SimLabs_III_Final_RFP_Q&A_Set_1_-_02_14_2017.pdf

Technical Services for Aerospace Modeling and Simulation (SimLabs) III

NNA17568278R

Final RFP Question & Answer Set 1 February 14, 2017

1. The final RFP contains a significant change in relevant past performance size criteria. The draft RFP indicated a total contract value for past performance contracts of $1,000,000 for the prime. The final RFP has increased that size minimum to $10,000,000 total contract value or an average of $2,000,000 per year. This tenfold increase comes at a time after many small business primes have formulated their teaming approaches based on a dramatically lower requirement. The new past performance contract size minimum will exclude many well-qualified small businesses in NAICS 541330 from being able to competitively bid on this contract, because there will be either no qualifying contracts, or too few qualifying contracts in past performance. Will the government consider changing the total contract value for past performance contracts to $4,000,000, or an average of $1,000,000 per year?

The NASA FAR Supplement (NFS) states that the past performance evaluation factor will be used to assess “each offeror's record of performing services or delivering products similar in size [emphasis added], content, and complexity to the requirements of the instant acquisition.” The past performance reference contract thresholds in the final RFP reflect this requirement.

Per RFP Section L.8 (b) C (2), if the Offeror or Major Subcontractor does not have enough references to meet these requirements, references shall be provided to the maximum extent possible.

As indicated in RFP Section M.2 (b) (2), in the case of an Offeror without a record of relevant past performance or for whom information on past performance is not available, the Offeror may not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably on past performance [see FAR 15.305(a) (2) (ii) and (iv)].

2. Is there a deadline for questions to NASA in the Simlabs III RFP NNA17568278R?

Questions must be submitted in writing to bethany.a.mcclave@nasa.gov on or before February 24, 2017.

3. Since the Past Performance listing is due 15 days before the RFP submission deadline, and that date falls on a weekend, can you please allow for the required information to be due to you by March 6, 2017?

Amendment 01 revises the due dates for the past performance reference contract list and completed questionnaires to March 6, 2017 and March 13, 2017, respectively. Please refer to the amendment for other changes, including a revised Past Performance Questionnaire.