M00264-20-R-0011 Q-A Response.docx

RANGE AND TRAINING PROGRAM DIVISION

OPERATIONAL SUPPORT (RTPD) M00264-20-R-0011

QUESTIONS & GOVERNMENT RESPONSES

Question/Comment:

What are the government’s rules for activation of the Optional Tasks, e.g., (1) what is the time between notice to activate the Optional Task and (2) when must the vendor have qualified employees on-site?

The Government will provide for a time period of no more than 30 days for activation of optional tasks.

Qualified employees must be available at task order award.

(CLIN 0008)

CLIN 0008 Travel Government directed travel in accordance with the attached PWS. The Government estimate for this line item is $25,000. This is a NTE cost reimbursable, non- fee bearing line item. Travel shall be in direct support of tasks within the attached PWS and will be reimbursed only in accordance with FAR Part 31 and only up to the NTE amount identified in this order or as modified by the Government. As stated in FAR 31.2, per diem costs that exceed the rates in the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) will be found unreasonable. The Government will not reimburse local travel. Local travel is defined as travel within a 50-mile radius of the Government's location.

Period of Performance:

14 September 2020 to 13 March 2021

Cost $25,000.00

Question/Comment:

1. How much of the travel if any is assigned to the Optional Tasks?

2. How does the government want vendors to submit OPTION-based travel requirements?

The Government has considered vendor travel as has provided the NTE amount for proposal purposes. All expected cost for the period of performance (PoP) is defined with the specified CLIN.

Travel requirements are based on the needs of the Task Order and not expected to exceed the amount for the PoP. No response required by vendors.

Question/Comment:

In order to create a competitive proposal response, we recommend that the government provide: (1) a sample task (would be nice if awardable as part of contract award) that requires staffing across multiple task areas to evidence employee experience and credentials and matrix management strategies, (2) a Level of Effort (FTE or labor hours) for each PWS task, or (3) historical demand summary for each of the PWS tasks.

The first Task Order to accompany IDIQ award and a sample task order is provided in accordance with the required tasks outlined within the PWS. See Attachments # 3&4.

Question/Comment

1. Request the government issue the basic (IDIQ-level) DD254. The IDIQ DD254 must provide top-level requirements to flow-down security requirements to all subs to cover all potential Task Order security requirements.

The Government will provide draft DD 254 with RFP amendment. See Attachment # 1.

Para 4.1.1 requires “contractors to have a CAC to gain access to our system (MCCEN)” and that contractors must” protect classified information involved in performance under this contract or Task Order.

Question/Comment:

Will the offeror be required to access, store, or use classified information from the contractor facilities? If so, at what levels?

Please provide the basic (IDIQ-level) Form DD 254 that details security requirements.

The Contractor will not be required to access, store, or use classified information at the contractor’s site. However, the Contractor must possess at minimum a Secret Clearance in order to attend classified meetings, have access to classified materials and the SIPRNET at the Government facility.

See attachment # 1 for draft DD 254.

Question/Comment:

Does the government expect the offeror to prepare and submit, as part of the proposal, both a detailed contract phase-in plan, and a separate contract phase out plan?

The Government does expect a transition plan prepared and submitted as part of the proposal submission.

Question/Comment In order to create a competitive proposal response, we recommend that the government provide: (1) a sample task (would be nice if awardable as part of contract award) that requires staffing across multiple task areas, (2) a Level of Effort (FTE or labor hours) for each PWS task, or (3) historical demand summary for each of the PWS tasks.

The first Task Order to accompany IDIQ award and a sample task order is provided in accordance with the required tasks outlined within the PWS. See Attachments # 3&4.

Section 4.6.1 Quality Control “The Contractor shall develop a Task/Delivery Order Quality Control Plan (QCP) and maintain an effective quality control program to ensure services are performed in accordance with the IDIQ contract and this PWS. The Contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services. The Contractor's QCP is the means by which he assures himself that his work complies with the requirement of the contract.

The finalized QCP shall be accepted by the Government at the time of the award of the Task/Delivery Order. The Contracting Officer may notify the Contractor of required modifications to the plan during the period of performance. The Contractor then shall coordinate suggested modifications and obtain acceptance of the plan by the Contracting Officer. Any modifications to the program during the period of performance shall be provided to the Contracting Officer for review no later than 10 working days prior to effective date of the change.

The QCP shall be subject to the Government's review and approval. The Government may find the QCP "unacceptable" whenever the contractor's procedures do not accomplish quality control objective(s). The Contractor shall revise the QCP within 10 working days from receipt of notice that QCP is found "unacceptable."

Question/Comment Does the government require submission of an IDIQ-level Quality Control Plan as part of the proposal submission, or is the Quality Control Plan submitted as part of the Task /Delivery Order level proposal?

The Government expects an IDIQ QCP to be part of the proposal submission.

On page 48 the RFP states, “5.1 Volume I - Business Volume ..The Offeror’s business volume shall include:”.

Later on … on page 50 the RFP calls out , “5.3 Volume III – Business Volume” The government has now labeled both Volume I and Volume III as Business Volume.

Question/Comment:

Recommend the government change the title for Section 5.3 to read, “Volume III – Price/Cost Volume”.

Volume III is revised to read “Section 5.3 Volume III – Price Volume”

Section: 5.2.2.1Factor 3 - Past Performance The government states, “The offeror shall complete a “Past Performance Information Form” for each reference submitted. The form is an attachment to the solicitation.”

Question/Comment Request the government provide the referenced Past Performance Information Form.

Past Performance Information Form is included with solicitation amendment. See Attachment # 2.

Section: 5.2.2.1 Factor 3 - Past Performance and

RFP page 53 Section: 2.3 Factor 3 - Past Performance Evaluation The government states, “The offeror shall complete a “Past Performance Information Form” for each reference submitted. The form is an attachment to the solicitation.”

and

“Past performance information may be obtained from any other sources available to the Government, to include, but not limited to, the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS), Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS), Electronic Subcontract Reporting System (eSRS), or other databases; interviews with Program Managers, Contracting Officers, and Fee Determining Officials; and the Defense Contract Management Agency.”

Question/Comment

1. Does the government require an Offeror to complete and send out a Past Performance Information Form for contracts that have current CPARS? Can a current CPARS be included in the proposal in lieu of completing the Past Performance Information Form?

The completed Past Performance Information Form is expected with proposal submission and is included with solicitation amendment (Attachment # 2) CPARS will not be accepted as a substitute.

Factor 3 - Past Performance

“To demonstrate its past performance, the offeror shall identify up to three of its most relevant contracts or efforts within the past three years, and provide any other information the offeror considers relevant to the requirements of the solicitation. Offerors shall provide a detailed explanation demonstrating the relevance of the contracts or efforts to the requirements of the solicitation. If subcontractor experience is provided as part of the three most relevant contracts or efforts, the subcontractor experience will be given weight relative to the scope, magnitude and complexity of the aspects of the work under the solicitation that the subcontractor is proposed to perform.

Therefore, the offeror’s proposal shall detail clearly the aspects of the work in the solicitation that the subcontractor is proposed to perform.”

Question/Comment In order for an offeror’s team to show relevance (scope, magnitude and complexity) across all the 7 PWS task areas, would the government please consider permitting offerors to submit up to 5 Past Performance citations?

As stated in paragraph 5.2.2.1, the Government expects up to three Past Performance Information Forms demonstrating an offerors most relevant experience.

5.3 Volume III Business Volume

5.3.1.1.2 Factor 4 Price

5.3.1.1.3 Price Information. The total evaluated price will consist of the proposed price for the base period, and three (3) option periods. Pricing will be incorporated into Schedule of Supplies/Services of the SF 1449 upon contract award.

Question/Comment Does the government have a preferred “clear and useful” format for the Pricing data?

Would recommend the government release a standardized pricing sheet so that all pricing responses are in similar format and equally comparable for each field on the pricing worksheet. .

The Government has provided instructions at paragraph “4.0 Proposal Format” for submitted proposal submission details. All pricing submitted shall follow the Schedule of Supplies /Services page 2-8.

Section 5.3 Volume III – Business Volume

5.3 Volume III – Business Volume

5.3.1 The Offeror shall address Factor 4 – Price. Shall not exceed 20 pages. The factor includes:

5.3.1.1 Factor 4 - Price

The Offeror’s business volume shall not exceed 20 pages and Price Offer corresponding to SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES; Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) structure and supporting materials. The Price Offer should reflect the Offeror’s best pricing available. Pricing information shall not appear anywhere in the Technical

Volume. Offerors shall use the “not-to-exceed” amounts provided in CLINs 0008, 1008, 2008, and 3008 of the solicitation for Travel.

5.3.1.1.2 General Information: The Offeror shall complete the price proposal corresponding to the CLIN structure and supporting materials. The fully developed technical solution and corresponding grand total price for each function area established in the CLIN structure of Schedule of Supplies /Services in the solicitation should be clearly annotated in the proposal. Pricing shall not exceed the hundredths decimal place.

5.3.1.1.3 Price Reasonableness and Completeness. The Government will verify that all solicitation requirements have been priced, figures are correctly calculated, and prices are presented in a clear and useful format. Note that exceptionally high proposed prices, initially or subsequently, may be grounds for eliminating a proposal from competition on the basis that the Offeror does not understand the requirement. Price submissions must be sufficiently detailed to demonstrate their reasonableness. Additionally, the following areas must be addressed:

5.3.1.1.4 Price Information. The total evaluated price will consist of the proposed price for the base period, and three (3) option periods. Pricing will be incorporated into Schedule of Supplies/Services of the SF 1449 upon contract award.

Information beyond that required by this instruction shall not be submitted, unless you consider it essential to document or support your price position. All information relating to the proposed price, including all required supporting documentation must be included in the section of the proposal designated as the Price Volume. Under no circumstances shall this information and documentation be included elsewhere in the proposal.”

Question/Comment If the offeror is to show how the pricing is derived via excel formulas – what is the format and how are the fields linked across the excel spread sheet?

Recommend the government not constrain the number of pages in the Volume III Cost/Price volume unless a formatted pricing input sheet is used to level the playing field across all responses.

The Government provides instructions for the offeror to use Schedule of Supplies/Services format. Please see instructions included within paragraph “4.0 Proposal Format”.

Section 5.3 Volume III – Business Volume

RFP Schedule of Supplies Page 2 through 8 5.3.Volume III – Business Volume - 5.3.1 Factor 4 – Price. Shall not exceed 20 pages - 5.3.1.1.1General Information: The Offeror shall complete the price proposal corresponding to the CLIN structure and supporting materials.

Question/Comment Is the offeror to use the pre-established 7 pages of the Schedule of Supplies/Services from the RFP as part of the Volume as is?

Is the Schedule of Supplies/Services counted in the Volume III not to exceed 20 page count?

Please use the format of The Schedule of Supplies/Services. It is included in the 20 page limitation.

Question/Comment Does the government want a standard Cost Narrative incorporated into Volume III ?

The Offeror shall complete the price proposal corresponding to the CLIN structure and supporting materials. The fully developed technical solution and corresponding grand total price for each function area established in the CLIN structure of Schedule of Supplies /Services in the solicitation should be clearly annotated in the proposal.

Volume III – Business Volume - 5.3.1.1.2 - Price Reasonableness and Completeness.

Question/Comment Outside of the Schedule of supplies/services for the overarching prices of CLINs in the RFP, no additional documentation detailing pricing information was provided.

What format should the offeror use to provide the Schedule of Supplies/Services for the overarching prices of CLINs The Government provides instructions for the offeror to use Schedule of Supplies/Services format. Please see instructions included within paragraph “4.0 Proposal Format” for pricing submissions.

The RFP states: “The Marine Corps Training Environment (MCTE) is a key component in the development of Fleet Marine Forces (FMF) as articulated in the 38th Commandant’s Planning Guidance.”

Lists, “e) MCO 3501.1D Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation (MCCRE)”.

RFP States under the Vision Statement:

“To identify the manpower and expertise required to provide seamless Training Support as it applies to exercise design, control and support.”

Under general requirements the RFP states: “The Contractor shall conduct and provide documentation on the analytical assessments of future development of capabilities such as: Future Integrated Training Environment (FITE), Mixed Reality Training Prototypes, Synthetic Environment Services, Army Synthetic Training Environment (STE), Improved Visual Augmentation System (IVAS), Human Automated Behavior Interoperable Training Services (HABITS), Enterprise Ground Maintenance Training Simulation (EGMTS), Basic Electronic Course Electronics Fundamental Trainer (BECEFT), Leader Focused Decision Games (LFDG) and Fight Club (war gaming), Virtual Reality-Simulator/Battle Lab, Expeditionary JTAC Trainer, Advanced Small Arms Lethality Trainer, Ground Vehicle Training Simulator Infrastructure, solutions for training Littoral Operations in a Contested Environment (LOCE) and Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO), Contractor Owned, Contractor Operated (COCO) acquisition approaches, Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Software as a Service, and Training as a Service (TaaS).”

Does the government have a DOD, MCO, or TECOM reference for the following capabilities:

· Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): DoD Cloud Computing Strategy dtd 18 Dec 18, DC I

· Modernization for Cloud Policy dtd 06 May 19 (attached, see encl (1))

· Platform as a Service (PaaS): see IaaS refs

· Software as a Service: see IaaS refs

· Training as a Service (TaaS): no specific guidance or policy yet exists. Refers to provisioning of training, to include all devices and systems, through service contracts to the exclusion of acquiring training systems by the government. DoDI 5000.74 applies.

5.2.2.1 Factor 3 - Past Performance

The offeror shall complete a “Past Performance Information Form” for each reference submitted. The form is an attachment to the solicitation. The forms will count toward the Volume II page limit described above.

Will the government stipulate man hours per year (either 1920 or 1880) to even the playing field and to prevent low ball quotes?

The Government expects offerors’ best technical solution IAW the requirements of the RFP.

Can the Government confirm that proposed subcontractors ARE NOT required to provide separate “Factor 4 Cost/ Pricing Data” either in the Prime proposal or as a separate sealed submission directly to the Government.

Offerors, seeking an award, shall submit a proposal that clearly and concisely describes its response to the requirements of the solicitation.

Schedule of Supplies/ Services

RFP Page 50

5.3.1.1 Factor 4 - Price

RFP Page 54

2.5.1 Completeness and Accuracy

5.3.1.1 Factor 4 Price

The Offeror’s business volume shall not exceed 20 pages and Price Offer corresponding to SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES; Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) structure and supporting materials. The Price Offer should reflect the Offeror’s best pricing available. Pricing information shall not appear anywhere in the Technical Volume. Offerors shall use the “not-to-exceed” amounts provided in CLINs 0008, 1008, 2008, and 3008 of the solicitation for Travel.

.5.1 Completeness and Accuracy The Government will review the pricing tables for completeness and accuracy. A determination will be made as to whether the Offeror properly completed the pricing tables. Offerors proposals will be checked for mathematical correctness to include the following:

Q:

To be complaint with the RFP’s section on completeness and accuracy, offeror copied the Schedule of Supplies Services over to Excel using 10-point TNR font and the Schedule is 18 pages long.

Can the government confirm that this is the pricing table that they would like submitted?

This only leaves 2 pages for pricing narrative, backup etc. Would recommend that the Pricing Sections is not page restrained.

Please adhere to the instructions as provided.

Factor 3 – Past Performance Evaluation RFP Page 50 Factor 3 - Past Performance 2.3Factor 3 – Past Performance Evaluation 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.

Performance confidence is assessed at the overall past performance factor level after evaluating aspects of the offeror’s recent past performance. The past performance evaluation may take into account past performance information regarding predecessor companies, key personnel who have relevant experience, or subcontractors that will perform major or critical aspects of the requirement when such information is relevant to the performance of tasks detailed in the PWS.

Past performance information may be obtained from any other sources available to the Government, to include, but not limited to, the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS), Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS), Electronic Subcontract Reporting System (eSRS), or other databases; interviews with Program Managers, Contracting Officers, and Fee Determining Officials; and the Defense Contract Management Agency.

Q:

We do not see where the Government asks for a copy of the CPARS to be included in the proposal response. Does the Government want a copy of the CPARS included with each project? If yes, since the CPARS is usually 2-4 pages does that count against the page count?

The Government request the submission of the Past Performance Information Form. The form is included with solicitation amendment (see Attachment # 2). Please adhere to instructions as provided in paragraph “5.2.2.1 Factor 3 – Past Performance”.

a) develop draft USMC requirements or JCIDS documents….

b) gather information, develop Key Performance Parameters (KPPs), Key System Attributes (KSAs), and Additional Performance Attributes (APAs)….

c) assist in the reconciliation of Action Officer and higher-level reviews prior to their submission for final approval… QUESTION: Of the 17 programs, systems and/or requirements listed in 2.0 General Requirements, are they all included in an approved 1) individual, 2) systems of systems or 3) family of systems ICD or CDD?

No, these programs are future capabilities/efforts that we require the contractor to conduct and provide documentation for analytical assessments for their development.

QUESTION: Discussions throughout the solicitation eluded to the Contractor working with Government SMEs, RTPD staff, etc. Will the Government provide all the current, draft and approved systems and program information to the awarded contractor at the Post Award Conference or start of work meeting?

The Government will provide all necessary details to the offeror at time of award.

4.2 Transition, Page 18 of 55

The “SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES” did not include a CLIN for the Transition.

Is the government requesting the contractor to provide pricing for the Transition?

The Government expects pricing information inclusive of all tasks as directed for all periods of performance as stated in the Schedule of Supplies/Services.

Section 6 (page 24) Task Areas 3.1-3.7 and Factor 2 – Performance Execution and Management: Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) (page 49-50_ And 2.1.1 (page 52) Question:

For expected contractor facility support Task Areas, i.e. JCIDS support and DoDAF Architectures, will the government consider adding a Labor Rate Pricing Sheet amendment, for evaluation purposes only, that includes “Estimated Labor Hours by Labor Category” to complete a certain number of (JCIDS) documents. This will allow offerors to bid on a clearly defined number of products and allow for apples to apples comparison and increase competition.

Will the government consider basing the “estimated labor hours” on historical data and be indicative of the typical requirements for work expected under the respective tasks.

Please provide your technical solution. As instructed, please complete Schedule of Supplies/Services.

Include your WBS as instructed in Instructions to Offerors, Factor 2.