Attachment_J-4_RFP_Question_and_Comment_-_Government_Response_01-11-2017.pdf

Question Number

Page Number Section Paragraph Question / Comment Government Response

1 57 L.9 2

“Offeror proposal submissions shall address all requirements identified in Section L and the evaluation factors set forth in Section M of the solicitation. In order to be considered for an award, Small Business Offerors shall address all requirements in Section L, except the submission of a Subcontracting Plan in Volume III.”

Request the government clarify whether offerors may submit a proposal only on specific line items of the PWS, thus allowing offerors with limited capability to obtain a contract if they are the only company bidding, or the award is highly beneficial for a part of the Fisheries domain. If the government agrees that offerors need only submit on specific line items – will the Request for Proposal be amended to state the same?

The award will not be based on specific line items; therefore, an Offeror need not provide capability for the entire array of efforts set forth in the Statement of Work (SOW) to be considered for award. Offerors with limited capability may obtain a contract if they are the only firm or highly beneficial for a part of the Fisheries domain. The Final Solicitation will reflect accordingly.

2 62 L.10.2 1

“A Statement of Work is provided in Section C of this solicitation specifying the requirements of the NOAA Fisheries Domain. The Government is seeking companies with proficiencies and expertise directly applicable to these requirements. The Offeror shall demonstrate the full breadth and depth of their proficiencies, and of their subcontracting team, if applicable. Herein breadth is defined as the extent of the Offeror’s capabilities cover the array of requirements;

depth is defined as the extent to which the Offeror’s proficiencies and expertise fully address each individual requirement, including industry certifications demonstrating corporate maturity. The Offeror should also provide descriptions of any unique competencies that could provide additional benefit to the Government.

Request the government clarify whether offerors may submit a proposal only on specific line items of the PWS. If the government agrees that offerors need only submit on specific line items – will the RFP be amended to state the same? In addition, will the government provide amplifying data on how these types of proposals will be evaluated?

The award will not be based on specific line items; therefore, an Offeror need not provide capability for the entire array of efforts set forth in the Statement of Work (SOW) to be considered for award. Offerors with limited capability may obtain a contract if they are the only firm or highly beneficial for a part of the Fisheries domain. The proposals will be evaluated in accordance with Solicitation.

3 62 L.10.2 2

The Offeror must clearly demonstrate their capacity to support all of the stated (section C) Fisheries requirements. Evaluation of an offeror’s technical expertise and experience will assess factors such as relevant experience in performing similar contracts, considerations for scientific and technical support services similar to those required in this solicitation, and ability to effectively operate in separate and diverse locations.”

Request the government clarify whether offerors may submit a proposal only on specific line items of the PWS. If the government agrees that offerors need only submit on specific line items – will the RFP be amended to state the same? In addition, will the government provide amplifying data on how these types of proposals will be evaluated?

See Government Response to Question Number 2 above.

Attachment J-4 ProTech Request for Proposal ST-1330-17-RP-0008

Industry Questions and Answers Template

9, 46, 49, 55

& 68 B.1; K.1; L.4;

& M.2 Several

Recommend that NAICS 541990 be changed to 561210 - Facilities Support Services due to the broad and diverse services requested under this procurement, so that NOAA can get responses from medium sized firms. If the Government were to review the broad range of services and even trades (ship repairing which falls under NAICS 336611) requested, this NAICS can serve them all.

The Government conducted thorough Market Research to determine the appropriate NAICS code for this Domain, which is 541990. Companies/Contractors/Offerors are encouraged to compete at any size.

5 32, 64, & 68 H, L , & M 3.2, 6, & 10.3.6

Request that the Small Business Subcontracting Plan required as part of the submission of an Unrestricted Proposal, not be included as part of the overall 25 page limit for Volume III.

The Final Solicitation will reflect a separate page limit for the Small Business Subcontracting Plan (excluding the Master Subcontracting Plan).

6 65 &Att. J-5 L 10.4.3

Selection of projects, development of associated draft PPAQs and customer completion of PPAQs takes significant time to complete. Given that many federal customers are difficult to reach this time of year, and the potential multiple PPAQ requests they may obtain from companies for the procurement, establishing 12 January 2017 as the deadline for customers to let Offerors know whether or not they can submit electronically is going to be quite a challenge. It is also set for before the Final RFP is estimated to be issued.

Further, the current date for customer submission of PPAQs is set for 19 January 2017, nearly a month ahead of the submission of the final proposal.

Request that PPAQ submission be closer to or the same as the due date for the overall proposal; perhaps to a separate email address to segment them out from proposal submissions.

The Final Solicitation/Request for Proposal will reflect a changed alternate delivery date for Past Performance Questionnaires and a changed submission date that is closer to the proposal due date.

7 69 M 3.1 Factor I

The Second Paragraph notes ‘extent to which the Offeror has showed commitment to the pursuit of Environmental Intelligence and investment in innovative solutions to achieving NOAA’s vision in this Domain.’ This evaluation criteria matched well in the DRFP corresponding Section L requirements. However, since the corresponding Section L (Vol. II) requirements were revised, thus removing the request to demonstrate commitment to pursuit of Environmental Intelligence and investment in innovative solutions; this remaining Section M text appears to now be out of place. Please consider revising Section M to be more consistent with the new Section L.

Section L has been revised to incorporate Environmental Intelligence as stated in the Sections C & M.

8 Att. J-6

The Pricing Template shows columns for Loaded Hourly Labor rates for Years 1 9 . Should this be Years 1-6 (5 years + 1 year for tasks that may be extended) rather than for 9 years?

The Pricing Template (Attachment J-6) reflects Government requested Loaded Hourly Labor Rates for Years 1 - 9 in accordance with Section I.4(d) June 29, 2025 (see Solicitation/Request for Proposal pages 44 - 45).

9 65 L 10.4.3 1

All key personnel responsible for execution of an applicable scope of work while under contract with a previous firm are currently employed by a firm responding to this solicitation. The firm responding to the solicitation also has direct contracts with the contracting firm of the subject scope of work. Can a PPQ be prepared for the current firm's personnel although the work was executed under contract with another firm?

Past Performance information may be submitted regarding predecessor companies, key personnel who have relevant experience, or subcontractors that will perform major or critical aspects of the requirement when such information is relevant to the solicitation. However, data concerning the prime Offeror shall be provided first, followed by each proposed subcontractor, in alphabetical order. Joint Ventures shall submit past performance information for the JV. In accordance with FAR 15.305(2)(iv), Offerors with no recent or relevant past performance will result in assignment of a neutral rating, indicating neither a favorable nor unfavorable evaluation rating.

10 55 L.5 1

Industry understands that NOAA anticipates 75% of the awards will be set aside for small business. In addition, Industry has reviewed the draft small business subcontracting goals with 49% going toward small business to meet NOAA's subcontracting goals. Since small firms can compete for all work, this would leave many firms with a very small share of ProTech opportunities. Industry is hoping NOAA will consider a set aside for mid-tier companies that have just graduated from small business or will graduate over the course of ProTech. Alternatively, consider more reasonable small business subcontracting goals for mid-tier companies like may have just graduated from small business.

The Government conducted thorough Market Research to determine: the appropriate size standard ($15M); whether to include a reserve in accordance with 13 CFR 125.2(e)(4) [75%]; the appropriate NAICS code for this Domain (541990); the acquisition strategy/contract type(s); etc... and determined that although there is a reserve for small business, Companies/Contractors/Joint Venturers/Offerors are encouraged to compete at any size.

11 12 C Multiple

As a WOSB we cannot propose on the entirety of requirements for this domain but we do offer excellent past performance in certain areas. Assuming we do not team with a large or medium business can we submit our response and future proposal addressing specific tasks requirement? See Government Response to Question Number 2 above.

12 64 L.10.4.1 Section I - Contract

Descriptions 3

If we are including government contracts for which we were a subcontractor, do we include the contact info for the Prime (who subcontracted our company) or the Client (the government agency)?

The Offeror shall send the questionnaires for relevant projects that are in progress or completed in the past five (5) years to the individuals who will provide the reference. For Government contracts, send to the Contracting Officer or Technical Representative. (Referenced Attachment J-5, Instructions & Section A ).

13 65

L.10.4.3 Section III – Past Performance Assessment

Questionnaire 4

If we are including government contracts for which we were a subcontractor, do we submit the questionnaire to the Prime (who subcontracted our company) or the Client (the government agency)? See Government Response to Question Number 12 above.

14 64

L.10.4.1 Section I - Contract

Descriptions 3 What is meant by "Government contract administration activity, if delegated"?

As referenced in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 42.2 - Contract Administration Services specify that contracting officers may delegate contract administration or specialized support services.

15 65 L.10.4.2

Section II – Performance 2 Can you please explain what is meant by "professional concern for the interest of its customers" under requirement #5 for performance?

Whether the Offeror/Contractor/Joint Venturer/Companies, etc... is committed to the Customers' requirement to include but not limited to limiting and/or eliminating conflicts of interest; providing a customer driven solution; abiding by professional ethics, etc.…

16 14 C.3.1 Studies, Analyses and

Reports 1

"Provide literature searches and reviews; compile and catalog background material; and prepare analyses, summaries and bibliographies." has not been given a section number. Shouldn't this be "C.3.1.1" and the other services be renumbered?

The Final Solicitation will reflect that it has been renumbered to C.3.1.11.

17 60

L.10 FORMAT AND

INSTRUCTIONS FOR

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION 4

Based on the text "The Executive Summary letter shall include:", should the Executive Summary be formatted as a letter? Yes or any other format that contains the information listed in L.10.1.

18 59 L.9.2 Format Instructions 3 Can the font size of text in the headers and footers be less than 12 pt? As stated in L.9.2, 12-point is the minimum font.

19 59 L.9.2 Format Instructions 3

Should a reference to the FAR 3.104 proprietary data notice be provided on each page of the proposal or just the front page of each volume?

As stated in L.9.2, proprietary data notice should be provided only on the front/cover page.

20 60

L.10 FORMAT AND

INSTRUCTIONS FOR

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION 4

According to the RFP, "A signed and completed solicitation/contract form and any subsequent amendments" should be included in Vol I. Where is a copy of this form?

The Standard Form (SF)33 form will be provided in the Final Solicitation and will be labeled as such. The SF33 will be pages 7 & 8 of the Solicitation. Any Amendments, if issued, will be issued on a SF30.

21 59

L.10 FORMAT AND

INSTRUCTIONS FOR

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION 3

Do the 25-page limits for Volumes II and III include the title pages and table of contents for each volume? No.

22 65 L.10.4 Volume IV

– Past Performance (Factor III) 3 When will the final Past Performance Questionnaire be available?

The Past Performance Questionnaire is available on FedBizOpps: Pre-Solicitation Notice ST-1330-17-RP-0008 as Attachment_J-5_Past_Performance_Questionnaire and will also be available upon posting of the Final Solicitation on FedBizOpps as Attachment_J-5_Past_Performance_Questionnaire.

23 65

L.10.4 Volume IV

– Past Performance (Factor

III) 3

Due to the delay in receiving the final RFP and final Past Performance Questionnaire, will the deadline for submittal of the questionnaires by the POCs be extended beyond January 19, 2017?

The Final Solicitation, which is anticipated to be posted on or before January 13, 2017, will reflect amended due dates to include Past Performance Questionnaires due date.

24 65 L.10.5 Volume V

– Cost/Price (Factor IV) 4 Can you please provide the cost table in Attachment J-6 Cost/Price Template for Ceiling Rates as an Excel file? Yes. The Final Solicitation will include the Excel file.

25 66 L.10.5 Volume V

– Cost/Price (Factor IV) 4

"Failure to offer ceiling hourly rates for all labor categories and all contract periods may result in the Offeror being ineligible for award." This statement implies that rates must be provided for ALL labor categories listed in Attachment J-6, but what do we do if we do not have staff for ALL labor categories? For example, if we do not provide engineering services, then we will not have engineering labor categories or rates.

Although the award will not be based on specific line items and that a Prospective Offeror need not provide capability for the entire array of efforts set forth in the Statement of Work (SOW) to be considered for award, the Government maintains that Prospective Offerors should still include the ceiling hourly rates for all labor catergories and all contract periods. Prospecitve Offerors may find the rates based on the market, even if Prospective Offerors do not have the staff in house at this time, so long as the basis of the rates are fair and reasonble.

26 66 L.10.5 Volume V

– Cost/Price (Factor IV) 4

Attachment J-6 Cost/Price Template for Ceiling Rates includes a Level 4 for each labor category but this level is not described in Attachment J-2. Do we just leave Level 4 in the table blank?

Amended. Final Solicitation and corresponding Attachment reflects up to Level 3 labor categories.

27 N/A Att J-6 Cost/Price Template N/A

Would the government consider adding a Subject Matter Expert (SME) labor category, or consider adding the Standard Level 4 used in the ProTech-Satellite RFP for each labor category? Not at this time.

28 62 L.10.2 1 Can NOAA define how they differentiate proficiencies and capabilities or are these terms being used interchangeably?

Amended. The Final Solicitation reflects Corporate Experience and Commitment and not proficiencies.

29 N/A Section J – Att J-5 N/A Should offerors submit a copy of each Past Performance Questionnaire submitted to client references in Volume IV, Past Performance?

The Offeror shall send the questionnaires for relevant projects that are in progress or completed in the past five (5) years to the individuals who will provide the reference. For Government contracts, send to the Contracting Officer or Technical Representative. For commercial references, send to personnel with duties similar to those for Government contracts. It is the responsibility of the Offeror to follow-up and encourage references to submit the questionnaire. The completed questionnaire shall be submitted via e-mail directly from the person providing the reference. (Reference Attachment_J- 5_Past_Performance_Questionnaire )