2.02 - Attachment VIII_QA Response Spreadsheet.pdf

Question No. Document Name Page Number Section Number/Name Question Government Response

1 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 1 of 121 SF 1449

In consideration of the time needed to thoughtfully incorporate the Government’s responses to submitted questions, would the Government consider granting a two-week extension to the proposal due date? This additional time would help ensure high-quality, fully informed submissions that are responsive to the Government’s clarified requirements.

An extension to 1/13/2026 is included in the amendment.

2 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 1 & 2 of 121 SF 1449

In block 20 of pages 1 and page 2 of the SF 1449 note “See Schedule". There was no "Schedule of Services” provided in the RFP documents. Will the Government please provide the "Schedule of Services” .

Please refer to the "Delivery Information" section (page

32) for the window in which orders may be placed.

Actual performance and scheduling will be delegated at the order-level.

3 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 3 of 121 PWS Section 2.1.1

Please clarify the exact boundaries of installation/maintenance support for network infrastructure versus the hardware connected to it. For example, does this exclusion apply to connecting network security devices (firewalls, routers, etc.)

that are not the Secure Communication Networks (SCI/NGEN/VOIP/TELEPHONY) themselves, or is the exclusion absolute for all IT/Cryptologic hardware?

This is network/communications infrastructure (cables, drops, FOPP's) but does not include switches/routers/crypto/firewalls of the individual network. The exclusion applies for all networks that are not owned or maintained by FCC/C10F.

4 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 3 of 121 PWS Section 2.1.2

Will the majority of corrective maintenance (CM) and preventative maintenance (PM) be performed on LENEL systems, or should the contractor resource pool be evenly split across all listed systems?

The majority of install/repair tasking will be performed on LENEL systems.

5 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 3 of 121 PWS Section 2.1.3 What is the maximum dollar value or complexity ceiling that defines "Minor construction" in this context?

Under NAVSUP policy, "minor construction" is defined as incidental, non-segregable, non-complex construction services valued below $35K. Section 2.1.3 of the PWS encapsulates most, but not all, of the minor construction work that will likely be performed throughout the life of the contract. Any minor construction required for performance will be delineated at the ordering level.

6 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 4, 6, & 9 of

PWS Sections 3.1, 4.2.6.1, & 4.2.6.5

There are references to two different versions of SPAWAR Shore Installation Process Handbook in the PWS. Can we assume the 2014 version is correct?

Please see the updated reference in PWS Section 4.2.6.1.

7 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 5 of 121 PWS Sections 4.1.4 & 4.1.5

What are the distinct, non-overlapping responsibilities of the PM vs. the PJM, particularly concerning onsite versus remote management?

Please see the updated description of the PM and PJM roles provided in section 4.1 of the PWS.

8 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 5-6 of 121 PWS Sections 4.2.3, 4.2.4, 4.2.5

Is there a Government-mandated configuration management or requirements-traceability tool that must be used, or may the contractor propose its own toolset as long as outputs are uploaded to the Government portals and meet traceability expectations?

Offerors have the flexibility to propose and use their own configuration management and requirements-traceability toolset during contract performance. The Government will generally prioritize the outcome and the ability to meet compliance standards, rather than mandating a specific tool. It is the offeror's responsibility to ensure that the outputs from their tools are in a format that can be easily uploaded and utilized within the Government's portals, such as an MS Excel spreadsheet.

9 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 6 of 121 PWS Section 4.2.4

Please confirm that the Government will provide and administer all NMCI NIPR (or successor) sites/portals to serve as the official repository for planning and final contract documentation, and clarify whether any contractor-hosted systems may be used as secondary working repositories if compliant with CUI requirements.

The Government will provide and maintain NIPR site portals as the official respository with offerors up/downloading from them during contract performance. Offeror-hosted systems may be used on a case-by-case basis, contingent of system compliance and access limitations.

