VA118-10-RP-0052_QuestionsAndAnswers-Round1.pdf

Q&A Round 1 – Industry Day May 13, 2010

Question Answer

1. Do I understand correctly there will only be 4 SDVOSB awardees?

That sounds extremely small a number for the VA?

4 Awards will be reserved for

SDVOSBs; it is not limited to 4 maximum

2. Please clarify the

SDVOSB/VOSB being able to

"complete" in the "open market".

All offerors compete in the open market in accordance with the

Basis of Award in the solicitation

3. Does that mean they can bid along with the proposed 15 prime vendors?

Yes

4. Please explain the small business set aside in more detail. Will 8a, small business forms, be able to compete with

SDVOSB for awards?

The 4 SDVOSB and 3 VOSB reserve awards are not set aside awards. The selection of awardees will be accomplished in two steps. The first step includes selection of multiple offerors for awards from those proposals included within the competitive range, without regard to the size of the offeror. If at least four

SDVOSB offerors and three

VOSB offerors are selected for award no further progression to step 2 will be required. If either four SDVOSB offerors and/or three VOSB offerors are not selected for award in step one, then only SDVOSB and VOSB offerors in the competitive range will proceed to step two. Large businesses and non-SDVOSB and

VOSB small business concerns will be eliminated from consideration for award.

5. Will T4 be available to other then

VA Organizations, eg: DOD?

The focus is in VA requirements at this time. However, the

Performance Work Statement includes contractor-provided solutions may support the

Department of Veterans Affairs

(VA) and its joint initiatives, other Federal Agencies, and if so authorized by specific Legislation

(e.g. Public Law 108-136 Section

803), tasks for State and local

Governments involving information technology and telecommunications that are federally funded.

6. Could we receive a second review of the selection process for SDVOSB &

VOSBs? (Step 1 & Step 2)

The Industry Day slides, with the reserve examples, are posted on

FedBizOpps and the Office of

Acquisition websites

7. Would VA consider a reserve or awards for "mid tier" firms with other

NAICs including the 1500 employee size standard?

The only reserve awards contemplated involve SDVOSBs and VOSBs. SDVOSB and

VOSB businesses are required to meet the size standard for NAICS code 541512 to be considered for the reserves.

8. Please review task order process with SDVOSB/VOSB again. Is it the intent to first source through these set asides and if there aren't significant qualified bidders, then open it up to full

& open?

For purposes of meeting our contracting goals, the

Government will set aside at the task order level

9. Can you provide additional information on the sample task orders?

No, the sample tasks will be released with the final Request

For Proposal.

10. Have the sample task orders been determined?

Yes

11. What is status of higher level approvals for acq. Plan, small business approach, etc?

In process

12. How realistic is the milestone schedule?

The Government anticipates meeting schedule

13. Did you consider doing this entire event as a WebEx? It would have saved bidders and the VA millions of dollars.

We did consider that option, but decided that networking and face to face briefings provided an important opportunity. Each contractor was responsible to make an independent business decision on whether to attend.

14. Sample task orders - will they be awarded at the time of the T4 vehicle?

The Government has not made a final determination at this time.

15. Will there be non VA task? If not, will the VA tech requirements for standards be imposed?

At the task order level, the

Performance Work Statement provides the opportunity to support the Department of

Veterans Affairs (VA) and its joint initiatives, as well as other

Federal Agencies, and if so authorized by specific Legislation

(e.g. Public Law 108-136 Section

803), tasks for State and local

Governments involving information technology and telecommunications that are federally funded. Therefore, task orders may be non-VA tasks. VA technical requirements for standards will be imposed at the task order level when applicable.

16. With the short response times will the monthly/quarterly meeting brief up the coming task?

Requirements will be provided to all contract holders at the same time.

17. Is there a process for existing customers to bring their work from other contracts?

Existing customers may transition work as appropriate.

18. Does VA plan to have a small business on-ramp for subsequent years?

The Government has not made a final determination at this time.

Draft solicitation provisions will be provided and updated accordingly

19. Can a prime add subs after award?

Yes, in accordance with terms and conditions of the prime contracts.

20. How are you to address unique specific requirements that require unprecedented past performance?

The Government will evaluate past performance in accordance with the solicitation.

21. Moving away from the VETS

GWAC decreases opportunities for

SDVOSB. Vets offers 41 Primes who are SDVOSB whereas T4 will only have 4 SDVOSB & 3 VOSB.

T4 is not intended to replace all

IT service contracts available to

VA. T4 provides prime and subcontracting opportunities.

22. Suggest requiring CMMI 2 for SB

CMMI 3 for Large.

The CMMI requirements are specified in the Performance

Work Statement

23. 3 VOSB SB concerns and 4 svc disabled NOSBs, aren't all SDVOSBs also VOSBs? Please clarify. Is it 7

VOSBs, 4 of which are also

SDVOSBs?

Yes, SDVOSBs are also VOSBs.

The reserved will be a total of 7 that may consist of combination of SDVOSB/VOSB up to 7.

Minimum of 4 SDVOSBs.

24. Is reserve for SDVO/VOs still provided if the VA successfully selects

4 SDVs and 3 VOBs in the first step of procurement process and eliminates need for Step 2?

The reserve awards are for

Service-Disabled Veteran Owned

Small Businesses and Veteran

Owned Small Businesses not

Service-Disabled Veteran Owned and Veteran Owned.

25. Please elaborate on the 15 awards as they involve the reserve. Is the reserve the fifteen?

The Government intends to award up to 15 prime contracts. The 4

SDVOSB and 3 VOSB reserve awards are included in the 15 awards.

26. This procurement does not replace GITSS?

No, T4 is not intended to replace any IT service contracts.

27. This procurement is not GWAC?, yes or no

Yes, this procurement is not a

GWAC

28. Is the SB reserve restricted only to veteran owned businesses or can other SB firms bid under the reserve? Is there an 8(a) reserve?

The reserve awards are 4

SDVOSB and 3 VOSB. The proposed acquisition strategy does not include reserve awards for other small business categories

29. (a) What is the significance of the

SDVOSB and VOSB breakout of 4 & 3 for the restricted offerings? (b) Is the monthly contract update with the KO a face to face update?

(a) The number of restricted offerings is based on the results of the market research. (b) Face to face meetings will be held as required.

30. The draft PWS and briefings talk about services and solutions. Will products be procured via T4 to implement solutions or is T4 a service-only contract?

If hardware and software is incidental to the service solution provided it would be determined in scope of the T4 contract vehicle.

31. Why is the VA intentionally locking out 8(a) women-owned small businesses and other small business from the small business reserve?

In accordance with the VA’s mission, the T4 acquisition strategy supports SDVOSBs and

VOSBs first and second, respectively in contracting preferences.

32. Of the 15 prime awards, is a maximum of 7 awards reserved for

SDVOSBs & VOSBs leaving 8 awards to large businesses?

The awards shall be made in accordance with the two step selection process as set forth in the solicitation

33. Are small businesses required to propose all of the tasks included in the

PWS?

Prime awardees and teammates shall be required to perform all functional areas of the

Performance Work Statement.

34. Is it the VAs strict intent to award to only SDVOSBs and VOSBs rather than multiple types of SDBs?

The awards shall be made in accordance with the two step selection process as set forth in the solicitation.

35. Out of the 15 prime awards, how many will be SDVOSB?

The acquisition strategy includes

4 SDVOSB and 3 VOSB reserve awards. SDVOSBs are a subset of VOSBs.

36. If base + 4 is required will SB recertification be required?

T4 is a Five Year Base contract with no options; therefore, recertification will not be required unless conditions in FAR 52.219-

28 require it.

37. Will a successful SDVOSB prime be required to fulfill over 50% of all task order work?

No, prime awardees will not be required to perform 50% of all task order work unless a task order is awarded under a set-aside.

38. Which small business code will

VA use to establish SB participation?

NAICS Code 541512

39. Will there be a set aside for small business other then SDVOSB &

VOSB?

The SDVOSB/VOSB is reserve awards and not set-aside. The proposed acquisition strategy does not include reserves for other small business categories.

40. VOSB & SDVOSBs who are selected for the IDIQ will very quickly just become large businesses. Is the intent of the set-aside awards to create these large businesses or should

SDVOSBs bid as joint ventures or consortia?

This is a business decision.

41. What if an SDVOSB graduates from its SB status during the life of the contract?

T4 is a Five Year Base contract with no options, therefore, recertification would not be required. Prime contractors will not be removed from the T4 contract.

42. Since there is no minority small business set aside in place outside of

SDVOSB/VOSB, how does the government intend to ensure primes meet their proposed subcontractor’s goals?

The Government intends to include a special clause addressing the impact of prime contractor’s not meeting their contractual subcontracting goals.

43. (a) Will SDVOSBs be required to present a small business plan as part of a prime bid? (b) Will SDVOSBs be required to only prime or can they also be a sub to a large that is submitting to prime? (and vice versa)

(a) Yes, they will have to submit a small business participation plan.

(b) Prime offerors can also be subcontractors for other prime offerors.

44. Do you anticipate page limitation on T4 proposal responses?

The Government anticipates page counts for Technical Volume-

Sample Task Responses and page counts for Performance Risk instances.

45. Will task orders be competed among VOSB/SDVOSBs only? Will all task orders be competed among all primes?

For the purpose of meeting our contracting goals, the

Government will set-aside at the task order level.

46. Can an SDVOSB prime and serve as a subcontractor to a large business?

Yes.

47. How will requirement for world-wide work location be evaluated? Does a company have to have worked overseas to qualify?

CONUS & OCONUS shall be better defined at the task order level. Awards for task orders will be based on Technical and Cost as outlined in 7.3.2, Task Execution

Plan, Performance Work

Statement, Paragraph (E).

However, additional evaluation factors may be considered on a case by case basis

48. Our company is a VA

HUBZONE business with past performance along NAICS 541512 for

DHS. Will this past performance be considered for work at the DVA when we respond to your proposal?

Areas of relevance include contracts which are similar in scope to the T4 PWS.

49. For an SDVOSB to qualify for an

SDOVSB award, must all members of the team be SDVOSBs?

SDVOSB and VOSB businesses are required to meet the size standard for NAICS code 541512 to be considered for the prime reserve awards.

50. Will SDVOSB awards encompass all technical areas or be restricted to specific service areas?

Reserve awards are prime awards.

Prime awardees and teammates shall be required to perform all functional areas of the

Performance Work Statement

51. Do you anticipate the inclusion of hardware in the turn-key solutions for networking?

T4 is a service contract. Purchase of hardware must be incidental to performance of the service

52. What is the overall mission of the

VA TAC and how much of that role is covered by T4?

The TAC is dedicated to providing acquisition and program management expertise and support for the VA’s Office of Information and Technology

(OIT). OI&T requirements within scope of the T4 PWS will be administered by the TAC.

53. The OCI issue remains complex and confusing. It would seem to make sense to remove PMS & IV&V from the T4 PWS and award separate PMO contracts under T4. Awarding 17 or so versus 15 contracts seems logical and is consistent with the approach to PMO by

SECOM, NOAA and Army contracts.

This could avoid most OCI risks for industry and government.

Dividing functional areas of the

T4 requirement into separate acquisitions is inconsistent with

VA’s goal of improving current program management and requirements fulfillment.

54. For training, is there a requirement to host training within VA

LMS?

Training requirements will be better defined in the task orders

55. Has an IPT been conducted? Yes

56. Why is this meeting being held here vs. the DC area? A quick check in the parking lot indicated 90% of the cars were from MD &VA. With over

700 attendees, the cost and ecological impact (read green) would be much less if one van from TAC drove to DC vc.

600 + cars driving to Eatontown.

The Technology Acquisition

Center is the contracting activity administering the award and post administration of the awards, which is located in Eatontown, NJ

57. IT is more complex, your position on collaborating partners (subs) to complete skillsets on task order.

The forming of teams is a business decision. Prime awardees and teammates shall be required to perform all functional areas of the Performance Work

Statement

58. How is this vehicle going to be more effective than other IT service contracts? (i.e. GITSS, VETS GWAC)

T4 is not intended to replace other

IT service contracts available for

VA use.

59. Is there any knowledge of the % of work being done in what locations?

For example: how much in DC area? In

Eatontown? In CONUS?

No.

60. What will be GFE, SW, HW or both?

Will depend on the nature of the individual task orders. Some task orders may involve GFE (either software or hardware), others may not.

61. Is there any plan to offer an option year(s) after the initial 5 years?

No. T4 is a 5-Year Base Period

Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite

Quantity contract

62. Will all VA contracts be procured through T4?

No.

63. The VA is very innovative and often will require cutting edge technology, our company is prepared to meet this need but required to use our world wide pool of consultants. Is there any restrictions other then background checks required?

The security requirement will be outlined in the solicitation and further defined in each individual task order.

64. (a) Do small business teams have to show qualifications in all 11 task areas? (b) Will certain task areas be segregated for small business only task order competition?

(a) Yes; (b) No

65. (a) Can a bidder be a subcontractor on both a large business bid and also a sub contractor on a small business reserve team? (b) If a company bids as prime on full and open can they be a sub on a small business reserve team or vice versa?

(a) Yes; (b) Yes

66. I assume a SDVOSB can be on a large team and also be a prime on a small team. Will it hurt to have the same large on my small team or is it better to have an all small SDVOSB

VOSB team?

Contractors are free to participate on multiple teams as an independent business decision.

67. Hours across team? Don't know Government will give number of hours until you get T.O.s? hours. The offeror will be required to allocate the hours across their team members. The

Performance Work Statement is an applicable document for allocation purposes

68. Will this replace access? No.

69. Acquisition strategy slides said up to 15 prime awards. Also stated SB reserve of 4 SDVOSB and 3 VOSB.

Does that mean 8 large businesses 4

SDVOSB and 3 VOSB? NOTE: As An

8(a) company, we are disappointed there are no reserves for 8a.

No, the 8 may include any size businesses given the best value determination. The proposed acquisition strategy does not include reserves for other small business categories.

70. Will the VA release follow-on (or pre-T4) product contracts to fulfill hardware and/or software?

T4 will be a suite of service contracts and not a hardware contract.

71. Since T4 is not a set aside, the SB doesn't have to do 51% of the work. If this is true the impact will be 10 that

VOSBs and SDVOSBs will be used as pass thrus. 2 - primes who do less than

51% may jeopardize the program since they will not be in the majority of the work. Due to priority of contract rules, the VA cannot hold subcontractors accountable.

Past performance assessment will be in place and compliance reviews will also be in place for monitoring purposes.

72. What level of small business participation does the VA expect on winning teams? Does that expectation or requirement extend to task order bids?

Subcontracting goals will be specified in the RFP. Proposed goals will be incorporated into prime contracts and primes will be required to meet those goals through task order performance.

73. Are there any SDVOSB and

VOSB requirements for teams primed by large businesses? Do those requirements extend to task order bids?

Subcontracting goals will be specified in the RFP. Proposed goals will be included in prime contract awards and primes will be required to fulfill those goals through task order performance.

74. Would there be a dollar amount for separating SDVOSBs among each other for competition?

Competition will be conducted in accordance with the solicitation.

75. Will the VA TAC continue to utilize the GSA Vets GWAC as their primary vehicle for obtaining IT

T4 is not intended to replace other

IT service contracts available to the VA.

services from SDVOSBs?

76. At the beginning of the meeting, T4 was referred to as a "suite of contracts". Please explain.

One solicitation with multiple contract awards.

77. Will task orders be awarded on a

12 month basis only? Or multi year?

Task orders may be awarded for the time appropriate to perform the task.

78. Please specify the type of participation of representatives from organizations other then OI&T (eg

VHA, VBA, etc) in the acquisition. Eg:

sample task development, source selection participation, etc.

Focus is OI&T.

79. Will there be a down select? If so, will "one on ones" be used for downselect?

No, awards will be made in accordance with the solicitation.

80. What does veterans involvement mean for each TO when task order bidding?

Clause 852.215-70 will be included at the task order level.

81. Can we propose on specific sections instead of the entire contract?

Eg: 4.6 or 4.11?

Offeror will be required to propose in accordance with the solicitation.

82. How does a SDVO company find primes?

The Government posted the attendees of today's Industry Day on www.fbo.gov and www1.va.gov/oamm/oa/tac

83. Any limit to # of contractors on a team?

No.

84. Will identity and access management be procured through T4?

What are anticipated task orders?

Task order requirements determined to be within scope of the T4 Performance Work

Statement may be procured under the contract vehicle. Specific task orders are not known at this time.

85. T4 - what it is/what not? You stated that T4 would not replace IT service contracts. Please name the contracts you are referring to.

We are not replacing any IT service contracts. T4 will add an additional contract vehicle for fulfilling VA requirements.

86. We are forming a joint venture of

SDVO-SB. Will VA accept proposals

Yes, if JV meet requirements for

13 CFR 125.15 (IL 049-06-4)

from such a JV? SDVOSB JV

87. Less geared for small businesses than what other agencies (DHS) and air force's (NETCENTS) contracts have in place. What specific considerations went into your strategy that puts this on par with those efforts?

The government evaluated technical, financial and business risk during the market research phase.

88. T.O. RFP response of 7 days may be very aggressive for complex projects; can the 7 day requirement be flexible? (eg: 7-15 days, depending upon TO scope)

7 days will be the standard, but additional time may be given depending on the complexity of the specific effort.

89. Will a draft RFP with the sample task order be available on FEDBIZOPS prior to RFP release in May for industry comment?

Yes, a draft RFP will be posted but sample tasks will not be part of the draft solicitation.

90. Are there size standards that will be applied in evaluating primes?

Aggregate?

NAICS code 541512 applies.

91. Will proposals be expected to exist at task order level or will the proposals due on June 30 be against all program requirements?

The request for task execution plans and contents of their submissions at the task order level is outlined in the T4 Performance

Work Statement.

92. The VA has a long history for innovations flexibility, unique capabilities, and rapid response through the eBuy venue. Review of the RFP draft and prior briefing clearly indicates a breadth and scope of requirements that covers large business. Please explain how this contract vehicle promotes the innovation and specialization the VA requires.

T4 promotes a “best of breed” acquisition despite business size.

93. What is the VA budget outlook for the next 5 FY's?

Still being formulated.

94. Why Pro-Path and not MS

Project?

ProPath has been mandated by the

VA in conjunction with PMAS.

95. Will the Dept of the VA mandate that this vehicle be used as the first consideration for acquisitions for those type of services identified in the scope of T4 PWS?

T4 is another tool that can be used that does not exclude any other vehicle.

96. Will task orders be awarded at the contract award?

The minimum quantity will be awarded to each successful offeror through a Task Order at the time of contract award.

97. Any restrictions on post award sub'ng/teaming? Ie: would VA restrict a sub on prime A's team from working as a sub on prime B's team for a specific task order?

No.

98. Partnerships: exclusive? Speak to cross-teaming and any restriction.

No restrictions, exclusive arrangements are between the prime & sub.

99. If multiple SDVOSBs or VOSBs team together, can their cumulative performance be consider in meeting the greater than 50% performance requirements, in contrast to just the prime SDVOSB doing the majority of the work?

The SDVOSB/VOSB prime awards are reserve and not set aside awards; therefore, requirement to perform 50% of the work is not applicable.

100. Will there be an exclusivity requirement across prime contractor and sub contractor teammates?

No.

101. For the OCONUS requirement – is this requirement of the Prime or

Team response?

CONUS & OCONUS shall be better defined at the task order level. Prime teams should be capable of performing all functional areas of the

Performance Work Statement

102. Does the international presence focus on VA locations or all federal locations since other agencies can leverage this vehicle?

The focus is on VA location and requirements at this time.

103. Since we are looking at new technologies will there be IR&D opportunities?

There are always IR&D opportunities and; if determined within scope of the T4 contract vehicle, these requirements can be satisfied with T4.

104. Are virtual meetings/reviews i.e web ex, ok ?

Yes, task order would specify flexibility in executing meetings and reviews.

105. Do software tech demonstrations and transitions include pilots?

Requirements will be better defined in Task Orders

106. Are particular functional areas mutually exclusive i.e. IVV & System engineering for subs or primes?

No, not mutually exclusive.

107. Will VHA OHI innovations Innovations funding is not coming project be funded via T4? from T4

108. What is the relationship between the innovations program & T4?

Innovations projects could be tasks orders under the T4

109. Could you provide more details on sections 4.2.11? Is it possible to assume this means re-writing vista A apps and or replacing MUMPS Kernel

Technology?

This is within the realm of possibilities based on the general nature of the PWS.

110. What is Addendum X in section

7.1.1? Is this a reference to Addendum

A? Typo?

This should be Addendum A.

Actually part of 6.1.1.

111. Is T4 going to be used to procure help on claims management?

Difficult to answer since “claims management” is a very broad term.

112. “Enterprise Architecture” is mentioned in section 4.1, and

Architecture design is mentioned in section 4.2. And 4.2.2 could you elaborate on the differences please, with respect to the role of enterprise architecture in the PM section (4.) of the PWS? Also last paragraph of 4.2.9 second sentence typo?

Section 4.1 you would provide support and services to analyze policies, technology trends, as examples, and providing recommendations. Section 4.2 will be doing the associated engineering and development activities.

113. Will COTS application be procured via T4 or SEWP?

COTS application (software) can be procured via T4 if determined to be incidental to the service solution being provided.

114. Will COTS apps with

VISTA/CPRS integration be part of T4 or a separate contracting vehicle?

Requirements may be procured under T4 if determined to be within scope of the T4

Performance Work Statement.

115. Hardware Procurement was address, however software was not. Is it the VA’s intent to include software acquisition and deployment with the individual task orders?

Software can be procured via T4 if determined to be incidental to the service solution being provided.

116. Will task orders include Federal

Data Center consolidation Initiatives from the federal CIO Office?

Requirements may be procured under T4 if determined to be within scope of the T4

Performance Work Statement.

117. Does T4 plan to leverage managed services programs that potentially incorporate services &

COTs solutions?

Yes, T4 will enable task orders for managed services or acquiring and managing COTs products that satisfy VA IT needs.

118. Will the Government provide a link for applicable documents? (i.e.

ProPath, PMAS)

The Government has established a bidder’s library and will provide links within the applicable documents section of the PWS.

119. Can you please clarify the need for Enterprise Network? VA has already awarded its Enterprise network requirements via the GSA Network contract. Can you please discuss the

Enterprise Network requirements of T4 as it relates to the Network contract?

T4 awarded task orders could be supported or improvements to already awarded contracts as specified in section 4 of the PWS.

120. Will electronic health requirements be part of T4 future task order?

Requirements may be procured under T4 if determined to be within scope of the T4

Performance Work Statement.

121. What % or specific opportunities forecasted through FBO or the Capital planning process will be procured through T4?

We do not have a forecast at this time.

122. Does the VA expect to differentiate between information security program management and strategic planning support, information security design and architectural and cyber security execution?

Task orders may be specific to the areas listed or a task order may include each of the areas listed.

123. Is CMMI certificate required? CMMI certification is not an evaluation factor for prime awards. CMMI requirements are addressed in the Performance

Work Statement. Prime teams should be capable of performing in all functional areas of the

Performance Work Statement. If required, CMMI certification may be included in an individual task order.

124. Health IT has not specifically been called out so far in the PWS. Will

Health IT be part of any of the sample tasks?

Sample Task information will not be released until final solicitation is posted. However, healthcare information processing is part of

Para 4.2 in the T4 Performance

Work Statement. Health IT can be part of any of the other functional areas, e.g. Cyber Security

125. 4.10 Training - Training was What was intended for the term referred to as a "stand alone" task.

What is meant by the designation

"stand alone"?

"stand alone" is that specific task order may involve only a training requirement.

126. Are there more designated "stand alone" tasks?

A specific task order may involve only an individual functional area or could involve multiple functional areas.

127. Could you explain favorable responses to sample task orders?

Evaluation of offerors shall be conducted in accordance with the solicitation

128. Will the end customer be involved in the award decision "Best

Value" where they can determine their best value selected?

The award decisions for T4 prime contracts shall be in accordance with the source selection procedures in FAR Part 15 and

VA policies.

129. Speaking of conflict of interest, do or will any of the evaluators own mutual funds or stocks that own government contractors stock?

The Contracting Officer shall appoint source selection members in accordance with FAR Part 15 and 3.104 procedures.

130. Will the qualifications of subcontractors be evaluated as part of the technical and past performance sections?

The Government shall evaluate prime and major subcontractors in accordance with the solicitation.

131. Will there be Orals as part of the evaluation?

No.

132. Will OCI be determined at the task order level?

Yes.

133. Why is the TAC insisting that bidders build teams that can do everything?

T4 is intended to provide a suite of prime contracts that can meet the IT requirements in the T4

Performance Work Statement.

134. Will the government reconsider

NAICS codes alternative as follows:

541712 (500 employees), 517110 (1500 employees) this will provide more options, more cost effective solutions.

T4 is utilizing service NAICS code not product NAICS code.

135. Are other projects being put on hold to rollup into this program?

The Department of Veterans meets its mission needs in accordance with VA directives.

136. Approximately how many task orders do you anticipate each year?

The number of task orders per year cannot be forecasted at this time.

137. Where will the majority of the T4

Tech Support be performed, locally, embed in TAC, Distributed to remote sites?

Place of performance shall be defined at the task order level.

138. What parameters do you envision with respect to teaming arrangements?

Eg exclusivity, multiple teams, etc?

The Government is not imposing restrictions on teaming arrangements, subcontracting, etc.

139. (a) Can a VOB and SDVOB be a prime with other than small business?

Whose past performance counts?

(a) Teaming arrangements are a business decision. (b) Past performance shall be evaluated in accordance with the solicitation.

140. Will task orders be issued on a sole source basis?

Request for task execution plan in response to task order requirements shall be released in accordance with Paragraph 7.3 in the T4 Performance Work

Statement.

141. How will the VA handle intellectual property rights?

T4 will include the appropriate intellectual property clauses in the solicitation. At the task order level, intellectual property issues will be addressed specifically if applicable.

142. Can the Government provide insight into the forming of a joint venture in response to the T4 acquisition?

Potential offerors should consult the appropriate SBA office for specific details concerning Joint

Ventures.

143. How is past performance evaluated for a Joint Venture?

A) Do you evaluate the Joint Venture entity? Or, B) Do you evaluate each member of the Joint Venture

Joint Venture past performance can be evaluated based on the

Joint Venture entity, or on the members within the Joint

Venture.

144. How will meeting small business goals be addressed in the case of a Joint

A Joint Venture will receive credit based on its status for

Venture? purposes of prime dollars, however, the members within the

Joint Venture do not represent a prime-subcontractor relationship;

therefore, additional credit cannot be used to meet subcontracting goals.

145. Can a Joint Venture be a subcontractor to a prime?

This is a business decision;

however, the joint venture would be responsible to represent their status back to the prime for accurate subcontract reporting.

146. A) Does the Government intend to monitor fulfillment of contractual subcontracting goals throughout the life of the contract?

B) What are the penalties for not fulfilling contractual subcontracting goals?

A) Yes, contractual subcontracting obligations will be monitored in accordance with the terms and conditions outlined under Small

Business Participation.

B) Penalties will be assessed in accordance with the terms and conditions outlined under Small

Business Participation.

147. If an SDVOSB prime partners with a large business, does the

SDVOSB prime have to perform 51% of the work, or 51% of the work per task order?

The reserve awards are not set-asides; therefore, there is no requirement for prime contractors to perform greater than 50% of the work unless an individual task order is set aside.

148. Why is the VA not considering set-aside categories for functional areas of the T4 PWS?

Dividing functional areas of the

T4 requirement into separate acquisitions is inconsistent with

VA’s goal of improving current program management and requirements fulfillment.

149. When an RTEP specifies a specific functional area requirement, should the TEP include past performance in that specific functional area?

Past performance under the T4 vehicle will be assessed in accordance with the terms and conditions outlined under Metrics.