questions-answers-1.pdf

8/3/2007

# RFP Section Question Proposed Answer Section B 1 DFARS 246-16. Responsibility for Supplies.

Is it correct to assume that DTRA would potentially apply this clause only on a Task Order specific basis, and thus this clause should be listed as a possible additional clause -rather than in the main contract, since it is expected that the majority of the BTRIC work is expected to be cost reimbursable, versus firm fixed price? If not, this could force the contractor to purchase additional insurance to cover risk of loss of the equipment, hence needlessly increasing BTRIC costs to DTRA.

This clause applies at the Task Order level only and only if the contract is a Firm Fixed Price contract. All potential task order clauses are included in the main contract.

Section F 2 Page 13 The overall ordering period for the contract is 120 months (5 year base plus 5 year option) while the overall period of performance is 132 months. In that most, if not all, projects (i.e.

task orders) are likely to be multi-year efforts; would it be appropriate to add an additional 24 months to the overall period of performance to cover orders placed near the end of the ordering period?

The stated period of performance is adequate to accomplish the requirements of this contract.

3 Page 13

FAR

252.232.-

FAR 252.232.-9001

Provisional payment of award fee is a standard practice in the industry. Will the Government authorize provisional payment of award fee as established in

DFARS 216.405-2?

The Government does not anticipate authorization of provisional award fee payments.

4 F.1, page 13 Period of Performance Should the base contract period of performance be 72 months instead of 132 months? What process will the Government use to exercise the option period?

Section F.1 is correct as stated. The base contract ordering period is 60 months with a 132 month period of performance from contract award. The Option for a subsequent ordering period will be exercised if it is in the Government’s best interest.

Section H 5 H5, Page 23 Please provide copies of the five international agreements cited on this page. What protection is provided to the contractor for work performed under this program?

The international agreements will not be posted in full text. All contractor pertinent excerpts that address protections will be incorporated in section H of the RFP.

6 H1, Page 18 Are contractors who have been awarded an IDIQ contract required to submit proposals for every Task Order Request?

Contractors are not required to propose on each Task Order; however, they are encouraged to do so.

7 H, Page 28 This clause states that the government may direct the contractor to perform contingency support in a Theater Commander’s Area of Operations. Can you provide a listing of the potential locations that may be identified in a Task Order Request?

This clause is not applicable to this contract and has been removed from the final solicitation.

8 H, page 23 Are SAIC and BAH precluded, in either a Prime or Subcontractor role, from competing for this work?

The CTR A&AS OCI Provision clearly restricts participation as performers for CTR work.

9 H, pages 26

– 28

Clause 252.223-9000 Reporting of Contractor Acquired Radioactive Materials and Clause 252.223-9002 Protection of Human Subjects do not appear to be appropriate for this contract.

Question: Should these Clauses have been included in this RFP?

By design, some equipment, such as calibration or detection devices may contain small amounts of radioactive material and thus must be treated appropriately. Additionally, each biological research project must be evaluated to ensure protection of human subjects.

10 H4 Page 22 “the fee structure proposed by the offerors in the sample task shall be the maximum fee structure allowed under any award fee type task order issued under this contract.” Why is this constraint placed on offerors since it seems logical that fee targets should be dependent on task order complexity and risk?

In fact, the solicitation acknowledges this point on page 77 (L.6.4.1 Profit or Fee) – “Profit or fee rates will depend on the complexity of the specific

The final RFP has been changed to require the offeror to provide the proposed fee for the sample task and the maximum fee for any follow on task.

requirement and the attendant performance risk ….”

11 H-3 Page 22, section (c)

Page 22, section H-3 (c) states "The prime contractor is held fully responsible for contract performance, regardless of any teaming agreement between the prime contractor and its subcontractors." Are there any circumstances under which the Government would accept a Cooperative Teaming Arrangement (CTA) among contractors as part of a proposal in lieu of a traditional prime-sub arrangement? The apparent advantages of a CTA include the ability of the Government to contract for a task directly with a team member who is not the team lead, thereby reducing or eliminating pass-through costs, and making it possible for the Government to award a task order directly to a small business.

The Government will not accept a CTA.

However, the Government does encourage innovative ideas that reduce or eliminate pass through costs. The prime contractor will retain full responsibility for contract performance.

12 H.1 page 18 Ordering Procedures Does the Government intend to employ a collaborative proposal development (CPD) process for all BTRIC task orders in addition to the sample task order? If so, following the task order down-select, will the Government fund the successful contractor’s costs to participate in the CPD process, including the Sample Task Order? As an alternative, will the Government consider expanding the task order Top- Level Work Plans to full proposals and award task orders on the basis of the proposals submitted?

The CPD is the process most often used. The Government does not intend to fund up-front costs. Top level work plans will not be expanded.

13 H.4 page 22 L.6.4.1 page

Task Order Fee Section H.4 states that the fee structure proposed by offerors in the sample task shall be the maximum fee structure allowed under any award fee type task issued under the BTRIC

The final RFP has been changed to require the offeror to provide the proposed fee for the sample task and the maximum fee for any follow on task.

contract. Section L.6.4.1 states that profit or fee on future task orders will be negotiated at the task order level. Should Section H.4 be modified to be consistent with Section L.6.4.1 and allow profit or fee to be negotiated at the task order level?

