HSHQDC-17-R-00020_Final_RFP_Question_Responses.pdf

HSHQDC-17-R-00020

Amendment 1

Number Section /

Attachment Paragraph Page

Number Question/Comment Response

1 General Please provide the anticipated start date for this contract. June 2018 - July 2018

2 General For pricing purposes, what is the expected start date for the IDIQ contract? Please see the response to question 1.

3 General How many primes are anticipated to perform on this IDIQ? Please see section L.12.

4 General How many IDIQ awards does the Government anticipate awarding under this procurement? Please see the response to question 3.

5 General Can the Government estimate the number of awardees? Please see the response to question 3.

6 General

Is the SETA III IDIQ aligned with the first Task Order for S&T? If not, what has generated the requirement for the fifteen (15) resumes?

The first task order requirements have not been determined. The resume requirement has been set to encompass a range of needs and to determine contractor capabilities.

7 General When does DHS anticipate making the IDIQ award? Please see the response to question 1.

8 General

Please provide a list of Task Orders, projects, and activities that will be in progress during the time of contract transition to aid offerors in their development of a comprehensive transition-in plan. In this list, please include the name, description, and level of effort (e.g., FTE).

This information can be provided at the time of the first task order award.

9 General

Under the current DHS S&T SETA II contract, how many task orders have been awarded and how many remain active?

35 SETA II task orders have been awarded and 16 remain active.

10 General Is the solicitation open to Large Businesses to act as a Prime? Yes.

11 General Does the solicitation allow Large Businesses to be a Subcontractor? Yes.

12 General Will there be a Small Business Track for this requirement? No.

13 General

While recognize that this solicitation has been released for full and open competition, does the Government intend to reserve any award slots for small businesses? Please see the response to question 12.

14 General

Will the Government assign any extra evaluation credit for small businesses that respond to the solicitation? Please see Section L.8 Factor 3.

15 General

Will the incumbent contracts be extended? If not, will a bridge contract(s) be awarded to allow time for the procurement and Source Selection cycle?

All decisions will be made in the best interest of the Government.

16 General Please confirm a First-Tier subcontractor is defined as a direct subcontractor to the offeror.

Confirmed, a first-tier subcontractor is defined as a direct subcontractor to the prime contractor.

17 B.3 3

Will the Government consider including individual Task Order option periods that may extend no more than three years beyond the ordering period to maximize offeror flexibility? For example, GSA Professional Services Schedule (PSS) and Schedule 70 have option periods that may extend no more than five years beyond the ordering period.

The task order option periods will extend according to B.3.

B.5 IDIQ Ceiling Rates; L.8 Factor 5 Price;

Attachment B 1 4

Price indicates that the IDIQ Manager labor costs are to be considered as a component of indirect costs to the contract. RFP Section B.5 and Attachment B further state the fully burdened rates include all costs associated with management of the IDIQ contract and that the IDIQ manager hours cannot be proposed as a separate labor category at the Task Order level.

However, Attachment B states the following “A total of 1989 hours per year will be required for an IDIQ manager.” Please confirm that the Government provided the requirement of 1989 hours for the IDIQ as an estimate for offerors to factor into their proposed pricing and that actual hours expended by the IDIQ manager may fluctuate for any successful offeror after award based on the number and size, scope and complexity of tasking awarded to a successful offeror.

Please see the revised Attachment B. For price evaluation purposes, the contractor must utilize 1,920 hours for the IDIQ Manager. It is likely that those hours could fluctuate based the number of task orders awarded and the complexity of those task orders.

19 B.6 Rate Refreshments 4

Will offerors be allowed to propose reduced rate when bidding on task orders? If so, will the reduced rate become the new fixed ceiling rate?

Discounted rates at the task order level are welcomed. The discounted rates will not become the new fixed ceiling rates for the IDIQ.

F.1 Place of Performance 4th sentence 9

Are the S&T laboratories in New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Kansas staffed with full time resources or are they temporary duty assignments from another area?

Full time resources are not anticipated for these locations but travel or temporary duty at these locations may be required depending on task order requirements.

F.1 Place of Performance 9

Can the government confirm that offerors shall proposed IDIQ ceiling rates located in and around metropolitan Washington, DC? Section F.1 states that work may be required in New York, New Jersey, Maryland and Kansas however Attachment B Price Template does not allow for labor category rates for each location.

Confirmed. Please see the revised G.7 and L.8 Factor 5.

22 F.2 9

Please provide the total hours per man-year bidders should utilize in their rate development (i.e. 1,920). Please see the revised section F.2.

23 G.3 4th 14 Can the government clarify that an invoice summary page is not required for FFP task orders?

For FFP task orders an invoice summary page is not required, but may be requested by the Government. Please see the revised G.3.

G.7 ODCs 18 Is G&A on ODCs considered an allowable cost? The expectation is that offerors will propose in accordance with their approved accounting system.

H.2 4th 21 In order to reduce the administrative burden on the government contracting officer and contractors, will the government allow for notification of proposed substitution of personnel be limited to key personnel and require a 10 day written notice to the contracting officer vice a 30 day notice? In cases where personnel resign from their company, it is customary for personnel to give a 14 day notice vice a 30 day notice.

Proposed revised language: Prior to making any proposed substitutions for key personnel, contractor shall demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Contracting Officer, that the qualifications of the proposed substitute personnel meet the labor category requirements. Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer in writing of any proposed substitution at least 10 days in advanced. Contractor shall . . . "

Please see the revised section H.2, the timeframe has been revised to 14 calendar days in advance for substitution.

H.2 4 21 To avoid potential labor category requirement increases, will the government change the language so that substituted personnel must meet the labor category requirements. Proposed Revised Language: Prior to making any proposed substitutions for key personnel, contractor shall demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Contracting Officer, that the qualifications of the proposed substitute personnel meet the labor category requirements. Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer in writing of any proposed substitution at least 10 days in advanced.

Contractor shall . . . " No, personnel must meet the qualfications of the person being replaced.

H.3 Consideration

1 21 According to Paragraph 1 of H.3 Consideration, contractors are encouraged to make “timely and satisfactory” replacement of personnel. What is defined as “timely and satisfactory” replacement of personnel?

Timely and satisfactory is defined by the timeframe in H.2 and is at the discretion of the task order CO.

H.9 Security Requirements

Last paragraph 25 We are holding Top Secret facility clearance but not safeguarding. Are we eligible to bid on it. Yes, if a contractor possesses a Top Secret Facility

Clearance, it is eligible to bid on this competition.

However, you may not be eligible for a task order competition that requires safeguarding.

H.9 Security Should a prime bidder should possess a top secret facility clearance or will a lower classification suffice?

No, the prime contractor is required to possess a Top Secret facility clearance.

H.12 Government Furnished Workspace, Office Equipment, Property and Information

2 28 For Government Furnished Property (GFP), will the client provide equipment (e.g., computers) for the performance of this contract?

Please see H.12. For personnel assigned to the contract, GFP will be provided. This includes, if necessary, facility access badges, laptop, and any other equipment deemed necessary.

H.12 Government Furnished Workspace, Office Equipment, Property and Information

2 28 Will all work on this contract be done on client-provided equipment?

1. Will contractor laptops be connected to the client network?

2. Will client data be stored or processed on contractor laptops?

All work is expected to be done on government issued laptops.

1. No, that is not the expectation.

2. No, this would be an exception to standard operating procedures and would require written authorization by the COR. Any off-site work will be done on government issued equipment.

H.23 (b)(2)C 1 35 H.23 (b)(2)(D)(iii) allows for certain private use of data first produced under the Contract but H.24 appears prevent such private use. Can the Government explain this conflict?

Please see the revised Section H.26.

I.1 52.222-59, 52.222-60

49 Will the Government remove Clauses 52.222-59 and 52.222-60 from Section I since they were removed from the FAR effective November 6, 2017? These clauses were removed due to the rescission of Executive Order 13673, Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces. Removed.

K - FAR 52.252.1,

L.4 NAICS Code, L.9.2 Subcontracting Plan for Large Businesses

1 54 of 108;

88 of 108;

The RFP indicates that the Prime must ensure they and each subcontractor are registered under NAICS code 541611 with small business size standard of $15M. However, there is also a requirement for a Small Business Subcontracting Plan for large businesses.

Please confirm that companies must meet the $15M size standard in order to Prime or be a subcontractor on this opportunity.

as a prime or a subcontractor they will have registered under NAICS 541611.

A size standard does not determine whether an offeror chooses to propose as a Prime or a Subcontractor for this solicitation. A size standard is the largest that a concern can be and still qualify as a small business for Federal Government programs. The selected NAICS code determines the size standard for small businesses.

Please see Section H.7. Subcontracting plans are for Large Businesses.

K Part IV:

Representations and Instructions;

and L.9 Additional Business Information As Appropriate

FAR 52.252-1;

item 6

54 and 102 Paragraph (b)(2)(i) of FAR 52.252.1 allows for an offeror to certify that it has completed "...the annual representations and certifications electronically via the SAM Web site…" Please confirm if an offeror selects Paragraph (b)(2)(i) that no additional responses need to be supplied as part of the proposal submission, other than the acknowledgment memo required on page 102.

The offeror must submit all representations and certifications in accordance with the terms and conditions of the solicitation.

K Part IV:

Representations and Instructions

(a)(3) 54 "The small business size standard for a concern which submits an offer in its own name other than on a construction or service contract but which proposes to furnish a product which it did not itself manufacture, is 500 employees" Please clarify how this language is applicable to the DHS SETA III small business size standards. This is a professional services bid; can the government clarify how this clause relates to the services outlined in the procurement?

This is a services contract and therefore, qualifies as an exception per (a)(3). The size standard is the $15 million as stated in the clause at (a)(2).

K Part IV:

Representations and Instructions

(a) 54 Discussion: Under the RFP the NAICs code is stated as below:

Annual Representations and Certifications (Nov 2017) (a)

(1) The North American Industry classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 541611 entitled “Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services”.

(2) The small business size standard is $15M

(3) The small business size standard for a concern which submits an offer in its own name, other than on a construction or service contract, but which proposes to furnish a product which it did not itself manufacture, is 500 employees Request for Clarification: Item (3) states “The small business size standard for a concern which submits an offer in its own name, other than on a construction or service contract, but which proposes to furnish a product which it did not itself manufacture, is 500 employees.”

This reference goes along with the 2016 541712 NAICS code before it was changed to 1,000 employees. We respectfully request that the government include the 541712 NAICS code to broaden the pool of small business competition.

No, the government will not add NAICS 541712 to the solicitation.

K Part IV:

Representations and Instructions

Part IV FAR 52.207-6

59 Are Small Business Joint Ventures Allowed?

Yes, subject to the Small Business Affiliation rules.

K Part IV:

Representations and Instructions

52.212-3 61 Can the government incorporate the updated November 2017 clause? The clause was updated as a result of the rescission of Executive Order 13673, Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces.

Please see the updated Part IV.

L.4 88 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code requires that the Prime and all subcontractors are registered under NAICS code 541611. Was the intent of this instruction to have all subcontractors certify under the NAICS code of the Prime Contractor or should they certify for the NAICS code they intend to provide services under?

All prime, subcontractors, and partners must be registered under NAICS code 541611. Please see the response to question 34.

L.4 88 Can the Government kindly verify that prime bidders larger than NAICS code 54166 ($15M) size standard are allowed under this procurement and that the NAICS code is being used for Small Business Subcontracting purposes.

Please see the responses to questions 10 and 34.

L.8 Proposal Formatting and Discussion of Factors a 90 Will the Government allow foldout pages for tables/graphics and have them count as 2 pages?

Please see the revised L.8.a.

L.8 Proposal Formatting and Discussion of Factors a 90 For ease of reading and evaluation, would the Government consider allowing foldouts, and if so, to be counted as 2 pages?

Please see the response to question 42.

L.8 Proposal Formatting and Discussion of Factors a 90 Since the proposals are being delivered in hard copy, recommend the government consider allowing the use of fold-outs to better illustrate concepts using graphics. Please see the response to question 42.

L.8 a 90 Please confirm that graphic presentations, including tables, are not subject to the font style (TNR) requirement. Please see Section L.8.b.

L.8 d 90 Please clarify that the Table of Contents is a separate page, vs part of the Cover Letter. Confirmed. Table of Contents is separate from the

Cover Letter. Please see the revised L.8.d

L.8 d 91 Second bullet states that the “Offeror shall submit two separate volumes as part of their proposal submission.” There appears to be only hard copies of the proposal required. Please confirm that copies of CDs are not required.

Confirmed. CDs are not required.

L.8 Table, Factor 1.0 91 In the table at the bottom of the page, in the “Page Limit” column for Factor 1.0 Management Approach, it states: “Total 35 Pages [no more than 25 pages total for factor elements “a-e”, and more than 10 pages for factor element “f”]”.

Should it state “no more” than 10 pages for factor element “f”?

Correct. Please see the revision in the Volume Table in Section L.8., under Management Approach.

L.8 d 91 Would the Government consider removing the sub factor elements separate page limitations under Teaming Approach in order to allow for the greatest flexibility in responding to the section?

No.

L.8 Page Limits Table

91 The RFP states the contractor should submit, "Copies of PPQ submissions provided to 3rd party clients with project details and contact information." Will the Government allow contractors to submit a table that includes a list of 3rd party clients, project details, and contact information in lieu of copies of all PPQ submissions as part of the proposal submission?

No. Please see the Volume I table in L.8.d and the revised Factor 4.

L.8 Table, Factor 4.0 91 Please confirm that the Government requires Offerors to submit copies of the Prime's three (3) PPQs in the format they were sent to third party clients (with project details and contact information completed)?

Please see the response to question 50.

L.8 Table, Factor 4.0 91 In reference to Volume I, 4.0 - As the completed PPQs will be submitted directly to the Government, please confirm whether the requirement for this section is to include the DRAFT PPQs sent to the clients, without the completed Section IV - Ratings & Evaluation feedback. Please see the response to question 50.

L.8 Page Limits Table, Factor 4.0

91 In reference to Volume I, 4.0 - Please confirm DRAFT PPQs to be provided are outside the page limitations provided.

PPQ(s) are not part of the page limit. Please see "Total Page Count" under Column "Factor" in Volume I Table under Section L.8.

L.8 Page Limits Table, Factor 4.0

91 For the Past Performance Factor in Volume 1, would the Government allow a short (two to three page) summary of the past performances submitted as Past Performance Questionnaires, including a table that highlights each team members’ Past Performance Questionnaire point of contact information, contract title and number? We believe this would greatly assist Government evaluators to cross check Past Performance Questionnaires submitted for each team.

No. Please see the response to question 50.

L.8 91 Please confirm the maximum period through which the Price proposal is valid for submission.

Please see the revised L.8.d.

L.8 Proposal Formatting and Discussion of Factors

General 92, 97-102 In the table at the top of page 92, the Government requests position descriptions as part of the Price factor. However, in the description of Factor 5 content on pages 97-102 there is no delineation of position descriptions.

Will the Government please clarify what they would like to see with regard to Position Descriptions in Factor 5?

Please see the revised Attachment C and its instructions at the top as well as the revised L.8 Factor 5.

L.8 Factor 1 1.b 92 When the RFP requests a “discussion with supporting evidence of the offeror’s staff turnover rate within the last 12 months”: Does “Offeror” refer to only the prime? Please see the revised L.8, Factor 1.c.

L.8 Factor 1 1-2 92-93 The solicitation states, “Specifically contractor must demonstrate their approach to… c) how contractor will minimize the turnover rate of its government-site contractor support compared to the turnover rate experienced on similar contracts they hold or have held within the last 5 years. In addressing this factor, Contractor must provide a turnover rate the company has experienced regarding its government-site contractor support staff only on contracts of similar scope and complexity; and how it intends to improve its performance against that metric for this contract.

Or, Contractor can provide evidence of low turnover rate and how that will be maintained against the metric for this contract.”

Please confirm that the Offeror may address this factor in one of two ways, by EITHER (1) providing a turnover rate the company has experienced regarding its government-site contractor support staff only on contracts of similar scope and complexity; and how it intends to improve its performance against that metric for this contract, OR (2) providing evidence of low turnover rate and how that will be maintained against the metric for this contract.

For element c, the government does not view this criteria as either/or. If an offeror has a poor retention rate, please describe how this will be improved. If an offeror has a high retention rate, please describe how this will be maintained.

Please see the revised L.8, Factor 1.c.

L.8 1.b 92 When the RFP requests a “discussion with supporting evidence of the offeror’s staff turnover rate within the last 12 months”: If “offeror” includes the teaming partners, should the turnover rate of each teammate be expressed separately or as a combined average turnover rate?

Please see the response to question 57.

L.8 1.b 92 Can the turnover rate be presented as an average over a 12-month period? Please see the revised L.8 Factor 1.b.

L.8 1.b 92 Can the government confirm that to meet the requirement of “evidence of the offeror’s staff turnover rate within the last 12 months” only applies to the current SETA contract if the offeror is an incumbent?

Please see the revised L.8 Factor 1.b.

L.8 1.c 92 The descriptive language for this factor indicates that a contractor “must” provide a turnover rate the company has experienced regarding its government-site contractor support staff only on contracts of similar scope and complexity; and how it intends to improve its performance against that metric for this contract. However, the next sentence says “Or,” the contractor can provide evidence of low turnover rate and how that will be maintained against the metric for this contract.

a) Can the government confirm that if an offeror is an incumbent, only the 5 year turnover rate on SETA II is required as evidence?

b) If an incumbent must provide additional examples of low turnover rates for similar contracts:

• How many contract examples are required?

• What does the government consider to be a low turnover rate?

• Are there a minimum number of years the contractor must have delivered on the contracts used as examples of turnover rate (e.g., at least three years of delivery within the last five years)?

Please see the revised language in Section L.8, Factor 1.c.

L.8 1.c 92 This requirement asks how contractor will minimize the turnover rate of its government-site contractor support “compared” to the turnover rate experienced on similar contracts they hold or have held within the last 5 years. Can the government clarify the specific metric by which to “compare” the turnover rate experienced on similar contracts they hold or have held within the last 5 years?”

Please see the revised Section L.8, Factor 1.c.

L.8 1.c 92 When the RFP states that the “Contractor must provide a turnover rate the company has experienced regarding its Government-site contractor support staff…”, does the required turnover rate need to include the teaming partners? If so, should the teaming partners be addressed individually or as a combined average turnover rate? Please see the response to question 57 and the revised Section L.8, Factor 1.c.

L.8 Factor 1 e 93 The RFP states that the contractor must demonstrate their approach to: “creating and maintaining an achievable, searchable database of portfolio, program, and project records that is accessible to Government staff.” Can additional information be provided on:

• Whether this database must be on Government equipment and networks or on contractor equipment and networks?

• Whether the database must house any sensitive or classified information?

• What is the magnitude and storage requirements of these records (e.g., number of records, average file size, total file size)?

The intent is for the offeror to demonstrate they have the ability to be independently disciplined enough to keep records of all documents produced on behalf of the government on government site and networks, and appropriately store them in accordance with regulations based on marked classification or as advised by the government. The government is not expecting the contractor to come in and build complex IT archiving system(s), but contractor personnel performing must demonstrate knowledge and experience in helping program offices maintain records of for example program related reports and studies, or help establish some sort of record keeping, searchable database. If none exists, then to help get the government started on the practice. Please see the revised Factor 1e.

Please also see the response to question 155.

L.8 Factor 1 e 93 Will the Government clarify the system requirements for the records database?

Please see the response to questions 65 and 155.

L.8 Factor 1 e 93 Will the Government help non-incumbent offerors understand what system is currently in place and what specific requirements the database should serve?

Please see the response to questions 65 and 155.

L.8 Factor 1 e 93 As this requirement is part of the management section, will the Government clarify whether the records referred to in the requirement are S&T program documentation or contractor management documentation?

Please see the response to questions 65 and 155.

L.8 Factor 1 f 93 In reference to Factor 1, element “f” - Can the Government confirm if special format or delivery instructions are required for the detachable, independent document that will become part of the IDIQ and flow down to all resultant task orders as a live document to be further tailored to each task order or whether the page numbering for this section should continue sequentially from the remainder of the section?

Start with new page count. Please see the revision in Factor 1.f.

L.8 Factor 2 b 93-94 For the identified labor categories that require resumes, are offerors to assume that these positions will be located in the Washington, D.C.

area and will require a "Secret" clearance level? or Different locations and various security level classifications per position?

Please see the revised L.8 Factor 2.b. For evaluation purposes, all resumes should be for positions located in Washington DC and be at a minimum of Secret clearance up to Top Secret.

L.8 Factor 2 b 94 "Resumes submitted for evaluation must be of contractor personnel 1) currently employed with the company" - This is a IDIQ, Request the removal of the contractor personnel to be current employed?

No.

L.8 Factor 2 b 94 Will the Government clarify that the required resumes must be provided by the prime contractor only and expressly disallow subcontractors from supporting that requirement?

The Offeror may chose to provide resumes of Prime contractor personnel, subcontractor, or partnering contractor personnel, or a combination.

L.8 Factor 2 b 94 Will the government consider requiring 2 resumes be provided for each area of the SOW to demonstrate complete relativity to the SOW by the prime? No.

L.8 Factor 2 b 94 If the Government is interested in evaluating subcontractor staff, will it clarify whether subcontractors may have an opportunity to provide additional resumes for evaluation outside of the existing requirement for the primes?

Please see the response to question 72. Please also see Attachment C for limitation on number of resumes.

L.8 Factor 2 b 94 Please confirm that Tier-1 sub-contractors are included in the following instruction "must be of contractor personnel 1) currently employed with the company..."

For purposes of evaluation, if the offeror choses to submit resumes of subcontractors or teaming partners yes, they must be currrently employed with the subcontractor or teaming partner.

Please see Factor 2.b

L.8 Factor 2 b and c 93-94 Can the Government clarify what is meant by “corporate management” within c., and how this is different from requirement b., where “corporate management” is not mentioned?

Factor 2.b requires information about contractor personnel and Factor 2.c requires information about corporate management.

L.8 Factor 2 d 94 In reference to Factor 2, element “d” - Can the Government confirm if special format or delivery instructions are required for the detachable, independent document that will become part of the IDIQ and flow down to all resultant task orders as a live document to be further tailored to each task order or whether the page numbering for this section should continue sequentially from the remainder of the section? Start with a new page count. Please see revision in Factor 2.d.

L.8 Factor 3 - Teaming Approach c-i

95 As part of Pre-RFP planning, Prime contractors generally execute a separate legally binding agreement with each anticipated teaming partner. This legally binding agreement is generally referred to by Industry as a "Teaming Agreement," and addresses several of the Government's Factor 3 requirements (c-i). The RFP states that the Government is looking for 1 teaming agreement encompassing the whole team for the total of 20 pages. Page 96 states that the TA will be signed by principals of all parties. Please confirm that one document signed by all parties is what is being requested, Or does the Government require a copy of each individually executed industry "Teaming Agreement". Will the 20 page-limit apply to each?

For factor 3, the Government's request for a teaming agreement is not an intent to replace any industry teaming agreement(s). The intent was for the government to understand a “concept of teaming operations”. It is very likely that some or all requirements of factor 3c-i overlap with industry agreement(s) or joint venture teaming arrangement.

The contractor must address requirements of factor 3c-i via a single Concept of Teaming Operations Agreement. All parties must sign the Concept of Teaming Operations Agreement. The Concept of Teaming Operations Agreement will be carried-over as part of the contract, and conditioned upon award; in addition, the Concept of Teaming Operations Agreement must be substantiated by a complementary industry teaming agreement or joint venture arrangement that is complete and also signed and placed as an appendix/attachment under Additional Business Information. Consequently, see revision under factor 3 and Section L.9., number 8 under Additional Business Information.

L.8 Factor 3 - Teaming Approach c-i

95 In order to comply with the limited page count of 20 pages total for the elements c through i, can the Teaming Agreement be placed as a separate exhibit in the price volume as Additional Business Information? If this is not acceptable, would the Gov. consider listing one copy of the TA with unique subcontractor specific information being listed separately with signatures?

Please see the response to question 78.

L.8 Factor 3 - Teaming Approach c-i

95 Section L, Paragraph L.8(a) states “The Government will not consider any information presented beyond the last whole word with in the page limit for each factor,” and the table in L.8 limits the page number for factor three no more than “7 pages for factor elements ‘a-b’ and no more than 20 pages for factor element ‘c-i’).”

However, Section L, Page 95 - 96, “Factor 3 – Teaming Approach,” states in order “to address element “c-i” of this factor, Contractor shall submit a complete, detailed teaming agreement starting on a new page.” Each Teaming Agreement is multiple pages long and would exceed the 20-page limit for elements c-i and would exceed the Factor 3 total page limitation of 27 pages. Can Teaming Agreements be submitted as an appendix to the Technical Volume (not considered toward page count)in order to stay within the page limits for the Technical Volume Factor 3 alternatively, have no page limitation for Factor 3?

Please see the response to question 78.

