HC108423R0003_Attachment L1 - QA_AMD002.xlsx

XLSX spreadsheet 34 KB Posted May 26, 2023

Attached to: PM MC SETA RFP
Solicitation number: HC1084-23-R-0003
Issued by: Defense Information Systems Agency

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File	Type	Posted
HC108423R0003_amendment 0004_conformed.docx	DOCX document	Jun 7, 2023
HC108423R0003_amendment 0004.docx	DOCX document	Jun 7, 2023
HC108423R0003_amendment 0004_conformed.pdf	PDF	Jun 7, 2023
PM MC SETA Documents.zip	ZIP file	Jun 7, 2023
HC108423R0003_Amendment 0003.docx	DOCX document	Jun 2, 2023
HC108423R0003_Attachment L1 - QA_AMD003.xlsx	XLSX spreadsheet	Jun 2, 2023
HC108423R0003_Amendment 0003_Conformed.pdf	PDF	Jun 2, 2023
HC108423R0003_Amendment 0003_Conformed.docx	DOCX document	Jun 2, 2023
PM MC SETA Documents.zip	ZIP file	Jun 2, 2023
PM MC SETA Documents.zip	ZIP file	May 26, 2023
HC108423R0003_AMD0002_amendment copy.docx	DOCX document	May 26, 2023
HC108423R0003_AMD0002_conformed copy.docx	DOCX document	May 26, 2023
HC108423R0003_AMD0002_conformed copy.pdf	PDF	May 26, 2023
PM MC SETA Documents.zip	ZIP file	Apr 28, 2023
HC108423R0003_Amendment_0001.docx	DOCX document	Apr 28, 2023
HC108423R0003_PMMC_SETA_RFP_AMD01.pdf	PDF	Apr 28, 2023
HC108423R0003_PMMC_SETA_RFP_AMD01.docx	DOCX document	Apr 28, 2023
HC108423R0003_PMMC_SETA_RFP.docx	DOCX document	Apr 20, 2023
HC108423R0003_PMMC_SETA_RFP.pdf	PDF	Apr 20, 2023
PM MC SETA Documents.zip	ZIP file	Apr 20, 2023

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Instructions

Q&A INSTRUCTIONS: The purpose of these specific instructions is to expedite the process of answering questions. Please do not change the format of this document.

Complete the spreadsheet tab below named "Q&A" with all questions, comments, and recommendations about the RFP. Examples provided in the spreadsheet. **Please delete the examples before submitting your questions.

COLUMN A: Complete the "Page" column. This is the page number from the RFP located in the upper right hand corner of the page. Do not include the total page number. Enter only the page number where the topic begins.

COLUMN B: Complete the "Section/Paragraph" column with the applicable section and paragraph number (if applicable) of the RFP. For example: B2, C, or L5.1.2. For a section and paragraph number reference do not place a dot between the letter and the first number. Additional subparagraph references should be separated with a dot regardless of the format in the RFP, for example, L5.1.2.a. Do not including any other extraneous identifiers or other information other then instructed here. If the reference is to a CLIN, Clause, Appendix, or Attachment etc. the entry goes in the next column. At a minimum you will always insert at least the Section letter A through J in this column.

COLUMN C: Complete the "CLIN/Clause/Other" column. Insert the CLIN, Clause, Provision, Appendix, or Attachment number. For example: CLIN 0001, 52.217-8, Appendix A, or Attachment L3. Insert the section letter only in the Column B. This column will be completed only when there is not a more precise RFP reference number. NOTES: CLINs are in Section B. Most sections contain clauses so ensure you reference the correct section.

COLUMN D: Complete the Questions/Comments/Recommendations column. Start the question by referencing the topic. This may help the sort process. For example: Minimum Qualifications Checklist or Performance Area 10. Then insert the question or comment.

Issues must be submitted to the Contracting Officer and Contract Specialist listed in L2.1.1 (edit as necessary).

Q&A

	RFP Page	RFP Section/ Paragraph	CLIN/ Clause/Appendix/Attachment/Other	Questions/Comments/Recommendations	Government Response
	2	Section B	All Labor SETA Support CPFF CLINS	Contract Type Language in Section B incorrect [Ques: ITEM # 0001 statement after POP, it states, "Labor Rates are considered negotiated not-to-exceed ceiling rates for all CPFF actions." Considering the nature of CPFF contracts is that actual costs are billed, will the Government remove the language "Labor Rates are considered negotiated not-to-exceed ceiling rates for all CPFF actions.?" Ceilings are not appropriate for CPFF contract type.]	Changed previous language and added "The most probable cost for each contract year will be incorporated into the contract from the proposal, and is considered the ceiling amount to be charged for the contract year."
	2	Section B	All Labor SETA Support CPFF CLINS	Section B, Supplies or Services and Prices - Contract Type Language in Section B incorrect [Ques: ITEM # 0001 statement after POP, it states, "Labor Rates are considered negotiated not-to-exceed ceiling rates for all CPFF actions." Will the Government please clarify the intent of this statement to allow the government to use labor rates proposed in the proposal to be used for contract modification pricing actions? If so, we request this be removed as contract modifications should be based on current and accurate information, not outdated costs from a previously submitted proposal.]	Changed previous language and added "The most probable cost for each contract year will be incorporated into the contract from the proposal, and is considered the ceiling amount to be charged for the contract year."
	20-24	PWS 6.3	N/A	PWS Task 3 - Product Support [Ques: Will the Government please correct the PWS6.3 task numbering under Task 3 and associated subtasks as subtask 5 is missing?]	Numbering under 6.3, Product Support, has been corrected.
	26-28	PWS 6.5	N/A	PWS Task 5 - Operations Support [ Ques: Will the Government please correct the PWS6.5 numbering in Task 5 and associated subtasks? The subtasks are currently listed as Subtask 5 followed by Subtasks 1-4.]	Numbering under 6.5, Operations Support, has been corrected.
	84	L2.1.8	DD254	DD254, DoD Contract Security Classification Specification. Section L states, "L2.1.8. DD254, DoD Contract Security Classification Specification. Offerors must complete Block 6 of the attached DD254 with the appropriate information for their companies. Completed DD254’s must be submitted with proposals provided in Volume VI ." However, per Table L1, there are only 5 volumes required to submit. [Ques a: Will the Government please clarify the Volume number to submit the DD254?
Ques b: Will the Government please clarify/correct/confirm the solicitation number, whether this is a follow on contract, and the dates to ensure that this is the correct DD254 for this contract?]	Filling out block 6 of the DD254 is not part of a volume to be evaluated, however the DD254 should be submitted under Volume V, Contract Documentation, as part of the administrative requirements, as referenced in Table L1.
	85
106	L.2.2, Table L1,
M2.2.1, Subfactor 1, Bullets 1-7	N/A	Volume II, Technical/Management (Factor 1) - 40 Page Limit - There are an estimated 350 key words and requirements to address across the four task areas within the Performance Work Statement (PWS). Though we are confident in providing our approach to each requirement, there is no reasonable way to address more than 350 key words and requirements in 40 pages.
[Ques: Will the Government please confirm if each of the PWS task areas must be mapped to each of the evaluation criteria bullets listed for V.II Subfactor 1 (PWS6.1 through 6.5 including subtasks)? If offerors are required to address all PWS requirements, we request a page limit increase from 40 to 70 pages to cover Technical/Management/Transition Approach.]	Technical team concurs with up to 50 pages for volume.
	85	Table L1	N/A	Table L1, V. I - Read Me File [Ques: Will the Government please clarify the instructions for the "Readme File"? There were no instructions found in the RFP]	This has been deleted.
	86	Table L1	N/A	Joint Venture/Partnership Agreement [Ques: Will the Government please clarify if the offeror should submit a Joint Venture/Partnership Agreement, as applicable? There were no instructions found in the RFP.]	Yes, a Joint Venture/Partnership Agreement should be submitted, if applicable to your proposals, in accordance with Table L1.
	86	Table L1;
L2.2.5	N/A	Table L1, V.V - Cross Reference Matrix [Ques: Will the Government please confirm if a cross reference matrix is required in V.V or in place of the readme file in V.I Executive summary?]	The Cross Reference Matrix should be submitted in Volume V, Contract Documentation.
	86	L2.2.2.1	N/A	1.5-line Spacing for Tables of Contents, List of Tables, and Drawings [Ques: Can the Government please confirm that the Tables of Contents, List of Tables, and Drawings are excluded from the 1.5-line spacing requirement as stated in Section L2.2.2.1?]	Line spacing has changed.
	86	L2.2.2.1	N/A	1.5-line Spacing for Tables, Charts, Graphs and Figures [Ques: Can the Government please confirm that the Tables, Charts, Graphs and Figures are excluded from the 1.5-line spacing requirement as stated in Section L2.2.2.1?]	Line spacing has changed.
	86	L2.2.2.1	N/A	Font Size for Tables and Graphics [Ques: Will the Government allow a 8pt font for Graphics and Tables?]	No.
	87	L2.4	N/A	Electronic Proposal Submission Clarification [Ques: Will the Government please confirm that this proposal is being submitted electronically via email to the KO listed with a copy to the listed CS in Section L2.4?]	Yes, this is correct.
	87,
97	L2.2.3
L7.1.2	N/A	Volume V, Section B L2.2.3. Cost or Pricing Information states, "All cost or pricing information shall be addressed ONLY in the Cost/Price Proposal Volumes." [Ques: Will the Government please clarify if completed pricing information is required in Volume V Contract Documentation?]	Section L2.2 of the RFP states, "The offeror shall prepare the proposal as set forth in the Proposal Organization Table (Table L1 below). The titles and contents of the volumes shall be as defined in this table, all of which shall be within the required page limits and with the number of copies as specified in Table 1. The contents of each proposal volume are described in the information to offerors paragraph as noted in the table below." All pricing information is required in Volume IV - Cost/Price. Volume V consists of the Table of Contents, Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms, Contract Information, and Organizational and Consultant Conflict of Interest (OCCI) Mitigation Plan.
	95	L.6.4 and L2.4	N/A	Sanitized Cost Proposal. Section 6.4 states "a sanitized proposal is to be submitted with the proposal as indicated in paragraph L2.4" However, L2.4 does not reference a sanitized proposal. In our experience, when a sanitized cost proposal is requested, it typically is a version of the detailed excel spreadsheet with all cost/price data removed to allow the technical evaluators to review the proposed labor categories and hours without the price detail. [Ques: Can the Government clarify the unsanitized cost proposal is a version of the excel detail with LCAT and Hours/LOE information only?]	Agree and removed "as indicated in paragraph L2.4, Distribution." Section L.6.4(5) in the RFP states, "Sanitized cost proposals shall exclude all company proprietary or sensitive data." The sanitized proposal provides the fully burdened labor rates and hours for each labor category, but does not have a detailed breakdown of the proposed fully burdened labor rates in the proposal.
	98	L7.2.3	Volume V	Labor surplus area designation [Ques: Will the Government confirm that Offerors can state "Not Applicable" if its performance location is not listed as one of the counties designated by Department of Labor?]	Yes. "If applicable" has been added to the first sentence in the solicitation.
	98-99	L.8.0	N/A	Past Performance. There were no instructions found in Table L1 and no evaluation criteria found to submit a past performance volume. [Ques: Will the Government confirm that past performance volume is not required for submission?]	A past performance volume is not required for submission. The KO will utilize CPARS information in the responsibility determination. Nothing is required to be submitted by the offeror for this determination.
	107	M2.2.1
Subfactor 2, Bullet 5		Resumes. The RFP states, "The Offeror shall submit no more than three (3) resumes for each of the following key personnel."
[Ques: Will the Government please confirm if an Offeror will be rated higher if an offeror proposes maximum of 3 resumes for each KP LCAT position (upto maximum of 42 resumes per Offeror)?	Resumes will be evaluated as part of the overall technical approach, under the management subfactor, and will serve as an example of hiring capability.
	108	M2.2.1
Subfactor 2, Bullet 5	N/A	LOI Page Count [Ques: Will the Government confirm that LOI has no page limit and is not counted against the 2-page limit for resumes and/or not counted against the 40-page limit for V.II Tech/Mgmt.? ]	The Letter of Intent will not be counted against the 2 page limit or the 50 page limit for the volume.
	N/A	N/A	Labor Categories	Labor Category Geographical Location [Ques: Will the Government please provide the locations for the labor categories and hours listed in the Labor Categories template?]	For proposal purposes assume that APG, MD Government facility will be the primary location.
	N/A	N/A	Labor Categories	Labor Category Seat Location [Ques: Will the Government please provide the worksite location as government site or contractor site for the labor categories and hours listed in the Labor Categories template?]	For proposal purposes assume that APG, MD Government facility will be the primary location.
	N/A	N/A	Labor Categories	Labor Category, SME Description [Ques: Will the Government please clarify/correct/confirm in which subject areas the ten (10) Subject Matter Experts should have expertise?]	Please refer to LCAT attachment.
	N/A	N/A	Labor Categories	Clearance level for labor categories listed in Attachment. In the RFP, the Government states, "All Contractor personnel performing work on this contract shall possess and maintain a minimum of a SECRET security clearance unless otherwise approved by the Contracting Officer or COR.", in the Labor Categories attachment, it is stated for multiple categories in 'column J' (TS/SCI) is required. [Ques: Will the Government please confirm if the TS/SCI clearance is mandatory for the designated LCATs and/or if the designated LCAT meets a minimum of SECRET, is it acceptable?]	TS/SCI is required for LCATs with TS/SCI noted. All other personnel are required to have a minimum of Secret, unless otherwise approved by the COR.
		LCAT Description Attachment	Labor Categories	Clearance level for labor categories listed in Attachment. [Ques: Will the Government please confirm, if Offeror should bid a minimum of SECRET for LCATs designated as "Dependent on Specific Duties?"]	TS/SCI is required for LCATs with TS/SCI noted. All other personnel are required to have a minimum of Secret, unless otherwise approved by the COR.
	General	N/A	N/A	Password protect CUI files via Email [Ques: Will the Government please confirm that password protecting proposal files containing CUI content is acceptable for the secure electronic transfer of files via email to the Government?]	Potential offerors do not have to password protect the electronic files.
	General	N/A	N/A	File size limitations [Ques: Will the Government please provide the maximum file size allowable to accept electronic files?]	The maximum file size allowable for email attachments is 25MB.
	N/A	N/A	Submission Date	Proposal Submission Date Extension [Ques: Given the relatively late Q&A Submission Date of 8 May 2023, and given that, even a timely Government response with Answers could take several days, will the Government please provide a 2-week extension so that offerors may modify their responses to remain compliant with Government answers to the Questions?]	Submission date has been extended to Monday, June 5, 2023.
	N/A	L6.0	N/A	CLIN Pricing Worksheet. CLIN pricing worksheet provided with the RFP includes a Contract Vehicle line in row 8. This contract is a stand-alone contract. [Ques: Can the Government please clarify whether this is indeed a stand-alone contract or whether this contract will fall under a designated contract vehicle?]	This will be a stand alone contract.
	94	L6.3.5	Section L	The Government has provided hours by labor category for each of the contract years. To ensure the Government receives labor category rates by category that are realistic in execution and resonable would the Government consider providing some type of minimum for each labor cateogry in the solicitation. This minimum could include correlation for each category to a GS pay scale or as simple as a floor minimum for each category based upon current experiance. This addition information would ensure realisitc bids from all competitors and reduce the Governments risks in execution.	Wage Determination has been added to Section J.
	94	L6.3.5	Section L	Can the Government explain what it means by "direct labor supporting documentation" for education and minimum years of experience?	Additional information on the direct labor supporting documentation is provided in Section L.6.4(5)i of the RFP.
	97	L7.1.3. Section F	L7.1.3. Section F	Section F - Deliveries or Performance. [Ques: Will the Government correct this section as no fill ins have been provided?]	Should be provided at time of award.
	98	L7.2.3	Volume V	Labor surplus area designation [Ques: Will the Government confirm that Offerors can state "Not Applicable" if its performance location is not listed as one of the counties designated by Department of Labor?]	Yes.
	98-99	L.8.0	N/A	Past Performance. There were no instructions found in Table L1 and no evaluation criteria found to submit a past performance volume. [Ques: Will the Government confirm that past performance volume is not required for submission?]	A past performance volume is not required for submission.
	99	L.8.1	Section L	L8.1 General "Past performance will be reviewed by the Contracting Officer as part of a responsibility determination and will not impact the technical evaluation. If overall past performance is found to be unacceptable, this may cause the offeror's proposal to be excluded from further evaluation. However, a prospective contractor shall not be determined responsible or non-responsible solely on the basis of a lack of relevant performance history." This seems to indicate that an offeror with a past performance which is not relevant but is deemed unacceptable could be cause for exclusion while an offeror with no relevant past performance may not be excluded. Would the Government add a past performance volume to permit Offerors to directly identify relevant past performances?	Past performance volume is not required. Past performance will be review as KO responsibility determination.
	99	L.8.1	Section L	L8.1 General “Offerors are advised that the Government will use information found in the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) for each offeror when making a responsibility determination.” Would the Government add a Section M factor for Past Performance that assesses the citation against the ability to provide for task execution, management, and transition?	No.
	99	L.8.1	Section L	Recommend the Government allow for no less than 2 past performance citations and a maximum of 3 pages per citation.	No.
	99	L.8.1	Section L	In order for Offeror’s to prepare Past Performance citations, would the Government extend the current proposal due date by 1 week.	A past performance volume is not required for submission.
		Section L	Attachment L2 Labor Categories.xlsx	LCAT description row 64, LCAT Code EEN13C. Substitution: "1 acamedic year at an accredited college or university in an an accredited preferred degree related post-secondary program for 1 year of experience. " Is the intent to allow personnel with a MS/MA but less than 10 years to qualify by substituting years for years in a post-secondary program for another degree, whether Bachelors, Masters, or Doctorate?	Yes.
		Section L	Attachment L2 Labor Categories.xlsx	Most, but not all RFP LCATs with an Education Level of BA/BS/MA/MS/Ph.d offer a substitution of years of experience and/or certifications for degree. Would the Government consider adding similar substitutions of years experience for degree to LCAT Codes EEN04C, EEN13A, EEN13B, EEN13C, EEN15A, EEN15B, EIT04A, EIT06A, EIT09A, EIT10B, EIT10C, EIT13A, EIT14C, EIT15A, ELO03B, ETE07B, and/or ETE07C?	No.
		Section L	Attachment L2 Labor Categories.xlsx	LCAT Codes EEN131A, EEN13B, EEN15A, EIT04A, EIT09A, EIT10B, EIT10C, EIT13A, ELO03B, ETE07B, ETE07C require a BA/BS and a specified number of years of experience that varies per LCAT. The substitution is "1 acamedic year at an accredited college or university in an an accredited preferred degree related post-secondary program for 1 year of experience. " Would the USG clarify if the "academic years" specified in the substitution includes or excludes the academic years spent to acquire the required BA/BS?	"1 academic year" is not inclusive of years to earn the minimum required degree, but are in addition to the minimum requirement.

Section L	Attachment L2 Labor Categories.xlsx	LCAT Codes EEN04C, EEN13C, EEN15B, and EIT14C require a MA/MS and a specified number of years of experience that varies per LCAT. The substitution is "1 acamedic year at an accredited college or university in an an accredited preferred degree related post-secondary program for 1 year of experience. " Would the USG clarify if the "academic years" specified in the substitution includes or excludes the academic years spent to acquire the required MA/MS and the prerequisite BA/BS?	See above question.
Section L	Attachment L2 Labor Categories.xlsx	LCAT Code EEN15C, Engineer, Test, Senior requires a PhD and 10 years of test engineering in support of DOD programs. There is a substitution of 5 years additional experience for the degree requirement. Would the USG consider adding substitute credits for a MA/MS or BA/BS degree in Engineering or Computer Science?	No.
Section L	Attachment L2 Labor Categories.xlsx	Per attachment HC108423R0003 - Labor Categories: The PM MC Manpower Summary tab lists 2 LCATs that are listed in LCAT Description tab as SCA. However, the SCA FAR clause 52.222-41 was not listed in Section I.

Please advise if FAR 52.222.-41 is invoked

Please advise if FAR 52.222-43 or 52.222.44 is invoked	FAR 52.222-41 & FAR 52.222-43 have been added to the solicitation.
	PM MC Manpower Summary tab	LCAT Description Attachment	N/A	Staffing. Please clarify the expected staffing level at the end of transition (e.g. 226 FTE)?	For proposal purposes assume that the FTEs listed will be the expected staffing at the end of transition.
			Standard Form (SF) 33 block 9	Question: In order to comply with FAR 15.208, submission, modification, revision, and withdrawal of proposals and benefit from the intent of this clause, offerors would be required to submit proposals Friday, May 19, 2023 prior to 5:00 PM which will decrease the overall response time for proposal submission by two full days because current due date is Monday, May 22, 2023.

To allow offerors to remain complaint with FAR Clause and not lose additional days to work the proposal, will the Government consider an extension of two (2) additional business/working days moving complete proposal submission date from Monday, May 22 2023 to Wednesday, May 24 2023?	Submission date has been extended to Monday, June 5, 2023.
		Attachment A - Labor Categories	For Specialist Logistics Sr., an additional 7 years without Bachelors degree is specified. However, the LCAT indicates a Master’s Degree is required.

What, if any, is the substitution for a candidate not in possession of a Master’s Degree?	There is no substition for this LCAT.
	107	M2.2.1	Subfactor 2	The RFP states that "The Offeror shall submit no more than three (3) resumes for each of the following key personnel." Some designated categories have less than 3 FTEs and some more than 3.

Will the Government confirm that an acceptable (Given the candidate is qualified) response is 1 resume per key personnel LCAT?	Quantity of resumes will not result in offeror being more highly rated. The limit of 3 is to allow the offeror to submit resumes for key personnel labor categories with 3 or more FTEs, if they so choose. E.g. A key personnel LCAT with 6 FTEs are limited to 3 resumes. LCATs with less than 3 FTEs are not required to submit more than are in the LCAT, but in any case no less than 1 resume will be submitted for each key labor category.
	22 of 109	C.6.3.5	There is no Subtask 5 listed under the Product Support task. It appears to have been moved, but the numbering skips from C.6.3.4 to C.6.3.6. The next subtask in the list is then listed as Subtask 6 instead of Subtask 5.

Would the government please revise the numbering and Subtask names to allow contractors to better align their proposals for ease of evaluation?	Numbering has been revised.
	25/26 of 109	C.6.4.2, C.6.5.2, C.6.5.5	Under the Business Management Support task, there are two Subtask 4's. The first with a numbering of C.6.4.2 with the second being C.6.5.2. This also causes the numbering of the section to jump ahead so that Subtask 5 is now C.6.5.5.

Would the government please revise the numbering and Subtask names to allow contractors to better align their proposals for ease of evaluation?	Numbering has been corrected.
	26 of 109	C.6.5.5	Subtask 5 of Mission Support appears to have been inserted into the Business Management Support task as a new subtask. However, it is still labelled as Subtask 5 even though it is the first in the section, and the insertion has broken the numbering of the section.

Would the government please revise the numbering and Subtask names to allow contractors to better align their proposals for ease of evaluation?	Numbering has been corrected.
	107 of 109, 14 of 109	M.2.2.1, C.6.1.1	PWS & Attachment A	Section C.6.1.1 of the PWS States "“The contractor shall provide a list of resumes for review upon request of the Government for non-key personnel.”

Can the government please formally clarify when the non-key resumes will be submitted? Is this an after award requirement?	This an after award requirement.
	PWS Page 6	Subtask 5, bullet 8	Referenced Language “Apply technical expertise to assess emerging technology standards and advancements to develop design solutions in compliance with Collapse Architecture”

Question: Can the Government please clarify “Collapse Architecture”? This appears to be an reference to a dated initiative. Suggest replacing "collapse" with Program of Record (PoR) Convergence.	The Government seeks the offeror's approach to collapse, or current architecture strategy from a technical approach.
	PWS Page 6	PWS	Subtask 3, bullet 4	Referenced Language “Integrate system with hardware and/or communications platforms”

Question: Can the Government please clarify which system is being referenced when they say “integrate system with hardware or communications platforms”	The Government seeks the offeror's approach to systems integration from a technical perspective, and not an approach to the integration of any specific system(s).
	PWS Page 5	PWS	Subtask 3, bullet 2	Referenced Language: “Provide interoperability analysis and support including definition, analysis, testing and management of system interfaces, managing and communications protocols, data models and exchange methodologies, network dependencies, and multinational/coalition information exchange mechanisms and agreements.

Question: Can the government please clarify, “managing and communications protocols”? Is there a missing verb, or is 'and' supposed to be 'of'?	"of". Corrected.
	PWS Page 4	PWS	Subtask 2, bullet 3	Referenced language: “Evaluate communications protocols and network performance supporting Data/Voice/Video/Telephony information exchanges”

Question: Can the Government please clarify if these communication protocols are for “Blue Systems" or “Red Systems”? We have seen references to communication protocols within other RFPs and just want to clarify to be sure if the PWS is referencing “friendly systems” or "enemy" system protocols?	The Government seeks the offeror's approach to evaluation of communcations protocols withouto regard to "Red System," or "Blue Systems".
	PWS Page 4	PWS	Subtask 3, sub bullet 7	Referenced Language: “Perform lifecycle integration that involves customers in the design process and ensures the system developed is reliable, maintainable and operationally available throughout its life”

Question: Can the Government please clarify use of the word customers? Are these end users, Lead System Integrators, stakeholder organizations, or all of the above?	All of the above.
	RFP, Page 83	L2.1.5. Communications	Can offeror submit an initial set of questions and then later submit questions as long as they are due by May 8th?	OBE (Overcoming by Events)
	RFP, Page 84	L2.2 Organization/Number of Copies/Page Limits	Referenced Language: L2.2. Organization/Number of Copies/Page Limits.

The offeror shall prepare the proposal as set forth in the Proposal Organization Table (Table L1 below). The titles and contents of the volumes shall be as defined in this table, all of which shall be within the required page limits and with the number of copies as specified in Table 1.

Can the Government clarify the meaning of number of copies? Are there to be printed copies of the proposal?	There are no printed copies to be submitted.
	RFP, Page 30	11. Security Requirements.	Referenced Language: "All Contractor personnel performing work on this contract shall possess and maintain a minimum of a SECRET security clearance unless otherwise approved by the Contracting Officer or COR. "

There is a discrepancy between the LCAT document and RFP with regard to clearance level required for personnel. Can the Government please confirm what level of Clearance is required for LCATS that say "dependent on specific duties"	TS/SCI is required for LCATs with TS/SCI noted. All other personnel are required to have a minimum of Secret, unless otherwise approved by the COR.
	RFP			Considering there was no draft for this requirement, will the Government consider extending the due date to June 6th?	Submission date has been extended to Monday, June 5, 2023.
	N/A	N/A	HC108423R0003 Labor Categories	Can the Government confirm whether this contract is subject to SCA WD #2015-4265?	Wage Determinations are dependant on the location where the work will be performed.
	94	L6.3.5. Labor Categories//Paragraph 2	N/A	Please clarify what is considered acceptable supporting documentation to demonstrate minimum education and minimum years of experience of proposed labor rate.	For key personnel, a resume and LOI are sufficient to validate.
			Attachment A	In order to facilitate accurate pricing, can the Govenrment please note the Primary Duty Location of each FTE and whether they are on government or contractor site?	For proposal purposes assume that APG, MD Government facility will be the primary location.
			Attachment A	Can the Government please note which suborganization (IE: BMD, TMD, RMD or O5 product lead, PdM, PL etc.) each contractor FTE will be supporting?	No.
	30	11. Security Requirements		"In the performance of this Contract, the Contractor will require a TOP SECRET Facility Clearance Level (FCL) with TOP SECRET safeguarding authorization. The Contractor must have the appropriate FCL at the time of award. Contract Officers (KO) approval is required for the flow down of security requirements to any Subcontractor for DD Form 254 items 10a, 10b, 10c, 10e(1), 10e(2), 10f, and 10g. The (KO) is the only authority able to approve the addition of Subcontractors."

Are all subcontractors required to hold a TOP SECRET FCL with SECRET safeguarding authorization?	Subcontractor FCL and safeguaring capability are dependent on the subcontracts and what security requirements the prime offeror chooses to flow down to teaming teaming partners.
		Attachment A	Are the excess LCATs in Attachment A which are NOT a part of the Manpower tab (Tab 2) not expected to be used during the Period of Performance? Or are they for potential future use?	Excess LCATS will be used for potential future use.
	QASP, Page 5		Referenced Language:

4.0 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY (PRS)

The following Performance Based Service Contracting (PBSC) items are identified within the contract PWS and are to be monitored under this QASP. The related surveillance metrics and performance requirement levels are detailed in Appendix 1:

SETA Support Services, as identified in Paragraph 3.1 of the PWS, inclusive of sub-paragraphs Logistics Support Services, as identified in Paragraph 3.2 of the PWS, inclusive of sub-paragraphs Business Operations and Acquisition Support Services, as identified in Paragraph 3.3 of the PWS, inclusive of sub-paragraphs.

The PWS references appear to be referencing older PWSs or DRAFT PWS for this opportunity. Can the Government please update the QASP with the correct PWS references?	QASP has been revised.
	104	M.2.1	Subfactor 2

Reference language "In order to be eligible for award, an Offeror must have an Acceptable rating under Subfactor Factor 2: Small Business Participation."	Will the government please clarify that acceptable rating is for Factor 2 small business only and not "Subfactor 2 Management"?	The offeror must have an "Acceptable" Rating for Factor 2 which is "Small Business Participation."
	86	L.2.2.2	L2.2.2. Page Size and Format.	The text format instructions in L.2.2.2 state "Pages shall be 1.5-line spacing. Except for the reproduced sections of the solicitation document, the text size shall be no less than 10 point Ariel, Times New Roman, or Courier New font for all text".

We kindly request that the requirement for tables be single spacing. This allows for more aesthetically pleasing tables which are easier to evaluate.	Line spacing has changed.
		Amendment 1, Realism Document	The RFP provides minimum salaries for the labor categories required to bid. However, it states that you may bid below the minimums with rationale. The minimum salaries are barely competitive in Aberdeen Proving Ground MD (the stated Place of Performance) in the RFP. We recommend the Government restricts the ability to bid below these minimum salaries. This will require contractors bid more competitive salaries and allow government to evaluate realistic salaries.

However, if the Government allows contractors to bid lower than the salaries in the realism document for LCATS with multiple FTEs, then we recommend the Government require rationale in the form of a pay stub for each of the FTEs within that LCAT.

Example 1: Engineer, Test Intermediate has 29 FTE. The Governement states in the Realism document that the minimum salary for this LCAT is $94,416 which, according to ERI salary data, is approximately the 30th percentile. Statistically speaking, across 29 FTE only approximately 9 people would have a salary at or below $94,416.

Example 2: Engineer, Senior, Systems has 12 FTE. The Government states in the Realism document that the salary for this LCAT is $114,919. Leveraging the ERI Salary Assessor, again this aligns to approximately the 30th percentile, meaning only 4 personnel would have salaries at or below this amount. The other 8 would follow a normal statistical spread.

Therefore, to justify a salary lower than the Realism Document for LCATs with multiple FTEs with only one paystub does not follow statistical reality using a bell curve for salary data.	The RFP states in the Cost Realism section, "For salaries that fall below the Government data points, the Government will request the Offeror to review and provide revised salaries/direct labor rates, or provide rationale to support the Offeror's ability to provide labor for the proposed rates. If sufficient rationale is not provided and/or salaries/direct labor rates are not revised realistically, the Government will adjust accordingly IAW FAR 15.404 as part of the Government's total evaluated cost/price and final evaluation." Under each CLIN the RFP states, "Labor Rates are considered negotiated not-to-exceed ceiling rates for all CPFF actions." The RFP also states in Section L6.3.5, "The total Most Probable Cost determined as a result of the pricing from the BOE will be incorporated into the contract as a total ceiling price for the performance of the contract."
	26	6.5.4	PWS	What system / applications is the Govrt using to track and manage FMS Cases?	The Government desires to see the offeror's technical approach to the requirement, treating current systems as agnostic.
	27	6.5	PWS	To what extent is Mission Command using SMART for property management?	The Government desires to see the offeror's technical approach to the requirement, treating current systems as agnostic.
	27	6.5	PWS	To what extent has mission command transitioned from using LMP to DPAS?	DPAS is the system of record used,
	27	6.5.1	PWS	How does the PM MC's current IT Service Center currently track IT Tickets?	The Government desires to see the offeror's technical approach to the requirement, treating current systems as agnostic.
	85	L2.2		Table L1 - Within Volume I there is a heading called "Readme File." Can the Government clarify what this means or if it is a typo?	This has been deleted.
	97	L7.1.2		L7.1.2 is Section B and L7.1.3 is Section F. Can the Government clarify that there are no requirements under L7.1 for Sections C, D, and E?	There are no requirements for sections C, D, & E.
	22	6.3.4		PWS goes from 6.3.4 Subtask 4 to 6.3.6 Subtask 6. Can the Government confirm there is no Subtask 5?	Numbering has been corrected.
	25	6.4.4		PWS goes from 6.4.4 Subtask 4 to 6.5.4 Subtask 5 on the following page. Will the Government revise the PWS to correct numbering issues?	Numbering has been corrected.
	26	6.5.5		PWS goes from 6.5.5 Subtask 5 to 6.5 Task 5 to 6..5 Subtask 5 to 6.5.1 Subtask 1 on the following page. Will the Government revise the PWS to correct numbering issues so a proper response/layout can be developed?	Numbering has been corrected.
	85	L2.2		Table L1 - Volume I does not have a Glossary requirement but L2.2.7 states that each Volume shall contain a glossary. Can the Government please clarify?	Glossary has been added to Volume I in table L1.
	85	L2.2		Table L1 only shows a Cover Page for Volume I. Section L2.2.1 states Cover Pages are not part of page count. Can the Government confirm that only Volume I is allowed to have a Cover Page and all other Volumes begin with a Table of Contents?	Cover pages have been added to each Volume.
	85	L2.2		Table L1 - Can the Government please confirm that Glossary is the same as Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms?	Yes.
	87	L2.2.6		Can the Government confirm the desired use of Tabs for an electronic submission and that they are not part of the page limits?	Tabs within spreadsheets are not considered part of page limits.
	85	L2.2		Table L1 - Since Key Personnel resumes are not part of page count, can the Government confirm that placing them in an Appendix in the same volume is allowed?	Confirm
	84	L2.1.8		Text states DD254's must be submitted in Volume VI. Can the Government confirm this should be Volume V?	Section L has been corrected to reflect DD254 should be submitted in Volume V.
	85	L2.2		Table L1 - Under Volume IV, there is a requirement for a Cost Narrative. However, this is not mentioned in Section L6.2, which states the Volume shall consist only of Section 1, Section 2, and Section 3 with no cover page, table of contents, glossary, or narrative . Can the Government clarify what needs to be included in Volume IV?	Offerors shall propose in accordance with L6.2. Table L1 is used as a guideline for page limits.
	86	L2.2.2.1. and L2.2.2.2		"Pages shall be 1.5-line spacing."
Would the Government please confirm that single spacing is permitted in tables, title pages, graphics, figures, and charts?	Line spacing has changed.
	86	L.2.2.1		"Page limitations shall not be circumvented by including inserted text boxes/pop-ups or internet links to additional information"
Would the Government clarify that the "inserted text boxes/pop-ups" refers to additional information that appears when hovering over a word or symbol in an electronic document and does not refer to text boxes that are part of the narrative and would be present on a printed page.	Please refer to L2.2.2.1 for formatting instructions.
	Labor Categories Excel File	LCAT Descriptions	Education Level Certification	Where PMPs are required or allowed as a substitution, will the Government also consider a PM certification from an accredited university?	Yes a PM Certification from an accredited university, or a DAWIA certification in PM, can substitue for a PMP.
	86	L2.2.2.2.		"For tables, charts, graphs and figures, the text shall be no smaller than 10 point" Can the Government allow for smaller size fonts for these items?	Please refer to L2.2.2.1 for formatting instructions.
	107	M2.2.1 Subfactors, Subfactor 2		"The Offeror shall submit no more than three (3) resumes for each of the key personnel Labor Categories." Please confirm at least 1 resume for each LCAT is required.	Quantity of resumes will not result in offeror being more highly rated. The limit of 3 is to allow the offeror to submit resumes for key personnel labor categories with 3 or more FTEs, if they so choose. E.g. A key personnel LCAT with 6 FTEs are limited to 3 resumes. LCATs with less than 3 FTEs are not required to submit more than are in the LCAT, but in any case no less than 1 resume will be submitted for each key labor category.
	27	7. Performance Standards and Deliverables		Customer Input, Customer Complaints Acceptable Quality Level listed as "0-1 Customer Complaints per Quarter". QASP page 8 of 12 shows "Less than 3 Customer Complaints per Quarter". RECOMMEND RFP be changed to match QASP as "Less than 3 Customer Complaints per Quarter".	Performance standards and deliverables will be evaluated during contract performance.
	92	L.5.2.2 Small Business Subcontracting Plan		"Note: Subcontracting Plans will only be reviewed for acceptability for those Offeror(s) deemed to be the apparent awardee(s). If the apparent awardee’s Subcontracting Plan is not initially acceptable, the Contracting Officer may engage in clarifications in regard to the Subcontracting Plan and this shall not be deemed discussions." QUESTION: Does acceptability include a requirement to provide a written guarantee to sponsor two or more FCLs to small businesses during the first year of performance of a resultant contract as stated in the SB Plan Template or is that a template carry over from a different requirement?	This requirement has been removed from the SB Plan Template.
	94	L6.3.5 Labor Categories		"The offeror must provide direct labor supporting documentation for the minimum education and minimum years of experience. The Government will evaluate the realism of proposed labor categories based on data that utilizes the minimum years of experience listed in column G of the Labor Categories worksheet (Attachment L2) (Tab LCAT Description) for comparison." QUESTION: Will the Government please clarify the supporting documentation statement?	Additional information on the direct labor supporting documentation is provided in Section L.6.4(5)i of the RFP.
	28	9. Place of Performance		Place of performance is expected to include locations Outside the Continental United States (OCONUS) Military Sites as required. Actual sites may vary during the course of this contract as necessary to meet mission requirements. "Any OCONUS performance during the course of this contract will be on a Temporary Duty (TDY) basis." QUESTION: With the expectation of OCONUS work, will the following clauses be included in the award: •	FAR 52.228-3: Worker Compensation Insurance (Defense Base Act)
•	DFAR 252.228-7003: Capture & Detention
•	FAR 28.305: Overseas Workers Compensation & War Hazard Insurance	No, OCONUS labor is covered by clauses already listed in the solicitation.
	28	9. Place of Performance		Place of performance is expected to include locations Outside the Continental United States (OCONUS) Military Sites as required. Actual sites may vary during the course of this contract as necessary to meet mission requirements. "Any OCONUS performance during the course of this contract will be on a Temporary Duty (TDY) basis." QUESTION: With the expectation of OCONUS work, will relevant SOFA clauses be included for countries that have SOFA Agreements?	No, OCONUS labor is covered by clauses already listed in the solicitation.
	85	Table L1		Table L1 - Proposal Organization lists what is required in each Volume. However, many portions of the Section L that describes the Volumes in more detail differ greatly from Table L1. Can the Government clarify and confirm what is required in each Volume?	Offerors shall propose in accordance with the volume descriptions. Table L1 is used as a guideline for page limits.
	97	L7.1.1 Section A-Solicitation/Contract Form		Regarding the signed SF33, the Section states: "The "original" copy should be clearly marked under separate cover and should be provided without any punched holes." QUESTION: Would the Government please clarify if the signed form should be included in Volume V (marked as copy) with a separate submission marked original or are the instructions not applicable for electronic submissions?	Section L7.1.1 has been corrected.
	97	L7.1.3. Section F - Deliveries or Performance.		Section states "Proposed Delivery Schedule. The offeror shall propose the delivery schedule by completing the blanks in Section F of the RFP." QUESTION: The PoP dates by CLIN are populated (p39 of 109). Would the Government clarify this requirement?	Proposed delivery schedules will be provided after award.
	107	M2.2.1 Subfactors, Subfactor 2		"Resumes provided shall demonstrate the level of related experience, qualifications, and skills of the key personnel to meet or exceed the requirements specified in Attachment L4 – LCATs." Can the Government clarify the criteria for their technical evaluation of the set of key personnel resumes submitted? Does the number of resumes (1 vs 3) submitted for each LCAT affect overall Technical/Risk ratings?	Quantity of resumes will not result in offeror being more highly rated. The limit of 3 is to allow the offeror to submit resumes for key personnel labor categories with 3 or more FTEs, if they so choose. E.g. A key personnel LCAT with 6 FTEs are limited to 3 resumes. LCATs with less than 3 FTEs are not required to submit more than are in the LCAT, but in any case no less than 1 resume will be submitted for each key labor category.
		General	General	Is this opportunity open to competition, which allows new vendors to be added to the Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) vehicle and be identified as a SETA contractor? If not, it is specifically for vendors who are currently SETA contractors?	This is full and open competition.
		General	General	Is it required for the vendor to provide all services, since there is potentially only an single award?	The Offeror's team, consisting of prime and any team members, will be required to provide all services under this requirement.
		General	General	Please advise what a hybrid cost reimbursement/Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract is?	A hybrid contract is a mix of two contract types.

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated May 26, 2023.