N00421-19-R-0064_Government_Reponse_to_Questions_FINAL.xlsx
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- Solicitation number
- N00421-19-R-0064
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This document contains questions and answers related to solicitation N00421-19-R-0064 for Air Combat Environment Test and Evaluation Facility (ACETEF) Technical Support Services. The solicitation seeks proposals to provide software development, maintenance, and systems administration support for various test and evaluation facilities. Key details include that the work involves both Agile software development as well as TEMPEST certification requirements, with databases, software languages, and system types to include Windows, Linux, Android and iOS. Classification levels up to Secret are required for some positions. Evaluation criteria include past performance references for relevant experience including TEMPEST testing and support of multiple customer requirements across facilities. The response clarifies labor categories and experience requirements, provides additional context on facilities and systems supported, and increases page limits for proposals.
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Sheet1
| Solicitation: | N00421-19-R-0064 | ||||
| ID # | Question | Government Reponses | RFP Change? | RFP Section Impacted | |
| 1 | Please provide more detail regarding the computer programming, software development/maintenance, network, and associated IT security standards that will be performed under the Air Combat Environment Test Facility contract. The SOW paragraphs as written are too vague for a bidder to accurately address this workload. This information is needed to allow a bidder to have the context necessary to develop a quality sample task response. | The response to this question is covered in the other question responses. This requirement is an Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity Contract and therefore not all requirements are able to be fully defined at the basic level of the contract. The basic contract was written to clearly describe the type of potential work to be performed as defined at the individual order level to provide maximum flexibility in execution. Section L Volume 3 Section 3.5.2 provides the estimated labor mix and hours and may be used to assist in the workload assessment. | No | ||
| 2 | What type of software will be maintained under this contract? Please describe some of the most important software systems, to include size of systems, code base, languages, interfaces, etc. | Software and hardware relating to overall RDT&E network infrastructure operations, security and maintenance will not be maintained under this contract. Software activities will be limited to unique software developed by the contract for lab, system under test, or equipment specific applications. This requirement is an Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity Contract and therefore not all requirements are able to be fully defined at the basic level of the contract. The contractor can expect software development tools to include, but not limited to, Microsoft Visual Studio, C++, Git and the Atlassian Tool Suite including Confluence, JIRA & Bit Bucket | No | ||
| 3 | Provide a list of the software languages being used? | Reference Key Personnel Description for "Software Developer". "Tools used for software development include, but are not limited to, Microsoft Visual Studio, C++, Git and the Atlassian Tool Suite including Confluence, JIRA & Bit Bucket." | No | ||
| 4 | Are databases being built, planned, or maintained? Please describe the databases to include languages, size of databases, purpose, etc. | Yes. For this application, databases are typically developed for models to support simulation and stimulation of systems under test and the associated test data within the live virtual constructive environment in the AARDT&E labs. Other databases include generic databases for Government information and operations of the labs. Typical database formats include Oracle, SQL and Access. | No | ||
| 5 | Are any software or database certifications required to perform this work? Will any software or database certifications be viewed as a strength in the evaluation? | Not at the basic level of this contract. Certification requirements may be defined at the individual Delivery Order / Task Order level. The Government will not identify specific elements of a proposed approach and how they will be evaluated. | No | ||
| 6 | What types of systems are being administered? Windows? Linux? Others? Please provide details of the systems being administered. | System administration will be limited to unique systems that are not integrated with the existing RDT&E infrastructure or to unique roles associated with a lab or specific system application. This requirement is an Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity Contract and therefore not all requirements are able to be fully defined at the basic level of the contract. The contractor can expect Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS systems. | No | ||
| 7 | Will cyber security work be performed? Are cyber security certification viewed as a strength in the evaluation of proposals? | The contractor may be required to design and support implementation of new test systems or labs that meet the unique cyber security requirements of each lab with guidance to be provided at the DO/TO level. The performance of cyber security operations and maintaining an appropriate cyber security posture is outside the scope of this contract. The Government will not identify specific elements of a proposed approach and how they will be evaluated. | No | ||
| 8 | Paragraph 3.3.2.9 - is Agile software development being performed now? | Yes. | No | ||
| 9 | Paragraph 3.3.2.9 - Provide a flow-chart or some type of description of the current Agile development processes that ACETEF uses to develop/maintain software. This is important to our sample task development. | ACETEF utilizes industry best practices for Agile software development. | No | ||
| 10 | Paragraph 3.3.2.8 – Describe and provide and list the IBST policies that proscribe CMMI processes used that the government would like to continue under the new contract. We would like to leverage our CMMI status and thoroughly discuss its application within the sample task response, and it is difficult without understanding current government standards. | IBST does not maintain formal policies and processes regarding CMM. The utilization of industry standards for CMM to the maximum extend possible is considered an IBST best practice and encouraged. | Yes | Amend Section C, 3.3.2.8 from "shall perform in accordance with all IBST organizational policies associated with CMM" to "shall perform in accordance with CMM industry best practices" | |
| 11 | Paragraph 3.3.2.20 – Clarify if the tempest certifications can be earned after award, perhaps within a defined time period? This will enhance competition. | TEMPEST certifications are not required at time of basic contract award, with the expectation if TEMPEST personnel proposed as Key Personnel under Section L Part B Volume 1.2.1.. It can be expected, that a task order will be issued, within the first 3 months of basic contract award, with this key personnel category with a requirement of certification no more that 6 months from task award with evidence that the experience meets the eligibility requirement of the TEMPEST Advisory Group to test for certification. | No | ||
| 12 | Per SOW 3.3.3.6 - Provide the ICE software configuration management SOP so all bidders can understand this process, and write to it in the sample task response. | In regards to the sample task, the IBST/ICE configuration management policies and processes would not apply until after final delivery and therefore are not required to respond to the sample task. |
| Additionally, Section 3.3.3.6 has been amended. | Yes | Amend Section C, 3.3.3.6 from "in accordance with IBST Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and instructions" to "in accordance with policy, procedure or best practices as defined at the individual DO/TO level." | |||||
| 13 | Are AARDT&E systems PIT or network connected? All, or some? Define which systems that are mentioned in the sample task are PIT or network connected. This information is important to develop a quality sample task response. | The AARDT&E systems are a mix of PIT (Platform IT) and network connected through the existing RDT&E infrastructure. For the purpose of this sample task, the offeror may assume this system will not be connected to the RDT&E network upon initial delivery. | Yes | Amend Section L, Part B 1.1 Sample Task Written Response as follows: in the last sentence of first paragraph "cost plus fixed fee completion type delivery order" the following ", the system will function as a stand alone "system under test" and not be connected to the RDT&E network infrastructure," has been added. | |||
| 14 | The draft SOW that was released for this requirement months ago did not include any of the labor category descriptions. Several of the Key labor categories that were included in the final RFP specify very specific preferences for unique types of experience and capability that in no way were described in the draft SOW. The draft SOW paragraphs were very general. There seems to be an attempt to provide the incumbent a significant advantage. Many of the key labor categories in the final RFP are highly detailed and specific down to certain types of hardware and specific manufacturers. The number of people that are local to Southern Maryland that do not already work for the incumbent with those types of career experiences is almost no one. The end result is that this great level of difference between what we expected per the draft SOW relative to the final RFP makes producing a quality proposal difficult if not impossible. Would you extend the end date of this solicitation by at least 2-3 additional weeks? If not, my firm will not submit a proposal because due to the overly restrictive key labor categories we now have to search out unique subcontractors and possible contingent employees who offer the various types of unique experience needed to create a viable proposal. Competition for this requirement would have been greatly enhanced, and the feedback the government would have received would have been much more significant, if the key labor categories had been released months ago along with the Draft SOW. | This requirement is an Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity Contract and therefore not all requirements are able to be fully defined at the basic level of the contract. The SOW was written deliberately general in order to support the dynamic testing environment and organizational structure of the AARDT&E environment. For all cases of key personnel that specifically identified hardware types and manufactures, the description included the following "or systems of similar capability". Additionally, the number of key personnel categories was reduced and Section L 1.2.1 allows the offerer to determine which two specialty areas of the Engineer/ Field Technician VI and Electrical Engineer they propose. These three steps were deliberately taken to reduce the potential of an overly restrictive competitive environment and increase the potential for competition. |
| In regards to the proposed extension, at this time the Government does not intend to extend the submission deadline. Please monitor the solicitation for any changes in regards to the proposal due date. | No | |||||
| 15 | The Computer Specialist-Computer System Analyst-Senior category specifies an IT/CSWF SA code in compliance with Instruction M-5239.2. Provide the IT/CSWF code that applies to Computer Specialist-Computer Network Support Specialist-Senior so we can provide a key resume that meets all the current standards. | IT/CSWF Code 45 | Yes | Amend Section C, 3.4.6 Key Personnel Computer Specialist-Computer Network Support Specialist-Senior to add “IT/CSWF Code: 45” to the position description. | ||
| 16 | Computer Specialist-Computer System Analyst-Senior and Computer Specialist-Computer Network Support Specialist-Senior (page 37) include a substitution regarding education. The substitution at the HS/GED level states the education requirement can be substituted with a High School diploma or GED with formal IT related trade school training and 6 years additional experience. Trade school training is an imprecise requirement against which to task a bidder to write a formal key resume that will be critically evaluated by technically oriented government SME’s. This substitution requirement should be updated and made much more clear and reflective of the original requirement, which was a Master’s Degree. A Master’s Degree with 10 years of experience is clearly appropriate for a senior category. A Bachelor's Degree in IT related and a total of 14 years of experience is appropriate for a senior category. Is HS/GED and undefined trade school coursework equal to a Master’s Degree? Other categories in this solicitation use a HS/GED substitution of “30 semester hours of course studies in an engineering, scientific, or technical curriculum.” Clearly define what the HS/GED substitution is for these categories or we can’t provide a Key resume that will clearly meet the requirement. Recommend at least 30 hours of formal college level studies in IT specific technical courses, like in your other category substitutions. | This substitution was developed based on small business industry feedback, FAR 39.104, and on recent NAWC-AD competitions in the Patuxent River region, in regards to concerns over the ability to meet requirements for IT related positions. The apparent trend for these positions is a reduced number of IT related positions that are enrolling in college level studies and achieving graduate level degrees and an increased reliance on "on the job" training, specialized training courses through trade schools or commercially available training programs and experience. Therefore, this substitution was considered appropriate for these specific categories. The solicitation has been revised to provide further clarification of the requirement. | Yes | Amend Section C, 3.4.6 Key Personnel descriptions for Computer Specialist, Computer System Analyst – Senior and Computer Specialist, Computer Network Support Specialist – Senior by adding the following behind "formal IT trade school training"…"(i.e. IT related post secondary non-degreed award / certificate program, industry recognized certifications and commercially available training programs). | ||
| 17 | Will you clarify the specialized experience requirements for the Electrical Engineer-Senior? | Reference Section C, Sub-section 3.4.6 | No | |||
| 18 | Two categories include education/experience substitutions. Will the government provide similar substitutions for the other key labor categories? This will improve competition, because several of the current key categories are to restrictive and do not support competition. | No. Please reference the response to question 14. | No | |||
| 19 | SOW 3.4.6 states that the non-key positions are not formally defined and that we should find descriptions for them as the DoL BLS documents. Provide the IT/CSWF codes required for Software Engineer/Software Developer, Computer Scientist, Network Engineer, Informational Management and Technology Analyst, Computer Specialist, Computer Programmer, at the non-key level so we can bid the right kind/level of people that will actually be able to perform the work and will meet your proposal evaluation standards when the staffing plan is evaluated. | Please see the amended Labor Category Table in Section C Paragraph 3.4.6 | Yes | Amend Section C, 3.4.6 chart to add column for “IT/CSWF SA Code”. | ||
| 20 | The Section M requirements regarding what will be considered “Relevant” for this solicitation is incredibly restrictive. Would you consider relaxing those relevancy requirements? In not, you will not receive any other bids as only the incumbent would have such specific relevant experience. Consider editing or removing relevancy requirements for 1)TEMPEST test planning and execution, 2) Supporting multiple customer requirements across multiple facilities, sites, or locations, and 3) Reduction of the magnitude number by a significant amount. | Section M Part 2 does not provide specific instructions in regards to a specific number of each Scope or Complexity elements required to meet the "Relevant" or "Somewhat Relevant". An offeror does not need to meet all of the elements to be considered relevant. The Government will consider the totatilty of the elements that are met in assigning a Relevancy rating. | Yes | Amend Section M, 2.0 Past Performance as follows: |
The sentence “For reference the following scope, complexity, and magnitude elements will be considered for determining relevancy” has been updated to “For reference the following scope, complexity, and magnitude elements will be taken into consideration for determining relevancy.”
And
Magnitude Dollar Value has been updated to: “$60,000,000 total value or $20,000,000 annual value”
| 21 | Clearly state which labor category positions (key or non-key) require an IT Level I security clearance (Secret with SSBI) in order to support the workload under this sensitive contract. | Clearance requirements are identified in Section C 3.2.2 and 3.4.4. and in Section L 1.2.2 Key Personnel. | Yes | Amend Section A, Note (6) to reference SOW sections 3.2.2 and 3.4 instead of 5.1 and 5.2. |
| 22 | Are SCI clearances required to execute this solicitation? Per Section M (Para 1.2 Workforce) will personnel proposed that hold an SCI be allocated a Strength relative to a candidate who is proposed with just a top secret clearance? | No. The Government will not identify specific elements of a proposed approach and how they will be evaluated. | No. | |
| 23 | Will SCI work be performed under this contract? | No | No | |
| 24 | Will the DD254 be provided for this solicitation? | Yes, reference Amendment 5 of the Solicitation | Yes | Upload Attachment 5 – Draft DD254 |
| 25 | Provide bidders a thorough description of the ECSTIM lab. Otherwise bidders who are not the incumbent are at a disadvantage. | The ECSTIM labs provides the following T&E Capabilities: |
Multi-Spectral Environment Stimulation for:
Electronic Warfare (EW) Communication, Navigation & Identification Radar Systems Warning Systems Electronic Support Measures Mission Systems Performance Electromagnetic Environmental Effects
Typical T&E Uses:
Compliance Check System Performance Provide Realistic Radar, EW, and EO / IR Environments Sensor Correlation and Fusion Algorithms Geo-location Countermeasures Cueing Multi-Spectral Correlation Datalinks, Voice, Language
The Kathy Johnson RADAR Laboratory provides critical installed radar test and evaluation capabilities for all military radar systems to support Department of Defense (DoD) and NAVAIR Enterprise requirements.
The lab currently utilizes Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM) based Radar Target Generators (RTGs) and the Advanced Radar Environment Simulator (ARES).
Further information is not available for public release.
No
| 26 | The Sample Task states that the Simulation Environment Control (SEC): The SEC software shall interface with the ARES Z to the NAWCAD interface specifications and requirements. You must provide what the NAWCAD interface specifications and requirements currently are. | The NAWCAD interface specifications and requirements documents are not required to complete the Sample Task Written Response. Per Section L 1.2.1 the offerer is required to describe their approach to developing the solution not propose an actual solution. | No |
| 27 | Please expand the page limit for the sample task by an additional 15 pages. No offeror, other than the incumbent, could write well to the great breadth of the sample task requirements and great specificity of sub tasks within the current page limit. | Per Section L Paragraph 3.0, does not provide direction with regards to how the Offerer allocates the technical response page limit pages to address each area. Offerers are reminded to review Section L Part B Volume 1.0 for required content. |
Based on this request and a re-evaluation of the required response content, the Government is willing to increase the page limit to 40 pages. Yes Amend Section L, 3.0 Volume 1.0 Technical Volume to increase page limit from 35 to 40 pages.
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