SAM Posting_AAS RFI_Industry Day QNAs_10-21-24.xlsx

XLSX spreadsheet 198 KB Posted Oct 21, 2024

Attached to: RFI-ADVISORY & ASSISTANCE SERVICES STRATEGIC INTEGRATION (SI) DIRECTORATE
Solicitation number: HDTRA1-24-R-0057
Issued by: Defense Threat Reduction Agency

About this file

Written by GovTribe AI · Oct 21, 2024

This document contains a series of questions and answers related to a Request for Information (RFI) for Advisory and Assistance support services for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency's (DTRA) Strategic Integration (SI) Directorate. The RFI provides details on the planned procurement, including that it will be a Cost-Plus Fixed Fee Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. Early market research indicates this may be an ideal project for a small business set-aside. The RFI seeks to assess small business capabilities, receive feedback to improve the solicitation, and determine if any portion should be set aside for small businesses. DTRA also plans to hold an industry day on September 12, 2024 to discuss the draft requirements and solicit feedback. Responses to the RFI are due by September 11, 2024. The provided draft contract documents include a Performance Work Statement, Draft Statement of Objectives for three Task Orders, and other contractual information.

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Other files

File	Type	Posted
ATT L-0_Labor Matrix Template.xlsx	XLSX spreadsheet	Aug 30, 2024
Draft RFP Sections L M 8-27-24_Final NHF.docx	DOCX document	Aug 30, 2024
ATT 1_Performance Work Statement_SI AAS 8-14-24 V1.docx	DOCX document	Aug 30, 2024
ATT L-1_Present and Past Performance Info Form.docx	DOCX document	Aug 30, 2024
ATT 4 TO3_IRO DRAFT AAS SOO_081424.docx	DOCX document	Aug 30, 2024
ATT 3 TO2_ST DRAFT AAS SOO_081424.docx	DOCX document	Aug 30, 2024
ATT 2_TO1_PL DRAFT AAS SOO _081424.docx	DOCX document	Aug 30, 2024
ATT L-3_Pricing Template.xlsx	XLSX spreadsheet	Aug 30, 2024
ATT L-2_Present and Past Performance Questionnaire.docx	DOCX document	Aug 30, 2024

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RFI QNAs Feedback_ AAS

Questions and Answers

Solicitation No: HDTRA1-24-R-0057

Title: Advisory and Assistance support services for DTRA SI

	#	RFP	RFP Language	Questions/Feedback	Answers
	In response to the RFI
	1	L.3.5.2, L.4		When populated, does Attachment 0, labor mix template, meet the requirements identified in section L.3.5.2. Is Attachment 0 part of the page count for the management or technical approach sections?	Yes, Attachment file name will be revised to reflect organizational structure. A block chart is preferred for the organizational structure.
	2			There is no reference in section L/M to attachment 0 Labor Matrix Template and how that information relates to the requirements identified in subfactor B and C. Is Attachment 0 part of the page count for the management or technical approach sections?	The Labor Matrix is referenced in section L. The Final RFP will be revised to incorporate detailed information regarding the Matrix. No, Attachment 0 is not part of the page count.
	3	L.1		Has the Government decided if this will be an open competition or small business set aside? If not, can it give an estimated date that decision will be made?	In accordance with FAR Part 10, the Government is conducting Market Research. Setting aside this requirement will be determined once all the information received has been reviewed and analyzed.
	4	L.1		Would DTRA consider separating the Information Resilience contract from the rest of the SI contract, whether the rest of the contract is an open competition or small business set aside?	No, SI will not be separating the Information Resilience TO from the rest of the SI A&AS contract.
	5	RFP Section L, L.1.8 Proposal Format, TABLE 1-2 – PROPOSAL ORGANIZATION, Pg. 5		Will the Government be establishing small business goals for the procurement? If yes, request they be posted soonest to SAM.gov to facilitate team building	Yes, if the requirement is released to the public as Full and Open. No, if the decision is to set it aside to small business.
	6	RFP Section L, L.1.9.1, Electronic Copies, Pg. 9		What is the file size limit of the Solicitation Module of the Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE) portal?	The PIEE file size limit is 1.9 gigabytes per file batch. For technical difficulties, contact the Help Desk at +1(866)-618-5988 or via email at disa.global.servicedesk.mbx.eb-ticket-requests@mail.mil.
	7	RFP, Section L, L.4. VOLUME III – FACTOR I - SUBFACTOR C: TECHNICAL APPROACH – the Key Personnel Positions or equivalent in at least each of the Sample Task Orders (with Resumes), pg. 20		This section states- in at least each of the Sample Task Orders.
Question: Is the Government expecting offerors to propose other key personnel?	As a support baseline, refer to the PWS and Sample SOOs. Other Key Personnel identified by offerors to support their approach are welcomed.
	8	Attachment 1_Performance Work Statement, sections 6.7, 6.12, 6.17, 6.19, 6.20, 6.21; Pgs. 13, 16, 18, 19, 20
ATT 2_TO1_PL section 6.7, ATT 3_TO2_ST sections 6.9, 6.10, 6.11, 6.12, 6.13; Pgs. 6, 7		Each of these performance requirement sections are listed as (OPTIONAL). PWS 6.0, pg. 8 states’ “DTRA is planning multiple full time equivalent (FTE) contractor support employees, with options for future growth and/or surge capacity should needs change.”
Question: For the designated optional positions, how should they be captured in the Staffing Plan/Labor Mix?	Optional positions should be listed as optional within the Staffing Plan/Labor Mix.
	9	Attachment 1_Performance Work Statement, sections 6.7, 6.12, 6.17, 6.19, 6.20, 6.21; Pgs. 13, 16, 18, 19, 20 ATT 2_TO1_PL section 6.7, ATT 3_TO2_ST sections 6.9, 6.10, 6.11, 6.12, 6.13; Pgs. 6, 7		Each of these performance requirement sections are listed as (OPTIONAL). PWS 6.0, pg. 8 states’ “DTRA is planning multiple full time equivalent (FTE) contractor support employees, with options for future growth and/or surge capacity should needs change.” Question: If designated optional positions are to be captured in the Staffing Plan/Labor Mix, should they be included in the pricing? If so, how many FTE for each be priced since there is not a specified amount of service identified (SURGE or GROWTH)?	Yes, Optional positions are to be priced. Offerors are to identify the number of FTEs required for the additional tasks.
	10	Attachment 1_Performance Work Statement, Section 6.7 Operations Research Systems Analysis (Optional), Pg. 13 and ATT 2_TO1_PL DRAFT AAS SOO, Section 6.7 Operations Research Systems Analysis, Pg. 5		Attachment 1_PWS 6.7 ORSA is listed as Optional, but it is not listed as optional in the ATT 2 TO1 PL DRAFT AAS SOO, Section 6.7 Operations Research Systems Analysis
Question: Which document is accurate?	Section 6.7 of the PWS will be revised to remove 'optional'. This change will be reflected in the Final RFP.
	11	Attachment 1_Performance Work Statement, Section 12.1 Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) - The government will include a QASP template in the RFP. Pg. 31		The QASP template was not provided with the Draft RFP.
Question: Request the Government post the QASP template to SAM.gov before the Final RFP so offerors can review it.	A Sample Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) will be provided with the Final RFP.
	12	Attachment 1_Performance Work Statement, Section 15.2 Other than Key Personnel. Vacant positions for other than key personnel shall be made within 20 calendar days from date of vacancy. Pg. 45		Should this sentence read - Vacant positions for other than key personnel shall be identified within 20 calendar days from the date of vacancy.	The Final Document will be revised to reflect. "Vacant positions for other than key personnel shall be filled within 30 calendar days from the date of vacancy."
	13	ATT 2 TO1 PL, ATT 3 TO2 ST, and ATT 4 TO3 IRO DRAFT AAS DRAFT AAS SOO; Section 6.0 Requirements		Government states they are planning multiple FTEs to support performance requirements laid out in TO1, TO2, and TO3 SOOs.
Question: Request the Government provide the total number of expected FTEs per SOO needed to support the respective SOO requirements so that offerors provide the Government with fair and consistent Level of Effort pricing data for ease of Government comparison and evaluation.	Offerors are to provide the total number of FTES they identify can provide the support required.
	14	ATTACHMENT L-1: PRESENT AND PAST PERFORMANCE INFORMATION FORM, paragraph 5. utilize the scope areas identified in the Performance Work Statement (RFP Attachment 1, 2, or 3 as applicable) as your point of comparison. Pg. 5		Was Attachment 4 left off intentionally?
Question: should this read - (RFP Attachment 1, 2, 3, or 4 as applicable)	The final RFP will reflect the change.
	15	ATTACHMENT L-1: PRESENT AND PAST PERFORMANCE INFORMATION FORM, paragraph 5. utilize the scope areas identified in the Performance Work Statement (RFP Attachment 1, 2, or 3 as applicable) as your point of comparison. Pg. 5		Attachments 2, 3, and 4 Section 4.0 Scope are very general
Question: Are offerors able to use the Section 6.0 requirements of Attachments 2, 3, and 4?	Offerors are to provide a Performance Work Statements using the information presented within the Statement of Objectives (SOOs)
	16	Attachment L-3 Pricing Template, Tabs – TO1, TO2, TO3 -Pricing Backup Info,
List the specific sections of the Cost/Price Narrative where backup information in support of the proposed costs for Task Order 1 are located.		Is the intent of this Tab to provide a cross reference to Backup Information located in the Price Volume narrative and that the Government is not expecting to see Backup Information content in the tab?	Yes, back up information in addition to the cross reference is expected within that Tab.
	17	Draft PWS, Section

4.0 Scope Paragraph 1,

bullet 9Page 6		Can DTRA confirm that this requirement is still relevant? We were under the impression this had been removed from SI’s mission.	Yes, this requirement is still relevant.
	18	Draft PWS, Section

6.5 Threat Characterization and Risk Prioritization (TCRP) and Opportunity Analysis (OA)Subsection 6.5.5

Page 11		Can DTRA provide more details on their internal process for “Agency's risk-to mission process, procedures and system(s)”?	The Threat Characterization and Risk Prioritization (TCRP) Process brings risk-to-mission focus and prioritization to all Directorate Operations, Activities, and Investments (OAIs). As a cross-Directorate analytical crosswalk assessing adversary capability, capacity, and intent against National, DoD, and Joint Force plans and objectives, TCRP enables DTRA to identify, characterize, and implement risk mitigating approaches against our Nation’s greatest challenges.
	19	Draft PWS, Section

8.0 Place of Performance and Travel Paragraph 2

Page 26		Can the government confirm if they will be providing GFE in the form of computers, for contractors working at DTRA HQ and offsite at a contractor facility?	Yes, as specified in the Performance Work Statement (PWS), the Government will issue contractors a laptop as GFP.
	20	Draft PWS, Section

8.1 Telework Paragraph 1

Page 27		Given that DTRA is not providing 100% on site space, is the government requiring that all “telework off-site” work be conducted at a contractor facility?	For 'Telework off-site', Contractor Employees are to provide support at alternate worksite approved by the COR.
	21	Draft PWS, Section

9.0 Security Requirements Paragraph 2

Page 27		For the requirement “Site-specific facility clearance is required at the SECRET level.” can the government confirm if this is referring to the contractor facility or just stating DTRA requires a secret clearance to enter the DTRA building?	Contractor facility shall be able to obtain/maintain a Secret level facility clearance to support Government/contractor activities.
	22	Draft PWS, Section

10.0 Accessibility to Information Technology Paragraph 1 and

2Page 28		Does DTRA require classified networks at the contractor’s facility, and if so at what level? The current requirements only mention the unclassified network (UNET).	Contractor facility shall be able to obtain/maintain a Secret level facility clearance to support Government/contractor activities. A secret level IT infrastructure at the contractor facility is desired, but optional.
	23	Draft PWS, Section

10.0 Accessibility to Information Technology paragraph 3

Page 28		Similar to the question related to GFE above, can the government clarify if GFE will be provided to staff working off-site from the government facility? If not, how does DTRA intend for contractor staff to operate within DTRA’s networks and systems?	As appropriate, Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) will be made available for A&AS personnel providing direct support to this contract.
	24	Draft PWS, Section

11.4 Transition Period for Contractor Employees Paragraph 1

Page 29		To fully support a 30-day transition, a one-for-one employee position transfer. Can the government provide the current contractor FTE count (by TO) to facilitate transition planning?	Offerors are to provide the total number of FTES they identify can provide the support required.
	25	Draft PWS, Section

11.5 Government Furnished Property/Equipment (GFP/GFE) &

Office Space Paragraph 1

Page 29		Similar to the questions related to GFE above, recommend these requirements are clarified regarding use of GFE for off-site contractors. Can the government also provide the number of spaces (seats/desks) to be allocated to the contractor?
Additionally, recommend clarifying the language around work schedules, as regardless of work location, the contractor determines the work schedule of its employees, otherwise the requirement becomes personal services.	Spaces will be allocated once the number of FTEs have been identified by the winning proposal.
	26	Draft PWS, Section

14.0 Performance Requirements Summary (PRS)Subsection 6.7

Page 34		Can the government provide a list of assumptions for all SOO or TOs for the level of work to be performed or a historical number of FTEs to perform the TO work?	Offerors are to provide the total number of FTES they identify can provide the support required.
	27	Draft PWS, Section

14.0 Performance Requirements Summary (PRS)Subsection 6.10

Page 34		Can the government provide an assumption for the number of in-person events to support contractors’ ability to plan for level of effort?	Offerors shall propose FTES in accordance with the provided PWS and SOOs
	28	Draft PWS, Section

14.0 Performance Requirements Summary (PRS)Subsection 6.11

Page 36		Can the government clarify why all contractor employees need project officer (PO)/PM training given distinct LCATs? If training is required, what are the specific courses or certifications required for all employees?	The Final RFP will be revised.
	29	Draft TO 3 SOO, Sections 4.0 Scope

Paragraph 1

Page 1 – 2		The scope section describes the general mission of DTRA SI. Can the government provide more details as it relates specifically to IRO requirements and mission needs?	Sample TO 03 SOO addresses IRO requirement and mission needs.
	30	Draft RFP Sec L/M, p. 43	RFP	In evaluating reasonableness, the Government will determine if the Offeror’s proposed costs and fee for the sample tasks, in nature and amount, do not exceed those which would be incurred by a prudent company in the conduct of competitive business. Can the Government please clarify how a prudent company is defined in this statement?	As used in the sentence, “prudent” is given its ordinary meaning.
	31	Draft RFP Sec L/M, p. 20-21	RFP	The Government requests a PWS plus a technical approach for each sample task order as part of the response. Is this to be completed within the 7 pages allocated for each task order response?	The page count requirement will be revised in the Final RFP.
	32	6.13.1 – 6.13.10	RFP	Can the Government review the description of the policy analysis position (6.13) as the bulleted job responsibilities () do not seem to match the policy support and threat analysis intended for the position?	The final RFP will reflect the change.
	33	RFP, Page 1, Section L	RFP	Is DTRA considering award different types of contract (CPFF, COST, FFP) with each task order or will you be issuing one type of contract for all task orders?	The Government contemplates award of an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract with Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF), Cost Reimbursement (COST) and Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) task orders.
	34	RFP, Page 8, Section L.1.8.4 Page Size	RFP	What is the font size? Twelve or ten? Both are listed.	Ten (10)
	35	RFP, Page 17, Section L.3,.5.1 Corporate Experience	RFP	If you are considering releasing the RFP as a small business set aside, will you lower the contract execution requirement below $50M?	No, the contract execution amount will remain as is.
	36	Draft RFP, Section L, L.1.8.4 Page Size (page 8 of 44)	Formatting	The font size requirement states “Except for the lettering that is within a graphic, the font size shall be Times New Roman and no less than twelve (10) points.” Will the government confirm the correct size of standard font as either 10 or 12 point?	The Correct font size is ten (10)
	37	Draft RFP	Competition type	Will the government release the final acquisition strategy prior to the RFP release?	A synopsis will be posted prior to the release of the Solicitation.
	38	Page 34	RFP	The RFP states: The Offeror demonstrates the ability to effectively provide a training and education program to be used to ensure minimum requirements of various disciplines are fulfilled and maintained. The Offeror demonstrates its training and education plan is tied to retention and continual benefit to the contractor during the performance of the contract. Question: Will the government explain what specifically is required. Does the government assume the contractor will provide certification training or just currency training? Is this an overhead vice direct charge requirement? If personnel are hired with all minimum requirements, what additional training does the government expect to be performed?	Offerors are to provide qualified personnel on day one of employment and sustain training/certification as required to maintain currency.
	39	Page 36		The RFP states: The Offeror demonstrates experience and capability successfully planning and executing CCMD level exercises. Specific previous experience directly supporting DTRA WMD’s role in such exercises is desired. Will the government accept individual’s/personnel experience or is corporate DTRA WMD exercise experience seen more favorably (since this might limit competitors)?	The Final RFP will be revised to reflect the change.
	40	Att_1_Performance Work Statement	PWS	Task 6.30 requires: Provide short-term, project-specific support to IRO initiatives not covered in Sections 6.24 through 6.29. This includes OIE experts who provide consultancy services to major IRO initiatives and provide specialized and unique expertise for short-term duration. (Note: this could be a pool of available hours from which to bring on SMEs for short-term or part-time duration to address changing and/or emerging priorities and requirements.) Can the Government provide an anticipated maximum level of effort for this task?	Offerors shall propose FTES in accordance with the provided PWS and SOOs.
	41	Page 37	PWS	The Offeror demonstrates experience and capability successfully planning and executing tabletop exercises and/or wargames. Specific previous experience directly supporting DTRA’s role in such exercises is desired. Will the government accept individual’s / personnel experience or is corporate DTRA WMD exercise experience seen more favorably (since this might limit competitors)?	The Final RFP will be revised to reflect the change
	42	Att_1_Performance Work Statement	PWS: Optional tasks, eg	There are a number of Optional Tasks. How should the contractor address these in pricing and staffing?	Optional positions should be listed as optional within the Staffing Plan/Labor Mix.
	43	General	Labor Tables / Personnel Requirements	Will the government provide historical FTEs, as well as full LCAT descriptions to include required experience, years of experience, education, and any other pertinent requirements?	No, historical data nor estimates will be provided. Offerors shall propose FTES in accordance with the provided PWS and SOOs
	44	Draft RFP, Table 1-2 - Proposal Organization, Subfactor C: Technical Approach, L.1.8 Proposal Format, page 6 of 44	Technical Approach	In order for offerors to develop a comprehensive and innovative approach, would the government consider increasing the page count to 15 pages per Sample Task Order, thereby increasing the total page count for Subfactor C: Technical Approach, to 45 pages?	The page count requirement will be revised in the Final RFP.
	45	Draft RFP, Para L.4, pp 19-20	Technical Approach	Please confirm that the TO KP resumes and the TO Staffing plan are excluded from each TO’s page count.	KP resumes are excluded; however, Staffing Plan are included.
	46	Draft RFP, Para L.4, pp 19-21	Technical Approach	Please confirm that by “proposed Performance Work Statement (PWS), the Government means the Offorer’s approach to accomplish the SOO tasks	Yes, Offerors are to submit a PWS.
	47	Draft RFP, Para L.4, pp 19-22	Technical Approach	Please confirm that Offerors can provide a consolidated quality assurance plan at the sub-factor level (not within the TO Tabs), since quality plans are typically applied universally across all task orders.	No, the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) is to be provided at the Task Order Level.
	48	Draft RFP, Para L.4, pp 19-23	Technical Approach	Please confirm that Offerors can provide the utilization of subcontractors including the percentage level of effort at the sub-factor level (as opposed in the TO tabs) depicting the LOE at the ID/IQ and TO levels. Also confirm subcontractor utilization is excluded from page count	In accordance with FAR Part 10, the Government is conducting Market Research. Setting aside this requirement will be determined once all the information received has been reviewed and analyzed.

Industry Day QNAs_ AAS

Industry Day Questions and Answers

Solicitation No: HDTRA1-24-R-0057

Title: Advisory and Assistance support services for DTRA SI

#	RFP	RFP Language	Questions/Feedback	Answers
1			If DTRA chooses to proceed with a single award IDIQ, would it be willing to set aside a portion of the effort for a SDVOSB with demonstrated experience in DTRA’s mission set (and with current TS/SCI clearance)? This type of structure is authorized by FAR Part 19.502-3 (partial set-asides of contracts other than multiple-award contracts) and could be focused on DTRA requirement that requires more specialized SME support (as opposed to larger staffing needs).	No, a partial set aside will not be applicable for this requirement.
2			Five tasks in the draft PWS call for GIS support. Do any of those tasks support GIS on DTRA’s classified networks or are they just on the unclassified network?	The use of GIS tools will occur on both classified and unclassified networks
3	STO 1	Task Order 1 SOO	During Industry Day, the government discussed deployable forces; will the government specify likely, if any, deployment requirements for the A&AS team?	A&AS team will travel TDY to CCMD HQs and exercise locations, but will not be considered part of the deployable forces to respond to a contingency.
4			The lack of clarity regarding solicitation type (i.e. Unrestricted or set-aside) is a source of uncertainty on the way forward for Industry. When does the Government plan to inform Industry of the solicitation type?	A synopsis will be posted 15 days prior to the issuance of the final RFP.
5			Heretofore, the DTRA SI A&AS procurement/contract has been Unrestricted. Teams are and have been formed for a long time based on the expectation that the follow-on procurement would remain Unrestricted. If the Government were to change the solicitation type at this late stage of the procurement process, Industry would need to redo teaming relationships. In that case, would the Government consider extending the procurement schedule to allow time for Industry to reorganize itself to respond to the changed solicitation type?	No, the procurement schedule will not be extended to accommodate for the solicitation type.
6			Lastly, the RFI did not specifically spell this out, but will small business primes be required to have an Approved Purchasing System? Most smalls do not meet that requirement. This was a major topic on a current live large USSOCOM RFP where they made that a requirement in the RFP but not in any of the drafts. SOCOM received only 12 questions and all 12 were about that topic.	IAW with FAR Part Subpart 9903.201-1(B)(2) CAS applicability; Small Businesses are exempt from all CAS requirements. However, small business prime will be required to cite accounting software it plans to use and attest that their system(s) are suitable for performing specific cost estimating, accounting, and purchasing activities to allow it to perform as a prime on the government’s contemplated cost type contract.

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated Oct 21, 2024.