RFP_N02PC75001-34_Amendment1_Attachment1.pdf

Page 2 of 18 RFP # N02PC75001-34 February 24, 2017 Attachment 1

Amendment 1

OFFICE OF ACQUISITIONS

NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL NUMBER: N02CN65002-45

Amendment No. 1

Date of Issuance: 02/24/2017

The above numbered Request for Proposal (RFP) is amended as set forth below. The hour and date specified for receipt of proposals is extended. The new due date is:

Monday, March 13, 2017, 3:00 p.m. EST.

Offerors MUST acknowledge receipt of the amendment prior to the hour and the date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by separate letter, telegram, or Electronic Mail which includes a reference to the RFP and Amendment number(s). For your convenience, the Proposal Intent Response Form is provided in SECTION J – List of Attachments of this RFP, for this purpose.

FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE

DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERORS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND

DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER.

This Amendment revises the RFP as stated below:

Following are Questions received on RFP N02PC75001-34, Tobacco Control Research Scientific and Technical Services Support Contract, and answers that clarify the requirements of the RFP.

1. Question: Will prime bidders for this effort would require a government audit, or if an independent audit would suffice for the work associated with this IDIQ?

Answer: Although no pre-award audit is anticipated, FAR provision 52.215-2 -- Audit and Records – Negotiation (Oct 2010) applies to this requirement.

2. Question: Article B.4 (p. 5) of the RFP permits direct costs associated with 1) conferences and meetings 2) food for meals, light refreshments, and beverages 3) promotional items, etc. Article H.19 (p. 30) expressly prohibits “the use of contract funds to purchase food for meals, light refreshments, or beverages…” Are we correct to assume that the earlier Article (B.4) rules since meeting planning is part of the

SOW?

Answer: The contractor shall submit conference authorization requests that will be reviewed by the Contracting Officer in accordance with the NIH Policy Memorandum Implementation Guidance of the HHS Efficient Spending Policy, dated June 15, 2012.

Page 3 of 18 RFP # N02PC75001-34

See http://oamp.od.nih.gov under Efficient Spending Policy. Upon approval, Article H.19 will be amended of conferences to include the following information:

The following conferences and/or meetings have been approved by the Contracting Officer and are hereby authorized under this contract:

Conference or Meeting Title

Conference or Meeting Location

Federal/Non- Federal Space

Date of Conference

Not to Exceed Estimate Cost

[ ] Federal [ ] Non-Federal

3. Question: What is the estimated level of effort for key slots based on past performance, e.g. for Project Manager, Scientific Research Associates, Monographs Project Manager?

Answer: One (1) Project Manager is estimated at 100% full-time equivalent, and three

(3) 100% full-time Scientific Research Associates are estimated to meet the requirements of the Statement of Work. For the Sample Task Order #2, the Monographs task, one (1) Project Manager is estimated at 100% full-time equivalent for that task order period of performance.

4. Question: The RFP states that the Government will provide one work station, one PC, and one telephone with voicemail, yet “Scientific Research Associates” are listed as key and in plural. Please clarify how many Scientific Research Associates are required to be on site and if more than one whether they are expected to be part time and be sharing the one work station.

Answer: One workstation will be provided at the NCI Rockville facility. Typically, the Scientific Research Associates are performing work at NCI every day and therefore sharing the workstation.

5. Question: The instruction that “Scientific Research Associates should have a demonstrated knowledge of tobacco control science and practice” might restrict competition by otherwise capable 8(a) firms. Is it possible to relax the requirement for in-house tobacco control science and practice knowledge if the offeror has strong experience in scientific research, strong writing and analytic skills, access to subject matter expert collaborators, and be able to manage multiple tasks efficiently and effectively?

Answer: The Scientific Research Associates must be employees of the Offeror. The Attachment 8: Additional Technical Proposal Instructions, Key Personnel, Scientific Research Associates is hereby amended to read:

Page 4 of 18 RFP # N02PC75001-34

Scientific Research Associates: The Scientific Research Associates shall have a demonstrated knowledge and experience in public health research. Knowledge of tobacco control science and practice is preferred. They should also have experience in scientific research. These employees should have strong writing and analytic skills, and be able to manage multiple tasks efficiently and effectively. They must have experience with computer systems, including (but not limited to) Oracle® databases and MS Office®. Experience with reference management software (such as EndNote) and biomedical abstract databases (such as PubMed) is strongly encouraged.

Problem solving, attention to detail, organization, and teamwork skills should be demonstrated.

6. Question: In Attachment 12, Additional Business Proposal Instructions: There is no mention of allowable per diem for domestic travelers, only travel and hotel. Please clarify if meals and incidentals per diem should be included in the cost estimate.

Answer: Per diems for meals and incidentals should be included in the domestic travel budget.

7. Question: Regarding HUMAN RESOURCES (p. 2 of Attachment 12, Additional

Business Proposal Instructions).

a. Questions regarding: Additional Writing, Editing and Graphics Design: Can the government provide information about:

i. Type (e.g., literature review? manuscript? Newsletters?) and length of specific deliverables

Answer: These projects may include information briefs, PowerPoint presentations, portfolio analyses, literature reviews, manuscript preparation, poster preparation, meeting transcriptions, qualitative interview coding and summaries, infographic data displays, and network analyses.

ii. How many reviews/revisions will each deliverable require?

Answer: The number of reviews may vary by project; the Program Staff requesting the project may request revisions from the contractor. As described in the Technical Approach, the Offerors shall describe their practices for process improvement, continuous quality improvement principles and change management practices.

Additionally, clearance procedures are expected to be followed, as well as any 508 compliance requirements and journal or conference specific formatting requirements.

iii. Assuming 35 projects/year, but without knowing the specifications of the projects (e.g., length of manuscript, extent of writing or

Page 5 of 18 RFP # N02PC75001-34 editing) can the Government instead estimate how many FTEs are needed based on the currently funded contract?

Answer: To complete these projects, it is estimated that three (3) full-time Scientific Research Associates, at least one (1) full-time Scientific Editor/Writer and 50% level of effort for a Graphics Designer would be required.

b. Question regarding: Data Management, Tracking, and Coordination of TCRB Projects

i. What has been the current level of effort to support this task?

Answer: To complete these tasks, it is estimated that Scientific Research Associates perform much of this work. However, it is also estimated that an IT/Web Developer at approximately 50% level of effort is needed.

c. Questions regarding: Scientific and Technical Support for Scientific Meeting and Conferences

i. The Business Proposal Instructions indicate that 2 meetings per year will require facilitation services. How many days and how long will the meetings run that will require facilitation services?

Answer: For budget preparation purposes, the Offeror should assume that the two (2) meetings per year that require facilitation will each last two (2) days, and will consist of eight (8)-hour days.

ii. Should the price quote for Sample Task 1 include only the labor cost of the meeting facilitator, i.e. no other meeting and conference service costs?

Answer: The Offeror should include all labor costs proposed to meet the requirements of the Statement of Work for scientific meetings and conferences.

iii. Is the facilitator expected to actually guide the meeting content rather than simply provide logistical onsite support?

Answer: The Government requires a meeting facilitator who will understand the objectives of the group/agenda for the meeting and will assist in planning to achieve the desired outcomes. They would remain neutral throughout the meeting. The facilitator may be required to work with other resources to coordinate logistics for the

Page 6 of 18 RFP # N02PC75001-34 meeting, or they may provide some of them, but their primary role is to help achieve the meeting outcomes.

iv. Is the facilitator to receive an honoraria or stipend for their services both for pre-meeting planning and onsite day?

Answer: The Offeror shall describe the compensation method for the facilitator, e.g. hourly or per meeting rate. The facilitator will not receive an additional honoraria or stipend from the Government for the meeting for which they provide services.

v. We expect that there will be additional meeting attendees, besides the reimbursable participants involved in the Focus Groups, Program-Hosted Meetings and Consortia Development. Please provide guidance on the approximate number of total attendees at each of the meetings.

Answer: The Offeror should assume that for Program-hosted Meetings, Focus Groups, and Consortia Development there will be ten (10) non-reimbursed (i.e., Federal) staff in attendance at each meeting.

vi. Will honoraria be paid to presenters, participants, or authors participating in General Travel, Foreign Travel, Program Hosted Meetings, Focus Groups and Consortia? If so, will all reimbursable attendees receive honoraria, or only some? Please provide a uniform assumption on the number of participants who may receive this as well as the total amount per day and total number of days.

Answer: It is not anticipated that honoraria will be paid to participants in General Travel, Foreign Travel or Program Hosted Meetings. It is possible that some participants in the Focus Groups and Consortia Development may receive honoraria. For budget preparation purposes, assume six (6) honoraria for one (1) focus group per year, and seven (7) honoraria for one (1) consortium development per year. Honoraria currently is no more than $200 per traveler per day as stated in the Federal Travel Regulations.

vii. For the Conference Related Support, will the Contractor be responsible for paying any registration fees or will TCRB handle this directly? If the Contractor will be responsible, can you provide a uniform assumption of the cost per event. Additionally, will the Contractor be responsible for shipping large quantities of materials

Page 7 of 18 RFP # N02PC75001-34 to the meeting site and if yes, will the costs be covered by TCRB directly or included in the Contractor’s estimated costs? If included in Contractor costs, can you provide a uniform assumption.

Answer: For budget preparation purposes, the Offeror should assume $500 registration fees per event. It is not anticipated that the Contractor will be shipping large quantities of materials to meeting or conference sites. However, it is possible that there would be some shipping costs related to monographs. For budget preparation purposes, assume a uniform cost of $5,000 for shipping of a monograph per monograph.

viii. Will the Contractor be responsible for designing and printing costs for any posters, or Booth display materials? If yes, can you provide a uniform assumption?

Answer: The Offeror should have the capacity to design posters or materials for exhibits at conferences. It is not anticipated that the Contractor will have to print posters; however, the Contractor should have the ability to print display materials.

ix. Can you provide guidance on approximately how many of the Program Hosted Meetings, Focus Group Meetings, and Consortia have been held at off campus (commercial, non-federal) facilities under the current contract?

Answer: Consistent with NIH’s Efficient Spending Policy as noted in the Statement of Work, any Program Hosted Meeting, Focus Group Meeting or Consortia Development that involves reimbursed travel expenses would prioritize Federal facilities over commercial, non- Federal facilities. It is unknown how many of these meetings would occur in Federal facilities due to availability. For planning purposes, the Contractor should assume that one (1) Program Hosted Meeting, one (1) Focus Group, and one (1) Consortium Development per year will be held in non-Federal facilities.

x. Please provide guidance on materials that will be prepared for the Focus Group, Program Hosted Meetings and Consortia. Will each of these meetings require:

• Name Tags

• Name Tents

• Directional and Conference Signage

Page 8 of 18 RFP # N02PC75001-34

Answer: It is unknown how many Program Hosted Meetings, Focus Groups, or Consortia Development will require directional and conference signage. For planning purposes, the Offeror should assume that one (1) Program Hosted Meeting, one (1) Focus Group, and one (1) Consortium Development per year will require such name tags, tents and signage.

• Is there a uniform assumption for the number of copies of meeting materials that the Contractor will produce?

Answer: There is no uniform assumption for the number of copies of meeting materials that the Contractor should produce per Program-Hosted Meeting, Focus Groups, or Consortia Development.

xi. Should the price quote for Sample Task 1 also include a note taker or writer to cover the facilitated meeting?

Answer: The Offeror should have the capacity to provide note-taking or transcription services for meetings, regardless of whether they are facilitated.

xii. Re: Sample Task Order #2, what is the expected level of honorarium to be paid to paper authors, peer reviewers, and independent reviewers? Under the assumptions listed for each meeting under Sample Task 1 & 2, should the contractor assume only travel support? If this is not a correct interpretation please advise on which of the meetings, Program Hosted Meetings, Focus Groups, and Consortia will require the full range of meeting support services such as online registration, materials development support (i.e. meeting packets, name badges, tent cards, etc.), onsite contractor support (other than the two conference-related support)?

Answer: Honorarium is limited by the Federal Travel Regulations.

The Offeror shall propose the appropriate level of compensation for consultants. The Offeror shall have the capability for providing meeting support services for all meetings as identified in Attachment 12: Additional Business Proposal Instructions.

8. Question: Is the current contract managed with an administrative core task to provide general project management oversight?

Page 9 of 18 RFP # N02PC75001-34

Answer: The current contract is not IDIQ and does not have a separate administrative core task.

9. Question: If a subcontractor will be handling the web work on the contract, is it sufficient to submit the subcontractor’s completed 508 template?

Answer: The Prime contractor shall submit a 508 Product Assessment Template as instructed in Solicitation. The subcontractor’s 508 Product Assessment Template may also be provided in addition to the Prime’s.

10. Question: Might the NCI consider extending the deadline to give offerors more time to incorporate the answers to the submitted questions that are due February 17, considering that February 20 is a Federal holiday?

Answer: The due date is hereby extended to March 13, 2017 at 3:00PM EST.

11. Question: Page 81, A. Technical Approach and Understanding of the Project - The

Evaluation Criteria #7 is incomplete and states the following "Adequacy of the transition plan to support a smooth transfer of responsibility for the". Please provide the additional information for the evaluation criteria?

Answer: The criteria is hereby revised to read: "Adequacy of the transition plan to support a smooth transfer of responsibility from the incumbent contractor to the new contractor within 60 days of contract award.”

12. Question: Page 83, Sustainable Acquisition Plan - The RFP calls for a Sustainable

Acquisition Plan in the technical proposal that describes those products and services included in Federal sustainable acquisition preference programs. Is the Sustainability Acquisition Plan required for this submission?

Answer: Yes, the Sustainable Acquisition Plan shall be included in the Offeror’s proposal.

13. Question: Attachment 8, Section 1 - The Additional technical proposal instructions calls for Project Objectives as one of the cover pages. Please indicated whether this is required in the cover pages or in another section.

Answer: The Offeror shall include the Project Objectives in Section 1 of their Technical Proposal.

14. Question: If the prime contractor is proposing a subcontractor, can the proposed subcontract submit a sealed bid? If so, what is the preferred mechanism for submitting the sealed bid?

Page 10 of 18 RFP # N02PC75001-34

Answer: This solicitation is a Request for Proposals, not sealed bids. It is highly recommended that the prime contractor have full access to the subcontractor budget proposal so that each subcontractor’s budgets are incorporated into the prime contractor’s budget upon submission. However, if the proposed subcontractor has proprietary information they would like to submit under separate cover, they may do so as long as the document is appropriately labeled similar to the prime contractor’s proposal and is submitted on time. Submission of a subcontractor’s budget and/or supporting documentation under separate cover does not remove the responsibility of the Prime Contractor as defined in FAR 52.244-2.

15. Question: Section L, 2 – Instructions to Offerors, item 12, Page 53, Past Performance:

Will the past performance references for predecessor companies, key personnel or subcontractors count towards the 3 contracts completed within the last 5 years? If not, how many past performance references from these groups can be included?

Answer: Past performance information regarding predecessor companies, key personnel, or subcontractors may be submitted in addition to the three (3) Prime Contractor contracts completed within the five (5) years. Up to three (3) references from this group may be included.

16. Question: Section L, 2 – Instructions to Offerors, item 12, Page 53, Past Performance:

Will the government accept grants as well as contracts as part of past performance?

Answer: Yes, pertinent grants will be evaluated.

17. Question: SOW Item 1. Writing, Editorial, and Graphic Services for the Preparation of

Scientific, Technical, and Consumer Presentations and Documents, page 3: Can the government provide an estimate of the number/volume of scientific, technical, and consumer presentations and documents to be completed per year?

Answer: For budget preparation purposes, assume thirty-five (35) writing, editing, and graphic design projects per year.

18. Question: SOW Item 4. Development and Production of the Tobacco Monograph

Series and Other Scientific Publications, page 4: Can the government provide an estimate of the frequency of the Monograph series to be completed per year?

Answer: Each Monograph Task Order is anticipated to have a period of performance of 24 months, as stated in Attachment 12: Additional Business Proposal Instructions under Sample Task Order #2.

19. Question: SOW Item 3. Coordination Support of Scientific Meetings and Conferences, page 3: Can the government provide an estimate of travel cost to be completed per year?

Page 11 of 18 RFP # N02PC75001-34

Answer: See Attachment 12: Additional Business Proposal Instructions for the travel estimates.

20. Question: SOW Item 2. Support for Data Management, Tracking, and Coordination of

TCRB Projects, page 3: Are there existing databases for items a, b and c or will new databases need to be established?

Answer: There are existing databases that will be transferred to the new contractor.

No new databases are anticipated at this time.

21. Question: SOW Item 3. Coordination Support of Scientific Meetings and Conferences, page 3-4: Can the government give an estimated number of Scientific Meetings and Conferences anticipated per year?

Answer: See Attachment 12: Additional Business Proposal Instructions for the meeting estimates.

22. Question: Attachment 8: Additional Technical Proposal Instructions, Section 3:

Personnel, 3: It states that the Scientific Research Associates need to be onsite the entire period of performance. However it is not clear of the expected place of performance for the other Key Personnel (i.e., Project Manager and the Monographs Project Manager). Is it acceptable for the Project Manager and Monographs Project Manager to conduct their responsibilities at their corporate office?

Answer: Yes, the Key Personnel may work off-site at their corporate office. Typically, the Scientific Research Associates are performing work at NCI every day. One workstation will be provided at the NCI Rockville facility for the contractor’s use.

23. Question: Attachment 8: Additional Technical Proposal Instructions, Section 3:

Personnel 3: What meetings are the Project Manager and the Monographs Project Manager required to attend?

Answer: The Government requires attendance at monthly budget meetings with the Program Staff.

24. Question: Attachment 8: Additional Technical Proposal Instructions, Section 3:

Personnel: How many Scientific Research Associates are working on the current contract?

Answer: Three (3) full-time Scientific Research Associates are currently performing on the incumbent contract.

25. Question: Attachment 1 - Packaging and Delivery of Proposals, Section I. PROPOSAL

SUBMISSION: 1-2: Do we prepare a separate Business Document Excel spreadsheet with each of the Sample Task Orders submit?

Page 12 of 18 RFP # N02PC75001-34

Answer: Yes, submit a separate Business Proposal and spreadsheet for each Sample Task Order.

26. Question: Attachment 1 Packaging and Delivery of Proposals Section II. B – Page limitations 2 What is the page limit for the Business Proposals?

Answer: There is no limit for the Business Proposals.

27. Question: Please confirm the contract type for the task orders is cost plus.

Answer: Not all task orders will be cost reimbursement type. There is a potential for Fixed Price task orders.

28. Question: Would the government allow submission of a schedule of labor categories and fully-burdened rates at the IDIQ Level?

Answer: Fully burdened rates were not requested for this solicitation. If the Offeror proposes fully burdened rates, they will need to unroll the rates and justify the directs, indirects and fees associated with the burdened rates so that the government can perform adequate cost analysis/realism. Alternatively, if the Offeror wants to provide fully burdened rates, then the Offeror would need to provide adequate price competition to support the rates.

29. Question: Would the government consider setting a NTE amount for travel?

Answer: For each of the resultant Task Orders, the travel costs will have a Not to

Exceed amount based on the negotiated amounts.

30. Question: Please identify the place of performance for sample task orders?

Answer: The places of performance for the Sample Task Orders 1 & 2 are both on-site at the NCI Rockville facility (one workstation will be provided), and off-site at the contractor’s facility, and other sites as appropriate.

31. Question: Does the government anticipate awarding both sample task orders with the

IDIQ contract?

Answer: It is anticipated that Sample Task Order #1 be awarded with the IDIQ, and it is anticipated that a monograph task order will be awarded within 18 months.

32. Question: On page 1, attachment 12, it states focus groups and consortia development will be required. Will an honorarium be needed for participants and if so, what is the expected honorarium amount?

Page 13 of 18 RFP # N02PC75001-34

Answer: It is possible that some participants in the Focus Groups and Consortia Development may receive honoraria. For budget preparation purposes, assume six (6) honoraria for one (1) focus group per year, and seven (7) honoraria for one (1) consortium development per year. Honoraria currently is no more than $200 per traveler per day as stated in the Federal Travel Regulations.

33. Question: Refer to Page 41, Business Proposal Attachments. Please confirm

Attachment 13: Proposal Summary and Data Record NIH-2043 is to be completed by the Offeror and submitted with the proposal?

Answer: Yes, The NIH 2043 shall be submitted with the proposal.

34. Question: Please confirm there is no page limit for the business volume?

Answer: Correct.

35. Question: Would the government consider extending the submission due date by 2 weeks (3/20/17)?

Answer: The due date is hereby extended to March 13, 2017 at 3:00PM EST.

36. Question: How many monographs are currently in some stage of production, and are they expected to be finished prior to new contractor management, or will the new contractor be responsible for their completion?

Answer: One monograph is currently in production. The new contractor will not be responsible for the completion of that monograph.

37. Question: Can the offeror refer back to sections of the IDIQ in the sample task orders?

Or are the sample task orders standalone?

Answer: The Offeror is expected to carefully review the entire solicitation and to propose as described in the instructions. Any references between technical proposals (Base IDIQ vs. Task Order) shall be very specific so as not to cause any uncertainty as to the sections being referenced.

38. Question: Please confirm the production of materials for focus groups, meetings, and symposia will be done at NIH Printing Office? If not, will the government please provide historical estimates for production of materials related to focus groups, meetings, and symposia? Will the government please provide historical estimates for shipping costs related to focus groups, meetings, and symposia?

Answer: Printing at the NIH Printing Office should be considered. The Contractor should have the ability to print off-site, if advantageous, and ship materials for focus

Page 14 of 18 RFP # N02PC75001-34 groups, meetings and symposia. For budget preparation purposes, the Offeror should assume $8,000 per year to cover these costs.

39. Question: Will the government please provide historical estimates for the cost of registration for meetings and symposia?

Answer: Registration costs for non-NIH hosted meetings and symposia vary. For budget preparation purposes, the Offeror should assume $500 registration fees per conference event.

40. Question: Refer to Attachment 4, sample task order 1, page 2, task area 3, a.: Will the government please confirm that the offeror is not responsible for the cost of hosting the meeting website?

Answer: The Offeror is expected to have the capability to operate a meeting registration website, should it be necessary.

41. Question: Refer to Attachment 4, sample task order 1, page 2, task area 3, a.: Will the government please confirm that the offeror is not responsible for buying subscriptions to sources of scientific, technical, orientation, and background materials?

Answer: It is not anticipated that the Offer is responsible to purchase any subscription to scientific, technical, orientation, and background materials.

42. Question: Refer to Attachment 4, sample task order 1, page 2, task area 3, d.: Will the government please confirm that the offeror is not responsible for the cost of conference locations and facilities and associated costs of hosting the conferences?

Answer: Yes, for an approved meeting, costs such as meeting room rental, or A/V charges will ultimately be paid by the Government outside of the contract.

43. Question: Refer to Attachment 4, sample task order 1, page 2, task area 3, f.: Will the government please provide estimates for the number of participants per conference?

Answer: The number of meeting participants per conference is unknown.

44. Question: Refer to Attachment 4, sample task order 1, page 2, task area 3, g.: Will the government please provide historical estimates in hours for transcriptions of the proceedings and/or synthesis of scientific and technical documents of conference findings?

Answer: This historical information varied per meeting that required it and format (written vs. webinar) and thus is not readily available.

Page 15 of 18 RFP # N02PC75001-34

45. Question: Refer to Attachment 4, sample task order 1, page 2, task area 3, h.: Will the government please identify the formats (CD, Print, Website, etc.) to be developed and disseminated post-conference? Please provide historical estimates.

Answer: Historically, conference or meeting materials have been developed and made available to participants in electronic format and print.

46. Question: Refer to Attachment 5, sample task order 2, page 2, task area 1, a.: Will the government please provide the number of consultants and the amount per consultant that will be disbursed?

Answer: The Offeror shall propose the number of consultants with corresponding compensation that they deem appropriate for accomplishing the Statement of Work.

47. Question: Refer to Attachment 5, sample task order 2, page 2, task area 1, a.: Will the government please confirm if consultants will be able to work remotely i.e. outside of Rockville, MD?

Answer: Yes, consultants may work off-site, though travel for program hosted meetings will be expected as noted in Attachment 12: Additional Business Proposal Instructions.

48. Question: How many task orders does the government expect under this contract?

Answer: It is anticipated that up to four task orders will be awarded under the IDIQ contract. However, if sufficient ceiling remains, additional task orders may be issued during the ordering period.

49. Question: How many task orders have been awarded under the incumbent contract?

Answer: The incumbent contract is a cost reimbursement type contract. The contract type was changed in order to best meet the Government’s needs. Therefore, no task orders have been awarded under the incumbent contract.

50. Question: What is the average annual number of FTEs under this contract? What is the average number of FTEs hired under each task order?

Answer: The estimated number of hours for Sample Task Order 1 is 71,020. The estimated number of hours for Task Order 2 is 12,925. These numbers are estimates only and should not be considered restrictive for proposal preparation purposes.

51. Question: How many key personnel resumes are expected for the Project Manager, Scientific Research Associate, and Monographs Project Manager?

Answer: One resume per key person is required.

Page 16 of 18 RFP # N02PC75001-34

52. Question: Are resumes expected from the Additional Technical Personnel section?

Answer: No, resumes are not required for Additional Personnel, see page 63 of RFP document and Section 3 of the Attachment 8: Additional Technical Proposal Instructions for the required information.

53. Question: Are resumes expected from the Support Personnel section?

Answer: No, resumes are not required for Additional Personnel, see page 63 of RFP document and Section 3 of the Attachment 8: Additional Technical Proposal Instructions for the required information.

54. Question: Can the government reconfirm that subcontractors cannot be considered for the Scientific Research Associate positions? Would this include 1099s and individual consultants?

Answer: The Scientific Research Associates shall be employees of the Offeror.

55. Question: Are the people attending the conferences (as in Sample Task Order 1) going to be NIH employees or resource under this contract?

Answer: Federal and non-federal participants will be attending the conferences.

However, no federal travel expenses will be paid under this contract.

56. Question: Is there a template to use for the price proposal?

Answer: Yes, the excel spreadsheet is found as Attachment 14:

Breakdown of Proposed Estimated Costs (plus fee) w/Excel Spreadsheet.

57. Question: P 4. Servicing Small Business Administration Field Office: Are we to include the information regarding the D.C. District Office even if our cognizant District Office is another jurisdiction? Where is this info to be included? – The cover page?

Answer: Provide the contact information for the Offeror’s cognizant SBA District Office.

Yes, include the information on the cover page.

58. Question: Art. H.19. “expressly” prohibits the use of funds “to purchase food for meals, light refreshments, or beverages,” Art B.4., however provides that “the following is a list of items that may be included in the resultant contract as applicable. 1) Conferences & Meetings, 2) Food for Meals, Light Refreshments & Beverages, Which provision applies?

Answer: See Answer to Question 2 above.

Page 17 of 18 RFP # N02PC75001-34

59. Question: May the prime rely upon and use past performance of its subcontractors?

Answer: Yes.

60. Question: Instructions at the eCPS website require that the technical proposal consist of one .pdf file and one .pdf file for the business proposal. Attachment 1 B. however requires separate files. Which is correct?

Answer: The eCPS website has been changed to allow submission of multiple files.

61. Question: Is the program hosted meeting required in Sample Task Order 2 directly related to or in support of the monograph project? Is that what distinguishes it from the program hosted meetings in Sample Task Order one?

Answer: Yes, the program hosted meeting under Sample Task Order #2 is directly in support of the monograph and separate from Sample Task Order #1.

62. Question: Task order 2 asks for a list of potential candidates for the volume editor and associate volume editors. These appear to be prominent experts in the field acting as consultants and not employees. Does the government expect letters of commitment from our list of potential candidates? Or, is this a list of those we would likely approach to perform that work?

Answer: Letters of commitment for volume editors are not required at this stage. The Offeror shall provide a list of potential candidates for senior volume editor(s).

63. Question: Attachment 8, Page 3, it states that "the Offeror must provide letters of intent from each proposed personnel indicating the availability of the Key Personnel noted below to perform the work at National Cancer Institute, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD, 20850, during the entire period of performance. Typically, the Scientific Research Associates are performing work at NCI every day."

The Monographs Project Manager appears to be a key personnel. Do you expect a letter of intent from the Monographs project manager even though he/she will not work at the NCI daily? Or is the intent that the Monographs project manager will work at the NCI daily or with some level of frequency?

Answer: The Monograph Project Manager is a Key Person. The letter must include a statement of the availability to work at the NCI facility. The frequency of the working at the NCI facility is dependent on the project and unknown at this time. However, as stated above, one work station will be provided for use by the contractor.

64. Question: Are we to assume that if federal employees are traveling to the meetings/conferences described in paragraph A3 of the SOW, and the contractor is to pay for travel expenses, that Section 304 of the Federal Travel Regulation (Payment

Page 18 of 18 RFP # N02PC75001-34 of Travel Expenses from a Non-Federal Source) is applicable and that as the contractor we will be authorized under this part to pay the expenses?

Answer: No federal travel expenses will be paid under this contract.