RFP_Clarification_Questions_21_Feb_19_FINAL.xlsx
XLSX spreadsheet 69 KB Posted
- Attached to
- SAF/CDM Analytical & Technical (A&T) Services IDIQ Federal contract opportunity
- Solicitation number
- FA7146-19-R-0001
About this file
This is a request for proposal for analytical and technical services support. The Secretary of the Air Force's Concepts, Development, and Management Office requires these services to meet current and projected workload requirements, which may include both new work and follow-on efforts. Services described in the performance work statement include direct support to SAF/CDM's mission of being the partner of choice for innovation, discovery, and opportunity development within the Department of Defense. Offerors must propose fully burdened composite labor rates by March 14th for evaluation. Incumbents who have performed similar tasks in the past include Novetta, Deloitte, and Altimara. The period of performance is a ten-year indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract with optional extensions.
Clarification Q&As
View the file
Other files for this federal contract opportunity
Show all 27
On GovTribe
Work with this file on GovTribe
- Download the original file
- Contacts named in this file
- Similar government files
- Ask GovTribe AI about this file
Text version
Q&A
| # | Topic (RFP Section and Heading) | RFP Statement (If available) | Question | USG Response |
| 1 | SECTION L3.3.2 | 3.3.2 The Offeror shall provide their demonstrated capability and capacity to accomplish the management and oversight of the A&T MAC PWS requirements. The narrative shall also demonstrate the ability to manage all aspects of work associated with providing services to the Government, to include the ability to concurrently execute and effectively manage multiple task orders. The Offeror shall provide a six (6)-page introductory overall summary to include Program Management approach to include the cross reference matrix below. Then address each of the focus areas with a maximum of six (6) pages per focus area (30 pages total). | Section L 2.2.4 Cross Reference Matrix states that "the cross-reference matrix will not count against page limitations for their respective volumes." |
Section L 3.3.2 states "The Offeror shall provide a six (6)-page introductory overall summary to include Program Management approach to include the cross reference matrix below." The figure they refer to using "below" is titled as "Cross Reference Table."
| Can the Government confirm if the Cross Reference Matrix stated in L 2.2.4 is the same one as stated in L 3.3.2 or if the Cross Reference Matrix referred to in L 2.2.4 is meant to be the "compliance matrix". If it is meant to be the "compliance matrix", is that required for each volume and each Subfactor or should each Volume have only one "compliance matrix" ? | The "cross-reference matrix" discussed in L.2.2.4 is NOT the same as the "Cross Reference Table" in L.3.3.2.. The " cross-reference matrix" referred to in L.2.2.4 is NOT a "compliance matrix". When utilized, the "cross-reference matrix" is desired for each volume, not each subfactor. | ||
| 2 | SECTION L2.2.6 | L2.2.6 GLOSSARY OF TERMS | |
| Each volume shall contain a glossary of all abbreviations, acronyms and terms used, with corresponding explanation or definition for each. Glossaries do not count against the page limitations for their respective volumes. | Can the Government confirm if the Glossary of Terms is required for each volume and each Subfactor or if Volume I will only have one Glossary of Terms? | Each volume will have one Glossary of Terms. | |
| 3 | SECTION L2.2.1 | L2.2.1 PAGE LIMITATIONS | |
| Page limitations shall be treated as maximums. If exceeded, the excess pages will not be read or considered in the evaluation of the proposal, and hard copies will not be returned to the Offeror. For electronic submission, no hidden fields, macros and comments will be read. All information shall be written clearly and be easily accessible. Page limitations may also be placed on Evaluation Notices (ENs), if required. The page limitations for ENs, if any, will be identified in the correspondence forwarding the ENs to the Offerors. When both sides of a sheet of paper display printed material, it shall be counted as two pages. Each volume shall contain a detailed table of contents to delineate what is in the respective volume, which will not be counted in the page limits. Pages shall be numbered sequentially starting with page one (1) for all pages that count against the page count for each volume. The following will not be counted in the maximum page limits: cover pages, tabs, certifications, cross-reference matrix, glossaries, any labor category and skill set descriptions, joint venture agreements, letters evidencing cleared facilities, acronym list, and evidence of ownership/access of facilities. | Can the Government confirm if each Subfactor section can have its own table of contents or if only one table of contents should be included in Volume 1? |
Can the Government confirm if pages of each Subfactor should be numbered starting with page one (1) or pages of Subfactor sections should continue from previous Subfactor sections? There are a total of 3 volumes required. Each volume shall have table of contents.
Each volume should be separately numbered, not each subfactor.
| 4 | SECTIONS L3.2.3, M3.2.2 | L3.2 lists 6 required elements, but section M3.2.2 only offers evaluation criteria for 5 elements. | Can the Government clarify how it will evaluate L3.2.3 and L3.2.5 for Subfactor 2? | L.3.2.3 will be evaluated in accordance with M3.2.2 and is intended to address the specific criteria at M3.2.2.1. L3.2.5 will also be evaluated in accordance with M3.2.2. and is intended to address the specific criteria at M3.2.2.4, to address how vendors intend to combine experience to sustain current research while implementing innovation. | |
| 5 | Attachment 3-AT Rates Matrix | Systems Engineer - Experience in installation, checkout, and maintenance of information technology and other systems, of which four years must have involved supervisory responsibilities, and have involved system level duties. Demonstrated ability to manage and perform own work with and lead others in performing technical duties and complex team tasks. May include experience working in or for the military. Functional Responsibility: Plan, estimate, define, and document the requirements for complex systems, equipment, and software configurations. Install, checkout, test, troubleshoot, and operate hardware, software, wiring, and systems. Document installation and issues related thereto. Troubleshoot, maintain and repair installed hardware, software, and systems. Lead others in performing these or comparable functions. | |||
| It is rare for a Junior or Journeyman level Systems Engineer to have 4 years of supervisory experience. Will the Government consider reevaluating that LCAT characterization in the AT_Rates-Matrix attachment? | Language will be adjusted, in the labor category description. Removing: of which four years must have involved supervisory responsibilities. Demonstrated ability to manage and perform own work with and lead others in performing technical duties and complex team tasks. Lead others in performing these or comparable functions. (System engineer, Security Administrator & Consultant- Changed) | ||||
| 6 | Attachment 3-AT Rates Matrix | See 3-AT Rates Matrix | Are the experience requirements in the Labor Category Descriptions (AT_Rates-Matrix attachment) additive? For example: A Security Administrator must have 8 years experience. To be a senior level, you must have 10 years experience and an MS degree. An MS degree may be replaced by 12 years work experience. Does that mean that a Senior Security Administrator without an MS degree must have 30 years experience? | The experience will be removed from the description. A Senior Security Administrator should have 10 years experience with a MS degree, 16 years experience with a BA/BS, or 18 years experience without any degree. (System engineer, Security Administrator & Consultant - Changed) | |
| 7 | SECTION L.4.1 (1) and (3) | The rates shall include fully burdened labor rates for all labor categories required by the Prime Offeror, including each of their subcontractors, teaming partners, and/or joint venture partners. | L.4.1 (1) and (3) state that "The rates shall include fully burdened labor rates for all labor categories required by the Prime Offeror, including each of their subcontractors, teaming partners, and/or joint venture partners." | ||
| Please confirm that Offerors may omit rates for labor categories that they determine are not required for the Prime Offeror, including each of their subcontractors, teaming partners, and/or joint venture partners. | Offeror's may not omit rates. All rates must be proposed. Rates may include a mix of prime and sub, prime only, or sub only. Language in L.4.1. revised to read "The rates shall be fully burdened composite labor rates for all labor categories for the Prime Offeror, inclusive of their subcontractors, teaming partners, and/or joint venture partners. | ||||
| 8 | SECTION L.3.5.1 | OFFEROR IS OTHER THAN A SMALL BUSINESS |
A Small Business Participation Plan shall include the subcontracting goals expressed at the IDIQ contract level as a percentage of annual total obligated dollars on awarded TOs for each of the following: small business, veteran- owned small business, service-disabled veteran owned small business, HUBZone small business, small disadvantaged business, and women owned small business. For the purpose of completing the participation plan, Offerors will use an anticipated obligated value of $21,000,000 for each of nine years for a total contract ceiling value of $189,000,000. Using the excel spreadsheet in Section J titled “A&T MAC Participation Plan Calculation,” Offerors shall fill in the yellow highlighted cells with the appropriate dollar amount and percentage. The Small Business Participation Plan shall also describe the Offeror’s approach to meeting each of its subcontracting goals. NOTE: The Small Business Participation Plan described above is in addition to the Small Business Subcontracting Plan which shall be submitted in accordance with FAR 52.219-9 Alternate II and DFARS 252.219-7003 in the Contract Documentation Volume III, and will be evaluated as part of responsibility.
| The "A&T MAC Participation Plan Calculation" spreadsheet referenced in L3.5.1 calculates the Small Business (SB) percentage (%) by taking a percentage of the Total Obligated Value rather than a percentage of the SB goal. The actual percentages result in goals of 19% for each socio-economic category. Is this formula the intended method to use for the calculation of the individual socio-economic sub categories of the small business goals and the percentages allocated for each category calculated against the Total Obligated Value or contract value? | The "A&T MAC Participation Plan Calculation" spreadsheet is intended to be used. The 10% subcontracting goal is a part of your Small Business Participation Plan outlined in M3.2.5, which provides that the goals are based on the subcontracted value, not the total obligated value. The Small Business Participation Plan is separate from the Small Business Subcontracting Plan FAR Clause 52.219-9. | |
| 9 | Attachment 3-AT Rates Matrix | Senior: A Senior labor category has over 10 years of experience and a MS/MS degree. |
Master’s degree Replacement Option: 12 year’s work experience may be substituted for a Master’s Degree. The AT_Rates-Matrix attachment lists the following:
- Senior: A Senior labor category has over 10 years of experience and a MS/MS degree.
- Master’s degree Replacement Option: 12 year’s work experience may be substituted for a Master’s Degree.
In the event proposed personnel hold a BA/BS degree, but do not hold a MA/MS degree as required for a Senior level, would the Government consider a trade-off option? We request the inclusion of the following trade-off option: “12 year’s work experience may be substituted for a Master’s Degree, or 6 year’s work experience and a BA/BS.” Yes, a bachelor's degree will count towards 6 years experience for the positions that require a Master's degree.
Master's degree should be 8 year's work experience. (This has been updated in the Attachment 3 Matrix) 10 SECTIONS L4.1 and L5.6 L4.1: All data relating to the proposed price, including all required supporting documentation, must be included in the section of the proposal designated as the Cost/Price Volume. Under no circumstances shall this data and documentation be included elsewhere in the proposal.
L5.6: The Prime Offeror shall submit a plan for total compensation of professional employees pursuant to FAR 52.222-46.
FAR 52.222-46: As part of their proposals, offerors will submit a total compensation plan setting forth salaries and fringe benefits proposed for the professional employees who will work under the contract… The salary rates or ranges must take into account differences in skills, the complexity of various disciplines, and professional job difficulty.
| Can the Government please confirm that Offerors are authorized to include the salary rates or ranges within the Compensation Plan under Volume III per FAR 52.222-46, despite the possible conflict of direction from L4.1 that all cost/price and supporting documentation must be limited to Volume II. | Yes, Offeror's are authorized to include pricing information in Volume II and III. L.4.1 has been updated. | |||
| 11 | Attachment 6 - Scenario, Task section, first paragraph | Final sentence, "They will include a list of key documents to be developed and relevant references." | Attachment 6 - Scenario states "They will include a list of key documents to be developed and relevant references." Are the list of relevant references being sought by the Government the governance, technical, and procedural type references that need to be considered during execution of the task or are they references to similar efforts? | The list of relevant references being sought for the scenario are related to those needed to execute the task associated with the scenario, as referenced in M 3.2.4.2. |
However, M3.2.4.1. also asks for reference to similar efforts previously conducted by the offeror.
12 Attachment 4, TO 1, Page 4, Sec 1.2 States "…DIE applies innovative tools…"
| Seeking clarification on the types of tools already in use. Can the Government provide detail on the current tools used? Are they Government-provided? Are they the property of the Government or the incumbent provider? | Intent is for proposals to indicate capability and innovation going forward, not focus on current tools in use. Government provided tools currently in use exist across the DIE and the commercial space and vary year to year. Current tools include open source, commercial, and government-off-the-shelf (including standard DIE software), which are associated with a variety of licensing requirements and vary from year to year. Currently used tools are not an indicator of tools needed in the future; therefore, the intent is for Offeror's to propose capabilities and innovative tools that are the most cost effective options for the government on future tasks, not to focus on current tools in use. | ||
| 13 | Attachment 4, TO 1, Page 4, Sec 3.3.4 | States "Specific Domain Research: At the direction… conduct specific commercial/industry-related domain research using domain experts." |
| Please clarify domain experts are associated with specific commercial/industry-related domain research since domain could also reference intelligence domains given section 3.3 is focused upon commercial enabled intelligence. | Expertise specific to commercial industry related domain research is desired. | |||
| 14 | It is difficult to determine who will get 10% of the work allocated to our team throughout the contract. With a large potential team, no subcontractor may reach the 10% over the 10-year period. | Is one rate schedule for the Prime and their subs acceptable? I.e., proposal would include 1 rate schedule (in the spreadsheet) and all subs will conform to the rates established by the Prime? | ||
| Yes, that is the intent of the Attachment 3-Rate Matrix, 1 rate schedule. | ||||
| 15 | Section M, pg 6, Table 4-1 | CLINs 3001 and 3003 are included in the table for Total Evaluated Price. There are no other references to these CLINs in the RFP. | How will these CLIN's Price be evaluated? | CLINs 3001 and 3003 shall be evaluated IAW M4.1.4 (2) |
Language added to L4.1 to provide instructions for proposing CLINs 3001 and 3003.
| 16 | SECTION A-K, pg 5, Section K | Section K includes FAR 52.222-52 Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services – Certification (May 2014); however, the Solicitation does not include FAR 52.222-41 Service Contract Labor Standards, nor does it include a valid Wage Determination. | We assume FAR 52.222-52 has been inadvertently included in the solicitation and is not applicable; we respectfully request the Government verify the accuracy of this assumption. | 52.222-52 will be removed |
| 17 | SECTION A-K, pg 12, Section K | Section K includes DFARS 252.225-7049, Prohibition on Acquisition of Commercial Satellite Services from Certain Foreign Entities – Representations; | we respectfully request Government verification regarding whether this provision is applicable to this solicitation. | 252.225-7049 will be removed |
| 18 | SECTION A-K, pg 4,5,6, Section B | Can the government please confirm the contract type for the Option 1 and 2 CLINS? | Option CLINs will be the same pricing type as base period CLINs with the same ending number. | |
| 19 | SECTION A-K, pg 19, Section I | If the contractor has established teaming agreements with teaming partners, which are included within the proposal including the Small Business Subcontracting Plan and rate submission, | would the government consider including those subcontractors as approved and evaluated during negotiations under 52.244-02? | Yes, subcontractors evaluated during the solicitation phase/negotiations will be considered approved. |
| 20 | PWS, pg 22, Sec 5.1 | The PWS references a Section J, Ordering Guide, would the government be able to provide a copy of the ordering guide? | The ordering guide will be provided as part of the kick-off meeting following basic contract award. | |
| 21 | SECTION A-K, pg 2, FFP LOE | For CLIN 0003, could the government please provide the level of effort adjustment equation? | The level of effort will be negotiated/evaluated on the Task Orders during execution of the contract. However, for source selection evaluation purposes only, the Offeror's proposed rates will be evaluated and applied to the Government's LCU to derive the CLIN 0003 price. | |
| 22 | PWS, pg 7, Sec 2.6 location of services | The referenced section states in part: “There is potential for work execution to be conducted OCONUS at USG or partner locations.” We respectfully request the Government clarify if the work to be performed at OCONUS locations will be short-term (TDY) deployments, or full time OCONUS assignments. | ||
| We respectfully request the Government provide the list of possible OCONUS locations where work may be conducted. | Task order locations could include work in US OCONUS states/territories/facilities or in USG facilities in allied/partner countries. OCONUS work may be TDY or full time depending on the task order requirements. Historic examples include Hawaii and Germany. | |||
| 23 | SECTION L.4.2.5, Page 8, Line 377 | If an FPRA is not in place, provide the date of the applicable FPRP with supporting rationale addressing the basis for the proposed rates and copy of FPRP. | Will the Government accept a copy of the offeror’s annual provisional rates submission to DCAA for this requirement? | Yes, the Government will accept a copy of the annual provisional rates submission to DCAA. |
| 24 | PWS Section 2.6 Location of Services | The PWS states “There is potential for work execution to be conducted OCONUS at USG or partner locations.” | a. Does the client want Offerors’ rates within “3-AT_Rates-Matrix” to reflect OCONUS work? |
b. If so, which locations? Will any locations be considered “Hazardous”?
