W911NF-16-R-0007_Amendment_1_Questions.pdf

W911NF-16-R-0007 Amendment 1: Industry Questions and Government Responses

1. Is the contract awardee required to provide any equipment (not associated with training) as part of this contract to Foreign/Partner Countries in order for those forces to perform operations in their respective countries? Or is operational equipment currently in place or government furnished through other contracts?

Yes, contract awardee is required to provide all equipment to support all DoD HMA / DPAA missions. HDTC, DPAA, or the respective Combatant Command (CCMD) HMA program offices will make the final decision to determine if the requested equipment purchases comply with U.S. Law and DoD HMA and DPAA program policies. See updated Section A.14.

2. PWS. What is the definition of “equipment procurement support” as stated paragraph 2.1 Scope

(General Requirements)? Is there a list of equipment to be procured?

Equipment procurement support consists of the contractor making purchases from CONUS and OCONUS sources, shipping equipment to PN’s, and completing all customs and import documents.

Including establishing a tracking system and providing timely tracking details to HDTC, DPAA and the respective CCMD HMA program offices.

3. Requested clarifications:

Section L.1.7, Page 115, Volume / File Name Table:

Volume 3, Technical, File Name: Volume 2 xxxx Technical MMDDYY.doc should be Volume 3 xxxx Technical MMDDYY.doc

Revised

Volume 4, Cost, File Name: Volume 3 xxxx Cost MMDDYY.doc should be Volume 4 xxxx Cost

MMDDYY.doc

Revised

Volume 5, Past Performance, File Name: Volume 4 xxxx Past Performance MMDDYY.doc should be Volume 5 xxxx Past Performance MMDDYY.doc

Section L.2.2 Volume 2: Factor 1 Management, Page 116 states:

“Legibility, clarity and coherence are very important. Offeror’s responses will be evaluated against the technical factor with four subfactors.” (technical factor should be management factor)

Revised

Section L.2.5 Volume 4: Factor 3 – Past Performance (Page 121) should be Section L.2.5 Volume 4:

Factor – Past Performance

Section L.1.8, Page 115: “Cost/price information shall not be included in Volumes 1, 2, or 4.” should be “Cost/price information shall not be included in Volumes 1, 2, 3, or 5.”

Revised

Attachment 5 (Appendix I – Surveillance Matrix) Monthly Status and Financial Reports and Final Report PWS reference is “TM/COR review of reports as identified in PWS paragraph 4.9” Should be PWS paragraph 4.8

Revised

Attachment 1, Task Order Proposal Content TOR Cost states that the Proposal Section is Volume 4, TOR Cost (Factor 4). Per Section L, paragraph L.2.4 Volume 4 Factor 3 – Cost, this should be labelled Volume 4, TOR Cost (Factor 3).

4. Section L.1.7, Page 115, Page Count Inclusion Section L.1.7 states “In order to reduce proposal size, proposals shall be limited to the number of pages outlined above for each volume. Page limit is viewed as total pages within a file including, but not limited to, table of contents, cover page, glossary page, etc.”

Would the Government consider excluding the front matter (table of contents, cover page, glossary page, etc.) of the Management and Technical Volumes from the maximum page count?

Page count shall be pursuant to Section L.1.7

5. Section L.2.2 Volume 2: Factor 1 Management, Subfactor 3: Corporate Experience and Teaming Arrangements, Page 117

Section L.2.2. states that “Letters of Commitment must be provided by all teaming arrangements as defined by FAR subpart 9.6. Would the Government provide further instructions regarding the required content and signatures for this teaming Letter of Commitment, or a template for use by offerors?

The Government has no template for a Letter of Commitment. See FAR 9.104-3

6. PWS Paragraph 2.9, Page 10, and Section L.2.2 Volume 2: Factor 1 Management, Subfactor 4, Key Personnel, Pages 117-118

The PWS Section 2.9 and Section L.2.2 provides a description of duties and education and experience qualification requirements for the Program Manager key personnel position. The Program Manager is one of four key personnel positions identified by the Government, but similar descriptions for the other 3 key personnel descriptions are not provided in the RFP and PWS. Section M.5.3.1 VOLUME

3, SUBFACTOR 1 – PERSONNEL AND SUBCONTRACTOR KEY POSITIONS -

EVALUATION, Page 131, states “The evaluation will assess the description/qualifications/certifications and Resumes of the proposed employees to include proposed subcontractors.” Can the Government provide the description/qualifications/certification requirements for the three key personnel positions associated with the PSSM/EOD/HMA Operations, Instructional System Design/Curriculum Development, and Web Application System Development functional key areas?

PSSM/EOD/HMA Operations

– See PWS paragraph 4.3 Special Requirements.

Instructional System Design (ISD)/Curriculum Development

– See updated PWS paragraph 4.3 Special Requirements.

Web Application System Development

– See updated PWS paragraph 4.3 Special Requirements.

7. Section L.2.5.1, Subfactor 1 – Past Performance, Page 121

Section L.2.5.1 states “Except as stated in L.2.4.3, Offerors shall submit three (3) recent (past 3 years) and relevant past performance examples.” Section L.2.4.3 refers to Part 2 – Cost Narrative for Task Order Request. Can the Government please clarify the exception for past performance submission that is implied by the statement in Section L.2.5.1?

See updated Section L.2.5.1

8. Section L.2.5.1, Subfactor 1 – Past Performance, Page 121

Section L.2.5.1 does not include instructions on the required number of past performance examples to be submitted by the Offeror and its subcontractors. Can the Government clarify how many of the three (3) past performance examples are required from the Offeror, and how many of the three (3) past performance examples can be submitted by the Offeror’s subcontractors?

Past Performance Information shall only be provided by Prime Contractor and/ or an Established Joint Venture Agreements that are being proposed in response to this solicitation. L.2.5.1 has been amended see amendment 01.

9. Solicitation Section L.1.7, Page 115 and Attachment 1 (TOR), Section 4, Page 13

Section L.1.7 provides the following instructions for all proposal Volumes: “Text shall be in a minimum of twelve (12) point Times New Roman font…” and “Any table or graphic shall have a minimum of ten (10) point Times New Roman font.”

Attachment 1 provides the following contradictory instructions for Volume 3: “Type shall be no smaller than a font size of ten (10) and shall be at least single spaced.”

(a) Can the Government clarify the font size and type requirements for Volume 3 are minimum twelve (12) point Times New Roman?

The font size and type for Volume 3 shall be a minimum twelve (12) point Times New Roman.

(b) Can the Government clarify the font size and type requirements for Volume 3 tables and graphics are minimum ten (10) point Times New Roman font?

The font size and type requirements for Volume 3 tables and graphics are minimum ten (10) point Times New Roman.

See updated Attachment 1, Section 4.

10. One of the attachments included in the Solicitation is Attachment 6, “Identification of Rights in

Technical Data and Computer Software.” Attachment 6 requires assertion and signature.

Attachment 6 is not referenced in the Solicitation instructions, but a similarly titled Attachment (Attachment 4) is referenced in Attachment 01 (TOR). Attachment 4 is not referenced in the TOR instructions. Can the Government clarify the appropriate Volume for inclusion of the signed, completed Attachment 6?

Both attachments are included and require an assertion and signature. See RFP Attachment 6 and TOR Attachment 4.

11. PWS Paragraph 4.6, Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP), Page 16

PWS Paragraph 4.6 states “The Government shall monitor the Contractor’s performance under this contract in accordance with the Government’s QASP.” The Solicitation does not include the Government QASP; however, the solicitation includes Attachment 5 (Appendix I – Surveillance Matrix). Can the Government clarify if Attachment 5 (Appendix I – Surveillance Matrix) is the Government QASP in its entirety?

The Surveillance Matrix is the part of the QASP that describes how the Government will monitor the Contractor’s performance.

12. PWS Paragraph 5.0, Deliverables, Page 17; Attachment 1 (TOR), PWS Paragraph 5.3, Deliverables, Page 9; and CDRL List (DD1423)

The five (5) data deliverable CDRLs and the one (1) non-data deliverable specified in the base contract PWS Paragraph 5.0 appear to be the same as the deliverables specified in the TOR Number 001 PWS. The PWS paragraphs referenced for each deliverable do not exist in either the base contract PWS or the TOR Number 001 PWS. Neither PWS Deliverables requirements align in CDRL number or Deliverable Item title with the four (4) CDRLs specified in the CDRL List attached to the solicitation. Can the Government clarify the Deliverables and CDRL requirements for the base contract and for TOR Number 001?

See revised RFP Section C.5.0 and revised Section 5.3 of the TOR

13. Section L.1.7, Volume / File Name Table, Page 115

The maximum page count for Volume 5 – Past Performance is specified as “See Paragraphs L.2.5 for page count.” However, the only page count instructions included in Paragraphs L.2.5 are “Each example shall not exceed two (2) pages.” and “Include a narrative explaining each event above, including any corrective actions taken, not to exceed one (1) page.” Can the Government please clarify the additional page count allowable for providing an introduction and responses per instructions in Sections L.2.5.2, L.2.5.3, L2.5.4, and L2.5.5 on page 122 of the solicitation?

The subparagraph under L.2.5 contains the maximum page count for each PP example. L.2.5.2 contains the maximum page count for “Corporate entities, intra-divisional companies, joint ventures, and partnerships.” See updated Sections L.2.5.4 and L.2.5.5.

14. Section L.1.7, Page 115

Section L.1.7 states “Resumes, Written Consent of Major Subcontractors, Letter of Commitment, Manpower charts (Organizational chart), and Past Performance Questionnaires are excluded from the page count.”

(a) Instructions for the “Written Consent of Major Subcontractors” are not included in the solicitation.

Can the Government please define the requirement for this Written Consent and specify within which Volume it is to be included?

Written Consent of Major Subcontractors is not specific to any Volume. If applicable to the Offeror’s proposal, it is excluded from the page count.

(b) The term “Major Subcontractor” is not defined within the solicitation. Can the Government please provide a definition of “Major Subcontractor” in the context of the requirement for the Written Consent, once the requirements for the Written Consent is defined?

For purposes of this solicitation, the definition of Major Subcontractor is as defined in DFARS 252.209-7009

(c) There are two types of Letters of Commitment required by the solicitation: Teaming Letters of

Commitment from subcontracting or other teaming arrangement, and Letters of Commitment from Key Personnel. Can the Government please clarify both types of Letters of Commitment and consider their exclusion from the page count?

The Government has no template or required format for letters of commitment, only the instances in which they shall be provided. As stated in L.1.7, Letters of Commitment, are excluded from the page count.

15. PWS Paragraph 12.1 – OPSEC, Page 19

PWS Paragraph 12.1 states: “All contractor employees, to include subcontractor employees, requiring access Army installations, facilities and controlled access areas shall complete AT Level I awareness training within XX calendar days after contract start date or effective date of incorporation of this requirement into the contract, whichever is applicable. The contractor shall submit certificates of completion for each affected contractor employee and subcontractor employee, to the COR or to the contracting officer, if a COR is not assigned, within XX calendar days after completion of training by all employees and subcontractor personnel.”

Can the Government clarify the number of calendar days represented by “XX” for completing and submitting certificates of completion, respectively, for AT Level I training?

See updated PWS 12.1

16. Attachment 01 (TOR) references inclusion of Attachment 5

Representation by Corporations Regarding an Unpaid Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction under any Federal Law – Fiscal Year 2016. However, Attachment 5 is not included in the Solicitation. Can the Government please provide Attachment 5 and instructions regarding its submission with the TOR Proposal (Volume 3 – Technical)?

Attachment 5 and its instructions are included with this amendment.

17. PWS Section 7.0, Place of Performance states ‘work to be performed under this contract will be performed primarily at the Contractor site and various CONUS, OCONUS, and theater locations to include, but not limited to the Solomon Islands, Cambodia, and Sudan.

There is currently a Travel Warning issued for U.S. Government employees in Sudan that states:

“The U.S. Embassy has implemented enhanced security measures to protect U.S. government personnel, including requiring travel in armored vehicles at all times. U.S. government personnel are not authorized to travel outside of Khartoum without advanced permission or to certain areas of Darfur without appropriate security precautions.”

If the Government anticipates Travel to and work within countries that are considered Tier 1 countries for security purposes or are under Travel Warnings such as Sudan, is the cost of security the responsibility of the Contractor?

All security expenses are the responsibility of the Contractor. The contractor will identify these requirements when responding to the task order request (TOR).

18. Section B, Supplies or Services and Prices

(a) Is our understanding correct that CLIN 1 of the IDIQ is reserved for supplies or services awarded as cost plus fixed fee task orders?

Correct

(b) Similarly, is our understanding correct that CLIN 2 of the IDIQ is reserved for supplies or services awarded as fixed price task orders?

Correct

(c) Can the Contracting Officer provide more detail as to the cost/pricing requirements expected in the response to the IDIQ RFP, as opposed to the back up and supporting information required for the cost/pricing that will be provided in the response to Task Order 001?

All cost/pricing requirements are described in their respective areas of the solicitation and TOR.

(d) Is the Contractor responsible for submitting a labor breakdown and labor categories that in our estimation is required to complete the PWS requirements?

Yes

(e) Assuming Task Order 001 is awarded as a cost plus fixed fee task, is the contractor obligated to respond to all subsequent task orders that may be issued under this IDIQ as cost plus fixed fee type awards?

Any task order request that the Government may issue will provide the anticipated contract type.

(f) Does the government anticipate capping any labor category rates beyond the fixed fee rate?

Undetermined at this time.

19. Attachment 01, Instructions for Awardees

Paragraph 2.4 states ‘The labor categories and rates proposed shall be at or below the contract level rates within your basic SA ID/IQ contract.’ Based on the requirements in the Pricing instructions for the SA ID/IQ contract, there are no provisions for establishing labor categories and rates at the IDIQ level.

Would the Government provide instructions for proposing labor categories and rates for SA ID/IQ contract?

The Offeror shall propose labor categories and rates in accordance with the solicitation and TOR requirements.

20. L.2.4.1 Part 1 – Fee

Fee shall not be applied to travel or equipment costs. The Contractor will be allowed fixed fee on subcontract costs, excluding equipment and travel costs. A maximum nominal Fixed Fee for the Prime contractor will be allowed on Other Direct Costs for subcontracts as follows:

Subcontract Costs Maximum Nominal Fee Small Business Subcontracts 5% Other Than Small Business Subcontracts 3%

This section only addresses the maximum fee allowed on subcontracts. Is the application of G&A loading allowed on the subcontractor costs?

The Government has limitations on fee, and it is fully described in Section L.2.4.1.

21. Attachment 01, TOR 01

Attachment 1, page 1 states Task Order (TO) Type as Cost-Plus Fixed Fee. The following paragraph states that the Offeror may propose a Firm Fixed Price for this TO. There are 6 specific tasks listed under Task Order 001.

Would the government contemplate awarding some of these task as cost plus fixed fee and some as fixed price? Or is the type of award determined at the TO level only?

The Offeror shall propose contract type in accordance with RFP and TOR instructions.

22. Para 3.1 specifies that Subject Matter Experts will be involved in curriculum development to include self-study and self-paced and virtual instructor led instruction.

Does the Government anticipate that the contractor will host online content on its own learning management system or on a Government Learning Management System?

The contractor will host online content on its own learning management system IAW PWS Paragraph

3.3 Web-Based Portal Support. The content will NOT reside on a Government Learning Management System at any time.

Is it possible that the online instruction could be stand-alone (as on a CD) for delivery to participants or partners in other locations?

No. The curricula and training materials shall be web-based.

23. Is it expected that the contractor will host the portal on its own system once it is developed or will it exist on Government systems with the contractor maintaining it there?

The contractor will host online content on its own learning management system IAW PWS Paragraph

3.3 Web-Based Portal Support. It will NOT exist on a government system at any time.

24. Does the Government anticipate that the Program Manager and any administrative support personnel that the contractor requires, will be working on Fort Lee in Government provided spaces, or will they be off-site?

See solicitation Section C.7.0. At no time will contractor personnel work on Fort Lee in US Government provided spaces.

25. What level of daily interactivity does the Government expect with the Program Manager (e.g. daily, weekly meetings, virtual, on call etc?)

It is anticipated that the contractor will conduct 10-12 trips each year to HDTC or DPAA HQ along with scheduled weekly telephone conference calls and impromptu communications as required.

26. Specific Tasks 3.1 “The contractor shall provide subject matter expertise in support of designing and developing specialized system configurations of COTS based underwater ERW detection system.”

Does the Contractor actually have to provide this equipment or simply provide SMEs for input on the appropriate COTS based system?

The contractor shall provide all equipment.

27. Specific Tasks 3.1 “Based on operational forecasts for the first year of the Base Period it is imperative that the contractor have an established and proven in-country presence in the following countries: Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Viet Nam, Solomon Islands, Thailand, Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia, Montenegro, Columbia, Angola, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Ivory Coast, Eritrea, Sudan.”

Does the Contractor have to have an established presence in these countries prior to award?

See revised RFP Section C.3.1

28. Is the contractor required to demonstrate that they have DCAA compliant accounting system to meet CPFF requirements at the time of submission?

Yes

29. Section L, L.2.4.3.2 “The labor categories and rates proposed shall reflect the use of current, updated fringe benefit rates approved by DCMA/DCAA.”

Where are these rates provided?

See revised Section L.2.4.3.2