M0026420R0010 PMA Q_As.pdf

M00264-20-R-0010 VENDOR Q&A

Solicitation Section Comment/Question

1. PWS Section 3.6, p. 21 The links in the solicitation do not permit contractor access to items on the https://vce.tecom.usmc.mil site. Will the government provide reference items 15-18 and item 21 to offerors? Perhaps File Transfer Protocol (FTP) instructions could send offerors to a secure drop box location such as DoD

SAFE (Safe Access File Exchange) to retrieve these reference items, to ensure all offerors have the necessary reference documents.

ANSWER: Attached are copies of references 15, 18 and 20. References #

16 and 17 have been cancelled and no longer valid. (See attached PDF files)

2. PWS Section 10.1 (p.

31-32)

Requiring existing SIPRNet access points at contractor facilities will limit industry competition. Cleared contractors must have a sponsor to establish a

SIPRNet connection. Will the government sponsor a SIPRNet request after award if the contractor does not have an existing SIPR “drop.”?

ANSWER: No, PWS is revised. Occasional usage will be granted to the contractor (i.e. 2 hours per week), but this does not mean that the access will be on a dedicated and permanent basis.

3. PWS Section 10.1 (p.

31-32)

Would the SIPRNet work be possible for a contractor to do without on-site contractor-location SIPRNet access points, for example, in the government space? Is there an estimate percent-wise how much work will be conducted on the SIPRnet?

ANSWER: PWS is revised. Occasional usage will be granted to the will be on a dedicated and permanent basis.

4. PWS Section 10 and 11

(p. 31-32)

The PWS discusses individual IT equipment but does not discuss a server-based Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning/Deep Learning (AI ML/DL) tools. Does the government have any guidance on this capability as it will be necessary to provide a credible AI tool kit?

ANSWER: As the Marine Corps develops it’s strategy with regard to the collection, cleaning, formatting, storage, and analysis of large swaths of data, TECOM is doing its due diligence to ensure, at an organizational level, we have the capability of managing our own data and “making sense” of it through authoritative (soon to be cloud-based) databases such as Marine Corps Training Information Management System and analytical software such as JMP, Microsoft Excel, and coding languages such as R and python.

5. Page 50 5.0 Factor 3:

Past Performance

. The government states: “The past performance evaluation may take into account past performance information regarding predecessor companies, key personnel who have relevant experience, or subcontractors “

Question: Does the government expect the identification of key personnel in our response?

ANSWER: No, see revised PWS paragraph.

6. . Page 47 Para DD254

Security clearance

Requirements

The Government states: “The Offeror shall demonstrate its ability to meet the security requirements of the solicitation and in accordance with the DD

Form 254”

Question: Will the government provide a DD 254 for compliance with this https://vce.tecom.usmc.mil/ solicitation?

ANSWER: Yes, see Attachment 2.

7. Page 19 General

Requirements

The government states: Contractors will require access to Secret Internet

Protocol Router Network (SIPRnet), the TECOM Virtual Collaborative

Environment (VCE) as well as an email .ctr@usmc.mil address.

Question: Does the contractor site near Quantico require SIPR net capability or will contractors be able to access SIPR work on a Government site?

ANSWER: The requirement for the contractor to provide SIPR capability has been removed from the PWS/solicitation. Occasional use can be granted to the contractor (i.e. 2 hours per week), but this does not mean that the access will be on a dedicated and permanent basis.

8 Page 47 Para: DD254

Security clearance

Requirements

. The government states: “The Offeror shall provide specific information that indicates any Facility Security Clearance (FCL)

Question: Is a facility clearance required at proposal submission?

Question: If a clearance is required at proposal submission, what level of classification is required?

ANSWER: No, facility clearance is not required. Occasional use can be granted to the contractor (i.e. 2 hours per week), but this does not mean that the access will be on a dedicated and permanent basis.

9 Page 50 Factor 3 Past

Performance

The government states: The past performance evaluation factor assesses the degree of confidence the Government has in an offeror’s ability to supply products and services that meet users’ needs, based on a demonstrated record of performance.

Question: What factors will the government use to determine the degrees of confidence that will be used in its will be rating? ANSWER: The

Government will determine confidence based on the offeror’s record of performance in their ability to supply the services relative to this requirement’s needs.

Question: Will magnitude be included in this rating? ANSWER: Yes

Question: Will relevance to the PWS be utilized in this rating and if so…will each PMA S&S task be required to be address in the citation? ANSWER:

Yes, relevance to the PWS will be utilized. Please adhere to instructions in addressing.

Question: Will Marine Corps work be evaluated at a higher level of relevance than other service related work? ANSWER: It can but documented and proven demonstration of high relevance of contract experience on other jobs in comparison to the requirements of this solicitation can also offer the Government the confidence needed.

10 Page 51 Factor 4:

Cost/Price

The government states: “The Government will evaluate the Total Evaluated

Price consisting of the sum of all CLINs”

Question: Will the government consider a lower evaluated price as superior to a higher price?

ANSWER: Please see paragraph 2.0 of FAR 52.212-2 ADDENDUM.

The factors will be evaluated as follows: Factor 1, Technical

Capability/Performance Execution & Management is more important than

Factor 2, Past Performance. Factor 2, Past Performance is more important than Factor 3, Price. Factor 3, Price is the least important factor. When combined, all non-price factors are significantly more important than price. Price becomes increasingly more important when

Offerors receive similar ratings for the non-price factors.

