Attachment_H_-_Questions_and_Answers_(A003).xlsx
XLSX spreadsheet 121 KB Posted
- Attached to
- AFRICAP
- Solicitation number
- SAQMMA15R0022
About this file
Attachment H - Questions and Answers (A003)
View the file
Other files
Show all 37
On GovTribe
Work with this file
- Download the original file
- Contacts named in this file
- Similar government files
- Ask GovTribe AI about this file
Text version
Technical
| Section | Question | Answer |
| General | Is the solicitation SAQMMA15R0022 open for Non-USA Companies? | Offerors are restricted to companies that can obtain a security clearance. The Government will sponser U.S. Companies that do not have a clearance as identified in Clause H.19 of the IDIQ. |
| General | What is the next step for our company in proceeding with our interest in project? | Refer to Provisions in Sections L -- Instructions, Conditions and Notices to Offerors |
| Considering the geographical constraint of personally reviewing the document, I request you to provide us the following details before we buy the document: |
1) List of Items, Schedule of Requirements, Scope of Work, Terms of Reference, Bill of Materials required.
2) Soft Copy of the Tender Document through email.
3) Names of countries that will be eligible to participate in this tender.
4) Information about the Tendering Procedure and Guidelines
5) Estimated Budget for this Purchase
6) Any Extension of Bidding Deadline?
| 7) Any Addendum or Pre Bid meeting Minutes? | All information regarding the AFRICAP IDIQ can be accessed via FBO under RFP Number SAQMMA15R0022. | ||
| Page 22, Section C, SOW | This section starts with C.4. Are sections C.1, C.2, and C.3 missing or intentionally left blank? | C.1, C.2 and C.3 were left intentionally blank. | |
| Page 28, C.4.1.5, SOW | There is no section C.4.1.5. Is text missing? | Section C.4.1.5 was unintentionally omitted. Section C has been renumbered to include Section 4.1.5. Section B.15 (formerly 14) has been updated to reflect the change. | |
| Page 72, H.8 Key Personnel, (3) bottom of page | The RFP states that the contractor will provide resumes for all government and contractor –designated key personnel. This is contradictory to section H.7 which states that contract personnel will not be evaluated at the IDIQ level. Does the government require resumes of the key personnel to be included in either the IDIQ response or the TO response? Which positions require resumes? In what section of the proposal would you like us to include resumes? Could resumes be included in a separate Appendix that is not part of either the 150 or 40 (task order) page count? | The term "contract" has been replaced with "task order" for Clause H.8 - Key Personnel. Resumes for Key Personnel shall be submitted at the task order level. Resumes for contract personnel should not be included in the technical proposal and will not be considered for award. | |
| Page 80, H.19.a, Security Requirements Facility Clearance and DD Form 254 | This section indicates a requirement for a Secret Facility clearance and the completion of a DD254. Is this requirement correct? If yes, the DD254 form was not attached as mentioned. Can you please provide the form? | Bidders DD254 has been attached to the RFP (See Attachment G). | |
| Page 80, H.19.f, Security Requirements | This section indicates all personnel require a Secret clearance. This will severely limit the use of TCN and HN personnel on TOs which will increase the price of TOs and negatively impact capacity building of the host nation. Please consider removing this requirement. | Refer to Clause H.19 of the IDIQ for revised requirements. | |
| Page 125, L.19.1, Page 147, M.9.1 | The first sentence in this section requires a “complete description of its [contractor] approach for performing the DOS AFRICAP training, logistics and construction tasks.” This requirement is repeated in M.9.1 (evaluation factors). Later in L.19.1 the requirements for the technical proposal are described but there is no mention of where the “complete description” is to be included. Does DOS require the contractor to provide a technical response to the SOW Section C.4 requirements in the Technical Proposal? If yes, where in the organization of Volume I should it be included? | A clear and complete description includes a technical response to the criteria and standards identifed in the evaluation factors and sub-factors, which shall be organized in a manner consitent with Section L.17 and evaluated in accordance with Section M.9.1. | |
| Page 126, L.19.1, Sub-Factor 1 (d) Sample Task Oprder Page Count | Is the 40 page limit for the Sample Task Order included in the 150 page limit for Volumes I and II or is it in addition to the 150 pages? | The page limit for the sample task order is included in the page limit for Volume I and II. Please note: the page limit for the sample task order has been increased to 60 pages and the page limit for Volume I and II has been increased to 200 pages. Section L.18 and L.19.1 have been updated to reflect the change | |
| Page 128, L.19.1 Sub-Factor (c) | “The contractor shall disclose as part of its proposal the amount of work they intend to perform with their own resources for this order.” Does “order” refer to the entire IDIQ or the sample task order? | Both. A partnering/subcontracting plan is required at the contract and sample task order level. Refer to Technical Approach, Sub-Factor 1 for Sample Task Order requirements | |
| Page 129, L.19.1, Sub-Factor 3 (B) | The RFP requires the contractor to provide the government with a copy of your most recent ISR for each contract against which you were required to report for the last three years. For large businesses, this number can exceed 100 ISRs. Please consider removing this from page count. | Refer to revised provision L.18.1 EXCLUSIONS FROM THE PAGE LIMITATIONS and L.19.1, Sub-factor 3 under Factor 1. The Subcontracting Plan is now excluded from the page limitations. | |
| Page 141, L.19.4, Page 147, M.9.1, Buisness Proposal (Volume IV) | There are no section M evaluation criteria for this section. How will the government evaluate this section? | Refer to the third paragraph under Section M.5. | |
| L.19.1, Sub-Factor 1, Sample Task Order, page 126 | Item (d) of the Work Breakdown Structure instructions lists a maximum page count of 40 pages. |
| Question: Does this maximum page count apply to just the Work Breakdown Structure or the Task Order Response as a whole? | See comment 11. The page limitation for the Sample Task Order is sixty (60) pages, which shall include the Work Breakdown Structure. L19.1 has been updated to reflect the change. | |
