J.27_Answers_to_Offeror_Questions.pdf

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Question/Issue/Concern Response

1 Solicitation - L.3.B.2

"The Offeror shall use a standard page and line numbering system to facilitate proposal references. Number consecutive pages within each section of each volume.

Charts, graphs and other insert materials shall be page-numbered as part of the page numbering system. All lines of text shall be consecutively numbered within Volumes."

Since part 1 is an excel spreadsheet, not in paragraph form, is line numbering required?

The Government is unclear what “part 1” references. However, Excel spreadsheets do not require line numbering.

Solicitation - L.7.A. Section 1:

Pricing Information

The tenth column, 2nd bullet reads “Then, summing up the rates per row from third column to ninth column”. This number is then to be multiplied by the total number of hours. Instead of a summation should this value be an average?

The tenth column, 2nd bullet was updated via solicitation A0004.

The verbiage was changed to, "Then, providing a mean average per row from third column to ninth column."

3 General Issue When referring to the fringe, it is clear it is wanted in Dollar amount not percentage. However, is it required to be by the hour, by the month, or by the contract?

The requirement for fringe benefits in Section L.8(E) was updated via solicitation amendment A0004. Offerors shall include a narrative of what fringe benefits are provided, as well as a provide fringe benefits as a percentage of direct labor (for the first task order).

Solicitation L.8.E.

Section 5:

Compensation Plan

Since the Government is requesting a compensation plan, shouldn’t the following FAR clause be inserted: 52.222-46 (Evaluation of Compensation for Professional Employees), as prescribed in Subpart 22.1103 (Policy, procedures, and solicitation provision)?

FAR Clause 52.222-46 was included via solicitation amendment A0003.

Solicitation L.8.E.

Section 5:

Compensation Plan

Is there a requirement for subcontractors to submit a compensation plan? If so, and due to the sensitive nature of the proprietary information contained within a compensation plan, request subcontractors be allowed to place copies in sealed envelopes and provide the sealed envelopes to the prime for submission.

Section L.8(E) was updated via solicitation amendment A0004.

The Offeror shall submit a total compensation plan setting forth salaries and fringe benefits provided by the prime contractor and principal subcontractor(s) (list of fringe benefits with a narrative description) proposed for the professional employees who will work under the contract.

Subcontractors may place copies in sealed envelopes and provide to the prime for submission.

Solicitation L.3.B.

Proposal Format (Table 1: Proposal Page Limits and Number of Copies)

Would the Government consider removing the 6-page limit associated with compensation plans, as 6 pages will not allow offerors to detail a total compensation plan which would allow the Government to evaluate plans to assure that they reflect a sound management approach and understanding of the contract requirements, as required per FAR 52.222-46 (Evaluation of Compensation for Professional Employees)? This is especially pertinent if subcontractor compensation plans are expected to be included in the total page count.

The page limitation for Compensation Plan was updated via amendment A0004. The Compensation Plan page limit was changed from 6 pages to 25 pages. Prime contractors are responsible for coordinating the total pages submitted with subcontractors who submit through sealed envelopes so that when all documents are submitted they do not exceed 25 pages.

Solicitation L.7 Volume III – Price Proposal

Could the Government confirm as to whether the not-to-exceed figure of $20,000 for ODCs is for Cost of Living Allowance (COLA)? If so, would the Government re-evaluate this figure, as based on the U.S. Department of State’s COLA percentages, this figure does not appear to be enough.

The Cost of Living Allowance shall be included in the price of the proposed labor.

Solicitation L.7 Volume III – Price Proposal

Is there another authoritative source other than the U.S.

Department of State’s Office of Allowance that the Government is expecting the Contractor to use for the calculation of Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) amounts?

Offerors may make the determination from which source to factor in a Cost of Living Allowance and include such Allowance in the price of the proposed labor. There will not be a separate line for Cost of Living Allowance.

Solicitation L.7 Volume III – Price Proposal

Would the Government consider allowing the Contractor who is awarded the contract to utilize a fixed COLA percentage in lieu of adjusting it bi-monthly in consonance with ever-changing COLA percentages?

Offerors may make the determination on how to price the Cost of Living Allowance. The Government will not adjust the contract price due to fluctuating Cost of Living Allowance.

10 Solicitation G.4 Withholdings

Since Offeror’s pricing and staffing plan is based on a LOE based on the TEEP, and that the contractor will be monetarily penalized if a course is cancelled for failure to provide a certified instructor, would the Government confirm as to whether the Contractor would be compensated for teaching additional courses in excess of those specified in the TEEP?

For instance, if the TEEP shows ten convenings of a particular course, but the government asks the winner to provide 15 courses, necessitating the hiring of new, yet to be fully certified instructors, and the contractor fails to provide a certified instructor to teach those courses, the way this solicitation reads, the contractor will forfeit money.

So, if the TEEP shows ten convenings of a particular course, but the government asks the winner to provide 15 courses, thus necessitating the hiring of new, yet to be fully certified instructors, and the contractor is able to provide a certified instructor for every convening of the course, can we be expected to be paid extra for exceeding the requirement?

The successful Offeror will not be compensated for teaching additional courses in excess of those identified in the Combined TEEP (Attachment J7), nor will a downward adjustment to contract price be made for projected courses included in the Combined TEEP that may be cancelled by the Government and therefore not taught by the successful Offeror. The courses identified in the Combined TEEP are included with the solicitation so that Offerors are provided sufficient information to prepare competitive proposals and on an equal basis. While all risk or every uncertainty cannot be removed from the Combined TEEP, the courses projected are the Government's best understanding for the quantity and timing for each course at the time of the solicitation. To assist in managing both the Government and Contractor's performance risk, the quarterly Program Management Review included within the Base Contract PWS (Attachment J1), paragraph 3.1.14.8.2, as well as the Bi-weekly Working Group Meeting specified in paragraph 3.1.14.8.3 of Attachment J1 are intended to identify and resolve scheduling concerns.

11 Solicitation L.5.A.

Technical Volume.

Our staffing plan is provided to meet the requirements as enunciated in the TEEP, provided as Attachment 7. Please describe the mechanism the government will use to permit the contractor to increase the size of the workforce should there be additions to the TEEP over time.

The Combined TEEP (Attachment J7) is a "living document." While every attempt has been made to identify and include all known events on the Combined TEEP, there are occasions where schedules may shift, projected exercises or events may be dropped from the Combined TEEP, and previously unidentified exercises or events may be added to the Combined TEEP. The Base Contract PWS, paragraph 3.1.9.1 addresses short notice support requirements. As a performance based contract, the staffing level required/size of the workforce to meet required performance objectives of the contract is established by the successful Offeror and not the Government.

Solicitation L.3. B Table 1: Proposal Page Limits and Number of Copies

Vol III Price lists a Sect I Pricing Information and Section II Pricing Table. L.7.A Section 1: Pricing Information Section is Listed but Section 2 has no guidance. But a new section was included at the end the table instructions on page 10 of 14 Amendment 2 and on page 9 of 11 of amendment 2 which added:

Offerors shall price Task Order 0001, CLIN 0001 IAW PWS paragraphs 3.2.1-3.2.4, 3.2.7, 3.2.8.b, and 3.2.9. Offerors shall price Task Order 0001, CLIN 0002 IAW PWS paragraphs 3.2.5, 3.2.6, and 3.2.8.a. Task Order 0001 pricing for CLINs 0001 and 0002 shall be inclusive of the Task Order 0001 period of performance dates specified in paragraph L5 (26 Apr 2018 -28 Feb 2019). Is this Section 1 or is it in Section 2?

The updated language is part of L.7.A Section 1. A conformed copy of the RFP will be issued along with solicitation amendment A0004 for ease of reading.

L.7.A Section Pricing Information Section 1

Included at the end the table instructions on page 10 of 14 Amendment 1 and on page 9 of 11 of amendment 2 which added: Offerors shall price Task Order 0001, CLIN 0001 IAW PWS paragraphs 3.2.1-3.2.4, 3.2.7, 3.2.8.b, and 3.2.9.