11 Page 22. TRRP Step 2:

Data Analysis

Sub task 4.2.2.

This task mentions a PM&A MCCRE trends database.

Question: Has this database been created or is it something that needs to be created? If it has been created, what type of database is it

ANSWER: The MCCRE database is Excel based and it already exists.

12 3.2.1, 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 7.1.1 Section 3.2.1 states “Proposals submitted via e-mail are authorized”.

Section 4.1 states “In case of conflict between the paper copy and the electronic copy of the proposals submitted, the paper copy shall take precedence”.

Section 4.2 states “Content should utilize Unlocked .doc, .pdf. xls, and .jpg formats that correspond with Hardcopy proposal material content. “

Section 5.1 instructs to provide 4 copies of Volume II and to provide a CD

ROM with a copy of all volumes

Section 7.1.1 states that the “electronic price proposal the Offeror submits on CD shall be unprotected”

Is the proposal to be submitted via email as stated in 3.2.1? If so, are the instructions referring to paper copies, hard copies, multiple copies, and a CD version in error?

ANSWER: Paragraphs noted have been revised. Paragraph 3.2 presents options for delivery; electronically or delivery service (i.e. UPS, FedEx, or

USPS).

13 Attachment 1 The past and present performance form states to “Limit the number of references submitted and the length of each submission to the limitations set forth at paragraphs 5.2, respectively, of Section L of this solicitation”

Solicitation section 5.2 makes no reference to length and limitations for past performance. Please clarify.

ANSWER: Attachment 1 and the instructions for submission of the past performance have been revise.

14 Attachment 1 Can offerors rebuild this form to make it easier to complete and read, provided all the information is provided in the same order and with the same labels and instructions as required in the attachment?

ANSWER: The Government requests you complete the revised form as presented.

15 Attachment 1 Section F of the attachment states to provide current information for all 3 individuals. There is only space/blanks for 2 contacts provided. Please clarify.

ANSWER: The Form has been revised.

16 All Is there an incumbent contractor on this effort? If so, can you please identify them? Can you provide the contract #? Are they small business under

$16.5M? Are there accommodations in their contract to support transition?

When does their contract expire>

ANSWER: The incumbent contractor is II Corps Consultants, M00264-

15-F-0136

17 6.0 Pease confirm the compliance matrix is:

a. to address all volumes and sections of the proposal

b. to only to appear in the business volume

ANSWER: Yes, the compliance matrix is (a.) to address all volumes and sections of the proposal and (b) only appear in the Business Volume.

18 6.0 Is the Table of Contents (TOC) in the business volume to index only the business volume or all volumes?

ANSWER: The Table of Contents is requested in the Business Volume.

19 6.0 Are TOC permitted in the tech/pp volume and pricing volume? If so, do they count against page count?

ANSWER: TOC is permitted in the Technical/Past Performance Volume but will count against the page count.

20 6.1.1, Evaluation sections 3.0 and 5.0

Referenced sections confuse and conflict on what constitutes each Factor.

Please confirm that the factors in Volume II are:

Factor 1 - Technical Capability/Performance Execution & Management (as stated in 6.1.1) with a 40 page limit

Factor 2 – Past Performance (as stated in 6.1.1.2) with a 20 page limit

ANSWER: The factors in Volume II are Factor 1: Technical

Capability/Performance Execution & Management and Factor 2: Past

Performance. Revisions have been made to both FAR Addendums 52.212-

1 and 52.212-2 to include page counts.

21 5.1, 6.1.1, Evaluation 3.0 Section 5.1 indicates a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is required in volume II but there is no mention of this requirement in the instructions at

6.1.1 or in the Evaluation section 3.0 mentioning the WBS. Please clarify.

ANSWER: Please see revised paragraph 6.1.1.1 to include instructions regarding the WBS.

22 6.1 and 6.2 It is difficult to quantify labor effort with no metrics on the amount of data, number of reports, number of after action reports, number of JLL, or number of exercises and evaluations and training events, etc.. Is there anything that can be provided to help contractors more accurately estimate level of effort?

Perhaps incumbent manning levels? Or government estimates of manning levels or man hours?

ANSWER: See the Deliverables Table in the PWS which provides more information regarding the number of reports, actions reports, and frequency. The Government’s expectation is see the contractor’s innovative approach to meeting the requirements outlined within the PWS.

23 6.0 Section 6.0 item 9 states that a completed and signed SF 1449 should be included in the Business Volume. Section 6.0 item 5 states to acknowledge all amendments. If there are any amendments, should the SF 30’s be signed and included in the business volume?

ANSWER: Yes, please include all SF 30’s in the business volume.

24 7.1.4 Section 7.1.4 states “Total evaluated price will consist of the proposed price for the base period, and two (2) option periods”. Evaluation section 6,0 states that the total evaluated price is the sum of all CLINs. Please clarify.

ANSWER: See revised Addendum paragraphs.

28 7.1 It is not clear whether the government wants an Excel spreadsheet that shows labor and cost build ups, level of effort, and extended costs? Please clarify.

ANSWER: Please see revision to Volume III

29 6.1.1.2 Section 6.1.1.2 states “This volume shall be limited to twenty (20) pages, double sided” Front and back. Does that mean 40 pages? If the proposals is to eb submitted digitally, via email, there is no “double sided” and the instruction would seem irrelevant. Please clarify.

ANSWER: If printed, you are allowed up to 20 individual, double sided pages. If it is an electronic submission, up to 40 pages will be allowed.

PWS Section 4, (pg. 21)

Section 4 references “the following six task categories (4.1-4.6)”; however, there are only five listed in the PWS. Is there a sixth task that is missing? If so, please provide.

ANSWER: There are only 5 tasks. PWS paragraph is revised.

PWS Section 7.5, Table

1 and PWS Section 8.2, Table 2 (pgs. 27-31)

Both PWS Table 1 and Table 2 contain references to contractor deliverables or performance standards in Section 4.6, but this section does not exist in the solicitation. Will the government update these references?

ANSWER: The PWS Table 1 and 2 information has been updated in the

PSW to accurately reflect the requirements.

PWS Section 10.2 (pg.

32)

For the MAGTFTC liaison, the solicitation states that the analyst is working in Government facilities. The Government will provide a MCEN

“connection point for NIPRNET connectivity”. Does this position require

SIPRNET connectivity? Will the government provide SIPRNET connectivity for the MAGTFTC liaison?

ANSWER: MAGTFTC will provide work space, NIPRNET and

SIPRNET connection as necessary.

PWS Section 4.1, Task 1

(pgs. 21-22)

Section 4.1. Task 1 of the solicitation requires data collection / data mining from a number of disparate data locations (e.g., MCCLL, JLLIS, MCTIMS...). Assuming that these are large data sets, how will the government provide contractor access to these data sets?

ANSWER: Contractor will be provided access to the databases through the .CTR MCEN accounts.

PWS Section 4.1, Task 1 and Section 4.2, Task 2

(pgs. 21-23)

Section 4.1. and 4.2. require the contractor to collect, mine, and analyze data from a number of identified data sets. In order to provide tools that can adequately collect, mine, and analyze the quantities of data in the timeframes outlined in the solicitation, it is necessary to know the size of the data sets (e.g., the number of documents, their size in terabytes, etc...). Will the government please provide this information?

ANSWER: TECOM is currently revising the scope of its data collection efforts, so the following is an estimation of what we are currently tracking in terms of data sets:

1) Unstructured, Free Text: Mostly in the form of unit After-Action

Reports, anywhere from 250-1000 KB each. Thousands of these documents in TECOM’s repository result in tens of gigabytes of files in

.pdf format.

2) Quantitative: Mostly obtained through the Marine Corps Training

Information Management System, similar to the unstructured data described above this is still in the gigabyte range.

PWS Section 4.1, Task 1 and Section 4.2, Task 2

(pgs. 21-23)

Given the requirements set forth in Section 4.1 and 4.2, where does government envision the collected, mined and analyzed data will be stored?

ANSWER: Collected data and data to be mined already reside in authoritative data bases (mostly Marine Corps Training Information

Management System). The Service is currently developing a cloud-based repository to serve as an authoritative database for all USMC data.

PWS Section 4.2, Task 2

(pgs. 22-23)

Section 4.2.2 tasks the contractor to "maintain a PM&A MCCRE trends database...”. Is there an existing database, and what are the requirements associated with this database (i.e. location, type, etc.)?

ANSWER: The MCCRE data is extracted from the MCTIMS database and exported into an Excel tool that resides in the TECOM Share drive.

Access to these systems/databases will be given to the contractors in order to conduct the listed tasks.

PWS Section 4.4, Task 4

(pgs. 23-24)

Section 4.4.1 requires the contractor to "maintain the TECOM

Dashboard...”. What tools are currently used to support this requirement and where are the data and the Dashboard located?

ANSWER: The Dashboard is maintained in the command’s Virtual

Collaborative Environment which is a SharePoint based system. Data to support the Dashboard is collected from TECOM commands as well as extracted from databases such as MCTIMS, MCTFS.

Instructions to Offerors,

6.1.1 (pg. 48)

In Sec. 6.1.1, Factor 1 is identified as “Technical Capability” and Factor 2 is

“Performance Execution and Management”. But in Sec. 6.1.1.2, Factor 2 is

“Past Performance”. Two different things are called Factor 2. Will the government please clarify the Factor numbering?

ANSWER: Paragraph 6.1.1 has been revised to show Factor 1: Technical

Capability/Performance Execution & Management.

Instructions to Offerors,

3.2.1 v. 5.1 (pgs. 44-46)

Section 3.2.1 references an email submission; however, Section 5.1 provides hard copy and CD ROM counts beside each volume. Please clarify the delivery instructions.

ANSWER: Paragraph 3.2 presents options for delivery; electronically or delivery service (i.e. UPS, FedEx, or USPS). Paragraphs noted have been revised.

Instructions, to Offerors

4.2 (pg. 45)

If an offeror opted to submit via hard copy submission, what is the

Government’s preferred method of binding since binders are not allowed as stated in Section 4.2?

ANSWER: No preferred method with the exception of the Government’s request for no binders. An alternative can be binder clips.

Instructions, to Offerors

4.2 (pg. 45)

Understanding that Offerors are allowed to use smaller fonts for graphics and drawings, would the Government also allow a smaller font for tables, headers and footers, etc.?

ANSWER: Please adhere to the instructions provided with exception for graphs and drawings.

Evaluation, Sections 2.0

- 5.0 (pg. 50)

Section 2.0 identifies three evaluation factors: 1) Technical

Capability/Performance Execution & Management, 2) Past Performance and

3) Cost/Price. This factor numbering is not maintained in the subsequent sections.

Section 3.0 states that Factor 1 is Technical Capability/Performance

Execution & Management. But there is no Section 4.0. Section 5.0 is Factor

3: Past Performance. Section 6.0 is Factor 4: Cost/Price.

Will the government renumber these Factors to align with the list in Section

2.0?

ANSWER: Please see revised FAR Addendum 52.212-2.

Attachment 1 – Past and

Present Performance

Information, Part A.

Under “A. Offeror Name”, the Attachment states, “Refer to the

"Organizational Structure Change History" you provided as part of your Past

Performance Volume.” An Organizational Structure Change History is not requested in the Instructions for Factor 2, Past Performance (6.1.1.2). Please clarify these instructions.

ANSWER: Attachment 1 has been revised. Please complete only if applicable.

Attachment 1 Past and

Present Performance

Information, Part F vs.

6.1.1.2 (pg. 48)

The instructions state to list Primary Customer Point of Contracts and mentions all three individuals (which we believe corresponds to 6.1.1.2) but there are only blanks for the Program Manager and the Contracting Officer.

Please advise if you would like Offerors to modify the form to include all three titles or will a new form be provided, or instructions updated?

ANSWER: The form has been revised.

SF1449, Block 8

Because of the impact of current workforce restrictions due to COVID-19, at both the contractor and the government sides, will the government consider extending the due date for this proposal?

ANSWER: At this time the Government is not considering an extension.

Task 4.3 Task 3, 4.3.1,

(pg. 23)

Will the government provide clarification on what type and quantity of materials and visual aids are required for the TRRP WG? Additionally, is the Offeror responsible for the associated costs?

ANSWER: Clarification. The TRRP WG meets quarterly. Any products

(materials, visual aids) are in the form of MS Office products. i.e.

PowerPoint, Excel, Word documents.

Instructions to Offerors,

6.0 (pg. 47)

The solicitation states “The Offeror shall demonstrate its ability to meet the security requirements of the solicitation and in accordance with the DD

Form 254. Contractor shall provided a completed DD Form 254….”

Please provide the DD254 that we should complete as part of Vol. I, Business Volume.

ANSWER: Draft DD254 provided as Attachment 2.

48 Instructions 3.2.1 and

5.1

If a proposal is submitted by email in accordance with 3.2.1, then does the offeror need to provide 4 electronic copies of Volume II and a CD-ROM, or will one electronic copy of each volume by email suffice?

ANSWER: One electronic copy of each volume via email will suffice.

49 Instructions 4.2 Must matrixes and WBS be formatted for 11x14 paper, or is 8.5 x 11 acceptable for these items?

ANSWER: Please adhere to the instructions in paragraph 4.2.

50 Instructions 5.1 Under Volume III c. “Backup information and data that will allow evaluators the ability to understand how the vendor’s pricing was developed (If required to submit, CD Excel spreadsheet data shall be

UNLOCKED).” Is it correct to assume that in the initial submission backup data is not required, but must be provided upon request of the

Contracting Officer?

ANSWER: See revised Volume III. “c” is removed.

51 Instructions 6.0 (DD

Form 254 Security

Clearance

Requirements)

Offerors should be provided a DRAFT Form DD 254 to make a proper bid decision. Paragraph states that the “Offeror shall demonstrate its ability to meet the security requirements of the solicitation and in accordance with the DD Form 254.” Will the government issue a Draft DD254 that provides the detailed security classification guidance / requirements for this solicitation? (Specifically whether or not the contractor must have a secure facility (Secret FCL) with safeguarding and SIPR capability.

ANSWER: Draft DD254 provided as Attachment 2.

52 Instructions 6.1.1.2 Factor 2 Past Performance. First paragraph states “Each offeror shall submit a past performance volume with its proposal, containing past performance information in accordance with the format contained in RFP

Attachment 1, Past and Present Performance Information.” Is the “Past

Performance Information Form” required in the fourth paragraph the same

RFP Attachment 1?

ANSWER: See revised paragraph. The form is the same as attached.

53 PWS 3.1 Will existing workstations currently occupied by contractors on task at the place of work in Government spaces be available for use in contractor spaces?

ANSWER: No

54 PWS 3.1 Will cleared contractors be granted access to use Government SIPR capabilities at Daly Hall on an as-needed basis?

ANSWER: Yes. Occasional use can be granted to the contractor (i.e. 2 hours per week), but this does not mean that the access will be on a dedicated and permanent basis. PWS is revised.

55 PWS 6.0 Will the government consider requiring a proposed staffing plan with resumes to allow offerors the ability to demonstrate their capability and capacity to staff and perform the tasks with the desired and relevant experiences, abilities and skill sets outlined in the PWS?

ANSWER: From the solicitation: "The Offeror shall also illustrate the roles of staff and team resources to execute the intended strategy."

Resumes would enhance the proposal, but are not required.

56 PWS 9.0 Will the contractor be able to use Government Video Teleconference

(VTC) / Secured VTC (SVTC) or is the expectation that this be an organic capability of the contractor team?

ANSWER: Contractor should have their own VTC/SVTC capability in order to reduce travel requirements.

57 PWS 10.1 Paragraph states: “The contractor shall provide for Marine Corps Enterprise

Network (MCEN), or equivalent, connections for non-secure Internet

Protocol Router Network (NIPRNET) and Secure Internet Protocol Router

Network (SIPRNET) during the time periods listed above.” Please define

“or equivalent” and “time periods listed above” or remove this requirement.

ANSWER: Currently, the avenue to connect to appropriate government networks is via MCEN. If MCEN is replaced, the contractor shall provide for connectivity via the replacement network/system.

For clarity, changed "time period listed above" to "period of performance."

58 Contract Clauses Clauses include: 52.222-17, Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers (MAY

2014) (E.O. 13495). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (l) of FAR clause 52.222-17. Since EO 13495 was rescinded in Nov 2019, does the Government still intend to include this requirement?

ANSWER: The clauses referenced above is a part of FAR 52.212-5.

59 Contract Clauses Are the following clauses really applicable to this procurement?

52.225-26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the

United States (Oct 2016) (Section 862, as amended, of the National

Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. 2302 Note).

52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations.

(May 2014) (42 U.S.C. 1792). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (e) of FAR clause 52.226-6.

52.247-64, Preference for Privately-Owned U.S. Flag Commercial Vessels

(Feb 2006) (46 U.S.C. Appx 1241(b) and 10 U.S.C. 2631). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (d) of FAR clause 52.247-64.

ANSWER: The clauses referenced above is a part of FAR 52.212-5.

60 Section 10.1 There is no mention of a Common Access Cards (CACs) which will be necessary for using the TECOM VCE, MCEN, NGEN, DONTRACKER, MCTIMS, etc. Would the Government consider using the below language

IF CAC cards are required:

Example language from another RFP: Contractor employees performing on this contract will require Common Access Cards (CACs) in order to perform their job function. In accordance with Headquarters, United States

Marine Corps issued guidance relative to Homeland Security Presidential

Directive - 12 (HSPD-12), all personnel must meet eligibility criteria to be issued a CAC. In order to meet the eligibility criteria, all contractor employees must be accurately populated in the Joint Personnel

Adjudication System (JPAS) under their respective CAGE Code. Each contractor employee’s JPAS record must also reflect a favorably adjudicated Personnel Security Investigation (PSI) or (at a minimum) that a

PSI has been submitted and accepted (opened.) If a contractor employee’s open investigation closes and is not favorably adjudicated, the CAC must be immediately surrendered/retrieved and revoked. Contractor CACs are issued with a “ctr.usmc.mil” e-mail account that the individual contractor is responsible to keep active by logging in on a regular basis (at least twice a month), sending an e-mail and clearing any unneeded e-mails. Contractors are prohibited from “auto-forwarding” their .mil e-mail account to their

.com or any other e-mail/item account. Common Access Cards (CACs) will only be issued to those contractors supporting this contract that have been authorized by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). The

COR will only authorize CACs for those contractors that meet current

Homeland Security Presidential Directive – 12 (HSPD-12) criteria and have a definitive requirement. CACs are not issued for convenience.

ANSWER: See revised PWS.

61 N/A Is there an incumbent for this RFQ? If so, who is the current incumbent?

ANSWER: II Corps Consultants

62 6.1.1.1 How many personnel are currently required to perform the duties encompassed in this solicitation and what is the breakdown by job category?

ANSWER: Based on the requirements listed in the PWS please provide the Government with your technical solution in response to the PWS requirements.

63 3.3 If the awarded company does not have a facility clearance (FCL), how much time is allotted for the company to obtain the required clearance?

ANSWER: Not required. PWS is revised. Occasional use can be granted to the contractor (i.e. 2 hours per week), but this does not mean that the access will be on a dedicated and permanent basis.

64 4.2 Will data analysis and data visualization tools be the responsibility of the contractor or will they be provided? If provided, what tools will be provided?

ANSWER: Tools currently provided on MCEN workstations include

Microsoft Excel, JMP, R, and python.

65 3.1 Is SIPR access required in contractor workspaces? Or only in government workspaces?

ANSWER: No. Occasional use can be granted to the contractor (i.e. 2 hours per week), but this does not mean that the access will be on a dedicated and permanent basis.

66 3.1 Is the government open to alternative work arrangements for the contractor located in 29 Palms?

ANSWER: No.

67 3.1 How often does the MAGTF TC liaison (based in 29 Palms) interact with representatives from MWTC (Bridgeport, CA) and MAWTS-1 (Yuma, AZ)?

ANSWER: 99% interaction is conducted via email or phone. Travel to each site has been once every 2 years, but not an ongoing requirement to travel in order to interact with the staffs.

68 3.3 Is an Interim SECRET clearance acceptable?

ANSWER: YES. As long as the individuals have been processed for the correct investigation and have favorable fingerprint results, Interim

Secret is acceptable.

69 3.4 Are there preferred or mandated software tools for any aspect of the data collection or analysis tasks?

ANSWER: Tools currently provided on MCEN workstations include

Microsoft Excel, JMP, R, and python. These tools as preferred as they have been approved for use on MCEN workstations.

70 3.4 What networking or IT infrastructure is required to receive, or access identified Government data sources?

ANSWER: Access to the listed databases (MCTIMS, MCTFS, etc.) require a .mil account. Access will NOT be able to be done via a .com account.

71 4.1 For those data sources identified, will the contractor be provided with a data description / data library that describes the structure, field definitions, collection methods, assumptions, missing data handling, etc.? Can those definitions be provided for proposal development?

ANSWER: The data involved varies. There is not a data description/library available. The tasks involve collecting and working data from the systems identified in the PWS Section 4.1 and 4.1.3 requires familiarity with those systems.

72 4.3.1 Are contractor-provided conference facilities required?

ANSWER: Not required.

73 4.1 How is data accessed provided to the contractor for the various government data sets and share point sites?

ANSWER: Through 1) accounts and permissions granted on MCTIMS and 2) coordination with external agencies and delivered via secure file delivery services such as AMRDEC.

74 4.1 Is MSHARP included in the data sets which will be analyzed?

ANSWER: All data sets to be analyzed are identified in the PWS.

75 4.1 What is the earliest date for which analysis of data will be conducted? How far back in time?

ANSWER: The Government has archived data back to 2009. Data analysis will be conducted within the first month of the contract period and through the life of the contract.

76 4.1 Is dataset access readily available from dataset owners? M&RA, for example.

ANSWER: Yes, it only requires granting access to the databases and CAC enabled computer systems connected via the MCEN network.

77 4.1 How are “best practices” characterized by the government? Will the contractor determine those from analyses or will they be identified by the government? Or both?

ANSWER: Both. Some will be based from analysis conducted other set of

Best Practices are provided by government entities such as TTECG, MCTOG, MWTC, C2TECOE, etc.

78 4.1 For those data sources identified, will the contractor be provided with a data description / data library that describes the structure, field definitions, collection methods, assumptions, missing data handling, etc.? Can those definitions be provided for proposal development?

ANSWER: The data involved varies. There is not a data description/library available. The tasks involve collecting and working data from the systems identified in the PWS Sections 4.1 and 4.1.3 requires familiarity with those systems.

79 4.2 Which datasets are structured data and which are unstructured data?

ANSWER: Structured: Marine Corps Training Information Management

System consists of mostly structured, quantitative data.

Unstructured: Marine Corps Campaign of Learning Information System

(MCCOLIS) which houses all unit After Action Reports consisting of unstructured, free text data in .pdf format. The Marine Corps is divesting of this system, and all data contained within is being transferred over to the Joint Lessons Learned Information System.

80 4.2 Which datasets are AI coding ready and which are not?

ANSWER: None are AI coding ready. The majority of datasets PM&A normally comes in contact with require a significant amount of cleaning and/or reformatting if the analyst wishes to run it through any type of algorithm utilizing AI/ML.

81 6.1.1.2 Factor 2 - “Each offeror shall submit a past performance volume with its proposal, containing past performance information in accordance with the format contained in RFP Attachment 1, Past and Present Performance

Information.” Is there a separate Past Performance volume? Or, is a Past

Performance section within the technical volume acceptable?

ANSWER: Submit Past Performance information as instructed under

Volume II

82 9 Is Secured VTC capability required at the contractor’s facility?

ANSWER: Yes.

83 Addendum –

Instructions to Offerors

– 3.1.1 and 3.2.1; pg. 44 of 51

Are proposals submitted via e-mail to be submitted to the email address identified in 3.1.1; christa.eggleston-sc@usmc.mil?

ANSWER: Yes

Addendum –

Instructions to Offerors

– 3.2.1, 5.1, and 7.1.1;

pg. 44, 46, and 49 of 51

Government states in 3.2.1 “Proposals submitted via email are authorized for this solicitation…” in 5.1 “3 volumes will be required for this effort and the following sections shall be clearly labeled and submitted as follows…Volume II – Technical/Management (4 copies). Please clarify that a single email submission of the three volumes meets the requirement for a complete, compliant submission.

ANSWER: A single email submission of the 3 volumes as instructed will suffice. See revised instructions.

Addendum –

Instructions to Offerors

– 3.2.1, 5.1, and 7.1.1;

pg. 44, 46, and 49 of 51

Government states in 3.2.1 “Proposals submitted via email are authorized for this solicitation…” in 5.1 “3 volumes will be required for this effort and the following sections shall be clearly labeled and submitted as follows…All

Volumes – (CD ROM) (1 Copy)” and in 7.1.1 “the electronic price proposal the offeror submits on CD shall be…”. Do vendors need to submit a CD

ROM regardless of the method of delivery of the proposal response?

ANSWER: A CD ROM is required for all proposals submitted hardcopy via a delivery service such as FedEx, UPS, or USPS.

86 Addendum –

Instructions to Offerors

– 4.2 bullet 8; pg. 45 of

Government states, “Graphs and drawings must be clear/legible and may use a smaller font. Does the government have a size limit that defines “Smaller font” (i.e. Limit of Font size 8) mailto:christa.eggleston-sc@usmc.mil

ANSWER: No smaller than font size 8. See revised instructions.

Addendum –

Instructions to Offerors

– 4.2; pg. 45 of 51

Government states, “**NOTE: NO BINDERS PLEASE**”. May the government please clarify the instructions for hard copy proposals.

ANSWER: The Government’s request is for no binders. An alternative can be binder clips or something other than binders.

Addendum –

Instructions to Offerors

– 6.1.1.2 Factor 2 – Past

Performance; pg. 48 of

Government states, “This volume shall be limited to twenty (20) pages, double sided.” Can the government clarify the incorporation of the “double sided” descriptor? Does this mean the volume is limited to 40 pages if they are single-sided?

ANSWER: If printed, you are allowed up to 20 individual, double sided pages. If it is an electronic submission, up to 40 pages will be allowed.

Addendum –

Instructions to Offerors

– 7.1.4; pg. 49 of 51

The pricing instructions state “The total evaluated price will consist of the proposed price for the base period, and two (2) option periods.” Since this is a contract with a base and four (4) option periods, why are the final two years not evaluated?

ANSWER: See revised paragraph.

PWS 3.1 Work

Locations,

10.1 GFE, and 11.1

Contractor Furnished

Equipment; pg. 31 and

Government states in 3.1 ‘primary place of performance…in Virginia…is at contractor-provided workspaces.” Government states “Contractors will require access to SIPRnet.” Government states in 10.1 “Contractor shall provide for…SIPRnet.” Government states in 11.1 “Contractor shall provide laptop/desktop computers for Unclassified work only.” To clarify, are contractors required to have SIPR access at a contractor-provided SCIF?

ANSWER: NO. Occasional use can be granted to the contractor (i.e. 2 hours per week), but this does not mean that the access will be on a dedicated and permanent basis. See revised PWS.

PWS 4. Specific

Requirements; pg. 21 of

Government states, “Marine Corps experience shall include staff level positions within a MAGTF (Marine Expeditionary Unit or above)”;

however, the previous sentence specifies commercial and DoD experience, not specific Marine Corps experience. Please clarify that analysts collectively are to have commercial and DoD experience rather than specific

Marine Corps experience.

ANSWER: The paragraph is revised for clarity.

PWS 4.5; pg. 24 of 51

Government states, “contractor shall use existing statistical software to simulate current and future events and evaluate alternative courses of action.” When the government states “existing statistical software” does it imply that the Government currently owns licenses for this software, and if so what software package(s) are available? Otherwise, does it imply that the contractor can use any statistical software package as long as it currently exists (i.e., COTS or GOTS), or both?

ANSWER: Both. Government currently has access to Excel, JMP, R and python. The contractor can use whatever software package they want

(COTS and GOTS), so long as it is capable of interface with the MCEN.

If not, steps will have to be taken to de-classify any and all data if it is to be transferred to a standalone workstation not linked to the MCEN for the purposes of analysis.

PWS 4.5.1; pg. 24 of 51

Government states, “collaborate with industry partners to leverage AI/ML applications.” Does the government already have industry partners with whom it expects Contractors to collaborate, or is the government looking for

Contractors to collaboration with any AI/ML industry partner they have identified who would bring value to the government’s effort?

ANSWER: The Government looking for Contractors to collaboration with any AI/ML industry partner they have identified who would bring value to the government’s effort

PWS 6 – Contractor

Qualification &

Experience; and

Addendum – Evaluation

Commercial Items 3.0 and 5.0; pg. 25 of 51

In “Addendum – Evaluation-Commercial Items” Government states “the evaluation will consider the identified proposed personnel in direct support of the PWS, showing experience, expertise, qualifications, and direct correlation to the PWS requirements.” And in 5.0 states “past performance evaluation may take into account…key personnel who have relevant experience…” Does the government have an estimate of total number of personnel required to conduct this work? Does the government intend to identify or require Key Personnel such as a Program Manager to be addressed in the proposal?

ANSWER: Para 5.0 has been revised. The Government is looking at the contractor’s innovative approach to meeting the requirements outlined within the PWS.

Attachment 1 Past &

Present Performance

Information: Bullet F -

Primary Customer Points of Contact

Government states “For Government contracts provide current information on all three individuals.” but only includes 2 individuals; Program Manager and Contracting Officer. Can government provide the 3rd required POC or otherwise alter the “three individuals” to “two individuals” and provide clarity as to whether the “Program Manager” listed is supposed to be the

Vendor’s PM or a Government POC?

ANSWER: The form is revised. Vendor’s PM.

Attachment 1 Past &

Present Performance

Information: Bullet H –

Illustrate how experience applies to that factor

Government states “For each of the applicable factors under the technical and management factors in Section M” There is no “Section M” in the solicitation. Can the Government clarify which section of the solicitation it would like addressed?

ANSWER: See revised Attachment. Section M is replaced with FAR

Addendum 52.212-2.

97 Page 28 -Para 8.0

Quality Assurance

Management.

The government states: . The Government shall monitor contractor performance in accordance with the Quality

Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP).

8.2. The contractor shall develop a Quality Control Plan (QCP) as a means for gauging overall effectiveness of performance

Question: Will the government provide the QASP in order for offerors to present a compliant QCP in submission?

ANSWER: Please reference PRS in PWS para 8.2.

98 Page 44, Section 3.2.1 indicates that proposals submitted via email are authorized for this solicitation and will be considered for evaluation.

However, section 5.1 conflicts with this guidance and indicates that multiple copies / CD ROMs are required.

Question: Please confirm submission requirements.

ANSWER: Paragraph 3.2 presents options for delivery; via email or delivery service.

99 Page 45, Section 5.1, in

Volume I – Business

Volume

Question: Please confirm that a master Table of Contents and Compliance

Matrix are required to include all volumes.

ANSWER: Table of Contents and Compliance Matrix are required in the business volume as instructed in FAR Addendum 52.212-1.

100 Pages 45 & 46, Volume

II and III

Question: Are Table of Contents allowed in Volume II and Volume III outside of page count?

ANSWER: The Table of Contents is allowed in Volume II and Volume III but will be considered in the page count.

101 Pages 45 & 46, Volume

II and III

Question: Can the offeror provide an Acronyms list in each volume outside of page count?

ANSWER: All acronyms are spelled out at first occurrence in the document.

102 Page 45, Section 5.1 dictates that Volume II –

Technical/Past

Performance is 60 pages in total.

However Section 6.1.1 indicates that the Technical proposal shall not exceed

40 pages and includes discussion Factor (1) Technical Capability and Factor

(2) Performance Execution Management. However, Section 6.1.1.2 is also outlined as Factor 2 – Past Performance and that the volume shall be limited to twenty pages double sided.

Question: Please confirm the following is the proper allocation of pages:

Factor 1 (Technical Capability) and Factor 92) Performance Execution and

Management – 40 pages single sided.

Factor (3) Past Performance - 20 pages singled sided.

ANSWER: See revised FAR Addendum 52.212-1; Factor 1: single sided

50 pages limit; Factor 2: double sided up to 20 pages (hardcopies) limit;

single sided up to 40 for electronic submissions only

103 3.5 The references that listed as being sources vce.tecom.usmc.mil were all unavailable. References 15-18, and 20. The PWS states that the contractor will have to gain access to VCE the TECOM intranet – but then they post documents on the VCE. Could they provide these documents via another means.

ANSWER: Attached are copies of references 15, 18 and 20. References #

16 and 17 have been cancelled and no longer valid. (PDF files)

104 4.0 “…the following six task categories (4.1 through 4.6) shall be performed against T&E Programs such as: …”. However there are only five tasks listed in the PWS, 4.1-4.5. There is no 4.6 section.

ANSWER: There are only 5 tasks. PWS is revised.

105 4.2 “The contractor shall action negative trends by…” What is meant by the word “action” which seems to be used as a verb here?

ANSWER: The contractor will identify service level negative trends, will prepare documents with proposed recommendations to the TECOM Battle

Rhythm events (namely the TRRP WG, the Focus Area WGs, Assessment

WG and the Commander’s Decision Board) in order for the command to task actionable solutions throughout TECOM and the Service. The contractor will then track action via the TRRP Trends Action Matrix.

106 4.3 “ and action negative Service level systemic trends.” What is meant by the word “action” which seems to be used as a verb here?

ANSWER: The contractor will identify service level negative trends, will prepare documents with proposed recommendations to the TECOM Battle

Rhythm events (namely the TRRP WG, the Focus Area WGs, Assessment

WG and the Commander’s Decision Board) in order for the command to task actionable solutions throughout TECOM and the Service. The contractor will then track action via the TRRP Trends Action Matrix.

107 3.1, 11.2 Will contractor personnel require CACs? Past experience indicates that in order to gain a .ctr@usmc.mil address requires a CAC. Will the green contractor CAC then obviate the requirement in 11.2 for contractor issued badges, since this would duplicate the function of a CAC with the green color for contractors?

ANSWER: Contractor personnel will require CAC and a .ctr@usmc.mil email address. Contractor provided badges are also required.

108 10.1 Are contractors who do not physically possess a SIPRnet drop essentially barred from bidding?

ANSWER: NO. The requirement for the contractor to provide SIPR capability has been removed from the PWS/solicitation. Occasional use can be granted to the contractor (i.e. 2 hours per week), but this does not mean that the access will be on a dedicated and permanent basis.

109 FAR 52.212-1 4.0 Due to the pandemic, would the Gov’t prefer the submission be made completely electronic?

ANSWER: No preference.

110 PWS Section 3.6, (pgs.

21)

The links in the solicitation do not permit contractor access to items on the https://vce.tecom.usmc.mil site.

mailto:.ctr@usmc.mil mailto:.ctr@usmc.mil https://vce.tecom.usmc.mil/

Will the government provide reference items 15-18 and item 21 to offerors?

Perhaps File Transfer Protocol (FTP) instructions could send offerors to a secure drop box location such as DoD SAFE (Safe Access File Exchange) to retrieve these reference items, to ensure all offerors have the necessary reference documents.

ANSWER: Attached are copies of references 15, 18 and 20. References #

16 and 17 have been cancelled and no longer valid. (See attached PDF files).

111 PWS Section 10.1 (pgs.

31-32)

Requiring existing SIPRNet access points at contractor facilities will limit industry competition. Cleared contractors must have a sponsor to establish a

SIPRNet connection. Will the government sponsor a SIPRNet request after award if the contractor does not have an existing SIPR “drop.”?

ANSWER: NO. PWS is revised. Occasional usage will be granted to the

112 PWS Section 10 and 11

(pgs. 31-32)

The PWS discusses individual IT equipment but does not discuss server-based Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning/Deep Learning (AI ML/DL) tools. Does the government have any guidance on this capability, as it will be necessary to provide a credible AI toolkit?

ANSWER: As the Marine Corps develops it's strategy with regard to the collection, cleaning, formatting, storage, and analysis of large swaths of data, TECOM is doing its due diligence to ensure, at an organizational level, we have the capability of managing our own data and "making sense" of it through authoritative (soon to be cloud-based) databases such as MCTIMS and analytical software such as JMP, Microsoft Excel, and coding languages such as R and python.

One purpose for this solicitation is to ask Industry to assist the

Government with the implementation of AI/ML tools to facilitate and expedite data mining and data analysis.

113 PWS Section 10.1 (pgs.

31-32)

Would the SIPRNet work be possible for a contractor to do without on-site contractor-location SIPRNet access points, for example, in the government space? Is there an estimate percent-wise of how much work will be conducted on the SIPRnet?

ANSWER: YES. The requirement for the contractor to provide SIPR capability has been revised. Occasional use can be granted to the