N0018918RZ008_Amendment_0002.docx

N0018918RZ008

SECTION SF 30 BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

PART I

Questions received in response to Request for Proposals (RFP) N0018918RZ008.

NOTE: THE CONTENT OF PART I DOES NOT AMEND THE CONTENTS OF THE SOLICITATION. SEE PART II FOR CHANGES TO THE SOLICITATION.

1.) Section L, I. General. Page 134 of 156. “The Cost Proposal in Volume II shall include the solicitation pricing pages completed by the offeror and a complete and detailed breakdown of the offeror’s cost plus fixed fee (CPFF) with all supporting documentation.” Does the government intend to provide solicitation pricing pages for the offeror to complete?

Response: No. The Government will not provide pricing pages for the offeror to complete.

2.) Section L, II Requirements for Proposal Content, (5). Page 136 of 156. “The cover sheet, table of contents (not to exceed one page per volume), tabs, and dividers will not count toward the page limit.” If the offeror includes an acronym list, does that count toward page count?

Response: The solicitation is clear on its face. An acronym list will count towards the page limitation.

3). Section C.9.10. Page 41 of 156. The first sub paragraph (Higher Headquarters Executive-Level Support) is numbered C.9.10.1. The second sub paragraph (Strategic Communication) is numbered C.9.10. Please confirm that the correct number for Strategic Communication C.9.10.2

Response: See RFP revision in Part II of this amendment, which renumbers the Performance Work Statement (PWS) requirements at Section C.9.10.

4.) Section L II. Requirements for Proposal Content, (5). Page 136 of 156 and Section L I General. Important Notes: (1); Page 135 of 156, “Offeror shall respond to ALL requirements of the solicitation document.” Volume 1, “Non-cost Proposal”, is limited to a maximum of SEVENTY-FIVE (75) pages in length.” To “address ALL requirements,” offerors need to respond to all PWS elements, including C.9.1 – C.9.11. We respectfully request page count be increased by 5 pages to be more responsive to the government’s direction.

Response: The overall page limitation specified in the RFP remains unchanged.

5.) Section L, II.e Indirect Costs: 1) Copies of the most current DCMA FPRA, FPRS, or DCAA audit of the offeror's indirect rates. It is assumed if a FPRS (Forward Pricing Rate Submittal) is synonymous with FPRP (Forward Pricing Rate Proposal). Can the government amend this section to reflect that the submission of an FPRP would be compliant with this requirement of the RFP?

Response: See RFP revision in Part II of this amendment, which amends Section L.

6.) The government asks for FPRS in Section L, II.e (1) and FPRR in Section L, II.e (2). Should both lines read FPRS?

Response: See RFP revision in Part II of this amendment, which amends Section L.

7.) Section L, II.h. Subcontractor Costs. Any and all subcontracts identified in the Non-cost proposal shall be identified and priced in the cost proposal. Subcontracts (regardless of dollar value) shall be adequately documented. Subcontractor cost breakdowns may be submitted in separate sealed envelopes. It is assumed the government requires subcontractor cost breakdowns in separate sealed volumes only for Cost Reimbursable subcontractors (as required in Section L, II.e). Is this assumption correct?

Response: The solicitation is clear on its face. As stated in paragraph III(2)(i) of the Section L provision entitled Submission of Proposals, subcontractor cost breakdowns may be submitted in separate sealed envelopes.

8.) For subcontractor sealed submissions, does the government request a full cost model or simply a breakdown of the subcontractor’s hourly rate for each labor category over the period of performance?

Response: See RFP revisions in Part II of this amendment.

9.) Page 16, para C.6.4.3. This paragraph references 22 CFR 126.4(a) of ITAR but does not include 22 CFR 125.4(b)(3), which addresses an exemption for technical data (including classified information) providing “such data does not disclose the details of design, development, production, or manufacture of any defense article.”

Our current JFDSS contract provides an ITAR exemption:

“SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

The following have been added by full text:

ITAR

In furtherance of the OSD-OUSD (P&R) mission and under the provisions of 22 CFR 126.4(a) and 125.4(b)(3), International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), the contractor and its subcontractors are hereby authorized to provide non-personal engineering, technical, administrative, and training defense services and technical data to multinational participants in Joint Staff/J7 events or in multinational exercises or experiments in which OSD-OUSD (P&R) is a participant.”

Will the IDIQ awardees receive the ITAR exemption?

Response: The solicitation remains unchanged.

10.) DFARS clause 252.219-7004 Small Business Subcontracting Plan (Test Program) should be included in all DOD solicitations so that companies may utilize their Comprehensive Small Business Subcontracting Plan. In accordance with this clause, (b) The Contractor's comprehensive small business subcontracting plan is authorized by and approved under the test program of section 834 of Pub. L. 101-189. Please update the RFP to include this clause so that offerors may propose their Comprehensive Subcontracting Plan in Section I and Section L(I).

Response: See Part II of this amendment, which adds DFARS clause 252.219-7004 by reference into Section I of the RFP.

11.) Section B, Page 5, Option CLIN 1003 references “Lot 1: IDIQ 5 year ordering period…” but it appears to be associated with Lot 2 as it is listed as an Option. Will the Government clarify and provide a revised Section B if necessary?

Response: See RFP revision in Part II of this amendment.

12.) Section B, Page 6-7, When summed, the level of effort (hours) by labor category and year do not match the amounts in the “Total” columns to the right of and at the bottom of the table. Will the Government revise either the hours by category/year or the Totals columns, and if necessary, other references to the defined level of effort throughout the solicitation?

Response: See Part II of this amendment for an updated Section B Level of Effort.

13.) Section L, Para (2)(b)/(2)(h), Pages 138 & 140, Paragraph (2) (h) of Section L directs the Offeror to use the Government provided Material and Travel estimates in the preparation of its cost proposal. Conversely, paragraph (2) (b) states that the Offeror shall include itemization of the “other direct costs” and an explanation and justification for each cost so itemized. Given the estimates for Material and Travel have been provided by the Government, please remove the requirement to provide detailed itemization and justification for such estimates.

Response: See RFP revision in Part II of this amendment.

14.) On Page 135 (volume cover requirements) include: “Identification of original signature copies”. Please advise if electronic original signatures are acceptable for this requirement. Normally, electronic original signatures are accepted.

Response: An electronic signature is acceptable.

15.) In accordance with Section L – III(2)(e)(2) Volume II – Price/Cost, If the offeror is proposing subcontracts on other than a CPFF basis, the offeror shall submit information as to whether the rates for the subcontractors are fixed based on a firm bilateral agreement with the subcontractor or merely proposed. In addition, the offeror shall explain why it believes the subcontractor can perform at those rates. Please confirm that the Government is looking for a price analysis for subcontracts on other than a CPFF basis.

Response: The solicitation is clear on its face.

16.) The numbering in Section L is slightly off starting on number III. Please update.

Response: See Part II of this amendment which revises the paragraph numbering for Section L.

17.) In accordance with Section L, III (2)(h)(3)(i) Any and all subcontracts identified in the Non-price proposal shall be identified and priced in the price/cost proposal. Subcontracts (regardless of dollar value) shall be adequately documented. Subcontractor price/cost breakdowns may be submitted in separate sealed envelopes. Please confirm that all Subcontractors regardless of subcontract type (ex: T&M and FP/LOE) are required to submit a detailed sealed package in the same form and format as Prime Contractor.

Response: The solicitation is clear on its face.

18.) Attachment 11. The government has provided the offerors with Attachment 11 in Microsoft Excel to use for the 5 past performance citations. Will the government allow the offeror to recreate Attachment 11 in Microsoft Word?

Response: Attachment 11 is a Microsoft Word document.

19.) Section L, II(3) and II(5), pages 135-136. Section L, II subparagraph (3) states that the table of contents should provide detail sufficient to allow the important elements to be easily located. However, II subparagraph (5) states that the table of contents is not to exceed one page per volume (but will not count toward the page limit). In order to provide sufficient detail to allow important elements to be easily located, will the government allow more than one page for the table of contents, as one page, on our opinion, will not provide sufficient detail.

Response: The Table of Contents is limited to 1 page.

20.) Section C, C.9.10, C.9.10, page 42. Section C, Paragraph C.9.10 is now titled Higher Headquarters Support with the next paragraph (marked C.9.10.1) called Higher Headquarters Executive-Level Support. Toward the bottom of page 42 is another paragraph marked C.9.10 called Strategic Communication. Can the government please confirm that the paragraph marked C.9.10 Strategic Communication should actually be marked C.9.10.2 (a second subparagraph of C.9.10 Higher Headquarters Support).

Response: See Part II of this amendment for the renumbering of the PWS requirements at Section C.9.10.

21.) Section L, I, Important Notes (2), page 135. Under the Important Notes item (2) says that the offeror should provide certification of any non-bona fide employees of the Offeror.

a.) Please confirm that this information can be provided within Volume II of the proposal response, thereby not under page restrictions.

Response: See RFP revision in Part II of this amendment.

b.) Does this requirement apply to proposal participants that are bona fide employees of a proposed subcontractor team mate’s company? Are we required to provide this information for them or are they exempted?

Response: Yes, this requirement pertains to proposal participants that are employees of a proposed subcontractor.

22.) Section B, Level of Effort (Cost Type Contract) (Multiple Award IDIQ), page 6. Please confirm that none of the labor categories on this contract are subject to any Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA). If any CBAs are incorporated, please provide the current agreement and its applicable seniority list.

Response: The solicitation is clear on its face. Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) are not applicable.

23.) Section B, Level of Effort (Cost Type Contract) (Multiple Award IDIQ), page 6.Is this contract subject to SCA Wage determinations? If so, please provide the applicable Wage Determination Schedules.

Response: The solicitation is clear on its face. Service Contract Act (SCA) Wage Determinations are not applicable.

24.) Section H - Special Contract Requirements, page 90. Section B page 6 states that the total LOE for the Lot 2 extension is to be 683,700 hours. Section H MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM QUANTITIES (MULTIPLE AWARDS CPFF IDIQ) states that the maximum allowable hours on the contract for the extension is set at 140,255 hours. We believe Section H should state 683,700 hours. Is this a correct assumption?

Response: See RFP revisions in Part II of this amendment.

25.) Section I (General). Would the Government please consider adding DFARS Clause 252.226-7001 Utilization of Indian Organizations, Indian-Owned Economic Enterprises, and Native Hawaiian Small Business Concerns to the contract?

Response: The solicitation remains unchanged.

26.) Section L, Volume II, Section (d) Direct Labor Rates & Section (e ) Indirect Costs, page 138. Do all subcontractors have to provide a sealed package with the supporting data for their direct labor rates, their indirect rates, and compensation plan?

Response: The solicitation is clear on its face.

27). Section L, Volume II, Compensation Plan for Professional Employees, page 139. There is a requirement in the Compensation Plan for Professional Employees for the first-tier subcontractor employees. What constitutes a first-tier subcontractor employee? Do subcontractors have to submit a separate Compensation Plan for Professional Employees?

Response: See RFP revisions in Part II of this amendment.

28.) Section L, Volume II, Section (b) Support Data, page 138. If T&M or FFP-LOE subcontractors are living under the prime offeror’s rates, does the prime need to provide the subcontractor rates in the supporting documentation?

Response: The solicitation is clear on its face.

29.) Section L, Volume II Cost Proposal Instructions. Would the Government consider removing the requirement to include an itemization of the other direct costs, and an explanation and justification for each cost so itemized, as part of the Cost Proposal supporting data at the IDIQ level?

Response: See RFP revisions in Part II of this amendment.

30.) Section H, Minimum and Maximum Quantities (Multiple Awards CPFF IDIQ); Section B, Level of Effort.Section H – Special Contract Requirements, states the contracts maximum hours are 140,225; however Section B –Level of Effort – states the hours to be priced over 5.5 years is 7,572.975. Can the Government please confirm the correct number of hours to be priced?

Response: See RFP revisions in Part II of this amendment.

31.) Section C.10. Section C.10 states that the Program Manager I (Functional Areas 1 thru 10) is required to be a “Graduate from a DoD Senior Service College.” Would the Government consider allowing that the Program Manager be a "Graduate from a Command and Staff College”? A Field Grade Officer with Military Education Level 4 (Command and Staff College) and experience would have the capabilities, education, and experience necessary to perform the PM requirements.

Response: See RFP revision in Part II of this amendment.

32.) Section L, Volume II Cost Proposal Instructions. The RFP states, “(i) - Any and all subcontracts identified in the Non-cost proposal shall be identified and priced in the cost proposal. Subcontracts (regardless of dollar value) shall be adequately documented. Can the Government please define what it means to have subcontracts "adequately documented"? Would a list of subcontractors be sufficient?

Response: The solicitation is clear on its face.

33.) Section L, Volume II Cost Proposal Instructions. Would the Government please confirm that subcontractors’ cost data is required only if these subcontractor will receive a CPFF subcontract?

Response: The solicitation is clear on its face.

34.) Section L, Volume II Cost Proposal Instructions. The RFP states, “If the offeror is proposing subcontracts on other than a CPFF basis, the offeror should submit information as to whether the rates for the subcontractors are fixed based on a firm bilateral agreement with the subcontractor or merely proposed.” Would the Government please confirm that a statement indicating whether subcontractor rates are fixed or proposed is sufficient?

Response: The solicitation is clear on its face.

35.) Attachment 11. In Attachment 11, Past Performance Information Form, the Government asks for “Total dollar amount for this effort during the past five (5) years: (For ordering vehicles, show both the annual estimated contract amount and the amount of orders actually performed).” Can the Government clarify the requirement to identify both the annual estimated contract amount as well as the amount of orders actually performed for ordering vehicles? Would the Government like us to include the total annual amount for the IDIQ/vehicle as a whole, as well as our annual task order value as part of that whole?

Response: The solicitation is clear on its face.

36.) RFP; B-table, page 3 & 4. Please clarify the difference between UNIT PRICE and AMOUNT in section B; not clear since the quantity is one and the unit is lot and the lot covers all 5 years.

Response: There should be no difference between the Unit Price and the overall extended total Amount since the unit of issue or multiplier is 1 “Lot”. For CLINs 0001, 0002, and 0003, the “Lot” unit of issue represents the 5-year ordering period. For CLINs 1001, 1002, and 1003, the “Lot” unit of issue represents the 6-month ordering period.

37.) RFP, B-tab, page 3 & 4. Should total cost, fixed fee for all 5 years be included for all Lots (excluding the 6 months option)?

Response: Refer to the response to Question #36.

38. RFP, Section C, C.6.4. RFP states that "Based on the requirements of the specific TO, the Contractor will be responsible for establishing Information Technology (IT) architecture to provide NIPRNET capabilities for a seamless and responsive off-site TO support." Will that require the contractor to directly connect to NIPRNET via DISA or is standard CAC based VPN access to the NIPRNET over internet sufficient?

Response: The contractor may be required to connect directly to the NIPRNET via DISA.

39.) RFP, Section C, C.10, pages 46 thru 55. For the labor categories that have multiple years of experience requirements cited (Program Manager, Program/Project Supervisor, Warehouse Supervisor, Facility Operation And Maintenance Supervisory Support, Senior Operational Specialists, Warehouse Technical, Graphic Operations Support, Mailroom Services/Supply Store Operational Support), can the experience be obtained/met concurrently?

Response: Yes.

40. RFP, Section C, C.11, page 61. Section indicates "The Phased Transition Plan will result from a tasking under the initial order under the contract". Whereas RFP Section L. II.(1).(b) requires that the submitted Management Approach include "a detailed transition plan for ensuring a seamless turnover of contract services without any lapse in performance upon the expiration of the existing IDIQ JFD MACs and the award and commencement of services under the follow-on award(s)". As a detailed task specific transition plan is required for any work after award, can the government please clarify the nature of what "details" are expected for the transition section of the Management Approach?

Response: The solicitation remains unchanged.

41.) RFP, Section L, (b) & (h), page 138 & 140. The referenced RFP paragraph (b) asks for supporting information regarding materials and ODCs. Given that the Gov’t has provided estimate NTE cost (plugs) for those items in paragraph (h), please clarify what, if any, supporting information should be provided?

Response: See RFP revisions in Part II of this amendment.

42). RFP, Section L, (f), page 139. RFP indicates contractors should assume 90% Government Facility for labor performance. Can the Government identify the percent of labor by location for each of the Government Facilities?

Response: For the purposes of evaluation, the “Government Facility” location addressed in Section L of the RFP is defined as the Washington, D.C. – Virginia Metropolitan Area. See RFP revisions in Part II of this amendment.

43). RFP, Section L, (i), page 140. If a contractor has subcontractors on a T&M basis, is detailed cost buildup information from that subcontractor required?

Response: See RFP revisions in Part II of this amendment.

44.) RFP, Section B, Technical Support LOE. Should the total for each labor category under the Technical Support be 240,710 and not 241,710?

Response: See RFP revisions in Part II of this amendment.

45.) RFP, Section B, Technical Support LOE. The total hours for the analyst and tech support groups do not accurately reflect the sum of all the labor categories in each group. Should the labor category hours be used as indicated?

Response: See RFP revisions in Part II of this amendment.

46.) RFP, Volume II(d) Direct Labor Rates, Pg 138. To the extent that an Offeror is proposing a subcontractor on a cost-reimbursement basis, the documentation substantiating the accuracy of the subcontractor’s proposed direct labor rates should also be submitted. Due to proprietary information can subcontractors submit this information directly to the Government?

Response: Yes. The solicitation is clear on its face.

47.) RFP, Volume II(d) Indirect Rates, Pg 139. To the extent that an Offeror is proposing a subcontractor on a cost-reimbursement basis, the documentation substantiating the accuracy of the subcontractor’s proposed indirect rates should also be submitted. Due to proprietary information can subcontractors submit this information directly to the Government?

Response: Yes. The solicitation is clear on its face.

48.) RFP, Volume II(d) Total Compensation Plan,Pg 139. In accordance with FAR 52.222-46 “Evaluation of Compensation for Professional Employees, “Offerors shall submit a total compensation plan setting forth salaries and fringe benefits proposed for the professional employees who will work under the Contract, including first-tier subcontractor employees. Can the Government confirm that the first-tier subcontractor data can be submitted by the subcontractors directly to the Government?

Response: See RFP revisions in Part II of this amendment.

49.) RFP, FAR 52.222-46, Pg 139;142. In accordance with FAR 52.222-46 “Evaluation of Compensation for Professional Employees,” Offerors shall submit a total compensation plan setting forth salaries and fringe benefits proposed for the professional employees who will work under the Contract,..." Can the Government confirm that subcontractors do not have to submit Total Compensation Plans?

Response: See RFP revisions in Part II of this amendment.

50.) RFP, Volume II(d) Total Compensation Plan, Pg 139. In accordance with FAR 52.222-46 “Evaluation of Compensation for Professional Employees,” Offerors shall submit a total compensation plan setting forth salaries and fringe benefits proposed for the professional employees who will work under the Contract, including first-tier subcontractor employees. If first-tier subcontractors are not proposed on a cost-reimbursable basis are they required to provide salary and fringe data?

Response: See RFP revisions in Part II of this amendment.

51.) RFP, Volume II(f),Pg 139, "(f) For proposal purposes, the following ratios of Contractor facility and Government facility labor performance are established for all labor categories: Contractor Facility 10% Government Facility 90%”

Will the Government provide further clarification on the geographic locations anticipated for performance so that common evaluation points are used by all Offerors?

Response: For the purposes of evaluation, the “Government Facility” location addressed in Section L of the RFP is defined as the Washington, D.C. – Virginia Metropolitan Area. See RFP revisions in Part II of this amendment.

52.) RFP, Volume II(i) Subcontractors, Pg 140,(i) Any and all subcontracts identified in the Non-cost proposal shall be identified and priced in the cost proposal. Subcontracts (regardless of dollar value) shall be adequately documented. Subcontractor cost breakdowns may be submitted in separate sealed envelopes. Are subcontractor cost breakdowns required only for Cost Reimbursable type contracts? For submittal directly to the Government by the subcontractors, should they follow the same instructions for delivery--mail delivery and an Original (hardcopy) and 10 copies on DVD?

Response: The solicitation is clear on its face.

53.) RFP, Section B, Pg 5, CLIN 1003 states "LOT 1: IDIQ 5 year ordering period - 05/01/2019, or date of award, whichever is later, through 04/30/2024, FOB: Destination". Should CLIN 1003 state "LOT 2: Option in accordance with FAR 52.217-8 (6 Months): 05/01/2024 through 10/31/2024, FOB: Destination"?

Response: See RFP revisions in Part II of this amendment.

54.) RFP, Section B, Level of Effort Table, Pg 6. Will the government review the calculations within the labor table to ensure the totals provided are accurate?

Response: See RFP revisions in Part II of this amendment.

55.) RFP, SECURITY ADMINISTRATION SEP 2015, Pg 83: Will the Government confirm that the Security Administration information is not required to be submitted within this proposal, as it will be applicable on a task order by task order basis?

Response: Via its proposal submission, offerors are required to complete the fill-in at the Section G clause entitled Security Administration identifying the offeror’s cognizant security office name, address, and telephone number.

56.) RFP, Section L. Instructions, Conditions and Notices to Bidders: II. REQUIREMENTS FOR PROPOSAL CONTENT, Paragraph (5) & II. PROPOSAL CONTENT paragraph (1)(a), Pg 136: Section L limits Volume I to 75 pages inclusive of performance approach, management approach, past performance, and socio-economic plan. In order to provide a detailed approach as requested against the PWS requirements, will to Government consider increasing the page limit to 95 pages for Volume I?

Response: The page limitation remains unchanged.

57.) RFP, Section L. Instructions, Conditions and Notices to Bidders: II. PROPOSAL CONTENT. Pg 136: The RFP instructions duplicate paragraph number L.II: II. REQUIREMENTS FOR PROPOSAL CONTENT & II. PROPOSAL CONTENT. Will the government update the paragraph numbering for clarity?

Response: See RFP revisions in Part II of this amendment.

58.) RFP, Section C - Descriptions and Specifications, paragraph C.9.3.1, Pg 28-30. Section C.9.3.1 has a C.9.3.1.1 with no C.9.3.1.2, is it correct that there is no C.9.3.1.2?

Response: See RFP revisions in Part II of this amendment.

59.) RFP, Section C - Descriptions and Specifications, paragraph C.9.4.1, Pg 30. Section C.9.4.1 has a C.9.4.1.1 with no C.9.4.1.2, is it correct that there is no C.9.4.1.2?

Response: See RFP revisions in Part II of this amendment.

60.) RFP, Section C - Descriptions and Specifications, paragraph C.9.5.1, Pg 32. Section C.9.5.1 has a C.9.5.1.1 with no C.9.5.1.2, is it correct that there is no C.9.5.1.2?

Response: See RFP revisions in Part II of this amendment.

61.) RFP, Section C - Descriptions and Specifications, paragraph C.9.6.3, Pg 34. Section C.9.6.3 has a C.9.6.3.1 with no C.9.6.3.2, is it correct that there is no C.9.6.3.2?

Response: See RFP revisions in Part II of this amendment.

62.) RFP, Section C - Descriptions and Specifications, paragraph C.9.10, Pg 41, C.9.10. Strategic communication. The sub-heading under C.9.10. Higher Headquarters Support for Strategic Communication duplicates heading C.10. Should this be updated to C.10.2?

Response: See RFP revisions in Part II of this amendment.

63.) RFP, Section C - Descriptions and Specifications, paragraph C.11. Pg 61-62, C.11. Phased Transition (Phase-In and Phase-Out): Section C. 11 has a C. 11.1 with no C11.2, is it correct that there is no C. 11.2?

Response: This is correct. The solicitation remains unchanged.

64.) RFP, Section C - Descriptions and Specifications, paragraph C.13.1, Pg 62. There is no Section C.13. Should paragraph C.13.1 and subsequent be renumbered?

Response: See RFP revisions in Part II of this amendment.

65.) C.10 Personnel Resource Bands and Labor Categories, Pg 46-47, Labor Category table: The level of education/experience for the Program Manager I appears to be greater than the Program Manager II since PM I requires a minimum of a Master’s Degree and PM II requires a Bachelor’s degree. Can the government confirm the labor requirements are properly aligned with the PM I and PM II labor categories and, if not, please adjust as required?

Response: See RFP revisions in Part II of this amendment. The Government confirms that the education and experience for a Program Manger I and a Program Manger II as set forth in the RFP are correct. The Program Manager I labor category supports the requirements specified at PWS Sections C.9.1. through C.9.10. The Program Manager II labor category supports the requirements specified at PWS Section C.9.11.

66.) RFP, Section L, IMPORTANT NOTES, Pg 135, Important Notes states: In the event any person who is not a bona fide employee of the Offeror participated in the creation, formulation, or writing of any portion of the proposal, a certificate to this effect shall be included in the proposal which shall be signed by an officer of the Offeror. Such certificate shall identify the name of the person who is not a bona fide employee, that person’s employment capacity, the name of the person’s firm, the relationship of that firm to the Offeror, and the portion of the proposal in which the person participated. Will the Government please clarify if subcontractors being proposed are in need of a certification as part of the proposal?

Response: See response to Q21. The certification applies to subcontractors.

67.) RFP, Section L, I General, Pg 134. Will the Government allow an acronym list to be submitted outside of page count for each volume?

Response: The solicitation terms and conditions remain unchanged. An acronym list will count towards the page limitation.

68.) Indirect Rates- Question: Is it the Government’s intent that indirect rates proposed at the IDIQ level will be incorporated onto contract and serve as ceiling rates for all future CPFF Task Orders, or is the decision to propose cost limitations solely the offeror’s decision? Reference: Cost/Price, Section H, page 92.

Response: The solicitation is clear on its face. See the Section H clause entitled “Cost Limitation Ceilings On Indirect Rates” and see Section M “Cost Limitation Ceilings On Indirect Rates.”

69.) Positions- Are there other government-directed permanently assigned contract positions outside the Hampton Roads area other than the JNTC liaison positions? Reference: Cost/Price, Section C.9.8.8., page 37 JNTC Liaison Program.

Response: The solicitation is clear on its face. See RFP Sections C.9.8.8, C.9.10, C.9.11 and C.6.4.

70.) Place of Performance- Question: In order to accurately account for labor location differentials, what percentage of work will be completed at the Pentagon and what percentage will be done in Norfolk? Reference: Cost/Price, Section C.6.4.1, page 16.

Response: For the purposes of evaluation, the “Government Facility” location addressed in Section L of the RFP is defined as the Washington, D.C. – Virginia Metropolitan Area. See RFP revisions in Part II of this amendment.

71.) Non-Disclosure Agreements: The restrictions described in Section C.20 potentially prohibits the most qualified and experienced personnel from providing support. Specifically, C.20 indicates “No one who prepares offers, proposals, bids, and/or quotations for Government and/or non-Government procurements shall be involved in direct performance of this contract.” That means that the subject matter experts who provide a proposed solution would not be permitted to execute the same under a task order.

To clarify, we respectfully request C.20 be revised to read:

C.20. Non-Disclosure and Non-Use of Data

(a) Data In the course of performance pursuant to this contract, the contractor may have access to non-public information, including Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution (PPBE) information. Contractor agrees that it will not use or disclose any such non-public information unless authorized in writing by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). Contractor further agrees that it will use its best efforts to ensure that its employees and others performing services under this contract will not use or disclose any such information unless authorized by the COR. To that end, Contractor agrees that each of its employees and others performing duties under this contract that has access to non-public info sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement.

(b) Requirement to Disclose Data If the Contractor, its personnel and/or its subcontractors receive a court order requiring disclosure of any non-public information or if the Contractor believes disclosure of such data is otherwise required by law or regulation, the Contractor shall contact the Contracting Officer immediately and fully inform the Contracting Officer of the court order or other requirement prior to any disclosure of data.

(c) Non-disclosure/Non-Use Agreements

(d) Non-Disclosure/Non-Use Agreements During performance of a Task, if any of the Contractor’s personnel require access to non-public information, the Contractor shall obtain a non-disclosure agreement signed by that person. The non-disclosure agreement shall state that:

(1) He/she shall disclose non-public data obtained, received, or learned by him/her as a result of performance of this contract only to Contractor personnel directly performing under this contract and to United States Department of Defense personnel to whom disclosure of such data is required in performance of this contract.

(2) He/she shall use non-public data obtained, received, or learned as a result of performance of this contract only in direct performance of this contract and for no other purpose.

(3) If he/she learns of a disclosure of non-public data in violation of this clause, he/she will immediately notify the COR.

(4) In the event that the Contractor, its personnel, and/or subcontractors will obtain, receive, or learn data of other entities as a result of performance of this contract, the Contractor shall execute a non-disclosure/non-use agreement with each such entity prior to having access to the data provided by the entity.

(5) The contractor shall maintain all Non-Disclosure agreements required by this clause and shall make such agreements available for immediate inspection by the Contracting Officer or his authorized representative.

Response: See RFP revisions in Part II of this amendment.

72.). Background Investigation: Page 73: BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION REQUIREMENTS AND SECURITY APPROVAL PROCESS FOR CONTRACTORS ASSIGNED TO NATIONAL SECURITY POSITIONS OR PERFORMING SENSITIVE DUTIES. This section refers to “Navy security policy.” Would the government consider revising this section to reflect Joint Staff security policy?

Response: See RFP revisions in Part II of this amendment, which delete this PWS requirement in its entirety.

73.) Section H (OCI):

As written, the Organizational Conflict of Interest (“OCI”) Clause (page 90) is a blanket prohibition on contractors providing “any supplies, services, and/or materials resulting from work performed by the contractor related to a U.S. Department of Defense program” that would logically include similar work done for other DoD entities. It also appears to eliminate a contractor’s ability to support a follow-on task from those tasks awarded and performed under this contract after the JS MAC ends. These provisions are unduly restrictive and limit the ability of incumbent contractors to meet the Agency’s needs. Further, the OCI Clause prohibits all future “Department of Defense programs” work broadly, to cover all future contracts which may be related, including follow-on and recompete, regardless of the nature of support the contractor has provided, or whether there are any conflicts of interest.

To clarify and tailor the restriction to actual conflicts, we respectfully request that paragraph (b) of Section H – OCI Clause be revised to read:

(b) Restrictions on Contracting: The Contracting Officer has determined that this acquisition may give rise to an organizational conflict of interest (OCI). Accordingly, the attention of prospective Offerors is invited to FAR Subpart 9.5 --Organizational Conflicts of Interest. The Contracting Officer shall not award a contract until the Government determines any conflict of interest is reasonably resolved. The Contracting Officer has the sole authority to determine whether an organizational conflict of interest exists and to determine whether the organizational conflict of interest has been reasonably resolved. The OCI plan, if necessary, will not be evaluated as part of the technical factors. As such, the Government may communicate with any Offeror at any time during the evaluation process concerning its OCI plan.

(i) -The Contractor agrees that during the term of this contract that neither the Contractor nor its affiliates who performed under this contract shall create for themselves any interest in the contractors providing services, supplies, or material related to a U.S. Department of Defense program for which the Contractor has provided support under this contract,

(ii) The Contractor further agrees that neither it nor its affiliates under this contract will conduct a review nor make recommendations under the contract concerning any services, supplies, or material which is the product of work performed by the Contractor or its affiliates under any other contract.

Response: See RFP revisions in Part II of this amendment.

74.) Section C, para C.6.7.1, page 17. Referenced paragraph requires contractors who will perform on issued task orders to have a U.S. Secret Clearance or higher. Can contractors work on this contract with an interim secret security clearance, and will the DD Form 254 reflect this allowance?

Response: The solicitation is clear on its face.

75.) Section C, para C.10, page 46. The qualifications for the Program Manager I under Experience require the candidate to have, ”Five Years of Experience managing and applying knowledge of and application of experiment theory” and “Experience in developing and applying Service and Joint experiment models and simulations.” These two requirements only pertain to one element of the entire PWS, and seem extremely limited in scope to be a mandatory requirement for the PM. Will the government consider moving these two requirements to the last section of the Qualifications where the candidate “Must possess experience in five (5) or more of the following:”?

Response: See RFP revisions in Part II of this amendment.

76.) Section C, para C.10, page 46. The qualifications for Program Manager II under “Skills/Experience” require experience in logistics operations…” Will the Government delete the reference to “Logistics Operations”, as it is very constraining and does not apply to all task orders that will be competed under the JS MAC?

Response: See RFP revisions in Part II of this amendment.

77.) Section C, para C.10, page 48. The “Experience” Section of the Qualifications and Education Column for the Program/Project Supervisor has a section that requires “At least 5 years of experience in program and project Management, emergency preparedness operations, emergency planning, emergency training…” Recommend these three requirements be deleted as a requirement based on the very limited scope and applicability to this contract. For example, a Project supervisor running a technical IT task would not have a need for emergency preparedness operations.

Response: See RFP revisions in Part II of this amendment.

78.) Section L, para II.(2), page 137. Can the Government confirm that the only requirements for subcontractors to submit with their sealed packages if managed with Firm Fixed hourly rates (T&M) is a Professional Compensation Plan? Based on Section L’s guidance for the cost volume, subcontractors must only submit direct labor and indirect cost supporting documentation if managed on a CPFF basis.

Response: See RFP revisions in Part II of this amendment.

79.) RFP states: Section L, III, Proposal Content, (d) The offeror shall address the extent of participation of small businesses, small disadvantaged businesses, women-owned small businesses, historically black colleges or universities and minority institutions, veteran-owned small businesses, service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, and HUBZone small businesses in performance of any resultant contract. For this solicitation, the following small business minimum quantitative requirement (MQR) applies to the extent of small business participation: 33% of Total Subcontracted Dollars shall be subcontracted to Small Businesses. In accordance with the attached DOD FAR rule, HBCU/MIs can no longer count towards Small Business goals. Will the Government remove this requirement from the RFP?

Response: See RFP revisions in Part II of this amendment.

80.) In the LOE table on p. 6 of the RFP the Mailroom Services and Supply Store Operational Support are listed as separate categories with distinct hours; in the labor description table on p. 55 these two categories are listed together with the same qualifications. Can the government please clarify whether these categories are to be considered separate for labor mapping and pricing purposes?

Response: Mailroom Services and Supply Store Operational Support are combined in the labor category qualifications specified in the PWS at Section C.10 (pg 55) because the qualifications required for the performance of these tasks are similar. However, the Government reserves the right to order and account for these hours separately at the task order level, particularly in the event the locations for such services vary, thus resulting in the delineation of separate hours within the Section B Level of Effort clause.

81. Due to the number of changes in the final RFP as compared to earlier drafts, both in task description and response instructions, we respectfully request a one-week extension to the proposal due date.

Response: The time and date for receipt of proposals is hereby extended to 3:00pm (local time/Philadelphia, PA) on 27 April 2018.

PART II

RFP N0018918RZ008 is hereby amended as follows:

1.) Within the Section B Schedule of Services, the extended description text for CLIN 1003 is hereby amended as follows:

DELETE: LOT 1: IDIQ 5 year ordering period - 05/01/2019, or date of award, whichever is later, through 04/30/2024.

INSERT: LOT 2: Option in accordance with FAR 52.217-8 (6 Months): 05/01/2024 through 10/31/2024.

2.) DELETE the Section B Level of Effort clause in its entirety and INSERT the following updated clause (revisions are highlighted in red text):

LEVEL OF EFFORT (COST TYPE CONTRACT) (MULTIPLE AWARD IDIQ)

(a) This contract is one of a set of Multiple Award Contracts (MAC). The Estimated Total Hours to be ordered under this MAC program during the program’s ordering period is based upon the following level of effort:

Option

TOTAL

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5 6 Month Option

TOTAL

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5 6 Month Option

TOTAL

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5 6 Month Option

TOTAL

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5 6 Month Option

TOTAL

Technical Specialist V Cybersecurity Level II

Technical Specialist VII Software Developer I

Technical Specialist VIII Software Developer II

Technical Specialist IX Software Developer III

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5 6 Month Option

TOTAL

(b) For the purposes of paragraph (e) below, the Estimated Total Hours shall be the number of hours associated with the base ordering period as increased by the number of hours associated with any exercised option ordering periods.

(c) Use of uncompensated overtime is not encouraged. Uncompensated overtime is defined in FAR 52.237-10 as “the hours worked without additional compensation in excess of an average of 40 hours per week by direct charge employees who are exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act. Compensated personal absences such as holidays, vacations, and sick leave shall be included in the normal work week for purposes of computing uncompensated overtime hours.” The Estimated Total Hours identified above exclude holidays, sick leave, vacations and other employee absences.

(d) CPFF task orders resulting from task order solicitations will be primarily term type; however, the Government reserves the right to issue completion type orders, if appropriate. The number of hours expended per month under each resulting term-type task order shall be commensurate with the pursuit of performance of the task order’s statement of work, provided that such fluctuation does not result in the utilization of the task order hours prior to the expiration of the task order. The number of hours for any labor category may be utilized by the contractor for any other labor category if necessary in performance of the contract.

For CPFF term-type task orders, the number of hours identified in the task order level-of-effort (including any hours to be performed by a subcontractor) shall be considered against the MAC program’s Estimated Total Hours. For CPFF completion-type task orders, the hours proposed (including any hours to be performed by a subcontractor) shall be considered against the MAC program’s Estimated Total Hours.

(e) The Contracting Officer may place orders in excess of the MAC program’s Estimated Total Hours until the MAC program’s total estimated cost has been expended. The Contracting Officer may also place orders in excess of the MAC program’s total estimated cost until the MAC program’s Estimated Total Hours have been expended. In no event, however, will the Contracting Officer, pursuant to this paragraph (e), place orders in excess of the MAC program’s Estimated Total hours if the Contracting Officer has placed orders in excess of the MAC program’s total estimated cost. Nor will the Contracting Officer, pursuant to this paragraph (e), place orders in excess of the MAC program’s total estimated cost if the Contracting Officer has placed orders in excess of the MAC program’s Estimated Total Hours. The Contracting Officer may extend the MAC contracts’ periods in order to place orders up to the MAC program’s total estimated cost and the Estimated Total Hours.

(f) If at any time during this contract the contractor expends in excess of 85% of the available estimated manhours of direct labor (at the individual contract and task order levels), the contractor shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer in writing. Nothing herein shall be construed to alter or waive any of the rights or obligations of either party pursuant to the clause entitled “Limitation of Cost” and/or “Limitation of Funds.”

(g) For any resultant fixed-price task orders, the hours proposed (including any hours to be performed by a subcontractor) shall be considered against the MAC program’s Estimated Total Hours.

(h) It is understood and agreed that for each CPFF task order issued under this contract, the number of hours and the total dollar amount for each labor category specified in the task order are estimates only and shall not limit the use of hours or dollar amounts in any labor category which may be required and provided for under an individual task order. Accordingly, in the performance of any CPFF task order, the contractor shall be allowed to adjust the quantity of labor hours provided for within labor categories specified in the order provided that in so performing the contractor shall not in any event exceed the ceiling price restrictions of any order, including modifications thereof.

3.) DELETE the Section B clause entitled Payment of Fixed Fee under CPFF Task Orders and INSERT the following amended clause (revisions are highlighted in red text):

PAYMENT OF FIXED FEE UNDER CPFF TASK ORDERS (MULTIPLE AWARD INDEFINITE DELIVERY, COST PLUS FIXED FEE TASK ORDERS)

(a) This contract is one of a set of Multiple Award Contracts (MAC). The fixed-fees established in the individual contracts are estimates only. The total Fixed Fee to be paid under any individual contract is the sum of the Fixed-Fees identified in any resultant CPFF task orders awarded to the individual contract holder. Fixed-price task orders do not impact the total fixed-fee to be paid under this clause.

(b) For CPFF task orders, the Government shall make…