NNK16585040R_KISS_IV_QsandAs.pdf

NNK16585040R KISS IV

Questions and Answers

1. Has the base 1880 hours per year per employee been reduced to reflect the increase in sick leave effective 1/1/17 to 56 hours; an addition of 16 hours over the previous 40-hour requirement?

Answer: The base 1880 hours per employee per year has not been reduced to reflect the increase in sick leave effective on January 1, 2017. Pursuant to Executive Order 13706 – Establishing Paid Sick Leave for Federal Contractors, employees of federal contractors and subcontractors shall receive 56 hours of paid sick leave under contracts covered by the Service Contract Act where the solicitation for such contract was issued on or after January 1, 2017. KSC issued the KISS IV RFP on September 28, 2016.

2. The solicitation includes FAR 52.219-14 Limitations on Subcontracting (NOV 2011).

Recently, the U.S. Small Business Administration published the final rule rewriting the limitations on subcontracting rule, effective 30 June 2016. Would the Government incorporate the SBA's guidance on limitations on subcontracting effective 30 June 2016 into the solicitation?

Answer: NASA will not implement the SBA’s guidance until it is incorporated into the

FAR.

3. According to IRS regulations, an individual is an independent contractor if the payer has the right to control or direct only the result of the work and not what will be done and how it will be done. What control or right to control will the offeror and/or NASA have over what an individual does and what tools/supplies will be used on the KISS project and how the individual does his or her job? For instance, would Independent Contractors be required to work in a specific location and/or during specific work hours? Are they required to perform work on a government computer that is accessible only by a CAC card? Please advise.

Answer: Refer to 5.6.1.1 Management Plan. In addition, refer to RFP Sample PWS Section

5.6.3. Refer to RFP Section 2.21 of Amendment 2 for list of the government property and services that will be provided to Contractor in employees. Refer to the RFP Sample PWS to determine what duties the Contractor employees will be assigned and RFP Section 1.3 for the location. Finally, all positions require Personal Identification Verification card for access to the facilities and Government-owned technology.

4. DRD 10 advises that “Hiring, Training, Retaining and Succession Planning” is part of the Management Operating Plan; at the same time this is included in the Technical Approach in DRD10 and in 5.6.1.2 of the PWS. What section in Volume 1 would the government prefer to have this addressed?

Answer: To clarify, Part I of the Management Operating Plan asks for the approach to ensure customer satisfaction, and the method for interfacing with the Government and other stakeholders to ensure the contract requirements are met. Whereas, Part II Technical Approach asks for the strategies and process for recruiting and retaining quality personnel.

5. We believe that a correction is required for Part 1 Management Plan/Section B/Contract Phase-in: Should it read DRD 12?

Answer: Yes, the RFP Section 5.7.2 Cross Reference Table has been revised to correct the reference to contract Phase-in Plan as DRD 012.

6. Will affiliate experience and past performance be evaluated for ANC affiliate companies provided the proposal shows that the company lending the past performance has made a firm commitment to have a meaningful involvement in contract performance?

Answer: Past Performance will be evaluated per RFP Section 6.1.3. Also, per RFP Section 5.6.3(a) offerors may submit additional information at their discretion if they consider such information necessary to establish a record of relevant performance.

7. RFP References: Section 6.1(d), page 81 – “Options. The Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement, and Phase-in. The Government may determine that an offer is unacceptable if the option prices are significantly unbalanced.” Will the Government provide additional detail on the evaluation criteria for determining acceptability for the Phase-in cost?

Answer: No, the Government will not provide additional detail on the evaluation criteria, however, RFP Section 5.6.2.3.2, has been revised in Amendment 2 to clarify that offerors may perform phase-in at their own expense.

8. 6.1.3 Past Performance (Volume III) Evaluation Criteria. In regard to section 6.1.3 Past Performance (Volume III) Evaluation Criteria, the Government explains that they will evaluate recent and relevant past performance. Recentcy is then defined as within the past 3 years.

Relevancy is defined as 1) similar in size, 2) content, and 3) complexity. Size is defined as more than $3 million per year; however, content and complexity are not defined in a way that offerors can determine how other contracts will be evaluated against these factors. The scope of the KISS IV effort contains so many different job and departmental functions, it’s unlikely that 8(a) small businesses with under $7.5M in annual revenue (KISS IV NAICS: 561110 Size Standard is $7.5 million annual receipts) will have contracts that will match the content and complexity of KISS IV’s. Given this, will the Government define the level of content and complexity that will be considered relevant as they did for the “similar in size” definition?

Answer: Please review the Past Performance Evaluation Criteria as defined in Section 6.1.3 of Amendment 2. Reference RFP Section 5.6.3(a)7. Offerors shall describe the relationship of their previous work experience to the work that will be performed under KISS IV; i.e.

how is it specifically comparable.

9. Section 5 and Section 6 are stand-alone PDFs, but are also included in the “RFP clauses.pdf” file. Please clarify if this is intentional. We respectfully request that the Government remove the duplication there’s only one source for instructions and evaluation.

Answer: There is only one source of instructions. Sections 5 and 6 were pulled from the RFP and placed in a separate folder for the offerors convenience.

10. Can a Mentor/Protégé Joint Venture submit past performance from both/or either part of the joint venture to be considered as Prime Contractor for past performance?

Answer: Yes, a Mentor/Protégé Joint Venture can submit past performance from both/or either part of the joint venture for past performance.

11. Can a grouping of task orders under one IDIQ be used to count as one contract for past performance to meet the $3-million-dollar requirement?

Answer: Refer to RFP Section 5.6.3 of the Amendment 2. Offerors are expected to identify their most relevant previous work, regardless of the dollar value for the offeror and all major subcontractors.

12. At 6.1.1., 1. Subfactor A: Management Plan, under Management Operating Plan, the RFP states, “The Government will evaluate the program management approach, proposed methods, and techniques to be used in planning, scheduling, controlling, and implementing the PWS requirements to include the level of autonomy given to the program manager. The responsibility and authority of the program manager will be evaluated for effectiveness and to ensure contract requirements are met.”

12a. What amount of autonomy do you believe is optimal for the program manager to have and what are the indicators that you will look when making your evaluation? What indicates to you that the program manager has too much or too little autonomy?

Answer: Review RFP Section 6.1.1 and DRD 010. Based on these references, the offeror needs to provide their best strategy.

12b. What responsibility and authority do you consider optimal? What will indicate to you that the responsibility and authority is at or near optimal?

Answer: Review RFP Section 6.1.1 and DRD 010. Based on these references, the offeror needs to provide their best strategy.

13. At 6.1.1., 1. Subfactor A: Management Plan, under Management Operating Plan, the RFP states, “The effectiveness of the offeror’s approach in the development and maintenance of KISS IV related documentation and deliverables including plans, procedures, and processes will be evaluated.” How will you evaluate this effectiveness? What will indicate to you that the approach is effective or not effective?

Answer: Refer to RFP Section 6.1 for the evaluation criteria; the offerors should provide their best proposal strategy.

14. At 6.1.1., 1. Subfactor A: Management Plan, under Management Operating Plan, the RFP states, “The Government will evaluate the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the offeror’s organizational structure in accomplishing the PWS requirements. The relationship between the offeror’s KISS IV business unit and the offeror’s corporate organizational structure, including major subcontractors, will be evaluated.”

14a. How will you evaluate this effectiveness and efficiency? What will indicate to you that the organizational structure is effective and efficient, or not effective and efficient? What organizational structure do you consider optimal?

Answer: Refer to RFP Section 6.1 for the evaluation criteria; the offerors should provide their best proposal strategy.

14b. How will you evaluate the relationship? What relationship do you consider optimal? What indicators will tell you that the relationship is at or near optimal?

Answer: Refer to RFP Section 6.1 for the evaluation criteria; the offerors should provide their best proposal strategy.

15. At 6.1.1., 2. Subfactor B: Technical Approach, under Incumbent Capture Plan, the RFP states, “The Government will evaluate the offeror’s rationale for the proposed incumbent capture rate ….”

15a. What capture rate does the Government consider optimal? Are there any incumbents the government wants not captured?

Answer: Refer to RFP Section 5.6.1.2B. Incumbent Capture Plan; offerors should provide their best proposal strategy.

15b. How will you evaluate this rationale? What rationale do you consider optimal? What will indicate to you that the rationale is at or near optimal?

Answer: Refer to RFP Section 5.6.1.2B. Incumbent Capture Plan; the offerors should provide their best proposal strategy.

16. At 6.1.1., 2. Subfactor B: Technical Approach, under Incumbent Capture Plan, the RFP states, “The Government will evaluate the approach to recruit and retain a skilled workforce including the methods and policies on how the offeror will identify and recruit for positions requiring specific technical skills or certification. What approach do you consider optimal? What are indicators that you will look for to indicate whether an approach is at or near optimal?

Answer: Refer to RFP Section 5.6.1.2 B. Incumbent Capture Plan. The offerors should provide their best proposal strategy.

17. At 6.1.1., 2. Subfactor B: Technical Approach, under Incumbent Capture Plan, the RFP states, The Government will evaluate the offeror’s proposed total compensation plan for reasonableness to attract, motivate, and retain employees. What plan do you consider optimal? What indicators will tell you whether a plan is at or near optimum?

Answer: The offerors should provide their best proposal strategy.

18. Will you check references CPARS in lieu of not receiving a PPQ?

Answer: No, please refer to RFP Section 5.6.3.

19. In various sections {of the RFP}, it states to use numbering system 1,2,3,4 and then other places it states I, II, III, IV. Can the government provide which numbering system is best to use?

Answer: RFP Section 5.7.4 has been revised in Amendment 2 correcting the numbering system to Roman numerals. Please use Roman numerals; specifically reference Section

5.7.1 that states to provide a Cross Reference List for Volume I, which tracks the page and paragraph numbers of the offeror’s proposal and maps back to the Cross Reference Table in 5.7.2.

20. Please confirm Contractors should include FFP Labor rates in the Model Contract per Section 5.6.4.1 (b).

Answer: Yes, offerors should include FFP labor rates in the Model Contract Volume IV, reference RFP Section 5.6.4.1(b).

21. Are there templates for Past Performance?

Answer: No, there is no template for offerors to respond to Past Performance. The RFP includes a Past Performance Questionnaire form to be submitted by the offeror’s customers.

22. Section 5.6.4.1-C notes “The original signature requirement only applies if amendment receipts are not acknowledged on the signed SF1449 submitted” Is this referring to block 29 on the SF1449?

Answer: The RFP has been revised in Amendment 2 to delete the language.

23. Is there an actual form or are we submitting a summary of the S&H concerns outlined in section 5.6.4.3 (DRD 11)?

Answer: There is no form for the Safety and Health submittal. Reference Section 2.15(b), the offerors shall have a documented, comprehensive and effective health and safety program with a proactive process to identify, assess, and control hazards and take all reasonable safety and occupational health measures consistent with standard industry practice in performing this contract as specified by DRD 011.

24. Section 5.7.1 requires a cover sheet be included on each 3-ring binder which includes the date of offer as well as other information. Since the proposal due date often changes would the government consider deleting the requirement for the date of offers or accept the original proposal due date on the binders and hardcopies?

Answer: No, since the Government does not anticipate a change in the proposal due date.

25. There is no clarification given on line spacing - Does KSC have a preference?

Answer: The Government does not have a preference regarding line spacing.

26. There is no clarification given on single versus double sided copies - Does KSC have a preference?

Answer: Reference 52.204-4 Printed or Copied Double-Sided on Postconsumer Fiber Content Paper. The Government encourages double sided copies.

27. Some graphics are very difficult to do in Times New Roman 12pt Font. Will KSC consider allowing us to use either Arial or Times New Roman 10pt font for graphics and tables?

Answer: No, Times New Roman 12 point font type is required for tables and figures.

28. Which version of MS Word and Excel does KSC wish offerors to use? MS 2007, 2010 or 2013?

Answer: Microsoft 2007, 2010, and 2013 versions are acceptable.

29. The most recent past RFP for KISS, as well as other NASA solicitations, allowed the government to consider relevant past performance of offerors from the past 5 years. (At a minimum this would allow for other predecessor contractors to be considered as a part of a team.

Based on the nature of work being performed under the KISS contract, it appears the government would not be harmed by a 5- year window and would actually benefit by increasing the level of competition. Would the government reconsider this requirement?

Answer: No, the government has considered evaluating past performance from the past five years, but has decided that it will not evaluate past performance prior to the last three years.

30. Please clarify that the subcontractor must have three past performances with performance of at least $3M per year.

Answer: Sections 5.6.3(a) and 6.1.3 have been revised in Amendment 2 to clarify that major subcontractors are defined as subcontractors that perform more than $3 million per year on the KISS IV contract.

31. Is there a limit on how many contract references a prime and major subcontractor can submit?

Answer: Refer to RFP Section 5.6.3(a)2. The offeror and major subcontractors (performing more than $3 million per year on the KISS IV contract) shall provide a list of their three most relevant active or ended contracts, in the last three years.

32. Is the revised cover letter released shortly after the solicitation to be considered Amendment 1?

Answer: Yes, it is Amendment 01 to this solicitation (NNK16585040R). An SF 30 has been posted to www.fbo.gov for offerors to acknowledge the amendment.

33. Please define the percentage of work a subcontractor must perform to be considered a major subcontractor.

Answer: A major subcontractor is defined in RFP Section 5.6.3 and 6.1.3. Major subcontractors are defined as subcontractors that perform more than $3 million per year on the KISS IV contract.

34. 5.6.2.2 – Price Templates – “The KISS IV price template is attached and is required to be completed by the prime contractor only.” Price Template, Comments and Pricing Tab – “2. KISS IV Price Summary tab: Offerors are to input their name and select, from pull down menu selection, whether they are a Prime or a Subcontractor.” Are subcontractors supposed to submit the price template?

Answer: No, the Price Template is to be submitted by the prime. The prime contractor is responsible for a fully integrated Price Template. A subcontractor may provide a Price Template but it is not required by the Government. Select “subcontractor” in the pull down menu on the Volume IV Price Summary tab, if the subcontractor is submitting a price template.

35. Within the Phase In tab of Price Template states “Note: Offerors are reminded that they are to fully support their Phase-in estimate, in Basis of Estimate narrative, in their Technical Capability Volume.” However, there is no Technical Capability Volume, nor is there any requirement for a basis of estimate narrative within the RFP. Will the Government please clarify?

Answer: Amendment 2 provides a revised Price Template correcting the wording in Phase-in Tab. “Technical Capability Volume” was changed to “Mission Suitability Volume Section 5.6.1.1B, Contract Phase-In Plan DRD 012.”

36. Could the past performance page count be extended to 12 pages to allow for both the sub and prime to submit 3 entries each?

Answer: No, additional pages for the prime or subcontractor Past Performance; refer to the RFP Section 5.7.2 Cross Reference Table.

37. Where shall the required list of PPQ recipients be included in the proposal response?

Answer: The list of Past Performance Questionnaire should be included in Volume III, reference RFP Section 5.6.3

38. It is stated the Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQ) does not count toward page count.

Does the required list of PPQ recipients count toward page count?

Answer: Yes, the required list of Past Performance Questionnaire recipients’ counts toward the page count.

39. Does a copy of Prime and Subcontractor Teaming Agreements need to be included within the proposal? If so, what section should it be included in and would this be included in the page count?

Answer: No, the Government is not asking for teaming agreements; the required documentation is in RFP Section 5.6.4.1(f) and (g).

40. Does the government have any specific instructions as to what information is required to be included in the header and footer of the documents? Additionally, does the size 12 font size apply to the header and footer?

Answer: Refer to RFP Section 5.7.2(b). No, there are no specific instructions as to what information is required in the headers and footers, however, the 12 point font applies to each page including headers and footers.

41. In Section 5.7.2, Proposal Page Limitations, it states that the past performance page limit is 8 pages. If the Prime Contractor includes the past performance of a major Subcontractor, will additional pages be included in the page limitation? If so, how many pages?

Answer: Refer Section 5.6.3(a) the offeror and major subcontractors (performing more than $3 million per year on KISS IV) shall provide a list of the three most relevant active or ended contracts, in the last three years. Subcontractor past performance is included in the 8 page limitation; no additional pages will be added.

42. Are we required to submit an Affirmative action plan along with the proposal?

Answer: No

43. Can we refer to our SAM account instead of completing the representations and certifications section?

Answer: Reference RFP Section 5.4 for specific guidance.

44. Can you explain the Data Requirements Documents?

Answer: The data deliverable requirements are necessary to ensure NASA has sufficient insight to appropriately manage the work content and to ensure that the contract requirements are satisfied.

45. Can you confirm the due date for the proposal? One document states November 10, 2016 and another states November 14, 2016.

Answer: The RFP due date is 12 noon EST, November 14, 2016.

46. The Pricing document is missing labor categories 46 thru 50 (ASL Interpreter II, Business Management Audit Specialist, Cost & Systems Analysis, IT Senior & Project Control Sr). We assume we should add the missing labor categories listed in Document 08 KISS IV Price Template 092616 to complete the pricing template. Please confirm.

Answer: There is no need to add any “labor categories” as there are no missing labor categories in the Excel file, attachment 08 KISS IV Price Template 092616; please use the Excel spreadsheet as the PDF file inadvertently truncated the data.

47. The Government included several SCA labor categories in the 02 Contract Labor Category Descriptions that are not included in the 08 KISS FFP Price Template; Accounting Clerk I, Accounting Clerk II, Personnel Assistant, Secretary I, Secretary II. We assume Contractors should add line items to the pricing spreadsheet and include the labor categories listed in the 02 Contract Labor Category Job Description document as these labor categories maybe required for future task orders or will the government consider adding them? Please confirm.

Answer: The Contract Labor Category Description document has been revised to delete Accounting Clerk I and II, Personnel Assistant, and Secretary I and II.

48. Are there any other labor categories not listed in the RFP that might be required for future task orders? If so, could the Government please provide them?

Answer: No, there are no additional labor categories required.

49. The Labor Escalation Formulas do not carry over to the option years. We assume it is the Contractors responsibility to ensure all Formulas in the spreadsheet are accurate and Contractors should update as necessary. Please confirm that this is an accurate assumption.

Answer: Please refer to 08 KISS IV FFP Price Template Excel file, Comments & Pricing Instructions tab, paragraph 4. Labor Escalation tab. SCA Covered labor input blocks have been greyed out, meaning no escalation is to be proposed by the offerors for these labor categories. Changes for SCA covered labor will be in accordance with FAR Clause 52.222-43. For all exempt from SCA labor categories the escalation formulas are included in the Price Template.

50. The Government provided labor rates for the Independent Contractor Labor Categories. We assume the Government requires Contractors to use the provided labor rates as part of our FFP.

Please confirm that this is an accurate assumption.

Answer: Yes, please use the Government provided labor rates for Independent Contractors. Offerors are to estimate fully burdened labor rates for all Independent Contractors for all Contract periods, Base through Option 4 via the application of Labor Escalation, G&A, and Profit. Offerors are to exclude the application of their Fringe Benefits and Overhead burdens (The Government has grayed out these input blocks indicating no data is to be provided).

51. We assume that Contractors do not need to include the Charts in sections 1.4.1 and 1.4.2 in the Pricing Narrative document. Please confirm that this is an accurate assumption.

Answer: The assumption is inaccurate. Per RFP Section 5.6.2.1(b) the offerors should include the price narrative and the fully completed price template in Volume II.

52. Will KSC consider providing an average composite rate for labor categories?

Answer: No, an average composite rate by labor category will not be provided.

Information on the length of service for the incumbent employees is available in the Bidder’s Library see link: https://public.ksc.nasa.gov/kiss-iv

53. NASA specifies whether a position is exempt or non-exempt. Is an offeror to assume those designations are consistent with those applied by Department of Labor? If so, in the event a DOL audit determines those classifications are misclassified, will NASA cover the costs associated with incorrectly classified positions?

Answer: It is the offerors’ responsibility to comply with the Department of Labor laws and regulations. For purposes of evaluating price, the Government considers the non-exempt and exempt positions listed to be compliant with federal labor laws, including the Service Contract Act, as classified by the Department of Labor. Additionally, the classifications are based on historical data used in previous KISS contracts. Any questions regarding position classifications should be directed to the Department of Labor.

54. Are offerors to assume no other ODCs are to be priced other than those provided in the ODC Rate Schedule?

Answer: There are no other ODCs to be priced, other than those identified on the Price Template.

55. Please confirm all supplies are provided by NASA via the methods listed in Section 3.5.

Answer: Refer to RFP Section 2.21 for Government supplies provided for KISS IV. PWS Section 3.5 is an example of tasks that contractor personnel may be required to perform.

56. The Labor Hours seem to be high. For example in Options 1-3, the Government used a total of 200 hours for leave. If we assume 80 hours for holidays and 40 hours for sick leave, that allows only 80 hours for vacation and other leaves (bereavement, jury duty, etc.). Since the KISS I contract started in May 2008 and most employees were picked up from other KSC contracts, the tenure for some employees could be anywhere from 10 – 15 years or more. Given the fact that the Wage Determination requires that non-exempt employees get 3 weeks vacation after 5 years of service and 4 weeks after 15 years, the Labor Hours that must be utilized could be 40 to 80 hours too high. This will affect the way Fringe Benefits will need to be calculated. Offerors would be forced to only include 200 hours of leave in the fringe pool which would make the proposed Total Fringe Pool and Fringe Benefits Rate lower than what it should be and the Direct Labor base higher than it should/will be. Would KSC consider providing the tenure for exempt and non-exempt KISS III employees and also consider reducing the Labor Hours that must be utilized in the price proposal?

Answer: The Government provided Labor hours remains unchanged, reference RFP Section 5.6.2.1. The only data the Government can release is the information on the length of service for the KISS III incumbent employees, provided in the Bidder’s Library. See link https://public.ksc.nasa.gov/kiss-iv.

57. Section 1.2 Period of Performance & the KISS IV – VOL II PriceTemplate.xls In Section

1.2 the period of performance for the base year is shown as 12 months; however, the period of performance in the Price Template’s base year tab and overtime tab states 19 months, will the Government clarify which base year period of performance is correct?

Answer: Section 1.2 states the period of performance of this contract is from 03/01/2017 through 09/30/2018. The base period is 19 months, there is no conflict between Section 1.2 and the Price Template.

58. 5.6.2.3.5 Base – ST / Option 1 – ST / Option 2 – ST / Option 3 – ST / Option 4 – ST. This section states that “Columns K & L require input of General and Administrative (G&A) % and $s. Columns M & N require input of Key Personnel Costs, % and $s and O & P require input of Profit, % and $s.” Instructions also state that “offers may rearrange, alter or add columns to align with its estimating and accounting practices…” Can offerors interpret this to mean we can also eliminate the key personnel columns M & N if we would normally include these project management costs in the overhead columns? Given that these positions are program dedicated on-site management personnel, applying these costs after applying G&A would not align with

GAAP.

Answer: No. In accordance with Section 5.6.2.3.4, offerors are to provide Key Personnel cost/price information in the Key Personnel Pricing Information tab. This data shall support/validate Key Personnel cost/price which are to be allocated against all labor categories provided by the Government for all contract performance periods, as well as for straight time and overtime requirements. This information becomes Columns M & N in the Base-ST/Option1-ST/Option2-ST/Option3-ST/Option4-ST tab. The offeror shall calculate its “fully burdened” labor rate based on its estimating and accounting practices.

As necessary, offerors may rearrange, alter or add columns to align with its estimating and accounting practices and are responsible for a comprehensive and mathematically accurate proposal submittal to the Government.

59. For the independent Contactor Positions detailed in the Vol II Pricing Template, the base and option year labor rates are provided without escalation. Are we to assume no escalation for these positions?

Answer: No, the base year labor rates are provided for the independent contractors. The option years are escalated based on a formula using the labor escalation tab.

60. Can the Government please clarify if the contractor is to propose only Secretary III per the Price Template, or if Secretary I-III per Attachment 4.3 Contract Labor Category Descriptions should be priced?

Answer: The Contract Labor Category Description document has been corrected. The Accounting Clerk I and II, Personnel Assistant, and Secretary I and II have been deleted.

61. Can the Government please clarify how it would like the Key Personnel percentage calculated? Would it prefer the cost be calculated and allocated as a percentage of total hours?

How will the Key Personnel hours be accounted for/considered for billing purposes?

Answer: In accordance with Section 5.6.2.3.4, offerors are to provide Key Personnel cost/price information in the Key Personnel Pricing Information tab. This data shall support/validate Key Personnel cost/price which are to be allocated against all labor categories provided by the Government for all contract performance periods, as well as for straight time and overtime requirements. This information becomes Columns M & N in the Base-ST/Option1-ST/Option2-ST/Option3-ST/Option4-ST tab. The offeror shall calculate its “fully burdened” labor rate based on its estimating and accounting practices.

As necessary, offerors may rearrange, alter or add columns to align with its estimating and accounting practices and are responsible for a comprehensive and mathematically accurate proposal submittal to the Government.

62. The Government provided price template identifies the three Key Personnel positions as a separate indirect cost pool. Our company would normally include these costs as a part of our overhead pool, and not as a separate indirect pool. Are we permitted to modify the price template (in accordance with the instructions provided in 5.6.2.2) and remove the separate Key Personnel cost pool, in order to price the proposal in accordance with our normal estimating/accounting methodology?

Answer: In accordance with Section 5.6.2.3.4, offerors are to provide Key Personnel cost/price information in the Key Personnel Pricing Information tab. This data shall support/validate Key Personnel cost/price which are to be allocated against all labor categories provided by the Government for all contract performance periods, as well as for straight time and overtime requirements. This information becomes Columns M & N in the Base-ST/Option1-ST/Option2-ST/Option3-ST/Option4-ST tab. The offeror shall calculate its “fully burdened” labor rate based on its estimating and accounting practices.

As necessary, offerors may rearrange, alter or add columns to align with its estimating and accounting practices and are responsible for a comprehensive and mathematically accurate proposal submittal to the Government. Refer to RFP Section 5.6.2.3.5.

63. Any labor Subject to the Service Contract Act can't be priced until the Wage Determinations (WD) have been released. Are we to leave the options years blank in the price template for those SCA labor?

Answer: No, offerors should use the attached Wage Determination and complete the applicable overhead, fringe, G&A, profit and key personnel for all option periods.

SCA Covered labor input blocks have been greyed out, no escalation is to be proposed by the offerors for the base labor rates of these labor categories; the template auto populates the base labor rate into the option periods.

64. Can we add additional staff and/or subcontractors at the task order level?

Answer: No.

65. Within the KISS IV Price Summary tab of Price Template, Phase-in is included as part of the firm fixed price to be evaluated. With the importance of Price in the overall evaluation, the inclusion of Phase-in appears to add burden to non-incumbent teams. As most evaluations do not include phase-in costs, would the Government consider removing phase-in costs from the overall Price evaluation?

Answer: No, Phase-in cost will be included in the overall price evaluation.

66. Are the Independent Government Estimates (IGE) for hours expected to be within 5-10% of what the contractor can expect to be provided?

Answer: For proposal preparation purposes offerors are expected to propose the Government provide hours from Price Template, Reference Section 5.6.2.1. However, Section 1.4, Contract Value specifies the minimum and maximum values that the Government may order by contract period.

67. What, if any, additional locations are supported by KISS IV personnel?

Answer: Refer to RFP Section 1.3 Place of Performance. The work is primarily performed at Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Other locations require authorization by the Contracting Officer.

68. There appears to be a conflict in the DRD 08 requirement to provide “incurred hours by employer” and the description of the type of task orders in Section 1.1. Section 1.1. refers to fixed price task orders and this requirement appears to be more appropriate for a T&M type task order. Is this in error?

Answer: There is no error. DRD 08 Task Order Progress Report is used to calculate the Deductive Schedule; reference RFP Section 1.1.2.2 Deductive Schedule.

69. Since labor categories, hours and rates for independent contractors are provided by the Government, can we assume that KSC has preferred vendors for this work and that contact information will be provided to the successful bidder? Are these contracts for independent contractors to be entered into prior to contract start during the 30-day phase-in period?

Answer: The current KISS III contract has existing vendors that serve as independent contractors. Contact information will be provided to the selected offeror. The selected offeror is responsible for negotiating with independent contractors in the 30 day phase-in period.

70. Are you telling us that you’ve already made arrangements with independent contractors to invoice the eventual KISS IV awardee at these rates, and that the KISS IV awardee will be directed to use them?

Answer: No, the Government has not made arrangements with the independent contractors. The current KISS III contract has existing vendors that serve as independent contractors and contact information will be provided to the selected offeror. The selected offeror is responsible for negotiating with independent contractors in the 30 day phase-in period. The Government is not directing the use of the incumbent independent contractors.

71. Businesses cannot control when changes are made by insurance carriers to premiums, plans or coverages. These changes can occur multiple times during the course of the contract period of performance requiring that contractors update the MOP. Was this the intent or can we suggest this be removed from the MOP? Also, MOP Section E is not included in the evaluation criteria listed in Section 6.1.1 nor in the instructions listed in Section 5.6.1.2. How is this section being evaluated and why is it part of the MOP?

Answer: Yes, it is the Government’s intent to include fringe benefits in the Management Operating Plan. Per DRD 010 this information will be updated as required and directed by the Contracting Officer. Reference RFP 6.1.1 which states, “The Government will evaluate the offeror’s proposed total compensation plan for reasonableness to attract, motivate, and retain employees.” Total compensation includes fringe benefits identified in DRD 010 Section E.

72. NASA requires offerors to present contract experience at minimum of $3M or greater within a 3 year recentcy period similar in scope and complexity. However in doing so, to provide 3 past performances at the required minimum limit would exceed the size standard for the 561110 size standard of $7.5M. Would the government consider changing the NAICS code to increase the size standard or reduce the minimum contract value to no more than $2.5M so offerors can include 3 relevant contract experiences?

Answer: No, the NAICS Code will not be changed. The RFP Section 6.1.3 has been revised in Amendment 2 to clarify the definition of a major subcontractor as a subcontractor that performs more than $3 million per year on the KISS IV contract.

73. Can NASA provide any information on data reporting as it relates to this effort and what is currently being performed?

Answer: All data reporting requirements are documented in the DRDs.

74. Does the government have any systems that are currently being used for Records Management? If so, which systems?

Answer: Yes, the Government has record management systems that KISS IV personnel will utilize. However, the Government declines to identify the specific systems, as this information has no bearing on proposal development and proposal evaluations.

75. Section 1.2 Period of Performance, Section 1.2 Period of Performance, will the Government include the phase-in period with dates contemplated so the allotted phase-in duration is defined along with the other periods?

Answer: NASA will not provide phase-in dates. In accordance with DRD 012, the offeror shall submit a Phase-in Plan to allow for a smooth phase-in consistent with maintaining efficient continuity of services for the 30-day period prior to contract start.

76. Section 2.5, 52.217-8 Option to Extend Services. Section 2.5, titled 52.217-8 Option to Extend Services states that the Contracting Officer may extend services up to 6 months. In order to comply with new guidance regarding this clause, and FAR 17.206, the Contracting Officer must evaluate the FAR 52.217-8 option price(s) during the initial contract award process. Will the Government add the 6 month extension into the evaluated price so the Contracting Officer has the option to award an extension without a J&A?

Answer: The Government will not add a six month extension into the evaluated price.

77. Section 2.21, 1852.245-71 Installation-accountable Government Property defines the property and services the Government will provide in support of this contract; however, this section does not detail any IT equipment (computers, printers, scanners, copiers, networks, software, etc.) that will be needed to execute the contract. Will the Government clarify if they will provide IT related equipment?

Answer: RFP Section 2.21(c)(1), has been revised to clarify Government telephones, desktop computers, networks, multifunction printing devices, and desktop software are available for official purposes only.

78. A lot of these position state they will assist with obtaining security clearance; are they referring to National Security clearances? If so personnel will need access to JPAS and therefore need to be cleared themselves. However, issuance of a DD 254 was not mentioned in the RFP.

Will NASA be responsible for granting access to JPAS or like system for contractor personnel if needed?

Answer: This contract does not involve classified information requiring security clearances. Hence, KISS IV does not require access to JPAS or other like system.

79. Are there any training requirements other than Government-provided training? If so, can the Government please identify these and who will be responsible for training?

Answer: The Government provides unique NASA Government training. The specialized certification requirements identified for the instructors under the Training Management Support Services, section 4.0D, in the PWS is Government provided. The offeror is responsible for: training of professional development activities to stay abreast of the state-of-the-art in Training and Development discipline areas, instructional design, curriculum development, general training & development; and training in order to remain current in Information Technology tools & resources; and other specialized professional training.

80. Is there a facility clearance is required to bid this solicitation?

Answer: No, a facility clearance is not required in performance KISS IV.

81. Do you anticipate approximately the same number of task orders as in the current KISS contract, and can you discuss the timing of them? Do you expect them to be grouped at the beginning of each contract period, or staggered roughly evenly across the contract period?

Answer: Yes, we anticipate approximately the same number of task orders under KISS IV.

Task orders will be issued upon contract award and they will be grouped at the beginning of each contract period.

82. At 1.1.2.2 Deductive Schedule it appears that you include non-labor costs as part of the task order value which goes into determining the composite rate used for deductions. Was this intentional?

Answer: The RFP Section 1.1.2.2, Deductive Schedule has been revised in Amendment 2, to clarify that a composite rate is not used for deductions. As a result of this change the question no longer applies.

83. At 1.1.2.2 Deductive Schedule, it appears that a provider could deliver with a richer labor mix than originally proposed, using fewer hours of more expensive people, exceeding the task value if computed on a basis of hours’ times rate, and still, by virtue of having used fewer hours be subject to a price reduction. Was this intentional?

Answer: The RFP Section 1.1.2.2, Deductive Schedule has been revised in Amendment 2 to eliminate the composite rate. As a result of this change the question no longer applies.

84. Will any recruiters, accountants, or others providing contractor program management office functions be allowed to be invoiced as direct labor using the labor categories provided in the

RFP?

Answer: No, all labor categories identified in the RFP shall be 100% dedicated to the performance of KISS IV and are the only labor categories to be invoiced as direct labor.

85. Will the reference solicitation be a single award contract or multiple awards are expected to be made?

Answer: The Government contemplates making a single award. Reference RFP Section 6.1(b).

86. Is there an incumbent on solicitation number NNK16585040R?

Answer: Yes, the incumbent on the current KISS III contract is Wichita Tribal Enterprises. This information was posted in under “Questions and Answers” on 9/28/2016 NNK16ZON01L Amendment #03

87. Is this a new opportunity or a re-bid? If this is a re-bid who is the incumbent? Will the incumbent be allowed to bid?

Answer: This is the fourth iteration of the KISS contract. Wichita Tribal Enterprises is the incumbent. Any qualified 8(a) may submit a proposal.