Attachment_I_-_Questions_and_Answers_(A005).xlsx
XLSX spreadsheet 51 KB Posted
- Attached to
- AFRICAP
- Solicitation number
- SAQMMA15R0022
About this file
Attachment I - Questions and Answers (A005)
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
Sheet1
| Section | Question | Answer |
| Attachment B 6.2.1 | Attachment B 6.2.1 – states “All equipment shall be delivered no later than 60 days ARO”. Please define ARO | For the purposes of the sample task order, ARO is defined as "After Receipt of Order" |
| Sample Task Order | In the Sample Task Order, are there currently ongoing efforts for Train-the-Trainer in Provision of Medical Services? If so, will these incumbent employees be available to interview for re-hire? | There are no ongoing efforts. |
| Table 7 Pricing spreadsheet | There are errors in Table 7 Pricing spreadsheet. These are in row 55 and columns F,G,I,J,L,M,O,P,R,S,U,V,AND W. The cells are not expandable so will not allow the appropriate dollar values to be inputted. Will these columns and row be unlocked, or a corrected spreadsheet re-distributed with all cells unlocked so they are expandable? | The cells have been expanded and re-locked. |
| H.5.1.2 | H.5.1.2 states, “The Contractor shall provide the bonds required by paragraph H.4.1 thirty days after contract award.” |
Should the reference to H.4.1 be revised to H.5.1.1?
| Clause H 5.1.2 has been updated to include the following language: The Contractor shall provide the bonds required by paragraph H.5.1.1 thirty days after contract award. | |
| L.9; Q&A row 280; Q&A (price) row 20 | L.9 states, “The Contractor shall provide one (1) original and five (5) hard copies and CD of each Volume” |
Q&A row 280 states, “CD-ROMs shall be submitted for each volume identifed in RFP Section L.17.”
Price Q&A row 20 states, “Contractors shall provide one original and five copies of each volume. Each of the six price volumes shall include one CD.”
Assuming that Volume III, Price requires 6 CDs (one in each binder), clarify if the requirement for CDs for Volumes I, II, and IV is one for each volume, or six CDs for each volume.
| Provision L.9 has been updated to reflect the following: The Contractor shall provide one (1) original and five (5) hard copies, and two (2) CDs for each Volume in Provision L.17. | |
| Q&A row 31, 143, 206; L.18.1 | Q&A responses state that the cover letter should be included only in Volume I, Technical Proposal. The paragraph at L.18.1 references the cover letter as part of the price proposal and business proposal. |
| Should the phrase “including the cover letter” be deleted from the last paragraph in Section L.18.1, as this sentence references Volumes III and IV? | Provision L.18.1 has been updated to remove reference to the cover letter for volumes III and IV. | |
| L.18.1 | Exclusions from Page Limitations |
Would the Government consider excluding the following from the page limitations for Volume II:
(a) Table of Contents
(b) Dividers, Tabs, and Cover Sheets
| No, the exclusions from the page limitations stand as written. | |
| Q&A row 7, 207, 275 | Q&A responses state that resumes shall not be submitted as part of the technical proposal. |
| Confirm whether offerors are to submit resumes for the three key personnel named in the Sample TO, as part of the response to Sub-Factor 1, Sample Task Order, which is a sub-factor within the technical proposal. | No resumes shall be submitted or evaluated for the sample task order. | |
| Q&A row 145 | Q&A row 145 states, “Page limits cannot be ‘reallocated.’” |
The page limit for Volumes I and II combined is 200 pages with some exclusions. The Sample Task Order is not to exceed 60 pages. Q&A row 145 indicates that page limits cannot be reallocated.
1. Please clarify. If the offeror’s Sample Task Order comprises less than 60 pages, can the total for the remaining pages in Volumes I and II be greater than 140 pages?
2. As an example, if the offeror’s Sample Task Order were to be 50 pages in length, would the limit for the remaining sections in Volume I and II be 150 pages or 140 pages? The Government's response to question 145 in Attachment H is amended herein: offerors may allocate pages in Volumes I and II at their discretion. Pursuant to provisions L.18 and L.19, the page limitations establish a not to exceed threshold.
For example:
If the Technical response to the Sample Task Order is sixty (60) pages in length, the limitation for the remaining sections in Volumes I and II would be 140 pages.
If the Technical response to the Sample Task Order is fifty (50) pages in length, the limitation for the remaining sections in Volumes I and II would be 150 pages.
If the Technical response to the Sample Task Order is forty (40) pages in length, the limitation for the remaining sections in Volumes I and II would be 160 pages.
L.19.1; Q&A row 235, 236 There are parts of the instructions in L.19.1 which appear to require an overall technical approach and an overall management approach, in addition to and separate from the sub-factors (Sample TO, RAP, QCP, Partnering/Subcontracting, and Subcontracting Plan). Section M does not provide a separate evaluation criteria for an overall technical and management approach separate from the sub-factors.
L.19.1 states, "The Contractor shall submit a clear and complete description of its approach for performing the DOS AFRICAP training, logistics and construction tasks. The Contractor’s technical and management approach shall demonstrate utilization of government best practices and be compliant with industry and Government standards, as applicable."
L.19.1 also states, "The Contractor’s technical and management approach shall include a sound technical proposal that clearly demonstrates how implementation of the proposed solutions will deliver timely, standard, reliable, secure, flexible, responsive, compliant and cost effective services to meet the needs of DOS."
1. As the scope of work in the Sample TO applies only to training, is the offeror to provide an additional discussion of technical approach to logistics and construction as a response to Factor 1, separate from Sub-Factor 1 (Sample TO)?
