Attachment_Question_Answers.xlsx
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- Solicitation N5523626R0007 for Southwest Regional Maintenance Center HME FTA Follow On Engineering Services
- Solicitation number
- N5523626R0007
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This file is a Questions and Answers document in Excel format related to the Southwest Regional Maintenance Center (SWRMC) Hull, Mechanical, and Electrical (HM&E) Fleet Technical Assistance (FTA) Follow-On Engineering Services solicitation (N5523626R0007). The document addresses inquiries from prospective offerors regarding the solicitation requirements and clarifications needed for proposal submission. As a Q&A attachment, it provides specific guidance on technical, administrative, and contractual matters pertinent to the competitive opportunity without establishing new requirements but rather interpreting existing solicitation language and addressing gaps in understanding. This resource is intended to ensure all eligible SeaPort-NxG MAC holders have equal access to clarification and can submit compliant proposals through the PIEE Solicitation Module by the established deadline.
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AMEND 0001
| Program Name | SWRMC HM&E FTA | ||||
| Solicitation Number | N5523626R0007 | ||||
| # | REFERENCE | BACKGROUND | QUESTION | SWMRC RESPONSE | |
| 1 | Section I - Contract Clauses, FAR Clauses Incorporated by Reference 52,222-41, 52.222-43 (page 37 of 79) and 52.222-42 by full text (page 45 of 79) | - 52.222-41 Service Contract Labor Standards. (Deviation 2026-O0038) Feb 2026 | |||
| - 52.222-43Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards-Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts). (Deviation 2026-O0038) Feb 2026 - 52.222-42 - Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires MAY 2014 | Would the government please confirm if FAR 52.222-41, 42, and 43 are applicable to this requirement? | Yes. All are applicable. FAR 52.222-41 and 52.222-43 are found on page 37 of 79 and 52.222-42 is found on page 45 of 79. | |||
| 2 | Section I - Contract Clauses, FAR Clauses incorporated by Full Text, Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (May 2014), page 45 of 79 | 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. | Would the government please include a FAR 52.222-42 ‘Statement of Equivalent Wages’ to ensure all offerors are providing equal direct labor rates for all personnel for all periods? Without this statement/clause, offerors often ‘reduce’ the LCAT in out years in order to lower price, this hinders the ability to retain talent. And provides an unfair advantage to the incumbent. | FAR 52.222-42 is already included in the solicitation page 45 of 79, Section I - Contract Clauses. | |
| 3 | Section J - Attachments, Attachment S-3 - Personnel Qualifications | Section J - Attachments, Attachment S-3 - Personnel Qualifications | Attachment S-3 lists “Scientist Level II” as a key personnel requirement. This labor category did not exist in the pre-solicitation documentation. Is this a new labor category? | The labor category for Scientist Level II is not a new category. All pre-solicitation documents are subject to change. | |
| 4 | Section J - Attachments, Attachment S-3 - Personnel Qualifications | Section J - Attachments, Attachment S-3 - Personnel Qualifications | Will the government please confirm if “Scientist Level II” is a current position on the incumbent contract, or if it is a newly created position? | The labor category for Scientist Level II is an existing labor category. | |
| 5 | Section J - Attachments, Attachment S-3 - Personnel Qualifications | McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), Service Contract Act Directory of Occupations, 5th Edition - https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/government-contracts/service-contracts/guidance | Attachment S-3 details labor hours, and it does not mention specific personnel standards. Will the government please confirm if Attachment S-3 is supposed to contain personnel qualifications? | Personnel qualifications can be found on the Department of Labor (DOL), Wage and Hour Divisions website at the following link for Service Contract Act Directory of Occupations, 5th Edition - https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/government-contracts/service-contracts/guidance. See answer to Question 6 below for general labor category description for Scientist Level II.All geberal labor category information has also been added to Attachment S-3 - Personnel Qualifications. | |
| 6 | Section J - Attachments, Attachment S-3 - Personnel Qualifications | Section J - Attachments, Attachment S-3 - Personnel Qualifications | Will the government please clarify the general responsibilities and qualifications required of a “Scientist Level II” as per Attachment S-3, Personnel Qualifications? | General labor category description for Scientist Level II: |
Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.
| 7 | Section J - Attachments, Attachment S-3 - Personnel Qualifications | Section J - Attachments, Attachment S-3 - Personnel Qualifications | Is the attached Draft LOE document still applicable to this requirement? | No. All information required for the solicitation proposal is attached to the solicitation document. Attachment S-3 - Personnel Qualifications provides current LOE information. | |
| 8 | Section J - Attachments, Attachment S-3 - Personnel Qualifications | Section J - Attachments, Attachment S-3 - Personnel Qualifications | Would the government please confirm the number of key personnel on the contract, 104 key personnel resumes is a lot to include in a proposal and provides an advantage to the incumbent. Would the government consider allowing for 1 key resume per labor category? | The Government has identified 2 positions as "Key Personnel," Program Manager and Scientist Level II. Please also see updated Attachment S-3 - Personnel Qualifications, for positions the Government has identfied as "Key Personnel." | |
| 9 | Section J - Attachments, Attachment S-3 - Personnel Qualifications | Section J - Attachments, Attachment S-3 - Personnel Qualifications | Concerning Key Personnel, Page 63 of the solicitation states “Offeror shall provide one resume for each individual proposed to fulfill the positions identified as key personnel in accordance with Attachment S-3 - Personnel Qualifications.” However, S-3 - Personnel Qualifications does not identify Key Personnel positions. Additionally Key Positions are not identified in the SOW. | ||
| Will the Government please confirm the intent is for individual Offerors to identify their proposed Key Personnel positions, submitting an individual resume for each proposed position? | The Government has identified 2 positions as "Key Personnel," Program Manager and Scientist Level II. Please also see updated Attachment S-3 - Personnel Qualifications, for positions the Government has identfied as "Key Personnel." | ||||
| 10 | Section J - Attachments, Attachment S-3 - Personnel Qualifications | Section J - Attachments, Attachment S-3 - Personnel Qualifications | Will the government please confirm if the current personnel on the contract meet the expectations and qualifications listed in Attachment S-3? | Yes. All current personnel meet the expectations and qualifications listed in Attachment S-3 - Personnel Qualifications. | |
| 11 | Section L - Instructions, Conditions, & Notices to Offerors or Quoters, Section 3.1.3 Element C - Personnel Approach, Key Personnel, page 64 of 79 | Key personnel are deemed essential to the performance of this effort and cannot be replaced without prior Government approval in accordance with C-237-H002 SUBSTITUTION OF KEY PERSONNEL (OCT 2018). The qualifications listed in each individual proposed key personnel resume, not the specific individual, are the materially relevant aspects of the proposed key personnel partially forming the basis of award. Therefore, even if a proposed key personnel becomes unavailable to the Offeror between proposal submission and award, the Government will evaluate and make its award decision based on the qualifications listed on the proposed resume(s). When the Government awards a task order under those circumstances, the Government will require the awardee to use the qualifications listed on the relevant proposed key personnel resume as the basis for replacing the individual under C-237-H002 SUBSTITUTION OF KEY PERSONNEL (OCT 2018) during task order performance. The Offeror shall make no substitution of key personnel without prior notification to and concurrence of the Contracting Officer | Would the government please clearly define the key personnel, in some sections it states key personnel are in attachment Section J (Solicitation Page 12, C-237-H002 (c). In other places it states | See Questions 8 & 9 answers. Key Personnel is also addressed in Element B – Management Approach (page 62 of 79). The offeror will need to address the roles and responsibilities of key personnel. Also on page 63 of 79. Key personnel specifically states, “Offeror shall provide one resume for each individual proposed to fulfill the positions identified as key personnel in accordance with Attachment S-3 - Personnel Qualifications. Key Personnel is identified in the updated Attachment S-3 - Personnel Qualifications. | |
| 12 | Section L - Instructions, Conditions, & Notices to Offerors or Quoters, Section 3.1.3 Element C - Personnel Approach, Key Personnel, page 63 of 79 | Key Personnel. Offeror shall provide one resume for each individual proposed to fulfill the positions identified as key personnel in accordance with Attachment S-3 - Personnel Qualifications. All key personnel positions shall identify a current employee or |
contingent hire to fulfil the role. Each resume shall demonstrate the key personnel's qualifications to complete the tasking for which person has been proposed to perform.
Offeror shall submit a current "letter of intent" (with salary information redacted) with all resumes supplied for contingent key personnel hires. The letter of intent does not count against page limitations and must be signed by the contingent hire employee and the Offeror. Key personnel resumes shall include the following information:
- Name
- Key personnel position
- Security clearance level
- Citizenship
- Summary indicating how personnel qualifications are met (e.g., years of relevant experience)
- Chronology of education, training, and degrees/certifications held
| - Chronology of work experience with emphasis on PWS related experience | Will the government please consider providing resume requirements for key personnel to ensure all offers contain the same set of criteria? | See Questions 8 & 9 answers. Key Personnel is also addressed in Element B – Management Approach (page 62 of 79). The offeror will need to address the roles and responsibilities of key personnel. Also on page 63 of 79. Key personnel specifically states, “Offeror shall provide one resume for each individual proposed to fulfill the positions identified as key personnel in accordance with attachment S-3. Key Personnel should be identified in the updated S-3. | |||
| 13 | Section L - Instructions, Conditions, & Notices to Offerors or Quoters, Section 3.1.3 Element C - Personnel Approach, Key Personnel, page 63 of 79 | Offeror shall provide one resume for each individual proposed to fulfill the positions identified as key personnel in accordance with Attachment S-3 - Personnel Qualifications. All key personnel positions shall identify a current employee or contingent hire to fulfil the role. Each resume shall demonstrate the key personnel's qualifications to complete the tasking for which person has been proposed to perform. | Would the government please confirm if all key personnel are performing on this contract? | Yes. All key personnel will perform on this contract. | |
| 14 | Section L - Instructions, Conditions, & Notices to Offerors or Quoters, L-216-H001 TASK ORDER GENERAL INFORMATION (NAVSEA) (JAN 2026) | This requirement is being solicited as [X] unrestricted. | Would the government please confirm why this was released as a full and open opportunity? It is understood that many small businesses concerns may have submitted sources sought. | Only one (1) small business that submitted a response to the Sources Sought Notice was deemed capable by the technical reviewer. Due to the complex nature of the requirement, the acquisition strategy for this requirement is being solicited as full-and-open in order to increase competition resulting in awarding to the offeror that provides the best value to the Government. While this solicitation is issued under full and open competition, contract award is restricted to active SeaPort Next Generation (SeaPort-NxG) Multiple Award Contract (MAC) holders. | |
| 15 | Section L - Instructions, Conditions, & Notices to Offerors or Quoters, Section 3.4.3 Small Business Participation and L-216-H001 TASK ORDER GENERAL INFORMATION (NAVSEA) (JAN 2026) | The North American Industry Classification (NAICS) code applicable to this solicitation is 541330. Therefore, companies proposing as a subcontractor under this solicitation as a small business concern must have had an average annual receipt over its five previous fiscal years that was less than $47,000,000. Companies proposed as a small business concern shall meet this size standard as of thedate of the proposal submission under this solicitation. |
Offeror shall demonstrate how it will provide at least 23% of the proposed total estimated amount of the task order to small business concerns. Offeror shall provide sufficient information to demonstrate that the tasks assigned to the selected small business subcontractors are meaningful in the overall success of the program. The approach shall address use of Small Business Concerns, Small Disadvantaged Business Concerns, Women-Owned Small Business Concerns, Hub Zone Small Business Concerns, Veteran- Owned Small Business Concerns, and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Concerns.
(d) This requirement is being solicited as [X] unrestricted [ ] small business set-aside [ ] 8(a) set-aside. If unrestricted, there is a small business participation requirement of 23% applicable to both large and small business entities proposing as prime subcontractors If the offeror is a Small Business concern, would the government please confirm the Small Business participation requirement is not applicable? Per Section 3.4.3 (Small Business Participation) and L-216-H001 (NAVSEA JAN 2026), this solicitation is unrestricted. However, a mandatory 23% Small Business Participation requirement applies to all prime contractors, regardless of their business size.
Large Business - Must ensure at least 23% of the total contract value is allocated to small business subcontractors. Small Business - Must confirm that they will personally perform at least 23% of the contract work. Compliance Verification - Ensure your proposal explicitly states how you will meet or exceed this 23% threshold, as failure to confirm or detail this participation may result in your proposal being deemed ineligible.
| 16 | Section L - Instructions, Conditions, & Notices to Offerors or Quoters, L-216-H001 TASK ORDER GENERAL INFORMATION (NAVSEA) (JAN 2026) | (d) This requirement is being solicited as [X] unrestricted [ ] small business set-aside [ ] 8(a) set-aside. If unrestricted, there is a small business participation requirement of 23% applicable to both large and small business entities proposing as prime subcontractors | Would the government consider moving this requirement to Small Business Set-Aside? | No. At the time the requirement will remain full and open. |
| 17 | Section L - Instructions, Conditions, & Notices to Offerors or Quoters, Paragraph 3.0 - Proposal Organization and Content | Section L - Instructions, Conditions, & Notices to Offerors or Quoters, Paragraph 3.0 - Proposal Organization and Content | Section L, Paragraph 3.0 “Proposal Organization and Content” (page 62 of 79), the table does not show a CMMC requirement for Volume IV – Contract Documentation. However, section 3.4.8 “Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) unique identifier(s)” (UIDs)” (page 69 of 79) has a requirement to submit offeror’s CMMC UIDs. Can the government please deconflict these two sections? | On 13 Jul, 26, DoW Chief Information Officer (CIO) and the Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment (USW(A&S)) announced the immediate suspension of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Phase II requirements (originally scheduled for 10 Nov 26). All CMMC language will be removed from the solicitation. |
| 18 | Section L - Instructions, Conditions, & Notices to Offerors or Quoters, L-216-H001 TASK ORDER GENERAL INFORMATION (NAVSEA) (JAN 2026) | (f) Proposal in response to this solicitation shall be valid for 400 calendar days. | On page 68 of the RFP, Section L 3.4.1 states a proposal validity of 365 days; however, on page 74, clause L-216-H001 states a proposal validity of 400 calendar days. Will the Government clarify the correct proposal validity period? | Solicitation has been revised. Proposal should be valid through 365 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of proposals. |
| 19 | Section J - List of Attachments, Attachment J-5 - Statement of Work (SOW), Section 3.7.5 ELECTRICAL CONTROLS (C265) | Section J - List of Attachments, Attachment J-5 - Statement of Work (SOW), Section 3.7.5 ELECTRICAL CONTROLS (C265) | Attachment J-5, Statement of Work, Paragraph 3.8.5.1 appears immediately after section 3.7.5 (page 71) and references tasks in a non-existent "3.6.5" series. Given that section 3.7.5 contains the actual tasks, training requirements, and references for Electrical Controls (C265) in subsections 3.7.5.2 through 3.7.5.4, should paragraph 3.8.5.1 be renumbered as 3.7.5.1, and should its internal text be updated to reference sections 3.7.5.2 through 3.7.5.4? | Yes. SOW has been revised on page 71 of 80. |
| 20 | Section J - List of Attachments, Attachment J-5 - Statement of Work (SOW), Section 3.7.5 ELECTRICAL CONTROLS (C265) | Section J - List of Attachments, Attachment J-5 - Statement of Work (SOW), Section 3.7.5 ELECTRICAL CONTROLS (C265) | Since paragraph 3.8.5.1 follows right after section 3.7.5 on page 71, should 3.8.5.1 be numbered 3.7.5.1, and is the reference to "3.6.5.2 through 3.6.5.4" meant to point to 3.7.5.2 through 3.7.5.4? | Yes. SOW has been revised on page 71 of 80. |
| 21 | Section J - List of Attachments, Section J - List of Attachments, Attachment S-4 - Staffing Plan | 2.0 PROPOSAL FORMAT - Microsoft Office Excel spreadsheets shall use Times New Roman that is no smaller than 9-point font size. These Excel spreadsheets shall be formatted for printing in landscape orientation such that all row and column headings appear on each printed page. All spreadsheets shall include calculations in the cells showing all formulas. Do not enter hard data where formulas were used to calculate the entered value. Staffing Plan. Paragrapgh 3.1.3 Element C - Personnel Approach - Offeror shall provide a staffing plan using the format provided in Attachment S-4 - Staffing Plan. Offeror shall complete all of the information requested within the provided template. Offeror shall include all proposed personnel, including those of its subcontractors, necessary to perform all aspects of the SOW/PWS. Offeror shall propose staffing in accordance with the labor hours identified in Section B. Offeror shall propose staffing in accordance with Attachment S-3 - Personnel Qualifications. | Per the RFP on page 63, Element C, Personnel Approach, it requires a Staffing Plan (with no page limit). The RFP staffing plan requires a very large horizontal size (19 columns) in Excel format (Attachment S-4). Page 60 of the RFP specifies 8.5 x 11-inch paper with Times New Roman no smaller than 9-point font size formatted for printing in landscape orientation such that all row and column headings appear on each printed page. Due to the complexity of embedding it into the Technical volume, will the Government allow offerors to submit the staffing plan as an Excel attachment to the volume, formatted to print on 11x17 paper? | Offerors will be allowed to submit Attachment S-4 - Staffing Plan as an excel spreadsheet formatted to 11x17 paper. Section L - Instructions, Conditions, & Notices to Offerors or Quoters, update Section 2.0 - Proposal Format has been revised to incoporate the 11x17 format. |
| 22 | FAR 252.237-7023 Continuation of Essential Contractor Services | (a) Definitions. As used in this clause– |
(1) “Essential contractor service” means a service provided by a firm or individual under contract to DoD to support mission-essential functions, such as support of vital systems, including ships owned, leased, or operated in support of military missions or roles at sea; associated support activities, including installation, garrison, and base support services; and similar services provided to foreign military sales customers under the Security Assistance Program. Services are essential if the effectiveness of defense systems or operations has the potential to be seriously impaired by the interruption of these services, as determined by the appropriate functional commander or civilian equivalent.
| (2) “Mission-essential functions” means those organizational activities that must be performed under all circumstances to achieve DoD component missions or responsibilities, as determined by the appropriate functional commander or civilian equivalent. Failure to perform or sustain these functions would significantly affect DoD’s ability to provide vital services or exercise authority, direction, and control. | Is FAR 252.237-7023 Continuation of Essential Contractor Services applicable to this requirement? | Answer: No. DFARS 252.237-7023 Continuation of Essential Contractor Services is not applicable. | |||
| 23 | General Contract Question | Uncertainties involved in contract performance do not permit costs to be estimated with sufficient accuracy to use any type of fixed-price contract. | Would the government consider releasing this requirement as a Firm Fixed Priced opportunity, since the other RMC’s have moved towards an FFP model, that may provide better strategic advantage to SWRMC? | The requirement at this time will remain CPFF. | |
| 24 | General Contract Question | Uncertainties involved in contract performance do not permit costs to be estimated with sufficient accuracy to use any type of fixed-price contract. | All the RMC’s seem to be complying with EO 14402, which is Promoting Efficiency, Accountability and Performance in Federal Contracting, under this EO it mentions that contracts should be Firm Fixed Price (FFP) in Nature. Can SWRMC modify this contract/bid to comply with the EO? https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/04/promoting-efficiency-accountability-and-performance-in-federal-contracting/. This provides continuity among the RMC’s, of which SERMC and MARMC have issued FFP contracts for full and open and small business set asides, large and small type contracts. | The requirement at this time will remain CPFF. | |
| 25 | PIEE Soliciation Module (https://piee.eb.mil) | The Offeror shall submit its proposal electronically via the Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE) Solicitation Module (https://piee.eb.mil). In order to compete for the Task Order contemplated by this solicitation, submissions must be successfully received in PIEE by the date and time specified in this solicitation. |
PIEE System Contingency: In the unlikely event that the PIEE system is not operational, experiences technical difficulties, or a Contractor is temporarily unable to access or use the system, the Contractor shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer in writing prior to the proposal submission deadline. In the event that the Contractor alleges technical difficulties and does not notify the Contracting Officer until after the closing date and time, the Contracting Officer will follow the procedures identified in the SeaPort-NxG Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and make a determination on whether the late proposal submission will be accepted. Does the government intend to post the solicitation in PIEE, if so would the government consider including a PIEE link within the SAM page to ensure all documents are equal and to avoid possible submission issues? The SAM.gov posting has been updated with the direct link to the PIEE Solicitation Module posting.
https://piee.eb.mil/sol/xhtml/unauth/search/oppMgmtLink.xhtml?noticeId=N5523626R0007¬iceType=SolicitationNotice
AMEND 0002
| Program Name | SWRMC HM&E FTA | ||||
| Solicitation Number | N5523626R0007 | ||||
| # | REFERENCE | BACKGROUND | QUESTION | SWMRC RESPONSE | |
| 26 | Section B - Supplies or Services & Prices or Costs, CLINs/SLINs | Section B - Supplies or Services & Prices or Costs, CLINs/SLINs | Solicitation N5523626R0007, Section: Section B - Supplies/Services & Prices, Page: 6, Paragraph: CLIN 3001 and CLIN 3002 | ||
| Question: Option Year 3 CLINs 3001 and 3002 are both titled "Overtime (OT) Labor," yet CLIN 3001 shows 199,680 hours (the straight-time quantity used in CLINs 0001/1001/2001/4001). Please confirm CLIN 3001 should be "Straight-Time (ST) Labor" (199,680 hrs) and CLIN 3002 the OT CLIN (9,595 hrs). | Under Amend 0001, the description for CLIN 3001 was revised. CLIN 3001 description now states Option Period Three (3) Straight-Time (ST) Labor and not Overtime (OT). | ||||
| 27 | Section B - Supplies or Services & Prices or Costs, B-232-H005 Payment of Fee(s) (Level of Effort Alternate I) and B-216-H006 FEE | ||||
| TABLE | Section B - Supplies or Services & Prices or Costs, B-232-H005 Payment of Fee(s) (Level of Effort Alternate I) and B-216-H006 FEE | ||||
| TABLE | 8. | Solicitation N5523626R0007, Section B - Additional Information/Notes, Page: 3, Paragraph: NOTE A (references to "B-232-H005") | |||
| Question: Note A cites "B-232-H005 Payment of Fee(s) (Level of Effort Alternate I)" (listed twice), but the Level of Effort - Alternate I clause included is H-216-H002 (Section H). Please confirm the correct clause citation for the fee/level-of-effort. | For Note A, H-216-H002 LEVEL OF EFFORT--ALTERNATE I, B-216-H006 FEE TABLE and B-232-H005 Payment of Fee(s) (Level of Effort Alternate I) apply to these items. | ||||
| 28 | Section H - Special Contract Requirements, H-216-H002 LEVEL OF EFFORT--ALTERNATE I (NAVSEA) (NOV 2022) | Section H - Special Contract Requirements, H-216-H002 LEVEL OF EFFORT--ALTERNATE I (NAVSEA) (NOV 2022) | Solicitation N5523626R0007, Section H - H-216-H002 Level of Effort (Alternate I), Page(s): 35-36, Paragraph: H-216-H002 paragraph (d). | ||
| Question: Please confirm that Overtime (OT) and Surge hours are not included in the Average Hours per Week rate calculation as OT and Surge are not regular hours worked and will only be used on an as needed basis. | No. Overtime (OT) and Surge hours should not be not included in the Average Hours per week rate calculation. | ||||
| 29 | Section I - Contract Clauses, FAR Clauses incorporated by Full Text, 52.217-8 Option to Extend Services. | The Government may require continued performance of any services within the limits and at the rates specified in the contract. These rates may be adjusted only as a result of revisions to prevailing labor rates provided by the Secretary of Labor. The option provision may be exercised more than once, but the total extension of performance hereunder shall not exceed 6 months. The Contracting Officer may exercise the option by written notice to the Contractor within the periods specified below. | Solicitation N5523626R0007, Section I - FAR 52.217-8 vs. 52.217-9, Page: 42, Paragraph: 52.217-8; 52.217-9(c) | ||
| Question: FAR 52.217-8 permits up to a 6-month extension, while 52.217-9(c) caps total duration at five (5) years, which Base + 4 Options already reaches. Please confirm a 52.217-8 extension may be exercised beyond the 5-year point. | When a contract reaches its statutory five-year limit (such as a one-year base period plus four one-year options), the Navy cannot use a standard modification to add a sixth option year or simply extend performance. Instead, to prevent a gap in critical services due to delays—such as bid protests or follow-on award setbacks—the Navy can utilize the six-month extension under FAR 52.217-8. If this option was not pre-evaluated at the time of award, the Government would have to draft a Justification and Approval (J&A) to execute a sole-source 'Bridge Contract' (a new contract action) to maintain continuity of operations. | ||||
| 30 | Section I - Contract Clauses, FAR Clauses incorporated by Referene, Full Text, 52.222-41 Service Contract Labor Standards, 52.222-42 Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires, and 52.222-43 Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards-Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts). | Section I - Contract Clauses, FAR Clauses incorporated by Referene, Full Text, 52.222-41 Service Contract Labor Standards, 52.222-42 Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires, and 52.222-43 Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards-Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts). | For proposal pricing and compensation planning purposes, can the government please confirm whether the following labor categories ( Program Manager, Senior Engineer, Junior Engineer, Scientist Level II) are considered exempt professional employees and therefore do not fall under FAR 52.222-41,42 and 43? | Yes, bona fide professional employees (Program Manager, Senior Engineer, Junior Engineer, Scientist Level II)) are exempt from the Service Contract Labor Standards (SCLS) and therefore do not fall under FAR 52.222-41, FAR 52.222-42, or FAR 52.222-43. | |
| 31 | Section I - Contract Clauses, FAR Clauses incorporated by Referene, Full Text, 52.222-41 Service Contract Labor Standards, 52.222-42 Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires, and 52.222-43 Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards-Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts). | Section I - Contract Clauses, FAR Clauses incorporated by Referene, Full Text, 52.222-41 Service Contract Labor Standards, 52.222-42 Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires, and 52.222-43 Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards-Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts). | Would the Government provide the GS-equivalent labor grades and locality-adjusted rates associated with the Non SCA labor categories for labor market benchmarking purposes? | The Government is not providing GS-equivalent labor grades or locality-adjusted rates for Non-SCA (exempt professional) labor categories at this time. Offerors can refer to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics website, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, for relavent wage information https://www.bls.gov/oes/2025/may/oessrcma.htm. | |
| 32 | Section J - Attachments, Attachment J-3 - WD 2015-5635 REV.30 | Section J - Attachments, Attachment J-3 - WD 2015-5635 REV.30 | Attachment J-3 identifies Administrative Assistant (01020) at $39.73/hour, while Section I, FAR 52.222-42 identifies the same labor category as (01020) at $22.30/hour. Since these rates differ substantially, please clarify which rate the Government intends offerors to use when developing direct labor rates and whether cost realism evaluations will be performed against the Wage Determination rate or the rates mentioned in Section I? | FAR 52.222-42 is revised based on based on Attachment J-3 - WD 2015-5635 REV.30. | |
| 33 | Section J - List of Attachments, Attachment J-5 - Statement of Work (SOW), Section 3.3.1.3 CHIEF ENGINEER SUPPORT- | Section J - List of Attachments, Attachment J-5 - Statement of Work (SOW), Section 3.3.1.3 CHIEF ENGINEER SUPPORT | Solicitation N5523626R0007, Attachment S-3: Attachment S-3 includes a Scientist Level II labor category. The SOW does not specify work that clearly aligns with this eCraft labor category. What SOW paragraph(s) align with the work this position will complete? | For the Scientist Level II responsibilities, see Attachment J-5 - Statement of Work (SOW), Section 3.3.1.3 CHIEF ENGINEER SUPPORT. | |
| 34 | Section J - List of Attachments, Attachment S-3 Personnel Qualifications | Section J - List of Attachments, Attachment S-3 Personnel Qualifications | Solicitation N5523626R0007, Attachment S-3 Personnel Qualifications provides a list of labor categories and labor hours, but no solicitation document identifies qualifications for any labor category. Some qualifications are identified in SOW paragraphs, but these align with SOW sections and not with labor categories. Please provide qualifications for the labor categories identified. | Personnel qualifications for labor categories under the Wage Determination (Engineering Tech III-VI) can be found on the Department of Labor (DOL), Wage and Hour Divisions website at the following link for Service Contract Act Directory of Occupations, 5th Edition - https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/government-contracts/service-contracts/guidance. |
General labor category descriptions for the other professional categories have been added to Attachment S-3 - Personnel Qualifications.
Scientist Level II General Labor Category Description The description is to - Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.
Program Manager General Labor Category Description Acts as the primary lead, manager, and administrator for the contracted effort in support of Navy programs. Serves as the principal interface and single point of contact (POC) with Government program authorities (such as Contracting Officer's Representatives (CORs) and Program Managers) on all technical, financial, and administrative issues . Oversees contractor execution of the contract requirements, ensures quality control of deliverables, manages program risk, and allocates corporate resources to meet mission-critical goals
Senior Engineer General Labor Category Description Serves as a senior technical lead and subject matter expert (SME) responsible for applying advanced engineering theories, principles, and concepts to support complex Navy systems throughout their lifecycle (R&D, design, system integration, testing, and sustainment). Leads multi-disciplinary engineering teams, conducts complex data and performance analyses, resolves high-level technical issues, and provides strategic technical recommendations directly to Navy Program Managers, Technical Directors, and other Navy commands.
Junior Engineer General Labor Category Description Performs entry-level engineering tasks, analysis, and technical problem-solving under the close supervision and guidance of journeyman or senior engineering staff. Assists in the design, testing, troubleshooting, and documentation of Navy shipboard systems, networks, or mechanical/electrical components. Supports data collection, basic calculations, draft technical writing, and routine testing and evaluation (T&E) activities in both laboratory and fleet environments.
| 35 | Section J - List of Attachments, Attachment S-3 Personnel Qualifications | Section J - List of Attachments, Attachment S-3 Personnel Qualifications | Solicitation N5523626R0007. The draft solicitation released on 01April2026 included an “Attachment 2 – Level of Effort” spreadsheet which identified labor category by each SWRMC code, SOW sections, quantities, and hours. | ||
| The full solicitation release did not include a similar level of effort document, nor is there any information in the SOW or other attachments that aligns labor categories to SWRMC codes or SOW sections. The incumbent contractor has this information, but it was not provided to all offerors. Please provide an updated level of effort breakdown for use in crafting a response to the solicitation | All previously released drafts are subject to change. All information required for the solicitation proposal is attached to the solicitation document. Attachment S-3 - Personnel Qualifications provides current LOE information. | ||||
| 36 | Section J - List of Attachments, Attachment S-3 Personnel Qualifications | Section J - List of Attachments, Attachment S-3 Personnel Qualifications | Solicitation N5523626R0007. The previous solicitation was awarded at 146 FTE. A draft solicitation level of effort document identifies 143 FTE. The current solicitation, Attachment S-3, identifies 104 FTE. Is the reduced personnel count accurate and will it be a sufficient workforce for current demand? If 104 FTE is a sufficient workforce for current demand, please provide an updated level of effort breakdown to tie FTE to SOW sections and SWRMC Codes as was provided in the DRAFT Solicitation. | Yes. The reduced personnel count of 104 FTE is accurate and sufficient to meet the current demands of the requirement. This staffing level aligns with the projected workload and successfully satisfies all baseline mission parameters. No additional level-of-effort breakdown will be provided under the solicitation. Please use thelevel-of-effort information provided in Attachment S-3 - Personnel Qualifications. | |
