ITGPS_Q&As.pdf

ITGPS

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Q1. The requirement for organizational experience that states "minimum of three (3) and a maximum of five (5) relevant projects with size – contract duration no less than three (3) years and value no less than $3 million per year" is an overly restrictive requirement and is not reasonably necessary per the FAR. It significantly reduces small business competition for firms whose three revenue average is under $15M per NAICS code 541611. The contractor recommends that you eliminate the per year revenue minimum so other small businesses can fairly compete. If not removed, MSC could be faced with re-competing the awarded contract well before contract end because the awardee who meets this requirement will rapidly exceed the NAICS 541611 three year revenue average forcing MSC to recompete before contract end. We request you do that or change the NAICS to 541330 exception C ($38.5M) which is more relevant for companies who can meet the $3M per year minimum. A $3M per year contract revenue would mean a five year total contract value of $15M which means your awarded prime no longer complies with the stated requirement very early in the performance of the MSC contract. It also balances the competitive field eliminating any favoritism potentially given to the incumbent contractor and a current teammate.

A1. The technical factor, Organizational Experience, defines what the Government would consider as an acceptable similar experience to this procurement taking into consideration size, scope and complexity.

The factor establishes the minimum required experience. Any experience below the defined minimums within the factor is not viewed to be similar to this procurement, thus increasing the risk of unsuccessful performance of the contract.

The NAICS code size standard is calculated by adding the total receipts of the concern over its most recently completed five fiscal years divided by five. The average total yearly receipts can’t exceed the size standard under a specific NAICS code, in this case $15 Million. It is the Offeror’s responsibility to determine the consequences of bidding on this procurement, along with other existing or future yearly income, as far as the ability to stay within the size standard limitations of the NAICS code.

The technical evaluation factor Organizational Experience has been revised as part of Amendment 0002;

a minimum of two (2) relevant projects are now required instead of three (3) and the size is no less than $2 million per year instead of $3 million per year.

Q2. Page 14 states “In order to be considered technically acceptable, the offeror must have relevant organizational experience for all six (6) scope elements listed in the instructions to offerors.” Based on this statement, please confirm our understanding that offerors cannot receive a “Neutral” rating if they have no relevant past performance record.

A2. The Organizational Experience factor and the Past Performance factor are separate. The “Unknown” rating only applies for the Past Performance factor and is considered to be Acceptable. Please refer to the note added to Clause 52.212-2 as part of Amendment 0002.

Q3. Table 2 on page 14 describes “Acceptable” as “…a reasonable expectation that the offeror will successfully perform the required effort, or the offeror’s performance record is unknown (see note below).” This statement appears to contradict the statement above the table that requires all six (6) scope elements to be addressed. Please remove this statement regarding unknown past performance record to align with all other instructions.

A3. The Organizational Experience factor and the Past Performance factor are separate. The “Unknown” rating only applies for the Past Performance factor and is considered to be Acceptable. Please refer to the note added to Clause 52.212-2 as part of Amendment 0002.

Q4. Page 54, Volume II – Organizational Experience, states “The offeror shall describe its relevant organizational experience in performing work similar in scope, size, and complexity to that described in the Performance Work Statement. Similar scope, size, and complexity are defined as follows: scope – type of work (e.g., work as identified in the PWS); size – contract duration no less than three (3) years and value no less than $3 million per year; and complexity – an IT portfolio supporting worldwide operations with an annual IT budget of at least $100M for a DoD headquarters level command or federal headquarters level agency.” Please confirm our understanding that the size, scope, and complexity requirements can be satisfied collectively across all submitted references. In other words, not every reference has to be valued over $3M per year and support a worldwide IT budget of at least $100M, but rather the offeror must submit a collection of organizational experience references that meet all requirements. Otherwise, the government is likely to receive bids that only include references from “big brother” subcontractors. It’s highly unlikely that an SDVOSB that falls under the $15M size standard has multiple contracts valued over $3M per year supporting $100M budgets.

A4. The technical evaluation factor Organizational Experience has been revised as part of Amendment 0002; a minimum of two (2) relevant projects are now required instead of three (3) and the size is no less than $2 million per year instead of $3 million per year.

Q5. If the answer to #4 is No, would the government consider requiring at least one reference to be valued at least $3M and the remainder to be any value? This will promote small business competition and prevent bids that are a front to a large business.

A5. The technical evaluation factor Organizational Experience has been revised as part of

Q6. If the answer to #4 is No, would the government consider requiring at least one reference to be supporting an annual IT budget of at least $100M and the remainder to be any value? This will promote small business competition and prevent bids that are a front to a large business.

A6. The technical evaluation factor Organizational Experience has been revised as part of

Q7. Would the government clarify the difference between Volume II Organizational Experience and Volume III Past Performance? The forms are almost identical, with the exception of some additional contract details in the Volume III form. To ensure offerors meet the government’s expectation, please explain the purpose of each form.

A7. The Organizational Experience factor and the Past Performance factor are separate. The Organizational Experience factor addresses any experience that an offeror has that is comparable to the contract being procured. The Past Performance factor is how well did the offeror perform that experience.

Q8. Page 55, Volume IV – Price, requires offerors to complete Section B of the SF 1449 and goes on to state this information will be evaluated for reasonable. Since offerors are just required to price each CLIN (i.e., one labor price per year), how will the government evaluate price reasonableness?

A8. The Government will use various price analysis techniques and procedures to ensure a fair and reasonable price as detailed in FAR 15.404-1.

Q9. Will the government consider requiring a CLIN price breakdown to include labor categories, hours, and rates for each CLIN so that the government can evaluate price reasonableness?

A9. The Government will not require nor evaluate a breakdown of prices for this firm fixed price contract, evaluation will be based on the total submitted price for the Base CLIN and Option CLINs combined. The Government will use various price analysis techniques and procedures to ensure a fair and

Q10. Will the government provide a price template with anticipated labor categories and hours to create a baseline to evaluate price quotes? Given this is an LPTA bid, a price template is essential to ensure offerors do not underestimate the level of effort in order to be the lowest price. The estimated workload in section 18 of the PWS is not enough information to determine the level of effort. For example, how complex are the 200 data calls anticipated for PWS 5.2.3? Will the government provide the data for analysis or is the contractor required to do gather data and conduct background research? Without these kinds of details, it’s impossible to determine level of effort.

A10. It is the offeror’s responsibility to understand and determine the level of effort to perform the services. The Government will not require nor evaluate a breakdown of prices for this firm fixed price contract, evaluation will be based on the total submitted price for the Base CLIN and Option CLINs combined. The Government will use various price analysis techniques and procedures to ensure a fair and

Q11. Would the government consider requiring resumes for key personnel and adding this as an additional evaluation rating? The government is requiring a very qualified group of keys in section 11.1, but did not include any means to evaluate whether an offeror can deliver such personnel. Further, requiring resumes will enable to government to ensure the rates proposed for those labor categories are reasonable.

A11. This will not be added as an evaluation criterion. Key personnel requirements are contractual requirements that the awardee must comply with.

Q12. Please provide the current number of resources supporting this contract and the anticipated number going forward to include a breakout by task area to limit the risk to the government of underbidding the requirement.

A12. The Government will not provide any additional information concerning the number of resources;

please refer back to the Performance Work Statement and propose accordingly.

Q13. Page 82 identifies 5 key personnel. Is it the government’s expectation that only 5 contractors will be needed to support this effort?

A13. No, more than 5 contractor personnel are expected to support this effort. The 5 listed key personnel are what the Government considers to be essential; it is the Offeror’s responsibility to develop a team of personnel that can provide the services as detailed in the PWS.

Q14. If someone meets more than one labor category description on Page 82, can that person fulfill multiple positions to reduce the number of proposed personnel overall? Will the government consider adding a price breakdown template with the number of personnel the government estimates is expected to meet their minimum support?

A14. No, one person cannot fulfill multiple key personnel positions. Each key personnel position is a full time individual working on the contract. A price breakdown will not be provided for the minimum support.

Q15. The labor descriptions on page 82 identify senior personnel with specific years of experience and certifications. The solicitation does not identify specific hours per year or by labor category. As it reads, this does not restrict the contractor from blending senior personnel that meet the key personnel requirements with limited hours with junior personnel to keep costs down given this is LPTA. Will the government consider adding a price breakdown template with labor positions and hours for the contractor to add rates by position and reduce the risk to the government?

A15. No, the price breakdown will not be provided.

Q16. Given that this contract is intended to provide “support” and not develop products, will the government consider providing an estimate of the required number of positions and hours the government expects to meet the minimum support levels? This will reduce the risk to the government of a bid that severely undercuts the intended support required by the government to ensure lowest bid.

A16. No, the price breakdown will not be provided.

Q17. Page 53 and page 85 identify an OCI with appears to restrict the incumbent contractor from submitting a bid for this solicitation. Please clarify if the incumbent contractor and its subcontractors are permitted to submit a bid? If they are, please revise the language in the solicitation accordingly.

A17. The OCI does not restrict the incumbent contractor from submitting a proposal; please refer to the OCI section and its submittal requirements.

Q18. Would the government consider providing an extension since each offeror’s eligibility to bid and selection of organizational experience references is dependent upon the government’s responses to these questions?

A18. The proposal due date has been revised; please refer to Amendment 0002 for the new due date.

Q19. Page 54, Volume II – Organizational Experience, states “size – contract duration no less than three (3) years and value no less than $3 million per year.” This is an extremely difficult requirement for a small business under $15M to accomplish. This seems to limit competition. Qualifying offerors should be able to provide one of these references, but three seems unlikely. Will the government consider requiring one of the three references to support this size requirement?

A19. The technical evaluation factor Organizational Experience has been revised as part of

Q20. Will the government consider utilizing a Best Value Tradeoff evaluation methodology? The scope of work seems to be out of line with the recommendations for LPTA contracts as stated in the current NDAA.

A20. The current NDAA has yet to be promulgated into regulations. As indicated in the Solicitation, the Government will be using the best value lowest price technically acceptable process for this procurement.

Q21. Will the government please provide a level of effort breakdown for each task?

A21. No, a price breakdown will not be provided.

Q22. How will the government ensure that an LPTA evaluation is comparable offer to offer? Many of the tasks are loosely defined as ”support.” Although the estimated workload is provided for some tasking, it does not provide how complex or even how much effort is needed for each tasking.

A22. The Government will evaluate all Offerors pursuant to the criteria established in the solicitation.

The awardee will be required to provide the services identified in the PWS at the firm fixed price established in the proposed offer and accepted by the Government.

Q23. Is the government anticipating that this effort can be performed with just the key personnel billets provided? Are there any Non-key personnel? If so, could the government please provide the labor categories and level of effort?

A23. Non-key personnel FTEs are also needed to fulfill the contractual requirement. The

Government is not providing the labor categories and level of effort.

Q24. Section 5.3.2, IT PfM Process Support, how many portfolios does MSC currently have or plans to have within the base year?

A24. Task Area 3 – Information Technology Portfolio Management (IT PfM) Support defines the MSC IT Portfolio as “The IT portfolio is comprised of 42 IT capabilities and supporting functions across 9 ashore sites and an MSC fleet of 176 ships.

The annual IT budget authority has ranged from $125M-$180M in the past decade. MSC IT investments are supported by two funding streams (Navy Working Capital Fund and Transportation Working Capital Fund).”

Q25. Section 5.3.2, IT PfM Process Support, will each portfolio have a dedicated government lead or will there be a single government lead with multiple contractors supporting as portfolio leads?

A25. Per Section 5.3.2, the Contractor will provide support to “augment a Government workforce of three N6 IT portfolio managers.

Q26. Section 6.1 states “MSC will provide four desk spaces on Naval Station Norfolk for onsite support.” This appears to be insufficient given the requirements for PfM, Knowledge Management, EA and Funds Execution task requirements. Will the government consider six to eight seats? Is it possible to have four permanent seats and two to four pool seats?

A26. Due to the command seating availability, there will be only four desk spaces provided for onsite Contractor support.

Q27. Can one resume cover multiple key personnel labor category requirements?

A27. No.

Q28. Is the historical level of effort consistent with the required key personnel – 5 billets?

A28. No, more than 5 billets are expected to support this effort. The 5 listed key personnel are what the Government considers to be essential; it is the Offeror’s responsibility to develop a team of personnel that can provide the services as detailed in the PWS.

Q29. Please clarify how price reasonableness and balanced pricing will be evaluated if no price detail is submitted?

A29. The Government will use various price analysis techniques and procedures to ensure a fair and

Q30. Please clarify how the government will evaluate if the proposed price is realistic and acceptable.

With no price detail to submit, the government can’t effectively evaluate what level of support (both quantity and quality) they are purchasing.

A30. The Government will use various price analysis techniques and procedures to ensure a fair and

Q31. Is there an incumbent contractor currently performing these services or if this is a new requirement. If there is an incumbent, could you please provide the contract number?

A31. The incumbent is Savvee Consulting, Inc.; the last two bridge contract numbers are N3220518C1002 and N3220518C1000.

Q32. If contractor’s resources are expected to be at the Navy sites indicated, if the contractor still required to have a facility Secret clearance? If yes, would the contractor be allowed to achieve this post award with sponsorship from the Navy?

A32. Yes, the contractor is required to have a facility Secret clearance, and the Navy will provide sponsorship after award.

Per DoD 5220.22-M, Chapter 2: "2-100. General. An FCL is an administrative determination that a company is eligible for access to classified information or award of a classified contract. Contract award may be made prior to the issuance of an FCL. In those cases, the contractor will be processed for an FCL at the appropriate level and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

However, the contractor will not be afforded access to classified information until the FCL has been granted. The FCL requirement for a prime contractor includes those instances in which all classified access will be limited to subcontractors. Contractors are eligible for custody (possession) of classified material if they have an FCL and storage capability approved by the CSA."

Q33. Given this is a SDVOSB set aside does the experience of the leaders of the proposal and the contractors of “an IT portfolio supporting worldwide operations with an annual IT budget of at least $100M for a DoD headquarters level command or federal headquarters level agency “count towards the organizational experience?

A33. The experience has to be that of the organization for it to be considered as a submission under the Organizational Experience factor.

Q34. We recommend the government re-evaluate that definition of “similar size”, as defined on PWS page 54, Proposal Content, Section 2 Volume II Organizational Experience, “size – contract duration no less than three (3) years and value no less than $3 million per year.”

The requirement of $3M per year is un-realistically high in relation to the PWS definitions provided for “Scope” (the PWS tasks 5.1-5.6), “Complexity” (an IT portfolio supporting worldwide operations with an annual IT budget of at least $100M for a DoD headquarters level command or federal headquarters level agency), and the estimated workload presented PWS Para 18, page 87. The $3M/year limit establishes a threshold that is unnecessarily restrictive. It is especially restrictive given the limited number of staff needed to perform the workload, combined with the PWS requirement to perform the work in Norfolk

VA and Scott AFB, IL, both of which are low cost of living areas. A $1M/year limit is a far more realistic threshold for similar size.

A34. The technical evaluation factor Organizational Experience has been revised as part of

Q35. Page 63 states “provide support for developing guidance for information collection, storage, processes, availability, and communications to improve the integrity, quality, and utility of information.”

Since this is a LPTA contract, please provide the scope and level of effort for this support.

A35. This is not a level of effort contract; the government will not provide an estimated level of effort for any task area. It is anticipated potential offerors, as industry experts, have the experience and expertise to define the required level of effort to complete the PWS task areas.

Q36. Page 63 states “Provide support for business process development to be integrated into automated systems.” Which automated systems are within the scope of this task and how many business processes are expected to be developed? What level of support is expected from the contractor?

A36. This is not a level of effort contract; the government will not provide an estimated level of effort for any task area. It is anticipated potential offerors, as industry experts, have the experience and expertise

Q37. Page 64 states “Analyze, evaluate, and support preparation of N6 briefs, reports, and correspondence for all organizational components (director, division, branch, team).” Please provide an estimate on the number of briefs, reports and correspondences and the average size of the briefs and reports for estimation purposes.

A37. Support will be provided to N6 leadership (CIO, Deputy CIO, 4 Division Directors, 14 Branch Managers) on a daily basis. Support will be required for an annual estimate of 250 briefs, reports and correspondences. Briefs and reports average 20 pages.

Q38. Page 64 states “Provide support in developing, reviewing, and updating charters, Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), and organizational charts to enable more effective communications and organization for the program and stakeholders.” Please provide estimates on the number of Charters, MOAs, and MOUs requiring support annually. Of these, how many will need to be developed by the contractor? What is the annual level of effort expected on this task?

A38. N6 has a historical workload of 10 MOU/MOA documents annually, 250 action taskers/data calls annually, 3 strategic level plans, 20 program/system plans.

Q39. Page 64 states “Engage stakeholders and cross-functional support Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) as required to provide an overall framework for managing and coordinating necessary communications that directly, or indirectly, influence objectives and tasks.” Please identify which stakeholders and SMEs need to be engaged? Is there an existing set of meeting that accomplishes this task? If so, please provide the average monthly number and duration. If not, what is the expected level of effort for this task for estimation purposes?

A39. This is not a level of effort contract. Stakeholders and SMEs are individuals and organizations the Contractor would engage when providing Information Management Support to N6 leadership (CIO, Deputy CIO, 4 Division Directors, 14 Branch Managers) on a daily basis.

Q40. Section 5.2.2 on page 64 states “Implement procedures and standards for the creation, utilization, maintenance, and disposition of paperwork and electronic records.” Are there current procedures in place to accomplish this task? If not, is the contractor expected to develop the procedures? What is the expected monthly level of effort expected for unclassified, PII and classified paperwork and electronic records?

A40. This is not a level of effort contract. MSC is a compliant DoD\Navy Command subject to the federal, DoD and DoN data and records management regulations. Contractor support is required for MSC N6 data repositories that include, but are not limited to, the MSC Portal, MSC SIPRNet Portal, TRIM, and physical files.

Q41. Section 5.2.4 on page 65 states that the contractor will “Conduct reviews of business and infrastructure services and provide documented analysis and recommendations to improve service quality.

These reviews typically are conducted on a quarterly basis, or when exigent circumstances require additional reviews.” Please provide an estimate of the number of services to be reviewed quarterly and the expected level of effort.

A41. Reviews will address the services supporting the N6 mission for delivering and sustaining secure C4 capabilities to meet the afloat and ashore information technology and communication needs throughout the IT life cycle.

Q42. Section 5.2.4 on page 65 states that the contractor will “Conduct reviews of QMS procedures and documents for accuracy, relevance and completeness. There will be an estimated 120 procedures annually that will require reviews.” What is the average number of procedures reviewed monthly? Are all of these N6 procedures? If, not what level of expertise is expected in the review of these procedures? What level of effort is expected on this task?

A42. The estimate of 120 procedures for review can be expected to occur continuously, thus not requiring a surge support at any time. The procedures are both MSC enterprise level and N6 directorate level.

Q43. Section 5.2.4 on page 65 states that the contractor will “evaluate processes and procedures to identify areas where the targeted process metrics are not reached, and hold regular bench markings, audits, maturity assessments, and reviews. These evaluations typically are conducted on a quarterly basis, or when exigent circumstances require additional evaluations.” How many processes and procedures are reviewed every quarter on average? How many have reported metrics? How many benchmarkings, maturity assessments, and audits are expected every quarter?

A43. The processes and procedures are estimated at 25 annually.

Q44. Section 5.3.1.2 on page 68 states that the contractor will “provide support in reviewing and prioritizing IT programs, projects, and requirements.” What is the expected level of effort each month for this? Is there an existing prioritization process that will be utilized?

A44. This is not a level of effort contract; the government is not providing an estimated level of effort for any task area. It is anticipated potential offerors, as industry experts, have the experience and expertise

Q45. Section 5.3.1.2 on page 68 states that the contractor will “support analysis and preparation of recommendations for the IT capabilities to be funded.” Since this is an LPTA contract what is the level of support expected each month?

A45. This is not a level of effort contract; the government is not providing an estimated level of effort for any task area. It is anticipated potential offerors, as industry experts, have the experience and expertise

Q46. Section 5.3.1.2 on page 68 states that the contractor will “support analysis and preparation of recommendations for the continuation, acceleration, modification, or suspension of IT investments.”

What is the expected level of effort each month?

A46. This is not a level of effort contract; the government is not providing an estimated level of effort for any task area. It is anticipated potential offerors, as industry experts, have the experience and expertise

Q47. Section 5.3.1.2 on page 68 states that the contractor will “Evaluate and provide analysis on IT investment performance and recommend corrective actions where needed.” In what forum will the recommendations be briefed? Who will be expected to brief the findings? How many investments will be reviewed each month? What evaluation criteria will be used?

A47. The ITIM Working Group and ITIM Board are the stated forums. Support is to the Government for the ITIM tasks and forums. There is no set number of investments per month to be reviewed.

Q48. Section 5.3.2 on page 69 states that the contractor will “Support the development and maintenance of correspondence and written products addressing the MSC IT strategic direction, policies, standards, guidance and procedures as required. Currently N6 has an N6 Support Plan that addresses strategic direction.” How many correspondences and written products are expected every month?

A48. This is one task to be worked in concurrence with all other tasks under IT PfM Process Support.

For IT PfM process support, the Contractor will provide support on a daily basis through verbal and written communications that convey subject matter expertise and supplies needed skills to complement and augment a Government workforce of three N6 IT portfolio managers.

Q49. Section 5.3.2 on page 69 states that the contractor will “Support assessments, coordination of processes and data, and required reporting for IT PfM from internal and external stakeholders including but not limited to the U.S. Transportation Command (USTC), OPNAV, USFF, MSC functional directorates (N1,N3, N6, N9), and requirements owners.” How many assessments are expected every month? What reports are required every month?

A49. IT PfM Support Services are required to ensure compliance with SECNAVINST 5230.14, Information Technology Portfolio Management. This is one task to be worked in concurrence with all other tasks under IT PfM Support Services for IT PfM Process Support. For IT PfM process support, the Contractor will provide support on a daily basis through verbal and written communications that convey subject matter expertise and supplies needed skills to complement and augment a Government workforce of three N6 IT portfolio managers. The three N6 IT portfolio managers support the IT Portfolio as defined in Section 5.3, last paragraph.

Q50. Section 5.3.2 on page 69 states that the contractor will “Support verification and validation of portfolio assets to achieve a portfolio baseline.” Please explain the scope of this effort. Is this a physical inventory? If so, what sites and types of assets will be inventoried?

A50. This is not a physical inventory task.

Q51. Section 5.3.2 on page 69 states that the contractor will “Conduct and provide results of the MSC IT PHAs which include cost, schedule and performance and addresses trends, risks, and alignment to MSC/N6 strategic initiatives for IT investments in accordance with CDRL 0014.” What is the expected frequency of the PHAs? Are performance metrics currently tracked and reported on IT investments?

A51. The number of PHAs correlate directly to the ITIM Working Group and ITIM Board events and mandatory budget submissions or as directed by the Government. MSC N6 has a current ITIM maturity level of one.

Q52. Section 5.3.2 on page 69 states that the contractor will “Support preparation of recommendations to justify and defend budgets for all required annual and periodic budget submissions to internal and external stakeholders.” What is the expected level of effort each month?

A52. This is not a level of effort contract; the government is not providing an estimated level of effort for any task area. It is anticipated potential offerors, as industry experts, have the experience and expertise

Q53. Section 5.3.2 on page 69 and 70 states that the contractor will “Provide support to prepare documentation essential for the Government to prioritize and evaluate requests for Navy Working Capital Fund (NWCF) and Transportation Working Capital Fund (TWCF) resources. Documentation includes, but is not limited to briefing packages, white papers, and analyses.” Please explain the scope and the expected level of effort for this task.

A53. This is not a level of effort contract; the government is not providing an estimated level of effort for any task area. It is anticipated potential offerors, as industry experts, have the experience and expertise

Q54. Section 5.3.2 on page 70 states that the contractor will “Support program reviews, conferences, briefings, and other meetings.” How many program reviews, conferences, briefings, and other meetings are expected every month?

A54. There are no set number of meetings per month. IT PfM Support Services are required to ensure compliance with SECNAVINST 5230.14, Information Technology Portfolio Management. This is one task to be worked in concurrence with all other tasks under IT PfM Support Services for IT PfM Process Support. For IT PfM process support, the Contractor will provide support on a daily basis through verbal and written communications that convey subject matter expertise and supplies needed skills to complement and augment a Government workforce of three N6 IT portfolio managers. The three N6 IT portfolio managers support the IT Portfolio as defined in Section 5.3, last paragraph.

Q55. Section 5.3.2 on page 70 states that the contractor will “Support preparation of program and project schedules, Gantt charts and critical path analyses.” How many program and project schedules are expected every month?

A55. There is no set number per month as the number fluctuates dependent upon the approved investments and ongoing activities in the lifecycle of the 42 IT capabilities and supporting functions across 9 ashore sites and an MSC fleet of 176 ships.

Q56. Section 5.3.2 on page 70 states that the contractor will “Support design oversight including configuration and data management” What is the level of design oversight expected?

A56. For IT PfM process support, the Contractor will provide support on a daily basis through verbal and written communications that convey subject matter expertise and supplies needed skills to complement and augment a Government workforce of three N6 IT portfolio managers.

Q57. Section 5.3.2 on page 70 states that the contractor will “Support analyses and preparation of recommendations and initiatives for Command improvements to reduce C4 overall costs, including but not limited to business case analysis (BCA), cost benefit analysis (CBA), and e-business solutions.” How many BCAs, CBAs, and analyses are expected every month?

A57. There is no set number per month as the number fluctuates dependent upon the approved investments and ongoing activities in the lifecycle of the 42 IT capabilities and supporting functions

Q58. Section 5.3.2 on page 70 states that the contractor will “Support development and implementation of risk management strategies, plans, assessments, analyses, studies and recommendations.” Please provide the expected scope and level of effort expected each month.

A58. This is not a level of effort contract; the government is not providing an estimated level of effort for any task area. It is anticipated potential offerors, as industry experts, have the experience and expertise

Q59. Section 5.3.2 on page 70 states that the contractor will “Support development and maintenance of Integrated Master Plans (IMP) and Integrated Master Schedules (IMS).” Is this the same as the program and project schedule development listed above it in the RFP?

A59. No; there should be consistency in the deliverables but they are not the same deliverables.

Q60. Section 5.3.2 on 70 states that the contractor will “Support preparation of reprogramming requests and program briefings to higher authorities.” How many reprogramming requests and program briefings are expected every month?

A60. There is no set number per month as the number fluctuates dependent upon the approved investments and ongoing activities in the lifecycle of the 42 IT capabilities and supporting functions

Q61. For Task Area 3 – IT PfM Support, please describe the current maturity of the IT Portfolio as it relates to support decision making. Is there a defined process with templates in place or is the contractor expected to define or mature existing processes and procedures? What system or application(s) are currently being used to support IT PfM?

A61. Section 5.3.1.1 states the requirement for IT Investment Management Maturity Support. Using the GAO ITIM framework, MSC was previously assessed at a level 1.

Q62. Page 88 requires “daily support to three IT portfolio managers.” Does the government expect one dedicated resource to liaison and support all three portfolio managers or one resource per portfolio manager?

A62. Per Section 5.3.2, the Contractor will provide support to “augment a Government workforce of three N6 IT portfolio managers.” It is the Offeror’s decision as to how to staff this requirement.

Q63. Please elaborate on “daily support” for PWS 5.3.2 IT PfM Process Support on page 88 to accurately ensure the proper number of personnel are proposed to meet the IT PfM Task Area requirements.

A63. The table is an estimated workload. The government will not provide an estimated level of effort for any task area since this is not a level of effort contract. It is anticipated potential offerors, as industry experts, have the experience and expertise to define the required level of effort to complete the PWS task areas.

Q64. Does the IT PfM currently have a mature IT Portfolio structure with traceability to investments, architecture, and project management? Does the government intend for this contract to mature the IT Portfolio providing IT Portfolio Management experts or provide limited personnel to provide administrative support to the existing processes?

A64. Section 5.3.1.1 states the requirement for IT Investment Management Maturity Support. Using

Q65. For 5.3.1 ITIM Support on page 67, is there a formal ITIM process in place with defined phases (similar to CPIC) with formal templates, processes, and policies currently in place? Is there a formalized, central Investment Review Board part of the ITIM process integrated with other IT Governance processes? Is the government looking for expertise to mature the ITIM process or limit administrative support?

