15-R-00089_-_Q A_Log_-_FINAL.pdf

PIID: HSHQDC-15-R-00089 Draft RFP for the Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center FFRDC 30 June 2015

Question Answer Section Ref.

4.1 states that the contractor is to submitted “approved” Forward Pricing Rate Agreements to the DHS Contracting Officer as they are approved. Does the lack of an approved Forward Pricing Rate Agreement preclude an entity from submitting a proposal?

No, the Government may not exclude an entity from competition on this basis. B.4.1

2 What is the reason(s) for the refocus on operational analyses?

The Government does not feel that the current focus areas, as described in the existing studies and analysis FFRDC, have resulted in significant growth and utilization of the FFRDC since its establishment.

C

3 What does DHS mean or intend to convey by the term “renewed” competencies?

The Government is applying the word "renewed" in the same framework as "refocused." C

4 Can a For-Profit entity be a parent institution?

DHS FFRDCs may be operated, managed, or administered by a university or consortium of universities, other not-for-profit or nonprofit organization, an industrial firm as an autonomous organization, or as an identifiable separate operating unit of a parent organization under a strict conflict of interest regime.

C.1.2

5 Can an organization that is currently operating a DHS FFRDC compete for the HSOAC FFRDC contract?

Entities currently operating a DHS FFRDC that has a different fundamental purpose from the HSOAC are ineligible to compete for the operation of the HSOAC if a formal RFP is issued.

C.1.2

The section states “The nature of their mission requires that FFRDCs operate in a strategic relationship with their sponsors. FFRDCs and sponsors commit to a stable and long-term relationship.” (emphasis added) Para 5.1.1 states that “The contract ordering period (COP) is for five (5) years from the date of the award.” Would the Government consider a COP construct that would allow the contractor to be awarded a much longer COP; say 10-15 years based on performance, to allow the desired stable and long-term relationship to be realized. COPs of this nature and duration are not unusual for FFRDCs. We suggest options be added to the procurement to allow multiple 2-year extensions to the COP for a total COP on the order of at least 10 years.

The COP limit to 5 years is drawn from Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 35.017 and the requirement to conduct a review every 5 years.

C.1.3

This section states “The HSOAC refocuses the existing [HSSAI] FFRDC with comprehensive and renewed competencies in operational analyses…”. Please explain in what areas the HSOAC intends to “refocus” and “renew” HSSAI competencies and why?

The Government does not feel that the current focus areas, as described in the existing studies and analysis FFRDC, have resulted in significant growth and utilization of the FFRDC since its establishment. The Government is applying the word "renewed" in the same framework as "refocused."

C.2.1

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PIID: HSHQDC-15-R-00089 Draft RFP for the Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center FFRDC 30 June 2015

Although the government states in Section C.2.1 that “The HSOAC refocuses the existing Homeland Security Studies and Analysis Institute (HSSAI) FFRDC with comprehensive and renewed core competencies in operational analyses”, operational analysis is listed in Section C.3.2 below the five focus areas. By contrast, it was the first area listed in the Request for Information. If the government intends to refocus on operational analysis, why is it apparently deemphasized in the draft RFP Scope?

The organization of the focus areas in the SOW is not intended to reflect an emphasis or de-emphasis on the FFRDC's capabilities.

C.2.1 & C.3.2

Section C.2.2 states “the FFRDC shall provide recommendations for policy and operational changes, as well as technology insertion concepts, throughout the federal, state, local, tribal, public and private sector organizations that make up the homeland security enterprise.” Additionally, Section 3.2.2. Acknowledgement for Non-DHS Sponsored Tasks seems to indicate that entities from across the homeland security enterprise, including other federal departments and agencies and state, local, and tribal governments, can sponsor tasks for HSOAC. Is this correct?

Yes, however funding and requirements, per DHS policy, must be provided to the FFRDC through the Science and Technology Directorate for outside entities such as those described in this question.

C.2.2 & C.3.2.2

Although the FFRDC client is clearly DHS and other Federal, state, local, tribal, public and private sector organizations are identified as part of the homeland security enterprise, the Scope (3. Scope, pages 5-9) focuses very largely on only DHS and its components. What is the expected role of the HSOAC in working with the identified pieces of the broader homeland Security enterprise?

There is no defined expected role, but the HSOAC FFRDC will be available as a HSE-wide (e.g., Federal, state, local, tribal, public and private sector organizations) resource.

