G14PS00574_Q As_-_Set_2.docx

G14PS00574 Questions and Answers

1. QUESTION: On Page 4 of the BAA, it states that, “Offerors proposing to acquire data under the BAA may utilize the existing USGS Geospatial Products and Services Contracts (GPSC). Otherwise, they are required to provide their own method for data acquisition which they must manage and directly oversee.” The (omitted offeror) is proposing that data acquisition be accomplished through an existing Statewide Imagery Program contract with (omitted), a USGS Geospatial Product and Service Contracts Contractor. (Omitted contractor) has extensive experience acquiring and processing orthoimagery and LiDAR to USGS specifications. Would this proposed method of data acquisition be considered as using the existing USGS Geospatial Products and Services Contracts since (omitted contractor) is a USGS Geospatial Product and Service Contracts Contractor or would this method be considered our own method for data acquisition?

ANSWER: The process you propose would be considered “providing your own method for data acquisition”. A distinction between the two is required as the contracting mechanism required to bring money into the USGS (to be used for projects contracted through the GPSC suite of contracts) differs from the contracting mechanisms required to send USGS funds out to an offeror to fund their project work.

2. QUESTION: As stated in question 1 above, the (omitted offeror) submitted a pre-proposal on September 5, 2014. Modifications to our pre-proposal are necessary due to the revised BAA guidelines. Does the pre-proposal that we submitted on September 5th need to be formally withdrawn or can we simply submit a revised pre-proposal?

ANSWER: You can simply submit a revised pre-proposal. However please make a note on your cover sheet and in the subject line or content section of your e-mail that this pre-proposal supersedes that which you submitted on September 5th.

3. QUESTION: The date for pre-proposals has been extended and a new version of the announcement has been released. Are all pre-proposals previously submitted still valid?

ANSWER: The current due date for pre-proposals is November 7, 2014. All pre-proposals submitted in response to BAA #G14PS00574 since its initial release are considered valid and will be evaluated. Evaluation of BAA pre-proposal submissions will be completed by November 14, 2014. Offerors will be notified shortly thereafter.

4. QUESTION: With the addition on an area extent preference to over 1500 square miles, will that exclude our application?

ANSWER: The preference for projects of areal extent over 1500 sq miles is one of several criteria against which a project will be rated. All pre-proposals will be evaluated against the published goals and objectives of 3DEP and the full suite of criteria identified in section VI a. Criteria in the October 24th version of the BAA. While an individual project may not receive total credit for any single criteria, the final ranking will be based on the collective summation of a proposal’s merit based on all criteria.

5. QUESTION: On Page 7 of the BAA, the second bullet point reads: “A brief statement describing successful past performance.” Is the past performance referring to the offeror or to the proposed contractor?

ANSWER: In this context the past performance is referring to the offeror; however, as appropriate the statement could include reference to past projects in which the offeror successfully contracted for similar services that resulted in positive results.

6. QUESTION: The (omitted offeror) on behalf of its partners of counties and tribes is coordinating the submission of the proposal in response to BAA# G14PS00574. In the event of an award, the (omitted offeror) would be the prime offeror awarded the grant, but would subcontract the LiDAR collection to the relevant counties and tribes. So would the (omitted offeror), relevant counties and tribes all have to complete the Past Performance Questionnaire?

ANSWER: The agreement (generic term encompassing all manner of financial arrangement relevant to this opportunity) will be made between the USGS and the Offeror. The Offeror will be held responsible for assuring that the terms of the agreement are satisfied. The USGS will evaluate the offerors ability to assure the satisfactory completion of and adherence to all specifications and deliverables as defined within the BAA announcement. If the Offeror plans to subcontract the acquisition, the USGS would need to evaluate the ability of the subcontractors to complete the work and as stated above, the offerors ability to oversee, manage and guarantee this work. Evaluation of Past Performance is the means by which this is accomplished. The BAA currently states that “Offerors (prime and subcontractors) are to provide past performance information”.