Amendment_0001_to_Solicitation_H98210-15-R-0001.pdf

H98210-15-R-0001

HQ057841990001000

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

30-105-04 EXCEPTION TO SF 30

APPROVED BY OIRM 11-84

STANDARD FORM 30 (Rev. 10-83) Prescribed by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

The purpose of this amendment is to:

a) Post answers to vendor questions against the solicitation;

b) Revise the following areas of the solicitation:

1) PWS paragraph 4.22 Surge Capability has been deleted

2) Paragraph 3.3.1 of Attachment A (Evaluation Factors, Criteria, and Rating Methods) has been revised to reflect that contracts completed within the last five years are considered recent.

Please see the summary of changes for additional information.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE PAGE OF PAGES

S 1 39

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

16C. DATE SIGNED

BY 24-Oct-2014

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 15C. DATE SIGNED 15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

(Signature of Contracting Officer) (Signature of person authorized to sign)

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., Street, County, State and Zip Code) X H98210-15-R-0001

X 9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

09-Oct-2014

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

X The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offer is extended, X is not extended.

Offer must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning 1 copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted;

or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS.

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE

CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(B).

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not, is required to sign this document and return copies to the issuing office.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

10A. MOD. OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 5. PROJECT NO.(If applicable)

6. ISSUED BY

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

24-Oct-2014

CODE

DEFENSE HUMAN RESOURCES ACTIVITY

4800 MARK CENTER DRIVE,

SUITE 07G12

ALEXANDRIA VA 22350-1300

H98210 7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than item 6)

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.

CODE

See Item 6

FACILITY CODE CODE

EMAIL: TEL:

SECTION SF 30 BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

SECTION SF 30 - BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

The following have been added by full text:

Family and Employer Programs and Policy (FEPP) Support Staff Requirement

Solicitation #H98210-15-R-0001

Questions and Answers

Q1. We note that a similar FEPP opportunity was awarded to VIP in June 2014 under H98210-14-R-0003; is this the same solicitation or an extension there of?

A1: The award against solicitation number H98210-14-R-0003 was cancelled. This is a new solicitation.

Q2. Would VIP be considered the “incumbent”? If so, are they eligible to propose their services for this requirement?

A2: This requirement consolidates Contracts H98210-11-D-004, performed by IIF Data Solutions, Inc. and Contract H98210-12-C-0021, performed by A-Team Solutions, LLC. The current solicitation is 100% set aside for small businesses under NAICS code 561110.

Q3. Can the government please confirm that the Past Performance Relevancy Questionnaire (Attachment B) is to be completed by the offeror and not the offeror's customer?

A3: The offeror completes and submits the Past Performance Relevancy Questionnaire in accordance with the solicitation Addendum to 52.212-1, “Instructions to Offerors.”

Q4. How long should the proposal remain valid from the receipt of offers?

A4: The Government requests 90 days.

Q5. Should any specific information regarding the solicitation be included on the exterior of the mailing box?

A5: See the solicitation Addendum to 52.212-1, “Instructions to Offerors,” paragraph 4.

Q6. Does the government have specific instructions regarding formatting, specifically font style, font size, and margins, such as Times New Roman, 11 font?

A6: Font size should be no smaller than 11 pitch, with no less than ½ inch for margins. Font style shall be Times New Roman.

Q7. Is a table of contents required? If so, will it be included in the page count?

A7: A table of contents is not required. However, if one is included in Volume II – Technical, it shall be included in the total page count.

Q8. Do the Past Performance Relevancy Questionnaires count towards the page count for the technical volume or are they excluded from the 35 page response?

A8: The page count is inclusive of all items (i-iii) in Volume II – Technical. This volume as a whole shall not exceed the page count.

Q9. Page 23 Section 9.0 Contractor Travel states in subsection 9.1 “Contractor costs for Government authorized travel are included in this contract. All travel shall be in accordance with FAR 31.205-46 and applicable travel regulations (Joint, Federal or Standardized). Contractor payment claims shall include applicable documentation to support actual costs incurred (e.g. airfare and hotel/lodging receipts) as well as any receipts valued at or above $75.00. Failure to provide appropriate documentation may result in loss of reimbursement of travel expenses.

Question: Are offerors permitted to propose G&A or Material Handling (whichever is the offeror’s standard or disclosed practice) costs on travel in CLINS 0002, 1002 and 2002.

A9: No, as stated in the referenced paragraph in your question, contractor travel costs are reimbursed on an actual cost basis.

Q10. Page 33 of 74 C(i). VOLUME III – Price Proposal Instructions to Offerors) states “Proposed labor categories and fully burdened labor rates for the Base and two Option Periods.”

Question: Does the Government require that offerors provide the required information in any specific format? If so, please specify the required submittal format.

A10: There is no specified format. Offerors should provide information in a format that clearly identifies the required information. Offerors shall also complete the SF 1449 in Volume I.

Q11. Instructions to Offerors – Past Performance References: Could the Government please define “subcontractors past performance”?

A11: Offeror’s shall submit, and the Government will only review, the proposed Prime contractor’s past performance references. Proposed subcontractor past performance references should not be submitted and will not be reviewed.

Q12. Are offerors permitted to cite past performance they performed as a subcontractor?

A12: Yes

Q13. Are offerors permitted to use key personnel past performance as a citation?

A13: This solicitation does not identify Key Personnel positions.

Q14. Evaluation Factors – Are offerors required to provide a small business subcontracting plan?

A14: No.

Q15. Evaluation Factors – Are key personnel resumes required (i.e., the Contract Manager and Program Manager)?

A15: This solicitation does not identify Key Personnel positions. Offerors should submit the information they deem appropriate in response to the solicitation.

Q16. PWS Section 4.22, Surge Capability – Is the Government requesting offerors to price a surge support CLIN? If so, will the Government provide a CLIN and additional details as to support required?

A16: Paragraph 4.22 of the PWS (Surge Capability) has been deleted from the PWS under Amendment 001 to this solicitation.

Q17. PWS Section 4.19, Location of Staff – Are offerors required to arrange workspace with military facilities? Is telecommuting an option where no military facilities/office space exist?

A17: As per PWS 4.19, the contractor shall arrange with local military commands for PST, AST, RCC and EC worksite space at military facilities. Alternate sites are on a case by case basis and when mutually agreed upon by government and contractor.

Q18. PWS Section 10.0, Security Issues – Are offerors required to possess a SECRET clearance?

A18: Reference 10.7. Contractor personnel may be required to obtain and maintain Common Access Cards (CAC) and security badges and adhere to their host installation security requirements. Contract personnel may be required to have a SECRET clearance in order to access the host organization’s computer system. The contractor shall be responsible for all associated costs for security clearances.

Q19. PWS Section 11.0, GFE - Are offerors required to provide computers and mobile phones or is this Government Furnished Equipment?

A19: The contractor will not be required to provide computers or mobile phones.

Q20. We are aware that part of this program was an SBA 8a set-aside program (FEPP Employment Initiative Program (EIP) Support Staff). How did the Government determine this requirement as not applicable to be solicited under the 8a program? Can we have our SBA representative contact you regarding our capabilities to perform this work within the 8a set-aside program?

A20: Information on the Government’s acquisition strategy is not available.

Q21. Instructions to Offerors, Technical, Past Performance References, (RFP page 33) and Evaluation Factors (Attachment A): Subcontractors Past Performance will not be reviewed.

Q21.1. Please clarify whether offerors must provide past performance citations where they have been the prime contractor only, i.e., can an offeror submit a past performance questionnaire for work on which it served as a subcontractor? Can an offeror submit proposed team members’ past performance, either personal or contractual?

A 21.1: See A11, 12 and 13 above

Q21.2. If an offeror has no prime contract experience, can the past performance of proposed key personnel be used as a past performance citation and in a questionnaire?

A21.2: See A11 and A13 above.

Q21.3. Is the restriction on subcontractor past performance (either not performing as a prime or performing as a proposed subcontractor) limited only to past performance questionnaires or is the entire technical proposal subject to this restriction?

A21.3: Offerors shall address items i-iii of volume II as described at page 33 under paragraph B of the solicitation.

Q21.4. Given the proposed value of this contract, along with its historical value (i.e., approximately $40M) and the previous awarded base year (i.e., approximately $10M in 2014), what present/past performance of a small business under a $7.5M size standard would qualify as “very relevant…involve[ing] essentially the same magnitude of effort and complexities this solicitation requires”?

A21.4: All offers will be evaluated in accordance with the evaluation criteria set forth in the solicitation.

Q21.5. What does the Government consider as “essentially the same magnitude of effort and complexity” for small business past performance and is teaming partner experience (as a prime and as a proposed subcontractor) considered at all?

A21.5: See A21.4 above.

Q22. Evaluation Factors, Attachment A, Section 1.4 and subsections, Pass/Fail (RFP page 69).

Q22.1. The solicitation states pass/fail factors will not be used. Is this correct?

A22.1: Yes

Q22.2. If pass/fail factors are not being used, will the Government remove sections

1.4.1 – 1.4.3 which state pass/fail criteria since they will not apply?

A22.2: No, it is not necessary to remove these sections.

Q23. Evaluation Factors, Section 2.1.1, Technical (RFP page 69): small business participation. 1. Are offerors required to provide a small business participation plan even though this is a small business set aside?

A23: No. The cited evaluation factor references small business participation – not a plan.

Q24. Evaluation Factors, Section 3.2.2, Project Management Plan (RFP page 70). 1) Are key personnel resumes required? 2) If so, which positions does the Government deem “key personnel”?

A24: See A15 above

Q25. General Question regarding financial capability of small business offerors to provide services.

Q25.1. Given the estimated contract dollars that will be awarded for this program, do offerors need to provide any proof of capability to demonstrate financial stability/capability?

A25.1: Offerors shall provide the information as directed in the Addendum to 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors

Q25.2. Does the Government intend to evaluate the capability of a small business by such factors used by other agencies for procurements of this size including:

i. compiled financial statements to determine business size based on a revenue-based size standard: Annual receipts of a concern that has been in business for three or more completed fiscal years means the total receipts of the concern over its most recently completed three fiscal years divided by three;

Annual receipts of a concern which has been in business for less than three complete fiscal years means the total receipts for the period the concern has been in business divided by the number of weeks in business, multiplied by 52.

ii. Description of offeror’s financial capacity to perform the contract (i.e. state the amount of the line of credit and provide bank letters).

Q25.3. Without specific criteria in the RFP instructions/evaluation, how does the Government intend to determine the corporate stability/financial capability of a small business to successfully perform this requirement?

A25.2(i-ii) and A25.3: All offers will be evaluated in accordance with the evaluation criteria set forth in the solicitation and the Contracting Officer will make an affirmative determination of responsibility.

Q26. Section 4.22 Surge Capability (RFP page 19).

Q26.1. Is the Government requesting that offerors price “surge support” for this solicitation?

Q26.2: If yes, can the Government provide a CLIN(s) as well as details as to what pricing increment is requested, i.e., the number of hours per labor category (PST, AST, RCC, EC, and MJSS) such as 1,000 PST additional labor?

Q26.3. If the Government is not requesting surge support pricing, is the Government requesting an affirmative statement/demonstrated proof that offerors can provide qualified surge support?

A26.1-3: See A.26 above

Q27. Section 4.3 Training and associated costs are the responsibility of the contractor (RFP page 8).

Q27.1. Can the Government provide an additional CLIN for training support?

A27.1: A CLIN will not be added

Q27.2. Can the Government provide historical pricing data to enable contractors to price this training requirement?

A27.2: No. Training costs can be estimated using available travel/per diem data in accordance with the Joint Travel Regulation.

Q27.3: Is initial training for the entire contract or is initial training for new (non-incumbent) employees upon contract award or vacancy fill?

A27.3: Initial training is for new (non-incumbent) employees.

Q27.4: Has training historically been the financial responsibility of the contractor?

A27.4: Yes.

Q27.5: Will the Government provide historical annual training content so that contractors can accurately estimate the workload and price for this requirement?

A27.5: See paragraph 4.3.1 of the PWS.

Q27.6. Does the Government require formal/in-person training for new hires or is a remote, informal training session permissible?

A27.6: Yes. Face-to-face is the primary method.

Q28. Section 4.19 (RFP page 10) and Section 11.0 (RFP page 24).

Q28.1: Is this work currently performed onsite at military facilities or offsite?

A28.1. See A17 above.

Q28.2: Are there current agreements in place between the incumbent contractor and military facilities for workspace?

A28.2: No. Informal workspace agreements exist on a state-by-state basis between the military facility and the ESGR state committee.

Q28.3. Are contractors allowed to independently contract with military facilities to secure workspace for non-Governmental employees?

A28.3: The contractor may contact (not contract) military facilities in accordance with paragraph 11.0 of the PWS.

Q28.4: Can the Government clarify if it is the contractor’s responsibility to work with military installations to find workspace for FEPP contractor personnel? If a military installation does not have workspace or is unwilling to provide that workspace, what alternatives will the Government accept in terms of workspace?

A28.4: See A17 above.

Q28.5: Is remote work/telecommuting allowed for this contract?

A28.5. See A17 above.

Q28.6&7: Is the contractor responsible for providing all computers (CAC enabled), phones, and office supplies for personnel? If yes, can the Government provide additional CLINS for ODCs (i.e., equipment including computers and phones)?

A28.6&7. See A19 above. Office supplies are supported by state committee budget.

Q28.8. Are the current FEPP contractor personnel using Government Furnished Property/Equipment?

A28.8: See A19 above.

Q29. Section 10.0, Security Issues (RFP page 23-24).

Q29.1. Does the requirement for Risk Management Framework (RMF) (sections 10.1-10.4) apply to industry as these requirements are not currently required on the industry side but they are required on the government side?

A29.1. No. Offeror is not expected to operate IT systems on behalf of the Government.

Q29.2: Are offerors required to have an ATO/IATO for RMF for their IT systems at the time of proposal submission?

A29.2. No. See A29.1 above.

Q29.3: If not, what are offerors required to submit in their proposals to satisfy this requirement?

A29.3: See A29.2 above.

Q30. Section 10.7, SECRET clearance (RFP page 24).

Q30.1: Given that “contract personnel may be required to have a SECRET clearance” is it a requirement of this contract that the offeror possess an active SECRET facilities clearance?

A30.1. No.

Q30.2: Will the Government sponsor a successful offeror for a SECRET facilities clearance?

A30.2: No. See A30.1 above

Q30.3: Will the Government identify which positions/locations require a SECRET clearance?

A30.3 Historically a SECRET clearance has not be required for these positions/locations. However the security clearance requirement for a position/location could change.

Q30.4. When will a DD254 be issued?

A30.4. A DD254 is not required.

Q30.5. What is the process for contractors to be able to obtain a CAC?

A30.5 The Security Manager of the vendor completes a Visit Authorization Request (VAR) and DLAH 1728 on each selected candidate. They are submitted to the Agency Trusted Agent (TA), who reviews, signs and processes the DLAH 1728 and VAR [in our case] to DLA who verifies if an investigation is required, type and date clearance investigation was completed, returns the approved form to TA who accomplishes the Trusted Agent Sponsor System (TASS) application for CAC Issuance.

Q31. Non-displacement of Qualified Workers (FAR 52.222-17) (RFP page 56 – 60)

Q31.1. Can the Government provide a current duty roster as well as the ncumbents’ anniversary dates to enable accurate pricing?

A31.1: The Government will provide the certified employee list to the awardee in accordance with FAR 52.222-17, paragraph (e)(2).

Q31.2. Can the Government provide the DOL wage determination code and locations for each incumbent employee in accordance with the Service Contract Act as referenced in section 52.222-17 sub-paragraphs a – l (RFP pages 56-60)?

A31.2: Not applicable, clause 52.222-41 -- Service Contract Labor Standards, is not included this solicitation.

Q31.3. Given a 10-day right of first refusal by law, as referenced in FAR 52.222-17 and the solicitation clauses page 56-60) how does the Government expect offerors to provide a 15-day transition of employees?

A31.3: Offerors shall address their hiring plan as stated in paragraph 3.2.2.2 under the Evaluation Factor Criteria at page 70 of the solicitation.

Q32. General Question regarding small business caveat/size standard:

Q32.1. It is our understanding that this program will represent a merger of two contracts – FEPP Staff Support and FEPP Employment Initiative Program (EIP) Support Staff. The FEPP Staff Support contract currently being an unrestricted solicitation under NAICS Code 561110 and the FEPP EIP Support Staff contract currently being an 8a set-aside for NAICS 541612. Since one of the component programs is currently part of the SBA 8a set-aside program, why is the solicitation not set aside for SBA 8a contractors?

A32.1: Acquisition strategy information is not available

Q32.2. We have requested our SBA representative contact DHRA to further inquire as to why this program has been taken out of the 8a set-aside program as we have the capability to perform this work and are not aware of any market research that would support it being re-competed for small business and not 8a. How did the

Government make the determination for a small business set-aside (with no caveats) for NAICS code 561110?

A32.2: Acquisition strategy information is not available

Q33. Will the government provide or release any publically available information about the major cause(s) why the previous contract to VIP was cancelled?

A33: This question is not relevant to the solicitation.

Q34. Do any of the positions of this requirement fall under the service contract act?

A34: No.

Q35. There are no instructions on font size, graphics, page size, margins, etc. Does the government want anything specific, or is that left up to the contractor’s judgment?

A35: See A6 above

Q36. Attachment A. paragraphs 1.4 through 1.4.3 seem to be non-applicable due to the check box in 1.4 indicating that Pass/fail will not be used. Recommend deleting these paragraphs for clarity.

Q36A: Noted without the recommend change to the solicitation.

Q37. Paragraph 4.22 indicates that the contractor must have a surge capability. What does the government anticipate may be requirements for surge? (Types and number of staff? Etc.). Will surge activity be funded under a contract modification if needed? What is the response time for surge capability?

A37: See A16 above

Q38. Instructions to Offerors, pg 33. Para B. ii states that subcontractors Past Performance will not be reviewed. This is a large contract, where appropriate teaming with subcontractors (both large and small) could represent the best value to the government. It is also unlikely that a small business under the $7.5M size standard will have 5 relevant and recent past performance references. Recommend that subcontractor past performance be reviewed and evaluated.

A38: Noted without change to the cited paragraph of the solicitation.

Q39. Under Instructions to Offerors, Past Performance evaluation reads that subcontractors past performance will not be evaluated. Is it the Government’s intention to severely restrict competition? With this being, at a minimum, a $11m a year program, and the size standard being $7.5m, the amount of qualified small businesses capable of performing this contract alone is very limited. Many small businesses under this size standard will be unable to substantiate the magnitude, which is cited as an evaluated element.

A39: Acquisition strategy information is not available

Q40. Why is the Government limiting past performance to the Prime only? To avoid concerns regarding ostensible subcontractor, would you consider allowing subcontractor past performance if the Prime substantiated their support by a percentage? For example, if a company is proposed to support 20% or greater of the work, as evidenced by prime/sub on a staffing/pricing table, their past performance would be evaluated.

A40: Acquisition strategy information is not available

Q41. Will the Government consider increasing past performance references to 5 years, in order to drive more competition?

A41: Yes, Attachment A, paragraph 3.1.1., page 71 of the solicitation is revised under amendment 001 of this solicitation to reflect five years.

Q42. PWS paragraph 4.21.4.25, is this annual training conducted for all ECs or just the Technical Advisors? Will it be conducted by FEPP HQ personnel or the contractor? Are resources provided or recommended to the contractor by HQ personnel or is it the contractors responsibility to develop that content?

A42: Reference 4.21.4.25. Ensure all ECs are provided career counselor training annually to assure competence and currency in the latest innovations, trends, and techniques in identifying career employment opportunities. The training will be provided by the contractor. Development of training material content is the responsibility of the vendor. The government will validate content and be final approval authority for proposed instructors and overall delivery of training.

Q43. In the PWS, item 10.7 says that contractor personnel may be required to obtain and maintain a CAC. In 11.0 it states all contract staff have to have CAC enabled work computer connectivity. These statements are contradictory.

A43. Work requires the use of CAC enabled computer. Such computers require a CAC card.

Q44. Do all employees currently utilize military emails, or are they using company email addresses? If it is company, does the government intend to start transitioning to military during the current option year, or will it happen during the new contract start date? What is the anticipated length of time to obtain a military email.

A44: Reference 11.0. Arrange for all contract staff to have CAC enabled work computer connectivity that includes having a military email (.mil) account.

Q45. Are these employees covered under the Service Contract Act? Our understanding of the Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers was only applicable to employees covered under the SCA.

A45: No. FAR clause 52.222-17 is not restricted to the Service Contract.

Q46. In regards to pg. 24 section 10.7 will you be sponsoring and issuing the contractor a DD 254 for facility clearance?

A46: A DD254 is not required.

SECTION SF 1449 - CONTINUATION SHEET

The following have been modified:

ATTACHMENT A:

Evaluation Factors, Criteria, and Rating Methods

1.0 INTRODUCTION.

1.1 All proposals will be evaluated by the Source Selection Evaluation Board in accordance with the factors and criteria established in the Source Selection Plan (SSP) and in the Request for Proposal (RFP). The criteria provide the basis upon which each evaluation will be based, are established before receipt of the proposals, and are intended to ensure that the evaluation will be a structured process employing equitable measures. Proposals will be evaluated and a contract awarded under the Best Value Continuum approach, to the responsible Offeror whose offer is considered the most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered.

1.2. The Government intends to evaluate proposals and make award without discussions. The Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if the Contracting Officer later determines discussions to be necessary.

1.3 Offerors are cautioned that “parroting” of the PWS with a statement of intent to perform does not reflect understanding of the requirement or capability to perform.

1.4. Pass/Fail Pass/Fail Factor(s) ___ will _X_ will not be used

1.4.1. The purpose of the pass/fail factor(s) is to determine the offeror’s ability to fully meet critical eligibility/performance requirement(s).

1.4.2. Offers that meet all of the established criteria will receive a “Pass” rating and will receive further consideration for award.

1.4.3. Offers that do not meet part or all of the established criteria will receive a “Fail” rating and will be ineligible for award and will not be further evaluated.

2.0. EVALUATION FACTORS

2.1. Technical.

2.1.1. The purpose of the technical factor is to assess the offeror’s proposed approach, as detailed in its proposal, to satisfy the Government’s requirements. There are many aspects which may affect an offeror’s ability to meet the solicitation requirements to include technical approach, risk, management approach, personnel qualifications, facilities, small business participation and others. The evaluation of risk is related to the technical assessment.

2.1.2. Risk assesses the degree to which the offeror’s proposed technical approach for the requirements of the solicitation may cause disruption of schedule, increased costs, degradation of performance, the need for increased Government oversight, or the likelihood of unsuccessful contract performance. Risk will be assessed as one aspect of the technical factor rating.

2.1.3. Any proposal receiving a rating of “Unacceptable” is deemed to have a risk that is so high that award cannot be made against the proposal and the proposal will not be further evaluated.

2.2. Past Performance.

2.2.1. The Past Performance Evaluation results in an assessment of the offeror’s probability of meeting the solicitation requirements, based on past performance information. The Performance Confidence Assessment rating is assessed as an overall factor after evaluating aspects of the offeror’s recent past performance, focusing on performance that is relevant to the technical factors and cost or price.

2.2.2. Recency refers to the state or quality of being current. The more recent the contract, the greater the likelihood that the offeror has the capacity to perform in a like manner. Information regarding contract performance that is recent and has a logical connection with the matter under consideration indicates relevancy.

3.0. EVALUATION FACTOR CRITERIA

3.1. Pass/Fail Factor – see paragraph 1.4. above

3.2. Criteria for Technical Factor

3.2.1 Element A: Technical Approach and Methodology

3.2.1.1 By addressing each portion of the PWS, proposals shall describe the offeror's understanding of the requirement, assessment of the objectives to be accomplished, methodology for accomplishing the requirement.

3.2.2 Element B: Project Management Plan

3.2.2.1 The proposal shall describe the offeror’s approach for providing complete program management support that will fully integrate, manage, control, and document all phases of the contract requirements. Proposals shall describe the project management and staffing plans and assess how they will demonstrate the offeror’s approach for providing the corporate resources necessary to ensure and maintain service quality levels, staffing levels, training, and risk management.

3.2.2.2 Hiring plan shall demonstrate how offeror will fill 50 percent of vacancies within 15 days of contract award, 75 percent within 30 days, and 100 percent by 45 days.

3.2.3 Element C: Quality Control Plan

The proposal shall describe the Offeror's approach for instituting and maintaining a capability to ensure the quality and integrity of services/products, including at least: (1) management and task controls to assure work will be completed as required; (2) contingency plans for identifying and correcting problems; (3) and steps that would be taken to assure timely delivery of quality products.

3.3. Criteria for Past Performance Factor Confidence Assessment. The Government will conduct a performance confidence assessment based upon the past performance of major or critical aspects of the requirement as it relates to the probability of successfully performing the solicitation requirements.

3.3.1. The Government will consider each offeror’s demonstrated, current, relevant record of performance in supplying products and services that meet the contract’s requirement. Contracts completed within the last five years are generally considered recent.

3.3.2. In conducting the performance risk evaluation, the Government may use data provided by the offeror and data obtained from other sources it considers current and accurate, including the Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS).

3.4. Criteria for Price Factor. The Government anticipates that adequate price competition will establish a fair and reasonable price. However, if the Government does not receive adequate price competition, it will evaluate price proposals to ensure price reasonableness of the services being provided to the Government, considering the specific terms and conditions and relevant commercial practices.

4.0. ORDER OF IMPORTANCE.

4.1. Proposals will be evaluated based on best value to the Government using the trade-off approach. For this solicitation, factors are listed below in descending order of importance.

Price will be evaluated separately and will not be scored.

1. Technical

2. Past Performance

3. Price

4.2. Technical and Past Performance, when combined, are significantly more important than cost or price.

5.0. RATING METHODS

5.1. Technical Factor: One of the following ratings will be assigned:

TECHNICAL RATINGS

Rating Definition Outstanding The proposal exceeds stated requirements, as reflected through an innovative, comprehensive, outstanding approach. The response is complete in terms of the basic content and level of information the Government seeks for evaluation. There is a high probability of success and minimal risk that this Offeror would fail to meet the quantity, quality, and schedule requirements. Minor weaknesses, if any, need not be corrected to make award.

Acceptable The proposal meets the stated requirements. The response is considered complete in terms of the basic content and level of information the Government seeks for evaluation. There is a reasonable probability of success and little risk that this Offeror would fail to meet the quantity, quality, and schedule requirements. Minor weaknesses, if any, may not need to be corrected to make award.

Marginal The proposal does not clearly meet the requirements and has not demonstrated an adequate approach and understanding of the requirements.

The proposal has one or more weaknesses which are not offset by strengths.

Risk of unsuccessful performance is high.

Unacceptable The proposal fails to meet the stated requirements. The response is considered deficient in terms of basic content and level of information the Government seeks for evaluation. The degree of risk is so high that an award cannot be made against the proposal. Any proposal receiving this rating will not be further evaluated.

5.2. Past Performance Factor – Relevancy and Confidence Assessment:

5.2.1. One of the following Relevancy ratings will be assigned:

PAST PERFORMANCE RELEVANCY RATINGS

Rating Definition Very Relevant Present/past performance effort involved essentially the same magnitude of effort and complexities this solicitation requires.

Relevant Present/past performance effort involved much of the magnitude of effort and complexities this solicitation requires.

Somewhat Relevant

Present/past performance effort involved some of the magnitude of effort and complexities this solicitation requires.

Not Relevant Present/past performance effort did not involve any of the magnitude of effort and complexities this solicitation requires.

5.2.2. The combination of relevancy and recency, and performance documented by the information collected by the Government, results in the selection of a performance confidence assessment as outlined below.

PERFORMANCE CONFIDENCE ASSESSMENTS

Rating Description Substantial Confidence

Based on the offeror’s performance record, the Government has a high expectation that the offeror will successfully perform the required effort.

Satisfactory Confidence

Based on the offeror’s performance record, the Government has an expectation that the offeror will successfully perform the required effort.

Limited Based on the offeror’s performance record, the Government has a

Confidence low expectation that the offeror will successfully perform the required effort.

No Confidence Based on the offeror’s performance record, the Government has no expectation that the offeror will successfully perform the required effort.

Unknown Confidence

No relevant performance record is available or the offeror’s performance record is so sparse that no meaningful confidence assessment rating can be reasonably assigned.

5.3. Price Factor: Price proposals will not be rated.

Performance Work Statement

FAMILY AND EMPLOYER PROGRAMS AND POLICY (FEPP)

SUPPORT STAFF

1.0 INTRODUCTION. The Family and Employer Programs and Policy (FEPP) mission requires support within all 50 states, three Territories and the District of Columbia to three major components: Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), Yellow Ribbon Reintegration

Program (YRRP) and Employment Initiative Program (EIP).

2.0 BACKGROUND.

2.1 In 2010 the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs (ASD RA) consolidated the functions of ESGR, YRRP and Individual and Family Support Policy (IFSP) under FEPP.

Both ESGR and YRRP have support staff in the field as well as at each Reserve Component

Headquarters. See: http://www.esgr.mil/Service-Members-Family/Find-a-Job.aspx and http://ra.defense.gov/programs/fepp/ for more information about these programs and their missions.

2.2 EIP is a key component of addressing under/unemployment faced by the men and women in the Guard and Reserve. It utilizes a high-tech / high-touch approach to foster employer partnerships and delivers employment assistance to Guard and Reserve Service members via the

Veterans Employment Center (VEC) website www.ebenefits.va.gov/jobs, individualized case management and participation in job fairs and Yellow Ribbon Reintegration events. The EIP requires support to provide RC Service members employment case management and program administrative level support.

2.2.1 The Mobile Job Store Scheduler (MJSS) functions within the EIP and assists in the scheduling and coordination of the Mobile Job Store vehicle throughout the continental United

States.

3.0 SCOPE. The Contractor shall:

3.1 Provide all personnel management, materials and equipment necessary to provide the

FEPP and its major components with program administrative, logistical, and technical support and subject matter expert services. (Technical Exhibit A - Support Staff state-by-state required office locations and allocations; Technical Exhibit B reflects the structure of ESGR and EIP.)

3.2 Provide Program Support Technicians (PST) and Administrative Support Technicians

(AST) to provide staff level support, primarily in relation to the efforts associated with the respective State Committees (SC) within the four ESGR regions and 54 SCs representing ESGR and within HQ ESGR located in Northern Virginia. This PST and AST support shall be in close coordination and cooperation with the SC Chair, HQ ESGR, and with all RC leadership where the position is physically located.

3.3 Provide Reserve Component Coordinators (RCC) support the Army National Guard, Air http://www.esgr.mil/Service-Members-Family/Find-a-Job.aspx http://ra.defense.gov/programs/fepp/

National Guard, Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Air Force Reserve and

Coast Guard Reserve. The primary focus is providing subject matter expertise in YRRP and

ESGR programs at the respective RC Headquarters.

3.4 Provide Employment Coordinators (EC) to support the EIP within all 50 States, Territories and the District of Columbia in providing Service member employment assistance, case management and program administrative level support.

3.5 Provide a Mobile Job Store Scheduler (MJSS) to coordinate administrative planning for the H2H Mobile Job Store (MJS).

4.0 REQUIREMENTS. The Contractor shall:

4.1 Work in close coordination and cooperation with resident Guard/Reserve leadership and partnering employment assistance agencies at the national, state and local levels.

4.2 Provide the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and applicable State Committee

Chair a list of personnel selected for the PST, AST, RCC, and EC positions and update the listing as changes occur.

4.3 Ensure attendance and completion of initial (within 45 days of new hire start date) and annual training for the FEPP support staff. Training and its associated costs are the responsibility of the contractor. Validation of training content with YRRP, EIP, the ESGR

Program Integration and Training (PIT) and Operations (OPS) Directorates is essential. Select

FEPP HQ’s personnel will be available to augment initial and annual refresher training. Initial training will orient support staff to organization programs and initiatives. Annual face to face training will be conducted to reinforce FEPP program requirements, provide updates on program changes, and to improve support staff performance.

4.3.1 Track compliance of support staff completion of the following training within 5-days of starting work and annually thereafter: DoD Privacy Act Training (PII), DoD Information

Assurance/Cyber Awareness Training (IA) and DoD Ethics Training. Provide documentation of completion of training to the Contract Officer Representative (COR) and the ESGR PIT

Directorate.

DoD PII Training Hyperlinks to training:

Identifying and Safeguarding Personally Identifiable Information (PII) http://iase.disa.mil/eta/piiv2/launchpage.htm

Privileged User IA Responsibilities http://iase.disa.mil/eta/priv_user_ia_resp/launchpage.htm

DoD Information Assurance Certification and Accreditation Process http://iase.disa.mil/eta/diacap/index.htm

4.3.2 Track compliance of State Committee volunteers who have access to FEPP-related http://iase.disa.mil/eta/piiv2/launchpage.htm http://iase.disa.mil/eta/priv_user_ia_resp/launchpage.htm http://iase.disa.mil/eta/diacap/index.htm

Information Technology (IT) systems and any area containing personal information complete annual (PII) and (IA) training. Contractor will obtain training web links from the HQ ESGR

Program Integration and Training Directorate and disseminate to the State Committees. All new volunteers that are provided ESGR portal access or access to any personal information will complete the annual training within 30-days of affiliation to ensure compliance. Contractor will submit written confirmation to the COR annually, attesting to compliance of all State

Committee’s PII and IA training. Non-compliant members of a State Committee must be identified and reported by the Contractor to the COR. Contractor must maintain training completion records and be able to provide by State Committee, or individual, upon request of

COR.

4.3.3 Conduct quarterly Go-to-Meeting training sessions for contract staff. Sessions will address State Committee performance shortfalls and staff knowledge gaps.

4.4 Have knowledge of ESGR, YRRP, and EIP programs, activities, and services.

4.5 Have knowledge, experience, and skills in the areas of military personnel and human resource matters, especially as they relate to balancing civilian employment with military service.

4.6 Have knowledge of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act

(USERRA) of 1994 related DoD Directives and Instructions, respective RC policies and instructions, and state laws or policies governing the resolution of employer issues or concerns.

4.7 Provide input and recommendation for program improvement of the assigned areas of the

ESGR program to ensure compliance with ESGR’s policies and guidance.

4.8 Provide the ability to assist in the establishment and management of a volunteer program, including recruiting, developing and maintaining a list of Committee members and volunteers, maintaining records of volunteer contributions, and establishing a system for recognizing their contributions and those of employers of RC members.

4.9 Establish working relationships with FEPP customers (Employers and National Guard and Reserve members), stakeholders (Office of the Secretary of Defense, Uniformed Services, and ESGR Volunteer Committees), strategic partners (other governmental entities) and strategic alliances (non-governmental entities).

4.10 Communicate effectively both in writing and orally, to include experience in public speaking.

4.11 Have the ability to work in close coordination with other contractors within the respective

SC to further ESGR Strategic Goals and Objectives as defined and promulgated by ESGR. In some cases, SC management/leadership may be manned by military personnel. In all cases, contractor personnel must be able to work in harmony with all assigned SC leadership in order to successfully reach/accomplish the ESGR Strategic Goals and Objectives as defined and promulgated by ESGR.

4.12 Have knowledge of FEPP guidance, rules, regulations, and instructions.

4.13 Demonstrate a high level of proficiency in using various Microsoft Office applications

(Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and ability to communicate via E-mail using Outlook. Need to become familiar & proficient in Defense Travel System, Individual Case Management System, and various DoD training applications packages (i.e. IA, suspense tracking systems) as required.

4.14 Have the ability to apply analytical tools and techniques to the interpretation of collected data and unsolicited feedback on the program’s success or failure.

4.15 Have strong organizational management, supervisory, and interpersonal skills.

4.16 Support the development of the SC annual spending plan.

4.17 Have an understanding of the Joint Ethics Regulations as they apply to volunteers representing DoD – specifically, the use of appropriated funds, gifts, travel, and relationships with non-DoD organizations (public sector, private sector, and non-profit organizations).

4.18 Assist but not supplant the volunteer. Contractor shall not hold any of the functional area directors, ombudsman, or area chair positions on the State Committee. The duties related to these positions listed in ESGR 1250.02 shall be performed by volunteers only. Contractors cannot volunteer for any FEPP related duties, positions or assignments.

4.19 Observe duty hours normally performed between 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through

Friday. However, some evening and weekend work may be required in support of ESGR, EIP, and/or YRRP activities, thereby supporting an alternate work schedule arrangement. Arrange with local military commands for PST, AST, RCC and EC work site space at military facilities.

Arrange for all contract staff to have CAC enabled work computer connectivity that includes having a military email (.mil) account.

4.20 Coordinate and provide all logistics for event hosting to the following: support staff hotel lodging, main conference room and break out rooms with professional seating and note taking table space for each attendee, adjacent space for complete marketing fulfillment display, complete audio-visual package that ensures transfer of information to all attendees, student workbooks and contents and printing services. Contractor will facilitate and lead weekly in-progress reviews with the ESGR PIT and OPS Directorates beginning eight weeks prior to the training event.

4.21 Provide qualified personnel to serve as:

4.21.1 Program Support Technician (PST): The PST shall have skill sets necessary to serve as the State Chair’s and HQ ESGR’s primary point of contact and lead support staff members regarding the planning and execution of all State Committee activities in accordance with the guidance in the ESGR Instructions (reference paragraph 8.0 Applicable Documents). Identify four PST, correlating to the ESGR regions, to be technical advisors, communication center points, administrators, and provide a conduit to share the region’s best practices to the regions

SC.

4.21.1.1 The PST shall support the execution of a DoD funded program involving volunteers, subordinate staff members, Reserve Component Service members, and their employers. The individual shall be responsible for supporting the effective and efficient operations of the State

Committee by providing support to the operational oversight and monitoring of program implementation and coordination of program services. The challenges associated with this position are amplified by having to provide this support to a “volunteer” organization with its complex personnel interaction dynamics.

4.21.1.2 The PST must work successfully in a fully joint environment (routinely interacting with

General Officers and senior State and DoD civilians) and with the State Department of Labor

(DoL) and Veterans Affairs (VA) executives.

4.21.1.3 The PST serves as the primary staff support to the State Committee Chair, by interacting with Headquarters ESGR and OASD/RA military advisors; likewise, this individual will support the State Committee Chair by interacting routinely with the Regional Deputy

Directors (RDD) of the ESGR Operations (OPS) Directorate. To meet the challenges of this position, candidates must have a strong program management support and customer service support background.

4.21.1.4 The PST shall perform duties and responsibilities as described in ESGRI 1250.02. The

PST shall be designated as the lead Full Time Support (FTS) in their respective State / Territory for all FTS personnel except RCC’s. If no AST is assigned, the PST will also be responsible for the duties outlined in the AST section of this PWS.

4.21.1.5 Coordinate the activities of the AST when applicable..

4.21.1.6 Review budget exhibits and reports. Notify the respective RDD when expenditures are not consistent with SC Annual Spend Plans. Ensure all budget reports are submitted within prescribed timelines. Report all discrepancies to the applicable RDD.

4.21.1.7 Assess the requirements for master…