| L.19.1, Sub-Factor 3, Subcontracting Plan, page 129 | There is a high level of detail requested to address the requirements of the Subcontracting Plan. Specifically, Paragraph (1)(B), the Individual Subcontracting Reports for all contracts that require reporting; and Paragraph (2)(C) outlining the data elements listed to answer FAR 44.202-2 for each proposed subcontractor, require a large amount of data to be presented. |
| Question: Would the Government consider excluding the Subcontracting Plan from the maximum page count for Volumes I and II? | See comment 13. | |
| L.19.1, Sub-Factor 3, Subcontracting Plan, page 128 | The second paragraph in the instructions for this sub-factor asks offerors to provide dollar amounts as part of the Subcontracting Plan. |
| Question: As this is a multi-award IDIQ with an uncertain number of task orders to be awarded, should offerors use an estimate of future task order awards to determine the dollar amounts in this plan? | SB goal percentages should be expressed as a percentage of total subcontracting dollars, not the total contract value on future task order awards. | |
| L.19.1, Sub-Factor 3, Subcontracting Plan,page 129 | Paragraph (2)(C) asks offerors to list the percentage of work to be subcontracted to each subcontract. |
| Question: As this is a multi-award IDIQ with an uncertain number of task orders to be awarded, should offerors use an estimate of the type of work to be awarded in future task orders to determine the percentages of work to be awarded to subcontractors? | See comment 17. | |
| L.19.2, Similar Experience, page 130 | Paragraph (c) appears to be written from the Government's perspective. |
| Question: Is it the Government's intent that offerors write about their experiences where they have assumed a reasonable share of financial risk and have partnered with the Government to meet agency goals? | The requirement is to provide at least three (3) Past Performance Contract Profiles that are similar in size ($1.5 billion), scope (training, logistics and construction) and complexity (performance in Africa) to the RFP. Two of these examples shall be for services provided as the prime contractor. | |
| Sample Task Order SOW, Task 3: Establishment of Medical Warehouse Facilities, page 3 | Paragraph 6.1.3.4 asks offerors to provide pricing for the warehouse requirements as part of their proposal; however, Section L.19.1, Sub-Factor 1, on page 126 states that offerors are not to submit a price proposal for the sample task order. Further, the Price Proposal Instrcutions do not specify how to include this price in the offeror's price proposal, and the Evaluation Section does not state how it will Evaluated. |
| Please clarify. | Refer to L.19.1. The Offeror shall not submit a price proposal for the sample task order. | |
| Section E.5 ; Page 44 | The Contractor shall submit a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) for measuring Contractor performance at the task order level. |
| Does the Government want offeror’s to submit a TO QASP and if so, in what section of the proposal? | Refer to Section 7.4 of the revised Sample Task Order. A Quality Control Plan shall be submitted as part of an offeror's technical proposal. A QASP as defined in Section E.5 of the IDIQ is not required. | |
| Mali TO Section 8.0, page 5 | Section 8.0 Key Personnel specifies that key personnel roles and responsibilities for should follow the guidelines in IDIQ Section H.8. However duties and responsibilities appear in Section H.7. |
| Please clarify. | H.8 - Key Personnel is a standard clause. Key personnel may include contract personnel identified in Section H.7 or new labor categories negotiated at the task order level. | |
| Mali TO Section 8.1, page, 5 | Mali TO Section 8.1 specifies the contractor shall assign to this order the following key personnel: Project Manager, Lead Trainer, and Construction Engineer. IDIQ Section H.8 (2) specifies that a partial basis for award of this contract is the list of key personnel proposed. IDIQ Section H.7 Contract Personnel Requirements specifies that candidates will not be evaluated at the IDIQ level and that resumes should not be provided in the technical proposal. |
| Please clarify what the Government desires. | See Comment 7. | |
| RFP Section H.21 | Section H.21 of the RFP TAXES AND CUSTOMES FEES states that Tasks ordered under this contract support foreign assistance projects funded principally by Peacekeeping Operation (PKO) funds under the Foreign Assistance Act, and the Contractor shall not pay any taxes, import, or customs fees to the government of the host nation or aid receiving nation(s). Funds other than PKO funding may be used under this contract. As appropriate, AF/RSA or the U.S. Embassies concerned may assist in customs or other official clearances of contractor-acquired items and associated equipment for duty-free status. If taxes, import, or customs fees cannot be mitigated, the Contractor shall follow the procedures outlined in FAR 29.402. |
| Question: Could the Government confirm whether clause H.21 means that the contractor and their subcontractor shall be exempt from having to pay any local corporate income taxes, VAT taxes, etc. concerning the performance on any TO for this requirement | All exemptions will be identified at the Task Order Level. | |
| RFP clause I.3.2 | The RFP contains clause I.3.2 ADDITIONAL CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES RELATING TO ALLEGED OFFENSES BY OR AGAINST CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN (DEVIATION) – dosar 652.225-72 (JAN 2012). |
| Question: Since performance for Task Orders issued under this requirement will not be performed in either Iraq or Afghanistan, please clarify how this clause applies to the AFRICAP contract? | This clause has been removed in its entirety. | ||
| Section H.7.2 | A requirement for the Program Manager in H.7.2 states, "Minimum Requirements: A master’s degree and at least five years of experience managing a multi-million dollar program." Would the Government consider a bachelor's degree with 15 years’ experience managing over $1B dollars of AFRICAP and similar programs in Sub Sahara Africa as an equivalent to the Master’s Degree requirement? | Refer to revised RFP section 7.2. Contractor can substitute a minimum of 10 years of experience managing large (over $1 million) projects in Africa for the Masters Degree requirement. | |
| Section L.19.2 | Section L.19.2 Similar Experience states, "The Contractor shall provide a minimum of three (3) but no more than six (6) pertinent examples to substantiate its recent experience in performing work that directly supports the activities identified in Section C." This section goes on to state, "The Contractor shall provide at least three (3) Past Performance Contract Profiles." The Offeror assumes the 3-6 examples referenced in Similar Experience also reference the minimum and maximum number of Past Performance Customer Satisfaction Surveys DOS will accept. Is this assumption correct? | Correct. Past Performance Customer Satifaction Surveys shall be submitted for each Past Performance Contract Profile. | |
| C.4.1.4 and C.4.1.6, pg 28 | Section C.4.1.5 appears to be missing. Please confirm. | See comment 6. | |
| L.9 | Due date for proposals is referenced to SF1449; should this be SF33? | Yes. | |
| H.5.1.2 | RFP Paragraph H.5.1.2 – Confirm reference to paragraph H.4.1 is correct. | Correct. The reference has been revised to H.5.1.1. | |
| L.18 | RFP Paragraph L.18 states “The proposals (Volumes I) shall include a signed and dated cover letter. ” Confirm the cover letter is required only in Volume I. | Correct. | |
| L.18 | RFP Paragraph L.18 – Clarify if the 150 page limit is for Volumes I and II combined, or 150 pages for each volume. | Combined. See comment 11. | |
| K | In which volume should the offeror include the completed Section K? | Volume IV – Business | |
| Section L,, page 9, Sub-Factor 1: Sample Task Order paragraphs (c) and (d); and also Section L,, page 11, Sub-Factor 3: Subcontracting Plan (Large Businesses Only) pragraphs (1) and (2). | In these Section L references, the Offeror is instructed to deliver "a comprehensive timeline and schedule," and several pages of Subcontractor data. We estimate these requirements will require at least 60% of the 40 page count allocated for the response to Factor 1 - Sample Task Order. The quality and throughness of the remaining 40% mandatory content of the page count will be negatively impacted by the page limitation. We respectfully request that the Offeror's schedule and subcontractor data requirements be excluded from the 40 page count. This solution will enable the Offeror to submit a quality proposal within the 40 page count. | Refer to Provision L.19.1 for updated page limitation. | |
| H.19 | Would the Government please provide the DD254? | See comment 8. | |
| B | Please clarify the warehouse requirements: |
1. Voltage and electrical specification needed (US spec, European, other?);
2. Is hard structure pre-fab required or is fabric acceptable?;
3. Prime power or Generator?;
4. Lighting and a/c (split unit) requirements?;
| 5. Will site prep and concrete slab be government provided? | Task 6.1.3 of the revised Sample Task Order for the Establishment of Medical Warehouse Facilites has been removed in its entirety. Refer to Task 6.3 of the revised Sample Task Order for Construction of Tent Pads for Storage Task. | ||
| n/a | Does DOS have any warehouses in Africa that have been established to support AFRICAP operations? If yes, where are these warehouse(s) located and what classes of supply do they stock? | N/A | |
| G.9.2 | The invoicing requirements seem extremely onerous and time consuming with respect to the amount of attachments required to be submitted. Recommend that DoS rely on the Government oversight of our approved business systems, specifically, the requirement to attach timesheets, payroll records, etc. | The Government maintains Section G.9.2. | |
| L.19.4.3 | This section is entitled "Business Systems, Joint Venture, and Policies." The instructions do not make reference to what "Policies" should be included. Please clarify. | Names of various policies are referenced in Section L.19.4.3. | |
| H.7 /H.8 / Sample TO paragraph 8 | H7 States "Candidates for contract personnel will not be evaluated at the IDIQ level. Resumes for contract personnel should not be included in the technical proposal. Contractors shall propose contract personnel at the task order level." H.8 along with paragraph 8 of the Sample TO requests resumes. Are key personnel resumes required for inclusion in the technical proposal section for the sample task order submission? | See Comment 7. | |
| B.14 | CLIN X100.05 refers to FTX training as PWS C 4.1.5; However, C4.1.5 does not exist. Please clarify the USG intent; is FTX within the General Scope of the RFP? | CLIN X100.05 and Section C.4.1.5 now exist as "Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) Training." "Field Training Exercise (FTX)" has been removed. The previous Section B.14 is now Section B.15. | |
| B.14 | CLIN X200.03 refers to Communications/IT Equipment as PWS C 4.2.3 However, PWS Section C 4.2.3 refers to operational equipment. Please clarify the USG intent. | Communications/IT Equipment has been removed from the table in Section B.15(a) [formerly B.14(a)]. CLIN X200.03 is now for Operational Equipment. | |
| B.14 | CLIN X200.05 refers to Operational Equipment as PWS C 4.2.5 However, PWS Section C 4.2.5 refers to Sustainment Services. Please Clarify the USG intent. | The table in Section B.15(a) [formerly B.14(a)] has been amended. In the table, CLIN X200.03 and Section C.4.2.3 are now for Operational Equipment. CLIN X200.05 is now for Sustainment Services. | |
| B.14 | CLIN X200.08 refers to Sustainment Services as PWS C 4.2.8 However, PWS Section C 4.2.5 is for sustainment services. | The table in Section B.15(a) [formerly B.14(a)] has been amended. In the table, CLIN X200.05 and Section C.4.2.5 are now for Sustainment Services. | |
| Sample TO paragraph 6 | 6.1.1. TASK 1: Medical Technical Training School. Where is the proposed location of the Medical Training School? | The term "Medical Training School" has been removed in the revised Sample Task Order, and replaced with "Training." Refer to revised Sample Task Order, revised sub-tasks 6.1.6, 6.1.7, 6.1.8 for training locations. | |
| Sample TO paragraph 6 | 6.1.1. TASK 2: Medical Capability Assessment. What are the locations of the MAF hospitals and clinics? | Task 6.1.2 for a Medical Capability Assessment in the Sample Task Order has been removed in its entirety. | |
| L.19.1 Sub-Factor 1: Sample Task Order, Attachment B – (Sample Task Order) SOW, Paragraph 6.1.3.4 | L.19.1, Sub-Factor 1 states “The Offeror shall not submit a price proposal for the sample task order.” |
Attachment B, paragraph 6.1.3.4 states “Contractor shall provide pricing for these requirements (medical warehouses) as part of their proposal.”
These references appear to contradict each other. It is unclear if the Sample Task must be priced and submitted.
a) Does the Government require offerors to submit a price to establish two medical warehouse facilities?
b) If yes, where should this price be located in the offeror’s proposals?
| L.19.1, Management Approach, Sub-Factor 3 – Subcontracting Plan | See comment 20. | |
| L.19.1, Management Approach, Sub-Factor 3 – Subcontracting Plan | (2) The information set forth below shall be provided for each subcontractor, if any, proposed. A separate sheet shall separate each element of subcontractor information, as well as each subcontractor. |
(A) A letter, on subcontractor letterhead…
(B) The offeror must address each of the elements in FAR 44.202-2 …
(C) A discussion and arrangement on type(s) of subcontract(s) to be used…
(D) The offeror and each proposed major subcontractor shall indicate the number of hours and days in its normal work-day and its normal work-week, both domestically and overseas, …
(E) A normal work-year.
As currently required, each proposed subcontractor requires the offeror to submit a minimum of 5 pages. This impacts the 150 page limitation.
a) Will the DoS exclude Sub-Factor 3: Subcontracting Plan (Large Business Offerors Only) from page count?
| b) If no, will the DoS allow the offeror to present subcontractor elements (B) through (E) on a one page table following each of the subcontractor’s letter of acknowledgment? | See comment 13. | ||
| H.19 Security Requirements | H.19 (d) states, “Performance of this contract shall be in accordance with the attached DD Form 254, Department of Defense Contract Security Classification Specification and FAR 52.204-2 "SECURITY REQUIREMENTS." Please provide DD 254. | See comment 8. | |
| M.9.1 Sub-Factor 1 Evaluation Factor: Sample Task Order (c) | (c) The Government will evaluate whether the proposed technical approach includes evidence of specific methods, techniques, and approaches that demonstrate the ability to meet Section C requirements. |
Evaluation Sub-Factor 1: Sample Task Order (c) refers to Section C requirements (IDIQ Statement of Work). Would the DoS change the wording of Evaluation Sub-Factor 1: Sample Task Order as follows?
| The Government will evaluate whether the proposed technical approach includes evidence of specific methods, techniques, and approaches that demonstrate how the Sample Task solution meets the Sample Task Order requirements located in Exhibit B. | Refer to revised provision L.19.1, Subfactor 1 under Factor 1. | |
| H.7 Contract Personnel Requirements. H.8 Key Personnel | H.7 states, “Candidates for contract personnel will not be evaluated at the IDIQ level. Resumes for contract personnel should not be included in the technical proposal. Contractors shall propose contract personnel at the task order level.” |
| Exhibit B, Statement of Work paragraph 8.1 states, “The contractor shall assign to this order the following key personnel: Project Manager, Lead Trainer, and Construction Engineer.” Please specify which resumes, if any, are offerors required to submit with their proposal. | See Comment 7 | |
| E.4 Performance Incentive Plan | E.4 states, “The contractor shall propose a Performance Incentive Plan (PIP) that includes metrics and service level agreements at the task order level, if required. |
E.4 also states, “The offeror shall use the RFP attachment entitled “Service Level Agreement” in developing its service level agreements for the task order.”
Is a PIP required for the sample task order?
| If a PIP is required, will the DoS provide a “Service Level Agreement” for the sample task order? | No. A Performance Incentive Plan as defined in Section E.4 of the IDIQ is not required for the Sample Task Order. | ||
| SF-33, Block 10.B L.9, para 1, pg. 121 | The telephone number (703-875-6843) provided for Anil Nayak in the solicitation does not appear to be the correct telephone number. The voice message response for this telephone number belongs to someone else. Please verify this telephone number and, if necessary, provide the correct telephone number. | The contact information is correct. | |
| B.4.f pg. 3 | Does the government intend that all translators are US citizens, resident aliens, or individuals with permits to work in the United States? | No. Translators can be either U.S. citizens, third country nationals, or local nationals, depending on Task Order requirements. | |
| B.4.n, pg. 3-4 | B.4.n.1 states “A normal workweek is based on a seven-day workweek.” However, the definitions included in B.4.n.2 through B.4.n.6 do not include a 7 day workweek (for CONUS work it is a 5 day work week while for OCONUS work it is a 6 day work week). Can the Government please clarify? | Section B.4(n)(1) has been amended to read, "A normal workweek falls within a consecutive seven-day period." | |
| C.4.2.1, pg. 33 | The solicitation states: “The contractor shall be prepared to transport a wide variety of items in support of Host Nation/Partner Nation operations, to include: |
• Host Nation/Partner Nation Personnel
• Equipment (to include common heavy equipment like vehicles, generators, and water purification plants)
• Rations and other life support
• Ammunition (including high explosives)
• Host Nation/Partner Nation casualties.”
| Given the possibility that a contractor could provide its own air transportation for movement of cargo or passengers, does the Government intend to have a qualified Government Flight Representative on hand to monitor these flights? | Yes. The intention is to have a Government Technical Monitor present but transportation requirements will be determined on the task order level. | ||
| E.4, pg. 43-44 | The solicitation states “The offeror shall use the RFP attachment entitled ‘Service Level Agreement’ in developing its service level agreements for the task order.” Such an attachment was not included in the solicitation. Can the Government please provide? | A Service Level Agreement is not required at the IDIQ contract level. A Service Level Agreement may be required at the task order level. | |
| H.4.d, H.4.e, pg. 65 | Since the place of performance and specifics about the individual task orders are not yet known, will the Government consider removing the requirement to submit evidence of coverage at the IDIQ level for aircraft and vessel liability insurance, and consider addressing evidence of coverage for these areas at the task order level? | Refer to revised clause H.4(i). | |
| H.5.1.1, pg. 67 | The section states that an example irrevocable letter of credit (ILC) will be provided with the solicitation. However, one is not included in the attachments to the solicitation. Can the Government please provide an example? | Refer to revised clause H.5.1.1. Reference to ILC attachment is removed. | |
| H.5.1.2, pg. 67 | Since performance and payment bonds would be specific to the task orders and task order requirements are unknown at this time, will the Government consider removing this requirement from the IDIQ contract level and address performance and payment bonds at the task order level, when applicable? | No. The clause is incorporated in the IDIQ. | |
| H.27, pg. 82 | H.27 states “states that “In accordance with the Fly America Act, the Contractor shall use United States air carrier service for all air travel and cargo transportation services funded by the United States Government.” In other sections of the RFP, the text refers to the contractor providing air transport for passengers and cargo. Is the transport of people and cargo by the contractor not funded by the US Government or will the Contractor have to pursue an Exception to the Fly America Act as prescribed in 49 U.S.C. 40118? | Contractor transport of people and cargo is funded by the U.S. Government. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 40118 and 14 FAM 581.4 Using U.S.-Flag Air Carriers, the Fly America Act establishes as a legal requirement that all U.S. Government-financed air travel and cargo transportation services be performed on U.S.-flag air carriers. Exceptions to the Fly America Act are provided in 14 FAM 583.6. | |
| L.18, L.18.1, pg. 123 | The solicitation states “there is a 150 page limit imposed on Volume I, Technical Proposal, Volume II, Similar Experience and Past Performance.” Please confirm that the 150 page limit is cumulative for Volumes I and II (excluding the Past Performance Contract Profiles and Past Performance Customer Satisfaction Surveys excluded through Section L.18.1). | Cumulative. See comment 11 | |
| L.18, L.19.1 Subfactor 1, pg. 123 and 126 | The solicitation states “there is a 150 page limit imposed on Volume I, Technical Proposal, Volume II, Similar Experience and Past Performance.” Please confirm that this includes the 40 page limit set out for the Sample Task Order. | See comment 11. | |
| L.19.4.3, pg. 144 | The solicitation states, “… In addition, the teaming arrangements must be identified, company relationships must be fully disclosed, and respective responsibilities and method of work must be expressly stipulated.” Can the Government please clarify if this solicitation section is only for Joint Venture Offerors, or does the Government wish for Offerors with Subcontractors under Teaming Agreements to provide copies of their fully executed Teaming Agreements in this Section, and include a discussion of the relationship between the prime and Subcontractors and their respective responsibilities? | This generally applies to Joint Ventures. Teaming Arrangement are not applicable and will not be recognized. | |
| M.9.1 Factor 1, pg. 148 | The solicitation states the Government will evaluate “the extent to which a comprehensive technical proposal and contract work breakdown structure identifies innovation and the methods of service delivery to be employed by the offeror to meet the program and mission requirements set forth in Section C.” Please confirm that the evaluation of meeting program and mission requirements from Section C refers to alignment with the requirements included in the Sample Task Order only. | The standards and criteria listed under Factor 1 -- Technical Approach, Sub-Factor 1 is for the evaluation of the sample task order only. | |
| Attachment B, Sectoion 6.1, pg. 1-5 | Does the Contractor need to provide travel arrangements or life support for training participants? | Refer to Section 6.1.5 of the revised Sample Task Order. The MAF will be responsible for all life support of its personnel, including shelter, rations, potable water, and transportation. | |
| Attachment B, Section 6.1.1.1, pg. 2 | Per Section 6.1.1.1, the contractor is required to develop and conduct a training program for a variety of medical personnel and specialties. Paragraph 6.1.1.8 requires offerors to include in the proposal the tasks, conditions, and standards for each course, a listing of the blocks of instruction, the length of the course in hours, required course material, and maximum student attendance for each course. To allow offerors to provide the most comprehensive technical solution, will the Government please answer the following. | ||
| (1) Will the Government provide a list of courses or course topics for the Medical Technical Training School to be addressed in the Proposal response to the sample task order? (2) If the Government desires the contractor to propose courses or course topics, will the number of proposed courses be limited in consideration of the nature of the sample Task Order and page count restrictions? (3) Can the course overviews (task, conditions, standards; blocks of instruction; and required course materials) be submitted as an appendix to the Proposal and exempt from the 40 page count? | 1) Section 6.1.1.8 has been renumbered and revised. Refer to Section 6.1.3 in the revised Sample Task Order. 2) Refer to Section 6.1 in the revised sample task order for revised training requirements; 3) No. Refer to Provision L.19.1 of the IDIQ for updated page limits | ||
| Attachment B, Section 6.1.1.3, pg. 2 | Paragraph 6.1.1.3 states that the contractor “shall provide and train primary refresher medical basic course curriculum and provide all materials required to facilitate the training courses for entry as well as advanced level training.” Will the Government please verify that the primary refresher training is for the equivalent of U.S. Military/Army Medical Officer’s Basic Course? If not, please provide the course or course equivalent for the refresher training. | Requirement in Section 6.1.1.3. for primary refrehser medical basic course curriculums and materials has been removed in its entirety. Refer to Sample Task Order Section 6.1 for new training requirements. | |
| Attachment B, Section 6.1.1.3, pg. 2 | Paragraph 6.1.1.3 states “all training courses shall run concurrently and have three iterations conducted over the base period and options identified herein.” Please confirm this requirement requires three iterations of the course during the base period and three iterations in each of the subsequent option years. | See comment 68. | |
| Attachment B, Section 6.1.1.4, pg. 2 | Paragraph 6.1.1.4 requires the contractor to recruit and field U.S. or Western "trained and licensed medical doctors and professionals" to train and mentor the MAF medical personnel. 1. Does the Government have a minimum, or preferred, requirement for the number of doctors - as opposed to other medical professionals (RNs, LPNs, PAs, technicians) - assigned within each of the sub-categories (6.1.1.4.1 - 6.1.1.4.12)? |
2. Does the USG require the physicians to be board certified in the specialty areas listed? 3. Can physicians who are board certified in one area provide training and mentorship for other specialty areas? 4. Will the USG expand the CLINs to include a labor category for each of these specialties given the fact that a Cardiologist’s pay rate differs from that of an Internal Medicine physician? 5. Does the USG have an estimate of how long the training and mentorship programs will operate (days, weeks, months, or years)?
| 6. Does the USG expect the contractor to establish a residency type of program for each of the specialties listed? | Requirement 6.1.1.4 for U.S. or Western trained and licensed medical doctors and professionals, to train and mentor existing and assigned MAF medical personnel has been removed in its entirety. Refer to Task 6.1 for revised training requirements. | |
| Attachment B, Section 6.1.2, pg. 3 | In order the properly scope the requirement for conducting an assessment of MAF medical hospitals and clinics, can the Government please provide: |
1. How many facilities would be included in the assessment?
2. What are the locations of the facilities?
| 3. Does the US Government expect the Medical Capability Assessment to include JHACO standards? | See comment 46. | ||
| Attachment B, Section 6.1.2, pg. 3 | Will the Government provide an organizational table/chart for the Malian Armed Forces medical corps to assist in the development of the approach for conducting the assessment? | See comment 46. | |
| Attachment B, Section 6.1.3, pg. 3 | Paragraphs 6.1.3.1 – 6.1.3.4 state that the contractor shall establish two medical logistics warehouses which will be prefabricated buildings on concrete pads. There are no stated requirements for lighting, storage, or security features. Does the Government require the contractor to provide ancillary items such as electrical wiring, lights, storage shelves, security bars on windows, security doors, etc.? If so, will the Government provide a list of required/desired items? | See comment 36. | |
| Attachment B, Section 6.1.3.3, pg. 3 | Paragraph 6.1.3.3 states that the warehouses “shall be constructed on top of concrete foundations.” Do the concrete foundations/pads already exist or is the contractor responsible for emplacing the foundation? If the latter, can the Government provide specifications on the requirements of the concrete foundation? | See comment 36. | |
| Attachment B, Section 6.1.4.3, pg. 3 | Paragraph 6.1.4.3 directs the contractor to conduct training for 2 weeks. Does the 2 week period include 10, 12, or 14 training days? | Refer to section B.4(n) of the IDIQ for the definition of a workweek in OCONUS locations. | |
| Attachment B, Section 6.1.5, pg. 4 | In order to assist Offerors in providing the highest quality solution, can the Government please clarify: 1. How long will mentors work with MAF? |
2. If this this a one-time event or will the training be repeated periodically? If it is a repeated training, how many times per year?
3. In what language will the course of instruction be conducted?
| 4. If the MAF provide a classroom, computer, projector, electricity, water for students, notebooks, pencils, and other logistical support? | Task 6.1.5 for Medical Operational Planning for Medical Corps Officers has been removed in its entirety. | ||
| Attachment B, Section 6.1.6, pg. 4-5 | What is the final disposition of the field vehicles? Are they to remain USG property under either embassy or contractor control, or provided to the MAF? | For the purposes of the Sample Task Order, the USG intends to grant the field vehicles to the MAF. | |
| Attachment B, Section 6.1.6, pg. 4-5 | Does the contractor have to provide spare parts for the vehicles? If so, can the Government please provide a list of parts required? | Refer to Task 6.2 of the revised Sample Task Order for procurement requirements for field vehicles. Spare parts are not required for the Sample Task Order. | |
| Attachment B, Section 9.5, pg. 5 | Paragraph 9.5 notes that the contractor "shall adhere to the procurement restrictions noted in Attachment X." However, there was no attachment in the solicitation meeting these requirements. Can the Government please provide this attachment? | Section 9.5 has been revised and renumbered. Refer to Section 3.0 of the revised Sample Task Order. Refer to Attachment A -- Foreign Assistance Act Procurement Restrictions. | |
| Section H.7 - CONTRACT PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS and Section H.8 - KEY PERSONNEL | What is the difference between the Contract Personnel in H.7 and Key Personnel in H.8? In paragraph 8.0 of the Sample Task Order Statement of Work it states, “the contractor shall assign the following key personnel: Project Manager, Lead Trainer, and Construction Engineer.” Labor rates for the six contract personnel in H.7 are requested but resumes should not be included in the technical proposal. However, in clause H.8 it states, “the Contractor agrees that a partial basis for award of this contract is the list of key personnel proposed”…by name and labor category, with resumes. Please clarify the difference and identify what is needed as part of the task order response. | See comment 7. | |
| Section M.9.1 Evaluation Factors (Factor 3, Factor 4) | The term Performance Work Statement (PWS) is used in Section M and in several other places throughout the solicitation. It seems to be used interchangeably with Section C and/or Statement of Work. Please clarify if there is a Performance Work Statement and if this is applicable at the IDIQ or Task Order level. | References to Performance Work Statement have been replaced with Section C -- Description/Specifications/Statement of Work | |
| Attachment B - Sample Task Order | What is the language required for training materials and conduct of the training? We note that one of the Key Personnel identified in 8.0 of the Sample Task Order is the Lead Trainer, and in Section H.7.6 of the solicitation the Minimum Qualifications state that "Shall be fluent in reading and speaking the language necessary under the task order...." We understand the official language of Mali is French; are the training materials and course instruction to be delivered in both English and French or will French suffice? | Section 8.0 for Key Personnel has been removed in its entirety. Refer to Sub-Tasks 6.1.6, 6.1.7 and 6.1.8 of the revised Sample Task Order. | |
| General Assumptions, Sample TO | Assumption is armed static and movement security is required? | Refer to Section 6.1.1. of the revised Sample Task Order. The MAF shall be responsible for all security at the sites identified in this SOW, including any personnel movements required to support the Task Order. Independent security arrangements are not required. | |
| General Assumptions, Sample TO | Assumption is host country (Mali) does NOT allow arming by private security firms (G4S has US Embassy Bamako contract and is unarmed - about half the guard forces at US embassies in Africa are unarmed due to host country prohibitions) | See comment 83. | |
| General Assumptions, Sample TO | RSO vetting required of any HCN contract personnel supporting task order? | Contractor staff will not be located at embassy locations. | |
| General Assumptions, Sample TO | Assumption that all vehicles will be unarmored and contractor furnished unless provided by / driven by host country personnel | Refer to Subtask 6.1.1 of the revised Sample Task Order, and Clause H.10 of the IDIQ. | |
| Section L | Reference L.19.1 Technical Approach Subfactor 1: Is the 40-page limit for the Sample Task Order response included in the overall 150-page limit for Volumes I and II? | See comment 11. | |
| Section L | Reference L.19.1, Technical Approach Subfactor 2: Does “Geographic Region” mean the entire continent of Africa or just the geographic region where the Sample Task Order is located? | Pursuant to provision L.19.1, Technical Approach, Sub-Factor 2, Risk Analysis Plan: The geographic region is the entire continent of Africa for the purposes of the IDIQ. The geographic region is Mali, for the purposes of the revised Sample Task Order for Technical Approach, Sub-Factor 1 - Sample Task Order. | |
| Section L | Reference L.19.1, Management Approach Subfactor 3: Is this subfactor waived in its entirety for an offeror that is a certified SDVOSB, or is the subcontractor listing required to be provided by an SDVOSB? | Pursuant to Sub-Factor 3 -- the Subcontracting Plan shall be submitted by large business offerors only | |
| Attachment B | What are the specifications for the Medical warehouses facilities (Height, Plumbing, HVAC, Lighting, Wind loads, etc.)? In addition what are the specifications for the concrete pads? | See comment 36. | |
| Attachment B | Where do we include our pricing for the above mentioned services, considering that the pricing table only includes line items for personnel (program manager, project manager, construction engineer, translator and lead trainer)? | See comment 20. Offerors shall not submit a price proposal for the sample task order. | |
| Attachment B | Do we include import taxes for the vehicles? | See comment 20. Offerors shall not submit a price proposal for the sample task order. | |
| Attachment B | Do we need to build and operate our own camp for our personnel or will they be housed by the prime contractor? | Refer to Section 6.1.1 of the revised Sample Task Order. All contractor travel and life support shall be conducted in accordance with Clause H.10 of the IDIQ. The prime contractor determines the level of support provided to its subcontractors. | |
| Att B, para 6 | Where is the proposed location of the Medical Training School? | See comment 45. | |
| Att B, para 6 | What are the locations of the MAF hospitals and clinics? | See comment 46. | |
| Att B, para 6 | Is the contractor responsible for their own transportation within Mali to the various MAF hospitals and clinic or will the MAF provide transportation? | Refer to Clause H.10 of the IDIQ and Section 6.1 of the revised Sample Task Order. The Contractor shall arrange for its employees’ travel to and from all sites. | |
| Att B, para 6 | Will the MAF provided fuel and maintenance for the vehicles utlized for the travel required for these assessments? | See comment 46. | |
| Att B, para 6 | Will the contractor be responsible for housing and life support for all personnel performing tasks in support of this TO? | Refer to Clause H.10 of the IDIQ and Section 6.1 of the revised Sample Task Order. The contractor shall provide housing and life support in accordance with Clause H.10 of the IDIQ. | |
| Att B, para 6 | If the answer to question 13 is "Yes", where are the projected locations of the sites for these man-camps? | See comment 98. | |
| Att B, para 6 | If the answer to question 13 is "Yes", is the contractor responsible for providing security for these man-camps? | See comment 83 and 98. | |
| Att B, para 6 | Can more detail on the specifications of these warehouses be provided; required height, any nominated prefabricated materials to be used, number of access points with door and lock specifications, details of loading bays for fork lifts, racking specifications, perimeter fencing equirements, alarm system equirements, air conditioning requirements and lighting requirments? | See comment 36 | |
| Att B, para 6 | Are there any specifications required in addition to those listed in 6.1.6? | Section 6.1.6 has been renumbered and revised. Refer to Task 6.2 for specifications for field vehicle specifications. No additional specifications are required. | |
| Att B, para 6 | Is the contractor responsible for all of the associated import duties incurred or will the Mali government provide import duty exemptions for imports associated with this program? | The Mali government will provide import duty exemptions. | |
| Att B, 6.1.1.4 | Section states: "...Contractor shall be required to recruit and field U.S. or Western trained and licensed medical doctors and professionals, to train and mentor existing and assigned MAF medical personnel, up to ten (10) per specialty area unless otherwise noted..." Is a security clearance required for the medical training staff? | See comment 70. | |
| Att B, 6.1.1.4 | Section states: "...Contractor shall be required to recruit and field U.S. or Western trained and licensed medical doctors and professionals, to train and mentor existing and assigned MAF medical personnel, up to ten (10) per specialty area unless otherwise noted..." Is it 10 training personnel per specialty or 10 students per specialty? | See comment 70. | |
| H.9 | |||
| Section states: "...(2) All contract personnel filling overseas positions (or extended/multiple/frequent TDY travel as determined by the COR) must be medically cleared/certified…" Is there a DOS specified Medical clearance required? | No. There is no DOS-specified clearance. | ||
| H.7.7 | Section states: "...This includes the completion of training before deployment…" Is there a DOS specified deployment training required? | Pursuant to Clause H.7.7 of the IDIQ, all contractor personnel shall meet all training requirements defined at the IDIQ and task order level. Refer to Clause H.7 of the IDIQ for training requirements for Contract Personnel. Additional labor categories and training requirements may be specified at the Task Order level. | |
| Att B, 6.1.1.1 | Section states: "...Contractor shall develop and conduct a training program for military medical staff, technicians, hospital administrators, general medicine, a range of medical specialties, and tactical combat casualty care (TCC) training…" Please confirm section 6.1.1.1 is an overview of Task 1 and 6.1.1.2, 6.1.1.3 and 6.1.1.4 are discreet tasks? | Refer to Section 6.1 of the revised Sample Task Order. Training tasks have been renumbered and revised. Task 6.1 (Training) is a task and Sections 6.1.6 (TCCC Training), 6.1.7 (CLS Training), and 6.1.8 (EMI Training) of the revised Sample Task Order are subtasks. | |
| Section L | There is conflicting language in the solicitation regarding key personnel. Please clarify whether resumes for key personnel are or are not required with the proposal. If required, where do they go in the proposal, and are they subject to the page count? | See comment 7. | |
| H.7 | Section states: "...Lead Trainer "Shall be fluent in reading and speaking the language necessary under the task order..." Is a Lead Trainer required at the Program Management Office level or only at the Task Order level? If at the Program Management Office level, proficiency in which language will meet the requirement of "Shall be fluent in reading and speaking the language necessary under the task order". | Only at the Task Order level. | |
| Att B, 6.1.4 | TASK 4:Ê CombatÊ Lifesaving (CLS) Training states: "… Contractor shall repeat training at up to twelve (12) locations…" Where are the twelve (12) locations in Mali for this training? Also, should the contractor be prepared to provide the training at more than one location simultaneously? If simultaneously, how many should contractor plan to provide in this manner? | Refer to section 2 and subtask 6.1.7.4. of the revised Sample Task Order for training locations. The contractor shall propose sequential training modules. | |
| Att B, 6.1.3.1 | Section states: "...Contractor shall establish two medical logistic warehouses in Bamako and Mopti, Mali…" Does the government desire two warehouses built at Bamako and Mopti or 1 warehouse each in Bamako and Mopti? | See comment 36 | |
| Att B, 6.1.3.1 | Section states: "...Contractor shall establish two medical logistic warehouses in Bamako and Mopti, Mali..." Does the government desire only the outer structure constructed (and priced), or interior design also (i.e. shelving, interior office area etc). | See comment 36 | |
| Att B, 6.1.3.5 | Section states: "...The contractor shall propose a course on Medical Operational Planning for Medical Service Corps Officers that is designed to produce a cadre of medical service corps officers capable of planning operational medical support along the continuum of care, including medical logistics..." Is the government intent for the contractor to design a course that would mirror Army/Joint military operational deployment planning of medical capability, such as (as it relates to US OPLAN development), planning expertise to provide and scope an OPLAN Appendix within an OPLAN. | Task 6.1.5 for Medical Operational Planning for Medical Service Corps has been removed in its entirety. | |
| Section C.4.1.6 immediately follows Section C.4.1.4 with no Section C.4.1.5. | Is there a Section C.4.1.5 that was inadvertently omitted? | See comment 5. | |
| Section L.18: The last sentence of reads, “There is a 150 page limit imposed on Volume I, Technical Proposal, Volume II, Similar Experience and Past Performance.” | Is it your intent that each Volume is 150 pages for a total of 300 pages between Volume I and Volume II or that the combined Volume I and Volume II page count restriction is a total of 150 pages? | See comment 11. | |
| Section L18.1: Sub-Factor 1: Sample Task Order (d) reads, “The response shall not exceed forty (40) pages.” | Are those 40 pages counted as part of the total page count, or in addition to the total page count as outlined in Section L.18 and mentioned in the previous question? | See comment 11. | |
| Section H.7 Contract Personnel Requirements; Attachment B – Sample Task Order Statement of Work, Section 8.1 | Section H.7 Contract Personnel Requirements: “Candidates for contract personnel will not be evaluated at the IDIQ level. Resumes for contract personnel should not be included in the technical proposal.”Attachment B – Sample Task Order Statement of Work, Section 8.1 reads, “The contractor shall assign to this order the following key personnel: Project Manager, Lead Trainer, and Construction Engineer.” Should actual key personnel be assigned and resumes provided for the Sample Task Order? | See comment 7. |
This is the start of the file's text. The full file is on GovTribe.
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .