Govt_Answers_to_Industry_Questions_W911QY-16-R-0009.pdf

Question # Location Industry Question Government Response 1 RFP section L

Factor 5 past performance page

To increase competition among qualified providers and therefore provide best value to Government we recommend that the following sentence be edited as shown (bold text shows addition):

Relevance is defined as $5M or more for services in direct support of United State Government Unmanned Air Vehicle products or similar airborne systems supporting ISR programs as GFR certified, Flight Instructors, trainers, operators and maintainers.

Diluting this requirement is not in the best interest of the Government and therefore will not be revised.

2 Section J, Attachment C and Attachment H

Section J, Attachment C (Labor Category Descriptions W911QY-16-R0009 xx Oct 2015) lists 19 LCATs; whereas, Section J Attachment H (Cost/Price Workbook RFP W911QY-16-R-0009) lists 51 LCATs, the majority, but not all of the LCATs map to each other through “Disciplines” which is the root column in the COST/Price workbook.

All Labor categories in Section J, Attachment C and Section J, Attachment H were reviewed and are now correctly mapped.

3 Section J, Attachment C and Attachment H

Can you please identify the LCATs associated with the Disciplines known as Electrical Fabrication;

there is an Electrical Fabrication Discipline noted in LCAT- 11. Technician I, and LCAT 12.

Technician II?

All Labor categories in Section J, Attachment C and Section J, Attachment H were reviewed and are now correctly mapped.

4 Section J, Attachment C and Attachment H

Can you please identify the LCATs associated with the Disciplines known as Mechanical Fabrication; there is a Mechanical Fabrication Discipline noted in LCAT- 11. Technician I, and LCAT

12. Technician II?

All Labor categories in Section J, Attachment C and Section J, Attachment H were reviewed and are now correctly mapped.

5 Section J, Attachment C and Attachment H

Can you please confirm that LCAT 19. Senior IPS Specialist Description as being properly associated with the Discipline Configuration Analyst identified in Section J Attachment H.

All Labor categories in Section J, Attachment C and Section J, Attachment H were reviewed and are now correctly mapped.

6 Section J, Attachment H Price Work Book

Section J attachment H TUAS price work book contain a tab marked CLIN 0010 tech data. This tab requires that the offer submit a price for each of the 88 CDRLs. This is not consistent with a multiple award task order based contracts. Given the data in the DRFP it is not possible for the offers to price the CDRLS.

List of CDRLs were reviewed. The Government is no longer requesting proposed pricing on selected CDRLs.

7 DRFP There appears to be two DRFPs in the file. Can the Govt clarify which is the correct version? Administrative error. Does not impact final RFP.

8 DRFP SB Part Plan

Goals Page 310 of the PDF lists SB Total as 23%. Page 149 lists the same goal as 48%. Can the Govt clarify which is correct?

Small Business Participation Plan goals have been updated and are consistent throughout the RFP documents.

9 DRFP M.2.3 This section states “offerors shall submit up to ten Govt contract … past three years”. The Standard reads “five years”. Can the Govt clarify this inconsistency?

Inconsistency has been corrected to read “five years” throughout the RFP documents.

10 PWS 3.2.3.2.1

Provide manpower metrics. Some included in IMS, but new are cert requirements, training plans, training metrics, and staff turnover metrics. The first three could be easily provided. What level are we to report turnover metrics?

The Government is not mandating how the turnover metrics be presented. Contractor should demonstrate how the information is tracked. Turn-over metrics are an expected component of a successful SDP. The depth and its appropriateness will vary by contractor plan and may be an indicator of contractor capability.

11 PWS 3.2.3.2.1

Metrics for SW quality including defect density and trends. Available at an organizational and product level, but request is for per SLOC, per unit, and per interface. Need clarification on the definition of unit and what interfaces are expected.

The Government is indicating that metrics for software quality and monitoring trends are required for a successful SDP. The examples of trends are not provided as the only ones applicable but instead examples of trends that would be pertinent to most contractors. The defects per unit and per interface would be application dependent.

12 PWS 3.2.3.2.1

Requirement to perform automated unit testing, code coverage analysis, and deliver source code and results from these activities. Does this apply to newly developed code or also existing code?

This section of the PWS refers to the contractor’s SDP, which should document the contractor’s methodology for software development. Applicability to existing code would be dependent on the TO and the origin of the existing code.

13 PWS 3.2.3.2.3

Please clarify if CMMI only applies to software. CMMI certification applies to all software related work. CMMI-DEV level 3 (or higher) is required.

14 PWS 3.2.3.2.4

Delivery of Deficiency Report Data CDRL A045. DI-MSC-80508 is a very generic DID that doesn't provide any insight into actual content expected. Need clarification of details expected in this report.

The DID is generic to allow appropriate tailoring to task specific and appropriate data. The DID documents that this report should be provided concurrent with every software release. In these instances, the report should document and provide the analysis of any outstanding software deficiencies at the time of release. This DID may be provided in other TOs to provide documentation and analysis of deficiencies specific to the TO beyond software.

15 PWS 3.2.3.2.5

Delivery of User Interface Manual CDRL 051. DI-IPSC-81443 describes content that I believe existing tech manuals and installation procedures should cover. Can those be delivered in lieu of this to avoid redundancy?

This is a different CDRL from technical manuals.

16 PWS 3.3 RMF controls required on contractor product and information systems. Does this include information systems (IT resources) and lab equipment (non-IT resources) that are used for development?

The contractor is expected to implement RMF for any systems that are contracted via TO for development, modification, etc.

(such as the RQ-7Bv2, PGCS, etc.) This does not include the contractor’s own internal IT infrastructure and tools that they use internally only. These items may, however, have information assurance requirements as part of other facility accreditations required by this RFP.

17 PWS 3.3.1 Utilization of security scan tools - What is the expectation of the current scan tools? Can a list of the ones that are current today be provided?

The list of the current and approved security tools is on the DISA website. DISA provides the Assured Compliance Assessment Solution (ACAS) which includes a specific version of NESSUS.

The link is: http://www.disa.mil/Cybersecurity/Network- Defense/ACAS.

18 PWS 3.3.2 Is the Security Monitoring Plan already developed? If so can a copy be provided to review the requirements.

A SMP is unique to each RMF package and is an accreditation artifact that is developed during and maintained through the accreditation. A SMP will be provided at the time of a TO and maintained in accordance with the TO.

19 PWS 3.4 Safety "Management" of software IAW AMCOM 385-17. Are we expected to comply to the entire standard or it is tailorable?

The contractor shall perform IAW AMCOM 385-17. If a contractor’s processes do not or are not capable of compliance with the PWS then the shortcomings would be considered and factored into the to the Government’s decision process.

20 PWS 3.4.3 Without significant tailoring, MIL-HDBK-516 essentially equates to DO-178 like practices for software. To what extent will tailoring be permitted?

The PWS was updated to clarify airworthiness requirements. The requirement will utilize an airworthiness qualification plan (AQP) from AED, which will reference tailored MIL-HDBK-516 as well as other source documents, with an appropriate airworthiness qualification specification that addresses the requirements from the contractor for each TO.

21 SEP 4.7 Are the tools listed required or can he use "like" tools? These are representative and desired tools (because they represent current use), but the contractor may use tools that are similar and documented in their derived SEMP.

22 PWS 3.2.3.3 Is the general intent of the DoDAF architecture requirement to represent a system-of-systems, with the Shadow System as one entity within that SoS, or is the intent more so to represent the Shadow System with the subsystems (AV, UGCS, etc.) as entities, or both?

The DoDAF requirement was added to deal with “major” system upgrades or new designs on an as needed basis. TCDL (v2) would be a prime example of a TO requiring a DoDAF architecture.

23 PWS 3.2.3.3 Are any “models” (per DoDAF 2.02 parlance) specifically required? Are any models that can be excluded?

See above. Will depend on the requesting TO.

24 PWS 3.2.3.3 Will the customer be providing model information? See above. Will depend on the requesting TO.

25 PWS 3.2.3.3 How will synchronization of modelling for multiple task orders be handled? Typically, the requirement will be self-contained within the TO.

26 PWS 3.2.3.3 Is there any requirement on the format that the DoDAF models are to be provided to the customer?

Are there any requirements on what tool(s) are used to develop or maintain the DoDAF models?

To be determined for each TO.

27 CDRL A001 Is the task order completion date the same as the POP end date? A001 Yes. Unless otherwise stated.

28 PWS 3.6 "The Government will provide initial disposition and coordinating instructions for requested GFP no less than 10 working days after IBR." How does this requirement apply for TOs that do not require an IBR?

GFE requests for respective TOs shall be made concurrent with contractor’s proposal. CDRL A087 has been deleted and PWS updated to reflect same.

29 General Confirm that the contract applies to both the V1 and V2 systems? Yes, this is correct.

30 PWS 3.2.2.3 Will the CCB include all contractors (prime and sub)? CCB will generally include all IDIQ holders – unless there is a compelling reason which will justify an exception to fair opportunity. The IDIQ structure is not constructed of Prime and Sub – rather co-holders and their respective subs. Subs would attend a CCB only on as needed basis and with required NDAs in place.

31 CDRL A061 Test Plan. 30 days prior to test with 7 days to approve and 7 days to resubmit, update 20 days prior.

20 days prior essentially causes the initial submission to backup to 34 days prior. Is this the intention?

CDRL changed to Submit 30 days prior to test conduct with revision as required 15 days prior to test.

32 SEP 3.4.4 Discussion of the IPTs, will there be a single contract award to support the IPTs or is there the potential that each awarded contractor will stand up mirrored IPT structure?

A hybrid approach will likely be utilized. The Government SEP requires the use of IPTs and each contractor will have a SEMP derived to support that SEP, documenting how they will implement. How the tasking is accomplished (single task, as a requirement within TO, etc.) will depend on the circumstances to allow the most efficient and cost effective implementation.

33 SEP 3.5 Can a copy of the Test and Evaluation Master Plan referenced in section 3.5 paragraph 1 be provided?

The specifics of the current approved TEMP are not required for this RFP. The purpose of a TEMP and the methodology are required to be covered in a SEMP. The general content of a TEMP are documented via unclassified Government websites at DAU and in DODI 5000 series documents.

34 SEP 3.6 Section 3.6 paragraph 3 discussed the PCR system supporting the SEIPT. Will this be unique to each award? Or will there be an overarching single database

The intent is to maintain a single overarching database that contains all known PCRs for the system. Individual TO may maintain a TO specific database that at completion is incorporated into the overarching.

35 DRFP Section H Clause H27 PASSTHROUGH COSTS states that the clause is “Specific to this effort only” (see excerpt below, emphasis mine). It is unclear to which “efforts” this clause applies/does not apply. Please identify the exclusions to this clause.

PASSTHROUGH COSTS

In an effort to streamline Cost/Price to maximize Taxpayer contract value, the Government is restricting Prime passthrough Cost/Price to General and Administrative (G&A) or Material Handling (MH) allocable to the Procurement and Program Management of the sub-contractors.Specific to this effort only, Primes shall not apply Overhead (OH) or Profit as a passthrough to the sub-contractor rates.

The Government intends to award the IDIQ contract as the result of a Best Value competition.

Therefore, the prices established in the IDIQ awards are a ceiling price, not a basement price. The awardee is strongly encouraged to discount their prices during the TO process. Restricting Profit and OH as passthroughs at the IDIQ level assists the offerors in establishing realistic IDIQ prices resulting in a less drastic future discount at the TO level.

Section H.27. has been revised in accordance with FAR 52.215- 22, 52.215-23 and DFARS 252.215-7004 to prohibit excessive pass-through costs. The Contracting Officer will make the determination at the Task Order level.

36 RFP Can the Government explain the share ratios/incentive on incentive fee for the prime and sub contract CPIF?

Cost incentives will be determined at the TO level and will include cost, at a minimum, but may include additional performance incentives based on the complexity of the requirement.

37 RFP In reference to the requirement to comply with Service Contract Act (H.32 LABOR CATEGORIES – SERVICE CONTRACT ACT) , would it be acceptable to provide an adequate corporate compensation package to support compliance to 52.222-46 Evaluation of Compensation for Professional Employees to be incorporated in lieu of the SCA clause?

Yes. The Government will evaluate fully burdened labor rates as part of the total evaluated price analysis.

Section B, Attachment E, H

Are the hours in Section B supposed to reconcile directly with Attachment E and H. Yes. The break out of hours in Section J, Attachment H correlate directly with the total estimated hours in Section B. Note that hours provided in Section J, Attachment E are not broken down by cost type (FFP, CPFF, CPIF).

39 Section B, CLN 0001

Can the Government provide examples of FFP engineering services. An example of a recent Shadow engineering project that is a good candidate for a FFP task order is a direct connect cable that allows communications between the UGCS to the air vehicle without the need for RF communications. The task order would be for the development, integration, testing, qualification and ECP of this upgrade. Another example of a FFP task order is the recurring software updates provided to the field every 6 months.

Often time these task orders are simply information assurance updates without any new capabilities, this is another good candidate for a FFP task order.

40 Attachment C Are the specific requirements in Attachment C applicable to the manning of personnel to support this IDIQ. i.e. "Are Commercial/Instrument rated Pilots required to fulfill "Flight Crew"?

Personnel hired for any of the labor categories must meet the skill and certification requirements listed in Attachment C.

41 Section L, Factor 4 Can the Government explain the reasoning for increasing the DoD SBP goals beyond those the current goals of DoD?

SBP goals have been revised.

42 Section B, CLN 0010

Does CLN 10 include the development of the CDRLs or just the submission costs? For CLIN 0010, Technical Data, offerors shall propose a firm fixed price (development and submission costs) for each highlighted initial CDRL and a firm fixed price for any highlighted CDRL revision. Proposed prices for highlighted CDRLs will be considered in determining offerors' total evaluated price. Pricing for CDRLs that are not highlighted in Section J, Attach H will be negotiated at the TO level and will not be included in the offerors' total evaluated price.

43 Section B, CLN 10

Where does the Government intend to have the Program level CDRLs priced? See question 42. above

44 RFP, Subfactor 2.2 Can the Government define CMMI certifications for service and acquisitions? CMMI certification applies to all software related work. CMMI-DEV level 3 (or higher) is required.

45 RFP, M 2.2,

Subfactor 2.1

This subfactor asks for a sample task to be completed. The sample task is to include a Systems Integration Plan. Clarification is requested that this is a supplementary document and is not part of the 50 page limit.

Factor 2. Page count increased to 75 pages, which will allow the sample TO to be included within the 75 page limitation

46 PWS 3.2.1.3.1 Clarification requested. An official memo that came out from the OUSD (Sept 2015) raising the threshold from 50 to 100 million. Will this memo be void under the new contract or will the PWS be updated in accordance with the memo?

The memo is in reference to DCMA surveillance only (increased from $50M to $100M). PM is still requiring EVM data on Cost Reimbursable TOs. Applicable clauses pertaining to EVMS will be incorporated into RFP/contract. Reference Class deviation/DFARS 252.234-7002 (Sept. 2015)

47 RFP, M 2.3 Page 150 states 5 years of past performance and page 163 states 3 years of past performance.

Can the Government please clarify the years of past performance?

Inconsistency has been corrected to read “five years” throughout the RFP documents.

48 Section J, Attach H Can the Government explain the share ratios/incentive on incentive fee for the prime and sub contract CPIF?

Cost incentives will be determined at the TO level and will include cost, at a minimum, but may include additional performance incentives based on the complexity of the requirement.

49 Section J, Attach H With EVMS and Cost Reporting requirements does the Government not consider Financial Analyst and Scheduler as labor categories?

The provided labor categories are the currently planned items.

The Govt believes that Financial Analyst and Scheduler should be able to be mapped into existing categories. In accordance with Section J, Attach H: “The offeror shall propose direct labor costs using the labor categories provided in Section J, attachment C and this Cost/Price Workbook. If company job titles are different from those provided, map them to the provided labor categories if possible. If necessary, add new direct labor categories to bottom of spreadsheet, highlight and complete appropriate areas.”

50 Section J, Attach H Does the Government intend for the base price for the CDRLs to include development and delivery cost? Can the Government enhance cost data requirements for CDRL?

All cost should be captured/assigned/mapped to an appropriate and specific CDRL.

51 RFP Similar aviation solicitations and aviation programs that include a majority of engineering services have been covered under NAICS code 541712 (engineering services for Aircraft, Aircraft Parts, Auxiliary Equipment, and Aircraft Engine Parts) with a 1500 employee size standard. Would the USG consider amending this NAICS to 541712 to more align with the requirements in the draft solicitation?

No. The Government selected NAICS 541330 because the bulk of the requirements are for engineering services. Based on the description provided for NAICS Code 541330 Engineering Services:

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in applying physical laws and principles of engineering in the design, development, and utilization of machines, materials, instruments, structures, processes, and systems. The assignments undertaken by these establishments may involve any of the following activities: provision of advice, preparation of feasibility studies, preparation of preliminary and final plans and designs, provision of technical services during the construction or installation phase, inspection and evaluation of engineering projects, and related services.

52 RFP Is the software process certification requirement CMMI Level 3 or Level 5? CMMI certification applies to all software related work. CMMI-DEV level 3 (or higher) is required.

53 RFP Subfactor 4.5 In Subfactor 4.5, which says: "Detailed explanations shall also be provided when the percentages fall short of the goals specified in the offeror's Small Business Participation Plan approach. The sum of all the percentages under each of the small business categories (see table below) need not equal 100% since individual subcontractors may be counted towards more than one category. All

Small Business Participation Plan goals have been updated and are consistent throughout the RFP documents.

percentages shall use TOTAL CONTRACT VALUE as a baseline, consistent with the offeror’s cost proposal." Does this mean small business percentage does not have to equal 100% of 48% of the contract value? Please clarify.

a. As an example, if a subcontractor that meets two types of business categories, Woman Owned Small business (7%) and is also classified as a Veteran Owned Small Business (6%), and say for example that one business is awarded 7% of the contract value. Does that mean that both category percentages were satisfied and 35% is the only amount remaining that has to be awarded to small businesses?

In accordance with the Small Business Act of 1953, a contract can get counted toward more than one goal. For example, an award to a SDB in a HUBZone that is owned by a service-disabled woman veteran would be counted toward all the goals.

54 RFP Factor 6, Section 1

In Factor 6, Section 1, last paragraph, there is a statement “Subcontractor costs may not exceed Prime costs.” Does this imply that total subcontractors work scope relative to cost cannot exceed the Prime contractor or does it imply that each individual subcontractor work scope relative to cost cannot exceed the Prime contractor cost?

Subcontractor fully burdened labor rates shall not exceed that of the Prime.

55 RFP Subfactor 4.5 Subfactor 4.5 states that the Small Business Goal is not less than 48% of total funded amount of all delivery orders awarded under this FFP IDIQ contract during each reporting period. Please clarify the term goal and how this is allocated and evaluated across the IDIQ.

Small Business Participation Plan goals have been updated and are consistent throughout the RFP documents.