W564KV-16-R-0011_Question_and_Answer_19AUG2016.pdf

SOLICITATION W564KV-16-R-0011

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

*Please note that all questions are posted verbatim as they were received*

** The acronym PTF within in this document means Prepositioned Training Fleet**

QUESTION 1: Reference: Section B, pg4; Section F, pg13; PWS 1.6.1

Background: The phase-in period is defined as the period from effective date of the contract until the period of performance start for CLIN 001 (30 Sep 2016). The CLIN for the phase-in period shows a quantity of 30 with a unit of days. This implies a 30 day transition with a price per day. In addition, paragraph 1.6.1 of the PWS states that the phase-in/phase-out is NA. The proposal is due 25 August, which allows very little time before 30 September for evaluation, award, and transition.

Question: To allow all competitors to develop a basis of estimate for the phase-in period, could the

Government define an anticipated phase-in period?

Recommendation: We respectfully recommend a 60-day phase-in period. We believe a 30 day or less transition period favors the incumbent and limits competition.

ANSWER 1:

The 30 day Phase-in does not favor the incumbent. Longer than 30 days would cause complications due to the high OPTEMPO of the mission. The phase-in would not normally involve bringing in large equipment from the contractor as the required large equipment is Government provided therefore a

30 day period has been deemed appropriate by the Government.

QUESTION 2: RFP Reference: PWS 1.6.19 Contractor Travel

Topic: Travel

Question: PWS Para 1.6.19 indicates that Contractors shall be required to travel within EUCOM, AFRICOM, or CENTCOM AOR during the performance of this contract. It also states travel will not exceed $15,000 per year. Is the $15,000 to be used as a plug number for CLINS 0003, 1003, 2003, 3003, and 4003?

Recommendation: Please clarify the Government’s intent for Travel.

ANSWER 2:

The Travel CLIN is there for use when the mission requires deployments. It is not included in the

Services CLIN and is not paid if not used. It is only used when needed when the Government requires Contractor deployment. Only actual costs validated by receipts provided by the Contractor will be reimbursed through use of the CLIN after completion of the mission.

QUESTION 3: RFP Reference: CLIN 5001 Extension of Services

Topic: 6 Month Extension of Services CLIN

Question: Are Offerors required to supply a monthly unit price and extended cost for the 6 month extension of services CLIN? If so, should this amount be calculated as 50% of the final option year price, as is common industry practice? Which Option Yr 4 CLINs should be included in this calculation?

Recommendation: Please clarify the calculation of the 6 month extension of services CLIN amount.

ANSWER 3:

Offerers are not required to submit a monthly unit price and extended cost for the 6 month extension of the Services CLIN. The calculation is performed by the Government at 50% of the final

OY price. Travel and Surge CLINs may or may not be added to the extension based on the RA’s forecasted mission schedule at that time.

QUESTION 4: RFP Reference: Contractor Manpower Reporting CLINs (750x)

Topic: Contractor Manpower Reporting

Question: May Offerors elect to propose Contractor Manpower Reporting as Not Separately Priced

(NSP) CLINs instead of separately disclosing these costs?

Recommendation: Please provide direction regarding pricing for Contractor Manpower Reporting

CLINs.

ANSWER 4: CMR CLIN offered as Not Separately Priced (NSP) is acceptable

QUESTION 5: RFP Reference: Section B

Topic: Pricing Submission Format

Question: Does the Government intend for Offerors to submit pricing only in the provided Section B format? The RFP does not provide a separate template in which pricing should be submitted.

Recommendation: Please clarify the appropriate format for submission of pricing.

ANSWER 5: Offeror is required to provide unit price and total amount for all CLINs in accordance with Section B of the solicitation, except for Surge Requirement and Cost Reimbursable Travel.

QUESTION 6: RFP Reference: Section L.1.3.ii.6

Topic: Subcontractor Cost Breakdown

Question: Section L.1.3.ii.6 directs Offerors to submit a complete breakdown of cost by Major

Subcontractor. Does the Government want this breakdown at a top level, i.e. by cost element (labor, travel, etc.), or more detailed, i.e. labor categories/hours for labor by subcontractor, travel details by subcontractor, etc.?

Recommendation: Please clarify the complete breakdown of cost by major subcontractor that the

Government wishes to see.

ANSWER 6: Top level break down is acceptable, KO will notify you if more detail is needed.

QUESTION 7: RFP Reference: Section L.1.3.ii.6

Topic: Definition of a Major Subcontractor

Question: Section L.1.3.ii.6 loosely defines a major subcontractor as a member of an Offeror’s team who is expected to perform 15% or more of the proposed effort. How should Offerors define proposed effort for purposes of this calculation? Is proposed effort defined as a percentage of proposed labor hours, independent of total cost/price? Is proposed effort a percentage of a total price? If so, which

CLINs are included in the calculation of this proposed price (Surge and Phase-In are not considered for evaluation. Are they included in proposed effort?).

Recommendation: Please clarify how Offerors should determine which teammates should be defined as Major Subcontractors.

ANSWER 7: 15% of your proposed total price is considered major subcontractor effort.

QUESTION 8: RFP Reference: Section L.1.3.ii.6

Topic: Major Subcontractor Breakdowns

Question: May Offerors include the breakdown of costs for major subcontractors in their proposal submission or are major subcontractors required to submit independent proposals? Recommendation:

Please clarify where Offerors should include the breakdown of costs by Major Subcontractors.

ANSWER 8: Offeror is required to provide a unit price and the total amount for the line items as specified in Section B of the solicitation. Cost break down information should be submitted in

Volume II.

QUESTION 9: In order for the Government to foster competition and allow offerors to develop quality proposals, it would be beneficial to all potential bidders if the Government would host an Industry

Day/Site Visit. We respectfully request the Government consider hosting an Industry Day/Site Visit.

