RFP_A15080_Amendment_01_Questions_and_Answers.xlsx
XLSX spreadsheet 19 KB Posted
- Attached to
- Best Available Science Reviews
- Solicitation number
- RFPA15080
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RFP_A15080_Amendment 01_Questions and Answers
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Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| RFPA15080_SF30_Amendment_01.pdf | ||
| Attachment_J-4_Price_Submission_Worksheet_Amendment_1.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| BAS_RFP_A15080_Amendment_01.pdf | ||
| Attachment_J-3_Conflict_of_Interest_Vendor.docx | DOCX document | |
| Attachment_J-4_Price_Submission_Worksheet.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| Attachment_J-1_Statement_of_Work.pdf | ||
| Attachment_J-5_Past_Performance_Questionnaire.docx | DOCX document | |
| BAS_RFP_A15080.pdf | ||
| Attachment_J-2_Conflict_of_Interest_Reviewer.docx | DOCX document |
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Q&A
RFP A15080 BEST AVAILABLE SCIENCE
| Question # | Solicitation Section | Question/# | Answer |
| 1 | RFP | Please clarify if that means that ALL work must be done by small businesses or if a small business can serve as Prime and also subcontract large businesses for some of the work. | As noted in Federal Acquisition Regulations, at least 50 percent of the cost of contract performance incurred for personnel shall be expended for employees of the [Small Business]. In other words, to remain in compliance with the Small business Set-Aside, the Small Business must perform at least 1/2 the work as measured salaries and associated expenses. To ensure clarification, the RFP has been revised to include clause 52.219-14 "Limitations on Subcontracting" |
2 RFP Is this a follow-on requirement? If so, could you please provide the incumbent contract number for this opportunity?
If not, is this a new requirement?
| This is a new requirement with no incumbent. | |||
| 3 | RFP | I am wondering if an incumbent exists for the BEST AVAILABLE SCIENCE REVIEWS requirement and if so, could you please provide the vendor and the corresponding contract number? | See answer to question 2. |
| 4 | RFP | Page 38 of the RFP states that Attachment J-3, “Conflict of Interest, Offeror,” is to be completed and returned with proposal. |
a. Where is the proper location for inclusion of said form/response in the proposal?
b. Is the form/response included or excluded from the 35-page maximum page limit?
| Please include this form at the end of VOLUME 1. It will not count against the page limit. | ||
| 5 | RFP | Page 40 of the RFP states that the offeror is to fill out and return the provision “1052.209-71 – Representation by corporations regarding an unpaid federal tax liability…” |
a. Where is the proper location for inclusion of said form/statement in the proposal?
b. Is the form/statement included or excluded from the 35-page maximum page limit?
| Please include this form at the end of VOLUME 2. It will not count against the page limit. | |||
| 6 | RFP | Page 40 of the RFP states that the cover letter is not included in the 35-page maximum page count. Page 41 states that, “This section [executive summary which contains cover letter], excluding the 1449 cover sheet and amendments is included in the page count.” Please clarify whether or not the cover letter is included in the page count. | The cover letter IS included in the page count. |
| 7 | Price Spreadsheet | Attachment J-4 – Price Spreadsheet |
a. Page 6 of the statement of work (SOW) identifies the required labor categories for the RFP. Several of these categories are not listed on the price spreadsheet (Attachment J-4). Will U.S. Treasury amend Attachment J-4 to include the missing categories (Environmental Scientist, Coastal Ecologist, Environmental Engineer, and Analyst)?
b. Attachment J-4 contains a duplicate labor category, “Senior Environmental Scientist.” Is this intentional or should it be “Environmental Scientist?”
c. “Program Manager” is reflected as a labor category on page 6 of the SOW, but is not on Attachment J-4. Rather, “Project Manager” is a labor category on Attachment J-4. For which labor category should personnel and rates be provided by the Offeror?
| Attachment J-4 has been updated to reflect that labor categories can be filled with an Environmental Scientist or Senior Environmental Scientist, Environmental Engineer or Senior Environmental Engineer, and a Program Analyst or Senior Program Analyst. Offerors' responses should reflect the level of expertise outlined on page 6 of the SOW. As three expert reviewers are required for each review, Attachment J-4 assumes that one of the three reviewers will be a (Senior) Environmental Engineer and two of the reviewers will be (Senior) Environmental Scientists, one of whom will likely be a Coastal Ecologist. | |||
| 8 | SOW | The subject matter experts (SMEs) on page 5 of the statement of work do not match the labor categories on page 6. For example, a SME for the physical or geological discipline could be a professional geologist. Professional geologist is not a labor category identified on page 6 or on the price spreadsheet (Attachment J-4). How should the Offeror resolve the inconsistencies? | The expertise required for each review will vary and may include those subject matters listed on page 5 of the SOW. Page 6 of the SOW describes the level of expertise for the general labor categories required. |
| 9 | SOW | How far in advance will we know that a project is coming our way for science review? The SOW states that the contractor has to submit resumes of the science reviewers 3 days before starting the review and each review is expected to take 2-3 weeks. But will we know about the project far enough in advance to clear the schedule of potential reviewers? | The lead time for planning a project review will likely be 30-45 days. |
| 10 | SOW | Section 4.0 Tasks, Page 5 – Are we to include specific experts for each of these subject areas as part of our team in the proposal or just show how we have access to subject matter experts who may be available to conduct reviews? Specific labor categories (e.g., Sr Environmental Engineer and Sr Environmental Scientist) are included in the price submission worksheet, but how do these labor categories relate to the subject areas listed on page 5? | It is necessary to demonstrate expertise in core areas, as well as to demonstrate access to subject matter experts in the range of subject areas included in the SOW. The reviewers for each project would be (Senior) Environmental Engineers and/or (Senior) Environmental Scientists with expertise in one or more of the subject areas identified (and as required based on the specific project). |
| 11 | SOW | Section 4.1 Program Management and Subject Matter Expert Review Planning (Firm Fixed Price), Page 4 - "85% of eligible applicants will submit a multiyear plan" - Will these multiyear plans go through science review only once (during the application phase) or will the contractor need to do science review again/more than once throughout the life of the multiyear plan in order to keep up with best available science? If the latter, what is the time frame expected for the submitted multiyear plans? | Multiyear plans will be accepted from eligible applicants and reviewed by Treasury on a rolling basis. Multiyear plans identify projects that eligible applicants will apply for. These plans will not be reviewed for best available science. The projects in the plans will be reviewed for best available science, if applicable, at the time of application. |
| 12 | SOW | Section 4.2 Best Available Science Review and Other Technical Reviews (Labor Hour), Page 4 - "applicant has discretion in selecting projects" - If the contractor does not select a project to do the science review on, who will do the science review? Or does such a decision constitute a de facto recommended rejection? Is the Treasury looking to contract more than one company for this project? If so, how will jobs be divided? | The Office of Gulf Coast Restoration will inform the contractor when a project will require best available science review. Though the Government reserves the right to make more than one award, we anticipate awarding a single contract (RFP p.44 para.1) |
| 13 | SOW | Section 4.2 Best Available Science Review and Other Technical Reviews (Labor Hour), Page 4- "review will be high level and will not result in recommendations for augmentations or alternative approaches" - Am I correct in understanding that this means the contractor would do a science review and if the proposed project is not utilizing best available science then the review should simply point out conflicting science? | There will be questions the reviewer will be asked to respond yes or no to, in addition to providing "other comments" if relevant, to help determine whether the applicant has reasonably used best available science. The reviewer may want to identify sources of conflicting science in "other comments." |
| 14 | SOW | Section 4.0 of the QASP – Who exactly is the “customer” that will be providing input/feedback? Is it the Treasury or is it the project proposal submitters? | Treasury is the customer. |
