Pre-Sol Conference QA Wargaming.xlsx
XLSX spreadsheet 94 KB Posted
- Solicitation number
- M0026424R0006
- Issued by
-
United States Marine Corps
About this file
This document is a set of Questions and Answers from a Pre-Solicitation Conference for the Marine Corps University (MCU) Wargaming Training and Education Support Services contract. The contract will provide wargaming training and education support services to MCU facilities, primarily in Quantico, VA. The contract will be structured as an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) with fixed-price and cost-reimbursement contract line items. Key details include:
The contract will cover a variety of wargaming support services such as meeting support, wargame product procurement, and special wargaming services. Contractors will be required to provide personnel with specific qualifications to support these tasks. The Government will provide unclassified workstations as needed, and there is a mix of unclassified and up to SECRET-level work. The solicitation will be released with an anticipated 35-day proposal period. This is a new requirement with no incumbent contractor. Pricing will be based on monthly, daily, and per-wargame product rates, with the Government providing "plug" numbers for certain unknown cost components.
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Sheet1
| Pre-Solicitation Conference for the Marine Corps University Wargaming Training and Education Support Services contract | ||
| Question Number | Question | Government Response |
| 1 | How many estimated meetings to be supported by contractor each week? | It depends but estimated at 2 or 3 meetings per week. |
| 2 | How many separate locations of meetings of meetings? Example Will multiple meetings take place at same time that will require contractor support? | Meetings will be mostly at MCU facilities in Quantico, VA. There is no expectation to have meetings scheduled with conflicted times. |
| 3 | Who pays for commercial game company technical support. If there is a fee | The contractor's price set at the task order level shall account for all expenses related to the wargaming tools, including any technical support and its associated cost. |
| 4 | Does the government have an expected level of effort or man hours in mind? Estimated FTEs | The Government does not have a specific expected level of effort or man-hours in mind. This is a performance based effort, in which the contractor shall account for the labor mix and hours necessary to execute each task of the PWS. The Government, in the pre solicitation conference slides did provide a quantity of supplies or services estimated for this effort. Regarding the estimated Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs) required, the information provided does not directly specify the estimated FTEs for the contract. |
| 5 | Is the vendor required to provide a conference room/ facility? If yes, must be at secret Level? | No because place of performance is at Government site. |
| 6 | Would the government consider including a deliverable Task Order for providing a faculty certification course within the first 180 days? | Faculty development and any resulting certification courses is part of task 5.1.1 of the PWS and will be covered in the Task Order. |
| 7 | Are USMC mission command systems used in conjunction with any of the wargames? Is this a required skillset for the team | No, this requirement is for training and education in wargaming and is not related to a program of record at Marine Corps Systems Command or the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory. |
| 8 | Can you elaborate on the initiating schedule or are ongoing? (Warfighting cloud) | This requirement does not involve supporting the wargaming cloud. The ongoing schedule for initiatives related to the Warfighting cloud is being discussed in the context of the first school in the university and its economic impact. There's a plan to run multiple school programs in parallel, and a shift towards a back-to-back approach is anticipated for the next academic year. The use of the cloud in school programs is also highlighted. The intention is to increase the use of the cloud, but challenges such as lack of understanding and suboptimal tools have been acknowledged. However, efforts have been made to address these issues. Overall, the ongoing schedule involving the cloud and its use in schools is expected to continue. |
| 9 | What is the security level for the cloud? | The cloud is unclassified and operates. This unclassified environment is maintained to include international officers and facilitate international military tournaments. The intention is to keep the cloud at the unclassified level to ensure ease of access for international participants. This requirement does not involve supporting the wargaming cloud. |
| 10 | Who maintains the cloud cost? Is that part of the contract | This requirement does not involve supporting the wargaming cloud. The maintenance of the cloud cost is done by the Government or other contract means. |
| 11 | Are desk being provided on a permanent basis? | Workstations will be provided as required and IAW the PWS. They will be provided on the TO level. |
| 12 | Can you clarify work billets are on site/offsite. Huge impact on pricing. Also applies to security clearances. | Place of performance is at Government Site. As for security clearance, per DD-254, the classification level is at the SECRET level. Preponderance of the work is unclassified. At the Task Order level, the Government will notify if support at the Secret level is needed. For the Initial Task Order, the requirement for PWS section 5.1.2 is at the SECRET level. All others are unclassified. |
| 13 | Will there be separate priced CLIN's for the unknown work? | CLIN 0001 and 0002 will include set unit prices for the services and will be issued as FFP. For CLIN 0003, the Government will evaluate the direct cost at time of task order solicitation. The Contractor shall provide the basis of estimate for the direct cost PLUS the application of the agreed handling factor to determine the price of the CLIN. This CLIN will be settled as FFP. CLINs 0004 and 0005 will be done as cost reimbursement but also includes a handling factor to cover indirect cost. The Contractor shall provide the basis of estimate for the direct cost PLUS the application of the agreed handling factor to determine the cost of each of these CLINs. |
| 14 | Will ODC be a plug number? | There are no Other Direct Cost (ODC) in this solicitation. The Government is providing a "Plug" number for CLINs 0003, 0004 and 0005. This "plug" number is NOT inclusive of the handling factor. The Contractor must account for the handling factor in their price using the provided "plug" amounts. |
| 15 | How do you expect industry to price all of these unknowns | Please refer to the pricing template instructions. The Government is providing a "Plug" number for CLINs 0003, 0004 and 0005 to cover the unknowns. |
| 16 | Names of contractors currently supporting a- wargaming support scenario b-IT software develop for wargaming? | This is a new requirement. In the past, we have utilized federally funded research and development center contractor staff for various purposes. We have not had any direct engagements for service provided by contractor staff, as most of the work has been allocated to other contracts or systems commands. The scope of work of this requirement DOES NOT includes development of wargaming tools or software. |
| 17 | Will the Government be providing education, skillset, experience for LCATs supporting 5.2 PWS 5.2 Special Wargaming Services | PWS sections 5.2.1 and 5.2.2 includes information regarding the minimum qualifications required for contractor personnel to serve in this area. |
| 18 | CLIN 0001- Can the government define estimated workloads to enable equitable pricing? | The Government is providing the MCU schedule for the year to enable contractors to define pricing for this CLIN. It is upon the contractor to determine the skillsets and FTE needed to support each PWS element. |
| 19 | Can proposal be submitted on a CD-ROM? | The requirement is that the proposals must be on a CD-ROM. Contractors shall NOT submit proposals via email or via the Procurement Integration Enterprise Environment website. Only CD-ROM will be accepted. |
| 20 | If the vendor required to source a wargaming license/ software, are we required to ensure that wargame can operate on the Marine Corps Network (MCEN)? | No. By the time contractor receives the software requirement, the Government has already completed all the necessary work. The Government will ensure that the data is approved to operate on the network. Contractor is not required put upload the software in the MCEN. |
| 21 | How much lead time will be given for SME requirements under Task 5.2? | 30 days. |
| 22 | How quickly will we have to be able to provide someone? | The timing for providing someone will depend on your staffing plan. This aspect is part of the criteria. The Government will coordinate task orders with ampler time (at least 30 days in most instances) to ease contractor's recruiting and staffing process. |
| 23 | Can the government please confirm that SDVOSB certification is acceptable? | Yes. Please update your SAM.GOV registration and submit copy of your SBA certification with your proposal. |
| 24 | As an IDIQ, the staffing matrix could vary from each offeror. Without more information provided regarding instance length. The PWS mentions SME support but senior/journeyman level could be offered to lower solution cost. We suggest the Gov. to provide a list of labor categories and levels so Offerors provide rates. | This is a performance-based requirement and variation in staffing matrix is expected and normal since it will be based on the approach considered by each contractor. The Contractor shall determine the labor mix and hours needed to fulfil each task, taking into account the basis set in the solicitation. CLIN 0001 is based on a per month basis. CLIN 0002 is based on a per day of support basis. CLIN 0003 is based on each or set quantities of a given wargame product. CLIN 0004 and 0005 are based on cost. Quantities of services needed will be defined at the task order level, based on the unit of issue set in the IDIQ. |
| 25 | Suggest Gov. identifies remote and on site requirement for staffing, which may impact staffing timelines | Place of performance for this effort is at Government Site. If the question relates to telework versus on site work, that would be stated at the Task order level (TO). Telework is certainly something that they can do here, unless we state that at the TO level. |
| 26 | Onsite/Offsite mix was stated bud it will impact pricing. Should offeror quote a rate for onsite and offsite prices? | No, unit prices shall not be separated between on and off site. |
| 27 | Past Performance only stays in CPARS 3 years from contract expiration date. Rather than submitting a PPQ, can offeror provide a copy of the most recent final CPARS, even though they are archive in CPARS? | Yes, we will appreciate that. |
| 28 | Will offerors be providing past performance from the prime be rated higher than offerors who use subcontractor past performance? | Each past performance record will be evaluated for recency and relevancy per the solicitation criteria on its own accord. Overall confidence rating will be based on the demonstrated experience across all records provided and quality information. |
| 29 | Task instances on slide said "potential instances/month" but then it states that one instance = one month. Would contractor define staffing for completion of one instance of everything under each task? | Yes. The number of instances provided is for the contractors to have an idea of how much the Government may order on a given task and sub-task. The staffing considered by the contractor shall be for each task/subtask and considering the basis for the instance (e.g., one month). |
| 30 | For pricing, the Gov will provide requirement length and SME needed at the task order level. How would pricing be provided? | Yes and pricing will be based upon proposed rate for services X quantity defined by the Government. Please see Pricing Template for further details on this. |
| 31 | How does the Gov. expect offerors to provide team workshare percentages in proposals, considering that this is an IDIQ? | In an IDIQ (Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity) scenario, the Government typically expects offerors to provide team workshare percentages in their proposals by outlining how the work will be divided among the team members. This helps the Government assess the distribution of effort and resources within the proposal to ensure that the work can be effectively and efficiently completed. It also allows the Government to evaluate the capabilities and contributions of each team member towards meeting the requirements of the IDIQ contract. |
| 32 | Is there interest in digitalizing existing non computer based tabletop exercises into interactive instructor led applications? | Not under the scope of this contract. |
| 33 | Is there interest in development of tabletop exercise "wizard" like tool to help faculty run events by tracking progress, suggesting options to steer the scenarios? | Not under the scope of this contract. |
| 34 | Is there interest in the development of a TTX tool that can incorporate new tactics and weapon systems as they are developed or observed on the battlefield? Example war in Ukraine | Not under the scope of this contract. |
| 35 | How open is MCU to adopting new technologies like AI, augmented reality and mixed reality in wargaming curriculums? | Interested but not under the scope of this contract. |
| 36 | Are there specific limitations with existing wargaming tools that you are looking to overcome with new solutions? | Not under the scope of this contract. |
| 37 | How does MCU evaluate the effectiveness of training tools and methodologies? Are there specific metrics? | The service outcomes under this contract will be assessed following the criteria set forth in the Performance Requirement Summary. For Wargaming tools, the contractor needs to source and provide the define tools set by the Government at the task order. Assessment of the tools and effectiveness determination will be done by the Government outside this contract. |
| 38 | Are there opportunities for conducting proof of concept project to demonstrate effectiveness of innovative solutions | No |
| 38 | How much lead time will contractor have on surge events to have personnel identified? | The expectation is 30 days. The Government will, to the maximum extent possible, coordinate task order issuance to accommodate longer timelines for planning and staffing on the contractor's end. |
| 39 | Will slides be available? | Yes and will be provided at time of RFP release in sam.gov |
| 40 | Is the attendance to this event required to bid? | No |
| 41 | What is the minimum months/year of past performance applicable? | In order for a past performance reference to be considered, the offeror (or it's affiliate) shall have performed for at least 6 months under the referenced contract, but no older than 4 years from RFP due date. |
| 42 | Can a past performance older than 6 years be submitted? | performance of the record provided shall be no older than 4 years from RFP due date. |
| 43 | Can past performance of subcontractors be submitted? | Yes |
| 44 | Each PWS sub element is being priced independently. How can prices be structure to include discounts when same person is used to support multiple tasks? | No discounts are contemplated since this is a single award. Each individual task idenfied in Attachment 2 is to be seperatly priced and based on the contractors technical approach. |
| 45 | How can I price SME support for indefinite scope of what kind of SME is needed? | CLIN 0002 is based on a day of support per individual. Government, at the task order level will set the number of days and SME needed for a given event. |
| 46 | What is the minimum required number of people requiring clearance at the base IDIQ level? | There is no minimum set since it is dependable on the task order requirement. For the Initial Task Order, the requirement for PWS section 5.1.2 is at the SECRET level. All others are unclassified. |
| 47 | Will the government consider the use of PIEE solicitation module in lieu of a CD? | No, only CD-ROM is accepted for proposal submission. |
| 48 | On the Slide 29 you showed how many instances (or months) you expected to be priced. For instance you put 120 months for 5.1.1 and 120 months for 5.1.2, you put 180 months for 5.1.10. This suggests more than 1(one) FTE per month for those tasks but you just stood there and said 1FTE per 5.1 subtask. Can you clarify. | This is a performance-based requirement and variation in staffing matrix is expected and normal since it will be based on the approach considered by each contractor. The Contractor shall determine the labor mix and hours needed to fulfil each task, taking into account the basis set in the solicitation. CLIN 0001 is based on a per month basis. CLIN 0002 is based on a per day of support basis. CLIN 0003 is based on each or set quantities of a given wargame product. CLIN 0004 and 0005 are based on cost. Quantities of services needed will be defined at the task order level, based on the unit of issue set in the IDIQ. Number of instances was provided to portrait the scope of this requirement based on how much the Government may order on a given task/sub task. Information regarding number of instances is not representative of number of FTEs needed for a given task. |
| 49 | How long does the government anticipate keeping the RFP open once the RFP gets released? | Anticipation is 35 days |
| 50 | If the contract is 9 years old and performance on this contract was 5 full years but contract ended 3 years 11 months ago. is this allowed? | In order for a past performance reference to be considered, the offeror (or it's affiliate) shall have performed for at least 6 months under the referenced contract, but no older than 4 years from RFP due date. |
| 51 | Is there an incumbent? If yes, will you provide the contract number? | No, this is a new requirement. |
| 52 | Will the Government provide the approximate number of FTEs and/or manhours? | This is a performance-based requirement and variation in staffing matrix is expected and normal since it will be based on the approach considered by each contractor. The Contractor shall determine the labor mix and hours needed to fulfil each task, taking into account the basis set in the solicitation. CLIN 0001 is based on a per month basis. CLIN 0002 is based on a per day of support basis. CLIN 0003 is based on each or set quantities of a given wargame product. CLIN 0004 and 0005 are based on cost. Quantities of services needed will be defined at the task order level, based on the unit of issue set in the IDIQ. Number of instances was provided to portrait the scope of this requirement based on how much the Government may order on a given task/sub task. Information regarding number of instances is not representative of number of FTEs needed for a given task. |
| 53 | RFP Pg 4, CLIN 0004, Travel – This CLIN references PWS 3.5. However, PWS 3.5 doesn’t discuss travel. Is the correct reference PWS 1.6.11? | This has been corrected in the final RFP. |
| 54 | RFP, Pg 5, CLIN 0005, Other Travel Related Expenses – This CLIN references PWS 3.5. However, PWS 3.5 doesn’t discuss other travel related expenses. Is the correct reference PWS 1.6.11? | This has been corrected in the final RFP. |
| 55 | RFP, Pg 5, CLIN 0005 and PWS 1.6.11 – Is this CLIN simply to cover any expenses related to deployment – additional pay, DBA insurance, etc.? | Yes, Other Travel Related Cost is for deployment or OCONUS travel, to include pay premiums and DBA insurance. |
| 56 | RFP, Pg 17, PWS 3.2 – This paragraph states that dedicated workspace will be provided. It also says that one workstation per location per person for up to 5 individuals will be provided. Is the intent to provide a total of not more than 5 workstations, or is there more than one location for performance? | This information has been updated in the PWS per the feedback received at the pre-solicitation conference. There may be multiple locations and the overall number of workspaces required will be provided as needed on the TO level. |
| 57 | RFP, Pg 18, PWS 4.3 – Is the intent for the Government to provide dedicated workspace, but not any of the computers, etc. to be used in the workspace? If yes, is the expectation that the contractor will pay for these items via their indirect rates as opposed to reimbursement from the Government? | The Government will provide computers for contractor use. |
| 58 | RFP, Pg 31, PWS 6.1.7 – This paragraph references “Wargaming assets which are either provided as GFI or the contractor provides to the government such as software licenses.” Are the software licenses referred to items that will be reimbursed under CLIN 0003? | Yes, all wargaming tools, including analog games and software. |
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .