W911NF-20-R-0002_Amendment 0003_Final.pdf

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76 - 92 X H 93 - 99 leroy.r.hardy.civ@mail.mil

RATING PAGE OF PAGES

7. ISSUED BY

(Date)

IMPORTANT - Award will be made on this Form, or on Standard Form 26, or by other authorized official written notice.

Previous Edition is Unusable 33-134 STANDARD FORM 33 (REV. 9-97)

Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.214(c)

1 99

(If other than Item 7)

15A. NAME 16. NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO

AND

ADDRESS

SIGN OFFER (Type or print)

OF

OFFEROR

AMENDMENT NO. DATE

15B. TELEPHONE NO (Include area code) 17. SIGNATURE15C. CHECK IF REMITTANCE ADDRESS

IS DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE - ENTER

SUCH ADDRESS IN SCHEDULE.

18. OFFER DATE

1. THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED ORDER

UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700)

2. CONTRACT NO.

W911NF 8. ADDRESS OFFER TO

See Item 7

9. Sealed offers in original and 0 copies for furnishing the supplies or services in the Schedule will be received at the place specified in Item 8, or if handcarried, in the depository located in

CAUTION - LATE Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals: See Section L, Provision No. 52.214-7 or 52.215-1. All offers are subject to all terms and email address in Section L conditions contained in this solicitation.

10. FOR INFORMATION

CALL:

A. NAME (NO COLLECT CALLS)

LEROY R. HARDY (919) 541-4722

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

SOLICITATION/ CONTRACT FORM

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/ COSTS

1 - 29 30 - 32

X I CONTRACT CLAUSES

DESCRIPTION/ SPECS./ WORK STATEMENT X

PACKAGING AND MARKING

33 - 43

J LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

X K

REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND

OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA 47 - 49 X

SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror) 50 - 52 X M

L INSTRS., CONDS., AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

NOTE: Item 12 does not apply if the solicitation includes the provisions at 52.214-16, Minimum Bid Acceptance Period.

is inserted by the offeror) from the date for receipt of offers specified above, to furnish any or all items upon which prices are offered at the price set opposite each item, delivered at the designated point(s), within the time specified in the schedule.

13. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

(See Section I, Clause No. 52.232-8)

14. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments

AMENDMENT NO. DATE

to the SOLICITATION for offerors and related documents numbered and dated):

FACILITY

12. In compliance with the above, the undersigned agrees, if this offer is accepted within calendar days (60 calendar days unless a different period

SOLICITATION, OFFER AND AWARD

X

(X) SEC. DESCRIPTION (X) SEC. DESCRIPTION PAGE(S)

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

26. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print) 27. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 28. AWARD DATE

EMAIL:TEL: (Signature of Contracting Officer)

CODE CODE

B. TELEPHONE (Include area code) C. E-MAIL ADDRESS

AWARD (To be completed by Government)

19. ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS NUMBERED 20. AMOUNT 21. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION

22. AUTHORITY FOR USING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION:

10 U.S.C. 2304(c)( ) 41 U.S.C. 253(c)( ) (4 copies unless otherwise specified)

23. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN ITEM

24. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 7) CODE 25. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE

PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

53 - 65

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

US ARMY ACC-APG-RTP W911NF

800 PARK OFFICE DRIVE

SUITE 4229

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK NC 27709

FAX:

TEL:

FAX:

TEL:

NOTE: In sealed bid solicitations "offer" and "offeror" mean "bid" and "bidder".

SOLICITATION

6. REQUISITION/PURCHASE NO.5. DATE ISSUED

26 Feb 2020

4. TYPE OF SOLICITATION

SEALED BID (IFB)

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

[ X ]

3. SOLICITATION NO.

W911NF20R0002

Section A - Solicitation/Contract Form

1. This Request for Proposals (RFP) W911NF-20-R-0002 is set aside for Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) Concerns determined in accordance with 13 CFR Parts 126. Industry questions or comments shall be submitted to Leroy Hardy, Contracting Officer and/or Ramila Century Contracting Specialist at the following:

usarmy.rtp.ccdc-arl.mbx.hubzone-outreach-program@mail.mil. All questions and comments concerning this RFP must be submitted in writing. Verbal questions/comments will not be entertained. A cutoff date for receipt of industry written questions and comments on this RFP is 04: 00 PM Eastern Time on 01 June 2020. The Government will not extend the proposal due date for this acquisition.

This requirement is in support of Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC), Army Research Laboratory. The STEM Outreach Program support is a requirement that shall create and strengthen networks that connect the CCDC - with academia, industry, and government agencies to facilitate the exchange of scientific ideas, the production of knowledge, and the development of a STEM workforce by carrying out the STEM education and outreach programs. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 541611 - Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services. The primary Product and Service Code (PSC) is R408.

2. The total maximum ceiling for contract awardee shall not exceed $25,000,000.

3. The ordering period for the Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity Multiple Award (IDIQ MA) contract(s) will be five (5) years.

4. One Task Order Contract Award will be made concurrently at base award.

5. The Government will only accept one (1) proposal from each Corporation. For example, if ABC Corporation has multiple divisions, the corporation must decide which division will submit a proposal. Failure to adhere to this term may result in all proposals from the Corporation being rejected.

6. The Offeror must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) (www.sam.gov) in order to receive a contract award

7. This Solicitation shall not be discussed with any Government employee except the Contracting Officer, Mr.

Leroy Hardy, and the associated Contract Specialist, Ms. Ramila Century. Failure to adhere to this restriction may be grounds to declare your firm ineligible for consideration of any award resulting from this competitive solicitation.

8. The Government will not accept any assumptions, alternate terms, alternate conditions, caveats, or exceptions with proposals. If an offeror includes any assumptions, alternate terms, alternate conditions, caveats, or exceptions with proposals, the proposal will not be considered for award.

1. Section L.1.2 states all questions shall be submitted via email no later than 04:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST) on 03 April 2020.

Government’s response: Due to delays in providing the required attachments/documents the date for questions posted in the solicitation has been extended to 01 June 2020, 04:00 PM Eastern Standard Time. All other dates related to question submission is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the aforementioned date and time.

In conjunction the proposal due date denoted on the standard form 33, block 9 and in Section L.1.1 is extended to 15 June 2020, 04:00 PM Eastern Standard Time. All other dates related to proposal submission is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the aforementioned date and time.

2. On page 43 Section 52.204-8 ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS states in paragraph (a)(1) that The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 541715 and The small business size standard is 1,000. Which NAICS is correct?

Government’s response: Based on the Government’s programmatic requirements for this solicitation the appropriate North Atlantic Industry Classification System is 541611, Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services. All other NAICS posted in the above referenced solicitation is deleted in its entirety and replaced with 541611, Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services.

3. Is it the Governments intent that this effort will incorporate and take over the 17 initiatives mentioned in this paragraph “Section C” or is this just information for situational awareness?

Government’s Response: It is the intent of the CCDC-ARL Program Office to incorporate all programs initiative identified in the solicitation PWS into its portfolio, with the exception of the K-12 initiative.

Note: the government has decided to remove 1.3.11, K-12 Programs from this solicitation.

4. AT/OPSEC .What does "Question 2" and "Question 2a" refer to?

Government’s response: These security requirements pertain to working on government installation/ facility, which may or may not be applicable depending on the task order requirement.

5. The RFP requires contractor to have a Secret Facilities Clearance but it never states what the clearance level will be for any of the personnel. Please advise on what level of clearance our personnel will be required to hold?

Government’s response: The appropriate Secret Facilities Clearance requirement will be communicated at the task order level, if applicable.

6. Performance Work Statement, Section 1.7 Security Requirements, states, “The contractor shall be required to have a SECRET facility clearance.” Can you please confirm if that requirement is at time of bid or at time of performance? If it is at time of performance, then there is the potential to obtain the secret facility clearance at a later time, post award but prior to performance. Also, according to Section 1.12, Government Furnished Property and Services, it states that the “Government customer will sponsor the appropriate security clearances, Badging, Common Access Cards (CAC), Theater

Business Clearance (TBC), Letter of Authorization (LOA), and access to government/military facilities for contractor to perform appropriate tasks”. Is the government willing or planning to sponsor SECRET facility clearances to successful offerors on this opportunity?

Government’s response: The government is requiring that the contractor meet all security requirements no later than proposal submittal. If this isn’t obtainable then the contractor shall provide documentation showing that all required paperwork has been submitted to the appropriate authorities for approval and that the application is in the process of being adjudicated/ approved. Notwithstanding, all security requirements must be provided before task order award.

7. Is there any requirements for the contractor's facility to be in the same geographic region as ARL? If so, what is the requirement? Is there any requirements for the PM to meet on-site with ARL PM on a weekly or Adhoc basis?

Government’s response: No, there is no requirement for the contractor to be located in the geographic region as CCDC-ARL, Aberdeen, MD. Furthermore, there’s no requirement for the contractor’s Program Manager to meet on-site or be co-located with the COR.

8. This wording makes it sound like there will be more than one company submitting at the Task Order (TO) level. Please advise if there will be more than one awardee for this effort who will be competing at the TO level.

Government’s response: The government intends to make multiple awards under this IDIQ MAC vehicle. Each potential contractor is eligible to submit a task order proposal once the task order request is released to the pool of eligible contractors.

9. Is the Governments intent that we will submit our solicitation response for the TOR in this format?

All the attachments need to be included:

Attachment 1 Past Performance Questionnaire and Survey Attachment 2 Questions Template Attachment 3 TOR 1 Exhibit A DD Form 1423 Contract Data Requirements List (CDRLs)

Government response: No. See Task Order Request and instructions. The attachments referenced in the TOR will be uploaded separately in Beta.Sam.gov.

Exhibit A, DD Form 1423, Contract Data Requirements List (CDRLs) is removed at the solicitation. CDRLs for the TOR 0001 can be found at the above referenced government portal.

10. Section L.2.3 Volume 3: Factor 3 - Past Performance states Offerors shall complete and submit Attachment 03, entitled Past Performance Questionnaire and Survey. Which Attachment name is correct since Section J states Attachment 3 is TOR 1?

Government’s response: The past performance questionnaire is Attachment 1. All other attachment references in the solicitation related to the PPQ are deleted.

11. Section L.1.2 states All questions shall be submitted via email using Attachment 03 Questions Template. Which Attachment name is correct since Section J states Attachment 3 is TOR 1?

Government response: The correct attachment to submit questions related to the solicitation is Attachment 2, Question Template

12. Section L.2.2 Volume 2: Factor 2 – Technical states See Attachment 05 for TOR instructions. Which Attachment name is correct since Section J does not include an Attachment 5 TOR however it does states Attachment 3 is TOR 1? Attachment 3 is missing, which provided all Technical Volume (Factor 2) instructions and requirements.

It should be Attachment 3 TOR 1.

Government response: The correct attachment for the Task Order Request and instructions is Attachment 3.

13. The Government is requiring us to complete and submit the Proposal Adequacy Checklist, but they never tell us which volume to include it in. Please advise.

Government response: In accordance with the requirements denoted on DCAA website, contractors considering submitting a proposal in support of this requirement shall complete the “Pre-award Survey checklist, https://www.dcaa.mil/Content/Documents/Preaward_Survey_of_Prospective_Contractor _Accounting_System_Checklist.pdf. to document how their accounting system is designed to meet the SF 1408 criteria. The completed checklist and SF-1408 shall be submitted to the local DCAA Branch Office before proposal submission. In addition, the contractor shall be in compliance with DFARS 252.215-7009 – Proposal Adequacy Checklist.

14. The Government we need to submit these items, but they never tell us which volume to include Written Consent of Major Subcontractors, Manpower charts (Organizational chart), and Past Performance Questionnaires in. Please advise.

Government’s response: The format and/or volume used to provide the requested information is at the discretion of the potential offeror, we are more concerned with the substance of the material, regardless of the format/volume. Provided in attachment 1 is an example of a past performance questionnaire that can be used to assist potential offerors with complete this task.

15. In L.2.1 there is no Section 2 of the PWS; please advise on correct reference. It should be Section C paragraph 1.3

Government’s response: The reference to section C, paragraph 1.3 in Section L.2.1 is deleted in its entirety and replaced with paragraph 1.3 of Section C, Description and Specifications.

16. It is unrealistic to believe a past performance citation can adequately cover all of the mandated information in 2 pages; especially when you want a narrative addressing events l, m, and n above, including any corrective actions taken not to exceed 1 page. Please allow up to 4 pages per citation reference.

Government’s response: Section L.2.3.1 is modified to allow potential offerors three (3) pages, in lieu of 2 pages, to demonstrate their relevant past performance experience.

17. L.2.4.1.1. Other Direct Costs for subcontracts as follows: For Part 1, Offerors shall complete and submit Attachment 1. There was no Attachment 1 included in the RFP as stated.

Government’s response: Subparagraph L.2.4.1.1 is deleted in its entirety.

18. If this is a Cost Narrative, would it not be a word document instead of an excel spreadsheet? Are you referencing Attachment 1 as needing to be in excel format or our cost narrative?

Government’s response: The contractor is permitted to use MS Word, MS Excel or another software application to provide substantial justification/ narrative explaining the methodology for the proposed costs.

19. There was no Attachment included in the RFP for submitting a TOR cost narrative. Do you have a specific you want us to use for submission or are we to develop our own cost narrative format for submission?

Government’s response: See TOR instructions in Attachment 3.

20. Are we expected to price out and include within our bid only the travel and ODC cost associated with the management of the program or are you asking for us to also price the travel, stipend, ODC costs, etc. associated with the approximate 100 annual interns and students travelling to/from annual workshop?

Government’s response: The contractor shall submit all costs required to successfully complete the tasks denoted in the solicitation and the TOR.

21. The Government stated during industry day that we need to plan for growth in the out years and Task 1 lends towards meeting that desire. Are we to also include these expanded costs in our submission? If so, please provide when growth will occur and by what size?

Government’s response: The contractor shall submit all costs required to successfully complete the tasks denoted in the solicitation and the TOR.

22. The Government only identified 1 key person requiring a resume, however this section states we have to submit a resume and letter of commitment for every position we propose in our management plan. This places on unrealistic burden on any responder except for the incumbent who already has people filling these slots. This requirement gives an unfair advantage to the incumbent. Request you reconsider this requirement and limit the number of resumes to only identified key personnel.

Government’s response: Page 64 of 76 specifically states that “Offeror” shall provide a resume, not to exceed three (3) pages for each employee or prospective employee designated to fill a key position. Key position is defined as a “key personnel” in relation to this requirement, Program Manager.

23. Do you have any projected dates for the release of the final RFP?

Government’s response: The final solicitation with attachments will be released with the publishing of this amendment.

24. We do not have a DCAA Certified CPFF accounting system however our accounting system is designed for CPFF contracts. We recently provided GSA a Modified Pre- Award Survey (SF 1408) of Prospective Contractor Accounting System – is this sufficient in meeting the requirement for DCAA compliancy?

25. Government’s response: The Government believes in promoting competition to the fullest extent practical. Potential contractors shall take the necessary measures to become complaint with the DCAA Pre-Award accounting system requirements. The preliminary steps is to complete the “Pre-Award Survey checklist, as stated in your question and continue to work with the local DCAA Branch Office to become 100% compliance within a reasonable time period.

26. Do you foresee that this proposal will be delayed based on the facts of life right now?

Government’s response: All required documents have been modified and finalized, the proposal due date has been extended through 27 May 2020.

27. Section M.4.6.1 Part 1 – Fee is modified as follows:

The Government will evaluate each Offeror’s cost proposal as described in Section L of the solicitation to ensure the proposed contains a summarization of direct labor, direct labor rates, indirect labor rates, G&A, if applicable, total costs, and fee for 2080 hours for each individual proposed in support of this requirement.

Question 1: Can the Government provide additional detail regarding ODCs and anticipated total costs per year for materials and travel?

Government’s Response: No. Projected ODCs are based on the Government’s program requirements and will be defined at the Task Order Request. An Independent Government Cost Estimate will be developed for each project requirement.

Question 2: Do ODCs requirements include payment in support of stipends, training materials (E.g., materials to support STEM training such as PPE, test kits, robotic kits, laptops, printing of training materials, travel for trainers / facilitators)?

Government’s Response: Yes. Stipend and other related costs are considered direct costs and should be submitted as part of your cost proposal.

Question 3: Does the contractor’s effort require providing STEM trainers / facilitators? If yes, skilled in what STEM level / specialties?

Government’s Response: Yes. Professional development facilitator(s) shall be recommended by the contractor.

Question 3a: If yes to Question 3 above (Does the contractor’s effort require providing STEM instructors / facilitators?), approximately how many remote training / STEM events per year must conducted by contractor provided trainer(s) / facilitator(s) support?

Government’s Response: The government is requesting only one training. One day training be held at the Army Research Laboratory, Adelphi, MD and one day training be held at the Aberdeen Proven Ground, MD.

Question 4: Will the Government provide an expected billet structure for pricing purposes?

Government’s Response: No. The contractor shall use their approved or acceptable accounting system to create or develop the cost for the housing and billet structure.

Question 5: Is it correct to assume the $25M ceiling limit is not intended to cover the cost of supplying consumable resources such as PPE, facility rental, STEM / Science Kits / Course Materials?

Government’s Response: No. The Government anticipate awarding Multiple Award, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity contracts (MAC IDIQ) with a five year order period and a $25 million dollar ceiling amount. The estimated ceiling amount of $25M will include all costs associated with fully executing the CCDC-ARL Program Office requirements over the five year period, to include costs such as supply costs, facility rental and course materials.

Question 6: Will the contractor be required to develop course materials and deliver / facilitate classroom and / or lab training in support of STEM events?

Government’s Response: Yes. Contractors shall develop all the course materials and deliver to the classroom and/or lab training in support of the program.

Question 6a: If yes to question 6 above (Will the contractor be required to develop course materials and deliver / facilitate classroom and / or lab training in support of STEM events?), approximately how many courses must be developed per year? Course durations? Course Levels? Will the Government provide detailed information for pricing purposes?

Government’s Response:

See Government’s response in 3A.

Question 7: Does the Government intend for the Contractor to propose labor categories, associated level of effort, and resulting cost(s) per each SECTION B Item Number?

Government’s Response: No. The government is only defining one key personnel, Program Manager. We are leaving up to the contractor’s management team to propose best labor mix/ categories to successfully complete the requirements defined in the solicitation and task order request (TOR) 0001.

Question 8: Attachment A03 DD 1423 lists CDRLs A001-A004; however, Task 9 details additional CDRL requirements – Will the Government be updating form DD1423 to reflect all CDRL requirements?

Government’s Response: The deliverables defined on Task 9 of the solicitation are for the overarching requirement. The CDRLs, deliverables, defined in attachment 03 is for the TOR 0001.

Question 9: Please confirm is this a single or multiple award effort? TOR 0001 Outreach Support Initiative Final states in Para 1.2 states “pending Multiple Award…” however, Para 6 states “A single task order award will be awarded…”

Government’s Response: The government is contemplating awarding a MAC IDIQ contract.

Any reference to single award in TOR or in solicitation is hereby deleted in its entirety.

Question 10: TOR 0001 Outreach Support Initiative Final states in para 1.6 Period of Performance: “Twelve (12) month performance period”. Will the Government confirm that this effort has an additional four (4) options years associated with the period of performance?

Government’s Response: This multiple award IDIQ will have 5 year ordering period. Any reference to 4 option year in is hereby deleted in its entirety.

Question 11: TOR 0001 Outreach Support Initiative Final shows reduced page limitations of 10 pages for both Volume I, Management and Volume II Technical. Will the Government confirm these are the intended page limitations?

Government’s Response: Yes. Ten (10) pages limitation for both Volume I Management and Volume II Technical are for the TOR 0001.

Question 12: TOR 0001 Outreach Support Initiative Final Para 4.3 Factor 3 – Cost / Price states “...shall submit its Cost proposal in Microsoft Excel format, utilizing any of the following versions: Microsoft Office 2000, 2007, or Office XP.” These are out of date versions of Excel no longer supported by Microsoft. Current Excel being used is Office 365 and won’t save to any of the specified versions. Will the Government accept current Excel file format?

Government’s Response: Yes. The government will accept the latest version of the excel spreadsheet format.

Question 13: TOR Outreach PWS Attachment 1, Section 12, Task 12, identifies seven (7) professional development seminars to be developed and facilitated by the contractor. There remains a number of details needed to accurately price each of these efforts. Will the Government provide feedback to the following questions;

Are Task list / objective lists available for each module to be developed? NO Expected length of each module in hours or days? 1hr per module How many of each event (module delivery) are anticipated each year? 1 Professional training under this TOR 0001 Will the contractor have to deliver this training in locations other than the Contractors site? Yes, in government facility (APG and ALC) If yes is the answer to the preceding question, will contractor have to arrange for and cover the cost of training facilities in these locations? Cost will not be incurred by the contractor and it is in government facility

Will the Contractor be facilitating delivery via online? It is anticipated to be in the government facility. However, due to current situation it may change to online

Will the module be self-taught / self-directed learning by the student? Facilitator directed

Question 14: With release of the TOR, it composes three separate volumes: Management;

Technical; and Cost. In the original solicitation, Section L.2.2 shows Volume 2 Technical is where the TOR response is to be made. Is it the government’s intent to have offers place the three volumes from the TOR into Volume 2 Technical? Or is Volume 2, Technical no longer required?

Government’s Response: TOR 0001 is an actual project/ requirement, which shall be evaluated and awarded to a potential contractor simultaneously with the award of the base IDIQ contract.

Therefore, the contractor shall follow the instructions denoted in the TOR and submit a comprehensive and thorough proposal to support the project.

Question 15: Section L.2.2 Volume 2: Factor 2-Technical states “only the technical response to the TOR shall be included in this volume. The cost portion of the TOR shall be submitted as part of Factor 4, Volume 4- Cost”, and in the TOR, there is a separate cost volume. It is the government’s intent to put “all cost” in Volume 4? Or are there two separate cost volumes?

Should the bidder construe this to mean that the Technical volume will consist of 35 pages total;

25 for the IDIQ technical response and 10 pages for the TOR Technical response? Or does the

Technical volume remain at 25 pages, 10 pages of which addresses the TOR technical response?

Government’s Response: Yes. The contractor shall submit a cost volume for solicitation W911NF-20-R-0002 and TOR 0001.

Question 16: In the first round of questions, question 20 states, “Are we expected to price out and include within our bid only the travel and ODC cost associated with the management of the program or are you asking for us to also price the travel, stipend, ODC costs, etc. associated with the approximate 100 annual interns and students travelling to/from annual workshop?”

Government’s Response: The contractor shall submit all costs required to successfully complete the tasks denoted in the solicitation and the TOR.

Question 17: There 17 CCDC-ARL Outreach Program Initiatives listed in the PWS 1.3.and 10 Task. The government’s response seems to imply that the offer shall submit cost for all 10 task as they relate to “all” program initiatives. If so, in order to price all 17 initiatives, will the government provide allowable program(s) stipend levels, travel, and housing for all programs under the solicitation? Or, is the TOR and the relatable 10 task the only price the government is seeking for the base award?

Government’s Response: At the solicitation level the contractor shall develop a cost structure to support all tasks define for each program initiatives. This information will assist the government in determining the level of comprehension of the diverse programs. Specific allowable and allocable costs related to program initiative will be defined at the TOR level and specified in the performance work statement.

Question 18: The Q&As released with Amendment 0001 reflect significant changes to Section L and M of the IDIQ RFP. Will the government release a conformed version of the RFP to ensure compliance with the updated requirements?

Government’s response: All required documents to support the government’s requirement has been uploaded on the Beta.Sams.gov portal. No further action is necessary or required.

Question 19: Amendment 0001 released “TOR 0001_Outreach Support Initiative_ Final”, which provides instructions to provide a stand-alone 3 volume proposal to respond to the TOR 0001 requirements. Is it the Government’s intention for offerors to provide responses to the first task order in both the IDIQ Technical Volume and the TOR 0001 RFP response? We believe the current IDIQ instructions are in error, as the requirements for the IDIQ technical volume should reflect the technical requirements of the IDIQ PWS, not the TOR PWS.

Government’s response: The government intends for the offeror to submit a technical proposal addressing the tasks in the solicitation performance work statement (PWS) for the MAC IDIQ solicitation and a technical proposal for task order request (TOR) 0001.

Question 20: Amendment 0001, Q&A #12 and L.2.2 page 65, “See Attachment 05 for TOR instructions.” The response to this question references Attachment 3. This reference should be

“TOR 0001_Outreach Support Initiative_Final.pdf”. Please correct this within a conformed RFP to ensure instructions are understood and compliant responses may be prepared.

Government’s response: The MAC IDIQ solicitation and task order request are two separate and independent documents. Task order request (TOR) 0001 is listed as Attachment 03 in Section J of the solicitation.

Question 21: L.2.4.1 Part 1 – Fee page 66. Because the Fee attachment has been removed from the RFP, is this RFP section still valid? Please issue a conformed RFP to ensure instructions are understood and compliant responses may be prepared.

Government’s response: Yes, this section of the solicitation is valid. The offeror shall provide a clear and understandable fee structure with backup support/ justification. The format used is at the contractor’s discretion of the contractor.

Question 22: L-2.3.1 on page 66, “Offerors shall include a narrative explaining each event above, including any corrective actions taken, not to exceed one (1) page per event. If none of the above were received within the past three (3) years, the offeror shall state so in the proposal.”

Please define “each event above.” The “Event” referenced is not easily discerned. Is the 1-page part of the 3-page limitation?

Government’s response: This section of the solicitation relates to past performance requirements. The government is asking potential offerors to submit three (3) recent (past 3 years) and relevant past performance examples. Past Performance (PP) Information may include;

PP as Prime Contractor, PP as Subcontractor, and/or PP as an Established Joint Venture Agreements that are being proposed in response to this solicitation. Relevant efforts are defined as services/efforts that are the same as or similar to the effort defined in the Performance Work Statement.

Note: A narrative shall be provided explaining “each event” or past performance example listed.

Question 23: L.1.7 Volume Table page 62. In the row about Past Performance, the entry “See paragraph L2.4” refers to the cost volume, not the Past Performance volume as indicated. Please clarify the page count requirements for the past performance volume.

Government’s response: The correct Subparagraph which provides the number of pages per past performance example is L.2.3.1. The offeror shall not exceed two pages per event or past performance example.

Question 24: L-252.215-7009 Proposa1 Adequacy Checklist (Jan 2014) page 53, which states in part, “The offeror shall complete the following checklist, providing location of requested information, or an explanation of why the requested information is not provided. In preparation of the offeror's checklist, offerors may elect to have their prospective subcontractors use the same or similar checklist as appropriate.” Per Amendment 0001, Q&A 13, please confirm the Proposal Adequacy Checklist must NOT be submitted with the proposal and submitted directly to DCAA instead.

Government’s response: The Proposal Adequacy checklist shall be submitted to DCAA, per the instructions on the DCAA website and a certified copy shall accompany the offeror MAC IDIQ proposal submittal.

Question 25: Will the “K” be dropped as the K-12 requirement has been eliminated from the

IDIQ PWS?

Government’s response: Yes. The K-12 initiative has been removed from the solicitation.

Any reference to that initiative in the body of the solicitation is deleted in its entirety.

Question 26: TOR 0001 4.2 Factor 2-Technical-Volume II page 10, which states in part, “The Offeror must include Letters of Commitment of personnel being proposed.” Please clarify this requirement for Letters of Commitment from all personnel being proposed. This is an unreasonable request for all non-key labor categories.

Government’s response: The offeror shall provide Letters of Commitment for individuals not currently employed that will play a significant role in executing the requirements denoted in the

TOR PWS.

Question 27: TOR 0001 H.3C Contractor’s Organization and Key Personnel page 17, which states “c. Key Personnel List (TO BE UPDATED AT TASK ORDER AWARD)”. Is the offeror to define the key personnel and experience level? Or will key personnel / experience level be defined by the Government?

Government’s response: There is one key personnel defined for TOR 0001, Program Manager

Question 28: TOR 0001 Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP): page 9, which states “** The QASP should not exceed 3 pages and will not be evaluated as part of the award decision.” Is the QASP included within the 10-page limitation of the management volume, or may the QASP be included with the volume as an additional 3 pages for a total of 13 pages for this volume?

Government’s response: No. The three page QASP is excluded from the management page limitation.

Question 29: The evaluation criteria is inadequate for a best value award per FAR 15.101-1, Tradeoff Process, which requires all evaluation factors and significant subfactors that will affect contract award and their relative importance to be clearly stated in the solicitation, Further the solicitation shall state whether all evaluation factors other than cost or price, when combined, are significantly more important than, approximately equal to, or significantly less important than cost or price. Therefore, additional evaluation information regarding significant subfactors and the importance of each factor or required for source selection is needed.

Government’s response: The evaluation criteria for TOR 0001 are established as follows:

(1) Management;

(2) Technical;

(3) Cost/Price.”

Note: This is a second set of questions asked by industry. The numbering sequence has been reset to 1.

Question 1: The amendment states that the IDIQ Management volume (Solicitation W911NF-20-R-0002) is 30 Pages and that the Management portion of the TOR is 10 pages. Will the TOR Management section be included in the Management Volume for a total of 40 pages? If not, will there be a separate TOR Management volume of 10 pages and the IDIQ Management volume remains at 30 pages?

Government’s Response: There are two program requirements; (1) The Multiple Award Contract (MAC) IDIQ solicitation, which consist of the tasks/ requirements denoted in the performance work statement and (2) The Task Order Request, which is a specific project requirement defined in the PWS for the TOR. Both program requirements have evaluation criteria and page limitations for each evaluation factor.

There are four evaluation criteria for solicitation W911NF-20-R-0002. The page restrictions is defined in the left column:

Evaluation Factors Page Limitations

1. Management 30

2. Technical 25

3. Past Performance 3 pages per example

4. Cost/Price No limit

The task order request (TOR) has three evaluation factors:

Evaluation Factors Page Limitations

1. Management 10

2. Technical 10

3. Cost/Price No limit

Question 2: L.2.2 in the IDIQ Solicitation W911NF-20-R-0002 states that only the TOR should be included in the Technical Volume – therefore there is a conflict with page count. The amendment states that only the technical response to the TOR shall be included in the Technical volume. See Attachment 05 for TOR instructions. Should the bidder construe this to mean that the Technical volume will consist of 35 pages total; 25 for the IDIQ technical response and 10 pages for the TOR Technical response? Or does the Technical volume remain at 25 pages, 10 pages of which addresses the TOR technical response?

Government’s Response: Yes. Contractors should submit a complete proposal to address the program requirements in the solicitation and the task order request and adhere to the submittal instructions that are applicable to that specific proposal.

Question 3: The cost portion of the TOR shall be submitted as part of Factor 4, Volume 4 - Cost. Should this be broken out separately? Should the bidder provide a list of labor categories and fully burdened rates that cover the entire IDIQ requirements and a subset of the labor categories directly supporting the TOR?

Government’s Response:

Should this be broken out separately? Yes.

Should the bidder provide a list of labor categories and fully burdened rates that cover the entire IDIQ requirements and a subset of the labor categories directly supporting the TOR? Yes.

The TOR is a specific requirement that will be performed starting the effective date of award, the proposed costs will be evaluated to determine cost reasonableness and cost realism.

Question 4: Solicitation Final Section L.1.8 states, Cost/Price information shall not be included in Volumes 1, 2, or 4.” That same page of the solicitation lists that Volume 4 is the Cost volume, can the Government please correct section L.1.8?

Government’s Response: All cost related to supporting the requirements defined in the solicitation shall be recorded in Volume 4 of the contractor’s proposal submittal. Any reference contradictory to that statement is deleted in its entirety.

Question 5: Solicitation Final Section L.1.2 states, “Questions submitted by ENTER NAME OF KTR.” Can the Government please provide the definition of KTR?

Government’s Response: KTR is the ACRYNM for “contractor”

Question 6: Solicitation Final Section L.2.2. Will the Government please confirm that Technical Volume 2 does not require a management plan and that the response to TOR 0001 does not require a separate Management Volume?

Government’s Response: Please refer to the Q&A from the first question.

Question 7: Solicitation Final Section L.2.2. In the Solicitation Final and TOR 0001, the Government provides differing instructions, required contents, and page limits in order to prepare an acceptable Technical Volume 2 response. Can the Government please verify which guide should the offeror follow to prepare an acceptable Technical Volume 2 response?

Government’s Response: Please refer to the Q&A from the first question.

Questions 8: Solicitation Final Section L.1.7 states the maximum pages for the Technical Volume is 25. TOR 0001_Outreach Support Initiative_Final gives a Page Limitation of 10 pages. Will the Government please clarify the page limitations for responding to the TOR in the Technical response?

Government’s Response: Please refer to the Q&A from the first question.

Question 9: Solicitation Final Section L.2.3.1 states, “Except as stated in L.2.4.2, Offerors shall submit three (3) recent (Past 3 years) and relevant past performance examples.” Can the Government please provide the exception from L.2.4.2? This section is not in the Instructions to Offeror?

Government’s Response: Should have been L.2.3.2 Offerors shall state if they have no recent or relevant past performance.

Question 10: TOR Outreach PWS_Attachment 1_Final, page 2, Number 4, Task 4. When will the government transfer the data on past and present intern applicants to the contractor?

Government’s Response: Within 30 days of the HUBZONE contract award during the contract transition period.

Question 11: TOR Outreach PWS_Attachment 1_Final, page 2, Number 7, Task 7. Does the Government have a system or tool in place to match intern applicant research efforts with the appropriate DoD Army laboratory? If so, will it be shared with the contractor?

Government’s Response: Yes. The contractor shall perform specific tasks within the PWS to screen applicants to ensure that all eligibility requirements have been satisfied then make a recommendation to the government for final selection and placement.

Question 12: TOR Outreach PWS Attachment 1_Final, page 3, Number 10, Task 10. When the contractor is expected to coordinate with other CCDC-ARL programs to invite students to participate in research at Army labs, will the labs/universities already be aware of the contractor’s role in the ARL program? Would the contractor’s invitation be extended to ALL students in each program?

Government’s Response: Not necessarily a requirement given that some of the programs are expressly for students attending minority serving institutions. For those programs, students attending majority institutions are not eligible.

Question 13: In Solicitation Section C, 1.4.10, The Government refers to workshops. In TOR Outreach PWS_Attachment 1_Final, page 3, Number 12, Task 12 references seminars. How does the government define a Workshop and/or a Seminar? What is the length of time/duration of a workshop/seminar? What is the maximum number if students who will participate in each workshop/seminar?

What is the preferred location for the workshops/ seminars? What are the preferred months of the year to conduct these events?

Government’s Response: There is the potential for two types of workshops: 1) Student professional development and training workshops during the summer are one day events; 2) Faculty workshops can be conducted during the summer or fall and are usually conducted over two half days (1st session in the afternoon and the 2nd session the next morning).

Question 14: TOR 0001_Outreach Support Initiative Final. What is the anticipated start date for TOR 1?

Government’s Response: The Government anticipate awarding TOR 0001 NLT July 31, 2020.

Question 15: Solicitation Section A, Number 2. How many task orders does the government intend to fund with the 25M ceiling over 5 years?

Government’s Response: This is predicated on program requirements, and funding. The number of task order estimated to award over the ordering period is unknown.

Question 16: TOR Outreach PWS_Attachment 1_Final, Section C refers to the financial reporting of various items including payment of tuition and fees. What are the tuition and fees referring to? Will the government provide additional money for stipends or should all stipends be included in the contract bid? If so, are we to base this on 100 interns? Is there currently a standard stipend amount for each intern?

Government’s Response: Tuition and fees are not allowable or reimbursable costs on this project. Student stipends are allowable and should be include in the offerors cost proposal. Current stipend level is $9,000.00 per student.

Question 17: In the solicitation dated 26 Feb 2020, Section L.2.2 indicates that the Technical Volume should consist of our response to TOR 0001, and that this factor will be evaluated as part of the ID/IQ Base Award decision and will be used to issue the first task order. TOR 0001 dated 27 Mar 2020 then indicates that the TOP content should consist of 3 volumes (Management, Technical, and Cost/Price). This seems to imply that the TOP is somewhat redundant to the Base Award Proposal. Please advise or clarify the requirements of the solicitation’s Technical Volume and as it relates to the requirements in TOR 0001.

Government’s Response: Please refer to the Q&A from the first question.

Question 18: Does a proposed subcontractor require a SECRET Facilities Clearance? If so, can the Prime Offeror sponsor them?

Government’s Response: Yes

Question 19: Attachment 1 Past Performance Questionnaire, Part III, Return Information – should the contracting officer who completes the Past Performance Questionnaire send it directly to Mr. Leroy Hardy? Or should the Offeror include the completed Questionnaire in the solicitation?

Government’s Response: Past Performance Questionnaire can be sent to Mrs. Ramila Century, with a courtesy copy going to Mr. Leroy Hardy.

Question 20: In the full solicitation, Section C (the PWS) lists 10 Tasks. In TOR 1 - Attachment 1 (the TOR PWS), it lists 12 Tasks. These tasks do not directly align to each other. Please specify which PWS we are expected to respond to, Section C of the final solicitation or the TOR PWS Attachment?

Government’s Response: Both. Please refer to the Q&A for the first question.

Question 21: In the TOR PWS Attachment 1, Task 1 asks the contractor to develop a HBCU/MI Student Internship program. In the final solicitation document, Section C.1.3.4 lists HBCU/MI Student Internship as a current CCDC- ARL outreach program initiative. Is the HBCU/MI Student Internship program an existing program initiative that we will need to continue? Or will we be responsible for developing a new HBCU/MI Internship program?

Government’s Response: Yes. The current program will need to be continued throughout the life of the five year

MAC.

Question 22: Can the government share with us how many students are currently enrolled in the HBCU/MI Internship program? And how many students have been applying to the current internship program per year?

Government’s Response: Currently there are 99 students selected for the summer of 2020.

Question 23: In the TOR PWS Attachment 1, Task 3 asks the contractor to develop a website that describes “the program”. Will you elaborate on what you mean by “the program”? Is this referring to the CCDC-ARL Outreach Program as a whole (including all initiatives in the program portfolio)? Or is this referring to a particular program, such as the HBCU/MI Internship program described in Task 1?

Government’s Response: This refers to the CCDC-ARL Outreach Program as a whole to include entire suite of initiatives listed in the solicitation.

Question 24: In the TOR PWS Attachment 1, Task 4 asks the contractor to develop a database that captures applicants and participants. Will this database be used for the CCDC-ARL Outreach Program as a whole (including all initiatives in the program portfolio)? Or will this database only capture applicants associated with a particular program, such as the HBCU/MI Internship program described in Task 1?

Government’s Response: The intent is to establish a database that captures information pertaining to all initiatives in the portfolio. The offeror will only be accountable for the initiatives awarded in a task order.

Question 25: In reference to TOR PWS Attachment 1, Task 3 and 4, where does the government expect the website and database to be hosted? Would the government be open to a cloud solution?

Government’s Response: The contractor will host the website and provide a hotlink on ARL website.

Furthermore, the government is open to exploring all innovative solutions for the website and database.

Question 26: We understand that we shall enter selected applicants’ personal information into JPAS. We also understand that there is a significant lag-time in obtaining these clearances. Does the government anticipate adequate amount of time for selected applicants to be granted their security clearance prior to starting the program?

Government’s Response: Yes, there is time allotted for the clearance process.

Question 27: For this Task Order, what components will be considered Other Direct Costs (ODCs)?

Government’s Response: Direct related expenditures requested by the government and defined in the PWS to support the successful completion of the project, such as, but not limited to stipend, travel costs, and material costs.

Question 28: TOR Outreach PWS_Attachment 1_Final, page 1, Section B - Task 1.

What is the target percentage of graduate versus undergraduate participants?

Are the internship stipends part of the Cost Proposal or considered ODCs?

Government’s Response: There are no predetermined percentages for graduate versus undergraduate students in the internship program. Yes stipend are a part of the cost proposal.

Question 29: TOR Outreach PWS_Attachment 1_Final, page 3 Section B -Task 12 refers to the contractor shall develop a series of seminars.

How many total participants will the government expect during the seminars, including students and Government/Lab personnel?

Student seminars approx. 50 participants.

Will the costs associated…