Government_response_to_JAMRS_RFP_Industry_Questions_-_Final_7.25.2018.xlsx

XLSX spreadsheet 33 KB Posted Jul 25, 2018

Attached to: JAMRS Marketing Communications
Solicitation number: H98210-18-R-0004
Issued by: Defense Human Resources Activity

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Written by GovTribe AI · Dec 31, 2023

This notice announces a forthcoming solicitation for marketing, branding and communications services. The Defense Human Resources Activity will issue a full and open solicitation on behalf of the Joint Advertising, Market Research and Studies program to acquire services including advertising, direct marketing, public relations, and strategic planning to support recruitment programs across all military branches. The anticipated contract type is a single-award firm fixed-price requirements contract with a one-year base period and five one-year options. The solicitation is expected to release on May 14, 2018 with an estimated award in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019. The services procured will support marketing databases and programs operated by the Joint Advertising, Market Research and Studies program in support of personnel acquisition goals for the Department of Defense.

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Attachment 8 - Government Responses to Industry Questions

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File	Type	Posted
Revised_Q&A_-Government_response_to_JAMRS_RFP_Industry_Questions_-_Final_7.30.2018.xlsx	XLSX spreadsheet	Jul 31, 2018
H9821018R0004_0002.doc	DOC document	Jul 31, 2018
H9821018R0004_0001.doc	DOC document	Jul 25, 2018
Attachment_7_-_Contract_Pricing_Table_final_7_25_18.xlsx	XLSX spreadsheet	Jul 25, 2018
Attachment_2_-_Sample_Task_2__final.Rev_7.25.18.doc	DOC document	Jul 25, 2018
Attachment_4_-_SBPCD__6.13.18.docx.doc	DOC document	Jul 6, 2018
Attachment_1_-_Sample_Task_1__6.29.18_final.doc	DOC document	Jul 6, 2018
Attachment_5_-_Agency_Challenge__6.13.18.docx.doc	DOC document	Jul 6, 2018
Attachment_6_-_Sample_Task_Order_Pricing_Instructions_-_Phase_II_Offerors_final.docx	DOCX document	Jul 6, 2018
Attachment_3_-_PPRQ__6.13.18.docx.doc	DOC document	Jul 6, 2018
Attachment_7_-_Contract_Pricing_Table_final.xlsx	XLSX spreadsheet	Jul 6, 2018
H9821018R0004_180706.docx	DOCX document	Jul 6, 2018
Draft_RFP_QandA_7.3.18.pdf	PDF	Jul 3, 2018
180615_OPA_Marketing_Comm_DRAFT_Sol.docx	DOCX document	Jun 15, 2018

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Sheet1

Question	Reference in the Solicitation Document	Text Reference and/or Page number	Question	Government Response
1	RFP, 4.3.1, 8	Promoting OPA/JAMRS advertising and other marketing initiatives such as FUTURES magazine and web properties through PR communication channels.	What PR channels does the government currently use to promote OPA/JAMRS advertising and marketing initiatives?	Typically used press releases, social media (Facebook, twitter & Instagram), newswire, brochures, magazines, PSAs (radio & television), brand ambassadors, and earned media campaigns.
2	RFP, 4.3.2, 8	Assisting Government in responding to DoD public affairs media queries with media relations efforts.	Would the government please provide and approximate number of media queries that OPA/JAMRS typically fields each month?	Frequency of media requests range from 0 to 5 times a month.
3	RFP, 4.3.4, 8	Maintaining and updating existing crisis communications plans and working with OPA/JAMRS to help defuse issues that arise.	Does OPA/JAMRS currently have an overarching strategic communications plan under which the crisis communications plans nest?	The Government is working to draft an OPA Communication Plan while simultaneously updating our JAMRS Public Affairs Guidance which will include some crisis communications planning/talking points by topic.
4	RFP, 4.3.5, 8	Conducting in person media training with OPA/JAMRS personnel, such as developing messages, understanding the media and preparing for an interview.	Does this training differ from the marketing training contemplated in section 4.13? If so, approximately how many media trainings per year does OPA/JAMRS expect to conduct? Will this primarily be Senior Leader media training?	Section 4.3.5 is different from the marketing training in section 4.13 in that 4.3.5 is specific to media training for OPA/JAMRS leadership whereas 4.13 is training on all aspects of market communications/advertising for recruitment personnel. Media training typically occurs infrequently (e.g., one or twice every five years).
5	RFP, 4.12, 10	Conduct brand strategy research, special studies, analysis and reporting.	Approximately how many brand strategy research, special studies, analyses, and reports does the government anticipate per year.	Quantity varies per year but typically one set of focus groups (3 groups per day, for two days as an average) a year to get reactions to FUTURES as well as usability testing for one website a year.
6	RFP, 4.12.2, 10	Conduct user testing for OPA/JAMRS websites and implement Government approved site updates based upon testing recommendations.	Is this task relegated to user testing solely on OPA/JAMRS digital properties or is it open to other branches as well? If the latter, approximately how many websites will the government require user testing for per year?	At this time, it is not expected that user testing for the Services' websites will be a requirement as most of the Services have existing contracts in place to test their sites. However, it is feasible under section 4.16 Branding, Advertising and Marketing Support of Other OSD Stakeholders, an OSD stakeholder could utilize this contract for user testing support but user testing for other stakeholders will likely be infrequent or not at all during the life of the contract.
7	RFP, 4.12.1, 10	Develop a thorough understanding of the DoD markets (e.g., parents, educators, recruiters and youth) to develop persuasive, effective communications.	What methods will the government typically use to develop an understanding of the DoD markets? Is the contractor authorized to develop surveys, focus groups, or to conduct in depth interviews with appropriate audiences? Or is this research primarily gained through literature reviews and other secondary research?	OPA/JAMRS conducts market research through another contract vehicle as well as relies on literature reviews and other secondary research such as Monitoring the Future and findings from PEW Research Center. Any findings from OPA/JAMRS funded market research will be shared with the market communications contractor of record.
8	RFP, General	(3) Past Performance citations from Prime.	Would the government consider expanding this requirement to allow at least one past performance from a major subcontractor? Expanding this requirement would be considerably more inclusive of various pursuit approaches – including those of qualified, small business led teams.	The Government shall evaluate Past Performance in accordance with RFP section 3.4
9	RFP, General	_	Given the size and complexity of this RFP, would the government consider providing an extension to this contract?	Please refer to issued amendment for whether an extension to the closing date has been granted.
10	Sample Task 2, 4.3.1, 2	Conduct strategic research via communications check (focus groups) of the near final draft version of Futures magazine to understand the communication and appeal of the publication in order to optimize what it offers to high school guidance counselors and students.	Does the government have specific markets that it prefers the contractor use for this task?	The sample task Section 6.0 was modified to specify that the focus groups should be conducted in two major markets in different areas of the country (excluding the National Capital Region).
11	Sample Task 2, 4.6, 2	Provide as-needed client media counsel and crisis communication planning with regard to crises and/or issues management on behalf of JAMRS.	Does the government have an approximate frequency of these inquiries to help with level of effort determinations?	Frequency of media requests range from 0 to 5 times a month.
12	RFP, General	_	The government’s current evaluation plan to limit past performance to the Prime contractor only (not considering major subcontractors) appears to limit competition. As written, only large businesses as primes could be considered for award; this excludes small business teams with relevant and deep domain expertise from consideration. Would the government consider expanding the Past Performance requirement to allow past performances from major subcontractors in support of small business teams?	The Government shall evaluate Past Performance in accordance with RFP section 3.4
13	N/A	N/A	Who is the incumbent prime contractor for this contract?	MULLENLOWE U.S., INC., Boston, MA
14	N/A	N/A	Who are the current prime contractors’ subcontractors (including small business subcontractors) supporting the current contract?	The Government will not disclose this information.
15	N/A	N/A	What is the awarded value of the incumbent contract?	$162,746,717.64
16	N/A	N/A	Due to the overall requirements for the phase I submission, will the government consider extending the submission date and additional 4 weeks?	Please refer to issued amendment 0001 for whether an extension to the closing date has been granted.
17	PWS	2, p.7	Does this include Special Operation Forces?	OPA/JAMRS focuses its corporate advertising efforts on creating awareness of, interest in and preference for the military which includes Special Operation Forces
18	PWS	3, p.7	We will be given access to the recent recruiting efforts used by the different branches of the military?	No. JAMRS outreach is joint in nature and aims to create a more receptive recruiting environment for all the Services. Knowledge of Service specific recruiting initiatives is not a requirement. Section 3.0 is hereby modified to read "The Contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, materials and management to provide a full range of marketing, corporate branding, and communications (including advertising, direct marketing, database marketing, interactive marketing, public relations, and planning/research) that complements and supports all of the military Services’... " rather than each of the military Services.
19	PWS	4.1, p.7	Can the Government provide any additional information on the current tools and systems used to manage the direct marketing program?	The direct marketing/recruiting database is a government owned, contractor operated system that resides in a commercial data environment. The system is compliant with NIST RMF requirements and has an Authority to Operate. Primary Security Control Set: NIST SP 800-53 Revision 4; Confidentiality/Integrity/Availability: M/M/L; Overlays: Privacy
19a	PWS	4.1, p.7	Additionally, can the Government provide examples of its current micro-targeting?	Currently, OPA/JAMRS is not conducting micro targeting.
20	PWS	4.2, p.7	Can the Government provide an estimate of what it currently spends on online advertising (mentioned in 4.2) versus “traditional” advertising?	This figure varies by fiscal year and is dependent on the availability of marketing funds. In the current FY, it is estimated that 30% of media spend will be on digital and 70% on traditional advertising.
21	PWS	4.2.1, p.7	Can the Government confirm the technology platforms on which its websites (, todaysmilitary.com, myfuture.com, jamrs.defense.gov, dmren.org, medicineandthemilitary.com and OPA/JAMRS/DoD’s .mil or .gov ) are currently built?	The contractor will provide hosting for all but JAMRS.defense.gov and OPA.defense.gov. Currently, the todaysmilitary.com, myfuture.com, dmren.org and medicineandthemilitary websites are hosted on a FEDRAMP certified Cloud Service Provider. DMREN.org is the only site that has a custom content management system and is due for sunsetting once OPA.gov is live (ex. late 2019). Armed Forces Public Information Management System (AFPIMS) is the technology platform for the OPA & JAMRS.defense.gov sites.
22	PWS	4.2.3, p.7	Can the Government provide an estimate of how often web content across its various sites is updated? Daily? Weekly? Monthly?	The quantity of updates vary by year, but typically no more than quarterly per site.
23	PWS	4.2.4, p.7	Can the Government confirm which website metrics analysis reporting tool it is currently using?	OPA/JAMRS uses industry standard analytics packages for metric insights on todaysmilitary.com, myfuture.com and medicineandthemilitary.com. Urchin is the analytics package provided by the Defense Media Activity for the Public Web sites of OPA/JAMRS.defense.gov. For the other sites, the reporting and analytic software can be determined by the contractor.
24	PWS	4.2.7, p8	Can the government confirm that Twitter is not one of its current social media platforms in the context of JAMRS?	Section 4.2.7 was updated to include Twitter
25	PWS	4.3.6, p.8	Can the government confirm how many issues of FUTURES Magazine are published each year?	Typically 500,000 copies are printed
26	PWS	4.3.7, p.8	Can the Government estimate how many earned media campaigns it conducts each year?	We typically have two ongoing earned media campaigns each year.
27	PWS	4.4, p.8	Can the Government provide any description of how its current media mix spend is organized and broken down? For example, during the last full calendar year?	This figure varies by year and is dependent on the availability of marketing funds. For instance, in the last full calendar year, no media spend was on traditional advertising. However, in 2018, it is estimated that 30% of media spend will be on digital and 70% on traditional advertising.
28	PWS	4.5, p.8	Can the Government estimate its current spending levels for mass print and broadcast media specifically? Can the Government provide a list or examples of the print publications and broadcast outlets through which JAMRS has been promoted over the course of the past calendar year?	Over the past calendar year (2017), OPA/JAMRS had no mass print spend. During the same time, broadcast media has consisted solely of public service announcements in major markets such as New York, Chicago, Dallas & Los Angeles.
29	PWS	4.7, p. 9	Can the government provide an example of what it means by “corporate image TV”? Also, can the Government provide a list or examples of where its public service announcements have appeared on broadcast? Channels? Programs?	Removed "corporate image TV" language from section 4.7.
30	PWS	4.9, p.9	Can the Government confirm the technology platform on which the current database is built/executed/managed? Also, can the Government confirm the name of the vendor that currently directly manages and operates the database…is it the prime contractor or a subcontractor/vendor? And if subcontractor/vendor, what is the name of this subcontractor/vendor?	The technology platform on which OPA/JAMRS is a computer enclave employing industry standard database, data prep, reporting and secure file transfer servers and campaign management software. The contractor managing the database is Mullen Lowe Advertising Inc. in a commercial data center.
31	PWS	4.11, p.10	Can the Government provide any information related to the past calendar year’s Integrated Media Effectiveness as a bench mark for respondents/bidders?	OPA/JAMRS did not run an integrated media campaign last year. The next paid media campaign is expected to launch this Fall. However, we are currently airing Public Service Announcements launched in FY15 that have had 140,000 airings and produced 951 million impressions and an estimated media value of $27 million.
32	PWS	4.12, p.10	Can the Government provide any estimate of the number of special studies and/or research efforts conducted each calendar year?	Quantity varies per year but typically at least one set of focus groups (3 groups per day, for two days as an average) a year to get reactions to FUTURES as well as usability testing for at least one website a year.
33	PWS	4.12.2, p.10	Can the Government estimate the number of times user testing should be conducted during each calendar year?	User testing is typically conducted after major site restructuring and not all sites are tested each calendar year. On average, only one site is tested each year.
34	PWS	4.12.4, p.11	Can the Government provide a comprehensive list of all “outreach products” it has used within the past calendar year?	Outreach products used within the past calendar year include the annual publication "Futures" Magazine; a Selective Service mailer; the Department's websites Todaysmilitary.com, Myfuture.com and Medicineandthemilitary.com; Influencer focused television spots which are in development; Public Service Announcements, and the Cyber Challenge game at cybermission.tech.
35	PWS	4.13, p.11	How many conferences and seminars should bidders assume are executed each calendar year?	OPA/JAMRS hosts one conference/seminar annually.
36	PWS	4.14.6, p.11	Can the Government provide a link or access to the DoD/CIO digital policy?	The pertinent DoD policies are available at: https://dodcio.defense.gov/DoD-Web-Policy/.
37	PWS	4.14.1, 4.14.2, 4.14.3

p.11

Can this be individuals, or does it have to be the primary company that has done the work. For example, if the primary company has staff that has done this successfully previously, but those individuals did it while employed at another organization is this sufficient?	Yes, it is sufficient as long as personnel possess requisite experience, they do not have to have obtained that experience with the current employer - 14.4 concerns contractor personnel (i.e., individuals) on the team.
38	Evaluation Factors	3.4.2, p.30	Due to the significance of the small business participation plan in an offeror’s technical evaluation, will the government allow the use of key subcontractor past performance?	The Government shall evaluate Past Performance in accordance with RFP section 3.4
39	N/A	N/A	We are in receipt of JAMRS Marketing Communication Solicitation H98210-18-R-0004 and I am submitting the following question. We’re a WOSB with deep domain expertise relevant to this procurement, would the government consider expanding this requirement to allow past performances from major subcontractors to allow a fair competition? Expanding this requirement would be considerably more inclusive of various pursuit approaches – including those of qualified, small business led teams.	The Government shall evaluate Past Performance in accordance with RFP section 3.4
40	SF 1449 Cont. CLINs page 3 & 5 of 72	N/A	For CLINs 0002 & 1002 does the Government want bidders to develop an estimate for ODCs or to simply repeat the Government's NTE value?	No, bidders are not required to develop an estimate for ODE's.
41	RFP Page 3 of 72 and Attachment 6 Sample Task Order Pricing	N/A	Is it the Government’s intention for the bidder to populate the “MAX AMOUNT” line for ITEM NO 0001 Marketing Communications Services – Labor on RFP page 3 of 72 with the “Total Price” from Attachment 6 Sample Task Order Pricing “Total Proposed Price for Labor CLIN 0001" line?	The "MAX AMOUNT" line for ITEM NO 0001 Marketing Communications Services - Labor on RFP page 3 of 72 is the total ceiling amount of CY1 + CY2+ CY3 + CY4 and + CY5 (5 year base period). Line ITEM NO 1001 (option year 1) is the total ceiling amount of CY6. See Attachment 7, Total Effort Tab
42	RFP Page 3 of 72 and Attachment 6 Sample Task Order Pricing
N/A	Is it the Government’s intention for the bidder to populate the “MAX AMOUNT” line for ITEM NO 0002 Other Direct Expenses (ODE) on RFP page 3 of 72 with the Total Price from Attachment 6 Sample Task Order Pricing “OTHER DIRECT EXPENSES (ODE) - CLIN 0002" line?	The "MAX AMOUNT" line for ITEM NO 0002, Other Direct Expenses includes an estimated amount within the item description ($106,400,000.00) and will be populated by the Government upon contract award.
43	RFP page 4 of 72 and Attachment 6 Sample Task Order Pricing	N/A	Is it the Government’s intention for the bidder to populate the “MAX AMOUNT” line for ITEM NO 0003 Travel on RFP page 4 of 72 with the Total Price from Attachment 6 Sample Task Order Pricing “For Travel (CLIN 0003)" line?	The "MAX AMOUNT" line for ITEM NO 0003 Travel - T&M on RFP page 3 of 72 includes an estimated amount within the item description ($1,300,000.00) that will be populated by the Government upon contract award. This amount reflects the Governments 5 year base period ceiling estimate for travel.
44	Attachment 6 Sample Task Order Pricing	N/A	Is it the Government’s intention for the bidder to populate Attachment 6 Sample Task Order Pricing with Sample Task 1 and Sample Task 2 consolidated or should the contractor populate two (2) separate forms for attachment 6, one (1) for Sample Task 1 and a second one for Sample Task 2?	Offerors are to submit a separate price proposal for each of the two sample task orders in accordance with attachment 6 instructions.
45	RFP page 4 of 72	N/A	Is it the Government’s intention to insert a line to the right of “TOT MAX PRICE – CEILING PRICE” in the “MAX AMOUNT” column for ITEM NO 0003 Travel on RFP page 4 of 72 to allow the contractor to populate with a Price? If not, why not?	See response Q43.
46	RFP page 3 of 72	N/A	What is the Government’s definition of “MAX NET AMT” in the UNIT PRICE column for ITEM NO 0001 Marketing Communications Services – Labor on RFP page 3 of 72?	See response Q41.
47	RFP page 4 of 72	N/A	What is the Government’s definition of “TOT MAX PRICE – CEILING PRICE” in the UNIT PRICE column for ITEM NO 0003 Travel on RFP page 4 of 72?	See response Q43.
48	RFP page 3 of 72 and RFP page 4 of 72	N/A	What is the difference in “MAX NET AMT” in the UNIT PRICE column for ITEM NO 0001 Marketing Communications Services – Labor on RFP page 3 of 72 and “TOT MAX PRICE – CEILING PRICE” in the UNIT PRICE column for ITEM NO 0003 Travel on RFP page 4 of 72?	See response Q41 and Q43.
49	RFP page 4 of 72 and RFP page 5 of 72	N/A	Why does the Government’s UNIT PRICE column state “TOT MAX PRICE – CEILING PRICE” for ITEM NO 0003 Travel on RFP page 4 of 72 and “MAX NET AMT” for ITEM NO 1003 Travel on RFP page 5 of 72 when both items are Not To Exceed amounts? Is the Government going to correct this and if so, how?	See response Q43.
50	RFP CLIN 0001 Marketing Communication Services – Labor Page 3	N/A	This section states “MAX QUANTITY 1,200 Months.” Please explain how the quantity can be a maximum of “1,200” months when the contract period of performance for the CLIN is 60 months. Will the Government please provide additional information regarding the 1,200 months? Will the Government please provide guidance on the number of discreet task orders expected during the Base ordering period and the Optional ordering period? Will you also provide information on the duration of these task orders?	The maximum quantity that the Government may issue/award is approximately twenty (20) task orders per year with an approximate performance period of twelve (12) months per task order for a total of two-hundred and forty (240) months over the five year base contract period.
51	Instructions to Offerors Section C Volume III – Factor 2 - Past Performance pages 21 and 22 of 72; Evaluation Factors Section 2.2.1 page 27 of 72 & 3.4.2 page 29 of 72.	N/A	Will the Government evaluate a past performance which is/was performed by a proposed subcontractor?	The Government will evaluate past performance in accordance with RFP paragraph 3.4
52	Performance Work Statement Section 4.3.1 page 8 of 72; Instructions Section v. Sample Task Orders pages 20 and 21 of 72.	N/A	Will the government please provide current data on FUTURES use and uptake? What performance indicators does the government use to measure its effectiveness?	We deliver approximately 450,000 magazines to more than 34,000 public high schools nationwide and all DoDEA high schools worldwide. We also mail to 78 percent (1,140) of the nation's 2-year community colleges. We use the subscription rates to help us measure its effectiveness. On occasion (once every 4-5 years), we also conduct quasi-experiments with our market research contract to assess the effectiveness of FUTURES.
53	Instructions D. Volume III – Factor 3 - Oral Presentation Page 22 of 72.	N/A	Volume III is cited as the location for both Past Performance and Orals, will the Government please clarify or reorder?	There is no written submittal required in order to evaluate oral presentations. Oral presentations will occur in Phase II.
54	PWS Section 14.0 Pages 14 and 15 of 72; FAR 52.227-14; DFARS 252.227-7022; DFARS 252.227-7020; DFARS 252.227-7013 & -7015	N/A	The RFP contains multiple data rights provisions and clauses, some of which are conflicting. Will the Government delete the following provisions: FAR 52.227-14, which is inapplicable to DoD procurements; DFARS 252.227-7022, which applies only to Architecture-Engineering and Construction contracts and is therefore inapplicable; DFARS 252.227-7020, which conflicts with DFARS 252.227-7013 and -7015; PWS 14.0, “The Government has, at a minimum, Government purpose rights to all documents/material produced under this Contract, regardless of funding source,” which is either inconsistent with the referenced DFARS clauses or unnecessary as duplicative?	The Government will remove FAR 52.227-14 and DFARS 252.227-7022 from the RFP in amendment 0001 herein.
55	FAR 52.215-20 Page 54 of 72	N/A	Will the Government remove the clause at FAR 52.215-20. This clause is required only when it is “reasonably certain” that certified cost or pricing data or other than certified cost or pricing data will be required to determine price reasonableness. Certified cost or pricing data is prohibited in commercial item acquisitions such as this one, and other than certified cost or pricing data will not be required because the agency is expecting multiple offers, which will provide adequate price competition to support the price reasonableness determination?	The Contracting Officer has determined that inclusion of the clause 52.215-20 is appropriate as there are anticipated instances where "data other than certified cost and pricing data" may be needed in order to determine pricing as fair and reasonable.
56	FAR 52.215-22 and 52.215-23 Page 24 of 72	N/A	Will the Government remove the clauses at FAR 52.215-22 and 52.215-23. These clauses are not required in solicitations for firm-fixed-price contracts for commercial items. See FAR 15.408(n)(2)(i)(B)(2)(iii)?	The Contracting Officer has determined that inclusion of FAR provision 52.215-22 and clause 52.215-23 are appropriate. The solicitation contains other than firm-fixed priced CLINs and Other Direct Expense items.
57	FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications; multiple locations including Page 33 of 72	N/A	The RFP contains an outdated version of FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications – Commercial Items (JAN 2017), which includes certifications related to the now-repealed Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces regulations. Will the Government update the clause to the most recent November 2017 version of FAR 52.212-3?	Concur - updated clause 52.212-3 to be added (Nov 2017)
58	RFP Attachment 7 General Labor Categories Descriptions	N/A	Will the Government correct the general categories to include Strategic Planning which was omitted and delete the duplicative Creative category?	Strategic Market Analysis is hereby relabeled to Strategic Planning. Deleted second Creative category. Please refer to amendment 0001.
59	RFP Instructions E. Volume IV – Factor 4 – Small Business Participation page 22 of 72; RFP Evaluation 3.6. Criteria for Small Business Participation page 30; Attachment 4	N/A	Is Media spend included in the "Total Contract Value" referenced in these Small Business Sections?	Yes.
60	RFP Section Attachment 2, Sample Task 2 - Public Relations Services, Paragraph(s) 5.0, Page(s) 3	N/A	The deliverables table indicates Mechanicals phase production (4.2.9) begins June 30, 2020 and Strategic Research (4.3.1) begins (June 15, 2020). Will the Government please clarify the intended sequence? Does mechanicals phase production follow a two week window for research, analysis, and application/recommendations?	Mechanicals production follows focus group research and is the final step in the process prior to printing of the magazine. However, it is anticipated that only minor changes to the content and design of the magazine will be made after the focus groups.
61	Page 11, Section 4.13 Marketing Communications Training	N/A	Please clarify if the successful contractor would be establishing, or refreshing, a marketing and communications approach for all aspects of media, DM, publications, PR, social media?	The Government is launching a new Influencer integrated media campaign this Fall and it is expected that contractor will continue the campaign for the first few years. Available funding and data will determine if the campaign will be refreshed or a new one established in later years of the contract. The Government does not anticipate the need for rebranding all aspects of media, DM, publications, PR, social media at this time.
62	Attachment 6 - OTHER DIRECT EXPENSES (ODE) – CLIN 0002	N/A	Attachment 6 states, “The Offeror shall provide unsanitized price proposals for all proposed ODEs that include a breakdown of the total labor hours proposed and a breakout of the types and associated expenses being proposed in support of the Sample Task.” Will the Government please clarify if labor hour breakdowns and/or other labor-related elements are also required for ODEs?	Providing actual labor categories and hourly rates (fully burdened) is sufficient to meet attachment 6 instruction requirements. It is not necessary to provide an unit hourly rate breakdown for the various hourly rates proposed.
63	Section E.3, Page 23 and Section 3.6, Page 30	3. “Past performance information to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of FAR 52.219-9 (and any applicable deviations) Small Business Subcontracting Plan (when applicable), including extent to which applicable goals and other small business performance objectives/requirements were met for the contracts submitted to demonstrate compliance. Explanation of efforts where goals were not met should be provided. Supporting documentation shall be relevant to the requirements of this solicitation and shall be within the past five years. All supporting documentation is excluded from the page count.” (Note: Section 3.6, Criteria for Small Business Participation, element 6)	If an offeror recently graduated in size from a small to large business, and therefore was not previously required to comply with FAR 52.219-9 on past contracts, will Government permit such an offeror to submit information regarding work subcontracted to small business concerns, non-specific to a Small Business Subcontracted Plan, in lieu of demonstrating prior compliance with FAR 52.219-9?	Offerors not previously required to comply with FAR 52.219-9 will not be found unacceptable due to this aspect. However, offerors are encouraged to submit pertinent information regarding work subcontracted to small business.
63		6. Extent to which the offeror complied with requirements of FAR 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns in previous federal acquisitions (past performance).
64	Section E.3, Page 23	3. “Past performance information to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of FAR 52.219-9 (and any applicable deviations) Small Business Subcontracting Plan (when applicable), including extent to which applicable goals and other small business performance objectives/requirements were met for the contracts submitted to demonstrate compliance. Explanation of efforts where goals were not met should be provided. Supporting documentation shall be relevant to the requirements of this solicitation and shall be within the past five years. All supporting documentation is excluded from the page count.” (Note: Section 3.6, Criteria for Small Business Participation, element 6)	What will be deemed acceptable vs. non acceptable for this requirement?	Acceptability shall be based on the extent to which the offeror complies with the requirements of RFP section 3.6.
64(a)	Section E.3	N/A	We understand that past performance of each joint venture member shall be evaluated. Please also confirm that two or more offerors may submit a joint proposal as a Contractor Team Arrangement (CTA), whereby each offeror serves as a prime contractor responsible for its own services under the RFP terms and the offeror’s proposed rates. In such a case, we understand that each CTA member’s past performance shall be evaluated. Please confirm.	Past performance shall be evaluated in accordance with RFP paragraph 3.4
65	Section C.3, Page 21	“Offerors shall submit no more than 3-5 relevant and recent past performance references. All references shall address current projects or those completed within the last three years.”	Will you extend the term of acceptable past performance from three years to five years?	See Amendment 0001 herein with the following change applied: Reference RFP “Instructions to Offerors”, Phase II, Volume III – Factor 2 – Past Performance, first paragraph is revised as follows: “Offerors shall submit no more than 3-5 relevant and recent past performance references. References shall address current projects or those completed within the last three years from the date of solicitation closing. No more than 1 relevant and recent reference may be submitted that was completed more than 3 years ago, but 5 years or less from the date of solicitation closing.
66	Reference: RFP Section Attachment 5 (Agency Challenge), Page 1	N/A	Is the provided agency challenge going to be the final phase II task for the oral presentation? Or is this just a sample of what we can expect?	The agency challenge that is provided in the solicitation is the task for the oral presentation.
67	Reference: RFP Section 4.2, Paragraphs A and B, Page 20	N/A	Should the documentation provided in volumes I and II be single or double sided pages?	Single-sided pages only
68	Reference: RFP Section 4.2, Paragraphs A and B, Page 20	N/A	Can a PDF be submitted on the CD/DVD? What is the preferred file type for electronic copies?	PDF is permissible for Originals, MS Word for Technical Proposals, MS-Excel - Unlocked cells for Price Proposals in order to verify accuracy of calculations.
69	Reference: RFP Section 4.2, Paragraphs C, E, F, Pages 20-24	N/A	Are volumes III – V in phase II submitted before the oral presentation or in conjunction with?	The two items will have separate and distinct due dates which are to be determined.
70	Reference: RFP Section 4.2, Paragraphs B, C, E, F, Pages 20-24	N/A	What is the difference between an original copy and a hard copy? (“Offerors shall submit one original, three hardcopies…”)	See Q68 response. There is no difference between an original copy and a hardcopy (delivered in binders).
71	Reference: RFP Section 4.2, Paragraph A, Page 20	N/A	In reference to the Phase I, Volume I, item iii: “Signed copy of the Standard Form 30 of any amendments issues against this RFP” - have any amendments been issued to date against this RFP?	The responses herein are provided as part of the first amendment issued against this RFP. No prior amendments have been issued.
72	RFP Section, Volume II - Factor 1- Technical, Paragraph B. ii, Page 20; and RFP Section Criteria for Technical Factor, Paragraph 3.3. iii, Page 28	B.ii Program and Project Management Plan "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 quality control plans and demonstrate the offeror's approach for providing the corporate resources necessary to ensure and maintain service quality levels, staffing levels, training and risk management. The proposal also include the offeror's plan for the transition-in an transition out services." 3.3. iii Staffing Plan states "The Government will also evaluate the offeror's approach for instituting and maintaining a capability to ensure the quality and integrity of service /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."	The Program and Project Management Plan and the Staffing Plans have requirements for duplicative information. Will the Government please confirm that the requirement in the staffing plan for an "approach for instituting and maintaining a capability to ensure quality and integrity of services/products" should be addressed in the Program/Project Management Plan, and not the Staffing Plan?	Yes, please reference the RFP amendment 0001 herein where the following statement has been shifted to RFP section 3.3, ii. Program and Project Management Plan: "approach for instituting and maintaining a capability to ensure quality and integrity of service /products" and removed from RFP section 3.3, iii. Staffing Plan for logic and consistency purposes.
73	RFP Attachment 1	4.1.2 - High School Master File Program, Page 1	How large is the High School Master file?	Approximately 3.9 gigs over a 15 month period (5 Merge Purge cycles).
74	RFP Attachment 1	4.1.2 - High School Master File Program, Page 1	Do the contracts already exist in place to source the lists or is the vendor responsible for sourcing the files themselves?	The contractor would need to establish or reestablish list vendor contracts.
75	RFP Attachment 1	4.1.3 Joint Lead Program Fulfillment, Page 2	How big is the file?	Approximately 7 Megs monthly
76	RFP Attachment 1	4.1.5 Master Suppression File, Page 2	How big is the file and who will be providing it?	Approximately 378 Megs monthly; average 1.5M records annually, contractor consolidated from various sources (opt outs received, Service notifications, Congressional requests, etc.)
77	RFP Attachment 1	4.1.6 Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) Suppression File, Page 2 -	How big is the file and who will be providing it?	Approximately 49 Megs monthly; the Government will provide
78	RFP Attachment 1	4.1.7 Prior Service File, Page 2	How big is the file and who will be providing it?	Approximately 58 Megs monthly; the Government will provide
79	RFP Attachment 1	4.1.8 Educator File, Page 2	How big is the file and who will be providing it?	Approximately 45,000 guidance counselors, data sourced by vendor
80	RFP Attachment 1	4.1.9 Youth Poll, Page 2	How big are the files and is the vendor expected to source the data that create the file?	Approximately 1.8 gigs per frame; 36M records per frame, sourced from all sources within the Recruiting database
81	RFP Attachment 1	4.1.4 College File, Page 2	How big is the file?	Approximately 927 Megs, 2.4M records annually
82	RFP Attachment 1	4.1.4 College File, Page 2	Do the contracts already exist in place to source the lists or is the vendor responsible for sourcing the files themselves?	The contractor would need to establish or reestablish list vendor contracts.
83	RFP Attachment 1	4.4.1 Target Direct Marketing Campaign for Cyber Careers, Page 3	Are the DMs and emails intended to be mailed and deployed at the same time?	The vendor can propose an approach.
84	RFP Attachment 1	4.4.2 Targeted Direct Marketing Campaign for Cyber Careers, Page 3	Are the pamphlet and BRC (that are included in the DM) provided complete or are they part of our deliverable for creative concept and production?	The pamphlet and BRC are part of the deliverable for creative concept and production.
85	RFP Attachment 1	4.4.2 and 4.4.3 Targeted Direct Marketing Campaign for Cyber Careers, Page 3	Is the requirement for 2 mailings of 100K each or 2 mailings totaling 100K?	2 mailings of 100K each
86	RFP Attachment 2	4.2.9.1, Page 2	Please confirm that printing costs should not be included as part of the estimated price for this task order?	Printing costs should not be included in the sample task order.
87	RFP Attachment 2	4.2.9.1, Page 2	Is the actual printing of Futures executed via GPO, or will the Contractor be responsible for securing a subcontractor for printing?	The contractor would be responsible for securing a print vendor.
88	RFP Attachment 6	N/A	Should the pricing of labor for Sample Tasks 1 & 2 utilize the average rate for General Labor category or the rate for actual labor categories?	Sample task order pricing should apply labor rates derived from actual labor categories. See Attachment 7, Contract Pricing Table and instructions within.
89	RFP Attachment 7	N/A	Total Effort - The spreadsheet identifies ten General Labor Categories and provides estimated hours for each, per year. The annual total of all ten General Labor Categories in Year 1 is 65,761. Are these estimated hours based on previous experience and do they reflect a realistic projection of the level of effort expected?	The estimated hours are based on Government projection of obligations and no amount per calendar year is guaranteed. The estimated range of annual obligations varies widely. At this time, subject to available funds, annual estimates can vary to between $8 to $50 million in any given year including paid media advertising.
90	RFP Attachment 7	N/A	If not, how did the Government arrive at these estimated hours?	See Q89 response.
91	RFP Attachment 7	N/A	Actual Labor - It is our understanding that pricing for the total effort is to be based on average fully loaded hourly labor rates for each of the General Labor Categories. Please confirm that we are also expected to provide individual labor rates and titles for the actual levels of service that fall within each General Labor Category, driving these average rates.	Yes, actual labor categories and rates are to be provided as instructed in Attachment 7, Contract Pricing Table.
92	RFP Attachment 7	N/A	And, will task orders issued under this contract be based on the average General Labor Category rates or the actual labor categories?	Actual labor categories in accordance with Attachment 7, contract pricing table instructions.
93	Labor Category Descriptions		Creative is listed twice, with different descriptions. Please clarify.	See amendment 0001 updates to labor category definitions in Attachment 7 provided herein.
94	PWS 8.0 -8.4	p. 13-14	The PWS Security section establishes security requirements for all nonpublic Government data provided under the contract. Please describe the nonpublic information that the government anticipates providing the contractor under the contract.	Nonpublic Government data that will be provided include data on persons currently serving in the U.S. Military, persons having a remaining service obligation, and persons who are listed as missing or killed in action.
95	PWS 14	p. 3 & 14-15	The RFP indicates “The Government will retain ownership of all data rights” at Item No. 1 and also contains the standard DFARS technical data clauses at Paragraph 14.0 with the statement that “The Government has, at a minimum, Government purpose rights to all documents /material produced under this Contract, regardless of funding source.” It is customary in the commercial market for certain data rights and other intellectual property to be subject to the rights of third parties, such as, for example, the performing personalities (“talent”). Will the government accept reasonable limitations on its ownership or government purpose rights in technical data and other intellectual property subject to third party rights that are customary in the commercial market?	DFARS 252.227-7020 "Rights in Special Works" is applicable and offerors are responsible for securing the rights necessary in light of these requirements.
96	PWS - Appendix A	p 16	The solicitation provides the technical standards and functional performance criteria for Section 508 compliance. Please identify the deliverables that will be subject to Section 508 standards and requirements.	Section 508 requirements apply to the OPA/JAMRS website properties.
97	PWS 3.6	p. 30	The government states multiple times that “(i.e., binding commitments will become enforceable/contractual requirements)” in its discussion of the evaluation criteria for small business participation. What does the government mean by “(i.e., binding commitments will become enforceable/contractual requirements)”? Does the government mean that it will provide more evaluation credit where the offeror demonstrates binding commitments by small businesses that will become enforceable after award than non-binding commitments by small businesses?

Examples of binding commitments provided in 3.6 (pg. 30) include: letters of commitment, Joint Ventures, mentor/protégé agreements, or other demonstrations of commitment. The SCPCD becomes part of the any resulting contract document. The Government will evaluate the use of binding commitments as one of the factors in determining if the offeror met or exceeded the requirements. The small business participation rating is either acceptable or unacceptable.
98	PWS	FAR 52.215-20	The solicitation contains FAR 52.215-20, REQUIREMENTS FOR COST OR PRICING DATA OR INFORMATION OTHER THAN CERTIFIED COST OR PRICING DATA (OCT 2010). This procurement is for a commercial item contract that is subject to adequate price competition. Thus, FAR 52.215-20 is not required in this solicitation pursuant to FAR 15.408 and FAR 15.402. Will the government consider removing FAR 52.215-20 as unnecessary for the procurement?

The Contracting Officer has determined that inclusion of the clause 52.215-20 is appropriate as there are anticipated instances where "data other than certified cost and pricing data" may be needed in order to determine pricing as fair and reasonable.
99	SF 1449 cont. CLINs page 3 & 4 of 72	N/A	The 1200 Months for CLIN 0001 and the 240 months for CLIN 1001. Can the Government please provide further clarification about the purpose of these quantities? How should bidder interpret the high volume of months of FFP labor embedded in CLINs 0001 and 1001? Will the contractor team priced in CLINs 0001 and 1001 be the entire team to be used for all Tasks while under contract or will Task Orders as issued under the contract be priced and staffed with unique teams outside of the costs of CLINs 0001 and 1001?	The maximum quantity that the Government may issue/award is approximately twenty (20) task orders per year with an approximate performance period of twelve (12) months per task order for a total of two-hundred and forty (240) months over the five year base contract period.
100	Section 4.4 page 8 of 72; Q&A dated 3 July 2018	N/A	In the Q&A document dated 3 July 2018, the Government referenced a budget change that significantly emphasizes media planning, buying and execution. Is this a correct interpretation of the Government answer? In order to more fully understand the overall JAMRS budget will the Government provide an estimated annual budget figure for either yearly media or overall total yearly budget?	Correct, a recent increase in funds will likely result in a range from 35% to 70% of the contract value per year allocated for media planning and purchasing. At this time, subject to available funds, annual budget estimates can vary to between $8 to $50 million in any given year including paid media advertising.
101	Section 4.2.6 & 4.2.7 page 8 of 72	N/A	What is the difference between other emerging media (4.2.6) and the social media platforms named in 4.2.7.	Section 4.2.6. of the PWS was revised herein to read " Plan and implement digital media campaigns online and with other emerging media; produce multiple sizes/formats of online and emerging media digital ads."
102	Section 4.2.6 page 8 of 72	N/A	Will the Government clarify the wording in 4.2.6, specifically if the “and” between "online … with other" is necessary or should it be removed.	Section 4.2.6. of the PWS was revised herein to read " Plan and implement digital media campaigns online and with other emerging media; produce multiple sizes/formats of online and emerging media digital ads."
103	Section 4.5 page 8 of 72	N/A	The RFP states an "added-value standpoint," but no examples of the type of added value desired is provided. Will the Government share their added value priorities?	Section 4.5 requires providing "high value for media dollars, from both an efficiency and effectiveness standpoint." This means identifying and providing to the Government channels of best value for every media dollar spent which would result in efficient use of taxpayer funds.
104	RFP Section Attachment 2, Sample Task 2 - Public Relations Services, Paragraph(s) 4.3.1, Page(s) 2	N/A	Section 4.3.1. of Sample Task 2 requests that the contractor conduct six focus groups in two markets (three groups per market). Is OPA open to alternate methods for the communications check?	Recommendations for alternative methods to a communications check will be considered in addition to the focus groups.
105	Instructions to Offerors Section C Volume III – Factor 2 - Past Performance page 22 of 72; Evaluation Factors Section 2.2.1 page 27 of 72 & 3.4.2 page 29 of 72.	N/A	The sentence “Past Performance as a subcontractor or of a proposed major subcontractor will not be evaluated" seems to limit competition. Will the Government change the requirement to allow subcontractor past performance to be evaluated?	The Government will evaluate past performance in accordance with RFP paragraph 3.4
106	Attachment_7_-_Contract_Pricing_Table_final.xlsx	N/A	Will the Government allow bidders to propose and add more General Labor Categories to the Table in Attachment 7?	No. However bidders may include unique actual labor categories within the general labor categories as needed.
107	Attachment 6 and Attachment 7	N/A	Could the Government please disclose the number of productive labor hours in a year that you will want us to use as the expected basis for our labor pricing?	See Attachment 7, Total Effort Tab for estimated annual hours projection.
108	SF 1449 Cont. CLIN 0001 page 3 of 72 and General Question	N/A	Will the first Task Order to be awarded following award and contract start be for the PWS-based Account Team as priced in CLIN 0001?	Unknown at this time what will be the first task order awarded under the contract.
109	Instructions to Offerors Section C Volume III – Factor 2 - Past Performance page 22 of 72; Evaluation Factors Section 2.2.1 page 27 of 72 & 3.4.2 page 29 of 72	N/A	We request that the Government revise the past performance evaluation criteria to delete this sentence: “Past Performance as a subcontractor or of a proposed major subcontractor will not be evaluated.” As written, only offerors that have performed similar services for the Government as a prime contractor will have relevant past performance, which will significantly limit the number or offerors that can realistically compete for the award.	Past performance shall be evaluated in accordance with RFP paragraph 3.4.
110	Section 4.4 page 8 of 72	N/A	Does the Government have a media budget that can be disclosed? There is not one provided in the RFP and it would be extremely helpful to know.	At this time, subject to available funds, annual budget estimates can vary to between $8 to $50 million in any given year including paid media advertising. Accordingly, the media budget can also significantly vary from year to year. The smaller the budget, the smaller the proportion that will go towards any media.

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