W81XWH19R00980003.pdf

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

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

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

30-105-04EXCEPTION TO SF 30

APPROVED BY OIRM 11-84

STANDARD FORM 30 (Rev. 10-83) Prescribed by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

The purpose of this amendment is to:

1. Provide responses to questions received in response to this RFP.

2. Amend PWS section 1.8, Key Personnel

3. Amend PWS section 3.1.2

4. Extend the proposal due date to 30 October 2019 10:00am (EST)

5. Amend Instructions to Offerors, Proposal Content and Format Instructions, "page limits"

6. Amend 52.212-2 Evaluation-Commercial Items, Sub Paragraph 1.

7. Amend Proposal Submission Instructions, b Non-Price Proposal Content Instructions

8. Update email link on Attachment 4, Past Performance Questiononnaire See Questions and Responses for specific changes. As a result of this amendment, this solicitation has changed. Please read the entire amendment to better prepare proposals.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE PAGE OF PAGES

S 1 28

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

16C. DATE SIGNED

BY 17-Oct-2019

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA15C. DATE SIGNED15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

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

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., Street, County, State and Zip Code) X W81XWH19R0098

X 9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

19-Sep-2019

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

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

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

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted;

or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN

REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)

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

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE

CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(B).

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not, is required to sign this document and return copies to the issuing office.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

10A. MOD. OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 5. PROJECT NO.(If applicable)

6. ISSUED BY

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

17-Oct-2019

CODE

USA MED RESEARCH ACQ ACTIVITY

820 CHANDLER ST

FORT DETRICK MD 21702-5014

W81XWH 7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than item 6)

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.

CODE

See Item 6

FACILITY CODECODE

EMAIL:TEL:

W81XWH19R0098

SECTION SF 30 BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

SECTION SF 30 - BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

The following have been added by full text:

QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES

Bidder Questions and Responses: Solicitation W81XWH-19-R-0098

1. Page 3 of the RFP states that key personnel will be identified at award of the contract, which leads me to believe that KPs are not required. However, on page 14, Factor 3 states that we must provide resumes for KP positions. Please clarify whether KPs are required.

Gov’t Response: Key Personnel is a requirement of this RFP. Section 1.8 Key Personnel, of the RFP, will be amended to reflect “The names of key personnel will be identified (in the contract) at time of award.”

2. If the prime contractor is a small business, must we include a small business participation plan?

Gov’t Response: Yes. In accordance with RFP, “All Offerors are required to complete a Small Business

Participation Plan.”

3. PWS section 3.1.2 indicates the five major research portfolio areas to be supported with subject matter expertise are: Autoimmune and Genetic Disorders; Cancer; Cardiovascular and Respiratory Health;

Infectious Diseases; Neurological and Psychological Health; and Tissue, Organ, and Orthopedic Injuries and Restorative/Rehabilitative Medicine. These are six areas. Is one incorrectly added or are there six areas, not five?

Gov’t Response: The requirement is for six areas of support. Performance Work Statement section 3.1.2., of the RFP, will be amended to reflect “PWS section 3.1.2 indicates the six major research portfolio areas to be supported with subject matter expertise are: Autoimmune and Genetic Disorders; Cancer;

Cardiovascular and Respiratory Health; Infectious Diseases; Neurological and Psychological Health; and Tissue, Organ, and Orthopedic Injuries and Restorative/Rehabilitative Medicine.”

4. PWS section 4.0 identifies a requirement for six (6) key personnel as Senior Science Officers. The Pricing

Sheet identifies seven (7) Scientists Level IVs. Are 6 or 7 Senior Science Officers, key personnel? Are there six Key Senior Scientists and an additional non-key Senior Scientist?

Gov’t Response: As indicated in the RFP, the Gov’t anticipates that only six, of the seven Level IV Science Officers shall be considered key personnel.

5. The RFP mentions a Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ), but no form is provided with the solicitation

(reference page 15). Please confirm that no PPQs are required or provide the subject form.

Gov’t Response: Please reference RFP Amendment W81XWH19R00980001.

6. “Section 1.8. Key Personnel” it indicates that “Key Personnel will be identified at award of the contract;

“Factor 3: Experience” it indicates offerors are to submit resumes and signed letters of commitment in this

Section; and “Key Personnel” section of Amendment 1, identifies Six Senior Scientists IV as Key Personnel. Can the Government please provide clear guidance on the Key Personnel Requirement and if Key Personnel are necessary, and what Factor or where should the offeror include the Key Personnel’s resumes and Letters of commitment?

Gov’t Response: Please reference response to Question #1 (above).

7. Can the Government please clarify the LCAT descriptions required for each Senior Subject Scientists or

Senior-level Science Officers skill level? Can the Government please provide a Position Description for each of these Skill Levels (years/education) to support the Offeror in preparing a solution.

Gov’t Response: As indicated in the RFP (Performance Work Statement, Section 4.0), “The CDMRP requests contractor support personnel with a range of scientific experience to support the research programs and award management needs within the organization. CDMRP’s portfolio consists of a wide range of award types, from basic science research awards to multi-institutional and multidisciplinary consortia, advanced therapeutic development, and clinical trial research awards.” Moreover, RFP (Performance Work Statement, Section 3.1.2) outlines “It is anticipated that Ph.D. and Masters-level scientists at multiple levels (labor categories) of subject matter expertise based on scientific grants management and post-graduate biomedical research experience will be proposed by the contractor to support this effort.”

8. In reviewing RFP, it references a “Non-price proposal” but identifies “Factor 6 for Price” as included in with the Non-Price Proposal Factors. Should the Offeror assume there are Two Volumes; Volume I Non- Price and a Volume II Price Volume, and the offeror use Factor 6 as Volume 2?

Gov’t Response: Please reference RFP (Proposal Content and Format instructions).

9. In regards to the subject solicitation, is this a new requirement or is there an incumbent currently performing these services? If there is an incumbent, can you please provide the name of the company and the contract number under which services are being provided?

Gov’t Response: The incumbent is Ripple Effect Communications Inc. The previous contract number was

W81XWH-15-D-0018.

10. Can you please provide the Past Performance Questionnaire for this opportunity? The solicitation indicates it has been included, but we could not find it on FBO. We would like to provide this to customers as quickly as possible, to give them sufficient time to submit responses.

Gov’t Response: Please reference response to Question #5 (above).

11. We do not see the Past Performance Questionnaire included in the RFP documents. Would it be possible to have this added to the FedBizOps site soon since we have to send to our references?

Gov’t Response: Please reference response to Question #5 (above).

12. CLINs 0002, 1002, 2002, 3002, 4002 (pages 20-26). These are COST type CLINs with a plug value of

$50,000 each. Is the $50,000 plug value intended to be $50,000 of estimated direct cost and Offerors should apply indirect burdens to this value per their normal accounting methodology for this type of cost (e.g., G&A), or is the $50,000 each period considered a Not To Exceed value that includes any indirect costs?

Gov’t Response: The $50,000 shall be treated as a “Not To Exceed” amount.

13. Pgs. 3-4, Section 1, Paragraph 1.8. Key Personnel will be identified at award of the contract. Substitutions of proposed Key Personnel shall not be allowed for a period of six months after award, except under extreme circumstances. Any substitution or replacement of Key Personnel shall have qualifications equal to or greater than the individuals proposed. For temporary and/or permanent replacement of Key Personnel, the Contractor shall provide a resume for each individual to the COR. Resumes shall be provided at least one week (or as mutually agreed upon) prior to making any personnel changes. The Government reserves the right to review any replacement or substitutions of Key Personnel. Contractor personnel must submit necessary information to start the clearance review process prior to reporting for performance. Can the Government confirm replacement of key personnel requirement is to be made with staff with the same or equal to the position description in the RFP, and not to the individual currently slotted in that position?

Gov’t Response: As indicated in the RFP (Performance Work Statement, Section 1.8), “Any substitution or replacement of Key Personnel shall have qualifications equal to or greater than the individuals proposed.”

14. Proposal Content and Format Instructions – a.1. Is the Small Business Plan excluded from the 20 page limit for non-technical?

Gov’t Response: No.

15. Factor 6: Price, (2) Pricing Sheet and (4) Estimated Level of Effort. Section (2) requires that the offeror only propose the line items in Attachment 1, but Section (4) allows the offeror to provide a different team structure to accomplish the tasks. Please confirm that offerors may modify the rows in the Pricing Sheet to match the proposed labor categories and positions based on the estimated level of effort proposed by the contractor.

Gov’t Response: Please reference RFP (Instructions to Offerors, Paragraph 4 - Estimated Level of Effort)

16. Instructions to Offerors (b) Proposal Questions. Given the scope of the response and the potential impact of the responses to questions, will the Government entertain an extension if answers to questions are not provided until Monday Oct 7th?

Gov’t Response: Yes. Due date for proposals is revised to 10:00AM Eastern on 10/30/2019.

17. PWS Section 1.8 - Given that Key Personnel are not required to be identified until award, are Letters of

Commitment required?

Gov’t Response: Please reference response to Question #1 (above). Please reference RFP (Instructions to

Offerors, Factor 3 - Experience).

18. PWS Section 1.8 - Given that Key Personnel are not required to be identified until award and that incumbent resources are available, are key personnel resumes to be "representative resumes" and that final key personnel will be determined after award?

Gov’t Response: Please reference response to Question #1 (above). Please reference RFP (Instructions to

Offerors, Factor 3 - Experience).

19. On Page 6, in Section 4.0 anticipated level of effort indicates six (6) senior-level Science Officers who are considered Key Personnel. Page 17, Key personnel states, “Position Title: 6 Senior Scientists (Names and associated labor categories to be included after award).” However, Attachment 1, Pricing Sheet indicates seven (7) Senior Scientist Level IV positions. How many Key Personnel, Senior Level Scientists IV will the government require?

Gov’t Response: Please reference response to Question #4 (above).

20. Is there an incumbent contractor, if so who is it and what was the value of the contract?

Gov’t Response: Please reference response to Question #9 (above).

21. Are there are incumbent personnel, and if so, can you provide their positions and date of hire?

22. If this is a new requirement, is it a consolidation of other existing contracts?

23. If this is a consolidation of contracts, will there be displaced workers due to the consolidation?

Gov’t Response: This is not a consolidation requirement.

24. Under the Proposal Content and Format Instructions on page 13 of 65, the RFP states that, “Offeror’s shall number the paragraphs in the proposal (e.g. 1.3.2) to accommodate the evaluation process.” Does this mean every individual paragraph must be numbered, or does this only apply to proposal sections and subsections?

Gov’t Response: This instruction only applies to proposal sections and subsections.

25. There does not appear to be a list of contract deliverables. Are there any formal deliverables required under this contract? For example, is a Monthly Progress Report required?

Gov’t Response: Please reference RFP (Performance Work Statement, Paragraph 4.12).

26. Under the Proposal Content and Format Instructions on page 14 of 65, the RFP requires a Quality Control

Plan as part of the Management Approach. With a 20-page limit on the entire Non-price Technical Proposal, it will be difficult for offeror’s to fully describe their quality control approach. Can the Quality Control Plan be provided as an Attachment to the proposal and not counted as part of the 20-page Non-price Technical Proposal?

Gov’t Response: No.

27. RFP, Factor 3: Experience, pg. 14. Will the Government clarify if key personnel resumes are subject to the

20 page limit for the Non-Price Proposal?

Gov’t Response: Please reference RFP (Instructions to Offerors, Factor 3: Experience). Proposal Content and Format Instructions, “Page limits” of the RFP, will be amended to reflect “Resumes – Key Personnel.”

28. RFP, pg. 14. The requirements specify that letters of commitment are required for key personnel, however, there is a discrepancy on page 17 of the solicitation with a reference to letters of intent. Will the Government clarify if the requirement for key personnel is for a signed letter of commitment or letter of intent?

Gov’t Response: Offerors shall provide a letter of commitment for key personnel.

29. RFP, pg. 6. Are there currently 40 FTEs supporting this effort? Will the Government provide the current level of effort for this contract?

Gov’t Response: Please reference response to Question #15 (above).

30. RFP, pg. 6. Are there any vacancies on the current contract? If so, how many and which positions are currently vacant? How many key personnel vacancies currently exist?

31. Pricing Sheet. Would the Government please confirm that a Senior Scientist IV is the most advanced level, with Senior Scientist I being the least advanced?

Gov’t Response: The level of labor categories is correct as implied in question. The Senior Scientist IV is the most advanced level. The Senior Scientist I is the least advanced level.

32. RFP, Pg. 17. Would the Government please confirm that an offeror is to propose 6 Senior Scientists with a level of the offeror’s choosing (I – IV), and then a Senior Scientist IV for a total of 7 Key Personnel?

Gov’t Response: Please reference response to Question #4 (above). Please reference response to Question #15 (above).

33. Pricing Sheet, RFP. Would the Government please confirm that all of the Senior Scientists I-IV listed on the Pricing Sheet will be part of the total CLIN 0001, 1001, 2001, 3001, and 4001 pricing? The pricing sheet makes it look as though each Senior Scientist level will be a separate CLIN.

Gov’t Response: In accordance with the RFP, CLIN’s 0001, 1001, 2001, 3001, and 4001 shall be used to cover all services associated with this requirement for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP).

34. RFP, Page 3. Would the government provide a list of Contract Deliverables?

Gov’t Response: Please reference response to Question #25 (above).

35. RFP, Page 13. Should offerors prepare PMP, QCP, or Incoming Transition Plans for submission with the proposal? (separate attachments from the main 20-page technical)

Gov’t Response: Yes. As indicated in the RFP (Administrative Format Instructions, Page Limits), Factor 1 “Management Approach” is subject to the cited page limitation.

36. RFP, Page 6. The RFP states that “six (6) senior-level Science Officers will be considered Key Personnel”.

Can the government please identify which portfolio that they would like key personnel assigned to?

Gov’t Response: Please reference response to Question #4 (above). Please reference response to Question

37. RFP, Page 4, Section 3.1.2. Section 3.1.2 states that there are five major research portfolio areas to be supported with subject matter expertise: Autoimmune and Genetic Disorders; Cancer; Cardiovascular and Respiratory Health; Infectious Diseases; Neurological and Psychological Health; and Tissue, Organ, and Orthopedic Injuries and Restorative/Rehabilitative Medicine. Can the government confirm that there are indeed five research portfolios and not six or seven?

Gov’t Response: Please reference response to Question #3 (above).

38. RFP, Page 4, Section 3.1.2. Is Tissue, Organ, and Orthopedic Injuries and Restorative/Rehabilitation

Health one portfolio or two portfolios?

Gov’t Response: Two portfolios.

39. RFP, Page 15, Factor 5. The RFP states “Prime-“Relevant” is defined as like service as stated in this solicitation’s Performance Work Statement in terms of similar scope and complexity.” Would the Government consider amending this to state that relevant experience can be a combination from the prime and teaming partners? This modification to the language could open up the ability for several small businesses to qualify for this opportunity with other experienced teaming partners.

40. RFP, Page 35, Factor 5. The evaluation criteria for Factor 5 states that the past performance from the prime contractor and all proposed subcontractors will be assessed individually and then assessed in their totality.

Would the Government consider amending this evaluation criteria to assess the prime and subcontractors as a whole for deriving the past performance score? This modification could allow for more rigorous competition among small businesses that have teaming members that can help fill any gaps in the PWS.

41. Pricing Sheet. Would the Government provide the pricing sheet in a Word or Excel format?

42. Would the Government consider granting a three-week extension?

Gov’t Response: Please reference response to Question #16 (above).

43. RFP, Page 14, Factor 3. The RFP states that the proposed key personnel must be available to begin work at the CDMRP provided facility immediately upon award. Would the Government consider amending this requirement so that key personnel make submit a two-week letter of resignation to their current employers?

Gov’t Response: Please reference response to Question #28 (above). As indicated in the RFP (Instructions to Offerors, Factor 1: Management Approach), “The Offeror shall submit a recruitment and retention strategy … The Offeror shall submit a Transition Plan ...”

44. RFP PWS, Instructions, and Attachment 1. Section 1.8 (page 3 of 65); Instructions to Offerors-Key

Personnel (page 17 of 65); and Pricing Sheet. On page 3, the PWS states, “Key Personnel will be identified at award of the contract.” The Instructions to offerors on page 17 states, “the Government has identified the following positions to be filled by Key Personnel…. 6 Senior Scientists (Name and associated labor categories to be included after award.)” This statement is followed by a Senior Scientist IV position title.

The pricing sheet and estimated level of effort references 7 Senior Scientist IVs. Will the Government confirm that all six (6) Key Personnel are mapped to the Senior Scientist IV labor category? Will the Government confirm that only six (6) of the seven (7) Senior Scientist IVs are Key Personnel?

Gov’t Response: Please reference response to Question #1 (above). Please reference response to Question #4 (above).

45. RFP PWS and Attachment 1. Section 3.1.2 (page 4 of 65) and Instructions to Offerors-Key Personnel

(page 17 of 65) and Pricing Sheet. The estimated level of effort does not provide a mapping of the research program (as listed on page 4, Autoimmune and Genetic Disorders; Cancer; Cardiovascular and Respiratory Health; Infectious Diseases; Neurological and Psychological Health; and Tissue, Organ, and Orthopedic Injuries and Restorative/Rehabilitative Medicine) within CDMRP supported by each Senior Scientists I-IV referenced in the level of effort, particularly those assigned as Key personnel. In order to successfully identify qualified key personnel and additional Senior Scientists (I-IV), will the Government provide a break out of the Senior Scientist (I-IV) FTEs and the program they primarily support or at least for the six

(6) Key Personnel?

Gov’t Response: Please reference response to Question #15 (above). Programs will be assigned to Key Personnel based on their level of expertise.

46. RFP PWS and Attachment 1. Section 4.0 Performance Objectives (page 6 of 65) and Pricing Sheet. The Government estimates 40 FTEs. Are there any current vacant positions? If yes, please provide the labor category(s) and number of FTEs currently vacant.

47. RFP PWS. Section 4.0 Performance Objectives (page 6 of 65) and Pricing Sheet. The Government estimates 40 FTEs as follows: Senior Scientist IV (7), Senior Scientist III (13), Senior Scientist II (13), and Senior Scientist I (7). Will the Government please provide the specific Education, Years of Experience, and Qualifications for each of the four (4) levels of Senior Scientists?

Gov’t Response: Please reference response to Question #7 (above).

48. RFP Instructions. Proposal Submission Instructions – d. Electronic Submissions (page 12 of 65). Is there a file size limit for email submissions? If yes, please provide the size limit and confirmation that multiple emails are allowed?

Gov’t Response: Multiple emails due to Government file size limitations are acceptable. Please label each email (in subject line) for sequential order (e.g. email 1 of 10).

49. RFP Instructions. Proposal Submission Instructions – Factor 3 Experience (page 14 of 65). Since the six

(6) Key Personnel Resumes are not part of the non-price proposal page limit, can they be provided as an Appendix along with the letters of commitment/intent?

Gov’t Response: Please reference response to Question #27 (above).

50. RFP Clauses. Clauses Incorporated by Full Text (page 57 of 65). FAR Clause 52.222-41 Service Contract

Labor Standards is checked that is applies to this solicitation. Please clarify if the contract is subject to the Service Contract Act (SCA). If the Government has determined SCA is applicable, please provide the applicable Wage Determination as part of the solicitation.

51. Will the government provide the Past Performance Questionnaire referenced on page 15 of 65 of the solicitation?

Gov’t Response: Please reference response to Question #5 (above).

52. The solicitation references "The five major research portfolio areas to be supported with subject matter expertise are: Autoimmune and Genetic Disorders; Cancer; Cardiovascular and Respiratory Health;

Infectious Diseases; Neurological and Psychological Health; and Tissue, Organ, and Orthopedic Injuries and Restorative/Rehabilitative Medicine." Will the government please clarify if there are five or six major research portfolio areas?

53. In Attachment 1 - Pricing Sheet, there are four levels of Senior Scientist (levels I, II, III, and IV). Will the government please provide qualifications (degree requirements, job experience) for each of the four levels (labor categories)?

54. Do incumbent employees on legacy contracts supporting this or similar work have Right of First Refusal?

Gov’t Response: Please reference RFP FAR Clause 52.222-17 – Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers

55. Regarding the Key Personnel, the solicitation requires resumes for six Senior Scientists and a Senior

Scientist IV. Of the six Senior Scientists, are the offerors required to propose candidates in all levels I-IV?

Are the offerors required to propose candidates in each of the major research portfolio areas?

Gov’t Response: Please reference response to Question #4 (above). Please reference response to Question

56. Page 14 of 65, the solicitation states, "Resumes of Key Personnel do not count against the page totals."

However, on Page 13 of 65, the page limit exclusion list does not exclude Resumes. Please clarify whether resumes count toward the 20-page limit of the Non-Price Proposal.

Gov’t Response: Please reference response to Question #27 (above).

57. Do the Subcontractor Consents (Page 15 of 65) count toward the 20-page limit of the Non-Price Proposal?

Gov’t Response: As indicated in the RFP (Proposal Content and Format Instructions, Page limits), “past performance” is not subject to page limits.

58. Will the government provide an estimate of how many of the current 40 contractor employees are located on site at Fort Detrick - CDMRP versus how many routinely telework?

Gov’t Response: As indicated in the RFP (Performance Work Statement, Paragraph 1.4) telework and alternate work schedules may be considered, as approved in advanced by the Government COR.

59. Please clarify how many persons are Key Personnel. Page 6 of 65 states, "(6) senior-level Science Officers will be considered Key Personnel". Page 17 of 65 lists "Position Title: 6 Senior Scientists" as well as "Position Title: Senior Scientist IV" for a total of seven (7).

Gov’t Response: Please reference response to Question #4 (above).

60. In Attachment 1 - Pricing Sheet, are the labor categories listed for full-time equivalents (FTEs)? Are these contract staff members expected to work full-time, 40 hours per week?

Gov’t Response: Yes.

61. On Page 3 of 65, Section 1.4, the solicitation states, "Overtime is only permitted when pre-approved by the

Contracting Officer. Overtime typically occurs during business travel." Being that this will be a Firm- Fixed-Price contract, how should the offerors price overtime cost in their submissions?

Gov’t Response: Please refer to the remainder of text in RFP (Performance Work Statement, Paragraph

1.4).

62. The solicitation doesn’t define the labor category descriptions and minimum qualifications for the specified labor categories (i.e., Senior Scientist I – IV) . Please clarify for each labor category.

63. The non-price proposal Volume asks for the Small Business participation percentages as well as the total dollar amount proposed on contract. Can we indicate only percentage participation in the Non-Priced Proposal Volume and show the full Small business participation percentages with dollar amounts in the Priced Proposal Volume?

64. Do you want certs and reps from subcontractor?

65. Does the full QCP count towards the 20 pages or can it be provided outside of page count in an appendix?

Gov’t Response: Please reference response to Question #35 (above).

66. The RFP mentions there are five major research portfolios, but list six. Autoimmune and Genetic

Disorders, Cancer, Cardiovascular and Respiratory Health, Infectious Diseases, Neurological and Psychological Health, Tissue, Organ, and Orthopedic Injuries and Restorative/Rehabilitative Medicine.

Can you clarify this?

67. Page 35 of the RFP mentions “uncertainty” but there is no definition for uncertainty. Can you clarify?

Gov’t Response: Proposal 52.212-2 Evaluation – Commercial Items, Sub-Paragraph 1. Non-Price Factors (excluding Small Business Participation & Past Performance of the RFP, will be amended to remove “uncertainty.”

68. In the RFP page 13, it requests that if you intend to use any labor categories that you feel are consistent in duties with the level of effort labor categories but are titled differently, in accordance with your cost accounting procedures, you must cross map those labor categories to the Government’s PWS to ensure your proposal receives a proper evaluation. Please clarify this information?

Gov’t Response: The above information was erroneously included in the RFP. Proposal Submission Instructions, b. Non-Price Proposal Content Instructions, of the RFP will be amended to remove “If you intend to use any labor categories that you feel are consistent in duties with the level of effort labor categories but are titled differently, in accordance with your cost accounting procedures, you must cross map those labor categories to the Government’s PWS to ensure your proposal receives a proper evaluation.”

69. The email address in Attachment 4 – Past Performance Questionnaire resulted in a bounce back. Is this email correct?

Gov’t Response: Email address has been updated in Attachment 4.

SECTION SF 1449 - CONTINUATION SHEET

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

The required response date/time has changed from 25-Oct-2019 10:00 AM to 30-Oct-2019 10:00 AM.

The following have been modified:

INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

a. POINT OF CONTACT (POC): Due to the difficulties in receipt of mail through normal postal services, questions and proposals shall be sent via E-mail to the POC, Mr. Jesse Hoffman at usarmy.detrick.medcom-usamraa.mbx.service2@mail.mil. The Offeror is responsible for ensuring receipt by the

POC.

b. PROPOSAL QUESTIONS: Questions may be submitted to the POC via email No Later than 01 October 2019 at 2:00PM Eastern Time. Follow-up/additional questions will not be accepted after this date.

Answers to Contractor submitted questions will be provided via amendment posted to FedBizOpps.

c. PROPOSAL DUE DATE: No Later Than: 30 October 2019 at 10:00AM Eastern Time (also shown in Block 8 of the solicitation).

d. ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION: Proposals shall be electronically submitted via email to: Mr. Jesse Hoffman, Contract Specialist, Email: usarmy.detrick.medcom-usamraa.mbx.service2@mail.mil. Your submission should include three separate parts: a Price proposal, a Non-Price proposal, and Solicitation/Representations and Certifications. The Non-Price proposal shall be submitted in MS Word or searchable PDF format. The Price proposal shall be submitted in MS Word or MS Excel 2000 or higher, but not greater than MS Word or MS Excel 2007 format. The firewall utilized by the Government contracting office does not authorize or accept zip files.

PROPOSAL CONTENT AND FORMAT INSTRUCTIONS.

The Offeror’s submission shall include three separate parts: a Price proposal, a Non-Price proposal, and Solicitation/Representations and Certifications. Offeror’s shall number the paragraphs in the proposal (e.g.

1.3.2) to accommodate the evaluation process.

a. ADMINISTRATIVE FORMAT INSTRUCTIONS:

(1) PAGE LIMITS: Non-price proposals are limited to 20 single-sided pages. Pages should be numbered consecutively throughout the document and not by sections. For any sections of a proposal with a defined page limit, pages exceeding the specified limit will be removed and not forwarded for evaluation. The following sections are not subject to page limits:

Table of Contents Title page Past Performance Letters of Commitment OCI Certification OCI Mitigation Plan (if applicable) Resumes – Key Personnel,

(2) FORMATTING: Proposal content shall be no smaller than Times New Roman font 12 pt.

Exhibits, graphics, charts, captions, etc., shall be no smaller than 10 pt.

b. NON-PRICE PROPOSAL CONTENT INSTRUCTIONS: The Offeror’s non-price proposal shall clearly reflect the offeror’s approach to execute and comply with the performance requirements identified in the PWS, regardless of the Government’s estimated effort. Your non-price proposal, including any supporting documentation, is to be clear and concise. The level of effort proposed must be consistent with the proposed solution outlined in your non-price proposal. The proposal must fully document and substantiate a cross mapping of your price approach as it equates to the non-price proposal. All items should be addressed in the evaluation criteria.

The Offeror’s non-price proposal shall contain the following:

Management Approach Technical Approach Experience Small Business Participation Plan Past Performance

Factor 1: Management Approach

The Offeror shall submit a management approach (including approach to staffing) that effectively demonstrates how it will lead to the successful accomplishment of the requirement.

The Offeror shall submit a Recruitment and Retention Strategy that effectively demonstrates how they plan to meet the requirements in the PWS specific to staffing and managing qualified personnel and include a risk mitigation plan to address unanticipated personnel issues.

The Offeror shall submit a Transition Plan which effectively demonstrates the Offeror’s approach to mitigating the risk of disruption of the Government’s programs due to the loss of experienced, incumbent personnel or the addition of new, inexperienced personnel during the first six months of the contract.

The Offeror shall submit a Management Plan that describes the Offeror’s organizational structure and subcontracting relationships. The management plan shall describe how the Offeror’s chain of command practices contribute in a positive manner to ensuring the completion of all objectives on schedule and flexibility in allocating resources. The Offeror’s proposal shall address methods for managing subcontracts and mitigating organizational conflicts of interest.

The Offeror’s Quality Control Plan (QCP) shall demonstrate how the Contractor will meet and comply with the quality standards established in this PWS. At a minimum, the QCP must include a self-inspection plan and an outline of the procedures that the Contractor will use to maintain quality, timeliness, responsiveness, and customer satisfaction. The Offeror’s quality control approach shall identify processes, procedures, and metrics which, are likely to result in successful outcome within cost and on schedule.

Factor 2: Technical Approach

The Offeror shall submit a technical approach which effectively demonstrates a clear understanding of all tasks identified in the PWS and demonstrates the excellence and appropriateness of the techniques, methods, and processes the Offeror plans to use to successfully accomplish the objectives specified in the PWS (specifically “how” the objectives will be accomplished).

Factor 3: Experience

The Offeror’s proposal (to include key personnel) shall demonstrate performance of identical, similar to, or related to performing tasks contained within the Performance Work Statement, as well as contracts of comparable risk (the functions, responsibilities, and control exercised by the Offeror are essentially the same as required under this solicitation).

The proposal shall include evidence of how relevant corporate experience in managing subcontractors and providing personnel (to include key personnel) with an appropriate mix and balance in education and training relates to the tasks required in the PWS.

The Offeror’s proposal shall identify problems encountered in previous contracts (related to the Offeror’s performance of services) and how the Offeror resolved the issues.

For all individuals proposed to fill Key Personnel positions, you are to submit resumes. Resumes of Key Personnel do not count against the page totals. These resumes shall include a list of relevant training, education, and certifications. For those individuals proposed as Key Personnel a signed letter of commitment is required with proposal submittal. The contractor must have a signed letter of commitment from the proposed key personnel in response to the solicitation and must be available to begin work at the CDMRP provided facility immediately upon award.

Factor 4: Small Business Participation Plan

All Offerors are required to complete a Small Business Participation Plan.

Submit the total combined percentage of work to be performed by both small and large businesses (include the percentage of work to be performed both by Prime and Subcontractors):

Example: If Prime proposes a price of $1,000,000 (including all options), and large business(es) will provide $250,000 in services/supplies as a subcontractor, the % planned for small businesses is 75%; and 25% for large business equaling 100%.

Total Percentage planned for Small Business(es) _______% = $ _______ Total Percentage planned for Large Business(es) _______% = $ _______ 100%

Factor 5: Past Performance

A Past Performance Questionnaire has been included for offerors to distribute to past customers who offerors had/ have provided similar services in the past 3 years (Attachment 4). There is no limit on the number of past performance questionnaires that may be returned. Please note that questionnaires shall be submitted by the customer directly to usarmy.detrick.medcom-usamraa.mbx.service2@mail.mil. In addition, the offeror shall submit a list of references of relevant contracts/orders within the past 3 years. The contracts/orders may be past or current as long as the performance did not end more than 3 years prior to the due date for the submission of the proposal, and the contracts/orders may have been with Federal, State and/or City agencies and commercial customers. Prime- “Relevant” is defined as like service as stated in this solicitation’s Performance Work Statement in terms of similar scope and complexity. Other team member-“Relevant” is defined as like service in terms of scope and complexity to the portion of the solicitation’s Performance Work Statement that it is proposed to perform. References are required for the Prime and subcontractor(s).

The past performance evaluation will examine how the offeror’s past and present performance validates expected performance and customer satisfaction. In the event an offeror lacks a record of past performance, the lack of past performance will be evaluated as an unknown risk having no favorable or unfavorable impact on the evaluation.

(a) REFERENCE CONTENT: It is the offeror’s responsibility to provide valid, current and verifiable references. References must include:

Name of the Organization that will be providing the reference, Name of the Point of Contact (POC), POC Telephone Number, POC Email address, Contract Number, Period of Performance, and Scope of Work.

(b) POCs: The above POCs must be either Government personnel (civil service or military) or employees of private sector clients (such as public or private sector medical facilities) with whom you have provided services. Information provided by or for POCs who work directly for your company, or indirectly (i.e. in a prime or subcontractor relationship), will NOT be considered relevant.

(c) SUBCONTRACTOR CONSENT: If a subcontracting relationship is proposed, the offeror shall submit the consent of its proposed principal subcontractor(s) to disclose their past performance information to the offeror (Prime Contractor) along with the offeror’s proposed submission. If the proposed principal subcontractor(s) consent is not provided at the time of the offeror’s proposed submission, the past performance information for the principal subcontractor(s) may not be considered by the government in assessing the offeror’s past performance.

(d) INFORMATION FROM OTHER SOURCES: The Government may also consider information obtained through other sources. You should ensure that contact information for designated references is accurate and up-to-date.

Factor 6: Price

Compliance with these instructions is mandatory and failure to comply may result in rejection of your proposal.

Offerors’ cost/price proposal shall include proposal price assumptions and include required information, i.e. a price breakdown by labor categories and rates.

(1) OTHER DIRECT COSTS:

Estimated ODCs are as follows. The contractor shall include the Government’s estimate of travel costs (provided in the CLIN description) in their price proposal.

Description Quantity Travel $50,000 Base year

$50,000 Option Year One $50,000 Option Year Two $50,000 Option Year Three $50,000 Option Year Four

(2) PRICING SHEET: The Offeror’s proposal shall include a completed pricing sheet in the attached format (See Attachment 1 – Pricing Sheet). The Offeror shall ensure mathematical computations are correct. Errors in addition or multiplication may be considered nonresponsive.

(a) Offerors shall propose on all contract line items, either by price or “NSP” (Not Separately Priced). A line item price left blank will be considered nonresponsive to this request and the proposal will not be considered for award.

(b) Offerors’ proposals shall remain valid for a minimum of 90 days from the date of submission.

(3) CONTRACTOR MANPOWER REPORTING (CMR): CMR is now a requirement of

DOD contracts. Offerors are allowed to include a nominal fee in their price proposal for providing this data. A “nominal fee” is defined as a computation of an administrative assistant equivalent labor category providing approximately 6-8 hours to complete data input. Offerors may opt to not separately price this required annual data input. CMR price will not be evaluated as part of the total evaluated proposal price.

