Responses_to_Industry_Final_RFP_Questions__2.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: DOCPER TESA requirements require the contractor to pay above a specific base salary for the position to be eligible for TESA. How will the government determine if the fully burdened labor rates bid by the offerors meet the criteria?

Response: Per DOCPER, there is nothing in the agreement between DOCPER and the German Government stipulating that salary will be used as a determining factor when considering whether or not a particular position is applicable for TESA approval . The Government will not evaluate or make any type of determination regarding this issue.

2) Question: Reference 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?

Response: During post-conference internal Government discussions the response presented to industry at the pre-proposal conference on slides 56 and 57 have been re-addressed and the following updated response is provided as the Government’s final answer and replaces the answer previously provided. While no performance will occur on the Sample TO, the Sample TO transition period should be listed as 120 days to run concurrently with the IDIQ transition. An amendment will be issued to correct this administrative oversight.

3) Reference 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. 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?

Response: During post-conference internal Government discussions the response presented to industry at the pre-proposal conference on slides 56 and 57 have been re-addressed and the following updated response is provided as the Government’s final answer and replaces the answer previously provided. While no performance will occur on the Sample TO, the Sample TO transition period should be listed as 120 days to run concurrently with the IDIQ transition. An amendment will be issued to correct this administrative oversight.

4) The POP on the sample task order is 1 May 2014 -30 April 2015. Para 3.8.2 of the PWS provides for a 90 day transition period which would be around 1 August which is 1 month before the overall contract transition period would conclude. Given that, which date is the contractor to price from 1 August or 1 September with a 30 April 2015 end date? Is it a 9 month price for the labor stating 1 August or a 8 month stating on 1 September. Also to keep this clear I would recommend on the sample task order CLIN 0011 Transition should show the pop for just the transition period like 1 May 2013- 31 August 2014 clearly indicating the period in time for transition instead the whole POP.

Response: During post-conference internal Government discussions the response presented to industry at the pre-proposal conference on slides 56 and 57 have been re-addressed and the following updated response is provided as the Government’s final answer and replaces the answer previously provided. While no performance will occur on the Sample TO, the Sample TO transition period should be listed as 120 days to run concurrently with the IDIQ transition. An amendment will be issued to correct this administrative oversight.

5) Reference Section J, Attachment 1 - PWS, Para 2.18. In the SOW, it appears DODDS is billable as an ODC, if individual TOs allow it. Will the Government please confirm that this is the correct interpretation?

Response: PWS para 2.18 states: "Relocation costs for Contractor personnel shall be included in the agreed to labor rates." The paragraph continues to explain the following: "The Government may provide logistics support (e.g., Department of Defense Dependents Schools) to authorized Contractor employees and their dependents to the extent that these services are available at the location where the contract is to be performed and as authorized by current applicable Air Force, Army and OCONUS theater regulations, by current applicable international agreements and arrangements, by current policies, and the local Installation Commander. Lack of availability of any logistical support shall not serve as a basis for claims by the Contractor against the Government for increased cost of contract performance. If logistical support is available, it will be identified at the task order level as an other direct cost (ODC)." There may be situations, depending on the requirement and the customer's budget, when the Government will provide funding for logistical support under the ODC CLIN. This will be the exception and not the rule.

6) Question: There are no established numbers of FTEs, Labor Categories, or metrics provided to determine the labor mix for the Sample Task Order and the Awardable Task Order. Since the award is based on LPTA, it may be difficult for the Government to compare proposals and conducting price analysis if not all contractors are using the same baseline to develop their pricing. Will the Government provide the FTEs, Labor Categories, metrics or other guidance to contractors to enable a more level basis of comparison?

Response: The sample task order will be used solely to determine technical acceptability for IDIQ award. In accordance with Section L, paragraph L-1.D.3.c.iii, the price for the sample TO will not be included in the offeror's total evaluated price. In accordance with Section M, paragraph M-32.A.3.a.iii, the sample task order proposal is acceptable when "the offeror provides a price proposal that includes 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). 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." The Government will not compare proposals or conduct price analysis on the price provided for the sample task order. 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. Therefore, FTEs, labor categories, metrics or other guidance will not be provided.

7) Question: The solicitation states that Defense Base Act (DBA) insurance will be a part of the fixed price labor portion of the proposal. DBA is based on actual salaries, and therefore, fluctuates. Would the Government consider categorizing DBA as a cost reimbursable ODC?

