Final RFPH92222-11-R-0010 Questions.pdf

H92222-11-R-0010 TACLAN Final RFP Questions and Comments

7 June 2011

USSOCOM TACLAN RFP

QUESTION #

SECTION /

PARAGRAPH / PAGE

Questions / Comments

Response

(TBD)

Action

Attachment 19, Attachment 20, TACLAN TEP Matrix, Exhibit C through G inclusive

Exhibit(s) C, D, E, F and G use the term “excluding laptops”.

a) Does this term mean to exclude all laptops in all laptop cases (e.g. Attachment 19, NIPR Segment, Manufacturer Part Number CF-52NKB102M in laptop cases 1, 2, 3 and 4, and CF- 52NKG102M in the admin/FILO)?

b) Does this term mean to exclude the storage cases these laptops are delivered in (e.g. Attachment 19, NIPR Segment, Manufacturer Part Number RHD-30-16763-24LS1)?

c) Does this term mean to exclude all the other materials that come with the laptops in the storage case (cables, Ethernet switches, mouse, etc.)?

d) Does this term mean to exclude the spare hard drives associated with these laptops (e.g. Attachment 19, NIPR Segment, Manufacturer Part Number CF-K52H004)?

e) Does this term mean to exclude warranties for the laptop(s), and if applicable other materials contained in the laptop storage cases as well?

When referencing “excluding laptops” in ELIN C, D, E, F and G, we do not intend to buy laptops or the other items associated with the laptop itself (spare hard drive, warranty). All other items, including the storage cases should be quoted.

Attachment 20, TACLAN TEP Matrix, Tab H

Exhibit H uses the term “Laptops in Transit Cases”.

a) Can the Government provide the configuration of this item, to include the laptop part number(s) and quantities, the quantity and type of peripherals? Please note there are multiple laptop case types and configurations identified in the RFP.

b) Can the Government provide the warranty specifications for required laptop part number(s) and associated peripheral(s)?

c) Some of the laptop cases include Ethernet switches and other equipment, are these additional equipments to be provided?

d) If yes, can the Government provide all laptop case configurations with part numbers and quantities?

Laptops in transit cases will be deleted from the TEP. Offerors should not propose on this item.

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Attachment 20, TACLAN TEP Matrix, Tab H

CLIN 1 Exhibit H uses the term “Laptops (No Transit Cases)”.

a) Can the Government provide the configuration of this item, to include the laptop part number(s) and quantities, the quantity and type of peripherals?

b) Can the Government provide the warranty specifications for required laptop part number(s) and associated peripheral(s)?

The TEP will be updated to include the part numbers and warranty information.

Section L/ L-2.1, L-2.2/

pg. 75, 76

Paragraph L-2.1 identifies “Page size shall be 8-1/2” X 11 with the exception of illustrative foldouts, which shall not exceed 11 x 17 inches.

Foldouts will count as two pages.

No more than 20% of the maximum number of pages in each volume may be a foldout.”; and Paragraph L-2.2 states “Pages that are predominantly drawings or graphics (any page where drawings or graphics cover at least three quarters of the area of the page) will not be counted against page limitation.”

Do drawings or graphics (any page where drawings or graphics cover at least three quarters of the area of the page) count against page limitations?

No

Section L/ L-3.1.2.1, pg.

Paragraph L-3.1.2.1 identifies that an abbreviated Integrated Master Schedule is requested with this RFP.

a) Will the IMS be counted against page count?

Yes

Section E / Inspection and Acceptance at Destination / para. 1 /

pg. 8

All CLINs will be inspected and accepted at Destination by the Government.

At what point does acceptance occur at the destination (e.g. after DD250 signature, after NET) for CLIN 0001, IPS? For all Production systems?

Acceptance at the Destination for the equipment occurs at time of delivery and the DD 1149 is signed. The DD 250 signature occurs after the invoice is entered into WAWF.

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Section F / Deliveries or Performance – Location / para. 1 / pg. 9

Delivery location will be specified on each delivery or task order.

What location(s) should be used to estimate freight costs for all CLINs which will be delivered CONUS?

All equipment not sent directly to the units will be delivered to SOFSA, Lexington, KY.

8 Attachment 21

Attachment 21 was provided for the FCD Bill of Material (BOM);

however, it contains only the Semi-rugged FCD material list.

Will the fully-rugged BOM be provided as well?

The fully ruggedized BOM is not available at this time due to end of life. Offerors are instructed not to provide pricing for this item.

Section I/ 52.219-14 Limitations On Subcontracting

DRFP answers stated that this acquisition is for “both” services and supplies. In interpreting FAR 52.219-14, case law states that the contract must be identified as either one for services or one for supplies, but not both. See, e.g. Chant Engineering Company, Inc. B-402054, December 29, 2009.

Will the 51% test for services, or the 51% test for supplies apply?

Services

RFP/L-1.1/page 75, Attachment 12/SOW/page 6/Para 3.1, Attachment 12/SOW/page 6/Para 3.2

During the DRFP Q&A there were multiple answers not to use the TSS as the baseline reference document. Since the TSS is still an “attachment” there is some ambiguity in whether this document should be used as a reference document to provide pricing for the IPS and Production systems.

Is the intent of these statements to require that each of these deliverables meet all applicable sections of the TSS?

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Attachment 17 Labor Categories

Exhibit S, within the TACLAN TEP Matrix.

SOW 3.3 Equipment Lifecycle Support

L-3.1.2.2 Life Cycle Support

Exhibit S ELINs are in support of SOW 3.3 which discusses the functions associated with life cycle support of legacy equipment. Exhibit S provides 200 labor hours per labor category for evaluation purposes.

While many of the labor categories can be associated with the functional requirements within SOW 3.3, it appears that many industry standard functional labor categories are missing. Some examples are labor categories associated with training, procurement, supply, etc. which appear to be missing from the Government list.

If the labor categories provided in Exhibit S (and Attachment 17) are the only labor categories available to the successful contractor for pricing and subsequent performance, Offerors may have significant difficulty conforming many of the industry standard labor categories to the Government provided labor categories and task order estimating for these services may not appropriately represent the required skill set.

1. Are the labor categories found in Exhibit S the only anticipated proposed labor categories in support of SOW 3.3?

2. Are the labor categories found in Exhibit S the only anticipated billable labor categories in support of SOW 3.3?

3. May an Offeror’s technical approach in support of SOW 3.3 requirements include labor categories other than what is included in the referenced attachments?

Yes

Additional labor categories have been added.

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RFP/ Section L-3.1.2.3

RFP/ Section L-2.1

1. L-3.1.2.3 Transition Plan – The Offeror shall provide a transition plan that will address the Offeror’s approach to transition the TACLAN Program from the current contractor. The Offeror’s plan shall include a contract phase-in timeline and identify all resources (including, but not limited to, key personnel resume (2 page limit), …

2. L-2.1. …Volume I – Technical/Management – 100 Pages

Key Personnel resumes may take up considerable pages. Are Resumes included in the total page count for Volume 1?

No However, resumes longer than the 2-page limit will not be considered.

RFP/ Section H/ pg. 23/ Government Furnished Support

No blocks are checked; should we assume there will be no Government Furnished Support for Task Order requirements for personnel deployed in support of Level 3 services on warranted and legacy equipment?

If no blocks are checked, this will impact how the ELINs are priced, and will vary significantly by Offeror based on assumptions made.

Government support will depend on location.

Referenced Government furnished support is used in places in the AOR.

14 RFP/ L-3.3.1/ pg. 78 Is there a specific format the Government would like the Offeror to use to submit the detailed budgetary data to support all proposed indirect rates?

Offeror's should submit their budget as they prepare them.

Indirect pools should include expense account descriptions and amounts, with the base clearly identifying the base used and amount

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15 Exhibit A/ CDRL A0009

CDRL A0009 requires the VDD to include “How to build” server and client instructions, please clarify if this is an additional requirement that is not currently scoped into the v10.1 VDD?

The SOW does not mention this requirement and the current VDD’s stated purpose is that it “It is a contract-required deliverable to the Government that identifies the software and hardware being released to the operational environment.

The “How to build” server and client instructions will be removed from CDRL A0009.

Attachment 12/SOW/Section 3.1/pg.

TEP, CLIN 0001

This question is in response to the FBO post on May 18, 2011 referencing an assessment to any potential unfair competitive advantages held by the incumbent. Currently SOW 3.1 requires all costs associated with establishing/start-up of a facility be added into CLIN 0001.

Did the Government’s assessment consider the incumbent’s already funded start up costs, funded by the current contract, for establishing/start-up of a facility? If yes, was this factored into the TEP?

12/SOW/Section 3.1, 3.2/ pg. 6

“Sparing” is required for both the IPS and Production units.

1. Are the spares based off the current v10.1 included in TACLAN FoS BOM Attachments to support the requirements of Sections

3.1 and 3.2?

2. If the answer is “no”, will the Government update the BOM to include the required levels of spares based off the current PSL analysis, or provide the Offerors data to appropriately create a sparing plan for pricing evaluation purposes?

No There are some spare parts provided to the gaining unit included in the BOM but those are not meant to be all inclusive. A contractor developed sparing plan will be needed to support IPS and new production FoS for 1 year.

The BOM will not be updated.

18 Exhibit A, CDRL A0028 During transition, will the government provide editable formats of the current documents supporting CDRL A0028, Training Plans and Materials?

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Attachment 12/SOW/Section 3.2/pg.6

TEP/ Exhibits B – K

SOW 3.2 - The Contractor shall provide one year of lifecycle support for all TACLAN FoS (excluding laptops and FCDs).

For pricing purposes, should the Offeror include the cost of one year of lifecycle support for all laptops included in the BOM Attachments supporting TEP Exhibits B-K?

All laptops, regardless of application, should be quoted to include a 3-year extended manufacturer’s warranty in addition to the standard 1-year manufacturer’s warranty included in the price of the laptop.

20 DD254

Per the DD254 SIPRNET is required at Contractors facility.

In which CLIN should the Offeror capture the cost of building out SIPRNET connectivity?

CLIN 0001

Attachment 18

RFP

5652.245-9001

For transition purposes, can the Government identify which of the GFE parts are dedicated to either engineering or lifecycle support (sparing plan)?

The Government cannot provide a breakout at this time. For proposal purposes, assume there are no GFE spares available for sparing plans.

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RFP/Section H.2/pg.13

Attachment 16

Section H.2, Contract Incentives states that “the evaluation period will start at time of contract award and continue for 24 months”.

Attachment 16, (TACLAN Provider Performance Measurement), page 3 states in “Transition-In Acceptance and SLA Performance Commencement” that performance on the TACLAN contract will not commence until the “Service Acceptance Date” – i.e. post transition period of 45-60 days.

“Commencing as of the Service Acceptance Date, the measurement and reporting of the Contractor’s performance will become effective in accordance with the Service management Performance Measurement criteria as specified in Attachment 16 for the purposes of tracking Contractor’s eligibility to receive term incentives defined in section H clause entitled Contract Incentives.”

Attachment 16, p. 5-9 (SLAs G-3.1, G-4.3, G-4.7) state that performance measurement will commence upon contract award.

Attachment 16, p. 12, Appendix B, Performance Incentive Evaluation Method states, “This evaluation process will commence after the award of the initial production set.”

