Revised_Response_to_Questions-CIO-SP3_SB-Amendment_0003.pdf

Response to Questions and Comments received under the RFP NIHJT2016015

Response to Questions and Comments received under Request for Proposal NIHJT2016015 for CIO-SP3 Small Business Ramp On

Following are answers to questions and comments received in response to the Request for Proposal (RFP) NIHJT2016015, entitled, "Chief Information Officer - Solutions and Partners 3 (CIO-SP3) Small Business Ramp On.

Several questions were modified in order to clarify intent. Further, similar questions/comments were consolidated, where practical. The government did not respond to questions that asked the government to assess specific contractor technical capability.

The responses are organized by RFP Section, beginning with a general category.

RFP NIHJT2016015-Amendment 0003 Page 1 April 27, 2016

General Section

Question/Comment Response Who was the incumbent? Incumbents are listed on the NITAAC

1 NA

website under htt12://nitaac.nih.gov/nitaac/contracts/cio-so3-small-business/matrix

Does the CIO-SP3 allow for prime contractors to enter There are no restrictions on post award into subcontractor arrangements later in the subcontracting except as pertinent to

2 NA

acquisition process, including after contract award Article H.18, Replacement of Team according to FAR 9.602(c), or must all subcontractor Members under a FAR 9.601(1) CTA.

arrangements be made prior to submission of the CIO-SP3 proposal?

3 NA

Are contract holders required to bid on any or all task Which task orders to pursue after award orders posted or a minimum number per year, etc.? is at the discretion of the contract holder.

What are the criteria for having the contract be Reasons for termination are the same as

4 NA terminated , such as if we are not successful on task provided for under FAR 52.249-4 or FAR orders, and if dropped, are there penalties? 52.249-8, as aoolicable.

Regarding the term "Offeror" throughout the The term "Offeror" refers to the Prime

5 NA

solicitation; does the term Offeror refer to the prime Contractor.

contractor only, or the prime contractor and all of its team members?

At the NITAAC Industry Days many questions were The previous Q&As were noted for responded to by "please see the initial sol icitation for reference purposes only. However, this is Q&A"; however, changes in RFP wording change a completely new solicitation, and the

6 NA some requirements - particular the GO/NO-GO, previous Q&As may not apply.

internal assets. Since this is an "On-Ramp" for CIO- SP3 SB do Q&A for previous CIO-SP3 SB RFP apply or this a treated as a completely new solicitation?

Could you share the dollar value already awarded This information is not currently publically

7 NA under CIO SP3 SB by task area and by each available.

disadvantaQed cateQorv (SB, WOSB, Ba, HUBZone)?

Will a Prime contractor on the small business track be No.

8 NA eligible to bid on task orders released under the unrestricted track?

Section A - Solicitation/Contract Form

Question/Comment Response

1 SF33

On the SF33 Section 15a, please define what is Code is the CAGE Code. You would note required for the code and facility. the Facility code is only if you have one.

2 SF33

It looks like many B(A) contractors are posting various The government cannot comment on SF-33's on their website. Is this a trend in marketing? commercial practices.

When an offeror submits as a CTA, is a signed SF 33 The solicitation requires a single SF33 to

3 SF33 expected from each CTA member, or only from the be submitted by the Offeror/Prime Team Lead? Contractor.

RFP NIHJT2016015-Amendment 0003 Page 2 April 27, 2016

Section B - SuDDlles or Services and Prices

Question/Comment ResDOnse

Article Will contractors be required to provide proof of audited Such requirements are specified at the

1 8.4.e rates with current on-ramp proposal or at the time of task order level.

bidding Cost Reimbursement task orders?

Article Will loaded labor rates proposed in Attachment J.1 The rates proposed are for CONUS work.

2 8.4.c & d Labor Rates be used as the ceiling rates for bidding See Article 8.4.d for OCONUS work.

OCONUS task orders?

Article Does the government require maximum and minimum The rates are ceiling rates.

8 .4.c rates per labor cateqorv?

How does the government intend to manage Cost- See Article 8.4.e

Article Reimbursable type Task Orders? Will the proposed 8.4.e pricing for Cost-Reimbursable Task Orders be independent of the IDIQ's rate card 's ceilinq rates?

In the case of a CTA, should each CT A member submit See FAR Part 31 for cost reimbursable

Article their respective cost data or is one for the entire CT A task orders.

5 8.4 acceptable? Is there a preferred template or format for offerers to use?

Will each awarded contract resulting from this Total contract ceiling (see article 8.5).

Article solicitation have a contract ceiling of $20 billion or is

8.5 $20 billion the combined ceiling of all contracts that are awarded under this solicitation?

Article How will allowances, including hardship differentials Such allowances are negotiated at the

7 8.6 and danger pay be incorporated into task order task order level.

pricing?

This section identifies that contractors will follow the Correct.

instructions when proposing on OCONUS efforts. As

Article the proposal rates sheet does not include OCONUS

8.6 rates, is it assumed that the OCONUS rates will be proposed at the time of a task order that requires them?

Article For task orders extending beyond Year 10 of the CIO- See note (3) under Table 1 and Table 2.

9 8.7 SP3, how will labor rates in Attachment J.1 Labor Rates be calculated?

The RFP requires that contractors must have health The labor categories are comprehensive, capability, and subtasks under Task Area 1 require and contract holders have the ability to professional training in health communication as well propose additional labor categories for

Article as health IT expertise. However, few of the job individual task orders (see Article H.1.1 ).

8.7 descriptions include knowledge of public health as a requirement. Can the government consider adding job classifications that apply to the practice of public health?

Article Please clarify Article G.8 should be reference not The reference should be G.8. This will

8.7 Article G.6 be corrected in an amendment.

11 Tables 1 and 2

RFP NIHJT2016015- Amendment 0003 Page 3 April 27, 2016

Please explain in detail, the condition given above the Because a task order period of price table in RFP: Table 1 & 2 : (3) Pricing for task performance may extend up to 60 order options exceeding the period of performance of months beyond the expiration of the the GWAC will be agreed upon at the task order level GWAC, labor rates for the period of

Article but will not exceed the escalation rates published in the performance that extends past the

12 B.7 then current Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment expiration of the GWAC are agreed upon Cost Index. at the task order level. The reference to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Cost Index sets a ceiling on the escalation rates applied to labor rates beyond the expiration date of the GWAC.

Article B.2 subparagraph b, Inherently Governmental The word should read "ensure." The Functions, states "The Contractor shall insure that all of solicitation will be clarified in an

Article its employees working on this contract are informed of amendment.

13 B.8.b the substance of this article." Please provide clarification regarding the term "insure" used in this sentence.

Article Will contractors be required to provide proof of audited Such requirements are specified at the

14 B.4.e rates with current on-ramp proposal or at the time of task order level.

biddino Cost Reimbursement task orders?

Section C - Description/Specifications

Question/Comment Resoonse

Article FAR 2.101 is definitions only. Is the intent to procure all Article C.1 encompasses a wide range of

C.1 kinds of services and solutions as defined in this FAR IT services and solutions, commercial clause only? Please confirm. and non-commercial.

Is the current version of the Federal Architecture Model Any specific requirements related to

Article 2.3 issued in October 2007 and the current version 2.3 these models will be defined at the

C.1 of the Technical Reference Model issued in October appropriate task order level.

2007 beinQ referenced here?

Article What does Gov't mean by "acting as Independent The solicitation has been revised in the

3 C.1 contractor"? How is the independent contractor amendment to clarify this statement.

different from the contractors awarded on this contract?

Are there specific vendors that Government works with Any such requirements are determined at

Article on hardware and software lease? Are there specific the task order level.

4 C.2 Gov't lease agreement terms that contractors are to use or is it up to the contractor to provide such aoreement?

Article C.2 of the solicitation states that "in addition to The "domain-specific capability in a providing an expertise in IT services, the Contractor health-related mission" referenced in this must demonstrate that it has an inherent domain- section refers to Subfactor 1 under Factor

Article specific capability in a health-related mission" in order 2. The government will consider such

5 C.2 to bid Task Area 1. Does this requirement for "domain- capabilities from a subcontractor if the specific capability in a health-related mission" have to proposal is submitted in the form of a be met by the Prime Contractor's past performance? If FAR 9.601(1) CTA (see paragraph not, can a subcontractor's past performance be used to L.3.1.3) meet this requirement?

Article What type of tools and applications are in use? Who Any such requirements are determined at

6 C.2 are the application service provider(s) that are the task order level.

providing service?

Article Please confirm that the transition planning entails Any such requirements are determined at

7 C.2 transferring hardware/software back to the Government the task order level.

and designated environment.

RFP NIHJT2016015- Amendment 0003 Page 4 April 27, 2016

Please define the aspect of Identity and Access Any such requirements are determined at Management (IAM) that is relevant to Task Area 3 - the task order level.

Article Imaging. Is this related to document imaging I archiving

C.2 (from the on-boarding process), or is it related to biometric images (facial, iris, fingerprint for digital identification}.

Article RFP Page 27 Section C.2.10 -Are there any existing Any such requirements are determined at

9 C.2 tools that are required to be used for this task. For the task order level.

development, are there any mandatory lanquaQes?

Article Regarding Section C.2 -- Is there any circumstance in Organization Conflict of Interest and its

C.2 which working in one task area might conflict you out applicability will be defined at task order from bidinQ in another task area? level by the OrderinQ ContractinQ Officer.

Does the statement, "For this reason, in addition to No. This refers to Section L.3.3.a, providing an expertise in IT services, the Contractor Subfactor 1 - Domain Specific Capability

Article must demonstrate that it has an inherent domain- in a Health-Related Mission

11 C.2 specific capability in a health-related mission" mean that under each Task Area bid the Offeror should relate applicable IT expertise to domain-specific capability in a health-related mission?

Does the prime need to show experience in every area No. The examples listed are a sampling of Task area 1 to be qualified (e.g., Health Sciences of work.

lnformatic and Computational Services, Health Communication Support Services and Enhancements

Article to Facilitate Integration and Data Exchange at the

12 C.2.1 Federal, State, and Local Level, Integration of Health Systems Across Federal Agencies and Public and Private Healthcare Systems, Modernization and Enhancement of Existing Health IT Legacy Systems, Automation of Administrative and Clinical Processes, Biomedical Information Services etc.}?

Article Under Task Area 2, CIO Support, what is the nature of Any such requirements will be addressed C.2.2 potential market research to be performed? at the applicable task order level.

Article Can you please specify the Image conversion to what Any such requirements will be addressed

14 C.2.3 formats and a definition of security imaging and provide at the applicable task order level.

an example?

A-76 Studies Specific to IT Operations or Support is The bullets are a sampling of work under

Article listed as a sample of work under this task area. Is this each respective task area.

C.2.4 Item still valid as there were no A-76 solicitation released so far on CIO-SP3?

After contract award, are offerors allowed to utilize their This is a matter to address at the task

Article employees who are citizens abroad, such as from order level.

C.2.4 Europe and Asia as workers/staff labor on U.S. Task

Order awards?

Regarding C.2.4 Task Area 4 -- Outsource, page C-5, Such requirements are determined at the

Article

e) Tools and Applications (including Application Service task order level.

17 C.2.4 Provider, please clarify what type of tools and applications are in use? Who are the application service provider(s} that are providinQ service?

Is the implementation of standards under Task Area 4 Such requirements are determined at the

- Outsourcing (e.g., International Organization for task order level.

Article Standardization (ISO) 9000, Capability Maturity Model

18 C.2.4 Integration (CMMI), IT Services Management) limited to just these standards or will the implementation of DoD, NIST and Risk Management Framework security standards be acceptable?

RFP NIHJT2016015- Amendment 0003 Page 5 April 27, 2016

What technologies and platforms are in use currently Such requirements are determined at the for i} Data Base Administration and Data Storage task order level.

Management, j} Backup and Recovery Services

Article System Console Operations, k} Production Control and C.2.4 Management, I} Asset Management (including Radio

Frequency Identification [RFID] Tracking}, m} IT Acquisition Management, and n} Desktop Computing as a Unified Service?

Article Regarding the management of call centers, how many Such requirements are determined at the

C.2.4 call centers currently exist? Are the call centers 24x7 task order level.

operations?

Are there specific vendors with which the Government Such requirements are determined at the

Article works on hardware and software lease? Are there task order level.

C.2.4 specific Gov't lease agreement terms that contractors are to use or is it up to the contractor to provide such agreement?

Article Please confirm that the transition planning entails Such requirements are determined at the

C.2.4 transferring hardware/software back to the Government task order level.

and desionated environment.

Regarding C.2.4 Task Area 4 -- Outsource, what Such requirements are determined at the

Article technologies and platforms are in use currently for task order level.

23 C.2.4 solution leasing, Software-as-a-service (SaaS}, Cloud Computing, and what workflow management tools will be used to provide suooort in this Task Area?

Article Regarding C.2.5 Task Area 5 -- IT Operations and Such requirements are determined and

C.2.5

Maintenance, does Gov't expect the operations and addressed at the task order level.

maintenance support to be 24 x 7?

Regarding C.2.5 Task Area 5 - IT Operations and Such requirements are determined and

Article Maintenance, Transformation Services, is this related addressed at the task order level.

C.2.5 to data transformation? Also, what type of tool or technoloov is used to perform this function?

Regarding C.2.5 Task Area 5 - IT Operations and Such requirements are determined and

Article Maintenance, Continual Service Improvement, what addressed at the task order level.

26 C.2.5 does the Gov't expect the transformation service efforts involve? Does the Government plan to leverage CMMI or ISO for this effort?

Regarding C.2.5 Task Area 5 - IT Operations and Such requirements are determined and

Article Maintenance, Balanced Scorecard for Operations, is addressed at the task order level.

27 C.2.5 this effort in support of the Certification and accreditation? Also, what type of tool or technology is used to perform this function?

Regarding C.2.6 Task Area 6 - Integration Services, Such requirements are determined and

Article what type of tool or technology is used to perform Open addressed at the task order level.

28 C.2.6 Source Integration, Enterprise Data Management, Collaboration Tools, and Architecture Validation and Verification?

Article Regarding C.2.7 Task Area 7 - Critical Infrastructure Such requirements are determined and

29 C.2.7 Protection and Information Assurance, what type of tool addressed at the task order level.

or technoloav is used to support this function?

Regarding C.2.8 Task Area 8- Digital Government, Such requirements are determined at the

Article what type of tool or technology is used to support this task order level.

C.2.8 function and to which Government agencies and/or department are these services provided to?

Article Are there specific knowledge management tools that Any such requirements will be addressed C.2.8 are expected to be leveraoed for contract work? at the applicable task order level.

RFP NIHJT2016015-Amendment 0003 Page 6 April 27, 2016

Regarding C.2.9 Task Area 9 - Enterprise Resource Such requirements are determined and

Article Planning, could the Government explain which federal addressed at the task order level.

C.2.9 environment the applications and systems will be implemented at?

Article Regarding C.2.9 Task Area 9 - Enterprise Resource Such requirements are determined and

33 C.2.9 Planning, what type of tool or technology is used to addressed at the task order level.

support the sampling of work listed?

Regarding C.2.10 Task Area 10 - Software Such requirements are determined and

Article Development, what type of tool or technology is used to addressed at the task order level.

34 C.2.10 support the sampling of work listed?

Article What are the specific percentage requirements for The question is not clear. The NCAF

35 C.3.c reporting on the NIH Contract Access Fee Report? It reporting is as stated in the solicitation was not .included in this section. under Article C.3.

Article The proposal requires the offeror in various time Just as described in article C.3.e. and

36 C.3.e frames after the award, to submit "Internet Presence G.5.

Reports". Is there any standards for these?

Regarding the requirements of FAR Clause 52.219-14, This contract includes those provisions Limitations on Subcontracting, the National Defense that have been enacted in the FAR.

Authorization Act (NOAA) of 2013 added the concept of However, it up to the OCO to include any

Article 'similarly situated' firms being allowed more workshare. other applicable clauses or terms at the C.3.g While the FAR Council has yet to provide the words for task order level.

the FAR, we recommend NITAAC insert the words from the law into the RFP, and include that allowance in the annual reporting chart under article C.3.g.

If a CIO-SP3 contract holder has not received a Maintaining an adequate accounting

Article favorable accounting system audit result during a 12 system is a requirement of the contract.

38 C.3.h month period during contract execution, will the contractor still be eligible to bid T&M and FFP task orders?

Article Please clarify Article H. 7 should be reference not The citation should be Article H.7. This C.3.i Article H.6 will be corrected in an amendment.

Article Please clarify 508 compliance requirements on page c- Article C.3 states that the statement

40 C.3.i 9, article C.3, a. through e. regarding Section 508 does not apply to

C.3.a through e.

For the additional reporting requirements that are Only if you believe these to be relevant to specific to an agency (e.g., Information Security and the requirements of Sections Land M.

Article Physical Access Security Reporting Requirements for However, any such documents would C.3.i HHS Task Orders), but do not apply to this contract count against the maximum page would it be favorable to submit a draft of these limitations.

documents to the government with our proposal?

Page C-11, bullet i.2.a mentions "suitability level". This The following reporting requirements do

Article is only referenced once in the entire document. Please not apply to this contract; however, these

42 C.3.i.2 clarify what "level" in this context is. Is this security requirements apply to applicable HHS clearance level, experience level, or something else task Orders and will be defined at task entirely? order level.

Article Please confirm that this requirement applies at the task Paragraph C.3.i states that these

43 C.3.i.2 order level. requirements apply to applicable HHS

Task orders.

Article Please clarify Article H.7 should be reference not The citation should be Article H. 7. This

C.3.i.2.b Article H.6 will be corrected in an amendment.

RFP NIHJT2016015-Amendment 0003 Page 7 April 27, 2016

Paragraph C.3.i.3 within Article C.3 IT Security Plan Such requirements will be specified in (IT-SP) states "The contractor shall submit the IT-SP applicable task orders.

within thirty (30) days after contract award. The IT-SP

Article shall be consistent with, and further detail the approach C.3.i.3 to, IT security contained in the Contractor's bid or proposal that resulted in the award of this contract."

Please advise where offerors are supposed to detail the approach to IT security in the proposal submission.

Are the certifications and vulnerability assessments Any such requirements will be addressed

Article only for hosting systems associated with performance at the applicable task order level.

C.3.i.3 of a task order, or does it also apply to the Contractor's corporate network?

Article Please clarify Article H.7 should be reference not The citation should be Article H.7. This C.3.i.4 Article H.6 will be corrected in an amendment.

Will the Government please verify that a "FIPS 199" The language referenced in the RFP may assessment is the correct assessment required to be apply to HHS task orders, however other

Article performed by the contractor, as FIPS Publication 199 agencies may have similar requirements, C.3.i.5 addresses "Standards to be used by all federal and any such clause or language could agencies to categorize all information and information be included at the task order level.

systems collected or maintained by or on behalf of each agency ... ?"

Article Regarding the "Contractor-Employee Non-Disclosure Any such requirements will be specified

49 C.3.i.7 Agreement(s)". Is the contractor expected to submit in applicable task orders.

these NDA's as part of the proposal, or post award?

Is the contractor expected to submit the Contractor- Any such NDAs will be specified at

Article Employee Non-Disclosure Agreement(s) as part of the applicable task orders per the instructions C.3.i.7 proposal, or post award? that introduce that article.

Page C-13, bullet 8 references a Technical Progress Such requirements are determined at the Report; however, this report is not described in the task order level.

Article document. Assuming this is different from the reports C.3.i.8 listed in Article C.3 on C-9, please clarify what this report entails aside from possibly including the Vulnerabi lity Scanninq Report.

Article Regarding 8. Vulnerability Scanning Reports, what type Such requirements are determined at the

52 C.3.i.8 of scanning tool is used for the required monthly task order level.

special vulnerability scans?

Section D - Packaging and Marking

There were no auestlons under Section D

Section E - Inspection and Acceptance

There were no questions under Section E

RFP NIHJT2016015- Amendment 0003 Page 8 April 27, 2016

Section F - Deliveries or Performance

Question/Comment Response What does The Government mean by "exact period of Awards will be made by set-aside

Article performance end date shall correspond with the category. As such, the exact period of F.2.1 applicable set aside category"? performance for each category may be different.

Period of Performance indicates through 2022, Contractors selected under this Ramp On however, Article B.1, page B-1, indicates the following, Open Season can participate in the

Article "The Chief Information Officer-Solutions and Partners GWAC for the remaining period of

2 3 (CIO-SP3) Small Business Government-Wide performance of the GWAC, which is a F.2.1 Acquisition Contract (GWAC) is a ten (10) year ten-year contract. The current GWAC

Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. period of performance ends in 2022.

Please clarify the duration of the IDIQ.

Section G - Contract Administration Data

Question/Comment Response Several paragraphs in Sections G and H refer to Sections G and H pertain to the contractor requirements after award. Post award administration and special requirements implies prior to any task order bids or wins by the under the contract.

1 General contractor. Some of these requirements incur costs by the contractor. Would the Sponsor specify whether these requirements are due after contract award, or after task order win?

Article May a CIO-SP3 awardee bring business from other Yes. As stated in article G.2., the

2 G.2 agencies to the vehicle? contract is for use by all Federal

Government Agencies.

Article Is there a minimum qualifications requirement for the There are no minimum qualifications

3 G.3.2 proposed Program Manager (PM)? specified in the RFP. The offerer shall address the requirements of Factor 2.

Article Please confirm that the only key position under this The offerer's proposed program manager G.3.2 solicitation is the Contractor Program Manager. is the only required key personnel.

If a project does not specify a dedicated resource, Paragraph G.3.2 pertains to key Article would the Contracting Officer still need to be provided personnel.

5 G.3.2 with justification when a resource is actually a shared project resource?

1) Will the government please clarify at what point the The Program Manager represents the contractor PM "shall be an employee of the contractor." Prime Contractor and by extension all Specifically, is a resume and Letter of Intent sufficient CTA members. The requirement is for for GWAC IDIQ proposal submission or must the PM the proposed PM to be an "employee" of

Article be a full time employee at the time of proposal the offerer, or if not, the proposal must

6 G.3.2 submission? 2) When an offeror submits as a CTA, include a letter of commitment for the must each CTA member provide a KP resume for their proposed PM.

PM, or is only one PM for the entire CTA permissible?

3) Are there any other mandatory Key Person requirements?

Article Is the Contractor's Program Manager required to have Any requirements for a security clearance

7 G.3.2 a security clearance? If so, what type of clearance is will be specified at the task order level.

required?

RFP NIHJT2016015-Amendment 0003 Page 9 April 27, 2016

Article Does this requirement for Contractor Internet Presence The requirement applies to the prime

8 G.5 apply to only the CTA TAM Lead, or to all CTA contractor.

members?

Section G - Contract Administration Data, G.3.2 The legal business name is the name Contractor Personnel - Key Personnel, and G.6 under which the contract is awarded.

Electronic Communications, have requirements for

Article email address and electronic mailbox domain names

9 G.6 that "shall align with the contractor legal business name". Would the Government consider legal business name to include "doing business as" (OBA) contractor names - as part of the email address and electronic mailbox domain names?

Please confirm that ODC's, for travel and materials, are ODCs are addressed at the task order

Article priced separately at the task order level only. Is there a level. Any limitation is determined by the

10 G.7 ceiling/value limitation on ODC's at the task order level, OCO.

such as no more than 30% of the value of the services priced on the task order?

Article Is the E-GOS tied into the SBA database? No.

11 G.7.1

Section G.7.1.c Task Order Procedures states that the NIT AAC offers e-GOS training to NIT AAC Contractor's primary POC for the NITAAC e-GOS contract holders, the attendance in

Article account will receive mandatory training as required. addition to the mandatory POC is at the 12 G.7.1.c Will it be possible to train additional company discretion of the Prime Contract holder.

representatives as back-ups to the primary POC fore-

GOS?

Article Where can CIO-SP3 awardees find a listing of current This information is available in FPDS-NG.

13 G.7.2.c task orders with POP end dates?

At the task order level, will travel and ODCs be How this is determined will be addressed Article estimated and provided by the Government as part of at the individual task order level.

14 G.7.2.d the task order (plug number) or bid competitively by each company?

This section states that Subcontract Costs are Please refer to FAR 16.3 generally considered unallowable for Cost-

Article Reimbursement Task Orders. Please identify the 15 G.7.2.e situations wherein subcontractor cost incurred in the performance of a Task Order would be unallowable.

How else is the contractor reimbursed for said costs?

G.7.4 Service Contract Act states, in part, "The Any such labor categories would be preponderance of GWAC's labor categories are identified at the task order level.

considered bona fide executive, administrative, Article professional labor and are generally exempt from the 16 G.7.4 Service Contract Act (SCA)." This suggests that certain labor categories are, in fact, subject to the SCA.

If this is the case, can the Government please identify which GWAC labor categories are subject to the SCA?

If labor is subject to the SCA identified by the OCO on If a specific labor category is identified by

Article a specific task order, must the successful offeror bid the OCO as subject to the Service 17 G.7.4 the price at the SCA rate or at the rates originally Contract Act, the rates under the SCA proposed in the J.1 Pricing Table? would normally aooly.

Article As per RFP, Travel will be reimbursed at actual cost, Travel is subject to the limitations of FAR

18 G.7.7 however is there any upper limit for travel and ODC 31.205-46.

cost?

Article Reference paragraph G.7.7.b, how will a vendor That is a matter to be addressed with the

19 G.7.7.b identify one or more of these "unallowable costs" to the OCO at the task order level.

OCO, if they are a critical component to the task order?

RFP NIHJT2016015- Amendment 0003 Page 10 April 27, 2016

Article Please confirm that the NCAF is 0.55% of the total task The NCAF is currently .55% (i.e., 20 G.8 order and not ".55% of one percent" (0.000055). 0.0055).

Should offerors factor the 0.55% NCAF fee into their No. Article G.8 states that the NCAF is Article cost reimbursable rates, factored into hourly rates for identified as a separate CUN at the task

21 G.8 the IDIQ cost proposal, or shown in another way in the order level.

IDIQ cost submission?

