GEARSS_III_Draft_RFP_CRM_IndustryFeedback_ANSWERED (1).xlsx
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The document is a Draft RFP Comment Resolution Matrix for the GPS Engineering, Analysis, and Remote Site Sustainment III (GEARSS III) contract, detailing industry feedback and government responses. The procurement is a Total Small Business Set Aside contract with a primary performance location at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado, and additional sites including Vandenberg Space Force Base, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Ascension Island, Diego Garcia, and Kwajalein Atoll. The draft RFP covers an IDIQ contract with a 5-year ordering period, a transition period from December 1-31, 2025, and a base year from January 1-December 31, 2026.
Key modifications based on industry feedback include adding Past Performance as the third evaluation factor, increasing the technical volume page limit from 20 to 30 pages, clarifying CLIN descriptions, and updating performance periods. The contract will support GPS ground systems, remote site technician support, and operational support across OCS and OCX platforms. The procurement is being executed by the Department of the Air Force Space Command Space and Missile Systems Center, with the primary NAICS code 541715 for engineering research and development services. Potential offerors were invited to submit questions and comments to the Procuring Contracting Officer Matthew Buchanan and Contracting Specialist Christopher Cook.
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Draft RFP
| Comment Resolution Matrix: GPS Engineering, Analysis, and Remote Site Sustainment (GEARSS) III Draft RFP Package | |||
| # | Document Name | Page # | |
| Section # and/or Paragraph # | Question | Comment/Recommendation | Govt Response |
| 1 | Attachment_10____Section_L_GEARSS_III_DRAFT_2024.pdf |
AND
| Attachment_11____Section_M_GEARSS_III_DRAFT_2024.pdf | General | For the GEARSS II acquisition, the 3rd technical subfactor was titled "Technical Process Approach" where offeror’s overall proposed approach demonstrates a clear understanding of the technical |
| and operational environment described in the PWS. Where should offeror's understanding of the technical and operational environment fall within GEARSS III instructions and evaluation? | One option is to include a similar subfactor in GEARSS III for evaluation. | There is no value added for the Goverment in having a technical process approach section because the majority of the contract requirements are staffing to the required skill level and then the staff mostly follows TOs for their day-to-day duties. There is very little room for any technical process approach the Offeror would need to demonstrate related to the GEARSS III requirements. |
| 2 | Attachment_10____Section_L_GEARSS_III_DRAFT_2024.pdf |
AND
| Attachment_11____Section_M_GEARSS_III_DRAFT_2024.pdf | General | Where can we cite our continuous record of CPARS with Exceptional ratings? | We recommend that the Government consider including a past performance section for the technical evaluation. | The Government will add Past Performance as Factor 3. | ||
| 3 | Attachment_1____DRAFT_GEARSS_III_PWS___IDIQ_Contract.pdf | General | The PWS for the IDIQ contract lacks details of OCX support and proposal lacks prior experience and technical approach to these critical operations. What support will be required for OCX support and how will the Government evaluate offeror's experience and technical approach? | It appears that the inclusion of GPS OCS and GPS OCX prior experience/past performance for an evaluation criteria in Section M could ensure offerors are able to perform the full scope of the GEARSS III contract during & after OCX transition. | The requirements will not change based on the fielded OCS. | |
| 4 | Attachment_2____DRAFT_GEARSS_III_PWS_Basic_TO.pdf | General | The PWS identifies several critical or essential tasks to be accomplished but Section L instructions don't appear to identify where offeror's approach & understanding of these requirements will be assessed. Where should offerors identify their technical approach and past experience? | One option for the Government is to add scenarios to GEARSS III technical approach and evaluation criteria within Section M to ensure offerors can satisfy most critical support required on this contract. We have seen this approach utilized effectively on similar technical trade-off acquisitions to ensure offerors fully understand requirements. | The Government does not believe a scenario will add value to the GEARSS III source selection. |
The Government will add Past Performance as Factor 3.
| 5 | Attachment_11____Section_M_GEARSS_III_DRAFT_2024.pdf | Section 1.1 | This section states "In using the best value approach, the Government seeks to award to the Offeror who gives the United States Space Force the greatest confidence that it will best meet or exceed our requirements." However, it appears the majority of the evaluation factors are focused on staffing alone and does not address offeror's technical solution or prior experience to complete these critical and complex tasks on the GEARSS III contract. How will the Government ensure offerors provide the best value? | One option is the inclusion of Past Performance for the evaluation of similar PNT contract experience and the quality of their performance on these contracts over the past five (5) years. An alternative or additional evaluation factor is the inclusion of mission scenarios for performing the critical tasks on this contract and an evaluation of the technical approach to conduct these tasks. Without such evaluation, a best value approach is not clear and these options have usually been used in recent operations support acquisitions. In addition, this could address offeror's readiness to perform requirements during the transition to OCX support. | The Government will add Past Performance as Factor 3. |
| 6 | Attachment_11____Section_M_GEARSS_III_DRAFT_2024.pdf | 4.2.2 | 4.2.2 Subfactor 2: Critical Staffing appears to lack sufficient details for how the Government shall assess offeror's proposal and strengths/weaknesses based on Section L's subfactor materials to be included. |
Section L states "The Staffing Plan shall address staffing risks and describe how the Offeror plans to track, monitor, and adjust staffing based on labor trends and task order requirements. The Staffing Plan shall include the required operational-level and troubleshooting-level experience, qualifications, security clearances and system expertise identified in the PWS. The Offeror shall describe how it plans to cross utilize staff, either functionally or geographically."
| How will the Government evaluation proposals without this restated in Section M? | The Government could update Section M to clearly address how this information from offerors will be assessed by including similar language to Section M, including the citation of past performance completing the critical tasks within the GEARSS III PWS. | Section M provides the evaluation criteria for the Critical Staffing requirement. Past performance will be added as Factor 3. | ||
| 7 | Attachment_11____Section_M_GEARSS_III_DRAFT_2024.pdf | 4.2.3 | 4.2.3 Subfactor 3: Hiring Processes and Retention Approach appears to lack sufficient details for how the Government shall assess offeror's proposal and strengths/weaknesses based on Section L's subfactor materials to be included. |
Section L states "The Offeror shall provide an approach that considers the necessary system expertise and limited resources at GEARSS III remote operating locations. The approach must specifically document the Offeror’s understanding of the qualifications of the DCO SMEs and discuss any specific measures taken to source qualified staff. The Offeror shall document its hiring processes that describes how the Offeror ensures adequate investment into hiring, training, and developing staff. The hiring processes shall include the specific approach to sourcing GEARSS III in accordance with the PWS requirements. The narrative shall describe the Offeror’s approach to maintaining required staffing in low-density remote sites and for high-demand skills. Describe the specific succession process for GEARSS III personnel and steps taken to mitigate staff vacancies."
| How will the Government evaluation proposals without this restated in Section M? | An option available is to include another technical subfactor for offerors to address their technical approach and understanding of satisfying GEARSS III PWS and performance standards. | Section M provides the evaluation criteria for the Hiring Processes and Retention Approach requirement. | ||||
| 8 | Attachment_1____DRAFT_GEARSS_III_PWS___IDIQ_Contract.pdf | General | The PWS for the IDIQ contract appears to lack details of OCX support and mapping to OCX CLINs. In order to ensure the Government receives adequate offers, which allow the Government a better opportunity to evaluate strengths and weaknesses, will the Government consider adding additional detail to the PWS? | It is recommended that Section 3.6 be updated to indicate both NAO & GSS Support and note that future GSS support is required for CLINs x008. In addition, Section 3.7 may need to include OCS and OCX references. Finally, please identify what Orbital Analysis (OA) Support should be included within the IDIQ PWS for CLINs x007 pricing. | Section 3.6 updated to include NAO and GSS Support. |
Orbital Analysis (OA) Support has been deleted. Section 3.3 has been renamed to Operational Support which will be included for CLINs X007 pricing.
| 9 | Attachment_10____Section_L_GEARSS_III_DRAFT_2024.pdf | Section 4.2.2 | 4.2.2 Subfactor 2: Critical Staffing appears to lack sufficient details for Government to assess offeror's proposal and strengths/weaknesses. Where should offeror address satisfying the PWS Performance Standards in the technical volume? | Please clarify which subfactor within the technical volume should address offeror's approach to satisfy all requirements and associated performance standards. It's unclear how this can be addressed within the 20 page limit, so recommend increasing page limitation to address these details. | Not all PWS requirements are included in the evaluation critiera. The Government has increased the page limit to 30 pages and included Past Performance as an Evaluation Factor. |
| 10 | Attachment_10____Section_L_GEARSS_III_DRAFT_2024.pdf | Section 4.2.3 | 4.2.3 Subfactor 3: Hiring Processes and Retention Approach appears to lack sufficient details for Government to assess offeror's proposal and strengths/weaknesses. Where should offerors include key personnel details? | The Government usually requires the key personnel resumes are included for Government evaluation and may also require any staff not currently employed have a signed letter of intent included in the proposal. | The Government will add key personnel resumes in the evaluation of GEARSS III offeror proposals under Subfactor 2: Critical Staffing. |
| 11 | Attachment_10____Section_L_GEARSS_III_DRAFT_2024.pdf | Section 2.6 | 2.6 Tab 6: Mission Essential Contractor Services Plan doesn't appear to be evaluated. Does the Government want to include instructions in accordance with DFARS 252.237-7024 that could be evaluated for satisfying this requirement? | One option is to update the evaluation criteria for existing technical subfactors (e.g., SF2 critical staffing) to address mission essential support and offeror's approach. Another option is adding a 4th technical subfactor to address Technical Process Approach and increase page count from 20 to 30 pages. | The Government requires the offerors to submit the Mission Essential Contractor Services Plan and will add evaluation critieria to Section M. |
| 12 | Attachment_7____GEARSS_III_Pricing_Summary_V_1_to_be_completed_by_offeror_.xlsx | General | Unit/extended pricing is requested for CLIN 0006 (RST Support - OCX Sites) for the Base Year (PoP 1 December 2025 through 31 December 2026), but instructions are contradictory of OCS RST support for this period being included in CLIN 0005. Should OCX RST support for the base year be included in CLIN 0005 or CLIN 0006? | Please clarify if RST support for OCS in the Base Year should be included in CLIN 0005 or 0006. Also, January spelling can be correct, along with PoP ending 31 December. | Primary RST support in the base year will be executed under CLIN 0005 and minimal OCX support will be ordered on CLIN 0006 during the base year per TO PWS paragraph 3.7 STD #10. |
| 13 | Attachment_10____Section_L_GEARSS_III_DRAFT_2024.pdf | Section 3.4.1 | The Remote Site Technician (RST) Support for OCX (CLIN X006) will utilize the same labor category and skill mix for RST support on OCS (CLIN 0005). Can the Government clarify the instructions for including price for OCS RST support for the Base Year? | Clarify if RST OCS Support for the Base Year (PWS Section 3.7) be included in CLIN 0005 or 0006. | Primary RST support in the base year will be executed under CLIN 0005 and minimal OCX support will be ordered on CLIN 0006 during the base year per TO PWS paragraph 3.7 STD #10. |
