Questions_and_Answers.xlsx
XLSX spreadsheet 28 KB Posted
- Solicitation number
- HSTS02-13-R-MLS263
About this file
Amendment 4/Questions and Answers
View the file
Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Amendment_8.pdf | ||
| Amendment__7.pdf | ||
| Amendment_6.pdf | ||
| HSTS02-13-R-MLS263_00000005_RFI_Responses.pdf | ||
| Amendment(3).pdf | ||
| Amendment(1).pdf | ||
| Amendment.pdf | ||
| Attachment_4_-_Cost_Build_Up_Sheet(1).xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| Attachment_3_-_Cost_Proposal_Worksheet(1).xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| https //www.fbo.gov/index s procurement mode form tab step1 id c82813d24eff163f25b641812af54a56 tab ntype _cview 0 | — | |
| I-STEP_RFP.pdf | ||
| Attachment_2_I-STEP.pdf | ||
| Attachment_1_I-STEP.pdf | ||
| Attachment_4_I-STEP.pdf | ||
| Attachment_3_I-STEP.pdf |
Show all 15
On GovTribe
Work with this file
- Download the original file
- Contacts named in this file
- Similar government files
- Ask GovTribe AI about this file
Text version
Sheet1
| Request for Proposal (RFP) Number HSTS02-13-R-MLS263 | |||
| Section | Paragraph | Question | Answer |
| B | B.1.1(a) & B.3 | Does the Government also intend to award Task Order 0001 and 0002 at the same time it awards the IDIQ contract? | Correct |
| C | C.II.1 | Identifies a labor category as "Project Manager" however other sections of the RFP reference "Program Manager". Does the Government intend for the labor category to be "Program Manager"? | Program Manager is the Government official certified and responsible for the program (I-STEP). The offeror should “propose” the suitable level of labor categories they believe will meet the Government’s needs to program management services. The contractor should have a an overall "Manager" for the contract (project, program, lead, principle.) |
| L | L.6 - Submission Format paragraph | The RFP states that all cost and pricing information shall be submitted in Microsoft Office 2003 (excel) format. Recommend a clarification that all pricing spreadsheets and tables be in Excel format but also allow for additional information regarding audits and accounting systems, etc. be accepted in Microsoft Word format. | Additional information regarding audits and accounting systems, etc.will be accepted in Microsoft Word format. |
| L | L.8.C - Factor 1, Key Personnel | The RFP requires that resumes be submitted for each of the 7 key personnel. Some positions may require support by multiple people for one key position. Please confirm that it is the Government's intent that Offerors provide one resume for each key labor category. | The offeror should “propose” the suitable level of education and training they believe will meet the Government’s needs. |
The Government is not evaluating the Key Personnel. Factors for the evaluation are listed on page 90-91 of the RFP.
| L | L.10 - FFP and T&M Paragraph, 2nd sentence | The referenced sentence and page 3, section B.4.1.1, Firm Fixed Price Task Orders (TOs) require that the fixed hourly (i.e. T&M) rates be utilized to construct an FFP estimate in an FFP task orders. This methodology results in applying the profitability of the T&M rates to the FFP estimate of any FFP Task Order. In view of FAR 16.202-1, FAR 15.404-4(3), and elsewhere, would the government allow constructing proposed estimates for FFP Task Orders independent of the T&M rates? | Per L.10 Offerors 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. |
| L | L.10 - Loaded Labor Rate Tables, 3rd sentence | The referenced sentence states that subcontractor rates must also be proposed. Clause 52.216-29 states that the offeror must establish fixed hourly rates using - |
1) separate rates for each labor category to be performed by each subcontractor and for each labor category to be performed by the offeror
2) blended rates for each labor category to be performed by the offeror , including labor transferred between divisions, subsidiaries, or affiliates of the offeror and all subcontractors; or
3) any combination of separate and blended rates for each labor category to be performed by the offeror, affiliates of the offeror, and subcontractors There are several cases in the I-STEP program where the same labor category must be staffed by a combination of teammates; for example, staff from several teammates must be combined to meet the demands of a particular task. Please clarify if the government desires separate fixed hourly rate from each teammate or a blended rate (applicable to the entire team) in the case where the same labor category is performed by staff of several team members.
| The offeror shall submit sufficient pricing data to establish that the offeror realisti-cally and completely understands the requirements of this solicitation, and the SOWfor Task Orders 0001 and 0002. In addition, the offeror shall provide pricing data that details how the offeror arrived at its proposed hourly rate. The offeror shall propose fully burdened fixed labor rates to include all indirect rates and fee for each labor category across the period of per-formance proposed in accordance with the Statement of Objectives. The Cost Proposal shall include both fixed hourly rates and cost reimbursement rates and information. | |||
| L | L.10.1 | Cost/Price for Task Order 0002 - Cost Plus Fixed Fee and Time & Materials. Please clarify what is meant by "and" in the title of the reference. | This was meant to capture the both types of contracts (Cost Plus Fixed Fee and Time & Materials) |
| L | L.10.1 | The RFP states that "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." However, the pricing template (Attachment 4) only requires pricing of the exercises. Please clarify what is meant by "all the services". | Attachment 4 has been updated to reflect pricing for all services. |
| L | L.10.1 | The section states that the period of performance for Task Order 0002 is a base year and four 1-year option periods. However, Attachment 2, Task Order 0002 (page 9) states that the period of performance is 12 months from the date of award. Please clarify. | Task Order 0002 period of performance shall as follows: Base year and four 12 month option periods. |
| L | L.10.1 | RFP says, "Although part of the total cost under the Task Order, transition costs must be articulated and defined in a manner that shows a total cost for transition" Please clarify: |
a) how transition costs are to be shown,
| b) how the total cost of transition (TO 0001 and TO 0002) are to be shown in TO 0002 (Attachment 4). | Per L.10.1 For the proposal, Task Order 0002 period of performance shall as follows: Base year and four 1-year option periods. Although part of the total cost under the Task Order, transition costs must be articulated and defined in a manner that shows a total cost for transition. | |||
| Attachment 1, TO 0001 - Section IV | IV.1.1 | The paragraph requires a full time Project Manager. Does the Government intend for the Project Manager to be the Program Manager identified as key personnel in Section H of the RFP? | The offeror should “propose” the suitable full time position to administer the contract they believe will meet the Government’s needs. The RFP has defined this as a "full program manager." Project managers lead the ad hoc training and exercise projects define in each issued TO. | |
| Attachment 1, TO 0001 - Section IV | IV.1.2.e & IV.1.2.l | Deliverable #5 is titled Monthly Progress Report but cites that the contractor "shall develop a monthly status report (MSR) …" while Deliverable #7 is titled Monthly Status Report. Did the Government intend for this to be a single report? | No | |
| Attachment 1, TO 0001 - Section IV | IV.1.2(o) | The paragraph references the I-STEP Exercise Manual. Will the Government provide access to/review of the I-STEP Exercise Manual during the proposal process? | No | |
| Amendment, Attachment 3 | FFP TO 01 tab Sheet | First footnote says OFFERORS ARE REQUESTED TO PROPOSE A FIRM FIXED PRICE TO SUCCESSFULLY FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE PROGRAM MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE STATEMENT OF WORK (TASK ORDER 01, ATTACHMENT 3). Please confirm that footnote refers to Attachment 1 and that reference to an Attachment 3 is a typographical error. | Footnote refers to Attachment 1 - Statement of Work. Attachment 3 applies, in that it is the cost build up format. | |
| Amendment, Attachment 3 | Firm Fixed Price Rates tab | The header in the spreadsheet indicates that it is applicable to Task 1 in RFP Section C . Please confirm that the labor categories and rates refer to pricing Task 1, Section C, as opposed to pricing Task Order 01 | Attachment 3 is the Cost Proposal Worksheet for Task Order 001. | |
| Amendment, Attachment 3 | Firm Fixed Price Rates tab | In view of the government's request for labor categories, rates, and hours for Task 1, does the government consider the requirements and LOE for Task 1 to be the same as Task Order 0001? | Yes | |
| Amendment, Attachment 3 | Fully Burdened Rates tab | The header in the spreadsheet indicates that it is applicable to Task 2 in RFP Section C . Please confirm that the labor categories and rates refer to pricing Task 2, Section C, as opposed to pricing Task Order 02 (also, please see Question #6 in IDIQ section) | Attachment 3 is the Cost Proposal Worksheet for task order 1. | |
