Amendment_0006.pdf

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

To update Sections "A", "L" and "M".

1. CONTRACT ID CODE PAGE OF PAGES

S 1 48

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

16C. DATE SIGNED

BY 14-Nov-2018

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

X 9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

13-Oct-2018

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

HQ001318R0001

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 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. 0006

5. PROJECT NO.(If applicable)

6. ISSUED BY

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

14-Nov-2018

CODE

DEFENSE SECURITY COOPERATION AGENCY-CON

TIFFANY TANNER

201 12TH STREET S, SUITE 203

ARLINGTON VA 22202-5408

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

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.

CODE

See Item 6

FACILITY CODECODE

EMAIL:TEL:

HQ001318R0001

SECTION SF 30 BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

SECTION A - SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

The required response date/time has changed from 15-Nov-2018 12:00 PM to 05-Dec-2018 12:00 PM.

SECTION I - CONTRACT CLAUSES

The following have been deleted:

52.219-4

SECTION L - INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO BIDDERS

The following have been added by full text:

Q & A

Q/A 11/14/2018 Questions 1- 94 Amendment 0006

# Reference Questions Government Response

1 PWS Section 1.7.3.5 Personnel Security

Will the government accept an Interim Top Secret facility clearance to satisfy this requirement?

Final secret is required.

2 Attachment 1A, Task Area Chart/Experience

Instructions request that “Offerors shall provide the information provided on the first page in this attachment to identify which task areas they consider themselves to be subject matter experts…”

Corrected with amendment 5. See L.4.2.1

3 Table L.2 - Proposal Organization

Under Volume/Tab II, the government requests a max of 17 pages per person.

Does that indicate that the Task Area Chart is requested for each individual proposed?

Yes

4 Appendix 1 Appendix 1 was not posted. Can you please release on FBO?

Yes via amendment 7.

5 Amendment 1, L.2.10 Distribution and Copies

Regarding Hardcopy Submission: The Amended RFP states in Section L that “All volumes shall be submitted in written form (4 copies) and CD-R or DVD-R (write once/read only) (1 copy) that is “closed” so that no further writes can be made to the media. Later in Section L.2.10, the amended RFP states “Offerors shall submit six (6) hard copy versions each of Volumes I, II, III, IV. Five (5) of the copies shall have the offeror’s name and any other identifiers redacted or removed. Offerors shall submit three (3) hard copy version each of Volume V. Two (2) of the copies shall have the offeror’s name and any other identifiers redacted or removed.

Correct in amendment 5.

6 Amendment 1, Section L.5.2 / L.5.3

RFP states at L.5.3.4, "Once the Present/Past Performance Questionnaires are completed by your POCs, the information contained therein shall be considered source selection sensitive and shall not be released to you, the offeror."

Yes, if available, include CPARS with your proposal. Yes, completed PPQs should be sent directly from Points of Contact to the Government. See amendment 6.

7 Amendment 1, L.4.2.1, Task Area Chart/Experience

In the Government's explanation it identifies proposing on Task Orders. Can the government clarify its intent of this approach and how that supports a single award FFP contract? Can the government also clarify the meaning of “…all Task Areas will be covered by the award contract suites”

Yes, corrected in amendment.

8 Amendment 1, L.5.3.1, Summary page

Please clarify whether the requirement for submission is up to 3 or 5 past performances, and/or what is the criteria for submitting 5 vs 3.

This is corrected in amendment 5.

9 Amendment 1, M.2.1.2, Relative Importance // Table 4.0

This section defines the relative importance as Technical Rating and Technical Risk as most important, followed by Past Performance and then Cost/Price. Factor III. Small Business is not included in this explanation, but was identified in Section M.2.1. Factors and Subfactors. Can the government clarify the relative importance of Factor III?

Yes, corrected in amendment 5 M.4.0.

10 Amendment 1, M.5.1.2 Past Performance

Section M highlights past performance within the past 5 years from the issuance date, and Section L.5.3.1 identifies 3 years.

Please clarify which standard should apply.

5 years. Corrected in amendment 5.

11 Amendment 1, Vol 1, Contract Documentation and Vol V Price Proposal

The RFP includes a requirement for a Total Compensation Plan in accordance with FAR 52.222-46. The referenced FAR clause requires “offerors submit for evaluation a total compensation plan setting forth proposed salaries and fringe benefits for professional employees working on the contract.” Salaries and fringe benefits are cost-related data. Given that (Other than) cost and pricing data belongs in the Price Volume only, respectfully request this Compensation Plan requirement move to Volume V: Price Proposal.

Suggested response: Evaluation of the offeror's response will be determined as a measure of responsibility, not a measure of cost or price.

12 Amendment 1, l.2.9, Electronic Offers

RFP Section L, Communication states that DBO CON email box is the official dsca.ncr.dbo.mbx.cons@mail.mil email address for submission of proposals.

Please clarify if Offerors are to submit an electronic version of the proposal to this mailbox in addition to the versions to be provided via CD/DVD.

Addressed in amendment 5.

13 Amendment 1, M1.1.3 // M7.1.2 //M.3.1.2

Will the government be publishing a competitive range? How will the Contracting Officer determine how to limit the number of proposals in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition?

Competitive range is determined on the basis of the ratings of each proposal against all evaluation factors. The contracting officer might limit the number of proposals in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated proposals. The contracting officer notifies all contractors eliminated from the competitive range.

