Attach_10_Question_and_Answers_16Jan17.docx

UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

ELOG HC101316R0014 Questions & Answers Attachment 10

Question

Questions / Comments

RFP

Reference

Government Response

RFP

Change Required (Y/N)

Question: According to the DSS FCB, it takes an average of less than 30 days to upgrade a company from SECRET to TOP SECRET. In order to increase competition and improve opportunities for qualified SDVOSBs to perform the work, will the government consider bids from qualified SDVOSBs that have an approved SECRET FCL and use the time period from Contract award to the start of the period of performance (transition period) in order to process a TOP SECRET FCL per the DD-254 (attachment 8)?

Y

Question: The Government indicates that a valid final Secret or Top Secret would be acceptable. In order to eliminate all doubt and remove conflict with other paragraphs within the PWS, will the government edit this clause to allow Offerors that have valid final SECRET FCLs to be eligible for award?

Addendums Attachment 9, Section D. ii. page 5 Yes. The RFP language in all applicable documents will be changed to read, “an offeror must be able to obtain a TOP SECRET facility clearance”. A TOP SECRET facility clearance will not be required at time of award, but must be obtained by 180 days after the contract effective date. Therefore, a SECRET FCL will be eligible for award.

Y

Question: Given the short timelines necessary to obtain final Top Secret FCL with appropriate awarded contract paperwork (DD254), is it the government's intent to limit competition only to SDVOSBs with existing TS facility clearances? In order to increase competition and potentially provide a better solution to EMSS users, will the Government consider allowing Offerors with valid SECRET FCLs to bid on the effort with the caveat that the awardee must obtain its final Top Secret prior to the performance start date?

Addendums Attachment 9, Section D. ii. page 5 Yes. The RFP language in all applicable documents will be changed to read, “an offeror must be able to obtain a TOP SECRET facility clearance”. A TOP SECRET facility clearance will not be required at time of award, but must be obtained by 180 days after the contract effective date. Therefore, a SECRET FCL will be eligible for award.

Y

Question: Will the government allow the Facility Clearance of Subcontractors to satisfy the TOP SECRET FCL requirement for the RFP?

Addendums Attachment 9, Section: D. ii.

The prime contractor is required to hold the facility clearance. The prime contractor must be able to obtain a TOP SECRET facility clearance. A TOP SECRET facility clearance will not be required at time of award, but must be obtained by 180 days after the contract effective date.

Y

PWS Attachment 1, Section 12.2 – 12.3

Question: Given that this is a 100% SDVOSB set aside contract and that the ISO 9001:2008 certification process is normally something associated with larger businesses, will the government allow for the ISO-9001:2008 certification of partners and subcontractors to satisfy the ISO9001:2008 requirement for this effort?

PWS Attachment 1, Section 6.2.7

Y

Y

N

The reason for this proposed change is due to the fact that a prospective contractor cannot apply for its own facility clearance, the procuring activity or cleared prime contractor must submit a request to clear the prospective bidder. This can be done via either a signed and completed DD Form 254 or letter from the procuring activity or cleared prime contractor requesting the bid validating the need for the clearance.

It would seem that requiring a Top Secret Facility Clearance at the time of submission of a bid significantly limits the number of Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses able to participate and gives an unfair advantage to contractors currently executing contracts that have a Top Secret FCL requirement currently employs personnel with Top Secret clearances and maintains them on our JPAS account, however we don’t currently have a contract that requires a Top Secret FCL. Our DSS representative indicated that “contractor name” has in place all the necessary requirements to upgrade our FCL from Secret to Top Secret. We respectfully ask that you consider this change to the wording in Attachment 9 and the corresponding change to the DD254.

Y

We will be forced to sever the relationship in pursuing EMSS if we are forced to have a Top Secret Facility Clearance at the time of offer as opposed to during contract performance.

“Contractor name” is not at all suggesting that we cannot fulfill the requirement to obtain and maintain a TS FCL. On the contrary, our DSS Representative stated that we have everything in place to ensure upgrade to a TS FCL as soon as we have a sponsoring contract. He also counseled that it is not possible to get one for this contract without being awarded this contract. “Contractor name” has current Secret FCL and employees with Top Secret clearances.

Our position is that it is a significant limiter to competition if the offeror must have a final TS FCL at bid submission rather than during contract performance.

Further, Section 6.8 in the PWS reads, in part:

The initial start-up period will be established on a per task order basis after award and shall be completed six months after award of the basic contract or task order whichever occurs first… We ask that you amend the Addendums to the Instructions to Offerors as suggested below.

ADDENDUM TO 52.212-1, (ii) to read as follows:"...In order to be eligible for award, the offeror must be able to obtain a valid final Secret/Top Secret Facility Clearance (FCL) upgrade from Defense Security Services (DSS) Facility Clearance Branch (FCB) within the 6 month transition period....Offerors must be able to obtain a valid final Top Secret Facility Security Clearance (FCL) upgrade within the 6 month transition period”

PWS

Section 6.8 Yes. The RFP language in all applicable documents will be changed to read, “an offeror must be able to obtain a TOP SECRET facility clearance”. A TOP SECRET facility clearance will not be required at time of award, but is expected to be obtained by 180 days after the contract effective date. Therefore, a SECRET FCL will be eligible for award.

Y

RFP

Page 2 of RFP shows 10 clauses included for DFARS 225. Please note among the DFARS 225 clause(s) is 252.225-7040, Contractor Personnel Supporting U.S. Armed Forces Deployed Outside the US.

N

N

N

(E) 1 and 2

No. The SF 1449 is not applicable when using the combined synopsis/solicitation. Solicitation states on page 1, paragraph (1), it is in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6. (12.603(b)). Reference to SF 1449 has been removed from RFP.

Y

N

Attachment 9, Vol IV, Vol V It refers to the same reference sheets and is only required to be submitted once.

N

PWS

Task 7, 6.7.3 and 6.7.4 The offeror must be able to comply with COMSEC storage laws and regulations. The offeror must be able to store and ship COMSEC. These requirements will not be enforced at time of contract award, but are expected to be achieved by 180 days after contract effective date. The applicable RFP documents will be updated accordingly.

Y

Pricing for all future contract actions (including, but not limited to proposal and billing of future task orders, modifications) will be firm-fixed-price (FFP) and restricted to the labor categories and fully burdened labor rates established in the offeror’s proposed FFP Schedule of Rates. The use of uncompensated overtime is not encouraged, see FAR 37.115-2(a). However, if the offeror’s proposed labor rates are adjusted for uncompensated overtime and this practice is supported by the offeror’s accounting practices, the offeror must provide the supporting data in accordance with FAR 52.237-10. The offeror shall indicate within the price proposal if uncompensated overtime will be used and also include a copy of its policy addressing uncompensated overtime.

Travel invoicing instructions have also been added to the PWS.

No additional clauses are expected to be incorporated before the proposal due date.

N

N

Attachment 1, PWS Para 6.1.15, 6.5.10, 6.5.12, 6.6.2, and 6.6.10, page 3, 7, 8

Y

Attachment 1, PWS Para 6.2.7, page 5

Offerors may assume “intelligence reporting systems” are command and control (C2) or like systems. The intent of this requirement is for the contractor to be able to discern information from common C2 or like systems and recommend to the Government ways to best use the fielded capability (for example, DTCS) as a result of the information being produced by the C2 system.

N

Attachment 1, PWS Para 6.5.9

Attachment 1, PWS Para 6.6.4, Attachment 3, Personnel Qualifications, Attachment 1

Attachment 1, PWS Para 6.7.3 and 6.7.4 The offeror must be able to comply with COMSEC storage laws and regulations. The offeror must be able to store and ship COMSEC. These requirements will not be enforced at time of contract award, but are expected to be achieved by 180 days after contract effective date. The applicable RFP documents will be updated accordingly.

Y

Table 3, Ratings for Past Performance

Attachment 6, STO PWS

Attachment 6

STO PWS,

Task 6, Page 3, 6

Administrative error has been corrected to “Highly Qualified Expert (HQE)/Subject Matter Expert (SME)”.

Y

Attachment 6, STO PWS Para 6.1.f

Proposals will be evaluated in accordance with the evaluation criteria specified in the solicitation. Proposal preparation instructions and requirements are contained in Section L of the solicitation.

N

Attachment 6, STO PWS, Transition Support Page 2, 7

The labeling is correct as written. “Task Area 8”, as referenced under the “Scope” section within the Sample Task Order PWS, is provided to sufficiently map Task 7, “Transition” back to the parent PWS (Attachment 1).

N

Attachment 6, STO PWS, Para 13.3 Reference to paragraph 12.1 is removed and paragraph 13.3 updated to read “not applicable”.

Y

Attachment 8, DD 254, Block 13

Attachment 9, Addendum to 52.212-2(a), Factor 3, Price, (a) and (c) Page 15, 16

Attachment 9, 52.212-2 (b), Addendum to 52.212-2(a), Factor 3: Price, (a) and (c) Page 12, 15, 16

Subparagraph (b) as the title specifies it is referring to options. The overarching price evaluation under Factor 3 addresses total evaluated price and all elements which are included: “The total evaluated price is the sum of the proposed labor rates for each labor category multiplied by the corresponding estimated hours for all five years, the optional 6 month extension period, and the price of the Sample Task Order (reference HC1013-16-R-0014, Attachment 6).”

Y

Attachment 9, Addendum to 52.212-2(a), Factor 3: Price, (b)

Attachment 9, Addendum to 52.212-1(b), (C) Volume III - Price Page 8, 9

Attachment 9, Addendum 52.212-1(b), paragraph 2.1.3.3 states that offerors are permitted to submit an addendum when proposing. There is no page limitation for the Price, Volume III, which may include a cost narrative with content determined by the offeror which supports Price in Word or PDF format.

N

Attachment 9, Addendum to 52.212-2(a), Sub-Factor 1 – Remote Mobile Telecommunications Services Management Expertise

Question: Please clarify if the optional 6 month extension period, and the price of the Sample Task Order are included in the total evaluated price?

The last sentence in Factor 3, Price, subparagraph (c), has been removed.

Y

Question: Please confirm that the formulas in the Summary Tab of the Attachment 2 spreadsheet are correct.

Question: Please confirm that the term "incumbent" does not refer to the incumbent contractor.

Attachment 3, Page 3, 4 The use of the term “incumbent” means the “[individual] holder of the position” and does not mean the incumbent contractor (company).

N

N

N

Attachment 1 – PWS Section 12

Y

The PWS states that All contractor personnel shall have a minimum Interim Secret or Secret clearance based on a NACI investigation that is no older than 3 years, to obtain a CAC.

a. The NACI investigation does not support adjudication for a Secret clearance, how will this adjudication be made based on the NACI?

b. Will the government sponsor and submit the NACI investigation for each contractor? Industry does not have that capability.

c. If the government will sponsor and submit the NACI, how will Industry be notified of the results; favorable or unfavorable?

d. How will Industry know if the contractor is within the 3-year timeframe identified in section 12, for issuance of the CAC?

b. Yes, if industry doesn’t have the capability. Note: Contractor supporting this effort should have the capability to submit NACI investigations.

c. Notified by COR or designated representative.

d. Industry will be notified at a minimum of 30 days of CAC expiration.

N

a. Will the government identify the specific positions within the contract identified that need a Secret Clearance verses those that only need a NACI for a CAC?

N

N

N

Is the cost of DBA insurance included in the ODC plug provided by the gov’t.

N

Request increased page allotment for Volume II to 40 pages. Purpose: need more space to thoroughly address all requirements within the Instructions and Evaluation Criteria Attachment 9, Addendum Table 1, Proposal Organization The new page limit for Volume II is changed from 25 pages to 35 pages.

Y

Request 1 additional page to provide an introduction page within Volume IV, Past Performance. Purpose: provide page allotment to show relevancy coverage across all three PP citations aligned to all PWS requirements Attachment 9, Addendum Table 1, Proposal Organization Page limit for Volume IV has been changed to allow 6 pages.

Y

Request Government allow smaller font size of 10 point within tables and font size no smaller than 8 point for graphics to allow bidders to better address all requirements. All fonts will be readable at these sizes.

Attachment 9, Addendum B, Volume II Instructions Font Size

E.1 Volume V Instructions No. The SF 1449 is not applicable when using the combined synopsis/solicitation. Solicitation states on page 1, paragraph (1), it is in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6. (12.603(b)). Reference to SF 1449 has been removed from RFP.

N

Request Functional Performance Criteria is included within the QASP in order to properly address the 508 Accessibility requirements within Volume V.

Attachment 9, Addendum & PWS 15 E.1 Volume V Instructions 508 Accessibility

Do we provide proof of our Afghanistan Business License within Volume V?

Attachment 9, Addendum E.1 Volume V Instructions

Do we provide the Government proof of a Theater Business Clearance and proof of current delivery in austere environments along combat personnel within Volume V?

PWS

6.2.9 Proposals will be evaluated in accordance with the evaluation criteria specified in the solicitation. Proposal preparation instructions and requirements are contained in 52.212-1 of the solicitation.

N

Does we provide the Government our current ISO 9001:2008 Certificate within Volume V?

Attachment 9, Addendum &

PWS

E.1 Volume V Instructions 6.2.7

Request the Government provide the technical reference material list of components of the Tactical Operations Center kits, Vehicle kits and the list of vehicles historically and planned for installation

PWS

6.1.11

Request the Government provide detail regarding current and planned training courses, session and material required for EMSS support requirements

PWS

6.1.14 Power Point “DTCS Overview Briefing v4” will be provided. Normally this briefing is provided as part of an orientation to deployed users in theater. Other similar materials that expand on specific devices or use cases may also be used, as needed or demanded, by users.

N

Request the Government provide detail regarding required OEM certifications for FSRs and Senior FSRs.

PWS

6.1.15

Request the Government provide detail regarding the historical Bill of Materials (BOM) required for logistics support, including devices, consumables and associated equipment

PWS

6.2.1 Current task orders which include the scope of effort found in PWS 6.2.1 contain 2-7 FSRs each, and support between 1,000 – 5,000 devices. Other specific equipment and level of effort is conveyed in actual task taskers.

N

Does the Government intend to sponsor the incoming prime contractor for a DPAS account?

PWS

6.2.2

What tool is currently used for Inventory Management? Is this tool GFE/GFI software and data that will be transferred to incoming prime contractor?

PWS

6.2.3

Request the Government provide more detail regarding the follow-on “Storefront” order processing system.

PWS

6.2.6

What vehicles are FSRs current using within the CENTCOM AOR? What vehicle certifications are required?

PWS

6.2.8

Please provide a list of current training material, their medium, number of trainees expected per base and option year

PWS

6.3 Please see enclosed, “DTCS Overview Briefing v4” provided by the incumbent contractor. Normally this briefing is provided as part of an orientation to deployed users in theater. Other similar materials that expand on specific devices or use cases may also be used, as needed or demanded, by users.

Y

Please provide detail regarding sound version controls on current training configurations

PWS

6.3.4

What metrics (MSRs) are currently used to measure training effectiveness

PWS

6.3.7

Is there a current Formal Training Plan? If so, will this be transferred to the incoming Prime Contractor

PWS

6.3.9

Where does the Government expect R&D evaluations with DISA and/or Sponsors to occur? How often?

PWS

6.5.2 R&D evaluations can occur at various locations around the globe and are normally on an ad-hoc basis. For example, NORTHCOM may need a task order for a R&D assessment of EMSS capabilities integrated into their end-to-end solution and the R&D is likely to occur in/around the North Pole. Similarly, National Science Foundation may require support in Antarctica.

N

What is the notification lead time for Surge personnel requests?

PWS

6.5.4 Notifications for additional personnel vary, but have normally been very reasonable (e.g., 1 month or more). Shorter requests could occur, but customers understand that a hiring action by the contractor normally must result or the customer needs to fund reserves upfront to ensure expedited deployment of additional personnel. These requirements are defined at the task order level, with the majority of task orders maintaining a stable contractor workforce.

N

What is the current Intelligence Reporting System(s) in use? What is the classification level of this system?

PWS

6.5.7 Offerors may assume “intelligence reporting systems” are command and control (C2) or like systems. The intent of this requirement is for the contractor to be able to discern information from common C2 or like systems and recommend to the Government ways to best use the fielded capability (for example, DTCS) as a result of the information being produced by the C2 system.

N

What is the current shipping method(s)/carrier(s) used to ship DTCS equipment?

PWS

6.5.12

Which COCOMs and DISA Field Offices are currently involved in the EMSS program?

PWS

6.6.1 All COCOMs, DISA Field Offices, and every U.S. federal department is an EMSS customer. EMSS has active relationships with all U.S. COCOMs and recently visited each COCOM in 2016. EMSS also has agreements with various foreign nations and entities, including Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and NATO.

N

Request the Government please provide more specific SATCOM technical expertise required for the HQE SME

PWS

6.6.4

Equipment Disposition Please provide detailed specifications regarding the facility for asset repair, maintenance and testing, storage and disposition of parts. Need information regarding: Location, size, technical specifications re IT infrastructure and storage.

Also please provide more details regarding preferred equipment disposition methods re DoD regulations.

PWS

6.7.1 Location: 6’x6’ work room.

Technical specification: Climate controlled; work bench; 110V power; commercial internet. D

Disposition methods are determined at the task order level based on customer direction, and sometimes includes following DRMO procedures. Current storage areas for all EMSS gear is approximately 8’x20’ at each site.

N

Please provide more detail regarding COMSEC storage, e.g., cage size, crypto handling certified staff, etc.

PWS

6.7.3

The DD254 is not marked for the COMSEC requirements stated in the PWS. Please de-conflict

PWS

DD254

6.7.3 The offeror must be able to comply with COMSEC storage laws and regulations. The offeror must be able to store and ship COMSEC. These requirements will not be enforced at time of contract award, but are expected to be achieved by 180 days after contract effective date. The applicable RFP documents will be updated accordingly.

Y

Does the current Inventory Management tool log COMSEC and ITAR details for all devices and materials?

PWS

6.7.4

Request the Government require the OCCI Plan within only Volume V versus both in Volume II and Volume V. If still required within Volume II request the OCCI Plan(s) not be counted within the Volume II page constraints.

Attachment 9, Addendum Table 1 Proposal Organization

Are Volume Table of Contents and Volume cover pages included in the Volume page constraints?

Attachment 9, Addendum Table 1 Proposal Organization

HQW/SME

Attachment 1: “CENTCOM Liaison Subject Matter Expert (SME) Support.”

Task 6 as “Highly Qualified Expert (HQE)/Subject Matter Expert (SME) Support.”

Request clarification for the role title between attachments 1 and 9 Attachment 9, Addendum

PWS

Factor 1, Subfactor 1 c), 6.6

Attachment 9 administrative error has been corrected to “Highly Qualified Expert (HQE)/Subject Matter Expert (SME)”.

Y

Two names are for Task 6 expert are used: “Highly Qualified Expert (HQE)/Subject Matter Expert (SME) Support” and as “CENTCOM Liaison Subject Matter Expert (SME) Support.”

Request clarification for the role title in the STO PWS and PWS.

PWS

STO PWS

Task 6 Attachment 6 administrative error has been corrected to “Highly Qualified Expert (HQE)/Subject Matter Expert (SME)”.

Y

Request government more closely map the education, experience and specific technical acumen required for each Labor Category to the EMSS ELOG scope of work.