HSFE60-14-R-0003_Final.pdf

Questions and Answers

HSFE60-14-R-0003

Q1: On Pages 10 and 11, between Factors 6 and 7, three scenarios are listed. Is the Government's intent either:

a. Have Offerors address these three scenarios as part of the SF330 or

b. Have Offerors address these three scenarios in response to the Request for Proposals that the Government states will be required from the most highly qualified Offerors as discussed on Page 7, Paragraph 6.2.

A1: Response to the three scenarios should be included with the submission of the SF330s.

Q2: On Page 4, Paragraph 3, it is stated that Part 1 SF 330 should not exceed 60 pages. Are the responses to the scenarios noted on Pages 10-11 between Factors 6 and 7 in addition to the 60 page count? For example, 60 pages for the Part 1 SF330, plus 5 pages for Scenario 1 and 5 pages for Scenario 2, and four 300 word paragraphs for each task in Scenario 3?

A2: The 60-page limit is for the entire submission, inclusive of the scenario responses.

Q3: Should the three scenarios be addressed in response to only Selection Factor 2 which refers to proposed solution or approach?

A3: Responses to the scenarios should be as comprehensive as possible.

Q4: If the response to the question above is 'No,' does the Government want the three scenarios to be addressed as part of any specific Selection Factor 1 through 7? If so, which Factor(s)?

A4: Responses to the scenarios should be as comprehensive as possible.

Q5: On page 4, paragraph 5, FEMA asks for copies of any joint venture agreements and agreements between offerors participating in a prime/subcontractor relationship. Given the scope of this contract, there are likely to be multiple subcontractors on the offeror teams, each with nearly identical agreements. To reduce the volume of the proposal, would FEMA accept at the SF330 phase one sample standard teaming agreement and letters of commitment from each subcontractor indicating that they have entered into a teaming agreement with the prime contractor and are prepared to provide the services described in an exhibit from the teaming agreement, in lieu of a joint venture agreement and all of the prime/subcontractor agreements?

A5: In lieu of submitting multiple prime/subcontractor agreements that are nearly identical, offerors may submit a sample standard teaming agreement and letters of commitment from each subcontractor indicating that they have entered into a teaming agreement with the prime contractor and are prepared to provide the services described. Joint venture agreements between prime contractors should be provided in full.

Q6: Does FEMA desire past performance project questionnaires for all projects listed in Section F of the SF330 as well as any projects listed in Section H in response to Factor 5?

A6: FEMA will evaluate all relevant sources of past performance information, including Sections F and H of the SF330. Offerors have discretion on how many past performance project questionnaires to submit, subject to other terms and limitations noted in the solicitation.

Q7: How many electronic copies of the SF330 submission does FEMA require?

A7: Please provide 8 total electronic copies to accompany the 8 total paper copies.

Q8: Is the Small Business Subcontracting Plan required with the SF330 or with requested proposals at Phase 2?

A8: The small business subcontracting plan will be evaluated in Phase 1.

Q9: The inclusion of the Small Business Subcontracting Plan within the 60-page limit of the SF330 would place large business proposers at a disadvantage in terms of having pages available to address the other six factors. If the Small Business Subcontracting Plan is required with the SF330, would FEMA accept this plan as additional material beyond the 60-page limit?

A9: Please include a subcontracting summary in the 60-page limit and we will allow up to a 10-page annex/attachment with details, with the understanding that this is for the Subcontracting plan itself, not all of the agreements/documents.

Q10: FEMA specifies that the SF330 document should be formatted with all margins at least one inch. Is it acceptable to include header and footer information such as page numbers, disclosure statements, and similar boilerplate/formatting elements—i.e., no material that is to be rated as part of the competition--within the space of the one-inch margin?

A10: Yes.

Q11: Factor 4 requests information regarding the offeror’s capacity to accomplish the work required. Understanding the need to have capacity to provide post-disaster services without impacting ongoing production and technical services, what is the government’s overall planning budget to be expended in the Production and Technical Services A&E contract for FY2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018? We understand that FEMA does not have an approved budget for these years, but what is the planning budget for the overall A&E contracts (understanding the amount could increase or decrease)?