Response: The solicitation contains clause 52.228-3, Worker's Compensation Insurance (Defense Base Act) but does not state that it will be part of the fixed price labor portion. During performance of the contract, incurred costs associated with DBA will be treated as a cost reimbursable item under the ODC CLIN. An amendment will be issued to add clarifying language to Section G.

8) Question: Reference Section I - Contract Clauses, Section I - Contract Clauses incorporates 52.228-3 Worker's Compensation Insurance (Defense Base Act) into the RFP. However, Section L F. Volume III - Price does not specifically describe how offerors should bid this required item for Zone 1 and Zone 2, nor does the instructions for the task order pricing. We suggest that Defense Base Act insurance expense should be priced at the TO level as an other direct cost. This will ensure that the Government receives the best available rate at the time of the task order pricing. To include it in the maximum ceiling rates at the IDIQ level may preclude offerors from pricing a lower DBA insurance expense rate in the option years as providers of this insurance typically do not offer coverage in advance. Will the Government consider amending the RFP instructions so that DBA insurance is priced as an ODC at the TO level?

Response: The solicitation contains clause 52.228-3, Worker's Compensation Insurance (Defense Base Act) but does not state that it will be part of the fixed price labor portion. During performance of the contract, incurred costs associated with DBA will be treated as a cost reimbursable item under the ODC CLIN. An amendment will be issued to add clarifying language to Section G.

9) Question: Reference Section H, H-1 Logistics Support, (a) For Germany, a full time employee is defined in Army in Europe Regulation 600-700. A civilian employee must meet the definition in order to be eligible to receive Individual Logistic Support (ILS) privileges. DoD Contractor Personnel Office (DOCPER) will apply the same standard to contracted employees applying for North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) status. Based on a civilian employee meeting the requirements stated, request the Government provide a listing of the Individual Logistic Support (ILS) privileges that will be provided by the Government. This will provide each offeror a baseline and deliver to the Government a consistent bid from which best value offers can be selected.

Response: Clause H-1 paragraph (a) outlines the minimum requirement for eligibility. The decision to grant NATO SOFA status, which includes ILS privileges, resides with DOCPER and the German Government. NATO SOFA status and ILS privileges are not guaranteed to any contractor employee. The Government cannot provide an exhaustive list of ILS privileges. It is the offeror's responsibility to determine what factors will be included in its fully burdened labor rate.

10) Question: Reference Section H, H-1 Logistics Support, (c) For the United Kingdom (UK), the Office of the Special United States Liaison Officer, American Embassy London, UK has not approved this requirement as eligible for the UK Civilian Component Stamp, under the terms of the Special Memorandum of Understanding, dated 7 July 1987. Consequently, the Contractor may be responsible for payment of contractor employee British income tax, British council tax, and import tax on privately owned vehicles. Other taxes could also pertain, as well as any relevant obligations required under UK labor law. Moreover, ILS, as available at a particular location, in the UK may be limited in application to United States companies, and ILS may not be afforded to a UK national. Does the Government have any indication this new contract with be eligible for a UK Civilian Component Stamp so that American Nationals working the subsequent program will not be subject to the identified British taxes?

Response: At this time, the Government has no knowledge whether this requirement will be approved for UK Civilian Component Stamp during contract performance.

11) Question: Reference Section H, H-1 Logistics Support, if the awarded program requirement is still not eligible for a UK Civilian Component Stamp, will an American National Employee be eligible to receive ILS? If so, request the Government provide a listing and detailed descriptions of this support.

Response: Per the referenced H-1 clause language, if no UK civilian component stamp is issued, "the Contractor may be responsible for payment of contractor employee British income tax, British council tax, and import tax on privately owned vehicles. Other taxes could also pertain, as well as any relevant obligations required under UK labor law." In accordance with PWS paragraph 2.18, "The Government may provide logistical support to authorized Contractor employees and their dependents to the extent that these services are available at the location where the contract is to be performed and as authorized by current applicable Air Force, Army and OCONUS theater regulations, by current applicable international agreements and arrangements, by current policies, and the local Installation Commander." The Government cannot provide a list of ILS privileges.

12) Question: Reference Section H, H-1 Logistics Support, if ILS may not be afforded to a UK national, is it the Government position that all civilian employees on contract through this program will be UK nationals since the program requirement is not eligible for a UK Civilian Component Stamp?

Response: The Government does not have a position on the nationality of the employee hired to perform the requirements in the UK. If a non-UK national is hired and the UK Civilian Component stamp is not issued, in accordance with the clause, "the Contractor may be responsible for payment of contractor employee British income tax, British council tax, and import tax on privately owned vehicles. Other taxes could also pertain, as well as any relevant obligations required under UK labor law."

13) Question: Reference Section H, H-2 Ordering (d) Submission of Task Order Proposal (iii) Cost Reimbursable, the contract contains three cost reimbursable CLINS: 1) Travel, 2) Training and 3) Other Direct Costs (ODCs). In order to facilitate the technical evaluation, the Contractor shall clearly delineate any travel (including G&A), training (including G&A) and/or ODCs for the period(s) specified in the task order RFP. For payment purposes, any estimated costs will be adjusted to reflect actual costs incurred, and only actual costs will be reimbursed. Per the statement, G&A shall be reimbursed when applied to travel and training. However G&A is not listed with ODCs which may be inferred it is not reimbursed. Is it the Government’s intent to not reimburse G&A when applied to ODCs although it is an allowable cost under the FAR principles? We recommend the referenced statement be rewritten adding “including G&A” to “ODCs.”

Response: Although G&A is an allowable cost under FAR principles, the Government determined that G&A is not authorized for ODCs because of the use of this CLIN on the A&AS III contract. Per Section B, CLINs 0008, 1008, 2008, 3008, and 4008, G&A and profit are not authorized for Other Direct Costs.

14) Question: Reference Section L, L-1, F, 4, Estimating Methodology Ground Rules, the offeror is expected to propose a fully burdened labor rate for each of the labor categories included at Section J, Attachment 2 for the base year and each option period. The Government is considering 2,080 hours as the equivalent for one man year; however, when responding to the price proposal requirements in the solicitation, the offeror may use any generally accepted estimating technique to develop its proposal. Provide a summary description of the offeror’s standard estimating system or methods. The proposed labor rates for the base year and each option year will become an attachment to the contract at time of IDIQ award. During performance of the contract, the agreed to labor rate is the maximum (ceiling) amount that can be proposed for each labor category during TO competition. Request the Government provide a listing of cost element it expects to be incorporated the “fully burdened labor rate”

Response: In accordance with Section L, paragraph L-1.F.3, "the CO has determined there is a high probability of adequate price competition in this acquisition. Upon examination of the initial offers, the CO will review this determination and if, in the CO’s opinion, adequate price competition exists, no additional data will be requested and certification under FAR 15.406-2 will not be required." At this time, certified cost or pricing data is not required; therefore, the government will not have insight into what cost elements are proposed in the offeror's fully burdened labor rate. It is the offeror's responsibility to determine what factors will be included in its fully burdened labor rate within the authorized performance zones.

15) Question: Section J, Attachment 1 - PWS, Paragraph 2.1.8 Logistical Support. See basic contract Section H, paragraph H-1. Relocation costs for Contractor personnel shall be included in the agreed to labor rates. The Government may provide logistics support (e.g., Department of Defense Dependents Schools) to authorized Contractor employees and their dependents to the extent that these services are available at the location where the contract is to be performed and as authorized by current applicable Air Force, Army and OCONUS theater regulations, by current applicable international agreements and arrangements, by current policies, and the local Installation Commander. Lack of availability of any logistical support shall not serve as a basis for claims by the Contractor against the Government for increased cost of contract performance. If logistical support is available, it will be identified at the task order level as another direct cost (ODC). Request the Government to provide rationale on including relocation cost into rates where the duration of future Task Orders have not been defined or a baseline numbers of employees have not been defined?

Response: The Government provides the maximum duration of task orders in clause H-3, which states "no order placed under this contract shall exceed three years." Regarding a baseline number of employees, this is a performance based services contract, and a baseline number of employees will not be provided as a contract requirement. 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.

16) Question: Section J, Attachment 1 - PWS, Paragraph 2.1.8 Logistical Support. See basic contract Section H, paragraph H-1. Relocation costs for Contractor personnel shall be included in the agreed to labor rates. The Government may provide logistics support (e.g., Department of Defense Dependents Schools) to authorized Contractor employees and their dependents to the extent that these services are available at the location where the contract is to be performed and as authorized by current applicable Air Force, Army and OCONUS theater regulations, by current applicable international agreements and arrangements, by current policies, and the local Installation Commander. Lack of availability of any logistical support shall not serve as a basis for claims by the Contractor against the Government for increased cost of contract performance. If logistical support is available, it will be identified at the task order level as another direct cost (ODC). What assumption in pricing should the offerors assume in relationship to logistic support being available?

Response: The Government cannot provide direction regarding the pricing assumptions to be made by offerors. Section L, paragraph L-1.F.6.f requires offerors to summarize all significant pricing assumptions, scope limitations and/or qualifications of the price proposal.

17) Question: Section J, Attachment 1 - PWS, Paragraph 2.1.8 Logistical Support. See basic contract Section H, paragraph H-1. Relocation costs for Contractor personnel shall be included in the agreed to labor rates. The Government may provide logistics support (e.g., Department of Defense Dependents Schools) to authorized Contractor employees and their dependents to the extent that these services are available at the location where the contract is to be performed and as authorized by current applicable Air Force, Army and OCONUS theater regulations, by current applicable international agreements and arrangements, by current policies, and the local Installation Commander. Lack of availability of any logistical support shall not serve as a basis for claims by the Contractor against the Government for increased cost of contract performance. If logistical support is available, it will be identified at the task order level as another direct cost (ODC). Should the offeror assume to include logistic support item in ODC’s at the Task Order level when the requirement is defined?

Response: NATO SOFA status and ILS privileges are not guaranteed to any contractor employee. The decision to grant NATO SOFA status, which includes ILS privileges, resides with DOCPER and the German Government. There may be situations, depending on the requirement and the customer's budget, when the Government will provide additional funding for logistical support under the ODC CLIN. During performance, this will be the exception and not the rule. In accordance with PWS paragraph 2.18, relocation costs for contractor personnel shall be included in the agreed to labor rates.

18) Question: Section J, Attachment 1 - PWS, Paragraph 2.1.8 Logistical Support. See basic contract Section H, paragraph H-1. Relocation costs for Contractor personnel shall be included in the agreed to labor rates. The Government may provide logistics support (e.g., Department of Defense Dependents Schools) to authorized Contractor employees and their dependents to the extent that these services are available at the location where the contract is to be performed and as authorized by current applicable Air Force, Army and OCONUS theater regulations, by current applicable international agreements and arrangements, by current policies, and the local Installation Commander. Lack of availability of any logistical support shall not serve as a basis for claims by the Contractor against the Government for increased cost of contract performance. If logistical support is available, it will be identified at the task order level as another direct cost (ODC). For the awardable task orders recommend the Government provide an estimate for ODC’s to address Logistic Support.

Response: NATO SOFA status and ILS privileges are not guaranteed to any contractor employee. The decision to grant NATO SOFA status, which includes ILS privileges, resides with DOCPER and the German Government. There may be situations, depending on the requirement and the customer's budget, when the Government will provide additional funding for logistical support under the ODC CLIN. In accordance with Attachment 12, page 22, PWS paragraph 2.18, "No logistical support funding is available for this TO." In accordance with Attachment 13, page 19, PWS paragraph 2.18, "No logistical support funding is available for this TO." In accordance with Attachment 14, page 19, PWS paragraph 2.18, "No logistical support funding is available for this TO."

19) Question: Reference Section J, Attachment 1 - PWS, Paragraph 3.8.1 Basic Contract, the primary purpose of the transition period is to allow for the host nation government and DOCPER review and approval of the basic contract and individual employees. This basic contract transition period shall not exceed 120 calendar days. If the Contractor is unable to perform at the completion of the transition period, the Contractor shall notify the CO immediately that the performance will be delayed. Requirements and timelines for Germany are at http://www.eur.army.mil/g1/content/CPD/docper.html. All Contractor employees working in Germany during the transition period are not eligible for an identification card and logistics support. Each Contractor employee will be provided a Contractor LOI from the CO. The Contractor LOI will not provide authorized access in Germany to US tax-free facilities for purchase of food, necessities, or other items, or access to US tax-free lodging, the use of US banking, postal facilities, and gasoline coupons. Additionally, contract personnel working in Germany longer than 90 days are deemed “ordinarily resident” and may be liable to taxation by the German Government. Further information on the process is available at the website link above. Is it correct to assume that Contractor employees working in Germany to support the transition can be eligible for DOCPER review and approval to work on the program during the base and option period?

Response: As outlined in the referenced PWS paragraph, "All Contractor employees working in Germany during the transition period are not eligible for an identification card and logistics support." The PWS does not place any restrictions on those employees being eligible for DOCPER review.

20) Question: Reference Section J, Attachment 1 - PWS, Paragraph 3.8.1 Basic Contract, The primary purpose of the transition period is to allow for the host nation government and DOCPER review and approval of the basic contract and individual employees. This basic contract transition period shall not exceed 120 calendar days. If the Contractor is unable to perform at the completion of the transition period, the Contractor shall notify the CO immediately that the performance will be delayed. Requirements and timelines for Germany are at http://www.eur.army.mil/g1/content/CPD/docper.html. All Contractor employees working in Germany during the transition period are not eligible for an identification card and logistics support. Each Contractor employee will be provided a Contractor LOI from the CO. The Contractor LOI will not provide authorized access in Germany to US tax-free facilities for purchase of food, necessities, or other items, or access to US tax-free lodging, the use of US banking, postal facilities, and gasoline coupons. Additionally, contract personnel working in Germany longer than 90 days are deemed “ordinarily resident” and may be liable to taxation by the German Government. Further information on the process is available at the website link above. Further clarification, for the underlined text – if a Contractor employee is working in Germany on a non-DOCPER approved activity, he/she would not be eligible to be DOCPER approved to receive and ID Card and Logistic Support on the A&AS III IDIQ Contract?

Response: The government is not able to provide a clear response, as the question is vague regarding what type of work is being performed by a contractor employee working in Germany on a non-DOCPER approved activity. In accordance with clause H-1, paragraph (a), "It should be noted, however, that under the requirements of the Exchange of Notes, a contracted employee accorded NATO SOFA status must exclusively serve the US Forces. No additional employment outside the US Forces or self-employment is permitted.

21) Question: Section L, L-1.E.5 - PPID and Section J, Attachment 6 – PPID. The right hand column of the Contract Type section of Attachment 6 includes two options: Independent Contract and IDIQ Contract. Please clarify what Contract Type the offeror should select if the offeror intends to use a task order for past performance and the performance is assessed at the task order level (v. the IDIQ level).

Response: Task orders should be listed as an IDIQ contract. Please note, if IDIQ Contract is selected, offerors must list all other task order numbers performed under that IDIQ contract as an attachment to this PPID. This list will not be counted as additional references provided, and it will not count against the volume page limit. The list is provided for Government reference only.

22) Question: Reference Section J, Attachment 3 (draft DD254) and Attachment 3 (draft DD254 continuation sheets). Block 1.a of the draft DD254 says a Top Secret Facility clearance is required. Block 1.b of the draft DD 254 states that Top Secret safeguarding is required. On page 85 of the solicitation under paragraph D.3.a.iv it discusses contract security requirements. Specifically it states “This includes the plan to be in compliance with the contract security requirements as outlined in the DD254 at the start of contract performance and an overview of the process to obtain the required employee security clearances.” Our company currently has a Top Secret Facility Clearance but we have not had the requirement for safeguarding in the past and therefore do not have safeguarding. Will the Government consider modifying the safeguarding requirement to allow contractors to be sponsored by the Government for safeguarding after contract award but before any actual performance requiring it as opposed to requiring it at “the start of contract performance”?

Response: No. To be eligible for award, the offeror must possess (or have a plan to possess) Top Secret Safeguarding 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."

23) Question: Reference Section J, Attachment 3 (draft DD254) and Attachment 3 (draft DD254 continuation sheets). Block 1.a of the draft DD254 says a Top Secret Facility clearance is required. Block 1.b of the draft DD 254 states that Top Secret safeguarding is required. On page 85 of the solicitation under paragraph D.3.a.iv it discusses contract security requirements. Specifically it states “This includes the plan to be in compliance with the contract security requirements as outlined in the DD254 at the start of contract performance and an overview of the process to obtain the required employee security clearances.” Our company currently has a Top Secret Facility Clearance but we have not had the requirement for safeguarding in the past and therefore do not have safeguarding.Can the Top Secret safeguarding requirement be met by a subcontractor as opposed to the prime contractor?

Response: Yes, the Top Secret safeguarding requirment can be met by a subcontractor.

24) Question: Reference Section J, Attachment 3 - DD254, Block 1.b. Section 1.b. states that a TOP SECRET level of safeguarding is required for this effort. This indicates that access to classified information will take place at our facility and will thus require Top Secret safeguarding. However, Section 11.a. indicates “The Contractor will have access to classified information only at another contractor’s facility or a Government Activity.” This is contrary to Section 1.b. Granted, Top Secret facility clearance is required by the Prime at the time of award. What is unclear is whether Top Secret safeguarding is required at time of award. Is safeguarding required at time of award?

Response: To be eligible for award, the offeror must possess (or have a plan to possess) Top Secret Safeguarding 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."

25) Question: Reference Section J, Attachment 6 – PPID. Will the government permit offeror’s to recreate the Attachment 6 template in Word to allow greater flexibility in our response to the various sections (e.g. including graphic representations to substantiate elements of the PWS)?

Response: Offerors must complete the version of Attachment 6 that was posted to FBO. Nothing prevents offerors from creating attachments to the PPID to accommodate graphics, tables, etc. Please note, any attachments will count towards the volume page count.

26) Question: Reference Section L, L-1.E.5 - Past Performance Information Document (PPID), in this paragraph the Government says “The prime offeror, to include their teaming arrangements or joint ventures, may only submit a maximum of seven (7) PPIDs for the prime offeror and a maximum of three (3) PPIDs for major subcontractors.” Request clarification on the number of PPIDs that can be submitted. Is it up to 7 PPIDs for the prime and 3 for each teaming partner/subcontractor or is it a total of 3 for teaming partners/subcontractors regardless of the number of teaming partners/subcontractors?

Response: Per the reference provided from Section L, L-1.E.5, "The prime offeror, to include their teaming arrangements or joint ventures, may only submit a maximum of seven (7) PPIDs for the prime offeror and a maximum of three (3) PPIDs for major subcontractors." The prime includes teaming partners or joint ventures, and the maximum allowed is 7 PPIDs. A major subcontractor "is defined as subcontractor whose anticipated percentage of work to be performed is 25% or greater per TO" (Reference Section L, L-1.E.1). Offerors are authorized a total of 3 PPIDs for major subcontractors regardless of the number of major subcontractors anticipated.

27) Question: Reference Section L, L-1.G.7. Other Information Required and Section J, Attachment 11, See Section L, Volume IV, Administrative Documentation, 7. Other Information Required – Section J, Attachment 11 which requires offerors and first-tier subcontracts to provide the contract number and agency information for any Government contracts or subcontracts. Some offerors may have hundreds/thousands of contracts to list. Would the Government consider removing this requirement, or if not, narrow the requirement based on contract value (e.g. $10 million contract value or more), only recent contracts (e.g. awarded in the last 3 years), etc.?

Response: Upon further review of the FAR requirements, the verbiage on Attachment 11 will be updated to read as follows: "Include a statement to indicate whether the contractor and first-tier subcontractors have previously held any Government contracts or subcontracts." An amendment will be issued to capture this change.

28) Question: Reference Section J, Attachment 5 - Sample TO PWS. Do the certification requirements listed in paragraph 3.5 apply to all personnel performing on the task or to certain individuals, and if so, whom?

Response: The required certifications outlined in Attachment 5, Sample TO PWS paragraphs 3.5.1 through 3.5.4 contain a parenthetical statement to see paragraph 3.3.3.1. PWS paragraph 3.3.3.1 outlines the tasks that require personnel with the additional certifications.

29) Question: Reference Section M, M-2.A.2.a.iii. Is the Government requesting a “full blown” and comprehensive COOP as part of the proposal? Please clarify the Government’s intent.

Response: In accordance with L-1.D.3.c.i, "The technical narrative shall address the offeror's understanding and knowledge of continuity of operations (COOP) support, management of telecommunication and network operations, modeling and simulation services, and exercise support."

30) Question: Reference Section J, Attachment 1, Paragraphs 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 states that the Contractor shall maintain a continuous fill of positions. Please clarify why the government requires a continuous fill of positions on an FFP contract when all that is required is the accomplishment of all requirements, regardless of staffing.

Response: Under performance of the contract, positions are required to be filled as proposed. On a task order, if the contractor proposes 2,080 hours in the base year for a particular job category, and the Government agrees that the labor hours are acceptable to successfully meet the task order PWS requirements, the contractor must ensure that the full 2,080 hours are provided, meaning this position is continuously filled for the duration of the base year.

31) Question: Reference Section J, Attachment 13, Paragraph 3.1.5.2.1, Table 3 Item 6, Para 3.1.5.2.1 states “Maintain overall network reliability at 99.999%” which, if yearly, allows for 5.25 minutes of allowable down time for the year. Is this percentage based on a year, month, week, or something else? Also, how do you factor in hardware or software failures at no fault of the Contractor that require the Government to act in some capacity so system can be brought on line? This would include distant end system failures and/or procurement of replacement parts or licenses, etc.

Response: This percentage is based upon a yearly calculation of allowable downtime. Hardware or software failures at no fault of the Contractor are considered "allowable downtime" and will be taken into consideration when the annual percentage is calculated.

32) Question: Reference Section J, Attachment 13, Table 3 Item 5, item states the “Contractor resolves a minimum of 95% of trouble tickets within 72 hours or less”. We understand this to be a joint military (NCO on staff) / contractor responsibility. Request clarification on what can reasonably be the expectation of trouble tickets assigned to the Contractor.

Response: In accordance with Awardable TO #2 PWS paragraph 3.1.33, "The Contractor shall be the focal point within the Comptroller Unit for identifying and reporting all network issues or outages to the respective network helpdesk for resolution. The contractor shall monitor trouble tickets submitted to the respective helpdesk, and shall keep the affected individual(s) appraised of the ticket status." Because multiple systems are involved, it is not exclusively the contractor's responsibility. Contractor employees will record the problems and elevate them to the help desk (if necessary) and track the problem through completion. In a sense, the contractor is responsible for resolving the issue by tracking it through completion.

33) Question: Reference Section J, Attachment 13, Paragraph 3.1.5.2.1, Table 3 Item 6. States “Maintain overall network reliability at 99%.” Is this percentage based on a year, month, week, or something else? Also, how do you factor in hardware or software failures at no fault of the Contractor that require the Government to act in some capacity so system can be brought on line? This would include distant end system failures and/or procurement of replacement parts, or licenses etc.

Response: This percentage is based upon a yearly calculation of allowable downtime. Hardware or software failures at no fault of the Contractor are considered "allowable downtime" and will be taken into consideration when the annual percentage is calculated.

34) Question: Reference Section L, L-1.D.3.a.ii; Section J Attachments 12, 13, 14 Paragraph 3.8.1. - Awardable TO PWSs, government Responses to Industry Questions; A&AS III Solicitation; Questions and Answers, Item #19. For further clarification to the answer to Question 19, we interpret the Government’s answer to be that the base year includes a transition period ending on September 1, 2013 for the Sample and Awardable Task Orders, followed by an 8-month performance period, ending on April 30, 2014, followed by two Option Years of 12 months each coinciding with the IDIQ Option Year 1 and 2 periods of performance. Is this interpretation correct?

Response: For the sample TO, In accordance with the model contract, the PoP for CLIN 0011, Transition period, cannot exceed 90 days prior to 1 Sep 14 (reference sample TO PWS 3.8.1). The transition period is not separately priced but is considered performance under the base year PoP; consequently, the base period consists of 3 months of transition and 9 months of labor. All costs incurred during the transition period are captured under the respective labor CLINs.

For Awardable TOs, in accordance with each model contract, the PoP for CLIN 0011, Transition period, is 1 May 14 to 31 Aug 14. The PoP for all labor CLINs is 1 Sep 14 to 30 Apr 15. The PoP for option 1 labor CLINs is 1 May 15 to 30 Apr 16, and the PoP for option 2 labor CLINs is 1 May 16 to 30 Apr 17. The transition period is not separately priced but is considered performance under the base year PoP; consequently, the base period consists of 4 months of transition and 8 months of labor. All costs incurred during the transition period are captured under the respective labor CLINs.

35) Question: Reference Section L, L-1.D.3.b.i. Would the Government like us to submit resumes related to Key Personnel? If so, are they included in the page count?

Response: In accordance with L-1.D.3.b.i, identify key positions with contract responsibilities and decision making authority and associated minimum qualifications. The Government is not requesting resumes for key personnel but the minimum qualifications for key positions. All information presented in the management plan will be included in the page count.

36) Question: Reference Section L, L-1.D.3.c.ii. Can the employee mentioned in D.c.3.ii be representative or does it need to be a real person?

Response: The documentation provided can be for a real person or a made up individual. If the documentation is for an actual person, in accordance with L-1.D.3.c.ii, no documentation provided shall contain Privacy Act information.

37) Question: Reference Section L, Paragraph L-1.B.2, government Responses to Industry Questions; A&AS III Solicitation; Questions and Answers, Item #11. Does an 11 x 17 sheet of paper count as one page or two pages?

Response: In accordance with Section L, Paragraph L-1.B.2, a page is defined as each face of a sheet of paper containing information. When both sides of a sheet display printed material, it shall be counted as two pages. If an 11 x 17 page that folds into 8.5 x 11 contains information on one side, it is counted as one page, and if it contains information on both sides, it is counted as two pages.

38) Question: Reference Responses to Industry Final RFP Questions 23, 24 & 25. Official Bidder's Conference Minutes Question 6, this relates to the requirement to provide required pricing for Sample Task One and the three (3) Awardable Task Orders. It was stated in the answer to the Official Bidder's Conference Minutes Question 6 "that the government will review the Sample Task Order requirements to determine if additional fidelity can be provided". However no such additional clarity has been issued. Additionally, the government clearly states in the answers to all questions 23,24 and 25 questions that Offerors or contractors are to define the labor categories required to meet the requirements of the generic requirements provided along with the amount of labor required with no mention of place of performance. However, due to the extremely generic statement of requirements and work descriptions it is impossible for a contractor to create a price. This gives the incumbent contractors who know the requirements in more detail a competitive advantage. To resolve this issue, will the government provide addition clarity on the requirement for the sample task and each of the awardable task orders? If not, will the Government provide the labor category requirements and number of hours required for the sample task and each of the task orders ?

Response: In accordance with sample TO PWS para 2.4.1, 2.4.1. "this TO will be primarily performed at Ramstein AB, Germany and Warrior Prep Center, Einsedlerhof, Germany; however, if specified in the PWS, some tasks will be performed in the United Kingdom." In accordance with awardable TO #1 PWS para 2.5.1, "this TO will be primarily performed at Ramstein AB, Germany, Warrior Prep Center Einsiedelerhof Germany, and RAF Mildenhall, UK, but can include other in-theater and CONUS locations." In accordance with awardable TO #2 PWS para 2.5, "Place of Performance. HQ USAFE/FM Offices, Ramstein AB, Germany." In accordance with awardable TO #3 PWS para 2.5, "The principal place of performance is Ramstein AB, Germany." The government will not provide labor category requirements and number of labor hours required. 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. After Government review, it was determined the Awardable TOs contain enough fidelity of information for offeror's to provide a proposal. The Sample TO has been updated and will be provided in an amendment.

39) Question: Reference Section J, Attachment 14, PWS Paragraph 3.5.2, this relates to Attachment 14, page 21, paragraph 3.5.2 states. It states “The Contractor shall provide employees who have attended DISA Level I and Level II training, and obtained the Polycom® Certified Videoconferencing Engineer certification.“ Since all of the equipment listed in Attachment 14, page 25, Appendix B is Cisco Tandberg equipment except for the KIV-7HS, why are you requiring Polycom certification when the equipment is not Polycom?

Response: The Polycom certification is not vendor specific training, it is general training pertinent to the requirement.

40) Question: Reference PWS 2.18 Logistical Support. Will dependents of contractor personnel filling the TE & AS positions typically be eligible for DoDDS schooling as a part of their logistical support packages if a DoDDS school is near their duty station?

Response: Per Attachment 1, Performance Work Statement, paragraph 2.18 Logistical Support, the Government may provide logistics support (e.g., Department of Defense Dependents Schools) to authorized Contractor employees and their dependents to the extent that these services are available at the location where the contract is to be performed and as authorized by current applicable Air Force, Army and OCONUS theater regulations, by current applicable international agreements and arrangements, by current policies, and the local Installation Commander. Lack of availability of any logistical support shall not serve as a basis for claims by the Contractor against the Government for increased cost of contract performance. If logistical support is available, it will be identified at the task order level as an other direct cost (ODC).

41) Question: Reference PWS 2.18 Logistical Support. Under the current contract, do the current incumbent contractor personnel receive logistics support that includes relocation expenses and DoDDS schooling?

Response: No, the current incumbent contractor does not receive logistics support that includes relocation expenses and DoDDS schooling.

42) Question: Reference Section J, Attachment 2, reference Volume III Pricing Attachment 2_AAS_III Labor Category Pricing, "Accred Type" column. All labor categories are identified as TE, AS, or UK and no other type. If a prospective employee is not granted ASSA or TESA status, can they still be employed to work on this contract's task orders but on the local economy, i.e., without Logistics Support and paying host nation income and social taxes?

Response: If a prospective employee is not granted ASSA or TESA status, the employee can work on this contract so long as they meet the minimum qualifications outlined in the respective job description.

43) Question: Reference Section J, Attachment 2, reference Volume III Pricing Attachment 2_AAS_III Labor Category Pricing, "Accred Type" column. Please clarify why TE, AS, and UK is required for the Zone 3 CONUS Pricing?

Response: In accordance with Section J, Attachment 2, employees in Zone 3 shall meet the minimum requirements levied by the job description outlined in the primary Zone. For example, if the primary place of performance is Zone 1, the employees authorized to work in Zone 3 category shall fulfill the Zone 1 requirements.

44) Question: Reference section L, Para H.1. Contractors are required to provide a completed DD Form 1155 and a Section B for each awardable TO. Are these sections considered part of the 15 page limit or can they be provided as an attachment to each awardable TO proposal as non-countable items since they consist of 8-9 pages? These items are not listed in Section L, Para B.1 as excluded items.

Response: The model contract for each awardable TO will not count towards the 15 page limit per proposal. An amendment will be issued to clarify this administrative oversight.