QUESTIONS_AND_ANSWERS_2_.docx

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2

Software Development Maintenance Services 7 Mar 2017

1. Can you please provide timeline expectations for this solicitation? Specifically projected award date and start date of the program.

ANSWER: It is anticipated the date of award will be 30 Apr 2017.

2. Reference Attachment 3, “Workload Estimates” and Q&A #5. Attachment 3 provides system/task descriptions and their corresponding hours. In developing a proposal response to the solicitation, are offerors required to propose those exact labor hours?

ANSWER: The workload estimates are just that, estimates. This is a FFP, performance based requirement. The estimated labor hours give the offeror information to establish a FFP since labor hours contribute to the price. The answer to your question is no, you do not have to use those exact hours in your proposal.

3. RFP Reference Attachment 4 – The labor categories listed in attachment 4 do not directly correspond to the types/descriptions in Attachment 3. There is no labor category for Software Developer in Attachment 4, and there is no category for Senior Software Engineer. Given that there is workload for these positions in the PWS it would seem logical to have them in the Attachment 4. Please clarify this apparent inconsistency.

ANSWER: Attachment 4 is for evaluation purposes only and is for the over and above CLIN. Attachment 3 is the workload “estimates”. You should propose to the PWS requirements.

4. RFP PWS and DODD 8570 – Are all proposed software development staff required to possess Security Plus certifications in addition to SECRET clearances on Day 1 of the contract? If not, what is the required period for achieving this certification?

ANSWER: Yes, the staff should possess Security Plus certifications/Secret clearances on the start date of the contract. Level of work performed by the helpdesk would not warrant 8570 certification. There is a 30 day orientation period before contract start date.

5. RFP Section B: The Data CLIN is FFP for all years except CLIN 1004 where it is listed as "Cost." Should this CLIN be FFP? Please clarify.

ANSWER: Yes, it should be FFP. Amendment 2 will be issued to correct.

6. Does the Prime contractor company require CMMI Level 2 certification? If the Prime is not CMMI Level 2 certified, would a subcontractor/teaming partner with CMMI Level 3 qualify us as a team to bid? Or, is there no requirement for either company to have CMMI certification but the personnel as individuals have to be CMMI certified. If so, we are not aware of any “individual” CMMI Level 2 certifications that people can hold personally.

ANSWER: The contractor doing the actual work should be CMMI Level 2 certified.

7. RFP Reference: Instructions to Offerors section 1.2. The ITO does not specify a Table of Contents for Volume II the 14 Technical Capabilities discussion. Is a Table of Contents desired/permitted?

ANSWER: Table of Contents would be at the discretion of the offeror but is not desired. It would count against the page count.

8. Does the government provide equipment for personnel (computer, etc.) or does the contracting company?

ANSWER: PWS paragraph 5.5 identifies Government items to be provided.

9. Section 4.5.3 of the PWS makes reference to maintaining compliance with DoD 8570.01-M, Information Assurance Workforce Improvement Program. Can the government elaborate on this?

ANSWER: All personnel, except the helpdisk, will require 8570 certification. Level of work performed by the helpdesk would not warrant 8570 certification.

10. Regarding surge options for weekend hours: How often are these surges anticipated?

ANSWER: Surge for weekends would be on Reserve weekends, which are once a month.

11. Will all services be provided at a Government facility? Or should the contractor provide a facility for employees?

ANSWER: PWS paragraph 5.2 addresses place of performance.

5.2 Place of Performance

The Contractor personnel shall perform on-site at HQ AFRC/A6-SCXP, Robins AFB, Ga. Occasional CONUS travel to Air Force, Air Force Reserve, or Air National Guard locations will be required for training purposes. Telework is NOT authorized without written approval by the CO.

12. Why is there no past performance volume required?

ANSWER: Past performance is not being evaluated.

13. Why are there no past performance questionnaires required?

ANSWER: Past performance is not being evaluated.

14. The RFP states that the Software Development must be completed in compliance with BES and CMMI Level II processes (PWS Para 3 and 4.2.1). Further, in the Question and Answers, Question 2, asked if the government will not accept the BES process experience in lieu of CMMI Level 2, will the CMMI Level 2 of the subcontractor be acceptable? We wish to clarify that the Prime does not need to be CMMI Level 2 certified, if the industry partner is CMMI Level 2 (or greater) and the SW development processes will be carried out by the partner?

ANSWER: The contractor doing the actual work should be CMMI Level 2 certified.

15. Although this is new work, is this a consolidation of contracts?

ANSWER: No, this is not considered nor does it meet the definition of a consolidated contract. ARCNET was pulled under the SDMS contract and had no adverse impact on small business.

16. The nature of this work is very technical and extensive, would the government reconsider an acquisition strategy other than LPTA?

ANSWER: No, other acquisition strategies were discussed and it was determined the acquisition strategy would be Lowest price technically acceptable (LPTA).