14-4S01_QuestionAnswer2.docx

1. Section 5.1.1 states that the processing plan should be delivered "after issuance of first task order each year", however section 2.5.1 only states "upon award of first task order". Will the processing plan be delivered with the first task order of each year? I.E. if the base year and 4 option years are exercised then there would be 5 total Processing Plans delivered.

There shall be a Processing Plan developed each year. The first plan will represent the largest amount of effort. Each following year should be only an update to the previous year's plan.

2. The Answers to the Questions state that the Processing Plan "can be invoiced for under the first task order as a one-time charge". Is this a one-time charge per year or once for the entire contract?

Processing Plan will be billable for invoicing upon receipt of each plan. The first plan (Base period) will be the largest amount of effort. Each plan, thereafter (in option years), will be billable for invoicing purposes upon receipt of each plan in the individual year at which it is requested, i.e. one plan per year for five years. Five plans total.

3. Section 5.1.1 and the response to Question 4 of the Questions and Answers require delivery of a Processing Plan. On Exhibit 1's, first and second tables do not have a location for the price of the Process Plan; should the Offeror add a separate line in each table for the Process Plan?

A separate line should be added for the inclusion of the Processing Plan.

4. The first table in Exhibit 1 requires one Unit Price for each Survey Type. Should the Offeror assume that the requirement is for first year unit prices, average of all year's unit prices or some other point?

The first table in Exhibit 1 can be filled in at the contractor’s discretion. If prices vary each year, please provide the prices per year. If an average is used, please state so.

5. The three Travel Trips were added to the table that follows the Exhibit 1: Data Set Table. However the totals were not updated to reflect the new column total. For example, Year one has 48 individual items but the Totals Row lists 45. Please clarify if the Totals Row should be updated.

The Totals Row reflects the total amount of datasets requested for the individual year. The travel trips are not included in that total and will be listed separately.

6. The Answers to the Questions state that the subcontracting plan should have at least a 5% small business goal. Are the Minimum Criteria that were added in the Amendment posted on 01 August 2014 required for sub-contractors in addition to the prime contractor? Or is it acceptable if the small business sub-contractor can meet some of the minimum criteria as long as the Prime can meet all of the criteria?

The Prime Contractor is responsible for meeting all criteria as listed in the solicitation (including amendments and attachments, if any).

7. Will chart comparisons be required as part of the Data Report?

Comparisons to published data sources are required. This could be Chart/DNC, or overlapping datasets. Data will be supplied by NAVOCEANO when the contractor cannot access it directly.

8. Is there a link between the rough order of magnitude table in Amendment 0001, page 3 of 8 and the CLIN/DELIVERY/TASK ORDER MINIMUN QUANTITY AND CLIN ORDER VALUE in the RFP page 11 of 52?

No. The rough order of magnitude is an estimate of potential survey datasets to be analyzed and the Minimum Quantities are the minimum/maximum amounts that could potentially be ordered per year.

9. For pricing purposes, is there a revised start date?

There are no revised dates other than listed on the SF1449 and SF30 posted.

10. With respect to Section 1.4 – The Contractor must utilize at least two certified Hydrographers (NSPS/THSOA, or equivalent). Does CAT B certification meet the equivalent with regards to certified Hydrographers?

CAT B is not considered equivalent to the NSPS certification. CAT B can contribute to achieving the NSPS certification. See the link below.

http://www.thsoa.org/new/wp-content/uploads/Hydrographer_Certification_in_the_USA_082112.pdf