Responses_to_Industry_Final_RFP_Questions__1.doc

Government Responses to Industry Questions A&AS III Solicitation, FA5613-13-R-0007

Questions & Answers

NOTICE: If there is a conflict between a Government provided response and the solicitation language, the solicitation takes precedence.

1) Question: Reference SF33, Block 9 (Page 1) and Section L, L-1.B Table 1(Page 83).

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?

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

2) Question: Reference Section J, Attachment 12 through 13, Awardable Task Order 1 through 3.

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 offerors projected G&A to arrive at the total dollar value or just use the government estimated value without mark-up in its proposal?

Response: 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?

Response: Please note, a different response was provided during the pre-proposal conference. During post-conference internal Government discussions the response has been re-addressed and the following updated response is provided as the Government’s final answer and replaces any previous answer provided: During task order performance, the G&A rate will be reimbursed at the pre-negotiated rate agreed to at the time of IDIQ award on a fixed rate basis. G&A will only be paid on actual travel or training costs incurred.

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

Response: 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.

5) Question: 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?

Response: 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.

6) Question: What are the consequences of an unbalanced bid?

Response: 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.

7) Question: Will the government evaluate the labor category rates across all offerors and determined to be unbalanced those rates that are inconsistent with competitor rates?

Response: 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.

8) Question: 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?

Response: 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.

9) Question: 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).

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

10) Question: 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.

Response: 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

11) Question: Reference Section L, L1.B.2 – Page Size and Format. Are offeror’s permitted to use 11x17 page size for tables and graphics in Volumes I, II, and V?

Response: 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.

12) Question: Reference Section L, L1.B.2 – Page Size and Format. Will the government reduce the font size requirement for table text and graphics, or should offeror’s follow the 11pt font requirement?

Response: 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.

13) Question: Reference Section L, L1.B.2 – Page Size and Format. 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.

Response: 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.

14) Question: 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.

Response: 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.

15) Question: The spreadsheet ”Attachment_2_AAS_III_Labor_Category_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?

Response: 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.

16) Question: Do the Travel figures in Attachment 2 include relocation expenses?

Response: 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.

17) Question: Reference Section L, L-1.E. Volume II – Past Performance (Page 86).

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?

Response: 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.

18) Question: Reference Section L, L-1.E. Volume II – Past Performance (Page 86). 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?

Response: 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.

19) Question: Reference Section L-1.D.3.a.ii; Section J Attachments 12, 13, 14 Paragraph 3.8.1 – Awardable TO PWSs. 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.

Response: 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.

20) Question: Reference 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?

Response: 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.

21) Question: Reference SF33 (Page 2). 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_Labor_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?

Response: 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).

22) Question: Reference Section L, L-1.D.3.c. Subfactor 3: Sample Task Order (Page 86), L-1.H.3.c. Awardable Task Order 1 (Page 91), L-1.H.4.c. Awardable Task Order 2 (Page 92), and L-1.H.5.c. Awardable Task Order 3 (Page 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.

Response: 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.

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

Response: 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).

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

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

25) Question: 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?

Response: 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).

26) Question: Reference Section B, Item NO. 0002. Labor (Zone 1) FFP-LOE This CLIN is for non-personal advisory and assistance services in support of the USAFE A&AS III Performance Work Statement. Pricing shall be IAW Section J, Attachment 2, USAFE A&AS III Labor Category Pricing. FFP LOE requirements with performance in Germany, Italy & other in scope locations will be issued against this CLIN. Multiple payments are authorized for this CLIN. Base Year PoP: 1 May 2014 - 30 Apr 2015. FOB: Destination NSN: R799-13-700-AAS2 SIGNAL CODE: A

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

Recommend the Government update Section J, Attachment 2 to provide estimated labor hours for each category as a basis of workload.

Response: 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.

27) Question: Reference Section B, ITEM NO. 0012 – Post-Award Conference FFP. The Contractor shall host a post-award conference IAW A&AS III PWS Para 3.15.1. FOB: Destination NSN: R799-13-700-AASY SIGNAL CODE: A

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.

Response: 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.

28) Question: Reference Section B, ITEM NO. 0012 – Post-Award Conference. Does MAX 4 represent the number of contractor personnel needed to be estimated to attend a single post award conference?

Response: 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.

29) Question: Reference Section B, ITEM NO. 0012 – Post-Award Conference.Will there be multiple post-award conferences? Recommend the Government provide event milestones that would require on during the based period of performance.

Response: 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.

