Responses_to_Questions_Update_11-25-15.pdf

SSA-RFP-17-1001

Questions and Answers to SSA ITSSC II Draft SOW and Draft LCATs and Qualifications

Technical Questions

Q1: The draft SOW describes requirements primarily within SSA's Office of Systems. Will

SSA provide additional requirements associated with each of the other programmatic areas described at the end of Section II (Office of Budget, Finance, Quality etc.), such as development requirements, standards, geographic scope, ongoing support etc. associated with the four primary Task Areas?

A1: The breadth of the requirements will remain the same regardless of the programmatic areas. The SOW is a high-level document that encompasses the agency’s full scope of IT support services required. Note: The draft SOW released to FedBizOpps on 09/24/2015 is currently being revised, and will be released for industry comment in December 2015.

Q2: Is this primarily Microsoft centric? Or do other technologies dominate SSA?

A2: No, this is not Microsoft centric. All support services and contract deliverables will be in accordance with SSA’s software and data architectures as described in the IRM Strategic

Plan.

Current mainframe code is primarily written in Common Business-Oriented Language

(COBOL), Assembler Language Code (ALC), FORTRAN, and uses VSAM, DB2 (via

SQL or stored procedures), CA-IDMS/DB databases, and/or a proprietary file management and control system called the Master Data Access Method (MADAM).

Mainframe systems include batch as well as online CICS applications.

Current front-end code is primarily written in JAVA language and uses IBM Rational

Application Developer for WebSphere Software V7.0 as the full function Eclipse 3.2 based development platform for developing Java 2 Platform Standard Edition (J2SE) and

Java 2 Platform Enterprise Edition (J2EE) applications.

Applications that run on IBM’s WebSphere Application Servers (WAS).

IBM iSeries application development that runs in each State Disability Determination

Service (DDS) office. These are part of the Agency’s Disability programmatic processing. This code is developed both in-house and by vendors.

IBM’s WebSphere MQ is a message oriented middleware that is used for asynchronous, guaranteed data transfer between locations, platforms, and applications; for example, State DDSs and SSA’s Central Office.

Distributed production applications run on UNIX (presently Sun Solaris) using

WebSphere or ColdFusion with DB2 on mainframe or Oracle (presently on HP-UX

UNIX) as the distributed relational database management system (DBMS).

There is some use of Windows Server and Microsoft SQL Server databases for applications not requiring high end reliability, availability, and scalability or tight integration with programmatic SDLC processes.

There is some use of Web 2.0 technologies (blogs, Wikis, video sharing sites, etc.), change management tools (SourceSafe, CVS, etc.) and tools such as Macromedia Studio

MX Suite (Dreamweaver, Flash Professional, Fireworks, FreeHand, ColdFusion), Adobe

Creative Suite (Photoshop, ImageReady, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat), file transfer protocol (FTP), and audio editing software, understanding of Macromedia Authorware, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) editors, JavaScript, JAVA, JSP, ColdFusion

Markup Language (CFML), Extensible Markup Language (XML), and Ruby on Rails.

There is some use of WebFocus development, WebFocus Developer Studio (Release 7 and above), Dashboard Development, MRE Administrator, using Report Caster/Report

Library, Focus programming (sometimes the GUI tool requires 'tailoring' for complex reports/queries), SQL, DB2, VSAM, and Hyperion.

Q3: The SOW text and SSA’s answer to RFI question 23 indicates that many of the ITSSC task orders can be done remotely as long as certain agency security requirements are followed. Please confirm that bidders may use remote locations/resources and teleworkers on appropriate task orders.

A3: Yes; offerors may use remote locations. The agency requires a company’s headquarters be located in the contiguous United States of America. However, all contractor personnel must have an SSA-issued laptop and appropriate VPN and systems access prior to working remotely. If a statement of work requires onsite support, the contractor personnel must report onsite. In addition, telecommuting will be authorized in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 7.108.

Q4: If remote locations/resources and teleworkers can be used, we recommend the SSA establish SSANet connections for up to 3 locations for contractor sites. One site should be on the SSA Microwave link in the Woodlawn, MD area.

A4: We will consider this suggestion.

Q5: In addition, we recommend the SSA establish connectivity to SSANet similar to a remote field office using MPLS circuits, subject the normal SSA field office IT governance, maintenance, and security standards.

A5: We will consider this suggestion.

Q6: We recommend including a labor category for Systems Security Engineer (SSE) Level 1-

3 similar to that used on the current ITSSC contract.

A6: This labor category was combined with another labor category and the scope/services provided by this labor category are included in the contract. We will review the labor categories and revise as necessary.

Q7: We recommend including a labor category for Data/Systems Architect (DSA) Level 1-3 similar to that used on the current ITSSC contract.

A7: This labor category was combined with another labor category and the scope/services provided by this labor category are included in the contract. We will review the labor categories and revise as necessary.

Q8: Given the size, complexity, and wide range of potential tasking, will SSA have a key person for each labor category?

A8: It will be dependent on the task area and whether or not the agency requests a key person for that particular labor category. We will consider this suggestion.

Q9: The increasing use of technical resources with H1B visas, Employment Authorization

Documents (EADs), and/or Optional Practical Training (OPT) status is a significant challenge to the Federal Government, contracting community, and private businesses. We recommend the SSA only use U.S. citizens and green card holders on the ITSSC contract.

A9: Thank you for the suggestion. We will consider this; however, the agency cannot, and will not, discriminate against any employee who is verified to legally work in the United

States.

Q10: Given the increasing importance and concern of Security, would the SSA consider defining a distinct Labor Category in the final RFP; and will SSA make this a Key position to manage this critical function?

A10: We will consider this suggestion.

Q11: Will the RFP and subsequent Contract award implement Earned Value Management and require companion reporting?

A11: All awardees will use SSA’s EVM system. SSA has a Resource Accounting System

(RAS) report that we will ask all awardees to submit. This reporting element will be outlined in the contract under the reporting requirements.

Q12: Will the government please approximate the share of the current work broken down by task area: A) Lifecycle Activities for Software Improvement; B) Database and Data

Administration; C) Software Engineering and Management Support; and D) Systems

Administration and Systems Security Support?

A12: We cannot answer this question as the agency’s needs always change for contractor support. However, the agency will include with the draft solicitation package a matrix that indicates the estimated total level of effort across all task areas for all labor categories for each ordering period.

Q13: Two of the six key personnel descriptions contain the statement below: “Must maintain an in-depth knowledge of SSA technical area(s), component organization(s), personnel, and short- and long-term objectives.” Will the knowledge possessed by the Key

Personnel be an evaluation factor for award?”

A13: We will consider this suggestion.

Q14: Recommendation: Allow the contractors to perform certain agile sessions in a distributed manner. The offeror should propose tools and methods that support distributed development. The offeror should cite projects where this methodology has been proven successful. Distributed agile development avoids unneeded travel costs and streamlines the development schedule.

A14: We will consider this recommendation on a task order level basis.

Q15: Recommendation: Include in the scope the development and support of future technologies and applications. As an example, mobile, analytics, cloud and cognitive computing applications and technology support may be required during the duration of this contract. Other future technologies, not yet identified today, may be required during the period of performance.

A15: We will add a technology list to the SOW.

Q16: What of the architectures/technologies, other than COBOL is the Government considering modernizing?

A16: Currently, the agency’s focus is on COBOL.

Q17: SSA may consider establishing an additional scope area that allows for consolidating future IT services contracts under ITSSC-II to maximize effectiveness of the contract vehicle. This additional scope area may also support potential future alignment to SSA services and functions resulting from new legislation and/or reorganization.

A17: The current SOW does not exclude future IT service support.

Q18: SSA may consider including capabilities associated with emerging technology, innovation, and customer service in all four scope areas.

A18: We will consider this suggestion.

Q19: SSA may consider including the following technology capabilities in scope area A:

Lifecycle activities for software improvement and web/interface. These items reflect activities or technologies affecting current and future SSA initiatives.

o Software design and development utilizing Agile methodology, as well as Agile and

DevOps tools o Utilization of open source code o Development of code in modern code languages (e.g., Java or Linux vs. COBOL) that provide ease of maintenance o Utilization and development of automated testing for repeatable, reliable, efficient testing o Ability to work effectively utilizing continuous integration and deployment tools o Expertise in emerging technologies in software improvement and web and interface design and development o Expertise in web and interface integration with backend or partner systems for efficient transactions o Expertise in the entire spectrum of customer facing technologies: chat, video, audio integration with web development o Expertise in web portal design and expertise in high transaction volume portals and exchanges o Utilization of Big Data technologies to drive analytics for predictive modeling and strategic decision-making o Other relevant technologies

A19: We will consider this suggestion.

Q20: SSA may consider including the following capabilities in scope area C: Software engineering and management support, to reflect activities or technologies impacting current and future SSA services.

o Software engineering methodology including Agile, Cloud, DevOps, and virtualized infrastructures or Platform as a Service as appropriate for SSA o Software engineering technologies that support SSA Strategic IT and Enterprise automation and test architectures, virtualized environments, Linux environments, etc.

o Software engineering approaches that leverage open source code to speed development timeframes and ease code maintenance o Implementation and utilization of Business Intelligence (BI) analytics tools and systems to provide decision analytics capabilities o Software engineering services to pilot or prototype new technologies for customer service

A20: We will consider this suggestion.

Q21: SSA may consider including key personnel positions to lead each of the four scope areas outlined in the SOW, in addition to program and contract management. This will provide

SSA with visibility of skills and consistency of resources for these support needs. SSA will have the opportunity to evaluate the skill level each vendor is willing to commit.

A21: We will consider this suggestion.

Q22: SSA may consider adding a restricted-use labor category (e.g., Business Functional

Specialist, levels 1, 2, and 3) for specialized skills that may arise during the lifetime of

ITSSC-II.

A22: We will consider this suggestion. Currently, the agency anticipates these efforts may fall under the SME labor category levels 1-4.

Q23: SSA may distribute hours for all labor categories across the 10-year period of performance in a manner that reflects anticipated utilization of the labor categories for the duration of the contract.

A23: We will consider this suggestion. (See also A12 response regarding matrix)

Q24: In Section D, Systems Administration and Systems Security support, please provide specific objectives. This level of clarity would provide offerors the ability to detail an appropriate solution to meet your objectives.

A24: We will consider this suggestion.

Q25: Please provide additional insight as to the type, nature, and timing of enhancement releases. We specifically need size, complexity, and the release schedule for major and minor releases to do an accurate sizing.

A25: We will consider this recommendation on a task order level basis.

Q26: Please confirm the agency’s current Section 508 compliance status.

A26: The agency considers accessibility to Electronic and Information Technology, hereafter referred to as “EIT”, a priority for all employees and external customers, including people with disabilities. SSA requires that EIT procured, developed, maintained, or utilized meets the accessibility requirements under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, 29 U.S.C. § 794d and additional agency specific accessibility requirements, hereafter referred to in total as “SSA’s Accessibility Requirements”. This is to ensure the accessibility of its programs and activities to people with disabilities, specifically its obligation to acquire accessible EIT. The draft RFP package will include the agency’s current Section 508 compliance status.

Q27: Section VI mentions “the contractor shall perform the necessary services called for by this contract primarily at the contractor’s location(s).” Please confirm the acceptable percentage of work that can be performed at the contractor’s facility.

A27: The agency anticipates that a majority (e.g. approximately 90%) of the necessary services, can be completed at the contractor’s facility. This, however, may change over the course of the contract-ordering period based upon changing needs of the agency. All awardees must be able to adapt as necessary. Lastly, location of performance will be defined at the task order level.

Q28: What types of Information Technology Service Management (ITSM) practices and methodologies are used at SSA? How would SSA describe the maturity level of such practices and methodologies?

A28: the agency’s Office of Telecommunications and Systems Operations (OTSO) has a vision to create an informative and user-friendly service portal that will enhance service request management and allow OTSO to meet the needs of its customers in an effective and efficient manner. OneStop fulfils these objectives for OTSO services

Findability

Request management

The development has undergone multiple phases. It started with the goal of creating one source of information for all OTSO services. The OneStop team gathered information from service owners across OTSO and documented existing business processes and workflows.

Q29: Does SSA or do SSA contractors use CMMI Maturity Level for Services, including project management and services best practices, such as service continuity and incident resolution and prevention?

A29: The agency’s Management Steering Committee (MSC) is comprised of the Deputy

Commissioner for Systems, the Assistant Deputy Commissioner for Systems, the

Associate Commissioners for Systems, and the Director of the Division of Process

Engineering, Project and Customer Service. The MSC sets policy, standards, directives, and guidance in those areas having an impact throughout the Office of Systems. The policies identify the systems development principles and the directives identify mandated activities and the roles and responsibilities of systems development project staff.

The Organizational Profile for the Office of Systems maps to CMMI practices, as well as

SSA's internal and external business drivers. The Profile establishes the standard performance expectations for Office of Systems projects.

Q30: Does SSA or do SSA contractors use CMMI Maturity Level for Development, described in standards, procedures, tools, and methods and improved over time?

A30: Yes, the Organizational Profile for the Office of Systems maps to CMMI practices, as well as SSA's internal and external business drivers. The Profile establishes the standard performance expectations for Office of Systems projects.

Q31: Will SSA require offerors to have one or more of the following certifications in relation to respond to the ITSSC II solicitation, i.e. ISO 9001, ISO 20000, and/or ISO 27001?

A31: We will consider this suggestion.

Q32: To improve standardization and alignment with mission priorities, does SSA use the IT

Infrastructure Library (ITIL) industry best practices and proven methodologies, now on

Version 3 (v3), to guide adapting IT operations to leverage current capabilities and resources while planning for the strategic implementation of future solutions?

A32: Yes. In addition, the agency has our own, called The Systems Process Improvement program (SPI), which captures the "best practices" used by project teams and builds upon those practices to develop standard processes and procedures, which can be tailored for all software development projects in the Office of Systems.

Q33: Task Area D (Systems Administration and Systems Security support) does not explicitly address Cyber Security support requirements. Will the SSA please confirm that Cyber

Security support requirements such as Identity and Access Management, Information and

Event Management, and the like are included within the Systems Security support requirements in Task Area D?

A33: We will consider this recommendation.

Q34: Since the current COBOL requirement was such a large part of the recent Industry Day, does SSA envision expanding this area in the draft RFP beyond what is currently in the draft SOW to include legacy code conversion and transformation?

A34: This is not a separate task area to be identified in the SOW. This will fit under one or more of the already defined functional areas.

Q35: Since Mobility was addressed at the recent Industry Day, does SSA envision expanding the draft RFP to include mobility requirements?

A35: This is not a separate task area to be identified in the SOW. This will fit under one or more of the already defined functional areas.

Q36: The SOW states “Provide analytical and technical data administration and repository support. Note: Resources under this requirement shall have the ability to function in an environment in which repository-generated components run to develop, test, debug, and migrate through the SDLC, repository-generated, or developed application components.

Can you please clarify what SSA is asking for in the above statement?

A36: This statement will be revised in the SOW.

Q37: States use of a “cooperative processing architecture”. Will this architecture align with

SSA’s vision of their PRIDE methodology moving forward?

A37: Yes, The Systems Process Improvement program branch is currently working towards this effort.

Q38: Can you clarify if contractors are expected to provide software engineering and management support for the 11 general areas of support listed?

A38: Yes, possibly over the 10-year period.

Q39: WAS 5.1 and WAS 6.1 reached their end of life approximately 2 years ago. Is this a copy and paste error?

A39: The SOW has been revised to show WAS 7.1 and 8.5 or currently supported versions.

Q40: SOW states: Travel to Durham may be required (first paragraph). However travel time or cost is not reimbursed. (Second paragraph). Is this correct?

A40: The SOW states:

On a limited basis, agency requirements may dictate that contractor personnel perform services at the agency’s headquarters buildings (e.g. Main Complex buildings, National

Computer Center, National Support Center (Urbana, Maryland), Second Support Center

(Durham, North Carolina)) and other surrounding satellite buildings located in

Woodlawn, Maryland.

Note: The Government does not intend to establish stand-alone offices (see Section VIII, Government-furnished property (GFP)) for contractor personnel at any agency location.

The contractor place of performance location(s) shall be located within the 48 contiguous

United States; unless otherwise waived by the agency due to the nature of services required for successful performance. The agency will not pay mileage or work time for contractor personnel (to include subcontractor personnel) to travel to or from agency headquarters locations for routine meetings and work sessions. Contractor personnel (to include subcontractor personnel) response time to requests for virtual meetings, conference calls, and other technical assistance called for in the task order shall not exceed 2 hours.

To clarify – If a task order requires task specific travel, the agency will reimburse those costs if they are part of the task order award. However, the agency does not pay the work time for travel nor for the routine travel for meetings and work sessions.

Q41: Is it safe to assume that any software required to support the client will be provided by the client?

A41: The agency will provide the necessary GFP, to include incidental items, and/or pay for actuals if the item procured by the Contractor and is treated as an allowable other direct cost.

Contracting Questions

Q1: Will the SSA confirm that only resumes for Key Positions will be required in the ITSSC proposal?

A1: Yes, only resumes of Key Positions will be required at the time of the proposal submission.

Q2: Is FBO the anticipated platform?

A2: Yes, per Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 5.102, the CO will publish the agency’s solicitation, along with any amendments, and relevant questions and answers, electronically through the government-wide point of entry at www.fedbizopps.gov.

http://www.fedbizopps.gov/

Q3: Is there a list available of RFI respondents? Or at least how many?

A3: Interested vendors were given an opportunity to add themselves to the interested vendor list for the RFI, and presolicitation synopsis. In addition, interested vendors were also given the ability to review the list of other vendors that have indicated interest in the particular opportunity. In this case, the vendor will see the Interested Vendors List sub-tab when reviewing the opportunity. There were 44 vendors who added themselves to the interested vendors list for the RFI, and approximately 50 vendors (some the same as who listed themselves as an interested vendors list) who submitted questions, comments, and recommendations.

Q4: What is the reason for the early recompete? It hasn't reached ceiling and award is anticipated a full 9 months before expiration

A4: Given the size, scope, and complexity of the requirement, and consistent with FAR 7.104, the agency reserves the right to begin acquisition planning “as soon as the agency need is identified, preferably well in advance of the fiscal year in which contract award or order placement is necessary.” The intent is to ensure maximum time for the agency, and offerors, given the anticipation of issuing multiple-awards.

Q5: Will there be multiple awards on IT SSC?

A5: Yes, the CO has determined, to the maximum extent practicable, giving preference to making multiple awards of IDIQ contract. As such, the CO will use the policies in FAR

Part 12, in conjunction with the policies and procedures for solicitation, evaluation and award prescribed in FAR Part 15, Contracting by Negotiation, [and] the policies and procedures for giving preference to making multiple awards of indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts under FAR 16.5.

Q6: Can a sub work with ABC company and then with DEF?

A6: This would depend upon the subcontracting arrangement between the prime and subcontractor.

Q7: Can a company prime one contract and sub on another?

A7: When a company is awarded a contract under ITSSC-II, the company would act as the prime Contractor for their contract for the duration of the contract. The agency does not know of any prohibitions that would apply to that prime Contractor also acting as a subcontractor on other contracts so long as the subcontracting arrangement between the prime and subcontractor on that contract does not prohibit it.

Q8: Under the multiple award IDIQ, can SSA explain the ordering process for the task orders?

A8: The draft RFP solicitation package will outline the specific task ordering procedures, once released. However, in general, during the ordering period of performance of the contract, the Government may issue written task orders against the multiple-award IDIQ contracts, with individual task orders to be awarded using the following pricing arrangements under FAR Part 16: firm-fixed-price, time-and-materials, and labor-hour.

Task order prices for each labor category will then need to be based on the fixed hourly rates identified in the agreed upon Pricing Matrixes for each contract, along with any applicable other-direct-costs. The CO will issue a request for task order proposal electronically to the multiple awardee Contractors following the ordering procedures of

FAR 16.505(b), unless an exception applies (see FAR 16.505(b)(2)). In response, the

Contractor will then be instructed to provide a task order proposal that contains the

Contractor’s proposed total price to perform the services outlined in the statement of work (SOW), along with any other information (e.g. information related to the cited evaluation criteria, if applicable) the Government requires to assist with making a best value award decision. Again, this information will be outlined specifically in the draft

RFP solicitation package.

Q9: Will all awardees be offered the opportunity to compete for all work acquired under the

IDIQ or will there be sole source task orders?

A9: The CO will issue a request for task order proposal electronically to the multiple awardee

Contractors following the ordering procedures of FAR 16.505(b), unless an exception applies (see FAR 16.505(b)(2)).

Q10: How many competitive Task Orders should be expected per year?

A10: We cannot determine the number at this time. However, the CO will issue a request for task order proposal electronically to the multiple awardee Contractors following the ordering procedures of FAR 16.505(b), unless an exception applies (see FAR

16.505(b)(2)).

Q11: How many non-competitive Task Orders should be expected per year?

A11: We cannot determine the number at this time. However, the CO will issue a request for task order proposal electronically to the multiple awardee Contractors following the ordering procedures of FAR 16.505(b), unless an exception applies (see FAR

16.505(b)(2)).

Q12: Will SSA afford another opportunity for Q&A upon release of the Final RFP package?

A12: Yes, a copy of the draft RFP solicitation package will be posted to FedBizOpps for

Industry comment in December 2015 due to the amount of initial questions, comments, and recommendations received. In addition, interested parties may also submit questions, comments, and recommendations upon the release of the “final” RFP solicitation package, tentatively scheduled for release January 2016. Note: release is subject to change based upon additional questions, comments, and recommendations received.

Q13: How many awards does SSA anticipate on ITSSC?

A13: We cannot answer this question at this time. However, the CO has determined, to the maximum extent practicable, giving preference to making multiple awards of IDIQ contract. The CO will take into consideration those elements identified in FAR

16.504(c)(1)(ii)(A), in conjunction with the best value determinations upon evaluation of actual number of proposals received and evaluated.

Q14: SSA may consider awarding all scope areas to all vendors to promote competition and strengthen the capabilities available to SSA.

A14: We will consider this recommendation.

Q15: We suggest a task order structure that promotes both direct and competitive task order awards.

A15: We will consider this recommendation.

Q16: SSA may consider including evaluation criteria for oral presentations to demonstrate key personnel strength, relevance, and commitment.

A16: We will consider this recommendation.

Q17: SSA may consider including evaluation criteria that vendors demonstrate capabilities to provide services across the US to support SSA regional operations.

A17: We will consider this recommendation.

Q18: SSA may include evaluation criteria addressing the vendor’s ability to support agencies of similar scope, size, and scale to demonstrate the ability to deliver within SSA’s environment.

A18: We will consider this recommendation.

Q19: SSA may include evaluation criteria addressing the vendor’s ability to respond to legislative and regulatory changes in a rapid and agile manner that minimizes the impact to stakeholders.

A19: We will consider this recommendation.

Q20: SSA may consider including evaluation criteria that vendors demonstrate the ability to bring industry best practices to SSA via commercial, international, or other leading experiences for citizen services.

A20: We will consider this recommendation.

Q21: SSA may consider including evaluation criteria that vendors document core capabilities as well as innovation capabilities across all scope areas to demonstrate their ability to support SSA in the future.

A21: We will consider this recommendation.

Q22: SSA may conduct a best value evaluation where all factors are of relatively equal importance, and the non-price factors, when combined, are more important than the price factor.

A22: We will consider this recommendation.

Q23: SSA may limit the page count to allow for concise, directly relevant materials for the agency to review. For example:

o Three pages for each key personnel resume o Five pages for each past performance citation o Fifteen pages for each technical approach area

A23: We will consider this recommendation.

Q24: SSA may request that vendors demonstrate experience with multiple contracting options, such as time-and-materials, firm-fixed-price, and outcome-based contracts to provide flexibility for task order contracts over the duration of the ITSSC-II.

A24: We will consider this recommendation.

Q25: Will SSA please confirm that each award recipient will have the opportunity to compete for task orders across all 4 functional areas?

A25: Yes, the CO will issue a request for task order proposal electronically to the multiple awardee Contractors following the ordering procedures of FAR 16.505(b), unless an exception applies (see FAR 16.505(b)(2)).

Q26: Will SSA please confirm their willingness to expand the new contract to more than the current four awardees, since doing so will provide additional benefits to the agency such as greater access to a wide array of IT solutions and cost benefits through increased competition?

A26: See A13 response for this section.

Q27: Though not specific to this draft SOW, does SSA envision an evaluation factor for the small business subcontract requirements?

A27: We will consider this recommendation.

Q28: Though not specific to this draft SOW, does SSA envision evaluating past performance references solely from the prime bidders, since the prime bidders are responsible for the success of their contracts?

A28: We will consider this recommendation.

Q29: There is a reference to the anticipated volume of task orders to be placed under the contract. Can you please identify the anticipated amount of task orders? In addition, can you please clarify how many IDIQ awardees are anticipated?

A29: We cannot answer this question at this time. However, the CO has determined, to the maximum extent practicable, giving preference to making multiple awards of IDIQ contract. The CO will take into consideration those elements identified in FAR

16.504(c)(1)(ii)(A), in conjunction with the best value determinations upon evaluation of actual number of proposals received and evaluated.

Q30: States the period of performance is 10 years from award date; however, ordering periods combined are less than 10 years. Will the ordering periods be revised to cover a full 10 year period of performance?

A30: The SOW will be revised to reflect a total duration of the contract, including the exercise of any options under the contract, to cover 123 months.

Q31: Can Task Orders issued under the contract extend beyond the period of performance of the contract?

A31: Yes, if applicable, as task orders may include option periods to continue services for the timeframe specified within the order. The draft RFP solicitation package will include additional FAR provisions and clauses that address this.

Q32: States we are required to include each subcontractor’s contract management structure and its relationship to the contractor. Can you please clarify what information is required from subcontractors to be included in the Monthly Contract Summary Report?

A32: This statement was removed from the SOW.