SAQMMA17R0268_QA_-_V.4_(AF-SA).xlsx
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A003 SAQMMA17R0268 Questions/Responses
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| Security Sector Program Development Support RFP # SAQMMA17R0268 Questions & Answers | ||
| Reference | Question | Answer |
| RFP Section C-003, page 9 states the Technical Proposal shall include the SF 33 and the schedule of costs or prices in the Uniform Contract Format Section B, pages 2 and 3 of the solicitation. However, inclusion of SF 33 is not addressed in Section L-001 Technical Proposal Instructions, Section L-002 Cost/Price Proposal Instructions, or Section L-007 Technical Proposal Format. | Please clarify that the Technical Proposal shall include completed pages 1 (SF 33), 2 & 3 (Section B) of the solicitation? | Provision L-001 (Technical Proposal Instructions) has been updated to include the following: The offeror shall complete blocks 12 through 18, as appropriate, of the SF 33. The offeror shall acknowledge all amendments either by signing and returning the SF30 (i.e., cover page only) or by acknowledging the amendments in Block 14 of the SF33. Offerors shall submit the complete offer as part of their technical proposal. Section B-002 (Cost Estimates) and B-003 (Fixed Fully Loaded Hourly Labor Rates) shall not be included in the technical proposal. |
| n/a. | Who is the incumbent contractor(s)? | The subject RFP is for a new requirement. |
| RFP Section F-006. | What is the period of performance or start date? | The period of performance will commence on the date of award. Refer to Section 3 (Period of Performance) and Section 7 (Milestones). "Start" and "Finish" timelines for each Milestone are determined by the date of award. Offerors shall use (for pricing purposes) the following award date: June 12, 2017. Provision L-002 (Cost/Price Proposal Instructions) has been amended to include the following: For price proposal and evaluation purposes, offerors shall assume the following period of performance for the base period: June 12, 2017 through June 11, 2018; and, June 12, 2017 through June 11, 2019 for Option Period 1. |
| n/a. | When interpreters are required, does the Department of State/Government provide those or is that an offeror’s responsibility? |
If that’s an offeror’s responsibility, is the cost covered as an ODC?
| The offeror will be required to converse and interact with Somali-speaking populations under requirements 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3. If relevant proposed direct-hire staff are fluent in Somali, no interpretation is required to be provided. If direct-hire staff are not fluent in Somali, interpretation requirements are the responsibility of the contractor. Section 5.1.2, 5.2.5, and 5.3.2 have been revised to state: "The contractor will be responsible for any necessary interpreter support under this section." | ||
| SOW Section L-007, Factor 3: Similar Experience | Is there a specific format for the similar experience examples or can the offerors provide our own that provides the pertinent contract information? | There are no specific formatting requirements for similar experience examples. The offeror shall provide sufficient information to meet the requirements under Provisions L and M of the RFP. |
| RFP Section L-001. | Are the similar experience examples exempt from the Technical Proposal page count? | Provision L-001 (Technical Proposal Instructions) has been updated to include the following: The following are exclusions from the page limitation: (a) Cover Letter |
(b) Table of Contents
(c) Dividers, Tabs, and Cover Sheets
(d) Similar Experience Profiles/Examples (e) Letters of Commitment (f) Contractor-completed SF30 and SF33
| RFP Section L-001. | Are the LOCs exempt from the Technical Proposal page count? | Refer to Cell C8 | |
| SOW Paragraph 8.1.1.3 and 8.1.2.2. | Are the Team Leader/Somalia Area Specialist and the Analyst/Somalia Security Sector Specialist required to be U.S. citizens? | No. The Team Leader/Somalia Area Specialist and the Analyst/Somalia Security Sector Specialist are not required to be U.S. citizens. | |
| SOW Paragraph 5, Requirements and Paragraph 8, Key Personnel. | When the Team Leader/Somalia Area Specialist and the Analyst/Somalia Security Sector Specialist are in Somalia, will they be billeted within the Mogadishu International Airport compound? | There are no specific billeting location requirements. The contractor may propose whatever arrangement is advantageous from the standpoint of technical approach and best value. | |
| SOW Paragraph 5, Requirements and Paragraph 8, Key Personnel. | When the Team Leader/Somalia Area Specialist and the Analyst/Somalia Security Sector Specialist are in Somalia, is transportation and security provided by the SNA or is that a Contractor's responsibility? | Refer to Section 5.4 (Life Support) of the revised Statement of Work: The Contractor shall arrange for its employees’ travel to and from all sites specified in Section 4 (Place of Performance). The Contractor shall arrange for housing, security, food, transport, office supplies, communications (any type) and all other basic requirements for its employees | |
| RFQ Section L-001 | Will the Government consider providing a detailed pricing table template to ensure an equitable comparison of the separate bids? | Offeror shall submit cost/price proposals in accordance with Provision L-002 (Cost/Price Proposal Instructions) and Provision L-003 (Price Tables). | |
| RFQ Section F-007 | How much time will each of the personnel spend in Nairobi, Kenya on average per month? | The offeror shall assume that the only required travel to Nairobi will be for deliverable 6.5. The estimated time spent can be extracted from the description of the deliverable under 6.5. Any other travel to Nairobi is at the discretion of the contractor. | |
| SOW Paragraph 5.2-5.3, Pilot Project Design and Monitoring. | What are the current US assistance programs (Pilot Projects) targeting SNA? | The United States has been providing assistance to the SNA since 2007, but there are no ongoing pilot projects of the type described in the Statement of Work. This is a new effort. | |
| SOW Paragraph 5.2-5.3, Pilot Project Design and Monitoring. | How many pilot projects are currently running? | Refer to cell C15 | |
| SOW Paragraph 5.2-5.3, Pilot Project Design and Monitoring. | Will DOS provide all available intelligence products to our employees detailing SNA structure by regional representation, clan, and loyalties including detailed bios on key actors within SNA and the Federal Government of Somalia? | No. The offeror is responsible for demonstrating an understanding of and expertise regarding current security sector dynamics in Somalia without the assistance of the U.S. Government. | |
| SOW Paragraph 5.2-5.3, Pilot Project Design and Monitoring. | What type of on-going US support is under consideration for realignment? | Stipends, logistical support (rations, fuel), non-lethal military equipment, limited infrastructure support, training for multi-clan, mobile infantry units. | |
| SOW Paragraph 5.2-5.3, Pilot Project Design and Monitoring. | Is the contractor required to collect and report only on USG existing programs in Somalia or existing FGS programs as well? | The monitoring requirements described under 5.3 pertain to the pilot projects arising under this Statement of Work (i.e. from Section 5.2). | |
| SOW Paragraph 5.2-5.3, Pilot Project Design and Monitoring. | What are DOS/US desired outcomes within the security sector? | Refer to SOW Section 1.1 for background on U.S. objectives under this contract. | |
| SOW Paragraph 5.2-5.3, Pilot Project Design and Monitoring. | Under this contract, will the contractor have access to additional intelligence products amongst other inter-agencies in order to develop qualitative analysis/recommendations? | See cell 17. | |
| SOW Paragraph 6.3, 6.5 Mobilization Plan/ Deliverables In person briefing in Somalia. | Will contractors be protected under some sort of 'SOFA-like' arrangement with FGS? | No. | |
| None. | What is the security clearance requirement for the two key personnel positions? | There are no security clearance requirements under this Task Order. | |
| RFP Section L-006. | Due to the nature of this RFP and the questions asked, it may take the Government a little time to respond. Will the Government consider extending the due date in order to allow contractors to react to the answers to industry questions and prepare responses to this complex RFP? | Yes. Refer to Provision L-006 (Proposal Due Date). Response to the RFP is due no later than 1000 (10:00 AM EDT) 18 May 2017. | |
| RFP Section H-032 and H-033. | Does award of this contract keep the awardee from being able to bid on any future DOS Somalia efforts? If so, what are they? | Clause H-032 (Organizational Conflict of Interest - General) has been updated to include the following: Any award resulting from the competition under this solicitation will proposal preclude the awardee from bidding on any forthcoming contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements proposed as a result of the pilot project development requirements under Section 5.2. | |
| RFP Section B-003, SOW 8.1, SOW 8.1.1 and SOW 8.1.2. | |||
