QA_ADW020_032310.doc

RFQ HSCG23-10-Q-ADW020

Amendment 0001

RFQ HSCG23-10-Q-ADW020 - QUESTIONS:

1. Is there an incumbent contractor that is currently supporting the program or is this a new initiative? If there is an incumbent, please identify the company?

This is not a new requirement. The incumbent is Enterprise Information Services, Inc. (EIS), that has graduated from the 8(a) program.

2. Regarding the above referenced solicitation, is there an incumbent contractor or is this a new requirement? Please see response to question 1.

3. We were wondering if there was an incumbent for the opportunity listed under HSCG23-10-Q-ADW020? If so, could you please provide me with the incumbent name, contract number, award date, and award amount? Or is this a new requirement?

The incumbent is Enterprise Information Services, Inc. (EIS) and this company is no longer an 8(a) participant. The current contract is number HSCG23-05-D-ADM003, awarded on 2/14/2005, and with a total ceiling of $53,925,000.00.

4. Is there an incumbent currently performing this work? If so, what is their name and current contract number? Please see response to question 3.

5. Why is this program only being awarded for a one-year base with no option periods? What is the future of the requirement after the base period?

The Coast Guard intends to compete these requirements in the future as part of a multiple award contract.

6. Could you please provide either a labor category description or at least minimum education and clearance requirements for each labor category to be bid as part of Attachment 5 - Price Quote?

All positions will require at least a clearance level of SECRET. However, some task orders under the IDIQ contract may require individuals to hold a TOP SECRET clearance. As for education/experience levels, it is the Government's desire, but not requirement, that individuals have experience in the area they are being proposed for based upon this breakdown:

Senior Level - at least 10 years experience in that field Mid Level - at least 5 years experience in that field Junior Level - at least 2 years experience in that field

7. What classification levels do the personnel require (minimum)? Is there Top Secret work required and if so, how much/many?

At a minimum, personnel will require a SECRET clearance. Most of the task orders under the IDIQ contract will only require this level for all of its personnel. However, depending on the task order, some personnel may require a TOP SECRET clearance. This requirement would be listed in the Statement of Work for each task order.

8. What are the planned award and contract start dates, respectively?

The Coast Guard intends to award this contract and to begin services in April 2010.

9. Is there an incumbent contractor(s) for the above referenced Synopsis/Solicitation and can you give me the approximate value of this contract?

Please see response to question 1.

10. Given the late deadline for questions (and anticipated response date), will the government consider an extension for submission of responses to this solicitation?

The date/time for receipt of quotes is hereby extended to April 1, 2010 at 2:00pm local time.

11. Will the prime contractor be required to have Facility Clearance Level security clearance?

The prime contractor should maintain a Facility Clearance Level of at least SECRET. TOP SECRET would be preferred, in case a task order(s) under the IDIQ contract requires that level.

12. Is there a qualified incumbent(s) for this contract?

The incumbent has graduated from the 8(a) program.

13. Will the US Coast Guard accept proposals including non-8(a) subcontractors?

To assist the business development of Participants in the 8(a) BD program, an 8(a) contactor must perform certain percentages of work with its own employees. These percentages and the requirements relating to them are set forth in 13CFR125.6.

A Participant must certify in its offer that it will meet the applicable percentage of work requirements in order to be awarded an 8(a) contract. In the case of services (except construction) at least 50 percent of the cost of personnel for contract performance will be spent for employees of the concern or employees of other 8(a) small business concerns.

The USCG will conduct and document an assessment of the Participant's ability to comply with the requirements of FAR 52.219-24 Limitation on Subcontracting, at the time of contract award. SBA retains responsibility for 8(a) certification, and eligibility determinations and related issues. The USCG will request an eligibility determination from SBA prior to final award in all 8(a) competitive acquisitions. The cognizant SBA district office is: Washington Metropolitan Area District Office, 740 15th Street NW, Suite 300, Washington, D.C. 20005-3455.

14. The RFQ specifies this as an 8(a) set aside, but we would like to know if you would consider other disadvantaged categories such as HUBZone?

This requirement is set aside for 8(a) eligible contractors.

15.Is there an incumbent firm for this solicitation? Please see response to question 1.

16. This 8(a) firm is partnering with another company on the opportunity. Can the Team's Past Performance be submitted in the proposal. In other words, can the Past Performance of the partner be included in the Technical Proposal.

Past Performance is restricted to the PRIME, however SUBCONTRACTOR experience can be considered, if applicable.

17. In response to the subject solicitation, CSCI requests your consideration in extending the response deadline. Our request is based upon the following factors:

1) No pre-solicitation (or draft RFP) was issued to allow companies to prepare its proposal strategy. Additionally, only 14 calendars were designated to prepare a response. These factors will drastically reduce the 8(a) community participation.

