Request for Information_RFI 1_ACCESS_20240411.pdf

Request for Information Army Contracting Command’s Enterprise for Sourcing Services (ACCESS)

April 11, 2024

The Army Contracting Command – Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG) is pleased to release the first Request for Information (RFI) for the Army Contracting Command’s Enterprise for Sourcing Services (ACCESS) acquisition, the successor to the Responsive Strategic Sourcing for Services (RS3) Multiple Award Indefinite-Delivery, Indefinite-Quantity (MA IDIQ) contract.

ACC-APG is requesting information and conducting market research that will be used for planning purposes to determine the appropriate acquisition approach for the ACCESS effort.

PLEASE NOTE: The Government is actively considering the potential of merging the scope of ACCESS with the successor to the Army Computer Hardware Enterprise Software and Solutions (CHESS) office Information Technology Enterprise Solution – 3 Services (ITES-3S) contract, ITES-4S. This possible merger is based on ongoing initiatives to; create a comprehensive and premier marketplace for knowledge-based Professional Services and Staff Augmentation, provide maximum flexibility, and support to the Federal Government Missions.

THIS IS A RFI ONLY: This RFI is issued solely for information planning purposes – it does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. A solicitation is not available at this time. Requests for a solicitation will not receive a response. This notice does not constitute a commitment by the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. All information submitted in response to this announcement is voluntary; the Government will not pay for information requested nor will it compensate any respondent for any cost incurred in developing information provided. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if any is issued. The decision to solicit for a contract shall be solely within the Government’s discretion.

The Government requests that all responses, questions, comments, and suggestions specific to question number 1 below, shall be submitted no later than Monday, April 15, 2024, at 4:30 PM Eastern Time. All other responses to the other RFI questions shall be submitted no later than Friday, May 03, 2024, at 4:30 PM Eastern Time. Please submit all via email to usarmy.apg.acc.mbx.acc-apg-access-contracting-office@army.mil. Responses to this request may not be returned.

The Government is soliciting responses to the following topics, please provide specific details and rationale.

1. As identified above, the Government is considering combining the planned successors to RS3 and ITES-3S acquisitions into one (1) MA IDIQ contract.

a. Do you agree with this approach? Why or why not.

b. Does this approach negatively impact interested parties? If so, clearly explain how and to what affect.

c. What information is the Government missing when considering the effects of this combined effort?

2. Regardless of whether not the successor programs are combined, the Government’s intent is for ACCESS to increase the scope of the RS3 contract vehicle by focusing on Professional Services and Staff Augmentation, which would include:

a. Engineering Services

b. Research, Development, Test & Evaluation Services

c. Logistics Services

d. Acquisition and Strategic Planning Services

e. Education and Training Services

f. IT Services (Not currently provided under RS3)

g. Medical-based Logistical Services (Not currently provided under RS3)

The Government intends for ACCESS to consist of a five (5) year base ordering period followed by a single five (5) year optional ordering period.

3. Should the Government limit the number of Primes awarded a base IDIQ contract under the ACCESS acquisition? Why or why not? If so, what would be your recommended number to ensure healthy and sustainable competition at all Business sizes, and why?

Please provide your insight on the pros and cons the Government should be aware of when deciding its approach.

4. Should the Government separate the awards into “suites” or “pools” (i.e., separated based on NAICS)? Why or why not?

5. What proposal streamlining efforts should the Government consider at both the base IDIQ and task order level?

mailto:usarmy.apg.acc.mbx.acc-apg-access-contracting-office@army.mil

6. The Government will incorporate off-ramp clause(s) in this potential vehicle. What metrics and/or criteria do you find reasonable for the Government to consider as its measurement in this clause(s)?

7. Do you intend on submitting a proposal as a prime contractor on this vehicle?

8. If so, what area(s) of scope from above align to your company’s interest and what NAICS Code(s) do you recommend with said scope?

9. Based on the answer to number 8, what is your current company size for each recommended NAICS Code?

10. Please provide your company name, address, CAGE code, DUNS, and point of contact name, phone number and email address?

11. What other insights would you like to offer for the Government’s consideration with regards to this potential recompete? This is open to all topics (i.e., potential evaluation criteria, post-award administration, other tools/lessons learned from other Federal contract vehicles for services, etc.)