Compiled_QandA_as_of_11_June_2012.xlsx
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- Special Notice - HDIAC BCO Federal contract opportunity
- Solicitation number
- FA8075-12--R-0001
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| Compiled_QandA_as_of_25_June_2012.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| FA8075-12-R-0001_A02.doc | DOC document | |
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| Compiled_QandA_as_of_1_June_2012.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| Amendment 1 - HDIAC_BCO_RFP_SF30.doc | DOC document | |
| Compiled_QandA_as_of_23_May_2012.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| Compiled_Q A_as_of_23_May_2012.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| ESG HDIAC BCO RFP.docx | DOCX document | |
| Compiled_Q_and_A_As_of_5_March_2012.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
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| Compiled Q and A As of 27 Feb 2012.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| Pre-Solicitation Notice.docx | DOCX document | |
| Draft _HDIAC_BCO_RFP.doc | DOC document |
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Sheet1
| HDIAC BCO RFP Q&A As of 11 June 2012 | |||
| # | Solicitation Section | Question/Comment | Response |
| 1 | Section C, Paragraph 1.4.1.4.b – Storage - Classified Holdings | This reference indicates that classified media holdings are stored in two, five-drawer GSA storage containers, footprint approximately 120 SF. Please confirm the footprint (dimensions) of the 2 cabinets, or, provide clarification regarding total SF estimate. | Details as provided in the RFP are complete and accurate. 120sq ft is the size of the room in which the classified material is stored; this room contains the 2 storage cabinets, and includes sitting space and a computer terminal. The cabinet dimensions are 52" x 27 ½" x 20 ½" and 57 ½" x 27 ½ x 19 ½". |
| 2 | Section L, Subfactor 2, Paragraph L4.4.4 | The paragraph states “The Offeror shall demonstrate at time of proposal submission it possesses a Secret Facility Clearance and has a cleared facility authorized to store classified materials at the secret level." Can a prime or subcontractor possess the clearance to meet the requirements for classified storage? | Yes, "classified storage capability' can be performed by a subcontractor. The Government has no particular expectation or preferred solution. Security requirements are as stated in the PWS and the DD Form 254. It is left to the contractor's discretion as to how best to meet these requirements. |
| 3 | Is it acceptable for the offeror to use the DD Form 254 issued upon contract award to obtain DSS approval for safeguarding at the secret level? | The requirements, as stated in the RFP, are that the cleared facility authorized to store classified materials must be in place at the time of proposal. As such, it is not acceptable to begin pursuing DSS approval for such facility after contract award. | |
| 4 | Can a subcontractor meet the safeguarding requirements until the prime receives approval from DSS for safeguarding (estimated time 30 days)? | The classified storage capability may be provided by a sub-contractor, provided it is available for use sufficient to meet the requirements of the RFP; this does not negate the requirement that classified storage be in place at time of proposal, and demonstrated in the proposal by a Facility Clearance Letter signed by DSS (reference RFP Section M3.2.3.2.5). RFP, Section C, PWS paragraph 1.8.2(2) has been revised to more clearly reflect the above requirement. For further clarification or additional questions regarding security matters, offerors are advised to contact their industrial security specialist at DSS. | |
| 5 | There seems to be a conflict in the RFP. At one place the due date for the proposal is 45 days from release. At one place the due date for the technical volume is June 14th. Can you clarify? | Volume I (Past Performance) shall be submitted not later than 4:00 PM Local Prevailing Time 30 days after RFP release (14 June). All other Volumes (II, III, and IV) shall be submitted not later than 4:00 PM Local Prevailing Time 45 days after RFP release (29 June). This is identified In Section L2.0, Proposal Instructions, of the RFP. | |
| 6 | Section C, 1.4.1.3. Conferences, Symposia, Workshops, and other Meetings | This section states, “…functions shall include providing technical coordination and information services required to support and host the meetings of the HDIAC Executive Steering Committee…” Who are the members of the HDIAC Executive Steering Committee? | HDIAC ESC members have not yet been finalized, but will comprise senior stakeholders across the technical focus areas of the HDIAC BCO. |
| 7 | Section C, 1.4.2. Information Analysis | This section states, “…the HDIAC contractor shall conduct STI literature searches/analyses for new TATs.” What is the expected number of Basic Inquiries from TAT contractors? | For the HD TAT domain, the government has released historical figures of approximately 50 new CBRNIAC TATs annually; this number may increase or decrease under HD TATs. |
| 8 | Section C, 1.4.2. Information Analysis | What is the expected number of funded (Extended and Search and Summary) Inquiries from TAT contractors? | There is no expectation that TAT contractors will be submitting funded technical inquiries to the HDIAC BCO. |
| 9 | Section C, 1.4.2. Information Analysis | Will the SOP for processing funded Inquiries be the same as for other Inquiries? If not, what is the applicable SOP? | Funded inquiries are handled according to the same process as product sales. Ref section C, paragraph 1.5 of the RFP. |
| 10 | Section C, 1.4.3.1.2 | This section states, “the contractor shall provide input into the DTIC Database, to include uploading documents and citation/metadata. IACs scan, PDF, OCR, index, and upload. What is the estimated volume of materials to be scanned, PDF’d, OCR’d, indexed, and uploaded? | Historical workload estimates are contained at Section C, paragraph 5.2 of the RFP. See columns "New STI Added" and "New STI Produced from TATs". |
| 11 | Section C, 1.4.4.2.2. Newsletter | This section states, “The contractor shall initiate and maintain a newsletter service…” May contractors accept paid advertising after prepublication review and with COR authorization? | Paid advertising within the newsletter is covered under RFP section C, paragraph 1.5.1.2. Each newsletter must be reviewed and approved by the COR and IAC PMO (reference DD1423, CDRL list). At this time, the IAC PMO is not inclined to approve paid advertising within the HDIAC newsletter. |
| 12 | Section C, 1.4.4.3 Databases | This section states, “…the master CBRNIAC database… contains approximately 204,000 records.” However, there is no information provided on the size of the existing databases for the other HDIAC subject areas. What is the estimated size of the existing databases for the other HDIAC subject areas? | CBRNIAC is the only existing IAC whose data is being incorporated into the HDIAC BCO. |
| 13 | Section C, 5.2 Historical Workload Estimate | This section provides historical data on the numbers of Web Inquiries and Technical Inquiries for the CBRNIAC. However, there is no information on the percentages of these Inquiries that were funded (Extended and Search and Summary) versus unfunded (Basic); nor is there information on the number of CATs. What is the percentage of Inquiries that were funded (Extended and Search and Summary) versus unfunded (Basic)? | CATs did not exist under the CBRNIAC contract. Approximately 3% of the total inquiries were externally funded, vs 97% that were basic (< 4 hrs). |
| 14 | Section C, 5.2 Historical Workload Estimate | What is the estimated average level of effort (person-hours) required to respond to each Inquiry? | Basic inquiries are capped at a maximum of four (4) etchnical hours (level of effort); inquiries exceeding four technical hours shall be provided on a cost recovery basis. Reference Section C, paragraph 1.4.4.1 of the RFP. |
| 15 | Section C, 5.2 Historical Workload Estimate | What is the estimated number of CATs? | CATs did not exist under the CBRNIAC contract. Estimated CAT volume is reflected in the $15M ceiling placed on CATs across the life of the HDIAC BCO contract. |
| 16 | H.13 Key Contractor Personnel | This section does not identify specific positions that are key personnel. What positions are considered key personnel? | The only position identified as key personnel in H.13 is the HDIAC BCO Director. |
| 17 | L2.1.3 Tables, Charts, Graphs, And Figures | This section states, “For tables, charts, graphs and figures, the text shall be no smaller than 8 point.” However, it is unclear whether contractors must use Times New Roman font for tables and figures. Are contractors limited to Times New Roman font for tables and figures? | For L2.1.3 TABLES, CHARTS, GRAPHS, AND FIGURES, the text shall be no smaller than 8 point, with any font type. |
| 18 | L2.1.4 Cross-Reference Matrix | This section states, “Cross-referencing within a proposal volume is permitted where its use would conserve space without impairing clarity. The cross-reference matrix will not count against the page limitations for their respective volumes.” However, it is unclear whether a cross-reference matrix is required. a. Is a cross-reference matrix required? b. If so, what is to be cross-referenced to the sections of our proposal – the PWS, Section L, and/or Section M? | Cross referencing is not required. |
| 19 | L4.2 Executive Summary | This section states, “Material presented in the Executive Summary will not be considered towards meeting the requirements for any other volumes of the proposal.” Can information in the Executive Summary be cross-referenced to meet requirement in other sections of the Technical Volume? | Yes. |
| 20 | L4.4.2 Staffing approach and practices | This section states, “As part of the staffing approach, the offeror shall state the minimum education and experience qualifications of each proposed labor category.” a. Are resumes required? b. If so, what positions are resumes required for? | Resumes are not required. |
| 21 | Section L.3.2.3 Past Performance Summary | Section L.3.2.3 Past Performance Summary, states: “This summary shall describe the role and efforts to be performed by the Prime Offeror and each subcontractor/teaming member for which past performance information is provided. Does the Government mean "to be performed" on this IDIQ? Or do you mean a summary of the roles each performed on the provided past performance reference? | This refers to the efforts to be performed under the HDIAC BCO. |
| 22 | Section L3.2.5 Past Performance Questionnaire | Section L3.2.5 Past Performance Questionnaire, states: “For each questionnaire distributed include a letter, printed on company letterhead, containing substantially the same information as that provided in the Questionnaire Cover Letter sample included as an attachment to Section L.” Will these Cover Letters be counted in the page count of the Volume? Will there be a specific page count for the letters, themselves? | Cover Letters are not counted toward the page limit of Volume I. There is no specific page count for the letters. |
| 23 | SF33 and Section L | Will Offerors be instructed to submit both parts of their proposals (Volume I, and Volume II/III/IV) to the address specified in the SF-33 (“Bldg. 40, Room 164, Offutt AFB”)? Will the Government be able to provide a Street Address for delivery purposes? | The full address is ESG/PKS, 101 Washington Square, Bldg 40, Room 164, Offutt AFB, NE 68113-2108. |
| 24 | Section C, 1.4.3.1.1 | Section 1.4.3.1.1 of the Performance Work Statement (PWS) states: “The DTIC STI Database provides for total electronic collection and dissemination capabilities of STI within the IAC Program. The contractor will be provided with the web services interface to the DTIC Database for uploading STI.” Does the contractor provide a “user” searchable data base or is the contractor’s database only intended to be a backup for the STI Database? | Use of the DTIC STI database for storage and dissemination of STI is required according to RFP Section C, paragraph 1.4.3.1. Per Section C, paragraph 1.4.4.3, "the contractor shall develop and maintain whatever database(s) it deems necessary and appropriate in order to successfully perform the requirements of this RFP." Information provided in Section C, paragraph 1.4.1.4(d) is also relevant to this question. |
| 25 | Section C, 1.4.3 | Section 1.4.3 of the PWS states: “The contractor shall be responsible for synthesizing and processing HDIAC information through the use of relevant existing worldwide current technology information, as well as data transferred from the legacy BCO contract and other historical data, and any additional worldwide current technology information that might be relevant. Is the Contractor responsible for their own synthesizing and processing tools or is this done using the STI database? Case in point, does the contractor need to have its own set of Google Search appliances to search “worldwide current technology information”? | The DTIC Database referenced in RFP Section C, paragraph 1.4.3.1, is for storing and providing access to complete STI records. The HDIAC BCO Contractor will be provided access to a web services interface to the DTIC database, for use in preparing and uploading STI records (RFP Section C, paragraph 1.4.3). All government furnished tools are identified in the RFP; the Contractor is responsible for any additional tools it deems necessary in order to fulfill the requirements stated in the RFP. |
| 26 | Section C, 1.4.3 | Section 1.4.3 of the PWS also states: "The contractor shall ensure free use and access of data between all IAC and multiple award contractors in support of the IAC program." Does DTIC have an approach and/or set of standards relevant to this requirement? | The DTIC process for providing access to data is utilization of the DTIC databases. The DTIC Database referenced in the RFP is currently the DTIC Online Access Controlled database. Additional information on this database can be found on the DTIC website, www.dtic.mil. Any other mechanisms the HDIAC BCO Contractor may utilize to share information must ensure compliance with document marking and distribution limitations. |
| 27 | Section C, 1.4.3 | Section 1.4.3 of the PWS also states: "Outputs consist of libraries, an information support system, the SME database and uploads to the DTIC Database using a web services interface. The contractor is required to interface with the Homeland Defense & Security TAT contractors for their related IAC area and fully utilize their TAT STI contributions.” Does DTIC have these web services defined? Is there a particular message broker technology required? Once transferred, which system is the source of record? | Ref RFP Section C, paragraph 1.4.3.1.1: "the contractor will be provided with the web services interface to the DTIC Database for uploading STI." See also response to question 26, above. |
| 28 | Section C, 1.4.3.2 | Section 1.4.3.2 of the PWS states “The HDIAC shall acquire, develop, and provide a referral service for authorized users. The referral service shall allow users to gain access to other relevant sources of data not resident at the HDIAC. If it is determined by the contractor that the requested information is not available at the HDIAC, or that additional information is available at another location.” Please provide an example of another “relevant source of data.” Is the contractor responsible for integrating with larger library networks like “LexisNexis”? | RFP Section C, paragraph 1.4.3.2 identifies the government's requirements in this area. Any external data/information source, as well as method for accessing that source, are left to each offeror to propose as part of their approach to satisfying the government's requirements. |
| 29 | Section C, Section 1.4.3.3 (b) | Section 1.4.3.3 (b) of the PWS states: "HDIAC information products, sales histories, and reminders for follow-up efforts in anticipation of potential requirements for additional HDIAC services or products. The contractor shall track sales and revenue (receipts) of BCO products that are developed using DTIC funds under the basic core services task order in the ISS." Since customers or users enter/make requests through the DTIC system, isn’t this information collected in that system? If so, is the contractor required to access and manage that information? | The DTIC Database provides access to certain STI records. There may be additional information products the HDIAC BCO contractor produces and distributes, outside of the DTIC Database. Any information (e.g., responses to technical inquiries) or product distribution conducted outside the DTIC Database must be tracked in the ISS. |
| 30 | Section C, 1.4.3/1.4.3.1.1 | Section 1.4.3 of the PWS states: “The contractor shall be responsible for synthesizing and processing HDIAC information through the use of relevant existing worldwide current technology information, as well as data transferred from the legacy BCO contract and other historical data, and any additional worldwide current technology information that might be relevant” Section 1.4.3.1.1 of the PWS goes on to state: “The DTIC STI Database provides for total electronic collection and dissemination capabilities of STI within the IAC Program. The contractor will be provided with the web services interface to the DTIC Database for uploading STI. Is the DTIC STI Database the primary source of research for “relevant existing worldwide current technology information”? | The DTIC STI Database is for storage and dissemination of STI; the contractor is responsible for any tools and processes for researching and obtaining new STI. See also responses to questions 25 and 29, above. |
| 31 | Section C, 1.4.3/1.4.3.1.1 | Is the contractor responsible for conducting and assembling searches with data from sources other than the DTIC STI database? | Yes. |
| 32 | Section C, 1.4.3/1.4.3.1.1 | Will DTIC end-user customers have access to the contractor’s database or is the DTIC STI database the only one that is customer-facing? | Use of the DTIC STI database for storage and dissemination of STI is required according to RFP Section C, paragraph 1.4.3.1. Per Section C, paragraph 1.4.4.3, "the contractor shall develop and maintain whatever database(s) it deems necessary and appropriate in order to successfully perform the requirements of this RFP." Information provided in Section C, paragraph 1.4.1.4(d) is also relevant to this question. |
| 33 | Would the Government be willing to accept an additional alternate proposal so that they can evaluate its value? | No. | |
| 34 | Section L3.2.5, Past Performance Questionnaire | In regard to the following statement from the Section L3.2.5 (The Offeror shall exert its best efforts to ensure that there are at least two points of contact (Procuring Contracting Officer, Program/Project Manager, Administrative Contracting Officer, or equivalent) per relevant contract.) of the RFP, can we assume that although 2 POCs are requested, only one Past Performance Questionnaire is required per past performance contract? | The preference is for both POCs to each fill out a Past Performance Questionnaire or for both POCs to fill out a Past Performance Questionnaire jointly. |
| 35 | For the purposes of responding to the Past Performance portion of this RFP does the government consider T&M contracts as a cost-type contract? | No. | |
| 36 | Section C, 2.1 | PWS section 2.1 states "The contractor is required to submit their Quality Control Plan within 30 days of contract award." For this requirement there does not appear to be a corresponding CDRL/deliverable item associated with this plan. Please clarify or indicate whether a corresponding CDRL will be added. | A corresponding CDRL will be added at time of award. |
| 37 | Section C, 1.3 | Reference Section 1.3, Contractor Responsibilities – General. This paragraph references a…”BCO contract line item (CLIN), Phase-In/Transition CLIN, Other than DTIC funded CLIN, or CAT CLIN…”, however an Other than DTIC funded CLIN is not identified in Section B – Supplies or Services and Prices. Is this omission an error? | All funding not provided by DTIC will be issued via task order under CLIN 0003. |
| 38 | Section C, 1.4.4.1, 1.5, 1.6.2, and 1.6.3 | Reference Section 1.4.4.1, 1.5, 1.6.2, and 1.6.3, is the Contractor required to estimate the funds anticipated to be recovered on a cost recovery basis (receipts) as part of their proposal submission and only as it relates to the DTIC funded basic center operation? For example (and as identified in 1.5.1.2), receipts from the sale of a handbook produced using DTIC funded basic center operation funds should be credited back against costs incurred for DTIC funded basic center operations. The Cost Price Model does not account for anticipated receipts. If estimating receipts is intended to be part of the proposal cost submission does a method of cost recovery exist, how does it operate, and who is the approving authority for product/service pricing? | The contractor is not required to estimate the funds anticipated to be recovered on a cost recovery basis. |
| 39 | Section C, 1.4.4.1, 1.6.2, and 1.6.3 | Reference Section 1.4.4.1, 1.6.2, and 1.6.3, preparation of responses which require more than four (4) technical hours, or related, repeated responses to individual users which in aggregate require more than four (4) technical hours, shall be provided on a cost recovery basis. If a response is considered an extended technical inquiry with an estimated response time of 10 technical hours, will the 10 hours be recovered on a cost recovery basis or will the initial four (4) hours be at no cost, and the remaining 6 hours recovered on a cost recovery basis? | If the initial inquiry is assessed to require more than the four (4) free hours covered under the basis inquiry category, then the entire effort expended shall be on a cost recovery basis. However, an initial basic inquiry of less than four (4) free hours may be followed by an additional inquiry that exceeds the four hour limit; in this case, the basic inquiry would be covered under the free category and the subsequent inquiry would be on a cost recovery basis. |
| 40 | Does the COR approve the estimated cost of responding to each user inquiry that exceeds the 4 hour threshold or does the COR only approve the "process" that the contractor establishes? | The estimated cost of an extended inquiry (CAT) will be reviewed by the COR, DTIC, and the Contracting Officer. | |
| 41 | Section C, 1.2 | In RFP Section 1.2: It states the following: “The legacy contract's period of performance will end concurrently with the award of this contract after completion of a phase-out period for that contract. Therefore, all new Homeland Defense and Security BCO requirements will be procured under this contract starting at time of award (requirements will be phased in over a transition period).” This implies that there will be BCO activity during the Phase-In/Transition period. Is the current CBRNIAC contractor or successor HDIAC contractor responsible for CBRNIAC-related BCO activities such as WARs, inquiries, STI, etc. during phase-in transition. (CLIN 0001)? | Yes. As stated in the RFP PWS, Section C, 1.2, and cited in the question, "requirements will be phased in over a transition period." The government has not established a specific schedule for the phase in, but is requesting that the offeror propose a transition plan that will accomplish the requirements established in the RFP, gradually ramping up to 100% assumption of performance by the end of the transition period up to 90 days. |
| 42 | Section C, 1.2 | Is new HDIAC contractor responsible for any BCO requirements under CLIN 0001? | See question 41 above. |
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