AWG_Quest_Draft_RFP_Answered.pdf

W911S0-13-R-0001

Government Response to Industry Questions

Number Industry Question Government Response

Section B CLINs 0003, 0007, 1002, 1006, 2002, and 2006 call for Travel prices however the solicitation provides insufficient information upon which to estimate travel costs. Will the government provide plug numbers for travel CLINs in order to provide a level playing field for evaluation?

The Government will provide plug numbers to provide a level playing field for evaluation.

Section B CLINs 0004, 0008, 1003, 1007, 2003, and 2007 call for Material and ODC prices however the solicitation provides insufficient information upon which to estimate Material and ODC costs. Will the government provide plug numbers for Material and ODC CLINs in order to provide a level playing field for evaluation?

The Government will provide plug numbers to provide a level playing field for evaluation.

Section B CLINs 0006, 1005, and 2005 call for Surge Operational Support prices however the solicitation provides insufficient information upon which to estimate Surge Operational Support costs. Will the government provide plug numbers for Material and ODC CLINs in order to provide a level playing field for evaluation?

The Government will provide plug numbers to provide a level playing field for evaluation.

Section B CLINs 0001 and 2001 both call for “Operational Support - Base Period.” Should CLIN 2001 read “Operational Support – Option 2”?

This is correct. CLIN 2001 should read "Operational Support - Option 2"

Section B CLINs 0006 and 2005 both call for “Surge Operational Support - Base Period.” Should CLIN 2001 read “Surge Operational Support – Option 2”?

This is correct. CLIN 2001 should read "Surge Operational Support - Option 2"

Section 1.1.1 of the PWS states that “AWG is assigned a Table of Distribution and Allowances (TDA) strength of 332 authorizations, comprised of senior active duty officers and non-commissioned officers, Department of the Army civilians, and Contractors (approximately 36%).” This would indicate that the historical contractor staff is approximately 120 FTE’s. The PWS does not provide sufficient information to accurately distribute the FTEs across the task areas. Will the government provide a historical staffing matrix showing the distribution of FTEs across the task areas?

The Government will not be awarding a Level of Effort (LOE) contract and will not be changing the acquisition strategy. The Offeror is responsible for proposing the appropriate level of FTEs to satisfy PWS requirements.

The Government seeks innovative solutions to the required tasks.

Number Industry Question Government Response

Since the government has not provide explicit definition of the quantity and length of deployments to the CENTCOM AOR are Hazard and Hardship costs to be treated as ODC costs?

Yes.

Will the government provide copies of the last year of contractor Monthly Status Reports in order for prospective bidders to have a historical basis of understanding to better assess the level of effort that will be required to meet future AWG needs?

No.

The solicitation and PWS make numerous references to operations in Iraq. Given that US Forces have been withdrawn from Iraq will the government provide specificity with respect to anticipated deployments to Iraq during the execution of this contract.

At this time the Government has no expectations of other than infrequent deployments to Iraq.

PWS section 1.4.3.5 states “… some contractors working under this contract must be able to pass an Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) on a no-notice or semi-annual basis (as identified in specific functional task areas).” Which contractor positions are these?

Contractors assigned as Operational Specialists and Senior Operational Advisors in the operational squadrons are required to be able to pass an APFT on a no-notice or semi-annual basis.

The Draft Solicitation (952.225-0001) Arming Requirements and Procedures for Personal Security Services Contractors and for Requests for Personal Protection” discusses requirements for “Contractors and its subcontractors at all tiers that require arming…” Who makes the determination that the contractor should be armed?

AWG commander, in consultation with the Contract Officer Respesentative (COR) and Contactor Program Manager, determines the deployed location operating environment and risks to AWG members and when appropriate requests arming authority from the Combatant Commander.

PWS section 5.1.1.2 Medical Planning requirements include “Possess U.S. Special Operations Force Medic or physician assistance experience” and “Acquire and maintain a TS security clearance.” Are there other medics within the organization that are not required to meet these requirements?

The medical trainer only requires a Secret Clearance.

Number Industry Question Government Response

Section H, Clause 952.225-0012 Notice of Limited Competition states that this procurement is restricted to sources from Iraq or Afghanistan. PWS 1.4.3.2 indicates that the principal place of performance will be in the Washington, DC area. If the primary performance is in the U.S., why is the procurement restricted as indicated in 952.225-0012?

The intent of this clause is to establish rules for competitive procedures when awarding a contract to a particular source or sources in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Government is including this clause in all contracts in accordance with the CENTCOM- Joint Theater Support Contracting Command (C-JTSCC). This opportunity is NOT only for companies in Iraq or Afghanistan.

RFP section 5152.204-4001 designates Key Personnel (identified by name within proposal and resumes were submitted for eval…) The draft RFP doesn’t seem to request or designate positions as “key” or provide any labor categories. Does the Government have “key” positions identified or is it up to the contractor to identify them to the Govt?

The Government requires the Offeror to submit their "ability to hire and retain key personnel with a wide diversity of project experience, education, and qualifications with proven expertise in their field to successfully meet AWG Operations Support contract requirements." The Government requires Resumes for Key personnel. Reference Clause 5152.204-4001.

Resumes will not be included as part of the technical page limit. It is up to the Contractor to identify who the key positions are.

5.1.1.1 states the contractor shall “develop a system to maintain administrative reports for AWG IAW Army Regulation 25-400-2.” Is this a new requirement or is there a system in place? Can you briefly describe the system in place? Can you identify any problems with the system or areas in which it can be approved?

Contractor is not required to develop a system to maintain administrative reports but simply to comply with Government's system.

5.1.1.2 states the contractor shall “develop medical support contingency plans for AWG training and/or missions.” Is this a new requirement or are there contingency plans in place? Can you briefly describe the contingency plans in place? Can you identify any problems with the contingency plans or areas in which they can be approved?

Contingency plans are in place for current operations.

However, as global missions expand, there may be a requirement to develop new or exploit existing plans.

Contractor is expected to work with Government medical and operations personnel to develop new contingency plans as appropriate.

Number Industry Question Government Response

Many of the tasks on this as related to training and IEDs are very similar in nature to the work performed at the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence (MSCoE) and their Directorate for Counter Improvised Explosive Device (DCIED). Can you briefly describe the relationship the AWG currently has with MSCoE and/or DCIED regarding CIED training and Material/Non-Material solutions? Does AWG wish to expound upon the current relationship?

AWG has a strong partnership with MCoE, MSCOE, DCIED, JIEDDO and many other agencies to develop rapid identification, development, assessment, and dissemination of material and non-material solution across DOTMLPF domains to mitigate gaps and vulnerabilities. AWG has an LNO network that serves as a conduit to ensure continuous exchange of information. The Government believes the current relationship is adequate.

5.5.1 states the contractor shall “Perform target maintenance and minor carpentry to construct training range targets.” Will the government provide the tools and workspace necessary to support this requirement?

Yes.

What specifically prompted the government to change the competition type of this contract to Full & Open/Unrestricted? Can we expect to see a significant small business requirement for a large business on this effort? Will AWG evaluators consider a strong small business plan as basis for award?

The competition type has not been changed. The Sources Sought issued on 17 May 2012 was issued in order to determine Small Business Participation in this acquisition; it did not establish this as a Small Business Set Aside. As established in Section L of the DRAFT RFP, "Offerors are required to submit a Small Business Participation Porposal. As established in Section M of the DRAFT RFP, Small Business Participation is a specific Factor (Factor 3) in the Evaluation Criteria.

Section 5.1.6 – Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment (HHD) of the draft PWS states, “The Contractor shall support the AWG HHD by providing subject matter expertise in the area of firearms technology and optics as well as other accessory devices.” Can you provide more details on the types of weapons systems to be maintained?

The Contractor should be prepared to do maintenance on US standard small arms up to 50 Caliber.

Will this acquisition include future personnel or material requirements to support Fort A.P. Hill?

Yes, we anticipate manning the Asymmetric Battle Lab which is currently under construction at Fort A.P. Hill in FY14

Does TRADOC envision this contract providing advisory support directly to host or partner nations?

No.

Number Industry Question Government Response

Is the current Task Organization released as part of the Draft PWS current or does the Government anticipate making changes before the final RFP release?

There may be some minor changes but nothing substantial.

What will the proposal development response time be (i.e., 60 days, 45 days, 30 days, etc.)?

30 Days.

Is it AWG’s intent to use contractor support to assist in recruiting for AWG? If so what is their mission?

Yes, contractor support to recruiting is administrative in nature.

What contractor labor categories will require certifications?

Yes, medical; information technology; and armorer .

Will the contractor utilize government’s inventory accountability system or be required to use their own?

Contractor will utilize Government accountability systems (Currently PBUSE).

Will warehousing be at a government facility or contractor’s facility?

Government facility.

Is there a requirement for Administrative positions and where will they be located?

There are administrative positions and they will be located at Fort AP Hill, VA and Fort Meade, MD.

Can bidders substitute Army training qualifications and certifications with DoD service equivalent ones?

Yes.

If the PWS and Labor Categories document specify a different amount of travel for a specific category which document takes precedent?

There is no Labor Category Document. The PWS and RFP are the documents that should be used to develop your proposals.

What are the labor category qualifications for a Machinist? There is no Labor Category Document. The PWS and

RFP are the documents that should be used to develop your proposals.

Reference Section 1.4.3, Personnel, p. 5: Can the government provide clarification of key personnel to include specific labor categories, number of positions, and number of resumes required as part of the proposal submission?

The Government will not be awarding a Level of Effort (LOE) contract and will not be changing the acquisition strategy. The Offeror is responsible for proposing the appropriate level of FTEs to satisfy PWS requirements.

The Government seeks innovative solutions to the required tasks.

Reference Section 1.4.3, Personnel, p. 5: Will there be a position to support an AWG liaison to TRADOC?

Yes, at least through the initial year of the contract.

Reference Section 1.4.3.2, Hours of Operation and Location, p. 5: Will contractor support be required at TRADOC (Newport News, VA)?

Yes, see above. Location is at Fort Eustis, VA

Number Industry Question Government Response

Reference Section 1.4.3.2, Hours of Operation and Location, p. 5: Regarding OCONUS locations, is there a requirement to be capable of performing missions in nations that require Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA)?

Yes.

The PWS states, ‘Due to the nature of this operational support contract, majority of the operational associated tasks require Contractor personnel to have experience directly associated with or in support of U.S. Special Operations Forces or other equivalent Federal Agency.’

Question: Regarding SOF skill sets, what are the approved equivalent Federal Agencies?

CIA, FBI, DEA, and Secret Service.

Can you distribute a new Attachment A, ‘Performance Requirement Summary (PRS),’ that is not cut off so we can read it in its entirety?

We will post this along with the Q&As.

Reference Section 1.4.1.1 Phase-in Period/Transition - b.

S2 Processing & d. S6 Processing, p. 6: The PWS states in b.

S2 Processing, "Contractors will require Army Knowledge Online (AKO) and AKOS accounts and annual IO training completed prior to arrival in order to submit for proper accounts down-range". In section S6 Processing the PWS states, "General user must have a “sponsored” AKO account. Accounts will take a total of 21 days to create upon training completion". Question: Is it the government’s expectation that all incoming personnel will already have an AKO account or will AWG governments sponsor all personnel for account?

AWG will sponsor contractors for AKO accounts.

Contractors should apply for AKO accounts upon hiring notification.

‘The Contractor shall support the AWG S-6 Section by providing expertise and assistance for IT support, system administration, and network administration to support AWG’s Headquarters, CONUS-based liaison network, and permanent and temporary globally positioned elements, to include the following tasks’ Question: What is the current staffing requirement for this support? Is there a list of positions and skills/duties?

The Government will not be awarding a Level of Effort (LOE) contract and will not be changing the acquisition strategy. The Offeror is responsible for proposing the appropriate level of FTEs to satisfy PWS requirements.

The Government seeks innovative solutions to the required tasks.

Reference 6.1.1 Transition Plan, p. 34: Question: Will historical AWG performance metrics be made available to the new Contractor?

No.

Number Industry Question Government Response

Reference Section 1.1.1, p 3: Will the Customer be issuing an official TDA as referenced in Section 1.1.1 of the PWS?

No. This is just background information. The Government will not be awarding a Level of Effort (LOE) contract and will not be changing the acquisition strategy. The Offeror is responsible for proposing the appropriate level of FTEs to satisfy PWS requirements.

The Government seeks innovative solutions to the required tasks.

References Section 1.4.3.5 Physical Fitness, p 9: Question:

Are all ‘deployable’ personnel required to be able to pass the APFT? Will the Government define what personnel are deployable or otherwise subject to the APFT requirement?

Contractors assigned as Operational Specialists and Senior Operational Advisors in the operational squadrons are required to be able to pass an APFT on a no-notice or semi-annual basis.

Reference Section B, p. 2: Can the Government define the base hours for ITEM 0002 ‘Operational Base Period’ as well as what labor hours are covered under Item 0006 ‘Surge Operational Support?’ Ex: 1920 hours are covered for base (0002) and anything above that in hours falls into surge (0006)? How does the Government view deployed labor hours cost, base FFP or surge LH?

Anything exceeding the standard hours (1980) is billed against Surge LH.

Reference Section B, p. 2: What is equivalent man- year for FFP pricing?

1980 hours.

Reference Section B, p. 2: Is DBA considered a non-labor cost?

Yes, covered under ODC CLINs.

Reference Section B, p. 2: Will the Government provide an estimate of deployed days and locations for purposes of pricing?

There is an estimated percentage of deployed time already listed in the PWS. (Ex. PWS 5.1.2 - Final Bullet- "Deploy and travel to various CONUS and OCONUS locations (less than 50%)")

Reference Arming Contractors, p. 21, Para j (Requirements for Individual Weapons Possession) and Page 28, 952.225-

0011 (GOVERNMENT FURNISHED CONTRACTOR

SUPPORT): Page 21 states "The Contractor will provide all weapons and ammunition to those employees that will be armed under the contract." However on Page 28: After the excerpt "the Government will provide the contractor, on an “as-available” basis." One of the items checked is:

"authorized weapon." Question: Is this stating that the government will provide weapons if available, or that they will provide authorization?"

Government will provide weapons and ammunition for contractor training and deployment.

Number Industry Question Government Response

Reference Factor 1 - Mission Capability/Risk, Subfactor 2 – Staffing, Recruitment, and Retention, p. 81: RFP states, "The Government will evaluate the Offeror’s ability to hire and retain key personnel with a wide diversity of SOF, SMU, and combat experience, education, and qualifications with proven expertise in their field to successfully meet AWG Operations Support requirements". Question: Will the Government specify the education requirements per labor category?

No. With the exception of the psychologists, advanced education is a plus but not required if sufficient experience in the field can be proven.

Factor 2 - Past Performance. There are four levels of relevancy as shown in the Past Performance Relevancy Ratings table, P 84: states, "Past Performance for AWG Operations Support functions requires a greater level of discrimination within the past performance evaluation.

Question: This statement appears to give greater weight to the incumbent team, what does past performance for AWG operations Support functions require a greater level of discrimination within the PP evaluation specifically mean?

This just measns that due to the complexity of the requirement, past performance is going to be scrutinized thoroughly.

Reference Page 29: NOTICE OF LIMITED COMPETITION (AUG 2011) Question: Would the Government consider deleting the DFARS 225.7703-1(a)(3) requirement that states: (a) This procurement is restricted to a particular source or sources from Iraq or Afghanistan in accordance with Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) 225.7703-1(a)(3).

(b) “Source from Iraq or Afghanistan” is defined by DFARS

225.7701 as a “source that (1) is located in Iraq or Afghanistan; and (2) offers products or services from Iraq or Afghanistan”. (End of Clause)

The intent of this clause is to establish rules for competitive procedures when awarding a contract to a particular source or sources in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Government is including this clause in all contracts in accordance with the CENTCOM- Joint Theater Support Contracting Command (C-JTSCC). This opportunity is NOT only for companies in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Reference Page 43: Question: Will the Government consider deleting the DFARS requirements 952.232-0001 & 952.232-0002 that states, ‘the contract award will be in local currency (Iraqi Denar and Afghani).”

No, the Government is required to include this clause in all contracts in accordance with the CENTCOM- Joint Theater Support Contracting Command (C-

JTSCC).

Number Industry Question Government Response

Reference Section M – (4), Small Business Participation, p.

85: The Federal government's legislated goal is to award 23 percent of all Federal contracts to small businesses.

Because of the continued deployment of AWG contractors in austere environments that necessitate more sophisticated institutional and financial processes that many small businesses lack, would the government consider changing the small business goal to 23%?

The small business goals will be as follows for this solicitation:

Small Business Goals are as follows:

a. Small Business 36.7%

b. Hubzone 3%

c. SDVOSB 3%

d. SDB 5%

e. WOSB 5%

Reference Section M – (4), Small Business Participation, p.

85: Does the government consider individuals who are working as 1099 independent contractors (and not a full time employee of the company) separate small businesses?

All contractors doing business with the Government must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) (formerly CCR).

Reference Section M – (4), Small Business Participation, p.

85: Is the small business goal based on subcontracted dollars or total contract value?

Total contract value.

Section B indicates a maximum 45 day phase-in period, however, the draft PWS uses a 90 day phase-in period (paras 1.4.1. and 1.4.1.1). Which is required?

45 Days.

Will you provide Travel and Material & ODC amounts to reduce this potential source of significant variability between contractor bids?

Yes. Plug numbers will be used.

The draft solicitation package includes a clause for Key Personnel Requirements (5152.204-4001), however, the draft PWS does not address key personnel. What are the key personnel positions for this effort? Will you be requiring additional resumes other than Key Personnel?

The Offeror is responsible for proposing the appropriate Key Personnel to satisfy PWS requirements. The Government seeks innovative solutions to the required tasks. Only Key Personnel Resumes are required.

Is this work currently being performed by one or more prime contractors? If so, which prime contractors? What is the value of the support contract(s)?

The incumbent is Wexford Group International, Inc.

The ceiling value is $302.9M

If this work is currently being performed, what is the current staffing plan by group being supported? How many are currently deployed?

The Government will not be awarding a Level of Effort (LOE) contract and will not be changing the acquisition strategy. The Offeror is responsible for proposing the appropriate level of FTEs to satisfy PWS requirements.

The Government seeks innovative solutions to the required tasks.

Number Industry Question Government Response

In the draft PWS, para 1.1.1, it states that approx. 36% of the 332 authorized AWG positions are contractors. Are all of these approx. 119 contractor positions represented in this procurement?

The Government will not be awarding a Level of Effort (LOE) contract and will not be changing the acquisition strategy. The Offeror is responsible for proposing the appropriate level of FTEs to satisfy PWS requirements.

The Government seeks innovative solutions to the required tasks.

In the draft PWS, para 1.3, it states that TRADOC has broadened its support efforts. What percentage of growth is anticipated in the number of contractor positions to support this broadened effort?

The Government will not be awarding a Level of Effort (LOE) contract and will not be changing the acquisition strategy. The Offeror is responsible for proposing the appropriate level of FTEs to satisfy PWS requirements.

The Government seeks innovative solutions to the required tasks.

In the draft documents, no information is provided regarding labor categories, years of experience, or education requirements for each of the support areas. Will the final RFP package include this information?

The Government will not be awarding a Level of Effort (LOE) contract and will not be changing the acquisition strategy. The Offeror is responsible for proposing the appropriate level of FTEs to satisfy PWS requirements.

The Government seeks innovative solutions to the required tasks.

Education and training threshholds are identified in the PWS.

Will this award be based on Lowest Price Technically Acceptable or Best Value?

This will be a Best Value Full Trade Off. See Section M of the solicitation.

The Draft PWS does not provide surge details with respect to anticipated frequency or number of positions. Will the final RFP package include this information?

The Government will provide plug numbers to provide a level playing field for evaluation.

Please publish the attendance roster for teaming purposes.

This will be posted to the AWG Website and FBO.

Are non-U.S. Owned companies allowed to participate as the Prime or Sub on this effort?

Yes. A National Interest Determination (NID) is required.

What does AWG want to get out of the new contract vehicle that they are not getting now or what would AWG like to get more of?

AWG is adequately served by the existing contract vehicle which allows flexibility to surge as necessary and annually determine the required labor to support the ever changing mission.

What is the strategic vision for AWG post-2014 or post-significant OEF drawdown?

Enhance Soldier Survivability and Effectiveness;

Enable the Defeat of Current and Emerging Threats;

Enabler for Army Transformation

70 Is there any SERE training for Contractors? No.

71 Will the Government be conducting an IGCE for this effort?

Yes. The Government has developed an IGCE however, it is not releaseable to Industry.

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