30) Question: Reference Section B, ITEM NO. 0012 – Post-Award Conference. It is noted there is no 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?

Response: 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.

31) Question: Reference Section B, CLIN 0012. The CLIN is provided for the hosting of a Post-Award Conference. Please clarify the location of the conference and requirements.

Response: 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.

32) Question: Reference 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?

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

33) Question: Reference Section I - 52.216-7 – ALLOWABLE COST AND PAYMENT (JUN 2011).

(a) Invoicing. (1) The Government will make payments to the Contractor when requested as work progresses, but (except for small business concerns) not more often than once every 2 weeks, in amounts determined to be allowable by the Contracting Officer in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) subpart 31.2 in effect on the date of this contract and the terms of this contract. The Contractor may submit to an authorized representative of the Contracting Officer, in such form and reasonable detail as the representative may require, an invoice or voucher supported by a statement of the claimed allowable cost for performing this contract. Is it correct to assume the contractor can invoice and be paid on a frequency of every 2 weeks?

Response: 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.

34) Question: Reference Section I - 52.216-7 – ALLOWABLE COST AND PAYMENT (JUN 2011). Does this clause conflict with Section G.2 INVOICING?

Response: 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.

35) Question: Reference Attachment 9: Subcontractor Consent Letter 7 Attachment 10: Client Authorization Letter. From both Attachment 9 and 10: We understand the Government is placing great emphasis on past performance in order to obtain best value source selections. In order to facilitate the performance evaluation process, we are signing this (consent / authorization) letter in order to allow you to discuss present/past performance information with the prime contractor listed during the source selection process. Is it the Government intent these letters at to provide authorization for present / past performance to be provide to the prime contractor or the Government?

Response: 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 partners, and/or major subcontractor’s consent.

36) Question: Reference Section B (Page 2 – 33). The CLIN structure provides for the pricing of three different zones: Germany, Italy, and other in scope locations; United Kingdom; and CONUS. In our experience, there is a substantial difference in the cost of living and prevailing wage rates within Germany. 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.

Response: 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.

37) Question: Reference Section J, Attachment 1, Paragraph 3.9.2. The IDIQ Solicitation provides for Firm Fixed Price (FFP) and Firm Fixed Price Level of Effort (FFP-LOE) type task orders. Paragraph 3.9.2 references a “lapse rate” regarding vacancies. Please clarify the purpose and applicability of a “lapse rate” for staffing vacancies on FFP contracts.

Response: 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.

38) Question: Reference Section J, Attachment 15. This attachment outlines the Government’s notional task order (TO) transition plan from the current Advisory and Assistance (A&AS) contract to A&AS III. Is this an all-inclusive list of current TOs that will be recompeted?

Response: 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.

39) Question: Reference Section J Attachment 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?

Response: 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."

40) Question: Reference Section L, L-1.H. Volume V – Awardable Task Orders, Paragraph 4.a.

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).

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

41) Question: Reverence Section L, L-1.H. Volume V – Awardable Task Orders, Paragraph 5.a.

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.

Response: 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.

42) Question: Reference Section J, Attachment 5 - 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. The effort is beyond COOP support, management of telecommunications, modeling and simulation and exercise support as required to be addressed in the technical narrative. Further, the PWS does not provide sufficient information to size the requirement of developing a sample pricing. Given that, what is the government looking for in the sample task order response?

Response: In accordance with Section L, paragraph L-1.D.3.c, the offeror shall provide a technical narrative, associated documentation needed to successfully obtain DOCPER Technical Expert (TE) and/or Analytical Support (AS) status accreditation as it applies to the TO requirements, and a price proposal. Regarding the information to size the requirement, the Government provides a period of performance, required tasks and a statement in PWS paragraph 2.8 (Attachment 5, Page 12) that outlines that a normal week may extend up to 50 hours. This is a performance based services contract. In accordance with FAR 37.602(b), the Government has provided the required results. It is the offeror's responsibility to propose how the required results will be achieved.

43) Question: Same reference as Question 42. Are we to limit ourselves to discussing the COOP support, management of telecommunications, modeling and simulation and exercise support? Or are we to discuss our overall management philosophy/approach to task order management to include hiring and retention, TESA, security and those actions to generally manage any task order?

Response: While the PWS requirements do go beyond COOP support, management of telecommunications, modeling and simulation and exercise support, in accordance with Section L, paragraph L-1.D.3.c.i, these are the areas that shall be addressed in the offeror's technical narrative for the Sample Task Order.

The Government is currently reviewing the remaining industry questions received and will provide responses as soon as possible.