A13 Presolicitation RFP - RESPONSE - Industry Questions.pdf

Q1. The Government thus far has provided very little system and technical information in the draft SOW especially for a firm-fixed price contract (FFP). The lack of sufficient information in an FFP environment poses high risk to both the government and industry. Subsequently, it would seem that only the current incumbent would have sufficient knowledge to bid acceptably. Does the Government intend to provide more detail in the draft RFP (DRFP) with other documents that have yet to be provided to ensure good competition for this procurement? More detail would be needed, for example, from requirement documents, system specifications, and HW/SW architectural descriptions, such that sound business and bid decisions could be made by industry to meet the Government's requirements.

Government Response 1: Yes, the Government intends to provide more detail in the draft RFP (DRFP) with other supporting documents and details (i.e., Technical Data Packet and Network Diagram). The Government does not anticipate issuing a Firm Fixed Price Contract. As posted, the Government intends to issue a single award ID/IQ that will have the ability to issue CPFF or FFP orders/CLINS. The order type will be determined on the level of risk and uncertainties with input from Government and industry.

Q2. Given the high risk associated with a proposing a FFP contract while being provided very little technical information in the current draft SOW and other furnished documentation, is the Government open to changing the contract to cost-plus fixed fee (CPFF) to assist industry (and the Government) in managing the risk? Further, if CPFF would be contemplated, would the Government also provide the recent past history of work hours with associated labor categories?

Government Response 2: The Government intends to use a hybrid CLIN structure that allows for the use of Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) and/or CPFF as suitable as outlined in FAR 16.202 Firm-Fixed-Price contracts and FAR 16.306, Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee contracts. Further, Government-owned historical data may be made available. The preponderance of the work for development of products does not contain specific labor hours only the end product. The Government can only release non-sensitive information and all proprietary cost and work information is restricted.

Q3. Does the Government intend to provide existing designs and source code should a non-incumbent be awarded the contract? Is there a list of the Government-furnished equipment (GFE) or Government-furnished property (GFP) that will be provided in the DRFP and RFP?

Government Response 3: Yes, the Government will provide all associated designs and source code at the time of award. Yes, there is a list of the Government-furnished equipment (GFE) or Government-furnished property (GFP) that will be provided in the DRFP and RFP.

Q4. If the Government re-assesses the current acquisition strategy related to questions submitted by Industry, should Industry expect a delay in this procurement to accommodate the necessary staffing of the changes within the Government, as well as for industry to make further assessments and decisions to arrive at competitive bid postures?

Government Response 4: No, Industry should not expect a delay.