If work will be conducted at “Hazardous” locations, will the submitted rates need to include allowances, differentials, etc.? A. No, it should not reflect OCONUS work.
B. Any additional benefits an employee received from OCONUS location is an ODC and would not be included in the base labor rate or indirect rates.
Travel overseas would be minimal and to "stable" controlled populated areas - no war zone travel - no work with dangerous equipment such as chemicals or machinery only concern might be managing IT equipment and electronics, racks of higher voltages, a safety concern, but within Federal regulations for safety.
| 25 | Attachment 3 Rates Matrix, Labor Category Descriptions | Can the government please confirm that Replacement Options for advanced degrees apply concurrently to the basic years of experience requirements? For example, for an individual without a MA/MS degree to qualify for alignment to a "Senior" Level Labor Category, they must have a minimum of 12 total years of experience. | Yes, that is correct. | ||
| 26 | PWS, pg 7, Sec 2.6 location of services | In Section 2.6 of the PWS, the government references partner locations. | Can the government please clarify what would qualify as a partner location and if contractors would be working with a foreign entity? | See #23. Location specifics will be included in individual task orders. The contractor will always be working under the direction of a USG COR, but there is a possibility that they might interface with foreign entities as part of the TO execution in any of the allied/partner countries who have relationships with US DoD. | |
| 27 | PWS Section 2.6 Location of Services | The PWS states work will be performed “within the National Capital Region (NCR) and Tampa, FL, as well as at various contractor, subcontractor, and Government facilities mainly in the continental United States.” | Does the Client want Offerors to focus on a particular location when completing the “3-AT_Rates-Matrix”? | Added instructions to L4.1 that Offerors shall propose NTE rates based on the NCR for evaluation purposes for the source selection. However Offerors proposed Task Order rates shall specific to the location where the Task Order work will be performed; which may be a reduced rate. | |
| 28 | SECTION L.4.2.5, Page 8, Line 369 | For the determination of realism, an elemental cost breakout shall be provided by all to identify all elements utilized to develop the fully-burdened rates. | For pricing purposes, will the Government please provide a specified location on which offerors can base all pricing to establish commonality across all Offerors' price? | Added instructions to L4.1 that Offerors shall propose NTE rates based on the NCR for evaluation purposes for the source selection. However Offerors proposed Task Order rates shall specific to the location where the Task Order work will be performed; which may be a reduced rate. | |
| 29 | PWS Section 2.6 Location of Services (also relates to Section 3.1.5, Section 3.3.5, Section 3.4.1, Section 3.5.2, Section 3.5.4 | PWS states, “within the National Capital Region (NCR) and Tampa, FL, as well as at various contractor, subcontractor, and Government facilities mainly in the continental United States.” | Will the client accept work related to commercially enabled intelligence, which is not classified (e.g., business intelligence; supply chain risk management; surveys of emerging COTS technologies; new concepts and capabilities to derive insights and generate intelligence via multi-source, multi-variate, dynamic information; commercial, financial, business, and trade data and tools to improve commercially-enabled intelligence; designing visual interfaces), to be conducted at Contractor locations? | Yes, the government will allow this. Whether or not work must be performed on the Government site or within a Contractor fallibility will be highly dependent on the specific requirements of each Task Order; that being said, work similar to what has been described has historically been permitted at contractor locations. | |
| 30 | General question | a. Will the Client provide and maintain potentially fluctuating and appropriate levels of seats or licenses to access any and all open source, subscription-based, or syndicated commercially enabled intelligence data sets, or will Contractors be responsible to secure those on their own? | This will be specific to each Task Order | ||
| 31 | General question | b. If the Client will provide the above, will a process be in place to rapidly enable acquisition of new resources or increased seats/licenses? | This will be specific to each Task Order | ||
| 32 | General question | c. If the above will be Contractor provided, will the Client cover these annual costs as ODCs? | This will be specific to each Task Order | ||
| 33 | General question | If the above will be Contractor provided, is the Client fully aware of the various restrictive terms and conditions and potential restrictions? | Yes, the government is aware. | ||
| 34 | Section L, 4.1 #1 | Section L states in regards to the CPFF rates “All labor rates proposed will be Not to Exceed (NTE) rates.” | Please confirm that the rates provided within “3-AT_Rates-Matrix” will not be incorporated in the IDIQ contract as ceilings. | They will be incorporated as NTE rates. | |
| 35 | Section L2.2.3 | For tables, charts, graphs and figures, the text shall be no smaller than Times New Roman or Arial 8 point font. | Will the Government accept graphics with Arial Narrow 8 point font? | Yes, as provided in L2.2.3. | |
| 36 | Sample Task Orders 01 and 02 | Details are lacking in the sample task orders, and proposals may vary drastically. (Examples: Task Order 01 does not provide quantitative values for elements such as the number of reports and frequency. Task Order 02 does not provide specifics as to the number of tools and the timeframe to be integrated.) | |||
| One approach is to provide an anticipated LOE or budget so bidders can provide a technical solution that includes a detailed labor mix. With these criteria, the government can perform consistent evaluations of proposals while also allowing companies to provide their own unique solutions. | Can the Government provide a historical or projected level of effort for the task orders? | For TO1, a combination of paragraph 1.5, 3.8, and 7 provide the historic and projected level of effort. |
For TO2, a combination of paragraph 1.5, 3, and 7 provide the historic and projected level of effort.
| 37 | Section L.3.3.1 | Section states, “The Offeror shall demonstrate their technical capabilities to cover all four technical focus areas, located in PWS Section 1.2.” | In order to demonstrate technical capabilities in some of the PWS 1.2 focus areas, some Offerors may need to cite sensitive or classified work. Will the Government accept references to this type of work, worded as “classified work supporting the Federal Government,” as demonstrable examples? | The government will not accept classified information but requires a response to the areas listed in L3.3.1 in order to evaluate demonstrated capability. Responses should address the areas with as much unclassified detail as possible. | |
| 38 | Sample Task Order 01 | Is Task Order 01 to be considered a capability development task or prototyping task? | Both - in some projects a capability will be developed, in other projects only a prototype will suffice. | ||
| 39 | J-7 A&T MAC Participation Plan | ||||
| M3.2.5 Subfactor 5 | There are inconsistencies between M3.2.5 Subfactor 5 and J-7. | Please clarify whether or not the designated categories of 5% SDB, 5% WOSB, 3% SDVOSB, 3% VOSB, and 3% HubZone are in addition to the 10% small business goal. |
Is the small business participation plan based on 10% of the total contract value or 10% of the subcontracted dollars?
| In addition, please clarify if these goals are targets or requirements. | The 10% is part of The Small Business Participation Plan referenced in M3.2.5, which should be comprised of the socio-economic categories listed rather than in addition to. The Small Business Participation Plan is a requirement of Subfactor 5. | ||||
| 40 | Section L4.0 COST//PRICE (FACTOR 2) – VOLUME II | Can the Government provide an estimate as to the percentage of work to be on-site versus off-site? In addition, concerning on-site, what is the estimated percentage of the work to be provided at each Government location? | The on-site/off-site mix will be TO specific and cannot be determined at this time. | ||
| 41 | N/A | Is there an advanced planning matrix for the release of Task Orders? | No | ||
| 42 | Sample Task Orders 1 and 2 | Are there incumbent contactor(s) performing the work in the task orders today? If so, who are they? | Novetta, Deloitte, and Altimara have performed work on these types of tasks in the past. | ||
| 43 | Clarification_Questions_AT_8Feb19 - Question 19 | The Government’s response to Question 19 regarding CPFF – IDIQ Rates was the following “Negotiated labor rates of the IDIQ base contract will be used on future task orders. Invoicing will be based on actual costs. Invoicing will be IAW actual costs.” | a. Can the Client please clarify whether the CPFF rates proposed within the Rates Matrix (Attachment 3) are ceiling rates or Cost Plus rates that offerors will be allowed to propose above or below in order to secure qualified individuals for the various upcoming task orders over the ten year period of performance? | ||
| b. If the CPFF rates are to be ceiling rates, thus Offerors have the potential to not be reimbursed for costs, can the Client explain the need to submit the two rate types required on the Rates Matrix (Attachment 3)? | A. Negotiated labor rates of the IDIQ base contract will be used on future task orders. Invoicing will be IAW actual costs. |
B. The 2 different rates are for CPFF vs. FFP-LOE, so the offeror could propose different rates based on the nature of the pricing type.
| 44 | Section L.4.1 and Section M4.1.3 Realism | Section L.4.1 states “Offerors shall complete workbook Rates Matrix (RFP Attachment 3) to propose fully burdened composite labor rates (excluding fee). | |
| Section M4.1.3 Realism states “Offerors will have to provide their DCAA or DCMA verifiable indirect burden rates and proposed fee rate.” M4.1.4 TEP states “Fee will be evaluated at the task order level.” | a. Is fee being evaluated at the IDIQ level? |
b. If not, do Offerors still need to disclose the fee used within their CPFF rates?
Please clarify where to include fee information, how it should be proposed, and how fee on task orders of varying risk levels is to be addressed. A. No, Fee will be Task Order specific.
B. No fee is not being evaluated at this time.
C. When task orders FOPR are issued, contractor responses would include the fee applicable to that task order and the work that is being required.