| 15 | SOW | Section 6.0 Labor Categories and Levels of Expertise, Pages 6&7 – The Principal and Program Manager positions both list a Bachelor of Science degree and 15+ years of experience in the descriptions. Does that mean that someone with a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master’s degree but only 13 years of experience would not be allowed to serve in either of these positions? | That is correct. |
| 16 | SOW | Section 6.0 Labor Categories and Levels of Expertise, Pages 6&7 – Why are all of these labor categories not included in the Price Submission Worksheet? How are we to estimate costs for the categories that are not included? | The only position prices the Government is seeking is for those stated on Attachment J-4 Price Submission Worksheet. Other positions, if needed, will be priced at a later date and subject to a fair a reasonable price determination by the Contracting Officer based on published rates for similar positions. |
| 17 | SOW | Section 6.0 Labor Categories and Levels of Expertise, Pages 6&7 – Can representatives from each labor category be from different companies? For example, the Principal and Program Manager may be from the prime company (a small business) and other positions may be subcontracted from other companies (small businesses or large businesses)? | Offerors are free to team, subcontract, etc to meet the requirement so long as the arrangement is consistent with the small business set-aside limitations in subcontracting (see answer to question number 1). Note the "winner" must be a small business as demonstrated in their SAM registration. Also reference Federal Acquisition Regulation 9.6 "Contractor Teaming Arrangements". |
| 18 | SOW | Subject: Attachment J-4 Price Submission Worksheet |
SOW Section 4.1: PM and Planning (CLIN 0001) – Please state whether the total price PM and Planning is supposed to include labor hours as well as travel costs for the estimated two in-person meetings in Washington, D.C.
| PM and Planning (CLIN 0001) shall include all expenses associated with the estimated two in-person meetings in Washington, D.C. | ||
| 19 | SOW | Subject: Request for Proposal #A15080 |
Section L.5 Proposal Organization, Volume I, Part III. Factor: 2 Past Performance, Page 41 – Can past performance examples include relevant projects that are still ongoing?
| Yes, but note they must be consistent with the description set forth on RFP page 45-46 "FACTOR 2: Past Performance." Only work completed will be evaluated. | ||
| 20 | SOW | Subject: Request for Proposal #A15080:Section L.5 Proposal Organization Volume II Factor 3 Price, Page 42 – Please describe what you mean by “submit supporting information not to exceed one page demonstrating the extent to |
which your proposed pricing is discounted from your standard published rates”. What if we do not have any standard published rates?
| Offerors with a published commercial price list or GSA schedule shall address this section. This submission is not required if neither list exists. | |||
| 21 | SOW | 4.2 Best Available Science Review and Other Technical Reviews (Labor Hour) - Will the expert reviewers be paid for their review time? If so, will they be paid at an hourly rate or a set fee and how will those amounts be determined? | Rates for reviewers will be established by the rates submitted for positions in Attachment J-4 – Price Spreadsheet. Rates sought are per-hour. Based on the applications received, the Government will request the vendor apply those relevant experts to the task and then invoice the Government for their time. |
| 22 | SOW | Attachment J-1 Statement of Work, 6.0 Labor Categories and Levels of Expertise, Pages 6&7 – Are we to identify specific key personnel for each of the labor categories listed in our proposal? Or can we just describe our team's overall expertise in regards to the general labor descriptions? | In regards to this question, please refer to the RFP p. 41, L.5 VOLUME 1, Part II. Please limit your technical submission to the information requested here. |
| 23 | SOW | Line item 1 on the budget encompasses a number of subtasks, such as initial coordination with OGCR post-award, travel to Washington, DC for the in-person meeting, setting up the database and tracking tool, etc. Some of these are not yet well-defined or are unlimited in scope (e.g., regarding number of personnel, number of meetings). Given that the RFP nevertheless calls for a firm fixed-price, will the CO allow us to attach a budget explanation detailing the assumptions that are included with our offer? | The Offeror may attach limited assumptions so long as they are limited in scope, do not require cost-type reimbursements as a condition, and do not address performance requirements clearly articulated in the RFP and SOW. Also see answer to question 18. |
| 24 | Price Spreadsheet | The pricing on the Excel spreadsheet does not reflect all costs involved in the preparation of reviews. We have identified additional costs related to administrative support, legal support, editors (for editing of reviews and reports), and travel. Please provide guidance on how to include or reflect these costs (for instance, by loading into quoted rates), or indicate that they will be dealt with at the task order level. | Presumably an Offeror would tie costs not associated with review volume to "PM and Planning (CLIN 0001)" and those affected by volume to the hourly rates in some fashion. However, the Government cannot instruct an offeror exactly how allocate their costs among prices and rates offered. Other than the stated trips to Washington DC, no other travel is anticipated. |
| 25 | SOW/Price Spreadsheet | Would outside subject matter expert reviewers function as subcontractors under the selected contractor? Are outside subject matter expert reviewer costs to be included in the completed Attachment J-4 spreadsheet to be submitted by proposing contractors? Do the specified labor categories, (e.g., Senior Environmental Engineer, Senior Environmental Scientist, etc.) apply to contractor staff, outside subject matter expert reviewers, or both? | See answer to question 17. All costs associated with performance shall be included in the prices/rates sough via Attachment J-4 Pricing Spreadsheet. The specified labor categories apply to both contractor staff and outside subject matter expert reviewers. |
| 26 | Conflicts of Interests | 2) Would Treasury consider other related work by proposing contractors, such as restoration planning and restoration project review support for federal, state, or local governments under the NRDA process or other components of the RESTORE Act (components other than the direct component), as constituting conflicts of interest that could exclude a firm from selection under the referenced RFP? | No, not out of hand. However, we encourage you to submit a proposal and formally articulate your potential COI via the RFP's attachment "Attachment J-3 Conflict of Interest Vendor" and include a mitigation plan for the Government's consideration. |
| 27 | RFP | Will the Government consider extending the proposal deadline to September 8th? | Given the use of FY15 funds when expire 9/30 and time needed to perform the tech evaluation and contract drafting, the deadline will not be extended. |
| 28 | SOW | Section 6.0 of the statement of work (SOW) includes a list of Labor Categories that don’t match the labor categories listed on the price submission worksheet (J-4). The SOW includes 11 labor categories whereas the price submission worksheet only includes 6 labor categories with “Sr. Environmental Scientist” being repeated twice. Please clarify. | Please see response to question 7 and revised Attachment J-4. |
| 29 | SOW | The text of the “Detailed Project Plan” requires submittal of the plan before execution of the contract. Should this be “task order” instead of “contract”? It would be difficult to create a plan to identify the budget, specific tasks, and due dates prior to the task order stage. | The plan can be submitted before the execution of the task order. |
| 30 | RFP | FAR Clause FAR 52.216-31 on page 24 of the RFP states “(b) The Offeror must specify fixed hourly rates in its offer that include wages, overhead, general and administrative expenses, and profit. The Offeror must specify whether the fixed hourly rate for each labor category applies to labor performed by— (1) The Offeror; (2) Subcontractors; and/or (3) Divisions, subsidiaries, or affiliates or the Offeror under a common control.” How would you like Offerors to convey the information on who will perform the labor? The Price Submission Worksheet does not contain any fields to indicate which party will provide the labor. | The Offeror may provide this as a supplement to the pricing proposal, not to exceed 1 page not included in the page count. Additionally, the Government understands actual fulfillment of sought labor categories may affect any such submission. |
| 31 | RFP | The Government indicates this Contract will be a Small Business Set Aside once awarded, but FAR Clause 52.219-14 titled “Limitations on Subcontracting” is not checked on page 27 of the RFP. Will this need to be checked? | See answer to question 1. |
| 32 | RFP | It is not clear if the Government plans to award more than one contract for the IDIQ. In FAR Clause 52.216-27 titled “Single or Multiple Awards” on page 31 of the RFP states “The Government may elect to award a single delivery order contract or task order contract or to award multiple delivery order contracts or task order contracts for the same or similar supplies or services to two or more sources under this solicitation.” If there are two or more awardees how will Task Order competition be implemented? | Though the Government reserves the right to make more than one award, we anticipate awarding a single contract (RFP p.44 para.1) |
| 33 | SOW | Section 4.1 the SOW (Program Management and Subject Matter Expert Review Planning) states at least two of the biweekly meetings will be in D.C. How many staff should plan to attend for pricing purposes? | Approximately 3-5 staff should plan to attend. |
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