2. Please confirm whether the Goverment is requesting a technical approach and a management approach at the factor level, separate from the sub-factor responses. Section L.19 has been updated to remove the following: The Contractor shall submit a clear and complete description of its approach for performing the DOS AFRICAP training, logistics and construction tasks. The Contractor’s technical and management approach shall demonstrate utilization of government best practices and be compliant with industry and Government standards, as applicable.
1. The Government will only evaluate the proposal against the standards and criteria identified in Sub-Factor 1 -- Sample Task Order.
2. The offeror shall submit a technical approach proposal and management approach proposal which includes the subfactors identified in Provision L.19.1.
Q&A row 272 Provide a current statement of financial condition, certified by a third party that includes copies of:
The USG is asking for certified financials by a third party. This is a significant expense for small business and is not normally done. Annual IRS schedule C filings are accepted by SBA and VA for SDVSOB validation.
| Will the USG allow submission of schedule C filings prepared by a third party accounting firm be used in lieu of special third party certification? | Section C filings prepared by a third party accounting firm are acceptable. | |
| Q&A row 497, 498 | Confirm whether the Government desires that a List of Figures and/or Glossary of Acronyms and Abbreviations be provided? |
| If so, confirm that these are not exempt from the page limitations, as they are not listed in the updated Section 18.1. | A List of Figures and/or Acronyms can be included at the offeror's disretion. The list will not be excluded from the page limitations. | |
| Q&A row 498 | Response for the question on row 498 states, “See comment 498.” |
| Please clarify; perhaps this is a typo? | See comment 13 in Attachment I. | ||
| Q&A row 233 | Please explain the contractor's responsibilities associated with Leahy vetting requirements. | Actual vetting will be conducted by Department of State. The contractor shall be responsible for ensuring that only vetted personnel take part in training. Division of responsibility is clarified in revised section 6.1.2 of the revised Sample Task Order. | |
| Attachment B, 7.1 | |||
| RFP Section F.4 | Please confirm whether a Procurement Status Report is to be submitted with the offeror's proposal as indicated in Attachment B paragraph 7.1 or bi-weekly and upon request as indicated in RFP Section F.4. | A Procurement Status Report is not required for the Sample Task Order. The requirement for a Procurement Status Report in Attachment B has been removed in its entirety. | |
| Attachment B, 7.1 | |||
| RFP Section F.4 | Please confirm whether a Task Management Plan is to be submitted with the offeror's proposal. | Refer to Section 7.4 of the Sample Task Order. The contractor shall provide a task order management plan in accordance with IDIQ Section F.4 | |
| Attachment B, 3.1 | Where can offerors locate the cited "Implementation Guidance for Offerors" for designing procurement strategies? | Refer to Section 3.0 of Attachment A -- FAA Procurement Restrictions | |
| Attachment B, 6.2.1 | What are the DOS Leahy Law guidelines for vetting personnel for suspected human rights abuses? How can a contractor obtain a copy of the Leahy Law guidelines and our requirements as a contractor? | See comment 15. | |
| Attachment B, 6.1.6.5 and 6.1.8.2 | What French reading level should be implemented for the medical training course material, the pre-training, and post-training testing material? | Literacy is limited. The contractor shall assume proficiency of the trainees is "Intermediate mid" under the ACTFL and 1 on the DLPT scales. | |
| Attachment B, 6.2.1 | What does the acronym "ARO" stand for? | See comment 1. | |
| Attachment B, 6.3.2.2 | The explanation of "lower pad used for drainage and anchor points" and "external pad" is not defined in detail. Please provide either a simple diagram of these two pads or a more complete definition. For example, does the lower pad consist of a concrete or gravel pad? | Refer to revised Task 6.3 for Tent Pad specifications and diagrams in the revised Sample Task Order. | |
| Attachment B, 6.3.2.4 | How many outlets should be provided and what type of wiring (load, amps) should be included? | See comment 22. | |
| Attachment E - Pricing Tables, Tab 7, IDIQ Prices (Amend 0003) | Columns for the indirect/overhead on the Government-provided travel costs (columns F,I,L,O,R) are too narrow for the computed totals to be shown. |
1. Will the Government unprotect formatting and allow offerors to set the column width needed?
| 2. Will the Government increase the width of these columns to allow computed indirect costs to be printed and legible? | See comment 4. | ||
| Attachment F, rows x514, x515, x516, x517 | Please specify the hertz required for the generators (i.e., 50 hertz or 60 hertz). | Refer to revised requirements in Attachment F. The requirement is 50 hertz. | |
| Attachment B, 6.3.2.6 | Please provide a more complete description of the interface between the two pad levels. Are the two levels separated by a step (height?) or does the external pad slope away from the tent pad (minimum slope)? | See comment 22. | |
| Section L.19.1, Sub-Factor 3, paragraph 2, items A-E | Paragraph (2) states, "The information set forth below shall be provided for each subcontractor, if any, proposed." |
| Is this requirement applicable only to subcontractors if proposed to support the labor categories identified in the Pricing Tables [Contract Administrator (CONUS), Program Manager (CONUS), Program Manager (OCONUS), Project Manager (OCONUS), Construction Engineer (OCONUS), Translator (OCONUS), and Lead Trainer (OCONUS)]? | All large prime business offerors are required to follow the instructions in Provision 19.1, Sub-factor 3. | |
| Section L.19.1 | In reference to Section L.19.1 and FAR 44.202-2 (particularly paragraph (a) items 5 and 8-12): |
Particular elements of FAR 44.202-2 are specific to task order requests for proposal and would be submitted for consent to subcontract as part of that proposal or as part of the award of those subcontracts as directed by the PCO/ACO. FAR 44.202-2, (2)(B)(5), (8) through (12), specifically, are examples of task order technical or cost/price details that would typically be provided during that process. In an effort to ensure a compliant response to the requirement and because offerors are NOT required to price the sample task order, does the USG prefer the offeror to speak to these areas in general or in some other prescriptive manner? Consent to subcontract in accordance with FAR 44.202 and Sub-Factor 3: Subcontracting Plan will not be evaluated for the purposes of the sample task order. Pursuant to Provision L.19.1, an offeror's management and technical response to Attachment B -- Sample Task Order shall include: i. Task Order Work Breakdown Structure (Technical Approach, Sub-Factor 1);
ii. Quality Control Plan (Management Approach, Sub-Factor 1);
iii. Risk Analysis Plan (Technical Approach, Sub-Factor 2);
iv. Partnering/Subcontracting (Management Approach, Sub-Factor 2).
The quality control plan, risk analysis plan and partnering/subcontracting shall include the same criteria established in the RFP.
| Attachment B, paragraph 6.1.6.1 | Section states: "...Contractor shall develop and conduct a TCCC training program pursuant to guidelines in section C.4.1.9 of the IDIQ…" Should the IDIQ reference be to C.4.1.5 instead of C.4.1.9? | Section 6.1.6 of the revised Sample Task Order has been updated to reflect the following change: Contractor shall develop and conduct a TCCC training program pursuant to guidelines in section C 4.1.5 of the IDIQ |
| H.10 | Will life support accommodations be made available at any of the four locations where training is to be provided? Or will the contractor have to establish separate life support installations at each location? | The contractor is responsible for all life support considerations for its own personnel. |
| L.19.3.2 (26) | Section States: "...26) In Pricing Table 6, each proposed NTE unit price shall consist of the equipment’s direct costs, applicable indirect costs, and profit. It shall not consist of any other costs…" Is it a correct interpretation that this means shipping costs will be negotiated at the task order level? | Yes. Shipping costs will be negotiated at the task order level and shall not be included in each proposed NTE unit price. |
| IDIQ SOW C.4.1.2.5, TO 6.1.7.5 | C.4.1.2.5 Equipment and Resources states "The Contractor shall provide all resources, equipment, materials, and supplies to conduct the CLS training." However, 6.1.7.5 The Task Order states "The MAF shall provide all medical equipment, supplies, and expendables required for training." Please clarify. | Pursuant to Section 4.1 of the IDIQ, additional training support requirements may be determined at the task order level. For the purposes of the Sample Task Order, 6.1.7.5. supercedes the training course requirements at the IDIQ level. The MAF will provide all medical equipment, supplies, and expendables. |
| IDIQ SOW C.4.1.5.5, TO 6.1.1, TO 6.1.6.4 | IDIQ C.4.1.5.5 Equipment and Resources states "The Contractor shall provide all resources, equipment, materials, and supplies to conduct the TCCC training." However, 6.1.1 states "The Contractor shall furnish all management, supervision, labor, materials, equipment, and incidentals required to complete the work described in this SOW, unless otherwise noted as a MAF responsibility..." and 6.1.6.4 The Task Order states "The MAF shall provide all medical equipment, supplies, and expendables required for training." Please clarify. | Pursuant to Section 4.1 of the IDIQ, additional training support requirements may be determined at the task order level. For the purposes of the Sample Task Order, 6.1.1. and 6.1.6.4 supercede the training course requirements at the IDIQ level. The MAF will provide all medical equipment, supplies, and expendables. |
| A003 Question #10 | There is an inconsistency in this answer. The referenced sections are relative to the Sample Task Order response (Factor 1, Subfactor 1). As such, this portion of our proposal should address how we will perform the requirements of Attachment B. However, the Section L instructions for the Sample Task Order response require discussion of how we will meet the requirements of Section C -- the IDIQ contract-level. There is a similar discontinuity for Factor 1, Subfactor 2. Please clarify whether our Factor 1, Subfactors 1 and 2 discussion should address requirements of Attachment B or Section C. | Refer to Technical Approach Sub-Factor 1: The Offeror shall submit a management and technical approach in response to Attachment B – Sample Task Order. For the puroposes of the sample task order, the risk analysis plan shall address the requirements in Attachment B -- Sample Task Order. |
| A003 Question #19 | Very few large businesses -- and NO SDVOSBs -- will have experience on contracts of similar size ($1.5 billion). Will the Government consider a more reasonable approach to establishing size similarity by considering such to be at the estimated task order value of $3-5 million? | L.19.2 has been updated to include the following: |
For the purposes of similar size, dollar value will be evaluated in one of the two followings ways: (1) multiple simultaneous task orders with an overall value of at least $15 million in geographically dispersed locations; and/or (2) a contract vehicle with a maximum value similar to the maximum quantity identified in RFP Section B.3.
| A003 Question #50 | Section L revision noted, but Section M still refers to "Section C". Please revise Section M.9.1 to agree with the revision to Section L. | M.9.1 has been updated in reflect the following: 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 Attachment B -- Sample Task Order. |
| A003 Question #83 | This answer contradicts H.10, which states "...(2) The Contractor shall arrange for housing, food, transport [emphasis added], office supplies, communications (any type) and all other basic requirements for its employees…" Please clarify. | The answer to Question 83 in Attachment H is revised to clarify that the MAF is responsible for transportation of its own personnel, but the MAF will provide security for contractor movements. The contractor must provide transportation for its personnel in accordance with H.10. and revised Section 6.1.1. of the revised sample task order. |
| A003 Question #134 | Is this evaluation for key personnel to be performed on the Sample Task Order, or only personnel proposed on task orders subsequent to IDIQ award? | No resumes shall be submitted or evaluated for the sample task order. |
| A003 Question #273 | H.5.1.1 requires a 100% performance bond for the entire contract value when doing construction. Many times the construction piece is a fraction of the total contract value. Historically the bonding on standard Fixed Price construction contracts is 10%. Would DOS consider reducing the performance bond required from 100% to 10% and based on the value of construction scope only? | Refer to Clause H.5.1.1. The bonding requirement is 25%. |
| A003 Question #353 | No requirement for a discussion of mobilization is mentioned/required by Section L. Please clarify requirement to incude mobilization "…as part of the technical proposal…" | Mobilization shall be described in the technical response for the Sample Task Order. Refer to revised Sections L.19.1 and M.9.1 of the IDIQ. |
| Attachment B - Sample Task Order, Para 7.1 Procurement Status Report | A Procurement Status Report is required to be submitted as part of the Sample Task Response. RFP Section L does not include Instructions for the placement of a Procurement Status Report. Will the Government allow the contractor to address the Procurement Status Report as a part of its Sample Task Management Plan, submitted as an Appendix to the Technical Volume? If not, will the Government provide Instructions within L.19.1 identifying where to present the Mali Sample Task Procurement Status Report and if it is included as part of the 200 total page count? | See comment 16. |
| Attachment B - Sample Task Order, Para 7.5 Task Management Plan | A Task Management Plan is required to be submitted as part of the Sample Task Response. RFP Section L does not include Instructions for the placement of a Task Management Plan. Will the Government accept a Task Order Management Plan, developed for the Mali Sample Task, submitted as an Appendix to the Technical Volume? If not, will the Government provide Instructions in L.19.1 identifying where to address the Task Management Plan and if it is included as part of the 200 total page count? | See comment 17. The Task Order Management Plan shall be submitted as part of the offeror's technical response to the Sample Task Order. Pursuant to Provision L.19.1, the page limitation for the technical response to the sample task order is sixty (60) pages. |
| RFP Section K and Answers to Questions | Amendment 0003 Answer to Question 373 states that Section K has been revised to state the NAICS code is 561210 however Section K still states 541690. Will the Government provide a revised Section K? | Section K has been revised to reflect the accurate NAICS code, 561210. The small business threshold for this NAICS code is $38,500,000.00. |
| TASK 6.3 Construction of Tent Pads for storage | Reference states “Each pad shall have heavy duty concrete encased electrical outlets ready for connection to external power sources” |
a. What are the specific power requirements (i.e. 220-240 vs 110-150)
b. What size panel? (i.e. 50 amp 100 amp)
c. What specific plugs are expected?
d. Any lights, HVAC, requirements
e. No other utilities are assumed water, sewer, correct?
a. The power requirements are 220-240.
b. The panel size is 50 amp.
c. Type E.
d. No.
e. No other utilities are required.
| Attachment B - Sample Task SOW 6.1.6.1 | SOW Sec. 6.1.6.1 states, “Contractor shall develop and conduct a TCCC training program pursuant to guidelines in section C.4.1.9 of the IDIQ.” The reference to IDIQ section C.4.1.9 does not refer to the TCCC training program. Was the intent to reference IDIQ section C.4.1.5? | See comment 29. |
| Question/Answer #12, L.19.1 | The Government answered Question #12 stating, “A partnering/subcontracting plan is required…” Does the Government mean the Contract Partnering/Subcontracting section is required at both the IDIQ and sample task order level versus a Subcontracting Plan? Or said differently, does the Government mean addressing partnering/subcontracting at the IDIQ and sample task order level versus providing a Subcontracting Plan at both levels? | Pursuant to Management Approach, Sub-Factor 3, a Subcontracting plan is required at the IDIQ Level for large business offerors. Pursuant to Technical Approach, Sub-Factor 1 and Managment Approach, Sub-Factor 2, a partnering/subcontracting approach is required at both the IDIQ and Task Order level for all offerors. |
| H.7 – Contract Personnel Requirements | In order to ensure we provide the government with a complete, compliant proposal, please answer the following questions regarding Key Personnel and the submission of resumes: | |
| H.8 – Key Personnel | 1) Does the contractor need to submit resumes for key personnel in response to the sample task order? | See comment 38. |
| L.19.1 – Technical Proposal Format | 2) What positions are considered key personnel in the sample task order? | See comment 38. |
| Attachment B – Sample Task Order (A003) | 3) Are resumes for sample task order key personnel to be included within the 60 page sample task order response or can they be included in an appendix? | See comment 38. |
| H.19 | 4) Please confirm that there is no requirement to submit resumes for any additional personnel at the IDIQ level. | Confirmed. Resumes shall not be submitted or evaluated at the IDIQ level. |
| And Q&A #9, #279, and #329 | The answers to questions indicate that H.19 will be revised to address security clearances. However, in Amendment 003, H.19 still states: “(f) Personnel performing on this contract will require SECRET personnel security clearances”. Can we assume this requirement will be removed from the RFP? | Section H.19.(f) has been updated to including the following: Clearance requirements for personnel will be specified at the Task Order level. |
| L.19.2 | Past performance requirements and the associated Attachments C and D are unchanged from the original RFP. We are assuming that we do not have to re-submit Customer Surveys if our contract profiles have not changed and our customers have already submitted surveys. Is this assumption correct? | Correct. |
| L.19.3.1 – Price Proposal Information | The Government provided, as a representative of the “Other Direct Costs/Materials” section, an estimated direct travel cost of $70,000,000 for each contract period. This number is unrealistic and will not provide an accurate representation of a contractor’s price competiveness. Would the USG consider reducing this number to actual historical averages or change the title of X400 to “Materials” instead of travel? | The Government has determined that $70,000,000 is a realistic estimate for all non-equipment ODCs/Materials, including Travel. Because the Government anticipates that a significant amount of the $70,000,000 will be for travel and because offerors need to know what indirect cost rate description(s) (e.g., Overhead, G&A, Material Handling) to apply to the $70,000,000 RFP-specified estimated direct cost, the Government identified Travel as the most appropriate direct cost element. |
| Attachment B – Sample Task Order (A003); page 2 | Paragraph 6.1.6.2 states that for the Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) training, the “Contractor shall plan to conduct a three (3) week long training program…” Paragraph 6.1.7.3 states that for the Combat Lifesaving (CLS) training, the “Contractor shall plan to conduct a two (2) week long training program….” We take these two paragraphs to mean that the contractor is expected to develop a 3-week long Program of Instruction (POI) for TCCC and a 2-week long POI for CLS. This is confusing for us because according to the course director for the US Army’s TCCC training proponent (Combat Medic Training Department, US Army Medical Department Center and School, Fort Sam Houston, TX), the official TCCC course POI calls for two days of training covering 16 hrs of instruction, to include testing. Further, although the two courses can be taught separately – and often are – the entire 16-hr TCCC POI is incorporated in the five day/40 hr POI for CLS. This can be seen in both the US Army’s CLS Course Student Handbook and the US Marine Corp’s Field Medical Training Battalion’s CLS/TCCC Handout – both of which cite TCCC as a subset of the CLS training POI. Given some of the training challenges present in Mali and the requirement in paragraph 6.1.7.2 to expand upon the US Military’s CLS POI, we can easily take the 40-hour US Doctrine CLS Training POI and develop a two or even three week 80-120 hr CLS POI for the MAF. Will the USG confirm that it wants the contractor to take the US Army’s two day/16-hr TCCC POI and expand it into a 3-week/120-hr POI and, if so, what additional topics outside of the existing 16-hr POI would the USG like us to include in the expanded POI? | Time frames have been removed from the course descriptions in Sections 6.1.6. and 6.1.7. The contractor shall provide a technical response that is compliant with the course descriptions in the IDIQ Sections C.4.1.2. and C.4.1.5. Any approach meeting those course descriptions and the requirements in section 6.1 of the Sample Task Order, and which fits within the overall period of performance, is acceptable. |
| Attachment B – Sample Task Order (A003); page 3 | Will the USG confirm that the external pad referenced in the second sentence is the lower pad referenced in the first sentence? | See comment 22. |
| Attachment B – Sample Task Order (A003); page 4 | These paragraphs call for the concrete pads to be able to support two base-X model 307 tents on the upper pads and provide the USG’s requirements and desired locations for the USG’s desired anchor points. The website for the base-X model 307 tent (http://www.hdtglobal.com/product/hdt-base-x-model-307/) provides its dimensions and also a picture that shows six tie down connectors along each of the tent’s two longer sides. These connections are paired so that ropes from the connections only require three anchor points along each of the longer sides of the tent. Given that the dimensions for the upper pad are 13m x 17m, while the exterior dimensions for each tent are 6.25m x 10.67m, there seemingly is no way to place the two tents on the upper pad without at least a portion of the longer sides of the tents facing each other, which, in turn, would require the anchor points for the facing tent sides to be on the upper pad. Further, the manufacturer’s picture shows six (6) anchor points per tent – 1 at each of the four corners, and an additional one in the middle on each of the two longer sides. Para 6.3.2.7 calls for the contractor to install a total of eight (8) anchor points. As a minimum, with the two tents erected side by side, they would require 9 anchor points (3 down the outside edge of the tent on the left, 3 down the outside edge of the tent on the right, and three down the middle of the two tents that can be used to anchor their facing walls simultaneously. This seems to contradict the USG’s guidance for the anchor points. Does the USG have a base drawing that shows the two tents mounted on a pad with the six anchor points for each? | Refer to Section 6.3 of the revised Sample Task Order. The contractor shall propose a solution in compliance with the specifications in the revised Sample Task Order and included drawings. |
| Attachment B – Sample Task Order (A003); page 4 | How many heavy duty concrete encased electrical outlets are required per pad? What are the maximum electrical loads that will pass through the outlets? How many electrical sockets are required per outlet? Where should these outlets be located? | See comment 22. |
| Attachment E –Pricing Tables | For the six month option period the USG decremented the labor hours by half but did not decrement the equipment totals. Was this intentional? | Yes, it was intentional. |
| Solicitation Section L.18 | If offerors elect to include a List of Acronyms in their proposals for Volumes I and II will this List of Acroynms be counted within the page limit? | See comment 13. |
| Attachment B Section 6.2.1 | Please define "60 days ARO" as it relates to the procurement and delivery of the field vehicles. Does this mean 60 days after manufacture of the field vehicles is complete? 60 days from NTP would preclude all U.S. manufacturers of the field vehicles. | |
| See comment 1. Section 6.2.1 of the Sample Task Order has been revised. All equipment under 6.2.1 shall be delivered no later than 365 days ARO. | ||
| Attachment B Section 7.5 and Solicitation Section F.4 | Are offerors required to submit full programs of instruction with their sample task order response to support their technical approach as part of their Task Order Management Plan? If so, will the Government consider not including these programs of instruction in the 200 combined page limit imposed on Volumes I and II? | No, a full POI is not required with the Technical Proposal. |
| Attachment F CLIN X518 | Please confirm it is the Government's intent to include the ambulance in the equipment for this CLIN. | CLIN X518 only includes the hospital. All ambulances will be procured as separate items. See revised X518 description in Attachment F. |
| Attachment H, Technical Question 9 and Section H.19 (f) | Clause H.19 (f) of the IDIQ still states that all “personnel performing on this contract will require SECRET personnel security clearances”. The answer to question 9 states that H.19 has been revised; however, the Offeror does not notice any revised requirements in H.19 (f) from the original solicitation. This requirement will restrict all personnel to American Nationals only given that TCN and HN personnel are not eligible for U. S. SECRET Clearances. This will significantly increase the price of Task Orders and negatively impact capacity building of host nations. Would the Government consider removing the H.19 (f) requirement? | See comment 52. |
| Attachment H, Technical Question 10 and 65, Amendment A003 Section L.19.1 | Under Technical Proposal L.19.1 it states: "The Contractor shall submit a clear and complete description of its approach for performing the DOS AFRICAP training, logistics and construction tasks." Given that the scope of the Sample Task Order represents a very limited percentage of required tasks across the entire IDIQ SOW (Section C), the Offeror assumes DOS requires a comprehensive description of the Offeror’s approach to Section C in its entirety. Under which Sub-Factor should this description be provided in our proposal? | See comment 11. Section L.19 has been updated to remove the following: The Contractor shall submit a clear and complete description of its approach for performing the DOS AFRICAP training, logistics and construction tasks. The Contractor’s technical and management approach shall demonstrate utilization of government best practices and be compliant with industry and Government standards, as applicable. |
| Attachment H, Technical Question 17 | The answer to this question regarding the Subcontracting Plan states the following, “SB goal percentages should be expressed as a percentage of total subcontracting dollars, not the total contract value on future task order awards”. This contradicts L.19.1 Sub-Factor 3 Subcontracting Plan, which states “The Offeror shall provide a detailed subcontractor management plan narrative, dollar amounts, and including the percentage of work which the Offeror has committed to each firm…”. The Offeror assumes we are to provide SB goals in dollar amounts and percentages. Is this assumption correct? | The assumption is correct. The offeror shall provide subcontracting goals in both dollar amounts and percentages of total subcontracting dollars. |
| Attachment H, Technical Question 19 | The answer to this question introduced an implied qualifier of similar size programs to be a value of $1.5 Billion. In the original solicitation, similar size was not qualified as $1.5 Billion. Size relevance would be more consistent by demonstrating ability to perform several concurrent Task Orders in a single year and would provide more relevance given the very limited number of programs with this scope with operations in Africa that are valued at $1.5 Billion. Given this would the Government consider reverting to the original solicitation and removing the $1.5 Billion qualifier? | See comment 35. |
| Attachment H, Technical Question 30, Amendment A003 Section H.5.1.2 | The answer to this question stated the reference to H.4.1 in H.5.1.2 was corrected to H.5.1.1; however, this was not corrected in the revised solicitation. Would the Government please correct this reference? | See comment 5. |
| Attachment H, Technical Question 82, 122 and 275, Amendment A003 Section H.7 Contract Personnel Requirements, H.8 Key Personnel | Given the scope and complexity of AFRICAP the experience and credentials of the personnel managing the IDIQ and Task Orders are critical for performance. Would DOS consider allowing Key Personnel resumes in the IDIQ and Task Order and evaluating them to reduce the risk to the Government and provide certainty that the Offerors they select will be staffed with personnel that have the necessary experience to perform this contract? | See comment 51. |
| Attachment H, Technical Question 140 and 17 | In question 140, the question was asked, “Does the 50% limitation on subcontracting apply to each individual task order or to the estimated value of the IDIQ contract?” The answer was “See comment 17. Proposals must comply with FAR 52.219-14 and 13 CFR 125.6.” Since FAR 52.219-14 and a corresponding SBA regulation, 13 CFR 125.6 require that small business primes must perform at least 50 percent of the cost of the contract with its own employees, the Offeror assumes this requirement is only for small business primes who receive Set aside awards. Is this assumption correct? | For total or partial set- aside contracts, the contractor must meet the limitations on subcontracting in each period of the contract—i.e., the base term and each option period. Where an order is set aside (under a full and open contract or reserve), the contractor must comply with the limitations on subcontracting for that order. |
| 1. Attachment H, Technical Question 278, Amendment A003 Section H.9 (o) | H.9 (o) states, “… The contractor shall ensure that each employee or subcontractor undergo a health examination annually.” Since medical facilities do not exist in many of the locations in which AFRICAP performs work, would the Government consider excluding this requirement for Local National medical checks? | H9(o) has been updated to remove the following: The contractor shall ensure that each employee or subcontractor undergo a health examination annually. |
| Attachment H, Technical Question 503, Amendment A003 Section B.14 – Not to Exceed Unit Price for Equipment | Contractor assumes all NTE unit prices (Section B.14 / Attach E – Pricing Tables /Table 7) shall be based on new equipment. In the event that refurbished or used equipment becomes available at the time of the Task Order, Offerors could provide discounts from the unit prices provided in the IDIQ. This will allow the Government to evaluate IDIQ unit pricing equally while offering the flexibility to purchase new, used or refurbished equipment at the Task Order level at the Offeror’s discounted rate. Would the Government please confirm that this assumption is correct? | Only new equipment is permitted for the proposal of equipment items under Attachment F. Any requirements for remanufactured/used equipment will only be specified at the Task Order level. |
| Amendment A003 Section B.14 – Not to Exceed Unit Price for Equipment | Section B.14 requires contractors to provide NTE unit prices for the duration of the IDIQ vehicle, which will then be used as the NTE during Task Order proposals. Equipment prices vary significantly year to year based on the world economy, effects of world events, as well as the volume being procured at any given time. Would the Government consider reverting to the original Government provided plug number for evaluation purposes? | No. The Government has determined that direct equipment NTE unit prices can be proposed and awarded for each IDIQ year at a risk level that is fair to both parties. |
| Amendment A003 Section L.9 Proposal Delivery, L.19.3.2 Price Proposal Instructions | Based on the Amendment 003 clarification in Section L.9 Proposal Delivery, the Government is asking for an original and five copies and CD of each Volume in Provision L.17. |
In L.19.3.2 Price Proposal Instructions, the Government states that the electronic price proposal shall include documents in Word, PDF, and/or Excel, as specified. The Offeror assumes all other volumes may also be submitted in Word, PDF, and/or Excel, as appropriate. Is this assumption correct?
| All other volumnes may be submitted in Word, PDF, and/or Excel, as appropriate. | ||
| Amendment A003 Section M.10 - Price Evaluation | The government reflects Row 61 in the Pricing Table 7; however, the row in the Excel model that computes the total price is in row 62. Would the Government please update this reference? | Yes. Section M.10 has been amended. |
| Amendment A003, Attachment F | Regarding the certification documentation that must be included with the proposal for several CLIN equipment items, the Offeror assumes this documentation is to be provided in Volume III Price Proposal. Is this assumption correct? | Yes. Certification does not count against the page limit. |
| Amendment A003, Attachment F, CLIN X501 APC, Wheeled, Troop Carrier | a) Do the APCs need to be equipped with automatic or manual transmission? |
b) Regarding the requirement that certification documentation from a competent testing authority must be presented with proposal, which testing authority will be accepted?
c) VHF radio manufacturers have different installation racks for vehicle mounted radios depending on make and model. Would the Government please clarify what provisions are required for installation of a VHF radio?
d) Is air conditioning required in any/all vehicles?
a) Automatic or manual transmission is acceptable.
b) Certification from any testing authority that has provided certification for protective equipment provided to the United States Government is sufficient. Refer to revised Attachment F.
c) Radio requirement is removed, as end-user requirements cannot be determined at the IDIQ level. Radios will be purchased separately at the task order level.
d) Yes. Refer to revised Attachment F.
Amendment A003, Attachment F, CLIN X502 APC, Wheeled, Ambulance a) Do the APCs need to be equipped with automatic or manual transmission?
b) Regarding the requirement that certification documentation from a competent testing authority must be presented with proposal, which testing authority will be accepted?
c) Should the Doctor’s bag contain medical equipment and if so would the Government please provide a list of items to be included in it?
d) Should the suction pump be battery operated or electrical? If the latter, would the Government please specify the requirement for installation of a 12v or 24V receptacle in the rear compartment of the vehicle?
e) Would the Government please specify the type and quantity of specific resuscitation drugs required?
f) How many channels should the VHF radio be able to accommodate?
g) VHF radio manufacturers have different installation racks for vehicle mounted radios depending on make and model. Would the Government please clarify what provisions are required for installation of a VHF radio?
h) Is air conditioning required in any/all vehicles?
a) Automatic or manual transmission is acceptable.
b) Certification from any testing authority that has provided certification for protective equipment provided to the United States Government is sufficient. Refer to revised Attachment F.
c) As this cannot be defined at IDIQ level, it is removed from revised Attachment F. All/any medical equipment will be ordered seperately at TO level.
d) Battery operated.
e) This requirement has been removed from Attachment F. Consumables will be purchased and specified at the Task Order level.
f) Radio requirement is removed, as end-user requirements cannot be determined at the IDIQ level. Radios will be purchased separately at the task order level.
g) See comment 78(f).
h) Yes. Refer to revised Attachment F.
Amendment A003, Attachment F, CLIN X503 APC, Wheeled, Recovery a) Do the APCs need to be equipped with automatic or manual transmission?
b) Regarding the requirement that certification documentation from a competent testing authority must be presented with proposal, which testing authority will be accepted?
c) VHF radio manufacturers have different installation racks for vehicle mounted radios depending on make and model. Would the Government please clarify what provisions are required for installation of a VHF radio?
d) Is air conditioning required in any/all vehicles?
e) Historically AFRICAP has used the M936 military recovery truck to provide this capability. Would this type of crane mechanism be acceptable? a) Automatic or manual transmission are acceptable.
b) Certification from any testing authority that has provided certification for protective equipment provided to the United States Government is sufficient. Refer to revised Attachment F.
c) Radio requirement is removed, as end-user requirements cannot be determined at the IDIQ level. Radios will be purchased separately at the task order level.
d) Yes. Refer to revised Attachment F.
e) Yes.
