Acquisition_DRFP_Industry_Questions_08.19.2015.pdf

Acquisition Draft Request for Proposal (RFP) Industry Questions / Comments

# RFP / Attachment

Page #, Paragraph Reference Question / Comment Government Response

1 J-01 PWS Page 7, 3.1.1.A.4

PWS references the "MDA Acquisition Management Framework Survey."

Does this refer to a product to be developed? If so, under what PWS paragraph?

This was an administrative error, paragraph missing punctuation in the first sentence. The paragraph should have read, "4) Conduct acquisition unique training related to the MDA Acquisition Management Framework. Survey the acquisition workforce and secure training areas of interest. Coordinate training topics with the DAP Directorate to secure approval for defined emphasis and events; anticipate six (6) sessions per year, with video-teleconference requirements to multiple locations. Generate training materials (e.g., modules) and aids (e.g., handouts and storyboards) that provide information on acquisition oversight policies, processes, and/or other related best practices. Tailor training based on identified need for senior Leads or general workforce understanding of acquisition processes and activities. Provide materials and aids for acquisition unique training, including using the MDA Visual Information Production Center (VIPC) for reproduction requirements. Coordinate with the Human Resources Directorate (DOH) and provide documentation for participants to receive training credit. Upgrade training materials based on feedback from training sessions."

2 J-01 PWS Page 10, 3.1.2 Subparagraphs 3.1.2 and 3.3.2 are nearly identical in scope. Only subparagraphs 3.1.2.a.6, 3.3.2.e, and 3.3.2.g are unique in their respective P.O.s. What is the distinction between these two subparagraphs? Please clarify.

This is an administrative error, paragraph 3.1.2 Acquisition Processes, Policies, Planning and Execution, and Associated Training and Tools- for BMDS Supported Programs does not include policy and planning; therefore that section should have been omitted. A revised PWS will be posted with the Final RFP.

3 J-01 PWS Page 16, 3.2.2.a

PWS para 3.2.2.a references 'MDA Directive 5010.18, Acquisition Management,' as opposed to 'MDA Directive 5013.01, Acquisition Management' per PWS para 3.1.1.A. Please clarify which is correct.

The correct Acquisition Management Directive (5013.01-D) should have been referenced in sub paragraph 3.2.2.a and not 5010.18; as that version has been superseded. A revised PWS will be posted with the Final RFP.

4 J-01 PWS Page 21, 3.3.1.l

PWS Paragraph 3.3.1.l seems to be out of scope for TEAMS Acquisition, and is included in the Safety Contract PWS para 3.3.1.m. Please clarify if this belongs in the Acquisition PWS.

This is administrative error, SOH is not part of the Acquisition requirement package and should have been omitted prior to publication. A revised PWS will be posted with the Final RFP.

# RFP / Attachment

Page #, Paragraph Reference Question / Comment Government Response

5 J-01 PWS Page 21, 3.3.1.i

A portion of this requirement appears to be out of context for the Acquisition PWS. Is this intended to be part of this PWS? "...Participate in standardizing the cost estimating and analysis process within the DOC Directorate and across the Agency to eliminate inconsistencies in cost estimating, modeling, methodologies or documentation techniques.

Support contract proposal evaluation teams with cost modeling and cost estimating for prime contractor cost or price proposal reviews, including analysis of historical cost data for similar systems or efforts. Coordinate cost model and estimate support with the Contracting Directorate (DAC). "

As written the requirement was out of context with the Acquisition PWS.

Requirements have been reviewed and revised to clearly reflect DA/DAC proposal cost estimating requirements. A revised PWS will be posted with the Final RFP.

6 J-01 PWS Page 21, 3.3.1.l

This requirement appears to be out of context for the Acquisition PWS. Is this intended to be part of this PWS? "SOH Publications Management. The contractor shall support management of electronic safety publications library, owned and funded by the Government, to include ordering and subscription management. "

This is administrative error, SOH is not part of the Acquisition requirement package and should have been omitted prior to publication. A revised PWS will be posted with the Final RFP.

7 J-01 PWS Page 43, 4.2.c

& CDRL

A001/A002

Submission of the TSR is included in the data requirements for the MSR (CDRL A001) and again identified in the Block 16 Description of CDRL A002.

Did the Government intend for the TSR to be incorporated into the MSR (CDRL A001) and delivered again under CDRL A002?

The TSR should only be included in CDRL A002. In the PWS, subparagraph

(c) under Section 4.2 "Monthly Status Report (CDRL A001)" will be moved to Section 4.3 "Cost Report (by CLIN) (CDRL A002)". A revised PWS will be posted with the Final RFP.

# RFP / Attachment

Page #, Paragraph Reference Question / Comment Government Response

8 J-01 PWS Page 43, 4.3

& CDRL A002

The PWS cost report requirement, CDRL A002, Contract Funds Status Report (CFSR), is a standard DoD contractor financial report format of cum to date funds status, open commitments, accrued expenditures, forecast of billings, and estimated termination liability, with a six-month rolling window and remaining columns by year forecast. However, the Cost Report attachment (J-06) referenced in the PWS is not the CFSR; but the MiDAESS Monthly Cost Report (MCR), which includes additional reporting requirements outside the CFSR DID, i.e., time phased data, by month through the POP, (1) CLIN Baseline data, (2) Planned Accruals, (3) Variance reporting to the Accrual Plan, Variance %, and Invoices Paid. The MCR format does tailor out CFSR reporting of Open Commitments and Termination Liability; which is not only acceptable but encouraged;

however, providing a Section J cost report format that adds requirements beyond those called out in the Data Item Description is inappropriate. The CFSR CDRL A002 also requires submission of the MiDAESS Travel Status Report (TSR); and none of the TSR data requirements (i.e., ACRN/SUBCLIN reporting of individual trips’, by name, with estimated costs, actual costs, invoiced amount, invoice number and date invoice is submitted) are addressed in the CFSR DID. It’s clear the Agency’s intent is to obtain the MCR and TSR data; however, the CFSR DID/CDRL is not an appropriate CDRL for these requirements. Recommend deleting the CFSR CDRL requirement and substituting for a DOD standard monthly report CDRL that will accommodate tailoring to provide MCR and TSR data in the format you desire.

The Government acknowledges the inconsistency between CDRL A002, Contract Funds Status Report and the specific Cost Report example in J-06.

This will be reconciled in the final RFP release.

# RFP / Attachment

Page #, Paragraph Reference Question / Comment Government Response

9 J-01 PWS Page 44, 4.6 As this is a Small Business Set-Aside requirement, would the Government indicate the purpose of the FAR 52.219-8 (Utilization of Small Business Concerns) Table included in Draft PWS Section 4.6 Small Business Participation Report?

FAR 19.708(a) requires that FAR 52.219-8 be inserted in ALL solicitations and contracts over the simplified acquisition threshold. FAR Clause 52.219-8 states that it is the policy of the United States to ensure that small business concerns and all socio-economic categories have the maximum practicable opportunity to participate in performing contracts awarded by any Federal agency. In order to ensure the contractor is carrying out the requirements of this clause, the government request that the Table in Section 4.6 be completed and submitted semi-annually.

10 J-01 PWS Page 45, 5 DFARS 252.204-7012 (d) (1) states to report to the Department of Defense via http://dibnet.dod.mil/. PWS 5.0 states to report to MDA/DEI at MDAIndustrialSecurity@mda.mil and MDA Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) at mdacsirt@mda.mil. Please clarify if the Prime is required to report to all three sites, the DFARS site, or the MDA sites?

The Government is revising the PWS to remove the PWS Section 5 requirement for the Cybersecurity Risk Management Plan.

11 J-01 PWS Page 45, 5 PWS requirement states "Initial compliance statement is due within 14 days of the start of the contract period of performance. Please clarify whether this is 14 days PRIOR to start of the contract period of performance or within 14 days AFTER start of contract period of performance.

The Government is revising the PWS to remove the PWS Section 5 requirement for the Cybersecurity Risk Management Plan.

12 J-01 PWS Page 45, 5

& CDRL 004

PWS 5.0 states to submit initial and annual Statement of Compliance using the government provided format - CDRL 004. CDRL 004 then states that Contractor format is acceptable. Please clarify which is correct.

The Government is revising the PWS to remove the PWS Section 5 requirement for the Cybersecurity Risk Management Plan.

13 J-01 PWS Page 48, 8.4 There was some confusion during MiDAESS execution on GFP tracking/reporting of common office equipment, i.e., desktop computers, monitors, etc., that are provided to on-site employees but remain in place and the contractor does not take possession of the equipment. Initially reporting of all office equipment was to be reported, and subsequently stopped. Will common office equipment as described above be required to be reporting in the property CDRLs (A005/A006)?

No, on-site office property/equipment as described in your question will not be required to be tracked as part of the property CDRLs.

# RFP / Attachment

Page #, Paragraph Reference Question / Comment Government Response

14 J-01 PWS Page 49, 10 Draft PWS Section 10 Option Requirements, indicates that the Contractor's personnel (surge support) may be required to work extended hours, to include weekends. These hours, if approved, may require the Contractor's personnel to work in excess of forty (40) hours/a week and the Contractor may have to compensate them with premium overtime pay. Would the Government allow the Contractor to invoice these hours over forty (40) hours/week at time and a half of the regular hourly rate?

Section 13(a)(1) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) provides an exemption from both minimum wage and overtime pay for employees employed as bona fide executive, administrative, professional and outside sales employees. To qualify for exemption, employees generally must meet certain tests regarding their job duties and be paid on a salary basis at not less than $455 per week.

15 J-01 PWS Page 49, 10 Would the Government please provide the expected quantities of surge support by each labor category and performance objective task?

The Government will not dictate "how" requirements are fulfilled. We will only provide the CLIN dollar value.

16 J-01 PWS Page 49, 9 Draft PWS Section 9 Transition and Staffing, includes the following Key Personnel: Contract Program Manager; Technical Lead; and proposed Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). We would appreciate it if the Government would please respond to the following:

a) Please confirm that all of the Key Personnel are included in the contract with the incumbent contractor and are currently staffed.

b) Would the Government please identify which of the labor descriptions with required experience and technical qualifications, as listed in Attachment L-10 EM Labor Competencies, are designated as Key Personnel (specifically Technical Lead and SMEs); and were these positions also required for approving the incumbent contractor's Key Personnel?

c) For the labor descriptions included in Attachment L-10 that may utilize the Technical Lead and SMEs; are there different position requirements for the Key Personnel than what are listed in the labor descriptions?

d) Please identify any Key Personnel positions that are not currently filled.

The Government cannot discuss contract actions of other competitors and/or current awards. a) The Government will not discuss current contract staffing. b) Key Personnel positions are not Labor Competencies.

Key Personnel positions are staffed based on the offerors approach, on how to best support the Governments requirements. c) As stated above is sub paragraph b, Key Personnel are not Labor Competencies. The Task Order Lead is typically selected from within a given Advanced Analyst or SME group, but again this will not be dictated by the Government and should be presented by the offerors and how best to fulfill Government requirements. d) as stated above, Government cannot discuss contract actions of other competitors and/or current awards.

# RFP / Attachment

Page #, Paragraph Reference Question / Comment Government Response

17 J-01 PWS Page 49, 9 Based on Table 9.0 Transition and Staffing Timeline, the Key Personnel (Program Manager and Technical Lead) are required to begin providing support at the start of the Period of Performance and not the Transition Period. Would the Government please confirm that this statement is correct?

As stated in paragraph 9.c, The CPM and Technical Lead (if proposed) shall meet with the Functional Government customer within 5 working days of the start of the period of performance as part of the transition and Kickoff Meeting. The CPM and Lead shall report the status of its efforts to recruit, hire, and fill all positions within the timeline specified in Table 9.0 at the Kickoff Meeting. The contractor shall submit clearance paperwork for hires upon award to immediately begin the process. Its the Governments requirement for the aforementioned personnel to begin support at PoP start date, or NLT five working days from that date. The PoP start date will be announced in the Contract award letter.

18 J-01 PWS Page 5, 3 PWS paragraph 3.0 references "Key Products Data Accession List (DAL) Tables," but does not reference Historical Products Tables, Attachment L- 11, nor does Attachment L-11 use the term "Data Accession List." Please confirm that PWS para 3.0 is referring to the Historical Products Tables, Attachment L-11.

PWS paragraph 3.0 has been revised to reference the J-01a Key Products Table which will be provided at release of Final RFP.

19 J-01 PWS Table 3.3.1 Please confirm that the Standards shown on PWS page 24, Table 3.3.1 are for Performance Objective 3 and not for Performance Objective 7 as labeled.

This was an administrative error in the labeling of the Table. The correct nomenclature should have read "Table 3.3.1: Performance Objective #3 Standards." A revised PWS will be posted with the Final RFP.

20 J-01 PWS Would the Government confirm that Huntsville, AL will be the central location for contract management and that the Contractor's Program Manager needs to be located at Huntsville, AL?

Huntsville is the central location for the Government Contracting activities, but the Acquisition PWS requirements as well as some Program Management activities are dispersed to several geographic locations. Industry may propose their locations as best suites their approach.

21 J-01 PWS Would the Government please provide by location the tasks that are currently being performed and the number of current FTEs by location, including any surge positions?

The Government will not dictate "how" requirements are fulfilled. The offerors should provide information that best fulfills Government requirements.

22 J-02 QASP Page 5, Table A2-2

The Exceptional adjectival rating for cost management requires achievement of “at least 7.5%” underrun at the CLIN level. Given the competitive nature of this solicitation and the efficiencies to be incorporated into the proposed price of Offerors, achieving an underrun of 7.5% or greater is likely unachievable. Recommend consideration be given to lowering the 7.5% threshold as it may be impossible to earn an Exceptional score in Cost Management.

The Exceptional rating requirement was lowered from 10% to 7.5%;

currently there are no plans to lower it further.

# RFP / Attachment

Page #, Paragraph Reference Question / Comment Government Response

23 J-06 Monthly Cost Report

In the MCR Excel file there is a new report in a separate workbook titled, “Detail Report by CLIN.” This represents a requirement to report monthly, by CLIN, the Current and Cumulative Labor Dollars for each Labor Category consuming labor resources in that CLIN. The format and monthly reporting of this level of detailed data will add a level of complexity for Contractors’ accounting systems and significant labor resources to develop this report.

Is there a need to collect that data on a monthly basis? Would the Government consider making this an annual report, or perhaps a submission in the last month of the CLIN POP

CLIN level reports (stakeholder level) are required because each stakeholder is accountable for managing their respective labor CLIN.

24 L-07 EPW J-01 PWS

8. Locations

As there are discrepancies between the work locations listed in Attachment L-07 TEAMS Excel Pricing Workbook_Acquisition (6-6-15 – 100pm) and Attachment J-01 TEAMS Acquisition PWS_r4_06.10.2015, Section 8 Government Furnished (GF) Materials (GFM), Information (GFI), and Equipment (GFE); would the Government please indicate whether the support is to be provided by staff located at the Government’s facilities, or at the Contractor’s facilities, or a combination of both?

The discrepancies in the work locations will be updated in the Final RFP.

25 L-07 EPW The labor rates shown for all locations for the Contract Program Manager (survey mean and 90th percentile) and Analyst, Intermediate (90th percentile) do not match the ERI database for the ERI position titles listed.

Please clarify the labor rates and/or ERI position titles that should be used for these labor categories.

The labor rates will be updated in the Final RFP to match the mean and 90th percentile for the ERI position titles and experience levels.

# RFP / Attachment

Page #, Paragraph Reference Question / Comment Government Response

26 L-07 EPW As reflected in the Labor Category tab to Attachment L-07, TEAMS Excel Pricing Workbook Acquisition, no direct experience is required for an Analyst (Basic) but 10 years of experience is required for an Analyst (Intermediate). There is no additional labor category included for individuals with experience levels between 1 and 10 years.

L-14.3 provides “[t]he ERI median and 90th percentile direct labor rates (give or take one dollar per hour) serves as the benchmarks between which the Government will accept the proposed direct labor rates as reasonable and realistic without any further justification from the offeror.”

Is it intended that offerors propose direct labor rates for individuals with more than 5 but less than 10 years of experience using the Analyst (Basic) Labor Category, with those direct labor rates being subject to the Analyst (Basic) benchmarks for reasonable and realistic rates? That could potentially be a disincentive for quite a few individuals with multiple years of valuable experience from agreeing to accept positions servicing the anticipated contract. We would recommend including an additional labor category, with additional benchmarks, for individuals with more than 5 but less than 10 years of experience.

Under performance based acquisition, the government will not dictate how Staffing will be utilized. The offerors should establish best practices on how to best fulfill government requirements. However, if a given candidate doesn’t have 10 years experience and doesn't have a BS or BA degree to offset the shortfall, then that candidate only meets minimum requirements of a Basic Analyst. (Labor Categories and viable alternatives will be revised in the FINAL RFP).

# RFP / Attachment

Page #, Paragraph Reference Question / Comment Government Response

27 L-07 EPW

L-10 Labor

Competencies

Page 10, 3.1.1.A.13 Page 12, 3.1.2.a.8

Attachment L-10 Acquisition Labor Categories contains 8 categories:

a. Contract Program Manager;

b. Analyst (Advanced);

c. Analyst (Intermediate);

d. Analyst (Basic);

e. Accountant (Advanced);

f. Accountant (Intermediate);

g. Accountant (Basic);

h. Subject Matter Expert (SME)

The fully burdened labor rate tab to Attachment L-07, TEAMS Excel Pricing Workbook Acquisition, only has rows for the contract program manager, analysts, and SME labor categories and the Labor Category Tab only contains information for those labor categories.

PWS Performance Objective 3.1.1, A.13 references supporting agency audit readiness but does not appear to describe accounting services.

PWS Performance Objective 3.1.2., a.8., Performance Objective #7 Secretariat Support, and other tasks reference supporting administrative functions (e.g. scheduling meetings and conference rooms, etc.).