Article Please confirm that the NCAF fee payment is a Paragraph G.8.d provides instructions for

22 G.8.d monthly payment, due AFTER contractor has received paying the NCAF.

oayment from their Government client.

Article Does NIT AAC have an estimate on the number of Article G.12 provides the best estimate

23 G.12 events awardees are expected to participate in available.

annually? Locations?

Page G-11 states that the contractor should participate These are post-award requirements. By

Article in community action groups in order to understand submitting a proposal, the offeror is 24 G.12 needs, develop strategies, etc. How should this agreeing to these terms and conditions.

requirement be addressed in the proposal submission?

Section H - Soeclal Contract Reaulramants

Question/Comment Response Several paragraphs in Sections G and H refer to Sections G and H pertain to the contractor requirements after award. Post award administration and special requirements implies prior to any task order bids or wins by the under the contract.

1 General contractor. Some of these requirements incur costs by the contractor. Would the Sponsor specify whether these requirements are due after contract award, or after task order win?

Article Does "skill level category" mean a new labor category Could be either depending on the

2 H.1 .1 or an additional level (Level IV, for example) of an requirements of the specific task order.

already-existing labor category?

Section H 1.1 Unique Professional Skills- Task Order No. Any such unique labor categories Level, para. (1 )Will the Government accept additional would be addressed at an applicable task new labor categories for the Contractor and order level.

Article subcontractors on a team that represent core

3 H.1.1 capabilities in the proposal submission that demonstrate additional value to the required task areas, and will the contract labor categories and rates be updated to reflect addition of the unique labor categories at the task order level?

Paragraph H.7.D.c.1, IT Security Plan (IT-SP), within The proscription to Article H.7 states that Article H.7 Information and Physical Access Security this article is only applicable to specific states "The IT-SP shall be consistent with, and further task orders. As such, any issues

Article detail the approach to, IT security contained in the pertaining to an IT Security Plan would

4 H.7 Contractor's bid or proposal that resulted in the award be addressed at the time of such a task of this contract." Request the Government provide order.

clarification regarding the section (Factor/Subfactor) in which the offeror must detail the approach to IT security.

What organization is responsible for any required Such requirements are specified at the

Article contractor CAC badges and security clearances, NIH task order level.

5 H.7 or the Task Order technical point of contact/CCR oraanization if that oraanization is not NIH?

Article Will automation include implementation of new tools or Any such requirements will be addressed

6 H.7 using the existina tools? at the applicable task order level.

RFP NIHJT2016015- Amendment 0003 Page 11 April 27, 2016

In Article H.7 - D (c)(6) "Contractor and subcontractor That is a matter addressed at the employee training- The Solicitation is requiring the applicable task order level Contractor shall ensure that its employees, and those

Article of the Subcontractors, performing under this contract

7 H.7 complete "HHS- furnished initial and refresher security and privacy education and awareness training". Can the Government please confirm whether the time spent taking the training will be an allowable/billable expense?

Article Will the IT security requirements of the solicitation That is a matter addressed at the

8 H.7 apply in full to all document scanning orders under applicable task order level Task 3?

Article Who conducts the fingerprinting and at what location? That is a matter addressed at the H.7.A applicable task order level

Article Does NITAAC have reciprocity between other federal That is a matter addressed at the

10 H.7.A civilian agencies to transfer existing public trust applicable task order level investigations?

Article Will the contractor be required to provide computers or That is a matter addressed at the H.7.8 will government-issued devices be issued? aoolicable task order level

Article Will the Government please clarify with respect to That is a matter addressed at the

12 H.7.8 Section (a), whether "sensitive information" has been applicable task order level categorized as Moderate or High under FIPS 199?

Regarding Security Requirements for Federal Any such requirements will be specified

Article Information Technology Resources, Government in applicable task orders.

13 H.7.D Access for IT Inspection, does the Government intend to perform physical audits on all Contractors and Subcontractor's facilities for all awardees?

Page H-6, bullet D.b.1.c requires the Contractor be That is a matter addressed at the responsible for ensuring the timely and reliable access applicable task order level

Article to and use of information.

H.7.D Would this availability requirement still apply to solutions implemented onsite and dependent upon the agency's network?

Will these mandatory training, role based training, rules That is a matter addressed at the

Article of behavior training be provided to the successful applicable task order level

15 H.7.E.2 awardee personnel for free or do we have to include such cost? If the cost has to be included, could you please advice what such cost will be per person?

Per Section H.8, p. H-12, does the Government require This provision applies if proposing EIT

Article the proposal submission to include a HHS Section 508 supplies or services, which is normally a 16 H.8 Product Assessment Template or is this a Task Order matter addressed at the task order level.

specific requirement?

In which of the six proposal sections shall we address This provision applies if proposing EIT

Article any exception to Section 508 requirements, and will the supplies or services, which is normally a 17 H.8 disclosure of exceptions have an effect on the matter addressed at the task order level.

evaluation of a proposal?

Article H.12 Security Considerations includes the The link is embedded on the name of the

Article following statement. "The DD Form 254 is available at form.

18 H.12 the following site: DD Form 254." The link to the DD Form 254 appears to be missing. Request that the Government provide the DD Form 254 to offerors.

RFP NIHJT2016015- Amendment 0003 Page 12 April 27, 2016

Small business contract holders were recently afforded Article H.15 gives the contracting officer an opportunity to expand their task order coverage, i.e. discretion to qualify for additional task

Article a small business contractor that held four task areas areas if determined to be in the best 19 H.15 may now hold all ten. Will the government explain the interest of the government.

rationale and process behind the expansion?

Under what circumstances would the Government See FAR 52.249-6 or FAR 52.249-8, as ramp a contractor off this GWAC? Would a contractor applicable.

be notified before this action is taken to be given an

Article opportunity to improve (similar to the procedures in a

20 H.16 termination)? This clause is a concern to a small business that expends substantial bid and proposal dollars to secure a GWAC award only to be ramped-off at a later date. We request that there be specifics tied to the ramp-off criteria.

Does the requirement for contractors that are awarded Yes.

Article a contract based on a FAR 9.601 (1) Contractor Team

21 H.18 Arrangement (CT A) to obtain PCO approval prior to replacing or deleting team members apply to Joint Ventures?

Article Are CT A members individually awarded T A's or is the Any task orders are awarded to the prime H.18 CTA as an entity awarded Task Areas? contractor.

Section I - Contract Clauses

Question/Comment Response

1 General Please clarify how Data Rights and Intellectual Such requirements will be specified at the Property are addressed within the CIO-SP3 Contract. task order level.

For the Small Business pool for CIOSP3 - will the Limitation on subcontracting applies to

Article Small Business prime be required to perform a certain the contract (IDIQ) as a whole.

2 1.4.a percentage of work per task order or will the percentage be calculated at the total IDIQ level across task orders?

Articles Additional FAR clauses are applicable for specific set These provisions apply to individual Task

1.6, I. 7, aside categories. Do these provisions apply to Orders

3 individual task orders or over the life of the entire 1.8 contract?

J - List of documents/exhibits & other attachments

Question/Comment Resoonse Are the completed attachments (section J) required They are required to be submitted with

1 General to be incorporated in the proposal or can they be the proposal.

uploaded separately?

The current RFP does not have Compliance checklist Offerers should only submit what is

2 General that was the Attachment J.5 in previous RFP. Should required in the RFP.

we submit one?

Attachment On attachment J-1, should cell A 109 be "0002 Yes 3 J.1 CWOO" for Contractor Site?

RFP NIHJT2016015- Amendment 0003 Page 13 April 27, 2016

Please confirm that there are no years of experience, Please refer to the first paragraph of specific certifications, or education requirements for Attachment J.2. Any specific

Attachment the labor categories in J.2., and if not, how will a qualifications would be specified at the

J.2 labor rate be consistently evaluated across offering task order level.

organizations if the criteria can be estimated differently by each orQanization?

Attachment Please clarify expected responses for the The description is clear the way it it

5 J.3 "Organizational Unit within the Organization" field on written.

the Summary Reference Information Sheet.

Regarding Attachment J.3 Summary Reference No. Offerors are required to provide this

Attachment Information Sheet, page J.3-1 of 1: Could Gov't information on-line in EPIC.

6 J.3 provide WORD version of the Attachment J-3 so that the data fill can be done more easily?

Attachment Will the on-line version of Attachment J-3 have the Yes

7 J.3 same submission deadline as the rest of the proposal?

Since Attachment J.3, Summary Reference Correct. The information is required to Information Sheet, includes the Department/Agency, be entered into EPIC.

points of contact information, contract value, period

Attachment of performance, and contract type which will all be

J.3 entered into EPIC, please confirm that offerors are not required to provide this same information with each reference when responding the requirements in paragraph L.3.4.a.

Regarding the past performance questionnaires, in The offeror will have to submit a new the event the original contact person does not questionnaire.

Attachment respond timely, would the Government then send the

J.3 form via EPIC to that Alternate Point of contact specified? Or, does the Offeror need to re-submit the original form, overwriting lines 3 through 7?

Attachment Attachment J.3 and Attachment J.4 appear to both See paragraph L.3.4.b 10 s be the customer surveys containing nearly the same

J.3 & J.4 information. Can the government please clarify?

We would like to confirm that Attachments J.3 and Correct. The information will be

Attachment J.4 are provided for reference and for the purpose of submitted through EPIC.

gathering relevant company POC information only, 11 s and that the responses should be submitted entirely J.3 & J.4 through EPIC. The forms /questionnaires themselves should not be included in the body of the proposal.

If we use a past performance customer reference for That is up to the discretion of the offeror.

Attachment a contract where we were a subcontractor, should

12 J.4 the Department/Component field be the end customer (ie. Agency) or the name and division of the Prime contractor we supported?

Section K • Representations/certifications & other statements of bidders

Question/Comment Response If Offeror is considered the entire team not just the If the proposal is submitted in the form of prime then does each subcontractor need to a FAR 9.601(1) CTA, all CTA members

1 Section K- complete Attachment J.5? are required to complete the General representations and certifications as required under Section K (see L.3.1.e( 1 )(i)).

RFP NIHJT2016015- Amendment 0003 Page 14 April 27, 2016

Because the fillable form will not allow completion of The form should be fillable as is. If not, Section K-either the yes or no box on page 9 of 11, Item 2, you can fill in the information on the pdf.

2 K(2) Proposal Disclosure-Cost Accounting Practice Changes, would the Government please reissue the form with fillable blocks for Item 2 on Page 9?

Section K- Where are the "additional Representations, They are available through the link in the

3 K(2) Certifications, and Other Statements of Offers"? Will RFP. A copy is also included as a new the government please provide? Attachment J.7 In the Representations and Certifications accessed Section 7 in only applicable for through the link provided in Section K.2: Page 10 of acquisitions set-aside for a Disaster or 11, Item 7.a, Set-aside area: The area covered in Emergency Area under FAR Subpart 26.2

Section K- this contract has not been filled in, therefore, we are

K(2) unclear how to respond to item b. Representations in this section. Would the Government please clarify the requirement and/or complete the "Set-aside area" for Item 7.a on Page 10?

In 'Representations, Certifications, and Other The GWAC is not a set-aside for a Statements of Offers' attachment (i.e, file Disaster or Emergency Area under FAR

Section K-section_508), for item 7 - Disaster or Emergency Subpart 26.2.

5 K(2) Area Representation, (Aug 2006), FAR Provision 52.226-3, no set-aside areas are provided in 7(a).

We won't be able to complete 7(b) without 7(a) being completed.

In the additional Representations, Certifications, and Section K (2) states that this document

Section K- Other Statements of Offers, can we simply indicate must be provided in *pdf format as part of

6 K(2) the statement under 1.(b)(2)(i) that "Paragraph (d) the proposal.

applies" or are we required to actually complete the Reps & Certs?

Section L.2.12.a(1) requires the documents to be The additional Representations, submitted as separate files. Item (d} is described as Certifications, and Other Statements of "Representations and Certifications" and item (e) is Offers should be uploaded as one file.

described as "Other Statements of Offerors (Section The solicitation will be amended to clarify

Section K- K (2))". However, the form provided in Section K(2} this point.

7 K(2) appears to combine both the Representations and

Certifications and the Other Statements of Offerors as one document. Would the Government please clarify how these documents are to be addressed and uploaded?

If HUBZone certification is in progress is it allowable The FAR 52.219-1 Small Business to submit as HUBZone? Program Representations certification that

Section K- must be submitted with the proposal 8 K(3) requires the offeror to represent its

HUBZone status at time of proposal submission.

Can the government please clarify what happens if a The size determination is made at the time

Section K- Contractor qualifies as a Small Business at time of the representation is submitted with the

9 K(3) proposal submission, but no longer qualifies as a proposal.

Small Business at time of award? Will the contractor still receive an award?

RFP NIHJT2016015-Amendment 0003 Page 15 April 27, 2016

Section L • Instructions/conditions and notices to bidders

Question/Comment Response We understand that if a small business outgrows the See FAR Clause 52.219-28, Post-Award

Paragraph small business size standard, it will remain on the Small Business Program Representation

1 vehicle as an "other small business" or similar (July 2013) and FAR 19.301-2 l.1 designation, and will remain eligible for task order awards. Is this correct?

This section includes five FAR clauses incorporated The full text of these clauses can be found by reference and indicates that these clauses may under include fill-ins required by the offeror. The RFP also htt1r//www.acguisition.gov/far/index.html

Paragraph states that: "Upon request, the PCO will make their If you cannot access the clauses through

2 full text available." In order to ensure we are fully the website, please submit a request to L.1.1 compliant and have accessed the correct and the contracting officer stating the specific intended Solicitation Provisions, would the clause(s) you need to see in full text.

Government please make the full text of each provision available?

Paragraph In which section do you want us to provide the This information should already be

3 information requested in the FAR clause 52.232-38? available in the Offeror's listing in the l.1.1 System for Award Management (SAM)

Please define what the Sponsor refers to as the The cover sheet noted in Section L.1 .2 is

Paragraph Cover Page (also referred to in Section L 1.2). the same as the Cover letter L.3.1.a. The

L.1.2 solicitation will be clarified in an amendment.

Paragraph L.3.1 .a states the cover letter shall The solicitation will be clarified to note that address information required by FAR 52.215-1(c)(2). the FAR Clause 52.215-1 and that the It appears that the reproduction of this FAR clause in information provided in the Cover Letter section L.1 .2 is a tailored version of the FAR clause should use the text of the modified clause as the numbering is slightly different and the clause in the solicitation.

Paragraph provides for a different restrictive marking to be

L.1.2 included on the cover page of submitted proposals, from that provided under FAR 52.215-1 online.

Would the government confirm they want offerors to use the full text clause of FAR 52.215-1 provided in the solicitation versus the one to be found online at the FARSite?

Paragraph Do we need to include the full disclosure statement Cover letter is sufficient for the full

6 on the first page of each new section document? Or disclosure statement. Otherwise, follow L.1.2 is its inclusion on the cover letter sufficient? the requirements of section L.1.2.

Does Paragraph L.1.2.c.3(ii)(1) state that if proposals No. That reference is a subpart of section

Paragraph are submitted electronically (requirement states L.1.2.c.3(ii)(A). All proposals are required

7 L.1.2 proposals need to be submitted electronically via to be submitted electronically by the time EPIC) then they need to be received by 5:00 p.m . on and date indicated in the solicitation.

April 15, 2016?

Paragraph Please clarify what the government will accept as That is as determined by the Offeror.

L.1.2 evidence of signature authority.

Section L.1 .2 (d) indicates that the proposal The amendment will clarify that the

Paragraph response will be valid for the number of days Government requires proposals to be valid

9 specified in the solicitation cover sheet. There is no for a minimum of 365 days from date L.1.2.d date on the…