W911S7-16-R-0047_-_Contractor_Questions_-_Government_Responses.pdf

Contractor Questions & Government Responses W911S7-16-R-0047, Analytical Task Support

Contractor Question 1: The solicitation does not provide needed detail to align billets to sites. This will have an impact on solution development and costing. Can the Government provide the relative level of effort by site?

Government Response 1: Historical level of effort has been 1 FTE at all sites except Ft Leonard Wood however offerors should propose their own approach.

Contractor Question 2: The PWS tasks best can be, in certain cases, performed at a local level and others that could potentially benefit by being performed in a centralized fashion. Can the Government confirm that all tasks are performed at all sites or whether some tasks are performed uniquely at certain sites?

Government Response 2: All PWS tasks except 5.3, KM/Web Development are performed at all sites.

Contractor Question 3: The description of Key Personnel is unclear. Par 1.4.4 Key Personnel lists 3 people: PM, PM-SMA and Alternate PM-SMA but only describes the roles of two, the PM-SMA and alternate PM-SMA. Does the Government require three key personnel or two? If three (PM, PM-SMA and alternate PM-SMA), does the PM require the same qualifications as PM-SMA?

Government Response 3: There are two key personnel PM-SMA and Alternate PM-SMA. PWS paragraph 1.4.4 has been updated.

Contractor Question 4: Par 1.4.3.3 describes the requirement for EOD Experience for SMAs performing a list of tasks (Tasks: Conduct DOTMLPF assessments, doctrinal reviews and capability review and analysis). Do only the tasks called out in 1.4.3.3 require the “Military-qualified EOD personnel or is the qualification required for other tasks as well.

Government Response 4: The requirement for EOD experience applies to other tasks in the PWS.

Certain EOD publications are limited to military EOD qualified personnel and contractor personnel will need access to those manuals to provide the required deliverables. Military EOD qualified personnel is defined as: EOD experience and technical expertise gained as a Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal School ( NAVEODSCOL) - trained EOD operator. PWS paragraph 1.4.3.3 has been updated to clarify the EOD experience requirement.

Contractor Question 5: Please define what qualifications or certifications are required to be designated a “Military-qualified EOD personnel.”

Government Response 5: Military EOD qualified personnel is defined as: EOD experience and technical expertise gained as a Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal School ( NAVEODSCOL) - trained EOD operator.

PWS paragraph 1.4.3.3 has been updated to clarify the EOD experience requirement.

Contractor Question 6: The PWS cites ATP 4-32.16 as a key reference. The version cited the 6 May 2016 version. The 2016 version appears to be unavailable from the official publication websites. The available version is the 2015 version. Please confirm the correct version of ATP 4-32.16?

Government Response 6: PWS paragraph 1.4.3.3 has been updated to refer to “the most recent version of ATP 4-32.16.”

Contractor Question 7: Could the Government clarify the due date for the Past Performance Volume?

Government Response 7: The Past Performance Volume is due 22 August 2016.

Contractor Question 8: In par 1.4.3.1, the PWS defines SMA Qualifications, in part as: Master's degree in a related field and 3 years of specialized experience; OR Bachelor's degree in a related field. Will the government identify or define the desired degree field so that we can align it with the “related fields” as stated in the SMA Qualifications paragraph?

Government Response 8: The intent is any degree field at the Master’s or Bachelor’s level. PWS paragraph 1.4.3.1 has been revised and the words “in a related field” have been removed.

Contractor Question 9: Will the Government define “major subcontractor” per Solicitation pg. 32, to clarify the submission of past performance contracts?

Government Response 9: A tier one subcontractor or a subcontractor who is performing a substantial portion of the work effort.

Contractor Question 10: As required by the RFP and in accordance with the Defense Security Service and National Industrial Security Program policy, the Government Contracting Officer is authorized to sponsor a Prime Offeror in support of a secret facility clearance. Can you send me the KO's contract information and/or assist with a clear understanding of the path forward via a scheduled phone call?

Government Response 10: No facility clearance is required for this effort. All references to a facility clearance requirement have been removed from the PWS.

Contractor Question 11: Reference TE 2 Page 25. DD254 - What is section 1.6.7 - the PWS only goes to

1.4.7 in Section 1?

Government Response 11: References in TE2 have been updated.

Contractor Question 12: Can the Contracting Office confirm whether a Facility Clearance must be in place 10 days BEFORE, or AFTER the Contract Start Date?

Government Response 12: No facility clearance is required for this effort. All references to a facility clearance requirement have been removed from the PWS.

Contractor Question 13: Please confirm that the Past Performance Volume is due on Monday, August 22nd.

Government Response 13: The Past Performance Volume is due 22 August 2016.

Contractor Question 14: In section 1.4.6 Contractor Travel different locations and frequencies of travel are listed will the Government consider listing a Flat Fee CLIN for travel, OR will travel be direct billed to the Government?

Government Response 14 This is a firm fixed price contract, no separate travel CLIN will be added. The Contractor shall include all travel costs in their proposed price for CLINs 0001 and 1001. All offerors should price travel in accordance with 1.4.6 of the PWS and in accordance with FAR Part 31.205-46.

Contractor Question 15: Please explain how the Government would like Offerors to price travel.

Government Response 15: This is a firm fixed price contract, no separate travel CLIN will be added. The Contractor shall include all travel costs in their proposed price for CLINs 0001 and 1001. All offerors should price travel in accordance with 1.4.6 of the PWS and in accordance with FAR Part 31.205-46.

Contractor Question 16: What is the total productive hours used to arrive at the Government's estimate of FTEs? On an annual basis, 1 full time FTE is considered to be 2,080 hours which is calculated as: 8 hours per day x 5 days per week. Can the Government provide historical data for these efforts?

Government Response 16: Offerors should propose their own individual levels of effort based on their understanding of the requirement.

Contractor Question 17: For an estimation and pricing base can the Contracting Office please define a Productive FTE year in terms of hours (Less Vacation, Holidays, etc.)?

Government Response 17: No. Each offeror should propose their own level of effort based on their understanding of the requirement.

Contractor Question 18: Please validate the anticipated rates structure for this effort. Please clarify if contractors will be required to hire and pay personnel utilizing SCA rates?

Government Response 18: The DOL Wage Determination is applicable to this requirement.

Contractor Question 19: Please provide a baseline of FTE counts per person for each of the various locations listed in Section J, Attachments 2-9.

Government Response 19: See 1 above.

Contractor Question 20: Since we are anticipating a role as a primary subcontractor to a partner HUBZone company, and have significant past performance to meet and exceed the government’s requirements, may we submit the bulk of the past performance to address the government’s needs?

Government Response 20: Yes.

Contractor Question 21: How many full time personnel are on the current incumbent contract?

Government Response 21: Each offeror should propose their own level of effort based on their understanding of the requirement.

Contractor Question 22: Will the Government consider adding three (3) additional option years to the contract?

Government Response 22: No.

Contractor Question 23: ITEM NO 0001 currently shows a QUANTITY of “1” for the entire Base Year.

Should the QUANTITY be “10” rather than “1” representing the number of months which will be billed?

Government Response 23: The quantity, and unit of measure have been updated on CLINs 0001 and 1001.

Contractor Question 24: ITEM NO 0001 currently shows a UNIT as Job for the entire Base Year. Should the UNIT be “Months” rather than Job as we will be billing a firm fixed price monthly?

Government Response 24: The quantity, and unit of measure have been updated on CLINs 0001 and 1001.

Contractor Question 25: ITEM NO 1001 OPTION currently shows a QUANTITY of “1” for the entire Option Year. Should the QUANTITY be “12” rather than “1” representing the number of months which will be billed?

Government Response 25: The quantity, and unit of measure have been updated on CLINs 0001 and 1001.

Contractor Question 26: ITEM NO 1001 currently shows a UNIT of Job for the entire Option Year. Should the UNIT be MONTHS rather than UNIT as we will be billing a firm fixed price monthly?

Government Response 26: The quantity, and unit of measure have been updated on CLINs 0001 and 1001.

Contractor Question 27: Will the Government consider adding an ITEM NO within Section B – Supplies or Services and Prices specifically for travel for both the base and option periods?

Government Response 27: This is a firm fixed price contract, no separate travel CLIN will be added. The Contractor shall include all travel costs in their proposed price for CLINs 0001 and 1001. All offerors should price travel in accordance with 1.4.6 of the PWS and in accordance with FAR Part 31.205-46.

Contractor Question 28: If the Government adds an ITEM NO within Section B – Supplies or Services and Prices specifically for travel, for both the base and option periods, can the Government provide a plug in number for all contractors?

Government Response 28: This is a firm fixed price contract, no separate travel CLIN will be added. The Contractor shall include all travel costs in their proposed price for CLINs 0001 and 1001. All offerors should price travel in accordance with 1.4.6 of the PWS and in accordance with FAR Part 31.205-46.

Contractor Question 29: According to the definition of a “Service Employee” within the incorporated clause 52.222-41 “Service Contract Labor Standards” an employee operating in a “professional capacity” is not considered a “service employee”. In addition, we have reviewed every labor description of the Service Contract Act Directory of Occupations and have confirmed that The “Senior Military Analyst” and “Knowledge Management” personnel required through solicitation W911S7-16-R-0047 are not “service employees” as they will be operating in a bona fide “professional capacity” and therefore not subject to 52.222-41 “Service Contract Labor Standards. Will the Government kindly remove 52.222-41 “Service Contract Labor Standards” from solicitation W911S7-16-R-0047 as it is not applicable to any of the labor categories within the solicitation.

Government Response 29: No.

Contractor Question 30: If the Government is unable to remove 52.222-41 “Service Contract Labor Standards” will the Government please confirm that the “Senior Military Analysts” will be operating in a bona fide “professional capacity” and therefore not subject to 52.222-41 “Service Contract Labor Standards”.

Government Response 30: The determination as to the professional capacity of an offeror’s employees is the responsibility of the offeror. The SCA Wage Determination represents the minimum compensation allowable for hourly workers.

Contractor Question 31: If the Government believes that 52.222-41 “Service Contract Labor Standards” is applicable to the solicitation W911S7-16-R-0047, will the Government please explain why and how it is applicable and what labor categories it is applicable to.

Government Response 31: No the government will not explain the applicability of the SCA. That body of knowledge is expected of each offeror.

Contractor Question 32: If the Government believes that 52.222-41 “Service Contract Labor Standards” is applicable to the solicitation W911S7-16-R-0047, will the Government please provide wage determinations, in accordance with 29 CFR 4.4 – “Obtaining a wage determination”

Government Response 32: All applicable DOL Wage Determinations are found at Attachments 2 through 9 of the solicitation.

Contractor Question 33: If the Government believes that 52.222-41 “Service Contract Labor Standards” is applicable to the solicitation W911S7-16-R-0047, We request the Government provide guidance on overtime as it pertains to daily operations, and travel requirements given SCA restrictions to 40-hour work weeks and the requirement to travel to Hawaii, Germany and possibly other locations within and outside the continental United States.

Government Response 33: SCA is applicable to hourly wage employees only. For all other employee types refer to FAR Part 22.103 Overtime.

Contractor Question 34: Will the Government please provide the point of origination of each trip within PWS 1.4.6 as a planning tool and to assist in proposal preparation.

Government Response 34: Point of origin for the DCIED Orientation is the location each employee is working from. The point of origin for other travel will be determined by the contractor in order to meet deliverables. Current year travel history is the point of origin 50% from Fort Leonard Wood, 10% from

Fort Huachuca, 10% from Fort Leavenworth, 10% from Fort Eustis, 10% from USAREUR, and 10% from

USARPACOM.

Contractor Question 35: Reference: PWS 1.4.8 – Phase In/Phase Out (PI/PO) Period states that the “Contractor shall have personnel on board, during 30 day PI/PO period.” How will the Government afford the contractor 30 days for PI/PO when the current Period of Performance ends on 12 September 16 and proposals are not due until 26 August 2016?

Government Response 35: There will be a 30 day PI/PO period in accordance with PWS paragraph 1.4.8.

Contractor Question 36: Reference: The PWS Task 5.3.8 states “initial updates to existing C-IED and EH web sites due NLT 90 days after PoP start and Technical Exhibit 2, “KM/WEB DEVELOPMNET” states “Provide initial updates to existing C-IED and EH Web Site NLT 180 days after POP start date”. Will the Government please clarify when initial updates to existing C-IED and EH web sites will be due?

Government Response 36: The correct suspense is 90 days after PoP Start. PWS paragraph 5.3.8 has been updated to add the correct suspense.

Contractor Question 37: Technical Exhibit 2 references PWS sections 1.6.1 through 1.6.11 which are not present within the solicitation documents. Will the Government please provide PWS sections 1.6.1 through 1.6.11 or amend Technical Exhibit 2.

Government Response 37: References in TE2 have been updated.

Contractor Question 38: Reference: Solicitation, Page 44, C. Evaluation Criteria, Factor 3: Price, (2) The evaluation process:, a. Factor 1 – Technical Acceptability, “Management Approach”. The “Technically Acceptability” requirements for “Management Approach” is staffing related and should be incorporated into the “Staffing Approach” for Technical Acceptability. Will the Government revise the Technical Acceptability for “Management Approach” to require the offerors management approach?

Government Response 38: No.

Contractor Question 39: Does the Government want one CD ROM with all three volumes on it or does the Government want to receive 3 separate CD ROMS, one for each volume?

Government Response 39: One CD ROM with all three volumes.

Contractor Question 40: Section L, Attachment 2 (page 10) Past Performance Reference Sheet is redundant; requires same info in multiple sections. Will the Govt. clarify the information required/desired and/or revise the form to remove redundancies?

Government Response 40: No.

Contractor Question 41: Section F of RFP shows the POP as 10-month base + one 12-month option. Will the Govt. please clarify the Period of Performance?

Government Response 41: The period of performance is a 10 month base period with one, 12 month option.

Contractor Question 42: PWS Para 1.3. Para 1.3 of the PWS specifies performance locations. Will the Government clarify the level of effort by FTE required at each location?

Government Response 42: Previous performance history indicates 1 FTE for SMAs at each location with the remainder located at Fort Leonard Wood.

Contractor Question 43: PWS Para 1.4.3 Will the Government clarify the specific position requirements for the SMA’s?

Government Response 43: Other than the qualifications for the USAEUR SMA and EOD personnel for access to manuals the contractor shall provide personnel who have sufficient experience and education to provide the deliverables outlined in the PWS.

Contractor Question 44: PWS Para 1.4.3.3 Are all SMA’s required to be EOD personnel?

Government Response 44: No the intent is to have adequate EOD experience to provide the PWS deliverables. Each offeror’s assessment of the number of EOD experienced personnel required should be based in that offeror’s understanding of the requirement.

Contractor Question 45: PWS Para 1.4.6. Travel requirements listed in PWS Para 1.4.6 but a CLIN for Travel is not provided. Assuming travel will be reimbursable, does the Government plan to release another amendment to add a reimbursable CLIN for travel?

Government Response 45: This is a firm fixed price contract, no separate travel CLIN will be added. The Contractor shall include all travel costs in their proposed price for CLINs 0001 and 1001. All offerors should price travel in accordance with 1.4.6 of the PWS and in accordance with FAR Part 31.205-46.

Contractor Question 46: Attachments 2 – 9 (Wage Determinations) Is this procurement covered by Service Contract Act/WD? Senior Military Analyst provided as info only (pg. 17 of RFP).

Government Responses 46: The DOL Wage Determination is applicable to this contract.

Contractor Question 47: Contracts with permanent OCONUS positions generally provide for an ODC CLIN to cover employee relocation costs (travel, house-hunting, etc.) under provisions of FAR Section 31.205-35. If there are OCONUS positions, will the Govt provide such a CLIN to enable reimbursement of these costs?

Government Response 47: No. These costs should be part of your overall price proposal.

Contractor Question 48: Will there be a travel CLIN to account for OHA, relocation, DoD Schools etc. for the USAEUR and PACOM?

Government Response 48: No. All costs should be incorporated into the offeror’s proposal.

Contractor Question 49: On the original solicitation release, the SF-33 (Block 5) states the Date Issued as 15 Jul 2016; however, the actual solicitation was not released to FBO until 26 July 2016. What is the specific date (as per Section L requirements of a 26 calendar day due date for Past Performance) that the PP Volumes need to be at the Contracting Office?

Government Response 49: The Past Performance Volume is due 22 August 2016.

Contractor Question 50: Please provide the exact due date for the Past Performance Volume and Past Performance Questionnaires. Also, 26 days after 26 JUL is a Sunday. Recommend that it be changed to 27 days for it to be due on a Monday.

Government Response 50: The Past Performance Volume is due 22 August 2016.

Contractor Question 51: For CLIN 0001, is the government only expecting to see the fully burdened amount for each identified PoP (i.e. CLIN 0001 and 1001)?

Government Response 51: Yes.

Contractor Question 52: There is not a separate CLIN for Travel/ODC’s. Is the government’s intent that these costs be included in the base burdened figures to be inserted under CLIN 0001 and 1001?

Government Response 52: This is a firm fixed price contract, no separate travel CLIN will be added. The Contractor shall include all travel costs in their proposed price for CLINs 0001 and 1001. All offerors should price travel in accordance with 1.4.6 of the PWS and in accordance with FAR Part 31.205-46.

Contractor Question 53: As this is an LPTA evaluation, we request that the government provide precise travel destinations and all required supplies that the contractor is expected to provide and cost.

Alternatively, please provide an estimated cost figure number for calculations.

Government Response 53: Travel destinations and durations are provided in the current solicitation.

Supplies etc. are the responsibility of the offeror as the government has no basis for providing these amounts.

Contractor Question 54: The government has not provided a spreadsheet or other formatted materials for pricing; is it correct to assume that you will accept any format (contractor provided)?

Government Response 54: Any format is acceptable however Excel is the preferred platform.

Contractor Question 55: Please explain the purpose and intent behind the inclusion of Amount information (cost) for CLINs 0002 and 1002.

Government Response 55: The Contractor may charge the Government for Contractor Manpower Reporting.

Contractor Question 56: Please explain the POP date ranges (13Sep16 to 12JUL17 and 13JUL17 to 12JUL18); what is the governments intent for issuing this solicitation using dates that do not follow a fiscal year format?

Government Response 56: The period of performance is a 10 month base period with one, 12 month option. The fiscal year is irrelevant.

Contractor Question 57: Is the governments’ requirement for comprehensive automobile liability insurance limited to the times when contracting personnel are traveling OCONUS? If not, please explain the requirement for comprehensive automobile insurance when personnel should have this coverage on their own accord for CONUS.

Government Response 57: The basis for this question is unclear. Section H requires automobile insurance when operating on a government facility.

Contractor Question 58: Is this contract governed by Service Contract Act (SCA) requirements and associated labor/pricing guidance as provided by DOL? If it is, we request the government identify the specific Wage Applicability Code that must be used in pricing and determining staff labor roles to be provided under this LPTA contract.

Government Response 58: The classification of each offeror’s personnel is the responsibility of each offeror and not the government’s.

Contractor Question 59: Why has the government provided the rate equivalency AND the wage rate determination tables (i.e. SCA labor codes)? There are NO SCA-equivalent labor categories or rates for staff that will also meet the identified requirements of staff members. Please explain the government’s intent and/or direction for trying to place obviously highly skilled and specialized personnel into a rate structure for which it is impossible to source the required staff skill sets under.

Government Response 59: The classification of each offeror’s employees are the responsibility of each offeror. The government has no insight into hourly wage workers that any offeror may employ under any given contract.

Contractor Question 60: Please provide (as per updated information given by the CO in Block 14) the exact date for Past Performance submission to be returned to the Contracting Office for compliance with the solicitation requirements.

Government Response 60: The Past Performance Volume is due 22 August 2016.

Contractor Question 61: For Section L.1(2), please explain why this is not acceptable as an electronic submission? Why is the government demanding hard-copy submission of packets?

Government Response 61: Section L.1(2) of the solicitation states that electronic submissions via e-mail or fax will not be accepted. No further explanation required.

Contractor Question 62: Questions are due to the government on 5AUG16 with proposals due to the Contracting Office by 26AUG16. The government’s stated intent is to wait until after the 5 August 2016 question submittal deadline before answering questions, with a subsequent Amendment to be provided. Many of the questions being asked are considered critical to costing of this bid, especially with an LPTA evaluation basis. We request the government provide a concrete date that Amendment 0002 (with full Q&A release) for our planning purposes.

Government Response 62: No response necessary.

Contractor Question 63: Based on the deadline for questions and the likelihood of answers not being issued until the week of the 8th, will the Government consider a 5 business day extension to the proposal due date (September 2, 2016)?

