QA-1_HC102814R0006_Amd_0001_(Questions_1-207).pdf

HC102814R0006

Amendment 0001

Q&A-1

QUESTION 1:

Reference: Paragraph H.11

Question: The size standard stated in the RFP, paragraph H.11, is $14 million for the NAICS Code 541330 Engineering Services. Since this contract will be supporting military systems and programs including Defense Red Switch Network, Tactical systems, Military Satellite Communications, Emissions Security and Communications Security, recommend using the NAICS Code 541330 Engineering Services Exception A for Military and Aerospace Equipment and Military Weapons which is currently $38.5 million.

Answer: Paragraph H.11 has been modified from $14 million to $15 million to reflect SBA's revised standards published July 14, 2014. While the work required for the CTSS contract is specialized, the use of the exception for NAICS 541330 is not appropriate for this acquisition.

QUESTION 2:

Reference: Attachment_7A_TO_0001_CPFF_Pricing_Template, Tabs, “OY1”, “OY2”, “OY3”, and “OY4”, Cell G45: The formula in cell G45 does not sum all rows above. The formula currently reads, “SUM(G13:G44)”.

Question: Please correct the formula to read, “SUM(G3:G44)”

Answer: Formulas identified have been corrected.

QUESTION 3:

Reference: Attachment_7B__TO_0002_FFP_Pricing_Template, Tabs “Base Yr”, “OY1”, “OY2”, “OY3”, and “OY4”, Column A: The drop down menu for “Select SOW Task” only includes SOW tasks 6.1-6.4.

And Attachment_4_SOW_TO_0002. Section 6.0 Specific Tasks includes subsections 6.1- 6.5.3.2.

Question: Please correct the drop down menu to include all applicable SOW tasks (6.1-6.5.3.2).

Answer: Drop down selections identified have been corrected.

QUESTION 4:

Reference: Attachment_7B__TO_0002_FFP_Pricing_Template, Tabs “Base Yr”, “OY1”, “OY2”, “OY3”, and “OY4”, Column B: The drop down menu for “Select CTSS III Labor Cat.

#” only includes LCATs 1-63.

And Attachment_7B_TO_0002_FFP_Pricing_Template, Tabs, “FFP Sch of Rates-Govt Site” and “FFP Sch of Rates – Cont Site”, Column C: Includes 76 labor categories.

Question: Please correct the drop down menu to include all applicable LCATs (numbers 1-76)

Answer: Drop down selections identified have been corrected.

QUESTION 5:

Reference: Attachment_7B_TO_0002_FFP_Pricing_Template, Tabs, “FFP Sch of Rates-Govt Site” and “FFP Sch of Rates – Cont Site”, Column C: The following 23 LCATs are marked as Key Personnel:

Labor Category AOR-Wide Communications Engineer Circuit Actions Technician III Communication Planner COMSEC/EKMS Manager Emissions Security (EMSEC) Manager Frequency Manager Information Assurance Technician III Information Technology/Network Engineer Land Mobile Radio (LMR) Technician III Microwave Technician III Network Manager III Network/ System Administrator III Program Manager Project Manager Project Planner II Project Planner III Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer Satellite Technician III Tech Control Facility Technician III Telecommunication Engineer Telephone Technician III – (Defense Red Switch Network (DRSN)) Telephone Technician III – (Strategic DSN Switch) Video Teleconferencing (VTC) Technician III

And

Attachment_4_SOW_TO_0002.: Section 9.2, Key Personnel, lists the following 4 LCATS as KEY:

Labor Category Satellite Technician III Telephone Technician III – (Strategic DSN Switch) Telephone Technician III – (Defense Red Switch Network (DRSN)) Project Manager

Question: Please confirm which personnel are to be considered Key Personnel for Sample Task Order 2?

Answer: Attachment_7B_TO_0002_FFP_Pricing_Template, Tabs, “FFP Sch of Rates-Govt Site” and “FFP Sch of Rates – Cont Site”, Column C have all the labor categories available under CTSS-III and identify all possible key labor categories in Column C.

For TO 0002 key personnel are only those listed in Section 9.2 of the SOW.

QUESTION 6:

Reference: Attachment_7A_TO_0001_CPFF_Pricing_Template, Tabs, “CPFF Sch of Rates-Govt Site” and “CPFF Sch of Rates – Cont Site”, Column C: The following 23 LCATs are marked as Key Personnel:

Labor Category AOR-Wide Communications Engineer Circuit Actions Technician III Communication Planner COMSEC/EKMS Manager Emissions Security (EMSEC) Manager Frequency Manager Information Assurance Technician III Information Technology/Network Engineer Land Mobile Radio (LMR) Technician III Microwave Technician III Network Manager III Network/ System Administrator III Program Manager Project Manager Project Planner II Project Planner III Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer Satellite Technician III Tech Control Facility Technician III Telecommunication Engineer Telephone Technician III – (Defense Red Switch Network (DRSN)) Telephone Technician III – (Strategic DSN Switch) Video Teleconferencing (VTC) Technician III

And Attachment_2_SOW_TO_0001.: Section 9.2, Key Personnel, lists the following 17 LCATS as KEY:

Labor Category Network/System Administrator III Network Manager III Information Assurance III Frequency Manager Land Mobile Radio (LMR) Technician III Tech Control Facility Technician III Circuit Actions Technician III Video Teleconferencing (VTC) Technician III COMSEC/EKMS Manager Information Technology/Network Engineer Telecommunication Engineer AOR-Wide Communications Engineer Project Manager Communication Planner Project Planner II Project Planner III Logistic Analyst I

Question: Please confirm which personnel are to be considered Key Personnel for Sample Task Order 1?

Answer: See question 5. Additionally, Attachment_2_SOW_TO_0001.: Section 9.2 was updated to remove logistic analyst, all labor categories are correct.

QUESTION 7:

Reference: CTSS_III_Final_RFP_Signed_dtd_21_Aug_14, Section C, Labor Categories, Personnel Qualification Matrix: Many of the labor category qualifications do not include specific years of experience requirements, but instead state, “Associate level of experience”, “Intermediate level of experience”, or “Lead level of experience”.

Labor category pricing may differ significantly depending on a company’s interpretation of “Associate”, “Intermediate”, and “Lead” levels of experience.

Question: In order to level the playing field among competitors, please provide specific years of experience requirements for each LCAT

Answer: The following has been added to the RFP in Section C:

For the purpose of this solicitation/contract the following experience levels are defined as:

Associate level of experience is defined as a technician that can perform tasks with supervision.

Intermediate level of experience is defined as a technician that can perform tasks without supervision as part of larger team.

Lead level of experience is defined as an individual capable of leading and supervising technicians to perform required tasks, and the ability to work independently under specified objectives.

QUESTION 8:

Reference: CTSS_III_Final_RFP_Signed_dtd_21_Aug_14, Section C, Labor Categories, Personnel Qualification Matrix: Many of the labor category qualifications do not include specific years of experience requirements, but instead state, “Associate level of experience”, “Intermediate level of experience”, or “Lead level of experience”.

Labor category pricing may differ significantly depending on a company’s interpretation of “Associate”, “Intermediate”, and “Lead” levels of experience.

Question: Alternatively, please identify the specific years of experience requirements associated with “Associate”, “Intermediate”, and “Lead” levels of experience.

Answer: The following has been added to the RFP in Section C:

For the purpose of this solicitation/contract the following experience levels are defined as:

Associate level of experience is defined as a technician that can perform tasks with supervision.

Intermediate level of experience is defined as a technician that can perform tasks without supervision as part of larger team.

Lead level of experience is defined as an individual capable of leading and supervising technicians to perform required tasks, and the ability to work independently under specified objectives.

QUESTION 9:

Reference: CTSS_III_Final_RFP_Signed_dtd_21_Aug_14, Section C, Labor Categories, Personnel Qualification Matrix: Many of the labor category qualifications do not include specific degree/education requirements.

Question: Please provide specific degree/education requirements for each LCAT.

Answer: Degree/education is only required for engineers, Reference - Academic Requirements for Professional Engineering/Other Positions.

QUESTION 10:

Reference: Attachment_7B_TO_0002_FFP_Pricing_Template, Tab “Price Proposal Instructions”, TO 2 (FFP) Pricing Template Instructions, Number 2: Number 2 states, ”Proceeding to ‘Transition’ tab…”. There is no ‘Transition’ tab.

Question: Please revise the instructions to state, “Proceeding to the ‘Base Yr’ tab…”, and remove all references to a ‘Transition’ tab from the instructions.

Answer: References to “Transition’ have been removed or edited to clarify the Government’s intent.

QUESTION 11:

Reference: Section L, 2.2.2.1, 2.2.2.3: Section L - 2.2.2.1 states that "Pages shall be numbered sequentially by volume." However, section 2.2.2.3 instructs that the proposal shall "number consecutive pages within parts" and provides the example of "Page I-2-5, indicates Volume I, Part 2, Page 5".

Question: Please clarify this discrepancy and clarify if proposals should be numbered sequentially by volume, or if they should be numbered by part.

Answer: All proposals shall be numbered in accordance with Section L, 2.2.2.3. Section L,

2.2.2.1 has been revised.

QUESTION 12:

Reference: Section L, 5.3: Section L - 5.3 states that offerors shall "Submit information in accordance with Attachment 2: Past Performance Information" on no more than three

(3) recent contracts." However, Attachment 2 is the "Past Performance Questionnaire" (Attachment 1 is titled "Past Performance Information").

Question: Did the Government mean to Reference Attachment 1 instead of Attachment 2?

Answer: Correct. Section L, 5.3 has been updated to reflect the right attachment.

QUESTION 13:

Reference: Section L, 5.2, 5.3:

Section L - 5.2 states that offerors are required to submit "past performance information in accordance with the format contained in Attachment 1 of Section L." and that "this information is required on the offeror and all subcontractors, teaming partners, and/or joint venture partners who are proposed to perform twenty (20) percent or more of the proposed support required..." Within its context, section 5.2 does not specify the total number of allowed/required references.

And

Section 5.3 specifies that offerors "submit information in accordance with Attachment 2: Past Performance Information on no more than three (3) recent contracts..." This instruction is a source of confusion, as "Attachment 2" is titled "Past Performance Questionnaire", not "Past Performance Information".

Question: Please clarify the total number of past performance contract references allowed/required for the prime and each significant subcontractor.

Answer: Section L, 5.3 has been revised to reflect Attachment 1. No more than three (3) recent contracts shall be submitted.

QUESTION 14:

Reference: STO1, PWS 6.5.3.4.2

Question: There appears to be a numbering error in the PWS for STO1 in pages 48-49.

The headings under 6.5.3.4.2 read:

6.5.3.4.2 Network Operations

6.5.2.5.2.1 Equipment/Software Supported

6.5.2.5.2.2 Network Operations General

Were they numbered erroneously and should they read?

6.5.3.4.2 Network Operations

6.5.3.4.2.1 Equipment/Software Supported

6.5.3.4.2.2 Network Operations General

Answer: Numbered erroneously and updated to:

6.5.3.4.2 Network Operations

6.5.3.4.2.1 Equipment/Software Supported

6.5.3.4.2.2 Network Operations General

QUESTION 15:

Reference: H.11 Small Business Classification.

Question: The language “work awarded under this contract is divided evenly between…” implies that the Government intended to provide a second NAICS code. Does the Government intend to modify the RFP to include a second NAICS code, perhaps with a $27 million size standard?

Answer: The RFP has been modified to include the following verbiage: " All work on this contract, base and task orders, will be professional services provided under North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) 541330, Engineering Services. Under the associated size standard, to be considered a small business, the offeror’s size standard is $15 million..”

QUESTION 16:

Reference: 7.2.4.2 Small Business Participation and Commitment

Question: The small business goals in the RFP are stated as being “as measured against the total contract value”. Our understanding of FAR Part 19 is that small business requirements do not apply to OCONUS work. If that is the case, will the Government revise the section to read, “as measured against the CONUS components of the contract?”

Answer: FAR Part 19.000(b) does indicate the part is applicable only to the United States and outlying areas. However, as outlined in the Statement of Work, Section 8 Place of Performance, contractor personnel will be required to perform operations in the Contiguous United States. As such, small business goals are applicable to the entire requirement.

QUESTION 17:

Reference: 7.2.4.2 Small Business Participation and Commitment

Question: Are the percentages identified in this paragraph participation Goals, or does the Government intend to require bidders to meet these participation percentages?

Answer: FAR PART 19.702 outlines the statutory requirements for subcontracting on government contracts. Contractors must make a good faith effort to attain the goals outlined in their subcontracting plans. "As stated in 15 U.S.C. 637(d)(8), any contractor or subcontractor failing to comply in good faith with the requirements of the subcontracting plan is in material breach of its contract. Further, 15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)(f) directs that a contractor's failure to make a good faith effort to comply with the requirements of the subcontracting plan shall result in the imposition of liquidated damages"

QUESTION 18:

Reference: N/A

Question: Does the government intend to issue a solicitation amendment to include proposal submittal dates?

Answer: No, proposal submittal dates are listed on the FBO page for this acquisition.

QUESTION 19:

Reference: N/A

Question: Are Task Orders 1 and 2 considered live task orders which will be awarded with the IDIQ contract?

Answer: Yes, task orders 0001 and 0002 will be awarded with the IDIQ contract.

QUESTION 20:

Reference: RFP 6.2.2 Transition Plan

Question: In which volume of the proposal should the Transition Plan be included? Should it be a separate file? If so, what is the page limit?

Answer: The transition plan shall be submitted in Volume II, Part E. Table 2.2 in Section L has been updated to reflect this change. The page limit is 20 pages.

QUESTION 21:

Reference: Section L, paragraph 2.3 Electronic Offers. This section states that Volumes I through IV should be submitted on CD ROMs (plural). Then it further states that each volume should be in a separate directory on the CD.

Question: Does the Government want each volume on a separate CD for ease in evaluation and to keep pricing and technical material separated?

Answer: Each volume shall be submitted via a separate CD/DVD. Section L, 2.3 has been updated to reflect this change.

QUESTION 22:

Reference: Section L, Paragraph 5.0 Volume III Past Performance, paragraph 5.3 (a) and (b)

Question: Does the Government want a grand total of three (3) past performance reference sheets to include both the prime and significant subcontractor contracts? Or does the Government want a grand total of four (4) reference sheets with the extra one representing the prime’s most relevant contract?

Answer: The Government requests no more than three (3) past performance efforts for the team as a whole. Of the three (3), one (1) must be from the prime offeror (Section L, paragraph 5.3a.

QUESTION 23:

Reference: Section L, Table 2.2 and paragraph 7.2.3, OCI Mitigation Plan. Table 2-2 only requires an OCI Plan if it is applicable. Paragraph 7.2.3 does not have that stipulation and has an evaluation method.

Question: Do offerors have to submit an OCI Mitigation Plan if no OCI currently exists?

Answer: “If applicable” has been removed from the table in Section L, Table 2.2. As specified in Section L, paragraph 7.2.3, all offeror’s shall submit an OCI Mitigation Plan.

QUESTION 24:

Reference: Section L, Table 2.2 and paragraphs 3.0 – 7.0. Table 2.2 and paragraphs 3.0 – 7.0 have inconsistent Volume numbers, etc.

Question: Does the Government want us to name our files IAW Table 2.2 even though the volume numbers, etc. in the rest of Section L differ?

Answer: Section L, Table 2.2 has been updated to accurately reflect the entirety of the Section.

QUESTION 25:

Reference: Section L, paragraph 2.3 Electronic Offers states that offerors should use separate files to permit rapid location of all portions, including subfactors, exhibits, annexes, and attachments, if any.

Question: Is the Government referring to “Parts” or just “Subfactors” as needing to be separate electronic files? Separate files for every Part would result in 23 separate files. Please clarify which files need to be separate electronic files.

Answer: Electronic files shall be on a separate CD/DVD for each Volume. Further, each Volume CD/DVD shall be separated by Part within each Volume. For example, the CD/DVD for Volume II shall be inclusive of four Parts (A-D)

QUESTION 26:

Reference: Section L, Table 2-2, part G, DD254.

Question: Can the Government clarify what we are to provide in regards to the DD254?

Answer: A draft DD 254 shall be provided for evaluation to ensure the stated security requirements are met.

QUESTION 27: RESERVED

Reference:

Question:

Answer:

QUESTION 28:

Reference: Section L, paragraphs 2.2.2.4 and 2.2.2.5 describe the content of the proposal Cover Page and Title Page.

Question: Can the Title page be submitted as part of Volume I, Executive Summary or must it be included in every file?

Answer: A title page shall be included with each Volume.

QUESTION 29:

Reference: Bidder’s Library

Question: I have downloaded the documents for the above referenced solicitation from FedBizOps, however, there is another section which is locked and a log-in is required is required to access. Can you tell me what documents are in that section. How would I would obtain a log-in so that I can view them?

Answer: The information referenced in the solicitation is a document package/Bidder's Library and is referenced in two places in the RFP; Section H. 10 and L. 2.1.4.

H.10

GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED INFORMATION (GFI).

The Government will provide reference material and historical data to be used by the Offeror to develop their proposed prices. Unclassified, sensitive and/or controlled GFI will be provided on the bidder's library website at the below FBO link and will be made available to Offerors.

Offerors should contact Mr. Christopher Enriquez, christopher.m.enriquez.civ@mail.mil, 618-229-9446 or Mr. Matthew Cassady matthew.r.cassady2.civ@mail.mil, 618-228-9713 for information on the bidder's library.

L. 2.1.4. Electronic Reference Documents All referenced documents for this solicitation are available on the Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) web site at http://www.fedbizopps.gov.

Potential offerors are encouraged to subscribe for real-time e-mail notifications when information has been posted to the website for this solicitation. The Communications Technical Support Services (CTSS) - III FedBizOpps web page is http://www.fedbizopps.gov/. A Bidders library is also available on the CTSS-III FedBizOpps web page. The offeror will need to be logged into their FBO account to request access to the Bidder's Library.

QUESTION 30:

Reference: Pricing clarification

Question: In order to meet the requirements of the PWS, there are functional support positions required to adequately manage the program which do not appear in the listing of available labor categories.

Would the USG consider revising the language in B.2 and the pricing instructions to allow future task order proposals to include additional personnel / labor categories, as needed to address these requirements?

Answer: The Government will not consider revising the language.

QUESTION 31:

Reference: Pricing clarification

Question: Given the dynamic nature of the operating environment, we recognize the need for a quick response to emerging requirements. However, given the nature of the services performed in theater and the content being heavily driven by labor, will the USG change the contract type for CLIN 0003 to allow fee to be earned on all labor performed?

Answer: As a cost-reimbursable CLIN, the successful offeror will be fully reimbursed for any costs incurred with the emerging requirement. Because the effort will be temporary in nature, therefore insufficient time will be available to negotiate a fee appropriate for the work to be undertaken.

QUESTION 32:

Reference: RFP

Question: Paragraph 6.1.4 states "The indirect cost rate ceiling will be based on the proposed indirect rates, and be considered negotiated ceiling rates. The Government will not be obligated to pay any additional amount should final indirect cost rates incurred during contract performance exceed the negotiated ceiling rates.”

Given the potential period of performance, it is likely that many Contractors do not have Forward Pricing Rate Proposals or Agreements that extend out the full period of performance. This level of uncertainty, along with the inherent difficulty in predicting unknowns that may impact future indirect rates, would likely require the Offeror to inflate ceiling indirect rates to ensure the risk is covered and since these ceiling indirect cost rates are used in the evaluation, would likely not represent reasonable and realistic pricing.

In lieu of indirect ceiling rates, would the Government consider directing all offerors to use their applicable Forward Pricing Rates for evaluation purposes and allow the Contractor to update the indirect rates upon approval by the cognizant Federal Agency?

Answer: No, the indirect rate ceiling described in the RFP will not be modified.

QUESTION 33:

Reference: N/A

Question: Given the likelihood that many Contractors do not have Forward Pricing Rate Proposals or Agreements that extend out the full period of performance, would the Government consider including a rate re-opener clause which would allow the Contractor to re-propose ceiling indirect rates at a midpoint or pre-determined interval during the life of the contract?

Answer: No, the indirect rate ceiling will be implemented and function as described in the RFP.

QUESTION 34:

Reference: RFP Section L

Question: Section L Paragraph 6.3.6.1 Schedule of rates states that, “The labor rate schedules shall include (but separately identify) prime contractor, subcontractor, and inter-divisional transfer rates.”

Could the USG please provide additional guidance on how to address subcontract pricing and/or how to include them in the two sample task cost templates provided?

Answer: The Government has amended RFP Attachments 7A and 7B to clarify use of the pricing template.

QUESTION 35:

Reference: RFP Section L

Question: RFP Section L 2.2 Organization/Number of Copies/Page Limits. Table 2.2 Proposal Organization. Volume I – Part B.

The table references Task Order SOW Paragraph 6.5.4.3.3.3 and the Attachments 2., Task Order 0001 SOW only goes up to 6.5.4.3.1. We believe the correct number is 6.5.2.4.3.3.3.

Will the customer please correct reference number in section L?

Answer: The correct reference number is 6.5.2.4.3.3.3 and has been updated in table 2.2 of Section L.

QUESTION 36:

Reference: RFP Section L

Question: RFP section 2.2.2.1 says “Page size shall be 8.5 x 11 inches, and no fold out pages”.

However, RFP Section 2.2.2.2 says “Foldout pages shall fold entirely within the volume, and count as a single page”.

Will the USG please confirm the use of foldouts?

Answer: As identified in Section L, 2.2.2.2, use of foldout pages is permitted only for pages that include large tables, charts, graph, diagrams and schematics. Pages that are predominately text, shall adhere to guidance provided in Section L, paragraph 2.2.2.1, where no fold outs are allowed.

QUESTION 37:

Reference: RFP Section L

Question: Paragraph 6.2, Volume Organization: Part B references a summary spreadsheet.

What are the requirements for this summary spreadsheet?

Answer: Cost/price proposals are required to be submitted using the Microsoft Excel-based TO1 (CPFF) Pricing Template and TO2 (FFP) Pricing Templates provided in Section J, Attachment 7. Instructions to complete the individual templates are found within the Pricing Templates on the ‘Price Proposal Instructions’ tab. The summary spreadsheet is part of the attachments.

QUESTION 38:

Reference: RFP Section L Paragraph 6.3.6.1, Schedule of Rates:

Question: Does the schedule of rates include a tab for each subcontractor?

Answer: No, the Government has amended RFP Attachments 7A and 7B to clarify use of the pricing template. The Offeror shall utilize the labor rate build up tabs to illustrate how the schedules of rates were developed for each labor category.

QUESTION 39:

Reference: RFP Attachment 7B

Question: TO2 FFP Pricing Template Instructions reference a transition tab. Attachment 7B does not have a transition tab.

Will the USG please clarity requirements for the transition tab?

Answer: References to “Transition’ have been removed or edited to clarify the Government’s intent.

QUESTION 40:

Reference: Sample TO 0002 – Attachment 4, Page 33

Question: Work Hours: The last sentence states “For Switch site, the contractor shall ensure maintenance personnel shall be working shipped in parallel to normal military duty hours.”

For clarity, what are normal military duty hours at rear and forward locations?

Answer: Duty hours are set by local Communication Squadron Commander.

QUESTION 41:

Reference: Sample TO 0002 – Attachment 4, pages 31 & 42.

Question: TMDE is listed for Al Mubarak AB (AMAB) on page 42; however, AMAB is not listed as a place of performance on page 31, paragraph 8.

Did the USG intend for AMAB to be a place of performance?

Answer: USG intends for AMAB to be a place of performance and has been added to paragraph 8.

QUESTION 42:

Reference: Sample TO 0002 – Attachment 4, pages 31 & 42.

Question: TMDE is not listed for Bagram AB on page 42; however, Bagram is listed as a place of performance on page 31, paragraph 8.

Did the USG intend for Bagram AB to be a place of performance?

Answer: Bagram AB will be a place of performance for paragraph 6.5.2.1.2 Strategic DSN telephone switch only and has been added to paragraph 8 of the SOW.

QUESTION 43:

Reference: Sample TO 0001 and 0002 – Attachments 2 and 4

Question: Attachment_2_SOW_TO_0001.rtf, page 65, para 9.2, Key Personnel and Attachment_4_SOW_TO_0002.doc; page 37, para 9.2, Key Personnel

Will resumes submissions be required for key personnel listed within TO-0001 and/or TO-0002? If so how many resumes are required for each key position?

Also, will the government provide a standardized resume format and guidance on page limitation?

Will resumes be considered part of the overall TO proposal page count?

Answer: Resume submissions will be required for each task order. Only one resume submission is required.

A contractor provided resume format will be deemed acceptable as long as it addresses the items identified in Section C of the RFP. Resumes will not be included in the overall page count as identified in Section L, paragraph 2.2.1.

Reference RFP paragraph H15.b.2, resumes will be required for subsequent key personnel performing on the contract.

QUESTION 44:

Reference: Pricing Clarification – Attachment 7B

Question: Attachment_7B__TO_0002_FFP_Pricing_Template, Base-Year tab, row #15. The CONUS deployment dates 16-31 Mar 2015 appear to be incorrect since they are prior to OCONUS staffing dates.

Should these dates be 16-31 Jan 2015?

Answer: Dates have been corrected in the Pricing Template.

QUESTION 45:

Reference: Pricing Clarification

Question: For the purposes of establishing the rate schedule pricing what contract award date should be used?

Answer: Section L 2.0(d) has been revised to reflect that proposals shall be valid for 180 days (unless a longer period is proposed by an offeror). As such, proposed rates must be valid for award for at least 180 after proposal submission.

QUESTION 46:

Reference: RFP, H.24, Page 195 of 284

Question: With respect to H.24 Teaming Arrangements, what is the government’s position on ensuring fair and adequate competition for CTSS III? Specifically:

a) What is the government’s position on the incumbent contractor subbing itself and current CTSS II subcontractors to one or more other primes for CTSS III?

b) With regard to limiting price competition, what is the government’s position on two or more incumbent contractors arranging prime/sub teaming in a “flip” arrangement where the incumbent Prime subcontracts to a current Subcontractor, while also maintaining a prime bidding position in the CTSS III competition with the same subcontractor?

Answer: Full and open procedures are being used for the CTSS-III acquisition as the Government has requested competitive proposals from offerors.

a) With regards to team contractor team arrangements, the Government will not require or encourage the dissolution of contractor team arraignments in accordance with FAR 9.603. A review of all teaming arrangements will be made to determine if any organizational conflicts of interest exist. Please see Section H.24.

b) Offerer’s proposed pricing will be evaluated using one or more of the techniques defined in FAR 15.404. Please see Section M, Factor 3, Cost or Price Factor for additional information on how cost/price will be evaluated.

QUESTION 47:

Reference: RFP, 6.2.2, Page 14 of 284 and Section L, Table 2.2, page 247 of 284

Question: The SOW indicates that a Transition Plan is required with the Proposal. Yet the Proposal Organization instructions in Section L do not provide for a Transition Plan.

a) Is a Transition Plan required with the proposal?

b) If so, where should it be placed in the proposal document?

c) Will the Transition Plan be included or excluded from any page limitations

Answer: a) Yes, a transition plan is required to be submitted with an offerors proposal

b) It shall be included for each task order, please see response to question 20

c) The transition plan will be included in the page limitations

QUESTION 48:

Reference: RFP, 6.2.2.2, page 14 of 284

The transition plan shall assume the contractor shall manage the transition effort as a project with a detailed project plan. Each functional activity shall have its own detailed work plan.

Question: Please clarify “functional activity”.

Answer: Functional activities are listed in Table 5.1 of each task order

QUESTION 49:

Reference: RFP 6.2.2.2 and 6.2.2.3, page 14 of 284

6.2.2.2. The transition plan shall assume the contractor shall manage the transition effort as a project with a detailed project plan. Each functional activity shall have its own detailed work plan. The transition plan shall be updated upon contract award after consultation with USAFCENT A6 leadership. Progress against plan shall be reported on a weekly basis until the government agrees transition is complete.

6.2.2.3. The contractor shall include Phase-In procedures in their transition plan. Each task order shall be transitioned within 45 days upon task order award.

Question: This section of the SOW implies a Task Order-specific Detailed Project Plan for Transition is required.

a) Please confirm whether or not a Detailed Project Plan for Transition is required for Task Orders 0001 and 0002

b) If so where should it be placed in the proposal document

c) Will such Detailed Project Plans for Transition be included or excluded from any page limitations.

Answer: Please see response to question #47.

QUESTION 50:

Reference: RFP 6.2.2.3, page 14 of 284 - Each task order shall be transitioned within 45 days upon task order award.

H.27(a), page 196 of 284 - The initial start-up period is established as sixty (60) days after contract award and shall be completed six months after award

Question: a) Please clarify the intent of the sentence reading “The initial start-up period is established as sixty (60) days after contract award and shall be completed six months after award.”

b) Please confirm whether the Government requires a 45 or 60 day transition-in period.

c) Are the 45 or 60 day periods listed calendar days or business days?

Answer: a) A task order will commence 60 days after contract award. The transition of all five (5) task orders will be completed within 6 months after award of the base contract.

b) A 45 day transition-in period is required.

c) The transition periods provided are calendar days.

QUESTION 51:

Reference: RFP 7.2.7.4, page 81 of 284

7.2.7.4: Sub-task 7.2.5.4.2-Proposal Submittal

“[AQL is stated as] The # of business days it takes to submit a proposal for [a] task order based on a request (verbal or email) will be graded.”

Question: Please indicate the actual number of days after request that AFCENT regards as consistent with a “superior” grade, and with an “acceptable” grade, and whether this will differ for mission-critical and non-mission critical TO requests. This standard should already be in place from the existing contract.

Answer: The AQL standard has been updated to state “The contractor shall submit a proposal for task order based on a request within 14 days. Expedited proposal submissions may be required by the Contracting Officer on a case by case basis with consideration for mission and complexity.”

QUESTION 52:

Reference: RFP SOW 6.2.2.3 and SOW 8.3.4.2.3

6.2.2.3. The contractor shall include Phase-In procedures in their transition plan. Each task order shall be transitioned within 45 days upon task order award.

Question: a) Will the 45 day transition period include overlap with performance by the existing contractor?

b) Will incumbent contractor personnel have valid LOAs in place during the transition in period, so that any personnel the new contractor desires to offer employment will be able to remain in theater?

Answer: a) There will be a 30 day overlap with the incumbent.

b) Incumbent will have valid LOAs in place for the period of performance of the

CTSS-II task order. However, it is the offeror’s responsibility to ensure the incumbent technician is authorized to remain after expiration of the existing requirement.

QUESTION 53:

Reference: RFP SOW 7.2.1

When required by task order, the contractor shall provide to the Government a copy of its Quality Assurance (QA) plan (CDRL A007).

Question: In accordance with SOW Sections 7.1.2.1.7, 10.1, and 7.2.5.5.1 the CDRL Sequence A007 is assigned to the Equipment Inventory deliverable.

Request the government assign a CDRL Sequence number to the contractor QA Plan.

Answer: CDRL A020 has been updated to include the contractor QA Plan.

QUESTION 54:

Reference: RFP Section L 2.2

Table 2.2, Part B for Subfactor 2, Task Order 0001. Task Order SOW paragraph

6.5.4.3.3.3 is listed however this section does not exist in the SOW document.

Question: Request the government confirm the correct TO 0001 SOW paragraph for Part B.

Answer: Table 2.2, Part B for Subfactor 2, Task Order 0001, the incorrect paragraph was referenced and has been updated from paragraph 6.5.4.3.3.3 to 6.5.2.4.3.3.3.

QUESTION 55:

Reference: RFP SOW 6.2.1.1.2

The contractor shall develop a change management plan for new and changes in requirement.

Question: Please identify the CDRL Sequence number for this deliverable.

Answer: A program management plan shall be included in Part A of the proposal. This will not be a deliverable/CDRL.

QUESTION 56:

Reference: RFP SOW 8.3.4.1.1

The contractor shall develop a plan to mobilize and deploy personnel within 45 days utilizing the criteria defined in DoDI 3020.41.

Question: Please identify the CDRL Sequence number for this deliverable.

Answer: A program management plan shall be included in Part A of the proposal. This will not be a deliverable/CDRL.

QUESTION 57:

Reference: RFP SOW 8.3.4.1.2

The contractor shall develop a plan to demobilize personnel within 30 days utilizing criteria defined in DoDI 3020.41.

Question: Please identify the CDRL Sequence number for this deliverable.

Answer: A program management plan shall be included in Part A of the proposal. This will not be a deliverable/CDRL.

QUESTION 58:

Reference: RFP Attachment 6

Question: This attachment is a blank DD form 1423. Please provide the completed CDRL for deliverables associated with this contract

Answer: Completed Contract Data Requirements Lists (CDRL) are provided in Section J, attachment 6.

QUESTION 59:

Reference: RFP

Labor Categories table pages 119-121 of 284 - The table on pages 119-121 identifies 24 of the 76 labor categories as “Key.”

H.15 190 of 284 - Clause H.15 indicates there are four positions that “may” be considered key, but that key personnel shall be identified by the contractor on individual task orders.

Attachments 7A and 7B inst tabl - Both pricing spreadsheets generally list the same labor categories as “Key” as does the table on pages 119-121 of the RFP.

Attachment 2, 9.2 - The table in TO 0001 SOW lists 17 labor categories as Key

Attachment 4, 9.2 - The table in TO 0002 SOW lists 4 labor categories as Key

Question: Please clarify:

a) Are any labor categories considered “Key” for the basic contract?

b) For each of the Task Orders, which labor categories are considered “Key”, those in the pricing spreadsheets or those in the SOWs?

Answer: a) There are no labor categories identified as key for the basic contract.

b) H.15 has been updated with a new table to more clearly define key personnel.

TO# 0001 table 9.2 has also been updated for clarity.

QUESTION 60:

Reference: RFP H.30, Page 198 of 284: The Government has contracted with Alion Science & Technology & Kepler Research as non-Government advisors.

L-1, 8.1, Page 264 of 284: Paragraph 8.1 of L-1 indicates that Alion and ManTech are contractors participating in the evaluation as advisors

Question: Please clarify which contractors will be serving as advisors during evaluation.

Answer: Section H.30 is incorrect and has been updated.

QUESTION 61:

Reference: RFP Attachment 7A, Worksheets: Base Yr, OY1, OY2, OY3, OY4

The “Price Proposal Instructions” tab identifies CLIN X001 as CPFF Labor. However the tabs “Base Yr” through “OY4” tabs are titled “CLIN X002 – CPFF Labor.”

Question: Please confirm that tabs “Base Yr” though “OY4” tabs should be titled “CLIN X001 – CPFF Labor.”

Answer: Yes, CLIN x001 is CPFF Labor. The attachment 7A TO 0001 CPFF Pricing Template was revised to reflect the appropriate CLIN.

QUESTION 62:

Reference: RFP System Administration 6.8.2.1, Page 21 of 284

The contractor may be tasked to perform support on Tier 1 networks and systems if required in the task order.

Question: Please provide technical knowledge requirements for the Tier 1 systems that we may be asked to provide support. This may require additional skills/knowledge of the contractor.

Answer: Tier 1 is AFCENT’s designation for enterprise level systems. (Tier 2 is base level). The Tier 1 systems operate similarly to any enterprise level systems/networks.

QUESTION 63:

Reference: RFP IA 6.8.3.1, page 22 of 284

The contractor is responsible for annotating remediation and mitigation actions on the vulnerability scan reports and returning responses to NOSC IA to meet CTO compliance standards.

Question: Please clarify if the contractor’s responsibilities include remediation and mitigation actions for only non-Enterprise Tier 2 networks and systems or if it includes the Tier 1 and/or Tier 2 Enterprise systems.

Answer: The site contractor will be required to patch any system that are not actively being patched by the USAFCENT-NOSC System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) infrastructure (i.e. non-enterprise Tier 2), as well as any systems that are in an approved SCCM Active Directory OU exclusion group. All Enterprise level systems will be managed by the USAFCENT NOSC.

QUESTION 64:

Reference: RFP IA 6.8.3.1, page 23 of 284

If automated patches are not available, such as with Program Management Office (PMO) systems, the contractor shall coordinate with PMO offices for manual patching of these systems to meet compliance levels IAW the CTO and SPIN-C requirements.

Question: Please clarify if the contractor is responsible for coordinating with the local site PMO POC or the PMO HQ.

Answer: If the PMO has a local POC at the site, the contractor will coordinate with that individual. If the PMO manages the systems remotely, the contractor will coordinate with the PMO HQ. If the system is unable to be patched by the required date, the contractor will work with the PMO POC and/or PMO HQ to complete a Plan of Actions and Milestones (POAM). The POAM will outline the “get well” plan and provide a date for when the system will be compliant.

QUESTION 65:

Reference: RFP IA 6.8.3.1, page 23 of 284

The contractor shall report virus outbreaks IAW SPIN-C directives and instructions.

Question: Please clarify the tools that the contractor will have available to detect virus outbreaks.

Within the DoD community, HBSS contains anti-virus tools. Will the contractor have administrative access to HBSS and it’s automated reporting?

Answer: Contractors will be granted view access to reports and AV dashboards in HBSS.

However, after completion of 40 hours of HBSS computer-based training, modified administrative access will be granted. This access includes the ability to push HBSS clients. McAfee software is used for detecting viruses on client systems.

QUESTION 66:

Reference: Attachment 2 SOW_TO_0001, IA 6.5.2.3.1, page 21 of 72

The contractor shall review all systems logs on a daily basis for indications of unauthorized activity.

Question: Please clarify if the contractor will have access to log aggregation tools (i.e. ArcSight) to review system logs, or if review of each system logs, one by one, is required.

Answer: Access to ArcSight logger is available to contractors at each base. The AFCENT NOSC has training slides available to the sites.

QUESTION 67:

Reference: TO 0002, 6.5.2.1, page 12

The contractor shall develop a staffing plan to provide engineering, modernization, installation, decommissioning, maintenance and day-to-day technical operation support on telecommunications equipment.

Question: The government requires offerors to determine a mix of labor categories and hours to price the scope of work in TO 0002. In section 6.5.2.1, lists of equipment supported and tasks to support are provided, but there are no numbers of equipment (switches etc.)

provided, nor is there any historical data regarding circuit actions, trouble tickets, etc. to scope the workload. Only offerors with incumbency as Prime or amongst their team members will have the necessary information to conduct an assessment of work scope.

Will the government provide numbers of FTEs, or hours by labor category for the current contract, or other historical data that offerors can use to size the scope of work to be performed?

Answer: A list of additional equipment is provided in TO 0002, Section 12.3.3. 13 FTE’s have historically provided the support under 6.5.2.1. FTE numbers are provided for historical purposes only and should not be the basis for proposals.

QUESTION 68:

Reference: TO 0002, 6.5.3.1, page 22

The contractor shall develop a staffing plan to provide engineering, modernization, installation, decommissioning, maintenance and day-to-day technical operation support of the Commercial, Military, and Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) terminals.

Question: The government requires offerors to determine a mix of labor categories and hours to price the scope of work in TO 0002. In section 6.5.3.1, lists of SATCOM equipment supported and tasks to support are provided, but there are no numbers of equipment (switches etc.) provided, nor is there any historical data regarding circuit actions, equipment outages, trouble tickets, etc. to scope the workload. Additionally, the OCC must be manned 24/7/365, but there is insufficient information provided to accurately scope this workload. Only offerors with incumbency as Prime or amongst their team members will have the necessary information to conduct an assessment of work scope.

Will the government provide numbers of FTEs, or hours by labor category for the current contract, or other historical data that offerors can use to size the scope of work to be performed?

Answer: A list of additional equipment is provided in TO 0002, 12.3.5. The Government will provide a list of satellite links in a future amendment. 23 FTE’s have historically provided the support under 6.5.3.1. FTE numbers are provided for historical purposes only and should not be the basis for proposals.

QUESTION 69:

Reference: RFP 6.3, page 15 of 284

All contingency contractors are required to wear or carry a cell phones specified by the individual task order.

Question: Will these cell phones be GFE- or contractor-provided?

Answer: Phones will be contractor provided.

QUESTION 70:

Reference: RFP 6.6, page 15 of 284

The contractor shall support the day-to-day technical operation of tasks defined in Paragraph 6.8 as stated in individual task orders.

Question: It appears the paragraph 6.8 reference is incorrect. Did the Government intend to say paragraph 6.5?

Answer: No, 6.8 TECHNICAL TASK DESCRIPTION is the correct reference.

QUESTION 71:

Reference: RFP 6.6.14, page 18 of 284

TO 1 SOW 6.3.14, page 10 of 72

The contractor shall replace defective communication system parts and components maintained under this contract.

Question: We understand the CTSS contractor is responsible for maintaining communication systems in an operational manner. Is the contractor also responsible for bearing the cost for procuring replacement parts until such time as they are reimbursed by the government?

Answer: SOW 6.6.14 and Task Order 0001 SOW 6.3.14 have been updated to “The contractor shall replace defective communication system parts and components maintained under this contract with the approval of the COR or Contracting Officer.”

QUESTION 72:

Reference: RFP 6.6.16, page 19 of 284

The contractor shall open a trouble ticket on all local and enterprise level problem(s) and issue(s) associated with local network and systems.

Question: Will the Government provide a summary of the number and type of trouble tickets opened and closed, ticket durations, and how many required escalation over the past year?

Answer: Trouble ticket statistics for Task Order 0002 functions are not available. For other functions and task orders the contractor can refer to the hours on the pricing template per Task Order.

QUESTION 73:

Reference: TO 1 SOW 3, page 2 of 72

TO 2 SOW 3, page 2 of 124

Since September 11, 2001, the USAFCENT requirement for communicators has progressively grown, to the point that a large contract is required to maintain over 250 personnel deployed to various bases in-theater, and to provide a ready source for communications network design, and equipment planning, procurement, modification, integration, installation, operations and maintenance.

Question: Does this statement indicate that the current CTSS contractor workforce is approximately 250 FTEs?

Answer: Yes 250 FTEs is approximately the workforce. FTE numbers are provided for historical purposes only and should not be the basis for proposals.

QUESTION 74:

Reference: TO 1 SOW 6.5.2.8.2.1, page 39 of 72

Logistics Coordination Equipment

Question: It appears the paragraph number is incorrect. Should this be paragraph 6.5.2.9.2?

Answer: The logistics coordination reference has been changed.

QUESTION 75:

Reference: TO 1 SOW 6.5.2.5.2.1, page 48 of 72

Equipment/Software Supported

Question: It appears the paragraph number is incorrect. Should this be paragraph 6.5.3.4.2.1?

Answer: Please reference question #14.

QUESTION 76:

Reference: TO 1 SOW 6.5.2.5.2.2, page 49 of 72

Network Operations General

Question: It appears the paragraph number is incorrect. Should this be paragraph 6.5.3.4.2.2?

Answer: Please reference question #14.

QUESTION 77:

Reference: TO 2 SOW 6.5.2.1.2.6, page 16 of 124

The contractor will provide a Managed Services through a robust Extended Service Plan (ESP), including hardware Repair/Replacement (R/R) services, for selected switching systems and third party vendor equipment at sites in SWA.

Question: Does the Government intend for the CTSS contractor to procure and provide the ESP services, including R/R as an internal, in-theater capability, or is the CTSS contractor simply to facilitate and coordinate for OEM provided ESP capabilities that are separately procured through another contract?

Answer: TO 2 SOW 6.5.2.1.6 has been edited along with paragraph 12.3 and 12.4 to clarify that there is a Government and contractor provided ESP.

QUESTION 78:

Reference: TO 2 SOW 6.5.2.1.2.6, page 16 of 124

The contractor shall provide a Network Operation Center (NOC) to support the government’s Defense Switch Network.

Question: Is it the intent that the selected CTSS contractor provide and stand up a NOC or simply to provide staffing to operate the existing AFCENT NOC?

Answer: The CTSS contractor will be required to provide and stand-up a NOC.

QUESTION 79:

Reference: TO 2 SOW 6.5.3.1.5, page 28 of 124

Using contractor furnished monitoring and control software, both the local satellite technician and the OCC can have simultaneous visibility into each monitored component.

Question: a) Will the Government identify the contractor-furnished software required for this task?

b) Given the OCC Monitoring and Control Systems are on SIPRNet enclaves, how is contractor-provided software provided access to the M&C systems?

Answer: TO 0002 SOW 6.5.3.1.5. Using contractor furnished monitoring and control software, both the local satellite technician and the OCC can have simultaneous visibility into each monitored component. Replace "contractor furnished to Government Furnished "The government is currently procuring and fielding “CodeMettle”.

QUESTION 80:

Reference: TO SOW 6.5.3.1.6.2, page 29 of 124

All material shipped to and from the deployed teleport site from equipment vendors and the contractor’s Maintenance Facilities shall utilize contractor furnished transport.

Deliveries shall be made within 72 hours.

Question:…