HQ0034-14-R-0061_Final_Questions_and_Answers.pdf

03/31/2014

Amended Solicitation: HQ0034-14-R-0061

Final Questions and Answers

1) Question: Can the small business size standard be increased to $14 million under NAICS code 541990 and 541611?

Answer: The NAICS code of 561611 has been changed to it’s correct size standard from $12.5 Million to $19.0 Million. See the amended solicitation.

2) Question: In the Request For Proposal (RFP) Attachment “DD254” requires the bidder hold a Top Secret clearance (item 1.a) AND have a “Level of Safeguarding” (item 1.b) of Top Secret. There is no indication in the Performance Work Statement (PWS) that any work will be performed offsite, i.e., at a location other than at Fort Meade’s Department of Defense (DoD) Consolidated Adjudications Facility (CAF).In the DD Form 254 under 11a, it stipulate that the “the contractor will have access to classified information only at another contractor’s facility or a Government activity.” Please clarify why a Top Secret level of safeguarding is required; recommend changing DD254, item 1.b to “None.”

Answer: The DD Form 254 -Contract Security Classification Specification has been updated. See amended solicitation.

3) Question: In the Draft Performance Work Statement Section 1.6.7 Security Requirements: If the Prime Contractor currently has a Top Secret Security Clearance, does the Prime's Teaming Partner or Subcontractor also have to have a Top Secret Security Clearance at time of award? Will the Government allow the Teaming Partner or Subcontractor to apply for Top Secret Security Clearance after award of the contract?

Answer: All contractor personnel performing work under this contract must have a Top Secret Security Clearance and contractor for which they are employed must have a Top Secret Facility Clearance. The prime contractor is required to flow-down the Top Secret Facility Clearance requirement to the subcontractor for commerical services under this acquisition and contract. See amended solicitation.

4) Question: The Government’s response to Draft Solicitation HQ0034-14-R-0061 Questions and Answers, Question number 103 regarding providing a seniority list of incumbent staff does not address the issue of allowing bidders to accurately price Service Contract Act (SCA) leave. Reference to FAR 52.222-41 (n) Seniority List only states that the Government will turn over such a list 10 days prior to contract start. Since the incumbents are big business and excluded from bidding on this procurement, the release of this information will not be a competitive factor. Will the Government reconsider the release of such information so that it provides and accurate Firm Fixed Price (FFP) in the proposal process?

Answer: No, please see FAR 52.222-41 (n).

5) Questions: NAICS code 561611 states within the solicitation states 12.5 million as the size standard. 561611 has been moved to a $19 million size standard. Is this an oversight?

Answer: See the response to question number #1.

6) Question: Please clarify is the Government looking for a personnel matrix covering the phase-in period or covering the entire base period of performance?

Answer: Please see the Performance Work Statement Section Technical Exhibit 3 Estimated Workload Data.

7) Question: Please clarify on page 19 of the Performance Work Statement (PWS), the CLIN ID for the first box where it states CLIN ID: Phase-In, is CLIN ID: 0006 per Section B of the Request for Proposal (RFP).

Answer: Yes, the CLIN ID is 0006. See amended Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and other documents in this solicitation.

8) Question: Please clarify on page 20 of the Performance Work Statement (PWS), CLIN ID 1002 for On-Site Program Manager is CLIN ID 1003 based on Section B of the Request For Proposal (RFP).

Answer: Yes, On-Site Program Manager is CLIN 1003. See amended Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and other documents in this solicitation.

9) Question: Please clarify on page 20 of the Performance Work Statement (PWS), CLIN ID 1003 for General Operational Support is CLIN ID 1002 based on Section B of the Request For Proposal (RFP).

Answer: Yes, General Operation Support is CLIN 1002. See amended Solicitation,

10) Question: Please clarify on page 20 of the Performance Work Statement (PWS), CLIN ID 2002 for On-Site Program Manager is CLIN ID 2003 based on Section. B of the Request For Proposal (RFP).

Answer: Yes, On-Site Program Manager is CLIN 2003. See amended Solicitation,

11) Question: Please clarify on page 20 of the Performance Work Statement (PWS), CLIN ID 2003 for General Operational Support is CLIN ID 2002 based on Section.

B of the Request For Proposal (RFP).

Answer: Yes, General Operation Support is CLIN 2002. See amended Solicitation,

12) Question: Please clarify on page 21 of the Performance Work Statement (PWS), CLIN ID 3002 for On-Site Program Manager is CLIN ID 3003 based on sect. B of the Request For Proposal (RFP).

Answer: Yes, On-Site Program Manager is CLIN 3003. See amended Solicitation,

13) Question: Please clarify on page 21 of the Performance Work Statement (PWS), CLIN ID 3003 for General Operational Support is CLIN ID 3002 based on Section B of the Request For Proposal (RFP).

Answer: Yes, General Operational Support is CLIN 3002. See amended Solicitation,

14) Question: Please clarify on page 21 of the Performance Work Statement (PWS), CLIN ID 4002 for On-Site Program Manager is CLIN ID 4003 based on Section B.

of the Request For Proposal (RFP).

