The file's text, extracted by GovTribe without its formatting.
Document/Section
| Paragraph |
| Question/Issue/Concern |
| Answer |
| 1. |
| PWS/Page 7 |
| 2.5 |
| The government states that the PWS requires work at MCB Quantico, VA with occasional performance required at various off-site Government commercial facilities within the NCR. |
Question: Does the government require full-time, onsite support for all potential task orders under this IDIQ to include Tier I, II, III, and IV wargames in addition to the base wargaming program, or a mix of onsite and off-site support depending on the task order? If so, please provide the current level of effort being supported by on site and off site contracted personnel.
While multiple wargames will be in the planning phase simultaneously, the Wargaming Division has not executed two simultaneous wargames that would require the Contractor workforce to execute wargames both onsite and offsite concurrently. In addition, the majority of the wargames conducted will be onsite at MCB Quantico.
| 2. |
| PWS/Page 7 |
| 2.5 |
| Question: How many seats/desks does the government have available for contractor personnel in Wargaming Division? |
| The Marine Corps Wargaming Division can accommodate a maximum of 30 Contractor personnel onsite. |
| 3. |
| PWS/Page 7 |
| 2.5 and 2.6 |
| The government mentions the possibility of OCONUS travel. |
Question: Will the cost for DBA Insurance be billable/reimbursable?
Insurance will not be directly billed or reimbursed under this contract.
| 4. |
| PWS/Page 7 |
| 3.1 et. all |
| For multiple tasks, the government states that "Performance of this function will require access to TS/SCI information.” |
Question: Will the government sponsor contractor clearance and is a pipeline allowed? Is contractor required to have TS/SCI access prior to award? (This is only partially answered in 4.1.2) The offeror must have an active TS/SCI facility clearance to be eligible for award (L.1.B) The Govt will verify this after receipt of proposals. The Contractor must be prepared to provide personnel with TS/SCI clearances in order to meet the requirements on the 1st day of the Period of Performance.
| 5. |
| PWS/Page 7 |
| 3.1.1 |
| The government states in the Performance Standards that "The Contractor shall ensure that purpose and objectives are complete and meet the desired intent of the wargame sponsor. The contractor shall meet this standard at least 95%." |
Question: Can the government describe what constitutes 95% of purpose and objectives?
The intent of the AQL was the Contractor submits a compliant wargame problem statement within the required timeline at least 95% of the time. The STD and AQL for 3.1.1 have been revised appropriately. See Solicitation Amendment 0001.
| 6. |
| PWS/Page 9 |
| 3.2.1 |
| The government states "The contractor shall create, develop, document, and deliver a wargame design and scenario for each specified wargame." |
Question: Does the creation, development, documentation, and delivery of a wargame design and scenario for each specified wargame necessitate physical construction of the wargame (for example, all applicable pieces for a board style wargame)?
Historically, physical wargame constructs have not been requires; however if required, the Govt will provide the material and equipment to do so.
| 7. |
| PWS/Page 18 |
| 3.7 |
| Question: Will the government supply Contractor with an "understanding and interpretation of CDD and CD&I deliverable requirements and specific requirements designed to inform the POM CBA process"? |
| The analysis required under PWS 3.7 shall be related to the individual directive documents for wargames conducted during that period. The Govt will provide applicable documents, but the Contractor shall be responsible for providing personnel with the knowledge and background to understand and interpret those documents. |
| 8. |
| PWS/Page 19-20 |
| 3.8 |
| Question: Does the government have a ceiling on the hourly rate for Senior Consultant I, Senior Consultant II, and Senior Consultant III? |
| No. |
| 9. |
| PWS/Page 21 |
| 3.10.2.1 |
| Question: When after contract award must the contractor produce the enhanced wargaming IT/AV collaborative website? |
| This task will only be required if the Govt issues a Task Order for CLIN 0012. The Contractor will have 60 days after receipt of the Task Order to produce the website. |
| 10. |
| PWS/Page 23 |
| 4.1.2 |
| The government states that "contractors assigned to perform functions of this PWS will be required to obtain and maintain access to Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information." |
Question: In section 3 of the PWS, certain tasks are marked as requiring a TS/SCI to perform those tasks. Can the government clarify if personnel performing specific tasks requiring a TS/SCI as indicated in paragraph 3 will need that level of clearance upon task start date, or will they be able to obtain a TS/SCI through this contract?
IAW L.1.B, offerors must have an active TS/SCI facility clearance to be eligible for award. The Govt will verify this after receipt of proposals. The Contractor must be prepared to provide personnel with TS/SCI clearances in order to meet the requirements on the 1st day of the Period of Performance.
| 11. |
| PWS |
| Throughout |
| Question: Will the government sponsor a contractor-site SCI facility, to include the accreditation of information systems necessary to meet the requirements within the PWS? |
| No, the offeror must have an active TS/SCI facility clearance to be eligible for award (L.1.B) |
| 12. |
| M67854-17-R-7401/Page 3-4 |
| ITEM NO 0004, 0005, 0006 |
| The government provides an estimated number of hours for Senior Consultant I, Senior Consultant II, and Senior Consultant III support. |
Question: Does the government's estimate for Senior Consultant support apply only to the Base Wargaming program, or for all wargames in a given year?
These quantities are estimated annual maximums for all requirements, however, IAW solicitation B.1, this is a dollar based, not quantity based contract. This means that the Govt may order hours above the quantities shown if required.
| 13. |
| M67854-17-R-7401/Page 38 |
| Section I |
| The Government has flowed down the Service Contract Labor Standards requirements. |
Question: Will the Government be providing the applicable Wage Determinations?
Wage Determination was provided as Attachment 5 to this solicitation.
| 14. |
| M67854-17-R-7401/Page 61 |
| Section L.3 |
| The government allocates 20 pages for the bidder to address Factors 1 through 4 in their Technical Proposal. |
Question: Due to the number of tasks and subtasks in the PWS, could the government grant a larger page count to allow bidders to fully address the range of requirements in the PWS?
See Solicitaion Amendment 0001 - L.3., Technical Proposal, Factor 1-4 page limit is increased to 25 pages.
| 15. |
| M67854-17-R-7401/Page 63 |
| Section L.4.B.iii |
| The government requested that "The offeror shall submit a Compensation Plan for Professional Employees in accordance with FAR 52.222-46." |
Question: In what document does the government want the compensation plan?
Compensation plan shall be submitted as part of the pricing information in the Price Proposal volume.
| 16. |
| M67854-17-R-7401/Page 71 |
| Section M, Factor 6 |
| The government states that the small business strategy will be consistent with the small business subcontracting plan, but does not allocate any page count in the Technical or Price proposals for a small business subcontracting plan. |
Question: Can the government clarify where the subcontracting plan belongs in the proposal, and what the page limit will be?
Submission of a subcontracting plan with the proposal is not required.
| 17. |
| Attachment 4: Government Furnished Property |
PWS
3.5.5, 3.5.6, 3.5.6.1
| Question: In reviewing attachment 4, there is a list of GFE assets available for the Tier I, Tier II and Tier III war-gaming efforts. Are there any additional GFE provided for the war gaming activities? |
| Att 4 GFE list is not limited to Tier I-III wargames. These laptops are intended to be available for daily work in support of this contract. |
| 18. |
| Attachment 4: Government Furnished Property |
| 3.5 |
| Question: The List of GFE provided in the attachment 4 only includes laptops. Please provide clarification whether the laptops are the only components of the architecture that need to be managed by these PWS efforts? |
| The laptops are the only GFE; however there are other IT assets that remain in Govt control that will be managed in accordance with the PWS. |
| 19. |
| PWS |
| 3.5 |
| Question: Section 3.5 states “Performance of this function will require access to TS/SCI information.” However other subsections state SharePoint sites may be classified as secret or unclassified. Based on the latter, the expectation is that everyone performing the tasks under 3.5 require a TS/SCI clearance. Can you clarify the government’s intent? |
| As stated in PWS 3.5.2, no TS/SCI SharePoint sites will be created or maintained, however performance of other requirements in 3.5 will require TS/SCI access. |
| 20. |
| PWS |
| 3.5 |
| Question: Paragraph states “Performance of this function will require access to TS/SCI information.” What makes this a TS/SCI function, is it due to the classification of the data captured or is it due to the nature of the wargame activities? |
| The majority of wargames are conducted at the SECRET level. Designated wargames may be at the TS/SCI level or include elements at the TS/SCI level. The classification is due to the information and inputs utilized to design the wargame that meets the sponsor’s desires. |
| 21. |
| PWS |
| 3.5.2; 3.6.1; 3.10.2.2 |
| Question: The PWS requires that the SharePoint / Web applications / software being implemented in support of the war gaming activities. Will these need to support connected and disconnected clients or just open and closed networks with the infrastructure provided? |
| For every wargame a SharePoint site is developed to support Government and non-government agencies, with the Government as the granting authority to view and/or edit within the site. |
22.
PWS
3.5.5
| Question: In reviewing the technical PWS sections under 3.5, Is there configuration documentation showing the environments architecture (network components, interconnections etc.)? Are these available via AMRDEC or a web site with CAC enabled access? |
| Every wargame will require a unique network configuration based on the wargame sponsor’s requirements. A list of current IT inventory is provided for planning purposes as Attachment 8 to the solicitation. See Solicitation Amendment 0001. |
| 23. |
| PWS |
| 3.5.5 |
| Are there specific GFE equipment or processes that need to be leveraged in support of these efforts (e.g. tools)? |
| A list of current IT inventory is provided for planning purposes as Attachment 8 to the solicitation. See Solicitation Amendment 0001. |
| 24. |
| PWS |
| 3.6.2.1; 3.6.2.2 |
| Question: The PWS requires both NIPR / SIPR environments and managing the network architecture for the wargaming efforts. Are these open or closed networks? What network equipment, components or configurations are being used for connected and disconnected operations? |
| Both open and closed depending on the wargame requirement. |
A list of current IT inventory is provided for planning purposes as Attachment 8 to the solicitation. See Solicitation Amendment 0001.
| 25. |
| PWS |
| 3.6.2.3 |
| Question: The PWS requires web site backup and archive. What tools are used or is this a manual process? Does the hosting environment or government provide GFE to manage the backups? |
| This is a manual process and the Government will provide GFE to manage the backups. |
| 26. |
| PWS / Enhanced Wargaming Modeling and Simulation (M&S) |
| 3.10.3 |
| Question: Can the Government please provide some insight on the types of M&S capabilities and tools utilized during the execution of Tier I wargames (for example Expeditionary Warrior)? |
| Currently the Marine Corps Wargaming Division does not primarily utilize M&S models into any Tier Wargames. In the last 3 years the Wargaming Division has, on two occasions, utilized the Joint Medical Planning Tool and on one occasion used CAS (Consumption and Supply) model. The Government’s expectation under PWS 3.10.3.1 is that the Contractor will evaluate M&S products, both Govt identified and Contractor identified, and determines whether those products will enhance wargame performance. |
| 27. |
| PWS / Enhanced Wargaming Modeling and Simulation (M&S) |
| 3.10.3 |
| Question: Can the Government please provide some insight on the types of M&S capabilities and tools utilized during the execution of Tier II wargames (for example Expeditionary Warrior)? |
| Currently the Marine Corps Wargaming Division does not primarily utilize M&S models into any Tier Wargames. In the last 3 years the Wargaming Division has, on two occasions, utilized the Joint Medical Planning Tool and on one occasion used CAS (Consumption and Supply) model. The Government’s expectation under PWS 3.10.3.1 is that the Contractor will evaluate M&S products, both Govt identified and Contractor identified, and determines whether those products will enhance wargame performance. |
| 28. |
| PWS / Enhanced Wargaming Modeling and Simulation (M&S) |
| 3.10.3 |
| Question: Can the Government please provide some insight on the types of M&S capabilities and tools utilized during the execution of Tier III wargames (for example Ellis Group Series of wargames)? |
| Currently the Marine Corps Wargaming Division does not primarily utilize M&S models into any Tier Wargames. In the last 3 years the Wargaming Division has, on two occasions, utilized the Joint Medical Planning Tool and on one occasion used CAS (Consumption and Supply) model. The Government’s expectation under PWS 3.10.3.1 is that the Contractor will evaluate M&S products, both Govt identified and Contractor identified, and determines whether those products will enhance wargame performance. |
| 29. |
| PWS / Enhanced Wargaming Modeling and Simulation (M&S) |
| 3.10.3 |
| Question: What type of M&S capability / system / tool is being used to replicate / simulate / emulate the common operating picture during the execution of a wargame? |
| The Marine Corps does not and has not utilized M&S to replicate / simulate / emulate the common operating picture during the execution of a wargame. The Government’s expectation under PWS 3.10.3.1 is that the Contractor will evaluate M&S products, both Govt identified and Contractor identified, and determines whether those products will enhance wargame performance. |
| 30. |
| Solicitation Section B |
| ITEM NO 0003 |
| Reads: CDRLs IAW Attachment 3-x. What does x stand for? Plus there is no “Attachment J” included in the solicitation. |
| Administrative error in CLIN 0003. This should read “IAW Exhibits A-N”. See Solicitation Amendment 0001. |
| 31. |
| Solicitation Section L |
| 52.215-1 Instructions to Offerors - Competitive Acquisition (Jan 2004) |
(2) The first page of the proposal must show Are we to include all of this information on the Title Page of the proposal? Sections (i –ii) are always on the title page, but sections (iii – v) usually are included in the cover letter and signatures don’t appear until the 2nd page. Please clarify.
These requirements are too extensive to fit on one page.
FAR Provision 52.215-1 use of “first page” is referring to the SF33 (Sect A). The offeror filling out the appropriate sections of the SF-33 fulfills the requirement of the clause. This does not preclude the Sec L requirement to provide a cover letter.
| 32. |
| Solicitation Section L |
| ??? Model Contract ??? |
| Where in the proposal should signed Standard Form 33, and signed amendments (whatever form they are on) be located? |
| The SF33 is Sect A of the model contract (See FAR 15.204-1, Uniform Contract Format). Amendments are acknowledged in Block 14 of the SF33. |
| 33. |
| Solicitation Section L |
| B. Price Proposal (ii) Model Contract |
| Is Section A, Standard Form 33? |
| Yes. See FAR 15.204-1, Uniform Contract Format. |
| 34. |
| Solicitation Section L |
| Factor 4 - resumes |
| Since resumes do not have a page limitation, can they be submitted as an attachment to Volume I, referring back to Factor 4? |
| Resumes are submitted as part of the Technical Volume but are excluded from the page limit. |
| 35. |
| Solicitation Section L |
| Section L.4 Proposal Instructions, Section B. Price Proposal, Paragraph iii Pricing |
| Para iii Pricing states, in the last line, that “The offeror shall submit a Compensation Plan for Professional Employees in accordance with FAR 52.222-46.” Must offeror’s teammates, or subcontractors, also submit a Compensation Plan? |
| The Compensation Plan must address all proposed employees that meet the definition of “Professional Employee” as shown at FAR 22.1102. |
| 36. |
| Solicitation Section L |
| Section L.4 Proposal Instructions, Section B. Price Proposal, Paragraph iii Pricing |
| No instructions are given, neither for offeror or subcontractors, about delivery of sealed packages. Please amplify. |
| A single proposal should be submitted by the prime offeror only. See Sect L.1.H. for delivery and marking requirements. |
| 37. |
| Solicitation Section M |
| M.3.2 rating For factor 5, Past Performance |
| Paragraph states “The greater the prior effort’s relevance, the more the quality of the performance on that effort will affect the overall rating.” How will the Government determine the quality of our past performance? |
| IAW DoD Source Selection Procedures 3.1.3.1.3, a separate quality assessment rating is not required; rater, the past performance confidence assessment rating is based on the overall record of recency, relevancy and quality of performance. |
| 38. |
| Exhibit A-N |
| Data Item A012/Block 3 & Block 16 Remarks |
| In block 3 the subtitle is Command Chronology Report. In Block 16. Remarks: BLOCK 4: it talks about the POA&M. Should “POA&M” be replaced with the words “Command Chronology Report”? |
| Administrative error; replace “POA&M” with “Command Chronology” in remarks block 4. |
| 39. |
| Section M - Evaluation Factors for Award; Page 71 |
| "The sum of the extended prices, to include Government determined "Not To Exceed" prices for travel…" |
| This statement implies that the government will provide plug values (Not to Exceed) prices for travel, however a plug value has not been provided. Can you please provide the travel plug value to be used for proposal purposes? |
| Offerors are not required to include travel pricing in their proposal (L.4.B.iii), however, the NTE costs for travel are as follows; |
CLIN 0002 - $130,000
CLIN 1002 - $133,900
CLIN 2002 - $137,917
CLIN 3002 - $142,055
CLIN 4002 - $146,316
| 40. |
| PWS |
| 3.2.1 |
| Does the government prefer or proscribe any wargame design framework or, defer to any published reference(s) on the subject? |
| No. We utilize the expertise of the contractor support organization to specifically tailor each and every wargame to meet the needs of the sponsor. The design of each wargame is a collaborative process between the Contractor, Wargaming Division and the wargame sponsor. |
| Does the government desire that government personnel participate in wargaming events as friendly “blue” forces only or will government personnel be made available to participate as opposing “red” forces as well? |
| The Contractor shall be responsible for supporting Wargaming Division’s planning and execution of wargames. The Contractor shall not be a direct participant in the wargame as either “red” or “blue” forces. |
| 42. |
| PWS |
| 4.1.1 |
| Are contractor personnel required to hold the clearances specified in Section 4.1.1 prior to the awarding of the contract or submission of a proposal or, is clearance eligibility sufficient? |
| IAW L.1.B, offerors must have an active TS/SCI facility clearance to be eligible for award. The Govt will verify this after receipt of proposals. The Contractor must be prepared to provide personnel with appropriate clearances in order to meet the requirements on the 1st day of the Period of Performance. |
| 43. |
| Solicitation |
| Sec B, CLIN 0004-0006 |
| Are the estimated quantities for Senior Consultant I-III hours specified in Section B, Items 0004 through 0006 of the RFP to be viewed as minimums, maximums or, the government’s estimates of the number of hours required to fulfill the requirements of the PWS? |
| These quantities are estimated annual maximums for all requirements, however, IAW solicitation B.1, this is a dollar based, not quantity based contract. This means that the Govt may order hours above the quantities shown if required. |
| Can the government provide any guidance on how eligible “additional locations” as referenced on Page 6 of Attachment 3 (DD254) are identified and approved? |
| Additional locations are identified and approved by the Govt approximately 9 months in advance to support wargame sponsor requirements. |
| 45. |
| Solicitation |
| Sec B, CLINs 0007-0010 |
| Are the “Additional” Tier I/II/III/IV wargames specified in Section B, Items 0007-0010 of the RFP considered stand-alone “a la carte” items which will be conducted at the convenience of the government or are they to be considered part of the minimum annual program requirements as specified in the PWS and Section B, Item 1001 of the RFP? |
| CLINs 0007-0010 are additional wargames above and beyond the Base Wargaming Program. See PWS 3.9. |
| 46. |
| PWS |
| 3.10.3.1 |
| Is the contractor expected to integrate the evaluation of alternative modeling and simulation (M&S) programs as specified in Section 3.10.3.1 of the PWS into the conduct of the WGD program or evaluate them separately? I.e. integrate M&S platforms under evaluation into wargame events or evaluate them in a sterile environment external to the WGD program? |
| The Government’s expectation under PWS 3.10.3.1 is that the Contractor will evaluate M&S products, both Govt identified and Contractor identified, and determines whether those products will enhance wargame performance. |
| What are the “government formats” required for CDRL items A003-5, A007-8 and, A011 as specified in Exhibits C-E, G, H and, K? |
| These CDRLs will be prepared using Microsoft Office tools as specified in the individual CDRL. The Govt will provide formats for each document to the Contractor. |
| Can the government provide examples of “government-approved formats” required for CDRL items A0012 and A0013 as specified in Exhibits L and M? |
| The command chronology (A012) is prepared in Microsoft Word in accordance Marine Corps Order 5750.1H. The Key Documents Archive (A013) is an existing SharePoint site that will be maintained by the Contractor. |
| 49. |
| CDRL |
| A013 |
| Can the government provide examples of approved “data centralization tools” as referenced in CDRL Item A013/Exhibit M of the RFP? |
| The Key Documents Archive (A013) is an existing SharePoint site that will be maintained by the Contractor. |
| 50. |
| PWS |
| 3.1.3 |
| In reference to Section 3.1.3 of the PWS: Concerns related to the handling of classified materials aside, does the government prefer wargames and/or related events to be conducted aboard government facilities or at off-site locations? |
| All classified wargames shall be conducted aboard Government facilities. It is possible that unclassified wargames may be conducted at non-Government facilities. |
In Section 3.6.1 there is a reference to creating a Sharepoint site. What version of Sharepoint is currently being used?
SharePoint 2013.
| 52. |
| PWS |
| 3.6.3 |
| In 3.6.3, it is requested that the contractor shall design and create graphics for wargame documents, posters, and other related materials. Will this be print only, or digital as well? |
| Both print and digital. The Govt will provide all equipment and materials required to support this requirement. |
United States Marine Corps