| 14 | Attachment_12____Remote_Site_Technician_Support_OCX_CLIN_X006_Rates.xlsx | General | Unit/extended pricing is requested for CLIN 0006 (RST Support - OCX Sites) for the Base Year (PoP 1 December 2025 through 31 December 2026) in Attachment_7____GEARSS_III_Pricing_Summary_V_1_to_be_completed_by_offeror_.xlsx, but the Base Year is not included in this file. Should Base Year support for RST Support be included in CLIN 0006 and this file? | If RST support for OCS in the Base Year is intended for CLIN 0006, then recommend including the Base Year in Attachment_12____Remote_Site_Technician_Support_OCX_CLIN_X006_Rates.xlsx. | Primary RST support in the base year will be executed under CLIN 0005 and minimal OCX support will be ordered on CLIN 0006 during the base year per TO PWS paragraph 3.7 STD #10. |
| 15 | Attachment_16____GEARSS_III_Draft_Task_Order___FA882326FBXXX_Version_1.pdf | Section B | CLIN 0005 includes PWS Paragraphs 3.1 - 3.8. CLIN 0006 is titled Remote Site Technician (RST) Support OCX Sites and included PWS Paragraph 3.7. Will CLIN 0006 be included in the Base Year (1/1/2026-12/31/2026) or should RST OCX Support be included in CLIN 0005? | Please clarify how RST support should be bid for the Base Year. | Primary RST support in the base year will be executed under CLIN X005 and minimal OCX support will be ordered on CLIN X006 during the base year per TO PWS paragraph 3.7 STD #10. |
| 16 | Attachment_16____GEARSS_III_Draft_Task_Order___FA882326FBXXX_Version_1.pdf | Section B | CLINs x007-x009 do not identify the portions of the PWS that should be included within their scope. Can Section B be updated to reflect the PWS sections that apply to each of these CLINs? | Provide specific PWS sections for each of these OCX CPFF CLINs or update PWS so that those section reflect the titles of these CLINs. | CLIN descriptions for 0006-0009 have been updated to include PWS sections. The Task Order PWS may change/be updated in future task orders thus CLIN descriptions for 1007 though 5009 will remain the same. CLIN X007 has been renamed to Operational Support Analyst. |
| 17 | GEARSS_III_Draft_Solicitation___FA882325RB002_Version_4.pdf | Section B | CLIN 0005 includes PWS Paragraphs 3.1 - 3.8. CLIN 0006 is titled Remote Site Technician (RST) Support OCX Sites and included PWS Paragraph 3.7. Will CLIN 0006 be included in the Base Year (1/1/2026-12/31/2026) or should RST OCX Support be included in CLIN 0005? | Please clarify how RST support should be bid for the Base Year. | Primary RST support in the base year will be executed under CLIN X005 and minimal OCX support will be ordered on CLIN X006 during the base year per TO PWS paragraph 3.7 STD #10. |
| 18 | GEARSS_III_Draft_Solicitation___FA882325RB002_Version_4.pdf | Section B | CLINs x007-x009 do not identify the portions of the PWS that should be included within their scope. Can Section B be updated to reflect the PWS sections that apply to each of these CLINs? | Provide specific PWS sections for each of these OCX CPFF CLINs or update PWS so that those section reflect the titles of these CLINs. | CLIN descriptions for 0006-0009 have been updated to include PWS sections. The Task Order PWS may change/be updated in future task orders thus CLIN descriptions for 1007 though 5009 will remain the same. CLIN X007 has been renamed to Operational Support Analyst. |
| 19 | Attachment_16____GEARSS_III_Draft_Task_Order___FA882326FBXXX_Version_1.pdf | Section F | CLIN 0005 delivery schedule notes Period of Performance From 01 Jan 2026 To 1 Apr 2026. CLIN 0006 delivery schedule notes 01 Apr 2026 To 31 Dec 2026. Are these anticipated to be 01 Jan 2026 To 31 Dec 2026 for both CLINs? | Please clarify performance period of CLINs 0005 and 0006. | The period of performance in the draft task order for CLINS 0005 and 0006 are in error. They period of performance for each CLIN will be 01 Jan 2026 through 31 Dec 2026. |
| 20 | Attachment_2____DRAFT_GEARSS_III_PWS_Basic_TO.pdf | 3.3.5 | Section 3.3.5 (GPS Ground Systems and Communication Lines) is included in the Technical Support section but appears to be more closely aligned to NAO support in PWS Section 3.6. Does this requirement need to move within the PWS? | Clarification needed to ensure staffing profile accurately identifies support level required. | Section 3.3.5 is aligned more aligned with NAO will move this section down under NAO support. |
