W15QKN18R0009-0004.pdf

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT 1. Contract ID Code Page Of

2. Amendment/Modification No.

3. Effective Date

4. Requisition/Purchase Req No.

5. Project No. (If applicable)

6. Issued By Code 7. Administered By (If other than Item 6) Code

8. Name And Address Of Contractor (No., Street, City, County, State and Zip Code)

9A. Amendment Of Solicitation No.

9B. Dated (See Item 11)

10A. Modification Of Contract/Order No.

10B. Dated (See Item 13) Code Facility Code

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers is extended, is not extended.

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing items 8 and 15, and returning ____________ copies of the amendments: (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

12. Accounting And Appropriation Data (If required)

13. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS

It Modifies The Contract/Order No. As Described In Item 14.

A. This Change Order is Issued Pursuant To: The Changes Set Forth In Item 14 Are Made In

The Contract/Order No. In Item 10A.

B. The Above Numbered Contract/Order Is Modified To Reflect The Administrative Changes (such as changes in paying office, appropriation data, etc.) Set

Forth In Item 14, Pursuant To The Authority of FAR 43.103(b).

C. This Supplemental Agreement Is Entered Into Pursuant To Authority Of:

D. Other (Specify type of modification and authority)

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not, is required to sign this document and return _______________ copies to the Issuing Office.

14. Description Of Amendment/Modification (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. Name And Title Of Signer (Type or print)

16A. Name And Title Of Contracting Officer (Type or print)

15B. Contractor/Offeror 15C. Date Signed 16B. United States Of America 16C. Date Signed

By (Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

NSN 7540-01-152-8070

PREVIOUS EDITIONS UNUSABLE

30-105-02 STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 10-83)

Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

SEE SCHEDULE

X

Firm Fixed Price

0004 2017NOV02

W15QKN

ARMY CONTRACTING COMMAND - NJ

PICATINNY ARSENAL, NJ 07806-5000

CHRISTOPHER BROWN

EMAIL: CHRISTOPHER.W.BROWN7.CIV@MAIL.MIL

W15QKN-18-R-0009

2017OCT10

X

X

/SIGNED/

2 signed

SEE SECOND PAGE FOR DESCRIPTION

1 27

CONTINUATION SHEET

Reference No. of Document Being Continued Page of

Name of Offeror or Contractor:

PIIN/SIIN MOD/AMD

SECTION A - SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Buyer Name: CHRISTOPHER BROWN

Buyer Office Symbol/Telephone Number: ACC-NJ-CC/(973)724-7220

Type of Contract 1: Firm Fixed Price

Type of Contract 2: Time and Materials

Kind of Contract: Service Contracts

*** End of Narrative A0000 ***

The purpose of Amendment 0004 to Solicitation W15QKN-18-R-0009 is to:

-Remove Clause 52.215-4004, IDENTIFICATION OF WORK PERFORMED AT A GOVERMENT LOCATION from the Solicitation W15QKN-18-R-0009.

-Amend Performance Work Statement paragraph number 4.2.5.7 to 4.2.6.7

-Amend L.4.2.2 paragraph (5) in part as follows:

FROM:

"The POCs shall be instructed to electronically complete Part II of the questionnaire and e-mail the entire questionnaire to the

Contracting Officer within thirty (30) calendar days of the release of the RFP, to laura.a.mackie.civ@mail.mil and christopher.w.brown7.civ@mail.mil. The Offeror shall also e-mail to the Contracting Officer a list of all the POCs who were sent a questionnaire. The Government must receive this list within thirty (30) calendar days after release of the RFP."

TO:

"The POCs shall be instructed to electronically complete Part II of the questionnaire and e-mail the entire questionnaire to the

Contracting Officer before the close of the RFP, to laura.a.mackie.civ@mail.mil and Christopher.w.brown7.civ@mail.mil. The Offeror shall also e-mail to the Contracting Officer a list of all the POCs who were sent a questionnaire. The Government must receive this before the close of the RFP."

-Amend URL in clause 52.233-4000 HQ AMC-LEVEL PROTEST PROGRAM. The new URL is as follows:_http://www.amc.army.mil/Connect/Legal-

Resources/

-Amend attachment 0004, ODCs Price Factor Evaluation Form "Instructions" tab, paragraph 1 in part as follows:

FROM:

"Offerors shall submit a complete Attachment 0005."

TO:

"Offerors shall submit a complete Attachment 0004."

- Amend Exhibit A to include updated Contract Data Requirements List (CDRLs) A019, A020, A031 and A032.

-Answer questions from industry:

Q34: Reference 52.215-4004, letter f., p. 3 and L.4.3.1, p. 70: On page 3, the solicitation states the contractor is to separate any differing overhead, G&A, etc. as it relates to the pricing for work performed on a Government site versus the contractor's site.

However, in the Instructions to Offerors for the Price volume on page 70, sub-section L.4.3.2.1, it states the contractor is to present detailed pricing delineating hours with fully burdened rates. Will you please advise the specific pricing format that the contractor must provide in its response as these two sections are in contradiction?

A34: Please note, 52.215-4004 has hereby been removed from the solicitation. Prices for the Base Year and Option Years 1 & 2 for

Communication Support Services shall be proposed in accordance with L.4.3.2.1.

Q35: Reference L.4.2.2, paragraph (5), p. 7: (5) e-mail the questionnaire to both the Government contracting activity and technical representative responsible for the past/current contract. The POCs shall be instructed to electronically complete Part II of the questionnaire and e-mail the entire questionnaire. Does it meet the requirement to follow this approach?

- E-mail the questionnaire to the COR or Tech Lead

- CC the CO on the e-mail

2 27

W15QKN-18-R-0009 0004

Name of Offeror or Contractor:

PIIN/SIIN MOD/AMD

- Request the COR or Tech Lead complete the questionnaire and cc the CO when they submit the questionnaire.

A35: In part, as stated in L.4.2.2, paragraph (5), Past Performance Questionnaire: The Offeror shall complete Part I of the Past

Performance Questionnaire and e-mail the questionnaire to both the Government contracting activity and technical representative responsible for the past/current contract. The POCs shall be instructed to electronically complete Part II of the questionnaire and e-mail the entire questionnaire to the Contracting Officer within thirty (30) calendar days of the release of the RFP, to laura.a.mackie.civ@mail.mil and christopher.w.brown7.civ@mail.mil. The Offeror shall also e-mail to the Contracting Officer a list of all POCs who were sent a questionnaire. The Government must receive this list within thirty (30) calendar days after release of the

RFP. The POC List shall be submitted in Word for Windows Table Format to include the following fields: Solicitation Number; Company

Name; Contract Number; Government Agency; POC Last Name, First Name; POC Title; POC Telephone Number; POC E-Mail Address; Date E-Mailed to POC (month/day).

Please note, the above language in paragraph L.4.2.2, paragraph (5) has been updated in part as a result of this solicitation as follows:

"The Offeror shall complete Part I of the Past Performance Questionnaire and e-mail the questionnaire to both the Government contracting activity and technical representative responsible for the past/current contract. The POCs shall be instructed to electronically complete Part II of the questionnaire and e-mail the entire questionnaire to the Contracting Officer before the close of the RFP, to laura.a.mackie.civ@mail.mil and Christopher.w.brown7.civ@mail.mil. The Offeror shall also e-mail to the Contracting Officer a list of all the POCs who were sent a questionnaire. The Government must receive this before the close of the RFP. The POC List shall be submitted in Word for Windows Table Format to include the following fields: Solicitation Number; Company Name; Contract Number;

Government Agency; POC Last Name, First Name; POC Title; POC Telephone Number; POC E-Mail Address; Date E-Mailed to POC (month/day)."

Q36: Reference paragraph 4.2.5.7, p. 16: It appears the numbering is off, and that 4.2.5.7 under exhibits management should actually read 4.2.6.7. Can the government confirm if this should be corrected?

A36: Yes, this should read as 4.2.6.7 and the Performance Work Statement has been updated to reflect this change.

Q37: Reference paragraph 4.4.1, p. 16: The Contractor shall identify, collect and publish required on-demand/ad hoc, daily, weekly, and monthly reports based on open source traditional and social media reporting on the Armys primary and secondary audiences and subjects of interest to the senior Army leadership. Can the government please clarify if there a set, recurring weekly media report deliverable as part of this contract? If so, what are the associated deliverable requirements and deadline? These details are explained in the SOW for the daily and monthly deliverable but not the weekly.

A37: Reference Amendment 0003, Q24/A24 of the solicitation.

Q38: Reference paragraph 5.1.3, p. 18: All other positions require a minimum of five (5) years demonstrated strategic/tactical/media communication level experience. Will a degree substitute for years of experience? If yes, please explain what is permissible.

A38: No, a degree may not be substituted in lieu of years of experience for any personnel. Please see PWS Paragraph 5.1.3 for experience requirements.

Q39: Reference L.4.1.5, p. 69: Do resumes and letters of commitment count against the technical volume page limit?

A39: Please see Amendment 0002, Q5/A5 of the solicitation.

Q40: Reference L.4.1.5, p.69: Are letters of commitment required for key and non-key personnel?

A40: Please see Amendment 0001, Q1/A1 of the solicitation. Also, reference paragraph L.4.1.5, Personnel which states: Personnel: The

Offeror shall provide all proposed personnel labor categories (inclusive of the two key personnel labor categories identified in the

Performance Work Statement, Program Manager and Alternate Program Manager), associated descriptions, labor hours, letters of commitments and resumes for the proposed personnel for each different position, whether the position is with the prime contractor or a subcontractor, demonstrating the Offeror possesses knowledgeable, experienced and capable personnel with the ability to meet RFP requirements for Communication Planning, Communication Execution and Products, Communication Research and Communication Evaluation and

Assessments.

Q41: Reference Contract Data Requirements List (DD1423) with blocks 17 & 18 completed Representations, Certifications and Other

Statements of Offeror, p. 71: Please advise if the Contract Data Requirements List (CDRLs) (DD1423) - Exhibit A - CDRLs A0001 - A0035 can be noted as "Not Separately Priced (NSP)" in the related Box(es) 18 (Estimated Total Price) as these forms will be completed as part of the contractor's overall administrative contract performance.

A41: Reference paragraph L.4.3.2 which states in part: The Offerors shall submit pricing in the Supplies or Services and Prices/Cost

Section of the RFP for all priced CLINs, including Communication Support Services, ODCs for the Base Year and Option Years 1 and 2 and

Contractor Manpower Reporting (when priced separately). Also reference Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) 0008, Exhibit Line Item Number

3 27

Name of Offeror or Contractor:

PIIN/SIIN MOD/AMD

(ELIN) A001 for CDRLs A001-A035, which state NSP (Not Separately Priced). Blocks 17 and 18 of DD Form 1423, Exhibit A under the List of Attachments section of the solicitation shall be completed in accordance with the instructions included in this exhibit. Furthermore reference paragraph L.4.4.1, which states in part: Contract Data Requirements List (DD1423) with blocks 17 & 18 completed

Representations, Certifications and Other Statements of Offeror.

Q42: Are secret clearances required?

A42: Please see Amendment 0003, Q31/A31 of the solicitation.

Q43: Please advise if the proposed subcontractors are required to prepare separate sealed price packages as part of the Prime's submission.

A43: It is at the discretion of the prime contractor and subcontractor on how they determine to prepare and submit their proposal.

Proposals shall be in accordance with the instructions and criteria included in the solicitation. All proposals shall be submitted to the point of contact identified in paragraph L.2.2.

Q44: Reference FAR 52.215-4004, p.4: The RFP states on page 4 (FAR 52.215-4004 IDENTIFICATION OF WORK PERFORMED AT A GOVERNMENT

LOCATION) that offerors must state the place of performance, with several subsequent information requirements (a-g). Where in the proposal should we include this information? As part of Volume IV, as part of the transmittal letter, or as part of Volume I? If it is to be included in Volume I, we ask that it be excluded from the 35-page limit.

A44: Please note, 52.215-4004 has hereby been removed from the solicitation.

Q45: Reference FAR 52.215-4004, paragraph 2, d, p.4 The RFP states on page 4, 2.d (FAR 52.215-4004 IDENTIFICATION OF WORK PERFORMED AT

A GOVERNMENT LOCATION) that the offeror should submit a list of offeror personnel who have access to Government email, ID badges, etc.

Does this paragraph refer to ALL offeror employees or only those proposed as direct labor for this contract?

A45: Please note, 52.215-4004 has hereby been removed from the solicitation.

Q46: Reference paragraphs L.3 and L.4.1.5: The RFP specifies a 35-page limit for Volume I. However, the RFP also requests resumes and letters of commitment for all proposed personnel, while not specifically stating that these items are excluded from the page limit. We respectfully ask that the Government allow this information to be included as a separately numbered Appendix to Volume I.

A46: Please reference Amendment 0002, Q5/A5 of the solicitation.

Q47: Reference paragraph L.4.2.2: The RFP requires the Past Performance volume to be organized into Section 1 (Contract Descriptions), Section 2 (Performance), Section 3 (Subcontracts), and Section 4 (New Corporate Entities). Does the Government intend for us to provide all Section 1 information for each contract, then all Section 2 information, etc.? Or may we answer all items for the first contract, then all items for the second contract, and so on?

A47: Reference paragraph L.4.2.2 which states in part: "Data concerning the prime offeror shall be provided first, followed by each proposed major subcontractor, in alphabetical order".

Q48: Reference Paragraph 5.1.5: Paragraph 5.1.5, Identification of Contractor Employees, states that "Only contractor personnel working full time at the Pentagon shall be issued a CAC card. Paragraph 7.4.1 says that "the contractor employee will be issued a CAC card only if duties involve one of the following...." Is it the intent of the Government to not allow remote access or off-site contributions to contract delivery to satisfy the requirements of the RFP?

A48: Contractors will not have remote access to HQDA domains from their facilities/headquarters.

Q49: Reference paragraph L.4.3.4 refers to the unpriced Cost/Price Volume. Is there a requirement for an unpriced Cost/Price Volume?

A49: The Cost/Price Volume shall be submitted in accordance with paragraph L.4.3 and its subparagraphs. Reference L.4.3.1, which states: Offerors shall submit pricing in the Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs Section of the RFP. Furthermore reference paragraph

L.4.3.2.1, which states in part: The Offeror shall provide a sanitized version of the proposal which excludes labor rates and dollars which will be used under the Technical Factor evaluation. As a result, reference paragraph L.4.3.4 which states, If an inconsistencies exist exists between the Priced and Unpriced Cost/Price Volumes, the total evaluated price will be based on whichever amount is higher.

Q50: Reference paragraphs L.4.3.2.4 and M.6.2.2: The option year pricing described in paragraph L4.3.2.4. says that the extension would be priced based upon the last years pricing, while paragraph M.6.2.2 (Option to Extend Services) states that it will be the average of 50% of each option year. Please clarify.

A50: As stated in paragraph L.4.3.2.4 Option to Extend Services: "The solicitation includes FAR 52.217-8 Option to Extend Services.

Offerors are required only to price the base year and each option. Offerors shall not submit a price for the potential six month extension of services period. The Government may choose to exercise the extension of services at the end of the option period utilizing

4 27

Name of Offeror or Contractor:

PIIN/SIIN MOD/AMD

the rates of that performance period."

Paragraph M.6.2.2 Option to Extend Services states: "As part of the cost/price evaluation, the Government will evaluate the Option to

Extend Services under FAR Clause 52.217-8 by including six months (50%) of the evaluated price calculated for both Option Year 1 and 2 in the total evaluated price computed for the offeror. This will be calculated by multiplying the total evaluated amounts for both

Option Year 1 and Option Year 2 by 50% and averaging the two."

FAR 52.217-8 allows for a maximum of 6 months total extension of services, regardless of the number of times the clause is exercised.

The Government is calculating this option to extend services by multiplying the total evaluated amounts for both Option Year 1 and

Option Year 2 by 50% and then taking an average of the two. If the Government took 50% of Option Year 1 (6 months) and 50% of Option

Year 2 (6 months), it would total 12 months for effort, which exceeds the maximum effort of 6 months for the extension as per the clause. As a result, to remain consistent with the clause, the Government is taking 50% of the evaluated price for each Option Year and averaging the two.

Q51: Reference PWS paragraph 4.1.12.2: What does the "workspace website" refer to?

A51: It refers to all the pages within the Public Affairs (PA) Portal.

Q52: Reference PWS paragraphs 4.1.12.5, 4.1.12.1 and 4.1.12.2: Do the requirements in 4.1.12.5 differ from those stated in 4.1.12.1 and 4.1.12.2?

A52: Yes, all PWS paragraphs 4.1.12.1, 4.1.12.2 and 4.1.12.5 include specified, detailed requirements. The stated requirements included in those paragraphs are all in support of the Public Affairs (PA) Portal.

Q53: Reference PWS paragraphs 4.1.12 and 4.1.13: Section 4.1.13.3 appears to be the same requirement as 4.1.12.1. Likewise, paragraph

4.1.13.4 is identical to 4.1.12.2 and 4.1.13.5 have the same requirements as found in paragraphs 4.1.12.5 and 4.1.12.6. Is there a reason why these requirements occur under both paragraph 4.1.12 Communication Planning and Army Public Affairs Portal/Website Management and 4.1.13 Project Management and Support?

A53: The detailed requirements are the same for each section, however in support of different categories; the requirements stated under

4.1.12 and its subparagraphs are for Communication Planning and Army Public Affairs Portal/Website Management and the requirements stated under 4.1.13 and its subparagraphs are for Project Management and Support.

Q54: Reference PWS paragraphs 4.1.13.2 and 4.1.5: 4.1.13.2 contains the same requirements as 4.1.5. Is there a reason that these requirements occur in the PWS twice?

A54: The detailed requirements are the same for each section, however in support of different categories; the requirements stated under

4.1.13.2 are for Project Management and Support and the requirements stated under 4.1.5 are for Communication Planning.

Q55: Reference PWS paragraph 7.1.1, Exhibit A, A033: 7.1.1 the paragraph states that all contract employees will have a background investigation complete. It further states that the contractor shall educate employees concerning the handling protection of unclassified, privileged, confidential, materials sensitive in nature and for official use only (FOUO).

Is it the Government's intent that contractor personnel have no need for a SECRET level security clearance even though there are SECRET materials stored and handled in some OCPA spaces where contractor personnel are stationed? Will the government provide alternate work locations for contractors during periods when the Government is viewing or discussing classified information? Please advise.

A55: The background investigation is for the purpose of obtaining a CAC card for those contractor employees working on the Government site in the Pentagon. The contractors will not be handling classified material, reference Supplemental Information, paragraph 5, Security Requirements, of the solicitation. All contractor employees will work in a non-classified area.

Q56: Reference Attachment 0004: Attachment 0004 refers to attachment 0005 in the instructions. Was this intended to be attachment

0004?

A56: Yes, it should be referencing attachment 0004. This attachment was amended to reflect the correct information.

Q57: Data Item Remarks state that certain CDRLs (such as COI research, internal external information data, Continuity Plans) are due a certain number of days after contract award. Many of these items cannot be provided until after contract start. Request the government adjust the CDRL Blocks 12 and 16.

A57: CDRL blocks 12 and 16 remain unchanged, however prior to date of award, CDRLs may be updated accordingly to reflect appropriate start/due dates.

Q58: Reference Exhibit a, CDRL A018 and A019: CDRL A019 Block 16 Remarks states Block 10: The contractor shall provide two (2) social media products per strategic... This appears to be a duplicate requirement from CDRL A018. Please clarify.

5 27

Name of Offeror or Contractor:

PIIN/SIIN MOD/AMD

A58: CDRL A019 has been updated and an updated CDRL list is included as an attachment to this amendment; Block 10 narrative under Block

16 Remarks, removes the narrative stating "The contractor shall provide two (2) social media products per strategic." It now states:

"Twelve (12) major branding and coordinated product development campaigns in support of informational campaigns per year." CDRL A018 remains unchanged.

Q59: Reference PWS Paragraphs 4.2.6.5.2, 4.2.6.5.3, 4.2.6.5.4, and CDRL A020 and A022: Paragraphs 4.2.6.5.2, 4.2.6.5.3, 4.2.6.4, and

CDRL A020 direct the contractor to provide three design recommendations for each managed exhibit as required. 4.2.6.6 and CDRL A022 asks for five design recommendation for the same three exhibits. Please clarify.

A59: It is assumed the referenced PWS Paragraphs in Q59 are as follows: 4.2.6.2, 4.2.6.3, 4.2.6.4. CDRL A020 has been updated and an updated CDRL list is included as an attachment to this amendment; Block 12 and Block 13 narrative under Block 16 Remarks, removes the narrative stating "The contractor shall provide three design recommendations for approval by the Chief of Public Affairs as required within the contract period." It now states: "The contractor shall provide Five (5) design recommendations for any of the three (3) managed exhibits for review and approval by the Chief of Public Affairs as required within the contract period." For further clarification on these design recommendations, note there are three managed exhibits that require updates every 3-5 years. The

Contractor must submit up to five (5) design recommendations for complete overhauls of those exhibits or updates to the exhibits on a smaller scale off that 3-5 year cycle, e.g. change of OCPA senior leadership or change in Army Senior Leader messaging and/or priorities. Generally, OCPA changes out imagery within the exhibits each year and always updates the exhibits when a new Medal of Honor recipient is announced. CDRL A022 remains unchanged.

Q60: Reference Exhibit A, CDRL A031: CDRL A031 has been updated and an updated CDRL list is included as an attachment to this amendment; Block 12 narrative under Block 16 Remarks, removes the narrative stating "The contractor shall submit a correction Plan 30 days after contractor award." It now states: "The contractor shall submit a Quality Control Plan 30 days after the contract is awarded."

A60: Block 12 has been updated to: "The contractor shall submit a Quality Control Plan 30 days after the contract is awarded."

Q61: Reference Exhibit A, CDRL A032: Paragraph 5.3 states that the Government will require a corrective action plan after a defect is noted. This appears to conflict with CDRL A032, which states that this report is due 30 days after contract award. Please advise whether CDRL Block 12/16 should be modified to "as required".

A61: CDRL A032 has been updated and an updated CDRL list is included as an attachment to this amendment; Block 12 narrative under Block

16 Remarks, removes the narrative stating "The contractor shall submit a correction Plan 30 day after the contractor is awarded." It now states: "A corrective action should be submitted immediately; once a discrepancy has been noted."

Q62: Reference Exhibit A, CDRL A016: Graphics, photos, and other content are permitted by the PWS to be in native formats for infographics (4.2.3). Please clarify the requirement to submit graphics, photos, and other content (such as video clips) in an MS Suite

Format.

A62: Any Microsoft application, such as, PowerPoint and Word which can be viewed in graphics, photos, and other content such video clips.

Q63: Reference PWS Paragraph 4.2.3 and Exhibit A, CDRL A018: If video and animation are required, the listed file formats cannot adequately display video and audio. Please provide an acceptable video format.

A63: Video formats may be at the discretion of the contractor, however all video formats must be able to open on the Government network. Generally MP4, MP3 or Windows media file formats are used.

Q64: Reference Exhibit A, CDRL A033: If CDRL A033 is due 30 days after award, will the Government provide the necessary COOP documentation upon award in sufficient time to meet this deadline?

A64: Reference paragraph 6.1.1, which states in part: "The Contractor shall maintain a Contingency Operations Plan to take into consideration, and support of, short term unusual circumstances such as war, terrorist activity, declared emergency, contingency operations or military exercises as required." There is no documentation provided by the Government, as the purpose of the Contingency

Operations Plan, which is generated by the contractor, is to demonstrate the contractor can provide the service in circumstances, such as those described in paragraph 6.1.1.

Q65: Are the Pentagon Continuity of Operations Plans classified? If so, the contractor may not be able to participate in the operations or exercises or prepare CDRL A033 without a clearance. Please advise.

A65: Reference Supplemental Information, paragraph 5, Security Requirements, of the solicitation, which states in part, "This solicitation is UNCLASSIFIED."

Q66: Reference L.4.1.5: The section requires both a resume and letter of commitment for personnel proposed. However, for current

6 27

Name of Offeror or Contractor:

PIIN/SIIN MOD/AMD

employees of the Offeror, a letter of commitment is normally not required. Would the Government please eliminate the requirement for a letter of commitment for current employees of the Offeror?

A66: Paragraph L.4.1.5 remains unchanged. It states in part, letters of commitments and resumes for the proposed personnel for each different position.

Q67: What is the due date for any questions we might have?

A67: It is at the discretion of the offeror in regards to the timing of question submissions. Questions may be submitted within the open and close dates of the solicitation. Proposals are due within the stated time frame as outlined in the solicitation and in accordance with paragraph L.2 and its subparagraphs.

Q68: We have the following question about the removal of 52.222-17 Non-displacement clause. According to FAR Subpart 22.12, the clause is required for all service contracts (which this is one). The exceptions are the exemptions listed in 22.1203-2 or a waiver as listed in 22.1203-3. None of the exemptions in 22.1203-2 apply, therefore, the clause must have been removed via a waiver as defined in 22.1203-

3.

This waiver requires several things. For reference, I am copying below:

22.1203-3 Waiver.

(a) The senior procurement executive of the procuring agency may waive some or all of the provisions of this subpart after determining in writing that the application of this subpart would not serve the purposes of Executive Order 13495 or would impair the ability of the

Federal Government to procure services on an economical and efficient basis. Such waivers may be made for a contract, subcontract, or purchase order, or with respect to a class of contracts, subcontracts, or purchase orders. See 29 CFR 9.4(d)(4) for regulatory provisions addressing circumstances in which a waiver could or would not be appropriate. The waiver must be reflected in a written analysis as described in 29 CFR 9.4(d)(4)(i) and must be completed by the contract solicitation date, or the waiver is inoperative. The senior procurement executive shall not redelegate this waiver authority.

(b)

(1) When an agency exercises its waiver authority with respect to any contract, subcontract, or purchase order, the contracting officer shall direct the contractor to notify affected workers and their collective bargaining representative in writing, no later than five business days after the solicitation issuance date, of the agencys determination. The notice shall include the facts supporting the determination. The contracting officers failure to direct that the contractor provide the notice as provided in this subparagraph shall render the waiver decision inoperative, and the contracting officer shall include the clause at 52.222-17 < Caution-http://farsite.hill.af.mil/reghtml/regs/far2afmcfars/fardfars/far/52_220.htm#P201_36139 > in the solicitation.

(2) Where a contracting agency waives application to a class of contracts, subcontracts, or purchase orders, the contracting officer shall, with respect to each individual solicitation, direct the contractor to notify incumbent workers and their collective bargaining representatives in writing, no later than five business days after each solicitation issuance date, of the agencys determination. The notice shall include facts supporting the determination. The contracting officers failure to direct that the contractor provide the notice provided in this subparagraph shall render the waiver decision inoperative, and the contracting officer shall include the clause at 52.222-17 < Caution-http://farsite.hill.af.mil/reghtml/regs/far2afmcfars/fardfars/far/52_220.htm#P201_36139

> in the solicitation.

(3) In addition, the agency shall notify the Department of Labor of its waiver decision and provide the Department of Labor with a copy of its written analysis no later than five business days after the solicitation issuance date (see 29 CFR 9.4(d)(2)).

Failure to comply with this notification requirement shall render the waiver decision inoperative, and the contracting officer shall include the clause at 52.222-17 < Caution-http://farsite.hill.af.mil/reghtml/regs/far2afmcfars/fardfars/far/52_220.htm#P201_36139 > in the solicitation. The waiver decision and related written analysis shall be sent to the following address: U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, Branch of Government Contracts Enforcement, 200 Constitution Avenue, Room S-3006, Washington, DC 20210, or email to Displaced@dol.gov < Caution-mailto:Displaced@dol.gov > .

Such waiver is required by the contract solicitation date in writing. Also, it requires notification of the employees in writing within

5 days of the solicitation that the non-displacement clause has been removed from the solicitation. Since it was not, then the waiver is inoperative and the non-displacement clause must be a part of the solicitation.

So, it appears that the non-displacement clause must be included in the contract and cannot be removed at this point. Thus our concern of the conflict between the requirements of the non-displacement clause and the requirements for resumes and letters of commitment is still material.

A68: Reference FAR 52.222-17 Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers. As prescribed in 22.1207, insert the following clause:

"The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.222-17, Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers, in solicitations and contracts for

7 27

Name of Offeror or Contractor:

PIIN/SIIN MOD/AMD

(1) service contracts, as defined at 22.001, (2) that succeed contracts for performance of the same or similar work at the same location and (3) that are not exempted by 22.1203-2 or waived in accordance with 22.1203-3."

In order for FAR 52.222-17 to apply, all three parts of the above prescription must be met, which include the following:

1) Service contracts, as defined at 22.001, (2) that succeed contracts for performance of the same or similar work at the same location

AND (3) that are not exempted by 22.1203-2.

If all three parts of the prescription are met, the clause is required to be included in solicitations and contracts, or a waiver must be obtained in accordance with 22.103-3. However, all three parts of the prescription are not met in regards to this requirement.

As per your question you state: "According to FAR Subpart 22.12, the clause is required for all service contracts (which this is one)".

Per the prescription, it must be "service contracts, as defined at 22.001", which this effort does not meet this requirement. As per

22.001, ""Service contract" means any Government contract, or subcontract thereunder, the principal purpose of which is to furnish services in the United States through the use of service employees, except as exempted 41 U.S.C. chapter 67; Service Contract Labor

Standards; see 22.1003-3 and 22.1003-4. See 22.1003-5 and 29 CFR 4.130 for a partial list of services covered by the Service Contract

Labor Standards statute." As per 22.001, ""Service employee" means any person engaged in the performance of a service contract other than any person employed in a bona fide executive, administrative, or professional capacity, as those terms are defined in 29 CFR part

541. The term "service employee" includes all such persons regardless of any contractual relationship that may be alleged to exist between a contractor or subcontractor and such persons."

Furthermore, paragraph (a) of 52.222-17 states: "(a) "Service employee," as used in this clause, means any person engaged in the performance of a service contract other than any person employed in a bona fide executive, administrative, or professional capacity, as those terms are defined in 29 CFR part 541. The term "service employee" includes all such persons regardless of any contractual relationship that may be alleged to exist between a contractor or subcontractor and such persons."

As per the definitions in 29 CFR part 541, this requirement meets the requirements for a bona fide executive, administrative or professional capacity, therefore, FAR 52.222-17 does not apply and will not be included in the solicitation or resultant contract.

Q69: Also, we noticed that the website listed for the HQ AMC-LEVEL PROTEST PROGRAM (52.233-4000) has changed. The new URL is: Caution-http://www.amc.army.mil/Connect/Legal-Resources/ < Caution-http://www.amc.army.mil/Connect/Legal-Resources/ >

A69: 52.233-4000 has been updated with the appropriate website.

*** END OF NARRATIVE A0006 ***

8 27

Name of Offeror or Contractor:

PIIN/SIIN MOD/AMD

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/WORK STATEMENT

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

Communication Planning, Communication Execution and Products, Communication Research, Communication Evaluation and Assessment

1. SCOPE:________

The Office of the Chief of Public Affairs (OCPA) informs and educates the American people, keeps the Army informed and helps establish the conditions that lead to trust and confidence in Americas Army and its readiness to conduct operations in peacetime, conflict and war. This effort is for the procurement of support services which include: management and technical expertise to provide operational support, development, coordination, integration, synchronization, program management, prototype development and fabrication and employment of supporting materials including, but is not limited to, graphics, web-based materials and brochures. The Contractor shall provide technical expertise in business consulting, process engineering, full-spectrum communication, information technology (IT) operations; and management in support of Communication Planning, Communication Execution and Products, Communication Research, and

Communication Evaluation and Assessment. The Contractor shall provide support of Army communication challenges which involve extremely sensitive issues, large programs, supporting soldiers and families and telling the Army story to diverse audiences and centers of influence.

2. OBJECTIVES:_____________

The primary objective of this Army communication support services effort is to accurately and effectively support Army communication through:

2.1 Communication Planning. The Contractor shall conduct, develop, and perform comprehensive planning for executing communication operations; support the communication planning component of all Army strategic planning venues and products such as the Army Posture

Statement and Army Campaign Plan; support the planning and development of strategic-level outreach engagements, events, partnerships and coordination with the appropriate OCPA support offices. In addition, the contractor shall support Army operational planning by developing and coordinating communication annexes, public affairs guidance and other associated documents to Army and Department of

Defense (DOD) plans.

2.2 Communication Execution and Products. The Contractor shall formulate and support communication campaign plans, assessment data gathering, strategic crisis communication, outreach activities, events, exhibits, conferences and related support mechanisms, and produce communication and media products to support the execution of communication campaign plans. Tasks include, but not limited to:

communication concept development, story board production, exhibit management, multimedia product development, writing, full-spectrum media development and distribution, website development and maintenance.

2.3 Communication Research. The Contractor shall conduct communication research in support of Army communication strategy and objectives.

2.4 Communication Evaluation and Assessment. The Contractor shall provide strategic and tactical-level communication program evaluation services to support the assessment of the effects achieved by internal and external Army communication programs. Execution must be in compliance with assessment guidance provided by Army Senior Leadership and the Chief of Public Affairs. This capability includes strategic and tactical level media analysis to support senior decision makers, communication planners, the OCPAs Plans Division, Media

Relations Division (MRD) and Digital Media Division (DMD). Support to the OCPAs Community Relations Division (CRD) will provide assessments of community relations and outreach engagements.

3. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS:________________________

Publications applicable to this PWS are listed below. The following documents may be found at the Army Publication Directorate websites

(www .apd.army.mil, http:// quicksearch.dla.mil/ and http:// www. dtic.mil/whs/directives/). The following documents of the issue in effect at the time of solicitation form a part of this PWS to the extent specified herein. In the event of conflict between the documents referenced herein and the contents of this PWS, the contents of this PWS shall be considered a superseding requirement.

Army and DOD Regulations________________________

AR 25-30 Army Publishing Program, dated 03 June 2015

DOD Manuals, Instructions, and Regulations__________________________________________

DODI 5230.24 Distribution Statements on Technical Documents, dated 23 August 2012

Local Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Policies will be supplied by the Agency.

9 27

Name of Offeror or Contractor:

PIIN/SIIN MOD/AMD

4. CONTRACT PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS:____________________________________

The Contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision and other items and services necessary to support the OCPA, Army Public Affairs program. The Contractor shall perform the requirements as defined in this PWS and other contract requirements. The printing of all documents shall be in accordance with (IAW) with AR 25-30. If the

Army Printing Directorate (APD) or Army Graphics are unable to perform a printing task, the Contractor may use other sources for printing after approval by the Contracting Officer has been obtained.

4.1 Communication Planning. The Contractor shall effectively integrate the planning and coordination of designated public affairs and communication programs across multiple media and disciplines. The Contractor shall provide program level communication support and develop communication plans to include, but not limited to, analyzing the information environment, the description of current and upcoming phases of communication initiatives and identification and development of objectives and performance metrics for communication plans. The Contractor shall analyze and define needed communication to include, but not limited to, collection/review and evaluation/assessment of feedback; conduct research of potential outreach events to include the creation of an outreach plan, development and planning for outreach events, analysis of implementation and execution; evaluation; and determination of program/event effectiveness.

4.1.1 The Contractor shall provide recommendations for integration and coordination methods; review/evaluate/assess process development;

identify and recommend opportunities for improvement of Army communication; identify options, and recommend performance metrics that would help to monitor improvements; campaign or operational design in support of Army priorities and associated communication requirements (DI-MGMT-81911).

4.1.2 The Contractor shall provide technical and functional expertise to participate in program reviews and provide recommendations to identify potential applications that can be used for integration. The Contractor shall gather, prepare and develop sufficient draft documentation that clearly and effectively aids Government communication of the purpose, policies, and actions of the Army to key audiences.

4.1.3 The Contractor shall provide technical expert counsel to identify Center of Influence (COI) for primary and secondary audiences, media outlets and potential Soldier Leader Engagement or Key Leader Engagements in support of the OCPA plans and Government personnel.

The Contractor shall provide recommendations on social media influencers for specific regions designated by the OCPA.

4.1.4 The Contractor shall support and assist in communication working groups. The Contractor shall coordinate with Government personnel group meetings for drafting products and communication documents. The Contractor shall ensure all documents are staff ready for Government approval and promulgated within the Army accordingly. The Contractor shall assist Government personnel by being physically present at Operational Planning Team and Working Group type meetings. The Contractor shall be tasked to review and draft responses to requests of Army documents and plans.

4.1.5 The Contractor shall provide support to the communication coordination and approval process (i.e., Army Communication

Synchronization Operational Planning Team (OPT) meetings and the Army Communication Synchronization General Officer Steering Committee

(GOSC)), including, but not limited to: administrative support for all communication coordinating and approval meetings in the battle rhythm, work with the Offices of Primary Responsibility and assist in the development of communication products. The Contractor shall receive approval from the Government on all products prior to execution.

4.1.6 Develop Enduring Plans. The Contractor shall provide planning support for enduring communication operational planning. Support includes, but is not limited to: coordination and drafting of plans from concept through execution, including social media planning, adjustments as necessary and plan transitioning to the MRD for execution. Enduring plans are priorities which are defined as communication requirements that are generally ongoing and re-occurring, and in support of Secretary of the Army (SA) and/or Chief of

Staff of the Army (CSA). Examples of SA/CSA priorities include, but are not limited to: Readiness of the Force, Taking Care of Our

Soldiers, Civilians and their Families, Acquisition Reform and Modernization. Other enduring plans include the Armys Birthday and the

Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting strategic communication plan. The Contractor shall develop a minimum of twenty-five (25) plans per year, however, up to thirty (30) plans per year may be required (DI-MGMT-81911).

4.1.7 Develop Emerging Plans. The Contractor shall provide planning support for emerging communication plans. Support includes, but is not limited to: coordination and writing of plans, monitoring execution as well as making adjustments as necessary. This also includes the ability to assess the effects of the communication effort. Emerging plans include those requirements that fill short term information requirements such as: Army War Fighting Assessments, Warrior Games, Medal of Honor, Budget rollouts, Force Structure changes and monthly or annual national commemorations. The Contractor shall develop a minimum of forty (40) plans per year, however, up to sixty (60) plans per year may be required (DI-MGMT-81911).

4.1.8 Plan development and support process requirements. The Contractor shall provide communication draft plans (enduring or emerging), including all coordination requirements, as well as update the progression of the plans from the development phase through the execution phase (DI-MGMT-81911).

4.1.8.1 The Contractor shall coordinate actions within the OCPA and provide support to the OCPA coordination of Army-wide staff actions

10 27

Name of Offeror or Contractor:

PIIN/SIIN MOD/AMD

including, but not limited to, actions resulting from weekly operations synchronization meetings and actions that come across HQDAs Task

Management Tool system (DI-MGMT-81911).

4.1.8.1.1 The Contractor shall attend and assist working and coordinating groups, task forces and other projects in a support function and/or attend meetings IAW their assigned accounts. The Contractor shall provide input and draft documentation for Standardized

Communications Planning Documents and Public Affairs Guidance (PAG) for Government dissemination in support of programs and operations based on overall Army communication strategy in support of SA and CSA priorities. The Contractor shall draft responses to requests for review of Army strategic documents and plans. The Contractor shall obtain approval from the Government prior to their release and execution. The Contractor may be required to attend meetings and planning symposiums within the National Capital region (i.e., Crystal

City, Pentagon City, Arlington, Mark Center, etc.).

4.1.8.1.2 The Contractor shall assist the OCPA in the development and production of designated communication products for release to the public and executive distribution. Products include, but are not limited to: meeting agendas; briefing slides; briefing notes;

Communication Execution Matrix; Communication Timeline; social media graphics; videos; promos and branding tools. The Contractor shall support the preparation of the OCPA input to HQDA plans and Execution Orders (EXORDs). The Contractor shall also draft profiles, biographies, remarks for the Medal of Honor recipient to deliver, and battle narratives in support of Medal of Honor ceremonies.

4.1.8.1.3 The Contractor shall facilitate the integration of communication efforts and activities across the HQDA staff in order to assist the OCPA in translating objectives into communication plans, policies and guidance for distribution by the Government to Army

Public Affairs Officers (PAOs). The Contractor shall also facilitate the integration and communication efforts and activities for actionable requirements for the appropriate OCPA divisions, in accordance with guidance and approvals from respective Government personnel and/or Division Chief(s).

4.1.8.1.4 Event Synchronization. In concert with Government members of the OCPA team, the Contractor shall collect, coordinate and assemble information on important Army events, communication and synchronize Army communication efforts worldwide. The Contractor shall make recommendations on event synchronization, identifying potential conflicts and integration opportunities.

4.1.9 The Contractor shall collaborate with Defense Video Imagery Distribution System (DVIDS) to market content in support of Army strategies.