Question:

Please clarify the start date for measurement of contract performance?

All documents will be adjusted so performance measurement will begin at the time of contract award.

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Attachment 16

For SLA G-4.4 TACLAN Area Specific Services – Problem Management / RFC.

Is it the Government’s intent to measure the Offeror for these two Service Desk support levels or only L3 support?

We are going to measure Level 3 support provided by the successful offeror.

12/SOW/Section 15.0/pg. 30

CDRL A0028

Section 15.0 of the SOW (TACLAN Sustainment Training) states “The Contractor shall submit a Sustainment Training Plan and course materials for legacy TACLAN systems to the Government for approval within 90 days after contract award [CDRL A0028].

CDRL A0028 listed in Exhibit A (Training Plans and Materials) states in block 12: Draft training plan at CDR and Training material due NLT 15 days after BAT.

Please clarify the delivery date for Sustainment Training Plan and course materials for legacy TACLAN systems.

There are two different issues concerning Training. Paragraph 15 of the SOW addresses training materials due on legacy equipment after contract award.

The CDRL reference refers to training material for a new baseline. CDRL A0028 will be updated to reflect the two different scenarios.

Attachment 20, TACLAN TEP Matrix, Tab B

The maximum Order Qty for the Initial Production Suite in the TEP Matrix is 16 ea.

a) Is it the Government’s intent to order less than the maximum quantity?

b) If yes, will the Government adjust the unit price of the IPS to allow the Offeror to recover its full cost of all non-recurring tasks and startup for the IPS identified in SOW section 3.1?

c) If not, how does the Government intend for the Offeror to recover these costs?

A) It is the Government’s intent to order as many suites in the IPS that funding will allow, based on price.

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26 RFP Section F, CLIN

0001, ELIN B

CLIN 0001, ELIN B: The delivery information in Section F is prefaced by the phrase “If ordered”.

What factors will determine whether the Government orders the IPS?

There are no known circumstances, at this time, that would prevent the Government from placing the IPS order.

27 Statement of Work, section 3.2

Is it the Government’s intent that the cost of performing TACLAN Production/Lifecycle Support be included in the unit prices of ELINs C through N? If not, how does the Government intend to pay for performance of these tasks?

Yes, for the first year. After the first year, the equipment will be maintained as Legacy Equipment under CLIN 0002.

RFP/L4.3/pg.

RFP/L4.4/ pg. 79

L4.3 states all copies of the proposal shall be submitted as an electronic copy via CD-ROM.

L4.4 states that Volume IV should be should be original, not bound, stapled, or punched, which assumes this is a printed vs electronic delivery.

Please clarify how the Government would like to receive Volume IV.

We would like Volume IV included on the CD- ROM and we would like a printed copy also.

L-3.2.2.3

L-3.2.2.3 Each Past Performance Information Sheet shall also include:

8. Production efforts

Comment: We understand the concept of Production Effort, but what type of answer are looking for? Are you looking for what type of product(s) was constructed or something different?

We are looking for you to give a synopsis describing the production effort so we can evaluate it to determine relevancy.

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SOW Para B.2

The final RFP/Model Contract is unspecific on ELINS to be ordered upon award. For purposes of ensuring funding for service and start-up expenses required under Attachment 12, please indicate the intended guaranteed minimum order quantity. Will it be ELIN B only?

The first order will be ELIN B, the Initial Production Set. This order will satisfy the contract minimum.

SOW Para B.3

Option Years 1 and 2 – Please specify the minimum quantity to be purchased to ensure continuation of services and management support for each Option year.

There are no minimums for Option Years 1 and 2.

Is the classified storage requirement of the TACLAN program strictly based on the need for SIPRNET connectivity?

No. Another reason for having classified storage capability is because of COMSEC related storage.

Does any portion of the TACLAN FoS housed at the contractor facility become classified equipment during the integration process?

Yes Any portion that is hooked up to a live SIPRNET connection has the potential to become classified.

Are any of the computer images or software installed on the TACLAN FoS at the contractor facilities classified?

Will ALL individuals performing on the TACLAN program at the contractor facility, require a security clearance?

There is no requirement in the DD254 for all personnel to have a security clearance.

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Except for the BAT testing described in section 10.12.2.3 of the SOW, can the integration of the TACLAN FoS equipment be conducted in an existing integration lab and coexist with parallel programs?

Yes, as long as it is not a violation of either programs security requirements.

Outside of the NISPOM, will detailed SOCOM physical security requirements documentation be provided?

No The DD254 is the governing security document.

We assume that the costs in Attachment 20, Tabs B through N should include labor costs for procurement, assembly, shipping and handling only. Is this correct?

No They should include all costs associated with lifecycle support as called for in paragraph 3 of the SOW.

We assume that sustainment labor costs such as Program Management, New Equipment training, maintenance and provisioning for newly acquired systems are included in Tab S. Is this correct?

No Tab S is for Lifecycle Support. The costs described should be included in the price of the equipment.

Section 2.2 Media states, “Two unclassified USB bootable external hard drives containing the TACLAN Version 10.1 software release are provided for the installation and configuration of TACLAN Version 10.1 for all newly fielded TACLAN assets.” Is the contractor responsible for including the cost of software with our pricing?

No, Software will be GFE.

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Attachment 19 contains the BOM for the full suite, C2, and SIPR, NIPR, and JWICs segments. However, we don’t see the C2 components identified. Please provide the BOM for the C2 configuration.

The C2 configuration is 1 NIPR segment and 1 SIPR segment.

TEP

Tabs H and J list quantities that exceed the range for the pricing (e.g., we are to price 1-25 items, but the quantity priced by the government is 30, meaning that the request has exceeded the pricing guidelines by 5 items.)

This will give unrealistic results.

Most of the tabs have totals columns that are protected and constrained.

When we begin to populate the fields, the total columns become #######, making cross checking of our entries difficult. Please either unlock the cells or expand their width so that the totals will display.

The QTY of 30 represents the number of orders we might place that have a quantity of 1 to 25 units or pieces. The same for 26 – 50 units. We may place an order with 151 – 250 units 10 times.

43 RFP Section L-4.2.3

Can we include a compliance matrix in each volume that does not count against page count?

Yes

SOW, Paragraph 15

Exhibit A

SOW paragraph 15 references the Sustainment Plan and training material and identifies CDRL A0028. Exhibit A CDRL List, CDRL A0028 references training material but doesn not specifically call out a Sustainment Training Plan. Can the Government please specify what CRDRL A0028 is comprised of?

CDRL A0028 addresses training plans and training materials. This should include plans and materials for both NET and Sustainment training.

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RFP L-2.1 page 75 Does an MS Project Gantt count as a graphic, and thus not against the page count?

Yes

CLIN 1 ELIN H Laptop Please confirm if CLIN 1 ELIN H Laptop has to be a Panasonic model that is currently on the approved 10.1 baseline? Please confirm the contents of the Laptop in transit case such as how many laptops are included, and if you desire other components such as extra hard drives or other components in each kits.

The Panasonic laptop model numbers will be added to the TEP in the next amendment.

We will not be ordering laptops in transit cases.

They will be removed from the TEP.

RFP page 42 FAR 52.246-19 requires in paragraph (b) that the government wants a warranty for “one year after delivery or within the coverage period of any commercial or manufacturer’s warranty period, including extended warranties whichever is long.” However the RFP requires bidders to propose on the approved TACLAN 10.1 baseline as defined by attachments 1-6 and 19 the BOM. The BOM contains multiple extended warranties in excess of 1 year. Please clarify this conflict for warranty duration.

We are requesting all laptops include a 3-year manufacturer’s extended warranty in addition to the standard 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.

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Section J mentions various Attachments and Exhibits that were not included with the final solicitation. These are:

• Attachment 7 C-LAN Equipment Listing

• Attachment 8 FMV Equipment Listing

• Attachment 9 MPK Equipment Listing

• Attachment 10 ROIP Equipment Listing

• Attachment 11 List of Legacy TACLAN Suites

• Attachment 13 TACLAN Technical System

Specification

• Exhibit B Initial Production Set (IPS)

• Exhibit C Full Suites

• Exhibit D C2 Suites

• Exhibit E NIPR Segment

• Exhibit F SIPR Segment

• Exhibit G JWICS Segment

• Exhibit H Laptops

• Exhibit J Field Computing Device (FCD)

• Exhibit K Mission Planning Kits (MPK)

• Exhibit L Coalition Local Area Network (C-LAN)

• Exhibit M Full Motion Video Distribution Hub Lite

(FMV VDH-Lite)

• Exhibit N Radio Over IP (ROIP) Kit

• Exhibit P Baseline Upgrades

• Exhibit Q Sustainment Training Class

• Exhibit R Provisioning

• Exhibit S Equipment Lifecycle Support

• Exhibit T System Engineering/Studies

• Exhibit U Travel

• Exhibit V OCONUS Shipping

Will the Government provide these Attachments and Exhibits?

They are in the final RFP and amendments.

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Are Exhibits b-v one and the same with the tabs within Attachment 20?

CLIN 18 in the DRFP was deleted. This effort corresponds to SOW paragraph 12. Where should this effort be reflected in the Final RFP’s TEP?

These costs should be included in CLIN 1 or

CLIN 2.

Attachment 2, "TACLAN v10.1 Full Suite O&M Manual", contains a breakdown of the TACLAN Full Suite and the NIPR, SIPR and JWICS segments by container or case. Attachment 19 provides the part numbers, manufacturers and extended quantities of the data found in attachment 2. The bidders library contained a part number, manufacturer and quantity list for the C2 suite but we have no document that describes the container configurations for the C2 suite as attachment 2 does for the full suite. Is there a document describing the case configurations for the C2 suite of equipment.

The C2 is one NIPR segment and one SIPR segment. When combined, they are a C2 suite.

Adding a JWICS segment turns a C2 suite into a full suite.

Section M1.3 states that “the Government will evaluate any proposed hardware/software/transit cases substitute for equivalency”. Prior to the FRFP, Q&A responses were clear that no substitutions were permitted except in cases of obsolesces. Please clarify if substitutions are allowed by the Final RFP.

The Government will only evaluate substitutions based on end-of –life.

Model Contract Page 9, Delivery Schedule suggested there is a possibility that ELIN B may not be ordered. Please confirm the Governments intent.

The intent of the Government , for the first delivery order, is to order as many suites as possible, up to a maximum of 16, from ELIN B based on pricing received.

The Government included 52.232-16 Progress Payments in the final solicitation. Please indicate the Governments acceptance criteria for ELIN B liquidation.

Acceptance of the IPS is in accordance with the SOW. For other than the IPS, there are no special acceptance test criteria."

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Due to the sophistication of this effort, the need for a FFP submission, and the importance of this equipment to the warfighter, would the Government consider extending the due date from the end of the Q&A period an additional 30 days to ensure the most complete and capable materials are proposed?

At this time nothing has been discovered that would necessitate extending the due date.

Section 11 of Section C, the SOW, discusses all aspects of securing the systems, but does not discuss any destruct requirements in the event of system compromise. Does the Government expect the Contractor to have any role in any destruction of the equipment if compromise is inevitable?

Would the Government consider pricing one complete version of each system for training and adding a hands-on training component to the training described in the Section C SOW Section 10?

Section 12 of the SOW asks the contractor to provide on-site technical support. Does the Government require this support during normal business hours or 24 hours a day, seven days a week? Are there time parameters around this requirement?

On-site means sending someone to the location where the equipment is. Travel could happen at any time, 24/7.

Amendment 2, SF30, Pg. 1

“Section J is hereby updated to include Attachment 21.” Is this Section J of the RFP? Or, is it tab ‘J – Field Computing Device’ of Attachment 20? Or both? Neither of these documents was re-issued with this Amendment. Please clarify.

It is also suggested that tab J of Attachment 20 be updated to reference Attachment 21.

Section J of the RFP

Tab J will be updated to reference Attachment 21 in the next amendment.

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The Final RFP does not have any requirement for the prime contractor to demonstrate it has the financial capacity to perform on this contracts in terms of financial line of credit. While this requirement was in the Draft RFP, has that requirement been intentionally or inadvertently removed from the final RFP? Will the requirement be added in Section M as a condition to submitting a response or will it be scored as part of the price proposal?

It is believed that this question revolves around the following request in the original source sought of the USSOCOM SOF IT Enterprise Contract (SITEC) C4I Production - TACLAN Contract.

"All interested Small Businesses with the capabilities necessary to meet or exceed the stated requirements are invited to submit a CAPABILITY STATEMENT consisting of appropriate documentation...Letter from bonding agency indicating your performance and payment bond capacity, or evidence of a line of credit for at least $25M, or means that demonstrate financial capacity to perform the work."

The purpose of this "responsibility financial information" (see FAR 9.104) was used early on in the process to determine whether to set-aside the TACLAN follow-on effort. A formal responsibility determination, including a financial capability assessment (FAR 9.104-1(a)), will be completed for the award of the TACLAN follow-on effort, i.e., H922222-11-R-0011. In making this responsibility determination for the contract award, the Government has not pre-established a certain line of credit or specific means to demonstrate financial capability."

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Amendment 2, Attachment 10, ROIP

Only one (1) Panasonic CF-52 laptop is specified in this Attachment.

However, there are two (2) 3-year warranty (CF-SVCLTNF3Y) line items. Please clarify as appropriate.

This will be updated in the next amendment.

Attachment 20, ‘B – Initial Production Set’ tab

Several Attachments (9, 14, 15, and 16) are posted with the RFP with a v10.1 designation. Per the corresponding CDRL definitions delivered in RFP Exhibit A, the initial release of these documents occurs after CBR.

This implies that the incumbent has already gone through a CBR-equivalent with the Government (and paid to do so). How does the Government propose to evaluate this disparity between the incumbent and other bidders in ELIN B001 such that there is fair and open competition?

V10.1 is the current baseline and as such the incumbent contractor has built v10.1 suites.

However, this does not convey a disparity. The only thing we are asking the successful offeror to do is prove the build was successful by participating in a Baseline Acceptance Test. The CBR/BAT process is required for any new version of the TACLAN baseline.

Attachment 20, tab ‘J – Field Computing Devices’, Cell A22

Cell A22 is labeled "Laptops (No Transit Cases)". Recommend changing to "FCD-Fully Ruggedized" instead.

This will be updated with the next amendment.

Attachment 21, Field Computing Device

(FCD)

Only the Panasonic CF-19 computing device is listed in this attachment.

It is not characterized as either ‘Semi-Ruggedized’ or ‘Fully Ruggedized’ as required in tab J of Attachment 20. Please clarify.

It is Semi-Ruggedized. The Fully Ruggedized has gone end-of –life during the solicitation process. While we are keeping the ELIN in the TEP, offerors are requested not to propose the Fully-Ruggedized version due to end-of life..

65 Attachment A, CDRL A0018

‘5. Contract Reference’ block identifies SOW paragraph 12.1.1, but CDRL A0018 is not mentioned in this SOW paragraph. Please update as appropriate.

Attachment A, CDRL A0026

‘5. Contract Reference’ block identifies SOW paragraph 12.1.1, but CDRL A0026 is not mentioned in this SOW paragraph. Please update as

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Attachment A, CDRL A0030

‘5. Contract Reference’ block identifies SOW paragraph 12.0, but CDRL A0030 is not mentioned in this SOW paragraph. CDRL A0030 is referenced in SOW paragraphs 12.1 and 12.1.1. Please update as

Bidder’s Library Will the minutes (and slides) of the most recent TACLAN Configuration Control Board (CCB) be made available in the bidder’s library? In order to benefit full and open competition, all bidders should have access to this information that is currently only known to the Government and the incumbent. Knowing what the successful bidder might encounter at the System Requirements Review (SRR) held within 15 days after contract award is essential to preparing an accurate FFP response to ELIN B001.

There was no discussion about v10.1 at the last CCB. Nothing from that meeting has any bearing on this solicitation or the SRR that will be held after contract award. The SSR will focus on the successful offeror’s ability to build the IPS.

Bidder’s Library In the posted TACLAN Configuration Management Plan (dated Sep 09), Section 2.6.3.1 indicates the contractor is performing scheduled (four times daily plus one weekly) backups of the Configuration Management Data Base (CMDB) at an off-site location. Has the Government specified a minimum frequency for CMDB backups? When was the last time the Government exercised and assessed the ability of the incumbent contractor to restore, and then use data from the CMDB backup?

This will not be a part of the new TACLAN contract.

Section 2.3 (CM Tools) indicates Microsoft Dynamics is used as an interface between the Configuration Management Data Base (CMDB) and the As-Built Configuration Database (ABCD). What tool is the incumbent contractor using to host the ABCD and to host the CMDB? Is the winning contractor expected to port this data from the incumbent contractor’s tool to Remedy?

The system used by the current contractor is a stand alone system.

The successful offeror will be responsible for populating the Remedy data base.

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Attachment 18, Government Furnished Equipment

Will at least one licensed copy of all client and server software (COTS, GOTS, freeware/shareware) that is a part of Version 10.1 be made available for immediate integration use by the contractor upon contract award?

Yes, if the Government has it available.

Bidder’s Library In the posted TACLAN Configuration Management Plan (dated Sep 09), Section 2.1.1.7 (Operations and Maintenance Phase) says “…As each system is fielded, the system configuration information and the shipping location are entered into the As-Built Configuration Database (ABCD).

The ABCD is under the control and ownership of the DPM, Production and Sustainment. CM will reconcile the ABCD with the CMDB and compile results in a Configuration Status Accounting Report…” Will the most recent Configuration Status Accounting Report be made available in the bidder’s library?

The most recent report is in for OPSEC review.

It will be posted in the Bidder’s library after review is complete.

Bidder’s Library Incumbent contractor has access to the V10.0 software baseline plus the list of V10.1 software changes (adds/upgrades/deletes). This enables the incumbent contractor to have already completed the V10.1 integration.

Since bidder requests for release of the V10.0 baseline have yet to be satisfied, is this not a competitive advantage only available to the incumbent contractor in bidding (pricing) the work required to integrate V10.1?

v10.0 documents were posted with the Draft RFP in November 2010. v10.1 documents were posted with the Final RFP. All offerors have access to both sets of documents.

Section 2.3 (CM Tools) indicates Microsoft Dynamics is used as an interface between the Configuration Management Data Base (CMDB) and the As-Built Configuration Database (ABCD). Will the Customer provide the licensed Remedy seats or will the winning offeror need to provide those?

The offeror will provide the Remedy license.

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RFP, Section L-3.1.2.3, Pg. 77

Is the incumbent required to submit a Transition Plan that addresses the requirements of Section L-3.1.2.3? If not, are Subfactors 1 and 2 (Systems Engineering and Life Cycle Support) of Factor 1 (Technical/Management) weighted differently for the incumbent and all other offerors?

The incumbent will be required to submit a transition plan.

RFP, Section F, Pg. 9 What production orders, if any, are expected to be awarded during the transition period that the winning contractor would be expected to perform on?

The only known production order would be the

IPS.

SOW, Section 8.4, Pg.

The referenced SOW section specifies at least an annual update of CDRL A0013. Block 16 in CDRL A0013 in Exhibit A specifies ‘no less than quarterly’. Please clarify.

CDRL A0013 will be updated to reflect the same time line as SOW paragraph 8.4 in the next amendment.

RFP, Section L-2.2, Pg.

Are tables considered drawings or graphics? Specifically, if a table is at least three quarters of a page, is the page excluded from the page count limitation?

Yes

79 Section J, page 65 The solicitation as posted on FedBizOpps.gov is missing Attachments 11 and 13. Could the Government please provide these attachments?

These will be provided in the next amendment.

SLA Attachment Page 4 Page 4 indicates that CLINs 0001, 0002, 0003, and 0004 apply to SLA

G-3.1. In the final RFP, CLIN 0004 is Travel/CONUS Shipping. Does the Government feel that Customer Satisfaction (SLA G-3.1) applicable to Travel/CONUS Shipping?

No This will be corrected in the next

SLA Attachment Pages 5 & 6

Please confirm the content for SLA G-3.1 intentionally includes the second table on page 6. For example, this SLA has two section 5. SLA Administration areas and appears to have two different measurement sets (one addressing customer satisfaction and one percentages of service delivery transactions).

It does include the second table. The additional section 5 will be removed in the next amendment.

Attachments 7, 8, 9, 19, and 21

Request that the Government provide the equipment bill of materials (Attachments 7, 8, 9, 19, and 21) in Excel format. The existing PDF versions do not convert cleanly.

Excel documents will be posted to FBO.

SECTION /

RFP Page 3 of 85, CLINs 0001 & 0002;

and RP page 9 of 85, Delivery Schedule

The CLIN structure in Section B indicates that TEP Exhibits B-R are part of FFP CLIN 0001 and the T&M CLIN 0002 is only inclusive of Exhibit S, Equipment Lifecycle Support. This is inconsistent with Section F, Delivery Schedule which indicates that CLIN 0001 is only inclusive of the Exhibit B, IPS and that CLIN 0002 includes Exhibits C-S. Will the Government please provide clarification of which CLIN(s) and Contract Type(s) are applicable to each of the Exhibits located in the TEP for both evaluation purposes and contract execution, if different?

CLIN 0001 is FFP and is inclusive of Exhibits B- R. CLIN 0002 T&M and is inclusive of Exhibit S. This will be corrected in the next amendment.

Section L Clauses Incorporated by Full Text, Clause 5652.215- 9005 Estimated Prices for Data (2000) (page 82), Section L-4.4.4 Applicable Contract CDRL Blocks (page 79) and Section B Item No 0005 (page 5)

Clause 5652.215-9005 Estimated Prices for Data (2000) in Section L (page 82) requires offerors to “provide estimated data prices for each data item set forth on the DD Form 1423 “Contract Data Requirements List” and Section L-4.4.4 refers to “Applicable Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) blocks.” However, Section B Item No 0005 specifies that CDRLs are NSP. We therefore assume that CDRLs should not be separately priced, leaving blocks 17 and 18 empty. Is our assumption correct? If no, please clarify.

Yes

Section C SOW 3.2 How will the Government address warranty services for currently fielded TACLAN systems that are less than one year old? These fielded suites would have warranty services costs covered under the current contract by the incumbent. Will the contract awardee be responsible for warranty services for which the incumbent was paid, or will the Government allow any suite fielded before contract award by the incumbent to be treated as legacy?

The successful offeror will be responsible and they will be treated as LEGACY equipment.

SECTION /

There are some attachments missing from the Final RFP release package.

Are we to assume that we have to refer to the numbered attachments from the Draft RFP release package?

All attachments have been provided within the solicitation and amendments.

Final RFP section L- 3.1.2.3, Attachment 20:

Labor Categories spreadsheet tab.

Labor categories provided have general job descriptions

a) Are there any guidelines to minimum number of years of experience, education and certification requirements? Can we get a list what the incumbent has provided for base lining purposes?

b) Are there any specific Key personnel requirements of the government?

c) Do we need to provide resumes of all named personnel or just the ones that are identified as key personnel?

a) There are no guidelines. We intended for the offeror to submit this information to the Government. We don’t know what the incumbent’s intent is for this contract since it is structured differently than the current contract.

b) No

c) Key personnel only.

88 Section L-4.3 Proposal Copies

We understand that we are to submit only 5 CD-ROM copies of Volumes I, II and III, with one volume only on each CD (for a total submission of 15 CDs). We are not to submit electronic versions of Volume IV. Is this understanding correct?

No, include Vol IV on the CD-ROM also.

Section L-4.4 (Volume IV of the Proposal)

We understand that we are to submit only one original paper copy of Volume IV, not bound, punched or stapled. Is this understanding correct?

Yes, your understanding is correct.

SECTION /

Section L-4.4.5 Security

We understand that we are to have a COMSEC sub-account within 30 days of contract award and will so state in this section of Volume IV. Is this understanding correct?

Yes, your understanding is correct.

Section 3.3 Equipment Lifecycle Support & 3.4 System/Equipment Information Listing

a) How accurate is the list provided?

b) There are some items with missing information like serial numbers. Will this be corrected by contract award?

a) The information is up to date.

b) Serial numbers will not be provided.

92 4.1 Locations for Work Performance

a) Do all these locations need to be SCIF?

b) What are the specific SCIF requirements, if any, as for the number of locations?

a) No There is no requirement for the contractor to have a SCIF.

b) There are no SCIF requirements.

93 4.5 IT Service Management

What is the process and how long does is it take to get the SIPRNET connectivity based on past experience?

The process includes the Government requesting, thru DISA, to provide the connectivity and the offeror complying with DISA’s requirements. The process could take a year or more.

94 4.6 IT Operations

What does USSOCOM currently use for hardware and software tools for day to day operations? Where can we find the details?

Remedy, Retina, Gold Disk, HBSS, WSUS, Windows Security

95 6.0 Contractor Responsibility

a) Is the government looking for certain minimum level of ITIL and CMMI expertise?

b) Are there any specific requirements for the numbers for each level? The only specific requirement mentioned is in section 7.2 Engineering and Integration for CMMI level 3.

a) No

b) No

SECTION /

6.1 Facilities Location

a) Does this requirement need to be met for contract award and does this location need to be a SCIF?

b) Can the contractor propose a program office that is within 25 miles, but in an effort to significantly reduce cost, perform the TACLAN FoS assembly, build, integration and checkout in a facility outside the local area?

a) No, contract award will not be based on location. There is no requirement for a

SCIF.

b) Hardware assembly can take place outside the 25 mile driving distance but the engineering, design, software integration and testing facility, as well as key personnel associated with those disciplines must be within the 25 mile driving distance based upon expected frequent interaction with the Government and other SITEC contractors.

7.1 TACLAN Systems

Engineering and Design

a) Do we need to provide a draft SED plan as part of the response or during post award meeting?

b) If “yes”, is it counted towards the page limit?

a) Yes

b) Yes

7.1.2 Preliminary Build

Review (PBR)

a) What are the current TACLAN baselines?

b) Do we have access to them now or will it be provided post award?

a) v10.1 is the most recent baseline.

Information will be provided on all baselines if required.

b) V10.1 has been provided and is the baseline that should be proposed on.

SECTION /

9.0 TACLAN Program

a) Do we have to submit a draft PMP as part of the response or during post award meeting?

b) If “yes”, is it counted towards the page limit?

3.4 is rather misleading. The first sentence says to use cable ties for bundling. The second sentence goes on to call out the use of Velcro. Should we standardize on using Velcro or are there certain applications that do require cable ties?

The velcro for the power cable is permanently mounted inside the case. The cable ties are installed when the system is set up to take the strain off the cables as they exit the case and discarded after the system is taken down and packed up. The velcro used on the cabinets and tables is to manage the cables and reduce possible hazards.

Are there cable labeling requirements? Is the a standard or Mil-spec to follow?

No, there are no labeling requirements.

Are there asset capture and serial # capture requirements?

Yes The Contractor will be required to load the information in the Remedy data base.

a) Attachment 19 BOM – Items like liquid nails adhesive and Talcum powder. Are these items to be used as a part of the build or are they supplies for shipment with a completed system? (The O&M Manual does not call these items out in the kit building details.)

Liquid nails is used during the production process to attach the foam to the case walls. The talcum powder is shipped out in the supplies with a completed system.

RFP L-3.1.2.3, 2nd Sentence, Page 77

Do the key personnel resumes (2 page limit) count against the 100 page Volume page count? Does the Government require a letter of intent from Key Personnel to ensure their commitment and availability? Do Key Personnel require clearances at time of award?

No

SECTION /

RFP L-3.1.2.1, Last Sentence, Page 77

In order to provide an IMS that adequately details the “program integration requirements and tasks necessary to meet the delivery schedule”, will the Government consider excluding the IMS from the Volume 1 page count restriction?

No

RFP Section L-1-1, 3rd and 2nd to last Sentence, The RFP states: “Deviations from the v10.1 baseline release or equipment list are only permitted when resolving parts obsolescence or end of life. In the few cases that the offeror has to provide an equivalent product due to parts obsolescence or a proprietary part, ….”

The second sentence introduces a third caveat to the requirement for adhering to the 10.1 baseline (1. parts obsolescence 2. end of life, 3.

proprietary part). While parts obsolescence and end of life are inevitable occurrences over time, it is our understanding that the 10.1 BOM includes no “proprietary part”.

Will the Government please identify any parts on the 10.1 BOM that have been determined to be “proprietary”.

There are no proprietary parts in the v10.1 BOM.

SECTION /

RFP, Attachment 20

(TEP)

On the Total Evaluated Price (TEP) Matrix file, the summary worksheet to record the total of all pricing under each tab of the TEP does not include a line for TACLAN FULL Suites Price (including Laptops) and one for TACLAN Full Suites Price (excluding Laptops) at this time.

There is one line “TACLAN Full Suites Price” and that line appears to pick up the totals for the TACLAN Full Suites Price (excluding Laptops) from Tab C. While there is a requirement to enter Unit Prices under tab C TACLAN Full Suites (including Laptops) the totals from that chart are not incorporated in the Summary Chart and are therefore not part of the evaluation.

This same issue pertains to the C2 Suites.

Is this the intent?

No This will be corrected in the next

108 RFP Section F Delivery Schedule, Page 9

We believe the following four CLIN 0002 references should actually reference CLIN 1 instead of CLIN 2:

CLIN 0002 (ELIN C,D)

CLIN 0002 (ELIN E-G)

CLIN 0002 (ELIN H)

CLIN 0002 (ELIN J-R)

Correct This will be corrected in the next

RFP Section L-3.3.1 and L-4.4.2

Instructions in Volume 3 – Price section L-3.3.1 requires “The Offeror shall complete the TEP Matrix found at Attachment 20.” Instructions in Volume 4 General section L-4.4.2 instructs the offer “instead of completing Section B, offeror shall complete and provide the Total Evaluated Price (TEP) Matrix”. Is it the intent that Attachment 20 TACLAN TEP Matrix be included in both Volume 3 and in Volume 4?

SECTION /

RFP / B.2 / 2 “The guaranteed contract minimum is the value of the first delivery order.”

What is the first Delivery Order?

In other words, is the first Delivery Order the FULL order of 16 IPSs?

The first delivery order for the IPS will be some quantity up to a maximum of 16 suites based on the number of suites the available amount of money can buy. Depending on the price, the first order could be a quantity less than 16, possibly 14 or 15.

FRFP / CLIN 0004 / 4 SUPPLIES/SERVICES states “Travel; CONUS Shipping”.

Should this read “Travel; OCONUS Shipping”?

You are correct. There is an error. It should read OCONUS. This will be corrected in the next

RFP / CLIN 0005 / 5

and Attachment 20

CLIN 0005 “Technical Data” is the only CLIN not identified on the Total Evaluated Price Matrix (Attachment 20).

Where do we identify CLIN 0005 FFP prices?

There should be no pricing associated with technical data. That is the information (reports, agendas, meeting minutes, etc) due in accordance with the Statement of Work and the CDRLs.

RFP / L-3.1.1 / 76 “No information pertaining to price shall be included in Volume I.”

Does this include discussion of ‘Modernization and Technological Improvements’? One of the features may be a discussion of the cost benefit with respect to price.

Information supporting your pricing should be in Volume III.

RFP / L-3.1.2.3 / 77 “The offeror’s plan shall include a contract phase-in timeline and identify all resources (including, but not limited to, key personnel resume (2 page limit), data, information, services, and equipment)…”

“key personnel” – or “key person”?

Key personnel.

SECTION /

RFP / L-3.1.2.3 / 77 “The offeror’s plan shall include a contract phase-in timeline and identify all resources (including, but not limited to, key personnel resume (2 page limit), data, information, services, and equipment)…”

Is only a single Resume desired for the RFP response?

For the Transition Manager?

Can additional resumes be provided?

You can provide resumes for all key personnel.

RFP / L-3.1.2.3 / 77 “The offeror’s plan shall include a contract phase-in timeline and identify all resources (including, but not limited to, key personnel resume (2 page limit), data, information, services, and equipment)…”

Does the 2-page resume count against the page count?

If additional resumes are provided do they count against the page count?

Resumes will not count against the page count.

Resumes exceeding the 2-page limit will not be considered.

RFP / L-2.1 / 75

RFP / L-3.1.2.3 / 77

What is the format for the resume(s)?

Can we use single spacing?

Can we use 10 point font?

Font size shall be uncompressed Times New Roman, in no smaller than 11-point, one and one-half spaced with at least one inch margins on all sides.

CDRL A0026, Test Reports, Block 5.

CONTRACT

REFERENCE

Issue: Invalid reference. Block 5 references PWS Para 10.12.2.4; 12.1.1

Comment: Attachment 12 TACLAN SOW FINAL.PDF Para 12.1.1 contains no reference to CDRL A0026

Recommendation: Remove reference to Para 12.1.1

This will be corrected in the next amendment.

SECTION /

SOW / 3.4 / 7

Attachment 11

CDRL A0002

Para 3.4 states “The Contractor shall update Attachment 11, List of Legacy TACLAN Suites, throughout the contract performance period.

…The listing shall include, but not be limited to, System/Equipment nomenclature, Serial Number, Date Initially Fielded, Projected/Actual Capital…