Global Advisory Questions and Answers.pdf

SBU - CONTRACTING AND ACQUISITIONS SBU - CONTRACTING AND ACQUISITIONS

Global Advisory

Question and Answers (Q&A)

From Industry Day on November 11, 2022

The following is a comprehensive list of responses to all questions raised before and after Global

Advisory industry date conducted on 11 November 22.

Q1: In regard to the 14 Labor Categories will the Government please provide an indication of the number of anticipated FTE positions and/or the number of labor hours envisioned per Labor

Category? (Ref: Section B.1)

Response: The Government will define FTE positions and labor hours at the Task Order level.

Q2: Given the nature of the work, it seems logical that some deployments will be in austere, high threat, and/or kinetic environments. It also seems logical that holders of the Global Advisory

IDIQ will be competing with other civilian and military contracts for similar talent, most of which are likely to allow post differential and danger pay. With this in mind, will the government please confirm its statement that neither post differential nor danger pay can be billed under the

Global Advisory contract? (Ref: Section B.8)

Response: Yes. The government intends to revise the RFP to acknowledge Hazard/Danger/Post

Differential Pay to be proposed and paid at the Task Order (TO) level.

Q3: This is a comment or suggestion, rather than a question. Give the role police and other criminal justice sector institutions play regarding stability and security in many African countries, as well as in other developing countries around the world, it might be worth including police and criminal justice sector actors and activities more robustly in the Global Advisory

SOW / PWS. This approach aligns well with the stated interest in promoting greater transparency, accountability, good governance, and institutional strengthening in the partner country security sectors. (Ref: Section G.5)

Response: Noted. Responses to all questions will be posted to SAM.gov.

Q4: This is a comment or suggestion, rather than a question. To the degree possible, and ensuring that all IDIQ holders are given the same notification of upcoming consultative meetings, it seems likely that the government will get better quality TOPRs as well as TO performances if the government will meet with executing partners quarterly to discuss subsequent “contemplated” TOs (in addition to discuss overall IDIQ management considerations every other quarter). (Ref: Section G.5)

Response: Noted. Responses to all questions will be posted to SAM.gov.

Q5: Does the Government anticipate designating Key Personnel billets, or is it the

Government’s intent for offerors to do so? (Ref: Section H.8)

Response: Yes, the government anticipates designating the Program Manager as key personnel.

The Program Manager shall be the Contractor’s primary point of contact for all matters pertaining to this task order, and shall bear ultimate responsibility for the ensuring requirements described in this SOW are met. Minimum Requirements and qualifications will be listed in the solicitation prior to it being published on SAM.gov.

Q6: The Government has elsewhere indicated that H.16 is, in essence, null and void. Based on the shift in OCI concerns related to the relationship between GLOBALCAP and Global

Advisory, will the Government please review and revise H.14 and H.15 accordingly? (Ref:

Section H.16)

Response: The purpose of the Global Advisory IDIQ contracting program is to procure advisory services. The purpose of the GLOBALCAP IDIQ contracting program is to procure the types of products and services presented in the sources sought notice. Procurement of advisory services is separated from capacity building items as an organizational conflict of interest (OCI) mitigation measure. The government plans to include OCI language in the solicitation as guidance. Offerors can't work in the same country within 12 months. The government intends to update the

Organizational Conflict of Interest language prior to it being published on SAM.gov.

Q7: This is a comment or suggestion, rather than a question. Although the assumption is this would fall under the “any other day designated clause,” the Government may wish to add

Juneteenth to the formal list of federal holidays. (Ref: Section 1.3.3)

Response: Yes, Juneteenth will be added as a federal holiday.

Q8: The Government notes its intent to offer 3 to 6 awards. Will the Government please clarify if this is across both small business and unrestricted lanes, or per lane? As a related question, in

Section M.2, the Government notes that up to three awards will set aside for “eligible service-disabled veteran-owed small business concerns.” Will the Government please clarify the impact these potential three SDVOSB awards may have in respect to the aforementioned 3 to 6 awards?

For example, if the Government intends to reduce the number of small business awards equal to the number of SDVOSB awards, there may potentially be no small business awards made to any socio-economic category other than SDVOSB. (Ref: Section L.11)

Response: It is anticipated there will be two competition pools to the acquisition strategy. The first competition pool would be full and open in which all eligible companies can compete.

Under the second competition pool -- per the DoS Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business

Utilization (OSDBU) order of preference -- the government intends to set aside for SB.

However, the SB socio-economic set aside preferences are still under consideration.

Furthermore, the number of awardees in each competition pool is also still under consideration.

The final acquisition strategy will be provided with the final RFP. Note: This is subject to change as the Government works closely with the Small Business Administration and OSDBU.

Q9: The Government writes about the Sample Task order here, and elsewhere... Will the Sample

TO be live or is it simply for evaluative purposes? (Ref: Section L.19.1)

Response: Yes. The submission of a sample TO is cited as a subfactor in Sections M.

Q10: How many corporate experience citations and past performance references must come from the small business prime, and by extension, how many may be put forward from subcontracting partners? (Ref: L.19.2)

Response: Potential offerors shall follow instructions listed in Section L and will be fully defined on the solicitation prior to it being published on SAM.gov.

Q11: The Government indicates offerors are to use the ODC travel estimate of $70,000,000 per contract period. Will the Government please confirm the accuracy of this plug as an annual travel budget? (Ref: L.19.3.1)

Response: The government intends to update the travel estimate in the solicitation prior to it being published on SAM.gov.

Q12: In this Business Management subsection, the government is requesting a copy of an audited financial statement. Will the Government please confirm it requires this submission for all offerors, including those with one, two, or more decades of U.S. federal contracting experience? (Ref: L.19.4.2)

Response: The government has noted your question and intends to make updates to the

Q13: In this technical evaluation factor subsection, the Government writes: “Offerors shall submit a clear and complete description of its approach for performing the DOS GLOBALCAP requirements as listed in Section C.” There are also other references to GLOBALCAP, which are understandable in terms of both leveraging work product and aligning the two efforts.

However, are certain items in the draft intended for GLOBALCAP and not for the Global

Advisory response, such as the 200-page limit for Technical Vols 1 and 2? If so, will the

Government please clarify? (Ref: M.9.1)

Response: All references to GLOBALCAP will be replaced with Global Advisory. This change will be reflected under subsequently released RFP.

Q14: The government does not concur. The government acknowledges the market fluctuations in material costs. However, in this solicitation it is up to the vendor to provide appropriate escalation for all PoP.

Response: For FFP CLINs, vendors must incorporate appropriate escalation of costs in their pricing across option years. For cost reimbursable CLINs, the government may be willing to entertain price renegotiation during contract performance.

Q15: May we add teaming partners after contract award? May we delete teaming partners after contract award? Will the Government provide more clarification on this section? (Ref: Section

G.14) solicitation prior to it being published on SAM.gov.

Q16: May an offeror bid on both GLOBALCAP and Global Advisory, as indicated from the

SAM posting dated 9/2 that states, "The Department also wanted to clarify Organizational

Conflicts of Interest (OCI) language that was communicated pursuant to the GLOBALCAP IDIQ notice 19AQMM22R0026. OCI will only be applicable at the Task Order (TO) level. Vendors, both incumbent and prospective, are not prohibited from competing for the GLOBALCAP IDIQ and the Global Advisory IDIQ"? May an offeror be an awardee on both GLOBALCAP and

Global Advisory IDIQ? (Ref: Section H.16)

Response: See response to Question 6.

Q17: NAICS code 561210 has been increased to $41.5 million, effective 14 July 2022. (Ref: See

Section 52.204-8, Annual Representations and Certifications – (Jan 2014)

Response: Noted. Provision has been updated.

Q18: Would the Government like us to include our SAM Unique Entity Identifier instead of the

UEI number? (Ref: Section: L.18)

Response: Yes

Q19: Shall we include the signed SF 1449 and SF 30s as attachments to the cover letter in

Volume I – Technical? If so, may we include them at the end of the volume to improve readability and organization? (Ref: Section L.18)

Q20: May we use Times New Roman, 8-point font for the tables, figures, and graphics? (Ref:

Section L.19)

Response: The government directs offerors to follow instructions in Section L. which require

12-point size type. The font shall be Times New Roman with one exception – Arial may be used for tables, figures, and graphics. The font size for tables and figures, and any other type of inserts can be no smaller than 8 point. The font size for any graphics as it appears on the printed page can be no smaller than 8 point;

Q21: Is this the only information permitted? May we also include the submission points of contact, dates, signature of authorized negotiator, validity date, TIN, UEIN, and other company identifying information? (Ref: Section L.19)

Response: Potential offerors shall follow instructions listed in Section L.19, proposal format.

Q22: These two sections for what is required in the technical approach differ. Please advise, as it appears the Quality Control Plan and Partnering/Subcontracting Plan are required in the management approach. (Ref: Section L.19.1, Technical Proposal Format (Volume I)

Response: Potential offerors shall follow instruction listed in Section L.19.1

Q23: Is a Quality Control Plan required both in the technical approach and the management approach? (It is mentioned twice.) (We recommend labeling the Technical Approach Factor 1 and the Management Approach Factor 2). (Ref: L.19.1, Technical Proposal Format (Volume I)

Response: See response to Question 22

Q24: Is this Contract Risk Analysis Plan for the overall IDIQ or just the sample task order?

(Ref: L.19.1, SF2: Contract Risk Analysis Plan)

Response: Potential offeror shall follow instruction listed in Section L.19.1, Technical Proposal

Format

Q25: Is the entire Volume I – Technical, including the technical approach and management approach, limited to 60 pages? (Ref: Section L.19.1, SF1: Sample Task Order)

Response: Potential offerors shall follow instruction listed in Section 19.1

Q26: Is this Contract Quality Control Plan for the overall IDIQ or just the sample task order?

(Ref: Section L.19.1, SF1: Contract Quality Control Plan)

Response: See response to Question 25

Q27: Does the Government mean Global Advisory IDIQ? (Ref: Section L.19.1, SF2: Contract

Partnering/Subcontracting)

Response: See response to Question 13.

Q28: Does the Government mean Global Advisory IDIQ? (Ref: Section L.19.1, SF2: Contract

Partnering/Subcontracting)

Q29: Are the pertinent examples separate from the Past Performance Contract Profiles, or do we use the Past Performance Contract Profiles to discuss our experience? (Ref: Section L.19.2, SF2:

Contract Partnering/Subcontracting)

Response: Potential offerors shall follow instructions listed in Section L.19.2, proposal formal.

Q30: Does the Government mean Global Advisory IDIQ? (Ref: L.19.2, Similar Experience)

Response: See response to Question 13

Q31: With regard to (2), may we use a multiple award IDIQ as a past performance that has a similar ceiling value even though, we as the prime have not exceeded $15 million in combined task orders? (Ref: Section L.19.2, Similar Experience)

Response: Yes, Past performance from a previous multiple award IDIQ can be used.

Q32: May we use a task order and an IDIQ under which that task order falls as two separate citations? (Ref: Section L.19.2, Similar Experience)

Response: Potential offerors shall follow instructions listed in Section L.19.2, Similar experience.

Q33: To clarify, if we submit 6 Past Performance Contract Profiles, only 2 are required from the prime contractor. Is that correct? (Ref: Section L.19.2, Similar Experience)

Response: Potential offerors shall follow instructions listed in Section L.19, proposal formal.

Q34: Will this proposal be a hard copy submission? Please provide clarification on the following requirement: "submit a paper copy of the Customer Satisfaction Survey." If the customer is required to submit these directly to the Government, is DOS looking for an incomplete form from offerors with just Part I, Contract Information, completed? (Ref: Section L.19.2, Past

Performance)

Response: See response to Question 29

Q35: Is the Customer Satisfaction Survey similar to a Past Performance Questionnaire that our customers complete and remit directly to the Government? (Ref: Section L.19.2, Past

Performance)

Response: See response to Question 29

Q36: Are we to include the supporting information items listed in 71 to 74 in the price volume?

(Ref: Section L.19.3.2 (71)

Response: Potential offerors shall follow instructions listed in Section L.19.3.2 proposal formal

Q37: Does the Government’s clarification impact whether Offerors are permitted to bid both the

GLOBALCAP and Advisory Services IDIQ? Specifically, does the clarification apply to the mutual restrictions provided as “H.XX ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST –

GLOBALCAP AND GLOBAL ADVISOR PROGRAMS – MUTUAL RESTRICTIONS”? (Ref:

OCI)

Q38: Is the Government referring to the OCI language provided as Attachment QA1 – OCI

Clauses and Provisions? If so, would the Government please indicate specifically which section(s) of this document pertain to the Government’s provided clarification? (Ref: OCI)

Q39: Does the Government intend to release additional OCI language prior to solicitation release? (Ref: OCI)

Q40: When does the Government intend to award the Advisory Services IDIQ? Will this solicitation be awarded before or after the GLOBALCAP IDIQ? (Ref: Award Date)

Response: "The intention is to award the Advisory IDIQ after the GLOBALCAP IDIQ. We anticipate this will be awarded in Q1/Q2 of FY24

Q41: Each negotiated NTE fully-loaded hourly labor rate consists of an unloaded hourly labor rate, any labor-related direct costs (e.g., direct fringe benefits, direct bonuses), applicable indirect costs, and profit amount…Any other costs that are part of the Contractor’s established compensation plan and consistent with FAR part 31 shall be allocated as an ODC (other direct cost) (under fixed-price and cost-reimbursement arrangements) or as a Material (under time-and-materials arrangements) at the task order level. Examples of such costs, if applicable, that shall be allocated as an ODC or Material, are post hardship differential pay and danger pay. Can the

USG clarify if contractor must use the highest % in Africa for post differential and danger pay since location will be determined at the task order level? (Ref: Section B.4 P. 8 letter (g)

Response: See response to Question 2.

Q42: “If the normal workweek for an individual task order differs from a 40 hour or 48-hour normal workweek, both parties will negotiate labor rates based on the normal workweek for the individual task order. Such negotiated rates will apply only to the task order, unless additionally negotiated into the contract”. Can the USG clarify if overtime (48+ hrs. Per week) is necessary applicable local labor law will determine labor rate and billable labor rate, taking into consideration COR will be informed of such situations? (Ref: Section B.4 P. 9 letters

Q43: For labor-hour arrangements and the time portion of time-and-materials arrangements, the

Government will pay the negotiated fixed fully-loaded hourly labor rate minus ___% (to be inserted at contract award) attributable to profit for those hours the Contractor incurs when replacing or correcting services or materials [reference FAR 52.246-6 (Inspection – Time-and-

Material and Labor-Hour)]. Can the USG client clarify if when replacing or correcting services or materials, does these mean/include vacancies? (Ref: Section B.4 P.9 letter (s)

Response: This IDIQ will utilize a fully loaded labor hour pricing arrangement. All references to time and material will be deleted from this requirement. Potential offerors shall follow instructions listed in Section B.4

Q44: The Contractor needs to follow its own internal vetting process to ensure there is a reasonable expectation that their employees can obtain the security clearance necessary for contract performance. Can the USG client clarify if contracting personnel is eligible to obtain clearance but does not have a clearance and meets/exceeds all other qualifications, can be considered for any position? (Ref: Section C.7.1 P.34)

Response: Offerors must have personnel and facilities with existing clearances as required by the solicitation. The Government does not intend to issue awards to entities that do not fully meet security requirements on the date of award. This will be determined at the Task Order (TO) level.

Q45: The Government will pay or reimburse the Contractor for allowable permits. Can the USG clarify if this includes in-country operation permit (s) in each country of performance? (Ref:

Section H.6)

Response: Yes. The Government will pay or reimburse the selected Contractor for allowable costs allocated with obtaining permits. See Section H.6 for further instructions.

Q46: Each negotiated NTE unit price consists of the equipment’s direct costs, applicable indirect costs, and profit. Does profit means we can apply fee on ODCs? (Ref: Section B.14 P.19 letter

(f)

Q47: The Contractor is responsible for translating training materials if appropriate, and for providing all needed hardcopy materials for participants. Can contractor bill for translation/interpretations services for this purpose? (Ref: Section H.7.4 P.63)

Response: Yes. The selected Contractor shall be responsible for translating training materials

(presentations, handouts etc.). The billing of translation services will happen at the Task Order

(TO) level.

Q48: Contractor is not eligible to participate in capacity building task orders, subcontracts, or proposal preparation (solicited or unsolicited) in any country where Contractor has provided advisory services to the government of that country within the past year. Can the USG client clarify if this includes capacity building TOs or subcontracts with other agencies different to AF

GLOBALCAP? (Ref: Section H.15 P.74 letter)

Q49: For FFP contracts that span multiple years, offerors usually build in a standard inflation rate for each option year of the contract. However, current market volatility, supply chain issues, and advancing technology it may be difficult for offerors to accurately factor in the financial risk of procuring equipment over what might be an extended period of performance. If for some reason, outside of the contractor's control or ability to predict ( e.g., unforeseen inflation or shortage of elements required to produce items) the cost of procuring items are wildly different from NTE prices submitted with the proposal, how will the Government take that into consideration when contractors price items on a specific task order in the future? (Ref: Section

B.14)

Response: See response to Question 14.

Q50: Clauses B.4(g) and B.8 are in contradiction. B.4(g) says Post Differential and Danger Pay are ODCs, however, P.8 says this type of pay is unallowable and should be factored into the overall price proposal, meaning as part of the fully-loaded price. Because the post differential and danger pay required to attract and retain qualified personnel is dependent on the specific location of the work, and the percentage of uplift varies from 0% to 35% based on the conditions at a specific location, Including the uplifts into the NTE fully-loaded rates encourages offerors to bid the highest uplifts (35%) to mitigate risk over the life of the contract. Sincerus recommends that the USG exclude these uplifts from the fully loaded rates and leave them as an ODC per B.4

(g), In doing so the USG will have a much better picture of the actual NTE pay rates they may expect to see under this contract. (Ref: Section B.4)

Response: See response to Question 2.

Q51: From a pricing perspective, what is the difference between the CLINs for labor categories that specify Embassy-based and those that do not? (Ref: Section B.4)

Response: There is no difference in pricing. Pricing will be defined at TO level.

Q52: What is the USG's expectation on the how personnel assigned to these task orders will spend hours 41-48 of their workweek? What will personnel use the 6th day of the week for?

When providing training will there be six days of training, will the sixth day be used for preparation and administration? This inquiry is especially pertinent when advisors are embedded in an organization whose offices are open 40 hours a week. (Ref: Section B.4.(b)

Response: The workload and schedule will be defined at the Task Order level.

Q53: While the metrics of 95% seem reasonable, it may be difficult to assess. For example, how will the government measure whether TO deliverables meet format and content requirements

95% of the time? Will a typo, count as an error and if the contractor has only submitted one deliverable to date is that a 0%? Is this a rolling average? It is measured per year of the contract?

We recommends that the government use a metric and surveillance description to eliminate ambiguity and subjectivity. The standard of description should be detailed enough that a contractor's self-inspection or the Government inspection of the same document would result in the same assessment. (Ref: Section C.5)

Response: Potential offerors shall follow instructions listed in Section F.4, Contract Data

Deliverables

Q54: Clause C.7 requiring a TOP SECRET clearance and clause H.19 (a) requiring a SECRET level clearance contradict one another. Since companies are not generally given a TS clearance until they have a Government issued contract requiring it. We recommend that the Government change the language to "offerors must hold a SECRET at time of submission and be able to obtain a TOP SECRET clearance with a reasonable timeframe following award. (Ref: Section

C.7)

Response: Potential offerors shall follow instructions listed in Section C.7, Security

Requirements. The government intends to make updates to the solicitation prior to it being published on SAM.gov.

Q55: When a contractor is aware of someone leaving the contract ahead of time, we will naturally comply with the 45 or 90 day requirement to notify the CO in advance. However, sometimes due to illness, family emergency, or other extenuating circumstance, a Key Person may need to leave the program on short notice. In that case we will notify the CO immediately.

Our concern about the language as it is written is that it may imply that the Government has 45 or 90 days in which to approve a replacement candidate. Maintaining continuity of services is vital to meeting the Government's objectives under Global Advisory task orders. As a result, we recommend the Government include modify the language to the following:

"The contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer (CO) in writing of the departure of any Key

Personnel within 3 working days of becoming aware of a pending departure. Notification shall include an explanation of the circumstances of the departure." The contractor shall provide to the

CO with a complete resume, along with any other supporting documentation, of a fully qualified candidate within 30 working days of initial notification of departure. "To ensure that contractor is able to provide continuing service, the CO will make a determination about the substitute candidate within 10 working days after receiving the candidate's resume." (Ref: Section H.8)

Response: The Government reserves the right to approve timely key personnel changes after receiving notifications if a security clearance is required.

Q56: This contract clause explicitly restricts offerors from bidding or being awarded under both

GLOBALCAP solicitation 19AQMM22R0026 and Global Advisory solicitation

19AQMM22R0071. The clause contradicts the e-mail sent out with draft RFP, recommend that the USG remove this reference from the final RFP. (Ref: Section H.16)

Response: See response to Question 6

Q57: An offeror shall not be eligible for award under both GLOBALCAP solicitation

19AQMM22R0026 and Global Advisory solicitation 19AQMM22R0071. (Ref: Section H.16)

Q58: H.5 Bonds and Licenses, IDIQ level or task order level requirement? Recommend it is specified at TO level. (Ref: Section H.5)

Q59: Missing Juneteenth (Ref: Section I.3.3)

Response: See response to Question 7.

Q60: This reference asks for a DUNS number but does not reference the new Unique Entity

Identifier (UEI) please update the reference to eliminate the reference to UEI and reference the

UEI instead. (Ref: Section L.18)

Q61: While references (a) and (e) seem as though they may contradict one another, we understand them to mean that the standard is 8 1/2" x 11" vs. legal size or A size paper and that

11x 17 are permitted. (Ref: Section L.19)

Response: Pages are to be standard 8 1/2" x 11". If the offeror choses to use foldouts, then they would be permitted to use 11" x 17" and shall count as two pages as indicated in section L.19.

Q62: Assume that tables in this context is meant to be "tabs" (Ref: Section L.19)

Response: Potential offerors shall follow instructions listed in Section L.19 (c), (d) and (e).

Q63: It is unclear to us what the USG is getting at with this sentence, please clarify what it means by …the ability to aggressively identify and apply solutions" related to subcontracting approach. (Ref: Section L.19.1)

Response: In accordance with FAR Part 19.704, Subcontracting Plan (applicable for large businesses only) list contractor’s goals for subcontracting to small business concerns and efforts to contractor will make to ensure small business entities have opportunity to compete for subcontracts.

Q64: Generally, the WBS is a table that lists and numbers the tasks and subtasks necessary to deliver the services required under a contract or task order is not usually defined as the technical narrative as this paragraph implies. Recommend rephrasing to say "A quality technical solution shall include" (Ref: Section L.19.1)

Response: Potential offerors shall refer to Section L. 19.1, Technical Proposal format.

Q65: It seems (b) may be in error, and should say "to meet advisory needs of DOS." (Ref:

Section L.19.1)

Response: RFP has been updated. Please refer to Section L.19.1 for proposal format instruction.

Q66: These references connote a level of complexity and subcontractor involvement that may not be necessary under Global Advisory Services where contractors will be providing small groups of advisors into host nations offices. It seems that placing so much emphasis on managing subcontractors that it penalizes offerors that will be self-performing. Also the reference to

GLOBALCAP in Section L leads us to believe that these sections were included in error. (Ref:

Section L.19.1) solicitation prior to it being published on SAM.gov. Furthermore, all references to

GLOBALCAP will be replaced with Global Advisory. This change will be reflected under subsequently released RFP.

Q67: Does this apply to 1099 IC independent contractors? (Ref: Section L.19.1)

Response: Potential offerors shall follow instructions regarding partnering/subcontracting agreements listed in Section L.19.1, Technical Proposal Format (Volume I).

Q68: Please spell out Service Level Agreements. (Ref: Section L.19.1)

Response: This changed will be reflected in updated solicitation prior to it being published on

SAM.gov.

Q69: This reference speaks to the complexity of recent and relevant experience to

GLOBALCAP in error. (Ref: Section L.19.2)

Q70: Life of the Contract dates are incorrect (2015-2020), provide correct contract dates. (Ref:

L.19.3)

Response: Correct dates will be incorporated into final RFP before released

Q71: Section L.19.4.2 Business Management (pg.127) requires offerors to provide audited financial statements for the previous three years. For newer companies that have fewer than three years of audited financial statements will the government revise this to two years of audited financial statements. Alternately, will the government allow companies to provide audited financial statements from the date of their incorporation if it is less than three years? (Ref:

Section L.19.5.2)

Q72: We believe GLOBALCAP is mentioned in error and should be replaced with Global

Advisory (Ref: M.9.1)

Q73: Recommend that in addition to the qualifications listed, the USG add the following "…or is currently serving as the Program Manager under AF Advisory I (Contract ID:

SAQMMA16R0197) or PM/GPI (Contract ID: 19AQMM19R0193)". (Ref: Section H.7.1)

Response: Yes, prior performance under AF Advisory I and/or PM/GPI contracts will be considered for qualification as past performance. The Government’s requirements will be amended into RFP before released.

Q74: There are several mentions of GLOBALCAP throughout the document that need to be replaced. In addition to the reference, we recommend that the USG look at the scope of work adjacent to the GLOBALCAP references to ensure they are applicable to the GLOBAL Advisory

IDIQ requirements. (Ref:

Q75: There a number of references to training as well as CLINs X010, X011 Training Specialist positions. How much training is expected, what types of training, and what will be the duration of the training requirements?

Response: Training levels will be defined at the Task Order level

Q76: Please clarify the scope and frequency of the effort required on this requirement. (Ref:

Section C.2.6)

Response: The government will define this at the Task Order level

Q77: Please describe what is meant by an escalation plan. (Ref: Section C.3)

Response: The government will define this at the Task Order level

Q78: Would the Government consider allowing additional years of experience in lieu of a

Master’s degree for the Level 2 Labor Categories (H.7.2, pp. 59 – 67)? If so, how many additional years of experience would be acceptable? (Ref: Section H.7.2)

Response: Yes years of experience could be used in lieu of specific degrees. The Government’s requirements will be amended into the solicitation prior to release on SAM.gov.