14 H.4 page 22 Task Order Fee Will the Government consider task order offers under the BTRIC contract that include a fee structure that is a combination of base fee and award fee?

As directed in Section L, offerors should provide their recommended fee structure in their proposals.

15 H.4 page 22 B Item No.

Fee Structure Since there is no line item for fee on ODCs and travel in Section B of the draft RFP, and recognizing that different contractors have different business models for delivering best value to the Government, will there be any restrictions on the profit or fee structure proposed by offerors? If so, what are the restrictions?

There will be no restrictions on fee proposals beyond those stated in the FAR.

16 H.5 page 23 International Agreements Will the Government make all applicable umbrella and implementing agreements available to offerors prior to release of each task order? If so, and considering that there is as yet no BTRIC contractor website, when and how will this information be made available?

The international agreements will not be posted in full text. All contractor pertinent excerpts that address protections will be incorporated in section H of the RFP.

17 H.7 page 24 Environmental, Health, and Safety Will the Government provide detailed information on EHS laws and regulations of host nations? If so, when and how will these laws and regulations be made available

Access to publicly available EHS information for the purpose of developing proposals is the responsibility of the contractors.

18 Page 20 (B) Competitive – Full Proposal

(i) “The Government shall issue all or a limited number of BTRIC Contractors a Statement of Work…..” Under what

The government cannot, at this time, identify any scenario or circumstance that would limit the number of BTRIC contractors who may compete for a task order. However, should such a situation occur it will be an exception to circumstances would a BTRIC Contractor be denied the opportunity to bid on a competitive task order opportunity?

fair opportunity as provided for in H1 (a). The ordering procedures have been clarified accordingly.

19 FAR

252.223- 9000 page

Reporting of Contractor Acquired Radioactive Materials Other than as contained in detection devices and for calibration of equipment, will the Government please provide examples of situations where contractor-acquired radioactive materials would be needed under the BTRIC contract?

By design, some equipment, such as calibration or detection devices may contain small amounts of radioactive material and thus must be treated appropriately. Additionally, each biological research project must be evaluated to ensure protection of human subjects.

20 FAR

252.223- 9002 page

Protection of Human Subjects Will contractors be required to conduct any work under the BTRIC contract involving human subjects and, if so, will the Government provide indemnity for any CBR projects in which humans are subjects? Will the Government provide offerors with copies of the applicable directives (e.g. DTRA Directive 3216.01)?

1. Work involving human subjects is not conducted by the contractors. Offerors will be expected to provide the support and integration necessary for other organizations to conduct research involving human subjects.

2. The Government will not offer any indemnities for CBR projects.

3. DODD 3216.02 Protection of Human Subjects and Adherence to Ethical Standards in DOD-Supported Research can be found at the below listed link, which will connect you with all DOD Instructions, Directives and Publications.

http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/index.

html

21 FAR

252.225- 9074 page 28-29

Arming of Contractors Can DTRA provide details of scenarios under the BTRIC contract where these types of directives might be invoked? In the event of deployment to a hostile environment, will DoD “Contractors on the Battlefield” regulations be applicable? Will the Government provide copies of DTRA Policy / Procedures 02- 11 Arming of Contractors to offerors?

This clause is not applicable to this contract and has been deleted from the RFP.

22 FAR

252.225- 9074 page

Risk Assessment and Mitigation The RFP refers to “required mental and physical evaluations” for employees supporting military operations”. Will the

This clause is not applicable to this contract and has been deleted from the RFP.

http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/index.html http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/index.html

Government please provide more information on the specific requirements of such evaluations?

23 FAR

252.225- 9074 page

Medical The RFP indicates that medical services will be provided by DTRA. It is assumed that this is only for employees deploying under the auspices of FAR Clause 252.225-9074 (Contractor AOR Support) – is this assumption correct?

This clause is not applicable to this contract and has been deleted from the RFP.

Section I 24 Section I, We request that FAR clause 52.228-3, Worker’s Compensation Insurance (Defense Base Act) be added to Section I when the Defense Base Act applies. A copy of a DoD memorandum dated December 8, 2003 supporting inclusion of both Defense Base Act Clauses in DoD contracts is provided for your ready reference.

FAR clause 52.228-3 will be included in the

RFP.

Additionally, clause 52.228-4 will be included but only apply in the event that DTRA obtains waivers from the Department of Labor for DBA Act requirements.

25 Section I, We request that DFARS Clause 252.228-7003, Capture and Detention be added to Section I when contractor employees are subject to capture and detention while performing contingency support in a hostile location.

This clause is used for contractors in support of operations on or near the battlefield. CTR normally operates in a permissive environment and thus the clause is not applicable.

26 Section I, This section contains FAR 52.228-4, Worker’s Compensation and War-Hazard Insurance Overseas.

Accordingly, DFARS 228.370 requires inclusion of DFARS 252.228-7000, Reimbursement for War-Hazard Losses in the event that the head of the government contracting activity decides not to allow the contractor to buy insurance for war-hazard losses.