| 45 | Section L3.3 | Can tables be utilized to respond to this section and provide examples of demonstrated capability? | Yes, tables can be utilized | ||
| 46 | Task Order 1 | Section 1.1 requires support to assess new approaches and methodologies to advance data analytics, business intelligence, technology investment and immersive intelligence reporting”. | Will the Client be open to Contractors conducting this type of work in Contractor facilities, or will it be expected in Client spaces? | Yes, the government is open to work being conducted in Contractor spaces. For TO1 - There will be some flexibility for work away from the government site, however, discussions will be required with the COR to determine the most effective employment of the contractors against each project's requirements within the Task Orders. Preference will be toward on site activities to ensure team collaboration and support. For TO2 - There will be less flexibility for work away from the government site, since the work is to support the government on-site research environment used by the organization. | |
| 47 | Task Order 1 | Section 1.3 requests innovative approaches to data collection, analysis, and tool applications in areas including: counterintelligence, human intelligence, personnel vetting, and supply chain risk management. | Is this work anticipated to be done on Client premises, Contractor facilities, or a combination of the two? | See question #46 | |
| 48 | Task Order 1 | Sections 3.3.2, 3.3.3, and 3.3.4 | a. Will the Client provide a list of current commercially-enabled, open source data providers or systems it currently has in place? | ||
| B. Will the Client provide a list of current gaps in information? | Each project within the Task Order will have its own set of requirements that dictate which data sets will be relevant and required. Today's data sets may or may not be relevant to future projects, and are acquired for limited engagement periods just long enough just support the project timeframes, to minimize cost. The focus of this RFP is to be forward looking and innovative about the data sets that should be considered in the future given current trends. Past gaps in data resources for projects have been often the lack of comprehensive coverage of topics or domains as a result of limited funding per project, again varying by project in the depth and breadth of those gaps. | ||||
| 49 | Task Order 1 | Section A.2 “Security Level of Tasking Requirement” states work related to these tasks shall require Top Secret/SCI clearances. | Will the Client reconsider this requirement for TS/SCI clearances for the workstreams that do not access classified data, such as due diligence, financial assessments, and other related work that relies on open source, unclassified information? | No. Most projects within the Task Order will require TS/SCI clearances to understand the details of requirements and the collaborative activities within the projects. This Task Order is supportive of other activities that include classified activities. See paragraph A.4 | |
| 50 | Task Order 1 | Section A.5 “Place of Performance” states the majority of the work will be accomplished at CDMA’s facility located at 500 E Zack St, 7th Floor, R.L. Timberlake Jr Federal Building, Tampa, FL 33602 | Will the Client permit open source, unclassified related work activities to be performed at Client facilities instead? | See #46 | |
| 51 | Section L, page 8, Attachment 9 | The Offeror’s Contract Documentation volume shall include the following sections completed by the Offeror…DOL EEOC Clearance Request Information (Section J attachment)… | DOL EEO clearance is required prior to award of contracts worth over $10M. Will the Government confirm that Offerors should submit a completed form for each of the two sample task orders to be awarded, identifying the task order on the form? | The Government is not requesting pricing on the two task orders. The DOL EEO should be based on the prime, subcontractors, teaming partners, etc. who are estimated to have $10M or more of work during the 10 year Period of Performance. | |
| 52 | L4.1(1), Page 7, Line 312; | ||||
| M4.1.3 Amend 01 Line 187 | CLINs 0001, 1001, 2001 (CPFF) - IDIQ RATES: Offerors shall complete workbook Rates Matrix (RFP Attachment 3) to propose fully burdened composite labor rates (excluding fee). |
AND
| Offerors will have to provide their DCAA or DCMA verifiable indirect burden rates and proposed fee rate. | For the evaluation of realism, there does not seem to be a place to define the amount of Fee assigned to CPFF-type work. The Pricing template only requires CPFF rates with no fee. How will fee be awarded or assessed for CLINs 0001, 1001 and 2001? | Fee will not be awarded at the base IDIQ level. It will be done at the task order level. | |
| 53 | M4.1 Page 4, Line 166 and M4.1.4(1)(b), Page 5, Line 213 | The Offeror’s (Prime and Major Subcontractor’s) proposed FFP-LOE rates (CLIN 0003) will be evaluated ….The Offeror’s (Prime and Major Subcontractor’s) proposed CPFF rates and factors (CLIN 0001) will also be evaluated … |
AND
| Each prime Offeror shall submit fully-burdened composite (including each of their subcontractors, teaming partners and/or joint venture partners) labor rates (excluding fee or including profit as applicable). | In one reference (line 166), the Government states the submitted rates include those of the Prime and Major Subcontractors, however, in another (Line 210) the rates matrix is a composition of the Prime and all teaming partners and subcontractors. Will the Government confirm that rates should include all subcontractors? | Yes, the rates should include all subcontractors. | |||
| 54 | Part II, Section I, Page 17 | 52.215-21 REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFIED COST OR PRICING DATA AND DATA OTHER THAN CERTIFIED COST OR PRICING DATA--MODIFICATIONS (OCT 2010) | For the purposes of this solicitation and all task order proposals, will the Government recognize the DoD Class Deviation of $2M as the threshold for obtaining certified cost or pricing data, effective July 01, 2018, vice the FAR threshold of $750K? | Yes, we will use the DoD deviation for our task order analysis. | |
| 55 | PWS and Attachment 4 TO1, PWS page 15 para 3.7 last bullet, TO1 page 2, para 1.7 | Language in PWS 3.7: “Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy.” seems to conflict with TO 1.7 regarding the prohibition on conducting intelligence. | Will the Government please confirm that the contractor is not required to perform any intelligence analysis (with or without CEIs tools) of foreign intelligence to answer a specific intelligence question nor provide an intelligence assessment for a customer, only provide assessment of the CEI? | No. While SAF/CDM is not an intelligence component, the organization engages in research and development specific "intelligence related activity" and as a result, Offeror's are required to submit an Intelligence Oversight Plan as referenced in PWS 6.1.7.6.1. | |
| 56 | Attachment 4, TO1, para 3.1, page 3 | the last sentence reads: “Upon CO or COR direction, the Contractor shall apply and demonstrate selected items from the list within the context of CDMA projects.” However, there is no direction in section 3 for the Contractor to lead the conduct of projects. There is only direction to conduct a survey, transition CEIs to customers, and have expertise available to support projects. | Will the Government clarify whether the contractor will be given projects for which they will be lead or will they solely be in a supporting role to a government project team during execution? | While there will always be a government lead, contractors may be required to co-lead projects either with the government or other contractors. Specific responsibilities will differ across the Task Orders. | |
| 57 | Attachment 4, TO1, Page 2 and pages 3-4, Sections 1.7 and 3.3 | TO1 1.7: Under no circumstances shall Contractor interpret or conduct any task in a way that could be construed to include the official conduct of intelligence…TO1 3.3.2: “…to identify suspicious patterns of corporate control/ownership,…” |
TO1 3.3.3: “…to ascertain unique identifiers, true ownership, relationships between foreign commercial subjects, and red flag illegal or suspicious activities.”
TO1 3.3.4: “to identify potential transactions or relationships of project-focus entities with sanctioned countries or entities; assess export controls effects and compliance with sanctions.” There appears to be a discrepancy between the languages in TO1: 1.7 (this is not the conduct of intelligence) and intent or target of TO1, 3.3, CEI Functional Capabilities. We assume that the intent of TO1: 3.3 requirements is for the discovery /adaptation / development / application of CEI capabilities to provide new / enhanced intelligence capabilities, tools and techniques.
Will the Government please confirm or correct our assumption about the intent of TO1 section 3.3 requirements.
| Yes, your assumption is correct. | |||
| 58 | SECTION L/M 1-24-19 Final, P. 8, Sec L.4.2.5 | The RFP states, “an elemental cost breakout shall be provided by all.” It also states, “For any supporting data that a major subcontractor may not be willing to provide directly to the Prime…” The Government indicates subcontractors may submit supporting data to the Government. | Question1: Can the Government please clarify whether an elemental cost breakout shall be provided by all subcontractors or only major subcontractors? |
Question2: Can the Government please clarify whether Attachment 3 shall be provided by the Prime Contractor only, by the Prime and major subcontractors, or by all members of the team?
Question3: Can the Government please confirm that if subcontractors are not providing cost-based rates no supporting documentation is required? 1. Sec 4.2.5 will be changed to read "provided by all Primes and Major Subs".
2. There shall only be one composite Rate Table, Attachment 3 inclusive of all team members.
3. If the sub is only supporting FFP-LOE CLINs, then no data is needed.
| 59 | SECTION L/M 1-24-19 Final, P. 7, Sec L.3.5.1 | The Government has provided of $21M and a total value of $189M to use in assessing small business participation. However, the Government has not provided labor hours at the IDIQ level and is not requesting the sample task orders to be priced. | Will the Government confirm that offerors are to use the numbers provided to show their proposed dollar allocation to small business concerns and the individual socio-economic categories supported by the small business teaming approach outlined in the Small Business Participation Plan? | Yes, as provided in L3.5.1. |
| 60 | SECTION L/M 1-24-19 Final, P. 7, Sec L.4.1, sub para 1 | The Government has indicated the proposed cost plus rates will be not to exceed rates. | Can the Government please clarify how cost based rates will be Not To Exceed (NTE) when the cost basis will change over the nine year period of performance? | The CPFF Rates established in Attachment 3 will be used for evaluation purposes when Task Orders are issued/negotiated/let. The Government will ensure the proposed rates for Task Orders do not exceed the negotiated rates in Attachment 3. Invoicing for the Task Orders will be actual costs. |
| 61 | Attachment 4 TO1 and Attachment 5 TO2 | Will the Government confirm that offerors receiving an IDIQ award will be given an opportunity to update task order responses and provide revised pricing should the Government decide to award the two sample tasks? | Yes, when/if the Government awards the 2 sample task orders offerors will be allowed to provide pricing and changes to their technical approach, based on the actual PWS at time of FOPR. | |
| 62 | SECTION A-K; AT Rates Matrix 1-11-19, Section B | The Government has established CLINS for CPFF, FFP, and FPLOE tasks while requesting only CPFF and FPLOE rates. | Can the Government confirm that the FFPLOE rates submitted will be used for FFP tasks? | Yes, the FFP-LOE rates will be used for task orders that have a defined end product. |
| 63 | SECTION L/M 1-24-19 Final, P. 7, Sec L.4.1, sub para 1 | With respect to the fully burdened composite labor rates (excluding fee), “all labor rates proposed with be Not to Exceed (NTE) rates.” Per FAR 16.301-1, Cost-reimbursement types of contracts provide for payment of allowable incurred costs. | Question1: Will the Government consider removing the NTE at the labor rate level and instead use a total cost ceiling at the Task Order level that the Contractor cannot exceed? |
Question2: Will Contractors be able to establish fixed fee rates at the Task Order level or will Contractors establish the fixed fee at the IDIQ level after award?
Question3: Will CPFF Task Orders be of the Completion or Term type? If the latter, is there a formula that will be used to measure performance?
A. No, the rates are to be used at the Base IDIQ award as well as Task order evaluations.
B. Yes, fee will be established at the task order level.
C. May be both. In the past they have been primarily term type. TBD at the Task Order level.
| 64 | SECTION L/M 1-24-19 Final, P. 7, Sec L.4.1, sub para 3 | For FFP-LOE rates, is the Prime to composite the labor rates, or should separate labor rates be provided for each subcontractor? | Yes, the FFP-LOE should be composite rates. | |
| 65 | SECTION L/M 1-24-19 Final, P. 8, Sec L.4.2.4 | Will the Government confirm that contractor systems status requirements are applicable to the Prime only, or do they apply to subcontractors proposing cost type rates as well? | Prime contractor is responsible to ensure the subcontractor is meeting the required business systems standards. If the sub does not have an approved system provide rationale why and impact to the Government. | |
| 66 | SECTION B, P 4-6 | Will the Government please add the contract types to the Option CLINs? | Option CLINs will be the same pricing type as base period CLINs with the same ending number. | |
| 67 | Attachment 4 TO1 and Attachment 5 TO2 | For each sample task order (section A.2), the Government indicates that work will require a TS/SCI level clearance. Can the Government confirm that a clearance above a TS/SCI (requiring polygraph) is not anticipated for any of the work on this program? | If additional clearances may be required, can the Government indicate the labor categories in the AT Rates Matrix that are most likely to be impacted or, alternatively, would the Government allow IDIQ holders to make price adjustments at the TO level where polygraph-level clearances are required? | Though not frequent, some projects under Task Orders 1 & 2 are expected to require higher levels of clearance above TS/SCI to include polygraphs. Which specific labor categories will require higher level classifications will be project dependent. |
| 68 | SECTION L/M 1-24-19 Final, P.2, L1.2 | Given the complexity of the response, changes from the draft versions to the final, and the impact of answers to questions, will the Government please provide a two-week extension to the submission deadline? | The government has granted a 2 week extension to the proposal due date. Due date is now 14 March. | |
| 69 | Clarification Questions A&T 8 Feb19, Answer #1 | Q1: Can the Government clarify that "rates meant to cover each of their subcontractors, teaming partners, and/or joint venture partner" is meant as a composite rate? Q2: And that if a sub, teaming partner, or JV was used in the development of the composite rate, the Government wishes to see supporting data from all sources used in create that rate? | Q1. Yes it is a composite rate. |
Q2. Yes, we need to see the rate build up, including subs/teaming partners, etc.
| 70 | Clarification Questions A&T 8 Feb19, Answers #1 and #10 | Regarding answer #1 from 2/8/19, the Government has asked for "rates meant to cover each of their subcontractors, teaming partners, and/or joint venture partner" . Answer #10 from 2/8/19, the Government indicates "Both Section L.4.1. (1) and (3) requires rates for the Prime Offeror, and each of their “subcontractors, teaming partners, and/or joint venture partners.” | Can the Government confirm that the rates described in answer #1 refer to composite rates for each labor category while the rates in answer #10 reference back-up and supporting data from teammates used to generate the composite rates? | Answer #1 is for the composite rates and #10 is requesting back-up data that was used to determine the composite rates. |
| 71 | Clarification Questions A&T 8 Feb19, Answers #1, #10 and #21 | Can the Government confirm that only one copy of RFP Attachment 3 is needed which represents the prime's composite rate for each labor category? | Yes, the Offeror should only submit 1 copy of Attachment 3 with the composite rates proposed. | |
| 72 | Clarification Questions A&T 8 Feb19, Answer #6 | see tab "Table Qs 72 & 73" | Question 1: Does the government intend for the offeror to escalate the year 10 rates from the prior year? |
Question 2: Could the government please confirm that the table below accurately depicts the Period of Performance for the IDIQ vehicle? (see tab: Table Qs 73 & 74) Q1. Offerors can determine how they would like to price the out years. The Government will not be applying a separate escalation factor.
Q2. Yes, that is the correct period of performance outline for the basic IDIQ. Each task order will have it's own period of performance and possible options.
| 73 | Clarification Questions A&T 8Feb19, Answer #6 and Attachment 3-AT_Rates-Matrix2-5-19(002) | see tab "Table Qs 72 & 73" | Could the government confirm that chart below correctly depicts the period of performance for Attachment 3? (see tab: Table Qs 73 & 74) | Yes it is correct. |
| 74 | Attachment 3-AT Rates Matrix, Labor Category Descriptions/ pg 1 | Regarding Attachment 3, AT_Rates-Matrix2-5-19, in the description of the Security Administrator category, the Government states that the position requires “minimum of 8 years of experience of which 4 must be specialized in…” This goes against the description of the skill levels further down in the document that state, for example, that all Junior positions require a BA/BS and 0-3 years experience. | Will the Government please confirm that there are not supposed to be any degree or years experience requirements for specific labor categories? | Yes, there are 2 category descriptions that have been updated. See questions 6 & 7. |
| 75 | SECTION L, 3.2, pg 5 | On lines 239 and 240 of Section L 3.2, the Government requests “Staffing approach to include associated labor categories and hours” and “percentage of the total hours performed” by subcontractors. | Will the Government clarify if “hours” means Base Year hours only or total hours across the entire period of performance of the Task Order? | The offeror should show how they could meet the requirement, throughout the period of performance. |
| 76 | SECTION L, 1.7, pg 3 | In Section L 1.7, reference is made in Lines 116 – 118 to the submission of a DSS letter granting an interim or final Top Secret Facility Clearance. | In those instances where the DSS letter is classified FOUO, does the Government prefer Offerors portion mark the entire Volume III as Unclassified//FOUO, or do you wish to have the DSS letter submitted under separate cover to avoid having to portion mark the entire Volume III? | The letter may be separately submitted. |
| 77 | SECTION M, 3.2.1.4, pg 3 | Per section M.3.2.1.4, will the Government please clarify what is meant by personnel “accreditation”? | The listing is meant to be inclusive of all types of standards for professions to include being accredited by a organization or association for a particular field. | |
| 78 | TO 1 & 2 | The two sample task orders indicate an anticipated primary place of performance of Tampa, FL. However, the Government has potential work locations in the National Capital Region as well. | Can the Government please clarify whether Tampa only or Tampa and the NCR are to be used as the basis for establishing the requested IDIQ ceiling rates? If both Tampa and the NCR, can the Government provide a percentage of the expected work to take place in each region? | Added instructions to L4.1 that Offerors shall propose NTE rates based on the NCR for evaluation purposes for the source selection. However Offerors proposed Task Order rates shall specific to the location where the Task Order work will be performed; which may be a reduced rate. |
This is the start of the file's text. The full file is on GovTribe.
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .