Q_and_A_M00264-14-R-0005_RITA_-_FINAL.docx

QUESTIONS FROM PROSPECTIVE OFFERORS AND ANSWERS FROM GOVERNMENT

SOLICITATION M00264-14-R-0005

RESEARCH & INNOVATIVE TECHNICAL ANALYSIS (RITA) PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

3 FEBRUARY 2014

Note 1: An amendment to solicitation M00264-14-R-0005 is forthcoming before the closing date of the solicitation. Any discrepancy noted in the solicitation in the responses to the following questions will be resolved by the amendment.

Note 2: All questions from prospective offerors are listed below in the order received. Many are similar or near duplicate in nature, in which case the earliest similar question is answered and later similar question(s) are answered by referring to the earliest similar question and answer.

1. Reference Section L-5.1 and Section L-7.1: In the table in Section L-5.1 The Small Business Participation Plan is listed as required in the Technical Volume AND in the Business Volume. However, the instructions for the Small Business Participation Plan (Section L-7.1) are grouped with instructions under the Business Volume heading.

A. Is the Small Business Participation Plan required in both the Technical Volume and the Business Volume?

B. Is the Small Business Participation Plan included in the page limit of either volume?

A: The Small Business Participation Plan is required in the Business Volume only. The Small Business Participation Plan is included in the page limit for the Business Volume.

2. Reference Section L-5.1: Is the Subcontracting Plan included in the page count of the Business Volume?

A: The Subcontracting Plan is included in the page count of the Business Volume.

3. Reference Section L-5.1:

A. In Section L-5.1 a Cover Letter is mentioned, a Letter of Introduction is mentioned, and a Formal Offer Letter is mentioned. Are these the same letter?

B. If they are the same or different letters, please specify which, if any, are included in the page count of the Volume(s)?

A: Reference to a Letter of Introduction will be removed in an amendment to the solicitation. Offerors are expected to have a Cover Letter (Letter of Transmittal) for the entire proposal which does not count toward the page count limit of a Volume. A Formal Offer Letter should be included in the Business Volume and will be included in the page limit of the Business Volume.

4. Reference Section L-5.1: Is the Compliance Matrix included in the Page Count of the Technical Volume?

A: No, it will not be, and this will be annotated in Section L-5.2.1 in the forthcoming amendment.

5. Reference Section L-6.3.2.1 a): Are the Subcontractor Letters of Intent included in the page count of the Technical Volume?

A: Yes, they will be, as they are a key part of the Management Capability evaluation factor.

6. Reference Section L-6.3.2.1 a):

A. Are the resumes for personnel included in the page count of the Technical Volume?

B. Are the letters of commitment for personnel included in the page count of the Technical Volume?

A: Resumes for Key Personnel will not be included in the page count of the Technical Volume, but any optional resumes provided for Non-key Personnel will count toward the page count of the Technical Volume.

7. Reference Sections L-5.3.4 and L-7.4.4: Are the printed outputs of the pricing spreadsheets included in the page count of the Business Volume?

A: Yes, they are.

8. Reference Section L-7.4.9: Is the compliance matrix included in the page count of the Business Volume?

A: No, it will not be.

9. Reference Section L-7.4.9: Are the signed solicitation documents, acknowledgement of amendments, signed letter(s) of offer/acceptance for contingency hires and additional supporting information included in the page count of the Business Volume?

A: Signed solicitation documents and acknowledgement of amendments will not be included in the page count of the Business Volume. Signed letter(s) of offer/acceptance for contingency hires and additional supporting information for Key Personnel will not count toward page count, but the same information for Non-Key Personnel will be counted.

10. Reference Section L-6.3.2.1 b): The following sentence is in the above referenced paragraph: “Since this plan will become an attachment to the contract upon award, it must comply with all aspects of the OCI clause in Section I”. Should it be corrected to read the following?: “Since this plan will become an attachment to the contract upon award, it must comply with all aspects of the OCI clause in Section H.”?

A: Yes, the reference to Section I was a typographical error and a change to Section H will be included in the forthcoming amendment.

11. Can you please provide the labor category descriptions and qualifications for the Research Analyst, Technical Research Assistant, Editor/Technical Writer and Clerk Typist/Data Entry Clerk?

A: Paragraph 5 of the PWS states the minimum labor categories required. Section L-7.4.6 and Section B list of categories is based on the average historical study for the MCSS. Descriptions of the additional categories, beyond those of the minimum required, will not be provided.

12. Due to the amount of material to be submitted in Volume II – Business Volume (including the Small Business Participation Plan, Subcontracting Plan, CLIN pricing and supporting documentation, etc.,) can the page limit for Volume II be increased, if not waived entirely?

A: The page limit will be increased from 25 to 50 pages in the forthcoming amendment.

13. Reference Section L-5.3.3 and L-5.8.2: Is it acceptable to submit the proposal with Microsoft Office documents that are compatible with Office 2007 rather than Word 2000?

A: Yes, the Government will accept proposals with Microsoft Office documents that are compatible with Office 2007. This update will be included in the forthcoming amendment.

14. Reference Section L-7.1.3: Because the RFP is for an ID/IQ contract, and there is no government commitment for issuing particular tasks, specifying other than percentage goals for small business participation seems highly speculative. Would it not be preferable to limit the response specification to percentage goals?

A: It would not be preferable to limit the response specification to percentage goals. L-7.1.3 asks for dollar value and percentages. Please complete as requested.

15. Reference Section L-7.2: The first and third paragraphs seemingly conflict. The first paragraph states the Plan is not considered an evaluation factor, but the third paragraph states "Large Business Subcontracting Plans will be reviewed to determine if the offeror shall be eligible for award based on the acceptability of the proposed subcontracting plan." What is the resolution to this apparent conflict?

A: A Small Business Subcontracting Plan is required to be submitted by large business offerors in accordance with FAR Clause 52.219-9. It is not an evaluation factor. It will, however, be reviewed to determine if it is acceptable.

16. Reference Section I: The RFP indicates that the Service Contract Act is applicable to this contract. Can you please provide the applicable Wage determination report for this contract?

A: The applicable Wage Determination will be WD# 2005-2103, Revision 13, dated 06/19/2013. This Wage Determination can be accessed at www.wdol.gov.

17. Reference Section L-5.1: Is the Compliance Matrix included in the Page Count of the Technical Volume?

A: See answer to Question #4.

18. Reference Section L-6.3.2.1 (a): Are the Subcontractor Letters of Intent included in the page count of the Technical Volume?

A: See answer to Question #5.

19. Reference Section L-6.3.2.1 (a):

A. Are the resumes for personnel included in the page count of the Technical Volume?

B. Are the letters of commitment for personnel included in the page count of the Technical Volume?

A: See answer to Question #6.

20. Reference Section M-3.1: The formal term “Test and Evaluation” seems to appear only in the overall paragraph “3. Engineering Services.” Several of the individual representative tasks refer to addressing areas of “test” as a subject within them, but they include many other subjects as well. Paragraph 11.6.2 refers to testing of deliverables models. To which of these areas is the government applying the stipulated evaluation criteria?

A: “Test” is a verb closely related to “evaluate” or “assess.” It is also a particular area of statistical analysis involving design of experiments and comparative inference. As it pertains to software (as in 11.6.2), “test” pertains to a specific discipline in software engineering including procedures and methods to ensure software quality. Responses should account for the context used.

21. Reference L-5.3.2: Please clarify if the letter of introduction is the same as the cover letter (letter of transmittal).

A: See answer to Question #3.

22. Reference L-5.2.1: Please clarify the compliance matrix does not count against page count limitations.

A: See answers to Questions #4 and #8.

23. Reference L-5.8.3: These seem to contradict the standard hard copy delivery requirements, since all contents are being delivered in print and on CD, and not being delivered via email or procurement portal. Please clarify this requirement.

A: This section will be revised in the forthcoming amendment. Electronic transmission of proposals will not be allowed, so many of the references in the current section are not applicable.

24. Reference L-7.2: Large Businesses Subcontracting plans will be reviewed to determine if the Offeror shall be eligible for award based on the acceptability of the proposed subcontracting plan. Please clarify this statement in contrast to the first paragraph of section L-7.2, (NOT an Evaluation Factor) and the sentence, “The Small Business Subcontracting Plan will be reviewed, but is not considered to be an Evaluation Factor.” …if not, how is it the plan will determine if the offeror shall be eligible for award?

A: See answer to Question #15.

25. Reference L-7.4.9: Please clarify the necessity for a compliance matrix as part of the price factor – to what is the vendor aligning these requirements other than the overall spreadsheet?

A: The Compliance Matrix pertains to the Volume as a whole rather than the price factor specifically. It is mentioned in this section to highlight the importance of completeness.

26. Reference L-8.1 and L-8.2: L-8.1 The Offeror will include a completed SF1449 and the information required to complete Section B, Section F, Section G, Section H, Section J, Section K and any other information required to complete the contract. Each Offeror shall also complete and submit the following documentation, which must be submitted by the date and time specified for receipt of offers. L-8.2 Annual Representations and Certifications: Offerors should complete Section K - Representations, Certifications, and the Submission of Other Information via the System for Award Management (SAM) website (formerly ORCA): http://www.sam.gov/. Please clarify in which volume these items should be submitted and given the limited length of the business volume and the need to provide two plans and pricing, please consider an additional volume for Contract Information Requirements – or may the offeror include this information as an attachment?

A: The text of these sections will be changed slightly in the forthcoming amendment. Some sections, such as F, G and J do not require a submission. Section H requires that OCI be identified and mitigated. Regarding Section K, offerors are encouraged to complete as many of the representations and certifications as possible at SAM.gov. All remaining required submissions for all sections of the SF-1449 should be included in the Business Volume.

27. Reference L-7.3: Please clarify the business volume page limitations...with section 7.1, 7.2 and 7.4 (including printed excel spreadsheets), 25 pages does not seem sufficient. Does the Government expect to receive the spreadsheets printed, or simply on CD?

A: See answer to Question #12. In addition, spreadsheets should be printed in the hardcopy submission (foldouts of legal size pages are acceptable) and included on the CD.

28. Reference M-3.1: The last sentence of the second bullet seems more consistent with the Management capability, where the Offeror will present the organization, relevant resources capabilities through tables and resumes, our processes, and controls for managing the PWS elements and the personnel proposed overall. In the interest of space, may the offer provide a cross-reference to the Management Capability section to receive evaluation of this M-3.1 Criteria, rather than repeating the information in both places?

A: This will be left to the discretion of offerors.

29. Please consider excluding resumes from the page limitations, as even with 1 page dedicated to each personnel, both key and non-key, the offeror will exceed the page limitations. Please consider applying a 2 page constraint to each resume but exclude them from the overall page limitation of 75.?

A: See answer to Question #6.

30. Reference L-6.3.2.1: Paragraph 6.3.2.1 of Section L states that resumes are required to be submitted for all key personnel, however the PWS only identifies the Program Manager (PM) as key. Can the government confirm that the PM is the only position considered key?

A: That is correct.

31. Reference C-5: Paragraph 5 of the PWS identifies six labor categories: Program Manager, Study Task Leader, Senior Operation Research Analyst, Senior Analyst, Analyst, and Cost Analyst. Section L-7.4.6 and Section B, however, identify ten labor categories: Program Manager, Project Manager, Senior Operations Research Analyst, Senior Analyst, Research Analyst, Analyst, Cost Analyst, Technical Research Assistant, Editor/Technical Writer, Clerk Typist/Data Entry Clerk. Can the government please confirm the correct labor categories? If the additional labor categories from Sections B & L are included will the government please provide personnel qualifications for these positions?

A: Paragraph 5 of the PWS states the minimum labor categories required. Section L-7.4.6 and Section B list of categories is based on the average historical study for the MCSS. Descriptions of the additional categories, beyond those of the minimum required, will not be provided.

32. Reference C-5.4: The last sentence of the opening paragraph for C-5.4 states "Must have a bachelor’s degree...The individual must possess at least 3 years cumulative experience in one or more of the following fields of endeavor." However, below in the Education and experience may be substituted as follows it lists "BA/BS + 6". Can the government please clarify the degree and experience requirements for Senior Analyst?

A: The narrative will be changed to read “at least 6 years cumulative...” in the upcoming amendment.

33. Reference C-5.5: The last sentence of the opening paragraph for C-5.5 states "Must have a bachelor’s degree...The individual must possess at least 3 years cumulative experience..." However, below in the Education and experience may be substituted as follows it lists "BS + 4". Can the government please clarify the degree and experience requirements for Analyst?

A: The formula will be changed to read “BA/BS + 3” in the upcoming amendment.

34. Reference C-5.4: The education and experience substitution indicates that personnel holding a MA/MS require four year experience, while the position description calls only for a bachelors and 3 years. Could the government please clarify why an advanced degree requires additional experience?

A: See answer to question #32.

35. Reference L-8.1: Please clarify the reference to Section J, and confirm the Customer meant Section I.?

A: See answer to Question #26.

36. Reference Section L, Clause 52.222-46: IAW FAR 52.222-46, the Offeror is required to submit a complete compensation plan. Please consider allowing the Offerors to submit the compensation plan as an attachment and not as part of the page count for Volume I and II.

A: This clause will be removed in the forthcoming amendment.

37. Reference: Solicitation, Section M-1.2 (Page 106); “It is the intention of the Marine Corps to award a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of five (5) indefinite-delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts to the offerors whose proposals offer the best value…”, “At least two awards will be made to Small Businesses.” – Question: Since the paragraph states that “at least two awards will be made to Small Businesses”, please state what preference is given to a small business and/or what evaluation criteria are used in order to differentiate between two equally-rated proposals submitted by a small and large businesses concern in the agency’s determination whether an award should be made to a small or large business concern.

A: There will not be a preference given to small businesses. All businesses will be evaluated per Section M. During the presolicitation phase, the Marine Corps and the Small Business Administration determined that small businesses are capable of performing the requirement and at least two of the awards should be made to small businesses that are responsive to the solicitation. The two highest evaluated small businesses will receive awards, provided that they are responsive to the solicitation. A third, fourth, or fifth small business may receive an award if they are among the five highest-rated offers.

38. Reference: Solicitation, Section M-1.2 (Page 106); “It is the intention of the Marine Corps to award a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of five (5) indefinite-delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts to the offerors whose proposals offer the best value…”, “At least two awards will be made to Small Businesses.” – Question: What criteria are used in determining the total number of awards (e.g. whether the agency should award three, four, or five IDIQ awards?

A: This will be a business decision on the part of the Government.

39. Reference: Solicitation, SF1449; Section I; Section L - Question: The solicitation is solicited under FAR Part 12 “Acquisition of Commercial Items”; yet, both the commercial and non-commercial clauses and instructions are referenced, some of which that conflict with each other. Will the Government amend the solicitations in order to eliminate the non-applicable or conflicting clauses and instructions? (For example, SF1449 incorporates by reference FAR 52.212-1, “Instructions to Offerors—Commercial Items”, while Section L incorporates by reference the “non-commercial” FAR clause 52.215-1 Alt I “Instructions to Offerors—Competitive Acquisition”.)

A: Clause 52.215-1 Alt I does not conflict with the commercial nature of this requirement.

40. Reference: Solicitation, Section C, Paragraph 5; Section L, Paragraph 7.3; Section B - Question: Paragraph 5 of Section C states that “proposals may include additional labor categories”, while Paragraph L–7.3 instructs the offerors to “provide prices corresponding to the CLINs in Section B of the solicitation, to include labor categories and labor rates (material documentation) for your firm fixed pricing.” Can offerors deviate from using the number of hours and labor categories listed under CLINs 0001, 1001, 2001?

A: The CLINS are providing historical data only to show the magnitude of an average study. Offerors may deviate as they see fit.

41. Reference: Solicitation, Section E, Paragraph E-1.7: - Question: Paragraph E-1.7states that “the COR will inspect the services provided in accordance with the Government’s QASP”; however, the solicitation doesn’t include a copy of the QASP. Will the government amend the solicitation to include a QASP?

A: There will not be a base IDIQ-level QASP. Individual QASPs will be issued at the task order level.

42. Reference: Solicitation, Section H “Protection of Human Subjects” - Question: Will any task orders solicited under the resultant IDIQs include the requirements for performing research involving human subjects?

A: We do anticipate that some task orders will involve research involving human subjects.

43. Reference: Solicitation, Section I, FAR clause 52.222-41, “Service Contract Act of 1965” - Question: Please confirm whether FAR clause 52.222-41 applies to this solicitation.

A: Yes, the clause applies due to the inclusion of labor categories other than professional services.

44. Reference: Solicitation, Section C, Paragraph 4.1 “Mission Level and Agent-Based Modeling, Simulation, and Wargaming” (Page 12) - Question: Can you provide a list the models developed by the U.S. Government or for which U.S. Government owns data rights?

A: A partial list can be found at the URL: https://mscatalog.msco.mil/ . OAD currently has frequent need to use Synthetic Theater Operations Research Model (STORM), General Campaign Analysis Model (GCAM), Combat XXI, and the family of models under the rubric Joint Weaponeering System (JWS).

45. Reference: Solicitation, Section L–6.3.2, Paragraph L-6.3.2.1a (Page 98): “Letter of Commitment shall be provided to document good faith intent.” - Question: Are “Letters of Commitment” required for all personnel included in the RFP response or only for contingency hires?

A: Letters of Commitment are only required for Key Personnel.

46. Reference: Solicitation, Section B, Noted requirement under the description for CLIN 0002, 0003, 1002, 1003, 2002, 2003 - Question: The second note under the ODC CLINs 0003, 1003, and 2003 directs the offerors to “clearly list in their price proposal any burdens applicable to other direct costs”, however, no such requirement is noted under the Travel CLIN 0002, 1002, 2002. Will the solicitation be amended to include the requirement for the disclosure of burdens applicable to Travel CLINS Travel CLIN 0002, 1002, 2002?

A: Yes, this will be changed in the forthcoming amendment. Contractor burden may be applied in accordance with DCAA/DCMA-approved accounting systems.

47. Reference: Solicitation, Section L, Paragraph 5.1 “Proposal Volume Requirements” and Section L Paragraph 4.9 “Completeness” - Question: Paragraph L–5.1 states that “the proposal shall be accompanied by a cover letter (letter of transmittal) prepared on the company’s letterhead stationery”, while the table immediately below the paragraph directs the offerors to include, among other documents, a “Letter of Introduction”, “Formal Offer Letter”, and “SF33”. Section L-7.4.9 then refers to a “Signed Offer”. Assuming that each offeror will be required to sign “SF1449” -- on which the solicitation was issued -- and not “SF33” -- the form which is not found in the solicitation -- are the terms “letter of transmittal”, “formal offer letter”, “cover letter”, and “signed offer” identical? In the spirit of commercial contracting, can the Government simplify the solicitation by requiring only a signed SF1449 and signed cover letter? If not, what differentiate these documents and which of those need to be signed?

A: See answer to Question #3. The reference to SF33 is a typographical error and will be removed. Offers should follow the format requested in the solicitation.

48. Reference: Solicitation, Section L, Paragraph 5.7.1 and Section L, Paragraph 7.4.4 - Question: Paragraph L–5.7.1 refers to a “Cost Volume”, but no such volume is defined anywhere else in the solicitation. Is the “cost volume” the same document as the “unlocked Microsoft Excel spreadsheet” defined in Paragraph L-7.4.4?

A: “Cost Volume” is a typographical error that will be changed to “Business Volume” in a forthcoming amendment.

49. Reference: Solicitation, Section L, Paragraph 7.1.3 (g) “Extent of Commitment” Paragraph L-7.1.3 directs the offerors to “Provide documentation regarding enforceable commitments to utilize any small business category…” - Question: What specific documentation (e.g. copies of fully executed teaming agreements, etc.) do offerors need to provide to substantiate the enforceability of commitments to utilize small business and does that documentation count toward the Business Volume page count?

A: Offerors need to provide teaming agreements contingent on award to show commitment to utilize small business.

50. Reference: Solicitation, Section L, Paragraph 6.3.2.1 (a): Paragraph L-6.3.2.1 (a) states that the “subcontractor letters of intent shall be provided to document business relationships”. - Question: What should be the content and format for “subcontractors’ letters of intent” and does the documentation counts toward the number of pages?

A: Content should include wording that shows commitment to utilize small business contingent on award. Format is at the discretion of the offeror. (i.e. Business Format)

51. Reference: Solicitation, Section C, Paragraph 4.4 and 4.20 (pages 14 and 18) calls for Cost Estimation and Cost/Benefit Analysis capabilities in general; paragraph 4.20 calls for Cost Estimation and Cost Benefit Analysis specific to logistics and/or CSS systems and equipment. - Question: Does the response need to address these Cost Estimation and Cost/Benefit Analysis capabilities separately or is 4.20 subsumed in 4.4?

