Answers_to_Questions_(2)_-_Solicitation_N32205-18-Q-2037.pdf

CIVMAR Shipboard Manning Study Solicitation Number: N32205-18-Q-2037

Questions and Answers for Solicitation Number: N32205-18-Q-2037

1. When will we receive the answers to the questions? The answers will be provided by 09 NOV 2018.

2. Is this a new contract requirement? Yes.

a. If not,

i. Who are the incumbents?

ii. Is the Navy satisfied with the current vendor/incumbent?

iii. Is the incumbent eligible to bid on this contract?

3. What is the impetus for this new contract requirement? The impetus was an increase in the number of ship crew vacancies and to accommodate crew members’ leave requests.

4. Do personnel have to be located in Norfolk VA and/or in the listed locations of performance?

No, however the Firm Fixed Price of the contract should include all expected travel expenses the contractor may encounter in supporting this contract.

Where is the primary location? Norfolk

a. Are there particular personnel that must be co-located in specific locations or will all personnel have to travel to all locations? The primary location for work involved in this contract is Norfolk, VA; however, the contractor may decide to travel to other locations where CIVMARS are located in the continental U.S. or out of the continental U.S.

b. Are you anticipating personnel to be on-sight in Norfolk? Yes, at least during the information gathering stage of the project. If so, please provide us with details regarding the time required on site. The times required on-site should be determined by contractor; however, the MSC staff and CIVMARS are available from 0800 to 1700 Monday thru Friday.

5. What is the current technology platform that you are using? MSC uses an Oracle based CIVMAR Human Resources Management System (HRMS) as well as the Defense Civilian Personnel Data System (DCPDS). A Monte Carlo simulation of the required CIVMAR pipeline to keep ships crewed was conducted in 2006.

a. Are you satisfied with that technology? No

b. How are you currently tracking your manpower form MSC? Personnel assigned to shipboard assignments are tracked in the CIVMAR HRMS.

6. New technology expectations:

a. Who will be utilizing the technology we recommend? MSC Placement Office

b. What is the level of sophistication for those users? GS-11 thru GS-13

c. Is there a preference for the type of technology platform? i.e. web-based, tableau, Microsoft office based? Web Based.

d. How frequently will the users like to access the data? Routinely daily

e. To what extent does the user need to have scenario building, sensitivity analysis capability? Currently, performs CIVMAR manning without these capabilities. Therefore, it is unknown if MSC will need or want to use these capabilities in the future.

7. What level of security clearance if any is required for this contract? Security requirements are addressed in the Performance Work Statement.

8. What is the estimated level of effort for this project? The level of effort is addressed in the Performance Work Statement.

9. What is your budget or anticipated level of effort for phase 1 of this project? MSC does not provide budgetary figures for contracts in the solicitation phase.

10. What is your budget or anticipated level of effort for phase 2 of this project? MSC does not provide budgetary figures for contracts in the solicitation phase.

11. Upon successful completion of Phases 1&2, does the government anticipate that they will require ongoing support of the technology platform and data analysis? No. If so, is the contractor responsible for this contract, eligible to participate in any follow-on implementation work.

12. Is there funding allocated? Can that budget be shared? MSC does not provide budgetary figures for contracts in the solicitation phase.

13. Besides what was shared within the requirements, are there other business driver(s) mandating a process change? A technology change? Etc.? No.

14. Is there an expected timeframe for completion? The expected timeframe is addressed in the

Performance Work Statement.

***Additional questions and answers submitted as of 19 Nov 2018.***

15. The quote format (C.3, Quote Preparation Instructions) directs Vol II, Technical, to address Key Personnel and two Samples of Projects Completed. There does not appear to be allowance for quoters to present the specific technical approach that will be applied to the MSC’s CIVMAR Shipboard Manning Study. Limiting quoters to discussion of only two projects completed may impede presenting a tailored approach to meeting the MSC N1’s stated requirements. Will the government allow quoters to provide a technical approach specific to the MSC CIVMAR Shipboard Manning Study in Vol II as Tab 3 Technical Sub factor 3: Technical Approach? Yes.

The solicitation will be amended to state such.

16. Section 3.C of Evaluation Factors for Award states PPIRS and FAPIIS will be referenced to develop an overall past performance rating. However, it is our understanding that updates to these systems may be incomplete or delayed, causing inadequate past performance documentation. In addition to the two projects specified in C.3, Quote Preparation Instructions, will the government allow quoters to provide a summary list (contract numbers and points of contact) of other previously completed projects similar in nature to the CIVMAR Shipboard Manning Study? Yes.

17. It is our understanding the two sample projects in Volume II must be completed within the previous 8 years. Will the government confirm the projects must be completed within the previous 8 years? (Reference Quote Preparation D.2.b. “Examples must have been completed within the last eight years.”). As stated in Quote Preparation D.2.b, examples must have been completed within eight (8) years. To clarify, from 2010 to the present. May the two sample projects be ongoing or must they be completed? Both sample projects need to be completed.

18. Can the Government confirm submission is in electronic format only? (Reference Quote Preparation C.3). Yes, submission of quotes is in electronic format only.

19. Does the Government prefer the PDF of Volume I to include the phrases “TAB A and TAB B” to divide the text? (Reference Quote Preparation D.1). Yes. According to Quote Preparation D.1 these tabs are required.

20. Other methodologies and certifications indicate proficiency in process improvement. Will the government accept Program Management certification from the Program Management Institute (PMI) or Defense Acquisition University (DAU)? (Reference Performance Work Statement 13.1.1.1). Yes.

21. Certain universities offer extended programs in Lean and or Six Sigma. Will the government accept accredited university certification in Lean, Six Sigma or equivalent process review discipline? (Reference Performance Work Statement 13.1.1.1). Yes.

The question and answer period for this solicitation is now closed.