Answers_in_response_to_Solicitation_Questions.pdf

Responses to Questions Solicitation N00173-18-R-SR02

Question 1. The solicitation has a DD254, applicable to the bid. The solicitation states (L-11, p. 54) that vendors must have a facility clearance as per the DD254. We don't see that facilitation clearance requirement stated, though. Thus, what does NRL envision as the facility level required?

Answer 1: This is an unclassified requirement; therefore no DD254 will be required and is removed from the solicitation. All contractors have to be CAC eligible to have access to NRL. Please see requirements for onsite contractors.

Question 2. The solicitation (F-3) states that the principal place of performance for the contract shall be at NRL. We are located in Durham, NC, not Metro DC. Does F-3 indicate that work on the contract is envisioned to take place only/on a routine basis at NRL - and not at the contractor's facility?

Answer 2: Most of the directly contracted work is envisioned to take place at NRL. Any subcontracted work may also be carried out elsewhere.

Question 3. Likewise, we do not have lab space, but we were planning of working w/ a local entity (in NC) to act as a subcontractor, as and if needed. Is the intent to use NRL's lab(s) or the/a contractor's lab?

Answer 3: The intent is to use the facilities at NRL for most of the research work.

Question 4. It is very difficult to quote labor hours and costs for lab activities until specific work orders are issued for a specific test etc. (and a quote derived relative to that, like on an IDIQ). How should those costs be presented in the proposal?

Answer 4: This will be a Cost Reimbursable contract. The contractor is required to submit its best approach based on the task provided.

Question 5. In our response to the RFI, we focused on the advantages of leveraging infrastructure vulnerability modeling currently being done by other entities (e.g., DoD, DoE, DoT, etc.) and integrating that under a unified GOTS user interface for NRL to use thereafter as an integrated software system. That reply seemed to be well received by NRL. Is proposing that, however, still responsive to the solicitation? The solicitation suggests, instead, that NRL is actually seeking a scientist(s) to work on-site at NRL, doing lab-work using NRL facilities, on an as-needed basis. Please clarify our interpretation.

Answer 5: We are seeking researcher(s) to work on-site at NRL, doing lab work using NRL instruments, as funding allows. We are not seeking an integrated software system.

Question 6. Does the small business set aside have any restrictions relative to participation of large businesses as subcontractors on teams lead by small businesses?

Answer 6: There are no restrictions relative to participation of large businesses; however, Contracting Officer approval is required prior to the placement of a subcontract.

Question 7. In the solicitation (F-3), “The principal place of performance of this contract shall be NRL Washington, DC.” Does the small business need to provide an on-site presence? If so, how many people and for what percentage of time must they be present? And if so, is there a requirement for the qualifications and seniority of the on-site person?

Answer 7:

Contractor personnel fulfilling the research requirement will need to be on-site at NRL. Other personnel, such as management or purchasing support, do not need to be on-site at NRL.

Question 8. In H-6 (a), “The total level of effort for performance of this contract shall be 4855 total hours of direct labor, including subcontractor direct labor for those subcontractors specifically identified in the Contractor's proposal as having hours included in the proposed level of effort."

However, the tables in H-6(k) and L-19 specify 15000 hours of Research Scientist, 75 hours of Project Manager and 75 hours of Support. Could you reconcile the differences between the table values and the 4855 total hours?

Answer 8: H-6(k) has been reconciled in the amendment

Question 9. The Statement of Work in Attachment 1 includes 3 tasks but only Task 1. Research and Development of Infrastructure Vulnerabilities and Task 2. Materials and Miscellaneous Tests and Services are mentioned in B-1 in the Solicitation. Should we omit Task 3. Development and Characterization of Advanced Materials from our proposal?

Answer 9: Task 3 should not be omitted; this has been corrected in the amendment.

Question 10. For Task 2, can you provide more detail on the type and amount of materials, tests, and services that will be required? Will the required testing be “standard” or will novel test procedures and devices be required?

Answer 10: It is impossible to predict, as this requirement is driven by the mission and the sponsor.

Standard testing, such as ASTM tests, may be best fulfilled using subcontracted, commercial laboratories; whereas novel tests are more likely to be developed and carried out as a part of the research in Tasks 1 or 3.

Question 11. Sections L-14, L-15 and L-16 do not list page limits, font size, margins or other requirements for Volumes I, II, and III. Can you provide those?

Answer 11:

All volumes shall be 12 point font with 1” margins Section L-14 15 page limit (not to include cover and table of contents) Section L-15 10 page limit (not to include cover and table of contents) Section L-16 8 page limit (not to include cover and table of contents)