Amendment 1_RFP_24-054_06102024.pdf

100 Stellarator Road Princeton, NJ 08543 USA

AMENDMENT 1

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) 24-054

New PROPOSAL DUE DATE: July 9, 2024

June 10, 2024

TO: Potential Offerors for RFP No. 24-054

SUBJECT: Amendment No. 1 Amendment No. 1 includes:

A. CLOSING DATE and SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS

The Deadline for receipt of Proposals VIA EMAIL has been updated from Wednesday June 19,2024 to Tuesday, July 9, 2024.

B. Revision to the following Documents:

Section III Instructions for Proposal Preparation_RV1_06042024 o Section no. 8 NAICS Code and Small Business Consideration o Section no. 11 Closing Date and Submission of Proposal o Section 24,Parts I, no. 2 Organizational Ability, Part III Offer and Pricing.

Section V Attachment 3b_Temporary Staffing Pricing Worksheet (version 1)_06062024_RV1 Attachment 4_Reps and Certs-bookelet PPL-PD-RC2_rev11_09-2013_RV1_06042024

C. Part 1 of the Questions and Answers:

The following questions have been addressed below: Please note that if you do not see your question addressed in this amendment 1, they will be addressed in additional forthcoming amendments.

no. Document Section Supplier Question PPPL Response

What is the allocation for budget spending for all Bids?

What is the Budget for this project? What is the projected

PPPL does not have a specified ceiling value or budget and estimated annual spend.

https://www.pppl.gov/

TO: RFP24-054

SUBJECT:Amendment No. 1 Page 2 budget? What is the expected level of annual spending for this BOA? 3. What is the estimated annual budget for this project? How many temps do you plan to hire annually from this contract?

Will there be single award or multiple award? Please confirm the anticipated number of awards. How many vendors are being awarded? Will there be multiple vendors awarded or only one or two? If so, how many estimated?

Multiple Awards are anticipated; the number of awards is unknown.

If multiple awards, will there be tier classification among resulting vendors, or the requirements would be ad hoc basis?

No Tiered classification among resulting vendors.

What are the expected requirements from the contract resulting from this bid?

Kindly assess all the paperwork , including the Statement of Work, Proposal Preparation Instructions, Evaluation Criteria, and the Sample Subcontract w/ the Terms and Conditions. If awarded a subcontract, Suppliers are required to promptly respond to requests for temporary positions when needed.

What preference exists in terms of location under the evaluation criteria?

Please review the Evaluation Criteria under Section IV. It is not required that the supplier have an office near the lab.

Will PPPL determine the DL hourly rate for all job work scopes and then the contractor is to propose a DL rate or will PPPL not determine the DL hourly rate?

Yes, PPPL will be providing the DL. Please refer to Section V, Attachment 3b(rv1), tab 3. Sample Job Order Proposal

If applicable, what is the expiration date of the incumbent Prime's collective bargaining agreement?

These are not union position or collective bargaining agreements.

If applicable, please confirm how many incumbent employees are subject to a predecessor contract collective bargaining agreement and how many are not reference answer to no. 7

Please confirm how many potential service employees of the incumbent contract have anniversary dates between 1 to 4 years and 11 months, 5 years to 14 years and 11 months, and 15 years or more.

These positions are for temporary staffing services. The length of time is temporary and only up to 2 years and w/ potential to hire if the position allows for it.

When does PPPL anticipate completing its evaluation and notifying respondents of its recommended awardee(s)?

What is the tentative start date of this engagement? What is the intent to award date?

Anticipated to award September 2024.

SUBJECT:Amendment No. 1 Page 3

Shall awarded contractors use the same medical/healthcare providers to conduct Post-Offer Pre- Employment Screening that PPPL uses?

Yes, PPPL will be handling this requirement on a case-by-case position.

How will you release the requirements through email or a portal? How often will the requirements be released?

When will the additional job descriptions be available?

When will the additional rates be available for the other positions? How many positions per year does PPPL anticipate staffing through this BOA?

Email, when a need arises.

Is there a local preference for this opportunity? No

A. Is a page limit or font size required for preparing the RFP? Does PPPL have formatting guidelines for font, font size, margins, or page count per section? Is there a page limit for any part of the response? Can the DOE provide specific guidance on proposal formatting for each required volume (Technical, Past Performance, Price, etc.), including font size, graphics/tables font size, margins, and page limitations? B. Are there specific formatting or structural preferences for the electronic copy of the proposal beyond those outlined?

This proposal should not be no more than 15-20 pages including the cover letter. Font should be business standard, and size between 10-12. B. There are no other specific formatting or structural preferences in the electronic copy of the proposal beyond those outlined. It is required that each document come back in the same format provided, for example, Attachments 3a and 3b, shall remain each in their perspective formatted document (i.e. excel, and pdf) and each sent separately and apart from Parts I and Part II and clearly marked as Part III respectively.

Please confirm is it mandatory to have office in city? No

How many positions will be required per year or throughout the contract term?

Unknown.

Is there a possibility of extending due date for this proposal?

Yes, an extension has been granted to July 9, 2024.

We understand that our markup percentage are based on the broad categories provided. Are we required to provide markup percentages irrespective of experience level for the category?

Supplier will provide a Markup for the general category.

The DL range will be determined by the requirements of the specific role, and the specific DL rate for the employee within that range will be based on Experience level and other qualifications. Attachment 3b_Temporay Staffing Pricing Worksheet (version 1)_06062024_RV1 has been revised distinguishing SCA and Non SCA position markup rates. Please ensure to use the current Attachment 3b in your proposal submission.

SUBJECT:Amendment No. 1 Page 4

Will there be a separate “Sample job order form” releases as and when required by PPPL for one or more job requisition outlining job roles, skills required, years of experience, minimum and maximum direct labor rates etc. as specified on “Sample Job Order Form” provided?

Not for this procurement action. Sample Job Order Form will be used for future Job Order requests under an awarded BOA Agreement.

Will PPPL staff be interviewing and approving resources? Yes

Will PPPL staff be approving timecards for the resources? Yes

What is the average duration of the SOW projects or contract duration by category?

An average awarded Job Order is typically 6 months, with a max up to 2 years depending on the need.

SOW

Since the SOW specifies only T&M billing, we are assuming that PPPL staff is responsible for managing the resources on a day-to-day basis and the work deliverables of the resources?

PPPL's PTR will be responsible for the day-to-day direction of your Subcontracted Personnel. The Subcontractor's Personnel is not a PPPL employee and should still be managed by your Key Personnel when it comes to time off, benefits, performance review and any other employee concerns.

Are all the resources supposed to be onsite? Is there any flexibility to work remote or Hybrid?

This is dependent on the department need at the time a need arises.

What is the total expected number of new hires in the next 12 months in each category?

What is the total expected total volume of business in the next 12 months by category and/or total volume of business across all categories?

If the NJ state laws are inconsistent or different from the federal laws regarding any labor/wage regulations, what regulations are we expected to adhere to federal or NJ state laws?

Federal, The US Department of Labor SCA Wage determination and standards.

Is subcontractor expected to provide any LAPTOP for the resources?

PPPL will issue equipment to the resource.

Is communication allowed to follow up after the due date?

Yes, via email.

How many awards do you anticipate? And of that number, how many do you believe will be small businesses?

Multiply; unknown at this time.

Are all positions in the labor categories to be treated as “non-Exempt” for the purposes of applying the SCA rate/benefit guidelines? Some positions within the same ‘Skill

An updated Attachment 3b, Temporary Staffing Pricing Worksheet_06062024_RV1 has been issued along with Amendment 1, now distinguishing between the SCA (nonexempt) and Exempt Markup.

SUBJECT:Amendment No. 1 Page 5

Category’ could be considered Exempt while others may not. Since the additional benefits under the SCA requirements represent a significant additional burden, this could greatly impact how we determine our costs. Could you provide some guidance as to how we are to respond as the six skill categories listed, since they appear to include both exempt and nonexempt classifications.

Part “T” of the General Provisions, aside from the insurance requirements, appears to apply to construction and on-site maintenance agreements and would not directly apply to our work as a “Staffing Resource”. Can you confirm this is the case?

Yes that is correct.

Can you please list and describe all PPPL compliance requirements?

They are outlined in the Statement of Work; Sample Basic Ordering Agreement; and the Terms and Conditions documents.

Are all positions in the labor categories to be treated as “non-Exempt” for the purposes of applying the SCA rate/benefit guidelines? Some positions within the same ‘Skill Category’ could be considered Exempt while others may not. Since the additional benefits under the SCA requirements represent a significant additional burden, this could greatly impact how we determine our costs. Could you provide some guidance as to how we are to respond as the six skill categories listed, since they appear to include both exempt and nonexempt classifications.

An updated Attachment 3b, Temporary Staffing Pricing Worksheet_4152024_RV1 has been issued along with Amendment 1, now distinguishing between the SCA (nonexempt) and Exempt Markup. IT has come to our attention that this was an overight on our part.

Part “T” of the General Provisions, aside from the insurance requirements, appears to apply to construction and on-site maintenance agreements and would not directly apply to our work as a “Staffing Resource”. Can you confirm this is the case?

Yes that is correct.

SECTION

III.ITO.24 +

SECTION

Does the Government have a preference for how Offerors provide the required inputs from references?

The supplier’s proposal should identify the section in their proposal with the listed references and brief description.

SUBJECT:Amendment No. 1 Page 6

IV.EVAL.3.4

Subfactor 1:

Relevant Experience

(Maximum 20 points)

SECTION

II.SCHEDA.F3

Foreign Travel

(APRIL 2012) +

SECTION

II.SCHEDC.2.0-

2.13, 3.0-3

Foreign Travel, Short Term Travel, Incidentals

What is the anticipated scope of travel? Can the Government provide not to exceed Travel amount annually?

There are no travel requirements for this RFP. Travel would be outlined only at the Job Order level at the time a need arises.

SECTION

III.ITO.10

How much notice can we expect for the Oral Presentation? If an Oral Presentation is required, what is the tentative date or timeframe for this? Could you provide more details on the expectations for the oral presentations, particularly areas of focus? Is Oral Presentation a part of proposal submission. When will the oral presentations be held?

There are no oral presentations for this RFP.

Do we need to submit resumes of key personnel with our proposal submission? Please confirm if PPPL wants resumes of all proposed team members?If so, does PPPL have a preferred resume template we should use? Do offerors need to provide resumes of key personnel who will be assigned to this project or the full project team including recruiters, etc.? Can PPPL please confirm that the only resumes required during submission are that of the Offeror’s key personnel? Please confirm the key personnel positions. Also does the Government require the resume of these key personnel with proposal submission?

Yes. Only for those members of your firm that will be administering if a contract were to be awarded. Please use your format.

Do the vendors need to provide a discounted Total Markup Fee % in Tab 1 Markup of Attachment 3b_Temporary Staffing Pricing Worksheet if the personnel’s two thousand eighty (2080) work hours and for the remainder of the assignment?

Yes.

SUBJECT:Amendment No. 1 Page 7

Regarding Page 6 of the Instructions for Proposal Preparation, Under Part I, c. Supplier Responsiveness - What specific information is being requested to be included in this section?

Please reference Section IV, Evaluation Criteria; and Section II SOW.

Page 7 of the Instruction for Proposal Preparation refers to relevant experience and past experience. Are current customers acceptable in addition to past customers? How many customers should be listed including contact information? Should reference letters be included or would a description of services provided along with contact information be sufficient? Can the same references/customers be included to cover both relevant and past experience or should each contain unique information?

Yes, current customers are acceptable. 3 at a min. -5 at a max. Either one is acceptable, please identifiy within the proposal. Yes, same references may be included to cover both relevent and past. Past performance relates to how well a supplier performed, while relevant experience pertains to the type of work a supplier performed. Please ensure to distinguish between them as they are 2 distinct criteria.

Please confirm pricing will be mark-up by category and not rate ranges by individual positions within these categories.

Markup by Skill Category.

How can we verify if we have already registered in the supplier portal?

If you have already registered in Princeton's Prime, you would have received an invite and link to maintain company information.

How do we access our existing supplier portal registration to ensure it is up to date?

If you have already registered in Princeton's Prime, you would have received an invite and link to maintain company information.

What do they mean by #15 in the Instruction for Proposal document? “Due to the commercial and competitive nature of this procurement, PPPL is not requesting the submission of certified cost or pricing data under this solicitation. However, Suppliers are advised that in the event that PPPL deems such information is necessary, Supplier should be prepared to submit cost or pricing data within 10 business days after being requested.”

Suppliers do not need to provide this information.

Will the Pre-Award conference occur once award decisions are made or prior to June 19th when RFP responses are due?

There is no PreAward conference.

How many resource resumes are required with submission?

None.

Are we to submit resumes in the same format as Exhibit B?

No resumes are being requested for this procurement as this is not a Job Order request. Resumes that are to be

SUBJECT:Amendment No. 1 Page 8 provided are defined under Section IV, Evaluation Criteria, for Key Personnel that will be managing the Subcontract, if awarded one.

Evaluation Criteria

Section IV Evaluation, Factor 2:

Organizational Ability- How many past performances do offerors need to provide and how recent? How many references need to be submitted in ‘b. Past Experience’ under ‘2. Organizational Ability’ as given in the attachment ‘Instructions for Proposal Preparation’?

A min. of three (3) but no more than five(5).

Is international talent recruiting required? No, but a nice to have.

Can you confirm if total markup includes profit or just overhead, GA and fringe?

Total markup should be fully burndened and include all.

SOW Section K In reference to SOW K. which states “K.The Staffing Agency shall provide resumes of proposed resources for the six resources identified in Exhibit A: PPPL Skill Categories for consideration that clearly demonstrate the Offeror’s ability to provide qualified resources capable of meeting identified needs and performing outlined tasks providing requisite deliverables described in the Job Description Exhibit B.” Are the resumes of proposed resources here referencing the offeror’s staff or temporary personnel? Also, are these resumes due at the time of submission (if offeror’s staff) or within 1 week of award (if they are referring to temporary personnel resumes)?

PPPL is not asking for any temp staffing resumes. PPPL is only asking for the Key Personnel that will be managing the Master BOA agreement, if awarded.

SOW Section3.2 Section I Attachment 1 SOW, 3.2 Reduced Total Mark Up Fee. Is there a maximum term of employment that a subcontractor can work support PPPL before they must hire in as a direct employee?

Job Orders will only be allowed for up to 2 years. It is not a guarantee that the subcontractor's personnel will be hired.

Section V Attachment 4, Reps and Certs, 3. Small Business Program Representations says the NAICS is 561320 with size of $30M but Section III Instructions for Proposal, 8.

NAICS Code and Small Business Consideration says the size is $27.5M. Which is correct?

Section V, Attachment 4, and Section III_Instrustions for Proposal Preparation have been revised and attached on SAM.Gov. The correct SBA Size Standard is $34M.

In the Supplier Proposal section, under Part II – Proposal, Section 2. Organizational Ability, can you please clarify the differences between Relevant Experience and Past Experience?

Past performance relates to how well a supplier performed, while relevant experience pertains to the type of work a supplier performed. Please ensure to distinguish between them as they are 2 distinct criteria.

http://sam.gov/

SUBJECT:Amendment No. 1 Page 9

Do we need to provide past performance reviews from our clients for the Past Experience section or do you intend on reaching out to these clients for a reference? If we do need to provide past performance reviews, is there a standard form you want us to use?

Section IV, Evaluation Criteria, Please provide at a min. 3 and more than 5 references as PPPL will be conducting reference checks on suppliers. Please provide description of past experience provided with other suppliers. No standard form is required.

Section III_Instructions for Proposal Preparation, Page number 4, Do we need to submit any pricing information, with the RFP Response?

Yes. Section V, Attachments 3a and 3b.

Can you clarify what should be included in the outline addressing all minimum qualification requirements to support eligibility of their submitted proposal?

The supplier should address and provide a response for all criteria as outlined in Section IV, Evaluation Criteria. At a minimum, the supplier should possess those capabilities as identified in the SOW, but not limited to those outlined in Section IV.

As per the document, Section III_Instructions for Proposal Preparation, page number 3, the format mentioned is that we need to submit PART III – OFFER AND PRICING as a separate document. Do we need to combine both files?

Or do not need to submit PART III.

Please submit Part III, Separate from Parts I and Parts II.

Part III is required to be sent as individual files. One is a PDF and the other is an excel. There should be 2 individual separate files for Part III, clearly marked and identified as Part III. The EXCEL FILE SHOULD NOT BE SENT IN PDF Format.

SOW 1.0 pg 3 The laboratory is proactively expanding the staffing augmentation tools for temporary staffing services for exempt and non-exempt personnel for a wide range of disciplines and skill sets, generally including business administration, clerical, engineering, Information Technology, and technical personnel what is considered “exempt and non-exempt personnel” Non-exempt employees are entitled to minimum wage and overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). They are paid hourly. Exempt personnel not covered by the FLSA provisions on minimum wage and overtime pay.

SOW 3.0 pg 4 para H “Citizens from certain foreign countries may be prohibited to perform work for PPPL, as per federal government policy.”.

Can you give a list of the prohibited foreign countries from which those citizens will be prohibited?

Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Syria. Russia and China take more thorough review.

SUBJECT:Amendment No. 1 Page 10

SOW 3.0 pg 4 para K The Staffing Agency shall provide resumes of proposed resources for the six resources identified in Exhibit A: PPPL Skill Categories for consideration that clearly demonstrate the Offeror’s ability to provide qualified resources capable of meeting identified needs and performing outlined tasks providing requisite deliverables described in the Job Description Exhibit B.”

In reference to the SOW, Exhibit A Skill Categories (Engineering Job Definition) and Exhibit B Sample Job Description (Engineering Skill Category): In comparing Exhibit A and Exhibit B, would you require a resume to fit the Exhibit A Engineering Job Definition list of skills, or the Sample Exhibit B Engineering Skill Category core duties list that would be specified for each Job Order?

The supplier candidates that will be proposed when there is a need for a Job Order request should be based on the Job Description (example provide Exhibit B” Sample" Job Description).

SOW 3.0 pg 4 para L The Staffing Agency should describe their benefits, holidays and other elections offered to staff utilized for this agreement in a format like the table provided below.

PPPL seeks Offerors with holiday schedules as similar to the Federal structure as possible, to provide consistency to temporary staffing services when laboratories are closed that will be included in any ensuing BOA.”

Will SCA wage determination benefits such as sick leave, health and welfare, etc., be provided on this project?

It is the Subcontractors responsibility to ensure that any position subjected to SCA standards include it in the G&A; Overhead and Fringe.

SOW 3.0 pg 5 para M it states, “Subcontract shall provide and outline any recruitment efforts for

What countries will be required? Do they need a work visa?

This is unknown at this time, but past Job Orders included Italy, France and Spain. As the proposed persons would be employed by your firm, the supplier, it is the responsibility of the supplier to ensure they are legally allowed to work where required.

SUBJECT:Amendment No. 1 Page 11 international talent in multiple countries”.

SOW 3.0 pg 4 para L The Staffing Agency should describe their benefits, holidays and other elections offered to staff utilized for this agreement in a format like the table provided below.

PPPL seeks Offerors with holiday schedules as similar to the Federal structure as possible, to provide consistency to temporary staffing services when laboratories are closed that will be included in any ensuing BOA.”

Per the chart shown, what standards for the schedules should take precedence and be utilized, federal or state?

For example, under Vacation, it states “Must at a minimum provide vacation per the Service Contract Labor Standards for Wage Determination positions.”

Federal

SOW 4.2 pg 6 para F “Agency agrees that ALL temporary personnel must successfully complete a background screening check, as a requirement to start an assignment.

Background screenings should include …” Criminal Background Checks and Employment Screening.

Is the subcontractor to provide all the background checks, credit checks, drug testing and is the expense to be included it in the hourly rates, or billed separately to the agency with each Job Order

Yes, and the cost should be incorporated into the overhead of the supplier and reflected in the markup.

SOW 4.2 pg 6 para F Drug testing may be required for Testing Designated Positions (TDP) and will be identified in the Job Order.”

What panel of drug testing is required? Schedules I through V of the Controlled Substances Act.

Tests for at least the following illegal drugs, or classes of drugs, will be made:

• marijuana

• cocaine

• opiates

• phencyclidine

• amphetamines

SUBJECT:Amendment No. 1 Page 12

SOW 6.0 pg 7 para B “The Staffing Agency’s key personnel have sufficient skills, knowledge, and abilities to recruit for and manage any ensuing agreement from this solicitation.”

what does “manage any ensuing agreement” mean and entail? Can you delineate the management required?

Management of any ensuing agreement would entail facilitation of recruiting, hire and management of staff in the being supplied for a specific job order.

SOW 6.0 pg 7 para C The Staffing Agency’s proposed direct labor rates must meet or exceed the Department of Labor minimum hourly labor rate, and related fringe benefits for all of the required skill categories.

The Staffing Agency must ensure that the ranges proposed for distinct levels within a skill category (e.g., Administrative Assistant, I, II, III, etc.) overlap to permit a rational growth path for increased job responsibility.”

what does overlap to permit a rational growth path for increased job responsibility mean?

The reference to the "overlap" is intended to exist to allow a positive correlation between the time worked and aptitude shown in the skill category and the amount earned by the subcontractor, i.e. the Bill Rate.

Part T T9 Global Pandemic Covid is the vaccination still required ? what is the legal exemption, and is there a religious exemption?

COVID vaccine is not required at this time.

In the Instructions for Proposal Preparation document under Part II Proposal, Organizational Ability it requests Relevant Experience and Past Experience. Could PPPL please clarify if the same experience can be used in both points?

Please provide 3 at a min. -5 at a max. Same references may be included to cover both relevant and past. Past performance relates to how well a supplier performed, while relevant experience pertains to the type of work a supplier performed. Please ensure to distinguish between them as they are 2 distinct criteria.

Can a subcontractor firm use lower-tier vendors' past performance/resumes to meet the requirements of the solicitation

A lower-tier supplier references/ past performance and experience is not allowable for use in proposal submission unless that supplier is going to be the lead.

Could PPPL please clarify if digital signatures are allowed for the response?

Digital Signatures are preferred- specifically Adobe.

SUBJECT:Amendment No. 1 Page 13

No, subcontractor does not need to have experience in all categories. A lower-tier supplier experience is not allowable for use in proposal submission unless that supplier is going to be the lead.

Could PPPL clarify if it is mandatory to bid on all skill categories identified in this RFP?

No

In the Instructions for Proposal Preparation document under Minimum Qualifications it states "Previous experience with providing temporary personnel for one

(1) or more of the sample skill categories identified in Exhibit A of Attachment 1_Statement of Work." Could PPPL please clarify if firms can bid on all categories but only demonstrate experience in one or some in the proposal?

Yes, suppliers may bid on all categories and provide experience one or some in the proposal.

1. In the evaluation document under “Subfactor 3:

Qualifications of Personnel (Maximum 20 points)” it is mentioned that, “Documentation provided by the Offeror must include resumes of all proposed team members, including details describing the individual’s qualifications and experience which makes them particularly suited to recruit individuals based on the type of personnel required.” As there is no mention of the fact that we have to follow the sample resume while providing the resumes, does that mean we can provide generic resumes as per the above-mentioned qualifications in the section? If the subcontractor has to follow the "Sample Resume", could you please clarify how can we proceed with "PPPL Paygrade: ENG 07" as per the sample for other resumes?

The Sample "Job Description" is not your firms Resume, this is PPPL's sample of what a Job Description would look like when sending out a request to the firms to fill an option position need at the lab. This section relates to your Firm's Team that will be managing / filtering the requests as they come through. Using your firms resume, please submit your team member or members to whom our HR Staffing would forward a request (when needed) after this RFP has determined the selected suppliers of a Basic Ordering Agreement.

SOW 6 SOW document under section 6.0

“SUBCONTRACTOR

QUALIFICATIONS” it is mentioned that, “B. The Staffing Agency’s key personnel have sufficient skills, knowledge, and abilities to recruit for and manage any ensuing

If the subcontractor does not possess any of the corporate key personnel mentioned above and needs to staff it does that disqualify the subcontractor? Also, do we need to provide the pricing for the above-mentioned key personnel and how will we proceed with it in the pricing sheet? Do we need to adjust them in the specific skill categories or create any specific row to address it?

The section relates to evaluating your firms experience and your key staff that will be managing the Agreement (if awarded) this is to address your firms’ capabilities of providing staffing services. This does not relate to open positions. If your firm does not have key personnel that manage, recruit, or possess any talent acquisition capabilities, then the firm would not meet this requirement.

SUBJECT:Amendment No. 1 Page 14 agreement from this solicitation. Offeror should provide resumes of its corporate key personnel, e.g., site-specific General Manager, Safety Specialist, key recruitment personnel, and Information Technology support, etc.

that have at least three years of relevant professional experience in the field of corporate staffing support that will be the key personnel included in any ensuing agreement.”

Can a subcontractor provide commercial experience and references?

Yes.

For each of the skill category does PPPL have a provision to limit the contractor to one key personnel/ resume or we can have more than one proposed (Key Personnel/ Resume) for each skill category?

It can be more than 1.

Instructions part II Professional and Project Management Capabilities The Offeror must provide the professional qualifications and experience of the Offeror’s personnel proposed to work on this subcontract to ensure personnel have the training, credentials, qualifications, knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience necessary to perform assigned tasks."

Could PPPL please clarify if firms need to submit actual resumes for this section or are sample resumes accepted?

The supplier is only to submit actual resumes of their key personnel who would be managing the BOA agreement and Job Order Requests.

SUBJECT:Amendment No. 1 Page 15

Could PPPL please clarify under which section do we have to provide proposed resources resumes?

Part II Professional and Project Management- for your Team Member(s) who will be managing the work requirements as outlined in the SOW when a need arises from our HR Staffing dept. part II Professional and Project Management Capabilities The Offeror must provide the professional qualifications and experience of the Offeror’s personnel proposed to work on this subcontract to ensure personnel have the training, credentials, qualifications, knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience necessary to perform assigned tasks."

If any of the sections do not apply to the vendor, should the questions be left blank, or should the vendor indicate that the section is not applicable?

If your firm does not have the capabilities to provide all 6 categories, it is suggested to outline in your proposal. All sections are considered applicable to meet the evaluation criteria.

Can a firm subcontract with various primes? Yes.

If the resources, we provide at the time of proposal submission are not available at the time of a potential contract award could vendors replace them with equally qualified resources?

If the resources you are referring to are the subcontractor Key Persons, then yes. There is no requirement at this time for a Job Order.

Is it required to provide any financial information alongside the proposal response? If so, could PPPL please provide the details? Does the Government require financial statements from contractors?

This is not required for this procurement.

For the Reps and Certs document the subcontractor has to checkmark the options provided therein. If in case the subcontractor is unable to check mark any of the options will that disqualify the proposal?

No.

SOW

Attachment 1-Statement of Work; 3.0 Scope Of Work;

paragraph K: This section addresses resumes. Like Question 2, I know this is required as part of the work request process, do resumes have to be included in Part II Proposal?

No. The supplier is only to submit actual resumes of their key personnel who would be managing the BOA agreement and Job Order Requests as per section IV Evaluation Criteria.

Service Contract Act Compliance

Could you provide examples of the prevailing wages specified or direct us to where we might find these wage determinations?

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/government-contracts/prevailing-wage-resource-book/sca-wage-determinations

Markup Rates Clarification: How should the Maximum Bill Rate and Markup Schedule be calculated for each category? Are there specific examples or formulas you could provide?

PPPL is not able to provide a formula. This is based on your overhead, fringe and GSA.

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/government-contracts/prevailing-wage-resource-book/sca-wage-determinations https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/government-contracts/prevailing-wage-resource-book/sca-wage-determinations https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/government-contracts/prevailing-wage-resource-book/sca-wage-determinations

SUBJECT:Amendment No. 1 Page 16

Overhead and Fringe Percentages:

Are the overhead and fringe percentages listed standard rates provided by PPPL, or should they be calculated based on our internal cost structures?

This is calculated based on the suppliers internal cost structure.

Reduction in Markup Post 2080 Hours:

Regarding the reduction in markup percentage after 2080 work hours, can you specify how this reduction should be documented within the proposal? Is there a specific format or method for showing this pricing adjustment over time?

Please complete Tab 1. Markup under Section V, Attachment 3b_Temporary Staffing Pricing Worksheet, Tab 1. Markup

General and Administrative Costs:

How should we handle any general and administrative costs that might not be directly listed but are typical in staffing contracts? Are there limits or guidelines on what can be included?

These costs should be captured in your Mark up %. For guidelines it is suggested to visit the US Department of Labor website as there is A Guide for Indirect Cost Rate Determination.

Compliance with Job Categories

Are there specific compliance checks or validation processes that PPPL performs to ensure that the rates and categories are correctly applied as per the job roles?

Yes, PPPL performs compliance checks to ensure that rates are correctly applied as per the job role. Specifically related to the DL and the markup.

Where will addendums and answers to vendor questions be posted? The Princeton University Supplier Portal does not seem to have the RFP 24-054 Temporary Staffing Services posted or unable to locate.

Addendums will be posted on SAM.Gov.

Section III_Instructions for Proposal states on page 3, "…small business subcontracting goals and objectives set forth in the prime contract." What is the % goal, if any?

The percentage of SBA awards for this RFP is undetermined.

Section III_Instruction for Proposal Preparation, section 15, page 4, states that certified cost/pricing data might be necessary. As a commercial services provider, can we submit commercial pricing data instead?

This is not a requirement at this time.

Who is going to provide the computer equipment? Is PPPL providing these?

PPPL will provide necessary equipment.

For the "latest annual report, if applicable…" requested, would a copy of our Duns and Bradstreet suffice to meet this requirement? As a privately held company we do not disclose some financials, but can provide documentation to demonstrate financial strength and stability. Please confirm.

Section+III_Instructions+for+Proposal+Preparation - the company shall provide a copy of their latest annual report, if applicable, and DUNS number. -> What type of an annual report? Please specify.

This information is not required at this time.

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How many positions can we expect under this contract throughout the given term

Unknown at this time

How will the requisitions be shared among the awarded vendors?

Job Requests will be sent to all firms simultaneously.

Is there any primary, secondary, and tertiary level of classification among the awarded vendors?

NO

Attachment 3b V The 3rd sheet is not fillable. Could you please explain how this document should be filled out?

This is a sample document only to show suppliers what will be included in a Job Order request. It does not need to be completed at this time.

Evaluation Criteria

Section IV Factor 2:

Organizational Ability

What type of input is required from clients and previous contracts and in which form does the input need to be provided?

Information should be included within in your proposal and outline the type and scope of services provided to relevant clients and your performance in fulfilling the need.

Evaluation Criteria

Section IV Factor 2:

Organizational Ability

Organizational Ability - Do we need to provide the narratives of the past performances or description of the work performed?

Both are required.

Evaluation Criteria

Section IV Factor 2:

Organizational Ability

Organizational Ability Documentation provided by the Offeror must include a summary of clients of similar size, scale, and sophistication of PPPL. Which type of documentation is needed? And please elaborate on what you mean by "summary of clients." Should offerors mention all clients, or clients served recently or projects?

This information should be outlined in within your proposal response. It is suggested to keep it at a minimum of 3-5 clients.

Instructions for Proposal

Preparation

Section III The company shall provide a copy of their latest annual report, if applicable, and DUNS number. -> What type of an annual report? Please specify.

This information is not required at this time.

Instructions for Proposal

Preparation

Section III A preprinted company brochure may be used, is stated. Is it preferred? Or can we provide written information about company’s description. Please clarify which is preferred by PPPL – brochure or written text?

Either is acceptable.

Instructions for Proposal

Preparation

Section III Letter of Submittal: Introduction of the company: Please clarify what type of information needs to be provided.

A brief description of your company.

SUBMISSION FORMAT: Could you please clarify submission format requirements? Does the offeror need to submit Part I and Part II in a single PDF file, as it's mentioned to submit one (1) electronic copy of the proposal. Also, Part III is mentioned to be submitted as a separate file, so is Part III submitted as Attachment 3a

Please submit Part I and Part II separate PDFs. Part III should be sent in their perspective formats, therefore you will submit 2 files under Part III separate from Part I and Part II. You may send 1 email with 4 attachments, Part I, Part III and Part III (2 files).

SUBJECT:Amendment No. 1 Page 18

(PDF file) and Attachment 3b (Excel file)? Could you please clarify if we should submit all parts as one combined electronic file, or if we should submit them as three separate files? The instructions indicate that only one electronic file should be submitted, but also state that the pricing information must be provided separately. When submitting the proposal through email, do we include three files in total? One file for Part I and II, with separate documents that includes Part III (Offer and Pricing), which was instructed to be submitted as a separate file. Part III would include Attachment 3a (PDF) and Attachment 3b Worksheet (Excel). Please confirm this is the correct submission approach.

Will all personnel provided under the BOA be transitioned to permanent PPPL employees after 6 months? Or will some of the personnel supporting the project have long-term contracts with no conversion?

Not all contracted personnel will be converted to PPPL staff. Most will remain on contracts for the duration of the assignment but not exceeding 24 months.

Will PPPL permit the H&W to bill billed as a direct cost or as a separate markup component rather than as a part of the standard markup rate? If it must be incorporated into the M/U rate, it unnecessarily inflates the overall markup rate.

No, This need to be included in your markup percentage.

What recruitment tools is PPPL using currently and what tools they require from subcontractors?

Does this matter what Recruitment tools PPPL is using?

As for subcontractors it will all be dependent on the Job Descriptions presented for the Job Order when a need arises.

"Regarding the personnel listed in the Statement of Work, such as the site-specific General Manager, Safety Specialist, key recruitment personnel, and Information Technology support”

Please confirm if they are the Key Personnel and does the Government require their resumes be included in the proposal submission?

Yes. The only resumes to be submitted at this time with the suppliers proposal is those of the key personnel.

What is the anticipated award date? October 2024

What is the Start date of the work under this solicitation? Unknown at this time. A Job Order will only be issued if and when a need may arise.

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Does the Government require any NDA to be signed with proposal submission?

No.

“The company shall provide a copy of their latest annual report, if applicable, and DUNS number”

Our question is are you referring to the annual Sam Representations and Certifications?

We are not asking for your firm’s annual report.

Is it mandatory to use subcontractors? Or the winning vendors will act as a subcontractor to this contract?

PPPL, as a Prime Contractor w/ an M&O contract with the DOE is the contractor, therefore any award PPPL issues is considered a "subcontract" therefore any supplier awarded a Contract with PPPL is considered a "Subcontractor".

Is there any defined goal?

(Subcontracting/MBE/WBE/Else)

No.

We don’t need to provide cost/pricing with our submission? Right?

Please reference Section III and complete all required documents; there are 2 forms in Section V that pricing related and are required documents.

What is the meaning of GSA Contract pricing Suppliers Quote in OFFEROR INFORMATION AND PRICING FORM.

It is intended to identify any supplier that may have a GSA awarded contract and if that supplier is providing the pricing from their GSA schedule.

Can you clarify what should be included in the outline addressing all minimum qualification requirements to support eligibility of their submitted proposal?

The supplier responsiveness is defined as the supplier providing all the required submissions documents and addressing all the areas of the RFP. Specifically, under the Evaluation Criteria in relationship to the Statement of Work. Min. Qualifications will be reviewed as part of this requirement.

Please acknowledge your receipt of this RFP Amendment No. 1 by signing below and returning it with your proposal package.

Reminder: Proposals are Due no later than July 9, 2024.

Sincerely, Cheryl Colan

SUBJECT:Amendment No. 1 Page 20

Procurement Specialist

Company: ______________________________

Signature: ______________________________

Name: _________________________________

Title: __________________________________

Date: __________________________________