Amendement_0001.pdf

F1ATDS3256A002

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

30-105-04EXCEPTION TO SF 30

APPROVED BY OIRM 11-84

STANDARD FORM 30 (Rev. 10-83) Prescribed by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

The purpose of this modif ication is to provide answ ers to the questions submitted by prospective contractor(s). The required response date/time has changed from 27-Jan-2014 12:00 PM to 03-Feb-2014 1:00 PM. See continuation page(s).

1. CONTRACT ID CODE PAGE OF PAGES

J 1 46

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

16C. DATE SIGNED

BY 22-Jan-2014

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA15C. DATE SIGNED15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

(Signature of Contracting Officer)(Signature of person authorized to sign)

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., Street, County, State and Zip Code) X HQ0013-14-R-0005

X 9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

27-Dec-2013

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

X The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offer X is extended, is not extended.

Offer must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning 1 copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted;

or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS.

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE

CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(B).

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not, is required to sign this document and return copies to the issuing office.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

10A. MOD. OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 5. PROJECT NO.(If applicable)

6. ISSUED BY

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

22-Jan-2014

CODE

DEFENSE SECURITY COOPERATION AGENCY-CON

ALI BESHIR

201 12TH STREET, SOUTH

SUITE 203

ARLINGTON VA 22202

HQ0013 7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than item 6)

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.

CODE

See Item 6

FACILITY CODECODE

EMAIL:TEL:

HQ0013-14-R-0005

SECTION SF 30 BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

SECTION SF 30 - BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

The following have been added by full text:

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Solicitation Questions: HQ0013-14-R-0005

1. Is the incumbent contractor, Culmen International, permitted to bid on this contract? Does the government expect the offeror to staff one full-time equivalent (FTE) employee?

Answer: Culmen International, LLC is not prohibited from submitting bid. The government expects the offeror to staff one FTE.

2. If the government does not expect the offeror to staff FTE in the Metrics Analyst role, how many hours does the government expect the Analyst to work each work?

Answer: The government expects the offeror to staff one FTE.

3. If the government does not expect the offeror to staff FTE in the Metrics Analyst role, may the offeror staff the contract with a matrix support of team of two to three part-time personnel with specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities that collectively offer DSCA more capability and capacity than a single FTE?

Answer: See answer to question number 2 above.

4. What percentage of a typical 40-hour workweek is the Metrics Analyst permitted to telework?

Answer: As noted in the Paragraph 1.6.6 of the PWS, the principle place of performance is DSCA. Telework is not authorized.

5. Is the Metrics Analyst permitted to use a company-issued laptop and/or smart phone at his or her DSCA-based worksite? In doing so, our Analyst can draw on our corporate resources that empower him or her to do a better job at

DSCA.

Answer: No, as provided in Part 3 Paragraph 3.2 Equipment and Information: “When authorized by the COR to perform on-site at Government facilities, adequate workspace, including desks, computer workstation setup, telephone, and other necessary equipment or supplies will be provided by the Government.”

6. Question: Does the offeror need to submit a hardcopy of its representations and certifications or, alternatively, may it indicate in its business proposal that the company has updated its System for Award Management (SAM) profile?

Answer: Yes, the offeror may it indicate in its business proposal that the company has updated its System for Award Management (SAM) profile.

7. Since there are two examples of what the proposal cover page should look like in terms of font size and type (with one option overlaying another), which option does the government expect offerors to use for its offers?

Answer: See revision to Paragraph 8 of Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Items.

8. Can the government please reveal paragraph 9 on page 16 since it’s currently hidden under an overlaid instruction for how to create a cover page?

Answer: See revision to the Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Items. Overlaid instructions have been removed and Paragraph 9 is visible.

9. Please instruct offerors on which proposal volume(s) it should include a transmission letter. For example, the transmission letter could be included in all originals and copies, in only originals and not copies, or as a stand-alone document that is not included in any of the originals and/or copies. Moreover, if the transmission letter is to be included in the copies, should the Offeror redact its company name in this document as well?

Answer: Include the transmission letter in all original /unredacted copies of the proposal.

10. Does the past performance summary sheet count towards the 25-page limit of Volume II, Past Performance?

Answer: Yes.

11. Is the offeror permitted to use the Calibri font instead of Times New Roman or Arial?

Answer: The Solicitation does not specify a required font type.

12. Does the 11-point font size instruction apply to only body content, or does it also apply to tables, figures, and graphics? If it does not apply to these types of visuals, what is the smallest font size an offeror may use in its proposal?

Answer: The requirement that font be not smaller than 11 point font size 11-point font applies to body content and all visuals (tables, figures, graphics).

13. Since the proposal is “…strictly limited to cost and price information...” where should the offeror include information about its business administration data and certifying statements. Examples of this type of information include Cage code, MPIN, acknowledgement of amendments, statement of agreements, and so forth. This type of information, which does not meet said criteria about being “…strictly limited…” is conventionally included in the price proposal and not volumes for relevant experience, past performance, corporate experience, and/or technic.

Answer: Please refer to Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Paragraph 10 Volume III Price Proposal, Factor 3 “Submit one

(1) original and one (1) copy in hardcopy either mailed or hand delivered. Contains signed and completed Pricing

Schedule (Schedule of Supplies/Services) for all priced CLINs. This volume should also contain all signed amendments.”

14. Will the government waive the requirement for the contractor to have 4-5 years of experience under fair and competitive circumstances

Answer. No. However, the minimum r requirement is changed as follows:

As stated in FAR 52.212-2 “FACTOR 1: RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

Minimum requirements:

a. The minimum experience required of both the contractor and proposed contractor personnel in order to be considered "acceptable" is 4-5 years working with U.S. Government processes to provide necessary support to accomplish tasks that are similar to the tasks identified in this solicitation. If Offeror is a newly formed entity, corporate officers and key personnel experience shall be used.

15. Since the offeror is required to include “…a no more than three (3) contracts completed within the past three years…” should it also include a narrative section in Volume II, Past Performance that describes these contracts and explains the work accomplished and relevancy?

16. Question: Can the government please reconcile its requirement for the contractor to have 4-5 years of experience (per page 17) with the contradictory instructions for Volume, II Past Performance (per page 18)? The instructions on page 18 indicate that a contractor does not need to have 4-5 years of experience, which implies that an offer could have been founded recently and still be eligible to bid on the contract.

Answer: Offerors that are newly formed entities with less than the required minimum corporate experience can include experience of corporate personnel reflecting 4-5 years working with U.S. Government processes to provide necessary support to accomplish tasks that are similar to the tasks identified in this solicitation. Please note that Volume I Relevant Experience ( Factor 1) is amended.

17. What does our company need to provide in its proposal to be compliant? Should we provide both the contractor’s past performance references and the key personnel past performance requirements called for at the bottom of page 18 and listed on page 19? Our assumption is that our company only needs to provide the contractor’s past performance references, but we do not want to make an unsubstantiated assumption and be found noncompliant.

Answer: As noted in the Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Items, references for key personnel are required of “Offerors that are newly formed entities without prior contracts or new to the solicitation requirements, with no relevant past performance history…”

18. If a contractor with less than 4-5 years of experience bids on the subject solicitation and is required to provide both the contractor’s past performance references and the key personnel past performance, will all of it count towards the page limitation for Volume II, Past Performance.

19. Will the Metrics Analyst support any recurring meetings for DSCA’s Principal Directors?

Answer: As indicated in Paragraph 5.1.1 Performance Objective No. 1: “Assist in the analytics and meeting preparations for Agency senior level meetings such as the Quarterly Management Reviews, the approximately quarterly Performance Management Senior Working Group meetings.

20. How will Metrics Analyst support DCSA’s mission-critical initiative to build a Security Cooperation Enterprise Solution (SCES) Program? Further, will the Analyst support any recurring SCES Program meetings?

Answer: Metrics Analyst contract support to this initiative will be limited to associated quarterly performance metrics.

21. Which “Agency standard systems” will the Metrics Analyst be expected to use on the project?

Answer: The primary standard system is the Defense Security Assistance Management System (DSAMS). Other systems include the Security Cooperation Information Portal (SCIP) and the systems it hosts to include the Enhanced Freight Tracking System (EFTS), and eventually the Security Cooperation Enterprise Solution (SCES).

Other systems may be required as they come online or become necessary for our use. Please note that Paragraph

5.1.1 is amended.

22. Which specific SC/SA systems will the Metrics Analyst be expected to use on the project?

Answer: See response to question 21 above.

23. Can you please list the organizational names of the “stakeholders” the solicitation is referring to?

Answer: The Defense Security Cooperation Agency is an umbrella oversight Agency, overseeing the security cooperation activities of the Army, Navy, Air Force, other smaller agencies, industry partners, and foreign customer partners. From time to time, we will need data collected from some or all of these stakeholders so that we can measure performance of the security cooperation system as a whole.

24. Who attends the CPO meetings that the Metrics Analyst is expected to support?

Answer: These are staff meetings for the office, attended by the Chief Performance Officer, Operations Research Analyst, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Internal Controls Program Manager, Internal Audits Program Manager, IT Specialist.

25. In terms of job titles and/or roles, who constitutes the stakeholder group “Performance Management Office members?”

Answer: The Chief Performance Officer, Operations Research Analyst, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Internal Controls Program Manager, Internal Audits Program Manager, IT Specialist.

26. How frequently does the Metrics Analyst support an analytical study? What’s the typical turnaround period (e.g., suspense) for a given study? In what types of software format is the Metrics Analyst expected to submit his or her findings (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and/or email)?

Answer: The following information is added to Paragraph 5.1 of the PWS:

Most of the Metrics Analyst work is involved with some type of “study” or analytic project. Many studies are monthly reports requiring routine downloads of data from internal data systems (mostly DSAMS) using standard/“canned” reports or standard instructions for ad hoc reports. These data are analyzed in Excel using standard instructions with turnaround times ranging from a few hours to a day if the same report is repeated for Army, Navy, and Air Force data. Some internal customers approach us for special studies requiring original queries from internal data systems and original analytics. The Operations Research Analyst handles the most difficult of these; the Metrics Analyst will assist. Relatively simple requests from internal customers would be handled by the Metrics Analyst. Most of the analytics work by the Metrics Analyst is done in Excel, some is done with a calculator. The Visual Basic feature of Excel is never used. Results are usually required as Excel paper or electronic graphs, PowerPoint slides in either paper or electronic format, or Excel spreadsheets in either paper or electronic format. Formally written papers are rare; these are usually written by the Operations Research Analyst.

Fully documented Excel spreadsheets are required.

27. In what types of software format is the Metrics Analyst expected to submit his or her presentation graphics and short paper (e.g., Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, etc.)?

Answer: Most presentation graphics will be either using Excel graphs and tables, or based on Excel and transformed into PowerPoint format. Most short papers will be in Word, in a freelance format, but the number of papers will be few. Most writing will be the documentation of spreadsheets, and contributions to minutes of the Quarterly Management Review meeting.

28. Will the Metrics Analyst, capacity, design, construct, and/or employ survey instruments? If so, will the Metrics Analyst be required to coordinate the collection and aggregation of survey data?

Answer: The Metrics Analyst uses Survey Monkey for short surveys (less than 10 questions, 30 respondents per weekly survey), on a weekly basis. This survey is already designed and the analytics and reporting are also already designed. No other surveys are envisioned at this time, although they could become required. It is likely that Survey Monkey will be the tool used.

29. Please list the name of each type of recurring analysis and report the Metrics Analyst is expected to prepare?

Answer: PWS Section 5.1 is amended to show the recurring analysis and report.

30. Please describe the scope, intent, and audience for “Recurring Strategic Planning Implementation Reports?”

Answer: Since this contract was formulated, there has been a partial reorganization at DSCA. There is no longer a requirement for the Strategic Planning Implementation Reports. The PWS has been amended accordingly.

31. Please list the names and frequency of recurrence of the meetings the Metrics Analyst is expected to support?

Based upon paragraph 5.1.1 on page 40 and the final row in deliverables table 5.2 on page 43, the offer presumes the meetings to include Quarterly Management Reviews, Quarterly Security Cooperation Business Forums, and Quarterly Performance Management Senior Working Group Meetings. However, the deliverable table row can be broadly interpreted to include other types of Senior Business Reviews and Work Group Meetings.

Answer: The meetings will be the Quarterly Management Review (quarterly), and the Performance Management Senior Working Group (approximately quarterly). Since this contract was formulated, there has been a partial reorganization; there will be no need for Security Cooperation Business Forum for this contract. There may be some sporadic ad hoc meetings but these are the two major recurring meetings. Security Cooperation Business Forum is deleted from the PWS.

32. Per question 31, is the term “Working Group Meetings” synonymous with the term “Work Group Meetings?’

33. Will DSCA award this contract to an offeror that proposes a qualified Metrics Analyst with active SECRET clearance but, as a company, does not yet posses a facility clearance? If so, will DSCA use the DD254 to sponsor the offeror’s facility clearance? The contract specifies only that the proposed contractor personnel must have a SECRET clearance; the contract makes no reference to the offeror’s current, past, or future possession of a facility clearance.

Answer: The Metrics Analyst must have an active SECRET clearance. The contractor must also have an active SECRET facility clearance. DSCA cannot sponsor the offeror’s facility clearance.

34. Is it true that DSCA will consider proposals from an offeror without a facility clearance? The contract specifies only that the proposed contractor personnel must have a SECRET clearance; the contract makes no reference to the offeror’s current, past, or future possession of a facility clearance.

Answer: The Metrics Analyst must have an active SECRET clearance. The contractor must also have an active

35. Since the offeror’s work under the subject contract is UNCLASSIFIED, will DSCA potentially award the contract to a company without a facility clearance as long as said company employs and staffs a Metrics Analyst with an active SECRET clearance?

Answer: The Metrics Analyst must have an active SECRET clearance. The contractor must also have an active

36. Paragraph 1.6.6: Will the support analyst be able to perform support work at the contractor's office or will they have to be at DSCA every day?

Answer: See response to Question 4.

37. Paragraph 1.6.6: If the analyst cannot work at the contractor's home office will there be internet access provided?

Answer: As noted in the Paragraph 1.6.6 of the PWS, the principle place of performance is DSCA. as provided in Part 3 Paragraph 3.2 Equipment and Information: “When authorized by the COR to perform on-site at Government facilities, adequate workspace, including desks, computer workstation setup, telephone, and other necessary equipment or supplies will be provided by the Government.”

38. Will it be acceptable for contractors located outside of the beltway to propose a schedule for onsite versus off site support?

Answer: As noted in the Paragraph 1.6.6 of the PWS, the principle place of performance is DSCA. Proposals for offsite support will not be considered.

39. Can this contract be awarded as a deliverable under an existing GSA MAS schedule?

Answer: No.

40. On page 16 of 51; the cover page title example is covering the content of Paragraph 9 and part of 10. Will this be corrected and the document republished?

Answer: Paragraphs 9 and 10 of the Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instruction to Offerors – Commercial Items have been corrected and republished.

41. If the contractor submits a resume for consideration and the person refuses employment. Is there a penalty?

Answer: The contractor shall replace the person with the same or better qualification / experience.

42. Is there an incumbent contractor.

43. May we use "the right of first refusal" if there is an incumbent?

44. How many hours are the personnel required to work on an annual basis?

45. What type of college degree (discipline) is required for the multiple personnel?

Answer: A degree is not required.

46. Do the personnel require Masters Degrees?

Answer: No.

47. What do you mean by general support? Please define general support?

Answer: General support refers to the requirements listed in the Performance Objectives 1-5 of the PWS.

48. What skills are required to fulfill the general support role?

Answer: Please see the minimum requirement stated in the solicitation.

49. How many? And Which personnel? Require knowledge of data base management and Microsoft Access

50. How many personnel are required to satisfy the DSCA solicitation?

53. Page 5 of 51: Supplies and Services Items 0002, 1002, and 2002 provides for these CLIN’s to be billed as FFP at a Quantity of 12 and Units as Months. Should Quantity be 1 and the Units Each? As written the Travel CLIN’s shall be billed regardless of travel during the specified month.

Answer: CLIN type has been changed from Firm Fixed Price (FFP) to Cost Reimbursable (Cost). Travel costs are only to be invoiced after incurred.

54. Page 10 of 51: “(8) A completed copy of the representations and certifications at FAR52.212-3 (see FAR 52.212-3(b) for those representations and certifications that the offeror shall complete electronically).”Shall the contractor incorporate a hard copy of its representations and certifications as held in SAM.gov or is a reference to the site acceptable? If not, under what volume are Representations and Certifications to be submitted?

Answer: As provided in the response to question 6 above, the offeror may it indicate in its business proposal that the company has updated its System for Award Management (SAM) profile.

55. Page 21 of 51: the solicitation states; “(a) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered” Will the government consider removing this statement as it appears to conflict with the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable evaluation criteria?

Answer: Yes, the statement “(a) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered is hereby removed from FAR 52.212-2 Evaluation – Commercial Items.

56. Page 21 of 51: the solicitation states; “Past performance information will also be obtained from all electronic databases and other sources available to the government.” It further states on page 18 of 51 in Para 2; “In addition, the offeror’s shall have three (3) clients provide references by completing a Past Performance Questionnaire. This Form will be used by the Government as its primary method of collecting and evaluating past performance.” If an Agency (customer/client organization) no longer exists due to Congressional mandates thus no past performance questionnaire (Attachment A) can be sent to a government official, will CPARS/PPIRS evaluations be utilized as the primary source of past performance evaluation? If so, will an offer be considered in conformity with solicitation requirements if a Past Performance Questionnaire (Attachment A) is not provided with its proposal?

Answer:

As indicated in the Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instruction to Offerors – Commercial Items “If recent/relevant performance records are not available or the offeror’s performance record is so sparse that no meaningful confidence assessment rating can be reasonably assigned the offeror shall be assigned a confidence rating of Unknown Confidence (Neutral)”.

Additionally, FAR 52.212-2 2) FACTOR 2: PAST PERFORMANCE states “Sources of Past Performance Information for Evaluation are as follows:

• Past performance information may be provided by the offeror, as solicited.

• Past performance information may be obtained from questionnaires tailored to the circumstances of the acquisition.

• Past performance information shall be obtained from any other sources available to the Government, to include, but not limited to, the Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS), Federal Awardees Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS), Electronic Subcontract Reporting System (eSRS), or other databases; interviews with Program Managers, Contracting Officers, and Fee Determining Officials; and the Defense Contract Management Agency.”

57. Page 16 of 51: Will the government please remove or readjust top of page formatting as the text box on this page is covering vital solicitation instructions?

Answer: As indicated in the response to question 8, Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Items the overlaid instructions have been removed and Paragraph 9 is visible.

58. Page 17 of 51; Minimum requirements: the solicitation states; a. The minimum experience required of both the contractor and proposed contractor personnel in order to be considered “acceptable” is 4-5 years working with U.S.

Government processes to provide necessary support to accomplish tasks that are similar to the tasks identified in this solicitation.” How will the government qualify the contractors 4-5 years of experience (e.g. years in business, length of specific contracts of similar nature, contractor management staff experience, etc.)?

Answer: Years of relevant experience.

59. Will the government please clarify the difference between a cover letter and cover page as indicated on page 15 and 16?

Answer: As indicated in Paragraph 7. In the Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Items, the cover letter “identifies the Request for Proposal Number HQ0013-14-R-0005 and includes the following additional information:

• Company Name and Business Mailing Address

• Point of Contact with Telephone Number and Email Address

• Cage Code

• Tax Identification Number (TIN)”

As indicated in Paragraph 8 of the same section of the Solicitation, “Immediately beneath the cover letter the proposal shall be provided in three (3) separate volumes as described below. Each volume shall be submitted with a cover page identifying the offeror’s company name, Request for Proposal Number RFP HQ0013-14-R-0005, and Proposal Volume number/Volume Title”.

The cover letter introduces the proposal in its entirety. The cover page introduced each proposal volume.

60. Is there an incumbent performing this work? If so, who is the incumbent and what is the contract number or the purchase order supporting the requirement?

Answer: Yes. The incumbent contractor is Culmen International, LLC. The contract number is HQ0013-09-C-0006.

61. Page 36 of 51; Section 1.6.18.1 Reporting; The solicitation states; “The report shall be formatted to provide breakout of labor hours per employee and related cost for the current period to date and the total amount expended to include the remaining balance on each contract CLIN.” Will the government please remove this section as this is not a Labor Hour nor Cost type contract?

Answer: See amendment to Section 1.6.18.1

62. Page 36 of 51; Section 1.6.17 Inspection and Acceptance Criteria; The solicitation states; “The COR or technical representative will require up to fifteen (15) working days from receipt of all deliverables for review and comment/acceptance.” This statement is in contradiction with WAWF invoice approval policy as it relates to prompt payment. If an invoice is submitted at the end of a period, the COR would have

15 work days to approve an invoice? Will the government consider adding FAR 52.213.1

“Fast Pay” to the solicitation as this is a SB requirement?

Answer: FAR 52.213-1 will not be added as this requirement does not meet the “Conditions for Use” prescribed under FAR 13.402.

63. Page 44 of 51; Section 5.4.1; Will the government please provide the DD254 with the solicitation? Must the contractor already possess a Secret Facility Clearance prior to award?

Answer: TheDD-254 is included in the amendment.

64. Based on the verbiage in the RFP, we understand that this requirement is for 1 FTE. Is that correct? If not, how many FTEs is the DSCA seeking?

65. How many FTEs are currently support this task on the incumbent contract?

Answer: Under the current contract, one FTE is supporting the requirements.

66. If we do not have 3 past performances of significant value but can provide 2 that clearly demonstrate past performance in metrics analysis and support, may we provide the background and experience of our leadership team in performing similar tasks as a 3rd past performance reference?

67. What level – if any – of facility clearance is required? If we do not have one, will that diminish our chances of realistically competing with firms that have a facility clearance?

Answer: The contractor must have a Facility Clearance.

68. Will the government waive the requirement for the contractor to possess 4-5 years working with U.S.

government processes since the business community is compromised of more than enough capable companies that possess sufficient corporate experience to perform the contract?

Answer. No. However, see the following revised minimum requirements:

Minimum Requirements:

The minimum experience required of both the contractor and proposed contractor personnel in order to be considered "acceptable" is 4-5 years working with U.S. Government processes to provide necessary support to accomplish tasks that are similar to the tasks identified in this solicitation. Offerors that are newly formed entities with less than the required minimum corporate experience can include experience of corporate personnel reflecting 4-5 years working with U.S. Government processes to provide necessary support to accomplish tasks that are similar to the tasks identified in this solicitation

SECTION SF 1449 - CONTINUATION SHEET

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

The required response date/time has changed from 27-Jan-2014 12:00 PM to 03-Feb-2014 01:00 PM.

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES

CLIN 0002

The contract type has changed from FFP to COST.

The pricing detail quantity 12.00 has been deleted.

ITEM NO SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

0002 Months Travel

COST

The Contractor shall be reimbursed for travel, if required, in accordance with the JTR/FTR. Please input $500.00 for the year ( $41.6667 X 12 months).

FOB: Destination

PURCHASE REQUEST NUMBER: F1ATDS3256A002

ESTIMATED COST

CLIN 1002

1002 Months OPTION Travel

COST

The Contractor shall be reimbursed for travel, if required, in accordance with the JTR/FTR. Please input $500.00 for the year ( $41.6667 X 12 months).

CLIN 2002

2002 Months OPTION Travel

COST

The Contractor shall be reimbursed for travel, if required, in accordance with the JTR/FTR. Please input $500.00 for the year ( $41.6667 X 12 months).

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Table of Contents has changed from:

Exhibit/Attachment Table of Contents

DOCUMENT TYPE DESCRIPTION PAGES DATE

Attachment A Past Performance

Questioners

3 23-DEC-2013

Attachment B DD-254 2 23-DEC-2013 to:

Exhibit/Attachment Table of Contents

DOCUMENT TYPE DESCRIPTION PAGES DATE

Attachment 1 Past Performance

Questioners

3 23-DEC-2013

Attachment 2 DD-254 2 23-DEC-2013

The following have been modified:

PWS

1.0 General: This is a non-personal services contract to provide metrics analysis support services to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency’s (DSCA) Chief Performance Office (CPO). The Government shall not exercise any supervision or control over contractor employees performing services herein. Such contract service providers shall be accountable solely to the Contractor who, in turn is responsible to the Government.

1.1 Description of Services/Introduction: The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to perform Advisory and Assistance services as set forth in this Performance Work Statement except as Specified in Part 3 below, as government furnished property. Services will be performed at DSCA facilities. The contractor shall perform to the standards in this contract.

1.2 Background: The Defense Security Cooperation Agency leads, directs, and manages security cooperation programs and resources to support U.S. national security objectives that build relationships that promote U.S. interests; build allied and partner capacities for self-defense and coalition operations; and promote peacetime and contingency access for U.S. forces.

1.3 Objective: The purpose of this requirement is to provide the necessary level of administrative, professional, and technical support required to facilitate the overall objectives of the DSCA. The contractor shall provide services to conduct and support daily research and analyses of business performance metrics using a solid foundation of information technology and data analysis techniques in support of the agency’s ongoing efforts to improve business processes and performance.

This performance work statement consists of multiple tasks, as outlined below in Paragraph 5.

1.4 To perform this work successfully requires special and expert knowledge, skills and experience in disciplines not resident within DSCA. Continued utilization of contractors with specialized knowledge and expertise is required in accomplishing critical, time-sensitive tasks.

The support requested is intended to provide products in a wide range of cross-functional areas, as shown in Part 5 below. The specific work effort related to these areas will be explained, prioritized, and further clarified on a regular basis by the COR.

1.5 Period of Performance: The period of performance is for a base period of twelve (12) months and two twelve (12) month option periods. Total contract period of performance including options is thirty-six (36) months.

1.6 Operational Information:

1.6.1 Quality Control: The contractor shall develop and maintain an effective quality control program (QCP) to ensure services are performed in accordance with this PWS. The contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services. The contractor’s quality control program is the means by which it assures itself that work complies with the requirement of the contract. As a minimum, the contractor shall develop quality control procedures that address the areas identified in Technical Exhibit 1, “Performance Requirements Summary”- After acceptance of the quality control plan, the contractor shall receive the contracting officer’s acceptance in writing of any proposed change to the QC system. The QCP proposed in the solicitation shall be incorporated into the contract award.

1.6.2 Quality Assurance: The government shall evaluate the contractor’s performance under this contract in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan. This plan is primarily focused on what the Government must do to ensure that the contractor has performed in accordance with the performance standards. It defines how the performance standards will be applied, the frequency of surveillance, and the minimum acceptable defect rate(s). The contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services.

1.6.3 Recognized Holidays: The contractor will not be required to work the below holidays:

New Year’s Day Labor Day

Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday Columbus Day

President’s Day Veteran’s Day

Independence Day Memorial Day

Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day

1.6.4. Emergency Base or Government Office Closures: When contractor employees are not allowed access to the worksite due to emergency closures, the Government shall not be charged for the previously scheduled work hours, unless the contractor can show work was performed and the Government received a benefit. The contracting officer shall have the option of seeking remedies which permit the contractor to (a) reschedule the time lost due to base closure or (b) report to an alternate duty location.

1.6.5 Hours of Operation at a Government Site: The Contractor shall perform the required services between the hours of 0800 and 1700 Monday through Friday except Federal holidays or when the Government facility is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closings, or similar Government directed facility closings. The Contractor must at all times maintain an adequate work force for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within this performance work statement when the Government facility is not closed for the above reasons. When hiring personnel, the Contractor shall keep in mind that the stability and continuity of the work force are essential. The Contractor must notify the Contracting Officer within 14 calendar days prior to any proposed changes to personnel supporting this effort.

1.6.6 Place of Performance: The principle places for the work to be performed under this contract will be DSCA, Arlington, VA. Local travel may be required to support conferences and meetings within the metropolitan Washington D.C. area. Additional travel outside the metropolitan Washington D.C. area is possible but not anticipated. The annual estimated travel cost is $500.00 and the contractor shall input $500.00 in each Travel CLINs.

1.6.7 Type of Contract: A Firm Fixed Price contract will be awarded.

1.6.8 Security Requirements:

1.6.8.1 The contractor is responsible for safeguarding information of a confidential or sensitive nature. Failure to safeguard any classified/proprietary information which may involve the contractor or the contractor’s personnel or to which they may have access may subject the contractor and/or the contractor’s employees to criminal liability. Provisions of the Privacy Act apply to all records and reports maintained by the contractor. All programs and materials developed at government expense during the course of this contract are the property of the government. At the time that the solicitation is issued, it shall be accompanied by a Contract Security Specification, DD Form 254, Attachment B of the Solicitation. It will be applicable to any contract awarded as a result of this solicitation and will be completed at time of award.

Contractor personnel to work at a Government work site shall have a security clearance as required at Section 5.12 of the PWS. In accordance with DoD Directive 5220.22-M, Department of Defense Industrial Security Manual for Safeguarding Classified Information, and any revisions, thereto, as well as Industrial Security Regulation DoD 5220.22-R.

1.6.8.3 Physical Security. The contractor shall be responsible for safeguarding all government property provided for contractor use. When contractors leave work locations, government facilities, equipment, and materials shall be secured.

1.6.9 Special Qualifications:

The contractor shall be responsible for providing a technically qualified person to perform the work specified in this PWS. The contractor shall maintain the personnel, organization, and administrative control necessary to ensure that the work delivered meets the contract specifications and requirements.

The resume of the contract employee must reflect experience directly related to the task and functions he/she is intended to perform under this contract.

The Government reserves the right, during the life of this contract, to request resumes of an assigned contract employee for the purposes of verifying compliance with the above requirements. Additionally, the government reserves the right to review resumes of contractor personnel proposed to be assigned.

Personnel assigned to, or utilized by, the contractor in performance of work shall be fully capable of performing the contemplated functions of the respective labor categories in an efficient, reliable, and professional manner.

Technical skills required: capability of producing analytics consistent with a university undergraduate first course in Statistics, with minimal technical supervision. College degree is preferred but not required.

Computer skills required: Average literacy with the MS Office Suite applications of Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint. Must be proficient enough with Excel to support analytics covered by a university undergraduate first course in Statistics. This includes calculations of averages, medians, percentiles, and simple linear regression. This includes preparation of histograms, scatter diagrams, and pie charts. Must be able to transfer presentation graphics from Excel into PowerPoint or Word.

1.6.10 Coordination:

1.6.10.1 The Contractor agrees to attend any post award conference convened by the contracting activity or contract administration office in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 42.5, Post Award Orientation. The contracting officer, Contracting Officers Representative (COR), and other Government personnel, as appropriate, may meet periodically with the contractor to review the contractor’s performance. At these meetings the contracting officer will apprise the contractor of how the Government views the contractor’s performance, and the contractor will apprise the Government of problems, if any, being experienced.

Appropriate action shall be taken to resolve outstanding issues.

1.6.10.2 Contracting Officer Representative (COR): The (COR) will be identified by separate letter. The COR monitors all technical aspects of the contract and assists in contract administration The COR is authorized to perform the following functions: assure that the Contractor performs the technical requirements of the contract: perform inspections necessary in connection with contract performance: maintain written and oral communications with the Contractor concerning technical aspects of the contract: issue oral or written interpretations of technical requirements,: monitor Contractor's performance and notifies both the Contracting Officer and Contractor of any deficiencies; coordinate availability of government furnished property, and make arrangements for site entry of Contractor personnel. A letter of designation issued to the COR, a copy of which is sent to the Contractor, states the responsibilities and limitations of the COR, especially with regard to changes in cost or price, estimates or changes in delivery dates. The COR is not authorized to change any of the terms and conditions of the contract.

1.6.11 Key Personnel: The following personnel are considered key personnel by the government:

Contract personnel performing in support of this contract are designated as key personnel.

The contractor will notify the KO in writing of any changes to key personnel prior to their reassignment from the position.

1.6.12 Identification of Contractor Employees:

1.6.12.1 All contract personnel attending meetings, answering Government telephones, and working in other situations where their contractor status is not obvious to third parties are required to identify themselves as such to avoid creating an impression in the minds of members of the public that they are Government officials. They must also ensure that all documents or reports produced by contractors are suitably marked as contractor products or that contractor participation is appropriately disclosed. Provisions of the Privacy Act may apply to some records and reports maintained by the contractor.

Contractor personnel shall be required to adhere to the installation security requirements. The performance of this requirement will require the contractor access to classified information.

FAR clause 52.204-2, Security Requirements, as required by FAR Subpart 4.404 (a) will be incorporated into the solicitation and contract.

1.6.13 Contractor Travel: Travel outside of the DC Metro Area is not anticipated. Any travel requirements that arise will require government pre-approval/authorization and shall be coordinated with the COR. Any projected travel should be submitted to the COR expeditiously to allow necessary time to complete Government approval process. Travel and per diem shall be reimbursed in accordance with the Joint Travel Regulations currently in effect and IAW FAR Part 31.205-46. All travel will be conducted at the minimum cost to the Government. The Contractor shall provide a trip report detailing travelers, activities conducted, results accomplished and expenses incurred to the COR within ten (10) days of the completion of travel.

1.6.14 Organizational Conflict of Interest OCI: Contractor and subcontractor personnel performing work under this contract may receive, have access to or participate in the development of proprietary or source selection information (e.g., cost or pricing information, budget information or analyses, specifications or work statements, etc.) or perform evaluation services which may create a current or subsequent OCIs as defined in FAR Subpart 9.5. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer immediately whenever it becomes aware that such access or participation may result in any actual or potential OCI and shall promptly submit a plan to the Contracting Officer to avoid or mitigate any such OCI. The Contractor’s mitigation plan will be determined to be acceptable solely at the discretion of the Contracting Officer and in the event the Contracting Officer unilaterally determines that any such OCI cannot be satisfactorily avoided or mitigated, the Contracting Officer may affect other remedies as he or she deems necessary, including prohibiting the Contractor from participation in subsequent contracted requirements which may be affected by the OCI.

1.6.15 Safety. Contractor shall comply with all Federal, State and local authorities having jurisdication, and with safety and fire regulations promulgated by the Department of Labor (OSHA) under Title 29, Section 1900 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Contractor is solely responsible for compliance and cost of compliance with Federal, State and local laws and regulations. Contractor shall provide written notification to the Contracting Officer within twenty-four (24) hours of being notified by any Federal, State or local agency that a safety law and/or regulation has been violated. This report shall provide at a minimum the following: time and date of the occurrence, a description of the violation, required corrective action(s), and a projected correction date.

1.6.17 Inspection and Acceptance Criteria. The COR or technical representative will require up to fifteen (15) working days from receipt of all deliverables for review and comment/acceptance.

Government acceptance will be based upon the deliverables meeting accepted professional standards for technical content, workmanship, and relevance to stated functional task requirements.

1.6.18 Reporting

1.6.18.1 Contractor will, in addition to invoice requirements, submit a monthly financial report to the Contracting Officer and COR that includes all labor and travel costs incurred by the contractor. The report shall be formatted to provide breakout of monthly expenditure per employee and related costs for the current period to date and the total amount expended to include the remaining balance on each contract CLIN. This format allows efficient, effective and accurate tracking and provides effective insight into declining funds availability.

PART 2

DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS

2. DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS.

2.1 DEFINITIONS:

Advisory and Assistance Services (AAS). Means those services provided under contract by nongovernmental sources to support or improve: Organizational policy development; decision-making; management and administration; program and/or project management and administration; or R&D activities. It can also mean the furnishing of professional advice or assistance rendered to improve the effectiveness of Federal management processes or procedures (including those of an engineering and technical nature). In rendering the foregoing services, outputs may take the form of information, advice, opinions, alternatives, analyses, evaluations, recommendations, training and the day-to-day aid of support personnel needed for the successful performance of ongoing Federal operations. All advisory and assistance services are classified in one of the following definitional subdivisions:

(1) Management and professional support services, i.e., contractual services that provide assistance, advice or training for the efficient and effective management and operation of organizations, activities (including management and support services for R&D activities), or systems. These services are normally closely related to the basic responsibilities and mission of the agency originating the requirement for the acquisition of services by contract.