Attachment 16 - Solicitation Questions and Answers_W900KK-24-R-0005( ATS-3 - Amend 0003).pdf

Question Document Section Question

Gov Response

RFP;

Attachment

L.4.1.2;

L.5.5 (pages 134; 136)

1. Section L.4.1.2(b)(1) of the RFP states, “The contractor shall provide a Learjet with RM-30 Tow-reeling machine, Pilots and Tow Operator to provide Tow Target flight services for TSMO.” Section L.4.1.2(b)(2) of the RFP states, “Describe your approach to providing this support to include assumptions, estimated resources, man hours, and labor mix needed to provide the support.” In the answer to questions for the draft RFP published on 12/8/2023 the Government responded to a question regarding using the Labor Categories identified in Attachment 3 to estimate the labor mix for the Offerors’ responses to Subfactor 1.2 Sample Tasks (question #39) with the following: “The Government requests the offeror use the identified labor categories or your identified equivalents in the response to the Sample Tasks.” However, Attachment 3 does not include Pilot or Tow Operator Labor Categories.

Can the Government clarify the conflicting information provided in the RFP and the draft Q&A?

Attachment 03 updated to include Pilot and Tow Operator LCATs.

2 Attachment

1 - SOW;

Attachment

9.2.1.1 (page 26)

2. Section 9.2.1.1 of the SOW requires that "The Contractor shall establish a program Cybersecurity liaison with the Government." However, Attachment 03 does not include a Cybersecurity Liaison LCAT in any of the tabs. Can the Government clarify whether the Cybersecurity Liaison LCAT is to be added to Attachment 3?

Attachment 03 updated to include Cybersecurity Liaison

LCAT.

3 Attachment

1 - SOW;

Attachment

7.6.9 (page 20)

Section 7.6.9 of the SOW requires that "the Contractor shall have an identified certified Level II OPSEC coordinator per AR 530-1."However, OPSEC coordinator is not an LCAT listed in any of the tabs in Attachment 03. Can the Government clarify whether the OPSEC Coordinator LCAT is to be added to Attachment 3?

Attachment 03 updated to include OPSEC Coordinator

LCAT.

Basic IDIQ Tab

The Basic IDIQ tab includes plug numbers for Materials, ODC, and Travel. However, because the Total Evaluated Price tab is fed directly from the Basic IDIQ tab, there doesn't appear to be a functional mechanism for Offerors to apply indirect rates to Materials, Travel, and ODCs. Can the Government clarify how are Offerors to apply indirect rates to Material, Travel, and ODCs?

The Government has estimated costs for Materials, ODCs and Travel which is inclusive of estimated indirect costs. In accordance with L.5.5, plug numbers have been provided.

Therefore, the Offeror is not required to provide any input to these CLINs.

RFP

L.5.5.(c) (page 137)

Section L.5.5(c) states, "If proposed, cost information for subcontractors proposing work valued over 20% of the Total Proposed Price shall be furnished in the same format and level of detail as prescribed for the prime Offeror." However, the RFP does not specify a mechanism to submit proprietary information from subcontractors who will be performing less than 20% of work. Can the Government clarify how are Offerors to supply proprietary information such as indirect rates from subcontractors who will be performing less than 20% of the work?

In the same manner in which a major subcontractor (over 20%) would submit their portion of the proposal (as applicable). IAW section L.2.15, “All subcontractor proposals submitted separately must identify the prime contractor and be clearly marked IAW L.2 (Proposal Submission Requirements) and L.3 (Proposal Files).” The point of contacts are located in L.1 – Introduction.

Solicitation N/A

Potential offeror respectfully requests a 30 day extension to the proposal due date for solicitation W900KK24R0005, ATS3. This would change the due date from 17 Jan 2024 to 17 Feb 2024. Thank you for your consideration of this request.

Unfortunately, the Government will not extend the proposal due date to 17 February 2024, however Amendment 0001 issued on 08 January 2024, which extends proposal submission from 2:00PM EST on 17 January 2024 to 2:00PM EST on 31 January 2024.

Solicitation N/A

The final ATS-3 RFP dropped on Dec 13 and many of our customers begin holiday leave mid-December which limits their availability. The final RFP was needed to validate Past Performance references and major sub requirements before sending requests to the Government. Would the Customer consider a two-week extension to Jan 31 in order to account for the inaccessibility to Government POCs to support PPQ requests within the RFP requirements?

Amendment 0001 issued on 08 January 2024 extends proposal submission from 2:00PM EST on 17 January 2024 to 2:00PM EST on 31 January 2024.

Solicitation N/A

Due to the holidays and limited Government availability, would the customer accept the current request for a list of all the POC’s who were sent a questionnaire but allow receipt of the PPQ from the POCs no later than two weeks after the proposal due date rather than by the proposal due date?

No, PPQs are due with submission of and offerors proposal as stated in the solicitation. Amendment 0001 issued on 08 January 2024 extends proposal submission from 2:00PM EST on 17 January 2024 to 2:00PM EST on 31 January 2024.

Attachments 09, 10, & 12

Contract Type

There is a blank on Attachment 10 - Past Performance Questionnaire labeled "Contract Type." Normally, this would pertain to how the contract is funded, as is demonstrated with the examples given in the corresponding box on Attachment 12 - Past Performance Contract Description. However, the corresponding box on Attachment 9 - List of Past Performance Contracts offers "Service or Supply" for its explanation. Which of these is the correct way to approach this box on Attachment 10?

Contract type in Attachment 10 shall be approached in the same manner as Attachment 12.

Final RFP File

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Attachments 7, 9 and 12

Section L.2.3. File Packaging

In Section L.2.3, File Packaging states “PDF documents shall use Adobe Acrobat 9.0 or later. Do NOT submit main documents in the PDF “image.” Teaming Agreements or Letters of Commitment may be in the image format.”

In order to provide required Word and PDF versions of final Proposal volumes, offerors will have to provide signatures on letters, plans or documents. Providing signed documents in word versions identical to PDF versions will require offerors insert these signed or completed documents into word using an image of the signed document. The Administrative and Past Performance volumes include a number of RFP requirements that will require inserting signed images of PDF documents, including but not limited to SF33s, SF30s, Section L.8.1 Statement of Compliance letter, Reps and Certs, OCI Plans, Property Management Plan, Accounting Systems Approvals, and completed attachments (Atch 7 Cross Reference Matrix, Atch 9 List of Past Performance Contracts and Atch 12 Past Performance Contract Description.)

Section L.2.3 has been updated to, “…Do NOT submit main documents in the PDF “image” unless the entire document is word searchable.”

We recommend the Customer remove the restriction on image files being provided in the final word-version Volumes so that offerors can submit compliant Volumes in both PDF and Word-version files.

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7, 9 and 12

Section L.2.3. File Packaging

Does the Customer want searchable PDFs? If so, please allow images for signatures in all documents.

Yes, Section L.2.3 has been updated to, “…Do NOT submit main documents in the PDF “image” unless the entire document is word searchable.”

Final RFP File

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7, 9 and 12

L.8.14 Certificate of Non- Disclosure & Financial Interest

L.8.14 Certificate of Non-Disclosure & Financial Interest. In accordance with L.1.1, the contractor shall provide the Government with signed and executed agreement.

Section 1.1 of the RFP is reserved with no guidance provided. Please provide instructions for providing the Certificate of Non-Disclosure & Financial Interest.

Section L.8.14 has been removed from the solicitation as there will be no use of non-government advisor(s) during this source selection.

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L.6.1.6 L.6.1.6 Past Performanc e Questionna ire

The RFP states in L.6.1.6 that "A Past Performance Questionnaire contained in Attachment 10 must be completed and submitted for all contracts identified in Section 1, Contract Descriptions." Will the Government accept CPARS in place of PPQs, if CPARS are available? Otherwise, will the government consider a one week extension to ensure PPQs are not delayed by the holiday season?

No, IAW L6.1.6, Attachment 10 must be completed and submitted for all contracts identified in section 1, Contract Descriptions.

Based on questions received by potential offerors, the proposal due date extension has been accounted for and issued in Amendment 0001.

Final RFP File

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L.2.15, Proposal Submission Requireme nts

In L.2.15, “A major subcontractor is defined as any subcontractor that is expected to perform 20% or more of the total contract value.” Also in L.5.5, “Each major subcontractor, defined as members of an Offeror’s overall team who will provide more than 20% of the Total Proposed Price, shall provide a separate cost/price volume, which follow the same format as described in these instructions. But in L.6.1.9 there is a contradiction: “Definition. Major subcontractors - Those subcontractors who will be providing critical services or whose subcontract is expected to exceed twenty (20) percent of the total proposed contract price. Is there one definition for major Subcontractor for the Admin, Cost and Past Performance Volumes?

Sections L.5.5 and L.6.1.9 have been updated for consistency to section L.2.15.

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L.6.1.6 A Past Performanc e Questionna ire

Did the Government intend to require PPQs for all contracts submitted for Past Performance or can a CPARs be submitted as long as the CPARS covers the Period of Performance?

Yes, IAW L6.1.6, Attachment 10 must be completed and submitted for all contracts identified in section 1, Contract Descriptions.

16 Attachment 12 - Past Performanc e Contract Description

Points of Contact Information

Please clarify the definition of Pre-Award Monitor, as required on Attachment 12.

An authorized personnel from DCMA that has conducted a Pre-Award Survey on your organization.

L.2.

3 (page 129)

L.2.3 states “An Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) version of all Microsoft Word documents shall also be included as a copy.”

Question: Is it the Government’s intent for Offerors to submit two copies of each volume—one Microsoft Word and one PDF file?

Yes, that is correct.

RFP L.4.1.1

(page 132)

“Section L 4.1.1 and L.4.1.1 (a) state: Document the methodology and procedures to be followed in accomplishing the task and discharging responsibility to address each SOW requirement in the order it appears.

The Offeror shall provide specific emphasis on meeting each requirement cited in the SOW task area paragraphs 3.5.1, 3.5.3, 3.5.4 and 3.5.5.”

However, the order of Section L does not map exactly to the order/sections in the SOW. For example, Section L.4.1.1(a)(i) corresponds to SOW 3.5.1, which is not the first SOW element. Additionally, L.4.1.1.(a)(i) does not include all the requirements listed in SOW 3.5.1. As another example, SOW Section

3.1 occurs as the first SOW task, but is not required to be addressed until Subfactor 3 Management later in Volume I.

Question 1: Is it the Government’s intent for the Offeror to also include a response to the elements of the SOW tasks not called out in Section L? (e.g., the bullets in SOW 3.5.1 that are not listed in Section L)

Q1: Yes, in accordance with L.4.1.1(a), Offerors shall address each SOW requirement in the order that it appears.

Q2: Yes.

Q3: In accordance with L.4.1.1(a), Offerors shall address each SOW requirement in the order that it appears.

Question 2: Does the Government want the Offeror to address “all” SOW areas such as SOW Section 3.1 and others that do not occur until Subfactor 3 Management later in Volume I (i.e., Program Management, etc.)

Question 3: Will the Government please confirm that if Offerors first address SOW sections listed in Section L, followed by the remaining SOW sections/requirements, Offerors will be compliant?

RFP

L.4.1.1(a ) (page 132)

Section L.4.1.1 and L.4.1.1 (a) states: Statement of Work: This part shall contain the Offeror's responses to the Statement of Work and attachments.

Section M.7.1.1 Subfactor 1.1 - Technical Solution: This subfactor evaluates the Offeror’s proposed technical solution for the five-year IDIQ ordering period.

(a) Statement of Work: The Government will evaluate the evidence and support provided that the Offeror thoroughly understands the magnitude and range of activity required by the ATS-3 SOW and the effectiveness of the proposed technical approach to ensure that the Offeror has the capabilities and facilities to perform each requirement of the SOW. Significant emphasis will be placed upon evaluation 20of the Offeror’s technical capability and level of experience to build and modify targets, target systems, and to provide services/support to the Government to meet the requirements of the SOW Paragraphs 3.5.1, 3.5.3, 3.5.4 and 3.5.5.

Question 1: Is it the Government’s intent for the Offeror to also address the SOW requirements such as Quality, Safety, Procurement, Configuration Management and Environmental even though Section L does not call out a specific requirement for them?

Question 2: Are Offerors expected to address SOW sections that are informative details such as SOW 3.6 Task Order (TO), which discusses contract types?

Q1: Yes, in accordance with L.4.1.1(a), Offerors shall address each SOW requirement in the order that it appears.

Q2: Yes.

RFP L.3.1 (page 131)

Question: Will the Government permit larger than 12-point font (e.g., for cover page, headings)?

Yes, section L.3.1 has been updated to include, “Larger text is acceptable if an offer deems fit; however, the offeror shall adhere to the margins, page count, etc. as stated in this solicitation.”

RFP L.3.1 (page 131)

L.3.1 states “Proposal volumes shall contain Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) markings in accordance with DFARS clause 252.204-7012 – Safeguarding Covered Defense Information and Cyber Incident Reporting.”

Question: Does the Government intend for Offerors to mark the entire proposal as CUI or only pages that contain CUI data?

No, the Government does not intend to have Offerors mark the entire proposal CUI. Quoted language has been remove from L.3.1.

RFP L.3.1 (page

131) Question: Will the Government permit Offerors to use 8-point font in document headers/footers?

No, the Government will not permit less than 12 point Arial or Times New Roman font.

RFP L.3.1 (page 131)

Question: Will the Government permit Offerors to submit cover/title pages that are outside of the 1-inch margins due to corporate branding design?

No, offerors shall adhere to the section L.3.1 format margin requirements.

RFP L.3.1 (page 131)

Question: By setting the header/footer from the edge to .5”, the margins are increased to 1.5”.

Please confirm this is acceptable.

No, Offerors shall adhere to the section L.3.1 format margin requirements.

L.3.1;

L.8.10 (pages 131;148)

L.3.1 states that the cross-reference matrix shall be included in Volume I. However, Section L.8.10 has the cross-reference matrix being provided in Volume V.

Question: Will the Government please clarify which volume shall contain the cross-reference matrix?

Attachment 7 is required to be completed for Volume 1 – Factor 1; however, the attachment will be submitted under Volume V as stated in L.8.10.

IAW L.3.1 – “A Cross-Reference Matrix is not required for any other Volume; however, Offerors may submit their own Cross- Reference Matrix for Volume II, III, and/or IV. A Table of Contents should be created to delineate the paragraphs and subparagraphs within that volume. As annotated above, each Volume’s Cross-Reference Matrix and Table of Contents does not count against that Volume’s respective page limitations.” Indexing shall be used to identify sections.

Section L.8.10 has removed the plural form of “volumes” to “volume.”

RFP L.4.1.3.1

(page 135)

Section L.4.1.3.1 states that the organizational chart must identify the qualifications and certifications for each proposed position. These details cannot be fit into an organizational chart and Offerors are providing this same information in the Labor Categories section (L.4.1.3.4).

Question: Based on this, will the Government please remove the requirement for qualifications and certifications to be included in the organizational chart?

For clarification and purposes for proposing, qualifications and certifications are; however, abbreviated credentials are to be identified to include but not limited to degrees, certifications, etc. (B.S., M.S., PhD, PMP, etc.).

RFP L.4.1.3.2

(page 135)

Section L.4.1.3.2 requires Offerors to identify personnel/methods for obtaining personnel exempt from

SCA.

Question: Will the Government permit Offerors to address this requirement in our Staffing Plan as opposed to in a separate proposal section?

Yes. However, it is the Offeror’s responsibility to include the requirements identified in Section L.4.1.3.2.

RFP L.4.1.3.3

(page 135)

Section L.4.1.3.3 (Volume I) requires Offerors to address information that is also to be provided in Volume IV Small Business Participation Plan.

Question 1: Will the Government please confirm it’s their intent for subcontractors/subcontractor arrangements to be detailed in both Volume I and Volume IV?

Question 2: If subcontractors/subcontractor arrangements are required to be addressed in Volume I in addition to Volume IV, will the Government not count this information against Volume I’s page count?

Confirmed that subcontractors/subcontractor arrangements are required to be addressed in both Volume 1 and Volume IV. This information does not count towards the page count of Volume I. L.4.1.3.3 has been changed to reflect this.

RFP

L.4.1.3.3;

L.7.7; L.8.5 (pages 135;145;14 7)

Section L requires teaming agreements/letters of commitment for subcontractors in Volume I (L.4.1.3.3) and Volume IV (L.7.7). However, Section L.8.5 states to provide all letters of commitment in Volume V.

Question: Will the Government please confirm that letters of commitment/teaming agreements shall only be provided in Volume V?

Letters of commitment/teaming agreements shall be provided in the respective volumes requiring the data for evaluation.

Sections L.4.1.3.3 and L.8.5 have been updated to clarify submission requirements.

RFP L.4.1.3.4

(page 135)

Section L.4.1.3.4 states for Offerors to identify the methodologies used to “arrive at the labor categories designated for each service category listed in the SOW.”

Question: By “service category” does the Government mean for Offerors to provide labor categories for each of the task areas in SOW 3.5? If not, will the Government please clarify what SOW sections are considered “service categories”?

Section L4.1.3.4 and M.7.1.3.4 and Attachment 07 have been updated to remove ‘service category’.

RFP L.4.1.3.4

(page 135)

Due to the number of labor categories and amount of information Offerors must provide for qualifications and back-up/rationale.

Question: Will the Government please not count this proposal section (Labor Categories) against the Volume I page limitation?

For the labor categories not explicitly stated in Section L.4.1.3.4, the Offeror shall propose at a summary level identifying the minimum proposed experience and education for each labor category. Page limitations still apply (with exception of resumes or letters of commitment, as stated in this section).

RFP L.4.1.3.5

(page 130)

Question 1: Does the Government intend for Offerors to provide a copy of their corporate Uncompensated Overtime Policy or to only summarize the policy?

Question 2: If the full policy is required, may this not be counted against the page limitation, or may this policy be provided in Volume II?

A detailed summary of the policy is sufficient and will be counted towards page count.

L.6.1.4;

L.4.1.3.3 (pages 140;135)

The information required by Section 3 – Subcontracts (L.6.1.4) appears to be redundant with the information being provided in Volume I (Management) (L.4.1.3.3) and Volume IV Small Business Participation Plan.

Question: Will the Government please confirm their intent is for Offerors to provide subcontractor details in all three volumes?

Confirmed that subcontractors/subcontractor information is required to be addressed in all three volumes.

This information does not count towards the page count of Volume I. L.4.1.3.3 has been changed to reflect this.

RFP L.8.5 (page 147)

Section L.8.5 states for Offerors to provide letters of commitment in Volume V.

Question: Will the Government please clarify whether these are key personnel letters of commitment and/or subcontractor letters of commitment?

Letters of commitment/teaming agreements shall be provided in the respective volumes requiring the data for evaluation.

Both key personnel letters of commitment and subcontract letters of commitment shall be included.

L.8.5 have been updated to clarify submission requirements.

RFP

L.8.12 & L.8.13 (page 149)

Section L.8.12 requires Offerors to submit a Property Management Plan; however, Section L.8.13 also asks for a description of the Offeror’s Property Management System, Plan, etc.

Question: Will the Government please confirm that the requirements in L.8.12 and L.8.13 may both be addressed in a single proposal section (Property Management Plan within Volume V)?

The Property Management Plan and the Property Management System are two different documents. The PMP is due during the solicitation. The PMS is due after contract award.

Sections L.8.12 and L.8.13 have been updated.

RFP L.8.14

(page 149)

Section L.8.14 states: “In accordance with L.1.1, the contractor shall provide the Government with signed and executed agreement.” However, L.1.1 is RESERVED in the Final RFP and does not provide any instructions to Offerors.

Question: Will the Government please modify the information and documentation required for the Certificate of Non-Disclosure & Financial Interest referenced in Section L.8.14 in the Final RFP to be reserved or remove it from the instructions to Offerors?

Section L.8.14 has been removed from the solicitation as there will be no use of non-government advisor(s) during this source selection.

SOW 2.0 (page 5)

SOW Section 2.0 references applicable documents contained in the Contract Document Summary List (DSL); however, this document is not provided with the RFP.

Question: Will the Government please provide the Contract Document Summary List (DSL)?

Attachment 01 - SOW Paragraph 2.0 has been revised to remove reference to the Contract Document Summary List.

SOW 15.0 (page 32)

The SOW 15.0 requirements pertain to Offeror’s Small Business Participation Plan.

Question: Will the Government permit Offerors to address these SOW requirements in Volume IV Small Business Participation Plan as opposed to in Volume I?

Attachment 01 - SOW Section 15 has been removed.

General N/A To allow Offerors time to revise proposals based on the Government’s answers to Offerors’ questions.

Question: Will the Government please extend the proposal deadline by a minimum of one week?

Amendment 0001 was issued on SAM.gov on 08 JAN 2024 extending the proposal response date to 1400 EST on 31 JAN 2024.

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L.5.6 Is the plug number that is provided for materials in CLINS 3 and 4 for evaluation purposes only?

Please verify it is not a ceiling number and that material cost will be adjusted at the task order level as needed.

Yes, verified.

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L.5.6 L.5.6 plug figure for CLINS: Please verify the plug numbers in the basic IDIQ are not ceilings and that the actual cost of travel, material, and residual ODCs will be based on the proposal at the task order level.

Yes, verified.

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L 4.1.3.3 Subfactor 1.3 Manageme nt; L.8.6 Teaming Agreement s; and M.7.1.3.3 Subfactor 1.3 Manageme nt

Volume I Subfactor 1.3 Management L.4.1.3.3 and M.7.1.3.3 state, “The Government will evaluate all subcontractors, teaming partners, committed distributers and joint ventures. Teaming Agreements, Letters of Commitment, Distribution agreements and other legal agreements are required for team members identified.” Volume V Administrative L.8.6 states, “Offerors shall provide a narrative of all major subcontractors and team members" as defined in Section L.2.15, detailing joint ventures arrangements, if applicable and/or teaming or subcontracting arrangements.” This suggests Teaming Agreements should be attached to both Volume I and Volume V. Please confirm that full copies of the Teaming Agreements should be in both Vol V and Vol I and they are not included in any page count limitations, or provide clarification regarding where the full Teaming Agreements should be attached.

Letters of commitment/teaming agreements shall be provided in the respective volumes requiring the data for evaluation.

Sections L.4.1.3.3 and L.8.5 have been updated to clarify submission requirements.

L.4.1.3.4 states “Identify labor categories for each position (ensure consistency with the categories proposed in Volume II, Cost/Price - do NOT include pricing in Volume I).

Discuss back-up rationale and provide calculations showing the staffing build-up that clearly identifies the methodology used to arrive at the labor categories designated for each service category listed in the

SOW.

Question: Please clarify the Govts intent for asking rationale and calculations for staffing build-up as the Govt provided this information and plug numbers as part of the Pricing workbook.

Section L.4.1.3 Subfactor 1.3 – Management (Volume I – Factor 1 – Technical/Management) and associated M.7.1.3 Subfactor

1.3 – Management requires and is being evaluated on the Offeror’s management approach, whereas Sections M.8.3 and M.8.4 (Volume II – Factor 2 – Cost-Price) will be evaluated for the purposes of Cost/Price analysis.

Volume I requires documenting support/rationale whereas Volume II (Attachment 03 – Cost-Price Workbook) requires data entry.

In accordance with L.5.2 “The cost/price proposal must be consistent with the Offeror’s non-cost/price factor proposal.

Inconsistencies between the Offeror’s cost/price and non-cost/price factor proposals reflect on the Offeror’s ability to perform the effort required within the amount proposed. These inconsistencies, if unexplained, may be assessed as proposal risk and could be considered a weakness under the applicable non-cost/price factor….”

Pricing Wkbk/

RFP

F.1

Period of Performance (PoP) is dictated on a year-to-year basis; however the Indirect Rates tab in the pricing workbook does not line up with the RFP PoP.

Question: Should the PoP in the Indirect Rates tab be updated to match F.1 in the RFP?

Indirect Rates tab of Attachment 03 was updated to be consistent with F.1 of the solicitation.

L.4.1.2 (a)

Please verify that the “RF 900+ modem” referenced is actually the “RFD 900+ modem”.

The Government verifies it should be “RFD 900+ modem”.

Section L.4.1.2(a)1 and section M.7.1.2(a), and attachment 07 – Cross-Reference Matrix have been updated.

RFP L.4.1.2 (a)

Please clarify what the Govt means by “Acquire…Army Combat Training Center – Instrumentation Systems”.

The Government removed reference of “Army Combat Training Center – Information Systems”. L.4.1.2(a)1, M.7.1.2(a), and attachment 07 – Cross-Reference Matrix.

RFP L.4.1.2 (a)

Please clarify what the Govt means by “Acquire… Army Independent Commercially Compatible Cellular Network System (IC3NS)”.

L.4.1.2.(a)2, M.7.1.2(a) 2 and attachment 07 – Cross- Reference Matrix have been re-worded for clarity.

RFP L.4.1.2 (a) 5 Please clarify what is meant by “field support services”.

SOW paragraph 3.5.4 has been updated to clarify the requirement.

L.4.1.2 (a) 6, L.4.1.2 (b) 2, L.4.1.2 (c)

Please confirm that when the Govt states “provide labor mix” in the sample tasks, the Govt is not asking for LCATs to be mapped to this labor mix as many positions do not directly map to LCATs.

The Government requires use of the LCATs or contractor equivalent categories (if applicable) as required in the cross reference matrix.

Additional LCATs have been updated in Attachment 03.

RFP

L.4.1.1.a.iii;

M.7.1.1.a.iii

SOW 3.5.4

Provide onsite technical support personnel to support aerial target operations, initial and refresher training courses, and weapon system certifications for aerial target systems managed by the

TSMO.

Question: Please clarify the Govt’s intent for onsite technical support personnel to support weapon system certifications for aerial target systems managed by the TSMO.

Question:

1. Does the Govt intend for the Contractor to provide certification for TSMO-managed weapon systems?

OR

2. Is the requirement to provide target support during weapon systems certifications?

SOW paragraph 3.5.4 was revised to clarify the requirement.

Question 1: NO

Question 2: YES

RFP L.4.1.2 Please clarify the Govt’s intent with “number of hours per category”.

Offerors are required to identify the number of hours by LCATs to successfully meet the Sample A, B and C Tasks.

This response is not all inclusive as to what is required to be proposed under section L.4.1.2, but only to the question/statement regarding “number of hours per category.”

RFP SF-33

Anticipating that the Govt will receive a large number of questions based on the final RFP, Offeror requests a two-week extension to allow the Govt adequate time to respond to industry questions.

Amendment 0001 issued on 08 January 2024 extends proposal submission from 2:00PM EST on 17 January 2024 to 2:00PM EST on 31 January 2024.

RFP

Question 1: Is the overall Technical/Management Approach Factor Rating (M.7.1.4 of the solicitation) established on each sample task, or on the response as a whole? If an offeror bids only to sample tasks directly in their primary area of expertise and past performance, but opts out of another sample task, does that cause the proposal to become “Unacceptable” across all items in the SOW?

IAW section M.5.1.1, “…To receive consideration for award, a rating of no less than “Acceptable” must be achieved for the Technical/Management Factor and the Small Business Participation Factor, in addition to a Past Performance Confidence Assessment rating of Neutral Confidence or higher.

An evaluation rating of “Unacceptable” or “Marginal” for any subfactor within the Technical/Management or Small Business Participation Factors will cause the entire factor to be evaluated as “Unacceptable” or “Marginal”.

RFP

Question 2: Sample Task B is highly specific about the aircraft type and configuration for the towing of aerial targets; is it possible to bid alternative aircraft in this sample task submission? If so, please provide aircraft performance requirements for the towed-target mission that we can bid against using an alternate platform.

No additional information will be provided. The Offeror is encouraged to provide their assumptions with their proposed solution. The Government is open to alternatives that meet the outlined requirements.

In accordance with L.4.1.2(b) 2,” Describe your approach to providing this support to include assumptions, estimated resources, man hours, and labor mix needed to provide the support.”

RFP Section L.8.14

Section L.8.14 Certificate of Non-Disclosure & Financial Interest. In accordance with L.1.1the contractor shall provide the Government with signed and executed agreement. However, section L.1.1 Says “RESERVED”. Can the government clarify the instruction?

Section L.8.14 has been removed from the solicitation as there will be no use of non-government advisor(s) during this source selection.

Attachment

Cost Pricing Workbook

In Attachment 3 Cost Pricing Workbook, the labor descriptions appear to have in consistencies in the years of experience that can be substituted for a degree. Could the Government confirm there are no unintended consistency errors with the labor descriptions or change the labor category descriptions in Attachment 3?

a.Junior positions often note 3 years can be substituted for a degree, while mid and senior-level positions require an additional 8 years of applicable experience to be substituted fora degree. In the case of logistics/functional analysts, experience to substitute for a degree varies dramatically: Junior is 5 years, mid is 8, Senior is 12. Another unusual example is two years of vocational training can be substituted by 8 years of experience. Between the same position, we suspect any variation of years that substitutes for a degree could also be an error.

b.For senior positions, B.S. and M.S. are weighed equally, this may not be deliberate.

c.For information Assurance Analyst, a B.S is a requirement in addition to the certifications, is there an experience substitute that applies to at least the Junior category.

Attachment 03 Tab – Labor Descriptions has been updated for consistency purposes.

Cost Pricing Workbook

Labor Categories: The Government’s currently labor categories listed in Attachment 3 do not include a Field Service Technician nor Target Operator labor category used on previous ATS tasks. Would the government consider adding either of these labor categories or similar with Jr/Mid/Sr levels?

Field service technician will not be added to the labor categories. The more generic HW/SW technician is listed in the available labor categories. A TOW Reel Operator, Pilot, and sUAS Pilot have been added to the labor categories.

RFP L.6.1.6

(page 140)

Attachment 11 - Past Performance Questionnaire Cover Letter is not referenced in the RFP. Can the Government clarify the requirement associated with Attachment 11?

Attachment 11 is to be completed by the offeror and provided as the cover letter with Attachment 10 to request and retrieve past performance questionnaire feedback as part of Volume III (Factor 3 Past Performance) proposal submission requirements.

Attachment 11 has been added to section L.6.1.6.

RFP L.6.1.2

(page 139)

The RFP states, "This section shall include the following information and documented in Attachment 12

– Past Performance Contract Description." Can the Government clarify whether the Section 1 - Contract Descriptions must consist entirely of completed Attachment 12 or whether Attachment 12 must be submitted separately from the Past Performance Volume?

Information contained Attachment 12 is not all inclusive of the requirements contained in the section L.6.1.2 verbiage.

Offerors shall both complete Attachment 12 as well as provide a response to capture all L.6.1.2 requirements.

RFP L.4.1.1(a) (page 132)

Section L.4.1.1(a) of RFP states, "This part shall contain the Offeror's responses to the Statement of Work and attachments. Document the methodology and procedures to be followed in accomplishing the task and discharging responsibility to address each SOW requirement in the order it appears. The Offeror shall provide specific emphasis on meeting each requirement cited in the SOW task area paragraphs 3.5.1, 3.5.3, 3.5.4 and 3.5.5." Additionally, the corresponding evaluation criteria under Section M.7.1.1(a) describe evaluation of "the Offeror’s technical / management approach in terms of expertise and experience" for each of the emphasized SOW areas. Can the Government confirm whether responses to the Statement of Work section requirements (L.4.1.1(a); M.7.1.1(a)) under Subfactor 1.1 Technical Solution must describe a technical approach to meeting the requirements under SOW paragraphs 3.5.1, 3.5.3, 3.5.4 and 3.5.5 ONLY and disregard SOW paragraph 3.5.2 as there are no evaluation criteria listed for that paragraph?

As stated in section L.4.1.1(a), “This part shall contain the Offeror's responses to the Statement of Work and attachments. Document the methodology and procedures to be followed in accomplishing the task and discharging responsibility to address each SOW requirement in the order it appears. The Offeror shall provide specific emphasis on meeting each requirement cited in the SOW task area paragraphs 3.5.1, 3.5.3, 3.5.4 and 3.5.5. Mere parroting of the SOW or unqualified acknowledgments will be considered an inadequate response.”

The Government will evaluate in accordance with M.7.1.1(a), “(a) Statement of Work: The Government will evaluate the evidence and support provided that the Offeror thoroughly understands the magnitude and range of activity required by the ATS-3 SOW and the effectiveness of the proposed technical approach to ensure that the Offeror has the capabilities and facilities to perform each requirement of the SOW. Significant emphasis will be placed upon evaluation of the Offeror’s technical capability and level of experience to build and modify targets, target systems, and to provide services/support to the Government to meet the requirements of the SOW Paragraphs 3.5.1, 3.5.3, 3.5.4 and 3.5.5.”

RFP L.4.1.3.2

(page 135)

Section L.4.1.3.2 states, "Personnel (chosen by the Offeror). Identify personnel and / or the methods for obtaining personnel who are exempt to the Service Contract Labor Standards (29 CFR 541)." Can the Government confirm that "personnel" in this section refers to staff positions and not actual, current employees?

As stated in section L.4.1.3.2, it is up to the Offeror to propose personnel or methods for obtaining personnel who are exempt from Service Contract Labor Standards.

Each Offeror will have a unique way of fulfilling this requirement (current staff, teaming arrangement, future staff, etc.).

(page 135)

Section L.4.1.3.4 states, "Identify labor categories for each position." Labor categories were provided in the RFP Attachment 03 Cost/Price Workbook. Can the Government clarify the requirement to "identify labor categories for each position"? What is the difference between a labor category and a position?

The offeror shall identify the labor categories for each position (ensure consistency with the categories provided in Volume II – Cost/Price). IAW L.4.1.3.4, “The Offeror shall provide a cross-reference for any contractor equivalent category.”

RFP L.4.1.3.4

(page 135)

Section L.4.1.3.4 states, "Discuss back-up rationale and provide calculations showing the staffing build-up that clearly identifies the methodology used to arrive at the labor categories designated for each service category listed in the SOW." Can the Government clarify what is meant by "service category listed in the SOW"? There is no such verbiage used on the SOW attachment.

Section L4.1.3.4 and M.7.1.3.4 and Attachment 07 have been updated to remove ‘service category’.

RFP L.4.1.3.4

(page 135)

Section L.4.1.3.4 states, "The Offeror shall identify the minimum and proposed levels of education, training and experience for each proposed labor category." The minimum levels of education, training, and experience for each labor category are provided in Attachment 03 of the RFP. Can the Government clarify the requirement to "identify the minimum and proposed levels of education, training and experience for each proposed labor category"?

Attachment 03 – Cost-Pricing Workbook, Tab Labor Descriptions – provides the requirements for each labor category, however, section L.4.1.3.4 requires the Offeror to identify how they will meet or exceed those education/training experience requirements. The above section has been updated for clarification purposes.

RFP L.4.1.3.1

(page 135)

L.4.1.3.1 requires "An Organizational chart for all personnel required to execute the entire SOW. The Organizational chart must identify the structure, qualifications, and certifications for each proposed position to include if the proposed position is exempt or not exempt to the Service Contract Labor Standards." Can the Government confirm that the Offerors must use the Labor Categories provided in Attachment 03 in the "organizational chart for all personnel required to execute the entire SOW"?

The offeror can propose a different labor category;

however, as stated below, the offeror shall provide a cross-reference to the equivalent category proposed.

IAW L.4.1.3.4, “The Offeror shall provide a cross-reference for any contractor equivalent category.”

RFP L.4.1.3.1

(page 135)

If the answer to the above question is yes, can the Government confirm that the qualifications to be identified for each proposed position must match the labor category descriptions provided in Attachment 03?

Confirmed.

RFP L.6.1 (page 138)

Section L.6.1. states, "Offerors shall submit up to five (5) of the Offeror’s most relevant contracts and no more than three (3) of the most relevant contracts for each major subcontractor and complete Attachment 09 – List of Past Performance." Can the Government confirm that Offerors may submit up to three relevant contracts for each major subcontractor in addition to the up to five relevant contracts for the Prime?

Confirmed.

RFP

L.4.1.3.1 (page 135)

L.4.1.3.1 requires "An Organizational chart for all personnel required to execute the entire SOW." Can the Government confirm whether "all personnel" includes corporate support personnel who do not charge directly to the ATS3 contract, or only the personnel identified in Attachment 3?

The offeror shall include all personnel in an organizational chart that are required to execute the entire SOW. This includes both direct and indirect personnel.

L.4.1.3.1 (page 135)

Can the Government confirm whether the Systems Engineer Key Personnel is at the SENIOR level?

In accordance with L.4.3.1, Systems Engineer is at the SENIOR level.

RFP

M.8 (page 150)

On page

Section M.8. states, "No cost/price information shall be included in Volume I – Technical/Management, Volume III – Past Performance, Volume IV – Small Business Participation, or Volume V – Administrative Information of the Offeror’s proposal." However, Offerors are required to submit Cost information in Volume IV to derive SB participation commitment for each socioeconomic category. Can the Government deconflict the two requirements?

Offerors shall provide the cost/price information in Volume IV (Small Business Participation) as required. Section M.8 has been updated to remove the language “Volume IV – Small Business Participation”.

RFP L.7 (page 141)

Section L.7 does not include provisions for Offerors including any assumptions within the Volume. Can the Government confirm whether Offerors are allowed to include assumptions when deriving their SB Participation commitment?

The Offerors shall respond to Section L.7 as written, as this section is written as intended.

The Government will evaluate proposals based on the written requirements of Section L.7.

Indirect Rates tab

Indirect Rates tab indicates an 8-year Period of Performance (columns B-H).

Can the Government update the Attachment 3 to reflect the correct Period of Performance?

Attachment 03 - Cost/Price workbook, Tab Indirect Rates has been updated.

RFP L.2.7 (page 129)

Section L.2.7 states "Additionally, teaming agreements, letters of commitment, and the Staffing Plan, attached to their respective volume, will not be counted as part of the page count."

Can the Government clarify the "Staffing Plan" requirement as it is not mentioned anywhere else in the RFP?

L.2.7, L.4.1.3 and M.7.1.3 have been updated to clarify staffing plan requirements.

RFP L.4.1 (page 132)

Section L.4.1 references "ATS-3 Base MA IDIQ Statement of Work (SOW) dated 3 August 2023."

Can the Government confirm this is meant to state "dated 13 December 2023" based on the release date of the final RFP as the SOW underwent some changes since the 3 August 2023 version?

Confirmed that the date in section L.4.1 should have been dated 07 DEC 2023 as stated in Section J, Attachment 01.

Amendment 0002 issued with these questions and answers have updated the SOW. Section L.4.1 and Section J, Attachment 01 dates have been updated to reflect the revised SOW date.

RFP

L.4.1.2.(b)

(page 134)

Section L.4.1.2(b) states "Government Furnished Equipment includes an RM-30 Tow-reeling machine, tow line, and towed targets. A notional task is described below.

1. The contractor shall provide a Learjet with RM-30 Tow-reeling machine, Pilots and Tow Operator to provide Tow Target flight services for TSMO." There seems to be a conflict within the requirement as to who is providing the RM-30 Tow-reeling machine in this Sample Task scenario.

Can the Government clarify the requirement for the Tow-reeling machine in this scenario?

For Sample Task B, the RM-30 Tow-reeling machine is provided as Government Furnished Equipment as stated in the last sentence of the first paragraph in section L.4.1.2.(b).

76 Attachment

Cell F4 (CLIN 0001 cost) does not include a formula to pull data from TO 0001 tab.

Can the Government confirm whether data must be entered manually into this cell?

Attachment 03 has been updated to pull the TO 0001 value to the CLIN 0001 value under the basic IDIQ tab.

L.3.2;

L.8.10

(pages 132;148)

Section L.3.2. states "Attachment 07 shall be completed and provided in Volume I – Technical /Management." However, Section L.8.10 also references Attachment 07.

Can the Government clarify whether Attachment 07 must be included as a part of Volume I or Volume V?

IAW section L.3.2, the Cross- Reference Matrix (Attachment

07) shall be provided in Volume I.

N/A

Attachment 06 Proposal Adequacy Checklist contains references to FAR 15.408, Table 15-2, even though they have been removed from the final RFP.

Can the Government clarify the requirements for compliance with FAR 15.408 Table 15-2?

Proposal Adequacy Checklist requirements have been removed from the solicitation in sections L.5.1 and M.3.1 and Section J, Attachment 06.

L.6.1.6

(page 140)

Section L.6.1.6 states, "The POCs shall be instructed to electronically complete Part II of the questionnaire and e-mail the entire questionnaire only to the Contracting Office point of contact no later than the proposal due date." However, Attachment 11 Past Performance Questionnaire Cover Letter specifies a due date for completed questionnaires of 15 days after receipt of request for completed questionnaire.

Can the Government clarify the due date of completed PPQs for this effort?

PPQs are due with the proposal.

Amendment 0001. issued on 08 January 2024 extended proposal submission from 2:00PM EST on 17 January 2024 to 2:00PM EST on 31 January 2024. Attachment 11 has been updated reflecting this information.

RFP;

Attachment

L.4.1.2;

L.5.5 (pages 134;136)

Section L.4.1.2(b)(1) of the RFP states, “The contractor shall provide a Learjet with RM-30 Tow-reeling machine, Pilots and Tow Operator to provide Tow Target flight services for TSMO.” Section L.4.1.2(b)(2) of the RFP states, “Describe your approach to providing this support to include assumptions, estimated resources, man hours, and labor mix needed to provide the support.” In the answer to questions for the draft RFP published on 12/8/2023 the Government responded to a question regarding using the Labor Categories identified in Attachment 3 to estimate the labor mix for the Offerors’ responses to Subfactor

1.2 Sample Tasks (question #39) with the following: “The Government requests the offeror use the identified labor categories or your identified equivalents in the response to the Sample Tasks.” However, Attachment 3 does not include Pilot or Tow Operator Labor Categories.

The Government requests the Offeror use the identified labor categories or your identified equivalents in the response to the Sample Tasks. Attachment 03 LCATs were updated to include Pilots and Tow Operator.

Can the Government clarify the conflicting information provided in the RFP and the draft Q&A?

Attachment

1 - SOW;

9.2.1.1

(page 26)

Section 9.2.1.1 of the SOW requires that "The Contractor shall establish a program Cybersecurity liaison with the Government." However, Attachment 03 does not include a Cybersecurity Liaison LCAT in any of the tabs.

Can the Government clarify whether the Cybersecurity Liaison LCAT is to be added to Attachment 3?

include Cybersecurity Liaison

LCAT.

Attachment

1 - SOW;

7.6.9

(page 20)

Section 7.6.9 of the SOW requires that "the Contractor shall have an identified certified Level II OPSEC coordinator per AR 530-1."However, OPSEC coordinator is not an LCAT listed in any of the tabs in Attachment 03.

Can the Government clarify whether the OPSEC Coordinator LCAT is to be added to Attachment 3?

include OPSEC Coordinator

LCAT.

CLIN Tabs

Column E of the CLIN tabs requires the Offerors to insert Fully Burdened labor rates.

Can the Government clarify whether Fully Burdened labor rates include fee?

Confirmed. IAW M.8.2, “As previously stated only direct labor, indirect rates, and profit or fee will be analyzed as part of the build-up of the fully burdened rates, which will be included in the contract as Not-to-Exceed (NTE) rates in Offeror’s contract with the Government.”

The Basic IDIQ tab includes plug numbers for Materials, ODC, and Travel. However, because the Total Evaluated Price tab is fed directly from the Basic IDIQ tab, there doesn't appear to be a functional mechanism for Offerors to apply indirect rates to Materials, Travel, and ODCs.

Can the Government clarify how are Offerors to apply indirect rates to Material, Travel, and ODCs?

The Government has estimated costs for Materials, ODCs and Travel which is inclusive of estimated indirect costs. In accordance with L.5.5, plug numbers have been provided.

Therefore, the Offeror is not required to provide any input to these CLINs.

RFP

L.8.14

(page 149)

The Certificate of Non-Disclosure & Financial Interest is usually included with the RFP for Offerors to complete and submit with their proposals. The ATS3 RFP does not include the form.

Can the Government provide the requisite form for the Offerors to complete and submit?

Section L.8.14 has been removed from the solicitation as there will be no use of non-government advisor(s) during this source selection.

RFP

L.5.1

(page 135)

Section L.5.1 states that “It is expected that this contract will be awarded based upon a determination that there is adequate price…