Attachment 8 - Questions and Answers.pdf

Question # RFP Reference Document Question / Request for Clarification & Answer

Is there any incumbent/recompete?

ANSWER This is considered a follow-on to N0018920D0027 awarded to Nexagen Networks Inc

We do not have a DCAA or DCMA approved accounting system. However, our accounting system has been audited by a third-party CPA, who certified that it is DCAA compatible. Will this certification be sufficient, or will the lack of a DCAA/DCMA audited system prevent us from being eligible for this opportunity?

ANSWER

It is not anticipated, or required, that the successful offeror will have a pre-approved accounting system at the time of award. It is the responsibility of the offeror to understand and comply with applicable regulations, and the Contracting Officer cannot authorize deviations from same, therefore the contracting officer cannot provide further guidance.

Is a Letter of Commitment required for key personnel?

ANSWER No.

PWS Section 5 - Pages 114- 116 & Pricing Spreadsheet Page 114-116

There appears to be a discrepancy between the FTE count in RFP Section 5: Personnel Requirements and the number of hours for a full contract year shown in the RFP Attachment 1 Pricing Template. Please clarify which of the two RFP resources we should use when developing our price proposal.

ANSWER

Section 5 of the PWS specifies two (2) DevSecOps Engineer/Developers. Attachment 1 - Pricing Spreadsheet has been revised to reflect the increase.

PWS Section 5, RFP Pages 114-116

Several labor categories listed in Section 5, Position Requirements, do not include a designated place of performance. Does the Government intend to provide specific location information for these positions?

ANSWER

The open locations may be located anywhere in the US should the contractor gain approval for remote work.

However, the open locations shall use Suffolk, VA as the location for pricing.

RFP: Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors

Can Volume I - Non-Price Proposal for each Factor be a separate file?

ANSWER Yes, reference Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors.

RFP: Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors

Does the Government have a specific filename structure they want the Offeror to use?

ANSWER No.

RFP: Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors, Factor 1 Facility Security Clearance

Does the Government require the Offeror Team Member/Subcontractor Facility Clearance Verification?

ANSWER The Government requires the Prime's Facility Security Clearance.

RFP: Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors, Factor 3 Past Performance

Can the Offeror use a Single Award IDIQ as one of the Past Performance Reference?

ANSWER

Reference the section 'Factor III: Past Performance' within Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors, page 15 and 16 in the RFP.

RFP: Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors, Factor 3 Past Performance

Would the Government consider using the Offeror CPARS for each Past Performance Reference instead of the Past Performance Report Form?

ANSWER

No. Please reference the section 'Factor III: Past Performance', subsection 'Past Performance Confidence Assessment' within FAR 52.212-2 Evaluation, page 20 in the RFP.

PWS Section 5.1 Minimum Personnel Qualifications

Could you please confirm whether the total Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) count for this effort should be 70, as indicated in the pricing datasheet, or 71, as implied by the Performance Work Statement (PWS)? Specifically, the PWS lists two positions for DevSecOps Engineer/Developer, Senior, whereas the pricing datasheet reflects only one for that role.

ANSWER

See answer to Question #4. The FTE count for this effort should reflect 71 and has been updated in the Attachment 1 - Pricing Spreadsheet.

RFP: Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors, Volume II: Price Proposal

In order to ensure cost realism across all proposals, it is recommended that the Government require Offerors to utilize at a minimum the 50th percentile of Salary Survey Data in the development of all proposed rates?

ANSWER Cost/price realism analysis will not be performed.

RFP: Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors, Volume II: Price Proposal

There is no mention of a Cost Narrative in the Factor IV: Price section of the RFP. Will the Government clarify if a Cost Narrative is required in Offerors submissions?

ANSWER

Reference the section "Factor IV: Price" within Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors, on page 16 of the RFP.

RFP: Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors, Volume II: Price Proposal

Will the Government confirm that Offerors may modify the provided Attachment 1, as necessary, in their Cost submissions?

ANSWER

The Offerors may not modify the formatting and formulas for Sheet 1 within Attachment 1 - Pricing Spreadsheet but may provide additional tabs for supporting information.

RFP: FAR 52.212-2 –

Evaluation

Evaluation approach references Factor III rating for “Substantial Confidence” but does not reference the ratings in Table 3: "Past Performance Relevancy Ratings" (see pg. 22). Is the "Past Performance Relevancy" ratings factored into the evaluation criteria for past performance, and if so, could you please clarify?

ANSWER

Past performance relevancy and how it will be evaluated and applied is explained in section 'Factor III: Past Performance' within FAR 52.212-2 Evaluation, page 19 - 20 in the RFP.

PWS Section 5.1 Minimum Personnel Qualifications

The labor category chart/table has a “Location” column. Some of the entries are blank/empty. In order to properly determine prices based on geographic areas, would the government fill in the empty cells and/or clarify what is implied by an empty/blank Location?

ANSWER See answer to Question #5.

PWS Section 1, Subsection

1.7 Work Environment and

Hours of Operation

The solicitation references both remote work and telework. For the purposes of this solicitation, should these be interpreted as the same thing, or is there a discernible difference in how they are managed?

ANSWER

“Regular and Recurring” and “Situational” telework is a discretionary work flexibility arrangement in which an employee performs assigned duties and responsibilities from home or an approved alternative worksite, in conjunction with in-office work days. Remote work can encompass a broader range of scenarios, including full-time remote work where employees never go to the office and may work from anywhere. Take additional note of PWS section 1.7.

PWS Section 5, Subsection 5.1

The labor category chart/table lists the DCWF Level. Some labor categories are identified with two levels (e.g., “Intermediate/Advanced”). Given the different CSWF requirements, in order to accurately price, would the government specify a single CSWF designation and/or clarify what is intended when both “Intermediate/Advanced” are listed.

ANSWER

Dual-assigned positions require careful consideration of workload balance. The contractor is responsible for adhering to ITSM best practices as outlined in PWS Sections 2.2.1 and 2.2.2, including providing a Program Organizational Chart and role/responsibility documentation (e.g., a RAM). The DCWF level for each role will be determined based on the level of responsibility and indicated in the Requests for Task Order Proposals. Restricting these dual-assigned positions to a single CSWF designation, limits the contractor's flexibility in meeting contractual requirements and diminishes overall value. The flexible DCWF levels in Section 5.1 are not exempt from the education, experience, and additional certification requirements outlined in Sections 5.2 through 5.31.

PWS Section 5, Subsection

5.1 & Pricing Spreadsheet

In the "Attachment 1 - Pricing Spreadsheet.xlsx", the "DevSecOps Engineer/Developer, Senior" is listed with Quantity of one (1) in column C. However, the table in 5.1 MINIMUM PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS identifies a quantity of two (2) for this same Labor Category. Please confirm which quantity is correct for the "DevSecOps Engineer/Developer, Senior".

ANSWER See answer to Question #4 and Question #11.

Who is the current incumbent and what is the contract number?

ANSWER See answer to Question #1.

RFP: Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors, Section

GENERAL

Can the government please clarify the language required to comply with requiring the "Source Selection Information

- FAR 2.101 and FAR 3.104" on each page?

ANSWER Each page of the proposal shall include the legend: Source Selection Information - FAR 2.101 and FAR 3.104

RFP: Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors, Factor II, Sub- Factor II

Can the government please clarify the time the contractor will have to backfill a position if/when it becomes vacant?

ANSWER

This contract will be an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, which will utilize Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) task orders for labor. Performance evaluation is based on the achievement of defined deliverables within each task order.

RFP: Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors, Factor II, Sub- Factor II

For the historical attrition rate, will the government evaluate the number of employees on a past effort, the type of position, or a combination of both?

ANSWER

Offeror shall determine how they submit this information in response to the requirements of Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors.

RFP: Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors, Factor III

Can a subcontractor's past performance be considered as part of the 3 past performance requirements?

ANSWER

Reference the section 'Factor III: Past Performance' within Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors, page 15 in the RFP.

RFP: Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors, Volume II: Price Proposal

Will the contractor need to submit Attachment I - Pricing Spreadsheet in the same format with no additions or adjustments, or can the contract make adjustments and revisions as necessary?

ANSWER See answer to Question #14.

RFP: Clause FAR 52.222-

Can the government please confirm the GS/WG Equivalent and Fringe rates shown on the table are for reference information only and will not be used in evaluating the price for this effort?

ANSWER Confirm, informational purposes only.

Can the Government please confirm that resumes must be provided for the 3 Key Personnel positions?

ANSWER

Resumes are not required as part of the offeror's submission by Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors.

PWS Section 4, Subsection

4.20 and 4.20 (duplicate numbered)

There are 2 Section 4.20's in the PWS but with 2 separate titles and responsibilities. Can the government please clarify if sections 4.20 CAS TRAING SPECIALIST and 4.20 NTIRA TRAINING SPECIALIST are 2 separate roles, or are 2 separate responsibilities for 1 role?

ANSWER

Sections 4.20 CAS TRAING SPECIALIST and 4.20 NTIRA TRAINING SPECIALIST can be 2 separate roles, or can be 2 separate responsibilities for 1 role, or a combination of and will be identified in each task order tasking.

The position requirements for the roles of CAS TRAINING SPECIALIST and NTIRA TRAINING SPECIALIST are detailed in sections 5.28 and 5.29, respectively.

PWS Section 5, Subsection 5.1

The table located on page 114 does not have work locations, CSWF levels, DCWF Work Codes or DCWF Levels, for all the labor categories listed. Can the government please update the table or provide a work location at least for each Labor Category listed?

ANSWER See answers to Questions #18 and #5.

PWS Section 5, Multiple Subsections

The position requirements in sections 5.8, 5.9, 5.16, 5.18, 5.19, 5.20, and 5.23 state that the clearance level is Secret and TS/SCI for some locations. However, the Pricing sheet shows the Clearance level as TS. Can the government please confirm which clearance level is required for this position?

ANSWER

The clearance level is based on where the position will be located and will be designated in the task order: "TOP SECRET/SCI clearance is required for the positions in Hawaii (PRNOC) and Virginia (UARNOC); SECRET clearance is required for all other locations, but may require a TOP SECRET/SCI clearance at some future point.

For pricing purposes, use the clearance level listed on the pricing sheet due to the potential for TOP SECRET/SCI requirements in the future.

PWS Section 11.5, under OPSEC Section, Start-Up Period

Can the Government specify the timeline for delivering the onboarding documents to the COR for contractor personnel?

ANSWER

On boarding documents can be delivered as soon as 30 days prior to the start of the contract. See PWS Section 10:

CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS for information on transition plans and turnover period.

Can the Government please specify the Labor Categories that must be mapped to the Wage Determination Occupation Codes?

ANSWER

It is the offeror’s discretion to choose a labor category that can meet the requirements of the position. The offeror must demonstrate that their staffing approach will meet the government’s needs.

DFARS 252.204-7008

Clarification of Covered Defense Information (CDI): Can you provide specific examples or further clarification of what constitutes "covered defense information" under this contract?

ANSWER

It is the responsibility of the offeror to understand and comply with applicable regulations. The contracting officer is unable to authorize any deviations from said regulations and therefore cannot provide guidance.

DFARS 252.204-7008

Scope of NIST SP 800-171 Requirements: Are there any exceptions or areas where the NIST SP 800-171 security requirements do not apply to a contractor’s information systems?

ANSWER See answer to Question #33.

DFARS 252.204-7008

DoD CIO’s Role in Variances: If an offeror proposes a variance to NIST SP 800-171 security requirements, how long will it typically take for the DoD CIO to review and adjudicate the request?

ANSWER See answer to Question #33.

DFARS 252.204-7008

Security Measures for Non-Compliant Systems: What specific measures would be considered "equally effective" when an offeror is unable to meet a NIST SP 800-171 requirement, and how will this be assessed or determined by the DoD CIO?

ANSWER See answer to Question #33.

DFARS 252.204-7008

Subcontractor Compliance with NIST SP 800-171: Are there any additional compliance requirements that apply to subcontractors handling covered defense information that are not outlined for the primary contractor?

ANSWER See answer to Question #33.

DFARS 252.204-7008

Variation Requests for Security Requirements: Are there any specific formats or templates required when submitting a variance request for NIST SP 800-171 security requirements?

ANSWER See answer to Question #33.

DFARS 252.204-7018

Covered Defense Telecommunications Equipment: Can you clarify what qualifies as "covered defense telecommunications equipment or services," and whether there are any known prohibited items or services for which waivers may not be granted?

ANSWER See answer to Question #33.

DFARS 252.204-7018

Representation in SAM: If an offeror has already represented in SAM that they do not provide covered defense telecommunications equipment, do they still need to complete the representation in this clause, or can the SAM submission be used as sufficient documentation?

ANSWER See answer to Question #33.

DFARS 252.204-7018

Excluded Parties: How does an offeror ensure that no excluded entities are involved in providing covered defense telecommunications equipment or services?

ANSWER See answer to Question #33.

DFARS 252.204-7019

Submission of NIST SP 800-171 Assessment: Can you clarify the process for submitting the NIST SP 800-171 DoD assessment scores, especially in cases where the assessment is not up-to-date (i.e., more than 3 years old)?

ANSWER See answer to Question #33.

DFARS 252.204-7019

Posting to SPRS: How long after a NIST SP 800-171 assessment is conducted will the summary level scores be posted to SPRS? Is there a standard processing time for SPRS updates?

ANSWER See answer to Question #33.

DFARS 252.204-7019

Accessing SPRS: Can you provide more detail on how contractors or their representatives can access their SPRS summary level scores, and whether there are any restrictions on who can view this information?

ANSWER See answer to Question #33.

DFARS 252.204-7019

Subcontractor NIST SP 800-171 Assessments: Are subcontractors required to have their NIST SP 800-171 assessment results posted in SPRS? If a subcontractor has not had an assessment within the last 3 years, what is the process for them to conduct and submit a Basic NIST SP 800-171 assessment?

ANSWER See answer to Question #33.

DFARS 252.204-7020

Rebuttals to Assessment Findings: What specific process and timeline does the DoD follow if a contractor wishes to submit a rebuttal for an assessment finding? Are there any specific guidelines for how this information must be presented?

ANSWER See answer to Question #33.

DFARS 252.204-7020

Medium and High Assessments: For contractors that require a medium or high NIST SP 800-171 assessment, what are the minimum requirements and expectations for demonstrating compliance during the assessment?

ANSWER See answer to Question #33.