IFIB-16-59_Standard_Q A_15Nov16_.pdf

Request for Proposal Number:

Reference:

Date of Issue:

The following questions were raised with respect to subject IFIB/RFP. Responses are to provide clarification.

Question Response

In paragraph 3.0, “definitions” it states: “The prospective bidder”, shall refer to the entity that has completed and returned the enclosure of the transmittal letter of this IFIB, and has indicated thereon its intention without commitment, to participate in this IFIB”. Is there an enclosure that must be returned in advance in order to submit a bid for this requirement? If so, can the transmittal letter be provided?

Vendors who wish to submit bids are required to do so in accordance with the requirements set forth in paragraphs 11 and 12 (located on pages 5 and 6).

In regards to requirements set forth in paragraph

6.0 in the statement of work and in annex A, there is a requirement for proposed personnel to show demonstrable experience using CNAFS (Central NATO Automated Financial System). If a candidate has some experience, but would like to ensure ability to pass the testing, is there training available from a vendor that would allow bidders to pay in order to provide refresher training in CNAFS in advance of testing?

Interested bidders can research through any means at their disposal, but HQ SACT cannot provide a reference for CNAFS training.

Will you accept more than one resume with the proposal?

Selection is based on the proposal submitted by the company. Multiple proposals can be submitted for consideration, but ultimately the bidder is responsible for determining the strongest candidate for the one available position.

When does the KSA testing take place? Do we arrange it or will the government make this arrangement?

KSA testing will take place upon successful determination of administrative and technical compliance IAW criteria set forth in annex A.

Dates/times will provided by HQ SACT (which is an international organization and not part of the US Federal Government) for the test, but it is the prospective bidders responsibility for ensuring there candidate is at the location when

15 Nov 2016

IFIB 16-59

Q&A 1 requested.

Will CNAFS testing occur prior to award and if so, is there a minimum score on the test that denotes “compliance’? If so, what is it?

CNAFS testing will occur prior to award. The criteria will be provided to all bidders that have successfully proven administrative and technical compliance in every other category outside testing.

Last page (Annex A), A19 requires a NATO or National SECRET Personnel Security Clearance (PSC). This is also mentioned in Section 6.0 of Enclosure 6 (SOW). However Section 10.1 of Enclosure 6 (SOW) indicates that the Contractor must secure a minimum of a NATO SECRET level security clearance to work at the HQ SACT facility in Norfolk. May we propose a person with an active U.S Secret clearance in lieu of an active NATO Secret clearance and then have them processed for their NATO Secret? If so, how long does it typically take to get approved? Also, if the Contractor is still in th eprocess of getting a Secret Facility Clearance (FCL), will this be acceptable?

A SECRET National Personal Security Clearance (PSC) or a NATO SECRET PSC is required to be technically compliant. Potential bidders are required to certify that one of the two criteria has been met. An active US PSC can be converted to a NATO PSC as long as the proposed employee retains the active US PSC at the start of the period of performance for the base year. Approval times can vary.

I didn’t see instructions as to what your office expects in the Technical Approach. If possible, I would appreciate a clarification or evaluation factors for the Technical Approach. “Proposals shall be evaluated taking into consideration of the following factors; - Successful administrative submission of bid packages as requested in paragraph 11, as listed in this IFIB. - Successful determination of Technical compliance.

(Compliant/Noncompliant). - Successful cost price criteria (Lowest Price Technical Compliant Offer). - Acceptance of HQ SACT General and Special Terms and Conditions.”

Determination of technical compliance is made in accordance with requirements outline in annex A.

Is there a page limitation for the proposal? There is no page limitation set forth in the solicitation.

I saw no mention of FAC-C/DAWIA certifications.

Is that not a requirement?

HQ ACT is a NATO strategic headquarters which means we don’t fall under the same guidelines as the USG which is why there is no mention of FAC-C or DAWIA certifications. Contracting experience is required to be proven in accordance with annex A to be deemed technically compliant.

I try to recruit members of the workforce who are highly qualified for similar positions but are disabled so they must work virtually. This appears to be a requirement where telework is perfectly

This solicitation is on-site level of effort.

Telework will not be accepted.

acceptable. Please confirm.

I wanted to know if you have considered setting this aside for an 8(a) firm or doing a direct 8(a) award due to it being below the $4M threshold.

HQ SACT is a NATO HQ and considered an international organization. HQ SACT is regulated by the NATO Financial Regulations instead of the Federal Acquisition Regulations. This solicitation is a full and open competition.