HT001120R0003 Atch E Questions and Answers (0001).pdf

HT001120R0003, Attachment E (0001)

Answers to Questions

# Page Ref Para Ref Question Response

1 General General Who is the incumbent contractor for this effort? What is the contract number?

Services are currently performed by Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., primarily under contract HT001119C0007, but also under contract HT001119C0005. Public information concerning these awards is available at www.usaspending.gov and www.fpds.gov. See also, the answer to question 23.

2 General General Can the Government provide the current incumbent contractor and current largest subcontractor?

See answer to question 1, above

3 General General Could the Government provide the current contract value by base and option years?

See answer to question 1, above

4 SF 1449,

Block 10 This Acquisition is set-aside for 100% Small Business. Given the nature of this project and the connection to supporting Wounded, Ill and/or Injured and their Families, would the government consider changing the set-aside allocation from 100% Small Business to 100% Service- Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business?

No, the Acquisition Strategy is approved for procurement of these services, set aside for Small Business.

5 SF 1449,

Block 8 Request the Government extend the offer due date by 10 business days to allow sufficient time to prepare a complete and thorough response to a complex RFP and staffing scenario. We also note questions are due May 20, 2020 at 2:00PM and depending on the time the Government needs to respond it could make it very difficult incorporate those changes in our bid by the current submission date.

The due date for receipt of offers is extended to June 22, 2020.

6 SF 1449,

page 37 and

52.212-1 (Addendum), paragraphs (c) and (n)(1)

Pg. 37 requires the Offeror to state the offer is valid at least 180 days from the date specified for the receipt of offers. Page 38 requires validity of at least 180 days from the date of submittal. Please confirm which statement is accurate.

52.212-1 (Addendum), paragraph (n)(1), is amended to read, "...Cover letters shall state offer validity for at least 180 days from the date specified for receipt of offers and shall provide…"

7 SF 1449,

52.212-1 (Addendum), paragraph (n)(2)(ii)

Is the 30-day phase-in a funded activity, and will you provide a CLIN in the SF1449 and an updated pricing sheet (Attachment A)?

The Transition In period between notification of award and start of performance is not a funded activity. No CLIN will be provided. Also note that the proposal instructions at 52.212-1, paragraph (n)(2)(ii) and PWS paragraph

1.6.1.1 do not specify a 30-day duration for the Transition In period.

Answers to Questions

# Page Ref Para Ref Question Response

8 SF 1449,

52.212-1 (Addendum), paragraph (n)(2)(ii)

Transition Plan Approach Narrative instructions read, “The plan shall include a high-level project plan in chart form, for the proposed project, depicting your implementation approach, including:

schedule, work streams, activities, duration, milestones and dependencies.” Is this the same requirement as the milestone chart in requirement (B): “Planning and execution milestones and tasks to meet transition timelines, including compliance with DHA information assurance requirements”?

The instructions at 52.212-1, paragraph (n)(2)(ii), included no requirements for format of the Transition Approach Narrative. Offerors should present the required content in the manner and format that best reflects the approach, within the page count limits.

9 SF 1449,

52.212-1 (Addendum), paragraph (n)(2)(ii)

Do requirements A-D apply only to transition-in, including a milestone chart? Is only a general narrative required for transition-out?

The instructions at 52.212-1, paragraph (n)(2)(ii) begin, "The offer shall describe the approach to incoming and outgoing transition specified at PWS paragraph 1.6.1."

10 SF 1449,

52.212-1 (Addendum), paragraph (n)(2)(v)

For key personnel resumes, does the government require offerors to submit one resume for each key labor category (i.e., total of four resumes) or does the government require a resume for all staff proposed under a key labor category?

Only the four positions identified as Key Personnel require resumes. Other positions using the same labor category under which Key Personnel services are offered do not require a resume.

11 SF 1449,

52.212-1 (Addendum), paragraph (n)(2)(v)(A)

Reference Key personnel. The RFP asks for DoD DES experience. Would the government consider VA IDES / DES experience?

Experience with the Department of Veteran Affairs Integrated Disability Evaluation System is not equivalent to experience with the DoD Disability Evaluation System. However, the experience cited at 52.212-1, paragraph (n)(2)(v)(A), includes experience with the DoD Disability Evaluation System as a desired, not required, qualification.

Representations of Key Personnel possessing the desired qualifications become the measure of qualification for substitution of Key Personnel under PWS paragraph 1.12.5. That is, on departure of a Key Personnel represented to have experience with the DoD Disability Evaluation System, the replacement Key Personnel must also have equivalent experience.

Answers to Questions

# Page Ref Para Ref Question Response

12 SF 1449,

52.212-1 (Addendum), paragraphs (n)(2)(i) through (n)(2)(v)

Instructions and evaluation criteria differ slightly:

52,212-1 (Addendum), pgs. 39-40

(I) Section 1, Technical Approach Narrative

(ii) Section 2, Transition Approach Narrative

(iii) Section 3, Quality Control Plan

(v) Section 5, Key Personnel Resumes

(vi) Section 6, Staffing Plan

52.212-2 (Addendum), pgs. 59-60

(i) Subfactor 1, Technical Approach subfactor

(ii) Subfactor 2, Key Personnel subfactor

(iii) Subfactor 3, Transition Plan subfactor

(iv) Subfactor 4, Quality Control Approach subfactor

(v) Subfactor 5, Limitations on Subcontracting subfactor

Please confirm that the Volume 1 instructions reflect the correct requirements and order. Also, please confirm that Technical subfactor, Limitations on Subcontracting, isn’t a proposal section requirement.

52.212-2 (Addendum), paragraph (e)(2) is amended to read, "The Government will review offer Volume 1, Section 5, Key Personnel Resumes…"

For clarity, 52.212-2 (Addendum), paragraph (e)(4) is amended to read, "The Government will review offer Volume 1, Section 3, Quality Control Approach Narrative, and Section 4, Quality Control Plan, to document comments..."

Information required for evaluation of the Limitations on Subcontracting subfactor is specified for inclusion in solicitation Attachment A, Pricing Sheet, to be submitted with Volume 3, Price.

13 SF 1449,

page 39 and

52.212-1 (Addendum), paragraph (n)(2)(i) and (n)(2)(vi)

Redundancy in Sections 1 and 6. In Section 1, Technical Approach Narrative, would the government change the following phrase, “The offeror shall describe the proposed resources to perform the total effort described in the PWS and explain why they are sufficient to perform the complete effort.” to “The offeror shall describe the technical approach to perform the total effort”?

The Government does not intend to evaluate a technical approach narrative addressing every requirement in the PWS. This instructions at 52.212-1 (Addendum), paragraph (n)(2)(i), focus on technical narrative covering specific PWS paragraphs. Under the Technical Approach subfactor, the merit of the full scope of the PWS will be evaluated by examining the adequacy of proposed labor categories and labor hours.The Staffing Plan described at 52.212-1, paragraph (n)(2)(vi) does call for some redundant information. However, the Staffing Plan will not be evaluated against technical criteria and serves primarily to establish a reporting baseline for staffing management under PWS paragraph 5.18.

Answers to Questions

# Page Ref Para Ref Question Response

14 SF 1449,

page 39 and

52.212-1 (Addendum), paragraph (n)(2), and 52.212-2 (Addendum), paragraph (e)(1)

Considering the 20 page limit on Volume 1, Sections 1 through 3, will the government confirm that Volume 1, Section 1, Technical Approach Narrative, needs to respond for the nine stated services and capabilities listed on SF 1449 page 59, 52.212-2 (Addendum), paragraph (e)(1)(i) through (e)(1)(ix)?

The DES program office has determined those requirements of the PWS which are especially important to statisfactory performance and most useful for distinguishing technical approach among offers. These PWS requirements are described at 52.212-2, paragraphs (e)(1)(i) through (e)(1)(ix). For all other requirements of the PWS, the evaluation will consider adequacy of the proposed level of effort to perform the total scope rather than review of a narrative technical approach.

15 SF 1449,

52.212-1 (Addendum), paragraph (n)(2)(v)(A) through (n)(2)(v)(C)

For those positions requiring six sigma certification, is it acceptable to obtain the certification before start of contract or is the certification required to be submitted with resumes?

Key personnel are expected to demonstrate the required qualifications at the time of the offeror's submission.

16 SF 1449,

52.212-1 (Addendum), paragraph (n)(2)(v)(A) through (n)(2)(v)(C)

For those positions requiring six sigma certification, is PMP certification an acceptable substitute for Six Sigma certification?

Program Management Professional certification is not a substitute for Lean Six Sigma certification.

17 SF 1449,

52.212-1 (Addendum), paragraph (n)(2)(v)(A) through (n)(2)(v)(C)

The government mentions the Program Manager, Program Manager Deputy, and Policy Analyst requiring the Lean Six Sigma certification. Will the government consider a qualified candidate who can obtain the certificate within 30 Days of contract award?

See answer to question 15, above

18 SF 1449,

52.212-1 (Addendum), paragraph (n)(2)(vi)

The Staffing Plan instructions read, “The offer shall describe the qualifications of hiring officials to assess candidates for vacant positions.” Should this information be included in part (B) “Personnel, organization, and administrative control necessary to ensure that the services performed meet all requirements specified in delivery/task orders”?

The instructions for the Staffing Plan only address required content and not format. Offerors should choose the format.

19 SF 1449,

52.212-1 (Addendum), paragraph (n)(3)(iii)

Is there a limit on how many performance histories offerors may include in this volume?

There is no limit. An offeror's Performance History under Volume 2 may include any effort that has been performed within the past three years from the date of the solicitation and which the offeror believes to be relevant to the work described in the PWS.

Answers to Questions

# Page Ref Para Ref Question Response

20 SF 1449,

page 42, 55 and 56

52.212-1 (Addendum), paragraph (n)(4)(iv) and 52.222-46, paragraphs (a) and (b)

To satisfy the Professional Employee Compensation Plan requirement for the submission, will the Government accept the Prime’s salary ranges by labor category and an explanation of how fringe, overhead, and benefits are calculated to ensure compensation realism?

Yes, salary ranges are acceptable where salaries for unencumbered positions are not yet known. FICA and other taxes, which contribute to fringe rates, do not require explanation. Generally, overhead other than fringe, including morale and recreation costs such as holiday parties or company activity days, should not be presented as employee compensation.

21 SF 1449,

page 42, 55 and 56

52.212-1 (Addendum), paragraph (n)(4)(iv) and 52.222-46, paragraphs (a) and (b)

To satisfy the Professional Employee Compensation Plan requirement for the submission, are subcontractors under the Prime required to submit any salary, fringe, overhead, and benefits information separate from the Prime’s compensation plan? If so, will the government provide instructions to subcontractors on what data is required and how to submit it as a separate password protected package directly to the govt to protect confidential information?

52.212-1 (Addendum), paragraph (n)(4)(iv) is amended to pemit subcontractors to provide a separate encrypted document of fill-in information for salaries and other cost and rate information.

22 SF 1449,

page 42, 55 and 56

52.212-1 (Addendum), paragraph (n)(4)(iv) and 52.222-46, paragraphs (a) and (b)

Does the Professional Employee Compensation Plan requirement apply only to the prime contractor?

The Professional Employee Compensation Plan requirement applies to prime offer and all proposed subcontracts delivering direct labor professional services. See also, answer to question 21.

23 SF 1449,

52.212-1 (Addendum), paragraph (n)(4)(vi)

The Government’s estimated level effort indicates 33 total FTEs for the performance of the tasks in the PWS. Comparing this estimate to the information provided in the Justification and Approval (J&A) for Other than Full and Open Competition documents released for this work in January 2019, it appears there has been a change in funding or scope. The J&A documents indicated the sole source awards did not include new work or a change in scope. This RFP and PWS indicate a change in FTEs with minimal changes in tasks and scope.

Request the Government verify the estimated level of effort remains at 33 FTEs.

The question likely refers to Justification and Approval, JA19-0009B, which resulted in contract HT001119C0007.

The services under this solictation include the preponderance, but not the totality of work performed under HT001119C0007.

Those services not included under this solicitation are being procured under a separate competitive effort. The solicitation also includes the services currently performed under HT001119C0005, awarded under Justification and Approval 19-0010B.

24 SF 1449,

52.212-1 (Addendum), paragraph (n)(4)(vi)(I)

Request the Government confirm the intended estimated level of effort and labor categories for DES IT support is 11,520 hours; six FTEs.

Please refer to 52.212-1 (Addendum), paragraph (n)(4)(vi). The historical information for DES IT is 11,520 hours;

six FTEs.

Answers to Questions

# Page Ref Para Ref Question Response

25 SF 1449,

52.212-1 (Addendum), paragraph (n)(5)(iii)

Does the Government require one Organizational Conflict of Interest mitigation plan for the prime and all subs, or should offerors submit separate mitigation plans for each team member?

Each offer shall include one Organizational Conflict of Interest mitigation plan, which covers performance of the prime offeror and proposed subcontractors.

26 SF 1449,

52.212-2 (Addendum), paragraph (f)(1)

The paragraph reads, “Recent efforts are those performed as a prime contractor or as a subcontractor within the last three years from release of this solicitation, including efforts currently being performed.” In order for the government to maximize competition (particularly with respect to small business participation), would the government consider either extending the period to the past 8 years?

No, period for recent past performance will remain at three years from the release date of the solicitation.

27 SF 1449,

52.212-2 (Addendum), paragraph (f)(3)

Would the government consider adding a confidence level for “relevant OR recency” between “Satisfactory Confidence” and “Neutral Confidence” for those contractors that have either Recency or Relevance? Currently the rating does not provide this status. In other words, an offeror with neither recent nor relevant past performance would score higher than an offeror with either recent or relevant past performance.

No, the Somewhat Relevant rating already provides flexibility to consider efforts that might not otherwise meet a strict application of relevance criteria.

Answers to Questions

# Page Ref Para Ref Question Response

28 SF 1449,

pages 59 to

52.212-2 (Addendum), paragraph (e)(2)

Request the Government confirm the years of experience requirements for all four Key Personnel Positions. The years of experience requirement indicated in each case does not appear to be consistent with the scope of work and responsibilities indicated in the Key Personnel descriptions. The Program Manager (SR) and Program Manager Deputy years of experience requirement for 3 years of experience in program management does not appear to be consistent with the complexity of the tasks and responsibilities of a project. Would the government consider increasing the requirement to at least 10 years for the Program Manager (SR) and 5 years for the Program Manager Deputy to ensure successful delivery of the services and products required by the PWS? The Policy Analyst Supervisor position requires no previous experience. Would the government consider increasing this requirement to at least 5 years of experience to ensure the appropriate level of expertise is provided for the level of analysis required by the PWS? The Operations Research Analyst Supervisor years of experience requirement for 2 years of experience across the areas of expertise indicated is not sufficient to ensure competent leadership or delivery of the analytics products and services required for mission success. Would the government consider increasing this requirement to at least 8 years of experience?

The required years and experience is as stated.

29 Attachment 1, PWS, page

Paragraph 4.2, Secret Facility Clearance

What type of facility security clearance, if any, is required?

A facility clearance is not required. See PWS paragraph 4.2.

Answers to Questions

# Page Ref Para Ref Question Response

30 Attachment 1, PWS, page

Paragraph 5.4.2 Request the Government confirm the deadline for Deliverable 13 indicated in the following paragraph is five business days. “Review program performance against established goals and other indicators determined by the appropriate government employee, and develop recommended courses of action to change existing or development of new program processes and/or DoD policy.

Recommendations should be based upon thorough operational research and statistical analysis of the impact, advantages, disadvantages, and cost. As required, fully develop a cost benefit analysis. Within five business days of assignment, develop appropriate policy, staffing documents, and implementation guidance and submit to the appropriate government program lead for approval (Deliverable 13).”

The 5 business day deadline for Deliverable 13 is correct as written.

31 Attachment 1, PWS, Page

Paragraph 5.4.7 Request the Government confirm the production schedule for the Inspector General Triennial Report is once every three years as opposed to annually as indicated in the following paragraph, “On a routine and recurring basis, provide staff support and analyses with the Military Departments’ Disability Annual Report (DAR) and Inspector General Triennial Reports. Provide final draft reports for government approval within the timeframe specified so as to enable distribution of both reports by May 1 of each year (Deliverable 16).” Note: Deadline for Deliverable 16 is also contained in the Deliverable Table on Page 25.

The Inspector General Triennial Report is produced every three years with a distribution date of May 1st. The Disability Annual Report is produced yearly with a distribution date of May 1st.

Answers to Questions

# Page Ref Para Ref Question Response

32 Attachment 1, PWS, page

Paragraph 5.16.1 Request the Government confirm the deadline for Deliverable 42 indicated in the following paragraph is five business days. “Assist in the government’s oversight of the PDBR’s responsibility to reassess the accuracy and fairness of disability ratings per DoD policy and/or law. Monitor actions taken by the PDBR to transition away from this responsibility and assess any policy changes, to include those that arise from changes to law, pertaining to the PDBR. Within five business days of identifying that a change to policy or procedure is needed, provide the appropriate government lead a decision paper that details recommended changes (Deliverable 42).”

The 5 business day deadline for Deliverable 42 is correct as written.

33 Attachment 1, PWS, page 20, and Attachment 4, DHA CAC

Request Process

Paragraph 6.2 What type of security clearance or background check, if any, is required for personnel?

PWS paragraph 6.2 specifies ADP/IT-II, which is required for access to DoD IT systems. Adjudication of this access will require completion of the e-QUIP security questionnaire as described in the DHA CAC Request Process.

34 Attachment 1, PWS, page

Paragraph 7.2, Performance Requirements Summary

It looks like PRS #4 is missing. If it is, could you send the Performance Objective we need to meet. If not, can you confirm there are only five Performance Objectives?

The PRS is misnumbered. There are only 5 Performance Objectives. The solicitation is amended to reflect the correct numbering of performance objectives.

35 Attachment 1, PWS, page

Paragraph 7.2, Performance Requirements Summary

Request the Government clarify the period of evaluation for each Performance Threshold. PRS #1, 2, and 6 each indicated “within the period of performance” as the period of evaluation but it isn’t clear if that means per month, per year, or the entire term of the contract.

PRS #3 and 5 don’t include a specific period of evaluation.

"Within the period of performance" means between the start date and end date of the current period of performance, as awarded for the base contract or extended for each of the option periods. This interval will be 12 months, except for the Option to Extend Services, which is limited to 6 months, or where the Government awards a shorter base period. (see 52.212-1, paragraph (o))

36 Attachment 1, PWS, page

Paragraph 7.2, Performance Requirements Summary

Request the Government clarify the referenced paragraphs with the PRS items.

The PRS numbers seem to be one paragraph off for each for PRS #s 2-6.

Paragraph references in the Performance Requirements Summary at PWS paragraph 7.2 are amended to read, 5.17 instead of 5.18, 5.10 instead of 5.11, 5.14 instead of 5.15, and 5.15 instead of 5.16.

See, also, the answer to question 34.

Answers to Questions

# Page Ref Para Ref Question Response

37 Attachment 1, PWS, page 3

Paragraph 1.6.1.1, Transition In Period

What is the Government’s estimate for the duration in working days of the Transition In Period; the time from Contract Award to Start of Performance?

The contracting officer will issue an award with performance starting no earlier than 15 days after notice of award to the successful offeror.

38 Attachment 1, PWS, page 4

Paragraph 1.10.2, Quality Assurance

How often will COR access contractor facilities?

As the Government anticipates performance of services at a Government site, there is currently no expectation of COR surveillance at contractor facilities.

Should the need arise for such surveillance, PWS paragraph 1.10.2 requires that the contractor provide the necessary access.

39 Attachment 1, PWS, page 4

Paragraph 1.8, Contractor Travel

How often is local travel "within NCR plus radius of 50 miles" expected to occur at the contractors' expense?

The Government anticipates up to six off-site events, annually, requiring contractor travel within the NCR, plus 50 mile radius.

40 Attachment 1, PWS, page 4

Paragraph 1.8, Contractor Travel

Are other trips expected and is all travel

CONUS?

All anticipated travel is within the continental United States. The Government anticipates up to three trips, annually, requiring contractor travel.

41 Attachment

B, PPQ

N/A What is the due date for PPQs to be returned to the customer?

The solicitation specifies no due date for Past Performance Questionnaires to be returned by the reference contact as the Government acknowledges that return of a completed form is beyond an offeror's control. As the first page of the questionnaire must be included in Volume 2, the Government expects that questionnaires will be provided to the reference contacts prior to submittal of the offer.