Attchmnt_VI_Industry_Q&A.pdf

7/13/2017 Attachment VI Industry Questions and Answers

Question / Clarification / Suggestion

Category (Section L, M, PWS etc, page number)

Reference Comment / Question

1 Question Cover Page Cover Page Will the questions/comments from June 28th be answered before the conference, or held until the conference?

Government Response The Government’s intent is to provide responses to the questions on the draft RFP prior to the pre-proposal conference.

However, some questions may also be addressed at the pre-proposal conference as well. The Government always attempts to respond to all questions; time permitting.

Clarification SF 33 (i) states: (i) One signed original of SF33 with Blocks 12-18 completed, Part I, The Schedule, Sections B-K (as applicable) and Part II, Contract Clauses (Section I), and any required Exhibits. All fill-ins (shaded areas) are to be completed by the Offeror.

Please clarify exactly what is needed to meet this requirement since Sections referencing Part I and Part II are not clearly identified in the solicitation?

Would it be safe to assume that a completed copy of the solicitation be returned (all fill-ins completed) with the exception of Section J, which will be added at the time of contract award?

Government Response The Offeror is to complete Blocks 13 - 18 as applicable since the Government has already filled in Block 12.

Yes, a completed copy of the solicitation shall be returned and the Offeror is required to fill-in all shaded areas.

Section L (Instructions)

Question L.8 Pre-Proposal Conference Would you please provide details on how we can register for the conference?

What will be the location of the conference? When will the Government announce the pre-proposal conference? Will the Government consider conducting the pre-proposal conference before the final RFP is issued?

Government Response Please refer to section L.8 of the draft RFP for this information. The Government did consider this in its planning and decided that a pre-proposal conference after the final RFP was issued is the best approach to provide industry with the needed information to prepare its proposals.

Question L.10 Para (b) Page 46 Please explain how the Government intends to evaluate or score "a lack of understanding" in either the technical acceptability assessment or price evaluation. For example, will a lack of understanding determination result in the technical proposal being deemed “unacceptable” or “potentially acceptable”? If lack of understanding is instead assessed under the Price factor, will that result in a price risk that’s reported to the SSA?

Government Response The Government has removed this paragraph since it is typically used for Mission Suitability and not Price Performance Trade-Off (PPTO) with technical consideration source selections. Yes, any pricing risk will be reported to the SSA under the pricing section.

Question L.15(a) Page 48 With regard to the provided criteria for Organizational Structure, will the Government provide additional information on the requirements necessary in order to meet this particular Technical Consideration? For example, are there minimum requirements for interfaces with subcontractors, number of personnel, supervisors, etc.?

Government Response There is no minimum requirement established for interfaces with subcontractors, number of personnel, supervisor etc. offerors shall provide an organizational structure that is consistent with the requirements of the contract to ensure that work will be managed in an effective manner, to include demonstrating a span of control reasonably calculated to ensure management will have the capability to perform all work required under the contract, and that the authority of the PM and lines of communications are set out clearly. Offerors shall address all the areas in technical consideration under L.15(a)(2).

Cover Page/SF 33

Question / Suggestion L.9, L.15(a) (1) Key Personnel - Resumes Does the Program Manager (PM) resume count towards the page count? Would the government consider allowing the resume to be outside the page count?

Please consider eliminating the key personnel resumes, LOCs and DD254 from the page count.

Will the government consider excluding DD-254 compliance from the page-count limit on Volume I – Technical Proposal?

Government Response Page counts will remain unchanged as stated in Section L.9. In accordance with Note 1. only Letters of Consent are exempt.

Question L.12 Page 46 Significant Subcontractors paragraph states "For the purposes of this solicitation and for proposal preparation purposes, "significant subcontractor" is defined as subcontracts over $4,000,000 annually in value which the contractor provided labor for performance of the contract.". This definition limits the prime's ability to assemble a team of qualified small businesses for niche type PWS elements that we would like to present past performance cititions for as "significant subcontractors". Please consider lowering this threshold to $500,000 so that the prime can team with small businesses that have niche capabilities and therefore are then able to provide a past performance reference. This will not impact the government's review of the proposal since there are a limited number of 8 past performance references and a page count constraint.

Government Response See Final RFP - L.12 has been modified to only apply to the pricing proposal. See L.15(c)(2) for revised language. Also reference SBA regulations at 13 CFR Part 513 with regard to the structure of joint ventures.

Question / Suggestion Section L.15(a)(3) DD 254 - Facility Clearance Letter - Top Secret “The Offeror shall provide evidence, as of the date of proposal submission, that the prime Contractor has a current Facility Clearance Level of TOP SECRET, in accordance with Exhibit F – Contract Security Classification Specification (DD254). Contractor shall provide a completed form demonstrating its security clearance relative to the DD254, and shall provide its CAGE Code for verification of current clearance status”. If the prime contractor does not have a FCL Top Secret Level, will the government sponsor the FCL? How will the Government accommodate to newly formed Joint Ventures that are new entities and will not have a FCL?

