Draft_RFP_25July2017-Industry_Questions_&_Answers.pdf

Question or Discussion Gov Response

Does this CDRL (or example) need to be submitted with the proposal?

No - only one CDRL needs to be submitted with the proposal; Contract Management Plan (CMP) A001.

Within the CMP the USG would expect to see the Contractor's plan to manage all aspects of the effort, to include DMSMS.

As a result of the new Personnel Security Investigation requirements the government enacted effective August 1, 2016; it is taking the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) in excess of 90 days to grant Interim clearances. Will individuals be able to be escorted until interim clearances are granted?

Current guidance is that as long as the contract employee has a submitted clearence request and granted an interim, they will be allowed into theater.

Will the maintenance stands provided meet the requirements of OSHA 29 CFR 1910 dealing with fall protection? Yes Does the Army expect one centralized MMIS system or will all of the maintenance sites have their own system?

The intent is for one system to support an entire TO -- as required by the TO.

Is an Open Source tool an option for the MMIS COTS requirement? Yes Is the U.S. Army open to a centralized cloud solution? Yes

Will the Manufacturers/OEMs provide all documentation in the local languages or will there be a requirement to translate them from English?

The Manufacturer/OEMs may publish documentation in their native language (other than English). The CLS contractor will be required to translate into English as well as into other languages. See C 5.9.4.2.2 and 5.9.4.2.3.

Is DoD Standard 5015.2 a requirement for this engagement?

DoD Standard 5015.2 is not a requirement for this effort.

This is primarily for developmental software based applications that would reside on USG networks.

What format are the Certifications, authorizations documents stored in? PDF, unprotected and searchable.

Is there a document search requirement? PDF, unprotected and searchable.

What is the format of the OEM-approved technical manuals?

Paper and DVD, with PDF, unprotected and searchable -- See 5.9.4.1; this will be further defined in the TO

Is there a requirement to scan and digitize paper-formatted OEM documents? Yes

Does the Government intend to provide plug numbers for materials or travel?

Not for the sample TO in the MA ID/IQ competition.

Possibly for TO competitions where CLINs are Cost Reimbursable.

In the instance of a hybrid CLS, will the read, write, speak and understand the English language provision apply? Yes

Do the licenses and certifications requirements apply to OCONUS locations?

Contractor owned facilities will require appropriate licenses and certifications; whether CONUS or OCONUS.

In the STO PWS, section 5.2.4 is labeld as "Bi-Weekly Teleconference." However the narrative states weekly. Is the teleconference weekly or bi-weekly. The narrative will be changed to read "bi-weekly".

This section included FAR 52.222-57, Regarding Compliance with Labor Laws (Executive Order 13673). As indicated in the Note, this clause has been enjoined and, as such, should be not included any solicitation. This is consistent with guidance provided by OMB. Based on this, can the Government remove this clause in its entirety?

52.222-57 is embedded within 52.204-8. It would require a FAR deviation to remove or amend this provision.

What is the low and high threshold for end-users of the MMIS system? When required, it will be defined at the TO level.

RFP Attachment 0002 as provided in Draft RFP Amendment 1, August 5, 2016, is shown as the Document Summary List (DSL). Can the Government please provide the Prospective Contractor Accounting System Checklist as described in the Draft RFP section reference L-19.D(4).d Business Systems, paragraph (ii)? Is the completion and submittal of the Prospective Contractor Accounting System Checklist mandatory for all offerors, regardless of accounting system status or whether the offeror has had changes to its accounting system that have not been evaluated and documented?

Yes. Attachment 0002 was changed from the 2016 version to the latest DRAFT RFP provided dated 25 July 2017. It has been changed to "Pre-Award Survey of Prospective Contractor Accounting System Checklist". I will be provided in the final RFP.

The Pre-award Survey of Prospective Contractor Accounting System Checklist is to be provided if DCAA or DCMA has not evaluated or made a determination on the accounting system, or the offeror has had changes to its accounting system that have not been evaluated and documented. Please provide either Attachment 0002 or a copy of the DCAA Audit Report IAW instructions in Section L Instructions to Offerors paragraph D(4) d. (ii)

Will the Government require unsanitized/sealed proposals from the Subcontractors for their Labor Rates as proposed to the Prime Offeror? Also, please confirm that the term "subcontractor labor rate" in the referenced sentence from RFP L-19.D(4).e. FFP Contract Labor Rate Table, paragraph (ii), refers to subcontractor's labor rate inclusive of all subcontractor burdens and subcontractor profit/fee.

Offerors are not required to provide unsantized/sealed proposals from the Subcontractors.

Yes, the "subcontract labor rate" refers to the subcontractor's fully burdened labor rate (subcontract base labor rate plus the subcontractor's applicable indirect burdens/rates and profit).

Per RFP M-2.D(1).c.

Key Personnel, the three Key Personnel positions will be evaluated based on the criteria defined in Section J, Attachment 0009, Skill Classification Crosswalk; however, this attachment does not specifically identify which Project Labor Category aligns with each Key Personnel position. Will the Government please confirm that the Key positions align to the following Project Labor Categories (LCAT): (1) Key: Program Manager = Project LCAT: Program Manager I, II , or III; (2) Key: Contracts Manager = Project LCAT: Contracts Manager; and (3) Key: Logistics Manager = Project LCAT: Not defined, therefore should we use Logistician?

The Key Personnel are Program Manager (I/II/III), Contracts Manager and Logistics Manager. The USG will evaluate the Contractor's crosswalk approach and level of experience/education for each. The Key Personnel are Program Manager (I/II/III), Contracts Manager and Logistics Manager. The USG will evaluate the Contractor's crosswalk approach and level of experience/education for each.

For Pricing Purposes, what should be the start date for the base ordering period for the WLSS-C MA ID/IQ vehicle?

Base ordering period will begin at contract award, projected for 1Q_FY19. See revised language in Section L Instructions to Offerors paragraph (D)(4).e.iv

For Volume II Technical, Section 2 - Table of Contents and Section 3 - Skill Classification Crosswalk are not part of the overall page count. Please confirm that Section 1 Executive Summary is also not part of the overall page count and sequential page numbering for page count start from Section 4.

The executive summary will be part of the overall page count.

Volume II Technical is limited to only 30 pages. This volume includes IDIQ and STO responses. STO PWS is expected to be 154 pages per Section J. To adequately provide response to both IDIQ and STO PWS, we request USG to consider changing page limit to a minimum of 60 pages for Technical Volume II.

The STO PWS is a 25 page document (with attachments), the USG considers the page count adequate.

In the DRFP Key Subcontractors are defined as Subcontractors that performs 20 percent or more of the proposed task order value. Please define the factors that should be used to calculate proposed task order value for all subcontractors. Please clarify how offerors should determine if a subcontractor has crossed the 20% Key Subcontractor threshold. Is the 20% threshold based solely on labor or is the USG expecting pricing for ODCs, material, and travel?

Either total value of labor or total value of material should be used in calculating the 20%.

Will the USG provide historical time before overhaul (TBO) data for the STO aircraft?

ASL and Phase Inspection fleet status have been provided for the MD530 and Mi-17 as appendix C and D of Attachment 0015 Sample TO PWS

Comment: RFP Section C.5.2.3a refers to the Roster of Key Personnel to consist of the following individuals: Program Manager, TO Manager(s), Site Manager(s), Maintenance Manager(s), Logistics Manager(s), Contracts Manager, and Training Manager. However, Attachment 0013 PWS sections C.5.2.5 state that the Program Manager, TO Manager(s), Site Manager(s), Maintenance Manager(s), Logistics Manager(s), and Training Manager(s) are Key Personnel. No mention of the Contracts Manager is included in this latter list. Furthermore Sections L-19.D(1)d and M-2.D(1)c only list the Program Manager, Contracts Manager, and Logistics Manager as Key Personnel. ID/IQ PWS section

5.2.3 Contract Management Plan (CMP) provides Roster of Key Personnel. This list is different than Key personnel list is provided in the Section L and M. Please confirm that only Key personnel listed in Section L and M (PM, CM and LM) are to be identified in responding to ID/IQ PWS section 5.2.3 CMP and other key personnel listed will be identified at the Task Order level.

The STO PWS requirement for a Contract Manager was an oversight and will be corrected. All Key Personnel listed in ID/IQ PWS paragraph 5.2.3 and STO PWS paragraph 5.2.5 will be identified in response to the RFP.

Evaluation of Key Personnel will be IAW Section L- 19D(1)c. and L-19D.(2)b.)(i)(a), Volume II Technical response references to STO PWS Attachment 0015. Can you please provide attachment 0015? Will be add to Final RFP.

PWS 5.2.5.1 Requires the contractor to identify cost, schedule and performance risk and develop risk mitigation strategy for presentation at each PMR...Due to the nature of FFP where USG cost risk are not applicable please confirm that we are only required to present schedule and performance risk for FFP Task Orders.

Even under FFP, there is inherent cost risk; the contractor is required to identify cost, schedule and performance risks associated with the issued Task Order.

Would the USG consider removing H-7 Change to Basic IDIQ Team Structure, which limits the Prime Offerors ability to respond to emerging TO requirements. If not, please confirm that the core team structure discussed in H-7 Change to Basic IDIQ Team Structure is applicable only to the core team defined between the USG and contractor at TO start up. H-7 and PWS paragraph 5.2.3.3 have been revised.

The requirements of H-8 Utilization of Non-U.S. Citizens and Foreign Entities to have all Non-U.S.

Citizens approved by name by the PCO and FDO could have the negative impact of delaying the assumption of duties by the contractor and/or forces the contractor to assume an all U.S. Citizen workforce in the TO's pricing. Will the USG consider defaulting to the current processes in use in Afghanistan and other areas where the local US/NATO forces vet all employees on the contract or consider issuing a blanket approval to use LN/TCNs in the TORFP subject to successful vetting IAW local policy.

The PCO will retain the approval rights for non-US employees and subcontractors. Alternate approval processes will have to be approved by the PCO prior to use of the alternate process.

Please clarify H-15 End User Certificate, H15.2 indicates that the contractor can not charge any cost associated with custom clearance requirements to the contract. Please modify this requirement to clarify that legitimate customs clearance, export cost will be allowable under the contract H-15.2 will been revised in the RFP.

Please clarify the statement in H.19.7.4 that all costs associated with proposal preparation, presentation, submission and negotiation in response to any ....TO modification shall be at the contractor's expense and will not be allowable as a direct charge. FAR 31.205-18 provides that "Bid and proposal (B&P) costs” means the costs incurred in preparing, submitting, and supporting bids and proposals (whether or not solicited) on potential Government or non-Government contracts.

The term does not include the costs of effort sponsored by a grant or cooperative agreement, or required in the performance of a contract. Modification to an existing TO is usually at the direction of the PCO and is therefore required by the contract. This is supported by the Undersecretary of Defense November 10, 2011 memorandum “Direct and Indirect Charging of Contractor Proposal Preparation and Negotiation Support Costs". Has this guidance been modified or rescinded. Please confirm that Task Order modification proposal preparation cost incurred be an allowable cost under the task order.

We will remove the statement "or TO modification" from H-19.7.4

H-25 Reduced Payments: what formula or criteria will be used to determine the proportional payment reduction due to a perceived performance deficiency

Wording in H-25 will be revised to clarify the formula will be specified in the TO

PWS 5.2.6.1.2 requires the contractor to pay small business subcontractors within 15 days of receiving the subcontractors invoice. This puts the prime in a position of paying for the services/supplies well before we are paid by the USG, essentially penalizing the Prime for using small businesses. This strategy appears to run counter to the USG’s stated intent to encourage the use of Small Business. The more Small Businesses the Prime uses the more precarious the cash position of the contract, the contractor is almost encouraged to aim towards the minimum required to meet the Small Business goals. In addition by dictating the payment terms between the Prime and the subcontractor the USG is inserting themselves in the relationship between the two parties and impeding our ability to negotiate with our subcontractor.

a. As a prime contractor we are committed to small business participation and ensuring all of its teammates are paid in a reasonable timeframe (consistent with industry standards and its payment terms with the USG); however, for the reasons above we request that this requirement be removed.

b. If the requirement cannot be removed in full please modify the language to state that the contractor will pay small business subcontractors within 15 days of receipt of payment from the USG.

i. If the USG is not willing to make the above modification will the USG authorize payment of the Prime’s invoice within 15 days of submission of a proper Prime invoice?

c. If any 15 day requirement remains please modify the language to show that the 15 day clock starts with the receipt of a proper invoice from our subcontractor, “Contractor shall pay small business subcontractors within 15 days of receiving a proper invoice from the subcontractor”

The Government considered and will not change the language to this PWS paragraph. The Government requires the Prime Contractor to pay their subcontractors within 15 days of receipt of invoice. The Subcontracting Agreement should detail what "a proper invoice" entails, so the contractor shall pay their subcontractors within 15 days of reciept of invoice.

H-22 Contracting Officers Representative: Discusses appointment of the COR his scope of responsibility and limitations. Also discusses his Technical Guidance Letters (TGL) the COR may issue and what authority they have. While the clause makes it clear that the contractor should not comply with TGLs s they believe are invalid it is unclear on whether the contractor can refuse to follow TGL they disagree with in an emergency. Please clarify that if a contractor follows the emergency technical direction of the COR whether written or oral that any cost incurred will be allowable whether the direction is found to be within or outside the scope of the contract and if the cost are incurred under a FFP contract that the contractor will be entitled to an equitable adjustment

The COR does not have the authority to take any action that may affect contract or task order schedules, funds, or scope. Any TGL that the contractor believes will increase the price of the TO shall be vetted through the contracting officer prior to commencement of work;

emergency or non-emergency. FAR 52.243-7 requires the contractor to contact the KO at any time the contractor receives guidance that it believes would constitute a change to the contract.

H-14 Installation of Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) During Overhauls, Modification or Repair Since the USG is not charged for work not performed under CR type contracts please confirm that this clause is only applicable in Firm Fixed Price contracts where pricing is based on a specific number of Aircraft or other GFE and one or more didn't require overhaul, modification or repair.

It is applicable to any contract type any time the Government furnishes GFE/GFP.

PWS 5.2.6.1 Small Business Participation: Requires the contractor to submit a list of small business suppliers and/or service providers and discuss how they will be used in performing the work effort and to provide a quarterly report on how the small businesses are being used on a quarterly basis. Is the requirement to submit a list of small business suppliers and/or services providers only applicable at the TO level with the quarterly report a consolidated report at the IDIQ level Yes Will the UH-60 be included in the final scope of the WLSS-C solicitation? It was referenced in previous Industry Day slides but is not included in the draft solicitation.

All rotary wing aircraft designated "non-standard" can be supported by this effort.

Can the Prime CLS experience requirement specified in the entry gate criteria be waived? No Will PM NSRWA provide program management for all Task Orders executed against WLSS-C OR with the PM that owns the platform provide program management? This will be defined by TO.

Does the government plan on releasing updated attachments 0001 thru 0016 and exhibit A, B, C, for industry to review?

Yes. The attachments were released in the 25 July 2017

DRFP.

Does the Government plan on issuing an STO pricing worksheet? No CPARS are based on mission performance, not proposal performance since a proposal’s “performance” is measured by the win or loss of the contract. Our company respectfully requests you reconsider the use of Attachment 1, Performance Requirements Summary, as an evaluation element of the CPAR rating (ref H-11.1)The Government’s responses to questions 64-66 regarding the Attachment 1 PRS, did not clarify for us the consequences of not submitting any proposals as clause H-20.3.3 clearly allows, since PRS Objective #1 would rate as Unsatisfactory a contractor submitting no proposals.

Performance at the MA IDIQ level requires participation in TORFPs. The PRS establishes an expectation that MA IDIQ holders will submit TOPs at leaset 50% of the time in order to be "Satisfactory" in this one Objective area.

Will the Government please clarify what is to be delineated and weighted within a labor category to arrive at the hourly Base Rate? In other words, what further breakdown is the Government requesting for labor categories besides what is in Column A?

The weightings provided in Column E are based on the offeror's skill classification crosswalk provided as part of the Technical Volume. The offeror is to crosswalk the contract's Project Labor Category to the offeror's own labor categories and weight them appropriately for the calculation of the prime contractor's Weighted Hourly Base Rate.

Being an ID/IQ contract with individual Task Orders, will the Government provide a list of anticipated number of task orders by operating location? Unknown at this time.

Will the Government provide an Excel pricing template for the Base ID/IQ contract for evaluation pur poses (in addition to Attachment 10)? If not, are ODCs, Travel, etc. to be priced within the fully burdened labor rates?

The ceiling rates should not include ODC, travel etc. We do not want labor rates combined with ODC types of costs. Section B has a separate CLIN for capturing ODC costs.

CLIN XX06, XX07 FFP/ CPFF ODC Description states, “In performance of TO requirements, any direct cost that includes: computer services, consultant services, insurance, training, office supplies & equipment, phone services” Question: Will the government please clarify what ODCs may be included in ODC CLINs XX06 and XX07? Is this CLIN inclusive of all ODCs, or are the specific ODCs in the above reference the only ODCs to be included in the CLIN? If there are ODCs that are not to be included in this CLIN, are they to be included in the ceiling rates?

This will be clarified in the final RFP. All other direct costs not otherwise accounted for should be included in the ODC CLIN. The list is only an example.

Sec. 16.1 stated that the contractor shall execute and maintain written agreements with companies , Individuals and organizations identified by the Government as associate contractors. The agreements shall provide for the timely, free and direct exchange of information and data necessary to the performance of this contract and shall be structured to ensure effective communication between counterparts at all levels from senior corporate management to working level employees. The agreements shall include the provision that any proprietary information furnished by an associate contractor pursuant to the work under this contract will be protected from unauthorized release or disclosure beyond the scope of the agreement. Further, the agreement shall hold the Government harmless from liability for the unauthorized disclosure by the contractor of ACA proprietary information. Will the Government provide a list of these companies and POC's? Will be identified in the TO when required.

The Contractor's failure to meet established TO performance thresholds may result in a prorated reduction of the applicable CLIN as specified in the TO. Should the Contractor's performance fall below established performance threshold within a monthly reporting period, the Contractor shall immediately assess the root cause of the deficiency and notify the PCO along with providing a get well plan. If the deficiency persists more than 30 calendar days then the PCO may direct a reduction in payment proportional to performance deficiency. Will the Government have a maximum or minimum amount? and what is the Governments basis for estimating the reduced payment amount?

This will be further defined at the TO level. Each task order will specify a formula for any negative incentives.

The section of the Draft RFP cited below states "Indicate the total dollars and percentage of participation to be performed by large and small business and each type of small business subcategory." However, the matrix does not include breakout for each type of small business.

Instead, it repeated the matrix provided in Section L, paragraph D.(6)(ii). Does the Government intend to provide a different matrix to allow a breakout for each type of small business subcategory, as identified in the narrative?

No. The Offeror shall utilize Attachment 5, Section J that was provided with the RFP.

Where the offeror is required to "submit a list of small business suppliers and/or service providers (subcontractors) and shall include how they will utilize those suppliers and/or service providers in performing this work effort" (which becomes part of the contract), are offerors expected to include the numerous potential Small Businesses with whom they may procure services or supplies on an as-needed basis via Purchase Orders, or will only major subcontractors be acceptable?

The Offeror shall ensure that any team proposed in the technical volume match that which is proposed in the Small Business Participation Volume. Each task order will include a list of small business subcontractors that will be utilized for the work effort (not just major subcontractors). The intent is to ensure what small buisness subcontractors are proposed are actually utilized for the effort that was awarded.

Clause 52.222-2 in Section I-172 of the Draft is the only mention of overtime premium. Many OCONUS countries have varying laws with different overtime premiums. Is it the government’s intent to provide a separate overtime premium CLIN at the task order level? If not, will the government please clarify how overtime premium is to be priced in the ID/IQ proposal?

It is not the intent to utilize a separate CLIN for OT.

Overtime is not to be priced in the ID/IQ proposal.

The formula for Column H multiplies Column G times cell H6 for all skills. This would make the Fringe Burden % the same for all skills. Fringe cost vary by skill due to fixed and variable expense, and differing bases. Will the government allow bidders to propose a separate Fringe Burden % for each skill?

The instructions in Attachment 10 tell offerors to bid in accordance with their accounting practices and to edit the worksheets as needed to comply with their accounting practices.

Since fringe cost vary by skill due to fixed and variable expense, and differing bases, if the offeror is required to provide a single Fringe Burden % across all skills, will the government please provide either hours or FTEs for each skill for the Basic ID/IQ price evaluation? Doing so will allow the offeror to appropriately weight the Fringe Burden % across all skills.

The instructions in Attachment 10 tell offerors to bid in accordance with their accounting practices and to edit the worksheets as needed to comply with their accounting practices.

Will the government be providing a separate RFP and pricing template for the Sample Task Order?

Will the government please clarify how the sample task order is to be submitted?

No separate RFP or pricing template will be provided for the STO. All dollar values associated with the STO will be captured in Attachment 0005, entitled, "Utilization of Small Business and Small Disadvantaged Business". The Government has provided a CLIN breakout in Attachment 0014 entitled, "TORFP Letter for STO", to assist in the overall pricing of the STO for the Small Business Participation Plan breakout dollar value.

See Section M-2 A.(3)

Discussion: The answer from the question referenced below states, “The Government will remove CLIN XX03 for differentials in the RFP. The preference will be for FFP labor services to the maximum extent practicable. All labor costs should be priced in the CLIN for services XX01 (FFP CLS Services) or XX02 (CPFF CLS Services).As stated in L-19.C(4)E, "The Offeror shall provide the details of the prime Contract Labor Rate tables and their build-up to include the base labor rate and any applicable indirect rate(s)/burden(s) proposed in accordance with the offerors normal accounting practice." The OCONUS labor differentials/allowances shall not be combined with the fully burdened ceiling labor rates. Given there are no specified countries for future contract performance, differentials/allowances are unknown at this time and will not be evaluated as part of the Basic ID/IQ Price Evaluation. The OCONUS labor differentials/allowances will be proposed as Other Direct Costs in any future FFP O&A proposals and FFP changes proposals.”

H-13.1 in the Draft states, “The fully burdened labor rates from the FFP Contract Labor Rate Table, included at Section J, Attachment 0010, will serve as labor category ceiling rates to be utilized by offerors proposing on (1) any future FFP task orders and (2) any O&A or changes to future FFP task orders under this proposed contract. The FFP Contract Labor Rate Table includes the OCONUS labor differentials/allowances for the countries of Iraq and Afghanistan as these were the known locations of contract performance at the time the Basic ID/IQ contract award was established. For performance anywhere other than Iraq and Afghanistan, contractors will be allowed to competitively propose alternate differentials/allowances rates if desired. Directions for proposing alternate rates will be given at the time of task order request for proposal.”

Question: Will the government please clarify if Hazard/Hardship and other OCONUS differentials for Iraq and Afghanistan are to be priced in the Basic ID/IQ contract? Are they to be included in the ceiling rates?

The following statement is not included in the RFP as part of Section L Instructions to Offerors paragraph D(4).e: "The Offeror shall provide the details of the prime Contract Labor Rate tables and their build-up to include the base labor rate and any applicable indirect rate(s)/burden(s) proposed in accordance with the offerors normal accounting practice. The OCONUS labor differentials/allowances shall not be combined with the fully burdened ceiling labor rates. Given there are no specified countries for future contract performance, differentials/allowances are unknown at this time and will not be evaluated as part of the Basic ID/IQ Price Evaluation. The OCONUS labor differentials/allowances will be proposed as Other Direct Costs in any future FFP O&A proposals and FFP changes proposals.” Refer to Section L Instructions to Offerors paragraph D(4).e which instructs offerors to propose OCONUS labor differentials/allowances for Afghanistan and Iraq as part of the Contract Labor Rate Table.

Section M, Part E, Paragraph 3 states, “Basic ID/IQ Price Evaluation. The Government will fully evaluate the proposed FFP Contract Labor Rate Table. The Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding together the proposed labor rates for all labor categories…”

Evaluation is based on the sum of ceiling rates. Will the government please clarify what is to be included in Section B for evaluation?

Since this is the establishment of the Multiple Award Contract, Section B of the RFP is not required to be filled out. Attachment 10 will be used to calculate the sum of the rates.

TO competitions will have Section B requirements The above referenced paragraph states, “The offeror shall complete the FFP Contract Labor Rate Table at Section J, Attachment 0010. The offeror shall provide the details of the Contract Labor Rate Tables and their build-up to include the base labor rate, subcontract labor rate, labor differentials/allowances for Afghanistan and Iraq, and any applicable indirect rate(s)/burden(s), proposed in accordance with the offeror's normal accounting practice...”

Does the government intend for the offeror to provide ceiling rates for both Afghanistan and Iraq in the Basic IDIQ contract, or is it up to the offeror to determine which country to base their ceiling rates? The offerors is to propose one rate for both Afghanistan and Iraq.

Paragraph e (i) states, “The Basic ID/IQ contract award will establish fully burdened blended labor rates (prime/subcontractor rates) for each labor category and for each year to be utilized as labor category ceiling rates by offerors proposing on (1) any future FFP task orders, and (2) any O&A or changes to future FFP task orders….”

Paragraph e (ii) states, “The offeror shall complete the FFP Contract Labor Rate Table at Section J, Attachment 0010. The offeror shall provide the details of the Contract Labor Rate Tables and their build-up to include the base labor rate, subcontract labor rate, labor differentials/allowances for Afghanistan and Iraq, and any applicable indirect rate(s)/burden(s), proposed in accordance with the offeror's normal accounting practice. The offeror shall provide the details of any subcontract labor rates and their build-up to include the subcontract labor rate and any applicable prime pass-through indirect rate(s)/burden(s) proposed in accordance with the offeror's normal accounting practice…”

Question: Will the government please clarify what is to be “blended” to establish fully burdened labor rates? Is the government requesting that prime and subcontractor rates be blended to arrive at a rate in the “Prime Labor Rate Table” tab of Attachment 10, or is the government requesting that Prime and Subcontractor labor rates remain separate?

The Government is requesting that for each labor category, the prime and subcontractor labor rates be blended to arrive at a blended prime/subcontract labor rate in the “Prime Labor Rate Table” tab of Attachment 10.

Will the government be providing an updated Attachment 10? Yes The Government's response to question 28 states the RFP Sections L & M would require offerors to provide a planned approach to gain/maintain OEM reach-back connection. While we do note the addition of the requirement in Section C at 5.2.3(h), can the Government please identify where this planned approach is included in Sections L or M?

Section L paragraph D.(2)b.Section 4, Part (a) Section M paragraph D(2)(a)(i)

In the Government's Answer to Question 31, it references the NAICS 488190 and its SB threshold of $32.5M. The intent of the question was to determine whether the Government wanted every SB provider listed or whether you would consider a minimum dollar threshold for the list; meaning, for example, list SB providers estimated to provide greater than $100K supplies/services. Otherwise the list could become very lengthy and difficult to administer for non-use and substitutions as required by PWS 5.2.6.1. Can the Government please reconsider its response to this question?

The requirement in the RFP is for the contractor to submit a list of small business suppliers and/or service providers (subcontractors) and shall include how they will utilize those suppliers and/or service providers in performing the STO work effort. It is anticipated that this list will be required for each live TO under this contract.

The purpose is to ensure the USG knows who the Prime uses on their overall contract performance. There is no standard dollar threshold assigned for the subcontractor listing.

C-JTSCC clause 4 on Attachment 15 makes the Contractor responsible for loss or damage of Non- Tactical Vehicles due to negligence or normal wear and tear. Does Non-Tactical Vehicles include Aviation Government Support Equipment (AGSE)?

The Contractor will be responsible for loss and damage to all GFE/GFP provided by the USG.

In Section B, Item No 0011 has a description of "CNF Over and Above". On page 23 of 145 under the Line Items listing, CLIN XX11 is listed as "CPFF Over & Above". Will the Government please confirm which item type is correct?

The correct Line Item Description is CNF Over and Above.

We will correct the B0001 narrative.

If the answer to Question 4 above is Cost No-Fee, and presuming CNF Materials and/or Travel would be captured under their respective CNF CLINs XX04 and XX09, can the Government explain or share an example of a CNF O&A event?

Task Orders with Cost Type labor will likely have Cost Type O&A.

Can the Government please confirm the cost reporting required at PWS 5.2.6.3 is not applicable to the FFP CLIN types?

FFP CLIN types may or may not have cost reporting requirements. Cost/Schedule reporting will be defined at the TO. The IPMR was omitted from the STO PWS and will be added.

Is the Annual Review Report required by PWS 5.7.3.2 the same as an Annual Inventory Report?

PWS 5.7.3.2 will be updated to read, As required by TO, the Contractor shall prepare a Spare Parts Usage Report.

The Spare Parts Usage Report is the same as an Annual Inventory Report

When applicable, will the Government provide a fully serviceable spare parts inventory with each T.O.? If not, will unserviceable inventory at the beginning of a T.O. be repairable under O&A CLINs?

As defined by TO, the USG intends to provide fully servicable spares. Unserviceable spares will be addressed separately.

Should the reference in paragraph F-8.3 be F.8.2 vs. F.6.2? Yes will be corrected to F.8.2

Producing actual material costs and hours worked within 5 working days of month's end to support Mission Critical O&A work requests will be challenging for industry, particularly for those quarter-end months when financial reporting is required at the same time. Will the Government consider increasing this period to 10 working days to compile the information for a definitizing proposal? The Government will consider this.

a) When will the Government identify the associate contractors requiring Associate Contractor Agreements and b) will those associate contractors have requirements in their respective USG support contracts to enter into ACAs with all competitors for the NSRWA WLSS-C contract? If the PCO does not levy this requirement on the identified associate contractors, how will the Government ensure a level playing field for all competitors if associate contractors are selective with whom they will sign Agreements and whom they won't? Will be identified in the TO when required.

The RFP EX SUM Section 3 states, "The MA ID/IQ will have a maximum potential 10-year ordering period. The MA ID/IQ contracts will consist of a base ordering period of five years followed by an optional five-year ordering period. " However the STO PWS section 1.2.2 states, "One year base with up to four one -year options." What if the IDIQ Contract PoP remaining is shorter than a new TO PoP?

The MA IDIQ does not have a PoP -- only ordering periods. Only TO(s) have PoPs. TOs have potential go beyond the ordering period. See 52.216-22

CLINS 0011 and 5011 are listed as CNF, however the description for XX11 describes the CLIN as CPFF, can the Government please clarify?

The correct Line Item Description is CNF Over and Above.

We will correct the B0001 narrative.

For FFP CLINS, the Unit column needs to be completed. For CPFF CLINS, there needs to be a line for "Cost", "Fee" and "Total".

The unit of issue column is in the narrative of the CLIN.

At the TO level, CPFF CLINs will have "Cost", "Fee" and "Total" but not at the MATOC level. Section L Instructions to Offerors paragraph D(5) entitled, "Volume V - Contract Documentation" removed the requirement to fill in section B as part of the proposal.

As required by TO, the Contractor shall provide and maintain licenses and certifications for Contractor owned field and depot level facilities in accordance with (IAW) the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulation or other Army recognized airworthiness authorities throughout the duration of this contract. Please define or list "other Army recognized airworthiness authorities"?

Specific airworthiness requirements will be defined at the TO level. Currently, only the CLS effort supporting the Mi-17 in the country of Afghanistan has a requirement for Airworthiness and it is covered under the Aviation Engineering Directorate (AED) memorandum TN98085A, dated 15 May 13. This memorandum recognizes the Ministry of Defense(s) of: Russian Federation, Czech Republic and the Republic of Croatia.

The government has asked for both an Aviation Safety SOP and a System Safety Program Plan. Can the two plans be combined into a single SSSP as long as it meets all requirements?

Yes, as long as each are specifically addressed and segregated.

The DRAFT RFP does not contain any DD-254 information, when will a DD-254 be made available? The DD254 will be issued with the MA ID/IQ award

The PWS and Section L have two different descriptions of Key Personnel. For this IDIQ proposal, which Key Personnel require resumes?

The STO PWS requirement for a Contract Manager was an oversight and will be corrected. All Key Personnel listed in ID/IQ PWS paragraph 5.2.3 and STO PWS paragraph 5.2.5 will be identified in response to the RFP.

Evaluation of Key Personnel will be IAW Section L- 19D(1)c. and L-19D.(2)b.)(i)(a), IDIQ PWS C.5.2.3.1 asks for the name and contact information of the contractors Property Manager.

Does that apply to the IDIQ proposal? yes The Contractor shall only procure new or overhauled parts from certified OEM vendors (IAW H-23), possessing appropriate documentation certifying authenticity. Can the Contractor use FAA Approved Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) parts that cost significantly less then OEM parts?

The Government is considering the use of PMA parts and will revise RFP language accordingly.

CDRL A002 requires the Contractor's Standard Operating Procedures. There is no other guidance for this SOP. What information does the government desire? See also CDRL A042 See DI-MGMT-81580 Reference ties to paragraph F-6.2. There is currently no paragraph F-6.2, please clarify. Yes will be corrected to F.8.2 Reference paragraph requires approval of the KO prior to utilization of a subcontractor who is a foreign entity. Is this true for use of OEMs as well? Yes Please check wording of this paragraph for clarity. Wording revised for clarity Recommend H-25 have an established maximum amount of Reduced Payment, e.g., 10% of TO value, and not leave open ended.

Comments wil be taken under advisement. Reduction schedules will be specified in the TO when applicable.

Request the following FAR/DFAR clauses be incorporated into final RFP and subsequent contract award:

- 252.228-7000 Reimbursement for War-Hazard Losses

- 252.228-7003 Capture and Detention.

252.228-7000 will not be used because the Head of the Contracting Activity has not approved the disallowance of contractors to buy insurance for war-hazard losses.

252.228-7003 is not applicable because workers are covered by the Defense Base Act

Ground and Flight Risk clause. Is Aviation Liability Insurance an approved and allowable expense that the USG recognizes and agrees is an allowable and billable expense?

This will be a business decision whether this is a direct or indirect charge. Contractors should follow their accounting practices when determining if this should be a direct or indirect charge.

Does the referenced paragraph apply to approved non-US subcontractors (e.g. OEM)?

Yes the reference paragraph applies to approved non-US subcontractors (e.g. OEM).

Section I contains several references to Payments. I-177, I-178, I-186 and I-187. Are all applicable?

Yes this requirement is hybrid contract (FFP, Cost type);

therefore all forms are payment may be applicable.

These will be further defined at the TO.

Section I-183 Ordering. Will Delivery Orders or Task Orders issued by the USG be issued as "Uni-lateral" or "Bi-lateral" orders?

It is anticipated that all Task Orders will be bilateral agreement.

Clause I-188 and Section L-17 reference a Continuation of Essential Contractor Services Plan that should be submitted with our offer. There is no other reference to this Plan as to where it should be included within the proposal. Please clarify if the Government wants the contractor to provide this plan with our proposal and where it should be included. Please clarify if it will count against page count within the respective section that is identified.

This is a requirement for TO proposals. No requirement to submit with the proposal for the multiple-award contract.

Q&A answers received on 21 April 2017 stated that Attachment 0004 would likely be removed from the solicitation. The reference to this document under Section L has been removed, but the attachment is still listed in Section J. It is not clear if the offeror is to complete attachment 0004 and submit it with the proposal; email it to the contracting officer; or not include it at all. Please clarify the instructions pertaining to Attachment 0004.

Attachments 0003 and 0004 shall be filled out IAW instructions within the attachment as well as Section L Instructions to Offerors paragraph D(3)a.(ii)(a)Section 7.

Section L-17 (b) states, "The offeror shall provide with its offer a written plan describing how it will continue to perform the essential contractor services listed in attachment TBD (if requested under Exhibit A CDRLs at the TO level), Mission Essential Contractor Services, dated TBD, during periods of crisis." However there are no instructions on page allocation for a submitted plan. Is it the Government's desire to have Mission Essential Services Plan submitted with the proposal and if so, is it an attachment to the technical response or is it part of the 30 page limit?

This is a requirement for TO proposals. No requirement to submit with the proposal for the multiple-award contract.

Section L-18 states, "In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer." Please identify what provisions the Government expects the contractor to provide "appropriate information with its quotation of offer" and where that information should be included within the proposal. Please clarify if this information will count against page count within the respective section that is identified.

Representations and certifications should be provided in Volume V - Contract Documentation. If information is requested in this Volume, it should be provided.

Through renumbering clauses at the beginning of Section L, there are now two L-18 and L-19 Clauses.

Please clarify if these references will be updated to be a chronological continuation of page 130 Correction is completed The Technical Volume has extensive writing requirements and as the Executive Summary is not evaluated it will not be allotted much space. Would the government consider excluding the Executive Summary from the page count or granting it an additional five pages?

The executive summary will be part of the overall page count.

The RFP, section L states, " Small Business Participation Plan. All offeror's are required to provide a proposal addressing, in sufficient detail, the information requested in this section. Complete Proposed Utilization of Small Businesses and Small Disadvantaged Businesses Section J, Attachment 0005 and provide it with the Small Business Participation Plan for the STO." Is the Government asking that all details of the plan be included in the STO TOMP of the proposal?

Offerors are required to submit a Small Business Participation Plan IAW L Instructions to Offerors paragraph D(6) b. Paragraph D(2) Section 4 b. (ii) will be revised.

The bullet marked c. Small Business Subcontracting Plan (SBSP) states that the SBSP should not be included in the Small Business Participation Plan, however, there is no other place allocated for where this plan should be included. It is unclear if the Government wants this plan to be a stand-alone document or if it should be included as an attachment to Volume VI. Please clarify where to include this plan and if it is to count against page allocation within that section.

The intent of the RFP is that these should be separate documents. The SBSP should be submitted in Volume VI with the Small Business Participation Plan.

Is the Sample Task Order awardable or is it going to be used for IDIQ evaluation purposes only? If awardable, which pool is the sample task order going to be designated to? The STO will be used for evaluation purposes.

Attachment 14, TORP Letter for STO states, "The cost/price area will be evaluated in accordance with FAR Subpart 15.404." Could the Government please clarify how offerors are to provide cost/pricing information for the STO? See amended Attachment 14 Attachment 15, STO PWS is dated 19 June 2017. Is this the final version? The Formal RFP will have a final dated version.

This section is titled Bi-Weekly Teleconference but the description states, "The contractor shall participate in weekly teleconference calls with the NSRWA PMO team.", would the Government please clarify? The narrative will be changed to read "bi-weekly".

STO PWS Section 5.3.5 Tools, Fixtures, and Test Equipment states, "The contractor shall provide and maintain all tools, special tools, fixtures, and AGSE for the maintenance, repair, and calibration of the aircraft, aircraft subsystems, and mission equipment." Are Government Calibration / Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory (PMEL) facilities available for contractor support? Will be defined at TO If an aircraft is down for maintenance at a secondary location and must be transported to a primary location, does the Government pay for transportation / aircrew costs? Will be defined at TO The Contractor shall implement supply chain management IAW locally established processes and procedures to support the safe and efficient operation of the aircraft and its ground support equipment as required to meet the mission requirements. Please define "locally established processes and procedures". Example: Host Nation (Ministry of Defense) decrees

Government Furnished Materials. The USG will provide an ASL for this effort, see paragraph 8, Appendix D. This appears to be a typo as the ASL is shown as Appendix C. Yes Appendix C is correct, STO will be updated.

Not all FAA Part 145 Repair facilities are OEM approved. Would the Government include FAA Part 145 Repair Station in addition to OEM approved repair vendors? Spares support must be IAW TO specifications and H-23.

Please define "Host Nation standardized material management processes and procedures." Example: Host Nation (Ministry of Defense) decrees Please define Beyond Economic Repair (BER) percentage for replacement of components. See 5.7.3.3 Would the Government add FAA or equivalent approved practices and procedures? See H-23. Will be further defined at the TO Appendix C only includes items for the MD530F aircraft, can the Government please provide a list of Government provided supply items for the Mi-17 aircraft as well?

The Government will not be providing ASL listing for either MD530 or Mi-17

We are reviewing the 25 July Draft RFP and appreciate the opportunity to review and ask questions prior to final RFP release, to allow for a complete review does the USG plan to release updated attachments such as the draft sample task orders, attachment 15 prior to final RFP release.

Also in attachment 9, there is not a LCAT for the Logistic Manager, does the USG intend to update attachment 09 to add.

Attachments were provided with the DRAFT RFP and will also be provided with the Formal RFP.

An IPMR is an Earned Value Management (EVM) deliverable, however EVM clauses (Notice of Earned Value Management System (Apr 2008), DFARS 252.234-7001, Earned Value Management System (Apr 2008), DFARS…