Questions and Answers 01.xlsx
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- MSC Underway Replenishment Training Center (MUTC) Service Federal contract opportunity
- Solicitation number
- N3220522R4039
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This document contains questions and answers related to a solicitation for MSC Underway Replenishment Training Center Service. Key details include: the solicitation is for instructor personnel support for in-house and exportable training courses at MSC Training Center Hampton Roads, FT Eustis VA, and MSC Underway Replenishment Training Center; equipment maintenance support will also be provided; courses include bridge resource management, operations, communications and simulator training; pricing will be firm-fixed-price with some travel reimbursable; source selection will utilize lowest price technically acceptable procedures; incumbent contractors raised questions about travel costs, course requirements and durations, simulator specifications, and instructor qualifications that were answered in the document.
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Q&A 01
| MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND N3220522R4039 (SOLICITATION) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 01 | |
| The following are answers to questions received from potential offerors. The answers provide clarificaiton only and DO NOT constitute an amendment to the solicitation. |
| Question No. | PWS Section | Page Number | PWS - Para. Description | Question | Government Response |
| 1 | End of Part 7 | 43 | WAGE DETERMINATION - states that the DOL WD incorporated is WD 2015-4341 REV 19, however the current version in SAM is REV 20 | Will the government please clarify the correct DOL WD REV (20) and also provide as an enclosure to the soliciation? | Amendment 0001 shall be issued to update the Wage Determination to 2015-4341 REV 20. |
| 2 | 52.222-42 | 65 |
Henain, Monica W CIV COMSC: Henain, Monica W CIV COMSC:
| It is on page 65 not 66. | Statement of Equivalent Rates states in compliance with the SCA, this clause identifies classes of service employees and states wages and labor categories | The Statement of Equivalent Rate on page 66 provides guidance on labor categories and includes wages, but no fringe information. As these wages differ from DOL WD 2015-4341 REV 20, can the government clarify that the Statement of Equivalent Rates are the wages contractors are expected to pay employees and used as the basis for pricing? | Amendment 0001 shall be issued to update the Statement of Equivalent Rates. In compliance with the Service Contract Labor Standards statute and the regulations of the Secretary of Labor (29 CFR part 4), this clause identifies the classes of service employees expected to be employed under the contract and states the wages and fringe benefits payable to each, if they were employed by the contracting agency subject to the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 5341 or 5332. | |||
| 3 | ATT 3 and ATT 14 | ATT 3 provides an estimate for workload that is consistent with the PWS tasking, however ATT 14 Pricing Worksheets lists 23 GEN INSTs in COL B, and 15 in QTY COL C for transision, and 29 TOTAL LABOR QTY for CLINS 0001, 1001, 2001, 3001, 4001 and 5001. | Will the government clarify the expected workload as 19 total INSTs and correct the Pricing Worksheet? | The expected workload is for 19 total instructors. Updated Pricing Worksheet (Attachment 14) will be attached to the solicitation. |
Henain, Monica W CIV COMSC: Henain, Monica W CIV COMSC:
The question is not concerning ATT 12. It is regarding ATT 14. Please ensure you only answer the question that is being asked. Thank you.
4 5.2.2.5.2 22 SQT Training states requirement to support embarked training courses CONUS or OCONUS while underway. To be able to adequately estimate labor costs associated with SQTs, can the government provide the projected number of events, the number of personnel that will be required, and number of days? See SQTs Travel Attachment 17 for historical data for completed training courses in the last 3 years, and proposed future travel requirements for the next 2 years. Two personnel are required for each SQT event. The attachment lists projected events, number of days and AOR location.
Henain, Monica W CIV COMSC: Henain, Monica W CIV COMSC:
The last sentence (in red) does not pertain to the question presented--delete it. Please remember to answer only the question being asked. No need to provide unsolicited information.
| 5 | 5.2.2.5.2 | 22 | SQT Training states requirement to support embarked training courses CONUS or OCONUS while underway. | For passport planning, how long in advance will OCONUS travel notification be provided? (notification also plays into vacination, country visit requests and to activate approporate insurance). | Typically 30-60 days notice are given. |
| 6 | 5.2.2.5.2 | 22 | SQT Training states requirement to support embarked training courses CONUS or OCONUS while underway. | Do INSTs walk on and off vessels for training or will they embark by helo or boat? (needed for appropriate insurance coverage) | Depending on the ships underway or inport status, options for embarking/disembark will be pier side, helo, or small boat transfer. |
Henain, Monica W CIV COMSC: Henain, Monica W CIV COMSC:
If embarking/disembaring are pier side, then helo and small boat transfers are not necessary, correct?
| 7 | ATT 10 and 11 | Schedules show that for nearly every holiday on a Monday or Friday, training occurs on the following weekend to complete. | Can the government clarify the number of days and which courses are required to complete training on weekends? (this drives those personnel into overtime the following week of training). | The work week is M-F with an occasional Saturday work day. Weeks with holiday's and a 5-day class occasionally require classes to be instructored on a Saturday. The Exportable BRM course has incurred additional hours that were funded with a contract modification/additional funding CLIN. (Delete; not pertaining to the question). | |
| 8 | Instructions to Offerors | 54 | Resumes and Letters of Intent | As an SCA contract, we are required by law to provide offers to incumbent workforce - the requirement for resumes for all positions seems excessive. Will the government consider restating the requirement for resumes as well as for Letters of Intent for all "Key" personnel as well? | Yes. |
| 9 | Instructions to Offerors | 52 | Section L states VOL 2 Technical is limited to 50 pages | Can the government clarify that resumes and Letters of Intent are NOT part of the total page count for Volume II? | The resumes and Letters of Intent are not part of the total page count. |
Henain, Monica W CIV COMSC: Henain, Monica W CIV COMSC:
Please confirm whether or not resumes are part of the total page count for Volume II.
10 Instructions to Offerors 53 Section L states VOL 1 Solicitation Documents d. states SF 1449 completed, and also again in g. Can the government clarify the difference between the SF1449 requirement stated in d and g? Paragraph A (d) applies to the solicitation (page 1) with blocks 17 and 30 completed, i.e., refers to the Offeror's signature on the dated SF 1449 when submitted with its original proposal. Paragraph A (g) references furnishing signed copies of the orginal SF 1449 and issued amendments.
Henain, Monica W CIV COMSC: Henain, Monica W CIV COMSC:
Please completely answer the question. What does Section d apply to?
| 11 | Instructions to Offerors | 53 | Section L VOL 1 e. asks for a completed DD254 | Can the government clarify what sections that they require to be completed on the DD254? | Part 6 and 7 of the DD Form 254 are required to be completed. |
| 12 | 4.4.1 | 11 | 4.4.1 BRM SIM | Can the government clarify the deliverable specifications to adequately price? EX: transport cases, lan connection distances, display sizes, helm control specifications and model numbers (for configuration management). | Review Attachment 16 for BRM Simulator requirements. |
Henain, Monica W CIV COMSC: Henain, Monica W CIV COMSC:
Please ensure your response directly answers the question, and your reponse is concise. This a long winded answer that doesn't appear to answer the question presented.
| 13 | 4.4.1.1.4 | 12 | 4.4.1.1.4 BRM Exportable course | It is unclear if this is a new course requirement to be developed, or incorporated into use in the SIM. Can the government provide additional information for this section? (Note: the Navy Surface Warfare Schools Command has a USCG approved BRM course that was developed in the past couple of years that seems like a "plug and play" for MSC, the only effort would be a review for CIVMAR training usage and approval process.) | This requirement is not to develop a new training course. The curriculum/course of instruction for the MSC Exportable BRM Team Training course with the simulator is an established training course and is instructed onboard MSC ships by the current contractor BRM instructors. The MSC Exportable BRM Team/Simulator Training course is designed as refresher training for MSC Bridge Watch teams that have been in a maintenance period. The Navy Warfare Schools Command will not export the training to the deployed MSC ships crews and MSC ships deck officers/navigation teams cannot travel as a team to the Navy school house for training. The contents of the Navy Warfare Schools Command Course has been reviewed by MSC and does not meet the current MSC requirements. |
| 14 | 5.1.1.4 | 37 | Travel - All travel required for the performance of this contract shall be included in the firm fixed price. | It is not possible to price an indetermined level of travel over a 5-year period as FFP. The section has an unstated number of events (bewteen 10 and 20 annually) for a variable length of time (between 5 and 15 days of duration, or up to 31 days as stated in 5.2.2.5.2.1.1), with an unstated number of personnel. Additionally it states that the export training events will increase as COVID restrictions are reduced. Based on the vague data, there could be anywhere from 50 days x an unknown number of personnel to undisclosed locations, or as many as 300 days x number of INSTs per year (or >600 for 31 day events).Over the course of the current contract fuel costs have varied ffrom $2.28 to over $4+ with recent inflation - other travel related costs for air, car rental, hotels are also subject to significant cost change given the current inflationary econimic pressures. Request consideration, and recommend the government add a Travel CLIN - this is consistent with the current contract (which had estimated NTE $300K of reimbursable travel). Given thtat the "supplies or services" do not have a "basis of reasonably defined functional or detailed specifications" (FAR 16.202-2) - Travel cannot be priced as FFP. | No, travel is firm-fixed-price. See SQTs and BRM Travel Attachment 17 for historical data for completed training courses in the last 3 years and proposed future travel requirements for the next 2 years. |
| 15 | ATT 14 | CLINS 0002 - New Training Course Development and Upgrades, and 0003 - (Material): Equipment Repair and Training Materials (and Options) - do not have defined specifications or requrements to support pricing, nor is there an NTE funding level provided WRT a reimbursable CLIN. | It is assumed that CLINS 0002 and 0003 are designed to be reimbursable, and 0004 and 0005 funded as FFP based on the PWS specifications. However there is nothing in Sectoin L Instructions to Offerors, nor a Schedule B to define those CLINS. Can the government please provide additional guidance and clarification, or the NTE amounts for those CLINS? | No, Amendment 0001 shall be issued to remove CLINs 0002 and 0003; New Course Development and Upgrades will require a contract modification when required. See Attachment 16 concerning FFP CLINs 0004 and 0005. See Attachment 14 Updated Price Worksheet. |
Henain, Monica W CIV COMSC: Henain, Monica W CIV COMSC:
Again, it appears that the sentence in red is not necessary for the question presented.
| Source Selection Information - See FAR 2.101 and 3.104 | ||||||
| 16 | 4.4.1.1.2.3 and 4.4.1.1.3.3 | 11 & 12 | VirtualShip simulation software will be applicable to all GOGO ship classes, not just the T-AH - and in 4.4.1.1.3.3. | Simulator to be mathematically modeled to reflect all MSC vessels hull form and maneuvering characteristics | Can the government clarify ALL? - in discussing with GDIT, they do not have EVERY MSC vessel in their data base. Certainly they have vessel characteristics that represent all classes, but each is not fully modeled. | VirtualShip simulation software V9.2 is applicable to all MSC GOGO ship classes. Required VirtualShip simulation software in 4.4.1.1.2..3 and 4.4.1.1.3.3 will model the vessel charaterisitics of MSC's GOGO ship classes. |
| 17 | 4.4.1.1.3.5 | 12 | 4.4.1.1.3.5 Shall be capable of running CBT courses, such as: Navigation, Rules of the Road, Stability and Trim; Bridge Resource Management (BRM), Collision Avoidance; Mooring; General Principles of ship handling; ECDIS, ARPA, ice navigation, collision avoidance programs, current operating on the GDIT VirtualShip installed software. | Are the courses listed as part of CBT training government provided? Is there additional SW required? | The CBT Training is not provided by the Government. The primary requirement is to have VirtualShip V9.2 license loaded on the laptops. The contractor will purchase the licenses for the Government. Additional programs may be added to the system with contract modifications. |
Henain, Monica W CIV COMSC: Henain, Monica W CIV COMSC:
Not answering the question. The question is whether the courses listed as part of the CBT training are provided by the Government or not? Yes or No. The second part of the question was answered.
| 18 | 4.4.1.1.3.6 | 12 | Shareable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM): software will be SCORM compliant. | V-Ship is a virtual reality simulation software, it is not a Learning Content Management System. SCORM is a collection of technical standards that defines how units of online training material need to be created - we are being asked to procure a standing COTs simulation product. This appears to be an error, can the government clarify? | The system was built using COTs hardware components. Amendment 0001 shall be issued to remove the requirement. |
| 19 | 4.4.1.1.3.7 | 12 | Software will be non-proprietary to allow MSC to make changes in the future. | Can the government clarify? The specification is to procure V-Ship 9.2 and upgrade the other two existing systems. And 4.4.1.1.3.4 unequivocally states that "the simulator system is proprietary software." Is the government trying to purchase all data rights to the software? What intended changes to the SW will be made? The last 3 paragraphs appear to be cut and pasted from a different software development contract RFP. | The V-ship 9.2 and the upgrades to the V-ship program are proprietary. MSC requires the current license to be upgraded to V9.2 for the current systems and V9.2 in the new system. The training scenarios developed by the instructors are non-proprietary, |
| 20 | 4.4.1.1.3.7 | 12 | The contractor shall ensure the system contains optical storage devices (CDs and DVDs) with system software, including source code and compilation software for the hardware and software components installed in the simulator equipment | Can the government clarify what they are asking for this referenced statement? V-ship is a software that resides and functions on the PC environment. Discussing with GDIT, the only simulator equipment is laptops and cables. | Amendment 0001 shall be issued to remove the reference section of the PWS. |
| 21 | 4.4.1.1.2 | 11 | This system utilizes five COTS high-end, gaming laptop Personnel Computers. These laptops feature a minimum 17 inch screen, Nvidia GTX graphics card and a fast Intel I7 CPU with simulated throttle and helm | This section specifies a simulated throttle and helm. In discussion with GDIT, our understanding is the current system does not utilize a throttle and helm. Additionally, any throttle and helm would require configuration of the SW to map to the controls. Can the government clarify the requirement and provide part numbers or specifications for the throttle and helm? (Note: as the trainer is not intended as a ship driving simulator but rather decision making and bridge resource management trainer, the vessel can be driven from the laptops. | Amendment 0001 shall be issued to remove the requirement for the generic throttle and helm. The vessels will be drive from the laptop. |
Henain, Monica W CIV COMSC: Henain, Monica W CIV COMSC:
Are there part numbers or specifications that we could provide for the throttle and helm?
Again, the response does not answer the question presented. Please provide concise answers.
22 4.4.1.1.2 11 4.4.1.1.2 This system utilizes five COTS high-end, gaming laptop Personnel Computers. These laptops feature a minimum 17 inch screen, Nvidia GTX graphics card and a fast Intel I7 CPU with simulated throttle and helm. This system can be expanded or reduced in scope depending on the final training requirements. The NVIDIA GTX graphics card has been replaced by the RTX series. Can the government clarify which RTX graphics card is acceptable, as well as specifications for graphics card memory, CPU clock speed minimum, laptop memory and hard-drive minimums? The 3060, 3060ti,3070, 3070ti are suitable. The 3050s have a faults. Units with an alder lake 12000 series CPU are acceptable and usually can handle the newer cards. Current Laptop specifications: Laptop manufacturer: Alienware Model: Alienware m15 Model number: 08A1 Category: Notebook PC Processor: Intel Core i7-8750H CPU@220 GHZ Installed RAM 16.0 GB (15.8 GB usable) Device ID 77187AE9-DA61-4DED-8BF7-298B928D8729 Product ID: 00330-51668-38204-AAOEM System Type: 64 bit operating system, x64-based processor
Windows specifications:
Windows 10 PRO Version 1803 Installed 2/26/2019 OS Build 17134.1
Display Information:
Desktop Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Active signal resolution: 1920 x 1080 Refresh rate: 60 HZ Bit depth: 8 bit Color format: RGB Color space: Standard Dynamic Range (SDR), Graphics processor info:
Intel® UHD Graphics 630 Driver version: 10.0.17134.1 dated 6/21/2006 Intel Graphics Control Panel Driver version: 25.20.100.6471 dated 12/10/2018 Adaptor information:
Intel® UHD Graphics 630 BIOS information Intel video bios Total available graphics memory: 8217 MB Dedicated video memory: 128 MB
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 with Max-Q design (display adaptor) Driver version: 25.21.14.1971 dated 2/20/2019
23 5.2.2.4.6 16 BRM Master Level course Description of the BRM course includes stating it is 16 hours. The request in 4.1.1.4 for an exportable BRM couse IAW CFRs requires a minimum of 21 hours. Can the government clarify the intent? Additionally, the description states the course is a refresher for Single Hull Tankers - however there is no mention of that course anywhere in the 5.2.2.4 course descriptions. Can the government clarify these course requirements? The single hull tanker course is a new 1-day course developed within the past month. The Government will add the course description. The BRM course is a 16 hours course instructed over 3-days. In paragraph 4.1.1.4 change 21 hours to 16 hours. Single Hull Tanker course requirements: 1-day course (7 training hours); The initial session is 3 hours and consists of material describing MSC SHT policy, Bridge Teamwork, Decision Making and BRM Proficiencies. The balance of the training day consists of 4 hours of simulator exercises that focus on entering/exiting harbor and UNREP. The MSC Exportable BRM simulator will be used for the training.
Henain, Monica W CIV COMSC: Henain, Monica W CIV COMSC:
What about the 21 hours minimum mentioned in 4.1.1.4? The response does not answer that part of the question.
24 5.2.4.6 30 Ops INSTs Visual Communications course requirement In this section, the OPS INSTs quals include teaching various courses, including a Visual Communications course. There is no listing for this course, should this section read Visual Information and Communications? (Also referenced in 5.2.4.7) Additionally, as the OPS INSTs can teach the COMM INST course and the COMM INST teaches some of the OPS courses, (but not all), would it make more sense to add a nother OPS INST? Amendment 0001 shall be issued to remove the Visual Communications Course reference. If required a future modification will be written. The communication course is under development and will be completed Late May or early June. The communications will be instructed 6-8 times a year. The communications course instructor will be able to assist with the operations courses. There are a few training simular modules that are instructed in the OPS and Comms courses. With the current project operations course load another operations instructor is not required.
Henain, Monica W CIV COMSC: Henain, Monica W CIV COMSC:
Will we add another OPS INST as recommended by the offeror or not? Yes or No
| 25 | 52.212-2 | 55 | Basis for Award. The Government will award the contract to the responsible Offeror with acceptable past performance and an acceptable technical proposal which is determined to have offered the lowest price for the services detailed in the PWS. The Government will utilize Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) source selection procedures in accordance with FAR 15.101-2. The Government reserves the right to issue an award based upon initial offers but may, after evaluation of initial offers, limit the number of proposals in the competitive range to allow for an efficient competition in accordance with FAR 15.306(c)(2). | Request the government utilize best value for source selection. The use of LPTA for knowledge-based professional services (high-risk and operational training) is specifically addressed in DFARS and contracting offices are directed to avoid usage to the maximum extent practicable. LPTA is governed by NDAA guidance, specifically 215.101-2-70 addresses Limitations and prohibitions. 2.15.101-2-70 (a)(2) states "In accordance with section 813 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017, as amended by section 822 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Pub. L. 115-91) (see 10 U.S.C. 2305 note), contracting officers shall avoid, to the maximum extent practicable, using the lowest price technically acceptable source selection process in the case of a procurement that is predominately for the acquisition of—(i) Information technology services, cybersecurity services, systems engineering and technical assistance services, advanced electronic testing, or other knowledge-based professional services; and also (iii) Services designated by the requiring activity as knowledge-based training or logistics services in contingency operations or other operations outside the United States. (NOTE: LPTA does not address risk of retaining highly-specialized Instructors where lowest pricing is based on lowest wages. This injects risk to both the offeror, and organization for performance, and under LPTA selection criteria, the risk is neither understood, or evaluated in the process. The relevance is clear based on the high-turnover under the current contract. LPTA essentially ensures continued high-turnover, and will create gaps in time to replace - these are the realities in today's job-market.) | No, the Government shall utilize LPTA for source selection. |
| 26 | INST Travel for QUALS | Various - related to travel for Instructor qualification IAW MSC requirements | Some of the INST qualifications require attendance or completion of government courses, and screening (AMC, MHE etc.). As the govenrment controls this process, and the requirement is indeterminate, the associated travel should be included as a reimbursable cost. Will the government clarify these requirements (time, location etc..) and also include under a reimbursable CLIN (TRAVEL)? | The AMC certification is completed at the MUTC School house JEBLC. No travel required for AMC certification. The MHE Train the Trainer is taught at NWS Yorktown, VA. NWS Yorktown is within the the local Hampton roads area (no reimbursment CLIN for mileage). The government will fund the cost of the MHE training course at Yorktown, VA. The MHE course is offered 4-6 times a year. This contract does not have reimbursable CLIN for travel. |
Henain, Monica W CIV COMSC: Henain, Monica W CIV COMSC:
Will travel be a reimbursable cost? Yes or No
| 27 | 5.2.4.9 | 32 | BRM IT Technician requirements | The stated requirements articulate an IT capable assistant; however, upon review of the training course, it seems that if BRM IT personnel assist in training, they also require a background in vessel operations and maneuvering, controls etc. As they will assist in operating the IOS so the BRM INST can monitor and instruct during scenarios. Can the government clarify that this position is limited to the stated IT and simulator requirements? | The BRM IT personnel will be required to operate the BRM computer/simulator system and help develop training scenarios under direction of the BRM instructor. The BRM IT personnel will not instruct the training class. This will allow the BRM instructor to monitor and instruct during the scenario portion of the training course. |
| 28 | Various | The RFP discusses delivery of training at JEBLC and Ft. Eustis. Currently all personnel are sited in Virginia Beach at JEBLC. | Will the government clarify the intentions for where personnel will be sited during the period of performance? (Note: based on conversations with current personnel, almost 75% have stated they will not take a position located in FT Eustis). | The instructors assigned to this contract will have desks at the MUTC JEBLC training site. The BRM, Operations and Communications courses may be taught at FT Eustis Training center 3 to 5 times a year. |
Henain, Monica W CIV COMSC: Henain, Monica W CIV COMSC:
Define occassionaly.
Based on the info in the question, only 15% of current personnel for this offeror are willing to take a position in FT Eustis. Is this a concern for other offerors' personnels?
It is on page 65 not 66.
Henain, Monica W CIV COMSC: Henain, Monica W CIV COMSC:
The question is not concerning ATT 12. It is regarding ATT 14. Please ensure you only answer the question that is being asked. Thank you.
Henain, Monica W CIV COMSC: Henain, Monica W CIV COMSC:
The last sentence (in red) does not pertain to the question presented--delete it. Please remember to answer only the question being asked. No need to provide unsolicited information.
Henain, Monica W CIV COMSC: Henain, Monica W CIV COMSC:
If embarking/disembaring are pier side, then helo and small boat transfers are not necessary, correct?
Henain, Monica W CIV COMSC: Henain, Monica W CIV COMSC:
Please confirm whether or not resumes are part of the total page count for Volume II.
Henain, Monica W CIV COMSC: Henain, Monica W CIV COMSC:
Please completely answer the question. What does Section d apply to?
Henain, Monica W CIV COMSC: Henain, Monica W CIV COMSC:
Please ensure your response directly answers the question, and your reponse is concise. This a long winded answer that doesn't appear to answer the question presented.
Henain, Monica W CIV COMSC: Henain, Monica W CIV COMSC:
Again, it appears that the sentence in red is not necessary for the question presented.
Not answering the question. The question is whether the courses listed as part of the CBT training are provided by the Government or not? Yes or No. The second part of the question was answered.
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .