W15QKN-17-R-1051-Amendment_0002.docx

W15QKN-17-R-1051

SECTION SF 30 BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

SECTION SF 30 - BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

The following have been added by reference:

The following have been added by full text:

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Questions and Answers

Request for Proposal W15QKN-17-R-1051 FORSCOM Logistics Training Cluster (FLTC) Program Support

Question 1: Does the Combined Synopsis/Solicitation under solicitation number W15QKN17R1051 contain requirements similar to a current contract? If possible, please provide the current contract number. Or, is this a new requirement for the government?

Answer: The current solicitation contains the same requirements as the current contract. In addition, the current contract # is W911SE-11-D-1011 Delivery Order# 1N01.

Question 2: Per the RFP there is no Past Performance evaluation criteria. Can the Government please confirm that no recent or relevant past performance is required by a company to submit for this solicitation?

Answer: The United States Government (USG) does not have a requirement for past performance evaluation. The Government will utilize the existing systems such as PPIRS and CPARS to review each offeror’s past performance.

Question 3: Is there a reason that the contract duration is non-standard two years versus five years? Does the USG anticipate the elimination or change to the program after the RFP timeframe?

Answer: The Government has determined that the period of performance for this effort will three years (base plus two option years). At this time, the Government does not anticipate the elimination or change to the program after the RFP timeframe.

Question 4: Can an alternative scenario to comply with the requirements of 1.6.11.1.1 be proposed? As written the PM would not be able to be absent from the site for sickness or vacation and would not be able to provide MMT assistance or attend required meetings. Should not this paragraph read the PM or PM designee?

Answer: Yes, if the PM is not available due to sickness or appointment then the designated alternate can stand in for the PM. Section 1.6.11.1.1 changed to reflect PM or PM designated alternate.

Question 5: Is the Senior Water Instructor identified in section 1.6.11.1.2 the Site Administrator (SA)?

Answer: Yes.

Question 6: In Section 2.3.2.2 it states that the offeror shall submit their offer using the Attachment 001 spreadsheet. If an offeror has a different staffing plan can they modify the Attachment to reflect their proposed structure?

Answer: All offerors should submit their offer in accordance with the requirements as outlined in the request for proposals.

Question 7: In the evaluation criteria 2.2.1.1 (iii) it states that the management plan shall…”procedures to ensure accountability”. Given the ODC amount identified does a respondent need to show proof of an approved accounting system or compliant purchasing system in order to comply with this criteria?

Answer: No.

Question 8: Section 1.6.11 is entitled Key Personnel. Under this section are the positions: Program Manager, Senior Water Instructor, Water Instructor, Senior Maintenance Instructor, Maintenance Instructor, and Supply Management Specialist. Is it correct that resumes and letters of commitment are required for all of these labor categories?

Answer: The PWS will be changed to clarify Key Personnel. Letters of commitment are required for Key personnel only. The offeror will need to demonstrate qualifications for all designated key personnel within the scope of their proposals.

Question 9: 5.5.12 states that “Transportation will be Government provided vehicles or approved ODC expense.” GSA vehicles are not identified in Section 3 or Technical Exhibit 3. Should it be assumed that all costs associated with the vehicles stated in 5.5.12 (i.e., maintenance, fuel, repairs, insurance, etc.) will qualify as an approved ODC expense or that GSA vehicles will be provided to fulfill section 5.5.12 requirements? Are they any other transportation requirements, such as moving items/equipment at the installation or between installations that will need to be provided by the Contractor? Should Part 6 cite AR 600-55 or should a requirement for Accident Avoidance training be included.

Answer: GSA vehicles are provided to the vendor at no cost. All costs associated with maintenance of the GSA vehicles for approved support of the contract will be paid by the USG. ODCs are not authorized to pay for GSA vehicle expenses. GSA vehicles must be operated IAW / GSA rules and regulations. There are no know additional transportation requirements.

Question 10: Section 5.6.22 indicates that the contractor shall perform maintenance and repair services on the FLTC water purification systems. No level of maintenance is identified or associated regulation provided. Is this maintenance to include PMCS, unit, DG/SG and if so to what regulation (i.e., AR 750-8, DA PAMS 750-8)?

Answer: Section 5.6.2.2, The Offeror should conduct maintenance IAW AR 750-1 DA PAM 750-1, DA PAM 750-3, and DA PAM 750-8. Maintenance above 10 level should be coordinated with the Equipment Concentration Site (ECS, 3rd shop) depot level maintenance. This information was added to the PWS, Section 5.6.2.2.

Question 11: Section 5.4.18 States that the contractor shall provide training reports to FORSCOM however, Exhibit 1 states that training reports are to be provided to the COR. Which is correct?

Answer: Training reports shall be submitted to the COR and copy FORSCOM per Exhibit 1.

Question 12: The Attachment under “Qualifications” states for example that a Water Instructor is to have a High School diploma/GED and 5 years relevant technical experience. It then identifies the Equivalent education to be the same but with 10 years’ experience. Does this mean that a Water Instructor needs 5 years relevant technical experience or 10 years of any type of experience?

Answer: Water Instructors that have High School Diploma/GED must provide proof of 5 years of relevant technical experience. Water instructors that do not have High School Diploma/GED must provide proof of 10 years of relevant technical experience.

Question 13: Are the hours identified in the Attachment 001 Price Model productive hours? If so can you explain how the hours identified for an SCA WD category, such as Instructor, which requires, 56 hours sick time, 10 holidays, and 3 weeks’ vacation maps from 1920 hours to 1 CME. Would not the correct hours for 1 CME be 2080?

Answer: 1920 hours are productive hours. The USG uses 2080 hours as the base and subtracts holidays, vacation, and leave. An amendment will be forthcoming which revises the number of productive hours to Attachment 001 Pricing Matrix.

Question 14: Attachment 001 did not provide a column to identify whether or not a labor category was Exempt or SCA and which SCA number. Should this information be in the active formula Volume 2 rate build-up spreadsheet to demonstrate that applicable wages and health and welfare benefit criteria are met? Does Volume 2 need to identify the applicable DCAA and DCMA offices for the contractor?

Answer: Offers should use Department of Labor guide to add Exempt or SCA and which SCA number information to attachment 001. Offerors are to submit loaded SCA rates. Volume 2 does not need to identify the contractor’s DCAA and DCMA offices.

Question 15: Section 5.4.11 states “The FORSCOM objectives to be supported by this contract include instruction to 92W water purification specialists and 91J maintenance personnel on the operations and maintenance of water purification systems in both a freshwater and coastal water environment as requested by the customer. The Contractor is required to provide instruction for the conduct of operational training to crews from FORSCOM water units on a sea as well as fresh-water source.” Is the term FORSCOM water units meant to encompass Army Reserve Units and National Guard?

Answer: Yes, the contractor is responsible for providing the same level of training for all components.

Question 16: Section 5.5.4 states that the Contractor shall provide photocopy services for the site on Contractor-furnished photocopying machines. Does this imply that the photocopying equipment identified in Technical Exhibit 3 will no longer be available to the Contractor?

Answer: The USG provides photocopying capability on site. When a requirement exceeds onsite capability then the contractor will request to use ODC to pay for outside source. All ODC approvals must be submitted through the COR for approval.

Question 17: Section 5.6.2.5 states that the Contractor shall maintain automated and record keeping as related to supply and maintenance functions. Should we assume that these automated and record keeping systems should be in accordance with AR 750-8, PAMS 750-8, AR 735-5, FAR 31.205-26, and FAR 44-3 requirements?

Answer: Record keeping functions for maintenance and supply will be IAW AR 750-1, AR 710-2, DA PAM 750-1, DA PAM 750-3, and DA PAM 750- 8.

Question 18: Section 5.2.2 states that “The contractor shall perform monthly tracking of compliance with contract requirements. The contractor shall prepare monthly contract status reports (Including MTTs and Mobile Maintenance Team (MMT) status) and shall submit the report in accordance with TE 2.” Nowhere else in the RFP or PWS does it identify the MMT activity requirements for which these reports would be written. Can the USG identify the MMT requirements?

Answer: MTT/MMT fall under the category of Contractor Travel which is outlined in PWS 1.6.13 and 1.6.13.1 - 1.6.13.2. MTT/MMT require a trip report be submitted within 5 days after travel has been completed.

Question 19: The RFP states that “All questions regarding this Solicitation shall be submitted via electronic mail NLT Wednesday, 26 July 2017 at 3 PM EST”; however, this is the closing date and time for proposal submission and therefore any late questions posed may not allow for enough time to incorporate considering this is a hard copy delivery to be mailed. Please clarify if this is correct.

Answer: Amendment 0001, dated 14 July 2017, revised the final submission of questions. All questions regarding this solicitation shall be submitted via electronic mail NLT 17 July 2017, 1PM EST.

Question 20: SF 1449 Continuation Sheet Item No. 0001 states the base period including a 30-day phase-in; however, RFP Section 1.6.17 Phase-In/Phase-out Periods states a 45-day phase-in. Please clarify the correct Phase-in Period.

Answer: Revision made to Performance Work Statement (PWS) Section 1.6.17 Phase-In/Phase-Out to reflect 30 days phase in and phase out as noted in SF 1449 Continuation Sheet Item No. 0001.

Question 21: The Security Clearance Requirements were not specifically stated in the Labor Category descriptions, PWS or proposal submission requirements; however, in the RFP Section 1.6.17.2.2. Phase-Out Plan, it references incumbent personnel security clearances and in the Evaluation Criteria it states that the proposal shall address the knowledge, skills, security clearances, technically qualified trained personnel IAW PWS, and education levels for each labor category to the minimum standards required to meet PWS performance requirements. Please clarify the need for personnel security clearances.

Answer: There are no security clearance requirements for this contract. Reference of security clearance shall be removed from RFP Section 1.6.17.2.2.

Question 22: RFP Section 2.3.4 Volume III: Solicitation, Offer and Award Documents references a Consent Form; however, there is no Consent Form attached or included in the RFP. Please provide further information in regards to this requirement.

Answer: No Consent Form is required. Reference of Consent Form is removed from Section 2.3.4 Volume III.

Question 23: Please clarify whether or not all ten (10) Labor Categories/Positions are considered Key Personnel for this submission.

Answer: The Key Personnel are listed in PWS 1.6.11.1.1 - 1.6.11.1.4.1. PWS will be amended to clarify.

Question 24: Under Evaluation Factors for Award RFP Section 1.1 Basis For Award, the RFP states “This acquisition will utilize the Lowest Priced Technically Acceptable (LPTA) procedure to make an award”; however, in Part 2 Definitions & Acronyms 2.19 Key Personnel it states: When key personnel qualifications are used as an evaluation actor in “Best Value” procurement, the Contracting Officer is the only one authorized to concur with key personnel replacement after award of the contract. When proposed key personnel resumes are used as an evaluation factor in best value procurement, a letter of commitment may be required from the individual whose resume is provided. a. By definition, letters of commitment and resume requirements used as an evaluation factor is used in Best Value procurements.

Answer: Any reference to “Best Value” in Part 2 Definitions & Acronyms 2.19 Key Personnel qualification evaluation is deleted.

Question 25: The FAR Clause 52.222-17 Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers (May 2014) (E.O. 13495) is not selected under contract terms and conditions required in the RFP; however it is stated as a flow down requirement in accordance with this FAR clause. The inclusion of the WD implies that SCA employees are to be utilized in the proposal and therefore are subject to FAR Clause 52.222-17. Please clarify the intent for SCA employees proposed and the clause requirement. a. What actions would the government want the Contractor to take with incumbent employees if we are obligated to hire a new workforce on the contract due to required Letters of Commitment?

Answer: FAR Clause 52.222-17, Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers (May 2014) (E.O. 13495) is added as a reference in this amendment 0002.

a) It is strictly the contractors’ responsibility to provide the appropriate personnel in accordance with the solicitation.

Question 26: In RFP Section 2.2. Proposal Format, the instructions references the Key Personnel Resumes shall be limited to two (2) pages per resumes but does not state a requirement for the Letter of Commitment. The following RFP paragraph 2.3 Proposal Content states the requirements for each Volume but makes no reference to either the resume or Letter of Commitment. These two items are mentioned in the Evaluation Factors for Award under 2.2.1.2 Technical Acceptability Subfactor 2 – Management Approach, (ii) Key Personnel Staffing. Please clarify as referenced in the above question #25 pertaining to the FAR clause and Letter of Commitments.

Answer: No page limit on letter for commitment.

Question 27: Will the maintenance personnel have to make status updates and supply request using GCSS-A, or will the maintenance personnel use legacy systems such as the Standard Army Retail Supply System (SARS) and the Standard Army Maintenance System (SAMS)?

Answer: No, the contractor is not required to maintain access to GCSS-A. Request for purchases through GCSS-A will be submitted to the COR.

Question 28: Will training involve the 600 GPM for NG or USAR Soldiers?

Answer: Yes

Question 29: Are former Master Sergeants, 92F allowed to fill 92W positions? 92F at the rank of Master Sergeant (E8), are equally qualified on fuel and water tasks and functions.

Answer: As long as the contractor can demonstrate they have the requisite knowledge and experience as outlined in PWS, they would be eligible to fill those position.

Question 30: RFP Section 5.4.2 states that the schedule of units to be trained will be determined by FORSCOM, NGB and USARC. FORSCOM will provide a list of units to be trained to the Contractor. The size of the unit crews who will receive training vary in size from ten (10) to thirty(30) students and in RFP Section 5.5.12 it states that the Contractor shall be responsible for transporting students from the airport, billeting, local dining facility and transporting them to the FLTC Annex training site and back to the airport for departure. Transportation will be Government provided vehicles or approved ODC expense. The Contractor shall provide round trip transportation to the dining facilities to ensure students are afforded the opportunity to eat during normal training days, holidays, and weekends; however, the Contract Pricing Model lists one (1) Billeting/Supply Specialist total hours 1980. a. Will transportation for taking military personnel to the required training and other locations as listed, be provided by the US Government? And if so, is the expectation for the Contractor to perform the task of managing and coordinating for transportation to meet contract requirements?

Answer: The contractor is responsible for transportation IAW with PWS 5.5.12.

b. If not, and the expectation is to be Contractor-provided will the person operating the vehicle to transport the students require a CDL?

Answer: Contractor provided transportation will utilize a USG provided GSA vehicle. To operate the GSA vehicle you must have a valid driver’s license and current accident avoidance certificate.

c. How do you determine the manpower requirement to transport the students without the convening number of units to be trained by the Contractor?

Answer: Historically, units provide their Soldier with government rental vehicle while training at FLTC. In the event the GSA cannot accommodate the number of students assigned the COR will provide additional GSA vans/driver’s to the site. Manpower requirement is based upon historical usage on the current contract.

Question 31: RFP Section 2.3.2 Volume II – Price. Please clarify whether a detailed spreadsheet is required to be provided or only the Attachment 0001 Pricing Workbook and whether any pricing narrative/separate volume is required for a complete price proposal submission.

Answer: The offeror shall complete Attachment 0001 Pricing Workbook.

Question 32: Evaluation Factors for Award: Paragraph 2.2.1.2, subparagraph 2.2.1.2 ii, Key Personnel Staffing references the requirement of Letters of Commitment.

Do the Letters of Commitment count against the technical page count?

Answer: No.

Question 33: In the QASP provided with the solicitation you have included my (Wanda Hale) and Jim Wheeler’s cell phone numbers and email addresses. I would have appreciated notification and authorization before providing this private personnel information in a public forum.

Answer: Personnel phone numbers removed from the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP).

a) In addition the QASP identifies various government roles but only provides explanations/definitions for a portion of these roles. The TM and Deputy TM roles could not be found in the RFP only in the QASP.

Answer: The Task Monitor (TM) and Deputy TM will be designated by FORSCOM the program Executive Agency. The TM and Deputy TM will provide overall program oversight and coordinate with the program Executing Agency USARC/80TH TC.

Question 34: In section 5.4.5 it states that “This annual training typically runs one week with approximately 70 hours during the evaluation process for those personnel directly involved in the lanes training.” In section 1.6.4 it states that Overtime is not authorized under this contract. The RFP also included the SCA WD for Virginia Beach, VA. Since non-exempt SCA WD personnel must be paid the minimum wage and overtime pay for any time worked beyond 40 hours in a given week under FLSA rules is the Government stating that for personnel directly involved in the lanes training (i.e., instructors) that they are not considered nonexempt employees? If they can be considered nonexempt employees then should the cost per hour provided in Excel spreadsheet reflect the average wage rate to include the overtime premium required during the annual lanes training?

Does the Government wish the cost built-up to include a separate column for uniforms are can this be rolled into Overhead rates?

Answer: No. The USG does not want a separate column for uniforms. One week lanes training traditionally exceeds a 40 hour. All requirements beyond the normal workweek for lanes training should be inclusive of your proposal.

Question 35: Can the Government provide workload data so that the required staffing to support the project can be evaluated by the contractor in order to propose an appropriate methodology to meet the PWS requirements and/or allow alternative staffing approaches?

Answer: Yes, the USG can provide FY16 workload data.

SECTION SF 1449 - CONTINUATION SHEET

The following have been modified:

INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

Synopsis/Solicitation

INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

1. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:

1.1 The selection procedures for the issuance of this requirement have been developed in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 12 Commercial Acquisitions. The solicitation proposals will be evaluated using the criteria prescribed in the, “Evaluation Factors for Award” Section.

1.2 Proposal Instructions. The submission of the documentation specified below will constitute the Offeror’s acceptance of the terms and conditions of the solicitation, concurrence with the Performance Work Statement (PWS). The proposal shall be presented in sufficient detail to allow the Government evaluation of response to the requirements of Request for Proposal (RFP). The proposal must not merely repeat back the RFP’s requirement, but rather must provide convincing documentary evidence in support of conclusive statements of how the contract requirements will be met.

1.3 These instructions prescribe the format for the solicitation and describe the approach for the development and presentation of proposal data. These instructions are designed to ensure the submission of necessary information to provide for the understanding and comprehensive evaluation of proposals.

1.4 In accordance with FAR Subpart 4.8 (Government Contract Files), the Government will retain one copy of all unsuccessful proposals. Unless the Offeror requests otherwise, the Government will destroy extra copies of such unsuccessful proposals.

1.5 If an Offeror believes that the requirements in these instructions contain an error, an ambiguity, omission, or are otherwise unsound, the Offeror shall immediately notify the contracting office in writing with supporting rationale. The Offeror is reminded that the Government reserves the right to award this effort based on the initial proposal, as received, without discussion.

1.6 All questions concerning this procurement, either technical or contractual, must be submitted in writing to the Contracting Officer and Contract Specialist. No direct discussion between any other Government technical representative and a prospective Offeror will be conducted. Communications will be conducted via e-mail. Questions shall be sent to Emelda Long and courtesy copy (cc) Mike Tully.

Emelda Long Contract Specialist Emelda.long.civ@mail.mil Michael Tully Contracting Officer michael.r.tully.civ@mail.mil

1.7 Post-award Notices and Debriefings. Post-award notices and debriefings will be conducted in accordance with FAR 15.503(b).

2. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION:

2.1 Offeror’s proposal shall consist of three (3) volumes. The volumes are: Volume I – Technical/Mission Capability Volume II – Price/Cost Plan and Volume III – Solicitation, Offer and Award.

2.1.1 Each proposal shall be submitted in the English language and consist of and include all of the following:

a. One (1) signed and completed electronic copy of the attached Standard Form 1449 and continuation sheets (Sections A through M) signed by a person authorized to enter into the proposed contract on behalf of the Offeror. Acknowledge of all amendments to the RFP and all continuation sheets are to be filled in as directed, i.e. proposed prices in the Pricing Matrices and Certifications and Representations. Offerors are directed to thoroughly read the RFP and fill in the required information in the appropriate RFP clauses. For any fill-ins that are not applicable, the Offeror must acknowledge by indicating N/A. The proposal must also include computation for use of Government Property, if applicable.

b. Each of the three volumes listed below shall be on its own CD. An offeror shall provide four (4) CD copies for each volume. Each CD shall be complied using Microsoft Office for Windows suite of applications, submitted on a single-write CD-ROM to prevent accidental erasure of the data item therein, formatted for a MS Windows computer. Each CD must be clearly marked with the Offerors Name and the RFP number and mailed to:

Ms. Emelda Long, Contract Specialist Army Contracting Command – New Jersey 5418 S. Scott Plaza, 2nd Floor – Information Technology Section Joint Base MDL, New Jersey 08641

c. Representations through System for Award Management. The purpose of electronic Representations and Certifications is to provide all Offerors with a portal in which to submit Reps/Certs in a publicly accessible format, nullifying the requirement to submit identical information in response to each and every Federal RFP. As a requirement under the instant RFP, all Offerors must submit Reps/Certs data into the System for Award Management (SAM.) at https://www.sam.gov/. Any Offeror that has previously submitted Reps/Certs data into SAM is reminded to update the data prior to submitting with the proposal.

2.2 PROPOSAL FORMAT:

2.2.1 Offerors are required to meet all solicitation requirements, such as terms and conditions and technical requirements. Failure to meet a requirement may result in an offer being ineligible for award.

2.2.2 Each proposal shall be submitted in separate volumes. Volume I will consist of the Technical/Mission Capability Factor, Volume II will consist of Cost/Price Factor and Volume III Volume 1: Technical Factor (30 Pages Maximum) to include the Management and Technical Capability Sub-factors. The Key Personnel Resumes shall be limited to two pages per resume and do not count against the page limit.

Volume 2: Cost/Price Factor. (No Maximum) Volume 3: Solicitation, Offer and Award (No Maximum)

2.3 PROPOSAL CONTENT:

2.3.1 Volume I – Technical/Mission Capability.

2.3.1.1. General. The Technical/Mission Capability volume shall be clear, concise, and include sufficient detail for effective evaluation and for substantiating the validity of stated claims. Legibility, clarity and coherence are very important. The Mission Capability volume will be evaluated against the evaluation factors defined in Evaluation Factors for Award. The Technical/Mission Capability volume should not simply rephrase or restate the Government's requirements; the volume shall provide convincing rationale to address how the Offeror intends to meet the Government’s requirements. Statements such as “the Offeror understands, can, or will comply with the PWS,” (including referenced publications, technical data, etc.); statements paraphrasing the PWS or parts thereof (including applicable publications, technical data, etc.); and phrases such as “standard procedures will be employed” or “well known techniques will be used,” etc., will be considered unacceptable and will negatively impact the Offeror’s rating. Offerors shall assume that the Government has no prior knowledge of their facilities and experience, and will base its evaluation on the information presented in the Offerors’' Proposal. Elaborate brochures or documentation, binding, detailed art work, or other embellishments are unnecessary and are not desired. Volume I must not include pricing information.

2.3.1.2. Format. The Technical/Mission Capability volume shall be prepared in an orderly format and in sufficient detail to enable the Government to make a thorough evaluation of the Offeror’s technical competence and ability to comply with the solicitation requirements specified in the PWS.

2.3.2 Volume II – Price.

2.3.2.1 General. Offerors are required to submit a price proposal per the pricing schedule set forth Services and Prices/Costs. Failure to follow the below Proposal preparation instructions may result in the Offeror’s proposal being deemed unacceptable by the Government.

2.3.2.2 Offerors shall submit their offer by completing the Pricing Workbook (Priced) (Attachment 0001).

2.3.2.3 The Offerors proposals shall contain sufficient cost documentation for analysis and evaluation of the proposed costs in accordance with FAR 15.403-5(b)(2). All cost proposals and supporting schedules shall be submitted in Microsoft Excel format and MUST HAVE THE FORMULAS INTACT AND FUNCTIONING. If an Offeror fails to propose prices for all CLINs or fails to provide an adequate proposal, the Government may reject the offer.

2.3.2.4 Volume III Solicitation, Offer and Award Documents

2.3.2.4.1 Certifications and Representations - Each Offeror shall complete (fill-in and signatures) the RFP sections indicated below using the file (without modification to the file) provided with the RFP. An authorized official of the firm shall sign the SF 1449 and all certifications requiring original signature. An Acrobat PDF file shall be created to capture the signatures for submission.

Solicitations, Offer, Award Documents and Certifications / Representations shall not be addressed separately from that submitted in VOLUME III SOLICITATION, OFFER AND AWARD DOCUMENTS.

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