Questions and Responses

Questions and Responses 2 Feb 2011

Q: Is there a maximum number of pages for the Past Performance Volume?

A: No. However see section L at paragraph 1, entitled “Volume II (Past Performance),” Item A., entitled “Recent Past Performance.”

Q: Section M – Evaluation Factors for Award clearly states in 2.c., that “Past Performance as a factor is significantly more important than price.” Yet according to the Proposal Evaluation Approach, Step 1 will rank all proposals by price and Step 2 will assess performance confidence for only a minimum of four (4) of the lowest priced acceptable offers. The Proposal Evaluation Approach appears to directly contradict the previous statement, as price will be significantly more important than past performance in order to be within the four lowest priced offers. Please explain the process further.

A: Reference Section M paragraph 2. The stated evaluation factors are (1) Past Performance (2) Price. The proposal evaluation approach in 2.c. is correct as referenced. As referenced in paragraph 2a, the Government “To arrive at a best value decision, the Government will make a “Best Value” determination considering an offerors past/present performance and total proposed price for the project.” The proposal evaluation approach, steps (1) and (2), is correct and should not be confused with the evaluation factors. Reference Section M, paragraph entitled, “Factor 2: Price. (Volume 2)”, reflects how price will be evaluated. Your attention is invited to paragraph e.1(b) which states, “Proposed prices will be evaluated to determine if prices are unreasonably high or low in relation to the Government’s independent cost estimate, and proposed prices received in response to the solicitation.”

Q: The bid schedule is 542 pages long. Are all offerors expected to submit the 542 page bid schedule? Will a more reasonable bid schedule be issued, such as an Excel spreadsheet?

A: The offer schedule will be included in the resultant contract award. An Excel Spreadsheet or other schedule will not be issued.

Q: The bid date is on a Monday, which is unusual and difficult to arrange deliveries. Will an extension of the bid due date be considered to allow the accommodation for overnight deliveries?

A: Due to a forthcoming amendment, the due date for receipt of proposal will be extended to “on or about 11 Feb 2011.”