Pre-Proposal_Conference_Briefing_Slides_-_16_Apr_2013.pdf

USAFE / AFAFRICA

HQ USAFE Advisory & Assistance Services (A&AS) III

Pre-proposal Conference

FA5613-13-R-0007

16 Apr 2013

Contracting Officer: Ms. Kristy Truitt Contract Specialists: Mr. Rick Enriquez Mr. Henning Mayer-Goldstein

Agenda Welcome

Commander’s Opening Remarks Ethics Principles Acquisition Information Schedule RFP Review

Section A, SF 33 Section B, Supplies or Services and Price/Costs Section H, Special Contract Requirements Section I, Contract Clauses Section J, Documents, Exhibits and Attachments Section K, Representations & Certifications Section L, Instructions, Conditions and Notices Section M, Evaluation Factors for Award

Lunch Break Q & A

Opening Remarks

Rachelle Osborn, Maj, USAF Commander, USAFE CONS Specialized Flight

Ethics Principles – Basics

FAR 3.101-1 – Gov business shall be conducted in a manner above reproach … with complete impartiality and with preferential treatment for none. Avoid strictly any conflict of interest or even the appearance of a conflict of interest.

FAR 3.101-2 – An employee shall not solicit or accept, directly or indirectly, any gratuity, gift, favor or anything of monetary value from anyone who is seeking Gov business, who conducts activities regulated by the agency, or has interests that may be substantially affect by performance of employees official duties.

Procurement Information

Ban on Disclosing Procurement Information (FAR 3.104-3(a)) PIA prohibits disclosure of “contractor proposal information” and

“source selection information.”

Ban applies to: Current/Former Federal Employees and Contract

Advisers.

Ban on Obtaining Procurement Information (FAR 3.104-3(b))

PIA prohibits individuals from knowingly obtaining “contractor proposal information” or “source selection information” before the award of the contract to which such information relates, other than as provided by law.

Ban applies to everyone (including government employees and contractor personnel).

Exchanges After Release of Solicitation (FAR 15.201(f)) The Contracting Officer is the focal point of any exchange with potential offerors.

Conflicts of Interest

18 USC § 208 – Personal Conflicts of Interest A government employee may not participate personally and substantially in any government matter that would affect his/her financial interests or those imputed to him.

Imputed Interests – Spouse, Minor Child, General Partners, Securities Interest Appearance of a Conflict of Interest (5 CFR 2635.502; JER)

Personal and Business Relationships: Government employees are prohibited from participating in any official matter when a reasonable person with knowledge of the relevant facts would question their impartiality.

Covered Relationships – Member of Household, Relatives

Conflicts of Interest

Gifts – Shall not solicit or accept, directly or indirectly, a gift from a prohibited source or given because of official position.

Defined – any favor, discount, entertainment, hospitality, loan, forbearance or other item having monetary value.

Employment Contact Reporting Rule (FAR 3.104-3(c))

If an employee who is participating personally and substantially in a procurement contacts, or is contacted by, an offeror in that procurement regarding possible employment, the employee must initially report the contact and either reject or disqualify him or herself.

Conclusion

Follow the Basics Protect Procurement Information Avoid Conflicts of Interest Raise Concerns

Acquisition Information

Scope Broad technical and analytical services to support and improve policy development, decision making, and management and administration, as well as improve the operation of systems within the primary using activities’ areas of responsibility

A&AS Categories Management, Operational and Professional Support Services Studies, Analyses and Evaluations Engineering and Technical Services

Primary using activities HQ USAFE, USAFE bases, USAFE geographically separated units

EUCOM

AFRICOM

USAREUR, including IMCOM

Purpose of Pre-proposal Conference Any changes to the requirement will be incorporated by formal amendment to the RFP All amendments will be posted to www.fbo.gov Pre-proposal conference minutes and presentation will be made available on www.fbo.gov All written questions submitted will be responded to and posted to www.fbo.gov Questions should list PWS and/or RFP reference to include part, chapter, section, and paragraph if applicable Submitted NLT 29 April 2013 at 1600 CET

The Government intends to award this effort based upon the initial proposal, as received, without discussion

Proposals shall not contain any classified information

USAFE A&AS III Schedule

RFP release – 29 Mar 2013 Pre-proposal Conference – 16 Apr 2013 Proposal due dates

All Volumes – 13 May 2013 at 16:00 CET Release of ENs – 7 Sep 2013 (if required) Contract Award – 28 Apr 2014 Performance Begins – 1 May 2014

120 day transition period included in performance period

RFP Review Section A – SF 33

Block 12 – Minimum Bid Acceptance Period, please insert 365 calendar days

Block 13 – Prompt Payment Discount Block 14 – Acknowledge all amendments by inserting amendment number and date Blocks 15A, 15B and 15C – Provide complete street address, CAGE Code, facility code, and contact number Block 16 – Ensure name and title are entered Block 17 – Original signature required Block 18 – Insert offer date

Section B – Supplies or Services and

Price/Costs

DO NOT complete any pricing information in Section B Use Attachment 2 to input proposed prices

Max Quantity/Unit of Issue Contract writing system requirement for IDIQ contracts

Pricing Structure FFP task orders will be issued to the maximum extent possible FP LOE task orders are reserved for studies, analyses and surge work when deemed appropriate by the Government Cost Reimbursable CLINs for travel, training and other direct costs only

CLIN CLIN Type Noun

XX01 FFP Labor (Zone 1) XX02 FFP LOE Labor (Zone 1) XX03 FFP Labor (Zone 2) XX04 FFP LOE Labor (Zone 2) XX05 FFP Labor (Zone 3) XX06 FFP LOE Labor (Zone 3) XX07 CR Travel XX08 CR ODCs

XX09 CR Training

XX10 NSP Data

XX11 NSP Transition Period

0012 FFP

Post-Award Conference

Zone 1: Germany, Italy & other in-scope locations

Zone 2: UK Zone 3: Continental United

States ODCs

To provide logistical support funding depending on the customer’s budget and requirements

To provide funding for over and above task order specific certification requirements

Transition Period Will be included in the task order base year PoP

Section B – Supplies or Services and Price/Costs

Section H – Special Contract Requirements

H-1 Logistics Support Germany – DOCPER Italy – DOCPER United Kingdom – UK has not approved this requirement as eligible for the UK Civilian Component Stamp Other than NATO countries must comply with the International

Agreement of the host nation

Section H – Special Contract Requirements

H-2 Ordering Orders may be placed on the last day of the ordering period The period of performance for orders shall not extend past 30 Apr

Performance after 30 Apr 2019 shall be proposed within the pre-negotiated labor rates A&AS III contractors are highly encouraged to submit a proposal for every requirement solicited Negotiated labor rates act as a ceiling

Rates may be discounted during task order competition

Section H – Special Contract Requirements

H-3 Options May establish options on individual orders when necessary No order shall exceed three years or extend past 30 Apr 2020 Evaluation of options does not obligate the Government to exercise option(s) H- 4 On/Off Ramps

The Government reserves the right to re-open competition any time during term of contract

Any contractor that received a basic contract award shall not re-compete

Contract terms and conditions do not change Government may permit a contract to expire or terminate a contract as permitted by the contract terms and conditions AFPEO/CM will make the final determination regarding implementation of on/off ramps

Clauses/provisions incorporated by reference may be accessed at www.acquisition.gov/far/index.html www.farsite.hill.af.mil

52.217-8, Option to Extend Services Six (6) month extension for task orders only

252.232-7007, Limitation of Government’s Obligation 252.237-7023, Continuation of Essential Contractor Services

Section I – Contract Clauses

Section J –Documents, Exhibits and Attachments

Exhibit A Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) Attachment 1 Performance Work Statement Attachment 2 Labor Category Pricing Spreadsheet Attachment 3 DD 254 Contract Security Classification Specification Attachment 4 Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan * Attachment 5 Sample Task Order * Attachment 6 Past Performance Information Document * Attachment 7 Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) * Attachment 8 PPQ Cover Letter * Attachment 9 Subcontractor Consent Letter * Attachment 10 Client Authorization Letter * Attachment 11 Equal Employment Opportunity Clearance Request * Attachment 12 Awardable Task Order #1 * Attachment 13 Awardable Task Order #2 * Attachment 14 Awardable Task Order #3 * Attachment 15 Notional Task Order Transition Plan * Attachment 16 Environmental Management System Flyer *

* Will not become an attachment to the contract

Section J –Documents, Exhibits and Attachments

Attachment 2, Labor Category Pricing

Offeror:

Labor Skill Set Category ID Number

Accred Type Rate Period Labor Rate

Per Hour Estimated

Hours* Total Labor

ZONE 1 - Germany, Italy & other in-scope locations Military Planner I 101 AS 1 May 2014 - 30 Apr 2015 3,840 $ - Military Planner II 102 AS 1 May 2014 - 30 Apr 2015 1 $ - Military Planner III 103 AS 1 May 2014 - 30 Apr 2015 38,940 $ - Systems Administrator I 134 TE 1 May 2014 - 30 Apr 2015 1 $ - Systems Administrator II 135 TE 1 May 2014 - 30 Apr 2015 9,580 $ - Systems Administrator III 136 TE 1 May 2014 - 30 Apr 2015 2,880 $ -

ZONE 2 - United Kingdom Functional Analyst I 201 UK 1 May 2014 - 30 Apr 2015 1 $ - Functional Analyst II 202 UK 1 May 2014 - 30 Apr 2015 1 $ - Functional Analyst III 203 UK 1 May 2014 - 30 Apr 2015 1 $ -

ZONE 3 - Continental United States Military Planner I 301 AS 1 May 2014 - 30 Apr 2015 1 $ - Military Planner II 302 AS 1 May 2014 - 30 Apr 2015 1 $ - Military Planner III 303 AS 1 May 2014 - 30 Apr 2015 1 $ - Systems Administrator I 334 TE 1 May 2014 - 30 Apr 2015 1 $ - Systems Administrator II 335 TE 1 May 2014 - 30 Apr 2015 1 $ - Systems Administrator III 336 TE 1 May 2014 - 30 Apr 2015 1 $ - Functional Analyst I 361 UK 1 May 2014 - 30 Apr 2015 1 $ - Functional Analyst II 362 UK 1 May 2014 - 30 Apr 2015 1 $ - Functional Analyst III 363 UK 1 May 2014 - 30 Apr 2015 1 $ -

SUMMARY TRAVEL TOTALS

Period Period of Performance Estimated

Travel Cost* Proposed

G&A Rate (%) Total Travel

Base Year 1 May 2014 - 30 Apr 2015 $ 410,233.00 $ 410,233.00

Option Year 1 1 May 2015 - 30 Apr 2016 $ 422,539.00 $ 422,539.00

Option Year 2 1 May 2016 - 30 Apr 2017 $ 435,216.00 $ 435,216.00

Option Year 3 1 May 2017 - 30 Apr 2018 $ 448,272.00 $ 448,272.00

Option Year 4 1 May 2018 - 30 Apr 2019 $ 461,720.00 $ 461,720.00

SUMMARY TRAINING TOTALS

Period Period of Performance Estimated

Training Cost* Proposed

G&A Rate (%) Total Travel

Base Year 1 May 2014 - 30 Apr 2015 $ 31,518.00 $ 31,518.00

Option Year 1 1 May 2015 - 30 Apr 2016 $ 32,464.00 $ 32,464.00

Option Year 2 1 May 2016 - 30 Apr 2017 $ 33,437.00 $ 33,437.00

Option Year 3 1 May 2017 - 30 Apr 2018 $ 4,441.00 $ 34,441.00

Option Year 4 1 May 2018 - 30 Apr 2019 $ 35,474.00 $ 35,474.00

Section K – Representations, Certifications, and other Statements of Offerors

Complete representations, certifications, acknowledgements and statements as appropriate

Prospective offerors must ensure their registration on the SAM is current - formerly known as the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) - as registration must be completed to be considered eligible for award

Representations and Certifications must also be updated via SAM. See https://www.sam.gov and https://acquisition.gov for registration information

Section L – Instructions, Conditions and Notices

Proposals due NLT 13 May 2013 at 1600 CET Hand carried proposals – delivered to USAFE CONS Specialized as indicated If mailed - allow enough time to arrive to the designated address no later than the proposal due date and time Only hand delivered or mailed proposals will be accepted

Section L – Instructions, Conditions and Notices

Volume # Title Page Limit Unbound Original

Bound Copies/

CD Copies

Volume I Technical 65 1 4/2

Volume II Past Performance 50 1 4/2

Volume III Price No limit 1 4/2

Volume IV Administrative Documents No limit 1 4/2

Volume V Awardable Task Orders 15 pages per TO 1 4/2

Proposal Organization Be mindful of page limitations

Excess pages will not be considered in the evaluation Cover pages; table of contents and indexes; list of figures, tables or drawings; tabs; blank pages; glossaries; cross reference matrices; document revision history tracking records

These pages shall not be numbered Past Performance Questionnaires, Subcontractor Consent Letters and Client Authorization Letters are not included in the Past Performance Volume page count

When both sides of a page display printing, it counts as two pages

Be mindful of page and font size requirements

Section L – Instructions, Conditions and Notices

Volume II, Factor 2 – Past Performance Recent and Relevant Contracts Past Performance Information Document (PPID)

No more than seven (7) references for prime offeror No more than three (3) references for major subcontractors References in excess of this number shall not be evaluated

Past Performance Questionnaires Offeror is responsible for distribution

Consent and Client Authorization Letters Executed by each teaming /joint venture partner and major subs Organization Structure Change History as necessary

Section L – Instructions, Conditions and Notices

Section M – Evaluation Factors for Award

Basis for IDIQ Award Lowest Price Technically Acceptable All proposals are ranked by price from low to high Concurrent technical and past performance evaluations, starting with the lowest priced proposal Award to a minimum of two with a target of four lowest priced offerors that receive an acceptable rating on all evaluation factors and subfactors

If the intended number of proposals are evaluated as technically acceptable and receive acceptable past performance ratings, the Government may award without discussions, without further evaluation

Intent is to award without discussions; however, the Government reserves the right to establish a competitive range and conduct discussions if deemed in its best interest

Section M – Evaluation Factors for Award

Factor 1: Technical Acceptability Subfactor 1: Transition Plan

Overall Approach Transition period length/key activities

DOCPER

Security requirements

Subfactor 2: Management Plan Overall Approach Quality Control Recruitment and Retention Subcontracting

Subfactor 3: Sample Task Order Technical Narrative Documentation Price Proposal

Section M – Evaluation Factors for Award

Factor 2: Past Performance

Recent Efforts on-going or have been performed during past three years from date of issuance of the solicitation (29 Mar 13)

Relevant Similar magnitude and complexity

Magnitude: Contracts with minimum value of $1M annually or an aggregate total of $1M annually

Complexity: Efforts similar to the A&AS III requirement Relevance of an effort in which the offeror participated as a subcontractor or under a joint venture arrangement will be determined based on the work performed by the offeror

Sparse or no record of relevant past performance equals an acceptable past performance rating

Section M– Evaluation Factors for Award

Factor 3: Price Section J, Attachment 2 contains the total evaluated price Total Evaluated Price

Sum of the offeror’s proposed prices for the base period and each option period

Includes the total of all labor categories’ extended prices plus the total of travel (including G&A) and training (including G&A)

Price Analysis Price Reasonableness Unbalanced Pricing

Section M – Evaluation Factors for Award

Three (3) Awardable TOs Basis for Awardable TO award

Determined after selection of IDIQ awardees Lowest Price Technically Acceptable Rank proposals of eligible awardees by price from low to high Evaluate task order proposals Award will be made to the lowest priced offerors that receive an acceptable rating on the technical narrative and transition plan for each TO to be awarded

Section M – Evaluation Factors for Award

Factor 1: Technical Narrative Unique criteria for each Awardable TO Acceptable when the technical narrative successfully demonstrates a thorough understanding and comprehensive knowledge of:

Awardable TO #1

ISR systems security, ISR Coalition programs, developing AF DCGS compatible orientation programs to support introduction of military personnel to AF DCGS-like tactics, TTPs for processing, exploitation, and dissemination of airborne ISR information, and conducting site surveys and inspection tasking of existing or new sites for deployment or bed-down of customer supported systems and examining other aspects of facility security

Section M – Evaluation Factors for Award

Factor 1: Technical Narrative (cont) Acceptable when the technical narrative successfully demonstrates a thorough understanding and comprehensive knowledge of:

Awardable TO #2

Ensuring systems integration, network connectivity, oversight, maintenance, support and continuous IT infrastructure for the following systems: 1) SharePoint, 2) DEAMS, 3) DJMS, 4) DTS and 5)

EMTS

Awardable TO #3 Maintaining network operations and providing VTC and operations support through the following: ISDN, TCP/IP, SIPR Net VTC, DISA STIG, and DISN DVS-G

Section M – Evaluation Factors for Award

Factor 2: Transition Plan Criteria is the same for each Awardable TO Plan should be tailored to the PWS requirements Acceptable when the offeror:

Successfully demonstrates the knowledge, skills and ability to effectively transition from the incumbent contractor

Successfully demonstrates a clear understanding of the transition responsibilities for the TO

Realistic approach to transition at the end of the TO period of performance (i.e., phase out)

Approach to the transition is reasonable and realistic Includes a detailed schedule of the transition period activities Adequately details the anticipated tasks and projected start and completion dates Transition plan that does not exceed 120 calendar days prior to 1

September 2014

Section M – Evaluation Factors for Award

Factor 3: Price Criteria is the same for each Awardable TO Elements of Price Proposal

An overall summary of costs Price per labor category & number of labor hours proposed in each labor category proposed, as well as any travel (including G&A), training (including G&A) and ODCs, for the base period and any option period(s)

52.217-8, Option to Extend Services The proposed labor rates for the second option year will be multiplied by

50% of the labor hours proposed for the corresponding labor category in the second option year

Total Evaluated Price The total price for the base year and any option(s), including all direct and indirect costs Price Analysis, Price Reasonableness, Unbalanced Pricing

Questions & Answers

A question and answer session will be conducted after lunch

The Government will provide answers to questions submitted prior to the conference

Attendees will be given the opportunity to ask questions regarding the solicitation or any information presented

All questions regarding the proposal must be received by 1600 CET, 29 Apr 13

BREAK FOR LUNCH

Q&A

SESSION

# RFP Section Industry Question Government Response

1 SF 33 (Item 9) and Section L- 1.B Table 1

Please clarify the number of bound copies of the proposal to submit along with the unbound original. Does the government require 4 or 5 copies of the proposal?

Offerors shall submit a total of 5 copies of the proposal, which includes 1 unbound original and 4 bound.

2 Awardable task orders contain government estimated values for Travel. In developing the price for the awardable task orders are the offerors to use the government estimated travel amount plus the offeror’s projected G&A to arrive at the total dollar value or just use the government estimated value without mark-up in its proposal?

Under A&AS III, G&A is an allowable cost for travel. If a travel G&A rate is proposed on the IDIQ contract, this rate may be applied to the government estimated travel amount provided in each awardable task order. If applied at the task order level, the travel G&A rate cannot be higher than the travel G&A rate proposed on the IDIQ contract.

3 In the pricing table for G&A: is G&A to be treated as cost reimbursable at the rate the contractor is experiencing in a given year or at a fixed rate based on the amount proposed in the pricing exhibit applied as a fixed mark up for all years?

During task order performance, the G&A rate will be reimbursed at the rate agreed to at the time of task order award and will only be paid on actual travel or training costs incurred. The contract contains clause 52.216-7, Allowable Cost and Payment, which requires the contractor to submit a final indirect cost rate proposal within the 6-month period following the expiration of each of its fiscal years. A final indirect cost rate will be agreed to and documented in accordance with the terms of the clause. The contract also contains 52.242-4, Certification of Final Indirect Costs, which requires the contractor to certify to the data provided in the indirect cost proposal.

Furthermore, in accordance with FAR 42.705 and 52.216-7, within 120 days after settlement of the final annual indirect cost rates for all years of a physically complete contract, the contractor must submit a completion invoice or voucher reflecting the settled amounts and rates. If the contractor fails to submit the invoice, the CO may determine the amounts due and issue a unilateral mod to the contract as a final decision. 41

4a Please clarify and better define the term unbalanced bid and how the government analyzes/determine a bid to be unbalanced?

In accordance with Section L, paragraph L-1.F.5 (page 89), an offer may be materially unbalanced if it is based on prices which are significantly less than the price for some contract line items (labor categories) and/or significantly overstated in relation to price for others as indicated by price analysis techniques.

4b Unbalancing can occur within a labor category and among labor categories with identical education and experience requirements. If the pricing for a Sr.

Engineer versus a Systems Engineer – Advanced were greatly disparate while the requirement for each level between the two are almost identical, would that be considered unbalanced and if so, what action would the Government take in that instance?

The Government cannot provide a determination of unbalanced pricing or any specific action that would be taken on the example provided. Section L, paragraph L- 1.F.5 (page 89) states that if the offer appears to be unbalanced, the offeror should provide substantiating information to explain the rationale behind the unbalanced offer.

Section M, paragraph M-2.C.4 (page 98) states “Offers that are determined to be materially unbalanced MAY be rejected.”

In accordance with FAR 15.404-1(g)(3), an offer MAY be rejected if the contracting officer determines that the lack of balance poses an unacceptable risk to the Government. If the concern for unbalanced pricing arises, the Government may take two courses of action:

1) if the Government determines it can award without discussions or an offer is removed from the competitive range, then offers posing an unacceptable risk to the Government will be rejected. 2) If the Government determines holding discussions is necessary, offerors still in the competitive range with suspected unbalanced pricing will be afforded an opportunity to respond to Government evaluation notices on the subject and the opportunity to submit a proposal revision.

4c What are the consequences of an unbalanced bid?

Section M, paragraph M-2.C.4 states that offers that are determined to be materially unbalanced may be rejected. It is imperative for offerors to provide additional information to explain any appearance of unbalanced pricing.

FAR 15.404-1(g)(3) states an offer may be rejected if the contracting officer determines that the lack of balance poses an unacceptable risk to the Government.

4d Will the government evaluate the labor category rates across all offerors and determined to be unbalanced those rates that are inconsistent with competitor rates?

The Government will use price analysis techniques to make any unbalanced determination that poses an unacceptable risk to the Government (reference L-1.F.5, page 89). IAW FAR 15.404-1(g)(1), unbalanced pricing exists when, despite an acceptable total evaluated price, the price of one or more contract line items is significantly over or understated as indicated by the application of cost or price analysis techniques. The greatest risks associated with unbalanced pricing occur when (ii) Base quantities and option quantities are separate line items; or (iii) The evaluated price is the aggregate of estimated quantities to be ordered under separate line items of an indefinite-delivery contract.

4e Since the government is not asking for a cost buildup of each labor category or a compensation plan how does the government determine what a reasonable person will pay for a given labor rate?

The Government will use price analysis techniques to make the reasonableness determination (reference M-1.C.1, page 97 and FAR 15.404-1(b)).

The contract does contain the provision at 52.222-46, Evaluation of Compensation for Professional Employees, which requires offerors to submit a total compensation plan setting forth salaries and fringe benefits proposed for the professional employees who will work under the contract.

5a What is the government’s estimate of the total value of this contract given firm commitments by users of the A&AS III contract vehicle?

The awardable task order list would lead one to believe that firm commitments are substantially lower than the ceiling value of $172M (perhaps less than1/3 of the $172M ceiling).

The Government’s estimate is $172M over the five year period of performance.

5b Has EUCOM, AFRICOM and USAREUR identified firm task orders to be contracted through the A&AS III vehicle? If yes, please provide a brief description of the services contracted through this vehicle as it appears the awardable task orders are all USAFE customers.

Below is a brief description of the anticipated requirements for other than USAFE customers. This list may not be all inclusive, and requirements are subject to change.

1) Develop and maintain theatre Command & Control architectures

2) Knowledge Management/Program and Project Management and Systems Engineering Software Development

3) Information Operations Support Planners for training and deliverables of plans and reports

4) Missile defense planning

5) Joint Training & Exercise Support

6) Strategic Planning

6 Section L.

Instructions Are offerors permitted to use 11x17 page size for tables and graphics in Volumes I, II, and V?

In accordance with Section L, paragraph L-1.B.2 (page 83), page size shall be 8.5 x 11, not including foldouts. 11x17 paper can be used for tables and graphics, as long as it is folded to 8.5 x 11.

7 Section L.

Instructions

Will the government reduce the font size requirement for table text and graphics, or should offerors follow the 11pt font requirement?

As outlined in L-1.B.2 (page 83), the page size and format do not apply to Proposal Volumes III and IV. Offerors must comply with the page size and format instructions for Volumes I, II, and V. If tables and graphics are included in these volumes, they must be in accordance with these instructions.

8 Section L, Page

Does the text size requirement extend to graphics? If yes, we request that the Government please allow bidders to use a type size no less than 8 point for the lettering within graphics.

As outlined in L-1.B.2 (page 83), the page size and format do not apply to Proposal Volumes III and IV. Offerors must comply with the page size and format instructions for Volumes I, II, and V. If tables and graphics are included in these volumes, they must be in accordance with these instructions.

9 Section L-1.B.2 Font Size - Section L-1.B.2, of Section L states, “Except for the reproduced sections of the solicitation document, the text size shall be no less than 11 point in Times New Roman or Arial font.”

Can you please clarify the font sizes and types for graphics and tables in order for bidders to better manage their proposal page counts? We request allowing 8 point Arial for graphics and 10 point Arial or Times New Roman for tables. Eleven -point font size for graphics is very large and prohibits visual explanations of processes and activities.

As outlined in L-1.B.2 (page 83), the page size and format do not apply to Proposal Volumes III and IV. Offerors must comply with the page size and format instructions for Volumes I, II, and V. If tables and graphics are included in these volumes, they must be in accordance with these instructions.

10a The spreadsheet

”Attachment_2_AAS_III_Labor_Catego ry_Pricing”, tab “Summary Totals” offers amounts for Travel and Training, although the dollar amounts are not explained in the RFP. What is the derivation of the dollar amounts offered?

The estimates are based on historical data.

Reference Section L, paragraph L-1.F.6.e (page 90), which states that the Government will provide estimated labor hours per labor category, estimated travel expenses and estimated training expenses in Section J, Attachment 2. These factors will be provided for the base year and each option period and will be used to calculate the total evaluated price. All factors are government estimates based on historical data and may not reflect the actual level of effort or funding that will be expended during performance of the contract.

10b Do the Travel figures include relocation expenses?

No, the travel estimates do not include relocation expenses. The Travel CLIN will be used to provide funding for government required travel in support of task order requirements, not to reimburse logistical expenses. All relocation expenses shall be captured in the offeror’s fully burdened labor rates.

11 Section L Relevancy is defined as “contracts with a minimum value of $1M annually or an aggregate total of $1M annually.” Will the government accept a Task Order/Delivery Order reference less than $1M annually if the total IDIQ Contract Value is greater than $1M annually?

The government will only accept a task order reference less than $1M annually if other references are provided that, added together, equal the aggregate total at least $1M annually. For example, an offeror submits a task order for $500K annually and a task order for $750K annually.

Alone, neither of the task orders would be considered relevant in regards to magnitude, but together they total an aggregate of $1.25M. Please note, a task order with a minimum value of $1M annually cannot be combined with a task order less than $1M to equal an aggregate total of $1M.

12 Section L and M Reference Sparse or No Past Performance Reference:

Section L., states: “Failure to submit available recent and relevant past performance information may be the basis for an unacceptable rating.”

Section M., states: “Offerors without a record of relevant past performance for whom information is not available or so sparse that no meaningful past performance rating can be reasonably assigned, the offeror shall be determined to have unknown past performance. In accordance with DoD Source Selection Procedures, “unknown” shall be considered “acceptable”.

Will the government please clarify these discrepancies?

In accordance with Section L, paragraph L-1.E.1 (page 88), an offeror with no or so sparse past performance should submit the past performance volume with an explanation that they have no recent or relevant performance. The Government may seek out additional sources of past performance information (e.g., CPARS, DCMA, etc.). If during the Government’s evaluation, it is discovered that recent and relevant past performance information exists but was withheld from the offeror’s proposal, the offeror may be issued an unacceptable past performance rating.

If the Government’s evaluation confirms no recent or relevant past performance exists, this is considered unknown past performance and the offeror will be issued an acceptable past performance rating.

13 Section L- 1.D.3.a.ii; Section J Attachments 12, 13, 14 sections

3.8.1 – Awardable TOs

Transition – The base IDIQ contract allows for a 120 day transition period.

Each of the awardable Task Orders (TO) allow for 120 days transition as well.

Given that all the POPs begin 1 May 2014 (base and TOs) is it intended that the transition periods for base IDIQ and TOs would overlap to run concurrently?

If so, is there a mechanism to get incoming personnel access to the work location (badges, common access cards, etc.) prior to the final DOCPER acceptance of base IDIQ and TO? This would allow sufficient time for incoming and outgoing personnel to complete an orderly transfer of support responsibilities. Otherwise, much of the 120 day period for the TO transition is potentially used to get base IDIQ contract approval with incoming personnel sitting idle.

The transition period for the IDIQ and the TO will run concurrently. For each awardable TO, as part of technical acceptability, it is the offeror's responsibility to successfully demonstrate the knowledge, skills and ability to effectively transition from the incumbent contractor. If the offeror finds a way for personnel to obtain access to the work location prior to final DOCPER approval, the details surrounding that approach must be presented in the offeror's TO transition plan. The Government cannot provide direction on how offeror's transition from A&AS II to A&AS III.

14 Section L- 1.D.3.a.ii;

Section J Attachment 5 sections 3.8.1 – Sample TO

Transition - The base IDIQ contract allows for a 120 day transition period. The Sample TO allows for 90 day transition. Given that both the IDIQ and Sample TO POPs begin 1 May 2014, is it intended that these transition periods would overlap to run concurrently? If so, this leaves a 30 day gap between completing Sample TO transition and start of the contract (Sept 2014). Or is the intention to begin the Sample TO transition activities 30 days into the Base IDIQ 120-day cycle, thus ending simultaneously on Sept 2014?

No performance will occur on the Sample TO. It will be used solely to determine technical acceptability for IDIQ award.

There is no requirement in the solicitation for the offeror to provide a transition plan for the Sample TO. In accordance with Section L, paragraph L-1.D.3.c, for the Sample TO, the offeror shall provide a technical narrative, all necessary documentation for one employee to received TE and/or AS status accreditation as it applies to the Sample TO requirements, and a price proposal.

15 PWS Section

3.8.1 Basic

Contract, Page 12; Section L.1.H, Awardable Task Orders, Pages 91, 92, and 93;

Section J, Attachment 5, Sample Task Order, Subsection

3.8.1 Transition

Period, Page 22

In the PWS and in the Awardable Task Orders the RFP specifies that the transition period should not exceed 120 days, while in the Sample Task indicates the transition period should not exceed 90 days. May we request that the Sample Task Transition Period be changed from 90 to 120 days to keep a consistent baseline and timeline for all of the tasks?

No performance will occur on the Sample TO. It will be used solely to determine technical acceptability for IDIQ award.

There is no requirement in the solicitation for the offeror to provide a transition plan for the Sample TO. In accordance with Section L, paragraph L-1.D.3.c, for the Sample TO, the offeror shall provide a technical narrative, all necessary documentation for one employee to received TE and/or AS status accreditation as it applies to the Sample TO requirements, and a price proposal.

16 Section I – Contract Clauses, FAR Clause 52.222- 41 – Service Contract Act Of

1965 (NOV

2007)

Given the fact that Services for Labor Zone 1 & 2 are to be performed outside of the US, SCA would not be applicable IAW with Subpart 22.10-Service Contract Act of 1965. Services for Zone 3 would not be applicable IAW 29 CFR § 541.400 General rule for computer employees as this rule provides an exemption from the Service Contracts Act. Since the primary focus of this solicitation involves such services, would the Government consider removing this clause from the awarded arrangement?

After review of 29 CFR § 541.400, General rule for computer employees, the Government determined that this exemption does not apply to the majority of the services to be provided under A&AS III. The Government is performing additional research regarding the applicability of the SCA for Zone 3. Any change made to the solicitation will be issued via formal amendment.

17 SF 33 The SF33 page 2 of 101 states that CLIN 0001 is for Labor (Zone 1) FFP. Page 3 of 101 shows CLIN 0002 is for Labor (Zone 1) FFP- LOE. The same is repeated for Zones 2 and 3 on pages 3 -

5. Starting on page 88 of 101 we find the Instructions to Offerors section F. VOLUME III – PRICE, however there is no explanation in this section of how to address FFP CLINS versus FFP-LOE CLINs. Attachment_2_AAS_III_L abor_Category_Pricing makes no reference to FFP or FFP-LOE. The Sample Task and the three Awardable Task Orders only refer to the FFP CLINs. How are we to price CLINs 0002, 0004, and 0006?

Because all labor CLINs on the contract are Fixed Price, offerors are only authorized to price one labor rate per labor category in each zone. In other words, the labor rates proposed in Section J, Attachment 2 apply to the labor performed in the corresponding zone, regardless of contract type. The price evaluation for the sample and awardable task orders states, "the labor category(ies) proposed are the same as Section J, Attachment 2, and the associated price per labor category, as well as the G&A rate, is the same or less than the proposed price provided in Section J, Attachment 2 (reference Section M, paragraphs M-2.A.3.iii, M-3.C.1, M-2.F.1 and M-2.I.1).

18 Section L, Pages 86, 91, 92, and 93

Are the pricing pages included in the Task Order page counts? If yes, we request that the pricing pages be exempt from the page count in the Sample and Awardable Task Orders.

Yes, the price proposal requirements for the sample and awardable task orders count against the 15 page maximum per task order. Please note, the sample task order proposal is to be included in Volume I, as it is used to determine technical acceptability for the basic IDIQ award (reference L-1.D.3.c). At this time, the Government does not intend to update the solicitation to exempt the sample and awardable task order price proposals from the page counts.

19a Page 98 and throughout

Will the Government please specifically detail what it requires for pricing and man-hours in the Task Orders (Sample and Awardable)?

Offers are to provide a price proposal that clearly delineates the proposed labor categories, number of hours proposed per labor category, proposed price per labor category and any travel (including G&A costs), training (including G&A costs) or other direct costs as applicable for the base period and any option period(s) (reference L-1.D.3. (page 86), L-1.H.3 (page 91), L-1.H.4 (page 92) and L-1.H.5 (page 93). Section M states that the labor category(ies) proposed are the same as Section J, Attachment 2, and the associated price per labor category, as well as the G&A rate, is the same or less than the proposed price provided in Section J, Attachment 2 (reference M-2.A.3.iii (page 96), M-3.C.1 (page 99), M-3.F.1 (page 100), and M-3.I.1 (page 101).

19b Page 98 and throughout

Is the contractor expected to establish their own labor category requirements and number of hours based on the detail in the Sample Task SOW?

Yes. Offerors are responsible for proposing the labor mix required to successfully meet the task order requirements.

19c Page 98 and throughout

Will the Government provide an additional template or is the pricing sheet (Attachment 2) the document the Government expects contractors to complete for the STO?

Offerors are to provide a price proposal that clearly delineates the proposed labor categories, number of hours proposed per labor category, proposed price per labor category and any travel (including G&A costs), training (including G&A costs) or other direct costs as applicable for the base period and any option period(s) (reference L-1.D.3 (page 86), L-1.H.3 (page 91), L-1.H.4 (page 92) and L-1.H.5 (page 93). However, the Government is not mandating or requiring a specific template or format for the price proposals provided for the sample and awardable task orders. Please note, the sample and awardable task order price proposals are subject to the page limitations, page size and page formatting requirements outlined in L-1.B (Page 82).

20 Section B, Item

NO. 0002

For the FPP-LOE CLINs (0002, 0004, 0006 and corresponding Option CLINs) each have a MAX NET AMT CEILING PRICE. What basis does the Gov’t expect the offerors to provide this estimate? Section J, Attachment 2, does not reflect any labor estimates for FPP- LOE work.

Recommend the Gov’t update Section J, Attachment 2 to provide estimated labor hours for each category as a basis of workload.

In accordance with Section L, paragraph L- 1.G.4, the offeror shall not insert any information into Section B. See paragraph L- 1.F.6 for pricing instructions, which states that the offeror shall complete all tabs of the labor category pricing spreadsheet contained in Section J, Attachment 2. The matrix with the offeror’s pricing per category will be evaluated.

The offeror shall price the base year and each option period. The estimated labor hours provided in Section J, Attachment 2 provided do not take into account contract type. Because all labor CLINs on the contract are Fixed Price, offerors are only authorized to price one labor rate per labor category in each zone. In other words, the labor rates proposed in Section J, Attachment 2 apply to the labor performed in the corresponding zone, regardless of contract type.

21a Section B, ITEM NO. 0012

For Post Award Conference, it appears there would be only one associated with the award of the IDIQ basic contract;

however the MAX QUANTITY is indicating 4 for each unit.

The MAX QUANTITY should be listed as one (1). An amendment will be issued to correct this administrative oversight. Section M, paragraph M-1 states the minimum guarantee is $2,500.

The Government will award a task order in the amount of the minimum guarantee to each IDIQ awardee at the time of basic contract award for a post-award conference in accordance with Section J, Attachment 1, PWS paragraph 3.15.1.

The price for the minimum guarantee shall not be included in the offeror’s proposal, and it will not be used to calculate the offeror’s total evaluated price.

21b Section B, ITEM

NO. 0012

Does MAX 4 represent the number of contractor personnel needed to be estimated to attend a single post award conference?

The MAX QUANTITY should be listed as one (1), as there is a requirement for each IDIQ awardee to host one (1) post-award conference.

21c Section B, ITEM NO. 0012

Will there be multiple post-award conferences? Recommend the Gov’t provide event milestones that would require on during the based period of performance.

Each IDIQ awardee will be required to host one

(1) post award conference after award of the basic IDIQ contract. The details surrounding the post-award conference will be provided in the minimum guarantee task order that is awarded at the time of IDIQ award. In accordance with PWS paragraph 3.15.1, if outlined in the task order, the Contractor may be required to support post-award conferences and meetings after task order award.

21d Section B, ITEM

NO. 0012

It is noted there is not requirement during the option periods for a post award conference – is it correct to assume there will be no requirement associated with PWS Para. 3.15.1 for this effort?

In accordance with PWS paragraph 3.15.1, if outlined in the task order, the Contractor may be required to support post-award conferences and meetings after task order award. CLIN 0012 only applies to the post award conference that will be held after award of the basic IDIQ contract.

22 Section B

CLIN 0012

Please clarify the location of the conference and requirements.

This CLIN will be used to fulfill the minimum guarantee, which in accordance with Section B of the solicitation (page

33) is $2,500. The details surrounding the post-award conference will be provided in the minimum guarantee task order that is awarded at the time of IDIQ award.

23 Section I - 252.242.7005

This clause applies to CAS covered contracts only. Since this solicitation is not CAS covered (see Section L, paragraph F (1), will the USG consider deleting this clause?

The Government is researching this issue further. Any change made to the solicitation will be issued via formal amendment.

24a Section I - 52.216-7

ALLOWABLE

COST AND

PAYMENT

(JUN 2011)

Is it correct to assume the contractor can invoice and be paid on a frequency of every 2 weeks?

As stated in Section G.2, for FIXED PRICE CLINS, unless otherwise outlined in the task order, the Contractor shall invoice MONTHLY for services performed and quantities received under the Fixed-Price CLINs. Invoices shall be submitted not later than fifteen (15) calendar days after the end of each billing period month.

For COST-REIMBURSEMENT CLINS, cost vouchers for reimbursable items shall be submitted no later than 60 days after the expense is incurred. All cost vouchers shall be accompanied by enough supporting documentation to demonstrate to the Government that the cost was legitimately incurred, and the Contractor shall provide any additional documentation required to substantiate the cost(s), as requested by the CO.

24b Section I - 52.216-7

ALLOWABLE

COST AND

PAYMENT

(JUN 2011)

Does this clause conflict with Section G.2 INVOICING?

The Government does not interpret a conflict between 52.216-7 and G.2. In accordance with FAR 16.307(a)(1), clause 52.216-7 only applies to the cost reimbursable portion of the contract.

Clause 52.216-7 specifies that the Government will make payments as work progresses not more often than once every two weeks, where as G.2 outlines that vouchers for cost reimbursable items are submitted no later than 60 days after the expense is incurred. Nothing in G.2 prohibits the contractor from invoicing incurred costs under cost reimbursement CLINs every two weeks.

25 Attachment 9:

Subcontractor Consent Letter 7 Attachment 10: Client Authorization Letter

Is it the Gov’t intent these letters at to provide authorization for present / past performance to be provide to the prime contractor or the Gov’t?

The intent is to provide authorization to release past performance information to the prime contractor. Reference Section L, paragraph L-1.E.7, which states past performance information concerning teaming partners, joint venture partners, and/or major subcontractors cannot be disclosed to the prime contractor without the teaming partner’s, joint venture partner’s, and/or major subcontractor’s consent.

26 Section B Would the Government consider increasing the number of zones to four? We recommend: Zone 1 – Stuttgart (EUCOM/AFRICOM);

Zone 2 – Other Germany (USAFE/USAEUR); Zone 3 – United Kingdom; Zone 4 –

CONUS.

The Government received this question in regard to the draft RFP. The Government took the question into consideration and made the determination to keep the Zones as Zone 1, Germany, Italy and other in-scope locations, Zone 2, United Kingdom, and Zone 3, CONUS.

27 Section J Atch 1, Paragraphs 3.9.2

Please clarify the purpose and applicability of a “lapse rate” for staffing vacancies on FFP contracts.

Under performance of the contract, positions are required to be filled as proposed. For some task orders, vacant positions will result in mission failure. In those instances, the contractor will be required to calculate and report lapse rate information. If the pre-determined lapse rate is not met, it may result in corrective action and negative performance ratings.

28 Section J Atch 15

Is this an all-inclusive list of current TOs that will be recompeted?

As outlined in Attachment 15, this is the Government's notional plan and is based on known requirements. Additional requirements not outlined in the task order may arise during performance of the contract.

29 Section J Atch 3 Block 1.b.

Block 1.b of the DD254 states that the level of safeguarding required is Top Secret. Is this a true requirement?

Yes. To be eligible for award, the offeror must possess (or have a plan to possess) a Top Secret facility clearance at the time of award. Reference Section M, paragraph M-2.A.1.viii. "…and provides a reasonable and realistic plan to be in compliance with the DD254 requirements at the start of contract performance."

30 Section L Section L., states: “narrative shall also address the offeror’s understanding and knowledge of ensuring IT infrastructure is continuously available for VTC and network operations.” Please define the number of VTC events per month and the supported networks (e.g. SIPR and NIPR, or SIPR, or NIPR).

Attachment 13, Appendix B (page 29) contains the estimated number of events per month.

31 Section L., states: “narrative shall address the offeror’s understanding and knowledge of maintaining network operations and providing video teleconference (VTC)”.

Please define the number of VTC events per month and their supported networks.

Attachment 14, Appendix A (page 24) outlines the estimated VTC events per month and Attachment 14, Appendix B (page 25) contains a VTC equipment list.

32a Sample Task Order

The PWS for the sample task order includes a diversity of activity covered under all the current task orders of the A&AS II contract.