14 Amendment 1, Section B, CLIN 0007-4007

The amended solicitation only requires a pool of resources for Surge. Please confirm that the Pricing template – which has Surge CLINs – are placeholders for the Contract and are to be left blank for this submission.

Yes, those are placeholders.

15 Amendment 1, Section L, L.1.1 Who May Propose

This section makes reference to: “No “entity” may be awarded a Contract in both categories. No “entity’ may win more than one contract as a prime.” Can the government clarify if multiple awards are being made or confirm this RFP is for a single award.

Single award contract.

16 Amendment 1, L.3.2 There are two “Tab 1” (Cover Page and Executive Summary) provided in the amended Section L for Volume 1, both in Table L.2, and L.3.2. Is this intentional?

Please clarify the tab numbers for Volume 1.

Cover page tab was removed in Amendment 5

17 Amendment 1, L.4.2 In the amended Section L, L.4.2.3, “Tab 4” is Technical/Risk (Factor One). However, in Table L.2 and L.4.2 Format and Specific Content, Tab 4 is shown as Factor 1, Subfactor 1. Please confirm that Tab 4 is Factor 1, Subfactor 1; Tab 5 is Factor 1, Subfactor 2.

Corrected in amendment 6 under, Section L.4.2.3.

18 Amendment 1, L.5.2 In L.5.2 of the amended Section L, it states “page count for this Past Performance volume is annotated above in Table L.2.”

However, Table L.2 does not indicate an overall page count for Volume IV. Please confirm that offerors should use the page allotments as stated in Table L.2 only.

Corrected with amendment 5.

19 Amendment 1, L.5.1; What is the relationship between requirements provided in L.5.1 Summary and those provided in L.5.3.1 Summary Page. Are these both part of what should be provided in Volume IV, Tab 2 Summary?

Please clarify which requirements apply to this tab.

Corrected with amendment 5.

20 Amendment 1, L.5.2;

L.5.3.3

It appears that L.5.2 and L.5.3.3 both provide requirements for Volume IV, Tab 4.

Please clarify these requirements.

Corrected with amendment 5.

21 Amendment 1, Section L, Table L.2/L3.2.1.2

Table L.2 conflicts with L.3.2.1.2 Tab 1:

Executive Summary. Please confirm that the Executive Summary (Volume 1, Tab 1) has a page limit of 5 pages.

Corrected with amendment 5. 3 Pages

22 Amendment 1, Section L, L.4.2.1 Tab 2 Task Area Chart/Experience

Can you please clarify on the definitions of Subject Matter Expert vs Experienced? Is SME geared more towards individual resources as a result of JVs or small business experience, and Experience speaks more to an offeror’s overall corporate experience?

Corrected in amendment 6 - see revised attached 1a.

23 Amendment 1, Table L.2 / L.4.2.1 Tab 2 Task Area Chart/Experience

Table 2, Volume 2, Tab 2 states for page limit, “page for chart; 1 page for each experience, per person, Max 17 pages per person. (Pages not included in page count

Corrected in amendment 6.

24 Amendment 1, Section L, L.4.3.1 b)

Should item “b)” regarding the project manager be aligned to SubFactor Two:

Staffing Plan and Personnel Approach?

Corrected with amendment 5.

25 Amendment 1, Page 23 of 41, L.5.2, and Page 26 of 41, L.5.3.4 – Past Performance Questionnaires

Section L has conflicting guidance regarding the past performance questionnaires. Can the government please clarify which instructions should be followed with regards to the Past Performance Questionnaires?

Corrected in amendment 6. See Section L.5.2.

26 Amendment 1, Table L.2 // L.4.2.3.2

Can the government clarify page count for staffing? The page count chart of Amendment says 15 pages for “staffing and management” but the L.4.2.3.2 says 10 page limit for “staffing and personnel approach”.

Corrected in amendment 6, section L.4.2.3.2.

27 Amendment 1, L.4.2.3.2 The government requests resumes and proofs of intent from all proposed personnel. Can the government clarify whether that means key personnel or all personnel identified in the proposal?

Resumes must be submitted for everyone

28 Amendment 1, L.4.2.3.1 Subfactor One

The amended RFP asks offerors for a “Technical Approach that clearly and concisely describes how the requirements of PWS Paragraphs 5.2, 5.3 and 5.4 will be fulfilled. The technical proposal shall cover the Offeror’s approach for achieving each individual task area of the PWS Paragraph 5.2, 5.3, 5.4 in sufficient detail for it to be evaluated.”

Technical/ Risk and Management Approach shall include:

a)Technical Approach that clearly and concisely describes how the requirements of PWS Paragraphs 5.2, 5.3 and 5.4 will be fulfilled. The technical proposal shall cover the Offeror’s approach for achieving each individual task area of the PWS Paragraph 5.2, 5.3, 5.4 insufficient detail for it to be evaluated.

29 Amendment 3, M.6.1.2, The rating for Factor III Small Business Utilization Rating is described as acceptable/unacceptable. Will other criteria factor into the evaluation, or is it a binary statement based on the minimum quantitative requirement (10%) as defined in the section? If there are other qualitative factors, can the government please provide updated criteria?

Corrected in amendment 6. See section M.6.1.

30 HQ001318R0001_FIAR.pdf, Section I, page 30.

Regarding contract costs, can the Government please confirm that that contract clause 52.216-11 only applies to CLINs X008?

Applies to all cost reimbursement CLINs

31 HQ001318R0001_FIAR.pdf, Section I, page 34.

Regarding the included contract clause 52.219-4, can the Government confirm that they intend to provide price evaluation preference for HUBZone Small Businesses, as this is not referenced in Attachment B?

If so, will the Government consider removing clause 52.219-4 from RFP to allow equal price evaluation from all offerors?

Deleted in amendment 6.

32 HQ001318R0001_FIAR,

Amend 0001, Section L.2.5, page 15 and L.7 Volume V, General Instructions, page 28.

Paragraph L.2.5 specifies that, “All cost or pricing information shall be addressed ONLY in the Cost/Price Proposal Volume.”

Paragraph L.7 regarding Volume V (pricing) also states, “Pricing shall not be provided in any other part of the proposal.” As Total Compensation Plans also contain proprietary rate information and is related to pricing, suggest the government move

Evaluation of the offeror's response will be determined as a measure of responsibility, not a measure of cost or price.

requirement for Total Compensation Plan from Volume I to Volume V.

33 FIAR_Pricing_Summary_ (RevTNT).xlsx

Can the Government please identify the “Quantity” and “Unit” to be used for price evaluation of CLINs X007?

TBD

34 HQ001318R0001_FIAR,

Amend 0001, Section L.2.4 Page Size and Format, para. 1, page 14

Several document templates provided by the Government as RFP attachments appear to have margins less than 1 inch.

Are Offerors required to adjust these templates to meet the requirement for 1-inch margins?

No need to adjust

35 HQ001318R0001_FIAR,

Amend 0001, L.5.2 Past Performance Questionnaires for Recent and Relevant Contracts, paragraph 2, page 23; and M.5.1.2 General, paragraph 2, page 34.

Can the government please clarify its definition of recency as it pertains to Past Performance? The first reference defines relevancy as 3 years within issuance of the RFP, while the second reference defines it as 5 years within RFP issuance.

Corrected to 5 years in Amendment 6

36 PWS_FIAR_Contract_as_of _11_Oct_2018_(v4t);

paragraph 1.4.2.1, Alternate Place of Performance, page 7, and Amendment 2, dd0254.pdf

Sections 6, 7 and 8 of the DD254 released with Amend 2 were blank and did not contain alternative places of performance.

Could the Government please provide these locations.

Those would be identified by the offeror.

37 HQ001318R0001_FIAR,

Amend 0001, L.2.1.A, Table L.2- Proposal Organization, page 13.

Reference Table L.2, Volume I, Tab 1 is listed twice for both Cover Page and Executive Summary. Could the Government please confirm that this is not a typo, and that both these documents are intended to be included in Tab 1?

Corrected in Amendment 5

38 HQ001318R0001_FIAR,

Amend 0001, Section M, paragraph M.1.1.1, page 30.

The first paragraph states, “Offerors are to propose to the evaluation factors included in this section ONLY and NOT required to propose to the entire PWS. Failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the solicitation may result in the Offeror being ineligible for award.” This suggests conflicting guidance (and implies ineligibility for non-compliance) that Offerors should propose only to be evaluated factors, but may also propose to other non-evaluated factors. Could the Government please clarify that proposing the entire PWS will not disqualify Offerors?

Corrected text see highlight

39 HQ0013-18-R-0001_-

_Att_1a_- _Task_Area_Chart- Experience_-_RFP

The Task #’s indicated in the chart do not accurately align with the Tasks as written in the PWS document narrative. Could the Government please reconcile these Task numbers to help clarify requirements they desire to be addressed in the Offeror’s proposals?

Corrected Amendment 6. See attachment 1a.

40 HQ0013-18-R-0001_-

_Att_B_-_SB_PP_Format_- _RFP, page 1; and

HQ001318R0001_FIAR,

Amend 0001, Section L.6.0, paragraph L6.2.1, sub-paragraph 5), page 27-28.

Attachment B references HBCU/MI as a desired small business category, but this is not mentioned FIAR Contract document (page 28) as one that is part of the evaluation. Could the gov’t please clarify if HBCU/MI will be an evaluated small business category?

Corrected Amendment 5. It will not be an evaluated small business.

41 FIAR_Pricing_Summary_(R evTNT) Excel Spreadsheet.

This pricing sheet requires FFP price estimates by various CLINs, which is difficult to determine without Government providing information of the required level-of-effort (LOE) for each CLIN category. This LOE could also change from the base period throughout the various option periods.

Could the Government please confirm that it is to be assumed that the level-of-effort and work focus will remain the same

Contractor is required to scope the work based on the task description in the PWS.

throughout the base and option years as a means of providing pricing estimates?

42 PWS_FIAR_Contract_as_of _11_Oct_2018_(v4t), 1.5.4 Key Personnel, page10.

This section states the following regarding key personnel: “Prior to substituting, removing, replacing, or diverting any of the specified individuals, the Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer fourteen (14) business days in advance and shall submit a written request and justification (including proposed substitutions) in sufficient detail to permit evaluation of the impact on this Contract.” To better align this notification with accepted industry staff replacement standards, we recommend changing this notification requirement to be expressed as fourteen (14) calendar days or ten (10) business days.

This will remain as is.

43 HQ0013-18-R-0001_-

_Att_1a_- _Task_Area_Chart- Experience_-_RFP, Attachment 1A &

HQ001318R0001_FIAR,

Amend 0001, Section L, paragraph L.4.2.1, page 21.

The headers of the two far right columns and footnote at bottom of the Task Area Chart suggest that multiple task orders and multiple awardees are envisioned with this contract. As this conflicts with the RFP stated single-award, FFP solicitation guidance, can Government clarify if additional task orders are expected to be issued for this work?

Corrected Amendment 6. Single award contract.

44 HQ001318R0001_FIAR,

Amend 0001, Section L, paragraph L.4.2.1, page 21.

Similar to question 88 above, can the Government please clarify the following similar language in the fourth paragraph, which states “The intent is to ascertain each Offeror’s self-determined experience and what they are likely to propose on to assure that all Task Areas will be covered by the award of the Contract suites.” This suggests multiple task orders are expected to be issued for this work, and possibly multiple awardees? Could the Government please clarify this wording to reflect envisioned contract task and award requirements.

Corrected Amendment 6, see attachment 1a.

45 PWS_FIAR_Contract_as_of _11_Oct_2018_(v4t), paragraph 1.6.3, Contract Senior Manager (CSM), page 12; and Appendix_2, Labor Categories.

Section 1.6.3 identifies a Contract Senior Manager (CSM) position and states the “The Contractor shall provide a contract senior manager who shall be responsible for the performance of the work.”

However, this role is not listed on Appendix 2 for LCATs. Could the Government please clarify if this position is expected to be separate from the Program Manager and/or other senior LCAT responsibilities?

Could the PM, Partner/Principal or other senior LCAT positions perform the duties of this position at the Contractor’s discretion?

This position can be filled at the discretion of the offeror.

46 HQ001318R0001_FIAR,

Amend 0001, Section L, Table L.2, page 14.

The remark under the Page Limit column for Volume II, Tab 2, makes a reference to “Max 17 pages per person.” This is a confusing reference to people when associated narrative discusses this as Task experience for Offeror firms. Could the Government please further explain this reference to “persons” and how it applies to the Task Area Chart/Experience templates?

Corrected Amendment 6, see attachment 1a.

One page per task. There are 17 total tasks in attachment 1a (1pg per person*17tasks).

47 HQ001318R0001_FIAR,

Amend 0001, Section L, paragraph L.2.3, page 15.

This paragraph states, “Page limitations shall not be circumvented by including inserted text boxes/pop-ups or internet links to additional information; such inclusions are not acceptable and will not be considered part of the proposal.” Does this restriction preclude the use of text being placed in any type of traditional proposal “call-out boxes,” even those that do not contain hyper-links?

Page count is inclusive of all text included in your response

48 HQ001318R0001_FIAR,

Amend 0001, Section L, paragraph L.2.8, page 15, and L.3.2.3 Tab 3.

Paragraph L.2.8 states, “Each volume may contain a glossary of all abbreviations and acronyms used,” while paragraph L.3.2.3 states, “The offeror shall include a master list of abbreviations and acronyms used within the proposal.” This appears to be conflicting guidance. Can the Government please confirm whether glossaries of abbreviations are optional or not for proposal volumes.

Each volume may or may not have a abbreviations and acronyms list

49 HQ001318R0001_FIAR,

Amend 0001, Section L, paragraph L.3.2.9 Tab 9, page 19.

The second paragraph states, “Offerors must complete Block 6 of the attached DD254 with the appropriate information for their companies.” No DD254 was provided as an attachment to the 13 or 22 Oct 2018 RFP documents release. Could the Government please provide.

Instructions and attachment were provided via amendment 5

50 HQ001318R0001_FIAR,

Amend 0001, Section L, paragraph L.3.2.11.5, page 19, and paragraph L.7.1, page 28.

This paragraph requires a Total Compensation Plan be included in Volume I, although paragraph 7.0 Volume V, Price Proposal provides conflicting guidance, “Pricing shall not be provided in any other part of the proposal.” Recommend moving the Total Compensation Plan from Volume I to Volume V.

Suggested response: Evaluation of the offeror's response will be determined as a measure of responsibility, not a measure of cost or price.

51 HQ001318R0001_FIAR.pdf, Section I, 252.204-7012, Safeguarding Covered Defense Information and Cyber Incident Reporting (Oct 2016), page 40.

During the performance of the contract, will the Contractor be required to use Contractor-owned systems and/or computers to process DSCA information and data?

See section 3 of the PWS.

52 HQ001318R0001_FIAR.pdf, Section I, 252.244-7001, Contractor Purchasing System Administration – Basic (May 2014), page 47.

Is the Offeror required to have a government approved purchasing system?

Yes

53 HQ001318R0001_FIAR.pdf, Section I, 252.244-7001, Contractor Purchasing System Administration – Basic (May 2014), page 47.

Is the Offeror required to follow all steps under this clause when awarding a subcontract to team members named in the Offeror’s proposal to the government?

Yes

54 HQ001318R0001_FIAR.pdf, Section K - Representations, Certifications and Other Statements of Offerors, (section update was not provided with Amend 1 mod)

Is a Section K required if the Offeror has completed the annual representations and certifications electronically via the SAM Web site?

If reps and certs are in SAM, annotate this on your proposal response.

55 HQ001318R0001_FIAR,

Amend 0001, Section L, Table L.2, page 13; and paragraph L.3.2.1.2, page 17.

Table L.2, Volume I, Tab 1, states page limit for Executive Summary is 3 pages, yet narrative in paragraph L.3.2.1.2 on page 17 states “(5)” pages. Could the Government please confirm which page count applies?

Corrected to 3 pages Amendment 6

56 HQ001318R0001_FIAR,

Amend 0001, Section L, Table L.2, page 14; and paragraph L.4.2.3.2, page 22.

Table L.2, Volume II, Tab 5, states page limit for Staffing Plan is 15 pages, yet narrative in paragraph L.4.2.3.2 on page 22 states “(10)” pages. Could the Government please confirm which page count applies?

Corrected to 15 in Amendment 6

57 HQ001318R0001_FIAR,

Amend 0001, Section L, Table L.2, page 14.

Table L.2, Volume III, Tab 4, under the page limit column, references “1 PP Description (Att 4).” As there is no RFP Attachment 4, could this be a typo and actually referring to RFP Attachment C, Past Performance Description? Could the Government please clarify?

Corrected in Amendment 5

58 HQ001318R0001_FIAR,

Amend 0002, Section L, paragraph L.2.9, page 8.

Paragraph states, “Attachment 9 must be submitted in the format provided.” There is no document labeled as Attch 9 in any of the releases, could the Government please clarify this reference.

Corrected in amendment 5, see section L.2.9.

59 Amend_1, Section L.2.1, p.

14 of 41 & Section L.5.3.3,

p. 26 of 41

The proposal layout table cited in the first reference seems to place a 3-page limit on past performance sheets; however, the second reference cites the maximum number of pages as 5. Can the government please clarify what the page limit is for a past performance sheet?

Corrected in amendment 5, see table L.2.

60 HQ0013-18-R-0001_-

_Att_1a_- _Task_Area_Chart- Experience_-_RFPv2, p.1 of

The first page of this attachment separates Financial Improvement and Audit Readiness (FIAR) as separate tasks under 5.2, yet they are combined as “Audit Readiness Program” in paragraph 5.2.1 of the PWS (page 25). Could the Government please clarify how these are to be addressed as separate tasks in the Task Area Experience Chart, or consider combining them.

Yes, they have been combined. See attachment 1a

61 HQ0013-18-R-0001_-

_Att_1a_- _Task_Area_Chart- Experience_-_RFPv2, and PWS_FIAR_Contract_as_of _11_Oct_2018_(v4t), 5.6.3, page 30.

Can the Government please clarify if Task Area 8.6 is a typo and refers to PWS section

5.6.3 Annual Performance Reports (APR)

for Security Assistance Accounts (SAA)? Or, if the Government wants a write-up regarding SAA and the Offerors’ experience working with or around this type of account.

Yes, corrected in amendment 6.

62 HQ001318R0001_FIAR,

Amend 0001, Section L.5.3.4, page 26.

Can the government please insert the missing legend where it states, “The completed questionnaires should be contained in a second envelope marked with the mailing address and the following legend:”

Corrected amendment 6. See section L.5.5.4

63 HQ001318R0001_FIAR,

Amend 0002, Section L.5.3.4, para. 2, page 19 and HQ001318R0001_FIAR, Amend 0003, page 1.

Can the government please clarify if the past performance questionnaires are due to the government from the vendors at 2 PM on November 13, 2018? Per Amendment 0003, the proposals are due at 12 PM on November 13, 2018, and typically the PPQs are due at the same time.

Changed via amendment 6. See section a of solicitation.

64 HQ001318R0001_FIAR,

Amend 0001, Sections L.5.2 (page 23), and L.5.3.4, page 26.

There is conflicting guidance in these two paragraphs of whether completed PPQs should be sent back to Offerors for inclusion in submitted proposals, or directly to the Government. Can the Government clarify?

Corrected in amendment 5, see section L.5.5.4

65 SF-33 The SF-33 indicates the solicitation number is HQ001318R0001; however, the header in certain areas of the solicitation also include the solicitation number HQ001318R0011.

Will the Government please confirm the solicitation number is HQ001318R0001?

Corrected in amendment 4.

66 SF 30 Will the Government please clarify the proper submittal time? Amendment 2 states that the submission date for proposals has been extended to November 13, 2018 at 3pm; however, Amendment 3 states that the required response date/time has changed from 13-Nov-2018 to 13-Nov-2018 12:00PM.

Corrected in amendment 4.

67 Section I. Given that the resulting contract will be a Firm-Fixed Price (FFP)-type contract, would the Government please remove 52.216-7

The Gov preference is to leave the clauses in the solicitation as there are cost reimbursement type

CLINS

and 52.216-11 from the clauses incorporated by reference?

68 L.1.2 Will the Government confirm electronic copies of our final proposal are to be submitted to dsca.ncr.dbo.mbx.cons@mail.mil instead of the Point of Contact (POC) emails listed in L.1.2 for the Contracting Officer (CO) and Contract Specialist (CS)?

Corrected in amendment 5, see section L.2.9.

69 L.2.10 If necessary, may the offeror provide more than one sealed box (if the contents cannot fit in one)? If so, please provide any additional requirements.

Corrected in amendment 5, see section L.2.11

70 L.2.10 Is the offeror permitted to submit the hard copy of our proposal via hand delivery? If so:

Yes

70a a) Please indicate any security measures required to access the required delivery location.

Please follow protocol at visitor center

70b b) Please provide the proper POC for accepting the proposal and confirm they will be available on the due date to accept the proposal.

Tiffany Tanner

71 L.2.3 This section states, “Pages shall be numbered per volume and/or tab within the volume.”

71a Is each tab to start over numerically (i.e., Tab 1, Page 1; Tab 2, Page 1), or should each volume just be numbered Page 1–X?

Yes start the numbers over from 1 for each volume

72 L.2.3 This section states, “Indexing pages will not be included in limitations.”

Corrected in amendment 5, see section L.2.3

72a Please clarify what “indexing pages” are and how they should be included/formatted. Are they different from the Table of Contents and any List of Exhibits (i.e., tables, figures)?