Q79: The September 22, 2022 SAM.gov posting states that OCI between the Global Advisory

Services IDIQ and the GlobalCap IDIQ will only be applicable at the Task Order (TO) level and that vendors, both incumbent and prospective, are not prohibited from competing for the

GlobalCap IDIQ and the Global Advisory IDIQ. However, the current draft of the RFP still incudes contradictory language about OCI in H.16 (a) stating “an offeror shall not be eligible for award under both GLOBALCAP solicitation 19AQMM22R0026 and Global Advisory solicitation 19AQMM22R0071.” Similar statements also appear in H.16 (b), H.16 (c), and H.16

(d). Would the Government update the RFP to reflect the intention to allow vendors to compete for both the GlobalCap IDIQ and the Global Advisory IDIQ? (Ref: Section H.16)

Q80: Are the required contractor-provided “identifiable uniforms” (Section H.9 (g), p.69) considered an allowable cost? If so, how does the government suggest that contractors categorize these costs (i.e. Direct Equipment, ODC, Indirect)? (Ref: Section H.9)

Response: Potential offerors shall propose cost based on requirements stated in Section C.2.

Q81: Section L.19.1 (Technical Proposal Format), Section L.19.2 (Similar Experience and Past

Performance), and Section M.9 (Technical Evaluation), make multiple references to the

GLOBALCAP program. Does the Government intend that offerors address how their technical and management approach to Global Advisory Services will support the GlobalCap program, or is the reference to GlobalCap an error? (Ref: Section L.19.1, L.19.2 and M.9)

Q82: Would the Government consider providing a table in the final RFP Section L listing the page limitations for each Volume and Volume Section and/or Sub-Factor? (Ref: Section L)

Response: Potential offerors shall follow proposal instructions in Section L of RFP.

Q83: L.18 (COVER PAGE AND PROPOSAL CONTENT) on p. 112 states that “there is a 200 combined page limit imposed on Volume I, Technical Proposal and Volume II, Similar

Experience and Past Performance.” Are there non-combined page limits for Volume I, Technical

Proposal, and Volume II, Similar Experience and Past Performance, and/or for Sections within

Volume I and Volume II? If so, what are these non-combined page limits? (Ref: Section L.18)

Response: Potential offerors shall follow proposal instructions in Section L of RFP

Q84: Is the sixty-page limit referenced on p. 115, section L.19.1 (d), specific to the Technical

Approach for Sub-Factor 1: Sample Task Order, or does this sixty-page limit refer to the full

Volume I – Technical Proposal? (Ref: Section L.19.1)

Response: Potential offerors shall follow proposal instructions in Section L of RFP

Q85: Would the Government consider releasing a draft Attachment B – Sample Task Order?

(Ref: Section

Response: Potential offerors shall follow instruction listed in Section L of RFP.

Q86: Section appears to be in conflict with B.4.e. Would the Government please clarify the prices are for USN staff only or do they include TCN and LN staff also? (Ref: Section B.4.t)

Response: Negotiated NTE fully-loaded hourly labor rates applies only to individuals who have legal status to work in the United States of America.

Q87: Why does the Government limit the billing and payment to unburdened labor rates? Can the contractor bill direct labor plus standard indirect rates? (Ref: Section B.4.u)

Response: The Government will pay incurred unloaded hourly labor rates multiplied by the respective actual incurred hours subject to CO allowability.

Q88: This table appears to be in conflict with B.4(b) which states 48-hour week. Would the

Government please clarify whether this is for 40 hours per week or 48 hours per week? (Ref:

Section B.10.i (table)

Q89: Shouldn’t CLIN x500 include contractor support personnel labor? (Ref: Section B.15)

Response: Proposed offerors shall propose labor hours for PM to perform Activity 5, Program

Management under Section B.15.

Q90: Section appears to be in conflict with B.8 which prohibits post differential, and danger pay.

Would the Government please clarify? (Ref: Section G.5.b.9)

Response: Post Hardship Differential and Danger Pay will be allowed under Global Advisory

IDIQ.

Q91: Please verify that the contractor can submit invoices via the IPP system? (Ref: Section

WG.9.1)

Response: Yes - The Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) is the system used. The government has noted your question and intends to make updates to the solicitation prior to it being published on

SAM.gov.

Q92: This paragraph indicates a SECRET clearance is required; however, C.7 indicates a TOP

SECRET facility clearance is required. Please clarify what level clearance is required for this contract. (Ref: Section H.19)

Q93: Are the Buy American clauses applicable to this procurement? If not, please delete in solicitation. (Ref: FAR 52.225-2 FAR 52.225-4)

Response: Potential offerors shall follow instructions listed in Section I, Contract Clause of

RFP.

Q94: Why does this clause cite 50% when FAR 52.215-23 Limitations on Pass-Through Charges requires 70%? (Ref: Section L.12)

Response: For the purpose of reporting, the Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer in writing if the Contractor changes the amount of subcontract effort after award such that it exceeds 70 percent of the total cost of work to be performed under the contract, task order, or delivery order.

Q95: Suggest the Government add the following to the page count exclusions: acronym list and compliance matrix (Ref: Section L.18.1)

Response: Potential offerors shall follow proposal content and format instructions listed in

Section L.18.1, Exclusions from page limitations.

Q96: Two instances of (d) state that; “Pages shall be printed single-sided” however, this appears to be an electronic submission. Please verify that this is not a hardcopy submission?

(Ref: Section L.19(d)

Response: Section L.19. (d) had been updated to reflect the following: (d) Single-sided pages shall be used for electronic submission

Q97: Please verify that since this is an electronic submission, original and copy numbers are not required. (Ref: Section L.19.Cover Page)

Response: Offerors are required to submit proposals electronically. Original and copy numbers are not required.

Q98: There are several occurrences where reference to GLOBALCAP appear in RFP. Please verify this is the Global Advisory draft RFP and not the GLOBALCAP draft RFP? (Ref: Section

Section L and M)

Q99: This section appears to open the competition to any small business; however, section M.2 appears to limit the competition to large business and SDVOSB. Would the Government clarify which types of companies are eligible to bid on this contract? (Ref: Section L.19.1 Subfactor 3)

Response: See response to Question 8.

Q100: L.12 states consent to subcontract will be done at the TO level. This section requires all of the requirements for consent to subcontract. Recommend removing the L.19.1 requirement due to L.12. (Ref: Section L.19.1 Subfactor 3(b)

Response: Potential offerors shall follow all instructions listed in Section L.19.1

Q101: Does the Government’s market survey demonstrate that they have the rule of 2 for

SDVOSBs? (Ref: Section M.2)

Q102: Does the Government mean 1 SB or SDVOSB? (Ref: Section M.3.1)

Q103: What is the weight of price in the evaluation? (Ref: Section M.4)

Response: RFP has been updated to include the relative importance of each evaluation factors to one another.

Q104: Does the Government foresee Technical Advisors being in place overseas for a year or more in duration? (Ref: Section

Response: This will be determined at the Task Order level, but historically, advisors have been required to be overseas for the duration of the task order (Base + option years).

Q105: Will the Embassies assist in resolving work visa related issues related to these advisors?

Response: No. The DoS will not get involved or entertains resolving contactor work visa issues.

Q106: Will the RSO’s assist in vetting LN’s that we may consider to provide services, supplies, etc. to our in country personnel?

Response: No. The DoS will not get involved or entertain issues with vetting Local Nationals.

(LN)

Q107: Does the government anticipate the need for any ITAR restricted Operational Equipment?

If yes, will the government assist in obtaining clearances, etc. to export?

Response: No. Review Delivery Section of RFP

Q108: Does State Department still intend on holding an industry day for this requirement?

Response: Yes. This event conducted on November 17, 2022

Q109: When does State Department anticipate determining their acquisition strategy and set-aside limitations? For 10 months as an 8(a) and EDWOSB we have responded to every RFI starting with the sources and invested resources in preparation for the final RFP yet are still unaware of what the socio-economic status for eligible offerors will be.

Q110: Comment/recommendation: Recommend stating that contractors shall possess a minimum foreign language rating of 3 in accordance with State Department guidelines. (Ref: Section C.2)

Response: This will be determined at the Task Order level.

Q111: Comment/recommendation: Recommend stating that contractors shall provide proof through a skills verification test that contractors shall pass a physical examination and skills verification test that demonstrates the physical ability necessary to live and operate effectively in field conditions. (Ref: Section C.2.1)

Response: "No. The government intends to keep C.2.1 language as is. Is it incumbent upon offerors to place appropriate personnel in appropriate locations.

Q112: Comment/recommendation: Recommend stating that contractors shall provide translators accredited by the American Translators Association (ATA) (Ref: Section C.2.4.5)

Response: No – This will be defined at the Task Order level.

Q113: Comment/recommendation: Recommend stating that contractors shall demonstrate that

Project Management Professional (PMP) certified staff are part of the Program Management

Office. (Ref: Section F.4)

Response: No – certified PMP is not required

Q114: Comment/recommendation: Please confirm that this and subsequent references to

GLOBALCAP in sections L and M should read Global Advisory. (Ref: Section L.19.1)

Q115: Comment/recommendation: To ensure adequate total compensation is available for personnel supporting this contract at high threat post it is recommended to make Post Hardship

Differential Pay and Danger Pay allowable as Other Direct Cost (ODC’s). (Ref: Section B.8)

Q116: Comment/recommendation: Because Bonds are not available for many countries will the government consider 10% retainage on the value of construction in lieu of Bonds as is allowed on the OBO REC program? (Ref: Section H.5.1)

Response: Potential offerors shall follow instruction as listed under Section H.5.1.

Q117: Of the 3-6 awards anticipated, the Government has indicated that they will award up to three for SDVOSB. Has the Government considered including other small business designations in these three awards? Perhaps the government could set aside CONUS analysis requirements or similar for small businesses? Or perhaps using the Small Business Reserve option that might include task orders up to a certain value threshold as automatically competed among small business IDIQ awardees? (Ref: Section

Q118: Can offerors submit proposals that are responsive to certain parts of the PWS in which they have substantive past performance and expertise, or does the Government require that bidders address the IDIQ requirements in their entirety in their proposals? (Ref: Section

Response: Potential offerors shall follow instructions listed in Section L with regards to proposal preparation. Proposals that failed to address criteria requested in proposal will be determined non-responsive and will be evaluated.

Q119: Section H.19 states that the government is willing to sponsor US owned companies to obtain their SECRET clearance, however Section C.7.1 states that the Contractor must possess and maintain a TOP SECRET clearance for the duration of contract delivery. Can you please clarify the requirements around facility clearance? (Ref: Section H.19)

Response: See response to Question 54.

Q120: Will active facility clearance at the TOP SECRET level be required at time of proposal for all subcontractors proposed in large prime subcontracting plans, or can subcontractors be included in teaming arrangements and sponsored by the prime contractor post award?

Response: See response to Question 54.

Q121: What are the anticipated dates for the one-year base period?

Response: The Government intends to award during 1st Quarter, FY24

Q122: For what activity is the sample task order that will be issued at the time of the RFP?

Response: The activity for the sample task order will be reflected in updated RFP.

Q123: What KP CVs will be required for the IDIQ RFP?

Response: Potential offerors shall follow instructions for submitting CVs as listed in Section

H.7, Contractor Personnel Requirements.

Q124: Up to what percentage of travel within field assignments is expected for Contractor personnel?

Response: This will be defined at the Task Order level.

Q125: Section H.7 lists a number of required contractor personnel. Could the government please indicate which activities these personnel are intended to support? Will CVs for the relevant personnel be required at the IDIQ level or the TO level? (Ref: Section H.7)

Response: Potential offerors shall follow instructions listed in Section L for instructions on proposal preparation.

Q126: What is the anticipated geographic scope for the IDIQ? (Ref: Section C.2.1)

Response: Global Advisory IDIQ will provide advisory and reporting services outside of the

United States of America with a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa (Ref: Section B.1).

Q127: How many awards does the Government intend to issue to each pool? (Ref: Section L.11)

Q128: Will there be a large business pool, along with a SDVOSB pool?

Response: See response to Questions 8.

Q129: Section H.7 Training Specialist – The description mentions developing training and training materials. Do the training specialists also execute the training? (Ref: Section H.7)

Response: Potential offerors are directed to review Section C.2.1, Core Activities for Advisory

Services.

Q130: Section H.7 – Will any of these positions be considered key? (Ref: Section H.7)

Response: See response to Question 5.

Q131: Will the Government please confirm that no resumes or names are required for IDIQ Key

Personnel for this proposal? (Ref: Section H.8)

Q132: Does the Government have minimum small business socio-economic targets it expects large businesses to meet? And if so, will the Government please provide? (Ref: Section L.19.1)

Response: See response to Question 127

Q133: Will you please discuss OCI regarding this IDIQ and GLOBALCAP?

Response: See response to question 6.

Q134: I noted that the draft stated that up to three of the potential six awards would be set-aside for SDVOSB’s, is there a potential for at least one of these set-aside slots to be slated for 8(a) businesses? In addition to our internal capabilities, we have a joint venture under the SBA MPP with Culmen International, using our combined strengths through the joint I believe that we would be strong prime candidate.

Q135: Can you please confirm which level of facility clearance is required to perform? There is conflicting information in sections C.7 and H.19 of the draft SOW. (Ref: Section C.7 & H.19)

Response: Potential offerors shall refer to Section C.7, with regards to Security Requirements

Q136: Could the Government clarify if the initial cover page differs from the cover page included in the volume? (Ref: Section L.19 Proposal Format)

Response: Potential offerors shall follow instructions listed in Section L.19 regarding proposal submission instructions.

Q137: Will the Government consider changing the Contractor’s experience, including planning and implementation of multiple simultaneous task orders with an estimated value of $15 million in geographically dispersed locations and/or a contract similar in size, scope, and complexity to the GLOBALCAP IDIQ to $10 million? Many services IDIQs contain task orders with a small number of FTEs, which in turn do not account for large dollar amounts. Additionally, small businesses are not likely to have IDIQ task order awards at that amount. (Ref: Section M.9

Technical Evaluation)

Response: Potential offerors are directed to Section M.3 with regards to criteria Government will use for Basis for Award.

Q138: Would the government consider accepting the submission of a review of the most recently ended fiscal year? Audited and reviewed financial statement are very costly for a small business and the price increases with additional years. (Ref: Section L.19.4.2 Business Format)

Response: Potential offerors are directed to Section L.19, Proposal Format with regards to proposal submission instructions.

Q139: L.19.4.3 BUSINESS SYSTEMS, JOINT VENTURE, AND POLICIES

L.19.4.3 of the draft RFP requires that the Contractor/Offeror have approved or adequate

Property Management, Estimating, & Purchasing Systems. Is it acceptable if the Prime

Contractor relies on the capabilities of a Subcontractor to meet these requirements, or must the

Prime Contractor possess these approved systems? (Ref: Section L.19.4.3)

Response: Potential offerors shall follow instructions listed in Section L.19.4.3, Business

Systems, Joint Ventures and Policies of RFP.

Q140: L.19.2 SIMILAR EXPERIENCE AND PAST PERFORMANCE (VOLUME II) (Page

118) L.19.2 states that “For the purposes of similar size, dollar value will be evaluated in one of the two followings ways: (1) multiple simultaneous task orders with an overall value of at least

$15 million in geographically dispersed locations; and/or (2) a contract vehicle with a maximum value similar to the maximum quantity B.3.” The maximum amount in B.3 is $1,500,000,000.

Very few companies would have a contract vehicle with this maximum value. Would the

Contracting Office please define “similar size” as the value of the Task Order awards under

Contract Number SAQMMA17D0055 (BUREAU OF AFRICAN AFFAIRS ADVISORY AND

REPORTING SERVICES)? (Ref: Section L.19.2)

Response: Potential offerors are directed to Section B.3 Minimum and Maximum Contract

Quantities regarding funding ranges for TO’s under this IDIQ.

Q141: The above sections reference GLOBALCAP. Will this be changed to “Global Advisory” in the final RFP? (Ref: Section M.9.1)

Response: All references to GLOBALCAP in RFP have been updated to reflect GLOBAL

ADVISORY IDIQ.

Q142: Will the USG validate…