ANSWER 9: A site visit was held on 16 August 2016.

QUESTION 10: Reference: Surge Requirement CLINs, Section B, pgs3-8

Respectfully request that the Government provide a basis to estimate surge requirements, such as average number of surge events per year, average number of man hours utilized, and average duration of surge periods per year. If this information cannot be provided, we recommend the Government provide a plug number in order to enhance competition.

ANSWER 10:

We cannot provide a basis for estimate as it is used as needed. There is no consistent historical

“pattern” that can be used to formulate this. The Government has performed through a full contract period before without using the Surge CLIN.

QUESTION 11: Are any positions or labor categories on the contract qualified for TESA/ASSA status?

ANSWER 11: No.

QUESTION 12: Is there currently a works council?

ANSWER 12: No.

QUESTION 13: Section L of the RFP states that the past performance volume is limited to 15 pages.

Considering the amount of information requested in the volume, would the Government consider increasing the page limit to 25 pages?

ANSWER 13:

No, the Government has determined that 15 pages is sufficient room for the contractor to provide a concise representation of their past performance.

QUESTION 14: Reference: Section L page 53 of the RFP, Section 3 Subfactor 3, first bullet “Resumes of program managers demonstrating experience and ability to manage multi-faceted operations under high OPTEMPO.”

Question: We understand this to mean resumes for personnel currently managing similarly challenging programs for our company. Is our understanding correct, or is the requirement to be interpreted to be the resume of the prospective PTF PM? Does the requirement also apply to the Production

Coordinator/Deputy PM?

ANSWER 14: Yes, resumes are required for the prospective PTF Project and Deputy Project Managers as these are Key Personnel. The terms “Program Manager”, “Production Manager/Coordinator”, and “Contract Manager” listed in the PWS all mean Project/ Deputy Project Manager as applicable and have been corrected in the PWS.

QUESTION 15: Reference: Section L page 53 of the RFP, Section 3 Subfactor 3, second bullet “Resumes of key personnel showing experience and ability to adapt to changes in support scheduling based on training rotational requirements.”

Question: We understand this to mean the resumes of the prospective PM, Production

Coordinator/DPM, and resumes of any other positions that we deem to be key. Is our understanding of the requirement correct? What are the minimum key personnel resumes that the Government requires for evaluation?

ANSWER 15: Resumes are required for the prospective PTF Project and Deputy Project Managers as these are Key Personnel. The terms “Program Manager”, “Production Manager/Coordinator”, and

“Contract Manager” listed in the PWS all mean Project/ Deputy Project Manager as applicable and will be corrected in the PWS.

QUESTION 16: Reference: PWS 5.1, 5.2.6, 5.2.5.1.

Question: The referenced paragraphs indicate that communications mechanics / technicians will troubleshoot, maintain and repair the SINCGARS radio installation kits and therefore will not require a clearance in order to handle cryptographic fill equipment or to possess radios with active, classified fills. Can the Government please verify that communications mechanics / technicians do not require a clearance?

ANSWER 16:

These personnel will not be handling any cryptographic equipment as the Requiring Activity does not deal with COMSEC, nor does the Requiring Activity have any cryptographic equipment.

QUESTION 17: Reference PWS Part 3 and Part 4.

Question: Referenced sections do not address provision of automated data processing equipment/computers. We assume that the Government would provide computers/data processing equipment in order to access Government systems via Government networks. Will the Government provide computers as GFE?

ANSWER 17: Yes, as deemed necessary at the discretion of the Contracting Officer and Contracting

Officer Representative.

QUESTION 18: Reference: PWS 1.6.11, Security Program

Background: “DD Form 254, Contract Security Classification Specification, Department of Defense is not required; however, when/if the requirement generates, a DD Form 254, will be completed and submitted to the COR and KO as required (see Deliverables in Part 7).” Attachment 2, deliverables, indicates that a DD Form 254 will be required within 30 days of contract award (and references PWS

1.6.8, which is a Quality Assurance Plan paragraph).

Question: Will the Government provide a DD Form 254, or other indication of classified access required, in order to ensure that offerors map, recruit, price and are prepared to provide fully qualified personnel to fulfill Government requirements?

ANSWER 18: Contracting Officer Representative (COR) will provide the DD Form 254 to the

Contractor should the requirement arise. The entry in the Deliverables is placed there in case the requirement arises prior to the awarding of the contract. At present the mission does not require it.

The PWS Deliverables reference to 1.8.8 has been corrected.

QUESTION 19: Reference: Section I Clauses

Topic: Termination for Convenience

Question: Since the anticipated contract type is primarily Fixed Price, should the FAR Clause 52.249-2, Termination for Convenience of the Government (Fixed-Price) and FAR Clause 52.249-8, Default (Fixed-

Price Supply and Service) be incorporated into the solicitation and resulting contract?

ANSWER 19: Clauses will be incorporated.

QUESTION 20: Reference: Section L, page 52 of 64 - Manpower charts and the small business subcontracting plan are excluded from the page count.

Question: Since this is an OCONUS acquisition and there are not referenced Small Business clauses, the requirement for a Small Business Subcontracting Plan should not be applicable. Recommendation:

Delete Section L reference to Small Business Subcontracting Plan.

ANSWER 20: Requirement is self-deleted if it is not applicable.

QUESTION 21: Reference: Section L, page 13/14 of 64; 54 of 64; 56 of 64

Topic: For proposal preparation purposes, the expected or approximate date for initiation of contract performance is August 2016

Question: Since proposals are not due until 25 August 2016, it is unlikely to have an August 2016 start date. Additionally, on page 56 of 64 under Discussions, 1 – Award Type the government states “The

Performance Period is anticipated to begin on 30 September 2016…” Recommendation: Revise contract start dates to be consistent

ANSWER 21: All references to Performance Period in the solicitation are place holders, actual

Performance Period will be updated at time of contract award.

