Responses_to_RFP_Questions.doc

1. Reference: Section B, CLIN 1001 quantity states 9 months should it be changed to reflect 6 months.

Response: The change to CLIN 1001 from 9 months to 6 months has been accomplished through Amendment 01. Delivery was already correctly stated 1 Aug 2013 – 31 Jan 2014.

2. Reference: Section B, Discretionary CLINs 1004, 2004, 3004, 4004 – Is it the Government’s intent that these are FFP CLINs.

Response: It is the intent for the IDIQ contract that these CLINs be FFP. Task orders will be issued for discretionary tasks based upon hourly wages provided and labor categories required and are issued Firm Fixed Price Level of Effort.

3. Reference: H.11 – Should the reference in the last sentence of the “General” paragraph be changed from H.10.3 to H.11.1?

Response: H.11 “General” paragraph has been amended to change reference and remove option language from task orders.

4. Reference: Section M.3.3. Factor 3: Past and Present Performance Evaluation Procedures – The offeror’s proposal shall address past performance in related contracts as it applies to the management and technical subfactors in this section.

Reference Past and Present Performance information (Attachment 5, paragraph 13 second sentence) “Clearly link the past performance information to the current efforts of the Performance Work Statement (PWS).”

There appears to be a disconnect between the two references. Can the Government clarify whether the information to be provided is the subfactors in M or the PWS as stated in the information document, attachment 5?

Response: Paragraph M.3.3. Factor 3 also states that the Government will consider the relevant and recent past performance information and the definition of relevant is provided in M.3.3.2.

5. Reference: H.12 Travel Requirements

“Danger pay will be applied at the task order level, when applicable, for optional task. In accordance with U.S. Department of State regulations, allowances will be applied to labor rates on optional tasks as required for certain OCONUS locations”.

Does this also apply to core tasks?

Response: This paragraph has been amended to change the wording from optional tasks to discretionary tasks and to indicate that this will apply to core tasks when necessary. It will not be priced in the FFP price for the core tasks.

6. Reference: L.7.2 Price Summary – “Pricing for each labor category shall be fully burdened (inclusive of all direct (i.e. Direct labor, material, travel, and other direct costs, and associated indirect costs plus profit).”

Can the Government clarify its intention to include in the fully burdened labor rates, material, travel, and other direct costs especially when there are already separate CLINs for Direct Travel and Direct Material?

Response: The Government will not pay for any relocation expenses, travel costs, or material costs for the employees to start work. The intent is if there are any costs associated with hiring or transferring employees it is covered in the fully burdened labor rate.

7. Reference: L.7.3 Hourly Labor Rates

“Offerors are advised that Attachment 3 is to be used for discretionary tasks. Labor category descriptions are included in Attachment 1. Proposed loaded hourly labor rates will be the rates used throughout the life of this contract for FFP and FFP-LOE task orders. The pricing matrix for discretionary tasks shall apply to services performed under this contract regardless of location. There is no guarantee that requirements will exist for all labor categories listed. (Note: i.e. Program management, financial management, contractual management should be included in indirect costs.)”

Is it the Governments intent that, for consistency purposes, these costs be treated as indirect costs for the Core tasks as well?

Response: It is up to the contractor on how they would like to propose for the core tasks and it could be that these categories can be proposed as indirect or direct. The reason it was requested for these to be proposed as indirects on the discretionary tasks is for the ability to execute task orders based on the pricing matrix.

8. Reference: Clause 252.242-7005 Contractor Business Systems be removed sine it is only applicable to contracts covered by or subject to CAS.

Response: Clause 252.242-7005 has been removed.

9. As that this contract will require performance in OCONUS locations, request the Government include the following clauses in the RFP

FAR Clause 52.229-8 Taxes-Foreign Cost-Reimbursement contracts (Mar 1990)

FAR Clause 52.228-3 Worker’s Compensation

FAR Clause 52.228-4 Worker’s Compensation and War Hazard Insurance Overseas

Class Deviation 2007-O0010, Contractor Personnel in the United States Central Command Area

Response: Clause 52.229-8 Taxes-Foreign Cost-Reimbursement Contracts will not be added because it is used for Cost-Reimbursement Contracts and this contract is FFP. Clause 52.229-6 Taxes—Foreign Fixed-Price Contracts has been added. In accordance with PGI 225-7402-5(b)(ii) “Either the clause at FAR 52.228-3, Workers’ Compensation Insurance (Defense Base Act), or the clause at FAR 52.228-4 Workers’ Compensation and War-Hazard Insurance Overseas, as prescribed at FAR 28.309(a) and (b). Based upon the prescription only 52.228-3 Workers’ Compensation Insurance will be added to the current RFP. Class Deviation 2007-O0010 has been replaced by Class Deviation 2011-O0004. This has been made an attachment to the contract.

10. Request the below language be added to the solicitation to facilitate providing the required services in a more timely manner. Without the addition of the below language the awardee will have to often times obtain export licenses that can add considerable lead-time and administrative burden to the contractor and requiring activity. Adding the language below in the PWS would allow contractor to perform respective to the export of technical data/services in accordance with export control regulations.

“Contractor shall provide technical data and defense services in the form of training and exercise support to foreign Host/Partner Nations’ governments and their foreign contractors in the U.S. or overseas at the express direction of and under the supervision of USSOCOM. The foreign Host/Partner Nations’ governments expected to participated in the activities mentioned in this PWS could be from any country under the areas of responsibility of the US Combatant Commands (CENTOM, AFRICOM, SOUTHCOM, NORTHCOM, PACOM, EUCOM) based upon USSOCOM missions and training responsibilities.

Response: It is incumbent upon the contractor to follow applicable export licenses when required. This language will not be added.

11. As that this contract will also require performance in locations deemed hazardous/war zones, contractor personnel will be required to wear personal protection equipment (PPE), i.e., body armor. In order to comply with export compliance regulations, we request the Government include the following language in the contract and to allow for the temporary export of these items. If the below language is not included then the contractor will have to obtain the export licenses which can add considerable lead time. This clause allows contractor employees to temporarily export body armor and protective equipment to countries listed below:

“The Contractor shall temporarily import and export protective personnel equipment (e.g., body armor provided by the United Sates Government) in support of this contract and pursuant to 22 CFR 126.4(a). The Contractor will be prepared to temporarily import from and temporarily export to, the following countries, including international stops on their way to their final destination: Germany, Egypt, Poland, Norway, Korea, United Kingdom, Belgium, Turkey, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, and Afghanistan.”

Response: It is incumbent upon the contractor to follow applicable export licenses when required. This language will not be added.

12. Final RFP identifies the page limit for the Management Volume as 6 pages and the page limit for the technical volume as 6 pages. It will be very difficult for offerors to adequately address all subfactor requirements and provide the government sufficient information to evaluate their capabilities and approach in the Management and Technical volumes in only 6 pages for each volume. Recommend 25 pages for the management volume and 20 page limit for technical volume.

Response: Management volume is limited to 15 pages and technical volume is limited to 20 pages.

13. Section L.8.3 Department of Labor Equal Employment Opportunity Clearance (EEOC) references Attachment 9 in Section J.

Response: The Attachment 9 listed is in error and the language has been removed from the RFP.

14. Is the requirement for Affirmative Action Plan and EO Plan for prime or all members of the team?

Response: In accordance with FAR 22.804 Affirmative Action Programs 22.804-1 Non Construction applies and states “Except as provided in 22.807, each nonconstruction prime contractor and each subcontractor with 50 or more employees and either a contract or subcontract of $50,000 or more, or Government bills of lading that in any 12-month period, total, or can reasonably be expected to total, $50,000 or more, is required to develop a written affirmative action program for each of its establishments. Each contractor and subcontractor shall develop its written affirmative action programs within 120 days from the commencement of its first such Government contract, subcontract, or Government Bill of lading.”

15. Cyberspace Trainer LCAT Reference. Knowledge of instructional design and evaluation models (e.g., ADDIE, Smith/Ragan model, Gagne’s Events of Instruction, Kirkpatrick’s model of evaluation, etc.)……….. Please confirm that the examples of instructional learning design and evaluation models are examples only and that trainer does not have to show proficiency in all examples.

Response: The examples of instructional learning design and evaluation models are examples only and that trainer does not have to show proficiency in all examples.

16. For a number of LCATS a statement is inserted that Senior Staff College is preferred. Will you accept civilian equivalents?

Response: Personnel qualification requirements/preferences stand as written.

17. PWS Para 8.0 Does the Government envision placing personnel on this contract on a full time basis in Europe or Korea? Should the program management section and past performance address DOCPER knowledge and capability?

Response: There are currently no plans to place full time personnel in OCONUS locations. Past performance should be provided for in accordance with L.6.0.

18. PWS paragraph 5.1.1.1 and 5.1.1.2 indicate the Government’s requirement to support TSOC and GCCs. Based on the current US-German bi-lateral agreement and DOCPER implementation regulations, contractors are limed to 90-days in FAXBACK status total with the calendar year. Does the Government foresee a requirement to exceed the 90-day limit within a given calendar year? Ifs, do they desire the contractor to discuss personnel mitigation plans for support to USEUCOM, USAFRICOM, SOCEUR, and SOCAFRICA?

Response: There are currently no plans to place full time personnel in OCONUS locations.

19. The SF33 does not state an official due date. Is I 17 Jun 2013?

Response: The fedbizops notice does state that the response date is Jun 17, 2013 at 3:00 pm eastern standard time.

20. By two 2 electronic copies doe the Govt mean 2 disks?

Response: Yes, that is exactly what the Government means.

21. Will OCONUS labor costs such as hazard pay, defense base act insurance, war zone, DoDDs, be identified based on the Department of State guidelines?

Response: The Department of State guidelines provides for the hazard pay/cost of living allowance that should be received for performing work in certain locations. If contractors are required to perform in areas where this is applicable it will be assessed and provided for in the travel cost reimbursement CLIN of that task order.

22. Will OCONUS labor costs such as hazard pay, defense base act insurance, war zone, DoDDs be treated as ODC cost or are these cost intended to be built in the full burden labor rate.

Response: Hazard pay/cost of living allowances will be provided for all other costs should be in the fully burdened labor rate.

23. Will a subcontractor who exceeds the FAR threshold of subcontracting be required to price a subcontracting plan if second tier subcontracting is not anticipated?

Response: This contract is being competitively awarded to an 8(a). In accordance with FAR 19.702(b) Subcontracting plans are not required (1) From small business concerns.

24. Can the Govt give an indication of what work will be awarded with the initial contract, or will all the work be solicited via subsequent deliver/task orders following initial award?

Response: The Government intends to award task order for CLIN 1001 at the time of contract award.

25. PWS paragraph 5.1.4 Cyberspace with is a core task. Reference Attachment 1 which is for discretionary tasks which lists 10 FTEs for Cyberspace. Attachment 3 Price Matrix for Optional Tasks which list 10 FTEs for cyberspace.

Should those ten cyberspace positions be removed from the Discretionary Tasks and priced in the Core Tasks or should they stay in Discretionary Tasks for the possible expansion of the current level of effort for the Cyberspace? Will the government update attachments 1 & 3 if the ten positions are to be priced in the Core tasks?

Response: Cyberspace is a core task but there is the potential that discretionary task for cyberspace work for specific exercises will be needed. Provide for in attachment 2 what will be needed to accomplish core tasks. Attachments 1 and 3 will be completed for the cyberspace hours provided.

26. Does the Government intend to update Attachment 2 and Attachment 3 to correspond with the new Periods of Performance of the RFP? If so, with the Government also be revising the Level of Effort hours provided for the Base Period tasks in attachment 3 to reflect a six month period of performance?

Response: The periods of performance on Attachment 2 are correct. Attachment 3 CLINs and dates have been updated but the hours listed for each labor category have not changed.

27. Ref 5.0 We see no obvious Logistics “billet” requirements in any of the “core tasks” although there are several assumed logistics coordination requirements for each SME. So we assume no Logistics billet called out with the core tasks. Is this true?

Response: It is up to the contractor to select the necessary personnel to fulfill the requirements of the core tasks.

28. Ref: Labor Qualifications Discretionary Task We do note approximately (2) logistician billets identified in the “discretionary tasks” (2 man years as noted by hours. Is this what the COR intended?

Response: The number of hours provided for in the Labor Qualifications Discretionary Task and Attachment 3 are required.

29. Ref: Labor Qualifications Discretionary Task – We assume any initial logistician billets called out within the discretionary descriptions be located at US SOCOM HQTRS, Tampa, FL. Is this the intention?

Response: The majority of the work is to be accomplished at MacDill AFB, FL, however, there may be travel at times as necessary.

30. We request clarification on how the government intends to evaluate total evaluated price (TEP) for realism, performance and sufficiency if offerors are not required to provide a basis of estimate for all core tasks.

a. Attachment 2 (Pricing Core Tasks) does not include labor categories or hours. Using this attachment, we understand that offerors are to select the labor categories and labor hours that reflect our approach to meeting UEWTEP Core requirements. We also understand that offerors may propose any labor category to meet the requirement. However, simply listing labor categories and hours does not give enough insight into minimum qualifications or capability to evaluate an offer. Without using a BOE, the Government cannot determine if an offeror’s proposed solution can adequately meet the PWS requirements. Offerors cannot competitively price the requirement due to the combination of unknown variables (labor category, labor hours, and labor rate) and will create a total evaluated price that the government cannot use to evaluate offeror’s pricing to determine technical acceptability or fair and reasonable price.

b. Directing offerors to prove 1) a BOE for Core tasks and 2) minimum qualifications and required skills for any newly proposed labor categories will assist the government in adequately evaluating price reasonableness and realism.

Response: In accordance with M.3.4.1 Price analysis will be conducted in accordance with FAR 15.404-1. FAR 15.404-1(b)(2)(i) states that “comparison of proposed prices received in response to the solicitation. Normally, adequate price competition establishes a fair and reasonable price.”

31. We request clarification on how the government intends to evaluate total evaluated price for realism, performance and sufficiency if offers are allowed to select any combination of hours to meet the Discretionary requirements.

a. Attachment 1 (labor categories) directs offers to use the SOCOM provided labor categories but encourages offers to propose alternate hours to meet the requirement. Attachment 3, the provided excel spreadsheet includes both labor categories and hours but allows offerors to adjust hours for each labor category.

b. The PWS does not contain the level of detail necessary in the discretionary tasks for an offeror to adequately propose alternate hours.

c. Modifying the discretionary pricing matrix (Attachment 3) to include a specific number of labor hours for evaluation purposes only (in a locked Excel format that only permits offerors to enter fully burdened labor rates for each labor category) will ensure the government can adequately evaluate price realism because each offeror will be proposing to a fixed number of our hours.

Response: Attachment 1 clearly identifies labor categories and hours to be used for discretionary tasks. It does not encourage the offers to propose alternate hours to meet the requirement. It clearly states to provide pricing to the hours listed in Attachment 1 and Attachment 3. L.7.3 states that Attachment 3 is to be used for pricing discretionary tasks.

32. Please clarify the intent of directions to offerors to provide fully loaded labor rates regardless of location: L.7.3. State that the hourly labor rate pricing matrix for discretionary tasks shall apply to service performed under the contract regardless of location.

Response: We expect all work to be accomplished at MacDill AFB, FL. At times it will be necessary to travel in performance of the work.

33. Ref: L.6.5. Past performance - Please provide more specific guidance on the criteria for determining whether a contract can be submitted as an IDIQ contract or only at the TO level. For example, many contracts are only provided a CPAR at the contract level, but are also evaluated at the TO level. This conflict could lead to each offer or drawing their own conclusion on what is acceptable.

Response: L.6.5. Clearly states “Past performance on IDIQ type contracts should be submitted at the delivery/task order level, unless performance is only assessed for the IDIQ contract as a whole.”

34. Ref: L.7.6 states that price will be assessed for reasonableness and fairness…” However Section M does not reference a price reasonableness analysis. Please confirm that the government intends to conduct a price reasonableness and realism analysis as part of the pricing evaluation.

Response: M.3.4.1. States “Price analysis will be conducted in accordance with FAR 15.404-1.”

35. Attachment 1- Request that the government break the labor category defined as Role Player” into 2 separate LC’s for pricing purposes in order to accurately match the descriptions, personnel requirements along with associated estimated hours.

Response: Role Player labor category will be split in two: Senior Military Advisor Role Players (1920 hours) and Local Community Role Players (17280).

36. Ref: PWS para 5.2.8 “Participation in events that have not been forecasted…” This language requires offerors to price to a requirement that is not forecast. To provide a price, please clarify that this effort will be quantified at the task order level after award under Discretionary tasks.

Response: PWS para 5.2.8 is part of Discretionary Requirements. The labor categories would be used provided for in Attachment 1 and pricing provided for in Attachment 3.

37. Please clarify that the Discretionary Tasks in CLINS X0004 are also FFP-LOE, not just FFP?

Response: It is anticipated that the Discretionary CLINs will be accomplished at FFP-LOE in accordance with L.7.3.

38. Ref: L.6.6, Please clarify/confirm that the COR is an acceptable reference POC for both the PPID, as well as the Past Performance Questionnaires.

Response: In accordance with L.6.6. referencing COR as point of contact would be equivalent to Program/Project Manager and would be acceptable.

39. Ref: L.1.2 Page count for Sub-factors 1,2, and 3 are 2 pages each, while formatting instructions in section L.1.3 require “ one ad one half spaced” so offerors actually have less than 1 ½ pages to meet the technical requirement in section L.5.1.1/L.5.2.1/L.5.3. Request the Government expand page count to 5 pages per sub-factor with single spacing. If the Government uses the additional spacing for the source selection committee to insert notes, we then request 8 pages per sub-factor.

Response: Management volume is now limited to 15 pages and technical volume to 20 pages.

40. The Government provided workload estimate for the discretionary task, but not for the core task. Request the Government provide the workload estimate information for the core tasks.

Response: It is not the intent of the Government to dictate personnel needed or qualifications needed to perform the core tasks of this effort. The discretionary task information was provided because at times the Government may need additional work performed and it is anticipated that the labor categories and qualifications provided will be needed sporadically throughout this contract.

41. What is the process and deadline for submitting questions to the USSOCOM contracting office?

Response: The hope is that these answers will suffice and there will be no additional questions.

42. The draft RFP listed specific estimated annual travel requriements. Is this data still deemed valid for the final RFP? This data is required to facilitate pricing.

Response: The travel information is an estimate of what the Governmnet believes travel will be, however, the government is providing the travel and material dollar values and they are cost reimbursement so there is no need for the contractors to price trips.

43. What specific current contracts/task orders are intended to be rolled under the specific prview of this contract award. Does the government envision a phased transition plan along a specific timeline?

Response; It is incumbent upon the contractor to provide for transition in accordance with L.4.2.1.