Questions_and_Answers.pdf

# RFQ Reference QUESTIONS ANSWERS

1 Section M.1, Page 51

Factor 2 states the “Prime must have five (5) years’ experience as a

Prime contractor on a Federal contract in the past 7 years (from the proposal due date).” Can the 5 years of experience be combined between the offeror’s prime contracts? Or does the offeror need to have at least five years of prime contract management experience on one contract? As it reads, this requirement seems like it might limit competition amongst the number of SDVOSBs/8(a)s under this NAICS code size standard.

Go/No-Go factors have been revised. See PMO RFP - Final.

2 General

Is this solicitation SECHQ1-15-R-0004 still in Draft RFP status or is this a final RFP status? If this is still in the draft form, can you provide the anticipated date of release of the final RFP?

See Amendment 1, additional questions are due 12:00PM EST, January 23, 2015 and proposals are due 12:00PM EST, February

16, 2015

3 Section M.1, Page 49 Will the government consider removing these Factors? See response to Question #1

4 General Is this solicitation issued? The 1449 appears to be final but the

RFP says DRAFT on it.

See response to Question #2

5 General Is it the intent of the SEC to have interested respondents submit a formal proposal based on the RFP designated as “DRAFT”?

See response to Question #2

6 Section H.2, Page 26

For the remaining 4 spots on the IDIQ (after SDVOSBs and 8(a)s are awarded) can they be ANY size company? Or will they have to be small as well?

Number, type, and total set aside IDIQ awards have been revised.

See PMO RFP - Final

7 General Is it possible that EDWOSB can be included as a set-aside category?

See response to Question #6

8 Section M.1

This requirement seems to have been written to "keep out" newly formed companies, will the SEC allow personal performance in place of Prime performance?

The RFP states the requirements that each offeror must meet. Any changes to the RFP will be issued through an amendment, as stated in the FBO announcement. In addition, see response to Question

#1

9 Section M.1

We have been a 100% pass through on a contract for the last five years. We have done 100% of the work and pay a pass through fee to the designated “Prime” contractor. For the purpose of this solicitation, will this suffice as Prime experience?

Attachment 1 – Definitions and Acronyms, provide the following definition for prime contractor. Section 1.1.1. Contractor. A supplier or vendor awarded a contract to provide specific supplies or service to the government. The term used in this contract refers to the prime. to clarify, the firm that is awarded the contract is considered the prime by the definition provided.

10 General Are there any incumbents currently doing any of the work described in the PWS?

See Attachment 12 - Incumbent Contractor List

Section H.9.1, Pages 30-

Will the Government please specify the primary work location for the key personnel?

SEC Headquarters - 100 F St NE, Washington, D.C. 20549

12 Section I, Page 46 What is the contract ceiling amount, or the estimated total value for the IDIQ contract?

See Section I, Clause 52.216-19, the combined Task Order awarded amount will not exceed $180M

13 Section M.4, Page 53

If a Prime offeror does not have a CPARS for their Prime experience yet, will the Past Performance Questionnaire suffice for evaluation purposes?

Yes

14 Section M.4, Page 53

Will the Government clarify whether or not it will evaluate Past

Performances with CPARS more favorably than Past Performances that do not have CPARS yet and are just using Past Performance

Questionnaires?

Government may consider all available past performance information

15 Section M.1, Page 51

Section L does not provide any instruction on how/where to address the “Go/No-Go” criteria cited in Section M.1. Will the

Government please explain where/how they would like the offeror to respond to the Go/No-Go criteria in the Technical Proposal?

Will this be included in page count?

See Sections L.3 and L.7

Section M.2, Pages 51-

The Government writes: “8(a) IDIQ awards will be first. If and then, SDVOSB awards will be issued, If and then awards to any other business type firms will be made.” Will the Government please clarify if there is a minimum number of IDIQ awards they will be issuing to a SDVOSB?

Government does not guarantee a minimum number of awards for any set aside category

17 General Is this a new contract or an existing one?

There are several contracts supporting some of the requirements.

See Attachment 12 - Incumbent Contractor List

18 General If this is an existing one, what is the name of the current contractor?

See response to Question #10

19 General Please provide the option year prices for the contract. Each offeror must submit labor rates for each year

20 General Will there be a pre-proposal conference? No

21 Section M.1 Please clarify Factor 2 to state "awarded" or "completed" as applicable.

See PMO RFP - Final

Section L.2.

Paragraph(s) 10. Page

Is it that the two contracts over the past 3 years must individually be greater than $4M or is it that the sum of both contracts that we would cite total the $4M figure?

Per contract, as stated in Section M.1

23 Section M.1

Go/No-Go Factors there is a requirement for having 5 years experience as a Prime contractor on a Federal contracts (see below). It is possible to have that requirement either stricken or reduced?

See response to Question #1

24 Section M.1

Can the requirement be just that the Prime have at least 5 years working as either a Prime or Key subcontractor on a Federal contract?

Go/No-Go factors are clearly stated. In addition, see response to

Question #1

25 Section H.2

It states that the government anticipates award of (up to) 10 awards may be made. In the section para. (below) it says that up to 4 other business types may be granted an award. Does this mean that the government may consider awarding to a company(ies) that are not

SDVOB or 8(a) (i.e. Large business/?) and therefore they will be allowed to compete in this solicitation also?

See response to Question #6

26 Section H.2

It appears there might be a typo in the second para of this section.

Can we assume that it should read that SDVOB awards will be made first, then 8(a), then the other businesses? Right now it reads that 8(a)s will be awarded first, then 8(a)s again.

See response to Question #6

Section H.13.2, Paragraphs 3-5, Page(s)

33-34

Requirement states “contractor shall indicate for each line item in the schedule” compliance with VPAT. The previous sentence (last paragraph on page 33) states failure to demonstrate compliance may be considered nonresponsive. Is the Offeror expected to provide any documentation in the proposal relating to 508 or are these requirements only for response when required in a specific task order request? Offerors will not be offering any products in the IDIQ bid. How is the contractor to show compliance?

Section H.13.2 has been deleted

Section L.6.c.iii, Paragraph 1, Page 49

Is the SEC referring to Sections A-J of the RFP or a different document? If it is the RFP, what is the government expecting in the price proposal to verify that the Offeror has met all the requirements?

It is referring to this RFP. Offerors must submit a completed

Attachment 7 - Pricing Sheet - Revised and meet all the requirements of Section L.6

Section L.7.2, Paragraph

3, Page 51

Will SEC please confirm that the Offeror is to have the COR for the Past Performance complete the Questionnaire, and then the

Offeror is to include the completed Questionnaire as part of the

Proposal?

See Attachment 11 - Past Performance Questionnaire - Revised

Section M.1, Paragraph

1, Page 51

Will the SEC please confirm that the Offeror must have successfully performed two contracts in these “types of areas” in any federal agency, not only within the SEC? If experience in the

SEC IT PMO, SEC IT Portfolio management, SEC IT Project or

Program management offices only is the requirement, this will restrict competition.

Relevant experiences from other federal agencies are acceptable

Attachment 2, Paragraphs 1-3, Page 2.

Item c identifies the IDIQ maximum is $180 million, and Item b identifies the maximum for each contract holder is $30 million.

This looks like SEC expects 6 awardees but the RFP states up to

10. Will SEC confirm that they do expect to award up to 10?

The maximum ceiling of the program is $180 million over the five year ordering period. The combined Task Order awarded amount will not exceed $180 million

Attachment 7, Tab 1, Year 1

Tab 1, Year 1 does not include the Senior Enterprise Architect

Labor Category. It is included in Years 2 – 5, but not in Year 1.

Should it be included in Year 1?

Senior Enterprise Architect has been added to Year 1. See

Attachment 7 - Pricing Sheet - Revised

Section C.5.11, Pages

16 – 17

Would SEC consider moving C.5.2.4 and C.5.7.2 under C.5.11? If not, please describe how this requirement differs from communications requirements within the other task areas.

C.5.2.4 and C.5.7.2 refers to support for 2 specific functional areas

(PMO and Policy development respectively). C.5.11 provides all other general communiation support to any SEC divisions, offices or branches that includes, but is not limited to collaborations, commission wide annoucements, knowledge management and Web content management.

Section G.3, Paragraph

5, Page 24

This paragraph refers to a CLIN structure identified in Section B.

Section B does not have a CLIN structure identified. Is the contractor expected, as part of the price volume, to recommend a

CLIN structure or will SEC use the Pricing Sheet as the template for the CLIN structure for each contract year (with each labor category being a separate CLIN)?

CLINs will be provided at contract award

Section H.2, Paragraph

2, Page 26. Section

M.2, Subparagraph c, Section H.2 states, “Specifically, up to three (3) 8(a), up to three

(3) SDVOSB, and up to four (4) any other business type firms will be awarded an IDIQ. 8(a) IDIQ awards will be first. If and then, 8(a) awards will be issued. If and then awards to any other business type firms will be made.” Section M.2 states, “8(a) IDIQ awards will be first. If and then, SDVOSB awards will be issued, If and then awards to any other business type firms will be made.”

It is unclear what is meant by “if and then”. Does SEC intend to award to other business type firms only if three 8(a) and three

SDVOSB contracts are awarded?

See response to Question #6

Section H.9.1, Last paragraph, Page 31

The second sentence states “SEC reserves the right to review…the results of the background investigations conducted by the

Contractor.” H.8 describes all the background investigations required for this contract, and they are all performed by SEC. Are there additional background investigations the Contractor must perform?

No

Section H.30, Last

Paragraph, Page 40

This paragraph refers to system software development. Please clarify how it applies to this contract. Is the contractor expected to perform software development? If so, which requirement includes software development where this clause would apply?

Additionally, this paragraph specifically references EDGAR.

Please clarify.

Section H.30 has been revised and EDGAR references have been removed

38 Section H.39, Page 41

Can SEC provide an example of when this would apply? Does this apply to FFP Task Orders only within the contract, not T&M Task

Orders?

Section H.39 has been deleted

Section L.7.3, Subparagraph A, Page

51.

Requirement states “Offeror must submit the qualification documentation for the Senior Program Manager…” Other than a resume, what other qualification documentation is required for this position?

Resume is required, however, other documents may be requested

Section M.2, Subparagraphs c and d, Subparagraph c states “…no one factor is determinative.”

Subparagraph d states, “Technical factors are listed in descending order of importance.” Please clarify how these two statements work together.

Section M.2 describes the evaluation process for best value award.

All technical factors will be considered.

41 Attachment 10

Can offerors update the RFP Compliance Matrix template to include additional columns? For example, adding additional columns such as Section, C, Section L, and Section M under the

“RFP Sec” heading.

See Attachment 10 - RFP Compliance Matrix - Revised

Section L.7.d.i, Paragraph d, Page 50

Is the Exceptions, Deviations, and Assumptions section excluded from page count?

Yes, see PMO RFP - Final

Section L.7.2, Last

Paragraph, Page 51

Last sentence states that “Offeror must follow the submission instructions in Attachment 11 to complete the Past Performance

Questionnaires.” In Attachment 11, the first paragraph is written as if to be read by the government person filling out the PPQ. The second paragraph, however, states, “Upon completion…please submit with your proposal by the due date…” Should the government official completing the PPQ send it directly to SEC? If so, to what email address at SEC is appropriate?

See response to Question #29

Section I, Paragraph

52.219-9, Page 42

Does SEC want the Small Business Subcontracting Plan included in the proposal?

Only large businesses are required to submit Subcontracting Plan.

Subcontracting Plan is excluded from page limitation.

Section L.1, First paragraph, Page 48 Is there any size limitation to the files being submitted via email? 10 MB

Section L.3, Last paragraph, Page 49

Second sentence states, “…answers to the Go/No-Go factors shall be on the first pages…” Does SEC prefer the answers to the Go/No-

Go factors to immediately follow any cover page and be before any technical proposal material such as the Compliance Matrix or

Table of Contents?

Yes

47 SF 1449, Block 10

Please clarify the intent of the 66% indicated in Block 10. Does that mean that 66% of awardees for the IDIQ will be considered

SDVOSB or 8(a)? Does the 66% indicate that 66% of all awarded dollars must be set-aside for SDVOSB or 8(a)?

See Amendment 1 and response to Question # 6

Section C.4.1, Paragraph 1, Page 7

States that an Exit Transition Plan shall be provided at least 60 days before expiration of each Task Order; however C.5.12.5 states

30 days. Please confirm which is correct.

Section C.5.12.5 and Attachment 9 - QASP - Revised has been updated to sixty (60) days

Section F.1, Paragraph

1, Page 22

Please clarify if the term of the contract will be for 5 years without annual option periods. For instance, if the start date is 5/01/15, will the term of the contract be from 05/01/15 – 04/30/20 or will it have a base period from 05/01/15 – 04/30/16 with 4 one year options?

Ordering period is five (5) years.

Section H.6(d)(7), Paragraph 1, Pages 27-

Please clarify what it means to subsequently participate either directly or as a representative of another party. Please clarify what a “Government contracting action” is in relation to the subject of the Task Order request. Please also clarify the meaning of “fee”.

Performance provided resulting from a Task Order under any resulting IDIQ award from this RFP. Fee refers to payment.

Section H.31, Paragraph

1, Page 40

There is a reference to EDGAR-related activities. Please confirm if EDGAR is the correct reference.

See response to Question #37

Section H.36, Paragraph

1, Page 40 H.36 is a duplicate of H.29. We suggest removing either one. Section H.36 is deleted

Section I, Paragraph 18, FAR 52.219-13 Notice of Set-Aside of Orders is included as part of this solicitation. Please advise if there is a minimum dollar threshold set-aside for small business concerns and the minimum amount in terms of dollars or percentage of the overall estimated contract value of $180 million.

There are no minimum dollar or percentage threshold set-aside of the estimated total contract value of $180 million

Section I 52.217-9(c), Paragraph 3, Page 47

States that the total duration of the contract shall not exceed 5 years whereas Section F.1 Period of Performance states that the total duration of the contract shall not exceed 5 years and 6 months. Please confirm which is correct.

The ordering period is five (5) years, however, FAR Clause 52.217-

8 allows the contract to be extended up to six (6) months.

Section J, Paragraphs 1, 3-6, Page 47

The actual titles of Attachments 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 need to be corrected to match the attachment numbers as listed in Section J.

Also, please confirm that Attachments 3, 4, 5, and 6 are not required as part of the proposal submission.

Corrected, Attachments 3, 4, 5, and 6, are not required at this time

Section L.6(c)(ii), Paragraph 1, Page 49

Does the current financial statement or D&B report count against the 5 page restriction? Also, please clarify if offerors are required to provide a current financial statement or D&B report for all proposed subcontractors. If yes and there is information deemed proprietary by proposed subcontractors, will the subcontractors be able to submit financial statements or D&B reports directly to the

Contracting Officer?

Financial statement or D&B report will count towards the five (5) page limit. Subcontractor financial statement or D&B report is not required.

Section L.6(c)(v), Paragraph 1, Page 49

The Online Representations and Certifications Application

(“ORCA”) no longer exists. Is it acceptable to include a statement that the offeror’s representation and certifications are available from the System for Award Management (“SAM”)?

This has been updated to "System for Award Management (SAM) at www.sam.gov."

Section L.7.3(b), Paragraph 1, Page 51

States that offerors are required to submit signed letters of commitment, if applicable, for all key personnel. Are letters of commitment only applicable for contingent hires?

Yes

59 Attachment 8 In Attachment 8, are the items listed in the "Other Requirement" column mandatory or desired?

Mandatory

60 Section M, Page 51

With this IDIQ having set a side goals for both 8a and SDVOSB, the inclusion of ‘greater than $4 million dollars’ for contracts is restrictive and limits competition under these set a side programs.

Will the government change these requirements to remove dollar thresholds and base go/no-go decision on fulfillment of service area requirements alone?

See response to Question #1

61 Section M, Page 51

With the IDIQ having both 8a and SDVOSB set a side goals, having 5 years of Prime Federal contracting experience is restrictive. To provide fair and open competition, will the government remove or reduce the 5 years of ‘Prime’ contracting within the past 7 years, to ‘show multiple prime contracts within the past 3 years’?

See response to Question #1

62 Section M, Page 51

If a SDVOSB or 8a has less than 5 years of business existence, can they propose an offer on this solicitation? Would the Government consider 3 years of experience in business ( with inclusion of substantiation such as financial reports, D&B ratings, CPARS, etc) acceptable?

See response to Question #1

Section M.1, Paragraph

1, Page 51

Will the government consider assigning a more appropriate NAICS code (e.g. 541519), instead of the current 541611 NAICS code?

No, not at this time

64 General

Does the Government offer potential bidders the opportunity to participate in the procurement as both a prime and a sub? Or, are potential bidders limited to participation in only one offeror team

(be it their own team as prime, or as a sub to other vendors). For example, can a bidder submit a full proposal response as a large business prime, then also be included as a sub to other prime small business vendors?

Offerors can be prime and/or subcontractor in all set aside categories

65 Section M.1, Page 51

For potential bidders whose corporate structure(s) consists of multiple, separate “sister” small business LLCs under a common corporate umbrella, will the Government permit the past performance of one sister LLC to be claimed by another sister LLC that pursues SECHQ115R0004 as a prime?

No, the Offeror must be meet all the requirements, including the

Go/No-Go factors

Section C.4, Page 6;

Attachment 2, Paragraph

1.6.2(b), Page 2

We are seeking clarification on how resulting task orders will be awarded vis-à-vis the OCI requirements on potential follow on work. Once the IDIQ is awarded, will successful vendors then have to ability to choose the task orders to which they will respond

(and therefore avoid potential downstream conflicts of interest with follow on work), or does the Government anticipate issuing task orders to vendors in a sole source manner/non-competitive such that the vendor is limited in its ability to avoid potential downstream conflicts of interest in pursuing follow on work?

Eligible IDIQ award holders can choose to respond to specific

Task Orders

67 Section M.1, Page 51

We request that this Go/No-Go criterion be modified to better reflect that many PMO support efforts are small contracts. We request that SEC allow for at least one of the Go/No-Go past performance references to be $3 million or greater in value.

See response to Question #1

Section I, Paragraph

52.216-18, Page 46

It is clear that IDIQ contract awards will be made to 8(a), SDVOSB, and other types of firms, but it is not clear how task orders will be competed. Is it SEC’s intent to set-aside some task orders for 8(a) and some for SDVOSB firms? Will some TOs be competed across all contract holders? Will some be competed among the large firms only?

Task Orders will be competed as small business or specific socioeconomic categories or all IDIQ award holders. See

Attachment 2 - Task Order Instructions - Revised, Section 1.6.1

69 Section L.7.2, Page 51

At the top of page 51, the instructions state that past performance is limited to one page. Please verify that the intent is to limit each past performance description to one page. Also, given the importance of the past performance in demonstrating experience performing similar work, please allow for each past performance to be 3 pages so that adequate description of the work can be provided to assist your evaluation.

Past Performance page limit is increased to two (2) pages

70 Attachments 7 and 8

Attachment 8, Labor Category Descriptions includes a listing for

“Senior Enterprise Architect” that does not appear in Attachment

7, Pricing Sheet. Please clarify whether this position should be priced.

See response to Question #32

Section C.4.1, paragraph

1, Page 7

Section C.4.1, paragraph 1, page 7 (Phase In/Phase Out Period) requires an Exit Transition Plan “at least 60 days before the expiration of each Task Order”. Section C.5.12.5 has 30 days for the same requirement (as does Attachment 9, QASP).

See response to Question #48

Section H.13.2, paragraph 2, Page 33

Section H.13.2, paragraph 2, page 33 (6012.03 SEC 508

Requirements [March 2011]) states that Voluntary Product

Assessment Templates (VPATs) and other Section 508 compliance information must be included in the proposal but it is not clear that this applies to the nature of this proposal. What does SEC need addressed by the VPATS?

See response to Question #27

73 Section F.1.3

Seems to list SEC HQ in DC as a primary work location (without specifying as such) and then identifies 11 regional offices where work may be performed “if required”. Is it correct to assume most of the work for this IDIQ will be performed in DC? And if not, will the government please provide additional information to clarify

(roughly) how much of the work will need to be performed at each location, even if by best estimation?

See response to Question #11. Majority of the work will be performed at the SEC HQ in DC. However, IDIQ contract holders shall possess the capability to perform work in all SEC regional office locations if required. The official place of performance will be determined in each Task Order.

74 Section F.1.3 Cites a reference to Section 1.6.13 – what document is this section referring to?

References to Section 1.6.13 has been deleted

75 Section F.1.3

Makes mention of “FTR Regulations”; is this to imply that a contracting firm could be headquartered in any part of the United

States and provide PMO support services to the main SEC office and its regional offices on an as-needed basis by either establishing satellite offices or sending contracting personnel on travel upon subsequent TO award? OR does the government expect that a contracting firm maintain existing operations in each of the specified regional offices prior to award of the IDIQ? – Put simply, does the an IDIQ awardee need to have existing operations in all of the cities you’ve listed, or not?

References to FTR Regulations has been deleted

76 General

If the government DOES require IDIQ awardees to have existing operations in each of the cities where the SEC maintains operations (DC and all regional offices), we request the government grant a 2-3 week extension of the January 28th proposal submission deadline, as such a decision will have major implications on teaming arrangements, and thus all competitors will likely need additional time to ensure each region is sufficiently covered.

See response to Question #2

77 Section M

There is a requirement for the prime to have executed at least $4M each on two PMO support contracts within the last 3 years. I interpret that as $8M in revenue the prime has already released in the past 3 years, which would roughly equate to two PMO contracts with 10 FTEs each. Am I interpreting this correctly? If so, I am having a difficult time finding an 8a or SDVOSB prime that meets that requirement and falls under the $15M size standard.

Perhaps you can recommend one?

We cannot recommend teaming or subcontracting arrangements

Section L.7.3, Paragraph 2, Page 51

There is a need for several Key Personnel for an IDIQ: I did not see that there is an initial TO to be awarded with the IDIQ, so would the CPIC Analyst and lower-level PMs be representative?

If they are representative, then are commitment letters required for these positions?

Task Orders will be competed and awarded after IDIQ awards are made. Commitment letters for contingent hires are required for all proposed Key Personnel

79 General What contract vehicle will be used for this procurement? Federal Business Opportunities (FBO)

80 General

If the contract vehicle is to be IT 70 would the government consider changing the NAICS to 541511, 541512, 541513, or

541519?

See response to Question #79

Section M.1, Paragraph

1, Page 51

Would a “new” JV (Joint Venture) entity that meets Go/No-Go

Factors listed in Section M.1 of the RFP as a Joint Venture (the prime entities within the JV do not qualify on their own merit) be evaluated as compliant as it relates to Factor 1, 2 and 3?

See Section M.1, Offerors must meet all requirements

Section L.7, Paragraph d., Page 50

Section L.7, Paragraph d. states that the page limit for the

Technical Proposal is twenty-five (25) pages in total (excluding table of contents, compliance matrix, Go/No Go response, cover letter, past performance, and resumes) and at least a 12 point font.

With the RFP requesting a detailed technical and management response to the criteria in the Statement of Work, will the

Government increase the page limit to 40 pages in order to allow for a sufficient response?

Yes, page limitation is increased to thirty (30) pages

Section M.2, Paragraph c., Page 51

Section M.2 states that “up to four (4) any other business type firms will be awarded an IDIQ contract.” Can the Government please clarify what these business types are? Are these additional

IDIQ contracts open to unrestricted competition?

See response to Question #6

Section M.2, Paragraph c., Page 51-52

While the RFP does indicate the maximum number of awards per business type, it does not provide the minimum. However, it does state that “8(a) IDIQ awards will be first. If and then, SDVOSB awards will be issued, If and then awards to any other business type firms will be made.” Does this present the possibility of the

Government only awarding to 8(a) business, or do they intend on providing awards to at least one (1) 8(a), one (1) SDVOSB, and one (1) other business type?

See response to Question #16

85 Section M, Page 51

The RFI for this opportunity was originally released under GSA

MOBIS and FABS. Does the Government intend on utilizing a vehicle for this RFP/contract?

No, see response to Question #79

86 Section M.1, Page 51

Given that many 8(a) contracts are $4 million or less (total) and this is a multiple award IDIQ that will allow the SEC to further down select a specific contractor per individual Task Orders, will the SEC consider removing the “(per contract)” language/requirement in Go/No-Go Factor 1?

See response to Question #1

87 Section M.1, Page 51

Given that many 8(a) contracts are 1 - 5 years (total), would the

SEC consider changing Go/No-Go Factor 2 such that five (5) years’ of composite experience as a prime is sufficient?

88 Section L.1 , Page 48

May a contractor submit a proposal as a Prime offeror and also concurrently participate as a proposed Subcontractor with another

Prime in another “award area or basis for award”? For example:

(1) An SDVOSB submitting as a Prime, and also participating as a proposed Subcontractor under an unrestricted Prime proposal, or

(2) a large business submitting as an unrestricted Prime offeror, and also participating as a proposed subcontractor to an 8(a) and/or an SDVOSB Prime proposal, etc

See response to Question #64

Section C, Paragraph 4, The paragraph states, “The Contractor shall be excluded from any and all follow-on work related to all programmatic/portfolio data from this contract. If during the course of performing the requirements under this IDIQ and its Task Orders, where those requirements are used for future acquisitions, the Contractor shall not respond or participate as a prime contractor, sub-contractor, or team member against those future acquisitions.” Is it the government’s intent to exclude the contractor from bidding on any

SEC work outside of the task area associated with task areas associated with this IDIQ?

No, if Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) does not exist

Section F, Paragraph

1.1, Page 22

Can the Government clarify the total hours per day expected? 8-6 is 10 hours. While the government states that actual daily start and stop times shall be coordinated with and approved by the COR, we’d like to understand if this is 8 hours sliding or if there is expectation of more than 8 hour days?

Section F.1.1 has been updated. Contractors are expected to work

8 hours daily between 7am and 6pm, however, some Task Orders may require extended hours, with the approval of the COR.

Attachment 2, Paragraph

1.6.1, Pages 1-2

What evaluative benefit will small business IDIQ holders receive during task order response evaluation? If none, will the government structure evaluation factors of task orders to favor small businesses in competing with large business IDIQ holders?

See response to Question #68

Section C.1, Paragraph

1, Page 4

Does SEC expect vendors to demonstrate capability in all task areas in their proposals for the IDIQ? Or may a vendor choose to not respond and therefore opt out of some of the task areas?

Demonstrate capability in all task areas

Section C.5, Paragraph

2, Page 5

In response to this RFP for the IDIQ, can a company submit a proposal as a prime contractor and another as a subcontractor?

See response to Question #64

94 SF1449, Block 10

66% is to be set aside to 8(a) and SDVOSB. 6 out of 10 awards will be made to 8(a) and SDVOSB offers. This comes out to 60% not 66%, confirm if this is an error.

See response to Question #47

95 SF1449, Block 10

NAICS 541611 Size $15.0. If an 8(a) company graduates the program within the next year or two will this affect their eligibility to win an 8(a) award?

No

96 General There is only one (1) CLIN per year. Request clarification if this

CLIN be used to support ODC (materials / travel)?

See response to Question #34

97 Section C.2, Page 5

“The QCP shall be delivered within seven days after contract award.” Request confirmation if the QCP is to be a deliverable under the first Task Order or in support of the basic IDIQ.

The QCP is in support of the basic IDIQ. Offerors that are awarded an IDIQ contract shall submit a QCP within seven days after the IDIQ award.

98 Section C.4.1, Page 7

C.4.1 states “At least sixty (60) days before the expiration of each

Task Order under this IDIQ, the Contractor shall provide an Exit

Transition Plan….” Request clarification when the Exit Transition

Plan is to be delivered to the SEC.

See response to Question #48

Section C.5.12.5, Page

C.5.12.5 states “At least thirty (30) days before the expiration of each Task Order under this IDIQ, the Contractor shall provide an

Exit Transition Plan….” Request clarification when the Exit

Transition Plan is to be delivered to the SEC.

See response to Question #48

100 Section H.2, Page 26

It is anticipated that up to ten (10) IDIQ awards to SDVOSB, 8(a), and any other business type firms.” What defines “any other business type firms”? Does SEC intend to award 4 IDIQ’s to other

Small Businesses or Large Businesses? Will 8(a) and SDVOSB be evaluated on the same platform as any other businesses? If so, how can SEC justify this as fair and reasonable when large business have the competitive advantage?

See response to Question #6

101 Section H.23, Page 37 “Travel outside of the Washington, DC metropolitan area” Please confirm if travel will be CONUS and/or OCONUS.

If travel is required, it will be CONUS

102 Section M.1, Page 51

“Prime must have successfully performed two contracts in the IT

Program Management Office (PMO), IT Portfolio management, IT

Project or Program management support services areas within the past three (3) years with a total executed contract value (per contract) greater than $4 million.” Request SEC consider deleting the Go/NoGo factors and rely on Past Performance. What is the intent of the Go/NoGo factors? The criteria under both sections are very similar, please explain the differences between the two factors.

See response to Question #1

103 General

What is the difference between the Corporate Experience and

Project Experience, the information being requested is very similar?

They are the same. SEC requires Offerors to demonstrate experiences in successfully delivering services to other federal customers in the relevant areas.

104 General How was the $4M threshold established; especially for 8(a) and

SDVOSB prime vendors?

105 Attachment 2

“the SEC reserves the right to set aside orders to Service Disabled

Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB), 8(a) firms, and/or any other business type firms among IDIQ holders based on the urgency, simplicity, complexity, or other factors of the requirement as determined by the Contracting Officer.” Will there be a priority in set asides when issuing Task Orders? If so, please explain. Para

1.6.1 is the only area within the solicitation which mentions Task

Order set asides. Will there be a percentage of tasks set aside to

8(a) and SDVOSB for the life of the contract; if so what percentage will be set-aside for both.

See response to Questions #53 and #68

106 Section M.1, Page 51

Given that many 8(a) contracts are $4 million or less (total) and this is a multiple award IDIQ that will allow the SEC to further down select a specific contractor per individual Task Orders, will the SEC consider removing the “(per contract)” language/requirement in Go/No-Go Factor 1?

No, not at this time

107 Section M.1, Page 51

Given that many 8(a) contracts are 1 - 5 years (total), would the

SEC consider changing Go/No-Go Factor 2 such that five (5) years’ of composite experience as a prime is sufficient?

See response to Question #1

Section L, Paragraph(s)

7 d. ii, Page(s) 50.

Section L, Paragraph(s)

3, Page(s) 49.

Does this mean the answers to the Go/No-Go Factors do not count toward the 25 page limit of Section 1: Technical Capability and therefore the actual page number one will begin following the

Go/No-Go answers?

Technical Capability shall start after Go/No Go response and

Compliance Matrix

Section L, Paragraph(s)

3, Page(s) 49

Does the Government want the Compliance Matrix to immediately follow the Go/No-Go Factors or prefer it to be in an appendix?

Compliance Matrix following the Go/No Go response

110 General Would you consider revising Factor 1 and 2’s responsible team member requirement from prime only to team or prime?

No, not at this time

111 General

If Factor 2 remains Prime (vs. Team) experience, would you consider revising the number of years of experience from 5 to 3 or allowing relevant subcontractor experience to accommodate the 5 year requirement?

See response to Question #1

112 General Would you consider revising Factor 1’s contract value to $3.5M? See response to Question #1

113 General

Will you require that SDVOSB’s to be certified by the Department of Veterans Affairs or will you accept vendors that self-certify their SDVOSB status?

Self certification is acceptable at this time, however, Department of Veterans Affairs certification may be requested prior to IDIQ award

114 General

Would you accept a Department of Defense (DoD) Level 3 certification in Program Management (PM) for the Senior Program

Manager's certification requirement.

DAWIA certification level 3 is considered an acceptable certification for Senior Program Manager. See Attachment 8 -

Labor Category Descriptions - Revised

115 General Who is the current incumbent? See response to Question #10

116 General Are they eligible to rebid? All Offerors that meet all the requirements of this RFP are elgible

117 General If there are incumbents, is the current vehicle multiple award? Some are multiple awards, See response to Question #10

118 General

The government originally released the RFI for this effort under

Mobis 874-7 and FABS 520-12 as a potential small business set-aside. Would the government consider releasing the final RFP under Mobis and/or FABS?

No

119 General Is this a new effort or an existing requirement? Some of the requirements in the RFP are existing requirements

120 General If this is an existing requirement, can you state who the current incumbent(s) is and the contract number(s)?

See response to Question #10

121 General Since this is the draft RFP stage can the government clarify why a proposal response date is listed as of January 28 th

See response to Question #2

122 General

The RFP states that a completed compliance matrix is required as a go/no go factor, can the government specify what items should be on the matrix for consistency purposes.

Attachment 10 - RFP Compliance Matrix - Revised is not part of the Go/No Go factor, however a completed compliance matrix will ensure all government requirements are addressed in the Offeror's proposal, both during the proposal development by the Offeror as well as proposal evaluation by the government. The compliance matrix shall identify all key government requirements from Section

C, L and M, and the corresponding sections/pages of the vendor's proposal where each requirement is addressed. It is also used to validate Offeror's understanding of the government requirements.

Similar or related requirements can be grouped together on the compliance matrix if appropriate.

123 General Can the government explain what is the plan for allocation of work for the regional offices?

Estimates cannot be provided at this time, however, it is expected that majority of the requirements will occur at SEC headquarters.

Section H.9.1, Pages 29-

For the requested Key Personnel, can a Ph.D. plus appropriate experience be substituted for the PMI PMP or PgMP certification requirement?

No, not at this time

125 General

The fbo.gov listing for this opportunity refers to the released documentation as being in a draft state. Is the current documentation intended to be treated as the final RFP with a due date of January 28th 2015?

See response to Question #2

Section H.9.1, Paragraph(s) 6, Page 30

Will the government accept experience in lieu of degrees? For example, a bachelor's degree and 4 years of experience could be substituted for a master’s degree so the years of experience required for the Senior Program Manager without a master’s degree would be 19 years.

Years of experience cannot be substituted for degree or certificaiton requirement. See Attachment 8 - Labor Category

Descriptions (Revised)

Section L.7.3, Paragraph

1, Page 51

Do the key personnel have to be employees (or contingent hires) of the prime or can they be employees of the teammates?

Key Personnel can be employees of team or subcontractor, however, the Senior Program Manager must be a current or contigent hire of the Prime contractor.

128 General

In the past, given its oversight of the industry, the SEC has sometimes chosen not to engage independent public accounting firms – particularly those that audit SEC registrants – for certain requirements. Is the SEC amendable to considering an accounting firm for this requirement?

No, not at this time

Section C.5.1.1, Subtask

1.1

Task 1.0 Program and Project Management Support, Subtask 1.1 could the government please provide more detail on what is desired as post-production operation management?

The SEC may require a PM to coordinate post production operational activities such as but not limited to system enhancements, upgrades, operations and maintenances.

130 Section C.5.2, Task 2.0 Task 2.0 Subtask 2.5 Could the government please provide the types of tools that will require implementation and customization?

Subtask 2.5 is referring to Project Management Information

Systems & tools (PMIS). SEC currently uses a combination of different tools for Project Management including CA Clarity, MS

Project, MS SharePoint etc. The SEC is continuously evaluating the needs for other tools to better serve the needs of the government. SEC may require PMO contractors to assist in administering, operating, maintaining and enhancing existing tools or evaluating new tools for future use.

131 Section M.1, Page 51

Does the following language refer to contracts performed with only the SEC or with other Federal Agencies/Departments as well?

SEC or with other Federal Agencies/Departments

132 Section M.1, Page 51

Under the Go/No GO Factors (Factor 1), Please clarify the “total executed contract value” per contract of greater than $4M requirement. Would the SEC consider changing this requirement?

See response to Question #1

Section H.2, Paragraph

2, Page 26

Would SEC consider specifically setting aside 2 awards for

Woman Owned or Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned

Businesses (8(m) companies) which is also recognized special set-aside category of businesses

See response to Question #6

Section H.2, Paragraph

2, Page 26

Please clarify what is meant by “ 8(a) IDIQ awards will be first. If and then, 8(a) awards will be issued. If and then awards to any other business type firms will be made.”

135 Section H.8.1, Page 28

Would SEC consider waiving that requirement if a company can show via a Security Report that the employee already holds an adjudicated clearance at the Secret or above classification. Would the employee still need to go through the eQuip process?

No, all contractors of the SEC must complete a background check conducted by the SEC personnel security office.

136 Section C.1.1, Page 4 Can you provide some more details about the level of support to the regional offices?

See response to Question #123

137 Section H.5, Page 26

How much travel will be required under this contract? Also, will purchases of new technologies and other ancillary expenses also be considered ODCs?

Travel is expected to be minimal, if any. Purchase of new technologies and other ancillary expenses are not expected at this time

RFP Attachment 2, Section 1.4, Paragraphs

(b), and (c), Page 2

In Section 1.4(b), what does phrase “both the five (5) base ordering period” mean in the context of RFP Section F.1, Period of Performance, which states that the “term of the contract is a five year ordering period”? Also, In Section 1.4(c ), does the phrase

”combined total maximum of all IDIQs will not exceed

$180,000,000” refer to the maximum limit of all IDIQs per year or to the maximum limit of all IDIQs for the five year ordering period, as described in RFP Section 5.1, Period of Performance, page 22?

See PMO RFP -Final and repsonse to Question #31

Section I, Paragraph (a), In Section (a), does the phrase “may extend the term of this contract” mean that the Government can extend the initial

IDIQ contract beyond the five (5) year, six (6) month period of performance described in RFP Section 5.1, page. 22, or does it refer only to the Base year of the initial contract award?

FAR Clause 52.217-9 is deleted

140 Section M.1, Page 51 To confirm, is contract value the same as contract award amount inclusive of option years and other direct costs?

This RFP is issued with a five (5) year ordering period and does not include option years. The contract value is inclusive of all costs

141 Section M.1, Page 51

Would the government decrease the minimum contract value for previous contract experience under Factor 1 of the Go/No-Go

Factors to $3 million?

142 Section M.1, Page 51

Would the government be willing to consider contract experience held by both the Prime and Team Members to address Factor 1 of the Go/No-Go Factors?

No, not at this time

143 Section M.1, Page 51

Would the government expand the type on contracts required for previous contract experience under Factor 1 of the Go/No-Go

Factors to include non-IT Program Management Office (PMO) and non-IT Project and Program Management Support Services?

No, not at this time

Section C.1.1, Paragraph 1, Page 4

Are there incumbent contractors currently providing these support services at the SEC? If so, who are the incumbent contractors See response to Question #10

Section C.1.1, Paragraph 1, Page 4

Can the government provide additional information regarding the anticipated distribution of demand for support service requirements

(in percentage terms) across SEC Headquarter Offices and the eleven Regional Offices?

See response to Question #123

Section H.9.1, Paragraph 1, Page 30

Which key personnel requirements can be fulfilled by Team

Members versus the Prime?

Only the Contract Manager/POC (Senior Program Manager) is required to be filled by the Prime contractor.

Section L.1 , Paragraph

1, Page 48

Would the government be willing to extend the due date of the proposal submission?

See response to Question #2

Section M.2, Paragraph

4. Page 51

Does the government require Prime Offerors to meet a certain socio-economic or small business subcontractor participation goals? If so, what are those participation goals

See response to Question #44

Section H.2, Paragraph

2, Page 26

Would the government find it acceptable for subcontractors or teaming partners to join multiple teams within or across a business type (e.g., 8(a), SDVOSB, and other business type firms)?

See response to Question #64

Section H.9.1, Pages 29-

Would the SEC consider making the required qualifications of the

Sr. Program Manager and/or Program Manager less stringent?

See Attachment 8 - Labor Category Descriptions - Revised

151 General

Would the SEC consider modifying this requirement to include contractors that held a major IT Project or Program Role in a

Federal contract where the dollar amount exceeds $10,000,000.

This would increase the competitive field without increasing risk to the SEC given that a role as a major subcontractor on a multimillion dollar IT project can be just as valuable as a prime role on a smaller project.

No

152 SF1449, Block 10

66% set-side for SDVOSB and 8A. a. Where is the remaining

34% being awarded? i. Section M.2 “Up to four (4) any other business type firms will be awarded an IDIQ contract.” ii. Does this mean other small businesses (HUB, WOSB, etc) or large firms? Are large firms then allowed to bid as prime? Will the government look more favorably to a 8A or SDVOSB team that is comprised of all small businesses and not dependent on a large firm?

See response to Question #6.

153 General The Statement of Work is labeled “Draft”, is a final to be released?

a. If yes will due date be extended past 28 January 2015?

See response to Question #2

154 Section 9.1

It is stated that there will be 4 key personnel, does the government expect all key personnel to be on staff or will contingent hires, offer letters, be acceptable?

See response to Question #58

155 Section M.1

Is IT PMO contracts required for Prime past performance? Or is 2 contracts of over $4M each supporting a non IT PMO acceptable?

If yes, equal consideration to IT past performances?

As part of the Go/No-Go factors, the Prime contractor must demonstrate past contract experience in IT Program Management

Office (PMO), IT Portfolio management, IT Project or Program management support services areas.

156 Section H.9.1

For Program Manager, and Level II as well as Level III has conflicting requirements. a. At least 5 years of proven experience in federal government project management. b. At least 5 years of experience in Information Technology (required for IT Programs).

• Are both of these inclusive requirements? • Or Possibly an either

/ or requirement?

Project management experience is required for all project managers at the corresponding level. Information Technology experience is only required for task orders involving IT projects in addition to the PM experience. This is to ensure that project managers for IT projects posses the relevant IT experience.

Section F.1.3, Paragraph

2, Page 26

Does the SEC have an anticipated number of contractor support staff for each of the regional office locations?

Section H.2, Paragraph

2, Page 31

Based on the wording usage of “if and then”, it seems as though up to three (3) 8(a) awards are certain; however, awards to SDVOSB firms are not guaranteed at the IDIQ level. Additionally, it also appears Task Order awards would be similarly treated, almost as though SEC’s preference is to make awards to 8(a) firms first and if and only if a qualified 8(a) is not able to perform the work would the SEC consider awards to SDVOSB’s. Can you please clarify if it is your intent to make SDVOSB IDIQ awards and also allow

SDVOSB’s to compete on all TO calls as well?

See response to Question #6

Section H.8.1, Paragraph 1, Page 33

Indicates contractor personnel must receive a favorable adjudication before they may begin work at the SEC once all required documentation once it is submitted and completed to the