Amendment_1.pdf

NSN 7540-01-152-8070 STANDARD FORM 30. (Rev. 10-83) Previous Edition unusable Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

Page of Pages AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT 1. Contract ID Code

2. AMENDMENT MODIFICATION NO. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE 4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO. 5. PROJECT NO. (if applicable)

6. ISSUED BY CODE 7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than item 6) CODE

(x) 9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (NO., Street, Country, State and ZIP Code)

CODE FACILITY CODE

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of offers is extended, 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 ______ copies of 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 ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OR OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment your 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)

13. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO MODIFICATION OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS. IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

Check One

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 FORTH IN 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, is required to sign this document and return _______ copies to the issuing office.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible)

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)

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR 16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

(Signature of person authorized to sign)

15C. DATE SIGNED

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

16C. DATE SIGNED

Attachment Page

PAGE 2 OF 10 ED-FSA-13-R-0017/0001

Attachment to RFP #ED-FSA-13-R-0017 Amendment #1 I. Clarification questions matrix:

RFP Section/Page/ Paragraph

Offerors’ Questions Government Responses

General Is this a new requirement or does a current contractor hold this contract? If this is an ongoing requirement, could you please provide the name and contract number of this ongoing requirement?

There is no incumbent for this requirement.

Is this a new or follow on requirement? If it is a follow on, please let us know the current contract number and contract value?

Who is the incumbent? Is it still eligible to bid as a prime for this contract?

Is there an incumbent currently performing the work? If so, is the incumbent a SDVOSB or HUBZone firm?

If there is an incumbent was work being performed on previous IDIQ vehicle? If so, how many contractors had the vehicle?

Is there a current incumbent, if so who are they and are they eligible to bid?

Is there an incumbent on either the IDIQ or task order 1? If so what is the contract number and who are the incumbents?

How many IDIQ contract vehicles is Department of Education planning on awarding?

Government intends to award more than one IDIQ contract.

Will Task Order One be awarded to one of those receiving IDIQ Vehicle?

Yes.

Would it be acceptable for us to provide an offer for the overall IDIQ contract but not bid on Task Order 1?

Offers shall adhere to the Instructions, Provisions, and Evaluation as revised in this amendment to be considered.

SF 1449, Block 8 (Offer Due Date/Local Time)

Is it possible to extend the proposal due date to the following week; June 13th?

Proposal submission deadline has been extended to 4:00pm (Eastern) on Monday, June 17, 2013.

PAGE 3 OF 10 ED-FSA-13-R-0017/0001

RFP Section/Page/ Paragraph

Offerors’ Questions Government Responses

Synopsis, 1st Paragraph

On the documentation it indicates that this is a set-aside opportunity for small business but on the FBO page it indicates that a preference for SDVOSB and or HubZone. Which is it?

Refer to the Instructions, Provisions, and Evaluation, as revised in this amendment.

Would the government consider woman-owned small businesses for this procurement, or are HUBZone and SDVOB offerors only being considered?

Is this a total small business set aside and doesn't require the Prime bidding to be on a GSA Schedule?

Is a 8(a) certified small business eligible to bid or must you be SDVOB or Hubzone?

We’re an 8(a)/SDB/EDWOSB and would like to be able to bid on the FSA Financial & Management Support Services Opportunity; will we be able to do so?

The solicitation indicates a small-business set-aside, with a preference for SDVOSB and HUBZone firms.

Can the government provide more insight as to how this preference will be incorporated into the response evaluation criteria?

Synopsis, 3rd Paragraph Please consider extending the due date for questions to May 28, 2013 at 4pm since May 27th is Memorial Day.

This deadline will not be extended. Please submit your firm’s questions on or before 4pm Monday.

Solicitation Number ED-FSA-13-R-0017 states questions are due to you by 4:00 pm on Monday May 27, 2013. This is a Federal Holiday. Will the date change to Tuesday May 28, 2013 for submitting questions?

Instructions, Paragraph B.1 IDIQ, Factor 4, Page 5

What is the Blanket IDIQ contract going to be awarded based on, as it related to Contract Pricing since each offer will more than likely have different labor categories?

Refer to the Instructions, Provisions, and Evaluation, as revised in this amendment.

PAGE 4 OF 10 ED-FSA-13-R-0017/0001

RFP Section/Page/ Paragraph

Offerors’ Questions Government Responses

Instructions, Paragraph B.1 IDIQ, Factor 4, Page 5

Please clarify how the “preference for Service Disabled Veteran-Owned and/or Historically Under Utilized Business Zone” firms. As stated in the RFP, the evaluation factors for the IDIQ are all equal;

clarification on how an offeror’s status will affect its evaluation would be helpful to know.

Refer to the Instructions, Provisions, and Evaluation, as revised in this amendment.

Which one or all factors will be considered (e.g. Small Business, SDVASB, HUBZone)? Or will each designation have equal weight in the evaluation process.

Question: Which one or all factors will be considered (e.g. Small Business, SDVASB, HUBZone)? Or will each designation have equal weight in the evaluation process.

Volume I - IDIQ mentioned a SBA Small Buiness Certification Letter. (I spoke with SBA and they said they only offer these letters I believe for HUBZONE, 8a and woman-owned, but not for SDVOSB and that the Agency letting the RFP would normally go to VA' Vetbiz site to verify certification. Please advise?

Instructions, Paragraph B.1 IDIQ, Factor 3, Page 5

For Volume I – IDIQ is most of the work expected to be performed offsite at contractor facility? Or will some of the work be performed onsite at Government Facility?

Place of performance will be determined on the task order level (see IDIQ Agreement, Section F.1. Task Order (TO) Process and Issuance on page 7).

Does any of the other work to be performed under the IDIQ require an Independent Public Accounting Firm? Since some of the work may require attestation services as described on page 3 of 33 of the solicitation?

There is no requirement that an Offeror being an independent public accounting or CPA firm.

Instructions, Paragraph C.1.

General, Page 6

Will you please provide the missing text of the single sentence on page 6, in paragraph 3 of the Instructions, Provisions, & Evaluation document?

The Government also reserves the right to change any of the terms and conditions of this solicitation by amendment at any time prior to contract award, and to allow submission of revised proposals for consideration.

PAGE 5 OF 10 ED-FSA-13-R-0017/0001

RFP Section/Page/ Paragraph

Offerors’ Questions Government Responses

Will you please provide a definition as to what constitutes a material failure as it is used on page 6, paragraph 4 of the Instructions, Provisions, & Evaluation document?

No.

Instructions, C.2. Proposal Content, Page 7

May offerers define “management position” as they see fit as the term is used on page 7, last paragraph of the Instructions, Provisions, & Evaluation document?

Unable to respond – Offeror’s decision.

Instructions, Paragraph C.3.

Proposal Format, Page 8

The solicitation requests a copy of its certification or re-certification letter from the Small Business Administration (SBA). It is our understanding that the SBA issues certification letters only for the 8(a) and HUBZone programs. Other small businesses (according to FAR Part 19) must represent in good faith that they are a small business at the time of the written representation (subject to verification and protest to the SBA). Will the government consider modifying this requirement to allow businesses to self-certify, subject to protest and verification?

Refer to the Instructions, Provisions, and Evaluation, as revised in this amendment.

Instructions, C.3. Proposal Format, Page 9

What is the page limit for client references?

Solicitation, Page 7 of 33 The solicitation states that “For those task orders that cross ordering period years, the pricing in force at the date of the task order award shall be effective throughout the task order performance period”.

Does this prevent the offeror from including approved option period rate escalations in their task order proposals?

To be determined when subsequent task order are solicited.

Solicitation, Paragraph G.1.

Key Personnel, Page 8

It’s our understanding that no Key Personnel need to be identified for IDIQ only for Task Order One is that correct?

Yes.

Please clarify what is needed for Key Personnel. The IDIQ indicates no key personnel requirement. Are key personnel required only for task order 1?

Yes, key personnel designation is applicable only to Task Order One as revised in this amendment.

PAGE 6 OF 10 ED-FSA-13-R-0017/0001

RFP Section/Page/ Paragraph

Offerors’ Questions Government Responses

Solicitation, , Paragraph B.2 Standard Occupations, Page

My company is an SDVOSB. Do I need to be a CPA firm to bid on this? Or can I bid CPA personnel and staff if we are not a CPA firm?

There is no requirement that an Offeror being an independent public accounting or CPA firm.

Solicitation, Paragraph B.3.

Rate Table Template, Page

Would you consider additional page count for the price pages? If we break out on-site and offsite rates, junior and senior levels with definitions we are at 5 pages. We have included space for some additional labor categories but that is only for a time and materials rate. None of the rates have an “F” in the CLIN. That also has not provided for explanation of any other pricing notes.

Refer to the Instructions, Provisions, and Evaluation, as revised in this amendment.

Solicitation, Paragraph B.3.

Rate Table Template, Page

For Rate Table Pricing on page 11 of 33 of ED-FSA-13- R0017 will separate rates be required for both the IDIQ Contract Vehicle and Task Order One Pricing? If so, will on and offsite rates be required for both? Or only for IDQ Vehicle since most of the work under Task Order One will be performed at Contractor’s facility?

Government Site and Contractor Site Rates are required on the Contract Price Form (IDIQ Agreement, Section B).

Place of performance will be determined on the task order level (see IDIQ Agreement, Section F.1. Task Order (TO) Process and Issuance on page 7).

Can we use the 7th position to differentiate senior and junior labor categories?

Yes, refer to amended CLIN Structure below.

Solicitation, Paragraph B.3.

Rate Table Template, Page

Will Rate Table Pricing be in excel format or MS Word format?

MS Excel 2010 (for spreadsheets) should be used for the IDIQ Contract Price Form and Task Order One Pricing.

Solicitation, Paragraph B.3.

Rate Table Template, Page

Which labor category descriptions should offerers use for the IDIQ price proposal for the job titles in Section B2, page 11 of the SF1449 Solicitation document? May the offerer define the descriptions or must they be from the BLS website referred to in the SF1449 Solicitation document?

Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook is a preferred resource for standard occupation titles and descriptions but Offeror may provide alternative labor category descriptions in accordance to CLIN Structure.

Solicitation, Paragraph A:

General Terms and Conditions, Page 12

Do you want reps and certs submitted with the offer or will you take those from SAM? Specifically the portion regarding conflict of interest certification is a form to be submitted with Vol 1 or is the statement sufficient?

As stated in Instructions, Paragraph C.2, Volume I:

IDIQ, the Offeror shall include along with other items:

“Statement that the Offeror is registered in CCR (System for Award Management (SAM))”;

“Statement that by submitting the offer the Offeror

PAGE 7 OF 10 ED-FSA-13-R-0017/0001

RFP Section/Page/ Paragraph

Offerors’ Questions Government Responses agrees that there are no known Organizational Conflicts of Interest that would prevent either the Prime Contractor or any Subcontractor from performing under the contract.”

Instructions, Paragraph B.1.

IDIQ Factor 1, Page 4

What is the maximum required for Client References?

What is the minimum required for Client References?

Four (4) client references.

Volume I require Section (2) Past Performance will these past performances be required to be identified as part of Volume I? If so, what is the page limit for identification? The Proposal Element Page Limit and Volume I notes that Cover Letter a 1 page limit, Management Capability a15 page limit and Contract Price Form Rate Table a 3 page limit, but nothing talks about a page limit showing descriptions of the 5 references submitted?

Refer to the Instructions, Provisions, and Evaluation, as revised in this amendment.

Instructions, Paragraph B.1 IDIQ Factor 2, Pages 4 & 5

Is the quality control plan and the Resource Management plan required at the IDIQ level or at the task order level?

IDIQ only.

Instructions, Paragraph C.2:

Proposal Content, , Page 7

Is past performance of the subcontractors acceptable as part of the submittal for experience?

Government does not preclude this inclusion.

Instructions, Paragraph B.2.

Task Order One, Page 5

In addition to the level of assurance, does the FSA office expect a certain number of FTE for the Task Order One?

No.

Instructions, Paragraph B.2.

Task Order One, Page 5

How many total FTE’s (Key Personnel) are required under this requirement?

To be determined by the Offeror based on its understanding of the Government’s task order requirement. For the Proposed Staffing requirements of Volume II does the government want us to staff a manager in each of the of the listed areas or Propose only the staffing to support the Objective and Scope of the Task order which would be the Auditors listed in para 10.1?

For Volume II – Task Order One what is the page limit for key personnel resumes?

Copies of key personnel resumes will be excluded from Volume II, Proposed Staffing page count.

PAGE 8 OF 10 ED-FSA-13-R-0017/0001

RFP Section/Page/ Paragraph

Offerors’ Questions Government Responses

B.2. Task Order One Will Travel required outside the Metropolitan area need to be approved by the Contracting Officer prior to execution and if so, will travel be reimbursed by the Government at Federal Per Diem Rates?

Refer to IDIQ Agreement, Paragraph A.4 (xiv) FSA 31- 1 Contractor Travel Expenses (APR 2013) – page 30.

Instructions, Paragraph C.2:

Proposal Format, Page 9

Is there a page allowance for any past performance information to be summarized in Vol 1? Paragraph C2 indicates past performance is part of Vol I.

Refer to the Instructions, Provisions, and Evaluation, as revised in this amendment.

Instructions, Paragraph C.2:

Proposal Format, Page 9

RFP requires MS Project for any schedules to be provided in the 2007 version.

Refer to the Instructions, Provisions, and Evaluation, as revised in this amendment.

Task Order PWS, Paragraph 3.0, Page 1

For Volume II – Task Order One – Based on the work described, please confirm that this would be conducted as a performance audit based on yellow book standards?

Refer to the Task Order One PWS as revised in this amendment.

Given the requirement for attestation, are you requiring an Independent Public Accounting firm in support of this task?

There is no requirement that an Offeror being an independent public accounting or CPA firm.

What is the level of assurance Federal Student Aid (FSA) requires for the effort?

Refer to the Task Order One PWS as revised in this amendment.

Are there additional requirements for task order 1 in addition to the scope identified in paragraph 3.0?

Refer to the Task Order One PWS as revised in this amendment.

Task Order PWS, Paragraph 7.0, Page 3

What is the specific requirement we are addressing in the QASP? Are you looking for the proposal to include a QASP, or a response to the QASP as defined?

QASP is a key component in a performance-based work statement and shall be utilized to measure successful performance.

Task Order PWS, Paragraph 8.0, Page 4

When do expect award of task order 1 and is there a transition period? The requirement for clearances at least 12 days in advance would infer there is some ramp up or transition period.

Unable to anticipate award date at present. There is no transition period since no incumbent contractor performing this work.

Task Order PWS, Paragraph 9.2: Contractor Staffing and Responsibilities, Page 5

Does this task include assessment of IT as well as financial internal controls? Contractor Staffing and responsibilities alludes to information technology responsibilities.

Refer to the Task Order One PWS as revised in this amendment.

Task Order PWS, Paragraph 10: Key Personnel Requirement, Page 5

What specific labor categories should be identified as key personnel? Are these defined by the government or by the contractor?

Government has designated key personnel by position title and qualification description under this paragraph.

PAGE 9 OF 10 ED-FSA-13-R-0017/0001

RFP Section/Page/ Paragraph

Offerors’ Questions Government Responses

Task Order PWS, Paragraph

10.1 Qualifications by

Position Type, Page 5

What is the reason that the position types in the Task Order One Performance Work Statement document do not match the job titles in Section B2, page 11 of the SF1449 Solicitation document?

As stated in IDIQ Agreement, Section F.1. Task Order (TO) Process and Issuance, “…the government’s requirement should identify… (f) Special requirements (e.g., required security clearances level, site travel, key personnel, etc.)”.

Task Order PWS, Paragraph

10.1 Qualifications by

Position Type, Page 5

What is the anticipated level of effort for this task order? Does paragraph 10.1 indicate level of effort?

Key personnel for the task order? Or some indicative labor categories for this task?

This section indicates only key personnel designation, not level of effort.

Attachment A: Client Reference Form

The form requests a “Detailed Description of Work Performance that Prime Contractor was Directly Responsible for”. Can the offeror submit past performance examples where they served as a subcontractor? Additionally, can the offeror provide past performance examples of one or more of its subcontractors in this solicitation?

Yes to both questions.

PAGE 10 OF 10 ED-FSA-13-R-0017/0001

II. Amend paragraph A.4 (xvi) FSA 39-1 Reporting Requirements for Departed Contractor Employees (AUG 2012) as follows:

“As part of security clearance processing, the contractor is required to notify the Government no later than the end of the business day on the day a contractor employee proposed for or awarded a security clearance under this contract or memorandum of understanding departs employment under this contract or memorandum of understanding.

To meet this requirement, the contractor shall send an encrypted email attachment to FSAPersonnelSecurity@ed.gov and OMPersonnelSecurity@ed.gov with a carbon copy to the Contracting Officer, Contracting Officer’s Representative, and Information Security System Officer.

The contractor will be advised under separate communications of the encryption password schematics that must be followed in reporting under this clause. The subject line of the email shall read “Departed User”, and include the following information:

Employee Last Name, First Name eQIP number, if available Date employee hired under the contract or memorandum of understanding Contract or memorandum of understanding number List of systems to which employee has access

(End of Clause)

III. Amend Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) Structure (IDIQ Agreement, Section B.1 as follows:

“The structure is designed to provide consistency across all the Task Orders. CLINS for all labor rates have a maximum of seven characters as follows with the first 4 being numeric (N) and last 2 being alpha (A) as described below:

NNNNAA: The first two numeric characters from the left designates the contract year starting with

01 (one) representing the Ordering Period – Year 1 and ending with 05 (five) representing the Ordering Period – Year 5.

NNNNAA: The third and fourth numeric characters from the left designate the individual labor categories listed in below.

NNNNAA – The fifth alpha character designates whether the individual labor category is for a task order that is on a FFP, and/or T&M/LH basis by using the alpha F and T, respectively.

NNNNAA: The sixth alpha character designates whether the individual labor category is for a task order that is being performed at the contractor site or the Government site by using the alpha C and G, respectively.

NNNNAAA: The seventh alpha character designates the individual labor category level of experience by using the alpha S and J for Senior and Junior respectively.

Descript: This amendment is issued to:

1) Extend proposal submission deadline to 4pm (EST) on June 17, 2013;

2) Incorporate revised Instructions and Task order One PWS as outlined in the following pages.

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