Questions Answers Final.pdf

Questions Related to the Request for Proposal (RFP) as they were submitted: Please utilize the updated RFP, Final BEQ spreadsheet, and PWS dated 10 November 21 as the source for all references listed below.

1. Addendum for FAR Provisions dated 5 Oct 2021 shows Volume 1 as only a 2-page Cover Letter with enclosures.

We do not see any instructions or evaluation criteria for enclosures. What does the Government want to see for the Technical Description and Past Performance? How will the technical description be evaluated?

A1: In accordance with (IAW) FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation-Commercial Items, from the RFP. Please refer to page 61 of the RFP dated 10/14/2021. A gated process will be used to evaluate proposals.

2. How does the Government intend to evaluate the past performance record and history? Will Offerors be expected to provide additional writeups?

A2: IAW FAR 52.212-2 from the RFP for evaluation criteria.

No additional write-ups are required. In Gate 4, the government will utilize the contractor’s past performance records and history available in government’s systems to make a determination of responsibly in accordance with FAR 9.103(b).

3. Solicitation Pages 3 through 7 – As an 8(a) firm, the years of experience required for some positions will be difficult to fill with existing employees and/or new hires. As the requirements are currently written in the PWS, the existing staff will be cut by 50% if 5 years of experience is a hard and fast requirement. Will the government consider reducing the required years of experience, and if not, is such experience negotiable?

A3: The PWS and RFP have been adjusted to reflect an adjusted minimum experience. Please see amended PWS, dated 10 November 2021, for the updated requirement.

4. Does the Air Force plan to compete this contract as an 8(a) competitive solicitation, direct award to a Tribal, ANC, or HMO concern, compete under another contracting vehicle?

A4: IAW the RFP, page 1, block 10, which states this is an 8(a) competitive.

5. Can you tell me if this is a new requirement and I also see that the personnel has to have a secret clearance? Is the

8(a) company seeking award required to have a secret facilities clearance upon award? Would the gov’t be willing to sponsor or if one side of a joint venture partnership has a facility clearance, would the gov’t allow that firm to sponsor for this opportunity immediately upon award?

A5: IAW FAR 52.212-2, from the RFP’s evaluation criteria, the primary contractor must have an approved Secret Facility Clearance Letter with Secret or higher access before contract award or the offer shall be considered “nonconforming” to the RFP and shall no longer be eligible for award.

6. Can you tell me if you are still on target or hoping for a December award?

A6: Yes.

7. Since the Government provided a Wage Determination, can the Government identify any positions that have been historically covered under the Service Contract Act?

A7:

Labor Category WD Equivalent Title WD Occupation Cod Production Control ClerkProduction Control Clerk 01270 Schedulers Scheduler Maintenance 01300 Planners Engineering Technician I - VI 30081 - 30086 Material Subject Matter Expert

N/A N/A

Supervisors N/A N/A

8. Under FAR 9.104-2, one provision to assess contractor capability is through Special Standards of Responsibility. Given the unique knowledge and experience of some of the requirement, will the Government consider resumes for any key positions?

A8: IAW FAR 52.212-2 from the RFP’s evaluation criteria: No, the government will not consider resumes as part of the proposal evaluation process. Contractors shall provide knowledgeable and experienced personnel to meet the requirements of each labor category as stated in sections 1.1 - 1.5 of the PWS.

9. Page 58, FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Items (Jul 2021) item (b) (8) states, “A completed copy of the representations and certifications at FAR 52.212-3 (see FAR 52.212-3(b) for those representations and certifications that the offeror shall complete electronically).” Could clarify if a copy of the entity’s Representations and Certifications needs to be included with the proposal documents or if the Representations and Certifications will be obtained by the Government via SAM.gov?

A9: This will be obtained from SAM.gov. However, Provision 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items. 2021-02, in the RFP are required to be completed. This provision is an assertion from the offeror that the Reps and Certs within SAM are accurate or inaccurate.

10. Page 58, FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Items (Jul 2021) item (c) states, “Period for acceptance of offers. The offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 30 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers, unless another time period is specified in an addendum to the solicitation.” Addendum For FAR Provisions 52.212-1 date 5 October 2021, item 1.6 Pricing- Volume 2 states, “The Offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 60 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers, unless another time-period is specified in an addendum to the solicitation.” Could you clarify if the prices need to be firm for 30 or 60 days?

A10: IAW FAR 52.212-1 Addendum, Offeror must hold prices for 60 calendar days.

11. Is the incumbent contractor eligible to submit a proposal on this re-compete?

A11: IAW RFP, page 1, block 10, all 8A offerors are eligible.

12. How do we go about submitting my proposal for this opportunity?

A12: IAW Addendum for FAR Provision 52.212-1 provides instructions. IAW RFP, page 3, paragraph B6 states to submit via the proposal email to the POCs listed in paragraph B5.

13. Concerning the different CLINS for labor categories, is there a breakdown by labor category and FTEs as to which weapon system they will support?

A13: No, the positions are not broken down by which weapon system they will support. They must be able to support any weapons systems that is supported by the Warner Robins, Air Logistics Complex, Workload & Analysis Branch.

14. Section B.6, CLIN structure, of the RFP states the different labor categories required (36 FTEs). Our research indicates that this RFP is consolidating 3 contracts with similar/same type of work. Would you please distinguish which labor categories/positions are new to this RFP that weren't on any of the 3 previous contracts?

A14: There is only one position not covered by the 3 (three) previous contracts. The only new position is the addition of a supervisor. Due to the number of personnel, this effort requires a total of 2 (two) supervisors.

15. Statement: SOW Paragraph 2.1.2 states that the contractor shall provide continuous service, 90% of the time per position. Paragraph 4.3.1 refers to additional hours “outside” of normal shift. “These hours are not to be counted toward the 90% minimum performance (para 2.1.2) and shall be included in the monthly rate for each labor category and shall not be billed separately. The Government estimates an additional 20 hours outside of the normal shift per employee per month.”

Regarding the statement above. Question: Would the Government reconsider and establish two separates CLINs, one CLIN for the normal shift hours per employee and a second CLIN for the additional 20 hours outside normal shift per employee since the outside hours may or may not be used?

A15: Per PWS paragraph 4.3.1, the Government may require support for any labor category outside the regular schedule shift. These hours shall be included in the monthly rate for each labor category and shall not be billed separately. The Government estimates an addition 20 hours outside of the normal shift may be required per employee per month. When proposing please make that assumption. This contract is not a labor hours contract, therefore hours will not be tracked for payment purposes. They will be tracked only to determine acceptable performance IAW PWS para 2.1.2.

16. Are we allowed to include graphics/text boxes in the cover letter? If so, can they be different than the 12 font requirement?

A16: IAW FAR 52.212-1 para 1.3 Print shall be of a minimum 12-point Times New Roman font size.

17. Since there is a delay in getting answers out to previously submitted questions, will the government consider extending the date proposals are due until the 30th of November?

A17: The RFP has been amended to reflect a new proposal due date of 22 November 2021 @ 1:00 PM EST.

18. Attachment “Final+BEQ++WRALC+Production+Overhead.xlsx” states Supervisors only have 24 Months whereas the "Staffing WRALC Production Overhead" attachment states there are 3 FTE's required. Can the Government please clarify the amount of months for supervisors and amount of FTEs?

A18: IAW RFP CLINs 0005, 1005 and 2005 2 (two) FTE Supervisors are required for a total of 24 BEQ Months per year.

19. Within the RFP, Section "Supplies or Services and Prices/Cost" B4, it states "CLINs X007, Travel cost shall be negotiated at the time of travel at task order level", while Section 1.9 (second 1.9) of the PWS states "Reimbursement for travel is limited to costs authorized in the Joint Travel Federal Regulations (per diem) and fair market value for travel cost. The estimated annual cost is $12,000". In addition, under each CLIN X007 within RFP Section B, the CLIN type is listed as "Firm Fixed Price". Will travel be firm fixed price or cost reimbursable?

A19: IAW 1) FAR 52.212-2, para “Price”; 2) RFP para. B4, page 3; and 3) PWS 1.10: Travel CLINs will be fixed price, based on what is authorized in the JFTR, and negotiated prior to travel.

20. The government has provided the following 52.222-42 Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires. 2014-05 in the Solicitation. Will the government confirm that these are the minimum direct labor cost that will be acceptable during the reasonableness and balance price review?

A20: IAW FAR 52.212-2, direct labor cost will not be evaluated. Reasonableness and balance will be reviewed at the CLIN level.

21. Addendum for FAR Provisions 52.212-1 Page 1, Para 1.3 Offer Volume Requirements (Table) 1. Completed solicitation including cover letter.

a. Will the government please define the completed solicitation? Does this mean the entire 61-page Solicitation –

FA857122R0001 with the SF1449 populates along with all the “editable” boxes populated in the FAR sections?

A21a: All appropriate provisions and clauses must be filled out with proposal.

b. Does the government expect Page 3-8, CLIN Table to be populated or is the submission of the Final BEQ WRALC Production Overhead spreadsheet sufficient?

A21b: IAW FAR 52.212-1 Addendum, This volume will include a completed Attachment 7, BEQ WRALC Production Overhead Pricing. There is no need to fill out pages 3-7 CLIN Table of the RFP.

22. Based on the exemptions provided in 52.222-51 and 53 in addition to the statement “This Statement is for Information Only: It is not a Wage Determination”

Question: Is Attachment 6 “Wage Determination No. 2015-4495 (Rev. 15) 07212021 Wage Determination 21 JUL 2021” provided for information only, or are contractors required to follow the wage determination stated in attachment 6.

A22: Vendors are required to follow all applicable labor laws and standards.

23. Solicitation+-+FA857122R0001.pdf – pg 61. In accordance with the Evaluation of Gate 2, are Offerors required to submit any documentation with their proposal submission that verifies their Facility Clearance of Secret or higher?

A23: No. The government will confirm the approved Facility Clearance within the NCAISS web portal

Questions related to the PWS

24. PWS 1.0 Description of Services The PWS indicates that an FTE is 1872 hours. However, the BEQ attachment states that an FTE is equal to 1880 hours. Please clarify which is correct.

A24: IAW PWS para 4.4 the addition of the Juneteenth Holiday has reduced the FTE to 1872 hrs/year.

25. The PWS has 11 holidays (Juneteenth), and the Wage determination has 10 days. Please confirm that Juneteenth is a holiday under this contract.

A25: IAW PWS para 4.4 Juneteenth is considered a federal holiday on this contract.

26. PWS Section 1.1 – Can the government clarify the distinction between the PCC II position and the PCC I position, since their responsibilities are the same? Could the government simply add 2 more FTE to the PCC I position?

A26: The PWS has been updated to eliminate the need for PCC II and increased the PCC I to a total of 14 FTEs.

27. PWS 2.0 Services Summary The requirement for filling vacancies within 10 business days could present an insurmountable challenge to an 8(a)-business due to the requirement for a security clearance. Companies that do not have qualified/equivalent personnel already onboard and prepared to backfill vacant position would be required to identify, recruit, interview, hire, onboard, and train a new qualified/equivalent person with a security clearance within 10 business days. This is essentially impossible. Recommend the government consider a requirement of not less than 20 business days.

A27: IAW PWS para 4.5 defines this specific requirement. There will be a significant loss of production if positions are left vacant for more than 10 days. Vendors typically have a robust employee pool available to fulfill the requirements of the PWS.

28. 2.1.2. PWS indicates: Provide 90% of continuous service per position. What about positions with 1 or 2 FTEs? If one of the positions is on PTO or out of the office, the percentage will be reduced to 50% or less.

A28: IAW PWS para 2.1.2 Contractor shall ensure the any additional break in service is back-filled by qualified/equivalent personnel. The requirement is as stated and contract requires backfills so there is no loss of production. Vendors are expected to have a robust employee pool available to fulfill the requirements of the PWS.

29. Could the government provide rationale for the requirement for two supervisors? How will the duties be delineated between two supervisors?

A29: Historically, this contract has required a standard supervisor to employee ration of 1:20. This has ensured supervisors not just effectively manage contractor employees, but are also readily available to interface with the Government. For the number of FTEs on this contract, 2 supervisors are required. They will support all weapons systems and duties will be performed in tandem.

30. PWS 4.0 General Information Section 4.1 References a Contractor Program Manager, but there is no CLIN for this position. Are the supervisor positions the same as the Contractor Program Manager position?

A30: Yes, they are the same. Please see the updated PWS.

31. Are there any differences in estimated workload/FTE requirements from the current contract to the one being proposed?

A31: The only difference between the current 3 (three) contracts and the proposed contract is the inclusion of an additional supervisor.

32. Would the Government consider providing target rates for each LCAT to level the playing field with the incumbent contractor?

A32: Government equivalent positions have been listed on page 1 of the PWS. Rates for each government equivalent position is available on https://www.opm.gov/.

33. Can you please let us know if locality percentages are included in the CLINS where you’ve identified the GS Level and Step?

A33: Yes, locality percentages are included.

34. Is the Contractor Program Manager (PWS 4.2) required to be onsite, or can this be a corporate employee that sits at the company’s corporate office?

A34: IAW PWS para 4.3 Yes, All services provided under this contract shall be performed on-site.

35. Solicitation Description/Specifications/Statement of Work Requirements state there are 35+ full-time employees and 1 part-time employee. Which labor category works part-time?

A35: IAW PWS para 1.0 and 1.2 the Material Subject Matter Expert is identified as the Part Time Employee.

36. Which labor categories and how many positions are subject to overtime?

A36: IAW PWS para 4.3.1 The Government may require support for any labor category outside the regularly scheduled shift..

37. The number of hours stated in Section 1.0 of the PWS is 1872, does this number include the 20 hours of anticipated overtime?

A37: No, the 1872 hours reflect the normal shift hours required as described in PWS para 4.3. The 20 hours outside of normal shift are described in PWS para 4.3.1

38. Concerning the 20 hours of “anticipated” overtime, is that figure based on historical data from the existing contracts that are being combined?

A38: It is based upon historical data.

39. Section 4.3.1 of the PWS states "For planning purposes only, the government estimates an additional 20 hours outside of the normal shift may be required per employee per month." Can the government confirm that this work for "additional hours outside of normal shifts" would be considered overtime?

A39: The work for the additional hours would not be considered overtime. Per PWS paragraph 4.3.1, the Government may require support for any labor category outside the regular schedule shift. These hours shall be included in the monthly rate for each labor category and shall not be billed separately. The Government estimates an additional 20 hours outside of the normal shift may be required per employee per month. When proposing please make that assumption.

40. How did the Government calculate the Hours Per FTE of 1,872?

A40: Previously, the Government standard FTE was 1880 hours. IAW PWS. Para 4.4 When Juneteenth was officially declared a Federal Holiday, 8 hours was subtracted, creating a new standard of 1872 hours for a FTE.

41. The Wage Determination (WD) included in the RFP is not the current version. Could the government please update the WD to Revision 16, dated 10/20/21?

A41: This has been updated.

42. Is this contract subject to any collective bargaining agreement?

A42: No.

43. Per PWS paragraph 1.3.8: Contractor Handling of Scientific and Technical Information (STINFO):

Question: How will STINFO be identified to the schedulers?

A43: IAW PWS para 1.3.5.1 The contractor is responsible for properly identifying and handling STINFO. This includes recognizing STINFO, recognizing what a Distribution Statement is and know how to use it, disseminating STINFO to the widest appropriate audience while protecting it from falling into the wrong hands, destroying STINFO properly, and involving the proper people when handling STINFO.

44. Does PWS paragraph 1.3.11 identify a labor category that is different from the Scheduler as discussed in paragraph 1.3?

A44: No, it’s a role to be performed under this section for the Scheduler.

45. PWS Section 1.3.4, 1.3.5, and 1.3.6- Should these paragraphs that reference Contractor self-identification apply to all positions?

A45: These paragraphs have been removed from section 1 and added to section 4 General information as para

4.7.1 and 4.7.2.

46. PWS Section 1.5- There is a mixture of plural (supervisors) and singular (supervisor). Please confirm that the government expects the contractor to have only one supervisor.

A46: IAW RFP CLINS 0005, 1005, 2005, 2 (two) supervisors are required in the performance of this contract.

47. PWS Section 1.9, Employment- Are employee qualification packages required for all 35 FTEs or only the key personnel?

A47: IAW PWS para 1.9, prior to performance under the positions specified in paragraphs 1.1-1.5, the contractor shall provide an employee qualification package for government review and approval.

48. PWS Section 3.0- Will contractor be provided with a list of GFP at contract award?

A48: IAW PWS para 3.0: Yes. The only GFP is 1 (one) laptop assigned to the Material Subject Matter Expert.

49. PWS Section 4.13.1- References CDRL A003, DI-SAFT-82080/T NOT 1, Contractor’s Safety Plan. Exhibit A (CDRL A001-A004) does not include CDRL A003.

A49: IAW Exhibit A (CDRL A001-A004) page 4 contains both CDRL A002 and A003.

50. Reference: Performance Work Statement (PWS) paragraph 1.0 DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES. Please confirm the GS Equivalents for Production Control Clerks II and for Supervisors.

A50: The requirement for the Production Control Clerk II has been removed and the requirement for Production Control Clerk I has been increased by 2 (two) FTEs to a total of 14 FTEs. The GS Equivalent for the Supervisors is correct.

Historical Contract Questions as submitted

51. Is there an incumbent currently providing these services to Robins AFB?

A51: Yes.

52. If so, can you provide that information including contract number?

A52: This is a consolidation of three (3) contracts.

Advanced Project Consulting, FA8571-20-C-0003, PoP: 12/20/2019 - 12/19/ 2021, $3,832,035.84 Copper River Technologies LLC, FA8571-20-C-0008, PoP: 01/28/2020 - 12/27/ 2021, $339,362.00 Leader Communications Inc., FA8571-18-F-0054, PoP: 07/31/2018 - 12/19/ 2021, $6,557,301.45

53. Are there any limitations (outside the 51% performance requirements) to subcontracting work on this effort?

A53: Offerors are required to follow all federal regulations in regards to subcontracting as a participant in the 8a SB program.

54. Would the Government please advise as to which weapon systems this requirement is supporting? Is this all Mission Design Series (MDS) withing the 402d mission or does it exclude, for example C-17 and Remotely Piloted Aircraft(s)?

A54: The resulting contract supports Warner Robins, Air Logistics Complex, Workload & Analysis Branch which provide maintenance support to all weapon systems.