| 21 | Attachment_1____DRAFT_GEARSS_III_PWS___IDIQ_Contract.pdf | 4.1 | The security section references Visitor Group Security Agreement. We believe that term no longer exists, so should this be updated to refer to the Visitor Group Local Security Policy? | Please clarify. | Visitor Group Security Agreement is outdated it is now Integrated Visitor Group- An on-base contractor operation, cleared per the NISP or ISR, which requires access to classified information and operates under the direct control/supervision of the Air Force. The integrated visitor group is authorized to function in accordance with DODM 5200.01, Volumes 1-4, and AFI 16-1406. The Air Force maintains control of all classified and provides day- to-day supervision over this type of contractor operation. It basically differs from the on-base cleared facility because of its close interaction and/or relationship with the AF organization it supports. |
| 22 | GEARSS_III_Draft_Solicitation___FA882325RB002_Version_4.pdf | Section B | Since CLINs 0001 and 0002 are only applicable to the transition period, should the Base Ordering Period only extend for 1 month (1 December 2025 through 31 December 2025)? | Please clarify. | Yes, the base order should be 1 Dec 2025 Through 31 Dec 2025 for CLINS 0001 and 0002. Wording updated to CLIN Ordering Period. |
Base ordering period - IDIQ 5yr ordering period.
Transition Task Order runs from 1-31 Dec 2025 Base Year runs 1 Jan 2026-31 Dec 2026
| 23 | Attachment_10____Section_L_GEARSS_III_DRAFT_2024 | Volume I – Contract Documentation & Cost/Price | |
| 3.3 Tab 3: Cost Mischarging Prevention Plan | Supporting cost documentation must clearly identify the FTE division among CLINs for the total number of positions identified in the organization chart in the Technical Volume.”The Draft RFP instructions for the Technical Volume (Section L-4) do not reference an organization chart. Can the Government please clarify these instructions? | Updated to read "Supporting cost documentation must clearly identify the FTE division among CLINs for the total number of positions identified in the Staffing Plan matrix (Attachment 8) in the Technical Volume." | |
| 24 | Attachment_10____Section_L_GEARSS_III_DRAFT_2025 | Volume I – Contract Documentation & Cost/Price | |
| 1.7 Proposal Content | The Offeror shall use a common paragraph numbering system among the tasking statements in the Performance Work Statements (PWS)." Can the Government please clarify these instructions?” | Updated to read "The Offeror shall use a common paragraph numbering system to reference the tasking statements in the Performance Work Statements (PWS)." | |
| 25 | Attachment_10____Section_L_GEARSS_III_DRAFT_2026 | Volume II – Technical Volume | |
| 4.2.1 Subfactor 1: Phase-In Plan | Can the Government please provide the Section L, 4.3.1 and 4.3.2 instructions, that align with Section 3: Technical Requirements? | Section M TOC has been updated - all Phase In information are in Section L 4.2.1 and Evaluation Criteria in Section M 4.2.1 | |
| 26 | Attachment_10____Section_L_GEARSS_III_DRAFT_2026 | Volume II – Technical Volume | |
| 4.2.1 Subfactor 1: Phase-In Plan | Can the Government consider a longer transition period since the transition is set to take place over the month of December? Holidays and time off around this time may make it difficult for any organization to transition this program in 30 days or less. A 45 day transtion period would provide a little more time to ensure a smooth transition over a major holiday period. | Due to scheduling and cost/pricing the government can not exceed the transition period past 30 days. Contactors are recommended to provided staffing to meet mission requirments. The Government does not anticipate changing the transition-in period. |
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