Questions and Responses from ITES 4S Round Table.pdf

Questions from ITES 4S Round Table Question Government Response Is CMMI a requirement for ITES‐3S? Will it be a requirement for ITES‐4S? If yes, what level of CMMI is expected to be required?

The Government's approach is to lower the risk on both 3S and 4S contracts. Verifiable controls help to mitigate risk. Requirements have not been 100% determined and established for ITES‐4S yet but will be published at the time of the draft RFP and formal RFP.

One significant challenge of ITES‐3S is that performance can only extend for one year beyond the ordering period. Other vehicles like Alliant 2 and Army RS3 allow for performance 5 years beyond the ordering period. Will 4S allow for 5 years of performance beyond the ordering period?

We are currently doing our due diligence to potentially include the potential for a base plus 4 years beyond the ordering period expiration.

On ITES‐3S, how long can the period of performance continue past the end of the ordering period of 24 September 2027?

The current ITES‐3S contract has a 12 month period to complete all work after 24SEP27, but a modification to the contract is being requested to extend task orders for 4 years after award.

How many RFIs have resulted in RFQs? Due to the decentralize nature of the contract , we are unable to determine the actual number

What are the primary non‐army customers utilizing this contract? The contract will be open to Army, DoD and all Federal Agencies. This is a Governement Wide contract.

How come there are only a few socio‐economic set‐asides? The intent for the Government is to allow for reserves of all socio‐economic categories to include 8(a)s.

Not seeing 8a set aside listed on ITES‐3S. Will ITES‐4S add the 8a SB classification? If so how do 8a's take advantage?

The intent for Government is to allow for reserves of all socio‐economic categories to include 8(a)s. The Government is working with the Small Buisiness Administration office to find a pathway to include 8(a) competitions and direct award actions.

Can you expand on the extended period of performance? The anticipated ordering period for ITES‐4S is 10 years if all options are exercised Will you model the new contract in a scorecard method? The Government is still in the strategizing phase, no definitive decisions have been made at this time.

VOSB set aside? CIO‐SP4 has it.

The Government reviewed the CIO‐SP4 soliciation and reviewed the following language, "...OCOs must follow their FAR supplements with regards to VOSB...set‐asides." The FAR, DFARS, and AFARS have no such method to support VOSB specific set‐asides on this Army vehicle. At this time, it appears only VOSB set‐asides are implemented through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) under the VA’s Vets First program.

Will you try to not have CLIN pricing at the ID/IQ level?

This is an option the Government is contemplating. The Government is still in the strategizing phase, no definitive decisions have been made at this time.

What does 'restricted to DCAA audits' mean?

No such restriction stated. DFARS 252.242‐7006(a)(1) defines an acceptable accounting system.

Offeror could provide supporting evidence such as a DCAA audit

I think I saw this but having a DCAA compliant audit system is a pre‐req for bidding, correct?

DFARS 252.242‐7006(a)(1) defines an acceptable accounting system. Offeror could provide supporting evidence such as a DCAA audit

You mention CHESS has an open‐door policy. We are a large unrestricted business with significant experience in the Fed/Civ space with a TS FCL. What would be the barrier for entry to bring our current services and digital transformation etc to the Army through this vehicle as part of the bidding process of ITES 4.

You are encouraged to either submit a proposal to be a prime or a subcontract with another team on the ITES‐4S Contract.

Is the intent to have two separate contracts? One high‐level vendors and one low‐level vendors? The intent is to have two suites with multiple awards under both suites. Only one contract.

Is there a memo we can reference that states that ITES‐3S is mandatory use?

Please reference AFARS 5139. For additional information, reference the Update to Mandatory Source for Commercial IT Services memo signed 15 September 2023.

Is it stated in AFARS 5139(Is there a memo we can reference that states that ITES‐3S is mandatory use?)

DUSA memo from 01Dec2020 has been superseeded by the AFARS 5139. For additional information, reference the Update to Mandatory Source for Commercial IT Services memo signed 15 September 2023.

What does "limited awards", is there a target on the points of the scorecard, or a finite number of awardees by type?

The Government is still in the strategizing phase, no definitive decisions have been made at this time.

What are the motivations behind separating high level and low level LCATs?

This provision will allow companies to align more closely with their business models. This approach is an effort to improve contact organization.

If a vendor proposes on low‐level, do they have an opportunity to propose as high‐level at a later date?

At this time the Government is looking at possibly offering an on‐ramping period mid contract. If the Government allows for on‐ramping mid contract it may be possible for vendors to propose on a suite they are not currently in.

Will the next industry day include a "greatest hit" of all the acronym puns people recommend in the RFI?

All acronyms will be identified in the RFP

Historically, what percentage of re‐competed ITES‐3S task orders have been awarded to the incumbent contractor?

ITES‐3S is decentralized and we are not tracking that information

Can you provide an updated timeline for ITES 4S solicitation? Awd? Please continue to monitor SAM.Gov for all updates With the planned RFP in Fall 2024, what is the planned Award date and start of period of performance?

The Government is still in the strategizing phase, no definitive decisions have been made at this time.

Can you please explain the purpose of the high‐ and low‐level suites if everyone can bid on both?

This provision will allow companies to align more closely with their business models. This approach is an effort to improve contact organization.

Will there be a bid rate requirement for both high‐ and low‐level suites? Yes, the rates have not been determined as of yet.

How many Large businesses do you plan to award? The Government is still in the strategizing phase, no definitive decisions have been made at this time.

Will you consider a Form 1408 Pre‐Award Survey of Prospective Contractor (Accounting System) in lieu of a DCAA Audit? Most small businesses are not able to obtain the DCAA Audit.

Thank you for your input, the Government will take this into consideration.

With the 8(a) set‐asides, will sole source awards be allowed?

The intent for the Government to allow for reserves of all socio‐economic categories to include 8(a)s.

The Government is working with the Small Buisiness Administration office to find a pathway to include 8(a) competitions and direct award actions.

Will the RFI metrics be made available to all contract holders? No definitive decision has been made at this point.

Is ITES‐4S would be using a self‐scoring methodology approach?

The Government is still in the strategizing phase, no definitive decisions have been made at this time.

Please review the Draft RFP when released.

Since the presentation mentioned that it will be based on scoring, will there be a minimum score to achieve for qualifying?

The Government is still in the strategizing phase, no definitive decisions have been made at this time.

Please review the Draft RFP when released.

How should we discuss customers that we cannot name? Vendors would provide a shell in their response and provide further data via SIPR.

Will CMMC or a specific SPRS score be required for award on ITES 4?

The Government approach is to lower risk‐ on both 3S and 4S contracts. Verifiable controls help to mitigate risk. Requirements will be published with the RFP but are not definitive at this time.

Will you accept self‐certification for CMMC?

The Government approach is to lower risk‐ on both 3S and 4S contracts. Verifiable controls help to mitigate risk. Requirements will be published with the RFP but are not definitive at this time.

Is the forward‐facing website supposed to be exclusively for the ITES 4s customer audience, or are you speaking about having a general website?

This can be a dual purpose forward facing website.

Will the CHESS office sponsor a DCAA audit for offerors who are DCAA‐ready but have not yet been awarded a contract that would trigger a DCAA audit?

No

Will ACC and the CHESS Office require task order Contracting Officers to adhere to the latest guidance from the White House's Office of Federal Procurement Policy on the use of the Rule of Two on Multiple Award Contracts?

The Government is currently considering how best to implement and meet the intent of the OMB Memo "Increasing SB Participation on Multiple Award Contracts" while providing effective and efficient contract performance.

What is the vision for when a customer would use ITES‐4S vs RS3? This is determined via the ordering contracting officer and the results of their market research.

Will the government consider revising/revisiting the current %30 minimum bid rate that is in place for ITES3S for ITES4S?

Yes, the Government is still in the strategizing phase, no definitive decisions have been made at this time but we are considering an update to the current rates. Please review the Draft RFP when released.

Will Mentor‐Protege Joint Ventures be allowed?

Yes, as long as that Joint Venture has an approved Mentor Protégé Agreement and the Joint Venture has an active registeration in Sam.gov. Additionally, in accordance with 13 CFR 125.9(b)(3)(i) a mentor that has more than one protégé cannot submit competing offers in response to a solicitation for a specific procurement through separate joint ventures with different protégés.

Will there be a Draft RFP for ITES‐4S? Yes. Please continue to monitor SAM.Gov for updates

Have the required RFI and RFP response percentage been determined?

The Government is still in the strategizing phase, no definitive decisions have been made at this time.

Please review the Draft RFP when released.

Will there be more clarification on the process and requirements for the admission of joint ventures?

Yes, the draft RFP will have language associated with Joint Venture requirements and include all applicable clauses regarding small business representation. Please also refer to 13 CFR 121.103(h).

Will there be a reading room made available? It is unknown at this time if a reading room will be available and or needed.

Will small businesses be able to bid on unrestricted opportunities?

Yes.

Why did you create two tracks? What is the goal of it?

This provision will allow companies to align more closely with their business models. This approach is in an effort to improve contact organization.

Can an offeror propose and be awarded both tracks? Yes, an offeror will be allowed to propose under both the high level and low level suites.

Is there going to be a metric for off‐ramp? Yes, the factors are still be determined at this time.

Can you structure ITES similar to OASIS Plus were all compliant proposals that meet a threshold point score are qualified and awarded a seat at the table?

Thank you for your suggestion, the Government is looking into this option.

Is "Army" past performance experience required or could past performance be from supporting other customers, like navy, air force, etc.?

Decision on weight may change but open to all DoD. Any DoD Agency past performance considered recent and relevant may be used.

Any limitation on teaming expected as in being a non‐exclusive teammate or priming/subbing?

No. There will be no limitation for exclusivity in regards to teaming arrangements except for the limitations with respect to the Mentor Protege Program and Joint Venture arranangements identified within 13 CFR.9(b)(3)(i), 13 CFR 124.513(a)(4), 128.402(a)(3), 127.506(a)(3), and 126.616(a)(2), respectively. However, any proposal shall demonstrate how resources of its company and any affiliates, if identified, will affect the performance of the offeror for that particular proposal submission. Each offer submitted will be evaluated seperately.

Do we have to have a preexisting FCL to be eligible for award?

Yes, an FCL will be required to be considered eligible for award at time of intial proposal. For awareness, Only one member of an offeror’s Joint Venture or an affiliate need have a SECRET (or TOP SECRET) facility clearance provided the offeror identify which member or affiliate has it, and how that member / affiliate would use it in the normal course of business for the offeror. Offerors are cautioned that any task order where a facility clearance is required to perform primary and vital work, the lead joint venture partner must possess the required facility clearance. Where the security portion of the task order requiring a facility clearance is ancillary to the principal purpose of that procurement, the partner to the joint venture that will perform that work must possess the required facility clearance.

You mentioned the importance of submitting RFIs. Did mean at the master contract level or the tasks order? And if at the Master Contract level, will not responding to RFI disqualify a vendor?

This is at the task order level, post award of the ITES‐4S contract. Not responding to RFI's during the pre‐ award phase of ITES‐4S will not preclude a vendor from the ITES‐4S competition.

Sometimes an RFI response won't specify formatting requirements for responses. Is there a standard that's expected for the platform and if so, is there a tab or link where that can be referenced?

No, there isn't a standard on ITES‐3S, which is a decentralized contract. We are discussing utilizing templates for the follow on contract.

Would PM CHESS encourage prospective ITES‐4S primes to bring requirements from outside of Army to this IDIQ?

Yes, one of the requirements of the contract will be to market the contract.

Is the CHESS training available to everyone (e.g. none ITES‐3S primes)? Yes Do you anticipate onboarding vendors after the first initial award? The contract may have an on‐ramp provision to support the requirement as needed

Will you accept a third‐party audit of a vendor's accounting system?

The Government is still in the strategizing phase, no definitive decisions have been made at this time.

Please review the Draft RFP when released.

IDIQ pricing approach: Is there going to be a ceiling rate or range or no pricing requirement?

The Government is still in the strategizing phase and has not made a definitive decision on how pricing and escilation will be determined.

Can you discuss inflationary rates and increases during the course of ITES‐4S?

The Government is still in the strategizing phase and has not made a definitive decision on how pricing and escilation will be determined.

Are there service provider requirements to onboard? i,e: aws, azure, google cloud Yes, there will be specific requirements, however, the Government is still in the strategizing phase, no definitive decisions have been made at this time. Please review the Draft RFP when released.

Will a Prime be able to bid and as part of an SBA Mentor Protege JV?

Yes, as long as that Joint Venture has an approved Mentor Protégé Agreement and the Joint Venture has an active registeration in Sam.gov. Additionally, in accordance with 13 CFR 125.9(b)(3)(i) a mentor that has more than one protégé cannot submit competing offers in response to a solicitation for a specific procurement through separate joint ventures with different protégés.

For the High Ends vehicle requiring high demand specialized skill, what is your strategy to ensure extensive labor categories and pricing rates for data scienct, AI/ML experts, etc.

The Government is still in the strategizing phase, no definitive decisions have been made at this time.

Please review the Draft RFP when released.

Will the draft RFP include all sections including L, M, C/PWS and pricing?

The Government does anticipate including all sections, however, it is subject to change depending on timing.

Can Entities submit more than one subsidiary?

Yes, except for the limitations with respect to the Mentor Protege Program and Joint Venture arranangements identified within 13 CFR.9(b)(3)(i), 13 CFR 124.513(a)(4), 128.402(a)(3), 127.506(a)(3), and 126.616(a)(2), respectively. However, any proposal shall demonstrate how resources of its company and any affiliates, if identified, will affect the performance of the offeror for that particular proposal submission. Each offer submitted will be evaluated seperately.

If you are going to allow for NAICS set at the task order level, does that mean that small business certification is at the task order level?

Certification will happen initially at base and again at TO level. A primary NAICS code will be assigned at the contract level. However, a different NAICS code may be used at the order level depending on the requirement(s).

Can you expand upon the FedRamp requirements for Small Businesses?

Please see:

https://www.Fedramp.Gov/baselines/

Will multiple agencies example DOE, DHS, be able to utilize this contract vehicle for CyberSecurity type work related to the USG overall budget ‐ similar to OASIS?

Yes, this is a Government Wide contract. Contract is open to Army, DoD and All Federal Agencies

Will Corporate Capability and Experience be required for all 11 task areas?

The Government is still in the strategizing phase, no definitive decisions have been made at this time.

Please review the Draft RFP when released.

Is there a target timeframe for a future ITES‐4S Industry Day?

The Government is in the strategizing phase currently. We anticipate release of the Draft RFP followed by an Industry Day, summer of 2024.

Will there be ISO certification requirements for Primes?

The Government is still in the strategizing phase, no definitive decisions have been made at this time.

Please review the Draft RFP when released.

Can you explain more about "Reserved" vs F/O and/or SB‐set aside?

Full and Open (also known as Unrestricted) means both Large Businesses and Small Business of any category may compete without any restrictions or limitations due to the companies size standard associated with the designated NAICS code(s).

Small Business Set Aside means only Small Businesses of any category may compete as long as they meet the applicalbe size standard associated with the designated NAICS code(s).

Reserves are applicable to Multiple‐Award Contracts only and are to be used when market research indicates that a total or partial set‐aside is not feasible. For ITES‐4S, see 13 CFR 125.2(e)(4)(B)(2) which states, "[The contracting officer makes:] Several awards to several different types of small businesses (e.g., one to 8(a), one to HUBZone, one to SDVO SBC, one to WOSB or EDWOSB) and competes any orders solely amongst all of the small business concerns if the “rule of two” has been met." This scenerio is the likely scenario ITES‐4S will leverage "Reserves".

For additional information please see this Article:

https://contractingacademy.gatech.edu/2020/04/02/what‐you‐need‐to‐know‐about‐the‐new‐small‐ business‐reserves‐far‐rule/

Will this be a phase evaluation, for example, pass fail criteria, to advance to scorecard evaluation of total points scored to advance to the next phase, a written, adjectival evaluation as the final phase?

The Government is still in the strategizing phase, no definitive decisions have been made at this time.

Please review the Draft RFP when released.

Will small businesses/8(a) companies have smaller dollar thresholds to score well on past performance?

The Government is still in the strategizing phase, no definitive decisions have been made at this time.

Please review the Draft RFP when released.

Has the govt considered that "low tier" tasks may not require every certification (i.e., FedRamp, CMMI, CMMC)?

The Government has considered this and is still in the strategizing phase. Please review the draft RFP for final decision.

How can we leverage past performance from classified work which we cannot discuss in detail?

In accordance with 42.1503(f), "Past performance evaluations for classified contracts and special access programs shall not be reported in CPARS..." so the Government will not be able to review any past performance on clasified or special access programs specific to Past Performance. However, the offerors, if given the opportunity, may propose prior experience in an unclassified manner within Technical/Corporate experience under the Technical Evaluation Factor.

How can a new SDVOSB participate in this IDIQ?

SDVOSBs may participate as a prime vendor, subcontractor, or Joint Venture Teaming Arrangment. It is up to that company to review, analyze, and assess the requirements to determine how they participate.

what about Commercial Past Performance and Corporate Experience? Example: Work done in Supply Chain and Cybersecurity for Walmart?

The Government is still in the strategizing phase, no definitive decisions have been made at this time.

Please review the Draft RFP when released.

Will 4S and 3S overlap for the period of performance/ordering period? If 4S is awarded prior to the end of the 3S ordering period, will the options not be executed for the rest of the POP for 3S?

The Government is still in the strategizing phase, no definitive decisions have been made at this time.

Please review the Draft RFP when released.

Regarding the ACC units and the MICC, are they able or willing to meet with a company for a brief chat or presentation of say why they might be a company to use on a particular chess contract or at least their highlights and capabilities? Simple meet and greet with a leave behind?

This decision is at the ordering KO discretion, however, competition is used to the highest level practicable so a meet and greet and or capability statement will not be taken into consideration during a competitive action. Only findings provided in the proposal/quote can be taken into consideratiion when making a competitive award.

Will CHESS allow for sister company past performances to be used for the bidding entity as per GAO ruling found in GM–Bulltrack, B‐ 414591.6 (Comp. Gen. Oct. 30, 2018)?

The Government is still in the strategizing phase, no definitive decisions have been made at this time.

Please review the Draft RFP when released.

Is there a way RFI's could be streamlined, to put less burden on small businesses to respond?

Keep it minimal, check boxes, small write ups.

The circumstances of the requirement(s) (e.g, cost, scheduled, performance) and an Angecy's business judgement will determine the most effective and efficient manner to solicit RFIs for requirements. Each individual requirement is seeking different information to assist in building their acquisition strategy or determining a size standard and or appropriate contract vehicle. The Government is interested in finding a more streamlined methods and will consider any industry feedback on how to accomplish.

Some RFIs are due within 5‐7 days, making it difficult to respond. the ordering guidelines recommend 10 days. Will there be a change in the ordering guide to extend the response date to at least 14 days so that companies can respond to more RFIs?

The circumstances of the requirement(s) (e.g, cost, scheduled, performance) and an Angecy's business judgement will determine the most effective and efficient manner to solicit RFIs for requirements. Each individual requirement is seeking different information to assist in building their acquisition strategy or determining a size standard and or appropriate contract vehicle. The Government is interested in finding a more streamlined methods and will consider any industry feedback on how to accomplish.

Will ITES‐4S use the gatekeeper to ensure that RFPs are correctly assigned and competed on the correct high‐ and low‐level suites?

The Government will consider this recommendation. Please review the Draft RFP when released for final decision.

Do you anticipate a change in the monthly reporting under ITES‐4s?

The Government is still in the strategizing phase, no definitive decisions have been made at this time.

Will government consider allowing Past performance that goes back 5 years?

The Government will consider this recommendation. Please review the Draft RFP when released for final decision.

Why is there a push to have this division of High‐ and Low‐level work? What are the advantages ‐ most are mixed.

This provision will allow companies to align more closely with their business models.

Will there be an On‐Ramp for the remainder years of Ites 3S? No HBCU Involvement? How can they participate? HBCU are welcome to propose as a prime or team with existing prime.

Will the Service Contract Act be applicable?

The Government is still in the strategizing phase, no definitive decisions have been made at this time.

Please review the Draft RFP when released.

How many past performances will be required of the prime for the proposal?

The Government is still in the strategizing phase, no definitive decisions have been made at this time.