C.3

By listing Acquisition Studies first in Section C.3.1.1, does the government envision this focus area as receiving particular emphasis by HSOAC? Doesn’t S&T have substantial internal acquisition capability and aren’t similar services to some of those required here already provided by SEDI? Please clarify the distinction between existing acquisition capabilities and those required from HSOAC.

The focus of Acqusition Studies in the draft RFP is being revised to reflect Acquisition on an institutional, rather than system-specific, basis, i.e., making the distinction between Acquisition (how an organization conducts itself as a buyer), and acquisition of specific systems.

C.3.1.1

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PIID: HSHQDC-15-R-00089 Draft RFP for the Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center FFRDC 30 June 2015

The last bullet under Section C.3.1.1 requests “Development of acquisition documentation for DHS Components including:

Request for Proposals (RFP), Request for Quote (RFQ), sources sought documents, technical work statements (PWS, SOW, SOO)”, which are typically provided to the government by for profit companies. Does the government want HSOAC to provide these more traditional procurement services?

No, this requirement has been removed and will be reflected in revisions to the draft RFP. C.3.1.1

Organizational Studies states “Conduct assessments and make recommendations to strengthen DHS Component social relations and influence in politically sensitive subjects…” What is meant by “social relations”?

This is being revised to "public relations…" rather than "social relations" to reflect studies on DHS component interactions with the public, and public perceptions of DHS components' actions and policies.

C.3.1.3

In Section C.3.1.4 Regulatory, Doctrine and Policy Studies, the government requires the HSOAC to perform regulatory assessment. Is the emphasis in this focus area more on looking at existing regulatory schemes and recommending ways in which those processes can be improved or in conducting the baseline economic analysis and other burdens under the Administrative Procedures Act and OMB Guidance to assess the total cost(s) of proposed regulations?

The Government anticipates work in both of these areas, as well as the potential for work in other areas related to regulatory, and policy assessments

C.3.1.4

Comment: the DRFP scope, even in para 3.2, does not seem to describe either “comprehensive” or "renewed” competencies in operational analyses.

This will be addressed in the forthcoming revisions to the draft SOW that will be posted on FBO in the near term. C.3.2

Reference paragraph 4.1 S&T FFRDC Program Management Office (PMO) (page 9 of 68) The paragraph states that the PMO will provide support to the FFRDC in reaching across the DHS to secure task orders. Please discuss further how specific task orders will be solicited and secured? What is the role of the HSOAC in reaching out to the breadth of DHS in securing task orders? Since it appears that 95% of the expected work of the FFRDC will be “tactical”, the Contractor’s skill and approach in developing potential work may prove a critical asset.

The PMO will be responsible for promoting the FFRDC across the Department as a resource. It is expected that the HSOAC would assist in providing educational materials on its capabilities to assist the PMO in conducting Department-wide outreach efforts.

C.4.1

17 Will the management plan be required as an element of the proposal? Yes. C.4.2

18 Will a notional research plan be required as part of the proposal? Yes. C.4.3

Section C.4.3 Research Plan describes how HSOAC priorities are established. How will this prioritization process relate to the project selection process already used by S&T to select their research portfolio?

The HSOAC Research Plan will be provided to the Advisory Group to leverage and assist DHS/S&T in determining Strategic (i.e. Core Research) task orders. The DHS/S&T research portfolio has no direct bearing on the HSOAC Research Plan.

C.4.3

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PIID: HSHQDC-15-R-00089 Draft RFP for the Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center FFRDC 30 June 2015

The Core Research Status Report (CRSR) is not listed as a contract or task order deliverable in C.6.2.10 or C.6.2.11. Is it a discrete deliverable? If so, is it due annually or more frequently?

The CRSR will be a deliverable under a task order issued for the performance of the work outlined in C.4.3. C.4.3.10

Section C.4.3.2 states “The work outlined in the Research Plan must not overly benefit one particular organization over another as determined by the FFRDC Advisory Group”. What is the membership and role of the FFRDC Advisory Group

(AG)?

The primary role of the AG is providng input to the FFRDC's Core Research Program and helping establish funding priorirties with particular emphahsis on Core Research efforts that are forward leaning and have application and benefit across the Department. The AG is chaired either by the US/ST or an S&T designee consistent with the footnote in this seciton which states that "Senior leadership is defined as members of DHS organizational elements’ staff at the Senior Executive Service (SES) level or higher."

C.4.3.2

22 Can the Government explain what is meant by "leveraging, refocusing, or redeveloping work performed for others?"

"Work performed for others" in this instance means work performed for another Federal customer that may have DHS applications if it is further developed. Revisions to this section to clarify this are forthcoming.

C.4.3.6

23 This section appears to be a fragment. Please clarify. This section is revised as it is part of the list under the previous section. C.4.3.8

How does the Government anticipate approving work? Does it intend to approve a fiscal year's worth of task order projects and core research projects at once, or will task order projects and core research projects be approved throughout the fiscal year?

Projects will be approved throughout the FY as requirements are identified. C.4.4

Reference paragraph 4.4.3 Strategic Projects (page 12 of 68) Please clarify the first sentence of the paragraph. It seems to say that strategic projects will comprise no more than 5% of the total estimated costs of the HSOAC but then, in the later part of the sentence, “tactical portfolio” is referenced. Please quantify the expected percentage of the total estimated costs that will be tactical and what will be strategic.

Each tactical project is assessed an amount equal to 5% of it's overall price. This amount is used to fund strategic (Core Research) projects.

C.4.4.3

Section C.4.4.3.1 states “Strategic projects will comprise no more than five (5) percent of the total estimated costs of the HSOAC’s operator’s tactical project portfolio that is currently under performance.” Why is DHS limiting strategic projects to 5% of the value of tactical projects?

This is based on historical precedent within DHS and its use of it's FFRDCs. The Government is taking the option of increasing this amount under further consideration.

C.4.4.3.1

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PIID: HSHQDC-15-R-00089 Draft RFP for the Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center FFRDC 30 June 2015

Can the Government explain the task order award process?

For example, does the Government anticipate that tactical projects will be primarily initiated by various DHS organizational elements and submitted to the PMO or primarily initiated by the Contractor? Are DHS organizational elements anticipated to submit FFRDC requirements on an annual basis?

Following a PMO appropriateness review of a given DHS component's tactical requirements consistent with DHS policy and FAR 35, the DHS component will be able to place its order directly with the FFRDC operator. Additional revisions and clarifications will be made to Section G in the release of the next draft RFP revision. The FFRDC Operator will be encouraged to collaborate with components to ensure the HSOAC FFRDC's capabilities are utilized to their maximum extent.

C.4.4.4

Reference paragraph 5.1 Contract Ordering Period (page 13 of 68) Reference is made to a 5 year COP. Will the Government consider a longer COP commensurate with the special nature of an FFRDC, the stated long term mission relationship and the practice of other FFRDC contracts? A 3 year Base Period and multiple 2 year options provide a reasonable term for the Contractor to make investments which will ensure the HSOAC success.

This section is being revised to address the renewal possibility in conjunction with the Comprehensive Review;

however, no option language will be included.

C.5.1

The DFRFP states that “a substantial effort is expected to be deployed on-site at DHS locations.” Does DHS have an estimate (number or percentage) of how many “on-site” positions are required and the specific roles for these positions?

Since this requirement is dependent on the task orders funded under the proposed Contract, the Government cannot provide an estimate.

C.5.2

Can the Government define "substantial effort" for staff deployed onsite at DHS locations in terms of the amount of activity or type of activities?

This is dependent on the requirements of given task orders and cannot be adequately defined at this time. C.5.2.1

31 Are all DHS locations where a substantial Contractor effort is expected to be deployed located in the DC area?

While the majority of DHS work locations are anticipated to be in the DC commuting area, the possibilty of work being required at other locations cannot be ruled out.

C.5.2.1

Field offices to which other staff may be assigned are stated to include Contractor activities. Is there any expectation of assigning Contractor staff to DHS field offices?

Yes. C.5.2.1

Section C.5.2.1 Place of Performance states “Unless otherwise provided for under a funded project, the FFRDC operator is responsible for providing the necessary space, equipment, support, and technical personnel to establish, set up and manage the FFRDC.” Can contractor FFRDC staff be integrated into its facility with other contractor staff or does the FFRDC staff have to be housed in a separate facility? If a separate facility is required, please define what that means, e.g., solid walls and doors limiting access to FFRDC staff, location on a separate floor of an office building from other contractor staff, or location in a completely physically separate facility.

This is dependent on the layout of the Contractor's facility.

Under an open floorplan concept, all staff are required to have favorably-ajudicated DHS fitness checks.

C.5.2.1

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PIID: HSHQDC-15-R-00089 Draft RFP for the Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center FFRDC 30 June 2015

Section C.5.2.3 states “The FFRDC operator must provide, at their Washington, D.C. location, a room...” By Washington, D.C. location, does the government mean in the Washington, DC metropolitan area?

This is revised to read "Washington, DC metropolitan area" in the forthcoming revisions to the draft RFP. C.5.2.3

Reference paragraph 5.3 Transition (page 14 of 68) A Transition Plan is appropriate however the Government will need to provide a description (scope, funding status, timeline and deliverables) of the incumbent’s task that are expected to be impacted on the projected start date.

This will be addressed in the formal RFP which will include a sample task order specifically for transition of FFRDC-level operations.

C.5.3

36 Does the Government anticipate any overlap between the existing and new FFRDC contracts?

Yes, the two contracts will overlap as the former studies and analysis FFRDC winds down and the new iteration begins performance.

C.5.3.1

37 Will a notional transition plan be required as part of the proposal? Yes. C.5.3.1

38 Re item #1, Will the Government explain how it will determine that the operations transition has been completed?

The Government will consider the operations transition successfully completed when transfer of any DHS-furnished property (equipment and information) necessary for the HSOAC FFRDC to perform its work effectively has been completed. This effort will be further outlined in a sample task order to be included in the formal RFP.

C.6.1

Footnote 13 states that “If required, a formal Transition Plan will be required as a deliverable under the Contract at award.”

Please clarify under what conditions the Transition Plan would be required and whether or not the Transition Plan needs to be included in the proposal.

A Contract-level Transition Plan will be required to be submitted as part of the offeror's proposal. In addition, issued task orders may require transition activities which must be detailed in a task order-level Transition Plan. This will be dependent upon the requirements of a given task order.

C.6.1

Can the Government explain what is required in the Quality Control Plan (QCP) and Compensation Plan listed under the Management Plan?

The Government will not dictate a QCP except as stated in the draft RFP. A sound QCP is considered part of an offeror's value proposition in its proposal, and will be evaluated as such. While the final requirements for the Compensation Plan contents are still being determined, the bare minimum must allow for the Government to evaluate proposed employee compensation consistent with the provision at FAR 52.222-46.

C.6.2.10

41 Can the Government explain the requirements development and proposal submission process?

The requirements development and proposal submission process have recently undergone substantial revisions and streamlining from the processes that have been used with DHS FFRDCs in the past. The entre process will be outlined in detail in an amendment to the draft RFP.

G.5.3

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PIID: HSHQDC-15-R-00089 Draft RFP for the Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center FFRDC 30 June 2015

Can the government confirm the assumption that any unilateral task order will be in compliance with the scope, terms and conditions of the master contract?

Correct. All task orders, including those issued pursuant to the unilateral authority cited here, must be in accordance with the scope, terms, and conditions of the IDIQ. In addition, all work performed must be determined to be appropriate for the HSOAC FFRDC to engage in consistent with FAR Subpart

35.017 and DHS-wide policies.

G.5.5

43 Does the FFRDC have the ability to decline work?

Under the unilateral issuance procedures here, which will not be the majority of issued tasks, if the HSOAC operator chooses to decline unilaterally-issued work it will be considered a contract dispute under the clause at FAR 52.233-1, “Disputes” consistent with this section of the RFP.

G.5.5

The requirement for a quarterly Task Order Closeout Report is not listed in C.6.2.10 Contract Deliverables. Is this a discrete contract level deliverable?

This will be included in the Contract Deliverables table in the edits to the draft RFP. G.5.6.3

Section G.7.1 Audits states “If the HSOAC FFRDC is included in an overall annual audit of their parent company, it will satisfy the annual audit requirement as long as such parent company audit is conducted in accordance with the same requirements and the HSOAC FFRDC is separately identified and accounted for in this audit.” By “separately identified and accounted for” does the government mean as a line item within the audit or a full “audit within an audit”?

For the audit requirement here to be fulfilled, the HSOAC may be either a line item in a larger audit of the parent institution, or carved-out in an audit separate from the parent institution.

G.7.1

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PIID: HSHQDC-15-R-00089 Draft RFP for the Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center FFRDC 30 June 2015

Why limit subcontracting? It severely limits the depth and breadth of the expertise available to service DHS. It forces the Contractor to staff the HSOAC with broadly experienced in-house generalists who may be flexible in developing specialized insight in a particular subject area but who will require a distinct learning curve to do so. The extent of the “issues” that HSOAC may be called upon to address, the rapidly changing nature of the threats and the urgency of addressing those challenges expertly and quickly argues for a robust source of experts. Since many future threats are unknowable now, the kinds of threat experts are similarly unknowable now. The HSOAC Contractor would be much stronger if they had a detailed Subcontracting Management Plan which clearly described the means they will use to identify, secure and manage the most appropriate talent for any assigned task. We note that there was no such limitation on subcontracting in the prior HS SAI procurement (RFP No.

HSHQDC-09-R-00016) and strongly recommend the limitation be removed.

The Government is considering increasing the percentage for permitted subcontracting; if changed, this will be reflected in the next version of the draft RFP.

G.8

Reference paragraph G.8 Subcontracting (page 30 of 68) Referencing the percentage of Subcontracting as a percentage of Total expected funding (rather than as a percentage of expected Subcontracting) is a more meaningful way of describing subcontracting plans and comparing the intentions amongst bidders. The DHS Small Business Goals are based on the total dollars contracted through Small Businesses. A Subcontract Management Plan which makes clear how a bidders plans coincide with the DHS goals should be a part of the evaluation criteria.

The Government is still considering appropriate evaluation criteria that would be truly reflective of priorities and concerns related to FFRDC operation. Sections L and M will be included in the next draft RFP.

G.8

The 2009 RFP and we assume the resulting HSSAI contract made substantial reference to the role of Small Business participation in the HSSAI. The DRFP for the HSOAC limits subcontracting to 5% or less and then places the DHS goals for SB participation on that small percentage (32% of 5% or less). This is hardly in accord with the FAR requirement for SB participation. We recommend that the G.8 restriction be removed completely and that a Subcontract Management Plan be required to express SB participation as a percentage of total cost (Not subcontracted cost).

The Government is considering increasing the percentage for permitted subcontracting. A Subcontracting Plan will be a required part of the offeror's proposal. The intent of limiting the percentage to a relatively small percentage is to require the FFRDC to build and establish a strong set of internal capabilities within the FFRDC rather than subcontracting large portions of work that are arguably within the FFRDC's domain's of expertise. Subcontracting, while an important component of the overall management of the FFRDC, should not be the primary method through which the FFRDC enhances its capabilities.

G.8

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PIID: HSHQDC-15-R-00089 Draft RFP for the Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center FFRDC 30 June 2015

Please explain what is meant by "To receive credit for subcontractor capabilities, the prime will need to guarantee that particular types of tasks and required expertise and facilities will be provided by the sub-contracted partner." Is this related to the evaluation criteria for the proposal? How does the Government plan to evaluate a guarantee?

There is no evaluation criteria related to this requirement. G.8

It would be advantageous to the government for the contractor to utilize teammates and other corporate entities as subcontractors to provide or enhance the overall capabilities provided by the FFRDC. What is the intent and purpose of limiting subcontracting to not more than 5% of the total STE for a given year? We strongly suggest the limitation on subcontracting be eliminate or increased to 50%. What is the current subcontracting limitation on the existing HSSAI contract?

The Government is considering increasing the percentage for permitted subcontracting. The intent of limiting the percentage to a relatively small percentage is to require the FFRDC to build and establish a strong set of internal capabilities within the FFRDC rather than subcontracting large portions of work that are arguably within the FFRDC's domain's of expertise.

G.8

Assuming the government does not change the restriction on subcontracting, are Joint Ventures an acceptable means to create an organizational entity that can submit a response to the final RFP?

JVs are distinct legal entities in themselves and would not count against a subcontracting limitation depending on the precise structure of the JV.

G.8

Do the DHS HQ small business goals in this section represent total goals for all contracted funds? How do they relate to the 5% limitation established?

The percentage limitation represents the total amount of dollars available for subcontracting. The DHS HQ small business goals are percentages taken from that resulting dollar amount, e.g., of the total amount of subcontracts let, 32% of them (by total dollars) must be awarded to small businesses.

G.8

Please clarify/confirm that the total subcontract opportunities shall not exceed five percent (5%) of the total STE for a given contract year.

The Government is considering increasing the percentage for permitted subcontracting; if changed, this will be reflected in the next version of the draft RFP.

G.8

H.10.1.b states that the Contractor shall formulate a proposed contingency plan "prior to the award of this contract, or at the time of incorporation of this clause into a contract by modification…" Will this contingency plan be required in the proposal?

Yes, contigency plans may also be called for under tasks issued during the IDIQ Contract's performance depending on the requirements of a given task.

H.10

55 As per DoD’s practice; does DHS plan on everyone (analyst and management level) to be automatically badged by S&T?

Not all personnel will be badged, only those requiring recurring and regular access to DHS facilities. H.4

Will the Government explain what, if any, security requirements must be met to be eligible to bid on this contract? For example, 4.1 is titled Sensitive Compartmented Information and Facility Clearance Requirement, but no SCI facility requirement is stated.

There are no pre-established eligibility requirements at this time with regard to security. H.4, H.4.1

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PIID: HSHQDC-15-R-00089 Draft RFP for the Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center FFRDC 30 June 2015

Presuming that some sensitive government information will reside on the Contractor's servers, will the Government require all Contractor IT personnel who will have administrative access to that information to go through the suitability process?

Please refer to the clause at HSAR 3052.204-71 as included in the draft RFP at Section I.11. Under paragraph (c) of that clause, the Contracting Officer may require Contractor personnel requiring access to IT resources to submit information for suitability/fitness determinations.

H.4.2

Since the Contractor cannot predict when projects will include sensitive government information, will the Government process suitability for a core group of Contractor staff upon contract award?

Yes. Also note that sensitive information requirements in a given task order will be identified during task requirements development.

H.4.2

Is there a requirement that all proposed key staff have a prior (and active) favorably adjudicated Suitability background investigation prior to award of the FFRDC contract?

While this would assist in initial operation of the new FFRDC's organization, it is not a condition of selection for award.

H.4.2

Are Contractor staff who work off-site in an unclassified status with no access to DHS facilities or IT systems but who do not hold a national security clearance verified through DISCO eligible to obtain Off-Site Contractor Approval?

This is a factor that will need to be assessed based on the requirements of a given task. H.4.3

Are Contractor staff who obtain Off-Site Contractor Approval authorized to see unclassified but sensitive Government information?

This is a factor that will need to be assessed based on the requirements of a given task. H.4.3

Clause 52.211-11 indicates that liquidated damages of $150,000 per day will be applied. This amount seems excessive. Is this number correct?

This is correct and is intended to reflect the importance of the HSOAC's operation to DHS. I.1

Does the Government anticipate that the Contractor IT system will have connectivity to a DHS network or networks on a continuing basis (as implied in I.11.i)?

Yes, this will definitiely be a requirement for the HSOAC to be successful. I.10

64 What IT security requirements will be required to be addressed in the proposal? The offeror will be required to submit an IT security plan. I.10

Does this mean that any Contractor IT or administrative staff who are able to access Contractor IT sites that may house sensitive government information are required to go through suitability?

This clause does contemplate such a scenario. I.11.c

This clause suggests that non-US citizens may be able to work on the contract in some capacity. Would non-US citizens be eligible for Off-Site Contractor Approval?

This will be addressed on a task order by task order basis.

Regardless, non-U.S. citizens shall not be authorized to access Department IT systems.

I.11.l

67 Can the Government identify which Contractor positions or facilities will be designated as key? The offeror will be responsible for proposing these. I.13

Will the Government be providing an opportunity for industry comment on the planned sections L and M of the solicitation?

If so, what is the timeline?

The Government does plan on posting all sections of the draft RFP after the Industry Day event, and in advance of the formal RFP posting.

N/A

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PIID: HSHQDC-15-R-00089 Draft RFP for the Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center FFRDC 30 June 2015

Please clarify whether the MITRE Corporation, as the HSSEDI FFRDC contractor, will be precluded from bidding on or operating the HSOAC or any other DHS FFRDC.

The MITRE Corp. may not compete for the operation of another DHS FFRDC. N/A

Please describe the anticipated organizational conflict of interest restrictions and concerns that will apply to the

HSOAC.

While the final OCI and personal conflict of interest restriction regime is still under development, the general parameters may be found at Section H.6 of the draft RFP document.

N/A

Will there be opportunities for a single individual to serve as a Principal Investigator (PI) for supporting technology transition, unique or strategic initiatives such as working closely with DHS S&T for rapid solutions and needs?

This is a consideration that may be particular to a given award funded under the proposed IDIQ once it is awarded. N/A

The 2009 RFP for the HSSAI stated that the “core program” was expected to account for 20% of the total funding of the FFRDC, the balance being task order work. What is the estimated level of total funding for the core component of the

HSOAC?

The Core Research Program estimated budget may be found at Section C.4.4.3 of the draft RFP. N/A

The 2009 RFP for the HSSAI made specific mention for the need to augment in-house staff of the HSSAI with a “consultative strategy to reach beyond in house staff” and subcontracting arrangements “to provide or enhance proposed capabilities”. We believe these are import tenants in keeping the HSOAC current, flexible and quick to respond to new challenges, yet section G.8 of the DRFP places a limit on subcontracting to not exceed 5% annually. We believe this is a major and unproductive limitation which should be removed.

The Government is considering increasing the percentage for permitted subcontracting. Subcontracting, while an important component of the overall management of the FFRDC, should not be the primary method through which the FFRDC enhances its capabilities.

N/A

An acknowledged limitation of the current HSSAI has been the outreach of the FFRDC, beyond the S&T Directorate and into the other DHS components and even broader Homeland Security Enterprise. Please explain how the HSOAC is intended to interact with all the components of DHS and the broader Homeland Security Enterprise.

The PMO will be responsible for promoting the FFRDC across the Department as a resource. It is expected that the HSOAC would assist in providing educational materials on its capabilities to assist the PMO in conducting Department-wide outreach efforts.

N/A

We recommend the HSOAC follow the model from the HSSAI RFP in highlighting the benefit of a Prime offeror’s participation in the DHS Mentor-Protégé Program.

The appropriate clauses and provisions for the Mentor- Protégé will be included in the draft RFP. N/A

We expected to see a better tracking of the DRFP with the DHS 2014-2018 Strategic Plan, especially the Analytic Agenda presented in the Strategic Plan. Can you explain why there appears to be a difference?

The Government has continued to revise the draft requirements posted on 2 Jun. The revisions to be posted later will track the DHS Strategic Plan (2014-18), the QHSR, and other priorities/considerations identified as part of the revision process.

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PIID: HSHQDC-15-R-00089 Draft RFP for the Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center FFRDC 30 June 2015

Cyber security remains a pressing and growing threat. The 2014 Quadrennial Homeland Security Review noted the need for action, yet the DRFP makes little mention of Cyber security. Is cyber security an important element of the

HSOAC?

Cyber security is a pressing and growing threat, the next revision of the draft RFP will include closer alignment of the focus areas to include the importance of the Quadrennial Homeland Security Review. However, the technical considerations regarding cyber security are the domain of DHS's systems engineering FFRDC.

N/A

The 2014 Quadrennial Homeland Security Review noted the enforcement and administration of immigration laws and strengthening national preparedness and resilience as priorities, yet the scope in the DRFP does not clearly address these. Are they important elements of what HSOAC will be expected to address?

The Government has continued to revise the draft requirements posted on 2 Jun. The revisions to be posted later will track the DHS Strategic Plan (2014-18), the QHSR, and other priorities/considerations identified as part of the revision process.

N/A

79 What is the current FTE level-of-effort for the HSSAI and what level-of-effort is expected for the HSOAC?

Static STE levels-of-effort are not maintained for DHS's FFRDCs. N/A

The June 15 cover letter indicates an anticipated release of the RFP on or about August 2015. Given the extent of questions that you have received and the particularly busy time of the year incurred at the end of the fiscal year, is an end of August still the anticipated RFP release date?

The anticipated release timeline for the formal RFP has not changed. N/A

81 Do you plan to release a draft sponsoring agreement in advance of the final RFP?

A draft of the proposed Sponsoring Agreement will only be included in the formal RFP release. N/A

82 Do you plan to release draft sections L and M in advance of the final RFP?

Yes. These will be posted to FBO within one to two weeks of the industry day. N/A

83 Will the final RFP contain task orders? If so, will they be live or sample task orders?

Yes, the task orders to be included in the formal RFP will be for actual requirements. N/A

MD143-04 section VI.E.2 states that the US(S&T) will establish a workload annually by STE for each FFRDC . What is the anticipated budget and or workload per year for the contract in either STE and/or dollars as appropriate?

Parts of this information will be included in the formal RFP release. The actual estimated budget for the HSOAC will not be disclosed.

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Is the government planning on specifying staff categories with qualifications and level of effort expected for bidding purposes? If not, how is DHS planning to ensure that competing bids are based on comparable staff?

Levels-of-effort will be included for the IDIQ in an amendment for the draft RFP as well as the formal RFP release. The technical labor mix for the IDIQ, as well as the sample task orders provided in the formal RFP release will be evaluated as part of each offeror's overall value proposition.

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PIID: HSHQDC-15-R-00089 Draft RFP for the Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center FFRDC 30 June 2015

Is DHS restricting this procurement to not-for-profit organizations? While it might make sense to allow for profit entities to compete for certain procurement operations, such as to operate a highly specialized laboratory in which there are a very small number of potential competitors, there are a comparatively large number of FFRDC operators and other not-for- profit organizations that are FFRDC-like that provide analytic studies and similar types of support.

The procurement will be open to all responsible, technically-qualified sources that are willing to agree to the terms of the resultant Contract.

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Are contractors that are currently operating FFRDCs within the Department of Homeland Security prohibited from competing for this procurement? The Department should have the benefit of multiple perspectives in crafting solutions to its most pressing problems. It is highly likely that the SEDI and the HSOAC will need to work on simultaneous issues from differing perspectives (CONOP development vs. system design) and having the same FFRDC operator involved in both sides of that transaction (regardless of contractual form) potentially is an “impaired judgment” organizational conflict of interest.

A current DHS FFRDC operator may not operate another DHS FFRDC if the basic purpose of that other FFRDC differs from the FFRDC currently operated by that entity.

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Does the government anticipate that HSOAC will facilitate implementation and not just produce studies, analyses, and reports?

Implementation of recommendations from the HSOAC FFRDC may be included in some task orders, but the nature of the task requirements will drive the need for the FFRDC's involvement.

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Does the government anticipate issuing a management task order to cover management and administrative costs of operating HSOAC? Alternatively, will such costs be covered as a direct portion of all task orders or as part of the indirect charge structure?

The Government anticipates the award of a single task order for the management and development of the Core Research Program. The general management and administration costs of the HSOAC should be handled in accordance with the parent institution's accounting procedures and policies and the requirements of GAGAS.

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How does HSOAC compare and contrast with HSSAI? What aspects of mission, scope, and capabilities are different?

What motivated the change in focus?

The Government does not feel that the current focus areas, as described in the existing studies and analysis FFRDC, have resulted in significant growth and utilization of the FFRDC since its establishment.

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PIID: HSHQDC-15-R-00089 Draft RFP for the Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center FFRDC 30 June 2015

Reference paragraph 2. Background (page 4 of 68) The paragraph discusses the refocusing of the HSSAI yet the Scope of the HSOAC remains largely unchanged. Paragraph

3.1.1 is added to the scope when comparing the DRFP to the 2009 HSSAI RFP but the remainder of the DRFP remains nearly identical. The wording of 3.1.1 does not reflect the stated “renewed core competencies in operational analysis”.

Please explain the intended difference in the HSOAC and the HSSAI and give examples of how that difference is reflected in a scope change.

The Government has continued to revise the draft requirements posted on 2 Jun. The revisions to be posted later will track the DHS Strategic Plan (2014-18), the QHSR, and other priorities/considerations identified as part of the revision process.

Various

92 What stage is the HSOAC in? The HSOAC is in a requirements development and market research phase. N/A

93 Is this industry day for operation management of the already designed or already existing center?

There are no design/build phase(s) for this effort as it is not a construction requirement. This is also not an O&M requirement, but rather a services requirement under FAR Part 35.

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Is this a pre-cursor to an upcoming solicitation for the architectural design of a new building? If so, will the design be under a current contract with DHS?

No, no construction is being conducted related to this procurement. This is a services requirement for the operation of a DHS-owned FFRDC identity.

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95 Will Small Business have the opportunity or be encouraged to respond to this RFP?

The Government intends to solicit proposals from as broad a segment of the capable market as possible. N/A

Will there be opportunities for Other Transaction Agreements or other flexible agreements that provide and enable collaborations with Academia, Federal Labs and other Agencies?

The intent of the draft RFP and forthcoming formal RFP is to award an IDIQ contract vehicle. N/A

97 If Small Businesses do have the capabilities to respond, would there be opportunities to bid as the Prime Contractor?

The Government cannot comment or direct action with regard to a firm's business decisions. The Government's expectation, regardless of the size of the Prime Contractor, is that the Prime would be responsible for at minimum 51% of the total effort under the resultant Contract.

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What is the current or anticipated STE level-of-effort for HSSAI and/or HSOAC? Please provide information on the roles and responsibilities of each position including a summary of the personnel qualifications by title or labor category.

Static STE levels-of-effort are not maintained for DHS's FFRDCs. Likewise, static labor categories are not currently maintained.

Questions and Answers Page 14 of 15

PIID: HSHQDC-15-R-00089 Draft RFP for the Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center FFRDC 30 June 2015

When will drafts be available to industry for Section L (Proposal Preparation) and M (Evaluation Criteria) of the RFP? We would like to review and comment on these as soon as possible before the final the RFP. Does DHS expect to release another DRFP before the final? How long will the contractors have for proposal preparation after the release of the final RFP? Does DHS expect the proposal format be similar to the 2009 RFP for HSSAI?

A complete draft RFP including sections L and M will be posted to FBO within one to two weeks of the industry day event. The Government expects responses to the formal RFP posting to be due sixty (60) days from the initial posting date. The proposal format is expected to differ in many respects.

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100 Are there any specific personnel qualifications for key personnel?

None have been identified at this time. It is expected that key personnel will be identified based on their role within the HSOAC, rather than their technical qualifications.

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