EPCARTS_RFP_Q&A_Set_1.pdf

Q&A# Question Answer Q&A#1 In the RFP, on Page 99 of 122, paragraph (ii) under “General Instructions” says each formal JV participant of a newly formed JV must submit three performance history examples. In a JV formed under a mentor-protégé agreement (MPA), where the intent is for the small business’ lack of experience to be enhanced by the larger business, the requirement to submit an equal number of past performance examples contradicts the intent of the MPA. We request a revision of the requirement to allow offerors in MPAs to submit a majority of examples from the larger business.

The RFP language is being revised to state that "The prime offeror) or each formal JV participant if the JV is newly formed) may submit up to (3) performance history examples for which it has recent and relevant performance as a prime contractor or subcontractor" and "Each major subcontractor may submit up to one (1) performance history example".

Q&A#2 In the RFP, on Page 117 of 122, paragraph (v) under “Subfactor B – Corporate Experience” says, “The Government will evaluate the corporate experience (not individual employee experience) of the subsidiary that is proposed to perform the work and will not consider experience of subordinate or affiliated offices that are not part of the execution team.” As the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has ruled in favor of allowing the evaluation of experience to consider past performance information regarding affiliated companies (see GAO decision dated Feb. 6, 2014, file No. B-409196 regarding Iyabak Construction LLC), and FAR 15.305(a)(2)(iii) allows the evaluation to consider key personnel who have relevant experience, we request a revision to the RFP requirement.

The Government understands this question is asking the following: (1) Will the Government evaluate corporate experience of affiliated companies who ARE part of the execution team?

Answer: YES. However, paragraph M.2.a.(1)B(v) is consistent with the GAO's finding in Matter of: Iyabak Construction, LLC (B-409196) in that the Government will not consider the corporate experience of affiliates that are not committed to participate meaningfully in contract performance (i.e. are not part of the execution team). GAO is clear that agencies cannot credit a proposal with the corporate experience of a non-participating affiliate. See Matter of: Alutiiq Pacific, LLC, June 18, 2014 (B-409584). (2) Will the Government consider past performance information regarding affiliated companies? Answer: YES. Past performance of major subcontractors who are part of the proposed team will be considered in accordance with paragraph M.2.a.(2). (3) Will the Government evaluate the relevant experience of key personnel? Answer: YES. Individuals identified by offerors as "key personnel" will be evaluated as specified in section M.2.a.(1)A(v), under Subfactor A:

Technical. With this understanding, the Government does not intend to revise the RFP at this time.

Q&A#3 Will the past performance of the prime contractor be weighted more favorably than that of the major subcontractors?

The past performance of the prime contractor or the major subcontractors will not be weighted. When reviewing the recent past performance examples, the relevany of the examples will be rated and then strengths, weaknesses and deficiences of the quality of service will be noted. One overall performance confidence assessment rating is then given for the offeror based on the collected information. Past performance of greater relevancy will typically be a stronger predictor of future success and have more influence on the past performance confidence assessment than past performance of lesser relevance. Also, the Government will place greater emphasis on those performance histories gained as a prime contractor.

Q&A#4 RFP Section L.1 Submissions of Proposal (b) Proposals submitted via email shall be sent to a P.O Box. Question: Is there a delivery option for Fed Ex or UPS?

UPS and Fed Ex will not deliver to a P.O. Box.

U.S. Army SMDC/ARSTRAT/CAMO ATTN: Jessica N. Ely Von Braun Complex 1, Building 5221, Martin Road Redstone Arsenal, AL 35898

Q&A#5 RFP SectionL.2.(3).A.(iv) requires a PPQ for each Past Experience project identified in Volume III Past Performance to be sent to the appropriate points of contact. Question: Would the Government please allow for previously completed PPQs to be submitted? Also, in order to relieve the burden on our clients/customers of filling out PPQs, would the Government please allow for CPARS to be submitted in lieu of PPQs?

The offeror may NOT sumbit previous completed PPQs as other PPQs may ask different questions and the PPQs must come straight from the Government POC and not the offeror.

CPARS cannot be submitted in lieu of PPQs but the Government will be pulling available CPARS reports as part of the past performance evaluation.

Q&A #6 RFP section L.2(b) Format Requirements. Pages containing cost/pricing data and matrices may be submitted in landscape format on tabloid (11x17) foldouts.

Question: Can we use 11x17s for graphical presentations within the proposal?

The graphical presentations may be submitted in landscape format but on standard letter size paper (8.5” X 11”). The soliciatation is being amended to add this clarification.

Q&A SET #1 for Solicitation W9113M-17-R-0001 EPCARTS - Questions received from 7 Dec 2016 - 20 Dec 2016 (If you do not see your question contact Jessica Ely at jessica.n.ely3.civ@mail.mil and Robin Easter at robin.w.easter.civ@mail.mil)

The RFP remains the single source for requirements on offer preparation. Offerors will continue to rely on the RFP, not these questions/ answers, to ensure compliance with all requirements.