Answer: Yes, On-Site Program Manager is CLIN 4003. See amended Solicitation,

15) Question: Please clarify on page 21 of the Performance Work Statement (PWS), CLIN ID 4003 for general operational support is CLIN ID 4002 based on Section B of the Request For Proposal (RFP).

Answer: Yes, the General Operational Support is CLIN 4002. See amended Solicitation,

16) Question: SF 1449 page 21, C (Volume II): “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. “ and page 22, E (Volume IV): The proposal shall include a personnel matrix, outlining the title, PWS tasked assigned, labor category, level and number of hours proposed, and labor rate; the matrix shall include clearance level.

Does the Personnel Matrix go in Volume II or in Volume IV?

Answer: Yes, the Personnel Matrix shall be provided in Technical Approach & Capability (Volume II) and Price Factor (Volume IV) as outlined FAR 52.212-1

INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFEROR-COMMERICAL ITEMS (FEB 2012)

“ADDENDUM.”

17) Draft Solicitation HQ0034-14-R-0061 Questions and Answers, Question number 108, specifically stipulates that CPARS resident data may be used in lieu of Past Performance. However, this is still not reflected in the SF 1449. Can WHS please correct this and amend the SF 1449 accordingly.

Answer: When the formal solicitation was released the Draft Solicitation HQ0034-14-R- 0061, “Questions and Answers” was included as Attachment number # 4.

18) Question: CLINs do not match in option years between PWS Technical Exhibit 3, Estimated Workload Data and SF 1449 continuation sheets. The on-site program manager and personnel security assistant are swapped. Which is correct?

Answer: See amended Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and other documents for this solicitation.

19) Question: SF-1449, Block 10 (Page 1), PWS Section 1.4 (Page 1), and PWS Section 5 (Page 11) – The NAICS selected for the final solicitation (561611) does not correlate to the preponderance of the work described in this solicitation. NAICS 561611 correlates to investigation and detective services, examples including detective services, fingerprint services, private investigation services, lie detection services, mission person tracing services, polygraph services, etc. The services described in this solicitation (specifically, PWS Section 5) are not investigation and detective services related to adjudication, thus rendering the selection of 561611 inaccurate based on the scope of services described in the PWS. The services under this PWS are clearly administrative in nature and the previous contracts were solicited under administrative NAICS codes. Given that the scope of work from the “similar contracts” has not changed significantly, will the Government reconsider its selection of NAICS 561611 and revise the standard back to 561110 which accurately describes the preponderance of the work?

Answer: No, the Government re-evaluated the NAICS Code, 561110-Office Administrative Services that was issued in the draft solicitation, and determined NAICS code -561611, Investigation Services, is more suitable to this acquisition. For example, the contractor will be responsible for ensuring subject case files are complete prior to forwarding for review and adjudication. To do this type of review, the contractor personnel will need to have knowledge and understanding of the personnel security processes and procedures.

20) Question: SF-1449, Block 10 (Page 1) – The size standard of $12.5M associated with 561611 in Block 10 does not match the current Small Business Administration (SBA) Table of Small Business Size Standards. Can you please confirm that the correct standard for 561611 is $19M?

Answer: See response to question number # 1.

21) Question: FAR 52.223-16 (Page 13 and Page 42) – Given that the Government is furnishing all computer equipment for contractor use under this contract, please clarify how this clause applies to the anticipated contract.

Answer: FAR 52.223-16 has been removed. See amended solicitation.

22) Question: FAR 52.212-2, Para 2.c (Page 23) – As the incumbent employees are currently subject to the Service Contract Act, it is essential that the Government ensure that the price evaluation include an assessment on compliance with all requirements of the Service Contract Act. How does the Government intend to evaluate, on a Firm Fixed Price basis, individual firms’ compliance with all aspects of the Service Contract Act, to include the minimum criteria established for wages, leave, and health & welfare (H&W) benefits? Please confirm that the Government will not issue a modification to the base year contract if it found that the successful bidder did not include health & welfare (H&W) benefits?

Answer: The solicitation is subject to the Service Contract Act (SCA) and the Wage Determination 2005-2247. See FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFEROR- COMMERICAL ITEMS (FEB 2012) “ADDENDUM,” and FAR 52.212-2 Evaluation- Commercial Items (JAN1999).

23) Question: Clause H-5-“Contractor Training,” from the understanding is that the

Government requires that contractors furnish personnel experienced in all systems specific to the Department of Defense (DoD) Consolidated Adjudications Facility (CAF) mission. However, given that certain systems may be DoD or even DoDCAF-specific, will the Government provide training for upgrades/updates to the functions/capabilities of these systems or other new systems that may be potentially be introduced (as could reasonably be expected over a five-year contract) during the period of performance?

Answer: Yes, per Clause H-5, the Government will provide training for upgrades/updates to current systems and/or new systems.

24) Question: Performance Work Statement Section 1.6.8 –“Special Qualifications,” It is recognized that contractor personnel must possess a working knowledge of all applications/systems described in this paragraph. How does the Government intend to evaluate bidders’ understanding of these applications/systems?

Answer: Offerors must demonstrate they are able to perform all requirements as stated in the solicitation and proposal will be evaluated as outlined in FAR 52.212-2

EVALUATION--COMMERCIAL ITEMS (JAN 1999).

25) Question: PWS Section 1.6.17-“Phase-In” – The evaluation criteria emphasize that the Contractor will demonstrate, in its Technical Approach, its understanding of the requirements in the solicitation. However, this PWS section states that the phase-in period will provide the contractor time to become familiar with the requirements.

These statements appear to be conflicting in providing a lower standard. Please confirm that the evaluation criteria, specifically the emphasis on demonstrating full understanding of the requirements in Offeror’s’ technical approaches, remain unchanged.

Answer: Yes, the offeror proposal shall demonstrate full understanding of all requirements listed in the solicitation, performance work statement, and other documents listed in the solicitation.

26) Question: Please confirm that Department of Defense (DoD) Consolidated Adjudications Facility (CAF) only intends for contractors to propose/hire candidates with final Top Secret Security Clearances.

Answer: Please see Performance Work Statement Section 1.6.7, Security Requirements.

27) Question: From reviewing FPDS records associated with HS0021-10-F-0020 and HQ0034-10-F-2094, the current completion dates are 6/16/2014 and 9/28/2014 respectively. These dates do not coincide with the periods of performance specified in Delivery Schedule (Solicitation Pages 10-12). Are the incumbent contracts ending prior to the current completion dates in FPDS? How were the dates for the period of performance determined?

Answer: This is a new requirement for the Department of Defense (DoD) Consolidated Adjudications Facility (CAF). The Period of Performance dates were determined based upon the needs of the DoD CAF. There is no intent for the current contracts with similar scope to end prior to their current completion date.

28) Question: Based on the level of specialized requirements for proposed personnel, how will the Government acquire confidence in a firm’s ability to recruit qualified personnel without a requirement that at least a portion of the resumes be submitted with proposals?

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.

29) Question: Will the Government accept Past Performance citations where the vendor performed relevant services as a Subcontractor to a Prime if the vendor provides a Government POC as a reference?

Answer: See FAR 52.212-2 Evaluation-Commerical Items (JAN 1999) Section B. Factor 2-Past Performance.

30) Question: Please reference PWS Section1.6.4, “Hours of Operations.” It states that the hours of operations are 6:00AM to 6:00PM. This indicates 2 shifts of personnel.

Please clarify whether or not contractor personnel are required to provide support between 6AM and 6PM.

Answer: See revised Performance Work Statement Section 1.6.4 Hours of Operations.

31) Question: Please reference the Government’s response to question 12 in the document titled – “Draft Solicitation: HQ0034-14-R-0061, Questions and Answers.”

It states that the personnel matrix is not part of the page count for Factor 1 -

Technical Approach & Capability under Volume II. However, the instructions in paragraph C Technical Approach & Capability (Volume II) includes a personnel matrix, and the Table in Section A - PROPOSAL VOLUMES REQUIREMENTS, does not exclude the personnel matrix from the page count. Please clarify whether or not the personnel matrix is counted in the 20 page limit of Volume II.

Answer: No, the personnel matrix is not part of the page count for Factor 1- Technical Approach & Capability under Volume II.

32) Question: Please provide the physical locations of the personnel currently performing the work under the current contracts held by –

a. Defense Security Service (DSS) Contract# HS0021-10-F-0020, Contractor:

GAP Solutions, Inc.

Answer: 600 10th Street, Fort George G. Meade, MD 20755

b. Washington Headquarters Services / Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (WHS/DOHA) Contract# HQ0034-10-F-2094, Contractor: Jardon & Howard Technologies, Inc.

Answer: 600 10th Street, Fort George G. Meade, MD 20755

33) Question: Does the DD Form 254-Contract Security Classification Specification requirement for Volume 1 mean the Offeror needs to complete the DD254 at the time of proposal submission, or contract award?

Answer: No, In the Administrative Section (Volume I), the section has been amended.

The contractor shall submit their Top Secret Facility Clearance Level. See amended solicitation.

34) Question: The Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) and Organization Conflict of Interest (OCI) forms are two separate forms. The NDA form, as opposed to the OCI form, look to be required from employees upon hire (post-award), but instructions indicate they should be included as part of Volume I. Does the Offeror have to submit an NDA with the technical proposal?

Answer: No, the Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) form shall be submitted after contract award as outlined in the Performance Work Statement Section Technical Exhibit

2. Deliverables Schedule.

35) Question: Draft Solicitation HQ0034-14-R-0061, Questions and Answers, Question number 95 asked: Please correct/clarify, Conflict Organizational Interest and Organization Conflict Interest will be provided with the proposal, but section H-12 page 58 states the OCI/NDA will be signed as part of in-processing. Which is correct? And the answer from WHS was ambiguous, which was:Answer: Yes, the Non-Disclosure Agreement . OCI shall be submitted with the offeror’s proposal.

See the Solicitation, Performance Work Statement, and other documents for this solicitation. Can you please clarify between the NDA form and the OCI form, which one does the Offeror submit with the technical Volume?

Answer: Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) form is removed from the solicitation.

See amended solicitation.

36) Question: Under the solicitation 52.212-1 Instructions to Offeror-Commercial Items (Feb 2012) “Addendum” Section A, Volume II breaks out a 20 page limit. Technical Approach & Capability is limited to 10 pages as well as the Quality Control Plan (QCP). Can respondents provide more than 10 pages in the Technical & Capability response if the QCP is less than 10 and both combined remain in the 20 page limit?

Answer: No, Technical Approach & Capability has a maximum of ten (10) pages and Quality Control Plan (QCP) has a maximum of ten (10) pages.

37) Question: Does the Government require a separate resume for identified key personnel, and if so is there a format desired for that resume, and should it be included in Volume II Technical?

Answer: See response to question number #28.

38) Question: The contract is stated as a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract, is the firm-fixed-price based upon the delivery of a specified quantity of labor hours or completion of a measured level of effort?

Answer: The contract will be Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract that is based on monthly service with a monthly price.

39) Question: What are the education and years of experience requirements for the three labor categories:

a. Program Manager Answer: Please see Performance Work Statement Sections 1.6.11, Key Personnel and 1.6.8, Special Qualifications.

b. Administrative Assistants Answer: Please see Performance Work Statement Section 1.6.8, Special Qualifications.

c. Personnel Security Assistants Answer: Please see Performance Work Statement Section 1.6.8, Special Qualifications.

40) Question: Please confirm the applicable NAICS code and associated revenue threshold are 561611 and $19M.

Answer: See response to question number # 1.

41) Question: Please identify which incumbent contracts and Full-Time-Equilvalent (FTEs), as listed in the Q&A provided with the solicitation (Questions 5 & 6, pg 2/27), are associated with each of the Base Year CLINS (0001 - 0005).

Answer: 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. The Period of Performance dates were determined based upon the needs of the DoD CAF.

a. 25 Full-Time-Equivalents (FTEs) under Contract# HS0021-10-F-0020, Contractor: GAP Solutions, Inc. , The Period of Performance ends 16 June 2014.

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

Howard Technologies, Inc. , The Period of Performance ends 28 September 2014.

42) Question: 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFEROR-COMMERICAL ITEMS

(FEB 2012) “ADDENDUM” A. PROPOSAL VOLUMES REQUIREMENTS

VOLUME I: Please clarify what the government is requesting the vendor to provide when requesting including of the "Contract Security Classification Specification Form (DD254)." The DD254 is a form completed by the Government, not requiring any input or modification by bidders. If the Government is seeking verification of the bidders Facility Security Clearance (FCL) is it acceptable for the vendor to print and include the vendor's e-FCL database information?

Answer: See response to question number #33.

43) Question: FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFEROR-COMMERICAL

ITEMS (FEB 2012) “ADDENDUM” A. PROPOSAL VOLUMES

REQUIREMENTS VOLUME I: Has the Government identified any contracts which represent an Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) when compared to the scope of work in this solicitation? If yes, please provide a list of those contracts.

Answer: See response to question number # 35.

44) Question: 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFEROR-COMMERICAL ITEMS

VOLUME I: Please clarify what circumstances the government has identified which might present an Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) for contractors performing the work requirements of this solicitation. For example are their specific customers the bidder should not be performing other work for or types of work that would disqualify a bidder. Given the nature of the work under this contract, contract staff have the potential to see information about employees of and/or proprietary information from virtually any federal government contractor and/or related to virtually any DoD contract.

Answer: See response to question number #35.

45) Question: 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFEROR-COMMERICAL ITEMS

VOLUME II: Request that the government consider increasing the page count for the Technical Approach & Capability section of Volume I. 10 pages is insufficient to adequately describe bidders approach to all technical tasking in the SOW, its approach to program/contract management and its approach to transition of the incumbent workforce. Please increase the page limitation on this section is to 15 pages.

Answer: No, the page limit will not be increased.

46) Question: FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFEROR-COMMERICAL

ITEMS (FEB 2012) “ADDENDUM” A. PROPOSAL VOLUMES

REQUIREMENTS VOLUME II: Please clarify if a Factor number is missing in the table for the Quality Control Plan (QCP) to be included in Volume II.

Answer: See the amended solicitation, performance work statement, and other documents for this solicitation.

47) Question: 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFEROR-COMMERICAL ITEMS

VOLUME IV and A.1 (4). Please clarify the reference to a "Price Schedule Tab (Excel)" and "Labor Categories Tab (Excel)." There doesn't appear to be an attachment to the solicitation by either of those names.

Answer: The offeror shall develop a MS Excel Format for Price Factor (Volume IV) as outlined in FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFEROR-COMMERICAL ITEMS

(FEB 2012) “ADDENDUM.”

