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Contractor Questions
ID05160010 HAF/A4PT
1. Page 2 Para L.1.2: In order to be able to validate security clearances at award, what documentation or process will the government use?
L. 1.2 SECURITY LEVEL
Proposed contractor is hereby directed to use following guidelines in filling positions:
Staffing of Positions
| a. | Priority shall be given to first filling positions with qualified individuals who already possess a NACI or higher clearance level. |
| b. | For individuals with no clearance, the following will be required: |
Work with A4PT Security to provide the following:
| 1. | Complete Blocks 1 through 7 of AF Form 2583 (Request for Personnel Security Action) and e-mail to A4PT security manager. |
| 2. | In the email, include the following: |
| 3. | A copy of the document used to verify citizenship (birth certificate with seal, passport, green card, etc.). Immediately upon reporting to work, the employee needs to contact A4PT SM for in-person verification of original citizenship documents. |
| 4. | Name of Supervisor |
| 5. | Contract Company and Contractor Number |
| 6. | Copy of Contractor Verification Letter (Letter from company stating they are an employee of the company) |
| 7. | Position title |
| 8. | Employee’s home/personal email address and phone number |
| 9. | A4PT SM will initiate a Local Files Check, and submit an e-QIP request to 88 ABW/IPP. 88 ABW/IPP will send an e-mail message to the employee, with instructions to begin submitting their information into the e-QIP system. The employee will also receive instructions to sign certain documents, complete fingerprinting, and submit to 88 ABW/IPP. |
| 10. | The supervisor must monitor the employee’s progress with completing e-QIP, and ensure the employee meets the suspense to 88 ABW/IPP. A4PT SM may be contacted for questions, or if additional instructions are needed. |
| 11. | Once individual completes the e-QIP process, the Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS) will be updated to show the initiated NACI. A4PT will then sign off on the SAAR to allow IT access, and notify the Trusted Agency to initiate the CAC issue process through CVS. |
Note: A4PT can start the background investigation process prior to the employee reporting to work, if all documentation listed above is provided. Other in-processing actions and location of in-processing will be IAW existing in-processing checklists.
Contact: Contact A4PT Security Manager Glenn Davis, Commercial (937) 904-0821
2. Section L Page 2 L.1.2 Please verify the requirement for Secret clearance. No DD254 draft is provided. Nor is it our understanding that A4PT has required Secret clearances for staff or a Contractor facility clearance.
This contract will be Unclassified. Please refer to the answer to question #1 regarding procedures to follow to obtain NACI.
Reference Section J, Attachment 1 (PWS); request the following clarifications:
--a. Paragraph 4.1.1 refers to “system architect tool” is this the only tool to be used for process modeling? - Microsoft Visio and IBM SA are the current tools in use. However, other architecture tools may be introduced based upon need and at the Governments direction. Proficiency in SA is a requirement.
--b. Paragraph 4.1.1 refers the AF Data Architecture tool set; what is included in this tool set?
- 4.1.1 The current tools being used are IBM System Architect and DOORS. Our current instance of SA is the AFMC Architecture Business Environment.
--c. Paragraph 5.1.10 and 5.1.11: Are Visio and System Architect provided as GFE? Yes --d. Paragraph 5.1.16 refers to the AFMC tool set, what is included in this tool set? The current tools being used are IBM System Architect and DOORS. Our current instance of SA is the AFMC Architecture Business Environment.
--e. Paragraph 5.1.17 appears to have a typo – is the Contractor expected to improve industry best practices? No, contractor is expected to leverage and implement Industry best practices.
--f. Paragraph 7.3.1 “Shall maintain a SharePoint structure” will the vendor host the SharePoint site or will they be given rights to develop and manage a SharePoint site on the client’s infrastructure? Government SharePoint site will be utilized and maintained by the vendor. It will remain hosted on Government servers but contractor will be given administration rights.
--g. Paragraph 7.3.1; Is the AF/A4PT Integration Handbook an existing artifact or will we be creating it? Paragraph 7.3.1 does not refer to an Integration Handbook.
--h. Paragraph 6.1.1 appears to address how the incumbent will work with a new contractor, not vice versa. Should this be reworded to address how the new contractor will work with the former contract holder? The word “incoming” in not correct – it should read “outgoing in Para 6.1.1
--i. Paragraph 6.1.1 requires contractor to develop transition plan “… to identify how it will coordinate with the incoming contractor”; this would imply the plan is for the incumbent contractor and therefore is a plan to transition at the end of the new contract. Paragraphs 6.1.2 through 6.1.5 describe a Transition Plan for the incoming contractor. Does the government require two transition plans (one to transition in, another to transition out)? No, only one plan is required – correction to verbiage made
3. Section_J_Attach_1_PWS page ALL Section ALL - Would the government provide a mapping of what PWS tasks are to be performed under each of the CLINS? CLIN to PWS Task Map is provided
| CLIN | PWS Section | Associated Labor Catagory | | | |
| FFP/DL | | Business Operations | | Mang Consultant | |
| | Knowledge Management | Info Tech Support | | |
| | | | | Program Mang |
| TM/DL | Capability Workshop Support | |
| Data Analysis / Workshop Modeling | All Others |
| Functional Requirements Management | |
| Business Process Re-engineering | |
| Operations Research Analysis | |
| Cost Analysis | |
ODC-Travel All PWS All Others
4. Section_J_Attach_1_PWS Page 5, 5, 7, SECTION J.3.1.10; J.4.2.; J.5.2 - Please describe how Paragraph 3.1.10 differs from or complements sections 4.2 and 5.2 for Requirements Management. Functional Requirements Management is a core competency of the A4PT mission within the scope of BPR as in 3.1.10. It is reflected as a specific requirement for direct support of the mission. It is also a task to be performed as “the management of requirements” in 4.2. It is also the name of a “skill” that is to be able to manage requirements in 5.2.
5. Section_J_Attach_1_PWS page 11 Section J.7.4; Section M page 5 M2.2 Sub Factor 4 - Please confirm that Technical Merit sub factor 4 applies to Section 7.4 of the PWS, and not to the entire Section 7, as written. Sub factor 4 of the Technical Merit should read “as described in Section 7.4 of the PWS”
6. Section_J_Attach_1_PWS page 4 J.3.1.3 - The Requirement in this section refers to "Staff Employee Requirements in Section 7," but Section 7 is the General Requirements section in this PWS. Please clarify the reference. Please disregard reference to section 7 as stated in PWS. The last line of 3.1.3 will be deleted. Insert appropriate section of PWS with strike through as indicated below.
Under this contract/Performance Work Statement, the contractor shall employ a staff with sufficient experience and expertise to perform each of the tasks in the PWS. (Reference “Staff Employee Requirement” in Section 7 of this PWS.)
7. Section_J_Attach_1_PWS pp 5-6 and 6-9 J.4 and J.5 - For each Task Area (e.g. Data Analysis, Process Modeling...), there is a separate "Functional Skill Set Requirement." Both subsections have explicit "shall" statements that must be fulfilled.
Please clarify the difference between these subsections. All “shall” statements in both sections must be complied with. These sections refer to task and skill set requirements.
8. Section_J_Attach_1_PWS page 6 Section J.4.5.1; Section C page 3 Section C.1.5.1 - Section J PWS: "ORA provide support in developing the COA evaluation criteria that shall stand up to audit and protest ...” Please clarify what acquisition activities A4PT conducts such that COA evaluations can be subject to "protest." A4PT does not conduct Acquisition activities. ORAs support COA analysis activities. COAs support AOAs, however other acquisition organizations will be leading their development.
9. Section_J_Attach_1_PWS page 5 Section 3.1.10 - Requirement states "The contractor shall provide technical expertise …. Inputting AF requirements management tool of choice". Please confirm the contractor may select the tool of choice even though some sections refer to DOORS, System Architect, etc.? Will the government provide/acquire the tool of choice? IBM SA and DOORS are the tools used, the contractor must be proficient in these tools.
10. Section_J_Attach_1_PWS page 5 Section J.3.1.10 - Should "smart" be "SMART" - an acronym? If so, would the government validate the meaning of the acronym as Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realizable, and Traceable? The acronym SMART should be capitalized in 3.1.10. The meaning of the acronym is Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Testable.
11. Section _J_Attach_3_QAS page 4 Section II.A; Perf Obj; Budget - Referencing Paragraph 5.6 of the PWS, which speaks to Cost Analysis for "transformation activities," and not for "each Tasking / Requirement," please clarify how "budget" is a Performance Objective for this contract. Budget performance objectives and performance threshold as a mean of surveillance will be deleted as indicated below.
| Performance Objectives |
| PWS Para. |
| Performance Threshold |
| Method of Surveillance |
| Budget |
| 5.6 |
| Budgets for each Tasking/Requirement is no more than 10% over planned budget. Estimates at Completion are provided with budget metrics. Budget is updated with actual expenditures each month. |
| Method: trend analysis, 100% inspection |
12. Section C pp2-3 and 3.7 Section C.1 and C.2 - For each Task Area (e.g. Data Analysis, Process Modeling,...), there is a separate "Functional Skill Set Requirement." Both subsections have explicit "shall" statements that must be fulfilled. Refer to question 7
13. Section C page All Section All - Would the government provide a mapping of what PWS tasks are to be performed under each of the CLINS? This question was previously answered in #3.
14. [C 1.3.1] What is the expected number of Logistics Capability Initiatives (LCI) expected to support simultaneously? What is the expected number of BPR workshops per year and number of simultaneous workshops? There is an expectation that 5 Cis can simultaneously run. This is subject to change. There is not a projection as to the total number of workshops per year.
15. Administrative Support is listed as Key Personnel in paragraph 6 of Section B.5 (Labor Category Position Descriptions) but not in Schedule B of Base & Option Years (B.5 Labor Categories). Admin Support should be listed as “Key” in Schedule B of Base and Option years
16. [B.5 #6; PWS (Section J) 7.23.11] There is a conflict in the minimum degree required. The PWS from Section J states that a Bachelor's degree is the minimum for all positions; however, Section B.5 #6 lists the education required for the Administrative Support key personnel as High School. Will the Government resolve this conflict? Section B5 requirements for Administrative Support personnel education level will used as an “exception” to the 7.23.11 General Guidance. Other exceptions to 7.23.11 will be considered based upon work experience.
17. “Data Analyst” is not broken out in the Pricing Table in Schedule B. However, in the Labor Category Description, there are three levels. What was the Government's intent, to have 1 or 3 Labor categories for Data Analysts? If one, please clarification expectations for labor qualifications for Data Analysts.
The intent is to have entry level, mid-level and advanced, therefore there will be three levels.
18. Page 5, Section B.5: Will the government provide estimates for FTE quantities expected for each labor category (“each” for FFP) and hours (for T&M)? Leaving these data points blank puts non-incumbent companies at a distinct competitive disadvantage making scope difficult to price.
Current assigned manning is illustrated below:
| PWS Section |
| Skill Set |
| # Assigned |
FFP
| Executive Administration |
| 1 |
T&M
| Data Analyst & Process Modeling |
| Data Analyst 1 |
| 1 |
| Business Process Modeler |
| 1 |
| Senior Business Process Modeler |
| 2 |
| Principle Business Process Modeler |
| 1 |
| Functional Requirements |
| Management Consultant |
| 1 |
| Capability Workshop Support |
| Management Consultant |
| 1 |
| Senior Management Consultant -PMP |
| 3 |
| Facilitation and Moderation |
| 2 |
| Business Process Engineering |
| SME - Logistics |
| 6 |
| Senior Management Consultant |
| 1 |
| Principle Management Consultant |
| 1 |
| Operations Research Analyst (ORA) |
| Senior Business Solution Specialist |
| 1 |
| Senior Management Consultant |
| 3 |
| Cost Analyst |
| Financial Analyst |
| 3 |
19. [B.5.1.b] what degrees qualify as "business management disciplines"? In Logistics or Supply Chain Management, Business Management / Administration, Finance/Accounting, Operations Research Analysis, and/or other degree areas that teach relevant business and technical skills. Exceptions to the degree requirements general this refers to will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
20. Pages 8-10, Section B.5: For labor categories that require key personnel, is only one key person required for each category? For example, page 9 – Senior Process Analyst (Key Personnel). Will government clarify that one Key Personnel position is required in this labor category? The key personnel are tied more too specific skill areas as opposed to labor categories. All admin positions are considered key as are one position each in data analysis / process modeler, requirements management, project management, and financial management/cost analysis as examples.
21. Section B.5: Are labor category descriptions available for those that do not have position descriptions: Business Solution Specialist, Chief Solution Architect, Solution Architect, Industry Expert, Principle Functional Analyst, Senior Functional Analyst, SME-Data Management, and Training Specialist.
This issue resolved by GSA – descriptions previously supplied and will be incorporated
22. Section B5 page 4-13 The Key Management Consultant Position Description includes education and experience requirements for Senior and Principal Management Consultant. Please confirm that the Offeror has the choice to propose a Key Personnel individual in any one of the three Labor Categories. The three labor categories are: 1 entry level 2 mid-level 3 advanced. Refer to answer to question #20. Key personnel can be proposed at any level, however they should the most proficient person in that specific skill area.
23. Section B5 page 4-13 The Data Analyst Position includes education and experience requirements for all 3 levels of Data Analyst positions (I, II, and III). Please confirm that the Offeror has the choice to propose a Key Personnel individual in any one of the three Labor Categories. Reference the answer to question #22.
24. Section B pages ALL Section ALL - It isn't clear what differs from the LH CLIN to the FFP CLIN besides the labor categories. Typically FFP CLINS are based upon specific deliverables rather than Labor Categories. Will FFP CLIN Specific deliverables & acceptance criteria be provided or should the Contractor propose specific deliverables and acceptance criteria in the proposal for this CLIN?
Not all FFP labor categories will have deliverables. Refer to question #18 for breakout of labor categories. The FFP labor categories will be providing executive administration and technical support as required.
25. Section B5 page 8 - Can additional years of experience substitute for an educational degree requirement? Yes
26. Section B page 2 Section B.1. Description/Objective; Section J_Attach_1_PWS page 3 Section J1.1.1; Section L page 12 Section L.11.2; Section M page 5 M2.2 Sub factors 1, 3, and 4 - The government refers to a "standardized Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) methodology …" and "business processes, systems, and organizational structures in compliance with AF guidance," but the government does not specify which policies and procedures constitute the guidance with which an Offeror must be compliant.
Will the Government specify relevant guidance against which Offerors are to propose a compliant methodology or is the Government expecting the offeror to provide our own best practice or methodology? The awardee will be required to comply with all applicable Business Process Re-engineering guidance in effect during the period of performance. The offeror is not expect to propose a new BPR methodology. However the awardee is expected to identify and recommend business best practices.
27. Section B page 2 Section B.1. Description/Objective; Section J_Attach_1_PWS page 3 Section J1.1.1; Section L page 12 Section L.11.2; Section M page 5 M2.2 Sub factors 1, 3, and 4 - Does the government intend for offerors to submit an overview of the Service Development and Delivery Process as the "standardized... [BPR] methodology" implemented by the AF for business process re-engineering? Refer to question #26. There is not a requirement to submit an overview of SDDP.
28. How will offeror’s submissions of a methodology be evaluated if they incorporate elements of AFMAN 63-144, Business Systems Life Cycle Management, and/or elements of the guidance-pending Business Capabilities Acquisition Cycle, given that the elements of these acquisition regulations interact with and affect BPR for logistics CIs? Refer to question #26.
| 1 |
| Is “Right of First Refusal” applicable? How does this apply with submitting resumes of Key Personnel? “Right of First Refusal” would aid to level the competitive environment by allowing non-incumbents to demonstrate the ability to comply with the staffing requirement. |
| The right of First Refusal does not apply because no Government personnel will be displaced because of this contract. |
| 2 |
| Please further define the required number of Resumes for RFP proposals. As written, the draft RFP implies that resumes are required for all Key Personnel. Although not identified, the wording implies all personnel assigned to certain labor categories are Key Personnel. This would require upwards of 40 resumes and creates a near-insurmountable challenge to all but the incumbent contractor. Recommend requirement for resumes be restricted to sample resumes and focus of the government’s evaluation be on capability to staff the contract (both of incumbent and new/replacement personnel) for the following reasons. ----- a. Executive Order 13495 (Non-displacement of Qualified Workers Under Service Contracts) and the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Clause Subpart 22.12—Non-displacement of Qualified Workers Under Service Contracts—and its associated contract clause, require that successor contractors and subcontractors offer service employees — as defined in the Service Contract Act of 1965 (SCA) — a right of first refusal of employment for positions for which they are qualified. -----b. Provided such regulations and in as much as the customer directs that the transition from one contractor to another contractor “… shall ensure no disruption to vital government business” Section C, para 4, pg 23) the requirement for anything more than representative resumes is overtaxing on small businesses and unrealistic. Resumes gathered, key personnel proposed, commitments made for employment would all have to be abandoned for the incumbent contractor personnel. |
| FAR Pt 22.12 Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers Under Service Contracts applies. |
Resumes only required for key personnel.
| 3 |
| In the Section 52-204-8 portion of Section L, the NAICS code is 541614 while the NAICS code on SF1449 is 541579. Please reconcile the apparent discrepancy. |
| The applicable NAICS Codes are 541519 and 541614 |
| 4 |
| Per http://web.sba.gov/dsbs/search/dsp_profile.cfm?requesttimeout=60&duns=828297684, the incumbent self-certified they are NOT a small business under NAICS 541614. Please confirm the Government will not accept a bid where the current incumbent is attempting to Prime? |
| SBA makes a determination if a company is an 8a. This procurement is being conducted with the SBA office in Columbus, Ohio. |
| 5 |
| Is there an incumbent(s) who are currently performing these tasks? If so, please provide the name(s) and contract numbers that this work is being performed under. |
| Global Support Services, LLC, Contract #GS05T13BMC0006 |
| 6 |
| In what volume are offerors required to provide completed Representations & Certifications, as well as a completed SF1449 and any applicable amendments? |
| Volume 4a |
| 7 |
| SF 1149 Page 1 Block 10 The SF1449 lists NAICS code 541519 but states that the size standard for this code is 15M. This differs from the SBA's size standard table (last updated 02/26/2016) which lists $27.5M for this NAICS Code. Please clarify if the requirement for a lower size standard for NAICS code 541519 was intentional or if companies can certify to the SBA's standard for that code. |
| The NAICS Code(s) and size standards have been updated in the RFP |
| 8 |
| There don't appear to be any changes from the previous draft PPQs and the final version. Can we assume that any previously submitted PPQs to GSA are sufficient to fulfill the requirement? |
| New PPQs must be submitted |
| 9 |
| There are two versions of the PWS, one in Section B and the other in Section J, Attachment 1. The key difference appears to be the PWS in Section B does not have two General Requirements: Quality Assurance and Risk Management. Please advise if Quality Assurance and Risk Management are requirements for this solicitation. |
| The PWS is located in Section J Attch #1. Quality Assurance and Risk Management are the information is |
| 10 |
| There are two PWS contained in the solicitation; one has more detail than the other. Recommend the Government remove the duplicative PWS |
| The PWS is located in Section J Attch #1 |
| 11 |
| Section C Page All Section All; Section_J_Attach_1_PWS page All Section Attach 1; Section L page 8 L.6.0 L.11.2.1 AND L.11.3 - There are two Performance Work Statements in the solicitation. Please validate which is correct. Please verify which should be used by Offerors in fashioning a response. Please clarify which one the Instructions to Offerors are referring in Section L |
| The PWS is located in Section J Attch #1 |
| 12 |
| Request confirmation that the “similarly situated” rule is applied to this solicitation so that work done by “similarly situated” first-tier subcontractors does not count as subcontracted work for purposes of determining compliance with the limitation on subcontracting requirement. Secondly, if this rule is applied, request clarification as to how offerors must demonstrate independent contractors is similarly situated. |
| The similarly situated rule will apply. The prime contractor needs to make known this arrangement in the executive summary and show it in the management & Staffing Plan, as well as in the Technical Merit area. In order to verify if the similarly situated rule applies, the suggested contractor’s information will be submitted to SBA for verification. |
| 13 |
| The government has significant weight on the management and staffing of the contract. Specifically, Requirements for resumes for all team members and key staff with a focus on education, experience, certification, and security clearances (M2.1) Additionally, the government request a staffing and transition plan for the staff (M2.2 subfactor 2). This raises several concerns/ questions. - (1) Would the government clarify transition? Normally this refers to the transition of staff from one contract to another. If rebadging is a requirement the government should also include the necessary FAR clauses to ensure offers are made to incumbent staff as a right of refusal. - (2) Would the government consider limiting the resumes requirement to key personnel and representative resumes for the remaining team members? Requiring resumes for all positions puts non-incumbents at a distinct competitive disadvantage. - (3) Given the requirement for resumes and clearances, could the government clarify the secret requirement for all staff members? It is our understanding the majority of the processes and systems subject to BPR are unclassified. |
| 1. Right of first refusal refers to displaced Gov’t workers. FAR Pt 22.12 Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers Under Service Contracts applies. |
2. Resumes are only required for Key Personnel.
3. The Secret requirement is removed.
| 14 |
| Schedule B Page 4 B.5; Section J Attach 1 PWS Page all Section all; Section L page all Section all; Neither in the Section C PWS, nor in the Section J Attached PWS, does the draft solicitation provide a mapping of which PWS tasks are to be performed under which CLINs. There are only indirect mappings which can be inferred by labor categories. Without a direct allocation of which PWS tasks are assigned to particular CLINs, Offerers cannot reasonably assign personnel to "support services and provide the staffing necessary to perform the work outlined in the PWS." -------Section M page 5 Section M.2.1 subfactor 4 M2.2. subfactor 2 - Would the government provide a mapping of what PWS tasks are to be performed under each of the CLINs? |
| 15 |
| Section B, Section C, Section J_Attach1_PWS page 7 Sectin B.5 and 3 Transition, Section J Attachment 1 PWS Section 6 - Section C. Item 3. Transition includes a requirement for a transition plan covering 30 calendar days. Section J 6 also includes this requirement. However Schedule B. doesn't include an area to price a transition plan. Should the 30 day transition be included in the price of the base POP? |
| The 30 day transition plan should be included in the price of the base PoP |
SECTION B
| 1 |
| Administrative Support is listed as Key Personnel in paragraph 6 of Section B.5 (Labor Category Position Descriptions) but not in Schedule B of Base & Option Years (B.5 Labor Categories). |
| See revised Section B |
| 2 |
| One of the position descriptions (Administrative Support) is not listed in the labor categories, but is identified as key personnel. Please clarify. |
| See revised Section B |
| 3 |
| Section B.5 page 10 – is this correct, the administrative support is key personnel? |
| See revised Section B |
| 4 |
| [B.5 #6; PWS (Section J) 7.23.11] There is a conflict in the minimum degree required. The PWS from Section J states that a Bachelor's degree is the minimum for all positions; however, Section B.5 #6 lists the education required for the Administrative Support key personnel as High School. Will the Government resolve this conflict? |
| See revised Section B |
| 5 |
| B.5.6] Why did the government choose to make the Administrative Support position "Key"? |
| See revised Section B |
| 6 |
| B B.5 The government has not accounted for the roles of Administrative Support, Data Analyst II, Data Analyst III, Information Technology Support, or Financial Analyst in the Schedule B tables, but there was a descriptive provided for the roles. Please define if these are key staff roles, and where/how they should be costed within the Section B area. |
| See revised Section B |
| 7 |
| The following labor categories are missing from the table in Section B, Schedule B, but the descriptions are provided: Administrative Support, Information Technology Support and Financial Analyst. Will the Government provide an updated table to include those labor categories, or are we permitted to add them to the table? |
| See revised Section B |
| 8 |
| “Data Analyst” is not broken out in the Pricing Table in Schedule B. However, in the Labor Category Description, there are three levels. What was the Government's intent, to have 1 or 3 Labor categories for Data Analysts? If one, please clarification expectations for labor qualifications for Data Analysts. |
| See revised Section B |
| 9 |
| There are position descriptions not included in the list of labor categories and the reverse, please clarify which positions the Government wishes to include. |
| See revised Section B |
| 10 |
| B5. The government lists approximately 11 levels and categories of key staff, followed by 4 categories of staff (non-key). For key resumes, does the government wish to see 11 resumes reflecting the key labor categories, or is there a set number/type to be provided? Please define. |
| See revised Section B |
| B.5 Please provide the estimate of LOE (level of effort) in terms of both historical and projected need/usage. |
| See revised Section B |
| 12 |
| B B.5 For the Section B (FFP) sections, are these the labor categories that we should consider as “key” staff? |
| See revised Section B |
| 13 |
| Page 5, Section B.5: Will the government provide estimates for FTE quantities expected for each labor category (“each” for FFP) and hours (for T&M)? Leaving these data points blank puts non-incumbent companies at a distinct competitive disadvantage making scope difficult to price. |
| See revised Section B |
| 14 |
| [B.5.1.b] What degrees qualify as "business management disciplines"? |
| See revised Section B |
| 15 |
| [B.5.1.b] Will the government accept technical degrees in place of "business management disciplines" if the resume shows the proper experience? |
| See revised Section B |
| 16 |
| [B.5] What is the historical number of hours spent by labor category on the incumbent contract? |
| 17 |
| [B.5] What is the anticipated number of hours (or FTEs) projected to be required, by labor category on the new requirement? |
| See revised Section B |
| 18 |
| Pages 8-10, Section B.5: For labor categories that require key personnel, is only one key person required for each category? For example, page 9 – Senior Process Analyst (Key Personnel). Will government clarify that one Key Personnel position is required in this labor category? |
| See revised Section B |
| 19 |
| Section B.5: Are labor category descriptions available for those that do not have position descriptions: Business Solution Specialist, Chief Solution Architect, Solution Architect, Industry Expert, Principle Functional Analyst, Senior Functional Analyst, SME-Data Management, Training Specialist |
| See revised Section B |
| 20 |
| Section B5 Page 4 – For CLINs x001, the Senior Process Analyst Labor Category is listed twice. Does this mean each Labor Category listed is 1 FTE, and that 2 FTEs are required under that CLIN? Given the one labor category description for Senior Process Analyst on p12, if 2 FTEs are required how are the two roles to be distinguished? |
| Proposal specifies how they will be used |
Section B5 page 4-13 - The labor category titles in Schedule B do not match the labor category position descriptions.
Missing from the Table in B.5 are: Sr. Business Solutions Specialist Administrative Support Data Analyst I, II, and III (a generic Data Analyst is listed) Information Technology Support Facilitation and Training Support (Training Specialist is listed) Financial Analyst Please reconcile and clarify.
See revised Section B
| 22 |
| Section B5 page 4-13 The labor category titles in Schedule B do not match the labor category position descriptions. |
Missing from the Descriptions in B.5 are:
Industry Expert Chief Solutions Architect Principal Functional Analyst Solutions Architect Business Solutions Specialist (Senior is in the table) SME - Data Management (Data Analyst is in the table) Sr. Functional Analyst Training Specialist (Facilitation and Training Support are listed) Please reconcile and clarify.
See revised Section B
| 23 |
| Section B5 page 4-13 The Key Management Consultant Position Description includes education and experience requirements for Senior and Principal Management Consultant. Please confirm that the Offeror has the choice to propose a Key Personnel individual in any one of the three Labor Categories. |
| See revised Section B |
| 24 |
| Section B5 page 4-13 The Data Analyst Position includes education and experience requirements for all 3 levels of Data Analyst positions (I, II, and III). |
Please confirm that the Offeror has the choice to propose a Key Personnel individual in any one of the three Labor Categories.
See revised Section B
| 25 |
| Section B5 page 4.8 - There are no Pricing instructions for "discounts," or evaluation factors or sub-factors for how "discounts" will be evaluated. Is the use of the term "discount" in Schedule B relevant or meaningful? How will it be used in evaluation? |
| Removed see revised Section B |
| 26 |
| Section B5 page 4-8 (1) How are the terms "extended," "discount," and "estimated" price being used? |
(2) Does "discount" equate to "extended?"
(3) Does "estimated" equate to "extended?"
Removed see revised Section B
| 27 |
| Section B5 page 4 – Will distinct deliverables or tasks be required for the FFP CLINs instead of labor categories? If not, are Offeror’s free to propose other staffing approaches for the FFP CLINs? |
| Offeror’s can propose staffing approaches they feel they can do the job with |
| 28 |
| Section B pages ALL Section ALL - It isn't clear what differs from the LH CLIN to the FFP CLIN besides the labor categories. Typically FFP CLINS are based upon specific deliverables rather than Labor Categories. Will FFP CLIN Specific deliverables & acceptance criteria be provided or should the Contractor propose specific deliverables and acceptance criteria in the proposal for this CLIN? |
| See revised Section B |
| 29 |
| Section B and Section F Page 4 and 1; Section B.5 and I.II Notice - Section B lists out the following CLIN structure (base year as example): CLIN 0001 Firm Fixed Price, CLIN 0002 Labor Hour, and CLIN 0003 ODC Travel. Whereas Section F lists out a CLIN 0004 in addition to CLINS 0001 - 0003. Can the government clarify whether or not CLIN 0004 should be included in our price proposal and if so what should be priced in CLIN 0004 and CLIN type? |
| CLIN 0004 is removed |
| 30 |
| Section M pages all Section M.4; Section L pages all Section L.10 et seq; Section B5 page 4-8 - Currently, there are no proposal instructions provided for the pricing volume. Will the government provide detailed requirements and templates for the pricing volume? Is the "Labor Categories" table of Schedule to be used as the Pricing Template? |
| Contractor is to use their own pricing template. It should include the template in Section 4 |
| 31 |
| Section B5 page 8 - Can additional years of experience substitute for an educational degree requirement? |
| See revised Section B and PWS |
| 32 |
| Reference Section B.5 Schedule B and Section J Attachment 1 (PWS). The government does not address the “concept of employment” of the two labor CLINs. Please elaborate on the purpose of two different labor CLINs and the intended employment/utilization of said CLINs. |
| See revised Section B and PWS |
| 33 |
| Reference Section B, Paragraph B. 5 Schedule B. Based on the Questions and Answers Submitted on 9/20/16, the current Level of Effort (LOE) is “about 41 FTEs.” However, Section B, Paragraph B.5 – Labor Categories provides a skeleton for the Firm Fixed Price Labor Category CLIN and the Time and Material Labor Category CLIN without any reference to LOE. - (a.) Does the Government anticipate an increase/decrease of work requirements in this acquisition vs. the prior acquisition? - (b) Will the government provide LOE estimates and breakdown for the FFP labor CLIN and the T&M Labor CLIN? |
| See revised Section B |
| 34 |
| A crosswalk between Section B, Paragraph B. 5 Schedule B’s Labor Category CLINs and Section B, Paragraph B. 5 Labor Category Position Description appear to have some disconnects. --- a. Section B, Paragraph B. 5 – Labor Categories CLIN 0001, 1001, 2001 and 3001 identify Senior Process Analyst twice. Is this a miss-print; or are there two different types (i.e., requirements) for the Senior Process Analyst? Please elaborate. --- b. Section B, Paragraph B. 5 – Labor Categories CLIN 0002, 1002, 2002, 3002 identify 7 labor categories that are not described in Section B, Paragraph B. 5 Labor Category Position Descriptions. Please provide the functions, education and experience requirements for: |
i. Industry Expert
ii. Chief Solution Architect
iii. Principle Functional Analyst
iv. Solution Architect
v. Business Solution Specialist
vi. SME-Data Management
vii. Senior Functional Analyst
viii. Training Specialist --- c. Section B, Paragraph B. 5 – Labor Categories, CLINs 0002, 1002, 2002, 3002 identify Data Analyst labor category, however Section B, Paragraph B. 5 Labor Category Position Descriptions identifies three sub-categories: Data Analyst I, Data Analyst II, and Data Analyst III. Do you want pricing for three levels of Data Analyst labor category? --- d. Section B, Paragraph B. 5 Labor Category Position Descriptions provides descriptions for Administrative Support (Key Personnel) (para B.5.6) position, Information Technology Support (para B.5.8) position, Facilitation and Training Support (para B.5.10) position, and Financial Analyst (para B.5.11) position. However, these labor categories are not included in either of Paragraph B. 5 Schedule B’s Labor Category CLINs (Firm Fixed Price Labor Category CLIN or the Time and Material Labor CLIN). Please clarify if these positions need to be priced and in what CLIN series.
See revised Section B
| 35 |
| Do ALL personnel working on this contract require a Bachelor’s degree? -- a. Section B, paragraph B.5.6.b Administrative Support (Key Personnel) and paragraph B.5.8.b. Information Technology Support indicate these two labor categories require only a high school degree. However, Section J, attachment 1 paragraph 7.23.10 states: “All personnel working on this contract shall meet the following minimum educational and experience requirements:” and paragraph 7.23.11 follows on to state: “A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in a discipline associated with the work being performed under this contract.” |
| Education requirements have been revised |
| 36 |
| What equipment will be needed per Section B.4 Equipment Purchase (FAR 52.232-7)? |
| Reference removed |
| 37 |
| Page 5, Section B.4: What Equipment items are expected for purchase under this contract and what is the estimated expense that should be included the response? |
| None known, so the reference to materials has been removed |
| 38 |
| [B.4, L.4.3.7, L12.1.1.1] What type of equipment is envisioned as needing to be purchased under this solicitation? |
| Reference removed to materials |
| 39 |
| [B.4] What type of equipment has been purchased under the incumbent contract? |
| N/a for this effort |
| 40 |
| Section B page ALL B.3 & B.5 - Schedule B.3 & B.5 shows a need for ODC travel and Materials under the LH CLIN. However, the FAR doesn't allow for ODC's or materials to be purchased under a LH contract. Should ODC's/materials be priced even though the contract type changed from TM/FFP hybrid in the DRFP stage to a LB/FFP hybrid in the RFP stage? |
| Materials reference removed |
| 41 |
| Page 7 Paragraph 3.1.1: This statement appears to be directed at the incumbent contractor and not the incoming contractor. Request this be clarified. |
| The section was removed. The current contract was an Alaskan Native Set-aside. Unlike other programs you can do a sole source with no ceiling. We choose to seek competition amongst 8a businesses. |
| 42 |
| Page 5, para 2.4 – can we get a list and description of on-going and planned business process reengineering efforts so that we are able to provide a more accurate scope cost? |
| See revised Section B and PWS |
| 43 |
| Section B page 2 Section B.1. Description/Objective; Section J_Attach_1_PWS page 3 Section J1.1.1; Section L page 12 Section L.11.2; Section M page 5 M2.2 Subfactors 1, 3, and 4 - The government refers to a "standardized Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) methodology …" and "business processes, systems, and organizational structures in compliance with AF guidance," but the government does not specify which policies and procedures constitute the guidance with which an Offeror must be compliant. |
Will the Government specify relevant guidance against which Offerors are to propose a compliant methodology or is the Government expecting the offeror to provide our own best practice or methodology?
Your proposal should address what is asked for in the PWS and Sections L and M
| Section B page 2 Section B.1. Description/Objective; Section J_Attach_1_PWS page 3 Section J1.1.1; Section L page 12 Section L.11.2; Section M page 5 M2.2 Sub factors 1, 3, and 4 - Does the government intend for offerors to submit an overview of the Service Development and Delivery Process as the "standardized... [BPR] methodology" implemented by the AF for business process re-engineering? |
| We expect submissions will provide what is asked for in Sections L and M IAW the PWS |
| 45 |
| Section B page 2 Section B.1. ; Section J_Attach_1_PWS page 3 Section J1.1.1; Section L page 12 Section L.11.2; Section M page 5 M2.2 Subfactors 1, 3, and 4 How will offeror’s submissions of an SDDP overview, or other methodology, be evaluated if they differ in any way from the description of SDDP as promulgated in AFMAN 33-402, as the "standardized ...[BPR] methodology" implemented by the AF? |
| Evaluation will be conducted IAW the PWS and Section L and M of the RFP |
| 46 |
| Section B page 2 Section B.1. ; Section J_Attach_1_PWS page 3 Section J1.1.1; Section L page 12 Section L.11.2; Section M page 5 M2.2 Subfactors 1, 3, and 4 How will offeror’s submissions of a methodology be evaluated if they incorporate elements of AFMAN 63-144, Business Systems Life Cycle Management, and/or elements of the guidance-pending Business Capabilities Acquisition Cycle, given that the elements of these acquisition regulations interact with and affect BPR for logistics CIs? |
| The technical team will decide if the methodologies give them what they are asking for in the PWS, and are IAW Section L and M |
| 47 |
| Section 5 pp4+; Section L page ALL Section ALL; Section M page 2 M.1.c - Based on the variability in the number of LCI's that may initiate or conclude during the period of performance, hours could fluctuate. |
Will the government provide estimated hours for evaluation purposes in order to ensure a fair assessment of proposed price?
See revised Section B and PWS
| 48 |
| Section 5 pp4+; Section L page ALL Section ALL; Section M page 2 M.1.c - Does the government envision releasing resources as time progresses and the LCIs currently underway are completed, or will new BPR opportunities be taken up by resources as BPR Opportunities become available? |
| That is a hypothetical that does not have anything to do with putting a proposal together. |
| 49 |
| Section B page 9 - Section Labor Category Descriptions - Section J item 7.23.11 states that a Bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement for work being performed. However, Section B page 9 has a labor category that requires only a high school diploma. |
| Labor categories have been updated |
| 50 |
| Section B page 4 Section B.5 - Administrative: Given that Labor Categories are listed on p11, is the correct title for this Section "Contract Line Items (CLINs)," as opposed to "Labor Categories?" |
| It’s been corrected to Labor Category Descriptions |
SECTION C
| 1 |
| [C 1.3.1] What is the expected number of Logistics Capability Initiatives (LCI) expected to support simultaneously? What is the expected number of BPR workshops per year and number of simultaneous workshops? |
| There is an expectation that 5 Cis can simultaneously run. This is subject to change. There is not a projection as to the total number of workshops per year. |
| 2 |
| Section C page All Section All - Would the government provide a mapping of what PWS tasks are to be performed under each of the CLINS? |
| Done |
| 3 |
| Section C pp2-3 and 3.7 Section C.1 and C.2 - For each Task Area (e.g. Data Analysis, Process Modeling,...), there is a separate "Functional Skill Set Requirement." Both subsections have explicit "shall" statements that must be fulfilled. |
| See other questions for answer |
| 4 |
| Section C page 7 C.3.1.3 Section_J_Attach_1PWS page 10 J.6.1.3 - Transition is expected to be completed in 30 days. Is that 30 days from award or contract start date? |
| Work is expected on day 1 |
| 5 |
| Section C page 7 C.3.1.3 Section_J_Attach_1PWS page 10 J.6.1.3 - If this transition period is seen as a Transition In, does the 30 day expectation begin from award or contract start date? |
| We expect the incoming to work on day 1 |
| 6 |
| Section C page 7 C.3.1.3 Section_J_Attach_1PWS page 10 J.6.1.3 - Is the 30-day transition period expected to be part of the base 12-month Period of Performance? |
| No |
| 7 |
| Section C page 7 C.3.1.3 Section_J_Attach_1PWS page 10 J.6.1.3 - A transition plan is required as part of proposal. |
Given that the PoP will not begin until 6/23/17, and the incumbent contractor will cease work at c.o.b. 6/22/17, there will be no overlap between the contract periods of performance.
If the government intends for this to be a Transition-In plan, and given no overlap in PoPs, please clarify the government's expectation that "support for the transition period would require up to 30 calendar days?"
The Government wants to make sure the incoming contractor is offered a chance to make all of the hires required and to be prepared on day 1
| 8 |
| Section C page 7 C.3.1.3 Section_J_Attach_1PWS page 10 J.6.1.3 - Does the incumbent contractor have a Transition Out plan? How will they coordinate with the incoming contractor? |
| The Government will setup meeting between the outgoing and incoming contractor |
SECTION G
| 1 |
| Refer G. 1. Contract Administration. Can the Government please confirm that this opportunity will be released as a “non-scheduled 8a” opportunity and therefore any company that qualifies as an 8a can submit via ITSS? |
| This is an open market competitive 8a requirement. ITSS is not limited to schedule contracts. |
| 2 |
| G.5 We request that the government provide defined list/materials in this section vice a “TBD” entry. |
| The TBD was removed |
| 3 |
| G.5.1 How many desks/spaces will be provided or allocated for support at Wright-Pat? |
| The organization will provide space for the number of FTE proposed by the winning proposal. |
| 4 |
| G.10.1 Based on the government information, overtime is authorized for this contract. Based on historical records and/or government estimates, what is the potential basis for overtime requirements (by hours and labor category? |
| That informational is not vital to putting a proposal together. |
| 5 |
| Section G Page G-2 Section G.1.4 Please verify and validate this requirement for offerors. |
| The section is revised to remove the language pertaining to classified information and Security Clearances |
SECTION H
| 1 |
| Section H.1.1. states that “Physical Security of the PWS requires contractors have at least a SECRET security clearance.” The current contract does not have a facility clearance requirement. Are offerors expected to incorporate all costs associated with clearances for employees within their pricing? |
| Not required |
| 2 |
| Page H-2, Section H.1 Paragraph 1.1.3) - Could the government clarify the secret requirement for all staff members? It is our understanding the majority of the processes and systems subject to BPR are unclassified. |
| Not required |
| 3 |
| [H.1] Will the Government accepts Interim Secret clearances? |
| Not required |
| 4 |
| H H/page H-2/1.1.3 In the case of personnel not currently holding a SECRET or above clearance, what would the procedure for vetting them through the COR be prior to award, or would those positions where no cleared personnel were available at award have to be filled after the fact, when communications were fully established? |
| Not required |
| 5 |
| Section H Page H-2 Section H.1.1.3 Please verify and validate this requirement for offerors. |
| Not required |
| 6 |
| Section H Page H.2 Section H.1.1 - Section H only requires contractor personnel to possess a clearance not the contractor. Can the government confirm the need for the contractor to hold a Secret level facility clearance and confirm that the government plans to issue a DD254? |
| Not required |
| 7 |
| Section H Page H.3 Section 1.4 - 1.4 references a NDA that should be provided as an attachment A. The RFP was not released with an Attachment A. Will this be provided? |
| Sec J Attch 4 |
SECTION I
| Number | Questions | Answers |
| 1 | Section I: Is this a Service Contract Act requirement? If so, applicable Wage Determination and Applicable Service Dates of employees are needed | This requirement does fall under the SCA. Applicable Wage Determination is No. 2015-2419, Date of Revision 12/30/2016. It is added as Section J Attch 5. |
SECTION J
| 1 |
| Reference Section J, Attachment 1 (PWS); request the following clarifications: --a. Paragraph 4.1.1 refers to “system architect tool” is this the only tool to be used for process modeling? --b. Paragraph 4.1.1 refers the AF Data Architecture tool set; what is included in this tool set? --c. Paragraph 5.1.10 and 5.1.11: Are Visio and System Architect provided as GFE? --d. Paragraph 5.1.16 refers to the AFMC tool set, what is included in this tool set? --e. Paragraph 5.1.17 appears to have a typo – is the Contractor expected to improve industry best practices? -- f. Paragraph 7.3.1 “..Shall maintain a SharePoint structure” will the vendor host the SharePoint site or will they be given rights to develop and manage a SharePoint site on the client’s infrastructure? -- g. Paragraph 7.3.1; Is the AF/A4PT Integration Handbook an existing artifact or will we be creating it? --h. Paragraph 6.1.1 appears to address how the incumbent will work with a new contractor, not vice versa. Should this be reworded to address how the new contractor will work with the former contract holder? ----- i. Paragraph 6.1.1 requires contractor to develop transition plan “… to identify how it will coordinate with the incoming contractor”; this would imply the plan is for the incumbent contractor and therefore is a plan to transition at the end of the new contract. Paragraphs 6.1.2 through 6.1.5 describe a Transition Plan for the incoming contractor. Does the government require two transition plans (one to transition in, another to transition out)? |
| Answer posted |
| 2 |
| [PWS (Section J) 7.23.12, PWS (Section J) 8.6; K.2, L.2] There is a conflict in the number of labor hours per FTE. The PWS from Section J defines an FTE as 1920 hours in two locations. Section L defines a man-year as 1880 hours, and Section K also uses the 1880 number. Will the Government resolve this conflict? |
| 1880 is correct; the PWS is corrected to reflect this. |
| 3 |
| J (PWS) 7.23.12 Please define the historical or government estimate of labor hours required to support each area of the provided table. |
| Updated pricing schedule provided. Historical info will not be provided. |
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