M00264-22-R-0008 Amendment 0002.pdf

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

Except as p rovid ed herein, all terms and cond itions o f th e document referenced in Item 9A o r 10 A, as hereto fore chang ed , remains un ch an ged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND T IT LE OF SIGNER (T ype or print )

30-105-04EXCEP TION T O SF 30

AP PROVED BY OIRM 11-84

STANDARD FORM 30 (Rev. 10-83) P rescribed by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

The purpose of this Amendment is to:

1. Extend the due date f or solicitation submission to 10:00am Eastern on 3 October 2022;

2. Provide answ ers to questions asked during the Q&A period;

3. Changes, resulting f rom the Q&As, w ere made to the PWS, Attachment 1, Attachment 2, A ttachement 3, FAR 52.212-1 Addendum, and FAR 52.212-2 Addendum resulting from Q&A ; and

4. Provide updated attachments f or submission w ith proposals, DO NOT USE OLD ATTA CHMENTS.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE PAGE OF PAGES

S 1 48

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

16C. DATE SIGNED

BY 19-Sep-2022

16B. UNITED STAT ES OF AMERICA15C. DATE SIGNED15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

(Signature of Cont ract ing Officer)(Signat ure of person a ut horized t o sign)

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONT RACT OR (No., St reet , County, Sta te and Zip Code) X M0026422R0008

X 9B. DATED (SEE IT EM 11)

05-Aug-2022

10B. DATED (SEE IT EM 13)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

11. THIS IT EM ONLY AP PLIES TO AMENDMENT S OF SOLICITAT IONS

X Th e ab ove n umbered solicitation is amend ed as set forth in Item 1 4. Th e hou r and date sp ecified for receipt o f Offer X is extend ed , is not extended.

Offer mu st ackn owled ge receipt of this amen dment p rior to the h our an d d ate specified in the solicitation or as amen ded b y o ne of the following method s:

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15 , and returnin g 1 co pies of the amen dment; (b ) By ackn owled ging receipt of this amen dment o n each copy of the o ffer sub mitted ;

o r (c) By separate letter o r teleg ram wh ich includ es a reference to th e so licitation and amend men t nu mbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN

REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtu e of this amen dment y ou desire to change an offer already su bmitted, su ch change may be made by teleg ram or letter, p rovid ed each telegram o r letter mak es reference to th e so licitation and this amen dment, an d is receiv ed prio r to the op en ing hou r and date sp ecified.

12. ACCOUNTING AND AP PROP RIATION DATA (If required)

13. THIS ITEM AP PLIES ONLY T O MODIFICATIONS OF CONT RACT S/ORDERS.

IT MODIFIES T HE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED P URSUANT T O: (Spec ify aut horit y) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN T HE

CONT RACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

B. T HE ABOVE NUMBERED CO NTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office , appropria tion dat e, et c.) SET FORT H IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO T HE AUT HORITY OF FAR 43.103(B).

C. T HIS SU PP LEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENT ERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUT HORITY OF:

D. OT HER (Specify type of modificat ion and aut horit y)

E. IMP ORTANT: Contrac tor is not, is required t o sign this document and re turn copies to t he issuing office.

14. DESCRIP TION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organize d by UCF sec tion headings, inc luding solic ita tion/contrac t subject mat t er whe re feasible.)

10A. MOD. OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 5. PROJECT NO.(If app licable)

6. ISSUED BY

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

19-Sep-2022

CODE

MCINCR - RCO

2010 HENDERSON RD

COLIN SASSER

QUANT ICO VA 22134

M00264 7 . ADMINISTERED BY (If o ther than item 6)

4 . REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.

CODE

See Item 6

FACILITY CODECODE

EMAIL:TEL:

M0026422R0008

SECTION SF 30 BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

SECTION SF 30 - BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

The following have been added by full text:

Q&A

Question Number

Solicitation Section

Comment/Question

Answer

PWS Para 3.3.1

HOLIDAY PAY

If work is required on a holiday, will premium pay be applicable?

The Government is seeking one fully burdened rate for each position at each location. A fully burdened rate should have all of these expenses factored in.

PWS Para 3.3.1

HOLIDAY PAY

a. What has been the historical holiday work schedule for the contract workers? b. has the contract worker been given off another day during the week after having worked the holiday?

Historically, contract workers do not work holidays. In the event that a holiday is worked, flexed time during the current pay period.

PWS Para 6.5.7

TECHNOLOGY

Will a specific human performance technology or database be used for this contract?

PWS Para 6.5.7 has been changed to state, "(i.e. commercial off the shelf wearable GPS, body sensors, biomechanical assessments, and Athlete databases owned by individual Marines)." to help clarify the type of wearable technology intended by this section.

AT notes may be recorded in electronic medical records (EMR) such as Genesis and FitForce and/or in traditional SOAP notes on paper. SC's will record SOAP notes on paper.

1449 CLINs

EACH vs LOT

The unit is "each," which implies that the unit is "hour."

Thus the price MAX AMOUNT will have to be divided by the "hour" to arrive at the "Unit Price." To avoid confusion, will the Government please change the word "each" to "lot," and therefore provide that the "Unit Price" and "Max Amount" to be the same number?

The Government has considered alternatives to the Unit of Issue and "each" is the most appropriate for this acquisition. "LOT" refers to a batch of production of units and is not appropriate for this requirement.

