Post_Conference_Questions_926.pdf

Post–Conference Questions NON A&E

Questions and Answers

SEPTEMBER 18, 2014

1. If offeror is to submit a OCI Mitigation Plan, where does it belong in the submission?

FEMA RESPONSE: Business Plan

2. Is the OCI Mitigation Plan part of the overall proposal page limit?

FEMA RESPONSE: There is not a page limit to the business plan which is where this is to be located.

3. Are the resumes for Scenario 2 count towards the overall proposal page limit?

FEMA RESPONSE: See question 9 from the original questions, see amendment.

4. Slide 11 that was presented during the webinar lists a ‘Repetitive Loss Study’ as a Post Event Assessment under Task 3, is a Repetitive Loss Study equivalent to a Loss Avoidance Study? If not, can you please describe the scope of a ‘Repetitive Loss Study’?

FEMA’s RESPONSE: Yes, a Repetitive Loss Study is equilivant to a Loss Avoidance Study.

5. L.8, Instructions to Offeror, 2.4 Detailed Substantiation (Labor Hours): The solicitation states that rates in task order proposals cannot be more than 5% higher than the corresponding rate in this proposal.

Is this statement in reference to invoicing in that the actual labor rates invoiced on a task order cannot be more than 5% higher than the corresponding contract rate? Please confirm whether this is correct.

FEMA’s RESPONSE: The 5% is in reference to the agreed upon labor rate.

6. We understand from the answers provided that the small business subcontracting goal is 43% (Question2) and is to be applied to the total contract and not the total amount subcontracted (Question 33). As this is different than other contracts with FEMA, please confirm that the 43% of the total contract is to be awarded to small businesses.

FEMA’s RESPONSE: The calculations are in attachment 3, Subcontracting Information. Please review the example.

7. Section M, Factor 1: The evaluation factor “ability to provide technical assistance in the research and review of documentation related to the Federal Advisory Council Act” appears to be a subset of the Objective 4 in C.3 Contract Objectives.

Will the offeror be evaluated for this specific requirement related to FACA or, per C.3 Contract Objectives, (4), whether the offeror is able to “Provide technical assistance and inter-agency coordination in support of FEMA”s proposed policies and regulations…”, which includes activities for FACA?

FEMA’s RESPONSE: Contractors will be evaluated per Section M.

8. When is FEMA planning to release the amendment referenced in the due diligence responses indicating “See Amendment”? It is not currently included in the Pre-Proposal Conference Webinar package.

FEMA’s RESPONSE: As indicated during the Pre-Proposal Conference, we hope to issue it by 9/27/2014.

9. Based on the release of the amendment, and other additional information provided yesterday, are you considering a deadline extension?

FEMA’s RESPONSE: No

10. Some states require engineering feasibility studies to be performed by licensed professional engineers. In states that require professional liability insurance to perform engineering feasibility reviews, will FEMA require the contractor to have professional liability insurance?

FEMA’s RESPONSE: Contractors are required to follow all applicable rules, regulations, statues, and policies at apply.

11. Please clarify what section of the FAR allows that “actual labor rates will be capped at a rate of plus 5% for settlement of costs proposals” for a CPFF contract. (reference question 67 and 74 of Industry Day webinar) FEMA’s RESPONSE: The FAR does not prohibit such actions, and the FAR does require that a price be determined to be fair and reasonable.

12. Please confirm that the business proposals to be included in Factor 3 should include labor hours but not labor rates.

FEMA’s RESPONSE: See amendment

13. Please confirm that the QA plan overview is included in the 30 page limit.

FEMA’s RESPONSE: Correct

14. Please confirm that the QA plan is not to be submitted with the proposal but is submitted at award.

FEMA’s RESPONSE: Correct. Only an overview is to be submitted with the proposal.

15. In reference to the Industry Day answer to Question 74, are subcontractors required to submit business proposals to FEMA as part of the prime business proposal submitted for this procurement given that the answer to the question “is the determination [if a subcontract value expected in excess of one million dollars] made by contract period or over the life of the contract?” is “It is done at time of award.”? The answer to the question appears to be that the value of subcontracts will only be known at time of award and subcontractor business proposals would be needed at that time.

FEMA’s RESPONSE: Yes

16. In relation to Scenario 1 and 2, should badging requirements be limited to staff required to be on FEMA computer systems or reporting to FEMA offices? For example, would staff required only to produce invoices, or staff that will be restricted to field work be required to have a badge?

FEMA’s RESPONSE: Scenario 2, Page 4 of 5 states that Possession of a FEMA issued contractor badge is a must for this task order prior to award. Clarification: This includes all field staff but not administrative staff.

Scenario 1 does not have a badge requirement

17. Do we price Scenario 1 and 2?

FEMA’s RESPONSE: yes

18. Do we price the IDIQ?

FEMA’s RESPONSE: Yes

19. Do we propose a fee percentage for CPFF in the IDIQ proposal?

FEMA’s RESPONSE: Yes

20. FEMA’s Response to Question # 33, regarding the 43% small business goal was that this goal is a percentage of the contract value, rather than a percentage of subcontracted dollars.

FAR 52.219-9 (d)(1) states: The offeror’s subcontracting plan shall include the following:

Goals, expressed in terms of percentages of total planned subcontracting dollars, for the use of small business, veteran-owned small business, service-disabled veteran-owned small business, HUBZone small business, small disadvantaged business, and women-owned small business concerns as subcontractors.

FEMA’s Response contradicts the FAR. Please explain.

FEMA’s RESPONSE: See posted revision to question 33.

21. Does the direct labor ceiling apply to subcontractors?

FEMA’s RESPONSE: Yes

22. My question regarding the Non A & E Proposal deals with the small business requirement of the solicitation that deals with the 43 % goal. I know this question was ask before; but, I want to make sure it I am correct in my understanding. Question-Is the 43% goal for small business a total of the contract or 43% of the sub- contractor dollars?

FEMA’s RESPONSE: See calculations under attachment 3, Subcontracting Information

23. Will any A&E work be included in any award resulting from this solicitation?

FEMA’s RESPONSE: It is possible that some incidental A&E work may be included as part of task orders under this solicitation, however, the agency does not anticipate that these services will comprise a substantial or dominant portion of any task order or of the overall contract. Consistent with the Federal Acquisitions Regulations and the Brooks Act, 40 U.S.C.A. §§ 1101-1104, any work that is substantially or dominantly A&E services will not be procured under this vehicle.