Public_Questions_Responses_TAMPASS-D_SDVO.docx

Response to Public Questions – SAQMMA14R0402 (SDVOSB)

1. Reference: None Provided (All)

Question: Will the government release the full list of incumbent companies and their contract numbers for the existing Professional Employee Service (PES) Contract?

Response: Yes - TAMPASS-D replaces the following contracts [Professional, Technical, Administrative Program Support Services (PTAPSS) and Professional Employee Services (PES)]:

ATSG, LLC – PTAPSS – SAQMMA09D0071

Ian, Evan & Alexander Corporation – PTAPSS – SAQMMA09D0072 Symtech Corporation – PTAPSS – SAQMMA09D0073 Global Solutions Network, Inc. – PTAPSS – SAQMMA09D0068 Henderson Group Unlimited, Inc. – PTAPSS – SAQMMA09D0069 McManis & Monsalve Associates – PTAPSS – SAQMMA09D0070 E-9 Corporation – PES – SAQMMA10D0106

2. Reference: None Provided (All)

Question: Is the incumbent eligible to rebid?

Response: If the incumbent meets the size standard and socio-economic category, the answer is yes.

3. Reference: None Provided (All)

Question: Are subcontractors required to have a facility clearance?

Response: The prime could submit a proposal that includes subcontractors without a facility clearance. However, the subcontractor will be prohibited from performing services on task orders that require clearances.

4. Reference: None Provided (All)

Question: We need some relief on the page count of Volume I- Technical. As you may, or may not know, most companies Employee Benefits Package and Quality Control Plan both exceed the 25 pages that you are allocating for the entire response. What would you like a shortened version of these two documents?

Response: Refer to Amendment 1 to the RFP. The page count has been increased.

5. Reference: None Provided (All)

Question: Are there any specific qualifications (degrees, years of experience, security clearance) that are required by the Program Manager and Contract Administrator?

Response: Yes, Refer to Amendment 1 to the RFP – Section M.5.

6. Reference: None Provided (All) Question: Does the Program Manager or the Contract Administrator have to be at a specific location or can they be located at the contractor’s facility?”

Response: Contract Level - All costs associated with the Contractor’s Program Manager and Contract Administrator shall be at no direct cost to the Government. The expected location is the Contractor’s Facility.

7. Reference: FBO.gov posting (All) Question: Per the FBO.gov posting “8A companies are not included in this program and will be addressed separately by the Department of State” Will there be a separate opportunity posted for 8(a) companies?

Response: This question is not applicable to the TAMPASS-D Request for Proposal (RFP).

8. Reference: None provided (SDVO) Question: If so, can an Offeror bid as an SDVOSB and then provide a response if there is a separate 8(a) procurement?

Response: If the Offeror meets the NAICS Code, Size Standard, and SDVOSB requirements, the Offeror can submit a proposal. The 8(a) procurement portion of the question is not applicable to the TAMPASS-D RFP.

9. Reference: Section J, Attachment A, Cost-Price Tables (SDVO) Question: In the Pricing Tables, are there designated positions (CLINs) that come under the Service Contract Act (SCA)? If so, will you please designate which ones?

Since FAR 52.222-43(b), prohibits proposing escalation rates for out years on SCA positions, should we assume that all positions are non SCA for proposal purposes and that SCA rates will be addressed at the task order level pursuant to FAR 52.222-43(c)? If not, will the government please provide a list of which positions are to be considered SCA for pricing purposes?

Response: The vast majority of staff augmentation employees at the Department of State will most likely meet the requirements for bona fide executive, administrative or professional capacity as defined and delineated in 29 CFR 541. Also, the vast majority of the contractor staff will pass the tests for exemption for Executive, Administrative, Professional, Computer, & Outside Sales Employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Refer to Amendment 1 to the RFP for the Service Contract Act positions and pricing tables.

10. Reference: Section L.7.1 Volume I, Part A – Employee Benefits Plan and M.5 Evaluation Factors define the requirements for the employee benefits plan. (All) Question: Do these requirements apply to subcontractors as well as Prime offerors ?

Response: Yes, the Employee Benefits Plan submitted in response to the RFP will be the contractual requirement at award.

11. Reference: Not Provided (SDVO) Question: Please clarify do we use 2000 hours or 2080 hours in calculating total price as you have used both in the RFP?

Response: Refer to Amendment 1 to the RFP and Sections L and M. References to 2080 hours have been removed from the solicitation. A company’s work year is normally defined as 2080 hours.

12. Reference: M.5 Evaluation Factors, Factor 1 Employee Benefits (SDVO) Question: This appears to run counter to the type of contract LPTA Lowest Price. Will the Department do a Risk Assessment of the Lowest Bid to determine if the lowest bid can actually perform at the bid rates?

Response: FAR 15.101-2 and the RFP define the process. A contractor that cannot provide the Department’s requirements at the proposed rates during contract performance will most likely face an adverse contract performance assessment report and/or possible suspension/debarment and other enforcement actions.

13. Reference: M.6 Cost/Price Evaluation (SDVO) Question: Does the Department intend to only evaluate for reasonableness the rates for the DC Baltimore area and not the other areas included in the pricing.

Response: Refer to RFP Amendment 1 to the RFP and RFP Section M.6.

14. Reference: Not provided (SDVO) Question: Since there will be an SDVOSB award, a WOSB award and a HUBZone award will these contractors be competing with each other for Task Orders.

Response: No

15. Reference: L.7.1 Volume 1, Part A – Employee Benefits Plan and M.5 Evaluation Factors (All) Question: Do these requirements apply to subcontractors as well as Prime offerors?

Response: The Department’s minimum requirements and/or higher requirements proposed/accepted/awarded will have to be fulfilled by both the prime and its subcontractors under the contract’s awarded CLIN structure. All subcontractor rates will have to fall under the awarded CLIN structure.

16. Reference: Not provided (All) Question: Are joint ventures required to have a facility clearance?

Response: Yes

17. Reference: Not provided (all) Question: We do not have a Facility Clearance Level. Are we still eligible?

Response: To compete for this opportunity, the company must have a current Department of Defense (DoD) FINAL SECRET or TOP SECRET Facility Clearance at proposal submission (emphasis added). To complete all the Department’s requirements for this contract, the Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Contract holder will be required to have a TOP SECRET Facility Clearance. If the awardee only has a Final SECRET Facility Clearance, the Department of State will sponsor the awardee for its TOP SECRET Facility Clearance (which must be granted within 90 calendar days to retain the contract).

18. Reference: Not provided (all) Question: Would the government consider expanding the solicitation to include companies with Interim Secret Clearance? This would serve a dual purpose for the government, as it would provide an increased pool of capable small business firms as well as provide increased price competitiveness with LPTA evaluation regarding pricing.

Response: No, an Interim Secret Facility Clearance is not acceptable.

19. Reference: Not provided (All) Question: Will this contract be a 5 year IDIQ?

Response: Yes

20. Reference: Not provided (All) Question: Will it also allow for the purchase of products in addition to services?

Response: No

21. Reference: Not provided (All) Question: Will other agencies outside of the State Department be able to use it as GWAC?

Response: No

22. Reference: Not provided (SDVO) Question: a) How will task orders be issued? b) Will they be competed between the other non-SDVO winners?

Response: a) The Department will direct its requirements to socio-economic group IDIQs based on its socio-economic goals. The Department creates a specific labor category title and description of work and provides a task order request for proposal with pertinent information (includes a recommended GS/ES equivalent CLIN). The contractor submits a simple technical and cost-price proposal; b) The IDIQ contracts are standalone contracts and will not be competed between the other non-SDVO winners.

23. Reference: None provided. (SDVO) Question: Due to the extensive nature of comprehensive resumes and since key personnel resumes are part of the evaluation, will the government consider allowing key personnel resumes to be outside the page count?

Response: Refer to Amendment 1 to the RFP, the page count has been aincreased and resumes are included in the page count.

24. Reference: None provided. (SDVO) Question: As “written proof” of our facility clearance (RFQ Section L.7.3), we were planning to attached the DSS letter granting us our facility clearance. If the government desires this level of “written proof”, will the government allow the DSS letter to provided outside of page count?

Response: Refer to Amendment 1 to the RFP, the page count has been increased and the applicable portion of the DSS Letter is included in the page count.

25. Reference: None provided. (SDVO) Question: Will the Government provide a listing of CLIN / Labor Category associations? For example:

Washington-Baltimore-Northern Virginia, DC-MD-VA-WV-PA CLIN 0001A1 | GS-5 Equivalent | Accounting Clerk-I CLIN 0001A2 | GS-5 Equivalent | Accounting Clerk-II

Response: No, the Department program offices will develop tailored position descriptions and position titles at the task order level. In addition, the CLIN (GS equivalent) will be matched with the position description and title at the task order level to determine the labor rate for the position based on locality. Refer to RFP Amendment 1 for the Service Contract Act positions.

26. Reference: None provided (SDVOSB) Question: Over one year ago Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) submitted proposals for Consulting and Technical Support Services (CATSS) fulfilling the requirement for a wide variety of commercial professional support services to be provided to various bureaus. Now DoS is pursuing a requirement for Technical, Administrative, Management, Professional Augmentation Staff Services, Service Disabled Veteran Owned (TAMPSS-D) essentially fulfilling the same requirement stated in the CATSS solicitation. What are the differences between the two solicitations? Will CATSS be awarded followed by a TAMPASS-D award? How will DoS determine which contract vehicle to use?

Response: No response provided. These questions are not applicable to the TAMPASS-D requirements.

27. Reference: None provided (SDVO) Question: How will the government verify a company is a service-disabled veteran-owned small business, will it be self-evaluation or through the VA?

Response: The VA database is for VA only. SDVO status is a self-certification under the submitted Representations and Certifications found in the System for Award Management (SAM) database.

28. Reference: None provided (SDVO) Question: Are the resumes for key personnel excluded from page count or are they considered part of the 25 page allocation?

Response: Refer to Amendment 1 to the RFP. Resumes are included in the page count.

29. Reference: None provided (SDVO) Question: The RFP states each volume must be in a separate binder. Would the Government consider allowing the pricing volume to be split between multiple binders to better accommodate the large page count?

Response: The preference is for one pricing volume binder.

30. Reference: None provided (SDVO) Question: Under section M.6 of the solicitation, “the government will use the Burdened Hourly Rate of 2000 hours to determine the total evaluated price for the base, option years and overall total evaluated price for five (5) years.” Based on the vacation, holiday and other time off requirements this would assume the government is going to reimburse the contractor for some of the vacation time required or does the government want us to use the 2000 hours to calculate our total cost on this contract? In prior government issued RFP’s, all PTO and holidays are stripped from the hourly total used in the calculation.

Response: The cost/price proposal instructions are found in RFP Section L.8. Follow the instructions in the RFP. The Government will determine the total evaluated price based on M.6 Cost/Price Evaluation. This process is for evaluation purposes only.

31. Reference: None provided (SDVO) Question: On page 173 of Attachment A, Table B-20 – CLIN 0001J, would the government like one of these pages filled out per region provided in the solicitation or is the government looking for one price throughout the country and only wants this one page filled out? The OY pages ask for ES pricing by region that is why we ask.

Response: The ES pricing is for the entire United States.

32. Reference: None provided (SDVO) Question: The government would like ODC pricing, would the government be able to give us an estimate of travel or the ODC budget they would like us to price or are you just looking for what we would charge as an administrative fee?

Response: Refer to Amendment 1 to the RFP and RFP Section L for ODC plug numbers. ODC Travel will be identified at the task order level.

33. Reference: None provided (SDVO) Question: If the SDVOSB Prime has 2 subcontractors, and one subcontractor is also a SDVOSB, can the 51% Limitation of Subcontracting requirement be meet by 2 SDVOSBs combined.

Response: FAR 52.219-27 (d)(1) states “Services (except construction), at least 50 percent of the cost of personnel for contract performance will be spent for employees of the concern or employees of other service-disabled veteran-owned small business concerns.”

34. Reference: None provided (SDVO) Question: Please clarify: The solicitation on FedBizOpps states the following:

The Department of State Technical, Administrative, Management, Professional Augmentation Staff Services - Domestic (TAMPASS-D) Program will consist of separate Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) Contracts for the following socio-economic categories: 1) Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses; 2) Economically Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Businesses; and 3) HUBZone Small Businesses. 8A companies are not included in this program and will be addressed separately by the Department of State.

Yet it also states this:

THIS ACQUISITION WILL BE CONDUCTED AS A TOTAL SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE COMPETITIVE PROCUREMENT USING FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (FAR) PART 15 PROCEDURES for the following socio-economic group: Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses. A proposal submitted from other than the above mentioned socio-economic category will not be considered by the Department.

Can you clarify this?

Response: Refer to the specific RFP posted on the Federal Business Opportunity Website. SAQMMA14R0402 clearly states that the solicitation is SDVOSB set-aside.

35. Reference: None provided (SDVO) Question: You are not requiring resumes except for the designated key personnel (Program Manager & Contract Administrator); how will we be satisfying the FTE requirements? Will we be retaining current employees?

Response: The Offeror will be required to provide technical, administrative, management, professional employees as defined in a task order. The Department will select a socio-economic contract to fulfill the staff requirements. In many cases, this will require the awardee to hire incumbents.

36. Reference: L.8 Cost/Price Proposal Instructions Question: The requirements for Section B – Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs, consists of over 230 pages of pricing information, including fully burdened rates for the base year of each of the localities, and escalation rates for each of the option periods. Most contractors will prepare this information in MS Excel and then have to transcribe the data to the MS Word format. In order to reduce typographical errors when transcribing the pricing data from MS Excel to MS Word, will the government allow offerors to provide this information (in the same format) in MS Excel?

Response: Yes

37. Reference: None provided Question: Please confirm if the Service Contract Act applies to this procurement. If so:

A. Please provide the applicable Wage Determinations (WD);

B. Please identify in Section B the labor title/occupation code for any positions covered by the SCA so that they can be properly mapped to the correct WD labor rate and category; and C. Please confirm that, consistent with the SCA, all SCA-covered positions should not be escalated in the Option Years, and that price adjustments will be made in the option years to incorporate increases to the base wage rates and/or health and welfare allowance in any applicable WD.

Response: Confirmed; A. Refer to Amendment 1 to the RFP for the applicable wage determination; B. Ibid.; C. Confirmed

38. Reference: None provided Question: Please confirm if the key personnel (Program Manager and Contract Administrator) are required to have clearances and if so at what level.

Response: Refer to Amendment 1 to the RFP. Section M.5 has been updated.

39. Reference: None provided Question: The Localities listed on Page 3 are different than those listed on Page 27. Please confirm the localities where work will be performed.

Response: Refer to Amendment 1 to the RFP. The localities are matched.

40. Reference: None provided Question: Subcontractors are required to be pre-approved by the government upon contract award. What documentation is required to be submitted to facilitate subcontractor approval?

Response: Refer to RFP Section G.8 Subcontractors. Refer to Amendment 1 to the RFP.

41. Reference: None provided Question: Is there any requirement for subcontractors to submit a sealed proposal in support of the Prime Contractor’s proposal submission for this effort?

