Questions and Answers.xlsx
XLSX spreadsheet 38 KB Posted
- Solicitation number
- HT001422R0008
- Issued by
-
Defense Health Agency
About this file
This is a solicitation for research and support services for the Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence (TBICoE). The TBICoE conducts congressionally mandated clinical research, surveillance, tool development and dissemination of traumatic brain injury education for military personnel, veterans and their families. Services required include human subject research, data analysis, education programs and collaboration with partner organizations. The period of performance is 43 months including a 30-day transition in and out. Submissions are due by specified email addresses. Evaluation will consider technical capability, management approach, past performance and price. Offerors must meet a 40% small business participation requirement based on total contract value. The Defense Health Agency is the contracting agency.
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Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| HT0014-22-R-0008 P00005.pdf | ||
| HT0014-22-R-0008 P00004.pdf | ||
| TBICOE Pricing Sheet 21 Jul 22 Revised.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| HT001422R00080003.pdf | ||
| TBICOE Pricing Sheet 12 Jul 22 Revised.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| Duty Location 12 Jul 22.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| Business Associate Agreement.pdf | ||
| Software License List.pdf | ||
| HT001422R00080002.pdf | ||
| IT User Agreement.pdf | ||
| HT001422R000800001.pdf | ||
| HT001422R0008.pdf | ||
| DD 254 TBICoE.pdf | ||
| TBICoE RFP HT001422R0008 - Past Performance Questionnaire.doc | DOC document | |
| DHA Handbook.pdf | ||
| TBICOE Pricing Sheet 06292022.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet |
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Sheet1
| Question | Topic | Section | Question | Answer | |
| 1 | Solicitation | K, 52.219-1, (b)(1) and L.8.6 PG 170 and 183 | P. 170: "The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 541611" p. 183: "DHA will use the System for Award Management (SAM) website (https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM), which provides for registration and online representations and certification to verify proposed small business entities meet the assigned RFP NAICS (541990), small business size standard ($16.5M) and the socioeconomic categories in which they are counted." Would the Gov't. consider revising the NAICS code for this requirement to 541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) with a size standard of 1,000 employees? This NAICS code fits the requirement and also allows for small business who are experienced in research and development. | As the services, including research, are of a varied nature, the NAICS code of 541990 has been determined by the Government to be the most appropriate code. FAR Clause 52.219-1 in the solicitation has been corrected to read 541990. | |
| 2 | Solicitation | L.7.2; L.8.6; M.3.5 PG 180, 183, and 190 | p. 180: "Must evidence small business participation at 40% of total contract dollars" p. 183: "The offeror shall describe its approach and ability to team with small or disadvantaged companies to meet the Small Business participation commitment of 40% outlined in the contract." p. 190: "The Gov't. will assess a large business offeror's evidence of compliance with the 40% small business participation requirement". Will the Gov't. consider changing the Small Business requirement to 30%? This is an extremely complex, congressionally mandated project that requires the knowledge, experience, and expertise of large businesses for minimal risk to the Gov't. and beneficiaries of the TBI CoE. | The approved acquisition strategy mandates a 40% small business dollar participation requirement. | |
| 3 | Solicitation | L.7.2 PG 179 and 180 | Number of copies of each volume shall be "2 - 1 Original + 1 Sanitized (in PDF format)" Would the Gov't. confirm that sanitized means no corporate logos, signatures, key personnel names, or other company identifiable information? | Confirmed. | |
| 4 | Solicitation | L.8.5.1 and L 8.5.3 PG 181 | L.8.5.1 General. Each Offeror shall submit recent, present and past performance information with its proposal in accordance with the below guidance. This information is required on the Offeror and subcontractors, teaming partners, and/or joint venture partners who are proposed to perform at least 25 percent of the contract effort. L.8.5.3. Offerors shall submit past performance information on at least three (3) but not more than five (5) recent contracts (within the past three years from the date of the solicitation). If more than 5 contract references are submitted, only the first five will be evaluated in the order received by the Gov't.. Information must include a minimum of three (3) recent contracts performed by the prime contractor. Not all teammates will perform 25+% of the work, but they may have relevant past performance. | ||
| Could the Gov't. please confirm that any subcontractors may submit past performance, even if their workshare is under 25% of the contract effort? | Any subcontractors may submit past performance, even if their workshare is under 25% of the contract effort. However, no more than 5 contract references may be provided by an offeror. | ||||
| 5 | Solicitation | L7.1.2k PG 179 | Page limitations shall be treated as maximums. If exceeded, the excess pages will not be read or considered in the evaluation of the proposal resumes". Will the Gov't. please confirm if Resumes should be submitted as an Appendix to Vol. 3 which is not part of the 20-page limit? | Resumes should be submitted as part of your Management and Retention Plan submission, and are not part of the page limitations. | |
| 6 | Solicitation | Part 7 - 7.0 Attachments/Technical Exhibit Listing | 7.1 The following forms are to be completed by the FSO/Security POC, or COR once the contractor is granted the proper background investigation. 7.1.1 Contractor CAC Request Process. File available upon request. 7.1.2 DHA’s contractor training instructions. File available upon request 7.1.3 GFE Inventory Report Form. File available upon request. 7.1.4 DHA/R&E Silver Spring Metro Center (SSMC1) New Employee Welcome Packet. File available upon request. Would the Gov't. confirm these files will be provided after contract award? | These will be provided after contract award. | |
| 7 | Solicitation | L.8.1 PG 180 | L.8.1. Volume I - Business Proposal. Volume I shall include the following (in the order listed): • Standard Form (SF) 33, ... • The Offeror shall acknowledge all amendments by signing and returning SF 30 ... • Names, titles, and telephone numbers and e-mail address of persons authorized to negotiate on the Offeror's behalf ... • Section K, ... • The above information shall be provided for the prime and all team members (e.g. subcontractor, partner, etc.) performing 25% or more of the proposed contract effort. ... Would the Govt. please clarify which of the above bullets are included in the reference to 'above information' ? | The described information has been determined extraneous and removed from the solicitation. | |
| 8 | Solicitation | L.7.2 and L.8.2 PG 179 and 180 | Vol II Tech Approach max page limit is 20 pages. Given the complexity of this program and all that the Offerors need to write to in this section, would the Gov't. please increase the number of pages from 20 to 30 or more for Vol 2? | The page limitation shall remain unchanged. | |
| 9 | Solicitation | L.7.2 and L.8.3 PG 179 and 181 | Vol III Mgmt. Approach max page limit is 20 pages. Given the complexity of this program and all that the Offerors need to write to in this section, would the Gov't. please increase the number of pages from 20 to 30 or more for Vol 3? | The page limitation shall remain unchanged. | |
| 10 | Solicitation | L8.6 PG 183 | In the case that an Offeror meets the criteria as specified in paragraph L.8.7 and through discussions provides a Final Proposal Revision (FPR), the criteria for paragraph L.8.7 must be met. Offerors must submit the… Should this say L.8.6 instead? | It should read L.8.6. The solicitation has been amended accordingly. | |
| 11 | Solicitation | L8.7.5 PG 184 | L.8.7 Volume VIII - Price Proposal. L.8.7.1 VOLUME VIII - COST/PRICE Should this say Volume VII instead? | It should Volume VII. The solicitation has been amended accordingly. | |
| 12 | Solicitation | L.8.7.5 and L.7.1.2.c PG 184 | L.7.1.2 states that each volume should have a 2-page Section Summary. L.8.7.5 lists how Vol. 7 should be organized but does not include the Section Summary: Tab 1: Table of Contents, Glossary, and Definitions Tab 2: Estimating System/Methodology Tab 3: Purchasing System Tab 4: Accounting System Tab 5: Financial Capability Tab 6: Identification of Subcontracts Tab 7: Compensation Plan Tab 8: Cost and Supporting Information Would the Gov't. please clarify under which Tab the Section Summary should go in the Price Volume OR is does Vol. 7 not require a Section Summary? | Summary section for each volume shall consist of no more than 2 pages and should be part of Tab 1. | |
| 13 | Solicitation | L.8.7.5 Tab 8 PG 185 | Tab 8 Cost and Supporting Information... Ensure that all direct labor rates and indirect expense rates and estimating factors used in the proposal have been submitted for review by the cognizant Defense Contract Audit Agency prior to cost proposal submission. Would the Gov't. please clarify what exactly should be included under Tab 8? | All direct labor rates, indirect expense rates and any estimating factors used in your proposal should be submitted. | |
| 14 | TBICOE+Pricing+Sheet+06292022 | Does the Pricing Sheet go under Tab 8? | The pricing sheet should be provided as part of the Price Proposal Volume VII. | ||
| 15 | Attachment DD 254 TBICoE | Would the Gov't. please confirm that the DD254 should be submitted as part of Vol 1 and that it is excluded from page limit? | Yes. The DD Form 254 should be submitted as Part of your Volume I submission and is excluded from the page limitations. | ||
| 16 | Amend 1 | Section M PG 7 of 8 | Section header reads: M.3.4 M.3.6 FACTOR VI - COST/PRICE EVALUATION Is this a typo? Should this be M.3.6 instead? | This should read M.3.6 and has been changed in the solicitation. | |
| 17 | Solicitation | Gen | May we use Arial Narrow 11 point or Times New Roman 11 point for text? | You may use Arial Narrow 11 point or Times New Roman 11 point for text. | |
| 18 | Solicitation | Gen | May we use Arial Narrow 9 or 10 point for graphics? | You may use Arial Nattow 9 or 10 point for graphics. | |
| 19 | Solicitation | Gen | May we use Arial Narrow 10 point for tables? | You mause Arial Narrow 10 point for tables. | |
| 20 | Solicitation | Gen Instructions PG 179 | Proposals shall be submitted to the following email addresses: John.a.cowgill4.ctr@mail.mil Sou.j.walls.civ@mail.mil Gregory.m.crump.civ@mail.mil Judith.s.meynard.ctr@mail.mil Given that this is an email submission, would the Gov't please confirm what is the maximum email size that it can receive? | The maximum email size that the Government can receive is 20 MB. Offerors may divide files accordingly, but are cautioned to label emails (i.e., file 1 of 2, 2 of 2, etc.). | |
| 21 | Solicitation | L 7.2, M.3.5 PG 180 and 6 | L.7.2...VII Cost/Price 2 2 - 1 Original + 1 Santized (in Excel format) (Must evidence small business participation at 40% of total contract dollars) M.3.5…The Government will assess a large buisness offeror's evidence of compliance with 40% small business participation requirement. Would the Gov't. please confirm if the intent for small business participation is 40% of total subcontracted dollars OR 40% of total contract dollars? | The Government's intent is for small business participation at 40% of total contract dollars. | |
| 22 | Solicitation | L.7.2, L.8.1 PG 179 | L.7.2 states a 15 page limit for Vol. 1 L.8.1. Volume I - Business Proposal. Volume I shall include the following (in the order listed): • Standard Form (SF) 33, ... • The Offeror shall acknowledge all amendments by signing and returning SF 30 ... • Names, titles, and telephone numbers and e-mail address of persons authorized to negotiate on the Offeror's behalf ... • Section K, ... • The above information shall be provided for the prime and all team members (e.g. subcontractor, partner, etc.) performing 25% or more of the proposed contract effort. ... If Offerors and Significant Primes (25% or more) need to submit all the requested information in L.8.1 in Volume I, including: 2 pages for 2 SF 33 forms; at least 2 pages for 2 SF 30 forms; and Section K, Reps and Certs which tend to be lengthy files for 2 companies; 15 pages is not sufficient. Would the Gov't. please revise instructions to remove page limits for this section, or at a minimum exempt Section K and the Reps and Certs from page count? | Please refer to Government's Question #7 response. The requirement for such submissions from subcontractors has been removed from the solicitation. Reps and Certs are exempt from page limitations. | |
