RFP_Questions.pdf

TSG Personnel Support

HDTRA1-16-R-0007

RFP Questions

Question No.

Section / Attachment

Number

Page Number & Paragraph Question

1. RFP Section L Page 130, Paragraph L.1.2 & Page 140, Paragraph L.4.2

On page 130 for Description of Team it states “2 pages per reference” and on page 140 the requirement appears to be a matrix showing all subcontractors and team members approximate percentage of effort, based on overall cost that each will contribute to the overall effort. It does not appear there is a narrative requirement. Question: To what does the statement “2 pages per reference” on page 130 refer? Please clarify the statement.

Response: Description of Team Page Limit will be changed to “10” [pages]. In addition, Present and Past Performance References Page Limit will be changed to: “Per reference:

Narrative – 2 pages, Attachment F”

2. RFP Attachment F N/A Question: Can the Government provide this Attachment in a MS Word format or an editable format?

Response: See RFP amendment. Attachment F changed to a MS word format.

3. RFP Section L and Attachment F

Page 140, Paragraph L.4.3 and Attachment F

We understand that Attachment F, once completed for each Present and Past Performance cited, is sent to the DTRA Contracting office via the email address provided. Question: Do the Offerors also include these completed forms, Attachment F, in our Proposals within Volume III – Relevant Present and Past Performance?

Response: Attachment F should be included in Volume III – Relevant Present and Past Performance. Attachment G - Present and Past Performance Questionnaire (PPPQ), shall be submitted directly to the government via email from the reference and NOT included in Vol

III.

4. RFP Section L Page 127, Paragraph 2.b.

Question: Is there a 1-2 day processing and delivery timeline associated with packages sent via Federal Express, DHL, Airborne, UPS that are sent to the address provided in Paragraph 2.b. on Page 127?

Response: No. Please see Amended RFP for updated delivery date/time and address.

5. RFP Attachment H N/A Question: Does the fourth column titled “CLINC” refer to Security Clearance information for the individual or something else? If something, to what does it refer?

Response: Security Clearance. Typo in column label. Should read “CLNC”

6. RFP Attachment H N/A Question: Please provide further explanation for the last column titled “Employment Arrangements.” Are we supposed to identify whether the candidates are current employees or that we have signed “Letters of Commitment” or “Letters of Intent” from the candidates?

Response: Neither. Government is looking for either “Prime” or “Subcontractor” in that column.

7. RFP Section L Page 144, Paragraph L.5.4

Question: Will the government consider providing a pricing matrix (Microsoft Excel)?

Response: The government does not intend to provide a pricing matrix.

8. RFP Section L Page 124 Evaluation of Compensation & Page 143 L.5.3.4

Page 124, Section L states, “As part of their proposals, offerors will submit a total compensation plan setting forth salaries and fringe benefits proposed for the professional employees who will work under the contract.” Also, Section L.5.3.4 states, “The cost narrative shall include information from the prime contractor and any teaming members on the following contractor systems:”

Question: Will the government be accepting sealed bids from subcontractors since the required information may be considered proprietary?

Response: Yes the subcontractors can submit separate sealed cost packages that clearly identify Prime and Subcontractor identifying information on the front of package.

9. RFP Section L Page 147, Paragraph L.5.6.3

Question: Which CLIN would the government like the “Transition Costs” to be included in?

Response: Transition costs should be included in ODC CLINs.

10. RFP HDTRA1-16-

R-0007

Page 135, Paragraph L.2.1

L.2.1 (d) states that the volume must consist of documents listed in paragraphs L.2.2 through L.2.12 yet the RFP only list documents in paragraphs L.2.2 through L.2.10. Question: Does the RFP have a typo in section L.2.1 (d) or are there two additional paragraphs missing?

Response: Typo. L.2.1 (d) should read “Documents listed in paragraphs L.2.2 through L.2.10”

11. RFP Section L Page 132, Paragraph L.1.3.5.1

Reference to the statement “Format the pages in two columns”.

Question: Will the Government consider a one column layout?

Response: Yes only Volume II document requires two columns.

12. General Current incumbent contract ends on 30 June 2016. The new start date for this effort is 15 July 2016.

Question: What is the plan to account for this gap in services?

Response: Bridge contract

13. General There is no mention as to an anticipated award date. Question: With a 90 day Transition Period cited and a July 15 start to the new period of performance – to meet this schedule, transition will need to begin on April 15, 2016. Is this a correct assumption?

Response: Offeror’s should assume the intended award date, and a 90-day transition period starting on contract award date. Coverage between the existing contract and the awarded contract will be through a bridge contract.

14. RFP Clause 252.216-9000 Level of Effort

30 “Deviation(s) downward in any level(s) indicated above, within 10 percent, will have no effect on any other provision of this contract, including fixed fee as part of the consideration.” Question: What does the government envision occurring if the contractor exceeds the level of effort?

Response: That will be a determination made at time of occurrence based on how much the cost exceeds contract cost and whether it is a cost overrun on part of contractor or additional work requested by USG. These factors will determine any additional fee.

15. RFP Clause 252.204-9006 DTRC Space Allocation

44 “DTRA will allocate XXX (number of spaces) as indicated below for the performance of this contract.” Question: No space or location was identified.

Response: Number of spaces and location will be identified prior to contract award. All contractors whose home location is Ft. Belvoir, VA will be provided a work space on Ft Belvoir. Total number of spaces will vary depending on work location proposed for Task Lead.

16. RFP Clause 47-48 Sections appear to be repeated such as:

252.223-9004 Environmental, Radiation, Safety Notification, Compliance and Liability

“a” is the same as “f” “b” is the same as “g” “c” is the same as “h” “d” is the same as “i” “e” is the same as “j” Question: Is this an administrative error or is there additional/new verbiage for (f) – (j)?

Response: Administrative error. This clause does NOT apply to this contract. Please disregard both instances of the clause.

17. RFP Clause 252.225-9001 Umbrella Agreement – Kazakhstan

61-65 It appears this agreement is listed twice within the RFP (pages 61-63) and (pages 63-65).

Question: Is the second listing an administrative oversight or should another agreement be entered into its place?

Response: Administrative error. Clause was erroneously listed twice.

18. RFP Clause 52.252-6 Authorized Deviations in Clauses

110-111 This section is listed twice (page 110 and 111). Question: Is this an administrative error or does something need to be inserted in its place?

Response: Administrative error. Clause was erroneously listed twice. Ignore second listing.

19. RFP Section L L.5.6.5 Travel plug number pertains to “only the travel expenses (per diem, air fare, car rental, hotel, etc.) for mission travel.” Question: Within these number(s) does the government consider PCS expenses/travel part of the mission travel?

Response: All relocation expenses (including travel) to/from OCONUS locations are IN ADDITION to the Travel plug numbers provided.

20. RFP Section L L.1.2 Proposal Organization, calls for a page limit of "2 pages per reference" for the Description of the Team, under Relevant and Past Performance. Descriptions will not carry references.

Question: What is the page limit for the Description of the Team?

Response: See response to question #1 above.

21. RFP Section L L.1.3.5.1 L.1.3.5.1 says that "lettering within tables, charts, graphs, and figures shall be no smaller than 10-point font." However, Section L.1.3.7, concerning Foldouts, says "For tables, charts, graphs, and figures, the font shall be no smaller than 8 point." Question: Which font size should we use for tables, charts, graphs, and figures?

Response: Please see amended RFP. All font sizes will be no smaller than 10 point.

22. RFP Section L L.3.3.2 Personnel Compliance Summaries. Question: In preparing the personnel compliance summaries (L.3.3.2), may we treat each summary as a table, with 8-point font, or should we treat each summary as narrative, with 12-point font?

Response: Offerors are free to format the Personnel Compliance Summaries as they desire (e.g. narrative, table, combination), and IAW Section L.1.3.5.

23. RFP Section L L.4.3 Present and Past Performance References. Question: Do the Past and Present Performance Information Forms count against page limit of the narrative for each citation?

Response: See response to question #1 above.

24. SOW Para 2.2/7.6 2.2 “Provide contractor personnel with education and experience in chemical science/ engineering.”

7.6 “C/B Support Element Scientist/Instructor personnel have an advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in a chemistry related field.”

Question: 2.2 states the requirement is for chemical science/engineering – however – 7.6 appears to relax the requirement to a chemistry related field. What is the government’s intent? For example, does a Master’s degree in Forensic Science meet the intent of a chemistry related field?

Response: Para 7.6 does not relax the requirement. It is an introductory paragraph for the C/B Support Element Scientist/Instructor. The specific Required Skills/Qualifications are further clarified in para 7.6.1.7 which states “Contractor specialist must have an advanced degree (MS or higher) in chemistry or chemical engineering.”

25. SOW Task 5, page 2 Task 5: On Call Status. Within the RFP plug numbers were provided for Travel/CAP and DBA. Question: Is there an expectation that On-Call personnel will be compensated for being in this status in addition to their base salary? If so, is there an expected rate or will a plug number be provided?

Response: Offerors should use an ODC plug number of $50.00 per day for all on-call employees.

26. SOW Para 6.1.4 “All contractor personnel shall possess a current U.S. passport with an updated international vaccination record and a valid U.S. driver’s license. Question: Does the requirement for an international vaccination record apply to the Task Lead?

Response: No

27. SOW Para 8.5 Employee evacuation plan for OCONUS sick or injured personnel within 30 days of contract award and updated annually. Question: Should the contractor wait for an annual submission or treat it as a living document and report changes as they occur?

Response: Contractor is required, at a minimum, to review/update the plan annually and are encouraged to update the document more frequently for significant changes.

28. RFP Page 59 (j) Weapons.

(1) If the Contractor requests that its personnel performing in the designated operational area be authorized to carry weapons for individual self-defense, the request shall be made through the Contracting Officer to the Combatant Commander, in accordance with DoD Instruction 3020.41, Operational Contractor Support. The Combatant Commander will determine whether to authorize in-theater Contractor personnel to carry weapons and what weapons and ammunition will be allowed. Question: If the contractor is required to maintain and carry a weapon within specific AOR, are there permanent Weapons Arming Agreement Memorandums in place with Combatant Commanders? These MOUs alleviate delays in the contactor work force in gaining theater arming agreements.

Response: There are NO permanent Weapons Arming Agreement Memorandums with Combatant Commanders. If the Combatant Commander, or component, directed the team to arm for a specific, real-world contingency mission, the Contractors would receive that direction from their TSG leadership.

29. RFP Page 126 DTRA Clause 252.204-9000, Notice to Potential Offerors – Official DTRA DEC 2007 Addresses in the National Capital Region (NCR), Subparagraph 3, states to allow 1-2 days for processing and delivery of all proposal information to the designated office after it has been received at the DTRA mailroom. Question: Given the very specific delivery date/time of Apr 04, 2016 10:00 am Eastern to the designated office, at what time/date do proposals need to be delivered to the mailroom to ensure delivery to the designated office by the required date/time?

Response: Please see RFP amendment for new delivery date/time of Apr 6, 2016, 4 PM Eastern. If you’re mailing your proposals via United States Postal Service then you will need 1-2 days additional time to arrive timely. Please contact DTRA Official Mail Manager Marshall Fairchild at 703 767 4814 for more questions. Contractor is responsible for timely delivery of proposal packages.

30. RFP Section L L.1.3.5.1 L.1.3.5.1 limits font size in tables, charts, etc. to no smaller than 10 point. Para L.1.3.7, Foldouts, limits fonts in tables, charts, etc. to no smaller than 8 point.

Question: Please clarify if there is a difference in minimum font size for foldouts and which font, if any, should be used.

Response: See response to #21 above.

31. RFP Section L L.2.4 L.2.4 GOVERNMENT OFFICES “Provide the mailing address, telephone and fax numbers, and facility codes for the cognizant Contract Administration Office, DCAA, and DCMA Office. Also provide the name, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail address for the Administrative Contracting Officer (ACO). The aforementioned information also applies to the prime contractor and major subcontractors/teaming partners for which there is a teaming arrangement.”

Question: Please clarify the requirement for the Government Paying Office. We have several paying offices through Wide Area WorkFlow, depending on the specific contract.

Response: Please see amended RFP. That would be your DCMA Office not Government Paying Office.

32. RFP Section L L.2.6 L.2.6, Teaming Arrangements and/or Letters of Commitment. This paragraph requires Volume 1 of the proposal provide all Teaming Arrangements and/or Letters of Commitment.

The Offeror and its first-tier subcontractor(s) will be considered a “Team” when there is a signed teaming arrangement or letter(s) of commitment unconditionally binding both parties to performance under this contract should it be awarded to the Offeror. In the absence of one or the other of these documents, the Offeror and its first-tier subcontractor(s) are not considered a “Team” and will not be evaluated as such.

Question: Teaming Agreements are binding between the prime contractor and subcontractor and are not usually released outside the two companies. Is it the government’s intent that all Teaming Agreements be provided with the proposal or is the expectation that the proposal contain a separate letter of commitment stating the teaming agreement has been signed?

Response: The separate signed letter of commitment will suffice

33. RFP Section L L.2.10 L.2.10, REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFEROR(S) (SECTIONS K AND L) references the Online Representations and Certification Applications (ORCA) and the Central Contractor Registration site.

Question: Please confirm the intent is for all representations and certifications to be current in the System for Award Management (SAM).

Response: Yes a contractors Representations and Certifications must be current

34. RFP Section L L.4.3 L.4.3 PRESENT AND PAST PERFORMANCE REFERENCES For each reference, the Offeror shall provide a narrative describing the effort and the results of the Offeror’s performance. This narrative shall include rationale supporting the assertion of relevance and should be supplemented with a completed Present and Past Performance Information Form (Attachment F).

Question: Is it the governments intent to have the Present and Past Performance Information Form (Attachment F) completed and submitted to the government as per the instructions on the form? “(Submit this form via email to dtra.belvoir.j4-8c.list.tsg-support@mail.mil. If you have classified (up to SECRET) past performance information you wish to provide, send an email to the above address and a classified email address will be provided” as well as included as a reference in the proposal?

Response: Administrative error. Please disregard statement at end of Attachment F regarding submission via email and follow instructions in RFP Section L, para L.4.3.

35. RFP Section L L.5.6.1

Locations of Personnel “The WTSG personal identified above include 4 TSG Team members, 1 Technical Integration Support Operator, and potentially 1 Task Leader.

However, the 4 TSG Team members above shall be in a Temporary Duty (TDY) rotation status at CENTCOM (i.e. CTSG) for duration not to exceed 179 days.

Question: Does the government consider TDY as a deployment? If not what is the difference in a TDY rotation and a deployment?

Response: The 4 TSG Team members will be from the CTSG and will be on TDY, not deployed. Offerors should assume a 90-day rotation schedule.

36. RFP Section L L.5.6.6 L.5.6.6 CONTRACTOR ACQUIRED PROPERTY COSTS “The Offeror shall include plug numbers for contractor acquired property (CAP). The offeror shall assume a cost of $5,000 per required individual.”

Question: The $70,000 plug number (L.5.6.6) does not add up assuming $5,000 per employee (16 bodies) minus the Task Lead = 15 personnel ($75,000). Is this plug number correct?

Response: $70,000 is the correct plug number. SOW para 9.2 will be amended to read “CAP required for all individuals except the Task Lead and Technical Integration Support Operator”.

37. SOW Para 6.2.3/6.2.11

The government list that “All personnel (except Technical Integration Support Operator) shall be willing and able to accept worldwide deployments which include elements presenting risks to personal safety. Experience with Crisis Response Forces or Special Mission Units (desired).” However in 6.2.11 it says “All personnel (except C/B Support Element Scientist/Instructor and Technical Integration Support Operator) shall be physically and mentally qualified for deployment and performance of duties, to include tactical operations in austere, hostile environments. Annually, all TSG members must complete an Army Physical Fitness Test and score 270 or above for each individual’s specific age group, complete 10 pull-ups, and pass a Combat Water Survival Test (CWST).”

Question: Is it the government’s intent not to deploy the C/B Support Element Scientist/Instructor?

Response: The C/B Support Element Scientist/Instructor will deploy if required. However, it is not anticipated this individual will be forward with other members of the TSG and therefore does not have the same physical requirements.

38. SOW Para 7.6.2 Required Skills/Qualifications, page 16 of Attachment 1-SOW TSG Statement of Work Question: For the Chemical/Biological Scientist/Instructor labor category, there are multiple accredited schools offering related graduate level degrees in Biodefense and Biohazardous Threat Agents in the National Capital Region. Would these satisfy the educational requirement as well?

Response: See response to #24 above.

39. SOW Para 10.2 Para 10.2 states “the contractor shall possess a DTRA Facility Clearance.”

Question: Please provide any additional requirements for this that are in addition to a DoD Facility Clearance issued by the Defense Security Service.

Response: No additional requirements. SOW will be changed to state “DoD Facility Clearance.”

40. DD 254 (1b) / (11a) Question: Is Top Secret storage required DD 254 (1b) by the Contractor, if the Contractor will “Have access to classified information on at another contractor’s facility or government activity” DD 254 (11a)?

Response: No

41. DD 254 (11a) / (11h) Question: If the Contractor will “Have access to classified information on at another contractor’s facility or government activity” (11a), will the Contractor “require a COMSEC account” (11h)? If needed, can a new COMSEC account be established using this contract as justification?

Response: Contractor will NOT require a COMSEC account.

42. RFP Section L L.1.2 (d) L.1.2 (d) states all volumes shall be provided by mail or commercial express or ground carrier only. The new submission date is Monday 4 April 2016 by 10:00EST.

Question: Will the Government reconsider and allow for proposal packages to be hand delivered by the Offeror?

Response: The submission date is changed to Wednesday 6 April 2016 by 4PM EST.

DTRA is not authorized to receive proposals by hand due to security reasons.

43. RFP Section L L.1.3.5.3 L.1.3.5.3 states the “labor category table” shall not be included in the page count limitations.

Question: Will the Government please explain where in the RFP does it specifically address the “labor category table” requirements?

Response: Administrative error. There is no labor category table in the RFP. Labor categories will be summarized in Volume II, Personnel Matrix (Attachment H).

44. RFP Section L L.1.3.7 L.1.3.7 states the font in tables, charts, graphs; etc shall be no smaller than 8 point. L.1.3.5.1 states the tables, charts, graphs etc. shall be no smaller than 10 point.

Question: Which is correct?

Response: See response to #21 above.

45. RFP Section L L.2.4/L.2.6 L.2.4 addresses the term “major” subcontractors/teaming partners. L.2.6 addresses the term

“first-tier” subcontractor.

Question: Will the Government please define the difference between a “major” subcontractor and a “first-tier” subcontractor?

Response: RFP amended to remove subcategories “major” and “first-tier” when referring to subcontractors.

46. RFP Section L L.2.4 L.2.4 applies to major subcontractors/teaming partners for which there is a teaming agreement.

Question: If the offeror has multiple teaming arrangements and the offeror has identified only some but not all as a “major subcontractor”; do we have to submit this data on all subcontractors or just those we identified as “major”?

Response: All subcontractors/teaming partners for which there is a teaming arrangement.

See response to #45 above.

47. RFP Section L L.2.5 L.2.5 requires providing company addresses etc.

Question: If the offeror has multiple teaming arrangements and the offeror has identified only some but not all as a “major or first-tier subcontractor”; do we have to submit this data on all subcontractors or just those we identified as “major or first-tier”?

Response: All subcontractors. See response to #45 above.

48. RFP Section L L.2.6 L.2.6 requires submitting teaming arrangements etc.

Question: Does this requirement only apply to our teammates we identified as major or first-tier or to all subcontractors that we have teaming agreements with?

Response: Provide ALL Teaming Arrangements and/or Letters of Commitment. See response to #45 above.

49. RFP Section L L.4.2 L.4.2 Description of Team Question: Does this section apply to all our teammates and subcontractors or just those we have identified as major or first tier?

Response: Provide required information for all proposed subcontractors/team members. See response to #45 above.

50. RFP Section L L.4.3 L. 4.3 Present and Past Performance References

Question: Does this section apply to all our teammates and subcontractors or just those we have identified and major or first tier?

Response: Section applies to Offeror and each of the subcontractors/teaming partners expected to perform aspects of the effort the Offeror considers critical to the overall success of the program. See response to #45 above.

51. RFP Section L L.4.4 L. 4.4 Organizational Structure Change History Question: Does this section apply to all our teammates and subcontractors or just those we have identified and major or first tier?

Response: Section applies to all team members identified in a Teaming Arrangement or Letter of Commitment for their efforts. See response to #45 above.

52. RFP Section L L.3.3.1 L.3.3.1 RFP Cross-Reference Matrix paragraph states “this matrix only applies to Volume

II”

Question: Does Volume I require a Cross-Reference Matrix as well? Does Volume III require a Cross-Reference Matrix?

Response: Matrix only required for Volume II

53. RFP Section L L.4.3 L.4.3 Present and Past Performance References. This paragraph states we must submit at least one reference for each subcontractor / teaming partner.

Question: How do we address a teaming partner that is a “New Corporate Entity” with no past performance? Or does Volume III only apply to the Prime, Major, and First-tier teammates?

Response: Volume III only applies to Offeror and each of the subcontractors/teaming partners expected to perform aspects of the effort the Offeror considers critical to the overall success of the program. If a subcontractor/teaming partner is a New Corporate Entity with no past performance, specify that in Volume III.

54. RFP Section L L.1.3.7 All information (except documentation numbers, classification markings, and page numbers) shall be contained within an image area of 9 x 15-1/2 inches.

Question: Will the Government please clarify that images can only be 9x15-1/2 inches inside of the 1 in. margin requirements?

Response: All information (except documentation numbers, classification markings, and page numbers) shall be contained within a maximum image area of 9 x 15 inches. See amended RFP.

55. RFP Section L L.1.3.5.1/L.1.3 .7

Lettering within tables, charts, graphs, and figures shall be no smaller than 10 point.

Foldout pages may only be used for large tables, charts, graphs, diagrams, and schematics;

not for pages of text. For tables, charts, graphs, and figures, the font shall be no smaller than 8 point.

Question: Will the Government please clarify the font size for tables, charts, graphs, and figures? L1.3.5.1 say no smaller than 10 point, however L.1.3.7 says tables, charts, graphs, and figures, the font shall be no smaller than 8 point.

Response: See response to question #21 above.

56. RFP Section L L.1.3.5.1 Format the pages in two columns.

Question: Will the Government please clarify that all volumes must be two columns, or just Volume II? It will be extremely difficult to submit Vol. I, Subfactor 1 of Vol. 2, Vol. III and IV in two columns given the requirements that must be met in the proposal. Recommend allowing the contractor to determine the best approach to proposal formatting.

Response: See response to question #11 above.

57. SOW Para 10.2 The contractor shall possess a DTRA Facility Clearance, and employees working on this program must be U.S. citizens and shall have a minimum of a DoD TOP SECRET clearance in order to provide the required support.

Question: If the contractor is not currently a DTRA Contractor (incumbent), they would not have a DTRA Facility Clearance. Will the USG consider rewording to state that the "Contractor must be able to obtain a DTRA Facility Clearance…"?

Response: See response to question #39 above.

58. SOW Para 10.2 All contractor personnel shall obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET with caveats Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) and Critical Nuclear Weapons Design Information (CNWDI). Clearances must be in place prior to contract award.

Question: Will the USG please clarify if a DoD Top Secret clearance will be sufficient at contract award, since SCI and CNWDI will need to be post-award actions as personnel must be read-on to a TSG SCI billet and obtain CNWDI read-on?

Response: Top Secret clearance must be in place prior to award. Caveats Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) and Critical Nuclear Weapons Design Information (CNWDI) will be processed post-award by DTRA.

59. RFP / SOW RFP Section 252.215-9004

KEY

PERSONNEL,

RFP Page 145, SOW Section 5.0, 5.1, 12.0

5.1 All Senior Instructor Special Operations/Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel;

all OCONUS Personnel (regardless of labor category); and the TL are considered Key Personnel. In the RFP on page 145 it states….The WTSG personnel identified above include 4 TSG Team members, 1 Technical Integration Support Operator, and potentially 1 Task Leader. However, the 4 TSG Team members above shall be in a Temporary Duty (TDY) rotation at CENTCOM (i.e. CTSG) for a duration not to exceed 179 days.

All Senior Instructor Special Operations/Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel; all OCONUS Personnel (regardless of labor category); and the Team Lead are considered Key Personnel. In the SOW, in section 12.0 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE, it states that the CTSG and the WTSG are collocated on Ft. Belvoir.

Question: SOW Section 12 shows CENTCOM Home location is Ft Belvoir, VA and that one individual will rotate every 90 days to the UAE. Will the Government please confirm/clarify if the rotating individual is considered a Key position?

Response: Only CTSG Key Personnel is the Senior Instructor Special Operations/Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) individual.

Are the CTSG positions considered CONUS or OCONUS, given the fact that their place of performance is Ft. Belvoir, but they are on TDY rotations within the CENTCOM AOR?

Specifically please clarify if the CTSG positions are considered key positions?

Response: See response above. CTSG positions are considered CONUS.

Are the WTSG positions considered CONUS or OCONUS, given the statement that they “shall be in a Temporary Duty (TDY) rotation status at CENTCOM (i.e. CTSG)”?

Specifically please clarify if the WTSG positions are considered key positions?

Response: WTSG positions are considered CONUS. See response to #35 above. Only WTSG Key Personnel is the Senior Instructor Special Operations/Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) individual.

60. DD 254 The DD254 states the contractor must have a Top Secret Facility Clearance with Top Secret safeguarding. Question: Please specify if the contractor must meet this requirement at contract award or will it be sufficient to meet it at contract start?

Response: Reference RFP Section L.2.7.

61. SOW Para 6.2.11 Annually, all TSG members must complete an Army Physical Fitness Test and score 270 or above for each individual’s specific age group, complete 10 pull-ups, and pass a Combat Water Survival Test (CWST).

Question: This appears to be similar to a Class II Flight Physical. Who in the USG will be administering these physicals and where and will they be billable to the contract? If billable, will the USG be providing an ODC CLIN?

Response: These are not physicals exams. They are physical fitness test requirements certain individuals must meet. Offerors should assume no additional cost for these fitness tests.

62. RFP Section L L.2.1 Within Section L, it says that Volume I should contain everything in paragraphs 2.2 – 2.12.

Question: There does not appear to be a para. 2.12, stops at 2.11. To ensure compliance with Section L, will the USG please clarify if there is a para 2.12?

Response: See response to question #10.

63. SOW Para 4.3.1, 4.3.2

4.3.1 DTRA will provide funding for relocation costs associated with contractor personnel relocating overseas. All expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with applicable FAR, DFARs, and associated DoD/Federal Government Instructions, guidelines, and regulations regarding allowable relocation expenses.

4.3.2 If contractor personnel choose to leave their assignment prior to completion of the first year of the two year assignment, the contractor shall reimburse DTRA for any and all relocation costs expended by DTRA relocating these contractor personnel.

Question: Is the contractor to assume that all relocations costs are included in Section L.5.6.5 Travel Costs? Assuming these are 2 yr. tours, the contractor would need to propose these costs in the Base, Opt. Yr. 3 and Opt. Yr. 5. If the relocation costs are not included in Section L.5.6.5, then please provide guidance on where the contractor should propose these costs to the USG.

Response: See response to question #19. The two year assignment requirement is a minimum and offerors are free to propose/assume longer OCONUS assignments, up to the end of the final option year. All relocation (Travel) costs should be included in the ODC CLIN for the appropriate year.

64. RFP Clause Sec. 252.223-9004 Environmental, Radiation, Safety Notification, Compliance and Liability (JUN 2013)

(i) The Contractor shall acquire all necessary permits, and licenses.

Question: For proposal pricing efforts, will the USG please be more specific of the types and classifications of permits and licenses required. Will this cost of these documents be reimbursable to the contract? If so, will an ODC CLIN be provided by the USG?

Response: N/A. See response to question #16.

65. SOW Para 12.0 OCONUS Deployments Question: TSG personnel are on-call status to deploy within their AORs in support of unspecified locations and missions. Will the USG please clarify how they would like the contractor to price post differential and hazard duty pay given we do not know with certainty where personnel will be deploying? Will an ODC "plug" be provided for this cost? If no ODC CLIN is provided, then please provide guidance on where the contractor should propose these costs to the USG.

Response: TSG personnel deploying to support and conduct real-world operations in support of COCOM missions is considered extremely rare. Offerors should NOT propose additional costs for these unknown contingencies (SOW Task 3). If a situation dictates operational deployment, the contract will be modified to add required funding.

66. RFP Attachment H Attachment H Columns LCAT, CLINC Question: Will the USG please clarify the two acronyms?

Response: See response to question #5. LCAT = Labor Category.

67. RFP Section L L.4.3 Provide a past performance narrative and it “should be supplemented with a completed

Present and Past Performance Information Form (Attachment F).”

Question: The contractor assumes that Attachment F is to be included in Volume III.

However, Attachment F states on the bottom of the form that it will be submitted via email to dtra.belvoir.j4-8c.list.tsg-support@mail.mil. Will the USG please clarify if Attachment F is only supposed to be submitted directly to the USG and NOT included in Vol. III? If to be included with Vol. III, recommend Attachment F be included outside of page count as an attachment.

Response: See response to questions #1 and #3.

68. SOW Para 3.0 Task 2 Exercises The contractor shall plan, coordinate, conduct, and/or support exercise events. Each TSG will conduct approximately 8 training exercises (two per quarter) away from home station per year.

Question: Can the government provide a brief description of the type of exercises to include training objective focus, general scenarios, and participating organizations?

Response: TSG training objective focus is low-visibility WMD search capability to counter chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats. Participating organizations are Combatant Command (COCOM) designated forces and other US Government Agencies.

Question: Do CONUS based DOD and National Level agencies (DOE, DTRA, FBI, DOD CBRNE support units, etc) participate in these exercises?

Response: Some do. Yes.

Question: Does DTRA HQs provide any support for Theatre TSG exercise design, development and support? If so, what do they provide?

Response: Yes, intermittently. Support includes planning, RDT&E, intelligence.

Question: Do the TSOC and GCCs HQS and staffs routinely participate in these exercises or are they primarily TSG centric?

Response: A mix of both.

Question: Are the primary training objectives tactically focused (individual and team) or do exercises include operational and strategic level training objectives?

Response: Both.

Question: Does the TSG provide C2 and/or Exercise Control Group for their own exercises? If not, who provides this?

Response: No. Provided by other exercise participants.

Question: Does the TSG provide C2 and/or Exercise Control Group for their own exercises? If not, who provides this?

Response: No. Provided by other exercise participants.

Question: Are there role players and/or OPFOR associated with these exercises?

Response: Yes, but not TSG personnel.

69. SOW Para 6.0/7.0 Required certifications Question: Many of the SOW stated required certifications require annual recertification.

Will these certification costs be billable to the contract? If so, will the USG be providing an ODC CLIN for these costs?

Response: Yes the government intends to include an ODC CLIN. Please see amended

RFP.

70. RFP Section L L.1.2, Table L.1-2

Section 2: Recruitment, Retention, and Replacement Plan Question: The USG requires that the offeror shall submit a detailed Recruitment, Retention, and Replacement Plan for managing the TSG Mission Support requirements of the SOW.

This plan shall begin by detailing the organizational structure, lines of authority, responsibility, and utilization/management approach of subcontractors, if any. This plan shall provide a comprehensive approach for Recruitment and Retention of employees assigned to this effort. Particular emphasis shall be given to the Offeror’s approach to providing for replacement of personnel within the desired 90 day timeframe. The offeror will be evaluated on such as specified in Sec. M. Given the extensive requirements of this Section, will the USG please consider extending page count from 5 pages to 10 pages so that a comprehensive approach can be proposed? Or, provide an all-inclusive page count (64pg.)

for Vol. II and allow the contractor to allocate pages accordingly.

Response: Government is confident the 5-page limit is sufficient for this plan.

71. SOW Para 6.2.5 All TSG personnel must complete CRIT [Critical Task List] Question: Is the requirement to attend CRIT billable to the contract. If so, will the USG be providing and ODC CLIN for this cost?

Response: The Critical Task List is a series of training events, taught in the local area, and no additional cost to the contractor.

72. RFP Attachment I Contractor Acquired Property (CAP) Question: Attachment I provides a listing of consumable CAP currently on the contract.

Given this is consumable property and not transferable, will the purchase of this property be billable to the contract or issued at CRIT? If not issued at CRIT, will the USG provide an ODC CLIN for the purchase of this property.

Response: CAP purchase is billable to the contract on the Equipment CLIN for the year it is procured. Please refer to RFP Section L.5.6.6.

73. RFP Section L / M Subfactor C – Technical Approach to Meet Contract SOW and Table L.1-2 – Proposal Organization Question: Sec. M.2.5.3 Subfactor C – Technical Approach to Meet Contract SOW, the contractor is being evaluated on our technical approach to the following:

• Risk identification and resolution process

• OCONUS and Deployment Logistics Support (SOW Section 4.0)

• Tasks (SOW Section 3.0)

• Transition Approach

• Expansion Support

• Deliverables (SOW Section 8.0)

• Travel Support (SOW Section 11.0)

• Security Clearances (SOW Section 10.0) Contractor is only allocated 10 pages to propose the technical approach to these requirements. Will the USG please consider increasing the page count from 10 to 17 pages so that the offeror can provide a thorough approach to these requirements?

Response: Government is confident the 10-page limit is sufficient for this Subfactor.

74. RFP Proposals are due by 10:00 AM EST on April 4, 2016.

Question: RFP states that proposals are due by 10:00 AM EST on April 4, 2016. Will there be a USG official available to receive proposals on Saturday, April 2nd or by 8:00 a.m. on Monday, April 4, 2016 as the contractor is restricted by commonly used courier delivery schedules.

Response: Please see amended RFP. The proposal due date has been changed to accommodate courier delivery schedules. The proposals will be due 4 PM EST on 6 April

2016 EST.

75. RFP Section L L.2.5 Provide the mailing address, telephone and fax numbers, and facility codes for the cognizant Contract Administration Office, DCAA, and Government Paying Office. Also provide the name, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail address for the Administrative Contracting Officer (ACO). The aforementioned information also applies to the prime contractor and major subcontractors/teaming partners for which there is a teaming arrangement.

Question: Please clarify that the Prime offeror has to submit in Vol. I the offeror's and our subcontractor's Contract Administration Office, DCAA, Government Paying Office, and ACO POCs for cited within the Past Performance write-ups or from a corporate perspective?

Response: Yes the proposal Volume I must include the above information except the Government Paying Office is to be replaced with DCMA Office. Please see amended RFP.

76. RFP Section L L.5.6.1 The Government estimate for an FTE for this requirement is equal to 1,960 hours.

Question: The RFP indicates each TSG will conduct up to eight (8) exercises annually in their AOR yet the labor hours provided do not take into account any extended work hours that are always associated with exercise requirements? How does the government intend, if at all, for the contractor to cover/resource Extended Work Hour requirements associated with some or all of the eight exercises conducted by each TSG?

Response: The government is confident 1,960 hours per FTE is sufficient to conduct all tasks within the SOW, with the possible exception of SOW Task 3 (see response to question #65). The contractor is expected monitor and adjust employee work hours and down-time to account for periods of extended work hours to meet the 1,960 hour estimate.

77. RFP Section L L.4.3 In section M.1.5 Teaming Arrangements, the government states it will consider a team with exclusive binding agreements as a whole. In section L.4.3 it states that the Offerer can submit up to five references and subs can submit 1-2 references.

Question: In a team consisting of exclusive, first-tier partner(s), how many Past Performance references can be submitted in total?

Response: The contractor designated as the Prime can submit up to 5 references, the remaining contractors on the team can submit up to 2 references.

78. RFP Section L L.4.3 In section L.4.3 Present and Past Performance References, the government states that each reference narrative should be supplemented by Attachment “F” which is (4) pages long. In Table L.1-2 each reference is limited to 2 pages. In section L.1.3.5.3, the government lists the pages that will not be counted against the page count and we can find no reference to Attachment “F” or anything else that would ease the 2-page limit.

Question: How would the government like to receive these references so it obtains the information required within their desired page limitations? Is (6) pages each the page limit (2 for narrative, 4 for Attachment F)?

Response: See responses to questions #1 and #3.

79. DD 254 On the DD254 provided, Block 1b specifies that the "LEVEL OF SAFEGUARDING" is "TOP SECRET", which indicates that Top Secret information will be required to bestored at the contractor's facility. However, block 11a is marked "YES" stating that the contractor will "HAVE ACCESS TO CLASSIFIED INFORMATION ONLY AT ANOTHER

CONTRACTOR'S FACILITY OR A GOVERNMENT ACTIVITY".

Question: Can you please clarify the correct Security requirement necessary to perform this contract as these two statements appear to contradict each other?

Response: See response to question #40. Block 1a and 1b are referring to the DTRA facility where work will take place, not the contractor’s facility.

80. RFP Section L L.3.3.2 Question: Will the government please clarify if it expects to receive 16 resumes representing the personnel expected to perform during the base year?

Response: The government expects to receive a Personnel Compliance Summary for “each” candidate detailing current information about their work/military experience, educational background, any special training or certifications, present and past assignments, and supporting information which clearly demonstrates experience and training that meet the specific qualifications detailed in Section 6.0 and 7.0 of the RFP Contract SOW. The Personnel Compliance Summary must include narrative associations of the qualifications of each candidate to the specific qualifications detailed in Section 6.0 and 7.0 of the RFP SOW.

See response to question #22.

81. SOW Para 10.2 Question: What is a DTRA Facility Clearance and was this meant to be a DoD Facility Clearance?

Response: See response to question #39.