Q A_5_Nov_12.pdf

Questions resulting from Solicitation FA8509-12-R-32444, questions received after 30 Oct 2012 thru 5 Nov 2012, 2:15 PM EST

1. Q: Performance-Based Work Statement (PWS) paragraph 4.5 refers to ten or twenty days from “order” award. Paragraph 4.6(b) refers to “order start date.” Since the Request for Proposal (RFP) does not specify the initial or subsequent task/delivery order award quantities, will there be a transition period between awardee notification and contract award? Are contract award and first order award expected to be the same day? Will there be a gap between order award and order start date? As an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract, when will the Government notify the awardee of the number and locations of positions required for the initial or subsequent orders?

If there is no transition time between notification and contract/order award and order start date, a ten day 90% fill transition is aggressive and not in line with other agencies best practices of 21- 30 days to maximize competition. Further, information about incumbents in place currently has not been specific, increasing uncertainty. An aggressive transition requirement can restrict competition and increase proposed price to account for risk. Please provide additional detail on proposed award and transition timelines for planning and pricing purposes.

A: The first order will be issued on the same date as contract award. It is anticipated that order start dates will be the same as order award dates, but the Government reserves the right to award orders with later start dates. The exact number of positions for this ID/IQ contract is not known, but a minimum guarantee for the contract is established in solicitation note 4 and order limitations are established in clause 52.216-19. The locations of the positions are as stated in PWS paragraph 4.9 Place of Performance.

The requirements for filling positions, as established in PWS paragraph 4.5 Manpower Positions, are based on the need of this agency. As stated in the response to question 5 posted on 15 Oct 2012, this is not a total follow on requirement and there is no single incumbent.

Information on the incumbent, if any such information exists, will be made available upon award of each order.

2. Q: Based on paragraph B. Cost/Price Proposal Factor on page 61 of the RFP, offerors are reminded the Government will not accept NSP, No Charge (NC), etc., on any line item other than those already designated NSP in the schedule. Would the Government reconsider and allow the offeror the option to bid the Data CLINs as NSP?

A: As stated in Section M paragraph B of the solicitation, the Government will not accept NSP on the data CLINs as they are not designated NSP in the Schedule.

3. Q: Regarding the Government’s response to question 6 posted on 30 Oct, please confirm that the only acceptable delivery methods are US mail or delivery service (FedEx, UPS) and that the address stated is correct for FedEx or UPS delivery as well as for regular mail.

A: Section L of the solicitation states that all proposals shall be submitted in written form.

The delivery method (i.e. US mail, FedEx, or UPS) is at the contractor’s discretion. Email correspondence is requested to provide electronic copies of the proposal as long as test encryption emails are successfully exchanged. The address as stated in Section L of the solicitation is correct.