Attachment 1, RCO Pricing

Sheet

In reference to Attachment 1, RCO Pricing Sheet, the offerors labor rates for Athletic Trainers will vary from one performance location to another. How does the Government expect the offeror to represent this variation in a single “unit price” in CLIN 0001 on page 3 of the Solicitation?

Attachment 1 allows the offeror to input their fully burdened rate for each location and the pricing in Attachment 1 becomes part of the contract. The offeror shall input their fully burdened rate into Attachment 1 by location and then add up the total cost for AT's across the ordering periods to enter at CLIN 0001 on the 1449. The SC's would be done the same.

6 DD 254

The DD254 States that contractors need access to “classified source data”, but the PWS does not mention how an Athletic Trainers and Strength and Conditioning Specialists would need access to classified information in the performance of their coaching duties. Will the Government confirm if the “classified source data” is really classified information or just sensitive medical information requiring only Tier III suitability public trust investigation as mentioned in paragraph 12.3.2.6?

The contractor and its employees will have access to sensitive medical information and PII while conducting their regular duties requiring Tier III investigation.

DD 254

PWS Para 6.3.4

COMPLETE DD

Is the Government requiring that offerors fill out the DD254 and insert it into Volume 1 with the applicable 6 and 7 blocks completed?

Yes, complete blocks 6 and 7 of the DD 254 as applicable and include in Volume I of the proposal as instructed in FAR 52.212-1 Addendum Para 6.3.4.

DD 254

PWS Para 6.3.4

FCL

Would the Government accept a National Industrial Security System FCL to validate clearance levels of prime and subcontractors to answer the 6.3.4.1 proposal requirement, page 77 of the pdf?

There is not a PWS Para 6.3.4. The Government requires any potential contractor to qualify for clearance at the time of award. The National Industrial Security System FCL can be submitted for review and determination.

DD 254

PWS Para 6.3.4

FCL

part 1: Is the gov't requiring a FCL at the time of proposal submission, or the ability to get an FCL once awarded?

Part 2: Are you expecting qualified candidates to have a secret security clearance at the time of hire or the ability to get a clearance after hire?

There is not a PWS Para 6.3.4. The Government requires any potential contractor to qualify for FCL at the time of award.

FAR 52.212-1

Addendum Para

5.1.1.2

FIRE WALL

Will the government consider providing a safelink to submit offers to bypass the risk of emails not making it through the firewall at Quantico?

The Government does not intend to use another method for receiving offers. All offers will be followed up with a receipt to notify the sender.

FAR 52.212-1

Addendum Para

6.1

REFERENCES

Given the generous 30-page allocation for Past Performance documentation in Volume 3 (paragraph 6.1), will the Government allow offerors to submit additional recent, relevant contracts (more than the 3 presently allowed) while remaining within the 30-page allocation?

The Government will not evaluate past performance beyond the first 3 contracts provided for evaluation in Volume III.

FAR 52.212-1

Addendum Para

6.3.4

FACILITY

CLEARANCE

Is the Government requiring that offerors have a Facility Security Clearance at the time of award?

The Government requires any potential contractor to qualify for FCL at the time of award.

FAR 52.212-1

Addendum Para

6.5.1.B

CPARS

Will CPARS performance assessments being submitted with their respective Past Performance citations in Volume 3 be counted against the 30-page limit?

Yes, CPARS records do count towards the 30 page limit in Volume III.

FAR 52.212-1

Addendum Para

6.6.4

PRICING

Given the current labor market for ATC and SCS, how will the government determin reasonable pricing?

Please refer to FAR 52.212-2 Addendum Para 4 in the RFP to see the evaluation criteria for this solicitation which includes "Fair and Reasonable."

Additionally, please see FAR 15.404- 1(b)(2) for instructions to the Government on determining fair and reasonable pricing.

FAR 52.212-1

Addendum Para

6.6.4

PRICING

Please consider conducting a price realism analysis. These labor categories are highly sought after, and without a realism analysis, the Government does not have the discretion to discriminate against unrealistic compensation plans as long as the pricing, overall, appears realistic.

The Government considered conducting price realism analysis and determined it's not appropriate in this case. FAR 15.404-1 provides the Government with numerous tools to determine price reasonableness with competition. FAR 15.404-1(g)(2) allows the Government to evaluate price in the pricing template by location to determine if unbalanced pricing exists.

FAR 52.212-1

Addendum Para

6.6.4

PRICING

Please consider adding an Economic Price Adjustment clause so that the Government is not adversely impacted if inflation rates change in such a manner that would create a staffing and retention risk adverse to the Government's mission.

The Government has considered and determined that the use Economic Price Adjustments is not appropriate for this acquisition.

FAR 52.212-1

Addendum

Para 6.1 Factor 3 Price

FORMATTING

The Instructions state that all graphs, drawings, and screen shots of pictures use no less than 10 point font Times New Roman. Would the Government accept Tables with 10 point font as well?

Yes, the Government will accept Times New Roman 10 point font for Tables.

Addendum

Para 6.4 Factor 1

PERSONNEL

Reference: The offeror shall provide a list of personnel, with all qualifications as required by the PWS, for each proposed location for Task Order 0001.

Question: What is required for the “list of personnel?”

The Government is removing the requirement for a list of personnel located at FAR Provision 52.212-1, Para 6.4 and FAR Provision 52.212-2, Para 2.

FAR 52.212-1

Addendum

Para 6.4 Factor 1

PERSONNEL

Reference: The offeror shall provide a list of personnel, with all qualifications as required by the PWS, for each proposed location for Task Order 0001.

Comment: If the “list of personnel” requires names and qualifications for each of the 50+ personnel at the Task Order 0001 locations, this would indicate a substantial competitive disadvantage to all offerors who are not an incumbent.

The Government is removing the requirement for a list of personnel located at FAR Provision 52.212-1, Para 6.4 and FAR Provision 52.212-2, Para 2.

FAR 52.212-1

Addendum

Para 6.4 Factor 1

PERSONNEL

The Government states “The offeror shall provide a list of personnel, with all qualifications as required by the PWS, for each proposed location for Task Order 0001.” It would be extremely difficult to find all Task Order 0001 personnel by proposal due date. Is the Government requiring offerors to submit actual personal who will perform or is this requirement for representative personnel for each of the positions and locations on task order 0001?

The Government is removing this requirement for a list of personnel located at FAR Provision 52.212-1, Para 6.4 and FAR Provision 52.212-2, Para 2.

FAR 52.212-1

Addendum

Para 6.4 Factor 1

PERSONNEL

"The offeror shall provide a list of personnel, with all qualifications as required by the PWS, for each proposed location for Task Order 0001." - This requirement poses an unfair advantage to industry since this is an incumbered contract, which the current contractor would have the advantage with current employees. Additionally, submitting 55 names/quals would take up a tremendous amount of space in the 50 page volume that is reserved for the technical approach.

The Government is removing this requirement for a list of personnel located at FAR Provision 52.212-1, Para 6.4 and FAR Provision 52.212-2, Para 2.

FAR 52.212-1

Addendum

Para 6.4 Factor 1

PERSONNEL

In asking for a list of over 50 people, the Government inadvertently is going to encourage industry to include personnel it will not hire (because it will seek to retain incumbents). Consider amending this requirement to request a list of personnel for the current openings.

The Government is removing this requirement for a list of personnel located at FAR Provision 52.212-1, Para 6.4 and FAR Provision 52.212-2, Para 2.

FAR 52.212-1

Addendum

Para 6.4 Factor 1

PERSONNEL

Please consider allowing submission of individuals who do not yet have a Secure personnel clearance because the eventual contract can obtain an interim clearance for a qualified ATC or S&CC within a few weeks at present.

Asking for a list of individuals, with current clearances, encourages industry to simply find cleared candidate whether or not they will be able to hire them.

The Government is removing this requirement for a list of personnel located at FAR Provision 52.212-1, Para 6.4 and FAR Provision 52.212-2, Para 2.

Addendum

Para 6.4 Factor 1

PERSONNEL

As part of Volume 2, offerors are required to "provide a list of personnel, with all qualifications as required by the PWS, for each proposed location for Task Order 0001."

Please confirm that the Government is seeking a list/table for this requirement and not copies of resumes/qualifications. If the Government is seeking copies of resumes/qualifications, will the Government consider exempting these documents from the volume page limit?

The Government is removing this requirement for a list of personnel located at FAR Provision 52.212-1, Para 6.4 and FAR Provision 52.212-2, Para 2.

FAR 52.212-1

Addendum

Para 6.4 Factor 1

SUBCONTRAC

TOR

The Government states details shall include the offeror’s experience in managing similar programs comparable in size and tasks. Do offerors include subcontractor experience here as well to answer this requirement?

Yes, subcontractor experience in managing similar programs at a comparable size and task will meet this requirement.

FAR 52.212-1

Addendum

Para 6.4

RESUMES

If offeror chooses to attach candidate resumes to Volume 2, will those resumes count against the page limit?

Yes, resumes would count against the page limit of Volume 2.

FAR 52.212-1

Addendum

Para 6.4.4 (sic) Factor 3 Price

PRICING

SHEET

Does the Government expect the Prime and Subcontractor to provide separate labor rates or one hybrid rate on the pricing spreadsheet?

The author wrote Para 6.4.4 which does not exist. The Government believes that the author meant 6.6.4 and the answer is based on that assumption.

The Government is not entering a contract with the subcontractor. The price entered into the pricing sheet will be the amount charged to the Government for the work at that location.

FAR 52.212-1

Addendum

Para 6.5.1 Factor

PPQ

Government requires past performance references to cover items a. thru d. Is this information for a thru d in addition to the Attachment 4 PPQ Form or is only to be included in the PPQ Form itself and not additional?

This section has been revised. Please follow Para 6.5.2 for references that have a CPARS assessment. Please follow Para 6.5.2.1 for all past performance that does not have a CPARS assessment.

FAR 52.212-1

Addendum

Para 6.6 Factor 3 Price

COLA

For those locations that historically establish a Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) for Govt employees, should offeror's pricing include COLA for contract personnel?

The offeror's quoted price in Attachment 1 should provide their fully burdened rate for what it will cost to complete the work outlined in the PWS for each location.

FAR 52.212-1

Addendum

Para 6.6 Factor 3

PRICING

Will the Government allow any price narrative with the submission of volume 4?

Yes, the Government encourages a price narrative and supporting information for price reasonableness within Volume 4.

Addendum

Paras 6.1 & 6.5 Factor 2

PPQ

Will the Government allow offerors to provide an introductory writeup to their company past performance, subcontractor past performance, past performance in general, etc. as long as it is within the 30-page limit including the PPQ?

The offeror is encouraged to use the space within the page counts as they wish to provide the information requested.

FAR 52.212-1

Para 5.2.1

OFFER

SUBMISSION

Would the government consider proposal submission in DOD SAFE as the files may be too large to email

The Government does not intend to use another method for receiving offers. All offers will be followed up with a receipt to notify the sender.

FAR 52.212-1

Para 6.5

Past Performance

Due to the length of time required by a COR to fill out Attachment 5 and the likelihood of the COR’s email being caught in the firewall with no follow-up. In lieu of Attachment #5 being filled out, will the government accept past PPQ’s filled out by COR’s within the same time frame of “within 5 years”?

The Assessor Past Performance Questionnaire (APPQ)(Attachment 5) is only for instances when a CPARS cannot be submitted. If a CPARS cannot be submitted, an APPQ (Attachment 5) must be completed for each past performance reference submitted by a COR/PM. The Government will not accept a PPQ submitted by the offeror or past PPQs.

General

Information

Is this an existing requirement? If yes, what is the current contract number and who is the current contractor?

This is an existing contract under N62645-18-D-5057 awarded to Spectrum Federal Solutions LLC.

General

Information

Will the Government please include clauses in the solicitation so that the overseas positions will have privileges for SOFA (Status of Forces Agreement) status?

DFARS Clauses 252.225-7040 and 252.225-7976 are included in the solicitation.

General

Information

Upon award, will the Government allow the winning contractor to phase-in through incremental award of Task Orders, or, will the winning contractor take all current work from the incumbent contractor immediately upon award?

The Governments intent is to award the T.O. immediately inclusive of all the locations identified in T.O. PWS and Pricing Worksheet, Tab 2. There will not be any phase-in through incremental award of T.O. The incumbent contractor will not be providing services past the current T.O.

end date.

General

Information

Will contractors in Japan be granted SOFA status? DFARS Clauses 252.225-7040 and 252.225-7976 are included in the solicitation.

General

Information

Is this a follow-on contract? This is an follow on contract under N62645-18-D-5057 awarded to Spectrum Federal Solutions LLC.

General

Information

Are their incumbents Contractors? This is an follow on contract under N62645-18-D-5057 awarded to Spectrum Federal Solutions LLC.

General

Information

If there are incumbent’s contractor, who is the incumbent and what are their contract numbers?

This is an follow on contract under N62645-18-D-5057 awarded to Spectrum Federal Solutions LLC.

General

Information

Are there any vacancies on the current contracts? If so which positions by location are vacant?

The current contract does have vacancies at the following locations with the number of vacancies indicated in parenthesis: Cherry Point (1), Camp Horno (1), Camp Courtney (1), Camp Schwab (1), Camp Hansen (2), Iwakuni (1)

General

Information

Does the Government anticipate that there will be Cost of Living Adjustments for any locations other than OCONUS Japan (i.e. Hawaii, etc.)?

The offeror's quoted price in Attachment 1 should provide their fully burdened rate for what it will cost to complete the work outlined in the PWS for each location.

In reference to Solicitation

Section 52.212-1 Addendum – Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors, paragraph (6.1):

Will Tables of Contents count against the page limit for Volume 2 and Volume 3?

Yes, table of contents will count against the page limit in Volume 2 and Volume 3.

In reference to Solicitation

Section 52.212-1 Addendum – Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors, paragraph (6.1):

Will a Compliance Matrix count against the page limit for Volume 2?

Yes, the Compliance Matrix will count against the page limit for Volume 2.

No usable reference given

Are there any additional requirements that an offeror must address in its proposal in order to utilize parent or subsidiary company experience and past performance if the proposal shows that a sister company lending its experience and past performance has made a firm commitment to have a meaningful involvement in contract performance?

There are no additional requirements that an offeror must address in its proposal in order to utilize parent or subsidiary company's experience and past performance if the proposal shows that a sister company lending its experience and past performance has made a firm commitment to have a meaningful involvement in contract performance.

No usable reference given

Question: Are there specific or special evaluation criteria for rating the experience and past performance of an offeror who utilizes parent or subsidiary company experience and past performance if the proposal shows that a sister company lending its experience and past performance has made a firm commitment to have a meaningful involvement in contract performance?

There are no other specific or special evaluation criteria, other than what is specified within the RFP, for rating the experience and past performance of an offeror who utilizes parent or subsidiary company experience and past performance if the proposal shows that a sister company lending its experience and past performance has made a firm commitment to have a meaningful involvement in contract performance

No usable reference given

Will the experience and past performance of parent or subsidiary companies be evaluated if the proposal shows that a sister company lending its experience and past performance has made a firm commitment to have a meaningful involvement in contract performance?

In accordance with FAR Provision 52.212-1, "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."

page 3 of 83 of the Solicitation

In reference to the CLIN 0001 and CLIN 0002 on page 3 of 83 of the Solicitation, is the unit reference “each” referring to labor hours?

"Each" does not directly refer to labor hours but the quantity was derived in total from the hours and the total of each AT and SC will be placed into each respective CLIN based upon each offerors pricing.

Attachment 1, RCO Pricing

Sheet

In reference to the CLIN 0001 on page 3 of 83 of the Solicitation, with a single unit price attributed to the Athletic Trainers at all locations, how will the Government allow for variation in labor rates at the different performance locations?

Attachment 1 allows the offeror to input their fully burdened rate for each location and the pricing in Attachment 1 becomes part of the contract. The offeror shall input their fully burdened rate into Attachment 1 by location and then it will add up the total cost for AT's across the ordering periods to enter at CLIN 0001 on the 1449. The SC's would be done the same.

50 Pricing Sheet

The SF1449 is asking for max quantity of hours, however the pricing template is asking for pricing only for Task Order 1. Can the government please advise as the total values will not match.

Attachment 1 Tab 1 is where pricing will be entered. The pricing entered on Tab 1 will become part of the contract and cover all ordering periods.

Attachment 1 Tab 2 is the first Task Order estimate. The hours here will NOT match Tab 1 as the Government is NOT ordering the who contract under the first IDIQ. The CLINs in the 1449 should reflect the total sum from Attachment 1 Tab 1.

51 Pricing Sheet

The hours listed in Order Period 1 Column C of the Athletic Trainer Pricing Sheet are different than the hours found in Column C of the Task Order 1 Tab even though the locations match up. Is this in error?

No, this is not an error. Tab 1 and Tab 2 may not match. Tab 1 provides the government’s best estimate of labor hours for each location and ordering periods. While Tab 2 provides specific labor hours and locations to be ordered on the first task order following the award of the IDIQ.

52 Pricing Sheet

Will the government provide a relocation and travel CLINs for the OCONUS positions or does that cost need to be built into their regular rate?

Relocation and travel need to be built into the offerors fully burdened rate where applicable.

53 Pricing Sheet

Can the Government confirm that offerors use the total amount in Attachment 1 Tab 1 into the applicable CLINs on the 1449?

Attachment 1 allows the offeror to input their fully burdened rate for each location and the pricing in Attachment 1 becomes part of the contract. The offeror shall input their fully burdened rate into Attachment 1 by location and then add up the total cost for AT's across the ordering periods to enter at CLIN 0001 on the 1449. The SC's would be done the same.

Pricing Sheet to

Task Order

Attachment 1 indicates hours equivalent to 4 ATs for Quantico; however, Attachment 3 indicates there are only 2 ATs for Quantico. Would the Government please indicate which AT quantity is correct?

Attachment 1, Tab 1 and Tab 2 may not match. Tab 1 provides the government’s best estimate of labor hours for each location and ordering periods. While Tab 2 provides specific labor hours and locations to be ordered on the first task order following the award of the IDIQ.

55 PWS 6.4

Do certified athletic trainers require a state license to be qualified for performance at military bases in Okinawa, Japan?

Japan does not have any specific laws for AT's or SC's licensure. As a result, AT's and SC's will be required to meet the respective requirements located in the PWS for their position. Anyone meeting the PWS requirements and the licensure requirements for any U.S.

state will be eligible for working on a U.S. installation located in Japan.

PWS Para 12.3.2

CLEARANCES

Who will be responsible for entering security information for clearances, the Government or Contractor?

The Government will be responsible for entering security information.

PWS Para 12.3.2.5

BACKGROUN

D & START OF

POP

The Government states “contractor shall ensure a contract worker’s fingerprints are submitted via Secure Web Fingerprint Transmission (SWFT) at least 25 days before the contract worker’s start date.”Can the Government provide the amount of time offerors will have from award to start date? i.e., 30-day transition to allow offerors to submit fingerprints through SWFT 25 days prior to start?

Or does the 25 days in advance apply only to backfill positions?

PWS Para 12.3.2.5 has been changed to: The contractor shall ensure a contract worker’s fingerprints are submitted via Secure Web Fingerprint Transmission (SWFT) up to 25 days before the contract worker’s start date.

The COR will be notified upon submission of fingerprints and will ensure the Marine Expeditionary Forces (MEF) Security Manager or designated government representative is aware of submission.

PWS Para 12.3.2.9

INTERIM

CLEARANCE

Will the Government allow the contractors to start with an interim Secret clearance?

Yes, there must be an open investigation to begin work. Please see PWS Para 12.3.2.9 which discusses interim clearances.

PWS Para 3

OFFICE

LOCATION

Is the offerer required to have a physical office location in Japan?

A physical office in Japan is not required.

PWS Para 3.2 and Attachment

HOURS

Are offerors required to provide pricing in Attachment 1 using 1,920 labor hours per year as the multiplier to determine total cost?

The Government will recalculate the FTE hours utilizing all Federal Holidays, which will equal 1912. These hours are note to be altered within Attachment 1.

PWS Para 3.2 and Attachment

HOURS

May offerors use a number for annual labor hours other than 1,920 in our calculations for an FTE to remain consistent with our indirect rates?

The Government will recalculate the FTE hours utilizing all Federal Holidays, which will equal 1912. These hours are note to be altered within Attachment 1.

PWS Para 3.2

FTE HOURS

The solicitation indicates that the historical level of effort for one Full Time Equivalent worker (FTE) is 1920 hours per year. However, with the new Junteenth Holiday, will the Government please modify the expectation to 1912 hours per year?

The Government will recalculate the FTE hours utilizing all Federal Holidays, which will equal 1912. These hours are note to be altered within Attachment 1.

PWS Para 3.2

FTE HOURS

There are 11 holidays identified for the contract but the hours for an FTE is 1920. Will the Government change the FTE hours to reflect 1912 hours instead of 1920?

The Government will recalculate the FTE hours utilizing all Federal Holidays, which will equal 1912. These hours are note to be altered within Attachment 1.

PWS Para 3.2

FTE HOURS

Historical level of efforts have been 1920 hours, with the 11th holiday added, is the government calculating 1912 hours per FTE?

The Government will recalculate the FTE hours utilizing all Federal Holidays, which will equal 1912. These hours are note to be altered within Attachment 1.

PWS Para 3.2

STAFFING

Reference: The Contractor must at all times maintain an adequate and adaptable workforce for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within this PWS when the government facility is not closed for the above reasons.

Question: With relation to the security requirement in particular, but also just in general recruiting/backfilling, is the Government requiring the contractor to have additional ATs on staff past the number listed on the contract in the event someone resigns so there is an immediate replacement? Without the additional numbers, it would be impossible to always maintain uninterrupted service.

The Government is not requiring the contractor to have additional AT's on staff. The Government requires the contractor to meet the terms and conditions of the solicitation/contract, how they choose to meet these requirements is their own business approach.

PWS Para 3.3.1

WORK HOURS

With contractors having to perform services during - up to 2 holidays- and overtime not authorized, will employees be off on other days?

Working holidays is unusual. If it occurs, commands will flex the effected personnel's schedule to maintain an 80 hrs pay period.

PWS Para 3.4

BASE

CLOSURE

If the base is closed for severe weather/emergency, will the gov't allow contractor to bill/pay for the unplanned closure?

Yes, the Government does not expect the contractor to diminish hours due to unplanned closures due to inclement weather or other unavoidable emergencies. If the bases is closed for severe weather/emergency, IAW PWS

3.4 the COR will notify the contractor.

PWS Para 4.6

ADHOC

REPORTS

For pricing purposes, can the government provide an estimate of the number and frequency of the adhoc reports?

The Government estimates that the adhoc report frequency will be approximately 1 per month.

PWS Para 5.5

PRS

Is there a vendor currently providing any of the services detailed in the PWS? If so, would the government please provide the number of personnel currently staffed and the number of vacancies that currently exist? Additionally, would the government please identify which locations in this PWS are currently being supported with similar services and which locations are new requirements?

Yes, the current contract currently provides these services. No, the Government is not providing a list of staffing levels as it does not pertain to what the Government is seeking in this solicitation. No, the Government is not providing a list of locations being supported with the current contract.

The Government has specified the locations it is seeking services for in this solicitation.

PWS Para 5.5.2

PRS

Can the government please explain what they mean by "No Cost Re-work"

If a deliverable is rejected, the contractor is required to correct the identified deficiencies at no additional cost to the Government (no cost re-work).

PWS Para 5.5.2

PRS

Are the performance standards mentioned in PWS Paragraph 5.5.2 the same as the Performance Objectives specified in the PRS chart? Are unacceptable services considered anything below the 95% AQL? If not, how are services determined to be unacceptable?

Yes, according to this chart unsuccessful performance is anything below 95% accuracy.

PWS Para 6

QUALIFICATI

ONS

Given the required/desired experience, credentials, and education for the Athletic Trainers (AT) and Strength & Conditioning Specialists (S&C), as well as the cost of living considerations for several of the CONUS and OCONUS locations, will the Govt provide a GS equivalency for both Labor Categories to ensure fair and competitive compensation? For example, notionally speaking, the Govt may consider ATs with a bachelor's degree as equivalent to a GS-11 Step 1 while ATs with a master's degree are equivalent to a GS-11 Step 10. The same equivalencies could be estalished for S&C coaches.

Establishing equivalencies may prevent the Govt from selecting unrealistically priced offers.

The Government is seeking industries' experience in hiring AT's and SC's at competitive rates according to the locality the individual will be working

in. The Government is not going to establish a pay scale for industry.

PWS Para 6.4

QUALIFICATI

ONS

Do certified athletic trainers require a license for the state where their assigned military unit is located, which is expected to be a military base or other federal government installation?

Yes, the Government is relying on the contractor to ensure that all local laws are followed at each location.

PWS Para 6.4.2

QUALIFICATI

ONS

Reference: Possess at least 5 years of demonstrated experience and must possess experience of at least 12 months within the preceding 36 months as a Certified Athletic Trainer with collegiate athletes, professional/Olympic athletes, or military personnel.

Question: This qualification seems extremely limiting as there are not that many collegiate athletic trainers and/or Olympic trainers and the military trainers are limited at this time to those on the H2F contract with the Army. This seems to be requiring incumbents and would make backfill extremely difficult to achieve impacting performance.

The Government has stringent requirements for AT due to the nature of the military personnel they will be required to support, critical nature of healthy Marines, and the missions they are responsible for. The PWS requirement will be amended to state, "preferred" instead of "must', please see amended PWS Para 6.4.2.

PWS Para 6.4.2

QUALIFICATI

ONS

Would the gov't accept 3 years of demonstrated experience rather than 5? There is a limited, qualified candidate pool of tactical ATC due to the abundance of tactical HP programs. Professional/Collegiate programs are increasing salaries to attract the restricted labor pool. The 5 year experience requirement will increase the pricing drastically, due to the competitive nature of hiriging, regardless what market research is showing.

Due to the nature of the intended scope and complexity (PWS Para 1.3) of the PWS, the Government is seeking the knowledge and skills that come with 5 years of demonstrable experience and will not be changing this requirement.

PWS Para 6.4.9

CLEARANCE

Can the Government validate only Certified Athletic Trainers require a Secret Clearance and not the Strength and Conditioning Specialists?

Yes, the Strength and Conditioning Specialists require a Tier I clearance.

Athletic Trainers require Tier III, IAW PWS Para 6.5.2 due to access to medical records.

PWS Para 6.4.9

QUALIFICATI

ONS

Reference: Possess and maintain a valid government Secret security clearance. (See Attachment 2-DD254).

Question: Is this stated correctly that ATs must have the clearance before starting? Requiring them to hold before starting would require incumbent workers. In addition, backfilling upon resignation would require the contractor to place an AT on staff for up to a year to obtain a clearance without them working onsite which both impacts performance and budget. Side note, the current H2F (Army) contract does not require clearance so no military trainers have clearance at this time except incumbents if this is a requirement.

This requirement is being amended to state that: ATs and SCs will require an open investigation to begin performance. ATs will be required to be able to obtain and maintain a Tier III clearance while an SC will be required to be able to obtain and maintain a TIER I clearance.

PWS Para 6.4.9

QUALIFICATI

ONS

Is the gov't requiring an active Secret clearance of proposed candidates? From market research, we have found some of the incumbents do not carry a Secret clearance. Will they accept a qualified candidate who is willing to obtain a Secret clearance and allow them to start with an interim? This requirement will absolutely restrict the qualified candidate pool even more.

This requirement is being amended to state that: ATs and SCs will require an open investigation to begin performance. ATs will be required to be able to obtain and maintain a Tier III clearance while an SC will be required to be able to obtain and maintain a TIER I clearance.

PWS Para 6.5

CLEARANCE

Will S&CSs need Secret clearances or public trust. If the latter, which Tier of investigation?

The Strength and Conditioning Specialists require Tier I clearance.

Athletic Trainers require Tier III, IAW PWS Para 6.5.2 due to access to medical records.

PWS Para 6.5.4

QUALIFICATI

ONS

Would the gov't accept 3 years of demonstrated experience rather than 5 years? SCS is another labor category in high demand due to the number of tactical HP programs as well commercial needs. The 3 years experience would allow the contractor to bring on qualified candidates without increasing the price to the gov't, due to the significant demand for HPP.

Due to the nature of the intended scope and complexity (PWS Para 1.3) of the PWS, the Government is seeking the knowledge and skills that come with 5 years of demonstrable experience and will not be changing this requirement.

PWS Para 7.1

COMPLIANCE

How does the government plan to verify a candidate's compliance with the physical requirement qualifications such as PWS paragraphs 6.4.6, 6.4.7, 6.5.5, and 6.5.6?

Inspections may be performed by the COR or any tenant of the facilities designated by the COR (see 5.5.2)

PWS Para 7.1

COMPLIANCE

Once qualified packages are submitted to the COR, what is the expected turnaround time for approval? Can the gov't please provide a phase in timeline once awarded? Will the gov't require qualification packages from incumbents and can you please advise how many open positions there are on the current contract?

Qualified packages are expected to have a turnaround time of within 2 - 3 business days. All T.O. #1 positions are expected to begin the first day of the T.O. Period of Performance. IAW PWS Para 7.1, previously vetted personnel will not require qualification packages but the contractor will be required to submit their names. Previously vetted personnel will not be excluded from PWS Para 7.2 requirements. The Government is not clear on what the question author means by "open". This is an IDIQ contract with minimums set to be filled by the first task order. There are currently 54 ATs working at various locations and it is the intent to continue with 54 ATs at the same locations with the first task order. ATs and SCs beyond that will be based on Government needs within the confines of the new contract.

PWS Para 7.7

TRAVEL

The Government has a plug number of $206,250 for Travel as the maximum amount available for all years.

Can the Government provide what the travel funds will be used for, i.e., OCONUS travel for employees, etc.?

The government's direction, the contractor personnel may travel to provide services IAW PWS Para 7.7, i.e., provide services at alternate location, attend training and/or government specified conferences when in the best interest of the Government.

PWS Para 7.7

TRAVEL

About how many weeks will an FTE have to travel during the year?

Travel is unspecified and dependent on the specific Marine Corps unit.

Historically, travel has been approximately 2-3 weeks per year for those units that utilize travel.

PWS Para 9.3

Orientation

Is the mandatory training modules listed in this section performed during business hours and covered as paid training with the proposed hourly wage?

Yes, the training may be conducted during business hours while on duty.

PWS Para 9.3

Orientation

What is the estimated time needed for a candidate to complete orientation?

Estimated time needed is location dependent and will be conducted during duty hours.

PWS Paras

12.3.2.6 & 12.3.2.11

TIER III

INVESTIGATIO

N

The PWS states the Government MEF Security Manager will initiate a Tier III investigation and paragraph

12.3.2.11 identifies the investigation is only for a “position of trust” determination. Will the Government confirm if the Tier III’s are for “Suitability” only, and do not require the contractor to submit a Tier III for a “National Security” security clearance?

This requirement is being amended to state that: ATs and SCs will require an open investigation to begin performance. ATs will be required to be able to obtain and maintain a Tier III clearance while an SC will be required to be able to obtain and maintain a TIER I clearance. The term "suitability" is null based on this determination of Tier I and III clearances being required.

PWS Paras

12.3.2.6 & 12.3.2.11

TIER III

INVESTIGATIO

N

There is a requirement for the MEF Security Manager or designated government representative to initiate a Tier III investigation at least 30 days prior to contract worker start day. How much lead time will the winning contract be given before the performance of the contract begins?

The Government is changing 12.3.2.5-7 to include the words "no more than".

The Government prefers as much time as possible to begin the security process however, temporary passes and work are available in the interim of the security vetting process beginning.

PWS Paras 6.4 and 6.5

QUALIFICATI

ONS

Can additional years of experience be substituted for the education (bachelor's degree)? Or can a waiver be requested if a candidate does not meet the bachelor's degree or years of experience but all other requirements are met?

No, additional years of experience are not a substitute for education years.

Waiver request may be submitted on a cases by case basis to the COR for review and determination based on a revision to PWS Para 6.4.2.

RFP Block 10

NAICS

The Govt has selected NAICS 621340 Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists and Audiologist.

Despite being a Veteran Owned Small Business steeped in tactical athlete human performance, NAICS 621340's low Size Standard precludes our pursuit of this work. Will the Govt consider changing to one of the following NAICS:

621999 All Other Miscellaneous Ambulatory Healthcare Services ($18M Size Standard), 611710 Educational Support Services ($21M), or All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services ($17M)?

The US Small Business Administration Office of Hearings and Appeals issued their ruling in NAICS Appeal of Potomac Valor Healthcare 2, LLC, SBA No. NAICS-6172 (2022) on 14 September 2022 upholding the Government's NAICS choice in this solicitation. Since this matter has been resolved under protest, the Government will not be amending the NAICS choice in this solicitation.

RFP Block 10

SIZE

STANDARD

Could the Government change the size standard from $8M to $11M for NAICS 621340 according to the Small Business Table.

Yes, the Government will issue a change to the size standard through Amendment 0001. This change is in accordance with the change to the "Table of Size Standards" issued by the Small Business Administration's on 14 Jul 2022. The table can be located at:

https://www.sba.gov/document/support -table-size-standards

92 RFP Min/Max

Will the Government confirm the maximum contract funding available for the contract is $47,516,172.00?

The Government cannot confirm the maximum contract funding available as this will be determined by competitive proposals and best value award.

RFP Pricing

Sheet Travel Plug

Do offerors include the travel plug number of $206,250 in the unit price and max amount in the CLINs?

For FAR 52.212-1 Para 6.6.3, use $206,250. The Pricing Sheet (Attachment 1) already has travel included and does not need to be added.

Section 52.212-1 Addendum – Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to

Offerors (6.4) and Attachment

Will the Government consider adding a full-time Project/Program Manager billet to the staffing requirement to perform the management requirements of the PWS from a designated geographic location that is most advantageous to the Government?

The Government is not adding this position to the contract. If this is required in the offeror's approach, it should be built into the offeror's pricing.

Section 52.212-1 Addendum – Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to

Offerors (6.4) and Attachment

Without a staffing requirement for a full-time Project/Program Manager (PM), the only contracted personnel are Certified Athletic Trainers and Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialists. Will the Government allow for certain contracted trainers or specialists who are assigned to units/locations (IAW Attachment 1) to perform the management requirements of the PWS?

This may be a solution proposed by the offeror for the Governments consideration, if it meets the requirements.

Section 52.212-1 Addendum – Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to

Offerors (6.4) and Attachment

Will the Government consider an offer’s management and staffing approach acceptable without the addition of a Project/Program Manager (PM) or Team Lead who is not serving in one of the contracted AT/SCC billets shown in Attachment 1.

This may be a solution proposed by the offeror for the Governments consideration, if desired and meets the requirements.

Section 52.212-1 Addendum – Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to

Offerors (6.4) and PWS paragraphs 4 - 12.

Does the Government require that the offeror designate a Project/Program Manager (PM) to perform the management requirements of the PWS?

This may be a solution proposed by the offeror for the Governments consideration, if desired and meets the requirements.

Section 52.212-1 Addendum – Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to

Offerors (6.4) and PWS paragraphs 4 - 12.

Does the Government require the contractor to provide a Project/Program Manager (PM) for this task as a single point of contact for performance, deliverables, etc.?

This may be a solution proposed by the offeror for the Governments consideration, if desired and meets the requirements.

Service Contract and Labor Standards

Can the Government confirm all Certified Athletic Trainers and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists are exempt for the service contract labor standards and that a Wage Determination does not apply?

The Government has determined that "Athletic Trainers" and "Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist" meet the Federal Labor Standards Act exemption 29 CFR 541.301(e)(8), "Athletic Trainers" and are not including the SCA.

Service Contract and Labor Standards

On page 47, item (e) (1) identifies a list of clauses which have to flow down to subcontractors. Two clauses identified are the 52.222-41 Service Contract Labor Standards and 52.222-55 Minimum Wages for Contractor Workers Under Executive Order 14026. Neither of these clauses have been identified as required for this contract on page 46. Can the Government clarify these requirements are required for the contract? Page 46, Clasue 52.212-5 item (c) (1) and (c)(2)(7)

The Government has determined that "Athletic Trainers" and "Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist" meet the Federal Labor Standards Act exemption 29 CFR 541.301(e)(8), "Athletic Trainers". Therefore, those requirements are not required.

Service Contract and Labor Standards

The resultant contract is one for the services to which the Service Contract Labor Standards apply, but it is not incorporated in the Solicitation.

The Government has determined that "Athletic Trainers" and "Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist" meet the Federal Labor Standards Act exemption 29 CFR 541.301(e)(8), "Athletic Trainers".

Solicitation

Clauses

IAW Class Deviation 2021-O0009, Revision 2, Contracting Offers shall not include the class deviation clause 252.223-7999 (DEV) in new solicitations or contracts.

The Government is removing this clause.

Solicitation

Clauses

Is there a higher-level contract quality requirement for the services being provided?