NITAAC_Maryland_Industry_Day_2015_-_Questions_and_Answers_(1).pdf

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

Questions and Answers

Number Chat Question Answers

1 N/A When a company graduate out of small business during the contract term, can it still stay in the contract as a large business?

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.

2 N/A Are CTA's allowed? Yes, please see FAR Part 9.6

3 N/A Would EDWOSB Com qualify for this CIO-SP3 SB Ramp on?

EDWOS is not a set aside category for the CIO-SP3 SB GWAC, however they may qualify under other Small Business Categories.

4 N/A Will there be a recording of today's call that can be referenced for later? No.

5 N/A Also will there be access to the slides from today's call?

Yes, the slides are posted with the presolicitation notice on FedBizOpps.

6 N/A

For the women owned socioeconomic option, is that specifically economically disadvantaged women owned small business or is it just women owned small business?

please see answer to question #3.

7 N/A What is the link to the original posting in FBO?

https://www.fbo.gov/?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=c64e3b724259f585ff3cfbef

7a9ab12c&tab=core&_cview=1

8 N/A May a sub currently on CIO SP3, prime during this on ramp opportunity?

If the company currently does not hold a CIO-SP3 SB GWAC, they may response to the FBO notice for the ramp on opportunity.

9 N/A What may be the lots? Is this truly IT centric?

All GWACs are for IT products, services and solutions, please visiting the NITAAC website for more information regarding the CIO-SP3 Small Business GWAC.

10 N/A Are those that apply with multiple set-asides given any special consideration?

Please see the original CIO-SP3 SB solicitation in FedBizOps and review its Q&A, which could be helpful.

11 N/A Can an existing Prime sub on this effort?

Please see FAR 9.6 for CTA requirements and the Q&A to the original solicitation.

12 N/A If a company is a current prime, can they be bid as a subcontractor on this solicitation?

Please see answer to question #8

13 N/A I've tried looking up the orginal RFP in FBO but keep coming up blank. Did you say you would include the link in the Q&A?

https://www.fbo.gov/?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=c64e3b724259f585ff3cfbef

7a9ab12c&tab=core&_cview=1

14 N/A Do you envision requiring CMMI and/or ISO certifications? (These were not initially required . . . but weree sorta' encouraged.)

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

15 N/A The WebEx system did not immediately allow me to login so I missed the first 9 - 10 min; did you announce any revised timeline targets for the ramp on?

All updates regarding the upcoming Ramp On will be posted on the presolicitation notice on FBO.Gov

16 N/A Just curious, an on ramp suggests the possibility of an off ramp. Have you had / do you envision having an off ramp for vendors who demonstrate low participation?

Ramp Off is based on the contractor's overall performance.

17 N/A

Can you list which accounting software solutions qualify as 'adequate' in response to a Q&A response you posted on FBO No. As stated under paragraph L.3.5(c), offerors are required to submit as part of their proposal verification of an adequate accounti

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

18 N/A Do we have to respond to a specific task area?

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

19 N/A How many exisitng contract holders have received a task order award This information is available on FPDS-NG

20 N/A Do we need to have prime contractor experience or will subcontract experience work

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

21 N/A

How did you get to the orginial RFP notice on FBO release in 2010? When I look through FBO i do not see it? I know you demo that but we could not see how it was doen. thanks

Please see answer to question #13

22 N/A How long will the solicitation be open?

Once the solicitation is released, this information will be listed in the RFP documents on FBO.

23 N/A You said that it will be very competitive; if there is not a limit on number of companies selected, what does that matter?

Number of Awards will depend on the number of qualified proposals submitted.

24 N/A What is the target date for proposal submission and award? see answer to question #22

Can you be on multiple small business teams as a small / large business? If you are already a large business prime and you team with a small business for this ramp on?

Can a business be on multiple small business teams as a small / large business? If you are already a large business prime and you team with a small business for this ramp on?

Please note RFP related questions will not be addressed prior to RFP release, please see the initial solicitation and Q&A. All members of CTA must be small https://www.fbo.gov/?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=c64e3b724259f585ff3cfbef7a9ab12c&tab=core&_cview=1 https://www.fbo.gov/?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=c64e3b724259f585ff3cfbef7a9ab12c&tab=core&_cview=1 http://www.od.nih.gov/OALM/nitaac/TOM/RampOnActivities/Forms/AllItems.aspx?RootFolder=%2FOALM%2Fnitaac%2FTOM%2FRampOnActivities%2FPhase%202%20Ramp%20On%20Activities&FolderCTID=0x01200060A0A92450947E4C9E1457390D7D7F15&View=%7b89D82994-5A8E-45BB-81C3-BD0A19 http://www.od.nih.gov/OALM/nitaac/TOM/RampOnActivities/Forms/AllItems.aspx?RootFolder=%2FOALM%2Fnitaac%2FTOM%2FRampOnActivities%2FPhase%202%20Ramp%20On%20Activities&FolderCTID=0x01200060A0A92450947E4C9E1457390D7D7F15&View=%7b89D82994-5A8E-45BB-81C3-BD0A19

Number Chat Question Answers

26 N/A Can two small business contract holders team to respond to RFPs with multiple task areas?

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

27 N/A Can you clarify if the on ramp will evaluate woman-owned small businesses as WOSB or as EDWOSB?

please see answer to question #3.

28 N/A

Will the On Ramp differentiate between WOSB and EDWOSB? 2. Will certification as an EDWOSB be required? 3. Is there a WOSB or EDWOSB set aside being considered? 4. Can a company submit an offer as both a small business prime and as a small business please see answer to question #3. Also see original solicitation for additional clarifications

29 N/A Per question #28 - can you submit as a SB prime and a SB JV Prime?

Please see the original CIO-SP3 SB solicitation in FedBizOps and review its Q&A, which could be helpful.

30 N/A EDWOSB required? No

31 N/A The NITAAC website does indicate awards to WOSB's however it was indicated that there would not be a WOSB set aside for ORamp

There is no specific set aside to WOSB, as it was not part of the original solicitation.

32 N/A Can you please demonstrate again how to see example task orders on the NITAAC

CIOSP# site? Thanks.

please see the NITAAC website; http://nitaac.nih.gov/nitaac/

33 N/A Can you repeat which task is required?

Task Area 1 is mandatory, please see the original solicitation for additional information.

34 N/A How many task orders have been awarded (broken down by functional area and business type) including dollar amount totals and company awarded

Number of Awards will depend on the number of qualified proposals submitted.

35 N/A Is there a breakdown of which or number of companies that are eligible under each task area?

Please see the NITAAC website; http://nitaac.nih.gov/nitaac/

36 N/A Will you release teh incumbent list of task orders that you maintain in an excel file This information is available on FPDS-NG

37 N/A Will SDB participation be required and evaluated for the SB track? Will there be an on-ramp for teh full andopen track as well?

At this time NITAAC is not considering Ramp On to the CIO-SP3 GWAC. For the first portion of the question please see the original solicitation.

38 N/A How many new on-ramp awards are you expecting to make? Is that a number you can mention or a range?

Number of awards will depend on the number of qualified proposals submitted.

39 N/A In this SB on-ramp track, does the previous RFP state if a SB subcontract plan is required with percentages for socio-econmic status?

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

40 N/A Can a task order issued by an agency get SB credit for giving an award to a firm in the

SB track that is no longer a SB?

If the company is represented as a small business under the GWAC and the agency awards a task or delivery order to a small business or other set aside, the agency will receive the credit.

41 N/A Perhaps this was already stated. Is there any intent to have an on ramp to the full and open vehicle?

No.

Where can we find awards information that shows awardee

Socioeconomic status and Functional Task areas?

N/A please see the NITAAC website; http://nitaac.nih.gov/nitaac/

Question was related to actual task order awards. Are they reported through FPDS or does NITAAC produce a report that can be reviewed?

N/A

This information is available on FPDS-NG

44 Will subcontractor/teaming partner past performance be evaluated? N/A Please note RFP related questions will not be addressed prior to RFP release, please see the initial solicitation and Q&A.

45 N/A When I search on FBO for the archived original solicitaiton it does not come up -what did you search for?

https://www.fbo.gov/?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=c64e3b724259f585ff3cfbef

7a9ab12c&tab=core&_cview=1

46 N/A Do you have a breakout of total value of TOs by agency? This information could be obtained via FPDS-NG.

47 N/A Can companies team or establish a joint venture to get on this contract GWAC?

Yes, see original solicitation posting for additional information, prior to the Ramp

On solicitation release.

48 N/A Is there a list of all PRIME contractors? where do I find it? Please see the NITAAC website; http://nitaac.nih.gov/nitaac/

49 Could you post that FBO webiste link, I'm having trouble finding in FBO N/A https://www.fbo.gov/?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=c64e3b724259f585ff3cfbef

7a9ab12c&tab=core&_cview=1

50 N/A Will you be using our email address to send us anything? No.

51 N/A What is the anticipated Ramp-on solicitation release time frame or date? Please see the presolicitation notice posted on FBO.gov

52 N/A Are there clearance requirements for facilities or personnel at the GWAC level?

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

53 N/A Are there any requirements for ISO or ITIL certification?

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

http://www.od.nih.gov/OALM/nitaac/TOM/RampOnActivities/Forms/AllItems.aspx?RootFolder=%2FOALM%2Fnitaac%2FTOM%2FRampOnActivities%2FPhase%202%20Ramp%20On%20Activities&FolderCTID=0x01200060A0A92450947E4C9E1457390D7D7F15&View=%7b89D82994-5A8E-45BB-81C3-BD0A19 http://www.od.nih.gov/OALM/nitaac/TOM/RampOnActivities/Forms/AllItems.aspx?RootFolder=%2FOALM%2Fnitaac%2FTOM%2FRampOnActivities%2FPhase%202%20Ramp%20On%20Activities&FolderCTID=0x01200060A0A92450947E4C9E1457390D7D7F15&View=%7b89D82994-5A8E-45BB-81C3-BD0A19 http://www.od.nih.gov/OALM/nitaac/TOM/RampOnActivities/Forms/AllItems.aspx?RootFolder=%2FOALM%2Fnitaac%2FTOM%2FRampOnActivities%2FPhase%202%20Ramp%20On%20Activities&FolderCTID=0x01200060A0A92450947E4C9E1457390D7D7F15&View=%7b89D82994-5A8E-45BB-81C3-BD0A19 http://www.od.nih.gov/OALM/nitaac/TOM/RampOnActivities/Forms/AllItems.aspx?RootFolder=%2FOALM%2Fnitaac%2FTOM%2FRampOnActivities%2FPhase%202%20Ramp%20On%20Activities&FolderCTID=0x01200060A0A92450947E4C9E1457390D7D7F15&View=%7b89D82994-5A8E-45BB-81C3-BD0A19

Number Chat Question Answers

54 N/A

Can companies be off-ramped of CIO/SP3? if so, what is the basis/cause of the off-ramp? How many companies from the inital award of CIO/SP3 have been off-ramped?

Yes, Ramp Off is part of the GWAC and is based on the contractor's overall performance.

55 N/A Is NITAAC run like SEWP where the contractor must submit/provide CLINS for for equipment?

No, NASA SEWP is for IT commodities only. CIO-SP3 SB is for services and solutions, please see the conformed copy of the contract for additional information

56 N/A Can current Primes add subs at any time? Yes.

57 N/A Is there a difference between the CIO-SP3 and the CIO-SP3 Small Business

Conformed Contracts?

Yes there are, several terms and conditions that are different.

58 N/A Would you please address proposing to TA 1 if your company has minimal health IT experience

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

59 N/A Would you please talk about teaming and having to form a CTA for teaming 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.

60 N/A Can on-ramp respondents team with existing CIO-SP3SB holders to provide a full task area response?

Please see FAR 9.6 for CTA requirements and the Q&A to the original solicitation.

61 N/A Are CTA's and/or JV's allowed? Yes

62 N/A How many slots are available for the on ramp?

Number of awards will depend on the number of qualified proposals submitted.

63 N/A Is NITACC going only replace graduating companies or lookin g to expand the pool of companies as well?

We are expanding the pool of available contract holders.

64 N/A Is there a certified accounting system requirement? does the certification needed from DCAA or can we have CPA certify the system?

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

65 N/A What happens to the firms that had CIO SP3 and are no longer small? As Other than

Small are they still able to on CIO-SP3 Small or the Full and Open?

Those firms still retain the CIO-SP3 SB GWAC.

66 N/A Thank you for hosting this session. It was helpful and you were very patient with the questions. We appreciate it.

You are welcome.

67 N/A What is the anticipated amount of time after posting that the RFPs will be due?

Once the solicitation is released, this information will be listed in the RFP document on FBO.gov

68 N/A Will an award be made on a subset of the tasks to which a respondent submitted a proposal?

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

69 N/A Can I respond to all task areas and then only be awarded on a subset of those task areas?

Award will be based on the evaluation factors, please see the initial solicitation and

Q&A.

70 N/A If we are both 8a and small, would just one proposal be submitted? Would we then be allowed to bid on both 8a set-asides and SB set-asides?

Yes you may receive both SB and 8(a) award for additional information and qualification please see the initial solicitation and Q&A.

71 N/A Is the projected RFP release date still scheduled for the end of this CY? Please the FBO notice for the dates.

72 N/A

Of tghe 94 companies (current contract holders) listed on your site, is there any way to determine which are graduating out of the small business program? Will that be indicated in any way?

Once the companies re-represent their size status will be updated on the NITAAC website.

73 N/A Since teaming is per task order, will the procurement allow for proposed team mates' qualifications?

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.

74 N/A Will WOSB and/or EDWOSB be seperate categories from SB and 8(a)? see answer to question #3

75 N/A Are contractors with NIH experience rated more favorably?

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.

76 N/A How long does the contract last?

please visit the NITAAC website for POP for each set aside category. In general

NITAAC GWACs are awarded for a 10 year period.

77 N/A As an 8(a), we don't have any expertise in health care area. Does that prevent us from applying to CIO-SP3 SB ramp on?

Please note Task Area 1 is mandatory, please see the initial solicitation posting, Q&A and FAR Part 9.6.

78 When was the last go-around for small businesses conducted? Thanks Please see the initial posting for CIO-SP3 SB solicitation for the actual dates.

79 N/A If we are a small company and are in the process of getting an 8a and our 8a is awarded after the NITAC CIOSP3 award, can we change our status after the fact?

No.

80 N/A Are new corporate entities permitted to use prior experience?

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.

81 N/A What is Task Area 4? please see the NITAAC website; http://nitaac.nih.gov/nitaac/

Number Chat Question Answers 82 N/A What is the contract ceiling? $20B per contract

83 N/A What is the scope of the CAG? What topics do they cover? What topics are discussed at the monthly and quarterly contract holder meetings?

CAGs: community action groups are industry lead groups under the NITAAC

GWACs. NITAAC is a participant. Currently there are four CAGs: 1. Program

Performance and Quality; 2. Business Development; 3. Contracts Administration;

and 4. Communications.

84 N/A will there be an electronic system for receipt of proposals? will any hard copies be required

Yes. This information will be available once the RFP is released on FBO.gov

85 N/A the FBO notice doesn't identify a ramp on for WOSB is there one or is this just for SB, 8a, HubZone and SDVOSB please see the answer to question #3

86 N/A Is CMMI Assessment required for the prime Please note RFP related questions will not be addressed prior to RFP release, please see the initial solicitation posting, Q&A

87 N/A Hello, 2 part question - of the current 94 SB, do you expect any to ramp off? Is there a limit to SB that you Ramp On?

Number of awards will depend on the number of qualified proposals submitted.

88 N/A From the initial solicitation - are there any additional requirements for the Ramp On

SB?

Once the Ramp On solicitation is released this information will be available to all.

89 N/A What is meant by Competitive rates/prices.. How do you rate/determine this? Is there a reference benchmark?

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

90 N/A Do we have specific numbers or quota for specific socio economic groups, eg, how many HUBZones, 8(a), WOSB, etc.

Number of awards will depend on the number of qualified proposals submitted.

91 N/A I assume award notices will also be posted on FBO.. Yes.

92 N/A Is there a minimum CMMI level requirement in the RFP? No

93 N/A Assuming RFP solicitation is released on March 1.. when are the contract awards expected to be made?

This will depend on the number of proposals received.

94 N/A Do you expect this solicitation to take as long (as the previous one) to be awarded This will depend on the number of proposals received.

95 N/A

Is the reason this Ramp on is being released, because certain small business goals are not being realized or that certain task areas are not seeing qualified small businesses?

The purpose of the ramp on is to add qualified contractors in the specified set aside categories.

96 N/A Is there self-certification allowed for the various Small business categories? Or is prior certification needed? Thanks

Please refer to FAR Part 19 and SBA website for additional information.

97 N/A The last RFP was posted in Dec 2010 but awared in May/July 2012. So is 2 years the expected time period currently for the new RFP?

This will depend on the number of proposals received.

98 N/A There was a reference to SDB Participation in an earlier slide. Is there a separate socioeonomic designation like WOSB, SDVOSB or HUBZONE.

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

99 N/A The website has a comprehensive list of all the contractors, but is there a list of contractors with the greatest presence?

This information could be obtained from FPDS-NG.

100 N/A What percentage of the $60B going into this vehicle will be going to HHS?

Each GWAC is $20B. There is no pre-determined number of awards or dollars for each agency.

101 Will the evaluation criteria be the same as the original soliciation N/A It will be similar.

You stated the SOW would be similar to the original solicitation, will the evaluaiton criteria be the same

Will be similar.

103 N/A Is there an update to when the RFP is coming out? All updates will be posted on FBO.gov

104 N/A How many new awards are you anticipating?

Number of awards will depend on the number of qualified proposals submitted.

105 N/A As an 8(a), if we enter a CTA w/ a HUBZone or an SDVOSB, will the CTA have an 8(a) status?

For a CTA to be considered Section 8(a) for purposes of award, the CTA must comply with SBA requirements (see 13 C.F.R. § 124.513).

106 N/A How do we registor for your site if we are anew company This information will be available only to those companies awarded the CIO-SP3 SB

GWAC

107 N/A Thank you for all the information. You are welcome.

108 N/A Is there a need from NITAAC for specific SB classifications?

There is a need for all listed set aside categories in the presolicitation notice.

109 N/A Are you posting Q&A after each industry day or after all have been completed?

Once the answers are available the Q&A document will be posted.

110 N/A Your slides referenced qualifying with a SME -- can we assume offerors will also be able to qualify with a domain expertise in a health-related domain

Number of awards will depend on the number of qualified proposals submitted.

Number Chat Question Answers

111 N/A

If an 8(a) company graduates from the SBA 8(a) program before the CIO-SP3 Period of Performance terminates, can they continue to receive directed/sole source 8(a) task orders against CIO-SP3 if they have a set-aside contract?

Per FAR 19.804-6, once an 8(a) receives an award under the GWAC, the 8(a) concern may continue to accept new orders even after a concern’s program term expires, the concern otherwise exits the 8(a) Program, or the concern becomes other than small for the NAICS code assigned under the contract.

112 N/A Once awarded CIOSP3 SB, is there an upgrade path to CIOSP3 large business?

No.

113 N/A

It was mentioned during the presentation that potential prime offerors must be eligible for specific task areas. How do you become eligible for specific Task Areas prior to recieving the RFP in Acquserve? Or will it only be posted on FBO.gov?

The RFP will be released on FBO.gov

114 N/A I'm a new small business that will start operations in January 2016, what additional steps will I need to have in place to successfully compete for work under this GWAC?

Please note RFP related questions will not be addressed prior to RFP release, please see the initial solicitation posting, Q&A. Also you might want to contact the

SBA for additional guidance.

115 N/A Thank you so much for all your time and effort! It was greatly appreciated.

You are welcome.

116 N/A Can you please clarify the task one that is required to bid CIOSP3. is that means mandatory ?

Task Area 1 is mandatory

117 N/A Task one. Can you clarify that is a company has experience in any healthcare system is acceptable but not necessary in biomedical field ?

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

118 N/A If a company gets the award as a result of this solicitation, it is good for how many years ?

Through 2022, the exact dates will depend on the set aside category.

119 N/A just curious why the industry day didn't get scheduled in DC area ? haway is far away and costly

The WebEx was the industry day in DC.

120 N/A Is the RFP for the small business the same that was release for the CIOSP3 large business contract?

No.

121 N/A how often do companies need to recertify size? is it after 5 years like a lot of gwacs?

Re-representation is covered under FAR Part 19.3

122 N/A if a company's 8(a) expires before the end of the contract, are they locked in under the GWAC and able to still bid ono these set-asides?

Per FAR 19.804-6, once an 8(a) receives an award under the GWAC, the 8(a) concern may continue to accept new orders even after a concern’s program term expires, the concern otherwise exits the 8(a) Program, or the concern becomes other than small for the NAICS code assigned under the contract.

123 N/A how long after on-ramp do companies need to recertify their size? Re-representation is covered under FAR Part 19.3

124 N/A can small businesses compete up on unrestricted task orders

Contract Holders for CIO-SP SB may compete based on the task area qualifications and their respective set aside categories under the CIO-SP3 SB GWAC.

125 N/A Can sister companies /fellow subsidiaries share past performance and certifications via a meaningful relationship under a shared corporate entity/ parent company

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.

126 N/A are multiple bidding entities allowed from the same corporate structure? i.e. can sister companies both submit proposals, or can only one propose the on-ramp?

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.

127 N/A how many bids have their been on average per task order? On average 3-5 responses.

128 N/A What are the limitations, if any, for subcontracting to large businesses? Do they need to be identified?

Limitation on Subcontracting is covered in clause 52.219-14

129 N/A

Could you please restate the ramp-on ordering period for new awardees. You mentioned that it only goes to 2022 (6 years if awarded in 2016) is that correct?

However the Period of performance will go the full 15 years? Please clarify.

The original ordering period will remain, based on set aside categories the exact date will vary however in general contracts will expire in 2022. On the last day of the contract, ordering contracting officers may place an order and the POP for that order may not exceed five additional years.

130 N/A Will subcontractors be required to submit sealed cost bids?

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

131 N/A Must the prime have an adequate cost accounting system for cost type task order awards?

Yes.

Number Chat Question Answers

132 N/A Are large business subcontractors allowable?

For the purposes of the CIO-SP3 SB Ramp On all members of the CTA must be small business under NAICS 541512. For additional information please see the original solicitation posting on FBO.gov

133 N/A Will NITAAC please provide on FBO today's industry attendees list?

The list of registered companies for this WebEx industry day will be posted on

FBO.gov with the Q&A document.

134 N/A Does the Prime have to be qualified in Task Area one in terms of past performance?

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

135 N/A When is the anticipated solicitation release date, and award date? Please see the presolicitation notice posted on FBO.gov

136 N/A Is there data availalbe on ordering agencies? I.e. who all and $$? This information is available through FPDS-NG

137 N/A Can you please provide any information on who are the ordering agencies (other than NIH or HHS) and their obligation $$ approzimately? Thanks.

This information is available through FPDS-NG. In general all agencies have utilized

NITAAC GWACs at one point.

138 N/A Thanks for hosting this event. You are welcome.

139 N/A Could you provide revenue by Task Area and Contract to assist in determining appropriate market sizing?

No answer

140 Is the contract skewed to T&M or FFP? N/A

Per the terms and conditions of the GWAC all contract types are allowed. It is up to each ordering agency to determine which type is most suitable to their requirement.

141 Are hubzone companies also certified for the life of the contract? N/A

Except for several exceptions detailed in 13 CFR 126.601(h), generally a concern that is a qualified HUBZone at the time of contract award is considered a HUBZone

SBC throughout the life of that contract. However please contact SBA for any additional questions or information.

Do accounting systems have to be certified at the time of award or can certification be obtained after award?

N/A

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

were CIOSP2 unrestricted and small business awards made in response to the same initial RFP or were there two RFPs?

N/A

Two separate RFPs.

144 N/A Are JVs eligible to participate in this GWAC? Yes.

145 N/A Will a copy of Q&As from today's session be provided to all attendees or posted to

FBO?

Yes.

146 Thank you for your time today. Very Informative. You are welcome.

Is there anyway to find out who will be graduating from the current contract?

N/A

This information could be obtained from FPDS-NG. Once companies re-represent the updated status will be posted on the NITAAC website.

Please clarify, are large businessess allowed as subcontractors on initial award not just Task Orders?

N/A

Prime contract holder are allowed to subcontract on task order level to large business, however the ordering agencies have the right to limit or not allow on individual task orders.

149 N/A Will a full list of attendees of this webinar be available on FBO later?

The list of registered companies for this WebEx industry day will be posted on

FBO.gov with the Q&A document.

150 N/A Can you explain why there are 3 large contract holders our of the 94 small bus contract holders?

This is due to re-representations done by individual contract holders.

151 N/A what task areas are the least ones used? All task areas utilized

How many of the existing 94 SB/set-aside companies are graduating because they are no longer small?

How many of the existing 94 SB/set-aside companies are graduating because they are no longer small?

This information will be available once the companies re-represent.

153 N/A When is the RFP expected to be released? Please see the presolicitation notice posted on FBO.gov

154 N/A When is the final solicitation expectated to be released? Please see the presolicitation notice posted on FBO.gov

155 N/A Can a prime's CTA partners' past performance and experience be used to answer to task areas?

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.

156 N/A If a SB contract holder is acquired by a LB is it disqualified from bidding as SB or is it absorbed into the contract of the LB?

If a current prime contract holder Novates or re-represents as other than small, they still retain the CIO-SP3 SB contract.

157 N/A

We are highly qualified for a select # of task areas. We are hearing that for this Ramp

On, it will be more important to have more Task Areas addressed than to be highly qualified in a few Task Areas. Are CTAs more attractive? Impacts teaming now! Thx

This is a business decision. Specific information regarding required task areas will be available one the RFP is released.

158 N/A If the revised RFP coming out end of Feb or beg of March will have eval criteria related to CTAs, can this be issued ASAP for teaming purposes?

All information associated with the RFP will be issued at the same time. For information regarding CTAs please see FAR Part 9.6

159 N/A Where will the QA be posted on the website? Q&A will be posted on FBO.

160 N/A How many SBs from original solicitation are no longer small? 5

Number Chat Question Answers

161 Is there a CMMI requirement? N/A Please note RFP related questions will not be addressed prior to RFP release, please see the initial solicitation posting, Q&A .

162 N/A

There is a second FBO posting NIHJT2010001 (CIOSP3 Award Notice). There are solicitation documents attached to that notice. There is a difference between these dcuments. Can you please determine which are the final documents we should review?

It is up to you which documents you'd like review all or none.

163 N/A Do you anticipate limiting proposals from specific SB socio-economic categories or will any SB be permitted to submit a proposal?

The Open Season is for Small Business Category, HUBZone, SDVOSB and 8(a).

164 N/A

If we are both 8a and small, would just one proposal be submitted? Would we then be allowed to bid on both 8a set-asides and SB set-asides? If we are both 8a and small, would just one proposal be submitted? Would we then be allowed to bid on both 8a s

Yes, awards in both set aside category are permissible, only one proposal needs to be submitted.

165 N/A can a small business form a CTA with a large business and qualify under CIO-SP3?

Such CTAs will not be awarded a CIO-SP3 SB contract please see the original solicitation and Q&A document for more information.

166 N/A When is it anticipated that the on-ramp activities will begin? Please see the presolicitation notice posted on FBO.gov

167 N/A Is it anticipated that the evaluation criteria will remain the same to the prior CIO-

SP3?

Evaluation criteria will be similar.

168 N/A Is there a time limit on how far back past performance references can go?

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

169 N/A Which task area needs most support?

The intent of the Ramp on is not to added contractors to specific task areas, rather replenish highly qualified contractors is the listed set aside categories (per terms and conditions of the upcoming RFP).

170 N/A How many of the 94 contract holders have received task order awards? This information could be obtained via FPDS-NG.

171 N/A Will the 3 Large businesses, currently on CIO-SP3, be able to compete on future Task

Orders?

Those businesses on CIO-SP3 SB contract that have re-represented as other than small still remain a CIO-SP3 Small Business Contract Holder, however the ordering contracting officer may exclude them from competition per FAR 16.505

172 N/A When will current contract holders need to recertify their size?

Yes, Rerepresentation requirements are detailed under FAR 19.301-2 for rerepresentation requirements.

173 N/A

You said earlier that, because this is a Ramp On, the requirements cannot change from original solicitation. But, you just said the Ramp On solicitation will be slightly different from the original. This seems to be conflicting, what would be different

The scope of the GWAC is the same and will not be changed, however the RFP requirements will be updated.

174 N/A Can you describe the contracting process that our customers will use? Unless it is in the initial slides of this briefing.

The process is outlined in FAR 16.505

175 N/A Can you review the volumes/page limits that will be required with the proposal?

Once the RFP is released this information will be available.

176 N/A

What is the minimum number of task orders that must be bid by SBs? Is there a different min. number based on socialeconomic status or is the same for all? Thank you.

This information will be available when the RFP is released on FBO.gov

177 N/A Are SBA approved Joint Ventures allowed to participate Yes

178 N/A I didn't catch your name and title at the beginning. Can you re-introduce yourself and explain your role at NITAAC?

Natalie Melomed; CIO-SP 3 and CIO-SP 3 SB,Contracting Officer

179 N/A Why are we doing a ramp-on? Do you not have enough competition within various categories or is just to give other (new) companies a chance to obtain the vehicle?

It was decided that the Ramp On is in the best interest of the Government.

180 N/A How many Joint Ventures are current contract holders? No answer.

181 N/A If I bid on all 10 task areas, can I be awarded five out of the ten if I qualify for only those five?

Task Area qualifications will be provided in the Ramp On RFP once it is available, on

FBO.gov

182 N/A If I team up with a Large Business, can I use my teaming partner's Past Performance?

Or does it necessarily have to be a Small Business?

All members of the CTA must be small business

183 N/A Is there are particular process to become a sub with current contract holders?

The process may differ from prime contractor to another prime contractor. All prime contractors and their PM are listed on the NITAAC website. If you would like more information regarding subcontracting please contact the respective PMs directly.

184 N/A Are stats available showing the number of task orders and value of task orders per

Task Area?

This information is available on FPDS-NG

Number Chat Question Answers

185 N/A Question regarding the Task Area 1 response requirement, can the small business prime meet this requirement by using a subcontractor past performance?

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

186 N/A Since yu have not reached the 5 year review period, what is the rationale for the on-ramp?

It was decided that the Ramp On is in the best interest of the Government.

187 N/A What is the largest Task Order that has been awarded under CIOSP3 SB? Approximately $240M

188 N/A Will there be a requirement for a DCAA approved cost accounting system to bid on the master contract or only for cost task orders

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

189 N/A Is an approved purchasing systems be required to bid on the master contract Please note RFP related questions will not be addressed prior to RFP release, please see the initial solicitation posting, Q&A .

190 N/A Do you anticipate that sections L & M will be similar to the original RFP? Yes, L&M will be similar.

191 N/A can you provide a breakdown of what task orders are most frequently used by which contract holders?

All task areas utilized.

192 N/A The current award talks about the importance of marketing the contract to customers. can you provide some examples of what this might encompass?

Tradeshows, conferences, etc. It is up to the contractor to determine the most appropriate method to comply with this requirement.

193 N/A What is the response rate for the current conract holders? Will those who have not responded to a certian minimum be 'ramped off' of the current contract?

Ramp Off is based on the contractor's overall performance.

194 N/A

If an existing prime adds subcontractors to cover task areas they did not initially qualify for, will they now be eligible to see new tasks in those areas covered by the new subcontractor?

No new task areas will be added after award.

195 N/A Are primes and/or CTA partners required to have audited financial statements?

Yes, please see the initial solicitation posting, Q&A .

196 N/A

Does the Government anticipate to award on-ramp contracts on specific Task Areas or on CIO-SP3 as a whole? And if so, how many on-ramp contracts do you anticipating awarding?

The ramp on is to the CIO-SP3 Small Business GWAC.

197 N/A If the Government anticipates to award on-ramp contracts to specific Task Areas, what Task Areas does the Government anticipate to on-ramp?

The ramp on is for all task areas.

198 N/A For clarification, must contractors respond to all Task Areas? Or, must contractors respond to the Task Areas that apply to their past experience/performance?

Once the RFP is minimum qualifications for each set aside category will available, beyond the minimum number of task areas, it will be a business decision for each contractor.

199 N/A Will there be a requirement for a submitter to have either ISO or CMMI certifications?

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

200 N/A Will past performances be restricted to just the prime or will subcontractor past performances be allowed?

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

201 N/A You state that the RFP will be very similar but can you share the changes that are anticipated?

This information will be available ones the RFP is released on FBO.gov

202 N/A

Can you propose more task areas than you are awarded? I.e., you said Task 1 was necessary to propose, could you propose task 1 and others and only be awarded others.

You may proposal on multiple task areas, however task area award for the purposes of the Ramp On will be based on section L&M of the Ramp On RFP.

203 N/A If we are a sub contractor already. Can we become a prime?

As long as you do not hold a prime contract with NITAAC under CIO-SP3 Small

Business GWAC, there is nothing that would preclude you from proposing under the Ramp On solicitation.

204 N/A Would this rule apply for HUBZone and/or other socieconomic categories?

Please review FAR Part 19, SBA website and the original solicitation posting to address some of your questions.

205 N/A Do you expect EVMS to be a firm requirement for the forthcoming RFP?

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

206 N/A Do both th eprime contractors and the subs need to be DCAA-certified?

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

207 N/A

If you are a sub to a prime, are you also able to independently view all the task orders that come through the eco (sp?) portal, as long as they include all of your prime's task areas? Or is that access just available to the prime contract holder?

Only prime contract holders have access to the eGOS system.

Number Chat Question Answers

208 N/A

You mentioned the intent is not to off-ramp. However, if holders have NO bids/awards, will they be off-ramped? Because that is implied in the original solicitation Section H.33.

Ramp Off is based on the contractor's overall performance.

209 N/A Will JVs be allowed? Yes.

210 N/A Would you require us to submit seperate proposals from every set aside track?

If you are intending or qualifying under multiple set aside categories only one proposal needs to be submitted, however the qualifications for each set aside category will differ.

211 N/A Will you evaluate sub contractor past performance or only focus on primes Only for those that propose as primes, unless a CTA is proposed please the original solicitation posting to address some of your questions.

212 N/A I am sorry if you have addressed this before but can we have a large business as a sub to small busines. Thx

For the purposes of the CIO-SP3 SB Ramp On all members of the CTA must be small business under NAICS 541512.

213 N/A How long it took to award an intial solicitation? This information is available on the FBO.gov

214 N/A

If we are awarded CIOSP3 8 (a) can we bid on 8 (a) contracts even after we graduate from 8 (a) program or we will need to request agencies to utilize CIOSP3 8 (a) vehicle for our incumbent work and in that case will there be any reason agency may not go to

Per FAR 19.804-6, once an 8(a) receives an award under the GWAC, the 8(a) concern may continue to accept new orders even after a concern’s program term expires, the concern otherwise exits the 8(a) Program, or the concern becomes other than small for the NAICS code assigned under the contract.

215 N/A Does the project needs to be relased from the 8 (a) program if agency utilize CIOSP3

8 (a) track?

216 N/A Is there any new tasks added to this rfp No, all task areas are the same and the current CIO-SP3 SB GWAC.

217 N/A IS GSA SB is all consider Small Business in this contract

218 N/A Could we partner with other companies for the bid? JVs and CTAs are allowed under CIO-SP3 SB Ramp On.

219 N/A Is direct biomedical past performance a requirement to qualify for Task Area 1?

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

220 N/A How are outside agency opptys brought to the contract handled? Is it competed or is it automatically awarded to the Prime that brought the oppty to CIO SP3?

All requirements that are either competed or awarded directly under the NITAAC

GWACs must comply with FAR 16.505 (b) (2).

221 N/A Is there a limit on the revenue size of an oppty that a SB can be awarded or is it wide open?

Yes please see the applicable size standard for NAICS 541512

222 N/A I assume a SB Participation plan is not required in the proposal for the SB On Ramp, correct?

That is correct.

223 N/A

What happens if a CIO SP3 SB Prime company is acquired by a Large Business ? Does the contract novate to the Large business aand become a CIO SP3

Unrestricated/Large Business contract?

Novation will be required please see FAR Part 42.12. If the company re-represents as the result of novation to other than small, such company will still retain the CIO-

SP3 Small Business GWAC.

224 N/A Will all questions be provided after all industry Days/Webinars are complete or as each Industry Day/Webinar is completed ?

Yes.

225 N/A Can you bid on a x and win y task areas i.e. could we bid on 8 but only be awarded 5?

Yes.

226 N/A Given the simailrity as the oringal RFP is it reasoonable to assume the new RFP will be open a similar period of time as teh orginal?

This time frame for award will depend on how many proposals are received.

227 N/A can you bid on mulitiple task areas but not be awarded all task areas you bid on?

Yes.

228 N/A Does the website show which federal customers are the largest consumers of CIO

SP3?

Not at this time. However this information could be obtained via FPDS-NG

229 N/A Can small business be self certified to be considered a prime contractor?

In SAM, you may self-certify yourself as a small business, but you must meet the

Federal government's definition of a small business.

The US Small Business Administration defines a small business in terms of the number of employees over the past year, or average annual receipts over the past three years. Size Standard for CIO-SP3 SB will be defined under NAICS 541512. For additional information please see FAR Part 19.

230 N/A Will contractor holders have an opportunity to be added to additional tasks after the initial on-ramp award?

No.

231 N/A N/A No, All set aside categories as outlined in the presolicitation notice are considered

Number Chat Question Answers

232 N/A Will the period of performance coincide with the exisiting GWAC, or will the PoP be extended?

Yes, the POP will coincide with the existing CIO-SP3 SB GWAC.

233 N/A Are qualifications required for health-related IT projects, or will broader IT qualifications be considered?

Please see the initial solicitation posting, and Q&A which could be helpful in addressing your questions prior to RFP release.

234 N/A

Canapplicants enter into CTAs/JVs for the purpose of expanding the number of task areas they qualify for, or do they need to individually qualify for each Task Area proposed?

CTAs and JVs are allowed under CIO-SP3 SB, please see the initial solicitation posting, and Q&A which could be helpful in addressing your questions prior to RFP release.

235 N/A Can you touch on the advantages of this vehicle for your customers vs. other vehicles such as GSA Schedule 70?

NITAAC would encourage you to research the NITAAC program on the NITAAC website and the GSA Schedule 70 to learn more about the advantages of each program.

236 N/A If you can subcontract Task Area 1 (IT Services for Biomedical Research, Health

Sciences, and Healthcare) if Heath SME is not the companies core compentency

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

237 N/A When will the RFP be released? How many days to respond? Please see the presolicitation notice posted on FBO.gov

238 N/A Can the prime usetheir teammates past performaces to qualify 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

What Citizenship requirements exist for contractors working on site and off site?

N/A

Task order specific question.

241 thanks The NIHJT2010002 that's up on the screen hasn't been released yet right/ NIHJT2010002 was the original solicitation for CIO-SP3 Small Business GWAC.

242 N/A What is the POP for the ramp on awardees?

POP will be from the date of award until 2022, the actual dates will differ based on the set aside categories. Please see the NITAAC website for the POP end dates per each set aside category under the CIO-SP3 SB GWAC.

243 N/A If you submit and qualify for 3 task areas, does that preclude you from responding to other task areas (not one of the three awarded...)

You may submit proposal for more than the minimum required task areas. All requirements will be detailed in the Ramp On RFP, which will be posted on FBO.gov

244 N/A Do qualifications for the various task areas have to orginate with the Prime or can it come from a subcontractor...

Please see the initial solicitation posting, Q&A and FAR Part 9.6, which could be helpful in addressing some of your questions prior to RFP release.

245 N/A Do you anticipate any changes from the original task areas to this ramp on period?

The Ramp On solicitation will not be identical to the initial RFP.

246 N/A Will there be two different RFPs directed toward SB and 8(a). If so, can we respond to both RFPs (assuming we meet the respective qualifications).

Only one Ramp On solicitation will be released

247 N/A If you are an 8(a), can you also respond to SB task orders? (assuming you an awardee)

Yes, if you also received an award for SB category…