| The Table in Section B-003 leads us to believe there is one (1) FTE for each labor category as does the language in SOW Paragraph 8.1.1 . The language in SOW Paragraph 8.1.2 also leads us to believe the position requirement is singular. However in SOW Paragraph 8.1, it statements "At a minimum..." which leads Offerors to believe there are more than two (2) FTE as does the narrative is SOW Paragraph 6.10.1 which states "...identifies innovation and the methods of service delivery....". | Is the base requirement for two (2) FTE per year; one for each labor category? | Yes. Offerors must assign the key personnel in Clause H-016 to the task order. Section 8.1 (Key Personnel) has been updated to remove "at a minimum". Pursuant to Provision L-007 (Technical Proposal Format), offerors may propose additional staffing at their discretion to demonstrate the ability to provide uninterrupted advisory and program development support in austere environments. | |
| L-007, SubFactor 2 A. There are many ways to solve this challenge put forth in the SOW. In many cases, the employees on site and the Government can benefit from innovative solutions to these problem sets. The current construct for this RFP does not allow for the pricing of an innovative solution as an option for the Government without running the risk of pricing a contractor out of the work entirely. | Will the Government consider adding an innovation CLIN for each year? This will allow Offerors to propose innovative solutions to satisfying some of the more challenging aspects of the SOW and simultaneously allow the Government to separate out these CLINs and evaluate price factors of the other CLINs for an apples-to-apples comparison between the multiple bids. | No. The CLIN structure will stand as written. | |
| RFP | We kindly ask that DOS to consider an extension, given the tight deadline. Also, as questions are submitted on the 14th, adequate time will be needed in order to allow enough time to finlized qualify bids following the release of the Q&A by DOS | Refer to Cell C24. | |
| RFP | Given that this is a mutli-year, firm fixed price project with many comlex variables, we would like to ask for DOS to provide an estimated budget | DOS will not provide internal budget estimates. CLIN 005 and 1005 has been revised to include the following: Travel and Life Support Costs. Life support under this contract is defined as Contractor Security, food, water, accommodations, office supplies, and communications (any type) | |
| RFP P. 37, Factor 1-C | Please clarify what is menat by "reach back" capability | Reach-back capability generally means the ability to obtain subject matter expertise to support on-site personnel. | |
| RFP P. 37, Factor 2-sub factor 1 Quality Control Plan-B | Since this project is more focused on advisory support services, is DOS expecting a distribution plan for supplies and equipment to remote areas in Somali? If so, please clarify the need. If not, please confirm is a "distribution plan" is a requirement of teh Quality Control Plan. | Yes. Refer to Provision L-007 (Technical Proposal Format): The quality control plan shall include a distribution plan, including supplies, advisory support services, and equipment to remote locations, and the ability to work with African militaries in sub-Saharan Africa. | |
| RFP p. 38, Factor 2-sub factor 2 Time and Schedule-B | Please confirm is the provision of "life support" services are a requirement for this solicitation. | Refer to Cell C12. | |
| RFP p.40, Technical Evaluation Factors | Please advise on how each section of the technical proposal will be weighted or scored relative to a total number of points. Should bidders assume that the Management Approach section is weighted significantly more than the other sections as it is the first section of the proposal? | Provision M-002 (Technical Evaluation Factors) has been revised to include the following: Factors 1 through 4 are referred to as the Technical Factors. Factor 5 is a Price Factor that will be evaluated separately and applied in the determination of best value. Factors 1 through 5 are listed in descending order of importance, with Factor 1 being the most important. | |
| RFP Page 31, List of Attachments | Attachment 2: PKO Restriction Documents- Please Clarify | J-001 (List of Attachments) has been revised and renumbered to include the following: Attachment 2 (Vehicle and Equipment Procurement Restrictions Under the Foreign Assistance Act); Attachment 3 (Vehicle and Equipment Procurement Restrictions Under the Foreign Assistance Act -- Annex 1); Attachment 4 (Vehicle and Equipment Procurement Restrictions Under the Foreign Assistance Act -- Annex 2) | |
| SOW Page 3, 5.3.1.2 | On page 3 of the SOW it states the following. 5.3.1.2. "The contractor will oversee and monitor the delivery of such assistance by third parties, in order to ensure that it is consistent with the recommendations provided. The contractor shall immediately inform the Government if delivery of assistance by third parties is inconsistent ...." Please indicate who the third parties are and what assistance they are implementing as referenced. | Third parties will consist of the contractors, grantees, and other implementers that will implement the pilot projects that are developed under 5.2. Because these will be new efforts, it is not possible identify the implementers in advance. | |
| SOW Page 3 | On page 3 of the SOW it states the following. 5.3.1.4. The contractor shall visit project sites and interview the Somali units receiving U.S. assistance, and solicit feedback regarding the impact of the programming, not less than once per month. |
5.3.1.5. The contractor shall visit local communities serviced by the forces receiving assistance under the Pilot Projects, and provide data on how the projects are impacting local security conditions, not less than once per month. 1. For budgeting purposes, is it possible that DOS can provide a list of the project sites and provide clarity on the "Somali units" as referenced under 5.3.1.4 . 2. Under 5.3.1.5, is it possible that DOS can provide the "local communities" referenced. Finally, can DOS provide a list and description of the "Pilot Projects?
| 1. No - the contractor must provide an estimate based on the assumption that it will be monitoring at least two pilot projects that will be taking place in remote areas of Somalia. Provision L-002 has been amended to include the following: Offerors shall calculate their proposed fixed fee dollar amount by multiplying the sum of the RFP-specified estimated direct cost and proposed applicable indirect costs by the proposed fixed fee percentage. The RFP-specified estimated direct cost for CLINS 005 and 1005 is $500,000. Provision L-002 (Cost/Price Proposal Instructions) has been revised to reflect the change. 2. No - this will arise from the pilot project. 3. No, the contractor is responsible for developing the pilot project under Section 5.2. | ||
| SOW Page 8, Key Personnel--8.1 | With regards to the Team Leader requirements as stated in 8.1.1.3.2: Would DOS consider changing the requirements so to allow for proposed Team Leaders who have less than 10 years of experience producing research, analysis and reporting in Somalia. While at the same time, meeting all other requirements as stated for this position? | Section 8.1.1.3.2 of REV 1 of SOW has been updated to state: “eight years” |
| F-007 Place of Performance | Could the place of performance include countries other than Kenya and Somalia (ie Djbouti) | Refer to G-004 (Change Order Procedures): Revised program development requirements (if later required by the Government) shall be solicited and negotiated after task order award in response to the Government’s issuance of a change order(s), pursuant to FAR 52.243-1 (Changes – Fixed-Price) and FAR 52.243-2 (Cost Reimbursement). |
| H-002 Company Business Cards | Would the contract allow for the use of a cover story in order to minimize relationship with DoS while conducting business with Somali nationals? | No cover story shall be provided or utilized |
| L-002 Cost/Price Proposal Instructions | Does this contract allow for material solutions, either as a direct sale or donation? | The terms "material solutions" "direct sale" and "donation" are not listed in Provision L-002 (Cost/Price Proposal Instructions) or the SOW. Refer to Section 5.2.4 for defense goods and services requirements for each pilot project. |
| SOW 1.1 | Will this contract afford the opportunity to work with other security services beyond the SNA? | The focus of this contract is the SNA and regional/Federal Member State security forces that may potentially be integrated into the SNA, due to restrictions on the type of funding used to fund the contract. |
| General question. | Will the project team have access to USG intelligence that can impact their activities? | See cell 17. |
| General question. | Would there be a conduit to report into USG intel? | Not directly between the contractor and the IC. |
| General question. | Is there a list of current security sector reform projects [that could help us plan where we have a plan on visiting?] | Current efforts are focused on Mogadishu, locations in the Banadir region, Galcaayo, and Kismaayo. This should not be taken as a recommendation to focus on these areas for all visits, since pilot projects proposed under this Task Order can/should include locations that do not currently host U.S. projects. |
| General question. | Would the team have access to any DoS evacution services [e.g. Medevac]? | No. The contractor team will not have access to DOS evacuation services. Refer to Section 5.4.2 (Life Support) of the revised Statement of Work: The Contractor shall develop a medical evacuation plan for all personnel performing under this task order. |
| General question. | What is the level of support we will have from US Embassy Somalia in making diplomatic level contacts to FGS and all regional governments in southern Somalia? | In most cases, support will be limited to initial introductions. Provision L-007 (Technical Proposal Format) has been updated to include Management Approach, Sub-Factor 3: Offerors shall demonstrate either existing relationships and ability to operate within Somalia, or demonstrate the capability to quickly establish relationships with key actors without Government assistance. Provision M-002 (Technical Evaluation Factors) has been updated to include Management Approach, Sub-Factor 3: The Government will evaluate the extent to which offerors demonstrate the ability to operate within Somalia, or demonstrate the capability to quickly establish relationships with key actors without Government assistance. Provision L-001 (Technical Proposal Instructions) has been updated to include the following: There is a thirty-five (35) page limit imposed on the technical proposal. |
| General question. | In our pilot project formation phase, what would be our level of access to DoS and DoD funding programs? For example, can we utilize funding from 2282,PREACT,PKO,GPOI, and any other remaining Series 1200 programs to fund our recommendations? Is IMET on the table to recommend training programs/exchanges back to CONUS? | Any funding decisions regarding pilot projects are the reserve of the U.S. Government - the contractor will not have "access" to U.S. funding. |
| General question. | Further on pilot project recommendations, to what extent may we utilize DoD MTTs forward in our projects? Currently conventional forces are limited to MIA and Kismayo for the most part. | Pilot projects should not make assumptions regarding use of U.S. military personnel. Section 5.2.2.1 of REV 1 of SOW has been updated to state: “Recommendations shall not assume the availability of U.S. military personnel for implementation. All projects shall be implementable without the support of the U.S. military." |
| General question. | To what extent can we consider Puntland Defense Forces for integration with FGS and other Southern Somali regional forces? | This will depend on decisions made by the FGS and the FMS themselves, but should integration efforts be moving forward by the time of the period of performance, this would be allowable. |
| General question. | To what extent may our team interact with the MIL with furthering local and regional security and stability efforts? | While interaction with the U.S. military is possible (even likely) during the course of the period of performance, no such interaction (and especially no support) should be assumed for the purpose of accomplishing the work under the contract. |
| SOW Pg.3 | Specifies this is a 48 hour work week. This is explained in pg.35 for a 2256 hour FTE and the two Key Personnel. Can we assume anyone else on the contract is a 2256 FTE? | The contractor shall propose the level of effort for any additional positions proposed based on the technical approach. There are no mandatory requirements for labor categories/positions outside of the key personnel. Provision L-002 (Cost/Price Proposal Instructions) has been amended to reserve L-003(3) and (4) |
| SOW Pg.4 and pay rates. | It does not specify any OT clause so therefore the 48-hour week is capped and the hourly rate is such where OT is not authorized? Or is OT a separate ODC? This seems to be my undestanding of para B-003. | B-003 has been removed in its entirety. For fixed-price arrangements (e.g.: line items in a task order), the Government will not pay for overtime. Provision L-002 (Cost/Price Proposal Instructions) has been amended to reserve L-003(3) and (4) |
| SOW Pg.9, para (d) | Specifies no more than 8 hours permitted per day for travel time. B-015 is not clear on how many hours can be billed. | Refer to B-015 (Travel Costs): The Government will not pay more than eight (8) hours per day per Contractor employee for travel time. The Government will not pay for a Contractor employee more than the number of hours in the employee’s normal workweek. |
| SOW Pg.9, B-015 | Is there an expectation for an employee to work on day of arrival? Therefore, can business class travel be billed? | Refer to Cell C53. The Contractor shall be paid its allowable travel costs |
in accordance with FAR 31.205-46 (Travel Costs) and B-015.
| SOW Pg.35, L-002 | It is not clear to me the number of FTE on this RFP. This section reviews only the two or three Key Personnel. | There are only two required key personnel. The contractor may propose as many additional personnel as necessary to carry out its tailored technical approach. |
| SOW Pg.26 652.245-71 Govt Property. | Does the DoS provide us with the GFE of vehicles, computers, office supplies or is this the responbility of the vendor? | No GFE will be provided by DOS. The offeror is responsible for all equipment necessary to carry out its proposed technical approcah. |
| General question. | Does the Government prefer the location of the Team Leader and Analyst, particularly as it relates to security risk and access to customer? | The offeror may propose whatever basing solution is most effective and provides best value to meet contract requirements. |
| General question. | Are US citizens preferred for these roles? | There is no nationality requirement. |
| General question. | Will the Government grant clearances for non-US citizens? | See cell 17. |
| General question. | Should we assume no in-country security support from US forces in theater? | Yes, that is a valid planning assumption. Refer to Cell C12. |
| General question. | Would the vendor have access to US intelligence (e.g. other reporting on Somali security activities that could direct our own enquiries)? | See cell 23. |
| General question. | Should we assume no in-country security support from US forces in theater? | See cell 60. |
| General question. | There is no Section "K" in the RFP for "Reps & Certs", do we need to obtain such from our sub-contractors? | The RFP has been revised to include the following: 652.225-70 ARAB LEAGUE BOYCOTT OF ISRAEL (AUG 1999); FAR PROVISION 52.204-8 (JAN 2014); CERTIFICATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS – FAR PROVISION 52.209-5 (APR 2010); INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS – FAR PROVISION 52.209-7 (JUL 2013); |
| 1.1. The United States Government has been engaged in the effort to develop a more professional Somali National Army (SNA) since 2007. Despite the best efforts of the U.S. Government and the rest of the donor community, much of the SNA remains unrepresentative of the Somali population, as it features significant imbalances with regard to regional representation, clan, and loyalties. In order to inform programmatic decisions related to the development of a more representative and effective SNA, the Department of State is seeking a team with unique knowledge related to the SNA and the Somali security sector. Under this contract, the contractor will provide continuous analysis regarding the Somali security sector and, based on that analysis, develop recommendations for improvement of U.S. programming, specifically with regard to realignment of U.S. support from Mogadishu and the immediate environs to SNA forces operating in other regions. Contractor will also be responsible for monitoring pilot projects related to those recommendations. The contractor will also collect and report on data required by the Government for existing programs in Somalia. The monitoring will feed into the Government’s effort to evaluate existing programs in Somalia. In addition to assisting with development of Pilot Projects, the contractor will be required to provide regular reports and briefings to the US Mission to Somalia and the Bureau of African Affairs in furtherance of the assistance programs in Somalia. | “Regional representation, clan and loyalties” - does this infer recruitment and recruit training practices? Does this include disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration? | Yes to recruitment and recruit training practices. It is not due to DDR activities, which exist only on a minimum level at present. |
| 5.1.1.1. Major developments within the Somali security sector during the reporting period, and their real and potential impacts on current and planned U.S. assistance programs targeted at the SNA. | What programs are the U.S. State Department expecting to be monitored? | See cell 18. |
| 5.1.1.2. Current security, clan, and economic dynamics in the regions where current or planned U.S. assistance is being/will be implemented. | What level of security, clan and economic analysis in each of the regions? Does this require a macro economic analysis? | The contractor shall specify its tailored analytical approach within the technical volume of its proposal, and clearly articulate how that approach will allow the contractor to meet the minimum requirements of the SOW. |
| 5.1.1.4. Activities, operations, and performance of SNA units operating in the regions. | Is this an assessment of capacities? Is this inclusive of Headquarters & Support Units and addressing issues such as policies, procedures, record keeping, maintenance, and accountability measures? Is this observational or are units put through a series of deliberate exercises? | 1. Yes. 2. Yes, all of the above may be required. 3. Reporting will be observational - the offeror should not assume that it will be permitted to put personnel through deliberate exercises. |
| 5.1.1.5. Activities, operations, and performance of other key security actors operating in the regions where current or planned U.S. assistance is being/will be implemented | Is this to be a liaison effort initiated by the DOS between the regional forces and SNA? | No. |
| 5.1.1.6. Activities of other key donors involved in security sector programming in the regions where current or planned U.S. assistance is being/will be implemented. | Is this to contribute to an information sharing effort? | No. |
| 5.2.1. The contractor shall provide detailed programmatic recommendations based on the analytical products described in Section 5.1, no later than the submission of the third analytical report, and with the intention of informing the design and implementation of Pilot Projects by the U.S. Government for expanded U.S. support to new and existing SNA forces operating in the regions outside of Mogadishu. | To what level / depth should the recommendations be constructed – general recommendations or a detailed expansion program plan? |
Is a Security Program Development analytical presence desired in each of the Federal Member States?
| 1. Refer to SOW Section 6.6. General recommendations would not meet the standards described in that section. 2. No, based on SOW requirements, there should be no need for permanent basing in each of the FMS'. | ||
| 5.2.3. In addition to written reports, the contractor shall assist the U.S. Government in convening key security actors in areas targeted for expanded U.S. assistance, with the intention of utilizing the initiation of the Pilot Projects as a means to establish broad-based power-sharing agreements. | What does “convening” mean in terms of contractor roles and responsibilities (e.g.: develop and present briefing; serve as an interface among all stakeholders; facilitate a symposium)? | Section 5.2.3 of REV 1 of SOW has been updated to state: “Such support will include presenting briefings on the propose projects, serving as an interface amongst key stakeholders in the project, and facilitating symposiums and meetings amongst those stakeholders." |
| 5.3.1.2. The contractor will oversee and monitor the delivery of such assistance by third parties, in order to ensure that it is consistent with the recommendations provided. The contractor shall immediately inform the Government if delivery of assistance by third parties is inconsistent or deviates from the recommended design of the pilot projects. | Please define… How often and at what level and scope of third party deliverers? | It should be assumed that the contractor will need to visit the project sites where the third party implementers are conducting the work on a weekly basis at minimum, for the duration of the period of performance. |
| 5.3.1.4. The contractor shall visit project sites and interview the Somali units receiving U.S. assistance, and solicit feedback regarding the impact of the programming, not less than once per month. |
Please define the level of assistance that would prompt a site visit.
Does this include Danaab?
Will transportation, security and accommodation be provided?
| 1. The term "level of assistance" is unclear. The requirement is to visit project sites not less than once per month. 2. No, Danab is not a pilot project, but rather an existing effort with substantial existing oversight. 3. Refer to cell 12. | |
| 1. RFP; Section L-003.3.h. “Negotiated applicable provisional billing indirect cost rate(s)” | a. Our indirect cost rates haven’t been negotiated or approved by a cognizant cost accounting organization at this time. |
b. Question: Can we submit our current indirect rates and have them negotiated and approved as part of this contract when awarded?
| The Government meant to use “Proposed” instead of “Negotiated” under “h,” and the proposed applicable provisional billing indirect cost rate(s) must be current and account for the impact of this potential task order. See FAR 31.203 (Indirect Costs) and FAR 42.704 (Billing Rates). Provision L-003 has been revised to reflect the change. | ||
| 2. Attachment 1 SOW - 6.10 , The contractor shall submit with the proposal an automated Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) project schedule for the overall task order to include schedules for each subtask. | Question - Is there a preferred application for the automated WBS project schedule, such as MS Project 2010? | No, contractor can use any program that allows it to meet the RFP/SOW requirements for the WBS. |
| 3. RFP; Section F-007: Place of Performance - The principal place of performance for this contract shall be: Somalia (throughout) and Nairobi, Kenya. | a. Question: What percentage of the time will be they located throughout Somalia and in Nairobi? " | Contractor is free to propose whatever breakdown is most advantageous and presents best value in meeting the contract requirements, to include the reporting requirements under 6.5. |
| 4. Will the State Department or SNA provide services to include; security services, emergency medical services, office space, transportation or any other services or logistical support? | See cell 6 and cell 12. | |
| 5. RFP; Section L-007 – Subfactor 2. “A sound explanation of the offeror's approach to providing life support services in the austere environments provided in the Statement of Work;” | a. Question - Are offerors to include costs for vehicle drivers, life support and security services as Other Direct Costs?" | See cell 12. |
| 1.1 Background | To what extent will the contractor be responsible for implementing pilot projects? | |
| Refer to SOW Section 5.2.4. | ||
| 1.1 Background | The program supports the development of the SNA, but what about support to non-SNA regional security forces, including the PSF? | |
| Any regional forces under consideration for integration of the SNA is relevant, per the mention of "new" SNA forces under 5.2.1. | ||
| 1.1 Background | What is the program's relationship with the FGS and will the Government require the contractor to carry out these activities with the active support and participation of the government? | |
| Any coordination and consultation with FGS in advance is the responsibility of the U.S. Government. However, the contractor will need to remain in close touch with Somali stakeholders as the programs are developed. | ||
| 1.1 Background | Has this program already been vetted by or has the Government already consulted the FGS regarding the program's implementation? | |
| See cell 81. | ||
| 1.1 Background | Has this program already been discussed with AMISOM TCCs and, regardless of the Governmen't answer, how does the Government intend to overcome friction points in delicate AMISOM sectors with regard to the implementation of proposed Pilot Projects? | |
| Any coordination and consultation with AMISOM is the responsibility of the U.S. Government however, the contractor will need to remain in close touch with AMISOM stakeholders as the programs are developed.. | ||
| 1.1 Background | Does this program rely solely on PKO funding or does the Government foresee potential Pilot Projects intersecting 2282 funding streams? | |
| While not impossible that it will involve 2282, it should be assumed that Pilot Projects will be funded under PKO, due to timeline considerations. | ||
| 1.1 Background | What is the Government's timeline for tender and proposal implementation? | |
| This will be determined by the nature of the projects proposed under 5.2. | ||
| 1.1 Background | What existing US Government programs in Somalia does the Government intend the contractor to "collect and report on"? | |
| See cell 18. | ||
| 6.5 In-Person Briefings | How does the Government anticipate including the contractor in sensitive meetings following the removal of the security clearance requirement? | |
| The contractor will not take part in any discussions requiring access to classified information. | ||
| 6.5 In-Person Briefings | Why did the government remove the security clearance requirement from the amended Scope of Work? | There is no security clearance requirement in the final RFP. |
| 5.3 Monitoring of Pilot Projects | Will existing travel arrangments, for example UNHAS or DoD, be sufficient to visit future Pilot Project sites or will there be a requirement for charter air, as other contractors have sometimes done? | See cell 12. |
| 5.3 Monitoring of Pilot Projects | Assuming the Government intends to extend the scope of Pilot Projects beyond the airport, does this program fall under the existing MOG travel restrictions and personnel cap? | The referenced restrictions do not apply to third party contractors. |
| 5.3.1.1 Monitoring Pilot Projects | Please expound on the relationship you envision the contractor having with PAE field reps who verify stipends, rations and fuel, and equipment delivery? | See cell 35. |
| 5.3.1.2 Monitoring Pilot Projects | Who are the envisioned "third parties" that the program will oversee? | |
| See cell 35. | ||
| 8.1.1 Key Personnel | How many more personnel would a proposal potentially need to include? | See cell 51. |
| 8.1.1 Key Personnel | Is there a requirement for the key personnel to be based in the region (Nairobi or Mogadishu)? | See cell 57. |
| 8.1.1.2.4 Key Personnel | Regarding the development of options for re-organization of the SNA, is this limited to the brigade level or does it extend to the company level? | The offeror has flexibility to propose an appropriate technical approach, as long as it meets the contract requirements. |
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File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .