SAMA 3.0 Round 2 Q&As Matrix Final.xlsx
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- Solicitation number
- W519TC-26-R-A024
About this file
This file is a Questions and Answers (Q&As) Matrix document that addresses inquiries submitted by potential offerors regarding the SAMA 3.0 Round 2 solicitation for Security Assistance Mentors and Cultural Advisors supporting USMILGP-Iraq operations. The matrix captures questions posed by interested contractors and the corresponding government responses to clarify requirements, evaluation criteria, and other aspects of the solicitation. This document serves as a reference tool to ensure all potential bidders have consistent understanding of solicitation requirements and does not specify individual products or services, response deadlines, pricing terms, or other substantive contract particulars beyond what is contained in the referenced RFP and Performance Work Statement (PWS) Attachment 0001.
The Q&As Matrix is supplementary documentation to the primary solicitation documents (RFP, PWS, Amendment 0001 issued 29 JUL 2026, and Amendment 0002 issued 11 AUG 2026) issued by the Department of the Army Materiel Command Contracting Command Rock Island Arsenal. Offerors must review this matrix in conjunction with the base solicitation documents and all amendments to ensure comprehensive understanding of government requirements and evaluation expectations for this Iraq-focused security assistance mentorship and cultural advisory support contract.
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Sheet1
| W519TC26RA024 | |||||||
| Question # | Page | Document | Section | Reference | Reference Language | Contractor Question | USG Answer |
| 1 | 4 | Attach 0001 - PWS | 1.5.3 | Work Schedule | This paragraph states that contractor personnel will be expected to work a flexible schedule, typically consisting of 40 hours per week, but not to exceed 50 hours per week. For pricing purposes, should we base our proposed labor rates on a 40-hour workweek or a 50-hour workweek? | Proposed labor rates must be based on a standard 40-hour workweek. Any transition to a 50-hour workweek during performance requires prior written justification and formal approval by the Contracting Officer (KO). Utilizing a 50-hour workweek is intended to be used sparingly. Please note that the labor rate for approved hours worked beyond 40 hours will remain identical to the proposed 40-hour workweek labor rate (i.e., no premium overtime rates apply). | |
| 2 | 15 | Attach 0001 - PWS | 1.18.2 | Erbil Per Diem Allowance | This paragraph states that personnel permanently stationed at the U.S. Consulate General in Erbil will receive a daily per diem of $65 USD. Is this cost already covered under the Erbil ODCs in the pricing matrix, or should we include the $65 daily per diem in our fully burdened labor rate? | The $65 daily per diem is covered under CLIN 0008 ODCs Erbil Only in the Price Matric. Offerors shall not include this daily per diem cost within their proposed fully burdened labor rates. | |
| 3 | 3 | Attach 0002 - Section L | L3 | DCMA/DCAA Audits and Reviews | In the list of exclusions to the page limit, it states "DCMA/DCAA Audits, and Reviews" - Do we need to provide DCMA/DCAA Audits and Reviews in the proposal submission? If so, in what section, and do they apply against the page count? | It is not mandatory for the offeror to provide DCMA/DCAA Audits and Reviews and they do NOT apply to the page count. | |
| 4 | 4 | Attach 0002 - Section L | L.3.1. | File Types | May we submit ALL our files (minus pricing) in PDF rather than Word? | Yes | |
| 5 | 9 | Attach 0002 - Section L | Section L | Past Performance | Past Performance Questionnaire states that, for all contracts identified in Section 1, a completed Past Performance Questionnaire (Attachment 0006 in Section J of the solicitation) must be submitted. | ||
| 6 | Can we submit the CPARS evaluations instead of the Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQs), or is a completed PPQ required for each referenced contract? | No, PPQ is required per Section L.8. of the RFP. | |||||
| 7 | Attach 0004 - Price Matrix | CLIN 0006 | Surrogates | Please confirm that the Surrogate figure in CLIN 0006 totaling $11,068.75 in the base year is established to reimburse the contractor for all pre-deployment costs for three personnel including any CRC processing fees, medical exams, airfare to the CRC location, hotel and per diem during CRC, and then airfare to Iraq? | Confirmed. The amount listed for CLIN 0006 is a cost-reimbursable, not-to-exceed surrogate figure intended to cover all necessary and reasonable pre-deployment and mobilization costs as outlined in PWS Section 1.21. This includes costs such as CRC processing, required medical evaluations, and associated travel, lodging, and per diem for three personnel. Offerors shall use the Government-provided figure in their price proposal. Reimbursement will be based on actual, allowable costs incurred. | ||
| 8 | 3 | Solicitation - W519TC26RA024 | A-7.4 | POP | Does the contractor’s 30-day pre-deployment and deployment performance period start when the base year starts on or about 29 November 2026? If so does this mean pre-deployment and deployment labor is captured in the 12-month performance periods for CLINs 0002-0004? | No, full performance begins on 29 NOV 2026. PWS Sections 1.21.1 (Mobilization) and 1.21.2 (Travel/In-Processing) must be complete prior to 29 NOV 2026. | |
| 9 | 7 | Solicitation - W519TC26RA024 | Section B | Supplies or Services & Prices or Costs | The solicitation states CLIN 0006AA has a duration of three months but the performance period is 28 OCT 2026 to 28 Nov 2026. Can you clarify when CLIN 0006AA should start and what the duration is (1 month or 3 months)? | The correct POP for CLIN 0006AA is reflected in Attach 0004 Price Matrix. The CLIN POP referenced in RFP is being corrected per Amendment 0001 to reflect 30 days. | |
| 10 | N/A | General | General | General | With the recent announcement that all U.S. Forces would be withdrawing from Iraq, does the USG anticipate this requirement continuing as currently planned? | Yes | |
| 11 | Section M, M.9.1.3 | Technical | RFP Language: "The Offeror’s approach to and understanding of the training requirements as described in Section 2.4 of the PWS." | Question: There is no section 2.4 of the PWS. Would the Government confirm it meant to refer to section 5.2 instead of 2.4? | The Government (USG) confirms it meant to refer to PWS Section 5.2. Attachment 0003 Section M has been updated per Amendment 0001. | ||
| 12 | Section M, M.9.1.2 | Technical | RFP Language: "The Offeror’s approach to and understanding of the transition plan in accordance with Sections 3.15, 3.16, and 3.17 of the PWS. The transition plan clearly demonstrates the plan for transitioning in/out within 30 days and meets the requirements of the PWS." | Question: There are no sections 3.15-3.17 of the PWS. Would the Government confirm it meant to refer to section 1.21.1 Mobilization instead of 3.15-3.17? | The USG confirms it meant to refer to PWS Section 1.21.1. Attachment 0003 Section M has been updated per Amendment 0001. | ||
| 13 | Section L, L.3.1, pg. 4 | Admin | RFP Language: "...The use of hyperlinks in proposals is prohibited." | Question: Would the Government confirm that the use of hyperlinks is prohibited only to external links and not for Table of Contents and callout references within text to sections and figures/tables within the same file? | The USG confirms that the use of hyperlinks is prohibited only to external links and not for Table of Contents and callout references within text to sections and figures/tables within the same file. | ||
| 14 | Section L, L.3.3, pg. 4 | Admin | RFP Language: "...Font requirements apply to bullets and other special text formatting." | Question: Would the Government confirm that the font size for headers/footers, callout boxes, and figure/table captions may be 10pt Arial or smaller? | The USG confirms that the font size for headers/footers, callout boxes, and figure/table captions may be 10pt Arial or smaller. | ||
| 15 | Section L, L.3.3, pg. 4 | Admin | RFP Language: "...Font requirements apply to bullets and other special text formatting." | Question: Are screenshots/images exempt from the font size/type requirement? | Yes | ||
| 16 | N/A | Admin | RFP Language: "...Font requirements apply to bullets and other special text formatting." | Question: Would the Government confirm that any substantiating documentation from outside sources will be exempt from the font size/type requirement? | The USG confirms that any substantiating documentation from outside sources will be exempt from the font size/type requirement. | ||
| 17 | Section L, L.9, pg. 10 | Admin | RFP Language: "Offerors shall provide the following proposed pricing within the Pricing Matrix Attachment 0004:" | Question: Will the Government confirm that offerors are allowed to reformat the Pricing Matrix Attachment 0004 Excel file following the font and formatting requirements of the RFP, ensuring the content in each cell is visible and that it can be properly printed? May proposal headers/footers be added? | Offerors are allowed to add additional tabs to Attachment 0004 Price Matrix if they feel the need to provide additional information. Proposal headers/footers are not to be added for VOL IV. | ||
| 18 | N/A | Admin | Question: Would the Government confirm the file size limitation for email submission? If necessary, due to email attachment size limitations, may offerors submit their proposals in multiple emails (e.g., "Email 1 of 2" and "Email 2 of 2")? | 20 MB is maximum size per email. Yes, offerors are encouraged to submit their proposal in multiple emails due to email size limitations. | |||
| 19 | Section L, L.3, pg. 3 | Admin | RFP Language: 1 each electronic (Email provided In Section L.2) | Question: Will the Government please confirm the maximum total attachment size allowed for electronic proposal submissions sent via email? If necessary, due to email attachment size limitations, may offerors submit their proposals in multiple emails (e.g., "Email 1 of 2" and "Email 2 of 2"), provided all emails are received by the proposal due date and time? | 20 MB is maximum size per email. Yes, offerors are encouraged to submit their proposal in multiple emails due to email size limitations. | ||
| 20 | PWS 1.9 and 1.18.6.1 | Technical | RFP Language: PWS 1.9 "The Contractor shall submit invoices for monthly reoccurring services to the USG no later than 30 calendar days after the end of each billing month." PWS 1.18.6.1 "Performance Invoices Submission Deadline: Invoices for the preceding month's performance must be submitted no later than the 15th day of the current month." | Question: Will the Government please clarify when invoices are due since these sections are contradictory? | PWS Section 1.9 is correct. PWS Section 1.18.6.1 has been updated per Amendment 0001. | ||
| 21 | PWS 1.18.4 | RFP Language: If an invoice fails to include any of the elements listed in Section Y.1, it is considered improper. | Question: Can the Government indicate whether there are any invoicing requirements other than those included in Section 1.18.3 of the PWS? | Yes, Section 1.9 of PWS and IAW DFARS Clause 252.232-7006 Wide Area WorkFlow Payment Instructions | |||
| 22 | Section L, L.6 | Admin | RFP Language: The Solicitation does not require a cover letter in Volume I. | Question: If an Offeror includes a cover letter in Volume I, will the cover letter be evaluated as part of the proposal? Additionally, will it count toward Volume I page count limitations? | No and No. | ||
| 23 | PWS Sections 3.5 (Intra-Country Transportation), | Technical | RFP Language: 3.5 Intra-Country Transportation. The Contractor shall provide all transportation to and from Baghdad International Airport (BIAP)... | Question: Please confirm whether all employee movements between the U.S. Embassy and BIAP, in both directions, must be conducted using a PSC-1 certified transportation provider? | For Rest & Recuperation (R&R) travel, the contractor will be responsible for providing transportation from Baghdad Embassy Compound (BEC) to Baghdad International Airport (BIAP) and vice versa from BIAP to BEC. For TDY and Ordered Departure (OD) travel, the USG will be responsible for providing transportation for contractor CAs from BEC to BIAP and vice versa BIAP to BEC. For Mobilization and Demobilization, the contractor is responsible for providing transportation from BEC to BIAP and vice versa BIAP to BEC. | ||
| 24 | Section L, L.6.2 | RFP Language: L.6.2. "Iraq Labor Law. Offerors are responsible for complying with Iraq labor law. Offerors shall provide an affirmative statement in their Volume I submission that they understand and will fully comply with the current Iraq labor law." | Question: Will the USG confirm that this contract is not exempt from the Iraqi Law requirement for contractor to hire four Iraqis for each US person hired for this contract? | The USG confirms that this contract is not exempt from the Iraqi Law requirement for contractor to hire four Iraqis for each US person hired for this contract. If Iraqi Labor Law changes prior to date of proposal submission, the offeror is responsible for complying with updated version. | |||
| 25 | 3 & 8-9 | Attach 0002 Section L - 13JUL2026 | L.3.1 and L.7.2.1 | "L.3.1. Offerors shall redact all company names/logos/pictures/personnel names from all pages of the proposal except for Volume I (Supplemental Documents and Facility Clearance), Volume III (Past Performance), and Volume IV (Price)." And "L.7.2.1. The Offeror’s proposal must contain firm commitments and relevant job experience and skillsets for all positions identified as “Key Personnel” in the PWS. Letters of commitment must include proposed employee names. Letters of commitment may state that employment is contingent upon contract award to the applicable offeror. Letters of commitment must include proposed hiree’s intent to join offeror’s team on a specific date." | The directives in the two referenced text portions appear to be conflicting. Is the Technical Volume supposed to include the names in resumes and letters of commitment for key personnel? Should unredacted Technical Volume attachments be provided to meet these requirements? | Yes. Also, Letters of commitment/resumes may include employee names but not company names. | |
| 26 | N/A | Attach 0004 Price Matrix SAMA 3.0 13 JUL 2026 | CLIN 0013 | N/A | "CLIN 0013: Ministry of Defense (MoD) - Additional MoD SAMA Advisor (MoDA) Option (1-12months)" | CLIN 0013 required in the Price Matrix requires an option for an additional MoD SAMA Advisor. Please confirm contractors are not required to provide a resume for the optional CLIN 003 MoDA Advisor related to CLIN 0013; i.e., please confirm that resumes are only required for 1xMoDA, 1xMoPA, and 1xMoDSLA SAMAs. | The USG confirms that resumes are only required for 1xMoDA, 1xMoPA, and 1xMoDSLA SAMAs. Resumes are not required for CLIN 0013. |
| 8 | Attach 0002 Section L - 13JUL2026 | L.7.2.2 | 8 | "The Offeror shall provide a resume for each of the Key Personnel positions identified in PWS." | |||
| 28 | 8 | Attach 0002 Section L - 13JUL2026 | L.8 (1) | "Section 1 - Contract Descriptions. This section shall include the following information in the following format. [...] (b) USG contracting activity, and current address, PCO's name, e-mail address and telephone numbers. (c) USG’s technical representative/ Contracting Officer Representative (COR) and current email address, and telephone numbers. (d) USG contract administration activity and the Administrative Contracting Officer's name, current email address, and telephone number." | For contracts that have expired or are no longer active, particularly those who were on Reserve/Guard duty and no longer on active service, would the Government accept the relevant PCO's contact information (in lieu of the Technical POC/COR)? | Yes | |
| 29 | 9 | Attach 0002 Section L - 13JUL2026 | L.8 (3) | "Past Performance Questionnaire. For all contracts identified in Section 1, Contract Descriptions, a Past Performance Questionnaire (Attachment 0006 in Section J of Solicitation) must be completed and submitted." | According to the FAR Subpart 42.1501b: "CPARS is the official source for past performance information." Would the government consider allowing the inclusion of CPARS narrative for prime contracts in the Past Performance Volume in lieu of PPQ (attachment 6) requirement? | Not in lieu of Attachment 0006 PPQ but offerors are encouraged to add CPARS information into their Volume III. | |
| 30 | 10 | Attach 0002 Section L - 13JUL2026 | L.9 | "Offerors are encouraged to submit accompanying written explanations, as deemed necessary by the Offeror, to provide the Government with a better understanding of the basis of the proposed price that may otherwise seem unreasonable or incomplete." | Is a summary-level explanation of the price approach and context submission, combined with the FFP CLINs as outlined in Sections L/M, sufficient to meet the intent of Section L.9 requirements? Put another way, for the FFP Price Volume, is the Government requesting that Contractors provide general comments and the total propose price for each CLIN that meet the intent of FAR 15.404, or is the Government requiring offerors to provide a detailed cost buildup (direct labor, fringe, indirect rates, escalation, special pay, ODCs, etc.) supporting each CLIN in accordance with FAR 15.404? | Is a summary-level explanation of the price approach and context submission, combined with the FFP CLINs as oulineed in Sections L/M, sufficent to meet the intent of Section L.9 requirements? Yes | |
| 7 | Attach 0003 Section M - 13JUL2026 | M.11 | "The proposal will be evaluated in IAW RFO FAR 15.404, Cost and/or price analysis." | ||||
| 31 | 12 | Attach 0002 Section L - 13JUL2026 | L.9 | "Cost Reimbursable, Non-Fee Bearing, ODCs Erbil Only, CLIN 0008: The cost for CLIN 0008 is provided by the Government as a surrogate. The surrogate for CLIN 0008 for the Base Year and each of the Options One through Four are shown in the table below. Additional ODCs are not anticipated, but if there are any, they must be approved ahead of time." | Could the government provide examples of templated expenses under ODC CLIN 0008 that are considered necessary specifically for Erbil? | CLIN 0008 surrogate amount is comprised of daily Per Diem. No other expenses for this CLIN is expected. | |
| 31 | L.8 | Past Performance | Question: Section L.8 permits new corporate entities to submit parent company past performance and permits submission of major subcontractor past performance. For an SBA-certified tribally owned 8(a) concern, will the Government consider the past performance of affiliated entities (including sister companies under common ownership) as past performance of the prime offeror (per DFARS 215.305(a)(2)(C)) for evaluation purposes, where the affiliate will provide corporate resources, management oversight, and/or key personnel support but is not proposed as a major subcontractor? DFARS 215.305(a)(2)(C) to require that, when evaluating the past performance of a small business concern in a competitive solicitation, contracting officers shall consider relevant past performance information provided for affiliates of that small business | Yes. per RFO DFARS 215.202-70, USG must consider affiliate/sister company past performance for small businesses, however, the small businesses must still provide "meaningful involvement." For example, what was their role to make it count? | |||
| 32 | L.8 | Past Performance | Question: If the Government will consider affiliate past performance, will such references be evaluated as prime offeror past performance or only as subcontractor/team member past performance? Please clarify how confidence assessments will be assigned when the submitted references were performed by an affiliated entity rather than the proposing legal entity. | The offeror will not automatically receive prime credit as the offeror will need to articulate and demonstrate the actual role they played on the contract. Generally, past performance from the actual proposing prime contractor will carry more weight/relevancy in the final confidence assessment than past performance from an affiliate or subcontractor. | |||
| 33 | Past Performance | Question: If affiliate past performance is allowable, please clarify what documentation is required to demonstrate the relationship between the offeror and affiliate and how such references will be evaluated within the Past Performance confidence assessment. | Please reference updated Attachment 0002 SEC L and Attachment 0003 SEC M dated 29 JUL 2026. | ||||
| 33 | Clearance | For Key Personnel proposed at contract award, must candidates possess all required clearances as of proposal submission, or will candidates with the ability to obtain and maintain the required clearance be considered acceptable? | IAW Section L.6.1. of RFP, "Failure to have submitted the required SECRET Facility Clearance by the proposal closing date shall render the Offeror ineligible to receive a contract award and will result in the proposal not being evaluated further." Must be at time of proposal submission. | ||||
| 34 | Clearance | Please clarify whether personnel are required to possess active SECRET clearances on the proposal due date, at contract award, or prior to commencement of performance. | On Proposal due date. | ||||
| 35 | L..3.1, L.7.2 | Redaction | Section L.3.1 requires Offerors to redact all company names, logos, pictures, and personnel names from Volume II (Technical), while Section L.7.2 requires the submission of Key Personnel resumes and letters of commitment containing proposed employee information. Please clarify how Offerors should submit Key Personnel resumes and commitment letters within Volume II. Specifically, should resumes and commitment letters be anonymized (e.g., Candidate A, Candidate B) with personnel names and company identifiers redacted, or should those documents be submitted with names visible for evaluation purposes? | Letters of commitment/Resumes may include employee names but not company names. | |||
| 36 | L..3.1, L.7.2 | Redaction | Section L.3.1 requires Offerors to redact all company names, logos, pictures, and personnel names from Volume II. Please clarify (1) how Key Personnel resumes and letters of commitment required by Section L.7.2 should be submitted, and (2) whether references to affiliated entities providing corporate resources, management oversight, recruiting support, or reach-back capabilities must also be redacted and replaced with generic identifiers within Volume II. | 1. Letters of commitment/Resumes may include employee names but not company names. 2. references to affiliated entities providing corporate resources, management oversight, recruiting support, or reach-back capabilities does not need to be redacted. | |||
| 37 | PWS 1.7.2 | QASP | PWS 1.7.2 mentions the Government using a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan, but this document was not provided with the Solicitation. Would the Government pleas provide the QASP so bidders can customize their quality control plan to the evaluation criteria? | A draft QASP is provided for reference as Attachment 0007. Offerors shall utilize this draft to develop a proposed QCP. The Government will finalize the QASP post-award based on the successful offeror's proposed QCP. | |||
| 38 | Section L, L4.1 | Markings | Section L, L4.1 "Some parts of this document, as identified on individual pages, are considered by the submitter to be privileged or confidential trade secret or commercial or financial information not subject to mandatory disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. Material considered privileged or confidential on such grounds is contained on page(s) ___." is this notice in addition to the Restricted Data Notice on the cover page or in place of the Restricted Data notice | Yes | |||
| 39 | L.8. | PPQs | Can we submit in our proposal CPARS in lieu of PPQs? | No, but offerors are encouraged to add CPARS information into their Volume III. | |||
| 40 | PWS 3.1 | Price | Section 3.1 of the Performance Work Statement states: “The USG will provide living quarters for cultural advisors working on site.” Please confirm that this applies to the Advisor working with the Ministry of Peshmerga (MoPAA). | The USG confirms that this applies to the Advisor working with the Ministry of Peshmerga (MoPAA). CLINs 2, 3, and 4 are considered on site. | |||
| 41 | PWS 3.2 | Price | Section 3.2 of the Performance Work Statement states: “The USG will provide military transportation as necessary and three meals per day in the cafeteria and quarters on a US Mission – Iraq (USM-I) installation.” Section 1.18 states: “Personnel permanently stationed at the U.S. Consulate General in Erbil will receive a per diem rate of $65 USD daily.” Please confirm that the meals allowance under Section 3.2 does not apply to the Advisor working with the Ministry of Peshmerga (MoPAA), who will instead receive the per diem allowance, per Section 1.18. | That is correct, CLIN 4 MoPA (1 FTE) at Erbil is only person that will receive per diem rate of $65 daily. CLINs 2 and 3 will receive three meals per day as long as they are stationed at Baghdad Embassy Compound (BEC). | |||
| 42 | Section L.9 | Price | Attachment 0002, Section L.9, Volume IV – Price Factor, states: “Offerors are encouraged to submit accompanying written explanations, as deemed necessary by the Offeror, to provide the Government with a better understanding of the basis of the proposed price that may otherwise seem unreasonable or incomplete.” Please confirm that offerors’ written explanations or price narrative can be submitted in PDF format as part of Volume IV, in addition to Attachment 0004, Price Matrix, in Excel. | The USG confirms that offerors’ written explanations or price narrative can be submitted in PDF format as part of Volume IV, in addition to Attachment 0004, Price Matrix, in Excel. | |||
| 43 | Section L.9 | Price | Attachment 0002, Section L.9, Volume IV – Price Factor, states that CLINs 0002, 0003, and 0004, Firm Fixed Unit Pricing for the Advisors, shall “shall be inclusive of any fringe and/or overhead, applicable mandated uplifts, DBA, and host nation requirements for each labor category associated,” but “shall not include Life Support.” However, Part 3.3 of the Performance Work Statement, Life Support (medical) states: “The Contractor will provide medical support for all Contractor personnel. This is typically done by arranging with commercial providers in the International Zone (IZ).” Please clarify whether Life Support for the Advisors will be provided by the Government, or whether the Contractor will be allowed to obtain the requisite Life Support under another CLIN. | Please reference Amendment 0001, Section A Narrative for updated guidance on Life Support. | |||
| 44 | PWS 4.1 | ODCs | Part 4.1 General, of the Performance Work Statement, states: “The Contractor shall furnish all supplies, equipment, facilities, and services required to perform work under this contract that are not listed under Section 3 of this PWS.” However, Attachment 0004, Price Matrix, contains only one CLIN (0008) in each period of performance for the Contractor to claim Other Direct Costs, which is specifically assigned for Erbil. Please clarify how the Contractor will recover Other Direct Costs incurred in locations other than Erbil. | The contractor needs to account for as many costs up front as possible and include in FFUP CLINs. | |||
| 45 | ATT 004 | Price CLINS | Attachment 0004, Price Matrix, contains CLINs for Travel (0005), Mobilization (0006), Demobilization (0007), and ODCs Erbil Only (0008), that are designated as Cost Reimbursable and Non-Fee Bearing. Please confirm that the Contractor will be able to recover indirect rates on costs incurred under these CLINs. | The USG confirms that the Contractor will be able to recover indirect rates (G&A only) on costs incurred under these CLINs. | |||
| 46 | PWS 3.5 | Price, R&R | Part 3.5 of the Performance Work Statement, Intra-Country Transportation, states: “The Contractor shall provide all transportation to and from Baghdad International Airport (BIAP) for entry to and exit from Iraq for purposes to include mobilization and demobilization and R&R.” Attachment 0004, Price Matrix, indicates that CLIN x005 for each period of performance excludes R&R. Please clarify whether R&R will be covered under CLIN x0007, Demobilization, or whether it should be priced under the appropriate CLINs for each Advisor. | R&R will not be covered under any Cost CLIN as it must be accounted for in the FFUP CLINs for each FTE. CLIN 2 (1FTE), CLIN 3 (1FTE), and CLIN 4 (1FTE). | |||
| 47 | PWS 1.21.1 | Mobilization | Part 1.21.1.1.1 states: "The Contractor shall establish movement requirements to the Area of Operations (AO), ensure all personnel acquire the necessary travel documents and clearances, and process all deploying personnel through the designated CONUS Replacement Center (CRC)." Please clarify if there are any exemptions from attending CRC if personnel have attend within a certain number of years? | There are no exemptions for personnel attending CRC. | |||
| 48 | Attachment 3 | Section M.4 | Proof of Facility Clearance | I see that an active Facility Clearance (FC) is required. Since we currently are not doing any projects with the USG requiring a facility clearance, my company does not currently hold an active FC or have an existing sponsor. My question - will the Government Contracting Agency (assuming DOD) sponsor us during the bid process or, alternatively, allow us to bid and, if we are awarded the work, become our formal FC sponsor? Or, are we immediately disqualified as a Prime contractor for not having a current FC? | No. You would be disqualified IAW Section L.6.1. of RFP. | ||
| 49 | Section L.3.1 requires personnel names to be redacted from Volume II, while L.7.2 requires resumes and letters of commitment containing proposed employee names. Can the government please confirm that proposed key-personnel names may appear in the resumes and commitment letters and identify the volume in which these documents must be submitted? | Letters of commitment/Resumes may include employee names but not company names. Volume II. | |||||
| 50 | Can the government please confirm whether the two-page key-personnel resumes and letters of commitment are excluded from the 40-page Volume II limit? | The USG confirms that the two-page key-personnel resumes and letters of commitment are excluded from the 40-page Volume II limit | |||||
| 51 | Must the proposal include a separate named candidate, two-page resume, and commitment letter for the Additional MoDA Option? May the same candidate be proposed for the core MoDA and the optional MoDA, or must the Offeror propose separate personnel? | No | |||||
| 52 | Can the government please confirm that CLIN 0013, and corresponding 1013–4013 CLINs, are the Additional MoDA Option and that CLIN 0012 is CDRLs? The instructions currently lists this CLIN as Contractor Manpower Reporting (CMR). | The USG confirms that CLIN 0013, and corresponding 1013–4013 CLINs, are the Additional MoDA Option and that CLIN 0012 is CDRLs. SEC L is updated per Amendment 0001. | |||||
| 53 | A-7.5 requires the Contractor to be fully operational “30 days from” the November 29, 2026 base-period start, while PWS 1.21.1 requires transition to be completed no later than 30 days before the base-period start. Can the government please state the required 100-percent operational-readiness date and anticipated award/phase-in start date. | Full performance begins on 29 NOV 2026. PWS Sections 1.21.1 (Mobilization) and 1.21.2 (Travel/In-Processing) must be complete prior to 28 NOV 2026. PWS Section 1.21.1 has been updated per Amendment 0001. | |||||
| 54 | Can the government please confirm the correct quantity and period of performance for CLIN 0006AA? The listed period is October 28 through November 28, 2026, while the solicitation schedule identifies a quantity of three months. | The CLIN POP referenced in Attachment 0004 Price Matrix is correct. The CLIN POP referenced in RFP has been corrected per Amendment 0001. The contractor shall begin Sections 1.21.1 (Mobilization) and 1.21.2 (Travel/In-Processing) on 28 OCT 2026 and must have both sections completed no later than 28 NOV 2026. | |||||
| 55 | Does CLIN 0001 require a separate, dedicated offsite Project Manager, or may one of the onsite key advisors also perform the Project Manager function? If a separate PM is required, can the government please identify the expected duty location, full-time or part-time status, minimum availability or hours, and whether Government-directed travel is anticipated? | For CLIN 1, a separate PM is required. The PM must be able to meet all responsibilities IAW Section 1.12.5 of PWS. | |||||
| 56 | Is contractor support to the Counter Terrorism Service (CTS) required under this contract? If so, can the government please identify which labor category or CLIN will perform CTS support and the anticipated scope, location, and level of effort? | USMILGP-Iraq currently has no requirement for direct support of CTS, and we currently have no plans to dedicate a CA to CTS support. As part of the Iraqi defense establishment, however, we do support various Security Cooperation programs that involve CTS forces that comprise a small portion of our mission (~15 percent). | |||||
| 57 | Must the MoPAA be fluent in both Arabic and Kurdish, or does Kurdish replace the general Arabic requirement for the MoP assignment? Additionally, must the MoPAA possess thorough knowledge of the Iraqi Ministry of Defense structure, or should this requirement refer to the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs structure and operations? | Kurdish is a requirement, but fluency in both Kurdish and Arabic is preferred. Although independent in many ways, MoPA is subordinate to the Iraqi MoD, so it follows that some understanding of the entire national structure is required. As this can be learned once on the job, the word “thorough” can be replaced by “some”. | |||||
| 58 | Please clarify whether “strategic-level experience with U.S. forces in Iraq since 2011” means experience occurring at any time after January 1, 2011. Does support to the U.S. Embassy or Department of State satisfy “U.S. forces,” or must the experience directly support U.S. military organizations? | Previous experience supporting U.S. Embassy or Department of State is acceptable; however, direct support of U.S. military forces is preferred. | |||||
| 59 | Are foreign bachelor’s degrees acceptable? | Yes, due to international nature of this position we understand that many quality candidates may not have attended advanced education at a US university. | |||||
| 60 | Must each proposed key person possess an active Secret clearance at proposal submission, at award, or before the performance start date? | At time of proposal submission | |||||
| 61 | What is the maximum number of additional MoDAs and MoPAAs that may be added? Will additions beyond the single optional MoDA be ordered using the applicable pre-priced advisor unit rate, and what resume, clearance, and approval requirements will apply? | 6, yes. Awardee would submit resumes for each requested open position as well as provide recommended candidate to PCO. PCO would then pass this information onto to USMILGP-Iraq COR and Leadership for review. After review has concluded, USMILGP-Iraq would provide their recommended candidate to PCO. The PCO then makes the final decision on selecting the candidate which usually is in line with USMILGP-Iraq's recommendation. | |||||
| 62 | Must onsite positions be backfilled during authorized R&R or other approved leave? If so, should Offerors include replacement labor, CRC, travel, and mobilization costs in the fixed monthly rates, or will applicable costs be reimbursed under the travel or mobilization CLINs? | No | |||||
| 63 | Can the government please define “Life Support” for pricing purposes and confirm whether contractor-provided medical support must be included in the fixed labor rates, reimbursed under an ODC CLIN, or excluded from proposed pricing. | Please reference Amendment 0001, Section A Narrative for updated guidance on Life Support. | |||||
| 64 | Can the government please identify what the $65 daily Erbil per diem covers and whether it is reimbursed under CLIN 0008 or included in the MoPAA fixed rate. Please also confirm whether Government-furnished lodging and meals are available in Erbil and identify the specific costs represented by the CLIN 0008 “ODCs Erbil Only” surrogate. | The $65.00 covers daily per diem costs at Erbil in conjunction with 1FTE under CLIN 4. The $65.00 will be reimbursed thru Cost No Fee CLIN 8. Government furnished meals are not provided at Erbil, hence, the reason why $65.00 per diem is provided under CLIN 8. Government furnished lodging is provided at Erbil. | |||||
| 65 | Can the government please explain how Offerors should separately identify DBA insurance, Iraq social-security taxes, and corporate-income taxes when the Price Matrix marks these CLINs Not Separately Priced? Can the government please state the Government’s pricing assumptions concerning the current applicability of Iraqi social-security, corporate, work-permit, and related host-nation costs? | All costs for CLINs marked as Not Separately Priced shall be included in the FFUP CLIN buildup. | |||||
| 66 | Section M.9.1.2 cites PWS Sections 3.15, 3.16, and 3.17, and M.9.1.3 cites PWS Section 2.4. Can the government please confirm that the intended references are PWS 1.21 for transition and PWS 5.2 for training and amend Section M accordingly? | The USG confirms as this question was answered in previous question. | |||||
| 67 | Can the government please confirm whether monthly performance invoices are due by the 15th day of the following month under PWS 1.18.6.1 or within 30 calendar days under PWS 1.9? | Within 30 calendar days IAW PWS 1.9. PWS is updated per Amendment 0001. | |||||
| 68 | Can the government please confirm whether ordered-departure invoices are due within 48 hours or within five calendar days after completion of travel, and clarify whether the deadline is measured from departure from Iraq or arrival at the employee’s Home of Record? | Ten calendar days from arrival at the employee's home of record. PWS has been updated per Amendment 0001. | |||||
| 69 | Section M.1 cites the August 20, 2022 DoD Source Selection Procedures, while M.8 cites an August 20, 2023 version. Can the government please identify the controlling version and amend Section M for consistency? | The correct date is August 20, 2022. Section M is updated per Amendment 0001. | |||||
| 70 | Can the government please provide the incumbent contract number? | W52P1J-21-C-0026 | |||||
| 71 | Solicitation | A-2 | Compliance with Laws | Solicitation A-2, Compliance with Laws | The statement directs compliance to host nation and U.S. laws, "whichever are more restrictive." This contract requires the Contractor to hire U.S. citizens to perform work on U.S. installations. Please confirm whether the Government requires the contractor to obtain any Iraqi (or KRG) business registration or license, or whether contractor operations under this contract are covered by the governing status arrangements such that no host-nation business license is required. | Contractor operations under this solicitation are NOT covered by the governing status arrangements. The contractor is responsible for being in accordance with all host nation rules, laws, and regulations. | |
| 72 | CLIN 0006AA | Mobilization CLIN 0006AA | Mobilization CLIN 0006AA | The period of performance for this CLIN is 28 Oct 2026 - 28 Nov 2026. This is before the contract period of performance starts (29 Nov 2026). If the Offeror is required to perform work starting 28 Oct 2026, then the Government should change the Base Year start date to 28 Oct 2026. | The CLIN POP referenced in Attachment 0004 Price Matrix is correct. The CLIN POP referenced in RFP has been corrected per Amendment 0001. The contractor shall begin Sections 1.21.1 (Mobilization) and 1.21.2 (Travel/In-Processing) on 28 OCT 2026 and must have both sections completed no later than 28 NOV 2026. | ||
| 73 | CLIN 0006AA | Mobilization CLIN 0006AA | Mobilization CLIN 0006AA | The period of performance for this CLIN is 28 Oct 2026 - 28 Nov 2026. The Quantity is "3" and the Unit is "months." Given the one-month duration, should the quantity be "1?" | Yes | ||
| 74 | Attachment 2 | Section L | Pricing | Attachment 2, Section L, Pricing | Section L references CLIN 0013 as a "CMR" CLIN. This is not in the Solicitation. Please correct this discrepancy. | Section L has been corrected per Amendment 0001. | |
| 75 | Attachment 3 | Section M | Basis for Award | Attachment 3, Section M, Basis for Award | M.2. states, "ACC-RI intends to award a single FFUP contract…." FFUP is defined as Firm-Fixed Unit Price. The Solicitation identifies Project Management and Advisor CLINS as "Firm Fixed Price." FFP suggests that the Government will fund the full amount for 12 months per contract year. FFUP implies the Government can fund less than 12 months. Will the Government clarify if FFP or FFUP applies and to what CLINS? | The CLIN types are provided in Attachment 0004 Price Matrix. | |
| 76 | PWS 11.12.5 | Program Manager | PWS 11.12.5, Program Manager | Confirm that the "non-key" program manager can be perform duties at Contractor location in CONUS. | The USG confirms this statement. |
ROUND 2 (FINAL) CONTRACTOR QUESTIONS
| 77 | In response to Question 23, the Government clarified that for Rest & Recuperation (R&R) travel, the Contractor will be responsible for providing transportation from Baghdad Embassy Compound (BEC) to Baghdad International Airport (BIAP) and vice versa from BIAP to BEC. For TDY and Ordered Departure (OD) travel, USG will be responsible for providing transportation for Contractor CAs from BEC to BIAP and vice versa BIAP to BEC. For Mobilization and Demobilization, the Contractor is responsible for providing transportation from BEC to BIAP and vice versa BIAP to BEC. Please confirm that the Contractor will be responsible for providing transportation from US General Consulate Erbil to Erbil International Airport (EBL) and vice versa from EBL to US General Consulate Erbil. For TDY and Ordered Departure (OD) travel, USG will be responsible for providing transportation for Contractor CAs from US General Consulate Erbil to EBL and vice versa EBL to US General Consulate Erbil. For Mobilization and Demobilization, the Contractor is responsible for providing transportation from US General Consulate Erbil to EBL and vice versa EBL to US General Consulate Erbil. | Except for travel in support of TDY or an Ordered Departure, the Contractor is responsible for travel from BIAP to BEC, BEC to BIAP, Erbil Consulate/Air Base to Erbil International Airport (EIA) and EIA to Erbil Consulate/Arbil Air Base. For travel in support of TDY or Ordered Departure, the USG is responsible for providing travel from BIAP to BEC, BEC to BIAP, Erbil Consulate/Air Base to Erbil International Airport (EIA) and EIA to Erbil Consulate/Arbil Air Base. |
| 78 | In response to Question 64, the Government confirmed that $65.00 will be reimbursed thru Cost No Fee CLIN 8 for MoPAA. The Government also confirmed furnished lodging is provided in Erbil. Please confirm that USG will provide transportation for MoPAA within Iraq. | CLIN 8 will provide reimbursement for Per Diem ONLY at $65.00 per day for 1FTE under CLIN 4. The USG will provide transportation for 1FTE under CLIN 4 from place of living quarters (billeting) to place of work at Erbil Consulate and or Erbil Air Base. |
| 79 | PWS Section 4.4 (Equipment): RFP Language: ….The Contractor shall provide all transportation to and from Baghdad International Airport (BIAP) for entry to and exist form Iraq for purposes to include mobilization and mobilization and R&R. Can the Government please confirm that the Contractor provide transportation to and from Baghdad International Airport (BIAP) or Erbil Internation Airport (EBL) for entry to and exist form Iraq for purposes to include mobilization and demobilization and R&R for MoPAA? | The USG confirms. Also, please reference answer to question # 77 above. |
| 80 | The Government's response to Question 26 states that resumes are only required for 1x MoDA, 1x MoPA, and 1x MoDSLA SAMAs, and that resumes are not required for CLIN 0013. However, the Price Matrix identify CLIN x013 (Additional MoDA Advisor Option) as Key Personnel. Please confirm whether CLIN x013 is still considered a Key Personnel position, with the only exception being that a resume is not required at proposal submission, or whether CLIN x013 is no longer considered Key Personnel altogether. | The USG confirms that CLIN x013 is still considered a Key Personnel position, with the only exception being that a resume is not required at time of proposal submission |
| 81 | In response to Question 46, the Government clarified that R&R must be accounted for in the FFP CLINs for each FTE (CLINs 0002, 0003, and 0004). Since CLIN x013 (Additional MoDA Advisor Option) is also an FFP labor CLIN for an advisor position, please confirm that the proposed Price for CLIN x013 should likewise include R&R and all other costs that are required to be embedded in the FFP pricing consistent with CLINs 0002–0004. | yes |
| 82 | Revised PWS Section 1.12.4.1 reserves the Government’s right to add MoDAs and/or MoPAAs. Amendment 0001 Q&A No. 61 states that the maximum number of additional MoDAs and MoPAAs is six and that positions beyond the single optional MoDA would be ordered using the applicable prepriced advisor unit rate. Attachment 0004, however, provides a quantity of only one additional advisor under CLIN 0013, and its Total Evaluated Price includes only that single optional advisor. Please clarify whether the six-person maximum means six advisors in addition to the three baseline advisors or six advisors in total. Please also identify the number and anticipated mix of MoDAs and MoPAAs offerors must price; the CLIN and unit rate applicable to each additional MoDA and MoPAA; the contractual ordering mechanism and maximum quantities; and whether Attachment 0004 and Section B will be revised to reflect the maximum orderable quantities | Amendment 0001 Q&A No. 61 was answered incorrectly. CLIN 13 needs to be proposed for one (1) additional FTE at a firm fixed unit price per month price. CLIN 13 can be used to add up to three (3) additional MoDAs during any period of performance. For example, during the base period, CLIN 0013 could be used to add up to three additional MoDAs (using same pre-priced monthly rate for 1FTE for all 3 FTEs) and they don't all have to be added at the same time. For option period one, if the USG still needed those additional FTEs, they would be exercised at option period one rate for the option period one POP and could continue to carry over into future option periods. All additional FTEs will be MoDAs. |
| 83 | Amendment 0001 Q&A No. 7 confirms that the CLIN 0006 mobilization surrogate was developed for three personnel. Q&A No. 61 permits as many as six additional MoDAs and/or MoPAAs. Please clarify how CRC processing, mobilization, travel, work permits, sponsorship, demobilization, and other incremental costs for CLIN 0013 and any subsequently ordered advisors will be reimbursed. | Q&A No. 61 was answered incorrectly so please reference Q&A #82 above. CLIN 13 Mobilization Costs would be covered under CLIN 6. CLIN 13 Demobilization costs would be covered under CLIN 7. |
| 84 | U.S. citizens deploying to Iraq under this contract must obtain the required visas and complete all medical requirements before processing through the CONUS Replacement Center (CRC) at Fort Bliss. CRC processing cannot begin until after contract award, when CAC issuance and required SPOT updates can be completed. Given these post-award deployment dependencies, does the Government anticipate making award sufficiently in advance of the contract start date to allow personnel to complete all required processing without affecting timely contract performance? If so, please provide the anticipated award date and mobilization period. | Yes and please reference updated Attachment 0004 Price Matrix dated 10 AUG 2026, CLIN 0014. CLIN 0014 (Mobilization/Phase-In) is firm fixed price for up to 60-days leading up to and prior to full performance start date of 29 NOV 2026. CLIN 0014 consists of onboarding, pre-deployment processing (CRC), training, credentialing, administrative processing, and other readiness requirements. Labor does not begin until 29 NOV 2026 under CLINs 2, 3, and 4. |
| 85 | The Government is requesting personnel arrival during the Thanksgiving holiday. Please confirm. | Adding additional context to Q&A #84 above, the USG is not directing the contractor to arrive on a certain day. The contractor must be mobilized no later than 28 NOV 2026 in order to meet full performance start date of 29 NOV 2026. |
| 86 | PWS Sections 1.21.1.1 and 1.21.2 require mobilization and transition-in activities to be completed no later than 28 November 2026, followed by personnel travel to Iraq and in-country processing. Given that Thanksgiving falls on 26 November 2026 and the base period begins on 29 November 2026, please confirm whether the Government intends for contractor personnel to travel to and arrive in Iraq during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. If so, please identify the required in-country arrival date; if not, please clarify the anticipated travel and arrival schedule. | Please reference Q&A # 85 above. |
| 87 | Round 1 responses clarify that Kurdish proficiency is mandatory for the MoPAA position and Arabic proficiency is preferred, while also revising the required level of knowledge of the Iraqi defense structure. Please confirm that the revised PWS will clearly identify all mandatory and preferred qualifications for each labor category, including language proficiency, education, experience, citizenship, and security clearance requirements. Given the material effect of these revisions on the identification and vetting of qualified personnel, will the Government extend the proposal due date to provide offerors sufficient time to respond to the revised requirements? | The USG is not confirming this statement. The USG will extend the RFP close date/proposal due date to 1400 US CT, 18 AUG 2026. |
| 88 | Amendment 0001, issued on 29 July 2026, incorporated material revisions to the PWS, Sections L and M, and other solicitation requirements. However, Attachment 0004 remains dated 13 July 2026, despite the Round 1 responses indicating that the Price Matrix would also be revised. Please confirm whether the Government intends to issue a revised Price Matrix or any additional solicitation revisions resulting from the final round of questions. Given the cumulative effect of these changes, will the Government extend the proposal due date to at least 10 business days following publication of the final Q&A responses and all resulting revised solicitation documents? | Attachment 0004 Price Matrix has been updated per Amendment 0002 and the USG will extend the RFP close date/proposal due date to 1400 US CT, 18 AUG 2026. |
| 89 | Given the Government’s clarification that all proposed key personnel must possess active Secret clearances at proposal submission, together with the need to identify, vet, secure commitments from, and prepare resumes for personnel meeting the specialized Iraq experience and language requirements, will the Government extend the proposal due date? | Yes, the USG will extend the RFP close date/proposal due date to 1400 US CT, 18 AUG 2026. |
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