N00039-18-R-0009 - RFP Q&A Set_1 - 01 March 18.pdf

CANES Training Virtual Environment - N00039-18-R-0009

# QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE WILL RESULT IN A RFP

CHANGE?

1 We cannot access the NSERC CANES website noted in “How to Request NSERC Account” where it states Go to the following URL https://esgweb.nswc.navy.mil/accountrequest with my SPAWAR issued navy CAC. Do you have to be on a government computer to access this site? Can you provide assistance/instructions on how to obtain the NSERC Account?

The Government has determined that each Offeror will access the N00039- 18-R-0009 RFP documents through AMRDEC instead of the PMW 160 NSERC website. The attachment "How to Request an NSERC Account" will be removed from E-commerce. The attachment DD2345 - Export Controlled Information Instruction has been updated to reflect the correct email address for Jennifer Zornow (Jennifer.L.Zornow@navy.mil), to add Amy Rickey (Amy.Rickey@navy.mil) and to remove NSERC references.

No RFP change.

2 On page 67 of the RFP the government states that the Prime Contractor can provide no more than 3 references for a total of 9 pages. On Page 70 the government states “and no more than five references total”. Will the government allow up to 5 past performance submissions in total with the Prime, Subcontract and Consultant?

Section L-TXT-04, Paragraph 3.1.3 FACTOR 3 - PAST PERFORMANCE has been updated to reflect a maximum of three (3) previous contracts.

Yes, update to RFP Section L. See Amendment 0001 for revision.

3 The government states a specific date of “By Date of 30 November 2018” for obtaining delivery of the CANES Training Virtual Environment in order to obtain the maximum agreed to Incentive fee. Can the government provide a delivery date that tied to the award date. E.g. 180 days after award vs 30 November 2018?

Section B NOTE (paragraph (d)) "DETERMINATION OF INCENTIVE BONUS FOR SCHEDULE PERFORMANCE" of CLIN 0001 has been udpated to reflect delivery dates tied to the award date of this contract.

Yes, update to RFP Section B. See Amendment 0001 for revision.

4 Please clarify how we are to use the 'Volume Content Type Suffix' in L-TXT-04 Paragraph 2.1.2. Are these suffixes to be used as the section headings, or in addition to section headings?

The use of "Volume Content Type Suffix in L-TXT-04 Paragraph 2.1.2 is to facilitate a naming convention for submitted electronic files. They should be used in addition to section headings left up to the discretion of the Offeror.

No RFP change.

5 Is each Section, such as 'V1.TECH' and 'V1.CORP EXP' intended to be submitted as a separate file? If so please note that 'V2.C/P' contains an invalid character.

Each Offeror must submit TXT-04 Paragraph 2.1.2 - V1.TECH' and 'V1.CORP EXP' as a separate file. The Government has changed 'V2.C/P' to V2.C-P to accommodate electronic submittal.

Yes, update to RFP Section L. See Amendment 0001 for revision.

6 Is Glossary required in each volume, or just once (in Technical volume)?

A Glossary is to assist the Government in understanding unique terms that may be unfamiliar. A Glossary is required for every Volume.

No RFP change.

7 The required Reference Information Form does not conform to RFP margin requirements. The provided attachment has .5" top and .44" bottom margins. The table in the form is 7.5" wide. Should we include it in its original form, or use a smaller font be used to fit it within the margins?

The margin requirements do not apply to Attachment (6) Reference Information Form. See updated Attachment (6) Reference Information Form (Rev 1).

Yes, update to RFP Section J. See Amendment 0001 for revision.

8 RFP L-TXT-04 Paragraph 2.1.2, table row for Vol I Section 4 notes the exclusion of "DD294s / DD295s, DCMA Compliance Letter & evidence of commitment." DD294s / DD295s, and DCMA Compliance Letter are not mentioned again in the instructions for Section 4. Please clarify what pieces are required.

Section L - paragraph 2.1.2 Proposal Format table has been updated to remove verbiage " exclusion of "DD294s / DD295s, DCMA Compliance Letter & evidence of commitment".

Yes, update to RFP Section L. See Amendment 0001 for revision.

CHANGE?

9 The cover letter (Vol III) requires both a 'Statement of unconditional assent to all terms, conditions, and provisions included in the RFP' and 'exceptions shall be provided in the cover letter.' Please clarify, as the first statement seems to disallow any exceptions, and what is expected in Vol III Sec 4 (Exceptions).

The Volumes Table within 2.1.2 and Section 3.3 under L-TXT-04, SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS (COMPLEX) were revised. "Exceptions" to the RFP has been removed.

Yes, update to RFP Section L. See Amendment 0001 for revision.

10 Vol III Contract Docs. The RFP gives two different structures; please clarify what sections are required and correct naming/numbering convention. The table on page 67 shows Section 1: Cover Letter, Section 2: SF33, Section 3: Completed Sections B&K, Section 4:

Exceptions to RFP, Section 5: Subcontracting Plan. Each of these numbered sections is associated with a 'Volume Content Type Suffix.' In instructions on page 83-84 however, the structure is: SECTION A -

COVER LETTER, SIGNATURE PAGE (SF33), COMPLETED SECTIONS B

AND COMPLETED SECTION K, 3.3.2 SECTION B - SECURITY

CLEARANCE LEVELS, SECTION C - SMALL BUSINESS

SUBCONTRACTING PLAN, SECTION D - FOREIGN OWNED

SUBCONTRACTORS

The Volumes Table within 2.1.2 and Section 3.3 under L-TXT-04, SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS (COMPLEX) were revised.

Yes, update to RFP Section L. See Amendment 0001 for revision.

11 In reviewing the Subject RFP I see where Offeror can submit questions regarding the solicitation, but don’t seem to find a deadline date/time. Is there one and if so, what is the NLT date and time to submit questions?

The deadline for submitting questions is fifteen (15) calendar days before the closing date of this RFP.

No RFP change

12 References – RFP - L-TXT-16 SUBMISSION OF ELECTRONIC PROPOSALS – a. Offerors shall submit their proposals electronically to SPAWAR no later than 1400 San Diego local time on 15 March 2018. RFP - Section J - List of Documents, Exhibits and Other Attachments - Attachment 8: Technical Documents, via PMW 160 NSERC to include Bill of Materials, Training Curriculum and Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals. Question - RFP Section J references additional technical documents available via PMW 160 NSERC. We have attempted to access these documents for almost a week without success, and still do not have access. Given these difficulties in accessing RFP documentation, would the government consider granting a two week extension to the due date to allow for a more thorough examination of the technical documents? This additional time would also permit all bidders to provide a stronger response, delivering more easily evaluated proposals and greater competition.

See Government response to Question #1. The Government has extended the due date of Proposals to 26 March 2018.

Yes, update to RFP Section L. See

CHANGE?

13 Solicitation N00039-18-R-0009 was issued on 15 February 2018, with Offeror responses 28 days later (15 March 2018). Proposal content requirements, as defined in Section L.2.1, Proposal Organization, Format and Content), are extensive - particularly those involving Volume II (Cost/Price Proposal), for which proposed subcontractors must provide the same level of detail as the Prime.

Question: As no draft Section L was released to allow Offerors to initiate actions to expedite proposal responses in advance of the release of the solicitation on 15 February 2018, will the Government extend the proposal due date by two weeks to help ensure adequate competition is received and to provide Offerors adequate time to coordinate proposal development and submission activities with their subcontractors?

The Government has extended the due date of Proposals to 26 March 2018.

Yes, update to RFP Section L. See Amendment 0001 for revision.

14 In the chart on page 67 of the RFP (Proposal requirements) in the Past Performance section it states “Relevant Experience Form (3 pages maximum) to be provided in response to section 2, above.”

Can you please provide clarity as to whether PP is a distinct factor, or is the intent to have it as part of the Corporate Experience Factor?

Past Performance is a distinct factor. No RFP Change

15 On page 84 of RFP it states “For Bidding/Proposal purposes the estimated effective date of contract award is 06 July 2018.” Is it correct to assume that if Award date changes the Incentive periods for delivery move proportionally?

See Government response to Question #3. Yes, update to RFP Section B. See Amendment 0001 for revision.

16 What is the Governments acceptance process upon delivery?

Specifically, in what timeframe and by what process will the Gov’t evaluate the delivery for CLIN 0001 meets all requirements?

The Government will evaluate the delivery of CLIN 0001 against the Task Order 0001 CANES Training Virtual Environment Statement of Work (SOW) and the Task Order 0001 CDRLs.

No RFP change.

17 Does ordering year 2 (CLIN 004) begin upon delivery or acceptance of CLIN 001? Should an offeror begin the PoP for CLIN 004 following their estimation of end date of CLIN 001?

There is one five year ordering period. CLIN 0004 will not be ordered until the second year of the ordering period; therefore, hours are shown only in the second, third, fourth, and fifth year of the five year ordering period for CLIN 0004. Offerors should propose rates associated with these hours assuming an award date of 06 July 2018.

Yes, update to RFP Section M. See Amendment 0001 for revision.

18 If our subcontractor teammates have a T&M subcontract do they need to submit a sealed package?

Yes, all subcontractor cost breakout information will need to be submitted to the Government. This can be done either through the Prime or the Subcontractor can submit directly to the Government.

No RFP change.

19 It is presumed that the Basis of Estimate (BOE) portion of the Cost Volume (for CLIN 0001) will be submitted by the Prime offeror and contain all necessary BOE substantiation references even if they are from a subcontractor program. Is that correct?

Yes, the BOE portion of the Cost Volume that is submitted by the Prime should contain all substantiation from subcontractors.

No RFP change.

CHANGE?

20 Since the labor category names are provided in CLIN 004, it is presumed that an offeror should use the same labor categories in the development of cost/price for CLIN 001. Is that correct?

CLIN 0001 is a Completion type Task Order. Offeror shall propose those labor categories that will reflect the effort in Task Order 0001 SOW.

No RFP change.

21 Can you please provide the PoP dates for each CLIN so rate development can be correctly calculated?

There is only one PoP listed Section F. The PoP date for CLIN 0001 and 0002 will be changed to "Date of Task Order through 12 Months thereafter". See Government response to Question #18 for information on CLIN 0004.

Yes, update to Section F.

See Amendment 0001 for revision.

22 Can an offeror add addiotnal WBS elements found within the Global WBS that would provide more clarity to scope performed under

CLIN 001?

Yes. No RFP change.

23 The hours in CLIN 004 Year 2 total to 32,520 not 35,520 as depicted in the RFP documents. Can the Government please adjust?

The hours for CLIN 0004 - Ordering Period 2 has been changed to 32,520. Yes, update to RFP Section L. See Amendment 0001 for revision.

24 Who is the incumbent on the training pilot project? There is no incumbent for the requirement under RFP N00039-18-R-0009. No RFP change.

25 Under what contract were the current training environment and courseware developed? Can the government provide the names of the contractors and the associated SOWs?

RFP N00039-18-R-0009 is a new requirement. No RFP change.

26 RFP section 3.1.3 FACTOR 3- PAST PERFORMANCE states Nine, 9 pages maximum a. Offerors shall prepare and submit up to three, 3 Reference Information Sheets… Offerors shall cite at least one reference from the prime offeror, no more than one reference from any subcontractor, and no more than five references total. Can the second statement be changed to reflect no more than three references total?

See Government response to Question #2. Yes, update to RFP Section L. See Amendment 0001 for revision.

27 RFP 3.1.3 b. states, in part, Part 15 of the Reference Information Sheet requires offerors to provide a summary description of contracts … for each cited reference.” However, the Reference Information Sheet’s Part 15 is an indicator if Past Performance Information is in CPARS, PPPIRS, or not in either. Can bidders add a box 16 to the Reference Information Sheet and populate it with the summary description of the contract?

See updated Attachment (6) Reference Information Form (Rev 1). Yes, update to RFP Section J. See Amendment 0001 for revision.

28 Understanding Offerors are to upload final proposal submissions via SPAWAR E-CC, please advise if there is a maximum file size per document or file, e.g., 5MB, 10MB, 25MB per document/file.

There is no maximum file size per document or file for submission via

SPAWAR E-CC.

No RFP change.

CHANGE?

29 RFP L-TXT-04, Section 2.1.2, Proposal Volume Table (page 67) -- Volume I: Technical Proposal, Section 2: Corporate Experience (Factor 2) limits response to "Fifteen (15) pages maximum per relevant Experience Form, (Exclusive of CPARS evaluations (if provided in response to Section 3, below)." Please identify where to find the "Experience Form" referenced. Please also identify whether the 15 page limit applies to each Experience Form (as stated), or is a total page limit for the entire section (as indicated in 3.1.2).

The verbiage "Experience Form" has been deleted in Section L Volume Table within paragraph 2.1.2 under L-TXT-04, SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS (COMPLEX). Total page count for Section 2 (Factor 2) is 15 pages.

Yes, update to RFP Section B. See Amendment 0001 for revision.

30 Para (b) of Past Performance (Page 71 of RFP) directs a not to exceed one page addition to support Part 15 of the Reference Information Sheet. There is no "Part 15" included in the Reference Information Sheet provided as Attachment 6 to the RFP. "Block 15" on this Reference Information Sheet requires a Yes/No response to indicate if "Past Performance information for this contract is located in the Contract Assessment Reporting System (CPARS).."

Within Block 15 there is no place to add text for a summary description, etc. Can you please clarify what is required for each Past Performance citation, ie. is it the Reference Information sheet plus one page?

See updated Attachment (6) Reference Information Form (Rev 1). Yes, update to RFP Section J. See

Q&A Set #1