Amend_002.pdf

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing items 8 and 15, and returning or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment your desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not, is required to sign this document and return copies to the issuing office.

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT 1. CONTRACT ID CODE

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE 4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO. 5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)

7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6) CODE

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 10-83)

Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

FACILITY CODE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION

NO.

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers is extended, is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted;

13. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO MODIFICATION OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS.

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

CHECK ONE A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO.

IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15C. DATE SIGNED

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

16C. DATE SIGNED

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

PAGE OF PAGES

6. ISSUED BY CODE

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code) (X)

CODE

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

(Signature of person authorized to sign)

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

NSN 7540-01-152-8070

Previous edition unusable

SEE CONTINUATION PAGE

U.S. TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY

CONTRACTS OFFICE

1000 WILSON BLVD., SUITE 1600

ARLINGTON, VA 22209-3901

PHONE: (703) 875-4357 FAX: (703) 875-4009

SEE ITEM 6

IQ201391288

RFP-USTDA-14-D-0001

2013-91004A

1 14

11/04/2013

10/18/2013

Amendment 002

SF 30 - BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

The purpose of this amendment is to provide responses to prospective offerors’ questions as follows:

Question 1: Would fuel tanks (transportable) be part of the requirement? Specifically, these would apply to the Power Generation/Fuel part of the solicitation.

USTDA anticipates utilizing the IDIQ for a broad range of energy sector activities, which could include fuel transmission and storage projects. The Offeror is welcome to highlight expertise in this area or any others that may not be explicitly highlighted in the solicitation.

Question 2: I just saw the RFP for an IDIQ in the energy sector, and was wondering whether this will be a new procurement approach that TDA will follow. I am only asking because the scope indicated that DMs could be undertaken under this mechanism. Also, will there be other

IDIQs for other sectors (transport, water, etc.)?

The IDIQ provides a new tool in USTDA’s “toolkit” for providing project preparation assistance to host country project sponsors. USTDA’s grants will continue to serve as the primary tools for delivering project preparation assistance. The IDIQ will be used in circumstances where USTDA’s grant mechanism may not be the best tool for providing project preparation assistance. These circumstances are described in Section D.1.3 of the solicitation. The IDIQ will provide an additional mechanism for contracting Definitional

Mission (DM) activities. USTDA reserves the right to contract any activities covered by this solicitation (including DMs) outside of this IDIQ contract. The use of Definitional Missions under this IDIQ is described in Section D.1.4.5 of the solicitation. USTDA does not have plans to develop any other IDIQs at this time.

Question 3: Reference: Section E.1.8, Page 42, Paragraph iv, States: Offerors shall provide resumes showing the academic and work experiences of proposed staff. Specifies implicitly that the resumes are part of the technical proposal. Are resumes counted against the 30-page limit for the technical proposal (e.g. 18 pages of technical proposal plus 12 pages of attached resumes) or the 60-page limit for volume 1 (e.g. 30 pages of technical proposal plus 10 pages of past performance plus 20 pages of attached resumes)?

An amendment will be issued shortly to increase Volume I page limit to 70 pages. The resumes will be counted against the 70-page limit for Volume 1.

Question 4: Please confirm if there is a page limit for individual CVs.

See answer to Question 3.

Question 5: Please confirm if CVs will count against the 60 page limit of Volume I.

See answer to Question 3.

Question 6: Reference: Section D.1.7.1, Page 30, Paragraph 1. This section provides a description of "Senior technical experts," but does not specifically address "Junior technical experts." Can you provide definitions or qualifications for each so that we can more accurately categorize and price our candidates? For example, some firms may categorize individuals with

12+ years of experience as senior, while others may qualify individuals with 20+ as senior. Any additional guidance would be appreciated.

Senior technical experts would include sector-specific professionals with substantial (at least ten years) experience in their respective fields. Senior technical experts may also have advanced degrees in their respective fields.

Question 7: Does USTDA anticipate that the contractor will need to hire Host Country

Personnel for select assignments? If so, should the contractor use the labor category rates to bill for those individuals?

Yes. The Offeror should use the labor category rates to bill for host country personnel.

Hiring of host country personnel under the IDIQ would need to be done in accordance with

USTDA’s Nationality, Source, and Origin Requirements, located here:

http://www.ustda.gov/foia/USTDA_NationalityRequirements.pdf

Question 8: Reference: Section E.1.2, Page 39, Paragraph 1. Please confirm whether the

“transmittal letter signed by an authorized representative of the Offeror” will count towards the

60 page limit of Volume I.

The transmittal letter will not count against the 70 page limit for Volume I.

Question 9: Reference: Section E.1.7, Page 40, Paragraph 1. Please clarify the definition of

“technical proposal” in the statement “technical proposals should not exceed 30 pages in length,” given the 60 page limit stated on page 41 for Volume I. It is unclear if the 30 page limit refers to the “Technical Expertise” section of Volume I, or to the “Past Performance” section of Volume I as well.

See Section E.1.7 and E.1.8, Page 40, of the solicitation.

Question 10: Reference: Section E.1.8, Page 41, Paragraph 4. Please confirm if three examples should be cited for each of the energy subsectors listed in the outline of Volume I, section “a,” subsection “i,” “Technical Knowledge,” for a total of 18 examples for 6 energy subsectors.

Yes. Expertise in each of the six energy subsectors should be demonstrated with three examples. However, as stated in E.1.8, Volume I, (a), (iii): “The same example may be used to illustrate more than one area of technical expertise.” For instance, a power generation and transmission project example could illustrate the Offeror’s knowledge in two areas of expertise (Power Generation and Power Transmission and Distribution). If the

Offeror chose this project as an example, the Offeror would then be required to provide two additional examples of expertise in Power Generation and two additional examples of expertise in Power Transmission and Distribution.

Question 11: Reference: Section E.1.8, Page 43, Paragraphs 2 and 6. This section provides instruction for the cost proposal, includes the SF 1449 in letter b and again in letter f. Does this mean that the offeror should include the SF 1449 in two places in the cost proposal?

Paragraph b provides instructions on completing the SF1449, while Paragraph f provides for inclusion of signed copy.

Question 12: What do you mean when you say the Energy IDIQ is not mandatory?

As per Section D.1.3 of the solicitation, USTDA reserves the right to contract any activities covered by this solicitation outside of the IDIQ contract.

Question 13: What types of political challenges would facilitate use of the IDIQ?

In situations where regulatory or policy challenges prevent USTDA from pursuing its normal grant-based mechanisms for project preparation assistance, the Agency may choose to use the IDIQ as a more expeditious means of supporting a project’s development.

Such circumstances could include situations in which a host country project sponsor is precluded from signing a grant agreement with a U.S. government agency (or where the process for signing a grant agreement is particularly long and complex), situations in which there is not one clear grantee (i.e. for cross-border projects or regional projects), or situations in which national or sub-national policies prevent USTDA from efficiently supporting project development.

Question 14: How is the IDIQ tied to Power Africa?

USTDA actively participates in the Power Africa initiative and its goals of increasing access and reliability of power throughout sub-Saharan Africa. To that end, USTDA will continue to support energy projects in Africa. Although this IDIQ will support energy projects in

Africa (and elsewhere around the world), there is no formal linkage between this IDIQ and

Power Africa.

Question 15: Is the IDIQ for use worldwide or just sub-Saharan Africa?

See Section D.1.3, Paragraph 3, Page 24, of the solicitation.

Question 16: Do USTDA’s Nationality, Source, and Origin requirements apply to this IDIQ?

Yes. USTDA’s Nationality, Source, and Origin requirements can be found here:

Question 17: Will international partners be allowed to bid as part of teams?

Yes, as long as they adhere to USTDA’s Nationality, Source, and Origin requirements.

Question 18: Is there a requirement that Offerors submit an NICRA?

There is no requirement under this solicitation for submission of a Negotiated Indirect Cost

Recovery Agreement.

Question 19: Is there a particular format for the cover page that the Offeror is required to follow?

No.

Question 20: Is there a requirement to submit a salary history form (Form 1420) for the suggested personnel?

Question 21: Should the Offeror submit budget narrative/notes?

Question 22: Once selected as a result of this RFP, as long as the company is regularly competitive, do we have to rebid each year for participation – reference the on- and off-ramp provisions?

Question 23: Can I submit a proposal as an independent contractor not associated with a specific company?

Yes. So long as you meet all the requirements of the solicitation.

Question 24: In Volume II, would USTDA like the completed SF1449 and SF30 inserted after the cover page or as the last item within Volume II?

After the cover page.

Question 25: Are there requirements for working within individual countries that are necessary to complete prior to submitting the proposal or can all necessary registrations and local requirements be taken care of at the point of the IDIQ task order?

All requirements related to work with specific countries will be addressed at the Task

Order level.

Question 26: Does Section E-3, FAR 52.209-5 Certification Regarding Responsibility Matters contain all relevant certifications and representations that have to be submitted with the

Proposal?

See FAR 52.209-5, FAR 52.209-7 and FAR 52.212-3, for relevant certifications and representations. These may be done electronically, as applicable, in SAM database.

Question 27: Should it only be the prime contractor that submits all certifications or should each proposed subcontractor submit the same certifications as part of the bid?

Prime contractor.

Question 28: Are letters of commitment needed for subcontractors or personnel?

Letters of commitment are not required but may be included in Volume II of the proposal.

USTDA will favorably evaluate demonstrated commitment by proposed subcontractors.

Question 29: How will small business requirements be applied when it is difficult to predict the scope and developing nation for each task order?

Small Businesses in the IDIQ pool may compete for all task orders under the IDIQ. Task orders valued at $150,000 or less will be set aside exclusively for small businesses.

Question 30: Can a large firm submit two proposals – one where a large firm is a prime contractor and the second when this same company is a subcontractor to a small business concern?

Yes.

Question 31: Will a certain number of small business be selected as part of the small business set-aside?

See Section E.1.1, Page 38, of the solicitation.

Question 32: If a small business is a subcontractor on a large business’ team, is the small business still eligible for any small business set aside tasks?

Question 33: May a small business respond alone to the RFP for the areas it can support, or must it team with other companies in order to provide support for all tasks and requirements of the RFP?

A small business may respond alone to the RFP if the small business feels it is qualified to meet the requirements of the IDIQ solicitation. USTDA will not select a contractor that cannot fulfill the contract requirements.

Question 34: Has USTDA established small business subcontracting goals for this contract?

No. Amendment will be issued to eliminate Subcontracting Plan requirement from this solicitation. Subcontracting Plan requirement will be assess at the task order level if required.

Question 35: How do I find out what defines a small business?

See http://www.sba.gov/content/what-sbas-definition-small-business-concern

Question 36: How will the large business subcontractor plan be evaluated?

See response to Question 34.

Question 37: If a project is not set aside for small businesses, will it then not have a small business subcontracting requirement by the large business prime?

Correct, if no exception applies.

Question 38: If I want to collaborate with another interested company with more experience with USTDA, how do you suggest that I find them?

If the Offeror would like to collaborate with contractors that have experience working with

USTDA, it is the role of the Offeror to identify and connect with such companies. A review of FedBizOpps and the USTDA Library’s holdings would yield the names of some entities that have previously worked with USTDA.

Question 39: Is there a required percentage of small business utilization that each bidder is required to demonstrate?

Question40: Do CVs for all personnel categories in the RFP need to be provided, or just illustrative experts and proof of the ability to acquire them as needed for specific task orders?

The overall page limit for Volume I of the Offeror’s proposal is 70 pages. CVs and other documents that highlight the qualifications of proposed staff (or recruitment plans) must fall within this overall page limit. Offerors may choose to submit full CVs, abbreviated

CVs, or other documents that demonstrate qualifications of staff or the ability to acquire qualified staff.

http://www.sba.gov/content/what-sbas-definition-small-business-concern

Question 41: What can be provided as attachments to the Technical Proposal in terms of past performance, project evaluations, and personnel?

The overall page limit for Volume I (Technical and Past Performance) is 70 pages. Any content provided within these 70 pages will be formally evaluated. The Offeror is free to provide any documents or materials within the page limitations that illustrate technical expertise and past performance. See Section E.1.8 of the Solicitation.

Question 42: The RFP Section E.1.8 (a) (i) requires Offerors to provide at least three examples of activities undertaken in each of the energy subsectors listed in Section D.1.6.1. Section

D.1.6.1 does not list energy subsectors. Please clarify.

The reference to D.1.6.1 is an error. Please note that Section E.1.8 (a) (i) should read:

“Technical Knowledge. Offeror shall provide at least three examples of activities undertaken in each of the energy subsectors listed in Section D.1.7.1.”

Question 43: Does a company need international experience to win an award?

As stated throughout Section D.1 of the Solicitation, this IDIQ will focus on energy sector activities for foreign project sponsors throughout the world. As such, USTDA will more favorably evaluate proposals that can demonstrate international experience.

Question 44: May more than three past performance examples per category be given, and may they be cross-cutting or do they need to be specific to a category?

Yes; USTDA consider examples beyond the three required per category, as long as all examples fall within the 70 page limit. Examples may be cross-cutting.

Question 45: Is work completed for clients other than USTDA of similar size and scope considered of equal significance to work completed for USTDA?

Relevant efforts of similar size, scope, and complexity are of equal significance to like work completed for USTDA.

Question 46: Please elaborate on the request in Section E.1.8, Volume I, (a), (ii) for “Project

Development and Planning” expertise.

In Section E.1.8, Volume I, (a), (ii), the Solicitation requests Offerors to provide at least three examples of technical expertise in project planning and development. Project planning and development is described in D.1.7.1 and includes the development of terms of reference, budgets, energy roadmaps, plans, analyses, final reports, and other project development recommendations. USTDA regularly contracts for these types of products and will favorably evaluate examples that highlight these project development and planning products.

Question 47: What does the “Other Energy” category in E.1.8 include and how can it be addressed in the technical proposal?

“Other Energy” includes energy activities not explicitly captured in the energy subsectors listed in D.1.7.1. Offerors may use this category to highlight their innovative and creative work not captured elsewhere in the technical proposal. For example, an Offeror might use the “Other Energy” category to demonstrate experience in multifaceted or cross-cutting energy activities, innovative energy technologies, or energy activities undertaken in challenging environments.

Question 48: The technical proposal requires three examples but many small businesses may not be able to do that, but may be able to acquire it. How should this be addressed?

Offerors are welcome to collaborate with other companies, organizations, and consultants to develop a proposal that meets the requirements described in the solicitation.

Question 49: Is China also covered in the IDIQ’s scope?

See response to Question 15.

Question 50: Could you clarify the instructions for providing technical expertise examples?

What kind of documentation would you like to see?

See Section E.1.8, Volume I, (iii) of the solicitation. Offerors may provide other examples of technical expertise not specifically mentioned in the solicitation.

Question 51: Does past performance have to be within the last three years?

Question 52: Will attachments to the technical proposal be formally evaluated?

See response to Question 41.

Question 53: Is there a specific CV format the Offeror should follow?

Question 54: Can a company suggest more than one candidate (CV) per each labor category?

Question 55: If a company performs work under the IDIQ, would it be precluded from providing follow-on services to the recipient of a subsequent USTDA grant?

USTDA’s policies with regards to follow-on work remain the same as those regarding work completed outside of the IDIQ: it is at the discretion of the Grantee/Host Country Project

Sponsor and/or dependent upon the host country’s procurement laws as to whether a company that provides project preparation assistance would then be precluded from providing follow-on services. This would be evaluated at the task order level. Definitional

Missions are the exception to this policy. Under the IDIQ, as outside of the IDIQ, contractors that complete Definitional Mission work for USTDA are precluded from participating in follow-on project preparation assistance.

Question 56: Since the RFP includes both Definitional Missions and Feasibility Studies, can a contractor that participates in a Definitional Mission also bid on a related Feasibility Study through a different team?

If a contractor is involved in a Definitional Mission, that contractor may NOT participate in a related Feasibility Study. If the contractor involved in a Definitional Mission is a sub-contractor to a team that wins a bid for a Feasibility Study, that contractor may not be a part of the Feasibility Study.

Question 57: Does winning an IDIQ contract preclude companies from bidding on or contracting for USTDA work contracted outside of the IDIQ?

Guidance on preclusions within the IDIQ follows USTDA’s guidance on preclusions outside of the IDIQ. IDIQ contractors may bid on USTDA activities solicited outside of the IDIQ as long as they are not follow-on activities to a Desk Study or Definitional Mission. For example, if a contractor has worked on a Desk Study outside of the IDIQ, the contractor may NOT bid on the follow-on activity, regardless of whether it is solicited outside of or within the IDIQ. Likewise, if a contractor has worked on a Definitional Mission, regardless of whether it is solicited as part of the IDIQ, the contractor may not bid on follow-on feasibility studies, technical assistance, or other project preparation work.

Question 58: How do we select unit price for junior and senior experts? Can we use lower prices for in-country employees?

Unit price determinations are at the discretion of Offerors, but must be determined to be fair and reasonable by the Contracting Officer.

Question 59: What type of adjustments can be considered in pricing over the five years?

For example, Inflation adjustment. However, the adjustment type used is at the discretion of Offerors. Proposed price must be determined to be fair and reasonable by the

Contracting Officer.

Question 60: Volume II – Cost/Pricing requires providing “loaded” rates for each proposed position. Please confirm Offerors are required to provide rates for all the positions shown in B.3, Schedule of Supplies/Services.

Question 61: Ordering procedures in D.1.8 (c) (3) require that proposed Task Order budgets include a firm fixed price for direct labor based on the daily rate shown in B.3. Section B.3 requires submitting hourly, not daily labor rates. Please clarify.

This is an error. The firm fixed price for task order direct labor should be based on hourly rates, not daily rates.

Question 62: Are allowances included in the burdened daily rate composition? As the host countries and duration of personnel’s stay in countries are currently unknown, is there a ballpark number that should be included for allowances and in-country costs? What is the suggested way to handle such costs? Or are allowances counted as other direct costs?

The rates provided in the Schedule of Supplies/Services are not inclusive of local travel, lodging, per diem, etc… These costs would be assessed at the task order level. The hourly rate composition should include labor, overhead, general and administrative costs, and profit.

Question 63: The cost table appears to require generic rates for junior and senior experts. Is it fair to assume that the contractor would charge these loaded rates irrespective of the actual rate paid to the consultant? Are there guidelines for maximum and minimum?

USTDA’s expectation is that the rates provided is response to this solicitation are equivalent to those charged by prospective Offerors in the commercial marketplace applicable expert levels.

Question 64: Please verify that the Budget Excel spreadsheet is provided as an example as to how we are to present costs for actual Task Order proposals and is not required to be submitted as part of this proposal.

The Budget Excel spreadsheet is provided as an example as to how contractors shall present costs for actual Task Order proposals and is not required to be submitted as part of this proposal.

Question 65: Will contractors be held to the contractor salary threshold/senior executive service cap for this IDIQ?

See response to Question 63. Note that proposed price must be determined to be fair and reasonable by the Contracting Officer.

Question 66: How many years of experience are required for senior level personnel?

The solicitation does not provide specific requirements for senior level personnel. A combination of substantial experience and advanced education is expected for senior level personnel. USTDA will more favorably evaluate senior level personnel with advanced degrees and at least ten years of experience in their respective fields.

Question 67: D.1.18.2 references USAID’s old contract with MEDEX for medevac insurance.

That contract has expired and has not been renewed. USAID no longer requires its contractors to purchase insurance from MEDEX. Please clarify.

An amendment will be issued shortly to correct this requirement.

Question 68: Reference Section: D.1.7.1 Page: 30 Paragraph: 2

The RFP requires that contractor, ‘provide or be able to procure qualified experts,’ covering all of the energy subsectors. How does the contractor prove its ability to ‘procure qualified experts,’ for the energy subsectors in which it does not have the expertise in house?

Proposals must demonstrate a viable approach for recruiting and retaining required experts.

Question 69: Reference: Section E, Page 39, Paragraph E.1.6.

Is the presentation and/or an attendee list from the online webinar available for offerors to review?

The webinar presentation is available to all on the USTDA’s website.

Question 70: Reference: Section - Addendum to FAR 52.212.2, Evaluation—Commercial Item, Page 44: The last sentence states, "The Government reserves the right to award the sample task without discussions based upon the initial evaluation of proposals." It does not appear there is a sample task in the RFP documentation released by USTDA, is there supposed to be a sample task for which offerors are to respond? Is TDA going to provide this documentation and when would this occur?

An amendment will be issued shortly to correct this sentence. It will be revised to read:

“The Government reserves the right to award the resulting IDIQ contracts without discussions, based upon the initial evaluation of proposals.”

Question 71: RFP Section E.1.3 requires questions to be submitted by Monday, November 11, 2013. Proposals are due November 18. It seems unreasonable to assume that the agency will be able to respond to all questions received and offerors will be able to integrate the agency’s responses into their proposals in seven days. Will the agency consider extending the due date?

No extension is being considered at this time.

Question 72: RFP Volume II (e) requires providing a Subcontracting Plan to meet the requirements of FAR 52.19-8 and 52.219-9. We respectfully request that this requirement be dropped from the IDIQ solicitation and only be imposed for applicable Task Orders under it:

FAR 52.219-9 only applies to subcontracts performed in the U.S. and its outlying areas

The vast majority of USTDA projects under the IDIQ will be for areas outside of the U.S. and its outlying areas

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has not developed small business utilization goals for USTDA under the Chief Financial Officers (CFO) Act.

Again, we would appreciate the Subcontracting Plan requirement being dropped from the solicitation.

Question 73: During the pre-proposal conference the Contracting Officer stated offerors will be required to submit a “Generic Subcontracting Plan” to fulfill the requirements of Volume II (e).

FAR 52.219-9 (d) (2) requires that the Subcontracting Plan state the total dollars planned to be subcontracted. In order to present that information and compare it among offerors, it would be very useful if the agency established a common baseline that all offerors would use in preparing their Subcontracting Plan. Please provide common guidance to all offerors about the amount of work we should assume will be the basis for our Subcontracting Plans.

Question 74: Section B.3 establishes labor rates for the contract. Will those rates be imposed on subcontractors that perform work under Task Orders?

Question 75: The labor categories in section B.3 do not represent the full range of labor that will be required to complete TOs under the contract, e.g., administrative support, project controls, QA/QC, health and safety, security, etc. May offerors add other labor categories to B.3 or will labor rates for categories not included in B.3 be negotiated on a task order-by-task order basis?

No additional labor categories may be added. Rates required under Section B.3 are fully loaded; therefore, management expense, administrative support expense, project controls expense, QA/QC expense, health and safety expense, security expense, and other operating expenses should be covered by overhead, G&A, etc. Appropriate labor categories not included in B.3 will be considered and rates negotiated at the task order level.

Question 75: RFP Section E.2 (c) states the technical evaluation will include “the extent to which the proposed approach is workable and the end results achievable.” Other than an approach to recruiting qualified staff in Volume I (a)(iv), assuming an offeror does not have sufficient in-house resources to fulfill the contract requirements, there are no requirements to provide a technical approach. Please clarify how the agency will assess offerors’ technical approach.

See Technical Expertise requirement, Page 41; Technical Evaluation Approach, Page 44;

and response to Question 68.

Question 76: Is it necessary to provide a proposal that provides expertise in all of the expert categories listed on pages 30-32 of the RFP, or is it possible to submit a proposal limited to a single area (e.g. Energy Efficiency)?

Proposal must meet all the requirements of the solicitation.

All other terms and conditions of this solicitation remain unchanged.