Qs and As - set 2 - Program Eval Services.doc

Contractor Questions & Answers

Set #2 For Solicitation No. S-AQMMA-11-R-0314 Technical and Advisory Services

DoS Program Evaluation Requirements Following is a list of the questions I have received from prospective offerors for the above solicitation. Each question is followed by the Government’s response.

Special Notes:

1. This set of questions (Set #2) begins with Question #48. Questions #1 through #47 were addressed in Contractor Questions Set #1, which was issued and posted to FedBizOpps on October 17, 2011.

2. In addition to Contractor Questions Set #1, prospective offerors should review Solicitation Amendment 01, which was issued and posted to FedBizOpps on October 18, 2011.

3. Many of the questions received on or after October 17, 2011 were duplicate questions of those addressed in Set #1. Any duplicate questions were not included in this second set of questions.

Question #48: There were several questions from offerors regarding the qualifications of the Key Personnel (IDIQ Manager and Senior Technical Advisor). This is clarified in the response below.

Answer #48: The IDIQ Manager and Senior Technical Advisor are expected to have experience and knowledge in the following areas:

· Supervisory responsibilities;

· Experience in managing and evaluating international programs;

· Advanced education in a relevant field (or equivalent experience);

· Management, leadership and interpersonal skills;

· Writing and oral communication skills;

· Experience working with local counterparts and with a variety of local and international organizations; and

· Experience dealing with different styles and levels of management and people with varied backgrounds and education.

There are no specified education requirements. For Key Personnel, offerors must provide adequate information and/or documentation demonstrating that the individuals proposed are qualified, taking into consideration the items listed above. It’s up to each offeror to determine what information to provide to demonstrate the qualifications of proposed Key Personnel.

If the experience of Key Personnel is limited to domestic (U.S.) projects, offerors must be able to demonstrate that the prior experience and capabilities of Key Personnel is sufficient to perform complex overseas projects, including multi-country and multi-sector evaluations.”

Question #49: There were several variations of questions regarding the requirements for proposed contract personnel. Following are examples:

· For the Master’s Degree requirement for Level 1 personnel, would the Government consider additional years of experience in lieu of the Master’s Degree?

· Section B.8 (Contract Positions and Hourly Labor Rates ) – B.8.1 (General) states the qualifications necessary for each skill level (Level I – Senior, Level II – Mid Level, Level III – Junior, and Support Staff). Will DoS please clarify if advanced degrees, e.g. a Ph.D., compensate for lesser years of experience within a labor category level?

· RFP Section B.8.1 stipulates Skill Level I requires a mandatory Master’s degree and minimum 15 years of experience. The note in RFP Section M.1.3.3 stipulates DoS’ expectation that the Offeror determines appropriate experience and skill sets necessary for personnel. Does the Offeror therefore have latitude to make adjustments to the education and experience requirements set forth in section B.8.1, provided we can demonstrate a candidate meets and/or exceeds abilities to perform their job function?

· For the consultants used in the functional labor categories, can an advanced degree (i.e., Ph.D.) substitute for some of the required years of experience?

· Can Level I consultants also possess a Ph.D. and more years of experience?

As the inverse of the above questions (substituting experience for educational requirements), one offeror asked – If the person does not have the necessary number of years of experience can that be compensated for with having a higher degree than required?

Answer #49: A determination was made that offerors may substitute experience in lieu of a specified degree (e.g., a Masters where a Ph.D. may have been specified). Conversely, an offeror may propose an individual with a higher degree than specified, should that person not have as many years of experience as specified.

Although some offerors provided specific examples of proposed substitutions (e.g., a certain number of additional years experience to offset a degree requirement), a determination was made not to set specific values of how many additional years would be required in lieu of a certain degree. Likewise, specific values will not be provided in terms of how many years of experience a higher degree may offset.

Instead, offerors proposing one of the substitutions noted above must be able to demonstrate that the qualifications of the proposed individual are commensurate with a person having the stated degree and years of experience. For example, if a contractor proposes additional years of experience as an offset to a required degree (e.g., a person with more years experience and a Masters, where a Ph.D. is specified), the offeror must be able to demonstrate that the qualifications of the proposed individual are equal to or greater than (on par with) a person meeting the specified experience and degree requirements.

However, offerors must keep in mind that what the Government is considering is additional experience in lieu of a higher degree, or a higher degree in lieu of the required years of experience. As such, an offeror may not simply propose a person with a lesser degree than specified, claiming that the individual is just as qualified as a similar professional with a higher degree (as specified). Instead, the offeror must provide an offset (i.e., additional years to offset a degree; or a higher degree to offset experience). The offeror must also demonstrate how the additional experience or higher degree puts the proposed individual’s qualifications on par with an individual that does meet the specified degree and experience requirements.

Question #50: In Section B.8 (Contract Positions and Hourly Labor Rates), you refer to Attorney with Level I (Senior) experience: Level I Senior technical staff must have a Masters degree and a minimum of fifteen (15) years experience; Level II (Mid Level) technical staff should have a Masters degree and a minimum of ten (10) years experience; Level III (Junior) staff should have a Bachelors degree and a minimum of two (2) years experience. In the United States, the law graduate degree is a Legis Master (LLM) and it is conferred to those after obtaining the Juris Doctor (JD) degree.

Responses in red.

a) Please confirm that you are seeking lawyers with Juris Doctor (JD) degree.

Correct. The proposed lawyers must have a law degree.

b) Please clarify if the Attorney must possess an evaluation background?

Evaluation experience is preferred, but is not mandatory.

Question #51: Can DoS please provide more detail for what is expected of the below Functional Labor Categories?

a. #19. Institutions and Organizations Analyst.

b. #20. Management and Operations Research Specialist.

c. #25. Program and Policy Analyst.

d. And finally, can some detail be provided to distinguish between #15, Human Capacity Development Specialist, and #16 Human Resources Specialist?

Answer #51: It is expected that prospective offerors with experience in this type of work should be familiar with the above positions. In fact, familiarity with the all of the positions included in the RFP is assumed.

However, since there is some overlap in the Human Resource positions in Item “d” above, the following is provided as clarification: Generally, Capacity Development involves training, whereas Human Resources Specialists generally prepare plans, etc.

Keep in mind that the same person could be proposed for both positions, provided that they are adequately qualified for any position for which they are proposed.

Question #52: Can the Department of State please provide a description for the following labor category: Management and Operations Research Specialist? Is this someone who is an expert in management and operations or in operations research?

Answer #52: Please see the response to #51 above.

Question #53: Would the Government accept a summary of qualifications for the 29 functional labor categories in lieu of a full resume, as it is possible that the government will receive nearly 100 pages of resumes, which may extend the time and effort required for proposal evaluation?

Answer #53: Resumes must be provided as specified.

Question #54: Section B.8, C.6.1, L.6.3.2.(b): 3a. Please clarify that all contact personnel proposed must possess an evaluation background appropriate to execute all contract tasks, in addition to possessing the technical backgrounds identified by each of the 29 labor categories.

Answer #54: That is correct. It is necessary that the proposed personnel for the 29 positions have an evaluation background.

Question #55: Section M.1.3.3. and Section B.8.1: In Section M.1.3.3, the “Note” confirms that the RFP does not detail minimum qualifications for any labor category listed in the RFP. However, Section B.8.1 lays out minimum qualifications for each skill level. Please confirm if we should assume that the qualifications in Section B.8.1 define the minimum qualifications within each labor category?

Answer #55: That is correct. This is clarified as follows: Rather than “minimum qualifications”, the Note in M.1.3.3 should have said “Position Descriptions.” That is, the RFP did not include position descriptions, as it is assumed that prospective offerors with experience in this type of work should be familiar with what is required of each position listed (reference #51 and #52 above, and #32 of Contractor Questions Set #1).

In terms of minimum qualifications, those specified in B.8.1 for the three skill levels do apply to all contract positions.

Question #56: Section C.8. (Other Personnel Requirements) elaborates several other conditions. Are there any specific residency or citizenship requirements for key personnel or Level I candidates presented?

Answer #56: Generally, there are no specific residency or citizenship requirements. U.S. citizens or residents, as well as third country nationals, would be acceptable. In some instances, though, there may be security clearance considerations. For example, a support services contract I recently awarded for Mexico includes both U.S. citizens and Mexican foreign nationals. Background checks are performed on the Mexican nationals, but only the U.S. citizens are eligible for actual security clearances. In some cases both types of personnel support the same project, but the foreign nationals are not assigned any portion of work that has been designated for only personnel possessing security clearances. In general, it’s not anticipated that task order projects would exclude a certain category of personnel (e.g., foreign nationals). However, any security considerations would need to be addressed at the task order level.

Question #57: L.4 (Submission of Offers) states: “Each offer shall consist of the following physically separate volumes”. Will DoS please clarify if these volumes should be submitted as nine separate 3-ring binders?

Answer #57: In solicitation amendment 01, the number of required copies was reduced from three to only two (actually the original and one copy). In terms of how the material is presented, a separate binder is not required for each Volume. All three Volumes may be in a single binder, folder, etc., provided that each Volume is clearly identified (e.g., tabs or dividers).

Question #58: Section L.6.3.2 (Personnel Information), lists personnel requirements for proposed candidates. Does DoS require demonstrating foreign language capacity?

Answer #58: No. Given the worldwide scope of possible projects, it is not practical to include specific language requirements.

Question #59: Sections C.2, C.3: Please confirm that part-time, interim government employees (i.e., WAEs) can be proposed as long as employment of such persons would not create a conflict of interest.

Answer #59: This would not be permitted. The reason is that any type of interim Government personnel, including WAEs, have a contractual relationship with the Government, and the Government dictates their length of employment and other employment terms and conditions. Personnel working under the contract(s) must have a contractual relationship with the contractor (e.g., staff, subcontractors, consultants, etc.). See also the question below.

Question #60: Section C.6.2: "All personnel assigned by the contractor for the performances of services shall be regular employees of the contractor, or have a direct contractual relationship with the contractor". If the contractor uses a subcontractor, the subcontractor's employees will not have a direct relationship with the contractor. Does the Government mean "All personnel assigned by the contractor for the performances of services shall be regular employees of the contractor, or have a direct contractual relationship with the contractor or the contractor's subcontractor"?

Answer #60: I would consider this an acceptable interpretation. If a prime contract includes a subcontractor, it’s generally understood that the subcontractor and its personnel are more or less an extension of the prime contractor. However, the prime contractor would always retain the responsibility for meeting contract requirements.

Question #61: Sections B.8.2, L.6.3.2.b: Please confirm that offerors can submit resumes for up to 29 labor categories listed in Section B.8.2.

Answer #61: Offerors are required to submit resumes for all 29 positions, but only for Skill Level I (Senior) positions.

Question #62: Following are variations of questions related to charts and diagrams.

· Section L.6.2: To maintain the flow of the narrative in the proposal, can illustrative charts and graphics be included on separate pages imbedded with the technical/management sections without having those charts being counted against the 25 page limit?

· We understand that the font size for the proposal shall be 11 pitch, is it allowable to use smaller fonts in images and tables.

· Section L.6.2 (Format, page 4) lists the items that will not be counted against the page limit of the Technical Proposal. Could you clarify the types of diagrams addressed by the last item, Illustrative Charts?

· What does the Government mean by “Illustrative Charts” in Section L, Page 4 of 7? Does this include all graphics used throughout the proposal?

Answer #62: I’m not providing specific examples of what constitutes a chart, illustration, or diagram, as these should be self explanatory. It’s important, though, that offerors do not provide charts, illustrations, or diagrams in lieu of the narrative. That is, a chart, illustration, or diagram is meant as a means for further summarizing or elaborating on information provided in the narrative. They are not meant to be a substitute for a narrative.

Charts, illustrations and diagrams will not count against the 25 page limit. It’s up to offerors whether or not to 1) imbed these in the technical narrative, or 2) to reference them in the narrative, but include them in some type of addendum or attachment. If imbedding them will cause the technical narrative to exceed the 25 page limit, they should be provided as an addendum or attachment. The 11 pitch minimum font size does not apply to charts, illustrations, or diagrams.

Question #63: Section C.10.5.1: The Federal Travel Regulations (FTR) consider physical examinations and inoculations as allowable miscellaneous expenses. Is the Government's statement "Physical examinations and immunizations will not be provided by the USG" intended to convey that the Government would not authorize those items for reimbursement?

Answer #63: These would be allowable reimbursable expenses. It simply means that the actual exams and inoculations would not be administered by U.S. Government personnel.

Question #64: Section I: Cost Accounting Standards are not applicable since Small Businesses are exempt from CAS, per 48 CFR 9903.201-1. Will the Government remove 52.230-2 and 52.230-6?

Answer #64: That is correct. Small businesses are exempt from CAS, and the above two referenced clauses do not apply to this requirement as a small business set aside.

Question #65: The RFP states that bidders should “list a minimum of three (3) past or current contracts” under L.6.3.4 (Past Performance). Is there a maximum number of Past Performance References per firm that our proposal can include?

Answer #65: Although a maximum number is not stated, I would suggest providing no more than five with initial proposals. The past performance format I provided in Solicitation Amendment 01 (as Attachment #3) includes tabs for up to five. However, as few as three past performance references is acceptable.

Question #66: The instructions for submitting Price Proposals does not specify whether any cost or pricing information is required in support of offerors’ proposed fixed hourly rates. Please clarify what information, if any, is required to be submitted.

Answer 66#: The proposed rates are sufficient. Cost or pricing data is not required.

Question #67: The instructions for submitting Price Proposals does not specify whether the proposed fixed hourly rates should apply only to prime contractor staff and consultants, and whether labor rates for US subcontractors will also be included under fixed hourly rates or negotiated separately as “Other Direct Costs”. Please clarify how proposed US-based subcontractor labor costs should be included in Section B.8, or if they will be treated as Other Direct Costs.

Answer #67: It’s up to each offeror how it intends to provide the required positions. This could include any combination of prime contractor staff, subcontractor personnel, etc., as determined by each offeror. The rates for all proposed personnel, whether prime or subcontractor employees, must be provided in the pricing table.

Question #68: Please clarify whether selected contractors and their proposed subcontractors will be allowed to claim charges on Other Direct Costs, as permitted under their indirect rate structures and FAR Part 31.

Answer #68: If there was a more well-defined estimate of anticipated annual work volume for each contract, including possible project locations and personnel requirements, what you suggested may be more practical. However, given the uncertainties in this case, particularly with multiple awards expected, ODCs will need to be proposed at the task order level. ODCs will also be included as line items in awarded task orders.

Question #69: Section L.6.3.2 (b) Functional Labor Categories, requires complete resumes with signed letters of intent to serve in the stated position should a contract be awarded for all Skill Level I personnel. This requirement appears to be written as if this was a single award contract. Is this requirement realistic for a Multi-award, Task Order driven IDIQ contract with no timeframe for when each labor category may be required?

Answer #69: Please see question #36 in the first set of contractor questions, which was issued and posted on FedBizOpps on October 17, 2011.

Question #70: Would the Government prefer to have the signed acknowledgement/ intent letters printed on company letterhead and separate from the resume itself, or would it be acceptable to simply add an acknowledgement/statement of intent and signature at the end of each included resume for the proposed Key and Level 1 Personnel?

Answer #70: There is no prescribed format as to how the letters need to be provided, and it is not a requirement for offerors to provide such letters on their own company letterhead.

Question #71: What does the Government mean by “Client Relations” at the top of Section L, Page 5 of 7? Is the Government referring to DoS clients or host country clients?

Answer #71: Generally this refers to Government personnel, either domestically or overseas, that would be overseeing or supporting the services performed under a task order. However, it may also include non-Government personnel, depending on the exact nature of services and relationships the U.S. Government has with the host nation or domestic entities (non-Government) it is working with. Basically it’s recognized that contractor personnel may interact with numerous parties in the performance of services, and the way that contractor personnel interact with these various parties must reflect positively on the U.S. Government.

Question #72: RFP Section L.6.3 stipulates Appendix attachments include resumes. However, RFP Section L.6.3.2 stipulates resumes to be included within the Technical Proposal. Would the government please clarify where resumes should be located within the Technical Proposal Volume?

Answer #72: I would suggest providing resumes as an addendum or attachment.

Question #73: Would the Government consider a one-week extension, given the changes in Amendment 1 and the revised Section L?

Answer #73: The proposal due date will be extended. This will be addressed in Solicitation Amendment 02, to be issued Monday, October 24, 2011.

Question #74: If we choose to include a summary table of our past experiences outside of Attachment 3, would this count towards our 25 page limit?

Answer #74: Past performance must be provided using the Attachment #3 format. Any information expanding on this as a narrative would need to be included in the 25 page limit for technical proposals.

Question #75: Section L.6.3.2.(a).1: Please advise if there is a page limit for the CVs of the two key personnel positions?

Answer #75: Yes. The resumes should be no more than three pages each.

Question #76: Section L.7: Is the offeror required to submit the Income Statement, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Statement as part of its proposal? Are these documents required to be submitted for significant subcontractors as well? If we do need to include these documents in the proposal, please advise if we should include them in the technical or financial volume?

Answer #76: These documents are not required with proposal submissions. However, they may be requested (if needed) during technical evaluations. If requested, they would only be for the prime contractor.

Question #77: Section L.3.2, Section M.1.2.1 and Attachment 2: Please advise if the offeror should include the Defense Base Act Insurance Rates, per Section L.3.2, in the calculations for each labor category – Level I - listed in Attachment 2?

Answer #77: No. When required for overseas work, Defense Base Act insurance will be addressed at the task order level.

Question #78: Regarding General Support Staff:

Responses in red.

a. Aside from Administrative Staff, are there any other Labor Categories that are considered part of Support Staff?

Generally, most firms now have an “Administrative Assistant” position, an individual in charge of administrative tasks. This is typically a recognized labor position, as opposed to a more detailed listing of categories (e.g., clerical, typist, secretary, etc.).

b. When a Task Order is awarded, are the Support Staff billable for the entire Task Order period?

This will depend entirely on the specifics of each task order, as well as the location of the work. In some cases a project may require only a limited amount of administrative support from the corporate office. In other cases (e.g., a large overseas project), it may entail hiring local full-time administrative personnel for the duration of the project. There are numerous possible scenarios, which will need to be determined at the task order level.

Question #79: H.5 - Security Clearances: “Any contractor employees performing under a classified task order must first posses a SECRET Personal Security clearance issued by the Defense Security Service (DSS).”

Responses in red.

a. If a classified task order is issued, how much time will be given for Personnel without clearances to obtain a clearance?

This generally should not impact an otherwise successful contract holder from being awarded a task order. This is particularly the case with longer-term projects. Since it’s unknown exactly which personnel will be required for a task order project, and the proposed personnel may or may not be direct employees of the contractor, it’s not practical to require contractors to have cleared personnel for all positions readily available in advance of requirements. Allowances will be made for obtaining clearances (when necessary) after specific projects have been identified.

b. Will DoS accept a DoD Clearances?

DoS issues the clearances, but it’s not clear how they work with other agencies (e.g., DoD) in terms of personnel already possessing clearances. In any event, the actual mechanics of obtaining the required clearances will be addressed post-award (with DoS assisting the awardees).

Question #80: Attachment 2 - Labor Hourly Rate:

Responses in red.

a. Should offerors’ rates include pay for OCONUS personnel?

Offerors should propose the rates that will be billed under the contract, regardless of whether the proposed personnel are located within the continental U.S. (CONUS) or outside the country (OCONUS). Also, keep in mind that proposals are only to include the 29 positions in the pricing table. Any other ancillary positions that may be required for a specific project would be proposed at the task order level.

b. How will the USG account for Danger and Post differential pay when personnel are working OCONUS?

See Question #28 of the first set of contractor questions issued on October 19, 2011. This was also addressed in Solicitation Amendment 01 (Item F).

c. Can the USG provide rates for different OCONUS locations?

If referring to labor rates, the answer is no. If referring to Per Diem rates, the current applicable Per Diem rate for overseas locations will be provided at the task order level.

Question #81: C.10.5 – Travel.

Responses in red.

a. Will the USG help obtain Visas when travelling OCONUS is required?

Obtaining visas will generally be the responsibility of contractors. However, assistance may be provided by the Government if there are any restrictions on travel to a location were work will be performed. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis at the task order level.

b. Is travel billed to ODCs?

Yes. This is covered in the solicitation and was addressed in Set #1 contractor questions.

Question #82: C.11 (Government Furnished Property).

Responses in red.

a. What Contractor Furnished Equipment (CFE) is required?

This is something that will need to be determined at the task order level.

b. Can contractor personnel utilize CFE (i.e., laptops) when at USG locations?

Each facility domestically and overseas establishes its own security policies, which may vary depending on location. As an example, our facility here in Charleston, SC permits contractors to bring in and use laptops, but the laptops are first examined. For each work location, any security requirements will be identified in the request for task order proposals (RFTOP).

Question #83: Section C.11. Since USG property may not be removed from site, please confirm that all property purchased under a task order, such as laptops computers for personnel would be included as USG property and not removable from the work site. Laptop computers would have an expected life of 3 years and a cost less than $3,000.

Answer #83: This would need to be determined at the task order level. For each project it will be made clear what equipment, if any, will remain the property of the Government following completion of the project. Any Government Furnished Equipment to be provided, and/or required Contractor Furnished Equipment, will be clearly identified so that it can be accounted for in task order proposals.

Question #84: Can the USG provide an estimate of the average duration (period of performance) for the anticipated task orders?

Answer #84: No. There are too many possible locations and types of projects to be able to make such estimates.

Question #85: Local Nationals and Third Country Nationals: Is there a certain Task Order the USG expects to have local and third country nationals participate in?

Answer #85: There are numerous scenarios for overseas projects where a contractor may consider employing local or third world nationals for certain aspects of the work. This would depend on many factors, including the skills required, location of work, type of work (classified or not classified) etc. This would need to be determined at the task order level. However, there is no general contract prohibition on using foreign nationals.

Question #86: Please see question #8 (b) from first set of Q&A listed below. Can the USG confirm that Volume II Cost and be submitted in the same binder as Volume III Technical? It’s been my experience that the Contracting shop do not want the Technical Evaluators to see the pricing. Thanks in advance and please confirm receipt of this email.

Answer #86: Please see #57 above. All Volumes may be in the same binder.

Question #87: Is there a ceiling for a contractor’s maximum daily rate under the Department of State’s rules and regulations? If so, what is it?

Answer #87: No. There are no established rate ceilings.

Question #88: Are TCNs (Non US citizens) allowed to be proposed in one of the functional labor categories? If above is correct would you consider having a multiplier for non US citizens that work on task orders?

Answer #88: Third country nationals (Non U.S. citizens) may be proposed for the functional labor categories. I’m not sure what you mean by “multiplier”, but offerors should propose the rates that will be billed under the contract, regardless of whether or not the proposed individual is a U.S. citizen or third country national.

Question #89: Are significant subcontractors subject to criteria L 6.3.3 under the prime’s proposal?

Answer #89: A prime contractor is presenting its capabilities and qualifications based on the total consortium (prime, consultants, subcontractors, etc.) it has put together for the purpose of performing this requirement. DoS will be looking at and evaluating the prime offeror’s complete consortium (prime, consultants, subcontractors, etc.) as one entity. Therefore, the entire consortium is subject to the criteria of L.6.3.3.

If in meeting the criteria, a prime offeror is demonstrating that it has certain experience or qualifications based on the experience or qualifications of a proposed subcontractor, this should be clear in the proposal.

Question #90: Section C.13. Classified Task Orders states, “In accordance with H.5., contractor performing under the awarded IDIQ contracts must obtain a SECRET Facility Clearance, issued by the Defense Security Service (DSS)….Any IDIQ holder that has applied for, but has not yet been granted, either an interim or final SECRET Facility Clearance by the DSS may be determined ineligible for award of the task order.”

If one of the Significant Subcontractors holds a SECRET Facility Clearance does that deem the SB prime as eligible or does the SB prime have to get their own SECRET Facility Clearance?

Answer #90: The prime contractor would need to obtain a SECRET Facility clearance in any event. The DD-254 Security Specification will define the security requirements for both the prime contractor and subcontractors.

Question #91: Under B.8.2, The RFP identifies 29 position descriptions, which are repeated through option year 4. In attachment 2, Price Calculation Worksheet, only 13 position descriptions are identified. For how many position descriptions should resumes be submitted under the technical proposal?

Answer #91: Resumes must be submitted for all 29 contract positions, but only for Skill Level I (Senior) personnel. These resumes are to be submitted with initial offers. The signed acknowledgement letters for all 29 positions are also to be provided with initial offers.

Question #92: Can DoS provide Attachment 2 (Price Calculation worksheet) in an excel template? The Price Calculation worksheet does not include lines for the Key Personnel: Senior Technical Advisor and IDIQ Manager. Are we supposed to add lines for these positions or should they not be included as part of the of the total price calculation?

Answer #92: I will provide the Excel format with Solicitation Amendment 02. The positions for Key Personnel are not included in the price Calculation Worksheet. Offerors should not add additional personnel, ODCs, or any other line items. The Price Calculation Worksheet must be completed in the same format in which it was provided.

Question #93: Page 2 of Section L states that Defense Base Act (DBA) insurance must be calculated at a specific rate and that the DBA insurance costs shall be included in the proposed fixed price or estimated costs. It states that the DBA insurance costs shall be identified in a separate line item in the bid proposal. Are we supposed to add a line for DBA insurance on the price calculation worksheet? Is the cost of DBA insurance supposed to be included in the quoted labor rate? Please clarify this.

Answer #93: As a clarification, proposals should not include or address DBA insurance in any way. DBA requirements, costs, etc. will be addressed only at the task order level.

Question #94: Page 3 of Section L specifies that each offer shall include a copy of the entire proposal on a CD-ROM disk. Customarily the technical and cost proposal are sent on separate CDs. Are we only supposed to send one CD with the cost and technical proposal together?

Answer #94: One CD-ROM for the entire proposal is preferred.

Question #95: Section C.10.4 indicates that temporary housing allowance is allowable if personnel are required to relocate for a lengthy time. The section goes on to state that reimbursement will be in accordance with per diem rates. Please confirm that temporary housing will be paid based on per diem for lodging and meals and incidental rates rather than by the housing allowance pursuant to state department housing allowance guidelines.

Answer #95: Housing allowances would follow any applicable DoS housing allowance guidelines. I would need to see if there are different circumstances for DoS employees and contractor employees, but applicable DoS regulations would apply.

Question #96: Section C10.5.2: Please clarify whether all travel must be completed utilizing US Flag carriers wherever possible or if this requirement is waived for this procurement.

Answer #96: When the Government will be covering the cost of air travel, Clause 52.247-63 (Preference for U.S.-Flag Air Carriers) requires contractor personnel to use U.S. –Flag carriers, to the extent that service by those carriers is available. If available, the Contractor, in performing work under the contract, shall use U.S.-flag carriers for international air transportation of personnel (and their personal effects) or property. When a contractor uses other than a U.S.-flag air carrier for international air transportation, the contractor must document the reason (e.g., U.S.-flag air carrier was not available or it was necessary to use foreign-flag air carrier service for the following reasons ……).

Question #97: On Section M, page 1 of 5, the RFP indicated that “Offerors shall calculate the estimated contract price using the worksheet provided as Section J, Attachment 2. The price calculation shall include all positions shown, as well as all Skill Levels listed for each position.” Should pricing be provided for all skill levels identified in Attachment 2?

Answer #97: Yes. Prices must be provided for all skill levels included in the Price Calculation Worksheet.

Question #98: Section L.6.3.4 (Past Performance) states “Substitution For Relevant Project Experience: If project experience for the specific company is relatively limited (e.g., newly formed company), the offeror may substitute relevant projects of predecessor companies or key personnel that will be performing major aspects of the work. If the offeror chooses to make such a substitution, the narratives must clearly identify the entity or personnel that performed the services, and include all elements above”. Question: Can the offeror submit for past performance evaluation purposes relevant past and present project experience of Corporate Officials who have obtained the experience required as a Government, Military or Private Industry employee or Manager that demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the duties of the position being proposed?

Answer #98: Yes. It specifies that “the offeror may substitute relevant projects of predecessor companies or key personnel”.

Contractor Questions Set #2 – RFP No. S-AQMMA-11-R-0314 – Technical and Advisory Services