Group_A_FBO_Post_1-16-2015.pdf

RFP

Document Section Para. # Page # Question/Comment Gov't Response

All TO's-

SOW/PWS

- - - The Government J2 Sample Task PWS and the SORDAC, SEMP and J5 Task Orders do not provide enough detail for determining a basis of estimate (BOE), to include current workload, system complexity, specific systems support and operational requirements, size, locations, and other factors. In order to provide competitive technical and pricing proposals, and provide adequate competition for any incumbents, Offeror requests the Government provide all data needed to develop realistic estimates and associated pricing.

Attachment 5 is a sample SOW, offerors are not required to provide pricing; however, offerors shall identify their management and technical approach to meeting the requirements . For the Task Orders to be awarded (SORDAC, SMEP and J5), offerors need to propose all resources they require to accomplish the work delineated in the SOW (SORDAC and J5) and PWS (SMEP).

The Government expects performance for SORDAC and J5 to be on a full-time basis, unless otherwise stated.

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PPQ

Part 1 1 Will the Government remove the reference to "Major Subcontractor", since it is not defined in the solicitation?

While not defined in the solicitation, the PPQ item is simply requesting the offeror to identify any subcontractors they determine to be considered major for the contract they are citing.

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SORDAC,

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7.2, 7.3, DD-254

(SORD

AC), 9

(J5)

Please clarify the potential inconsistencies on the requirement for the contractor to store classified, conduct end of day checks, or maintain classified systems as noted in Para 7.2 & 7.3 of the same task orders where as the associated DD-254s for those same tasks indicate NONE for Safeguarding in Blk 1B which is reinforced by the marking in Blk 11A which state the contractor will have access to classified only at another contractor or government facility.

The Government does not anticipate contractor's storing classified material at their facility, and currently there is no requirement for the contractor to store classified material at their facility for the Task Orders included in this RFP. If a future task order requires storage of classified material, the request for TO proposal would include the necessary documentation.

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SMEP

General 4 2 There are no Historical Labor Requirements or a Section for Personnel and Minimum Skill Requirements. Question: Are there incumbent contractor personnel, working in a government furnished "secret" facility with government furnished communications, associated with this Task Order?

SMEP represents a new task order under SWMS. This is a deliverables based need, not a staff augmentation requirement.

As such skill levels are not identified. Offerors should demonstrate they understand the task through their unique management approach.

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SMEP

2.6 2.6 4 Approximately how many words will be required to be translated per magazine per year? Can the government provide historical data that can be used for costing purposes?

Published products are available online for review.

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SMEP

1.3 N/A N/A Is it the Government’s intent that the contractor will provide all content, i.e., pictures, articles of interest, illustrations for each magazine, and that the government will not provide any article for each magazine?

The contractor will be responsible for obtaining all content, but that does not preclude the Government from providing content. In per Concordiam, for example, the majority of the content is submitted by readers.

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SMEP

2.8 2.8 4 Is the government requiring the contractor to provide an ION (Independent Operating Network) to provide emails from all these sites?

No.

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SMEP

2.6 2.6 4 Will all content come to the contractor in native language or English first? How many versions or changes are expected after initial translations are completed before the articles go to publication?

Reader submissions may come in their native language.

Submissions will require editing prior to finalizing the translation.

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SMEP

1.3 1.3 3 Will the Government provide leads and or access to foreign military counterparts or organizations that it wishes to write articles about, or will the contractor be responsible for obtaining stringers and photojournalists for each AOR directed magazine?

Yes. The Government will provide leads and access to foreign military counterparts. The Contractor will also work by, with and through respective GCCs to support content development. The Contractor is however responsible for all content.

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SMEP

N/A N/A N/A Will the Government provide previous templates of all magazines to the prime once an award is made? Or is the government looking for a new format for all magazines moving forward?

The Government is not seeking a new format or re-branding.

Templates would be provided for transition.

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SMEP

2.1.5 2.1.5 4 Since the Task lead will need to interact with the government regularly, will the government require the Task Lead to be on government site versus Contractor site as stated in the TO?

Amendment 0002 will revise language to clarify, the Task Lead is not required to be on site, but if the task lead is on site, space and equipment will be available for his/her use.

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SMEP

Q&A Batch 1 and Att. 7

Q#20 and Att. 7, Section 2.8

4 The listed domain for APDF is “apdf-magazine.com”. However, the actual domain both for the magazine website and for the email contact address listed in the magazine is apdforum.com. Which is correct?

apdforum.com

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SMEP

2.1.5. 2.1.5. 4 Where will the Task Lead be required to meet with the Government 3 times per week? MacDill AFB, FL or Ft Bragg NC?

Amendment 0002 will revise language to clarify, the COR and Task Lead meet on MacDill AFB. The Government will consider locating Task lead at Government facility. The offeror should propose a management and staffing structure designed to support deliverables.

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SMEP

DD254 Section 13, Item 8

3 Should USSOCOM HQ be listed as a performance location? Yes. The DD254 will be revised upon award of the Task Order to reflect USSOCOM HQ.

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SMEP

DD254 Section 13, Ref 11a

3 Should USSOCOM HQ be listed as a performance location? Yes. The DD254 will be revised upon award of the Task Order to reflect USSOCOM HQ.

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SMEP

DD254 Section 13, Items 8, 13 & 14

3, 4 Should the GCC's be listed in the list of units regarding security oversight responsibilities?

Yes. The DD254 will be revised upon award of the Task Order to reflect GCC's.

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SMEP

3 6 To ensure correct pricing for the APDF Planner, what are the page dimensions of the document?

The current planner is 8 1/2" H X 5 1/2" wide (portrait)

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SMEP

Section 6 6.1 9 Also, the government states it requires access to NIPR/SIPR, NATO, Foreign Government Information and Focal Point, since this is now at a contractor facility voice a government facility in the previous contract, does the government require access to these networks and systems at the contractor facility? If so, the assumption will be that the contractor will not be able to accommodate this action until a new facility can be built and accredited, which is normally 18-24 months.

No access required at contractor facility. Access required when meeting with the Government

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SMEP

Section 2 2.3 Task Lead

4 Are there any specific requirements for the Task Lead Position?

The government has not provided any specific education or experience requirements for this position

The task lead's skill level should be driven by the deliverables based need. This is not a staff augmentation requirement, as such the skill levels are not identified. Offerors should demonstrate they thoroughly understand the task through their unique staffing and management approach.

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SMEP

Section 2 2.4 Creative Design

4 Costs for just 1 image can range anywhere from $300-$30,000 per image, per use, per year and also depend on how the image will be used. Can the Government give an estimate as to how many images will be required to be purchased per year, and how will they be utilized (e.g. website, front page of website, magazines, front page of magazines, last page, and for how long will image be required to be used)? Can the government provide historical information on how many they purchased and how they were utilized on the previous or similar contracts? The answers to these questions will have a significant impact on proposed TO costs.

Copies of all previously accepted and published products are available online. All images are appropriately credited by source.

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SMEP

Section 8 8 10 For travel, will the government require the contractor to utilize Mil Air for any trips to hostile zones? Should we include costs for passports, visas, etc? Will these be considered diplomatic trips, if so will the government sponsor a diplomatic passport/visa? Will the Government provide security, transportation on the ground in hostile zones? Will the government provide housing in hostile areas, or will the contractor be required to secure their own transportation, safety and housing in hostile areas?

The offeror is responsible for obtaining passports and visas. If required to travel to a hostile AOR, transport and security and lodging will be provided by the Government.

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SMEP

Section 2 Translatio ns

4 How many words for translations per magazine per year? Multiple examples of the quarterly magazines are available on line for your review.

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SMEP

Section 8 Travel Table

10 In reference to the table that states the Estimated Travel Requirements, do the number of days include the travel required to get to and from the destination; or are these days specifically allocated for work days only?

Days allocated for work.

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SMEP

Section 3 Deliverabl es

3.0 5 Is the contractor required to distribute the magazines via US Mail from the US to each foreign country, or to distribute via local in country mail services? Or is the contractor required to hand deliver to senior foreign military bases and personnel? Or some combination of each?

The contractor is not required to hand deliver to any subscriber.

Currently magazines are direct mailed to subscribers. Offerors should include mailing or shipping mechanisms in their offer.

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SMEP

Section 6 Security Requirem ents

9 States that “Contractor personnel will require access to NATO, Foreign Government Information, and Focal Point Information. Personnel authorized to work on-site will require access to NIPRNET / SIPRNET computer systems at Government facilities.” If the government requires the contractor access to these networks, where will the contractor gain access to these network? Will the government provide temporary or permanent space for the contract to access these networks on government site? If so how many desks /computers will be provided and how often?

The Contractor will require access at Government facilities when meeting with Government representatives for planning.

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SMEP

Q&A Batch 1

Q#20 4 Is offeror required to maintain the websites associated with the magazines (www.adf-magazine.com, www.apdforum.com, etc.), deliver the final PDF to USG via these websites, or use some other means to deliver the final PDF “via a .com”?

Yes. The contractor would utilize the current web site platforms.

Apdforum, however will be significantly scaled down from its current volume content and refined to direct mil-to-mil content. It should more resemble the current UNIPATH site.

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SMEP

Section 6 Security Requirem ents

9 States that “Contractor personnel will require access to NATO, Foreign Government Information, and Focal Point Information. Personnel authorized to work on-site will require access to NIPRNET/SIPRNET computer systems at Government facilities.” However, Page 2 states “Period and Place of Performance: The anticipated start for this effort is 01 June 2015. Period of Performance: Base year, plus 4, 1-year options. Performance is off-site.” And Section 5 States “GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY/SPACE.

The Government anticipates all off-site support for this requirement.” Can the government clarify who will be required to work on site and who will be off site, and how often they will be required to work on site/ off site? Or if contractor is required to work only off site, will the contractor be required to have access to NATO, Foreign Government Information, Focal Point, SIPRNET/ NIPRNET at the contractor facility as well?

The Contractor will be required to meet with the Government quarterly for each magazine for planning. The offeror can propose a management or staffing structure that includes key personnel on site if the offeror determines that best supports the program.

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SMEP

Section 2 2.9 Analytics

4 Surveys can cost into the millions of dollars for each survey depending on the level of detail required, which will have an enormous impact on TO price. How many surveys and how many respondents are required per survey for analytics for each

MOP/MOE?

The intent is not for the Contractor to measure their own performance, but to observe and assess reader reactions and other input as evidence of effectiveness. There is no minimum level of respondents or surveys. Overall MOP/MOE is measured separately by uniformed behavioral scientists. The contractor should use various techniques to garner user feedback and evidence of effectiveness.

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SMEP

Section 8 Travel 10 Will the government provide all security, lodging and transportation in high risk countries, i.e. Iraq, Afghanistan, Djibouti?

Yes.

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SMEP

Q&A Batch 1

Q#21 4 Is the offeror expected to propose a staggered delivery schedule for each magazine, or will a given quarter’s editions for all four magazines be due for delivery at the same time?

Offerors should propose a delivery schedule to meet quarterly delivery of products.

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SMEP

8.0 Travel 10 The answer to Question 78 states that travel costs are not cost reimbursable and shall be proposed within the FFP price proposed for the Task Order.

Please confirm that travel costs are to be proposed as part of the FFP price for proposal evaluation purposes only, and that during execution, travel costs will be treated as a cost reimbursable item.

This is a FFP deliverables based contract. Travel costs should be estimated as part of the FFP for evaluation and execution.

RFP Instructio ns

1 2 L2.3 FACTOR 2 – States "Task Order (TO) Proposal. Offerors shall submit a proposal for each SOW provided (Sub-factors 2.1-2.3); these are actual requirements that will result in task order awards. Each TO attachment includes Instructions to Offerors, Statement of Work, and DD 254 with applicable addendums" The subfactor 2.2 attachment provides a PWS. Should L2.3 add PWS or should the SMEP ITO be adjusted to SOW?

Amendment 0002 will revise L2.3 to reflect SOW/PWS

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SMEP

PWS 3 5 Confirm page count for Africa Defense Forum calendar as 32+4.

Column 4 states 68 pages.

Amendment 0002 corrects the error, should be 32+4.

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SMEP

3 Table 7 The government total for per Concordiam caps annual production at 39K.. 13k per print run x 4 issues per year = 52,000 total for the year. Is 52K the actual required per year?

Amendment 0002 corrects the error. The not to exceed cap is 52K annually or 13K per run.

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SMEP

PWS 3 5 Is the Africa Defense Forum calendar produced just once per year in three versions? Column 2 states annually, column 4 states 3 versions quarterly.

Amendment 0002 corrects the error, should be once a year in three versions.

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SMEP

Instructio ns

Para. 2 on page 2 & Para. 3.

Deliverabl es

2 & 5-8 Per the above question, would the Government provide a plug number for production for each publication, in lieu of specific content details, in order to promote fair competition?

Once a year in three versions. The "quarterly" was an error.

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SMEP

2 2.9.1 4 1. If the Government owns the analytics currently being provided, when are the offerors going to be furnished a sample of those analytics to enhance our understanding of the existing requirement?

2. What format are those analytics held in? CSV? Excel?

Summary reporting? Etc.

1. Offerors should provide a unique plan to achieve the analytics task. 2. Some data is in Excel or portions are submitted in summary reporting.

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SMEP

2 2.6 4 1. Is ISO 9001 Certification an acceptable qualification for Language Translation Companies?

A translator with an ISO 9001 Bureau Veritas certification is acceptable. (Reference Q&A #132)

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SMEP

1 1.2 3 2. While this is a new set of requirements, is there a contractor currently performing work associated with the following:

a. Africa Defense Forum

b. Asia Pacific Defense Forum

c. Unipath Magazine

d. Per Concordiam Magazine

Yes. All products are currently produced by a contractor

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SMEP

1 1.2 3 a. Who are those contractors currently performing work similar to this requirement?

b. Under what contract was the work awarded? GBPS?

c. Are the awarded rates in the public domain?

a. BAH b. Yes, GBPS c. No.

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SMEP

Q&A Batch 3

Q#104 6 The per Concordiam production schedule is a 145-day schedule where editions overlap. Must it be a full 145-day schedule, or may offerors propose shorter schedules with increased efficiency?

The offerors may propose shorter schedules seeking to increase efficiency, but should demonstrate a full understanding of the complexity of the task.

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SMEP

2 2.7, 2.8 4 4. It is not clear from paragraphs 2.7 and 2.8 whether the contractor is responsible for establishing and maintaining the web page for UNIPATH or others. Is this a requirement?

All magazines should be at a minimum html coded. Digital delivery, such as in the case of UNIPATH may be to a .com page.

Digital .com delivery does not include additional content outside of the magazine delivery.

H92222-14-R-0020

Atch 9 PPI 1 - - Please provide the mathematical formula offerors are to use (i.e., the numerator and denominator) to determine the percentage asked for. As this is an IDIQ contract with unspecified future tasking (outside of the three awardable Task Orders), we are unsure how to calculate this percentage accurately.

The offeror should provide their best estimate of the work the they intend to subcontract out under SWMS Group A. The purpose of this item is to provide the Government some insight into the capabilities the prime offeror is able to perform.

Atch 9 PPI 2 1 Item 2 states "For Government contracts, points of contacts may include the Program Manager, Project/Task Manager, Contracting Officer, and Administrative Contracting Officer." Will the Government include the Contracting Officers Representative (COR) and Contracting Officers Technical Representative (COTR) as valid points of contact for Government contracts?

The list represents examples of who the offeror can identify as a POC. The COR or COTR would be acceptable points of contact.

Atch 9 PPI Question #1

1 In the first sentence in question #1, does the Government intend for offerors to select their roles( Prime or Subcontractor) in reference to the SWMS Group A response or in reference to their role on the past performance citation?

Their role in the effort being cited.

Atch 9 PPI L L3.3 Can one of the 5 Past Performance Information (PPI) Sheets submitted by the Offeror be for an IDIQ contract, and another one (or more) be for a Task Order(s) on that IDIQ contract? We have used this approach on other IDIQ proposal submission. Please confirm that it is allowed for SWMS Group A.

This approach is not prohibited. Offerors are limited to 5 PPIs (and 5 corresponding questionnaires).

Atch 9 PPI N/A 1, 3 1 Items #1 and #3 of the PPI instruct offerors to provide a brief description of the effort/services provided. Will the Government consider combining items #1 and #3 into one item (perhaps item #1) to allow additional space for responding to each item?

No. #1 is a brief description of the overall effort. #3 is a brief description of the services provided and the portions considered most relevant to Group A

General What is the time that the Government will be stipulating between time of award to the start of the period of performance for each task order? What are the current incumbent's transition out plans timeframes that will overlap with the period of performance of these new task orders?

The anticipated start date for each task order is identified in the ITO. It is the Government's intent to have 30 days for transition between time of TO award and TO performance start.

Amendment 0002 will revise the position start dates for SORDAC.

H92222-14-R-0020

General The 22 December 2014 Q&A answered numerous questions.

However, quite a few questions were not answered. Does the Government intend to answer all questions? If so, please provide an expected date for the answers to the all the questions that were submitted prior to 22 December.

The Government intends to answer all questions submitted prior to 22 December. Answers will be posted to FBO once final reviews are completed.

RFP L L.3.2 38 Regarding the second sentence ("Include rationale supporting the assertion of relevance, but note the Government is not bound by the offeror's opinion of relevancy.") Will the Government confirm that "assertion of relevance" refers to the relevance of the five past performance contracts provided?

Relevance refers to the past performance information provided by the offeror, as well as, any past performance information obtained by the government.

RFP I 52.219-9

ALT II

14 FAR 52.219-9 Alternate II requires contractors to submit a small business plan that expresses contractor goals both in terms of percentage of subcontracted dollars and as dollar value for the base year and each option year of the contract. As SWMS A is an MATO IDIQ contract and contractors are not guaranteed award of any tasks on the contract, what dollar value should contractors base the total contract value on?

For consideration, we suggest that the value be based upon the cumulative dollar amounts for the task orders submitted under Factor 2 and priced in the cost volume.

Offerors should propose to the total contract value because in theory they "could" win every task order. Whether an offeror wins all or 1 task order the percentages remain the same.

RFP I 252.216-

18 Will the Component Commands be able to order off any resulting contract? We did not see them listed in the schedule.

Yes; however, use of SWMS will not be mandatory for Components or TSOCs. At this time the Components and TSOCs will not have ordering authority under SWMS. That may change in the future but has no impact to offerors.

RFP H H.8 14 of 44 This provision states "Specific clauses for contractor support covered under a TBC will be incorporated at the task order level."

Upon review of each of the RFPs, the task orders for SORDAC and SMEP state that contractor travel will be required to hazardous duty locations. Can the Government provide the information applicable to PGI 225.7403-1? .

Theater Business Clearance is a function accomplished by the Government when applicable. The prime is responsible for complying with all regulations for any support OCONUS as it relates to their employees. As stated in in RFP clause 252.225- 7043, contractors shall obtain and comply with the most current antiterrorism/force protection guidance for Contractor and subcontractor personnel. While OCONUS travel is possible it is not anticipated at this time.

RFP M M2.5.1 42 Please clarify whether or not we have to provide pricing for DBA, H/H and other ODCs.

OCONUS travel is possible; however, at this time OCONUS travel for SORDAC and J5 is not anticipated. Offerors need to include in their FFP all costs associated with OCONUS travel for SMEP.

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RFP L L2.2.2 37 Section L2.2.2 Sub-factor 1.2 IDIQ Technical Capability requirements for a sample task order proposal are very similar to requirements for L2.3 Task Order Proposals, but are not requested in the same order. Would the government please clarify if offerors may use a consistent format for presenting the sample task order and task order proposal responses, so long as compliance requirements are met?

Contractor format is acceptable as long as offerors submits the information required in Section L to allow the Government to evaluate in accordance with Section M.

RFP L 2.1 36 Paragraph L.2.1 states that the offeror must submit names and phone numbers of the persons authorized to negotiate the offer.

Normally this information is provided in the administrative materials volume. Can the Government confirm that it desires this information in the Technical Volume?

Amendment 0002 will remove the sentence "Provide a list of names and telephone numbers of persons authorized to conduct negotiations." from L2.1.

RFP B Will the Government confirm that the bidders are only to fill out the Section B provided in the Pricing Attachment 3 Pricing Template, and not the Section B - Supplies or Services and Prices in the solicitation document?

Correct.

RFP L 3.3 38 Due to Non-Disclosure restrictions, our SOCOM customer for one of our past performance programs will not authorize the program or technical information to be included in a past performance volume for any proposal; however, they have agreed to provide a Point of Contact and telephone number and make themselves available to answer questions regarding our performance. Will SORDAC authorize and accept this alternative approach of obtaining past performance and contact the customer directly for detailed past performance information so that it can count towards one of our five past performance citations in lieu of the summary, information sheet and questionnaire ?

Offeror should include the POC information in the PPI. If they are unable to submit a questionnaire to the Contracting Officer, annotate on the PPQ tracking sheet. This citation would count towards the 5-PPI and 5-PPQ limitation.

RFP L.4.2 1 39 If the Government intends to keep the basis of estimate requirement, given the absence of specific metrics for the tasks to be performed (i.e. number and frequency of various analyses and reports) in Attachment 6 and 8 tasks, will a table showing hours, rates, performing company and subtotals by labor category as defined in the tables, suffice as a "basis of estimate"?

As stated in Q244, BOEs are not required as part of L2.3.1;

however, BOEs are required under L4.2. Offerors should provide the necessary information they feel conveys their understanding of the requirements and describes their approach to manage, transition, resource and execute each TO SOW requirement. The SOW for SORDAC and J5 identify the labor categories and hours required. The Government expects performance for SORDAC and J5 to be on a full-time basis, unless otherwise stated.

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RFP L 35 L.1.4 As a result of the Batch 3 Q&A release and the extensive impact from the answers, we would like to request a one-week extension from the current due date of 26 January 2015? The extension will also allow for review of the pending Amendment 2 and additional questions to be answered and released by the Government.

Any extension to the due date and time will be reflected in an Amendment. At this time the Government does not intend to extend beyond the Amendment 0002 extension (to be issued).

RFP Q & A batch #3, we noticed that Question and Answer to # 213 refers to L2.3.2 which does not exist in the RFP. Will Amendment 02 add the L2.3.2 ?

Amendment 0002 will correct the Paragraph numbering (this was inadvertently left out of the Amendment 0001 as referenced in #213.

L2.3.1 Personnel and TO Management L2.3.2 Transition Plan

Atch 5 J2 1 & 4 1.1.3 & 4.4

3 & 11-

1. Section 1.1.3 calls for 4 Identity Intelligence Case Manager FTEs (1 in Afghanistan, 1 in Africa, and 2 at MacDill AFB); yet the Table (Figure 3) in Section 4.4 only requires 3 FTEs. Is the requirement for 3 or 4 FTEs?

2. In addition, why are the FTEs shown in Figure 3 in Section 4.4 listed as Computer Forensic Analysts (3 FTEs) when this is supposed to be the people who do Identity Intelligence Case Manager analysis? The 3 Computer Forensic Analysts are already accounted for in Figure 2 of Section 4.3.

Amendment 0002 will revise Paragraph 4.4 Figure 3. The position column should state Identity Intelligence Case Manager (not Computer Forensic Analyst) and the Quantity should be "4" FTE (not 3-FTE). Any future request for task order proposal for this support will include the necessary positions and locations which may differ from this sample PWS.

319 Atch 5 J2 2 2.1 3-4 Sub-task 2.1 is listed twice. Is this just a typographical error? Amendment 0002 will revise the paragraph numbering.

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SMEP

Q&A Batch 1

Q 61 9 The Government notes that the current contract has the Regional Task Leads at AFRICOM, PACOM, and EUCOM. Will those commands, and CENTCOM, provide Government office space and equipment for one (1) person at each command headquarters?

Yes. If the offeror's unique management plan proposes a key person at each headquarters, the Government will provide space and equipment.

RFP L 2.3 37 Does the Government desire for offerors to include completed

Service Delivery Summary tables in their task order proposals?

No, the tables are complete.

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RFP L L.4.1 39 The Government has specified staffing LOE and skill sets, at the PWS subtask levels, for the IDIQ Technical Capability (J2 Directorate of Intelligence) as well as in two of the three Task Order Proposal PWS documents. Please confirm that those staffing levels are to be proposed as shown in our cost proposal, or can an offeror deviate from this guidance? In addition, if those staffing levels are to be used for pricing, please provide the staffing levels and skills for the Senior Military Engagement Program TO proposal.

For the Task Orders to be awarded (SORDAC, SMEP and J5), offerors need to propose all resources they require to accomplish the work delineated in the SOW (SORDAC and J5) and PWS (SMEP). It is expected that the support required for SORDAC and J5 is on a full time basis as stated in the SOW.

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SMEP

3.0 5 Due to the clarification of the requirement to ship over 275, 000 magazines worldwide from point to point and the lack of specific location instructions, it will be very difficult to receive and propose accurate estimates. Will the Government consider providing a “plug figure” for the SMEP shipping costs?

No. Samples of the products and specific regions are available for estimating purposes.

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SORDAC,

Atch 8 J5

3.2.14 5 The cited paragraph states, "Assist Program Managers with quantifying and measuring program performance; providing warnings when a program is deviating from the baseline;

mitigating risks associated with cost and schedule overruns; and providing a means of forecasting final cost and schedule outcomes by employing Earned Value Management (EVM) to coordinate cost, schedule, performance goals of SORDAC programs."

Please confirm the scope of this statement regarding EVM requirements and support to the Government Program office.

Atch 6: EVMS is a function of the work being performed. There may be projects within SORDAC that use EVM. Personnel with the minimum qualifications stated in labor category tables should have had at least some training in EVM. It is covered in 100-level DAU courses and PMI's Project Management Body of Knowledge.

This does not refer to EVM conducted by the Prime on their costs.

Atch 8: Amendment 0002 will remove EVM language from Paragraph 2.18.1.

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SMEP

8 1 The SMEP SOW seems to have a somewhat contradictory stance on travel in that it requires Offerors to propose a total cost for SMEP inclusive of expected travel, but states that the Contractor shall travel as initiated by written tasking. Since an Offeror is responsible for completing SMEP activity within the prosed FFP amount, could the Government please provide further guidance on how written approval will be obtained? Additionally, would the Government consider creating a SMEP travel plug for evaluation purposes, with all SMEP travel associated with execution to be initiated by written tasking and subsequently billed on a cost plus

CLIN?

Estimated travel requirements in paragraph 8 represent the Government’s best estimate of travel that will be initiated by written tasking. Offerors should also include estimated travel costs required to support development of the deliverables.

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SORDAC

2 Page 2 of the SORDAC TO ITO, section 1(a) states that the offeror must identify in their proposal which position will perform the task lead responsibilities. This suggests that the Task Lead must be dual hatted with one of the labor categories and FTE’s identified in section 4 of the ITO. Are offerors allowed to propose alternative approaches for executing the task lead duties than dual-hatting this role with one of the existing labor categories?

Offerors may propose an alternative.

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SORDAC

4.1 4.1 6,8 For the labor category, Principal Logistician, the education requirement is Master’s Degree w/10 years’ experience. Will the Government allow waivers for candidates with w/Bachelor’s degree and 15-20 yrs. experience?

No. The government has considered skills and qualification requirements, and allocation of expertise across the organization.

The labor category tables reflects the government's requirement.

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SORDAC

4.1 4.1 Under ACQ Management Support. Two labor categories require Master’s Degree: Principal Acq Specialist Journeyman and Principal Acquisition Specialist Senior. Can advanced degrees be waived in lieu of experience?

No. The government has considered skills and qualification requirements, and allocation of expertise across the organization.

The labor category tables reflects the government's requirement.

RFP 5652.237

-9001

C 21 Will the government provide PM IDIQ Key Resume Requirements?

Amendment 0002 will add the following to Attachment 1:

IDIQ PM Key Resume Basic Qualifications:

- Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 8-10 years of related experience.

- Currently active TS/SCI security clearance.

- Current Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or Defense Acquisition Workforce Level 3 equivalent certification in Program Management. Experience managing service-oriented requirements.

- Experience providing oversight and coordinating tasks with subcontractors.

- Advanced Degree preferred.

- Previous IDIQ-level program management experience preferred.

Atch 5 J2 Amend 01

2.2 2.2.13 7 If this is referring to a requirement for the contractor to maintain and inventory on-hand quantities of sensitive exploitation items, what are the deliverables associated with such inventory accountability?

Equipment verification (SN, quantity, status / working condition -to be included in the task order monthly report).

H92222-14-R-0020

Atch 5 J2 Amend 01

4 n/a 9 1) Is it the governments intent for the contractor's Task Lead to serve as the working level primary interface and primary point of contact at the COR or COTR level only?

2) Is it the government’s intent for the contractor's IDIQ Program Manager and Contracts Manager to serve as the primary point of contact at the KO level?

Official coordination: Intent is the Company's on-site task lead deals with COR/COTR issues. COR/COTR deals with KO. KO deals with Company Corporate level manager(s).

As needed, unofficial coordination that does not legally or financially obligate either party can occur between any relevant POC at any level.

Atch 6

SORDAC

SOW 4 8 Section 4.0 of the SORDAC SOW (RFP Attachment 6) identifies multiple labor categories (eg. Principal Acquisition Specialist Senior, row 3, and Principal Acquisition Specialist, Senior, row 6) with two different sets of minimum skills/qualifications. Which set of qualifications should offerors use when staffing and pricing the task order?

The qualifications listed at Section 4. Personnel and Minimum Skill Requirements of the SOW. While some positions are the same the skill requirements may differ depending on where the position is located. Offerors should staff the TO based on the qualifications listed.

Atch 6

SORDAC

Instructio ns

1. 2 Will the Task Lead be physically located within a PEO or will the Task Lead be located in proximity to the PCOR or AE/DAE?

Yes to both questions. The Task Lead will be physically located within a PEO and will be in proximity to the PCOR and AE/DAE.

Atch 6

SORDAC

Instructio ns

Who will be the COR and TR for this Task Order? What office are the COR and TR located in?

Details will be provided at kickoff meeting after contract award.

Atch 6

SORDAC

SOW 4.0 6-11 Would the government please clarify if the Full-time Equivalent (FTE) quantities in 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3 within 4.0 Personnel and Minimum Skill Requirements are mandatory levels in accordance with Section L2.1 General [all requirements are mandatory]?

Yes. The government has carefully considered its FTE count, minimum skill requirements, and allocation of expertise across the organization based on past experience and future estimates.

Atch 6

SORDAC

Purpose 1.1 4 Subject paragraph references acquisitions logistics support, acquisition management support, systems engineering support, and operations research and analysis support. The ITO does not provide a specific requirement for operations research and analysis support. Request the government clarify this ambiguity.

Amendment 0002 will remove …" and operations research and analysis report" from Atch 6, Para 1.1.

H92222-14-R-0020

Atch 6

SORDAC

SOW 7 12 The SOW Security paragraph indicates that all individuals requiring access to classified information must have TS clearances with immediate SCI eligibility. However, only 10 of the 43 Labor Category Minimum Required Qualifications indicate a TS/SCI requirement. Request the Government identify the Minimum Required security clearances for the remainder of the assigned Labor Categories.

All positions require Secret clearance unless otherwise noted.

Atch 6

SORDAC

4 4.2 8 The definition of personnel qualifications for the Principal Acquisition Specialist Labor Categories are unclear. The first Principal Acquisition Specialist (Senior) calls for a BS + 10 years SOF experience, while the other Principal Acquisition Specialist (Senior) calls for either a MS + 9 years or a BS + 13 years.

Similarly, the first Journeyman level labor category calls for a MS + 5 years, while the second Journeyman labor category calls for a BS + 9yrs. These could be considered equivalent if substituting experience for degree. Consider combining labor categories or renaming the labor category if certain positions require unique experience or education.

The government has considered skills and qualification requirements, and allocation of expertise across the organization.

The labor category tables reflects the government's requirement.

RFP &

Group A

SOW

H.3, SOW

SOW 10.1 8 in

SOW

and 11 in H92222- 14-R-

In section H there is no mention of this contract requiring Primes to respond to classified Task Order proposals. Para 10.1 of the SOW states the government intends to issue task orders whose scope of effort will be in support of classified programs. It also states contractors must be prepared to propose on efforts requiring higher security requirements at the task order level.

Would the government please specify what level of classified information processing is required for task order response (eg, SECRET, TS, TS/SCI, SAP, etc.)?

Unless otherwise stated, the task order process (solicitation to award) is unclassified. However, future task orders could be classified, it is unknown at this time what level. The security requirements stated in the IDIQ SOW (10.0) apply to all TOs under SWMS Group A.

Atch 6

SORDAC

4 1 6 Will the Government please confirm that all offeror's are required to propose the labor categories and number of FTE's at 1880hr/FTE exactly as shown in the tables for pricing?

Confirmed. 1880 is the right number.

RFP L.2.3.3 1 37 Will the Government please specify the transition period for each of the task orders?

Timing of contract award will impact transition, optimally transition will occur within 30 days.

H92222-14-R-0020

Atch 8 J5 DD-254

SCI

Addendu m, Item 14 4.1

6-7

The SCI Addendum, Item 14 of the DD-254 specifies 8 SCI billets for the J5 Strategic Plans and Support Task Order. Section 4.1 describes 9 FTE positions. Will the Government clarify the number of SCI positions on the Task Order? If there are 8 SCI positions, will the Government specify which of the 9 FTE does not require SCI access?

Amendment 0002 will revise the # of FTEs to match the DD254 (Ref # 314)

Atch 6

SORDAC

4.1 - 4.3 6-11 The government has specified the number of FTE’s and Labor Categories for subtask 1 and 3. If the contractor presents a staffing solution with a number of FTEs different from that provided in Section 4.1 and 4.3, will the proposal be considered non-compliant?

Yes. The government has carefully considered its FTE count and allocation of expertise across the organization based on past experience and future estimates.

Atch 6

SORDAC

4 4.1, 4.2, 4.3

6-11 Please provide the place of performance and PEO and Office alignment for each labor category (LCAT) and number of FTEs for each. This information will allow for more accurate development of supporting pricing information due to the regional salary fluctuations.

MacDill AFB, FL

Atch 8 J5 FACTOR 2 – Task Order

(TO)

Proposal

Sub-factor

2.3 J5

37 1) L-2 VOLUME I TECHNICAL PROPOSAL, L2.3 FACTOR 2 –

Task Order (TO) Proposal, Sub-factor 2.3 J5 Strategic and Plans Support SOW: Attachment 8 states "The Task Lead is considered Key Personnel." However, a Task Lead is not identified within Figure 1 PWS Skills/Qualifications. Is it assumed that the Task Lead will perform lead responsibilities in addition to one of the Strategists, CWMD/CBRN Asst. Program Manager, or CWMD/CBRN Defense Program Analyst for a total of 9 FTEs? Or will the Task Lead be in addition to for a total of 10 FTEs?

Amendment 0002 will revise the FTEs (6 Strategists vice 7) Reference Q&A #56 regarding the Task Lead duties.

Atch_5_J2 _Amend_01

3 Unipath Planner

8 Under the Publications Specifications column it does not list the paper weight or type of binding. QUESTION: Can you clarify paper weight and binding method (saddle stitched, perfect bound or plastic coil). Please also list if it requires aqueous coating, UV or Laminate on any of the pages.

The planner specifications are: Paper Text 60# White Wove for the inside. Cover: 12 pt. C1S Bristol with matt Laminate, 4cp + Aqueous + matte Sheet laminate/Black; Body pages - 60# white wove 4cp/4cp. Fold, gather and PlastiCoil bind."

H92222-14-R-0020

SMEP

Amend 01

2.9.2 3 5 The Government states that "Contractor shall provide APDF which includes; 3) maintaining information on external polling (Government and commercial) that are related to APDF messages and share with the Government as relevant." We request clarifications to this requirement with the following three questions:

1) Does APDF currently field its own polls? Or, does the incumbent contractor field polls on behalf of ADPF? Or, is there a Customer planning requirement to do so upon award of SMEP?

2) Does APDF currently include survey questions specific to its endeavors in polls fielded under other Task Orders or under Global Battlestaff?

3) Does the Government wish us to maintain awareness of APDF messages and perform market-scanning for relevant information via unrelated polling?

1) No. No. No.

2)No

3) Yes. Uniformed behavioral scientist research subscriber behaviors and examinations of APDF which are shared with the Contractor. Your question 3 is a fair summation.

Atch 8 J5 Amend 01

2.18 n/a 5 1) Is it the governments intent for the contractor's Task Lead to serve as the working level primary interface and primary point of contact at the COR or COTR level only?

2) Is it the governments intent for the contractor's IDIQ Program Manager and Contracts Manager to serve as the primary point of contact at the KO level?

1) Yes

2) Yes

Atch 6

SORDAC

Amend 01

2 n/a 4 Reference IDIQ SOW, Page 5, Section 5.2: which states, "The Task Lead, is the official point of contact between the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) and the IDIQ Prime Contractor for the TO. The Task Lead is responsible for the overall execution of the TO including technical and quality control oversight, and has a detailed knowledge of the daily activities associated with the TO.

The SORDAC PWS states, "The Task Lead shall; "serve as the working level primary interface with Government program leads;

serve as the primary point of contact with the KO, COR, PCOR for all task order performance issues;".

1) Is it the governments intent for the contractor's Task Lead to serve as the working level primary interface and primary point of contact at the COR or COTR level only?

2) Is it the governments intent for the contractor's IDIQ Program Manager and Contracts Manager to serve as the primary point of contact at the KO level?

Q1 - Yes.

Q2 - Yes.

H92222-14-R-0020

SMEP

Q&A Batch 1

Q#60 9 We understand that the contractor RTL currently is the lead for distribution list maintenance on all magazines. Will the contractor have no responsibilities for distribution list maintenance and management for any magazine other than UNIPATH?

The distribution list is a Government responsibility other than

UNIPATH.

Atch 7

SMEP

Q&A Batch 1

Q#47 7 Please confirm that EUCOM, AFRICOM, and CENTCOM want foreign language versions that are foreign language ONLY, and not dual-language versions (e.g., Russian-English or Dari- English), as with the dual-language flip books desired by

AFRICOM.

Correct. EUCOM, AFRICOM and CENTCOM produce foreign language versions that are only in the foreign language.

Atch 7

SMEP

Q&A Batch 1 and Att. 7

Q#24 and Att 7, Section 2.6

4 Please clarify the ISO 9001 quality certification. Bureau Veritas is one of many organizations that certifies quality control processes using the ISO 9001 standard. Is ISO 9001 certification limited to this one company, or may any of the competent ISO 9001 certifiers be used? If the former, is there a basis for this directed vendor?

It is not limited to one company. Any valid certification that yields less than a 2% error rate is acceptable.

RFP H H.4. 12 The SWMS RFP requires all offerors to bid all tasks and includes as a sample task the Attachment 6 SORDAC task which may involve acquisition support and requirements development. Task orders of this nature could, under FAR 9.5, potentially conflict a SWMS prime contractor from performing other professional services work and supply work (the "Potential OCI Tasks").

Would SOCOM consider:

1) Eliminating or relaxing the requirements that every offeror bid on the awardable SORDAC task order RFP as part of the IDIQ competition and that every successful offeror bid on every subsequent task order RFP

2) Will the Government accept a waiver request from a prime on the SORDAC Support Group A task order due to potential for Organizational Conflict of Interest?

The contracting officer concluded that adequate competition will be obtained both at the prime contract and task order level for the SOCOM Wide Mission Support (SWMS) acquisition.

The mandatory requirement that the SWMS Group A prime contractors propose on all SWMS task orders isn’t new. This requirement was included in predecessor Global Battle Staff and Program Support (GBPS) contract. USSOCOM wants the SWMS Group A primes to be able to compete on all tasks. We’re not looking for companies focused on specific areas. We’ve found that the current approach ensures adequate competition at the task order level. The resultant SWMS contracts will allow for waivers when circumstances dictate.

H92222-14-R-0020

H H.4. 12 General OCI There appears to be a concern that the mandatory SWMS proposal requirement will adversely affect other offerors’ ability to propose on future USSOCOM indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contracts. We believe this comment is in regard to the forthcoming T-REX requirement. The T-REX requirement is still in the early stages of development. To date, the Government has issued a Request for Information and identified an upcoming Industry Day.

Atch 7

SMEP

Deliverabl es

The answer to question 21 in the first round of questions the government states "Magazines are delivered quarterly. Offerors should include scheduling in their proposal" We have created a production schedule for the next 5 years and it is a detailed, 20 page Excel document. Would the government consider allowing us to submit an Appendix without page limits to show the detailed production schedules?

No

H92222-14-R-0020

The information contained herein is not complete; Amendment 0002 will reflect the position dates in a revision to Attachment 6

Period and Place of Performance: The anticipated start for this effort is 16 May 2015. Place of performance is MacDill AFB.

Period of Performance Base Year 16 May 2015 – 30 April 2016 Option Year 1 01 May 2016 – 30 April 2017 Option Year 2 01 May 2017 – 30 April 2018 Option Year 2 01 May 2018 – 30 April 2019 Option Year 4 01 May 2019 – 30 April 2020

SORDAC Position Start Dates - Partial

4.1 Subtask 1 Acquisition Logistics Support

Labor Category Level of

Expertise Minimum Required Skills/Qualifications Position Start

Date (Base Year)

Acquisition Logistician (3 FTEs)

Senior BS/BA, 10 years of experience (20 years without degree), very knowledgeable in life cycle Integrated Logistics Support and SOF units, equipment and logistics processes.

12/1/2015

Logistician

(1 FTE)

Senior BS/BA, 10 years (20 years without degree), very knowledgeable of military logistical processes, units and equipment

12/1/2015

Principal Logistician (2 FTEs)

Senior Masters in related technical field. 10 years’ logistics experience; of which 2 years in SOCOM.

12/20/2015

Logistician (8 FTEs)

Journeyman BS/BA in Technical Discipline. 5 years of professional experience in acquisition logistics management and system lifecycle support.

Experience with DoD procurement policies and procedures and JCIDS/SOFCIDS processes. Current DoD Top Secret clearance and eligible for SCI access required.

10/4/2015

4.2 Subtask 2 Acquisition Management Support

Expertise

Date (Base Year)

Specialist (5 FTEs)

Senior Bachelor of…