ROS_QA_Nov_2013.pdf

RANGE OPERATIONS SUPPORT (ROS)

FA2521-13-R-0005

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1) RFP Section _Section M Paragraph _Table M4.3_ PWS Paragraph Other (Specify) Question:

N/A_

Table M.4.3 (Relevancy Areas) does not include all of the elements of the PWS. Will past performance that is relevant to PWS elements that are not included in Table M4.3 be evaluated?

ANSWER: In accordance with M-4 (2)(ii) all aspects of performance that relate to this acquisition may be considered

2) RFP Section M PWS Paragraph Other (Specify) Question:

Paragraph

NA

M-1

Evaluation Process: In conducting the government’s assessment of Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) acquisition will the government read all proposals and then make a decision as to which proposal has the lowest evaluated price and is technically acceptable or will the government initially rank the proposals by cost and read only the lowest cost proposal and determine it that proposal is technically acceptable, i.e. the proposal clearly meets the requirements of the solicitation, based upon an assessment of Technical Capability, Past Performance, Price/Cost, and all contractual documentation? Will the award be made to that offerer without reading the other proposals?

ANSWER: Evaluation process is as outlined in Section M.

3) RFP Section M PWS Paragraph NA Other (Specify) Question:

Paragraph M1 _

Paragraph M1 states “A contract will be awarded to the Offeror who is deemed responsible in accordance with the FAR, as supplemented, and whose proposal conforms to the solicitation’s requirements (to include all stated terms, conditions, representations, certifications, and all other information required by Section L of this solicitation) and is judged, based on the evaluation factors and subfactors, to represent the best value to the Government.” The prior sentence to this says Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) acquisition. Does the government define best value as lowest cost while meeting requirements, or will there be any gradation in the technical evaluation that could award the contract to a proposal with a higher cost?

ANSWER: Lowest price technically acceptable offer.

4) RFP Section L-3.2.3.1 Organization and Staffing, Paragraph e PWS Paragraph NA Other (Specify) Question:

Paragraph e. requests “a staffing plan that identifies the personnel levels (prime, subcontractors) needed to support Range Operations Support (ROS) throughout the life of the contract. Include rationale for that proposed staffing plan.” This would indicate a staffing matrix by position for all five years with rationale by position. Even without the required rationale, the staffing matrix for each year will be several pages multiplied by five years. With rationale, the page count to address this requirement could be well over twenty pages. Such a matrix with rational discussion would consume an inordinate amount of page count and leave little ability to effectively address the 32 another subparagraphs identified in Section L. Given the comprehensive responses required throughout the rest of the Section L and M, we suggest the requirement for this paragraph be reworded to say “Provide a staffing matrix that identifies the personnel levels by position title (prime, subcontractors) needed to support Range Operations Support (ROS) throughout the life of the contract. Include a brief narrative of the offerors overall staffing approach and rationale.

We would also suggest this matrix be exempt from the page count like the organization charts.

Matrices such as a staffing plan (like organization charts) can be reviewed and evaluated quickly, although they may require multiple pages of response. Exempting these pages meets the need for evaluators to have the information they need while providing bidders the page count needed in other narrative based areas without making the proposals cumbersome.

ANSWER: Offerors are required to provide responses within established page limit.

5) RFP Section L and M PWS Paragraph NA Other (Specify) Question:

Section L identifies 33 specific sub paragraphs almost all of which have several requirements that bidders must answer. On average each subparagraph has 2-3 sub requirements. In addition, Section M adds response requirements in many cases that increase the required responses and subsequently page count. We request that the Government re-assess page restrictions and allow page exemptions for the following areas: the Staffing Plan, the draft Phase-in/Phase-out Plans, and the Cost Breakdown Structure. These are areas that represent matrix type information that can consume page count, yet can be easily evaluated due to the nature of the matrix format.

Exempting these pages meets the need for evaluators to have the information they need while providing bidders the page count needed in other narrative based areas without making the overall proposal cumbersome.

ANSWER: Offerors are required to provide responses within established page limit.

6) RFP Section: L-3.2.3.2 Management Approach, paragraph b. provide the proposed Cost Breakdown Structure in accordance with PWS2.1.3 PWS Paragraph: 2.1.3 Other (Specify) Question:

PWS Paragraph 2.1.3 requires the Cost Breakdown Structure to the fourth level of the PWS. The PWS is approximately 98 pages. A Cost Breakdown Structure could be more than several pages.

We suggest this matrix be exempt from the page count. We understand the Government wishes to limit pages for evaluation purposes with the intent to have focused, well-formed and PWS specific solutions. Matrices such as these (like organization charts) can be reviewed and evaluated quickly, although they may represent multiple pages of response. Exempting these pages meets the need for evaluators to have the information they need while providing bidders the page count needed in other narrative based areas without making the proposals cumbersome. We suggest the Cost Breakdown Structure be exempt from the page count.

ANSWER: Offerors are required to provide responses within established page limit.

7) RFP Section: L-3.2.3.1 Organization and Staffing, Paragraph e and Section M-3.2.3.1 Organization and staffing PWS Paragraph:

Other (Specify) Question:

Section L-3.2.3.1 Organization and Staffing: Section M-3.2.3.1 Organization and Staffing:

e. Provide a staffing plan that identifies the personnel levels (prime, subcontractors) needed to support Range Operations Support (ROS)

e. Offeror demonstrates a team with the expertise, resources, breadth of experience, and domain knowledge required to execute the contract.

The Section M criterion for evaluation does not match the Section L requirement for proposal content. Section L asks for “Personnel Levels” and “rationale for proposed staffing.” Both of these section L requirements are centered on how many people, what types of disciplines, and how these are derived based on the workload data. Section M criteria for evaluation centers on “team expertise,” “resources” (which does align with section L if resources are defined as the numbers and type of personnel) and “domain knowledge.” We do not understand how the evaluators will assess a team’s “breadth of experience” and “domain knowledge” simply by reviewing the numbers and types of personnel on the contract. If the Government is asking that we also include discussions of the team’s expertise by discipline as well as the domain knowledge represented by the personnel and/or prime and subcontractors within our staffing rationale, then we request that Government remove the page count restriction for this staffing plan entirely. Such a discussion would consume an inordinate amount of page count and leave little ability to effectively address the 32 other subparagraphs identified in Section L.

An alternate solution would be to re-word Section M criteria and have it more closely match the type of data required by section L. An option would be to re-word the introductory Section M wording to say: Offeror demonstrates a team with the appropriate personnel/disciplines, resources, and staffing mix required to execute the contract.

ANSWER: Section M has been revised.

8) RFP Section _L-1.8______________Paragraph Table L-1.8__________________ PWS Paragraph ___________ Other (Specify) ___________ Question:

Will the Government please clarify if Tables of Contents will count toward the page limits in Volume II and Volume III?

ANSWER: Table of contents does not count against page limit.

9) RFP Section _L-1.8, L-4.2__________ Paragraph _Table L-1.8, L-4.2____________ PWS Paragraph ___________ Other (Specify) ___________ Question:

Will the Government please clarify if the Consent/Client Letters Offerors are required to submit for major subcontractors and teaming partners are exempt from the Volume III page limit?

ANSWER: Yes.

10) RFP Section _ __________ Paragraph _ ____________ PWS Paragraph 1.3.1 Eastern Range (ER)___________ Other (Specify) _Page 6__________ Question:

In section 1.3.1 of the PWS, the requirements states: “At all three locations, the ROS contractor will be responsible for five areas of responsibility.” Which three locations is the Government referring to in this statement?

ANSWER: PWS clarified.

11) RFP Section _ __________ Paragraph _ ____________ PWS Paragraph 1.3.1 Eastern Range (ER)___________ Other (Specify) _Page 7__________ Question:

In section 1.3.1 of the PWS, the requirements states: “In addition the ROS contractor will also provide several location-specific services including Weather Aircraft at Patrick AFB.” Will the Government please clarify if this is still a requirement on ROS? If so, which section of the PWS requires Weather Aircraft?

ANSWER: PWS corrected.

12) RFP Section _L-5.3______________Paragraph g.__________________ PWS Paragraph ___________ Other (Specify) ___________ Question:

Are Offerors permitted to use a smaller font, for example 9-point Times New Roman, in graphics and figures?

ANSWER: Yes.

13) RFP Section __L-4.2 Consent/Client Letter____ Paragraph ____4.2_____ Section L Paragraph States: The Offeror shall submit a consent letter executed by each major subcontractor, teaming partner, and/or joint venture partner, authorizing release of adverse past performance information to the Offeror so the Offeror can respond to such information. For each identified effort for a commercial customer, the Offeror shall also submit a client authorization letter authorizing release to the Government of requested information on the Offeror's performance.

Question: Are the consent letters to be included as part of page count of Volume III – Past Performance?

ANSWER: No.

14) RFP Section __ L-2.3, section 4_____ Paragraph ___3_____ PWS Paragraph ___________ Other (Specify) ___________________________ Question: Are fuel costs part of the CAP CLIN?

ANSWER: No. Per PWS Para 2.1.1.2 Fuel is a non-contract cost.

15) RFP Section __ ROS Work Load Factor___ Paragraph ________ Question: Regarding allowable travel, are the allowable number per year identified for AAS and AAAF, considered ‘round-trips’ or ‘one-way’ travel?

ANSWER: Workload factors will be provided in the bidder’s library and one way travel.

16) RFP Section __ ROS Work Load Factor___ Paragraph ________ Question: Regarding allowable travel, what are the ATI costs per person if number of allowable trips per year are exceeded?

ANSWER: Trips cannot be exceeded.

17) RFP Section __CDRLs___ Paragraph _________ PWS Paragraph ___________ Other (Specify) ___________________________ Question: CDRL A004 (CBS) is missing; CDRL A018 (LRP, COP) is missing:

ANSWER: Files were corrupt and will be provided.

18) RFP Section __ ______ Paragraph _________ PWS Paragraph _2.4.7.1__________ Other (Specify) ___________________________ Question: Phase-in Referenced CDRL E003 (space utilization) – seems to be in error, should be

CDRL E001;

ANSWER: PWS corrected.

19) RFP Section __________ Paragraph _________ PWS Paragraph 5.1.8.1. (ER Only) The contractor shall provide voice switch, line and end instrument maintenance for the 45SW 911 system operated and managed by the 45 CES/SFS.

Question: Is the equipment associated with this requirement provided in the Government property listing or any other equipment listing?

ANSWER: Yes. There is a specific property list posted to the Bidder’s Library for this system which includes all telephone instrumentation.

20) RFP Section __________ Paragraph _________ PWS Paragraph 3.1.9.5.1.1. The contractor shall provide support (on a reimbursable basis) to external downrange customers (e.g., AFSPC, Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and mission partners (e.g., NASA, Navy, SMC) based upon their specific needs, mission requirements, reporting demands, and response criteria.

Question: Will the Government provide workload factors for this expected level of work?

ANSWER: Yes. Will be provided in the Bidders Library.

21) RFP Section __________ Paragraph _________ PWS Paragraph

5.1.13.9.5. The contractor shall perform limited operation of the Navy Research Laboratory (NRL) LAN systems, including, but not limited to, servers, routers, switches, antennas, radomes, and Navy SIPRNet and NIPRNET connections. 5.1.13.9.6. The contractor shall perform limited support of NASA LAN connectivity, including, but not limited to, servers, routers, switches, and provide SIPRNet and NIPRNET connections as requested by work order.

Question: Will the Government provide workload factors for this expected level of work?

ANSWER: Yes, this will be included in the Bidders Library.

22) RFP Section __________ Paragraph _________ PWS Paragraph 3.1.6 – (This task supports both AAS & AAAF unless otherwise noted) The contractor shall provide Civil Engineering Environmental Support for all standards and tasks as noted below. (These tasks apply to all operating locations for the ROS contractor):

Question: Does this imply all areas where ROS operates at both the WR & ER, or only the ER ROS sites at AAS & AAAF?

ANSWER: ER, AAS and AAAF only.

23) RFP Section __________ Paragraph _________ PWS Paragraph ____3.1.7_____ PWS States for Section 3.1 – (ER Only unless otherwise noted) Provide Base Operating Support (BOS). In paragraph 3.1.7 it states – The contractor shall provide Civil Engineering Asset Management Support for all standards and tasks as noted below. (This task applies to all areas where ROS operates) Question: Does this imply all areas where ROS operates at both the WR & ER, or only the ER ROS sites at AAS & AAAF?

ANSWER: PWS clarified.

24) RFP Section __________ Paragraph _________ PWS Paragraph 5.1.6 (ER Only) The contractor shall maintain, update, and upgrade the

Command, Control, Communications, and Computers (C4) System Installation Records (CSIR) drawings. In subparagraph 5.1.6.5.1, the PWS states - The contractor shall use 45 SW Comm- GIMS and 30 SW GIS to update and maintain the CSIR electronic database for supported mission systems and facilities consistent with TO 00-33A-1001.

Question: Is it the ROS contractor’s responsibility to update and maintain the CSIR records for the 30th SW? If not, recommend that the statement be corrected by removing “and 30SW GIS” reference. :

ANSWER: Per PWS 5.1.6.5.1 This applies only to ER and WR mission support systems.

25) RFP Section __________ Paragraph _________ PWS Paragraph ___ 5.1.6 (ER Only) The contractor shall maintain, update, and upgrade the Command, Control, Communications, and Computers (C4) System Installation Records (CSIR) drawings. In subparagraph 5.1.6.2.5, the government states - The contractor shall perform initial installation of GIMS application software, updates and upgrades the software as required, and perform scheduled system and database maintenance during approved times.

Question: Is it the ROS contractor’s responsibility to install all required GIMS desktop software on client machines for every GIMS user (government or contractor)?

ANSWER: No. This is a web based user interface.

26) RFP Section __ General___ Paragraph ________ Question: Does the Government foresee any IDIQ work on this contract?

ANSWER: No.

27) RFP Section __L-3.2.3.2b____ Paragraph _________

PWS __2.1.3____

Section L Paragraph States: b. Provide the proposed Cost Breakdown Structure in accordance with PWS 2.1.3. And PWS Paragraph 2.1.3 states 2.1.3. The contractor shall prepare and maintain a Cost Breakdown Structure (CBS) to graphically display contract cost that shows a clear linkage between the CLIN, CBS and PWS.

Question: According to the guidance above the CBS is required to reside in Volume II of the Proposal. Given the lengthy expectation of the proposed CBS, request the CBS be provided as part of the cost volume or as part of a nonpage-counted appendix to the Technical volume.

ANSWER: No.

28) RFP Section __ CDRLs_____ Paragraph ________ PWS Paragraph ___________ Other (Specify) ___________________________ Question: There are several missing CDRLs. CDRL D005 missing, B004 Block 13 info is missing under 16; B036 Block 12 and 13 missing info; CDRL F001 Block 12 missing info under 16 remarks; C001 CDRL is missing

ANSWER: Corrected versions will be provided.

29) RFP Section _Section L______________Paragraph L.3.2.1.3__________________ PWS Paragraph __4.1.5.5.______ Other (Specify) _ PWS Page 77; & ROS Q&A 3 JULY 13 Question 30______

Previously, the Government answered a question on section L-3.2.1.3 regarding the use of the term “airfield ground support services” and referred the Offeror to the PWS for proposal requirements on support to the airfield (ROS Q&A – 3 July 13). However, in section 4.1.5.5 of the PWS, the requirement reads “The contractor shall provide airfield management, aircrew support, air traffic control, and aircraft ground operations control to ensure safety of arriving and departing aircraft and safety of personnel working around aircraft (AAAF only).” The following sub-sections detail various actions that could also be interpreted as air traffic control requirements, and instances of ground support are noted in previous sections as well. Would the Government please clarify if vehicle operations, maintenance, and activity (PWS 4.1.5.5.30 – 36), crash rescue equipment (PWS 4.1.5.3.5), fueling and refueling operations (PWS 4.1.5.4.2) and general assistance with movement of all aircraft (PWS 4.1.5.4.3.) are to be considered part of the scope of “ground operations control,” which we presume falls under the airfield ground support services requirement in section L.3.2.1.3? In order to ensure consistent responses from Offerors, what specific PWS requirements need to be included for full compliance with section L and evaluation in accordance with section M for base airfield services?

ANSWER: All of PWS Section 4.1.5.

30) RFP Section _______________Paragraph __________________ PWS Paragraph __4.1.5.5.1__ Other (Specify) __Page 77 of the PWS___ Question:

In section 4.1.5.5.1. of the PWS, the requirement states: “The contractor shall schedules airfield operational hours, support, and activities” at AAAF. Would the Government please clarify whether the contractor is to schedule the operational hours, support, and activities, or maintain a schedule already in place? If the contractor is to set operational hours, what guidelines, if any, should be used to create an airfield operations schedule?

ANSWER: Schedules are defined and must be maintained per PWS Section 4.1.5 and direction of base commander.

31) RFP Section _Section L______________ Paragraph L.3.2.1.7____________ PWS Paragraph __3.1.11______ Other (Specify) _ _Page 65 of the PWS______ Question:

In section 3.1.11 of the PWS, the requirement states that “The contractor shall provide Morale, Welfare and Recreation Services.” Would the Government please clarify if the listed requirements of “mak[ing] available Morale, Welfare and Recreation services” (PWS 3.1.11.1), “operat[ing] company stores and employee clubs” (PWS 3.1.11.2), “maintain[ing] all equipment to support the Ascension radio and TV station” (3.1.11.3), and “maintain[ing] fitness center and weight room equipment” (3.1.11.4) are the items Offerors are expected to address as part of “other related support services” in accordance with section L.3.2.1.7 ? In order to ensure consistent responses from Offerors, what specific PWS requirements need to be included for full compliance with section L and evaluation in accordance with section M for “other related support services?”

ANSWER: Requirements are defined in PWS Section 3.1.11.

32) RFP Section ___________________ Paragraph ________________ PWS Paragraph __3.1.11.2______

Other (Specify) _ _Page 65 of the PWS______

Will the Government please provide the hours the company stores and employee clubs are expected to be open each day?

ANSWER: Normal duty hours for company stores and after duty hours for employee clubs as defined by station commander.

33) RFP Section _Section L__________________ Paragraph L-3.2________________ PWS Paragraph _____________________ Other (Specify) ROS Q&A 3 JULY 13 Question 32_ ___________ Question:

Throughout section L, Offerors are directed to provide a technical approach “in accordance with the PWS.” Will the Government please consider listing the specific PWS references that will be evaluated in Section M within the requirements in Section L? For example, in section L.3.2.1.1, Offerors are directed “describe the strategy for managing downrange base services at AAS and AAAF in accordance with the PWS.” In the Q&A dated 3 July 13, Offerors were told in the response to Question 32 that the “downrange base services are encompassed in the requirements included in the Downrange Base Operations Services (DBOS) sections of the PWS.” Based on this response, is our assumption correct that Offerors are expected to address the entire scope of PWS Chapter 3 in this one proposal section to comply with the requirements in section L.3.2.1.1?

If all of Chapter 3 of the PWS is to be addressed in this section, isn’t it redundant for Offerors to address sub-sections of PWS Chapter 3 in later sections of the proposal? For example, section L-

3.2.1.4 directs Offerors to address public health, occupational health, and medical services, which are included within Chapter 3 of the PWS in sections 3.1.4 and 3.1.5. Will the Government provide further instruction on which PWS sections will be evaluated for each proposal requirement in section L-3.2 in order for Offerors to develop compliant proposals.

ANSWER: No, this is not redundant. Offeror must provide responses or strategy as requested for each part of the PWS.

34) RFP Section _______________Paragraph __________________ PWS Paragraph _3.1.10.2.1__________ Other (Specify) ___________ Question:

Will the Government please clarify what is meant by the term “dorm residents” in PWS Section 3.1.10.2.1? Are there residents on AAS and AAAF who live in dormitories?

ANSWER: There are dorms on AAS and AAAF where individuals reside.

35) RFP Section _______________Paragraph __________________ PWS Paragraph ___________ Other (Specify) _Attachment 7-Government Property__________ Question:

We are not able to open Attachment 7 – Government Property. Will the Government please provide an alternate file?

ANSWER: Yes. This will be provided with RFP and in Bidders Library.

36) RFP Section _Sections L, M, & PWS____________Paragraph _L.3.2.3.6, M.3.2.3.6___ PWS Paragraph _3.1.6__________

Other (Specify) _______________________

Section L.3.2.3.6 directs Offerors to “describe the approach to complying with environmental regulatory requirements, handling and shipping of hazardous materials and waste, and preventing and responding to environmental mishaps.” Section M.3.2.3.6 states that Offerors will be evaluated on “an environmental compliance approach with an acceptable level of risk that meets the requirements of the PWS.” Since Offerors are to be evaluated in accordance with the requirements of the PWS for our environmental compliance approach, will the Government please clarify which PWS requirements Offerors shall address in that approach? Upon our review, we noted there are more than 100 sub-items under PWS Section 3.1.6 that are related to environmental compliance. Should all of these items be addressed in the Offeror’s environmental compliance approach in order to be compliant with Section M? Or, should Offerors only address the items listed in Section L.3.2.3.6 in their proposals? If so, will the Government please consider revising Section M.3.2.3.6 to match the language in Section L.3.2.3.6?

ANSWER: Contractor should address Section M 3.2.3.6 as written.

37) RFP Section: Section L & M Paragraph L-3.2.1.4 & M-3.2.1.4 PWS Paragraph PWS 1.2.1.3 & PWS 1.2.2.3 Other (Specify) ___________ Question:

Section L-3.2.1.4 directs Offerors to “Describe the approach for managing a public health program, occupational health program, and base medical services in accordance with the PWS.”

Section M-3.2.1.4 directs Offerors to demonstrate an “approach to manage a public health program, occupational health program, and base medical services with an acceptable level of risk that meets the requirements of the PWS.” Can the Government please clarify the PWS items that are to be addressed in the Offeror’s occupational health program?

ANSWER: Items as noted in PWS Section 3.1.4.

38) RFP Section: PWS Paragraph ______________ PWS Paragraph PWS 2.4.6.5.11 Other (Specify) ___________ Question:

How many shelter-in-place kits are contractors expected to provide? In what locations?

ANSWER: For each independent facility.

39) RFP Section _______________Paragraph __________________ PWS Paragraph __5.1.12____ Other (Specify) __Page 102__ Question:

In section 5.1.12. of the PWS, the requirement states: “The contractor shall maintain Air Traffic Control and Landing Systems (ATCALS) at AAAF.” Would the Government please clarify the numbering of the sub-sections after this requirement, as 5.1.12.1 seems to be misnumbered or omitted?

ANSWER: Numbering corrected in PWS.

40) RFP Section __________ Paragraph _________ PWS Paragraph ___________

Other (Specify) Number of users at each location

Could the Government please provide the number of users at each location to be supported for the following systems?

VoIP

NIPR

Centrix

SIPR

ANSWER: Historical information provided in Bidders Library is to be used as trend data.

41) RFP Section __________ Paragraph _________ PWS Paragraph ___________ Other (Specify) Staffing Question:

Could you please provide the most recent staffing numbers onsite at the locations for this effort?

ANSWER: No.

42) RFP Section __________ Paragraph _________ PWS Paragraph ___________ Other (Specify) Systems Maintenance History Question:

Could the Government provide the Systems Maintenance History so that we know how to order replacement parts to keep all the systems functional without any own time?

ANSWER: No.

43) RFP Section: J, Attachment 1 Paragraph: N/A PWS Paragraph: 2.1.5.5 Other: (Specify) Question: We recommend the Government clarify how the self assessment methodology described in this PWS and the Service Summary Items described in Section 7.2 are to be applied and under what, if any conditions, will they be used by the Government to withhold progress payments. Specifically, are there any penalties, and if so, what are they, for not meeting an SSI.

ANSWER: Payment is not specifically tied to SSI’s. Contractor payment may be reduced if the USG determines the contractor has not performed.

44) RFP Section: J, Attachment 1 Paragraph: N/A PWS Paragraph: 5.1.2.3 Other: Table 5-1, Communications Requirements Response and Completion Time Requirements Question: We recommend the Government define the volume of communications requirements by Range (ER and WR) in each of the four priorities since the work is to be performed under firm fixed price CLINs X003 and X004. The requirements volume is undefined and outside of the ROS contractors control. Without specifying the volume of requirements it is impossible for any offeror to estimate what is an acceptable workload and this increases the likelihood of a contested award based on varying interpretations of what constitutes an acceptable workload.

We do not presume historical data is an accurate reflection of the Government’s future need given the ongoing changes in contract structures and task responsibilities.

ANSWER: Historical data is a trend indicator. Utilize data as provided.

45) RFP Section: J, Attachment 1 Paragraph: N/A PWS Paragraph: 5.1.2.3 Other: Table 5-1, Communications Requirements Response and Completion Time Requirements Question: We recommend the Government specify how priority levels are assigned to requirements so offerors can understand task workload. Are these priority levels assigned by the requesting agency, the COR, or the ROS contractor? If these are assigned by the ROS contractor, what standard is used to assign priority level to a requirement?

ANSWER: This is a joint assignment by the COR and the ROS contractor and is based on mission impact.

46) RFP Section: J, Attachment 1 Paragraph: N/A PWS Paragraph: 5.1.2.4 Other:

Question: We recommend the Government specify when and how RS 1320, or its replacement, is used in response to requirements so offerors can determine task workload. It is unclear whether the ROS contractor required to prepare an RS 1320 for all requirements or only a subset, and if so, how many of the received requirements must a RS 1320 be prepared?

ANSWER: The RS 1320 is defined in TO-33A-1001 and is used to define all range requirements. It can also be accessed through Visual ReqView.

47) RFP Section: J, Attachment 1 Paragraph: N/A PWS Paragraph: 5.1.4.2.2 Other:

Question: We recommend the Government specify the time period that applies to the historical growth rate of ESS requirements so offerors can determine task workload. The PWS states these requirements have increased by 134% for alarm points and 287% for cameras but does not state over what time period this growth occurred (month, quarter, year, contract…). The PWS should state these requirements will continue to grow at this rate and provide the time period (e.g. annually, planned life of contract, or other time period as may apply).

ANSWER: This was only an example of the format for the increases to be noted by the ROS contractor and will be accurately recorded over time by the ROS contractor.

48) RFP Section: J, Attachment 1 Paragraph: N/A PWS Paragraph: 5.1.5.2 Other:

Question: We recommend the Government specify the volume of database design, installations, conversions, migrations, and client and server technology, database administration and tuning, data warehousing, and web database interfaces since this workload is outside the contractors control and is to be performed under firm fixed price CLINs X003 and X004. Without specifying the volume of work it is impossible for any offeror to accurately estimate an acceptable workload and this increases the likelihood of a contested award based on varying interpretations of what constitutes an acceptable workload. We do not presume historical data is an accurate reflection of the Government’s future need given the ongoing changes in contract structures and task responsibilities.

ANSWER: Historical data is a trend indicator. Utilize data as provided.

49) RFP Section: J, Attachment 1 Paragraph: N/A PWS Paragraph: 5.1.5.2.1 Other: Table 5-2, 30 SW and 45 SW Mission Support Communications Outage Response and Completion Times Question: We recommend the Government specify the volume of database design, installations, conversions, migrations, and client and server technology, database administration and tuning, data warehousing, and web database interfaces since this workload is outside the contractors control and is to be performed under firm fixed price CLINs X003 and X004. Without specifying the volume of work it is impossible for any offeror to accurately estimate an acceptable workload and this increases the likelihood of a contested award based on varying interpretations of what constitutes an acceptable workload. We do not presume historical data is an accurate reflection of the Government’s future need given the ongoing changes in contract structures and task responsibilities.

ANSWER: Historical data is a trend indicator. Utilize data as provided.

50) RFP Section: J, Attachment 1 Paragraph: N/A PWS Paragraph: 5.1.5.2.9 Other: Attachment 7, Government Property Question: We recommend the Government define the number, type and location of IT assets to be managed under this task IF this includes any IT assets beyond those identified in Attachment 7, Government Property. Otherwise, we assume this requirement is limited to the IT assets in Attachment 7.

ANSWER: This information is provided in the Attachment 7 (which provides the AFPA listing of al GP equipment) There are also ADPE listings managed through Base Comm with IT asset as well as Bidders library with Comm Inventories and Comm Config Drawings.

51) RFP Section: J, Attachment 1 Paragraph: N/A PWS Paragraph: 5.1.5.3.1 Other:

Question: We recommend this requirement should be revised so it is clear the contractor is not responsible for outages beyond its control, such as caused by actions of the INOSC, power interruptions or inability of the contractor to access equipment due to Government constraints.

We suspect this was the intent of PWS 5.1.5.3.3 but the two paragraphs should be integrated to make the limits of the ROS contractors responsibility clear for the purposes of developing an acceptable technical solution.

ANSWER: The ROS contractor will respond to and provide corrective action to all outages for areas they are required to maintain.

52) RFP Section: J, Attachment 1 Paragraph: N/A PWS Paragraph: 5.1.5.3.2 Other:

Question: We recommend the Government bound the extent (location and number of users) of tenant organizations at the 30 SW that will receive NIPRNet communications and core network services since this work is to be performed under fixed price CLIN X004. As written this task is unbounded and cannot be performed as fixed price.

ANSWER: Trend data will be provided in Bidders Library.

53) RFP Section: J, Attachment 1 Paragraph: N/A PWS Paragraph: 5.1.5.5 Other:

Question: We recommend the Government define the extent (location and number of times service is required) for portable Public Address service since this work is to be performed under firm fixed price CLIN X003. As written this task is unbounded and cannot be performed as fixed price.

ANSWER: Historical data is a trend indicator. Utilize data as provided.

54) RFP Section: J, Attachment 1 Paragraph: N/A PWS Paragraph: 5.1.5.6.1.4 Other:

Question: We recommend the contradictory PWS requirement to provide 24/7 response and corrective action for all 30 SW Mission Support Communications Networks outages and degradations be revised in keeping with Table 5-2 which permits an 8 hour response time and 48 hour correction time for routine outages and degradations.

ANSWER: This is not contradictory. Table 5-2 provides you the response categories while the 24/7 requirement indicates the need to respond with the bounds of Table 5-2 on a 24/7 service response capability.

55) RFP Section: J, Attachment 1 Paragraph: N/A PWS Paragraph: 5.1.5.7.2 Other:

Question: We recommend the Government define the volume of NOTAM, TCNO, and SDC actions to be performed since the workload is outside of the contractors control and is to be performed under firm fixed price CLINs X003 and X004. Without a Government specification of the expected volume of these actions it is impossible for any offeror to accurately estimate an acceptable workload and this increases the risk of a contested award based on varying interpretations of what constitutes an acceptable workload. We do not presume historical data is an accurate reflection of the Government’s future need given the ongoing changes in contract structures and task responsibilities.

ANSWER: Historical data is a trend indicator. Utilize data as provided.

56) RFP Section: J, Attachment 1 Paragraph: N/A PWS Paragraph: 5.1.5.7.3 Other:

Question: We recommend the Government define the volume of AFCET compliance messages, IAVAs, and other actions as may be directed by the Government since the workload is outside of the contractors control and is to be performed under firm fixed price CLINs X003 and X004. Without a Government specification of the expected volume of these actions it is impossible for any offeror to accurately estimate an acceptable workload and this increases the risk of a contested award based on varying interpretations of what constitutes an acceptable workload. We do not presume historical data is an accurate reflection of the Government’s future need given the ongoing changes in contract structures and task responsibilities.

ANSWER: We believe you mean AFCERT. Historical data is a trend indicator. Utilize data as provided.

57) RFP Section: J, Attachment 1 Paragraph: N/A PWS Paragraph: 5.1.5.7.3.2 Other:

Question: This PWS requires the contractor to be staffed to meet the response time requirements of all AFCERT Compliance Messages, IAVAs, and any other DOD agency tasked with network security. We are unaware of any contractor or Government agency for that matter that is staffed to meet 100% of all response time requirements for these taskings which depend on the discovery of network vulnerabilities and corresponding Government decisions regarding risk. We recommend this requirement be removed or revised to permit the ROS contractor flexibility to respond based on mission risk within some reasonably fixed resource levels consistent with fixed price contracting. Otherwise this requirement creates a high risk of a contested award based on varying interpretations of what constitutes an acceptable workload and technical solution.

ANSWER: AFCERT is initially processed by each Comm Sq. at each wing then forwarded to the Help Desk for execution. Based on this process the current Comm squadron personnel as well as support contractors meet the 100% requirement.

58) RFP Section: J, Attachment 1 Paragraph: N/A PWS Paragraph: 5.1.5.7.5 Other:

Question: We recommend this requirement be revised to limit the ROS contractor responsibility to only those network devices under their direct control. The contractor should not be responsible for deviations from the STIG to network equipment beyond its direct control.

ANSWER: PWS revised to indicate “The contractor shall ensure that all networked mission support communication systems are configured”.

59) RFP Section: J, Attachment 1 Paragraph: N/A PWS Paragraph: 5.1.5.8.2 Other:

Question: We recommend this requirement be revised to clarify the contractor is only required to maintain the Cable Records for mission communications systems at AAS and AAAF, not the actual installation, repair, and troubleshooting of mission communications systems which we presume to be the responsibility of the LISC OM&S contractor.

ANSWER: The ROS contractor is the central GIMS manager and updates all cable plant records in the central GIMS database.

60) RFP Section: J, Attachment 1 Paragraph: N/A PWS Paragraph: 5.1.6 Other:

Question: We recommend the Government define an expected volume of CSIR record actions generated by other contractors or Government agencies and thus outside of the control of the ROSC contractor since this requirement is to be performed under fixed price CLIN X003.

The rate of these actions is outside of the contractor’s control and cannot be estimated with the information provided. Without specifying the volume of these actions it is impossible for any offeror to accurately estimate an acceptable workload and this increases the risk of a contested award based on varying interpretations of what constitutes an acceptable workload. We do not presume historical data is an accurate reflection of the Government’s future need given the ongoing changes in contract structures and task responsibilities.

ANSWER: Historical data is a trend indicator. Utilize data as provided.

61) RFP Section: J, Attachment 1 Paragraph: N/A PWS Paragraph: 5.1.6.5.2.1, 5.1.6.5.2.2, 5.1.6.5.2.3 Other:

Question: We recommend these requirements be revised to limit the contractor’s responsibility to receiving and maintaining the data provided by other contractors and agencies since the ROS contractor cannot direct or oversee the performance of other contractors and agencies and force them to deliver acceptable data.The ROS contractor can report when data are provided that are not consistent with TO 00-33A-1001 or Spatial Data Standards for Government corrective action but should not be responsible for correcting other contractors or agencies input data to ensure consistency with requirements.

ANSWER: The ROS contractor is the central GIMS manager and updates all database records in the GIMS database maintaining consistency and accuracy as they are delivered.

62) RFP Section: J, Attachment 1 Paragraph: N/A PWS Paragraph: 5.1.8.10 Other: Table 5-3, 45 SW Telephone Outage Response and Completion Times Question: We recommend the Government consider replacing the reference to Table 5-8 with Table 5-3 which we presume is the correct table.

ANSWER: PWS corrected.

63) RFP Section: J, Attachment 1 Paragraph: N/A PWS Paragraph: 5.1.11.1 Other: Table 5-4, Response to Trouble Tickets Question: The Government should specify how priority levels are assigned to trouble tickets so offerors can determine task workload. Are these assigned by the service requester, the COR, or the contractor? If these are assigned by the contractor, what standard is used to assign priority level to a requirement?

ANSWER: This is a joint assignment by the COR and the ROS contractor and is based on mission impact.

64) RFP Section: J, Attachment 1 Paragraph: N/A PWS Paragraph: 5.1.11.1.8.1 Other:

Question: The requirement to provide 24/7 response and corrective action for all 45 SW Downrange Mission Communications Support Networks outages and degradations appears to be in conflict with Table 5-4 which permits same duty day response time 2-4 duty day restoral time for Mission Support Communications and Other priority level outages and degradations. We request the contradictory requirements be removed so there is a clear understanding of the response time requirements to drive contractor staffing approaches.

ANSWER: This is not contradictory. Table 5-2 provides you the response categories while the 24/7 requirement indicates the need to respond with the bounds of Table 5-2 on a 24/7 service response capability.

65) RFP Section: J, Attachment 1 Paragraph: N/A PWS Paragraph: 5.1.13 Other:

Question: We recommend these requirements be moved from firm fixed price CLINs X003 and X004 to cost CLINs since many of the requirements for network security are open ended, constantly changing, subject to considerable Government interpretation and frequent implementation variations and thus cannot effectively bounded by any offeror of performed as fixed price. The requirements as presented create substantial price uncertainty and execution risk as well as high risk of a contested award based on widely varying interpretations of what constitutes an acceptable workload.

ANSWER: No. Requirements are well known and very specifically bounded by referenced AFI’s.

66) RFP Section: J, Attachment 1 Paragraph: N/A PWS Paragraph: 5.1.13.1.3 Other:

Question: We recommend the PWS be revised to clarify the number, type, and extent of “non-mission systems” which are to undergo vulnerability scans. How are “non-mission systems” different from mission communications support networks?

ANSWER: Non-mission or mission support Comm systems are defined by the “Demarc” definition at Para 5.1 as well as in the Comm Config Drawings and Comm Inventory on the Bidders Library.

67) RFP Section: J, Attachment 1 Paragraph: N/A PWS Paragraph: 5.1.13.6.1 Other: Attachment 2, DD254 Government Security Classification Specification Question: We recommend the Government either remove the requirement for SSBI cleared personnel (which thus requires a Top Secret clearance) under this PWS or revise the DD254 which limits the contractors clearance level to Secret. Further inconsistencies between the DD254 exist in the PWS paragraphs that apply to COMSEC services which also require Top Secret facility clearance and cleared personnel.

ANSWER: No. Single Scope Background checks can be performed for SECRET as well as other levels of classification. DD254 is consistent with PWS requirements.

68) RFP Section: J, Attachment 1 Paragraph: N/A PWS Paragraph: 5.1.13.9.1 Other:

Question: We recommend the requirement to support tenant communications requirements be revised to bound the number, type, and extent of tenant communications requirements. As written, the ROS contractor is responsible to accommodate any number, type, or extent of tenant communications requirements that may be approved by the 45 SW and thus the requirement is unbounded and not consistent with firm fixed price contracting. This creates substantial price uncertainty and execution risk as well as high risk of a contested award based on widely varying interpretations of what constitutes an acceptable workload.

ANSWER: Non-mission or mission support Comm systems (including tenant requirements) are defined by the “Demarc” definition at Para 5.1 as well as in the Comm Config Drawings and Comm Inventory on the Bidders Library.

69) RFP Section: J, Attachment 1 Paragraph: N/A PWS Paragraph: 7.2, SS 7 Other:

Question: We recommend Service Summary Item 7 be revised to make clear that the ATCALS records that are to be available at all times for inspection by 45 RMS will be located at AAAF.

ANSWER: All data products are to be located on the Integrated Data Management System which can be accessed from any 30/45SW location through a computer interface.

70) RFP Section: J, Attachment 1 Paragraph: N/A PWS Paragraph: 5.1.2.3 Other: N/A Table 5-1, Communications Requirements Response and Completion Time Requirements Question: We recommend the Government make clear Table 5-1 applies to requirements for NEW mission support communications capabilities whereas the response and completion time requirements for outages (failures) of EXISITING capabilities are specified in Table 5-2. As written, the PWS requirements are ambiguous and subject to different interpretation and thus different technical solutions.

ANSWER: This applies to all mission support communication requirements.

71) RFP Section _______________Paragraph __________________ PWS Paragraph _4.1.5.3.8.__ Other (Specify) ___________ Question:

In the PWS paragraph 4.1.5.3.8., the requirement reads: “The contractor shall report all instances of Meaconing, Instrusion, Jamming, Interference, (MIJI) IAW AFI 33-109 and inform the COR immediately by telephone (CDRL B009).” CDRL B009 refers to “Special Epidemiological Surveys and Inspections.” Would the Government please clarify how CDRL B009 is applied to this PWS requirement? Similarly, AFI 33-109 is not available in the bidder’s library. Would the Government please supply the document?

ANSWER: PWS updated to clarify MIJI reporting. CDRL removed.

72) RFP Section _______________Paragraph __________________ PWS Paragraph __4.1.5.3.8_________ Other (Specify) ___________ Question:

AFI 33-109 does not appear to be available in the bidder’s library, yet is referred to in PWS

4.1.5.3.8. Will the Government please supply the document or direct Offerors where to find it?

ANSWER: PWS updated to clarify MIJI reporting reference.

73) RFP Section _______________Paragraph __________________ PWS Paragraph ___________

Other (Specify) _Attachment 4 CBAs__________

Will the Government please provide a copy of the following CBAs?

1. Cinematographers Guild Local 600, International Alliance of Theatrical State Employees and Moving Picture Technicians Artists and Allied Crafts of the U.S., its Territories, and Canada (AFL-CIO CLC, effective October 21, 2011 through October 20, 2014)

2. Collective Bargaining Agreement between Computer Sciences Raytheon (Technical and Plant Clerical) and Local Union No. 2088, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, AFL-CIO, effective November 1, 2011 through October 31, 2014.

ANSWER: Cinematographers Guild CBA does not apply and will be removed. Collective Bargaining Agreement between Computer Sciences Raytheon (Technical and Plant Clerical) and Local Union No. 2088, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers is provided in Bidders Library.

74) RFP Section: Sections L and M Paragraph L-3.2.2.5 M-3.2.2.5 PWS Paragraph 5.1.13____ Other (Specify) ___________ Question:

Sections L-3.2.2.5 and M-3.2.2.5 instruct the Offeror to “Describe the strategy for managing Information Assurance (IA) activities on the physical network IAW the PWS. PWS section 5.1.13 addresses Information Assurance activities, but does not include information directly related to the evaluation factors in sections L and M. For example, section L-3.2.2.5 directs the Offerot to describe the approahc for “prioritizing limited resources against highest system risks,” but there is no reference in the PWS to prioritizing limited resources or system risks. Can the Government please clarify the PWS sections the Offeror should address in order to ensure compliance with the evaluation factors in sections L and M?

ANSWER: PWS paragraph 5.1.13.1.1 applies to IA elements and risk factors. PWS Paragraph 5.1.13.2 and 5.1.13.3 applies to controls for risk elements and other IA factors.