| 23 | Solicitation | L.8.6 PG 183 | The Offeror’s small business participation commitment also will be evaluated relative to meeting the Small Business subcontracting requirement, based on total contract value, in the chart below. Would the Gov't. please provide the refenced chart? | There is no chart, and reference thereto has been removed from the solicitation. | |
| 24 | Resumes | L.7.1 | The Government mentioned Resumes once in the RFP in section L.7.1. However, no location for Resumes is stipulated, nor is any requirement for Resumes included in the Instructions or Section M Evaluation Criteria. Since no location for resumes is provided, Offeror will submit resumes in a page unlimited (L.7.1) Appendix to the Management and Retention Plan Volume since resumes are specifically addressing staffing and resources to be managed. | Yes, that is acceptable. Refer to Government's Question #5 response. | |
| 25 | Page Limitation | L.7.1 | In addition to the Table of Contents, please confirm that offerors may also provide a List of Exhibits that is outside the page count. | A one-page list of exhibits is acceptable outside page limitations. | |
| 26 | Proposal Files -Past Performance Risk | L.7.2 | For the Sanitized copy of the Past Performance Volume, it appears Offerors are to sanitize all company identifiable information included in the PPQs received from their clients, including federal clients. This requirement will force Offerors to alter Government client responses (received PPQs). Please note that, in addition to scrubbing company information, offerors will, in theory, be able to amend a PPQ response. Please confirm that DHA wants offerors to be receiving and manipulating completed PPQs. This may jeopardize the DHA's ability to ensure a chain of custody of information for a fair evaluation. Please confirm this process is what the Government intends. | The requirement for a sanitized copy has been removed from the solicitation. | |
| 27 | Proposal Files Past Performance Questionnaire -Past Performance Risk | L.7.2 | Section L.7.2 requires a sanitized copy of Vol V, which largely consists of Questionnaires filled out by customer references rather than by the Offeror. The Questionnaire Instructions further allow references to use handwritten responses. Please clarify the Government wants the Offeror to modify the Government's provided information on the PPQ. What is the Government's preferred approach to sanitizing handwritten responses? | The Government does not want the offeror to modify the Government's provided information on the PPQ. The requirement for a sanitized copy has been removed from the solicitation. | |
| 28 | Proposal Files Volume V - Past Performance Risk (Past and Present Performance) | L.7.2, L.8.5, M3.4, TBICoE+RFP+HT001422R0008+-+Past +Performance+Questionnaire | The RFP Section L.8.5 defines Volume V Past Performance Risk Assessment; additionally, the RFP provides a PPQ form. DHA states, "Since the Government may not necessarily interview the sources provided by the offerors, it is incumbent upon the Offeror to explain the relevance of the data provided." In order to sufficiently detail the relevance of a past performance reference, please confirm Volume V, Past Performance Risk Assessment, should include the Offeror's detailed explanations of its past performance experience; additionally, the offeror will include its completed PPQ forms. | Your Past Performance Risk Assessment submission should include detailed explanation of your past performance experience in addition to the complete PPQ forms. | |
| 29 | Proposal Files Volume I - Business Proposal | L.7.2, L.8.1 | The RFP Section L.7.2 lists Volume I, Business Volume, as limited to 15 pages. Given the variable number of amendments, subcontractors, and the often lengthy nature of Section K, Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements of Offerors, please revise the current 15-page limit to unlimited in Volume 1. | The page count limitation shall remain as is, however, the Representations, Certifications and Other Statements of Offerors are not included in page count limitations. | |
| 30 | Proposal Files - Sanitized Volumes | L.7.2 | For Sanitized version, does the requirement to remove all company names and references also apply to company and personnel names in resumes. | There is no requirement to remove company and personnel names in resumes. | |
| 31 | Volume V - Past Performance Risk (Past and Present Performance) | L.8.5 | Requiring Offerors to submit their Early Proposal Information by July 26, 2022,1000EDT creates a disadvantage for non-incumbent offerors. This is a limited timeframe for offerors to engage their clients, particularly those outside of DHA and previously unaware of this requirement, and for the clients to generate the PPQ, return it to the Offeror, and the Offeror to incorporate both an original version and a sanitized version, and submit to DHA. Please consider shifting the Past Performance Volume submission deadline to coincide with the Proposal Submission deadline to allow all Government POCs sufficient time to complete and submit PPQs. | The due date and time for receipt of the Past Performance Risk volume has been revised to coincide with the receipt of all other proposal volumes. | |
| 32 | Early Proposal Information - Past Performance Risk | L.8.5.2 | Please confirm the Past Performance Risk Assessment Questionnaires referenced in L.8.5 are the same as the PPQs provided by the Government for submission to Government clients. | Confirmed. | |
| 33 | Volume VIII - Price Proposal - Pricing Sheet | L.8.7 TBICOE+Pricing+Sheet+06292022 | The included Excel Pricing Sheet contains seven (7) hidden rows with the following labor categories: Program Manager (Deputy HQ), Curriculum Developer, Program Analyst (Dissemination), Human Regulatory Protection Specialist, Health Scientist, and Research Neuropsychologist. Where should the contractor enter rates for these positions? | The Excel pricing sheet provided list at a minimum what the Government thinks is necessary to perform the work and those positions hidden were deleted. It is not limited to those positions except for any that are deemed essential. The contractor in their proposal can propose additional personnel or less than as long as they provide explanation as to their approach to completing the required work. The Government is not mandating how the work is to be accomplished, just that it is. | |
| 34 | Proposal Content Requirements -Summary Sections | L.8.5 | RFP Section L.8.5 states, "Since the Government may not necessarily interview the sources provided by the offerors, it is incumbent upon the Offeror to explain the relevance of the data provided." In order to sufficiently detail the relevance of a past performance reference, please allow Offerors additional pages within Volume V that detail explanations of their past performance experience. | This is permissable. The RFP has been accordingly amended. | |
| 35 | CLIN | TBICOE+Pricing+Sheet+06292022 | Please confirm that pricing for subcontractor labor is included in the labor CLIN, while subcontractor travel would be included in the travel CLIN and subcontractor ODCs included in the ODC CLIN. | That is confirmed. Please note that the ODC's and Travel CLIN amounts have been base lined on the pricing sheet and no pricing is requested for those CLINs. | |
| 36 | Labor Rates | TBICOE+Pricing+Sheet+06292022 L.8.7.3 | Please confirm that the loaded labor rates to be used in the Pricing sheet are fully loaded without fee. | This is confirmed. | |
| 37 | Fixed Fee | TBICOE+Pricing+Sheet+06292022 | Given this is a cost-plus fixed fee contract form, where is the Offeror to present the proposed estimated fixed fee? | Offeror's shall enter the fixed fee amount on the provided solicitation, starting on page 2 CLIN 0001, 1001, 2001, and 3001. In addition see revised Pricing sheet where Fee Amount shall be entered on Line 167. | |
| 38 | CAF & IFF | TBICOE+Pricing+Sheet+06292022 | Will the government please remove the requirements on lines 171 and 172 of the excel spreadsheet regarding CAF and IFF? | Removed, see revised pricing sheet | |
| 39 | Cost/Price | L.8.7.5 | Instructions for Volume VII state: "The format of the Cost/Price volume shall be as follows: Tab 1: Table of Contents, Glossary, and Definitions". Will the Government confirm that the Summary Section is part of the volume's Tab 1. | Summary section for each volume shall consist of no more than 2 pages and should be part of Tab 1. See question 12. | |
| 40 | Page Limitations | L.7.1 and L.8 | Section L.8 states: "The Summary Section shall contain a brief abstract of the volume. Summary section for each volume shall consist of no more than 2 pages", while Section L.7.1 excludes the Summary Section from page limitations. Will the Government confirm that the Summary Section is excluded from page count limitations? | Yes it is excluded from the page count. | |
| 41 | Proposal Content Requirments | L.8.1 bullet 8 | Section L.8.1 states "Unless specifically agreed upon between the prime and individual team members, company financial information shall not be accessible between the offering parties. Team members shalll submit their current financial statements and other financial information to the Government through the prime contractor under individually sealed packages." Will the Government allow individual team members to email their current financial statements and other financial information directly to the Government as this is a email submssion? | Yes, please see revised language in RFP. | |
| 42 | WAWF Instructions | (f) WAWF payment instructions | Will the government please provide timeline requirements for invoice submission? | There is no specific timeline, however invoices may be submitted no more than monthly. | |
| 43 | Transition | 1.6.1.1 Transition-in period. Pg 30 | Incoming Transition Plan draft shall be submitted with the offeror’s proposal. Please confirm that the incoming transition plan draft shall be submitted as part of Volume II Technical Capability. If so, will the government consider increasing the allowable pages for the Technical Capability volume to 25. | Under L.7.2 Proposal File, Maximum Page Limit, has been amended to read a page limit of 25. | |
| 44 | Business Associate Agreement | Section 1.7.6 PG 32 | Business Associate Agreement (BAA) (DOD Version): The contractor shall sign the BAA and submit it as part of their proposal to the Government. Please confirm that BAAs are to be submitted in Volume I, and are not included in the page count. | Confirmed | |
| 45 | Appendix I | Wage Determinations PG 168 | …the following Department of Labor Wage Determinations are applicable and incorporated by reference:…. To ensure consistency and accuracy of WD rates, would the government consider providing each of the applicable WD rates by geographic support locations? | Wage Determinations can be obtained at https://sam.gov/ | |
| 46 | Organizational conflict of Interest | Section L, PD09-01 Enclosure 2, L-4 PG 177 | L.4 The Offeror shall represent in writing within the proposal that, to the best of the Offeror’s knowledge, there are no relevant facts or circumstances concerning any past, present, or potential contracts or financial interest relating to the work to be performed, which could give rise to an organizational conflict of interest, as described in FAR, Subpart 9.5. Please confirm that the OCI statement can be placed in Volume I. | Confirmed | |
| 47 | Proposal Instructions | L.7.1 Page Limitation PG 179 | Please confirm that List of Figures and List of Tables are excluded from page count. | Confirmed | |
| 48 | Proposal Instructions | L.8.1. bullet 6 PG 180 | The above information shall be provided for the prime and all team members (e.g. subcontractor, partner, etc.) performing 25% or more of the proposed contract effort. 1) Please confirm that a completed and signed SF33 is only required from the prime offeror. 2) Are team members performing 25%+ of proposed contract effort required to complete Section K? | Signed SF33 is only required from the prime and therefore Section K is not required from subs. | |
| 49 | Proposal Instructions | L.8.1 Volume I - Business Proposal PG 180 | Team members shall submit their current financial statements and other financial information to the Government through the prime contractor under individually sealed packages. Given the requirement for subcontractor financial information to be submitted through the prime contractor under "sealed packages," please provide instructions on how subcontractors should submit their sealed packages given the email submission requirement. | Please see revised language in the RFP and qustion number 41. | |
| 50 | Past Performance | L.8.5.2 Early Proposal Information PG 181 | Each offeror shall submit the Past Performance Risk Assessment and a list of primary point of contacts that will be submitting/ completing the questionnaires by 26 July 2022 by 1000 EDT. Is the Past Performance Risk Assessment to be submitted by 26 July 2022 the same as Volume V Past Performance Risk? | Yes, please refer to revised required submission date. | |
| 51 | Past Performance | L.8.5.2 Early Proposal Information PG 181 | Each offeror shall submit the Past Performance Risk Assessment and a list of primary point of contacts that will be submitting/ completing the questionnaires by 26 July 2022 by 1000 EDT. Does the offeror need to submit a list of primary points of contacts in addition to the Past Performance Questionnaires? | Please see revised date which concurs with submission of complete proposal, and a separate listing is no longer required. | |
| 52 | Past Performance | L.8.5.5 Specific Content PG 181 | This section shall include the following information/format: Submit on provided Past Performance Questionnaire. Please confirm that with the exception of the cover page, table of contents, and summary, the only information required for Volume V are the completed past performance questionnaires. | Confirmed | |
| 53 | Price | L.8.7.5 Cost/Pricing Volume Content PG 184 | Tab 7: Compensation Plan Please confirm that only the prime Offeror is required to submit a compensation plan that complies with FAR 52.222-46. | Confirmed | |
| 54 | Price | L.8.7.5 Cost/Pricing Volume Content PG 184 | Tab 4 - Accounting System. State whether you have DCAA approved CAS compliant accounting system and if so, provide evidence of such approval." Given the DCAA backlog for reviewing contractor accounting systems, many agencies have determined a third-party accounting system review to determine compliance with the requirements of SF 1408 in accordance with FAR 252.242-7006 is acceptable. The following is an extract from another government solicitation to substantiate this assertion: "Offerors who do not have an adequate accounting system determination shall provide evidence of any independent audit and system approvals as well as documented system ability to segregate and accrue costs by contract." Accordingly, please confirm a third-party review and determination of an accounting system is acceptable evidence of an accounting system that meets the requirements of FAR 252.242-7006. | DFARS clause 252.242-7006 is not included in this solicitation | |
| 55 | Cost Volume | L.8.7.5 Cost/Pricing Volume Content PG 184 | Should the cost volume tabs be appended to the TBICOE Pricing sheet workbook or delivered as a separate workbook? | Either would be acceptable | |
| 56 | Price | L.8.7.5 Cost/Pricing Volume Content PG 185 | Tab 8 - Cost and Supporting Information...Ensure that all direct labor rates and indirect expense rates and estimating factors used in the proposal have been submitted for review by the cognizant Defense Contract Audit Agency prior to cost proposal submission.... If an Offeror does not have an approved Forward Pricing Rate Agreement (FPRA), please confirm it is acceptable to provide the Offeror's current fiscal year provisional rates along with its past three years actual rates to support the government's realism evaluation. | Acceptable | |
| 57 | Solicitation/PWS | Section B / 1.9 Other Direct Costs PG 2/32 | In Section B, the government distinguishes "ODCs" (CLIN 0002) from "Travel" (CLIN 0003), but Section 1.9 categorizes "travel" as an ODC. Please consider combining ODCs (CLIN 0002) and travel (CLIN 0003) in Section B into a single CLIN for the base and each option period for consistency. | The Government requires these remain separate. Please note that the ODC's and Travel CLIN amounts have been base lined on the pricing sheet and no pricing is requested for those CLINs. | |
| 58 | Price | L.8 Proposal Content Requirements AND L.8.7.5 Cost/Pricing Volume Content - Tab 1 PG 180 and 184 | L.8 . Each volume of the proposal shall include a Table of Contents and Summary Section. L.8.7.5 - Tab 1 Table of Contents, Glossary, and Definitions For Volume VII Cost/Price , please confirm that the Summary Section should be included in Tab 1 along with the Table of Contents, Glossary, and Definitions? | Refer to Government answers on questions 12 and 39. | |
| 59 | General Question | What is the maximum file size for submission? | The maximum file size is 20MB, refer to question 20. | ||
| 60 | General Question | If the Government requires key personnel resumes, the volume with which the Government advises they should be included may exceed the Government's maximum file size. If that volume exceeds size limits, can it be divided for submission? | Per Section L.7.1, resumes are not counted against page limits. | ||
| 61 | Pricing Worksheet | Rows 164, 170, 172 and 173 have formula errors; rows 16, 46, 52, 53, 99, 102, and 162 are missing hours; rows 78 and 79 may have hour quantity errors; cell D153 have formula errors or do not include a formula, will the government please provide a revised pricing workbook? | Revised Pricing sheet provided with this amendment. | ||
| 62 | Attachment 2 | Estimated Workload Data PG 83 | Please explain the significance of the use of asterisks. | They are key positions | |
| 63 | General Instructions | Section J, Performance Work Statement, Section 1.4 Objectives, bullet 4 PG28 | The Government states, “The prime contractor and any sub-contractors will hold and maintain an active Federal wide Assurance (FWA) that is accepted and approved by the Office for Human Research Protection (OHRP).” Question a: Which volume should a copy of each FWA be included? Question b: Will the Government add to the Section L.7.1.2 the letter “o. FWA” to ensure the FWA documentation is not included in page count? | Place in Volume 2. Letter "O" has been added to exempt the FWA from the page count. | |
| 64 | Price | Section L, Clauses Incorporated by Reference PG 175 | The Government has incorporated FAR 52.215-20 Requirements for Certified Cost or Pricing Data and Data Other Than Certified Cost or Pricing Data with the solicitation. However, given the competition expected for this solicitation, resulting in an exception under 15.403-1, the Offeror recommends removing this FAR clause. | FAR 52.215-20 has been removed. | |
| 65 | General Instructions | Section L.4 PG 177 | Section L.4 states, “In the event an actual or potential organizational conflict of interest exist, the Offeror shall submit a mitigation plan to the Contracting Officer, no later than [Fill-in: number] calendar days prior to the proposal due date, that effectively demonstrates how the Offeror will mitigate any actual or potential organizational conflict of interest while supporting this contract and any other DHA contract.” Question: Will the Government provide the [Fill-in number] for the submission of the OCI mitigation plan? | Corrected to read "0", will be due with proposal. | |
