ALL_QUESTIONS_ON_PWS_VROC_and_CAF_Final.pdf

HS0021-19-R-0003 QUESTION PWS/RFP REFERENCE RESPONSE

The following personnel are considered key personnel by the government: Program Manager (PM), Task Lead(s) (TL), and Quality Assurance Lead(s) – (QAL). If the contractor feels there are additional management positions required to perform this requirement can the additional personnel be submitted as key personnel?

1.6.10 No, the Government has already determined the personnel who are Key for this requirement.

All non-key personnel staffing the VROC Knowledge Center and the DoD CAF Call Center shall be sufficiently skilled and experienced to carry out responsibilities providing accurate responses to customer inquiries without the need to escalate inquiries. Specifically, staff servicing the VROC Knowledge center and DoD CAF Call Center are expected to take ownership in providing credible responses and assistance to inquiries without deferment to functional area or individuals outside of the Call Center. Are resumes required for non-key personnel?

1.6.11.1 No, resumes for Non-Key Personnel are not required.

Contractor personnel that are evaluated in a source selection process and that may be required to be used in the performance of a contract by the Key Personnel listed in the PWS. When key personnel are used as an evaluation factor in best value procurement, a quote can be rejected if it does not have a firm commitment from the persons that are listed in the quote. Is a letter of commitment required for each key person submitted in the proposal?

2.1.6 Yes

The contractor shall furnish equipment to meet the requirements under this PWS that are not listed under Section 3 of this PWS. Is there any equipment currently being provided by the contractor that is not listed in section 3 of the solicitation?

4.3 No

5 How many FTE’s are required for this program? L.5.4.1.c The Government has provided estimated workload data in PWS Section 7.2 Technical Exhibit 2 of the Solicitation for contractors to utilize in preparing their proposals.

6 What is the Level-of-Effort (LOE)? In both FTE’s and Man-Hours? L.5.4.1.c See the answer to question 5.

7 How many PMs are required? L.5.4.1.c

The work requirement consists of two (2) different physical locations as identified in 1.6.2 Place of Performance in the solicitation. The Government is not mandating that multiple Program Managers are required.

However, the contractor must demonstrate adequate management oversight in their proposal for both site locations.

8 How many Task Leads are required? L.5.4.1.c

The work requirement consists of two (2) different physical locations as identified in 1.6.2 Place of Performance in the solicitation. The Government is not specifying the number of Task Leads, however the Contractor must demonstrate adequate staffing and technical approach in their proposal to accomplish the requirements in Section 5 of the PWS and Technical Exhibit 7.2 Technical Exhibit 2 Estimated Workload and

7.2.1 Technical Exhibit 2.1 of the PWS contained in the

Solicitation.

9 How many Quality Assurance Leads are required? L.5.4.1.c

The work requirement consists of two (2) different physical locations as identified in 1.6.2 Place of Performance in the solicitation. The Government is not specifying the number of Quality Assurance Leads, however the Contractor must demonstrate adequate staffing and technical approach in their proposal to accomplish the requirements in Section 5 of the PWS and Technical Exhibit 7.2 Technical Exhibit 2 Estimated Workload and 7.2.1 Technical Exhibit 2.1 of the PWS contained in the Solicitation.

10 What are the Non-Key personnel? How many are required? L.5.4.1.c

Non-Key Personnel are described in PWS sections 1.6.11.

Please see the answer to question 5 for the second part of the question.

11 Who is the incumbent currently performing the work? L.5.4.1.c

This is a new requirement that consolidates requirements currently being performed by Inquiries, Inc and Xcelerate Solutions.

12 Is this a new requirement? L.5.4.1.c See the answer to question 11.

13 How many FTE’s per each location? L.5.4.1.c See the answer to question 5.

14 What is the labor breakout for each location? L.5.4.1.c See the answer to question 5.

15 Is there a PM for each location? L.5.4.1.c See the answer to question 7.

16 How many Key Personnel are there? How many resumes are required for Volume III? L.5.4.1.c See the answer to questions 5, 7, 8, and 9.

17 Is there a resume required for one PM, one Task Lead and one QA Lead? L.5.4.1.c Resumes are requires for all Key Personnel as specified in

L.5.4.1.1.d in the solicitation.

Section L.5.4.1.1.d states, “The proposal shall provide copies of resume(s) for all of the key personnel identified in PWS Section 1.6.11.”

However, Section 1.6.11 enumerates the Non-Key Personnel – please advise

L.5.3.1.1 /1.6.11 The PWS has been updated with the correct references.

19 Can Offerors use another clear, readable 12-point font other than Arial or Times New Roman? L.4

Contractors shall adhere to the submission requirements described in L.4 Proposal Files indicated in the solicitation.

For Volume I: Proposal Summary, Solicitation, Proposal & Award Document(s), Section L.5.2 lists the elements of the proposal Summary, please clarify the reference to “Solicitation, Proposal and Award Documents”?

L.5.2 The solicitation requirement L.5.2 indicates required data to be provided in the proposal identifying the Contractor.

Regarding section L.5.3.1.1 Contract Description, the RFP says “This section shall include the following information in the following format…” by “format” is it intended for the Offeror to follow exactly the listed bullets a through k, in that order, or can we create a table or graphic with this information in it - please clarify.

L.5.3.1.1

The Contractor's proposal Volume 2 responding to solicitation requirement L.5.3 Past Performance must contain data pertaining to items a. through k. for the Government to thoroughly make an accurate assessment of the Offeror's past performance. The data does not need to be represented in an albetical manner identical to items a.

through k. it can be displayed in a graphical format or any other format of the Contractor's choosing.

Section L.4.6 - Given this solicitation is still in draft form, are proposal submissions still due on November 30, 2018?

L.4.6 Please see the solicitation that was posted to FBO, the date has been revised.

What is the number of key personnel required for each of these labor categories for proposals to be considered technically acceptable?

1.6.10 Please see the answer to question 13.

Is there a minimum number of key personnel required for each of these key personnel roles in order for proposal evaluators to determine technical acceptability in accordance with Technical evaluation criteria (Page 82, M.2 and Page 84, M.4 Factor 2)?

1.6.10, 1.6.10.1, 1.6.10.2,

1.6.10.3 Please see the answer to questions, 5, 13, and 16.

Paragraph 1.6.10 references Task Lead(s) and not Site Lead(s). The solicitation does not provide key personnel qualifications for Task Lead(s), but in paragraph 1.6.10.2 the document provides key personnel qualifications for Site Lead(s). Can the government clarify if the requirement is for Task Lead(s), Site Lead(s), or both?

1.6.10 and 1.6.10.2

Do to the similarities and distinct differences of the work requirements identified in PWS Section 5 of the solicitation for two separate locations and importance of the task accomplishment, the Government requires positive management by the Contractor. PWS section

1.6.10.2 Site Lead(s) represents requirement to achieve

effective and efficient management the Government can readily access.

For all non-key personnel labor categories, does the government require minimum qualifications (i.e. education, years of relevant experience) to be proposed by the offeror, or can the government further define the minimum qualifications other than that individuals need a clearance?

1.6.11, 1.6.11.1, 1.6.11.2

Non-Key Personnel as described in 1.6.11 through

1.6.11.3.2 are Personnel Security Specialists or Assistants having greater experience and knowledge to perform work requires associated with VROC Knowledge Center, CAF Call Center, Insider Threat for Industry, Counterintelligence. Additionally, duties and responsibilities associated with 5.7.3 Insider Threat Industry and its subtasks as reflected in the solicitation.

The Offeror must demonstrate adequate staffing and technical approach in their proposal to accomplish the requirements and Technical Exhibit 7.2 Technical Exhibit 2 Estimated Workload and 7.2.1 Technical Exhibit 2.1 in the solicitation.

Should offerors include in their staffing plan an explanation of the proposed education and experience requirements for non-key staff and mapping of their proposed labor mix to ensure compliance with all Federal labor standards for compensation and benefits under the Service Contract Act?

L.5.4.1.1. c

Yes, this is a requirement of L.5.4.1.1.c of the solicitation to link the staffing plan to the tasks in Part 5 of the Performance Work Statement. A description of special skills, experience and/or education associated with Non- Key Personnel to accomplish requirements 1.6.11 through

1.6.11.3.2 for the VROC Knowledge Center, CAF Call Center, Insider Threat for Industry, Counterintelligence in meeting M.4 Factor 2 - Technical Capability a.4. in the solicitation.

Will the Government provide any adjectival ratings and descriptions planned for the evaluation of this factor?

M.4 Factor 2 The evaluation standard provided in section M.2.2

Given that a portion of this work is performed by a large business for this NAICS code, will the Government evaluate transition risk or consider a proposed transition plan from an offeror as it relates to beginning performance of the PWS under a new, consolidated contract?

L.5.4 AND M.4 Factor 2

In accordance with FAR 19.502-2(a) Market research indicates that there is a reasonable expectation of obtaining offers from two or more responsible small business concerns that are competitive in terms of market prices, quality, and delivery.

Per the instructions the key personnel resumes are included in page allocation, but the letters of commitment are not. With the required number of key personnel positions, will the government exclude resumes from the page allocation for this volume, provided individual resumes are limited to two pages each and included as an Appendix along with the letters of commitment?

L.5.4.4.1.d. No

Allowing offerors to propose personnel they have recruited and hired in the past should sufficiently demonstrate their ability to deliver and minimizes risk to the Government. The government is asking for Letters of Intent for all proposed key personnel.

May the offeror provide evidence of previous employment of proposed key personnel in the same or similar role to meet this requirement while ensuring individuals do not violate any agreements they have in place with their current employer that would prevent them from signing an LOI?

1.6.10 Yes, you can, but a Letter of Commitment is still required for all key personnel not currently employed by the Contractor.

Will the Government update the Solicitation clauses to incorporate the applicable DoL Wage Determination (WD 15-4265, Revision 8) in line with predecessor work and to help avoid inherent risks to transition, performance, DOL audits, and hidden/unplanned cost increases over the life of the contract?

Page 54, item (c)

The Government anticipates that all personnel performing on any contract resulting from this solicitation will fit the definition of a Professional Employee under FAR 22.1102, as such the provision at FAR 52.222-46 was added to the solicitation.

Will the government please incorporate this Wage Determination into the solicitation to ensure offerors adhere to these mandatory Federal labor standards for compensation and benefits paid to contractors under this contract?

Page 54, item (c)

The provision at 52.222-46 will be added to the solicitation to address Professional Employee Compensation. The Government does not expect other than professional employees performing on any contract resulting from this solicitation.

Will past performance of projects that have been in place for at least one year at the time of proposal submission be evaluated more favorably than new projects (I.e. less than 1 year of performance)?

L.5.3.1.1 All Past Performance's will be evaluated equally as indicated in section M.3 of the solicitation.

This paragraph falls in the Instructions for preparation of a past performance volume. Can the government clarify that contractors may propose any past performance synopsis from a major subcontractor defined as being proposed to perform more than 25% of the total contract price?

L.5.3.1.3 Yes, as long as it meets the perimeters provided for in the solicitation in regards to recency and relevancy.

Since the government “will not make award against a proposal that presents undue price risk,” should offerors provide compensation plan(s) for each labor category in the proposal to address L.5.4.1.1.c.3, and so the government can determine sustainability of the proposed staffing solution for the life of the contract and mitigate undue price risk?

M.5.1 Contractor's are required to address all requirements identified in the solicitation to be considered responsive in accordance with L.1. in the solicitation.

To determine fair and reasonableness of pricing, and to avoid the risk or experiencing hidden costs during the life of the contract, will the government evaluate pricing (the per-FTE unit price) and compliance with DoL employment regulations to enable a fair comparison?

M.5.3, M.5.4, M.5.5

The Government will evaluate Offeror's price reasonableness as indicated in L.5. in the solicitation, additionally, pricing will also be evaluated for realism and balance as indicated in M.5.1. in the solicitation.

The Standard for many of the Performance Standards is “Government Lead training within 3 months of EOD.” Please clarify how this Standard relates to the transactions.

Part 7, Table 7.1

The Government designated representative (employee) will provide on-site guidance and direction for the processing of Task requirements reflected in Technical Exhibit 7.1 with a Standard described as "Government Lead training within 3 months of EOD" The time duration to achieve a productive rate below the maximum error rate is due in part to the complexities of the various Tasks and the potential for variation within each Tasks. The Contractor is expected to adhere to the Performance Threshold No Later Than 3 months after award.

If the Government does not allow resumes to be excluded from the 40-page limit, are Contractors permitted to use a Table format for resumes?

L.4.2, Table 1 Please see the answer to Question 39

39 L.4.2, Table 1

Currently, resumes are included in the 40-page limit for Volume 3 – Technical Capability. This encourages offerors to minimize the number of key personnel resumes provided, even though highly qualified leadership is a significant indicator of the offeror’s ability to successfully perform the work. Further, this requirement does not allow Contractors to utilize the full amount of space to respond to the requirements of the PWS and Section L because a page break will be required between resumes to show resumes are only 2-pages in length, even if the second page has space remaining. In order to provide the Government sufficient detail to meet Technical Acceptability for Volume 3 and also provide resumes for the full complement of key personnel, will the Government allow resumes and letters of commitment to be excluded from the 40-page limit in Volume 3 – Technical Capability and provided as an Appendix?

Letters of Commitment are already excluded from the page count. Refer to page 79, item L.5.4.1.1.d of the solicitation. Additionally, the Solicitation has been updated to increase the page limit for volume 3. Please see Amendment 0001.

As many of the PPQ questions have to do with the vendor’s performance under the contract, including quality, schedule, and Cost/Price Performance, the Government Contracting Officer and/or Technical Representative may not have visibility into these items for a subcontractor and may only be able to address the prime’s performance in these areas. Please clarify that for PPQs performed as a subcontractor, “client” refers to the prime contractor, where there is a contractual relationship, rather than the Government customer.

L.5.3.1.5 Yes. Client, as used here, means the entity that had the contractual relationship with the Contractor.

40 Please clarify the statement “Volume 3 (Technical Capability) shall cover all contract years”. L.5.4 Volume 3 must provide a technical solution for the base and all option years identified in the Solicitation.

Please clarify that the reference to Key Personnel minimum requirements should be Section 1.6.10 rather than Section five (5) of the PWS.

L.5.4.1.1.c.1

Yes, Please see Amendment 0001

44 Please clarify that the reference to key personnel should be PWS Section 1.6.10 rather than 1.6.11. L.5.4.1.1.d Yes, Please see Amendment 0001

Please clarify that Letters of Commitment are not required for key personnel currently employed by the entire Contractor Team, including subcontractors.

L.5.4.1.1.d Yes, that is correct.

Please clarify if the Government is evaluating each past performance reference individually for “similar scope, size, and complexity” or if they are evaluating the combined past performance references submitted. Most small companies will not have multiple contracts similar in scope, size, and complexity; however, the combination of references cover the entire scope (and size) of this contract.

M.1

In accordance with the solicitation L.5.3 Volume 2 - Past Performance, up to five (5) past performance (either concluded or on-going efforts) covering the past three (3) years may be submitted. Each Past Performance will be evaluated individually for their relevancy to the requirements as indicated in the solicitation, specifically the past performance's similarity, size, and complexity.

Since the scope of the requirement is a combination of several efforts into one contracting effort, it is unlikely any single past performance submitted by a single Contractor will not be an exact match. However, each past performance experience will be assessed for its relevancy as indicated on pages 82 and 83 M.3 Factor 1 - Past Performance and the probability of a successful effort in providing services compatible or relative to generic services identified as item a) through d) on page 83 paragraph M.3. Factor 1 - Past Performance in the solicitation. In addition, as reflected on page 84 in Table 2 of the solicitation, the Government will make a confidence

To be rated Relevant or Very Relevant, Table 1 states that the effort must involve essentially the same or similar scope and magnitude of effort and complexities as this solicitation. Since this solicitation is a consolidation of multiple efforts, even the incumbent contracts would only be considered “Somewhat Relevant” if graded individually under this Rating Definition. Please confirm that the ratings will be applied to the body of work submitted rather than individual efforts.

M.3.1 See response to Question #46

Please clarify what is expected in the staffing plan to identify the location (VROC or CAF?) and in the explanation on how this position will be filled (e.g., does this refer to recruiting approach, name of candidate, or something else)?

M.4.e.1

As described in L.5.4.1.1.c.1 in the solicitation, the Technical Capability shall address a staffing plan including position titles (skill levels) and their experience levels, whether Prime or subcontractor, security clearance levels, the application to tasks reflected in Part 5 of the solicitation, "plans in the event of prime and/or subcontractor withdrawals or addition of resources required..." (recruitment processes), location of services provided [labor type and quantities] as it relates to each Tasks in Part 5 of the solicitation. Name of candidate is not specified in L.5.4.1.1.c.1 resume requirements are addressed in L.5.4.1.1.d. This response to question #11 does not detract from the other requirements identified in L.5.4 Volume 3 - Technical Capability reflected in the solicitation.

49 Please clarify that the reference to Section five (5) of the PWS should actually be Section 1.6.10. M.4.e.1

Please see Amendment 0001.

50 Please clarify what equipment the Contractor is to position at the locations. M.4.e.4

The Government is providing suitable equipment as reflected in Section 3.4 Equipment in Part 3 Government Furnished Property, Equipment and Services of the PWS included in the Solicitation. The Govenrment will provide the necessary equipment for the Contractor to perform tasks identified in Part 5 Specific Tasks performed on-site at a Government facility as reflected in the PWS of the solicitation. The Government is not anticipating the

Please clarify that the reference to key personnel in PWS should be Section 1.6.10 rather than 1.6.11.

M.4.f Please see Amendment 0001.

In the case that only the Technical Representative or COR knows the extent and details of a contractor’s performance, please clarify that a single PPQ will be sufficient for evaluation.

PPQ

Yes.

Will the government consider accepting Contractor Performance Assessment Reports (CPAR), if available, in lieu of the Past

L.5.3.1.5 The Contractor does not need to submit CPARs with the proposal, as detailed in Section M.3 on page 83, the Government will pull applicable CPARs for the referenced

Will the government confirm that this language is intended to define a contractor’s role as a prime or major sub on a previous past performance?

As indicated on page 77 in paragraph L.5.3. Volume 2 - Past Performance of the solicitation, the Contractor's proposal must indicate "Within each synopsis, the contractor shall identify whether they served as the prime contractor or as a major subcontractor for the effort."

Additionally, on page 78 in paragraph L.5.3.1.1.a Contract Description, "If the work was performed as a subcontractor, also provide the name of the prime Contractor..."

Will the government confirm that any subcontractors' (or teammates') past performance can be used regardless of their workshare allocation on this proposal? Yes.

In order to accomplish the requirements in Section 5 of the PWS with the correct number of staff, would the Government please clarify what unit of measurement is used in the Estimated Workload?

RFP Section: Part 7 Technical Exhibits

Technical Exhibit 2:

Estimated Workload

Quantities reflected on pages 37 and 38 in the technical exhibit 7.2. Technical Exhibit 2 - Estimated Workload in the solicitation reflect the number of individual cases, actions, verbal and written customer inquiries, and transactions annually based upon historical data. The complexity and effort necessary to accomplish each action will very depending on the nature of the required task.

Due to the basis of FFP risks and the unknown unit of measurement to determine the correct number of staff, would the Government please provide an extension to allow offerors to properly analyze the Government’s responses to questions?

RFP Paragraph Number:

1.6.4 Type of Contract Please see Amendment 0001.

Section L requires PPQs to be submitted to both David Ragland and Stephan Heath. The PPQ itself only requests the questionnaire be sent to David Ragland. Should the completed PPQs be sent to both Mr. Ragland and Mr. Heath?

RFP Paragraph Number:

L.5.3.1.5 Past Performance Assessment Questionnaire

Please see Amendment 0001.

Does DSS use any databases or technology for the DoD CE Automated Records Check tasks other than what is already listed in the RFQ? If so, please list.

5.3.2

Basic systems commonly associated with the scope of work described in Part 1 of the PWS on pages 10 through 31 are identified in paragraphs 1.2.2.1 Basic Adjudication Support and Section 5.7.2.1 of the PWS within the solicitation. However, as indicated system obsolesce and the introduction of replacement systems will periodically occur as indicated in Section 5.7.2.1 of the PWS.

The ESTIMATED QUANTITY (YEARLY) column in the chart in 7.2 does not clearly indicate “units” for some items, and as such the Government’s intention to request hours, people, documents, phone calls, requests, referrals, queries, reports, applications, etc, for some of the items is unclear. Please indicate a unit of measure for the following items:

Please see the answer to Question 56

ITEM NAME SVC AREA EST AMOUNT UNIT ( Please see the answer to Question 56

5.1. Program Management Support All 160,000 Please see the answer to Question 56

5.1.2 Business Process Analysis All 52 Please see the answer to Question 56

5.1.3 Training Support VROC 52 Please see the answer to Question 56

5.2.9 Aging Interim VROC 15,000 Please see the answer to Question 56

5.3.6 Risk Identification and Please see the answer to Question 56 Coordination Support VROC 10,000 Please see the answer to Question 56

5.3.8 Coordinate CE Reports VROC 24,000 Please see the answer to Question 56

5.4.1 VROC Knowledge Center Support VROC 10 Please see the answer to Question 56

5.4.1.1.3.3 Notify SMO/FSO VROC 35,000 Please see the answer to Question 56

5.5.1 Collect Data VROC 80,000 Please see the answer to Question 56

5.5.2 Analyze data VROC 52 Please see the answer to Question 56

5.7.2 MAVNI. LPR, Linguist Please see the answer to Question 56 Case Processing Support CAF Case Processing 182 Please see the answer to Question 56

5.7.3.2 ITI Case Assignment VROC 2,640 Please see the answer to Question 56

5.7.3.3 ITI Case assessment VROC 2,640 Please see the answer to Question 56

5.7.3.4 ITE Case Closing VROC 1,505 Please see the answer to Question 56

61 Will the Government provide the Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE)? M5.2 No

The contractor will establish normal operating hours under this contract between 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET), Monday through Friday in coordination with the Government’s Contracting Officer Representative (CORs). Is the contractor required to provide staffing during all of the above hours? Are there any minimum number of staff expected?

PWS 1.6.3.1.2

The hours of operation reflected in 1.6.3.1.1. represent a range of earliest and latest time facilities will be accessible to the Contractor and their staff. Actual starting time of work will vary depending upon location and functions to be accomplished a standard 8 hour work day.

Can the government confirm that Site Lead and Task Lead are used interchangeably in the solicitation?

PWS 1.6.10.2. Please see the answer to Question 25

Can the government clarify the numbers used for the volume of each activity in 7.2? For example, Program Management Support states “160,000” yearly estimated quantity but it is unclear as to context of that number.

7.2. Technical Exhibit 2:

Estimated Workload Please see the answer to Question 56

CLIN 0002 for the base year only includes 7 months. Are the volumes listed in Exhibit 2 for tasks in that CLIN for a full year or for the 7-month period of the base year?

7.2. Technical Exhibit 2:

Estimated Workload

Quantities reflected under the column "ESTIMATED QUANTITY (YEARLY)" on pages 37 and 38 in the technical exhibit 7.2. Technical Exhibit 2 - Estimated Workload in the solicitation are based on a twelve (12) month time frame.

60 7.2

Can the government confirm that no pricing or staffing for the potential requirement in 7.2.1 should be included in the submission at this time?

7.2.1.

The technical will not change, it will only increase the level of effort as indicated in Table 7.2.1. Any changes to the requirements identified in Section 7.2.1 will be handled during contract administration utilizing the authorities contained in FAR Clause 52.212-4. No Pricing is required to be submitted with the current proposal, but may be requested when the change(s) happen.

The instructions require the vendor to furnish separate plans of operation in final draft format as required in the PWS. The only plan that is specifically identified in the PWS is the QA plan.

Section L requires a staffing plan. Are there any other plans required to be compliant with this requirement?

L.5.4.1.1.

The word "plan" as indicated on page 79 in paragraph L.5.4.1 Volume 3 and its subparagraphs is synonyms with an approach, design, scheme, or arrangement of resources and actions to accomplish the tasks identified in Part 5 Specific Tasks requirements as reflected on pages 25 through 31 in the solicitation. Paragraph L.5.4.1. is provided as a prescriptive list of information that needs to be addressed and contained in Volume 3 of the proposal.

The need for a Quality Control Plan as reflected on page 38 in 7.3. Technical Exhibit 3: Deliverable Schedule that a successful Offeror will "Provide a QCP [quality control plan] in accordance with Section 1.6.1 Quality Control in PWS" with the frequency of "Within ten (10) days after award and within five (5) calendar days after changes".

If the answer to the above question (3-12) is yes, would the government consider adjusting the page count for this volume to allow for these comprehensive plans especially given that 10 pages of the 40 page count are likely to be resume pages?

L.5.4.1.1. Please see the answer to Question 67

Can the government confirm that the tools and systems used to perform tasks under part 5, 5.7.3.3 are provided by the government and access to those systems is not a cost to be priced in the response?

5.7.3.3 Please see the answer to Question 50

There is confusion between task leads and site leads. In 1.6.10 the government says that Task Leas(s) are key personnel; but in 1.6.10.2 the government says that Site Lead(s) are key personnel. Does the government require site lead(s) and/or task lead(s) for this requirement?

1.6.10 and 1.6.10.2 Please see the answer to Questions #8 and #25

If the government requires task lead(s), what are the key personnel requirements for task lead(s) as opposed to site lead(s)?

1.6.10 and 1.6.10.2 Please see the answer to Question 25

Since the government is requiring a total compensation plan, can this be provided as part of the business volume, or outside of page count within the technical volume?

FAR 52.212-3(k)(iii) This should be included with Volume 4 - Price.

Does the government require the Senior/Lead Program Manager to work for the small business Prime Contractor?

1.6.10

The government is not making any requirements beyond those in the FAR and the Prime Contractor shall ensure the Senior/Lead Program Manager has all necessary authority to direct, manage, and the lead the effort to meet the Government Requirements identified in the solicitation and resulting contract. How the Prime and sub-contractors included in the proposal assign and distribute personnel and task to accomplish the PWS is a business decision on the part of the Prime and Subcontractos. The evaluation will focus on the ability to execute the PWS. Letters of intent are required only if the the proposed key personnel is not an employee of either the Prime or the subcontractors included in the proposal.

Are vendors involved in planning and integration activities within the Defense Security Service, including but not limited to integration of VROC and CAF operations associated with this RFP eligible to bid either as a prime or subcontractor despite the high likelihood of an organizational conflict of interest that is directly relevant to this requirement?

1.6.16

In accordance with Section 1.6.16, the Government will mitigate all potential OCI issues. In regards to the current requirement, no contractor support was utilized to draft the current Performance Work Statement of Source Selection Criteria and Information. Therefore, the Government is not aware of a Potential OCI issue.

If a vendor has a conflict of interest, should a plan to mitigate the conflict be included in the technical proposal?

1.6.16

Yes, As indicated in L.5. Proposal Content on page 77 of the solicitation, the Contractor may include information other then the required information specified in the solicitation for the Government to consider. Specifically, L.5.1. Additional Proposal Information must be in the appropriate volume within the page limits pertaining to the particular volume. A known conflict of interest must be reported to the Government as indicated in 1.6.16.

Organizational Conflict of Interest on page 18 of the solicitation.

76 When does the government expect the period of performance to start for this requirement?

N/A Please refer to Section F - Delivers or Performance in the Solicitation on Page 43 and 44 of the original solicitation, Will performance for all PWS task areas start at the same time, or does the government estimate a phased start based on the current periods of performance ending for the ongoing incumbent contracts?

PWS 1

Please see Section B - Supplies or Services and Prices, Item Number 0001, 0002, 0003, and 0004 and the answer to Question 76.

This section ends with an incomplete sentence to other sections. Can the government clarify what other sections are referenced here?

5.6 Please see Amendment 0001.

Reference Technical Exhibit 2 – Estimated Workload: PWS 5.6 is for Basic Services, however, this exhibit shows 5.6 as CAF case processing support (Psychological Evaluation).

Can the government update this exhibit with estimated workload for 5.6 Basic Services and clarify if CAF case processing support (Psychological Consultation) falls under PWS 5.7?

5.6

The workload estimate reflected in 7.2. Technical Exhibit 2: Estimated Workload on page 37 in the solicitation pertaining to Item 5.6 is correct. For management purposes, the Government has determined the workload associated with Item 5.6 CAF Case Processing Support - Personnel Security Assistance (Psychological Consultation) reflected in the technical exhibit shall be distinguishable from other case processing support. The tasks required to be accomplished are similar to those of

5.7 CAF Case Processing Support - Security Clearance

Cases only the estimated annual volume associated with

5.6. is less.

In order to provide a name for each proposed position, will the Government evaluate offerors who propose a full roster of proposed personnel with names and clearance level for both key and non-key positions performing in each PWS task area?

M.4 Factor 2, e. 3 Please see the answer to Question 26

If a roster of all key and non-key personnel is required, can offerors provide this in an Appendix which will be excluded from the page count limitations?

N/A Please see the answer to Question 27

Is it possible for an offeror to achieve a “Substantial Confidence” rating if it does not have any “relevant” past performance in accordance with M.3.1 definitions?

M.3.1 Please see the answer to Question 28

The government requires five past performance references for this solicitation, but the government does not specify how many references are required by the Prime and Subcontractors. To reduce the risk to the government; can the government make it mandatory that “at least two past performance references of relevant experience must be provided by the Prime?”

M.3

In accordance with Section M, The Government will evaluate Past Performance using the information submitted on the PPQs and the narratives provided by the Contractor(s) in accordance with Section L.5.3. The Government is not dictating the minimum number of references that need to be submitted by the Prime, sufficient Past Performance information needs to be provided to complete the evaluation identified in Section M.3.

Will the Government clarify “site leads” vs. “task leads.” Section 1.6.10 of the PWS says task leads are key. However, there is no description of the position requirements. Section 1.6.10.2 lists position requirements for a site lead, but Section

1.6.10 doesn’t show them as key.

1.6.10.2 Please see the Answer to Question 25

Will all Government directed training requirements be allowed during normal work hours?

N/A Yes.

The Government states, “contractor personnel performing work under this contract must have a Secret/Top Secret Security Clearance reflected in JPAS” and also in that same paragraph it states “The contractor’s employees, performing work in support of this contract shall have been granted a Top Secret security clearance from the DoD CAF”. Will the Government please clarify that a Top Secret security clearance, not Secret, is required of all personnel working on this contract?

N/A Please see Amendment 0001.

Can the government clarify that the prime vendor submitting a bid for this solicitation and wishes to utilize a PP where they were a subcontractor, that the subcontract must be at least 25% of the total subcontract dollar value?

L.5.3 Volume 2 – Past Performance Please see the answer to Question 35

Will the government consider allowing bidders to utilize PP examples where they were a subcontractor and the size and scope (Personnel, and task complexity) of their subcontract was comparable to this solicitation?

L.5.3 Volume 2 – Past Performance Please see the answer to Question 41

Table 7.2.1 Technical Exhibit 2.1 indicates potential growth required to support growth at VROC. Can the government clarify if this data should be used in the pricing build-up for CLIN items? Or should vendor’s base pricing based only on the estimates provided in the 7.2 Technical exhibit table?

7.2.1 Technical Exhibit 2.1

Please see the answer to question 66

Table 7.1 provides performance requirements. Can the government clarify if there are any incentives or disincentives associated with this contract’s performance requirements?

7.1 No, the incentive or disincentive is captured in the

contract type.

In L.5 the government indicates “total price shall be supported by detailed pricing in an excel worksheet in the contractor’s format”. Would the government consider providing a standardized worksheet example for vendors? This would allow all vendors pricing to compared equally.

L.5 Volume 4 – Price This information is already provided in Section B and L.5 Colume 4 - Price on Page 80.

L.4.1 Format states, “All proposal submissions shall be clearly indexed and logically assembled.

Electronic copies should be submitted as “read only” (pdf) documents or Microsoft Office Professional 2010 (or later) Suite (Excel and Word) documents. Volume 2 shall be submitted as a Microsoft Office Professional 2010 (or later) Word document only, utilizing the format provided with this solicitation.” Please confirm that Volume 1 and 3 should be submitted as “read only” PDFs and that Volume 2 and Volume 4 should be submitted as Word and Excel documents, respectively. If so, should Word and Excel documents be password protected?

L.4. 1 Format, Paragraph 1 Submission formats are as stated in section L.4.1.

Documents can be password protected, and passwords must be sent to the Mr. Ragland.

There appears to be inconsistency regarding Key Personnel. PWS 1.6.10.2 references Site Lead(s) and PWS 1.6.10 and L.5.4.1.1 Technical Capability, Paragraph d. references Task Lead(s).

PWS 1.6.10.2. Site Lead(s);Key Personnel Please see the answer to Question 25

Should Contractors assume Site Lead and Task Lead are referencing the same Personnel Requirement?

L.5.4.1.1 Technical Capability, Paragraph d Please see the answer to Question 25

The Standard for many of the Performance Standards is “Government Lead training within 3 months of EOD.” Please clarify how this Standard relates to the transactions.

Part 7, Table 7.1 Please see the answer to Question 38

96 Please clarify the statement “Volume 3 (Technical Capability) shall cover all contract years”.

L.5.4 Volume 3 – Technical Capability, Paragraph 1 Please see the answer to Question 40

Please clarify that Letters of Commitment are not required for key personnel currently employed by the entire Contractor Team, including subcontractors.

L.5.4.1.1 Technical Capability, Paragraph d Please see the answer to Question 45

Please clarify if the Government is evaluating each past performance reference individually for “similar scope, size, and complexity” or if they are evaluating the combined past performance references submitted. Most small companies will not have multiple contracts similar in scope, size, and complexity; however, the combination of references cover the entire scope (and size) of this contract.

M.1 Basis for Award, Paragraph 2 Please see the answer to Question 46

To be rated Relevant or Very Relevant, Table 1 states that the effort must involve essentially the same or similar scope and magnitude of effort and complexities as this solicitation. Since this solicitation is a consolidation of multiple efforts, even the incumbent contracts would only be considered “Somewhat Relevant” if graded individually under this Rating Definition. Please confirm that the ratings will be applied to the body of work submitted as Past Performance rather than individual efforts.

M.3.1 Please see the answer to Question 46

Please clarify what is expected in the staffing plan to identify the location (VROC or CAF?) and in the explanation on how this position will be filled (e.g., does this refer to recruiting approach, name of candidate, or something else)?

M.4.e.1 Please see the answer to Question 60

101 Please clarify what equipment the Contractor is to position at the locations. M.4.e.4 Please see the answer to Question 50

Please clarify that the reference to key personnel in PWS should be Section 1.6.10 rather than

1.6.11. Please clarify that the reference to Task

Leads should refer to Site Leads.

M.4.f Please see the answer to Question 51

Will the Government provide a spreadsheet to be completed as part of the Volume IV –Price proposal submission or should the contractors build their own price volume spreadsheet?

L.5. Volume 4 Please see the answer to Question 91

PWS 5.4.1. VROC Knowledge Center Support references “operating 2 distinct responsive, courteous, and professional knowledge center…”.

May the Government please clarify if this is referencing the VROC Knowledge and DoD CAF Adjudication Call Center or is there another distinct knowledge center within VROC?

PWS 5.4.1 VROC

Knowledge Center Support

Yes, this is referencing the VROC Knowledge and DoD CAF Adjudication Call Center.

105 PWS Section 5.4.2.1 is missing. Please clarify if there is information missing.

PWS 5.4.2 DoD CAF Adjudication Call Center

Support Please see Amendment 0001.

May the Government please confirm that PWS

5.7.2.2 applies only to PWS 5.7.2 MAVIN, LPR and Linguist Case Processing Support and does not apply to all Case Processing (PWS 5.7) as stated.

PWS 5.7.2.2

The tasks attributed to 5.7.2 MAVNI, LPR and Linguist Case processing involve broadly similar actions employed in 5.7 Case Processing such as 5.8.5 National Security Databases/Classified Databases/Case Maintenance, 5.8.5 Threat Assessment, 5.8.6 Due Process as reflected on pages 28 through 31 in the solicitation. However, the information systems identified in 1.6.11 All Non-Key Personnel, additional systems are utilized as referenced in

5.7.2.1. combined with the nature and volume of task actions are sufficiently unique to inhibit interoperability with standard case processing.

107 May the Government please identify the difference between PWS 5.8.1 and PWS 5.8.8.1.

PWS 5.8.1

PWS 5.8.1 falls under Workload and Inventory control associated with the entire PWS. PWS 5.8.8.1 is mailroom specific.

PWS 5.7.1 states, “The case processing support functions are identified in section 5.5.2 through

5.7 of the PWS”. PWS 5.5.2 specifies Collect and Analyze Data and does not reference Case Processing. Should this PWS reference instead be

PWS 5.8?

PWS 5.7.1 Adjudicative Case Support Please see Amendment 0001.

y Q q vendor's performance under the contract, including quality, schedule, and Cost/Price Performance, the Government Contracting Officer and/or Technical Representative may not have visibility into these items for a subcontractor and may only be able to address the prime's performance in these areas. Please clarify that for PPQs performed as a subcontractor, "client" refers to the prime contractor, where there is a contractual relationship, rather than the

L.5.3.1.5, Past Performance Assessment Questionnaire Please see the answer to Question 41 q Q single point of contact for each contract reference;

however, the PPQ form states that the questionnaire should be provided to both the Government contracting activity and technical representative. In the case that only the Technical Representative or COR knows the extent and details of a contractor's performance, please clarify that a single PPQ will be sufficient for evaluation.

L.5.3.1.5, Past Performance Assessment Questionnaire PPQ_VROC_CAF_-_Final

Please see the answer to Question 52

For contracts where the customer has completed Contractor Performance Assessment Reports (CPAR), will the Government accept CPARs in lieu of the Past Performance Questionnaires

(PPQ)?

L.5.3.1.5, Past Performance Assessment Questionnaire Please see the answer to Question 53

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