Clover DraftRFP_Q-A_Rd2release_23FEB_LRapproved.xlsx

XLSX spreadsheet 40 KB Posted Feb 23, 2021

Attached to: EMERALD Follow-on: "CLOVER" update (FCL update)
Solicitation number: HM0476-20-R-0030-CNTD
Issued by: Department of Defense National Geospatial Intelligence Agency

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Clover DraftRFP_Q-A_Rd3release_24MAR.xlsx	XLSX spreadsheet	Mar 25, 2021
J.18 Self Scoring Sheet_23Feb DRAFT.xlsx	XLSX spreadsheet	Feb 23, 2021
Clover DraftRFP_Q-A_Rd1release_16FEB_LRr1approvedv1.xlsx	XLSX spreadsheet	Feb 17, 2021
Clover DraftRFP_Q-A_Rd1release_16FEB_LRr1approved.xlsx	XLSX spreadsheet	Feb 16, 2021
Attendee List.xlsx	XLSX spreadsheet	Jan 22, 2021
1. NGA Clover Program - Unclassified Virtual Industry Day-20210119 1400-1.mp4	MP4 file	Jan 22, 2021
Clover Program - Industry Day FINAL (Presented During Industry Day).pdf	PDF	Jan 22, 2021
J.X Self Scoring Sheet.xlsx	XLSX spreadsheet	Jan 14, 2021
J.9Travel Not-To-Exceed (NTE) Instructions.docx	DOCX document	Jan 12, 2021
J.14 Monthly Activity Report Template.docx	DOCX document	Jan 12, 2021
J.1 Base SOW.docx	DOCX document	Jan 12, 2021
J.3 Labor Rate Matrix - IDIQ.xlsx	XLSX spreadsheet	Jan 12, 2021
J.16 Labor Rate Matrix - Task Order.xlsx	XLSX spreadsheet	Jan 12, 2021
J.17 Position Matrix.xlsx	XLSX spreadsheet	Jan 12, 2021
J.5a Resume Template.docx	DOCX document	Jan 12, 2021
Clover RFP_HM047621RXXXX_DRAFTv5_12JAN2021.docx	DOCX document	Jan 12, 2021
J.7 NDA.docx	DOCX document	Jan 12, 2021
J.4 Skill Definition.docx	DOCX document	Jan 12, 2021
J.2 Award Plan.docx	DOCX document	Jan 12, 2021
J.5b Resume Instructions.docx	DOCX document	Jan 12, 2021
J.10 Travel Template.xlsx	XLSX spreadsheet	Jan 12, 2021
J.15 Weekly Activity Report Template.docx	DOCX document	Jan 12, 2021
J.11 Monthly Staffing Report (MSR) Template.xlsx	XLSX spreadsheet	Jan 12, 2021
J.6 OCI Disclosure and Analysis Form.doc	DOC document	Jan 12, 2021

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Q&As Rd 2 CLOVER (Emerald Follow-On) Q&A responses, Rd 2 release - 23 FEB 2021 Batch 2 of questions received since release of Draft RFP through 2 FEB 2021

Q. #	Category	Questions	Q. #	Answer
2	OCI	Do you foresee OCI issues for DIA SITE III Prime contractors?	2	No. NGA is not involved in DIA SITE III and no conflicts were identified from SITE II.
9	FCL	Will subcontractors be required to possess a FCL?	9	See announcement regarding Prime and JV FCL sponsorship, and a final FCL requirement in order to award, published to GPE and ARC on 5 FEB. See also <https://www.state.gov/facility-security-clearances-faq/#Subcontracts>.
10	Evaluation	When you say that the prime has to demonstrate their ability to meet the entire scope, does that mean the prime specifically, or does that include subcontractors?	10	An Offeror must show, through the submission of past performance and technical experience examples, that they are capable of meeting the entire scope of the IDIQ. An Offeror is defined as: a Prime and Subcontractor team where a small business will perform greater than 50% of the work; a standalone small business with experience staffing similar Work Service Categories for similar size and complexity contracts; several Similarly Situated Entities capable of collectively performing greater than 50% of the work, and a subcontractor; a unpopulated Joint Venture partnership, wherein a small business is the managing partner. Past performance may come from any entity helping to comprise the total Offeror, as long as 3 or more submitted examples are sourced by the Prime, or managing partner.
11	JV	The SBA updated 13 CFR parts 121, 124, 125, 126, 127, and 134. Within § 121.103(h) if specifically clarifies that an SBA approved unpopulated Joint Venture (JV) does NOT need an FCL if both the Mentor and Protégé already possess the required FCL. Will [question incomplete]	11	The Government has released a process in which unpopulated JVs or Small Business needing an FCL can be sponsored by NGA. A FCL is required at time of award for this contract.
14	OCI	Strict avoidance OCI regarding potential conflicts with development efforts -- if applied to the subcontractor level, NGA will NOT be able to access key talent (accounting firm expertise for audit efforts) as some of the accounting firms also do dev work.	14	The Emerald contract was awarded OCI-Free, and is the predecessor to Clover. OCI clauses were looked at closely for inclusion in Clover to keep competition and staffing fair to industry. See definition of development efforts in RFP. (include citation to definition in RFP?)
21	JV	The SBA has ruled that SBA [Joint Ventures] do not have to have a facility clearance if both mentor and protégé have facility clearances and CFR § 121.103 has been updated reflecting this change. Will NGA adhere to this SBA regulation on JVs?	21	NGA will continue to follow current DoD policy, which requires that in order to award a contract to an unpopulated JV, the unpopulated JV must have its own FCL.
27	Price	How is "Project Value" defined? For a single-award IDIQ, [is it] the ceiling? The value of all option years on the Tos (even those not awarded)? For a task order, is it the value of all option years (incl. those not yet awarded)?	27	Project Value is the total contract value across all negotiated period at award. This also captures increases and decreases in scope since original contract award, with corresponding increases or decreases in total value ("inclusive of all options").
28	JV	Is there any restriction in using a large business as a subcontract partner?	28	No. Industry may partner as appropriate, as long as a subcontractor performs less than 50% of effort. Note: The Government is evaluating whether the small business performance requirement will be set to higher than this minimum standard, requiring that the small business lead perform 60% of total solicited effort. See Attachment J-18 Draft Self Scoring Sheet update.
29	Intent	Can a single-award IDIQ count as a single "project"?	29	Yes. See response to Question 72.
30	Scope	Would be interested to know what the approximate actual staff level (number of FTEs) on EMERALD has recently been with respect [to] the number of allocated FTEs.	30	See the historical data attachment provided in the Bidder's Library on the ARC (released prior to the Draft RFP and attachments). The FTE total is comparable between Emerald and the planned Clover effort. The number of Task Orders will change how these FTEs are distributed therein.
32	JV	Is there any restriction in using a large business as a subcontract partner?	32	See response to Question 28.
36	Section L	Are we required to submit a past performance (L.11.3.1) for every project identified in L.11.2.2 (Relevant experience projects)?	36	See response to Question 72.
38	Industry Day	To facilitate discussion across small businesses and other companies interested in Clover, will the government post to the ARC - or by request - a list of registrants for the Clover virtual Industry Day?	38	Yes. Compilation of this list was initiated by announcement on Industry Day. It has since been published, with uninterested parties removed by request. See "Attendee List" attachment on GPE and ARC.
41	Industry Day	Will NGA provide a list of all current Emerald task orders with corresponding scope summaries, award values and incumbent awardee names at the industry day?	41	See historical data attachment provided in the Bidder's Library on the ARC, released prior to Industry Day.
42	Price	How does NGA plan to address concerns that under the Emerald best value awards marginally similar technical scoring has triggered a trade off process that has resulted lower price as the determining factor for awards?	42	The Clover procurement will use Highest Technically Rated Offeror (HTRO) methodology at the IDIQ competition level, as outlined in the RFP. This will avoid the race to the bottom for pricing as expressed in the question.
47	NAICS	What is the $ cap for the Small Business Set Aside and why is this effort set at that cap? Have you thought about a company size cap in numbers vs. $ amount?	47	The NAICS code for the CLOVER procurement is 541611. The business size standard for this NAICS code is $16.5M, as identified SBA Size Standard guide (https://www.naics.com/sba-size-standards/). NGA has determined this NAICS code to best fit the planned scope of this effort.
50	Intent	Can non-qualifying companies submit questions to the government?	50	Yes. Questions were due on 2 FEB, and were also fielded during Industry Day. Questions received following Draft RFP release and prior to Industry Day were also captured in this Q&A.
54	JV	The SBA updated 13 CFR parts 121, 124, 125, 126, 127, and 134. Within § 121.103(h) if specifically clarifies that an SBA approved unpopulated Joint Venture (JV) does NOT need an FCL if both the Mentor and Protégé already possess the required FCL. Will [question incomplete]	54	Noted.
60	Award Fee	If it is an award fee based contract, is a DCAA approved accounting system a requirement?	60	DCAA-approved accounting system cannot be required of small businesses in a small business set-aside.
64	JV	The SBA has ruled that SBA [Joint Ventures] do not have to have a facility clearance if both mentor and protégé have facility clearances and CFR § 121.103 has been updated reflecting this change. Will NGA adhere to this SBA regulation on JVs?	64	NGA will adhere to all SBA requirements for this small business set-aside. However, Facility Clearances (FCL) are granted by DCSA, with a JV FCL policy that contrasts this new SBA direction. As a result, the Clover procurement will help to sponsor JVs needing a JV FCL, as well as small business primes that require one to apply against the Clover opportunity. See recent update posted to ARC and GPE regarding self-certification to initiate FCL sponsorship for this Be aware that the process takes 4-6 months on average to receive a final FCL, and the Clover requirement will now require a final FCL in place in order to make award to a selected Offeror.
65	Price	Will cost reasonableness assessments be performed by NGA at the task order level? Not doing so probably contributed to the "race to the bottom" on EMERALD.	65	Price reasonableness will be assessed for Task Order level pricing volume submissions, per FAR 15.404-1(a)(2) and (a)(4). Sufficient competition is expected within the successful vendor pool from the IDIQ competition, that other than cost and pricing data will not be required in Task Order proposals. See Final RFP and other Q&As for other updates intended to ensure financial viability for reasonable technical performance.
70	Definition	How is "Project Value" defined? For a single-award IDIQ, [is it] the ceiling? The value of all option years on the Tos (even those not awarded)? For a task order, is it the value of all option years (incl. those not yet awarded)?	70	See response to Question 27.
80	policy	Is there a non-exclusive clause for Subcontractors?	80	The Government will not direct teaming partnerships or strategies, and does not have privity of contract with subcontractors. Industry may determine the best teaming strategies for their proposal submission. Be mindful of collusion restrictions, e.g., FAR 303.1(a) and FAR 303(c)(6).
81	Price	1. Given that task orders are Firm Fixed Price, how does the government plan to review/enforce the target profit percentage of 7.5%? Does the target profit represent a fee-on-fee for subcontractors?	81	Profit is not dictated by the Government for a Fixed Price contract type. Due to the broad nature of the IDIQ scope, the Government has set forth our expected reasonable escalation factor (2.1%) and maximum reasonable profit assessment (7.5%) to help reduce variables in industry proposed solutions, pricing ranges, and pricing methodology. The latter is expressed so that an awardee understands the Government reserves the right during performance to request an audit, if any pricing or invoicing concerns prompt one. Otherwise, businesses may propose and disclose their pricing methodology how they see fit. If the Government questions the rationale for apparently high pricing margins built-in without sufficient technical justification in the proposal, price reasonableness may be rated adversely.
82	Administrative	2. Per Section B.1 of the Draft RFP, will there be any integrated TOs awarded through the Base IDIQ contract?	82	No, there is not Integrated Task Order and all TOs will be competed Post Award.
83	Task Orders	3. Will the Government award Task Orders exactly as they are outlined? Could each individual TO be broken down into multiple TOs?	83	The Government intends to award the number and scope of Task Orders as grouped in the Industry Day slides and RFP. This structure represents the current customer structure and requirements. Should these change leading to Task Order competition or following award, updates will be made to the requirement documentation and contract award accordingly.
84	Task Orders	4. Section H.15 states: “The Government intends to provide all CLOVER IDIQ MATOC Contractors a fair opportunity for consideration. This fair opportunity will be provided through the Government's examination of existing information already in the Government's possession, such as the awardee's original proposal and current past performance report records.” Is this examination of “current past performance” expected to be from records within NGA or solely based on information obtained from proposal submissions?	84	The Government will evaluate within the four corners of the submitted proposals and their supporting documents, along with contact made with submitted Government/Prime POCs and Past Performance Questionnaires, and all publicly available registered data of the applying entities (such as active exclusions).
85	Task orders	5. Section H.19 states: “Task order proposals submitted by the Contractor shall consist of a resume for each position…” Will a resume be required for key personnel only or is it the Government’s expectation to submit resumes for all task order positions?	85	Key Personnel submissions must be accompanied by a resume evidencing the required position qualifications are fulfilled. Non-key positions do not require the submission of a resume at the time of proposal. However, the Government may request a resume for a non-key person at any time following initial proposal and evaluation, if needed.
86	Delivery	6. Per Section L.8.2, is the proposal expected to be delivered in person? Are there any restrictions due to COVID-19 concerns?	86	Yes. NGA will require two (2) hard copies and two (2) DVD-ROMs to be delivered. See Final RFP for specific instructions. Note that this answer supersedes the answer provided on this topic in Rd 1 release.
87	Delivery	7. Sections L.9 and L.10 appear to conflict in terms of what the Government expects to be submitted. Could the Government clarify what it expects the contractor to submit in DVD+R and in Hard Copy?	87	See response to Question 86.
91	JV	11. Section L.11.3.1 states: “The past performance submissions must have been performed within the same contractor organization e.g. division, directorate, office etc. as the one in which a contract resulting from this solicitation will be performed.” Will the Government allow Joint Ventures? If so, how will this requirement affect the eligibility of a newly formed Joint Venture given the reliance of past performance from the Parent Companies?	91	The Government will allow Joint Ventures. See updated RFP attachment J.18 Self-Scoring Worksheet and final RFP release at Past Performance instructions for further clarification of which entity must own which submitted past performance entries.
92	Industry Day	1. Is the presentation or a recording of the industry day going to be posted? If so where can we find it?	92	Yes. This was released within one (1) week of Industry Day, on the Government Point of Entry (Beta.SAM) and ARC 2.0 sites.
93	JV	1. Would a Mentor -Protégé Joint Venture, where the Protégé is a Woman Owned Small Business and the Mentor was considered a large business for the CLOVER solicitation, be eligible for an award under the current business size statues for CLOVER?	93	Yes.
94	JV	For offerors responding as a joint venture entity through the SBA All-Small Mentor Protege Program, does NGA intend to permit the use of performance examples and industry certifications possessed by the JV's managing member organizations?	94	Yes. See response to Questions 10 and 74.
97	Scope	Our firm is Service Disabled Veteran leader in full scope of sections 3.1.1 (Total Lifecycle Acquisition Management Support Services) and 3.1.3 (Strategic Business Management Support Services) and partial scope of section 3.1.2 (Financial Management Support Services). As you indicated that you are looking for 4 Primary suppliers, is your recommendation that we bid in that category?	97	The Government will not direct or recommend whether a particular entity should offer against the CLOVER opportunity. As described, your company appears eligible to propose.
98	Scope	The propose RFP calls for significant staffing levels. Are you predominately looking at staffing organizations or small businesses that can exceed the scope of requirements but may not be able to provide 100’s of FTEs?	98	CLOVER is a staffing Program
99	JV	Would a Mentor -Protégé Joint Venture, where the Protégé is a Woman Owned Small Business and the Mentor was considered a large business for the CLOVER solicitation, be eligible for an award under the current business size statues for CLOVER?	99	Yes. See response to Question 93.
100	OCI	If OCI is determined at the IDIQ level, it will make teaming on the effort unduly restrictive resulting in a lack of access to the right qualified talent to meet the mission requirements as defined in the SOW. This offeror recommends OCI be determined at the Task Order level and that strict avoidance only be applied in extreme circumstances.	100	As described in Section H. OCI is determined at both the IDIQ and at the Task Order Level.
106	Submission	According to the DRFP, the Self-Scoring Worksheet is required in both Volume 1 (per M.5.1.c on pg. 80) and Volume 5 (per Proposal Organization Table on pg. 65 and L.11.5 on pg. 74). Please clarify how the Government would like offerors to submit the Self-Scoring Worksheet and whether or not it should be included in both Volumes 1 (Contract Volume) and 5 (Verification Assessment).	106	The Self Scoring Sheet will be submitted in Volume 5. See Final RFP.
108	Price	Would the Government consider negotiating travel costs without fee but then combine them with the labor CLINs to allow flexibility in reporting/executing of the contract? The questions stems from the time spent managing a relatively small amount of dollars.	108	Travel dollars will be captured separately as Other Direct Costs (cost reimbursable), vice Labor (Firm Fixed Price LOE type). These would fall under separate contract line items.
110	Key Personnel	This paragraph requires identification of a program manager as key personnel and refers to a resume being submitted with the proposal. Would the Government clarify the requirement to provide the resume in sections L and M, and also provide a position description or criteria?	110	While the Program Manager is designated a Key Personal and fall under the requirements as outlined in the RFP, there is no evaluation of the vendor Program Manager.
111	Resumes	Would the Government consider requiring resumes for key positions only during the proposal process? Given the potential FTEs for each task as described in Section B, compiling resumes for all positions within a task order response timeline may not be realistic (vetting, sourcing if not on-hand, etc.) except for incumbents.	111	Resumes are required for Key Personnel during the Task Order evaluation period. All resumes are required to be made available post award on request from either the CO/COR/PMO.
114	Submission	This paragraph indicates one paper copy of Volume 5. However, the table in L.10.1 indicates hard copies of all volumes. Would the Government consider only electronic submission instead of hardcopy and CDs?	114	See responses to question 86 and 87.
124	definition	Would the Government clarify what is meant by major subcontractor and if there are specific criteria?	124	Major subcontractor refers to first-tier subcontractors.
128	Attachments	Would the Government provide the Past Performance Questionnaire and Sample Letter prior to release of the Final RFP?	128	These attachments will be provided as soon as possible following release of the Q&As, but at latest with the Final RFP.
129	Volume 4	The draft Self Scoring Sheet has elements within Volume 4 other than security. Would the Government clarify the requirements for Volume 4?	129	See final RFP for updated language.
133	Submission	Would the Government provide or clarify the need for a Relevant Experience (WSC Group) Project Template?	133	The project template has been removed. See final RFP.
134	Price	Would the Government confirm that in our price volume there is no requirement to justify the 2.1% escalation rate, and simply state we are proposing or using the Government-provided rate?	134	The Government-provided rate of 2.1% escalation is derived from the current Department of Labor escalation factor. You may justify your escalation with this reference, or stating it is Government-provided. No justification is required unless the rate used will deviate from the expected "reasonable" escalation.
135	Submission	Would the Government clarify whether item c) Document Verification and Self-Scoring Worksheet is submitted as part of Volume 1 or provided as Volume 5?	135	Submit the Document Verification and Self-Scoring Worksheet with Volume 1.
146	Price	Would the Government clarify that the price response is Volume 6?	146	The Price Volume response is Volume 6.
147	Price	Would the Government clarify the requirement to provide labor rate build-up? Labor rate build up was not included in Section L, and L.3 states that cost or pricing data is not required.	147	See response to Question 81.
148	Price	The second to last sub-paragraph refers to proposed direct/indirect and/or profit rate(s). Would the Government clarify the requirement for the pricing volume as cost or pricing data isn’t identified in Section L?	148	See response to Question 81.
149	Submission	1. As with multiple award IDIQ’s in the recent past will NGA stipulate Exclusivity or Non-Exclusivity in teaming arrangements made by the Prime bidders for this acquisition?	149	See response to Questions 37 and 80.
152	Scope	Where does the government envision the demarcation between CLOVER and NSES from an coordination and analysis scope perspective?	152	Both CLOVER and NSES requirements work in coordination with each other. However, NSES is an Engineering Program, and CLOVER provides the necessary Acquisition and Financial support.
153	Price	Please provide guidance on the requirements for a Cost Narrative and its contents to support the reasonableness assessment of the Labor Rate Matrix.	153	See response to Question 81.
154	Vacancy	Can the government clarify this requirement to indicate when the start/end dates for the 21 days are determined (when identified to the customer for security on-boarding or when ready to perform)?	154	21-day requirement will count from date a filled position is first vacated, or a new vacancy is shared with the Offeror/performing vendor. The day count will stop when an eNomination is submitted and accepted by the Contracting Officer Representative. See Final RFP for language clarification.
161	Evaluation	The Acceptability Review process (M.5) is tied to the compliance instructions in Section L.8 and L.11 which the Government indicates will occur upon receipt of proposals (M.3.3). This contradicts the statement in M.4 that reads "The first step in this evaluation process" (Section M.4) So, is the first step actually the Acceptability Check? Please clarify.	161	See response to Question 160.
162	Evaluation	Only Volume 1 - General (Contract Volume) is identified in the Acceptability Review. Did the Government intend that only VOLUME 1 - General (Contract Volume) be reviewed for acceptability? Please clarify.	162	See Final RFP. The entire proposal will be reviewed for acceptability.
165	Evaluation	WSC Relevant Experience – Fair opportunity Task Order Award Against a MATOC/IDIQ Contract is currently part of Technical / Management but the criteria identified relate more to Past Performance. Request this factor be moved to past performance AND additional points awarded for work associated with MATOC/MADOC be assessed as part of overall successful contract performance.
	165	The Government will take your request under consideration. See Final RFP.
167	Prime	Although the goal is a SBSA, the government does not preclude a large company sub from having up to 49% workshare, which is inconsistent with small business goals and can result in large companies having undue influence or act as the dominant teammate?	167	Small business set-asides are appropriate for efforts where the total workshare for small business performance can be greater than 50% of the solicited scope. This is consistent with small business goals by ensuring small business is considered in an otherwise full and open competition against large businesses. See Final RFP for updated language on expected workshare (60%). See also Section J-18 Draft Scoring Sheet update.
175	Scorecard	Will the Government consider establishing a minimum number of WSC Past Performance Examples for section M.6.2.2? As written, an Offeror with a single Positive past performance example could score 27,000 points, while an Offeror with nine Positive past performance examples would also score 27,000 points. As every offeror could potentially score 27,000 points regardless of breadth of experience, this criteria will not be an effective discriminator in the evaluation.	175	There is a direct correlation between the technical examples provided and the Past Performance provided. While the Offeror may not have the support documents to provide a Past Performance Submission, the Government can still discover PP information and provide a score.
177	Delivery	Sub-Volumes. Please clarify if these sub-volumes need to be in separate binders or if they can be all contained in a single binder. If they can be included into a single binder, would the Government change “Sub-Volumes” to “Tabs” for simplicity purposes?	177	Yes. See final RFP.
178	Submission	What volume should the resume for the Program Manager be included? Will there be any additional resumes required?	178	A Facility Security Officer will be added as a second Key Personnel at the IDIQ level. See Final RFP release capturing this change. Key Personnel resumes should be submitted with respective volume. (See Section J-18 Draft Scoring Sheet update.)
179	Submission	Please clarify the maximum number of projects for all sub-volumes. Is it 9 or 15? For example, are the 3 maximum projects stipulated in M.6.1.2 for Sub-Volume 2B in addition to the 9 maximum projects stipulated for Sub-Volume 2A? Or are Sub-Volume 2B projects gleaned from the projects in Sub-Volume 2A?	179	The maximum number of projects for all sub-volumes is 9. Past Performance projects and technical experience projects are expected to map. See Final RFP language update and revised Self Scoring Worksheet, Attachment J.18.
183	Post Award	Will the government provide any reimbursable cost for relocation of staff to OCONUS locations if required?	183	Yes, these would be handled at the Task Order Level as an ODC.
192	Post Award	Will cross teaming post TO award be allowed by the primes?	192	Yes.
195	Size	Will NGA consider reducing the size, scope and complexity criteria in the past performance threshold? Ref: WSC Group Relevant Experience Projects Size and Complexity. Task orders 40-85 FTE.	195	Project Size thresholds have been reduced per industry feedback. See Self-Scoring Worksheet update, Attachment J.18, and Final RFP language.
196	Submission	Will NGA Consider combining Volume 2 & Volume 3, as both are referencing Past Performance?	196	No, the volumes are independent of each other and focuses on different aspect of performance.
199	Post Award	G.18 States that "The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer in writing when adding and/or deleting a subcontractor. The Contracting Officer in turn will review the request and provide the Contractor an approval or disapproval in writing."

What criteria will the Government use to approve/disapprove the addition/removal of subcontractors?		199	Due to the sensitive nature of this contract, Vendors are required to gain OCI approval prior to adding any additional subcontractors. Approval of removing a company is to ensure proper documentation is kept in the contract file and would not be disapproved.
	200	Key Personnel	H.2(b) States that The Contractor agrees that during the first twelve months of contract performance, no key personnel substitutions will be made unless necessitated by an individual's sudden illness, death, or termination of employment. In any of these events, the Contractor shall promptly notify the Contracting Officer and provide the information required by paragraph (d) below on the proposed replacement for Government approval. If the contractor is unable to keep key personnel on for the first twelve months negative past performance with be annotated in the associated task order PAR.

Would the Government consider the following clarification to H.2(b): If the contractor is unable to keep key personnel on for the first twelve months, for reasons other than an individual's sudden illness, death, or termination of employment, negative past performance with be annotated in the associated task order PAR.		200	Thank you for the recommendation. The language will remain as currently stated.
	201	Vacancy	H.3(c ) States that "If a position becomes vacant, the incumbent contractor will have 21 calendar days to replace or backfill the vacated position."

What activity stops the clock on the 21 day requirement to backfill a position? Is it the submission of a resume to the COR for their review, submission of the eNOM, or the person's first day of work?		201	See response to Question 154.
	205	Scorecard	M.6.2.2 Has a table that depicts possible point values depending on the number of projects submitted.

The possible value of each project appears to be backwards in the table. Did the Government mean to indicate that if only 1 project were submitted that it could receive 27,000 points for a positive and 13,500 points for a neutral rating? Conversely if 9 projects were submitted would each project receive 3,000 for a positive and 1,500 for a neutral rating?		205	The table in M.6.2.2. represents how Past performance may be scored with a total of nine submissions.
	208	SOW	1.2 States that "Flexible resource allocation – These requirements allow company reach-back to vendor resources placed in other parts of their community."

The RFP limits performance on the contract to Contractor Sites within 75 Miles of NGA Sites identified in the SOW or RFP. Will the Government allow for reach back to corporate resources located outside the 75 mile limit?		208	Potentially, this would be addressed with the request/requirement.
	209	SCIF	3.0 States that "(U) The contractor shall provide all necessary Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI)-cleared personnel with the proper expertise, facilities, and resources at time of staffing to support customer mission requirements defined herein, and further defined in subsequent task orders."

When a TO requires SCI work done at contractor facilities, will NGA extend NGA systems to contractor SCIF facilities? Will the cost of paying for these systems be part of the evaluation criteria?		209	The CLOVER PMO will not directly fund equipment installations.
	210	SOW	3.5.2.3 States "The Government intends to enable maximum flexibility for managing this labor within total level of effort hours."

Will the existence of FRA allow individual FTE to exceed 1,860 hours when exercised?		210	Hours above 1,860 will be a scope increase to the existing requirements. The Government does not expect hours to exceed 1,860 during a single performance year.
	215	Security	3.0 States that "(U) The contractor shall provide all necessary Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI)-cleared personnel with the proper expertise, facilities, and resources at time of staffing to support customer mission requirements defined herein, and further defined in subsequent task orders." but 5.2 states "There is a possibility, when acceptable to meet the requirement, that uncleared individuals may be able to perform some of the duties outlined in specific task orders,".

Please clarify if all positions will require a TS/SCI to perform work on the contract.		215	TS/SCI clearance is required to work in the NCE and NCW facilities without escort. Offerors should expect that Unclassified work can only be performed by fully cleared individuals, in order not to limit or artificially contain full requirement performance to meet Unclassified support restrictions. Exceptions shall be driven by the individual Government customer when certain extenuating circumstances arise during contract performance.
	218	Key Personnel	Appendix B states that "Offerors are expected to provide candidates who have fully demonstrated the expectations of a particular skill level. Specific qualifications may be designated within the individual Task Order Statements of Work."

Will the Government include years of experience and education for each skill level in Appendix B		218	See response to Question 216.
	220	Post Award	C.3 States that "Accordingly, during post-award administration, the Contractor shall furnish such resumes to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) within five (5) working days prior to assignment to this contract or at the request of the COR, Contracting Officer, or Contract Specialist. All resumes shall adhere to the format in Section J, Attachment X."

Will the government require the contractor to submit resumes to the COR within five (5) working days for all positions post Task Order award, or is this requirement applicable to only certain positions (e.g. key personnel) or is this otherwise at the discretion of the COR?"		220	No, the vendor is only required to submit resumes for Key personnel, or for non-Key personnel if the CO/COR/PMO requests.
	222	SOW	F.3 States that "The primary place of performance is a Government facility, or at a contractor facility within 75 miles of the associated Government facility".

Will the Government allow positions that are based at Contractor Facility to performed beyond the 75 mile limit if they require no access to classified systems?		222	On-site pricing is stipulated as appropriate for performance at a designated Government facility, or within 75 miles of designated Government facilities. Performance outside of this distance would be classified as off-site support, for which only some scope is appropriate. Off-site rates will also differ from on-site pricing proposed.
	224	Telework	F.4 States that "Unclassified teleworking is a benefit and not a requirement of the contract."

The government also noted during the industry day that it will not reimburse any teleworking expenses incurred by the Contractor. Will the government clarify whether non-reimbursement of such expenses applies only in instances where the Contractor has opted to have personnel telework? For instances where the government requires or otherwise directs contractor personnel to telework, will the government confirm that associated teleworking expenses incurred by the Contractor to accommodate the government's directive will be reimbursable under the relevant Task Order?"		224	Telework is rarely directed by the Government, and has only thus far arisen during COVID, when telework was necessary for work to continue while safety precautions were enforced at NGA facilities. Telework will otherwise only be directed as a means of requiring a vendor and support contractor to meet the performance requirements of the position they fill. The alternative to telework will be reporting into the designated NGA facility; as a result, the Government will not reimburse telework costs, as addressed.
	225	Telework	F.4 Telework - TELEWORK LOCATION: Alternate Worksite/Alternate Work Location. Telework is only allowed within the local commuting area of the locations identified in the contract/task order for each position approved for telework. Teleworking from a different location shall not be authorized; contractors shall be able to be recalled to the duty site from telework at any time.

Would the Government consider expanding the place of performance while teleworking with prior approval from the Government?		225	No. This is now standard language in all NGA contract that allow for telework. If a person is teleworking they still need to be available to come into the office if recalled. If the individual was not in the local commuting this need would be unable to be met.
	230	Scorecard	The government anticipates that multiple-awards shall be made up to a maximum of 4 AWARDS. In the event of a precisely tied score at a number in the 4th position, all those Offerors with a precisely tied score at the 4th position will receive a Master Contract award.

Is there a limit to the number of Master Contracts awarded to Offerors with a tied score at the 4th position?		230	No, there is no limit in the event of an exact-score tie at the final position. However, this position has been updated from fourth to fifth, given the increase of maximum awardees from four (4) to five (5).
	234	Task Order	B.6.1 states that "The individual Task Order rate(s) selected will then be locked for all current and future positions at the same WSC and skill level."

Will the government expect the same rates when they add new positions or modify requirements within a task order? Adding additional requirements or positions within a WSC may introduce additional costs to the contractors and would not allow them to deliver against the new requirements with the current pricing. Leaving the TO open to modifications without allowing a change in pricing puts all the risk for expanding requirements on the contractor.		234	Yes. Rates will be locked for all WSC positions and skill levels at time of Task Order proposal/award.
	236	Task Order	B.6.1 states that "The individual Task Order rate(s) selected will then be locked for all current and future positions at the same WSC and skill level."

Are all positions within a WSC and Skill Level expected to be proposed at the same rate? If there are multiple position descriptions under a WSC they might call for skills and abilities which drive significantly different costs. For example, under the Financial Management WSC, someone working in a Budget Analyst position would demand a lower salary/rate than someone working in an Audit Readiness role. If contractors are required to apply a single rate across the WSC on the TO then any change would alter the ratio of higher to lower cost positions for which their pricing model was developed. Would the government consider applying this restriction for the same position descriptions but not within such a broad category as WSC.		236	Within in a specific Task Order the Rate is locked for all WSC positions at each skill level. For example if you set the rate for an Acquisition WSC Skill level 3, the rate will be the same for all Acquisition WSC Skill Level 3 positions for that Task Order. Each Task Order could have a different rate structure as long it conforms to the range that was set within the IDIQ Award.
	245	Scorecard	M.4 indicates that NGA will make award based on initial proposals after validating offerors’ self-scores, performing an Acceptability Review, and determining that the top 4 offerors have proposed fair and reasonable pricing.

This method likely will result in few discriminators between offerors, with a high likelihood of more than four offerors being highly rated. Will the government consider establishing additional scoring elements e.g. points for projects within the 541611 NAICS, points for past performance within NGA, points for contractors with SCIF space? 245 See additional scoring elements added to updated Self-Scoring Worksheet.

See also, response to Question 230.

	248	SOW	Based upon J3, there are only 3 labor categories but there are wide range of sample job titles within the 3 LCATS. Please clarify how we adequately propose rates for such a wide range of skill sets/job titles that would accurately reflect the rates for each specific job title without being completely locked in to the proposed rates for the current and future positions at the same WSC and skill level. Are we to propose a wide range from low to high in order to allow a realistic price for all possible job titles within a WSC? For example, an R&D Scientist included in the Lifecycle Acquisition category would be priced at much higher rate than a Program Management Specialist that is included in the same category. Thus the range between low to high would be rather significant to account for the disparity in the going rate for each job title within the WSC.	248	It is the responsibility of the offer or to develop a comprehensive and competitive pricing strategy. The range allows for more flexibility than what has occurred on past contracts, such a EMERALD, in which a single rate was set at time of the IDIQ Award.
	249	SOW	Is it the government's intent that the vendor modify the chart to include more detailed skill sets under each of the 3 WSCs or is the intent that the vendor provide a wide ranges of rates within each of the 3 WSCs to cover any potential job titles within each WSC?	249	The chart should not be modified.
	254	Task Order	There appeared to be a change in the evaluation and scoring of NSE task orders after the first 3 task orders were awarded. How will the government ensure consistency in evaluation and scoring from task order to task order?	254	Task Orders are released under a separate RFP cover and will stipulate the evaluation expectations. It is not the intent of the CLOVER PMO to change this evaluation between individual Task Orders.
	255	SOW	Has the government done a recent market analysis to determine the valuation of the job titles within each WSC to make a determination of what is fair and reasonable?	255	Yes, an Market Analysis and Estimate has been completed.
	256	Submission	As many contractors have lost eligibility time for past performance references during the current coronavirus pandemic, will the Government consider extending the period for eligible past performance references from the last three years to the last five years?	256	No, it is expected that Past Performance will be within the last three years.
	258	Task Order	For NCW - How many positions are in Arnold vs 2nd St?	258	Most positions are located at the 2nd Street facility. However this is always subject to change with the building of the new St Louis facility.
	259	Task Order	Can you provide the historical travel requirements for each TO and labor category?	259	Travel is on an as needed basis for most Task Orders. Very few efforts have a set travel schedule.
	261	Prime	Does this contract require the prime and subs to be ITAR Registered?	261	No, but ITAR registration will be expected at time. NGA host several foreign countries in our facilities.
	262	SOW	Can the full position description for each labor category be provided on the final RFP?	262	No. Position Descriptions are unique to the Task Order and to the specific requirement. The Base SOW provides the general requirements and types of services that are required for each WSC and defines the scope of each WSC.
	264	Task Order	As this IDIQ is small business set aside, will the government consider providing a schedule of TO tentative release dates? Small Businesses have limited resources and unknown release dates can put some companies at a competitive disadvantage.	264	Task Orders will be released post award. There is no schedule at this time..
	265	Task Order	Each task order describes the focus of the work that could be done under that task order. Could the work described by (3) Strategic Business Management Support Services, include technical support activities that are outside of the realm of acquisition and financial management?	265	Possibly but it would have to directly relate to the WSC.
	284	Security	There was no draft DD254 provided in the draft package. Could the government provide the draft DD254 before release of the RFP?	284	A draft DD254 will be released
	291	Price	Why is the Government allowing Awardees to bid up to 10% below the "low" IDIQ rate and not be found unreasonable? Q.2 If the Government is allowing Awardees to bid below the "low" IDIQ rate, will the Government also consider allowing Awardees to bid up 10% above the "high" IDIQ rate.	291	No the high rate is set. While the Government might entertain up to a 10% discount on the Task Order, it will still need to be determined t be fair and reasonable.
	295	Price	The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) most recent Employment Cost Index Report (dated September, 2020) shows a rate across all labor occupations of 2.4% for the 12 months ended 9/2020 (Table 5). Will the Government consider an escalation rate of 2.4% in line with BLS data.	295	NGA utilized the DOD National Defense Budget (i.e. The Green Book) in which the escalation rate was set at 2.1% for DoD.
	311	Task Order	8.Will the government provide a staggered schedule for Task Order proposals or is the intent to bid all task orders within a relatively short period of time?	311	The Task Order schedule has not be defined as of yet. However the Government intents to stagger delivery dates.
	312	JV	9.We did not see an exclusivity clause in the materials provided. Is it the government’s intent that teaming should be non-exclusive?	312	The Government will not take a position on Exclusivity. This is a Business decision by the Prime Offeror.
	353	Submission	The RFP states in one location that password protected files are fine as long as you give the password to the CO and they can access it. But, there are several other places where it either says no encryption (aka no password), can only use a password to protect a file from being changed and not opened, etc. Suggest these conflicts be resolved in the final RFP.	353	Correction will be captured in Final RFP.
	354	Submission	Where should we include the Proposal File Matrix with the cross reference of the softcopy files and hardcopy version?	354	See Final RFP.
	355	Submission	Suggest removing language about subcontractor proposals since they are not required.	355	Thank you. Please see Final RFP
	361	Submission	Past performance submissions - Please explain what the government means by the statement, “The past performance submissions must have been performed within the same contractor organization e.g. division, directorate, office etc. as the one in which a contract resulting from this solicitation will be performed.” Is the government suggesting that the past performance submission from the Prime Contractor consist of work performed at the NGA?	361	No, the Government is stating that the Past Performance must come from the part of the organization that is proposing.
	370	OCI	Please consider removing the blanket application of OCI avoidance at the subcontractor level and for wholly-owned subsidiaries and allow for OCI mitigation. The application of a blanket OCI avoidance for possibly 7.5 years for other NGA work will severely limit the ability of the government to get the most qualified firms to support this program.	370	Noted.
	373	Edit	The Draft RFP states: "Only Attachment J.XX Document Verification and Self Scoring Worksheet (Attachment J.XX) must be printed on paper in addition to the electronic file copy on the DVDs. " [Emphasis added.] However, the table at section L.10.1 indicates that ALL Volumes and Sub-Volumes require at least one paper copy.
Question: Please confirm that only Attachment J.XX Document Verification and Self Scoring Worksheet (Attachment J.XX) must be printed on paper.		373	See Final RFP.
	375	Edit	"Offerors shall submit their proposals on standard CD-ROM (in PC MS-DOS format only). " Question: RFP references both CD-ROM and DVD. Please specify which format is required.	375	Submissions should be made on DVD-ROM. This will be corrected in the Final RFP release.
	380	Price	Has the government considered and would they be open to an LOE SWING of +/- 3%?	380	A swing will not be authorized on the CLOVER Program
	382	Page Count	Management sub-factor is identified in L.11.2 but no page count or evaluation criteria has been provided. Please confirm it is the Govt's intent to add page count and evaluation criteria for this sub-factor.	382	There is no direct Management Sub-factor. Please see the Final RFP.
	383	Evaluation	To mitigate risk associated with the large dollar values associated with the effort and the criticality to NGA's operations, and to address the DRFP's RE reference to management subfactor, would the government consider adapting additional criteria to assess the SB Prime's ability to manage delivery of this effort, and adapt the scoring allocation to encompass these criteria. The following examples provide objective possibilities against which to evaluate:

1.) ITAR registration for the overseas components 2.) Audited timekeeping system deemed sufficient by DCMA.

3.) Demonstrated evidence of Financial Responsibility to reflect ability to manage cashflow beginning Day 1 and for subsequent months, e.g., cashflow statements, line of credit, etc.

4.) Evidence of the number of foreign locations in which the Prime operates.

5.) History of subcontract management of at least 3 entities.

	383	The Government will consider your recommendation. See Final RFP.
384	Page Count	"The Past Performance Volume shall incorporate a narrative that addresses recency and relevancy of the Offeror’s past performance. " Question: The Document Organization Table specifies a page limit of 5 pages per contract, for a total of 25 pages. However, offerors are allowed to submit up to 9 projects, which would equal 45 page total. Is the page limit inclusive of a supporting narrative and supporting documentation, such as SOWs,PWS, SOOs, and other relevant contract documentation?	384	a) The page counts have been updated to reflect 5 pages per past performance submission, for a total of 45 pages. B) Page Counts have been removed for supporting documentations.
388	Evaluation	How will the government assess complexity?	388	The Government will be making a modification to the dollar thresholds of this item. Please see Final RFP.
391	Evaluation	Will the government consider QBRs, PMRs, SF33s, CDRLs/deliverables, and similar documentation to be sufficient "contract documentation" to substantiate Volume 2 Relevant Experience? Offerors may have classified SOWs which they would be unable to provide, or the SOWs may not convey the breadth of the requirements performed.	391	a) It is the Offeror's decision how best to represent its capabilities. B) For classified submission please see the instructions within the RFP.

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File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated Feb 24, 2021.