QUESTION 22: Reference: PWS 1.6.11.8 Accompanying the Force:

Topic: DFARS Clauses 252.225-7040 and 252.225-7043

Question: These DFAR Clauses are referenced in the PWS but not in Section I of the RFP.

Recommendation: Suggest these DFAR clauses be incorporated in the RFP.

ANSWER 22: Clauses will be incorporated.

QUESTION 23: Reference: PWS 1.6.17 Key Personnel

Topic: Discrepancy of Terms

Question: This section states Key Personnel are contract manager and alternate, whereas throughout the RFP and this PWS the term used is Program/Project Manager.

Recommendation: Please clarify

ANSWER 23: The terms “Program Manager”, “Production Manager/Coordinator”, and “Contract

Manager” listed in the PWS all mean Project/ Deputy Project Manager as applicable and will be corrected in the PWS. These are Key Personnel.

QUESTION 24: Reference: PWS 1.6.11.3

Topic: TDY Travel

Question: Are the reimbursable expenses associated with participating in concept development, planning conferences part of the $15,000 annual travel ceiling?

ANSWER 24: There is no travel involved with “participating in concept development, planning conferences” as this is conducted at the PTF site.

QUESTION 25: Reference: Section L, page 52 of 64

Topic: Volume IV - Solicitation, Offer and Award Documents and Certification/Representations

Question: The RFP does not provide specific instructions regarding the content for Volume IV.

Recommendation: Please provide specific instructions.

ANSWER 25: Volume IV references the solicitation documentation such as providing applicable certifications, signed acknowledgments of amendments, etc.

QUESTION 26: RFP Reference: PWS 1

Topic: Introduction

Question: Can the Government clarify what it meant by the term “service providers” as denoted in the

Introduction?

ANSWER 26: The term “service providers” refers to the Contractor and Subcontractor employees.

QUESTION 27: Topic: Recovery Missions

Question: How many recovery missions does the Government anticipate and what is the average duration?

Recommendation: That the Government provide workload information for anticipated recovery missions

ANSWER 27: It is impossible to forecast due to not having the same customer/users consistently.

The PTF deals with US and various multinational units wherein equipment operators have varied levels of experience with the equipment.

QUESTION 28: Reference: PWS 4.2.3

Topic: GCSS-A Deployment

Question: Will the Government define the current state of GCSS-A deployment for the Project? Has

Wave 2 been completed?

Recommendation: That contractors be provided the status of GCSS-A fielding for this project including anticipated status at contract award.

ANSWER 28: The PTF has been fielded Wave 2 of the GCSS-A fielding.

QUESTION 29: Reference: PWS 1.6.7

Topic: Quality Control Plan

Question: What is the Government’s expectation regarding quality standards - ISO 9001:2008 certification or compliancy?

Recommendation: The Government requires Offerors to demonstrate a QCP that meets ISO 9001:2008 compliancy

ANSWER 29: There is currently an ISO 9001:2015 which replaced the 9001:2008.

QUESTION 30: RFP Reference: PWS 1.6.14.1

Topic: Non Tactical Vehicle Support

Question: What is the extent of support required for NTVs? Are GSA vehicles provided for contractor use and, if so, are these vehicles required to be maintained by the contractor?

Recommendation: That the Government clarify the NTV support requirements.

ANSWER 30: A certain number of fully functional civilian vehicles are provided to the Contractor for use in support of the contract. The Contractor is responsible for maintaining these vehicles as well as the military vehicles they are issued. The parts are purchased by the Government for maintenance of the equipment the same as the other NTVs. This information has been added to PWS

1.6.14.1

QUESTION 31: RFP Reference: FAR 52.245-1

Topic: Government Furnished Property (GFP)

Question: Does the Government expect the contractor to use the Government’s property management system (DPAS, PBUSE) to control the property listed in Attachment 4 of the PWS?

ANSWER 31: The PTF has a Property Hand Receipt Holder that will work with the Contractor with any issues involving property management. This is conducted in GCSS-A as the PTF is no longer utilizing

PBUSE and any other previous systems.

QUESTION 32: RFP Reference: DFARS 252.211-7007

Topic: IUID-Government Furnished Property

Question: Can we assume all property in Part 3 and Attachment 4 of the PWS currently complies with

IUID marking and registry requirements?

ANSWER 32: Yes, the tactical equipment is in the IUID system. However, not all of the property is in the IUID system due to the following. NTVs and other Class II type equipment cannot be put in IUID because much of it is C.O.T.S. (Commercial off the Shelf) equipment and does not have a valid

National Stock Number (NSN) as does tactical equipment.

QUESTION 33: RFP Reference: Part 3 of the PWS

Topic: Replacement and disposal of GFP

Question: Does Attachment 4 of the PWS correspond to Part 3 of the PWS regarding FAR 52.245-2?

ANSWER 33:

Part 3 of the PWS explains the layout of the GFE and GFP that will be issued to provide an administrative area, briefing/ conference area and maintenance operations (see Part 3, paragraph

3.2.1). Attachment 4 of the PWS corresponds to Part 3 in reference to the GFE that will be issued to enable the contractor to conduct business. Part 4 of the PWS also lists additional GFE that will be issued by the Contractor for missions. All property transactions will be conducted with the PTF

Property Officer. This must be done as ALL PTF property, including what is issued to the Contractor, is based in the PTF Activity set. The Contractor is not a Primary Hand Receipt Holder.

QUESTION 34: Reference: PWS Attachment 3: “Estimated Workload Data” and PWS Attachment 5:

Maintenance Support Teams

Question: Are the Maintenance Support Teams included in, or in addition to the Attachment

3,”Estimated Workload Data”?

ANSWER 34: Historically the Maintenance Support Teams have been comprised of the normal

Contract personnel when a mission has required support. This is included in the “Estimated

Workload Data.” When there is no training rotation occurring, these personnel are doing normal duties of repairing/servicing equipment. The MST teams should be composed of the maintenance personnel who have some experience with equipment recovery as they may have to use the wrecker during a training rotation when on MST shift work.

QUESTION 35: Reference: Section L.2.b(ii) Volume II – Cost/Price

Topic: FAR 15.408 Table 15-2

Question: Because adequate price competition will likely exist on this procurement, and the RFP states:

“...Certified cost and pricing data are not currently required;”... request the requirement to provide pricing information in accordance with Table 15-2 “Instructions for Submitting Cost/Price Proposals

When Certified Cost or Pricing Data Are Required” be deleted.

ANSWER 35: Reference will be self-deleting if it is not applicable.

QUESTION 36: Reference: PWS 1.6.11.2 “The Contractor shall be prepared and required to deploy with the 7ATC when requested. The locations may be within EUCOM, AFRICOM or CENTCOM area of operations. The Contractor is responsible for all its personnel, transportation, billeting, life support, and other applicable deployment requirements necessary for its personnel to be deployable.”

Question: Will any government facilities, transportation or life support be made available to the contractor while on deployment with the 7ATC? If not, should we assume those costs are included in the $15,000 annual estimated travel costs provided in the PWS?

Recommendation: Because the deployment locations, schedules, length of deployments have not been provided by the government, it is not possible at this time to accurately estimate these costs. If these expenses are not included in the $15,000 annual travel expenses, recommend the government provide a surrogate number in the RFP for these deployment costs.

ANSWER 36:

1. If Government facilities are available, these are utilized to save costs. Usually facilities

(including billeting) and life support are provided.

2. The deployments average about 2-3 weeks in length. The PTF have never exceeded the

$15,000 of the Travel CLIN in the contract year.

QUESTION 37: Reference: Section L Proposal Submission Requirements

Question: The RFP states that the email size limit is 10MB. With a 100 page limit for the Technical volume, Offeror’s may have a difficult time keeping the file size below the 10MB file size limit. Will the

Government allow PDF files in place of Microsoft Word in order to better manage file size. If not, will the Government consider utilizing another method (i.e., SAFE ARMDEC) in place of email for submission?

ANSWER 37: PDF file is acceptable except for the pricing proposal, the Microsoft Excel files shall remain unlocked and numbers shall not be hard coded. All other proposal parts shall be void of price information. Proposal shall be submitted via email.

QUESTION 38: Can you provide information on the condition (operation hours, defects, service intervals) of the provided materiel (PWS Part3 3.21; 3.4.1; 3.4.2; Attachment 4 “Government furnished property list”)?

ANSWER 38: Service intervals are as required by applicable Regulations and Technical Manuals, equipment hours are recorded within the service records. Defects are not possible to list as some will be resolved by the incumbent prior to the award of this solicitation while others may occur after this

Amendment is published. Defects cannot be forecasted.

QUESTION 39: Can you provide information on the basic information (make, model, in service since, etc.) of the provided materiel (PWS Part3 3.21; 3.4.1; 3.4.2; Attachment 4 “Government furnished property list”)?

ANSWER 39: If awarded the contract, the PM/Dep PM and GCSS-A clerks will be able to view this data as it is maintained in the GCSS-A system.

QUESTION 40: In which condition (operation hours, defects, service intervals) are the vehicles to be serviced at Day 1 of operations? (Attachment 4 “Government furnished property list”)?

ANSWER 40: The equipment is on a schedule which is independent of when the contract starts. The

Service Schedules are spaced throughout the year to avoid an overload on the maintainers and avoid mission failure.

QUESTION 41: May we inspect premises to perform a thorough assessment of the equipment before offer due date understanding that those vehicles deployed to the maneuver area will not be available?

ANSWER 41: A site visit was held on 16 August 2016 however a “thorough assessment” implies a request to do complete inspections of the GFE/ GFP, an assessment that in-depth cannot be supported.

QUESTION 42: With regards to the government furnished property (Attachment 4) can you provide detailed information for: non-tactical vehicles, tents, generators and space heaters? Based on the provided information it is impossible to determine which products will need servicing and the possible spread of different models within a category group.

ANSWER 42: All equipment needs inspection/servicing per item manual and the schedule.

QUESTION 43: Are you able to divulge who has provided the tendered service until now?

ANSWER 43: PAE

QUESTION 44: Is it possible to hire the staff which has performed the service so far?

ANSWER 44: The Government does not advise Contractors on hiring and staffing.

QUESTION 45: Is it possible to sub-contract work packages?

ANSWER 45: Subcontract is allowed, offeror is required to submit proposed subcontractor as stated in the solicitation. The question cannot be fully answered because “work packages” is generic term and can be interpreted differently by whomever is using this term.

QUESTION 46: Can the transition period be extended to allow for thorough training of new employees due to the broad range of services provided?

ANSWER 46:

No, the Transition Period cannot be extended. Key Personnel are expected to be already trained and ready to begin work. There can be no down time due to having to train personnel that are expected to know their job when hired. It is up to the Contractor to ensure that they hire personnel who can perform the various skill sets so as to not cause a negative impact to the PTF mission.

QUESTION 47: With regards to 1.6.11.2 : Within 1 year , how many days are spent outside Germany?

ANSWER 47: There is no established amount annually. When deployments occur, they are usually 2-

3 weeks in length. Deployments are based on when USAREUR/7ATC issues the mission.

QUESTION 48: With regards to 1.6.11.2 : In which countries was the service provided (outside

Germany) within the last 5 years?

ANSWER 48: The PTF has participated in events in countries that include Romania, Ukraine, UK, and

France. This list is not all inclusive.

QUESTION 49: With regards to 1.6.11.2 : Will the Government provide secure accommodations

(within camp perimeters, guarded by US Army personnel) to the contractor when outside Germany?

ANSWER 49: Yes.

QUESTION 50: With regards to 1.6.11.2 : Will the Government be responsible for settling all required travelling documentation (visa, permits, customs etc.) for the contractor within the 12 hours notice period?

ANSWER 50: When the mission is received, the Contractor PM/Dep PM selects the personnel to deploy based on the skill sets required and the nationality restrictions of its employees. A PTF

Government Rep deploys with the contractors and ensures that they are included in the official orders. The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that its employees have valid passports and documentation.

QUESTION 51: With regards to 5.2.1.1: Are the 2 HEMTT Wreckers to be used by the 3 recovery teams?

ANSWER 51: There are three Contact Trucks (M1152s with Shop Containers mounted) that are normally used in most cases. The wreckers are available to the MSTs if needed.

QUESTION 52: With regards to 1.6.12 does “secured” mean locked doors or guarded buildings?

ANSWER 52: Locked unless personnel are present on shift. All unoccupied buildings/facilities are locked. If no one is present (weekend with no work scheduled or shift work and all MSTs are out on mission) all buildings/facilities and gates will be locked.

QUESTION 53: Reference:

“Discussions” item 1 (page 56-57) L.2.b.ii(5) (page 54) CLIN 0004 (page 4)

Discussion: RFP page 56 indicates a start date of 30 September; RFP L.2.ii(5) states that “the expected or approximate date for initiation of contract performance is August 2016.”

CLIN 0004 indicates a 30 day transition.

Question: Please confirm the correct period of performance, and whether the transition period is before or after the expected start date.

ANSWER 53: Estimated Performance Period starts October 2016, 30 day phase in period begins the day after date of award.

QUESTION 54: Reference: L.2.b (page 52)

Discussion: Each file of the proposal is required to include a Table of Contents.

Question: Does this requirement apply to Excel files?

ANSWER 54: This is applicable to your cost/price proposal submission.

QUESTION 55: Reference: L.2.b (page 52)

Discussion: Each file of the proposal is required to include a Table of Contents and a Summary Section.

Question: Would the Government please consider excluding the Table of Contents and Summary

Sections from the page limitations?

ANSWER 55: Table of Contents and Summary Section is excluded from page limitation

QUESTION 56: Reference: L.1.d (page 52)

Question: Would the Government please consider excluding a title page / cover page for each volume from the page limitations?

ANSWER 56: Title Page/cover Page is excluded from page limitation.

QUESTION 57: Reference: L.1.d (page 52)

Discussion: Section L indicates that “*Manpower charts and the small business subcontracting plan are excluded from the page count.”

Question: Is a small business subcontracting plan required with this proposal?

ANSWER 57: No.

QUESTION 58: Reference: L.1.d (page 52)

Discussion: Section L indicates that “*Manpower charts and the small business subcontracting plan are excluded from the page count.”

Question: Is there a subcontracting goal applicable to this proposal?

ANSWER 58: There is no requirement to subcontract if the company can perform all requirements needed.

QUESTION 59: Reference: L.2.b.i(3) (first bullet) (page 53) PWS 1.6.17

Discussion: Section L requires “resumes of program managers.” The PWS requires a contract manager as a key person.

Question: Please clarify if the program manager and contract manager are separate positions.

ANSWER 59: Resumes are required for the prospective PTF Project and Deputy Project Managers as these are Key Personnel. The terms “Program Manager”, “Production Manager/Coordinator”, and

“Contract Manager” listed in the PWS all mean Project/ Deputy Project Manager as applicable and will be corrected in the PWS.

QUESTION 60: Reference: PWS 1.6.17

Discussion: The PWS requires a contract manager as a key person, and identifies the requirement for a designated alternate for the contract manager.

Question: Is the alternate contract manager also a key position?

ANSWER 60: If a key position is staffed by a primary and alternate individual then by default an alternate is also considered to be a key position.

QUESTION 61: Reference: L.2.b.i(3) (first and second bullets) (page 53) PWS 1.6.17

Discussion: Section L requires a resume for “program managers” (plural). The PWS requires a contract manager as a key person.

Question: Please clarify the job titles and quantities for key positions which require a resume to be submitted with the proposal.

ANSWER 61:

Resumes are required for the prospective PTF Project and Deputy Project Managers as these are Key

Personnel. The terms “Program Manager”, “Production Manager/Coordinator”, and “Contract

Manager” listed in the PWS all mean Project/ Deputy Project Manager as applicable and will be corrected in the PWS.

QUESTION 62: Reference: PWS 1.6.17 PWS 1.6.2

Discussion: PWS 1.6.2 refers to the project leadership using the title Project Manager and Deputy

Project Manager.

Question: In PWS 1.6.17, should the references to contract manager and the alternate contract manager be changed to Project Manager to align with PWS 1.6.2?

ANSWER 62:

PTF Project and Deputy Project Managers are Key Personnel. The terms “Program Manager”, “Production Manager/Coordinator”, and “Contract Manager” listed in the PWS all mean Project/

Deputy Project Manager as applicable and will be corrected in the PWS.

QUESTION 63: Reference: M.C.3 (page 61)

Discussion: Section M states, “A price reasonableness approach will be utilized by the Government to determine that the proposed prices offered are fair and reasonable and that a “buy-in” or unbalanced pricing between CLINs or Option Periods is not occurring. In evaluating price reasonableness, other than cost and pricing data, as described in notes a – d above…”

Question: Please identify what section/page is referenced in the phrase “notes a – d above.”

ANSWER 63: The sentence ‘In evaluating price reasonableness….’ is included in error and will be removed from the solicitation.

QUESTION 64: Reference: M.C.4(a) (page 62)

Discussion: Section M states, “Evaluation of past performance shall be in accordance with this plan utilizing the forms and questionnaires set forth in Appendix D.”

Question: Please identify where in the RFP documents offerors may find Appendix D.

ANSWER 64: This paragraph is included in error and will be removed from the solicitation.

QUESTION 65: Reference: L.1.d (page 52)

Discussion: The list of volumes identifies Volume IV, Solicitation, Offer and Award Documents and

Certification/Representations.

Question: Please provide instructions on the requirements for Volume IV. Are offerors to include the entire RFP, Sections A-M in this volume? Or only Sections with fill-ins (i.e., Section B, Section K)?

ANSWER 65: Submit sections A-M in Volume IV.

QUESTION 66: Reference: L.1.d (page 52)

Discussion: The list of volumes identifies Volume IV, Solicitation, Offer and Award Documents and

Certification/Representations.

Question: Please identify the number of copies required for Solicitation document.

ANSWER 66: 1 copy.

QUESTION 67: Reference: M.B (page 59) M.C.4 (page 62-64)

Discussion: Section M.B states, “Factor 3: Past Performance: Each offeror’s past performance will be reviewed to determine relevancy and confidence assessment.”

Section M.C.4(d) states, “There are three aspects to the past performance evaluation: recency, relevancy and performance confidence assessment.”

Section M.C.4(d), items i through iv describe four evaluation aspects: recency, relevancy, quality assessment, and performance confidence assessment.

These statements appear to conflict as to the number of evaluation aspects for past performance.

Question: Please clarify the evaluation aspects for past performance.

ANSWER 67: There are 4 aspects to the past performance evaluation, paragraph M.C.4(d) will be revised. Paragraph is re-numbered to M.C.4(c).

QUESTION 68: Reference: M.C.4(iii) (page 63)

Discussion: Section M describes the Quality Assessment for past performance.

Question: Please provide the evaluation ratings and definitions that will be used for the Quality

Assessment.

ANSWER 68: Quality Assessment will be evaluated using the ratings from the Past Performance

Questionnaires, CPARS report etc.

QUESTION 69: Question: Please identify specialized equipment/tools that the contractor is responsible for purchasing.

ANSWER 69:

The Government provides the Special Equipment/Tools that are needed to support its equipment.

Any Special Equipment/Tools other than what is supplied by the Government that you feel would simplify/improve work performance and will meet the technical requirements and standards set forth in the applicable Government Regs, TMs, and associated documents will be at the Contractors non-reimbursable cost.

QUESTION 70: Reference: PWS pages 31-33

Discussion: Pages 31-33 contain Quality Control/Quality Assurance information with a number of yellow highlights which appear to be comments/recommendations. See for example, “a meeting to discuss the CQCP will – may – shall be held.”

Question: Please confirm that the Quality Control/Quality Assurance information provided is final text.

ANSWER 70: PWS pages 31-33 have been revised.

QUESTION 71: Question: Are special licenses required for any of the positions on the PTF contract? If yes, please specify.

ANSWER 71:

Contractors must be able to be licensed on the equipment in the PTF Activity.

QUESTION 72: Reference: L.2.b(iii), paragraph(2), Section 2 – Performance (page 55)

Discussion: Section 2 states that offerors shall provide a specific narrative explanation of each contract listed in Section 1, Contract Description.

Question: Is a table format acceptable for the Section 2 narrative explanation of each contract? This will facilitate efficient use of the 15 page allowance for prime contractor past performance and 5 page allowance for subcontractor past performance.

ANSWER 72: It is the responsibility of the offeror to provide sufficient information for purpose of evaluation.

QUESTION 73: Reference: L.2.b(iii), paragraph (3), Subcontracts (page 56)

Discussion: Volume III requires offerors to include written consent and letters of commitment from major subcontractors.

Question: Would the Government please consider excluding from the page limitation the written consent and letters of commitment for major subcontractors?

ANSWER 73: Written consent and letters of commitment from major subcontractors will be excluded from page limitation.

QUESTION 74: Reference: L.2.b(iii), paragraph (5) Past Performance Questionnaire (page 56)

Discussion: Volume III requires completion of Past Performance Questionnaire forms.

Question 1: Due to the high frequency with which our Customers receive evaluation requests and the sensitivity of their schedule(s), will the Government allow the submission of a previously completed

Past Performance Questionnaire if the same or similar information has already been addressed?

Question 2: Will the Government allow the submission of the most recent CPARs in place of PPQs?

ANSWER 74: CPARS and/or PPQs are required.

QUESTION 75: Reference: L.2.b(iii), paragraph (5) Past Performance Questionnaire (page 56)

Discussion: Volume III requires submission of Past Performance Questionnaire forms.

Question: In the event that the PPQ evaluator does not return the completed PPQ by the solicitation due date, will the Government allow us to insert Part I of the PPQ as a placeholder? If so, will this be excluded from page count?

ANSWER 75: PPQ is considered a separate submission, if you choose to include that as part of your

Past Performance submission, it will be included in the page count.

QUESTION 76: Reference: L.2.b(iii), paragraph (5) Past Performance Questionnaire (page 56)

Discussion: The offeror shall e-mail to the contracting Officer a list of all the POCs who were sent a questionnaire.

Question: Can this list of POCs also be included with our submission for ease of reference? If so, can it be excluded from page count?

ANSWER 76: It will be included in the page count. Also see Answer #75.

QUESTION 77: Reference: PWS part 2, definition of Key Personnel

Discussion: The PWS definition of Key Personnel states, “When key personnel are used as an evaluation factor in best value procurement, an offer can be rejected if it does not have a firm commitment from the persons that are listed in the proposal.”

Question: Please confirm that key personnel letters of commitment are not required with proposal submission, as the requirement is not included in Section L or Section M.

ANSWER 77: Key Personnel letters of commitment are required with proposal submission.

QUESTION 78: Reference: PWS Attachment 3, item 1

Discussion: The core team includes a Program Manager.

Question: Please confirm; should this be changed to read Project Manager?

ANSWER 78: PTF Project and Deputy Project Managers are Key Personnel. The terms “Program

Manager”, “Production Manager/Coordinator”, and “Contract Manager” listed in the PWS all mean

Project/ Deputy Project Manager as applicable and will be corrected in the PWS.

QUESTION 79: Reference: PWS Attachment 5 PWS 5.2.6.2

Question: Please confirm the total number of MSTs required – is it 3 (as stated in PWS 5.2.6.2) or 4 (as stated in Attachment 5) total?

ANSWER 79:

It is 3. The Grafenwoehr entry has been removed from the PWS.

QUESTION 80: Reference: L.2.b.(ii) (page 54)

Discussion: Section L.2(ii), Volume II – Cost/Price, states “Certified cost and pricing data are not currently required; however, the Government reserves the right to request such data prior to award.”

The solicitation is FFP, with travel being the only cost reimbursable CLIN.

Question: Please clarify this statement as only the travel CLINs are Cost Reimbursable (no fee).

ANSWER 80: The statement is valid if it is applicable.

QUESTION 81: Reference: L.2.b.(ii), item 1 (page 54)

Discussion: Item (1) states, “The offeror shall ensure that the information submitted in this volume is consistent with and fully supports the amounts set forth in the SF33 and continuation sheets.” We believe this statement refers to Section B-Supplies or Services and Prices.

Question: Please clarify what amounts are to be set forth in the Section A SF33 and continuation sheets.

ANSWER 81: It refers to Section B-Supplies or Services and Prices.

QUESTION 82: Reference: L.2.b.(ii), item 2 (page 54)

Discussion: Item (2) states, “The proposal shall set forth a summary of the total proposed price perCLIN/SCLIN.”

Question: Please confirm that this is reference to Section B-Supplies or Services and Prices.

ANSWER 82: Yes.

QUESTION 83: Reference: M.C.1.b (page 59)

Discussion: M.C.1.b identifies Feasibility of Approach as an overarching evaluation approach for all factors and subfactors.

Question: Please confirm whether feasibility of approach is part of the “fair and reasonable price determination.”

ANSWER 83: It evaluates the offeror’s overall approach to technical, past performance, and price.

QUESTION 84: Reference: M.C.3 (page 61)

Discussion: M.C.3 states, “The base program and all option years shall be included in the cost/price calculation.”

Question 1: Please clarify if the solicitation response is for a “program” or a “project”?

Question 2: Please clarify the definition of “cost/price calculation”; is this the total proposed price?

ANSWER 84: This refers to the total proposed price of the base year and all options year.

QUESTION 85: Reference: Section I, Clauses Incorporated by Reference (page 18)

Discussion: FAR 52.243-1 Changes-Fixed-Price, Alternate II (APR 1984) is applicable to this solicitation.

Question: Please incorporate FAR 52.243-1 ALT I into the solicitation to ensure equitable adjustment of any Contracting Officer written order(s) for changes that cause an increase or decrease in the contract cost/price.

ANSWER 85: Clause will be incorporated.

QUESTION 86: Reference: PWS 1.6.11.3

Discussion: The PWS states "The Contractor shall be required to provide a representative to participate in concept development, planning conferences. Expenses incurred as a result of any TDYs generated will be reimbursed by the Government in accordance with the JTR.

Question 1: Please provide number of concept development planning conferences held under the current contract.

Question 2: Please address how the contractor's representative time is to be billed for attendance to conference(s).

ANSWER 86:

1. Conferences are held at the work site. No travel is involved.

2. The conferences are conducted during normal duty hours.

QUESTION 87: Reference: PWS, Quality Assurance (page 33)

Discussion: The Quality Assurance section at the end of the PWS states, “When the defects in services cannot be corrected by re‐performance, the Government may avail itself of the applicable remedies available under FAR 52.246.” Not all FAR 52.246 clauses apply to this procurement.

Question: Please identify the specific FAR 52.246 clauses which apply to this FFP solicitation and PWS.

ANSWER 87: 52.245-4 will be incorporated.

QUESTION 88: RFP - page 54. (iii)VOLUME III – Past Performance.

Administrative

The Offeror shall also submit the written consent of its major subcontractors to allow the disclosure of its subcontractor’s past performance information to the Offeror. In addition, letters of commitment shall be included for all major subcontractors for their past performance to be considered.

Q: Will the Government please clarify the requirements of the letters of commitment?

ANSWER 88: A letter of commitment from your major subcontractor that expresses they are committed to support this effort in the event your company is awarded the contract.

QUESTION 89: RFP - page 52 - 1. Proposal Submission Requirements, d.

*Manpower charts and the small business subcontracting plan are excluded from the page count.

Q: Please confirm that Small Business Subcontracting Plan is part of Volume I.

ANSWER 89: Yes.

QUESTION 90: RFP - page 56. (5) Past Performance Questionnaires

(5) Past Performance Questionnaire. For all contracts identified in

Section 1, Contract Descriptions, a Past Performance Questionnaire must be completed and submitted.

Q. The Proposal Package did not contain the questionniares. Will the Government please provide?

ANSWER 90: Past Performance Questionnaire is posted in FBO on 2 Aug 2016

QUESTION 91: PWS Attachment 3

Technical

Do the Estimated hours include workload for all Tasks in the PWS performed only under the FFP

CLIN? Or do they include Hours also expected in the Surge CLIN? If it includes both CLINs, what is the breakout of hours expected in each?

ANSWER 91: Hours are for FFP CLIN. Surge CLIN activation is done on an “as needed” basis.

QUESTION 92: PWS Attachment 3

Are the Estimated hours for 1 year of the contract? Are the required hours expected to remain constant for all years of the contract?

ANSWER 92: Yes and yes.

QUESTION 93: PWS Attachment 3

In Item 1, the Estimated Quantity column says FFP. Does that represent 1 FTE for each of the three labor categories listed in the Name column of that line?

ANSWER 93: Yes.

QUESTION 94: RFP - page 60 - Subfactor 3 and PWS Section 1.6.2 and Attachment 3

Re: Resumes of program managers demonstrating experience and ability to manage multi-faceted operations under high OPTEMPO

Q. Will the Government kindly clarify the differences between the role of Program Manager (mentioned in RFP and also in Attachment 3) and Project Manager as defined in PWS Section 1.6.2 Contractor

Management. Are the Program and Project Manager one in the same?

ANSWER 94: PTF Project and Deputy Project Managers are Key Personnel. The terms “Program

QUESTION 95: PWS Sections 1.6.17 and 1.6.2

Re: 1.6.17 Key Personnel

Q. Are the Contract Manager and Alternate Manager described in Section 1.6.17 the same positions as the Project Manager and Deputy Project Manager defined in Section 1.6.2?

ANSWER 95: PTF Project and Deputy Project Managers are Key Personnel. The terms “Program

QUESTION 96: RFP - page 60 - Subfactor 3 and PWS Section 1.6.17

Will the Government Please confirm which positions (by accurate title) are considered Key Personnel?

Are the Program Manager, Project Manager and Contract Manager one in the same position?

ANSWER 96: PTF Project and Deputy Project Managers are Key Personnel. The terms “Program

QUESTION 97: PWS Section 5.2.5.1

Re: 5.2.5.1 Contractor shall provide knowledgeable technicians who shall be proficient in the repair and troubleshooting of the SINCGARS Radio Installation Kits.

Q. Do the technicians require secret clearance?

Q. If the technicians require clearance, then please verify the minimum facility security clearance level that bidders must possess.

ANSWER 97: No clearance is currently required. These personnel will not be handling any cryptographic equipment as the RA does not deal with COMSEC, nor does the RA have any cryptographic equipment.

QUESTION 98: PWS Section 1.6.11.8

In 1.6.11.8 Accompanying the Force, it mentions “All Contractor employees working IA/IT functions must comply with DOD and Army training requirements in DODD 8570.01, DOD 8570.01-M, and AR

25-2 within 6 months after being employed.”

Q. Are any of the positions on this contract classified as having IA/IT functions? If so, which ones and at what level (are they IAT I or II? Or IAM I or II?)

ANSWER 98:

Yes. Any person utilizing a Government provided computer, whether or not accessing the Government network, will conform to these requirements. The PTF Program Manager and System Administrator oversee, assist, and enforce this. The main positions that WILL meet these requirements as their positions require access are the Project Manager, Deputy Project Manager, and GCSS-A clerks. Computers for these personnel will be GFP/GFE but will be maintained by the

PTF SA.

QUESTION 99: Reference: PWS 1.6.11

Discussion: PWS 1.6.11 states, “Security Program: The Contractor shall coordinate and ensure the provision of security badges required to allow Contractor personnel access to designated workspaces;

the Contractor shall comply with all applicable security requirements, abide by direction given by

Military Police or other security personnel, and adhere to installation traffic laws. DD Form 254, Contract Security Classification Specification, Department of Defense is not required; however, when/if the requirement generates, a DD Form 254, will be completed and submitted to the COR and KO as required (see Deliverables in Part 7).”

Question 1: Will the communications team working on the installation kits for the SINCGARS need to be U.S. Citizens with a Secret clearance?

Question 2: Does the Government envision any other position within this contract that will require a

DD Form 254 and Secret or Top Secret clearance?

ANSWER 99:

1. Currently a clearance is not needed as these personnel will not be handling any cryptographic equipment as the RA does not deal with COMSEC, nor does the RA have any cryptographic equipment.

2. At present the mission does not require it. It is always subject to change if the PTF mission undergoes a change.

QUESTION 100: Reference: PWS 5.2.4.1; PWS Attachment 3, Estimated Workload Data

Discussion: The first reference requires a “qualified Petroleum Supply Specialist.” The second reference lists a “POL Fueler Mechanics (HAZMAT)” position, but does not mention a Petroleum Supply

Specialist.

Question 1: Is it the Government’s intent that a Petroleum Supply Specialist be included as a required position title, or is this a functional duty/responsibility that can be filled by a fully qualified individual listed in Attachment 3?

Question 2: Are the labor categories listed in PWS Attachment 3 required position titles in the offerors’ proposals? Or are they work areas for which an offeror may propose one or more appropriate position titles?

ANSWER 100:

1. It is a functional duty/responsibility that can be filled by fully qualified individuals listed in Attachment 3 as POL Fueler Mechanics (HAZMAT). It was labeled as this so as to allow combining 2 skill sets in one position thus saving costs for the Government and the Contractor.

2. The labor categories in Attachment 3 are specifically labeled.