B08 HT9425-23-R-0036 - Questions and Answers - Amendment 0001.docx

Strategic Planning Solicitation – Amendment 0001 Questions and Answers

1. Will the government provide more details as to which studies it expects to be executed throughout the objective approach (steps 1 through 6, page 2) and the key tasks (1-8, page 3-4), during the base and option periods?

A: The expectation is that the awardee will have the knowledge and expertise to perform the appropriate and necessary studies and analyses to develop a campaign plan. A qualified awardee will have the capability to make this determination.

2. Will the government clarify the total number of FTEs required for the base period and option 1?

A: There is no required number of FTEs. The anticipated number of FTEs is included in the PWS and in the proposal content instructions, however, offerors should propose based on their specific technical approach.

3. a. Does the government envision analyses (key task 2) to be executed in an ad-hoc manner throughout at the request of the government throughout the base period or options periods?

A: Yes, however, additional information has been provided to clarify the expectations of this task.

b. How does the government recommend offerors account for required level of effort associated with these studies to be incorporated into the approach?

A: Offerors are required to price in accordance with Attachment 5, Pricing Sheet which encompasses the entirety of the effort.

4. There is a discrepancy in the "Number of CFTEs" requested by the government for Option I - Implementation phase in the solicitation document. The solicitation indicates 0.5 Senior Strategic Advisor, and the price volume indicates 1.0 senior strategic advisor. Can the government confirm the CFTE count for all FTEs across all base and option periods of the solicitation?

A: The pricing sheet has been updated to correct the error in Option Period 1.

5. Are there proposed education and experience requirements with the government’s proposed CFTEs on the base and option periods of the solicitation?

A: The evaluation factors listed at 52.212 detail how the proposal will be evaluated.

6. What is the relationship between the pricing by CLIN table in the Pricing Sheet and the level of effort table? Specifically, should offerors assume that completion of CLINs 0001-0004 during the base period will require 5.5 FTEs over the 5 month base period of performance?

A: The level of effort in each Phase is estimated, not required. Yes, the estimated level of effort for the Assessment Phase (CLINs 0001-0004) is 5.5 FTEs, as indicated.

7. What organization above USAMRDC approves the Campaign Plan? Does this require approval by the USAMEDCOM, Defense Health Agency (DHA), Army Material Command, or another Agency/Organization?

A: The Campaign Plan will be approved by MRDC, but will likely be shared with DHA and Army Futures Command.

8. What planning processes are currently used within the USAMRDC and their higher headquarters?

A: The MRDC Research, Development and Acquisition Board of Directors (RDA BoD), MRDC Requirements Review Board (MRRC), PBAC are some of the MRDC internal processes. Both AFC and DHA have PPBE processes into which MRDC must integrate our planning.

9. When was the last time USAMRDC updated its strategic plan and does the command currently have a strategic management cadence?

A: MRDC does not have a current strategic plan or process.

10. Please describe the official coordination and tasking process between USAMRDC and Direct Reporting Units (DRUs). Does USAMRDC currently use CATMs or the Task Management Tool (TMT)?

A: TMT is the system that is currently used to task DRUs.

11. For planning purposes, when does USAMRDC anticipate transitioning to a joint organization and aligning within the Defense Health Agency? Please confirm if the planning and reorganization will be managed as a strategic initiative within this scope or external.

A: Transition is actively on-going, but Congressional and DoD decisions are still being worked. Transition activities will be part of this effort, but guided by external decisions.

12. What software tool, if any, does USAMRDC use to manage its RDTE portfolio and monitor product development through the Decision Gate process?

A: Various software tools are used currently. The Command does not have a preferred software tool.

13. Please clarify the difference between Key Task 1 and Key Task 2 which both seem to focus on capability and performance analysis.

A: Key Task 1 is the general task that the contractor will support. Key Task 2 details various analyses that a contractor must be capable to perform in support of the overall effort. Additional detail has been added to clarify Key Task 2.

14. What planning factors and estimated volume of support to key tasks 1-8 can the government provide in Option 2 to allow vendors to design an approach that meets USAMRDC’s requirements and supports a fair competition?

A: It is expected that during Option year 2, that the campaign plan developed during the first year will serve as a baseline document and only require updates. Additionally, it is likely that some objectives identified during the first phase will be prioritized to work during the option year. The workload for the Strategic Advisor is expected to decrease after the initial assessment phase of the contract.

15. Does USAMRDC differentiate between “Goals” and “Objectives”? For example, Step 2 states, “Prioritize Objectives” and Step 5 reads “Evaluate Goals.”

A: No.

16. The RFP describes a defined phased approach to providing MRDC with Strategic Planning Capability. To reduce confusion, please clarify USAMRDC’s phases and the corresponding time periods.

A: The steps, phases, and timelines are detailed in Section 1.3 and throughout the solicitation, including the delivery information and pricing sheet. Please refer to these sections.

17. Phase 1 appears to be an Assessment Phase during the Base Period that includes Steps 1-3. Please clarify what USAMRDC considers “Phase 1a” and “Phase 1b”.

A: What USAMRDC considers Phase 1.a and Phase 1.b is outlined in Section 1.3.1.

18. Steps 4 and 5 are considered the “Implementation Phase” during Option 1 (7 months). Is the “Implementation Phase” considered Phase 2?

A: No, Option Period II is the second phase of the total effort as indicated in Section 1.3.1.

19. The RFP continues to state, “Step 6 will be completed during the second phase of this effort (Option 2).” Is this intended to be Phase 3?

A: No, Option Period II is the second phase of the total effort as indicated in Section 1.3.1.

20. To ensure we meet the depth and breadth of USAMRDC’s needs, please clarify the requirement for the strategic planning capability to encompass internal business process and management improvement. Specifically, please verify that internal USAMRDC investments and capabilities such as Information Management Systems, Processes, and Governance are within scope for this strategic planning and campaign plan development and implementation requirement.

A: Yes, internal USAMRDC investments and capabilities such as Information Management Systems, Processes, and Governance are within scope for this strategic planning and campaign plan development and implementation requirement.

21. How frequently and for what duration does the Government anticipate requiring on-site support at Fort Detrick?

A: The Senior Strategic Advisor is expected to be on site frequently during the initial phase of the contract (5-8 days per month). Following the initial phase, it is expected that on-site activities will decrease significantly.

22. Please clarify that the intent for monthly Strategic Reviews during Option 1 is for the Initiative Owners and Mission Leads to brief the CG and DtCG and the Contracted Support Team to facilitate.

A: No, the contractor will not serve simply as a facilitator. It is expected that the contractor will engage with CG and DTCG frequently and can confidently and competently present technical information and analyses to the Command leadership.

23. Does USAMRDC have an organizational Project Management SOP and standard software management tool to apply to Strategic Initiatives?

A: No.

24. Please clarify the expectations for the vendor to conduct compliance inspections and staff assistance visits in support of this contract. Is the vendor expected to develop compliance checklists and evaluation standards?

A: No, the contractor is not expected to develop compliance checklists and evaluation standards.

25. Would the Government please elaborate on the anticipated need for analytical software? The RFP refers the reader to Section 2.3.5 which discusses replacement of key personnel. Would the statistical tools be used within the Government’s environment and on GFE or is the expectation to be in the Vendor’s environment?

A: This reference has been removed. If the software has an Authority to Operate (ATO), then it can be used on the GFE. No specific analytical software has been identified at this time.

26. What software tools does USAMRDC currently use to manage strategy and strategic initiatives or projects? Does USAMRDC still have an ESM account?

A: Various software tools are currently used. The Command does not have a preferred software tool. There is no software currently under consideration for use.

27. Please confirm that the estimated travel costs represented in RFP Section 3.17.1 should not be included in the offerors' total proposed price submitted in B08 Attachment 5. Rather, travel to be performed under this contract will be authorized during the execution phase of this contract, IAW the JTR and the approval process described in section 3.17.1 of this solicitation.

A: The pricing sheet has been updated to add NTE values for Travel.

28. Please confirm that the "Plugged" Not-to-Exceed amount for the specialized software costs referenced in Section 2.3.5, should not be included in the offeror’s total proposed price submitted in B08 Attachment 5. Rather, the software expensed described will be authorized during the execution phase of this contract, IAW the approval process described Section 3.17.4 of this solicitation.

A: The pricing sheet has been updated to add NTE value for Software.

29. Please confirm that a company Facility Security Clearance is not required.

A: A Facility Security Clearance (FCL) is required. (See additional language in Solicitation Amendment 0001, Page 33, Factor 2-Experience)

30. We are seeking clarity on how USAMRDC intends to evaluate Technical Capability. Section 2.1 communicates seven types of analytical support capabilities with an unclear workload. Section 1.3 articulates a fairly defined six step and two or three phase approach to developing and implementing the strategic plan that is not included in the Technical Evaluation.

A: Clarification has been added to Section 2.1 and to Factor 1.

31. The solicitation references "The Contractor’s costs for these expenses will be reviewed, certified, and approved by the COR. The Government will be providing a “Plugged” Not to Exceed (NTE) amount of $40,000 per period of performance for software ODCs." Please confirm the amount outlined in ODcs will cover all base and options periods and not just the base period and one option year.

A: This section has been updated and the pricing sheet has been revised to clarify.

32. The solicitation states "The Senior Strategic Advisor and Strategic Planning Consultant positions require a TOP SECRET clearance and access to secure Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNET)." The PWS implies that the Key Personnel need to have access upon award. Please confirm the government will provide access after the contract is awarded. Personnel requiring a TOP SECRET or SECRET clearance may begin work with an interim clearance (with limitations.) A favorable adjudication is required." Do the personnel need to have their clearances/interim at contract award or is there time to do investigations upon award?

A: Access to SIPRNET will be provided after award. Personnel may being work with an Interim Secret or Interim Top Secret clearance (with limitations).

33. (pg 19, 4.7.2.2) Will contractors have file access to strategic documents, concepts, instructions, and local policies and status reporting?

A: Yes

34. What criteria will the government use to evaluate and approve key personnel? (Provision 52.212-2)

A: Proposals will be evaluated in accordance with 52.212-2 Evaluation-Commercial Products and Services (NOV 2021)

35. Please confirm that the date for CLIN 1003 during Option 1 should be 6 May 2024, not in the year 2023.

A: Yes, 6 May 2024 is the correct date based on the estimated start date. This has been corrected.

36. Please verify that a signed letter of intent is only required for Key Personnel who are not currently employed by a Prime or Subordinate Contractor.

A: Signed letter of intent is required for all Key Personnel, as indicated, regardless of current employer.

37. Will the government accept proposals with adapted periods of performance for base period and option period 1, and option period 2?

A: Proposals need to comply with the current timeframes for each contract period. Dates will be shifted accordingly based on the final contract award date.

38. Does the government have maximum allowable periods of performance for base period, option period 1, and option period 2?

A: As indicated in the PWS and Delivery Information.

39. Would the Government allow one past performance reference to be from a subcontractor?

A: Factor 3 allows references from the Prime and Subcontractors.

40. Please explain how USAMRDC intends to weigh evaluation factors 1, 2, 3, and 4.

A: Per the proposal submission instructions, this requirement is being solicited in accordance with FAR Subpart 13.5. FAR Part 13 does not require relative importance of factors.

41. Please verify USAMRDC allows us to include Assumptions into the Non-Price and/or Pricing proposals to allow an evaluation of “reasonable assumptions.”

A: Reasonable assumptions may be included in non-price and price proposals, however, note that assumptions that do not comply with the Government requirements may render a proposal ineligible for award.

42. Please confirm the period of performance for the base period. Solicitation states "Steps 1-3 above should be considered the assessment phase (Base Period) and is expected to take a total of five months." Is the base period confirmed at five months?

A: Yes, per this statement and the Delivery Information, the base period is five months.

43. Please confirm the period of performance for option period 1. Solicitation states "Steps 4-5 above should be considered the implementation phase and are expected to take six to seven months (Option 1)." Is the first option period confirmed at six or seven months?

A: Yes, per this statement and the Delivery Information, Option I is seven months.

44. Please confirm the period of performance for option period 2. The solicitation states "Step 6 above will be completed during the second phase of this effort (Option 2). The goal of this final year is to use the baseline established in first twelve months to solidify the Campaign Plan by considering any new factors, external factors, additional DHA directives, etc, that may have an impact on recommendations and changes made within MRDC during and as a result of the initial Assessment and Implementation Phases. " Is the second/final option period confirmed at 12 months?

A: Yes, per this statement and the Delivery Information, Option II is 12 months.

45. Please confirm the past performance references should be completed by the offeror and incorporated in the non-cost proposal.

A: Yes, the past performance references need to be completed by the offeror and submitted with the non-cost proposal.

46. The solicitation states "The Offeror’s proposal shall include the signed SF1449 with pricing for the base and each option along with acknowledgement of any solicitation amendments. " The solicitation does not include the SF1449. Will one be provided for us to sign and submit with the proposal.

A: This was an error and has been removed.

47. (pg 32, A, c) Reference to Block 8, could the govt please clarify, or provide additional documentation?

A: This was an error and has been corrected.

48. Will the government confirm the number of required key personnel resumes and letters of intent, and also cite for which key personnel it requires resumes and letters of intent?

A: There are two key personnel required (Senior Strategic Advisor, Strategic Planning Consultant) as noted in Section 2.3. All key personnel require a resume and letter of intent.

49. Will the government accept past performance reference "Descriptions of the Requirement" that exceed the space allotted in the .pdf form since these are not bound by page limitations? If so, what format may offerors submit?

A: Past performance references are limited to the space on the .pdf form. The section on page limitations has been updated to clarify.

50. When does the government expect contract award and notification to offerors?

A: May 2023

51. Can the government confirm/clarify the size standard, particularly given language on page 29 detailing the basis of size standard of 500 employees?

A: The NAICS code for this requirement as indicated in SAM is 541611, for which the size standard is $24.5 million. The referenced language from provision 52.212-1 refers to manufactured end items which is not applicable to this solicitation.

52. Do the reps and certs required for the response count towards the 20 page limit of the “non-price proposal” response?

A: No, per page 32 of solicitation (a) Administrative Format Instructions (1) Page Limits.

53. Can more than 1 resume be submitted for each of the key personnel positions?

A: Offerors may submit for than one resume, if this is accordance with the proposed technical approach (i.e. the offeror is proposing two or more individuals to fill one key personnel position.) Otherwise, offerors must provide one resume for the individual proposed to fill the key personnel position.

54. Is there an incumbent contract?

A: No.