Government Response 63: No.

Contractor Question 64: As the Question submission deadline is 5 August 2016 (a Friday), the expectation is that the government will not begin to work on answering these prior to the following Monday (8AUG). We request at least a day for day extension be provided for each calendar day extending beyond 12AUG that the answers to questions are not provided. As an example, if Q&A are issued on 16AUG then there will be a minimum 4 day submission extension granted (to 30AUG) to allow us to review and incorporate costing/staffing/process changes into the final submission while still being able to meet mailing dates for submissions.

Government Response 64: No extension will be granted.

Contractor Question 65: In meeting objectives as defined under both ODUSD(I&E) Green Procurement Program (GPP) Strategy and Army Green Procurement Program (Dec 2006) we respectfully request that the contracting office revise the delivery method from a hard-copy submission to an electronic submission (only).

Government Response 65: Section L.1(2) of the solicitation states that electronic submissions via e-mail or fax will not be accepted.

Contractor Question 66: Section L.3.(1), the government provides a format for naming convention (ie Volume 1, Volume 2, Volume 3); however, in Table 2 (pg 4) the naming is given as Volume I, Volume II, and Volume III. Please define the correct format required, and amend the solicitation as required to correct.

Government Response 66: Either numbering convention is acceptable.

Contractor Question 67: Section L.3.c.a states “The offeror shall provide a price for each CLIN included in Section B - Supplies or Services and Prices. The price for each CLIN must include the unit price and the extended amount. The offeror shall also provide a price element breakdown for each CLIN included at Schedule B of the SF33. The price element breakdown for each CLIN must include the following cost elements and the sum must equate to the CLIN’s unit price: (1) Materials and Supplies; (2) Labor (Direct and Indirect); (3) General & Administrative (G&A); (4) Overhead; and (5) Profit.” Per the Background and Objectives sections of the Solicitation PWS, this is an LPTA bid to provide “capability gap” assessment support services for MSCoE to execute its mission to analyze, provide recommendations, and develop course(s) of action (COA). FAR 15.101-2 -- Lowest Price Technically Acceptable Source Selection Process, subparagraph (b)(1) states “Solicitations shall specify that award will be made on the basis of the lowest evaluated price of proposals meeting or exceeding the acceptability standards for non-cost factors” and specifically omits any other condition of price. That is, Source Selection for LPTA is based on lowest price only. Additionally, (b)(3) states “Proposals are evaluated for acceptability but not ranked using the non-cost/price factors” and therefore no factor of price can be considered as part of award other than the lowest price once technical acceptability has been determined. Furthermore, Capability gap assessments and COA recommendation services fall under FAR 2.101 “Commercial Item” definitions and per FAR 15.403-1 -- Prohibition on Obtaining Certified Cost or Pricing Data (10 U.S.C. 2306a and 41 U.S.C.

Chapter 35), these services fit the guidelines found in subparagraphs (b)(3) and (c)(3)(i) for Commercial Items and are “exempt from the requirement for certified cost or pricing data.” The level of cost breakout requested is associated with either a Best Value or CPFF type award evaluation. In a sincere effort to allow the government more flexibility in achieving the best services possible, will the government reclassify this as a Best Value (Tradeoff) evaluation relative to offered price or will the government remove the requirement to provide a price element breakdown for each CLIN included at Schedule B of the SF33 since it is not in keeping with guidelines set forth by the FAR for LPTA solicitations of Commercial Items?

Government Response 67: No change will be made. Any cost detail required by the RFP is considered other than certified cost or pricing data in accordance with FAR Part 15.403-3.

Contractor Question 68: Section L.3.c.a states “The offeror shall provide a price for each CLIN included in Section B - Supplies or Services and Prices. The price for each CLIN must include the unit price and the extended amount. The offeror shall also provide a price element breakdown for each CLIN included at Schedule B of the SF33. The price element breakdown for each CLIN must include the following cost elements and the sum must equate to the CLIN’s unit price: (1) Materials and Supplies; (2) Labor (Direct and Indirect); (3) General & Administrative (G&A); (4) Overhead; and (5) Profit.”. The government has provided no instructions for how pricing should be applied (in respect to) subcontractors or major teaming partners. We request the government either provide this detail of instruction as to how teaming partners are to offer and present associated costing, or remove this price element breakdown (as per standard LPTA application). If the solicitation is converted to Best Value, please provide subcontractor sealed bid instructions.

Government Response 68: In accordance with FAR Part 15.101-2 LPTA is considered a type of best value source selection. Teaming partner and or subcontractor cost elements should follow the format and detail specified in the solicitation.

Contractor Question 69: PWS 1.3 - The government lists nine (9) distinct locations for SME support;

Estimated Workload Data (TE 3) indicates a total of 16 projected staff. For pricing, we request the government provide a breakdown of expected staffing levels for each identified location in the PWS.

Government Response 69: Historical level of effort has been 1 FTE at all sites except Ft Leonard Wood however offerors should propose their own approach.

Contractor Question 70: PWS 1.4.3.1 - Are the requirements (i.e. education/experience) listed representative for ALL assigned SMA staff, or are these requirements ONLY pertinent to the USAREUR assigned SMA?

Government Response 70: The requirement for PWS 1.4.3.1 is specifically for the USAREUR SMA due to Status of Forces requirements.

Contractor Question 71: PWS 1.4.3.1 - Are all staff (regardless of role) assigned to support this contract required to have EOD experience (i.e. military qualified)? What defines the EOD experience requirement (i.e., certifications, MOS’s, etc.)?

Government Response 71: No all staff are not required to have EOD experience. The intent is to have adequate EOD experience to provide the PWS deliverables. Military EOD qualified personnel is defined as: EOD experience and technical expertise gained as a Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal School NAVEODSCOL - trained EOD operator. PWS paragraph 1.4.3.3 has been updated to clarify the EOD experience requirement.

Contractor Question 72: PWS 1.4.3.2 - The requirement states that assigned KM/web development staff be able to complete identified training (available on SKillPort) within 15 days of “contract execution”.

Please define contract execution—is this after award, during transition, or 15 days following Day 1 of official contract work?

Government Response 72: “Execution” means date of contract award. See Question 73 for more details.

Contractor Question 73: PWS 1.4.3.2 - For the training courses listed (on SkillPort), as per information provided on the Army eLearning web portal “Only Active Army, Army National Guard, Army Reservists, Army ROTC Cadet III and IV, and Dept of Army civilians are authorized to register for this program.”.

Will the government provide sponsorship/access to requested training courses to allow the assigned staff to meet the required course requirements? If so, will the timeline for government sponsorship meet the indicated 15 day completion requirement as stated in the PWS?

Government Response 73: The government will sponsor the contractor employee executing this PWS task in order to gain the training. The intent would be for the contractor employee to complete the training 15 days after the government sponsor provides access to the training content.

Contractor Question 74: PWS 5.3.3 - Will source code be provided for DreamWeaver-derived products?

Also, are there any other tools or software used to provide graphic support?

Government Response 74: Source code will be provided.

Contractor Question 75: PWS 1.4.3.3 - Are ALL staff (regardless of role) assigned to support this contract required to have EOD experience (i.e. military qualified)?

Government Response 75: No the intent is to have some of the SMAs with EOD experience.

Contractor Question 76: PWS 1.4.4 - The government has identified three key staff roles, with these being a PM, a PM-SMA, and an alternate PM-SMA. Please identify the location(s) where these staff will be (predominately or as per the customer requirements), and do they need to be co-located at the same site location for immediate customer access as required?

Government Response 76: There are only two key staff roles PM-SMA and alternate PM-SMA. The intent is for both key staff to be co-located with the COR at Fort Leonard Wood.

Contractor Question 77: PWS 1.4.4 - Is the government’s preference for the PM to be an “on-site” presence? If so, where will the primary location be for the PM, and will space/GFE be provided to support the on-site presence?

Government Response 77: There are only two key staff roles PM-SMA and alternate PM-SMA. The intent is for both key staff to be co-located with the COR at Fort Leonard Wood. There will be space/GFE provided for the PM-SMA and alternate PM-SMA. PWS paragraph 1.4.4 has been updated.

Contractor Question 78: PWS 1.4.6 - Travel projections for the DCIED Orientation indicate that ALL contractor personnel working on contract must be in attendance, or attend. Is this inclusive of all staff regardless of incumbency? Does this include staff located overseas?

Government Response 78: The intent is for all staff to attend, even overseas locations.

Contractor Question 79: PWS 1.4.6 - The government states approximately 10 trips required to support the PWS 5.4 requirements, with 1 trip OCONUS (Germany or Hawaii) and 9 trips within CONUS to various locations. There are 5 examples given. For pricing determination to meet LPTA requirements, we request the government provide the EXACT locations that will need travel cost projections as there is not a “plug” or specific costing instruction for travel provided.

Government Response 79: Travel estimates are located in PWS 1.4.6.

Contractor Question 80: PWS 1.4.6 - The government states approximately 10 trips required to support Routine Meeting attendance requirements, with 1 trip OCONUS (Europe or USARPACOM) and 9 trips within CONUS to various locations. There are 6 examples given. For pricing determination to meet LPTA requirements, we request the government provide the EXACT locations that will need travel cost projections as there is not a “plug” or specific costing instruction for travel provided.

Government Response 80: Travel estimates are located in PWS 1.4.6.

Contractor Question 81: PWS 3.2 - The government states that assigned staff will be provided with computers, monitors, use of telephone, FAX, printers, and copy machines. Due to the travel inherent to roles, will the government provide laptops, issue cell phones/pagers (i.e. Blackberries), and other support GFE necessary to allow immediate contact with the customer?

Government Response 81: The government will provide laptops to be used during travel.

Contractor Question 82: PWS 4.3.1 - The PWS states that all personnel will maintain current qualifications and possess all training required to meet mission requirements. Request the government provide a precise listing of all required certifications, all required training, and all other information necessary to deliver the best-qualified staff to support mission needs.

Government Response 82: Other than the specific qualification outlines in PWS 1.4.3.1, 1.4.3.2, and

1.4.3.3 the contractor will provide personnel with the appropriate experience and education to provide the deliverables outlined in the PWS.

Contractor Question 83: PWS 5.3.2 - Is there currently an established NIPR/SIPR C-IED/EH web presence? Is the intent of support to design/implement new capability, or rebrand/refresh exiting portal structures?

Government Response 83: There is currently limited NIPR web presence that is outdated. The intent is to design/implement SIPR presence and refresh and improve existing NIPR structures.

Contractor Question 84: PWS 5.3.3 - For graphical support, what are the current tools provided to the staff for creation of desired graphics/materials? What is the current software in use, and will this contract require the evaluation/procurement of new tools or expanded functionality?

Government Response 84: Computers come with the Army’s standard Microsoft Office package. This contract will not require the evaluation/procurement of new tools or expanded functionality.

Contractor Question 85: PWS 5 - The government provides an estimated workload quantity of 33,280 hours within Tech Exhibit 3, but within PWS Para. 5 the estimate provided is no more than 31,200 hours.

This equates to a difference of 2080 hours, or the equivalent of 1 FTE. Please provide the desired number of estimated hours, workload data, and projected staffing levels.

Government Response 85: The correct workload estimate is 33,280 hours as outlined in TE3. PWS paragraph 5 has been updated.

Contract Question 86: Can the government clarify if this is an SCA wage based solicitation. If it is, then why does the government require cost breakdown since SCA wages are commercially validated and therefore fall under the FAR’s cost breakdown exemption clause for ‘Commercial Items’?

Government Response 86: FAR does not provide any exemption for other than certified cost or pricing data requirements.

Contractor Question 87: The government states that source selection will be used by FAR Part 15.3 which is related to Best Value. The government also states on page 43 in section M – Evaluation Factors for Award that the basis for award is Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA). Is the government using LPTA or Best Value?

Government Response 87: LPTA is a type of best value process; see FAR 15.101 – Best Value Continuum.

Contractor Question 88: Is the Period of Performance a 10 month base and a 1 year (12mo) option?

Government Response 88: The period of performance is a 10 month base period with one, 12 month option.

Contractor Question 89: In section (c), the government states that the total duration of the contract including options shall not exceed two (2) years. However in 52.217-8 Option to Extend Services (NOV 1999), the government states that the option provision may be exercised more than once, but the total extension of performance hereunder shall not exceed 6 months. Is the contract still limited to two (2) years or will it actually be two (2) years and 4 months?

Government Response 89: FAR 52.217-9 has been updated to reflect 28 months as the total duration of the contract.

Contractor Question 90: There are no CLIN’s for travel. Is the government going to add a CLIN and give a plug number?

Government Response 90: This is a firm fixed price contract, no separate travel CLIN will be added. The Contractor shall include all travel costs in their proposed price for CLINs 0001 and 1001. All offerors should price travel in accordance with 1.4.6 of the PWS and in accordance with FAR Part 31.205-46.

Contractor Question 91: The government provided the employee class, monetary wage and fringe for a Senior Military Analyst for information only. The government also sent SCA wage determinations for the various locations, however this employee class does not have a relative SCA labor category. Why did the government send SCA labor categories?

Government Response 91: In the event that any offeror employs SCA covered employees. The government does not dictate who the offeror may employ.

Contractor Question 92: The government is asking for detailed costing information to include M&S, Labor, G&A, etc. Since this is an LPTA bid, these items should not be required and a Firm Fixed Price given to accomplish the CLIN.

Government Response 92: This is a RFP and not an IFB therefore proposal are not bids. If an offeror chooses to not provide the required other than certified cost or pricing data then that offeror’s proposal may not be able to be adequately evaluated and could result not being eligible for award.

Contractor Question 93: The government states that the contractor shall submit a schedule of delivery and proposed billing schedule with the proposal for technical evaluation; as pricing/costing information should not be in the technical areas, and there are NO instructions in the technical response for this, we request the government either remove this statement, or define the information they wish the contractor to provide for evaluation purposes.

Government Response 93: There is no requirement for a billing schedule. All references to a billing schedule have been removed from the PWS.

Contractor Question 94: The government states that the proposed billing schedule shall be based on the deliverables found in Section 5; section 5 deliverables are given in a range of frequency and are based it appears off of government assumptions. How are we to provide a FFP basis cost for evaluation of a specific deliverable when we do not have an indication of the number/amount of deliverable(s) that are actually required? It appears the government wants a FFP for an indefinite quantity of deliverables. We request the government review and revise this paragraph (Payment) in its entirety.

Government Response 94: There is no requirement for a billing schedule. All references to a billing schedule have been removed from the PWS.

Contractor Question 95: The government states that the contractor shall submit a schedule of delivery and proposed billing schedule with the proposal for technical evaluation; as pricing/costing information should not be in the technical areas, and there are NO instructions in the technical response for this, we request the government either remove this statement, or define the information they wish the contractor to provide for evaluation purposes.

Government Response 95: There is no requirement for a billing schedule. All references to a billing schedule have been removed from the PWS.

Contractor Question 96: PWS 5.2 - Request that the government clarify definition of “limited” for the DOTMLPF limited analysis and provide Quick Look Support form. I.e., are these 10 page analysis or 100 page analysis products?

Government Response 96: The DCIED Assessment SOP that will be provided at the kick off meeting defines types of analysis and provides the format of the quick look support form. There is no specified length for these documents but typically they are in the 10-20 page range.

Contractor Question 97: PWS 5.6 - In order to determine the level of effort required to meet this task, is the government estimation correct in stating 40-70 meetings a week with the requirement for the PM- SMA preparing and submitting consolidated notes after each meeting (and a 2 hr. estimated length per meeting)? If so, an additional person may be required to keep up with the scheduling of meetings, conferences, and administrative duties of the contract.

Government Response 97: In some cases (E.G. Weekly DCIED teleconference) you will have most if not all contractors attending the same meeting. The estimate counts this per person, E.G. if 15 contractors attend the meeting counts as 15 meetings attended. The work load estimate provided in TE3 accounts for this meeting workload.

Contractor Question 98: Can the Government update Technical Exhibit 2’s references to Section 1.6.X so that the deliverables listed are referring to an existing portion of the PWS?

Government Response 98: References in TE2 have been updated.

Contractor Question 99: In reference to PWS 4.2 and the draft DD254, can the Government clarify whether the contractor(s) working at Fort Huachuca and/or JIDA are required to have a SECRET or Top Secret clearance? Our experience with both organizations suggests that having only a SECRET clearance will significantly limit the contractor’s ability conduct the research essential to several deliverables.

More specifically, a thorough understanding of C-IED and EH threats, as well as, lessons learned from previous C-IED and EH incidents, is essential to creating several PWS deliverables. Without access to certain TS (and/or SCI) information, the contractor’s research and analysis will be based on an incomplete assessment.

Government Response 99: Contractors are only required to have a SECRET clearance. The contractor can meet deliverables at a SECRET level.

Contractor Question 100: Can the Government clarify the estimated workload data per year for this work because the figures listed in Technical Exhibit 3 and those in the third paragraph of PWS 5 are in conflict? More specifically, PWS 5’s introduction says “no more than 31,200 man-hours,” while the Estimated Quantity column of Tech Exhibit 3 totals to 33,280 man-hours, a difference of 2,080 hours.

Government Response 100: The correct workload estimate is 33,280 hours as outlined in TE3. PWS paragraph 5 has been updated.

Contractor Question 101: Can the Government provide a separate CLIN for travel and remove travel from the evaluation of price? Under the current scheme, the inclusion of travel ODCs in the labor CLIN introduces unclear issues into proposal evaluation. We recommend the Government provide a “plug number” and a separate CLIN for ODCs (travel) for each contract year so that differences in offeror’s travel calculations (based on PWS 1.4.6) are removed from the Government’s evaluation of price.

Government Response 101: This is a firm fixed price contract, no separate travel CLIN will be added.

The Contractor shall include all travel costs in their proposed price for CLINs 0001 and 1001. All offerors should price travel in accordance with 1.4.6 of the PWS and in accordance with FAR Part 31.205-46.

Contractor Question 102: Can the Government clarify that letters of commitment are NOT required from the Offeror’s Key Personnel as listed in PWS 1.4.4? We ask this question because PWS 2.1.8, the Government’s definition ‘Key Personnel’, states, “When key personnel are used as an evaluation factor in best value procurement, an offer can be rejected if it does not have a firm commitment from the persons that are listed in the proposal.”

Government Response 102: The government does not require letters of commitment.

Contractor Question 103: Can the Government clarify the meaning of “informational content” relative to the Performance Thresholds as used throughout PWS Exhibit 1, the Performance Requirement Summary?

Government Response 103: “Informational content” refers to any email, document, report, or submission from the contractor pertinent to the deliverables.

Contractor Question 104: L.3 (2) c (page 4, Amend 0001) – File names to be “Company Name – Initial” for the first submission. File name of later submissions (if necessary), shall be “Company Name – Revision X’ with X indicating the number of the revision. Should the volume reference be included in the file name since there are three volumes?

Government Response 104: Yes.

Contractor Question 105: L.3 (3) b i (page 6, Amend 0001) – Early Proposal Information. The offeror is requested to submit the Past Performance Volume 26 calendar days after the RFP issuance date, to the Contracting Officer at the address specified in L.1(1). Does the Past Performance Volume require earlier submission or does the Past Performance Questionnaire needs to be returned to the KO NLT 26 calendar days after the RFP issuance date?

Government Response 105: The Past Performance Volume is due 22 August 2016.

Contractor Question 106: L.3 (3) b i (page 6, Amend 0001) – Early Proposal Information. The offeror is requested to submit the Past Performance Volume 26 calendar days after the RFP issuance date, to the Contracting Officer at the address specified in L.1(1). Are both required at 26 calendar days after RFP issuance?

Government Response 106: The Past Performance Volume is due 22 August 2016.

Contractor Question 107: L.3 (3) b i (page 6, Amend 0001) – Early Proposal Information. The offeror is requested to submit the Past Performance Volume 26 calendar days after the RFP issuance date, to the Contracting Officer at the address specified in L.1(1). The 26th day lands on Sunday, 21 August. Will the MICC be opened to receive the Past Performance Volume?

Government Response 107: The Past Performance Volume is due 22 August 2016.

Contractor Question 108: Page 9, Amend 0001 – The completed consent forms should be submitted as part of your Past Performance Volume III Proposal. Should this statement be revised to state Past Performance Volume II?

Government Response 108: Yes. Section L, Instructions to Offerors has been updated.

Contractor Question 109: Page 10, Amend 0001 – Specific Relevant Contracts Sheet. Paragraph Numbering 1-10 repeats itself after paragraph 10. Is it the Government’s intention that the second set of paragraphs (1-10) are the format that the Offeror should submit and the first set of paragraphs 1-10 are the directions?