Q A_T-0021.docx

1. It appears that PWS 5.1.4 is missing. Is it just a simple typo or an entire subtask is missing from the RFP?

ANSWER: The RFQ has been amended to correct the administrative error.

2. The RFQ does not appear to have a minimum or maximum number of past performance submittals listed. Can you clarify how many you want? Is there a preferred past performance template you would like us to use?

ANSWER: Please see page 49 of the RFQ, under Quote Submission Instructions, 4) Past Performance Information List, 4th paragraph, “Offerors are directed to provide references on the Past Performance Information List on no more than five (5) of the Offeror’s most recently completed, or currently on-going, Federal Government or Commercial contracts…”

The Past Performance List format is found at the end of the RFQ on pages 55-58.

3. Reference Quote Submission Instructions (p.48), Volume I -(Technical & Past Performance Information): Offerors shall submit one original copy and one redacted version (The redacted version is used during the technical evaluation and therefore; it should be without company logo, identifying marks and names must be redacted. Does the term "names" also refer to proposed people?

ANSWER: The term “name” belongs to any person referenced in the proposal meaning employees, proposed people, etc.

4. Reference: Quote Submission Instructions Section, Subsection #4, Paragraph 4 - ".as long as a minimum of one (1) year of performance has been completed as of the closing date of this RFP."

Pursuant to the stated one year minimum, there are companies currently executing ongoing DPRI contracts in Japan that are nearly identical in size, scope, and complexity to this solicitation, very successfully and with just under 1 year of performance. Will the government consider reducing the stated minimum requirement from 1 year to 6 months in order for the government to be able to include additional low risk contractor options for the DPRI Program efforts, as more companies with viable past performance would be more likely to qualify and submit an offer, improving the competitive acquisition process overall?

ANSWER: The requirement for a minimum (1) year of performance will not be changed.

5. The solicitation is for “Master Planning Support” but in 7.4.1, education requirements is for architecture or engineering degree, in accordance with services listed in 5.1, will the FRF allow for planning degree in lieu of architecture and engineering degrees?

ANSWER: A Planning degree will be allowed but, as stated in paragraph 7.4.1 in order to meet the requirement, the following applies: “Education. Baccalaureate or higher level degree with a major in Engineering or Architecture OR a combination of education and experience which furnished a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying professional engineering, and a good understanding both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering and one year of specialized experience which has equipped the contractor with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the requirements of this PWS.:

6. Please confirm that DBA insurance is required for this procurement.

ANSWER: Clauses 52.228-3 and 52-228-5 have been included therefore DBA insurance is required.

7. In 7.4.2, is the qualification requirement supposed to be “registered architect” instead of “registered landscape architect?”

ANSWER: No.

8. On page 49 of 50 under item 4) Past Performance Information List instructions, the RFP states that “Offerors are directed to provide references on the Past Performance Information List on no more than five (5) of the Offeror’s most recently completed, or currently on-going, Federal Government or Commercial contracts, not to exceed 3 years since completion for like or similar services to those to be provided under this RFP.” If a firm has continuously delivered the same scope to the same client on the same program/project but due to incremental one-year funding the client has issued a new contract under a new contract number, can an overall multi-year description of the activity issued under multiple contract numbers be considered a single Past Performance Reference? Alternately, could this work be presented as multiple past performance experiences listing each “task” issued under a unique contract number as a separate past performance reference despite the fact that each task represents an identical scope of work?

ANSWER: Yes, an overall multi-year description of the activity issued under multiple contract numbers can be considered a single Past Performance Reference. Yes, this work can be presented as multiple past performance experiences listing each “task” issued under a unique contract number as a separate past performance reference despite the fact that each task represents an identical scope of work.

9. Please indicate if the housing cost, home leave and mobilization cost are separate reimbursable costs or do they need to be included in the firm fixed price along with the cost for the 5,880 hours/year for each staff member (p51 of 58).

ANSWER: There are no separate reimbursable CLINs for these costs so; yes they should be included in the Firm Fixed Price.

10. Will a government vehicle be made available for on-site work related driving requirements?

ANSWER: Non-exclusive use of the Program Management Office government vehicle will be available.

11. Section 3.1.2 states “Associated areas of Government lead tasking and contractor support would be inclusive of areas related to information management support for the FRF”. Please define the extent of “information management support”. Is this a deliverable or a coordination task?

ANSWER: This is a coordination task.

12. Section 7.4.4 states: “Knowledge of the overall mission, organization, functions, capabilities, administration, and operations of the Marine Corps in general, and the Futenma Replacement Facility in particular.” This single paragraph reduces the competitive field to a sole provider which is the incumbent. There is only one firm that has experience with Futenma Replacement Facility. No other competitor can match this qualification. This requirement restricts competition. Please remove the specific requirement of FRF experience.

ANSWER: This is a new requirement and therefore there is no incumbent. Additionally, this section only requires knowledge and not experience. The requirement will remain in the solicitation.

13. Page 51 of 58 states”The following table is provided for informational purposes only and contains the Government’s estimate with regard to the labor categories and hours required for successful performance.” The RFP indicates that the offeror needs to determine the level of effort and the size of the staff while also indicating that a certain number of staff and number of hours per staff are fixed. If the offeror needs to determine the size of the most appropriate staff and the amount of hours associated with the workload information, it follows that the offeror needs information to enable them to quantify the workload required. The current scope of work describes well the nature of work but it is totally silent about the quantity of work expected to be delivered or provides any information that would allow an objective estimate of the level of effort. Please provide additional information that will assist the offeror in the quantification of the level of effort required.

ANSWER: If further information is required a pre-proposal meeting can be scheduled.

14. Section 7.9 states that Security Clearance is NOT required while section 7.6.5.1 alludes that a security clearance is required. Does that mean that a Secret clearance is not required but a background check (JAPAS) for the purpose of assigning access to government computers and network will be required? Please clarify.

ANSWER: A Secret clearance is not requirement. Section 7.6.6.1 discusses the issuing of a Common Access Card (CAC) which does requirement a background check. This section uses the term “security clearance” and is always followed by the term “background check.” This means that if no security clearance is required by the solicitation (which in this case it is not required) then the term “background check” is to be used in place of “security clearance.” Additionally, the contractor is required to initiate the background clearance and obtain proof of background check (see highlighted section):

7.6.6.1 Requirements for Issuance of a CAC the following conditions must be met prior to issuance of a CAC to any contractor employees for limited privilege/non privileged access:

· The SOFA status of the employee shall be verified, and approved by the office of Staff Judge Advocate (SJA).

· The Contractor shall be registered in the Contractor Verification System (CVS) with a valid record of security clearance (background check) on Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS). The CVS is conducted at MCB Installation Personnel Administration Center (IPAC) USMC S.D. Butler, Tel No. 098-970-0875, Bldg. #5699.

· The Contractor shall obtain proof of security clearance (background check) on JPAS at Security Management Office, USMC S.D. Butler, Tel No. 098-970-7892/8412, Bldg. #1.

· When applying for a CAC at MCB IPAC, the Contractor shall show two original forms of Identification and submit 1) contract document, 2) passport [reviewed by SJA office and SOFA stamp required], 3) letter of employment, 4) letter of authorization from the Contracting Officer [as applicable], and 5) a valid record of JPAS (proof of background check).

· All Contractor employees who will be assigned to work in Okinawa must have an active clearance/background check or must have initiated a background check before coming to Okinawa.

NOTE: Prior to applying for CVS, Contractor personnel must initiate a background check on JPAS at the Security Management Office and a record of JPAS enrollment verification (e-mail) must be submitted to the Trusted Agent (TA) for MCB Butler IPAC. http://www.marines.mil/unit/mcbbutler/Pages/IPAC/CTRCACAppt.aspx

15. Page 49 of 58 states (last paragraph) that “The contractor is required to be authorized to perform/operate in the country of Japan in accordance with DFARS252.225-7042”. Does that mean that the contractor needs to have a business license in Japan? Is this contract being procured as a SOFA contract or not? Please clarify.

ANSWER: If the company is a Japanese company they will require a business license. If the Japanese company hires their employees from the US for this contract then those employees will not be eligible for SOFA status. If the company is an American company they do not require a business license and their employees will be eligible for SOFA.

16. According to page 49 of 58, Submission Instructions item 4), the PDs are required to have a very specific format using Attachment II. Also the RFP does not require the offeror to include personnel resumes; according to 7.10 resumes shall only be provided after contract award. The submission instructions state under Volume I, item 2) second paragraph: The Government shall evaluate the Offeror's proposed minimum qualifications, certifications, experience, and specialized experience that the individuals will possess for each of the support areas identified in the PWS. However, on page 49 of 58, second paragraph (under section 4) the Offeror is required to identify of Key Staff involved in each Reference Project. Please confirm that the names of Key Staff involved is a requirement, and if required, please indicate where on Attachment II this information should be listed. Since all other sections require information that redacts the Company name and indicates that only generic definitions should be mentioned about proposed staff, it seems that the inclusion of specific names on the project profiles would allow the name and the identity of the company they work for to be easily traceable.

ANSWER: According to the Quote Submission Instructions, page 48, Volume I (Technical and Past Performance Information) one original copy and one redacted copy is to be submitted. The redaction applies to the Past Performance list as it is part of Volume I and therefore, as stated in the RFQ, “be without company logo, identifying marks and names must be redacted.”