(4) ESTIMATED LEVEL OF EFFORT: The Government estimates that this contract will require an approximate level of effort, as outlined in Attachment 1 – Pricing Sheet, to accomplish the tasks identified in the PWS. Please note that the Government estimate is only put in place for Offerors to ascertain the approximate or estimated level of effort for this contract. However, this is not to be construed as either mandatory or necessarily the best approach. It is only in place as a reference to allow Offerors to better understand the general scope of this effort from the Government’s perspective. The Government is seeking the best level of effort and labor mix your company has determined is right to accomplish the requirements contained in the PWS. Offerors are not bound to propose these labor categories or quantities, rather Offerers are expected to provide their best solution citing the labor mix and quantity required to accomplish the tasks. If Offerors have determined either the labor mix and/or overall level of effort provided in Attachment 1 is inconsistent with their non-price approach, offerors are strongly encouraged and expected to submit a level of effort consistent with all of the cost/price and non-cost/price aspects of their approach.

DISCUSSIONS

In accordance with 10 USC 2305(a)(2), the Government intends to evaluate offers and award a contract without discussions with offerors. Therefore, the offeror's initial offer should contain the offeror's best terms. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if later determined by the Contracting Officer to be necessary

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

Senior Scientific Support Services

SECTION 1.0: GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 Purpose

To award a contract for senior scientific support services in support of the US Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC) and its subordinate organizations.

To support the tasks identified below requires an experienced and cohesive team of senior level scientists who can demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the requirements to produce acceptable deliverables within the required timelines while meeting cost, schedule, and performance requirements.

1.2 Background

The USAMRDC is a major subordinate Command of the United States Army Futures Command (AFC).The Commanding General (CG), USAMRDC, directs the management of a number of medical research, development and acquisition programs. Research includes breast, prostate, ovarian, kidney, and lung cancer, defense health, neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis complex, autism, psychological health/traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury research, bone marrow failure, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, medical simulation and information sciences, military infectious diseases, military operational medicine, combat casualty care, radiation health effects, and clinical and rehabilitative medicine. The USAMRDC is responsible for planning, coordinating, integrating, programming, budgeting and executing these programs. Reference Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) https://cdmrp.army.mil/ and USAMRDC https://www.detrick.army.mil/ websites.

1.3 Period of Performance

The anticipated period of performance of this contract is date of contract award for 12 months. There will also be four (4) one-year renewable options to be exercised at the discretion of the government (total potential of a five [5] year period of performance). The Contract Specialist will notify the Contractor of the intent to exercise an option year 30 calendar days before the option is to be exercised.

1.4 Hours of Operation

USAMRDC operates on a Monday through Friday work schedule. Overtime is only permitted when pre-approved by the Contracting Officer. Overtime typically occurs during business travel. Core hours of operation are from 9:00 AM -3:00 PM with flexibility to adjust around that for daily schedules. Telework and alternate work schedules may be considered as approved in advanced by the Government COR.

1.5 Contract Kick-Off Meeting

The Contracting Officer will coordinate with the Contractor and the COR to set up a post-award conference with the COR and other designated staff, within 30 business days after the start date of the contract.

1.6 Contract Description

The government intends on awarding a commercial firm-fixed price requirements contract.

1.7 Travel

Travel may be required to perform tasks in Section 4.0 below. Travel costs shall be estimated as an Other Direct Cost. All travel costs shall be reimbursed in accordance with the Joint Travel Regulations.

1.8. Key Personnel

The names of key personnel will be identified (in the contract) at time of award. Substitutions of proposed Key Personnel shall not be allowed for a period of six months after award, except under extreme circumstances. Any substitution or replacement of Key Personnel shall have qualifications equal to or greater than the individuals proposed. For temporary and/or permanent replacement of Key Personnel, the Contractor shall provide a resume for each individual to the COR. Resumes shall be provided at least one week (or as mutually agreed upon) prior to making any personnel changes. The Government reserves the right to review any replacement or substitutions of Key Personnel. Contractor personnel must submit necessary information to start the clearance review process prior to reporting for performance.

SECTION 2.0: GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY AND SERVICES

2.1 General Information

The government must provide the facilities, equipment and materials listed here.

2.2 Government-Furnished Property

The government shall provide office space at the government site. The government shall also make available a personal computer, telephone, fax machine, copying and scanning machine, printer, and supplies necessary to perform the work on-site. If the employee is a teleworker, the government shall provide laptop and monitors.

Telephone, internet connectivity, and other equipment will not be provided and be the sole responsibility of the contractor’s employee.

2.3 Government-Furnished Services

The government shall provide custodial, utility, pest control, telephone, refuse collection, and postage (government related materials only) services for government provided space.

2.4 Government-Mandated Training

All government mandated training (noted in Section 3.0 below) is required for all individuals who are physically located at Fort Detrick, including contractors. All government mandated training shall be government furnished and shall be completed, during duty hours at contractor’s duty location, and in accordance with established timelines.

SECTION 3.0: CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS

3.1 Contractor Personnel Minimum Requirements

3.1.1 The contractor must have a signed letter of commitment from the proposed key personel employees in response to this solicitation and must be available to begin work at the CDMRP at Fort Detrick, MD.

3.1.2 It is anticipated that Ph.D. and Masters-level scientists at multiple levels (labor categories) of subject matter expertise based on scientific grants management and post-graduate biomedical research experience will be proposed by the contractor to support this effort.