To ensure consistency throughout the Solicitation, will you clarify:

a. Whether separate Accountant Labor Categories are needed to perform specific accounting tasks in connection with this effort? If so, would the Government please provide the associated Position Description, ERI l d l f ?

The labor competencies for the Accountant (Advanced, Intermediate, and Basic) will not be added to L-07 EPW, because they were included in L-10 in error. The revised L-10 will be provided with the Final RFP.

28 L-07 EPW

L-10 Labor

Competencies

L-10 includes Labor competencies of Accountant (Advanced, Intermediate, and Basic) yet these labor categories are not included in L-07 on the Labor category tab. If accountant skills are required, please update to include them in L-07.

The Accountant Labor competencies were included in error. The revised L- 10 will be provided with the Final RFP.

29 L-09 & L-11

Attachment L-09, Historical Hours by Stakeholders, appears to be a copy of Attachment L-11, Historical Key Product Tables, and not a document identifying annual historical hours by stakeholder. Will the Government please provide the Historical Hours document?

This was an error in the uploaded documents to FBO. The correct L-09 will be provided with the Final RFP.

29a L-09 & L-11

Attachment L-09 and L-11 both provide historical key product tables. L-09 should provide Acquisition Historical Hours by Stakeholder. Please clarify.

This was an error in the uploaded documents to FBO. The correct L-09 will be provided with the Final RFP.

# RFP / Attachment

Page #, Paragraph Reference Question / Comment Government Response

30 L-09 & L-11

The L-09 attachment contains a duplicate copy of Attachment L-11, Historical Product Tables and not the Historical Hours by Stakeholder.

When will the correct L-09, Historical Hours by Stakeholder, be provided?

This was an error in the uploaded documents to FBO. The correct L-09 will be provided with the Final RFP.

31 L-10 Labor Competencies

With respect to the required experience and technical qualifications included in Attachment L-10 Labor Competencies – Acquisition; would the Government allow an additional four years of relevant experience as a substitute for the Bachelor’s degree requirement, and an additional two years of relevant experience as a substitute for the Master’s degree preference?

Labor Categories and viable alternatives will be revised in the FINAL RFP.

32 L-10 Labor Competencies

Attachment L-10 Labor Competencies – Acquisition does not include a labor description for the Technical Lead. Would the Government please provide a labor description for the Technical Lead, including the years of experience and educational requirements?

The Technical Lead or Task Order Lead is not a Labor Competency;

therefore, would not have a labor description. The Tech Lead or TOL would derive their labor description from their affixed labor category.

Historically, Tech Lead or TOL would come from within the SMEs or Advanced Analyst labor competency pool.

33 L-10 Labor Competencies

The Government Labor Competency Level Descriptions for the Contract Program Manager and Subject Matter Expert, as stated in Attachment L-10 Labor Competencies – Acquisition, do not include any years of experience or educational requirements for these positions. Would the Government please clarify what the experience and educational requirements are for the Contract Program Manager and Subject Matter Expert?

As correctly stated, there isn't any education or experience levels required for CPM. The SMEs must be, "recognized industry experts" in their particular field to warrant that specialized competency qualification.

34 L-11 Historical Key Products Table

Attachment L-11, Historical Key Products Tables, reflects that PWS Performance Objective 3.5.1 supports the SB stakeholder. There does not appear to be a separate CLIN for performance in support of the SB stakeholder. Is it intended that support for the SB stakeholder as reflected in PWS Performance Objective 3.5.1 be included in the respective CLINs for performance in support of the DA stakeholder (CLIN X103)? If not, will you clarify where SB support is intended to be included?

In the solicitation, Small Business (SB) will be provided autonomous Labor

CLIN.

35 L-11 Historical Key Products Table

Attachment L-11, Historical Key Products Tables, reflects that PWS Performance Objective 3.5.2 supports the DVR stakeholder. This appears to be the only support for the DVR reflected in that table. Is it intended that performance in support of the DVR stakeholder include only those items associated with performance of PWS Performance Objective 3.5.2?

The product support identified in paragraph 3.5.2 is not the only anticipated support for stakeholder DVR. DVR has general Acquisition support requirements from other Performance Objectives. A break-out of hours will be provided in the solicitation.

# RFP / Attachment

Page #, Paragraph Reference Question / Comment Government Response

36 RFP H-39 Draft RFP Section H-39 requires compliance with FAR 52.219-14, Limitation on Subcontracting (Feb 2012). Please note the implementing provisions of the Small Business Act, 15 USCA Chapter 14A, §§ 631–657s were amended to change the subcontracting limitations. See Pub. L. No. 112-239, § 1651 (Jan. 2, 2013). This change permits the small business prime contractor and other “similarly situated” small business subcontractors together to perform at least 50% of the contract price for purposes of meeting the Limitations on Subcontracting requirement. The current FAR clause reflects the earlier version of the statute which requires the small business prime to self-perform at least 50% of the cost of personnel, not including “similarly situated” subcontractors. The current FAR clause is inconsistent with the current statute. Therefore, for purposes of meeting self-performance requirements under this Small Business Set-Aside contract, would the Government please clarify whether contractors are required to adhere to the subcontracting limitations of the current FAR clause (compliance based on > 50% labor cost self performed by prime), or subcontracting limitations included in the Small Business Act as amended (compliance > 50% contract price paid to prime and all “similarly situated” subcontractors)?

The proposed FAR rule has not been implemented nor approved by DoD to include this language in any solicitation. MDA does not have the authority to deviate from the current FAR requirement.

37 RFP H-TEAMS-01 H-TEAMS-01 references CPFF Completion CLIN fee determination, yet Section B of the RFP contains CPFF and Cost CLINs with no CPFF Completion CLINs. Please clarify how H-TEAMS-01 applies to this solicitation.

A new Option CLIN for TH-FMS will be a CPFF Completion CLIN and will be included in the Final RFP.

38 RFP Page 42, Sec H-

There is no provision that addresses local travel as a direct cost. In the legacy MiDAESS contracts there was a provision the stated local travel less than 30 miles is considered incidental to execution of the contract and is not to be direct charged. However, local travel greater than 30 miles required a Form 110 and was authorized to be billed as a direct cost. Is there no local travel allowed to be billed in this TEAMS contract?

PWS, Section 7. Travel and Other Direct Cost (ODC) Requirements, Paragraph e. states, "e. Travel within the local area or base of assignment to attend meetings, conferences, seminars or perform work shall be considered a cost of doing business and shall not be separately reimbursed as a travel expense. Local area travel is defined as a 30 mile radius around the base of assignment or designated place of employment."

39 RFP Page 46, Sec H- 10.f

Should the reference to “organizational conflict of interest agreements” say instead “non-disclosure agreements”?

No, the reference is correct.

40 RFP Who is the current incumbent? If there is more than one, who are the current incumbents?

The current requirements are being fulfilled by incumbents; Quantech (DA- 01/DA-02) and CSC (DP-01) as this effort now encompasses three different task orders.

# RFP / Attachment

Page #, Paragraph Reference Question / Comment Government Response

41 RFP Does the MDA consider an FTE to be equivalent to 1,880 hours per annum for purposes of this solicitation? If not, could you provide the hours per annum considered to be an FTE?

The FTEs will vary by company depending on their personnel practices (e.g.

time for leave, training, etc.) (Historical hours will be provided in the

FINAL RFP).

42 RFP To allow for clarity and facilitate review, will the Government allow a more detailed, contractor format Cross Reference Matrix?

A Cross Reference Matrix may be included as long as it meets the RFP text, font, and/or table format requirements. If incorporated as an appendix, it will not count against the page count.

43 RFP 8. On pages 3 and 4 of the Solicitation, there are blanks for the cost of CLINs 0001, 0002, and 0003; however, in Attachment L-07, TEAMS Excel Pricing Workbook, there are fixed figures for these CLINs. Will the Government please clarify the figure to be bid for CLINs 0001, 0002, and 0003?

Section L: Instruction to Offerors, L-14.4, last paragraph, provides a table that details the amounts by Base and Option period.

44 RFP Based on the information available in the Solicitation, it appears there are Government site work stations available for all FTEs performing on this contract. Will the Government confirm the number of work stations available at each Government site?

The Government will not dictate "how" requirements are to be fulfilled merely outline the requirements and provide historical hours of current effort. Post award, the work station table will be utilized to track number of work stations by geographic location. (Historical hours will be provided in the FINAL RFP).

45 RFP On the current MiDAESS Contract #HQ0147-10-D-0037, is the incumbent performing work at contractor sites?

The Government will not dictate "how" requirements are to be fulfilled merely outline the requirements and provide historical hours of current effort. Post award, the work station table will be utilized to track number of work stations by geographic location. (Historical hours will be provided in the FINAL RFP).

46 RFP Would the Government please provide the anticipated start date and the period of performance?

The planned start date for TEAMS Acquisition would be NLT 19 July 2016.

47 RFP Would the Government please confirm that the transition and Kickoff Meeting will be held at the Government’s location in Huntsville, AL?

Yes, the Government expects the Kick off meetings to be held at the Government facilities in Huntsville (VBIII). Additionally, VTC capabilities are available for out of area contingencies and other company representatives.

48 RFP What is the expiration date of the contract held by the incumbent contractor?

The current expiration date, for all three current task orders (DA-01, DA-02 and DP-01) is 18 July 2016.

49 RFP

J-01 PWS

Would the Government indicate whether the tasks associated with the performance objectives are currently being performed by any contractor? If yes, would the Government identify the contractor?

Yes, the current requirements are being fulfilled by incumbents; Quantech (DA-01/DA-02) and CSC (DP-01) as this effort now encompasses three different task orders. Specifically, there isn't any new work in this RFP that’s not being currently supported.

50 RFP

J-01 PWS

Are all of the functions defined under the performance objectives being performed by incumbent contractor employees, if not; would the Government please identify any new functions?

Yes, the current requirements are being fulfilled by incumbents, as this effort now encompasses three different task orders (DA-01, DA-02 and DP- 01). Specifically, there isn't any new work in this RFP that’s not being currently supported.

# RFP / Attachment

Page #, Paragraph Reference Question / Comment Government Response

51 RFP

J-01 PWS

Would the Government please indicate the current staffing of all staffed positions by the incumbent contractor, as well as indicate any vacant positions?

The Government will not dictate "how" requirements are to be fulfilled merely outline the requirements and provide historical hours of current effort.

52 RFP

J-01 PWS

Would the Government please provide specific identification of the number and the types of Technical Lead and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)?

The Government will not dictate "how" requirements are to be fulfilled merely outline the requirements and provide historical hours of current effort.

53 Section L: Instruction to Offerors

Page 1, L-1.2 Page 15, L-

10.1

In Sec L-1.2 and Sec L-10.1 a “Major Subcontractor is defined as one whose proposed effort provides at least 10% of the proposed total price of the contract AND/OR a subcontractor that performs a critical function in performance of the contract, AND/OR have important roles in any high or medium risk areas identified in the offeror’s proposal. In Sec L-14.1 a “Major Subcontractor” is defined as any subcontractor that contributes more that 10% of the hours proposed. Recommend consistency in definitions.

A "Major" Subcontractor is described as performing 10% or greater of proposed hours. The change will be reflected in the final RFP.

54 Section L: Instruction to Offerors

Page 11, L-4.7 Para L-4.7 indicates 10 pt font is allowed for tables, charts, graphs, and figures with respect to 11x17 pages. Does this allowance also apply to 8- 1/2x11 pages (L-4.5)?

No. Requirements for 8 1/2x11 pages are stated in paragraph L-4.5 and states tables, graphs, and charts shall be no less than Microsoft Word Times New Roman 12 point font, single-spaced.

55 Section L: Instruction to Offerors

Page 15, L- 10.1

Section L-10.1 states that PPIs should be submitted "only for the major subcontractors expected to perform aspects of the effort the offeror considers critical to the overall successful performance." If we want to highlight the capabilities of our small business (minor) subcontractors, can we include a PPI entry for them?

If the small business (minor) subcontractors do not meet the definition of "Major Subcontractor" they should not be included in the Past Performance Information attachment.

56 Section L: Instruction to Offerors

Page 15, L- 10.1

Section L-10.1 states that PPI should be submitted only for the major subcontractors expected to perform aspects of the effort the offeror considers to be critical to the overall successful performance. Does this requirement limit the PPI to include relevant information relating only to the PWS areas in which the major subcontractor will perform?

Yes

# RFP / Attachment

Page #, Paragraph Reference Question / Comment Government Response

57 Section L: Instruction to Offerors

Section L-12.1 States “The offeror shall clearly state and provide credible evidence of their capabilities, understanding and approach, including a risk evaluation, to execute all PWS requirements.”

In order to be compliant with the RFP, do offerors have to address the non-technical areas of the PWS (sections 4.0 – 10.0) in the Technical Volume Subfactor 1?

No.

In accordance with Section L: Instruction to Offers L-4.0 Proposal Organization, Table L-1:

Section 4.0 is expected to be addressed in Volume IX - Management Section 6.0 is expected to be addressed in Volume IV - Security Plan Section 9.0 is expected to be addressed in Volume IX - Management

58 Section L: Instruction to Offerors

Page 18, L- 12.2

Para L-12.2 identifies key personnel as "the Technical Lead, Contract Program Manager and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)." Does this imply that the government is anticipating only one Technical Lead, or can multiple Technical Leads be proposed?

The offeror may propose whatever key personnel they deem necessary to meet the requirements of the PWS to include multiple Technical Leads if deemed necessary.

59 Section L: Instruction to Offerors

Page 20, L- 14.1

L-14.1 states "The offeror must include proposed cost and fee, by "contractor Fiscal Year (CFY)." If the CFY does not coincide with the Govt FY, does the Government still want cost and fee proposed by CFY?

Yes the cost and fee should be proposed by CFY.

60 Section L: Instruction to Offerors

Page 21, L- 14.3

This paragraph states in part, “While this acquisition is not covered by the SCA…” Why is this acquisition not covered by the Service Contract Act?

TEAMS requirements are supported by labor competencies that fall into the bona fide executive, administrative or professional employee category.

Therefore, is exempt from the Service Contract Labor Standards Act.

61 Section L: Instruction to Offerors

Page 21, L- 14.3

In Section L-14.3 the Government uses median; however, in Section L-14.4 the Government uses mean. The mean and median can be different numeric amounts, which may cause more than give or take one dollar.

Should the direct labor be mean or median?

The Final Section L-14.3 will be updated to state mean.

62 Section L: Instruction to Offerors

Page 21, L- 14.3

Does the Government plan to provide the date the data was pulled from ERI, as in the date pulled or if a planning date was used, which could create a different rate than provided in the Excel Pricing Workbook?

Yes, the Government will provide the date on the labor category tab.

63 Section L: Instruction to Offerors

Page 21, L- 14.3

The ERI Labor Rate Benchmarks are very similar to the current ERI data pulled on July 2, 2015 for most labor categories; however, the data for Contract Program Manager (Project Manager Experienced) seems to be using the total compensation direct labor rate rather than the base salary direct labor rate. Does the Government intend to use the base salary direct labor rates for the CPM?

The Government will use the base salary direct labor rates for the CPM.

This will be updated in the Final RFP.

# RFP / Attachment

Page #, Paragraph Reference Question / Comment Government Response

64 Section L: Instruction to Offerors

Page 21, L- 14.3

Page 23, L- 14.4

Section L-14.3 Cost Reasonableness and Realism - The Labor Category tab included in the Excel Pricing Workbook includes a description of each RFP labor Category along with the median direct labor rate from the ERI Salary Assessor by location. The ERI median and 90th percentile direct labor rates (give or take one dollar per hour) serves as the benchmarks between which the Government will accept the proposed direct labor rates as reasonable and realistic without any further justification from the offeror. Proposed direct labor rates outside these benchmarks must be justified by objective evidence that the rates are reasonable and realistic in the narrative section of the cost/price volume.

Section L-14.4 Labor Category Tab: This tab includes a description of each RFP Labor Category along with the mean direct labor rate from the ERI Salary Assessor by location. The ERI mean and the 90th percentile direct labor rates (give or take one dollar per hour) serve as the benchmarks between which the Government will accept the proposed direct labor rates as reasonable and realistic without any further justification from the offeror. Proposed direct labor rates outside these benchmarks must be justified by objective evidence that the rates are reasonable and realistic in the narrative section of the cost/price volume.

The Final Section L-14.3 will be updated to state mean.

65 Section L: Instruction to Offerors

Page 4, L-2.1 L-2.1 indicates the government intends to award a cost plus fixed fee, completion-type contract resulting from this solicitation. It further indicates the contract will consist of CPFF and CPIF CLINs. However, Section B of the RFP only contains COST and CPFF CLINs. Please clarify.

The reference to CPIF CLINs is an error and will be corrected in the Final

RFP.

66 Section L: Instruction to Offerors

Page 8, L-3.3 L-3.3 states, "With the exception of the Cost and Price Volume, no cost or pricing information should appear in any other volume." Is it correct to assume this does not apply to the required data in the Small Business Plan (Volume V)?

Correct, the exception also applies to Volume V, "Small Business Compliance Plan". The language in Section L will be revised in the Final RFP to permit cost or pricing information in Volume V.

67 Section M:

Evaluation Criteria

Page 13, Sec M- 11.5

Cost Price Factor Evaluation Results - There are references to Fixed price CLINs in the evaluation criteria. However, there are no fixed priced CLINs in the solicitation. Does the government intend to have fixed priced CLINs?

The reference to fixed price CLINs is an error and will be corrected in the Final RFP. There will be no fixed price CLINs under this contract.

# RFP / Attachment

Page #, Paragraph Reference Question / Comment Government Response

68 Section M:

Evaluation Criteria

Would the Government provide the anticipated start date of the transition and the duration of transition period (See Subfactor MS3: Transition Plan)?

The start date of the transition period begins on the same day as the period of performance start date. The period of performance start date for each TEAMS contract will be approximately two weeks after the date of contract award. The duration of the transition period for this contract will be 15 working days after start of period of performance. The PWS will be clarified to clearly delineate the duration.

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