A: Paragraphs 4.4 and 4.20 will be merged into one task in the forthcoming amendment.

52. Reference: Solicitation, Section C, Paragraph 4.8 and 4.18 (pages 15 and 18) calls for Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) capabilities in general; paragraph 4.18 calls for Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) capabilities specific to logistics and/or CSS systems. - Question: Does the response need to address these AoA capabilities separately or is 4.18 subsumed in 4.8?

A: Paragraphs 4.8 and 4.18 will be merged into one task in the forthcoming amendment.

53. Reference: Solicitation, Section C, Paragraph 5.4 (page 22) outlines the labor category and qualifications for Senior Analyst. The education and experience requirements are identical to those of Analyst (paragraph 5.5): bachelor’s degree and 3 years cumulative experience. The education and experience requirements for Senior Analyst are not consistent with the stated education and experience substitution: PhD + 1 = MA/MS + 4 = BA/BS + 6. - Question: Is the education and/or experience requirement for Senior Analyst greater than what is stated in paragraph 5.4?

A: See answers to questions #32 and #33.

54. Reference: Solicitation, Section L-5.1 (page 94) - Question: Section L-5.1 indicates that the Small Business Participation Pan as part of both the Technical and Business Volumes. However, the instructions for the Business Volume, Section L-7.1, clearly indicate the Plan is part of the Business Volume and there is no guidance to include it in the Technical Volume. Does the Small Business Participation Plan need to be included in one or both of the volumes? Will the Plan be included in the page count?

A: See answer to Question #1.

55. Reference: Solicitation, Section L-7.4.8 (Page 104) - Question: What is considered a “function area” in the referenced CLIN structure of Section B?

A: This section will be revised in the forthcoming amendment. Offerors will provide a lump sum amount for labor in Section B.

56. Reference: Solicitation, Section L–6.3.2, Paragraph L-6.3.2.1a (Page 98): “Other than key personnel resumes are encouraged to provide further substantiation of team strengths.” - Question: If resumes are provided, should they be included in the Technical Volume or the Business Volume? Are resumes excluded from the page count limitation?

A: See answer to Question #6.

57. Reference: Section C, Paragraph 12.1 (Page 31) “Local travel within the Washington Metropolitan area may be necessary and will not be reimbursable under the contract.” - Question: Please define the geographic area that is part of the Washington Metropolitan area.

A: Define as any area the falls within a 50 mile radius from MCCDC, Quantico, VA.

58. Reference: Solicitation, Section L-7.2, second paragraph, second sentence (Page 102) - Question: Please refer to the term “small disadvantaged women-owned business”, which seems to combine two separate socio-economic factors into one. Please confirm that you meant to instead state a “small disadvantaged” and “women-owned” small businesses.

A: That is correct. A comma will be added to separate the two in the forthcoming amendment.

59. Under Section H-3 Organizational Conflict of Interest (“OCI”) at H.3.2, H.3.6, and H.3.9 cross references various H.4 sub-clauses. H.4 addresses DELIVERABLES, ALLOCATION OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, AND USE OF DATA/INFORMATION and does not address OCI. We respectfully request that the Government confirm that all references to Clause H.4 in Clause H.3 are in fact cross references to H.3 sub-clauses.

A: That is correct and will be addressed in the forthcoming amendment.

60. On p. 98 at Clause L–6.3.2 (b) Factor 2: Management Capability, RFP states “since this plan will become an attachment to the contract upon award, it must comply with all aspects of the OCI clause in Section I.” Section I is entitled Contract Clauses. We respectfully request clarification whether Government intended cross reference to Clause H-3 in Section H in lieu of Section I.

A: That is correct and will be addressed in the forthcoming amendment.

61. Clause H-3 at H.3.1 indicates Contractor must “warrants that to the best of its knowledge and belief, and except as otherwise set forth in the contract, the Contractor does not have any organizational conflict of interest(s)”. Please advise where in the proposal response the Government wishes the Offeror to provide this statement (e.g., Vol. I or Vol 2.).

A: This should be provided in the Technical Volume.

62. Reference: Solicitation, Section F, Paragraph 1.4 and Section , Paragraph L-7.4.9 - Question: Section F, Paragraph 1.4 states that “the period of performance for this requirement shall be for a one (1) year base period and two (2) one (1) year option periods”, while, Section L-7.4.9 directs the offerors to provide a “Signed Offer of $XXXXXXX for BY/ 4-Options”. Which period of performance is correct?

A: Section L-7.4.9 is incorrect and will be changed to “BY/2-Options” in the forthcoming amendment.

63. Reference: Solicitation, Section C, Paragraph 9.1 “Monthly Progress Reports and Section F, Paragraph 1.3 - Question: Section C, Paragraph 9.1 states that “Monthly Progress Reports shall be submitted for each Task Order (TO). The reports shall be delivered…by the 10th day of the month and shall cover the previous month”, while Section F, Paragraph 1.3 states that “the Contractor shall submit a monthly Progress Reports to the COR not later than the 5th day of the following month, for work accomplished during the previous month.” Which one is correct?

A: Monthly Progress Reports shall be submitted by the 10th day of the month. This will be corrected in the amendment.

64. Reference: Solicitation, Section C, Paragraph 11.4.4 (Page 28): “The contractor and its personnel shall comply with the provisions of the contract’s DD Form 254…” - Question: No draft DD 254 was provided in the solicitation. Will a draft DD Form 254 be provided?

