NITAAC_Denver_Industry_Day_2016_-_February_1_2016.pdf

NITAAC Denver Industry Day for CIO-SP3 Small Business Ramp On

Questions and Answers Number Questions Answer

1 Do you differentiate between SB and SDB?

CIO-SP3 Small Business GWAC has various set aside categories. Please see the GWAC award document and the NITAAC website for additional information.

2 Is there a fee to the customer for using the GWAC?

Yes, the NIH Contract Access Fee was just reduced;

CIO-SP3 is .65%, CIO-SP3 SB .55% and CIO-CS is .35%

3 Does the website list all awarded Task Orders to include the chosen contractor? No, this information is available on FPDS-NG

Can you detail the differences we should expect between GSA schedule 70 and NITAAC

CIO SP3 ? (besides the Small Business facet)

GSA schedule 70 is addressed under FAR Part 8.4 and GWACs are addressed under FAR Part 16.505

Can you speak to what qualified as "health related SME" with regards to Task Area 1 on the existing GWAC? Is it project experience from a company perspective or domain expertise from individual employees?

Please note RFP related questions will not be addressed prior to RFP release, please see the initial solicitation posting and Q&A.

6 You mentioned the are mandatory monthly & quarterly meetings, are these virtual. Some meetings are in person and others are virtual.

7 Please clarify what happens if you bid 8 task areas and are only qualified chosen for 5

Task Area qualifications will be provided in the

Ramp On RFP once it is available, on FBO.gov

8 Are new JVS allowed? Or can you form a JV specifically for SP3?

Yes, please see the original CIO-SP3 SB solicitation in

FedBizOpps and review its Q&A, which could be helpful.

On the legacy contract could past performance to qualify for Task Areas be submitted by all members of a CTA or only the lead member?

Please note RFP related questions will not be addressed prior to RFP release, please see the initial solicitation posting, Q&A and FAR Part 9.6.

How did NITAAC determine the requirement for awardees to qualify for minimum of 4

Task Areas (including TA1) in the original contract?

The decision was made based on the Government's needs.

11 Only CTAS or can you do JVs?

Both CTAs and JVs are allowed provided that the

CTA or JV meets the requirements as specificed in the RFP

Does a firm's chance of getting onto CIO-SP3 SB increase by applying for more domains?

That is, is it better to only apply for three strong domains vs. doing those three domains along with a few others where maybe you're not as strong?

This is a business decision each company will have to make. Task Area qualifications will be provided in the Ramp On RFP once it is available, on FBO.gov

Evaluation criteria will be provided in the RFP once it is available, on FBO.gov.

Will there be opportunity to add additional task areas throughout the life for awardees of this on-ramp No.

Did NITAAC recognize DCAA accounting system audits performed by independent firms for the original CIO-SP3 SB evaluation? Yes, please see the initial solicitation posting, Q&A .

Number Questions Answer

15 Please explain ISO 9000 Certifications

This information should be available on the internet or ISO website.

Regarding task area one, without getting too specific into the RFP, but at least with regards to the previous awards, does general healthcare experience suffice or do you need specific BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH experience?

Please note RFP related questions will not be addressed prior to RFP release, please see the initial solicitation and Q&A.

You said the contract will be "very similar" to the existing RFP. What differences can we anticipate?

Please note RFP related questions will not be addressed prior to RFP release.

How long of a window do you anticipate for proposal submission after the RFP is released? Was the original contract a 30 day turn?

Please note RFP related questions will not be addressed prior to RFP release.

19 Why is WOSB or EDWOSB not an award category for SP3 ramp on?

EDWOS is not a set aside category for the CIO-SP3

SB GWAC, however they may qualify under other

Small Business Categories. Please note RFP related questions will not be addressed prior to RFP release.

Is pricing submission limited to the labor categories provided or can a limited number be added by bidders for highly specialized skills?

Please note RFP related questions will not be addressed prior to RFP release. Please see the initial solicitation and Q&A.

Must have verification from DCAA, DCMA, any federal civilian audit agency, or a third party accounting firm of an accounting system that has been audited…each member of

CTA must show evidence that it has this. Can you explain sufficient evidence required to ensure compliance?

Please note RFP related questions will not be addressed prior to RFP release. Please see the initial solicitation and Q&A.

Is the ramp-on targeting to get 8a and Service Disabled Vets businesses, and not really trying to get firms that only qualify as Small Business?

The purpose of the ramp on is to add qualified contractors in the specified set aside categories to ensure adequate competition among the small and disadvantaged business catetories.

Are statistics available on average task order turn-around time (from requirements initiation to task order award) on CIO-SP3 SB? 30-60 days.

If ISO 9000 is in the process but not completed by RFQ release can company still qualify to compete or can our sub hold ISO 9000 hold certification for prime?

Please note RFP related questions will not be addressed prior to RFP release.

What is the main reason that you are seeking additional contractors during this ramp on period? Was it due to non-performance or lack of competition?

The purpose of the ramp on is to add qualified contractors in the specified set aside categories to ensure adequate competition among the small and disadvantaged business catetories.

What evidence is required by NITAAC to meet verification of account system audit if it's not DCAA or DCMA, or federal civilian agency audit?

Please note RFP related questions will not be addressed prior to RFP release. Please see the initial solicitation and Q&A.

27 What date do you anticipate on making ramp on awards? This information is not available at this time.

What qualities make a contractor stand out and be an outstanding performer, in your opinion? Please see the CIO-SP3 Small Business Contract.

Number Questions Answer

29 What is required for an existing contract holder to add a new subcontractor?

Subcontractors could be added at task order level, and do not require NITAAC approval.

You stated to look at existing awardees and team up with them. Are existing awardees are eligible to resubmit with new sub-contractors? please see answer to question #29.

31 Can two small companies team to be a prime

Yes, please see the initial solicitation posting, Q&A and FAR Part 9.6.

You mentioned in earlier slides that evaluation will consider small disadvantage business as part of the evaluation process. Does this statement apply to small businesses or just unrestricted? The Ramp On is for CIO-SP3 Small Business GWAC.

what will happen to SB that are unable to recertify as small next April? Will there be a vertical lift to unrestricted? Will companies that are no longer small be able to see task orders after they recertify as other than small?

If a company re-represents as other than small they still remain a CIO-SP3 Small Business Contract

Holder, however the Ordering Contracting Officer may choose to exclude them from competition.

Can a prime use the past performance of a subcontractor without designating the subcontractor as a CTA Member?

Please note RFP related questions will not be addressed prior to RFP release, please see the initial solicitation posting, Q&A and FAR Part 9.6.