A65. Section 5.3.1.1 states the requirement for IT Investment Management Maturity Support. Using the GAO ITIM framework, MSC was previously assessed at a level 1. As stated at the industry day this is closer to an advisory and assistance service contract and not an administrative support contract. The contractor is expected to provide subject matter expert to assist the Government in all required tasks.

Q66. Please elaborate on the required support for DoD and DON data repositories and system on page

70. Please clarify if government personnel complete the required updates in these system with support from contractors or if contractors update the systems based on data collection interviews with government system owners and portfolio managers. Please elaborate on the expected level of effort this task entails including number of system and applications that require updates and frequency throughout the year.

A66. Required updates will vary from system to system based on the allowed accesses and the process supported. The government will not provide an estimated level of effort for any task area since this is not a level of effort contract. It is anticipated potential offerors, as industry experts, have the experience and expertise to define the required level of effort to complete the PWS task areas.

Q67. Page 87, PWS 5.2.3 – Analyses and Metrics Support identifies approximately 200 data calls annually. Please elaborate on the complexity and required support of data calls to ensure proper estimation of personnel required to support this task.

A67. CDRL 0009 elaborates on the complexity and required support of data calls.

Q68. Page 88, PWS 5.3.1 – ITIM Support identifies daily support for ITIM. Please elaborate on the daily support requirements to ensure proper estimation of personnel required to support this task. Will the contractor work directly with project managers to develop business cases to ensure complete submissions? Will the contractor manage and monitor the health of investments after they have been approved through project closeout? Approximately how many business cases are submitted annually? Is there an existing scoring/ranking methodology being utilized to sequence approved investments?

A68. The PWS does not require the development of business cases. The government will not provide an estimated level of effort for any task area since this is not a level of effort contract. It is anticipated potential offerors, as industry experts, have the experience and expertise to define the required level of effort to complete the PWS task areas.

Q69. Please clarify the difference in scope and support between the EA Task Area on MSC-ITESS and this Task Area 5.4 on page 71. Is the EA task on MSC-ITESS solution architecture focused to support engineering efforts and MSC-ITGPS business architecture focused to support strategy and mission?

A69. CDRL 0016 covers the expected deliverables. Support tasks will require government coordination across all contracts. There will be no duplication of tasking or effort expended for support to N6 contracts.

Q70. Is there currently an integration between IT PfM and EA? Please elaborate on the current level of integration and how EA currently support investment decision making.

A70. Section 5.3.1.1 states the requirement for IT Investment Management Maturity Support. Using

Q71. MSC currently utilizes Unicom System Architect (SA) and SA Publisher for the business architecture and published architecture for stakeholders to leverage the EA. Please confirm the architecture will continue to be modeled in SA and SA Publisher will be utilized to support IT PfM.

A71. This contract does not have a software or technical solution requirement.

Q72. Section 5.1.1: Will the government provide a list of key MSC personnel required for the Kickoff meeting or is the contractor responsible for determining those personnel?

A72. Yes, upon award.

Q73. Section 5.1.2: What constitutes “…keep the CMP up-to-date…”? Does this require daily, weekly, monthly or quarterly maintenance? Will the government please quantify the scope of this effort?

A73. CDRL 0002 states the requirement. The offeror should have the necessary experience and expertise to determine the level of effort necessary to support the requirement.

Q74. Section 5.1.2: Is the government responsible for arranging a meeting space and developing the agenda for the short notice CMP briefs? Given this brief must occur within 24 hours, the guidance contained in Section 5.1.3 is not applicable.

A74. CDRL 0002 further defines the requirement for Section 5.1.2. Sections 5.1.2 and 5.1.3 are separate and distinct deliverables.

Q75. Section 5.1.3: Has the government identified standard performance metrics that are used for MSC projects/tasks and if so, will the government provide those metrics at the kickoff meeting?

A75. Please see Section 5.1.3, Section 5.1.4 and CDRL 0004.

Q76. Section 5.1.4: On a Firm Fixed Price contract, it is the contractor’s responsibility to deliver deliverables on time and within quality requirements. The guidance for this section states “Performance metrics shall include task area status updates including resources planned and used, …”. Since this is not a Time and Materials contract, it is entirely up to the contractor to determine what is required to accomplish the task. Does the government intend to modify the terms of the solicitation to a Time and Materials contract or maintain it as a Firm Fixed Price contract?

A76. It is entirely up to the contractor to determine what is required in order to complete the tasks;

however, the Government is requesting to see that plan as part of the deliverable which is a completely allowable deliverable requirement. This contract is being procured as a firm fixed price contract as indicated in the solicitation.

Q77. Section 5.1.5: Will the government clarify what is meant by “… and recommend business process improvements to enhance N6 processes.”? Is it the government’s intention to require the contractor to recommend Business Process Improvements for all of N6 and not just those processes associated with ITGPS? If yes, will the government quantify the level of effort expected?

A77. This is not a level of effort contract. Section 5.1.5 addresses the work performed in this PWS.

The ITGPS contract requirement includes the tasks and activities necessary to ensure IT governance and related processes are integral in the lifecycle planning, production, and sustainment of all IT systems, both ashore and afloat. The government will not provide an estimated level of effort for any task area. It is anticipated potential offerors, as industry experts, have the experience and expertise to define the required level of effort to complete the PWS task areas.

Q78. Section 5.1.5: The following paragraphs do not appear to coincide with the rest of the QA section. “The following guidance applies to the above tasks:

· The Contractor shall provide all correspondence and written products in accordance with CDRL 0005. Products typically contain information technology terminology and concepts and are directed to a variety of audiences (e.g. internal/external, senior leaders, technical/non-technical).

* The Contractor shall complete the following tasks:

* Edit, standardize, or make changes to material prepared by other writers or designated

* personnel.

* Review published materials and recommend revisions or changes in scope, format,

* content, and methods of reproduction, binding, and/or storage medium.

* Maintain records and files of work, revisions, and proper version control in data

* repositories.

* The following guidance applies to the above tasks:

* Organize material and complete writing assignments according to DoD/DoN/MSC standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology.

This appears to be Knowledge Management related.

A78. No; the requirement addresses quality standards and the tasks expected to be performed to ensure the quality standards are applied to all work performed for this requirement.

Q79. Section 5.2.1: Will the government define what is meant by “Provide support for…”? Is the government performing these tasks and the contractor is providing administrative support or is the contractor responsible for conducting all research, analysis, report development and presentation of recommendations/findings?

A79. As stated at the industry day this is closer to an advisory and assistance service contract and not an administrative support contract. The contractor is expected to provide subject matter expert to assist the Government in all required tasks.

Q80. Section 5.2.1: Will the government define what is meant by the “…utility of information.”? How is the utility of information quantifiably measured?

A80. See Section 5.2 for the definition of knowledge management.

Q81. Section 5.2.1: Will the government define the level of effort expected in improving the integrity of information? Does integrity, as used here, include all aspects of the Information Assurance definition of the term?

A81. This is not a level of effort contract; the government is not providing an estimated level of effort for any task area. It is anticipated potential offerors, as industry experts, have the experience and expertise

Q82. Section 5.2.1: Will the government provide the operational and user requirements necessary to “Provide support to analyze, evaluate and recommend solutions for tools required in information management processes.”?

A82. The operational and user requirements will be obtained and defined when the task is required in support of information management processes.

Q83. Section 5.2.1: Will the government define the level of effort, including expected products, required to “Provide support to analyze, evaluate and recommend solutions for tools required in information management processes.”?

A83. This is not a level of effort contract; the government is not providing an estimated level of effort for any task area. It is anticipated potential offerors, as industry experts, have the experience and expertise

Q84. Section 5.2.1: Will the government define the level of effort and expected products per month or per year required to “Analyze, evaluate, and support preparation of N6 briefs, reports, and correspondence for all organizational components (director, division, branch, team).”?

A84. This is not a level of effort contract; the government is not providing an estimated level of effort for any task area. It is anticipated potential offerors, as industry experts, have the experience and expertise

Q85. Section 5.2.1: Will the government quantify the number of charters, Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) the contractor can be expected to develop, review or update per year?

A85. Section 18. Estimated Workload states for Section 5.2.1 that N6 has a historical workload of 10 MOU/MOA documents annually, 250 action taskers/data calls annually, 3 strategic level plans, 20 program/system plans.”

Q86. Section 5.2.1: What is meant by “Provide support for the tasking and tracking analyses for the MSC N6, in accordance with CDRL 0009”? Please define what the support is. Please define what analysis is required. What is the level of effort is associated with this task?

A86. CDRL 0009 provides the definition of data calls and the required support for the monitoring, tasking, analyses, and metrics for data call responses and data call management.

Q87. Section 5.2.1: Will the government define the level of effort required to “Provide support for developing, implementing, and monitoring MSC N6 strategies, plans, policy and procedures.”?

A87. This is not a level of effort contract; the government is not providing an estimated level of effort for any task area. It is anticipated potential offerors, as industry experts, have the experience and expertise

Q88. Section 5.2.2: Does the bullet “Implement procedures and standards for the creation, utilization, maintenance, and disposition of paperwork and electronic records” imply that MSC is not following current policy as set out in DoDI 5015.02 and applicable NARA Bulletins? Are there special requirements or circumstances that affect how MSC applies the applicable guidance?

A88. MSC is a compliant DoD\Navy Command subject to the federal, DoD and DoN data and records management regulations.