10 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 6 of 121 PWS Section 4.2.4

Please clarify which party (Government or contractor) is responsible for initial site setup, account creation, folder structure, and ongoing administration of the Government documentation repositories, and whether a Government-provided data management plan or taxonomy will be furnished.

See response to question 9. The Government will provide a management plan after award.

11 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 6 of 121 PWS Section 4.2.4

What is the process and expected timeline for granting and renewing user accounts and network/portal access (including NMCI/MCEN or other systems) for contractor personnel, and are there any limitations on the number or type of contractor users who may be granted access?

NMCI NIPR is two (2) weeks to one (1) month, and all personnel should have an account as needed during contract performance. Other classifed network access will be based on position/vetting/clearance/requirement.

12 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 6 of 121 PWS Section 4.2.4

Please confirm the specific CUI/FOUO implementation guidance and marking standards (e.g., DODI 5200.48 and any Navy/USMC supplements) that apply to contract documentation, and clarify acceptable methods for transmitting CUI between contractor and Government (email, portals, file transfer, etc.).

DoDI 5200.48 (available online) is the primary guidance with regards to the DoD CUI program. The use of Government systems (emails, portals, file transfer) is authorized during contract performance.

13 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 6 of 121 PWS Section 4.2.4

Please define what the Government considers 'planning and final documentation' for purposes of storage on Government networks (e.g., does this include internal contractor plans, working drafts, meeting minutes, configuration baselines, test data, and subcontractor deliverables).

Planning and final documentation is offiicial, furnished documentation to be saved on Government networks for current and future coordination. Documentation will not include internal contractor plans or working drafts not ready for Government review.

14 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 6 of 121 PWS Section 4.2.4

Does this section imply that the contractor network must be an accredited system capable of handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)/For Official Use Only (FOUO) documentation, and who is responsible for the accreditation?

The Government will provide NMCI NIPR computers as well as CAD software (and other software as needed) with access to Government networks. Use of other networks/systems from offerors will need to be appropriately accredited and meet classification standards if utilized.

15 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 7 of 121 PWS Section 4.2.6.5

Since Attachment II is not provided, can the government confirm that all necessary and specialized test equipment (e.g., fiber optic fusion splicers, specialized ESS programming tools, certified network testers) will be provided, or are some industry-standard tools expected to be Contractor-Furnished Property (CFP)?

Please see the updated instruction provided in section 3 of the PWS regarding PWS attachments.

16 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 8 of 121 PWS Section 4.2.7.4

Is the cost of these shipped materials/parts covered under a separate CLIN (Contract Line Item Number) or a Not-to- Exceed (NTE) amount within the task order, or is the contractor expected to manage a dedicated parts inventory under the contract?

Orders will utilize the same CLIN structure as the IDIQ, which includes a CLIN for supplies/materials and subcontracted labor (CLIN 0003). Please see the updated CLIN description for CLIN 0003. Both the Government and the Contractor shall keep track of any materials utilized for an order effort. Please see section

9.12 of the PWS (page 17 of the RFP) for additional details.

17 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 9 of 121 PWS Section 4.2.7.5

Please confirm if the Government will provide the actual trouble ticket software/platform (e.g., an instance of ServiceNow, Remedy, etc.) on the NMCI NIPR network, or if the contractor is expected to deploy and maintain a basic database (e.g., a SharePoint list or an Access database) within the Government-provided environment.

Trouble tickets will be submitted via email and appropriately tracked in MS Excel. Both systems are maintainced on Government networks/devices.

18 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 9 of 121 PWS Section 4.2.8 Will the existing SMDS be provided as a baseline for update?

All drawing packages will be made available to the prospective awardee during contract performance, and can be used to build the IDP for future tasks.

19 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 9 of 121 PWS Section 4.2.8.1 Please provide the "USFLTCYBERCOM Computer Aided Drawing Standard" attachment of the PWS. See response to question 15.

20 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 10 of 121 PWS Section 4.2.9.1 Are we to bid overtime rates?

Offerors shall provide standard labor rates (NOT overtime rates) in accordance with Attachment I - Pricing Spreadsheet. Overtime is not anticipated under this requirement. Contractors should manage personnel time in order to mitigate overtime compensation.

21 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 10 of 121 PWS Section 4.2.10.1

What is the typical timeline/process for the FCC PMO to review, approve, and formalize such an emergency change request to ensure installation schedule adherence is not jeopardized?

The timeline is subjective due to a multitude of factors.

Typically, the contractor would notify the COR/ACOR followed by discussions and alternative solutions, and a final determination of action would be made by the contracting office.

22 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 11 of 121 PWS Section 4.2.12.1

Does the contractor need to provide the ISSM role, or only support the government's ISSM by performing technical tasks (e.g., applying security principles, ensuring system disposal is correct)?

No, the Government will provide the Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM) role. The contractor's role is to support the Government's ISSM by performing the tasking described in section 4.2.12.1 of the PWS.

23 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 11 & 12 of 121 PWS Section 4.2.12.2

Should the contractor assume the two SA roles are permanently assigned to those locations, or is movement between the two PMO locations expected?

The two SA roles are permanent locations, but TDY travel may occasionally be required for performance of specific tasking.

24 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 11 & 12 of 121 PWS Section 4.2.12.2

Will the Government provide the base SHB images, or is the contractor responsible for building the SHB images based on DISA guidelines?

SHB baselines (W11/WIN Server/Etc.) will be provided by the Government. In the event that an SHB baseline needs to be built, tasking for such will be delegated and funded at the task-order level.

25 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 11 of 121 PWS Section 4.2.11.2

Please confirm if the contractor is expected to provide this OEM-level certified training if the task order specifies it, or if the training is strictly limited to the "operational aspects of the equipment and systems."

Training by certified technicians is limited to operational aspects of day-to-day management of ESS (IDS/EACS/CCTV) systems for site personnel, delegated at the task-order level. The offeror will not provide certification training to site personnel.

26 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 12 of 121 PWS Section 4.2.12.2 What are the authorized devices to transfer over patches from non Windows based applications and OS?

This information is classified and on a need-to-know basis. Will be provided to appropriate personnel at task order level.

27 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 14 & 15 of 121 PWS Section 8.1

Is this TS clearance a minimum requirement for all positions listed in 12.1.2, or only those that will be working in SCIFs/Secure spaces?

All positions listed in the table provided in section

12.1.2 of the PWS are positions that work in a SCIF, and thus are subject to the security requirements defined in section 8.1 of the PWS.

28 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 14 & 15 of 121 PWS Section 8.1

What is the typical timeline or process for this NSA vetting/waiver, and what specific documentation is required from the contractor to initiate this process?

The vetting/waiver process takes a minimum of thirty

(30) days and may go longer depending on personnel background. Instructions for the process will be provided by the Government after contract award, and will involve the submission of PII for vetting.

29 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 14 & 15 of 121 PWS Section 8.1

As part of that vetting will the contractor employees require a full scope polygraph? A Counter Intelligence Polygraph is required.

30 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 16 of 121 PWS Section 9.5

What is the typical turnaround time expected from the Government to review the Red-Lined Drawings (9.4) and return the comments to the contractor? Five (5) working days.

31 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 17 of 121 PWS Section 10.2

Will the Government specify the inventory system (e.g., database, software) to be used, or is the contractor responsible for providing, maintaining, and obtaining approval for their own system?

The offeror will be responsible for providing and maintaning an inventory system of their choosing.

32 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 17 of 121 PWS Section 10.2

What is the expected Service Level Agreement (SLA) or turnaround time for the COR to provide written approval for a material procurement request?

For material purchases that are not previously specified under a given task order, appropriate approvals are typically provided by the COR within five (5) working days.

33 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 19 of 121 PWS Section 12.1.2

Please confirm if all FTEs under the ET-6 (3 FTEs) and SEPS/LCE (2 FTEs) categories are considered KEY personnel, or if only a specific FTE within that category (e.g., the site lead) is designated as KEY.

Please refer to the chart provided in section 12.1.2 of the PWS for the full list of designated KEY personnel.

34 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 19 of 121 PWS Section 12.2.1.2

Please confirm if the 10 years of specific experience must be within or concurrent with the 15 years of management experience for the alternative qualification of the Program Manager (PM).

The ten (10) years of specific experience can be either within or concurrent with the 15 years of management experience.

35 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 19 of 121 PWS Section 12.2.2.1

Is an Electrical Engineering Degree the only option for a Project Manager. This seems a bit stringent for a Project Manager. Will a Business Degree suffice?

Please refer to sections 12.2.1.1 and 12.2.1.2 of the PWS for the acceptable qualifications. Multiple alternative degrees and experience options are listed.

36 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 20 of 121 PWS Section 12.3.2

What is the specific level of LENEL certification required for this role (e.g., Lenel Certified Professional (LCP), Lenel Certified Expert (LCE), etc.)? (The next sentence is cut off, but the LCP title suggests the specific certification is needed.)

As specified in section 12.3.2 of the PWS, the ET-6 / LCP role shall possess a Lenel Certified Professional (LCP) certification.

37 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 23 & 24 of

PWS Sections 12.6.3 & 12.6.4

Please confirm that the experience cited by candidates for these roles must be directly relevant to their respective specialties (IT or PHYSEC).

Please see the experience requirements and alternative qualifications listed in section 12.6.3 of the PWS.

38 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 20 & 21 of

PWS Sections 12.3.3.2 & 12.3.4.2

Please confirm that the total minimum experience for these roles is indeed the sum of both requirements (e.g., 8 + 3 = 11 years for ET-5, or 5 + 1 = 6 years for ET-4).

The minimum experience required for an individual position can occur concurrently (e.g. for the ET-5 qualifications defined in section 12.3.3.2 of the PWS, five (5) years of BESEP/IDP development experience and three (3) years of the experience defined in this section within the five (5) years of the BESEP/IDP development experience).

39 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 23 of 121 PWS Section 12.6.2.1

The RFP states "The SA shall have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems and a minimum seven (5) years experience in the testing and support of DoD network systems, including experience in weekly application of patch management by applying OS and application system updates on all workstations, servers, switches, and routers;

daily system scans and bi-monthly full administrative scans."

Would the Government please clarify the correct years of experience?

Please see the updated qualifications provided in PWS Section 12.6.2.1.

40 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 24 of 121 PWS Section 12.6.6.1

The RFP states "In addition to the above qualifications in section 2.5.5, the contractor shall have a minimum of one SEPS technically certified…" However, there is no Section

2.5.5 in the PWS. Would the Government please correctly identify this cross reference?

Please see the updated qualifications provided in PWS Section 12.6.6.1.

41 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 24 of 121 PWS Section 13

Attachments were not provided for referencing requirements for Factor II - Technical Approach, Subfactor 1a. We respectively request the Government provide the attachments listed in section 13 Attachments. See response to question 15.

42 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 24 of 121 PWS Section 13

Since the Attachments in Section 13 were not provided, we respectively request a 2 week extension once documents are provided to ensure we are in full compliance with the technical response. See response to questions 1 and 15.

43 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 25-29 of 121 QASP

Will the Government provide a QASP or equivalent that specifies performance measures, thresholds, and surveillance methods related to timeliness, completeness, and accuracy of documentation maintained on Government networks, or should the offeror propose recommended performance metrics in the proposal?

The Government QASP is provided on pages 25-29 of the RFP.

44 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 32 of 121 Clauses Incorporated By Reference

The RFP specifies FAR 52.222-41 "Service Contract Labor Standards" will be applicable. Can the government provide applicable Wage Determinations for locations listed in the

PWS?

The applicable Wage Determinations have been added as an attachment to the solicitation for the purpose of proposal submissions. Wage Determinations for actual performance requirements will be incorporated at the task-order level.

45 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 39 of 121

FAR 52.212-1

Addendum Instructions to Offerors - Instructions for submission of proposals

The file size of Volumes may be too large to submit electronically as one Volume file. If needed may Offerors submit separate files for each Volume?

Offerors shall not split a single volume of a proposal submission across multiple emails. Volumes may be submitted individually across multiple emails per the instructions provided in the "Instructions for submission of proposals" section of the FAR 52.212-1 Addendum.

46 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 39 of 121

FAR 52.212-1

Addendum Instructions to Offerors - Instructions for submission of proposals

Given potential file size limitations to submit electronically, may Offerors submit their proposals in multiple email messages to ensure successful and complete delivery? See response to question 45.

47 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 40 of 121

FAR 52.212-1

Addendum Instructions to Offerors - Instructions for submission of proposals

The RFP requires specific information in the submission email that includes "Email (#) of (#)." Would the Government please clarify if there is a size limitation for each submission email (e.g., XX MB per email)?

See response to question 45. Individual volumes are not expected to exceed the size limitations of our email system.

48 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 40 of 121

FAR 52.212-1

Addendum Instructions to Offerors - Instructions for submission of proposals

May offerors submit a Table of Contents (TOC) that exceeds one page? The requirement states that the TOC should provide “sufficient detail to allow important elements to be easily located.” To meet this intent, offerors may need to include third-level subheadings, as well as separate TOCs for figures and tables - potentially resulting in a TOC longer than one page.

Please refer to the instructions provided in the "Instructions for submission of proposals" section of the FAR 52.212-1 Addendum for details on executive summaries/charts/graphics in proposals.

49 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 40 of 121

FAR 52.212-1

Addendum Instructions to Offerors - Instructions for submission of proposals

May the Government please allow Header and Footer text to be 10pt font?

The formatting rules provided in the RFP remains unchanged at this time.

50 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 42 of 121

FAR 52.212-1

Addendum Instructions to Offerors - Factor II Technical Approach (Sub-Factor II Staffing Approach)

The solicitation requires that Offerors provide "copies of required certifications" for the eight key personnel. Would the Government please confirm the copies of required certifications do not count against the page limitations for either the 15-page Staffing Approach or the 2-page limit per key personnel resume?

Please see the updated instructions provided in "Factor II - Technical Approach) in the FAR 52.212-1 Addendum.

51 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 42 of 121

FAR 52.212-1

Addendum Instructions to Offerors - Factor III Past Performance

Can the Government please confirm that ongoing past performance references can still be included as long as they meet the minimum requirement of 1 year of performance?

References for ongoing contracts with a minimum one-year completed performance may be considered if they meet all other requirements provided in "Factor III - Past Performance" of the FAR 52.212-1 Addendum.

Individual periods from ongoing contracts that don't include a minimum one-year performance will not be included.

52 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 42 of 121

FAR 52.212-1

Addendum Instructions to Offerors - Factor II Technical Approach (Sub-Factor I Performance and Management Approach)

Sub‑Factor I appears to require a fully qualified workforce on day one for any task order, including positions requiring TS/SCI. Given that new non‑incumbent personnel, even if SCI‑eligible, must be individually indoctrinated to the specific program, a strict day‑one requirement for all SCI billets may functionally favor the incumbent and limit competition. Will the Government consider revising or clarifying this requirement to permit a phased transition for SCI positions (e.g., key personnel on day one, with the balance of SCI‑cleared staff phased in over 30–90 days pursuant to an approved transition plan) so that non‑incumbent offerors with appropriately cleared personnel can compete without compromising mission continuity or security?

Please see the instructions provided in “Factor I - Facility Clearance” in the FAR 52.212-1 Addendum for facilities clearance requirements in proposal submissions. This contract will not incorporate a transition period (phased or otherwise). Orders placed under this contract will typically be issued at least thirty

(30) days in advance of performance start for the respective order.

53 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 43 of 121

FAR 52.212-1

Addendum Instructions to Offerors - Factor III Past Performance

Regarding Factor III - Past Performance, will the Government accept copies of CPARS in lieu of the Past Performance Report?

The Government may review CPARS as part of its evaluation. However, CPARS is NOT a substitute for the requirement to submit a Past Performance Report Form for any past performance submissions. Offerors are still required to submit one for the reference, even if CPARS is on-file.

54 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 43 of 121

FAR 52.212-1

Addendum Instructions to Offerors - Factor III Past Performance

Will the Government reconsider requirement to provide a Past Performance Report Form from customer, since requirement has high level of security requirements, such as high-side Network. Offerors may not get approval for customer to complete form due to high sensitive nature of program/projects. We recommend allowing CPARS.

See response to question 53 regarding the use of CPARS in past performance submissions. See response to question 59 regarding classified information in past performance submissions.

55 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 44 of 121

FAR 52.212-1

Addendum Instructions to Offerors - Factor V Price

For Factor V - Price, the RFP requires additional items such as the signed SF1449 and completed Representations and Certifications. Would the Government please confirm all items listed under Factor V - Price should be submitted in a single MS Word file, with the exception of the Pricing Spreadsheet, which will be submitted in MS Excel?

Please see the updated instructions provided in the "Factor V - Price" section of the FAR 52.212-1 Addendum.

56 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 44 of 121

FAR 52.212-1

Addendum Instructions to Offerors - Factor V Price

The RFP requires that Offeror's submit the completed SF1449 in Bullet #1 and also "a completed and signed page 1 of the most current version of the solicitation and any amendments" in Bullet #2. Because the SF1449 is page 1 of the solicitation, it would seem these two line items are requesting the same information. Would the Government please clarify the difference between Statement #1 and Statement #2 under Factor V - Price?

Offerors shall provide a complete SF 1449 for the solicitations and all amendments.

57 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 44 of 121

FAR 52.212-1

Addendum Instructions to Offerors - Factor V Price

Would the Government please breakout the Base Ordering Period travel by individual ordering year so offerors can apply G&A and OH in accordance with their approved DCMA or DCAA rates?

Please see the updated travel estimates provided in "Factor V - Price" of the FAR 52.212-1 Addendum.

58 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 42 & 47 of

FAR 52.212-1

Addendum Instructions to Offerors - Factor III Past Performance &

FAR 52.212-2

Evaluations - Factor III Past Performance

There are inconsistencies in the timeline of the past performance references. Can the government please confirm that past performance references need to be within 5 years of solicitation closing date?

Please see the updated instructions provided in the "Factor III - Past Performance" section of the FAR 52.212-1 Addendum.

59 2.01 - N0018926R0001 RFP.pdf 48 of 121

FAR 52.212-2

Evaluations - Factor III Past Performance

Past performance with the IC community on the SCI side does not permit the use of CPARS nor does the client provide PPQ due to sensitivity of the mission. How should we address providing a compliant past performance for work that strictly prohibits submission of these documents.

The offeror shall not provide classified information in their past performance submissions. Any and all past performance submissions shall describe their work in an unclassified manner. The offeror shall not provide past performance submissions for requirements that cannot be declassified in any capacity.

60 2.02 - Attachment I_Pricing Spreadsheet Material Pricing

FAR 16.203‑2 and 16.203‑3 state that fixed‑price contracts extending over a relatively long period should include economic price adjustment provisions when there is serious doubt about the stability of market or labor conditions and to protect both parties against significant fluctuations in labor or material costs. Given current and potential future volatility in equipment, material, and transportation costs over a five‑year period, will the Government reconsider the requirement to lock in equipment rates for all five years without any economic price adjustment mechanism, and instead include an appropriate EPA clause (e.g., FAR 52.216‑2, 52.216‑3, or 52.216‑4 as applicable)?

The Government will not be incorporating any EPA clauses into this contract.

61 2.02 - Attachment I_Pricing Spreadsheet Material Pricing

FAR 16.203‑3 requires the contracting officer to determine that economic price adjustment is necessary to protect both the contractor and the Government against significant fluctuations in labor or material costs for extended performance. Requiring firm, non‑adjustable equipment rates for five years places all such risk on contractors and may force offerors to include substantial contingency pricing, potentially reducing competition and increasing evaluated prices. Will the Government either (a) add an EPA clause consistent with FAR 16.203‑2 and 16.203‑3, or (b) structure the contract with annually adjustable CLINs or options for equipment rates to avoid unnecessary contingency premiums? See response to question 60.

62 2.02 - Attachment I_Pricing Spreadsheet Material Pricing

FAR Subpart 16.2 contemplates the use of fixed‑price with economic price adjustment (FPEPA) contracts in long‑term procurements, and FAR 52.216‑2, 52.216‑3, and 52.216‑4 provide standard economic price adjustment clauses that allow for pre‑defined upward and downward revision of contract prices based on catalog prices, labor/material indices, or established price lists. In light of these provisions and the five‑year performance period for equipment, will the Government revise the solicitation to incorporate an appropriate EPA clause or other equitable adjustment mechanism for equipment rates rather than requiring fixed, non‑adjustable pricing for the entire period? See response to question 60.

63 2.02 - Attachment I_Pricing Spreadsheet Material Pricing

FAR Part 43 (Changes) and the associated changes and equitable adjustment clauses (e.g., FAR 52.243‑1, 52.243‑2, 52.243‑3) contemplate contract price adjustments when Government‑directed changes or circumstances beyond the contractor’s control materially affect cost. If the Government maintains the requirement for firm, non‑adjustable equipment rates for five years, how does the Government intend to address significant, market‑driven cost increases that are not the result of contractor actions but are beyond the contractor’s control, and what specific mechanisms (if any) will be available for equitable adjustment of equipment rates in such circumstances?

See response to question 60. The solicitation includes the applicable "Changes" clause, FAR clause 52.212-4, as well as DFARS clause 252.243-7002 - Requests for Equitable Adjustment, and the resultant contract will do the same.

64 2.02 - Attachment I_Pricing Spreadsheet Material Pricing

FAR 16.203‑2 recognizes that in times of economic uncertainty and extended performance periods, economic price adjustment clauses may be appropriate to address unstable labor and material costs. Recent federal guidance on the use of EPA clauses in high‑inflation environments likewise acknowledges that firm‑fixed‑price contracts without adjustment mechanisms can create disproportionate risk for contractors over multi‑year terms. In view of the five‑year firm pricing requirement for equipment, will the Government consider including an EPA clause or other structured price‑adjustment approach tied to objective indices (e.g., producer price index or published catalog changes) to align with this FAR guidance and maintain a reasonable allocation of risk? See response to question 60.

65 2.02 - Attachment I_Pricing Spreadsheet Material Pricing

FAR 11.002(a)(1)(ii) states that agencies shall 'only include restrictive provisions or conditions to the extent necessary to satisfy the needs of the agency or as authorized by law.' How does requiring existing TS/SCI read-in contractors, rather than personnel eligible for clearance sponsorship, satisfy minimum agency needs without unduly restricting competition per this policy, prejudicing the incumbent workforce, and creating a barrier to entry for other qualified firms?

An active TS clearance with SCI-eligibility is required for day-one performance under this contract. Personnel without these clearances will be physically unable to access the secure spaces and information necessary for performance. These security requirements represent an immediate and critical need under this contract and are not being put in place to simply restrict competition.

66 2.02 - Attachment I_Pricing Spreadsheet Services Pricing - Column B

The Services Pricing Tab references Wage Determination Equivalent in Column B. Will the government be providing the Wage Determination information? If not, what resouce should contractors use? See response to question 44.