Questions and Answers 5 - 28 Nov 2022.pdf

FA248623RA001-05

Questions and Answers 05

28 Nov 2022

1. Will a site visit be scheduled for this effort?

Response: No. Previous solicitations and awards for this requirement have been made without a site visit to contractors who have not had experience working on Eglin AFB.

2. When is the latest date and time to submit questions?

Response: Attachment L Instructions to Offerors has been revised. See Amendment 01.

Paragraph 1.3.8. has been added to address the timeframe for receipt of questions. Questions are due seven (7) calendar days prior to the date designated for receipt of proposals.

3. With regards to Appendix D-Workload Data specifically; we have determined that the inspections presented by the government representing a “reasonable estimate” for powered and non-powered equipment is approximately 66% less than actuals as performed by Lakota year to date on contract FA2486-22-C-0006 at Eglin AFB. Additionally, we have noted a discrepancy in two additional categories “Notable Major MX Actions” and “Corrosion Control Operations”: roughly 87% and 63% respectively less actions than actuals. Lastly, the equipment listing in the PWS does not have the 209NP, non-powered account, or the 617MD, Ammo Trailer account listed.

Response: Appendix D-Workload Data updated. CA/CRL accounts are listed in PWS para.

12.1 and Government Furnished Property (GFP) is embedded within the PWS as an attachment.

4. The CBA referenced in the solicitation is not the current CBA under contract FA2486-22-C-

0006. The CBA referenced in the solicitation expired 7/31/2022. The current CBA for contract FA2486-22-C-0006 was sent to the KO on 7/28/2022.

Response: Attachment 3 Collective Bargaining Agreement dated has been updated. See Amendment 01.

5. Attachment L7 of the solicitation makes reference to 4 labor categories that are not in the current CBA. The current CBA incorporates labor categories that retain and attract a stable, motivated, certified, experienced, top-quality workforce.

Response: The labor categories provided on Attachment 7 are the Government’s Estimated Staffing Matrix. As specified in Attachment L Instructions to Offerors paragraph 3.7, The Offeror can propose the “Government Estimated Staffing Matrix” or provide an alternate solution to staffing. If an alternate solution to staffing is provided, then explain how the proposed labor category/skill mix has been derived.

6. Do both the Prime and the Sub need an DCAA/DCMA government approved accounting system?

Response: The prime contractor is required to have an adequate accounting system. In the case of a joint venture see response to Question 23 below.

7. Reference: Attachment L, Instructions to Offerors 1.3.2, Page Size and Format. In the 1st paragraph

“font size for all tables, charts, graphs and foldouts shall be written in no less that 12-point font. In the 3rd paragraph “tables charts, graphs and figures, the text shall be no smaller and eight (8) point. Please clarify the size for all tables charts, graphs and figures.

Response: The reference to eight (8) point is intended to be for any tables, charts and graphs in 11” x 17” format. All other tables, charts and graphs not formatted to 11” x 17” are to be in 12-font..

8. Reference: Attachment L, Instructions to Offerors 2.4, Subfactor c. “Submit a plan to fill all key and essential personnel billets.” No key or essential personnel billets are identified in the PWS. Please clarify.

Response: Project Manager, Assistant Project Manager, Quality Control Manager and section leads.

9. Reference: PWS 2.9 Computer Information Technology Equipment. Within the first 20 days of the transition period.” A transition period is mentioned in the PWS, however there is no CLIN in the cost workbooks. Is the cost of transition to be included in the pricing? How long is the transition period?

Response: The transition period is 30-days from award of the first task order. Offerors may include the cost of transition in the price of the first task order. Note that the Government intends to award the first task order concurrent with the award of the basic IDIQ.

10. Reference: Attachment L6 Cost Format A-C. The pricing indicates shift differentials for

Service/Dispatch and Equipment Painters. Are there other roles staffed on swing shifts not indicated by Attachment L6? Should Attachment L6 include lines for both day and swing shifts for all positions?

Response: : The labor categories provided are the Government’s Estimated Staffing Matrix. As specified in Attachment L Instructions to Offerors paragraph 3.7, The Offeror can propose the “Government Estimated Staffing Matrix” or provide an alternate solution to staffing. If an alternate solution to staffing is provided, then explain how the proposed labor category/skill mix has been derived.

11. Reference: Attachment L6 Cost Format A-C. The government has provided labor categories by shift for Cost Review and Formatting. In the event a service provider proposes swing shift staffing for other roles, how will the government evaluate these roles and verify CBA compliance for shift differentials?

Response: In accordance with Section M CBA compliance will be evaluated be evaluated by comparing the unburdened rate against the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) Wage determination to ensure that covered personnel will be paid minimum CBA wages and benefits. If the CBA specifies shift differential pay, then that will be taken into consideration when evaluating.

12. Reference: Attachment L6 Cost Format A-C. The government format currently is based entirely on labor hours to derive the Total Proposed Amount (TPA). There is not a separate line item for ODC costs. Will the government amend the pricing template to include ODCs separate from labor costs in TPA? If not, please confirm that all ODC costs must be included in the hourly FBLR rate proposed?

Response: The total proposed amount and the labor hours are separate calculations. The total proposed amount is the for the total price/cost of the effort which includes both direct and indirect costs. The FBLRs are intended to be used in the event additional work or task orders need to be awarded due to additional short term mission requirements or special testing needs. Offerors are required in accordance with Section L to provide their price/cost information to include all ODCs that make up their total proposed amount.

13. Reference: PWS Part III, Page 48. “The following checked items are required elements…” No items are checked?

Response: Updated PWS Appendix F, Page 45.

14. Reference: PWS Part II, Page 7. “The service provider shall support special events, such as exercises, inspections and higher headquarters requests.” What is the historical workload?

Response: Workload is about six times per year. Examples are: HAZMAT inspection, Fire inspections, Wing Safety inspections, Active Shooter Exercises, Hurricane prep exercises. Every 18 Months UEI.

15. Reference: PWS 16.1 Hours of Operation and Shift Differentials. PWS 16.1 indicates corrosion work is conducted between 0600 – 2400 but L6 Cost Format A-C does not include a position shift differential for corrosion control personnel nor do these roles correlate with CBA positions for corrosion control specific workloads. Will there be a shift differential added for corrosion control personnel?

Response: The labor categories provided are the Government’s Estimated Staffing Matrix. As specified in Attachment L Instructions to Offerors paragraph 3.7, The Offeror can propose the “Government Estimated Staffing Matrix” or provide an alternate solution to staffing. If an alternate solution to staffing is provided, then explain how the proposed labor category/skill mix has been derived. If shift differential pay is specified in the CBA then Offerors will be required to add the differential to any labor hour calculations.

16. Reference: Solicitation, SCH B. Schedule B indicates that CLIN 0001 is Firm-Fixed Price. Please confirm hours used in TPA calculation are not expected as a level of effort proposal but a firm fixed price arrangement per FAR 16.202.

Response: CLIN 0001 is a firm-fixed price CLIN. See response to Question 12 above.

17. Reference: Attachment L6 Cost Format A-C. The government TPA calculation spans three workbooks and attachments. Will the government merge all pricing workbooks into a single file for submission?

Response: No. The spreadsheets were separated purposefully.

18. Reference: Instructions 3.4 Purchasing System and 3.5 Accounting System. Q&A question 6. Per

3.4 Purchasing System, provide a summary description of the purchasing system and indicate whether you have a Government approval of your system. Per 3.5 Accounting System, any proposal that doesn’t contain an approved account system will be deemed unawardable. Q&A #6, Do the prime and the sub need an DCAA/DCMA government approved accounting system. Answer: The Prime needs to have an approved purchasing system…

Does the prime/subcontractor have to have an approved Purchasing System, as Section L, 3.4 does not state that the purchasing system has to be approved? If so, will the government allow for 120 post award for the primes/subs purchasing system to be approved?

Response: An approved purchasing system is not required. See revised response to Question 6.

19. Will the government consider a 2-week extension?

Response: No.

20. Reference: PWS Appendix H (ATTACHMENT 1 AGE PWS GFP - 18 July 2022.pdf) and PWS Appendix D Workload Data. PWS Appendix H, equipment accounts 209PD and 209SE (pages 3 -16 of the document) contain some of the same and additional pieces of equipment than those reflected in PWS Appendix D Workload Data. Are all of the equipment items on accounts 209PD and 209SE of PWS Appendix H (ATTACHMENT 1 AGE PWS GFP - 18 July 2022.pdf) included in or are they in addition to the current quantities in PWS Appendix D Workload Data ‘Number assigned’ column?

Response: The GFP attachment of AGE equipment that's in the PWS is not in addition to the Workload data in Appendix D.

21. With reference to the requirement to have a DCAA/DCMA government approved accounting system, we would like further clarification. The DCAA advertises that “There is no such thing as a DCAA approved government accounting system”

Additionally, DCAA/DCMA audited accounting systems cannot be requested by the contractor, the Government Contracting Officer must request the audit after contract award. Additionally, the Contracting Officer has the authority to review systems to ensure the Government is adequately protected.

Contracting clause 242.7503 provides guidance which generally only requires DCAA/DCMA audited systems for Cost Plus contracts, not Firm Fixed Price as this contract is solicited.

Use the clause at 252.242-7006 , Accounting System Administration, in solicitations and contracts when contemplating—

(a) A cost-reimbursement, incentive type, time-and-materials, or labor-hour contract; or

(b) A contract with progress payments made on the basis of costs incurred by the contractor or on a percentage or stage of completion.

Response: Paragraph 3.5 of Attachment L Instructions to Offerors, dated 18 Nov 2022 has been updated as follows and incorporated via Amendment 0004:

3.5 Accounting System

Offerors are to provide evidence/documentation (DCAA Audit Report, DCAA Audit Letter, other Government agency documentation or audit from a CPA from a third-party accounting firm) that your accounting system has been audited and determined adequate for determining costs applicable to the contract in accordance with FAR 16.301-3(a)(1). Documentation must be on official Government letterhead or letterhead of the third-party accounting firm. Also, identify any deviations from your standard procedures in preparing this proposal. Any proposal that doesn’t contain an acceptable accounting system will be deemed unawardable.

Additionally, this is not only a Fixed-priced contract, but it is a cost contract as well (See CLIN 0002 and 0003). The awarded contractor will be responsible for purchasing materials under cost CLIN 0002. An award of a cost contract requires the awardee to have an adequate accounting system.

22. Amendment 3 Q&A Answer 6; Section L 3.5 Accounting System; Solicitation Section I DFARS

Clauses (252.242.7006 Accounting System Administration). The Government indicates that Government approval of the prime contractor’s accounting system is required otherwise the proposal is deemed unawardable. DCAA has indicated to offeror that they cannot request an audit for government approval of current accounting systems in place as only the contracting officer or other prime contractor may request such inspection.

Response: Offerors are required to submit documentation that their accounting system is adequate as a part of their proposal. See response to Question 21 above.

23. In the event the offeror is a mentor-protégé joint venture offeror, will the government accept a proposal if the mentor party has a fully approved government accounting system and protégé and JV are compliant with DFARS 252.242.7006?

Response: In the case of a joint venture, the partner member who is responsible for the maintaining the accounting system would be required to have an adequate accounting system.

Offerors submitting as a joint venture should identify in their proposal which partner is responsible for the accounting, billing etc. or if the JV has as an entity has an acceptable accounting system.

24. If offeror is complaint with DFARS 252.242.7006 and demonstrates as much competency with current FAR, CAS, etc., would the government accept the proposal and request such approval inspection by DCAA post award?

Response: Offerors are required to submit documentation that their accounting system is adequate as a part of their proposal.

25. . The solicitation indicates that the Product Service Code is J017. What is the NACIS code that corresponds with the PSC code?

Response: The NAICS Code is 488190.

26. The solicitation indicates that Material and Travel are to be priced without Fee. Is the offeror and offeror's subcontractor allowed to apply indirect costs to these items, specifically G&A?

Response: For the purposes of the solicitation offerors are not to apply any indirect rates to the amount specified for the Material or Travel CLINs.

27. DFARS clause 252.215-7009, Proposal Adequacy Checklist is included in the DFARS clauses incorporated by reference. Where should the offeror include this checklist in its proposal?

Response: With the Cost Proposal Volume

28. . Computers for the contractor's program management staff. Will the Government provide computers for the contractor's program management staff?

Response: The Government will only provide the Information Technology (IT) equipment specified in the Government Furnished Property listing and the Performance Work Statement.

29. . "The Past Performance factor is more important than the Technical Capability factor. All evaluation factors other than cost or price, when combined, are significantly more important than cost or price." "If two vendors are rated the same, is price the deciding factor for award or are there any other factors that government will consider?"

Response: In accordance with Attachment M Evaluation Factors for Award, in using the best value approach, the Government seeks to award to the offeror who gives the Air Force the greatest confidence that it will best meet or exceed our requirements affordably in a way that will be advantageous to the Government. This may result in an award to a higher rated, higher priced offeror where the decision is consistent with the evaluation factors and the Source Selection Authority (SSA) reasonably determines that the technical superiority and/or superior past and present performance of the higher priced offeror outweighs the price/cost difference.

While the Government will strive for maximum objectivity, the tradeoff process, by its nature, is subjective; therefore, professional judgment is implicit throughout the selection process.

30. . Based on the labor listed in section L7 of the proposal, the low-speed maintainers do not have a lead. Is the government position that Powered AGE floor lead will be the lead over low-speed maintainers?

Response: Offerors may propose as they see fit to ensure the requirements of the PWS are met.

The labor categories provided are the Government’s Estimated Staffing Matrix. As specified in Attachment L Instructions to Offerors paragraph 3.7, The Offeror can propose the “Government Estimated Staffing Matrix” or provide an alternate solution to staffing. If an

31. The number service/dispatch drivers seem imbalanced in the L7 section of the proposal. Is the government position to have two (2) service/dispatch drivers during the day and three (3) Service/Dispatch (Swing shift) personnel and no drivers?

Response: Offerors may propose as they see fit to ensure the requirements of the PWS are met.

The labor categories provided are the Government’s Estimated Staffing Matrix. As specified in Attachment L Instructions to Offerors paragraph 3.7, The Offeror can propose the “Government Estimated Staffing Matrix” or provide an alternate solution to staffing. If an

32. In the L7 of the proposal, some labor categories have Service/dispatch drivers (day shift) and other labor categories have Equipment Painters (swing shift). Is the government position that any labor categories not marked as day or swing shift are the day shift personnel?

Response: Offerors may propose as they see fit to ensure the requirements of the PWS are met.

The labor categories provided are the Government’s Estimated Staffing Matrix. As specified in Attachment L Instructions to Offerors paragraph 3.7, The Offeror can propose the “Government Estimated Staffing Matrix” or provide an alternate solution to staffing. If an

33. Are the Strike Plan, Quality Control Plan, and Mission Essential Contractor Service Plan the only plans due at proposal delivery?

Response: Offerors should review Section L to ensure all items are submitted. In accordance with Section L Offerors are required to submit a Strike Plan, Contingency Plan, Quality Control Plan, and the Mission Essential Contractor Services Plan.

34. Reference: Attachment L7 Cost Format D Question: Please confirm that on Attachment L7 Tab

“Labor Rates FY30” does not need to be completed as it is outside the period of performance.

Response: Attachment L7 Cost Format D, has been revised to remove the FY30 sheet. Revised Attachment L7 Cost Format D dated 23 Nov 2022 has been incorporated. See Amendment 0005.