A: No. The DD Form 254 with instructions is easily retrievable by offerors via the Internet.

65. Reference: Section C, Paragraph 11.2 (Page 27) and Section F, Paragraph F.2.3 (Page 35) - Question: Two different versions of Microsoft Office are requested in Section C and Section F for all products and deliverables, Microsoft Office 2003 and 2007; which version should be used without requesting an exception?

A: See answer to Question #13.

66. Reference: Solicitation, Section C, Paragraph 5, Personnel Category Qualifications / Requirements (Page 20-23) - Question: Can the below table be used to substitute similar degree disciplines for those currently listed in the labor category requirements?

Applied Science Geoinformatics and Geospatial Intelligence Information Systems Decision Science

Aeronautical Science Physics Health Health Sciences Administration

Information Technology Building Construction Information Assurance Information Systems

Engineering Fields Health

Business Management Engineering Management Systems Management Business Administration Finance

Organizational Performance Criminal Justice Procurement and Acquisition Management Government Psychology

Strategic Studies International Studies Military Studies Military Arts and Sciences Technology and Policy History Spanish Global Management Business Management

A: In general, no. However, if the offeror believes that an individual meets the knowledge and skill requirements associated with a degree discipline, but possesses a degree with a different title, that case can be made (within the page count allowed). The veracity of that case may be used to evaluate the proposer’s knowledge of the requirement. For example, if a proposer wishes to make a substitution of an individual with a Health degree for an individual possessing a Physical Science degree, that proposer is not correctly interpreting our requirement. The table below contains a subset of the proposed table, with approved substitutions:

Decision Science Systems Engineering

Aeronautical Science Physics Chemistry

Systems Engineering Computer Science

International Studies

67. Reference: Solicitation, Section M-3.2 (Page 108) and Section L 6.3.2.1 (Page 98) - Question: In addition to evaluating key personnel resumes, will the Government also evaluate resumes submitted for non-key personnel?

A: See answer to Question #6. All information submitted will be evaluated.

68. Reference: Solicitation, Section B, All Labor CLINS - Question: The description under all Labor CLINS state that the “unit price shall include total labor for an average study. “ Since the actual studies to be solicited under the resultant IDIQ will vary in complexity, size, and duration, will the FFP average study unit prices be used for evaluation purposes only, or will the agency require each IDIQ awardee to use the average study unit price in building their proposal in response to task orders solicited under the IDIQ?

A: The FFP average study unit prices will be used for evaluation purposes only.

69. Will a price realism, involving an assessment of unrealistically low prices/rates, be performed in order to determine whether or not the low proposed prices reflect a lack of understanding of contract requirements or a risk inherent in offerors’ approach?

A: Pricing will be evaluated in accordance with Section M-3.6.4 of the solicitation.

70. Reference: Solicitation, Section C, Paragraph 4.13 (Page 16); “Perform analysis in the following military subject areas: Amphibious Operations, Combat Fires, Tactical Mobility, Aviation, and Air Defense, C4ISR Counter Insurgency Operations, and Execution of Marine Expeditionary Unit Special Operations Capable (MEU (SOC)) Missions, Security Force Assistance (SFA) and Irregular Warfare Operations.” - Question: Does the Government mean the following 10 military subject areas: Amphibious Operations, Combat Fires, Tactical Mobility, Aviation, Air Defense, C4ISR, Counter Insurgency Operations, Execution of Marine Expeditionary Unit Special Operations Capable (MEU (SOC)) Missions, Security Force Assistance (SFA), and Irregular Warfare Operations?

A: Yes.

71. Reference: Solicitation, Section C, Paragraph 5.5 (page 22-23) outlines the labor category and qualifications for Analyst. The education and experience requirements are stated to be a bachelor’s degree and at least 3 years cumulative experience. The education and experience substitution is defined as MA/MA + 1 = BA/BS + 4. - Question: Would the Government verify the years that may be substituted in the education and experience for BA/BS?

A: See answer to question #33.

72. Reference: Section I, FAR 52.222-41, “Service Contract Act of 1965” - Question: If the Government determined that the Service Contract Act applies, will the Government amend the solicitation by including a copy of the Wage Determination?

A: See answer to Question #16.

73. Reference: Solicitation, Section F, Paragraph F.1.1 (Page 35); “Depending upon the tasks assigned, personnel may be working nationwide and possibly OCONUS.” - Question: Please provide the locations and an anticipated number of visits to OCONUS destinations during each contract period. If OCONUS tasks will be conducted in hazard pay locations, will the Government provide please provide an anticipated number of such tasks.

A: At this juncture, we anticipate OCONUS activity in locations where Marine Forces are currently deployed (Regional Command/Southwest, Joint Task Force Horn of Africa, Okinawa, Guam). Costs regarding hazardous duty and insurance are covered in question 137.

74. Reference: Solicitation, Section M-3.6.3 (Page 112) and Section L 7.4.1 &7.4.2 (Page 103) - Question: Section L requires offeror’s to price the base period and 2 option periods. Section L&M state, “the Government will evaluate this potential offer to extend services by adding 50% of the offeror’s final option period…. “. Please clarify if the offerors need to add 50% of the final option period to their price proposal or if the government will add and evaluate this requirement separately?

A: The government will add and evaluate this requirement separately. Note that the total ceiling of the contract still applies.

75. Reference: Solicitation, Section F.1.2 (Page 35) - Question: Section F indicates onsite and offsite support. Current instructions do not stipulate whether an average study will be performed onsite or offsite. Can you define which labor categories are expected to be performed on government site or provide a percentage of hours expected to be performed at government/contractor site for each average study?

A: Very rarely will contractors work onsite at the government facilities in support of any studies that are a result of the RITA contract.

76. Reference: Solicitation, Paragraph 5.0 Personnel Category Qualifications (Page 20) - Question: Paragraph 5.0 states that “proposals may include additional labor categories.” If the offeror chooses to propose additional labor categories, to include expanding the required labor categories (adding a Mid or Jr. ORA to the existing SORA labor cat), should it ensure hours remain consistent with Section B of the RFP? Additionally, if additional labor categories are proposed should the offeror include minimum qualifications for each additional labor category?

A: This is ultimately a business decision that is left to offerors, but the government requires that minimum qualifications be specified for any additional labor categories proposed by offerors. Offerors are expected to structure any arrangement to meet the needs of an average study, as provided in Section B, for pricing purposes.

77. Reference: Solicitation, Section L-7.4.6 (Page 103) - Question: The paragraph states “Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs) 0001, 1001, 2001, 3001 and 4001, entitled “Labor…”. Are CLINS 3001 and 4001 typos?

A: Yes they are. That will be corrected in the amendment.

78. Reference: Solicitation, Section L-7.2 (p. 102) - Question: Considering that the Small Business Subcontracting Plan is not an evaluation factor (Section L-7.2), will it be part of the page count for the Business Volume (Section L-5.1) or will it be treated like the cover letter, title page, table of contents, table of figures, list of tables, glossary of abbreviations and acronyms which do not count against page count limitations (Section L-5.2.1)?

A: It will be part of the page count.

79. Reference Sect L, Pg 94: Request that due to the length of such requirements as small business subcontracting plans, small business participation plans, documentation of subcontractor relationships/commitments, that the page limit for Volume II be removed, or increased to 50 pages.

A: See answer to Question #12.

80. Reference Sect I, Pg 54: We assume due to the highly technical nature of the studies to be procured under this vehicle and correspondingly the skills needed by personnel to be highly technical as well. As such please confirm that this FAR clause should be revised to be unchecked and that the box for FAR 52.222-53 on page 55 of 113 should be checked instead.

A: The Service Contract Act applies to this acquisition as there is a significant portion of effort expected to be performed by other than professional employees.

81. Reference Sect L, Pg 88: FAR Clause 52.222-46 is included in this solicitation on page 88 of 113. Please confirm that as this clause is designed to mitigate risk of incumbent personnel leaving due to material change in total compensation and there is no such incumbent personnel that this FAR Clause should be deleted and that no requirement to include an offeror's compensation plan as part of their proposal exists.

A: FAR Part 22.1103 requires inclusion of the clause in solicitations for negotiated contracts when the contract amount is expected to exceed $650,000 and the services are to be provided which will require meaningful numbers of professional employees.

82. Reference Sect L, Pg 105: Paragraph L-8.1 states that the offeror will include a completed SF 1449. The solicitation first page is SF1449. The L-5.1 table on page 94 of 113 states that offerors should submit a completed SF33 as part of the Business Volume. Recommend changing table on page 94, section L-5.1 to read as follows – ‘II. Business Volume, includes Formal Offer Letter, SF33 SF1449, and Section B Pricing…".

A: See answer to Question #47.

83. Reference Sect L, Pg 105: Paragraph L-8.1 states that the offeror shall include the information required to complete Sections F, G, H and J - however it does not appear that any of these sections ask for information. Please confirm that offerors are only required to complete Sections B and K and that both sets of information should reside in the business volume.

A: See answer to Question #26.

84. Reference Sect L, Pg 105: Paragraph L-8.2 states that offerors should complete the Section K reps and certs in sam.gov. Please confirm that if offerors affirm that their representations as found at sam.gov are current, complete, and accurate that the only parts of Section K that offerors must include in their business volume are DFARS 252.209-7997, FAR 52.203-2, FAR 52.209-5, and FAR 52.209-7.

A: Yes, that is correct.

85. Reference Section H, Pg 47-48: Address required procedures and compliance for use and protection of human subjects. Please confirm that no requirements for documentation exists at the proposal level and any such procedures will be invoked at the task order level at the time of execution.

A: Yes, that is correct.

86. Reference Sect L, Pg 102: States that documentation regarding enforceable commitments between prime offeror and its subcontractors shall be provided as part of the offerors small business participation plan; a requirement to be included as part of offeror's proposals in the business volume. Please confirm that per the requirements of L-6.3.2 which requires that letters of commitment from subcontractors be included in the Management Volume (I), that a reference to such letters shall satisfy the requirement for such documentation, or that this may be alternately and or partially satisfied by the inclusion of the copies of teaming agreements in Volume II. Please also confirm that in either such case Teaming Agreements or Letters of Commitment from Subcontractors, which typically are 6-10 pages in length each, shall not count against the page limit of either Volume.

A: These items will count against the page limits. The page limit of the Business Volume is being doubled to allow offerors sufficient page limits.

87. Reference Sect B: Please confirm that in addition to the Section B, offerors ARE NOT REQUIRED TO provide a matrix of labor category prices for each performance (base plus options) period as part of their submission in the business volume AND offerors shall be free to propose labor categories and prices as needed at the task order level upon execution.

A: For Section B, offerors are to provide pricing for labor on a historical average study in CLINs 0001, 1001, and 2001. In addition, per Section L-7.4.4, offerors shall provide supporting documentation that includes labor categories, labor rates, and labor hours. Contract awardees will be free to propose labor categories and prices as needed at the task order level upon execution.

88. Reference Sect L, Pg 104: States that a signed offer of $XXXXX for BY/4-Options shall be provided - please confirm that IDIQ ceilings upon award shall not be based on this signed offer/an offeror's Section B, but in accordance with the numbers as discussed on page 8 of 113; "CONTRACT MINIMUM/MAXIMUM QUANTITY AND CONTRACT VALUE."

A: That is correct. The contract minimums and maximums listed on pages 8 – 10 will apply. As a side note, see answer to Question #62 regarding typographical error “4-Options”.

89. Reference Sect L, Pg 104: Section L-7.4.9 (page 104 of 113) states that signed letters of offer/acceptance for contingency hires shall be included in the business volumes. It is our understanding that no Task Order awards will be made upon IDIQ award ergo no concrete work requirement exists at this time. Thus please confirm that no signed letters of offer/acceptance are required unless an offeror wishes to propose key personnel who would be contingent hires.

A: See answer to Question #6.

90. Reference Sects L, B: Section L-7.4.7 states that Offeror's "proposal should include any burdens applicable to ODC's." Section B CLIN structure for travel/ODC CLINS state that offerors shall discuss indirect burdens applicable to said CLINS. Please confirm that a discussion of applicable burdens in the business volume shall satisfy both of these requirements.

A: See answer to Question #47.

91. Reference Sect L, Pg 91: Page 91 of 113 includes FAR Clause 52.216-1 which states that the Government will award a 1 year base plus 2 one year option periods as a result of this solicitation; Section B only includes 1 base plus two option years. However this conflicts with Section L, parts L-7.4.6 where reference is made to CLINS 3001 and 4001 as well as Section L-7.4.9 where a signed offer of $XXXXXX for BY/4-Options is required. Please confirm that this FAR clause should read "4" one year options and that two years of additional CLINS should be added to Section B.

A: See answer to Question #62.

92. Reference Sects C, B & L: The Section C SOW has no labor category descriptions/education & experience requirements for the following LCATS: Research Analyst, Technical Research Assistant, Editor/Technical Writer, Clerk Typist/Data Entry Clerk. Will the Government please provide the LCAT requirements for these roles as required by Sections B and L.

A: See answer to question #11.

93. Reference Sect L, Pg 94: The L-5.1 table states that offerors should include the small business participation in BOTH Volumes I and II; please confirm that offerors are only to include the small business participation plan in Volume II.

A: See answer to Question #1.

94. Reference Sect C, Pg 22: The guidance regarding the necessary education and experience for the Senior Analyst on page 22 of 113 is conflicting; it states BA plus 3 years in the description however the education and experience substitution lists BA/BS plus 6 in the explanation. Further there is no separation between this LCAT and the Analyst LCAT. Please confirm that the minimum experience for the Senior Analyst LCAT is 6 years plus a bachelor’s degree.

A: See answer to question #32.

95. Reference Sect C, Pg 22-23: The guidance regarding the necessary education and experience for the Analyst on Pages 22 and 23 of 113; it states BA plus 3 years in the description however the education and experience substitution lists BA/BS plus 4 in the explanation. Please confirm that the minimum experience for the Analyst LCAT is 3 years plus a bachelor’s degree.

A: See answer to question #33.

96. Reference Sect L, Pg 95: Section L.5.3.5 addresses requirements for both Prime Contractors and First Tier Subcontractors whose efforts are expected to be in excess of 10M to submit DOL/EEOC Report information. Please confirm that if offerors include a statement in their proposals that "as the combined award value of ALL IDIQ's is to be 70M, Prime Contractor is not expecting to issue subcontracts in excess of 9.9M", the requirements under L.5.3.5 shall be satisfied. (70M/~3 awards*26%=6M).

A: Please follow the format requested in Section L.5.3.5, which offers some flexibility. Prime offerors may either register with the National Pre-Award Registry at http://www.dol-esa.gov/preaward/pa_reg.html or submit the requested information. If there will be no subcontracts in excess of $10M, then so state in part (ii).

97. Reference Sect L, Pg 94: Please confirm that the compliance matrix does not count against the page count for Volume I as this is easily a 3-5 page requirement.

A: See answer to Question #4.

98. Reference Sect L, Pg 98: Please confirm that the OCI Mitigation Plan as discussed in Section L-6.3.2.b shall be an appendix to Volume I and not count against page count as this is likely to be a lengthy document.

A: Because of the importance of OCI mitigation, we will remove the OCI Mitigation Plan from the page count and allow it to be submitted as an Appendix to Volume I. This change will be included in the forthcoming amendment.

99. Reference Sect L, H: Please confirm that Section L-6.3.2.b should read that the OCI Mitigation Plan shall be compliant with Section H.3 (currently reads compliant with Section I).

A: See answer to Question #10.

100. Reference Sect L, Pg 98: Please confirm that if offerors do not intend to allow cross teaming on their team that a statement to such effect shall be satisfactory to…