Attachment 4 - NDSEG RFP Questions and Answers 6.12.25.xlsx
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- FA9550-25-R-B001
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| Questions and Answers for Solicitation FA955025RB001 | |||||||
| Question ID | Document | Page # | Reference Text | Questions or Other Observations | AFOSR Response | ||
| 1 | PWS | 3 | Para 1.2 | Is there a DoDI, AF, USN, or USA instruction, regulation, policy memos or any other documentation governing the program? If so, request a copy of all guidance/policy documentation or link to the documents. | The solicitation incorporates all applicable regulations governing this program. | ||
| 2 | PWS | 3 | Para 1.1 | Does the COR expect the contractor to perform the work in the NCR or anywhere in the continuous 48 states where the contractor may have facilities? | The contractor may perform the work within CONUS. | ||
| 3 | PWS | 3 | Para 1.1 | Will AFOSR provide government laptops for NIPR access or is it expected that the contractor will provide all IT equipment for job performance? | The government will NOT provide IT equipment. | ||
| 4 | PWS | 3 | Para 1.3 | Please clarify eligibility as the verbiage and punctuation is contradictory. Text appears in PWS as: Persons who hold permanent resident status are ineligible to apply. are eligible to apply if they have received or will receive a baccalaureate degree in the year of their Fellowship application or have three years or more remaining of their graduate study in science or engineering at an U.S. accredited granting college, university, or technical institution. | PWS section 1.3 revised to include the word Persons. | ||
| 5 | PWS | 3 | Para 1.4 (a) | Exactly how can contractor be held to this standard of increasing applicant underrepresented institution by 5%/yr? | This has been removed from the PWS. | ||
| 6 | PWS | 4 | Para 1.4 (e) | Does this statement mean contractor will have authority/responsibility to place the fellow in respective location? Or will AFOSR work in conjunction with contractor PM | The fellow institution location is determined by the acceptance of graduate program school location. The contractor is responsible for ensuring the fellow is placed in the DoD selected and approved fellow and institution. | ||
| 7 | PWS | 7 | Para 1.16 | This paragraph requires contractor to transition the database/website to the new contractor. Is the incumbent contractor required to transition the database/website t if a new contractor is selected? If so, how soon should the gaining contractor expect to receive the access to the database? How will the transfer take place? | CDRL 0015 states "The transition of fellow names, institutions, required reports, and any financial records to the success by the end of the contract base year, 31 Jul 29." The contractor may determine the method to execute. The website may be transferrable if the previous contractor does not object otherwise the gaining contractor must develop program website. | ||
| 8 | PWS | 7 | Para 1.8 | Can the contractor use experience in lieu of a science/engineering degree for CPM duties? | No, science/engineering degree is a requirement. | ||
| 9 | PWS | 8 | Para 2 | Does the work have an incumbent performing all duties listed in the PWS? If yes, provide company name and contract award identification data to include award amount by POP. | Yes, an incumbent contractor is currently performing this work. The incumbent is Systems Plus, Inc. operating under contract number GS00Q14OADS142, FA9550-23-F-0014. The total contract value including all options is $88,470,739. The period of performance is 1 AUG 2023 - 31 JUL 2028. | ||
| 10 | PWS | 8 | Para 2.2 | Can facility cost be calculated per FTE to include a remote, hybrid and in-person cost option? | Yes | ||
| 11 | PWS | 8 | Para 2 | How many FTEs does the current contractor use to perform all duties outlined In the PWS? | The Government has provided a Performance Work Statement which defines the required outcomes and performance objectives. It is the responsibility of each Offeror to propose the appropriate level of effort and staffing necessary to meet the PWS requirements. The Government will not disclose incumbent contractor staffing levels, as this information is considered proprietary and is not material to the stated requirement. | ||
| 12 | PWS | 8 | Para 2 | What is the incumbent's expiration date? | The expiration date on the current contract is 31 JUL 2028. | ||
| 13 | PWS | 9 | Para 2.2.3 | Will the contractor have unfettered access to AFRL, ONR, and ARO personnel to identify potential panelists? | The DoD will collaborate with the contractor to assist in identifying potential panelists. | ||
| 14 | PWS | 9 | 2.2.3.2 | What is the current quantity and breakdown of disciplines? P.3 of PWS under 1.2 provides a list of disciplines covered but not limited to, but seeking to understand current/projected quantity of disciplines: The Contractor shall make all reasonable efforts to ensure that evaluation panels include a minimum of three (3) DoD (DAF, Army, & Navy) S&Es per research discipline area. | The quantity is determined by the number of applications received per discipline area. Research disciplines are identified in PWS section 1.2. | ||
| 15 | PWS | 9 | 2.2.3.2 | Outside of the DoD personnel not being eligible, are there any other restrictions on honorarium payments being made to panelists and is there any past data available for a range of honorariums that have been paid out? | There are no other restrictions. | ||
| 16 | PWS | 10 | Para 2.2.6 | Will the contractor have unfettered access to identify AFRL, ONR, and ARO personnel to identify potential panelist? | See response to item 13. | ||
| 17 | PWS | 10, 11 | Para 2.2.7 - 2.2.8 | Does the government currently use a preferred database management system or does the contractor need to create the database based on PWS requirements? | The contractor may perform the work within CONUS. | ||
| 18 | PWS | 13 | Para 2.2.10 | Does the government expect the contractor CPM to travel to the NCR for program updates, reviews, mtgs, etc.? If so how often, monthly, qtrly, semi-annual, annually, etc. | Refer to CDRL 0003, 0010 and 0011 for frequencies. Virtual meetings are acceptable. | ||
| 19 | PWS | 13 | Para 2.2.10 | Does the travel CLIN include funds for contractor strategic presence at major S&E conference and career fairs? | The travel CLIN is for fellows only. Contractor travel should be included in admin costs. | ||
| 20 | PWS | 13 | Para 2.2.10 | Does the government expect the contractor to use DTS for fellowship travel? | JTR regulations must be followed. DTS is for government employees only. NDSEG fellows are not government employees. | ||
| 21 | PWS | 14 | Para 2.2.11.1 | Has a transition occurred since program inception and if so how/when would the incoming contractor receive this information and address any gaps discovered post transition? | Yes, refer to CDRL 0015. The contracting officer will request incumbent contractor to transfer data within seven days of award date. | ||
| 22 | PWS | 8 | Para 2.2 | What level of CMMC does the contractor need to possess for contract award? | Level 3; PWS section 2.2.1 revised to include CMMC level required. | ||
| 23 | PWS | 14 | Para 2.2.11 | Is the incumbent required to transition the current NDSEG website to the winning contractor? | No. | ||
| 24 | Solicitation | 9, 10 | Section F | DFARs 237.106 states personal service contracts cannot exceed one year. The basic year has four CLINs, CLIN 0001 for the base FFP effort, CLIN 0002 for Stipend, CLIN 0003 for Travel Cost and CLIN 0004 for Allowable Non-Travel Cost. Option CLINs for 2001, 3001, and 4001 in Section F, of the RFP have a period of performance of 36 months. Do you plan on breaking out CLINS for 2001, 3001 and 4001 to be consistent with the base year and option year one? | This is a non-personal services contract with a five-year period of performance, inclusive of option years. The administrative CLIN covers a 12-month period, with four (4) 12-month options. The cost CLINs are structured as four-year CLINs. In the base year, these CLINs span years 1 through 4. In option year 1, they span years 2 through 5. CLINs 0001, 1001, 2001, 3001, and 4001 maintain consistency with the base year and option year 1 structure, and will remain unchanged. | ||
| 25 | Solicitation | 40 | Sect L, para B | Are funds currently available to execute this contract? | Yes. | ||
| 26 | Solicitation | 41 | Para C(1) | Is the government open to granting the RFP due date (30 Jun) in order for bidders to review responses to submitted questions? | Proposals must be received no later than 9:00 A.M. EST on 30 JUN 2025. | ||
| 27 | Solicitation | 45 | Sect L, para C(2) | Can the government provide categories or sub categories with regards to cost categories in tab 2 and what is the expectation to regurgitate tab 2 pricing information in a narrative format? | The Government is unable to provide specific labor categories or subcategories for Tab 2 of the proposal. Offerors shall propose labor categories and associated position titles, along with a detailed narrative description for each proposed position. These descriptions must include required qualifications, specific duties and responsibilities, and the estimated level of effort required to administer the requirements detailed in the PWS. | ||
| 28 | Solicitation | ||||||
| PWS | 43 | ||||||
| 4 | - Sub-Factor 7 | ||||||
| - PWS Para 1.4(f) | The evaluation criteria holds the contractor responsible for recruitment efforts; however, the PWS states this will be a joint endeavor. Please explain process for mentor recruitment. | Both contractor and DoD will partner to recruit DoD S&Es to serve as mentors. Contractor may contact former DoD mentors based on data received from incumbent. | |||||
| 29 | Solicitation | ||||||
| PWS | 48 | ||||||
| 12 | Sub-Factor 4 | ||||||
| para 2.2.8.4.5 | Explain why contractor should be held to a requirement to hold/support data for 10-yrs when contract POP is 5yrs (1yr base/4 options). There is no secure requirement past the base year. | DoD and Congressional taskers are received requesting information on current and former NDSEG fellows. | |||||
| 30 | QASP | 9 | Para 9.1 | Minor Nonconformance sent to PCO. Major Nonconformance sent to PCO but documented on a form attached to the QASP. What does the PCO do with the information? How will it be used? | The PCO will use this information to address major nonconformance. The Government's rights and responsibilities regarding nonconforming services are governed by FAR Part 46.407. | ||
| 31 | Solicitation | P. 13 | 252.245-7001 | Will the government remove the clause 252.245-7001, Contractor Purchasing System Administration, as most small businesses do not have an approved purchasing system and the PWS does not call for significant purchases that would fall under and approved purchasing system? | This clause will not be removed. | ||
| 32 | Solicitation | P. 13 | 52.216-7 | Re 52.216-7, Allowable Cost and Payment: Please specify the type of contract financing payments that will be available to allow the small-business awardee to make timely tuition payments, and the cost of such payments to the contractor. | This clause has been removed. Funding for tuition will be provided upfront. | ||
| 33 | Solicitation | P. 14 | 52.216-7 | Re 52.216-7(d)(2), Allowable Cost and Payment: The clause requires submission of an adequate final indirect cost rate proposal. The administrative CLINs are firm fixed price, and the cost-reimbursable CLINS specifically do not allow any indirect cost application. Will the Government please remove this clause from the solicitation? | This clause has been removed. | ||
| 34 | PWS | P. 9 | 2.2.3.2 | Are honoraria for members of the selection panels to be invoiced under the non-travel ODC CLINs, or incorporated into the fixed-price administration CLINs? | Administration CLINs | ||
| 35 | PWS | P. 14 | 4. Estimated Program Timeline | The program timeline calls for program marketing and outreach June through October, with the fellowship application period beginning in August/September. The contract period of performance begins August 1, 2025. The contractor will have a shortened outreach period for the first year. Is an incumbent contractor currently performing marketing and outreach services, and if so, is the incumbent contractor expected to provide the related data and information that resulted from these activities to the incoming contractor? | Yes | ||
| 36 | Solicitation | P. 9 | List of CLINs | To reduce administrative costs associated with this solicitation and promote efficiencies, would the Government please consider additional option years to include more than two (2) fellowship cycles? | Additional option years will not be added to include more fellowship cycles. | ||
| 37 | PWS | p.14 | Transition - Database Transfer | Could the Government please provide specific information that the incumbent contractor is required to turn over to the new awardee based on their outgoing transition plan? | CDRL 0015 states "The transition of fellow names, institutions, required reports, and any financial records to the success by the end of the contract base year, 31 Jul 29." The contractor may determine the method to execute. The website may be transferrable if the previous contractor does not object otherwise the gaining contractor must develop program website. | ||
| 38 | Attachment 5- NDSEG Pricing Workbook | Tab 1 | CLINS 0001- 1004 | The PWS specifies up to 200 fellows per class. The amounts shown for the ODC CLINs in the solicitation imply a 2025 class of about 126 and a 2026 class of about 100. The level of effort required to recruit and select 126 fellows per year is materially different from the level of effort required for 200 fellows. In addition, the concurrent management of 226 fellows (cumulative fellows across the classes of 2025 and 2026) is materially different than concurrent management of 400 fellows. |
| As the administrative CLIN is FFP, please confirm the FFP should represent 126 and 100 fellows for the classes of 2025 and 2026, respectively. Please also confirm if the administrative CLIN can be adjusted at a later date if the number of 2025 and 2026 class fellows significantly exceeds the assumed 126 and 100 fellows. | The 2025 class recruitment and selection is complete, only the fellowship program management for 126 fellows will be performed. The 2026 class recruitment, selection, and fellowship program management is projected for 100 fellows. The 2027 class recruitment and selection is projected up to 165 fellows. Propose to the total projected number fellows, 391, according to the PWS. | ||||||
| 39 | Attachment 1- NDSEG PWS | Please confirm that the class of 2025 fellows starts their tenure in August/ September 2026. | Refer to PWS section 4, Estimated Program Timeline, Fellowship Award begins 01 Sep annually; Revised PWS section 1.7 to include date | ||||
| 40 | Attachment 1 - NDSEG PWS | P. 7 | 1.16 Program Cycle – Information regarding current NDSEG Fellowship opportunities and applications is normally released in August/September of each year. Applications will be accepted August/September to November/December annually. |
In December/January, applications will undergo review and categorization and are then presented to contractor-managed selection panels in February.
DoD services selection panels will review and select NDSEG fellows in March/April.
Applicants will be notified of their selection/non- selection in April. The schedule on page 14-15 of the PWS is slightly different compared to the schedule discussed on page 7 of the PWS. Please confirm which schedule we should use in our timeline. The schedule on page 7 or the schedule on page 14-15? thank you
(Page 14-15 schedule)
4. ESTIMATED PROGRAM TIMELINE
Program Marketing and Outreach June - October Fellowship Application Period August/September – October/November Evaluation Panel Application Period September – November Mentor Selection Period September – December Fellowship Application Review Phase I December – mid January Fellowship Application Review Phase II February - March Fellowship Final Selections & RISC Reviews March- April Fellowship Award Notifications Sent May Fellowship Award Announced May/June Fellowship Award Begins 01 September
| Program Management Reviews August, November, February, and May | PWS section 1.16 Program Cycle revised; section 4, Estimated Program Timeline revised. Removed risk review language. | ||||||
| 41 | Solicitation | P. 4-5 | In reference to CLINs 2001, 3001, 4001, please clarify the inclusion of "Publicize and Recruit (both students and evaluation panelists), Evaluation and Selection", since there appears to be no requirement in the PWS to recruit for the class of 2027 and beyond. If correct, we recommend the removal of the requirement to recruit, evaluate and select students and panelists from CLINS 2001, 3001, and 4001. | These CLINS reference fellowship management of classes 2025 and 2026 and the 2027 applications. The PWS sections 1.1, 1.3 - 1.5 have been revised to include NDSEG classes. | |||
| 42 | Attachment 1 - NDSEG PWS | PWS Section: 1.4 (e) Placement and management of NDSEG fellows: The Contractor will manage the execution and placement of fellows and all financial matters (tuition, stipend, other expenses, travel, and benefit payments) for fellows once awarded the DoD NDSEG fellowship. The Contractor will serve as the liaison between the fellows and the GPM on all matters relating to the NDSEG fellowship. The Contractor will submit status reports for current and former fellows annually (see section 2.2.8.4.4 and 2.2.8.4.5). | Please confirm the former fellows report shall include all former fellows that are within 10 years of tenure completion, and former fellow information (not part of this contract) will be transferred to the awardee for comprehensive reporting. | Yes. | |||
| 43 | Attachment 1 - NDSEG PWS | P.7 (1.18) | The CPM is required to have no less than seven years’ experience working with fellowship programs, five years’ experience working with DoD organizations, and bachelor’s degree in a science or engineering discipline. | Due to the nature of the requirements to successfully oversee a fellowship program, would the Government consider broadening CPM education requirements to include a Bachelor's degree or higher in Science, Engineering, Technology, Education, Business and related fields? | No, this is a science and engineering fellowship management program. A STEM degree is a requirement along with fellowship program management experience. | ||
| 44 | CDRL 0008 | NDSEG CDRL0008 Annual Former Fellows Status Report | In order to effectively define the level of effort for the administrative CLIN, we request the government provide an estimate of the number of former fellows to be tracked under this contract for each year over the period of performance. | CDRL 0008 states "This report shall include information on former Fellows for at least 10 years following the end of fellowship tenure". NDSEG 2025 class has 126 fellows and projected NDSEG 2026 class will have 100 fellows (however this number may increase to no more than 165 if additional funding is received). | |||
| 45 | Solicitation | P. 43-45 | Proposal Reference Information Table | Would the Government please confirm that the Proposal Reference Information Table, required by the government, is not included in the page count? | The Proposal Reference Information table is not included in the page count. | ||
| 46 | RFQ | 43 | Sub-factor 7: Administer Mentor Program | Does the Government maintain a list of DoD mentors, internally or through the prior contractor, that it recommends for the 2025 and 2026 classes? | Each NDSEG class is assigned DoD mentors. DoD mentors may serve for multiple classes based upon requirements. DoD maintains their specific agency roster and the contractor maintains overall DoD mentor roster. | ||
| 47 | RFQ | 43 | Sub-factor 5: Attraction of Applicants | What reuse does the Government expect or require in the development of databases and front-end outreach platforms from the prior databases and systems used to house administrative data and front facing outreach campaigns? | Prevised databases and platforms may be re-used; however it is the contractor responsibility to ensure all requirements (including any new) are addressed. | ||
| 48 | RFQ | 43 | Sub-factor 7: Administer Mentor Program | Does the government create the mentoring agreement & guide, are there existing artifacts from the incumbent, or will it be required that the vendor draft new? | Mentor agreements and guides are overall the responsibility of the contractor. If the incumbent contractor elects to provide previous agreements and guides they may be used. DoD must approve all mentoring materials and documents. | ||
| 49 | PWS | 9 | Section 2.2.3.1 | Who determines the applicant eligibility criteria? | DoD | ||
| 50 | PWS | 9 | Section 2.2.3.1 | Who creates applicant reference evaluation forms? | Evaluation forms are overall the responsibility of the contractor. If the incumbent contractor elects to provide previous evaluation forms they may be used. DoD must approve documents. DoD and contractor develop together. However, if the gaining contractor would prefer to develop evaluation forms and submit to DoD that is acceptable. | ||
| 51 | General | Is there an incumbent currently performing this work? If so, can you please provide the incumbent name, contract value and contract number? | Yes, an incumbent contractor is currently performing this work. The incumbent is Systems Plus, Inc. operating under contract number GS00Q14OADS142, FA9550-23-F-0014. The total contract value including all options is $88,470,739. | ||||
| 52 | Attachment 5, Pricing Worksheet | Can you please provide the historical value for CLIN 0001 for Administration Years 1, 2, and 3? | This information could be found under under contract number GS00Q14OADS142, FA9550-23-F-0014. | ||||
| 53 | Can you please provide the historical and level of effort per Fellow? | The Government cannot provide this information. | |||||
| 54 | RFP | Pgs 3-5 | Section B - Supplies or Services & Prices or Costs | Is there flexibility for the contractor to reallocate funds among CLINs 0002-0004 and 1002-1004 if actual costs vary significantly from estimated costs? | The Contractor is prohibited from reallocating funds between CLINs 0002-0004 and 1002-1004. The Government reserves the right to realign funding among CLINs as necessary. | ||
| 55 | Solicitation | 44 | Offerors shall also submit a TAB 2 of the included "Pricing |
Sheet" identifying labor categories, hourly rates, hours, profit, monthly pricing, and total pricing proposed for each of the Firm Fixed Price CLINs in the Base Year,
| and each of the 4 Option Years 0001,1001, 2001, 3001, 4001 | To support consistent and realistic pricing across offerors, could the Government please provide: | ||||||
| a. | Estimated labor hours by labor category and/or task area for the base and option periods, or | ||||||
| b. | Historical usage data that may be used to inform level-of-effort assumptions? | The Government cannot provide this information. | |||||
| 56 | N/A | N/A | N/A | Are there any key personnel, past performance, or management related evaluation requirements? | The evaluation of proposals will be based solely on the evaluation factors specified in the solicitation. | ||
| 57 | N/A | N/A | N/A | Is the incumbent eligible to bid on this RFP? | The incumbent cannot bid on this contract. |
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