SIFM_II_Questions_22_Aug.pdf

SIFM II QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

22 August 2014

Contracts

Given the size of the companies fully qualified in SOW areas 3.3, 3.4, 3, 9, and 3.10 and that the small business prime would have to hold 51% of the cost of labor on any particular task issued under SIFM, would the Government consider a NAICS code with a slightly larger size standard, say $25.5M vice the current $19M size standard specified in the draft solicitation.

1. Although impractical at the IDIQ competition level, has the Government considered permitting offerors to present oral briefings at the Task Order level, prior to the determination of its acquisition strategy?

Gov response: Oral briefings will not be conducted.

2. Reference: SOW 1.0 Objectives Given the complexity of some tasks, the increasing competition for the most qualified personnel across the Defense and Intelligence Community Agencies, and other technical factors unique to Financial Management Services, does Government intend to look more favorably on Prime contractor experience than that of subcontractors?

Gov Response: both will be considered equally; reference solicitation

3. Reference: SOW 1.0 Objectives Given the number of large businesses that had planned to prime this effort until recently, and the ease of finding a ‘viable’ Small Business prime contractor completely unfamiliar with this work, does the Government intend to look more favorably on Prime contractor experience than that of subcontractors in its evaluations? Does the Government intend to stipulate a certain amount of Prime contractor experience/number of Prime contractor experiences in order to be considered a qualified Prime contractor for this effort?

Gov Response: both will be considered equally; reference solicitation

4. Reference: General What is the expected release date for the Final SIFM II solicitation?

Gov Response: 22 Aug 2014

5. Reference: General Would the government considering procuring SIFM 2 using the GSA FABS Schedule 520? Other DoD components are using FABS to procure similar services (e.g., Army Audit Readiness) and utilizing this GSA schedule would ensure that all SIFM 2 small business primes are companies with proven performance providing financial management services to government agencies.

Gov Response: No; decision has been made to synopsize using fedbizopps

6. Small Business Subcontracting Plans are not required from small businesses. Is the Participation Plan different from a Subcontracting Plan? Can the government please provide a copy of the template for the Small Business Participation Plan and/or describe the reporting requirement?

Gov Response: Yes, a Small Business Subcontracting Plan is different from a Small Business

Perticipation Plan. In accordance with FAR Part 19.7, only “large” business offerors are required to submit a Small Business “Subcontracting Plan” for acquisitions exceeding $650K.

However, both large and small business “offerors” are required to submit a Small Business “Participation Plan” for “best value” procurements for supplies and services exceeding $150K to ensure small business subcontracting participation. Yes, the Government will provide a Small

Business Participation Plan Template within the issuance of the SIFM II Request for Proposal.

7. Regarding Section 5.0 of the draft PWS which states "Therefore accredited SCIFs are required for all portions of this effort;" given the fact that the Government intends to utilize FAR Part 12 for initiating this combined synopsis/solicitation, will the Government allow business to be conducted under this contract in a manner that is consistent with commercial practice as follows: the Prime holds a TS facility clearance (allowed to hold SCI personnel) and a properly cleared Subcontractor would provide the physical SCIF?

Currently there is no contractor SCIF requirement as all work is to be performed at US

Government facilities, however, based on task order specific requirements; this may change in the future.

8. Will you release draft Sections L & M prior to the RFP release?

Sections L & M will be released with the solicitation.

9. Will Past Performance be a weighted value?

All criteria and their respective weight will be included with solicitation.

10. Our understanding is that if the Prime Contractor is a SDVOSB, we can assemble other SDVOSB’s on our team and as long as we collectively perform greater than 50% of the work, all remaining work can be allocated to any type business (large, small, etc). Is that correct?

Gov Response: As a result of the 2013 National Defense Authorization Act, signed in Jan 2013;

FAR 52.219-14 “Limitations on Subcontracting” clause was changed. The first change provides a small business “in case of a contract for services, may not expend on subcontractors more than 50 percent of the amount paid to the conce rn under the contract.” This is a change from

“personnel cost” to “total contract price.” This change should make it easier for small business

“prime” contractors to determine whether they are complying with the subcontracting limits.

In addition, a small business may meet its own performance obligations by subcontracting to a

“similarly situated entity.” In other words, a small business may satisfy its own performance requirements by subcontracting to another small business, and 8(a) company, to another 8(a) company, and so on. The rule expands on similar authority currently available to SDVOSBs and

HUBZone companies under C.F.R § 125.6. If a small business “prime” offeror identifies themselves as also meeting specific socio-economic categories (e.g. WOSB, SDVOSD, etc.). The offeror shall receive credit for self-performance for performance against the established socio-economic subcontracting goals. At the task order (TO) level, small business offerors should ensure compliance with its own performance obligation and meeting the small business socioeconomic subcontracting goals prior to allocating work to large business.

NOTE: The Government reserves the right to modify (increase or decrease) the above DoD established small business socioeconomic subcontracting goals at the task order (TO) level, based on the size, scope, and complexity of each individual requirement, as well as DIAs performance in meeting their overall small business and socioeconomic subcontracting goals.

11. This seems like it should be a SETA contract that requires a significant OCI plan and monitoring activities to mitigate any potential advantage the contractor would have from exposure to financials and analytics of program performance on other contracts. Can the government please clarify or identify the specific sections of the contract and impact that participation might preclude pursuing other work with the agency. (SETA contracts are good for the smaller businesses – we would like to see it go to a SETA Contract)

Gov Response: OCI plan will be included with the solicitation.

12. The presentation indicated that the work for SIFM I expires on April 18 2014. Please clarify – we believe this is the start of a final period of performance.

Gov Response: SIFM I base IDIQ expired on 14 Apr 14 and no new TO’s will be awarded.

13. Is the government able to offer any kind of extension to the incumbent and when will all work have transitioned completely off of SIFM I to another vehicle?

Gov Response: The Period of Performance is not running concurrently and SIFM II will be a new stand alone contract.

14. Starting on April 18 until SIFM II is awarded how will the government meet any additional requirements or work?

Gov Response: Urgent and Compelling requirements will be procured separately.

15. Please provide the following estimated dates for the acquisition timeline - Release of DRFP, Release of RFP, Questions Submission due date, Response to RFP due, SS review and assessment, Estimated Award date.

Gov Response: Reference solicitation

16. Will there be, or is there a transition period built into the existing contract to allow for the transition to the incumbent to the awarded contractor?

Gov Response: There will be no transition period built into the existing contract.

17. What is the timeline for a transition period and level of effort expected to meet the requirement? We recommend a 30-60-90 day transition

Gov Response: See 16

18. The small business sub-contracting plan makes sense - We recommend the government consider something like the following statement. “In Accordance with the NDAA of 2013 the TSB must meet a minimum of 51% of the contract execution. This execution should strive and be demonstrated with a small business subcontracting plan that supports appropriate distribution to meet each of the small business categories percentage goals for 8(a), WOSB, SDVOSB and HUB Zone.”

Gov Response: In accordance with FAR Part 19.7, only “large” business offerors are required to submit a Small Business “Subcontracting Plan” for acquisitions exceeding $650K. However, both large and small business “offerors” are required to submit a Small Business “Participation Plan” for “best value” procurements for supplies and services exceeding $150K to ensure small business subcontracting participation. If a small business “prime” offeror identifies themselves as also meeting specific socio-economic categories (e.g. WOSB, SDVOSD, etc.). The offeror shall receive credit for self-performance for performance against the established socio-economic subcontracting goals.

based on the size, scope, and complexity of each individual requirement, as well as DIAs performance in meeting their overall small business and socioeconomic subcontracting goals.

19. Please consider removing the requirement for a contractor provided SCIF or indicate exactly how many resources, and types of space meeting rooms, storage, processing to what level will be required to be supported. This ensures a fair approach and planning requirement to be addressed by all participants if it is really needed.

Gov Response: Currently there is no contractor SCIF requirement as all work is to be performed at

US Government facilities, however, based on task order specific requirements; this may change in the future

20. Can you please identify the incumbent contractors associated with any of the work included in this effort?

Gov Response: Booz Allen Hamilton, SBSI, KPOMG, Deloitte, Accenture, TASC, and Grant

Thornton.

21. Will the existing task order requirements be available for review as a reference to help understand size scope and complexity in the given areas?

Gov Response: Small business “prime” contractors shall comply with FAR 52.219-14

“Limitations on Subcontracting,” on all solicitations for services or supplies over $150K. As a result of the 2013 National Defense Authorization Act, signed in Jan 2013, FAR 52.219-14

“Limitations on Subcontracting” clause was changed. The first change provides a small business “in case of a contract for services, may not expend on subcontractors more than 50 percent of the amount paid to the concern under the contract.” This is a change from

“personnel cost” to “total contract price.” This change should make it easier for small business

“prime” contractors to determine whether they are complying with the subcontracting limits.

In addition, a small business may meet its own performance obligations by subcontracting to a

“similarly situated entity.” In other words, a small business may satisfy its own performance requirements by subcontracting to another small business, and 8(a) company, to another 8(a) company, and so on. The rule expands on similar authority currently available to SDVOSBs and

HUBZone companies under C.F.R § 125.6.

22. Under a small business set aside for a services contract, a small business prime agrees it will achieve at least 50% of the total cost of performance; If that small business prime contractor subcontracts to one or more other small businesses, can the small business subcontractors’ cost of performance be added to the prime’s cost of performance for purposes of measuring compliance with the 50% set aside requirement? Will this be clarified in a “limits on contracting” clause?

Gov Response: Yes, small business “prime” contractors shall comply with FAR 52.219-14

“Limitations on Subcontracting,” clause, which was revised as a result of the 2013 National

Defense Authorization Act, on all solicitations for services or supplies over $150K. Task Orders

(TOs) shall require a SB Participation Plan submission for “best value” procurements, to ensure continued small business socioeconomic subcontracting participation. If a small business “prime” offeror identifies themselves as also meeting specific socio -economic categories (e.g. WOSB, SDVOSD, etc.), the offeror shall receive credit for self-performance for performance against the established socio-economic subcontracting goals.

based on the size, scope, and complexity of each individual requirement, as well as DIAs performance in meeting their overall small business and socioeconomic subcontracting goals.

23. Considering that the solicitation may require a Volume IV Small Business Participation plan in addition to the small business set aside, is it the intention of DIA to add through percentage subcontracting goals or mandates an additional small business requirement over and above the small business prime contractor’s 50% set aside requirement? If so, will the subcontracting goals be subdivided into various small business categories?

Gov Response: The solicitation will not include a Small Business Participation Plan. See solicitation.

24. Is a TS/SCI facility clearance required for all subcontractors at time of proposal submission for the

IDIQ? Or, is it only required for the prime?

Gov Response: The Prime Contractor shall have a final Top Secret facility clearance level (FCL) listed in the Defense Security Service (DSS) Industrial Security Facilities Database prior to submitting proposals. Also, any Sub-contractors will be required to have a Top Secret facility clearance prior to starting any work on the contract. If the Sub-contractor does not already have a facility clearance, it will be the responsibility of the Prime Contractor to sponsor the Sub-contractor for the FCL through the Facility Clearance Branch (FCB) at the Defense Security Service (DSS).

The Prime Contractor will also be required to submit the Prime-Sub DD254 to the DIA Office of

Security, Industrial Security Team (SEC-1A) for review/approval prior to sub-contractor starting any work on the contract.

25. Will subcontractors be able to get the TS/SCI facility clearance after award of the IDIQ?

Gov Response: Any Sub-contractors will be required to have a Top Secret facility clearance prior to starting any work on the contract. If the Sub-contractor does not already have a facility clearance, it will be the responsibility of the Prime Contractor to sponsor the Sub-contractor for the

FCL through the Facility Clearance Branch (FCB) at the Defense Security Service (DSS). The

Prime Contractor will also be required to submit the Prime-Sub DD254 to the DIA Office of

Security, Industrial Security Team (SEC-1A) for review/approval prior to sub-contractor starting any work on the contract.

26. Is it a requirement that the prime have a SCIF in place at time of proposal submission?

Gov Response: No, currently there is no contractor SCIF requirement as all work is to be performed at US Government facilities, however, based on task order specific requirements;

this may change in the future.

27. Does the government require the contractor or the subcontract to own the SCIF?

Gov Response: No, currently there is no contractor SCIF requirement as all work is to be

28. Will the government allow the awarded contractor to sponsor a non-cleared subcontractor post award?

Gov Response: Any Sub-contractors will be required to have a Top Secret facility clearance prior to starting any work on the contract. If the Sub-contractor does not already have a facility clearance, it will be the responsibility of the Prime Contractor to sponsor the Sub-contractor for the FCL through the Facility Clearance Branch (FCB) at the Defense Security

Service (DSS). The Prime Contractor will also be required to submit the Prime -Sub DD254 to the DIA Office of Security, Industrial Security Team (SEC-1A) for review/approval prior to sub-contractor starting any work on the contract.

29. Does the government have a requirement for contractors to examine classified information pre-award? If so, can a potential prime sponsor a non-cleared subcontractor or consultant?

Gov Response: No, solicitation and proposal will be unclass ified.

30. Will detailed labor category descriptions be provided in advance of the RFP? While the generic descriptions that are provided are helpful, additional fidelity is required to enable bidders to develop accurate rates based on the same LCAT/Level requirements.

Gov Response: Provided with solicitation

31. Will the SIFM II contract and associated task orders permit awardees to submit qualified individuals to the security clearance process to obtain a TS/SCI clearance?

Gov Response: If the individual must have Top Secret clearance or TS/SCI eligibility, then a

SSBI must be submitted and the completed investigation must be adjudicated for eligibility at the appropriate level.

32. What COTS applications are expected to be analyzed? How many are to be analyzed by time period.

Gov Response: Reference SOO and solicitation.

33. Given that DIA requires that the SIFM II Primes to be able to deliver TS/SCI staff from day 1 of the contract on each Task Order, and perform at least 50% of the work, we recommend that DIA require

Bidders to demonstrate their proven ongoing ability to staff at the SCI level. Performing on a major

IC IDIQ requirement as a prime isn't something to do OJT on. Recommend that DIA request that bidders provide at least one prime Past Performance in a TS/SCI environment for an IC activity. The

Industry Day briefing indicated that bidders would need to hold TS/SCI Facility Clearances and this would be verified in JPAS. We don't think there is such a thing as a TS/SCI Facility clearance. Is

DIA referring to the SOO requirement that each bidder currently have access to a SCIF with JWICS and NSTS service?

Gov Response: Small business “prime” contractors shall comply with FAR 52.219-14

“Limitations on Subcontracting,” on all solicitations for services or supplies over $150K. As a result of the 2013 National Defense Authorization Act, signed in Jan 2013, FAR 52.219-14

“Limitations on Subcontracting” clause was changed. The first change provides a small business “in case of a contract for services, may not expend on subcontractors more than 50 percent of the amount paid to the concern under the contract.” This is a change from

“personnel cost” to “total contract price.” This change should make it easier for small business

“prime” contractors to determine whether they are complying with the subcontracting limits.

In addition, a small business may meet its own performance obligations by subcontracting to a

“similarly situated entity.” In other words, a small business may satisfy its own performance requirements by subcontracting to another small business, and 8(a) company, to another 8(a) company, and so on. The rule expands on similar authority currently available to SDVOSBs and HUBZone companies under C.F.R § 125.6. By submitting an offer or bid and execution

(signing) of the contract, the Limitations on Subcontracting becomes binding and the contract

“awardee” must comply.

34. The Pre-Solicitation Notice states that the Government intends to “compete a multiple award vehicle that will allow contractors to propose on all or any combination of the services areas in Section 3 of the Draft Statement of Objectives.” Is it the Government’s intent to award Prime contracts for each of the 10 “Operational and Mission Focus” areas defined in Section 3.0?

Gov Response: There is no actual work or funding applied at the IDIQ level. However, the initial Small Business Participation Plan should address how the offeror will incorporate both their large and small businesses subcontracting partners into the overall IDIQ contract vehicle.

The Government will provide a template within the Request for Proposal. Again, small business

“prime” contractors must comply with FAR 52.219-14 “Limitations on Subcontracting,” on all solicitations for services or supplies over $150K. As a result of the 2013 National Defense

Authorization Act, signed in Jan 2013, FAR 52.219-14 “Limitations on Subcontracting” clause was changed. The first change provides a small business “in case of a contract for services, may not expend on subcontractors more than 50 percent of the amount paid to the concern under the contract.” This is a change from “personnel cost” to “total contract price.” This change should make it easier for small business “prime” contractors to determine whether they are complying with the subcontracting limits.

In addition, a small business may meet its own performance obligations by subcontracting to a

“similarly situated entity.” In other words, a small business may satisfy its own performance requirements by subcontracting to another small business, and 8(a) company, to another 8(a) company, and so on. The rule expands on similar authority currently available to SDVOSBs and HUBZone companies under C.F.R § 125.6. By submitting an offer or bid and execution

(signing) of the contract, the Limitations on Subcontracting becomes binding and the contract

“awardee” must comply.

35. To satisfy FAR 52.219-14 (Limitations on Subcontracting), will the small business Prime be required to perform 51% of all work, or can the 51% requirement be satisfied by a combination of the small business Prime plus small business subcontractors?

Gov Response: See solicitation

36. Will the 51% small business requirement be enforced at the task level or at the total IDIQ level?

Gov Response: Small business requirement will be enforced at the task level as well as the IDIQ level.

37. Will the SIFM II RFP include an initial task order or a sample task for evaluation purposes?

Gov Response: No

38. If so, will it be priced? And will the pricing be evaluated on the basis of best value or LPTA?

Gov Response: No

39. Is there an anticipated total number of FTEs for SIFM II?

Gov Response: Yes, after award of the “Base” IDIQ contract; the subsequent task orders (TOs) shall require a Small Business Participation Plan submission for “best value” procurements, to ensure continued small business subcontracting participation. NOTE: The Government reserves the right to modify (increase or decrease) the above DoD established small business socioeconomic subcontracting goals at the task order (TO) level, based on the size, scope, and complexity of each individual requirement, as well as DIAs performance in meeting their overall small business and socioeconomic subcontracting goals.

40. Does the Government anticipate a Best Value award? If so, how is “Best Value” defined?

Gov Response: FAR 2.101

41. After award, how will the Government measure participation/performance of Small Business (e.g., will there be specific target percentages for each SB Socio-Economic type, etc.)?

Gov Response: Yes; at TO level

42. Given that the SIFM I contract expires on 14 April 2014, how does the Government intend to manage/continue the SIFM I task orders with Periods of Performance extending for 1-2 years

(overlapping with SIFM II)?

Gov Response: They are separate contracts.

43. Will Past Performance be a requirement in the SIFM II RFP? If so, how many references will be required? How many of those must be provided by the Prime and how many by the subcontractor

(s)?

Gov Response: Yes; reference solicitation

44. Will the SIFM II RFP include a Pricing Schedule similar to the SIFM I Pricing Schedule?

Gov Response: Reference Schedule B of the solicitation

45. What specific best value methodology (ies) will be used to evaluate the SIFM II IDIQ pricing?

46. As many of DIA’s objectives would benefit from multi-disciplinary approaches, will the government clarify its acquisition strategy regarding whether each focus area will be serviced via separate task orders or if task orders may include services across focus areas?

Gov Response: TO’s will include services across service areas

47. Given the size, scope, complexity and first time nature of the DIA audit, we understand that the demand for audit remediation could be significant. We did not see this called out specifically in the draft SOO. Can you please clarify if Audit Remediation will be included and, if so, under what particular focus area?

Gov Response: Reference updated SOO

48. At Industry day, the KO mentioned that awards may be made by individual task area. Can you please clarify how many awards and on what basis awards will be made?

Gov Response: Awards will not be made by individual task.

49. Will the government clarify whether each prime is required to have an accredited SCIF or is a TS/SCI facility clearance sufficient?

Gov Response: Currently there is no contractor SCIF requirement as all work is to be this may change in the future.

50. At the industry day, it was discussed that all offerors must have a facilities security clearance at time of proposal submission. In a one-on-one discussion with Neil Pryor at the culmination of the event, he clarified that only the prime offer or needed to have a facilities security clearance at time of proposal submission. Subcontractor offerors were not required to have facilities security clearance at time of proposal submission. Can you please confirm to ensure I understand the requirement?

Gov Response: Any Sub-contractors will be required to have a Top Secret Facility Clearance Level (FCL) prior to starting any work on the contract. If the Sub-contractor does not already have a facility clearance, it will be the responsibility of the Prime Contractor to sponsor the

Sub-contractor for the FCL through the Facility Clearance Branch (FCB) at the Defense

Security Service (DSS). The Prime Contractor will also be required to submit the Prime -Sub

DD254 to the DIA Office of Security, Industrial Security Team (SEC-1A) for review/approval prior to sub-contractor starting any work on the contract.

51. Does the proposal need to address all 10 focus areas contained in the Statement of Objectives? If not, what will be the minimum number of focus areas required to be proposed in order to be responsive to the requirements of the solicitation for placement on the BPA?

Gov Response: No, the Government is not analyzing the subcontracting goal requirements. The small business subcontracting goal of 36.7% and small business socioeconomic subcontracting goals (SDB/WOSB 5% each and HUBZone/SDVOSB 3% each) are still applicable to the overall

SIFM II SB set-aside. Small business “prime” offerors receive “credit” for self-performance in the percentage of participation. In other words, SB “primes” should also include themselves in the SB subcontracting percentages submitted within their SB Participation Plans. For the successful offerors, their Small Business Participation Plan becomes part of their offer and shall be filed in the contract file.

based on the size, scope, and complexity of each individual requirement, as well as DIAs performance in meeting their overall small business and socioeconomic subcontracting goals.

52. Do all the subcontractors need to have the TS facility clearance at time of BPA award or only at time of bidding on the individual task orders?

Gov Response: Yes, If a small business “prime” also identifies themselves as meeting specific socio-economic categories (e.g. WOSB, SDVOSD, etc.). The offeror shall receive credit for self-performance for performance against the Small Business 36.7% goal and any established socio-economic goals which they align to at the subcontracting level.

53. Is the 36 percent a firm percentage or is this still being analyzed by the Government since the acquisition is already a SB set-aside which will require the prime to do 51 percent?

54. If the prime is a SB which checks some of the Social Economic Goals (e.g...WOSB, SDVOSB) will the primes participation count towards filling the 36 percent SB goals in the Social Economic areas that they satisfy?

Gov Response: Yes, IAW DOD standards

55. It was stated in the Industry Day that further details and clarification is forthcoming from the Government Security POC. Will this information be provided to industry prior to the release of the final RFP?

Gov Response: The security requirements section of the SOW has been provided to the Security

Office and is currently being re -drafted.

Security

1. Could the Government please clarify the security statement “All contractors shall be required to have a Top Secret SCI Facility Clearance prior to submitting proposals”.

Gov Response: The Prime Contractor shall have a final Top Secret Facility Clearance Level

(FCL) listed in the Defense Security Service (DSS) Industrial Security Facilities Database prior to submitting proposals. Any Sub-contractors will be required to have a final Top

Secret FCL prior to starting any work on the contract. If the Sub-contractor does not already have a facility clearance, it will be the responsibility of the Prime Contractor to sponsor the Sub-contractor for the FCL through the Facility Clearance Branch (FCB) at the Defense Security Service (DSS). The Prime Contractor will also be required to submit the Prime-Sub DD254 to the DIA Office of Security, Industrial Security Team (SEC-1A) for review/approval prior to sub-contractor starting any work on the contract.

a. We are not familiar with the term Top Secret SCI facility clearance, is the requirement that the prime contractor have a Top Secret Facility clearance?

(ISFD) prior to submitting proposals.

b. Does the addition of the SCI facility clearance language imply that the prime contractor must have an approved SCIF facility or can any of the companies within the team have that SCIF facility?

2. Reference: SOW 6.0 Security According to SOW 6.0, no contractor will be granted access until after passing the polygraph, which has significant staffing implications. The CI Requirement is an additional requirement, at what stage must contractors take and pass the CI Polygraph (i.e., before badging and access, within a certain period of time of assignment, etc.)? Will this requirement vary for each task order, or be consistent across the IDIQ contract?

Gov Response: This requirement will be standard regardless of Task Order. The specifics on the Counterintelligence-scope polygraph are below:

Contractor personnel nominated to the Personnel Security Division (SEC-3) who are currently cleared at the Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) level, can transition to DIA contracts provided their counterintelligence-scope polygraph (CSP) and investigation dates are in-scope.

All other contractor personnel determined to be eligible for TS/SCI are subject to the following:

The mandatory security screening process and CSP examination must be scheduled within five business days and successfully completed within 90 calendar days from the date of transition of the contractor employee to a DIA contract.

Special Security Officer/Special Security Contact Officer/Contracting Officer Representative (SSO/SSCO/COR) and the Contractors Facility Security Officer (FSO) are responsible for maintaining an updated list of contract personnel who are transitioned from a non-DIA contract to DIA contract under this procedure.

For contractor personnel in the field, polygraphs will be completed consistent with the

DIA Credibility Assessment Program Division, SEC-5, and visitation schedule. Please coordinate early and often.

Contractor personnel shall make themselves available for CSP testing through their SSO/SSCO/COR who will provide the contractor personnel with the date, time, and place of their examination.

Failure to successfully complete the process and CSP within the 90 calendar days, due to circumstances within control of the Contractor/Contractor personnel, will result in their SCI access being suspended.

3. Are you required to have a SCIF?

4. We would greatly appreciate clarification of the security requirements for the SIFM II procurement. Knowing the extent of the requirements will facilitate teaming arrangements.

Specifically, 1) Are you requiring all of the prime contractors to have their own Top Secret Facility Clearance (vice relying on team mates) prior to submitting proposals? 2) Are you requiring all of the prime contractors to have their own SCIFs (vice relying on team mates) prior to submitting proposals? 3) Are you requiring all of the prime contractors to have JWICS and NSTS connectivity in their own spaces (vice relying on team mates) prior to submitting proposals?

Would the Government consider limiting the procurement to simply requiring prime contractors to have their own Top Secret Facility Clearance prior to award and then after award, possibly sponsoring awardees to obtain a SCIF and connectivity?

Gov Response: Currently all work performed on this contract will be at US Government facilities. The Prime Contractor(s) shall have a final Top Secret Facility Clearance Level

(ISFD) prior to submitting proposals.

5. Will there be a safeguarding requirement on the DD-254 that must be complied with? If there is a safeguarding requirement on the DD-254, must this be flowed down to subcontractors?

Gov Response: Currently there is no safeguarding requirement as all work is to be

6. Will subcontractors be able to get the TS/SCI facility clearance after award of the IDIQ?

Gov Response: Any Sub-contractors will be required to have a final Top Secret Facility

Clearance Level (FCL) prior to starting any work on the contract. If the Sub-contractor does not already have a facility clearance, it will be the responsibility of the Prime Contractor to sponsor the

Sub-contractor for the FCL through the Facility Clearance Branch (FCB) at the Defense Security

Service (DSS). The Prime Contractor will also be required to submit the Prime -Sub DD254 to the

DIA Office of Security, Industrial Security Team (SEC-1A) for review/approval prior to sub-contractor starting any work on the contract.

7. The government states, “The contractor must provide to DIA employees who are eligible for

“OR” have a TS clearance and are SCI eligible.” Please clarify what is meant by “eligible for TS clearance.”

Gov Response: The contractor employee must have Top Secret eligibility/clearance that can be adjudicated for SCI eligibility or already TS/SCI (DCID 6/4) eligible.

8. Would the government be willing to waive the “no break” requirement for SCI eligibility?

Gov Response: If a break in service is greater than 24 months, a reinvestigation must be done and adjudicated for TS/SCI eligibility

9. Will there be a procedure for on-boarding new contractors who do not currently have a TS clearance or are SCI eligible?

Gov Response: If the individual must have Top Secret clearance or TS/SCI eligibility, then a SSBI must be submitted and the completed investigation must be adjudicated for eligibility at the appropriate level.

10. Some offices at DIA are requiring a CI Poly be taken and passed prior to starting on-contract while other offices state that personnel must take and pass a CI Poly within 60 days of starting on-contract. Is there a standard that we should anticipate for SIFM II?

Gov Response: Contractor personnel nominated to the Personnel Security Division (SEC-3) who are currently cleared at the Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) level, can transition to DIA contracts provided their counterintelligence-scope polygraph

(CSP) and investigation dates are in-scope.

All other contractor personnel determined to be eligible for TS/SCI are subject to the following:

The mandatory security screening process and CSP examination must be scheduled within five business days and successfully completed within 90 calendar days from the date of transition of the contractor employee to a DIA contract.

Special Security Officer/Special Security Contact Officer/Contracting Officer

Representative (SSO/SSCO/COR) and the Contractors Facility Security Officer (FSO) are responsible for maintaining an updated list of contract personnel who are transitioned from a non-DIA contract to DIA contract under this procedure.

For contractor personnel in the field, polygraphs will be completed consistent with the DIA Credibility Assessment Program Division, SEC-5, and visitation schedule. Please coordinate early and often.

Contractor personnel shall make themselves available for CSP testing through their

SSO/SSCO/COR who will provide the contractor personnel with the date, time, and place of their examination.

Failure to successfully complete the process and CSP within the 90 calendar days, due to circumstances within control of the Contractor/Contractor personnel, will result in their SCI access being suspended.

11. If a contractor has an established SCIF, but it is not accredited by DIA, will the Government be open to accrediting this SCIF space?

performed at US Government facilities, however, based on task order specific requirements; this may change in the future.

12. Section 6.0 requires that the Contractor have a SCIF. Question: Does the prime have to have the SCIF or can a teaming partner having a SCIF meet the requirement?

Gov Response: Currently there is no contractor SCIF requirement as all work is to be performed at US Government facilities, however, based on task order specific requirements; this may change in the future.

13. At the Solutions for Intelligence Financial Management (SIFM II) Industry day held April 1, 2014 a statement was made that the prime had to have a TS/SCI facility clearance. One of the vendors questioned this statement stating that a facility clearance is only at the TS level and SCI at the individual level. Can you please clarify the facility clearance requirement?

Gov Response: The Prime Contractor shall have a final Top Secret Facility Clearance

Level (FCL) listed in the Defense Security Service (DSS) Industrial Security Facilities

Database prior to submitting proposals. Any Sub-contractors will be required to have a final Top Secret FCL prior to starting any work on the contract. If the Sub-contractor does not already have a facility clearance, it will be the responsibility of the Prime Contractor to sponsor the Sub-contractor for the FCL through the Facility Clearance Branch (FCB) at the Defense Security Service (DSS). The Prime Contractor will also be required to submit the Prime-Sub DD254 to the DIA Office of Security, Industrial Security Team (SEC-1A) for review/approval prior to sub-contractor starting any work on the contract.

14. Can the SCIF requirement be satisfied by one of the subcontractors having a certified SCIF?

Additionally, does the SCIF need to have JWICS connectivity at time of award of the BPA?

Gov Response: Currently there is no contractor SCIF requirement as all work is to be performed at US Government facilities, however, based on task order specific requirements; this may change in the future.

15. Regarding the upcoming SIFM II requirement, as you finalize the security requirements, we are wondering if as you have done with E-SITE and other recent solicitations, will you allow a subcontractor to provide the necessary classified storage/SCIF space on behalf of the team?

Gov Response: Currently there is no contractor SCIF requirement as all work is to be performed at US Government facilities, however, based on task order specific requirements; this may change in the future.

16. We would like clarification on the security requirements as discussed in the Industry Day and the SOO wording.

Gov Response: The security requirements section of the SOW has been provided to the

Security Office and is currently being re -drafted.

17. Is the requirement for a SCIF firm, since 95 percent of all work will be accomplished at DIA locations - per the industry day, or is the requirement just to be cleared at the TSC/SCI level which will allow a company to provided personnel who are cleared at the appropriate security levels?

prior to submitting proposals. Any Sub-contractors will be required to have a final Top

Secret FCL prior to starting any work on the contract. If the Sub-contractor does not already have a facility clearance, it will be the responsibility of the Prime Contractor to sponsor the Sub-contractor for the FCL through the Facility Clearance Branch (FCB) at the Defense Security Service (DSS). The Prime Contractor will also be required to submit the Prime-Sub DD254 to the DIA Office of Security, Industrial Security Team (SEC-1A) for review/approval prior to sub-contractor starting any work on the contract. Also, Currently there is no contractor SCIF requirement as all work is to be performed at US Government facilities, however, based on task order specific requirements; this may change in the future.

18. Can the Government clarify the requirement to have a Top Secret Facilities Clearance (FCL) and an accredited SCIF for this effort? If the prime contractor has a DSS approved Top Secret FCL, but not an accredited SCIF, can that requirement be satisfied by utilization of a subcontractors (team mates) accredited SCIF? ALL FCL’s can be verified via the Cage Code.

prior to submitting proposals. Any Sub-contractors will be required to have a final Top Secret FCL prior to starting any work on the contract. If the Sub-contractor does not already have a facility clearance, it will be the responsibility of the Prime Contractor to sponsor the Sub-contractor for the FCL through the Facility Clearance Branch (FCB) at the Defense Security Service (DSS). The Prime Contractor will also be required to submit the Prime-Sub DD254 to the DIA Office of Security, Industrial Security Team (SEC-1B) for review/approval prior to sub-contractor starting any work on the contract. Also, currently there is no contractor SCIF requirement as all work is to be performed at US Government facilities, however, based on task order specific requirements; this may change in the future.

19. It is stated that the SB Prime must have a TS-SCI facility clearance. It is our understanding that the intended requirement is for a TS Facility Clearance, is this correct?

prior to submitting proposals.

20. Regarding Section 5.0 of the draft PWS which states "Therefore accredited SCIFs are required for all portions of this effort;" given the fact that the Government intends to utilize FAR Part 12 for initiating this combined synopsis/solicitation, will the Government allow business to be conducted under this contract in a manner that is consistent with commercial practice as follows:

the Prime holds a TS facility clearance (allowed to hold SCI personnel) and a properly cleared Subcontractor would provide the physical SCIF?

21. The government states, “The contractor must provide to DIA employees who are eligible for

“OR” have a TS clearance and are SCI eligible.” Please clarify what is meant by “eligible for TS clearance.”

Gov Response: The contractor employee must have Top Secret eligibility/clearance that can be adjudicated for SCI eligibility or already TS/SCI (DCID 6/4) eligible.

Industry

1. In the industry day power point presentation, slide #9 it states: “Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) Analysis: Prime and Sub contractors currently on the IG Auditing Contract cannot compete on SIFM II.” Will the government provide additional information with regards to the “IG Auditing Contract” referenced in the slides? Specifically, with whom is this contract and with what Agency?

This will help clarify the specific contract in which an OCI would pertain, as several contractors and subcontractors may support the DIA, DOD, or other IG in an auditing capacity.

Gov Response: Reference solicitation.

2. Can the government please provide an early release of the DRFP or at a minimum Sections L and M?

All supporting documentation will be released with the solicitation.

3. Are all small business statuses required for a SB team?

4. Will you accept non-exclusivity for team members?

5. How and at what point in the life of the IDIQ contract will DIA measure compliance with small business set aside and small business subcontracting requirements?

Gov Response: The Government will measure compliance based on awarded task orders.

6. The operational and mission focus areas listed do not align with the mission focus topics listed on pages 8 through 10. Will the Government provide expanded narrative for each of the areas listed on pages 2 through 4, or expand the glossary to include those areas not currently listed?

Gov Response: The Operational and Mission Focus areas are the functional requirements that will be included in RFPs issued under the SIFM 2 contract. It is assumed the Offeror’s understands the types of work the Offeror will be expected to perform. The RFP’s issued under SIFM 2 will provide additional detail on the types of support needed. The Labor Categories and Mission Focus Topics include the types of support the government will need and the types of tasks the Offero r will have to provide to support the Operational and Mission Focus Areas

7. Will there be Key Personnel requirements beyond the Program Manager position?

Gov Response: The government RFP will identify the Key Personnel needed for each

Task Order; there may be instances where additional positions beyond the PM are identified within the SOW.

8. Will the Government explain how Financial Management and audit related Government experience will be evaluated as it increases a proposed individual’s eligibility?

Gov Response: Where the RFP requires individuals with audit related experience

(Financial Statement Auditor or other types of performance, program or compliance audits) and to the extent the Offeror proposes staff with the requisite skills, the government will evaluate favorably in their evaluation of the Offeror’s technical and management proposal submitted to the government.

9. For junior, mid, and senior labor categories, please confirm that Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees are considered equivalent (i.e., education cannot be substituted for experience).

Gov Response: The labor categories included the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to perform the work. The Offeror needs to review the education and types/duration of work experience needed to qualify for the junior, mid-level, senior and credentialed level positions.

10. Relevant industry certifications are important to evaluating the qualification of personnel to perform technical requirements related to program management, financial management, accounting/auditing, and system controls. Will DIA require specific certifications appropriate to the specified level of expertise and the tasks, including CPA, CCE/A, CDFM, CISA, CISSP, and

PMP? If so, how will the Government consider specialized training or license/certifications in their evaluation of personnel?

Gov Response: The labor categories do not state specific certifications or credentials needed to support the focus areas stated in the RFP; however, to the extent the

Offeror is able to provide individuals with certifications and credentials will be favorably evaluated by the government evaluation team. As with formal education and work experience, any certifications or other credentials would be a plus.

11. What interfaces are used and would be required for the contractor to use and support?

Gov Response: The RFP will identify the desired knowledge, skills and abilities required for each Task Order; and if knowledge of a specific interface (assume system interface) is desired, the information will be included in the RFP

12. What is the front end input tools used in this effort?

Gov Response: The RFP will identify the tools required for each Task Order (e.g.

some of our tools include: FACTS/CMS/iRMIS/Internal SharePoint Sites).

13. What type databases would be designed and managed? Are they stand-alone or cloud based?

What is the OS of the servers hosting the Databases? What networks are the Databases on? How many databases are there by type?

Gov Response: When the government RFP includes a requirement for services that include system work, the specific DIA or government service provider system will be identified; including database names and servers hosting the databases.

14. What applications are expected to be supported/integrated?

Gov Response: The objective of the SIFM 2 vehicle is to obtain dedicated contract support to establish internal controls and demonstrate and sustain audit readiness.

The RFPs issued will identify the applications and related requirements specific to each Task Order requirement.

15. At the Industry Day, the CO said that they had gotten 40+ RFI responses and deemed 10-15 to be viable. Since no feedback has been given to the 40+ firms that responded, and the industry day attracted 200-300 folks, it seems reasonable that the DIA might get 60+ bids. Have you considered providing viability feedback to the original responders or otherwise conducting a two tiered evaluation?

Gov Response: Not Applicable

16. At the Industry Day, the government seemed to indicate that in addition to requirement that small business Primes be responsible for performing 51% of the work, the Primes must also submit a small business participation plan that allocates at least an additional 36% of the work to small businesses. This would limit our flexibility to use large companies to less than 13% work share on SIFM II. Given that all future SIFM II Primes will be small businesses, some like ourselves with multiple socioeconomic qua lifiers, we recommend that the 51% requirement for the SB Prime be augmented as appropriate with additional socioeconomic goals to ensure that each individual goal is met by other socioeconomic small businesses as required, rather than mandating a minimum SB goal of 87%.

Gov Response: Not Applicable for this requirement.

17. Will the SIFM II IDIQ be made available for use by other DoD or other Federal Agencies?

Gov Response: No, this IDIQ is for DIA ONLY.

18. The Industry Day slides list…