HC1047-17-R-0001-_Amdendment_2.pdf

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

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

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

30-105-04EXCEPTION TO SF 30

APPROVED BY OIRM 11-84

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

FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

This amendment answ ers the second set of questions. For additional changes, see the Summary of Changes.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE PAGE OF PAGES

J 1 30

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

16C. DATE SIGNED

BY 10-Mar-2017

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA15C. DATE SIGNED15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

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

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., Street, County, State and Zip Code) X HC1047-17-R-0001

X 9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

22-Feb-2017

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

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

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

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

or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE

RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN

REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)

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

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

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

CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

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

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

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

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

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

10A. MOD. OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

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

6. ISSUED BY

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

10-Mar-2017

CODE

DISA/CONTRACTS-NCR

6914 COOPER AVE

FORT MEADE MD 20755-7090

HC1047 7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than item 6)

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.

CODE

See Item 6

FACILITY CODECODE

EMAIL:TEL:

HC1047-17-R-0001

SECTION SF 30 BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

SECTION SF 30 - BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

The following have been added by full text:

Q&A SET #2

Question

Questions / Comments Government Response RFP Sort Reference

Due to the postponement of the pre-proposal conference, we would like to request a 2 week extension.

The Government is not contemplating extending the due date at this time.

NA

The RFP states To be eligible to propose on a cost reimbursable Task Order an Offeror must have a cost accounting system that has been determined adequate by the Government. Indicate whether the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) has determined your accounting system to be adequate and if so, provide evidence of such determination. If an Offeror does not have a cost accounting system that has been determined adequate by the Government, they should state so. Offerors who do not have a cost accounting system that has been determined adequate by the Government are eligible for award, but will be not be eligible to propose on cost reimbursable Task Orders until they do. Will the government be scheduling DCAA audits upon IDIQ award or at the Task Order level so that awardees have the opportunity to bid on cost-reimbursable task orders?

The contract holder will need to initiate the DCAA audits. If awarded a contract and the contractor needs an approved system, DISA will assist with requesting the approvals.

L.6.3.3.

Accountin g System

The Government states that one award within the restricted pool will be reserved for HUBZone. In the event that only one award is granted, there is no possible rule of 2, so the HUBZone will be competing with all SB offerors. Will the Government consider allocating a separate IDIQ award to the HUBZone socioeconomic class?

No.

Sec

L.1.1.2.

The clause references a "Spreadsheet for Remote Ordering (Attachment {insert #})". Please provide the attachment number as well as a copy of the referenced spreadsheet.

The Spreadsheet will be provided to contract holders after award.

52.216-

Page 66 states the Contractor is not obligated to furnish supplies or services under the contract under $500.00 per order but Section L.1.1.2 on page 103 states that the minimum Task Order limitation is $2,500. Please clarify.

The minimum guarantee is $500 and will be issued as Task Order 1 for all contract holders. After this first Task Order, the minimum will be $2,500.

52.216-19

The following labor categories have no level associated with them; can the Government designate whether they are junior, mid- or senior level for the following: Spectrum Management Engineering Consultant; Web Designer; Web Content Analyst

The labor categories that do not specify a levels shall be presumed to be Mid- Level LCATs.

Attachme nt 9

In trying to determine how a HUBZone concern may be awarded a Task Order under the restricted pool: will the Government issue Task Order(s) that will be specifically set-aside for a HUBZone concern under the restricted pool or will the Government decide to award a HUBZone concern under the restricted pool after all restricted RFP responses have been submitted?

Market research will be performed for each task order to determine the best acquisition strategy.

Upon award, will the Government sponsor SB awardees without facilities clearance for Secret Facility Site Clearance?

See H3. The Government reserves the right to sponsor any restricted awardee should the Government desire to. The determination to sponsor a company is not guaranteed and solely at the discretion of the Government.

Sec. 12.1

If a SB awardee is a JV, how will the Government facilitate the process to acquire the Secret Facility Site Clearance?

See H3. The Government reserves the right to sponsor any restricted awardee should the Government desire to. The determination to sponsor a company is not guaranteed and solely at the discretion of the Government.

Sec L.3.2.8.

TAB H

If a JV has a member who is a HUBZone, will that member be able to bid on HUBZone set asides, if the JV grants them a delegation of authority for that opportunity?

No.

In the Table in Attachment 3, providing experience to support whether the bidder is a "Subject Matter Expert" or "Experienced" in the sixteen functional areas, please clarify the difference between "Experience in this task area" and "Detailed Explanation.

Experience is what you did and the detailed explanation are the details to that experience.

Attachme nt 3, Task

Area Experienc e

The Past Performance Description Template (Attachment

4) requests the offeror to provide “Percent of Project Work Performed.” Does this refer to the percentage of work/projects on the program that have been completed to date? Or does it refer to percentage of work performed by the prime contractor vs. work performed by subcontractors? Please clarify.

It refers to the percentage of work executed by the contractor that is providing the reference, either excluding work performed by subcontractors if it was a prime, or excluding work performed by the prime and other subcontractors if it was a subcontractor.

Attachme nt 4

Table L.2.2, Volume I, TAB D, Company Information, limits the page count to 1 page. However, L3.2.4 requests a significant amount of form data, including the need to include subcontractor information. This may require more than 1 page. Will the Government consider changing the page limit to 2 pages or unlimited?

The information requested in L.3.2.4 is only for the prime contractor and therefore should fit on one page. No increase is being made.

Page 106, Table L.2.2, TAB D

Page 109, L3.2.4

Table L.2.2, Volume II, TAB D, 4.2.4.3, limits the page count for the Past Performance Description (Att 4) to one per contract. However, the Government does not specify the individual page count for each Past Performance Description. Please clarify.

Attachment 4 is limited to three pages per reference.

Page 107, Table L.2.2, Volume

II, TAB

D, 4.2.4.3

The Government recently released a notice on FBO that clarified the page count for problem statements is 15 pages each. However, the Government didn't revise the requirements under L.4.2.5.7 to reflect this page count (i.e., schedule, org chart, risk management plan, configuration management plan, etc.). Should the contractor assume these requirements will be reinstated for problem statement 2, aligning similarly with problem statement 1?

The responses to the Problem Statements are limited to 15 pages each.

How the offeror allots those pages is up to the offeror. The submission requirements will not change and will continue to be different for Problem Statements 1 and 2.

Page 118, L4.2.5.7

The Government requires the submission of commitment letters as an enforceable commitment to use designated small business firms. Will the Government accept commitment letters as an "enforceable" commitment? If so, will the Government provide an example of this type of commitment letter? Will the Government accept Teaming Agreements as enforceable commitments? Given these documents can be significantly lengthy, will the Government accept only the signature pages of teaming agreements?

Any letter providing commitments should include a description of the agreement with signatures from both parties. The Government will not provide an example. Yes. The Government will accept Teaming Agreements as enforceable commitments if signed and if part of the submission for that factor. The entire teaming agreement should be included.

Page 119, L.5.2.1.b

Is the Prime Contractor required to list all of the planned Subcontractors and their pertinent information under blocks 7a / b / c of the DD254?

No. Only the prime contractor's information is required.

Page 110, L.3.2.8, TAB H:

DD254

The labor rates in the pricing template are defined as "Fixed Price" and Section B states that the rates will be used a ceiling rates for all future fixed priced Task Orders under the ID/IQ contract. However, Section L states that the rates will be used a ceiling rates for all fixed price and T&M task orders. Pursuant to FAR Part 16.600, "Time -and-material contracts and labor-hour contracts are not fixed-price contracts." Recommend that Section B and the pricing template include the T&M contract type as they are separate classifications.

No. Fully loaded hourly labor rates are applicable ceilings for both FFP and T&M type task orders.

Section B4, Section L.6.2, Attachme nt 9, Draft

Q&A

"Offerors may include performance recognition documents received within the last three years such as awards, award fee determinations, customer letters of commendation, and any other forms of performance recognition." May Offerors submit a top-level summary of multiple Award Fee Letters as part of the allotted three pages for performance recognition?

Yes. L.4.2.4.3

For the purpose of completing Volume I, Tab C can the Government provide the SF 33 as a separate attachment to the RFP?

No. Any and all SF33s will be posted per amendment on FBO.

Section L, Volume I, Tab C

L.4.2.4.3 requires PPQs to be sent to the Offeror for inclusion in the proposal. If a customer will only send a PPQ to the Government, may they send the PPQ to the Ordering Contracting Officer?

No. L.4.2.4.3

Neither Section L.2.2 nor L.4.2.4.3 specify a page limit for the Past Performance Information Template. The response to question #272 stated that the past performance information is limited to 2 pages per reference. The structure of the Attachment 4 Past Performance Information Template, which includes the block "continuation space for blocks above," seems to indicate that the past performance information is 3 pages. We recommend 3 pages as the optimal length to present the requested information. Please clarify.

Attachment 4 is limited to three pages per reference.

Attachme nt 4

In responding to the required Volumes for the CD, can the offeror use headings that are linked to the table of contents or does the Government want separate files for each tab within the volume (a solution that would end up generating a large number of files)?

Yes. Either option is fine.

L.2.2.6 In dexing:

Offerors are instructed to submit one (1) CD original and two (2) CD copies. This assumes that all files/volumes are on a single CD (with copies of the original). In an unpopulated Joint Venture submission, all sanitized (non-proprietary) information will be on a single CD. However, Offeror will also be submitting sealed packages with proprietary data from the individual JV members in separate packages. For example, assuming there are two JV members included in the offer, the number of original CDs would be 3 (Joint Venture, JV Member 1, JV Member 2), plus 6 copies (JV 2 copies; JV Member 1, 2 copies; and JV Member 2, 2 copies) (JV Member proprietary data will be submitted in separate sealed packages). Please confirm the above approach for providing each JV Member’s proprietary information is acceptable.

This is not acceptable. All offerors must comply with the solicitation requirements.

L.2.2 Proposal

Organizati on

L.2.3 Electronic Submissio ns of Proposals

L.2.4 Distributi on and Copies

C.6.9.8 states the Contractor shall implement a Subcontracts Management Plan to…L.5.2.2 states the Small Business Subcontracting Plan is only required for Large Businesses. Are these the same documents and the Plan mentioned in C.6.9.8 is not required of Small Businesses? Is C.6.9.8 a requirement for Small Businesses for all subcontractors on our team regardless of size?

The Small Business Subcontracting Plan relates to maximizing opportunities for small businesses to participate as subcontractors while C.6.9.8 relates to managing the performance of all subcontractors during contract administration.

C.6.9.8 L.5.2.2

RFP C.9 states "On-site spaces at Government facilities may be revoked at any time…" If this occurs at a government site-priced FFP TO, does the government intend to renegotiate or allow the offeror to resubmit pricing at the Contractor Facilities rate structure?

If the Government changes the terms and conditions of a task order, any authorized method of modifying the task order may take place.

C.9

Table L.2.2 lists page limit for Vol I, Tab I as 15 pages, "excluding company agreements". Vol II, Tab B, Partnership, Joint Venture or Teaming Agreements is no limit. L.3.2.9 does not address the company agreements mentioned in Table L.2.2 for Tab I. What company agreements, other than the JV or teaming agreements, is the government envisioning would be included in Tab I?

This will depend on the Offeror.

Table L.2.2, Vol I, Tab I;

Vol II, Tab B L.3.2.9

The Offeror has been provided excel template outlines 96 labor categories to be priced (at both government site and contractor site). The supplementary labor category description file outlines that labor categories are to be priced at three levels (Junior, Mid-Level, and Senior), which would equate to 108 different rates. Will the Government please clarify if the Offeror is to propose only the 96 rates that are outlined in the Excel file?

Offerors should price out the 96 labor categories in the Excel Spreadsheet.

Attachme nt 9 & 10

In review the labor categories, there are three labor categories listed on the Excel template that do not have a level associated with them. Would the Government please provide what skill level the following labor categories need to be priced:

a. Web Designer

b. Web Content Analyst

c. Spectrum Management Engineering Consultant

The labor categories that do not specify a levels shall be presumed to be Mid- Level LCATs.

Attachme nt 9

The labor categories provided in Attachment 9 do not include certain functional support positions that will be required at the task order level. Is it acceptable for the Offeror to add one rate for an additional labor category, No.

nt 9

“Program Management Functional Support”? Please advise.

The Final RFP states that "Section I - Contract Clauses. See RFP. Submit as required." Will the Government please clarify IF the bidder should include and repeat the entire Section I Contract Clauses in the proposal OR not required due to the fact that it is incorporated in full by reference under the final RFP and will be incorporated under IDIQ contract upon award?

The Offeror shall include in their proposal any Section I clauses that need to be filled in if they are not included in SAM.gov

L.3.1 Volume I

– Contract Document ation

The final RFP references DFAR 252.209-7009 Organizational Conflict of Interest--Major Defense Acquisition Program OCT 2015, parag (d), "the contractor is prohibited from participating as a prime contractor or major subcontractor in the development or production of a weapon system under the MDAP or Pre-MDAP unless the contractor has submitted an acceptable OCI Mitigation Plan." Will the Government please clarify/confirm: that this prohibition does NOT apply at the IDIQ contract level and an OCI Mitigation Plan is NOT required for the proposal submission at the IDIQ contract level; and that any and all potential OCIs, prohibition on future work, etc.;

and will be handled at the individual TO level, as applicable?

Confirmed. All OCI determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis at the task order level.

SECTION

C, 14.

L.3.1

Volume I

– L3.2.6

TAB F –

SOLICIT

ATION

Sections

The final RFP states that: "The following table contains deliverables required under the ID/IQ Contract. Individual Orders may have additional deliverables specified in each Order by the issuing agency. The Government does not waive its right to request deliverables under the ID/IQ Contract, even if such requirements are not specifically listed in this table.

Supply Chain Risk Management Plan (SCRM) -Once.

Within 30 Days of Contract Award. Updates if required Cyber Threat Security Plan - Once. Within 30 Days of Contract Award. Updates if required Contract Status Reporting - Annually by first calendar date of each contract year Subcontracting Reporting - By the 30th calendar day after each contract year Single Company Email Address for solicitations and contractual information - Once. Within 30 Days of Contract Award. Updates if required Data Calls As required" Will the Government please clarify IF the above deliverables are meant for one time only under IDIQ contract OR should be as specified in individual Task Order by the issuing agency? Also, please clarify if the Cyber Threat Security Plan is required at the IDIQ Level OR that it is only submitted at a Task Order level because all network usage will be determined at a Task Order level?

The requirements in the deliverable table are for the IDIQ and are appropriately described. Each Task Order will identify the deliverables required for the task order, which will be independent of those in listed in the solicitation. The Cyber Threat Security Plan is required at the IDIQ level. AND it may be required at the Task Order Level if the Task Order requires one.

F6.

DELIVER

ABLES

Final RFP states that: "ODCs may consist of software, materials, and Task Order-related items that are incidental to the services being performed. Profit is not allowed on ODCs for any Task Order; however, applicable burdens are allowed in accordance with Contractor’s accounting practices. If applicable, the OCO must identify a not-to-exceed ODC ceiling under a separate CLIN on the Task Order." Will the Government please consider allowing profit on ODCs at the Task Order level, because of complex cost type R&D Orders with various material components where innovation is required. Further, as Task Orders will be competed, competitive pressures will drive industry to submit best value proposals without Government interference on what elements of cost may receive profit. This determination should be made on a Task Order by Task Order basis; not at the IDIQ level.

No.

B6.

OTHER

DIRECT

COSTS

(ODCs)

(ALL

ORDER

TYPES)

Would the Government please clarify: In response to Draft RFP Question #272, the Government stated, "Page limit for Past Performance Information is two pages." However, Table L.2-2 of the final solicitation does not indicate a page limit for Past Performance Information (Attachment 4).

Attachment 4 is limited to three pages per reference.

Table L.2-

In response to Question #77 on the Draft RFP the Government stated, "PPQ page limits are in accordance with the template." Please confirm that the Government was referring to the Past Performance Information Template (Attachment 4) and that the questionnaire we ask our customers to complete (Attachment 5) is not subject to a page limitation? We do not consider it appropriate for Offerors to restrict feedback, nor would it be appropriate for offerors to edit customer feedback responses after the fact to meet a page limitation.

For the Past Performance references each offeror may submit up to three references. Each reference may include:

1 PP Description (Att 4 which is three pages), 1 CPARS, 1 PPQ, 1 eSRS, max 3 pages of performance recognition documents per reference. There is no page limit for CPARS, PPQs or eSRS.

Attachme nt 5

Would the Government please confirm it is acceptable for the Offeror to provide different types of formal evaluation, i.e. an award fee reports, etc. when referenced programs do not have CPARs?

The Offeror shall provide formal performance evaluation if available.

Formal performance evaluations are those similar to the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS). If the formal evaluation is available, it shall be included. If a CPARS is included, a Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) is not required. If a formal evaluation is unavailable, submit information using the format contained in Attachment 5, Past Performance Questionnaire and Cover Letter. Award fee reports may be included as part of the three pages of performance recognition documents.

L.4.2.4.3

In reference to: final RFP Section 6.9.1. Overall Contract and Task Order Management: "The Contractor shall identify a Program Manager and provide Contract level program management to ensure successful completion of the overall Contract effort. The Contractor shall oversee all Contract level activities and provide the leadership and controls necessary to meet deliverable targets, maintain staffing at levels required to satisfy customer requirements, interface directly with Government leads for all supported areas, and exercise control over all assigned task personnel.

The Contractor’s program management staff and all program management functions shall be provided at no additional cost to the Contract and Task Orders." The Final RFP Section G7.6 CONTRACTOR PROGRAM MANAGER FOR THE IDIQ CONTRACT: "All costs associated with program management duties at the ID/IQ Contract level shall be at no direct cost to the Government.

For individual Task Orders, program management costs may be included as indirect costs in accordance with the Contractor’s usual accounting practices. However, proposal preparation costs will not be allowable for any task orders."

Will the Government please confirm that the

CONTRACTOR PROGRAM MANAGER FOR THE

IDIQ CONTRACT and the PMO functional support such as Contract Management and Program Control can be directly billable for IDIQ Contract in accordance with the bidder company's standard business practices. Also please confirm that the Task Order level Program Manager, and Task Order Program Management functional support such as Contract Management and Program Control can be directly billable for individual Task Orders in accordance with the bidder company's standard business practices.

Specifically, such PMO functions for a Task Order can be billed as a direct cost to that task order. If the Contractor's Program Manager is executing PM work on a Task Order their role will be identified on the Task Order and directly billable as applicable. Recommend that Section 6.9 and G7.6 be updated to be consistent in order for accurate pricing purposes.

After payment of the initial $500 minimum guarantee, no costs will be allowed or paid at the ID/IQ Contract level. The costs of the Contractor Program Manager (for the ID/IQ, not the Task Order) may be included as indirect costs for each task order, in accordance with the Contractor's usual accounting practices (as G&A or overhead, etc.).

Task Order Program Management work would be treated as a direct cost under a cost-reimbursement task order.

SECTION

C/SECTI

ON 6.9.

Contract

Requirem ents;

SECTION

G7.6

CONTRA

CTOR

PROGRA

M

MANAG

ER FOR

THE IDIQ

CONTRA

CT

In the terminology of U.S. federal government business, a non-protestable Best Value award has been determined to mean a procurement where two conditions apply: the winner is chosen on factors beyond, but including, bid price, and the weighting between price and the other factors

- such as technical and management - is left subjective. If the non-price part of the SETI proposal which is one point better than zero but costs more than another proposal received and selected for award, can DISA award to the bidder if the bidder can demonstrate with reasonable certainty that the added value of the proposal is worth the higher price?

SETI will be awarded in accordance with Section M. The best value trade-off approach permits trade-offs between cost/price and non-cost/price factors.

M.1.1.2

RE: The requirement to include the names of key personnel in an Organization Chart for Problem Statement 3. Since resumes are not required to be submitted, recommend revising this requirement.

No change required. L.4.2.5.2 states, "Specific names of individual personnel and/or teaming partners may be included for all disciplines, if known.

L.4.2.5.2

Please clarify the page limitation for the Past Performance Questionnaires for Recent and Relevant Contracts. It appears that Offerors are only allotted 3 pages for entire section, including Attachment 4, CPARS, PPQ, etc.

Offerors have no ability to control how much is written by the Government official completing the PPQ and CPARS are generally 5 pages. Recommend allotting 5 pages for Attachment 4 and unlimited for the other supporting requirements.

For the Past Performance references each offeror may submit up to three references. Each reference may include:

1 PP Description (Att 4 which is three pages), 1 CPARS, 1 PPQ, 1 eSRS, max 3 pages of performance recognition documents per reference. There is no page limit for CPARS, PPQs or eSRS.

L.2.2

The solicitation states, "Tab indexing shall be used to identify sections." Please clarify what you mean by "tab indexing" and provide an example.

The file structure should be so that the Government can easily find information.

Each Volume should be in a separate folder. Each Volume folder should have subfolders for each tab.

L.2.2.6

The amendment on 3/6/17 referenced that each volume is to have its own folder and within the folder, each tab should also have its own folder. Should each section within each tab have its own document or will there be 1 document expected in each tab folder. For example, Volume II, Tab D Past Performance: should all sections (4.2..4.2, 4.2.4.3, 4.2.4.4, 4.2.4.5) have their own document or will they all be included in 1 document?

This is left to the offeror's discretion.

L.2.2, Q&A

3/6/17, L.2.3

The Attachment 5, PPQ, asks for the CAGE code of the Prime contractor. Is this the CAGE code for the SETI prime contractor or the CAGE code for the past performance citation prime contractor.

Cage code for the past performance reference.

Attachme nt 5

In Q&A rounds 1 & 2 for the draft RFP, the government stated they are not looking for offerors to "buy a team," which is why subcontractor experience is not being permitted and only one teammate paste performance is allowed. However, the government has left the door wide open for exactly that to happen with the joint venture language, which allows experience of all members of the joint venture to be used, and past performance of all members to be used. So now, primes are not buying subcontractor teams, they are buying joint venture teams.

Would the government clarify how they are discouraging the "buying of teams" when the JV language in the RFP clearly encourages it?

The Government is required to abide by federal regulations, including the SBA's regulations pertaining to joint ventures.

Previous Q&A

Would the Government clarify and specify in the RFP that the Joint Venture or Partnership must meet the definition of a Joint Venture for size determination purposes in accordance with FAR 19.101(7)(i)?

This is by regulation, so it doesn't need to be in the RFP itself.

L2.0.2

With regard to the statement "If applicable, the Offeror shall submit evidence from the Offeror’s SBA Servicing Agency that the Offeror has notified and discussed the proposed joint venture for this project with the appropriate SBA personnel." Would the Government clarify what evidence is required? Typically, a letter of approval is required from the SBA, which would affirm the JV has been set up properly and all activities (including the submission and approval of paperwork) have been completed for the establishment of the JV prior to the due date of SETI proposals.

Yes. The letter from the servicing SBA would satisfy this requirement to qualify for the restricted pool.

L2.0.2

Would the Government affirm that a small business cannot form a joint venture with a large business and receive an award in the restricted pool unless it is in an SBA-approved 8(a) mentor-protégé relationship?

No, an SBA-approved mentor-protégé joint venture may or may not be part of the 8(a) program. A small business cannot form a joint venture with a large business and receive an award in the restricted pool unless it is an SBA-approved joint venture that qualifies as small under the relevant NAICS code and SBA regulations.

L2.0.2

Because the RFP appears to encourage the formation of joint ventures in response to RFP requirements, the Government should anticipate receiving a lot of proposals from joint ventures. We recommend the Government limit the number of JV awards to one per pool.

The Government is not limited awards based on contractor type.

L2.0.2

Reference the following option, "Offerors may include performance recognition documents received within the last three years such as awards, award fee determinations, customer letters of commendation, and any other forms of performance recognition." Our company does not hold any cost plus type contracts that would warrant award fees and the CORs of our contracts maintain that letters of commendation are not permitted under the FAR. Will we be rated lower than our competition if we do not provide the types of documentation highlighted in this paragraph?

These performance recognition documents are not required but may be provided if they exist. All properly submitted past performance information will be considered in making a performance quality assessment.

L.4.2.4.3

In the Limitations on Subcontracting section, the solicitation states the FAR rule for the restriction -- namely that at least 50 percent of cost of contract performance incurred for personnel must be expended for its own employees. In accordance with NDAA 2012 and 13 C.F.R.

125.6, also cited in the solicitation, the small business administration updated its rules to require that a small business show that it does not subcontract more than 50% of the value of the Prime contract to large business(es) and that other small businesses, even as subs, can count towards that value threshold. Would the Government consider abiding by the SBA’s updated rules for the calculation of the limitation rather than the outdated FAR rule?

See G14. The current Limitations on Subcontracting clause, FAR 52.219-14, will be incorporated into the Contract. If a revision to this FAR clause is implemented or if it is replaced, the Government intends to modify the Contracts to incorporate the changes or to update the clause.

RFP

Section G, G.14, The Proposal Organization table does not provide a maximum number of pages for the CPARS, PPQ, or eSRS.

Please verify that each of these documents is not limited in terms of page count.

For the Past Performance references each offeror may submit up to three references. Each reference may include:

1 PP Description (Att 4 which is three pages), 1 CPARS, 1 PPQ, 1 eSRS, max 3 pages of performance recognition documents per reference. There is no page limit for CPARS, PPQs or eSRS.

RFP

Section L, L.2.2, Table L.2.2 -

Proposal Organizati on, Page

The Proposal Organization table requires the offeror to submit 3 CDs (an original and 2 copies) that include the entire proposal. Please verify that it is acceptable to include non-price (Volumes I-III) and price (Volume IV) volumes on the same CD.

Yes. The price proposal factor should be included with the non-price factors on the CDs.

RFP

Section L, L.2.2, Table L.2.2 -

Proposal Organizati on, Page

Please describe any specific guidance the Government has on how CDs should be finalized or closed. Specifically, is the normal Windows 7 File Explorer drag and drop method of burning folders and files to a recordable CD sufficient to meet the RFP requirements, or does the Government require the use of third party CD burner software to prepare the deliverable media in a different format from what is used by Windows 7 File Explorer?

Please follow L.2.3 Electronic Offers.

RFP

Section L, L.2.3, In Volume I, TAB D, Company Information, the RFP requires that the offeror list the company/division's street address, county, and facility code. Please identify what is meant by "facility code."

Facility Code is to identify where work on the contract is to be performed other than the contractor's facility if contract administration functions are to be performed at that location. See DFARS PGI 253.213 explanation for the purpose of the facility code.

RFP

Section L, L.3.2.4, In Volume I, TAB D, Company Information, the RFP requires that the offeror list all locations where work may be performed and indicate whether such facility is a division, affiliate, or subcontractor. If all subcontractor facilities where work might be performed must be listed, the section will exceed its one-page limit. Please verify that only the prime's locations need to be listed on this page.

The level of detail provided to answer this question is up to the offeror and is only required to be submitted for the prime contractor. If a location is not provided in the proposal that would be required at the Task Order level, the OCO would need to approve and/or have the location added to the DD254.

RFP

Section L, L.3.2.4, In Volume I, TAB D, Company Information, the RFP requires that the offeror list all locations where work may be performed and indicate whether such facility is a division, affiliate, or subcontractor. If all subcontractor facilities where work might be performed must be listed, the section will exceed its one-page limit. Please verify that if all possible subcontractor locations must be listed, the page count for this section is unlimited.

The level of detail provided to answer this question is up to the offeror and is only required to be submitted for the prime contractor. If a location is not provided in the proposal that would be required at the Task Order level, the OCO would need to approve and/or have the location added to the DD254.

RFP

Section L, L.3.2.4, The offeror is required to provide a significant amount of Management Information in Volume I, Tab I, that does not appear to be evaluated. The ability of prime contractors to manage a contract of this size and complexity would appear to be an important element in the selection process.

How will the Government use the information provided in this non-evaluated section in making contractor selections?

This information will not be used in selection determinations but may be used as an element of the responsibility determination.

RFP

Section L, L.3.2.9, The RFP notes that for information provided in Volume II, Tab A, "the Government reserves the right to consider the information submitted in Tab A in making its best value determinations in order to promote adequate competition at the Task Order level for all Contract areas." Based on this comment, it would appear that companies covering more task areas would have a better chance for award. Please verify that the information in Tab A will be evaluated for purposes of maximizing competitiveness.

The RFP also says, "Offerors with specific niche expertise are encouraged to submit proposals."

RFP

Section L, L.4.2.1, Please verify that the offeror may put the Partnership, Joint Venture, and Teaming Agreements required in Volume II, Tab B, into a separate file on the CD so the size of the volume does not become unmanageable.

These agreements may be included in a separate file.

RFP

Section L, L.4.2.2, Paragraph L.4.2.4.4, Consent Letters, begins with "In accordance with the page limitations in Table L.2.2, the Offeror shall provide subcontractors, teaming partners, and/or joint venture partners consent of client authorization letter to be executed by each." Table L.2.2 indicates that there is no limit for the number of pages on the consent letters. Please verify that there are no page limitations on the consent letters.

There is no limitation on the consent letters.

RFP

Section L, L.4.2.4.4, Volume III, TAB A, requires offerors to convert small business percentages into dollar values. This appears to conflict with the requirement of Section L.2.2.3, which states that all cost or pricing information shall be addressed ONLY in the Cost/Price Proposal Volume. Please verify that dollar figures should be included in Volume III, Tab A.

Since the Government provided the Total Acquisition Value to use, and the dollars will be based off of that, it's not considered pricing information and should be provided within Vol III.

RFP

Section L, L.5.2.1, In its response to Question 22 in Amendment 1, the Government noted that the offeror should provide a Table of Contents for each Volume of its proposal. Please verify that the offeror may include this Table of Contents in a separate sub-folder within the folder containing a specific proposal volume.

A TOC is required in each Volume folder. Subfolder organization is left to the discretion of the offeror.

RFP

Amendme nt 1, Response to Question

In L.2.0 General Instructions, it states, "Internet hyperlinks to information are not permitted." Will the Government consider an exception for the "List of published papers regarding innovation and successful implementation of an innovative process and solutions section?" Many publications only exist online, so academic reference standards like the American Psychological Association (APA) makes extensive use of hyperlinks to document the location of publications. Allowing hyperlinks for this section allows the Government to validate the publication exists and provides the Government the ability to fully understand why the publication was listed and innovation and thought leadership behind it.

No.

L.2.0 General

Instructio ns

Factor 1: Innovation currently has a page count listed as 20 pages. There are approximately 50 individual requirements for the section. If each requirement is allocated half a page then 25 pages would be required. Will the Government please consider increasing the Factor 1 page count to 25 pages due to the number of requirements asked in this factor and content required to address?

No

L.2.2 Organizati on/Numbe r of Copies/Pa ge Limits

Please confirm if resumes are needed for key personnel other than the Program Manager?

No resumes other than the one Key Personnel is required.

52.237-

9000 KEY

PERSON

NEL

Some businesses do not receive Individual Subcontract Reports (ISR). Are Summary Subcontract Reports (SSR) acceptable in lieu of an ISR if the relevant contract did not have an Individual Small Business Subcontracting Plan?

The ISR should be provided for each reference. If the Offeror did not or was not required to submit an ISR, this should be stated.

L4.2.4.3

This question concerns page count. SSRs are 9 pages long, while ISRs are only 1 page long. May we submit the entire SSR in lieu of an ISR without affecting page count requirements?

The ISR for the contract reference is expected for the reference.

Table L.2.2, Proposal Organizati on

The RFP states: Submit the information provided at Attachment 3, Task Area Chart/Experience. It appears that SME capabilities related to engineering certifications and methodologies is desired for each Task Area, which creates repetitiveness to the reader. Can the offeror create a one page overview of our SME capabilities with respect to the engineering certification program and methodologies and reference back to it for applicable Task Areas in order to improve readability and usage of page count?

No.

TAB A

Task Area

Chart Experienc e

Reference: Section L.4.2.3.5, states " List and describe the company’s patents owned and applied for and how they relate to the SETI PWS." Question: Patents are typically focused on protecting information and making that information proprietary to a single company. Companies typically apply for patents in order to restrict access to, or restrict use of, their ideas and products, enabling them to maximize their own revenues and profits. As such, patents do not appear to have any relevance to a company's ability to be innovative in service delivery, and may even be a detriment to DISA achieving its innovations goals. Will DISA consider removing the reference to patents from the referenced RFP section.

No. L.4.2.3.5

PWS 5B. Overall Contract and Task Order Management.

The Contractor shall identify a Program Manager and provide contract level program management to ensure successful completion of the overall contract effort. The Contractor shall oversee all contract level activities and provide the leadership and controls necessary to meet deliverable targets, maintain staffing at levels required to satisfy customer requirements, interface directly with Government leads for all supported areas, and exercise control over all assigned task personnel. The Contractor’s program management staff and all program management functions shall be provided at no additional cost to the contract and task orders. Section L.2.2 Organization/Number of Copies/Page Limits and entirety of Section L.3.2.9.1 Management: Briefly describe how your company will manage multiple, concurrent task orders issued under the contract. Describe the overall corporate structure and how project teams will be organized to support potential multiple and concurrent task orders. The narrative shall include a description of how your company will support the geographic boundaries of the MATOC.

Please include an organizational chart specific to the management this IDIQ. Positional descriptions, instead of names, are acceptable. M.2.1 Evaluation Factors. The following factors will be used to evaluate each proposal.

Factor 1: Innovation, Factor 2: Past Performance, Factor 3:

Problem Statements, Factor 4: Utilization of Small Business, Factor 5: Price/Cost. Question: We agree with the government that overall Contract and Task Order Management is vital to ensure successful completion of the overall contract. As noted in Section M.2.1; Management is not an evaluated factor. We strongly believe that not only the Program Manager but the overall contract/program management processes should be an evaluated factor to help the government ensure successful completion of the overall contract. As such, we respectfully request that Tab I; Management be moved into the Technical Volume II and become an evaluated factor and provide for 15 page count for the Management Section.

No changes will be made.

RFP /

PWS,

Section 6.9.1, Page 29 of 131 and

Section L, of 131/Page

110 of 131, and Section M.2.1, of 131

Question: Referring to Attachment 4, Past Performance Description, are bidders allowed to modify the field size for each element? For example, can we expand the Detailed Description field, and reduce the size of the Other Information field?

Yes.

Page 107, Tab D Page

Limits

Corporate Program Manager/Point of Contact: Identify one Corporate Contract Manager/Point of Contact. Identify their clearance level. Provide resume(s). Question: Would the Gov’t confirm that they require the resume of our Corporate Contracts Manager for SETI and not our SETI Program Manager in this section?

They are the same. L.3.2.9.2 was corrected in Amd 1 to make the title consistent.

of 131, L.3.2.9.2

Tab A: Factor 4: Small Business Participation and Commitment Plan.

Question: Government has provided HC1047-17-R-0001_- _Att_8_-_SB_PP_Format_-_RFP.doc. It is not noted in the Request for Proposal if Offerors are required to utilize this specific Attachment of format in preparation of their Tab A: Factor 4: Small Business Participation and Commitment Plan (Section L.5.2.1). May Offeror's use the format of their choosing provided the information in Attachment 8 is included in their response?

Yes.

of 131, L.5.2.1

On pg 115, Section L.4.2.4.3 states that “Total page count for this Past Performance volume is annotated above in Table L.2-2.” On pg 107, Table L.2.2, Tab D, 4.2.4.3 states “3 Contracts Max; 1 PP Description (Att 4), 1 CPARS, 1 PPQ, 1 eSRS, max 3 pages of performance recognition documents per reference”. Please confirm the following: 1 PP Description (Att 4) equals 3 pages per reference. 1 PPQ equals 5 pages per reference. 1 CPARS page count varies based on the CPARS per reference (as applicable). 1 PPQ page count varies based on the PPQ response per reference (as applicable). 1 eSRS page count varies bases on the Individual Subcontracting Report (if applicable/required). Performance Recognition Documents equals 3 pages per reference.

For the Past Performance references each offeror may submit up to three references. Each reference may include:

1 PP Description (Att 4 which is three pages), 1 CPARS, 1 PPQ, 1 eSRS, max 3 pages of performance recognition documents per reference. There is no page limit for CPARS, PPQs or eSRS.

L.4.2.4.3

Would the Government please confirm with respect to L.3.2.9.2, that a resume is required of the Corporate Contract Manager/Point of Contact? If so, is the resume included in the applicable page limitation?

L.3.2.9.2 states to provide a resume.

Yes, it is included in the page limitations for Tab I.

L.3.2.9.2

Question regarding the Tab D Factor 2: Past Performance Description Template: For the "Percent of project work performed" box, does this apply to both prime and sub positions or only to sub positions?

It applies to the percentage of work completed by the company that the reference is for, whether it acted as a prime or subcontractor.

L.4.2.4

Question regarding the Tab D Factor 2: Past Performance Description Template: For the "Percent of project work performed" box, does this apply to both prime and sub positions or only to sub positions?

It applies to the percentage of work completed by the company that the reference is for, whether it acted as a prime or subcontractor.

L.4.2.4

We have received your Amendment 0001. I would like to inquire about the reference on the first page stating 252.207-7000 and page 13, reference 252.201-7000 these do not match up. Is this a typo?

This was a typo. Page 13 is correct. Amd 1

Block 2 of Section I of the PPQ requests "2. CAGE CODE OF PRIME CONTRACTOR" Will the Government please confirm offerors need only include their own CAGE code, and not that of the prime contractor, when submitting reference for work performed as a subcontractor?

Cage code for the past performance reference.

Attachme nt 5, Can the Government clarify why there are two weblinks devoted on FedBizOpps.gov for this solicitation - one titled: Systems Engineering Technology and Innovation (SETI), Solicitation Number: HC1047-17-R-0001, which contains Draft RFP and updated information on the Pre- Proposal Conference and another titled: Systems Engineering, Technology, and Engineering, Solicitation Number: HC1047-17-R-0001, containing the Final Solicitation documents?

FBO and Contracting Processes require that certain documents and information be identified as such. A Pre-Solicitation Notice is required to be posted in advance of the solicitation and identified as such. During the development phase, the Government asked for information using the "Source Sought" links. The Government has, however, used the same solicitation number so all information uploaded is available if that solicitation number is utilized. The difference in title was a typo.

N/A

Section L.4.2.4.3. The RFP states "Offerors may include performance recognition documents received within the last three years such as awards, award fee determinations, customer letters of commendation, and any other forms of performance recognition." Are offerors permitted to submit relevant recognition documents for the company as long as it's innovation related, or must recognition documents be strictly related to one of the three past performance references?

The recognition documents…