Questions_and_Answers__2.pdf

Questions and Answers:

1. The Q&A and Amendment 4 provide guidance on Minimum hourly rates via the GS equivalent table

The government also provided a file titled “Qualifications and Requirements for each position”

The government provided a file called “SOW_EMXG_Production_Support_(Revision_8_final)

The information in these files seems to conflict as it pertains to expected minimum pay, qualifications and PWS work descriptions. For Example:

The Sr. Mechanical Engineering category description is as follows:

Sr. Mechanical Eng.(Hardware Design) (E3)

GS-0830-12

Must have a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET accredited school.

Must have eight (8) years experience in applicable field. Experience must include technical involvement as applicable in one (1) or more of the following areas: design, development, production, testing, engineering studies, analysis of system design, performance enhancement or Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (parts obsolescence).

The Sr. Mechanical Engineering Technician category description is as follows:

Sr. Mechanical Eng. Tech. (ET3)

GS-0830-12

Must have a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET accredited school.

Must have eight (8) years experience in applicable field. Experience must include technical involvement as applicable in one (1) or more of the following areas: design, development, production, testing, engineering studies, analysis of system design, performance enhancement or Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (parts obsolescence).

The Pws Descriptions are as follows:

1.3.5 Sr. Mechanical Engineering Services (Hardware Design)E3 The contractor shall prepare and maintain AutoCAD inventory files and perform mechanical designs of military “black boxes” using applicable DoD Technical Orders and industry best practices. Designs involves numerous part drawings and assembly drawings. The contractor shall perform thermal and mechanical stress analysis for new and existing designs and identify potential obsolete parts issues prior to occurrence and provide recommended solutions. In support of this requirement, the contractor shall have access to the Government Industry Data Exchange Program’s

Applications, Programs, and Indentures (API), other Government databases, and specialized Diminishing Manufacturing.

1.3.22 Sr. Mechanical Engineering Technical Services. ET3 The contractor shall perform broad assignments requiring schedule/cost planning, project execution, and reporting. The contractor shall work in conjunction with government engineers and higher level technicians in the design of and fabrication of mechanical assemblies.

1.3.22.1 The contractor shall research specifications and mechanical component requirements to supplement acquisition activities for modernization and/or replacement of aging or obsolete equipment or components.

1.3.22.2 The contractor shall perform in-depth technical analysis to resolve issues pertaining to mechanical problems on specified weapons systems.

1.3.22.3 The contactor shall set up and operate equipment used in the fabrication of jigs, fixtures, and other mechanical assemblies.

1.3.22.4 The contractor shall accurately read, interpret, and produce engineering drawings.

1.3.22.5 The contractor shall work in conjunction with EMXG management and engineers in the Group’s energy conservation program, developing reports, developing and implementing conservation programs and provide energy cost saving proposals. The contractor shall provide recommendations for repair of Utility Infrastructure equipment and control systems which will provide energy conservation savings. The contractor shall work with engineers and technicians in the design, maintenance, and repair of Utility Infrastructure equipment and controls.

The corresponding GS pay in the table is:

Sr. Mechanical Eng. (Hardware) (E3) ‐ Day Shift GS‐0830‐12 $30.05

Sr. Mech. Eng. Tech. (ET3) ‐ Day Shift GS‐0830‐12 $30.05

Respectfully request that the government reevaluate the labor category descriptions to align better with the expected work in the PWS. For example the Sr. Mech Tech is more of a “hands on” position and therefore there could be a provision for:

A BS Degree and 3 years experience or a minimum of 8 years technical experience instead of the firm requirement for a BS degree and 8 years of experience.

Using this scenario would open up the category to allow AF/technical personnel that have valuable “hands on” experience/knowledge to qualify which we believe is in the governments best interest both from an execution and cost perspective Request that the government look at all of the descriptions for scenarios like the one above to allow the right talent and appropriate cost to ensure maximum efficiency.

After speaking with the requirements team concerning providing waivers to the "education and experience requirements", the Government cannot make ANY exceptions to the education and experience requirements. The requirements listed are the minimum requirements, therefore NO exceptions may be granted.

2. Amendment 4: Clauses incorporated by Reference - page 49/79. We are concerned about mandatory SCA Wage Increases in this multiple-year contract without being able to submit an equitable adjustment to recoup any additional AND mandatory labor costs. The subject contract includes FAR clause 52.222-41. In accordance with FAR 22.1006(c)(1): (1) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.222-43, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards - Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts), or another clause which accomplishes the same purpose, in solicitations and contracts if the contract is expected to be a fixed-price, time-and-materials, or labor-hour service contract containing the clause at 52.222-41

Question - Will the government amend the solicitation to include FAR 52.222-43 or otherwise provide another clause which accomplishes the same purpose?

See amendment 0005 adding Clause 52.222-43 – Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards – Price Adjustmnet (Multiple Year and Option Contracts).

3. Amendment 4: Proposal Evaluation - Page 51/79. Cost/Price Factor. Total Compensation Plan.

The section states total compensation plans will be evaluated by comparing each labor category's proposed burdened salary to the government’s estimate.

Question - Will the government explain what is meant by "burdened salary" and how this will be used to compare to the government’s hourly rate estimate. Burdened rates and hourly rates are not equal.

Fully-burdened rate includes all elements of cost, including but not limited to labor, overhead, G&A, and/or profit.

4. General – Out of the 97 personnel to be transitioned initially, how many will require secret clearances? Transitioning people that have clearances is not a concern however if you have to go through the interim process it takes longer than 30 days

Per the requirements team and the SOW, secret clearance is required to work in bldg.

640/645, which are classified buildings, therefore all personnel must have clearance.

5. Request the government consider a 2 week extension to allow for resolution on the questions above.

No extension will be granted.

6. Evaluation of Commercial Items 52.212-2

· Under modified RFP release, evaluation criteria indicates government will evaluate total compensation plan and supporting information IAW FAR 52.222-46. Is this required to be provided with the proposal and if so, is there a format the government wants contractors to use?

Yes it is required to be provided with the proposal per FAR 52.212-2. There is no required format.

How will the government determine the contractor’s salary rate to ensure it is not below the government’s estimate provided in the modified RFP?

Concerning the contractor’s salary rate, please refer to 52.212-2 paragraphs 1A and C concerning fully burdened labor rates and proposed labor categories reflecting salaries.

7. Please clarify/confirm based on published Q&A, the government is asking only for the following to be included in the proposal submission:

· Pricing Sheet IAW 52.212-2

· Completed SF 1449

· Clause 5352.215-9000 Facility Clearance Information

· Reps and Certs updated in SAM, per 52.212.4(t)

Correct

8. Please clarify the government’s determination of what is included as Fringe Benefits based on the government statement of “Fringe Benefits below 25% will be deemed unacceptable due to cost realism unless extenuating circumstances are provided by Contractor as part of initial proposal”. Is the government asking contractors to provide/state their add-on fully burdened percentage?

Does the government include mandatory payroll taxes, workers compensation, federal and state unemployment taxes as part of a contractors “Fringe Benefit” cost?

See Question/Answer 3

9. Please confirm that the government estimate labor CLINs 0001- 0065 are correct in regards to Equivalent Job Series-Grade Step as listed in the modified RFP.

The labor CLINs 0001-0065 are correct in regards to Equivalent Job Series-Grade Step as listed in the modified RFP.