HSTS02-13-R-MLS263_00000005_RFI_Responses.pdf

(x)

HSTS02-13-R-MLS263

x x copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT

THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

x

ARLINGTON VA 20598

701 S 12TH STREET

OFFICE OF ACQUISITION

ARLINGTON VA 20598

701 S 12th St

OPERATIONS SUPPORT

01/31/2014000005

13. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO MODIFICATION OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS. IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) is not extended.is extended, Items 8 and 15, and returning

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods: (a) By completing

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

FACILITY CODE CODE

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

CODE

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)

7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6)CODE 6. ISSUED BY

PAGE OF PAGES

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.3. EFFECTIVE DATE2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

01/07/2014

CHECK ONE A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority) appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not, is required to sign this document and return __________________ copies to the issuing office.

ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

Tax ID Number: Not Available

DUNS Number: Not Available

The purpose of this amendment to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Transportation

Security Administration (TSA) Solicitation HSTS02-13-R-MLS263 is to:

1. The purpose of this amendment 00000005 is to provide government responses to questions from industry.

2. Extend the Proposal Due Date.

The Government hereby provide the Government Responses for questions received from

Continued ...

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

15C. DATE SIGNED 16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR 16C. DATE SIGNED

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

Joseph F. Wolfinger

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 10-83)

Prescribed by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

NSN 7540-01-152-8070

Previous edition unusable

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

Working Copy

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR

2 2

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

HSTS02-13-R-MLS263/000005

industry. Please review responses on page Titled:

Request for Information (RFI) Number

HSTS02-13-R-MLS263 of this amendment.

The Proposal Due Date is hereby extended to March

17, 2014/12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time.

Except as changed on this amendment All other terms of this solicitation remain the un-changed.

NSN 7540-01-152-8067 OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

Sponsored by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.110

Working Copy

Request for Information (RFI) Number HSTS02-13-R-MLS263

Question No. Question Answer

1 Should the three past performances all come from the prime, or are the subcontractor’s past performance references acceptable? From the Prime Contractor only

2 How many awardees are expected for the IDIQ? Only one award is expected.

3 Is Facility Clearance required for work performed at the prime or subcontractor’s facility

No facility clearance is envisioned to be necessary, as this work does not involve access to classified material.

It will involve access to Sensitive Security Information (SSI). See RFP section H.3.3 SUITABILITY

DETERMINATION FOR CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEES,

H. 3.4 Handling of Sensitive Security Information in TSA Contracts (AUG 2012), and H.4 Pre-employment Security Screening of Offeror Employees for more details.

4 What are the security clearance requirements for personnel executing the contract?

A national security clearance is not required for I-STEP.

Access to SSI is required, see RFP Section H for details associated with handling SSI and Pre-employment Security Screening of Offeror Employees.

5 Is there an incumbent and, if so, what is the name of the company? Yes, the incumbent is Booz Allen Hamilton.

How is the I-STEP Program currently executed? Government employees? Omnibus contract? Several smaller contracts?

Other?

I-STEP is executed and managed by the Federal Government using contractor support. I-STEP is largely supported by Task Orders awarded under the IDIQ contract resulting from this RFP.

Will the Contractor be transitioning from another prime contractor, government performed services, mix of government and contractor support or some other arrangement?

A classic transition involving contact between the incumbent and new contractor is not anticipated for this RFP. Projects and Task Orders are administered by the I-STEP TSA Project Leads. Any materials or information needed to commence work on a given aspect of the work will be provided through the Government to the awardee once pre-employment security screening is completed by TSA Office of Personnel Security (PERSEC). Contractor start-up activities are to be defined in your Program Management Plan, due 5 days after contract award. TSA expects the new contractor to be up to speed and fully performing the I-STEP work within 45 days after the start of performance.

8 Can contracting team members perform work while DHS suitability is in process?

No. All contractor personnel (and subcontractors) working on the I-STEP Program are required to be vetted by TSA office of Personnel Security (PERSEC) and receive a favorable result, prior to working or billing any hours to TSA in accordance with PerSec rules.

If the work described in the IDIQ/SOO, Task Order 0001 and Task Order 0002 is currently being performed, what is the Level of Effort (LOE) for the IDIQ/SOO, Task Order 0001, and Task Order 0002?

The level of effort is associated with the individual Offeror's technical approach and will be unique to the offeror and to the formative requirements - the Government will not disclose the LOE information associated with the current effort.

10 Can key personnel's work references be counted as past performance?

No, only past performance of the prime contractor will be evaluated.

11 Will TSA consider extending the proposal submission date? Yes, the proposal due date will be extended through 3/17/2014

Does the I-STEP Program have existing project management plans, work breakdown structures, integrated master schedules, and staffing plans? If so, will the government provide copies of the current work break down structures and staffing plans for the I- STEP Program?

Any existing project management plans, WBS, integrated master schedules, and staffing plans are not relevant to proposal development under this RFP - that said, these materials will be provided to the awardee.

13 What software or program is currently used to track the WBS? No specialized software to track the WBS is used at this time.

14 Does the Project Management Plan cover one year or the four option years as well? The PMP should cover all years.

15 What is the current quality control mechanism?

The Government uses Contract Monitoring/Quality Assurance Plans. The offeror is responsible for providing the Quality Control Plan.

16 What is the current Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP)?

Will the government provide copy of the QASP? There is no QASP under current contract.

17 Describe the methodology for determining the AQL.

The I-STEP PM and COR will work with the awardee to determine the Acceptable Quality Level for each TO and project.

Does redesigning the I-STEP Web site include providing programmer store-write the site or providing revised content to government / third-party contractor programmers? If the former, describe the current language, software, protocol or other system used to design the I-STEP Website.

I-STEP website(s) are maintained by TSA. The I-STEP “website” provides information through public facing TSA page(s) and HSIN (Homeland Security Information Network). Redesign includes maintaining relevant information and usability. Awardee will participate in team meetings for changes and enhancements rather than redesigning the website.

19 What are "TIH" communications?

The Surface Division / Freight Rail have specific communications for Toxic Inhalation Hazards (TIH).

These will be shared with the awardee during project work plan development.

20 Are EVM Reports currently used? If so, what products or services are currently tracked by EVM Reports? None at this time.

21 What programs are currently used to support Risk Management and Objectively Measured Risk Reduction (OMRR)? No specialized programs are currently used.

Does the I-STEP program currently have Risk Management Plan?

What automated risk management tool is currently used to maintain the Risk Management Plan?

Yes, there is a Risk Management plan; no automated tool is currently used.

For the 10 training DVDs, will the Contractor develop just the content of the DVDs or will the Contractor develop the multimedia content as well?

The requirement for 10 training DVDs has been removed from the SOO and/or Task Order(s).

Is the contractor responsible for the cost of reproducing all copies of exercise materials (e.g., MSELs, maps, participant manuals, controller/evaluator manuals, evaluation forms, and observer manuals) or just one copy for reproduction at government expense? If the former, please provide an estimate of the number of participants in the typical TSS Exercise or quantity of materials required under the PWS.

Work plans for each ad hoc project determines the level of effort and responsibility. The contractor will be responsible for all printed materials for each ad hoc exercise. Training materials determined by work plans.

Attendance at exercise range from 20 to 300+. There are too many variables to determine the number of exercises. The government and the contractor develop work plan.

Question: “Factor 4 - Past Performance” requires three relevant and recent references for work with the magnitude, scope and complexities of the RFP. Are these three required exclusively of the prime or can they be drawn from any of the teaming partners?

Prime Contractor only

Question: In my review I cannot find any defined deliverables for Task 4 (Risk-Based Security Planning Activities & Solutions). Are you aware of any component of the RFP/SOO that identifies deliverables for Task 4?

These are ad hoc projects with deliverables to be identified in future task order(s).

Reference: Task Order # Training and Exercise Support Services Pages:3-5 Question: Subtask1.1 Support Services state “Work collaboratively with I-STEP contractors to support training and exercise program as part of a management team.” This implies there are contractors supporting I-STEP T&E other than the proposer’s team; please advise what other contracts support I-STEP that may require coordination by the successful bidder.

The Government expects the contract awardee as part of the I-STEP team to fully cooperate with all programs and contractors working for TSA, DHS, other Federal, local and state governments, industry, private operators and others as needed to meet the risk reduction mission of TSA. The Government will also reduce the fiscal burden on the budget by finding synergies of programs and efforts to “jointly” develop products to benefit the Government and thus the tax payers.

Specify the conduct and facilitating training meetings across the stakeholders within all of the transportation modes served by the TSA. To assure effective transition and delivery schedule requirements are met, will the Government furnish bidders with the current, approved Annual Work Plan Deliverable Matrix for these training events already in the queue for FY2014?

No. The current information and data will be provided to awardee as pre-employment security screening of Offeror employees is completed - see section H for additional information. Offerors are required to draft Annual Work Plans and Five-Year Work Plans in accordance with the RFP.

Reference: Task Order #3 RFP Page: 16. Question: “TSA requires the capability to produce 15-30 multi-modal security exercises per year” (page16 of RFP): this suggests a tempo of one exercise, presumably a seminar or TTX, every two weeks or less. To assure transition planning is timely and successful will the Government provide the current FY2014 exercise schedule to the bidders now?

Work in the SOO describes the scope of work that may be ordered in future Task Orders. No - TSA will not provide the current exercise schedule. The number and type of exercises conducted in the past won't affect those that will be completed in the future.

If an offeror does not currently have an approved accounting system, will an exception in compliance with FAR Part 31 be acceptable? Reference: RFP Section: B.4.1.3, Paragraph: 2, Page: 4

An approved accounting system must be used. The approval can be accomplished by DCAA, DCMA, or a CPA review.

If an offeror does not have DCAA approved forward pricing or provisional rates, will indirect rate backup documentation be acceptable? Reference: RFP Section: B.4.1.3, Paragraph: 2, Page: 4

Yes

32 What is the definition of the Unit “JB”? Reference: RFP Section:

B.1, Paragraph: Table, Page: 2 "JB" is defined as "Job"

Please define what is meant by “soft copy”. Please provide a link where we can access the TSA I-STEP Program Manual.

Reference: RFP Section: 4. Special Delivery Instructions, Paragraph: 1, Page: 21

A soft copy is the unprinted digital document file. TSA will provide the I-STEP Program Manual to the successful offeror after award.

The RFP states that training of Offeror staff is at his/her own expense. Please provide an indication of the level of training including courses and duration anticipated to be needed for initial, recurring and Task Order specific training. Is the majority of the anticipated training available on-line or is travel anticipated?

Reference: RFP Section: H.3.5.Training: Offeror Staff Training, Paragraph: 1, Page: 41

This RFP requires that all contractor personnel possess and maintain the appropriate level of professional expertise for their labor category in order to perform the work. DHS and TSA training will be provided in specific areas that might not be known by a subject matter expert a given discipline. In these areas, training will be provided to awardee by the Government. Hour estimate: 10 hours/person assigned to the contract, annually.

Please provide the intent and expected extent of implementation of including 52.234-4 Earned Value Management System.

Reference: RFP Section: I.1 FAR Clauses, Paragraph: Table;

Line Item 52.234-4 Earned Value Management System, Page: 46

TSA expects to use earned value management under cost reimbursement type task orders or cost reimbursement contract line items in the event of a hybrid Task Order.

Please confirm that the Offeror's Total Compensation Plan is to be included in Volume 5 and is not page counted. Reference:

RFP Section: 52.222-46, Evaluation of Compensation for Professional Employees, Paragraph: 1 , Page: 85

Yes

Are divider tabs considered "administrative inserts"? Please clarify. Reference: RFP Section: L.7 Format and Instructions for Proposal Submission, Paragraph: 1, Page: 90

Yes

Please provide the escalation rate we are to use for out year calculations. Reference: RFP Section: Factor 5- Cost/Price (IDIQ Fixed Rates and Task Orders 0001 and 0002), Paragraph: 3-6, Page: 101-102

Escalation rates represent the business judgment of each individual offeror, they are not specified by the Government.

The period of performance is given for Task Order 0002. Is there an equivalent paragraph like L.10.1 for Task Order 1? The period of performance is different for Task Order2 in L.10.1 than the period of performance listed in Attachment 2 page 9, please clarify. Reference: RFP Section: L, Paragraph: 2, Page: 96

The period of performance for Task Order 001 is a 12-month base period, plus four one-year options. The period of performance for Task Order 002 is 12 months.

The period of performance in L.10.2 of the RFP has been updated to match the requisite Task Orders.

Are there position descriptions available for the identified key positions that define specific roles and responsibilities?

Reference: RFP Section: Scope of Product, Service, or Outcomes: 1. Program Management and Task Order 0001, Paragraph: Final Bullet on page 8 and Various Locations thru Task Order 0001, Page: 8 in the RFP

No position descriptions will be provided by the Government. The offeror should propose the suitable level of education, experience, training and the roles and responsibilities for each they believe will meet the Government’s needs.

Could we obtain copies of the following documents identified in the RFP: TSA IT Security Policy 1400.3 (p. 22 of 102 and elsewhere); SSI Quick Reference Guide for DHS Employees and Contractors (p. 40 of 102)? Is the PMBOK referred to on page 23, the PMI Standard Reference Manual?

TSA will provide the IT Security Policy 1400.3, SSI Quick Reference Guide to the successful offeror after award. Yes, the PMBOK is the standard.

The identified deliverables are to be submitted in draft within 45 days of receipt of the Notice to Proceed (NTP) and a final within 60 days of receipt of NTP (e.g., see Deliverables Subtask 1.2 on page 14 of 102). However, E.5 on page 28 gives 15 days for comments to be submitted and 15 days for revisions to be made, please clarify. Reference: RFP Section: Deliverables Subtask 1.2 I-STEP Programs Strategic Planning, Paragraph: 1st Bullet, Page: 14 & 28

Specific projects and deliverables have defined time lines and dates. If not otherwise defined, the overall contract deliverables must meet E.5

What is the TSA System for Award Management and how do we access it to complete the response? Reference: RFP Section:

K.1.B, Paragraph: 1, Page: 56

Offerors shall complete electronic annual System for Award Management at http://sam.gov in conjunction with required registration in the Central Contractor Registration SAM database.

Please clarify the requirement for delivery of a Program Management Plan between Section C and Task Order 1.

Section C, p. 13, Deliverables Task 1 Program Management Services, requires development of a Program Management Plan (Deliverable #1) delivered to the CO and COR 60 days from contract award. Attachment-1, I-STEP Task Order 1, p. 6, item I, requires development of a Program Management Plan (PMP) and item j requires the contractor to provide the Government with a draft PMP at the Kick-off Meeting with a final PMP to be delivered 30 calendar days after the Kick-off Meeting. However, Deliverable #4 in Attachment-1, I-STEP Task Order 1, is for a Project Management Plan due within 30 business days after contract award.

The Contractor is required to have a Program management plan in place for the overall effort and a project plan for each project. As an example, in Task Order 001 a project is the Project Management Plan as a deliverable. In Task Order 002, each exercise is a project. Within the Annual Work Plans are project plans with specific tasks, all of which support the overall Program. The Project Management Plan is the overall collection of project plans. These plans are required of the awardee.

http://orca.bpn.gov/ http://orca.bpn.gov/ http://orca.bpn.gov/ http://orca.bpn.gov/

Attachment 4 – Cost Build-up Sheet/What is the anticipated LOE for each key labor category for each Training service (Capstone Seminar, Workshop/How-to-Demo, Seminar, Table Top, Advanced Table Top, Drill, Functional, and Full Scale)?

TSA isn't going to provide a LOE for the exercises,.

We're looking to you to tell us how this work should be done. The amount of effort and labor mix will be a function of each Offeror's technical approach.

Section H.1 Page 37 Paragraph 2/Can the government provide information on responsibilities/tasking and minimum qualifications for each of the Key Personnel positions cited in the RFP?

The offeror should propose the level of education, experience, training and the roles and responsibilities for each labor category that they believe will most effectively meet the Government’s needs.

Section L.11 Page 96 Paragraph 5/Can the government confirm that the Reps and Certs, signed SF33, and other contractual documentation should be provided in Vol. 5 Cost/Price?

Yes

48 Section L.6 Page 89 Paragraph 4/Please confirm that the bidder must provide two printed copies of Vol. 5 Cost/Price.

Yes. The bidder must provide two printed copies of the cost/price volume, and also two CDs of Vol. 5 Cost/Price.

Section L.7 Page 90 Paragraph 2/Can the government confirm that the cover page and Table of Contents are included in the 40-page limit for Vol. 1?

Yes - see L.7

Reference RFP Section II, Subsection 1.: Program Management Services, Page 9 Reference RFP Section II, Subsection 1:

Program Management Services, Page 9. “Provide the personnel necessary to support exercise management. Personnel assigned to exercise support shall meet the requirements established in this SOO. Exercise Support may include the following types of labor categories as dependent on the size and scope of the exercise and defined at the task order level: Project Manager

• Deputy Manager

• Admin Support Specialist

• Exercise Controller

• Multi-Media Developer

• Data Collector

• Exercise Facilitator

• Exercise Team Leader

• Additional Labor Categories as required.

And Factor 1 –Technical Capability: SOO/IDIQ. Reference Section L-8, Subsection C. Page 90/91 of 102. C. Key Personnel Offerors shall designate no less than the following positions as “Key Personnel”. These positions require resumes which are limited to three pages each but will not be counted as part of the page limitation

1. Program Manager

2. Deputy Program Managers

3. Exercise Controller

4. Multi-Media Developer

5. Data Collector

6. Exercise Facilitator

7. Exercise Team Leader The identified key personnel labor categories appear to be Exercise Management Support specific, while the SOO requirements are for Program Management Services, Training Support Services, Exercise Management Support Services, and

The Key Personnel list has been amended in the RFP (H.1, Sections L and M). Key Personnel have been removed from the Task Orders. The offeror should propose the level of education, experience, training and the roles and responsibilities for each they believe will meet the Government’s needs. The government does not intend to provide labor category descriptions.

Risk-Based Security Planning Solutions and Activities.

Q#1. Is the government open to Offerors proposing their own key personnel positions based on the requirements of the IDIQ and associated Task Order 0001 and 0002?

Q #2. Does the government intend to provide the labor category descriptions for the required key personnel labor categories or are the Offerors free to develop their own labor category descriptions for the government required key personnel?

Reference RFP Section B.4.1.3 Cost Reimbursement Pricing states “(TSA considers that only Offerors with approved accounting systems are eligible for contract award per FAR 16.301-3(a)(3).).” Q. Please confirm that this statement only applies to CR-type task orders. Q. Are subcontractors required to submit the same cost and pricing data (in a sealed package) as prime Offerors?

TSA contemplates a single award IDIQ. The IDIQ awardee must have an approved accounting system.

TSA does not require subcontractors to submit their cost and pricing data separate from the primes data - we will accept it in that fashion, if desired by the parties.

Reference RFP Section L - FAR 52.222-46 Evaluation of Compensation for Professional Employees, Paragraph (b), Page 85 of 102 This section suggests that Offerors should have knowledge of the compensation levels for employees of predecessor contractors. Q. Will the Government provide access to current incumbent employee’s compensation levels or clarify how non-incumbent Offerors would meet this requirement?

No, please see the clause for what is required.

Reference RFP Section I – Contract Clauses, Page 44 of 102 For this solicitation, we believe there will be adequate price competition, in accordance with FAR 15.403-1. Therefore, the standard for exception from certified cost or pricing data will be met. Q: Will the Government consider deleting and inserting the following FAR Clauses: DELETE 52.215-10 -- Price Reduction for Defective Certified Cost or Pricing Data.

52.215-12 -- Subcontractor Certified Cost or Pricing Data.

52.215-20 -- Requirements for Certified Cost or Pricing Data and Data Other Than Certified Cost or Pricing Data.

INSERT

52.215-11 -- Price Reduction for Defective Certified Cost or Pricing Data – Modifications.

52.215-13 -- Subcontractor Certified Cost or Pricing Data – Modifications.

While we do expect competition under the RFP, TSA expects to make a single award for the IDIQ;

accordingly, we don't expect any competition for any future cost-type Task Orders. Given this, we will not delete the clauses.

Reference RFP Section M – evaluation Factors for Award, M.4, Factor 5 – Cost/Price (IDIQ Fixed Rates and Task Orders 0001 and 0002), Page 102 of 102 In this section, it states “Comparison to the government’s estimate for the identified key labor positions may also be conducted to further support a reasonableness rating”. This statement does not provide Offerors a definitive understanding of how the Government will evaluate Offeror’s proposed rates.

Q: (a) Does the Government intend to conduct price analysis only for the key labor positions or for all proposed positions? (b) The Government did not provide additional labor category descriptions and requirements, how will the Government compare proposed prices received in response to the solicitation since there will be no consistency in labor categories?

The Government will evaluate all proposed labor rates.

RFP Section L.8 Proposal Requirements, C. Key Personnel, Page 92 of 102, 3.PLEASE NOTE: Resumes shall be an attachment to the technical proposal, provided at the end of the volume. Clarification is required given there are 3 Technical Capability volumes required for this acquisition. Are the resumes required to be included at the end of all technical volumes (e.g. , SOO/IDIQ, TO001, TO002)?

No. Resumes are only required to be included, as set forth in sections L and M of the RFP.

RFP Section L.10 Loaded Labor Rate Tables states to provide the most current DCAA or other audit. L.10.1 Cost/Price for Task Order 0002 -Cost Plus Fixed Fee and Time & Materials, page 96 of 102. Please provide the last 5 years history for each indirect rate, including the base and pool amounts. If there is no 5 year history, will the most current DCAA audit suffice? Has the contract vehicle been established for this acquisition?

Yes, the audit will suffice, although TSA wants as many years of rate history (up to five) that can be provided.

Section C, Page 22 of 102 Individual Security Requirements of Personnel:

Request for clarification - Assuming that an award can be made to a company that is rated by Government as competent and, the contract will start out as unclassified. For 'Individual Security Requirements of Personnel' - Is it alright to submit key personnel who are clearable or they should have current security clearance?

Please confirm if the information listed under Enter-on-duly (EOD) has to be submitted only after award or at time of proposal submission for key personnel?

No national security clearances are required under I- STEP, because no access to classified material is needed. Access to Sensitive Security Information will be required. These packages for vetting are submitted after the award of the contract; reasonable due diligence is that the contractor will have pre-screened all their personnel being submitted for screening, in order to have their workforce ready to go to work without delay.

Please see section H for additional information related to SSI handling and pre-employment screening.

Section H, Page 37 of 102 Key Personnel:

Will there be requirement for other FTEs in addition to the Key Personnel?

Request to please provide examples of job category of non Key Personnel Not sure if it may be possible to get information on how many FTEs the Incumbent has and how many do their Teaming Partner(s) have so that we can plan out our division of labor.

There are no requirements for "FTE"s in this RFP and Key Personnel are not listed as FTEs. Incumbent FTE information will not be provided.

Section L8, Paragraph 1 Page 91 of 102 Factor 1 describes the 'Key Areas' that Technical Capability should contain or follow.

However it also states (in row 8) that ".. These key areas will not received individual adjectival ratings".

Please provide some more information as we are not sure what this would mean.

We seek clarification because: We do not have 'Corporate Past Performance in the Intermodal Exercise Training. However, out executive staff has excellent experience in this field by working for another company in this area. We hope that this would count in some ways as rating for us.

The adjectival rating for non-cost factors is assigned at the factor level, not at the key areas under the factors.

Past performance information should be submitted at the prime contract level, not at the employee level.

Section L, Page 92 of 102 With information listed for Risk Management in the RFP, a Risk Plan will comprise as part of the proposal. However, we are not sure of the level of detail expected at proposal submission stage. We anticipate that it will evolve more following the award. Is it required to be a detailed plan at time of submission of RFP? Please advise.

TSA is looking for a proposal that addresses the material in Section L.8 - Factor 1.E - Risk Management within the allowable page limits, set forth in L.6.

Section L, Page 93 of 102 Under Factor 2 Technical Capability:

Task Order 0001: Staffing:

# 1 there is mention of 'Staff hours for each position and location'.

At this stage, we anticipate regular full time (40 hours a week) staffing support on the IDIQ.

However, it would be useful to learn if the Contractor needs to have offices in other locations outside of the Washington Metropolitan area.

Please advise if Contractor is required to have offices in more than one location.

This RFP does not specify any requirements related to the location of offices. See Task Order 001 for the requirements surrounding local programmatic support (Subtask 1.1).

Section L, Page 96 of 102 1.10.1 "Please provide the last 5 years history for each indirect rate

We are not too clear and request for clarification on the below listed information: Is there a 'minimum amount' that would be a qualifying factor?

Five years is the amount that we have specified - we are looking for sufficient data to establish stability; if your company doesn't have rates for five years, pls submit all the history that you do have. Submission of more that the most recent five years of indirect rate history is not required.

Section M, Page 99 of 102 Will a neutral rating in past performance (factor 4) impact an overall to a lower score?

Example- if Factor 1,2,3 and 5 are good, a neutral in 4 would set it to lower .

Overall our 'Past Performance' has only been as Sub. We do not have any past performance as Prime. 'Does a Prime require to have Past Performance as Prime? or Past Performance as Subcontractor with good rating suffice?'

TSA does intend to evaluate the prime contractor's past performance, which may be past performance as a prime contractor or as a subcontractor. Please see Section M.4 - Factor 4, for a discussion of "Neutral" rating.

Section M, Page 101 of 102. The Executive of our Company has two decades of experience in training and about five years in the specific this field, namely- exercise training. But the company does not have past performance in this field. How does Government view Past Performance- based on executive experience or company's past performance?

TSA requires past performance at the prime contractor level, not at the executive level, and will evaluate each proposal on its own merits. If your company is the prime contractor, and doesn't have any relevant past performance, than note that fact in that section of the proposal. Please see Section M.4 - Factor 4, for a discussion of "Neutral" rating.

General. We have not yet been able to find a Teaming Partner despite best efforts. Some have already formed their teams or are not bidding for the initiative. Based on our experience in this field, we are absolutely confident that we will add solid value on this initiative and thus plan on bidding, and are looking for a Teaming Partner. Does the Government have a list of interested vendors that attended the Industry day/that may be provided so as to provide facilitation for a teaming on this RFP?

Yes - we can refer you to the interested vendors section on FedBizOps. This does not mean that all interested vendors will be registered, but it might be useful starting place for you.

General. Is there a reason that the Incumbent has more than one Subcontractor?

Reason we ask this to also to understand if having one or more Teaming Partner(s) is a requisite for the proposal. We have been reaching out to numerous companies but still do not have a Teaming relation defined. In even, that we are not able to find a suitable Teaming Partner, we still plan to submit a proposal. We want to understand the role and interdependency of each evaluating factor. In case, the Technical Proposal is gets a compelling consideration, could factors such as lack of Company's past performance or not having a Teaming Partner be a disqualifying factor.

There is no TSA requirement for any teaming partners.

If there is no past performance available, the offeror will receive a neutral rating for past performance. Please see Section M.4 - Factor 4, for a discussion of "Neutral" rating.

General. What kind of Technical Capabilities are required? Is it possible to get specifications of systems in use, in I-STEP Programs, such as the Exercise Evaluation System (EES).

See the IDIQ SOO/Task Order SOWs for the kinds of technical capabilities to be required. The EES is not in use by TSA , currently there are no plans for future use.

The RFP lists products to be used for deliverables and offeror should have expertise in use of these products.

EXIS is an intuitive web based portal using a SharePoint platform.

68 General. Is there an expected time of award or period of performance - when does the Incumbents' contract expire?

The expected time of award is June 2014. The incumbent's contract expires May 2014.

RFP Section L.10.1, Page 96 – This section describes instructions for the cost/price of Task Order 0002, but it appears there are no instructions for cost/price of Task Order 0001.

Task order 1 is firm fixed price - see attachment 3.

RFP Section C-IV-4, Page 18 (Task 4, Risk Based Security Planning Solution and Activities) – This section describes activities for task 4, but it does not seem that these activities are in the two task orders (Task Order 0001, Task Order 0002) required for this bid – does this mean these activities will occur under later to-be-issued Task Orders? If so, is there an approximately timetable or duration of these needs?

This type of work (SOO Task 4) is within the scope of the IDIQ contract, and may be awarded in future TOs. I- STEP is a support program within TSA; all projects are based on variables in existance at the time of need. The duration of the needs will be set forth in future Task Orders, if this work will be required.

RFP Section I.1, page 45, includes FAR Clause 52.222-41, Service Contract Act of 1965. 1. Question: Does the Government intend to issue a Wage Labor Determination that applies to this solicitation?

2. Question: If the Government includes a Wage Labor Determination, will FAR Clause 52.222.43, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Act—Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts) be included?.

No -our expectation is that the labor categories to be provided under I-STEP Task Orders will be exempt under the Service Contract Act.

RFP Section I.1, page 45, does not include FAR Clause 52.222.43, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Act— Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts). Please include.

No -our expectation is that the labor categories to be provided under I-STEP Task Orders will be exempt under the Service Contract Act.

RFP Section I.1, page 45, includes FAR Clause 52.222-17, Nondisplacement of qualified workers and FAR Clause 52.222- 41, Service Contract Act of 1965. Would the Government please provide a listing of incumbent personnel and their time in service for compliance with the Service Contract Act?

No - no such list exists. Our expectation is that the labor categories to be provided under I-STEP Task Orders will be exempt under the Service Contract Act.

Section M, Factor 5, page 101, and RFP Attachment 4 Would the Government please confirm if Tasks 0001 and 0002 are sample tasks for evaluation only, or if they may be awarded as proposed?

Our intention is to award Task Orders 001 and 002 at the same time as the IDIQ.

Section K.11, FAR Clause 52.230-1 Cost Accounting Standards Notices and Certification, page 63: Would the Government please remove this clause as it does not apply to small businesses.

TSA agrees that this clause does not apply to small businesses.

76 Section I, page 45: Please confirm if FAR Clause 52.219-14, Limitation on Subcontracting, applies to this solicitation

FAR Clause 52.219-14 applies to Small Business concerns, and is required for this solicitation.

L.10, Loaded Labor Rate Tables, page 95, FFP and T&M, states “Offeror shall include fixed hourly rates and labor category descriptions for all positions at the contractor facility for the total period of performance of the IDIQ. These fixed hourly rates will be utilized for any FFP or T&M task orders. Subcontractor rates must also be proposed.” a) Question 1: This language is incongruent with B.4.1 Pricing Rates Applicable to Fixed Price and Time and Materials Orders, (page 3), which states that “Orders issued… shall be priced using labor rates that do not exceed those specified in Section B.5, Pricing Rate Tables. The latter language implies that the loaded labor rates are ceiling rates, not fixed rates. Please confirm if the loaded labor rates in Section B.5 are fixed or ceiling rates.

b) Question 3: It is our understanding that the loaded labor rates in Section B.5 are the same, regardless of whether the prime or a subcontractor performs the effort. Is it the Government’s intent to have separate sets of rates – 1 set for prime effort and 1 separate set for all subcontractors?

Q1 - The Government is allowing for the future possibility of a discounted rate in a specific case.

Q2 - The fully loaded rates to be proposed in B.5 are fixed rates. Q3 - the Government desires the fully loaded fixed labor rates in B.5 to cover performance under a Task Order by the prime, or any sub.

L.10, Loaded Labor Rate Tables, page 95, Cost, last sentence:

“The Cost Proposal shall include both fixed hourly rates and cost reimbursement rates and information.” Question: Is it the Government’s intent to receive fixed hourly rates in the Section B.5 Tables, and cost reimbursement rates and information in the Attachment 4 Tables? Please confirm or clarify.

The rates that should be included in the Section B.5 Tables should include only the fixed hourly rates. The cost reimbursement rates should be included in Attachment 3 Tables Fully Burdend Tab. Attachment 4 Tables should include pricing for cost build up for evaluation only for Task 3 of the SOO in Section C of the Solicitation.

L.10.1 Cost/Price for Task Order 0002 – Cost Plus Fixed Fee and Time and Materials, page 96, states “the offeror shall provide, in accordance with the SOW for Task Order 0002 (RFP Attachment

2) all the services on a Cost plus Fixed Fee structure. ODCs must be clearly articulated in Attachment 3 Cost Proposal Worksheet and Attachment 4 Cost Buildup Sheet”. c) Question: It is our understanding that Attachment 3 is the FFP pricing template for TO 1 only. Please confirm that ODCs for TO 1 should be entered into Attachment 3, and ODCs for TO 2 should be entered into Attachment 4.

d) Question: Please confirm that Attachments 3 and 4 are not related to each other in terms of “cost proposal” and “cost buildup”. Attachment 3 provides pricing data for TO 1 on a Firm- Fixed Price basis, and Attachment 4 provides cost buildup for TO 2 on a CPFF basis – is that correct?

e) Question relates to TO 2 (RFP Attachment 2): The SOW for TO 2 (RFP Attachment 2) states 2 tasks, (1) Project Support Activities and (2) Exercise Services. It seems that the “Project Support Activities” include many of the activities described in TO 1 (Program Management and Support Services). Should they be priced under TO 1 or TO2, rather than being duplicated?

f) Question: Please confirm: ODCs must be/not be identified in Attachment 3. ODCs must be/not be identified in Attachment 4.

Travel must be/not be identified in Attachment 3. Travel must be/not be identified in Attachment 4.

c. No. Attachment 3 includes the cost worksheets for both Task 1 and Task 2 of the SOO of Section C of the IDIQ. An Attachment 3 should be used for each cost proposal for Task Order 001 and Task Order 002. The ODC's for Task Order 001 and Task Order 002 should be proposed in the Attachment 3 template. The ODC's for Task Order 002 should be entered into Attachment

3. d.

Attachment 4 is to be used for Cost buildup for evaluations for the types of exercises listed in the SOO for Task 3 of the solicitation. e. Task Order 002 should be priced in accordance with the requirements identified in the Statement of Work for Task Order 002 using attachment 3. f. The Offeror should include ODC's in the Attachment 3 for Task Order 001 and Task Order 002.

L.10. Loaded Labor Rate Tables, page 95, Cost 2., states:

“Completed Attachment 4 – Exercise Cost Build-Up (For Task Order 0002 evaluation purposes only)”, and L.10.1 Cost/Price for Task Order 0002 – Cost Plus Fixed Fee and Time and Materials (page 96) states “the offeror shall provide, in accordance with the SOW for Task Order 0002 (RFP Attachment 2) all the services on a Cost plus Fixed Fee structure.”. This Question relates to TO 2 (RFP Attachment 2) and Cost Buildup Sheets (RFP Attachment 4): RFP Attachment 2, Task 2, Exercise Services, includes 21 Tabletop Exercises for a 12-month period:

(a) 4 TTX to support Highway Motor Carrier,

(b) 4 TTX to support pipeline,

(c) 6 TTX/seminars to support Mass Transit,

(d) 3 TTX to support Intermodal Security Support Division’s joint efforts with USCG, and (e) 4 workshop/TTX to support Freight Rail.

Attachment 4, Cost Buildup Sheet, contains the following tabs:

(a) “Full Scale”

(b) “Functional”

(c) “Advanced Tabletop”

(d) “Tabletop”

(e) “Seminar”

(f) “Workshop/How To Demo”

(g) “Capstone Seminar” How does the SOW relate to the Cost Buildup Sheets? Please clarify the Government’s intent for pricing, if the layout for Attachment 4 is to be followed.

The Offeror is to propose a Cost Build Up for evaluation only with the use of Attachment 4. The Offeror is to provide a cost proposal for each of the exercises identified within the attachment tabs.

L.10.1 Cost/Price For Task Order 0002 – Cost Plus Fixed Fee and Time & Materials, page 96, second paragraph states “For the proposal, Task Order 0002 period of performance shall be as follows: Base Year and four 1-year option periods. RFP Attachment 2, Task Order 2, Performance/Delivery Period (page

9) states: “Period of Performance for this Task Order will be 12 months from the date of award. Question: Please confirm if the number of exercises described in RFP Attachment 2 is to be provided in a 1-year period, or annually in a 1 year base period and 4 option year periods, or spread over a 5-year period.

Task Order 001 has a period of performance of a Base year and four (4) option year periods. Task Order 002 has a 12 month period of performance. The number of exercises described in the RFP Attachment 2 is to be 15-30 exercises/year.

82 B.5.1 Pricing Rate Tables, page 4: What is the anticipated start date for services under this IDIQ?

The anticipated start date for services is August 2014.

This date factors in time for contractor vetting through PerSec.

Section I, 52.215-12 Subcontractor Cost or Pricing Data, page 44:

Does the Government require sealed packages for proposed subcontractor effort?

No, this submission method is optional for the prime/subcontractor - if this method is chosen, their rolled up costs must be represented in the prime's proposal.

Amendment 000001, Attachments 3 and 4 in excel format:

Question: Are the formats/layouts/tabs mandatory for submission, or are they guidelines for pricing and can be changed as required for the Offeror's approach?

Attachments 3 and 4 may be modified as necessary by the offeror, however, the contents of the sheets must contain all of the information requested in the template if submitted in an alternate format. It is the Government’s preference to have the cost proposal submitted in the provided format.

Amendment 000001, Attachment 3 in excel format: Please confirm that pricing provided in Attachment 3 covers Task Order 1 as well as the overall IDIQ pricing. No pricing for the overall IDIQ effort is required.

The Offeror is to use Attachment 3 for Task Order 1, Task Order 2 and the overall IDIQ effort.

Amendment 000001, Attachment 3 in excel format, tab “Labor Category Descriptions”: Question: Can this information be provided as part of the cost /pricing narrative in word format, instead of being part of Attachment 3?

Attachment 3 may be modified as necessary by the offeror, however, the contents of the sheets must contain all of the information requested in the template if submitted in an alternate format. It is the Government’s preference to have the cost proposal submitted in the provided format.

Amendment 000001, Attachment 3 in excel format, tab “Firm Fixed Price Rates” and RFP Section B.4.1.1, Firm Fixed Price Task Orders: It is understood that these proposed rates apply to any task orders covering RFP Section C, SOO, Task 1, Program Management Services. Question: (1) Are these rates “Firm Fixed” or “Ceiling Rates”, where lower rates can be negotiated on an individual task order basis? (2) Will all task orders for Program Management Services always be issued on a Firm-Fixed Price basis?

Q1 - The Government is allowing for the future possibility of a discounted rate in a specific case.

Q2 - Yes.

Amendment 000001, Attachment 3 in excel format, tab “Fully Burdened Rates” and RFP Section B.4.1.2, T&M Task Orders: It is understood that these proposed rates apply to any task orders covering RFP Section C, SOO, Task 2, Training Support Services. Question: (1) Are these rates “Firm Fixed” for T&M task orders, or “Ceiling Rates”, where lower rates can be negotiated on an individual task order basis? (2) Are these rates relevant to any T&M task orders issued for SOO Task 3, Exercise Management Support Services, and Task 4, Risk-Based Security Planning Solutions and Activities?

(1) Answered above (2) Yes.

Amendment 000001, Attachment 3 in excel format, tab “Fully Burdened Rates” and RFP Section B.4.1.3, Cost Reimbursement Pricing: It is understood that these proposed rates apply to any task orders covering RFP Section C, SOO, Task 2, Training Support Services. Question: (1) Do these rates apply as “Ceiling Rates” for CPFF task orders, where lower rates can be negotiated on an individual task order basis? (2) Are these rates relevant to any CPFF task orders issued for SOO Task 3, Exercise Management Support Services, and Task 4, Risk-Based Security Planning Solutions and Activities?

(1) Yes, see above response. (2) Yes.

This section identifies what the first page of the proposal must show.

Question: Will the government please clarify:

1) Is this required for each volume?

All pages of each part shall be appropriately numbered, and identified with the name of the Offeror, the date, and the solicitation number, to the extent practicable.

Amendment 000001, Attachment 3 in excel format, tab “Fully Burdened Rates”: Please define the intent for column C, Direct/Indirect. It is our understanding of GAAP that Indirect Labor (if proposed) is not directly priced as a labor rate, but applied as an indirect cost factor. Suggest to delete column C.

No, we expect you to use attachment 3 to display your proposed costs. You may make changes to Attachment 3 as necessary, however, the content of the sheets must be fully complied with if submitted in an alternative format.