48) Question: 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFEROR-COMMERICAL ITEMS

(FEB 2012) “ADDENDUM” C. TECHNICAL APPROACH & CAPABILITY

(VOLUME II)Please clarify how the information requested in this paragraph ("This section must also address the Offeror’s ability to meet security requirements") is different from the requirement to provide a "Contract Security Classification Specification" in Volume I. Would a print-out of the bidders e-FCL listing be sufficient to meet the requirement to address the offeror's ability to meet security requirements? If yes, please confirm that print-out is excluded from the 10 page limit of the Technical Approach & Capability section in Volume II.

Answer: No, for the Administrative Section (Volume I), see response to question number #33. In the Technical Approach & Capability (Volume II), the offeror shall submit sufficient information for the Government to make a comprehensive evaluation of its approach and capability in meeting the requirements listed in the Performance Work Statement (PWS) for successful performance as outlined in FAR 52.212-1

INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFEROR-COMMERICAL ITEMS (FEB 2012) “ADDENDUM”

Section C. Technical Approach & Capability (Volume II).

49) Question: FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFEROR-COMMERICAL ITEMS (FEB 2012) “ADDENDUM” D. PAST PERFORMANCE (VOLUME III), In the referenced section the Government states Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQ) are not required and then later states PPQ not received on time may not be evaluated. Will bidders who chose to submit PPQs to their customers and whose customers timely submit their PPQs be evaluated more favorably, been seen as lower risk (assuming the PPQ demonstrates quality performance)? To establish a level playing field, it would seem PPQs should either be required or not for all bidders.

Answer: Please see amended solicitation.

50) Question: FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFEROR-COMMERICAL ITEMS (FEB 2012) “ADDENDUM” E. PRICE FACTOR (VOLUME IV )Please clarify the exact required contents of the Volume IV Price Factor. This requirement ("The proposal shall include a personnel matrix, outlining the title, PWS tasked assigned, labor category, level and number of hours proposed, and labor rate; the matrix shall include clearance level.") appears to be in addition to Tabs 1 and 2 (the data points required are different than those required on Tab 1 or 2). However, the instructions in both paragraphs A and E of the instructions appear to state only Tabs 1 and 2 are to be submitted.

Answer: In FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFEROR-COMMERICAL ITEMS (FEB 2012) “ADDENDUM” SECTION E. PRICE FACTOR (VOLUME IV), it states Tab 1 Price Schedule and Tab 2 Labor Categories shall include the following elements listed under Tab 1 Price Schedule and Tab 2 Labor Categories as outlined in FAR

52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFEROR-COMMERICAL ITEMS (FEB 2012)

“ADDENDUM” SECTION E. PRICE FACTOR (VOLUME IV).

51) Question: 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS-- COMMERCIAL ITEMS (NOV 2013) 52.222-41, Service Contract Act of 1965 (Nov 2007) (41 U.S.C. 351, et seq.) and 52.222-17, Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers (JAN 2013) (E.O.13495)Given the inclusion of the two referenced clauses and the existence of incumbent employees (as defined in the referenced clauses), please provide a list of the hire dates for all incumbent employees to allow bidders to calculate leave entitlements in accordance with total creditable service time for the leave requirements of the provided Wage Determination. This information is critical for bidders to be able to fairly and accurately calculate the cost basis for their proposed FFP. The winning bidder will have to provide leave based on the incumbent employee's original date of hire supporting WHS and thus a large number of incumbents with longevity will significantly increase the bidder's cost to provide the services when providing the required right of first refusal to incumbents.

Answer: See response to question number #4.

52) Question: FAR 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS--COMMERCIAL ITEMS (NOV 2013) 52.222-41, Service Contract Act of 1965 (Nov 2007) (41 U.S.C. 351, et seq.) and 52.222-17, Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers (JAN 2013) (E.O.13495)Was the Service Contract Act (52.222-41) incorporated in the two predecessor contracts being combined under this solicitation? (Contract# HS0021-10-F-0020, Contractor: GAP

Solutions, Inc. and HQ0034-10-F-2094, Contractor: Jardon & Howard Technologies, Inc).

Answer: This is a new requirement with similar work being performed under two different contracts listed in question number #41.

53) Question: Organizational Conflict of Interest form, Please clarify if bidder is to complete the form for every active contract held by the bidder. If no, how should the bidder determine which of its contracts would be appropriately listed in Box 6 of the form. Block 8 implies ("(If None, State Why)") all contracts should be reported whether or not a conflict has been identified.

Answer: See response to question number #35.

54) Question: Performance Work Statement, Paragraph 1.6.1.3-The Quality Control Status Report, The referenced paragraph requires reporting of "Current part-time" employees. Have part-time employees been used on the two contracts cited in the Questions and Answers as similar efforts currently being performed? If yes, please provide details about the historic use of part-time contract staff. Number, frequency, etc.

Answer: Current Part-Time Employees have been removed from See amended solicitation, performance work statement, and all other documents listed in this solicitation.

55) Question: Performance Work Statement, Paragraph 1.6.2: Request that the Government provide "how the performance standards will be applied" and "the minimum acceptable defect rate(s)" from the Quality Assurance Survelliance Plan (QASP) (if different than the performance thresholds as listed in the Performance Requirements Summary (Technical Exhibit 1 to the PWS). This data is essential to vendors ability to develop a Quality Control Plan (QCP) that is in concert with the Government's goals and requirements for this work scope. Not sharing the data with all bidders gives the teams including the current contractors unfair advantage in development of a major technical evaluation factor in the solicitation, the QCP.

Answer: The Quality Assurance Survelliance Plan (QASP) is a Government stand-alone document. The QASP is developed from the Performance Requirement Summary as listed in the Performance Work Statement (PWS). The Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) will be issued to the awardee after contract award.

56) Question: Performance Work Statement, Paragraph 1.6.4-“Hours Operations,” Does this statement in the referenced paragraph "The contractor is responsible for conducting business between the hours of 06:00AM and 6:00PM Monday thru Friday" mean that there will be contract staff actively at work for each of the 12 hours from 0600 to 1800 Monday through Friday (in other words, multiple shifts working consistently throughout that time period each day) or does it mean all work will be conducted during those hours but not all hours need to be staffed (for example, the normal work day might be 7:30 to 4:30 for all contract staff)?

Answer: See response to question number # 30.

57) Question: Performance Work Statement, Paragraph 1.6.7.1 and Technical Exhibit 2 Deliverables Schedule: Please clarify the requirement in the referenced paragraphs for the contractor to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) within five (5) days after contract award. The NDA provided is completed by each individual contract staff member. The schedule reflected in the Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) structure doesn't have most contract staff coming on board until at least 2 weeks following contract award and some several months later. Is the actual requirement for each contract staff member to sign the provided NDA no later than the day they report to work? Or is there a different NDA form that is executed by the company which is the prime contractor?

Answer: Any contractor employee performing under the contract shall submit an Non- Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) no later than five (5) days after performance have started by the particular contractor personnel.

See the amended solicitation.

58) Question: Draft Solicitation: HQ0034-14-R-0061, Questions and Answers, Please confirm that any requirements implied in this document (for example requirements for the contents of the Technical proposal stated in the answer to Q80) that are not actually incorporated in the final posted solicitation document and/or any subsequent amendments will not be used to measure compliance with proposal instructions. In other words, please affirmatively state that this document is not to be used as a basis for determining proposal requirements/instructions and is superseded by the final solicitation and subsequent amendments.

Answer: This document is to address all questions and answers from the solicitation.

However, this document will be added to the contract as an attachment.

59) Question: Draft Solicitation HQ0034-14-R-0061, Questions and Answers, Question number # 7 provides "current" staffing on the two contracts on which similar work is currently being performed. Has the level of effort on those contracts been the same throughout the terms of the contracts? If no, please provide historical staffing for each contract along with the historical number of incoming security clearance cases processed during the same timeframes.

Answer: See response to question number #41.

60) Question: Please confirm that both the Administrative Assistant labor category (PWS Paragraph 5.2) and the Personnel Security Assistant category (PWS 5.3 - 5.8) must be conformed to the Wage Determination Occupation Code 01020 Administrative Assistant. The labor category of a Personnel Security Assistant is listed as an Administrative Assistant under the Service Contract Act (SCA). If both are not conformed to 01020, please state the Occupation Codes on the Wage Determination to which each should be conformed.

Answer: The solicitation is covered under the Service Contract Act (SCA) and a Wage Determination No. 2005-2247 has been issued with the solicitation. The contractor shall propose labor categories that fall within the Wage Determination No. 2005-2247.

61) Question: Please provide a correlation between the previous contracts and the CLIN structure in the base year. In other words, which cited previous contract correlates to the work beginning 5/1/14 on CLINS 0001 and 0002 and which correlates to CLINS 0003 (beginning 6/1/14) and 0004 (beginning 9/1/14)?

Answer: Please see response to question number #41.

62) Question: Please clarify this statement in the answer to Question 80: "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." (emphasis added) There is no reference to a requirement to address employee benefits in paragraph C on page 21/61 of the posted final solicitation document.

Answer: The benefits in the Technical Approach & Capability (Volume II) has been changed. The benefits in respect to contractor personnel are included in the Wage Determination 2005-2247. See FAR 52.212-1: “Instructions To Offeror-Commerical Items (FEB2012) Section C. Techanical Approach & Capability (Volume II). In addition, see Wage Determination 2005-2247 in the solicitation that list the following benefits that employees shall receive under the Service Contract Act (SCA).

63) Question: Please clarify the answer to question number 95 from Draft Solicitation HQ0034-14-R-0061- Questions and Answers. The initial portion of the answer appears to be incomplete.

Answer: The Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) shall be submitted as part of the offeror’s proposal. The Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) form shall be submitted after contract award as outlined in the Performance Work Statement Section Technical Exhibit 2-Deliverables Schedule.

64) Question: Please incorporate the answer to question number #97 in the final solicitation from the Draft Solicitation HQ0034-14-R-0061-Questions and Answers.

The exclusions noted are not listed in the solicitation document.

Answer: Table of Contents and any appendices are excluded from the maximum page count for proposal submission. See amended solicitation.

65) Question: Please review the answer to question number # 103 from the Draft Solicitation HQ0034-14-R-0061-Questions and Answers . The question is not related to overtime. The question is related to time in service on the related contracts. However the answer provided addresses overtime.

Answer: See response to question number # 4.

66) Question: Please confirm the cover letter included in all volumes may/should be the same cover letter.

Answer: See FAR 52.212-1: “Instructions To Offeror-Commerical Items “Addendum” (FEB2012) Section A3: “Labeling.”

67) Question: Please incorporate the answer from the Draft Solicitation HQ0034-14R- 0061, Questions and Answers, to question number #116 in the final solicitation allowing affirmatively allowing vendors to bid teams that include subcontractors not currently possessing a Top Secret Facility Clearance Level.

Answer: This question has been amended. See response to question number # 3. See the amended solicitation.

68) Question: Please provide the questionnaire in Word or PDF form format to facilitate completion by vendor's customers and emailing of the response to the Contract Specialist.

Answer: The questionnaire will be issued in PDF format with the solicitation.

69) Question: In light of the criticality of the answers to vendor submitted questions to their ability to prepare and submit a compliant proposal, request that the Government provide an extension to the proposal submission deadline to no early than two weeks following the publication of the answers to all timely submitted vendor questions and/or the final Amendment to the RFP, whichever occurs later.

Answer: The Government has extended the submission date for proposals. See amended solicitation.

70) Question: Could the Department of Defense (DoD) Consolidated Adjudication Facility (CAF) change the solicitation to allow interim Top Secret facility clearances at the time of proposal submission?

Answer: No, see Performance Work Statement Section 1.6.7, Security Requirements.

71) Question: Alternatively, could the Department of Defense (DoD) Consolidated Adjudication Facility (CAF) require a Top Secret facility clearance at the time of proposal award?

Answer: No, see Performance Work Statement Section 1.6.7, Security Requirements.

72) Question: As this is a net-new requirement, is it the Government’s intent to consolidate the work currently performed under the two referenced similar contracts (HS0021-10-F-0020 and HQ0034-10-F-2094) to be performed under this new contract?

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 as listed in question number #41.

73) Question: If it is the Government’s intent to consolidate the work performed under the two referenced similar contracts (HS0021-10-F-0020 and HQ0034-10-F-2094) into this new contract, will the two current contracts expire upon start of performance of this new contract, or will there be an overlap of activities and responsibilities between contractors?

Answer: See response to question number # 41.

74) Question: If there is an overlap of activities and performance of the two current contracts and this new contract, what is the expected overlap time where multiple contractors are performing similar/same functions?

Answer: See response to question number # 41. Please see Performance Work Statement (PWS) Section 1.5 Period of Performance, PWS Technical Exhibit 3 Estimated Workload Data, Solicitation SF 1449 CLIN Structure and Delivery Information.

75) Question: If there is an overlap of performance and responsibilities of the two current contracts and this new contract, will there be a phasing-in /transition of responsibilities and workload until the current contracts expire?

Answer: See the Performance Work Statement Section 1.6.17-Phase In.

76) Question: If there is a phasing-in/transition of responsibilities and workload until the current contracts expire, will the new contractor be required to provide full staffing upon contract start, or will the new contractor be expected to add staff as the current contracts expire and the work transfers to the new contractor?

Answer: See the response to question number # 75.

77) Question: Request For Proposal (RFP) Section C, Page 21. Topic: What is the Government’s Expectation for Transition In and Transition Out requirements?

Answer: See the response to question number # 75.

78) Question: Service Contract Act (SCA) Employees are provided first opportunity to accept or decline the offer to transition; this naturally creates some transition actions that will impact on-boarding, and skews the Transition-In to the incumbent contractors. Will the Government allow for a 30-day transition In CLIN 0006?

Answer: No, the Government is allowing a three week phase in period under CLIN 0006.

See amended solicitation.

79) Question: The Government stated in the Q&A that the Quality Assurance Survelliance Plan (QASP) will be provided post-award; the Request For Proposal (RFP) calls for a Quality Control Plan (QCP). QCP are derivatives of the QASP.

Please provide the QASP, or provide more clarity on the type of response expected within the Responder’s QCP.

Answer: See response to question number # 55.

80) Question: The Government requests detailed Personnel Matrix information to ensure staffing approaches are appropriate. However, neither the Performance Work Statement (PWS) nor the Request For Proposal (RFP) provide insight into the workload distribution by Task Area of Section 5 of the PWS. This work load is directly impactful to the amounts and seniority of the personnel assignments. Please provide work load data by Section 5 PWS Task area and the historical distribution of Senior, Mid, and Junior staff levels. Please also provide how many personnel are actually performing adjudications, as opposed to administrative support.

Answer: See Performance Work Statement Section -Technical Exhibit 3 Estimated Workload Data. There are no contractor personnel performing adjudications. This is a new requirement for the Department of Defense (DoD) Consolidated Adjudications Facility (CAF). The two contracts of similar scope are still administered by the parent Agencies of the entity they serviced before the DoD CAF consolidation. See the amended solicitation.

81) Question: CLIN 0003, the title states it is for General Operation Support, but the description states it is for General Administrative Support Services and the PWS section reference 5.3 to 5.8 covers General Operation Support. Should the description be changed from General Administrative Support Services to General Operation Support?

Answer: See amended solicitation, performance work statement, and other documents for this solicitation.

82) Question: Will the Government allow employees to use Government Furnished Equipment (GFE), specifically computers and internet for the purpose of time collection, contractor email accounts, and benefits notifications?

Answer: Yes, as long as this time is not billed to the Government and only cost billed to the Government is the services the contractor is providing as listed in the solicitation, performance work statement, all other documents as listed in the solicitation, and incidental to the services provided under this contract.

83) Question: The Performance Work Statement and The Performance Requirements Summary speak of performance thresholds yet there is no specific mention of disincentives. Will there be disincentives? If so, what will the disincentive structure be?

Answer: This is not a disincentive type contract. This is an Firm Fixed Price Contract.

The contract type FAR clause 52.216-1 is included in the contract.

84) Question: How often will the periodic progress meetings occur in Performance Work Statement Technical Exhibit 2?

Answer: The periodic progress meeting will occur five (5) days after contract award and quarterly thereafter. See Performance Work Statement Technical Exhibit 2-Deliverable Schedule.

85) Question: Is the requirement for Contractor ManPower Reporting applicable since this is an FFP contract?

Answer: Yes, Contractor Manpower Reporting is applicable for services requirements to include services performed under Firm Fixed Price Contracts (FFP).

86) Question: Given the very short turnaround posted for this proposal, will the Government consider extending the proposal due date to April 8th?

Answer: See the response to question number #69.

87) Question: Are computers included as GFE? Although it seemed implied, and IT was mentioned, there was not a specific reference?

Answer: Yes, see Performance Work Statement Section Part 3-Government Furnished Property, Equipment, and services.

88) Question: Is the contractor required to initiate any required BI investigations and/or reinvestigations?

Answer: No, the contractor will not initiate any investigations as that is an inherently Governmental function. The contractor shall provide services as listed in the solicitation, performance work statement, and other documents listed in the solicitation.

89) Question: Could you provide a breakdown of the current numbers of FTE (FT vs.

PT)

Answer: See the responses to question number # 41 and 54.

90) Question: Please clarify whether the contractor has the ability to select the wage determination labor category under the Service Contract Act (SCA) that the contractor deems most appropriate for the positions; or whether the contractor is required to use the Administrative Assistant labor category?

Answer: See response to question number # 60.

91) Question: Could you provide historical data as it relates to monthly receipts and/or workload fluctuations?

Answer: See Performance Work Statement Technical Exhibit-3 Estimated Workload Data.

92) Question: We understand WHS will not be providing training related to the various PS systems. Will any form of training and/or training materials be provided by the Government?

Answer: See response to questiono number # 23.

93) Question: Reference: Request For Proposal (RFP) Section A. Proposal Volume Requirements, Techniical Approach & Capability, Volume II is page 20. Volume II states a maximum of 10 pages for Technical Approach & Capability and 10 pages for Quality Control Plan for a total of 20 pages. Will the Government consider the shortening of one section and increase in another so long as both sections remain within the 20 page limit?

Answer: See the response to question number #36.

94) Question: Request For Proposal (RFP) Section A1. (5) page 20. “Electronic Submission-Data submitted in spreadsheet format shall be readable by Adobe (.PDF), MS Excel 2010.” Is it acceptable to provide “spreadsheets” required in the Price Volume in either PDF or Excel or required to provide in both formats?

Answer: No, the data shall be submitted in spreadsheet format that is readable by Adobe (.PDF), MS Excel 2010 as outlined in 52.212-1 “INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFEROR- COMMERICAL ITEMS (FEB 2012)” “ADDENDUM,” Section A1 (5)-“Electronic Submission.”

95) Question: Reference: Performance Work Statement (PWS) Technical Exhibit 3 Estimated Workload Data pages 19-21, Government sites 1880 hours as the basis for estimate. Service Contract Act (SCA) guidelines for applying 80 hours of Holiday pay, plus 80 hours of Vacation equate add to 1920 workable hours. Is there additional 40 hours of time off the government intended?

Answer: The 1880 hours assumes that the contractor will work one year and take 80 hours of holiday leave, 80 hours of personal leave and 40 hours of sick leave.

96) Question: Reference: Performance Work Statement (PWS) Technical Exhibit -3 Estimated Workload Data pages 19-21, The Technical Exhibit 3 only addresses PWS tasks 5.2, 5.3, and 5.9. May offerors propose our most efficient and logical mixture of staff and labor categories to meet PWS tasks 5.4-5.8”

Answer: See the response to question number #60.

97) Question: Reference: Performance Work Statement (PWS) Technical Exhibit 3 Estimated Workload Data pages 19-21, Is the Service Contract Act (SCA) Directory of Occupation Code, 01020 and title, Administrative Assistant the only required SCA labor category to be used by offerors in preparing proposals or are others allowed?

Answer: See the response to question number #60.