BPN_-_Responses_to_Solicitation_Questions.pdf

Responses to Solicitation Questions

1) Should I be including the expected "Travel Cost" in my Bid?

Yes, please see question #12 for more details.

2) Is a Commercial office location required to apply?

No.

3) when will the consultant have the clarity on the time to be allocated for this project as the description is pretty broad?

It is anticipated that a minimum of twenty (2) hours of support is required annually. A not‐to‐ exceed(NTE) amount of 800 optional hours shall be exercised if needed. BPN decides on the number of hours to be allotted based on the number of project and project requirements which are not pre‐ determined. However, if a Consultant is chosen and assigned to a project, they can expect to spend about 1 ‐ 1.5 hours every 2 weeks to attend to Lead Development Team (LTD) calls. There may or may not be other work, as needed.

4) Where can I get access to the Bid's that were approved in the past for similar roles that I can use as a guide.

Bids are source selection information that cannot be shared.

5) For first time applicants like my company is there any assistance provided?

There is no additional assistance provided. Prospective offerors are encouraged to read the solicitation details carefully and ensure they understand how proposals will be evaluated.

6) What are the aspects that are taken into account to evaluate the bids and How is the best bidder evaluated?

Bids will be evaluated based on the “evaluation criteria” provided in the solicitation.

7) When is the project expected to start?

The start date is expected in September, 2019.

8) Can you also clarify the Information Security requirement. Does one need to pre‐qualify for this before you bid?

There is not a pre‐qualification requirement for information security at the proposal deadline, but it is a requirement that information security requirements are complied with at the start of contract performance. The successful offeror must be capable of meeting that requirement. The successful offeror may coordinate with the NINDS Information Security Office on compliance questions. It is the expectation that consultants will not store data on their computers, but that their computer systems must meet all requirements including, but not limited to having antivirus software installed. Some requirements such as training will be completed after the contract is awarded.

9) In which section are performance related references to be included?

This information should be included within an offeror’s “Technical Response.” Please review the “Response Format” within the solicitation.

10) In which section should background experience be included?

This information should be included within an offeror’s “Technical Response.” Please review the “Response Format” within the solicitation.

11) The following paragraph contained in the solicitation:

Offerors should include the following statement within their proposal: “It is understood that a minimum of 20 hours is required and that up to 800 hours may be exercised during each contract period. It is also understood that a not‐to‐exceed travel amount of $3,000 annually applies to each contract period and may only be used with advanced approval.”

Is now revised to the following:

Offerors should include the following statement within their proposal: “It is anticipated that the Government will fund a minimum of twenty hours and that up to 800 hours may be funded and exercised during each contract period. It is also understand that a not‐to‐exceed travel amount of $3,000 annually applies to each contract period and may only be used with advanced approval.”

The contract type is labor‐hour and only the hours ultimately utilized will be reimbursed. The Government will fund a certain amount of hours that may be utilized, with the option for more hours to be funded. Travel reimbursement is subject to advanced approval.

12) Within the Pricing section ‐ please clarify what is meant/required by the paragraph: The price quotation must include an hourly rate as well as extended pricing for the full level of effort of each contract period. Options for increased quantity must also be detailed. A summary of the whole contract price should all options be exercised must also be included.

Since this requirement anticipates funding a minimum of twenty (20) hours of support annually, and a not to exceed amount of an additional 780 optional hours annually (for a total ceiling of 800 hours annually) – pricing must be provided in sufficient detail and should include the following information :

Base Period:

Hourly rate ‐ $ XX.00/hour Hourly rate x 20 hours = $_____ Hourly rate x 780 hours = $______ Travel NTE ‐ $3,000 Total (800 hours and travel) ‐ $XX____

Option Period 1:

Hourly rate ‐ $ XX.00/hour Hourly rate x 20 hours = $_____ Hourly rate x 780 hours = $______ Travel NTE ‐ $3,000 Total (800 hours and travel) ‐ $XX____

Option Period 2:

Hourly rate ‐ $ XX.00/hour Hourly rate x 20 hours = $_____ Hourly rate x 780 hours = $______ Travel NTE ‐ $3,000 Total (800 hours and travel) ‐ $XX____

Total (Base Period and Option Periods 1 & 2): $XX_____

13) Can we adjust our bid based on preliminary feedback from NIH, if we miss the mark on pricing?

The NINDS reserves the right to make an award without conducting negotiations. Therefore, all offerors are advised to provide their most competitive proposed costs within the initial proposal.