Response_to_Industry_Questions__3.pdf

Question 1: 52.222-41 Service Contract Labor Standards is included in this solicitation. The previous contract did not include this requirement and NAICS 336611 is typically exempt from this. Can the government confirm that 52.222-41 applies to this solicitation?

Question 1 Answer: Yes, 52.222-41 will apply to this solicitation.

Question 2: On page 128, CNIN-M-0002, item c, it states, “The Government intends to award Cost-Plus Fixed-Fee (CPFF) Indefinite Delivery-Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Multiple Award Contracts (MACs), with competition among the awardees for individual task orders…” Based on this statement, it seems there is reasonable expectation that two or more responsible offerors will respond, yet certified cost or pricing data is being requested.

Question 2 Answer: Certified Cost and Pricing Data will not be required. Applicable clauses have been removed.

Question 3: As per page 112, Section L, III. Proposal Content, 1. Volume I Non-Price Proposal, Factor I – Technical Approach, the third paragraph states “For each Trade, the contractor shall provide at least 10 Employee Training Records (and resumes) representative of trade employees that would be assigned to fulfil the requirements of the solicitation.” On an average, each training record with resume will consist of4 pages, and closer to 10 pages for welders. Are these included as part of the 200 page limit? If so, bidders will not be able to bid all 14 trades since the records and resumes alone, for 14 trades, would require well over 400 pages; this does not include training plans and the management volume, which alone will stretch the 200 page limit. Request that training records and their associated resumes be excluded from the page count and be included as a separate appendix same as the current requirement for the key personnel resumes, which are already excluded from page count.

Question 3 Answer: The Government will not count the Employee Training Records and Resumes as part of the 200 page limit.

Question 4: Is it correct to interpret key personnel resume requirements for the On Site Supervisor as being one resume per each trade?

Question 4 Answer: For every key personnel that will be identified, submit one (1) resume.

Question 5: 252.234-7002 EARNED VALUE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (DEVIATION 2015-O0017) (SEPT 2015) has been included as a clause in this solicitation. While EVMS techniques have been used for many years in the shipbuilding industry for large construction and repair projects, we believe EVMS may not be beneficial for the management of LOE projects on a Production Support contract in a Naval shipyard. It is also important to note that the purchase of EVMS compliant software and training would present a significant financial burden to small businesses. EVMS has not been shown as an effective tool on contracts that are non-schedule-based, which include:

* Those compensated on the basis of “Time and Materials” (T&M)

* “Services” contracts

* Any contracts composed primarily of Level of Effort (LOE) activity; such as shipyard Production Support contracts

* Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) or task order type contracts, within which work is awarded on the basis of delivery orders that may or may not be schedule-based, such as shipyard Production Support contracts.

Since PNS Production Support would be considered “non-scheduled-based” (a services based, LOE and ID/IQ task order type contract) it would not have objective work progress and milestones typically measured using EVMS, due to the fact that work cannot be divided into subtasks that produce tangible, measurable product(s). We ask that the Government consider removing the subject clause from the solicitation. Based upon experience in a shipyard production support environment, the Government may wish to consider requiring the contractor to provide weekly reports that incorporate the following reporting components:

* Weekly Total and Cumulative Total of hours worked for each labor category by trade

* Separated by ST and OT

* Comparison of ST and OT hours to actual budgeted hours taken from the manning tables

* Projected through a time-series graph

* A ST and OT daily hours burn rate

* A projected date that ST and OT hours will be expended

* Weekly total cost and cumulative expended cost separated by labor cost and other direct costs

* Comparison of cumulative expended funds for labor and other direct costs to the authorized amount

* Projected through a time-series graph

* A daily burn rate that projects the amount of funds remaining or needed at the end of the delivery order

* A projected date that we will reach 75% of the authorized funds and a projected date that we will reach 100% of the authorized funds

* An estimated date to send the 75% letter

Question 5 Answer: Clause 252.234-7002 and 252.234-7001 removed.

Question 6: Request the Government provide “plug” numbers for travel CLINS, and the approximate duration of tasks orders. Travel (per diem, rental cars, air fare, etc.) costs cannot be fully determined without additional information.

Question 6 Answer: Please see Manning table on Pg. 9 of solicitation for estimating travel costs based on estimated Man Days.

Question 7: What is the required Level of Effort to be quoted for the Program Manager, Key Person, Project Manager, and Supervisor Labor Categories? Per Section L Page 115 Paragraph (b) under Section B Pricing, Offerors are not allowed to change the level of effort or labor categories detailed in Table I.2; however, table I.2 does not identify the Supervisory/Management Level of Effort which are required labor categories per paragraph

9.1.2 on page 20 of the RFP. Same question for Support labor categories such as Finance, Tool Room rep, etc.

Question 7 Answer: Each offeror shall propose anticipated level of effort for Key Personnel based on man days;

Level of effort for Key Personnel will be negotiated at each TO level.

Question 8: Request the Government review the requirement for the Training Plan to address maintaining a Drug and Alcohol Policy (Para 2.9) and Weekly Status Meetings (Para 5.1), as detailed in Para 2.1, “…assessment details that validate successful accomplishment of each required training listed in sections C-2.9, C-5.1…” All Labor Category training elements appear to be captured in C-9.0 and all subsequent paragraphs.

Question 8 Answer: See revised Paragraph 2.1 in SOW located in Section C.

Question 9: What are the required/target number of resumes the Government needs for the Key Personnel: Program Manager, Key Person, Project Manager, and Supervisor?

Question 9 Answer: Any person nominated as Key Personnel shall have one (1) resume submitted. Vendors are expected to propose one sample On-site supervisor for each trade proposed in accordance with SOW paragraph

6.2.7 and paragraph 9.1.2.

Question 10: In this paragraph, “Key Person” is a position considered Key Personnel. Please confirm that the Government wants resumes for Key Person at the time of proposal submission, and if so, are there any additional /qualifications/experience requirements for “Key Person”?

Question 10 Answer: Please submit Key Personnel resumes with proposal. Please see Key Personnel qualifications and experience located in Section 9.1.2 in SOW.

Question 11: Could the Government clarify the requirement to provide at least 10 Employee Training Records (and resumes) representative of trade employees that would be assigned to the specific trades? With the exception of riggers, no other labor category in the base year LOE is estimated to require 10 personnel. Could the Government relax the requirement of ten to a lesser number more in line with the estimated LOE?

Question 11 Answer: Please provide number of Training Records and Resumes for each labor trade in accordance with the amounts requested in the solicitation.

Question 12: What proposed Training Records does the Government require in Factor II? “Training Records IAW SOW Paragraph 3.7,” does not align to the SOW: Paragraph 3.7 is Technical Work Documents and Shift Work.

“Training Records” is Paragraph 3.4 and is already identified in Factor I.

Question 12 Answer: Correct SOW paragraph is 3.4. Please see revised Factor II.

Question 13: The Government has indicated the contract type is Cost reimbursable. Please remove the language regarding capped rates since this contract type is not T&M or fixed rate LOE.

Question 13 Answer: This is not T&M or fixed rate, the capped rate does not indicate a fixed rate, therefore, language will not be removed.

Question 14: Request the Government consider removing clauses 52.215-20, 52.215-21, and the requirement for 252.215-7009 Proposal Adequacy Checklist. Per FAR 15.403-1 (b)(1), competitive bids shall not require certified cost and pricing data and therefore completion of the checklist for the initial proposal should not be required.

Question 14 Answer: FAR 52.215-20, FAR 52.215-21, and DFAR 252.215-7009 have been removed.

Question 15: Page 113 of Factor II - Management Approach states “ If the offeror proposes specific personnel for key positions who are not current employees of the offeror, the offeror shall present letters of commitment which shall indicate that the individual acknowledges intent to accept a reasonable offer of employment should an award to the offeror be made.” In some cases, key personnel, especially On Site Supervisors, may be current employees of our named subcontractors. Recommend that a Letter of Commitment NOT be required for such individuals.

Question 15 Answer: The Government does not require letter of commitment for Key Personnel that work for named subcontractors. The Government requires letter of intent if an employee of a named subcontractor will be hired by the vendor into a position identified as “Key Personnel” except those individuals who will be identified as On-site supervisor.

Question 16: If we exclude a trade in our initial proposal, are we able to submit a proposal for that particular trade at a later date to add it to the awarded contract? During the period of performance, we may develop some experience and expertise on different contracts for “sound tile setters” which we do not currently have.

Question 16 Answer: The Government will provide the opportunity for all vendors that receive an award as a result of this solicitation to add a labor trade not previously awarded. The Government will provide this opportunity only once per contract year.

Question 17: Paragraph 2.11 of the solicitation states that Contractor employees shall provide their own fall protection harness – DBI Sala Delta 3 Harness with various anchorage connectors and lanyards. Vendor will provide these harnesses, connectors and lanyards. However, past contracts did not allow Contractor employees to use their own fall protection harnesses. Will the Shipyard recognize and accept the Contractor provided harnesses for work at the Shipyard?

Question 17 Answer: Please see revised SOW Paragraph 2.6 regarding Contractor Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) program. Additionally, please see revised SOW Paragraph 2.11.2 regarding Government Furnished Equipment.

Question 18: Although the WG-10 Step 1 and WS-10 Step 1 hourly rates listed at the bottom of page 78 of the solicitation appear to be for information only, will they be used in any way to evaluate the cost submitted in the contractor’s proposal? Both of those rates are lower than the current first step WG and WS-10 wage rates for personnel currently working at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (based on applicable Boston Region locality pay rates).

Question 18 Answer: Cost and Price analysis will be conducted IAW FAR 15.404.

Question 19: Since the solicitation quotes journey level, WG-10 and WS-10, wage rates (bottom of page 78), and the required mechanic skills, training, experience and qualifications are clearly equivalent to those of a WG-10 mechanics, are the contractors required to provide journey level mechanics?

Question 19 Answer: The Government requests Labor Personnel that meet the qualifications and standards identified in SOW Paragraph 9.3.

Question 20: What is the significance of the “Contract Labor Category” and the Line Item Numbering system “A101 Marine Electricians, through A114 Sound Tile Setter”?

Question 20 Answer: Numbers have been deleted.

Question 21: Section L has a 200 page limit for Vol I Technical and Management Approach. It states that Vol I must include a Detailed Training Plan for each Trade (potentially 2 or more pages per trade for a minimum of 28 pages for 14 trades). Also required in Vol I are Training Records and Resumes for 10 mechanics in each trade (minimum of 2 pages per employee), or 280 pages, for a total of 308 pages, without any other Vol I content. Could the government exempt Training Plans, Training Records and Worker Resumes from the page count and allow those documents to be included in a page exempt Appendix?

Question 21 Answer: Training Records and Resumes exempt from 200 page limit.

Question 22: In Section L, under Factor II - Management (page 112), the solicitation specifies that offerors shall discuss their approach for managing "Key Personnel IAW SOW Paragraph 3.1." Paragraph 3.1 discusses the duties of the Key Person only, not all Key Personnel. Would the Government please clarify its requirement?

Question 22 Answer: Please see revised Management Factor in Section L, under Factor II – Management (page 112).

Question 23: In Section L, under Factor II - Management (page 112) the solicitation specifies that offerors shall discuss their approach for managing "Training Records IAW SOW Paragraph 3.7." Paragraph 3.7 discusses Technical Work Documents and Shift Work, not Training Records. Would the Government please clarify its requirement?

Question 23 Answer: Please see revised SOW reference for “Training Records IAW SOW” under Factor II – Management, Pg. 112.

Question 24: Section G, page 48 lists an invoicing submittal process. Will the government explain how this requirement will comply with the Prompt Payment Act? Will the government add a time limitation for the time the COR has to review the invoice?

Question 24 Answer: At this time the Government will not apply a time limit to review and approve invoices.

Question 25: Paragraph 2.11.1.3 lists standard PPE items used at PNS for Respirators, Blast Hoods, and Fall Protection. Should these brands of PPE be considered the only ones approved for use or would other approved brands, equivalent in safety and performance, be acceptable for use by contractors and subcontractors?

Question 25 Answer: See question 17 answer.

Question 26: Are respirator filter cartridges provided by PNSY or the responsibility of the Contractor?

Question 26 Answer: Government will provide respirator filter cartridges. Please see SOW Paragraph 2.11.2.2.

Question 27: Paragraph 3.4.2 of the solicitation states: Within 7 days of receiving a Task Order, a Senior Contractor Official (e.g., Head of Training & Development or Senior Trade Manager) shall verify and provide certification of employee qualifications, both training and medical, on company letterhead ensuring each employee is qualified to the trade requirements identified in paragraph C-9.0. Can this requirement be satisfied by providing each individual training record with the first page qualification summary on company letterhead?

Question 27 Answer: Vendor will provide documentation that meets and identifies the requirements of SOW Paragraph 3.4.2.

Question 28: Many medical forms contain personal information protected under HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). Would it be allowed to make a statement on the Training Record that the employee has been examined and determined to be fit for work to prevent any violation of HIPAA?

Question 28 Answer: Vendor can provide documentation other than medical forms that identify an individual is medically fit to work with. Document must address what individual is medically cleared to work with.

Question 29: Paragraph 9.1.1.14 states "Lead and Cadmium Personnel Protection: The Contractor is solely responsible for personnel protective equipment and personal medical qualifications under 29 CFR 1025 and 29 CFR 1027 for all contractor employees performing work with lead or cadmium. Refer to" What is the reference?

Sentence is incomplete.

Question 29 Answer: The contractor is solely responsible for personnel medical qualifications for all contractor employees performing work with lead or cadmium. Please see revised SOW Paragraph 9.1.1.14.

Question 30: Paragraph 9.3.9.1.b.5 of the solicitation states: "The welders will have to undergo training to self-identify and correct poor workmanship. This training is a 40 hour course that includes a written and practical examination. A grade of 80% or better is required on each to be considered passing. If a contractor fails to achieve a grade of 80% or better, he will be rejected as not qualified to fulfill the requirements of this contract." Is this requirement referring to the Learning Center Proficiency Checks that will be conducted during On Boarding as described in 3.6.3? If not, please clarify what is required.

Question 30 Answer: This examination does not refer to the Learning Center Proficiency Checks as the vendor is required to provide personnel qualifications in accordance with SOW paragraph 9.3.9.2.c. This examination refers to a separate course that will occur after the Learning Center Proficiency Checks.

Question 31: Paragraph 9.3.7.4 has the following requirement: Required Trade Skill Training (Marine Sheet Metal) Set-up & Use of Grinding Containments Sheet metal Component Fabrication Lock devices Selecting and Wearing Respirators

Question: Would you provide more detail on the type of Lock Devices they should be trained on.

Question 31 Answer: Electric Cipher Locks.

Question 32: 9.3.14.4 Required Trade Training, Techniques for SHT Ripout and Installation Techniques for Sound Dampening Tile/Tank Lining Installations Ships Lines and Terms Hand and Power Tools Operations and Safety

Question: Please define "Ship Lines and Terms" in regards to required training of Tile Setters

Question 32 Answer: PNS will provide training on “Ship Lines and Terms”. Please see revised SOW paragraph 9.3.14.4.

Question 33: Will Sound Tile Setters have same respirator and medical stressor exam requirements as Painters?

Question 33 Answer: Government will provide respirators per SOW Paragraph 2.11.2.2. Please see revised medical stressor exam for Sound Tile Setters in SOW Paragraph 9.3.14.2.f.

Question 34: Will Deck Tile Setters require respirators?

Question 34 Answer: Government will provide respirators per SOW Paragraph 2.11.2.2. Please see revised medical stressor exam for Deck Tile Setters in SOW Paragraph 9.3.13.2.f.

Question 35: Page 110, 4) Proposal Page Limitations, the table for the Volume I Non-Price Proposal lists 1 Electronic on CD ROM**. The applicable note states "**Offerors are to submit one master CD ROM with four (4) separate files. There are three factors in the non-cost Volume, thus it is unclear what the four (4) files are to be on the CD ROM. Please clarify.

Question 35 Answer: Pg. 110 revised to reflect three (3) files for Volume I Non-Price Proposals.

Question 36: Paragraph 9.3.12 Abrasive Blaster (A112), specifically 9.3.12.2.2.d, requires that "Each Blaster shall be Lead Paint Remover certified IAW SSPC C-3, C-5 or equivalent Lead & Asbestos Removal certification." This intensive 40 hour course (C-3) and 24 hour yearly refresher (C-5) is established for Supervisors/Competent Persons accomplishing oversight of heavy metal (i.e., Lead, etc.) coating removal operations (i.e., abrasive blasting) and not for the Abrasive Blasters. As such Abrasive Blasters do not hold C-3/C-5 certification.

a. Please provide specific identification of those certifications that will be accepted as equivalent Lead & Asbestos Removal certification.

b. Currently there are three C-3 course sessions available for registration in the United States for the remainder of 2018 and although courses may be arranged privately with SSPC; there would normally be a 1 to 2 moth scheduling window before the course could be accomplished. Additionally, the pass fail rate would likely be hire for abrasive blaster attending this course that it is now for those Supervisors attending that the course it tailored too. Request the government remove this requirement given the current RFQ does not establish the quantity of abrasive blasters to allow the contractor to determine its cost, if possible, to acquire these personnel certifications.

Question 36 Answer: Revised SOW paragraph 9.3.12.2.d

Question 37: Paragraph 9.3.12 Abrasive Blaster (A112), specifically 9.3.12.2.2.e states that "Each Blaster shall be trained and proficient with National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) standards for surface preparation and application of coatings in critical coated areas." This requirement is vague. Request identification of specific NACE standards to be referenced to be associated with US Navy critical coated areas.

Question 37 Answer: Please see revised SOW Paragraph 9.3.12.2.e

Question 38: Paragraph 9.3.5 Marine Painter (A105), specifically 9.3.5.3, identifies "Navy Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI)/NACE" as a trade specific technical standard. Both the NBPI/NACE inspector course material is only available to and for use by those inspectors who attend the courses. Request the government provide these Navy Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI)/NACE inspector technical standard.

Question 38 Answer: NBPI/NACE Trade Specific Technical Standard removed. See revised SOW Paragraph 9.3.5.3.

Question 39: SOW 9.1.2, Key Personnel, page 20 identifies three Key Personnel Labor Categories (LCATs):

Program Manager, Project Manager, and On Site Supervisor. SOW 6.2.7, Key Personnel Resumes, page 18 “shall provide resumes of the employees nominated as “Key Personnel” as identified in section 9.1.3.” SOW C.1.2, Period of Performance and Level of Effort, page 9 has no estimated man days for the Program Manager, Project Manager, and On Site Supervisor. Attachment 5, Cost Summary Format, rows 55 through 59 provides for “Management Rate (Identify Job Title)”.

a. What are the estimated man days for the Base Period and each Option Year for the Program Manager, Project Manager, and On Site Supervisor LCAT?

b. What is the number of resumes required for each Key Personnel LCAT?

c. What is the purpose of rows 55-59 of the Cost Summary Format spreadsheet? If it is for Key Personnel, there is no area for overtime as the On Site Supervisors are non-exempt and will be bid using Wage Determination. Please advise.

Question 39 Answer:

a. Please see question 7 answer.

b. Please see question 9 answer.

c. Rows 55-59 are for Key Personnel. Please add overtime row any non-exempt Key Personnel.

Question 40: Section L Factor II-Management Approach, page 130 requests that “that the Management Proposal clearly demonstrates the management expertise and capabilities to perform on all tasks related to the SOW in sufficient detail to establish clear understanding in the following areas:” one which is “Training Records IAW SOW Paragraph 3.7”. Paragraph 3.7 is entitled “Technical Work Documents and Shift Work”. Training Records are covered in 3.4 and included in Section L, Factor I-Technical Approach. Please advise.

Question 40 Answer: Please see revised Factor II – Management Approach, Pg. 130, “Training Records”

Question 41: Will PNS provide sample copies of the following deliverable reports identified in SOW Section 6.2, Deliverables, pages 18-19: Status Report with Metrics; and Contract Personnel Tracker.

Question 41 Answer: Attachment 1 is a guideline for the Status Report with Metrics, each vendor will create their own Status Report format that includes the information outlined in Attachment 1; Attachment 10 is the Contract Personnel Tracker.

Question 42: On RFP Attachment 5, Indirect Rate Support, is the offeror required to provide this information if documentation of DCAA-approved provisional rates is provided?

Question 42 Answer: Yes please provide.

Question 43: Section C-2.1, bottom of page 10 states: ”… The Training Plan shall address the following items:

time-frame for achieving the competencies; training to be undertaken for each labor category; assessment details that validate successful accomplishment of each required training listed in sections C-2.9, C-5.1 and C-9.0; name of the qualification to be issued, and any other specific requirements to be met in this contract.” C-2.9 discusses the Contractor’s Drug and Alcohol Policy and C-5.1 talks about Weekly Status Meeting. Neither C-2.9 nor C-5.1 appear applicable to Training Plans. Please advise.

Question 43 Answer: See question 8 answer.

Question 44: The WD that was provided as Attachment 15 to the solicitation, WD 15-4015, provides SCA rates for the Kittery, ME area, yet on pg. 9 of the RFP, Sec. 1.3, Place of Performance, it is noted that other locations, specifically New London and/or San Diego may also be places of performance, yet those applicable WDs were not provided with the RFP. Given that rates to be bid (which will likely be based on bid rates which use Kittery SCA rates as their basis) will be capped LCAT rates during performance, what allowance, if any, will be made during Task Order bidding and performance when work is anticipated to take place in other geographic locations where SCA rates are likely higher (San Diego) than Kittery, ME?

Question 44 Answer: The Wage Determination is provided only to identify minimum wage rates for specific locations. Please see attachment 16 for Wage Determination for SCA rates in San Diego, CA and attachment 17 for Wage Determination for SCA rates in Groton, CT.

Question 45: Paragraph 9.3.12 Abrasive Blaster (A112), specifically 9.3.12.2.2.d, requires that “Each Blaster shall be Lead Paint Remover certified IAW SSPC C-3, C-5 or equivalent Lead & Asbestos Removal certification.” This intensive 40-hour course (C-3) and 24 hour yearly refresher (C-5) is established for Supervisors/Competent Persons accomplishing oversight of heavy metal (i.e., Lead, etc.) coating removal operations (i.e., abrasive blasting) and not for the Abrasive Blasters. As such Abrasive Blasters do not hold C-3/C-5 certification.

a. Please provide specific identification of those certifications that will be accepted as equivalent Lead & Asbestos Removal certification.

b. Currently there are three C-3 course sessions available for registration in the United States for the remainder of 2018 and although courses may be arranged privately with SSPC; there would normally be a 1 to 2 moth scheduling window before the course could be accomplished. Additionally, the pass/fail rate would likely be hire for abrasive blaster attending this course that it is now for those Supervisors attending that the course it tailored too. Request the government remove this requirement given the current RFQ does not establish the quantity of abrasive blasters to allow the contractor to determine its cost, if possible, to acquire these personnel certifications.

Question 45 Answer: See question 36 answer.

Question 46: Paragraph 9.3.12 Abrasive Blaster (A112), specifically 9.3.12.2.2.e states that “Each Blaster shall be trained and proficient with National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) standards for surface preparation and application of coatings in critical coated areas.” This requirement is vague. Request identification of specific NACE standards to be referenced to be associated with US Navy critical coated areas.

Question 46 Answer: See question 37 answer.

Question 47: Paragraph 9.3.5 Marine Painter (A105), specifically 9.3.5.3, identifies “Navy Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI)/NACE” as a trade specific technical standard. Both the NBPI/NACE inspector course material is only available to and for use by those inspectors who attend the courses. Request the Government provide this Navy Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI)/NACE inspector technical standard.

Question 47 Answer: See question 38 answer.

Question 48: The volume of resumes is significant depending upon the number of trades and On Site Supervisors that an Offeror is proposing. Please consider a due date extension to 27 April.

Question 48 Answer: The response date for this solicitation will be extended to April 20, 2018 at 4:00 PM (EST)

Question 49: Paragraph 9.3.5 Marine Painter (A105), specifically 9.3.5.3, identifies “Navy Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI)/NACE” as a trade specific technical standard. Both the NBPI/NACE inspector course material is only available to and for use by those inspectors who attend the courses. Request the government provide the Navy Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI)/NACE inspector technical standard.

Question 49 Answer: See question 38 answer.

Question 50: Paragraph 9.3.12 Abrasive Blaster (A112), specifically 9.3.12.2.2.d, requires that “Each Blaster shall be Lead Paint Remover certified IAW SSPC C-3, C-5 or equivalent Lead & Asbestos Removal certification.” This intensive 40-hour course (C-3) and 24-hour yearly refresher (C-5) is established for Supervisors/Competent Persons accomplishing oversight of heavy metal (i.e., Lead, etc.) coating removal operations (i.e., abrasive blasting) and not for the Abrasive Blasters. As such, Abrasive Blasters do not hold C-3/C-5 certification.

a. Currently there are three C-3 course sessions available for registration in the United States for the remainder of 2018, and although courses may be arranged privately with SSPC, there would normally be a 1 to 2 month scheduling window before the course could be accomplished. Additionally, the pass/fail rate would likely be higher for abrasive blasters attending this course that it is specifically tailored for Supervisors.

Request the government remove this requirement since the current RFQ does not establish the quantity of abrasive blasters to allow the contractor to determine its cost, if possible, to acquire these personnel certifications. Or, alternatively, provide specific identification of those certifications that will be accepted as equivalent Lead & Asbestos Removal certification.

Question 50 Answer: See question 36 answer.

Question 51: Paragraph 9.3.12 Abrasive Blaster (A112), specifically 9.3.12.2.2.e states that “Each Blaster shall be trained and proficient with National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) standards for surface preparation and application of coatings in critical coated areas.” This requirement is vague. Request identification of specific NACE standards to be referenced to be associated with US Navy critical coated areas.

Question 51 Answer: See question 37 answer.

Question 52: How is the offeror to estimate CLINs 0002, 1002, etc. for Travel Costs when, for proposal purposes, the Government has not provided # of work periods, # of days, and # of personnel so that the Offeror can calculate their travel estimate?

Question 52 Answer: See question 6 answer.

Question 53: RFP Section 6.2, Deliverables, does not align with the CDRLs nor identify any specific CDRL. Please clarify.

Question 53 Answer: All CDRLs have been revised and properly identified in SOW.

Question 54: Financial deliverable is mentioned in C-5.0 and C-6.2.6; to which CDRL does this refer?

Question 54 Answer: Paragraph C-5.0 and C-6.2.6 revised.

Question 55: A001 (Weekly Status Report) – does this refer to SOW C-5.1, Weekly Status Meeting and/or C-6.2.6, Status Report with Metrics? Is the report presented at the meeting? Please clarify.

Question 55 Answer: SOW C-5.1 is separate from C-6.2.6. Please refer to these SOW section on delivery of items referenced within these sections.

Question 56: A002 (DD254) – DD254 to be “submitted with proposal” and not mentioned in Section L. Please clarify.

Question 56 Answer: CDRL A002 will be removed as the DD 254 cannot be completed until MAC IDIQ awards are made. Attachment 2 will remain for reference.

Question 57: A004 (List of Identity Proofing Documents) – this is an attachment provided by PNS of acceptable forms of ID. As written, this is not a CDRL. Please clarify.

Question 57 Answer: A004 revised to identify a different CDRL.

Question 58: CDRLs A005, A006, and A007 all state in Block 16 “…With submittal of Proposal”. Proposal submittal requirements belong in Section L and are normally not listed as CDRLs. Please advise.

Question 58 Answer: CDRLS A005, A006, and A007 revised to identify different CDRLs.

Question 59: A009 (Contractor Weekly Reporting Hours) – requires weekly submittals post TO awards. Section 6.2.5, page 18 has both a Daily and Weekly Attendance Reports. Please modify CDRL(s).

Question 59 Answer: CDRL A009 consists of the Daily Report and Weekly Report.

Question 60: FAR 22.1003-4.d.1.i.(d)(1)(i) exempts automobile or other vehicle (e.g., aircraft) maintenance services from the Service Contract Labor Standards statute. This solicitation was issued under NAICS 336611. The scope of work states, “Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNS) requires experienced, skilled and qualified trades personnel to assist with the execution of 688 Class and 774 Class Submarine overhaul, modernization and repair work.” The scope of work is for maintenance services of a vehicle and should be exempt from the Service Contract Labor Standards in accordance with the referenced clause.

Question 60 Answer: The Service Contract Labor Standards are still applicable.

Question 61: The offeror has labor associated cost pools that are approved by DCAA to be billed as an ODC. Will the government modify the travel CLINs to allow for other ODCs, or add another CLIN for these ODCs? It should be noted that these labor associated ODC rates cannot be proposed as part of the “cap” rate being requested in the solicitation, as it is not approved to be billed under labor.

Question 61 Answer: Please see Section L, Factor V, Section 4.6.2, Paragraph F for procedures on submitting ODC costs.

Question 62: If the solicitation will proceed with Service Contract Labor Standards, The solicitation states, “Work will primarily be performed on-site at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine. Infrequently, specific Task Orders (TO) may require work be performed at other local military sites (e.g., Submarine Base New London or Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Detachment San Diego).” In order for the offeror to properly prepare a cap rate, will the government define the percentage of anticipated work at each location?

Question 62 Answer: Please see SOW Paragraph 1.3.1 and Solicitation Section L, Factor V, Paragraph (b).

Question 63: Can the government clarify how the cap rate will be determined? Will the cap rate apply only to the prime’s proposed rate and separate cap rates for each proposed subcontractor, or will it be a blended rate of both the prime and their subcontractor’s proposed rates?

Question 63 Answer: Rates should be proposed for each trade for each year for prime, and if applicable, subcontractor rates.

Question 64: FAR 32.904(e) states, “Cost-reimbursement contracts for services. For purposes of computing late payment interest penalties that may apply, the due date for making interim payments on cost-reimbursement contracts for services is 30 days after the date of receipt of a proper invoice.” How will interest payments be computed if the invoice is going to the COR first, instead of in the WAWF system?

Question 64 Answer: The COR review will identify that a proper invoice has been submitted and after review will instruct vendor to submit invoice in WAWF for payment.

Question 65: If during the performance of the contract the wage determined rate increases so that it is greater than the cap rate proposed, will the government allow the cap rate to be increased at that time?

Question 65 Answer: The wage determination is being provided solely as reference, not as guideline to set a rate for labor trades.

Question 66: The travel amount (specifically airfare and rental car costs) is distinctly different if an offeror travels 6 personnel for 10 weeks with 2 rental vehicles (6 X 10 X 7, or 420 days encompassing 6 airfares, 420 days lodging, 420 days MI&E, and 840 days rental car) vice 15 personnel for 4 weeks with 4 rental vehicles (15 X 4 X 7, or 420 days encompassing 15 airfares, 420 days lodging, 420 days MI&E, and 1,680 days rental car).

a. How is the Government intending to evaluate the proposed Travel CLIN amount if the offeror uses the Manning table on Pg. 9 of solicitation for estimating travel costs with no additional information on which to base the estimate?

b. How can an offeror estimate the # of trips and duration in days of each trip by using just the Manning table on page 9?

c. Since the issued Contracts are CPFF and the Government will pay only actual travel costs in accordance with awarded Task Orders and for proposal purposes, recommend Government consider using a “plug number” so that all responses can be considered on an equitable basis?

Question 66 Answer:

a. The Government will use total travel estimates as part of Total Evaluated Cost (TEC).

b. Vendors are to use the manning table as an estimating tool for establishing estimated travel costs. Vendors travel will be reimbursed on all allowable travel costs at the Task Order level.

c. No plug numbers will be provided.

Question 67: For proposal purposes, please provide either an individual LOE per Trade or individual percentage of each Trades’ LOE for work to be accomplished in San Diego, CA and Groton, CT since the wage determination labor rates are different from those in Kittery, especially San Diego.

Question 67 Answer: Please see question 62 answer.

Question 68: What is the required Level of Effort to be quoted for Support Labor Categories such as Finance, Tool Room Rep, etc? Per Section L Page 115 Paragraph (b) under Section B Pricing, Offerors are not allowed to change the level of effort or labor categories detailed in Table I.2; however, table I.2 does not identify the Support Level of Effort.

Question 68 Answer: Please see Section L, Factor V, Section 4.6.2 for submitting Cost/Price Data.

Question 69: In this paragraph, “Key Person” is a position considered Key Personnel. Request confirmation that “Key Person” is a separate, stand-alone key personnel labor category, totaling 4 key personnel labor categories: 1) Program Manager, 2) Key Person, 3) Project Manager, and 4) On site Supervisors. Or, is the “Key Person” one of the existing labor categories that will be identified (with resume(s)) at the Task Order level?

Question 69 Answer: Key Person is a separate Key Personnel from Program Manager, Project Manager, and On site supervisors. Key person tasks are identified in SOW 3.1.

Question 70: Request the Government require resumes only for Key Personnel. We request the Government change the requirement for 10 Employee training records (and resumes) for each proposed Trade and replace it with one (1) representative training record for each proposed trade that includes a summary of work experience IAW SOW Paragraph C-2.1. Recruitment and subcontracting may be required for offerors to meet all of the expected labor categories, meaning the required number of resumes may not be available for all trades at this time.

Question 70 Answer: Submission of ten (10) resumes and ten (10) employee training records are still required. If the required amount of resumes and training records cannot be met, vendors should still submit resumes and training records.

Question 71: Please clarify whether the capped rates in Section L, Factor V (d) is a cap on direct labor rates or on fully loaded rates for each labor category.

Question 71 Answer: Vendor will be capped on labor rates submitted in accordance with Section L, Factor V, Section 4.6.2.