N00039-18-R-0009 - RFP QA Set 2 - 20 Mar 18 - Amendment 0002.pdf

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

# QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE WILL RESULT IN A

RFP CHANGE?

31 In reference to the Labor Categories provided on pages 74 and 75 of the RFP, can you provide additional clarity on qualifications? Government is mandating specific levels for each labor category, but different interpretation of requirements of those levels across Industry will cause significant cost variation in offeror submittals. In order to standardize the evaluation of cost in CLIN 004, it would be ideal for all offerors to have the same customer labor category qualifications. In the chart on page 74 of the RFP what does the B,C, D, E and F designation represent behind certain labor categories?

The Government has modified the labor categories in the Section L-

3.2.1 table and has included descriptions for clarity.

Yes, see Amendment 0002, Section L.

32 ATT2, TO1 SOW 5.3.6 requires support to 15 training events for 5 weeks each. Can the Government please provide locations and approximate dates for pricing purposes? Will these training events occur under CLIN 0004?

The locations of the training events are listed in the Task Order 0001 CANES Training Virtual Environment Statement of Work (SOW) in paragraph 5.3.2. Dates are To Be Determined (TBD) and largely dependent on when the Contractor completes the SOW and CDRL requirements and is ready to support training events.

No.

33 TO 0001 SOW Section 5.2.2 Virtual Hosting Environment and Interfaces refers to “replace the existing Technical Training Equipment currently used in San Diego, CA and Norfolk, VA.” What is the required DoD Impact Level for the new hosting environment? ex. IL2, IL4, IL5. Clarification: Reference - Based on the Solicitation PWS paragraph 5.3.2 Virtual Hosting Environment and Interfaces - "As directed by individual task orders the contractor shall deliver a full VE solution as described below in SOW Section 5.3.4, to include the hosting environment and interfaces that will replace the existing Technical Training Equipment (TTE) currently used in San Diego, CA and Norfolk, VA." Our assumption is that it has to be hosted in the cloud and if it does, we need to know the minimum impact level requirements for the system per the DISA Security Requirements Guide (SRG) https://iase.disa.mil/cloud_security/Pages/index.aspx.

Based on the DISA Cloud Computing Security Requirements Guide (CC SRG), CANES VE is an Impact Level 4 (IL-4) with the following caveats/assumptions:

- VE represents UNCLAS enclave only

- VE doesn't include any hosted system's data (could drive it to be National Security System)

- If VE includes HBSS, it only includes out of the box software (no USG-tailored policies or GOTS associated)

- Any passwords must be encrypted or not stored on the network (e.g., passwords included in installation instructions)

No.

34 RFP, Attachment (6) Reference Information Sheet - Page 67,70 - L.2.1.2 – Proposal Content Table; L.3.1.2 – Factor 2 – Corporate Experience. In the 2.1.2 table, a “Relevant Experience Form” is referenced for Corporate Experience. No mention of this form is made in the L.3.1.2 instructions. Question: Please clarify whether the Relevant Experience Form is the same as the Reference Information Sheet (RFP Attachment 6) required for use in Factor 3 – Past Performance. If not, please clarify what this form should be or provide it as an additional solicitation attachment. If the same, please indicate whether the Attachment 6 forms should be part of Section 2, Section 3, or both.

Attachment (6) - Reference Information Sheet - Rev 01 was incorporated in Amendment 0001

No.

35 RFP, pages 67,68, 72 - L.2.1.2 – Proposal Content Table; L.3.2 – Cost/Price Proposal. The Proposal Content Table identifies one file and one section associated with Volume II – Cost/Price Proposal, while L.3.2 identifies sections that require Word file format and Excel spreadsheet format. Question: Request clarification in the table regarding section titles and file names for Volume II – Cost/Price.

L.2.1.2 – Proposal Content Table; L.3.2 – Cost/Price Proposal has been revised in Amendment 0001.

No

36 RFP 67,68, 83, 84 - L.2.1.2 – Proposal Format table; L.3.3 – Contract Documents. L.2.1.2 identifies 5 sections to be included in Volume III: Section 1: Cover Letter, Section 2: Signed SF33, Section 3: Completed Sections B through K, Section 4: Exceptions to RFP, Section 5: Subcontracting Plan. However on page 83 of 94, Section 3.3, stipulates that Volume III should contain: 3.3.1 Section A Cover Letter, Signature Page (SF33), Completed Sections B and Completed Section K), 3.3.2 Section B – Security Clearance Levels, 3.3.3 Section C – Small Business Subcontracting Plan, 3.3.4 Section D – Foreign Owned Subcontractors. Question: Please clarify whether documents including those listed should be contained in a separately named file for each volume or whether they should be embedded into the first file associated with each volume.

See revised Amendment 0001 for update to L.2.1.2 – Proposal Content table. Use the suffix column for guidance. Offerors can submit separately or in one file.

No

# QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE WILL RESULT IN A

RFP CHANGE?

37 RFP page 68 - L.2.1.2 (1) Proposal Content: Format. Type size shall be Times New Roman and no smaller than 12 point in the text, drawings, figures, and tables. Note:

The larger font size may preclude the use of some key process-oriented diagrams due to the expanded footprint of such diagrams. Question: Request 8 point font for graphics/figures and drawings, and 10 point for tables.

Yes, L 2.1.2 Proposal Content has been updated to reflect 12 point for text, 10 point for spreadsheets and tables and 8 point for drawings and figures.

Yes, see Amendment 0002 for revisions to Section L.

38 RFP page 68 - L.2.1.2 (1) Proposal Content: Format. Standard margins shall be a minimum of one inch, excluding header and footer. Question: Request confirmation that headers and footers can be inside the margins identified.

Headers and footers are "excluded" of the standard margins of one inch.

No

39 RFP page 69 - 3.1 General Guidelines for Content: Format. The meaning of the following statement is unclear: “Offerors shall not exceed the page limitation by cross referencing other sections of their proposals.” Question: 1) Please clarify whether/how cross referencing other sections may exceed page limitations and 2) Is use of cross referencing to other sections allowed?

Cross referencing other sections of the proposal (whether it be one page or 5 pages) will become part of that section and as such, increase page count for that section.

No

40 RFP page 67, 70 - L.2.1.2 Proposal Content Table: L.3.1.3(a) Past Performance. 3.1.3 a states that Offerors shall prepare and submit up to three (3) Reference Information Sheets (RFP Attachment No. 6); 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. Note: There appears to be a conflict between the requirement for 3 pages per Relevant Experience Form, with up to five references allowed, but only 9 pages allowed for this section. Question: 1) Is it correct to understand that up to five (5) Reference Information Sheets are allowed, with a maximum of three from the offer and one each from up to two subcontractors? and 2) Request that the Government modify the current restriction of 9 pages for this section to allow 3 pages per Reference, for a maximum of 15 pages if five contract citations are included.

L.2.1.2 Proposal Content Table: L.3.1.3(a) Past Performance was revised in Amendment 0001. Offerors shall submit up to three (3) Reference Information Sheets with a maximum of 9 pages.

No

41 RFP, Attachment (6) Reference Information Sheet - page 70 - L.3.1.3 Factor 3 – Past Performance (a). PAST PERFORMANCE L.2.1.2 table states that there are to be 3 pages per Relevant Experience Form. L.3.1.3 states: “Offerors shall prepare and submit up to three (3) Reference Information Sheets (RFP Attachment No. 6) to explain the relevance and quality of the offeror’s past performance since 01 January 2013. Question: We understand that one of the three pages is the Attachment 6 form itself, and a second page is the text description of contract relevance. Please clarify what the third page would include. Did the Government intend for the summary description for each past performance reference in Factor 3 to be two pages?

Attachment (6) - Reference Information Sheet - Rev 01 was incorporated in Amendment 0001

No

42 RFP, Attachment (6) Reference Information Sheet (Part 15) - Page 71. L.3.1.3 Factor 3 –Past Performance (b) - 3.1.3 b indicates that Part 15 of the Reference Information Sheet requires offerors to provide a summary description of contract work, not to exceed one additional page, whereas the Reference Information Sheet (Part 15) requires the Offeror to identify whether the past performance information is located in CPARS/PPIRS. Question: Please clarify whether Part 15 of the Reference Information Summary Sheet is to be used to: 1) Respond to the instruction on the Reference Information Sheet regarding CPARS/PPIRS and 2) Provide a summary description of contract work, as stipulated in 3.1.3(b) 3) Both items 1 and 2 above.

Attachment (6) - Reference Information Sheet - Rev 01 was incorporated in Amendment 0001. The use of three pages is not mandatory.

No.

43 RFP, Attachment (6) Reference Information Sheet (Part 13), Page 71. L.3.1.3 Factor 3 - Past Performance (c) (5) Utilization of Small Business. L3.1.3 (c)(5) Past Performance instructions refers to: Compliance with FAR 52.219-9 “Small Business Subcontracting Plan”.

On Attachment 6 RIS form, Part 13 asks the offeror to "Attach a copy of your most recently submitted SF 294." Note: It is our understanding per the e-Gov eSRS, that "The Individual Subcontracting Report (ISR) is the former SF-294.” Question: 1) In the case where SF 294 is not available is it permissible to respond with Individual Subcontracting Reports (ISR)/Summary Subcontract Reports (SSR), which have been allowed on prior SPAWAR solicitations? and 2) Is the SF 294 (or the ISR) subject to page count restriction for each Reference Information Sheet?

1) Yes, you can provide ISR/SSRs through e-Gov eSRS if DD 294/295 are not available. 2) The SF 294 or 295, as required, is not subject to page count restriction. This answer supercedes the answer provided in Question #8 in Q&A Set #1.

See Amendment 0002 for revision to Section L and M - Factor 4

# QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE WILL RESULT IN A

RFP CHANGE?

44 RFP, Page 72. L.3.1.4 Factor 4 – Extent of Participation of Small Business - (2nd paragraph): “In addition, each prime contractor… shall submit their letter of intent for their teaming/subcontracting agreement with each proposed small business subcontractor… …only the signed letter of intent is required. (3rd paragraph): “only the signed cover sheet is required.” Question: There is a reference to a “signed letter of intent” and, later, to a “signed cover sheet”. 1. Please confirm that the signed letter of intent is the same as the signed cover sheet 2. Please confirm that the signed letters of intent constitute “evidence of commitment to utilize small businesses”, which is excluded from page count in the Proposal volume summary table in RFP L.2.1.2

1) No "signed cover sheet" was required in L.3.1.4 Factor 4 – Extent of Participation of Small Business, only the "signed letter of intent".

2) The "signed letters of intent constitute "evidence of commitment to utilize small businesses." The Government has made a change to L.3.1.4 Factor 4 – Extent of Participation of Small Business paragraph.

Yes, see Amendment 0002

45 RFP, Page 74 & 75. 3.2.1 Cost/Labor Information / 4) Engineering & Maintenance Services (CLIN 0004). “The offeror shall provide an estimated cost and fixed fee calculated using the labor categories and estimated hours provided below.” Estimated Level of Effort under CLIN 0004: The quantities of labor hours for each labor category shown below, which are to be used by the offeror for computing total labor costs, represent the Government’s current best estimate of requirements. (The Labor Hours table for Engineering & Maintenance Services (CLIN 0004). Question: Will the Government please provide guidance if the estimated Level of Effort is to be priced based upon On-Site (Government Facility) or Off-Site (Contractor Facility) or a specific mixed ratio by labor category and by ordering year?

For the purposes of establishing a ceiling of CLIN 0004, the place of performance will be at the Contractor Facility. See revised L-3.2.1 - Engineering and Maintenance Services (CLIN 0004) table.

Yes, see Amendment 0002

46 RFP, Page 76. 3.2.2 Supporting Cost Data / 2) a) BOEs (CLIN 0001 only). “The Offeror/subcontractor shall provide narrative Basis of Estimates (BOEs) for each WBS element for CLIN 0001 as provided in Cost Summary Format 4-5. The narrative shall provide a description of the work to be performed, the total hours proposed, labor categories, materials proposed, software licenses, and any other costs associated with that WBS element. … (to last sentence in a) Offeror shall note that pricing for this CLIN shall include the proposed Target Cost, Proposed Target Fee, and Target Cost plus Target Fee in accordance with Section B of the RFP.” Question: Will the Government please confirm that software licenses and associated costs for the required CANES GFE images are covered by the Government and not to be priced as part of the contractor’s materials quote for Task Order 0001?

Government Furnished Information that is provided to the Contractor for use under Task Order 0001 is only to be used in performance of this contract and is subject to DFARS Clause

252.227.7025 in Section I. As such, software licenses and associated costs will not need to be priced as part of an Offeror's proposal.

Section I is revised to include DFARS Clause 252.227.7025 and Task Order 0001 SOW has also been revised.

Yes, see Amendment 0002 and revised Task Order 0001 - Attachment (1) -

SOW

47 RFP, Page 83. 3.3.1 SECTION A - Bullet 1 references the cover letter. Bullet 2 references the submittal letter. Question: Please confirm these letters are the same document.

Yes, the cover letter and submittal letter is the same. Section L has been revised in Amendment 0002.

Yes, see Amendment 0002

48 RFP; Attachment (7) Small Business Participation Data, page 89. M-TXT-03 (6) – Factor 4 Small Business Participation - This section states that this factor will be assessed “in terms of the proposed value of the total acquisition”, then later states “the total proposed small business participation should be at least 33% of the total subcontracted amount” and “the Government will evaluate proposed percentages against the total proposed contract value” Question: Will the Government please confirm that the Small Business Subcontracting Goals (inclusive of each separate socioeconomic category’s goals) provided in the table of this section are a percentage of the total proposed subcontracted amount, not total acquisition value? Should the percentages in Attachment 7 be listed as a percentage of total subcontracted amount?

Yes, the Small Business Subcontracting Goals (inclusive of each separate socioeconomic category’s goals) are a percentage of the total proposed subcontracted amount. See revised Attachment (7) Small Business Participation Data in Amendment 0002.

Yes, see Amendment 0002 and Attachment (7) - Rev 01.

49 RFP, Page 90. Factor 5 – Evaluated Cost/Price / (d) (4) - “(d)…(4) the total evaluated Firm Fixed Price for CLIN 0006.” Question: Will the Government please clarify that the Firm Fixed Price CLIN that will be evaluated is CLIN 0007 since CLIN 0006 is “Not separately priced”?

Section M - Factor 5 -Evaluated Cost/Price section has been updated to reflect that CLIN 0007 will be used in total evaluated cost.

Yes, see Amendment 0002.

50 Attachment (1) Base SOW - page 6 - 5 Requirements (OPN) para 5. This experience shall include viable contingency plans for conducting training in the event of connectivity loss, to ensure that the 95% operational availability (Ao) requirements are met. Question: Will the Government please clarify that the connectivity loss described in Paragraph 5 refers to connectivity to the hosted training virtual environment and is independent of whether a particular schoolhouse location loses connectivity to the internet (e.g. physical equipment does not need to be pre-positioned in the classroom to provide a training solution in the case that a classroom loses the internet)?

The "connectivity loss" described in Attachment (1) - CANES Training VE Base SOW - Paragraph 5 Requirements is "connectivity loss" to the hosted training virtual environment, not the schoolhouse internet connectivity.

No

51 Attachment (6) (Part 13) - Page N/A - Block 13 question 13 b. If “Yes: to 14a, have you regularly submitted SF 294/295 reports on time? Question: Should this reference question 13a vice 14a?

Attachment (6) - Reference Information Sheet - Rev 01 was incorporated in Amendment 0001

No.

# QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE WILL RESULT IN A

RFP CHANGE?

52 RFP, Page 67, 72 - L.2.1.2 Proposal Format Table; 3.1.4 Factor 4 – Extent of Participation of Small Business. In the L.2.1.2 table, mention is made of DD294s/DD295s and the DCMA Compliance Letter; however, these items are not identified in the Factor 4 instructions in paragraph 3.1.4. Question: Please confirm if DD294s/DD295s and DCMA Compliance Letter requirements apply to Factor 4; if so, please provide specific instructions for their use for offeror’s compliance.

Although DCMA Compliance letters are not required; however, the offeror shall submit the two (2) most recently filed Individual Subcontractor Reports (ISRs) and/or DD 294s, for each contract listed in Factor 3 - Past Performance that were performed by the Prime offeror. Section L and M have been revised to reflect this requirement. This answer supercedes the answer provided in Question #8 in Q&A Set #1.

Yes. See Amendment 0002 and revised Section L& M.

53 Draft SOW Task Order 1, Para 2, Page 3. Question: SOW states: "For example, the correct CANES course trains CANES Hardware 1 (HW1) / Software 1 (SW1), but in the near future CANES program will field updates to both the HW and SW and the current TTE and training will not support these updates without significant revision. " For estimating purposes, does the government have an estimated percentage of the 5 week course that may require initial revision for Task Order 1?

The Government is unable to provide an estimated percentage of the 5 week course that would require initial revision for TO 0001, as this is dependent on an Offeror's solution. Recommend review of the OPNAVINST 1500.76 process as well as artifacts provided in Attachment (8) as guidance for curriculum update/ development.

No.

54 Draft SOW Task Order 1, Para 2, Page 11. Question: SOW states: "The contractor shall conduct T3 events with each baseline, which, for this TO will include SW1, SW1.2, SW2, SW2.0.1 and SW3. T3 events will provide Instructor-Led Training (ILT) utilizing the VE." Does the government anticipate a Train the Trainer event at each site for each configuration or a single train the trainer event at each site that encompasses all variants?

The expectation would be a single T3 event which prepares the instructors at each site to teach the whole course, to include all SW baselines.

Yes, see revised Attachment (2a) -

TO 0001 CANES

Training VE SOW via Amendment 0002.

55 RFP Section L.3.1.1; Subfactor 1.4, Page 69. Question: Delivery Schedule: The delivery schedule indicates a single due date. Is this schedule inclusive of all baselines (SW baselines 1.0, 1.2, 2.0, 2.0.1 and 3.0) or will the individual SW baselines and curriculum each have their own schedules?

Yes, the delivery schedule should be inclusive of all SW 1.0, 1.2, 2.0,

2.0.1 and 3.0 baselines.

No.

56 Draft SOW Task Order 1, Section 5.3.4 - Page 10. Question: SOW states “The VE shall be centrally located and accessible from any Electronic Classroom referenced in section 3.3.2.” Can the Government clarify if the VE is to be cloud based; is there a requirement to have a local insist of the VE in each of the eight (8) locations? Is the intent for students to log in virtually (cloud based) or will each SW Baseline being installed locally?

Attachment (2a) - TO 0001 SOW does not specify that the solution must be cloud-based. There is not a requirement to have a local instance of the VE in each of the eight (8) locations. Per the SOW, the solution should be hosted, centrally located, and remotely accessible.

No.

57 RFP, Section K, Page 50. Question: NAICS Code: Would the Government consider adding an exception to the NAICS code for military equipment in order for slightly larger businesses to qualify under the Small Business Subcontracting Plan?

For the purpose of this RFP, the NAICS will remain unchanged under 541330 with a size standard of $15.0M, with no exceptions. This is consistent with the NAICS that was utilized during market research.

No.

58 Draft SOW Task Order 1, Section 5. Question: SOW states "...contingency plans for conducting training in the event of connectivity loss, to ensure that availability requirements are met." If we start from the individual student and go out to the cloud VE solution, at what point does the connectivity loss occur? At the student's desktop/laptop network environment, when crossing the Internet, nearer to the cloud, or within parts of the cloud itself?

The solution should be available to the student with the Ao specified in TO 0001 SOW paragraph 5.0. The only exclusion is if the sites themselves have power or connectivity loss, outside the CANES Training Virtual Environment solution.

# QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE WILL RESULT IN A

RFP CHANGE?

59 RFP Section 3.2.1, Page 75. Question: Hosting Services (CLIN 0007) has pre filled the estimated hosting services cost. Is this an estimate the Government expects the contractor to use, or should the contractor fill in their own estimate?

The Estimated Hosting Service Cost dollar value provided in Section L ($5,000,000) plus the offerors Fixed Profit is the total value that offerors shall include in their completed Section B CLIN Pricing for CLIN 0007 to represent Ordering Years 2 through 5.

No.

60 RFP Section B, CLIN 0001, Page 2. Question: Payment of Incentive Fee: Will the Government calculate incentive fee based on target cost or allowable costs? Section B NOTE states that incentive fee is based on target cost. No

61 RFP Section B, CLIN 0003, Page 2. Question: Payment of Schedule Incentive Fee: Will the Government calculate the schedule incentive FFP bonus based on target cost or allowable costs from CLIN 0001?

Section B NOTE states that schedule incentive FFP bonus is based on target cost, excluding fee.

No

62 The “Proposal Content” subsection of Section L.2.1.2, Proposal Format, states “A page is defined as a sheet of paper that includes information. The electronic proposal shall be prepared, so that if printed, be on 8-1/2" X 11" paper format with single-spaced typed lines, including figures, glossaries, table of contents and cover sheets.”

Question: Will the Government allow Offerors to present drawings/figures in 11” X 17” paper format?

The Government will allow Offerors to present drawings/figures in 11” X 17” paper format. See revised Section L-2.1.2 Proposal Content.

Yes, see Amendment 0002

63 The “Proposal Content” subsection of Section L.2.1.2, Proposal Format, states “Type size shall be Times New Roman and no smaller than 12 point in the text, drawings, figures, and tables, and 10 point in spreadsheets. Standard margins shall be a minimum of one inch, excluding header and footer.” Question: Will the Government allow a smaller font size and different typeface, such as Arial or Arial Narrow, be used for drawings/figures, graphics and tables?

The Government has changed the font size for drawings/figures and graphics to Times New Roman, font size 8 and tables to font size 10 in L-2.1.2 Proposal Content.

Yes, see Amendment 0002.

64 For “Section 3: Past Performance (Factor 3),” the table in on Section L.2.1.2, Proposal Format states “Prime Contractor: Relevant Experience Form (3 pages maximum) to be provided in response to Section 2, above. (No more than 3 references total).” Section L.3.1.3 states “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.” Question: Will the Government confirm that the Offeror may include up to three (3) references for the Prime Offeror, no more than one reference from any Subcontractor, and no more than five (5) Relevant Experience Forms (Attachment 6 of the solicitation) total?

See revised Section L2.1.2 in Amendment 0001. No

65 For “Section 3: Past Performance (Factor 3),” the table in on Section L.2.1.2, Proposal Format, limits “the Relevant Experience Form” to “3 pages maximum.” Section L.3.1.3 requires the completion of the one page “Reference Information Sheet” (Attachment 6 of the Solicitation) plus “a summary description of contract work, not to exceed one additional single side page in length or each sited reference.” Question: Will the Government confirm that the “Relevant Experience Form” and the “Reference Information Sheet” refer to the same document (Attachment 6 of the solicitation) and that the length of each cited reference can be up to three pages (i.e., one page for the completed Attachment 6 and up to a two page “summary description of contract work”) consistent with the 3 page maximum referenced in Section L.2.1.2?

See revised Section L2.1.2 in Amendment 0001. No.

66 Subsection (b) of Section L.3.1.3, Factor 3 – Past Performance, states “Part 15 of the Reference Information Sheet requires offerors to provide a summary description of contract work.” The instructions provided in Part 15 of the Reference Information Sheet (Attachment 6 of the solicitation) do not include a requirement for a “summary description of contract work.” (Rather, the instructions reference CPARS and PPIRS information.) Part 14 of the Reference Information Sheet states “Reserved.”

Question: Will the Government clarify the instructions regarding where the provision of a summary description of contract work should be provided within the Reference Information Sheet (Attachment 6 of the solicitation)?

See revised Attachment (6) in Amendment 0001 No

# QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE WILL RESULT IN A

RFP CHANGE?

67 As part of Volume I (Technical Proposal) instructions, the last paragraph in Section L.3.1.4, Factor 4 – Extent of Participation of Small Business, states “Note: Large business concerns are required to submit a separate Small Business Subcontracting Plan in accordance with FAR 19.7 and FAR 52.219-9. The requirement for the Small Business Subcontracting Plan is in addition to the information required within the Small Business Participation section.” As part of Volume III (Contract Documents) instructions, Section L.3.3.3 states “Offerors, unless otherwise exempt…, shall, in accordance with FAR 19.7 and FAR 52.219-9, submit a Small Business Subcontracting Plan (or approved comprehensive plan), as part of Volume III.” Question: Should a Large Business Offeror submit their required Small Business Subcontracting Plan within their Volume III proposal only, or within both their Volume I and Volume III proposals? If the latter, please confirm that inclusion does not count against the 10 page maximum for Volume I Section 4, Small Business Participation.

A Large Business Offeror shall submit their required Small Business Subcontracting Plan within their Volume III proposal only.

No.

68 Section L.3.2.1.4), Estimate Level of Effort under CLIN 0004, provides a table with the estimated CLIN 0004 Level of Effort (LoE) for labor categories (LCATs) and associated hours. The CLIN 0004 instructions state “It is recognized that some of the Labor Category titles used in the solicitation may not exactly match the titles normally used in a particular company operation. Accordingly, in order to permit a rapid comparison between the anticipated labor team shown below and the offeror’s actual labor mix, each proposal must provide the following… c) A description of qualifications for each labor category as it applies to this requirement.” The CLIN 0004 LoE table provides “the Government’s current best estimate of requirements” in terms of LCATs, levels and hours. Absent the provision of minimum education and experience requirements for each LCAT and level, Offerors have the ability to map the Government-provided LCATs to levels of experience and education grossly inconsistent with 1) the Government’s expectations/estimate of CLIN 0004 labor; and 2) the actual labor mix needed to execute CLIN 0004 requirements within the hours specified. Question: Can the Government provide the minimum experience and education qualifications associated with LCATs and levels provided in the CLIN 0004 LoE table?

The Government has modified the labor categories in the Section L-

3.2.1 table and has included descriptions for clarity.

Yes, see Amendment 0002, Section L.

69 RFP Page 50, Section K; 52.204-8 Fill In - The RFP indicates a NAICS code of 541330 and a Size Standard of $15M. Question: Typically when DoD activities use the 541330 NAICS Code they also apply the Size Standard Exception “Military and Aerospace Equipment and Military Weapons” which then associates a $38.5M Size Standard. Will the Government correct the 541330 Size Standard to reflect $38.5M?

For the purpose of this RFP, the NAICS will remain unchanged under 541330 with a size standard of $15.0M, with no exceptions. This is consistent with the NAICS that was utilized during market research.

No.

70 RFP Page 64 Proposal Content and Page 71, Section L 3.1.4 Attachment 7, Small Business Participation Data form. Question: On Page 64, “Proposal Content”, it references “All information relating to cost and pricing type data shall be included only in the section of the proposal designated by the Contracting Officer as the Cost Proposal. Under no circumstances shall cost and pricing type data be included elsewhere in the proposal”. With the SB Participation Plan containing cost information, will the Government please confirm if the Small Business Participation (Factor 4) shall be included within Volume I: Technical Proposal?

These advisory statements have been revised in Section L to include "unless otherwise specified". Attachment 7 should remain in Volume I, Technical Proposal.

No.

71 Page 67, Section 2.1.2 Proposal Format Attachment 6, Reference Information Form. Volumes Content table , Section 2 Corporate Experience (Factor 2)and Section 3 Past Performance (Factor 3). Question: Do we have to complete Reference Information form for Corporate Experience and Past Performance sections both or just Past Performance only?

This was revised in Amendment 0001. No reference information sheet is required under corporate experience. The corporate experience described within this FACTOR 2 may also be used in FACTOR 3, Past Performance, of this solicitation.

# QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE WILL RESULT IN A

RFP CHANGE?

72 RFP Page 70, Section L 3.1.3 - Factor 3 – Past Performance. 1st sentence say “Offerors shall prepare and submit up to three (3) Reference Information Sheets …” 2nd sentence say “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. Question: a) Is the limit 3 or 5 references?, b) b) In section 3.1.3 Past Performance, government states, “…no more than one reference from any subcontractor”. Is the government’s intention to have only one reference per subcontractor or only one reference for the whole group of subcontractors?, c) c) Section 3.1.3 Past Performance, government states, “Citer references in the following order: prime, subcontractor, and then consultant.” Is the government classifying consultant as an independent contractor or can another subcontractor be considered a “consultant”?

a) The limit is three references. This was changed in Amendment 0001.

b) It is the intent to receive one reference per subcontractor and no more than two subcontractor references can be provided. Prime offeror must provide at least one reference. No more than three (3) references in total.

c) A subcontractor can be considered a "consultant".

No.

73 Attachment 1 SOW Page 7, 5.2.2 - “The contractor shall provide the following training management support activities,,, Question: The sentence talks about providing the “following” training management support activities – but does not have any list that follows.

The following references to activities noted in the first sentence of SOW para 5.2.2. The contractor shall provide the training management support activities identified in the CANES Training Virtual Environment Base Statement of Work.

Update SOW page 7, para 5.2.2 from The contractor shall provide the following training management support activities and support training meetings in San Diego, CA and/or via teleconference as required; to The contractor shall host weekly IPTs and semi-annual IPTs with the Government, to discuss and / or present analysis, assessment, related issues and recommended resolutions addressing all issues arising from this TO and all other active TOs. The contractor shall provide audio teleconferencing capability for the TIM as requested by the Government. The contractor shall provide teleconference numbers. The Contractor shall support training meetings in San Diego, CA and/or via teleconference as required.

Yes, see Amendment 0002 - Attachment 1 - CANES Training VE Base SOW for updates.

74 Attachment 1, Page 8, Section 5.3.2 & Attachment 2b CDRL. Question: PWS Section 5.3.2 identifies CDRL A019 in the AoA paragraph. CDRL A019 is not contained in the pdf file detailing the CDRLs. Will the government add CDRL A019 to the pdf file of CDRLS or remove CDRL A019 from PWS Section 5.3.2?

CDRL A019 is referenced in Attachment (1) CANES Training VE Base SOW paragraph 5.3.2. It is not referenced or is a requirement in Attachment (2a) TO 0001 - CANES Training VE SOW.

No.

75 Attachment 2a T001, Section 5.3.1 - The contractor shall review and update course content information. Question: How frequently does the government anticipate review and revisions of course content being necessary in a given 12-month period?

The Government will conduct reviews and revisions of course content in accordance with CDRLs A006, A007, and A008. The submission of these CDRLs will be directed by individual Task Orders.

For Task Order 0001, please review TO 0001 CANES Training VE CDRLs.

No.

76 Attachment 2a T001, Section 5.3.1 - The contractor shall review existing JTDA information. Question: Will a JTDA be required for each course and course paths? Please reference the OPNAVINST 1500.76. The JDTA is complete, but will need reviewed and revised/ modified with the addition of new SW baselines.

# QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE WILL RESULT IN A

RFP CHANGE?

77 “Does the solution need to meet DOD SRG requirements for an Impact Level 4 system with the privacy overlay for PII?” Based on the DISA Cloud Computing Security Requirements Guide (CC SRG), CANES VE is an Impact Level 4 (IL-4) with the following caveats/assumptions:

- VE represents UNCLAS enclave only

- VE doesn't include any hosted system's data (could drive it to be National Security System)

- If VE includes HBSS, it only includes out of the box software (no USG-tailored policies or GOTS associated)

- Any passwords must be encrypted or not stored on the network (e.g., passwords included in installation instructions)

No.

78 Section B - Supplies or Services and Prices – CLIN 0007 page 4 and Section L 3.2.1 COST/LABOR INFORMATION Page 75 Item 7) Hosting Services (CLIN 0007)(FFP) - Offerors shall include Hosting Services associated with Ordering Years 2 through 5* of this CANES Training Virtual Environment contract. It is anticipated that hosting services will include those requirements set forth in Section 5.3.2 of the contract PWS and will be ordered each year as a firm fixed price (FFP) line item. For the purposes of the basic IDIQ CLIN, the contractor shall apply the proposed profit % to the estimated hosting services cost of the CLIN. This proposed fixed profit will remain constant throughout the life of the IDIQ. Question: Reference RFP Section L 3.2.1 COST/LABOR INFORMATION on Page 75 Item 7) Hosting Services (CLIN 0007) (FFP). Please confirm that the Estimated Hosting Service Cost dollar value provided in the table provided plus the offerors Fixed Profit is the total value that offerors shall include in their completed Section B CLIN Pricing for CLIN 0007 to represent Ordering Years 2 through 5.

Yes, the Estimated Hosting Service Cost dollar value provided in Section L ($5,000,000) plus the offerors Fixed Profit is the total value that offerors shall include in their completed Section B CLIN Pricing for CLIN 0007 to represent Ordering Years 2 through 5.

No.

79 Section B - Supplies or Services and Prices – CLIN 0007 page 4 and Section L 3.2.1 COST/LABOR INFORMATION Page 75 Item 7) Hosting Services (CLIN 0007)(FFP) - Offerors shall include Hosting Services associated with Ordering Years 2 through 5* of this CANES Training Virtual Environment contract. It is anticipated that hosting services will include those requirements set forth in Section 5.3.2 of the contract PWS and will be ordered each year as a firm fixed price (FFP) line item. For the purposes of the basic IDIQ CLIN, the contractor shall apply the proposed profit % to the estimated hosting services cost of the CLIN. This proposed fixed profit will remain constant throughout the life of the IDIQ. Question: Please confirm that the Estimated Hosting Services Cost of $5M represents the total for the 4-year period (Years 2 through 5), and not an annual amount for the 4-year period.

Yes, the Estimated Hosting Service Cost dollar value provided in Section L ($5,000,000) plus the offerors Fixed Profit is the total value that offerors shall include in their completed Section B CLIN Pricing for CLIN 0007.

80 Section B - Supplies or Services and Prices – CLIN 0007 page 4 and Section L 3.2.1 COST/LABOR INFORMATION Page 75 Item 7) Hosting Services (CLIN 0007)(FFP) - It is anticipated that hosting services will include those requirements set forth in Section 5.3.2 of the contract PWS and will be ordered each year as a firm fixed price (FFP) line item. For the purposes of the basic IDIQ CLIN, the contractor shall apply the proposed profit % to the estimated hosting services cost of the CLIN. This proposed fixed profit will remain constant throughout the life of the IDIQ. Question: The RFP defines CLIN 0007 as FFP and provides offerors with an estimated Hosting Service Cost and requires only that offerors identify and add their proposed profit to generate the total hosting services value for the CLIN. Recognizing that the cost estimate is for evaluation purposes and the proposed profit will be fixed for the life of the IDIQ contract, how does the Government envision the administration of this CLIN after award during contract years 2-5.

Until we have identified a successful awardee for this contract and subsequent Task Order 0001, the specifics of hosting are unknown at this time. Future orders placed under this CLIN will be negotiated based on firm requirement established under Task Order 0001.

# QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE WILL RESULT IN A

RFP CHANGE?

81 Section L 3.2.1 COST/LABOR INFORMATION Page 73-74 Item 4) Engineering and Maintenance Services (CLIN 0004) (CPFF) - It is recognized that some of the Labor Category titles used in the solicitation may not exactly match the titles normally used in a particular company operation. Accordingly, in order to permit a rapid comparison between the anticipated labor team shown below and the offeror’s actual labor mix, each proposal must provide the following: a) A statement of the offeror’s normally used nomenclature for each labor category included herein, together with a copy of the offeror’s own position description for each labor category. c) A description of qualifications for each labor category as it applies to this requirement. Question: In RFP Section L.3.2.1 Cost/Labor Information for CLIN 0004, the Government provides a profile of labor category titles to be used to promote rapid comparison between offerors. However, the Government does not provide defining descriptions, duties or qualifications aligned with the RFP labor categories instead requiring that offerors provide their normally used nomenclature, position descriptions and a description of the qualifications thereby effectively generating their own definition for each RFP labor category. Given that each offeror will likely define the qualifications (i.e.; education and minimum years of experience) differently, that lack of Government provided definition within this framework appears to contravene the Government’s objective of rapid comparison due to the underlying disparity in offeror definitions that will most certainly exist. Accordingly, request the Government provide a normalizing structure of labor category definitions to include educational and years of experience requirements for the labor categories titles it has provided for CLIN 0004 thereby providing offerors with a common understanding for pricing and evaluation purposes. If the Government will not provide a definitional labor category profile for CLIN 0004, request the Government clarify how it will address the evaluation of variability in offerors proposals pursuant to the Factor 5 Evaluated Cost Criteria provisions stated in the paragraphs (a), (b), (c) and (d) which emphasize comparison, reasonableness and realism.

The Government has modified the labor categories in the Section L-

3.2.1 table and has included descriptions for clarity.

Yes, see Amendment 0002, Section L.

82 Section L 3.2.1 COST/LABOR INFORMATION Page 73-74 Item 4) Engineering and Maintenance Services (CLIN 0004) (CPFF) - b) A statement of any additional labor categories, estimated hours and related qualifications for labor cost that will be a direct cost based on the offeror’s accounting procedures (e.g. management and administrative labor costs.) Question: In RFP Section L.3.2.1 – Cost/Labor Information – CLIN 0004 paragraph b), the Government instructs offerors to provide a statement of any additional labor categories, estimated hours and related qualifications for labor cost that will be a direct cost based on the offeror’s accounting procedures (e.g. management and administrative labor costs). It appears the Government is looking for offerors to define the types of support labor that it intends to direct charge in addition to the RFP labor categories provided for CLIN 0004. However, the presentation and possible inclusion of the additional labor categories is unclear relative to the total estimated value for the CPFF CLIN 0004 for evaluation purposes. Accordingly, can the Government clarify that any additional labor categories, estimated hours, and related cost should be included in worksheet 4-7a, reflected in the Total CPFF calculated by this worksheet, and included in the total proposed CPFF for CLIN 0004?

As stated in the RFP, "A statement of any additional labor categories, estimated hours and related qualifications for labor cost that will be a direct cost based on the offeror’s accounting procedures (e.g.

management and administrative labor costs.)." These additional hours should be included in worksheet 4-7a, reflected in the Total CPFF calculated by this worksheet, and included in the total proposed CPFF for CLIN 0004.

Attachment (4) is updated in Amendment 0002

83 Section L 3.2.1 COST/LABOR INFORMATION Page 73-74 Item 4) Engineering and Maintenance Services (CLIN 0004) (CPFF). Question: Based on the concept of operations of the contractor centrally developing and providing cloud based training solutions to numerous Government locations under this IDIQ, Please confirm that offerors shall assume contractor site performance when pricing labor in CLINs 0001 and 0004.

For CLIN 0001, the Place of Performance will be at Contractor Facility. Any travel should be proposed as an "Other Direct Cost" under this CLIN.

For the purpose of evaluation and establishing a ceiling under CLIN 0004, the Place of Performance under CLIN 0004 will be at Contractor Facility. Any travel that would be required under a future task order would be ordered under CLIN 0005, as applicable.

Yes, see revision to Section L in Amendment 0002.

# QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE WILL RESULT IN A

RFP CHANGE?

84 Section L 3.2.1 COST/LABOR INFORMATION Page 73-74 Item 4) Engineering and Maintenance Services (CLIN 0004) (CPFF). Question: Please confirm that offerors should bid the CLIN 0004 hours and labor categories exactly as provided on RFP pages 74 & 75, with no deviation.

The quantities of labor hours for each labor category shown in the table on RFP Pages 74 & 75 are to be used by the offeror for computing total labor costs and will be used to establish the ceiling of CLIN 0004. As stated in the RFP, it is recognized that some of the Labor Category titles used in the solicitation may not exactly match the titles normally used in a particular company operation.

Accordingly, in order to permit a rapid comparison between the anticipated labor team shown below and the offeror’s actual labor mix, each proposal must provide the following: a) A statement of the offeror’s normally used nomenclature for each labor category included herein, together with a copy of the offeror’s own position description for each labor category. b) A statement of any additional labor categories, estimated hours and related qualifications for labor cost that will be a direct cost based on the offeror’s accounting procedures (e.g. management and administrative labor costs.) c) A description of qualifications for each labor category as it applies to this requirement. If additional hours are proposed in accordance with b), these additional hours should be included in worksheet 4-7a, reflected in the Total CPFF calculated by this worksheet, and included in the total proposed CPFF for CLIN 0004.

Yes, see Amendment 0002.

85 RFP Provided Attachment (4) Tab 4-4 Supporting Cost Data, Tab 4.7a Prime Supporting Cost, Tab 4-7b Sub Supporting Cost Section L Contractor Cost Summary Spreadsheet and Section L 3.2.2 supporting Cost Data – Sub-Sections 3 and 4 Direct Labor and Indirect Rates Respectively. If the most current FPRA, FPRR or DCAA/DCMA audit of the offeror's Indirect Rates are not available, historical indirect data, to include DCAA-issued provisional billing rates, actual incurred rates, and annual incurred cost claims (if submitted), shall be provided for the three (3) years prior to the Offeror’s/Subcontractor’s current fiscal year in Attachment 4-4. Question:

Subsection 4 of RRP Section L 3.2.2 supporting Cost Data indicates within the instructions for providing indirect rate information that offerors are to provide three years of historical indirect rate data if the offeror/subcontractors does not have a DCAA/DCMA FPRA or FPRR. Consistent with this instruction, can the Government confirm that offerors who possess an FPRR for their direct labor rates do not need to populate the historical direct labor rates for the worksheets in the Attachment 4 spreadsheet that reference historical Supporting Cost Data?

Offerors who have a DCMA FPRR for their direct labor rates do not need to populate the historical direct labor rates for the worksheets in the Attachment 4-7b but should include their FPRA/FPRR rates within Attachment 4.7a

Yes, Attachment (4) has been revised in Amendment 0002.

86 Page 4/ SECTION B ADMINISTRATIVE INFO, Section B-TXT-03 PAYMENT OF INCENTIVE FEE. TARGET COST (Exclusive of Fee): $ TBP.

MINIMUM FEE: $TBP (2% of target cost).

TARGET FEE: $TBP (To be proposed by offeror NTE 4% of target cost).

MAXIMUM FEE: $ TBP (7% of target cost).

Question: Please clarify whether section-TXT-03 will be completed by the Contracting officer after award, or if offerors are to complete this section for submission with their cost proposal.

This section will be completed by the Contracting Officer at time of award.

No.

87 Page 13 / Section F - Deliveries or Performance - 0001 – 0008 Date of contract award through five years thereafter. Question: This section references CLINs 0001 – 0008, however sections B and E contain only CLINs 0001 – 0007. Please confirm there are only 7 CLINs.

Yes, there are only seven (7) CLINs. This was revised in Amendment 0001.

# QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE WILL RESULT IN A

RFP CHANGE?

88 Page 13 / Section F - Deliveries or Performance - Page 84 / L-TXT-11 ESTIMATED EFFECTIVE AWARD DATE - Page 48 / 252.216-7006 ORDERING (MAY 2011). 0001 – 0008 Date of contract award through five years thereafter The PoP for Task Order 0001 is as follows:

CLIN PERIOD(S) OF PERFORMANCE

0001 Date of Task Order Award through 31 May 2019 0002 Date of Task Order Award through 31 May 2019 For Bidding/Proposal purposes the estimated effective date of contract award is 06 July 2018.

(a) Any supplies and services to be furnished under this contract shall be ordered by issuance of delivery orders or task orders by the individuals or activities designated in the contract schedule. Such orders may be issued from Date of Award through Five (5) years thereafter.

Question: The Ordering Period for issuing Orders is stated as date of contract award through five years thereafter. CLINs 0001 and 0002 are stated to be date of Task Order Award through 31 May 2019. Section L-TXT-11 indicates the estimated effective date of contract award is 06 July 2018.