Respond to Industry Questions

RFP PBGC01-RP-09-0025 - BENEFIT CALCULATION AND VALUATION SOLUTION

Respond to Industry Questions Attachment 02.xls

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1 Pages 5, 6 What are the current level of resources required to provide O&M of ACT/Archive? Currently two (2) to three (3) people are providing O&M services for ACT/Archive.

2 Page 7 The O&M phase does not begin until April 1, 2011. Would PBGC please explain the significance of this date?

The existing on-site contractor is completing certain DME efforts related to the O&M work.

The government expects these current DME efforts to be completed on or about April 2011 which will allow for transition to the new contractor.

3 Pages 12, 22 Please verify that the plan valuation and associated reports that are detailed as part of the “Actuaries” description (pg 12) are performed using the “Integrated Present Value of Future Benefits System” (pg 22) and is not expected to be a part of the new system.

The Integrated Present Value of Future Benefits system is not expected to be a part of the new BCV solution at this time.

However, the requirement to integrate and/or interface with applications still must be met in subsequent phases. (See RFP section C.5.2.1.2.6.)

4 Page 24 What tool is currently used to perform the ERISA 4044 Priority Category eligibility and calculation of benefits?

Actuarial Calculation Toolkit, Ariel and Archive Access

5 RFP Sec. C, Page 5 RFP states that the Offeror's proposed Fixed Fee cannot exceed 10%. To what basis is the 10% applied? (e.g., cost component or total of CPFF)

The offeror shall propose a fixed fee in its offer in regard to the first task order for the planning phase. Consistent with FAR 15.404- 4(c)(4)(i)(C), the proposed fee shall not exceed 10% of the work for the planning phase.

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6 RFP Sec. C.4.3, The RFP states the new BCV Solution must replicate the strengths and overcome the weaknesses of the current systems. Is there a list of strengths and weaknesses?

The following lists are not exhaustive and simply illustrative. ACT: Strengths include a highly flexible and customizable operating environment; fast learning curve due to Excel.

Weaknesses include inadequate, outdated, and unsupported IT solutions (including tools); lack of role-based data security, audit capability, and centralized data repository.

ARIEL: Strengths include its audit capabilities; PBGC Optional Forms within the retirement statements; plan-specific benefit statements; and online capabilities.

Ariel weaknesses include the data required to perform basic calculations where data was not always available or easily obtainable; too many versions implemented; changes not easily made; not enough flexibility; contractor (vendor) reliance for most of the integration, especially large cases.

7 RFP Sec. C.5.2.1., What are PBGC's strategic goals for customer service? The PBGC and its contractors strive to provide exceptional service to customers and stakeholders, including timely and accurate responses and self–service tools where appropriate; efficient operational processes, procedures and systems with the capacity to handle variable workloads. PBGC uses the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) ratings to evaluate effectiveness of plan participant services.

8 RFP Sec.

C.5.2.1.3(2), Page

The RFP references tolerance level for accuracy and the requirement for an audit trail.

What is the SLA or performance for that tolerance level?

The tolerance level in this section of the RFP refers to overall accuracy of the information when the conversion process from Ariel to ACT takes place. Where data concerns dollar values, the tolerance level for Ariel conversions is $1.00 within the original plan valuation amounts. In this context, the agency has not established a performance standard.

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9 RFP Sec.

C.5.3.1.1., Page 23

Will PBGC provide an expectation for the number of common repeatable algorithms? PBGC will provide algorithms and will collaborate with the vendor to determine additional common repeatable algorithms, as needed. Based on the various types of calculations in the plans trusteed, the number of algorithms can vary. For example, algorithms can be based on participants' salary, service from date of hire or date of plan participation, priority category 1-6 calculations, and maximum guaranteed benefits.

10 RFP Sec 5.3.3, How and when is the level of plan complexity (simple, medium, complex) determined? PBGC has learned to recognize those provisions in plan documents which will result in complex calculations. Therefore, before calculating benefits, the actuary will have an accurate sense of the level of plan complexity.

11 Page 91 The BCV Solution Compliance Matrix references section C.5.1 beside the High-Level Technical, Business and Management Strategy under the Performance Requirements.

Section C.5.1 describes the Planning Phase. Is this evaluation criteria only related to the Planning Phase or the broader BCV solution.

The Compliance Matrix cites sections C.5.1.

and C.5.3.2. because the evaluation criteria at M.2.1.1.B. are concerned with the performance requirements of the BCV solution. Therefore, the evaluation criteria should be regarded as addressing the fully implemented BCV solution.

12 Page 122 Page 122 states, "The Offeror shall be responsible for providing any personnel necessary to facilitate the use of any materials during the course of the presentation if this facilitation will not be done by the Offeror’s presenter." Please clarify if PBGC will allow non-key personnel to facilitate the use of any materials during the course of the presentation.

Only key personnel shall attend the oral presentation, and any personnel who are required to facilitate the use of materials during the oral presentation shall be key personnel who would be assigned to this contract.

13 Page 122 Page 122 states, "The Phase II, Oral Presentation Information, shall be submitted to the Government by 5:00 P.M. EST two (2) days prior to the oral presentation." Will PBGC please provide an estimated target date for the oral presentations.

The government presently anticipates that oral presentations will be scheduled for July 2010.

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14 Pages 82, 120 Page 82 states, " no more than three (3) contract client references" and page 120, Factor 3.

Past Performance states, "no less than three (3) references". Will the PBGC please clarify how many past performance references/surveys it wishes to receive.

PBGC will review a maximum of three past performance evaluations from each offeror.

Those offerors who are unable to provide three past performance evaluations shall be evaluated on the past performance evaluations that are provided. Those offerors who are unable to provide any past performance evaluations shall receive a neutral evaluation rating in this category.

15 Please confirm that this will actually be an award fee contract, given that FAR 16.306 defines fixed fee as a "negotiated fee that is fixed at the inception of the contract," and FAR

16.305 defines award fee as "an award amount, based upon a judgmental evaluation by the Government, sufficient to provide motivation for excellence in contract performance."

The government will award a CPFF contract for the first task order associated with the DME Planning Phase and a FFP contract for the O&M work. In regard to the remaining DME work, the government will award a CPIF contract. See the revised Section B posted at www.fbo.gov. Consistent with FAR 15.404- 4(c)(4)(i)(C), the proposed fee for the CPFF work shall not exceed 10% of the estimated cost of the DME Planning Phase work.

16 RFP Sec. C.2., Can the government provide a general outline of the performance evaluation and measurement plan that it intends to implement as part of the annual evaluation award fee contract?

The government will award a CPFF contract for the first task order associated with the DME Planning Phase and a FFP contract for the O&M work. In regard to the remaining DME work, the government will award a CPIF contract. See the revised Section B posted at www.fbo.gov. Consistent with FAR 15.404- 4(c)(4)(i)(C), the proposed fee for the CPFF work shall not exceed 10% of the estimated cost of the DME Planning Phase work.

17 RFP Sec. G.1., Paragraph G.1 (p. 52) of the RFP states that "withholding of fee in accordance with FAR 52.216-10 shall be reflected on each invoice until the maximum amount of fee withholding is reached." Can the government clarify what part of the fee will be withheld monthly, given that FAR 52.216-10 refers to incentive fee contracts?

The Fee amount will be determined with the issuance of each applicable Task Order.

18 RFP Sec. B.6, Pages 7-9

In section B.6 (pp. 7-9) of the RFP, unit quantities in the option years are for only one month. Are offerors to provide monthly prices or annual prices for the option year FFP CLINs?

See the revised Section B posted at www.fbo.gov.

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19 RFP Secs. B.5, 7, Pages 6, 9

Please confirm that if an offeror's price proposal is within its disclosed practices, and supported by DCAA disclosed rates, that the signed statement found in section B.5 (p. 6) and B.7 (p. 9) of the RFP will not be required.

All offerors will be required to sign the statement found at revised section B at B.5., page 6, and B.7., page 9.

20 RFP Sec. B.3, Page

Please confirm that task order proposals will follow the same procedure as the IDIQ, i.e.

task order not-to-exceed cost limits will be set by the task order proposal.

The government anticipates setting cost limits for each task order proposal.

21 RFP Sec. B.6, Page 7-9

Does the government intend to award any of the CLINs in section B.6 (pp. 7-9) upon contract award?

The government will award CLIN 001 shortly after award of the base contract.

22 RFP Sec. B.6, Page 7-9

If the Design & Development are dependent on the solution chosen from the Planning, what level of detail is required for the basis of estimate is required for the CLIN’s beyond Planning?

The government anticipates receiving a well-defined sequencing plan that includes high level tasks and a level of effort for each task.

The plan should approximate timelines and discuss associated resources, risks, assumptions and constraints.

23 Page 91 There are Business Requirements (section C.5.3) and Technical Requirements (section C.5.4), such as User Training, that are not listed in the Compliance Traceability Matrix.

Which should drive the Response?

The Business Requirements at the RFP section C.5.3. are incorporated in the Compliance Matrix at Factor Two under Adherence to Business Standards. The Technical Requirements at the RFP section C.5.3. are incorporated in the Compliance Matrix at Factor Two under Corporate Resources.

24 RFP Sec. 5.3.4.2., RFP section states “C.5.3.4.2 Standardized Reporting Requirements - The new BCV solution shall allow standardized reporting of the following: 1. Aggregate Maximum Reports,

2. Preliminary BDL Reports.” Will PBGC please provide an approximate number of standard reports that will be required.

The list provided in the RFP is a sample of standard reports. PBGC will collaborate with the contractor to determine if any additional standard reports will be needed.

25 RFP Sec. L.2.A, RFP section L.2.A states, “The written information for the Phase I evaluation shall be presented as follows:

• 8.5 by 11 inch paper

• 12 pitch print or larger, Times New Roman style font” May the Offeror use another font type such as Arial and font size of 10pts for Figures and Tables?

The government will allow smaller and/or different font type for table, charts, inset text boxes and graphics, but the type must be readable.

26 RFP Sec. L.1.c., Hand delivery address – section L refers to a “suite” – there’s no suite number listed on the delivery address in section L. - “suite” is listed on cover

Hand-delivered solicitations will be received at the loading dock for 1200 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005.

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27 RFP Sec. L.1.d, RFP section L.1.d. states “All proposals also shall be submitted electronically via the PBGC Secure Proposal site. To submit your proposal, follow the steps below.” There is no file type, version, or file size limit specified. May the offeror use its own discretion regarding these items?

In submitting its offer electronically, the offeror may use Microsoft Word 2003 or higher and Adobe for PDF.

28 RFP Sec. C.5.3.4.2, RFP section B.4.C, Fixed Fee (p. 5) – Item 1 appears to specify that the fixed fee is applicable to all costs regardless of source including “prime contractor and its members in a joint venture or limited liability company, partnership or subcontractors identified.” Please confirm that PBGC is not specifying the terms of the cost arrangement (e.g. Cost Plus or Time and Materials) between a prime contractor and its subcontractors. Forced arrangements can cause undue burden to PBGC and all involved contractors to reconcile and accurately convey costs incurred.

Consistent with FAR 15.404-4(c)(4)(i)(C), the proposed fee shall not exceed 10% of the estimated cost of the contract work. In this context, the cost of the contract work would include the costs to be incurred by subcontractors and all members of any joint ventures, limited liability companies, partnerships, and the like.

29 RFP Sec. B.4.C, RFP section B.4.C Fixed Fee (p. 5) – Item 2 specifies an adjustment process for the fixed fee relative to performance. This adjustment formula has the appearance of either Cost-Plus- Incentive-Fee (CPIF) or Cost-Plus-Award-Fee (CPAF). Would the government please clarify why the contract type is being considered as Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee and not CPIF or CPAF?

The government will award a CPFF contract for the first task order associated with the DME Planning Phase and a FFP contract for the O&M work. In regard to the remaining DME work, the government will award a CPIF contract. See the revised Section B posted at www.fbo.gov.

30 RFP Sec. B.4.C, RFP section B.4.C - Fixed Fee (p. 5) – Item 2 specifies an adjustment process for the fixed fee relative to performance. Will the offeror be allowed to adjust costs (not fixed fee) in response to the performance requirements that have not yet been provided?

The government anticipates that costs will need to be adjusted as the parameters of the BCV solution become increasingly more detailed.

31 RFP Sec. B.6, Pages 7-9

RFP section B.6 - Pricing Schedule (p. 7) – The Base Year has a specified quantity and unit of 6 Months for the O&M FFP pricing, but the period of performance is approximately five and one half (5.5) months. Would the government prefer to see 5.5 Months or 1 Period for the pricing schedule of this particular CLIN?

The government wants to receive pricing based on 5.5 months.

32 RFP Sec. B.6, Pages 7-9

RFP section B.6 - Pricing Schedule (p. 7-9) – Option Years One, Two, Three, and Four have a specified quantity and unit of 1 Month for the O&M FFP pricing. Would the government prefer to see 12 Months or 1 Year for the pricing schedule of these particular CLINs?

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33 RFP Sec. C.5.5, RFP section C.5.5 O&M of Legacy Applications and the new BCV Solution (p. 40) – The RFP states that “the timing of a maintenance requests is generally predictable.” Does PBGC have an anticipated or estimated number of maintenance releases that the offeror would be expected to support per year?

The government receives approximately two releases each year.

34 RFP Sec. C.5.5, RFP section C.5.5 O&M of Legacy Applications and the new BCV Solution (p. 40) – How many production support tickets have been received on average for a month for the legacy applications? What categorization or classification are those tickets? What has the primary resolution been of these tickets e.g. desktop support, calculation errors, user roles, etc?

On average, approximately 10 tickets are received per month, which number includes ACT, Archive, and Ariel. The classification can vary from account management (for example: resetting passwords and granting/removing user access to the application); performance (internet slowness, capacity); calculation errors (updating tables, fixing/adjusting PBGC add-ins, removal of hardcoded paths) and desktop issues (installation of requirement applications/files).

35 RFP Sec. H.3, Page

Section H.3 Organizational Conflict of Interest (p. 55) – With many diverse contracting firms supporting PBGC in a variety of areas, is PBGC aware of any contractors that have an existing conflict of interest and are considered precluded from this procurement?

PBGC is aware that it presently employs contractors who may be interested in submitting an offer in response to this RFP.

For that reason, PBGC is making every effort to wall off these contractor employees from any internal discussions or meetings concerning the BCV solution. At this point, PBGC has not encountered a situation which would result in a finding that any on-site contract employees have a conflict of interest.

Similarly, PBGC has made no determinations that any particular contractor is precluded from submitting an offer on this RFP.

36 RFP Sec. H.17, RFP section H.17 Qualifications of Key Personnel (p. 64) – Would the government accept four (4) additional years of general experience as a substitution of the education requirement for key personnel?

The government will not accept four additional years of general experience as a substitute for the educational requirements for key personnel.

37 RFP Sec. H.17, RFP section H.17 Qualifications of Key Personnel (p. 64) – Would the government accept professional certifications as substitutions towards an additional two (2) years of general experience for key personnel?

The government will not accept professional certifications as a substitute for the general experience required for key personnel.

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38 RFP Sec. H.17, RFP section H.17 Qualifications of Key Personnel (p. 64) – Would the government accept an advanced degree (i.e. Master’s or Doctorate) in a similar area of study as a substitution towards four (4) additional years of general experience for key personnel?

The government will not accept an advanced degree as a substitute for the general experience required for key personnel.

39 RFP Secs. I.28 and I.29, Pages 75, 76

RFP section I.28 and I.29 (p. 75-76) – The government has included two FAR clauses that appear to be in conflict with the contract type contemplated by the government. The inclusion of both references creates confusion regarding the contract type as either being cost-plus-fixed-fee or cost-plus-incentive-fee. Please clarify.

The government will award a CPFF contract for the first task order associated with the DME Planning Phase and a FFP contract for the O&M work. In regard to the remaining DME work, the government will award a CPIF contract. See the revised Section B posted at www.fbo.gov. Consistent with FAR 15.404- 4(c)(4)(i)(C), the proposed fee for the CPFF work shall not exceed 10% of the estimated cost of the DME Planning Phase work.

40 RFP Sec. J, Pages 83-90

RFP section J - Past Performance Questionnaire (p. 83-90) – Given that client references are asked to fill out the Past Performance Questionnaire, will the government provide a Microsoft Word format to allow uniform data entry and submission by electronic means?

The government will provide a Microsoft Word file that can be accessed at www.fbo.gov and utilized by offerors for the purpose of submitting past performance evaluations to the government.

41 RFP Sec. L.2, Page 119 RFP section L.2 - Phase I (p. 119) – Item A. General Instructions specifies that “12 pitch print or larger, Times New Roman style font” may be used. Would the government allow a smaller and/or different font type for tables, charts, inset text boxes, and graphics in order to improve readability and effective communication of such material?

The government will allow smaller and/or different font type for table, charts, inset text boxes and graphics, but the type must be readable.

42 RFP Sec. L.2, Page

RFP section L.2 - Phase I (p. 119) – Item A. General Instructions specifies that “12 pitch print or larger, Times New Roman style font” may be used. Would the government allow variations to font style and size for section headers in order to improve readability and effective organization of the written volumes?

The government will allow variations to font type for headers if the variations improve readability and organization of the offer.

43 RFP Sec. L.1.i, RFP section L.1.i - Proposal Submission Instructions (p. 118) – Item i specifies that Phase I and Phase II shall be separately bound. Should Volume III of Phase I be bound separately from the combination of Volume I and II?

In submitting an offer in response to this RFP, the offerer must submit three volumes to the government in Phase I of the submission process: Volume I - Technical Information, Volume II - Qualifications of Key Personnel, and Volume III - Cost and Pricing Information.

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44 RFP Sec. L.2.B.1, RFP section L.2.B.1 - Volume I (p. 120) – Under Factor 3. Past Performance, the RFP states offerors shall forward Past Performance Questionnaires to “no less than three (3) references.” This could be in conflict with Section J (p. 82) where the instructions state “only 3”. Should the material addressing Factor 3 in Volume I contain exactly 3 references?

The agency will review a maximum of three past performance evaluations from each offeror. Those offerors who are unable to provide three past performance evaluations shall be evaluated on the past performance evaluations that are provided. Those offerors who are unable to provide any past performance evaluations shall receive a neutral evaluation rating in this category.

Offerors shall provide only a list of the names of the specific references that will be responding to the Past Performance Questionnaire. The list of references shall appear at section 3 of Volume I as specified at page 120 of the RFP.

45 RFP Sec. L.2.B.1, RFP section L.2.B.1 - Volume I (p.120) – Please clarify the page count restriction regarding the material in Volume I to address Factor 3 Past Performance. What is the maximum page count for this section? Is this material excluded from the maximum of ninety (90) pages for Volume I as specified at the top of page 120?

Offerors shall provide only a list of the names of the specific references that will be responding to the Past Performance Questionnaire. The list of references shall appear at section 3 of Volume I. That list of names shall not be included in the page count for Volume I. However, if the Offeror includes any additional information concerning past performance other than the list of names, the pages of additional information shall count against the maximum page count of ninety (90) pages.

46 RFP Sec. L.2.B.2, RFP section L.2.B.2 - Volume II (p. 120) – Item e specifies that “The offeror shall include any proposed consultants and subcontractor employees who will perform duties of Key Personnel.” Can offerors propose other key labor categories and personnel in addition to those identified in H.17 of the RFP?

The offeror can provide other key labor categories and personnel in addition to those identified in the RFP. However, PBGC reserves the right and discretion to accept or reject such proposed labor categories and personnel.

47 RFP Sec. L.3, Page

RFP section L.3 Phase II - Oral Presentations (p. 121) – How far in advance will the offeror be notified of the assigned appointment for oral presentations?

The offeror will be notified at least 10 business days in advance.

48 RFP Sec. L.3, Page

RFP section L.3 Phase II - Oral Presentations (p. 121) – What is the current schedule or estimated timeframe that PBGC is expecting to schedule oral presentations?

The government presently anticipates that oral presentations will be scheduled in July 2010.

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49 RFP Sec. L.3, Page

RFP section L.3 Phase II - Oral Presentations (p. 122) – Does the government wish to receive an electronic submission and hard copies of the oral presentation materials prior to the appointment? If so, how many hard copies should be provided?

The offeror must submit an electronic copy of the oral presentation materials at least two (2) days in advance of the oral presentation and must bring seven hard copies of the materials to the oral presentation.

50 RFP Sec. B.4.B.7, On Page 4, Section B.4.B.7 of the RFP, PBGC states that “provide price analyses of all subcontractor proposals and include these analyses as part of Offeror’s own price and cost submission…Subcontractor cost or pricing data must be accurate, complete, and current,…” Since some of the information requested to be presented as part of offeror’s own price proposal may be considered confidential by the subcontractor, would the government consider it acceptable for any subcontractor(s) to provide such information as a separate sealed bid?

The offeror shall provide price analyses of all subcontractor proposals and include these analyses as part of offeror’s own price and cost submission and not as a separate sealed bid.

51 RFPSec. B.4.C RFP, page 5, Section B.4.C Fixed Fee states that all DME work will be on a CPFF (Cost plus Fixed Fee) basis. However B.4.C.2 specifies criteria for “earning” the fixed fee – which suggests that the government intends performance of DME work on a CPAF (Cost Plus Award Fee) basis. Is this the government’s intention?

The government will award a CPFF contract for the first task order associated with the DME Planning Phase and a FFP contract for the O&M work. In regard to the remaining DME work, the government will award a CPIF contract. See the revised Section B posted at www.fbo.gov. Consistent with FAR 15.404- 4(c)(4)(i)(C), the proposed fee for the CPFF work shall not exceed 10% of the estimated cost of the DME Planning Phase work.

52 RFP Sec.B.4.C.1., On Page 5, RFP section B.4.C.1 specifies the need for the Offeror to insert a proposed fixed fee. Given that this procurement is an IDIQ, is it correct to assume that the offeror’s proposed fixed fee is an aggregate for the duration of the contract for the DME work?

The government will award a CPFF contract for the first task order associated with the DME Planning Phase and a FFP contract for the O&M work. In regard to the remaining DME work, the government will award a CPIF contract. See the revised Section B posted at www.fbo.gov. Consistent with FAR 15.404- 4(c)(4)(i)(C), the proposed fee for the CPFF work shall not exceed 10% of the estimated cost of the DME Planning Phase work.

53 RFP Sec. B.6. RFP section B.6 provides the pricing schedules that are to be completed by the offeror.

Option Years One through Four reference a Unit Value of Month. Should the Unit Value be Year given the Quantity of One?

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54 RFP Sec. B.4.C.3 RFP section B.4.C.3 states that “performance expectations, including relative weights, and performance objectives… will be set forth in a performance evaluation and measurement plan. This plan shall be available to the Contractor after award of this contract” If the contractor is to provide a CPFF response, would the government publish the award fee criteria that make up the performance ratings in Section B.4.C.2

The government will award a CPFF contract for the first task order associated with the DME Planning Phase and a FFP contract for the O&M work. In regard to the remaining DME work, the government will award a CPIF contract in the context of task orders and at that time, the government and contractor will negotiate performance measures. See the revised Section B posted at www.fbo.gov.

55 RFP Sec. C.4.1.2.1, On page 12, Section C.4.1.2.1 makes references to ‘ Integrators are Actuaries who specialize in Ariel’. Would the Government please clarify if the Integrators are contractors and identify the contracting company?

OASD integrators (actuaries) are federal employees.

56 RFP Sec. C.5.2.1 RFP section C.5.2.1 outlines the scope of DME and proceeds to identify applications that are candidates for consolidation and retirement, tools that should be fully replaced, and applications that should be considered for interface/integration in the replacement solution.

Ariel is not specifically referenced in section C.5.2.1 except for reference of conversion.

Should the offeror assume that Ariel will be fully replaced and subsequently retired?

The government anticipates that Ariel will be fully replaced and subsequently retired.

57 RFP Sec.

C.5.4.2.7.f.3, Page

On page 33, Section C.5.4.2.7.f.3 Financial Reporting states that the contractor shall deliver a financial report with Project hours, funds and estimate to completion. Subsequently, Page 34, Section C.5.4.2.7.f.4 Other Reporting - part b Sign-in Sheets stipulates that personnel working hours should be maintained as daily logs and such documents should accompany invoices for each task order – Since such information are not typically provided for FFP task orders, is it PBGC’s intention that the aforementioned reporting requirements be applicable only to CPFF task orders?

The referenced reports are applicable only to CPFF or CPIF task orders; they are not applicable to FFP work.

58 RFP Sec. H.17 RFP section H.17 Qualifications of Key personnel provides description of required qualifications in great detail. Would PBGC consider it acceptable, for compliance purposes, if the contractor chose key personnel that meet the education and general experience requirements while making an good faith effort to ensure that majority if not all of the specialized experience requirements are met?

Key personnel shall meet all requirements in Section H.17, including the specialized experience requirements.

59 RFP Sec. L.1.i., On page 118, L.1.i makes reference to ‘…proposals submitted for Phase I and Phase II shall be separately bound so the evaluation of each phase may be conducted independently’. Should this paragraph state that the volumes shall be separately bound and submitted?

The Offerors' proposals for Phase I and Phase II shall be separately bound and submitted to PBGC in a timely manner in order to be considered for award of the contract.

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60 RFP Sec. L.3., On page 121, Section L.3 Phase II – Oral Presentation – subsection A. General Instructions specifies that “Each offeror rated “Acceptable” or higher shall be notified via email with the date, time… that the oral presentation will be made” and that the oral presentation materials be submitted two days prior to the oral presentation. Is it reasonable for the contractor to assume that there will be a minimum period of 10 business days between this notification email and the time the contractor is expected to submit the oral presentation materials to the government?

The offeror shall be notified at least 10 business days before the offeror needs to submit the oral presentation materials to the government.

61 RFP Sec. B.4.C., Please provide detailed specifics as to the method in which the weighting factors and performance objectives for the evaluation process will be set in place in order for the Offeror to obtain/earn the available fees.

The government will award a CPFF contract for the first task order associated with the DME Planning Phase and a FFP contract for the O&M work. In regard to the remaining DME work, the government will award a CPIF contract in the context of task orders and at that time, the government and contractor will negotiate performance measures. See the revised Section B posted at www.fbo.gov.

62 RFP Sec. B.6., Can the client provide a more detailed schedule for this acquisition to include an Orals date, Contract Award date, and Contract Start date?

The government presently anticipates that oral presentations will be scheduled in July 2010 and that contract award and the start date will be in September 2010.

63 RFP Sec. B.6, Pages 7, 8

The quantities for CLIN 0003, 1002, 2002, 3002 and 4002 appear to be incorrect since the unit is for months within the pricing tables. The Offeror suggests a Quantity of 5.5 instead of 6 for CLIN 0003 and a Quantity of 12 for CLINs 1002, 2002, 3002 and 4002.

See the revised Section B posted at www.fbo.gov.

64 RFP Sec. C.5.2, Is the Offeror allowed to propose the most cost effective blend of on-site and off-site development services?

The government requires on-site development services only.

65 RFP Sec. C.5.2, Will the client provide the infrastructure for all environments including, Development, Test, Data Migration, UAT etc.? The client will provide the infrastructure for all environments including Development,Test, Data Migration and UAT.

66 RFP Sec. C.5.2, The interfacing applications to the new BCV solution may require modifications; would it be the responsibility of the Offeror to complete those modifications?

The contractor would be responsible for the completion of these modifications. In so doing, the contractor also would be responsible for allowing ample time to coordinate with other project teams so that the teams could prepare for such modifications.

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NO. REFERENCES INDUSTRY QUESTIONS GOVERNMENT RESPONSES

67 RFP Sec.

C5.2.1.3.2, Page 23

Is there are timeline for when the Ariel application will be phased out? Timelines are being discussed. However, there is no approved timeline at this time for when Ariel will be phased out.

68 RFP Secs. L.2, B.1., Page 120

Is Factor 3, Past Experience, included within the 90-page limit for Volume 1? Offerors shall provide only a list of the names of the specific references that will be responding to the Past Performance Questionnaire. The list of references shall appear at section 3 of Volume I and would not count against the 90-page limitation. If, however, the offeror decides to include a writeup on past performance, the 90-page limitation would apply.

69 RFP Secs. L.2, B.1., Page 120

Is the transition plan required for the O&M transition or actual conversion and transitioning of data from existing systems to the new system?

The transition plan is required for both O&M and actual conversions and transitioning of data from existing systems to the new system.

70 RFP Sec. B.6., B.6 Pricing Schedule, Base Year matrix, what is the significance of 6 under Qty in the matrix box?

The Base Year has a specified quantity and unit of 6 months for the O&M FFP pricing, but the period of performance is approximately five and one half (5.5) months. The government wants to see pricing based on

5.5 months.

71 RFP Sec. G.1., RFP section G.1 - Submission of Invoices (Cost Reimbursement) (Jan 2006) - You cited FAR 52.216-10, Incentive Fee, in your discussion of the withholding of fee in accordance with FAR 52.216-10, as this relates to Cost Reimbursement. However also in the clause above T&M labor hours and hourly rate are discussed. Is it your intent to include this clause to discuss withholding of fee for T&M?

The government does not anticipate utilizing a time and materials contract vehicle in this solicitation.

72 Page 79 FAR 52.227-23, the Government has cited 52.227-14, Rights In Data General and 52.227- 17, Rights in Data in Special Works, as it applies to this solicitation; however the Government has also cited FAR 52.227-23, Rights to Proposal Data, is it your intent to include this FAR Regulation as it applies to the submitted proposal?

The solicitation includes the cited regulation at Section I. However, rights to technical data in a proposal are not acquired by mere incorporation by reference of the proposal in the awarded contract.

73 Page 79 FAR 52.229-3, Federal, State and Local Taxes, is it the Government’s intent to include this FAR clause in the solicitation related to the contract price to include Federal, State, and local taxes?

The solicitation includes the cited regulation at Section I as it is required to be included by

FAR 29.401-3.

74 RFP Sec. B.4.4., Is PBCG requesting full cost detail (direct labor, overhead, profit) to support the FFP O&M contract piece? Please clarify.

The government does not need to receive such cost details for the FFP O&M work.

04/22/2010 4:00 PM

NO. REFERENCES INDUSTRY QUESTIONS GOVERNMENT RESPONSES

75 RFP Sec. B, Page 3 Is the Cost Reimbursable portion of the effort CPFF or CPAF. There appears to be components of both types. Please clarify?

The government will award a CPFF contract for the first task order associated with the DME Planning Phase and a FFP contract for the O&M work. In regard to the remaining DME work, the government will award a CPIF contract in the context of task orders. See the revised Section B posted at www.fbo.gov.

76 RFP Sec. L.3, Phase II Oral Presentations

This section indicates “Each Offeror rated “Acceptable” or higher shall be notified via email with the date, time, and room number at PBGC Headquarters that the oral presentation will be made.” For planning purposes can the Government provide an estimated timeline/schedule for the start of the oral presentations? What is the anticipated timeframe between the deadline for submission of the technical proposals and the first oral presentation?

The government presently anticipates that oral presentations will be scheduled in July 2010 and that contract award and the start date will be in September 2010.

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