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ATSP5 Question and Answers 1
| ATSP5 Solicitation Phase 1 Question and Answer | | | |
| Number | Topic | Question | Government Response |
| 1 | Programatic Ceiling | What is the programatic ceiling for ATSP5 | The ATSP5 programmatic ceiling will be $25.357 billion. This has been addressed via Amendment 1. |
| 2 | Submittals | What needs to be submitted in Phase 1 | As detailed in the IFPP paragraph (c) Information from Volume 3 will be submitted in Phase 1 but will also be utilized in evaluations in Phase 2 if elected to move forward. Offerors will not be required to resubmit information from Phase 1 in Phase 2. This information is also detailed in Section 2 of the IFPP under table 2.1 Phase 1. (DCMA Approved Business Systems and Facility Clearances). Offerors must also submit the front page of the SF33 filled out along with filled out and signed amendments. See Amendment 2. |
| 3 | Submittals | Would you please be able to provide a DoD SAFE link so that we can submit the Phase 1 portion of the proposal by 4 April 2025 | Amendment 1 added additional information on Phase 1 submittal instructions adding an additonal method of submittal if your organization does not have an authenticated user for DoD SAFE. |
| 4 | Business Systems | In Section 5.1.3 Subfactor 3.3: DCMA Approved Business Systems: For the Phase I submittal, is it sufficient to provide the DCMA approved business systems information for the company organization acting as the prime entity, or does DMEA require the same information for any other of the same company’s organizations that may be engaged with the prime organization on a future task order through Interdivisional Transfers? | As stated in Section M, "A division of a company proposing on this requirement can utilize its parent company’s approved business systems for its submittal in the event that at the division level, the performer does not have approved business systems." Use of a another divisions business systems is allowable as it would fall under the parent company’s umbrella i.e. “(B) Offerors who are wholly owned entities proposing to use other wholly owned entities of the parent company in the performance of the ATSP5.” |
This would also apply the utilization of business systems from member of teaming arrangements. Reference IFPP section 1.2 definitions for more flexibility.
| 5 | Business Systems | While our division is in the process of developing an MMAS that is complaint with the DFARS clause, DCAA has not requested an audit of that system and therefore DCMA has not reviewed the results of the audit and approved our system. Alternatively, we have accredited MMAS business systems within other divisions.Would the Gov't consider waving the requirement for an approved MMAS at this time? | The solicitation’s minimum requirement to move past phase 1 are Accounting System, Cost Estimating System, Material Management and Accounting System (MMAS), and Property Management System. See response to question 4 for flexibilities. |
| 6 | Business Systems | While our business unit is in the process of developing an MMAS that is complaint with the DFARS clause DCAA has not requested an audit of that system and therefore DCMA has not reviewed the results of the audit and approved our system. This language is restrictive as contractors are unable to dictate DCMA's audit timelines. Would the gov't consider making the accounting system and cost estimating system mandatory and require 2 of the 4 remaining systems? Alternatively, we have accredited MMAS business systems within other divisions. | The solicitation’s minimum requirement to move past phase 1 are Accounting System, Cost Estimating System, Material Management and Accounting System (MMAS), and Property Management System. See response to question 4 for flexibilities. |
| 7 | Business Systems | Would the gov't consider putting the requirement of an approved MMAS at the Task Order level? | The solicitation’s minimum requirement to move past phase 1 are Accounting System, Cost Estimating System, Material Management and Accounting System (MMAS), and Property Management System. See response to question 4 for flexibilities. |
| 8 | Business Systems | Contractors are unable to dictate DCMA's audit timelines. Would the gov't accept a plan for a future DMCA approved MMAS? | The solicitation’s minimum requirement to move past phase 1 are Accounting System, Cost Estimating System, Material Management and Accounting System (MMAS), and Property Management System. See response to question 4 for flexibilities. |
| 9 | Business Systems | Is it acceptable to use another division's approved MMAS within the parent company? | As stated in Section M, "A division of a company proposing on this requirement can utilize its parent company’s approved business systems for its submittal in the event that at the division level, the performer does not have approved business systems." Use of a another divisions business systems is allowable as it would fall under the parent company’s umbrella i.e. “(B) Offerors who are wholly owned entities proposing to use other wholly owned entities of the parent company in the performance of the ATSP5.” |
This would also apply the utilization of business systems from member of teaming arrangements. Reference IFPP section 1.2 definitions for more flexibility.
| 10 | Business Systems | In Section 5.1.4 Subfactor 3.4: Facility Clearances: The requirement states ”Information validating the active facility clearance(s) must be submitted”. What does DMEA consider validating information, considering the page count of (1) for this information? | Offerors are encouraged to provide provide any pertinent information such as CAGE code for their cleared facility, information that can be validated in the National Industrial Security System (NISS) accessed through the NISP Central Access Information Security System (NCAISS), a copy of the DCSA approval letter for the approved facility. The Government will due our due diligence to review and confirm the information provided. |
| 11 | Solicitation | Will the Government please clarify whether the due date of 01 April 2025 for questions is for Phase 1 questions only, i.e., will questions related to Phase 2 submission be accepted at this time? | The 01 April 2025 due date is for Phase 1 Question and Answer. |
| 12 | Solicitation | As a follow-up, does the Government intend to provide an additional due date for Offerors to submit questions pertaining to Phase 2? | Phase II will have its own Question and Answer period that will be indicated in the invitation for Phase II. |
| 13 | Business Systems | Pg. 1: Indicates “Information submitted in Phase 1 does not need to be resubmitted in Phase 2.” Information required in Phase 1 includes “DCMA Approved Business Systems” and “Facility Clearances.” | |
Pg. 10 & 11: Phase 2 Management Volume (Volume 3) –
5.1.3 “Subfactor 3.3: DCMA Approved Business Systems” requires information to include: Cost Estimating, Property Management, and Purchasing System approvals.
5.1.4 Subfactor 3.4: Facility Clearances “a) The proposal shall identify the level of the organization’s Facility Clearances to the highest active level (Confidential, Secret, Top Secret)…etc.
| Is it the Government’s intent that the information requested in Phase 1 follow the format described in the Phase 2 Management Volume subfactors 5.1.3 and 5.1.4? | Yes. | | |
| 14 | Submittals | DMCA Approved Business Systems and Facility Clearances: |
| Table 2.1 indicates a limit of 1 page for the DCMA Approved Business Systems and 1 page for Facility Clearances. Is it the Government’s intent that the associated documentation (e.g., letters of certification) are required, but not to be included in the page count? | For DCMA Approved Business systems the format provided in the table format provided as stated in 5.1.3. The information will be validated and cross referenced with CAGE codes provided for the applicable business systems. For Facility Clearance submittals see response to question 12. If submitting a letter of certification, DCSA approval letter or other formal documentation that exceeds 1 page count limit, reference IFPP 7.0 (e) Exceptions to Solicitation. These would be accepted and not exceed the 1 page count limit. | | | |
| 15 | Business Systems | Per DFARS 252.242-7005 (a), the Contractor Business Systems clauses applies to covered contracts that are subject to the Cost Accounting Standards under 41 U.S.C. chapter 15, as implemented in regulations found at 48 CFR 9903.201-1 (see the FAR Appendix). Since not all prospective offerors capable of offering advanced microelectronics technology to solve the warfighters operational problems will have covered contracts subject to the Cost Accounting Standards under 41 U.S.C. chapter 15, competition may be unintentionally limited by requiring offerors to have DCMA approved business systems. Will the government consider self-certification and/or third-party certification in lieu of DCMA? | No. |
| 16 | Requirement | Is there any avenue toward a "Prototype OTA" kind of program? | No. |
| 17 | Submittals | Can you give me a read on just how / whether "non-traditional suppliers" can participate without a complete corporate rip-up-and-pave? | An organization or teaming arrangement submitting a proposal must be able to meet all of the requirements of the solicitiation and PWS. |
| 18 | Submittals | Discussion: This section indicates to submit proposals via DOD SAFE. The DOD SAFE site is currently posting the following: “DOD SAFE is NOT to be used for contract solicitation or proposal submission. Use the Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE) for time-sensitive submissions.” | |
Question: Should the offeror submit via PIEE or DOD SAFE?
| How should Phase I offers be submitted? | Please see RFP Amendment 1. Because of the relative ease, document size and phasing approach, Phase 1 submittal will be in this method. Phase 2 will be via PIEE in the soliciation module only to those that made it past Phase 1. Further instructions on registration and timelines will be given at a later date after evaluations of Phase 1 are complete and Unsuccessful Offeror letters sent. | | | |
| 19 | Submittals | I wanted to verify that the only items necessary for submission for Phase 1 due on Friday are the 2 pages. • | DCMA Approved Business System Table |
| • | Facility Clearances (at least “secret” with proof) | Yes, Phase 1 submittal consists of DCMA approved Business Systems Table and Facility Clearances. The minimum required active facility clearance required for contract award is a Secret Facility Clearance. Offerors must also submit the front page of the SF33 filled out along with filled out and signed amendments. See Amendment 2. | | |
| 20 | Solicitation | Paragraph (b) of this clause states the initial order will be for the minimum guarantee; however, no minimum guarantee is specified. What is the minimum guarantee? | Please see RFP Amendment 1. |
| 21 | Phase 2 | Table 2.1 for Phase 2 lists Teaming/Subcontracting Agreements as being located in Volume 3, Management Volume and in Volume 5, Contract Documentation. There is no reference in Volume 3, Section 5.1.1 to Teaming/Subcontracting Agreements. Would the Government please clarify in which Volume Teaming/Subcontracting Agreements should be located? | Will be addressed in Phase 2. Not required for Phase 1 Submital. |
| 22 | Submittals | Question: 5.1.3 Subfactor 3.3: DCMA Approved Business Systems | |
| (a) The proposal shall identify the status of their organization’s DCMA Reviewed Business Systems, Provide their Systems Status Date and Next Review Date in the table format below.The Government provided the ATSP5 Performance Risk Assessment Questionnaire for completion. Is this the only Past Performance narrative required to be completed by offerors? | Correct, this is the only past performance narrative required to be completed by offerors but not required for submittal in Phase 1. | | | |
| 23 | Phase 2 | Discussion: These sections reference the “ATSP5 Past Performance Questionnaire,” but the provided form is titled “ATSP5 Performance Risk Assessment Questionnaire.” | |
| Question: Would the Government please confirm that all these references are to the ATSP5 Past Performance Risk Assessment Questionnaire? | Form name will be addressed in Phase 2 posting. Not required for Phase 1 Submital. | | | |
| 24 | Phase 2 | Discussion: Item 8 in the ATSP5 Performance Risk Assessment Questionnaire requires the Prime offeror to “Provide DCMA 640, if available.” The requirement suggests that Prime offerors are to provide a DCMA Form 640 SB Subcontracting Program Compliance Review Form document for each Performance Risk Assessment Questionnaire submitted for Volume 1, Past Performance. | |
The DCMA review involving Form 640 is conducted by company CAGE code, is a review of that company’s small business compliance to contract goals and FAR regulations and is not performed at a program level.
| Question: Would the Government please confirm, since this is not a program-level document, that offerors are only required to submit Form 640 for each CAGE code used as past performance? | Will be addressed prior to Phase 2 Posting. Not required for Phase 1 Submittal. | | |
| 25 | Requirement | Discussion: Section 1.2 (b)(2) states: “Development of analog, mixed-signal or digital electronic microcircuits with significant production for the application.” Whereas Subfactor 2.2 L and M guidance do not list “production.” |
| Question: Would the Government please consider removing the phrase “with significant production for the application”? | Will be addressed prior to Phase 2 Posting. Not required for Phase 1 Submittal. | | |
| 26 | Phase 2 | Discussion: Section 6.1(b)(2) states the small business participation goals, and 6.1(c)(2) states the small business subcontracting goals. |
| Question: Would the Government please confirm that the participation plan Total Contract Value goals equate to the subcontracting plan Total Subcontract Value goals for all categories? | Will be addressed prior to Phase 2 Posting. Not required for Phase 1 Submittal. | | |
| 27 | Phase 2 | Discussion: Section 7.0 states: “DCMA Form 640 shall be provided as a part of volume 4.” Volume 4 – Small Business Utilization is limited to 10 pages. The Form 640 is more than 10 pages. |
| Question: Would the Government confirm, that Form 640 is not counted within the 10-page limit? | Will be addressed prior to Phase 2 Posting. Not required for Phase 1 Submittal. | | |
| 28 | Phase 2 | Discussion: The Government provided the ATSP5 Performance Risk Assessment Questionnaire for completion. |
| Question: How will the Government assess “the number and severity of problems, the effectiveness of any corrective actions taken and the offeror’s overall work record” in the narrative provided in the Performance Risk Assessment Questionnaire? | Will be addressed prior to Phase 2 Posting. Not required for Phase 1 Submittal. | | |
| 29 | Phase 2 | Discussion: This clause states that up until September 30, 2025, use in solicitations of the SOW requires a contractor to have a specific CMMC level and that it must be approved by OUSD(A&S). The PWS does not require a CMMC level. |
| Question: Would the Government please delete this clause or provide the required CMMC level in the PWS and confirm approval by OUSD(A&S)? | Will be addressed prior to Phase 2 Posting. Not required for Phase 1 Submittal. | | |
| 30 | Phase 2 | Discussion: This clause requires offerors to submit a total compensation plan setting forth proposed salaries and Fringe benefits. |
| Question: Is a total compensation plan required in our IDIQ or Task Order response? | Will be addressed prior to Phase 2 Posting. Not required for Phase 1 Submittal. | | |
| 31 | Phase 2 | Discussion: 52.222-46 Evaluation of Compensation for Professional Employees is listed as a reference. This clause requires offerors to submit a total compensation plan proposed for salaries and Fringe benefits. |
| Question: If a total compensation plan is required in our IDIQ response, would the Government please confirm which volume should contain the total compensation plan? | Will be addressed prior to Phase 2 Posting. Not required for Phase 1 Submittal. | | | |
| 32 | Business Systems | Question: Is the full list of DCMA Approved Business Systems required for Small Business Offerors as well, or will the Government consider accepting 1 of 6 or 2 of 6? Will this also be a requirement for the Small Business solicitation in the future? | The solicitation’s minimum requirement to move past phase 1 are Accounting System, Cost Estimating System, Material Management and Accounting System (MMAS), and Property Management System. MMAS requirements do not apply to any contractors considered to be a small business, educational institution, or non-profit organization. |
| 33 | Business Systems | Reference :5.1.3 Subfactor 3.3: DCMA Approved Business Systems | |
| (a) The proposal shall identify the status of their organization’s DCMA Reviewed Business Systems, Provide their Systems Status Date and Next Review Date in the table format below. Question: The Government is seeking for offerors to identify the next review date for our approved business systems. In most cases, this is TBD. DCMA typically re-audits our business on an approximately 3-year schedule, but the next review dates are not known by us until they are formally scheduled by DCMA. Please provide guidance on how offerors should respond to this prompt. | The Government will be utilizing CBAR and/or contacting the cognizant ACO/DACO/CACOs for each unique CAGE code provided for its respective business system. CBAR lists a next review date but if your organization does not know this date please annotate "unknown". The solicitation’s minimum requirement to move past phase 1 are approved Accounting System, Cost Estimating System, Material Management and Accounting System (MMAS), and Property Management System but because this information is also utilized in Phase 2 it will be revalidated in Phase 2. | | | |
| 34 | Solicitation | IFPP 1(b) requires proposals be delivered via DoD SAFE. Will DMEA be providing a drop in advance of the due date? Or does the contractor need to request one when needed? If we need to request, how much time do we need to allow for DMEA to provide? | Please see Amendment 1 addressing submittal. Additionally Amendment 2 has extended the due date. |
| 35 | Solicitation | IFPP 1(b) also states “The DoD SAFE program does not guarantee a delivery time.” Given that the Solicitation lists a specific delivery date and time, what is the criteria being used to determine whether or not our delivery is on time? Is it solely the upload date/time? Or is it the DMEA download time? | Please see Amendment 1 addressing submittal. Additionally Amendment 2 has extended the due date. |
| 36 | Solicitation | The DoD SAFE home page states “DoD SAFE is NOT to be used for contract solicitation or proposal submission.” Given these issues with DoD SAFE, can another delivery method be provided? | Please see Amendment 1 addressing submittal. Additionally Amendment 2 has extended the due date. |
| 37 | Submittals | Phase 1, Facility Clearances has a 1-page limit per Table 2.1. IFPP paragraph 5.1.4 states “ Information validating the active facility clearance(s) must be submitted.” Please confirm that the validating information is not included in the page count. | Please see Amendment 1 and Question 10 and 14 |
| 38 | Solicitation | IFPP (Section L) Table 2.1 DCMA Approved Business Systems refers to BFA/EFFA paragraph 6.3.3 which does not exist. Is 8.3.3 the correct reference? | Please see Amendment 1 correcting table references. |
| 39 | Solicitation | IFPP (Section L) Table 2.1 Facility Clearances refers to BFA/EFFA paragraph 6.3.4 which does not exist. Is 8.3.4 the correct reference? | Please see Amendment 1 correcting table references. |
| 40 | Phase 2 | Section L, Factor 1: Past Performance states: | |
“Responses shall include 1-2 relevant past performance examples from each of the categories in the table below as required in the PWS that are recent, defined as less than 5 years old”
| Could the Government please confirm that the referenced five-year recency period requires the Period of Performance (PoP) end date of the past performance reference to be within five years of the solicitation release date? | Will be addressed prior to Phase 2 Posting. Not required for Phase 1 Submittal. | | | |
| 41 | Phase 2 | Section L, Factor 1: Past Performance states, “Only efforts performed for agencies of the U.S. Government shall be submitted.” Please confirm that the prime offeror may submit past performance experience where the prime offeror’s role was as a major technical performer under a subcontract. | Will be addressed prior to Phase 2 Posting. Not required for Phase 1 Submittal. |
| 42 | Phase 2 | We request the removal of FAR 52.215-17 Waiver of Facilities Capital Cost of Money from the list of contract clauses. It is our company’s practice to propose facilities capital cost of money in each cost proposal and it is our intent to do so in future Task Order proposals. | Will be addressed prior to Phase 2 Posting. Not required for Phase 1 Submittal. |
| 43 | Phase 2 | 52.223-23 Sustainable Products and Services. May 2024 is included in Section I. | |
| As stipulated in paragraph (b)(1) of the clause, please provide the list of products and/or services that are subject to this clause. | Will be addressed prior to Phase 2 Posting. Not required for Phase 1 Submittal. | | | |
| 44 | Phase 2 | FAR 52.223-23 Sustainable Products and Services (DEVIATION 2025-O0004) Mar 2025 is included in Section I. | |
| As stipulated in paragraph (b)(1) of the clause, please provide the list of products and/or services that are subject to this clause. | Will be addressed prior to Phase 2 Posting. Not required for Phase 1 Submittal. | | | |
| 45 | Phase 2 | Both FAR 52.223-23 Sustainable Products and Services (DEVIATION 2025-O0004) Mar 2025 and FAR 52.223-23 Sustainable Products and Services (May 2024) are included in Section I. | |
The OSD letter (DARS Tracking Number: 2025-O0004) directs the use of 52.223-23, Sustainable Products and Services (DEVIATION 2025-O0004) in
| lieu of the clause at FAR 52.223-23. | Will be addressed prior to Phase 2 Posting. Not required for Phase 1 Submittal. | | | |
| 46 | Phase 2 | FAR 52.232-13 and FAR 52.232-15 are both in Section I. These clauses conflict – one needs to be removed. | Will be addressed prior to Phase 2 Posting. Not required for Phase 1 Submittal. |
| 47 | Phase 2 | Reference DFARS clause 252.204-7021, in DFARS part 204.7503 it says, until September 30, 2025, to include the clause in the contract “…if the requirement document or statement of work requires a contractor to have a specific CMMC level. In order to implement a phased rollout of CMMC, inclusion of a CMMC requirement in a solicitation during this time period must be approved by OUSD(A&S).” | |
| There is no specified CMMC level in any of the contract documents. Also, has OUSD(A&S) approved the inclusion of this clause in the contract? | Will be addressed prior to Phase 2 Posting. Not required for Phase 1 Submittal. | | | |
| 48 | Solicitation | (a) Offerors that do not provide all the relevant documentation as required by IFPP 6.0 will be determined to be non-responsive. | |
| Please confirm this is meant to reference IFPP 7.0 | See Amendment 2 correcting this typo. Additionally The offeror must complete the front page of the solicitation, the SF33 and any amendments to the RFP must be signed by offeror must also be submitted with Phase 1 submittals as referenced in Section L R2 and Section M R1 in Amendment 2. | | | |
| 49 | Submittals | Amendment 1 adds the option to submit the proposal via email. However, IFPP 1.0(b) still says, The proposal shall not contain compressed, or password protected files. Does this direction also apply to submissions made via email? Certain proposal files might need protection due to CUI marking. Such files, if submitted via email, would need to be password-protected. | See Amendment 2 Section L R2. Revision to IFPP, Password protected files are allowed to be submitted but it is the responsibility of the offeror to verify the file opens and the Government has received the password. |
Hyperlinks
| https://safe.apps.mil/ |
| https://safe.apps.mil/help/dod-safe-help.xml#init-drop-off |
https://safe.apps.mil/https://safe.apps.mil/help/dod-safe-help.xml
Defense Microelectronics Activity