Draft_Solicitation_HQ0034-14-R-0061_Questions_and_Answers.pdf

Draft Solicitation: HQ0034-14-R-0061

Questions and Answers

1. Question: The Draft Solicitation state it’s in the best interest of the Government that administrative employees be properly and fairly compensated. Will the Government provide the current Service Contract Act (SCA) Labor categories and wages?

Answer: The Government will issue the Wage Determination with the solicitation. See the Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other documents to this solicitation.

2. Question: In the event that we need to replace/hire new employees, will the Government pay for the investigation required to work on the contract?

Answer: No, the Government is only requesting a proposal on the requirements listed in the solicitation. See the Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other documents to this solicitation.

3. Question: Is the Government willing to consider re-evaluating the 100% Small Business requirement for this RFP and using full and open competition with 30% small business subcontracting component?

Answer: In December 2013, the Government issued a Sources Sought Notice to capture interest from all large and small businesses. Based on the Government’s evaluation, it was determined that there are small businesses that are capable to satisfy the requirement. See the Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other documents for this solicitation.

4. Question: In the Draft Performance Work Statement on page number 9, it states that tele-workers will only use Government For Equipment (GFE) to remotely access the Department of Defense (DoD) Consolidated Adjudications Facility (CAF) network. Is tele-work allowed on this contract? If so, will the Government provide the number of tele-workers on the contract currently?

Answer: Telework will not be provide under this subject solicitation and contract. See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement (PWS), and all required documents in the solicitation.

5. Question: Will there be enough work spaces available to support the Full-Time- Equivalents (FTE) listed in the solicitation?

Answer: Yes. Please see Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other documents for this solicitation.

6. Question: Is there an incumbent? If so, who is the incumbent and what is the contract number?

Answer: No, This is a new requirement for the Department of Defense (DoD) Consolidated Adjudications Facility (CAF). However, similar work is currently being performed in DoD CAF under two following contracts listed below:

1) Defense Security Service (DSS) Contract# HS0021-10-F-0020, Contractor: GAP Solutions, Inc

2) Washington Headquarters Services / Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (WHS/DOHA)

Contract# HQ0034-10-F-2094, Contractor: Jardon & Howard Technologies, Inc.

7. Question: How many Full-Time-Equivalents (FTEs) are currently working on the incumbent contract?

Answer: The current number of Full-Time-Equivalents (FTE) is listed below:

1) 25 Full-Time-Equivalents (FTEs) under Contract# HS0021-10-F-0020, Contractor: GAP

Solutions, Inc.

2) 15 Full-Time-Equivalents (FTEs) under Contract# HQ0034-10-F-2094, Jardon & Howard

Technologies, Inc.

8. Question: In order to ensure consistency between the Quality Control Plan (QCP) and Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP), will the Government be providing vendors with the QASP?

Answer: The Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) will be issued to the awardee after contract award. See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other documents for this

9. Question: Draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) Section 5.6.1. reads: “The contractor shall create, maintain, and review a database tracking all eligible non U.S. citizens in JPAS & CATS.” Is it the Government’s assumption that there is no current system available that can be used to perform this function?

Answer: The Government is not issuing any assumptions that there is no current system available to perform the function. In the Performance Work Statement (PWS) Section 5.6.1. “National Security Databases,” list the tasks the contractor shall perform under that section. See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other required documents for this solicitation.

10. Question: Does the Government anticipate providing initial training for contractor new hires on Government unique applications as outlined in the Performance Work Statement including but not limited to: Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS), Case Adjudication Tracking System (CATS), Electronic Questionnaire for Investigations Processing (e-QIP), Defense Central Index of Investigations (DCII), Defense Employee Interactive Data System (DEIDS), Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Suitability/Security Investigations Index (SII), and Personnel Investigations Processing System (PIPS) personnel security applications/systems?

Answer: No, In the Performance Work Statement (PWS) Section 1.6.8. - “Special Qualifications,” list the qualifications that are needed for this solicitation. See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement (PWS), and other required documents in this solicitation.

11. Question: In order to assist the Government in evaluating the submitted proposals, will the Government consider requiring all bidders to propose the exact estimated Full-Time- Equivalents (FTEs) and estimated hours reflected in the Draft Performance Work Statement Technical Exhibit 3- Estimated Workload Data?

Answer: No, in the Performance Work Statement (PWS) Section- “Technical Exhibit 3- Estimated Workload,” the Government is seeking for the contractor to use sound judgment and business practices when preparing cost proposal. See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and other requirements in this solicitation.

12. Question: In the Draft Solicitation under FAR 52.212-1 Instructions To Offeror- Commerical Items (FEB2012) “Addendum’’ , in Section C-Technical Approach & Capability (Volume II), it state, “The proposal shall include a personnel matrix, outlining the personnel title, PWS tasks assigned, labor category, level and number of hours proposed; position duties/responsibilities, experience requirements.” Is the personnel matrix part of the 10 page count for the TECHNICAL APPROACH & CAPABILITY (VOLUME II), or is the personnel matrix a separate appendix?

Answer: No, the personnel matrix is not part of the page count for Factor 1- Technical Approach & Capability under Volume II. The page count has been increased from 10 pages to 20 pages for Factor 1-Technical Approach & Capability under Volume II. See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other documents in this solicitation.

13. Question: In the Draft Solicitation under 52.212-2 Evaluation-Commercial Items (JAN 1999), in Section 3a, Factor 1 – Technical Approach & Capability, it state: “Note. The offeror’s Quality Control Plan (QCP) will be evaluated under Factor 1 for Technical Approach & Capability.” For clarity, should the Quality Control Plan be considered as a separate “appendix” that is not part of the 10 page count?

Answer: The Quality Control Plan (QCP) will be evaluated under Factor 1-Technical Approach & Capability (Volume II) as part of the page count. The page count has been increased from 10 pages to 20 pages for Factor 1-Technical Approach & Capability (Volume II). See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other documents for this solicitation.

14. Question: In the Draft Solicitation the subject services for Adjudications Administrative Support Services require a firm understanding of the personnel security industry and the needs of Government agencies in support thereof, does the Government see adequate competition of qualified prime vendors under the current NAICS code?

Answer: Yes, however, the Government re-evaluated the NAICS code, 561110-Office Administrative that was issued in the draft solicitation, and determined the NAICS Code-561611- Investigation Services is more suitable for the requirement and solicitation. See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other documents required for this solicitation.

15. Question: Many times, contracts requiring services such as listed in the draft solicitation are put into the NAICS 561611 with a small business size standard of $19 million, which still limits the competition to small businesses, but allows for contractors who specialize in this field with past performance to perform as the prime. Would the Government consider changing the NAICS code for this solicitation in order to ensure more qualified competition?

Answer: Yes, the Government re-evaluated the NAICS code, 561110-Office Administrative Service that was issued in the draft solicitation, and determined the NAICS Code-561611- Investigation Services is more suitable for the requirement and solicitation. See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other documents required for this solicitation.

16. Question: In the Draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) Section 1.6.7 – Security Requirements, is an interim Top Secret clearance in Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS) sufficient for personnel to begin work?

Answer: No, in Performance Work Statement Section 1.6.7. - “Security Requirements”, the contractor shall have a Top Secret Clearance from the Defense Security Services (DSS) at the time of proposal submission and must maintain the level of security required for the life of the contract. See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and other documents required in this

17. Question: In the Draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) 1.6.7.2 –“Physical Security,” will the Government provide the necessary safe(s) and/or container(s) to safeguard materials at the end of each day?

Answer: Yes, the Government will provide the necessary safe(s) and/or container(s) to safeguard materials. See solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other required documents for

18. Question: In the Draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) 5.2 – General Administrative Support, how many individual are supported by this function? Are both Administrative Assistants estimated to do all tasks or is there a separation of tasks between them? Is this labor category considered exempt as it relates to the Service Contract Act?

Answer: In the Performance Work Statement Section Technical Exhibit 3-“Estimated Workload Data,” list the labor category for all the tasks in the Performance Work Statement. The labor category of an Administrative Assistant is not exempt from the Service Contract Act. See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other documents for this solicitation.

19. Question: In the Draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) Section 5.3 – General Operations Support, how many of the 37 Personnel Security Assistants (PSAs) are estimated for each of the PWS areas for 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8 and 5.9? Is this labor category considered exempt as it relates to the Service Contract Act?

Answer: In the Performance Work Statement Section Technical Exhibit 3-“Estimated Workload Data,” list the labor categories for all the tasks in the Performance Work Statement. The labor category of a Personnel Security Assistant is listed as an Administrative Assistant under the Service Contract Act (SCA). See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other documents for this solicitation.

20. Question: In the Draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) Section 5.4 – Training & Quality Assurance (TQA), is the support for this contract’s personnel training, or other personnel training?

Answer: In the updated Performance Work Statement Section 5.4-“Quality Assurance Support,” the contractor shall provide administrative support in accordance to the Performance Work Statement (PWS) section 5.4. See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other documents required for this solicitation.

21. Question: In the Draft Performance Work Statement Section 5.10.2 – Adjudications Support Status Report, is this a weekly report?

Answer: In the Performance Work Statement (PWS) Section the Technical Exhibit 2- “Deliverables Schedule,” lists the deliverable for the Adjudication Support Status Report. See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and other documents required for this solicitation.

22. Question: In Draft Performance Work Statement Section 5.11 – Mandatory Contractor Manpower Reporting (CMR), are there +/- thresholds of labor hours that trigger a change to the monthly fixed price? (b) Should this report be added to the list of deliverables in Technical Exhibit 2?

Answer: The monthly price is fixed and can only be modified through a modification. The Mandatory Contractor Manpower Reporting (CMR) is required for all services contracts where the contractor shall report all labor hours including subcontract labor hours for performance of services as outlined in the updated Performance Work Statement Section 5.10-Mandatory Contractor Manpowering Reporting (CMR). See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and other requirements for this solicitation.

23. Question: In the Draft Solicitation under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.212-1 “Addendum,” will the Organizational Conflict Interest (OCI) form be issued for the contractor to complete for Volume I?

Answer: Yes, See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement (PWS), and all other required documents in the solicitation.

24. Question: In the Draft Solicitation under FAR 52.212-1 “Addendum”, will past performance of proposed subcontractors please be considered for evaluation?

Answer: Yes, please see the Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other documents for this solicitation.

25. Question: How will “No Relevant Past performance”, impact rating with other competitors with no Past Performance?

Answer: See the Solicitation and review section FAR 52.212-2 EVALUATION-- COMMERCIAL ITEMS (JAN 1999) that outline the evaluation criteria for past performance.

26. Questions: If a company have track record for quality of performance, how much can that help a company with past performance?

Answer: See the solicitation and review section FAR 52.212-2 EVALUATION-- COMMERCIAL ITEMS (JAN 1999) that outline the evaluation criteria for past performance.

27. Question: If a company present letters from associates familiar with the bidder team, can we forward those recommendations in our past performance documentation?

Answer: See In FAR, 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFEROR-COMMERICAL ITEMS (FEB 2012) “ADDENDUM,” outline the instructions for past performance submission.

28. In the Draft Solicitation Performance Work Statement Section 1.6.17-“Phase In,” of the PWS, it states that "the contractor shall become familiar with the PWS requirements and administrative requirements in order to commence full performance of services by CLIN 0005 start date. The contractor shall have personnel onboard during that two-week phase-in period." Are personnel required to be on board to support CLINs 0001, 0002, and 0005, or just CLIN 0005?

Answer: As listed in the solicitation, during the Phase-In period, the contractor shall have personnel onboard as identify on Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) 0006. See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other documents listed for this solicitation.

29. Question: Can the Government provide the estimated level of staffing and labor types desired for this requirement?

Answer: See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and other documents listed in this

30. Question: Are the incumbents eligible to bid on this Request For Proposal (RFP)?

Answer: No, the incumbents are large businesses as listed in question number #6. This solicitation is 100% Total Small Business Set-Aside. Only small businesses will be able to bid on the solicitation. See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other documents for this

31. Question: Please explain why the quantities in in the Draft Solicitation in Standard Form 1449 CLINS 0001-0005 fluctuate between 9 months, 9 months, 7 months, 4 months and 9 months respectively.

Answer: In the solicitation, the period of performance in the base period fluctuate because two contracts with the similar scope as identified in question number #6 will be ending. See the Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and other documents for this solicitation.

32. Question: At the time of proposal submission, does Government require offerors to submit resumes for all 40 Full-Time-Equivalents (FTE) described in the Draft Performance Work Statement-Technical Exhibit 3-Estimated Workload?

Answer: Resumes are not required, but offerors must demonstrate they are able to perform all requirements as stated in the solicitation and their responses will be evaluated based on the terms of the solicitation. Please Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and other documents for this

33. Question: If not, resumes for which positions should be submitted?

Answer: See Question Number #32.

34. Question: Please describe the physical location of the contractor’s Personnel Security Assistant” in relation to the adjudicators they will be supporting. Are all of the personnel security assistants located in a single room or central area with cubicles?

Answer: In the Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other documents for this solicitation, the Personnel Security Assistants will be located at 600 10th Street, Fort Meade, Maryland. The exact location within the facility will be determined after contract award.

35. Question: How many locations will the Personnel Security Assistant will be located and how many Personnel Security Assistants will be assigned to each location?

Answer: Please see response to question number #34.

36. Question: In either case, how far are the adjudicators located in relation to the personnel security assistants who are supporting them?

37. Question: Are the adjudicators and the Personnel Security Assistants in the same general physical location, or different wings of the building, or floors or buildings apart?

38. Question: How many total adjudicators are supported by the total number of personnel security assistants described in the draft Request For Proposal (RFP)?

Answer: The estimated number of total adjudicators is 549. However, the Personnel Security Assistants will be administratively supporting the areas identify in the Performance Work Statement. See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and other documents for this

39. Question: What is the current support ratio? Is it 1 to 1 in terms of support specialist to adjudicator? Or some other ratio?

Answer: Please see response for question number #38.

40. Question: Is it anticipated that the current support ratio will change, based on the full consolidation of all the different CAFs?

Answer: Please see response for question number #38.