Amendment A003, Attachment F, CLIN X504 Single-Cab Pickup a) VHF radio manufacturers have different installation racks for vehicle mounted radios depending on make and model. Would the Government please clarify what provisions are required for installation of a VHF radio?
b) Do the single-cab pickups need to be equipped with automatic or manual transmission?
c) Is air conditioning required in any/all vehicles? a) Radio requirement is removed, as end-user requirements cannot be determined at the IDIQ level. Radios will be purchased separately at the task order level.
b) Automatic or manual transmission is acceptable.
c) Yes. Refer to revised Attachment F.
Amendment A003, Attachment F, CLIN X505 Truck, Utility/Cargo 2.5-5 ton a) VHF radio manufacturers have different installation racks for vehicle mounted radios depending on make and model. Would the Government please clarify what provisions are required for installation of a VHF radio?
b) Do the trucks need to be equipped with automatic or manual transmission?
c) Is air conditioning required in any/all vehicles? a) Radio requirement is removed, as end-user requirements cannot be determined at the IDIQ level. Radios will be purchased separately at the task order level.
b) Automatic or manual transmission are acceptable.
c) Yes. Refer to revised Attachment F.
Amendment A003, Attachment F, CLIN X506 Truck, Utility/Cargo 7-10 ton a) VHF radio manufacturers have different installation racks for vehicle mounted radios depending on make and model. Would the Government please clarify what provisions are required for installation of a VHF radio?
b) Do the trucks need to be equipped with automatic or manual transmission?
c) Is air conditioning required in any/all vehicles? a) Radio requirement is removed, as end-user requirements cannot be determined at the IDIQ level. Radios will be purchased separately at the task order level.
b) Automatic or manual transmission are acceptable.
c) Yes. Refer to revised Attachment F.
Amendment A003, Attachment F, CLIN X507 Water tanker a) VHF radio manufacturers have different installation racks for vehicle mounted radios depending on make and model. Would the Government please clarify what provisions are required for installation of a VHF radio?
b) Do the water tankers need to be equipped with automatic or manual transmission?
c) Is air conditioning required in any/all vehicles?
d) Is the water tank required to be made out of stainless steel?
a) Radio requirement is removed, as end-user requirements cannot be determined at the IDIQ level. Radios will be purchased separately at the task order level.
b) Automatic or manual transmission is acceptable.
c) Yes. Refer to revised Attachment F.
d) Any solution capable of transporting potable water is acceptable.
Amendment A003, Attachment F, CLIN X508 Fuel tanker a) VHF radio manufacturers have different installation racks for vehicle mounted radios depending on make and model. Would the Government please clarify what provisions are required for installation of a VHF radio?
b) Do the fuel tankers need to be equipped with automatic or manual transmission?
c) Is air conditioning required in any/all vehicles?
a) Radio requirement is removed, as end-user requirements cannot be determined at the IDIQ level. Radios will be purchased separately at the task order level.
b) Automatic or manual transmission is acceptable.
c) Yes. Refer to revised Attachment F.
Amendment A003, Attachment F, CLIN X509 Truck, Recovery a) VHF radio manufacturers have different installation racks for vehicle mounted radios depending on make and model. Would the Government please clarify what provisions are required for installation of a VHF radio?
b) Do the trucks need to be equipped with automatic or manual transmission?
c) Is air conditioning required in any/all vehicles?
d) Historically AFRICAP has used the M936 military recovery truck to provide this capability. Would this type of crane mechanism be acceptable? a) Radio requirement is removed, as end-user requirements cannot be determined at the IDIQ level. Radios will be purchased separately at the task order level.
b) Automatic or manual transmission is acceptable.
c) Yes. Refer to revised Attachment F.
d) Any vehicle meeting the specifications in Attachment F is acceptable.
Amendment A003, Attachment F, CLIN X510 Truck, Recovery a) VHF radio manufacturers have different installation racks for vehicle mounted radios depending on make and model. Would the Government please clarify what provisions are required for installation of a VHF radio?
b) Do the trucks need to be equipped with automatic or manual transmission?
c) Is air conditioning required in any/all vehicles?
d) Historically AFRICAP has used the M936 military recovery truck to provide this capability. Would this type of crane mechanism be acceptable? a) Radio requirement is removed, as end-user requirements cannot be determined at the IDIQ level. Radios will be purchased separately at the task order level.
b) Automatic or manual transmission is acceptable.
c) Yes. Refer to revised Attachment F.
d) Any vehicle meeting the specifications in Attachment F is acceptable.
| Amendment A003, Attachment F, CLIN X511 Forklift, rough terrain | a) Does the rough terrain forklift need to be 4X4? | Yes. Refer to revised Attachment F. |
| Amendment A003, Attachment F, CLIN X512 Container forklift | a) Would the Government please specify maximum load capacity? | No ceiling is provided. The forklift is only required to meet the minimum specification (i.e. fully-loaded 20 ft ISO container). |
| Amendment A003, Attachment F, CLIN X513 Water treatment plant | a) Is the trailer required to have off-road capability? |
b) What type of hook is required for the trailer?
c) Is the requirement for production of 2,000 liters per hour for potable water or treated water?
a) Yes. Refer to revised Attachment F.
b) Any towing system is acceptable that will allow for the system to be towed by lines X505 and X506 in Attachment F.
c) The requirement is for production of 2,000 liters of treated water.
Amendment A003, Attachment F, CLIN X514 Generator 51-75 kVA a) Does the generator need high-sulfur African “dirty-diesel” capability?
b) Is the trailer required to have off-road capability?
c) What type of hook is required for the trailer?
a) Yes, refer to…
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 .