| 37 | Section J - List of Attachments, Attachment S-4 - Staffing Plan | Section J - List of Attachments, Attachment S-4 - Staffing Plan | Solicitation N5523626R0007, Section L, 3.1.3 Element C Personnel Approach Staffing Plan -page 63: states “"TBD" may also be used for labor hours associated with surge or special study CLINs/SLINs, if such CLINs /SLINs are included in Section B.” Please confirm that Surge CLINs and Overtime CLINs should not be on the Staffing Plan as these hours are not guaranteed and will only be utilized if needed. If this is confirmed, please remove the statement “"TBD" may also be used for labor hours associated with surge or special study CLINs/SLINs, if such CLINs /SLINs are included in Section B.” from the 2nd paragraph in section 3.1.3. | Proposals will be evaluated on both a technical and cost basis for the total Level of Effort (LOE). Offerors must propose on all Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs), including Surge and Overtime CLINs. Although these specific CLINs may not ultimately be utilized, they are required for evaluation of the total LOE, which includes all labor categories and hours specified under Attachment S-3 - Personnel Qualifications. Failure to propose on all CLINs will result in the proposal being deemed technically and financially deficient, and it will be excluded from award consideration. | |
| 38 | Section J - List of Attachments, Exhibit A - CDRLs A001-A004 | Section J - List of Attachments, Exhibit A - CDRLs A001-A004 | Solicitation N5523626R0007, Section: Exhibit A - CDRLs A001-A004, Page: A001, Paragraph: Block 10 vs. Block 16 | ||
| Question: CDRL A001 (Performance and Cost Report) lists Frequency "BI-WEEKLY" in Block 10, but Block 16 states first submission 45 days after start and "monthly thereafter," due within 10 calendar days after each calendar month. Please confirm whether the frequency is bi-weekly or monthly. | Under Amend 0001, Block 10 for both A001 and A003 was revised. Block 10 for both CDRLs A001 and A003 have been revised to state "SEE BLK 16." Block 16 states a monthly frequency. | ||||
| 39 | Section J - Attachments, Exhibit A - CDRLs A001-A004 | Section J - Attachments, Exhibit A - CDRLs A001-A004 | Solicitation N5523626R0007, Section: Exhibit A - CDRLs A001-A004, Page: A003, Paragraph: Block 10 vs. Block 16 | ||
| Question: CDRL A003 (Contractor's Personnel Roster) lists Frequency "BI-WEEKLY" in Block 10, but Block 16 states first submission 45 days after start and "monthly thereafter," due within 10 days after each calendar month. Please confirm whether the frequency is bi-weekly or monthly. | Under Amend 0001, Block 10 for both A001 and A003 was revised. Block 10 for both CDRLs A001 and A003 have been revised to state "SEE BLK 16." Block 16 states a monthly frequency. | ||||
| 40 | Section J - Attachments, Attachment S-3 - Personnel Qualifications | Section J - Attachments, Attachment S-3 - Personnel Qualifications | Solicitation N5523626R0007, Section C includes standard clause C-237-H002 SUBSTITUTION OF KEY PERSONNEL (NAVSEA) (OCT 2018). No key personnel are identified in any solicitation document or attachment. Can the government provide clarity on the key personnel requirement? | Under Amend 0001, Attachment S-3 - Personnel Qualifications was revised to identify "Key Personnel," Program Manager and Scientist Level II. | |
| 41 | Section J - Attachments, Attachment S-3 - Personnel Qualifications | Section J - Attachments, Attachment S-3 - Personnel Qualifications | Solicitation N5523626R0007, Document: Attachment S-3 - Personnel Qualifications, Page: S-3, Paragraph: Labor mix table / "shall include all key personnel" | ||
| Question: Attachment S-3 lists the mandatory labor mix but does not designate which positions are key personnel. Please state how many key personnel are required and identify the specific labor categories designated as key (requiring a resume and, for contingent hires, a letter of intent per L 3.1.3). | Under Amend 0001, Attachment S-3 - Personnel Qualifications was revised to identify "Key Personnel," Program Manager and Scientist Level II. | ||||
| 42 | Section L - Instructions, Conditions, & Notices to Offerors or Quoters, Section 3.3 VOLUME III - COST PROPOSAL (FACTOR 3), Surge and Special Studies | Offeror shall propose surge and special studies CLINs/SLINs in accordance with Section B if applicable. All surge and special studies CLINs/SLINs shall be proposed utilizing the composite rate for all non-surge and special studies labor in the appropriate year. | Solicitation N5523626R0007, Section L 3.3.3 Surge & Special Studies page 66 & Attachment S-3: Please clarify how a Composite rate for “all non-surge” labor in the appropriate year can be provided when Attachment S-3 identifies only one labor category (Engineering Technician III) for the Surge labor category. If a composite rate is required for “all non-surge” Labor, please remove Engineering Technician III from the Surge Section. | Yes, a "composite rate" can be provided when only one labor category (Engineering Technician III) exists, but mathematically, the composite rate will simply be equal to the rate of that single category. Even if "Engineering Technician III" is the only labor category, you might still need to calculate a true mathematical composite rate if you have varying costs within that category. The following situations may require a blended rate: |
Prime vs. Subcontractor: The Prime bills the Eng Tech III at $75/hr, but the Subcontractor bills the Eng Tech III at $65/hr.
Different Geographic Locations: One Eng Tech III works in San Diego (higher wage/cost of living), and another works in Norfolk (lower wage).
Different Seniority/Steps: You have two employees filling the role, but one gets paid slightly more than the other due to tenure.
You would use a weighted average based on the hours.
(Prime Rate × Prime Hours) + (Sub Rate × Sub Hours) ÷ Total Hours = Composite Rate.
Different Seniority/Steps: You have two employees filling the role, but one gets paid slightly more than the other due to tenure.
| 43 | Section L - Instructions, Conditions, & Notices to Offerors or Quoters, Section 3.3 VOLUME III - COST PROPOSAL (FACTOR 3), Surge and Special Studies | Offeror shall propose surge and special studies CLINs/SLINs in accordance with Section B if applicable. All surge and special studies CLINs/SLINs shall be proposed utilizing the composite rate for all non-surge and special studies labor in the appropriate year. | Solicitation N5523626R0007, Section L 3.3.3 Surge & Special Studies page 66 & Attachment S-3: As Surge cannot be anticipated for specific labor categories, should Surge Labor be calculated against all Regular ST Labor category hours utilizing a percentage for the anticipated Surge support? | Please see answer to Question 42. A "composite rate" can be provided when only one labor category (Engineering Technician III) exists. |
| 44 | Section L - Instructions, Conditions, & Notices to Offerors or Quoters, Section 3.3 VOLUME III - COST PROPOSAL (FACTOR 3), Surge and Special Studies | Offeror shall propose surge and special studies CLINs/SLINs in accordance with Section B if applicable. All surge and special studies CLINs/SLINs shall be proposed utilizing the composite rate for all non-surge and special studies labor in the appropriate year. | Solicitation N5523626R0007, Section L 3.3.3 Surge & Special Studies page 66 & Attachment S-3: Please confirm that Overtime should not be included in the calculation for Composite rate for “all non-surge” labor in the appropriate year. OT hours are on an as needed basis and should not be included in the composite rate calculated for Surge. Surge should be calculated only on Regular ST Labor. | Correct. You should calculate the non-surge composite rate using your standard, straight-time (ST) fully burdened labor rates. |
| 45 | Section L - Instructions, Conditions, & Notices to Offerors or Quoters, Section 3.3 VOLUME III - COST PROPOSAL (FACTOR 3), Surge and Special Studies | Section L - Instructions, Conditions, & Notices to Offerors or Quoters, Section 3.3 VOLUME III - COST PROPOSAL (FACTOR 3), Surge and Special Studies | Solicitation N5523626R0007, Section L 3.3.3 Surge & Special Studies page 66 & Attachment S-3: The Surge hours are 34,560 per year and are only placed against the Engineering Technician III Labor Category. The Engineering Technician III Labor Category only has 7,680 hours per year. Please confirm the Surge hours for this Labor Category are correct at 4.5 times the hours provided for Regular ST Labor and that the Surge support is only expected for this Labor Category. | Yes. Labor hours for Engineering Technician III Labor Category, regular and surge, are correct. Only the Engineering Technician III Labor Category contains surge hours. |
| 46 | Section L - Instructions, Conditions, & Notices to Offerors or Quoters, Section 3.2 VOLUME II - PAST PERFORMANCE (FACTOR 2) | Section L - Instructions, Conditions, & Notices to Offerors or Quoters, Section 3.2 VOLUME II - PAST PERFORMANCE (FACTOR 2) | Solicitation N5523626R0007, Section L, Paragraph 3.2, states that offerors shall provide past performance references "which shall reflect recent experience performed within the last three years of the solicitation release date." The predecessor solicitation (N5523621R30000002) permitted past performance references dating back to 01 November 2015, providing a longer lookback period of approximately six years. |
Given that HM&E Fleet Technical Assistance contracts are typically awarded for five-year periods (base plus options), the three-year recency requirement may limit the pool of relevant past performance references available to offerors and could discourage competition from qualified contractors whose most directly relevant work concluded more than three years ago.
| Would the Government consider extending the past performance recency window to five years from the solicitation release date to align with the typical contract performance period and encourage broader competition while still ensuring the relevance of cited experience? | Yes. Under Section L - Instructions, Conditions, & Notices to Offerors or Quoters, Section 3.2 VOLUME II - PAST PERFORMANCE (FACTOR 2), past performance recency is revised to five years. | ||
| 47 | Section L - Instructions, Conditions, & Notices to Offerors or Quoters, Section 3.1.3 Element C - Personnel Approach, Key Personnel, page 62-63. | Key personnel are deemed essential to the performance of this effort and cannot be replaced without prior Government approval in |
accordance with C-237-H002 SUBSTITUTION OF KEY PERSONNEL (OCT 2018). The qualifications listed in each individual proposed key personnel resume, not the specific individual, are the materially relevant aspects of the proposed key personnel partially forming the basis of award. Therefore, even if a proposed key personnel becomes unavailable to the Offeror between proposal submission and award, the Government will evaluate and make its award decision based on the qualifications listed on the proposed resume(s). When the Government awards a task order under those circumstances, the Government will require the awardee to use the qualifications listed on the relevant proposed key personnel resume as the basis for replacing the individual under C-237-H002 SUBSTITUTION OF KEY PERSONNEL (OCT 2018) during task order performance. The Offeror shall make no substitution of key
| personnel without prior notification to and concurrence of the Contracting Officer | Solicitation N5523626R0007, Document: Attachment J-5 – SOW (Section L), Page: 63, Paragraph: 3.1.13.1; L 3.1.3 | ||||
| Question: SOW 3.1.13.1 requires the senior/main Program Manager to hold a PMP certification. Please confirm whether the Program Manager is designated as a key personnel position and identify the minimum qualifications for each key position the Government will evaluate. | Under Amendment 0001, Attachment S-3 (Personnel Qualifications) was revised to designate the Program Manager and Scientist Level II as "Key Personnel." Comprehensive qualification criteria are detailed in Section L, Section 3.1.3 (Element C - Personnel Approach, Key Personnel) on pages 62–63. |
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