0007 AAA SOLICITATION_Questions and Answers.pdf

FA4484-20-R-0014 Attachment 0007 Solicitation Questions Received/Responses

AIR ADVISORY ACADEMIC (AAA) INSTRUCTOR

SOLICITATION FA4484-20-R-0014

SOLICITATION QUESTIONS RECEIVED/RESPONSES

16 OCT 2020

The following are the responses to all questions received by 87 CONS for Solicitation FA4484-20-R-0014

Table of Contents General

SF 1446 – Executive Summary

SF 1446 Section B – Pricing Summary

SF-1146 – FAR/DFAR and Local Contract Clauses

SF 1446 – FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Items

SF 1446 – FAR 52.212-2 Evaluation – Commercial Items

Performance Work Statement (PWS) – Description of Services and General Information

PWS Section 2 – Services Summary

PWS Appendix B – Summary of Air Advisor Academic Courses

PWS Appendix C – Publications

Attachment 0006 – Past Performance Questionnaire

FA4484-20-R-0014

GENERAL

GENERAL QUESTION: Will the government provide a breakdown of which course subject will be taught by which SMEs?

RESPONSE: Staffing and manpower utilization is to be proposed by the contractor.

GENERAL QUESTION: Are any of the classes currently being taught virtually? Are there future plans to move toward virtual learning?

RESPONSE: Courses are only conducted virtually as required by personnel travel restrictions. There are no plans to move toward virtual learning.

GENERAL QUESTION: Please provide a document that aligns the Instructors/SMEs with Courses and the subjects being taught.

GENERAL QUESTION: Will the Government please verify/explain the need for the instructors/SME to have the ability to obtain/maintain a security clearance at the Secret level when the courses are noted as Unclassified. Also, security section (paragraph 1.10) of the PWS doesn’t denote the level of classification of this effort and no DD254 was provided.

RESPONSE: Instructors may access classified reference material in preparing for their lessons and are expected to participate in classified video teleconferences between students and current Advisors in the field. The highest level of classification on this effort is SECRET. The DD254 is company specific and so will be provided post-award.

GENERAL QUESTION: Will the government please provide the number of Full Time Equivalent (FTE) Instructors on the current incumbent contract?

RESPONSE: The required instructor / student ratios are listed with each course in appendix B, with the most restrictive being 1/20 for lectures and 1/10 for demonstration-performance lessons. Our projected throughput for the base year is approximately 800 students.

GENERAL QUESTION: Can you please clarify the number of FTEs on the solicitation? The CLINs seem to indicate 4 FTEs plus role players. However, the PWS seems to indicate either 8 or 11, depending upon if there is a separate FTE for each of the 4 identified geographical regions.

GENERAL QUESTION: How does the Government define a full-time employee on this effort, in terms of hours per year?

RESPONSE: One FTE is equivalent to one employee working full-time (40 hours per week).

GENERAL QUESTION: What are the number of annual work hours/billable hours for each of the FTEs?

GENERAL QUESTION: Would the government consider providing LCAT specific workload data (hours and FTE count)?

RESPONSE: Manpower utilization is to be proposed by the contractor.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

PG 3 – Contracting Strategy // QUESTION: The contracting strategy for this requirement is stated to be “a single award Firm Fixed Price and Cost (no fee) Delivery Order”, however task orders are referenced on pg. 58, (a) and (b). (c) (2) as well as in the PWS (1.4.3.2.8.2.1, and under 1.6 Contact Processing (1.6.1, 1.6.3, 1.6.5) which is indicative of an IDIQ type contract. Will the Government please confirm the contract type for this requirement?

RESPONSE: This will be a Firm Fixed Price Requirements type contract. DO/TO can be expected for periodic travel and Other Direct Cost (ODC) and to provide annual funding for CLINS.

PG 3 – Contracting Strategy // QUESTION: Is this contract a FFP contract or an IDIQ or BPA? The Contracting Strategy in the solicitation states a single award delivery order yet there are mentions of task orders in the PWS in section 1.6. Please clarify the method process of contract execution.

RESPONSE: The resulting contract will be a FFP Requirements type IDIQ. Funding task orders will be issued at the start of each option year.

PG 4 – Small Business Subcontracting Plan // QUESTION: “The Offeror shall submit a Small Business Subcontracting Plan in accordance with FAR Clause 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan. This requirement is separate from the Small Business Participation Factor and will not be evaluated as part of the Small Business Participation Factor evaluation.” Will the Government please confirm that because this is an SDVOSB set-aside, the requirement for a Small Business Subcontracting plan is not applicable and Small Business Participation is not an evaluated factor?

RESPONSE: This is a SDVOSB set-aside, a small business subcontracting plan will not be required. This paragraph will be marked as ‘VOID’ and left blank.

PG 4 – Pricing Schedule, CLIN table // QUESTION: The Pricing Schedule and CLIN table, does not list five

(5) contract manning positions provided in PWS. Can the Government provide additional details on the need and pricing requirements associated with the following PWS requirements: Doctrine and Strategic Guidance Instructor/SME (PWS 1.4.3.2.1); Security Cooperation Instructor/SME (PWS 1.4.3.2.2); Joint, Interagency, Intergovernmental and Multinational (JIIM) Instructor/SME (PWS 1.4.3.2.3); Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures and AA Leadership Instructor/SME (PWS 1.4.3.2.4); and Region and Culture Instructors/SMEs (PWS 1.4.3.2.6)? Can the Government provide a historical manning chart that shows labor categories and hours expended on the incumbent contract?

RESPONSE: All manning and pricing must be developed and proposed by the contractor.

SECTION B – PRICING SUMMARY

PG 4 – SEC B / General CLIN // QUESTION: The CLINs quantities seem to specify a requirement for 4 contractor personnel and role-player support, but the PWS indicates more personnel are required.

Would the Government please provide a matrix of Labor Categories that includes:

- the total number of FTEs required for each position/LCAT

- The CLIN for each

RESPONSE: Number of personnel and manpower utilization is to be proposed by the contractor.

PG 4 – SEC B / CLIN 0001 // QUESTION: Since CLIN 0001 is only used for the base year for Transition expense, is it the intent for the Option years 1001, 2001, etc, is used for the Contract/Site Manager position?

RESPONSE: Yes, that is correct.

PG 4/5 – SEC B / CLIN 0003 (1002/2002/3002/4002) // QUESTION: These CLINs seem to require a single contractor that aligns to PWS 1.4.2. 1.4.2 appears to be a standard that applies to all instructor positions, or is this a separate position/labor category?

RESPONSE: General duties outlined in PWS 1.4.2 apply to all instructor positions.

PG 5 – SEC B / General // QUESTION: Could the government please define the number of hours that will be worked during the 11-month period?

PG 5 – SEC B / General // QUESTION: Which positions are subject to the included Wage Determination under The Service Contract Act?

RESPONSE: All positions are covered under the Service Contract Act.

PG 5 – SEC B / General // QUESTION: Does the government identify specific LCATs in Wage Determination that we should align the positions too?

RESPONSE: Instructors are occupation code 15095 - Technical Instructor/Course Developer. Yes, there is an incumbent workforce.

PG 5 – SEC B / General // QUESTION: Is there an incumbent workforce with accrued vacation and sick time that will carry over to the new contract per SCA requirements?

RESPONSE: Yes, there is an incumbent workforce.

PG 5 – SEC B / CLIN 0003 (1002/2002/3002/4002) // QUESTION: PWS 1.4.3.2 provides a series of specific instructor positions / labor categories, such as Doctrine and Strategic Guidance Instructor/SME. Which these positions, if any, apply to this CLIN?

RESPONSE: Instructor requirements outlined in PWS 1.4.3.2.1, 1.4.3.2.2, 1.4.3.2.3, 1.4.3.2.4, and

1.4.3.2.6 apply to CLIN 0003, 1002, 2002, 3002, and 4002.

PG 5 – SEC B / CLIN 0003 (1002/2002/3002/4002) // QUESTION: Is the requirement for only a single instructor per specific instructor position/labor category?

RESPONSE: Number of personnel and manpower utilization is to be proposed by the contractor.

PG 5 – SEC B / CLIN 0003 (1002/2002/3002/4002) // QUESTION: What non-Role-player positions, if any, will be considered part-time or on-call? How many hours per year are required for any part-time positions?

PG 5 – SEC B / CLIN 0003 // QUESTION: Should CLIN 0003 include the pricing for all instructor positions except MSAS instructor and the Role Player Director; i.e, Doctrine and Strategic Guidance Instructor;

Security Cooperation Instructor; JIIM Instructor; Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures and AA Leadership Instructor; Region and Culture Instructors?

RESPONSE: YES

PG 5 – SEC B / CLIN 0006 // QUESTION: Quantity is 360; Unit is Each - Please clarify "Each". Is this each person? Each Day? Each month? Each year? Each Scenario?

RESPONSE: Each is defined as 1 person for 1 day.

PG 5 – SEC B / CLIN 0006 // QUESTION: CLIN 0006 and Option Year CLINs 1005, 2005, and 3005 have a quantity of "360" and a unit of "Each" -- since PWS paragraph 1.4.3.2.8 does not define "Each", is it correct to assume the Government means role-player-days? In other words, the pricing is for 360 role-player-days (360 role players for one day or one role player for 360 days or some such combination).

RESPONSE: 360 Each refers to 360 role player days per year.

PG 5 – SEC B / CLIN 0006 // QUESTION: Will the Government ask the contractor to submit pricing proposals for Role Players each time a Task Order request is issued for classes/exercises involving Role Players and, if so, please clarify how to price CLIN 0006 as a FFP CLIN if the requirement for role players varies with the size of the student population and the areas of regional instruction.

RESPONSE: Role players will be priced at the CLIN level and will not be required or included in travel pricing for CLIN 0006.

PG 5 – SEC B / CLIN 0006 // QUESTION: Can the Government expand on this requirement? Are they CME positions or on-call based on course schedule?

RESPONSE: Do not understand this question. Government has expanded extensively to CLIN 0006 questions. Question is not clear on what a CME is, CME — Contract Manpower Equivalent or CME — Civilian Man-hour Equivalent? Neither apply and manpower utilization is to be proposed by the contractor.

PG 5 – SEC B / CLIN 0007 // QUESTION: Will CLIN 0007 cover role player travel to and from the training facility?

RESPONSE: No, CLIN 0007 will not cover role player travel to and from the training facility.

PG 5 – SEC B / CLIN 0008 // QUESTION: Does the Government intend for items other than those described in PWS 1.6.2 to be covered by CLIN 0008 for Other Direct Costs? If so, what other types of items would be included?

RESPONSE: It is not expected that any other items would be included in Other Direct Costs.

PG 8 – SEC B / CLIN 4005 // QUESTION: CLIN 4005 has a quantity of "12" and a unit of "Months" -- since PWS paragraph 1.4.3.2.8 does not define scope of the role player effort, how many full-time role players should be priced for CLIN 4005?

RESPONSE: This is incorrect, CLIN 4005 should have a quantity of 360 each. Amendment 0003 has corrected the CLIN quantity and unit of issue.

SF-1146 – FAR/DFAR AND LOCAL CONTRACT CLAUSES

PG 56/57 – DFARS 252.208-7000 // QUESTION: The Government includes DFARS 252.208-7000 Intent to Furnish Precious Metals as Government-Furnished Material 1991-12. The PWS does not seem to indicate any need for the Government to provide precious metals for this work. Must the Offeror cite the type (silver, gold, platinum, palladium, iridium, rhodium, and ruthenium) and quantity in whole troy ounces of precious metals required in the performance of this contract and answer the other specified questions?

RESPONSE: This is a mandatory DFARS Clause for this contract type. Contractors may complete this item with “N/A” if not applicable.

PG 58 – DFARS 252.237-7023 Continuation of Essential Contractor Services // QUESTION: Attachment 0001 is the PWS and does not breakout specific essential contractor Services. Will the Government please indicate which services in the PWS are considered Mission Essential Contractor Services, or if all services listed in the PWS are Mission Essential Contractor Services?

RESPONSE: The entirety of the work contained in the PWS is considered mission essential.

PG 59 – DFARS 252.237-7024 Notice of Continuation of Essential Contractor Services// QUESTION:

Please clarify if contracted instructors are considered mission essential and, if so, is there a requirement for the offeror to provide plan on continuation of essential contractor services. If the offeror must provide a plan on continuation of essential contractor services, in which Part of the proposal shall we include our plan? Will the Government exclude the plan from the page count if it is to be included with the Technical Proposal? Will the Government evaluate the Contractor's Mission Essential Contracting Plan and, if so, will it be evaluated separately or included as part of the overall Technical Evaluation as acceptable or unacceptable.

RESPONSE: Yes, instructors will be considered mission essential and yes a plan will need to be submitted but the plan can be submitted after award. The plan can be submitted after award.

PG 67 – FAR 52.212-3 Alternate I Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items// QUESTION: If we have completed the annual representations and certifications electronically in SAM, will completion of paragraph (b) of the Alternate I Offeror and Representations and Certifications suffice?

RESPONSE: It is the Offeror’s responsibility to fill out all required fields, failure to do so could result in disqualification of offer.

FAR CLAUSE 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS--COMMERCIAL ITEMS

PG 86 – Overall Submission // QUESTION: If the government is unable to provide responses to questions within 2 weeks prior to the due date, will the government consider an extension.

RESPONSE: It is the Government’s intent to provide sufficient time for prospective offerors to submit a proper proposal. Amendment 0003 of the Solicitation extends the proposal submission time to 1200 EST on 13 Nov 2020 (previous submission date 06 Nov 2020)

PG 86 – Overall Submission // QUESTION: Please confirm that the preferred means of submission is to email the three distinct proposal parts as .PDF documents plus the past performance questionnaires directly from clients to maggie.falkner.1@us.af.mil prior to 1200 EST on 06 Nov 2020.

RESPONSE: Yes, that is correct. Amendment 0003 of the Solicitation corrects the Past Performance Questionnaire Cover Letter (Attachment 0005) to reflect 30 Oct 2020 (previous submission date 23 Oct 2020).

PG 86 – Part II – Technical Proposal // QUESTION: Measure of Merit: Requirement is met when the offeror provides a staffing plan to include a staffing chart that describes qualified personnel, recruitment and retention plan considering local market conditions, classroom capabilities and course overlap necessary to meet instructional and administrative requirements of the PWS and Appendix B. Resumes are not to be included. These statements seem to be in conflict. Will the Government be evaluating offeror’s understanding of all tasks specified in the PWS and approach to perform the requirements of the technical factor or just the staffing plan, and recruitment and retention plan as described in the Basis for contract award?

RESPONSE: The government will be evaluating all of the elements contained in both paragraphs.

PG 86 – Part II – Technical Proposal // QUESTION: Will the Government please clarify pages it will exclude from the page count, such as: Title page, Table of Contents, Table/Figure pages, and any other non-technical writing sections such as, Glossary or Cross Reference matrix from the page count? Will the Government please clarify what the Font size restrictions are?

RESPONSE: All of the items mentioned would be considered as part of the page count. The minimum font size is 10. Any exceptions are noted throughout this Question and Answer document.

PG 87– Part III – Past Performance Information – // QUESTION: The Evaluation Factors for Award place significant tradeoff weight to the Government’s past performance assessment, and the Government is requiring past performance relevancy expressly scoped to “Air Advisor Academics”. Prospective contractors may have significant instructor and role player experience with a qualified pipeline of personnel to perform under this award without specific Air Advisor Academic past performance. To maximize competition among capable contractors, and avoid undue partiality toward Air Advisor incumbent contractors, would the Government consider modifying the solicitation requirements to allow for contractors who have significant instructor and role player experience and qualified pipelines to be considered relevant in order to have an opportunity to receive a Substantial Confidence assessment?

RESPONSE: This criteria calls for services that were within a "similar scope and magnitude" to Air Advisor Services. If the past performance effort falls within those parameters, it could be considered relevant.

PG 87– Part III – Past Performance Information – // QUESTION: The government does not specify a page count limit for this Part III. Is there a page count limit for Part III? If so, what is it?

RESPONSE: No, there is no page count limit.

PG 87– Part III – Past Performance Information – (b) Performance Surveys // QUESTION: Should the offeror describe the relevance, scope, magnitude and complexities of the contract in the section labeled “(viii) Comments regarding compliance with contract terms and conditions”?

RESPONSE: Yes

FAR CLAUSE 52.212-2 EVALUATION--COMMERCIAL ITEMS

PG 91 – Addenda to FAR 52.212-2 – BASIS FOR CONTRACT AWARD // QUESTION: This paragraph states, “Offerors whose total evaluated price is unreasonable (in accordance with FAR 15.404 and FAR 31.201- 3), unbalanced (in accordance with FAR 15.404-1), or unaffordable (not within any budgetary information included in the solicitation) may not be considered for award.” The solicitation does not contain any budgetary information as noted above. Request removal of this statement.

RESPONSE: Amendment 0003 of the Solicitation removes this language.

PG 91/92 – Addenda to FAR 52.212-2 – BASIS FOR CONTRACT AWARD // QUESTION: Solicitation Document, page 92, Evaluation Factors for Award, Basis for Award, A., Measure of Merit, provides that resumes are not to be included. In staffing charts that describe qualified personnel, should names be redacted? Can the resumes/bios be included in the Past Performance section to demonstrate key personnel relevant experience?

RESPONSE: Names can be redacted and resumes/bios can be included.

PG 92 – Addenda to FAR 52.212-2 para B – Price Evaluation // QUESTION: Is the price evaluation adjustment for HUBZone small business concerns applicable to this solicitation?

RESPONSE: No, this has been removed in Amendment 0003 of the Solicitation.

PG 92 – Addenda to FAR 52.212-2 para D – Relevant Performance // QUESTION: “Past performance regarding predecessor companies, key personnel who have relevant experience, or subcontractors that will perform major or critical aspects of the requirement will be rated as highly as past performance information for the principal offeror.” This statement seems to indicate that offerors can propose the experience of key personnel proposed rather than for the offeror’s or subcontractor’s project past performance. Will the Government please provide clarification/confirmation?

RESPONSE: The Government will evaluate past performance of the prime and any subcontractor that will perform major or critical aspects of the requirement in addition to any key personnel equally.

PG 92 – Addenda to FAR 52.212-2 para D – Relevant Performance // QUESTION: Past performance regarding predecessor companies, key personnel who have relevant experience, or subcontractors that will perform major or critical aspects of the requirement will be rated as highly as past performance information for the principal offeror.” Are any of the Contractor Personnel described in section 1.4 considered to be key personnel?

RESPONSE: The “Contract/Site Manager” position in PWS para 1.4.1 to be key personnel and relevant to past performance.

PG 92 – Addenda to FAR 52.212-2 para E – Evaluation Notices (ENs) and Final Proposal Revisions (FPR) // QUESTION: Paragraph E allows for ENs and FPR if it is in the best interest of the Government. As this effort is LPTA, I believe this paragraph was included by mistake. Please confirm effort is LPTA remove the paragraph pertaining to ENs and FPR.

RESPONSE: This is not a LPTA requirement. (Pg 91) Basis for Contract Award states that this is a competitive best value source selection… The Government will be using Trade Offs.

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS) – SECTION 1

DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES AND GENERAL INFORMATION

PWS para 1.2.2 // QUESTION: Are the classes provided in Schedule B the only classes that will be taught by the contractor? If there are more classes, please provide detailed information.

RESPONSE: Refer to Appendix B, Note 1 and 2:

Note 1 – Courses listed here are provided as an example only. Future courses, course lengths, training days, classes per year, and students per class are subject to change based on customer requirements.

Note 2 - Additional courses may be developed and added if additional requirements emerge.

PWS para 1.2.2.1 // QUESTION: Are the classes being taught by the Mobile Training Team in addition to the number of classes provided on Appendix B? Please provide the historical data for courses taught by the MTT.

RESPONSE: Any numbers in Appendix B are approximate and provided as an example only. MTTs are scheduled so as not to conflict with in-residence courses to the maximum extent possible.

Historically, MTTs average 6 per year with 2 instructors traveling for 5 training days each.

PWS para 1.2.3 // QUESTION: States “The Government anticipates an annual student load of approximately 1,500 students. The average daily student load may be up to 60 students with up to 4 classes running concurrently. See Appendix B – Summary of Air Advisor Academic Courses – for more course and class size information’, however the approximate number of students listed in Appendix B totals 1,060. Will the Government please provide the reasoning for the difference in these estimates?

RESPONSE: As stated, all numbers in Appendix B are approximate and courses listed are provided as an example only. Future courses, course lengths, training days, classes per year, and students per class are subject to change based on customer requirements

PWS para 1.2.3 // QUESTION: Is the daily average student load 60 students on deck or is it 240 students (4 classes of 60 students each)?

RESPONSE: Daily average student load is 60 students total.

PWS para 1.2.3 // QUESTION: a. Does an average daily load up to 60 students include the 4 concurrent classes or is up to 60 students in each of the 4 concurrent classes? b. Will the Government please clarify which classes or courses may run concurrently & if these concurrent courses are the geographic tracks for the future Air Advisors? c. Will the government clarify who is responsible for deconflicting overlapping classes since the contractor has no control over scheduling as stated in the scope of work "All decisions relative to programs supported by the contractor shall be the sole responsibility of the

Government"? Additionally, no duties described in any of the subsequent paragraphs are of a scheduling and deconflicting nature. d. Will the Government please clarify the expected annual student load?

RESPONSE: Daily average student load total is up to 60 total students. Any combination of classes may run concurrently, however any classes conducted concurrently would not contain the same geographic track. The Government is responsible for deconflicting overlapping classes. Expected annual student load varies with current and emerging requirements, estimated projection for FY22 is 800 students.

PWS para 1.2.3 // QUESTION: Does the scheduling of multiple courses pertain by region or can they be mixed? For example will 3 courses of the Air Advisor Initial Qual Course be scheduled to run simultaneously and each have a mix of countries from different combatant commands? e.g. AAIQ#1 CENTCOM Only, AAIQ#2 PACOM Only, AAIQ# SOUTHCOM Only ...OR AAIQ1 classes from CENTCOM, EUCOM, PACOM; AAIQ#2 classes from SOUTHCOM, NORTHCOM, AFRICOM; AAIQ#3 classes from EUCOM, AFRICOM, and CENTCOM?

RESPONSE: IQC Courses may contain multiple regions and courses may be conducted simultaneously, however any courses conducted simultaneously would not contain the same region.

PWS para 1.2.4 // QUESTION: The PWS states “For the base year, an annual schedule will be provided to the Contract/Site Manager during the mobilization period.” Will the Government consider providing this schedule to offerors during the proposal stage to assist with developing our staffing plans?

RESPONSE: FY 21 sample schedule is attached to this Amendment to Solicitation.

PWS para 1.2.4 // QUESTION: Will the government provide a "sample" annual schedule?

RESPONSE: FY 21 sample schedule is attached to this Amendment to Solicitation.

PWS para 1.3.1.2 // QUESTION: Will the contractor be required to provide guest speakers or temporary part time instructors? If yes, where can we account for this price in the CLIN structure?

RESPONSE: Instructors and guest speakers referenced in 1.3.1.2 are provided by the Government.

PWS para 1.3.1.2 // QUESTION: Do Special Forces personnel with Foreign Internal Defense (FID) experience on Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) or Operational Detachment Bravo (ODB) meet the requirement for instructor?

RESPONSE: Instructor requirements are already outlined throughout para 1.4 of the PWS.

PWS para 1.4.1.2.5 // QUESTION: Please clarify a list of what training/qualification are expected to be maintained by instructors.

RESPONSE: EC-established training / qualification requirements are outlined in para 1.4.3.3 Faculty Development.

PWS para 1.4.3.2.1.2.2 thru 1.4.3.2.7 // QUESTION: Will the Government please clarify the blocks of instruction contract instructors are responsible for within the proposed POI?

PWS para 1.4.3.2.2.2.3 // QUESTION: Please define VTC.

RESPONSE: VTC - Video Tele-Conference

PWS para’s 1.4.3.2.7.1.3, 1.4.3.2.7.8, and 1.9.1.1 // QUESTION: Please clarify if Air Advisor contract instructors for this contract are expected to teach Fieldcraft lessons. If so, please indicate which Air Advisor contract instructors teach Fieldcraft instruction and as part of which courses/exercises.

RESPONSE: Instructors under this contract will not teach Fieldcraft lessons. The practical exercise scenario / role player director will only be involved in coordination to support combined academic / Fieldcraft exercises.

PWS para 1.4.3.2.8 // QUESTION: Please clarify the duties of the role players. Will they be required to learn and act out a script? Will there be any force on force combat? Any props?

RESPONSE: Role players will portray partner nation civilians, government officials, religious leaders, tribal elders, interpreters, etc., as required. There is not a formal script, rather they will improvise interactions to guide students through the exercise objectives. Role players will not engage in force on force combat scenarios. Any required props are provided by the Government.

PWS para 1.4.3.2.8 // QUESTION: Please provide sufficient information on the scope of role player requirements to compute a firm fixed price. This would typically include the number of events per year, personnel per event, and hours per person.

RESPONSE: Role player pricing is based on 360 each, IAW the solicitation. Number of events per year, personnel per event, and hours per person for role players will vary based on class requirements and number of students.

PWS para 1.4.3.2.8 // QUESTION: Will the Role Players only be required to work during the performance demonstration? Please clarify how many role players will be required?

RESPONSE: Role player numbers and schedules will vary from class to class and are determined on a per-class basis through coordination between the Site Manager, Role Play Director and Course Director.

PWS para 1.4.3.2.8 // QUESTION: Can the Government provide a list of desired languages and any expected schedule of requirements for course support? How many at a time? Need to be local versus travel able? CME versus part time and on-call? Are there any citizen or clearance requirements?

RESPONSE: Role player language requirements vary by class according to student's expected assignment. Role players will not travel to support MTTs. Role player staffing to be proposed by the contractor. Citizenship and clearance not required, however role players must meet requirements for JB-MDL access.

PWS para 1.4.3.2.8.1.1 // QUESTION: Please clarify what target language is required or will the Government provide a list of languages required for the role players?

RESPONSE: Target languages for role players will vary based on student's expected deployed location (assignment).

PWS para 1.4.3.2.8.1.1 // QUESTION: Please provide specific level of effort for designated labor categories.

RESPONSE: The Government cannot provide this information. Staffing and manpower utilization is to be proposed by the contractor.

PWS para 1.4.3.2.8.1.1 // QUESTION: Is there guidance on the specific number or percentage of personnel that should be tested each quarter?

RESPONSE: No, specific numbers or percentages of personnel tested are for the contractor to determine.

PWS para 1.4.3.3 // QUESTION: Is the faculty development requirement focused solely on contractor-provided instructors?

RESPONSE: Yes.

PWS para 1.4.3.3.1 // QUESTION: Does the Government or the contractor conduct instructor certification?

RESPONSE: The Government certifies instructors.

PWS para 1.4.3.3.2 // QUESTION: What is the estimated timeframe for completion of the 7 training courses provided by the Government during the 30 day Mobilization period or thereafter for new instructors?

RESPONSE: Indoctrination training is eight hours.

PWS para 1.4.3.3.3 // QUESTION: Will the government provide the local policies instructors are expected to meet?

RESPONSE: Local instructor policies are outlined in EOSI 36-100, attached as part of Amendment 0003 of Solicitation.

PWS para 1.6 // QUESTION: Paragraph 1.6.1 states that “the CO will issue task orders NLT 10 working days prior to the training start date”; however paragraph 1.6.3 – Travel states that “TDY request should be made to the CO at least 2 weeks prior to the travel date, although it will not be unusual for the government to require the contractor to travel on short notice.” Will the Government please update the language so that the timing for making TDY requests aligns with the timing for the CO to provide official notification to the contractor of a training start date?

RESPONSE: The TDY request and the issuance of a task order for the TDY are two separate processes.

The TDY request is a document that contains all necessary costs pertaining to the TDY. This documents goes through an approval process on the government side. Once the TDY request is approved, then a task order is issued to fund the travel.

PWS para 1.6 // QUESTION: Is this contract a FFP contract or an IDIQ or BPA? Task orders are stated as the method of contract processing whereas the Contracting Strategy in the solicitation (Exec Sum para

2) states a single award delivery order. Please clarify the method process of contract execution.

RESPONSE: The resulting contract will be a FFP Requirements type IDIQ. Funding task orders will be issued at the start of each option year.

PWS para 1.6.1 // QUESTION: Will the Government please define what Task Orders mean. For example, do they mean a Task Order for Mobilization, a Task Order for the remainder of the Base Period, each Option Period and/or for the implementation of exercises involving role players?

RESPONSE: Task orders will be issued at the beginning of the base and each subsequent option year to fund all required services with the exception of any TDY travel. If funding for a specific TDY is coming from the gaining unit, a separate task order will be issued for that travel.

PWS para 1.6.2 // QUESTION: The PWS states "The contractor shall be required to purchase authentic ethnic meals and minor ethnically correct supplies for the students as part of culture classes or exercises on behalf of the Government as a firm fixed price not to exceed CLIN 0007 and its associated option years." Should this read CLIN 0008 instead of 0007 and Cost No Fee vs FFP?

RESPONSE: Yes, PWS 1.6.2 should reference CLIN 0008 and Cost No Fee and will be reflected in future revision of PWS.

PWS para 1.6.3.1 // QUESTION: Will the government reimburse cost the purchase of Defense Base Act insurance as a cost reimbursable ODC (CLIN 8) for conducting contract services in overseas/OCONUS locations?

RESPONSE: No, the Government will not reimburse the contractor for the purchase of Defense Base Act Insurance.

PWS para 1.6.3.1 // QUESTION: Will the government pay Department of State Standardized Regulation (DSSR) allowances for danger pay as a cost reimbursable ODC (CLIN 8) for conducting contract services in overseas/OCONUS locations in hostile environments?

RESONSE: No, contractor services will not be conducted in hostile environments.

PWS para 1.6.3.1 // QUESTION: Does the Government cover costs (reimbursements) for valid and documented Passports, Visas, immunizations expenses etc.?

RESPONSE: No the Government does not cover costs for Passports, Visas, or any other associated costs.

PWS para 1.8 // QUESTION: States “The contractor shall submit a QCP with the proposal, which will identify the standards, processes, procedures, and checklists for all tasks performed”. Will the Government please confirm that offerors must submit their Quality Control Plan with proposals and with what volume it is to be submitted? Also will the Government please confirm it is excluded from page limitations and is not included in the evaluation criteria?

RESPONSE: The Quality Control Plan shall be submitted as a stand-alone document and there are no page limitations.

PWS para 1.8.1 // QUESTION: Please clarify contradiction. The solicitation does not indicate that the QCP is required to be submitted with the proposal.

RESPONSE: The Quality Control Plan is required and shall be submitted as a stand-alone document and there are no page limitations.

PWS para 1.8.2.1 // QUESTION: Will the government please clarify the scope and frequency of the Drug Testing program for this effort? All Instructor/SME personnel are exempt employees and maintain high professional and educational credentials. They are also more senior in age and experience. The variation in Task Orders requirements and timing also may be a challenge to test them. What has been the history of drug testing on the current contract?

RESPONSE: Scope and frequency of random drug testing is for the contractor to determine.

PWS para 1.10.1 // QUESTION: What is a Visitor Group Security Agreement (VGSA)?

RESPONSE: This is an agreement between the contractor and the installation commander to ensure that the contractor’s security procedures are properly integrated with those of the installation.

PWS para 1.10.5 // QUESTION: This project/effort is not denoted as “classified” nor is the level of classification noted. Visit requests with security clearances can only be submitted via JPAS/DISS for efforts where there is a need to access classified information. The courses are denoted as Unclassified and a DD254 was not provided.

RESPONSE: Contractor employees may need to access classified information relevant to student deployments and ongoing military operations in preparation for and delivery of training. The DD254 is company specific and so will be provided post-award.

PWS para 1.11 // QUESTION: Is there specific gov't provided training required to operate Gov't vehicles?

i.e. flight line driving

RESPONSE: No, there is not any Government provided training required to operate Government Vehicles.

PWS para 1.11 // QUESTION: States that Contractor may be required to drive Government furnished vehicles and shall be responsible for transporting Government property between the Government site and Contractor’s place of performance. Please confirm if these are true requirements in support of this effort, if not request removal of these tasks.

RESPONSE: This is a valid requirement. Training events and practical exercises may be conducted in various locations, both on and off JB-MDL, and contractors may be required to operate Government furnished vehicles and transport Government property in support of those events.

PWS para 1.11 // QUESTION: Is the referring to contractor staff reporting to and from the worksite?

RESPONSE: Yes, as well as any movement required during the training day from one training location to another.

PWS para 1.11 // QUESTION: Will this task be performed using personal vehicles or government General Purpose/Special Purpose vehicles?

RESPONSE: Transportation of Government property will be performed using Government vehicles.

PWS para 1.11 // QUESTION: Will 48 CFR § 252.228-7001 - Ground and flight risk clauses be authorized for this effort?

RESPONSE: No, this contract does not pertain to the development, production, modification, maintenance, repair, flight, or overhaul of aircraft.

PWS para 1.13 // QUESTION: Will the offeror be allowed to bill separately for overtime in instances where additional hours or days require a workweek greater than 40 hours? If not, can an estimate be provided on the number of overtime hours that will be required by position? Can an overall allowance for overtime hours be provided by the government?

RESPONSE: Overtime is not required. Extended training days, weekends, and holidays would only be scheduled to make up lost training time to recover from weather problems, scheduling conflicts, and other administrative or mission requirements

PWS para 1.15.1 // QUESTION: It is my understating that CMR or CMRA reporting was moved to sam.gov for FY20 reporting and that the eCMRA site was decommissioned on 6/19/20. Please confirm that CMR is to be performed via sam.gov.

RESPONSE: That is correct. CMR is now to be reported via the https://www.sam.gov website.

PWS para 1.15.1 // QUESTION: IAW DFARs rule Case # 2018-D063 the CMR is no longer able to be reported in ECRMA. Please clarify the Government's requirement for the CMR.

RESPONSE: CMR is now to be reported via the https://www.sam.gov website.

https://www.sam.gov/ https://www.sam.gov/

PWS para 1.16.1 // QUESTION: Please clarify how often explosives will be used? Will the government provide training (i.e. explosives handling)?

RESPONSE: Pyrotechnic explosives are rarely used in conjunction with practical exercises to simulate combat scenarios, having almost entirely been replaced with electronic simulators. In the unlikely event explosive training is required, it will be provided by the Government.

PWS para 1.16.1 // QUESTION: Please specify class of explosives that will be used.

RESPONSE: Training aids classified as "pyrotechnics" are rarely used.

PWS para 1.16.2 // QUESTION: Will the government require/provide range operations training?

RESPONSE: Yes, the Government will provide range operation training.

PWS para 1.17 // QUESTION: The link https://golearn.csd.disa.mil for the required training does not work. Will the government please provide an updated link or method to complete this training?

RESPONSE: Access to complete ancillary training will be provided during the mobilization period.

PWS – SECTION 2 SERVICES SUMMARY

PWS para 2.1 Chart // QUESTION: Will the Government please clarify what constitutes a deficiency for

PO-1?

RESPONSE: Not having a qualified instructor available to conduct class as scheduled constitutes a deficiency

PWS para 2.1 Chart // QUESTION: There is no PWS reference 1.4.3. Will the Government please provide the correct reference?

RESPONSE: This is a typo, 1.4.3 should refer to "Specific Qualifications and Duties."

PWS para 2.1 Chart // QUESTION: Will the Government please clarify what constitutes a deficiency for

PO-3?

RESPONSE: Deficiency would be failing to conduct training IAW curriculum; an example is failing to follow the lesson plan.

PWS para 2.1 Chart // QUESTION: There is no PWS reference 1.4.3.1.4. Will the Government please provide the correct reference?

RESPONSE: This is a typo, reference is 1.4.2.1.4.

PWS para 2.1 Chart // QUESTION: There is no PWS reference 1.4.3.1.7. Will the Government please provide the correct reference?

RESPONSE: Reference is 1.4.2.1.9

APPENDIX B – SUMMARY OF AIR ADVISOR ACADEMIC COURSES

PWS Appendix B // QUESTION: Appendix B of the PWS provides an instructor/student ratio and maximum number of students per class. Is the Government able to also provide some guidance on whether any of these instructors are expected to be Government instructors so that offerors can accurately estimate the number of contract instructors required?

RESPONSE: The contractor is expected to provide all instructors.

PWS Appendix B // QUESTION: Please clarify if instructors will be required to participate in, monitor, or verify Computer based training.

RESPONSE: Instructors are required to monitor student enrollment, progress, and completion of CBTs.

PWS Appendix B.1, B.2, and B.3 // QUESTION: Please provide instructor/student ratio during testing.

RESPONSE: Instructor/student ratio limits do not apply to testing.

PWS Appendix B // QUESTION: Can you provide a copy of a complete master lesson file for the Air Advisor Initial Qualification Course that would include any lesson cards, facilitator guide, student handouts, and references as an example of the USAF curriculum being taught?

RESPONSE: IAW para. 1.2.1.1 “The contractor will be responsible for accomplishing lesson plans and practical exercises to support training”.

PWS Appendix B // QUESTION: Is there a desire for any training interactions of students between the three courses listed in the PWS or are they completely independent of each other?

RESPONSE: Courses listed in Appendix B are conducted completely independent of each other.

PWS Appendix B and B-3 // QUESTION: Air Advisor Instructor Certification Course – Please clarify which contract instructor(s) is expected to instruct or support this course.

PWS APPENDIX C – PUBLICATIONS

PWS Appendix C // QUESTION: Request digital copies of the publications listed in Appendix C be made available to bidders in digital form. Specifically:

AFM 36-2234, Instructional Systems Development

Pamphlet 91-208(I) Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs), Program of Instruction (POI) and CCAF Polices, Procedures and Guidelines (PPG)

USAF EC OI 34-270, USAF EC Library Operations

USAF EC OI 36-107, USAF EC Course Hotwash Process

USAF EC OI 60-100, USAF EC Classroom Facility Scheduling and Management

USAF EC OI 36-108, USAF EC Instructional System Development Process

USAF EC OI 60-101, USAF EC Multimedia Management and Support

USAF EC OI 36-103, USAF EC Faculty Development and Evaluation

USAF EC OI 32-1001, USAF EC Facilities Standards

USAF EC OI 60-104, Project Requirements Process

USAF EC OI 36-110, USAF EC Academic Standards

USAF EC OI 33-102, USAF EC Publications and Forms Management Program

AFH 36-2235, Instructional Systems Development

RESPONSE: All referenced USAF EC OIs have been consolidated and replaced by EOSI 36-100, attached as part of Amendment 0003 of Solicitation, and addresses the actual instructor requirements.

PWS Appendix C // QUESTION: Will the Government please provide the appropriate publications pertaining to instructor certification, such as Pamphlet 91-208(I) Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs), Program of Instruction (POI), and CCAF Polices, Procedures and Guidelines (PPG), which does not appear to be accessible to the public. Our research reveals that several publications in PWS Appendix C do not seem to be available to the public over the internet. Will the Government please provide information on how to access these publications?

RESPONSE: All referenced publications have been consolidated and replaced by EOSI 36-100, attached as part of Amendment 0003 of Solicitation.

ATTACHMENT 0006 – PAST PERFORMANCE QUESTIONNAIRE (PPQ)

PPQ // QUESTION: Will the government please extend the due date of past performance questionnaires to coincide with the due date of the proposal?

RESPONSE: See Amendment 0003 of the solicitation, due date is extended to 30 Oct 2020.

PPQ // QUESTION: Will the Government please confirm that Questions 16-19 in the Past Performance Questionnaire are the contract requirements that the Government meant to include in the questionnaire?

RESPONSE: See revised PPQ, Questions 16-19 have been removed.