RFP Questions HDTRA1-20-R-0005 Final.xlsx

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DTRA A&AS S&T SME Services RFP Federal contract opportunity
Solicitation number
HDTRA1-20-R-0005
Issued by
Defense Threat Reduction Agency

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This is a request for proposal (RFP) from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) for Scientific and Technical (S&T) Subject Matter Expertise (SME) A&AS services. The contractor will provide close coordination and A&AS support across DTRA's seven research and development departments, which include chemical and biological technologies, counter weapons of mass destruction technologies, enabling capabilities, nuclear technologies, and counter improvised threat technologies. The Performance Work Statement outlines tasks in support of DTRA RDT&E and CBDP RDT&E. Proposals are due through the Wide Area Workflow Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment system by a closing date of April 7, 2021. The base period of performance is from November 16, 2020 to November 15, 2022, with a planned 120-day transition period and a fully operational capability start date of April 7, 2021. The government estimates the contract award will be for 156 FTEs at an average annual cost of approximately $16 million.

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Other files attached to DTRA A&AS S&T SME Services RFP, newest first.
File Type Posted
HDTRA1-20-R-0005-0002 Conformed Copy.pdf PDF
HDTRA1-20-R-0005-0002.pdf PDF
HDTRA1-20-R-0005-0001.pdf PDF
HDTRA1-20-R-0005-0001 conformed copy.pdf PDF
ST SME QASP_ver 2.pdf PDF
ST SME PWS_v8 Mar 2020.pdf PDF
S and T CDRLs.pdf PDF
Attach 1 ST SME PWS.pdf PDF
Attach 7 PIEE_Solicitation_Module_Vendor_Access_Instructions.pdf PDF
Attach 2 DD 254.pdf PDF
Exhibit A ST CDRLs.pdf PDF
HDTRA1-20-R-0005.pdf PDF
Attach 4 Performance Guarantee Agreement.pdf PDF
Attach 5 Cost_Spreadsheet.xlsx XLSX spreadsheet
Attach 6 ST PMO QASP.pdf PDF
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Sheet1

Question No.ReferenceQuestion CategoryQuestionAnswer
1L.1.1.1 Point of ContactContractSection L.1.1.1 states "If amendments to the solicitation are issued, all Offerors must acknowledge the amendments by signing the accompanying Standard Form (SF) 30 and returning the signed SF 30 for all amendments issued with the Offeror’s proposal submission. Failure to acknowledge all amendments issued by the Government may result in the proposal submitted in response to the solicitation being found non-responsive by the Government."
Given that amendments are acknowledged on the SF33 required in Volume I, will the Government confirm offerors are also required to provide the signed SF 30s?Yes the SF 30 and all SF 33s are required to be completed, signed and returned in the proposal.
2Table L.1.2 Proposal Organization and L.1.3.5.3 Pages CountedTechnicalTable L.1.2 sets a page limit of 10 for the Integrated Management Plan but Para L.1.2e. says that "for the Integrated Management Plan, the 120-day transition schedule and associated chart are not included in the page count."

L.1.3.5.3 says every page shall be counted except..."the Integrated Management Plan and associated chart"

Do you mean that the overall Integrated Management Plan has a 10 page limit but the Integrated Schedule graphic and the 120-day transition schedule graphic don't count?

And what do you mean by an "associated chart"?Yes, the Integrated Management Plan has a 10 page limit with the Integrated Schedule graphic and 120-day transition schedule graphic not included in the 10 page limit. The "associated chart" includes the Integrated Schedule graphic and the 120-day transition schedule.
3Table L.1.2 – Proposal Organization, Section L.3.3.TechnicalDue to the requirements in L.3.3 "The proposed teaming structure, team member roles and responsibilities, experience working as a team, and anticipated portion (by type of work, geographical, etc.) of work effort for each team member should be discussed or clearly delineate within the Executive Summary" will the government please allow for three (3) pages for the Executive Summary?Table L.1.2 Proposal Organization Executive Summary page limit was increased from 2 pages to 3 pages.
4L.1.3.4 Physical Appearance of SubmissionsContractBullet 2 states, "Proposals shall be submitted in electronic format in CD-ROMs"

This is contradicted by L.1.3.7.a which requires all submissions be made via the WAWF PIEE system.

Recommend deleting L.1.3.4 Bullet 2L.1.3.4 bullet revised removing the CD-ROM reference.
5L.1.3.5.1 Page SizeContractThis section states that 11x17 foldout sheets will be accepted for tables, charts, and graphs. Please confirm the foldout pages counted as one (1) page in accordance with stated page limitations and pages counted.DTRA confirms the 11X17 sheets count as 1 page.
6L.3.2 VOLUME ORGANIZATIONContractWithin L.3.2 Volume Organization, there is no reference to the Executive Summary. Please confirm that Executive Summary included within Volume II - Mission Capability?The Executive Summary is included in Volume II Mission Capability as noted in Table L.1.2
7Sections L.4.3 Present and Past Performance Reference and Attachment L-1ContractAttachment L-1 provided in the RFP is 3 pages prior to input of evaluated data by Offerors. To maximize the 5 pages per reference, will Offerors be permitted to format Attachment L-1 to utilize tables (with associated 10pt font) which will greatly reduce the "white space" in the current format and allow sufficient page count to address the evaluated factors?Attachment L-1 can be formatted in table form to reduce white space.
8L.4.3 Present and Past Performance ReferencesContractWill the Government permit use of 11 Point Times New Roman font, instead of 12 Point since the Contract portion of Attachment L-1 uses 11 Point font?Proposals shall adhere to font sizes as stated in L.1.3.5.1
9L.4.3 Present and Past Performance ReferencesContractThe instructions state "For each reference, the Offeror shall provide a narrative describing the effort and the results of the Offeror’s performance. For each reference, the Offeror shall complete a Present and Past Performance Information Form (attachment L-1). "
Does the Government consider this narrative included within the L-1 template, or should this be a separate narrative?The Government considers this narrative included within the L-1 narrative.
10H.1 Organization Conflict of InterestContractRestrictions state the prime contractor is precluded from participating as a contractor, subcontractor or consultant of future non-A&AS contract where the R&D Department is the requiring activity and or funding activity. Does this imply if the Prime is does not have FTEs assigned to a Department the Prime can participate in future non-A&AS contracts in that department as a contractor, subcontractor or consultant on non-A&AS contracts.No, the RFP states the prime is precluded from participating in future non-A&AS contracts where the RD Directorate is the requiring and/or funding activity. This restriction will terminate one year after final payment on the contract. Restrictions upon use of Government information and the requirement to protect proprietary information are permanent. The RD Department restriction pertains to subcontractors.
11RFP, page 26, Paragraph H.1 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
PWS, page 6, paragraph 5.1.3 Scientific and Technical ExpertiseTechnicalThe OCI paragraph states: "For the purpose of this requirement, Systems Engineering and Integration (SE&I) services performed in support of the RD Directorate are considered to be non-A&AS services, and are acquired under separate contract vehicles. The DTRA SE&I support service is defined as the contractor’s capability to integrate diverse and emerging technologies to meet customer needs with a verified product via a systems engineering process."

In the PWS required activities include: "Design and plan systems focusing on integration of cross-cutting technologies and systems of systems; and support planning, preparation, definition, and execution of S&T programs." Additionally, paragraph 4.1 DISCIPLINES: System Engineering is listed as a part of the Engineering discipline

QUESTION: To avoid proposing a conflict of interest, could the government provide the difference or distinction between the type of SE&I services specified as non-A&AS services described in the OCI paragraph and the services required in the PWS?Systems Engineering for A&AS will concentrate on managing RD Directorate to Division requirements, management, status, and prioritization. This effort DOES NOT include the SE&I services of developing, testing, or integrating these requirements into diverse and emerging technologies to meet customer needs. PWS Para 5.1.3 was modified to state "Support planning and design of systems..." to more accurately convey as an A&AS task with the bullet being split into two separate bullets for ease of understanding.
12M2.0 Evaluation Criteria and M.2.1 Relative Order of Importance:ContractPlease clarify why SB Subcontracting Past Performance is evaluated twice, based on SB Subcontractors will be included Volume III, Factor 3, and also listed under Volume IV, factor 3?

Is the Offeror supposed to comply with Volume III or Volume IV for Past performance page count?

Volume III Factor 2 past performance is an evaluation of relevancy and performance toward a confidence rating for ability to perform; Volume IV Factor 3 past performance is specific to the usage of small businesses in subcontracting under prior contracts (evaluating the socioeconomic factor). Each Volume identifies its separate page limitations.
13PWS, page 4, paragraph 4.2 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE; RFP, pages 74-75, L.2.7 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE (DD) FORM 254 SECURITY REQUIREMENTS; RFP L.6.6. GOVERNMENT ESTIMATES, table on page 94ContractThe references PWS table indicates the government will provide no office space for execution of this contract at Eglin AFB or Albuquerque NM. The referenced RFP table indicates that no security clearances have historically been required at Eglin AFB.
QUESTION: These references can be interpreted that DTRA either does not require A&AS support at Eglin AFB or that any required support will be provided from a contractor facility at clearance levels based solely on the Offeror's judgement. Could the government confirm or clarify if this interpretation is correct?Per the RFP, the Government is contractually obligated to provide 2 office spaces at Albuquerque NM (the historical number of contractor spaces at Albuquerque NM has been higher than this). Per the S&T SME RFP, the Government is not contractually obligated to provide any office space at Eglin AFB, FL even though, historically, Eglin A&AS have resided on base. There are at present no S&T SME A&AS at Eglin. Rather, RD-CXW's requirement was for PMO support due to the way RD-CX uses A&AS.
14Attachment L-3: Job Descriptions, page 108, Physical Scientist (Weapons Effects/Solid Mechanics Scientist/Engineer)TechnicalFirst section states "This position is located on Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico". Under Roles and Responsibilities section, last bullet states: "Location: DTRA—Fort Belvoir" QUESTION: Could the government please clarify the location of the challenge position in order to assist the Offeror in understanding the full nature of the requirement and required KSAs.The location is at DTRA--Fort Belvoir, The attachment will be updated to delete the Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico location
15Attachment 6 ST PMO QASPContractThe QASP appears to be designed to support the PM A&AS contract vice the SME A&AS contract, as it addresses programmatic and financial and policy expertise. Is this the correct QASP?Yes, the S&T SME QASP was not included in the RFP upload and will be replaced in the Amendment I.
16L.6.4 Cost or Pricing Information and Supporting Documentation (pg.92)

M.2.1 Relative Order of Importance (pg. 115)

Attachment 5 Cost SpreadsheetContractPlease confirm if subcontractors are required to submit their proposed cost by Contract Line Item Number (CLIN). Please note, attachment 5 does not contain a tab for offerors to propose their cost by CLIN. Please confirm prime/subcontractors can use their own format if required.Yes, subcontractors are also required to submit their proposed cost by CLIN as stated in L.6.4. The cost spreadsheet can be revised to show CLIN pricing.
17L.6.4 Cost or Pricing Information and Supporting Documentation, Attachment 5 Cost SpreadsheetContractPer Section L.6.4, Offerors are required to segregate and identify transition-specific costs; the Government will exclude these costs from the most probable cost calculation. Please confirm if offerors can add a column to Attachment 5 segregating all transition costs from the Base Period.Yes this is permitted.
18L.6.3.4.3 Accounting SystemContractSection L.6.3.4.3 requests the Offeror to provide both a DCAA Provisional Billing Rate Approval Letter and a Final Billing Rate Approval Letter. Given that final indirect rates are not established until several years after the end of the Contractor's Fiscal Year (CFY) and therefore it is not possible to provide a Final Billing Rate Approval Letter for the period being priced, will the Government clarify if the Government is asking for Final Billing Rate Approval Letters for the prior years?Yes, the Government is asking for final billing rate approval letter or letters from recent prior years.
19L.6.4 COST OR PRICING INFORMATION AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATIONContractThe Offeror is instructed to provide information required by FAR provision 52.215-22, 52.222-46. and 52.237-10. Does information required by 52.222-46 and 52.237-10 also apply to subcontractors?These FAR provisions do apply to subcontractors as well. In addition, for FAR 52.222-46, subcontractors should submit their employee compensation plans in their cost/price proposals as well. See L.6.4
20L.6.6 GOVERNMENT ESTIMATESContractPlease confirm that Prime Contractors can issue Subcontractors Time & Material type subcontracts vs. CPFF type subcontracts post contract award.The Prime and subcontractors can enter into any agreement type between themselves as warranted. The Prime contractor shall submit a CPFF type proposal to the Government.
21L.6.6 Government EstimatesContractFirst bullet states that the contract award will be approximately 16 November 2020 with a transition period of approximately 120 days. A 120 day transition period from 16 November 2020 will end approximately 16 March 2021 which is roughly three weeks prior to the FOC of 7 April 2021.
Will the government allow a transition period of approximately 140 days to cover the full period between 16 November 2020 and 7 April 2021?The estimate is exactly that--an estimate. Contract award is only an estimate. The established date is 7 April 2021 when the contractor shall be required to be at fully operational capability. All other time frames and dates are estimated.
22L.6.6 Government EstimatesContractSecond bullet states "One (1) FTE is equivalent to 1920 hours with no deviation allowed." Base year of the contract will include an extended transition period prior to FOC of approximately 140 days. An FTE of 1920 hours can not be delivered during the base year with the period of FOC of 7 April 2021 to 15 November 2021.
Will the government allow a deviation in the hours for a FTE of the base year of 1183?The award date is an estimate and may fluctuate from the present target. The statement of 1,920 hours = 1 FTE means for a full year; an individual's level of effort during the transition period will be less than a full year and may translate to 1,183 hours.
23L.6.6.1 Estimate CLIN Costs (pg. 92)ContractFirst sentence of this paragraph states that the Average Value per CLIN are in millions. Title of Table and values in table are in dollars not millions of dollars.
Will the government consider striking "in millions" from the first sentence to make it consistent with the Table values.The "in millions" comment will be deleted.
24L.6.6.1 Estimate CLIN Costs/Table (pg. 92)ContractSecond row of table is labeled CLIN 1002. This CLIN should be 1001.
Will the government correct the second row to be CLIN 1001?Table was revised to correct CLIN nomenclature
25L.5.0 Volume IV -- Socio-Economic Commitment/Table (pg. 87)ContractCategory of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business is indicated as (VOSB).
Will the government correct to be (SDVOSB)?Yes, the table will be corrected.
26L.5.0 VOLUME IV – SOCIO-ECONOMIC COMMITMENT and
L.2.6 Volume I, Teaming Arrangements and/or Letters of CommitmentContractL.5.0 states "Offerors may submit the 1st page (identifying the subcontractor or protégé) and signature page of teaming agreements, mentor-protégé agreements and/or letters of commitment as evidence of commitment to small businesses. These agreements and letters of commitment do not count in the page count."

L.2.6states "Provide all Teaming Arrangements and/or Letters of Commitment from first-tier subcontractors. The Government will consider the Offeror and first-tier subcontractor(s) as a whole “Team” when a signed Teaming Arrangement or Letter(s) of Commitment is submitted with the proposal".

1) Does the Government want teaming agreements included in both Volume I and Volume IV?

2) Is the Government evaluating an Offeror more favorably if a teaming agreement and letter of commitment are provided?The teaming arrangements/letters of commitment requested in L.2.6 (Volume I) support the Government’s assessment of the validity of the team arrangement proposed to collectively perform the contract requirements in accordance with FAR Subpart 9.6. The submission also supports the assessment of commitment to small businesses (Factor 3). So we are asking for teaming agreement information in both proposal volumes, but for Factor 3, L.5.0 permits offerors to submit only the first and signature pages of the teaming agreements, and/or letters of commitment. For Factor 3, signed teaming agreements and letters of commitment equally exhibit commitment to small businesses.
27PWS 7.1 Security Requirements

L.2.7 Department od Defense DD Form 254 Security Requirements

M.3.2.2 Department of Defense DD Form 254 Security Requirements Contract PWS 7.1 states "The contractor shall have a Top Secret facility clearance granted by the Defense Security Service (DSS) at the proximal facility". Both cited L and M sections only require a TS at the corporate level and that the proximal facility is only required a Secret capability.

Will the government confirm the Top Secret facility clearance at the proximal facility with Secret storage?The language will be updated to reflect that in Section L and M that the contractor shall have a Top Secret organizational facility clearance granted by the Defense Security Service (DSS) with the proximal facility only required to have a SECRET storage capability.
28L.5.0 Volume IV - Socio-Economic CommitmentContractL.5.0 states that small business subcontracting requirements will be "based on total contract value". Total contract value includes cost elements, such as the Surge CLINs, that may not be exercised and cost elements, such as Other Direct charges like the facility and material costs, that can not be allocated to the small businesses.

Will the government allow excluding the Surge CLINs from the total contract value for the purposes of calculating the socioeconomic subcontracting requirements?

Will the government allow excluding the ODC costs of materials and facilities from the total contract value for the purposes of calculating the socioeconomic subcontracting requirements?DTRA concurs with excluding the Surge CLIN(s) from the "total contract value" as applied to small business subcontracting but Other Direct Costs (ODCs) should remain part of the "total contract value" for evaluation purposes.
29PWS, Para 4.1 DisciplinesContractWill the Government consider adding program management as a discipline given the requirements in the RFP section on management to ensure SME A&AS has qualified program management experts to oversee the management and execution of the contract?No, the Government is not adding this discipline. However, offerors are not precluded from proposing additional disciplines they believe are necessary to execute their proposed approach.
30PWS 4.2ContractIn para 4.2 it states "Any overflow will reside at contractor facilities." Are there any constraints at which contractor facility these contractors will reside that? Do they all need to be at the facility located within the 6 mile radius, or may they be at other contractor facilities, regardless of location?There are no constraints as to which contractor facility these contractors reside at.
31PWS 5.1.2, 5.2.2, 7.0TechnicalWill the government delete PWS references to an "(Incoming) Management Plan" to be consistent with Section L&M requiring an Integrated Management Plan?Language changed to "Integrated Management Plan" to be consistent with Sections L&M
32PWS 9.2ContractPWS 9.2 states "All PMO A&AS personnel shall only interface with the DTRA UNET on DTRA IT2S approved, imaged laptops."
Will the government correct PWS 9.2 to indicate all SME A&AS vice all PMO A&AS?Paragraph updated to "S&T SME A&AS"
33PWS 9.3ContractPWS 9.3 states "Contractor shall provide off-site facility seats, to include internet and peripheral IT equipment, for overflow PMO A&AS personnel…".
Is it the governments intent that the SME contractor provide facility support to the PMO contract personnel and if so will the government provide a number of seats that are required?Paragraph updated to reflect overflow S&T SME A&AS personnel…."
34PWS, page 8, continuation of paragraph 5.1.3 Scientific and Technical ExpertiseTechnicalBullet states "Assist with development and integration of WMD battlespace awareness programs such as Advanced Materials and Advanced Energetics."
QUESTION: Does this item represent two different requirements: One for WMD battlespace awareness support and another one for Advanced Materials and Advanced Energetics technical support or both?This item represents one requirement for Assisting in the development and integration of WMD battlespace awareness programs. The examples were deleted "Advanced Materials" and Advanced Energetics" since they refer to another portfolio in DTRA. WMD battlespace awareness programs run across NT (Strategic and Conventional), OP (Reachback) and CX.
35PWS, page 33, 5.2.12Contract"The contractor shall rapidly respond to anticipate emerging operational requirements by providing scientific and technical expertise and support in-depth scientific analyses and technology assessments across the spectrum of RD’s CB, CWMD, CIT and CTN S&T-related responsibilities, including assessing the soundness of alternative scientific and technological approaches and evaluating research results. The nature of this work falls within the tasks under PWS 5.2."
QUESTION: Paragraph requires surge support across CB, CWMDT, CIT and CTN technical areas but also states the work falls within PWS 5.2 which is CBDP RDT&E Tasks. Are the tasks listed part of the CBDP portfolio? Is this surge CLIN only for CBDP work or is it available to support the other departments?Sentence was corrected to "…across RD-CB's CWMD, CIT and CTN…."
36Table L.1.2 Proposal Organization, L.3.2 Volume Organization and L.3.3.2.1 Management ApproachContractThe Proposal Organization and the Volume organization lists the Management Approach first, followed by the Integrated Management Plan (L.1.2, L.3.2), but then the detailed paragraphs in L.3.3.2.1 lists the Integrated Management Plan details BEFORE the Management Approach. Would the government clarify the order of the Mission Capability, Subfactor A Management Approach?Comment 37 Response: Agree with OGC comment: revise the order of the Management Approach subfactor in L.1.2 and L.3.2 to require the 10-page integrated management plan (IMP) before the 35-page management approach.
37Table L.1.2 Proposal OrganizationContractWill the government consider adding additional 5 pages to Volume II - Mission Capability Subfactor A Management Approach to address the heavy to technical nature of this requirement?The required page limit of 35 will remain.
38Attachment 2, DD254 form, section 1bContractSection 1.b. of the DD254 form indicates Secret safeguarding is required at the contractor location, but elsewhere in the form (section 11 and 11d) it appears SCI material could be handled at the contractor location. Will the Government please clarify what level of safeguarding is anticipated at the contractor location?The organization facility requirement is TS/SCI. There is a government requirement to store up to SECRET documents at the contractor facility.
39Attachment 6, ST+PMO+QASPTechnicalAttachment 6 provided by the Government is from the PMO contract. Please post the QASP for the S&T SME contractor.The incorrect file was posted and will be replaced.
40RFP, list of attachments pg 50 of 125ContractPer Section J, List of Documents, Exhibits, and other attachments, there should be an Attachment 3, OCI Mitigation Plan. Please provide Attachment 3.The OCI Mitigation Plan is proposed by the Offeror. The plan will be evaluated per the RFP and incorporated as an attachment to the award.
41RFP, pg 79 of 125TechnicalTable L.1.2 shows the requirement for an Executive Summary; however, L.3.2, Volume Organization does not include an Executive Summary. Can the Government please confirm that the Executive Summary required and where in L.3.2 does it belong?Section L.3.2 revised including the Executive Summary
42RFP, Attachment L-3, pg 83 of 125TechnicalAttachment L-3, Physical Scientist (Weapons Effects/Solid Mechanics Scientist/Engineer) states in the first paragraph that the position is located at Kirkland AFB, New Mexico. In the last bullet of the position description it lists the location as DTRA-Ft Belvoir. Please confirm the correct location.The location is at DTRA--Fort Belvoir, The attachment will be updated to deleted the Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico location
43RFP, pg 75 of 125, Section L.2.7ContractThe table on page 75 of the RFP states that the historical RD FTE S&T SMEs with Security Clearance by Department average is 156. This appears to be the historical average of all of A&AS (including both PMO and SME contracts). Can the Government please confirm the total number of personnel with Security Clearance by Department?This is the historical number of S&T SME A&AS across the RD, including the added JD/TT requirements.
44RFP, pages 96-98 of 125 (Attachment L-1)TechnicalTo organize information in Attachment L-1 for the ease and readability of the government's assessment, may tables (using the formatting requirements found in L.1.3.5.1) be used to respond to questions 5-8 in Attachment L-1?Refer to question 7.
45RFP, pg 100 of 125, Attachment L-2ContractThe current PDF format of Attachment L-2, present and past performance questionnaire (PPPQ), cannot be edited by Government POCs, the document must be converted to Word for editing. Would the government be amenable to offerors adjusting the format to support ease of PPPQ writing for Government POCs? If not, will the Goverment please provide a seperate file with just L-2 information that can be updated and sent to Government customers?Contractors can convert to a Word document to input necessary information.
46RFP; Section L.1.3.4 (pg 70 of 125) and Section L.1.3.7 (page 71 of 125)ContractIn section L.1.3.4, it states that "Proposals shall be submitted in electronic format in CD-ROMs", however, section L.1.3.7 states that proposals shall be submitted electronically via Wide Area Workflow Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment. Please confirm that the proposal shall be submitted electronically via Wide Area Workflow Procurement Integrated Enterprise EnvironmentRefer to Question 4.
47Attachment 2, DD254 form, section 10iContractWill the Government please confirm that ACCM access is at Government facilities?ACCM access is at Government facilities only.
48Attachment 2, DD254 form, Block 15ContractWill the Government please confirm if this should be checked "Yes" if SCI is outside of CSO purview?The NO block is correctly checked for Block 15. The "X" typed after the word "CSO" is a stray entry and should be ignored.
49RFP, pg 74, L.2.7; PWS, pg 34, 7.1ContractThe PWS states "The contractor shall have a Top Secret facility clearance granted by the Defense Security Service (DSS) at the proximal facility IAW the approved S&T SME (Incoming) Management Plan timelines." However, section L.2.7 of the RFP states "The Offeror’s proximal facility should be able to store classified documents up to the SECRET level at the end of the transition period". Will the Government please confirm that the proximal facility should be able to store up to secret level documents?The organizational security requirement is for TS. The proximal facility must be capable of storing up to SECRET both for documents and to support the SECRET VTC requirements.
50RFP, pg 96-98 of 125 (Attachment L-1)TechnicalPlease confirm that the Offeror may change the formatting of questions 3 and 4 in Attachment L-1 to reduce white space. For example, may the Offeror change the Primary Customer Points of Contacts in Question 4 from a vertical list into a horizontal table (using the formatting requirements found in L.1.3.5.1)?Refer to question 7.
51RFP, pg 69 of 125 (Table L.1.2) and pg 86 of 125 (L.4.3)TechnicalSection L.4.3 states "For each reference, the Offeror shall provide a narrative describing the effort and the results of the Offeror’s performance. For each reference, the Offeror shall complete a Present and Past Performance Information Form (attachment L-1)." Should the narrative describing the effort and the results of the Offeror's performance be seperate from attachment L-1 or included within Attachment L-1?Refer to Question 9
52RFP Document page 69 of 125 (Table L.1.2) and page 86 of 125 (L.4.2)TechnicalTable L.1.2 allots 5 pages for the Present and Past Performance Information Form (Attachment L-1). If the narrative describing the effort and the results of the Offeror's performance are to be seperate from Attachment L-1, is this additional information still included in the 5 page limit? If the results of the Offeror's performance should be included in Attachment L-1, where should they be included?Refer to Question 9
53RFP, pg 86 of 125 (L.4.4), pg 71 of 125 (L.1.3.5.3), and pg 69 of 125 (Table L.1.2)TechnicalSection L.4.4 Organizational Structure Change History states that "These “roadmaps” will not count toward the page limitations of Volume III." Section L.1.3.5.3 also states that Past Performance Roadmaps are excluded from the overall page count. However, Table L.1.2 provides a 5 page limit for the Organizational Change History section. Will the government consider removing the 5 page limit in Table L.1.2?Yes, the Government agrees for this to be "Unlimited" vice the 5 page limit (and will update the L.1.2 table).
54RFP, pg 122 of 125, Section M.2.4ContractM.2.4 outlines the evaluation criteria for Subfactor A, SB Participation and Subfactor B, SB Subcontracting Past Performance but it does not include criteria for SB Subcontracting Plan (L.5.1). Is the SB Subcontracting Plan evaluated as part of the proposal submission? If so, can the Government please provide evaluation critera?I defer to Sharon (Tracy), Sharon please answer. Response: the subcontracting plan is not "evaluated" for source selection purposes. An acceptable subcontracting plan is required for eligibility of award. It must contain all the elements requried in FAR 19.704(a). It must correspond to the Socioeconomic Committment (i.e. the number of dollars promised to small busiinesses), but the subcontracting plan is reviewed for compliance with FAR 19.704(a), not evaluated for source selection.
55Exhibit A, pg 5 of 17; PWS pg 36, Section 10.0ContractWill the Government please update pg 5 of Exhibit A to match the PWS performance metrics in sections 10.1-10.6?Yes, Exhibit A will be updated.
56RFP, pg 90 of 125 L.6.4 Cost or Pricing Information and Supporting Documentation and Attachment 5 Cost SpreadsheetContractSection L.6.4 states that Offerors are required to segregate and identify transition-specific costs; the Government will exclude these costs from the most probably costs calculation. Attachment 5 Cost Spreadsheet does not include a tab or section for transition-specific costs. Can offeror's modify the Total Amount Tab in Attachment 5 to segregate transition-specific costs?Refer to Question 17
57RFP, pg 91 of 125 L.6.5 Profit or Fee and Attachment 5 Cost SpreadsheetContractSection L.6.5 states that there will be no profit or fee on travel and ODCs but the formula in Attachment 5 Cost Spreadsheet that applies fixed fee to total costs only removes direct travel costs. Should offeror's modify the formula in Attachment 5 to exclude ODCs incurring profit or fee?This statement was in error; per this DTRA clause, fee is excluded from travel (it should not refer to ODCs). This will be revised.
58RFP, pg 91 of 125 L.6.5 Profit or Fee and Attachment 5 Cost SpreadsheetContractWill the Government please confirm that Materials/Supplies and Equipment can incur profit or fee?Yes, only travel should omit fee. L.6.5 will be revised.
59RFP, pg 93 & 94 of 125 L.6.6.1 and L.6.6.2, and Attachment 5 Cost SpreadsheetContractTravel and Material plug values have been provided and offerors are directed to propose the plug numbers with no deviations. Attachment 5 Cost Spreadsheet has tabs for Materials-Supplies and Travel. If offerors are expected to propose the plug numbers provided, what information is required on the Materials-Supplies, and Travel tabs? Please confirm that offerors can propose costs for equipment and ODCs since plug numbers were not provided for those costs.Contractor shall complete the respective tabs with the plug numbers. Yes equipment and ODCs can be proposed.
60RFP, pgs 2 thru 13 Section B and Attachment 5 Cost SpreadsheetContractSection B requires estimate costs, fixed fee and estimated costs + fixed fee for Section 5.1 RDT&E tasks and Section 5.2 CBDP RDT&E tasks. Attachment 5 Cost Spreadsheet does require offerors to provide pricing by CLIN/task. Can Offerors modify the Cost Spreadsheet to propose costs in accordance with the CLIN Structure?Refer to question 16
61RFP, pg 92 of 125 L.6.6.1 Estimated CLIN Costs and Attachment 5 Cost SpreadsheetContractAttachment 5 Cost Spreadsheet does not account for any Surge costs. Are offerors expected to include the Surge plug numbers in our cost proposals? If yes, where in Attachment 5 Cost Spreadsheet should offerors account for the Surge plug values that have been provided in Section L.6.6.1?Yes plug surge numbers are to be used in the cost proposal. The surge plug numbers are associated with the surge CLINs. Refer to question 16 for revising spreadsheet to account for CLINs.
62RFP, pgs 2 thru 13 Section BContractSection B Surge CLINS require Estimated costs, fixed fee and estimated costs + fixed fee. Should offerors propose the Surge plug values as estimated costs and apply their proposed fixed fee to the Surge plug values to complete the Section B table?The plug numbers shall be used in your cost proposals. Burdens include fixed fee already applied to the plug Surge CLINs.
63PWS, pg 35, 9.1ContractSection 9.1 of the PWS identifies one conference room requiring secure VTC: "At least one space shall allow reconfigurable seating (to include but not limited to: classroom, theater, conference table, U-shape, hollow square, banquet style, half-moon rounds, chevron or “V” shape, herringbone, and/or combinations) for a minimum of 50 persons. This meeting room shall have both secure and academic institution–compatible video conferencing capability. The VTC security capability must include the range of unclassified to Secret." Will the Government confirm that data processing and discussions above the Secret level will not be required at this facility? Also, will the government confirm if any other conference rooms or storage space need to be classified at the Secret level?The proximal facility has the need to store up to the SECRET level. There will be no requirement for data processing and discussions above the SECRET level at this facility. The other conference rooms should allow for discussion up to SECRET level.
64RFP, pg 92; L.6.6.1ContractThe CLIN values in the table appear to be incorrect, for example CLIN 1002 is listed twice. Will the Government please update the CLIN table.Refer to Question #24
65Solicitation, DFARS, Page 30, Clause 252.209-9002ContractDoes the Non-Government Support Personnel clause flowdown to subcontractors under The Contractor?Yes DFARS clause 252.209-9002 applies to all contractors.
66PWS, 5.1.1, DTRA RDT&E Page 5Technical"concentrated on the radiological, nuclear and high explosives (RNE) portion of the CBRNE spectrum and the CWMD, CIT or CTN mission domains, " will improvised high explosives remain as part of the mission for DTRA?Some portion of the improvised high explosives mission will remain with DTRA for the next several years. RD will continue to support its portion of the remaining improvised high explosives mission as the program management responsibility transfer discussions continue between DTRA and the external services/agencies.
67Attachment 2 - DD 254ContractAre proposed subcontractors to complete Block 7 of the DD 254?The Prime contractor is responsible for completing the DD 254.
68Attachment 3 - OCI Mitigation PlanContractAttachment 3 is missing - please provide.Refer to Question 40
69Attachment 5: Government Cost SpreadsheetContractCan we adjust the print ranges in the Excel cost attachment?Yes print range can be adjusted.
70Attachment 6 Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP)ContractThe provided QASP provides information designed for the S&T PMO A&AS contractor. Will the government provide a QASP that supports the SME A&S contractor?The S&T QASP will be be included in the RFP amendment.
71Attachment L-1 p. 96ContractWill the Government allow offerors to provide the requested information prescribed in L-1 in a table format? Will the Government allow offerors to delete rows/lines that are not used? Will the Government allow a ten (10) point readable font as in tables, charts, graphs, and figures?Refer to Question 7.
72Attachment L-3: Job Descriptions - Physical Scientist (Weapons Effects/Solid Mechanics Scientist/Engineer) p. 108ContractThe location for the Physical Scientist (Weapons Effects/Solid Mechanics Scientist/Engineer) is listed as both Kirtland AFB (at top of job description) and DTRA at Ft. Belvoir (at bottom of job description). Please clarify location of this notional employee.Correct location is Fort Belvoir. Section L updated to delete KAFB sentence
73L.1.2 ORGANIZATION/DISTRIBUTION/NUMBER OF COPIES/PAGE LIMITS p. 68ContractThe page limit for the executive summary is listed as 2 pages. L.3.3 references inclusion of an Executive Summary with requirements for information on teaming structure, team member roles and responsibilities, etc. Given the amount of information required, to include introduction of the team, request the government increase the page count for the executive summary to 4 pages or allow a Team Table to be provided as part of the executive summary that is outside page count.Refer to Question 3
74L.1.2 (Table p. 69), L.3.2 (Volume Organization p. 79)ContractThe Proposal Org table (L.1.2) states Sub-Factor A-Management Plan as 35 pages. Then below that it states the Integrated Management Plan as 10 pages. Then L.3.3.2.1 Management Approach (p. 80) describes in great detail the IMP first followed by equal level of detail for overarching Sub-Factor A. Is the IMP and its 10 pages part of the 35 pages or in addition for a total of 45 pages?The Management Approach is 35 pages and the IMP is 10 pages in addition to the 35 pages for a total of 45 pages for the Management Plan and the IMP per Table L.1.2
75L.1.3.3 Validity Statement p. 70ContractShould the Validity statement be included with Vol. I – Proposal Documentation or Vol. V – Cost/Price?The Validity Statement shall be in Volume I.
76L.1.3.4 Physical Appearance p. 70ContractThe solicitation is asking for proposals to be submitted in electronic format in CD-ROMS. Section L.1.2.a. and L.1.3.7 states offerors shall submit via WAWF. Please confirm CD-ROMs are not required.Refer to Question 4
77L.1.3.5.1 Page Size p. 70ContractSection L.1.3.5.1 states "Lettering within tables, charts, graphs, and figures shall be no smaller than ten (10) point Times New Roman." Will the Government consider rewording this to read "no smaller than ten (10) point in a readable font." Rationale: Other fonts are more suitable and easier to read than Times New Roman in a table or graphic.All font shall be Times New Roman as stated in L.1.3.5.1
78L.1.3.5.1 Page Size p. 70ContractPlease confirm that an 11x17 page counts as one page against the page limit.Refer to Question 5
79L.1.3.7 Electronic Delivery Attachment 5: Government Cost Spreadsheet, p. 72, bottomContractCost spreadsheet in the general and total amount tab does not provide for cost/price by CLIN, only a rollup of total cost/price. Can offerors modify the spreadsheet accordingly to show cost/price by CLIN either through additional worksheets in the cost spreadsheet or modifying the existing cost template?Refer to Question 16.
80L.2.10 p. 75ContractSection L.2.10 states "The Offeror is responsible to ensure that all representations, certifications, acknowledgements, and statements provided in accordance with Sections K and L are (i) provided in the System for Award Management (SAM), https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM; and (ii) if not included in the SAM database, are completed and submitted with the Proposal Documentation volume." Does this apply to the prime only or all team partners as well?This requirement pertains to the Prime contractor.
81L.2.4 Government Offices p. 73ContractThe Government states "Provide the mailing address, telephone and fax numbers, and facility codes for the cognizant Contract Administration Office, Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) 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 applies to the prime contractor and major subcontractors/teaming partners." Please confirm that the offeror needs to provide the "government paying office" for the Major subcontractors/teaming partners.The Government paying office is only required for the prime Offeror. The RFP will be updated to reflect this.
82L.3.3.2.1 Management Approach p. 80TechnicalThe draft DTRA RD SME RFP called for a 10-page Incoming Management Plan, which allows us to address in detail our overall transition in plan. However, on the final RFP the Incoming Management Plan requirement is gone, replaced by your 10-page Integrated Management Plan (IMP). This IMP requires us to address under the Team and Structure requirement basically our transition in plan. We consider the transition in plan to be vitally important to evaluation of our Team’s overall management plan to ensure continuity and mission accomplishment. However, we do not feel within the 10 allotted pages we can provide the level of detail needed to describe this all-important phase of contract support. We request the government raise the IMP page limit to 20 pages, which would allow us to adequately address our transition in plan, as well as the other requirements. The instructions for the Management Approach and the Integrated Management Plan do not include a requirement for a transition plan. Should a transition plan be included in one of these subsections?The transition plan elements are included within the Incoming Management Plan elements with the Integrated Management Plan covering transition planning. There is no intent to have a separate Integrated Management Plan and a separate Transition Plan. The page count will be increased to 15 pages.
83L.3.3.2.1 Management Approach p. 80TechnicalSince there appears to be an overlap between the Management Approach and the Integrated Management Plan, can the Government clarify the difference between what should be addressed in the Management Approach vice what should be addressed in the Integrated Management Plan?The Management Approach is expected to expand on the Integrated Management Plan.
84L.5.0 VOLUME IV SOCIO-ECONOMIC COMMITMENT, PAGE 88, 2ND PARAGRAPH, 2ND SENTENCEContract" Offerors are limited to submitting one report for each contract and an aggregate maximum of three (any combination of reports/audits). " Will the government confirm that a maximum of 3 subcontract reports (1 for each contract) is required?Offerors are limited to one report for each contract and a maximum of three total (subcontract reports and / or subcontract plan audits).
85L.6.3.4.3 Accounting System, p. 90ContractThe government states " the Offeror shall provide the following information: Completed Pre-Award Survey of Prospective Contractor Accounting System Checklist (if review of cost accounting system is in process). DCAA point of contact with a current e-mail address or phone number. DCAA Provisional Billing Rate Approval Letter. DCAA Final Billing Rate Approval Letter. DCAA/DCMA approved Forward Pricing Rate Agreement/Recommendation. DCAA/DCMA determination that the contractor’s accounting system is adequate for determining costs applicable to cost-reimbursable awards." Does the offeror have to provide both the DCAA provisional billing rate approval letter and the DCAA final billing rate approval letter? If the offeror has to provide the final billing rate approval letter, can the government clarify for which fiscal year?Refer to Question 18.
86L.6.4 Cost or Pricing Information and Supporting Documentation, p. 90 last sentenceContract"Offerors are required to segregate and identify transition-specific costs; the Government will exclude these costs from the most probable cost calculation." Will the government consider adding a transition CLIN? In In RFP Questions HDTRA1-20-R-0002 Final the Government answered the question, "Would the government consider adding a column on the Labor and Ind Rates tab of the Cost Spreadsheet to account for transition costs that are billable by the FAR." by stating, "Yes, Offerors may add a column if needed to account for further costs."No transition CLINs will be added. Refer to Question 17 in regards to accounting for transition costs.
87L.6.6 Government Estimates p. 91ContractThis section states, "For purposes of pricing, the contract award will be followed by a planned transition period (estimated at 120 days, starting approximately 16 NOV 2020) prior to requiring the fully operational capability start date of 7 April 2021." However, the POP reflected for CLIN 0001 in Section F is 11/16/2020. 120 days from 11/16/2020 is March 16, 2021 which presents a ~3 week delta in the contract start date. Can the Government please clarify which dates should be used for purposes of accurately factoring transition into pricing?Refer to Question 21.
88L.6.6 Government Estimates p. 91-92ContractThe Government indicates that historically two seats have been provided to contractors at Government Location. Would the Government please confirm the facilities requirement for the estimated ten contractors in the Albuquerque location who are not seated through contractually assigned desks?The Government is contractually obligated to provide seats for 2 A&AS assisting RD departments assigned to KAFB, NM. Historically, this number has been higher (up to 12, which is identified as an indicator only). For any A&AS not provided a Government space, the contractor is required to provide either office space or an acceptable telework arrangement such that the employee may fulfill the PWS requirements.
89L.6.6 Government Estimates p. 91-92, L.2.7 Security Requirements p. 74ContractThe Government provides two tables summarizing the FTEs at various locations. The total FTE for Ft. Belvoir (and for Albuquerque) do not match on the two tables. Would the Government please resolve the differences between the two tables?The Security Clearancy by Location table in L.2.7 was updated to reflect the FTE Breakdown by Location table in L.6.6.
90L.6.6, Government Estimates, p. 91, middleContractGovernment states that one FTE is equivalent to 1,920 hours with no deviation. The Base Period includes a transition period during which contractor staff will be on boarded in phases (i.e., at different times during the transition period). Because not all contractor staff will be onboard at the start of the contract, please confirm that Offerors should pro-rate the 1,920 hours corresponding to an FTE consistent with the proposed start date of the employee during the transition phase of the Base Period.Yes, see answer to Question 22.
91L.6.6.1 Estimated CLIN Costs p. 92-93ContractCan the Government provide an estimated breakdown of the 156 FTEs in the A&AS workforce provided across the three anticipated categories of experience and education, Entry, Mid-Level, and Senior?The breakdown (skill leve mix) of the proposed FTEs across the anticipated categories of experience and education will be dependent upon the Offeror's approach. Note that the 156 FTE number is a historical average and may differ from the Offeror's approach.
92L.6.6.2 Travel Pricing Assumptions, Cost Spreadsheet/ Travel CLINs p. 93ContractTravel plugs are provided on page 93. However, in the cost spreadsheet attachment there is a Travel tab to provide the travel breakdown. Does the offeror have to provide a travel breakdown to equal the travel plug value, supporting documents/ supporting rationale or can the offeror insert the travel plug in the total in the travel tab for each period?Refer to Question 59.
93L.6.6.3 Material Pricing Assumptions, Cost Spreadsheet/ Material p. 93ContractMaterial plugs are provided on page 93-94. However, in the cost spreadsheet attachment there is a Material-Supplies tab to provide the material breakdown. Does the offeror have to provide a material breakdown to equal the plug value, supporting documents/ supporting rationale or can the offeror insert the material plug value in the total in the Material tab for each period? Is the plug value inclusive of applicable burdens?Refer to Question 59.

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