SAQMMA12R0020_Questions_Answers.docx

SAQMMA12R0020 – Responses to Vendor Questions Question 1: Is this a GSA schedule procurement?

Answer to Question 1: No Question 2: What do you anticipate the level of effort per task order?

Answer to Question 2: The level of effort will be determined at the task order level. As such, DoS cannot predict the level of effort at this time.

Question 3: Can we use past performance from subcontractors to satisfy the past performance requirements?

Answer to Question 3: Refer to RFP Section L.7.4 Volume I, Part D – Past Performance. At least two (2) of the three (3) Past Performance Contract Profiles shall be for services performed by the prime offeror. As such, one (1) of the three (3) Past Performance Contract Profiles may be for services performed by a subcontractor.

Question 4: Section L.7.3 the RFP requires “At least two (2) of the three (3) Past Performance Contract Profiles shall be for services performed by the prime offeror.” (a) Will the government accept the required past performance work by the executive leadership of the prime offeror individually in lieu of the prime offeror? Or, alternatively, (b) Will the government consider amending the RFP to permit the prime offeror to provide one (1) past performance profile and two (2) past performance profiles from teaming partners/subcontractors?

Answer to Question 4. (a) The Past Performance Contract Profiles must be for services performed by the prime offeror, and (b) No.

Question 5: Is this a follow-on requirement? If yes then who is the incumbent and what is the contract number?

Answer to Question 5: Refer to the pre-solicitation announcement posted on the Federal Business Opportunity website -- https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=42955df3ac92e8e9510f9a0e07c3c6e7&tab=core&_cview=1 The current incumbent is PRO-telligent, LLC in Arlington, Virginia under Blanket Purchase Agreement SLMAQM04A0058.

Question 6: Can the past performance of major subcontractors be used in the evaluation factors? And what percentage of work will consider a subcontractor a major contributor.

Answer to Question 6: Refer to the response for Question 3. The percentage of work needs to be proposed by the offeror.

Question 7: The past performance says that the offeror shall provide past performance of similar size and scope over the last 3 years. This contract has an estimated value of over $90 million for the contract duration but the NAICS code dollar value is no more than $7 million. Will the dollar factor be evaluated more heavily than the actual work in regards to similar in size as if a small business did have a $90 million they could not participate as they would not be under $7 million? Can the Government provide clarity on what is being evaluated work and the ability to provide similar services or the value of past contracts?

Answer to Question 7: Refer to RFP Section B.3 for the correct maximum contract amount. The DoS understands the difference between a NAICS code size standard of $7 million and an opportunity this size. As such, the DoS is assuming a level of risk. A prime offeror without a record of relevant past performance or for whom information on past performance is not available, the offeror may not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably on past performance. Also, refer to the response to Question 3. The services for this solicitation are described in RFP, Section C.

Question 8: Can the CVE Verification requirement be removed from the solicitation?

Answer to Question 8: Amendment One to the solicitation removed the CVE verification requirement.

Question 9: L.7.5 Volume I, Part E – Customer Satisfaction. Can you clarify if there is a specific deadline submission for completed (by a government reference) Past Performance Surveys that is different than the company's proposal due date of Feb 1, 2012?

Answer to Question 9: The proposal is due on February 1, 2012 and the Customer Satisfaction Surveys are part of the proposal submission. The offeror is required to follow the instructions in L.7.5 Volume I, Part E – Customer Satisfaction. As noted in footnote 10, the Department of State will distribute all Customer Satisfaction Surveys to the cited references after receipt of the proposals.

Question 10: Section J, Attachment B, Summary of Benefits. Does the Department of State want a complete copy of the insurance plan benefits booklet provided an attachment to our hard copy and electronic copy response?

Answer to Question 10: No Question 11: General – Housing - Will the contractor employees be provided housing by the Department of State (DoS) or does the contractor/employee need to obtain housing in the austere locations? If the contractor/employee needs to obtain housing overseas, will the cost of housing be reimbursed by the Department of State?

Answer to Question 11: Unknown, the question is task order dependent and must be answered at the task order level. Historically, if housing is required to be obtained by a contractor in performance of a specific task order, the cost of housing is reimbursed as an Other Direct Cost.

Question 12: General – Transportation - Will local transportation (i.e. government vehicles, etc.) be provided in the austere locations or is the contractor/employee required to provide the necessary transportation?

Answer to Question 12: Unknown, the question is task order dependent and must be answered at the task order level.

Question 13: General – Relocation, Travel & R&R - Will the cost of relocation, household goods shipments, travel and R&R Leave for overseas assignments be reimbursed by the Department of State? Is there an anticipated and acceptable R&R Leave frequency for those contractor employees assigned in austere locations?

Answer to Question 13: Unknown, the question is task order dependent and must be answered at the task order level.

Question 14: General – Security - Will the Department of State or some other agency provide (physical) security for the contractor staff located in the austere locations?

Answer to Question 14: Unknown, the question is task order dependent and must be answered at the task order level.

Question 15: Given the major change in RFP instructions and evaluation factors, would you consider extending the due date?

Answer to Question 15: No Question 16: Can we assume the government will provide all productivity tools, such as Blackberry’s, computers, printers, as appropriate, or do we include these as ODC?

Answer to Question 16: Unknown, the question is task order dependent and must be answered at the task order level. Historically, the Department of State has provided the employee a computer workstation and access to existing applications (e.g., e-mail, MS Office Suite, etc.), adequate office space, and telephone service. Also, the Department has been providing printers, faxes, and copiers.

Question 17: M.5 Factor 3, p. 109. End of factor states: “Finally, the Government will evaluate the extent of the offeror’s capability to support international travel requirements and work in support of the Bureaus of Near Eastern Affairs and South Central Asian Affairs and other offices, if applicable.” With the change and expansion of Technical Factor 1, do you still want to see a general discussion of international travel versus travel to austere mission locations in section C? This requirement is no longer listed as a subheading in L.7.3, although it remains in the evaluation factor. We are concerned about missing a requirement and request your clarification.

Answer the Question 17: Refer to Amendment 2. The language was deleted from Factor 3.

Question 18: L.7.1, Page 99. Capability to Support Personnel Requirements in Austere Locations. Please provide an estimate of what percentage of the total effort will be personnel deployed in austere locations so that we may estimate administrative support costs.

Answer to Question 18: Unknown, the question is task order dependent and must be answered at the task order level.

Question 19: Will the DoS assist the contractor in determining/obtaining the business licenses and work permits that may be required in austere environments?

Answer to Question 19: Unknown, the question is task order dependent and must be answered at the task order level. Historically, the Department has reimbursed the costs as an Other Direct Cost.

Question 20: Must Attachment B, Summary of Professional Employee Benefits, be completed and submitted for each proposed subcontractor or just the prime offeror?

Answer to Question 20: The Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Contractor, the prime offeror, shall complete the Attachment B, Summary of Professional Employee Benefits.

Question 21: Will the government evaluate additional past performance references other than the three profiles required as described in Section L/7/2?

Answer to Question 21: No

Question 22: Will the government provide a “plug” figure for the travel, material and ODCs for CLINs 001Kx, 1001Kx, 2001Kx, 3001Kx, and 4001Kx located in the B.8 Tables?

Answer to Question 22: No

Question 23: The government does not mention a period for which the pricing is valid; should the contractor assume 90 or 120 days?

Answer to Question 23: Refer to Amendment 2 and the Standard Form 33 that has been reposted. The pricing validity period is 270 days.

Question 24: Can the offeror present past performance references in addition to the 3 required, or is 3 the maximum?

Answer to Question 24: 3 is the maximum.

Question 25: Section J Attachment A lists 21 total resources. Can the Government please define what it deems to be resources? Does the Government intend for only 21 FTE's to be required on this contract? Is Section J Attachment A intended to serve as a sample, to give the offeror an idea of the description and type of personnel needed?

Answer to Question 25: Unknown, the question is task order dependent and must be answered at the task order level; No; and serves as a sample for evaluation purposes.

Question 26: Is the General Schedule (GS) scale mentioned in Section B intended to be both a maximum and a minimum for the salaries the offeror's personnel would receive while working on this contract? Must all contractors be paid strictly on the GS scale?

Answer to Question 26: Refer to B.6. The RFP section establishes the salary hourly rates. The contract negotiated indirect costs (e.g., overhead and general and administrative costs) and profit shall be built around the salary (GS) hourly rate to determine the fixed, burdened hourly rate. All contractors must adhere to this methodology.

Question 27: For Section B.8, is there an ODC "plug" number to be used?

Answer to Question 27: No

Question 28: How many hours a year will employees working on this contract be expected to perform on this contract? Section J uses both 1880 and 2040 hours as a year.

Answer to Question 28: Unknown, the question is task order dependent and must be answered at the task order level. Section J is for evaluation purposes only.

Question 29: What is the minimum number of Key Personnel required? What is the maximum number of Key Personnel allowed?

Answer to Question 29: At the contract level, refer to RFP Section H.4 Key Personnel

Question 30: Are The Past Performance surveys (Section J Attachment D) to be included in the proposal or sent directly to the Department of State by the requisite past performance POC?

Answer to Question 30: The instructions in RFP Section L.7.5 are explicit. No further details will be provided.

Question 31: Do Subcontractors need to complete Attachment B Summary of Professional Benefits or is this limited only to the Prime’s submission?

Answer to Question 31: Refer to the Q20 answer.

Question 32: Can the Government please define “austere mission locations?” Is this to mean simply Iraq and Afghanistan?

Answer to Question 32: All Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs and Central Asian Affairs supported locations and No.

Question 33: Will personnel provided on the contract be expected to work in austere mission locations such as Iraq and Afghanistan for a year, or is the reference to austere mission locations apply only to the personnel’s (month long) TDY’s?

Answer to Question 33: Unknown, the question is task order dependent and must be answered at the task order level.

Question 34: Will State Department provide lodging while the contractor employees are working overseas, or is the contractor responsible for securing lodging?

Answer to Question 34: Refer to the answer to Q11.

Question 35: Will contractors always be working at State Department facilities?

Answer to Question 35: Unknown, the question is task order dependent and must be answered at the task order level.

Question 36: An official award date cannot be found within the language of the RFP. When will the Government provide the timeframe as well as method of communication?

Answer to Question 36: The question will be answered after completion of source selection.

Question 37: The RFP states that the Period of Performance start date shall be December 31, 2012. Please verify that this is the Government’s intent.

Answer to Question 37: Refer to RFP Section F.2 Term of Basic Contract. The base period will run from date of award to December 31, 2012. Each subsequent year runs from January 1, xxxx to December 31, xxxx.

Question 38: Will the Government accept separate rate tables to reflect both the prime and their subcontractor’s fixed, burdened hourly rates?

Answer to Question 38: No, the Department is seeking a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Contractor solution. The subcontractor must work within the rate structure established by the prime.

Question 39: Will contractors be required to take the FAST course or any other State Department pre-deployment training as part of State Department in-processing? If so, is the contractor responsible for payment?

Answer to Question 39: Unknown, the question is task order dependent and must be answered at the task order level.

Question 40: Will the Department of State Medical Office require special certifications from non Department of State doctors?

Answer to Question 40: Unknown, the question is task order dependent and must be answered at the task order level.

Question 41: Does the Government intend for contractor employees to travel with Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) to overseas locations at any time during contract performance?

Answer to Question 41: Unknown, the question is task order dependent and must be answered at the task order level.

Question 42: Does the Government anticipate the need for the contractors to ship (as opposed to hand carrying) any tangible products or software to locations out of U.S. territory or to import any of the foregoing during contract performance?

Answer to Question 42: Unknown, the question is task order dependent and must be answered at the task order level.

Question 43: How many days will the Government allow for a transition of personnel upon award?

Answer to Question 43: There will be a period of time between the award of the Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity Contract and the issuance of task orders. Details will be worked after contract award and at the Task Order level.

Question 44: On Page 109, Section M Technical Evaluation Factor 3: Management Plan/Corporate Resources, is it the Government’s intent that the final sentence remain in the RFP, since the Dec 30 2011 Amendment removed the corresponding L component? The aforementioned sentence is: “Finally, the Government will evaluate the extent of the offeror’s capability to support international travel requirements and work in support of the Bureaus of Near Eastern Affairs and South Central Asian Affairs and other offices, if applicable.” Is the amended Technical Evaluation Factor 1: Capability to support personnel requirements in Department of State austere mission locations to contain the offeror’s capability to support international travel requirements?

Answer to Question 44: Refer to the answer to Q17.

Question 45: An SF 30 was issued with the 30 December 2011 amendment 1, from the files available on FBO it appears that no such document was issued with the 14 December 2011 (baseline) combined synopsis/solicitation. Since the issued document is marked as an amendment, will there be or is there an SF 30 for “original issue” signature?

Answer to Question 45: Refer to the answer to Q23.

Question 46: B.4 (a) Travel Costs. For deployment of personnel to DoS austere locations, will the medical prescreening costs be billable as an ODC?

Answer to Question 46: Unknown, the question is task order dependent and must be answered at the task order level. Historically, this has been the case.

Question 47: B.4 (h) The Contractor SHALL be responsible for ensuring that all personnel who will be required to travel outside the United States have current and valid passports. The Contractor SHALL also be responsible for obtaining any visas required for travel to foreign countries under this contract. The Contractor SHALL make no direct labor charges for obtaining/maintaining passports and/or visas. QUESTION: We understand we can’t bill for the administration cost of obtaining the passports/VISA’s, however will the cost of the Passports, Visa, etc. be ODC?

Answer to Question 47: Unknown, the question is task order dependent and must be answered at the task order level. Historically, this has been the case.

Question 48: B.5 Will the government provide guidance for estimating the labor rates for Option Years 1–4, CLIN 1001x through 4001x in Tables B-11 through B-50 respectively (E.G. a fixed labor escalation rate per year or tie the rates to an index, beyond that in § L.8.a)?

Answer to Question 48: Refer to Amendment Two - the RFP Section has been clarified.

Question 49: B.5 Will the government provide information clarifying the allowable ODCs for CLIN 0001K through CLIN 4001K in Tables B-51 through B-55?

Answer to Question 49: Clarification will be provided at the task order level. Otherwise, FAR 31.201-2 provides the factors to be considered in determining whether a cost is allowable.

Question 50: B.8 For CLIN 0001K through CLIN 4001K in Tables B-51 through B-55; each table cites a Period of Performance running 1 January of the given year through 31 December of that same year. Will the government be changing this period, given that competition is just now underway and we are already past 1 January 2012?

Answer to Question 50: No

Question 51: B.8 Travel, materials, Defense Base Act (DBA) Insurance, and Hazardous Pay are enumerated as non-exclusive candidates for inclusion in ODC's. Will the government provide insights into travel requirements, materials anticipated for acquisition, and any other ODC's anticipated?

Answer to Question 51: No, clarification will be provided at the task order level.

Question 52: C.1.1 (a) The governments’ stated objective is to “Maintain program continuity, uninterrupted high-quality work, and availability of required competent professional service employees”. Does the government anticipate a formal turnover period supported by the incumbent should they not be the successful offeror?

Answer to Question 52: Since the incumbent is other than a service-disabled veteran-owned business and different size standard, the Government does not understand the question.

Question 53: C.1.1 (b) The government states they wish to; “Obtain existing and future qualified professional service employees to meet the mission objectives of Bureaus and Offices.” In accordance with § G.10 NONDISPLACEMENT OF QUALIFIED WORKERS (APRIL 2010), will the government work with the successful offeror (if not the incumbent) to identify key personnel to be retained and a reasonable transition period that also allows for fulfillment of the primary requirement in § C.1.1 (a)?

Answer to Question 53: The Government will define its requirements at the task order level.

Question 54: F.5 The government has not specified any deliverables but does not waive its right to request same. Will each order include an option to price deliverables above and beyond Mission Support Services and Other Direct Costs (ODCs) as specified in RFP Amendment 1, § B.5?

Answer to Question 54: This is a body shop type contract. Each individual task order will define the deliverables.

Question 55: G.5.1 Will the government include a requirement for Program Office Meetings (video-teleconference or at a government facility) in task orders where they apply and allow the pricing of corresponding ODCs?

Answer to Question 55: Unknown, the question is task order dependent and must be answered at the task order level.

Question 56: G.8 Subcontractors. Please provide clarification on the governments’ pre-approval process for subcontractors when making awards for the basic contract.

Answer to Question 56: The Department will follow internal policy (e.g., Central Contractor Registration, Online Registrations and Certification Applications, Excluded Parties Listing, Duns and Bradstreet checks, etc.)

Question 57: H.8 It is noted that the government may award a contract to an offeror with an FCL of less than TOP SECRET, but would only be allowed to perform on task orders up to the SECRET level. Given that the offeror cannot discern potential task security requirements and therefore cannot self-exclude unqualified items from their offer, does the government envision any difficulty in the TECHNICAL EVALUATINON of offerors that do not possess an FCL of TOP SECRET or will such a case necessarily yield a lower rating?

Answer to Question 57: The Department of State will abide by the RFP and its Source Selection Plan.

Question 58: L.5 As a SDVOSB restricted and set-aside acquisition, will the government look unfavorably on SDVOSB lead teams that use large business to augment capability and/or past performance?

Answer to Question 58: The Department of State will abide by the RFP and its Source Selection Plan.

Question 59: L.8.i Reference is made to sections of form SF 33 being completed. No SF 33 was found among the documents on FBO. Will the government be issuing this document?

Answer to Question 59: Refer to the answer to Q23.

Question 60: M.4 As potential bidders, we appreciate the government's disclosure concerning the use of consultative contractors in the evaluation of responses to this solicitation. Will the government stipulate assurances concerning these consultants as to their Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) status and the application of Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) rules in protecting bidders interests?

Answer to Question 60: The Department of State uses acquisition support contractors. All acquisition support contractors sign non-disclosure agreements and abide by Organization Conflict of Interest rules.

Question 61: Is there a seniority listing of some sort available prior to the proposal due date?

Answer to Question 61: The Department of State does not understand the question.

Question 62: Do subcontractors need to submit past performance surveys to their customers as well as the offeror?

Answer to Question 62: No, the Offeror and its subcontractor submitting a past performance survey should adhere to the directions provided in RFP Section L.7.5.

Question 63: Volume II, SF 33: The SF 33 is required as part of Volume II but there was no SF 33 is posted on FBO; only the SF 30 from Amendment One. Please provide/post the SF 33.

Answer to Question 63: Refer to the answer to Q23.

Question 64: Volume II, Section B: The instructions in L state to complete only Base Year pricing because "Option year salary labor rates will be adjusted by the Department of State (DoS) annually using the same rate adjustment given the actual GS and ES payscale for the metropolitan Washington DC area." Base year tables are B-1 thru B-10. Later the instructions state to complete tables B-1 thru B-50, which is for base and all options years. Please clarify.

Answer to Question 64: Refer to the answer to Q 48.

Question 65: Volume I, Parts A and C: Section L Instructions require n Part A that the contractor provide/discuss their process to support international travel; however, that specific requirement in Section M Eval Criteria is being evaluated under Part C. Please provide clarification as to where the contractor should provide the travel process - Part A or Part C.

Answer to Question 65: Refer to the answer to Q 17.

Question 66: Volume, Section L.9 states that the Contractor must have a Final Secret FCL Prior to contract award. Will the Government provide a Sponsorship letter after submittal of proposals, but prior to contract award?

Answer to Question 66: Refer to Amendment 2. The offeror must have a Final Secret or Top Secret Facility Clearance at proposal submission. An offeror without a Final Secret or Top Secret Facility Clearance at proposal submission is not eligible for this acquisition. The Bureau of Diplomatic Security will only sponsor a selected offeror that possesses a Final Secret Facility Clearance or a Top Secret Facility Clearance.

Question 67: Is there or was there a previous contract for the exact services?

Answer to Question 67: There is a predecessor contractor.

Question 68: If so, who is the current contractor?

Answer to Question 68: Refer to the Q5 response.

Question 69: What was the dollar amount of the current contract?

Answer to Question 69: This question is not applicable to this RFP.

Question 70: What was the period of performance of the contract?

Answer to Question 70: Refer to RFP Section F.

Question 71: Does this solicitation reflect exactly as the previous contract?

Answer to Question 71: This question is not applicable to this RFP.

Question 72: What was the previous solicitation number?

Answer to Question 72: This question is not applicable to this RFP.

Question 73: What is the current contract number?

Answer to Question 73: Refer to the Q5 response.

Question 74: Do you have job description for the program manager? (It is not included with the other descriptions) Answer to Question 74: Refer to RFP Section H.4 Question 75: Are the Program Manager and Contract Managers needed onsite or can these be internal positions at our corporate office?

Answer to Question 75: The Program Manager and Contract Manager will reside at the corporate office.

Question 76: In section H.8, it states, “A time period of 90 days will be allotted for the issuance of a final secret FCL.” Is this 90 from the award date?

Answer to Question 76: Yes, refer to the answer to Q 66.

Question 77: RFP section B.4 (Travel Costs) states that "the Contractor shall be reimbursed for its reasonable actual travel costs..." Can the Government provide an estimate of the anticipated travel requirements to better enable the Contractor to propose appropriate ODC costs in the price proposal?

Answer to Question 77: Unknown, the question is task order dependent and must be answered at the task order level.

Question 78: RFP section L.7.1 (Volume I, Part A) describes the requirement for the Contractor to provide support in austere locations. Can the Government provide an estimate of the anticipated amount of travel/support to be performed outside of the United States?

Answer to Question 78: Unknown, the question is task order dependent and must be answered at the task order level.

Question 79: May the offeror submit and will the Government accept 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 firm has the capabilities required to manage and control the requirements of the contract?

Answer to Question 79: No, the past performance contractor profiles need to represent the legal entity or the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned organization. At least two (2) of the three (3) Past Performance Contract Profiles shall be for services performed by the prime offeror.

Question 80: Will the Government provide a blank or partially completed Standard Form 33, Solicitation, Offer and Award for the offorer to complete the required blocks 12 through 18, or does the government expect the offorer to locate the form and submit it with their proposals?

Answer to Question 80: Refer to the answer to Q23.

Question 81: Will The language states that the offerors are required to have the Facility Clearance prior to award. Does this mean the Prime Contractor must possess the Facility Clearance at proposal submission?

Answer to Question 81: Refer to the answer to the answer to Question 66.

Question 82: Do offerors need to include OCONUS housing, hazard duty pay, post differential etc. into the pricing. If not, will this be handled at Task Order Level?

Answer to Question 82: These costs are handled at the Task Order Level.

Question 83: In order to accurately forecast ODCs, are there new major deployments that would require substantial travel?

Answer to Question 83: Unknown, this type of information is task order specific.

Question 84: Would the Government advise if DBA Insurance will be handled at Task Order Level?

Answer to Question 84: Yes, at the task order level.

Question 85: Does the Government know what percentage of OCONUS travel may be needed?

Answer to Question 85: Unknown, the question is task order dependent and must be answered at the task order level.

Question 86: In the original release of this solicitation, Evaluation Factor 1 contained the requirement of CVE verification as an SDVOB, but in the recently released amendment, the CVE verification requirement is no longer present. Given the challenges that occurred upon the original awarding of this contract in 2010, how will the State Department ensure that a legitimate SDVOB is awarded the contract now that the CVE verification is no longer required?

Answer to Question 86: The Department will follow the self-certification process. A company that does not meet the requirements will most likely be subject to debarment and suspension.

Question 87: Given the new requirement of staffing the austere locations (new Part A), is it the intention of the State Department for this requirement to allow for providing immediate staffing in these locations, a gradual ramp-up into staffing, or is it for future planning of staffing in these locations?

Answer to Question 87: The Department intends to work close with the awardee to phase-in staffing. The process will most likely be gradual.

Question 88: Can you clarify that, In Section L.8, subheading a, the Base Year mentioned in the Pricing/Costing Instructions should be referring to the Calendar Year of 2012?

Answer to Question 88: Yes, but since the GS Hourly Rate is frozen at the 2011 level. Either 2011 or 2012 may be used.

Question 89: What is the anticipated award date of this procurement?

Answer to Question 89: Refer to Block 12 on the SF 33. The end of the validity period is the most likely scenario.

Question 90: Per Attachment A - Job Descriptions, the Program Analyst GS/ES Equivalent level is listed as GS-13 (CLIN 0001F3). However, there is no corresponding CLIN under the GS-13 Salary Table located in Section B on page 14. Will the Government please clarify the correct CLIN or GS/ES Equivalent level for this position?

Answer to Question 90: The CLIN should read CLIN 0001G3.

Question 91: Will the Government please release the incumbent positions currently in office for this project?

Answer to Question 91: No, the list of incumbent personnel will not be released with the solicitation.

Question 92: On page 103 of the original RFP, L.10 requires the successful offeror to have completed the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Center of Veteran Enterprise (CVE) process and be registered as a verified service-disabled veteran-owned company in the Vendor Information Page (VIP) database prior to submission of the proposal. However, in the amended RFP released December 30, 2011 the requirement has been removed. Will the Government please verify if the CVE verification is no longer required for this SDVOSB procurement?

Answer to Question 92: CVE is not required.

Question 93: Section L.7.3 states in part that “The offeror shall provide three (3) Past Performance Contract Profiles (refer to Section J, Listing of Attachments, Attachment C) that are directly relevant to the required effort and are of similar size (dollar value), scope (substantially the same services) and complexity (degree of difficulty). At least two (2) of the three (3) Past Performance Contract Profiles shall be for services performed by the prime offeror.” As the small business size standard for this NAICS code is 7 million, and this contract is stated as having a value of 80 million, a small business having two such direct past performance references within 36 months is nearly impossible. Even in the rare case that this were possible, this requirement would serve to severely limit the number of SDVOSB’s that would qualify for this effort. Is it the government’s intent to reduce the competition in such a manner, or can this requirement be modified to more accurately reflect the position of small businesses?

Answer to Question 93: The Department will not respond to “intent” type of questions.

Question 94: The Government will pre-approve subcontractors in making awards for the Basic Contract. What is the process for pre-approval of sub-contractors prior to submitting a proposal for the above referenced Solicitation?

Answer to Question 94: Refer to the Answer to Question 56.

Question 95: 1.2 Ref. Section L.7.1 Volume 1, Part A – Capability to Support Personnel Requirements in Department of State Austere Locations Question- A: Per this section, it appears that personnel must be prepared to work for an extended period of time in austere locations. Will you please clarify which positions in Section J, Attachment A will deploy, where they will be deployed and the duration of their work performance in austere locations?

Answer to Question 95: The Section J, Attachment A is notional. As such, the Department does not believe the question is applicable.

Question 96: What percentage of employees will be deployed OCONUS for 40 days or more consecutively?

Answer to Question 96: Unknown, the question is task order dependent and must be answered at the task order level.

Question 97: If employees are required to stay in OCONUS locations for more than 40 days consecutively, will they be required to undergo CRC?

Answer to Question 97: Unknown, the question is task order dependent and must be answered at the task order level.

Question 98: Will DOS provide all life support in austere locations for the subject matter experts [SME], at no cost to the contractor?

Answer to Question 98: Unknown, the question is task order dependent and must be answered at the task order level.

Question 99: If DOS does not provide life support, what systems are in place to assist contractors in establishing their own life support systems for austere locations.

Answer to Question 99: Unknown, the question is task order dependent and must be answered at the task order level.

Question 100: If there are no assistance programs, will you please provide guidance on which life support costs we should include in our proposal for the contracted SME?

Answer to Question 100: The Department does not understand your question (i.e., contracted SME).

Question 101: 1.3 Ref.Sec. J Program Resource Break Out. There seems to be some inconsistencies in the total man hours per year. (ie. 1880 hours VS 2040 hours). What is the correct number of base hours? Please clarify the total man hours per year per labor category shown in Section J, Attachment A?

Answer to Question 101: The hours are notional. As such, the offeror should use the hours specified in the attachment.

Question 102: 1.4 Ref. L.7.4 Volume 1, Part D- Past Performance. Per this section, the offeror shall provide (3) past performance relevant to the effort as attachment C section J. Can we provide more than 3 past performance since there is no page limitation to volume 1 Section D?

Answer to Question 102: No

Question 103: Reference RFP section B.4, subparagraph c and section B.8. The ODC CLIN in Section B.8 states that contractor may include a fair and reasonable burden (G&A costs) on ODCs, which includes Hazardous Pay. However, Section B.4 subparagraph c states that Hazardous duty premium shall not be burdened with any indirect costs (e.g. overhead, G&A) or fee/profit. Please clarify if G&A will be allowed on Hazardous duty premium.

Answer to Question 103: As stated above, Hazardous duty premium pay shall not be burdened with any indirect costs (e.g., G and A).

Question 104: Reference RFP section G.10. Will the government make available a list of incumbent personnel now performing this work for the Department of State?

Answer to Question 104: No, the list of incumbent personnel will not be released with the solicitation.

Question 105: What percentage of contractor employees does the government expect to be based full-time in austere locations overseas?

Answer to Question 105: Unknown, the question is task order dependent and must be answered at the task order level.

Question 106: What percentage of contractor employees does the government expect to be based in the continental U.S.? What percentage will be based in the Washington DC area?

Answer to Question 106: Unknown, the question is task order dependent and must be answered at the task order level.

Question 107: Which labor positions does the government expect to travel to austere locations overseas?

Answer to Question 107: Unknown, the question is task order dependent and must be answered at the task order level.

Question 108: Reference RFP section H.6. Will contractor employees working in austere locations be offered Government housing or are contractor employees expected to live off the economy? If the contractor employees are expected to live off the economy while working in austere locations, will the additional costs be allowed as ODC in the task orders?

Answer to Question 108: Unknown, the question is task order dependent and must be answered at the task order level. Historically, these type of costs have been allowable ODCs.

Question 109: Reference RFP section I.16. Since our professional employees will be employed under the full sponsorship of a contract with the U.S. government/Department of State, please clarify what authorizations or business licenses beyond normal visas will be required by the contractor to operate at US government installations abroad. Also, please confirm that these business license costs will be allowable ODC's.

Answer to Question 109: Unknown, the question is task order dependent and must be answered at the task order level. Historically, business license costs have been allowable ODCs.

Question 110: Reference RFP section L.8, subparagraph c., please confirm that only G&A and material handling rates apply to travel, material, and ODC cost and that these rates are the only inputs offerors shall make to Section B Tables B-51 through B-55.

Answer to Question 110: Yes.

Question 111: Para L.7 and L.7.4 Volume I, Part D – Past Performance includes past performance contract files (Attach C) as Part D of the technical proposal. Para L.12, Proposal Submittal, indicates Adobe PDF format is also acceptable for the entire proposal (customer satisfaction surveys are excluded and shall be submitted in Excel format). The instructions per Section J, Attachment D indicate the government customer rating the past performance submit the survey to the U.S. Department of State Office of Acquisition Management directly. Does DoS want the completed customer satisfaction surveys (Attach D Past Performance Survey) completed and submitted with the proposal in Excel format? Or, copies? Or, should the surveys be submitted to DoS by the government customer rating the past performance? If yes, should a list of surveys be provided to DoS in or attached to the technical proposal?

Answer to Question 111: Yes, the applicable sections referred to in the instructions need to be completed and submitted. No, the offeror should read RFP Section L.7.5 and all applicable footnotes.

Question 112: (1) Reference L.8.f.1.a states that annual receipts of a concern that has been in business for three or more completed fiscal years means the total receipts of the concern over its most recently completed three fiscal years divided by three. However, i n accordance with CFR 121.104, receipts means “Total income” (or in the case of a sole proprietorship, “gross income”) plus “cost of goods sold” as these terms are defined and reported on Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax return forms (such as 1120 for corporations; Form 1120S and Schedule K for S corporations; Form 1120, Form 1065 or Form 1040 for LLCs; Form 1065 and Schedule K for partnerships; Form 1040 Schedule F for farms; Form 1040, Schedule C for other sole proprietorships).

The question is: Which reference is correct - CFR 121.104 or Dos RFP SAQMMA12R0020, L.8.f.1.a?

Answer to Question 112: Since the information was extracted from CFR 121.104, both.

Question 113: (2) Reference B.8 Other Direct Costs CLINS AND TABLES. ODCs include, but are not limited to: travel, materials, Defense Base Act (DBA) Insurance, and Hazardous Pay. Shouldn't Hazard Duty/Danger Pay and Hardship Pay be treated as income to the employee rather than as an Other Direct Cost? If it is an Other Direct Cost, but is considered income to an employee, how are fringe and FICA costs accounted for?

Answer to Question 113: You are confusing how you bill the government and how you pay employees. Travel, materials, Defense Base Act insurance, Hazardous Pay will be accounted for under Other Direct Costs for this task order.

Question 114: Reference L.8.a: The offeror needs to only price the Base Year (Calendar Year 2011) . Option year salary labor rates will be adjusted by the Department of State (DoS) annually using the same rate adjustment given the actual GS and ES payscale for the metropolitan Washington DC area and posted on the OPM website. The contract negotiated indirect costs [1] [1] (e.g., overhead and general and administrative costs) and profit shall be built around the salary hourly rate to determine the fixed, burdened hourly rate.Refer to Section B, Tables B-1 through B-50. The offeror shall apply its indirect costs, general and administrative costs and profit to the direct labor (GS/ES hourly rate) and enter the Fixed, Burdened Hourly Rates into Section B, Tables B-1 through B-50. How should the offerors fill in the tables for the Option years when we will not know what the escalation rate for the option periods will be, since they will be set by GS/ES payscales for Washington, DC?

Answer to Question 114: Refer to Amendment 002. The reference has been clarified.

Question 115: L.8.b Each offeror shall provide a complete cost breakdown of the billing price. Does the government expect cost break down to be submitted by each subcontractor or only the prime?

Answer to Question 115: There is only one set of labor rates – the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Company. Separate subcontractor rates will not be accepted. All subcontractors must work under the rate structure created by the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Company.

Question 116: Does government have a minimum number of key personnel?

Answer to Question 116: Read RFP Section H.4 Key Personnel.

Question 117: What is the current level of efforts of the incumbent by location (in number of FTEs)?

Answer to Question 117: This information is not applicable and will not be provided.

Question 118: Are there any additional professional service employee job descriptions available for review?

Answer to Question 118: No, the labor categories/job descriptions will be created at the task order level.

Question 119: How many different labor categories does government envision on this contract?

Answer to Question 119: Unknown. The labor categories/job descriptions will be created at the task order level.

Question 120: L.7.2, Volume I, Part B – Professional Services Compensation Plan: Does government expect Professional Services Compensation Plan and the "Summary of Professional Employee Benefits" for the subcontractors to be submitted with the prime?

Answer to Question 120: No, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned company solution is required.

Question 121: Please confirm that resumes are only required for the key personnel as required by Section L.7.3.b. Are resumes included in the page count?

Answer to Question 121: Read RFP Sections L6.1.4 and L.7.3(b).