TEAMS RFP-Questions Answers Final.doc

RFP HDTRA1-08-R-0002

“Technical Evaluation Assessment Evaluation Site (TEAMS)” Questions and Answers

Question 1. While this is apparently not a follow-on contract, are there currently contractors performing the elements of the SOW. If so could you identify the contract and the contractor performing the work in support of TEAMS’ mission? Currently, how many equipment installers, technicians, operators and source handlers are currently supporting the TEAMS operations?

Answer: 1 full-time DTRA A&AS equivalent employee is currently working at TEAMS. In the past, customers have brought their own personnel to conduct testing at TEAMS, but the new contract is written to support potential tests requested by DTRA/TEAMS customers using TEAMS contractor personnel.

Question 2. Section J, attachment 1 (Statement of Work), paragraph 4.1 (also ref: Sample Task 2) requires the contractor to provide test support for all types of CBRNE detectors for TEAMS’ multiple customers and programs. Could you identify the CBRNE detectors, customers and programs referenced?

Answer: Test are not designed for specific detector models but are geared towards detecting Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and High Explosive (CBRNE) materiel. Most of the testing at TEAMS will be conducted on radiation or nuclear materiel detection.

Question 3. Section J, attachment 1 (Statement of Work), paragraph 4.2 (also ref: Sample Task 1) requires the contractor to perform building and vehicle maintenance. Can you provide a list of all vehicles to be maintained? Are materials, tools and facilities for building and vehicle maintenance provided by the government?

Answer: The contractor will not be responsible for vehicle maintenance except for Operator Level maintenance which would include daily vehicle checks, changing flat tires, washing the vehicle and ensuring vehicle repairs are scheduled through the 377th Air Base Wing Motor Transport Maintenance shop. Building maintenance consists of daily inspections of TEAMS buildings and if repairs are needed to place a work order through the base contractor (Chugach) and ensure repairs are scheduled and completed. Contractor personnel will do minor maintenance items such as changing light bulbs and plunging clogged toilets.

Question 4. Section J, attachment 1 (Statement of Work), paragraph 4.2 requires the contractor to ensure IT networks, video camera networks, and telecommunications are available to support training. Can you provide a technical description of all components of the networks?

Answer: TEAMS has a full suite of IT equipment including servers (Dell), fixed video cameras (Pelco), pan-tilt-zoom video cameras (Pelco and Panasonic), fax machines (Brother Intellifax 1270), copier machine (Canon Imagerunner 2270G), digital camera (Kodak DX4330), switches and hubs (Cisco, Netgear, NTI and Brandywine), telephones, DVR (AXIS), Security System (Velocity) UPS (APC Battery Back-up) and a unclassified fiber reporting network. The contractor personnel will schedule repairs through the DTRA Help Desk and have a basic knowledge of troubleshooting aforementioned equipment to ensure the DTRA Help Desk understands the problem.

Question 5. Section J, attachment 1 (Statement of Work), paragraph 4.3 requires the contractor to provide support in combating weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons technology. Is the word “training,” missing after the word support? If not, can you elaborate on the counterproliferation and combat support activities expected to be provided by the contractor?

Answer: No. Testing at TEAMS support counterproliferation of nuclear technology, either through detection, interdiction or forensics.

Question 6. Section J, attachment 1 (Statement of Work), paragraph 4.6 requires the contractor to provide entry level training in the use of CBRNE detectors and related equipment such as, radiation portals, portable radiation detectors, hand-held radiation detectors. The contractor shall provide training in IT networks and video cameras. Could you identify all equipment for which the contractor is required to provide training?

Answer: As a test-bed, TEAMS has been part of several evaluations, assessments and tests of explosives and radiation detectors. As a training site, TEAMS personnel provide back-up for Defense Nuclear Weapons School instructors helping Radiation Survey Teams, Explosive Ordnance Teams and National Guard Civil Support Teams. Contractor personnel need to be versed in explaining how detectors work, understand the strengths and limitations of detectors to provide valuable assessments of CBRNE equipment to VIP or site visitors. The TEAMS site has several cameras for surveillance, security and record tests and also training exercises. The contractor needs to understand how each camera works, the area coverage, strengths and weaknesses and how to fix minor problems.

Question 7. Section J, attachment 1 (Statement of Work), paragraph 1.3 states that TEAMS presently supports 377 ABW Security Forces with several radiation monitoring detectors and a support IT network at several KAFB access points and the law enforcement desk command center. Can you be more specific about the type and quantity of detectors and the nature of the support to the Security Forces? Is it ad hoc or scheduled? Do TEAMS personnel maintain, operate, store, or provide training for the use of the detectors?

Answer: Kirtland Air Force Base (KAFB) has four types or models of detectors. Plastic scintillation, sodium iodide, neutron detector and hand held or portable detectors. The support provided to KAFB is Ad Hoc and is on the verge of being discontinued or at least minimized. TEAMS does maintain a display of hand-held, portable and portal detectors and TEAMS personnel work with vendors to ensure equipment is serviceable.

Question 8. Is the small business size standard on p 31 of RFP and documented on Small Business utilization chart to be measured at contract award, at award of each task order during the life of the contract, or as an average over the life of the contract?

Answer: At contract award.

Question 9. Approximately how many demos, tests and evaluations are performed per year? How many are performed at locations external to Kirtland AFB?

Answer: Historically, there have been 2-4 at TEAMS. Its projected that 2-4 might be conducted away from TEAMS in locations such as Idaho National Labs, Nevada Test Site and Ft. Belvoir, VA.

Question 10. Are the existing radiological and/or chemical/biological/explosive instruments utilized by TEAMS kept on a regular calibration/maintenance schedule? If so, are those tasks performed on site by contractor or by off-site vendors?

Answer: Yes. Regular calibration is performed by vendor personnel either on or off-site.

Question 11. The SOW is mainly focused on radiological materials and sensor testing. Do you intend to increase the utilization of chemical, biological and explosive materials and testing and evaluation of chemical, biological and explosive detectors/sensors at the TEAMS facility or by TEAMS contract personnel at off-site locations?

Answer: Efforts at TEAMS have been primarily focused on radiological, nuclear, high explosive and one chemical detector. CXTN/TEAMS does expect an increase in radiation and nuclear testing conducted at TEAMS, and one-two tests at off-site locations.

Question 12. Section L paragraph 2.3.6 has Socio-Economic goals of 25% Small Business and 10% SDVOSB against total contract value proposed. Typically SB goals are based on estimated Total Subcontracting values. Please clarify that the Government is evaluating socio economic commitment against total contract value proposed and not total subcontracting value proposed. Also, since we are proposing Sample Tasks, should our SB subcontracting plan be based on what might be achieved on the total potential contract ceiling of $17,000,000 or just against each of the Sample Tasks proposed?

Answer: Socio-Economic commitment is against the sample task orders only. Subcontracting plan is based on the maximum order limit of $17M.

Question 13. RFP requires pricing information for only technician classes of labor. Similarly, the Sample Tasks only deal with operation and radiation testing at TEAMS. Does DTRA envision the use of CBRNE Scientist or Engineering support under this contract or will this support be provided by government personnel or through another contract?

Answer. Scientist and Engineering support will be provided by DTRA and will not be a requirement on this contract.

Question 14. In Sample Task Order 1, paragraph 2.2.4 appears incomplete. How do the requirements of this paragraph differ from those of paragraph 2.5.1?

Answer: The original Sample Task Order 1 was incorrectly numbered and CDRL references were omitted. A revised Attachment 3 will be included in a FebBizOpps solicitation amendment. Sample Task Order 2 is also revised to add missing CDRL references and included in solicitation amendment.

Question 15. In Section 2.0 of the SOW, the final two sentences refer to analyses of test planning and test results. These activities are quite distinct from the others, which are more aligned with infrastructure and test support. The minimum personnel requirements do not seem to support analyses. Could you reconcile these discrepancies?

Answer: Test planning is not limited to infrastructure, but includes lessons learned from other tests or new requirements from the customer. Test analysis will vary test to test, the experience of the test team the contractor provides should allow for assisting in the analysis of the test conducted.

Question 16. How many experiment events were conducted in FY 08 and FY 09?

Answer: 0 in FY08 and 1 in FY09.

Question 17. Is there an incumbent contractor? If yes, who is the incumbent? Is the incumbent restricted in any way from competing for this solicitation?

Answer: Reference answer to question 1. The agency A&AS does place limitations on competition.

Question 18. Please clarify if the $17M maximum quantity includes just the base contract term or if it includes the base contract term plus any exercised options (Ten Years Total).

Answer: The $17M maximum quantity includes the base period and the 4 options, if exercised.

Question 19. Please clarify if clause (c) of 52.204-8 applies and, if so, does the NAICS code 541380 apply to the prime and all subcontractors?

Answer: FAR 52.204-8 Annual Representations and Certifications applies when FAR 52,204-7 Central Contractor Registration is included in solicitation. The NAICS code 541380 apply to the prime and all subcontractors.

Question 20. Both 2.3.5 Subcontractors and 2.3.6 Socio-Economic Commitment ask for the same information with a list of proposed subcontractors. Please verify that this information is required for both sections.

Answer: List of proposed subcontractors is on required once.

Question 21. The RFP has a requirement for an Executive Summary (page 41) in Volume II Mission Capability 3.3.2; however, it is not listed in Table 1-2 – Proposal Organization (page 34) with a page limit. Is the Executive Summary part of the Technical Approach 40 page limit (also listed on page 34)?

Answer: The Executive Summary (Section L paragraph 3.3.2) is included in the Technical Approach page limit of 40 pages.

Question 22. The RFP states: “Additionally, the offeror shall submit a maximum of three (3) recent and relevant present and past performance references for the prime and a maximum of 3 for each team member or subcontractor.” The RFP also states: “For each relevant and present and past performance reference, the offeror shall provide a narrative and a Present and past performance Form (Attachment L.1).” On page 34 of the RFP, the page limit for the Past Performance Narrative is 2 pages. Please confirm the page requirements for the Past Performance Narrative.

Answer: Page limit for Past Performance Narrative is 2 pages Question 23. The labor categories qualifications (SOW 5.0), responsibilities (SOW 6.0) and key personnel (RFP-p15) do not seem to be in line with the requirements background and scope of the SOW. It appears that professional and technical test support and CBRNE subject matter experts are missing from the suggested labor categories. Are respondents able to add to the labor categories in order to support a well rounded and successful program?

Answer: Scientist and Engineering support will be provided by DTRA and will not be a requirement on this contract unless specifically requested. Test analysis will vary test to test, the experience of the test team the contractor provides should allow for assisting in the analysis of the test conducted.

Question 24. The requirements list “CBRNE” subject matter expertise in the background (1.0) and scope (2.0), yet the applicable documents (3.0) only references R/N standards. Can you confirm that there are no mandated test standards for C, B and E detectors?

Answer: Test standards are used for specific tests. TEAMS has been involved in commercial–off-the-shelf and DOD-fielded radiation and nuclear type detection equipment. Customers have used TEAMS to conduct radiation, nuclear, explosive and chemical detection equipment testing and used standards developed by their test teams or program managers.

Question 25. Please clarify what is meant by “the contractor shall provide support in combating weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons technology” found in para. 4.3 (Operational Support)?

Answer: Contractor personnel will support DTRA/TEAMS efforts to prevent proliferation and employment of CBRNE and WMD weapons and threats by evaluating, assessing and testing CBRNE detectors and supporting DTRA/TEAMS/Off-site CBRNE and WMD training exercises and real-world events.

Question 26. The Research and Development Support (4.4) appears to be more closely related to logistical support. A) Is this the full planned scope for this technical requirement and b) please clarify the scope or provide examples of the “engineering and technician” support noted in this same paragraph.

Answer: The contractor’s Senior Technician (ST) will provide CBRNE and WMD detector experience and also be familiar with threat assessment and deployment techniques for CBRNE/WMD detector equipment. The ST will also be involved in the Experimental Support Plan that is submitted to support tests at TEAMS and also provide technical analysis to the Test Directorate (CXT) for requested testing. The ST will help plan infrastructure improvements, coordinate customer requirements and serve as a technical assistant to the TEAMS Technical Program Manager.

Question 27. Is there a missing CDRL list for para. 2.1.1 and b) is there missing text for 2.2.4 Facility and Personal Safety that might affect pricing?

Answer: Applicable CDRLs are A001 Task Order Management Plan, A002 Task Order Progress Report, and A006, Task Order Cost Performance Report. Sample Task Order 1 will be revised to correct paragraph numbering, to add CDRL references, and to add text to renumbered paragraph 2.2.5 Facility and Personal Safety. Revised Sample Task Order 1 will be posted in FedBizOpps.

Question 28. On Sample Task Order 2, are CDRL references missing for para., 2.1, 2.2, and 2.9 Answer: Yes, CRDL references have been included, and revised Sample Task Order 2 will be posted in FedBizOpps.

Question 29. Both Sample Task Orders (1 and 2) require qualification of the personnel proposed by the offeror to include experience and qualifications but does not specifically call for resumes (page 42 of RFP). According to L.1.3.5.3 Pages Counted, resumes are not counted in the page count? Are resumes required for the proposed personnel for each Sample Task Order? If resumes are required, what is the page limit for each resume?

Answer: Resumes are not required for the Sample Task Orders.

Question 30. Please confirm that offerors will submit two (2) annual rate tables for the FFP and CPFF award options.

Answer: If rates are different dependent on contract type, then two annual rates tables should be provided.

Question 31. Attachment 10 and Section L 2.3.6 calls for NAICS code 541380; this code stipulates testing lab facilities, yet contractor testing lab facilities are not part of the RFP, SOW, or evaluation criteria. Is this NAICS code a requirement or may this stipulation be altered for another, broader scoped Code?

Answer: The NAICS code 541380 is correct and test lab facilities is DTRA’s TEAMS site facility at Kirtland Air Force Base.

Question 32. Will approved simulants be used when testing and training systems designed to detect chemical and biological threats?

Answer: Yes.

Question 33. The TEAMS Statement of Work includes test support for systems that detect, combat, and defeat chemical, biological and high explosives threats. Would testing of systems designed for these threats occur at the TEAMS facility, or at other locations.

Answer. At TEAMS site and at other locations.