| 66 | General Instructions | Section L.4.1.1 PG 178 | Section L.4.1.1 states “The Offeror shall deliver its proposal (via email only) as specified below:” Question: Is there a maximum file size for email submission? | Maximum file size is 20MB, see question 20. | |
| 67 | Technical | Section L7.1.2.k PG 179 | The instructions state “Each page shall be counted except the following: k. Resumes.” However, there are no instructions provided on which volume should contain the resumes of key personnel. Question: Will the Government confirm that resumes should be provided in the Management Volume as an Appendix? | Confirmed, see question 5. | |
| 68 | General Instructions | L.7 Proposal Instructions P179 | Question: Would the Government allow 12 or 10 point font for the Proposal and 8 point font for tables and graphics? | Permissible | |
| 69 | General Instructions | L.7 Proposal Instructions PG 179 | Question: Would the Government allow for landscape 11x17 page size to accommodate an Organizational Chart? | Permissible | |
| 70 | General Instructions | Section L.7.1.2j and L.7.1.2n Pg 179 | The Government lists Consent Letters/Client Authorization Letters and Sub-Contractor Consent Letters in Section L.7.1.2 j and n, respectively. Question a: Will the Government confirm there is a difference between “j. Consent letters/Client Authorization Letters” and “n. Sub-Contractor Consent Letters authorizing release of adverse past performance information?” Question b: If there is a difference, will the Government please provide the difference. | There is a difference, with "n" being specific to adverse past performance information. | |
| 71 | Price | Section L.8.1, Bullet 7 PG 180 | The Government states, “Team members shall submit their current financial statements and other financial information to the Government through the prime contractor under individually sealed packages.” Question: Will the Government please confirm that the Financial Capability information requested via Tab 5 of the Cost/Pricing Volume is applicable only to Offerors and not their team members as the instructions within L.8.7.5, Tab 5 state? | Please refer to revised Section L.8.1. | |
| 72 | General Instructions | L.8.5; Section M.3.4 PG 181 and 4 | The past performance questionnaire does not include a section to address past performance relevancy and past performance confidence assessments per evaluation factor M.3.4. In addition, there are no instructions requiring past performance write-ups to address relevancy. Specifically Evaluation Factor M.3.4 states, “The past performance evaluation will be accomplished by reviewing the Offeror's recent and relevant, present and past performance, focusing on and targeting performance which is relevant to this solicitation. Areas of relevance include having provided qualified employees in contracts of similar size and scope as the solicitation.” Question: In order to support the Government’s Evaluation Factor M.3.4 to evaluate relevancy and confidence, will the Government confirm that in addition to the Past Performance Questionnaires, the Offeror should also provide Past Performance write-ups that includes relevancy for each Past Performance Reference? If so, would the Government provide these instructions and include additional page count for the Past Performance volume? | Please see revised L.8.5 and question 34. | |
| 73 | General Instructions | Section L.8.6 Volume VI PG 182 and 183 | Section L.8.6 Small Business Participation Commitment/Plan states, “DHA will use the System for Award Management (SAM) website (https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM), which provides for registration and online representations and certification to verify proposed small business entities meet the assigned RFP NAICS (541990), small business size standard ($16.5M) and the socioeconomic categories in which they are counted.” FAR 52.219-9(e)(7) states that a contractor shall “Assign each subcontract the NAICS code and corresponding size standard that best describes the principal purpose of the subcontract.” Question: Will the Government please clarify that a Prime Contractor shall assign the appropriate NAICS codes for each subcontractor based upon the work to be performed by the subcontractor? | Confirmed. | |
| 74 | General Instructions | Section L.8.6 Volume VI PG 183 | Section L.8.6 Small Business Participation Commitment/Plan states, “The Offeror’s small business participation commitment also will be evaluated relative to meeting the Small Business subcontracting requirement, based on total contract value, in the chart below.” A chart is not provided in the solicitation. Question: Will the Government provide the referenced chart as it appears to be omitted? | The chart has been deleted as not necessary. As per L.8.6 Small Business Participation Commitment is based on 40 percent of total proposed contract value. | |
| 75 | General Instructions | Section L.8.6 Volume VI PG 183 | Regarding the Small Business Subcontracting Plan, DoD Comprehensive Small Business Subcontracting Plans (CSBSP) have pre-approved and negotiated goals with DCMA. As a result, these goals may be different than the DoD published subcontracting goals or the RFP goals, and do NOT include percentages of total contract value. Question: Will the Government accept that a proposing prime contractor with a CSBSP can submit a Small Business Participation Commitment/Plan that meets the RFP goals and which they intend to implement, while understanding that their CSBSP has negotiated different goals, and the CSBSP holder will not be penalized on the basis of the negotiated CSBSP goals? | They are separate requirements and both must be met. | |
| 76 | Price | TBICOE Pricing Sheet 06292022 Attachment | In the pricing sheet the 6-month extension rates are being based off the non-existent Option Year 4 escalated rates. Question: Will the Government provide an updated spreadsheet where OY4 columns are removed and make the Extension Rates equal to OY3? | Please refer to revised pricing sheet. | |
| 77 | Price | TBICOE Pricing Sheet 06292022 Attachment | The Pricing Sheet has rows for CAF & IFF; however, this is a stand-alone contract, thus, there is no CAF or IFF. In addition, there is no place for offerors to provide their Fixed Fee. Question: Will the government replace the “CAF & IFF” fields with “Fixed Fee”? | Please refer to revised pricing sheet. | |
| 78 | Price | TBICOE Pricing Sheet 06292022 Attachment | Question: Are offerors required to use the Government COLA rates or should they provide escalation rates consistent with their approved accounting system? | All pricing is negotionable and therefore any offeror should proceed in accordance with their internal guidance. | |
| 79 | Price | TBICOE Pricing Sheet 06292022 Attachment | Question: For CPFF contracts, some offerors may escalate DL rates and add forward pricing rate burdens. Therefore, may offerors provide a supplemental pricing sheet that shows this annual buildup? | At offeror's discrection, any offeror may or may not provide supporting documentation as long as all required documents are received. | |
| 80 | General Instructions | Solicitation, PWS Part 7: 7.0 Attachments /Technical Exhibit Listing Exhibit 6, Attachment DD254 | Question: Which proposal volume should include the completed DD254? | Volume 1, please refer to question 15. | |
| 81 | Quality Control Plan | PWS 1.10.1, PWS Part 7, Technical Exhibit 1, Deliverables Schedule, CDRL A001 row | Should bidders prepare the QCP in line with Section 1.10.1 of the PWS, which is referenced on the same row of the Deliverables table in the PWS? | Yes, in addition to other portions of the RFP that reference quality control. | |
| 82 | TCSA | PWS 1.18.2. Coordinating Instructions | PWS Section 1.18.2 reads as follows: "A new employee for purposes of accreditation includes providers under new contracts, including employees previously accredited Troop Care status under other contracts; new applicants proposed for hire; and contractor employees who changed positions within the same contract. Contract employees shall work full-time, principal duties shall be troop care qualifying duties, and said employees shall serve the U.S. forces exclusively in order to be granted Troop Care status." Per Amendment 1, we suggest the following sentence be revised in PWS 1.18.2. to read as "A new employee for purposes of accreditation includes providers under new contracts, including employees previously accredited Troop Care status under other contracts; new applicants proposed for hire; and contractor team employees who changed positions within the same contract." | PWS Section 1.18.2 shall remain as is. | |
| 83 | Graphic Design | PWS 5.1.2.1.2 , PWS 5.1.2.1.3 | Please provide an estimate of the total number of graphic design products (5.1.2.1.2) and products requiring writing technical expertise (5.1.2.1.3) that will be created each month? | The work products per month is higly variable. Currently this position is accomplished by 1FTE. | |
| 84 | FTE | PWS Part 7, Attachment 2 | Item 49, Research Scientist, is listed at 62.4 hours. Please confirm if this is the correct FTE LOE. | This is correct FTE LOE. We believe you are refering to Line 79 versus Line 49. | |
| 85 | Estimated Workload Data | PWS 5.3.2, PWS Part 7, Attachment 2, TBICOE+Pricing+Sheet+06292022 | The estimated workload data for the Regional Education Coordinator (REC) role equates to 12 FTEs (22,464 hours) in the PWS Part 7, Attachment 2 and the Pricing Sheet, whereas the narrative in the PWS Section 5.3.2 Outreach and Education indicates 13 individuals. Please confirm the workload data and description should be updated to 13, accordingly? | The correct number is 12. PWS corrected to read 12. | |
| 86 | Management and Retention Plan - Certifications | M.3.2 | Section M.3.2 Factor II - Management and Retention Plan states “The retention plan and company policy will be evaluated to determine the offeror's ability to retain employees and subcontracts with minimum turnover and to achieve contractually established fill rates for each professional grouping (physicians, nurses, clinical investigators/researchers and ancillary personnel) for all locations stated in the solicitation.” The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Health Care Staffing Services Certification is a recognized symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care. This certification should be a requirement, as it directly aligns to DHA’s TBICoE commitment. | Acknowledged, but no change to the RFP will be made. | |
| 87 | 1.4, 1.6.1.1, Part 7 technical Exhibit 1 Deliverables Schedule, L.8.2, M.3.1 | Transition-in Period | Will the Government supply information on all software licenses required by the incumbent contract that will need to be renewed or secured? | An estimate of current software licenses is attached: This list is subject to change. | |
| 88 | 1.4, 1.6.1.1, Part 7 technical Exhibit 1 Deliverables Schedule, L.8.2, M.3.1 | Transition-in Period | Are there any data hosted in the cloud that the Government will need to continue a seamless transition? | No there is no information hosted in the cloud at this time although this is subject to change. | |
| 89 | 1.4, 1.6.1.1, Part 7 technical Exhibit 1 Deliverables Schedule, L.8.2, M.3.1 | Transition-in Period | Are there any PII or FISMA moderate or high data requirements from various MHS, VA, CDC, other agencies or commercial entities that might require compliance with DoD/DHA FEDRAMP provisions? | Not at this time, but it is subject to change. | |
| 90 | 6.7.5 | Cloud Requirements | The Government states in Section 6.7.5 that the Offeror can only use cloud services that have both a DoD provisional authorization by DISA and an ATO from the DHA AO. Is the Government referring to the following document, “DoD Cloud Computing Security Requirements Guide March 2017”, and therefore, it should be used in the Solicitation. | No, but the offeror will be obligated to follow all DoD, DISA IT autorities to operate. | |
| 91 | Key Personnel | 1.12 and Pricing Sheet | The PWS describes 16 key personnel positions (1.12), and the TBICoE pricing sheet reflects 31 total key personnel. M.3.2. (Factor II - Management and Retention Plan) evaluation criteria addresses offerors "proposed management approach and management organization, to include key personnel." Will the Government evaluate proposals based on the ability to identify named personnel for the 16 key positions described in the PWS or the 31 key positions listed in the pricing sheet? If the Government is looking for offerors to name key personnel, then to promote competition, we encourage the Government to designate a subset of the 31 positions identified as key for offerors to provide resumes for, thereby demonstrating their ability to successfully deliver timely, high quality services. | Please refer to revised Section 1.12 in the amendment. | |
| 92 | Key Personnel | 1.12.12 and Appendix I | The key personnel requirements at Section 1.12 and Appendix I have some inconsistencies (for example, 1.12.5 (Dissemination and Implementation Specialist) and Position Description (PD) 9 include different requirements for education and experience). Can the Government confirm that Section 1.12 will take precedence where any differences exist? | No. The PDs in appendix 1 take precedence. | |
| 93 | TBI PWOC/TAC Support | 5.1.1.1 bullet 4 | Can the Government be more specific, and/or provide examples, of the types of applications and reports referred to in “Provide the TBICoE division chief with information for developing, managing, and controlling various applications and ad hoc reports or process improvements for the TAC"? Also, please clarify what is meant specifically by "information for developing". | This position is broad scoped to gather and disseminate data and technical reports from Warfighter Brain Health stakeholders, and used to develop reports such as executive summaries, programmatic data assimilation to support senior level leadership. | |
| 94 | Objectives | Section 1.4, Objectives Paragraph 3 | PWS states the prime contractor and any sub-contractors will hold and maintain an active Federal wide Assurance (FWA) that is accepted and approved by the Office for Human Research Protection (OHRP). This PWS covers a significant amount of work outside of conducting Research. Should the FWA requirement apply to only contrator companies that are supporting TBICoE in a human research capacity? If an FWA is required for all companies, how many days after contract award must it be approved by the OHRP? | Any company supporting research related activies must have proof of FWA at time of proposal submission. | |
| 95 | Period of Performance (PoP) | 1.6 and Pricing Sheet | The PWS states: "Period of Performance (PoP): 30-Day transition in, 8-month base period plus 3 option periods, with the final period including a 30 day transition out." The Pricing Sheet shows a PoP of 43 months. Would the Government confirm the 30-day transition is inclusive of the 8-month base period and the 30-day transition out is inclusive of the 11-month Option 3 for a total PoP of 43 months? | Yes, but base period and final option is subject to change based on contract award date and availabilty of funding. | |
| 96 | Solicitation/PWS | Section 1.12 and Section L.7.1.2.k, Pages 35, 179 | Question: To ensure integrity of key personnel resumes and confirm the intent of those personnel to support TBICoE, will the Government add a requirement for “Letters of Intent” for key personnel positions? | No, this is the offeror's responsibilty. | |
| 97 | Solicitation/PWS | Section J, Performance Work Statement, Section 1.12.5 and Appendix I - PD 09, Pages 36, 37, 96 | On page 36, a position is listed as “1.12.5 Dissemination and Implementation Specialist” and on page 96, a position is listed as “PD09 DISSEMINATION and IMPLEMENTATION SPECIALIST (Warfighter Brain Health)*” Question: Will the Government please confirm the KSAs listed on page 37 under 1.12.5 are the minimum requirements for PD09 on page 96? | No. The PDs in appendix 1 take precedence. | |
| 98 | Solicitation | Cells A.17 - A.116 | Could the Gov't. please confirm place of performance for each Labor Category listed in column A? | See added attachment excel spread sheet. | |
| 99 | Solicitation | 1.6 Page 30 | Will the Gov't. please confirm that the 30-day transition-in is not part of the 8-month base period? If it is not, will the Gov't. please expand the pricing template to allow companies to account for the transition-in period? | The 30 day trainsition in is part of the 8 month base. | |
| 100 | Solicitation | Part 1 - 1.4 Objectives Page 28 | We assume the FWA requirement is an execution requirement and not a proposal requirement. Would the Gov't. please confirm that an active FWA is needed at time of award and not with proposal submission. | Proof of FWA is required at the time of proposal. | |
| 101 | Solicitation | Part 1 - 1.4 Objectives Page 28 | Would the Gov't. confirm that only the prime and major sub/teammate performing 25% or more of the work is required to have FWA? | All vendors supporting research activities must have an FWA at time of proposal submission. | |
| 102 | Solicitation | Part 7 - 7.1.4 Attachments/Technical Exhibit Listing Page 80 | Would the Gov't. confirm these files will be provided after contract award? | Confirmed. | |
| 103 | Solicitation | Part 7 - 7.0 Attachments/Technical Exhibit Listing Page 80 | Exhibit 2 – QASP. File available upon request. | ||
| Exhibit 4 –IT Privilege User Access agreement. File available upon request. Would the Gov't please provide Exhibits 2-4? | Provided in amendment to this RFP. QASP will be provided to successful offeror upon award. The RFP has been amended to reflect this action. | ||||
| 104 | Solicitation | PWS 1.11.2.2 Page 33 DHA Mandatory Training Plan | Is the CITI/HIPAA training included in the approved Course #4 DHA Training of the DHA Mandatory Training Plan? As written, it only lists HIPAA. | HIPAA is required for all. CITI is required for anyone supporting research activities. | |
| 105 | Solicitation | General | In order to attract the most qualified and experienced SMEs, will the Gov't allow for any hybrid or remote work environment for any of the positions? This would also support contiuity of operations in the event of a pandemic. | The Government will discuss with the successful offeror upon award, on a case by case basis. | |
| 106 | Solicitation | PWS 1.7.6 Page 32 | 1.7.6 Business Associate Agreement (BAA) (DOD Version): The contractor shall sign the BAA and submit it as part of their proposal to the Government. Any subcontractors having access to information covered by the BAA shall also sign a BAA and deliver it to the prime contractor for delivery to the COR. The BAA shall be signed before access to information covered by the BAA. The BAA shall be signed by a representative of the company authorized to commit the company. Section L does not reference the BAA. Would the Gov't. please confirm that the BAA is not a proposal deliverable, but a contract deliverable as this is a PWS requirement? | Signed BAA is a propsal deliverable placed in volume 1. | |
| 107 | Solicitation | PWS 1.7.6 Page 32 | The contractor shall sign the BAA and submit it as part of their proposal to the Government. If the BAA is due at the time of proposal, in which volume should it be included? | Signed BAA is a propsal deliverable placed in volume 1. | |
| 108 | Solicitation | PWS 1.7.7 Page 33 | 1.7.6 Business Associate Agreement (BAA) (DOD Version): If the BAA is due at the time of proposal submission, is this the correct form to be signed: https://www.health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Privacy-and-Civil-Liberties/Privacy-Contract-Language/HIPAA-Compliant-Business-Associate-Agreement-for-the-MHS | BAA is provided in RFP attachments. |
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