Offerors shall price Task Order 0001, CLIN 0002 IAW PWS paragraphs 3.2.5, 3.2.6, and 3.2.8.a. Task Order 0001 pricing for CLINs 0001 and 0002 shall be inclusive of the Task Order 0001 period of performance dates specified in paragraph L5 (26 Apr 2018 -28 Feb 2019). Are labor categories needed for both prime and sub?

Labor categories shall be proposed for both the prime and its subcontractors.

14 General Issue

While there is no pricing delineation among the various locations in the RFP, the cost of labor is typically not the same across the various CONUS and OCONUS locations.

Will the Government accept multiple rates for the same labor category located at different sites?

Section L.7 of the solicitation was updated via amendment A0004, requiring offerors to submit a separate worksheet for labor categories in each location.

15 General Issue

Are all curriculum support personnel required to be either at C2TECOE HQ, Quantico, VA, or one of the remote locations or can a portion of the courseware development be performed at contractor location?

C2TECOE Curriculum Development and Management requirements identified in solicitation Attachment J13, paragraph 3.2.4.a, "Conditions" states, "located at the C2TECOE headquarters in Quantico, VA." Thus, all curriculum support personnel must be located in Quantico, VA.

16 General Issue If contractor location is an option for courseware development, is a Secret classification still required for personnel performing unclassified work?

C2TECOE Curriculum Development and Management requirements identified in solicitation Attachment J13, paragraph 3.2.4.a, "Personnel Requirements" states, "Secret clearance."

17 General Issue Task orders are currently identified as FFP; will FFP LOE be considered? Or a hybrid? The Solicitation Attachment J18

The contract type is not a Firm Fixed Price Level of Effort as described in FAR 16.207. Only Firm Fixed Price orders will be issued. Per Section L, the Government intends to utilize the denotes a level of effort structure with hours and labor categories broken out by PWS paragraph and location.

proposed fixed hourly burdened rates and individual labor categories in order to evaluate fair and reasonable pricing for all other task orders awarded under the IDIQ.

18 General Issue Will Subcontractors be required to submit un-sanitized proposals directly to the Government? If yes, what method of submission? Would email submission be acceptable?

As indicated in the solicitation amendment A0004, principal subcontractors will be required to submit data, in accordance with L.8(E). Subcontractors may submit the information in sealed envelopes for submission with the prime's proposal. Email submissions will not be accepted.

19 General Issue Will Subcontractor’s be required to attend the Post Award Conference (PAC) kickoff meeting?

The successful Offeror will determine who from among their particular business arrangement should attend the Post Award Conference.

20 General Issue

This effort is subject to FAR 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards, however wage determinations for the locations listed in IDIQ PWS paragraph 3.1.9, Locations and Hours of Work, were not provided. If contract subject to FAR 52.222-41, please provide applicable wage determinations.

FAR Clause 52.222-41 was removed via solicitation A0003.

Solicitation Section I, FAR 52.216-7 Allowable Cost & Payment.

This clause is applicable to cost-reimbursement and time & material type contracts, not FFP. Please remove this clause from the RFP.

This clause is included, as some elements of this contract are Cost-Reimbursable, e.g. 0003, 0004, 1003, 1004, etc. This clause will not apply to any Firm Fixed Price CLINs.

Solicitation Section I, FAR 52.217-8 Option to Extend Services.

This clause contains a Government fill-in. Please incorporate this clause in full text into the RFP.

This clause was removed via amendment A0003, as the Government is not evaluating the prices of such an extension.

Solicitation Section I, FAR 52.230-2 Cost Accounting Standards, FAR 52.230-3 Disclosure and Consistency of Cost Accounting Practices, 52.230- 6 Administration of Cost Accounting Standards, 52.230-7 Proposal Disclosure – Cost Accounting Practice Change

RFP is a small business set-aside and CAS regulations are not applicable to small businesses. Please remove these clauses from the RFP.

These clauses were removed via solicitation amendment A0003.

Solicitation Section I, DFARS 252-215-7002 Cost Estimating System

This clause is applicable to solicitations and contracts to be awarded on the basis of Certified Cost or Pricing Data.

There is not a requirement for Certified Cost Pricing Data in the RFP. Please remove this clause.

This clause is removed via solicitation amendment A0003.

Solicitation Section I, DFARS 252.243-7002 Request for Equitable Adjustment

This clause is applicable with FAR Part 12 procedures are used. The RFP looks like it is using FAR Part 15 procedures.

Please remove this clause.

This clause is removed via solicitation amendment A0003.

Solicitation Section I, DFARS 252-203-7004 Display of Hotline Posters

This clause is applicable if DHS is providing disaster relief funds. Will DHS disaster relief funds be funded under this effort? If not, please remove this clause.

The use of this clause is not limited to DHS funded efforts.

DFARS 203.1004((b)(2)(ii) states "Unless the contract is for the acquisition of a commercial item, use the clause at 252.203-7004, Display of Hotline Posters, in lieu of the clause at FAR 52.203-14, Display of Hotline Poster(s), in solicitations and contracts, if the contract value exceeds $5.5 million. If the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) provides disaster relief funds for the contract, DHS will provide information on how to obtain and display the DHS fraud hotline poster (see FAR 3.1003). Paragraph (b)(2) of this clause discusses DHS while paragraph (b)(1) discuss all other efforts.

Solicitation FAR 52.217-9 Option to Extend the Term of the Contract

This clause was not incorporated into the RFP in full text.

Please incorporate this clause into the RFP. This clause was made full text via solicitation amendment A0003.

Solicitation Section L, L.8 Volume IV – Contract Information

Please confirm that Offeror is not required to submit signed SF30s for amendments to this RFP as amendments will be acknowledged in block #14 of the of the SF33 and SF33 continuation pages if more than 4 amendments are released under this effort.

Offerors shall acknowledge receipt of all amendments released under this effort. If more than 4 amendments are issued, Offerors shall contain either signed SF33's for each of the amendments, or a narrative in the proposal acknowledging receipt of each amendment.

Solicitation Section L, L.8 Volume IV – Contract Information

Please confirm that Offeror is only required to submit the pages of the RFP that require fill-in (i.e. Section K, etc.) and that a complete RFP file is not required to be submitted.

Offerors do not need to submit sections of the RFP that do not require completion (e.g., Section E, Section F, etc.), in order to comply with all of the terms and conditions of the solicitation.

However, omissions of items required by the solicitation, including but not limited to Section B pricing, fill-in clauses in Section K, and items required by Section L of the RFP, may make an Offeror’s proposal unawardable.

Solicitation Section L, L.8 Volume IV – Contract Information

Please confirm that Offeror may enter the proposal validity period in block #12 of the SF33 in lieu of providing a statement in our proposal submission.

Offerors may enter the proposal validity period in Block #12 of the SF 33 when submitting the proposal. However, as stated in Section L.12 of the solicitation, the validity period shall be no less than 180 days.

31 Unspecified

The RFP doesn’t provide any insight into how Okinawa allowances for things such as cost of living and housing should be handled; there is no information about such allowances being included as ODCs.

1. Will Okinawa cost allowances, such as cost of living and housing, be allowable as ODCs or should they be included in the fully burdened hourly rates?'

2. Will the Okinawa personnel be living on a Govt.

installation or will they have to obtain their own housing?

3. Will the Okinawa personnel have any access to any Govt.

benefits such as meals, fuel, etc.?

4. The RFP contains a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) for Korea, but nothing for Japan. Is there a SOFA for Japan?

(1) Okinawa cost allowances, such as cost of living and housing, shall be included in the fully burdened rates. Living costs will not be reimbursed as ODC’s.

(2) Government housing is not available for the successful offeror. The successful offeror will be required to provide housing/housing allowance, which shall be included in the fully burdened rate.

(3) Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR), DoD Commissary, and Armed Services exchange privileges may be extended to employees of the successful offeror, consistent with applicable laws, regulations and policies. In many cases, the authority to extend privileges to DoD contractors is delegated to the installation commander. To the extent that any of the aforementioned privileges may be extended to DoD contractors engaged in providing services under this contract the authority to do so will be determined by the appropriate approval authority after contract award.

(4) Status of Forces for Japan is incorporated in Section J, via solicitation amendment A0004.