Response: No, subcontractors must meet the minimum mandatory requirements and perform under the prime offeror’s rate structure. Refer to Amendment 1 to the RFP and RFP Sections L and M.

42. Reference: None provided Question: Can the USG please clarify the calculation of hourly rates? As per L.8.a [1], EX hourly rate is calculated by dividing the GS yearly salary by 2080 hours, however, as per M.6, multiplying the CLIN Fixed, Burdened Hourly Rates by 2000 hours to determine the total evaluated price.

Response: Refer to Amendment 1 to the RFP and Sections L and M. References to 2080 hours have been removed from the solicitation. A company’s work year is normally defined as 2080 hours.

43. Reference: Cover Letter Question: Is there a maximum page limit for the required Cover Letter?

Response: No

44. Reference: Attachment A, GS Hourly Rates Question: Are the GS Hourly Rates provided in Attachment A the required rates that the Offeror must pay its employees under this contract?

Response: Yes

45. Reference: Estimated quantity of hours Question: Can the Government share with Offerors the estimated hours for each CLIN/Step Level by region?

Response: Unknown and very dependent on the accomplishment of socio-economic goals – The Department can only state the minimum and maximum for the contract. An IDIQ contract is used when the Department of State cannot determine the precise quantities of services that the Department will require during the contract period.

46. Reference: Historic Workload Question: Can the Government share with Offerors the historic workload (i.e. hours) for this work by labor category?

Response: The number of FTE’s to be transitioned to this contract is unknown and will be dependent on the socio-economic goals of the Department. The number of FTE’s to be transferred will also be staggered over several years as the task orders on the existing contracts expire. The vast majority of positions are projected to be at the GS-10 and higher levels. The estimate is approximately 229 employees for the three (3)TAMPASS contracts. The estimated breakout by GS/ES level is: GS-7 (2); GS-8 (5); GS-9 (5); GS-10 (24); GS-11(26); GS-12 (76); GS-13 (38); GS-14 (28); GS-15 (16); and ES Levels (9).

47. Reference: Attachment A, Table B-20 Question: Table B-20 for CLIN 0001M is labeled as CLIN 0001J. Is this an error?

Response: Yes, the table has been corrected. Refer to Amendment 1 to the RFP.

48. Reference: Attachment A, CLIN structure Question: CLIN 0001H leads directly into CLIN 0001J, skipping what should be CLIN 0001I if standard alphabetical formatting is followed. Was this intentional?

Response: Yes

49. Reference: Number of contract awards Question: Is it your intention to award a single contract?

Response: Yes

50. Reference: Pricing – Labor Hours Question: Do you want pricing based on 2080 hours for FTE or can pricing be based on 1880 hours (2080 less 120 PTO and 80 holiday)?

Response: Refer to the response to Q42. A normal task order will run between 1880-1920 hours.

51. Reference: None provided Question: If place of performance is to be determined on the task orders, should the contractor quote government, contractor, or both contractor and government site rates.

Response: Government only.

52. Reference: None provided Question: Can the SDVOSB leverage the resources and capabilities of a subcontractor for its management plan/corporate resources for technical evaluation factor 2?

Response: The Department needs additional information and cannot answer the question.

53. Reference: Page 30, Health Insurance Question: Does the contractor have to offer all 4 plans (Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum) or is one plan option sufficient?

Response: Refer to Amendment 1 to the RFP and RFP Section M.5 for changes to requirements.

54. Reference: Page 31, Employer Share of Premiums Question: If the contractors share of employee or family health premiums is less than identified in the evaluation criteria (70-80%) can the contractor still receive an overall technically acceptable rating?

Response: 100% compliance is required or an UNACCEPTABLE is assigned.

55. Reference: None provided Question: If the contractor does not fully meet the minimum standards for individual evaluation subfactors (ex. Employer share of health insurance premiums), can the contractor still receive an overall technically acceptable rating or does this automatically make the proposal non-compliant?

Response: 100% compliance is required or an UNACCEPTABLE is assigned.

56. Reference: None Provided Question : Is the employee share of the health insurance premium of 80% for the employee and 70% for the employee plus one or family which is above the benefits the government offers its own employees a requirement of the contract?

Response: Not Applicable - Refer to Amendment 1 to the RFP and RFP Section M.5 for changes to requirements.

57. Reference: None Provided Question: Are the direct labor rates provided in the pricing word document the same rates to be used on the contract?

Response: Yes – the rates represent the salary hourly rate. Refer to RFP Section L.8

58. Reference: Page 13 Question: You have invoked FAR 52.222-41 for the Service Contract Act. No area wage determinations are included with the RFP. Will you please provide them.

Response: Yes, Refer to Amendment 1 to the RFP.

59. Reference: None Provided Question: Per the Service Contract Act, contractors will be required to pay the wages shown in the Wage Determinations. In some cases, we believe the SCA rates exceed the GS schedule rates. Will you please provide the correlation matrix between each applicable wage determination and each applicable GS Schedule by location to ensure the GS wages meet the minimum correlating wage determination category rate.

Response: Yes, Refer to Amendment 1 to the RFP.

60. Reference: None Provided Question: How many awards does the Government plan to make for this solicitation?

Response: One (1) single award

61. Reference: None Provided Question: Does the Department of State recognize the VA’s CVE SDVOSB certification?

Response: The CVE certification is for VA purposes only. The Department recognizes the SAM database and the Representations and Certifications.

62. Reference: None Provided Question: Is there any benefit in having subcontractors on our team, or is the Government’s evaluation based on the SDVOSB Prime Offeror’s capabilities as it stands on its own?

Response: No response – this is a company business decision.

63. Reference: None Provided Question: Does the DD254 Form need to be completed by the Prime Offeror and returned to the Government in the submission package?

Response: No

64. Reference: None Provided Question: In Volume I, Technical Proposal, Part C: Contract Security, must the offeror provide a copy of the FCL letter from DSS and also include Attachment A: DD 254?

Response: FCL letter only

65. Reference: None Provided Question: What is the evaluation criteria for skill set and years of experience for the Contract Administrator and Program Manager? Can they be the same person?

Response: Refer to Amendment 1 to the RFP and RFP Section M.5 for changes to requirements. Yes, if the person meets the minimum mandatory requirements for the position.

66. Reference: None Provided Question: When proposing rates, must we provide a rate for each locality listed, or only the one in which we reside?

Response: Rates must be completed for all localities.

67. Reference: RFP Page 30, Section M.5 Evaluation Factors Question: Technical Evaluation Factor1: Employee Benefits Plan, indicates M.5 Evaluation Factors under Health Insurance indicates that the Employer share of premiums shall be 80% or better for the employee; 70% or better for the Employee plus one and the family. Does this mean that the offeror must provide this percentage for all levels of plans or just for their primary plan?

Response: Refer to Amendment 1 to the RFP and RFP Section M.5 for changes to requirements.

68. Reference: RFP Page 30, Section M.5 Evaluation Factors Question: Technical Evaluation Factor 1: Employee Benefits Plan, states: Health Insurance: The employer’s health insurance plan shall be compliant with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and offer Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum Health Care packages to the employee. Question: In many cases, it is extremely costly for small businesses to offer multiple plans and will be penalized for offering platinum plans and for non-subsidy employees going to the exchange. Is it the Government's intention that an offeror must offer 4 plans, one at each level?

Response: Refer to Amendment 1 to the RFP and RFP Section M.5 for changes to requirements.

69. Reference: Reference RFP section M.5, employee benefits Question: Is bereavement/emergency leave and Jury duty time off included in the 120 hours of PTO? Or is the three paid work days of stipulated bereavement/emergency leave and the “jury duty as required by their civic duty” in addition to the 120 hours of PTO?

Response: Refer to Amendment 1 to the RFP and RFP Section M.5 for changes to requirements.

70. Reference: Reference RFP section C.1.1.a Question: If the government wants uninterrupted high quality work would the government consider making a final Top Secret Facility Clearance a requirement at time of submission?

Response: The Department considered the Final Top Secret Facility Clearance as being too restrictive.

71. Reference: None provided Question: How is the work currently being done by the incumbent?

Response: The incumbents provide personnel based on the task order job descriptions (roles and responsibilities).

72. Reference: None provided Question: What is the project award date?

Response: End of Calendar Year 2014

73. Reference: None provided Question: What are the transition in/transition out procedures, if any?

Response: The transition in/transition out procedures are variable and will be discussed with the awardee. There is no specific contract that will transfer to the awardee. Work will be assigned by the Department based on its socio-economic goal requirements.

74. Reference: None provided Question: Will the contractor be required to provide Secret/Top Secret facilities where the work will be performed or are Secret/Top Secret facilities going to be provided?

Response: The place of performance will be identified in the task order. Work will be performed at government facilities.

75. Reference: None provided Question: If a contractor is required to provide Secret/Top Secret facilities, at how many of the proposed sites?

Response: Not applicable

76. Reference: None provided Question: Is a company with the multiple necessary site aside designations precluded from submitting a response to multiple/each TAMPSAA solicitation (HUBZone, EDWOSB, SDVOSB)?

Response: No

77. Reference: None provided Question: Will labor categories/position descriptions be provided for offerors to assemble a more accurate pricing matrix?

Response: No, specific labor categories and position descriptions will be developed at the task order level.

78. Reference: None provided Question: When submitting a proposal, what documents will be required from the offerors to substantiate the company’s set aside designations?

Response: The offeror shall ensure its meets the FAR Part 19 requirements (e.g., If the SBA determines that a concern is a HUBZone small business concern, it will issues a certification to that effect and will add the concern to the List of Qualified HUBZone Small Business Concerns); and the self-certification requirements using the System for Award Management (SAM) database (includes the company’s representations and certifications). For proposal purposes, the Offeror will identify themselves under the set-aside designation in the proposal.

79. Reference: None provided Question: Are we allowed to engage in partnering and teaming for the work?

Response: The question is not specific enough to provide an answer. Contractor-subcontractor and joint venture relationships are permissible in accordance with the FAR.

80. Reference: None provided Question: Could a company with multiple necessary set asides propose to two or all three TAMPASS solicitations?

Response: Yes

81. Reference: None provided Question: There are three TAMPASS acquisition vehicles requesting proposals, each expecting a single award based on LPTA. How will Task Orders be issued? Will there be further competition or price discount expectations at the task order level? Will task orders be competed across all three set-aside categories?

Response: The concentration should be on the SDVO acquisition which is a stand-alone acquisition. The Department will assign task orders based on requirements and attainment of socio-economic goals. There will be no further competition or price discount expectations at the task order level. Task Orders will not be competed across all three set-aside categories.

82. Reference: M.5 Question: The Government’s minimum employee benefit plan requirements identifies four Health Care plans (Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum); The cost of offering four plans is so prohibitive that most small businesses are only able to offer three plans. Can this requirement be modified to three plans?

Response: Refer to Amendment 1 to the RFP and RFP Section M.5 for changes to the requirements.

83. Reference: Attachment A, TAMPASS-D Cost-Price Tables Question: Attachment A, TAMPASS-D Cost-Price Tables, is a Word document, which will require a significant amount of cut-paste. Performing cut-paste actions for 230+ pages increases the likelihood of an error; any errors would impact a company’s rates, potentially resulting in the Government not being able to identify the company that truly offers the lowest-price proposal. To minimize the likelihood of a cut-paste error, will the Government consider providing Appendix A as an Excel file?

Response: Refer to response to Q36. The Department will not be providing Section J, Attachment A as an EXCEL file.

84. Reference: Section L.6.1.4 Question: Section L.6.1.4 identifies that the “Compliance Matrix” is excluded from the twenty-five page limit, however there is no other information provided or reference to this matrix. Could the Government provide additional information that is desired in the Compliance Matrix?

Response: Offerors find the compliance matrix useful but there is no formal requirement for the compliance matrix. The Department will not dictate the format/content for the compliance matrix.

85. Reference: None provided Question: Does the Government have a desired format for Key Personnel resumes?

Response: No

86. Reference: None provided Question: Would the Government consider excluding the Key Personnel resumes from the Volume 1 page limit?

Response: Key Personnel resumes will remain under the page limitations.

87. Reference: C.1.1 Objective 1 (a) + (b) Question: What is the number of hours and labor categories types expected to be used at each location per year?

Response: Unknown. The number of hours and labor categories will be determined at the task order level. The IDIQ is used when Department of State cannot determine, above a specified minimum, the precise quantities of services that the Department will require during the contract period.

88. Reference: C.1.1 Objective 1 (a) Question: Will incumbent personnel be transitioned to new contractors?

Response: There is no specific contract that will transfer to the awardee. Work will be assigned by the Department based on its socio-economic goal requirements.

89. Reference: None provided Question: What is the average length of service for incumbent contract employees?

Response: Unknown, the Department does not track such statistics.

90. Reference: M.5 Question: How many current contractor employees are residing in a HUBZone?

Response: Unknown, the Department does not track such statistics.

91. Reference: M.5 Question: What are the service requirements of the Department?

Response: The question is unclear. Review RFP Section C. Specific requirements will be defined in the task order.

92. Reference: Attachment A Question: Please confirm that current contract employees are being paid based on the GS and ES pay scales.

Response: This is the model being used by the Department on many of its body shop contracts.

93. Reference: M.5 Question: There is an “*” that precedes Health Insurance, Vision, Dental, Short Term Disability, and Long Term Disability but there is no definition of the asterisks meaning or designation. What is the asterisk referring to?

Response: Refer to Amendment 1 to the RFP. The “*” has been removed.

94. Reference: None Provided Question: How will the government verify a company is a service-disabled veteran-owned small business, will it be self-evaluation or through the VA?

Response: Self-certification

95. Reference: None Provided Question: Are the resumes for key personnel excluded from page count or are they considered part of the 25 page allocation?

Response: The resumes are included in the page count. Refer to Amendment 1 to the RFP.

96. Reference: On page 173 of Attachment A, Table B-20 – CLIN 0001J Question: Would the government like one of these pages filled out per region provided in the solicitation or is the government looking for one price throughout the country and only wants this one page filled out? The OY pages ask for ES pricing by region that is why we ask.

Response: The ES rates apply to all locations.

97. Reference: None provided Question: The government would like ODC pricing, would the government be able to give us an estimate of travel or the ODC budget they would like us to price or are you just looking for what we would charge as an administrative fee?

Response: Refer to Amendment 1 to the RFP and RFP Sections L and M for updates.

98. Reference: RFP/Solicitation section B4; RFP L.8 (b) and attachment A- section B.8 (page 236) Question: ---Within the Solicitation, section B4, the end of Paragraph 3 states that Hazardous duty premiums shall not be burdened with any indirect costs (G&A was listed specifically); However, Section L.8 (b) states that offers should proposal a fixed G&A and/or M&H rate to travel, material, and ODC's over the life of the contract. Additionally, Attachment A - section B.8 on page 236 states "The Contractor may include a fair and reasonable burden (general and administrative costs) on ODCs but no profit/fee is allowed."

While we understand that ODC's/HAZ pay cannot be burned with Fringe/OH/Fee/ext.- G&A costs for travel, Hazardous, Hardship, and/or Isolated duty location pay (as well as other ODC's) at times may be subject to G&A burdens if specifically allowable in accordance with a contractors accounting practices and consistent with FAR Subpart 31.2.

---Can the government please confirm that a G&A burden is acceptable (to include Hazardous duty pay), but not other burdens are (i.e. Fringe, Overhead, Fee) are not allowable?

Response: The contract is domestic only and the Hazardous Duty premiums are not applicable.

99. Reference: Section L 7.2 subfactor J Question: ---The proposal is limited to 25 pages for Volume 1. Volume 1 includes 3 parts (A through C), and section B includes 10 sub-parts (A through J); Section J requires a description of the quality control plan, including specific measures and procedures for quality monitory and tracing that identifies how the offer will be able to address problem areas quickly. We understand that the quality control plan is an extremely important element to maintain the high quality of standards the government will require in performance of this effort. We believe offerors should thoroughly outline procedures and methods for monitoring controls and explain how corrective actions should be taken without having to abbreviate or cut down on their explanations due to overall volume 1 page count limitations.

---Would the government consider having the quality control plan exempt from the 25 page Volume 1 proposal limit?

Response: Refer to Amendment 1 to the RFP. The page limitations have been increased but the plan is not exempt for the page count.

100. Reference: C.1.1 Objective Ib Question: C1.1 Objective 1b says: "Obtain existing and future qualified professional, technical, management and administrative program support service employees to meet the mission objectives of Bureaus and Offices;" Does the word "existing" mean we must pick up current staffers? If so, doesn't this give an unfair edge to incumbent contractors?

Response: This is a body shop contract and staff supporting the Department will be moved from the expired contracts to the new contracts. No.

101. Reference: L.7.1 Question:

L.7.1 says the contractor has to have "7) flexible spending accounts to pay for copayments, deductibles, some drugs, and other health care costs;" Is this a must?

Response: Yes, Refer to Amendment 1 to the RFP and RFP Section M.5 (minimum mandatory requirements).

102. Reference: L.5 Question:

There is significant fraud in self certification of SDVOSB status and its usually falls upon the unsuccessful offeror to challenge the status of companies that often are found not to be an SDVOSB by SBA and VA requirements. QUESTION - What steps will be taken by the USG to verify before award that the awardee is in fact a legitimate SDVOSB?

Response: Self-certification is the standard. Only the SBA can make a determination on whether the SDVOSB meets the requirements.

103. Reference: Attachment A Question:

How many total incumbent contract employees will be badged over to the awardee at award? This number is important for properly estimating benefits costs since the greater the number the less per employee cost estimate.

Response: Unknown, this is dependent on the Department’s budget and requirements, socio-economic goals, etc.

104. Reference: L.7.2.b Question:

Does the Government expect full resume’s (all previous positions held, references, duty descriptions for each position held, education, etc.) for the Program Manager and Contract Administrator as an appendix to the proposal, or will a narrative included in the management section of the proposal suffice?

Response: The resume must address the minimum mandatory requirements. Refer to Amendment 1 to the RFP.

105. Reference: M.5 Question:

The PTO block calls for 120 hours annually or 3 weeks of PTO. QUESTION - Does that apply to new hires as well as long term employees?

Response: Refer to Amendment 1 to the RFP and RFP Section M.5 for changes to requirements.

106. Reference: M.5 Question:

Health Insurance. States we are required levels of coverage per the ACA: The employer’s health insurance plan shall be compliant with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and offer Bronze, Silver,Gold, and Platinum Health Care packages to the employee. QUESTION - are we required to offer all levels? Since the employer must cover 80% of the employee cost and 70% of the family cost how can we properly estimate cost if we are required to offer ALL levels of coverage? Different employees will opt for different levels of coverage which will dramatically influence the employer cost share. Without limiting the levels of coverage we cannot properly plan health care costs.

Response: Refer to Amendment 1 to the RFP and RFP Section M.5 for changes to requirements.

107. Reference: M.5 Question:

Health Insurance Premiums have historically risen each year. The increases can vary dramatically and significantly impact contract costs if the employer is carrying the burden of the cost as required by this RFP. QUESTION - what provision is made by the contract for escalating health care costs by option year?

Response: The contractor will be responsible for developing their indirect rates and managing indirect rate increases.

108. Reference: C.1 Question:

What certifications, licenses, or other specialized training or experience is required for employees of this contract, and what must the employer pay for as an annual or time period renewal costs for certifications, licenses, etc.?

Response: Certifications, licenses, or other specialized training or experience will be described at the task order level and unknown.

109. Reference: L.7.2.d Question:

What is the allotted transition time from award to rebadge of incumbent employees and new hire employees for any vacancies that must be filled? Will the provisions specified in the Section I.2 52.237-3 Continuity Of Services (Jan 1991) be used?

Response: The FAR Clause is valid for a services solution contract but not applicable for a “body contract” based on how the Department will be conducting the transition for its contractor staff. The clause has been removed.

110. Reference: Section B Question:

Does not specify what type of contract, for example FFP, CPFF, T&M, etc. Can the USG specify the contract type other than fixed burden hourly rate?

Response: Incorrect, RFP Sections B1 and B2 clearly identify the type of contract and task orders that will be issued.

111. Reference: None provided Question:

Response: Refer to the response to Q11.

112. Reference: None provided Question:

Will the Government please provide the minimum number of required employees to be ordered for the base contract and specific position descriptions?

Response: No, the minimum is established in RFP Section B3. The Department will provide specific position descriptions and requirements at the task order level. Refer to the response to Q46.

113. Reference: Section M pages 30-32 Question:

Are the stated benefits mandatory requirements?

Response: RFP Section M.5 states the minimum mandatory benefit requirements. The minimum mandatory benefits require 100% compliance.

114. Reference: None provided Question:

Is the contract a single award IDIQ?

Response: Yes

115. Reference: Attachment A: Section B Question:

Can the “Price tables” found in “Attachment A” be made available in Excel format?)

Response: Refer to the response to Q83.

116. Reference: Page 27 of 33 Section L.8 d Question:

Please clarify what specific documents is the Government requesting, as defined as “complied financial statements”? Are you asking for a statement from the CFO, or the audited financial statements OR some other form/document?

Response: Compiled financial statements are unaudited statements. The following information is also applicable:

§ 121.104 How does SBA calculate annual receipts?

(a) 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 Form 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). Receipts do not include net capital gains or losses; taxes collected for and remitted to a taxing authority if included in gross or total income, such as sales or other taxes collected from customers and excluding taxes levied on the concern or its employees; proceeds from transactions between a concern and its domestic or foreign affiliates; and amounts collected for another by a travel agent, real estate agent, advertising agent, conference management service provider, freight forwarder or customs broker. For size determination purposes, the only exclusions from receipts are those specifically provided for in this paragraph. All other items, such as subcontractor costs, reimbursements for purchases a contractor makes at a customer's request, and employee-based costs such as payroll taxes, may not be excluded from receipts.

(1) The Federal income tax return and any amendments filed with the IRS on or before the date of self-certification must be used to determine the size status of a concern. SBA will not use tax returns or amendments filed with the IRS after the initiation of a size determination.

(2) When a concern has not filed a Federal income tax return with the IRS for a fiscal year which must be included in the period of measurement, SBA will calculate the concern's annual receipts for that year using any other available information, such as the concern's regular books of account, audited financial statements, or information contained in an affidavit by a person with personal knowledge of the facts.

117. Reference: Page 31 of 33, Section M.5 Question:

Employee Benefits, 401k Plan 5) “availability to all employee policy”: please clarify exactly what you are referring to or asking to be described here. Is it the policy for i.e. waiting period, excluded employees, etc.?

Response: Refer to RFP Amendment 1 and RFP Section M.5 for changes to the requirements.

118. Reference: Page 4, C.1.1/C.1.2 Question: Can you please clarify that the only difference between Objective 1 and Objective 2, is that Objective 2 requires employees with personal security clearance?

Response: Yes, Objective 2 addressed the employee’s security clearance.

119. Reference: Page 8, G.8 Question: What is the process and timelines that the Government will use to “pre-approve subcontractors in making awards for the Basic Contract”?

Response: Refer to Amendment 1 to the RFP and provide the required information related to your subcontractors in the proposal. The Department will review the company’s information on the System for Award Management and the Excluded Parties List. Approved subcontractors will be identified at contract award.

120. Reference: Page 10, H3 Question: Will the government allow the Program Manager and/or Contract Administrator to also fulfill the requirements a billable position on the contract?

Response: No

121. Reference: Page 11, H.7 Question: States that personnel performing under this contract….shall have SECRET or TOP SECRET clearance. Can you please verify that requirement applies to all personnel in light of the above question on Objective 1 versus Objective 2.

Response: The task order will identify the required personal security clearance.

122. Reference: Page 25, L.6.1.4 Question: Is a Compliance Matrix specifically required to be included in Volume I?

Response: No

123. Reference: Page 25, L.6.1.4 Question: Are resumes included in the 25 page limit for Volume I?

Response: Yes, Refer to Amendment 1 to the RFP and the increased page limitations.

124. Reference: Page 26, L.7.2.d Question: Does the government have any specific requirements and/or metrics for evaluating the acceptability of recruiting and/or on-boarding timelines as it relates to this RFP?

Response: Refer to Amendment 1 to the RFP and RFP Section M.5 for more specific timelines.

125. Reference: Page 27, L.8.c Question: Can the government please clarify why a list of any contracts terminated is required, but not any input on relevant contracts and/or past performance for this solicitation? That input could significantly assist the government in evaluating the ability of an offeror to perform on this contact (i.e., avoid the risk of awarding to a start-up company with a great proposal but no demonstrated past performance from being considered).

Response: A responsibility determination is different than past performance. Refer to Amendment 1 to the RFP and the RFP Section L and M requirements.

126. Reference: Page 27, L.8.d.e Question: Is any financial information such as LOC required for subcontractors?

Response: No, the prime is fully accountable.

127. Reference: Page 30, M5 Question: Can you please clarify whether all Technical Factors are equally weighted?

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