N00024-17-R-4310-0001_Response_to_Bidders_Questions.pdf

N00024-17-R-4310

Response to Bidders’ Questions - Amendment 0001

NAVSEA REFERENCE NUMBER: NAVSEA-001

NAVSEA SHIP/PROGRAM: Salvage Services – Solicitation N00024-17-R-4310

TITLE/ REFERENCE: ___Individual Dive Teams/ship or platform_______________ PAGE NO. _____N/A______

QUESTION:

Can Individual Dive teams bid this project or must they have their own ship or platform?

DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE ---- (SPACE BELOW FOR GOV'T USE ONLY)

Government Response:

Actual ownership of ship or platform is not a requirement. However, Section L, paragraph 3.1, subparagraph Subfactor 3(b), directs Offeror to state the “Contractual method by which the assets will be placed on-hire…”

NAVSEA REFERENCE NUMBER: NAVSEA-002

TITLE/ REFERENCE: Accounting System PAGE NO. 76/77

Page 76/77; 5.1 General Information;

item e) please advise if a DCAA approved Accounting System is required prior to award of this work.

item f) please advise if a DCMA approved Purchasing System is required prior to award of this work.

SF33; Block 9 - please advise if the contracting officer will consider an extension of 21 days if the answer to the above questions is 'yes' as additional time will be required to seek approvals.

Offerors shall note that an approved accounting system is required for contract award. The solicitation has been amended to include additional instructions regarding a Pre-Award survey. Please see Section L, paragraph 5.7 and Attachment L-5 Pre-Award Survey AF1408. Attachment L-5 is provided as an option to complete for offerors who do not have an approved accounting system.

An approved purchasing system is not required but the Administrative Contracting Officer may request a Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR) during post-award.

The solicitation has been amended to extend the proposal submission date by 14 days (2:00pm, 05 May 2017). See Page 1, Box 9 of Amendment 0001.

NAVSEA REFERENCE NUMBER: NAVSEA-003

TITLE/ REFERENCE: Section L-3, 5.0 Volume III – Cost Proposal PAGE NO. 75-81

Are Offerors required to have an approved Cost accounting System at the time of proposal submission or by award of contract?

Offerors shall note that an approved accounting system is required for contract award. The solicitation has been amended to include additional instructions regarding a Pre-Award survey. Please see Section L, paragraph 5.7 and Attachment L-5 Pre-Award Survey AF1408. Attachment L-5 is provided as an option to complete for offerors who do not have an approved accounting system.

NAVSEA REFERENCE NUMBER: NAVSEA-004

REQUEST FOR CLARIFICATION

NAME OF OFFEROR: _________________________

Would this Solicitation include the Vessel Service as well?

Individual orders placed may require vessel support from either Offeror’s owned or contracted vessels.

NAVSEA REFERENCE NUMBER: NAVSEA-005

NAVSEA SHIP/PROGRAM: Salvage Services – Solicitation N00024‐15‐R‐4115

TITLE/ REFERENCE: SOLICITATION, OFFER AND AWARD PAGE NO. 1 through 89

We note that the solicitation number is given as “N00024-17-R-7310” on pages 1 through 89 which does not coincide with the file name or the number listed on this form (N00024‐15‐R‐4115) or the number listed in Fed Biz Ops . In order to ensure we have the correct documents and are properly responding, please advise the correct solicitation number and which documents have been issued.

DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE ‐‐‐‐ (SPACE BELOW FOR GOV'T USE ONLY)

The correct solicitation is N00024-17-R-7310 which supersedes N00024-15-R-4115. The solicitation has been amended to reflect the correct solicitation number. See Amendment 0001.

NAVSEA REFERENCE NUMBER: NAVSEA-006

TITLE/ REFERENCE: Title: Attachment L-1/Pricing Scenario PAGE NO. N/A

We note that the Excel spreadsheet is not editable for cost of salvage ships or parts and materials. How are costs of contractor equipment competitively considered if we do not list the costs of equipment in the cost proposal? Are there caps on the costs of salvage ships?

For evaluation purposes only, the cost of equipment has been pre-established in Attachment L-1 Pricing Scenario, tabs L005, L006 and L007. Actual orders placed on this contract can vary widely based on the requirement, therefore, the equipment estimate serves as a representation of equipment required for the subject priced scenario.

There is no cap on the cost of salvage ships, however, as stated in the solicitation under Section I, FAR clause 52.216-9, no single order shall not- exceed $43M. In addition, per the CONTRACT MINIMUM/MAXIMUM QUANTITY AND CONTRACT VALUE CLAUSE, the maximum order value per year shall not exceed $43M.

The cost of Offeror owned vessels is to be no more than that given to “best commercial customers” at the time of tasking.

NAVSEA REFERENCE NUMBER: NAVSEA-007

REQUEST FOR CLARIFICATION (For requests of extensions, email Michaella.Easley@navy.mil)

TITLE/ REFERENCE: Title: 3.1 Technical Approach/Equipment Descriptions PAGE NO. 71

Regarding number (3):

"Contractual method by which the assets will be placed on-hire and cost elements to operate the assets on a twenty-four (24) hour a day basis, and any standby or transit rate differential;”

We note that this section is not part of the Cost Proposal, will you consider the costs listed in this section as an evaluation factor for cost?

Are daily rates for contractor-owned equipment required to be listed in this section?

Government Response:

Offerors shall not include any cost information (dollar value) under Volume II. Section L, paragraph 3.1, instructs Offerors for the “cost elements” taken into consideration for acquiring the vessel and an explanation on the contractual method that asserts those terms and conditions.

For evaluation purposes only, the cost of equipment has been pre-established in Attachment L-1 Pricing Scenario, tabs L005, L006 and L007. Actual orders placed on this contract can vary widely based on the requirement, therefore, the equipment estimate serves as a representation of equipment required for the subject priced scenario.

The daily rate for owned equipment is not a part of this RFP.

NAVSEA REFERENCE NUMBER: NAVSEA-008

REQUEST FOR CLARIFICATION (For requests of extensions, email Michaella.Easley@navy.mil)

TITLE/ REFERENCE: Title: 3.1 Technical Approach/Sub Factor 4: Personnel PAGE NO. 71

Please provide more detail regarding what constitutes "adequate rationale of exceptional experience” as a substitute for education. Is this experience to show equivalency to the education requirement? Is a specific number of extra years of experience required to satisfy the education requirement?

Exceptional experience definition is at the discretion of the Offeror; however, it will be evaluated based on the evaluation criteria set forth in Section M of the solicitation. Offerors shall provide sufficient documentation and explanation to support the basis of its rationale of exceptional experience.

NAVSEA REFERENCE NUMBER: NAVSEA-009

TITLE/ REFERENCE: Title: 4.0 Past Performance PAGE NO. 74 through 75

We note that each past performance operation is limited to 2 pages. Does this limit only apply only to the “material aspects” or is it intended to limit the entire description of the complete operation? Is there a total page limit for the past performance section?

As noted in the solicitation under Section L, paragraph 1.1, there are no page limitations to past performance.

However, there is a 2 page limit for each description of the complete operation.

“The Offeror should clearly identify each operation and limit the description of the operation to two (2) pages,” applies to Section L, paragraph 4.0 Past Performance, Type 1: Self Evaluation, subparagraph e).

See Amendment 0001.

NAVSEA REFERENCE NUMBER: NAVSEA-010

TITLE/ REFERENCE: Page Count . PAGE NO. _____67/68________________

Is the resume page count separate from the page count of the total Technical Proposal? In the Section 1.1 Table on page 67, the Technical Proposal page count is limited to 45 pages and Resumes are limited to 2 pages each but don’t seem to be included in the 45. However, the Proposal Formatting Instruction (7) on page 68 that states “All Offeror documentation such as ….resumes… are included in the 45 page limit.” seems to contradict that.

The 2 page limit for resumes are included in the 45 page limit for the Technical Proposal. As stated in Section L, the Technical Proposal allows for additional space under the Addendum.

NAVSEA REFERENCE NUMBER: NAVSEA-011

REQUEST FOR CLARIFICATIONS

TITLE/ REFERENCE: ____Number of Divers___________ PAGE NO. _____Sked A Pg 1______

There is a minimum of 1 diver required. Should this number be higher (3-4)?

The minimum number of diver resumes required in response to the solicitation is 1. Individual Orders placed on this contract may require more.

NAVSEA REFERENCE NUMBER: NAVSEA-012

TITLE/ REFERENCE: __Foldouts____________________________ PAGE NO. ______68___

Are there any specific instructions on what can or cannot be contained in a foldout? Proposal Formatting Instruction

(7) on page 68 appears to allow foldouts but no specific instructions were found defining limitations on foldout content.

Offerors may utilize foldouts on 11” x 17” paper for any other documentation it deems appropriate and/or necessary in addressing the evaluation factors in the Technical Proposal.

NAVSEA REFERENCE NUMBER: NAVSEA-013

TITLE/ REFERENCE: ___Past Performance as Factor 3___________ PAGE NO. ____74_____________

Should page 74 paragraph 4.0 “Past Performance” read “3.3 Factor 3 – Past Performance”? The Evaluation factors on page 84 refer to Past Performance as ‘Factor 3’. Defining that the same way on page 74 would help in the formatting of the factor and subfactor paragraphs. Similarly, on pages 74 and 75 should “Type 1: Self-Evaluation” be instead “Subfactor 1 – Self Evaluation”; and “Type 2: Customer Evaluation” be instead ‘Subfactor 2 – Customer Evaluation”?

Government Response:

Section L, paragraph 4.0 PAST PERFORMANCE is a part of Volume II, but a separate factor from the Technical Capability. Paragraph/ subparagraph numbering in Section L and Section M are not related.

Past performance has no sub-factors.

NAVSEA REFERENCE NUMBER: NAVSEA-014

TITLE/ REFERENCE: ___Number of Customer Evaluations___ PAGE NO. ____75_____________

Is there a maximum number of ‘previous contracts that information is provided on by providing past performance questionnaires’? Does the government desire to limit the number of these evaluations?

There is no maximum number for past performance questionnaires. As noted in the solicitation under Section L, paragraph 1.1, there are no page limitations to past performance except as noted in in the table under Section L, paragraph 1.1.

NAVSEA REFERENCE NUMBER: NAVSEA-015

TITLE/ REFERENCE: ___Schedule B Cost Components__ PAGE NO. __Attachment L1, Sheet L003_____

In the Attachment L1 spreadsheet on worksheet L003, the offeror is required to list ‘Daily Rates’ for positions indicated. However, there is an asterisk next to the Direct Labor column indicating each column should show the ‘hourly rate’ associated with each category. Should that “hourly rate” be “Daily Rate”?

The Government requires the daily rate, however, Attachment L-1 Pricing Scenario, tab L003 includes an example for offerors to show how the hourly rate is calculated to derive a daily rate. In this example, the daily rate is derived from the typical hourly rate of the worker. Offerors shall use their own methodology to show how the daily rate was developed.

Please also note that Section M, paragraph 3.0 EVALUATION FACTORS, subparagraph Factor 4 – Cost, states that “…a full man-year of effort equates to 2,080 hours.” A worker on an annual salary would be divided by 2,080 to get the hourly rate first before calculating the daily rate.

NAVSEA REFERENCE NUMBER: NAVSEA-016

NAVSEA SHIP/PROGRAM: Salvage Services – Solicitation

TITLE/ REFERENCE: Solicitation, Offer and Award PAGE NO. 1-89

We note that the solicitation number is given as in box 3 of the RFP. However, other solicitation numbers are referenced throughout the RFP, its attachments and FedBizOpps (www.fbo.gov).

Please confirm correct solicitation number.

The correct solicitation is N00024-17-R-7310 which supersedes N00024-15-R-4115. The solicitation has been amended to reflect the correct solicitation number. See Amendment 0001.

NAVSEA REFERENCE NUMBER: NAVSEA-018

TITLE/ REFERENCE: Small Business Subcontracting Plan (NAVSEA) (Jun 1999) PAGE NO. 84

Offeror will make good faith effort to seek out small business, veteran-owned small business, service-disabled veteran-owned small business, HUBZone small business, small disadvantaged business, and women-owned small business to subcontract to provide services or supply materials and equipment as required in FAR 52.219-9 and FAR 19.702.

In the event that these small businesses cannot provide the mandated 5% total of services, materials and equipment, what is offeror’s recourse? Can we then subcontract with other suppliers who are not under the category of small business?

Government Response:

In accordance with Section L clause, HQ L-2-0009, Offerors shall make good faith effort and have plans for successful implementation of meeting small business goals. If congressionally mandated goal cannot be met, a detailed explanation shall be provided explaining why.

NAVSEA REFERENCE NUMBER: NAVSEA-019

TITLE/ REFERENCE: HQ G-2-0009 SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING INVOICING (NAVSEA)

(APR 2015) PAGE NO. 33

Offeror understands that the award fee compensation is subject to evaluation after work under the delivery order is complete. However, it is not clear if contractor may perform progress invoicing on costs other than the award fee.

If progress billing is allowed on costs other the award fee, at what frequency may contractor invoice?

For example, may contractor submit biweekly invoices for contractors vessels and personnel, less the award fee?

Government Response:

The Contractor may provide interim invoices prior to completion of the tasking at their discretion.

Invoices for cost incurred, minus award fee, may be billed in accordance with the Supplemental and Wide Area Workflow Payment Instructions delineated in the solicitation. Amendment 0001 replaces 52.232-25 Prompt Payment with 52.232-25 (Jan 2017) Alt I Prompt Payment.

NAVSEA REFERENCE NUMBER: NAVSEA-020

TITLE/ REFERENCE: Issuance of Delivery Orders PAGE NO. 24

Offeror requests clarification on what would happen if contractor were to commence performance of work on specific delivery order that has an initially defined cost limit that must be exceeded to complete the work?

Examples would be if the work has complications or changes in scope that would bring the total cost above the preset limit stated in the Delivery Order.

All delivery orders shall be subject to the Limitation of Cost clause (FAR 52.232-20) and Limitation of Funds clause (52.232-22). In the event complications or changes in scope result in increased costs to the delivery order, the Contractor shall comply with the aforementioned clause and consult with the on-site 00C representative for further directions. If increased costs and funds to the delivery order is deemed necessary, a modification will be executed by the Contracting Officer.

NAVSEA REFERENCE NUMBER: NAVSEA-021

TITLE/ REFERENCE: Scheduled Labor Rate Narrative PAGE NO. 78

How does offeror find the DCAA FPRA approved rates for the requested personnel in this solicitation?

The cognizant contract administration agency is responsible for establishing FPRA. If the Offeror does not already have an FPRA established at time of proposal submission, substantiating and adequate rationale explaining the basis of the proposed labor rates shall be provided in the cost proposal.

NAVSEA REFERENCE NUMBER: NAVSEA-022

TITLE/ REFERENCE: Award Fee Determination and Reclama Procedures PAGE NO. 14

Please clarify the process for Government approval of final report, including the required content of the report duration of the approval process?

The process for Government’s approval of the final report is delineated in Exhibit A009. See Data Item A009 for format requirements and approval timeline for Final Report.

NAVSEA REFERENCE NUMBER: NAVSEA-023

TITLE/ REFERENCE: 5.0 VOLUME III – COST PROPOSAL PAGE NO. 75

Should offeror include cost proposal information on the offeror’s owned vessels and equipment that is delineated in VOLUME II – TECHNICAL PROPOSAL? If yes, will this rate information be used in the cost evaluation of each offeror?

Offerors shall not include any cost information under Volume II. Cost information shall only be included in the Volume III.

For evaluation purposes only, the cost of equipment has been pre-established in Attachment L-1 Pricing Scenario, tabs L005, L006 and L007. Actual orders placed on this contract can vary widely based on the requirement, therefore, the equipment estimate serves as a representation of equipment required for the subject priced scenario.

The RFP does not require Offerors to propose a Scheduled rate for owned vessels and equipment.

NAVSEA REFERENCE NUMBER: NAVSEA-024

TITLE/ REFERENCE: Sub-factor 4: Personnel PAGE NO. 71

Solicitation has the following wording: “In the event that education qualifications are not fully satisfied for a proposed employee in an allowed position, the Offeror must provide adequate rationale of exceptional experience to support the suitability of the employee for performance under the contract.”

Please clarify what constitutes “adequate rationale of exceptional experience”.

Exceptional experience definition is at the discretion of the Offeror. However, it will be evaluated based on the evaluation criteria set forth in Section M of the solicitation. Offerors shall provide sufficient documentation and explanation to support the basis of its rationale of exceptional experience.

NAVSEA REFERENCE NUMBER: NAVSEA-025

TITLE/ REFERENCE: Priority of Performance PAGE NO. 25

Solicitation has the following wording:

“Priority will be given to the performance of any Delivery Order issued in circumstances of compelling need and unusual urgency over any commercial work of the Contractor. The Contractor will accept and immediately perform such Delivery Order, and it will be issued on a “Per-Diem/ Cost-Plus Award Fee” basis.”

If contractor has vessels, equipment and/or personnel that are performing commercial work under contract to a third party, does the Government expect the contractor to break the contract with the third party in order to utilize the vessels, equipment and/or personnel for the performance of the delivery order?

The Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) rating for this requirement, as reflected on Page 1 of the solicitation is DO-A3. This rating is critical to national defense. Offerors shall note that all DO rated orders have equal priority and take precedence of unrated (commercial) orders.