points of contact (POCs) to submit Appendix L.3 electronically via e-mail to the

Contracting Offer, Timothy Wampler?

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 36)

Industry Question 37)

Factor 3, Past Performance – This section states that for each project cited, respondents shall provide a summary . . . along with a completed copy of Appendix L.4 (Relevant Project Questionnaire) and a completed Appendix L.3 (Past Performance Reference Data Sheet) to be submitted directly to the Government by their references.

Will the Government please verify that Offerors are not required to submit a copy of Appendix L.3 in Volume II, Technical Proposal?

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 37)

Yes. Appendix L.3 - Reference Data Sheet and Appendix L.4 - Relevant Project Questionnaire are submitted directly to the

Contracting Officer by the Offeror’s reference.

Industry Question 38)

H.18, DOC-PM 2014-03 SUPPLY CHAIN RISK ASSESSMENT INFORMATION (MAR 2014) - The names of Corporate Officers as well as their biography and compensation information is publicly available. Personal information such as date of birth is not generally published or included in proposals.

Will the Government please provide clarification that this information is required, and clarify NOAA’s reason for requesting it and the intended use of such information?

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 38)

This is a Department of Commerce Policy, see Procurement Memorandum 2014-03 and section 515 of the Consolidated

Appropriations Act, 2014.

Industry Question 39)

Section I.2 - Per FAR 15.403-1, Prohibition on obtaining certified cost or pricing data (10 U.S.C. 2306a and 41 U.S.C. chapter 35), Certified

Cost or Pricing Data is not required when there is adequate price competition.

Is it the Government’s opinion that the FFP submission will meet the requirements under the FAR for adequate price competition, thereby, waiving the cost and pricing data submission requirement? Will the Government please confirm the intent to require Certified Cost or Pricing

Data for the final RFP Submission?

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 39)

The Government anticipates adequate price competition and does not require certified cost or pricing data.

Industry Question 40)

Section L 2.2 - Section L 2.2 states, “If offering professional services (as defined by 29 CFR 541), Offers shall submit a Professional

Compensation Plan setting forth salaries and fringe benefits proposed for the professional employees who will work under the contract in accordance with FAR Clause 52.222-46 “Evaluation of Compensation for Professional Employees (FEB 1993)”. Individual compensation disclosure is not required. Submission of general compensation practices often printed in an employee handbook is sufficient.”

The performance Compensation Plan information includes bid salary and fringe benefits that do not typically appear in a management volume.

Can it be eliminated from the Management Volume and appear instead in the Cost Volume?

http://www.osec.doc.gov/oam/acquistion_management/policy/procurement_memoranda/documents/PM%202014-03%20SCRM%20Restrictions%20on%20IT%20Acquisitions%20-%20Interim%20Guidance%20(Phase%201)%20(signed%20April%2022%202014).pdf http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-113hr3547enr/pdf/BILLS-113hr3547enr.pdf http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-113hr3547enr/pdf/BILLS-113hr3547enr.pdf

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 40)

No, Offerors Professional Compensation Plan shall be submitted with the Management Solution. See Request for Proposal

(RFP) EA133W-15-RP-0044 Amendment 0002, Section L.6 (b)(3)(iii).

Industry Question 41)

Section L.2.3 - Section L2.3 requires a copy of the Offeror’s policy that addresses uncompensated overtime in accordance with Clause 52.237-

10 “Identification of Uncompensated Overtime (Oct 1997).

The uncompensated overtime is being addressed in the Cost Volume. Would it would be more appropriate to put the policy in the Cost Volume where it is already being addressed rather than across two volumes?

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 41)

Yes. See Request for Proposal (RFP) EA133W-15-RP-0044 Amendment 0002, Section L.6 (b)(3)(iii).

Industry Question 42)

Industry Day Questions & Answers (TQA9-10) – Industry Questions" Ref SOO Section C.5 item b states current WAN bandwidth that is available. What is the Government’s plan for the evolution of the Government provided WAN capability?"

“Are there any plans for LAN/WAN updates/upgrades?”

Answers "NWS’ Office of Dissemination is establishing a path forward for upgrading current telecommunications capabilities. The AWIPS

Program will be working with the Office of Dissemination to incorporate AWIPS requirements in the plans."

Will the Government please consider removing SOO Constraint 5.1 due to the length of the contract (10-year period of performance) and the current NWS’ Office of Dissemination initiatives to increase the bandwidth to provide offers latitude in their technical responses and hardware reduction initiatives?

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 42)

Industry Question 43)

Industry Day Questions & Answers (TAQ236) - SLA 5 indicates a return to full operational status in 30 minutes for the SLA. Often, a software upgrade requires reboot, and reboot may require additional time beyond the control of the contractor. Proper operations protocol involves a series of precautionary steps to minimize potential impacts of an operations install and check-out procedures that go beyond file transfers, hardware reboots, etc.

Will the Government please consider waiving this requirement?

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 43)

Industry Question 44)

Small Business Subcontracting Goal - Per FAR 19.704(a)(1), SB goals must be stated separately by category.

Should Contractors assume the total small business subcontracting goal is 49%?

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 44)

No. See Request for Proposal (RFP) EA133W-15-RP-0044 Amendment 0002, Section L.6 (b)(2)(iii)(D). Table L.6.3 –

Department of Commerce Fiscal Year 2015 Small Business Goals. The Department of Commerce Fiscal Year 2015 Small

Business Subcontracting Goal is 30%.

Industry Question 45)

Key Personnel Resumes - See Request For Proposal (RFP) EA133W-15-RP-0044 - Amendment 0001, Section L.6(b)(2)(i)(D)(6). Will the

Government please update the final RFP to reflect the removal of the resumes from the technical volume page count?

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 45)

Yes. See Request For Proposal (RFP) EA133W-15-RP-0044 - Amendment 0002, Section L.6(b)(2)(i)(D)(6).

Industry Question 46)

AWIPS Amendment 0001 EA133W15RP0044, Amendment of Solicitation –

AWIPS Amendment 0001 EA133W15RP0044, Amendment of Solicitation, modification of Contract, answer to Industry Question 3 removes resumes from the page count. Industry Question 3) Can resumes be removed from the response page count?

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 3) Yes. See Request For Proposal (RFP) EA133W15RP0044 Amendment 0001, Section

L.6(b)(2)(i)(D)(6).

However, in the amended Solicitation, the referenced Section for the change does not list resumes as an item excluded from the page count.

[EA133W15RP0044 Amendment

0001, Section L.6(b)(2)(i)(D)6].

Please confirm that Section L.6(b)(2)(i)(D) is amended to reflect the removal of resumes from the 200 page count, as stated in Response to

Industry Question 3?

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 46)

Yes. See Request For Proposal (RFP) EA133W-15-RP-0044 - Amendment 0002, Section L.6(b)(2)(i)(D)(6).

Industry Question 47)

Section B.4 - The RFP provides a FFP CLIN structure. Will the Government please clarify if the intent is to model the contract after the provided CLIN structure? Or, is the CLIN structure provided a sample?

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 47)

The intent is to model the base Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract after the CLIN structure. Based on this structure the Government will award task orders as appropriate.

Industry Question 48)

Section B.4 - CLINs 1002, 2002, etc. require an entry for a unit price per month. Pricing per year for Product Improvements is provided in J.7.

(emphasis added).

Is it the government’s intent that the prices entered into the B.4 Tables for CLINs 1002, 2002, etc. should be an average monthly price derived from the J.7 yearly price divided by 12 months?

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 48)

No. See Request For Proposal (RFP) EA133W-15-RP-0044 - Amendment 0002, Section B.4. Schedule of Prices.

Industry Question 49)

Section B.4 - The CLIN tables presented in B.4 include the statement, "The Government reserves the right to place orders for FFP CLINs in monthly increments."

Please clarify the government's intent in this statement, as it applies to a six-year base contract.

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 49)

The Government’s experience has been to order between three (3) to six (6) month’s of FFP CLINs depending on the availability of funds.

Industry Question 50)

Section I.2. - LIMITATIONS ON PASS-THROUGH CHARGES (Reference FAR 15.408(n)(2))

Since FAR 15.408(n)(2)(i)(A)(2) indicates that this clause is only used in cost-reimbursable type contracts, are we correct in assuming that it only applies to the cost reimbursable portion of AWIPS program?

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 50)

Industry Question 51)

Section J.1 – 5.4 -“The NWS will not be able to make accommodations for any additional facilities (e.g., IT equipment, office space, telephones, desk space, etc.) for the AWIPS contractor onsite at Government-owned or Government-leased properties, beyond those already in use by the 24/7/365 help desk and maintenance support personnel at the AWIPS Network Control Facility (ANCF), the Backup Network

Control Facility (BNCF) and the Silver Spring, MD facility.” (emphasis added)

The cited text from J.1, 5.4, appears to reference three locations, rather than two. The following is a suggested revision to clarify the ambiguity:

“The NWS will not be able to make accommodations for any additional facilities (e.g., IT equipment, office space, telephones, desk space, etc.)

for the AWIPS contractor onsite at Government-owned or Government-leased properties, beyond those already in use by the 24/7/365 help desk and maintenance support personnel at the AWIPS Network Control Facility (ANCF) located in Silver Spring, MD and the Backup

Network Control Facility (BNCF) located in Fairmont, WV.”

Please indicate whether this revision expresses the government's intent.

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 51)

No. Attachment J.1 – Statement of Objectives, Section 5.4 is correct.

Industry Question 52)

Section J.7 - The PI Pricing Schedule includes a column for Labor Category Crosswalk.

Is it the government’s intent that a Contractor labor category job title representing a “best fit” to the government’s labor category description be provided in this column?

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 52)

Yes. Please see Request For Proposal (RFP) EA133W-15-RP-0044 - Amendment 0002, Attachment J.7 - Product Improvement

Pricing Schedule - Amendment 0002.

Industry Question 53)

Section L.1 - FAR 52.215-22 LIMITATIONS ON PASS-THROUGH CHARGES—IDENTIFICATION OF SUBCONTRACT EFFORT

(Reference FAR 15.408(n)(1))

Given that FAR 15.408(n)(2)(i)(A)(2) indicates that FAR 52.215-23 (which requires the use of this 52.215-22 clause) is only used in cost-reimbursable type contracts, are we correct in assuming that it only applies to the cost reimbursable portion of the AWIPS program?

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 53)

Industry Question 54)

Section L.6. (b) (2) (i) (D) (2) and L.6. (b) (2) (iii) C - “...Appendix L.4 - Relevant Project Questionnaire will not count towards the Volume II

– Technical Proposal page limitation. Past Performance information will not count towards the Volume II – Technical Proposal page limitation.

Factor 3 - Past Performance

“...For each project cited, respondents shall provide a summary of the work performed on that contract along with a completed copy of

Appendix L.4...” (emphasis added)

The referenced instructions, which cite Past Performance "information" and "summary", seem to indicate a response that is separate from (i.e., “along with”) the L.4 Relevant Project Questionnaire. Previous instructions (Draft RFP) for Past Performance narratives were more explicit but were not included in the Final RFP. Did the government intend to delete the references to the narratives, such that our Past Performance response would consist only of the completed L.4 questionnaire?

Or is it the government’s intent that bidders provide narrative summary information on each project cited within the body of the Technical

Proposal?

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 54)

Offerors are not required to provide narrative summary information on each project cited within the body of the Technical

Proposal. This information is to be included in Appendix L.4 - Relevant Project Questionnaire.

Industry Question 55)

Section L.6.2, (C) - “Relevant Projects. Offerors shall identify up to, but not more than, five (5), contract efforts of similar size, scope, and complexity as that of the contemplated AWIPS award. Each of the Offerors proposed subcontractors that are expected to perform major or critical aspects of the requirement shall identify up to, but not more than three (3) contract efforts.”

Was it the government’s intent to have the prime contractor (i.e., the Offeror) submit up to five relevant contract efforts, in addition to which up to three relevant contracts efforts for each major subcontractor could also be submitted?

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 55)

Yes. The Offeror (Prime contractor) may identify up to five (5) relevant projects (contract efforts of similar size, scope, and complexity as that of the contemplated AWIPS award). The Offerors major subcontractors may identify up to three (3) relevant projects (contract efforts of similar size, scope, and complexity as that of the contemplated AWIPS award).

Industry Question 56)

L.6(b)(3), Volume III Price/Cost Proposal, (iii) – The instruction states, "Read-only files are acceptable, however pricing volume files will be provided with traceable formulas."

It is unclear what particular files are intended by the reference to “pricing volume files”. Please verify that pricing volume files with traceable formulas refers only to J.7. If not, please specify which pricing volume files this requirement includes.

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 56)

Any submitted pricing volume files, submitted in Excel, that use formulas, will have traceable formulas.

Industry Question 57)

Attachment J.8 - List of Government Furnished Property (GFP)

Is it the intent of the government for the contractor to Tech Refresh everything on the GFP List?

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 57)

Industry Question 58)

Section L.6 (2)(i)(C) - Helvetica 10 point font is to be used for graphics, figures, tables, footnotes and legends.

The Helvetica font is no longer compatible with Windows 7 or the latest version of MS Office (i.e., 2013) and is, therefore, not available on our systems. Will the government accept similar sans serif fonts, such as Calibri, in lieu of Helvetica for graphics, figures, tables, footnotes and legends?

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 58)

Yes, a Sans Serif type font may be used for graphics, figures, tables, footnotes and legends. See Request For Proposal (RFP)

EA133W-15-RP-0044 Amendment 0002, Section L.6 (2)(i)(C).

Industry Question 59)

Table L.6.2 – AWIPS Management Solution Areas As revised by Amendment 0001 - Offerors shall include a comprehensive WBS and WBS

Dictionary that cover all tasks, including operational activities, maintenance activities, and transition activities, down to a level of detail sufficient to accurately describe, plan and estimate the work required, up to Level VII, (in accordance with the WBS diagram dated July 08, 2015 provided in Section J - Work Breakdown Structure, at minimum). Offerors may add additional elements at WBS Level I and II as needed to capture other activities, such as Transition.

Please confirm whether it is sufficient for offerors to provide a WBS and WBS dictionary at a level higher than Level VII, such as Level V, as long as the WBS and Dictionary cover all tasks, including operational activities, maintenance activities, and transition activities, are sufficient to accurately describe, plan and estimate the work required, and are in accordance with WBS Diagram dated July 08, 2015 provided in Section

J.

DOC/NOAA Response to Industry Question 59)

Yes. Offerors are to go down to the level appropriate to fully describe the activities to be accomplished.

2) Request for Proposal (RFP), Secion B.3 Effective Period is updated as follows:

B.3. EFFECTIVE PERIOD

The effective period of this contract begins August 15, 2016, or date of contract award, through six (6) years thereafter. The contract shall contain two (2) two-year options which if exercised, will result in a ten (10) year contract.

(End of clause)

3) Request for Proposal (RFP) Secion B.4 Schedule of Prices is updated as follows:

BASE PERIOD: SIX (6) YEARS TOTAL

(To be priced separately by individual contract year)

The Government reserves the right to place orders for FFP CLINS in monthly increments

BASE PERIOD PRICING YEAR ONE

CLIN DESCRIPTION

CLIN

TYPE

QTY

UNIT OF

ISSUE

UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

Operations and Maintenance -

Includes Hardware and Software

Maintenance and Hardware and

Software Refresh.

In accordance with the Statement of Objectives (SOO), attached herein from August 15, 2016, or date of award, through twelve

(12) months thereafter.

FFP 12 MONTHS

1001A

Operations and Maintenance -

Information Technology Security

Support

In accordance with the Statement of Objectives (SOO), attached herein from August 15, 2016, or date of award, through twelve

(12) months thereafter.

FFP 12 MONTHS

Product Improvement

In accordance with the Statement of Objectives (SOO), attached herein. Priced in accordance with

Attachment J.7. - Product

Improvement Pricing Schedule.

From August 15, 2016, or date of award, through twelve (12) months thereafter.

To Be

Determined

(TBD) at time of task order award

1 YEAR

Communications

In accordance with the Statement of Objectives (SOO), attached herein from August 15, 2016, or date of award, through twelve

(12) months thereafter.

FFP 12 MONTHS

Transition (Phase-in)

In accordance with the Statement of Objectives (SOO), attached herein, from August 15, 2016, or date of award, through three (3) months thereafter.

FFP 3 MONTHS

BASE PERIOD PRICING YEAR TWO

FROM EXPIRATION OF BASE PERIOD PRICING YEAR ONE THROUGH TWELVE (12) MONTHS

THEREAFTER

The Government reserves the right to place orders for FFP CLINS in monthly increments

CLIN

NO.

DESCRIPTION

CLIN

TYPE

QTY

UNIT OF

ISSUE

UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

Operations and Maintenance -

Includes Hardware and

Software Maintenance and

Hardware and Software

Refresh.

In accordance with the Statement of Objectives (SOO), attached herein.

FFP 12 MONTHS

2001A

Operations and Maintenance -

Information Technology

Security Support

In accordance with the Statement of Objectives (SOO), attached herein.

FFP 12 MONTHS

2002 Product Improvement

In accordance with the Statement of Objectives (SOO), attached herein. Priced in accordance with

Attachment J.7. - Product

Improvement Pricing Schedule

TBD at time of task order award

1 YEAR

Communications

In accordance with the Statement of Objectives (SOO), attached herein.

FFP 12 MONTHS

BASE PERIOD PRICING YEAR THREE

FROM EXPIRATION OF BASE PERIOD PRICING YEAR TWO THROUGH TWELVE (12) MONTHS

THEREAFTER

The Government reserves the right to place orders for FFP CLINS in monthly increments

CLIN

NO.

DESCRIPTION

CLIN

TYPE

QTY

UNIT OF

ISSUE

UNIT

PRICE

AMOUNT

Operations and Maintenance

- Includes Hardware and

Software Maintenance and

Hardware and Software

Refresh.

In accordance with the

Statement of Objectives (SOO), attached herein.

FFP 12 MONTHS

3001A

Operations and Maintenance

- Information Technology

Security Support

In accordance with the

Statement of Objectives (SOO), attached herein.

FFP 12 MONTHS

3002 Product Improvement

In accordance with the

Statement of Objectives (SOO), attached herein. Priced in accordance with Attachment

J.7. - Product Improvement

Pricing Schedule

TBD at time of task order award

1 YEAR

Communications

In accordance with the

Statement of Objectives (SOO), attached herein.

BASE PERIOD PRICING YEAR FOUR

FROM EXPIRATION OF BASE PERIOD PRICING YEAR THREE THROUGH TWELVE (12) MONTHS

THEREAFTER

The Government reserves the right to place orders for FFP CLINS in monthly increments

CLIN

NO.

DESCRIPTION FFP QTY

UNIT OF

ISSUE

UNIT

PRICE

AMOUNT

Operations and Maintenance

- Includes Hardware and

Software Maintenance and

Hardware and Software

Refresh.

In accordance with the

Statement of Objectives (SOO), attached herein.

FFP 12 MONTHS

4001A

Operations and Maintenance

- Information Technology

Security Support

In accordance with the

Statement of Objectives (SOO), attached herein.

FFP 12 MONTHS

4002 Product Improvement

In accordance with the

Statement of Objectives (SOO), attached herein. Priced in accordance with Attachment

J.7. - Product Improvement

Pricing Schedule

TBD at time of task order award

1 YEAR

Communications

In accordance with the

Statement of Objectives (SOO), attached herein.

BASE PERIOD PRICING YEAR FIVE

FROM EXPIRATION OF BASE PERIOD PRICING YEAR FOUR THROUGH TWELVE (12) MONTHS

THEREAFTER

The Government reserves the right to place orders for FFP CLINS in monthly increments

CLIN

NO.

DESCRIPTION

CLIN

TYPE

QTY

UNIT OF

ISSUE

UNIT

PRICE

AMOUNT

Operations and

Maintenance - Includes

Hardware and Software

Maintenance and

Hardware and Software

Refresh.

In accordance with the

Statement of Objectives

(SOO), attached herein.

FFP 12 MONTHS

5001A

Operations and

Maintenance -

Information Technology

Security Support

In accordance with the

Statement of Objectives

(SOO), attached herein.

FFP 12 MONTHS

5002 Product Improvement

In accordance with the

Statement of Objectives

(SOO), attached herein.

Priced in accordance with

Attachment J.7. - Product

Improvement Pricing

Schedule

TBD at time of task order award

1 YEAR

Communications

In accordance with the

Statement of Objectives

(SOO), attached herein.

BASE PERIOD PRICING YEAR SIX

FROM EXPIRATION OF BASE PERIOD PRICING YEAR FIVE THROUGH TWELVE (12)

MONTHS THEREAFTER

The Government reserves the right to place orders for FFP CLINS in monthly increments

CLIN

NO.

DESCRIPTION

CLIN

TYPE

QTY

UNIT OF

ISSUE

UNIT

PRICE

AMOUNT

Operations and

Maintenance - Includes

Hardware and Software

Maintenance and

Hardware and Software

Refresh.

In accordance with the

Statement of Objectives

(SOO), attached herein.

FFP 12 MONTHS

6001A

Operations and

Maintenance -

Information Technology

Security Support

In accordance with the

Statement of Objectives

(SOO), attached herein.

FFP 12 MONTHS

6002 Product Improvement

In accordance with the

Statement of Objectives

(SOO), attached herein.

Priced in accordance with

Attachment J.7. - Product

Improvement Pricing

Schedule

TBD at time of task order award

1 YEAR

Communications

In accordance with the

Statement of Objectives

(SOO), attached herein.

FFP 12 MONTHS

Transition (Phase-out)

In accordance with the

Statement of Objectives

Option Period I: Two (2) years total

(to be priced separately by individual option year)

OPTION PERIOD I — PRICING YEAR ONE

UPON EXPIRATION OF THE BASE PERIOD THROUGH TWELVE (12) MONTHS THEREAFTER

The Government reserves the right to place orders for FFP CLINS in monthly increments

CLIN

NO.

DESCRIPTION

CLIN

TYPE

QTY

UNIT OF

ISSUE

UNIT

PRICE

AMOUNT

Operations and

Maintenance - Includes

Hardware and Software

Maintenance and

Hardware and Software

Refresh.

In accordance with the

Statement of Objectives

(SOO), attached herein.

FFP 12 MONTHS

7001A

Operations and

Maintenance -

Information Technology

Security Support

In accordance with the

Statement of Objectives

(SOO), attached herein.

FFP 12 MONTHS

7002 Product Improvement

In accordance with the

Statement of Objectives

(SOO), attached herein.

Priced in accordance with

Attachment J.7. - Product

Improvement Pricing

Schedule

TBD at time of task order award

1 YEAR

Communications

In accordance with the

Statement of Objectives

OPTION PERIOD I — PRICING YEAR TWO

FROM EXPIRATION OF OPTION PERIOD I — PRICING YEAR ONE THROUGH TWELVE (12)

MONTHS THEREAFTER

The Government reserves the right to place orders for FFP CLINS in monthly increments

CLIN

NO.

DESCRIPTION

CLIN

TYPE

QTY

UNIT OF

ISSUE

UNIT

PRICE

AMOUNT

Operations and

Maintenance - Includes

Hardware and Software

Maintenance and

Hardware and Software

Refresh.

In accordance with the

Statement of Objectives

(SOO), attached herein.

FFP 12 MONTHS

8001A

Operations and

Maintenance -

Information Technology

Security Support

In accordance with the

Statement of Objectives

(SOO), attached herein.

FFP 12 MONTHS

8002 Product Improvement

In accordance with the

Statement of Objectives

(SOO), attached herein.

Priced in accordance with

Attachment J.7. - Product

Improvement Pricing

Schedule

TBD at time of task order award

1 YEAR

Communications

In accordance with the

Statement of Objectives

(SOO), attached herein.

FFP 12 MONTHS

Transition (Phase-out)

In accordance with the

Statement of…