73 L.2.4 This section states, “Use at least one-inch margins on the top and bottom and one-inch side margins.”

73a Would the Government please confirm whether header/footer information may be placed outside the 1-inch margins (e.g., heading labels, page numbers in footer, source selection markings in footers)?

Yes

74 L.2.4 This section indicates 1-inch margins are required; however, the Government’s template for Attachment 1a falls outside of the 1-inch margins. Please advise.

This is not applicable to attachments.

75 L.2.4 This section states, “Page size shall be 8.5 by 11 inches (except as indicated in paragraph 2.2.2.2).”

Corrected in amendment 5, see section L.2.4.

75a Paragraph 2.2.2.2 does not exist. Will the Government please clarify?

Deleted in amendment 5.

76 L.2.9 This section states, “Volumes II, III and IV shall have a separate file for each Tab.”

76a a) Please confirm separate files for each Tab are actually required.

No, separate files are not required for each tab.

76b b) If separate files are to be included for each Tab in these volumes, in which Tab file should the cover, Table of Contents, and glossary of abbreviations and acronyms be included in?

76c c) If separate files are to be included for each Tab in these volumes, should the required hard copies also provide each tab in a separate three-ring binder?

77 L.2.9 This section describes “Electronic Submissions of proposals on CD;” however, it indicates proposals are also to be submitted in written format.

77a Please confirm the following is required:

77b Four (4) hard copies of each volume Yes 77c One (1) CD copy including all volumes. Corrected in amendment see section L.2.10 78 L.2.9 Please confirm all volumes/tabs may be included on the same required CD copy.

Yes

79 L.2.9 This section states, “In the event any file on the file CD marked “Original” is corrupted, the Offeror’s proposal will be rejected.”

Deleted in amendment 5.

79a Please clarify requirements for marking files/CDs with “Original” as this is the only mention of this requirement.

80 L.2.9, L.2.10 Section L.2.9 indicates four (4) written copies are required; however, Section L.2.10 indicates six (6) hard copies are required for Volumes I, II, III, and IV and three (3) hard copies are required for Volume V. Would the Government please clarify the required number of hard copies for each volume, and how many of those copies is to be redacted?

Corrected in amendment 5, see section L.2.11

81 L.2.10 This section states, “Each volume shall be marked with the RFP number and the offeror’s name and address, and the number of the Volume, i.e. I, II, III, etc.”

Corrected in amendment 5, see section L.2.11

81a Please confirm each hard-copy volume (to include all tabs) may be included in the same three-ring binder.

82 L.3.2 Both the Cover Page and Executive Summary are listed as Tab 1. Please confirm both the Cover Page and Executive

Corrected in amendment 5, see section table L.2.

Summary are both to be included as part of Tab 1.

83 L.3.2.1, L.3.2.5, L.5.2 These sections require offeror to provide company names with the CAGE codes the offeror plans to use in the performance of this resultant contract. Should CAGE code be updated to NAICS code? Typically, small business utilization plans assign each subcontract the NAICS code and corresponding size standard that best describes the principal purpose of the subcontract.

No, it should include CAGE and NAICS codes.

84 L.3.2.1.2; Table L.2 This section states, “The offeror shall include any assumptions and constraints to achieving PWS objectives within this five (5) page limit;” however, Table L.2 indicates the page limitations is three (3). Please clarify.

Corercted in amendment 5, see table L.2.

85 L.3.2.7 If the offeror’s Representations and Certifications are current and complete in the System for Award Management (SAM), are offers still required to complete the individual representations and certifications in the solicitation?

If reps and certs are in SAM, annotate this on your proposal response.

86 L.3.2.7 Would the Government please confirm the need to complete Provisions 52.204-8 and 52.204-17 as part of the Section K Representations & Certifications submittal?

If an offeror completes Provisions 52.204-, and certifies in 52.204-8 that their Representations and Certifications are current and complete in SAM, are offers still required to complete the individual representations and certifications in the solicitation?

If reps and certs are in SAM, annotate this on your proposal response.

87 L.3.2.9 Will the Government please clarify whether the Contractor must complete the entire DD Form 254 or only Block 6? The Tab 9 instructions state that a completed DD254 Form must be submitted with the proposal, but only specifies Block 6 as required—does that constitute a “completed” DD254 in the Government’s view?

Block 6 is all that is required.

Provide the statement in tab 9.

87a Additionally, will the Government clarify where on the DD254 Form the Contractor is to “include a statement certifying that all personnel employed to perform under the resultant contract meet the qualifications (to include the requisite security clearances, and National Agency Checks) in the DD Form 254, Contract Security Classification Specification”?

88 L.3.2.11; Table L.2 Table L.2 indicates Management Information is not to exceed eight (8) pages, excluding Company Agreements.

Please confirm the “Company Agreements” refer to the sample requested in L.3.2.11.3.

Yes.

89 L.3.2.11.2 This section states, “Identify one Corporate Program Manager/Point of Contact.

Identify their clearance level. Provide resume.”

Corrected in amendment 5, see section L3.2.11.2

89a Will the Government clarify what is required of this position? If not, please clarify why a résumé is required.

90 L.3.2.11.3 This section states, “Describe if your company requires any kind of agreements to be signed as a condition of employment and provide samples.”

90a Sample agreements cannot be provided as they contain proprietary business information. Would the Government please remove this requirement?

No.

91 L.3.2.11.6 This section details the requirement for a Transition-In Plan. Please confirm only an approach for a Transition-In Plan is required and a Transition-Out Plan (as detailed in PWS 5.1.8.2 and 5.1.8.3) is not required in the offeror’s proposal.

Transition out plan is not required for submission of the proposal.

92 L.3.2.12 This section states, “The cross reference matrix will be utilized as a tool to show critical interrelationships and dependencies among the technical requirements document Performance-Based Work Statement (PWS), Purchase Description, the Contract Line Item Number (CLIN), Section L (Instructions to Offerors), and Section M (Evaluation Basis for Award).”

Proposal development and formatting is at the discretion of the offeror.

92a Please clarify how the offeror is to map proposal sections to CLINs.

93 L.4.2.1; L.2, Table 2 Table 2 indicates the Attachment 1a chart is limited to 1 page; however, the Government’s template (not filled out) is more than one page. Please clarify.

Corrected, see attachment 1a.

94 L.4.2.1, Attachment 1a This section states with regard to Attachment 1a, “The intent is to ascertain each Offeror’s self-determined experience and what they are likely to propose on to

Corrected, see attachment 1a.

assure that all Task Areas will be covered by the award of the Contract suites.”

The following have been modified:

PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

L-900. Proposal Requirements

L.0 General Instructions

L.1.0 General The following instructions cover the preparation and submittal of the offeror’s proposal for this solicitation.

To assure timely and equitable evaluation of proposals, offerors must follow the instructions contained herein. Offerors are cautioned that any noncompliance with the terms and conditions of the RFP may cause their proposal to be determined not eligible for award. Non-conformance with the instructions provided in this Information to Offerors may result in removal of the proposal from further evaluation. If a joint venture arrangement exists for this acquisition, the offeror shall provide a copy of the joint venture agreement that is signed and dated by all joint venture members as part of the proposal submission.

The proposal shall be clear, concise, and shall include sufficient detail for effective evaluation and for substantiating the validity of stated claims. The proposal should not simply rephrase or restate the Government's requirements but rather shall provide convincing rationale to address how the Offeror intends to meet these requirements. Submissions that represent a mere restatement of the Government’s requirements will be deemed non-responsive and may be removed from further consideration. Offerors shall assume that the Government has no prior knowledge of their facilities and/or experience and will base its evaluation on the information presented in the Offeror's proposal.

L.1.1 Who May Propose Individual firms, firms formally organized specifically for this FIAR, or any other responsible prospective Contractor may submit a proposal. The “entity” listed in Block 15A of Form SF33 is considered the prime contractor. The entity listed in Block 15A can only submit one proposal as a prime, but may be included in other proposals as joint venture partner or subcontractor. For associations that are not officially organized as a separate legal entity, the proposal must clearly identify which teaming or joint venture partner will act as the prime Contractor. Any legally organized Offeror may submit a proposal.

L.1.2 Contractor Team Arrangements Contractor Team Arrangements are considered an arrangement in which (1) two or more companies form a partnership or joint venture to act as a potential prime Contractor; or (2) a potential prime Contractor agrees with one or more other companies to have them act as its subcontractors under a specified Government Contract or acquisition program. In accordance with FAR Subpart 9.6, the Government will recognize the integrity and validity of Contractor team arrangements; provided, the arrangements are identified and company relationships are fully disclosed in the offer. The Offeror shall identify the major or critical aspects of the requirement to be performed by each entity identified in the Contractor Team Arrangement. The submission must contain a narrative that clearly explains the relevance to a particular factor of information concerning a company that is part of a Contractor Team Arrangement. The Government will consider the adequacy of this explanation in deciding the relevance of the information to this procurement.

If applicable, the Offeror shall submit evidence from the Offeror’s SBA Servicing Agency that the Offeror has notified and discussed the proposed joint venture for this project with the appropriate SBA personnel.

Information submitted about any company other than the Offeror, whether a predecessor company, affiliated company, subsidiary (including wholly owned subsidiaries), subcontractors that will perform major or critical aspects of this requirement, or other associated business, will not be evaluated for any factor unless the proposal contains a detailed narrative explaining why this submitted information is relevant to this acquisition. The Government will consider the adequacy of this explanation in deciding the relevance and weight of the information to this procurement.

Proposals must be received by the Business Operations Division of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency at 201 12th Street South, Arlington, VA 22202, Attention: Tiffany Tanner, no later than the date and time specified in Block 8 on the face page of the RFP.

L.1.2 Point of Contact Exchanges of source selection information between Government and offerors will be controlled by the Contracting Officer. Exchanges of source selection information after submission of the initial proposal packages between the Government and offerors will be controlled by the Contracting Officer. The offeror may email information, but the email must include “Source Selection Information – See FAR 2.101 and 3.104” in the subject line of the email.

The DBO CON email box is the official dsca.ncr.dbo.mbx.cons@mail.mil email address for submission of proposals.

Evaluation notices and responses will be transmitted as e-mails and will be treated and marked as Source Selection Sensitive Information. The subject line of the email shall be titled: “RFP HQ0013-18-R- 0001, Contractor Name, Source Selection Information See FAR 2.101 and 3.104.” Questions/comments will only be entertained if received in email and only when submitted on Attachment L-1 Solicitation Questions and Answer. Offerors shall submit questions no later than, 11:00 am, EST, on 30 October 2018.

Emails should be addressed the KO (Tiffany Tanner) and CS (Ali Beshir) as follows:

KO: James E. Washington, Jr (Is the Contracting Officer for this Award)

KO: Tiffany Tanner (Pont of Contact for this Action Only) Email: tiffany.n.tanner4.civ@mail.mil

CS: Ali Beshir (Point of Contact for this Action Only) Email: ali.m.beshir.civ@mail.mil

NO INFORMATION concerning this solicitation or requests for clarification will be provided in response to offeror-initiated telephone calls. All such requests must be made in writing and submitted to the above email address. Written inquiries will be answered in writing and provided to all offerors. However, because of administrative time, written inquiries may not be answered when requests are received by the above addressee after the original due date for receipt of questions as specified in this solicitation. The timeframe for submitting inquiries will not be extended as a result of an extension to the due date for the receipt of offers, unless authorized by the KO.

L.1.3 Debriefings The Contracting Officer will notify Offerors of any decision to exclude them from the competitive range;

whereupon, they may request and receive a debriefing in accordance with FAR 15.505. Offerors excluded from the competitive range may request a pre-award debriefing or they may choose to wait until mailto:dsca.ncr.dbo.mbx.cons@mail.mil after the source selection decision to request a post-award debriefing. However, Offerors excluded from the competitive range are entitled to no more than one debriefing for each proposal. The Contracting Officer will notify all unsuccessful Offerors of the source selection decision in accordance with FAR

15.506. Upon such notification, unsuccessful Offerors may request and receive a debriefing. Offerors desiring a debriefing must make their request in accordance with the requirements of FAR 15.505 or 15.506, as applicable.

L.1.4 Discrepancies If an Offeror believes that the requirements in these instructions contain an error, omission, or are otherwise unsound, the Offeror shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer in writing. The Offeror is reminded that the Government reserves the right to award this effort based on the initial proposal, as received, without discussions.

L.1.5 Electronic Reference Documents All referenced documents for this solicitation are available on the Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOps) web site at http://www.fedbizopps.gov. Potential Offerors are encouraged to subscribe for real-time email notifications when information has been posted to the website for this solicitation.

L.1.6 Communications Exchanges of source selection information between Government and Offerors will be controlled by the Contracting Officer. Email may be used to transmit such information to Offerors. It is desired that email be sent and received encrypted, if possible. All Emails should include “Source Selection Information – See FAR 2.101 & 3.104” in the Subject line. Otherwise, source selection information will be transmitted via United States Post Office, commercial carrier like Federal Express or pick-up/delivery by a local representative.

L.1.7 Competitive Range Determination The Government reserves the right to make award without discussions or establishment of a competitive range. In the event a competitive range is established and the Contracting Officer determines that the number of proposals that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the Contracting Officer may limit the number of proposals in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition. In accordance with FAR Part 15.306(c)(2), Offerors are advised that the competitive range may be further reduced for purposes of efficiency.

L.2 Proposal Format and Organization

L.2.1 Organization/Number of Copies/Page Limits The Offeror shall prepare the proposal as set forth in the Proposal Organization Table (Table L.2. below).

The titles and contents of the volumes shall be as defined in this table, all of which shall be within the required page limits and with the number of copies as specified in Table L.2. The contents of each proposal volume are described in the information to Offerors paragraph as noted in the table below.

A. General: Proposals shall be submitted to the Government in Five (5) separate volumes as set forth below:

Table L.2 – Proposal Organization

Volume/ Tab Volume/ Tab Title PAGE LIMIT

I Contract Documentation Cover Page 1 Page

Tab 1 Executive Summary 3 pages Tab 2 Table of Contents for all Volumes No Limit Tab 3 Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms No Limit

Tab 4 First Page of Solicitation/Contract Form/Signed Amendments No Limit

Tab 5 Company Information 1 Page Tab 6 Compliance Statement 1 Page Tab 7 Solicitation No Limit Tab 8 EEO Pre-Award Information No Limit Tab 9 DD254 Security Classification No Limit

Tab 10 Organizational and Consultant Conflict of Interest Mitigation Plan No Limit

Tab 11a Management Information 8 pages excluding Company Agreement

Tab 11b Continuity Plan 5 Pages

Tab 11c Total Compensation Plan No Limit

Tab 11d Transition Plan No Limit

Tab 12 Cross Reference Matrix No Limit

II Technical/Risk (Factor One) Cover Page 1 Page

Tab 1 Table of Contents No Limit

Tab 2 Task Area Chart/Experience

1 page for chart; 1 page for each experience, per person, Max 17 pages per person. (Pages not included in page count).

Tab 3 Joint Venture/Partnership Agreement (if applicable) No Limit Tab 4 Technical and Management Approach (Subfactor One) 25 pages

Tab 5 Staffing Plan and Personnel Approach (Subfactor Two) 15 Pages III Past Performance (Factor Two) Cover Page 1 Page

Tab 1 Table of Contents No Limit Tab 2 Summary 5 Pages Tab 3 List of Past Performance Questionnaires sent to customers 1 Page

Tab 4 Past Performance Information/ Questionnaires for Recent and Relevant Contracts

5 Contracts Max; 1 PP Description (Att C), 1

CPARS, 1 eSRS, max 9 pages of performance recognition documents per reference.

Tab 5 Consent Letters No Limit Tab 6 Organizational Structure Change History 3 Pages

IV Small Business Proposal (Factor Three) Cover Page 1 Page

Tab 1 Table of Contents No Limit Tab 2 Small Business…