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Sheet1 RFP- W911S0-20-R-0004 Attachment 5 - Offeror's Question Format
| Company Name |
| Contact Person Name |
| Contact Person Email |
List your questions about the RFP using the format below. All questions of a substantive nature that are submitted will be answered and returned to all vendors for full transparency. Please be clear with your questions and list the RFP document and section number which your question refers to. If your question does not refer to a particular RFP section then list it as "general". This is your only chance to ask questions about the RFP so please be thorough. All questions must be submitted by 4:00pm EST on 24 January 2020, to Alan Wilken, Contract Specialist, alan.g.wilken.civ@mail.mil, Shavonda Jamison, Lead Contract Specialist, shavonda.a.jamison.civ@mail.mil, and Del Celano, Contracting Officer, delphia.j.celano.civ@mail.mil. When emailing Attachment 5 to the designated contacts, prospective Offerors shall annotate their submissions as follows: “Question for RFP W911S0-20-R-0004.”
Please delete the sample question when submitting your response.
| RFP Document Name | Document Section (Name or number) | Page Number | Question |
| 1 | | 1.11 | 40 | What is the DD4 security requirement? |
| | | | ANSWER: The DD Form 254 is used when a Facility Clearance is required. For this particular requirement, a SECRET Facility Clearance is required. |
| 2 | 3 | 44 | Government nor contract furnish any equipment. How will they perform and have available assets to perform the mission? |
| | | ANSWER: Government property that is incidental to the place of performance, when the contract requires contractor personnel to be located on a Government site or installation, and when the property used by the contractor within the location remains accountable to the Government. Items considered to be incidental to the place of performance include, for example, office space, desks, chairs, telephones, (desktop) computers, and fax machines. Items such as laptops and monitors may require the contractor to sign a hand receipt. Access to required programs, networks will be provided as necessary. |
| 3 | 7 | 50 | Would the Government consider equivalencies as part of the personnel qualifications such as experience in such fields. |
| | | ANSWER: No. |
| 4 | 7.5 | 51 | Senior Logistics must have a degree in Logistics and JCIDS experience. Would the Government consider a Master's Degree in a related field? |
| | | ANSWER: Yes, we would consider a Master's Degree in logistics, supply chain management, or Government-related course of study such as Defense Systems Management College or ICAF or Senior level Service School. |
| 5 | 7.8 | 51 | Would the Government provide estimated work load data or the number of hours estimated for the contract. Industry would need some type of information to determine the number of SME's and staffing numbers. |
| | | ANSWER: The hours for each labor category can be found in Attachment 1, CASCOM Pricing Worksheet for Labor Category and hours proposed. Notionial hours was changed to Estimated Workload. |
| 6 | 7.8 | 51 | Is the contractor to assume the number of SMEs needed for this requirement? |
| | | ANSWER: The hours for each labor category can be found in Attachment 1, CASCOM Pricing Worksheet for Labor Category and hours proposed. Notional hours was changed to Estimated Workload. |
| 7 | 7.1 | 51 | Which labor category does the government consider the alt PM? |
| | | ANSWER: The Alt PM requirement is about authority, not about a particular labor category. What labor category is chosen is a business decision of the Contractor. |
| 8 | PROPOSAL PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS ADDENDUM TO 52.212-1 | 4.2.2.1. | 72 | Why is the Government requesting resumes for positions identified as Key Personnel and letters of commitment for LPTA solicitations. Key personnel requirements are so stringint that the pool of qualified applicants is very sparse. This requirement seems to create an unfair advantage to those companies that may already work in the area. With the short time response dates, it doesn't allow for companies enough time to garner up a pool of qualified candidates. |
| PROPOSAL PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS ADDENDUM TO 52.212-1 | | | ANSWER: To ensure key personnel have the qualifications necessary to meet the personnel requirements outlined in the PWS and ensure the requirement can be carried out with the proposed staff. It is the responsibility of the offeror to have a HR recruitment plan in place. This is normal practice for any requirement LPTA or Tradeoff. |
| 9 | Will the Government sponsor a facility clearance for a company that does not hold one. |
| ANSWER: No. A currently cleared contractor may sponsor an uncleared sub-contractor for a Facility Clearance (FCL). Please refer to DoD 5220.22-M, National Industrial Security Program manual for further information. |
| 10 | Can you use a subcontractor's security clearance? |
| ANSWER: No. The Prime must have a Facility Clearance. Please contact your regional Defense Security Service for additional information. |
| 11 | 4.3.1, 4.3.2 | 72 | Paragraph 4.3.1 reads: The Offeror shall provide recent and relevant past performance, as defined in this RFP, of the Offeror and all subcontractors, teaming partners and/or joint venture partners proposed to perform at least 10% of the proposed effort based on the total proposed price. However, paragraph 4.3.2 reads: The Offeror shall provide two (2) recent and relevant references of the Offeror’s contract experience either as a Prime or Subcontractor. Question: If offerors are required to submit past performance from the prime and subcontractors, this may require the submission of more than two (2) contracts. Is the two (2) contracts a minimum or can offerors submit additional contracts to meet the earlier stated requirements to submit past performance from both the prime and subcontractors? |
| | | ANSWER: There is a 2 contract limitation. The past performance can either come from the Prime or subcontractors. Please follow para 4.3.2 for information required when submitting past performance. |
| 12 | 4.3.7 | 73 | Are CPARs submitted within Volume III excluded from the 12-page limit? |
| | | ANSWER: No. Para 4.3.7 was removed and the requirement for CPARS is not required. |
| 13 | 4.3.2, 4.3.7 | 72-73 | Per paragraph 4.3.2, offerors can submit subcontracts as a past performance submission. However, subcontracts do not receive CPARs, which are required in paragraph 4.3.7. If an offeror submits a subcontract as part of its past performance submission, will the government allow another form of customer assessment? Please advise. |
| | | ANSWER: CPARS requirement in para 4.3.7 was removed. Please follow outline in 4.3.2. |
| 14 | CLIN 0001 | 14 | Please clarify ship to address of 392nd Army Band. |
| | | ANSWER: The ship address is correct. It is the name associated with the customer's Defense Activity Address Code (DoDAAC). The DoDAAC uniquely identifies a unit, activity, or organization that has the authority to requisition, contract for, receive, have custody of, issue, or ship DoD assets, or fund/pay bills for material and/or services. |
| 15 | 2.5.5 | 69 | Please clarify the dollar size standard that the government is using for this solicitation, given that the current small business size standards for NAIC 541330 are $16.5M or $41.5M. |
| | | ANSWER: $16.5M. |
| 16 | 4.2.2.2.B | 72-73 | Direction for Volume II/Technical Capability states under 4.2.2.2b that the offeror should provide; "Proposed labor categories and hourly rate per labor category for each of the PWS tasking/sub tasking areas, including those of tasking/sub tasking areas performed by teaming/joint venture partners and/or subcontractors". However, 4.4.1 states "The Offeror shall not include pricing information in Volumes I, II, or III of its proposal." Please clarify whether hourly rate (pricing) data should be included in Volume II. |
| | | ANSWER: Pricing information shall be placed in Volume IV. |
| 17 | 4.3.4 | 73 | Magnitude is defined as "the measure of the similarity of the dollar value". Since the government has not defined the dollar value of this solicitation, what magnitude should offerors consider relevant? |
| | | ANSWER: The dollar value of the solicitation is the established ceiling for this solicitation, which is $10,999,848.76. |
| 18 | 4.3.2 | 72 | Is two (2) the maximum number of citations that should be submitted? |
| | | ANSWER: References. Yes. |
| 19 | 4.3.2 | 72 | Of the maximum number of citations that could be submitted, how many may be from the prime, and how many may be from a subcontractor? |
| | | ANSWER: A total of two inputs. The reference can come from the Prime or subcontractors; but, you should provide no more than 2. |
| 20 | 4.3.7 | 73 | Subcontracts do not have CPARS. If citing a subcontract for past performance, is there any qualitative reference that should be provided? |
| | | ANSWER: Please refer to para 4.3.2. The requirement to provide CPARS was removed. |
| 21 | 4.3.7 | 73 | Do CPARS count toward the 12-page limitation for Past Performance? |
| | | ANSWER: No. The requirement to provide CPARS was removed. |
| 22 | Would the Government consider providing an extension for this effort? |
| ANSWER: Extensions will be made as necessary to successfully compete this requirement. As of this time, proposal requirement is 20 Mar 2020. |
| 23 | 1.3 and 4.2.1 | 38 and 71 | There seems to be a conflicting message between 3.1 and 4.2.1 in Proposal Preparation Instruction. 1.3. Objective. reads 'The Sustainment Support, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ), Single Award Task Order Contract (SATOC) will acquire services, for the Sustainment Center of Excellence (SCoE), in support of its mission….While 4.2.1. 'Element 1 – Technical Capability. reads 'The Offeror’s Technical Capability shall demonstrate a full understanding of CASCOM’s capabilities and mission. Is the offeror to demonstrate understanding specific to the SCoE mission or the CASCOM mission? |
| | | ANSWER: PWS updated for the offeror to provide a complete understanding of S-CDID. |
| 24 | 5.13 and 4.2.1 | 48 and 72 | 5.13. Data Collection and Management Support is one of the Technical Tasks in 5.0. Proposal Preparation Instruction Section 4.2.1. Element 1 – Technical Capability lists all the Technical Tasks except 5.13 Data Collection and Management Support. Is it the intent of the government to not include section 5.13 in the list of Technical Tasks under 4.2.1? |
| | | ANSWER: No. All tasks identified in para 5 of the PWS shall be discussed in your technical approach. 4.2.1 changed to include all areas. |
25 4.3.1 and 4.3.2 72 4.3.1 states: The Offeror shall provide recent and relevant past performance, as defined in this RFP, of the Offeror and all subcontractors, teaming partners and/or joint venture partners proposed to perform at least 10% of the proposed effort based on the total proposed price.
4.3.2 states: The Offeror shall provide two (2) recent and relevant references of the Offeror’s contract experience either as a Prime or Subcontractor.
Can the Government please clarify whether two past performances are required from subcontractors who have at least 10% of the proposed effort based on proposal price in addition to the two past performances required of the prime?
ANSWER: We should receive only two past performance references whether it is as a prime, sub, or a combination of both.
| 26 | 3.3 | 61 | According to 3.3. Orders may be issued orally. When time permits, the contractor will be issued a Request for Task Order Proposal (RTOP) with the following information for each task order: Can the government explain how the execution of Oral Orders will work? |
| | | ANSWER: Para 3.3. This paragraph is intentionally left blank. 3.4. If time is not available to complete the formal RTOP process, a draft written RTOP may be used. If time is not available for the use of a draft written RTOP then an oral order may be used. An oral order may be issued only if the pending TO price can be agreed upon beforehand. A written order will be issued with 10 days after the issuance of an oral order. |
| 27 | In Attachment 1, CASCOM Pricing Worksheet, the government has suggested labor categories and FTE levels. Are offerors to provide pricing for only the labor categories and FTEs provided by the government? |
| ANSWER: Provide a burdened labor rate for labor categoies listed in the pricing worksheet. Offeror's may substitute labor cateogies with their own internal labor categories as long fit the intent of the Government. There is an opportunity on the Pricing Spreasheet, Atachment 1, for industry to substitute labor categories. |
| 28 | 14 | Is 13Mar20 the current POP start date? |
| | ANSWER: No. 13 Mar date is not the current POP start date. The anticipated start date is Jun 2020. |
| 29 | 7.10.3, 1.11.11 | 52 | Section 7.10.3. states that all Key Personnel must have a Secret Security Clearance and Section 11.9 states highest security level required is SECRET. Conflicting with that requirement is section 1.11.11 states that task orders will be issued at the Top Secret level. In order to execute Top Secret (TS) Task Orders the DD254 issued would then require the offeror to hold a TS facilities clearance, please clarify that the prime offeror must hold a TS facilities clearance at the company level. |
| | | ANSWER: SECRET facility clearance is required. References to TOP SECRET have be removed from the PWS. Contractors required to have a SECRET security clearance. Para 7.10.3 was removed. |
| 30 | 7.10.3 | 52 | Section 7.10.3. states that all Key Personnel must have a Secret Security Clearance, however the PM to manage task orders at the TS level must possess a TS clearance. Section 1.11.11 states highest security level required is SECRET. Will the government please clarify the security clearance requirements for the PM? |
| | | ANSWER: SECRET Clearance is required. |
| 31 | 4.3.2 and 4.3.7 | 72, 73 | Section 4.3.7 states that for the PP submitted the offeror must submit a CPAR, however 4.3.2 states that you can submit PP with experience as a prime and a subcontractor. As a subcontractor you do not have a CPARs rating, will you be attaching an amendment adding an PP Questionnaire we can submit to the customer in lieu of a CPAR? |
| | | ANSWER: Para 4.3.7, CPARS requirement was removed. |
| 32 | 7.1.1 | 50 | Please identify if the Alternate PM has specific requirements that must be met? |
| | | ANSWER: The Alternate must be capable of filling in for the PM when required. |
| 33 | 4.2.2.1 | 50 | There are no defined requirements in 7.1.1. of the PWS for the Alternate PM, is the Alternate PM still considered key personnel? |
| | | ANSWER: The Alternate PM shall be capable of filling in for the Primary PM in their absence. The Alternate PM is considered one of the two Key Personnel. |
| 34 | Will you be adding an Alternate PM labor category in pricing Attachment and labor categories? |
| ANSWER: No. It is a business decision of the Contractor on best how to fill the role of Alt PM. |
| 35 | 4.3.1-4.3.2 | 72 | Section 4.3.1 states that subcontractors performing 10% or more of the work must provide past performance references. Section 4.3.2 states that the Offeror shall provide two (2) references. Please clarify whether the government is requesting two references specifically from the prime and two from each subcontractor performing 10% or more of the work OR if the minimum total number of references required for the team is two. |
| | | ANSWER: Two references. The reference can come from either the Prime or subcontractors; but, you should provide no more than two. CPARS requirement was removed. |
| 36 | Understanding evolving requirements, will there be the ability to add labor categories for future task orders not listed on this initial spreadsheet. |
| ANSWER: The Government reserves the right to swap/change any give labor category if the current categories are no longer needed to satisfy the mission. |
| 37 | Creating a best value vs LPTA can increase the quality of talent for this mission, is there an option to modify the evaluation criteria allowing you to gain a better advantage for the CASCOM mission? |
| ANSWER: Market Research has indicated that LPTA, with the evalution factors provided in the RFP, is the most advantageous method of procurement. |
| 38 | 4.3 | 72 | In section 4.3.1 it instructs that past performance is required of the offeror and all subcontractors performing 10% of the work. However, in section 4.3.2 it says that the offeror shall submit two past performances. Question: Does this mean two past performances from the offeror/prime *AND* an additional past performance for each subcontractor, teaming partner, etc. performing 10% of the work? |
| | | ANSWER: The reference can come from either the Prime or subcontractors; but, you should provide no more than 2. |
| 39 | 4.2.2.2.b and 4.4.1 | 72 and 73 | In section 4.2.2.2b (for Volume II) it requires a list of all labor categories AND rates per PWS section. However, in section 4.4.1 (for Volume IV) it says the offeror shall not include pricing in Volumes I, II and III. Question: are the required labor rates in Volume II not considered pricing data? |
| | | ANSWER: Labor rates requirement was removed from para 4.2.2.2.b. |
| 40 | 7.10.3 | 52 | This effort requires access to SIPRNET, but only key personnel are identified as requiring a secret clearance. Question: Do all personnel require a secret clearance to perform this work? |
| | | ANSWER: Yes. Please refer to para 1.11.11 of the PWS as amended. |
| 41 | 37 | The Supplies or Services and Prices section lists the name of the contract as Combined Arms Support Command Sustainment Support Services Single Award Task Order Contract (SATOC). The title of the PWS is US Army Futures Command (AFC) Sustainment Capabilities Development and Integration Directorate (S-CDID) Sustainment Support Services. Please confirm the correct title. |
| | ANSWER: The new name is AFC S-CDID. Change made to the Supplies or Services and Prices. |
42 14 The "Ship to Address" indicates "392nd Army Band, Larry Sheppard, 1121 Mekong Rd Bldg. 6055, Fort Lee VA 23801, 804-734-1416, FOB: Destination."
Please confirm that this is the correct "Ship to Address."
ANSWER: It is the correct address.
43 1.6 and 10.2 38 PWS paragraph 1.6, Travel, states to submit Trip Reports five days after travel. PWS paragraph 10.2, Trip Reports, states reports shall be submitted within 7 days of completion of travel.
Please confirm the correct requirement.
ANSWER: It is within 5 days. See para 10.2 of the PWS as amended.
| 44 | 3 | 44 | PWS Section 3.1 states, "There is no government furnished property and/or services for this requirement." However, Section 1.10.4, Phase In / Phase Out Period, describes the Contractor participating in joint inventories and signing for Government-furnished property. Please clarify if work will be performed on government telecommunications equipment (i.e. desk phone and computer) or if the Contractor is required to furnish computer equipment in support of orders under the SATOC. |
| | | ANSWER: Government property that is incidental to the place of performance, when the contract requires contractor personnel to be located on a Government site or installation, and when the property used by the contractor within the location remains accountable to the Government. Items considered to be incidental to the place of performance include, for example, office space, desks, chairs, telephones, (desktop) computers, and fax machines. Items such as laptops and monitors may require the contractor to sign a hand receipt. Access to required programs, networks will be provided as necessary. |
45 7 51 The requirements for a Subject Matter Expert include a "Bachelor's Degree in the subject matter discipline with experience in the area of the subject matter discipline or at least four years of experience in the area of the subject matter discipline."
Please confirm that a Bachelor's Degree is not required if the Subject Matter Expert has four years of experience in the subject matter discipline.
ANSWER: Para 7.8.1. SMEs shall have a Bachelor's Degree in the subject matter discipline or at least four years of experience. If the SME does not have 4 years of experience in the discipline, a Bachelor's Degree is required.
46 7 51 The requirements in 7.5.1 for a Senior Logistician include a "Master's Degree in logistics."
Suggest the Government change this to "logistics, supply chain management, or Government-related course of study such as Defense Systems Management College or ICAF or Senior level Service School."
ANSWER: This has been incorporated into the amended para 7.5.1.
| 47 | 7.1 | 51 | Please confirm that a Program Manager and an Alternate Program Manager are the only positions considered as Key Personnel. |
| | | ANSWER: Yes. PM and their Alternate are the only Key Personnel. |
| 48 | 68 | The RFP states that Outlook or Gmail has a combined file size limit of 20 MB and Exchange accounts (business e-mail) has a file size limit of 10 MB. May Offerors with Exchange accounts (business e-mail) submit their proposal response in two (2) separate e-mails so as not to restrict the file size limit to only 10 MB? |
| | ANSWER: Yes, proposals can be submitted in two separate emails but you must Reference RFP number in all email traffic. When sending more than one email, suggest adding: email one of two, email two of two, etc. |
| 49 | 72 | Section 4.3.1 of Proposal Preparation Instructions requires the Offeror to provide recent and relevant past performance of the Offeror and all subcontractors, teaming partners, and/or joint venture partners proposed to perform at least 10% of the proposed effort based on the total proposed price. Would the Government accept more than two (2) past performance references? |
| | ANSWER: Two records of past performance only. |
| 50 | Section 4.3.1 of Proposal Preparation Instructions requires the Offeror to provide two recent and relevant past performances of the Offeror as well as all subcontractors, teaming partners, and/or joint venture partners proposed to perform at least 10% of the proposed effort based on the total proposed price. Does this mean the Government wants two (2) past performance references from the Offeror, plus additional past performance references from those doing at least 10% of the work? Would the Government accept more than two (2) past performance references? |
| ANSWER: No. Please refer to para the revised para 4.3.2 of proposal preparation instruction. No. Only two past performance records will be accepted. |
| 51 | The instructions for Element 2 - Staffing and Management, paragraph 4.2.2.2 (b.) state, "The Offeror's methodology shall demonstrate … Proposed labor categories and hourly rate per labor category for each of the PWS tasking/sub tasking areas, including those of tasking/sub tasking areas performed by the teaming/joint venture partners and/or subcontractors." Paragraph 4.4.1, Factor 3 - Price, states, "The Offeror shall not include pricing information in Volumes I, II, or III of its proposal." Please confirm that Offerors should not include hourly rate information in Volume II, Element 2 - Staffing and Management Approach. |
| Answer: Pricing info shall be in Volume IV. Paragraph 4.2.2.2.b changed to reflect labor categories and hours for each of the PWS tasking/sub tasking areas. |
52 The Addendum to FAR 52.212-1, Proposal Preparation Instructions, and the evaluation criteria listed on Page 74 of 95 describes the Government’s intent to use LPTA as a means of evaluating and selecting an awardee. We note that the 2017 NDAA (S. 2943), Section 813(c)(1) states that LPTA procurements are to be avoided “to the maximum extent practicable” in the acquisition of “knowledge based professional services”. The Defense Acquisition Regulations System, Department of Defense (DoD) issued this as a final rule on 26 September 2019.
The NAICS Code selected for this procurement, 541330 (Engineering Services), is professional in nature. The Performance Work Statement includes development of both concept and doctrine, which is uniquely suited to professional services and Section 1.1 states the Contractor shall provide "expertise" necessary to perform S-CDID support ... requirements [...] leveraging technologies, battlefield digitization, developing issues, seeking solutions, demonstrating alternatives, and coordinating projects." Given these professional services, as specified, require particularly deep sustainment experience and knowledge including doctrine writing and concept development experience and the tasks include requirements for the Contractor personnel to regularly interface with senior military leadership, we respectfully request the Government reconsider the basis of award, and evaluate proposals for the “best value” instead of using LPTA. This would allow the Department of the Army to benefit from the ability to consider cost and technical tradeoffs during the source selection process and be in compliance with the final rule established by the DFARS and enacted as DoD policy.
ANSWER: The final rule amending the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to implement sections of the National Defense Authorization Acts for Fiscal Years 2017 and 2018 that establish limitations and prohibitions on the use of the lowest price technically acceptable source selection process became effective on 1 October 2019. The intent of the rule is not to prohibit the use of the LPTA source selection process. Instead, the intent of the rule is to implement the statutory language, which aims to identify meaningful circumstances that must exist for an acquisition to use the LPTA source selection process and certain types of requirements that will regularly benefit from the use of tradeoff source selection procedures. The LPTA souce selection process is a valuable part of the best value continuum and an acceiptable and appropriate source selection approach for many acquisitions. If a requirement satisfies the limitations for use of the LPTA source selection process, then the process may be used as a source selection approach. In this case, this requirement meets the seven limitations outlined in DFARS PGI 215.101–2– 70(a)(1). As such LPTA has been deemed as the most appropriate source selection method because the best value is expected to result from selection of the technically acceptable proposal with the lowest total evaluated price.
| 53 | Please consider adding "price realism" in addition to “price reasonableness” on proposed labor rates to ensure offerors do not propose rates that are unrealistically lower than required to perform satisfactorily. |
| ANSWER: Price realism will not be used in this solicitation. Unreasonably high, unbalanced, inaccurate or incomplete price proposals may be the grounds for eliminating a proposal from the competition. |
| 54 | May the Offeror submit a PDF Pricing Narrative in addition to the MS Excel worksheet if necessary? |
| ANSWER: No. Please refer to para 4.4.1 of the proposal preparation section. |
| 55 | Please confirm that Offerors should NOT enter half of the value of the amount for CLIN 4001 into Cell K54 on the worksheet. |
| ANSWER: Offeror's "SHOULD" enter half of the amount of CLIN 4001 into cell K54. |
| 56 | The GS salaries included with Attachment 2, Labor Categories, reflect the corresponding FY19 GS salary with benefits. Does the Government intend to update this to the Fort Lee FY20 GS salaries? |
| ANSWER: Attachment Two, Labor Categories, amended. Revised pay scale can be found at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2020/general-schedule/. |
| 57 | Is the Offeror required to sign and/or submit a signed copy of Attachment 3, DD Form 254? If so, please confirm which Volume to include the signed copy in. |
| ANSWER: No |
| 58 | The RFP includes WD 2015-4331, Revision 12, Dated 12/23/2019. Fort Lee, as the place of performance is located in Prince George County, VA which is covered by WD 2015-4313, Revision 12, dated 12/23/2019. Please confirm if WD 2015-4313 is the correct WD. |
| ANSWER: WD 15-4313, Rev 13, is the correct and latest version. It will be included in the amendment. |
| 59 | 1.5 | 3 | Where is the place of performance going to be (i.e., onsite/offsite) at Fort Lee? |
| | | ANSWER: On site on Fort Lee. |
| 60 | 3 through 13 | Does "MAX AMOUNT" mean we are to price the PWS and every possible task order? Or, just the current PWS? |
| | ANSWER: MAX AMOUNT is based off the current PWS |
| 61 | 1.5 | 37 | The RFP states "the maximum ceiling amount of this contact is $10,999,848". Clause 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999) states that the contract may be extended up to six months. Please clarify if the services provided during that extension would be included or not in the stated ceiling above. |
| | | ANSWER: The 6-month option to extend is included in the max ceiling. |
| 62 | 1 | 38 | PWS states, "this is a non-personnel services contract to provide AFC S-CDID sustainment support services." Where exactly within the Army Futures Command (AFC) and/or Combined Arms Support Command (CASCOM) organizational constructs are non-personal services required? Are Directorates outside of S-CDID involved? |
| | | ANSWER: The PWS states the scope and limitations of the work to be performed under the contract. PWS paragraphs 1.0 through 1.4 provide all pertinent background information related to the requirement that will be relevant during contract performance. |
| 63 | 1.3 | 38 | PWS states, "S-CDID’s role in this area is to serve as the user representative in the development of operational concepts, doctrine, organization requirements and materiel requirements, visions, and also to integrate these products into current and future forces." Please verify S-CDIDs role. It is our understanding that S-CDID focuses exclusively on "Future" force development only, not "Current". |
| | | ANSWER: The PWS states the scope and limitations of the work to be performed under the contract. PWS paragraphs 1.0 through 1.4 provide all pertinent background information related to the requirement that will be relevant during contract performance. |
| 64 | 1.4 | 38 | PWS references an outdated term "Unified Land Operations". Unified Land Operations was addressed in Army Doctrinal Publication (ADP) 3-0, published OCT 2011. This publication has been updated several times since, with the latest update "Operations" ADP 3-0, dated JUL 2019. Should we use "Unified Land Operations" ADP 3-0, dated OCT 2011 or "Operations" ADP 3-0, dated JUL 2019 in our analysis/consideration of our proposal submission? |
| | | ANSWER: Operations, ADP 3-0, dated Jul 2019. |
| 65 | 1.4 | 38 | PWS states, "S-CDID requires contractor knowledge, expertise and support services for Concepts, Doctrine, Force Development, Materiel Systems and Modeling and Simulations work that S-CDID is not resourced to perform in-house". Is the support required within this solicitation NEW work or complementary/supplemental work to support "on-going" work currently being performed in-house? |
| | | ANSWER: The PWS states the scope and limitations of the work to be performed under the contract. PWS paragraphs 1.0 through 1.4 provide all pertinent background information related to the requirement that will be relevant during contract performance. |
| 66 | 1.1 | 14 and 39 | PWS states, "Task Order Phase-in Phase-out Period. The phase-in transition period shall commence on the performance start date of each task order". Page 14 reflects only one start PoP for base year, (CLIN 0001), commencing on 13 MAR 2020. Are we to assume there different start dates/periods of performance (PoP) for each Task Order? |
| | | ANSWER: Yes. The ordering period of the SATOC will begin on the date of contract award. Task orders will be issued with the ordering period. POP for each task order is unknown at this time. |
| 67 | 1.11.11 | 41 | A reference is made to "Top Secret" information. Is this a typo? |
| | | ANSWER: Yes. Highest level of security clearance is SECRET. |
| 68 | 2.2 | 42 | PWS states, "SCoE is a subordinate organization under the Combined Arms Support Command (S-CDID) at Fort Lee, Virginia." Was the intended acronym CASCOM and not S-CDID? |
| | | ANSWER: PWS revised to read "SCoE is the overarching entity that our dual hatted CG leads. This encompasses both CASCOM and the Sustainment CDID which is an AFC element. CASCOM remains with TRADOC. |
| 69 | 3 | 44 | Will the Government provide workspace and equipment sufficient to perform the tasks prescribed in the PWS, or will Contractor workspace and equipment be required? |
| | | ANSWER: Government property that is incidental to the place of performance, when the contract requires contractor personnel to be located on a Government site or installation, and when the property used by the contractor within the location remains accountable to the Government. Items considered to be incidental to the place of performance include, for example, office space, desks, chairs, telephones, (desktop) computers, and fax machines. Items such as laptops and monitors may require the contractor to sign a hand receipt. Access to required programs, networks will be provided as necessary. |
| 70 | 3.01 | 44 | This section states hat no government furnished for this requirement. Does this mean that all contractors will be located "off-site"? |
| | | ANSWER: Government property that is incidental to the place of performance, when the contract requires contractor personnel to be located on a Government site or installation, and when the property used by the contractor within the location remains accountable to the Government. Items considered to be incidental to the place of performance include, for example, office space, desks, chairs, telephones, (desktop) computers, and fax machines. Items such as laptops and monitors may require the contractor to sign a hand receipt. Access to required programs, networks will be provided as necessary. |
| 71 | 5.1 | 44 | The PWS states, "The Contractor shall produce, review and update or define and develop the required capabilities development products as identified in the PWS of each TO." What exactly are the specific Task Orders (TOs) for this solicitation? |
| | | ANSWER: Specific TOs are unknown at this time. TOs are drafted off the IDIQ at some point in the future and will be separately priced based on the IDIQ. |
| 72 | 51-5.5 | 44-45 | The PWS cites Task 1 thru Task 4 (5.1-5.4) and Special Instructions (5.5). Are these Tasks considered Task Orders or are they simply clarifying instructions (tasks), that are to be applied across/applicable to each Task Order? Please advise. |
| | | ANSWER: PWS Section 5 Tasks 1 through 4 and Special Instructions establish requirements that may be included in whole or in part in each task order. TOs are drafted off the IDIQ at some point in the future and will be separately priced based on the IDIQ. |
| 73 | 5.6 | 45 | DOCTRINE DEVELOPMENT. Is Doctrine Development a Task Order? If so, does Doctrine Development fall under S-CDID? It is our understanding that Doctrine Development is performed by the G3 Directorate, currently subordinate to the Fielded Force Integration Directorate (FFID), not S-CDID. Please advise. |
| | | ANSWER: Scope of each task order has not been defined at this time. See PWS paragraphs 1.0 through 1.4 for all pertinent background information, including organizational structure, related to the requirement. TOs are drafted off the IDIQ at some point in the future and will be separately priced based on the IDIQ. |
| 74 | 5.7 | 45 | OPERATIONAL ARCHITECTURE SUPPORT. Is Operational Architecture Support a Task Order? If so, does Operational Architecture support fall under S-CDID? It is our understanding that Operational Architecture is performed by the Enterprise Systems Directorate (ESD), currently subordinate to the Fielded Force Integration Directorate (FFID), not S-CDID. Please advise. |
| | | ANSWER: Scope of each task order has not been defined at this time. See PWS paragraphs 1.0 through 1.4 for all pertinent background information, including organizational structure, related to the requirement. TOs are drafted off the IDIQ at some point in the future and will be separately priced based on the IDIQ. |
| 75 | 5.8 | 45 | ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT. Is Organizational Support a Task Order? If so, does Organizational Support fall under S-CDID? It is our understanding that Organizational Support is performed by the Force Development Directorate (FDD), currently subordinate to the Fielded Force Integration Directorate (FFID), not S-CDID. Please advise. |
| | | ANSWER: Scope of each task order has not been defined at this time. See PWS paragraphs 1.0 through 1.4 for all pertinent background information, including organizational structure, related to the requirement. TOs are drafted off the IDIQ at some point in the future and will be separately priced based on the IDIQ. |
| 76 | 5.9 | 47 | MATERIEL REQUIREMENTS SUPPORT. Is Materiel Requirements Support a Task Order? If so, does this solicitation require Materiel Support to both the "Futures" side (S-CDID) and the "Current" side (FFID)? If only one side - please clarify which side. |
| | | ANSWER: Scope of each task order has not been defined at this time. See PWS paragraphs 1.0 through 1.4 for all pertinent background information, including organizational structure, related to the requirement. TOs are drafted off the IDIQ at some point in the future and will be separately priced based on the IDIQ. |
| 77 | 5.9 | 47 | PWS states, "Providing input into the Capabilities Development Data System (CDDS)." Is the CDDS synonymous with the AFC's newly developed "FORGE" database (formerly known as the Army Capability Assessment Tool (ArCAT)? |
| | | ANSWER: CDDS is not synonymous with FORGE. |
| 78 | 5.9.1 | 47 | OPERATIONAL ENERGY (OE) SUPPORT. Is Operational Energy Support a Task Order? If so, does this solicitation require OE Support to both the "Futures" side (S-CDID) and the "Current" side (FFID)? If only one side - please clarify which side. |
| | | ANSWER: Scope of each task order has not been defined at this time. See PWS paragraphs 1.0 through 1.4 for all pertinent background information, including organizational structure, related to the requirement. TOs are drafted off the IDIQ at some point in the future and will be separately priced based on the IDIQ. |
| 79 | 5.1 | 47 | INTEGRATED LOGISTICS SUPPORT (ILS)/RELIABLITY AND MAINTAINABILITY (RaM) SUPPORT. Is ILS and RaM Support a Task Order? |
| | | ANSWER: Scope of each task order has not been defined at this time. PWS Section 5 Tasks 1 through 4 and Special Instructions establish requirements that may be included in whole or in part in each task order. TOs are drafted off the IDIQ at some point in the future and will be separately priced based on the IDIQ. |
| 80 | 5.11 | 47 | MANPOWER AND PERSONNEL INTEGRATION (MANPRINT) SUPPORT. Is MANPRINT Support a Task Order? |
| | | ANSWER: Scope of each task order has not been defined at this time. PWS Section 5 Tasks 1 through 4 and Special Instructions establish requirements that may be included in whole or in part in each task order. TOs are drafted off the IDIQ at some point in the future and will be separately priced based on the IDIQ. |
| 81 | 5.12 | 47 | STUDIES/ANALYSIS SUPPORT. Is Studies/analysis Support a Task Order? |
| | | ANSWER: Scope of each task order has not been defined at this time. PWS Section 5 Tasks 1 through 4 and Special Instructions establish requirements that may be included in whole or in part in each task order. TOs are drafted off the IDIQ at some point in the future and will be separately priced based on the IDIQ. |
| 82 | 5.13 | 48 | DATA COLLECTION AND MANAGEMENT SUPPORT. Is Data Collection & Management Support a Task Order? |
| | | ANSWER: Scope of each task order has not been defined at this time. PWS Section 5 Tasks 1 through 4 and Special Instructions establish requirements that may be included in whole or in part in each task order. TOs are drafted off the IDIQ at some point in the future and will be separately priced based on the IDIQ. |
| 83 | 5.14 | 48 | PERFORMANCE-BASED LOGISTICS SUPPORT. Is Performance-Based Logistics Support a Task Order? |
| | | ANSWER: Scope of each task order has not been defined at this time. PWS Section 5 Tasks 1 through 4 and Special Instructions establish requirements that may be included in whole or in part in each task order. |
| 84 | 5.15 | 48 | SYSTEM TRAINING PLANS. Is System Training Plans a Task Order? |
| | | ANSWER: Scope of each task order has not been defined at this time. PWS Section 5 Tasks 1 through 4 and Special Instructions establish requirements that may be included in whole or in part in each task order. TOs are drafted off the IDIQ at some point in the future and will be separately priced based on the IDIQ. |
| 85 | 7.10 | 51 | KEY PERSONNEL REQUIRMENTS. PWS states, "The Contractor shall provide a fully dedicated Program Manager (PM) who shall be responsible for the performance of the work and deemed key personnel at the SATOC level. The name of this person and an alternate who shall act for the Contractor when the PM is absent shall be designated in writing to the KO. The PM or alternate shall have full authority to act for the Contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation." Can the PM and Alternate also serve in one of the other positions (dual-hatted), if the requirements for both positions are satisfied (positions cited in para's 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8)? |
| | | ANSWER: It is a business decision of the Contractor on best how to fill the role of Alt PM. |
| 86 | 8.1 | 52 | PWS states, "Each task order will specify its required deliverables and time of delivery." Within each Task Order, where can we find the specified deliverables? |
| | | ANSWER: Specific TOs are unknown at this time. Please refer to Para 5.4 of the PWS for requirements that may be included in whole or in part in each task order. |
| 87 | 8.2 | 52 | PWS states, "The Contractor shall develop, update, maintain, and submit documentation in accordance with the format for deliverables as agreed upon between the Government and the Contractor and specified in each individual task order." Within each Task Order, where can we find deliverable formats? |
| | | ANSWER: When a TO Request (TOR) is issued, the PWS within that TOR will detail the requirements of the TO including deliverable format. |
| 88 | 9.1 | 53 | PWS states, "Each task order will include a schedule specifying required conferences and meetings. The contractor may propose travel costs for these meetings." Within each Task Order, where can we find schedule of conferences and meetings? |
| | | ANSWER: When a TO Request (TOR) is issued, the PWS within that TOR will detail the requirements of the TO including conferences and meetings. |
| 89 | 11.9 | 56 | PWS states, "The highest security level required for this effort is SECRET. Each task order will identify if a security clearance is required. It is the contractor's responsibility to obtain security clearances for personnel." Within each Task Order, where can we find the security clearance requirements for personnel dedicated to that Task Order? |
| | | ANSWER: Inside the PWS of the proposed task order when issued. |
| 90 | 15.1 | 57 | PWS states, "Due to the range of deliverables at each TO, the PRS below is to be used as a baseline document for TO CORs in developing their own PRS tailored to the TO requirement." When is a realistic time for TO CORs, to provide Performance Requirements Summary (PRS) tailored to each individual TO requirements? |
| | | ANSWER: The PRS will be provided when you are asked to provide a proposal for a new task order. The PRS will come with the Performance Work Statement. |
| 91 | 15.2 | 58 | Maximum Allowable Degree of Deviation (AQL). PWS states, "For each task order, no more than two validated complaints during the surveillance period with corrective action to prevent reoccurrence. Services are unacceptable if more than one validated customer complaint was received." For each TO, is the Maximum AQL NMT Two (2) or One (1) validated complaints during the surveillance period? |
| | | ANSWER: Affected areas in the PWS were changed from one to two. |
| 92 | General | 70 | The table on this page lists the No. of digital copies via email per each volume. Does this mean each volume is requested as a separate document for submission with a total of 4 documents? Or, are the first three volumes combined in 1/PDF and the fourth volume as a separate excel when the proposal is submitted? Please clarify. |
| | | ANSWER: Each volume shall be its own file in .pdf and the pricing file shall be saved as an Excel file. |
| 93 | Proposal Preparations Instructions | 72 | 4.2.2.2 Proposed Staffing Methodology (b.) states "Proposed labor categories and hourly rates per labor category" However, Volume IV - Price states "the offer shall not include pricing information in Volumes I, II, or III". Do you want fully burdened rates in Volume I? Please clarify. |
| | | ANSWER: Para 4.2.2.2 changed to read labor categories and hours. |
| 94 | 4.3.2 Past Performance | 72 | Paragraph 4.3.2. states "The Offeror shall provide two (2) recent and relevant references" and provides for a 12 page maximum for Volume III in Table 1 on Page 70. Will the Government accept additional recent and relevant Past Performance references as long as the 12 page maximum is not exceeded? |
| | | ANSWER: Only two past performances. |
| 95 | 4.2.2.1 | 72, 75, 76 | Para states, "Key Personnel are considered the PM and their alternate." Prior to that it also indicates, "…positions identified as Key Personnel…identified in PSW Para 7.1.1 and 7.10.3." In 52.212-2 EVALUATION--COMMERCIAL ITEMS (OCT 2014) (B) Element 2(1) states, "...Key Personnel..., identified in PWS Para. 7.1 through 7.10.3..." Are resumes and letters of commitment needed for all of these positions listed in para 7.1.1 through 7.10.3 or just the PM and alternate? |
| | | ANSWER: Resumes and letters of commitments are required for the PM and alternate. |
| 96 | The government has included a wage determination survey. Do they believe that the positions within the solicitation are wage grade positions? Please clarify. |
| ANSWER: Since this is a service contract, we are required to provide the WD. We understand, some if not all of the labor categories will not be found in the WD for the contract area. We required the Offerors to state which positions are exempt or nonexempt. |
| 97 | Will all positions within the solicitation require a Secret Clearance? |
| ANSWER: Yes, Please refer to PWS para 1.11.11. |
| 98 | Are the labor categories listed in attachment 2 the only labor categories that the government wants included? Are there only nine FTE's that the government believed it will take to accomplish this work? |
| ANSWER: Offeror's may substitute labor cateogies with their own internal labor categories as long as it fits the intent of the Government. There is an opportunity on the Pricing Spreasheet, Atachment 1, for industry to substitute labor categories. Yes, the Government believes the requirement will require the FTEs listed in Atch 1, Pricing Worksheet. |
| 99 | As the questions are due today and it may take some time to respond, would the government consider an extension to the proposal due date/time? |
| ANSWER: Yes |
| 100 | 4.3.7 | 73 | This paragraph requires that the offeror provide a copy of all completed CPARS. This is unusual, most solicitations require the most recent CPARS (e.g. within the past year) or the final completed CPARS. The CPARS represent cummulated quality rating of performance across contract years and options years so the completed contract over all rating is based upon cumulative consistency of quality or problem performance at the evaluated rating. Please clarify why you need more than the most recent or final CPARS and how these others will be evaluated and effects the overall evaluation of each past performance. |
| | | ANSWER: The Solicitation was revised to delete Para 4.3.7. |
| 101 | Section L, Para 4.1.1.e | 71 | The solicitation indicates in subpara e should be placed "Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI), OCI Risks, and OCI Mitigation". Will the Government clarify what is required as an acceptable response to Section e in Volume I General Information? For example, is it an OCI Certification or a comprehensive OCI Mitigation Plan? |
| | | ANSWER: Volume I General Information shall include whether there is a conflict with the contractor and investors, government, etc. List if you have any Organization Conflicts. Include all risk and how the plan to mitigate the risk. |
| 102 | RFP Main | 52.216-22 | Page 21 | The clause indicates that Offeror's will not be required to make deliveries under the resulting contract after 11 Sep 2017. This date is actually an estimate based on the government's anticipated award date. Will this date be revised based on the effective date of the awarded contract? |
| | | | | ANSWER: This date will be revised based on the effective date of the awarded contract. |
| 103 | RFP_Main | General, Contract Terms & Conditions Clause 52.216-22, 52.232-19 | Page 21 | Please clarify if the government intends to utilize task orders for the base year and each option year, and may constrain the scope of the Task Order to the available FY funding levels. Additional TOs may also be used to add additional work and priorities, to require delivery at different destinations, and performance at multiple locations. |
| | | | | ANSWER: The Government will issue an initial task order to cover the minimum guarantee. The requirement for additional task orders is unknown at this time. Fort Lee is the place of work with a possibility of travel to locations identified in the PWS. |
| 104 | RFP Main | 252.216-7006 | Page 31 | The clause indicates that the ordering period of the resulting contract is 13 Mar 2020 thru 12 Sep 2025. The actual ordering period should be based on the effective date of the contract. Will the ordering period be revised to reflect the actual ordering period at time of award? |
| | | | | ANSWER: Yes. |
| 105 | RFP Main | Table of Contents | | |
| Para 1.4 | Page 37 | This para indicates that the ceiling value of the contract will be $10,999,848.76. The ceiling is typically established at the price proposed by the successful Offeror. Is it the Government's intent to establish the ceiling price at this number, independent of the proposed price by the successful offeror? | | | |
| | | | | ANSWER: Pursuant to FAR 16.504(a)(4)(ii), the contract ceiling price is $10,999,848.76. This amount is independent of the proposed price by the successful offer. |
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