Attachment 13 - CASS_RFP_Questions and Answers_Amendment 0004.pdf

Num ber

PWS Page and Paragraph Reference Comment/Feedback Contractor Recommendation Gov't Response

1 Att 1 PWS page 9, section 1.14.2 This section states: "1.14.2 This Project is categorized as classified at the Secret classification level and requires the contractor to obtain and maintain a favorable Facility Clearance at the same or higher level of classification. This contract does not require the contractor to store, handle, or process classified information at their facility. Contractors with a safeguarding requirement will need to be approved for safeguarding at the same or higher level of classification listed in Block 1b of the DD Form 254." Do bidders need to have an active Secret Facility Clearance to be considered?

Facility clearance is required by the Prime offeror but vendors may propose without it as long as they have the ability to obtain the Facility Clearance Level (FCL). The Government will sponsor the contractor for the FCL after award. Added language for clarification.

2 Att 2 Instructions, page 3, Subfactor 2 Please clarify if the resume and letter of commitment are excluded from the overall 5 page limit for Volume 3. If not, would the government consider increasing the page limitations for the transition plan to allow for a more thorough response?

Changed language.

3 CASS RFP / SF 1449 Please confirm proposals are due at 2:00PM CDT on 8/30/24. See block 8 of SF 1449. The time is Central Time (local San Antonio, Texas Time).

4 Att 1 PWS page 9, section 1.10.8 The section states that Key personnel includes both the Program Manager and their alternate. Does the government want proposals to include a resume and letter of commitment for both the PM and Alternate PM? If so, can the page limites of the Technical Volume be increased accordingly?

Just resume and letter for Contract (not Program) Manager.

Also see Q 14.

5 Draft SF 1449_CASS The solicitation that was just releases has a "DRAFT" watermark on the SF 1449 document. Will the Government please confirm the documents just released are the final documents and not Draft documents?

Reposted SF 1449 without DRAFT.

6 Section 1.5 scope of work, pg. 2 OF 60 PWS TO CONFIRM AND IDENTIFY INCUMBENT FOR THIS

CONTRACT, IS THERE AN INCUMBENT FOR THIS CONTRACT

AND IF SO, WHICH COMPANY SERVES AS THE INCUMBENT?

Amyx, Inc.

7 Section 1.5 scope of work, pg. 2 OF 60 PWS IS THE CONTACT INFORMATION FOR INCUMBENT AVAILABLE? See Q 6.

8 Instruction to Offerors, Section 3 - Subfactor 2 Attachment 1 - Performance Work Statement 1.10.8

The PWS refers to the Program Manager and Contract Manager as the key personnel and the Instructions to the Offerors refer Contract Manager as the key personnel.

Please clarify if it is the same position and the title is used interchangeably.

It is the same position. Changed PWS to Contract Manager.

9 Attachment 1 - Performance Work Statement 1.10.8 Is the Program Manager directly billable to the contract? No. Changed to Contract Manager. See Q 8.

10 Attachment 1 - Performance Work Statement 1.10.8 Is the Contract Manager directly billable to the contract? No.

11 Attachment 1 - Performance Work Statement 1.10.8 Is the Alternate Program Manager a directly billable to the contract? No.

12 Instruction to Offerors, Section 3 - Subfactor 2 The Government is requesting the key personnel to be an existing employee of the Prime Contractor who has expeirence managing $100M+ contracts. Due to company hiring cycles, our ideal candidate might not be an employee at the time of proposal submission. Can the Key Personnel be a contingent hire?

This gives an unfair advantage to the incumbent and dissuades qualified small businesses to participate in this procurement. To allow a fair competition amongst small businesses, we recommend the Government to allow the key personnel to be a contingent hire or an existing employee.

Key Personnel may be a contingent hire. However, offeror must include Contract Manager resume and Contract Manager letter of commitment as part of their offer.

13 Instruction to Offerors, Section 2 - part (a) The Government refers to IDIQ Rate Card Attachment 10, which could be a typo. Attachment 10 is the Questions and Feedback Form.

Provide the correct IDIQ Rate Card document. Removed language.

14 Attachment 2 - 52.212-1_Instructions to Offerors, Section

3. Volume III – TECHNICAL

The instructions state: Volume III – TECHNICAL - Limited to no more than 5 pages. Submit original electronic copy. And 4 pages are assigned to Subfactor 2: Key Personnel. Is the Subfactor 2 (of 4 pages) part of the overall 5 page limit or is separate?

Please clarify the page limit for each subfactor. Corrected language.

15 Instruction to Offerors, Section C 4 The instructions state: Each Volume of the Offeror’s proposal shall include a cover file which includes a table of contents for that Volume, a list of Tables and Drawings for that volume (if applicable), and a glossary of all abbreviations and acronyms used for that volume.

Also, in the next paragraph instructions are - All files for Volume I shall be converted and combined into a single PDF file prior to submission and shall conform to the following file naming convention: OFFEROR NAME VOL_1.

Does this mean We have to submit one file for each volume combining Cover File and Volume file?

Please clarify if we need to submit one single PDF document for each volume including Table of Content, Glossary of Acronyms and Table of Figures and response as per section B of the Information to the Offeror Document.

Updated language in referenced document.

16 Attachment 2 - Instructions to Offerors - Section C 4 (a) The instructions state: Each Volume of the Offeror’s proposal shall include a cover file which includes a table of contents for that Volume, a list of Tables and Drawings for that volume (if applicable), and a glossary of all abbreviations and acronyms used for that volume. The cover page shall clearly label the Offeror’s name, cage code, and Volume number. The cover file shall be prepared using a standard, 12-point Font, single spaced, with 1” margins, and 8.5” x 11” page size (printable on 8 ½" x 11" paper).

Will the Government allow Offerors to use 8-pt font for tables, graphics, and drawings?

No.

17 Attachment 2 - Instructions to Offerors - Section 5 Title "Volume V - Past Performance" [AND] Attachment 2 - Instructions to Offerors -Section 5 (c)

The instructions state: Limited to no more than 5 past performance references and no more than 10 pages (not including PPQs) overall [AND]Past Performance Information: Provide a list of no more than five (5) contracts performed for any customer. (See addendum to 52.212-2, paragraph (d)(4)). A completed, if available, PPQ may be submitted to the Government for each reference.

Will the Government update the requirement to allow the Offerors to submit a MINIMUM of 3 and no more than 5 past performance references?

No.

18 Attachment 4: Minimum Compensation Matrix Several Labor categories did not have a corresponding minimum guarantee listed on Attachment 4 to include Sr. Procurement Anaylst for VA, Contract Data Analyst for VA, Procurement Analyst for Colorado, Sr. Procurement Analyst for Colorado, Sr. Business Analyst for Colorado and Contract Data Analyst for San Antonio, TX

Request the Government provide updated Attachment 4 for labor categories minimum compensation to ensure compliance

Added.

19 Attachment 1: PWS pg. 11 of 60 WAWF has be renamed to iRAPT Recommend adding iRAPT definition (Invoicing, Receipt, Acceptance, and Property Transfer)

Add iRAPT as the updated version.

20 Attachment 1: PWS pg. 29-30 of 60 4.10.2 Wide Area Workflow (WAWF) eBusiness Suite Recommend iRAPT guidance and information is updated in section 4.10.2

See Q19.

21 Attachment 5: Pricing Matrix There are several formula errors in the document. Recommend the Government provide updated Attachment 5.

All RFP documents have been updated for consistency.

22 Will the Government provide at least two weeks extension due to the anticipated changes because of the Q&A and amendments?

Yes. See updated solicitation SF 30 Amendment 0001.

23 Can the government confirm that they have a firewall mechanisms put in place to prevent OCIs in the event that the incumbent plans to bid as a subcontractor with another company?

Source selection for this acqusition does not use any contractor personnel. It is 100% done by Government employees. Contractor workers have no access nor role in this acquisition.

24 Attachment 4: Minimum Compensation Matrix The data source for where the Government came up with the Minimum Hourly Wage is unclear.

Can the government provide where the minimum pricing matrix was derived from? Can the government provide the website reference to ensure the minimum pricing is up to date and aligns to each labor category listed on the pricing sheet?

2024 General Schedule Pay Tables. These correspond with the Grades and Steps that the Government sees as necessary to obtain and retain the required talent.

25 Attachment 4: Minimum Compensation Matrix Escalation for Minimum Hourly Wage is unclear. Can the Government provide minimum hourly wage for each of the option years?

No.

26 Attachment 4, column 50 Program Analyst What are the personel requirements for Program Analyst, it is not included in the PWS.

Position has been added to PWS.

27 PWS PWS 4.53 is missing (could be the Program Analyst) Corrected numbering.

28 Attachment 3, pg 4, (b) Considering the size of this contract can you extend the recency from 3 years to 5 years for past performance?

No.

29 SF 1449 What are the changes in the new SF 1449 document that was released August 1st?

The 'DRAFT' was removed.

30 Attachment 2, pg 2, 1.(c) Can we provide a copy of our Certs and Reps already completed in SAM in Volume 1 instead of populating the Certs and Reps in the RFP?

No.

31 Attachment 2, pg 6 Vol I we are to convert into one single file. Can we also convert Vol III, IV and V each into their own separate files? Instead of requiring a cover file for each volume the cover file information will be included in applicable Vol's single file.

Yes. See revised instructions.

32 Attachment 2, pg 2 & pg 7, Vol II Is the pricing Volume 5 page limit only for justification if pricing below the Minimum Compensation Matrix, Attachment 4?

Yes. See revised instructions.

33 Attachment 2, pg 2, Vol II-Price If we meet the minimum compensation matrix rates and don’t need to provide justification can we just submit populated Attachment 4 and Attachment 5 as our submission for Vol II? This would mean no cover page, TOC or glossary for Vol II.

Yes. See revised instructions.

34 Attachment 2, pg 3 & pg 7, Vol III-Technical On pg 7 the page limit is 5 but on page 3 the page limit behind the Vol title also says 5 but then subfactor 2 has a page limit of 4 for the resume and signed LOC. Does this mean we have 1 page for the Transition-In/Out Plan?

No. See revised instructions.

35 SF 1449 What are the changes in the new SF 1449 document that was released August 1st?

Removed unaplicable provisions/clauses.

36 PWS page 9-Section 1.14.2 Our company previously held a Secret Facility Clearance, but it is inactive because no current contracts require it. Is it required that the contractor have a Secret Facility Clearance at the time the proposal is submitted, or can it be obtained after award?

See Q 1.

37 PWS page 9-Section 1.14.2 Will DHA sponsor the contractor to obtain a Secret Facility Clearance? Yes. See Q 1.

38 Industry Day Slide 7 Since there is an incumbent, may we assume that some of the positions required are already filled with employees whose employment would be migrated to a new contract? If so, can you provide any details as to which positions are unfilled so that our recruiting team can focus on those skill sets?

Currently over 99% of the positions on the existing contract are filled.

39 PWS page 7-Section 1.10.8 This section appears to use "contract manager" and "Program Manager" interchangeably. Con you please clarify whether these are a single role or two different roles?

See Q 8.

40 PWS page 7-Section 1.10.8 Are the Program Manager and alternate expected to be on-site at a particular location? If so, which location?

No. Location is at contractor discretion but must be able to travel as required.

41 Instructions to Offerors, page 3, subfactor 2: Key Personnel The instructions state that the Contract Manager shall be an existing employee of the Prime Contractor at the time of proposal submission. If this person is an existing employee, what are you looking for in a Letter of Commitment?

See Q 12.

42 Instructions to Offerors, page 3, subfactor 2: Key Personnel The instructions state that the Contract Manager shall be an existing employee of the Prime Contractor at the time of proposal submission. Will DHA consider the designation of a qualified individual who will accept employment and assume the role upon contract award?

See Q 12.

43 Attachment 5-Pricing Matrix AND Instructions to Offerors, page 3, subfactor 2: Key Personnel

Attachment 5 does not have a place to price the Contract Manager. Are you expecting this to be a non-billable position? If not, where should it be priced?

It is a non-billable position.

44 PWS page 4-Section 1.7.1 Will DHA consider Alternate Work Schedules, such as four 10-hour days or other alternatives?

Alternate work schedules are allowable based on location requirements and dependent upon Government approval.

45 Attachment 2-Page 3, Item 5(b) We recognize the extra effort required by COs to respond to PPQs. Will DHA accept PPQs that were prepared for another recent RFP?

Yes. However note that a PPQ prepared for another RFP might not be as informative for the Government as a PPQ prepared for this RFP.

46 Is the Government expecting a CSS/AQSS transition or an IDIQ transition? The Transition Plan doesn’t specifically identify whether it is an IDIQ transition or the CSS/AQSS transition.

We are unclear as to what the question is asking. We intend to award a new contract that provides most, if not all, the functions of the current task orders with some additional functions.

47 The instructions provide Times New Roman 12 for the cover page, but no specific instruction for font for all other content. Can we use 10 pt Times New Roman font for all content?

No. Corrected language at C(4)(a).

48 Can we use Arial Narrow size 8 for tables and graphics, as there is no specific guidance in the solicitation for these?

See Q 48.

49 Can the COR sign the PPQs and send them directly to the Government, rather than us receiving the PPQs and including them in our submission package?

The customer (usually COR or Contracting Officer) competing the PPQ shall sign. The Customer may send the completed PPQ directly to the POCs listed at bottom of the PPQ. However, including the PPQs as part of your offer better ensures that we receive them. This benefits the offeror by knowing that its PPQ was submitted to us on time.

50 Is it possible to allow the required LCAT listing and description in the Past Performance o be included as an appendix to the Past Performance? Listing all LCATs take up a significant amount of space in the PP with page limits of 10 total for PP.

No.

51 Section 4.3 Pages 19-22 What software program is utilized for the Acquisition Lifecycle Management Tool (ALMT)?

Knowledge of ALMT is not required for any position.

52 Section 4.3 Pages 19-22 Will the contractor require the vendor to have prior knowledge of the ALMT or the underlying software utilized in ALMT?

No.

53 Draft SF1449 What is the period of performance for this contract? Identify period of performance in solicitation. Period of Performance(PoP) is on the SF 1449 CLIN 0001 and is the same for all CLINs. System restrictions do not allow addition of PoP to all CLINs.

54 Att 2, pg 3 The page limit for the technical volume is 5 pages, which includes Subfactor 1 Transition Plan (no page count provided) and Subfactor 2, Key Personnel (4 pages provided). Should Offerors provide a Transition-In Plan that does not exceed 1 page in order to comply with the 5 page limit for Vol III?

Increase page count for technical volume to allow for inclusion of a transition plan.

See Q 14.

55 Att 2, pg 2 Attachment 2, Instructions to Offerors, states "Insert proposed unit prices in the Pricing Matrix (RFP Attachment 5) and IDIQ Rate Card (RFP Attachment 10) for each labor category, including all option years." However, Attachment 10 is the Q&A form. Please provide the IDIQ Rate Card.

Provide IDIQ rate card. See Q 13.

56 Att 2, pg 7 The proposal submission table on pg. 7 of Attachment 2 provides for a limit of 5 pages for Vol II, price, exclusive of the price matrix and compensation matrix.

Please clarify the requirement for additional pages for Vol II that would impact a page limit requirement.

Provide page count clarification for Volume II. See revised instructions.

57 Att 3, pg 3 What is the grading criteria for the OCI plan? The technical volume is graded as acceptable/unacceptable, but the OCI plan only specifies that an acceptability evaluation will be conducted.

Provide grading criteria for OCI plan. Grading criteria has been added (Acceptable/Unacceptable).

58 Att 4 Attachment 4 lists the following labor categories and locations which are not included in Attachment 5: Acquisition Consultant/Management Analyst (VA), Procurement Analyst (Va), Sr Procurement Analyst (CA), Senior Business Analyst (CA), Contract Analyst (TX), Senior Business Operations Specialist (TX).

Please advise if a minimum hourly rate is required for the labor categories and locations even though they are not included in Attachment 5.

Ensure labor categories are matched between Attachments 4 and 5.

All RFP documents have been updated for consistency.

59 Att 5 Attachment 5 lists the following labor categories/locations which are not included in Attachment 4: Senior Procurement Analyst (VA), Contract Data Analyst (VA), Senior Contract Data Analyst (VA), Procurement Analyst (Aurora,CO), Senior Procurement Analyst (Aurora, CO), Senior Business Analyst (Aurora, CO), and Contract Data Analyst (TX). Please provide minimum hourly wages for these labor categories/locations and/or provide how you prefer we map the labor categories/locations to existing minimum hourly wages in Attachment 4.

Ensure labor categories are matched between Attachments 4 and 5. Provide minimum hourly wages by LCAT and location. Provide guidance on mapping Attachment 5 to Attachment 4.

All RFP documents have been updated for consistency.

60 Evaluation Criteria Pg 4, 4c When evaluating relevant performance "similar in size, scope, magnitude of effort and complexity" is the gov't evaluating at the IDIQ level as a whole or at the level of a typical task order to be issued?

Provide clarity on the level relevancy is evaluated. The Government will be looking at the size, scope, magnitude of effort and complexity for what the offeror is/has been doing for a customer, whether it is on several TOs off a of a single IDIQ, or one TO, or a single non IDIQ contract.

61 Instructions to Offerors Pg 2, I(a) Could you provide guidance on what the Gov't would like to see on the "concise summary no more 3 pages". Is the Gov't requesting a summary of information only requested within the proposal or would the Gov't prefer a company overview or other relevant information on proposed performance?

Provide guidance on gov't requirements. See instructions for Volume 1 in Attachment 2 (page 2).

62 Instructions to Offerors pg 6, 4.a WIll the government allow smaller than 12pt font for graphics? Allow 8pt font for graphics. No.

63 Attachment 2, page 7, Section Volume V – PAST

PERFORMANCE

Does the asterisk in the proposal organization table apply to Volume II: Price instead of Volume IV: OCI Mitigation Plan?”

Yes. Corrected.

64 Attachment 2, page 6, Section Volume V – PAST

PERFORMANCE

Does each volume require a separate ‘cover file’ or is that language referring to a cover page/title page?

Each volume requires a cover file.

65 Volume I - Summary and Miscellaneous Data Is the 3-page limit in Volume I for the proposal summary only?” Yes.

66 Volume II - Price Are both a Transition-In Plan (per PWS 1.6.1) as well as a Transition-Out Plan

(per PWS 1.6.2) required within Subfactor 1: Transition?” If so, can the government increase the page count?

No. See PWS section 1.6.2 and 6.1.

67 Volume III - Technical Is the 5-page limit in reference to Subfactor 1:

Transition only and Subfactor 2: Key Personnel has a 4-page limit, or is the entire volume limited to 5 pages?

See Q 14.

68 SF-1449 PD 09-01 ENCLOSURE 2 - OCI Can the government advise if the current incumbent can bid on this opportunity since the statement in this clause states "may not"? "This prohibition may not apply to any follow-on requirement to this requirement."

The incument is not prohibited from submitting a proposal based on this clause. Similarly, for the awardee of this acqusition, the prohibition for seeking other DHA work, will not include the follow-on (if any) to the contract that results from this soliciation.

69 Attachment 1 PWS Section 1.10.8 Key personnel Can the government confirm the title for the Key Personnel or are both titles considered Key Personnel? In some areas it is titled "Program Manager" and "Contract Manager".

See Q 8.

70 Attachment 1 PWS Section 1.10.8 Key personnel Can the government lower the dollar threshold that the Key Personnel PM has experience managing to something similar to what the BPA Call/Task Orders would be as opposed to the BPA ceiling

No. The threshold is based on the current requirement not the ceiling.

71 Attachment 1 1.14 Personnel Security Will the government provide a draft DD-254? No.

72 Attachment 5 - 1st Ordering Period This tab references a "Sample Task Order 1". Is this referencing Attachment 1 or is there another document titled "Sample Task Order 1"?

There are 4 sample task orders in this document and they do not refer to same numbered attachments.

73 Attachment 4 Can the government confirm that the Minimum hourly rate listed in Column C are unburdened hourly rates?

Yes, clarified on the referenced document.

74 Attachment 2, Volume I – SUMMARY AND MISCELLANEOUS

DATA

Does the government want an acknowledgement only or the actual signed Amendment SF 30s included in Volume I? If actual copies, can the page count be increased?

Government requires actual signed SF 30 which is not included in the page count.

75 Attachments 1 & 4 Does the government consider the Service Contract Act to be applicable to any of the LCAT positions? If so, will the government identify those positions and provide the associated Wage Determination that is applicable?

No.

76 Attachment 3 This attachment states that PP will be evaluated "...of efforts involving requirements that are similar in size, scope, magnitude of effort, and complexity to the effort that required by this solicitation". With this requirement being a small business set aside ($26 million), how can offeror have a PP reference equal to $225 million and still be considered a SB? Will the government allow PP references that are similar in size, scope, magnitude and complexity equal to what the task/call order size will be? Can the government reduce the dollar amount that PP references must be equal to and if so, identify a different dollar amount?

No. There is no requirement for a reference to equal this amount. The closer the reference is to and size of our requirement, the more relevant the past performance effort will be considered.

77 General Who is the incumbent and what is their contract number? See Q 6, HT005019F0001/HT005019F0002.

78 Attachment 2 - 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors / Page 7

(f) submission table The submission table does not indicate what elements of the proposal are not part of the page count. For clarity, we recommend that the government adjust the wording in the table.

• Volume I: Recommend including language that states, "(Page limit does not apply to SF 1449, any amendments/SF 30s, or any Representations and Certifications fill-ins)."

• Volume II: Recommend adding asterisks (*) around the page limit text to reference allowable page limit for justification is required on minimum wage rates.

• Volume III: Recommend updating the language regarding the page limit to specify: "9 pages total (5 pages for Subfactor 1 - Transition, and 4 pages for Subfactor 2 - Key Personnel)."

• Volume IV: Recommend removing asterisks (*) around the page limit text.

• Volume V: Recommend adding a note to the page limit that clarifies: "(Page limit does not apply to Teaming Arrangement Information, Subcontractor Consent, Joint Venture Operating Agreements/Addendums, or Mentor- Protégé Agreements/Addendums, Non-Disclosure and Briefing Acknowledgement)."

Added language for Vol I and Vol V, corrected asterisks, updated language for Vol III.

79 Attachment 2 - 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors / Page 3 We kindly request the government consider edits to the opening language in section 3, Volume III - TECHNICAL.

We offer the following for consideration: Replace "Subfactor 1: Transition" with "Subfactor 1: Transition (5 Pages)".

See Q 14.

80 Attachment 2 - 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors / Page 3 We kindly request the government provide clarification around what the government is requesting the Offeror address in Subfactor 1: Transition. The first sentence in this paragraph under this section reads, "Provide a Transition- In Plan", while the last sentence in this paragraph under this section reads, "Separate methodology and/or approach for the incoming and outgoing transition." Additionally, the evaluation criteria outlined in Attachment 3 -page 2 states, "Feasibility of approach to successful transition-in".

We propose the following revision for consideration:

Replace "Separate transition methodology and/or approach for the incoming and outgoing transition shall include a minimum of the following areas" with "A transition methodology and/or approach for the transition-in shall include at least the following areas."

Changed language. See Q 67.

81 Attachment 2 - 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors / Page 3 We respectfully request that the government provide clarification on how an Offeror should validate that the proposed key personnel's resume belongs to an existing employee of the Prime Contractor at the time of proposal submission.

We propose the following revision for consideration:

Replace "Subfactor 2: Key Personnel (4 Pages): Provide a resume and signed Letter of Commitment for the proposed Contract Manager. Contract Manager shall be an existing employee of the Prime Contractor at the time of proposal submission. Contract Manager resumes is limited to three (3) pages with an additional one (1) page for a signed letter of commitment." with "Subfactor 2: Key Personnel (5 Pages): Provide a resume, signed Letter of Commitment, and verification that the proposed Contract Manager is an existing employee of the Prime Contractor at the time of proposal submission. The resume is limited to three (3) pages, with an additional one (1) page for the signed letter of commitment and one (1) page for proof of employment, such as redacted pay stubs from the past two pay periods."

See Q 12.

82 Attachment 2 - 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors / Page 4 We kindly request the government consider Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQ) be returned directly to the requesting Offeror. It is our experience that the government can be uncomfortable providing PPQs directly to the Offeror requesting it and instead, prefers to provide PPQs directly to the Contracting official requesting. This also potentially helps with a more objective assessment for the cited project.

We offer the following for consideration: Replace "PPQs shall be submitted to the Government as part of offeror's past performance submission response and will not count towards the overall page count" with "Completed PPQs shall be submitted directly to the Government as part of offeror's past performance submission response no later than 4:00PM (local San Antonio, Texas time) 30 Aug 2024 to the contracting officials at the following email addresses:

pamela.j.bryerton.civ@health.mil and stephani.n.preusser.civ@health.mil. Subject shall contain "PPQ [Company Name] - HT00152R0010."

See Q 50.

83 Past Performance Questionnaire We kindly request the government consider Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) be returned directly to the requesting Offeror. It is our experience that the government can be uncomfortable providing PPQs directly to the Offeror requesting it and instead, prefers to provide PPQs directly to the Contracting official requesting. This also potentially helps with a more objective assessment for the cited project.

We offer the following for consideration for Attachment 7 (PPQs): Replace "Offeror - Complete Part I and forward onto past/present customer for yours (Program Manages, Contracting Officer Representative, etc.) to complete, sign and return to sender and submit as part of your offer."

To "Offeror - Complete Part I and forward onto past/present customer for yours (Program Manages, Contracting Officer Representative, etc.) and ask that they complete, sign and return to the DHA CASS Contracting Officer no later than 4:00PM (local San Antonio, Texas time) 30 Aug 2024 at the following email addresses: pamela.j.bryerton.civ@health.mil and stephani.n.preusser.civ@health.mil. Subject shall contain "PPQ [Company Name] - HT00152R0010."

See Q 50.

84 Attachment 3 - 52.212-2 Evaluation / Page 3 We kindly request the government consider providing a table for OCI Mitigation Plan.

Consider inserting a table under (3) Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) Mitigation Plan that consists of two (2) Ratings: Acceptable - Proposal meets the requirements and provides an adequate approach;

Unacceptable - Proposal does not meet requirements and does not provide an adequate approach. This table would be very similar to Table 1. Technical Ratings on page 2.

See Q 58.

85 Attachment 2 - 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors / Page 2 Volume II - PRICE requires offerors to complete the "IDIQ Rate Card (RFP Attachment 10) for each labor category, including all option years." However, Attachment 10 provided with the RFP is this attachment, labeled "Questions Template and Feedback Form". The solicitation did not include a file titled IDIQ Rate Card.

We request the IDIQ Rate Card template be provided via Amendment or, alternatively, please update Instructions to Offerors accordingly if this file is not required.

See Q 13.

86 Attachment 3 - FAR 52-212-2 Evaluation / Page 3 Paragraph 3, OCI Mitigation Plan refers to "technical approach" and "technical subfactor" which appears to be in error.

We offer the following for consideration:

In paragraph (3), Replace "The offeror's technical approach will be evaluated based on the following" with "The offeror's OCI Mitigation Plan will be evaluated based on the following" and in the following paragraph, replace "This technical subfactor will be evaluated to determine..." with "This evaluation factor will be evaluated to determine..."

Updated language.

87 Performance Work Statement / Page 7 / 1.10.8 Key personnel (Contractor)

PWS paragraph 1.10.8 Key Personnel (Contractor) mentions both a Program Manager and Contract Manager.

We offer the following for consideration: Request that PWS 1.10.8 be changed to only reference Contract Manager to change PWS 1.10.8 from: "The Contractor shall provide, after award, a Program Manager who shall be responsible for the performance of the work" to: "The Contractor shall provide, after award, a Contract Manager who shall be responsible for the performance of the work."

See Q 8.

88 Performance Work Statement / Page 37 / Sec. 4.17 Management Requirements

PWS Sec 4.17 Management Requirements specifies staffing metrics of 70% of positions filled within 40 business days and no less than 90% of vacant positions filled within 60 business days which days does not align with the Government's Transition-In plan requiring a completed transition in 45 days.

Additionally, business days significantly extends the period in which positions could remain vacant and negatively impacting the Government.

We recommend the Government consider replacing Sec. 4.17 b with "Maintain a stable workforce. Upon performance start, the Contractor shall ensure no less than 100% of positions are filled with qualified personnel within forty-five (45) calendar days. After the first forty-five (45) calendar days, the Contractor shall maintain no less than 90% fill rate and will have 30 calendar days to fill any positions that turnover thereafter." This helps ensure the Government has the workforce required to meet its daily workload requirements while providing the Contractor up to 30 calendar days to address vacancies.

Corrected language at 4.17(a).

89 Performance Work Statement / Page 3 /1.6 Transition Periods

Sec. 1.6.1. identifies a Transition in Period of 45 calendar days while Section

1.6.2 identifies a transition out period of 30-day calendar days. Is there expected to be overlap between the incoming contractor and outgoing contractor during this period? An overlap period would assist with knowledge transfer and reduce risk for the Government.

To ensure the Transition in and Transition Out periods provide overlap, recommend Sec 1.6.1. be updated with "The Contractor shall provide an incoming transition plan that covers a 45-days calendar period that allows for a transition from incumbent to awardee of all services. The Contractor shall coordinate with the Government in planning and implementing a complete transition within 45 calendar days of contract start."

Transition period has been updated. There will be a 15 day overlap. See PWS Section 1.6.1.

90 Attachment 2 - 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors / Page 5 The guidelines to format the Proposal do not provide instructions regarding the font size for the content, including graphics and tables.

To ensure consistency and clarity across all materials, we recommend that the government specify a font size of 10 for all content within the document and a font size of 8 for any graphics and tables.

See Q 48.

91 Attachment 4 - Minimum Compensation Matrix The following LCATs with their respective locations did not have a minimum hourly rate provided for them: Virginia (Clerical/Administrative Assistant, Senior Procurement Analyst, Contract Data Analyst, Senior Contract Data Analyst). Aurora (Procurement Analyst, Senior Procurement Analyst, Senior Business Analyst). San Antonio, TX (Contract Data Analyst). Please provide an updated Attachment 4 - Minimum Compensation Matrix that includes these labor categories and their minimum hourly rate.

Please provide an updated Minimum Compensation Matrix addressing the missing LCATS.

All RFP documents have been updated for consistency.

92 Attachment 5 - Pricing Matrix Tab "D- 4th Ordering Year" Task Order 3: The hours shown for Content and Knowledge Management/Computer Analyst and Senior Business Operations Specialist are 1920 which doesn’t remain consistent with Ordering Years 1-3 and 5. These hours are also not consistent with what is shown in the “Price" tab.

Please confirm that all hours should be billed at 1912 and thus we are recommending that the Pricing Matrix be updated.

Corrected to 1912.

93 SF1449 / Attachment 3 FAR 52.21.2-2 Evaluation Page 3 During pre-solicitation conference, it was briefed that contractors will only bill for, and the Government will only pay for, the time the positions are filled.

The CLINs shown on the SF1449 state that the contract will be awarded as a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract. Attachment 5 Pricing Matrix also requests unit prices per hour.

We kindly ask that the Government clarify the contract type for awarded Task Orders. How will services be invoiced, per hour or per month?

Invoiced on a monthly basis but contractor will only invoice for hours delivered and Government will only pay for hours received.

94 PWS, Page 7, Section 1.10.8 Is there location requirement for the Contract Manager? Contract Manager can be virtual since work is provided at multiple states across the country but available to attend in-person requests.

See Q 41.

95 PWS, Page 9, Section 1.14.2 Does the Prime need to have a Secret Facility Clearance at start of the contract?

See Q 1.

96 PWS, Page 9, Section 1.14.2 Since the Secret Facility Clearance is only needed for PWS Task 4.1.14 - Support to TRICARE Exposure Health (TEH) Warfighter, do subcontractors not supporting this area need a Secret Facility Clearance?

Subcontractors not supporting the areas requiring a Secret Clearance do not need to posess a Secret Clearance.

They do not.

97 PWS, Page 18, Section 4.1.14 What positions are associated with this requirement that require a Secret Clearance? Senior Engineering/Program Manager (PM) (4.28) notes that they should be eligible for a Secret Clearance. Is this the only position?

This is currently the only position.

98 Attach 2, Page 8, Section C.4(f) The table has * note regarding to 5 pages allowed for justifying minimum compensation. However, it appears that the * is associated with Volume IV OCI instead of Volume II Price.

Move * Volume II in the table. See Q 64.

99 SF1449, Block 28 It states that 2 copies of the signed document should be returned. However, Volume I requirements to include the SF1449 does not mention 2 copies. If 2 copies are required, please confirm how they are to be submitted.

Change the SF1449 requirement to 1 copy (which will be submitted in Volume I).

Include 1 signed copy to be submitted with Vol I. Correction made to SF 1449.

100 Attachment 2, Page 4, Section 5 (d) Please confirm if "teaming agreement" includes subcontractor agreements. If so, does "provide complete information" mean providing a copy of the subcontract agreements similar to what is requested for joint venture agreements in section (f)? Please also confirm that any information provided for section (d), regardless if it is a summary write-up or acutal agreement(s), is not included in the 10 page limit similar to the joint venture agreements.

Please provide what is requested. Also see Q 79.

101 Attachment+2+52.212-1_Instructions+to+Offerors, Page 2, Section 2 (a)

Please provide Attachment 10 IDIQ Rate Card spreadsheet. See Q 13.

102 Attachment 1 PWS, Page 7 of 60, Paragraph 1.10.8 This is a small business set aside acquisition. Will the government accept a proposed Contract Manager who has a $25M – $50M program management experience which is inline with small business portfolio? If not, can we propose a candidate who is not on the company payroll but has consented to join upon award.

See Q12.

103 Attachment 2 page 3 / Instructions for Volume III - Technical

Can the government please confirm that they are allowing 5 pages for Subfactor 1, and 4 pages for Subfactor 2 (3 pages for resume + 1 page for letter of commitment), for a total of 9 pages for Volume III - Technical? It is unclear if there is only 1 page allocated for Subfactor 1: Transition, however it would be extremely difficult to address all requested topic areas in a single page.

Please confirm that Subfactor 1 is limited to 5 pages, and if not we strongly recommend that the government allow multiple pages for Subfactor 1 so that Offerors can provide sufficient detail to address each required sub-topic.

See Q 14.

104 Attachment 2 page 3/ Instructions for Volume V / (c) vii Item vii requests that for each past performance example cited, offeror's provide the associated contracts' "Labor categories (including brief description of labor category) and number of workers per labor category". Offeror past performance examples, especially IDIQs with a high similarity to the DHA CASS IDIQ requirements, are likely to have dozens of labor categories. Would the Government allow Offeror's to provide labor category lists as tables in appendices at the end of the past performance section - outside of page count? As offerors are allowed to provide up to 5 past performance examples, listing each with brief descriptions will not be easily accomodated into the 10 pages allowed. For example, the CASS PWS identifies over 30 unique LCATS which take up 18 pages. Even if abbreviated, response to item vii is likely to take up the vast majority of the 10 pages allowed, greatly reducing Offerors' ability to properly address the other information requested.

We recommend the Government allow Offerors to submit Labor Categories and Descriptions as appendices (1 per past performance example cited) at the end of Volume V, outside of page count. This will allow the government to see the exact LCATS, descriptions, and requirements that offeror's are currently providing on other contracts to assess relevancy and complexity in an easily reviewable way without impacting the other past performance details.

The page count has been increased from 10 to 12 pages.

105 Attachment 2 page 3/ Instructions for Volume IV Attachment 3 page 3/ paragraph 3 OCI mitigation plan

Attachment 2 identifies a requirement for an OCI mitigation plan and Attachment 3 identifies the evaluation criteria for the plan. The final line of the section on Attachment 3 states "Offers from Offerors that have OCI …" indicating that offerors are to evaluate their OCI status. If an offeror does not have any OCI or potential OCI can a statement to that effect be included instead of a full OCI plan?

Please confirm that if companies do not have an OCI, it is not necessary for them to submit an OCI plan.

Offers must still submit an OCI plan.

106 Attachment 2 page 3/ Instructions for Volume IV Attachment 3 page 3/ paragraph 3 OCI mitigation plan

If an OCI Mitigation Plan is required by all offerors regardless of real or potential OCI, will the government remove the page constraint (currently 5 pages) so that companies are able to submit their full OCI Plan? Most corporate OCI plans are longer documents and will require detailed tailoring to fully address the requirements of the OCI plan outlined in Attachment 2 and Attachment 3.

Please remove the page constraint for OCI Mitigation Plans. The required OCI Checklist attachment ensures a clear crosswalk of where each item can be found in submitted OCI plans, which will facilitate an easy crosswalk for reviewers to find all required information.

The corporate OCI plan is not included in the page count.

107 Attachment 2 page 4 / Instructions for Volume V / Section (d)

Item (d) states "if a teaming arrangement is contemplated, provide complete information as to the arrangement". Can the government please provide specific insight as to what information is required?

Recommend offeror's provide a table of teammates including subcontractor name, contact information, relevant business size under the solicitation NAICS (541611), and anticipated role.

Added language.

108 Attachment 2 page 4 / Instructions for Volume V / Section (d)

Items (d) and (e) relate to teaming arrangements and subcontractor consent.

Can the government please confirm that this does not count towards page count, since it is not strictly past performance information?

Recommend either no page limit, since the requirements are likely to be short, or 1 page for sub-section D and 1 page for each Subcontractor Consent Letter (sub-section E)

See Q 79.

109 Attachment 2 page 7 / (f) summary table / row 5 (Volume

IV)

There are asterisks for Volume IV page limits, which seem to apply to Volume II (Price).

Please confirm that the asterisks for page limitations refer to Volume II and not Volume IV.

See Q 64.

110 Attachment 2 page 2 / Volume 2 - Price (a) The document states that offerors will "Insert proposed unit prices in the Pricing Matrix (RFP Attachment 5) and IDIQ Rate Card (RFP Attachment 10) for each labor category, including all option years."

Attachment 10 does not include an IDIQ Rate Card. We recommend that the appropriate attachment be included.

See Q 13.

111 Attachment 5 - Pricing Matrix A period of performance is not provided for the IDIQ or task order; this is necessary to allow for offerors to account for annual escalation and to ensure consistency across bids.

Please provide a period of performance for the IDIQ and task orders.

CLIN/CLIN 0001 has the period of performance (PoP). PoPs have also been identified on the instruction page of Attachment 5.

112 Attachment 1 - PWS Sections 4.20 - 4.54 (pages 38 - 56) A number of the position descriptions lack either specific educational or experience requirements, or both. To ensure fair and equitable competition, and to facilitate accurate evaluation of proposals, please provide specific educational and experience requirements for all positions. Unspecified requirements may lead to significantly disparate interpretations among offerors, resulting in proposals that are difficult to compare and may not meet the government's needs. Detailed position requirements will promote a level playing field and enable the government to select the most qualified and cost-effective proposal.

Please provide minimum education and experience for all positions.

The Government will not be evaluating educational nor experience for award evaluation purposes (except for Contract Manager). The awardee will be required to provide personnel in accordance with the PWS. This will be a contract adminstration function, NOT an award evaluation function.

113 1.7.1, pg. 4, 3.2 pg 13 Can the government state if telework can be performed for any of the locations? Pricing for remote FTE's will be considerably lower than pricing according to on-site locations

The government should clarify if we need to price an FTE per location or remote work. Remote work will be better value for the government.

The government clarified to the extent that it can. It is location specific as stated in the PWS.

114 Attachment 3 Evaluation, Pg 4, Table 2. Past Performance Relevancy Ratings

Can the Government consider redefining the Very Relevant review rating of "same" to eliminate the advantage to the incumbent contractor?

Consider replacing essentially the same with most or all the same scope.

No. Current language is clear.

115 General Could you please provide the incumbent details including the contractor name, contract number and contract value?

See Qs 6 and 77.

116 General What is the total Contract Value See page 55 of SF 1449.

117 Attachment 2 - 52.212-1_Instructions to Offerors and Page

2 / Volume II – PRICE

(a) Insert proposed unit prices in the Pricing Matrix (RFP Attachment 5) and IDIQ Rate Card (RFP Attachment 10) for each labor category, including all option years. Do not enter dollar amounts on the SF 1449.

Attachment 10 is the Questions Form, which attachment is referred as IDIQ Rate Card that the government asking for here, please confirm

See Q 13.

118 Attachment 2 - 52.212-1_Instructions to Offerors and Page 3 / Volume III – TECHNICAL

Is Contract Manager the only key personnel for this RFP. Yes.

119 Attachment 2 - 52.212-1_Instructions to Offerors and Page 3 / Volume IV - Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) Mitigation Plan

Should Attachmet 6 be included in Volume IV - Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) Mitigation Plan or submitted as a separate file

See instructions.

120 Attachment 2 - 52.212-1_Instructions to Offerors and Page 3 / Volume V – PAST PERFORMANCE

What should a contractor submit under Quality and Satisfaction Rating of Contracts, if letters, metrics, customer surveys, independent surveys, etc. are not available?

A statement that you have no recent and relevant past performance.

121 Attachment 2 - 52.212-1_Instructions to Offerors and Page 3 / Volume V – PAST PERFORMANCE

Are there any restrictions on the number of Past Performances that the prime contractor must submit? Can subcontractors also present PPs?

There is a limit of 5 per proposal in any combination of Prime, subcontractors, teaming partners, etc.

122 General Please specify all possible types of teaming arrangements for this RFP All teaming arrangements allowed by the Federal Acquisition Regulation are acceptable.

123 General Can an offeror submit all five volumes in a single email? Yes. However, there is a 20 MB system limit per email.

124 General Is it allowed for an offeror to submit multiple proposals in various teaming arrangements? Suppose I submit one proposal as a prime contractor and another as a subcontractor, is this acceptable?

No.

125 General Can an offeror repeat past performance if bidding with multiple partners for example, as a subcontractor in one teaming arrangement and as a prime contractor in another?

An offeror may repeat past performance as a prime and as a subcontractor.

126 Attachment 1 - Performance Work Statement (PWS) and Page 15 / Specific Support Functions

Is it mandatory to bid for all task areas of the RFP? All labor categories on Attachment 5 must be priced.

127 General Can an incumbent bid on this opportunity again? See Q 69.

128 General If the prime contractor does not have a facility clearance but the subcontractor does, is this acceptable?

Can a subcontractor hold positions that require clearance?

The prime is responsible for having a facility clearance. Also, see Q 1.

129 Attachment 1 - Performance Work Statement (PWS) and Page 9 / Personnel Security

Is it mandatory for a Prime contractor to have a facility clearance? Yes. Also, see Q 1.

130 Attachment 1 - Performance Work Statement (PWS) and Page 9 / Personnel Security

Can we apply for facility clearance after the award? See Q 1.

131 General Is Program Manager and Contract Manager both the key personnel? Do we have to submit resume of both?

See Qs 4 and 8.

132 General Are the positions of Program Manager and Contract Manager non-billable? See Q 9 and 10.

133 General Should only the prime contractor provide Program Manager and Contract Manager positions, or can a subcontractor also provide these positions?

Only the Prime contractor needs this Contract Manager position. Program Manager title has been corrected (See Q 8).

134 General Are the Program Manager and Contract Manager positions considered separate positions?

See Q 8.

135 General What is the anticipated award date? Friday, November 29, 2024 136 Attachment 1 - Performance Work Statement What are the keys systems of record for the execution of…