Follow-On Base RFI Final Q&As_1292020.pdf

UNCLASSIFIED

EMERALD FOLLOW-ON QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

1. Question: Are bidding contractors expected to own or lease SCIF space in vicinity of the designated work locations, or will the government provision enough workspace for all ENDEAVOR support positions?

Government Response: Currently EMERALD Primes, must have access to a SCIF, either through their own ownership, lease or through a Sub-Contractor Relationship. However, most work is currently accomplish in government provided space.

2. Question: Is the new Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) going to apply to the

Emerald Follow-on? If so, what CMMC Level?

Government Response: Individual certifications will be specific to the order and not to the base contract. There is a possibility that several possible IT based certifications would be needed in order to provide expert advisory support to the government.

3. Question: The government stated they have plans to award a new Multiple Award IDIQ contract and new task orders. Can you confirm whether the government considers this to be Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) contractors?

Government Response: Yes, The requirements of this action are a follow-on contract which provides SETA support. However, unless specifically tied to a Program Office overseeing development contract, most system engineers are procured under a separate NGA contract.

4. Question: Can the government clarify the requirement for OCONUS support? Does this mean providing personal for TDY assignments OCONUS or onsite/base FTEs in OCONUS installations/locations?

Government Response: Currently there are no positions on this activity that are permanently assigned to an OCONUS location. However, there is always a possibility in the future. OCONUS TDY's are expected for a small number of positions.

5. Question: When does the government anticipate releasing the ENDEAVOR RFP?

Government Response: The Program office anticipates the RFP to be released with adequate time to award prior to the end of the current EMERALD period of performance.

6. Question: Will NGA consider establishing a program to expedite the FCL for new IC businesses wishing to participate in the ENDEAVOR solicitation?

Government Response: NGA currently has programs within the Small Business Office to help

Small Businesses through the FCL process, however there is not an expedited method at this time.

7. Question: Is NGA planning an ENDEAVOR Industry Day?

Government Response: NGA will examine all methods of open communication with Industry through the development phases of this Acquisition. The Government will ensure that all communication for this effort will be transparent to ensure that Industry is positioned to respond accordingly.

8. Question: Throughout the RFI, this effort is referred to as both EMERALD Follow-On and ENDEAVOR. Will ENDEAVOR be the official name of this effort?

Government Response: The final name has not been determined at this time.

9. Question: Does the government anticipate the acceptance of Joint Venture Primes?

Government Response: Joint Venture Primes are allowable under this program at this time.

Please review the rules governing Joint Ventures.

10. Questions: How many companies will be awarded the EMERALD Follow-On IDIQ?

Government Response: The number of awards cannot be determined at this time.

11. Question: Can a list of key personnel positions and the associated requirements be provided?

Government Response: Key Personnel will be identified at the individual order. At a minimum, the Program Manager and the Facility Security Officer will be Key Personnel. Any recommendations on Key Personnel should be part of your RFI response.

12. Question: Does the government anticipate the effort having integrated task orders to be awarded upon IDIQ award, similar to the EMERALD effort?

Government Response: The Government has not made any decisions on the structure of the EMERALD Follow-On.

13. Question: Page 1, Section B: When does the EMERALD Follow-On program office plan to award new

Multiple Award IDIQ contract prior to the expiration of the current contract?

Government Response: See the answer to Question #5. The Government intends to award a follow-on contract prior to the end of the current EMERALD contract to ensure a smooth transition of all activities.

14. Question: Page 3, Section C.3: Will clearances not accessible or housed on JPAS be accepted?

Government Response: Specific personal security requirements will be identified in the RFP, however, NGA requires that security clearance information be accessible via the JPAS system.

14. Question: Page 3, Section C.3: What other accesses may be required to perform work?

Government Response: There is a possibility of access to special access programs (SAP) in the performance of some requirements to be determined at the task order level. This could possibly include additional background investigations or full-scope polygraphs; however, these requirements are unique in nature and does not cover the entire set of requirements.

15. Question: Page 3, Section C.4: Can a list of programs that conflict with EMERALD/ENDEAVOR task orders be provided in advance?

Government Response: This follow-on activity that supports Program Offices, Acquisition Offices and Financial Offices of NGA. A strict OCI avoidance plan will be put into place between “developmental” companies and the potential vendor(s) awarded this contract.

Additional OCI programs might be needed, however additional engagement with industry maybe be necessary to gain insight via a separate RFI.

16. Question: Page 4, Section C.5: Is there a plan to extend contracted services if there is a delay associated with the ENDEAVOR follow-on?

Government Response: NGA does not forecast that there will be a break of services between the current program and the follow-on.

17. Question: Page 7, Section E, Question 9: The RFI states the anticipated NAICS Code to be used as 541611 – All Other Professional, Scientific and Technical Services; however, NAICS Code 541611 is defined as Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services. Does NGA anticipate the effort to come out as “541611 – Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services” or as “541990 - All Other Professional, Scientific and Technical Services”?

Government Response: The correct code will be 541611 – Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services. We apologize for using the correct title.