2) Due to the RFQ being released in mid March, many Government contract and project organizations are deeply involved in midyear budget reviews due March 30 and will not have sufficient time to response to our questionnaires by the March 25 deadline.

Based upon these factors, we request that you consider extending the deadline for the subject response at least 10 calendar days. Thank you for considering the 8(a) business community. Please see response to question 10.

18. Is this a new 8(a) requirement? If not, would you please tell us who is the incumbent contractor? Please see response to question 1.

19. Are the labor categories and hours reflected in Enclosure 5 -Pricing Template (roughly 14FTEs) based on current staffing levels or a Government estimate as a result of an existing task backlog? The labor categories and hours reflected in Enclosure 5 – Pricing Template are based upon current staffing levels and need. We do not foresee any change in requirements; however, staffing levels and need can vary from task order to task order. Therefore the Government reserves the right to change the staffing levels and needs based upon the SOW created for each task order.

20. What is the date of anticipated contract award? We anticipate award in April 2010.

21. In SOW Paragraph 1.3 CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL, sub-paragraph 1.3.1 Program Manager, it reads that “The Contractor shall designate a Program Manager who shall be designated as "key" (PWS 1.4)…” Yet, 1.4 references SECURITY rather than resource qualifications. Referring again to Enclosure 5 – Pricing Template, we see that there is a Senior Program Manager at essentially half-time followed by Mid- and Junior-Level Program Managers who have full-time hours associated. We assume that the Senior Program Manager is who the Government expects to provide executive oversight across all Task Orders and in doing so be ultimately accountable for the day-to-day operational efforts of staff assigned to any given Task Order. Are we correct in the assumption that this role is largely administrative one? Yes, the Program Manager from paragraph 1.3.1 is the overall Program Manager for the entire SOW. He/she serves in an administrative role and is the day-to-day contact for the COTR and KO. His/her numbers (hours) should be spread out accordingly across all of the tasks assigned within the scope of the contract. This person is not actually assigned to a particular task, unless the contractor wishes to quote it that way. The Mid- and Junior-level Program Managers are expected to serve as the leads within their particular tasks, and therefore, have more hours assigned to them.

a. Is this individual the only one that should be designated as “key” with their resume included with the proposal or does the Government care to see the qualifications of a number of resources? If the latter position applies, please clarify the number and labor categories for consideration. The Program Manager (for the contract, not per task), is key. As for other key personnel, that would depend on each individual task order submitted by the Government for fulfillment. Each task order will list the personnel required, and within that listing, will state which positions, if any, are key to that particular task order. Resumes should always be submitted by the contractor for all personnel being considered for work on the task order. The Government can advise (recommend) whether personnel are deemed qualified or not. However, if a person is designated as key, the Government reserves the right to reject that person for the position.

b. Are their labor category descriptions available for review against which we can map resource qualifications, experiences and competencies to ensure that the best possible candidates are available to the Government? Please see response to question 6 and 19.

22. In either case, is this individual the only one that should be designated as “key” with their resume included with the proposal or does the Government care to see the qualifications of a number of resources that might be available for work upon a contract award? See response to question 21a.

23. SOW Paragraph 1.8 PROJECT PLAN states, “Utilizing the information provided in this SOW, the Contractor shall provide a draft Project Plan for Government review and comment at the Kick-Off Meeting. The Contractor shall provide a final Project Plan to the COTR not later than three business days after the Kick-Off Meeting.” As the Government is certainly aware, project plans are usually task-oriented and driven by those actions and steps necessary to successfully meet specific objectives and outcomes. A project plan that broadly governs an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract would therefore be difficult to articulate without benefit of sample tasking as a baseline. Is the referenced Project Plan associated with how we as a contractor will fulfill the requirements of this contract and not necessarily at the task order level or items listed under Paragraph 5? A project plan is not required for the IDIQ contract. However, a project plan must be submitted in accordance to the SOW per task order.

a. Does this have to do with addressing a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) that demonstrates an understanding of Project Management and Technical Support Services principles and processes Program Management for the overall contract i.e. staff and budget allocation, performance and quality assurance reviews, risk mitigation, reporting, etc? Project Plan(s) submitted must demonstrate to the Government that the contractor understands the Project Management and Technical Support Services required; specifically in accordance with the Paragraph 5 of each SOW. Any areas not specifically addressed within Paragraph 5 should also be included in the Project Plan, if deemed relevant to the task order.

b. If not, please provide further clarification and guidance. Addressed above.

24. SOW Paragraph 5.6 TECHNICAL SUPPORT alludes to web-copy and database updates support. People with the requisite Project Management skill sets and staff who are of a technical orientation are not always one and the same. Is it the Government’s expectation that individuals provided under this contract will include web and database knowledgeable resources in addition to a Project Webmaster? Paragraph 5.6, Technical Support is per each task order. Some of the task orders to be assigned will require knowledge of the web and/or database knowledge. Individuals presented by the contractor to fulfill these positions should have the requisite knowledge to support these functions.

a. Are the related role and responsibilities envisioned by the Government for the Senior Document Management Specialist listed in Enclosure 5-Pricing Template or can there be contractor suggested changes to the relevant labor mix? The Government will be open to suggested changes to the labor mix. All of these positions were based upon current staffing and utilization. If the selected contractor believes they can provide the proper support, with a different mix of labor categories, the Government will be open to the suggestion. However, the Government reserves the right to make the final decision for a relevant labor mix.

25. In the RFQ overview, Section II Evaluation Criteria, subsection III Submission of Quote, item 2 indicates that “Contractors shall provide past performance information for services relevant to those to be performed under the resultant Contract. To be considered relevant all of the following criteria must be met: the services must have been performed within the past three years…” Does this mean that current performance is excluded from the evaluation process and therefore should not be referenced? Current performance may be used if performance has been within the last three years to present.

a. For firms that do not have more than one reference that would be directly analogous to the PWS, will past performance on Government contracts that otherwise meet the criteria set forth be considered. No.

26.Would you please forward or direct us to where we can obtain Enclosures 2-6 as referred to in the RFQ? If you look at the last section entitled “Files” on the Fed Biz Ops Posting you will find Enclosures 2 – 6. Click on each Enclosure to access.

27.We were wondering if there was incumbent information available for the Project Management and Support Services opportunity under HSCG2310QADW020? If so, could you please provide me with the incumbent name, contract number, award date, and award amount? Or is this a new requirement? Also was this opportunity previously named CG--9 PROGRAM MANAGEMENT ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY EXPERTISE (PMETE)? No this opportunity was not previously named CG--9 PROGRAM MANAGEMENT ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY EXPERTISE (PMETE).

28.We have another question/clarification for you regarding the formulas for your Enclosure 5 Pricing Template. The question at hand involves understanding the purpose of the two cost columns/formulas in that the rate equals the fully burdened cost per hour. If that is the case then why is there a need for two cost columns and was it meant for columns B,C and D to be multiplied consecutively? There appears to be a potential problem with that formula, as demonstrated by plugging in some sample rates to this document. Please clarify exactly how you want to see the pricing laid out. Total Cost on the Pricing Template is the Hours multiplied by the Rate (which should be fully burdened labor rates including indirect costs and profit) multiplied by Cost.

29. Paragraph 5.3.7 includes providing "assistance in preparation of task orders, modifications to task orders and contracts." This language appears to create an inherent conflict of interest that would preclude any contractors currently performing work for CG-9 (under task orders, contracts, etc.) from bidding this opportunity. Does the Government agree that this language excludes current CG-9 contractors from bidding this effort? Please refer to Enclosure 6 – Provisions page 3, Organizational Conflicts of Interest paragraph (a).

30. Based on the technical scope outlined in paragraph 5.2.4 to provide analysis and recommendations for highly technical project management documentation, it appears to exceed the basic “Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services” for NAICS code 541611. Thus, we recommend a consideration to use NAICS code 541330 with the exception for “Military and Aerospace Equipment and Military Weapons”. This would benefit the government by increasing/expanding field of competition for this requirement. The vast majority of the requirement falls under NAICS code 541611. The portion of the requirement related to engineering is general therefore NAICS code 541611 is the appropriate classification.

31. Would the government consider extending the date for response? Quotes are due April 1, 2010.

32. Is commercial past performance acceptable? Or only govt. past performance is acceptable? Relevant commercial past performance is acceptable.

33.Price template has formula "B4*C4*D4" for total cost for example

Senior Program Manager

Where B4 is # of hours, C4 is hourly rate, & D4 is cost? What cost? Is this fringe plus G&A rate? If yes, but then at the same time govt. is asking fully burdened hourly rate for each position. Please explain. Total Cost on the Pricing Template is the Hours multiplied by the Rate (which should be fully burdened labor rates including indirect costs and profit) multiplied by Cost.

34. Does govt. want resumes of all possible personnel needed or resumes of only key people? If only key people, please identify key people. Resumes should be submitted for all individuals the contractor is designating for work against this contract, regardless if the person is deemed key or not.

35.We have a client who is considering bidding on this. I just want to be sure I have this correct,...this is for 8(a)'s only, correct? or can Small Businesses also bid? The requirement is set aside for 8(a) eligible contractors.

36. Is there is an incumbent contractor regarding this effort? Please see response to question 1.

37. Is this a new requirement? If this is not a new requirement could you please tell me the name of the incumbent vendor? Please see response to question 1.

38.What is the possibility of option periods after the 1 year period of performance? There is no possibility of option periods after the 1 year period of performance.

39. Is this a new procurement? Please see response to question 1.

40. Is there incumbent and what is the name of the contractor? Please see response to question 1.

41. Enclosure 3 includes two documents: ‘Non-Disclosure Agreement’ (NDA) and ‘Safeguarding Sensitive but Unclassified info’. Do you want both documents to be returned with the proposal or only the signed NDA? In which Volume should they be included or they should be sent separate? The NDA requires a signature. Please submit separate.

42. How ‘Enclosure 6: Provisions’ should it be returned? As a separate document or with Volume 1 or 2? Is there any other Enclosures that need to be returned beside the above mentioned, Enclosure 4: Past Performance Questionnaire and Enclosure 5: Pricing Template? Enclosure 3 NDA. Please submit separate.

43. Page 7, Section 5.6.1 of the Statement of Work calls for someone to provide support o the Webmaster to include design and maintenance of Internet and Intranet websites. Which of the Labor Categories listed in Enclosure 5, the Price Template, includes someone with web design and implementation skills as indicated in Section 5.6.1? The closest labor category might be the Senior Document Management Specialist. However, the contractor is not beholden to these categories and can feel free to provide individuals in other labor categories they feel might be a better fit for the individual task orders and how to fulfill the requirements. The Government reserves the right to review all individuals put forward and make recommendations, or deny placement if the position is labeled key and the person is deemed not qualified.

44.The Direct Labor Costs in Enclosure 5, Pricing Template, will reflect the costs of our subcontracted labor as well as employees of our firm. Therefore, our total price will be calculated as Total Direct Labor + Total Other Direct Costs + Indirect Costs. Is this correct? Total Direct Labor + Total Subcontracts + Other Direct Costs + Indirect Costs 45.Will an extension be given to respond to this RFQ if your replies to the questions due from vendors significantly impacts our ability to complete the quote by the current due date (March 25, 2010)? Please see response to question 10.

46.Reference RFQ Letter. Will the resulting contract from this RFQ replace contract number HSCG23-05-D-ADM003 in its entirety? Yes, this does replace the stated contract in its entirety. However, if task orders were placed against the previous contract before its expiration date, the period of performance will be completed.

47. Reference RFQ Letter, Section III Submission of Quote, Paragraph 3 Volume II – Please clarify …detailed price breakdown for SOW requirements using the “Pricing Template”. Does the Government want the offeror to use the exact labor categories and hours as provided in the template? Yes.

48. Reference RFQ Letter, Section III Submission of Quote, Paragraph 3 Volume II – Please clarify …detailed price breakdown for SOW requirements using the “Pricing Template”. Does the Government want the labor categories/hours broke out by SOW section (i.e., Section 5.1, 5.2, through 5.6)? No, please use the Pricing Template as provided.

49.Reference Enclosure 1 – SOW paragraph 1.2 Background – Please clarify a project manager is assigned to each project to manage the entire life-cycle of the procurement..is this project manager one of the Program Manager or Program Manager Analyst labor categories referenced in Enclosure 5? No, the project manager referenced within Paragraph 1.2 is a government employee.

50.Reference Enclosure 1 – SOW paragraph 1.3.1 (and subs)Program Manager. Please clarify whether this position is the Senior Program Manager referenced in the Labor Categories (Enclosure 5) or, one of the other Labor Categories. Yes, that is the Senior Program Manager referenced in the labor categories of Enclosure 5.

50a.If this is the Senior Program Manager position, the 832 hours is not consistent with the requirement in 1.3.1.3 to be available between 08:30 and 17:30 EST Monday through Friday. And, do you mean EDT since we are now on Daylight Savings Time?

First of all, the time factor of EST vs. EDT should be interpreted as ET, since the contract will exist during both standard and daylight savings time. Second, the hours listed for the year are a Government estimate, not set in stone. The thought process is that this position would charge hours against several different task orders, since this person is responsible for all of the task orders from the contractor side. Also, it is assumed by the Government, that the Program Manager would also have to perform responsibilities within his/her company that shouldn't be charged directly to the Government, and thus the reason for 832 hours estimate.

50b.If this position is not one of the Enclosure 5 Labor Categories, how do we show pricing for the position? Please see response to question 50.

51. Reference Enclosure 1 – SOW Paragraph 5.6 Technical Support. Please clarify what Labor Categories from Enclosure 5 will be used to provide technical support. Paragraph 5.6.1 calls for website support and paragraph 5.6.1.1 calls for database support yet, there are no technical labor categories such as web specialist or IT specialist included in Enclosure 5. Please see response to question 43.

52. Will the Government, please discuss and clarify what relationship, if any exists between the USCG CG-9 procurement and its pending CG-9 ACMA and/or PMETE procurements? Please see response to question 27.

53. Will the Government, please clarify if a contractor who is awarded the USCG CG-9 contract, be restricted from being awarded a prime contract for either USCG-9ACMA and/or PMETE due to Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI)? Please refer to Enclosure 6 – Provisions page 3, Provision 3052.209-72 Organizational Conflicts of Interest (JUN 2006).

54. In Section III A.2 of the RFQ, Volume II Past Performance Questionnaire, the requirement states that, “Contractors shall provide past performance information for services relevant to those to be performed under the resultant Contract.” Will the Government, please specify the requisite data that is required to comply with its request for past performance information? Furthermore, is it the Government’s intent that contractors provide past performance information equivalent to the same number of submitted client questionnaires? Please have at least three (3) but no more than five (5) Past Performance Questionnaire completed by your references and returned to Kelly.L.Sewer@uscg.mil by April 1, 2010.

55. In Section III of the RFQ, “Submission of Quote” Volume II is identified as the submission Volume for both Past Performance and the Price Quote. Will the Government, please clarify which Volume is to contain the Past Performance Questionnaires and under which Volume is to the Price Quote to be submitted? Completed Past Performance Questionnaire received will be added to Volume II upon receipt. Volume II shall also contain the price quote.

56. In Section II A.3, the requirement states that, “The Contractor shall submit a quote, with a detailed price breakdown for SOW requirements using the “Pricing Template”; failure to do so may result in disqualification and rejection of a quotation without further evaluation – Enclosure five (5) to ensure consistency of submissions.” The pricing data requested on Enclosure 5 does not appear aligned specifically with the SOW requirements. Will the Government, please provide additional clarification as to its intent regarding how Contractors are to submit their price quote to meet that requirement? The price quote must not contain technical information as described in the SOW. Please use the Pricing Template in Enclosure 5 to submit pricing data.

57. We understand this is IDIQ contract with Task Orders (TO) being issued on a Labor Hour or Firm Fixed Price (FFP) basis. How many task orders will be awarded? How soon after contract award do we expect the task orders to be issued? Please clarify. On the expired contract HSCG23-05-D-ADM003, there are currently still 26 task orders open. Two of these expire by the end of March. Whether the Government needs continued support (new task orders) is unknown. Also, other task orders could open up at any time.

One task order will be issued simultaneously with the IDIQ contract.

58. Enclosure_1_SOW.doc - 1.3.5 Hours of Operation – page no. 2 of 7

“There may be occasions when Contractor employees must work other than normal business hours, including weekends, to fulfill requirements under this contract. The specific hours of operation will be provided in each task order.” Department has mentioned the possibility of weekend work. Is this a general requirement applicable to all labor categories or this requirement focus on specific Labor categories? Please clarify.

Generally, this would be on the labor categories listed within each task order. The task order(s) would also state if "unusual" work hours were required. However, unforeseen circumstances could dictate unusual hours for any person associated with this contract.

59.Enclosure_1_SOW.doc - 5.6 TECHNICAL SUPPORT - page no. 7 of 7 Project Webmaster support shall include design and maintenance of Internet and Intranet websites in support of acquisition projects in accordance with Ref 6.17 to 6.24.” Labor Categories are not what we are used to seeing for technical personnel. Is it your intention that one of the nine designated labor categories will satisfy the technical needs of this effort? Could you be more specific on the Web Design services you may seek? Please clarify. Please see response to question 43.

60.Enclosure_1_SOW.doc - 5.6.1.1 Database Management & Support - page no. 7 of 7 Could you specify the types of databases that will need to be accessed? Are there any special database skills you seek or any specific applications or operating systems you need addressed? Please clarify. This would be dependent upon the individual task order(s).

61. Please let us know what technologies are currently used by U.S. Coast Guard for the purview of this project. Please see responses to question 89 and 91.

62. Please provide the job descriptions for the labor categories required for this RFQ. Please see response to question 6 and 19.

63.Enclosure_5_Pricing_Template.xls Should we submit resumes for all the labor categories mentioned in the Enclosure_5_Pricing_Template.xls? Please clarify. Resumes should be submitted for all individuals the contractor is designating for work against this contract, regardless if the person is deemed key or not. Also, these labor categories are government estimates, not set in stone. The contractor should use best judgment on how to best fulfill the contract and its task orders.

64.Enclosure_5_Pricing_Template.xls Can you please clarify us on the following points?

The rate under the base year (Column C) is the hourly bill rate to the U.S. Coast Guard and is an all inclusive rate (travel costs not included) We understand Cost (Column D) is a product of the Hours and rate (B*C). The cell # D4 does not have any formula included. Can you please send a revised sheet? The “total Cost” (column E) is calculating the values erroneously for some of the job categories. Can you please send a revised sheet?

Do you want the Total Direct Labor (Row # 14) to be the same for Column D and E?

Should we not input any information under “Subcontracts” and “Other direct costs”? Column B and C under these are blackened out. Correct, rates should be fully burdened. Formulas are included and accurate in revised Enclosure 5. Yes, Total Direct Labor (Row # 14) to be the same for Column D and E. Subcontractor Name and Other Direct Cost description should be provided.

65. Is the Program Manager the only key person and resume required in the proposal?

Please see response to question 21 and 21a.

66.There are no position descriptions provided with the pricing template. In order to provide realistic labor rates can you provide specific requirements/description for each position? Please see response to question 6 and 19.

67.Is there an incumbent contractor providing this support? Please see response to question 1.

68. SOW para 5.3.7 includes requirements for support to the contracting officer. If task orders include such contracting officer support, will that preclude the contractor or any subcontractors from being awarded further work under the IDIQ, or from bidding on any other future CG-9 program management support opportunities outside of this IDIQ?

Please see response to question 53.

69. SOW para 1.3.1 designates the Program Manager as “key.” A notation following that designation references “(PWS 1.4)”. What is that reference? It appears that the PM is the only key person designated; is that the only resume that will be evaluated? Please see response to question 21 and 21a.

70.SOW para 1.3.2 discusses qualified personnel. Do the labor categories provided in the pricing template cover the entire range of desired qualified personnel? Are there any specific personnel requirements for these qualified personnel? Are the resumes requested in the RFP to include all qualified personnel and/or all labor categories? No, the listing in Enclosure 5 is not all encompassing of labor categories that could be used to support this contract and its task orders. All personnel should have resumes submitted, for at least Government review and advisement. Key personnel definitely need government approval. There are no set requirements for minimums, but, as a guideline, Senior positions should have at least ten years experience in their field, Mid-Level positions should show at least five years experience, and Junior Level should show at least two years of experience.

71.The RFQ lists one of the evaluation factors as the “ability to recruit and retain personnel”. Accordingly all proposals will need to lay out a suitable plan for recruiting and retaining personnel. Are there data or metrics that will be required to prove the effectiveness of that plan, e.g. annual turnover rates for the last two years? The government currently has no data or metrics to show adequacy of retention. However, the government reserves the right to contact other employers of the proposed contractor(s) to gather information in this area, as well as other areas they deem worthy of checking on.

72.SOW para 5.2.4 requires development and review of Technical Management Contract Deliverables and Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL). However, all of the labor categories in the pricing template are for management categories and there are no Subject Matter Experts for Technical Subjects. May we bid additional labor categories then those currently listed in the pricing template? Please see response to question 43.

73.The pricing template includes a Total Cost column that appears to be currently multiplying Hours x Rate x Cost. What is the purpose of that column? Validation.

74.The pricing template includes a second page that addresses Subcontracts, ODCs, and Indirect Costs. There is no guidance in the RFQ for these sections and various portions of the sections are blocked out. How are these sections of the template to be completed?

Please see response to question 64.

75. SOW para 1.3.1.3 indicates that the program manager should be available from 0830 to 1730 daily, which is approximately 2000 hours over the year. The price proposal only has 832 hours for a Senior Program Manager. Should the proposal recognize this difference as uncompensated time? Please see response to question 50a.

76. Based on Enclosure 1 Page 7: What development tools, query tools and database engines are currently used?

5.6 TECHNICAL SUPPORT. The contractor shall provide technical services support.

5.6.1: The Contractor shall support the dissemination of information using an automated information management system compatible with and accessible through USCG systems. This shall include website support consisting primarily of web-copy and database updates. All website support shall be in compliance with Government Section 508 accessibility requirements. All web sites, including all web-copy and data, used to support task order requirements under this contract shall be the property of the Government and disposed in accordance with directions provided in each task order. Project Webmaster support shall include design and maintenance of Internet and Intranet websites in support of acquisition projects in accordance with Ref 6.17 to 6.24.

5.6.1.1 Database Management and Support: The Contractor shall analyze data and conduct queries using various Coast Guard databases in support of acquisition projects.

As examples of tools which will be utilized, the contractor will be expected to access the JPMorgan Payment Net System, Core Accounting System (CAS), Finance and Procurement Desktop (FPD), and Acquisition Performance Management System (APMS). The exact answer to this question will vary among task orders. However, each task order will state what tools need to be utilized, databases accessed, etc.

77. Is there a separate attachment “PWS” that we should also be referencing in response to this solicitation? ALSO, is this Program Manager the “Senior Program Manager” listed in Enclosure 5 Labor Categories and Base Year Hours?

1.3.1 Program Manager. The Contractor shall designate a Program Manager who shall be designated as "key" (PWS 1.4) and shall be responsible to ensure management and performance of all work under this contract. The Program Manager shall ensure Contractor employees are aware of, understand, and abide by Coast Guard established rules, regulations, and safety practices, and shall have full authority to act on matters pertaining to the performance of services under this contract. Please refer to Enclosure 1 Statement of Work (SOW). As to the Program Manager question, yes, this is the Senior Program Manager cited in Enclosure 5.

78. Should the Provisions in Enclosure (6) be addressed in Volume I as a separate section of this Volume? Yes.

79. Does the 35 page count for Volume I include cover page, Table of Contents, Appendices, etc.? Yes.

80. Does the USCG anticipate multiple task orders to be open concurrently? If so, does the USCG have an expected range of the number of task orders to be open at any given time? Please see response to question 57.

81. May Past Performance have been performed as either a Prime or Subcontractor, or must it have been as a Prime. Please see response to question 16.

82. The past performance questionnaire states that “This form MUST be filled out after completion of contract performance by the contractor” and asks the reference to differentiate between and Interim review and Final review. Can the USCG clarify whether the period of performance for past performance questionnaires must be complete, or if questionnaires may be submitted for projects currently in progress. Past Performance Questionnaires may be submitted for projects currently in progress.

83.The SOW Section 1.3.1 states, “The Contractor shall designate a Program Manager who shall be designated as "key" (PWS 1.4) and shall be responsible to ensure management and performance of all work under this contract.” Can USCG please clarify the reference to PWS 1.4? There should be no reference to (PWS 1.4), the reference should be omitted.

84.Does USCG want resumes of individuals for all positions and labor categories, or is the requirement to provide the resume for only the Senior Program Manager identified as “key” in Section 1.3.1 of the SOW? Please see response to question 63.

85. Will full-time on-site staffing space be made available for the Contractor and their staff? If so, how many spaces are expected to be available? The Government can't currently state how many spaces for on-site work would be made available. This, and the actual writing of the individual task orders, would specify how much work would be required, and which of the work would be performed on-site and off-site. If work is deemed to be on-site, appropriate space would be provided.

86. What version of Microsoft Office is the USCG currently using? The USCG is currently using Microsoft Office 2007.

87. Will the USCG provide conference room space and telecom capabilities for required project initiation/planning meetings? Conference room space and telecom capabilities can be provided by the USCG for planning and initiation meetings. This can be arranged by the Task Order Manager(s) or the COTR for each task order.

88. Does the USCG have its’ own online meeting presentation capability, if needed for meetings? Yes, the USCG does have online meeting capabilities. The number of conference rooms available for this are limited, but available.

89. The SOW Section 5.2.5 states, “5.2.5 The Contractor shall support the update and maintenance of multimedia communication tools and products, including website support.” Can USCG elaborate upon (or list) the multimedia communication tools and products that require update and maintenance services, and the anticipated skill sets and level of experience of any staff resources required to support this effort (e.g., Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator, SUN Certified Administrator, etc.)? The applications and certification requirements will vary for each task order. Some may require little to no knowledge to quite extensive. As an example, I'm taking this response directly in support of one current task order:

First contractors have to have skills in all Microsoft applications, Word, excel, power point, outlook and other CG remote access programs for email or file servicer access which could or should cost to the contractor $1,000 per licensee.

They should know how to use Microsoft Project and some case access to data applications. We have some contractors using SharePoint which is a valuable tool for document control with word to Adobe conversion which is part of the document control and electronic signature evolution.

There is some data requirements tools that the contractors should have at least some basic skill on like (DOOR) Dynamic Object Oriented Requirements System and Configuration Management tools.

NE-TIMS is part of CG applications which contractors should have some knowledge of along with the eRP application. I am sure there are many contractors that will need some insight into tools like LIMS, FLS, CM Plus NESSS and Navy applications like ERMS, SKED, Shipmain, SCLSIS, MFOM, MEARS etc but we will need to teach them on internal Coast Guard and Navy applications.

90. Pursuant to section 5.2.5 of the SOW, will the USCG provide full access required to communications tools, products, and websites that must be updated and maintained by the Contractor, or must the Contractor go through specified procedures to obtain required access? It is expected that the support contractor will have the required security levels to work on USCG systems. It is the responsibility of the contractor to get personnel with the appropriate clearances. Assuming the personnel have the correct clearance level, those people would then have the accesses to the USCG systems deemed appropriate for that task orders support. If it is for full access, then full access will be granted. This information would be listed within the SOW for the task order.

91. Pursuant to section 5.3.4 of the SOW, does the USCG have an automated information management system currently in place that will be used to support these activities? If so, can any further information be provided? If not, does the USCG expect that the Contractor will acquire/develop such a system and house this system within current USCG systems? Each task order would specify how this work would be accomplished. Some task orders may use web-based tools, others may use Microsoft Office tools, such as Excel or Access.

92. Does the USCG provide automated schedule management tools or electronic workflow management solutions that may be leveraged by vendors for tracking, managing, governance, and review activities that would allow for greater efficiency, and/or is the vendor permitted to make recommendations for the implementation of these tools to aid the USCG in achieving greater efficiency in managing the activities within this effort? The USCG is always open to ways to make their work more effective and efficient. Therefore, even though certain tools may be currently used on a task order, recommendations are always welcome.

93. Pursuant to section 5.3.6 of the SOW, how frequently will Integrated Logistics Management Team Conferences be required? The number of ILSP conferences per year would be dependent upon the task order. If the task order requires Logistics Management support, and such support requires attendance at a conference(s), then that would dictate how many conferences would need to be attended.

94. Pursuant to section 5.6.1.1 of the SOW, will required access to “various Coast Guard” databases be provided in a timely manner? If the Contractor must go through specified procedures to gain access, will direction and estimated timelines for completion be provided? As long as the personnel identified to support the task orders have proper clearances, access to USCG databases should be provided in a timely manner. Each system might have their own procedures on how to acquire access, and therefore, the contractor would follow these procedures.

95. The SOW Section 5.6.1 makes reference to the Project Webmaster. Is this an additional labor category that is to be included in the Pricing Template? Or can USCG provide guidance on which existing labor category should possess web master experience and skills, to allow for appropriate pricing of those technical competencies? Please see response to question 43.

96. The Price Template does not automatically calculate the Senior Program Manager cost. Are we permitted to multiply the rate times hours to input that direct cost, or was this intentional and USCG expects Senior PM support as a function of General and Administrative indirect cost pool accounting to oversee the project performance? Please see response to question 28.

97. Is there an incumbent contractor for this effort or is it new work? Please see response to question 1.

98. Is the incumbent contractor an 8(a) business or other classification? Please see response to question 12.

99. What is the size standard or NAICS for this effort? The applicable NAICS Code is 541611 – Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services with a size standard of $7 million.

100. In order to adequately address Other Direct Costs (ODCs), please identify what travel is required? The ODCs for travel will vary greatly depending on the geographic location. Please refer to Enclosure 1 SOW Sections 1.3.6 Place of Performance and 1.6 Travel.

101. What are the information assurance and security requirements of the automated management systems and web-based systems? This information would be dependent upon the individual task orders. No security requirements would exceed the TOP SECRET level, as far as we can presently tell. At present, most of the systems used are at the UNCLASSIFIED level, or at some point between that and SECRET. It is up to the individual systems that are used (dependent upon task order) to ensure they are IA-certified, or at least waived. The contractor could assist in ensuring the systems used are certified.

102. What are the existing technologies used and/or authorized? (COTS, GOTS, Hardware, Software, Frameworks, 3rd Party, Proprietary) This information is dependent upon each task order. The Coast Guard tries to ensure we are within industry standards (best practices) and encourages such. However, our systems could restrict certain types of technology, to ensure our systems remain "clean" (i.e., virus free).

103. Does website support need to talk (via data communications) to other systems? Website support could possibly talk to other systems, depending on the specific task order in question and the systems used to support that task. The other systems could range from other Coast Guard systems, to Department of Homeland Security systems, or even other systems used within the federal government.

104. Is there a Document Management/Library/Record requirement? This is dependent upon the task order(s) in question. Various programs may have regulations concerning maintaining archival information. This could range in time periods from one to five years, or possibly longer. As such, records management should be addressed within the SOW for the individual task order(s).

105. Is there a Distributed System requirement and what are the mechanics needed for this? This would be dependent upon the individual task order(s).

106. What are the Relational Database Management requirements? This would be dependent upon the individual task order(s).

107. What are the hosting and platform requirements? This would be dependent upon the individual task order(s).

108. Please clarify whether the Quote is to include resumes for all positions listed on the Pricing Template. Please see response to question 6 and 19.

109. Please provide the skill level and education level required for each position. Please see response to question 6.