FIS_Suport_Services_RFP_-_OPM1516R0002_-_Q A_Responses.pdf

Reference Section Reference Page Reference Quote Question / Comment / Proposed Language Question No. OPM RESPONSE REFERENCE(S) in the Final RFP

B.3 4 OPM-FIS will provide the Contractor with an estimate of work for each Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) for the upcoming fiscal year. OPM’s actual CLIN ordering will not entitle the Contractor to an equitable price adjustment.

Please explain language related to equitable adjustment, is this provision related to surges? Or is it simply a statement that simple variations in the CLIN ordering are not subject to equitable price adjustment? What is the provision for situations in which CLIN ordering significantly exceeds the forecast?

No adjustment to the CLIN pricing in B.7 will be made as a result of variation in estimated quantities provided by

OPM. Contractors should price accordingly. The estimated quantities provided at the start of each FY are for information purposes only. B.2, B.3 B.3 5 OPM-FIS will provide the Contractor with an estimate of work for each

Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) for the upcoming fiscal year. OPM’s actual CLIN ordering will not entitle the Contractor to an equitable price adjustment.

Can OPM please confirm the intent of the statement is limited to OPM’s replacing its annual fiscal year estimate with the follow-on actual order?

That is not the intent of B.3. Refer to Question 1. B.2, B.3, F.6 B.5 4 Per B.2, the contract type is FFP; however, B.5 references quality disincentives.

Please define incentives and disincentives and provide detail on how they will be accessed.

F.3, as revised, describes the OPM performance expectations. Values for disincentives are discussed in F.3.3. In accordance with B.4 disincentives associated with timeliness will be waived during the phase in period. F.3, F.3.3, F.3.3.1 B.5 4 The RFP indicates that a 6-month phase in period will commence at a Notice to Proceed (NTP), with the contractor being assigned work immediately thereafter.

Is it the Government’s intent that Offeror’s propose the process and length for transitioning from the incumbent to the successor contractor provided the period does not exceed 6 months?

Transition Period and Phase‐In Period are two separate activities. The transition period covers time between contract award and Notice to Proceed (NTP). The phase‐ in period begins at NTP and ends no longer than six (6) months thereafter. OPM anticipates that most transition activities will not exceed the NTP. Proposal requirements, to include those related to start‐up, are discussed in Sections L + M. B.4, L.5, M.2

B.5 4 This section states "The first six months of this contract are considered a phase in period commencing as of the Notice to Proceed (NTP). The Contractor will be assigned work immediately following the NTP. Any timeliness disincentives will be waived during the phase in period. Any quality disincentives will be enforced during the phase in period."

Please provide detailed information with respect to contract disincentives, if any, mentioned in section B.5 which apply to the Phase In Period. Additionally, provide detailed information with respect to contract disincentives, if any, which apply to the performance or post Phase In Period.

Refer to question 3. B.4, F.3.3 B.7 5 RFP documentation appears to indicate a Government-desired Period of

Performance of Base + 4 one year options. However, Section B.7 only includes 3 option years.

Please clarify the period of performance and provide an anticipated award date for proposal pricing purposes.

The period(s) of performance for the resultant IDIQ contract are described in B.6. Task orders will contain the required information of FAR 16.505 (a) (7). B.6, F.6

B.7 7 Special Case CLINS Please define Special Cases and clarify how the contractor will identify them.

The following document, incorporated by reference and available within the reading room, contains the requested information: J.1.1.4 (Product Descriptions). J.1.1.4

B.7 8 The types of services and complexity of support required for the Per Hour CLINs are not clear

Please specify the types and levels of complexity of services required for each of the “Clerical,” “Data

Operator,” and “Technical" Per Hour CLINS. Does the government anticipate multiple levels of complexity requiring different labor categories?

The contractor should price these per hour CLINs as it feels approriate and in accordance with FAR 52.216‐29.

Task orders may be issued during performance for services that may involve the hourly effort of individuals that fall, broadly, into one of the categories. Said task orders will define the involved services so that the contractor may propose an approriate mix based on specific complexities. Work performed under these task orders, if any, will be generally consistent with what's specified elsewhere in the solicitation. B.6, F.6 B.7 7 Please provide a product description of CLIN 016 FILES? 9 Contractors are encouraged to review Section C.10.4

(Case File Maintenance). C.10.4 B.7 13 Tables Is there an Option Period 4 or just 3 Option Periods? 10 The period(s) of performance for the resultant IDIQ contract are described in B.6. B.6 B.7/B.1/C The CLINs include Receptionist, Clerical, Data Entry, and Technical Support for both Pennsylvania and Ft.

Meade; however, there is no mention of this in section B.1 or in the Statement of Work. Will services in FSC and at the PIC still be required? (Note: F.5 and F.6 on page 65 may address this.)

OPM may issue task orders for services at any point during the IDIQ contract's period of performance. Said task orders will contain the required information of FAR

16.505 (a) (7). B.6, F.6 B.7 7 CLIN 014 states RSI and CLIN 014S states RSI - Special

Cases. This is shown for each option period as well. We do not see it anywhere in the proposal instructions and there is no performance standard for it. Page 181 shows Quantity per year. Please confirm whether or not the

Contractor will be required to do the RSI going forward.

OPM completes the scheduling portion of the RSI. All remaining functions, as described in J.1.1.14 (Processes and Procedures Manual) and elsewhere, are the responsibility of the contractor. B.6, J.1.1.14

C.1/C.1.2 15 In stating which systems require a formal A&A process, this paragraph uses the statement "any OPM related information" which is extremely broad criteria.

It could be interpreted as including publically available information related to OPM, which clearly is not intended

Request the Government make the statement more specific.

13 The formal information security Assessment and Authorization (A&A) process is not required for systems that do not connect to or share data with the OPM

Network. C.1.2.1

C.1/C.1.3 15-16 The statement: "Form updates will only be considered for a change in the level of effort required by the Contractor in processing" appears to be missing some language that ties it to instances when there would be a change in Contract requirements. Request the Government clarify this statement.

The forms referenced in C.1.3 are routinely updated by OPM during the IDIQ contract's period of performance.

That fact alone will not warrant a change in the CLIN pricing found in B.6. B.6, C.1.3 C.1/C.1.5/M.2.3.5 16 & 183 These sections reference OPM Specific Contract Clauses related to subcontracting. The second reference calls out Clause 1752.219-70 as specifically contained in Attachment 4.

In reviewing Attachment 4, we did not find this clause.

Request the Government include this Clause in future versions of this RFP.

OPM Clause 1752.219‐70 ‐ Small Business Subcontracting Plan is not applicable to this IDIQ and will be deleted via an amendment. Contractors are directed to FAR 52.219‐

8, 52.219‐9 + 52.219‐16, as approriate. I, Attachment 4 C.1/C.1.7 16 This section states: "The Contractor will be responsible for the handoff and tracking of all material to OPM and other OPM Contractors."

Request clarification of OPM's expectations around the

Contractor's responsibility of "handoff and tracking" of all materials to OPM and other contractors.

Certain materials, in print form, are not able to be tracked within a system. As such, the physical handoff and manifesting of material will be required. The contractor will be responsible for tracking in accordance with C.1.6 + C.1.5 (Document Control Log). C.1.5, C.1.6

C.1.1.2 14 Should the reference to Section L.5 be changed to L.6(d) for volumes of cases received and processed?

Section L.5.e provides volume estimates for pricing purposes. L.5, Pricing Workbook C.1.1.2 14 Workloads for each of the CLINs listed in Section B.7 are directly related to the volume of cases received and processed within FIS, as estimated in Section L.5.

Did the Government intend to reference to Section “L.5” or Section “L.6”?

Section L.5.e provides volume estimates for pricing purposes. L.5, Pricing Workbook C.1.1.3 14 The Contractor will provide work related to this contract in Boyers, PA and other OPM approved facilities.

Can the Government please expand on the T&M LOE and associated SOW requirements required to be performed outside Boyers, PA? Does the Government anticipate any FFU work to be performed outside of the Boyers, PA

Government-Provided facility? Is the DC/Ft. Meade work anticipated to be at Government or Contractor facility?

Will the contractor be required to have a facility in the Ft.

Meade area?

OPM may issue task orders for services at any point during the IDIQ contract's period of performance. Said task orders will contain the required information of FAR

16.505 (a) (7). The primary place of performance shall be Boyers, PA. It may be necessary, as part of performance under a given task order, for the contractor to provide services at the locations identified in B.6. Work may be performed at other locations, subject to OPM approval, which shall be defined at the task order level. C.1.1.3, F.6 C.1.1.3 14 The Contractor will not remove Personally Identifiable Information (PII) or case material from OPM approved facilities without OPM approval.

Does the Government anticipate that Contractor Provided

Training Facility and Data Center Facility will be authorized to host/store/reference PII or Case Material? If yes, what will be the nature, type, and clearance level of the materials?

Requirement for contractor provided training facility and data center facility were removed from the Final RFP. Off‐ site locations are not required to store PII and case material. J.1.1.2, J.1.1.3

C.1.2 15 OPM is moving toward a completely electronic case file and more background investigations are received electronically, which reduces the need for data entry on the front end of the investigative process, as well as filing investigative material

Can the Government please expand on the amount of cases currently processed by EIS? Does OPM have a target date where all cases will be processed by EIS? Can the Government please provide EIS transition project milestone dates for pricing consideration? Is the Support Services contractor expected to assist in the transition of services from paper to electronic - and/or assist in testing out system functionality?

Specific answers to these questions are not currently available. The intent of C.1.2 is to communicate to contractors that IT systems used in performance of the contract work are subject to change. The specific of each system migration, should they occur, will be considered with the IDIQ contract holder and addressed via changes and resultant equitable adjustments to the contract price, if necessary. C.1.2, FAR 52.243‐1 C.1.2 15 OPM anticipates that changes in technology will affect the manner in which work is performed at any time during the life of the Contract. These changes will not affect an increase in cost of this contract.

Does the Government anticipate a cost reduction as a result of electronic transition effort? Does the Governmen anticipate greater efficiency processing/more cases per day based upon electronic transition effort? If yes, what is the Government's target/expected efficiency rate?

Changes to technology cannot be foreseen by OPM. In the event that changes in technology affect contract performance the specifics shall be considered to determine whether an equotable adjustment to the CLIN pricing in B.6. is approriate. Reference question 21. C.1.2, FAR 52.243‐1

C.1.2 15 OPM is moving toward a completely electronic case file and more background investigations are received electronically, which reduces the need for data entry on the front end of the investigative process, as well as filing investigative material

Is the Government open to the Support Contactor proposing and implementing within the life of the contrac software and/or technical innovations that would provide greater processing efficiency on contract?

OPM will consider contractor proposed software and/or technical innovations that may provide greater processing efficiency as part of contract performance.

Prior to implementation of the above, if applicable, OPM approval in accordance with OPM Security and Privacy

Policy would be, at a minimum, necessary. C.1 C.1.2 14 The Contractor will utilize only OPM’s Processing Systems, referred to as

Investigative Enterprise Systems (IES), or any future OPM system that is directly associated with the investigative process. The IES application enables data entry of the personnel security questionnaire and subsequent scheduling, tracking, reporting, closing of investigations, processing accountability and gauging timeliness. The IES contains data provided by the requesting agency, subject-provided background information, investigative results data, agency adjudication data, and other relevant case data.

What systems/applications are included in the Investigative Enterprise Systems?

24 The Government will not release this information prior to award.

C.1.2 C.1.2 14 “OPM anticipates that changes in technology will affect the manner in which work is performed at any time during the life of the Contract. These changes will not affect an increase in cost of this contract."

Should the contractor assume changes that reduce contractor effort will not result in reduced contract value?

25 Contractors should not make such an assumption.

Deductive modifications to the CLIN pricing in B.6, when applicable, will be pursued by OPM. C.1.2 C.1.2 / L.6.d 14 / 184-185 OPM is moving toward a completely electronic case file and more background investigations are received electronically, which reduces the need for data entry on the front end of the investigative process, as well as filing investigative material.

Do the volumes provided in Section L.6 take into account the OPM’s move toward a complete electronic case file?

Volumes are based on OPM's estimates for the work in the current environment and are provided for pricing purposes. L.5.e, Pricing Workbook

C.1.2.1 14 If the Contractor uses their system to house any OPM related information or intends to connect to the OPM systems, they will be required to go through a formal information security Assessment and Authorization (A&A) process within Attachment 4 [OPM Specific Contract Clauses].

Is the Contractor Time and Expense (T&E) proposed system required to go through A&A? Does the contractor today have use of any Government-owned/contractor-maintained systems in use on this contract that are expected to be transitioned to new contractor?

The contractor T&E does not require A&A. C.1.2.1 C.1.2.1 15 If the Contractor uses their system to house any OPM related information or intends to connect to the OPM systems, they will be required to go through a formal information security Assessment and Authorization (A&A) process within Attachment 4 [OPM Specific Contract Clauses].

Is A&A required for contractor's time & attendance and finance systems?

Refer to question 27. C.1.2.1 C.1.5 15 Regarding the statement, “CO approval required for subcontracting and consultants.”

Are Offerors with approved purchasing systems (CPSR) exempt from this requirement?

This requirement was removed from the final RFP.

Contractors are directed to the applicable provisions and clauses in the final RFP which relate to subcontracting.

C.1.5 15 If offerors with approved purchasing systems are not exempt from obtaining CO approval for subcontracts and consultants:

a. At what dollar threshold is consent required if an Offeror has a Certified Procurement System?

b. If consent is required for all subcontractor or consultants regardless of threshold, what information is needed to obtain consent?

This requirement was removed from the final RFP.

Contractors are directed to the applicable provisions and clauses in the final RFP which relate to subcontracting.

C.1.6 15 Regarding the statement “The Contractor …will be financially responsible for the loss/compromise of the material and equipment, damages, and the cost of the investigation.”

a. What is the threshold value of loss for which the contractor is liable?

b. How is this value determined or assessed? There is no liquidated damages clause other than those associated with our subcontracting plan. For example, how will

OPM track items processed elsewhere in the process to properly identify that an item has reached Case File

Maintenance for handling if there is no tracking mechanism currently employed within Support Services for items to be drop filed?

The value will be based on costs necessary to mitigate the contractor's contribution to any lost or compromised material. This may vary and no thresholds will be established prior to award. The document control log, of which management is a contractor responsibility, will be utilized to track material. C.1.5, C.1.6 C.1.6 15 The Contractor will account for all hardcopy piecework items and OPM material once it has been received by the Contractor. The Contractor will also account for any electronic OPM material that is printed for their personnel’s use. The Contractor will furnish periodic status reports, in accordance with

C.9.5 [Adhoc Deliverables]. The Contractor will follow the approved plan for Quality Control. All hardcopy and electronic copies of OPM material need to be safeguarded. The Contractor will follow the OPM-FIS Security Manual and OPM-FIS Policy on the Protection of PII.

Is there an electronic system in place to track hardcopy piecework? If so, what is the system?

OPM, in its current environment, is able to track cases via IES and some items via ePRP. Reference question 16. C.1.5, C.1.6

C.1.6 15 The Contractor will immediately notify OPM of any case, portion of a case, OPM material, or OPM issued equipment, that is lost and/or compromised.

The Contractor will take immediate action to retrieve the lost material and/or equipment, and will be financially responsible for the loss/compromise of the material and equipment, damages, and the cost of the investigation.

This section states the contractor will notify immediately a loss to OPM. Is this once the contractor has confirmed there is a loss of material/equipment through exhausting all efforts? What would be considered as exhausted all efforts? What is the time limit for exhausting all efforts?

Situations may vary and, as such, it's not possible to define specifics that will be applicable across all scenarios.

Contractors should report loss/compromise as soon as it becomes aware in accordance with C.1.5. C.1.5, C.1.6 C.1.7 15 With the breakup of the current support services contract into three distinct contracts, timely and thorough inter-contractor communication will be required to maintain end-to-end process efficiencies and allow all contractors to meet their assigned Performance Standards. Will direct communication be allowed between contractors (e.g., Mailroom contractor to Support Services contractor) or will they be required to use the COR(s) as an intermediary?

As circumstances warrant, contractors will be permitted to communicate across business lines to increase efficiency provided that proper protocol is followed and the responsible COR(s) are included. Said coordination, if necessary, shall not excuse either/both contractor(s) from its peformance standards as they relate to the work. C.1.5 C.1.7 16 "The contractor will be responsible for the handoff and tracking of all materia to OPM and other OPM contractors…" Please clarify if all case material tracking is to be done electronically. If so, is it the contractor’s responsibility to provide an IT solution for this purpose? If so, please clarify if the government proposes the contractor provides a cost solution or if this solution is developed specifically for this contract.

Refer to question 16. C.1.5, C.1.6 C.1.8 15 Does OPM anticipate a requirement for contractors to have secure storage outside of the Boyers, PA Iron Mountain location or outside of OPM-leased space within the Boyers. PA Iron Mountain location?

No. OPM does not anticipate a requirement for contractors to have secure storage outside of the Boyers, PA Iron Mountain location or outside of OPM‐leased space within the Boyers. PA Iron Mountain location. F.6

C.1.8 15 Security Please clarify whether the contractor is required to provide the secure storage equipment required to store materials at the work site?

The contractor is not required to provide the secure storage equipment necessary to store materials at the Boyers, PA location. It is responsible for securely storing all material within existing equipment. C.1.7

C.1.8 16 The Contractor is required to maintain strict security measures in all its operations and provide secure storage for investigative materials

Please clarify the manner to which the Contractor will provide secure storage for investigative materials: Will

OPM provide the Contractor with a letter of authorization to purchase such equipment via a third party GSA

Schedule? Will such purchase be treated as a separate CLIN (ie, ODCs) under the contract?

Refer to question 37. C.1.7 C.2.1 17 Contractor personnel will receive their daily supervision/oversight from their own Contractor-assigned staff.

Will all proposed contractor staff to include management staff be accommodated with work space/stations at the

Government Facility in Boyer's PA?

39 OPM intends to provide Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) as described in C.7.1.4. A summary of available GFE (J.1.1.16) will be available within the

Reading Room. C.7.1.4, J.1.1.16 C.2.10 17 This section states, “…OPM-IA may require that the Contractor address substantiated integrity concerns stemming from work completed for another Contractor to ensure that patterns and/or behaviors do not continue.” It further states, “If OPM determines that there is an integrity concern involving a shared resource or former Contractor, the Contactor may be required to conduct follow-up as deemed necessary by OPM-IA on cases assigned by the

Contractor to that individual as deemed necessary including, but not limited to case sampling at the expense of the Contractor.”

a. Please define “shared resource”.

b. How will a shared resource be solely at the support services contractor’s expense for an integrity concern stemming from work completed for another contractor?

c. Please provide details on how the government will determine how a contractor will be held financially responsible for an employee who is a shared resource or from the former contractor and not currently employed by the contractor.

d. Are employees “from the former contractor” considered employees who transitioned to the incoming contractor?

A shared resource is hereby defined as an individual working on more than one OPM contract. Integrity concerns, if any, will be handled based on the specifics of each situation. If an integrity concern were to develop regarding an individual's work on another contract it may be necessary to review said individual's work performed on other contracts regardless of current employment status. OPM will not hold a current contractor responsible for work completed under a different contract. C.2.10 C.2.3 16 The Contractor will reimburse federal or other contractor’s staff for any rework completed.

How is the reimbursement calculated for the Federal Government/other Contractors in case of re-work?

Refer to Section C.2.3 for a definition of "re‐work". C.2.3 C.2.3 17 Will there be protocols for accountability, issue resolution, cost reconciliation between various contracts and federal units?

Refer to question 41 and question 47. C.2.3 C.2.3 16 Reference Rework How much rework has the government experienced on this project over the past 12 months?

OPM will not release this information. C.2.3 C.2.4 16 “At OPM’s discretion, any Contractor personnel may be immediately suspended or terminated from this Contract for any cause deemed detrimental by OPM. OPM may, for any reason, immediately suspend or revoke the

Contractor or Contractor facility access authorization, security clearance, and/or general access to perform work under this Contract. If so directed, the

Contractor will immediately discontinue the employee’s access to files supporting this Contract.”

Will OPM provide documentation supporting the removal of contractor staff for potential use by the contractor in terminating the employee?

No. C.2.4 C.2.4 16 Right to Suspend or Remove Employees What is the government’s level of experience in this regard over the past 12 months?

OPM will not release this information. C.2.4 C.2.4 17 OPM may, for any reason, immediately suspend or revoke the Contractor or

Contractor facility access authorization, security clearance, and/or general access to perform work under this Contract.

Please confirm that the statement refers to Contractor ‘personnel’ (and not the Contractor company).

Section C.2.4 of the final RFP refers to contractor personnel. Separate clauses within the final RFP apply to the contractor. C.2.4

C.2.7 17 “OPM reserves the right to research and/or resolve the complaint itself at the Contractor’s expense.”

How will the government cost be determined? 47 Primarily, the cost is calculated by tracking time spent conducting the re‐work (each individual's hourly rate inclusive of benefits) and any travel costs incurred to complete re‐work. This is in addition to costs incurred to re‐work, or otherwise recover, records or other items. C.2.8

C.2.7 17 “OPM reserves the right to conduct all, or any part of, the rework itself at the Contractor’s expense.”

How will the government cost be determined? 48 Refer to question 47. C.2.8

C.2.7 17 OPM reserves the right, at any time, to conduct all, or any part of, the work itself and charge the Contractor for all costs associated with completion thereof.

Can the Government clarify how these charges are calculated? How many times has OPM needed to invoke this provision during the current contract?

Refer to question 43 + question 47. C.2.8 C.2.8 17 Alleged or Suspected Falsification What is the government’s level of experience over the past 12 month regarding falsification?

OPM will not release this information. C.2.8 C.2.9 17 “OPM may refer cases of confirmed falsification for Federal prosecution for which the Contractor will bear financial responsibility.”

How will the government cost be determined? 51

Refer to question 47. C.2.8 C.2.9 17 Prosecution of Falsification Cases - How many cases has the government prosecuted over the past 12 months and what was the outcome?

OPM will not release this information. C.2.8 C.2.9 17 Prosecution of Falsification Cases - Would the Government consider providing offerors with information regarding prior prosecutions, specifically the methods of falsification encountered so that offerors can effectively develop mitigation strategies and controls?

OPM will not release this information. C.2.8

C.2.9 17 Prosecution of Falsification Cases - OPM may refer cases of confirmed falsification for federal prosecution for which the Contractor will bear financia responsibility.

Can the Government clarify this requirement and the full nature of such financial liability?

This language is broad and could be construed to also include for example all legal fees of both the Government as well as the Defendant being prosecuted.

Refer to question 47. C.2.8 C.3.2 18 Existing Procedures Is The Contract and Process and

Procedures Manual available to bidders prior to award?

Yes. J.1.1.14 will be available within the Reading Room. C.3.2, J.1.1.14 C.3.4 18 - 19 An incumbent contract employee in good standing currently working on OPM

Contracts may be transferred to another entity or to a new Contract into the same job function without any additional training. Additional training is left to the discretion of the Contractor when the incumbent has 18 months of consecutive OPM experience (in the respective job title with the same functions) and less than 8 months of inactivity working under an OPM

Contract in a similar capacity. If the incumbent has a break in service of 12 months or more, the individual will be required to attend a complete training program(s) for their respective position. However, regardless of the incumbents experience level, training (refresher at a minimum) is mandatory for any break in service where a modification has occurred during the period o inactivity.

What constitutes similar capacity? 56

Similar capacity is defined as a position in a similar role on an OPM investigative services contract. C.3.4

C.3.4 19 An incumbent contract employee in good standing currently working on OPM Contracts may be transferred to another entity or to a new Contract into the same job function without any additional training. Additional training is left to the discretion of the Contractor when the incumbent has 18 months of consecutive OPM experience (in the respective job title with the same functions) and less than 8 months of inactivity working under an OPM

Contract in a similar capacity. If the incumbent has a break in service of 12 months or more, the individual will be required to attend a complete training program(s) for their respective position. However, regardless of the incumbents experience level, training (refresher at a minimum) is mandatory for any break in service where a modification has occurred during the period o inactivity.

Does the 12 months or more break in service mean the incumbent is still employed by the contractor and has not worked for 12 months or more? It’s not clear the difference between the 8 months to 12 months difference.

Refer to the Final RFP. C.3.4 C.3.5 19 The Government will provide annual mandatory information technology (IT)

(Annual IT Security and Privacy Awareness training) for all Contractor employees working under this Contract.

What is the expected length of time for an individual to complete the mandatory Government IT training? Is this training in addition to the SPECIALIZED IT SECURITY AWARENESS TRAINING (APR 2015) on page 129?

Response timeframes for the annual training are set yearly. There are completion cut‐off dates which, if not met, may result in removal of access. The Government IT training is updated yearly. The annual IT secuirty and privacy awareness training does not count towards the "specialized IT security training" requirement for those with IT security specific responsibilities. C.3.5 C.3.6 20 Will OPM host a pre-proposal conference and site visit? 59 OPM will hold a pre‐proposal conference. For more information please refer to the Final RFP posted on March 23, 2016. RFP FBO Announcement

C.3.7 20 What information cannot be retrieved from IES? Are there current databases that are capturing this info? Are they proprietary to the incumbent or will they be made available to the new Contractor?

Refer to C.3.6 + C.3.7 C.3.6, C.3.7 C.5.2 21 "...all [government] costs associated with the investigation and rework will be charged back to the Contractor."

How will the government cost be determined? 61

Refer to question 47. C.5.2, C.2.3 C.7 22 Please provide the list of GFE with the final RFP. 62 Refer to question 39. C.7, J.1.1.16

C.7.1.2 23 Does OPM have in place a Property Inventory system that will be maintained by the contractor or does the contractor need to provide the inventory system? If so, will OPM provide an up to date inventory of property in place at the time of start up to be incorporated?

It will be necessary for the contractor to provide its own inventory system. Refer to question 39. C.7.1.2, J.1.1.16

C.7.1.4 23 Will contractor employees be permitted to utilize OPM-provided computing resources to access contractor time & attendance systems and/or annual/recurring online OPM-required or contractor-designated training (e.g., Ethics Training)?

Yes. C.7.1.4 C.7.2.1, C.10.1.5, L.6 (c)ii 25 "The Contractor will provide basic office supplies." Section C.7.2.1 specifies that the contractor will provide basic office supplies. Section C.10.1.5 states that there is a general requirement to provide personal protective equipment for employees. In Section L.6.(c)(1)ii, there is reference to contractor-provided equipment. Please clarify the Government's expectations for contractor-provided equipment and other materials.

Refer to question 39. J.1.1.16 C.7.2.1, L.6 (c) (1)ii.a 175 “Technological Equipment. A description of Contractor Provided Equipment and if new equipment is needed, a timeline for procurement.”

Please clarify whether the contractor is able to procure and bring into the OPM facility any items of equipment(including software?) , as is inferred in Section

L.6(c)(1)ii.a. The reference at C.7.2.1 implies that the contractor is only to provide office supplies) “Contractor will provide basic office supplies.”).

66 The contractor is permitted to procure, as it determines necessary, and bring contractor furnished equipment (CFE) into OPM space. CFE must be approved by OPM before it is connected to the OPM Network, if applicable.

Additionally, CFE will have a prohibition on OPM properietary information unless otherwise approved by OPM. C.7.2, L.5.c

C.8 N/A Conflict of Interest Will the same prime be allowed to bid on both this solicitation and the Central Records Unit solicitation?

Would a prime contract bid on SS create an organizational conflict of interest if the prime was also bid as a subcontractor on the CRU solicitation?

Refer to the Final RFP. C.8, C.9.2.8, OPM 1752.209‐74 C.8 The current OCI language reads: "Any Contractor that currently has a fieldwork or non-fieldwork Contract with OPM, where OPM’s FIS is understood to be the primary customer, is prohibited from soliciting, proposing, or being awarded a Contract resulting from this solicitation. This exclusion extends to include Contracts presently awarded which will continue through any point of the required period of performance of the Contract described herein. This would also include project management, quality assurance, software design, development, or other manner of planning, design, development, or implementation phase activity related to any aspect of the

OPM background investigative process. This exclusion extends throughout the life of this Contract." In reviewing this language with the other OPM FIS DRFPs and against FAR

Subpart 9.5, several concerns have been identified and include: - There is inconsistency with the same clause found in the DRFPs for Fieldwork and CRU - both of those start with "Any Primary Contractor..." The guidance is not clear on a contractor's ability to prime one effort and subcontract on another. - The language, read literally, would prohibit an incumbent contractor from bidding on their current work. We believe that is not OPM's intent. - While it is clearly understood the potential for OCI exists if a contractor holds both a fieldwork and a non-fieldwork contract, the draft statement extends the contract restrictions to a degree not warranted by the General Rules of FAR

Subpart 9.5.

- The statement "include project management, quality assurance, software design, development, or other manner of planning, design, development, or implementation phase activity related to any aspect of the OPM background investigative process" is also overly restrictive in light of FAR 9.5 and would prevent OPM from leveraging the program knowledge and expertise of their

We suggest the following OCI wording be included on this solicitation: "Any Contractor that currently has a prime Fieldwork contract or is bidding as a prime on a Fieldwork contract with OPM, where OPM’s FIS is understood to be the primary customer, is prohibited from soliciting, proposing, or being awarded a Prime Contract resulting from this solicitation. This exclusion extends to include Contracts presently awarded which will continue through any point of the required period of performance of the Contract described herein. Additionally, Prime Contractors for the Support Services are prohibited from performing work on any portion of the OPM background investigative process considered to be independent verification and validation (IV&V) or evaluation services, acquisition or procurement support, or Advisory and Assistance Services (as described in FAR Subpart 37.2).

This exclusion extends throughout the life of this Contract."

Setion C.8 of the RFP was revised. C.8, C.9.2.8, OPM 1752.209‐74 C.8.1 25 Any Contractor that currently has a fieldwork or non-fieldwork Contract with

OPM, where OPM’s FIS is understood to be the primary customer, is prohibited from soliciting, proposing, or being awarded a Contract resulting from this solicitation. This exclusion extends to include Contracts presently awarded which will continue through any point of the required period of performance of the Contract described herein. This would also include project management, quality assurance, software design, development, or other manner of planning, design, development, or implementation phase activity related to any aspect of the OPM background investigative process. This exclusion extends throughout the life of this Contract.

Does this COI apply to subcontractor personnel as well as prime contractor personnel?

Section C.8 of the RFP was modified. C.8, C.9.2.8, OPM 1752.209‐74 C.8.1 25 Any Contractor that currently has a fieldwork or non-fieldwork Contract with

OPM, where OPM’s FIS is understood to be the primary customer, is prohibited from soliciting, proposing, or being awarded a Contract resulting from this solicitation. This exclusion extends to include Contracts presently awarded which will continue through any point of the required period of performance of the Contract described herein. This would also include project management, quality assurance, software design, development, or other manner of planning, design, development, or implementation phase activity related to any aspect of the OPM background investigative process. This exclusion extends throughout the life of this Contract.

Please explain how OPM will have prime contractors mitigate COI concerns, real or perceived when it comes to providing data results with other Government data sources used within the security clearance process? Such government data sources as the FBI namecheck program.

Section C.8 of the RFP was modified. C.8, C.9.2.8, OPM 1752.209‐74 C.8.1 25 Any Contractor that currently has a fieldwork or non-fieldwork Contract with

OPM, where OPM’s FIS is understood to be the primary customer, is prohibited from soliciting, proposing, or being awarded a Contract resulting from this solicitation. This exclusion extends to include Contracts presently awarded which will continue through any point of the required period of performance of the Contract described herein. This would also include project management, quality assurance, software design, development, or other manner of planning, design, development, or implementation phase activity related to any aspect of the OPM background investigative process. This exclusion extends throughout the life of this Contract.

As multiple non-fieldwork contracts will be disseminated at approximately the same time, will a contractor only be able to participate (as a prime or subcontractor) on one opportunity? If a contractor participates in more than one opportunity, will it reflect negatively on the evaluation of such submissions?

Section C.8 of the RFP was modified. C.8, C.9.2.8, OPM 1752.209‐74 C.8.1 24 The RFP language appears to prohibit a current Support Services, Consolidated Leads, Field Support, or similar incumbent from soliciting, proposing, or being awarded a Contract resulting from this Draft FIS Support

Services solicitation.

Is this a correct interpretation of C.8.1?

a. If the answer, above, is "yes", will incumbent contractors (on the above cited or similar contracts) be permitted to solicit, propose, and/or perform as a subcontractor on the Support Services solicitation?

b. Does this prohibition also apply to subcontractors currently performing on the fieldwork and non-fieldwork contracts?

Section C.8 of the RFP was modified. C.8, C.9.2.8, OPM 1752.209‐74

C.8.1 24 Any Contractor that currently has a fieldwork or non-fieldwork Contract with OPM, where OPM’s FIS is understood to be the primary customer, is prohibited from soliciting, proposing, or being awarded a Contract resulting from this solicitation. This exclusion extends to include Contracts presently awarded which will continue through any point of the required period of performance of the Contract described herein. This would also include project management, quality assurance, software design, development, or other manner of planning, design, development, or implementation phase activity related to any aspect of the OPM background investigative process. This exclusion extends throughout the life of this Contract.

Does this prohibit a contractor from bidding on both this Support contract and the almost concurrent CRU Services contract?

Section C.8 of the RFP was modified. C.8, C.9.2.8, OPM 1752.209‐74 C.8.1 24 Any Contractor that currently has a fieldwork or non-fieldwork Contract with

OPM, where OPM’s FIS is understood to be the primary customer, is prohibited from soliciting, proposing, or being awarded a Contract resulting from this solicitation. This exclusion extends to include Contracts presently awarded which will continue through any point of the required period of performance of the Contract described herein. This would also include project management, quality assurance, software design, development, or other manner of planning, design, development, or implementation phase activity related to any aspect of the OPM background investigative process. This exclusion extends throughout the life of this Contract.

If a contractor participates on both non-fieldwork submissions, will they be able to rescind their offer on a submitted proposal if awarded the other?

Section C.8 of the RFP was modified. C.8, C.9.2.8, OPM 1752.209‐74 C.8.1 24 Any Contractor that currently has a fieldwork or non-fieldwork Contract with

OPM, where OPM’s FIS is understood to be the primary customer, is prohibited from soliciting, proposing, or being awarded a Contract resulting from this solicitation.

Is it the Government's intent to exclude any contractor currently support OPM today from bidding or proposing on this Support Services effort? Can the Government please summarize what contracts are considered "non-fieldwork" that would OCI out a bidder?

Section C.8 of the RFP was modified. C.8, C.9.2.8, OPM 1752.209‐74 C.8.1 25 Any Contractor that currently has a fieldwork or non-fieldwork Contract with

OPM, where OPM’s FIS is understood to be the primary customer, is prohibited from soliciting, proposing, or being awarded a Contract resulting from this solicitation. This exclusion extends to include Contracts presently awarded which will continue through any point of the required period of performance of the Contract described herein. This would also include project management, quality assurance, software design, development, or other manner of planning, design, development, or implementation phase activity related to any aspect of the OPM background investigative process. This exclusion extends throughout the life of this Contract.

Would a company be able to participate in more than one non-fieldwork contract if the areas of focus and participation are completely independent of each other and have no impact on the work performed within each (i.e. specified subcontractor on one opportunity and the prime contractor on another)?

Section C.8 of the RFP was modified. C.8, C.9.2.8, OPM 1752.209‐74 C.9.2.1/C.9.2.1.7 26-27 This section, Risk Mitigation, falls under C.9.2.1 Staffing

Plan. Is the Risk Mitigation plan to be submitted with or as part of the Staffing Plan? Also, this section refers to section C.11 [Conflict of Interest Risk Mitigation].

Section C.11 on page 46 is titled Case Management and does not apply to Risk Mitigation. Assume that C.11 should be replaced with C.8 which is titled Conflict of

Interest Risk Mitigation. Please confirm.

Section C.8 of the RFP was modified for contractor consideration. The reference in C.9.2.8 should be C.8. C.9.2.8

C.9.2.1.3 / 2.3.5 25 / 187 “…The Contractor will submit a Subcontracting Plan, as required by Attachment 4 [OPM Specific Contract Clauses – 1752.219.70 - Small

Business Subcontracting Plan] of this Contract."

The specific clause identified, 1752.219-70, has not been included within Attachment 4. May the government please include this clause in the final RFP?

Refer to question 15. I, Attachment 4 C.9.2.1.5 / 2.3.6 25 / 187 “…The Contractor will submit a Staffing Plan in accordance with…[the]

Veteran Hiring Plan in accordance [with] Attachment 4 [OPM Specific Contract Clauses – 52.222-35].”

The specific clause identified, 52.222-35, has not been included within Attachment 4. May the government include this clause in the final RFP?

Refer to question 15. I, Attachment 4 C.9.2.1.7 26 Should the reference to C.11 be changed to C.8? 80 Yes. C.9.2.8

C.9.2.4/C.9.2.5 27 Drug Free and Violence Free Workplace Plan - The Contractor will submit a Drug Free and Violence Free Workplace Plan, as required by I.1

[FAR 52.223‑6 – Drug‑Free Workplace], and J.1.2.15 [OPM Guidance for Agency‑Specific Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking Policies], 60 calendar days from Contract Award.

Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct – The Contractor will submit a Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct, in accordance with FAR

52.203-13, 30 days from Contract Award.

It is our understanding the most Contractors certify that they comply with the cited FAR clauses (ie, 52.236-6

Drug Free Workplace and 52.203-13 Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct) via SAMS and/or as a separate statement under the Contractor’s proposal.

In the interests of keeping costs down, will OPM change the requirement and accept the Contractor’s certification that the Contractor has implemented a company-wide program in accordance with the applicable FAR clause instead of requiring actual plans?

Please also note, the referenced FAR clause 52.236-6 should be 52.223-6.

The FAR requirements to certify compliance with cited Clauses remain unchanged and the Government is requesting provision of existent data which would constitute the basis of said certifications. Therefore, this requirement should not produce additional cost. The OPM specific requirement remains necessary as per

J.1.2.15. The FAR clause reference is corrected in the final

RFP. C.9.2

C.9.3/C.9.3.1 27 This section states: Daily Reports - Provided no later than close of business the day the reports are received, with exception of C.9.3.1.1 [Timeliness Reports] If the Contractor is unable to meet this requirement, we must submit a formal waiver request to the COR for review and approval/denial.

Please confirm these reports can be e-mailed to OPM as opposed to a formal waiver request.

It is permissible to email the reports described in C.9.3.1.1. The waiver process is described in C.9.1.1. C.9.1.1, C.9.3.1.1

C.9.3.2/C.9.3.2.1 28 This section, Contractor Staffing Report, appears to be more applicable to a Fieldwork contract.

Is it OPM's intent to require this on the Support contracts as well?

83 Yes. Certain fields, where not applicable to Support, will be marked as such. C.9.3.2

C.9.3.2.1 28 % Available Resources FTE - This number represents the percentage of the individuals time available to conduct OPM background investigations.

Please clarify the number represents an individual's time available to provide service on this contract --not OPM background investigations.

Refer to question 83. C.9.3.2 C.9.3.3/C.9.3.3.6 31 This section states: The Contractor will review modification reports to identify inappropriate modifications and make any necessary corrections in the electronic investigative record.

We recommend the government provides a definition of "inappropriate modifications."

Inapproriate modifications are those modifications to an investigation that occurred in error or result in an incorrect update to an investigation. C.9.3.3.6

C.9.3.3.2 30 "The Contractor will submit a monthly report (in Excel spreadsheet format) for all GFE that is issued to its employees for work performed under this

Contract. "

Please clarify whether items such as computers and cubicles are considered GFE.

Refer to question 39. J.1.1.16 C.9.3.3.3 29 Does the requirement for employee evaluations include al personnel on a monthly basis or on all personnel receiving evaluations during a given month?

It applies to all personnel receiving evaluations during a given month as set forth in the contractor's Quality

Control Plan (QCP). C.4, C.9.2.1, C.9.3.3 C.9.3.3.3 29 • Date of last evaluation

• Method(s) of evaluation (e.g., written assessment, examination, etc.)

• Result of Evaluation

• Action Taken

How often is the requirement to evaluate each staff? 88

Evaluation frequency is determined by the contractor as part of their QCP. C.4, C.9.2.1

C.9.3.3.3 29 • Date of last evaluation

• Method(s) of evaluation (e.g., written assessment, examination, etc.)

• Result of Evaluation

• Action Taken

Does the evaluation require all functions a staff member processes?

Evaluation content is determined by the contractor as part of their QCP. C.4, C.9.2.1

C.9.3.3.3/C.5C.5 29 / 20 C.9.3.3.3 states that…