RFQ FA251823Q0012 QnA.pdf

Item# Question Reference Gov't Response Amendment Req'd

To effectively compare bids based on technical solutioning, would the

Government consider providing a ceiling for cost? The Government will not provide a ceiling for cost for this solicitation. No

To effectively compare quality of personnel and sustainability of management solution, could the Government please provide a plug for

ODCs and Travel? PWS 4.3 Refer to PWS section 4.3 Travel; refer to PWS 3.3 Material and Other Direct Costs. No

Could the Government please provide guidance on what equipment may be needed for communication, working while on TDY, and teleworking? PWS 3.1.1. Refer to PWS 4.6.1 and 4.6.2 No

Could the Government clarify, if additional equipment (laptops, cell phones) are needed for work and communication during travel and or telework should be provided by the Contractor? If this is the case, could the Government confirm these costs are billable? PWS 3.1.1. Refer to PWS 4.6.2 No

Could the Government allow for Contract to have a current SECRET FCL and then upgrade to a TS FCL upon award? The personnel working

Subtask 4 require only a SECRET clearance for their technical work. DD-254 TS is not necessary for this requirement. Secret is sufficient. No

Could the Government confirm the additional personnel working at the

Contractor’s facility be provided with badges, access to relevant networks, and at appropriate times access to workspace and meetings at N&NC/J5? PWS 3.2.1.

Personnel working within Bldg. 2 would receive badges, access to relevant networks, and access to workspace and meetings at N&NC. Additional personnel from the Contactor's facility could be granted visit access as needed. No

Could the Government confirm that space at Contractor’s facility provided to contract personnel, as required in PWS Section 3.2.1., will be a billable cost in line with the guidance in Section 3.3? PWS 3.2.1. & 3.3. Yes - these costs could be calculated into the price of the Travel/ODC line item. No

Could the Government advise on the existence of existing templates for tasks and deliverables associated with PWS Subtask 4 “WPS

Implementation?” PWS

Some templates exist. Other templates would need to be developed as pat of the contract support. No

Could the Government clarify the level of coordination expected with the Perry WHS? For example, if this will include debriefings, potential in-person events or further? PWS 2.5.11

Coordination with Perry Center would be primarily virtual with potential collaboration on development of limited in-persn engagements with Perry Center, USNORTHCOM, and international partners. No

Could the Government clarify if the additional personnel required to work in the Contractor’s facility will need access to SIPRNet and classified materials? PWS 3.2.1

No. Only personnel providing direct in-person support at N&NC headquarters will require access to SIPRNet and classified materials. No

Could the Government clarify if Contractor personnel will be granted access to relevant SharePoint sites, data repositories, and other locations where WPS info is housed? PWS 3.2.1. Yes. Both within N&NC and other shared portals within the broader DOD WPS community. No

Could the Government please clarify the format for the entire proposal?

Combo Synopsis/

Solicitation

Refer to the Instructions to Offerors on page 2 of 8 of the Request for Quote (RFQ). There is no specific format for quotes; however, they should follow the guidance provided in the

"QUOTE SPECIFICS." No

Could the Government confirm the format for the mobilization/transition and staffing plan (i.e., 10 pt. font)? Is this separate from the rest of the technical volume?

Combo Synopsis/

Solicitation

If the offeror's quote includes a mobilization/transition plan within the staffing plan, 11" x 17" page size is allowable with a limit of 10pt font. There is no specific format; however, this page will count toward one page of the page limit. Yes

FA251823Q0012 - Women's Peace and Security Support - Contractor Questions

Could the Government indicate the maximum length of the proposal

(i.e., number of pages)? Could the government further clarify if elements such as the (1) executive summary, (2) Table of Contents), (3)

Acronym List, (4) Compliance Table, (5) Illustrative resumes, (6) other supporting documents count towards the page count?

Combo Synopsis/

Solicitation

Technical Exhibit has maximium 10 page limit, not to include the cover page; 12 point Times

New Roman, 10 point Arial for tables. Yes

Could the Government please provide a template or suggested format for the price volume?

Combo Synopsis/

Solicitation

The Price Exhibit consists of a complete Bid Schedule as shown on page 2 of the RFQ. Refer to the Instructions to Offerors on page 2 of 8 of the RFQ. No

Could the Government also clarify if the price volume page count is inclusive of cost notes?

Combo Synopsis/

Solicitation There is not a Price Exhibit page count. No

Is it required that offerors have a top secret clearance at the time of proposal submission? Will the Government consider sponsoring an otherwise well qualified Awardee for a TS FCL? DD-254 No. Only Secret is required. No

Given the requirement to travel frequently, the Government might benefit from permitting a hybrid work environment where the

Contractor performs most of the work at Contractor facility. Is the

Government open to this kind of hybrid work environment?

PWS 3.2.1, Office at

Peterson SFB; PWS

4.6.2, Telework; PWS

4.3.2, Travel

Yes. But not for all personnel. Some persistent/consistent in-person support is necessary and other options remain flexible in accordance with Para 4.6.1. and 4.6.2. No

The 24 mid-term projects are described as "taking less than a year." The short term tasking takes "less than a week." Given the large difference between the two, it is difficult for the Offeror to estimate workload.

Will the Government provide a better measure of mid-term project workload? This could be an average duration and/or the number of estimated labor hours required to perform the projects.

PWS 2.4.12, Estimated workload Mid-term projects can be estimated at 60 hours. No

Is there a Government provided facility or office in the Bahamas? If not, at what location will the Contractor perform services when visiting the

Bahamas? Sub-Task 5

While in The Bahamas work will be conducted at a number of locations to include the partner nation facilities, within the embassy and from the contractor's lodging. No

The Contractor "shall coordinate the execution of" WPS L100 and L200.

This suggests the training is performed by someone else. Please confirm the Contractor is not the instructor for these courses. Sub-Task 4, PWS 2.4.8

The Joint Staff maintains responsibility for the development, execution, assesmment and certification of students of the L100 and L200 training. The contractor would be asked to be a facilitator, tailor content, coordinate the execution, provide support to Joint Staff and potentially provide instruction during the courses. No

Sub-Task 4 includes the preparation of reports, briefings, studies, assessments, etc. Since the Contractor is operating within the

NORTHCOM J5 office, is there any graphic artist or other administrative support available to assist? Sub-Task 4

Yes. There is a team to assist within the N&NC/J5 as well as expertise across the Gender Focal

Point network the contractor can leverage to support. No

Background: The solicitation does not provide any incumbent information.

Question: Is there a current contract or incumbent for this work? Solicitation

This requirement is a reacquisition and was part of a larger contract - FA251718F9026. It was determined that the WPS portion would not be included in the larger contract for the reacquisition and would instead be solicited and awarded as an individual contract. The original awardee was ITA International. No

Background: PWS shows tasks (2.0) , estimated monthly workload

(2.4.21) and travel (4.3) while also stating workspace (3.2.1) is available for up to 2 personnel with additional personnel required to work in the contractor’s facility.

Question: Can the Government clarify the number of personnel required? Do they estimate either 1 or 2 personnel are needed to meet the requirements? PWS

The Gov't cannot provide a number of personnel as this is a performance-based requirement for non-personal services. Currently, there is space avilable for up to 2 personnel at Bldg 2;

however the government anticipates flexible telework arrangements to provide necessary in-person support while allowing rotational telework. At times, additional workspaces may become available. No

Background: The PWS states that telework (4.6.1 and 4.6.2) may be requested and subject to coordination and approval.

Question: Will candidates only available by remote/telework (and meeting all other education and experience requirements) be considered fully qualified as part of the proposal? PWS

Yes. The government can accomodate some remote/hybrid/flexible work arangements but not for all personnel. Some persistent/consistent in-person support is necessary and other options remain flexible in accordance with Para 4.6.1. and 4.6.2. No

Paragraph 4 under General Information states that “Due to the overseas location of this requirement, no set-aside will be used in accordance with FAR 19.000(b). The NAICS code associated with this requirement is 541611” however, Instructions to Offerers on Page 2 states “this is a 100% Small Business Set-Aside IAW FAR 19.502-2.”

Which will the government use, NAICS code 541611 with no set-aside or 100% Small Business Set-Aside?

Solicitation, Pg. 1, Par.

This is a mistake and will be removed in an amended solicitation. The NAICS code is 541611 and the solicitation is 100% Small Business Set-Aside. Yes

Paragraph 5 sates, "Funds are not presently available for this effort."

Does the government anticipate funds becoming available prior to the start of the performance period?

Solicitation, Pg. 1, Par.

This was correct at the time of solicitation posting; however, funding has been certified for this requirement. The solicitation will be amended to remove this statement. Yes

Paragraph 1 under Instructions to Offerors states that “Proposals shall clearly identify all subcontract personnel and teaming partner(s), to include the company name of the teaming partner or subcontractor, the number of hours proposed for each subcontract position and labor category.”

In the case of a Joint Venture submission, should Offerors classify each

JV partner as a 'teaming partner' or treat the JV entity as the prime contractor and the partners individually as subcontractors or teaming partners?

Solicitation, Pg. 2, Par.

The government will have one contract with the prime contractor. The prime should organize their subcontract relationship as appropriate. No

The Contract Value is not provided.

Will the government provide the Contract Value? Solicitation Govt does not share this information. No

30 Will annual funding be provided through O&M or UFR? Solicitation Appropriate funding will be provided. No

The type of contract is not identified in the solicitation.

Will the contract type be Firm Fixed Price or something different? Solicitation This is a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract. Yes

Travel related costs are not clearly defined in the solicitation.

Will the government provide a plug number for all Travel based on government assumptions or historical information? Solicitation Refer to PWS section 4.3 Travel. No

ODC related costs are not clearly defined in the solicitation.

Will the government provide a plug number for all ODCs based on government assumptions or historical information? Solicitation Refer to PWS 3.3 Material and Other Direct Costs. No

Subtasks 1, 2, and 3 are listed as "Reserved."

Does the government intend to exercise one or more of these positions throughout the performance period? PWS, Pg. 1, Par. 2 Not at this time. No

Will support to the Royal Bahamas Defence Force WPS Expertise be covered under an existing SOFA? PWS, Pg. 5, Par. 2.5 Contractors will be covered by the SOFA which will be attached with the amended solicitation. Yes

What are the ITAR and Export requirements (DFAR 252.225-7048) i.e., non-US persons participating in exercises, contingency planning, meetings? PWS, Pg. 5-6, Par. 2.5

IAW 252.225-7048(b) The Contractor shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations regarding export-controlled items, including, but not limited to, the requirement for contractors to register with the Department of State in accordance with the ITAR. The

Contractor shall consult with the Department of State regarding any questions relating to compliance with the ITAR and shall consult with the Department of Commerce regarding any questions relating to compliance with the EAR. No

The estimated monthly workload for the Royal Bahamas Defence Force

WPS Expertise is not defined.

Will the government clearly define the estimated workload for Subtask

5 as it has for Subtask 4? PWS, Pg. 5, Par. 2.5

Mid Term Projects (e.g., document creation taking less than a year): 12 per year

Short Term Tasking (e.g., document reviews taking less than a week): 6 per month

Conference Attendance 1 per quarter

TDY 6 per year

Meetings (local) 8 per month

Yes

N&NC/J59 requires contracted services to provide support to the Royal

Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) for its WPS Program.

Will this position be located in the States or in the Bahamas? PWS, Pg. 5, Par. 2.5.1

The government would be flexible to either arrangement. At minimum, the government requires 3 weeks a quarter in The Bahamas and 3 weeks a year in Colorado Springs for Subtask

5. The government can accomodate some remote/hybrid/flexible work arangements and remain flexible in accordance with Para 4.6.1. and 4.6.2. Yes

What are the desired outcomes that NORAD and USNORTHCOM / J5 aim to attain with the implementation of Women's Peace and Security

Support program? N/A

The USNORTHCOM WPS Mission is to integrate WPS principles into its strategies, plans, and operations to better defend the homeland, strengthen partnerships, and provide flexible response to civil authorities.

USNORTHCOM's vision is to institutionalize WPS principles to enhance the operational effectiveness of USNORTHCOM and our partner militaries.

USNORTHCOM has two End States for WPS:

• Exemplify a diverse, resilient, flexible organization

• Ensure the safety, security, and human rights of women/girls, especially during conflict and crisis

USNORTHCOM will implement WPS in the following two contexts:

• Internally throughout USNORTHCOM

• Externally with partner and Partner Nation (PN) militaries

USNORTHCOM will implement the SFIP in the following ways:

• We will build a WPS network and integrate WPS principles across the Command

• We will develop WPS knowledge and capabilities to enhance Homeland Defense and Defense

Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA)

• We will leverage security cooperation activities to promote WPS principles

• We will enable PNs to employ WPS knowledge and capabilities to effectively execute operations

• We will employ strategic communications regarding WPS concepts, approaches, and impacts aimed at domestic and international audiences

No

Could you please specify the page limit that is permitted for the

Technical Exhibit / Contract Management Plan (CMP)? Solicitation

Technical Exhibit has maximium 10 page limit, not to include the cover page; 12 point Times

New Roman, 10 point Arial for tables. Yes

Are these terms used interchangeably in the PWS – “Gender Network” and “WPS network”? PWS Yes. No

What are the key personnel requirements? Which all positions be considered Key Personnel positions? Which other positions should be included in the staffing plan? N/A

There are no specified key personnel requirements or Key Peronnel positions for this requirement. No

43 Which personnel positions would be evaluated for the final award? N/A The Evaluation Criteria and Factors are provided on page 3 of the RFQ. No

44 Should the CVs be submitted along with the proposal? N/A The Evaluation Criteria and Factors are provided on page 3 of the RFQ. No

45 What is the scope of subtask 2.4.20? PWS

The contractor will be expected to organize, manage, and share WPS content relevant for the implementation of WPS at NORTHCOM. Yes

What is the scope of subtask 2.4.18? Are there any specific requirements in this task that are different from those in the other tasks? PWS

The monthly on-boarding is a specific and reoccurring requirement. While very similar to other tasks, it is a specific, critical and reoccurring requirement. No

Should mobilization/transition plan be submitted along with technical exhibit? Solicitation

If the offeror's quote includes a mobilization/transition plan, it should be included as part of the Technical Exhibit. Yes

48 What is the anticipated budget for this requirement? Solicitation Govt does not share this information. No