Government Responses to Industry Questions Summary Amendment 0005.xlsx

XLSX spreadsheet 42 KB Posted Apr 29, 2020

Attached to: Lifelong Learning Center (LLC) Technical Suppport Services
Solicitation number: W911S0-20-R-0006
Issued by: Department of the Army Materiel Command Mission and Installation Contracting Command Fort Eustis

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Written by GovTribe AI · Dec 27, 2023

This is a solicitation for Lifelong Learning Center (LLC) Technical Support Services. The Department of the Army Materiel Command Mission and Installation Contracting Command Fort Eustis is seeking to provide technical support services for the LLC Program, which provides lifelong learning capability at TRADOC schools through relevant standardized training and education available on demand regardless of location. Key services required include maintaining Blackboard Learn and associated servers, developing academic content, managing student databases, and providing 24/7 help desk support. The performance period is one base year and four option years. Proposals are due by April 30, 2020. An incumbent contractor currently provides these services under contract number W911S016C0002.

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File	Type	Posted
Government Responses to Industry Questions Summary Amendment 0006.xlsx	XLSX spreadsheet	May 4, 2020
Amendment 0006.pdf	PDF	May 4, 2020
Amendment 0005.pdf	PDF	Apr 29, 2020
Amendment 0004.pdf	PDF	Apr 24, 2020
Pricing Worksheet.xlsx	XLSX spreadsheet	Apr 22, 2020
Government Responses to Industry Questions Summary Amendment 0003.xlsx	XLSX spreadsheet	Apr 22, 2020
Amendment 0003.pdf	PDF	Apr 22, 2020
Amendment 0002.pdf	PDF	Apr 14, 2020
Government Responses to Industry Questions Summary.xlsx	XLSX spreadsheet	Apr 14, 2020
Amendment 0001.pdf	PDF	Apr 2, 2020
Solicitation W911S0-20-R-0006.pdf	PDF	Mar 30, 2020
Attachment 13 - Question Format.xlsx	XLSX spreadsheet	Mar 30, 2020
Attachment 11 -DD 254.pdf	PDF	Mar 30, 2020

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Questions & Responses Attachment 1 - Question Format

RFP Document Name Document Section (Name or number) Page Number Question Government Response

1	Solicitation	5.4.6 Tab E1	109	The paragraph cites explanation of Contractor-site and Government-site rates. Where is work being performed? How many contractor personnel will work on the Government sites?	The performance locations are identified in PWS, Part 1, Paragraph 1.0.1. The number of contractor personnel at Government sites is determined by offerors and is dependent upon their approach in their proposal submission.
2	Solicitation	Para c.	108	Are iii and xiii the same thing?	No. Paragraph c(iii) requires an offeror to provide whether or not they were a prime or subcontractor. Paragraph c(xiii) requires an offeror to provide the annual dollar value amount.
3	Solicitation	3	103	Page limits are provided. May vendors submit a Volume Cover, Table of Contents, Glossary, Compliance Matrix, etc. that are exclusive of the page count?	Addendum 52.212-1, paragraph c(13) is updated to "Volume Cover, Table of Contents, Glossary, and Compliance Matrix pages included in an offerors proposal are exclusive of the page count."
4	Solicitation	TAB E3	109	Document cites: Note: This Tab shall NOT include any Labor Hours or proprietary information. Please clarify. How do we complete Attachment 6 without entering Labor Hours?	Paragraph 5.4.6 is updated.
5	RFP_Main	5.2.1	105	Section 5.2.1 indicates that the Government highly encourages the contractor to utilize PWS Attachments 1, 2, and 3 to develop its technical approach. Section 5.2.1 also notes that "The Offeror's Work Processes shall ensure efficient, quality, and timely performance of the tasks in the PWS", which would mean that contractors are also required to utilize the information contained PWS Part 5 when developing its technical approach. If Contractors are required to address PWS Part 5 in addition to PWS Attachments 1, 2, and 3 inside a 15-page limited section, which is currently designated for Factor I/Tab B1/Element I, we respectfully request that either of the following scenarios be implemented: (1) the overall page limitation of 40 pages for Volume II Factor I remain intact but page limitations for Factor I/Elements I, II, and III be removed (i.e., remove page limits of 15, 15, and 10 pages for Elements I, II, and III; OR (2) increase the page limitation for Factor I/Tab B1/Element I from 15 to 25 pages.	The page limitations for Factor 1/Elements I, II, and II are hereby removed. The page limitations for Volume II Factor 1 remain at a total of 40 pages.
6	Attachment 11 PWS	1. a.	1	The FCL required is Top Secret. Is this correct? How many contractor personnel will need a Top Secret security clearance?	All contractor personnel at Ft. Gordon are the only ones that require Top Secret clearance. The number of contractor personnel at Government sites is determined by offerors and is dependent upon their approach in their proposal submission. An estimated number of man-hours for each task at each location is provided in PWS Attachment #3.

7	Solicitation PWS	Attachment 5	85 - 88	Why does each year have two sections for each location?	Attachment 5 provided separates PWS tasks by the seven locations. The duplication is removed.
8	Solicitation PWS	Attachment 6	89 - 91	Why does each year have two sections for each location?	Attachment 6 provided separates PWS tasks by the seven locations. The duplication is removed.
9	Solicitation PWS	1.5.8.1.1	37	Document cites SECRET clearances. Why does the Contractor require a Top Secret Facility clearance?	The SIPR LLC at Ft. Gordon will move to a Top Secret building in FY21. Since the building requires Top Secret Clearance, the contract has to have that clearance for that location.
10	Solicitation PWS	4.2	48	Document states: "...and a TOP SECRET security clearance for the Fort Gordon location…" Is the Contractor required to have an office off post at Fort Gordon?	No. The contractors at Ft. Gordon will be housed in the Top Secret building at Ft. Gordon beginning in FY21.
11	RFP_Main	5.46., Tab E5	110	Is the Total Compensation Plan (Attachment 8) for only SCA-designated labor categories or is it to be submitted for all labor categories proposed?	The Offeror shall include labor categories identified by the Offeror as professional employees as defined by FAR 22.1102. Professional Employee" is defined in FAR 22.1102 and may not

apply to all labor categories.

12	RFP_Main	5.46., Tab E5	110	Because of the Government's requirement for the incumbent contractor to provide salaries and fringe benefits paid to current employees supporting the contract, in addition to any employees who have performed on the contract in the last 3 years, we respectfully request that contractors be allowed to submit Tab E5 separately from the rest of the Volume IV response, in a MS Word file opposed to a MS Excel file.	Offerors can submit TAB E in Microsoft MS Word. TAB E5 remains part of Volume IV.
13	RFP_Main	5.4.6	110	The last sentence of TAB E5: Total Compensation Plan states "If applicable, the professional employee compensation plan must be submitted in addition to Attachment 6." Do you mean Attachment 8?	No. Offerors are required to submit Attachment #6 (Proposed Labor Categories and Hours) and supplement it with Attachment #8 (Employee Compensation Plan), as applicable.
14	RFP_Main	5.4.1	109	It states that "The Offeror shall submit its Price proposal in Microsoft Excel format, utilizing Microsoft Office 2013. Spreadsheets shall be sent in a file format that includes all formulas, macro, and format information. Print image is not acceptable."

Can Offeror's submit a Word/PDF document to capture all Volume IV required information (i.e. all attachments, explanation of details for each item 5.4.1 through 5.4.6) as well as provide a separate Excel file as requested in 5.4.1. A Word file for more lengthy explanations (i.e. Total Compensation Plans), would work better to format and submit.	Yes.
	15	RFP_Main	5.4.6	110	Tab E5: states that "Incumbent contractors shall submit information pertaining to the salaries and fringe benefits paid to incumbent contractor personnel who are currently performing, or have performed in the three (3) years prior to the date set for submission of proposals, in labor categories, or labor categories equivalent to, those identified by the offeror as professional employees."

Is the incumbent contractor also required to submit national and regional compensation surveys and studies of professional, public and private organization used in establishing the total compensation structure?	Yes.
	16	RFP_Main	5.3	107	TAB D has a page limitation of 5 pages. We assume this 5 pages should be designated for up to 3 citations/references to be submitted, and not be applied towards any Subcontractor Consent Letters and/or Client Authorization Letters, which are also required to be submitted in this volume. In other words, are the Subcontractor Consent Letter(s) and/or Client Authorization Letter(s) counted toward the 5-page page count?	No.
	17	RFP_Main	5.3	107	Are the Subcontractor Consent Letter(s) and/or Client Authorization letters required from any subcontracting partners who do not submit any past performance citations in Volume III?	Subcontractor consent letters and/or Client Authorization letters are required for the major subcontractors/teaming partners identified in your proposal. They are required for each subcontractor, teaming partner, and/or joint venture partner.
	18	RFP_Main	C.13	102	In this passage it says "Graphs and tables included in the technical proposal need not be double-spaced, but to ensure legibility, the text in graphics may be 9-point; however, all text not in graphics shall be no smaller than 12- point type."
We believe that the intent of this verbiage is to say that text size in graphics and tables can be as small as 9pt, and text outside of graphics and tables (i.e., narrative text areas) can be as small as 12pt. However we wanted to make sure. Please clarify.	The text in graphics may be 9-point; however, all text not in

graphics shall be no smaller than 12- point type.

See Governments response to Question #52 and #65. The solicitation paragraph is updated to include, "Text in graphics, headers, footers, and tables may be 9-point."

19	PWS	1.5.8	36	Please confirm which locations and what tasks require a security clearance and at what clearance level.	All contractor personnel at Ft. Gordon are the only ones that require Top Secret clearance.
20	PWS	1.5.8.2	37	Section 1.5.8.2 requires all contractor employees, and subcontractor employees, to complete AT Level-1 awareness training. Is this training conducted at a specific location, or may it be completed at the contractor's or subcontractor's location (remotely)?	This training is available online an can be completed remotely.
21	PWS	1.5.8.2, c	38	Section 1.5.8.2, sub-section c, states that contractor and all subcontractors shall brief employees on the local iWATCH program. Is this program conducted at a specific location, or may it be completed at the contractor's or subcontractor's location (remotely)?	It is up to the offeror to determine where they will conduct the required briefing. It may be completed on-site or off-site within the 30 calendar days.
22	ATTACHMENT 2	4.1.1 and 4.3.10-4.4.6.6	72, 74, and 75	With the update and deletion of these paragraphs are the hours reduced? See ATTACHMENT 3 question below	Yes. See Amendment #0002.
23	ATTACHMENT 3	Ft. Leonard Wood	82	Are the notional man-hours reduced for Fort Leonard Wood based on Amendment 0001 reduction in scope?	Yes.
24	ATTACHMENT 4	CLIN Structure	84	Please confirm the ODC and Travel are plug numbers and are not priced	Yes. The Government provided plug numbers for ODC and Travel.
25	ATTACHMENT 4	Phase-In	84	Will the incumbent contract still be active during the Phase-In period?	Yes.
26	5.3 VOLUME III: Past Performance	Tab D	107	Will the Government consider changing the Past Performance volume page count to 6 pages to allow 2 pages per reference?	Yes. Volume III Tab D is updated.
27	5.3 VOLUME III: Past Performance	Tab D	107	If an offeror has one major subcontract (25%), please confirm that we submit 2 past performance references from the prime contractor and one from the major subcontractor.	Yes. Past Performance information described herein is required on the Offeror and all subcontractors, teaming partners, and/or joint venture partners proposed to perform 25% or more

of the proposed effort based on the total proposed price.

	28	RFP_Main	General	General	What are the font type for proposal text and graphics, as none seem to be defined?	The font types can include Arial, Times New Roman, and Courier New. Addendum 52.212-1 paragraph C(13) is updated. This does not include font types Arial black and Arial narrow.
	29	RFP_Main	Reps and Certs	119-154	Do contractors need to fill-in these reps and certs, even though it has already completed them at sam.gov?	No. A active SAM registration is required to conduct business with the Government.
	30	RFP_Main	TAB B3 - Quality Control (Element III)	106	The RFP states: "...PWS Performance Requirements Summary (PRS) Paragraph 6.1." Paragraph 6.1 does not exist within the PRS. Please provide the correct reference.	The referenced to paragraph 6.1 is removed. PRS requirements are stated below PWS paragraph 6.1.
	31	RFP_Main	PART 5- SPECIFIC TASKS - Section 5.1.1	49	The RFP states: "...5.1.1 The LLC infrastructure shall include the following components and shall operate IAW applicable regulations
(re: Para 6)." Where exactly is Para 6 located?	The statement is updated to reference PWS Part 6.
	32	RFP_Main	5.3 - Tab D
Attachments 6, 9	89, 94, 107	The RFP states: "Attachment 6, Subcontractor/Teaming Partner Consent Form for the Release of Past Performance Information..." Attachment 6 is titled "Proposed Labor Categories and Hours." Attachment 9 is titled "SUBCONTRACTOR/TEAMING PARTNER CONSENT FORM FOR THE RELEASE OF PAST PERFORMANCE INFORMATION TO THE PRIME CONTRACTOR" . Should Attachment 6 be replaced by Attachment 9 in this section on page 107?	Yes. The reference to the attachment is updated to Attachment #9 on page 107, paragraph 5.3, Tab-D.
	33	RFP_Main	PWS Attachments 3-10	80-96	Can the Government please provide MS Word versions of PWS Attachments 3-10 to facilitate inclusion of these docs into the various proposal volumes?	PWS Attachments #4 through #8 are included in the MS Excel Pricing Worksheet. See Governments Response to Question #55 . The Government approval determination added all attachments into the solicitation.pdf file.
	34	RFP_Main	8. Box - Offer Due Date/Time, B. Proposal Submittal and Inquiries	1, 101	The changing coronavirus situation is causing contractor’s to constantly adjust. We are being proactive in bringing this potential situation to your attention and request support in moving the time back on April 30. Will the Government extend the proposal submission deadline?	No.
	35	RFP_Main	5.3 - Volume III: Past Performance (Factor III)	107	We have a major subcontractor with allocated 20% workshare that brings relevant and recent past performance we would like to use for this effort. To utilize this subcontractor's past performance, can the Government change this requirement from "to perform 25% or more" to "to perform 20% or more"?	No.
	36	Solicitation_W911S0-20-R-0006.pdf	N/A	N/A	Is the Prime Contractor required to do 51% of the awarded work IAW the Limitations on Subcontracting Clause or can any Small Business teammate contribute to the 51%?	Yes; the prime is required to perform at least 50% of the awarded work. The clause applicability for 52.219-14 is updated in 52.212-5.

37	Amendment+0002.pdf	INSTRUCTIONS AND PROPOSAL CONTENT - Table 1: Request for Proposal Content	5	Management Approach (Factor II) defines page count limit for Elements I -IV. Will the government remove the individual page count limits for the Elements and just have a 35 page limit for the Management Approach Factor II?	No.
38	Amendment+0002.pdf	5.4 VOLUME IV: Price (Factor IV)	10	Section 5.4 states, "The Offeror shall submit its Price proposal in Microsoft Excel format." Will the Government allow pdf or Microsoft Word for the narrative sections of the Price volume?	Yes.
39	5.4 Volume IV: Price (Factor IV)	5.4.6 Tab E5	110	Are all subcontractors required to complete a Total Compensation Plan for professional employees? If so, can proprietary indirect rate factors as depicted in Attachment 8, be sent directly to the Government?	It is the Offerors responsibility to include a TCPPE setting forth direct labor rates and total fringe benefits proposed for labor categories identified by the Offeror as professional employees as defined by FAR 22.1102. This includes subcontractor professional employees the offeror identified in their proposal submission. Subcontractors must submit TCPs for its employees where applicable.

Yes.

40	5.4 Volume IV: Price (Factor IV)	5.4.6 Tab E5	110	Which labor categories are considered?	Labor categories identified by the Offeror as professional employees as defined by FAR 22.1102.
41	RFP_Main	2.1.8	13	This section refers to the fact that in a best value procurement where key personnel are used as an evaluation factor, that an offeror may be rejected if it does not have a firm commitment from persons that are listed in the proposal. Since key personnel are used as an evaluation factor in this RFP, any documentation of "firm commitment" from key personnel, we assume, will be placed in Volume II adjacent to key personnel resumes and will not count towards any established page limitation. Please confirm.	Addendum 52.212-1, paragraph D (5.2.2) is updated to state, "(Excluding Resumes and Key Personnel Letters of Commitment)". " Addendum 52.212-1 Table 1, "Request for Proposal Content", Vol. II Management Approach is also updated.
42	RFP_Main	5.1. Tab A1	105	Are the signed SF30s included in the 5 page count limit for Volume I? If so, request page count be increased to 10 pages.	No. Addendum 52.212-1 paragraph 5.1, TAB A1 is updated. "Offerors acknowledgement of the Government's solicitation amendments (SF 30's) are not included in the Volume I five page count."
43	RFP_Main	5.1. Tab A2	105	Please confirm Volume I Tab A2 requires only an OCI statement and a list or table of all proposed subcontractors.	TAB A2 shall include, "OCI, OCI Risk and OCI Risk Mitigation and Teaming Arrangements (Including Sub-Contractors)". It is the determination of the Offeror on which way they chose to present the required executive summary information of their proposal.
44	RFP_Main	5.3	107	Will the Government exclude the required Letters of Consent and Client Authorization Letters from the page count?	Yes.
45	RFP_Main	5.3	107	Will the Government consider increasing the page count to 10 pages for Volume III?	No.
46	RFP_Main	5.3.a.i	107	Will the Government consider increasing the past performance recency to five (5) years from the date of RFP issuance?	No.
47	RFP_Main	5.3.c	108	Please clarify the different information requested in Item iii (Identify whether you were the Prime or Subcontractor) and Item xiii (Status on referenced contract (prime or major Subcontractor)).	No. Paragraph c(iii) requires an offeror to provide whether or not they were a prime or subcontractor. Paragraph c(xiii) requires an offeror to provide the annual dollar value amount.

See Government Response to Question #2.

48 RFP_Main 5.4.6. Tabs E2 and E3 109 Please confirm the occupation title is not required for professional positions and only needs to be provided if the labor category is covered by the Service Contract Labor Standards (SCLS). The Offeror must clearly state the PWS Section, labor categories, occupation titles, proposed number of hours for each location, fully burdened labor rate for each occupation title and the total labor price. The Offeror shall identify labor categories, occupation titles and hours deemed necessary to successfully perform the contract.

Please note the Governments response to question #67.

49	General	PWS		If supported by an incumbent contractor please provide the contractor company name and current contract award number.	Choisys Technology; W911S016C0002
50	General	PWS		Please confirm that the all current contractor support staff have the first right of refusal for the new works projected to begin on or about 12 July 2020.	No. Executive Order 13495 was rescinded by President Trump in Oct 31, 2019. The regulations implemented under E.O. 13495 are still in effect until a final rule implements the President’s revocation. FAR 52.207-3, Right of First Refusal of Employment, does not apply to this acquisition as efforts are not being performed by Govt.
51	Solicitation W911S0-20-R-0006.pdf	ADDENDUM TO 52.212-1, C. 13	102	Para 13 states, "Graphs and Tables included in the technical proposal need not be double-spaced,…" Because there is no other reference to double spacing, does the government want the main text single spaced?	The spacing in the main text can be single-spaced.
52	Solicitation W911S0-20-R-0006.pdf	ADDENDUM TO 52.212-1, C. 13	102	Para 13 states, "Text in Graphics May be 9-point; however, all text not in graphics shall be no smaller than 12-poin type." Does the requirement for 12-point type include Headers, Footers, and Tables?	No. The paragraph is updated to include, "Text in graphics, headers, footers, and tables may be 9-point."
53	Solicitation W911S0-20-R-0006.pdf	ADDENDUM TO 52.212-1, Tab D, 5.3, c. VI,VII,VIII	108	For Past Performance Citations, Items vi,vii and viii request Prime Contractor and Subcontractor dollar amounts. If the citation is performance as a subcontractor, are these figures required only for the subcontracted effort?	Yes. The Offeror is required to provide either Prime or (/) Subcontractor dollar amounts.
54	Solicitation W911S0-20-R-0006.pdf	ADDENDUM TO 52.212-1, Table 1 and Tab D, 5.3	104, 107	Table 1 and paragraph 5.3 requires Volume III to be 5 Pages total. Given the requirement for 3 citations in 12 Point font with 13 specific items required beyond the Relevancy Narrative, Would the Government consider allowing 5 Pages per citation?	No.
55	Solicitation W911S0-20-R-0006.pdf	ADDENDUM TO 52.212-1, 5.4.1	109	Paragraph 5.4.1 requires the Price Proposal to be in Microsoft Excel Format. Will the government provide the Pricing Spreadsheet?	An MS Excel Pricing Worksheet is provided.

	56	Solicitation W911S0-20-R-0006.pdf	SF 1449	1	The Offer Due Date is 30 April 2020. Will the government extend the Offer Due Date to Two (2) weeks after questions are answered?	No.
	57	AMD 002	Part 4, Para 4.2	27	Para 4.2 state all contractors shall have been granted a Top Secret security Clearance and a TOP Secret Security Clearance for the Fort Gordon location. Will the government confirm all contractors at all locations require a Top Secret security clearance (Including the Program Manager).	All contractor personnel at Ft. Gordon are the only ones that require Top Secret clearance. See Government Response to Question #6.
	58	Amendment 0001	2.1.8 Key Personnel	13	The solicitation states: "Contractor personnel that are evaluated in a source selection process and that may be required to be used in the performance of a contract by the “Key Personnel” listed in the PWS"; however, there are no Key Personnel listed. Can the government please provide the list of Key Personnel?	No. See PWS paragraph 1.5.11 requirements.
	59	Solicitation	5.3 Volume III: Past Performance	107	The solicitation states: "the Offeror shall identify no more than three (3) of its most recent/relevant experienced Contracts/TOs/Delivery Orders (DOs) that either (i) it has successfully completed or (ii) it has performed in part, within the past three (3) years, including proposed Subcontractors."
Can the government please clarify if they require three (3) references in total or three (3) references for each team member? If it is three (3) for each team member, would the government consider increasing the page limitations for Volume III?	Three references in total, including subcontractors.
	60	Solicitation	1.5.13.1 Display of ID Badges	41	Contractor personnel shall wear the ID badge at all times when performing work under this contract at a Government site, including while attending Government meetings and conferences that may take place outside the Government facility. Unless otherwise specified in the contract, each contractor employee shall wear the ID badge in a conspicuous place on the front of exterior clothing and above the waist except when safety or health reasons prohibit such placement. Is there a requirement to have a company issued "Contractor" badge in addition to the issued government CAC card?	Yes.
	61	Solicitation	4.2 Top Secret Facility Clearance	48	The contractor shall possess and maintain a TOP SECRET facility clearance from the Defense Security Service. The Contractor’s employees, performing work in support of this contract shall have been granted a TOP SECRET security clearance and a TOP SECRET security clearance for the Fort Gordon location from the Defense Industrial Security Clearance Office. The DD 254 is provided separately. Are TS clearanced personnel only required for the Program Manager and contractors at the FT Gordon location or all locations?	All contractor personnel at Ft. Gordon are the only ones that require Top Secret clearance.

See Government Response to Question #6 and #57.

	62	Solicitation	5.4.6 TAB E4: SCLS Labor Rates	11	Does the government require a minimum amount of the proposed labor categories to be associated with DOL SCA Wage Determinations?	The Offeror shall identify all proposed labor categories subject to the SCLS.
	63	Solicitation	5.4.6 TAB E5: Total Compensation Plan	11	Attachment 8, Employee Total Compensation Plan, is provided as a SAMPLE. Professional Employee" is defined in FAR 22.1102 and may not apply to all labor categories. If applicable, the professional employee compensation plan must be submitted in addition to Attachment 6.
Can the government please provide an example where a Total Compensation Plan would not need to be provided?	Per FAR 22.1101, The Service Contract Act of 1965, now codified at 41 U.S.C. chapter 67 , Service Contract Labor Standards, was enacted to ensure that Government contractors compensate their blue-collar service workers and some white-collar service workers fairly, but it does not cover bona fide executive, administrative, or professional employees. Therefore, the TCP requirement does not apply to these type of workers.
	64	RFP Main	Attachment 11	1	DD254 identifies the level of facility clearance required as Top Secret. Please confirm that a Top Secret Facility Clearance is required for the prime at the time of proposal submission.	Yes The contractor shall possess and maintain a TOP SECRET facility clearance from the Defense Security Service.
	65	RFP Main	C.13	101	The font is specified at 12-point for body text and 9-point for graphics. Is text in tables permitted at 9-point as well?	Yes. See Governments response to Questions #18 and 52.
	66	RFP Main	5.4.6 Tab E4: SCLS Labor Rates	109	Could the Government please identify which tasks and/or labor categories are currently categorized as subject to SCLS regulations under the incumbent contract?	The Offeror shall identify all proposed labor categories subject to the SCLS. See Governments response to question #62.
	67	RFP Main	TAB E2: Proposal Pricing Breakdown	109	The RFP reads an offeror must clearly state labor categories and occupation titles. Is the government looking for a labor code for the occupation title? How does the occupation title differ from the labor category?	No. Workers are classified into occupations based on their job duties, not their job titles. TAB E2 is updated and removes the reference and requirement for occupational titles. The corresponding Attachment 5 and #6 are also updated.

68	RFP Main	SF 1449	2	Would the Government please consider an extension to 8 May to allow offerors to adequately respond to changes based on the Q+A?	No.
69	Original Solicitation	C.	102	What are the required line spacing and margin requirements?	Use at least 1 inch margins on the top and bottom and ¾ inch side margins. 52.212-1 Addendum paragraph c(13) is updated.
70	N/A	N/A	N/A	Is there an incumbent ? If who and are they eligible to bid on this solicitation?	Yes.
71	N/A	N/A	N/A	Are there any contractor employees performing these task currently either from an incumbent or another contract effort?	There are incumbent contractor employees performing the contracts PWS tasks requirements.
72	PWS	1.4	34	Is it the government's intent that help desk and support services are performed at the specific locations identified, but technical administration of servers, databases, and application management/development can be performed at the contractor location?	All work is to be performed on site unless prior approval by the Government is granted.
73	PWS	1.4	34	Section 1.4 (page 24) states "…the requirement may evolve into more or less locations and work effort depending on DoD future needs". Will contractor have an opportunity to re-assess bid if requirements and work efforts increase?	No. DoD futures changes will be assessed at that time. The Government anticipates these changes to locations to be in-scope.

74	PWS	1.5	34	Please provide access to the bidder's library with the related System Architecture and metrics documents in order to properly scope the work	Metrics information can be provided, but the system architecture documents have some sensitive information that cannot be disclosed. What metrics are requested?
75	PWS	several locations		Does the government have a COOP location established? If so, is it a hot/warm/cold COOP?	For .mil, we have a cold COOP site. For .com, the COOP is provided by the SaaS provider. For .smil, the COOP is cold.
76	PWS	1.5	34	Is the management and maintenance of COOP servers and applications in scope?	No. PWS 5.5.2 requires the Contractor to provide specific documentation for identifying COOP during critical system outages and actions to be taken to restore the LLC to fully mission capable. PWS paragraphs 1.7, 2.10.2, and 5.6.2.2 requires the Contractor to collect data and maintain records for time of operation when under COOP procedures. PWS 3.8.2.4 requires the Contractor to submit documented COOP and schedule of backup and data restoration procedures.

77	PWS	1.5.1.1	34	Does the government already have a System Architecture document that needs to be updated, or will this need to be created as a brand-new document?	Document already exists and will be maintained as needed.
78	PWS	1.5.1.2	34	Does the government already have a Continuity of Operations document that needs to be updated, or will this need to be created as a brand-new document?	Document already exists and will be maintained as needed.
79	PWS	1.5.1.3	34	Regarding System Metrics definition and collection, does the government already have a Business Intelligence (BI) system that is being used to collect, analyze and display system metrics?	The Government does not. The current vendor handles that.
80	PWS	1.5.1.3	34	If there is no BI system, is it the government's intent to purchase a BI system or software to collect and analyze system metrics?	No.
81	PWS	1.5.1.4	34	What is the current system categorization under RMF for this system? What is the availability requirement for this system?	We have RMF accreditation under our data center for FOUO content. Availability requirement is 99% up time.
82	PWS	1.5.3.3	36	Regarding the QCP (Quality Control Plan), section 1.5.3.3 requests a customer feedback system to notify the government of complaints and corrective action taken. Does the government have a feedback system that it prefers?	It is up to the offeror to determine their proposed customer feedback system.

83	PWS	1.5.8	36	Please clarify which positions will require a Common Access Card (CAC)?	CAC requirements are stated in PWS paragraph 1.5.8.2 (b). All contractor personnel require CACs for access to the installations and to access Government systems. Access to the LLCs for .mil and .com for students can be either CAC or username/password.
84	PWS	1.5.8.2.1	38	Section 1.5.8.2.1 states that all contractors and subcontractors shall have Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility. Please clarify if this is a requirement only for contractors and subcontractors that will need to visit the SIPR LLC location? Or is this a requirement for all contractors and subcontractors whether they are onsite or remote?	TS/SCI clearance is only needed for the Ft. Gordon location.

	85	Specific Tasks	5.1	49	Regarding the maintenance of the LCMS (Blackboard Learn), please clarify if Blackboard Learn is an existing instance that needs to be maintained or is this a new implementation?	Existing for the last 15 years as the centerpiece of the Army's Lifelong Learning Center Program.
	86	Specific Tasks	5.1	49	If Blackboard Learn is existing, does the government already have a Certificate of Networthiness (CoN) for Blackboard Learn?	Not needed since we are a part of our data center's RMF accreditation, the SIPR data center accreditation, and FedRAMP authorization for the .com instance.
	87	Specific Tasks	5.1	49	The solicitation states that the Blackboard Learn LCMS must be available 24/7/365. Please clarify if the government has conducted any maintenance windows in the past that require downtime, and if so, how has the downtime been managed?	We have monthly maintenance windows scheduled for the 2nd and 3rd Tuesdays of each month. Maintenance is requested at least 30 days out and is scheduled in 90 day blocks of time. Emergency requests are handled on a case by case basis.
	88	Specific Tasks	5.1	49	Please clarify the total number of unique implementations of the Blackboard Learn LCMS, in support of the three networks, .mil, .smil and .com?	Three. .mil at Ft. Eustis; .smil at Ft. Gordon, and .com and Amazon Web Services GovCloud.
	89	Specific Tasks	5.1	49	For each Blackboard Learn (LCMS) implementation, please clarify the version of Blackboard Learn and if the experience is the Blackboard Original course experience, or Blackboard Ultra course experience?	.mil and .smil user Blackboard Learn v9.1 2017 Q4 CU6. .com uses Learn SaaS. No one uses Ultra.
	90	Specific Tasks	5.1	49	For each Blackboard Learn (LCMS) implementation, please clarify how the implementation is deployed and if the deployment is self-hosted (by the government), managed-hosted (in Blackboard's managed-hosted data centers) or SaaS (hosted by Blackboard/AWS)?	.mil and .smil are self-hosted. The .com is a SaaS implementation.
	91	Specific Tasks	5.1.1.1	49	Section 5.1.1.1 states enterprise-level training development. Please clarify if this training is specific to the LCMS Blackboard Learn?	Blackboard Learn and a few third party tools.
	92	Specific Tasks	5.1.1.2	49	Section 5.1.1.2 states academic content development. Please clarify the type of academic content and the approximate number of courses that the government is looking to have developed per instance?	Number of courses and type is unknown. That is the purview of the individual Army schools. The LLC just provides the platform.
	93	Specific Tasks	5.2.1	49	Section 5.2.1 states that contractor shall maintain the portals / knowledge networks (web link) from the LLC to the student. Please provide more information on the portal, including where it is hosted, the technology it is built in and how the portal intersects with the Blackboard Learn LCMS?	Ft. Eustis does not have a portal. Ft. Gordon maintains a Liferay portal that can be used to link to courses on the .mil. For some .com users, there is a home grown student management system that serves as the portal.
	94	Specific Tasks	5.2.2	49	Section 5.2.2 states that contractor shall maintain the digital library. Please provide more information on the digital library, including where it is hosted, the technology it is built in and how the portal intersects with the Blackboard Learn LCMS?	It's the content collection piece of Blackboard Learn.
	95	Specific Tasks	5.2.2	49	Section 5.2.2 states that the digital library shall also include a comprehensive search capability. Please clarify if this search capability exists in the digital library technology and needs to be enhanced, or is this new functionality?	Capability exists.
	96	Specific Tasks	5.2.4	50	Section 5.2.4 states that contractor shall maintain student management database. Please clarify if this database is a part of the Blackboard Learn LCMS or if it is a separate application with interface to manage Soldier's training plan and document their training process?	That database is the back end database for Blackboard, not an additional database.
	97	Specific Tasks	5.6.1.3	52	Section 5.6.1.3 states that contractor will host enterprise-level Blackboard Learn LCMS domains for proponent schools. Please clarify if these domains exist today, and if so, where they are currently hosted? And how many proponent schools?	This program has existed for over a decade. Everything already exists. While there may be a reason to add a few here and there, the infrastructure is already in place. The number of schools and other Army agencies fluctuates based on need. There are currently 28 Army schools, so that is the lowest it would be.
	98	Specific Tasks	5.6.2.1	52	Regarding System Metrics definition and collection, does the government already have a Business Intelligence (BI) system that is being used to collect and analyze system metrics? If there is no BI system, is it the government's intent to purchase a BI system or software to collect and analyze system metrics?	See Government Responses to question #79 and #80.
	99	Specific Tasks	5.6.3	53	Section 5.6.3 states that contractor will train government instructors and developers. Please clarify how much of this training is on the Blackboard Learn LCMS? And how much of the training is on other topics or capabilities?	Training already exists, is now being done strictly by distributed learning and is all on the LLC capabilities, which includes Blackboard Learn, Respondus Lockdown Browser, and other topics as requested.
	100	ATTACHMENT 1	1.4	59	Section 1.4 states that contractor will provide technical solutions for a dynamic website that pulls content from various local and Army-level databases, a browser enabled e-learning solution built around Blackboard Learn. Please clarify the total number of local and Army-level databases that the dynamic website will need to pull from?	One.
	101	ATTACHMENT 1	1.7	60	Section 1.7 states contractor provides application support for Blackboard Learn API and building blocks. Please clarify the total number of building blocks today?	In house developed: 18; Bb consulting: 2, 3rd party: 7 Total: 27
	102	ATTACHMENT 1	1.1	60	Section 1.10_ states contractor builds custom modules and web parts for the LLC Blackboard application. Please clarify the number of custom modules that exist today?	In house developed: 18.
	103	ATTACHMENT 1	1.12	60	Section 1.12 states that contractor manages tasks associated with monitoring and answering questions from users of Blackboard Learn. Please clarify approximately how many calls to the support desk occur daily? And approximately how many of those calls are specific to Blackboard Learn?	Monthly: Ft. Eustis: 1200; Gordon: 900: JAG: 100; Leavenworth: 800; Leonard Wood: 700. For Eustis, and Leonard Wood, all calls relate to Blackboard Learn whether technical or account related and some (less than 10%) are content related. For Gordon and JAG, the majority are Blackboard Learn related but there are some Liferay questions. For Leavenworth, Blackboard Learn and Blackboard Collaborate are the majority of the questions. For all sites, the majority of the questions are technical or account related.
	104	ATTACHMENT 2	2.8.1	66	Section 2.8.1 states "7 days x 24 hours. Support Desk is available 7 day a week, 24 hours a day"; however, Section 2.8 states the Support Desk Operations will be 5 days x 12 hours and manned Monday thru Friday 0600 - 1800 (local time) and therefore does not equate to "24x7". Please clarify in order to properly scope and price this on a FFP contract	The help desk is manned during standard business hours. Students can submit tickets via the Army Training Held Desk or voicemail to be answered on the next business day. Frequently Asked Questions are available on the ATHD 24/7.
	105	ATTACHMENT 2	3.5 Custom Application Support	68	Please clarify "As required by the Government, the contractor shall develop
custom applications or information technical solutions in support of education for CGSC and Army University and associated schools". Are new custom applications funded separately and not part of FFP scope?	The custom applications could be either part of the LLC effort or a separate contract, depending on the school's requirements.
	106	ATTACHMENT 2	3.6 Training	68	Please clarify the expected amount of ILT training to be provided	Training is provided as requested and varies by year. A specific number is not available.
	107	ATTACHMENT 2	5.3.2	76	Please clarify "Interact with the proponent
staff to develop dynamic mobile applications to enhance learning capabilities" in order to properly scope and price this on an FFP contract	This primarily involves our (the contractor's) on-site web

builder/graphics design person working with TJAGLCS Faculty SMEs and The Army Distributed Learning Program (TADLP) Mobile Apps Division to develop web publications and podcasts for placement on our website and/or LMS/LCMS, and through mobile apps when applicable. The web builder/graphics design person under this contract will have primary skills needed in this area.

Melinda Paynter: Melinda Paynter:

The LLC is reviewing their response with the JAG.

UPDATED: The LLC provided their updated response on 28 Apr 20.

	108	ATTACHMENT 2	5.3.2	76	Please clarify "Creation of training product
graphic / 3D modeling games and simulations in support of TJAGLCS applications and the Army Games for Learning program" in order to properly scope and price this on a FFP contract	Provides the capability to build 3D/2D virtual worlds, games and

applications for use primarily in Blackboard courses, but also as stand-alone product on our website or in mobile apps. This person would provide in-house development that replaces a rigid and slow contracting process.

Melinda Paynter: Melinda Paynter:

Sent a request to LLC on 23 Apr 20.

Is there any elaboration LLC can provide that details what it means to "create the training product graphic / 3D modeling games and simulations"? What is an example of this for the LLC?

Update: The LLC is reviewing this response with JAG.

Update: The LLC provided their revised response on 28 Apr 20.

109	ATTACHMENT 2	5.4.1	77	Section states, "The Contractor shall respond to or acknowledge all incoming calls and requests within four (24) business hours. The Contractor shall resolve or otherwise develop an appropriate solution to the requests, problems, or issues within five (48) business hours in most cases." Request clarification of what four (24) business hours and five (48) business hours means respectively, in terms of Contractor time reference(s).	This is a typo. The words "four" and "five" should be removed and vendor should simply refer to 24 and 48 business hours. The PWS paragraph is updated.
110	ATTACHMENT 2	5.4.6 ATRRS	77	Please confirm that contractors are provided ATRRS access and training to support this requirement	Confirmed.
111	ATTACHMENT 2	5.4.5 JAGU SUPPORT DESK/ATHD:	77	Section states, "Contractor shall monitor internal ETDL support functions and provide an organizational method and metrics for tracking issues and users." Please confirm contractors will have access to ETDL with suitable permissions for internal monitoring.	Confirmed.
112	ATTACHMENT 2	6.0 WOCC/7.0 SMA	78	Please confirm "cloud computing hosted environment" for WOCC and SMA locations. Are these AWS locations or a 4th location?	They are hosted in AWS.
113	ATTACHMENT 3	TASK BREAKDOWN BY SITE	80	Is the notional man-hour breakdown for the tasks at each LLC site based on actual historical level of effort?	Yes, to the degree possible. Some tasks are relatively new and don't have a lot of historical data.
114	PWS	General		Site support - Does the contractor have a Government furnished work location at each site to support the "walk-in" support requirement	Only the sites identified in the PWS.
115	ATTACHMENT 4	CLIN Structure	84	There are no software CLINS. Is it the government's intent to purchase BlackBoard and any other software outside of this contract?	That is correct. This is a services contract. Software is provided by separate means.
116	ATTACHMENT 4	CLIN Structure	84	There are no hosting CLINS. Is it the government's intent to purchase hosting services and/or hardware outside of this contract?	That is correct. This is a services contract. Hosting is provided by separate means.
117	RFP_Main	1.14, 5.4.9	60, 77	The RFP states: "In accordance with paragraph 1.14, contractor shall perform the following tasks in support of the Liferay capability…" Paragraph 1.14 refers to ATRRS not Liferay. Please clarify.	Should be paragraph 1.8 of attachment 1. The PWS paragraph is updated.
118	Part 3 - Government Furnished Property, Equipment , and Services	3.2 Facilities	47	Which of the labor category personnel are required to work on site at TRADOC Centers and Schools, or are Offerors allowed to specify?	We don't go by labor categories just the tasks listed for each location. The offeror gives their suggested labor category mix for the Governments review.
119	Part 5 - Specific Tasks	Part 5 Specific Tasks	49-53	Do the notional man hours provided by LLC site in Attachment 3 include the hours required to perform the Part 5 tasks?	No. The man hours refer to the specific locations. Part 5 gives all tasks that could be required. Attachment 2 gives which tasks are required at each location.
120	Part 5 - Specific Tasks	Part 5 - Specific Tasks - 5.3 - Networthiness	50	Task states, "In accordance with NETCOM/local NEC policy, the contractor shall maintain the 'networthiness' of the LLC, as appropriate." Request the government provide clarification with respect to this task as the CoN process has been updated to reflect a RMF Assess Only process that was implemented in July, 2018 to replace the Army CoN process as per ARCYBER OPORD 2018-097, published April 20, 2018. Does the local NEC policy reflect the latest ABRCYBER OPORD requirement?	This is to do with applying patches, STIGs, IAVAs, etc.
121	Amendment+0002.pdf	Part 5 - Specific Tasks - 5.3.12 - Continuity of Operations (COOP)	54	Task states, "Maintaining continuity of operations (Disaster Recovery) capabilities to include file server back up and restoring damaged/lost files/data as well as a training system for trouble shooting that includes: (PWS lists 5 subtasks). Request the government provide clarification with respect to how the LLCs are related based on services and data. Do they replicate data between them? Is one of the LLCs designated a primary COOP site? If not, do the LLCs have their own designated sites?	The three LLC locations are separate and distinct and do not share data as they are all three at different classification levels.
122	RFP_Main	1.5.8.2.1.e	38	Will SCI access be processed via ACCS?	Yes, access will be processed via ACCS.
123	General	PWS		Is the work describe in PWS new work or is this work supported by an incumbent contractor?	The PWS includes work the Government requires for the performance of this contract.

124	Attachment 2	Site Specific Duties	62 of 154	Section 1.5 uses the term "Host" for enterprise level systems. Please clarify if these system are running on Government servers/services or is the requirement for the contractor to host these system on a contractor platform?	The platforms are Government-provided.
125	Amendment_0002	5.4	30	How many servers, by type, location and contract year, will be supported over the life of the contract?	We will not be supporting servers. That is done by other staffs at Eustis and Gordon.
126	Amendment_0002	3.7	47	Does this contract provide O&M to a SharePoint Farm, or simply manage SiteCollections?	Just manage collections.
127	Amendment_0002	3.7	47	If Yes, what is the size of the SharePoint Farm Supported? (How many Servers/systems?)	Not applicable.
128	Amendment_0002	3.7	47	How many users are supported for the SharePoint Farm or SiteCollections?	Sharepoint is only used at Leavenworth. Student load varies depending on course needs. Less than 3000 annually.
129	Amendment_0002	3.7	47	Is the Source Code for custom development artifacts and SharePoint solutions available and controlled with some type of Version Control Software?	Yes.
130	Solicitation	1.5.1.1 System Architecture Document	34	The solicitation states: "The contractor shall update and maintain the document. The LLC system architecture document shall identify the servers associated with the system and its interdependency with other systems such as Enterprise Authentication Management System - Army (EAMS-A) and the Army Training Resources and Requirements System (ATRRS).This documentation shall include server topology and configuration documents as required, clearly articulating what services are being hosted." Is there already existing documentation to fall in on and maintain?	Yes. The documentation already exists and will be maintained.
131	Solicitation	1.3 Project Management Attachment 1	59	Lead point of contact for a particular work effort under the direction of the site lead at that location. Project management performs tasks associated with the work effort for a particular Army Center of Excellence (CoE) or Proponent School. Is there a requirement for a Project Manager and Site Manager at each site?	No. The project manager is the lead for the contract effort and will be located at Ft. Eustis. The site lead will be at Eustis, Gordon, Leavenworth, Leonard Wood and TJAGLCS. Rucker and Bliss are satellites of Leavenworth and answer to the Leavenworth lead.
132	Solicitation	5.1 Requirements	49	5.1.1.1 Enterprise-level training development and production servers.

5.1.1.2 Academic content development and management servers.

5.1.1.3 Enterprise student-learning database management servers.

5.1.1.4 Integrated client-server communications (for digital library and staff and faculty collaboration; virtual meetings; virtual Soldier support system).

5.1.1.5 Other Course Content Development and Testing servers and workstations.

Are the servers managed by the contractor or government?	Servers are managed by a different contract. This contract maintains the Blackboard application, database, and file server contents.
	133	Solicitation	5.1 Requirements	49	Can the government please specify which version of Blackboard is currently running on the servers?	See the Governments response to question #89.
	134	Solicitation	5.1 Requirements	49	Can the government please provide an architecture diagram of current production server landscape, to include training, content, and student learning database servers?	Diagram will be provided at contract award. Information is sensitive to work effort.
	135	Solicitation	4.2. Provide Multimedia Development and Graphics Support	52	4.2.1 Contractor will be informed of specific issues that require the support identified in the following via electronic means (i.e., e-mail or telephone) or help desk walk-in notification. Government estimates that Contractor will respond to 25-50 multimedia and graphics-specific requests each month. Most graphics and multimedia development support requests can take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks to complete the creation, videotaping, modification, editing, or maintenance.

This is the start of the file's text. The full file is on GovTribe.

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated Apr 29, 2020.