Q A_Apr10-09.doc

Questions and Answers:

RFP: PBGCO1-RP-09-0007, AD ACTURIAL SERVICES

Section B.

Question 1.

In regards to the table used to calculate the Ceiling Amounts for each contract year, we noticed a significant reduction in the “estimated maximum hours” that can be worked per labor category from the current contract. For example, the number of hours available for Analyst I went from 5,000 to 500 hours and Actuary III went from 5,000 to 500. Is there going to be as significant a decrease in the work that contractors are asked to perform? Our primary concerns are that 500 hours in 1 year does not allow one person to be reasonably dedicated to a large plan with many appeals through out the year and it seems inconsistent with the stated request to have someone on-site at the PBGC as the on site presence would be constrained to about 10 hours per week. Please advise whether these “estimated maximum hours” can be exceeded during a contract year and what actions are required to increase them. We feel that the proposed new limits will impose significant constraints on our ability to support PEAD on those complex cases where only senior level staff can perform a significant amount of the work (e.g. Outboard Marine and US Air pilots.) Also it is the senior level staff that review most of the work, thus the new ceiling would effectively prevent us from providing the level of review we feel is necessary to do this work.

Answer 1.

Based on the historical pricing data for previous contracts, Tables B-1 through B-5 show our current estimated hours for each labor category for the base year and each of the four option years. Please note that Section B.3 addresses the process to follow if during the performance of this contract the Government or the Contractor believe there is need to increase (or decrease) the ceiling price amount to manage current workload.

Question 2.

Section F

F.3 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

All work required under this contract shall be performed at PBGC facilities Washington, DC unless otherwise stated at destinations indicated in work assignments issued under this Labor Hour Contract by the Contracting Officers Technical Representative (COTR).

Can you provide an estimate of how much time per week and how many contract employees would be required to work at PBGC versus performing work at the contractor’s own office? When we explored this option in the past PEAD was unable to arrange for us to get access to various actuarial applications. Have these problems been resolved? Will PBGC also provide computers? Otherwise we would need to bring in lap-tops which we believe is not generally allowed by OIT policies.

Answer 2.

Please note that most work required under this contract will be performed at the contractor's home office. In the event we require contractor presence at PBGC, we will arrange with OIT for the necessary access.

Question 3.

Section H

H.3 PBGC-03-002 Organizational Conflicts of Interest

In regards to this section, please clarify how our ability to bid on other PBGC contracts is affected while performing work under this Appeal’s Contract?

Answer 3.

The Contractor who wins this award must identify any other contract performance within PBGC (current or future work) that will have a Conflict of Interest as stated in PBGC-03-002, and must indicate the mitigation of risk in writing to the Contracting Officer with notice to the Contracting Officers Technical Representative (COTR).

Question 4.

H.11 Earned Value Management System (JUL 2006)

Our understanding of an Earned Value Management System (EVMS) is that it is not well suited for research intensive projects and this contract’s Statement of Work is highly research oriented. Will PBGC require an EVMS and, if so, does PBGC recommend a particular system? The relative cost of such a system for the reduced projected hours will significantly increase the overhead.

Answer 4.

H.11 Earned Value Management System (JUL 2006) is not applicable and will be deleted in its entirety from this solicitation.