L.8 Factor 3 - Teaming Approach c-i

95 Please clarify what is meant by the 20-page limit for Teaming Agreements. Is the 20-page limit for ALL Teaming Agreements combined or, more realistically, is it a 20-page limit per agreement?

Due to the content of most teaming agreements, a 20 page limit for ALL Teaming agreements may be difficult to comply with if a prime has more than one subcontractor. Please see the response to question 78.

L.8 Factor 3 - Teaming Approach c-i

95-96 Many of these requirements seem to be applicable in instances of a joint venture or contractor teaming arrangement (CTA). Please confirm that these requirements pertaining to the agreement apply to these instances and that Prime contractors can provide answers to requirements c-i via narrative, substantiated by an Appendix containing all signed teaming agreements Please see the response to question 78.

L.8 Factor 3 - Teaming Approach c-i

96 In reference to Factor 3, elements “c-i” - Can the Government confirm if special format or delivery instructions are required for the detachable, independent document that will become part of the IDIQ or whether the page numbering for this section should continue sequentially from the remainder of the section?

Start with new page count. Please see the revision in Factor 3.i.

L.8 Factor 3 - Teaming Approach e

95 Upon award, a subcontract, which lasts the duration of the IDIQ, will be executed with each of the Teaming Partners, replacing the industry "Teaming Agreement". If the Government requires copies of all individually executed industry "Teaming Agreements", will the Government please confirm that the newly executed subcontract satisfies the requirement stipulated in Factor 3.e?

Please see the response to question 78.

L.8 Factor 3 - Teaming Approach e

95 Teaming Agreements with subcontractors are typically valid from signing and end upon the inception of subcontract agreement. Subcontract agreements are signed after prime contract award, and are valid for the length of the awarded contract, and reflect the terms of the teaming agreement. Will the Government please consider changing this requirement for the Teaming Agreement duration to end upon subcontract agreement instead of the entire length of the IDIQ?

No, the agreement needs to span the length of the IDIQ.

L.8 Factor 3 Teaming Approach

95-96 Teaming agreements (unlike JVs or CTAs) are typically proprietary business- documents that prime contractor negotiates and signs with each proposed subcontractor individually. A single legal instrument, that would be signed by and binding for all the team’s subcontractors would be problematic for a number of reasons as each subcontractor’s varied scope, labor rates and contractual concerns. Outside of a JV, negotiating and meeting the requirement of a single teaming agreement within twenty pages would be difficult for just two subcontractors let alone several subcontractors For bidders other than JVs, please confirm that the Government will agree to keep all elements (a – i) of the subsection as well as the page maximums requirements, while removing or revising the requirements guidance in italics on p. 96, which introduces the requirement to format the response as a, “complete, detailed teaming agreement”, and instead allow the bidders to respond to the sub-section elements (c-i) through an alternative document responsive to the elements (e.g. a “Teaming Concept of Operations”), supported by any necessary confirmation of subcontractor’s commitment to participate in the team?

Please see the response to question 78.

L.8 Factor 3 Teaming Approach, e

95 Upon contract award, Prime Contractor will be issuing Subcontracts to the teammates, which will extend throughout the PoP of the IDIQ. Would the Government still require teaming agreement extensions, which may expire within the next several years, even though the subcontract document will take precedence over the teaming agreement?

All subcontracts, teaming agreements, and other arrangements shall last the entire length of the IDIQ. Please see the response to question 78.

L.8 Factor 3 i 96 RFP states "Teaming arrangement that demonstrates support of DHS small business subcontracting goals may receive a higher rating", does this apply to small business primes (wherein a subcontracting plan is not required)? Can small businesses receive a higher evaluation rating for exceeding DHS's SB goals? Yes, the reference to subcontracts has been removed. Please see the revision in Factor 3.

L.8 Factor 3 96 Please clarify what constitutes "demonstration of support for DHS small business goals" in the teaming agreements? Recommend offerors identify each small business and its socio-economic status in the agreement.

Please see the revision in Factor 3.i.

L.8 Factor 4 PPQ Submissions

96 Will the Government consider limiting PPQ submissions from solely the prime contractor because the prime contractor's past performance is most relevant to the overall performance of services under the resulting IDIQ contract, so as to not evaluate past performance of subcontractors that will not perform meaningful work on the contract? No.

L.8 Factor 4 PPQ Submissions

96 Factor 4 - Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) Submissions - "In the addition, the contractor will be evaluated on the following per the PPQ: a-l":

Does the Offeror provide a response for information in "a-l"? If so, where?

No. Please see the response to question 50.

L.8 Factor 4 PPQ Submissions a-l

96 The RFP lists evaluation items a - l. Attachment D PPQ lists Customer Satisfaction items 1 - 17. Will the Government consider changing the PPQ Customer Satisfaction items list to match the list in Section L of the RFP? Customer Satisfaction items 1-17 corresponds to and is a derivitive of items a-l.

L.8 Factor 4 PPQ Submissions

96 Under Factor 4, the Government states that task orders are considered contracts for past performance purposes. Please confirm that the Government will also accept a single past performance questionnaire for IDIQ contracts with multiple task orders.

This is the contractor's business decision.

L.8 Factor 4 PPQ Submissions

96 How will the Gov’t shutdown impact the procurement, and our customers’ ability to submit past performance questionnaires?

The PPQ(s) are due by the proposal due date and time.

L.8 4, Factor 4 PPQ Submissions

96 Respective to subcontractor submitted PPQs, will the Government clarify whether it intends to evaluate subcontractor PPQs against the size, scope and complexity of the entirety of the SOW requirements or just against the teaming roles and responsibilities of the subcontractor as declared in the Teaming Approach section? The government will evaluate each PPQ based on factor 4 and relevant past performance ratings.

L.8 4, Factor 4 PPQ Submissions

96 If the intent is to evaluate their PPQ against their role(s),will the Government consider adding a space in the PPQ for the subcontractor to declare their role on the contract for ease of evaluation? Please provide all information as requested in the

PPQ.

L.8 4, Factor 4 PPQ Submissions

96 Please confirm that BPA or IDIQ level PPQs are allowable?

Please see the response to question 93.

L.8 Factor 4 PPQ Submissions

96-97 Factor 4 - Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) Submissions - Is the past performance questionnaires content in Attachment D the only information to be provided for Factor 4 to 3rd party client?

Yes. Please also see the response to question 50.

L.8 Factor 4 PPQ Submissions

96-97 Several large DoD agencies are operating under guidance to provide Contractor Performance Assessment Reports (CPAR) in lieu of answering past performance questionnaires for proposals.

Will the Government please amend L.8 Factor 4 – Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) Submission to allow for submission of PPQs OR CPAR for a particular contract, to allow offerors to more fully demonstrate their past performance on contracts of similar scope, size, and complexity to DHS SETA III?

No. Please see the response to question 50.

L.8 Factor 4 PPQ Submissions

96-97 Will the Government allow the use of commercial/private sector projects as past performance references?

This is the contractor's business decision.

L.8 Factor 4 PPQ Submissions

97 Does the government require PPQs from all first tier subcontractors, regardless of size / value of subcontract?

Please see Section L.8 Factor 4 and the response to question 16.

L.8 Factor 4 PPQ Submissions

97 Factor 4 states that “PPQs are requested for the prime contractor as well as the first tier subcontractor(s).” Is it the Government's intent to receive two (2) PPQs from all subcontractors on an Offeror's team? If not, please clarify the definition of a "first tier subcontractor."

Please see Section L.8 Factor 4 and the response to question 16.

L.8 Factor 4 PPQ Submissions

97 Will the government consider defining a first tier subcontractor as only those subcontractors with a proposed workshare of greater than 20% contract value, or joint venture/contract teaming agreement partners?

Please see the response to question 16.

L.8 Factor 4 PPQ Submissions

97 Please explicitly define “third party”. Does this statement mean that proposed small business subcontractors with long term relationships cannot use a PPQ from their prime contractor?

No. Third party clients are those clients who are not participating in the submission of a proposal as a contractor, subcontractor, teaming partner, or JV participant, and whom the contractor has in the past provided services to (e.g. government agency and COR).

L.8 Factor 4 PPQ Submissions

97 Once government POCs indicate that PPQs have been submitted, there are no additional measures for offerors to take to validate. Historically, there have been situations where PPQs were reported as submitted; but contracting shops indicated they did not receive. Request the government either provide notification updates to offerors regarding the PPQs received, or provide a means for offerors to validate receipt prior to the RFP submission date. Given the significance of the PPQs in the scoring of the proposals, it is important that offerors be able to verify this so they can follow up with POCs if necessary.

No, the obligation is on the offeror to follow up with their third-party POCs.

L.8 Factor 4 PPQ Submissions

97 The RFP states on page 97 that the “Government will evaluate the first 3 PPQs received in email inbox in order of time and date, and similarly the first 2 PPQs received in inbox.” To help ensure coverage of PPQ submissions, will a notification be sent once a PPQ has been received?

Please see the response to question 105.

L.8 Factor 4 PPQ Submissions

97 Is the submittal time for past performance questionnaires also at 3pm EST on 2/21/2018 and/or can they be submitted by COB on 2/21/2018?

The PPQ(s) are due by the proposal due date and time.

L.8 Factor 5 Price 97 Please clarify how the government will “evaluate the rates for the individual categories to ensure that those are consistent with the offeror’s price proposal.” Since there is only one price proposal with categories provide by the government, how will these be evaluated? Price analysis will be conducted according to FAR

15.404-1(b)(2).

L.8 6, Factor 5 Price 97 If the Government is concerned with obtaining the necessary technical capability S&T requires, will the Government consider the inclusion of "price realism" into the price evaluation and/or revising upwards the years of experience requirements for all labor categories?

No.

L.8 5, Factor 5 Price 97 Will the Government provide offerors a firm understanding of what constitutes fair and reasonableness by clarifying its definition for the purposes of the price evaluation? The determination of fair and reasonable price will be conducted according to FAR 15.4.

L.8 5, Factor 5 Price 97 How will the Government evaluate rates for the individual labor categories to determine whether they are fair and reasonable for the purposes of the price evaluation? Please see the response to questions 108 and

110.

L.8 5, Factor 5 Price 97 How will the Government evaluate the total IDIQ price to determine whether it is fair and reasonable for the purposes of the price evaluation? Please see the responses to questions 108 and

110.

L.8 5, Factor 5 Price 97 Will the Government publish the Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE) for the labor pricing and the overall weighted composite hourly rate for basic labor for the entire period of performance as it has done recently in other S&T requests for proposals?

No.

L.8 5, Factor 5 Price 97 For Firm Fixed Price (FFP) Task Orders, can the Government please clarify if its intent is for contractors to use the Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Labor Categories and associated rates to estimate activity and propose FFP Task Order projects?

Yes, it is the intent. Please see the revised B.5.

L.8 5, Factor 5 Price 97 Can the Government clarify that it intends for performance following FFP Task Order awards to be truly FFP for a defined Task Order deliverable or deliverables without restrictions on labor ceiling rates or hours worked? This will be determined at the task order level based on the requirement. Please see the revised G.3.

L.8 5, Factor 5 Price 97 Will the government require the submission of a Compensation Plan as part of this proposal submission in order to evaluate Offeror's compensation structure along with pricing? This will allow the government to evaluate potential turn-over risk for those Offeror's who offer sub-standard benefits.

Please see Factor 5 Price and the removal of 52.222-46. Offerors are encouraged to provide only that information necessary to a comprehensive review and that information which would allow the evaluation team to determine price reasonableness.

L.8 Factor 5 98 Aside from completing the price attachment and additional business information, are offerors only required to provide a basis of estimate in the price volume? The contractor must submit information as required in Volume II.

L.8 Factor 5 97-98 Factor 5 – Price: On page 97 this section states that the “…proposed total price for each year will be evaluated to determine whether the total IDIQ price for work on government facility is fair and reasonable, and reflect a clear understanding of the IDIQ.” On page 98 it states that “The contractor is prohibited from changing the estimated labor hours provided.” Additionally, this section states that “The narrative on the basis for rates shall be clear, concise and succinct.”

In the narrative, what level of detail is required for the labor rates? How will the Government determine fair and reasonable? Since the historical hours cannot be modified, how will the Government determine if the offeror has a clear understanding of the IDIQ?

Factor 5 states: The narrative on the basis for rates shall be clear, concise and succinct. There is no page limit for this factor; however offerors are encouraged to provide only that information necessary to a comprehensive review and that information which would allow the evaluation team to determine price reasonableness.

Please see the response to questions 108 and 110.

Please see the revised Factor 5. The language regarding clear understanding has been removed.

L.8 Factor 5 98 There are no instructions for subcontractor pricing? Is the subcontractor required to submit pricing, and if so what level of detail is required?

Is the subcontractor pricing supposed to be submitted directly to the Government or is it supposed to be included as a sealed package in the prime’s proposal?

The full proposal should come from only the Prime Contractor. Any subcontractor or teaming partner pricing information should be incorporated into the proposal that is submitted by the prime contractor. Please see the revised Factor 5.

L.9 99 Can the government confirm that a subcontracting plan is required as part of an offerors submission at the IDIQ level? Section H.7 states that the Government reserves the right to require a subcontract plan, as prescribed in FAR 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontract Plan, at the TO level. The resulting contract could result in multiple subcontracting plans – one at the IDIQ level and potentially one (or more) at the Task Order level if required. Is that the governments intent?

Yes. Please see the revised L.9, number 2.

L.9 2. FAR 52.219-9

Subcontracting Plan for Large Businesses

99 Section L.9.2 indicates that subcontracting goals and percentages for the Small Business Plan are to be based on total contract value. Please confirm that total contract value means the Contractor’s total proposed price for all contract years, as described in L.8, Factor 5 Price.

Please see the revised L.9, number 2.

L.9 2. FAR 52.219-9

Subcontracting Plan for Large Businesses

99 Please confirm that the subcontracting goals are to be determined based upon total dollars subcontracted and as a percentage of total planned subcontracting dollars in accordance with FAR 52.219-9, Subcontracting Plan requirements.

Please see the response to question 121.

L.9 2. FAR 52.219-9

Subcontracting Plan for Large Businesses

99 The RFP states, “The RFP states that the dollars and %’s shall be based on the proposed contract value.” Will the Government confirm that the subcontracting goals are measured as a percentage of total subcontracted dollars?

Please see the response to question 121.

L.9 2. FAR 52.219-9

Subcontracting Plan for Large Businesses

99 Please clarify the Subcontracting Small Business Goals referenced on page 24 and page 99 is for the duration of the IDIQ and based on contract value

Yes, for the duration of the IDIQ. Please see the response to question 121.

L.9 2 99 Subcontracting Plan for Large Businesses currently states “In constructing the subcontractor team, the large business is expected to support the small business subcontracting goals of the Government indicated in the following table; and the dollars and percentages shall be based on the proposed contract value.” Can the Government confirm that “proposed contract value” should state “proposed Subcontract value?"

Please see the response to question 121.

L.9 2 99 In constructing the subcontractor team, the large business is expected to support the small business subcontracting goals of the Government indicated in the following table; and the dollars and percentages shall be based on the proposed contract value.

This is not in conformance with FAR 19.704(a)(2), that states “In constructing the subcontractor team, the large business is expected to support the small business…