41. Question: Is the Government satisfied with the performance of the current workflow model?

Answer: This is a new requirement with similar work being performed under two different contracts as stated in question number #6. See the Solicitation, Performance Work Statement (PWS), and all required documents for this solicitation.

42. Question: Are there improvements in the current workflow processes that the Government wishes to see?

Answer: This is a new requirement with similar work being performed under two different contracts as stated in question number #6. Please see the Solicitation, Performance Work Statement (PWS), and all required documents for this solicitation.

43. Question: In the Draft Performance Work Statement- Technical Exhibit 3-Estimated Workload Data, at the bottom of each Estimated workload chart, there are incoming security clearance case estimates of 675K to 825K per year and 900K to 1.1 million per year.

Is the entire amount of projected incoming case estimates just for international cases or is some percentage also allocable to domestic cases? What are the projected incoming case estimates for domestic cases?

Answer: The International Cases/ Duties have been removed from the solicitation. See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other documents in this solicitation.

44. Question: Draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) Section 1.7-Additional Information describes a requirement for at least 3 people including Program Manager having a license and having completed National Safety Council (NSC) defensive driving course. Please clarify the reasons for this.

Answer: The Performance Work Statement Section 1.7- Additional Information has been from the solicitation. See the Solicitation, Performance Work Statement (PWS), and all required

45. Question: The Draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) state this is a Department of Defense (DoD) Consolidated Adjudications Facility (CAF) wide adjudications support services requirement. Based on our understanding of existing incumbent contracts and the PWS, significantly more than 40 contractor personnel may be required to support these requirements. As a Firm Fixed Price contract where maximum risk is placed on the small business prime contractor for performance, we do not believe there is sufficient information included in the PWS to permit a realistic estimate of probable costs of performance as required in FAR 16.202-2. Will the Government reconsider its determination of the program as a Firm Fixed Price contract?

Answer: The Government has determined this requirement will be issued as a Firm Fixed Price Contract. In FAR 16.202-2, a Firm-Fixed Price contract is suitable for acquiring commercial items. This solicitation is for commercial services. See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other documents required in this solicitation.

46. Question: Will the Government reconsider the workload estimates and estimated Full- Time-Equivalents included in the Draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) based on the requirements to provide CAF wide support services?

Answer: See the Solicitation, Performance Work Statement (PWS), and all required documents

47. Question: In determining to set- aside this contract exclusively for Small Businesses, did the Government base its determination on capacity of firms to provide the services and personnel required to support the entirety of DoD CAF wide support requirements?

Answer: This is a new requirement for the Department of Defense (DoD) Consolidated Adjudications Facility(CAF) with similar work being performed under two different contracts as stated in question number #6. In December 2013, the Government issued a Sources Sought Notice with the Draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) to solicit capabilities from all large and small businesses. Based on the Government’s evaluation, it has been determined there are small businesses that are able to satisfy the Government’s requirement. See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other documents required in this solicitation.

48. Question: The Scope is to perform Adjudications Administrate Support Services to include reviewing and processing of personnel security documentation. There are now a significant number of additional general administrative and general operations duties that fall outside of that scope, such as fleet maintenance Privacy Act and FOIA in the Draft Performance Work Statement Section 1.4, 5.2.5, and 5.3.

Answer: The requirements listed in the Solicitation, Performance Work Statement (PWS), and all other documents in this solicitation are within scope in order to support the Department of Defense (DoD) Consolidated Adjudications Facility (CAF). The Performance Work Statement has been updated to reflect the deletion of the fleet maintenance requirement. See Solicitation, PWS, and all other documents for this requirement.

49. Question: There does not appear to be any appropriate labor category in Technical Exhibit 3 that accurately reflect the requirements in Draft Performance Work Statement Section tasks 5.3.1 and 5.4 according to the Service Contract Act labor category descriptions. Will the Government add additional labor categories in order to perform this work? If so what labor categories will be added?

Answer: All labor categories for the tasks identified in the Performance Work Statement (PWS) are identified in the Performance Work Statement (PWS) Section “Technical Exhibit 3-Estimated Workload Data”. See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other documents for this

50. Question: Is the Non-Disclosure Agreement referred to in Draft Performance Work Statement Section 1.6.7.1- SF-312 Form? If so, what is the timeline for completion by future new hires to complete this requirement?

Answer: The Non-Disclosure Agreement shall be submitted in accordance to the Performance Work Statement (PWS) Section 1.6.7.1. In addition, in the Performance Work Statement Section- Technical Exhibit 2- “Deliverable Schedule, “list when the Non-Disclosure Agreement shall be submitted. See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other documents required for

51. Question: In Draft Performance Work Statement Section 1.6.7.3- Key Control, will there be a central Department of Defense (DoD) Consolidated Adjudications Facility (CAF) Point Of

Contact (POC) for key control, or will each division individually be in charge of issuing and handling their own keys?

Answer: Yes, the Point of Contact (POC) will be identified after contract award.

52. Question: In Draft Performance Work Statement Section 1.6.7.4-Lock Combinations, will there be a central Department of Defense (DoD) Consolidated Adjudications Facility (CAF) Point Of Contact (POC) for lock combinations, or will each Division individually be in charge of issuing, setting, and resetting their own lock combinations?

Answer: Each DoD CAF division is responsible for issuing lock combinations to personnel that need the lock combinations. However, the Department of Defense (DoD) Consolidated Adjudications Facility (CAF) personnel will assist in the resetting of lock combinations. See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other documents for this solicitation.

53. Question: Did the Government consider past experience with the systems listed in the Draft Performance Work Statement Section 1.6.8 - Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS), Case Adjudication Tracking System (CATS), Electronic Questionnaire for Investigations Processing (e-QIP), Defense Central Index of Investigations (DCII), Defense Employee Interactive Data System (DEIDS), Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Suitability/Security Investigations Index (SII), and Personnel Investigations Processing System (PIPS) personnel security applications/systems - when making its small business determination?

Answer: In December 2013, the Government issued a Sources Sought Notice with the Draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) to solicit capabilities from all large and small businesses.

Based on the Government’s evaluation, it has been determined there are small businesses that are capable to satisfy the Government’s requirement. See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other documents required for this solicitation.

54. Question: Understanding the specific tasks and processes within each division will be important for a Contracting Officer Representative (COR) and/or Alternate Contracting Officer Representative (ACOR) to accurate assess contractor performance. Who will be designated as the COR for a Department of Defense (DoD) Consolidated Adjudications Facility (CAF) wide support services contract? Will there be designations of an assistant COR (ACOR) in each of the divisions of the DOD CAF?

Answer: In the Performance Work Statement Section 1.6.10-Contracting Officer Representative (COR), the COR will be identified by separate letter from the Contracting Officer. The letter will be sent to the contractor at the time of contract award. See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other documents for this solicitation.

55. Question: The workload estimates in the Draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) are inaccurate based on the number of contractors currently performing these services at the

Department of Defense (DoD) Consolidated Adjudications Facility (CAF). Once the PWS has been corrected to reflect an accurate number of personnel, the DOD CAF will need to consider adding additional key personnel requirements. Will the DOD CAF consider adding additional key personnel such as Division Team Leads, Deputy Program Manager or other necessary labor categories? If not added to the Draft PWS, will it be a technically acceptable approach to propose an alternate labor category mix to the DOD CAF in our proposal as long as it adequately describes how the Contractor will meet the requirement?

Answer: This is a new requirement for the Department of Defense (DoD) Consolidated Adjudications Facility (CAF) with similar work being performed under two different contracts as stated in question number #6. The Workload estimated have been updated and reflected in the Performance Work Statement (PWS) Section 1.6.11-“Key Personnel,” and “Technical Exhibit 3- Estimated Workload Data.” The Government is requiring one On-Site Program Manager as listed in PWS Section 1.6.11-“Key Personnel.” The contractor is encouraged to use sound judgment and business practices when preparing cost proposal. See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other documents listed in this solicitation.

56. Question: In the draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) reference an attached form DD Form 254-Contract Security Classification, but there is no draft attached. Will the Government provide a sample of the DD254 to interested vendors with the responses to questions?

Answer: The Government will issue the DD Form 254 -Contract Security Classification Specification in the solicitation. See the Solicitation, Performance Work Statement (PWS), and all required documents for the solicitation.

57. Question: Will the Government entertain a second round of questions from interested vendors?

Answer: Yes, see the Solicitation, Performance Work Statement (PWS), and all required

58. Question: Will the Government provide specific workload estimates for the individual tasks listed in In the Draft Performance Work Statement Section 5.1 through 5.10?

Answer: In the Performance Work Statement (PWS) Section Technical Exhibit- “Estimated Workload Data,” list the workload estimates for the tasks listed in the Performance Work Statement. See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other documents for this

59. Question: Will the Government provide information regarding which division within the Department of Defense (DoD) Consolidated Adjudications Facility (CAF) each task will be supporting?

Answer: The requirements and tasks listed in the Performance Work Statement (PWS) will support all divisions in the Department of Defense (DoD) Consolidated Adjudications Facility (CAF). See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other documents for this

60. Question: Does the Department of Defense (DoD) Consolidated Adjudications Facility (CAF) have a centralized supply, property and equipment tracking mechanism, or is each division independently monitoring their own supply needs?

Answer: The Department of Defense (DoD) Consolidated Adjudications Facility (CAF) has a supply room in each suite that is monitored and restocked by Government personnel. A representative from each suite is responsible for alerting Government personnel of supply shortages and supply needs as outlined in the Performance Work Statement (PWS) Section 5.2.4.

See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other required documents for this

61. Question: If this is not being managed from a centralized location within the Department of Defense (DoD) Consolidated Adjudications Facility (CAF), will the proposed Contractor have access to each Division of the Department of Defense (DoD) Consolidated Adjudications Facility (CAF) in order to meet the requirement of Draft Performance Work Statement Section 5.2.3?

Answer: Please see response to question number #60.

62. Question: In the Draft Performance Work Statement Section 5.2.6, will the Contractor be responsible for performing the duties of Suite, Security and/or Safety Representative for all Suite locations and/or Divisions within the Department of Defense (DoD) Consolidated Adjudications Facility (CAF) building?

Answer: Yes, in the updated Performance Work Statement (PWS) Section 5.2.5, the contractor shall maintain working roster of space utilization, submit work-orders, reserve conference rooms, liaise with DoD CAF Facilities Management Office (FMO)/Security Management Office (SMO) for key control and suite access, assist in the preparation and conduct of safety and security drills, and disseminate necessary information. See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other documents for this solicitation.

63. Question: In the Draft Performance Work Statement Section 5.2.7, it state “the contractor shall schedule candidate interviews and assist interview panels with administrative matters.” What is the nature of the candidate interviews the Contractor must assist with?

Answer: In the updated Performance Work Statement (PWS) Section 5.2.6., the contractor shall provide administrative assistant with Department of Defense (DoD) Consolidated Adjudications Facility (CAF) employment interviews. See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other documents listed in this solicitation.

64. Question: How many divisions/directorates are currently receiving the support outlined in the Draft Performance Work Statement Section 5.2.8?

Answer: In the updated Performance Work Statement (PWS) Section –“Technical Exhibit 3- Estimated Workload Data,” outline the support needed for PWS Section 5.2.7. See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other documents listed in this solicitation.

65. Question: In the Draft Performance Work Statement (PWS), “General Operations Support” provides tasks under PWS Section 5.3.1 that are currently being performed outside of the Department of Defense (DoD) Consolidated Adjudications Facility (CAF) or by non-contractor personnel. When is this task going to be performed by Contractors under this requirement?

Answer: See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other documents listed in this

66. Question: Assuming the function listed under Draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) Section 5.3 “General Operations Support,” will be fully moved to Contractors as part of this requirement, how many Contractors and/or Federal employees does the Department of Defense (DoD) Consolidated Adjudications Facility (CAF) currently have in support of this requirement?

Answer: Please see response to question number # 65.

67. Question: In the Draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) Section 5.3.5 appears to be a duplicate of section 5.2.6. Please clarify if additional tasks/support is required?

Answer: The tasks are identified in the Performance Work Statement. See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement (PWS), and all required documents for this requirement.

68. Question: In the Draft Performance Work Statement Section 5.4.1 and 5.4.2, “Training and Quality Assurance,” to be performed at the overall Department of Defense (DoD) Consolidated Adjudications Facility (CAF) level or individually within each division/directorate? Will all Divisions/Directorates participate in this task

Answer: In the updated Performance Work Statement Section 5.4.1 and 5.4.2 “Quality Assurance Support,” will be performed at the Department of Defense (DoD) Consolidated Adjudications Facility (CAF) level with information gathered from each division within the DoD CAF. See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other documents listed in this

69. Question: Are there current Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) or working instructions in place for all tasks in the Draft Performance Work Statement ( PWS) for all divisions of the Department of Defense (DoD) Consolidated Adjudications Facility (CAF)?

Answer: See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement (PWS), and all required documents for

70. Question: In order to provide the proper technical approach for Draft Performance Work Statement Section 5.5-“Workload and Inventory Control,” will the Government provide specific annual workload requirements for each of the tasks listed in the Draft Performance Work Statement (PWS)?

Answer: See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement Section Technical Exhibit 3- “Estimated Workload Data,” and all other documents in this solicitation.

71. Question: There are some Performance Work Statement Sections 5.3 such as Privacy Act and Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA) requests are currently performed by Government personnel. Is it the Government’s intent the successful offeror would hire these existing Government personnel?

Answer: No, this solicitation is not the intent to convert contractors to Government personnel. In Performance Work Statement (PWS) Section 5.3-“General Operation Support,” the contractor shall compile, consolidate, disseminate, and report findings via Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access for incoming customer service requests as outlined in PWS Section 5.3. See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other documents in this solicitation.

72. Question: In Section D of the Solicitation, Instructions to offerors, the Government has stated “The Offeror shall provide no more than three (3) past performance contract references that reflect recent and relevant experience where the offeror has served as the prime contractor only.” If a prime contractor submits an offer that includes subcontractor as part of a team, will the subcontractor past performance be considered relevant, provided that the subcontractor performed the referenced work as a prime?

Answer: See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other documents in this

73. Question: In Section D of the solicitation, Instructions to Offerors, the Government considers \ relevant contracts as those with thresholds of $500K or more. Since this procurement will significantly exceed $10,000,000, we recommend increasing the threshold for relevant contracts to at least $5M. Will WHS reconsider a higher threshold for dollar value that will serve as a more reasonable basis for determining scope relevancy?

Answer: In the solicitation under FAR 52.212-1- “Instructions to Offeror-Commerical Items (FEB2012),” in Section D “Past Performance,” the threshold for relevant past performance have been removed. See the Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and other documents required

74. Question: Once the Government makes the necessary corrections to workload estimates, and considering the changes in scope and complexity of this requirement, will the government re-evaluate the market research/sources sought responses to ensure a proper small-business determination was made?

Answer: See response to question number# 47.

75. Question: On page 2 of the Standard Form 1449 it states that the Offeror will submit their QCP 5 days after contract award but on page 22 of the PWS it states that Note: The Offeror’s Quality Control Plan (QCP) will be evaluated under Factor 1 for Technical Approach & Capability. However, the Technical Approach and Capability only has a 10 page limit. Is the QCP counted against the 10 page limit?

Answer: The Quality Control Plan (QCP) shall be submitted with the proposal as requested in FAR52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFEROR-COMMERICAL ITEMS (FEB 2012) of the solicitation. The Technical Approach and Capability page limit have changed from 10 pages to 20 pages. The QCP is part of the 20 page limit for Factor 1-Technical Approach & Capability. See the Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other documents for this solicitation.

76. Question: CLIN 0006 is a Phase-In period for transitioning of personnel, however the PoP for the rest of the Basic Year CLINS indicate a start date of 4/16/14. The phase-in time is billed time; therefore, should the PoP be 4/1/14 vice 4/16/14 for all CLINS associated with the Base Year?

Answer: See Performance Work Statement Section 1.6.17-Phase-In Period. The Phase-In Period is a two-week period. See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other documents

77. Question: In the Draft Solicitation under paragraph H-3, Non-Competition, it states, “the contractor and its employees agree that during the term of this contract, including any option periods, the contractor and its employees performing work under this contract shall not participate directly as a prime contractor, subcontractor or through any affiliated company, joint venture, or as a consultant/proposal team member in any procurement conducted by or through WHS that concerns, relates to, utilizes or incorporates the work or activities performed by contractor or the employee under this contract.” Would it be possible for the Government to explain this clause? It appears redundant broader than Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) language also included in the solicitation. Is it possible for the Government to more clearly define the scope? It could be interpreted to mean the selected contractor is not allowed to perform or employ personnel working on other TS programs.

Answer: The Non-Competition clause is removed from the solicitation. See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and other documents listed in this solicitation.

78. Question: On page 58, H-11 Security Requirements - Will WHS consider sponsoring the Top Secret facility security clearance if the contractor submits a detailed security plan outlining their security compliance and ability to receive an FCL post-award?

Answer: No, The Government will not be sponsoring a Top Secret Facility Security Clearance.

As outlined in the Performance Work Statement Section 1.6.7 - Security Requirements, the Contractor must have a Top Secret Facility Clearance from the Defense Security Service (DSS) at the time of proposal submission and must maintain the level of security required for the life of the contract.

79. Question: In the 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFEROR-COMMERICAL ITEMS (FEB 2012) “ADDENDUM,” Section A., Proposal Volumes Requirements, Administrative section of table, does the Government have additional Certifications that must be included in the Offerors proposal that are not identified by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses in this section?

Answer: The Government does not required additional certifications other than what is requested in the Solicitation. See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other documents for

80. Question: In the 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFEROR-COMMERICAL ITEMS (FEB 2012) “ADDENDUM,” Section A., Proposal Volumes Requirements, Administrative section of table, does the Government have additional Certifications that must be included in the Offerors proposal that are not identified by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses in this section?

Answer: In the solicitation Technical Approach and Capability Section (section c), the contractor shall demonstrate how the Offeror will ensure personnel coverage and welfare to include; fringe benefits, health, vacation and holidays, as well other information that is required in the technical approach section. FAR 52.222-46 is removed from the solicitation. See the Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other documents in this solicitation.

81. Question: Under Representations and Certification- Commercial Items, can the Government specify clauses (c) through (o) by name that must be completed if it is registered in the System for Award Management? If the government can identify the first and last applicable clauses, it would be easier for Offerors to ensure compliance with this requirement.

Answer: See the provision under FAR 52.212-3 “OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS--COMMERCIAL ITEMS (NOV 2013)” that outline the areas the offeror shall complete. See the Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other documents in this

82. Question: In the Draft Performance Work Statement Section Part 3-“Government Furnished Property, Equipment and Services,” Paragraph 3.I, states, "the contractor shall comply with all agency policies, procedures, and agreements pertaining to LAN access."

Will the Government please include such applicable policies, procedures, and agreements as an attachment to the final solicitation?

Answer: See the Solicitation, Performance Work Statement (PWS), and all required documents in the solicitation.

83. Question: In Draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) Section 1.6.1.3-“The Quality Control Status Report," it states, the contractor shall provide hours worked by each category, total hours worked.” In PWS Part 5-“Specific Tasks,” In PWS Section 5.10- “MANDATORY CONTRACTOR MANPOWER REPORTING (CMR),” it states the contractor shall report ALL contractor labor labors required for performance of services provided under this contract. Since providing actual labor hours worked is more consistent with cost reimbursable type contracts, Can the Government please confirm the contract type? Is it FFP or FFP LOE?

Answer: The contract type for the solicitation is a Firm Fixed Price. The contract type clause, FAR 52.216-1 is included in the solicitation. See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all required documents for this solicitation.

84. Question: Regarding the Personnel Matrix required for the Technical Approach and the Price Factor, does the Government want contractors to identify the names (along with the titles) of personnel proposed for positions in addition to the other requested information?

Answer: No, it’s not required to identify the contractor names. See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all required documents for this solicitation.

85. Question: Please remove reference to Professional Employees (FAR 52.222-46), these personnel do not meet the DoL qualifications of Learned nor Creative Professional Employees based on the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

Answer: FAR 52.222-46-Evaluation of Compensation for Professional Employees is removed from the solicitation. See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all required documents in the solicitation.

86. Question: For the Certification requirement, can the contractor just submit a copy of SAM?

If so please include this wording in the final solicitation.

Answer: In the solicitation under FAR52.212-1 “INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFEROR- COMMERICAL ITEMS (FEB 2012) Addendum”, each bidder shall include certifications as outlined under Volume I. In addition, review FAR 52.212-3 “OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS-COMMERICAL ITEMS (NOV2013)”. See the Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other required documents in this solicitation.

87. Question: In the draft solicitation under FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFEROR- COMMERICAL ITEMS (FEB 2012), in Section C, Technical Approach & Capability (Volume II), can the requirement of "position duties/responsibilities" be removed from the personnel matrix since the matrix already asks for the Draft Performance Work Statement

(PWS)

Answer: No, they need to be included as requested in the solicitation. See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and other documents required for this solicitation.

88. Question: In the draft solicitation under 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFEROR- COMMERICAL ITEMS (FEB 2012) “ADDENDUM,’’ in Section C, can the "welfare to include welfare to include; fringe benefits, health, vacation and holidays" be deleted from the technical volume requirement, since this should be addressed in the Compensation volume? Or move the "welfare to include…” in the compensation volume.

Answer: FAR 52.222-46 is removed from the solicitation. See the Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other documents in this solicitation.

89. Question: In the Draft Solicitation, it states, offerors shall provide a separate document addressing the Quality Control Plan (QCP). If the QCP is a separate document can you please update the table under Section A of the solicitation to include it as a separate document and give it a page limit? In the Draft Solicitation, page 21 of 59, Part C states the QCP shall provide a separate document addressing the Quality Control Plan (QCP)”. Is the QCP considered part of Volume II – Factor 1 – Technical Approach & Capability and subject to the Volume II page limitations?

Answer: The Quality Control Plan (QCP) shall be a separate document within Volume II- Technical Approach & Capability. The Quality Control Plan (QCP) is subject to the page limitations as outlined in FAR52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFEROR-COMMERICAL ITEMS (FEB 2012). The page limit has been increased from 10 pages to 20 pages. See the

90. Questions: Will the Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQ) will be included with the final solicitation?

Answer: The Past Performance Questionnaires will be included in the solicitation. See

91. Question: If the Point of Contact (POC) for the Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQ) does not submit a completed PPQ, how will this affect the Offerors evaluation?

Answer: See FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFEROR-COMMERICAL ITEMS- “Addendum” (FEB 2012) and FAR 52.212-2 EVALUATION--COMMERCIAL ITEMS (JAN 1999) the rating method is outlined the evaluation criteria in the solicitation. See Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and all other required documents for this solicitation.

92. Question: Can the Government provide a template for the Price Schedule and Labor Categories with final solicitation?

Answer: In the solicitation under FAR52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFEROR- COMMERICAL ITEMS (FEB 2012), in Section E marked Price Factor (Volume IV), it outline how the Microsoft Excel Format shall be developed.

93. Question: Will the Organizational Conflict of Interest form will be included with the final solicitation?

Answer: See response to question number #23.

94. Question: Please clarify if the Organizational Conflict of Interest form needs to be submitted with proposal and signed by whom?

Answer: See response to question number # 23.

95. Question: Please correct/clarify, Conflict Organizational Interest and Organization Conflict…