HITSS_III_RFP_-_QA_6-84_(002).pdf

Headquarters Information Technology Support Services (HITSS III) Request for Proposal

Questions and Responses 6-84

Question Answer

6. L.15(a) paragraph 7 on page 100 states "For the purposes of the Cost Volume, a Significant Subcontractor for both Core and the RTO pricing data is defined as a subcontractor expected to exceed $12.2M of the total proposed CORE contract value (Base plus Option Periods)." In other areas of the RFP, the definition of a Significant Sub for Cost Volume purposes appears to be different. For example, L.11(a)(2) uses 10% of the proposed contract value as the definition.

Similarly, Exhibits 2 and 2C (in the * footnote) specify >10% or $30.5M of the proposed contract value. Please confirm $12.2M of the total proposed CORE contract value (Base plus Option Periods) is correct.

The definition of a significant subcontractor for the Cost Volume is 10%. The inconsistencies will be revised via Amendment 3.

7.

L.11(a)(5) states "The proposal shall include a matrix showing where in the proposal the technical requirements of the SOW and the evaluation criteria of this RFP are satisfied (i.e. SOW element versus Offeror's proposal page numbers)." Please clarify whether the Government expects all PWS elements to be discussed in the Mission Suitability volume or only those corresponding with Section L and M instructions.

The offeror shall include a matrix showing where in their proposal the technical requirements outlined in Section L.12 of the RFP are satisfied.

8. In the event an updated Attachment A: PWS is released, we respectfully request that page numbers be added to the document.

In the event an update is made page numbers will be added.

9. Is any portion of PWS 34.0 CSSC to be proposed as part of the core services requirement? Or is 100% of the work procured

Section 34.0 is expected to be procured via an IDIQ task order.

When the IDIQ proposal for this section is provided by the via IDIQ task order? contractor, there should be consideration to the program reporting requirements and other operational type of requirements such as cost reporting, WYE reporting, configuration management, asset management, etc. that are applicable to PWS 34.0 CSSC.

10. Section 1 states "**Labor Categories - The Offeror shall provide Prime direct labor categories, in accordance with the Position Qualifications in Section 6 of this attachment."

Section 6 also states Position Qualification are to be included in Section 6. It appears the Position Qualifications should be included as part of Section 7. Please confirm.

This is an administrative error please see the revised Attachment C in Amendment 3.

11. G.5(c)(7) Installation service facilities: Motor Pool and IT Services through the Agency Consolidated End-user Services (ACES) contract is checked as being Government provided.

Please specify which ACES IT Services are provided. Does this include computers and cellphones for offsite personnel?

Computers will be provided for contractor staff supporting the contract. Cell phones, peripherals, media, and other mobile devices will be provided for select contractor staff depending on the role/function of the staff member and the requirements/services supported by staff members. This will be determined at the discretion of the government based on factors that will be communicated to the contractor at the time of contract effective date. Furthermore, any mobile devices, media, peripherals, cell phones, and computers provided by the contractor for contractor staff must be vetted with the government in terms of configuration, software, etc. for comparable technology, compatibility, and security controls.

Computers, mobile devices, media, peripherals, cell phones, etc. for off-site personnel will be subject to the same criteria, factors, and policies as on-site personnel.

The ratio of contractor staff with NASA issued computers, mobile devices, media, peripherals, cell phones, etc. will be determined based on the number of offsite personnel with consideration to the roles, functions, systems, and work required for the staff to perform work based on NASA policies in effect. Since this number is driven by contractor proposals, offerors are expected to estimate the computers for contractor staff that are off-site and should indicate the ratio assumed in their proposal.

12. Throughout the RFP, there are numerous references to the Statement of Work (SOW). For example, Section L.15(b)(2), page 102 states: “WBS Level 2 - Summary of estimated cost plus maximum available incentive fee by Core Statement of Work 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, etc.” Yet, Clause J.1, Attachment A refers to the Performance Work Statement (PWS). Please confirm that the Government has used SOW and PWS interchangeably and both refer to the same requirements included in Clause J.1, Attachment A.

The acronyms SOW and PWS are interchangeable and reference the same document which is Attachment A, Performance Work Statement.

13. Section L.15(b)(5), page 103 states: “Exhibit 2A shows the Core Requirements Direct Labor Hours, Direct Labor Hourly Rates, and Direct Labor Costs for each individual direct labor category by onsite versus offsite, per Contract Year at WBS Level 2 and then summarizing up to WBS Level 1 (Total Core Requirement). A separately identified and labeled Exhibit 2A shall be submitted for each individual CY and WBS Level from the Prime Offeror and each individual Significant Subcontractor.” The two Exhibit 2A’s included in the cost exhibits do not appear to match the description in the referenced paragraph. The first addresses Direct Labor Hours, Direct Labor Hourly Rates, and Direct Labor Costs for each individual direct labor category per Contract Year (without distinguishing onsite versus offsite). The second Exhibit 2A addresses Direct Labor Hours, Direct Labor Hourly Rates, and Direct Labor Costs for each individual direct labor category by

The Government intends for offerors to provide the information in Exhibit 2A via Contract Year. Please see Amendment 3 for revised Exhibits.

onsite versus offsite, per month (not Contract Year). Please clarify the instructions for Exhibit 2A.

14. Section L.15(b)(7), page 104 states: “For any Significant Subcontract that has a potential estimated value in excess of the threshold stated in Section (a) instructions above, BOEs must be provided for that subcontract following the above specified format.” Please confirm that the prime can submit a comprehensive BOE, inclusive of subcontractors, for the entire HITSS Core Requirements, provided portions performed by significant subcontractors are clearly delineated.

Yes.

15. Section L.15(b)(7), page 104 states: “An explanation of how all materials, travel, equipment, and other direct costs were estimated.” In addition, RFP Section B.6 includes non-proposed costs for Travel, Training, Maintenance Agreements, HITSS Catalog Purchases, Life Cycle Refresh and Tactical Plan. Please confirm that Offerors should include these non-proposed costs in their BOE for materials, travel, equipment, and other direct costs, and reference RFP Section B.6 as the explanation.

Section L.15(b)(7) last bullet is revised to read the following:

• An explanation of how all materials, travel, equipment, and other direct costs were estimated. Cost provided by the Government in clause B.6 are excluded from this requirement.

Please see Amendment 3 for changes to provision L.15(b)(7).

16. Section L.15(b)(7), page 103 states: “The BOEs are to be submitted for the entire potential five year period of performance (Base plus Option Periods) at the lowest WBS Level only (WBS Level 2).” Please confirm that the Government desires a BOE for each n.0 PWS section encompassing the Core Requirements (i.e., 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 ,…, 48.0).

Yes, offerors shall submit a BOE for each PWS Section.

17. The page limitation for the BOE is 100 pages. We respectfully request the page limitation be increased given the requirement to provide BOE's for as many as 49 Level 2 WBS

No, the Government will not increase the page limitation for the submission of BOE’s.

elements (average 2 pages each) combined with the requirement to provide separate BOEs for each subcontract.

18. This section defines the WBS Level 2 as "Summary of estimated cost plus maximum available incentive fee by Core Statement of Work 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, etc." The PWS for HITSS III has 49 Core PWS items. Having 49 WBS Level 2 areas will result in a significant number of pages in the cost volume.

Will the Government permit bidders to group the 49 PWS elements into fewer WBS elements?

No, the Government will not permit offerors to group the PWS elements into fewer WBS element.

19. The following Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) shall be used for Cost Volume proposal purposes:

WBS Level 1 - Summary of total contract estimated costs plus maximum available incentive fee – Core Total WBS Level 2 - Summary of estimated cost plus maximum available incentive fee by Core Statement of Work 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, etc.

Because the PWS includes 47 different levels, which could result in well over 300 different exhibits, please confirm that in accordance with the instruction in Section L, printed page 103, (4) & (5) that we are required to provide Exhibits 2 & 2A for each level of the PWS at level 2?

Yes, offerors are required to provide Exhibits 2 & 2A for Core requirements

20. Clauses, page 103, L.15 (b)(5) states "Exhibit 2A shows the Core Requirements Direct Labor Hours, Direct Labor Hourly Rates, and Direct Labor Costs for each individual labor category by onsite versus offsite, per Contract Year at WBS Level 2 and then summarizing up to WBS Level 1 (Total Core Requirement). A separately identified and labeled Exhibit 2A shall be submitted for each individual CY and WBS Level from

Please see the response to question 13.

the Prime Offeror and each individual Significant Subcontractor.

Exhibit 2A has both a monthly and yearly sheet. The instructions indicate exhibit 2a must be submitted for each calendar year (CY). However, the annual 2a already provides for each calendar year. Will the government clarify this requirement?

21. L.15(b)(4) requires that Min, Target, and Max Incentive Fee amounts be included on the WBS Level 2 Exhibit 2 worksheets. The Attachment I: Incentive Fee Plan awards the fee based on very specific criteria. For the purpose of the cost proposal, shall the fee amount shown on each Exhibit 2 represent the proposed fee percentage(s) multiplied by each Exhibit 2's proposed cost (i.e. so that fee is distributed across the 49 WBSs)? Or must the fee amount shown on each Exhibit 2 align with the nine Incentive Fee Plan Performance Criteria (i.e. represented on only 9 of the Level 2 WBS Exhibit 2 forms)?

For cost proposal purposes, the min/target/max fees shall be calculated against the cost proposed in the exhibit – alignment with Attachment I is not requested.

22. Alternatively, will the Government permit a Cost Volume WBS based on different organization? E.g., one mapped to the proposed contractor organization, or the WBS implied in Attachment I, III.A.4.b, Technical Performance Categories?

No.

23. PWS Section 25A.2 bullets 5, 6, and 7 refer to segments identified in sections 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, and 7.4. These sections are not in the PWS?

The PWS will be updated. Please see Amendment 3.

24. Volume II – Mission Suitability, Subfactor C Management Approach: RFP instructions state: “Offerors shall provide written Position Qualifications for all of their specific labor categories envisioned for this requirement.” These

No, the Government will not exclude the position qualifications from the page count.

qualifications can take up several dozen pages, severely limiting the number of pages available to address remaining Subfactor C elements.

Will the Government modify the RFP to place the Position Qualifications information outside of page count, as they have done before (e.g., in the NASA GSFC GITISS RFP.)

25. PWS Sections 34.34 and 34.35 refer to HDS. Can the Government define this Acronym?

HDS is the acronym for Headquarters Directory Services.

26. What is the percent of HITSS incumbents that are on site versus those on the contractors site?

The Government does not intend to provide this information.

This is irrelevant to the RFP since the current contract has several IDIQs that may or may not have on-site contractor staff for HITSS 3 (if the IDIQs are established by the NASA Headquarters organizations). Essentially, there is no way for the Government to provide an accurate percent of on-site versus off-site work.

27. PWS 16.4 states "Contractor shall ensure that all Hardware Asset Management (HWAM) information is monitored and reported using the authoritative NASA solution for HWAM and reporting." Does this include External Systems that are used to support related projects?

This includes external systems that are used to support NASA projects. However, the scope of asset management information and monitoring for the external systems should be assumed to be integrated and assumed to be collaborative with the teams managing and supporting those external systems.

28. We are anticipating a cost volume submittal of substantial size. Assuming 50 WBS elements (49 WBS Level 2 plus 1 WBS Level 1), we estimate the prime submission could be as many as 1000 pages per company (i.e 1000 prime + 1000 sub1 + 1000 sub2, etc). In addition, each significant sub will submit a sealed package potentially consisting of another 1000 pages.

To reduce the number of pages, would the Government consider eliminating the second Exhibit 2A which requires a breakdown of the proposed cost by month?

Please see response to question 13.

29. L.11(b)(1) Past Performance Volume IV. Will the Government add and exclude from the page count, a narrative that demonstrates a parent, affiliate, or predecessor companies' experience for the purpose of meaningful involvement to allow for the providing of enough information for the Government to make a determination of resources to affect performance of the proposed contractor?

No, the Government does not intend to modify the page count or exclude this information from the page count in past performance.

30. Several Government Points of Contacts for our contracts have indicated that they can no longer provide a PPQ for our performance and have directed us to use the completed CPAR in PPIRS (per FAR 42.1501, 42.1503) in lieu of the PPQ.

Should a PPQ not be returned due to stated issue, will this affect our Past Performance confidence rating? Will the Government accept the CPAR in lieu of the PPQ where the Contracting Office has indicated that they will not return the PPQ to NASA given that the CPAR is available and complete in

PPIRS?

No, the Government will not accept the CPARS evaluation in lieu of a questionnaire. However, as part of the past performance evaluation the Government may review PPIRS. It is impossible to comment on how this will affect an offerors past performance confidence rating without having all of the past performance information to evaluate.

31. Clauses, page 103, L.15 (b)(5) states "Exhibit 2A shows the Core Requirements Direct Labor Hours, Direct Labor Hourly Rates, and Direct Labor Costs for each individual labor category by onsite versus offsite, per Contract Year at WBS Level 2 and then summarizing up to WBS Level 1 (Total Core Requirement). A separately identified and labeled Exhibit 2A shall be submitted for each individual CY and WBS Level from the Prime Offeror and each individual Significant Subcontractor.

Exhibit 2A has both a monthly and yearly sheet. The instructions indicate exhibit 2a must be submitted for each calendar year (CY). However, the annual 2a already provides for each calendar year. Will the government clarify this requirement?

32. Clauses and Provisions, L.11(b)(1) refers to indices in the Mission Suitability Volume.

However, nowhere does it state what indices are expected in this volume. Will the Government please clarify what indices belong in Volume II- Mission Suitability?

Indices are where the offeror would inform the Government on which page information is provided (i.e. Table of Contents).

33. Clauses and Provisions, L.11(b)(1) refers to indices in the Past Performance volume. However, nowhere does it state what indices are expected in this volume.

Will the Government please clarify what indices belong in Volume IV- Past Performance?

Please refer to the answer provided for question 32.

34. Clauses and Provisions, L.11(a)(3) refers to a table of contents. However, nowhere does it state which volumes are required to have a Table of Contents and a Table of Figures and Tables.

Will the Government please clarify which volumes require the Table of Contents and the Table of Figures and Tables?

Offerors shall provide a table of contents for each proposed volume which can include a table of figures.

35. Attachment A, PWS, Pg 24, DRD 2-2-2-1-1 states delivered 5 days after contract start date. However, the paragraph above the table indicates within 15 days of contract award, the contractor must deliver these documents.

Will the Government please clarify which delivery time is correct?

The PWS will be updated via Amendment 3 to reflect 15 days for DRD 2-2-2-1-1.

36. Attachment A, PWS, pg 36, DRD 2-3-6-2 states "Risk Management Team Experience Profile" seems to imply that

It is up to the offeror to determine its technical approach and the Government cannot comment on this.

the Government is looking for a dedicated risk management team.

Please clarify if it is accurate to assume that the Government wants a dedicated risk management team?

37. Attachment A, pg 19, PWS 2.0.1b Program Certifications requires the contractor to have the following certifications prior to award of the contract. States the contractor shall have CMMI Level 3 and lists areas that are not all considered to be part of the CMMI Level 3 process, e.g. "cloud operations, testing, estimation of work".

The proposal states that certifications must be held by companies performing work in areas requiring certifications (CMMI Level 3 Services/Development). If the company leading the effort, such as Applications Development, holds a CMMI Level 3 Development certification, may companies without CMMI level 3 Development certification provide staff to support the effort so long as a company with the proper certification is leading the effort?

Whichever entity (prime and/or subcontractor(s) to the prime) whom is providing the staffing to support the services that require CMMI Level 3 certification shall provide the actual certification for that service area.

38. Will the Government please list which PWS requirements require CMMI Level 3 Service and which require CMMI Level 3 Development?

No, ITCD will not provide the list of PWS requirements for which CMMI level 3 is required. The clarification was added to the PWS in section 2.0.1b Program Certifications.

39. Attachment A, pg 40, Metric # 2-3-9-2-1 Service Capacity Management states "the contractor shall report service capacity risks to the Government within 4 hours of identifying the service capacity"

Will the Government please clarify whether this is 4 business hours or 4 calendar hours?

This is 4 calendar hours.

40. Attachment A, pg 20, 2.1 Program Management Reports & Reviews; “d” states "Plan, operate, and support daily Functional Change Control Board (FCB) to review and disposition new Work Requests, proposed change requests and work requests for applications, services, infrastructure, architecture, and systems of cross-Contractor or cross-service support and functions".

Will the Government please clarify if this is intended to be in person FCB with a team of contractor and Government personnel reviewing at a scheduled time?

Currently FCB is held virtually based on current ITCD requirements and a fixed schedule. ITCD reserves the right to modify this method of facilitation in the future but has and continues to work collaboratively with the contractor with regards to essential personnel for this meeting.

41. Attachment A, Pg 33/34, DRD 2-3-3-6 and DRD 2-3-3-8 both of these DRDs state they are for Portfolio Management and Project Management Audit Report.

Will the Government please clarify that this DRD requirement is required for both DRD's? Or should one of them be for something different?

2-3-3-6 is a status report. 2-3-3-8 is an audit report. These are two distinctly different reports although there could be some similar content contained in the status report.

42. Provisions & Clauses, Section G 1852.242-71 and Section H 1852.225-70 areas are about travel outside of the U.S. and Export Licenses.

Does the Government anticipate any out of country travel or the need for export outside of the U.S. on the HITSS contract?

There could be travel outside of the U.S. required of contractor staff supporting IDIQs. However, there are no known requirements for contractor staff supporting the core work;

nor is this an anticipated requirement.

There could be export outside of the U.S. required of contractor staff supporting IDIQs. However, there are no known requirements for contractor staff supporting the core work; nor is this an anticipated requirement.

43. Exhibits 1-14 pricing templates have only been provided in a PDF version. Due to the extensive requirements to provide detailed cost data. Will the Government consider making these documents available in the required Excel format?

Due to internal policies NASA will not be providing Exhibits 1- 14b in Excel format. Within the RFP the Government does provide instructions for converting PDF Versions to Excel.

44. Attachment A, pg 37, DRD 2-3-8-3 and 2-3-8-5 deliverables state that they are required daily.

What deliverable will the Government be expecting to demonstrate that both of these DRDs have been met each day?

We’re expecting (1) 2-3-8-3 and 2-3-8-5 to be delivered, (2) the data contained in these deliverables to be accurate, (3) logs/history of updates in the systems of record for this data to show updates, maintenance, etc. based on ITCD approval, (4) compliance with and evidence that the contractor has executed the processes defined for the activities (application portfolio management, software version management, etc.).

45. Attachment A, pg 124, 13.0 Customer Training states "The contractor shall have trainers certified and proficient in Shareable Content Reference Model (SCORM) and CMI5.

Will the Government please clarify how someone becomes certified in Shareable Content Reference Model (SCORM) as indicated by the reference?

No, there is sufficient information on the internet.

Additionally, there are several sources for how to obtain this certification.

46. The PWS section 2.3.10 states that NASA HQ will provide space for up to 28 contractor personnel for onsite support of Core requirements. Is this specifically for support of the Communications Support Services Center, or are the 28 contractors the maximum for the onsite personnel that NASA HQ can support for the entire HITSS contract? Please clarify.

NASA will provide office space for a maximum of 28 HITSS contractor personnel.

47. Attachment A, 2.0.1b Program Certifications states "Furthermore, the contractor (prime and/or subcontractors to the prime) performing work in the service areas, for which certifications are required for those service areas."

Will the Government please clarify which PWS sections require Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) certifications?

This was clarified in the final PWS and is located in the roles and functions for staff.

48. Clauses Section L.16(b) states "The questionnaire respondent shall be a representative from the technical customer and

No. As stated provision L.16 (b), Past Performance Questionnaires “respondent shall be a representative from the responsible contracting officer with direct knowledge of your firm's performance."

Is it sufficient to send PPQs to the reference contract's Contracting Officers as they have complete knowledge of contractor performance?

technical customer and responsible Contracting Officer with direct knowledge of your firm’s performance.”

49. Clauses, L.15 pg 109; L.16 page 109

On page 100, L.15 a "subcontract" is any contract, purchase order, material order, interorganizational transfer, etc, that is a direct cost to this acquisition. The offeror shall provide sufficient detail to support and explain all costs proposed. For the purposes of the Cost Volume, a Significant Subcontractor for both Core and RTO pricing data is defined as a subcontractor expected to exceed $12.2M of the total proposed CORE contract value (Based plus Option Periods).

Will the Government please clarify as to whether a Significant Subcontractor is one who will perform 10% of the work, or one that exceeds $12.2M of the total, or a combination of the two?

Please see response to question 6.

50. Has the agency solution for forms reporting been selected? Is it a COTS/GOTS solution or is it to be internally developed by programmers on staff?

The agency is moving to Adobe experience from Adobe Livecycle. This is targeted for completion in FY17/early FY18. An agency reporting solution for forms is still under agency review. This solution is managed outside of ITCD however, the HQ forms manager and team are engaged in feedback, testing, and other IT/solution focused activities that influence the maintenance and enhancement of the solution once it is implemented

51 How many new electronic forms are expected to be created per year?

The Government anticipates approximately 13 new forms will be created each year

52. How many electronic forms are currently maintained by HITTS contract?

Approximately 325 forms are being maintained by the HITTS contract.

53. Is Adobe LiveCycle the agency solution for electronic forms, or has this been upgraded to another Adobe product?

Adobe LifeCycle is the Agency solution for electronic forms;

however, the agency is moving Adobe Experience.

54. How many internal and external projects will the contractor be assigned per year?

This will depend on the size and scope of the projects and available budget to execute

55. PWS Section 6, how many internal and external projects will the contractor be assigned per year?

This will depend on the size and scope of the projects and available budget to execute

56. Can the government consider providing an Excel based cost workbook for Exhibits 1-14B? The conversion from pdf to Excel does work, however small inconsistencies do occur during conversion. Ex: Exhibit 14B, 2nd Row lists text as "Proposing Entity:", however it converts to Excel as "Pr ooosina En ti tv :". While this is insignificant, it does insert a level of uncertainty into the structure of the conversion. Also, this process inserts another level of inconsistency between the offers that are received. If an excel file is not provided, can the government give some assertion that non-critical elements that can result from the conversion (such as the example above) will not reflect negatively on any evaluation of an offerors proposal?

Please see response to question 43.

57. Will the Government please provide clarification on what equipment is NASA furnished and what the contractor provides for offsite locations as well as the contractor approval to operate requirements for IT infrastructure connecting to the NASA network from the offsite locations?

Please reference Installation Accountable Government Property (i.e. on-site property) and Government Furnished Property (i.e. off-site property) attachments for this information. After referring to these attachments it is up to the offeror to determine what property it will provide at its off-site locations. The approvals and requirements for IT infrastructure connecting to the NASA network from off-site locations will be provided during phase-in to the winning offeror.

58. In section (1) of the Proposal Format and Organization section, the submission requirement for the cost volume states “Original plus 5 hardcopies, one additional hardcopy for audit support purposes, and two electronic copies.”

Section (2) states “Prime Offerors and proposed Significant Subcontractors for Cost Volume proposal purposes defined as any subcontract that is likely to exceed 10% of the proposed contract value (Base plus Option Periods) shall include one (1) additional separately packaged hardcopy of their Cost Volume proposal, marked “Enter correct RFP number/NASA Proposal Evaluation Material,” which the Government may use for audit support purposes”.

Will the Government please confirm that significant contractors should submit a total of 6 hardcopies of the cost volume?

Significant contractors are to submit a total of 7 hardcopies of the cost volume (an Original plus 5 hardcopies, one additional hardcopy for audit purposes).

59. Clauses, page 103, L.15 (b)(5) states "Exhibit 2A shows the Core Requirements Direct Labor Hours, Direct Labor Hourly Rates, and Direct Labor Costs for each individual labor category by onsite versus offsite, per Contract Year at WBS Level 2 and then summarizing up to WBS Level 1 (Total Core Requirement). A separately identified and labeled Exhibit 2A shall be submitted for each individual CY and WBS Level from the Prime Offeror and each individual Significant Subcontractor.

Exhibit 2A has both a monthly and yearly sheet. The instructions indicate exhibit 2a must be submitted for each calendar year (CY). However, the annual 2a already provides for each calendar year. Will the government clarify this requirement?

60. Offerors want to provide NASA with the best proposal product as possible and with an updated PWS being released on July 21st, along with questions needing to be answered, will NASA consider granting a two week extension to the due date?

An extension was granted via Amendment 2.

61. RFP Clauses L.15(b)(7) says "BOEs shall be submitted by both the Prime and all significant subcontractors (subs) and shall comply with BOE page limitations.

Is the 100-page limitation applicable to all together or individually for prime and each sub?

Is the BOE from subs to be included in their sealed package?

As stated in provision L.11(b)(1) chart the page limitation for Basis of Estimates (BOE) is 100 pages. Section L.11(b)(1) also states that the “page limitation is for the total component (Prime and Significant Subcontractors).

BOE for Significant Subcontractors can be submitted with the Prime’s Cost Volume or in a sealed separate package however it is still subject to the BOE page limitation stated above.

62. L.11(a)(2) Proposal Format and Organization

Prime Offeror Elements of Cost by Work Breakdown Structure

(WBS)

L.15(a) Cost Volume Instructions

"(2) Prime Offerors and proposed Significant Subcontractors for Cost Volume proposal purposes defined as any subcontract that is likely to exceed 10% of the proposed contract value (Base plus Option Periods)"

“For the purposes of the Cost Volume, a Significant Subcontractor for both Core and RTO pricing data is defined as a subcontractor expected to exceed $12.2M of the total proposed CORE contract value (Base plus Option Periods)."

Please see the response to question 6.

"*Significant Subcontractor (>10% or $30.5M) of proposed contract value (Base and all Option Periods)"

Will the Government please clarify, what is the definition of a Significant Subcontractor for Cost Volume proposal purposes?

63. L.15; Attachment "HITSS_III_RFP_-_Exhibits_1-14B.pdf" Page 3 and 4 of the referenced pdf file have the same Exhibit referenced (2A). Which reference is correct, and what should the second referenced page be called? Also, is page 4 necessary since it is just a monthly representation of what is presented on page 3?

Please see the revised Exhibit 2A provided in Amendment 3.

64. L.15; Attachment "HITSS_III_RFP_-_Exhibits_1-14B.pdf" Pages 6 & 7 ask for a conversion of contractor FY rates to Government FY rates. We assume this is Contract year rather than GFY, as all other rates being provided are on a contract/Option year basis.

Yes, it should state contract year. This will be updated via Amendment 3.

65. L.15; HITSS_III_RFP_-_Attachment C-IDIQ Labor Rates lists GFY in the matrix, yet the RFP instructions suggest Contract Year (CY). It is assumed that CY is what is envisioned for this attachment since it also aligns with the Option Periods.

Please clarify.

Please see the revised Attachment C, IDIQ Direct Labor Rates, Indirect Rates and Fee Matrices provided in Amendment 3.

66. L.15; HITSS_III_RFP_-_Attachment C-IDIQ Labor Rates The referenced Attachment in section 1. References Section 6.

However, Section 6 is subcontrator labor. Please clarify if this should be Section 7.

Please see the response to question 10.

67. L.15; Attachment "HITSS_III_RFP_-_Exhibits_1-14B.pdf" states "A proposed Significant Subcontractor shall complete and submit Exhibits 2A, 2B, 3 through 14B…". If certain Exhibits (6, 7, 9, 10, 10A) do not pertain to the significant

Yes, all Exhibits should be submitted and if an exhibit does not apply to a significant subcontractor they can state “N/A”.

subcontractor's proposal, does the subcontractor need to include it within their sealed package?

68. Instructions for the Total Compensation Plan indicate that it is to be included in the Management Approach. While this will work for the Prime Offeror, a Total Compensation Plan is also requested of significant subcontractors. The Total Compensation Plan includes proprietary information, please confirm that the Total Compensation Plan should be included in the respective Subcontractors Sealed Proposal within the Cost Narrative?

Yes.

69. Please verify the contract effective date is after the 45 day Phase-in period and the contract start dates is after the phase-in period.

Yes. The contract effective date will occur after the 45 day phase-in period is complete.

70. PWS Section 2.1 Program Management Reports and Reviews

In the DRD table the frequency for the deliverables listed are monthly, weekly and daily. Are these deliverables due doing the 45 day Phase-In period?

In other DRD tables where the Frequency is not specified as after the contract effective date or after the contract start date are the deliverables due during the 45 day Phase-In period?

The DRDs in Section 3.0 are those DRDs that are due during contract phase in or during the stabilization Period. The DRDs referenced in Section 2.1 and other sections of the PWS, if not explicitly stated that they are due during Phase In shall use the “Contract Effective Date” as their starting point.

71 PWS Section 11.0 Customer Service

Please provide work load data such as the number of incidents and service request opened and closed per month.

On average there are ~150 incident ticket per month.

72. PWS Section 41. 0 Desktop Services and Support Please provide work load data such as the number of incidents and service request opened and closed per month.

Number of devices supported

For incident tickets assigned to HITSS, the numbers are included in the response to question 72.

73. Section L.11(b) (2) The font size and style is specified in paragraph 1, indicating Times New Roman 12 point for proposal text on a page. However, only the font SIZE is indicated in paragraph 2 for TEXT within graphics, schedules, charts, tables, etc. Please confirm if Arial 10 point is an acceptable font for text within graphics, tables, charts, schedules, artwork or photographs.

Yes.

74. The PWS section 2.3.10 states that NASA HQ will provide space for up to 28 contractor personnel for onsite support of Core requirements. Is this specifically for support of the Communications Support Services Center, or are the 28 contractors the maximum for the onsite personnel that NASA HQ can support for the entire HITSS contract? Please clarify.

NASA will provide office space for a maximum of 28 HITSS contractor personnel. It is up to the contractor to determine which function these individuals support.

75. RFP Clauses L.14 c, L.17, L.15(b)(20).

Page 95 states that “The Offeror shall provide a written task plan addressing the representative task included as Enclosure

1. In accordance with the Task Ordering Procedure clause in Section H of this solicitation, each task plan shall identify the technical approach, labor categories, projected hours, Government interface, the flow of activities from start to completion (including time line), and any other information required to determine the adequacy and reasonableness of the Offeror’s plan.” 1. The instructions state the Task Ordering Procedure is in Section H, however it appears that clause is located within Section I (eye). Please confirm that clause I.17 is the correct clause to reference regarding this requirement.

Yes, this should reference Section I. This will be updated via Amendment 3.

76. Will the Government please provide clarification on what equipment is NASA furnished and what the contractor provides for offsite locations as well as the contractor

Please see the response to question 57.

approval to operate requirements for IT infrastructure connecting to the NASA network from the offsite locations?

77. L.15(b)(2); L.15 (b)(2)

Page 108 states that “Offerors will be permitted to offer costs for task orders to be placed at lower rates/fees than are listed in these matrices in accordance with the “Task Ordering Procedure” and “Supplemental Task Ordering Procedures” clauses of this contract.” Please provide the contract clause reference to Supplemental Task Ordering Procedures.

Offerors can find GSFC 52.216-91 Supplemental Task Ordering Procedures (Cost Reimbursement) in section B of the RFP as clause B.5.

78. L.11(a) (1) table

The requirement for electronic copies states two for each volume. Will NASA confirm that all volumes can be submitted on one disk and all that is required is a total for two electronic copies?

No. Offeror shall submit each volume on its own disk.

79. L.16 (b)

Will NASA confirm that the past performance consent letters required from significant subcontractos do not count against the page count of 25 pages?

This consent is part of the offeror Past Performance Questionnaire section and does not count towards the page limitations for the Past Performance Volume.

80. PWS 28, Metric 28.2.-1

This metric requires the contractor to pilot, propose and/or implement 10 new technologies, innovations or techniques per month. Can the Government please clarify within this context what is meant by “implement?” Does this mean a proof-of-concept, or a more robust demonstration? Are these implementations or pilots conducted at HQ or would they be given at the contractor facility?

The Government believes this requirement is clear. The place of implementation will depend upon the nature of the improvement, innovation, new technology, etc.

81. Can we assume that PWS areas 1-48 represent all of the HITSS core areas and the PWS 49 is non-core IDIQ support?

Yes.

82. Can we assume that BOEs are only required for the core (PWS 1-48) areas?

Yes.

83. If the Government is not able to provide detailed workload data, would the Government please consider releasing historical staffing levels for HITSS Support for each of the PWS areas. Not having access to the workload data or the historical staffing levels makes it difficult to provide accurate estimates and gives the incumbent (who has access to this data) an unfair advantage in this competition.

The Government believes that sufficient information has been provided to adequately propose on the requirement.

84. Which Clearance Tracking System does NASA use, JPAS or

SCATTERED CASTLES?

NASA uses the Office of Personnel Management Clearance Verification System for clearance tracking.