DFARS 252.228-7000 will be included in the

RFP.

27 Section I, We request that Alternate 1 be added for fixed price task orders where the GFE is located on

Alternate 1 is not applicable to this contract since work to be performed is outside the US.

Government facilities and is subject to accessibility by personnel other than the contractor and that by placing all of the risk on the contractor would impact the cost to the contract. Accordingly, it would be in the best interest of the government to add Alternate 1 to the final solicitation.

28 FAR

252.225- 7006 page

Quarterly Reporting of Actual Contract Performance Outside the United States Will this report be required at the BTRIC contract level or at the BTRIC task order level? Will this report be a CDRL?

Prescription requires inclusion of the clause but reporting requirements are limited by paragraph c.

29 DFARS Clause 252.215-7004, Excessive Pass Through Charges.

Background: This clause is relatively new and there is still considerable uncertainty about how this clause will be applied in practice. Given the fact that DTRA will utilize its BTRIC contractors as integrators, we believe that some guidance from DTRA would be in order so that bidders will know how to structure their subcontract acquisition strategies.

a. Because of the potential impracticability, in many instances, of self-performing significant amounts of work in host countries (e.g. licensing laws or other legislation may prevent foreign companies from performing certain types of work), would DTRA be prepared to provide waivers to this clause, in advance?

b. Will DTRA share general guidance as to how it intends to implement this Interim Rule?

c. Can DTRA clarify what “overhead” will be disallowed?

a. DTRA does not at this time see a need for a waiver. Neither the legislation nor interim rule, in and of themselves, prevents subcontractors from performing any level of subcontract effort, or any type of subcontract effort. The interim rule does not prohibit contractors from applying their normal indirect costs when application is consistent with their accounting practices and the prime effort is consistent with the functions normally performed to manage, oversee, etc. subcontract effort.

b. The acquisition strategy is that the prime contractor is "value added" as the integrating contractor for the effort. DTRA will assess the "value added" of the prime Contractor as a part of the consideration in the negotiation of profit/fee (i.e. the less direct work performed by the prime contractor and more subcontracted effort would result in a lower profit for the prime contractor than an effort with the prime doing the majority of the technical effort).

DTRA will consider the subcontractors selected to perform the work and will also be examining "value added" of each of the subcontractors as related to the proposed cost/price. The technical/cost proposals should address and fully resolve this concern. DTRA will require that the prime Contractors provide justification for the use of subcontractors vice performing the effort in-house as part of the justification for

The clause appears to suggest that the disallowance is intended to apply to G&A that contractors may apply to subcontract costs.

Does DTRA disagree with that interpretation?

incurring additional burdens/profit/fee.

DTRA will also want the prime Contractor to demonstrate that competition at the subcontractor level is maximized to the fullest extent possible/practicable.

c. The contractor will have to comply with the requirements of their disclosure statement and accounting procedures. Generally speaking, there is no way to "pick and choose" what overhead is applied. The real issue is the examination of the subcontractor effort and value added from a technical perspective and the determination that the value added is commensurate with proposed cost/price for each of the subcontracted efforts.

Section J 30 J – Exhibit A

CDRL A001

Contractor Performance Report (CPR) May the submission dates for earned value reporting requirements be aligned to be consistent with the contractor’s accounting calendar?

The revised CDRL included in the final RFP requires the report to be submitted no later than 17 days after the close of the contractor’s accounting period instead of the 20th of the following month.

31 J- Attachment Paragraph 2.0

Central Reference Laboratories The Sample Task Order SOO calls out, “construction of one or more permanent Central Reference Laboratories (CRLs)”, while later stating that select agent pathogens must be, “consolidated within one national-level repository.”

Can the Government clarify how many repositories are desired for pathogen strains of interest under the Sample Task Order?

Consistent with BTRP Policy guidance, the Government desires consolidation of select agents in one repository.

32 J- Attachment Paragraph

Total Number of Pathogen Strains Is there an estimate of the total number of pathogen strains that is expected to be housed in the final consolidation effort for the Sample Task Order?

There is no estimate on the total number of pathogen strains.

33 J- Attachment Paragraph 2.1

Number of Research Projects Approximately what number of CBR research projects is anticipated to be ongoing in the sample task once the program is fully active?

Would the approximately four projects noted in the Ukraine SOO be the number of ongoing projects during any year, or the number initiated each year?

Five is representative of the number of active projects at any one time. SOO has been updated accordingly.

34 J- Attachment

CBR project budget What is the anticipated budget for a typical CBR project in the Sample Task Order for equipment and reagents?

Offerors are expected to make the necessary and reasonable assumptions that will form the basis of their proposal and cost estimate.

35 J- Attachment

CBR Project Participation How many institutes will participate in a typical CBR project in the Sample Task Order? How many people will participate?

Typically there are two recipient state institutes and two US collaborator institutes. A typical project includes a Principal Investigator and up to 12 associated scientists.

36 J- Attachment

3 (DD254)

Paragraph 13b

Security Clearances The DD254 implies that ALL personnel are to be U.S citizens and have appropriate security clearances. Will the Government confirm that this will apply only to certain key individuals on a Task Order by Task Order basis, considering the likely involvement of large numbers of non-U.S.

nationals in the program?

The need to be a US citizen and have appropriate security clearance is based on the need of that individual to have access to classified information or enter classified spaces.

37 Clarification regarding Item 13b.

of the DD254.

Is it a correct interpretation of the intent of this language, that you ONLY have to be a U.S.

citizen with the appropriate security clearance if specific BTRIC Task Order work is classified, and NOT that you have to be a U.S. citizen in order to perform ANY work under this

The need to be a US citizen and have appropriate security clearance is based on the need of that individual to have access to classified information or enter classified spaces.

contract?

38 J- Attachment

Award Fee Plan An interim performance assessment during the award fee evaluation period will allow the contractor to understand the strengths and weaknesses of its performance and to implement performance improvements prior to the end of the evaluation period if needed. Will the Government entertain such interim assessments?

This will not be adopted as a formal contractual requirement. The contractor can always ask for feedback.

39 J- Attachment Paragraph 4.4

Numerical Score and Description Will the Government include an award fee score table in each award fee evaluation that shows maximum and actual scores for each evaluation criterion and in total, thereby allowing BTRIC contractors to better focus on any needed performance improvement efforts?

The overall score will be provided with comments addressed for each evaluation criterion. The comments at the evaluation criterion level should be sufficient to permit the contractor to understand their various strengths and weaknesses lie.

40 J- Attachment Paragraph 4.4

Numerical Score and Description Given the tight construction of the award fee plan and scoring, please provide examples of significant and noteworthy achievable tangible benefits needed for a contractor to achieve award fee scores of (1) excellent and (2) outstanding.

What qualifies as meeting the definition of excellent or outstanding is dependent on the specific requirements of each task order, the unique performance environment, and additional factors such as risk. The Government does not predetermine ideal states that meet the definition of each rating category.

41 J- Attachment 6, L-2

Present and Past Performance Questionnaire Will the Government consider allowing present and past performance questionnaires to be emailed to the Government (instead of being mailed / faxed) and will the Government provide an email address for this purpose?

Present and Past Performance Questionnaires must be e-mailed to the Government at the following address:

BTRIC_INFO@dtra.mil. The RFP was revised accordingly.

Section L mailto:BTRIC_INFO@dtra.mil

42 Section L.3.3.1

RFP Cross-Reference Matrix;

this is addressed in the section for Vol II. Should this RCRM address the requirements for the other volumes as well, or be limited to Volume II?

The cross reference matrix only pertains to volume II.

43 If a RCRM is done for the other volumes (specifically Volume IV) would it be counted in the page count limitations?

The cross reference matrix only pertains to volume II.

44 L.1.2, page

Paragraph (b) provides the delivery address for the proposal volumes.

Question: Will the offeror be able to hand-deliver the proposal as opposed to utilizing an overnight delivery service, i.e. FedEx

Hand deliveries will be accepted only on the last proposal due date. Specific guidance was added to the RFP.

45 L.3.3.4, page

Under Management Approach, the offeror is required to “Identify and assign key personnel with applicable relevant and experience and biological expertise in key BTRP areas …”. A matrix may be used to illustrate this area.

Question: Are we to assume that the Matrix is to be used in lieu of resumes?

The matrix is required as directed to allow the offeror to demonstrate the breath of biological expertise and teaming arrangements. Resume submittal is not directed.

46 L.3.3.4, page

Draft RFP states ‘Management plan should provide the processes and techniques to demonstrate the offeror ability to integrate all components of the Biological Threat Reduction Program (BTRP)’. The description of components to be “integrated” in the draft reads more like a functional integration and does not delineate aspects relating to domestic, foreign and international activities.

Additional clarification on these sub-sets of program management related activities will help offeror develop a management plan addressing the unique “integration” related

Integration is required across all functional areas which all have domestic, foreign, and/or international aspects.

requirements under this contract.

Question: Please consider providing revisions that clearly identify management approach requirements along the lines noted above.

47 L.3.3.5, page

Risk Management requirement is oriented more towards the management plan (as written).

moving this requirement under L.3.3.4.

The entry provided in the matrix is only an example. As directed, risk must be addressed for each mission capability sub-factor.

48 L.3.3.5, Page

L.3.3.5 has no mention of biosafety and biosecurity related technical capability requirements. Technical capability requirements related to laboratory and facility-specific biosafety and biosecurity are unique and cannot be combined with the general biological expertise required under this contract.

adding these requirements to L.3.3.5

Technical capabilities include both biological safety and biological security expertise.

49 L.4.1, page

If an offeror or subcontractor has not acquired or been acquired by another company, and has not otherwise reorganized within the most recent 5-year period, is there any requirement for a roadmap for that entity?

This may be listed as an exception in table 2.2.

of paragraph L.2.2.

50 L.5.2, page

Under Volume Organization, Technical and Management Approach, the offeror is instructed to provide a personnel/staffing plan..

Question: Are we to assume that the staffing plan is to be used in lieu of resumes?

Resumes are not required as part of the proposal.

51 L.5.0, page

Offerors are required to develop a SOW at the task order level.

Question: What background

All material that can be made available to offers will be posted in the BTRIC Library.

technical information regarding the Ukraine sample task will be made available in the final RFP?

Particularly:

(a) The existing material and non-material status on disease surveillance, diagnostic and reporting?

(b) Systems architecture related background information for EIDSS and PACS systems, (c) prevailing concept of operations and adoption of the sentinel facility and epidemiological reporting systems,

(d) What are the tracking and reporting standards and capability currently available to assist development of a technical plan?

(e) What are the prevailing national and regional standards and guidelines biosafety and biosecurity currently in use at the Ukraine medical, veterinary, and agricultural research facilities tied to the EIDSS and PACS programs?

(f) What is the nature and extent of existing training program capability as part of non-material solution implementation?

a) Information regarding the existing material and non-material status on disease surveillance, diagnostics, and reporting is not available.

b) Information on EIDSS and PACS is available on the library.

c) There is no CONOPS for Ukraine.

d) It is the responsibility of the offeror to obtain tracking and reporting standards for Ukraine.

e) There are no known prevailing national and regional biosafety and biosecurity standards and guidelines currently in use at Ukrainian medical, veterinary, and agriculture research facilities tied to EIDSS and PACS.

f) DTRA engages several entities to develop and conduct a wide range of training in support of BTRP. Available information is provided in the BTRIC library. The contractor is expected to provide integration services and support for all training.

52 L.4.1.1 Are the completed L-2 PPPQs submitted to the SSEB or to the CO or to both?

L.4.1.1 asks that a consent letter, executed by each subcontractor, teaming partner, etc. is provided authorizing release of adverse past performance information to the Offeror, so the Offeror can

Completed PPPQs shall be e-mailed to the contracting officer at; BTRIC_INFO@dtra.mil in PDF format. The RFP was modified accordingly.

mailto:BTRIC_INFO@dtra.mil respond to such information.

For each identified effort for a commercial customer, Offeror shall also submit a client authorization letter, authorizing release to the Government of requested information on the Offer's performance. The RFP instructions do not appear to indicate when the letters should be delivered to the Government.

They are not identified in Table 2-1 Proposal Organization and no date is indicated in L.4.1.1.

53 L.4.1.1 Are the letters referenced in L.4.1.1 to be submitted with Form L-1 and the past performance narrative 15 days prior to proposal submission, or are they to be included as part of Volume III on the day of proposal submission?

Past Performance Narratives and Form L-1 will be provided with the proposal. The RFP was modified to eliminate the need to send any information in advance of the proposal due date.

54 L.4.1 L.4.1 requests that the Past Performance Narratives and Form L-1 be provided 15 days prior to proposal submission.

Table 1-2 (Proposal Organization) shows the Past Performance Narrative (Sect. 2) and Form L-1 (Sect. 3) as included in Vol. III (Relevant Present and Past Performance) which will be delivered on the designated proposal due date.

The RFP was modified to eliminate the need to send any information in advance of the proposal due date.

55 Section L.6.0.

Page 65, What is the anticipated start date of the sample task for purposes of preparing our cost proposal? Will it be awarded as a full five-year task or as one base year plus four option years?

The sample task is expected to start in May 08 following the collaborative proposal process.

The Task Order period of performance is envisioned to reflect the full five years for accomplishment of all objectives stated in the

SOO.

56 FAR 252.216-

9004 page 26 L.3.3.4 page

Key Personnel FAR Clause 252.216-9004 makes no specific key personnel requirements at the IDIQ level, noting that the issue is “to be determined by the Government at Task Order Level”, but Section L.3.3.4 requires offerors

The requirement applies at the Task Order level but the Government may choose to implement it at the IDIQ level.

to “identify and assign key personnel” with a “listing or matrix of key personnel” for inclusion in Volume II of the proposal. Will the Government clarify the key personnel requirements for both the IDIQ contract and the Task Orders?

57 L.1.2 page 63 Proposal Page Limits In light of the extensive proposal requirements in Section L.3.3 for Volume II, the 53-page limit for this volume appears to be inadequate. While we understand the Government’s desire for brevity, it is felt that this page limit will not allow offerors to present adequate evidence of their capability / approach to allow the Government to make fully informed evaluation decisions.

Will the Government, therefore, consider raising the page limit for Volume II to 78 pages? Since much of the proposal evaluation is focused on the Ukraine Sample Task Order, will the Government also consider raising the page count to 50 pages for Volume IV of the proposal response?

The Government considers the page limitations reasonable for Volume II and increased the page count for volume IV as indicated in the final RFP.

58 Are we requested to resubmit the Past Performance Narrative and Form L-1 in Vol. III even though they will have been submitted 15 days prior to the date for proposal submission?

The RFP was modified to eliminate the need to send any information in advance of the proposal due date.

59 RFP Format Will the Government consider issuing the final RFP documents in either MS Word or in a PDF format that is searchable?

The final RFP and all associated documents with the exception of the Award Fee Plan, CDRLs, and DD Form 254 will be posted in MS Word as read only.

Section M 60 M.2 page 83 Evaluation Factors

It is noted that evaluation and award of the IDIQ contract will be based in part on the evaluation of the Ukraine

Clarified in the final RFP.

Sample Task Order; each of the Mission Capability sub-factors has a similar reference: "As applicable, the information in Volume IV (Sample Task) . . .

will be used during the assessment." This appears to introduce some ambiguity into the evaluation criteria, allowing individual evaluators to determine what may be applicable. Will the Government consider removing the ambiguous term “as applicable” in each of these instances?

61 Industry Day briefings stated Security Clearance will not be required (“Industry Day Contracts Briefing” Slide 5) and maximum use of locals is required in M 3.3.3.1. However, DD Form 254, DOD Contract Security Classification Specification, was included in the Draft RFP, including Item 13, which states “the contractor’s employees performing work under this contract shall be US citizens and been granted appropriate security clearance….” Can you please clarify?

The need to be a US citizen and have appropriate security clearance is based on the need of that individual to have access to classified information or classified spaces.

62 Logistics and Role of the DTRA Single Shipper: The logistics and sustainment portions of the draft RFP and sample task require the BTRIC contractor to arrange for shipment into, within, and out of BTRIC countries materials and supplies, including reagents and other biodegradable materials. Under existing BTRP CTRIC efforts, the bulk of the actual shipping work is performed by DTRA's Single Shipper, Raytheon. Will this continue under BTRIC -- is use of the Single Shipper required or desired by DTRA?

DTRA will continue to use Raytheon as the single shipper for the remainder of the associated contract through September 2012.

63 We understand a current Contractor has established or

Information about EIDSS is available on the BTRIC Library.

created a disease reporting system which will be used by all BTRIC contractors. May we have details of the system, and will that contractor be precluded from proposing or teaming with others due to an advantaged position as the developer of this system?

The system developer is not precluded from teaming with another contractor. Their contract is one that will have to be integrated into the overall BTRIC effort.

General

64 The bidders for the BTRIC IDIQ have been advised that the EIDSS and PACS information developed by Black and Veatch under the BWPP program will be supplied by the US Government (USG). When will the USG provide to the BTRIC IDIQ Bidders more detail and specifics regarding the information and/or service that will be provided as part of the EIDSS/ PACS supplied information?

Information about EIDSS and PACS is available on the BTRIC Library.

65 (a) Will the in-country logistic and operational support (which was provided by Technical Management Company (TMC) as part of the BWPP program) be a service supplied by the USG under the BTRIC program?

(b) If TMC is the sole source provider of logistics and operations in each host nation, can the USG issue a more specific description of the in-country logistic and operational support services that will be provided by the USG to the IDIQ Prime Contractor teams?

The only mandated TMC support we will use is for travel support through the CIS contract.

This support is only mandated for USG directed travel and not for contractors traveling on their own, or for people traveling at the direction of the contractor. CIS/TMC may be mandated for contractors as well, but that will be a task order by task order decision.

66 Please identify any other sole source providers of services for the BTRIC program and what services/support they will be providing.

This information is provided on the BTRIC Library and contained in the BTRP brief.

B&V and Raytheon (under Task Order for equipment transportation) are the only current sole source providers of products or services.

67 Will DTRA please provide the current version of the applicable

The international agreements will not be posted in full text. All contractor pertinent

Bilateral Agreements (Umbrella and Implementing) with the respective Host Countries? Will DTRA also specifically provide the Bilateral Agreements for Ukraine?

excerpts that address protections will be incorporated in section H of the RFP.

68 Will DTRA confirm that applicable Bilateral Agreements with Host Countries will be incorporated into the final contract as has been DTRA’s practice in the past?

This will not be the case, copies can be provided upon contract signature.

69 A well trained laboratory staff working in a state-of-the-art facility can not realize the mission of the project without the regular input of quality samples from

(1) carefully selected surveillance sites, or (2) properly collected outbreak samples. The following questions are related to this premise:

a. Are there trained veterinarians in the field who can recognize disease syndromes based on clearly established case definitions?

b. Approximately how many trained veterinarians are there for each region?

c. How large is the region of responsibility for each veterinarian?

d. Is there sufficient veterinary manpower to manage a disease outbreak in terms of identifying infected animals and preventing their movement in and out of an

The information is not available to answer these questions. The offeror is expected to make the necessary and reasonable assumptions that will form the basis of their proposal and cost estimate.

affected area?

70 It is critical that samples be collected from the appropriate animal at the appropriate time and that the samples are shipped to the laboratory under the appropriate conditions to maximize recovery of a disease agent.

e. Have the veterinarians been trained on proper sample collection techniques, proper processing and sample shipping techniques?

f. Do the veterinarians have the proper equipment to collect samples including the tools such as “captive bolt stunners”, to sacrifice animals for collection of necropsy material during an outbreak; proper needles for blood collection, snares/snout ropes for immobilizing pigs for example?

BTRP has not conducted any training of this nature. The offeror is expected to make the necessary and reasonable assumptions that will form the basis of their proposal and cost estimate.

71 Has the laboratory staff been trained on sample receipt, accessioning and processing?

g. What sample information (demographics) is captured with sample receipt?

h. How far along is the implementation of a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)?

BTRP has not conducted any training of this nature. The offeror is expected to make the necessary and reasonable assumptions that will form the basis of their proposal and cost estimate.

72 In the case of a major outbreak, what is the plan for surge

National response to a major outbreak is a responsibility of the government in which capacity to mobilize resources and get people and supplies to where they are needed?

i. This is a multi-level problem from the field veterinarian level, to the laboratory level in terms of expendables and tests and on the epidemiological support level. Will supplies and materials be stockpiled?

BTRP surveillance, reporting, and diagnostic assets provided to the country will play a critical role. However, it is not within the scope of BTRP for the USG to provide all the resources required for a national response.

MOH and MOA should have contingency plans defining roles and responsibilities in the event of a national response to a major outbreak of a specific disease and this plan should also identify stockpiles of materials and supplies, but these are not BTRP responsibilities.

73 For stockpiling PCR tests and other tests, is there and advantage to having pre-qualified dried reagents in terms of shelf life and ease of use?

Offerors are expected to make their own assessment of such options.

74 If a high consequence pathogen is identified by the laboratory, there is a need to send the sample to a reference laboratory for confirmation.

j. Has the laboratory staff been trained on international shipping requirements?

k. Does the laboratory have the proper shipping containers and labels?

l. Is there a mechanism in place to process these hazardous shipments?

There may be a need in some circumstances.

j. The level of knowledge and skills and the presence of certified staff cannot be assumed.

k. This cannot be assumed.

l. Shipments will originate in the Central Reference Lab and it should be assumed that training and supplies will have to be provided such that CRL staff process and pack samples for transportation according to international requirements so that they are not hazardous for transportation.

75 How is it determined which tests will be used in the laboratories?

m. By what criteria is a laboratory test judged before it is accepted for routine use in an

EMS?

n. Can the evaluation

The offeror is expected to make the necessary and reasonable assumptions that will form the basis of their proposal and cost estimate.

of new tests fall under CBR activities and is there opportunity for the evaluation of new tests as they become available?

76 Mobile Disease Response Units were mentioned in the SOO for Ukraine.

o. What is their mission and capabilities?

p. What equipment do they have?

q. How many people are assigned to each unit and what is their expertise?

One MORU will be established. The MORU will be deployed by the MOH from the national level when resources in an oblast(s) are not sufficient to respond to an outbreak. The capabilities, equipment and staffing composition of the MORU will be determined after discussion with the MOH and after consideration of other elements.

77 To handle select agents in the US, extensive background investigations are required in order to receive approval to work in this capacity. How is this handled for workers in the local FSU laboratories?

All US laws apply to US citizens working with select agents whether working in the US or abroad. These laws do not apply to citizens of the FSU, who must conform to the laws and regulations of their respective country.

78 Are we to assume that there are no small business set-aside requirements for this work?

Yes

79 Given the strict nature of its OCI clause, will Northrop-Grumman, the DTRA A&AS contractor, be precluded from competing, as either a Prime or a Subcontractor, for BTRIC work under these vehicles?

Northrop Grumman Information Technology (NGIT) is not permitted to participate in the BTRIC competition due to OCI provisions in its contract with DTRA. However, other units of Northrop-Grumman are permitted to participate in the BTRIC competition.

80 Slide #20 of BS&S/TDAR Project briefing presented at Industry Day notes that the design for the Central Reference Laboratory will be Government-furnished. Will that laboratory design be available for costing the sample problem contract objective 3.2 (Specific Requirements for Ukraine SOO dated 16 May 2007)?

Information on the Central Laboratory will be provided on the BTRIC Library.

81 Is there a standard set of capabilities desired for the

Information is available from sources in the twenty satellite labs that we are supposed to bid to?

BTRIC Library.

82 Are we going to be provided the current set of capabilities for the twenty satellite labs?

Information is available from sources in the

83 Is there a set of capabilities desired for the main lab?

Information is available from sources in the BTRIC Library.

84 Is it correct to assume that all required land is to be provided and that land acquisition activities for the labs is out of scope?

Yes.

85 How many people will attend the training sessions? Are there any expectations as to the type of training used?

The type and number of persons attending training should be optimized for the training needs.

86 In constraints, the RFP mentions that DTRA will supply various things in various amounts. Is there any detail as to what those items are and how much will be provided?

This is not standardized and will be negotiated as part of the CPD. Examples include CRL design and CONOPS development.

87 Would the government be willing to share its intended BTRIC implementation strategy (i.e., is it envisioned to be executed by objective, task, country, or regionally)? Does the government have a proposed timeline for what tasks and efforts would begin in what countries and when?

BTRP task orders are expected to be country based. There are ongoing projects in 5 FSU countries. Particular dates for future country projects are based on individual implementing agreements and thus can only be speculated.

88 Will the Gregg Threat Assessment Program be made available to all BTRIC contract holders?

The Threat Assessment Program will not be made available. The Government will work with each contractor to obtain the required services.

89 Can we assume that both Ministry of Health and Ministry of Agrarian Policy will both be signatories to the US and Ukrainian implementing agreement and as such, both will have equal but separate authority?

MOH is currently the sole Executive Agent.

However, the USG desires to make the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and the Academy of Agrarian Sciences additional Executive Agents. The Government of Ukraine is considering assigning responsibility to a neutral ministry to facilitate the Implementing Agreement.

90 EIDSS and PACS: At Industry Day and in Industry Day Q&A response #7, DTRA indicated that that EIDSS and PACS software will be made available as GFE.

a. B&V will be the sole source for

EIDSS/PACS to include training requirements.

(a) Role of Black and Veatch:

These software packages were originally developed by Black and Veatch, and to date have been customized for individual institute requirements by Black and Veatch (B&V) personnel.

B&V personnel have also to date provided all training to host nation personnel on how to use the software. Does DTRA intend to have B&V continue to perform this function, as a directed sub to other BTRIC contractors, for future BTRIC TADR efforts, or will each BTRIC contractor be required to study the software packages, develop training packages, and make its own institute-specific modifications/customization of the DTRA-provided software?

(b) TADR Telecoms Connectivity: Will DTRA, working directly with host nation ministries, arrange for the telecoms and broadband infrastructure and connectivity required for full TADR/EIDSS system functionality? Or is the BTRIC contractor required to plan for, budget, and execute all associated telecoms and IT backbone and connectivity-related work?

b. The contractor is not expected to upgrade Ukraine’s Communications and IT infrastructure beyond the property boundaries.

91 What indemnification will be provided to the contractor by the

USG?

Information is provided on the BTRIC Library as part of the Agreement synopsis.

92 Will contractors perform under the ITAR umbrella of DTRA or does each Contractor go through DOS for necessary approvals?

DTRA will continue to be the exporter of record for all controlled exchanges with BTRP recipients outside the US. DTRA will continue to review exports, both of material and information, for export compliance concerns, both Department of State and Department of Commerce, and apply for any needed licenses.

93 Can we have access to all reports developed under Phase I for the Ukraine?

All relevant information is available on the BTRIC library.

94 Can we access former Biological Weapons Scientists and Institutes during our proposal preparation? Will BTRIC or an Agency of Ukraine provide the necessary contact information or make introductions?

The Government will not coordinate visits or provide contact information.

95 May we request the lists of existing Ukraine GFE to understand its availability and usefulness?

There is no GFE for Ukraine associated with BTRP at this time.

96 Who is responsible for contamination assessment, contamination isolation, de-contamination, disposal of decontaminant debris and effluent, and remediation or demolition of existing facilities?

The Contractor.

Draft

SOO

97 Clarification of SOO elements 2.1, 2.2, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2

Question: Suggest following clarification language:

2.1 Suggest including the

words “laboratory and facility related” before ‘….biological safety…’.

2.2 Suggest including

words “a risk-based” before ‘…biological security…..’.

2.2 Suggest including

“export control” requirements.

2.5 Suggest including

word “track” before ‘….and secure,….’.

2.6 Suggest including

“laboratory and facility” before ‘…biological safety….’.

Suggest including words “risk-based” before ‘…biological security…’

The SOO in the final RFP has been updated and properly addresses the requirements associated with the sample task.

98 Page 1 of Sample Task SOO

Page 1 of Sample Task SOO (1.0 Background): “this surveillance system requires the

This information has not been decided. The offeror is expected to make the necessary and

(1.0 Backgrou nd) renovation of suitable biological facilities at approximately 20 select sites throughout Ukraine.”

Please provide a listing (locations, and any relevant descriptions) of these sites.

reasonable assumptions that will form the basis of their proposal and cost estimate.

99 Page 1 of Sample Task SOO (2.0 Overall Program Objectives

Page 1 of Sample Task SOO (2.0 Overall Program Objectives): - Please provide a listing and description of “projects already under way and those to be established and completed via separate contracting actions.”

Information regarding current projects is available in the BTRIC Library. Information regarding projects to be established and completed via separate contracting actions will be provided during CPD or during the course of Task Order execution.

Information has been provided on BTRP’s sole source contracts.

100 Page 1 of Sample Task SOO (2.0 Overall Program Objectives

Page 1 of Sample Task SOO (2.0 Overall Program Objectives): Who makes the determination whether one or more than one Central Reference Laboratories is constructed? Is this decision left up to the offeror?

DTRA will determine the final number of CRLs to be constructed.

101 Statement of Objectives Paragraph s 2.1 and 2.3

Regarding the transfer of pathogen strains within the FSU countries and to the US in the Statement of Objectives, Paragraphs 2.1 and 2.3: Who actually has the “hands-on” responsibility to do this: USG, Host Nation, or Contractor?

USG is responsible and relies on recipient state cooperation.

102 SOO Regarding the transfer of pathogen data to DoD and other USG entities: Who does the “hands-on” transfer: USG, Host Nation, or Contractor?

USG is responsible and…