| Amendment, Attachment 3 | Fully Burdened Rates tab | Please clarify what is meant by DIRECT/INDIRECT, i.e., does the government want to see two dollar values that add up to the cost rate of the Base year (fee excluded)? | Yes, we do want two dollar values. Direct rates include, but are not limited to: labor categories, materials, and travel. Indirect categories include, but not limited to: G&A and overhead. | |
| Amendment, Attachment 3 | Fully Burdened Rates tab | The DIRECT/INDIRECT components of a cost rate are proprietary and competition sensitive to each company. The prime has visibility of the subcontractor's cost rate but not the breakdown. Does the government intend for each subcontractor to provide this information in a separate sealed envelope submission? | Yes. The subcontractor can submit their rates in accordance with section L.6 of the solicitation. | |
| Amendment, Attachment 3 | Build Up Sheet tab | The note THIS FORMULA SHALL BE APPLICABLE TO ALL YEARS appears in the cell range B3:E3. What formula is being referred to? | The formula that your organization uses to come up with its figures should be used to represent the entire contract. | |
| Amendment, Attachment 3 | Build Up Sheet tab | Does the Government intend for the G&A, OH, FRINGE, FIXED FEE OR PROFIT to be entered as dollar values or %s? | Yes, we want to know the rate (percentage)and the amount. | |
| Amendment, Attachment 3 | Build Up Sheet tab | Please explain the required entry of ODC per LABOR CATEGORY. | Per the instructions: OFFEROR IS ADVISED TO DELETE OR ADD COST ELEMENTS AS REQUIRED TO COME TO A FULLY BURDENED RATE. | |
| Amendment, Attachment 3 | Build Up Sheet tab | Please explain what should be entered in the TOTAL column | Total of columns A - N. | |
| Amendment, Attachment 3 | Build Up Sheet tab | Please explain what is required in the ANNUAL ESCALATION RATE. Direct labor costs escalation? ODCs ESCALATION? Total Cost escalation? Or something else? | Please refer to RFP L.10.1 | |
| Amendment, Attachment 3 | Build Up Sheet tab | The second footnote states OFFEROR IS ADVISED TO DELETE OR ADD COST ELEMENTS AS REQUIRED TO COME TO A FULLY BURDENED RATE. There is no entry for Direct Labor (DL) rate per labor category. Would the government clarify what is needed (i.e. a fully burdened rate per labor category which would necessitate the offeror to insert a DL column or the labor category's wrap rate (including/excluding profit) which does not need a DL column)? | We do want to understand the proposed elements of cost, and do expect both direct and indirect costs that will add to total cost. Please do feel free to tailor the spreadsheet as you need to do so. | |
| Amendment, Attachment 3 | Unburdened Rates tab | The DIRECT/INDIRECT components of a cost rate are proprietary and competition sensitive to each company. The prime has visibility of the subcontractor's cost rate but not the breakdown. Does the government intend for each subcontractor to provide this information in a separate sealed envelope submission directly to the government? | The subcontractor can submit their rates in accordance with section L.6 of the solicitation. | |
| Amendment, Attachment 3 | Cost Elements tab | What does the FIXED FEE% refer to, CPFF or T&M rates? | The fixed fee is the cost plus fixed fee rate. | |
| Amendment, Attachment 3 | Cost Elements tab | What information does the government require in FRINGE (list all applicable) - a list of Fringe Benefits, dollar value, or a %? | Yes; the rate and it's components should be described. Any and all information needed for the section. | |
| Amendment, Attachment 3 | All tabs except FFP TO1 | How does the government intend to evaluate this information (i.e., estimate to perform Task 1 and Task 2) considering that per RFP the price evaluation for Task Order 1 is based on Amended Attachment 3, FFP 01 tab, and the price evaluation for Task Order 02 is based on Attachment 4? | Please refer to section M (Evaluation Factors for Award) Factor 5 Cost/Price task order 1 & 2 | |
| Amendment, Attachment 3 | Fully Burdened Rates and Firm Fixed Price tabs | The reference tabs indicate that they are applicable to Task 1 and Task 2 within the SOO Section C, respectively. What is the government's intent relative to cost to perform Task 3 and Task 4 within the SOO Section C? | Per L.10 Offerors 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. | |
| n/a | n/a | In view of the requested clarifications, would the government consider extending the date proposal responses are due? | The proposal due date expressed in amendments to the RPP are herein confirmed as February 11, 2014 | |
| Amendment, Attachment 4 | Cost Build Up Sheet | The attachment does not contain a cost build up sheet for a drill exercise as outlined in the RFP Section C.II.3 (page 11). Is it the Government's intent that offerors also provide a cost build up for a drill exercise? | The offeror should provide a cost schedule based on type of labor categories to be used by the I-STEP to support TSA and the TSS operators’ risk reduction mission with a labor pool for use on ad hoc exercises of all types. | |
| Amendment, Attachment 4 | Cost Build Up Sheet | Please confirm that the government's intention is that a subcontractor's labor cost is to be treated as ODC by the prime contractor because clause FAR 52-232-7 (Aug. 2012) is not incorporated explicitly or by reference in the RFP. | The subcontractor labor cost should be included with the prime's labor, labled as labor for a given catagory for a specified subcontractor. | |
| Amendment, Attachment 4 | Cost Build Up Sheet | Attachment 4 requires entering direct labor, OH, G&A, and Fixed Fee. These rates are unique and proprietary to each company. Therefore, they are not normally disclosed even among teammates. |
a) Does the government intend that each subcontractor submit its own attachment 4 under sealed package directly to the government?
| b) Does the government intend that the offeror include all subcontractor costs as a total in the ODC line? | The subcontractor can submit their rates in accordance with section L.6 of the solicitation. The subcontractor information should be listed in a separate subcontractor category. | |||
| General | None | What is the anticipate award date of this solicitation? | 3rd quarter FY 14 | |
| RFP Page 95 | Cost: 2. Completed Attachments 3 & 4 – Exercise Cost Build-Up (For Task Order 0002 evaluation purposes only) | 1 - Will the Government identify the exact number of contract years for both Task Order 001 and Task Order 002 that they will use when determining the total evaluated price? 2 - Will it be 5 total years for each Task Order? | The period of performance for both Task Order 1 & Task Order 2 shall be a base year and four 12 month option periods. | |
| Section B | The budget for ODC/Travel is set not to exceed $100,000.00 | Will the Government adjust budget for contractor travel later based on the distribution/location for each exercise? | Yes, adjustments are made as needed based on benefit to the Government. Proposals should address and use number provided within RFP | |
| B.1 Contract Line Items, Descriptions and Ceilings | ||||
| Task Order 1, page 13 | Travel Requirements | Please provide a plug number for travel and ODCs to be used for each year. | $100,000 as provided in RFP section B.1 | |
| SOO/IDIQ, Subtask 2.1 | Training Development and Implementation. Direct support in the development and implementation of training programs to increase security capabilities and use of I-STEP processes, tools, and services. Support would be for all phases - development, design, implementation and evaluation. Audience would include all stakeholders, both internal and external. | To assist planning, will the Government identify the exact number of classes, average number of students per class, class durations, class locations, and types of training media? If not available, can you provide this data from 2012 or 2013? | The Government does not have an exact number, type, size or locations for training. Too many variables to list determine who, what, when, and where of a transportation security training. The offeror should provide a cost schedule based on type of labor categories to be used by the I-STEP to support TSA and the TSS operators’ risk reduction mission with a labor pool for use on ad hoc training. The variables change from year to year and adjust to security risks | |
| SOO/IDIQ, Subtask 2.2 | Deliverables Subtask 2.2. Security Training/ Community Awareness Activities and Products | Can the Government provide volume of materials and number of courses? If not available, can you provide this data from 2012 or 2013? | The Government does not have an exact number, type, or size for training courses. Too many variables to list determine who, what, when, and where of a transportation security training. The offeror should provide a cost schedule based on type of labor categories to be used by the I-STEP to support TSA and the TSS operators’ risk reduction mission with a labor pool for use on ad hoc training course development. The variables change from year to year and adjust to security risks | |
| • Develop awareness training materials and courses, distribute materials and provide training as required by TSA (Deliverable #7). Training will be delivered in accordance with the Contract Statement of Objectives and Annual Work Plan Deliverable Matrix. | ||||
| Attachment 2, I-STEP Task Order 2, IV Technical Requirements/Tasks/Outcomes, Subtask 1.1 Project Support Activities, Training Development and Implementation | Analyze training programs to identify gaps and develop training requirements necessary for security training. | How many training programs currently exist? | Over the past 10 years I-STEP has supported the development of multiple training products and courses for transportation security. These were based on security mission and tools used for TSA’ risk reduction mission. No exact number available of transportation security courses (1,100+ by last analysis) | |
| General | General | Is the Government planning to have an overlap or transition period between their contract support? | It is not anticipated for this RFP. Projects and TOs are administered by the I-STEP project leads. Any materials or information will be provided through the Government to the contractor. | |
| RFP page 90 | Volume 5 page limit table. | Is there a page limit for Volume 5, Cost/Price table – in the RFP, that section of the table is blank? Please clarify. | See L.6 - There is no limit provided for cost price data. | |
| Section C, 4.2 Training Support Services | Designing training products to address transportation security issues based on TSA’s risk reducing security policies and plans for transportation operators. | What software and system(s) will the Government provide access to, to design, develop and implement the training products? What pre-approved commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) products are currently in use to document, store and/or produce products to support the I-STEP. Do you have any customized software packages currently in use that you can share with Offerors? | At this time the Government is not providing any software or systems, customized or COTS for training products. Microsoft and Adobe are current products used. Future products requiring additional software will be provided by the Government or as a contract modification with the Government | |
| Section C, 4.4 Risk-based Security Planning Solution and Activities | Gather and analyze existing risk data to assist decision-makers in making operational decisions about threats. | What software and system(s) will the Government provide access to, to gather and analyze existing risk data? What pre-approved commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) products are currently in use to document, store and/or produce products to support the I-STEP. Do you have any customized software packages currently in use that you can share with Offerors? | At this time the Government is not providing any software or systems, customized or COTS for analytical products. Microsoft and Adobe are current products used. Future products requiring additional software will be provided by the Government or as a contract modification with the Government | |
| Section C, III: Background | The Exercise Information System (EXIS) is a web-based portal for transportation security exercise design and tracking. I-STEP will utilize EXIS and other applications, with enhancements and improvements as needed, to augment TSS security exercises and risk-based security activities. EXIS serves as a central gateway for TSS exercise information and development between the I-STEP and TSS operators. The EXIS and component applications will be used to support program monitoring and measurement. | What software/architecture is the Exercise Information System (EXIS) built upon? What version is being used? | EXIS is built on a modified SharePoint 2007 platform | |
| Section C, III: Background | The Exercise Information System (EXIS) is a web-based portal for transportation security exercise design and tracking. I-STEP will utilize EXIS and other applications, with enhancements and improvements as needed, to augment TSS security exercises and risk-based security activities. EXIS serves as a central gateway for TSS exercise information and development between the I-STEP and TSS operators. The EXIS and component applications will be used to support program monitoring and measurement. | Is the Government responsible for making the EXIS enhancements and improvements? | The Government owns and operates the EXIS under an O&M contract. All modifications, improvements and enhancements are managed by the Government. |
| Attachment 2, I-STEP Task Order 2, Background | I-STEP will utilize EXIS and the other applications developed under PortSTEP (with enhancements and improvements as needed) to conduct multimodal transportation exercises. | Is the Government responsible for making the EXIS enhancements and improvements? | The Government fully owns and operates the EXIS. All modifications, improvements and enhancements are managed by the Government. |
| Section C, III: Background | The Exercise Information System (EXIS) is a web-based portal for transportation security exercise design and tracking. I-STEP will utilize EXIS and other applications, with enhancements and improvements as needed, to augment TSS security exercises and risk-based security activities. EXIS serves as a central gateway for TSS exercise information and development between the I-STEP and TSS operators. The EXIS and component applications will be used to support program monitoring and measurement. | Does EXIS integrate with other I-STEP software and system(s)? | EXIS is currently a stand-alone product for use by the TSS operators to assist in their risk reduction mission. |
| Section C, III: Background | The Exercise Information System (EXIS) is a web-based portal for transportation security exercise design and tracking. I-STEP will utilize EXIS and other applications, with enhancements and improvements as needed, to augment TSS security exercises and risk-based security activities. EXIS serves as a central gateway for TSS exercise information and development between the I-STEP and TSS operators. The EXIS and component applications will be used to support program monitoring and measurement. | What types of reports analysis or data output currently come from EXIS and at what frequency are they disseminated? | EXIS provides System use, user data, compiled lessons learned, Best practices, exercise data. This information is shared as necessary, on an as-needed basis. |
| Attachment 2, p. 4: I-STEP Task Order 2, IV Technical Requirements/Tasks/Outcomes, Subtask 1.1 Project Support Activities, | I-STEP Website- Redesign the I-STEP website to facilitate access to ISTEP resources | Is the Exercise Information System (EXIS) currently in use on the I-STEP website? What version is being used? What pre-approved commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) products are contractors allowed to use to redesign the I-STEP website? | The I-STEP website and EXIS are two separate entities. The I-STEP “website” provides information through public- facing TSA page(s) and HSIN. Redesign includes maintaining relevant information and usability. Currently there are no COTS or other products to list. |
| Section C, 4.1 Deliverables Task 1 Program Management Service/Deliverable Table | This documentation should be presented in a Project Management Plan developed in Microsoft word, and a Schedule developed in Microsoft Project and delivered to the CO and COR 60 days from contract award. | Is the PMP due 60 days from contract award as stated in section C or 30 days as stated on page 5, 6, and 12 of Task Order 0001? | Yes. |
| Section C, 4.4 Risk-Based Security Planning Solutions and Activities | The Contractor shall be required to deliver various forms of risk-based security planning solutions and activities support throughout the term of this contract at the task order level to assist TSA and security partners in determining the proper level of security that matches the level of risk. | Are the Risk-Based Security Planning Solutions and Activities, as described on page 11 of 102 in the base RFP, to be performed within Task Orders 0001 and 0002, or will they be handled as separate tasks? | Projects will be assigned thru multiple TOs over the life of the contract. Work plans are developed as part of the PM support and executed through additional TOs for each project or set of similar projects. |
| Section C: Statement of Objectives, Deliverables | Annual Work Plans | To provide an understanding of the ongoing Exercise and Training efforts, will the Government provide the current Annual Work Plans? | No. |
| Section C: Statement of Objectives, Task 2. Training Support Services, Subtask 2.2. Security Training | Coordinate with the First Observer Program to ensure complementary (versus duplicative) efforts | In Section C, the Statement of Work states that the I-STEP training program must coordinate with the First Observer Training program to ensure complementary training efforts. Is it the Government’s intent to have the coordination between the First Observer and the I-STEP Programs result in jointly developed training programs? | 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 for 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 of the Government and thus the tax payers. | |||
| Section C: Special Delivery Instructions | The Contractor shall use TSA templates for deliverables if available, including the TSA I-STEP Program Manual. | Can the Government provide a list of available TSA deliverable templates? | Currently there are no “templates” for ad hoc project deliverables. |
| Section H.4, page 42 | All employees assigned to work in a TSA facility. | The pricing tables reference Contractor Site. Should the contractor give rates per labor category for the IDIQ as both Contractor and Government Site? | The offeror’s proposal should be based on contractor site rates. The Government does not intend to provide space for contract employees to execute this contract. Contract employees will be granted access to TSA buildings and sites for meetings. |
| Section L.7, page 90 | Format and Instructions | Since Task Order 2 is CPFF, please confirm what type of sealed package and what contents you will require from subcontractors, if any. | The same information as required by the prime is required for the subcontractor. |
| Section L.10.1, page 96 | Please provide the last 5 years history for each indirect rate, including the base and pool amounts. | Please confirm if you require this from subcontractors. What if a company does not have this information for the last 5 years? | This is a requirement for the subcontractor. Please provide available data. However, 5 years of data is preferred. |
| Task Order 1, Section II, Subsection b, | In put exercise information into EXIS | What percentage of the 15–30 exercises per year requires contractor support to ensure that the exercise information is entered into EXIS? | All. 100%. The contract awardee will use EXIS for all TSA exercises. The contractor will be part of the EXIS Working Group as an end user. |
| Task Order 2, Deliverables, | Deliverables: | Are there requirements for specific training- deliverables? | Not at this time. These are ad hoc projects and I-STEP supports the requirements from other offices within TSA and other DHS components |
| Attachment 3 | All PM Support is to be proposed at the contractor’s primary work location. | Please confirm all hours of support for Task Order 0001 should be priced as Government-sited labor. | All hours for this RFP (and subsequent TOs) are to be priced as contractor site. The Government does not intend to provide space for contract employees to execute this contract. Contract employees will be granted access to TSA buildings and sites for meetings after the suitability check is complete. |
| Attachment 2, Task 2. Exercise Services | Continue preparations for intermodal exercises | The Government lists 21 exercises on pages 6–7 of Attachment 2. Do these 21 exercises comprise the schedule of events for the current year, or are they future efforts? If they are already in the planning stages, can the I-STEP program provide the stage of the planning efforts by individual exercise for the 21 exercise listed? | The exercise schedule is planned and not currently available for public release. Projects are in different stages. The information and materials for each project will be provided by the COR after awardee employees complete security background checks. |
| Attachment 2, I-STEP Task Order 2, IV Technical Requirements/Tasks/Outcomes, Subtask 1.2 Security Training/Community/Awareness Activities and Products | Assist with conducting EXIS training and presentations | Does this require certified HSEEP trainers to conduct the training? | No. |
| Page 3 of Task Order 0001, | under Subtask 1.1 | 1. the narrative says “The support shall include at a minimum a full time Project Manager.” Is this the Program Manager as noted by Key Personnel? Or is this another position that is not called out in the Key Personnel section of the IDIQ? | Key Personnel are listed in H.1 (b) Project Managers are not listed in H.1 |
| L.6 | General Format Instructions | Reads that "electronic copies shall be formatted using MS Office 2003 or later, MS Office Excel 2007 or PDF." But under the Submission Format section it reads that "Each CD must contain proposals in MS Office 2003 formats and all cost information included in MS excel 2003 format." Should the wording in the later section read "using MS Office 2003 or later MS Office Excel 2007 or PDF" to agree with the General Format Instructions? | Yes |
| Is guest EXIS access available?” | No | ||
| RFP Section B4.1(a) | Page 3 | There is a closing sentence in this paragraph stating that "the Government requires the contractor to state how many hours is their equivalent to a full time employee”. Please clarify where you wish the offerors to record the statement. Would a footnote in attachment 3 and attachment 4 be acceptable? | Yes. |
| Section C Section II Purpose | Page 6 | Being that I-STEP as an existing program to be adopted and supported in the new contract while there is no mentioning of project transitioning or I-STEP training time/cost mentioned for the program in this RFP. What kind of resource including all technical information ( tools/reports) and past performance (history and lessons learned) available to the contractor? Please do clarify as we wish to be able to prepare our staff since our emails ( 11/29/13 and 12/6/13) to ISTEP@dhs.gov have not been responded. | None. The COR and Government Program Manager will provide information and documents to awardee. The RFP provides the instructions for correspondence with Government. |
| RFP Section C Section II | Page 7 | Is there a defined list of resources? | No. C Section II -1 Performance Objectives are the I-STEP objectives provided in the RFP for situational awareness to offerors. |
| RFP Section C Section II | Page 7 | What is the suggested guideline for the contractor to aim to improve the Sector situational awareness, understanding and collaboration. | None. C Section II -1 Performance Objectives are the I-STEP objectives provided in the RFP for situational awareness to offerors. |
| RFP Section C Section II | Page 7 | Will there be task order for performing training to all contract personnel to adopt to NIMS? | NO. Section H.3.5 The Offeror shall provide fully trained and experienced personnel required for performance. |
| RFP Section C Section II | Page 8 | Could we assume that training sessions will be planned to review existing multi-modal security exercise and evaluation methodology? | No training sessions. Meetings and information exchanges will occur with awardee. Section H.3.5 The Offeror shall provide fully trained and experienced personnel required for performance. |
| RFP Section C Section II | Page 8 | Could detailed guideline plus training sessions be given to the suite of services mentioned here? | ? No training sessions. Meetings and information exchanges will occur with awardee. C Section II -1 Performance Objectives are the I-STEP objectives provided in the RFP for situational awareness to offerors. |
| RFP Section C Section II | Page 8 | Will there be a resource and guideline and past performance for producing security best practices, lessons learned and document opportunities for TSS operators? | Meetings and information exchanges will occur with awardee. C Section II -1 Performance Objectives are the I-STEP objectives provided in the RFP for situational awareness to offerors. |
| RFP Section C | Page 9 | Exercise Information System (EXIS) is the required exercise conducting tool to be used in I-STEP which is being denied access to the general public as of now. Please add time and cost considerations for EXIS training to all offerors in this RFP as EXIS usage proficiency is imperative for the success of I-STEP training support services. | EXIS is currently a stand-alone product for use by the TSS operation to assist in their risk reduction mission. EXIS is available to operators and others who meet the requirements 49CFR 1520.7 & .11. The public does not have access. EXIS is an intuitive web portal and does not require “training” to use. The Government does not intend to add time and cost considerations. |
| RFP Section C | Page 9 | Will there be provision of standards and previous work samples to prepare materials for scenarios, MSELs, participant manuals, controller/evaluator manuals, evaluation forms and observer manuals? We assume that controller/evaluator handbook mentioned on page 10 under Exercise Support Services is a different one. Please do clarify for us. | All previous I-STEP materials necessary to execute the contract will be provided to the awardee. |
| Section C Section III | Page 12 | Section III Background of I-STEP clarifies that "EXIS and component applications will be used to support program monitoring and measurement" without clarification of how the contractor is to become fully versed and trained in applying EXIS and component applications. Please do clarify for us. | This is the program background information provided in the RFP for situational awareness to offerors. |
| “Is it necessary to bid for all of the support services requested in the RFP (1 – 4), or could we identify a specific service to respond to?” | Yes. The selected will need to bid to the solicitation in its entirety. | ||
| I was curious if you could tell me the current Prime on the I-Step contract? | Booz Allen Hamilton. | ||
| Is there a requirement for a cleared facility? | No - although some of the work may be sensitive, none of it is classified. | ||
| If there is a requirement for a cleared facility, what level of security clearance is required (e.g., secured facility or Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF)) | N/A | ||
| Can the prime EDWOSB enter into a Contractor Teaming Arrangement (CTA) with a large business and then have the large business help the prime comply with the secured facility requirements, in other words can the prime utilize the CTA partner's secured facility as the place of work for the engagement? | N/A | ||
| If a cleared facility is required and the prime EDWOSB cannot use the CTA or teaming partner's facility then what is the time frame in which the prime's facility needs to be cleared after award? | N/A |
| Whom do we select / authorize as the Federal Contracting Officer / Specialist to view, validate and verify our EDWOSB Status for this set-aside in the SBA WOSB/EDWOSB Repository? | Johnny Hicks (CO) and Delonte McKinney (CS) have been updated in the system. | ||
| Is there (by any chance) a published list of other interested vendors? | Interested vendors who register on FBO are viewable on the solicitation. | ||
| Would it be possible to get the documents posted for this solicitation in Word/Excel format? It would make it easier for the response to pull the pricing tables, as well as the Certs and Reps sections.” | The attachments have been provided in an excel format. | ||
| Attachment 1, TO 0001 | Deliverables | In the SOO deliverables table the PMP is "due 60 days from contract award", but the PMP is due "within 30 days of contract award" in Attachment 1. Can the Government please confirm that the TO prevails? | TO Attachment should be 60 calander days |
Sheet2
Sheet3
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .