Questions and Answers_RFP FA3002-21-R-0024 CDSS III _27 Oct 21.pdf

FA3002-21-R-0024, Questions & Answers

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

PWS/RFP

REFERENCE

ANSWERED &

POSTED

Q: Is there a deadline to submit questions to the solicitation?

A: The deadline to submit questions to the solicitation is Wednesday, 20 Oct 2021 at 4:30 pm (CST).

N/A 18 Oct 21

2 Q: Will the government accept CPARS, which cover the current period of performance in place of PPQ’s?

A: The offeror shall submit PPQs in accordance with instructions at Section L.3.3. If a submitted contract identified in the PPISs with a submitted PPQ has an associated CPARS, the Government Source Selection Evaluation Team may review the additional information in CPARS. In accordance with M.4.1.2. Evaluation Process, the Government reserves the right and may use information obtained from other sources available to the Government (e.g. CPARS).

RFP Section L.3.3 18 Oct 21

3 Q: Will the government accept multiple emails for proposal submission if needed due to document size? If not, would the government consider using DoD SAFE for proposal submission to ensure meeting the timeline for delivery?

A: Yes, the government will accept multiple emails for proposal submission, if necessary due to the size of proposal documents. Alternatively, DoD SAFE is acceptable for proposal submission.

All established timelines for proposal submission remain in effect.

DoD Safe web address is:

https://safe.apps.mil/

RFP Section L.1.9. Proposal

Submission Instructions

18 Oct 21

4 Q: Would the government confirm if they would like this letter provided as a separate attachment or including the signed letter within the body of the email sufficient?

RFP Section L.2 Specific https://safe.apps.mil/

A: Please provide as a separate document/attachment.

5 Q: Will the government please confirm the exact due date for the completed Past Performance volume? and Past Performance Questionnaires?

A: Per Amendment 01, the due date for Past Performance Volume is Friday, 22 Oct 21 at 4:30

PM (CST).

RFP Section L.2.1 Proposal

Organization – Due Date

6 Q: Section L.2.4 excludes the Quality Control Plan from the page count. Section L.4.2 lists Subfactor Two (Quality Control Plan) in the volume organization. If Subfactor Two is the Quality Control Plan, is Subfactor Two (Quality Control Plan) excluded from the 25-page limitation for Volume II?

A: Quality Control Plan has been removed from Section L.2.4 list. Quality Control Plan pages will be counted in 25-page limitation for Volume II.

Section L.2.4 Pages Counted

18 Oct 21

7 Q: Would the government accept updating the volume organization by having the Glossary before the Summary Page? There is no specific place indicated in the order.

A: Per Section L.2.7 each volume shall contain a glossary of all abbreviations and acronyms used, and an explanation for each. Per RFP Amendment 01, Volume organization should include Glossary/Acronym Abbreviations List after the Table of Contents for each volume.

Volume I Organization is updated to:

1) Table of Contents

2) Glossary/Acronym Abbreviations List

3) Summary Page

4) Past Performance Information Sheets (PPIS)

5) Specific Content

6) Subcontractor Letters of Consent

7) Client Authorization Letters

L.3.2. Volume Organization

Volume III Organization is updated to:

1) Table of Contents

2) Glossary/Acronym Abbreviation List

3) Summary Page

4) Price Data (Section B on SF33)

5) Price Proposal Spreadsheet (Section J

Attachment 5)

8 Q: Is it a 5-page total for past work plus the Table of Contents or is it 5 pages per past work performance plus the table of contents?

A: Per L.2.4 Table of Contents are not counted pages.

Per L.3.2.3. (PPIS) Each contract is limited to 5 pages total. Table of Contents are not counted pages in the 5 page total limit.

Section L 3.2.3 18 Oct 21

9 Q: Can the government please clarify if the Specific Content section is a separate section or just identifying the data that needs to be included within the Summary Page? If a separate section, please indicate the total number of pages allowed.

A: Specific Content is a separate section. There is no specified page limitation for L.3.2.4 Specific Content.

L.3.2.4. Specific Content.

10 Q: This paragraph states “Proposed prices must be based on Service Contract Labor Standard Wage Determination(s) (WDs) IAW FAR 52.222-41.

The WDs listed in Section J, Attachment 7 of this solicitation can be found at www.sam.gov/content/home.

In order to insure proper protection of the incumbent SCA employees and equal treatment of offerors, will the Government provide the labor classifications under which the incumbent employees are working?

A: The Offeror is responsible for providing labor classifications from the WD, if any, that will be used to perform the requirements of the PWS. If the Offeror provides a classification that is not listed on the applicable WD, and after evaluation

RFP Section L.5.3.5. Price

Proposal Spreadsheet http://www.sam.gov/content/home of proposals the Offeror is considered the apparent awardee, the Offeror must initiate a request for approval of an additional classification along with the proposed wage and benefit rates for that classification IAW the guidelines identified at www.sam.gov/content/home.

11 This paragraph states “Proposed prices must be based on Service Contract Labor Standard Wage Determination(s) (WDs) IAW FAR 52.222-41.

The WDs listed in Section J, Attachment 7 of this solicitation can be found at www.sam.gov/content/home. The Offeror is responsible for providing labor classifications from the WD, if any, that will be used to perform the requirements of the PWS. If a classification is considered necessary by the Offeror for performance of the work; and is not listed on the applicable WD; and after evaluation of proposals the Offeror is considered the apparent awardee, the Offeror must initiate a request for approval of an additional classification along with the proposed wage and benefit rates for that classification IAW the guidelines identified at www.sam.gov/content/home. This language seems to be conflicting, can you provide clarification, is it a requirement to propose prices based on the applicable WD?

A: Offeror is responsible for selecting and providing labor categories from the applicable WD that will be used to perform the requirements of the PWS, Offeror is responsible for ensuring compliance with Service Contract Labor Standards (FAR 52.222-41). If the Offeror provides a classification that is not listed on the applicable WD, and after evaluation of proposals the Offeror is considered the apparent awardee, the Offeror must initiate a request for approval of an additional classification along with the proposed wage and benefit rates for that classification IAW the guidelines identified at www.sam.gov/content/home.

RFP Section L.5.3.5. Price

Proposal Spreadsheet

12 Q: Section 5.6 states: “NLT 45 days after Phase- In/Phase-Out the Contractor shall be expected to merge all existing pre-accession candidate data to the Government furnished on-line web-based

RFP Attachment 6:

27 Oct 21 http://www.sam.gov/content/home tracking tool. The initial (one-time) data transfer requirement will include the following: name, location, and all PAST scores for an estimated 1100 candidates.” Would the Government confirm this task would be for the outgoing contractor?

A: No. The task in PWS Section 5.6 is for the awardee/incoming contractor to perform. Data will be received from the incumbent contractor for the incoming contractor to complete this task.

Section 5.6.

Accounting for

Progress

13 Q: This paragraph states “Provide last completed financial statements for one fiscal year and year-to-date financial information through the last quarter available. The year-end financial statements must be certified by an independent accounting firm.” In order to provide the Government with adequate competition and provide maximum opportunities to the 8(a) community, will the Government accept Financial Statements complied by an independent, licensed CPA as meeting the requirements of L.6.2.6.3?

A: The Government has removed the requirement for financial statements to be certified by an independent accounting firm.

L.6.2.6.3

Volume IV – Other Contracting

Considerations

27 Oct 21

14 Q: Will the government confirm how many pages can be used for L.3.2.2 Summary Page? Volume I instructions state: “The Table of Contents and Summary Page(s) shall not exceed five (5) pages combined” however it also states in L.2.4. pages counted that the table of contents is not included in the page count.

A: The Table of Contents and Summary Page(s) shall not exceed five (5) pages combined.

L.3.2.2.

27 Oct 21

15 Attachment 5 title of document is labeled Attachment 7. Is this mislabeled?

Q: Yes, Correct label is Attachment 5.

Attachment 5 – Price Proposal

27 Oct 21

16 Q: Total on the Base Year does not include the Program Manager in the formula. With industry

Attachment 5 – Price Proposal not allowed to update the formula we request an updated worksheet that includes the PM's data.

A: Government concurs. Formula corrected in updated worksheet.

17 Q: L.5.3. outline shows "(4) Price Data (Section B on SF33)".

L.5.3.4. Price Data. instructs offerors to use Attachment 5 - Price Proposal.

L.5.3.5. Price Proposal Spreadsheet Instructions.

"The Offeror shall input Unit Prices IAW instructions located within the Price Proposal. The Offeror shall not complete pricing information in Section B."

Is the following the intent of these instructions, if not, please provide explicit direction:

i. Vol III, Section 4, Price Data includes the offeror’s TEP, a blank copy of Section B from SF33 included (not filled out), and the offeror’s Wage Determination(s) used in calculating labor rates.

ii. Vol III, Section 5 should be Attachment 5 in Excel format (filled in).

A: Yes

RFP Section L 5.3 27 Oct 21

18 Q: Will the government provide any government furnished equipment (GFE) such as; cellular phones, computers and/or other related equipment to support the CDSS-III program? If yes, how many and which locations?

A: No, GFE will not be provided. The only GFE provided will be to Wing Developers and will include a standard office space as identified in PWS Section 8.15.1.

General 27 Oct 21

19 Q: Can the government please provide a seniority list for the current contract employees?

A: The government will not be releasing a current contract employee list for the solicitation.

General 27 Oct 21

20 Q: Can the government please clarify where costs related to the demobilization of the 14 Wing Developers should be captured? Will these costs be captured in X006 Travel?

A: Per PWS dated 27 Oct 21, Wing Developers will not require demobilization. Wing Developer are required in base and option years.

PWS, pg. 3, §1.1.1.2

27 Oct 21

21 Q: Can the government provide a detailed breakdown of the distribution of Field Developers across the West, Central and East Regions?

A: See Table 1 and Table 1.1 in PWS.

PWS, pg. 4, §1.3 27 Oct 21

22 Q: The PWS 1.6.2.2 states, “Any updates or modifications to the PAST will not require a modification to the contract. An updated PAST will be provided by the COR to the Contract PM/DPM”. Can the government clarify the intent of PWS 1.6.2.2 and whether this could imply a “substantive change” to the CDSS-III program?

This could be relative to specific deliverables and/or performance objectives as listed in the

PWS.

A: Any substantive change to the contract during performance will be formalized in a contract modification.

PWS, pg. 6, §1.6.2.2

27 Oct 21

23 Q: Can the government provide any detailed information regarding the number of anticipated and/or historical averages of trips to Europe, Asia, Alaska, Hawaii and the Caribbean supported by contractor FN’s?

A: Estimated trips - Europe – 4/year Asia, Alaska, Hawaii, Caribbean – 1/month

PWS, pg. 7, §1.6.7

27 Oct 21

24 Q: Can the government confirm that following any change to the number of Federal Holidays per year after the submission of proposals contractors will be able to submit for an equitable adjustment?

PWS, pg. 9, §1.13 27 Oct 21

A: Please refer to Section 1.13 for Federal Holidays.

25 Q: Can the government please clarify, in the event that the number of recognized holidays differs between the Office of Personnel Management and the Wage Determinations for each location, which takes precedent?

A: Please refer to Section 1.13 Federal Holidays, OPM guidance takes precedence and shall be utilized for recognized federal holidays.

PWS, pg 9, §1.13 27 Oct 21

26 Q: Can the government please clarify if Other Direct Costs that are approved, but not originally included in the pricing, will be Cost Reimbursable?

A: The only reimbursable costs that are allowable are associated with CLIN X006 Travel.

PWS, pg. 9. §1.11 27 Oct 21

27 Q: The government addresses the Phase-In period as starting on December 3, 2021 and concluding on January 31, 2022. The government also states all CDSS III contractors in PWS 6.6, “The Contractor shall complete all preliminary paperwork to obtain a CAC and access to Government furnished database by the last day of the Phase-In/Phase-Out period”. Will the government mandate the incumbent contractor provide access to its personnel in order to conduct interviews, discussions, briefings, benefits presentations, etc. in order to ensure all new hire documentation is completed before January 31, 2022?

A: No. The awardee/incoming contractor will be responsible for completing Phase-In/Phase-Out requirements in order to ensure completion by last day of the Phase-In/Phase/Out period.

PWS, pg. 18, §6.1 27 Oct 21

28 Q: The government states, “During Phase- In/Phase-Out: The Contractor shall bring all required CDSS Field and Wing Developers to

PWS, pg. 18, §6.5 27 Oct 21

Joint Base San Antonio to receive the following:

Training on PAST, proper guidance, procedures, and techniques expected from the Field and Wing Developers to ensure standardization. The Contractor is responsible for notifying the Government of any employee’s needing training.

At the Government’s request, the Contractor shall bring CDSS Field and/or Wing Developers to a Government determined location to address significant pre- accession and/or post-accession pipeline changes that require in-person training to ensure standardization and proper execution”.

How does the government anticipate contractors evaluating the need to request training; i.e. will this be a joint assessment with the government

COR?

A: Evaluating the need to request training can be identified from the contractor or the government with final approval by the government PM, COR and CO approval.

29 Q: Can the government clarify if incumbent CDSS-III Field Developers and Wing Developers will be required to attend training at Joint Base Lackland during the phase in period for PAST, proper guidance, procedures and techniques to ensure standardization?

A: The requirement is for new hires only.

30 Q: The government states the Phase-In and Phase- Out period shall commence on December 3, 2021 and conclude on January 31, 2022. During this period the contractor is expected to hire all 61 employees, complete all required new hire paperwork, complete all required command/installation/unit in processing and security requirements, in addition to send all Developers to Joint Base Lackland for initial indoctrination and standardization training. The Phase-In period occurs during the Christmas and New Year holiday season, which historically includes a significant amount of military, federal

PWS, pg. 18, §6.1 27 Oct 21 services and government contractors who take leave or paid time off. Has the government considered these challenges when establishing the Phase-In period and will additional time be afforded to the successful offeror if this becomes an issue?

A: The Government has assessed the Phase In/Phase Out period. The Government requires the contractor to meet the established timelines for Phase In/Phase Out Period.

31 Q: Can the government provide the length (days/hours) of government furnished contractor training as stated in PWS §6.5?

A: Estimated length of training is 1 day/8 hours.

32 Can the government clarify what it means by, “The contractor shall bring all required CDSS Field and Wing Developers”. Specifically, does this imply some contractors may not be required to attend this training; i.e. incumbent personnel do not need training?

A: The requirement is for new hires only.

33 Q: Can the government provide more clarity and/or specific qualifications and/or certifications it requires to demonstrate “leadership and management experience” for the PM and D/PM?

A: No certifications are required for PM and D/PM positions. PM and D/PM shall have leadership and management experience within the SW/CS careers fields.

PWS, pg. 19, §7.3.1

27 Oct 21

34 Q: When contractors operate government furnished vehicles does the government assume liability for any injuries, property damage, etc. or does the government expect the contractor’s insurance policy to cover these potential losses when operating GOV vehicles?

PWS, pg. 19, §7.3.4

A: Contractor shall follow all applicable AFIs for utilizing Government Owned Vehicles.

35 Q: The government states, “The Contractor shall be responsible for providing their own transportation (including fuel) in the conduct of their contracted duties. To drive on base, Contractors shall have a valid state driver’s license and proof of insurance. At no time shall Contractor personnel share transportation with candidates”.

Does this also includes WD tasks as outlined in PWS 7.3.4 whereas the government stated contractors may use GFE vehicles to support training activities?

A: Wing Developers may use GOVs as identified in PWS 7.3.4 if proper procedures and approvals are received through unit commander.

PWS, pg. 19, §7.4 27 Oct 21

36 Q: Does the government have a desired QTY of contractor furnished physical fitness clothing for its personnel? Also, does the government have a preferred manufacture, model or item number of these items in order for the contractor to mirror candidate issued PT uniforms?

A: No desired quantity of furnished physical fitness clothing or preferred item. Customer prefers standardization.

PWS, pg. 19, §7.5 27 Oct 21

37 Q: The PWS states, “All CDSS Developers must possess a Lifeguard Certification”. Can the government clarify which lifeguard certification it requires in order for bidders to accurately price?

A: American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification or equivalent for basic level lifeguard certification.

PWS, pg. 19, §7.3.5

27 Oct 21

38 Q: Will the government consider former Special Operations Force (SOF) members, other than Air Force, as valid instructors? I.e., NAVSOC, USASOC, and MARSOC.

PWS, pg. 20, §7.8 27 Oct 21

A: No.

39 Q: Can the government please provide the list of equipment required to enable CAC access the contractor is responsible for providing?

A: CAC reader and web access.

PWS, pg. 22, §7.12.2.5

27 Oct 21

40 Q: Can the government clarify which employees require a Tier 1 investigation? And, which employees require a Tier 5 investigation?

A: Unclassified access is required.

PWS, pg. 22, §7.12.7

27 Oct 21

41 Q: The PWS 8.19 states the PM, D/PM and the Wing Developers shall obtain base access, however PWS 7.12.2.4 states all contractor personnel shall obtain installation access. Can the government clarify that the RLFD’s and FD’s are also authorized to obtain CAC card access, including various installation access to DoD locations within their assigned duty location(s).

A: All contractor personnel will obtain CACs and therefore will have access to DoD installations.

PWS, pg. 25, §8.19 and PWS, pg.22, §7.12.2.4

27 Oct 21

42 Q: The PWS states, “The Government will provide office space and basic administrative equipment/supplies to the CDSS Wing Developers at JBSA-Lackland TX, Fairchild AFB WA, Sheppard AFB TX, and USAFA Colorado Springs, CO. The Government will provide the Contractor with a standard office suite of equipment to include telephone, and office furniture for the facilitation of work. The Contractor is responsible for maintaining neat and orderly work areas”. Would the government also consider authorizing additional space at these locations upon request; i.e. if we assign our PM and D/PM at one of these locations would the government authorize additional office space?

PWS, pg. 27, §8.15.1

A: No, the government is not authorizing additional space at these locations.

43 Q: Can the government provide travel estimates per labor category in order for bidders to more accurately assess contractor provided transportation costs; i.e. Regional Lead Field Developers (RLFD’s) and Field Developers (FD’s) shall travel frequently within their assigned area(s) of operation. Since the government is not providing GFE vehicles, how often are CDSS-III contractors expected to travel per year based on historical averages?

A: Minimum Requirements for travel are identified in PWS 1.6.1.

PWS, pg. 28, §8.19

27 Oct 21

44 Q: Can the government provide a breakdown of the travel costs incorporated in CLIN XXX6 to ensure bidders don’t erroneously include travel costs already captured by the government?

A: Minimum Requirements for travel is identified in PWS 1.6.1.

Solicitation, Section B, Supplies and Services, Item #0006 Travel

27 Oct 21

45 Q: Can the government confirm if bidders should capture travel costs for the onsite training at Joint Base San Antonio during Phase-In for CLIN XXX6 or CLIN XXX7?

A: Travel costs for Phase-In training are captured under CLIN 0007.

Section B, Supplies and Services, Item #0007 Phase In- Phase Out

27 Oct 21

46 Q: Does the government intend on incorporating the provisions of the recently released FAR clause, 52.223-99, Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors for the CDSS-III contract award? If yes, can the provisions of any applicable policies, standards, etc. be provided to ensure contractors adequately capture any associated compliance and monitoring costs?

A: Yes.

Solicitation, Amendment 01, Section I, Contract Clauses,

pg. 43

The clause has been incorporated into Section I - DFARS 252.223-7999 (Deviation 2021-O0009) Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors.

For more information, please visit:

https:/www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/

47 Q: Can the government provide any details, metrics or reports indicating the following information for incumbent contractors; i.e. this information will be critical regarding the onboarding of incumbents and meeting the 60 day phase in period. Withstanding HIPPA restrictions, we request as much information as possible to understand the readiness of the incumbent personnel.

Labor Category (61 FTE’s)

U nv ac ci na te d

Pa rt ia lly

V ac ci na te d

Fu lly

V ac ci na te d

N ot g oi ng to va cc in at e

Program Manager (1

FTE)

Deputy Program Manager (1 FTE)

Regional Lead Field Developers (3 FTE’s)

Field Developers (36

Wing Developers (20

A: No, the government cannot provide this information at this time.

Amendment 01, Section I, pg. 43

27 Oct 21

48 Q: Are Contractors required to provide a list of proposed labor classifications within the Price Volume?

A: Contractor shall provide proposed labor classifications in Price Volume.

Section L, §L.5.3.5 https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/

49 Q: The PWS states, “When Administrating the Pre-Accession Physical Ability Stamina Test (PAST) for non-prior service, Special Warfare Operator Enlistment, and select Guard and Reserve candidates, Field Developers shall secure locations and provide a minimum of three (3) scheduled PAST sessions per month”. Can the government provide any historical data regarding the number of facilities rented by the contractor at each Field Developer location, or can the government provide additional details to ensure bidders can more accurately represent costs and help perspective offerors be more competitive with the incumbent. Lastly, another potential solution could be changing CLIN X005 Training Facilities into a government estimate similar to the Travel

CLIN X006.

A: The Government cannot provide historical data on the number of facilities rented.

PWS, Attachment 5, Price Proposal Spreadsheet CLIN X005, pg. 6, §1.6.1

27 Oct 21

50 Q: The PWS states, “The RLFD’s (East, West, Central United States) provide SW/CS subject matter expertise to track and employ FDs activities within their region”. These positions are clearly established as separate labor categories than other Field Developers, with different wage determinations. Can the government provide a separate CLIN for RLFD’s to ensure these positions are appropriately separated from other labor categories?

A: At this time, the Government is not creating an additional CLIN for RLFDs.

PWS, Attachment 5, Price Proposal

Spreadsheet CLIN X003

27 Oct 21

51 Q: We have a question regarding Attachment 5, Is there a plug number for the Facilities CLIN since the Government is providing all facilities?

A: The government is not providing all facilities.

The only facilities being provided by the

Attachment 5 27 Oct 21 government is identified in PWS 8.15.1.

Government Furnished Office Space.

52 Q: Please confirm the locations of the Regional Lead Field Developers (RLFDs) and Field Developers (FDs) listed in PWS Section 1.9, Table 1 and Table 1.1. As an example, Dallas, TX is listed as an RFLD location and an FD location.

Also, based on the current CDSS contract, we were expecting an FD location in Pennsylvania.

Are these inconsistencies considered changes to the scope or errors?

A: The locations identified in PWS Section 1.9 Table 1 and Table 1.1 are the required locations.

PWS Section 1.9 27 Oct 21

53 Q: PWS Section 7.4 states “The Contractor shall be responsible for providing their own transportation (including fuel) in the conduct of their contracted duties.”. Is this cost covered in Attachment 5 under the Travel CLIN (0006, 1006, 2006, 3006 and 4006) that were pre populated?

A: Yes, the Travel CLINs (0006, 1006, 2006, 3006 and 4006) provide for Field Developer transportation costs.

PWS Section 7.4 27 Oct 21