M9549420Q0021 QA Responses.pdf

# Question Government Response

1 Within the RFP at 52.212‐1, Addendum‐Instructions to Offerors‐Commercial

Item, it states "Pursuant to the authority at 41 U.S.C and in accordance with

FAR Subpart 13.5, this solicitation is limited to Public and Private Universities only. Quotes submitted by other sources will not be considered for award."

Are there any restrictions on number or types of organizations that a university prime can propose as subcontractors?

The solicitation and limited source justification and approval (LSJA), specifically restricts the RFP to public or private universities as the prime contractor. That means a contractor team arrangement in which a university would form a partnership or joint venture with a corporation and act as other than a prime contractor does not comply with the terms of the RFP. Public and private university Offerors may subcontract with private companies, but the final research must be in the name of the public or private university serving as the prime contractor. Partnership between universities is acceptable.

2 The RFP states that the study should examine both models of integrated recruit training occurring at MCRD Parris Island. Is it expected that the training that occurs at MCRD San Diego will also be examined?

Yes, while MCRD San Diego currently does not train female recruits, the study contractor should consider the training methods being used at MCRD San Diego in its conclusions/recommendations of the Final Report. As stated in PWS

Section 9.0, the Government has anticipated that travel will be required not only to MCRD Parris Island, SC but also to MCRD San Diego, CA.

3 When are the expected dates of Basic Training in FY20 and FY21, to observe and test during one of the newer ELT gender‐integrated training model?

At this time the expected FY21 dates to observe the newer model of integrated training are: 10/19/20, 11/9/20, 12/13/20, 2/8/21, 3/8/21, and 4/5/21. These dates represent when training will begin and each training cycle is 3 months long. These dates are subject to change and coordination for observation must be done through the Sponsor's Project Officer.

4 Is the older ELT gender‐integrated training model wherein a female series trains alongside a male company, still in use at MCRD Parris Island or MCRD

San Diego?

As stated in PWS Section 2.0(a), the older gender‐integrated model is still in use at MCRD Parris Island.

5 As academic institutions we have extensive interest and commitment to publishing peer‐reviewed manuscripts in high impact journals. In addition to the final report and peer‐reviewed manuscript that is required as a part of this project, can requests be made to the Contracting Officer for publishing more of the data as peer‐reviewed manuscripts? We are willing to submit these additional manuscripts for required approvals prior to submission.

Per the contract, all work produced is the property of the Government. Release can be approved by the Contracting Officer.

6 The RFP states that the period of performance shall consist of a one‐year base period and one six (6) month option. Will inclusion of the option period be considered in the decision‐making process? Does the government expect the schedule of deliverables to occur within the 12‐month base period?

The Government will evaluate quotes inclusive of the full period of performance

(technical and price). All deliverables must be completed within the total period of performance, base plus option period, in accordance with the limitations provided in the PWS.

7 What are the USMC’s contingency plans for the non‐local travel outlined in

Section 9.0 b in the RFP if travel and/or in‐person data collection is constrained due to the ongoing global pandemic?

The Government has no specific contingency plans for non‐local travel. Contract performance can be adjusted by the Contracting Officer based upon conditions at the time of performance.

8 Are contractors expected to include contingency plans or alternative methods of data collection and assessments in their response to address the ongoing global pandemic that may prohibit non‐local travel and in‐person data collection (as outlined in Section 9.0 b in the RFP) during the period of performance?

Offerors are not expected to provide contingency plans or alternative methods of data collection and assessments in their offers. Contract performance can be adjusted by the Contracting Officer based upon conditions at the time of contract performance.

9 The Government's LSJA included an estimated cost of $2,018,074.56 for this effort. Should Offerors use this amount while developing our proposals?

Offerors are encouraged to evaluate the requirements of the PWS and propose a price consistent with the Offeror’s technical approach. The dollar estimate inlcuded in the LSJ is only an estimate; Offerors are not required to bid to this amount.

M95494‐20‐Q‐0021 Solicitation Questions and Responses