Consolidated QA's 3 23 Feb 11.doc

Consolidated Q&A’s Number 3 (Post Pre-solicitation FH Conference)

1. QUESTION: Understanding that most of the Sample Tasks do not give values for ODCs that possibly only the incumbents would have the insight to (unless these sample tasks have never been performed in prior years)—will the government reconsider providing this information? Would the government include an ODC/Travel value to each Sample Tasks so evaluation of costs would be on an equal playing field and not be impacted with various ranges of ODC/Travel amounts from each competitor? We believe technical approach can be accomplished without pricing the travel/ODCs. Or, possibly adding CLINS 0004, 1004, 2004, 3004, and 4004 for ODCs/Travel with a fixed amount would be ideal and Change the current 4004 Phase out to 4005.

ANSWER: These sample tasks are not actual tasks but are representative of the type of work performed at JITC. Typically, most request for proposals for tasks do not include travel or ODC estimates. It is expected that the contractor will propose their best estimate for these costs which will be evaluated as part of the total cost for the effort. For this reason, the Government will not provide information on ODCs other than what is included in the Sample Tasks. The intent of the Government is to evaluate the offeror’s approach in identifying and pricing costs supporting the sample tasks. M 2.3.4.2 provides additional information on how the Government will evaluate the offeror’s proposal which will include using a most probable cost approach. This methodology will assist in providing an “equal playing field.”

2. QUESTION: The Sample Tasks state a start date of 1 October or is it 1 November? Please confirm the anticipated Contract Award Date and expected POP for Sample Task Orders (understanding that the timeframes are estimates). This helps all contractors provide accurate escalation and pricing in conformance with their DCAAs.

ANSWER: The Period of Performance for all the Sample Task Orders is 1 Oct 2011 to 30 Sep 2012.

3. QUESTION: STO 5 Background: Is a contractor already engaged in NCES OT&E for JITC and what products already exist? In what stage of development?

ANSWER: Make a reasonable assumption based on information as presented in the Sample Task Order.

4. QUESTION: STO 5 Background: Does NCES have a current TEMP? Or will one have to be completed before the first Concept Brief?

ANSWER: Make a reasonable assumption based on information as presented in the Sample Task Order.

5. QUESTION: STO 5 Task Requirements: Document Development--Should test and evaluation master plan (TEMP) inputs be in the old five part format as described in the “Document Development” section of STO-5 or in the newer four part format?

ANSWER: The Sample Task Order specifies ” Contractor shall develop updated Test Evaluation Master Plans (TEMPs), specifically, Sections 4 and 5, as they pertain to JITC.” Follow the instructions per the Sample Task Order.

6. QUESTION: STO 5 Deliverables: How frequently will the NCES TEMP need to be updated in the five year period?

ANSWER: The TEMP will be updated yearly.

7. QUESTION: STO 5 Task Requirements: Are the two test events each year really an initial operational test and evaluation (IOT&E) event and an operational test and evaluation (OT&E) event? Or are they some more specific type of OT&E event like an early operational assessment (EOA), operational assessment (OA), or a limited users’ test (LUT)? If so, what are they?

ANSWER: Make a reasonable assumption based on information as presented in the Sample Task Order.

8. QUESTION: STO 5 Background: Do we have an opportunity to integrate with previous testing (DT&E and DIACAP testing) or at least use data from previous test events?

ANSWER: Make a reasonable assumption based on information as presented in the Sample Task Order.

9. QUESTION: STO 5 Background: Would an integrated test with an independent operational evaluation need to be followed by a dedicated OT&E event to confirm trends identified in the integrated test environment?

ANSWER: Make a reasonable assumption based on information as presented in the Sample Task Order.

10. QUESTION: STO 5 Background: Will the Contractor or a government action officer serve as the operational test director?

ANSWER: Make a reasonable assumption based on information as presented in the Sample Task Order.

11. QUESTION: STO 6 specifically instructs to call out the people on the task by name. Please confirm it is the Government's intent to receive specific names vs. labor categories and if so, indicate if the name are exemplar resumes or key personnel.

ANSWER: The Government requests that personnel that will have privileged access and perform the IA functions under the task be identified by name. If this were an actual task, the Government would have to confirm that requirements of DoD 8570.01M have been met. For the purposes of the sample task, exemplar names with proposed certification levels will be acceptable.

12. QUESTION: STO1 - purpose of the task is to create a standards conformance test plan, but there is no deliverable for a standards conformance test plan. The deliverable asks for a Interop Test Plan

ANSWER: The Standards Conformance Test Plan (SCTP) is called out in the Task Requirements section; however it is missing from the Deliverables section. Paragraph a. in the Deliverables section will be re-written to include the SCTP:

a. Interoperability Certification Evaluation Plan (ICEP)/Standards Conformance Test Plan (SCTP)/Interoperability Test Plan (ITP) – Initial draft due 90 days after approval of original proposal/receipt of funding. Updated ICEP/SCTP/ITP due a minimum of 90 days prior to commencement of system testing (Standards Conformance Testing/Developmental Testing (DT)/Operational Testing/Interoperability Testing) and 15 working days following the final event in the test cycle (normally the test analysis group) unless the test event results in full certification. The ICEP/SCTP/ITP should follow current JITC guidance on format/structure/etc.

13. QUESTION: STO6 , paragraph 4.f.ii states “The Government requests a proposal/Task Execution Plan (TEP) that designates, by name, the contractors that will have privileged access and perform the IA functions under this task.” Question: Will the contractor provide these names after award versus during evaluation of the STO because this would give complete partiality to the incumbent contractor/subcontractor? Suggest wording be changed to read all personnel must meet the qualifications of the requirements upon award of the task order without designation of names or companies.

ANSWER: The Government will not award a task unless it is known that regulatory requirements can be met by the contractor (see response to question 11 above). This is a requirement under some tasks on the current contract, and incumbents provide this information before task award. Since this question references a sample task, exemplar names with proposed certification levels will be acceptable.

14. QUESTION: In reviewing the new data on FBO there is a conflict between the stated Amendment on FBO and the attachments such as on 15 FEB 11 (3:19pm) states Amendment 4 but the attachment states Amendment 2. Question: When responding to the solicitation and acknowledging all amendments—which sequence of numbering should we acknowledge?

ANSWER: Below are the recognized amendments:

Amendment 1 – re-post the solicitation as a pre-solicitation notice versus a combined synopsis/solicitation notice.

Amendment 2 – corrects the date for submission of questions and posts a readable version of for Fort Meade.

Amendment 3 – provides agenda and tour maps and Fort Meade wage determination

Amendment 4 – provides Q&A responses entitled Consolidated QA’s #1 14 Feb 11 Amendment 5 – provides responses to Q&A’s entitled Consolidated QA’s #2 16 Feb 11 and DISA T&E MSS Fort Huachuca Pre-Proposal updated 2-16-11 Amendment 6 - provides responses to Q&A’s entitled Consolidated QA’s #3 23 Feb 11

15. QUESTION: Section L, 1.1 states there are approximately 900+ FTEs and approximately 600 active tasks on the current contract for an average of approximately 1.5 FTEs per task. The Section L, 7.1 table with the multipliers for each sample task reflects 783 tasks each year.

Are bidders to assume a commensurate increase in FTEs – from 900+ FTEs under the existing contracts to approximately 1,175 FTEs under the new contracts?

ANSWER: Data provided in L.1.1 is identified as historical information only. L.7.1 provides multipliers that shall be used by the offeror in developing the Cost/Price volume of their proposal.

16. QUESTION: Please eliminate or increase the 20 page limit for the Small Business Subcontracting Plan / Proposal required under Section 8.4 of the RFP.

Rationale: Most companies have a Small Business Subcontracting Master Plan in the format prescribed by FAR 52.219-9 and 52.219-24 that is typically Government-reviewed and approved and generally about 16 pages in length. Likewise, the Individual Subcontracting Plan with the proposal specific goals supplementing the Master Plan is generally around 6 pages. These two documents combined take up the entire 20 page limit and leave no room for the required Small Business Participation Proposal required under RFP Section 8.4.1 in accordance with DFARS 215.304.

An alternate solution would be to accept the Subcontracting Master Plan as an Attachment outside the page limit.

ANSWER: The Government will accept the Subcontracting Master Plan outside of the page limit.

17. QUESTION: For Pricing Purposes and to assure consistent Proposal Evaluation criteria, will the Government establish the GFY periods below for the pricing of the Sample Task Orders as well as the Labor Category Schedule of Rates required by L.7.4.3.?

Rationale: Since the referenced Q&A confirm that the Schedule of Rates will be incorporated into the resulting IDIQ contracts and used for the future competitive bidding of task orders, the basis (i.e. POP) of such labor rates should be made consistent to assure equal evaluation by the Government.

Base Period: 10/1/11 – 9/30/12 First Option Period: 10/1/12 – 9/30/13 Second Option Period: 10/1/13 – 9/30/14 Third Option Period: 10/1/14 – 9/30/15 Fourth Option Period: 10/1/15 – 9/30/16 ANSWER: The Government will accept the above dates for evaluation purposes. The actual contract award date and period of performance is still unknown.

18. QUESTION: For Pricing Purposes and to assure consistent Proposal Evaluation criteria, will the Government confirm the Periods of Performance of CLIN 0001, Phase-In (3 mo) as 11/1/11 – 1/31/12 and CLIN 4004, Phase-Out (3 mo) as 2/1/17 – 4/30/17, based on the Pre-proposal Conference Q&A, #2 and #14, dated 10 Feb 11?

Assuming a November, 2011 award/start:

Phase-in: 11/1/11 – 1/31/12 Phase- out: 2/1/17 – 4/30/17

Rationale: Since the referenced Q&A confirm that the Phase-In and Phase-Out CLINS are part of the Total Evaluated Costs, the basis (i.e. POP) of such Transition pricing should be made consistent to assure equal evaluation by the Government.

ANSWER: Refer to answer #17 above.

19. QUESTION: Upon Award of the IDIQ contracts, does the Government intend to utilize the Contract Year POPs shown below for contract performance purposes or the GFY POPs that were prescribed in the RFP for pricing the Sample Task Orders?

Assuming a November, 2011 award/start:

Phase-in: 11/1/11 – 1/31/12 Base Period: 2/1/12 – 1/31/13 First Option Period: 2/1/13 – 1/31/14 Second Option Period: 2/1/14 – 1/31/15 Third Option Period: 2/1/15 – 1/31/16 Fourth Option Period: 2/1/16 – 1/31/17 Phase- out: 2/1/17 – 4/30/17 ANSWER: Refer to answer #17 above

20. QUESTION: Follow-up to Question #6 on Amendment 2 – Consolidated Q&A’s Number 1 WRT length of Aloha Bowl Exercise in STO3:

Is the Aloha Bowl Exercise 5 days or 3 weeks?

ANSWER: In Sample Task #3, the words "during a three week exercise" under the Background section will be changed to "during an exercise." The intent is a 5 day exercise.

21. QUESTION: The RFP States the Midterm Planning Conference (MPC): Hawaii; Camp Roberts

There is a Camp Roberts in California; however, we do not find a Camp Roberts, Hawaii. Should the state be changed from Hawaii to California?

ANSWER: The “Camp Roberts” reference will be replaced with “Camp Smith” in the sample task. “Camp Roberts” should be changed to “Camp Smith” under section c) of TDY requirements on p. 231 of the solicitation.)

22. QUESTION: Reference: L.5.0(c): “Sample Task will be organized and broken out according to the following outline. The intent of this Sample Task outline is to give the Offeror a general format to facilitate a timely evaluation by the Government.

Overview Phase-In/Phase-Out Approach

Proposal Detail

Technical Approach

Management Approach

Deliverables, with detail

ODCs that will be procured by the Offeror

Travel that will be performed by the contractor

Labor table

Key Personnel bid, if applicable, and their specific qualifications

Labor category qualifications for task personnel

Hours/year/labor category

Other”

A number of these elements, if comprehensively completed in accordance with the instruction, will consume more that the 10 page allocation for each Sample Task. To facilitate a more complete response to the critical elements of the Technical and Management Approach, will the Government allow the following elements of the format to be provided in Attachments to each Sample Task Order response outside the page count?:

Deliverables, with detail

Travel that will be performed by the contractor

Labor table

Key Personnel bid, if applicable, and their specific qualifications

Labor category qualifications for task personnel

Hours/year/labor category

Identification of references used in the development of the tasks responses’ to the list.

ANSWER: The 10 page allocation for each Sample Task remains (i.e., the Government will not allow attachments in the Sample Task Order proposals).

The formatting was inadvertently taken out of this section. It should read:

I. Overview

II. Phase-In/Phase-Out Approach

III. Proposal Detail

a. Technical Approach

b. Management Approach

IV. Deliverables, with detail

V. ODCs that will be procured by the Offeror

VI. Travel that will be performed by the contractor

VII. Labor table

a. Key Personnel bid, if applicable, and their specific qualifications

b. Labor category qualifications for task personnel

c. Hours/year/labor category

VIII. Other

(NOTE: Replace part 5.0 (c) in Section L with:

(c) Sample Task will be organized and broken out according to the following outline. The intent of this Sample Task outline is to give the Offeror a general format to facilitate a timely evaluation by the Government.

I. Overview

II. Phase-In/Phase-Out Approach

III. Proposal Detail

a. Technical Approach

b. Management Approach

IV. Deliverables, with detail

V. ODCs that will be procured by the Offeror

VI. Travel that will be performed by the contractor

VII. Labor table

a. Key Personnel bid, if applicable, and their specific qualifications

b. Labor category qualifications for task personnel

c. Hours/year/labor category

VIII. Other

23. QUESTION: In reference to Amendment 2 question 30, should volume III Sample Task risks, be included in volume II Section E, Risk Matrix?

ANSWER: Yes, sample task risks may be included in volume II Section E, Risk Matrix.

24. QUESTION: Section 1.1 states that there are approximately 900+ full time contractor employees supporting TEO and JITC missions under the current combined three Omnibus contracts. At the Ft. Huachuca DISA T&E MSS industry day on February 9th, the JITC command briefing identified 788 contractor support personnel. What is the current number and do you have an anticipated number of support personnel for the execution of the contract?

ANSWER: Section 1.1 refers to historical estimates used to support the Omnibus contract. It was also stated at the Pre-Proposal conference that a portion of the work is being set-aside for Ability One. The current number of anticipated support personnel will be dependent of the number of task requirements. For evaluation purposes and to establish the maximum contract ceiling value, refer to section 7.1.

25. QUESTION: There appears to be a significant disconnect on the level of complexity of the sample task order requirements as they relate to staffing, so that when estimated staffing (for Sample Task Scope) is multiplied by the evaluation quantities (as provided in Section 7.1) the Total FTE counts are vastly different then the Government provided figures for total FTE’s of either 900+ (as provided in the solicitation) or the 788 (as discussed in industry day). Would the Government re-evaluate the Sample Task orders Scope requirements as they relate to the Government’s IGCE (and ultimately the offeror’s proposal) when multiplied against the evaluation quantities as provided in Section 7.1, and validate if this offeror’s interpretation of the scope requirements is correct and would over state the FTE’s above and beyond the Governments provided FTE estimates for Contractor support personnel?

ANSWER: It is the responsibility of the offeror to interpret the scope requirements as presented in the sample tasks. The multipliers which are identified in L.7.1 are the guidelines that are provided to the offeror to develop the Cost/Price volume of their proposal. Also, refer to response for question #24.

26. QUESTION: Has the government established a total estimated budget for this 5-year contract based on Section L 1.1? Will the government disclose this estimated budget?

ANSWER: The Government’s cost estimate is part of the evaluation process. As such, it is not releasable at this time.

27. QUESTION: Per Section 7.1, the government has provided a matrix/table with the estimated number of task orders anticipated being of similar size and complexity. Does the government anticipate the actual performance of the contract to mirror the quantities, size, and complexities of these sample task orders, or has this been provided to normalize the cost/price evaluation of the offerors’ responses?

ANSWER: The DISA T&E MSS requirement is fluid in nature. The information presented in the solicitation is provided to give a general idea of the size of that requirement and to provide guidelines for offerors’ proposals. Also, refer to response for question #24.

28. QUESTION: Will the government confirm its method for:

a. arriving at each Sample Task Order’s scope, size, and complexity ANSWER: The methodology for determining this is internal to the Government.

b. arriving at each Sample Task Order’s estimated quantities per year ANSWER: The methodology for determining this is internal to the Government.

c. utilizing the above data to estimate the contract ceiling for this 5-year program.

ANSWER: The methodology for determining this is internal to the Government.

29. QUESTION: Per L7.1, the Maximum contract value for the life of the contract shall encompass the costs of all sample task orders combined and phase-in/phase-out

a. Will the government revisit its process and outcome in establishing its IGCE and maximum contract value for the life of this 5-year contract as stated in this section?

ANSWER: The government’s process for establishing its IGCE and contract ceiling will remain as stated.

b. Will the government confirm that stated Sample Task Order’s quantity, complexity, size, and scope mirror the anticipated actual execution of this 5-year contract when multiplied against the sample task order quantities as provided in Section L 7.1?

ANSWER: Refer to the last paragraph of Section L 7.1, this will establish the maximum contract value for the life of the contract plus the phase-in costs for the contract (CLIN 0001) and phase-out costs for the contract (CLIN 4004).

c Is the aggregate IGCE for the Sample Task Orders as established by the Government the same as the Government’s Maximum Contract Value for the life of this 5-year contract?

ANSWER: Yes, plus the phase-in costs for the contract (CLIN 0001) and phase-out costs for the contract (CLIN 4004). See Section L 7.1.

30. QUESTION: Clarification and direction is requested for sample tasks that are expected to have a level of activity that may not be consistent over the 5 year period of the contract.

Two scenarios noted below:

1) A sample task that has very little activity the base year, but requires increased support in the second and third year, and no support in the remaining periods.

2) A sample task that can be completed in the base year or less and have no further activity

Each scenario could have an adverse impact on project costs across the multiple periods and result in either a shortage or overage on CLIN funding by period or in total.

Given the variability of solutions in pricing the above scenarios and the impact on CLIN values, clarification and direction is requested.

ANSWER: For estimating purposes, the offerors are to assume the same level of effort for each Period of Performance i.e. base or option period.

31. QUESTION: The government response to Question 17 states that task order pricing tables should include fully burdened rates for each contractor defined labor category. Please confirm whether or not these fully burdened rates should include fee.

ANSWER: Yes, all burdens to include profit/fee must be addressed.

32. QUESTION: Section L7.3.4.1, Indirect Activity Rate: Many contractors disclosed practices require certain program support functions, such as contracts/subcontracts administration, project financial management, program manager, etc., be charged direct to the program they support. While these costs can be identified to a specific program, the nature of the support cannot be attributed to individual task orders on that program. Based on the response to Question 23, it is our interpretation that these should be included in the indirect activity rate. Please confirm that this is correct.

ANSWER: The indirect activity rate should only include direct charges for contract labor to cover contract requirements under H.22, H.33, and H.37 that cannot be attributed to a specific task. The IAR is to be proposed as part of the contractor’s labor rate to recoup the costs for these contract requirements at H.22, H.33 and H.37.

Contractor charges for program support functions, contracts/subcontracts administration, project financial management should be proposed IAW the company’s approved disclosure statement.

33. QUESTION: Solicitation requires single spaced type and 1.5 spacing between each line. This requirement contradicts. Either it should be 1.5 spacing or single space 1.0). Please confirm the correct spacing requirement.

ANSWER: Section L 2.2.1.1(a) will be changed to read single spaced type with 1.5 spacing between each paragraph.

34. QUESTION: Will all the UAS work be at Ft. Huachuca? Will the contractor be required to have certified UAS operators? If so, which UASs? What certification requirements are they required to meet?

ANSWER: There will be UAS work at Ft. Huachuca; all UAS work not performed at Ft. Huachuca will be Temporary Duty. There is no requirement to have certified UAS operators.

35. QUESTION: The testing exercise stated in the Background Information for the Sample Task #3 states the exercise a duration of three weeks, however, in the “Conference/TDY Section it states 5 days.

The Government provided an answer that stated “The Government has changed the background information in Sample Task 3 to clarify the intent of the task.”

Does the Government intend to amend Sample Task#3 Background Information to “5 days is the exercise duration”?

ANSWER:

Refer to answer #20 above

36. QUESTION: The directions state “single space type with 1.5 between each line”. The page limitations are not indicative of volumes requiring 1.5 space between each line.

Does the Government desire the single space type with 1.5 between each paragraph which is consistent with the format of the RFP?

ANSWER: Refer to answer #33 above.

37. QUESTION: Will the program management office be housed at government facilities? If so, how much square footage will be provided?

ANSWER: The program management office will not be housed at government facilities.

38. QUESTION: If the government is not providing facilities for the program management office, how will the contracts and financial management staff access JPAS per the requirements defined in G.3(c) and H.3(b)?

39. QUESTION: Does the government plan to issue a program management task?

ANSWER: A program management task will not be issued.

40. QUESTION: Since there is the potential for travel to hazardous duty locations during contract execution, we request that DFARS 252.225-7043 “Antiterrorism/Force Protection Policy for Defense Contractors Outside the United States” be added.

ANSWER: DFARS clause 252.225-7043 is already listed in the solicitation under the DFARS full text clauses.

41. QUESTION: Paragraph 4.3.4.1 Indirect Activity Rate - the development of this IAR is still unclear in how to develop this rate and how it is billed referencing H.22 Training , H33 Accountability Data Calls, and H.37 DISA Mandated Data Calls since the last sentence of 4.3.4.1 states The IAR is added to the fully loaded direct labor category cost to cover the training and data call costs identified above. These costs will not be charged directly to a task.

a. If not charged to a particular task, where does this rate get billed to?

ANSWER: It becomes part of your labor rate like G&A and Overhead costs.

b. If it does not get billed to a task, will there be a general administrative task order to each prime for such charges when approved in advance?

ANSWER: There is no general administrative task order for primes.

c. Are we to develop for "possible" use over the five year contract an IAR Labor Category Charge Table to cover each separate labor category?

ANSWER: The IAR cost will form part of your labor rate for the five year contract period to cover charges for H.22, H.33 and H.37.

d. Is this a table to be considered separate from the Labor Categories-Descriptions-Rates for bidding purposes?

ANSWER: This is a cost that forms part of your burdened rate like G&A and OH. The specific IAR needs to be identified as part of your estimate under the Schedule of Rates for Section L 7.4.3.

42. QUESTION: The sample tasks require the establishment of rates. Since the sample tasks require the establishment of rates, for pricing purposes, would the Government provide the effective dates for phase-in, contact start, and sample task pricing?

ANSWER: Refer to answers #2 and #17 above.

43. QUESTION: The Government’s response to the Question #6 indicates the transfer of task responsibilities for awarded tasks begins after the 90 day phase-in period. Is the phase-out period of the incumbent contractor begins at the end of our phase-in period or does phase-out occur simultaneously with the phase-in period?

ANSWER: See Performance Work Statement, paragraph 4, 4.1 and 4.2 for transition process.

44.. QUESTION: In order to level the playing field and provide the same information to all bidders does the Government intend to publish all information such as, lists of equipment with product names in the laboratories, lists of hardware and software maintenance contracts / agreements and licenses with expiration dates and costs for Other Direct Cost estimation that is currently available to the incumbent contractors?

ANSWER: GFP is listed in the Electronic Reading Room under Exhibits & Attachments. Documents are entitled:

J-a GFP Ft Huachuca

J-b GFP Indian Head

J-c GFP TEMC

J-d TEO GFP

Site tours were provided for all locations along with lab overviews, Command Overview, and JPAS Overview.

45. QUESTION: There does not appear to be a validity period specified for the pricing. Please identify the duration of the validity period required.

ANSWER: Refer to answer #17 above.

46. QUESTION: Will page numbers be added to the solicitation?

ANSWER: Due to limitations in the software conversion of the RFP from Procurement Desktop into Word, page numbers are not available in the Word version.

47. QUESTION: Will task orders be issued on a bi-lateral basis under the contract?

ANSWER: Tasks orders will be issued unilaterally as specified in Section H.3.

48. QUESTION: Will the Government consider making available a redline version and conformed version of the solicitation that reflects the Government’s answers to questions concerning the solicitation?

ANSWER: Changes will be identified in the RFP by a line in the right margin next to the changed text.

49. QUESTION: If there is no overall IDIQ management task order, where do we reflect the key personnel, Program Manager, activities?

ANSWER: Contractor charges for program support functions, contracts/subcontracts administration, project financial management should be proposed IAW the company’s approved disclosure statement.

50. QUESTION: The descriptions of the fixed price CLINs 0002, 1002, 2002, 3002 and 4002 and the cost reimbursement CLINs 0003, 1003, 2003, 3003 and 4003 found in Section B of the solicitation state that the services are to support the mission functions of DISA Test and Evaluation Mission Support Services and that the Contractor shall provide services in accordance with the Performance Work Statement (PWS) incorporated herein in Section C.2 Scope. Will the Government consider amending the descriptions of the fixed price CLINs found in Section B such that in lieu of citing the scope found in Section C.2 of the PWS that the descriptions include the specific sections of the PWS to be performed on a fixed price basis? Likewise, will the Government consider amending the descriptions of the cost reimbursement CLINs found in Section B such that the reference made to Section C.2 of the PWS is replaced with the specific sections of the PWS to be performed on cost reimbursement basis? This clarification of the CLINs will help offerors to clearly distinguish the services described in the PWS to be performed on a fixed price basis from the services that are contemplated to be performed by the contractor on a cost reimbursement basis. This will also ensure offeror prepare bids based on a common understanding of the services to be performed on a fixed price versus cost reimbursement basis.

ANSWER: The work identified in the PWS could be either fixed price or cost reimbursable. It is dependent upon the specific task requirements. In the task Request for Proposal, it will identify whether the task is fixed price or CPFF i.e. see General Task Information of sample tasks.

51. QUESTION: With regard to Section D, Clause 52.247-9201 Marking Requirements, will the Government consider expanding this clause to include a reference to the markings that are permitted to be placed on computer software and computer software documentation delivered with government purpose rights, restrictive rights, or special purpose rights in accordance with DFARS Clause 252.227-7014?

ANSWER: Insert any additional markings required by DFARS clause 252.227-7014 in addition to those stated in clause 52.247-9201, Marking Requirements.

52. QUESTION: With regard to Section F and the contract performance period, what is the assumed contract start date for use in pricing the phase-in, base period, each of the 4 one-year options purposes and the phase-out services?

ANSWER: Refer to answer #17 above.

53. QUESTION: With respect to Clause H-8, should a crisis situation arise during the term of the contract will the tasking provided to the Contractor in response to a crisis situation be performed under cost reimbursement type task orders?

ANSWER: Yes. See further information in Clause H.8.

54. QUESTION: With regard to Clause H.10, will tasking involving after hours support during non-duty hours be performed under cost reimbursement type task orders?

ANSWER: Yes.

55. QUESTION: Is any information required for an offeror’s cleared or clearable personnel under the Security Requirements included in Clause H.20?

ANSWER: Prior to contract award, no information is required for this clause.

56. QUESTION: With regard to Clause H.21, will the Government consider amending this clause to indicate that travel costs will be reimbursed in accordance with the travel cost principle found in Section 31.205-46? This section of the FAR stipulates that costs incurred for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses (as defined in the regulations cited in (a)(2)(i) through (iii) of this subparagraph) shall be considered to be reasonable and allowable only to the extent that they do not exceed on a daily basis the maximum per diem rates in effect at the time of travel as set forth in the regulations set forth below:

a) (i)Federal Travel Regulations, prescribed by the General Services Administration, for travel in the conterminous 48 United States, available on a subscription basis from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, Stock No. 022-001-81003-7;

b) (ii) Joint Travel Regulations, Volume 2, DoD Civilian Personnel, Appendix A, prescribed by the Department of Defense, for travel in Alaska, Hawaii, The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and territories and possessions of the United States, available on a subscription basis from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, Stock No. 906-010-00000-1; or

c) (iii) Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians, Foreign Areas), Section 925, "Maximum Travel Per Diem Allowances for Foreign Areas," prescribed by the Department of State, for travel in areas not covered in (a)(2)(i) and (ii) of this subparagraph, available on a subscription basis from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, Stock No. 744-008-00000-0.

ANSWER: Defense Information System Agency (DISA) is a DOD agency which requires reimbursement using the Joint Travel Regulation.

57. QUESTION: Is there a cost for use of DISA’s on-line Corporate Management Information System (CMIS), any registration/enrollment fees for any of the required on-line training courses, the required courses for property custodians that are offered by the Defense Acquisition University (DAU), DPAS training courses or any of the other required training programs cited in Clause H.22?

ANSWER: There is no cost for DISA contractors to use CMIS. There is no charge to the contractors for any training listed in H.22.

58. QUESTION: Section 7.3.4.1 Indirect Activity Rate: Please confirm the Government is looking for a contract specific Indirect Activity Rate to cover the items contained in Section H.22, H.33 and H.37. Please provide clarification to the application of the Indirect Activity Rate. The section refers to adding it to the fully loaded direct labor category cost. By fully loaded, do you mean after the application of G&A? Can the contractor determine how they wish to apply this indirect Activity Rate?

ANSWER: Refer to answer #32 above

59. QUESTION: Do offeror’s need to complete Clause H.24 with their named key personnel?

ANSWER: No, your program manager needs to be identified in Volume II, Technical/Management, Subfactor 2, Management Structure.

60. QUESTION: H.31 states in part “If the Offeror/Contractor knows of no OCI in accepting work under this contract, it shall certify its OCI status and submit the certification at the end of this clause with its proposal and any later award, if awarded the contract. The contractor shall also obtain a similar certification of OCI status from all subcontractors, teaming partners or consultants prior to tasking any such party under this contract.” Please confirm that this certification should be submitted only at the Task Order level when work is specified.

ANSWER: Correct.

61. QUESTION: Section H.39 states that on-site labor rates are to be charged during hour spent teleworking for government work. Off-site rate will not be authorized unless specifically allowed in the task order. Please confirm that on-site refers to a non-contractor facility and off-site refers to the contractor’s facility?

ANSWER: Correct.

62. QUESTION: Will the Government consider amending the text appearing in italics in Clause H.31 to indicate that task order solicitations issued under the contract that involve TRICARE tasking will identify which of the non-purchased care OCI category(ies) have been determined by the Contracting Officer to be applicable to the contractor’s scope of work.

ANSWER: Refer to Consolidated QA’s posted on 14 Feb 2011, Question #29.

63. QUESTION: Will the contingency support services described Clause H.35 be performed under on the contract on a cost reimbursement basis?

ANSWER: Refer to answer #53 above.

64. QUESTION: Section I includes a statement that fixed price clauses apply to fixed price task orders only. Will the Government identify the clauses found in Section I that are considered to be fixed price clauses and list them under this statement in order to avoid potential confusion?

ANSWER: Refer to either the clause prescription or the FAR provision and clause matrix at FAR subpart 52.3 for applicability of clauses.

65. QUESTION: With regard to Clause 52.216-18 and the ordering provisions of the contract, what is the maximum period of performance for orders issued under this contract? Orders may be issued from the date of award through the end of the final option period but the ordering provisions does not address how far out in time work on the contract may take place under individual task orders issued under this contract.

ANSWER: Refer to clause 52.216-22, the last paragraph states “the Contractor shall not be required to make any deliveries under this contract after the end date of the task order, not to exceed 12 months after the last effective date of the basic contract.”

66. QUESTION: Section I contains FAR Clauses 52.216-21 and 52.216-22 which are not usually found in the same solicitation. Is this procurement is considered to be both a requirements contract and an indefinite-quantity contract?

ANSWER: FAR clause 52.216-21 will be removed.

67. QUESTION: With regard to Clause 52.217-8 found in Section I, are offerors required to price the option to extend their services, which permits the Government to extend the duration of the contract for an additional 6 months?

ANSWER: Offerors are not required to price the option under clause 52.217-8.

68. QUESTION: Will the Performance Work Statement posted separately in Fed Biz Ops be incorporated into the solicitation as an Attachment to the RFP listed in Section J of the solicitation with the title and date of this document?

ANSWER: The Performance Work Statement will be included in Section C of the RFP. It was only posted separately in FEDBIZOPPs due to a software glitch that has been corrected.

69. QUESTION: Will the Government consider merging Attachments 1 – 4 and Sample Tasks 1 though 6 found in Section L into the Attachments found in Section J of the solicitation with a note identifying which of these attachments will not be included in the resulting contract? This will help avoid confusion with the other numbered attachments to the solicitation.

ANSWER: These sections will remain unchanged.

70. QUESTION: Will Section K of the solicitation be expanded to include the FAR Clause 52.204-8, Annual Representations and Certifications (Feb 2009)?

ANSWER: FAR provision 52.204-8, Annual Representations and Certifications will be added to Section K. DFARS provision 252.204-7007, Alternate A Annual Representations and Certifications will be moved from Section I to Section K.

71. QUESTION: Table 2.2 – Proposal Organization found in Section L under para 2.2 states that offerors are required to “Submit one hard copy signature page” with page limit of 1 page.” The proposal instructions do not indicate what is needed to satisfy this requirement. Does the Government want the SF-33 to be signed and returned?

ANSWER: Yes, see Section L 8.1.1, Section A for further instructions on completion of SF33.

72. QUESTION: Section L, Paragraph 4.4 Subfactor 2 – Management Structure calls for inclusion of “compensation plans in accordance with FAR 52.222-46 Evaluation of Compensation for Professional Employees” as part of Volume II: Technical/Management. The referenced FAR clause contains a requirement to set forth “salaries and fringe benefits proposed for the professional employees…” Does the Compensation Plan count as part of the page count for Volume II?

ANSWER: Refer to Consolidated QA’s posted on 14 Feb 2011, Question #2.

73. QUESTION: Section L, Paragraph 5.0(b) on Pg. 188 states, “the Offeror’s proposal should include….and estimate the personnel hours, by labor category and level, required for each deliverable.” Does DISA intend the contractor to detail labor hours by category for each of the deliverables covered under each sample task?

ANSWER: Refer to DISA TE MSS Fort Huachuca PreProposal QA’s updated 2-16-11, Question #33.

74. QUESTION: OCI - Sect L, 8.5 and Sect M 2.4.2 both contain the statement “…and will consider the Offeror’s approach for ensuring that all systems to be tested will be supported by one of the MSS contract holders.” I understanding that it is the Government’s obligation to ensure that an OCI does not exist for the selected support contractor. Would the Government please confirm this understanding?

ANSWER: The government is reviewing the contractor’s Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) Mitigation Plan to see how these issues are addressed as stated in Section M.2.4.2

75. QUESTION: GFP – Sect L, 8.7 – What is the government looking for in response to Sect L, 8.7. Sect M does not contain evaluation criteria mapped to 8.7. Will it be evaluated? If so, is it a pass/fail like the OCI and QC Plans and what are the evaluation criteria?

ANSWER: Volume VI, Contract Documentation, Section H, Government Furnished Property is removed and its corresponding section L8.7.

76. QUESTION: PWS Para 4 says we are to “…provide for maximum cooperation between successor and incumbent while insuring that no work receives inadequate attention during phase-in/phase-out…” This implies a successor Task Order would be in place during Overall contract phase-in. This appears to contradict the answer to Question #6 in Consolidated Q&A #2 in that “…actual performance would not begin until the Base Period is implemented. Please clarify/resolve this apparent contradiction.

ANSWER: Work under task orders will be on-going under the JITC Omnibus contract for tasks until the end of their period of performance. Tasks that are being transitioned to the new contract will be competed/awarded during the phase-in period of the DISA T&E MSS contract. The government needs maximum cooperation between the DISA T&E MSS contractors and the JITC Omnibus contractors in order to transition the tasks to the new contract. Actual performance under the DISA T&E MSS contract would not begin until the Base Period is implemented.

77. QUESTION: PWS Para 12 specifies “The contractor will be responsible…for ensuring that contractor personnel adhere to DISA T&E’s Government employee policies regarding internet, electronic mail, and computer usage.” Would the government confirm that these policies are in the JITC MSS Reading room? If yes, please specify where; if no, where will you make these available?

ANSWER: This document is listed at Section J, Attachment 2, Information Technology Security User Instruction, 240-110-03 and is provided in the DISA T&E MSS Reading Room under Exhibits and Attachments.

78. QUESTION: With respect to page count for Vol IV Past Performance, will the government consider allowing 2 pages (over and above the allowance of 3 pages per contract) for an introduction to Volume IV?

ANSWER: Refer to Consolidated QA’s #1 14 Feb 11, Question #26.

79. QUESTION: The FAR and DFARS clauses dealing with Limitation of Funds (52.232-22 and 252.232-7007) in Section I contain different time periods. Would the Government please clarify the applicability of these two clauses?

ANSWER: Clause 52.232-22, Limitation of Funds applies to incrementally funded cost-reimbursable tasks while 252.232-7007, Limitation of Government’s Obligation applies to incrementally funded fixed price tasks.

80. QUESTION: With regard to Volume VI, please confirm that the only clause found in Section G that needs to be completed by each offeror is Clause G.1 Contract Management Contractor’s Contract Administration and Payment Office.

ANSWER: Correct.

81. QUESTION: As part of Volume VI, do offerors need to include as part of Section H proof of insurance required by Clause H.2? What other clauses found in Section H need to be completed by each offeror?

ANSWER: Proof of insurance will be provided by awardees after contract award. This is the offeror’s responsibility to ensure all applicable sections are completed under Section L, General Instructions.

82. QUESTION: In Volume VI, what clauses in Section I are requested to be addressed/completed by each offeror?

ANSWER: This is the offeror’s responsibility to ensure all applicable sections are completed under Section L, General Instructions.

83. QUESTION: As part of Volume VI - Contract Document, are offerors required to complete the statement found in Section B that reads “Maximum contract value for the life of the contract is $__________.? Should this dollar amount to be based on the sum of the dollar amounts proposed for CLINs 0001 through 4004 that will take into consideration the government’s estimated number of task orders anticipated to be similar in size and complexity to the total estimated cost of each of the 6 sample tasks during the base and each of the 4 one-year option periods?

ANSWER: Yes, refer to Section L7.1 and L8.1.2.

84. QUESTION: Sample Task #3, Section Titled: Equipment Purchases: Is it the intent of the Government for the Contractor to include the external hard drives referenced in paragraph b in the pricing of this sample task?

ANSWER: Yes, the offerors should provide pricing for the external hard drives.

85. QUESTION: Section M 2.3.4.2: The Government refers to an Independent Government Cost Estimate and a most probable cost. Are these one and the same? If not, please explain the difference.

ANSWER: No. Section M2.3.4.2 provides an explanation for the government’s most probable cost analysis. An Independent Government Cost Estimate is the estimate the government establishes for the requirement.

86. QUESTION: For Sample Task Order 1 what is the status of the MADL Standard? Approved? Still in draft? Draft Designation?

ANSWER: MADL is in draft.

87. QUESTION: Sample Task #3, Section Titled: Equipment Purchases: Is it the intent of the Government for the Contractor to include the external hard drives referenced in paragraph b in the pricing of this sample task?

ANSWER: Refer to answer #84 above.

88. QUESTION: On pg. 253 under ODCs for Sample Task 6, it indicates the contractor can anticipate direct material purchases in 5a, 5b, and 5c. In 5d it indicates the annual expenditures on ODCs is approximately $357,000. Does the $357,000 include the anticipated direct materials purchases mentioned in 5a, 5b, and 5c or should cost estimates be provided for these items over and above the $357,000?

ANSWER: Because a listing of all the lab hardware and software is not releasable to the public, the $357,000 was added to provide the offerors the amount of anticipated expenditures annually.

89. QUESTION: Question 12 of the Pre-Proposal Conference Q&As asked about fixed figures for ODCs in the Sample Task Orders. The answer indicated that “only sample tasks 5 and 6 specify a fixed figure for ODC’s”. Is the figure of $1,000/year included in the RFP under Sample Task #3 not intended to be a fixed figure?

ANSWER: The figure of $1,000 per year is intended to be a fixed figure. The answer to the Pre-Proposal Q&As inadvertently omitted this figure from Sample Task 3.

90. QUESTION: Consolidated Q&A’s Number 1, Questions 21 and 22: Contractors are required to submit a schedule of rates for all categories and the intent is to use the schedule for bidding purposes only. The assumption is that these rates will only be used for bidding on fixed price type task orders. Please confirm if that assumption is correct. If not, please explain the purpose of the rates and how they will be used.

ANSWER: The government is anticipating that these rates will be used after contract award for bidding on tasks for both fixed price and cost reimbursable tasks.

91. QUESTION: Given the extent of the questions asked is the government considering an extension to the due date of the proposal?

ANSWER: The number of questions received does not equate to an extension of the proposal due date. The due date for the RFP remains unchanged.