A11: While the total Regional budget is not expected to change significantly from the current allocations, it may. In addition, the exact split between PTS, Community Engagement and Risk Communications (CERC), and Cooperating Technical Partners (CTPs) is not known and may be variable from year to year the overall NTE is $600 Million.

Q12: On page 5, FEMA requests “electronic text submissions in Microsoft Word.” Should these submissions be text only without any graphics, or should the Microsoft Word version reflect the complete, submitted SF330 including graphics, charts, tables, etc.?

A12: Graphics, charts, etc may be included in the Microsoft Word or compatible sections.

Offerors should ensure that all text, graphics, etc. are legible.

Note - A PDF submission in lieu of a Microsoft Word submission will be accepted.

Q13: Does FEMA’s request for “electronic text submissions in Microsoft Word” apply to the SF330 Part II documents? The Part 2 documents include signature of the firms. Can the electronic copy of the Part II documents be included only in the submitted PDF that is also requested and not in the Microsoft Word version?

A13: PDF submission is acceptable.

Q14: On page 17 of the solicitation/synopsis FEMA states “the resulting contract(s) will be structured to allow the issuance of Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) and Firm Fixed Price (FFP) task orders.” Are these the only two contract types under the resulting contract or will it include others that are currently used (e.g., Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), Fixed Price Award Fee (FPAF), Time and Materials (T&M))?

A14: This will be a Hybrid contract which will allow for other cost types as well (for example, CPFF); but a vast majority of the funding will be executed as CPAF and FFP.

Q15: For the basis of estimate for Scenarios 1 and 3, could FEMA provide standardized labor categories to allow an apple-to-apple comparison? An example from another federal agency is attached. (attachment_01.pdf)

A15: No, as FEMA is seeking new and innovative ways to accomplish the PTS work, FEMA will not prescribe standardized labor categories to avoid limiting or omitting potential offeror solutions.

Q16: Given the extensive amount of information required in order to address all of the evaluation criteria, please confirm that the responses to the 3 scenarios are not within the limit of 60 pages.

A16: As answered above, the response to the scenarios is included in the 60-page limit.

Q17: The SF330 form as designed by GSA does not have one inch margins. Would FEMA allow us to use the smaller provided on GSA’s original forms?

A17: Yes, please use the GSA SF330 form as designed.

Q18: The sub-factors under evaluation Factor 1 seem to align with 5 of the 6 SOO objectives. It is unclear how our response to Objective 6 should be addressed and how it would be evaluated.

Would FEMA like to see Objective 6 also addressed under Factor 1, and will it be scored under a separate sub-factor?

A18: SOO Objective 6 (Program Management and Subject Matter Expertise) will be evaluated throughout the factors.

Q19: Does FEMA intend to submit the past performance questionnaire to the customers identified in Section F of the SF330, or are we to send these to our customers?

A19: Offerors are to submit the questionnaire for projects identified to their customers.

Q20: If we are to request our customers to submit the past performance questionnaires, can they submit them to us to include in our submittal or do they have to be returned directly to FEMA’s Contracting Specialist?

A20: They should be sent directly to the FEMA Contracting Specialist, as detailed in the directions.

Q21: How many electronic copies of the proposal does FEMA require?

A21: Please provide 8 total electronic copies to accompany the 8 total paper copies.

Q22: Since teaming agreements and joint venture agreements will include hard signatures, these will need to be scanned into PDF format. Please confirm that this is acceptable or if FEMA also requires unsigned agreements in Word format.

A22: PDF scans are acceptable.

Q23: Please confirm that the “Basis of Estimate” requested in the PTS Scenarios refers to number of hours used by ATS in addressing the responses to the problems, and not to any cost estimates associated with the scenarios.

A23: That is correct; the Basis of Estimates should include no cost information, only level of effort.

Q24: Page 4 Reference: “Copies of any agreements between offerors participating in a prime/ subcontractor relationship must also be included in the submittal.” - Our team has hundreds of pages of subcontracting agreements. To be environmental stewards, would FEMA consider amending the solicitation to including the subcontracting agreements only in the original volume and providing electronic copies?

A24: In lieu of submitting multiple prime/subcontractor agreements that are nearly identical, offerors may submit a sample standard teaming agreement and letters of commitment from each subcontractor indicating that they have entered into a teaming agreement with the prime

Q25: Page 4 Reference: “Any submission with a joint venture or subcontractor business structure must list the percentage and type of work that will be performed by each participating firm” - This is an IDIQ, task order-based contract. Without knowing the details of each possible task order, it is very difficult to determine the potential percentage of work. Will FEMA consider removing the requirement to list percentages for subcontractors?

A25: Understanding that an IDIQ contract is inherently undefined, an estimate based on the SOO and other information is required to evaluate the subcontracting plan.

Q26: Page 4 Reference: “A prime or joint venture SF 330 Part I submittal must not exceed sixty

(60) pages, 8 1/2" x 11" front side only” - Given the breadth of capabilities required and the number of selection factors to address, will FEMA please consider increasing the Part I page limit to 75 pages?

A26: No.

Q27: Do individual subject matter experts/consultants need to provide a SF330 Part II?

A27: Yes.

Q28: Page 5 Reference: "....factors that affect cost or price, such as labor hours, labor categories, labor mix or materials, must be discussed in sufficient detail in the proposal...." - To provide this information, it is important to have a scope of work, order of magnitude contract dollars, and type of contract (CPAF, FFP, etc.). Is this information only required for the scenarios that are listed between Factors 6 & 7 or for the full contract scope? If the latter, please provide additional details.

A28: This information is also applicable to Factor 3.

Q29: Page 5 Reference: “All margins must be at least one inch” - SF330 Parts I and II is a standard federal form. The margins cannot be modified to 1 inch all around and contain the required information. Will FEMA please consider removing this requirement?

A29: As stated above, please use the GSA SF330, without modification and it may be submitted in PDF format.

Q30: Page 5 Reference: “Electronic copies of the proposal” - How many electronic copies is FEMA requesting?

A30: Please provide 8 total electronic copies to accompany the 8 total paper copies.

Q31: Page 5 Reference: “Prepare the electronic text submissions in Microsoft Word or compatible format and charts and graphs in Microsoft Excel or compatible format. Tables may use either Word or Excel formats.” - Many firms use Adobe InDesign, a desktop publishing software application, to prepare proposals. Using Word or Excel for certain sections would make the proposal layout process time consuming and challenging. Would it be acceptable to complete portions of the proposal in InDesign and submit the InDesign files? InDesign allows the user to track changes.

A31: FEMA will not prescribe or endorse the software used; so long as it meets the other requirements.

Q32: Or, would FEMA consider removing this requirement from the RFP and accepting a PDF of the entire submittal?

A32: For Phase I, FEMA will accept a PDF version.

Q33: Page 6 Reference: Paragraph 5.1 provides for Responses to be hand delivered but also cautions the following: “offerors are cautioned that both Mr. Sutton and Mr.Taylor are not obligated to receive proposals at the building security desk and may not be available to accept proposals when they arrive at the building.” - How can offerors be assured that their Response will be accepted if it is hand delivered to FEMA within the timeframe noted?

A33: We will be available between the hours listed in the Solicitation to receive proposals.

Q34: Page 6 Reference: “SF330 Submitted in Response to Solicitation/Synopsis: HSFE60-13- R-0001” - FBO lists the solicitation number as: HSFE60-14-R-0003. Will FEMA please confirm the correct number?

A34: The correct number is HSFE60-14-R-0003.

Q35: Page 8 Reference: Factor 2 – several of the sub factors reference “solutions” as part of the Response. - Does “solution” refer to the scenarios? A full solution to the Risk MAP PTS contract would be a large document.

A35: Offerors submissions should include sufficient detail to allow the government to evaluate the proposed approach to meeting the Statement of Objectives.

Q36: Further, to adequately address a full solution or even the scenarios, it is important that offerors clearly understand the scope of the CERC, PM, CDS, MT-1, PTS, and any other contracts to support this program. The scopes overlap in some areas (e.g., meeting roles, leads for various phases, Regional Support provided, etc.). Will FEMA please provide the scope of work for each Risk MAP contract?

A36: The original draft Statement of Objectives (SOO) provided the full suite of PTS/ CERC/ MT-1 services. In addition, the virtual library (http://virtuallibrary.asigovt.com/Risk-Map- PM/Mitigation_PTS/SitePages/Home.aspx) has extensive information about the entire program and all of its contractors. Final SOOs for the CERC and MT-1 procurements will be released at a later date.

Q37: Page 8 Reference: “Factor 2, Sub-factor D: The Offeror’s proposed approach to effectively manage the contract transition, approach to quality management, and approach to incorporate broad program and policy impacts, including the methods and techniques used to balance the Government’s competing interests.” - Will FEMA please clarify what constitutes the Government’s “competing interests”?

A37: Programmatic needs are frequently greater than resources available, and to maximize program effectiveness FEMA requires contractors to assist in the balancing of requirements and delivery of integrated solutions. A specific example will not be provided.

Q38: Page 9 References: The solicitation states "Offerors proposed staffing plan and organizational structure, including number of personnel, labor categories, and labor mix........"

Likewise Factor 4, on page 9 asks for "...Offerors planned vs. existing capacities....." - In order to adequately answer this question, will FEMA please provide the contract value and a breakout of type of work we should assume will be awarded?

A38: While the total Regional budget is not expected to change significantly from the current allocations, it may. In addition, the exact split between PTS, Community Engagement and Risk

Q39: Page 10 Reference: Regarding the Scenarios between Factors 6 & 7 - Are these Scenarios to be part of the 330 submission or are they for a subsequent phase?

A39: These are part of Phase 1, and should part of the SF330 submission.

Q40: If part of the SF330 submission, are the Scenarios part of Factor 6 (Geography)?

A40: They are not specific to just Factor 6.

Q41: If the Scenarios are to be part of the 330, is the 60-page limit still correct? If yes, this will considerably impact the Offerors’ ability to demonstrate qualifications.

A41: The 60-page limit is for the entire submission, inclusive of the scenario responses.

Q42: The PTS Scenario 1 requires a complete Risk MAP cycle, including portions that may be relegated to the CERC contract. In responding to Scenario 1, what is the CERC role from project initiation to post-preliminary? How do we consider the role of the CERC provider when their scope of work is undefined at this time? Will FEMA please provide the scope of work for the CERC contract?

A42: The exact CERC solution and final scope are unknown at this time. Offerors are encouraged to utilize the draft SOO, available on fbo.gov, to assist in developing an approach for coordination with CERC.

Q43: In Scenario 1, are all of the regulatory products going to be produced to the current standards?

A43: Yes, please use that assumption.

Q44: Page 12 Reference: Factor 7 - Subcontracting Plan (Large Businesses Only) “The Agency will analyze the extent to which the Offeror’s small business subcontracting plan meets or exceeds FEMA and DHS small business goals, and provides for subcontracting with or purchasing services and supplies” - Is the 65% small business subcontracting goal based on the total amount subcontracted?

A44: Yes, that is correct; the 65% small business subcontracting goal is based on the total amount subcontracted.

Q45: Is FEMA asking for a formal Subcontracting Plan or a general approach to subcontracting?

A45: A formal plan.

Q46: If a formal Subcontracting Plan is desired, is this included in the SF330 Part I page count?

Please consider excluding a formal Subcontracting Plan from the SF330 Part I page count. A formal subcontracting plan within the 60-page limit would be a disadvantage to large businesses, as this is a multi-page document.

A46: In lieu of submitting multiple prime/subcontractor agreements that are nearly identical, offerors may submit a sample standard teaming agreement and letters of commitment from each subcontractor indicating that they have entered into a teaming agreement with the prime

Q47: Page 15 Reference: “Please complete this questionnaire and email by January 30, 2014 at 02:45 pm Washington DC time to: Contract Specialist Michael Sutton at michael.sutton@fema.dhs.gov” - Are the Offerors to send out these questionnaires? If so, how many does FEMA want each Offeror to submit?

A47: FEMA will evaluate all relevant sources of past performance information, including Sections F and H of the SF330. Offerors have discretion on how many past performance project questionnaires to submit, subject to other terms and limitations noted in the solicitation.

Q48: Are we to give our clients any special instructions?

A48: Only to send the completed form back to the Contract Specialist by the date and time listed in the solicitation.

Q49: Is there still a plan to have a separate contract for the non-A&E portions of HMTAP and TARC? If yes, can FEMA provide any further clarification on the scope for this contract as it impacts the PTS response to the scenarios or solution?

A49: FEMA still intends to procure non-A&E portions of HMTAP and TARC separate from this procurement. Exact details of scope, timing, etc. are not available at this time and will not be provided.

Q50: Does the 65% goal for small business mean that 65% of the sub-contracted work should be small business or that 65% of the total amount of the work completed should be small business?

A50: It means that our goal is 65% of the subcontracted work should be subcontracted to small businesses.

Q51: Will FEMA evaluate responses from all project questionnaires received for an offeror or will FEMA only evaluate 5 projects since the instructions on page 5 of the RFQ requests at least 5 projects be included in Section F?

A51: FEMA will evaluate all questionnaires received.

Q52: Will FEMA accept follow-up questions to clarify the responses that FEMA provides to the questions submitted by the January 3, 2014 2:45 pm deadline?

A52: No.

Q53: Should the Solicitation/Synopsis number referenced at the top of page 6 of the Solicitation that should be included on outer/shipping containers be HSFE60-14-R-0003 and not HSFE60- 13-R-001 as indicated?

A53: Yes, HSFE60-14-R-0003 is the correct Solicitation/Synopsis reference number.

Q54: The RFI issued in June 2013 included a section entitled, “Non-PTS/Non-A&E Elements of HMTAP/TARC. The Solicitation/Synopsis does not address the “Non-PTS/Non-A&E Elements of HMTAP/TARC” services such as benefit-cost analysis and grant application review. Are these services specifically excluded from this Solicitation?

A54: FEMA still intends to procure Non-PTS/Non-A&E portions of HMTAP and TARC separate from this procurement. Exact details of scope, timing, etc. are not available at this time and will not be provided.

Q55: How does FEMA intend to use the Microsoft version vs. the PDF version? / How will the Microsoft and PDF versions be used in the review and evaluation of the submittals? Will FEMA solely use the PDF version for scoring the proposals, and not the Word/Excel version? Our concern is that, if FEMA intends to use the Microsoft Word version of the submission to review the proposal using “tracking changes and editing”, the format will be modified due to edits made by reviewers and will not reflect the organization and structure submitted.

A55: FEMA will not modify/edit proposals in any way to conduct the evaluation and PDF versions will be accepted as noted above in question 12.

Q56: Can charts and graphs be submitted as a graphic version (jpg or similar) in the Microsoft Word submittal rather than Microsoft Excel?

A56: Yes.

Q57: At this time, CERC’s role is undefined by FEMA. There appears to be various opinions within FEMA on the CERC role. Yet, FEMA will be scoring responses based on CERC role assumptions. Would FEMA be willing to provide some standard assumptions related to the role of the CERC provider?

A57: See answer to similar questions above. In addition, FEMA has no official opinion / stance on CERC outside of what has been published on fbo.gov.

Q58: The standard SF330 form uses 10 point font and ½ inch margins. Did FEMA intend to deviate from this standard by requiring 11 point font and 1 inch margins?

A58: No, please use the GSA SF330 form as designed.

Q59: The solicitation provided three scenarios between Factor 6 and Factor 7. Is it FEMA’s intent to evaluate these responses as part of the scoring for Factor 6, or Factor 2, or separately?

A59: Responses to the scenarios should be as comprehensive as possible.

Q60: Regarding completion of the Past Performance Questionnaire for current Risk MAP PTS project performance, the current PTS contractors are all JVs or LLCs, but not all of the same JVs remain in place. Is it FEMA’s intent for the COR to complete one PPQ per JV in regard to the overall contract? Or may we request that one or more FEMA Project Managers complete the PPQ for projects they managed, which were performed directly by our firm, in order to provide a more accurate evaluation of our firm’s performance vs. the entire JV (which is not submitting together)?

A60: FEMA will not prescribe how Offerors obtain the Past Performance responses outside of limitations detailed in the solicitation.

Q61: Regarding the 300 word limit on responses to each task under Scenario 3, if we include a graphic, do the words in that graphic count against the 300 word limit?

A61: Yes.

Q62: If a cover letter or table of contents is included, will it count as one of the 60 pages?

A62: No.

Q63: Page 3, Purpose of Solicitation, paragraph 3: In reference to the statement, “Those offerors may compete for various projects and tasks as they may arise during the life of the contract.” Will price be an evaluation factor in task order competitions?

A63: Evaluation factors for Task Orders will be determined after Phase 1 of this procurement is completed.

Q64: Page 4: Due to a large subcontracting pool, can SF330 Section C be excluded from the overall 60 page limitation?

A64: In lieu of submitting multiple prime/subcontractor agreements that are nearly identical, offerors may submit a sample standard teaming agreement and letters of commitment from each subcontractor indicating that they have entered into a teaming agreement with the prime

Q65: Page 4: Please confirm that the “entity” referred to in the statement below is referring to a company within the JV. “Joint Ventures must include a copy of the legal joint venture agreement with the chief executive of each entity identified.”

A65: That is correct.

Q66: Page 5, SF 330, Part 1 (F): Is the COTR or COR considered an “Owner” for a reference in this section?

A66: A COR/COTR, Contracting Officer, or other party may be the owner.

Q67: Page 5: Is an indexed, searchable PDF document considered a Microsoft Word-compatible format?

A67: Yes.

Q68: Page 5: Can graphs and charts be placed in the Microsoft Word or compatible format document as images (e.g, jpg, tif, etc.)? If submitting charts and graphs separately in Microsoft Excel, will these count toward the 60 page limitation? If so, how will they be counted?

A68: Yes, charts and graphs submitted separately will count towards the 60 page limitation.

Q69: Page 5: Electronic copies are requested on CD, DVD or thumb drive. How many copies are requested?

A69: Please provide 8 total electronic copies to accompany the 8 total paper copies.

Q70: Page 6: Please clarify whether delivery confirmation will be provided by the Contracting Officer or Contract Specialist if a solicitation response is hand delivered.

A70: Yes, Mr. Taylor or Mr. Sutton can sign for the hand delivered responses to the solicitation as they are received.

Q71: Page 7: Please confirm the interviews, if held, would be sequenced prior to the RFPs being sent to the top Offerors.

A71: Yes.

Q72: Page 7: Can FEMA provide more information regarding the interviews, such as how they will be used to evaluate the Offerors against the evaluation factors?

A72: The word “interviews” on page 7 refers to the negotiation process, as described in FAR subpart 36.606. The “Selection Process” section on page 7 of the solicitation will be amended to further clarify the process.

Q73: Page 9 and Page 10: Professional certifications are requested in both Factor 3 and Factor

6. Please confirm that certifications only need to be addressed in Factor 3.

A73: Factor 6 doesn’t ask for Offerors to provide the certifications (like in Factor 3); but rather demonstrate their qualifications and adherence to the requirements in the geographic areas of the project.

Q74: Page 9, Factor 4: Would you please give more information regarding the size and dollar amount of this contract (i.e. contract ceiling), so that respondents can appropriately address capacity requirements under this factor?

A74: While the total Regional budget is not expected to change significantly from the current allocations, it may. In addition, the exact split between PTS, Community Engagement and Risk

Q75: Page 9, Factor 5: Please clarify how many questionnaires should be submitted and the recommended process for submitting the questionnaires.

A75: FEMA will evaluate all relevant sources of past performance information, including Sections F and H of the SF330. Offerors have discretion on how many past performance project questionnaires to submit, subject to other terms and limitations noted in the solicitation.

Q76: Page 10, Factor 6: In reference to the statement, “In addition, the Government will evaluate the Offeror’s experience generating products compliant with all national, regional, state, and local rules and regulations, with all necessary certifications; and with appropriately licensed/certified personnel (Professional Engineers, Professional Surveyors)…. And the ability to rapidly deploy staff to offer technical services.” Does the Government anticipate a requirement for a professional engineer or surveyor to be licensed in a specific state in order to perform work in that specific state? Will having a professional license in one state be sufficient for all states under this contract?

A76: Each state has varying requirements for certification and licensing, and the contractor must comply with those requirements for any area in question.

Q77: Page 10-12: Where in the response to the Solicitation should the three scenarios be addressed? As part of Factor 6, or as a separate section/factor?

A77: Responses to the scenarios should be as comprehensive as possible.

Q78: Page 10-12: Is it FEMA’s intention that the three PTS scenarios (5 pages for Montana Run Watershed, 5 pages for Disaster Strikes and the 300 words per task in the Standard Operations scenario) be excluded from the 60 page limit because the page count for these scenarios are prescribed separately in the Solicitation?

A78: The 60-page limit is for the entire submission, inclusive of the scenario responses.

Q79: Page 10 – 12, Factor 6: How will the responses to PTS scenarios 1-3 be evaluated? As part of Factor 6, or separately?

A79: Responses to the scenarios should be as comprehensive as possible.

Q80: Page 10 – 12, Factor 6: Please confirm that the 5 page allotment for each of scenarios 1 and 2 is a maximum page limitation and responses may be less than that maximum?

A80: Yes, that is correct.

Q81: Page 11-12, Scenario 3: Do tables count toward the 300 word limitation per task for Scenario 3?

A81: Yes, that is correct, words in the tables count toward the word limit.

Q82: Page 12, Factor 7: Please confirm that a formal Subcontracting Plan is not required in this section, but rather an overview of how the entity will meet subcontracting goals. If a formal Subcontracting Plan is required, we are requesting that the Subcontracting Plan not be included in the 60 page count limitation because subcontracting plans that meet SBA requirements are usually at least 10 to 15 pages in length.

A82: Please include a subcontracting summary in the 60-page limit and we will allow up to a 10-page annex/attachment with details, with the understanding that this is for the Subcontracting plan itself, not all of the agreements/documents.

Q83: Page 12, Factor 7: Please confirm that the subcontracting goals listed represent a percent of the subcontracted dollars in accordance with FAR 52.219-9. (July 2013).

A83: That is correct.

Q84: Page 12, Factor 7: The significantly increased percentage goals for HUBzone and Small Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses than standard could encourage offerors to potentially add firms with little or no experience with PTS A&E services simply to appear to meet goals. Is it possible that these percentage goals could be revised?

A84: No, not at this time.

Q85: Page 13: Please clarify the wording “The following rating scale applies to Factor 4 – past performance”. Should this read “Factor 5 – past performance”?

A85: That is correct, Factor 5.

Q86: Page 17, Contract Information, Paragraph 1: In reference to the statement, “The resulting contracts will be structured to allow for issuance of Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) and Firm Fixed Price (FFP) task orders.” Will award fee determinations be awarded based on an individual contractor’s performance on a task order or based on the collective performance of the contractors during a Period of Performance? For example, if Contractor A earns an evaluation rating of 90 on its TO for MT2 processing and Contractor B earns a rating of 30 on its TO for MT2 processing, will the ratings be combined such that each contractor is paid an award fee based on a rating of 60?

A86: FEMA will not comment on notional award fee metrics or mechanics at this time.

Q87: Page 20, Scope/Mission, Universal Objective C: Will a contractor that develops a better “mouse trap” for PTS production be required to share that technology with the other contractor if the technology is proprietary to the Contractor (not developed with contract funds) but used for the contract?

A87: FEMA will not require a PTS contractor to share proprietary technology with another PTS contractor.

Q88: Page 20, Scope/Mission, Universal Objective D: Will information regarding FIMA’s governance structure be provided through the virtual library?

A88: Yes. Information on the current governance structure is already posted, and should any changes be made, the updated information will be provided.

Q89: Page 22, Objective 3, bullet 4: In reference to the statement, “Achieve a marked reduction in the overall cost of processing MT-2s in each year of the contract.” Given that PTS processing is fairly mature and efficiencies have been realized over the years, there will be a point when reducing cost will impact on quality and safety and consequently, the contractor will be deficient in meeting that objective. Will the government consider not basing the objective solely on a marked yearly reduction in cost, but, on a safer alternative, for example, evidence of improved efficiency impacting on cost, quality and/or responsiveness each year of the contract.

A89: FEMA will not change the Objective at this time.

Q90: Page 23, Objective 6, bullet 2: Will a contractor be required to share its proprietary processes, systems or approaches with the competing PTS contractor or any other contractor?

A90: FEMA will not require a PTS contractor to share proprietary technology with another PTS contractor.

Q91: Page 24, E Constraints, paragraph 4: “and deliver data that can be incorporated into other GIS systems without the use of proprietary software. Please clarify the term “proprietary software.” What is your preferred data delivery format?

A91: FEMA does not have a preferred data delivery format above and beyond the limitations set forth in the solicitation and in the standards available on FEMA’s website.