SCS_Draft_RFP_QnA_Consolidated_1.pdf

SCS Presolicitation Question and Answers RFP Draft 1

(Consolidated)

NOTE: DUPLICATE QUESTIONS (IN ANY FORMAT) HAVE NOT BEEN INCLUDED

RFP

Section Pg./Para. Questions/Comments

L- Past Performance

Pg. 48, Para.

L4.3

Q: This paragraph states “Offerors must submit information for those contracts which are relevant to demonstrate the ability to perform all of the work identified in the SCS SOW.” We interpret this to reference past performance information at the contract level – not the task order level. And that the most relevant contract would be another IDIQ contract with multiple task orders. Is this a correct understanding?

A: This is not correct. See updated Section L, and Atch 12 SCS Past Performance Relevancy Baseline for further clarification.

2 L- Past Performance

Pg. 48, Para.

L4.3

Q: H does the government intend to look at current prime awarded SWMS B task orders? Will each individually awarded task order be considered as one past performance reference?

A: As stated in L4.1, the Government will use the information provided and information obtained from other sources for the overall evaluation of past performance. As performance under SWMS B is conducted at the task order level, it is possible that they will be considered on an individual basis.

3 L- Cross Reference

Pg. 45, Para.

L1.9

Q. We interpret the requirement for a comprehensive glossary, compliance matrix and acronym list to mean a single document covering all volumes. And that “standalone” mean not included in any volume. Is this interpretation correct?

A: Yes, this is correct.

4 C - SOW Pg. 16, Para. 6.0 Q: Please clarify the education and experience requirements for the IDIQ Program Manager (PM).

A: See updated SOW

5 C - SOW Pg. 16, Para. 6.0 Q: Please clarify the education and experience requirements for the Task Lead.

A: Qualifications for task lead requirements will only be identified at the task order level.

Section

Pg./Para. Questions/Comments

6 L- Proposal Format

Pg. 45, Para.

L1.3.3

Q. This paragraph states: “The following will be exempt from page limitations for the RFP: Cover sheets; Table of contents; List of Table and Drawings; Glossaries; Acronym List; Compliance Matrix;

Subcontractor Consent Letters; and Client Authorization Letters.” Is it acceptable to provide a Table of Contents for each volume?

Should the TOC be placed in the front or end of the volume?

A: Yes, a TOC maybe provided, but is not required. If included, please place the TOC at the end of the volume.

7 L- Proposal Format

Pg. 45, Para.

L1.5

Q. What was the reasoning behind the use of FBO.gov as the only means of submission? Secondly, you state that the KO will not provide confirmation of receipt of proposals. Whom from FBO will be providing that confirmation and what is their contact information?

A: Submission of proposals through FBO.gov provides a central repository for the acceptance of proposals which places primary onus for submission on the offeror, and alleviates previous issues identified with submission via other means. Additionally, the FBO.gov process provides the offeror with an automatic electronic receipt of proposal submission upon completion, and has so far been the most reliable avenue for submission at the least cost to offerors.

8 C-SOW Pg. 12, Para. 5.0 Q: Can the Government please provide the historical number of task orders for each of the areas 5.1 through 5.6? Additionally, can the Government provide the task order value and/or FTEs?

A: The Government will not release this information

9 L Pg.48, Para L3.2.1.5

Q: Recommend the Quality Control Plan (QCP) NOT be included in the Volume I page count to ensure sufficient detail may be provided to cover SOW requirements.

A: Non-concur. Sufficient page count has been provided to cover the length of the IDIQ Management Proposal and QCP within Vol 1.

10 L Page 48, Para.

L4.3

Q: Please clarify “emphasis on the prime offeror”. Should this be interpreted as the number of PPIs submitted and/or the ability to perform all of the SCS SOW?

A: See updated Section L

11 L Page 49, Para.

L4.5.1

Q: The relevancy definition includes “contract type”. Please confirm FFP contracts will be given a higher relevancy rating.

A: See updated Section L

12 General General Q: Please provide the expected number of IDIQ awards to be made.

A: See updated Section M. As stated in Section M3.2, the Government intends to award a prime contract to all offerors that receive an Acceptable rating for Factor 1 – IDIQ Management and a Substantial confidence rating in Factor 2 – Past Performance.

Pg./Para. Questions/Comments

13 General General Q: Does the Government intend to establish a minimum number of awards for the various socio-economic categories? This is recommended to ensure USSOCOM small business goals can be met throughout the 10 year ordering period of SCS.

A: The Government has determined that the SCS IDIQ will be a 100% Small Business set-aside. No further restrictions will be made at the IDIQ level.

14 C-SOW Pg. 15, Para. 5.5 Q: “Professional Services: Services include support activities;

multimedia support...preparedness support; and physical security”.

The government outlines support activities, physical security, is it the intent of the USG to utilize contracted physical security support CONUS or OCONUS or both?

A: Requirements are established at the task order level. The intent of the Base IDIQ SOW is to provide a large enough breadth of scope to ensure the Government’s ability to support previously identified and similar unknown future requirements.

15 C - SOW Pg. 15, Para. 5.5 Professional Services

Q: Is this list meant to be all inclusive? For example, will intelligence support be required in categories such as Counterintelligence (CI), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), Imagery Intelligence (IMINT) or Measurement and Signature Intelligence

(MASINT)?

A: See updated SOW The list is a representative sampling of the types of support that may be required.

16 C-SOW Pg. 19, Para.

11.7

Q: 11.7 discusses the prohibition of weapons within COV’s and POV’s while on any US installations. Will deployed personnel be authorized weapons per TO requirements in OCONUS environments?

A: No. We currently have no task order requirements that authorize weapons to be issued to contractor personnel, and do not anticipate this changing.

17 L – General Information

Pg. 48, Para L3.2.1.5 Quality Control

Q: Please clarify if the QCP is submitted with Volume I (Administrative and Responsibility Material) – as stated, or in Volume II (IDIQ Management Proposal).

A: See updated Section L Vol II (IDIQ Management Proposal)

Pg./Para. Questions/Comments

18 L.4.3 Past Performance Information Sheets

Pg. 48 Q: The offeror shall submit a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 Past Performance Information (PPI) Sheets with an emphasis on the prime offeror. Offerors must submit information for those contracts which are relevant to demonstrate the ability to perform all of the work identified in the SCS SOW. Is there a minimum of the 3 past performances to be submitted by the PRIME? If subcontractor past performances are to be provided are they to be for their PRIME efforts, only?

A: See updated Section L

19 L- Administrati ve and Responsibili ty Material

Pg. 48, Para.

L3.2.1.2

Q: Government discusses OCONUS support for deployed personnel and the use of hiring OCNs at OCONUS locations. In order to properly price ceiling activities, will the government provide what GFE concerning OCONUS performance will be provided (medical, lodging, meals, MWR, MILAIR, etc.)? Will contractor personnel be required to attend CRC for deployed operational support?

A: Pricing will be required and evaluated at the task order level only, where specific requirements with regard to OCONUS support can be most effectively tailored.

20 M2.3.2 Volume III Factor 2:

Past Performance

Pg. 53 Q: The Government will evaluate the past performance of the efforts that meet the recency and relevancy in Section L in order to determine the Government’s overall level of confidence in the offeror’s ability to successfully perform the required effort using the ratings as described in Section M Table M2.3. Can the Government define the timeframe for recency since section L does not mention recency?

A: See updated Section L4.5 Recency is 5 years from the date of proposal submission.

21 H – Special Instructions

Pg. 25, Para. H.2 Q: “Government Evaluation of Task Order Proposals” The USG indicates that the government will award the contractor who provides the best value to the government; that could include LPTA or Trade-off process. Will the government define that at each

TORFP?

A: Yes. Determination of the appropriate best value process to be used will be based on the specific requirement and can only be defined at the task order level.

22 L.4.3 48 of 53 Q: Can you please clarify what you mean by "emphasis on the prime offeror?" For example, if we submit the maximum of five projects with two from the prime and one each from our three subcontractors, is that enough "emphasis" on the prime?

Pg./Para. Questions/Comments

23 L - RFP Pg. 44, Para.

L.1.2.1 and Pg. 52, Para M.2.2.1.5

Q: In Section L of the RFP the government states that “USSOCOM prefers that offerors competing for the SCS effort have no known OCIs”. Will the government clarify what “prefer” means and how this preference factors into its evaluation of OCI set forth in M.2.2.1.5 Organizational Conflict of Interest?

A: “Prefer” means it is in the best interests of the Government that offerors have no known OCIs. Identification, evaluation, and mitigation of OCI as detailed in Section M.2.2.1.5 is a requirement of FAR 9.504. The Government does not intend to exclude offerors from award due to known OCIs. However, should an offeror disclose a known OCI, the Government will evaluate the level to which the proposed mitigation plan provides risk reduction, and identify to the offeror areas of continued concern.

24 M-RFP Pg. 51, Para.

M1.1

Q: According to the Introduction of Section M “The Government intends to make multiple prime contract awards under this solicitation”. Will the Government be using separate pools for this acquisition, similar to the current SWMS contract (full and open, SDVOSB, Small Business? If so, will the government clarify set-aside acquisition plan for this contract and the number of awards panned for each pool?

A: No, there will not be separate pools for this acquisition. SCS is solely a 100% Small Business Set-Aside. The Government reserves the right to utilize further set-asides at the task order level given two or more awarded prime IDIQ contracts within individual socio-economic categories to maintain competition.

25 L- General Information M- Evaluation Factors for Award

Pg. 47, Para.

L.2.5 Pg. 51. Para.

M2.1.4

Q: Can the Government please confirm that a completed SCS Modified SF 1408 Preaward Survey of Prospective Accounting System Checklist with supporting documentation that has been submitted to the cognizant DCAA office described in section L.2.5 is acceptable valid documentation of a DCAA-compliant accounting system pre-award and the offeror will be considered for award per section M2.1.4?

A: Yes. This will meet the requirement of a DCAA-compliant accounting system pre-award.

26 C - SOW Pg. 12, Para. 5.1 Q: Are these courses classroom-based or will the contractor need to obtain specialized facilities (e.g., simulators, ranges, etc.) for the training? If specialized facilities are required, can the government provide a list of potential requirements?

A: All requirements listed in the Base IDIQ SOW are representative of the types of performance that may be required. Specific requirements will only be identified at the task order level and cannot be detailed at the IDIQ level.

Pg./Para. Questions/Comments

27 C - SOW Pg. 13, Para. 5.1 Q: Are the target locations or languages the government requires for the cultural language training and support similar to those needed for translation services?

A: See Q26

28 L-4 – Vol III Pg. 48, L4.3 Past Performance Information Sheets

Q: How many PPI submittals by the Prime constitutes “emphasis?

A: See updated Section L

29 L-4 – Vol III Pg. 48, L4.4 Subcontractor Consent

Q: Are we to submit a Consent Letter for all team partners or only for those team partners that we have submitted a PPI?

A: Only those team partners for which a PPI has been submitted.

30 Pg 11 IDIQ Contract Value

Context: Bandwidth is the biggest constraint for a small business.

The SCSS contracting office should establish a certain ratio of task orders per year to awardees.

If the ratio is low enough (e.g. less than one task order per prime per year), the time invested to potential reward is low enough that it will cause small companies who are already busy to not bid. That means that those who bid are the companies who have spare capacity at that point in time. It shrinks the pool from which you get to pick.

Comment: Recommend conducting an analysis of potential task orders to be released on the SOCOM Core Services IDIQ to figure out what your task order to number of prime awards will be on SOCOM mission support. According to information publicly available for the current SWMS B contract, 19 of 32 prime awardees have yet to win a task order while approximately $200 Million of the allocated $450 Million contract ceiling has been awarded. As an example of using this type of analysis, we would recommend only awarding around 20 prime awards for the $950 Million allocated for the 10-year ordering period.

A: As discussed during Industry Day, there is the potential for at least 25 task order awards during the Base 5-year ordering period.

The Government does not intend to limit the number of awardees. As stated in Section M3.2, the Government intends to award a prime contract to all offerors that receive an Acceptable rating for Factor 1 – IDIQ Management and a Substantial confidence rating in Factor 2 – Past Performance.

Given this information, it is the responsibility of each offeror to determine their own business plan with regard to proposal submission for the SCS IDIQ.

Pg./Para. Questions/Comments

31 L and M Pg. 47, L 2.5 M2.1.4

Q: IRT section M 2.1.4 - Audited Accounting System. Can this be a requirement at the task order level, since there will be FFP and T&M task orders? Also, Section L 2.5 provides for an alternative if a company has not had their system audited. Does the Form SF modified 1408 substitute for the audited accounting system?

A: Offerors who do not have an accounting system that has been determined adequate by the Contracting Officer prior to award of a task order will not be selected for task order award. As 95% of the projected task orders contain some level of cost type CLINs, it is in the Government’s best interests to require a determination of an adequate accounting system at time of Base IDIQ award, to ensure maximum competition at the task order level. A completed Pre- Award Survey Checklist (see Atch 8) submitted at time of proposal submission shall be accepted in lieu of an Audited Accounting System.

32 K - Reps, Certs and Other Statements of Offerors

Pg. 37, 52.204-8, Para. (a)(3)

Q: How does the 500 employees size standard relate to NAICS 541611 size standard of $15M in (a)(1) and (2)?

A: It does not. Para.(a)(3) is standard clause language that does not apply to services contracts.

33 L-2 – Vol I Pg. 47, L2.5 Current Adequate Accounting System

Q: What specific “supporting documentation” is to accompany the copy of the offeror's SF 1408?

A: See updated Section L and Atch 8 Pre-Award Accounting System Checklist The Checklist provides details of the supporting documentation required.

34 M-2 – Eval Procedures

Pg. 51, M2.1.4 Current Adequate Accounting System

Q: Should this eval criteria also reflect “or submittal of the SF 108 and supporting documentation by proposal delivery and have a validated system by contract award”?

A: See updated Section L and Atch 8 Pre-Award Accounting System Checklist

35 Overall RFP Q: Will the government consider including a list of anticipated Task Orders (TOs) that will be released on the SCS contract with estimated release dates? Will the government consider including a list of all TOs released on the previous contract?

A: Task order release dates are dependent on the date of IDIQ awards and performance start. It is anticipated that there will be a minimum of 25 task order awards during the Base 5-year ordering period. Of these, there are four task orders that must be awarded prior to 27 Aug 20. Given an estimated IDIQ performance start date in March 2020, it is expected that the initial RFP for these actions will be released in mid-April.

The Government will not release a list of task orders released on the previous contract.

Pg./Para. Questions/Comments

36 C - SOW Pg. 16, Para 6.0, IDIQ and Task Order Management

Q: Will IDIQ PM and Task Lead hours be billable on each task order? Does the Government envision these positions being separate from other positions provided to the task orders?

A: It is anticipated that the IDIQ PM will be billed through a company’s Indirect Costs as allowed for within the offeror’s accounting practices.

When a task lead is identified at the task order level, the Government anticipates that this performance will be billed on that particular task order. The task lead may be identified as a stand-alone position on the task order, or may be indicated as additional duties to be performed by a position already included on the task order. This is determined at the task order level dependent upon each requirement.

37 C - SOW Pg. 17, Para 6.5.1

Q: Contractor personnel supporting Technical Conferences and Meetings as part of Administrative and Other Services might be required to attend morale building events. 6.5.1 states: “Contractors will not be paid for their employees’ time spent in attendance at morale building events”. In this circumstance, would the morale event be billable?

A: No, morale building events will not be billable.

38 C - SOW Pg. 18, Para 11.0, Security Requirements

Q: The Government states: “The prime contractor shall possess and maintain a minimum Top Secret Facility Clearance at the time of proposal submission… The contractor shall be required to safeguard information at the level specified in the DD Form 254 for this contract...” and in L2.2 states: “Storage of classified information is not anticipated to be required at the contract level.” Please confirm that no safeguarding will be required at the IDIQ level. If safeguarding is required at the IDIQ level, for companies with a Top Secret Facility Clearance at the time of proposal submission, but without the required level of safeguarding, by what date post-award would the company be required to have completed the upgrade to that safeguarding level?

A: A TS FCL is required at time of proposal submission. The ability for Secret Safeguarding will be required no less than 60-days after IDIQ award or upon release of a Classified requirement for which the offeror intends to propose, whichever is sooner. It is known that two of the four requirements to be solicited immediately upon IDIQ award will require Secret Safeguarding. Offerors who intend to propose for the RAVEN and/or MRR requirements are encouraged to begin preparations for safeguarding as soon as possible, but NLT the issuance of the IDIQ DD254 at time of award.

Pg./Para. Questions/Comments

39 H – Special Instructions

Pg. 25, Para. H.2

SOFARS

5651.216-9003 and Pg. 49, Clauses Incorporated by Reference

Q: The DRFP states: “Price/Cost written proposal will always be required, to include a complete Professional Compensation Plan,” but also includes SOFARS 5652.215-9010 Cost and Pricing Data Not Required (1998) MAY 1999. Which does the Government expect to be the case in the FRFP?

A: Section H.2 applies only to Task Order RFPs. A Price/Cost proposal is not required for the SCS IDIQ RFP, but shall be required for all TO RFPs when issued.

40 H – Special Instructions

Pg. 26, Para. H.2

(e) Task and Delivery Ombudsman

Q: Is the Ombudsman already named if so, what is his/her contact information? If not, will this be provided upon award?

A: See updated Section H

41 I – Contract Clauses

Pg. 31, Clauses Incorporated by Reference

Q: The DRFP includes DFARS 252.225-7048, Export-Controlled Items. Does the Government anticipate that contractors will be required to export ITAR-controlled items on subordinate task orders?

A: Yes

42 L - Instructions

Pg. 35, Para.

L.1.9

Q: The government mandates that a comprehensive glossary, compliance matrix, and acronym list be submitted as a stand-alone document.

a. Should this be submitted as a separate document or as part of one of the 3 volumes when submitted to the government?

b. Is there a page limit?

c. What should the file be named if submitted separately from the 3 volumes?

d. Is there template that the government would like to be used?

A: The Government’s mandate is that IF a comprehensive glossary, compliance matrix, and acronym list is submitted then it shall be as a stand-alone document. This is a separate document from the 3 volumes, with no page limit, titled “XXX Glossary” (where “XXX” is your company name). There is no template for this file. The format is at the discretion of the offeror.

43 L - Instructions

Pg. 45, Table L.1 & Pg. 46. Para.

L2.4

Q: The Table L.1 states that L2.4 should be Small Business Participation, but there is no mention of small business participation in section L. The government currently has Contract Forms and Certifications listed for L2.4. Will this be corrected to Contract Forms and Certifications for the table or should we expect to see additional information added for Small Business Participation on our team?

Pg./Para. Questions/Comments

44 L - Instructions

Pg. 47, Para.

L.3.2.1.1

Q: Please confirm that the government is requesting a description of proposed Key Personnel who will be tasked with managing the overall contract which only includes an IDIQ Program Manager. If not, will the SOW be updated to include other Key Personnel that are tasked with managing the overall contract or update this section to include other Key Personnel to manage the TO’s per the SOW or other Indirect personnel?

A: Yes, this statement is specific to the IDIQ Program Manager. In the event that an Offeror chooses to include/identify additional Key Personnel tasked with the management of the overall contract, the offeror shall include their description as well.

45 M – Evaluation Factors for Award

Pg. 53, Para.

M2.3.2, Table M2.3, and M-3 Basis for Award

Q: Will the government consider removing the Limited Confidence rating since in M-3 Basis for Award, the government can award the IDIQ with a Neutral rating?

Q: Will the government confirm that they are able to award the IDIQ with a Neutral rating for Factor 2 but will not award with a Limited Confidence rating for Factor 2?

A: See updated Section M Offerors must have a Substantial Confidence rating to receive an award. An Unknown Confidence rating is considered the equivalent of a “Satisfactory” rating and will not be considered for award.

46 Section L-3 Pg. 47 Q: Would the government consider using sample task orders in L3.2 Factor 1 – IDIQ Management?

A: No. Sample task orders will not be included in this RFP.

47 General Q: Is the government intending to competitively award only one contract, or will there be both Small Business set asides and awards to large business?

A: SCS is a multiple award 100% small business set aside. No awards will be made to large businesses.

48 H- Special Instructions

Pg. 24. Para.

H.2, (a)

Q: “Prime contractors are encouraged to propose on all solicited requirements.”

Has the Government considered potential OCI concerns within work streams 5.1 through 5.5 on this IDIQ? Is the Government intending to segregate awards by work area (e.g., lane awarded for Professional Services vs. one for Engineering, etc)?

A: OCI will primarily be considered at the task order level where it is more appropriately evaluated based on the requirement. There is no intention of segregating awards by work area.

Pg./Para. Questions/Comments

49 H- Special Instructions

Pg. 24. Para.

H.2, (a)

Q: “Prime contractors are encouraged to propose on all solicited requirements.”

Is the prime expected to have the capabilities of all requirements individually/alone or is that expected at a teaming level?

A: This is expected at a teaming level.

50 H- Special Instructions

Pg. 26., H.4 Q: Would a small business growing too large be considered grounds for off-ramp? If so, would this be evaluated each year or at end of 5-year period?

A: See updated Section H Yes. This will be conducted at the end of the 5-year period.

51 L-2

VOLUME I

ADMINIST

RATIVE

AND

RESPONSI

BILITY

MATERIAL

Pg. 47, L 2.5 Q: “If the offeror does not currently have valid documentation (within the last 3 years) regarding an adequate accounting system, the Offeror shall complete Section J Attachment XX –SCS Modified SF 1408 Pre-award Survey of Prospective Accounting System Checklist with supporting documentation.”

As a small business set-aside, is the intent that most contracts will be

FFP?

A: No. Contract type will be determined at the task order level, dependent upon each requirement. A significant number of actions will include LH, T&M, and/or Cost Type CLINs.

52 General General Q: Does SOCOM have additional acquisition regulations that prohibit exclusive teaming? Will the Government expect non-exclusive teaming to provide most competitive and best value offer?

A: While SOCOM prefers non-exclusive teaming arrangements in order to promote competition and reach niche capabilities when required, there are no additional acquisition regulations that prohibit it.

53 Small Business Rep

Pg. 40 Q: Are there socio-economic category utilization percentage requirements; such as SDVOSB, VOSB, WOSB, 8a and others?

A: No.

54 C - SOW Pg. 18 11.1

Q: Will the Final RFP be classified in any manner?

A: No.

55 H – Special Contract Requirement s

Pg. 27, Para. H6 Organizational Conflict of Interest

Q: Will the Government clarify which existing or in-process USSOCOM contracts would create an OCI?

A: This is only able to be clarified at the task order level. For example, an offeror who is awarded LREC Analytic will not be eligible to compete for the LREC award, as LREC Analytic involves the analysis of the LREC program, which creates a biased OCI.

Pg./Para. Questions/Comments

56 Section B Pg 2, CLIN 0001-0004

Q: Can the Government give historical annual numbers of Labor hours used to date across all cost types? For example, 15,000 hrs LH;

25,000 hrs T&M, 100,000 hrs FFP, 150,000 hrs CPFF.

A: No.

57 Section B Pg 4, CLIN 0005 Q: At the Task Order level, will travel be a plug number or will bidders need to determine and price travel costs?

A: Travel will be a plug number to which offerors will apply their G&A.

58 C – SOW Pg 12, Para 1 Q: Of all the listed locations where support is/might be required, can the Government give a percentage breakdown (ROM) of the number of FTEs that were historically located at these locations. For example, if 300 FTE were used during the last IDIQ, 50% were located in/around MacDill, 25% Fort Bragg, etc.

A: No.

59 C - SOW Pg. 12, Para. 5.1 Q: Can you share at least two past Task Orders with these types of efforts so we can get a better understanding of the type of work, value, FTE count, and locations supported? If you can’t share a specific task order, can you be more descriptive on typical FTE count, locations supported, and value so we can understand both from a bidding perspective and a past performance relevancy perspective?

A: All four projected task orders provided in the Industry Day slides fall within the Education and Training section of the SOW (5.1).

60 C- SOW Pg 15, Para 5.4 Q: Ref the SMEs required. Can you give several examples of the types of SMEs you will be looking for at the Task Order level?

A: No. This can only be defined at the task order level.

61 C-SOW Pg 16, Para 6.0 Q: Does the PM Need to be located in Tampa FL? Does the PM need to be a former SOF?

A: See updated SOW Qualifications for PM have been included

62 Section G Pg 23, Para G.2 Q: Do Offerors need to have an approved accounting system at time of award? If contactors need an approved accounting system to bid CPFF Task Orders, will the Government sponsor the review of winner’s systems after IDIQ award?

A: See updated Sections L & M An approved accounting system is not required at time of IDIQ award, but is required for consideration of a task order award.

Submission of Preaward Accounting System Checklist will initiate a DCAA review of an offeror’s systems.

Pg./Para. Questions/Comments

63 Section G Pg 23, Para G.2 Q: Do offerors need an approved procurement system?

A: No. However, FAR Clause 52.244-2 is included in the Base IDIQ and will apply at the task order level as needed.

64 Section I Pg 35, 5652.237- 9001, Key Personnel

Q: Subsection 1 states…”the contractor shall, subject to the concurrence of the Contracting Officer or an authorized representative, promptly replace personnel with personnel of equal ability and qualifications.” This statement means the qualifications of the Key Person Labor Category listed in the ITO and not that of the actual Key Personnel used, who might exceed all minimum Key Personnel Labor Category Qualifications, correct? Rationale, offerors will want to exceed the minimum Key Personnel quals, but to continually meet or upgrade such qualifications over time comes close to finding a purple unicorn across a 20-year contract.

A: Correct. Offerors will only be held to qualifications as stated in a specific SOW in relation to the replacement of Key Personnel.

However, the Government reserves to right to revise a SOW based on an offerors proposal, to include increasing qualifications.

65 Section M Pg 51, Para M2.1.4

Q: The section is titled Adequate Accounting System and Section L talks to having an adequate system; however, Section M talks to having an Approved Accounting System. What is required, an adequate or approved accounting system?

A: See updated Section M

66 L – Instructions, Conditions and Notices to Bidders

Pg. 45, Table L.1 and Para L2.5

Q: Section L2.5 is not indicated in Table L.1. Please confirm that there is no page limit associated with section L2.5.

A: See updated Section L

67 L – Instructions, Conditions and Notices to Bidders

Pg. 47, Para L4.3 Q: Section L4.3 mentions an “emphasis on the prime offeror”. Please define what is meant by “emphasis”, and what the evaluation criteria is for prime vs. subcontractor past performance.

A: See updated Section L

68 L – Instructions, Conditions and Notices to Bidders

Pg. 47, Para L4.5 Q: Section L4.5 mentions that relevant past performance will be that reflecting either past or current performance within the last 5 years.

Please confirm that the 5 year window is from the proposal due date, not from the anticipated date of award.

A: See updated Section L Date of proposal submission

69 FBO

Solicitation Notification

Pg. 1 Q: 1. Does SOCOM prefer small or large business subcontractors on the team or does it matter?

A: SOCOM has no preference.

Pg./Para. Questions/Comments

70 FBO

Solicitation Notification

Pg. 1 Q: When selecting subcontractors, are they required to exclusive?

A: SOCOM prefers non-exclusive teaming, but is not restricting this.

71 K - Representati ons, Certification s and Other Statements of Offerors

Pg. 37 , 52.204-8 Q: Regarding the size standard for NAICS 541611. The Small Business Runway Extension Act of 2018 (15 U.S.C.

632(a)(2)(C)(ii)(II)) was amended to allow the size standard to be calculated by a company's 5-year average of annual receipts instead of the current 3-year average (Section 3(a)(2)(C)(ii)(II)). SAM.gov currently only allows companies to submit their last 3 years and does not have all the fields to enter the last 5 years to be in compliance with the Amendment to the law. Would you allow companies to self-certify their size standard based on the 5-year average at the time of proposal submission?

A: Although the law has been signed, it has not yet been implemented in the FAR. As such, the current 3-year average shall be utilized.

72 C-SOW Pg. 12, Para. 5.1, 5.1 Education and Training Services This includes providing vocational and technical training at the individual, collective, or staff level on a variety of subjects, conducting lectures, performing testing, curriculum development, and other related training and military exercises.

Q: Could you please clarify, “other related training and military exercises?”

A: All clarifications will be made at the task order level.

73 C-SOW Pg. 13 Para. 5.1 Bullet 7

5.1 Exercise Planning Support

The contractor may be required to provide subject matter experts with a combination of skills and experiences, including SOF ground, maritime, and air operations, Joint SOF operational experience, as well as, intelligence and interagency operations to participate in exercises and battle staff events as determined by USSOCOM.

The contractor may be required to participate in the Joint Exercise Control Group (JECG) throughout the duration of each event under the guidance of the USSOCOM-Exercise Director, Lead Planner, and JECG Director.

Q: Could you please clarify “to participate in exercises and battle staff events as determined by USSOCOM?”

A: All clarifications will be made at the task order level.

Pg./Para. Questions/Comments

74 C-SOW Pg. 13-14 Para.

5.1 Bullet 9

5.1 Training and Mission Rehearsal Support

The contractor may be required to provide support and expertise in the areas of SOF operational mission sets, their applicability to training, and technical knowledge of the requirements generation system, simulation development, acquisition, implementation of these mission sets, and network architectures. This includes the ability to analyze and update current training requirements. These efforts are related to the identification, analysis, user evaluations, and generation of training requirements to support time- critical training system needs for SOF. This support also may involve the identification, assessment, or coordination with the acquisition or other applicable communities to develop or modify training materials or strategies to take advantage of advanced technologies. This support may be conducted with non-standard users and at non-standard locations.

Q: Could you please clarify “areas of SOF operational mission sets,” “time-critical training system needs,” and “non-standard users and at non-standard locations?”

A: All clarifications will be made at the task order level.

75 C-SOW Pg. 15 Para. 5.5 Bullet 8

5.5 Professional Services

Signature Reduction and other Theater Operational Support.

Q: Could you please clarify “other Theater Operational Support?”

A: All clarifications will be made at the task order level.

76 C - SOW Pg. 16, Para. 6.0 Q: Could you please clarify whether the governments expects that the IDIQ Program Manager (PM) will be billed directly to the contract, or should the PM be an indirect employee? Also, will the PM be on government site or contractor site?

A: The PM is intended to be an indirect employee. Performance will not be required onsite that the Government, however the PM must be available for contact (via phone or email) by the Contracting Officer, with a response in no more than 1 hour.

77 L – General Info

Pg. 44, Para.

L.1.2

Q: Can a company simultaneously serve as a prime on SCSS and provide services on SWMS C?

A: Yes. OCI will be further evaluated at the task order level, where a Prime contractor may be excluded from participation based on an

OCI.

78 C - SOW Pg. 13, Para. 5.1 Q: In the combat modeling, simulation, and wargaming subparagraph, what types of commercial technologies are currently used to provide the user / operator environment? Is the government interested in suggestions of innovative technologies that translate directly from the training to the tactical environment?

Pg./Para. Questions/Comments

79 C - SOW Pg. 13, Para. 5.1 Q: In the exercise planning support, exercise execution support, and training and mission rehersal support subparagraphs, is there a desired amount of experience and education required for the role players, technical personnel, and subject matter experts?

A: All clarifications will be made at the task order level.

80 C - SOW Pg. 14-15, Para.

5.4

Q: With respect to the entire paragraph and subparagraphs, can the government provide a full list of the current technologies fielded and the desired level of expertise and education of the personnel that will conduct the services?

A: All clarifications will be made at the task order level.

81 C - SOW Pg. 15, Para. 5.5 Q: With respect to the Geospatial Intelligence and Intelligence and Operational Planning Support bullet points under professional services, can the government provide a full list of applications currently available and the level of expertise and education required to conduct the services?

A: All clarifications will be made at the task order level.

82 C - SOW Pg. 16, Para. 6.1 Q: With respect to program and project management personnel, can the government provide the required certifications, level of expertise and education, and specific industry skills?

A: All clarifications will be made at the task order level.

83 Clarification Request:

Q: The RFP will be for a Direct IDIQ with SOCOM not utilizing Alliant or OASIS or any other GSA schedules is this correct?

A: This is correct.

84 General Question:

Q: Can a specific set aside be done for EDWOB Companies?

A: The Government reserves the right to establish further set-asides at the task order level dependent upon the makeup of the SCS awardee pool.

85 K-Reps and Certs

Pg. 37, Para.52.2040-8.1 and 8.2

Q: NAIC Code is at 541611 in the RFP can code 561499 -All Other Business Support Services be added for EDWOB which would allow for under the 15-million-dollar level to submit a Proposal? 561499 is listed as a SBA EDWOB and/or 541990 SBA WOB – All Other Professional Services be included.

A: NAICS Code 541611 was chosen as most appropriate for this requirement. The Government does not intend to revise the NAICS code or further restrict the Socio-Economic set-aside below a 100% Small Business Set-Aside at the IDIQ level.

Pg./Para. Questions/Comments

86 L-Admin

M – Evaluation Process/

Pg.4, Para, L2.5

Pg. 51, Para.

M2.1.4

Q: If a company is a SB they are exempt from DCAA/DCMA till they reach a certain threshold, so, if a company has accounting software that is DCAA/DCMA compliant however they have not yet had to complete an audit. Can an exemption clause be added to the RFP for SB’s and the SB be allowed an award and once they reach the correct threshold for an audit, they agree to complete the audit and then submit the paperwork to the CO?

A: A predominant number of task orders will include cost type CLINs. IAW FAR 16.301-3(a)(3), a contractor’s accounting system must be determined adequate in order to be awarded a contract containing cost type CLINs. As such offerors are required to submit the appropriate paperwork as stated in

87 C- Description and Specificatio ns

Pg 16 Para 6.0 Q: Will Task Orders be awarded on Best Value or LPTA?

A: Task order basis of award will be made during acquisition strategy at the task order level. Both LPTA and Trade-off procedures will be considered.

88 C- Description and Specificatio ns

Pg 16 Para 6.0 Q: How with the structure of the Task orders be done;

Allowing the Contractor to respond with their input on the number of people and skills necessary to complete the Task or by the Government determining the number of people and skills sets?

A: The Government’s task order acquisition strategy will be dependent upon the requirement. Performance and Non-performance based strategies will be considered.

89 C - SOW Pg. 13, Para. 5.1 Q: Under Cultural and Language Training Support will the analysts need to be fluent in the languages in order to perform analysis and assessment on language courses? Are the target languages for this section the same as what is documented in Translation Services?

A: All clarifications will be made at the task order level.

90 C - SOW Pg. 13, Para. 5.1 Q: Translation Services: Task Orders will clearly define the language(s) that will be required for translation?

A: All clarifications will be made at the task order level.

91 C - SOW Pg. 13, Para. 5.1 Q: Combat Modeling, Simulation and Wargaming: What system(s) are being used to provide M&S?

A: All clarifications will be made at the task order level.

92 C - SOW Pg. 14, Para. 5.1 Q: Training and Mission Rehearsal Support: What training systems are being utilized?

Pg./Para. Questions/Comments

93 C - SOW Pg. 14, Para. 5.3 Q: Acquisition Program Management: Requesting clarification on task of proposal review? Will technical SMEs be required to perform this task?

A: All clarifications will be made at the task order level.

94 C - SOW Pg. 14, Para. 5.4 Q: Engineering Documentation Support – What type of documentation includes tape/video? Requesting clarification.

A: All clarifications will be made at the task order level.

95 C - SOW Pg. 16, Para. 5.6 Q: Position and Concept Papers – As this falls under the Administrative support will technical expertise be required to fulfill this task?

A: All clarifications will be made at the task order level.

96 C - SOW Pg. 16 Para. 6.3 Q: The SOW states that the “Contractors may add subcontractors to their team after notification to the KO.” Does this mean that new companies can be added as subs post award? Are there any rules or regulations on when a new subcontractor is allowed?

A: Yes, new companies may be added to a Prime’s team after award. As well as obtaining approval from the KO, Prime contractors will be required to flow down any appropriate contract clauses and pertinent DD254 requirements to new subcontractor teammates.

97 C - SOW Pg. 17 Para.

6.5.1

Q: With attendance to morale building events not being billable will there be any of these events where it is mandatory for the contractor to attend? If so, will those events be billable?

A: Morale building events will not be mandatory for contractor attendance. If an event is determined to be the place of duty, it will not be considered morale building, and will therefore be billable.

98 H- Special Contract Requirement s

Pg. 24 Para. 1 Q: Does the Clause in Section H.1 mean that a contractor’s pricing proposal to include G&A, burdens, and profit amount can be given to other contractors? May we get an example of when a Contractor’s proprietary data would ever be required by another contractor?

A: SOCOM utilizes contractor support personnel throughout the command, to include providing Contract Specialist support within the Contracting Division. Due to this, contractor support personnel may have access within the performance of their assigned duties to proprietary data for other contractors.

99 L – Instructions, Conditions and Notices to Bidders

Pg. 46 Para.

L2.2.1

Q: Will the initial IDIQ Proposal require a separate DD254 for each subcontractor?

A: Unless an offeror intends to utilize a subcontractor’s safeguarding capabilities, subcontractor DD254 requirements will only be required at the task order level.

Pg./Para. Questions/Comments

100 Section L L.2.2 – Facility Clearance (Pg 46)

Q: Is it only the prime contractor who needs a TS clearance, or do subcontractors need it as well?

A: For IDIQ award, only the Prime is required to have a TS FCL.

101 Section L L.2.4.3, Section I, Pages 46-47

Q: Specifically, what does the Government expect to be included in this portion of the proposal?

A: See updated Section L Removed

102 Section M M.1.1, Page 51 and M.3.2, Page

Ref: M.1.1, Page 51 which states: This is a competitive, best value, source selection using a tradeoff process that will be conducted in accordance with (IAW) Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 15 and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) Part 215. (italics added) Ref: M.3.2. Page 53 which states: Based on the evaluation factors listed, prime contracts will be awarded to all offerors that receive an Acceptable rating for Factor 1 – IDIQ Management and a Neutral, Satisfactory, or above confidence rating in Factor 2 – Past Performance.

Q: In light of the statement at M.3.2, please clarify the tradeoff process statement in M.1.1.

A: The tradeoff process for this action is the Government’s determination that a “qualifying offeror” (as defined in 2017 NDAA Class Deviation 2018-O0006) requires a “Substantial Confidence” rating, rather than “Satisfactory Confidence” or “Unknown Confidence”.

103 General Q: Based on a review of the clauses, this appears to be a set-aside for an Economically Disadvantaged Woman-Owned, Service Disabled, Veteran Owned Small Business which is also certified as 8(a). Is that correct? This would seem to seriously limit the companies qualified to bid on the opportunity – if any really exist that meet all these criteria.

A: No, that is not correct. This is a 100% Small Business Set-Aside.

If determined appropriate, the Government reserves the right to further restrict the Socio-Economic category at the task order level.

104 General Q: Will the Government be providing labor category descriptions beyond the Program Manager description?

A: Not at the IDIQ level.

105 SOW,

Section L & M

Pg. 16/SOW Para. 6.0;

Pg. 47-48 / Para.

L.3.2.1.1

Recommend the government further define the qualifications of the IDIQ Program Manager (PM) (i.e.: experience managing an IDIQ, degree, PMP) in the SOW and/or Section L and add the evaluation of the IDIQ PM and any other key personnel to Section M.2.2.

A: See updated SOW

Pg./Para. Questions/Comments

106 M-2 Evaluation

Pg. 53 / Para.

M2.3.2

Recommend the government consider basing the past performance evaluation rating on relevancy rather than confidence to make the evaluation more objective and relevant to the IDIQ.

A: See updated Section L

107 L-2 Volume I; M-2 Volume I

Pg. 47, Para.

L2.5 and Pg. 51, Para. M2.1.4

Q: Current Adequate Accounting System Requirements. The Government notes that the “offeror may provide other information that allows the contracting officer to determine that the contractor's accounting system will permit timely development of all necessary cost data for the cost type CLINs and the negotiation of cost in accordance with the FAR and applicable supplements in order to be considered for award”…. Will the Government consider qualified third-party audit assessment and documentation to satisfy this requirement?

A: Only if conducted by another Government Agency. Audits by Commercial entities will not be considered.

108 H Pg 26, H.5(b) Q: “All offerors meeting these criteria shall be provided a contract award.” Paragraph (a)(2) right above states that “Satisfactory or above Past Performance” is required to receive an award. Section M3.2 on page 53 states that “Neutral, Satisfactory or above confidence” is required for award. Can the Government please clarify the minimum Past Performance confidence rating for an award? Will the Government award to an Offeror with a Neutral Past Performance rating?

A: See updated Sections L and M

109 I Pg 32, 52.216-19 Q: This section indicates that the maximum order for a combination of items is $150M. Pg 10 indicates that the maximum order is $100M. Can the Government please normalize?

A: Clause will be corrected on the Final RFP when released to read $100M.

110 L – Instructions to Offerors

Pg. 48, Para.

L4.3

Q: Will the government please clarify what is meant by “all of the work identified in the SCS SOW”? Are offerors required to show past performance in each of the 6 SOW requirement areas, or past performance for each bullet within each of the 6 requirement areas (43 total sub-requirements) in the max of 5 PPI sheets?

A: See updated Sections L, Paragraph L4.2

111 L – Instructions to Offerors

Pg. 49, Para.

L4.5

Q: May Prime Offerors use IDIQ/BPA prime contracts to satisfy relevancy requirement?

A: Yes. However, if a prime contract is used, the offeror must include either the dollar value of the actual performance or the actual number of personnel provided by the offeror, and not just the overall ceiling of the prime contract.

Pg./Para. Questions/Comments

112 Section L – Instructions to Offerors

Pg. 48, Para.

3.2.1.1

Q: This section states “Describe proposed Key Personnel who will be tasked with managing the overall contract for the offeror and explain how the individuals fit within the offeror’s management structure.”

- Can the government confirm “proposed” means Key Personnel can be a contingent hire pending award?

- What is to be submitted for the Key Personnel position? (i.e.

Resume, Name…)

A: This is a business decision made on the part of the offeror, although the Government encourages the use of the PM in development of an offerors proposal.

If proposed Key Personnel are contingent hire pending award, the offeror shall provide a contingent hire letter signed by the individual.

A resume including the name shall be submitted for all identified Key Personnel.

113 Section L – Instructions to Offerors

Pg. 48, Para.

3.2.1.1

Q: This section states “Describe proposed Key Personnel who will be tasked with managing the overall contract for the offeror and explain how the individuals fit within the offeror’s management structure.”

-Are other Key Personnel involved with managing the overall contract to be identified by name with accompanying resumes or only the PM?

A: If an offeror identifies other individuals as Key Personnel, then a name and resume shall be provided.

114 Section L – Instructions to Offerors

Pg. 45, Para.

L2.2

Q: What documentation needs to be provided to validate Top Secret Facility Clearance?

A: Offerors shall provide a written statement certifying possession of a current TS FCL, CAGE code, and identification of the cognizant security office, to include name and phone number of the point of contact.

NOTE: The address of the Prime offeror identified in SAM.gov must match that of the FCL.

115 Section L – Instructions to Offerors

Pg. 48, Para.

L.4.4

Q: Past Performance, the government mentions commercial customer citations, can the government substantiate what it interprets as a commercial citation? (I.e. commercial contract, federal government subcontract, etc.)

A: A commercial customer…