Requiring a prospective contractor, who otherwise meets all other requirements (8a, SDB, experience, etc.), would seem to discriminate against small businesses who have not had the opportunity to secure contracts requiring security clearances. Would the Government consider removing the requirement to have a clearance at the time of submission, and agree to sponsor the successful bidder in applying for the TS clearance?

Government Response The Government will not sponsor a company for a FCL of Top Secret Level.

The Government will not accommodate newly formed JVs that are new entities in regards to proposal submission. The Offeror is responsible to ensure it complies with all requirements of the solicitation.

The Government will not consider removing the requirement requesting a clearance level of TS.

Question Section L.15(a)(3) DD 254 - Facility Clearance Letter - Top Secret As a newly formed JV seeking its first contract, the JV does not yet have a TOP SECRET (TS) Facility clearance due to the DSS rule of not processing a new facility clearance until the new company has been awarded a contract. Even with both parties to the JV having active TS Facility clearance, the new JV does not and will not have a facility clearance under current DSS guidelines until award date. The current PWS states that the offeror must have a TS facility clearance as of the date of proposal submission which is impossible for a newly formed JV per DSS guidelines. The government is requested to amend the requirement to state:

“For newly formed JV’s, the Offeror shall provide evidence, as of the date of the proposal submission, that at least one of the JV partners has a current Facility Clearance Level of TOP SECRET, in accordance with Exhibit F – Contract Security Classification Specification (DD254). The contractor must work with DSS to obtain an Interim clearance before the contract start date and the Offeror must be able to obtain a TOP SECRET Facility Clearance during the first six months following award of a contract.”

A newly formed Joint Venture does not yet possess a Facility Clearance, however if the Joint Venture partners each possess a Facility Clearance, then the Joint Venture meets the eligibility requirement for receiving a Facility Clearance upon contract award. As such, will the Government consider evaluating “evidence of the partners’ current Facility Clearance Level for Joint Venture offerors, as well as their approach for obtaining this clearance prior to the effective date of the contract (at end of contract phase-in)”?

For reference, the provided language was taken from the TEAMS-3 RFP

(NNL17ZB1001R).

Government Response The Government has considered the suggestion and is changing L15(a)(3) to add the note as follows:

Note: For newly formed Joint Ventures (JV), the Offeror shall provide evidence, as of the date of the proposal submission, that at least one of the JV partners has a current Facility Clearance Level of TOP SECRET, in accordance with Exhibit F – Contract Security Classification Specification (DD254).

Recommendation L.15(a) (3) DD 254 - L.15(a) Volume I – Technical Proposal We respectfully recommend the inclusion of additional “Technical Considerations” in Volume I. Considerations such as Innovation, Risk, and/or Resource Management will allow the government to better evaluate an offeror’s Technical Acceptability.

Government Response The technical considerations will remain unchanged.

Question L.15(b) Volume II, Para 5 Page 50 If we were to propose labor categories that differ from those provided by the

Government, is there a preference as to where we should provide our rationale and correlation to the Government labor categories?

Government Response See section L.15(b)(5)b. which allows for additional categories to be addressed.

Question L.15(b)(6) Subcontractor Proposal Information Will the government please clarify the referenced requirement for offerors to

“provide information to support their determination of price/cost reasonableness of subcontractors’ proposed costs”?

Government Response See FAR 15.404-3 regarding the prime contractor or subcontractor's responsibility regarding price proposal and submission of information regarding the analysis thereof.

Question L.15(b)(9)(a) Total Compensation Plan This section indicates “the plan shall address all proposed labor categories”. Does the government expect one combined team TCP, or separate TCP’s from all team members (in order to cover all labor categories)?

If separate TCP’s are required from all team members, will the government provide appropriate submittal instructions taking into consideration the proprietary nature of this information?

Government Response The submission of one or multiple plans are at the discretion of the Offeror and its team members. If separate plans are submitted please see section L.9 a Note 2 for instructions.

Question / Suggestion L.15 (c)(2) Past Performance Consent Letters Are the subcontractor's past performance consent letters count towards the page count? Recommend allowing the consent letters outside the page count.

Government Response Please refer to NOTE 1 in section L.9 of the draft RFP for this information.

Suggestion L.15 (c)(2) Language change We would suggest the Government consider changing language in Section L.15(c)(2) to language similarly used in other large NASA procurements (e.g., NASA GITISS; NASA HITSS) set aside for 8(a) competition that realistically accommodated 8(a) companies within the size standard that intend to be the Prime Offeror to provide contract references that meet a $3M/year revenue.

Government Response The Government is not going to set such a threshold.

Question L.15 (c) Past Performance (2) Proposal Content – The Offeror shall include a list of no more than a total of eight (8) relevant contracts, which may consist of no more than three (3) for the prime as well as no more than five (5) totalfor its significant subcontractor(s)

For Joint Ventures, we interpret the “prime” to be the majority JV owner and “subcontractor” to be the minority JV company or any additional subcontractors. Is this interpretation correct?

Government Response No. For past performance purposes there is no distinction between a prime and a subcontractor, however, for this solicitation at least one reference shall be from the managing venturer. Section L.15(c)(2) will be revised accordingly.

Question L.15 (c)(2) Past Performance In Section L.15(c)(2), discussing the Proposal Content for Past Performance, there is language that seems to be counter to the spirit of an 8(a) competitive procurement. Specifically, it states: “Relevant contracts shall be on-going or completed within the past three (3) years for requirements that are similar in size (in dollars per year), content, and complexity to the requirements of this solicitation (including Federal, State, and local Government and private contracts).” In stating that Offerors’ past performance contract references must be similar in size (in dollars per year), this would seem to be difficult for an 8(a) business that meets the size standard stated in item Number 5 of the Draft RFP Cover Page: “The LAMPS 2 procurement will be conducted as an 8(a) Small Business, (Competitive Set-Aside) under NAICS code 541611, “Administrative, Professional, and Media Services”, Size Standard $15,000,000 or less.” Rather, offerors should provide experience that is similar in dollars per year as that in the LAMPS 2 contract.

Government Response The Government understands that the LAMPS 2 procurement will be conducted as an 8(a) set aside. The dollar value of $15,000,000 or less is in reference to the NAICS code small business size standard. The Government is not asking potential Offerors to provide recent/relevant contracts to equal the amount of $15M.

Question L.15(c) 2 - Past Performance Page 54 - The Offeror shall provide a table/matrix for which teaming partner (Prime/Significant Subcontractor) who will perform work in the technical performance elements listed above in paragraph ix and the percentage of work each will perform.

For Joint Ventures, we interpret the “prime” to be the majority JV owner and “subcontractor” to be the minority JV company or any additional subcontractors. Is this interpretation correct?

Government Response See response to question #16 above.

Question L.15(c) 2, ix - Past Performance The RFP lists PWS sections 3.0, 4.1, 4.3, 5.2, 5.6, 5.7, and

5.12 but does not list PWS areas between.

1. Will NASA consider other PWS areas or only these when evaluating contract pertinence?

2. We assume it is NASA’s intent consider all PWS areas and these are groupings for convenience and include the subsequent PWS areas until the next section. For example “4.1 OCIO” includes 4.1 and 4.2. Likewise “4.3 Graphic Support includes the remaining PWS sections from 4.3 onward up to 5.2. Is this interpretation correct?

Past performance: (2) Proposal Content states "For each contract identified, include: ... ix. Thorough and complete description of contract work content and specific description of how prior experience is relevant to the technical performance elements of: 3.0, 4.1, 4.3, 5.2, 5.6, 5.7, and 5.12. As the section currently reads we are not to respond to all PWS elements but only provide past performance descriptions aligned with these selected PWS elements. Is this correct?

Government Response 1. No

2. No Yes, Offerors are only to provide past performance descriptions that are aligned with these selected with the PWS elements.

Question L.15(c) 3 - Past Performance The Government may consider in the source selection process data obtained from other sources including, but not limited to, the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS),…

Since the RFP says NASA “may” consider CPARS, is there a determining factor that would have NASA consider CPARS consistently across all offerors?

Government Response There is no determining factor. In general, the Government reserves the right to use any and all sources of Past Performance information at its disposal in evaluating proposals in response to this RFP.

21 Question L.15 Past Performance Proposal Is there a page limit per contract?

Government Response No, there is only an overall page limit for the Past Performance Volume.

Question / Suggestion L.9 (b) Font size The government has provided font size for text but has not specified font size for tables, graphics. Would the government allow for Arial Narrow 9 font for tables and graphics?

For page headers/footers, would the Government consider permitting a font size smaller than 12? For graphics, would the Government consider permitting a font size of not less than 10?

Government Response

The Government will not allow a smaller font for graphics, tables, charts, etc.

The Government will allow Arial Narrow 9 font for page headers/footers, as long as the header and footer do not contain any material to be evaluated.

23 Question Evaluation Will the award be made to the Bidder whose proposal is Technically Acceptable at the Lowest Price, or to the Bidder who offers the Best Value?

Government Response The Government will award to the Bidder who offers the Best Value to the Government, as described in Section M of the RFP.

Question M.2 para d Page 56 Does the Government intend to strike a competitive range and hold discussions only in the situation where one or more competitive offers in the past performance/price tradeoff are deemed “potentially acceptable”? Potentially acceptable proposals are not mentioned in steps 4 or 5.

Government Response The Government does not intend to hold discussions, but retains the right to do so if discussions are in the Government's best interests (see FAR 52.215-1, INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS - COMPETITIVE ACQUISITIONS (JAN 2017), which is incorporated by reference in Section L of this RFP).

Question M.4(a) Past Performance The Government will evaluate the Offeror’s recent and relevant performance of work similar in size, content, and complexity to the requirements of this acquisition.

Since the LAMPS contract size is larger than the SBA size standard, we assume NASA does not require a contract “size” to be equal to LAMPS in order to be considered pertinent. We also assume that NASA will consider the size and complexity relevant to that portion of the work within LAMPS rather than the entire contract. Are these assumptions accurate?

Government Response Yes, both assumptions are correct for the primes and subcontractors.

Question M.4(a) Past Performance NASA will assign a “Very High Level of Confidence” to performance of exceptional merit and is very pertinent.

A “High Level of Confidence” will be assigned to performance of very effective and is very pertinent.

How will NASA differentiate between Past Performance that is of exceptional merit and very effective performance?

Government Response Primarily based on customer ratings and consensus of the voting SEB members.

Question M.4 (a) Page 59 M.4(a) Past Performance Factor (Volume III) states that each of the past performance confidence ratings has a “performance” and a “pertinence” component and, further, that Offerors must meet the requirements of both components to achieve a particular rating and that the lowest-rated component is the highest rating that can be achieved. (1) Since Offerors provide individual records of relevant past performance, please clarify whether the ratings on performance and pertinence are at the individual past performance record or for the Offeror’s total past performance volume, i.e., across all past performance records. (2) In the assessment of pertinence, considering that recency has been defined as being within the past three years, how will the “duration” of the past performance record be evaluated? For example, will an active contract be evaluated as more pertinent than one that ended two years ago, and how will that be scored?

Government Response The Government will evaluate the offeror’s past experience as demonstrated in each past performance reference and any other past performance information used by the Government in its evaluation. If any part of performance of a contract took place within three years of the date by which proposal submissions are due, that performance will be considered. The Government will use its evaluation of the past performance information provided by the offeror and obtained by the Government to determine an overall evaluation of the pertinence of size, content, and complexity, as well as performance, which in turn will result in a past performance confidence rating as specified in the RFP. All past performance references will be evaluated (up to 8), and that there is no weighting based on the age of the contract, i.e., references that are three years in the past will not be weighted any more or less than more recent references.

Section M

Question Interim FAR Clause 52.222-62, Executive Order 13706 and the associated Department of Labor Rule specify sick leave to be provided to employees cannot be deducted from the Wage Determination Health and Welfare benefits cost. The Price Evaluation Factor includes a cost realism determination. Pricing that includes the sick leave cost in H&W payment would be lower than pricing that does not include the sick leave cost.

When evaluating cost realism, will the Government ensure that costs associated with Wage Determination Health and Welfare Benefits are calculated correctly?

Government Response Since this is a firm fixed price contract, no cost realism evaluation is needed or appropriate. Any Service Contract Labor Standards (SCLS) positions proposed will be reviewed for compliance with prevailing wages, required H&W benefit payments, and mandatory vacation, holiday, sick leave in accordance with appropriate Wage Determination.

Question M.2 para d, Steps 1 and 3 Page 57 Step 1 of the evaluation states that an initial review of the proposals will be conducted for the purpose of identifying unacceptable proposals in accordance with NFS 1815.305-70. Step 3 also discusses an evaluation for acceptability.

Please clarify the difference in the Government’s criteria for technical acceptability under Steps 1 and 3.

Government Response Please see the description of "unacceptable proposals" in NFS 1815.305-70 -which should clarify the difference between step 1 and step 3.

Question Collective Bargaining Agreement Leave and Sick Time Since we are obligated to adhere to the Union's seniority and accrual levels for leave and sick time we must have a roster of those individuals and the seniority level to price their cost based on their accrued PTO and Sick time benefits.

Government Response The names and seniority lists are not released to the awardee until 10 days after award with the information request IAW FAR 52.222-41. The CBA contains the position and Attachment III contains the hours required for this solicitation (number of positions). Potential Offerors may contact the Union Representative to acquire any additional information they consider appropriate to formulate its proposal.

Question Collective Bargaining Agreement CBA Per Exhibit K, the current incumbent has a CBA in place for a subset of the contract workforce. Does the government wish to continue the CBA into the next contract, or may the Offerors decide whether or not to propose a CBA

Government Response See FAR Clause 52.222-41 Service Contract Labor Standards, paragraph (f) “Successor contracts”, for requirements regarding adherence to Collective Bargaining Agreements.

Question Collective Bargaining Agreement CBA Please clarify that the CBA is only applicable to the labor categories listed in the

CBA and not others relevant to satisfying the entire scope of the project.

Government Response The CBA is only applicable to the labor categories listed in the CBA and not others.

33 Question Historical workload data Is the historical workload representative of the expected workload in the new contract?

Government Response The historical info represents the past 3 years as experienced by the Government.

The PWS represents the Government’s best estimate of what work will be forthcoming. The only areas deleted from the PWS include Procurement Office support, Web Development, and Technical Editing.

34 Question PWS and the Historical workload data

2.10, Contractor Owned Vehicles Tab What functions of this contract are not performed on LaRC? If a fleet of vehicles are required is that cost included in the ODC NTE amount.

Exhibit K – Collective Bargaining Agreement

ATTACHMENT III – ESTIMATED HISTORICAL WORKLOAD

Government Response The majority of the functions of this contract will be performed on LaRC or Joint Base Langley-Eustis Air Force Base located right next to the LaRC . Other areas of performance may be designated by the contracting officer.

That cost is not included in the ODC and should be considered in the offeror's fixed price. It is the contractor's responsibility to acquire any materials/items not provided by the Government to perform the requirements.

Question LAMPS Historical workload.xlsx Contractor Owned Vehicles Tab Does the government expect the awardee of the new contract to provide an equivalent fleet of vehicles or can the contractor make their own determination based on the PWS as to what is required in order to support the contract?

Government Response It is the up to the Offeror on how it will complete the requirements of the contract.

See the response to question # 34 above.

Question NASA provided a list of contractor-owned vehicles that may or may not be in use today on the current incumbent contract. Please explain the level of use for the vehicles that support the LAMPS contract.

Government Response The Government does not track the level of use of contractor equipment.

Clarification LAMPS Historical workload.xlsx Current Tasks Tab The current historical workload data seems to indicate the number of FTEs historically used based on a cross-reference of the PWS Section, Title and Lamps 1 Sub-task. . However, it is difficult to price in a proposal without historical data (i.e. number of products produced, hours required, etc.)

Government Response Please refer to Attachment II Tab - Form B

Question LAMPS Historical workload.xlsx NASA provided the matrix of the historical workload which lacks the historical labor rates on the incumbent contract which would ensure fair and equal opportunity for the bidders. Please provide the historical labor rates.

Government Response Historical labor rates of the incumbent contractor are not releasable for the LAMPS contract.

Question LAMPS Historical workload.xlsx Will the government please provide guidance on the utilization on the contractor vehicles? Under which PWS elements are the use of vehicles required?

Were the vehicles that are now required also a requirement in the original LAMPS 1 solicitation?

Government Response 1. See response to question # 35

2. Currently vehicles are being utilized under PWS paragraphs: 4.1.5 , 5.6.5, and

5.12.1 and the Program Management Office (PMO).

3. The vehicles for LAMPS were transferred from its predecessor contract

"CLASIC".

Vehicles are not a requirement per se of the PWS, however as a practical matter offerors will likely need to utilize vehicles to ensure timely and efficient service.

Question Attachment III Current Task" tab There is a discrepancy on the referenced tab. There is 1 WYE shown for a

Document Imaging Operator on row 2 however there is no identification of which element this labor classification supports. Please clarify.

Government Response The tab is corrected to reflect 003.001.

EXHIBIT H - LABOR DESCRIPTIONS

Question Exhibit H, Labor Descriptions:

Graphics/Video Specialist, Video Lead, Video Multimedia Specialist, Attachment III: Historical Workload

In Exhibit H - Labor Descriptions, the qualifications, skills and experience for Graphics/Video Specialist, Video Lead and Video Multimedia Specialist includes "Strong graphic design abilities needed to provide art direction and graphic support to media products. Requires proficiency in all aspects of 2-D and 3_D animation and Maya, as well as Photoshop, Illustrator and After Effects or equivalent applications." The historical workload shows Qty. 8 Graphics/Video Specialists, Qty. 1 Video Lead and Qty. 2 Video Multimedia Specialist

Will the Government please confirm how many of the 11 WYE in these labor categories are proficient in 2-D and 3-D animation as well as how many of the WYE perform animation services

Government Response One of each of the three labor categories does 2-D and 3-D animation. All three do 2-D and one of the three performs 3-D animation.

42 Question Section H Page 19 Does the government plan to utilize LCMS, if so, can the government provide the requirements for utilization of LCMS?

Government Response The Government currently intends to use LCMS. The system will be used for daily contract administration between the contractor and the Government.

Clarification / Question Form G Pricing spreadsheet L.15.(b) (3) Due to CLIN 0002 being cost reimbursable (NO- FEE). Offerors shall provide evidence of an adequate accounting system as determined by the cognizant administrative office for accumulating and reporting incurred costs. Provide the date of acceptance/approval of the system and the cognizant contract audit office.

Is the requirement to have DCAA approved or to have adequate business systems.. The two requirements are mutually exclusive and difference has significant implications. Section L only requires an adequate accounting system which seems to conflict with the requirements in Form G pricing worksheet.

Which one is correct?

Government Response The Government requires the awardee to have an adequate accounting system prior to contract award.

Clarification Given that the spend rate on the current LAMPS contract appears to over $15M/year (based on publicly available data), a true 8(a) company that meets the size standard of $15M or less/year and intends to bid as a prime would seemingly have an impossible time of meeting both the size standard requirement AND the past performance requirement to provide contracts in similar size (in dollars per year).

Government Response Please see the response to question # 17 45 Question Pricing Escalation Rates Please consider defining the escalation rate to be proposed by all bidders.

Government Response The Government will not define escalation rates to be used by offerors. Offerors are to propose escalation based on their individual pricing approach. Also, see Section I clause FAR 52.222-43 Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards—Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts).

46 Question Attachment II Form B Labor Hours and Rates Which government provided labor categories are currently subject to the SCA Wage Determination?

Government Response It is the Offeror's responsibility to identify which labor categories are subject to the SCA Wage Determination, CBA or Exempt.

Question L.15(b) PRICE PROPOSAL –

VOLUME II

Cost/Price Forms Is the Government only anticipating Cost/Price forms and other than certified cost and pricing data from just the Prime offeror? If not, will the government clarify submission requirements for subcontractors?

Government Response The final RFP will be changed to show the following:

For significant Subcontractors (Ref L.12) form D1 has been added to Attachment II to show support for form D. These forms (D and D1) may be submitted directly to NASA as identified in section L.14 or submitted by prime in a sealed package.

All other subcontractors only need to use form D.

ATTACHMENT II – COST/PRICE FORMS

48 Question L.15(b)(5)b(viii) Form B of Attachment II - Cost/Price Forms Form B of the Cost/Price Forms in Attachment II does not have a section for subcontract cost. Can the government clarify?

Government Response Please refer to Attachment II Tab - Form C and Form D is for subcontractor information

Question L.15(b)(5)b(ix); Form B of Attachment II - Cost/Price Forms Form B of the Cost/Price Forms in Attachment II does not have a section for the total proposed Firm Fixed Price (FFP). Additionally, the total proposed FFP should be the sum of items (vii) and (viii). Can the government clarify?

Government Response Please refer to Attachment II Tab - Form A contains the total FFP. There is no item (viii) on form B the total proposed firm fixed price is indicated on form A.

Question L.11 LIMITATIONS ON

SUBCONTRACTING

Form E of Attachment II - Cost/Price Forms; The calculations for compliance with the limitation on subcontracting in Form E of the Cost/Price Forms in Attachment II currently includes ODCs in the “Prime Fully Burdened Labor Costs”. Section L.11 indicates that ODCs should be excluded. Can the government clarify?

Government Response Final RFP Cost/Price Forms Attachment II has been corrected.

Question Form E of Attachment II - Cost/Price Forms On Form E of Attachment II - Cost/Price Forms, the calculation of the limitation on subcontracting may be incorrect if an offeror chooses to use subcontractor personal in the PMO. Will the Government allow offerors to modify the form for correct calculation of the Limitation of Subcontracting when Program Management labor is drawn from subcontractors?

Government Response Yes, offerors should modify cost forms to fit their pricing approach.

Question LAMPS Government owned equipment 052217.xlsx Applies to multiple Tabs The equipment listing includes computers for each area (AV&V, Graphics, PhotographyEPL, etc.). Is it possible to get a listing of the software that is installed on these computers?

Government Response The government is supplying the equipment with appropriate software to accomplish the requirements. Only government provided software is authorized to be place on government computer systems.

Question PWS Elements There are only 7 PWS elements that were listed to in the Past performance volume. Are these the only PWS elements that we are required to write about and the only ones that we will be evaluated on?

Government Response Yes.

Question PWS Elements There are several specialty skilled PWS elements such as Interpreter Services.

Since the government defines a significant subcontractor as receiving >$4M over the life of the contract and there are several specialty requirements; would NASA allow the offeror to submit a joint capabilities statement that covers these unique capabilities?

Government Response Specialty skilled PWS elements such as interpreter services do not need to be addressed in the Past Performance Volume. The RFP has been revised to clarify the Government’s intent to only evaluate content pertinence for the seven PWS areas listed in L.15(c)(2)ix.”

LAMPS Government Owned Equipment

LAMPS 2 PWS

Question PWS 3.0 "The Contractor shall have the capability to provide short-term support to cover administrative staff vacancies with trained personnel within five business days and until the vacancy can be permanently filled."

The requirement is to have temporary staff for each administrative position that are pre-trained on NASA policy, procedures, financial systems, travel processing, foreign visitor processing, and other daily activities to provide short-term support on demand. Will the government provide funding to bring temporary staff onsite prior to the vacancy so they can receive the necessary credentials and be provided NASA required training?

Government Response No, the Government will not provide funding to bring temporary staffing onsite prior to the vacancy. That expense should be included in your firm-fixed price.

Question PWS 3.2 Action Tracking "The Contractor shall initiate, compile, respond, and track action items and requests by reporting appropriate dates, status, or disposition to organization management and staff."

Does Langley have an existing system/method/process in use for action tracking?

Government Response No. Most organizations have an internal system (e.g. MS Office Suite) to track actions.

57 Clarification PWS 3.8 "The Contractor shall maintain bibliographies for organization members"

The requirement is unclear. Does the government require bibliographies for publications/papers or biographies for organization members?

Government Response The sentence is correct.

Clarification / Question PWS 3.13 "The Contractor shall compile and submit regular organizational metrics including but not limited to, Organizational Unit Plan performance metrics."

Please provide a reference for "Organizational Unit Plan performance metrics".

Are these metrics for the contractor, or a NASA business unit? What is involved in this task?

Government Response Each organization may have Metrics that they collect and need to report on. They are for NASA organization and each organization is different so the level of involvement is different.

Question PWS 4.1.7 Duplicating Facility Operation Services

"The Contractor shall manage all aspects of the multi-platform, digital Duplicating Facility operations including but not limited to electronic file transfer and preparation, scanning, duplication, bindery, distribution services, and problem follow-up and resolution. Work is performed in a limited access area requiring a secret security clearance for access. The Duplicating Facility has a number of industrial machines that, based on safety considerations, require a minimum of two qualified contractor personnel at all times during high-speed machine operations, including punching, binding, and stitching operations. The Contractor shall staff the facility at a minimum from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday thru Friday, excluding holidays and Center closures."

Does the contactor need to secure duplication services from a third party when a customer's duplication requirements are beyond the scope of what is available under this contract?

Government Response No. If duplication requirements exceed capability, the government will negotiate a change or source another contract vehicle to accomplish the requirement.

Clarification PWS 4.1.8, 4.3 "The Contractor shall maintain up-to-date records of completed jobs in a Government-provided work control system."

Please describe the work control system in place.

Government Response The work control system is a government developed system and is not a commercial-off- the-shelf product.

Question PWS 4.1.8, 4.3, 4.4.1 "The Contractor shall maintain up-to-date records of completed jobs in a Government-provided work control system."

Is the work control system used by all subtasks under 4.1 OCIO Media Support, or does it only pertain to AV&V Support Services,RD Graphics Support, NESC Media Support?

Government Response The work control system does not apply to RD Graphics Support or NESC Media Support.

62 Clarification PWS 3.11 Is the AV&V property accounted for in the the NASA automated proporty management system mentioned in paragraph 3.11?

Government Response Yes. All property is accounted for through the automated property management system.

Clarification PWS 4.4.6 The Contractor shall provide basic user operation support for Sonic Foundry Mediasite Enterprise Video Platform and for the NESC Knowledge Integration System, including development and maintenance of basic user guides and training.

Please describe the NESC Knowledge Integration System

Government Response Alfresco Community Edition which is Commercial Off the Shelf software.

Question PWS 4.5.2 The Contractor shall develop and distribute video news releases incorporating video recorded interviews and computer-generated animation.

Does the government provide the newswire service and journalist databases for news distribution?

Government Response Yes

Question PWS 4.6.1 Video and Social Media Operations

"The Contractor shall perform the management and administration of video operations including but not limited to coordinating logistics and providing talent and other required services for productions, (e.g., actors, music, closed captioning, foreign language dubbing or translation, stock footage, and video archiving) and planning, projecting, and tracking the costs of production."

Does Langley have an existing system/method/process for work request reception/input/tracking/etc. for all Media Services?

Government Response NASA Edge does not have a formal tracking system.

Question PWS 5.12.1 IESB Collaboration Facility Management & Event Support

"The Contractor shall coordinate with others providing video services to the IESB. The Contractor shall set up and operate Government-furnished projection equipment, video monitors and receivers, video conferencing equipment, computers, screens, LCD projectors, overhead projectors, speaker phones, and other applicable video equipment."

At what frequency and for how many facilities does the contractor need to provide operational support of A/V and video conferencing equipment?

Government Response The IESB is one facility with approximately 3 conference rooms, one theater, and approximately 12 training/meeting rooms which all are booked approximately 90% of the time and require daily support.

Question PWS 5.12.1 IESB Collaboration Facility Management & Event Support

"The Contractor shall manage the schedule for the Langley collaboration facilities, maintaining an electronic schedule of events, and coordinating with Center personnel to resolve schedule conflicts and clarify requirements. The Contractor shall ensure equitable use of collaboration facilities for official functions and Langley Activities Association functions, days, nights and weekends. The Contractor shall post event information daily to the marquees located at the Main Gate, Wythe Creek Gate, and in front of the IESB. The Contractor shall maintain records on seating capacity, safety and sanitation regulations, and statistical data on the use of Center collaboration facilities."

How many events a year is the contactor expected to support? How do the events range in size and complexity? Is event data available?

Government Response See answer to question 66 above. No event data is available.

Question PWS 5.12.2 Navigation Center Management and Event Support

"The Contractor shall assist in the tracking, managing, storing, and maintaining of all Navigation Center IT equipment resources. "

Does Langley have an existing system/method/process in use for tracking and managing equipment resources? PWS para 4.1.4 Property Management mentions a "Government provided system for tracking inventory." Would the same system be used here?

Government Response Yes to both questions.

Question PWS 5.13 Interpreter Services "The primary interpreter shall be on-site and available to provide services during core hours. Core hours are Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and Tuesday and Wednesday from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm."

Is it the intent for the primary interpreter to provide all interpreter services, or will the contractor need to make arrangements for additional interpreters when concurrent events require the services of more than one interpreter?

Government Response Yes to both questions.

Question PWS Sections 4.1.8, 4.1.9, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5.2, 4.5.4, and 4.6.1 Exhibit H, Labor Descriptions: Graphics/Video Specialist, Video Lead, Video Multimedia Specialist

In Exhibit H - Labor Descriptions, the qualifications, skills and experience for Graphics/Video Specialist, Video Lead and Video Multimedia Specialist includes "Strong graphic design abilities needed to provide art direction and graphic support to media products. Requires proficiency in all aspects of 2-D and 3_D animation and Maya, as well as Photoshop, Illustrator and After Effects or equivalent applications." In the PWS, the only PWS section requiring animation services is Section 4.1.9. These labor categories would be providing services in the other listed PWS areas where animation expertise is not required. Generally, 3-D modeling and animation is done by SME's in that area and most of the graphics staff would not be creating animations

Will the Government please review the requirements in the labor descriptions and clarify which labor categories must be proficient in animation. Also, would the Government please clarify in the labor categories where Animation is required if all staff must be proficient in animation. Would the government consider adding a separate animator labor category?

Government Response See question #41 above. Yes, the Offeror may submit a different labor category.

Question Exhibit A PWS 5.4 Page 38 This requirement is referring to a specific project (the Records Management Initiative) at Langley being run out of the CIO office. To understand more about the initiative we request NASA publish the OCIO Project Definition Document.

Government Response The initiative is as follows: "The overall goal is to ensure all Center records, regardless of media or type, are created, maintained, and dispositioned in accordance with NPD 1440.6, NASA Records Management, and NPR 1441.1, NASA Records Retention Schedules".

72 Question Exhibit A Is this work a consolidation of contracts, or is all this work being performed under the current LAMPS contract?

Government Response All of this work is being performed under the current LAMPS contract.

Question

PWS 5.7, 5.8, 5.12

Please provide software tools utilized by the Financial Analyst, the Acquisition Specialist, the Personnel Specialist, and other skills throughout all PWS elements.

Government Response Software tools utilized by these categories use standard industry packages such as MS Office, SAP Modules and other internal developed government systems.

See PWS sections 5.7.1 and 5.7.2.

CLAUSES

Question I.1 Clauses incorporated by Reference

Interim FAR Clause 52.222-62 implementing Executive Order 13706 and associated Department of Labor rule was released in December of 2016 to be applicable to RFPs released after January 1, 2017.

This clause is not included in the draft RFP. Will FAR Clause 52.222-62 be included in the final RFP?

Government Response The Government will not include this clause.

Question

Section I.1 Since the Service Contract Act and Non-displacement FAR clauses are included, the contractor must honor years of service in the calculation of benefits cost.

Would the Government please provide service date or years of service information for the incumbent staff?

Government Response See the response to question #30 above

Questions & Answers