questions-answers-2.pdf

8/24/2007

# RFP Section Question Proposed Answer Section H 1 pages 34–38

If DTRA intends to issue task orders under this contract to be performed in Moldova, Armenia, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, or Kyrgyzstan, we assume that DTRA will amend the base contract to incorporate the Umbrella Agreements covering these countries. Please confirm this assumption.

The base contract will be amended as necessary to include new or updated excerpts from applicable agreements between USG and foreign governments.

2 H12 TRAVEL

Item d; states that “All foreign travel shall be authorized and approved in advance. Request for such travel must be submitted at least 45 days in advance….” Please explain the reason for the 45-day notice requirement. Is there any flexibility for adjustment to emergent situations? We are concerned this may conflict with the need “… to manage resources to respond rapidly and effectively to reduction and surges in task order workload …”

Forty-five day authorization is necessary to meet country clearance timeline requirements.

Emergent conditions which necessitate approval of contractor travel within the 45 day window will be assessed and approved on a case by case basis.

Section I 3 Contract

Clauses, FAR 52.245-1, Alternate 1 Government Property, FAR 45.104 states that contractors are not held liable for loss, damage, destruction, or theft of Government property under the following types of contracts:

1) Cost-reimbursement

2) Time and material

3) Labor-hour

4) Fixed-price awarded on the basis of submission of cost or pricing data

Since Sample Task #1 is cost reimbursement and any future fixed price task orders will require the submission of detailed cost or pricing data as stated in Section H 1, Ordering Procedures, deletion of Alternate 1 is requested.

Alternate 1 has been deleted in the amendment to the

RFP.

4 Section I

In light of the fact that some of the countries in which the BTRIC program will be performed are currently the subject of U.S. State Department travel warnings due to the risk for terrorist attacks (e.g., Uzbekistan), that the Capture and Detention clause (DFARS 252.228-7003) has been included in task orders for the Cooperative Threat Reduction Integrating Contract (“CTRIC”), and that nothing in DFARS 228.370(d) limits the application of the Capture and Detention Clause to “operations on or near the battlefield,” we request that the Government reconsider its answer to Question 25 of its August 3, 2007 Question and Answer responses and include the Capture and Detention clause (DFARS 252.228-7003) in Section I.

Based on the countries in which BTRP is currently engaged and the cooperative nature of BTRP projects, this clause will not be included in the base contract. The Contracting Officer will consider including the clause in task orders on a case-by-case basis should circumstances change.

Section J 5 Section J, Exhibit B, DID, Operations Support Plan, Paragraph 1

Please post or provide offerors a copy of the reference document, “BTRP Sustainment Planning Guide

The DID has been revised to change the reference to MIL- HDBK-502, Acquisition Logistics vice the BTRP Sustainment Planning Guide.

The revised DID will be posted on FedBizzOpps and BTRIC Library (URL -http://www.dtra.mil/be/busine ss_opp/procurement/BTRPI DIQdownloads.cfm).

6 Section J, Exhibit A, Contract Requirements List (CDRLs)

CDRL "A008" Level 3 Work Breakdown Structure, present in the Draft RFP, has been removed from the Final RFP. Does DTRA intend to implement a Work Breakdown Structure for use by the Contractor? If so, is that WBS currently available and will DTRA make it available to offerors in support of their proposal submissions?

Development of a WBS is inherent in both CDRLs A001 and A005.

7 Page 31, Clause 252.215-9004 KEY Offerors should suggest

PERSONNEL. The RFP indicates that Identified Key Personnel are TBD. Should each offeror suggest those personnel and positions considered to be "Key"?

these personnel for both the basic contract effort and the sample task.

Section L 8 L.6.4.2.1.1.c

Can you identify the location of the interim CRL which has been renovated? Was it renovated for human and veterinary operations?

The intended location for the interim CRL is the Ukrainian Research and Anti-Plague Institute in Odesa. However, the work remains in the design phase and it is possible that the interim CRL will be renovated or constructed elsewhere.

Regardless, the interim CRL will work on human pathogens only.

9 L.6.4.2.1.1.d

What is a “TRV vehicle”? What specifications are available for this vehicle’s design and capabilities?

Are the 7 Vet EMS TRVs as referenced in L.6.4.1.2.b in addition to the 23 TRV vehicles (18 human plus 5 vet) referenced in Section L.6.4.2.1.1.d? Will the Vet EMS TRV’s require different designs or capabilities to address the differences in human and veterinary response capabilities?

Should the TRVs be cross-designed to address both functions?

In Ukraine, the TADR Response Vehicle is a commercial, off-the-shelf, four-wheel-drive vehicle that has easy access to maintenance and repair in the local area. Eighteen TRVs are required for the base work and an additional seven for the option. The RFP will be revised to clarify this. The human and vet TRVs will be very similar vehicles and be similarly equipped.

10 L.6.4.2.1.2.a

Will the design for the Human CRL be provided by DTRA? Will this be a conceptual design, or a set of design plans for construction? Will this be new construction or renovation of an existing facility?

Can DTRA estimate the number of labs/square feet estimate for the BSL-2 and BSL-3 labs to be incorporated in the design? Does DTRA anticipate a second CRL for veterinary activities?

Due to security reasons, DTRA will not provide the detailed design for the optional permanent human CRL in Ukraine prior to contract award. The permanent human CRL will be new construction.

Notional CRL design information has been provided on the BTRIC Library in DTRALink (http://www.dtra.mil/be/busin ess_opp/procurement/BTRPI DIQdownloads.cfm). At this time, DTRA does not anticipate a second CRL for veterinary activities.

11 L.1.3.3, Validity Statement, The Offeror is required to specify the proposal validity period for the duration of the acceptance period in Block 12, Section A. Please provide the proposal validity period required for the duration of the acceptance period.

This RFP is a negotiated solicitation and, notwithstanding Section L.1.3.3, a validity statement is not required in Section A, Block 12 for negotiated solicitations. The offeror may specify a validity period, and it should be long enough to cover the time period between the RFP closing date (Sep 07) and contract award (expected Feb 08).

12 L.4.1.1, Performance Information, Are consent letters only required for subcontractors who submit past performance citations? Offerors may have several teammates who don’t have past performance citations for government programs.

Consent letters are required for each teammate regardless of past performance questionnaire submittal.

13 Section L.4.1.3, Performance Questionnaire s, Page 76

Attachment 6 L-1, Present and Past Performance Information requires contact information on three (Program Manager, Contracting Officer, Administrative Contracting Officer) primary customer points of contact.

Do Attachment 6 L-2 Questionnaires need to be sent to all three contacts?

Only one past and present performance questionnaire (attachment 6 L-2) is required from each reference.

14 Section L.1.3.10, Minimum Cross- Referencing, The referenced section states that each volume needs to be on a stand alone basis with a minimum amount of cross-referencing to other volumes. Section L.6.3.1 states that assumptions shall be cross referenced to paragraph and page number in the Technical and Management Section (Volume IV).

Is cross referencing permitted with the assumptions included in the cost volume?

Yes

15 L.6.4.2, Profit or Fee, Page

a) Will fee and/or profit be allowed on teammates and subcontractors cost?

b) Will fee and/or profit be allowed on Material, ODC’s and Travel costs on Firm

a. Yes, provided the costs are allowable.

b. Consistent with CLINs 0008 and 1008, profit or fee will not be permitted on

Fixed Price Task Orders?

c) Can an offeror propose a different maximum fee structure for the different types of task orders (i.e.

FFP, CPAF,etc…) anticipated for this program?

ODC's and Travel costs on all contract types, including FFP task orders.

c. The maximum fee structure required in the first paragraph of L.6.4.2 and in H4 applies solely to CPAF.

Other fee/profit structures for other contract types will be determined at the task order level.

16 L.3.3.4, Management Approach, Pages 73 & 74

Under the first bullet, DTRA references “… integration of Government Furnished Equipment….., training requirements, collaborative research partner efforts, and those efforts of other U.S. Government Agencies, Non-government agencies (NGOs) (domestic, foreign, international), recipient state government, and other applicable stakeholders. Could you please provide?

a. A list of the ongoing collaborative research partner efforts.

b. A list of efforts undertaken by other U.S. Government Agencies and the names of respective agencies.

c. A list of domestic, foreign and international NGOs that are currently performing related efforts.

d. DTRA’s assumption on which organization and or institution qualifies as “applicable stakeholders”.

(a-c) List of partners is provided in the overview of the BTR Program BTRP briefing available at the BTRIC Library. URL -http://www.dtra.mil/be/busine ss_opp/procurement/BTRPI DIQdownloads.cfm

(d) Stakeholders are unique to task order efforts. Offerors should be able to define these stakeholders.

17 L.6.4.1, Assumptions, Pages 80 & 81

The government provides assumptions for costing purposes on the base and optional work to be performed. In order to develop

a. Location of individual EMSs. Assume one human EMS per oblast. Exceptions of Kyivska Oblast, Odesa a viable management, logistics and technical approach that provides well founded assumptions for a viable cost proposal we ask the government to provide more detailed information on:

a. Location of the individual EMSs: We believe that the cost, scope and effort required to augment, construct, renovate or refurbish Human EMSs will vary widely depending on the location of the facility.

Depending on the facilities location, material and technology transport, living costs and operational sustainment may range from fairly simple and straight forward to highly complex, triggering the potential for the above cited cost delta.

b. Please provide your assumptions on the current average staffing of existing EMSs, including existing skill levels;

c. Please provide greater detail on communications capability requirements for EMSs H-6 through H- 16, including information on availability of access to broadband or other telecommunications access;

d. Please provide data on the IT infrastructure and existing software standards that are

Oblast, and Lvivska Oblast, which will have EMSs stood up in an earlier phase of work. Six other oblasts (Chernihivska, Cherkaska, Kirovohradska, Poltavska, Kharkivska, Luhanska) will receive only EIDSS via a separate sole-source contract in addition to equipment.

b. Staffing levels and skill sets are unknown at this time and constitute one element of site evaluations by the offeror. Offerors should make a reasonable assumption.

c. IT connectivity requirements should be consistent with available services within country

d. Computer and software will be provided by a separate sole source contract that makes use of open architecture design.

Section L.6.4.1 has been undated to include this additional information.

deployed in existing EMS and most importantly the interim CRL.

18 L.6.4.1, Pages 80 & 81

DTRA listed the 25 Human EMSs and numbered them from 1 through 25. Is it reasonable to assume that the numbering is consistent with DTRA’s prioritization of activities to be performed; b) would DTRA consider a different implementation and execution strategy that has the potential of greater efficiencies and a more rapid initial operationalization?

a. There is no designated order for EMS construction.

b.The U.S. Government encourages the offeror to develop an execution strategy that provides for greater efficiencies.

Section L.6.4.1 has been updated to include this

19 L.6.4.1, Item 2, Optional Work, Page

For pricing purposes, please provide the estimated start date for the optional work.

For pricing purposes assume the permanent CRL option will commence concurrently with TO award. The veterinary EMS option will commence FY 2011.

However, the U.S.

Government’s decision to exercise this option may occur any time during the period of performance.

20 Section L 6.4.1

Assumptions: Is it the government’s intention to limit training to EMSs H1-H5 and the 7 optional Vet EMSs. Specifically, should there be training associated with EMSs H6-H25, the interim CRL, and the optional Human

CRL?

All EMSs, including vet EMSs if those are renovated, as well as the permanent human CRL (if built), will require training.

21 L.6.4.1

(1) “Assumptions”, Item 2.a, “1 Human CRL” – If possible, it would be very helpful if you could provide the following additional pieces in the assumption:

(a) Where is this CRL located?

(b) Is this green-field construction; or renovation or addition to an existing facility?

a. The location of the permanent human CRL in Ukraine has not been determined yet. That is one reason that the permanent human CRL is included in the task order only as an option.

b. In Ukraine, the permanent human CRL, if built, will be greenfield construction.

c. BTRP has detailed designs for two different models of permanent

(c) Has a design been completed to any degree; if so how much?

(d) If the building is existing, what is the level of renovation required (i.e., utility connections, structural, electrical, mechanical, HVAC, negative pressure areas, vaults, etc.)?

(e) Is it correct to assume that this CRL requires a full suite of diagnostic, computational, and reporting equipment?

Are there specifications?

(f) Is it correct to assume that BSL-2 and BSL-3 will be the requirement for this

CRL?

(g) It is correct to assume that the design will require full bio-security measures and large capacity pathogen repository space?

combined human/vet CRLs.

The two-story design is approximately 95% complete; the four-story design is approximately 90% complete. Both designs require adaptation to human only operations, local site conditions and building codes.

d. Not applicable.

e. It is correct to assume that the permanent human CRL will require a full suite of diagnostic, computational, and reporting equipment. For reporting equipment, the specifications will stem from the offeror’s interaction with the sole source contractor that will provide EIDSS and PACS at the permanent human CRL.

f. It is correct to assume that the permanent human CRL will require BSL-2 and

BSL-3.

g. It is correct to assume that the design of the permanent human CRL will require full biosecurity measures and large-capacity pathogen repository space.

22 L 6.4.1 (1d)

Identified V1-V5. Are these part of the 7 Vet EMSs specified in the optional work?

Yes. V1-V5 have been removed from the base work assumption.

23 L 6.4.1 (1d)

Specifies a total of 23 TRVs to service H1-H16, H24-H25, and V1- V5. How many additional, if any, TRVs are required over and above the 23 previously specified, for the optional work?

See question #9

24 Section L.1.2

The RFP provides a table showing the quantities of "copies" required for each Volume. In addition, L.1.2

(a) requests "Original" submissions of all volumes, and L.1.3.8 requires

The electronic version is not included in the copy count.

As indicated, the original printed version is included in

Electronic copies of each volume.

Are the original and electronic copies included in the quantities shown in the table at L.1.2, or are the original and electronic copies in addition to the quantities shown in the table at L.1.2? For example, the Table at L.1.2 specifies 5 copies of Volume I. Are offerors to submit 1 Original Submission, 1 Electronic Submission, and 5 Copies, or are offerors to submit 1 Original Submission, 1 Electronic Submission, and 3 Copies?

the copy count.

25 L.6.4.1 Assumptions

The assumptions listed identify training requirements for the EMSs H1 through H5 only. Will training be required at the other EMSs under this Delivery Order?

All facilities (human EMSs, vet EMSs if that option is exercised, permanent human CRL if that option is exercised) will require training.

26 L.3.3.4 Management Approach (page 74)

Please clarify what type of information is required for “expected BTRP involvement….”

Does this phrase refer to the amount of time a key person will be involved on BTRIC or the duties and responsibilities a key person will fulfill in his/her proposed position on BTRIC?

This refers to the description of the key person’s duties and responsibilities with respect to BTRIC efforts.

27 L.6.3.4 Contractor Systems (page 79)

This paragraph requests a cost narrative by the prime contractor as well as any teaming member.

This would require summaries of the teaming members’ Estimating, Purchasing, Accounting and Compensation systems and submittal of letters of approval from relevant government agencies. In consideration of the fact that only the prime contractor’s systems will be used on this contract, is this information required at the teaming member level?

In accordance with FAR 15.404-3, the Government has a responsibility to determine price reasonableness of subcontractors, including those factors listed in the question. This information required for all teaming members as stated.

28 L.6.4.1

(pages 80–81)

The Assumptions section added to the final RFP provides detail on the status of EMSs, CRL, TRV vehicles and the MORU, along with sustainment. The bidder who

Work to be performed under this task order has been developed and will be assigned by the U.S.

Government. The contractor participated in gathering this information has identified the locations of these facilities and is advantaged by being able to sequence their execution approach most efficiently. Will DTRA please provide the location information to all bidders?

conducting current phase I work in Ukraine did not participate in determining locations of EMSs, the permanent human CRL, or the capabilities to be assigned to those facilities (i.e., TRVs, MORU).

See question #17.

29 L.6.4.1.1.d

(page 80)

This paragraph references five (5) Vet EMSs (V1 to V5). They were not mentioned under the “base work.” Do these five EMS require any modifications

Reference to V1-V5 has been removed from section L.6.4.1.1.d and is not part of the base work.

30 L.6.4.1.1.f

(page 81)

There is no mention of sustainment of the MORU in this paragraph. Do we provide sustainment of the MORU?

In Ukraine, the MORU will require sustainment for three years once it is commissioned. The U.S.

Government will pay for sustainment in diminishing levels for three years: year 1 at 100%; year 2 at 66%; year 3 at 33%. Commensurably, the Government of Ukraine will pay for 0% of sustainment in year 1; 34 percent in year 2; and 67% in year 3. By year 4, the Government of Ukraine will be responsible for 100% of the sustainment costs of the

MORU.

Section L.6.4.1 has been

31 L.6.4.1.2.b Assumptions / Optional Work (pages 81)

The paragraph states “TRV”, possibly implying a single TRV for the total group of 7 Vet EMSs. For the seven (7) Vet. EMSs, does each EMS get a TRV?

Each EMS, whether human or (optional) veterinary, will get a TRV. Exceptions are the six human EMSs that will receive only EIDSS under a separate task order.

(See question #17)

32 L.6.4.1 Assumptions

(pg. 80) and Ukraine SOO (page 1)

In section L.6.4.1, a total of 25 Human EMS with an option of 1 H- CRL and 7 Vet EMS are to be used as assumptions in building costs, however, this is inconsistent with the 35 biological facilities

For costing and proposal purposes, use the information provided in paragraph L.6.4.1. The Ukraine SOO provides potential for a slightly requiring TADR renovations in the Ukraine SOO. Given this discrepancy, what is the appropriate number of facilities requiring TADR engagement for the Ukraine?

broader scope of work.

Section M 33 M.2.4.2, 4th bullet

, “Integrated Logistics,” the topic of “sustainment” has been relocated to a new, 5th bullet under section M.2.4.1 to correspond to changes made in Section L. However, the term “sustainment” still appears in the M.2.4.2, 4th bullet text on the 4th line of the paragraph. Is sustainment still a topic to be evaluated under this M.2.4.2 bullet, or was it meant to be removed from the paragraph?

M. 2.4.1: The managerial approach toward sustainment is intended to assess the offeror’s approach towards transition of sustainment requirements to the recipient state.

M. 2.4.2: Sustainment refers to the technical ability to develop and execute the plan during the U.S.

Government funded sustainment period.

34 M.2.4.2, 5th bullet

“Biological Expertise,” 3rd line, should the term “surety” be changed to “safety and security” to match the changes in Section L, or are we to address the topic of “surety” which may include additional topics beyond BS&S?

The words safety and security will be added to replace the word surety in M.2.4.2. This change is included in RFP addendum.

Ukraine SOO

35 SOO 2.4

Please clarify the number of Mobile Disease Response Units, also referred to as MORUs, to be established. Section L.6. 4.1.1.e states one MORU will be based at the interim CRL. The Ukraine SOO 2.4 indicates multiple Mobile Disease Response Units will be based at locations to be determined by the recipient state government. The August 3, 2007 Q&A #76 states that one MORU will be established.

One Mobile Disease Response Unit will be established at the national level (i.e., interim CRL). The other units referred to in the SOO are TADR Response Vehicles, based at oblast labs, as agreed with the recipient state government.

36 Attachment 2 (Ukraine SOO), Section 2.1, 5.2

The final Ukraine SOO still states in paragraph 2.1, “CBR projects, as many as four (our emphasis) per year” although SOO Paragraph

5.2 and Q33 from the draft RFP Q&A stated that this was to be five ongoing projects at any one time.

Similarly, Section L.6.4.1.1.g

There can be as many as five CBR projects in Ukraine at any one time. The SOO has been modified for clarity.

(Assumptions) of the final RFP states that there will be on average five CBR projects per year.

Will the Government please clarify if there will likely be four or five CBR projects per year?

37 Paragraph 2.1, Page 2

(L.6.4.1

Page 81)

2.1 Bring Ukraine’s existing

disease surveillance, reporting, and response systems up to international diagnostic and reporting standards for robust, integrated tracking and epidemiological evaluation capability. Integrate BTRP efforts in the area of CBR projects, as many as four per year. Accommodate the efforts of designated (and separately contracted) training entities.

Item g- There will be on average of 5 Collaborative Biological Research projects per year.

What is the correct number of CBR projects?

See question #36.

38 Paragraphs

3.2 & 5.0,

3.2 Conduct site analyses at

potential locations of EMSs to evaluate their suitability and report on current structural integrity, utilities, laboratory equipment onsite, staff capability, and security systems. Provide analysis, recommendations, and conceptual designs to DTRA.

Use a systems engineering process for renovating or constructing laboratories that are capable of achieving BSL- 2 for EMSs and BSL-3 for future permanent CRL (s).

5.0 All BS&S/TADR projects (i.e., EMS) should be planned to be complete within five years of contract award with the exception of the CRL option.

Yes, the five year period allows for one year of planning efforts and any immediately essential BS&S upgrades and, four years construction or renovation, equipment installation, training, and certification/commissioning.

Is effort described within paragraph 3.2 contained within the five years defined in paragraph 5.1?

39 Paragraph 1.0

The Ukraine SOO (Paragraph 1.0) states that "the TADR system requires the renovation of suitable biological facilities at as many as 35 sites throughout Ukraine."

However, the Assumptions paragraph of Section L (Paragraph 6.4.1) describes only 25 EMSs, with an option for seven veterinary EMSs and possible construction of a CRL. Please clarify.

See question #32.

40 Ukraine SOO (page 1), Program SOO (5.3 on pg 3) and RFP (pg.

95)

The RFP indicates an overall performance period of 5 years, the Program SOO indicates a period of performance of 4 years after an initial assessment period, and the Ukraine SOO directs that the "epi-surveillance" (TADR) project is to be fully operational by 2014.

Assuming a start date of May 2008 as listed in the RFP, the period of performance is inconsistent between the referenced sections, especially between the RFP and the Ukraine SOO. Given this discrepancy, what is the TADR period of performance for Ukraine?

The TADR period of performance for Ukraine is five years. The stipulation of 2014 allows for some room because a start date of May 2008 is not assured.

Several Sections

Industry Day briefed DTRA’s desire for TO1 Award on 15 May 2008. F.1 of the final RFP, meanwhile, specifies that he base contract period of performance is 60 months. The cost proposal assumptions in L.6.4.1 do not address the period of performance.

The Task Order evaluation criteria in M.3.1, anticipate a “five (5) year effort.” The BTRIC SOO 3.3 establishes “approximately 3-5 years of sustainment after full operational capability (FOC),” while the Ukraine SOO 3.3 specifies sustainment for “three years after commissioning of each

1. The offeror should use 15 May 2008 as the beginning of the period of performance of task order 1. This accounts for the typical task order collaborative proposal development period that will follow the base contract award in February 2008.

2. For cost assumption purposes, offerors should assume that sustainment commences following facility commissioning and continues through the period of performance for task engaged facility.” The Ukraine SOO also states that DTRA wants to have the TADR system fully operational “in Ukraine by 2014,” but states in 5.1 that it should be complete “with the exception of the CRL option” and that CBR projects should be planned for three years or fewer.

If the Ukraine task order award is 15 May 2008 in accordance with the Industry Day briefing, this would mean completion of the base period of performance in 2013, well before the anticipated date for full operational capability

(FOC).

1. For cost assumption purposes, should offerors use 15 May 2008 for the beginning of the period of performance?

2. For cost assumption purposes, should offerors assume:

a. that all effort under the Ukraine task order, including sustainment, be completed five years after contract award?, or:

b. that the complete effort, including the sustainment and the CRL option may extend into the option period?, or:

c. assume that FOC of the upgraded facilities and CRL can extend beyond the base period, and that depending on their completion schedule that full sustainment duration may also extend beyond the 5 year base period?

3. Should offerors assume that the end date for the performance of the Ukraine task order be 132 months after contract award, or will DTRA specify an earlier date for order 1. Any continuing sustainment efforts may be fulfilled through a follow-on task order. The Ukraine SOO has been changed to reflect this.

3. The base contract allows for a period of performance up to 132 months from contract award. Each task order awarded under the base IDIQ contract will be provided a unique period of performance based on the scope of work. This unique period of performance cannot exceed the base contract limits.

completion of the specified effort?

(i.e. 96 months – 60 months base period, plus 36 months of sustainment thereafter)

42 RFP (pg. 48 of

96) Section 52.216-18 and RFP section L.5.2.D.5 (pg.

77)

Supplies and services furnished under this contract may be issued starting Feb 1, 2008. However, on page 77 of 96 in the RFP section L.5.2.D.5, the project schedule indicates a May 2008 start date for the Ukraine Task Order. Does this indicate a contract award prior to February 1, 2008?

Feb 1, 2008 refers to the base contract and May 15, 2008 refers to the first Task Order award.

General

DID OT-07-60000 references the BTRP Sustainment Planning Guide. This document is not included in the BTRP IDIQ library.

Where can we find this planning guide?

(see question #5)

CDRL Due Dates: most due dates are stated as x days after contract award. The government anticipates a few months between contract award and TO start, as DTRA and the prime engage in the collaborative proposal effort. Do the due dates reflect “after contract award” or “after TO start”?

The “x” days after contract in block 12 of the CDRL DD1423-1 refer to task order contract dates, not the date of award for the base contract.

45 “Synopsis” Presolicitation Notice

Is it the Government’s intention to limit the place of performance to those countries listed in the Synopsis document, e.g., Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Georgia and Kazakhstan. The Industry Day slides indicated that the countries of anticipated performance included Moldova, Armenia, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and/or Kyrgyzstan. Are these countries still included in the BTRIC contract on which we are proposing?

See question #1.

Additionally, BTRIC efforts may be required in countries other than those listed.

What are the minimum requirements for the mobile outbreak response team in terms of technical capabilities?

The minimum technical requirements for team members are the knowledge, skills and abilities they have as epidemiologists, veterinary inspectors and laboratory technicians in their present roles in the TADR system.

Section L.6.4.1 has been

Must all Cooperative Biological Research activities be done at the Central Reference Laboratory or can they involve academic partners outside the facilities?

The majority of the CBR projects take place at other in-country FSU institutes.

On average, there are typically about 4 other institutes per country. These institutes are sometimes academic but are more often institutes that used to be state-run. When the CRL is completed, CBR activities will also take place there.

Must the enhanced surveillance system be limited to EDPs and avian influenza, or can it include surveillance of other diseases/health issues of importance to the host nation?

Can the diagnostic equipment and resources to be provided to the enhanced Epidemiological Monitoring Station be used to address other endemic diseases, for example to test for TB, whooping cough or measles?

EIDSS and the surveillance system can be used for all reportable human and vet diseases in the country. The laboratory diagnostic equipment and resources can be used for detection of any microbial or genetic target.

However, DTRA funds can only be expended for surveillance, reporting, detection and response to BTRP priority pathogens.

Will the contractor(s) be entitled to receive PL 85-804 indemnification from the USG?

No. However the umbrella agreements contain certain liability protections for contractors.

Since we would normally include Facilities Capital Cost of Money in a proposal of this type, will DTRA delete FAR 52.215-17, "Waiver of Facilities Capital Cost of Money (OCT 1997)" and incorporate FAR 52.215-16, "Facilities Capital Cost of Money (JUN 2003)" into the contract?

DTRA will revise these clauses depending upon what is in the successful offerors' proposals.

Will the tax exemptions provided by the five Umbrella Agreements incorporated in the contract also

The tax exemptions apply to the program and therefore flow down to the apply to subcontractors, including but not limited to subcontractor

VAT?

subcontractors so long as the contractor complies with each country's rules and processes regarding VAT exemptions.

Will DTRA incorporate the clause at 52.229-8, Taxes -- Foreign Cost Reimbursement Contracts (MAR 1990)" into the contract?

Yes. This clause will be incorporated.

53 As prescribed in FAR 32.808(c)(3), will DTRA incorporate Alt I into the clause at FAR 52.232-25, "Prompt Payment (OCT 2003)" of the contract.

Alt I to the FAR 52.232-25 has been incorporated into the RFP per the prescription.

The references to the "Government Property" clauses at FAR 52.245-1 and FAR 52.245-1 Alt I appear to be in error, and should read FAR 52.245-2 and FAR52.245-2 Alt I. Will DTRA correct these references, and also incorporate the clause at FAR 52.245-5, "Government Property (Cost-Reimbursement, Time and Material, or Labor-Hour Contracts (May 2004)"? As regards the latter clause, will DTRA provide advance approval to relieve subcontractors of the risk of, and responsibility for, destruction of, or damage to, Government Property, per the provisions of FAR 52.245-5(g)(4)?

References to the Government Property clauses are correct. They refer to new clauses at FAR 52.245-1 and Alt I dated June 2007. These clauses have been extensively rewritten, and now cover the principles from the old FAR 52.245-5 and FAR 52.245- 5(g)(4).

As Technical data will only be an incidental element of the contract, will DTRA agree to reduce the withholding penalty under DFAR 252.227-7030, "Technical data -- Withholding of payment (MAR 2000)", from 10% to 1%?

Technical data are not incidental elements; they are incorporated by CDRL. The DFARS withholding penalty will remain as stated.