N0016722R0008 QA.pdf

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

RFP N00167-22-R-0008

Questions and Answers

Question 1: Attachment 3 requires pricing of a specific number of “Machine Shop jobs” in support of CLIN 4000-4400 costs. PWS item 3.4 (Machining Services) describes general capabilities but does not provide an adequate description in terms of average hours required or type of work to price an average “Machine Shop job.” As labor and type of services dictate machining work cost, will the government provide a more specific description of the number and type of machine shop jobs to facilitate consistent and comparable bids?

Answer: Attachment 3 will be updated to delete “Machine Shop Jobs.” While the Technical Proposal should demonstrate the capabilities outlined in SOW item 3.4, for purposes of demonstrating the cost proposal offerors should propose relying on the provided machine drawings as outlined in the updated Attachment 3.

Question 2: Generally, companies providing vessel and support services, diving, weight handling, machining, aircraft, and general operations services would be considered vendors rather than subcontractors as the services provided are not included in the RFP stated level of effort hours contained in Section B of the RFP. However, Section L (4.1.2 Subfactor B, 4.1.3 Subfactor C, 4.4 Factor 3, and specifically para 4.4.7 (Subcontractors)), implies that companies providing these services are subcontractors and subject to the requirements stated in these sections. This also results in an apparent conflict with the definition of total level of effort for the performance of this contract contained in clause H-216-H001 LEVEL OF EFFORT--BASIC (NAVSEA) (OCT 2018) paragraph (a). Will the government clarify if companies providing these services are subject to the requirements in Section L (4.1.2 Subfactor B, 4.1.3 Subfactor C, 4.4 Factor 3, and specifically para 4.4.7 (Subcontractors)) even though they are not subcontractors as defined in section B and Clause H-216-H001?

Answer: The Federal Acquisition Regulation makes no legal distinction between the terms “subcontractor” and the term “vendor” and utilizes the terms interchangeably. The nature of the arrangement between the prime offeror and proposed “subcontractors” and “vendors,” if any, is a business decision incumbent on the Primer offeror to manage. The level of effort outlined in section B and Clause H-216-H001 refers to direct labor anticipated under this effort (identified in SOW Paragraph 3.0.1 and under CLINs 0100-0500) and excludes all costs and labor associated with “Direct Costs” and “Other Direct Costs” (identified in SOW Paragraphs 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, and 3.7). However, a prime offeror is free to create any statutorily permissible business relationship with their proposed subcontractors they deem economically advantageous.

The prime offeror is responsible for meeting all requirements outlined in Section L. The prime offeror is responsible for obtaining all necessary cost and accounting information required by the Request for Proposal, or to arrange for the proposed subcontractor to submit that information directly to the Government should such information represent trade secrets. It is unclear to the Government what other specific issues with Section L 4.1.2 the question may be addressing.

The prime offeror is responsible for meeting the requirement of Section L 4.1.3 Subfactor C and providing the relevant requested information under 4.1.3.2 Key Areas. Per the instructions in paragraph (a), the Prime Offeror may rely on relevant experience by a proposed subcontractor, but is not required to.

In total, across the entire proposed effort, no more than 5 references may be submitted and at least one reference must pertain to efforts undertaken by the Prime offeror.

For purposes of generating proposals, businesses utilized to meet major requirements under any “Direct Cost” CLIN must meet the requirements of 4.4.7. The Government only requires information necessary to evaluate and validate proposed costs, however. Therefore, a business which is not proposing direct labor would not be required to provide tangential employee salary information, but may be required to provide other information validating the proposed pricing structure, which could include, but would not be limited to, information related to similar prices charged in the commercial marketplace or costs associated with the specific function proposed. The Offeror should submit invoices, purchase orders, agreements, market research and/or substantial documentation to support Vessel Support services, Diving Services, Weight Handling Services, Machining Services, Aircraft Services, and etc. The Government may adjust cost upward without burden of proof. The Government may also adjust cost upward to account for locality since the place of performance is mostly in Dania Beach, Florida.

Question 3: Will the government make all documents listed in section 2.0 (Applicable Documents) available for contractor review?

Answer: Any document not attached to the RFP is either generally available for public viewing or inconsequential to pricing. However, the Government will provide all documents listen in Section 2.0 upon written request submitted to the Contracting Officer or the Contracting Specialist by email.

Question 4: Section 3.5 (Aircraft Services) lists aerial search and survey; aerial observations, filming, and photographing; aerial instrumentation towing; and aerial crane services/heavy lift as potential requirements. Aerial crane services/heavy lift capability could result in significantly higher cost than the other services listed. Attachment 3 merely lists “Helo Ops” and does not differentiate costs for the type of services required. Will the government provide an estimate of the number of aerial crane services/heavy lift operations anticipated?

Answer: For purposes of generating a cost proposal, the Government has divided Helo Ops into 5 aerial search/Survey operations and 5 aerial crane services operations. This breakout is for purposes of creating the cost proposal only and the actual breakout may differ.

Question 5: Attachment 12 (Key Personnel Qualifications) states a bachelor’s degree in Management, Business Administration, or Logistics is required for the Program Manager position. Will the government accept a Bachelor of Science degree (not in Management, Business Administration, or Logistics) if the candidate has significant relevant military experience AND exceeds all other listed/desired qualifications contained in attachment 12?

Answer: No, in accordance with the terms of the RFP, Offerors are required to provide key personnel demonstrating a sufficient academic background related to management, business administration, or logistics.

Question 6: Do vendors/subcontractors that submit a FFP for their services still need to break down their rates by direct labor cost, overhead, G&A etc.? For example, day charter rates for vessel vendors/subcontractors are fully burdened (FFP) and include all costs such as crew, vessel ODCs, G&A, profit etc .

Answer: Subcontractors should provide substantiating data in accordance with the terms of their proposal. If a subcontractor proposes meeting the requirement as a subcontractor on a FFP basis, they should be able to demonstrate to the Government the basis for their pricing. This information may be shared directly with the Contracting Officer if the proposed subcontractor believes that such information is sensitive competitive information or otherwise represents a trade secret or vital business practice. For Vessel Support services, Diving Services, Weight Handling Services, Machining Services, and Aircraft Services, The Offeror should submit invoices, purchase orders, agreements, market research and/or substantial documentation to support their cost. Any indirect rates applied to these shall have supporting documentation as stated in the RFP.

Question 7: The RFP throughout alludes that the criteria for estimating small business participation etc.

is based on total direct labor costs. Services for most vendors/subcontractors are normally bundled inclusive of labor costs. Extracting labor costs from each vendor/subcontractor is not feasible. Can the above criteria be based on total contract cost? i.e., if the total contract value is $100k and a small business concern is contributing $20K to the total then the small business participation to be counted as 20 %?

Answer: Without specific reference to the RFP terms and conditions the Government cannot comment on what the phrase “alludes” to means in this context. However, determining small business participation is done on a “total contract value” basis.

Question 8: Schedule B CLINS up to CLIN 7000 ‘Other Direct cost’ indicate CPFF type contracts. We anticipate most vendors/subcontractors’ rates to be all inclusive including their profit, a FFP type subcontract. Additionally, we presume the rate priced in the related CLINS should also include the Prime’s burden costs such as Handling Fees if any. Is this a correct approach? Should CLINS stating CPFF for subcontracting cost changed to FFP?

Answer: The Nature of the relationship developed between the prime offeror and any proposed subcontractors is the prime offeror’s to manage and distinct from the prime offeror’s relationship with the Government. Offerors are free, however, to negotiate FFP agreements with their subcontractors and charge the government on a cost or Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee basis, as outlined in their proposal and in accordance with the terms set forth in the RFP.

Question 9: Section 3.2 Diving Services show “Dive Types” including air, SCUBA, Nitrox. Of the 21 est. dive operations what is the estimate for each dive type? Air, SCUBA, Nitrox?

Answer: For purposes of generating cost proposals, offeror’s may assume a depth of no greater than 70 feet, however, technical proposals should demonstrate the breadth of capability outlined in SOW paragraph 3.2.

Question 10: Section 3.3 Weight Handling Services states that “the contractor shall provide maintenance parts ……………...of SFOMF owned forklifts & WHE”. Are these items charged under General Operations Services? And charged at cost plus contractors’ burden cost?

Answer: Yes, these items are charged under General Operations Services. The Offeror must propose any overhead, FCCM, or other statutorily allowable burdens on cost for which it intends to bill the Government under this requirement. Failure to outline any such allowable costs may result in such costs being determined to be unallowable.

Question 11: Section 3.6.1 Shore Support enumerates various services, parts, and equipment to be provided by contractor. Are such costs plus contractor’s burden charged under General Operations Services ?

Answer: Yes, these items are charged under General Operations Services. The Offeror must propose any overhead, FCCM, or other statutorily allowable burdens on cost for which it intends to bill the Government under this requirement. Failure to outline any such allowable costs may result in such costs being determined to be unallowable.

Question 12: If a prime meets the small business standards of the RFP, is he required to submit a Subcontracting Plan?

Answer: See clause L-219-H001, FAR 52.219-9, Section L (Instructions 1.0), and Section L (Instructions 4.3).

Question 13: The NAICS code selected includes certain exemptions that increase the size standard to $41.5 million. Do any of these exemptions apply for this procurement?

Answer: The Government is currently unaware of any exemption that might increase the size standard under the procurement. However, industry is encouraged to bring any such exemption which they believes apply to the Government’s attention as part of the subsequent Question and Answer period.

Question 14: What is the maximum payload that the helo would be required to have for aerial crane services heavy lift?

Answer: For the purposes of generating a proposal, the Government estimates that payloads will not exceed 300 lbs.

Question 15: Reference Attachment 3 – Cost_Summary_Format under the Worksheet Tab titled “Direct Cost”. The worksheet, Cell C30, specifies “80’ Dive Barge” under Diving Services (CLIN 2000-2400).

Question: Please clarify if the barge has to be 80’ + in length.

Answer: The 80 feet requirement is an error in the RFP. It has been amended to reflect the actual requirement of 50 feet.