Questions and answers response .pdf

QUESTIONS FROM VENDORS LOCATION IN RFQ G t R

As this is mission-critical training, would the Government consider switching to a best value trade off methodology IAW FAR 15.101-1. This will allow the Government to:

• Fairly evaluate the reasonableness of propsed prices to accomplish the technical approach as is described in Section L 4.4.1.

• Support meaningful comparison and discrimination between and among competing proposals.

• Consider cost realism IAW 15.401-1(d)(3) and apply performance risk assessments and responsibility determinations.

• Consider the entirety of an offerer's bid, including Management and Technical strengths and risks, Section L 4.4.1 The Government's source selection process and technicques will be in accordance with FAR 15.101-2 Lowest Price Technically Acceptable

Section L 1.3 states "The evaluation and discussion procedures for this procurement is being conducted under FAR Part 12, 'Acquisition of Commercial Items...'" However, the Government reserves the right to hold discussions should they become necessary IAW FAR Part 15.306 and the Government incorporated FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors--Competitive Acquisition." Is this acquisition IAW FAR Part 12 or FAR Part 15? If its IAW FAR Part 15, would the Government consider Cost or Pricing Data IAW Alternate IV to the FAR 52.215-20 Requirements for Certified Cost or Pricing Data and Data Other Than Certified Cost or Pricing Data instead of the currently listed 252.215-7010? This would enable the Government to require offerers to submit labor categories and rates as their pricing data, allowing the Government to evaluate cost realism and make

Section L.1.4 In accordance with FAR 12.102 (b) the Government is using FAR part 12 in conjunction with FAR part 15. See section

2.5 for the necessary pricing information requested by the government.

Would the Government allow for 11x17 foldouts, particularly for the staffing plan? If yes, how many ld 11X17 b id d?

Section L 3.1.2 Please follow submission instructions in d i h S i L 3 1 2

"Graphs and tables included in the technical proposal need not be double-spaced." Does the G i h i hi d bl b d bl d?

Section L 3.1.2 See revised 3.1.2

Section L, Table 1 shows Element 1 TAB C1 as not to exceed 20 pages; however Tab C1 under

2.3.1 states the Technical Approach Narrative (Element 1) "shall not exceed 30 pages." Which is correct? If 30 pages is correct, the total Volume III, Technical Approach page count would be 75

Section L Table 1 and 2.3.1 TAB C1 see revised table

If offerors only have 20 pages for Element 1, is the Government only expecting offerors to discuss the PWS i t li t d?

Section L 4.2.1.1 Page count revised to 30 pages for Element

4.2.1.1 states "the Offeror’s capability to describe and demonstrate a complete understanding of the required tasks of the PWS outlined in Part 5, Specific Tasks." Did the Government intend this to be P 3 D li bl /T k ?

Section L 4.2.1.1 see revised Section 4.2.1.1

Section L, Table 1 and 2.2 exclude resumes from the Volume II page count. Does the Government require resumes as part of Volume II? If so, would the Government clarify resume requirements and h i i i ?

Section L Table 1 and 2.2 See revised Table 1 and 2.2

Section L 4.1.3 includes a Section entitled TAB B3: Key Personnel Qualifications, yet no TAB B3 is menitoned in Section L, Table 1 or 2.2. Was this section included in Section 4.1.3 in error? If offerors are required to provide TAB B3 Element 3, would the Government provide the required page f hi i ?

Section L 4.1.3 See revised Section L; TAB B3 removed

If key personnel qualifications are required, will the Government provide the requirements for key personnel, including which positions are to be key personnel? As this is an LPTA acquistion, offerors need to understand what is considered acceptable for key personnel, so the Government can make a fair comparison of each offer. If the Government chooses to switch to a best value methodoloy IAW FAR 15.101-1, less definition is necessary as offerers can use proposed key personnel to

Section L 4.1.3 See revised Section L; TAB B3 removed

Section L, Table 2 defines Acceptable as proposal indicates an adequate approach, what will be considered acceptable for Factor 3 Past Performance as it does not contain an approach?

Section L 5.1.1, Table 2 Per section 5 Evaluation Factor 3 will be evaluated as acceptable or unacceptable as d ib d i T bl 2

Would the Government consider using Past Performance Questionnaires from the first MSCoE l f hi l i ffi d h fill h f i ?

Section L 2.4.4 Past Performance information will need to b b i d d hi li i i

The Basis for Award - Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) states "All factors must be considered acceptable," but does not describe how price will be evaluated? Would the Government provide definition as to what would be acceptable or unacceptable in Factor 4 evaluations?

Section L 5.1.1 See Section L 4.4 and 4.4.1

Would the Government clarify how it will evaluate for reasonableness of proposed prices to accomplish the technical approach as indicated in Section L 4.4.1 since Factor 4 is LPTA rated l ?

Section L 5.1.1 See Section L 4.4 and 4.4.1

Would the Governmetn consider evaluating proposed prices for realism as well as reasonableness in accordance with 15.404-1(d)(3) "Cost realism analyses may also be used on competitive fixed-price incentive contracts or, in exceptional cases, on other competitive fixed-price-type contracts when new requirements may not be fully understood by competing offerors, there are quality concerns, or past experience indicates that contractors’ proposed costs have resulted in quality or service shortfalls.

Results of the analysis may be used in performance risk assessments and responsibility determinations. However, proposals shall be evaluated using the criteria in the solicitation, and the

Section L 4.4.1 Cost Realism is unneccessary for this requirement. this is as this is a firm fixed price contract not a cost-reinbursement or fixed price incentive contract.

Would the Government provide more detail as to what it requires for Volume V Price TAB E2 P i i d N ?

Section L 2.5 See section section L 2.5 for all required i f i f f 4

Section L 2.5 TAB E2 Pricing and Notes requires an explanation of Contractor-site and Government-site rates, but all work for this contract will be Government-site, can the Government better describe h i i l ki f i hi i ?

Section L 2.5 Per Tab E2 of Section 2.5 , provide any necessary notes such as discounts offered, SCA W i f i

Section L 2.5 TAB E2 Pricing and Notes requires an explanation of discounts offered, since this is an LPTA aquistion, can the Government clarify how it will determine discounts are acceptable or unacceptable?

Section L.2.5 Discounts applied should be reflected in the overall price. Discounts are not necessary but if offeror chooses to apply a discount, please annote the discount in your price

Where in the price proposal does the Government want offerors to detail it subcontractor details? Section L 2.5.5 Submit Subcontractor detail under Pricing

N t

The Government states the value of this contract is expected to exceed $10,000,000, will it find proposals under $10,000,000 unacceptable?

Section L 1.7 No, this is just an expectation of some offers to exceed 10,000,000. any offers submitted under will not be found t bl

Is any contractor-furnished property expected to be provided for this effort? Can the Government id d il d li ?

PWS Vehicles, Ladders, individual tools etc

The Exhibit A lists many building locations throughout Fort Leonard for support requirements.

PWS C.7 nor Exhibit C do not vehicles to support PWS requirements (e.g. Logistics, etc.). Are contractors expected to provide vehicles? If so, would the Government consider adding them to the i h ff ll biddi h i ?

Exhibit A - Facility List_Y19, Exhibit C _Hardware Inventory, and PWS C.7

The Government will not provide vehicles.

Contractors are responsible for transportation.

The PWS provides equipment data, but it does not provide expected workload data. Would the Government consider adding expected workload, such as help desk ticket expectations, exercise support expectations, course support expectations, and special event expectations, so that offerors are all bidding to the same requirements?

PWS Current Workload Data:

a. Responded to and closed 3146 IT work orders.

b. Provided Tech support for 96 Simulation Exercises.

c. Provided Tech support for 74 VBS2 Gaming Exercises.

d. Provided Tech support for 129 Digitally Instructed Courses (CPOF, FBCB2, JCR).

e. Migrated 100% of Class Room XXI systems to Windows 7 and 97% Bit Locker compliance (4799 training computers on NIPRNet).

f. Provided Tech support for (31) post and

The PWS discusses the Contractor program manager and site lead representatives, but the PWS does not require a program manager or site lead representatives. Can the Government confirm if these positions are required, if they are key personnel, and what the qualifications are?

PWS C.3.1.23 The Government does not ask for a site lead nor defines them. During the kickoff meeting the Government needs a company representative that can sign for government propoerty and who will take responsibility of that equipment. The company needs the sight lead not the government, to take responsibility for the timely completion fo the task. Those requirements are to provide what is laid out in the deliverables; the

Can the Government better describe the role of the Application Adminstrator (AA)? PWS C.3.1.9 The application administrator responsibilities require them to be the head of applications. They make sure that all li i i ki d

Since certificates are required to the COR during the kickoff meeting, would the Government clarify the 30-day phase in timeline, i.e., what positions are required within 5 days and what positions within 30 days?

PWS Technical Exhibity Deliverables Schedule and PWS C.6

Any task that the oncoming will take complete control overe from the incumbent during the initial 30 day transition in period that requires certification will need to be presented during the kick-off meeting.

All other positions within 30 days (or 5

Can the Government specify the level of experience required for the help desk and Walk-In Center?

Will they be required to do level Tier I, II, or III support?

PWS C.3.1.19, C.3.1.20 C.3.1.19 Help Desk, The help desk staff should be an outgoing and confident person with pleasant voice. He/she should be eager and willing to help people to sort out their problems. He/she should have multitasking ability and should be ready to work in a fast paced work environment.

Excellent problem solving and analytical skills would prove to be an advantage.

C.3.1.20 Walk-In Center, To perform and document the diagnostic steps for the devices presented to the walk-in center, the individuals would need to be certified for

Section L.1.9,Table 1: IT Contract Proposal Format, lists Tabs B1 and B2 under Volume II, Factor 1: Management Approach. Section L.2.2 of the instructions also references only Tabs B1 and B2.

However, underL.4 EVALUATION CRITERIA, Section L.4.1.3.b., cites TAB B3: Key Personnel Qualification (Element 3).Question: Please clarify if TAB B3 is supposed to be a part of this l d if l id ti i t ti f thi t b

Section L.1.9 Table 1 TAB B3 has been removed. See revised Section L.

Section L.1.9,Table 1: IT Contract Proposal Format, lists the required electronic file format for each individual TAB section.

Question: Does the Government require each “ TAB” to be submitted as anindividual file, or may we combine sections within a Volume and submit each full “ Volume” as its own electronic document? (We do understand that Volume V: Price will require separate Excel files.)

Section L.1.9 Table 1 Tab's shall be combined under each full volume for each factor. Tab's for Volume V Price can be under 1 excel document.

Regarding Section L.3.1.2 under SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS, line 2 states that graphs and tables “ need not be double-spaced,” however, the line-spacing requirement for the main narrative text is not listed.Question 1: Please confirm the line-spacing requirement for the main narrative text.

Single? 1.5? Double?

Question 2: Also, please provide page margin requirements, if any.

Section L.3.1.2 The main line narrative will be double spaced. See revised section L

The period of performance starts 25Nov2020, transition-in-period will be 30 days, Osage d/b/a Tallgrass contract goes out to 12/27 at this time, so will there be a month of overlap with the i b d if ill h b d h i b ff b ?

PWS C.6 Transition In Period The purpose of the transition in period is to Transition the oncoming Ktr and transition h i b (if ) 32 Q: WIFI Commercial MSCoE Guest/Command WIFI in scope? General General Wifi

If this is in scope, and part of our contract, are contractors expected to perform RMF/IA tasks on the network equipment IAW AR25-2 or is that specifically out of scope?

General Yes Maintaining any network or systems requires the System Admin to perform RMF/IA k

Q: MCSA - Currently our MCSA, holders have MCSA server 2012. This has been retired and replaced with 2016, but the 2016 version is being retired January 2021, and not being replaced with a direct replacement. What certification(s) or exam(s) will be accepted in place of MCSA should i b ff d b l d

General 2016 Version will be accepted until another version is available then the requirement will change to the new requirement.

Q: Reference Section L, 1. Instructions for Offerors, paragraph 1.7 -- "As the value of this contract is expected to exceed $10,000,000..." -- Does this indicate a "minimum" price expectation? If proposal pricing comes in under $10,000,000 will it ,be found Technically Unacceptable?

Section L 1.7 No, this is just an expectation of some offers to exceed 10,000,000. any offers submitted under will not be found bl

Q: C1.3.1 CLIN1 - 15 instances of Saturday, 7-day notice --- Will this be DTF support events? Or thi l ?

C.1.3.1 Supports Simulation and servers

Q: Is MICC aware that this is an IT support contract, and not predominantly a logistics contract? General The Government is aware that this is an IT i

Q: AV support events, outside of normal operating hours? Video production events outside of l h ?

General There is not outside Normal Operating h l d hi i

Q: C3.1.8 - Does this fall under MCASP closed network or NIPR? C.3.1.8 C.3.1.8 falls under MCASP Closed Network Building 3205 Fort Leonard W d

Q: Read-only access to Crestron equipment/configuration files permissible? Not asking to infringe on the ECP scope of configuration and programming, but asking for access to view the contents of what th fi / i i C t t lb ft

General The government cannot provide access to this software.

Q: COVID-19: Government's stipulations for the safety of the contract workforce. Provide any government-furnished PPE? Provide any health/wellness screening or COVID-19 testing through Harper? Contingencies for contractor quarantine requirements? E.g. if a majority of staff have to quarantine, will there be considerations for some remote support work to continue operations at a i d l l f ?

General The Government will follow procedures outlined in the Coronovirus Aid, Reliuef, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Q: Since the SharePoint Help Desk site will eventually be shared among G6/G3 for various items (share drives, mobile devices) outside of the G6 contract PWS scope, what metrics are expected to be tracked for the WSR and MSR from the SharePoint?

General The requirement is to man the helpdesk, and be AA on SharePoint as an identifyable software, allowing for the helpdesk to route the request to the correct agency. IE Network Outages referred to AESD, NEC, Share Point Design and capability, currently KM G3 POC.

If not currently in place then scope is irrelevant. Maining the HelpDesk is a TASK, part of that task it to take information and pass it on to the appropriate agency. G6, AESD, G3, Contracting, KM at the school level.

Simple trouble shooting. "Is the machine plugged in" is the start, finishing may vary.

Regarding PWS, C.1.3.1: In the case of the 15 instances that the contractor has to come to work on S d i h i l d f h h ?

PWS C.1.3.1 The Government will not provide ddi i l i

Regarding Table 1: IT Contract Proposal Format, under Volume V: Price, TAB E2 Pricing Notes does not specify a file format for submittal. Please provide the file format options for submittal of thi t b

Section L table 1 see revised Table 1

Why was this opportunity recompeted? General This opportunity is recompeted due to

What was the causes of changes in this solicitation from the last version of the solicitation from the i i l i i ?

General The causes of solicitation change is to l if S i L d M

Depending on how it’s formatted, inclusion of Section I clauses may require more than 8 pages.

Recommend exempting TAB A4 from the 8 page Volume limit

L Table 1 Fill in Clauses have an unlimited page t S T bl 1 T b A4

48 M t S ti P Li it t i d d b t i k (*) Pl l i h t it d i t L Table 1 See revised section L

This instruction includes “ tables included in the technical proposal need not be double-spaced…” Please confirm “ double spacing” is not a formatting requirement of ANY portion of the submittal l

L.3.1.2 See revised section L

50 A di t L 3 1 2 t t i hi b 9 t A T bl id d t b hi ? L 3 1 2 Yes

.1.9 (table) specifies TAB C1 NTE 20 pages. L.2.3.1 TAB C1 instruction says “ shall not exceed 30 ” Pl l h i i

L.2.3.1 See revised section L

TAB C2 is limited to 5 pages, but a typical Teaming Arrangement would be more than 5 pages.

Please confirm a declaration of workshare and a Teaming Agreement signature page are sufficient for thi TAB

L Table 1 Page count revised to 10 pages. See revised section L

A requirement for “ Knowledge Management” doesn’t appear in the PWS. Will the Government

“ K l d M ” f TAB C1?

Section L 4.2.1.1 See revised section L

54 Instructions for TAB E1 close with “ (see TAB 11.1).” Please clarify or correct this TAB reference. Section L Tab E1 See revised Section L

Please specify in which Volume V TAB we should address L.2.5.2. L.2.5.2 Address any CMRA concerns in Pricing

N

The instruction at L.2.5.4 directs Offerors to submit pricing in Microsoft Excel format. Please fi Attachment 2 Submit Pricing information in provided

E l h

TAB E1 is Solicitation Attachment 2, an Excel workbook Attachment 2 Submit Pricing information in provided

E l h t

TAB E2 is narrative incorporated into Volume V Attachment 2 Submit Pricing information in provided

E l h

TAB E3 is a standalone Excel workbook in Offeror’s format Attachment 2 Submit Pricing information in provided

E l h

TAB E4 is a standalone Excel workbook in Offeror’s format Attachment 2 Submit Pricing information in provided

E l h t

This evaluation section references TAB B3, but Section L, Instructions to Offerors does not mention TAB B3 Pl id tif th l ti f ff t id TAB B3 t t

Section L Tab B3 see revised section L

Is a VMWare certified resource required on-site from 0700 to 1700, or is the requirement for that b il bl f 8 h i hi h i i d ?

PWS C.1.3.1 8 hours during That time

CLIN 0006 is for a period of 12 months in the solicitation but a period of 13 months on Attachment 2, Base Period Tab, Line 7. Will the government please confirm the period should be 12 months in A h 2?

Attachment 2 It is a 12 month base period. See revised attachment 2

This page referenced in L.1.7 returns a page not found error. Caution-https://ofccp.dol-

/ d/ h l Pl l if h i i L.1.7 See revised section L

Will the Government allow for an offeror’s Title Page, Table of Contents, List of Exhibits, List of Abbreviations & Acronyms, Cross Reference Matrix, Cover Letter and Overall I d i /E i S b l d d f h li i f h V l ?

General Yes

The PWS states “ The contractor is responsible for conducting business, between the hours of 0700 to 1700 Local Time, Monday thru Friday with up to 15 instances that would require the contractor to work on Saturday. Does the Government anticipate suport requirements for Saturdays to be in f 15 i ?

C.1.3.1 The Government does not anticipate support requirements for an excess of 15 instances.

Can the government please provide historical data for the number of instances the current contract h id d S d ?

C.1.3.1 Thedata was not tracked due to this being d d d f h

In order to ensure continuity of delivery of services during normal operations M-F (e.g. versus comp time equivalents for working on Saturdays), Can the Government consider adding a Surge CLIN for any work requirements OUTSIDE of the15 instances of Saturday work required under this PWS

C.1.3.1 The Government will not add a Surge CLIN for this task.

The Government states there are 80 servers in paragraph C.3 and 70 servers in paragraph C.3.1.1.

Can the government clarify the which reference to the number of servers is correct and revise the PWS di l ?

C.3/ C.3.1.1 There are currently 70 Virtual Servers at this time.

“ The Contractor shall also backup the systems on a weekly basis and recover lost data files as may b d lf i ” 1 Wh i b k kl ?

C.3.1.17 All server systems on the MCASP and any l l hi d f b lk d

71 Are the systems referenced in C 3 1 17 are the servers to be backed up weekly? C 3 1 17 Yes

“ All systems shall remain operational during normal Government operation hours. Reported issues for systems within the MSCoE complex (Buildings 3200, 3201, 3202, 3203, and 3205) shall be initially responded to within 15 minutes of the report(s). For equipment located outside of the MSCoE Complex the initial response time is 30 minutes. Problem(s) shall be identified and corrected and/or equipment shall be replaced, if required, with available Government provided spares within two hours of reporting.” 1. With some of the physical locations of equipment are outside of a 30-minute commute time from the helpdesk, what is the definition of an “ initial response”? 2. Does the Government define the initial response as receipt/acknowledgement of the trouble ticket?

C.3.1.17 1. There should be no sites outside of the 30 Minute comute time in a vehicle traveling at the posted speed limits. Onsite at location within 30 minutes is the definition when remote access is not a solution. 2. The government does not. The Initial response would be interaction with the customer and or system in person or by remote access to further trouble shoot once a

For the systems that are not connected to the MCASP or NIPRnet that require touch labor to administer, daily administration will considerably increase the level of effort needed to provide daily administration. Can the Government please confirm that it requires touch labor to administer, daily administration Systems and Peripheral equipment and network (connected and not connected to the MCASP d NIPR k)?

C.3.1.17 Touch labor is required when there is not a government supplied remote access or diagnostic tool to complete trouble shooting and repair.

3. L.2.1 85 Can the Government please clarify where Offerors should include the completed Section K in the proposal response?

Shall Offerors include section K in Tab A4?

L. 2.1 Section K should be included in Tab A4 as indiciated in table 1.

TAB C1: Technical Approach Narrative (Element 1) specifies requires Offerors to respond to the technical functions of the PWS identified below…. which includes, a. Knowledge Management and

l. Continuity of Operations – CoOP and knowledge management Development. Both are included in the Section L and M proposal submission criteria, but there are not any correlating PWS Task sections that identifies the requirements for either Knowledge Management or CoOP. Can the Government please: 1. Identify the correlating PWS section that identifies the requirements? OR

2. Describe its requirements for both Knowledge Management and CoOP and knowledge management Development; and/or 3. Revise TAB C1 (sections L and M) and remove these two

L Tab C1 see revised section L

Tab C1 states, “ … required tasks of the PWS outlined in Part 5, Specific Tasks, …”. Part 5 in the PWS is Security/Access whereas Part 3 is titled Deliverables/Specific Tasks. Please revise the f P 5 b P 3 D li bl /S ifi T k

Section L Tab C1 see revised section L

In the Table that summarizes the Proposal Volumes, the TABS and page limits, there is no reference to TAB B3 (Key Personnel). In addition, the Government has not defined the Key Personnel requirements in the PWS. Furthermore, the Government only Lists TABs B1 (Management Approach Narrative) and B2 (Staffing Plan) in Section L.2.2 but includes TAB B3 (Key Personnel) in Section M.4.1.3. Will the Government please remove the TAB B3 and reference to Resumes in the evaluation criteria since the minimum mandatory key personnel and labor category requirements are undefined in this PWS and are not included in the overall Proposal Summary Table?

Section L Tab B3 see revised section L

“ 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.”

Since this is a re-solicitation of a previous requirement a five months later, will the Government please consider revising the Recency requirement to be 40 months or 3.5 years from the date of issuance of the RFP to allow Offerors the opportunity to include 100% relevant past performance submitted in the previous solicitation; and ultimately most beneficial to the Government?

L.4.3 Past Performance criteria will not be revised per recommendation.

“ Offerors may use Attachment 5, Past Performance Questionnaire as part of their past performance submission. Offerors may also use CPARS.

Offerors without a record of relevant past performance shall clearly state that the Offeror does not have a record of relevant past performance information.”

Can the Government please confirm Offerors can use CPARS in lieu of Attachment 5, Past Performance Questionnaire? In other words when the Government indicates “ Offerors may also use CPARS”, does this mean we may use one or the other for submission to the Government by October 26th?

L.2.4.4 Offerors may use either or both.

Since the Attachment 5 Past Performance Questionnaires are due to the Government by 26 October 2020, can the Government please confirm whether Offeror’s are also required to submit CPARS by 26 O b 2020?

L 2.4.4 CPARS shall be submitted with the proposal Past Performance volume.

DFAR Clause 252.215-7010 is incorporated by reference while the solicitation states “ Certified cost or pricing data is not anticipated for the award of the contract as a result of this solicitation; however, the Government reserves the right to request such information should it become necessary IAW FAR Subpart 15.4, Contract Pricing, or to request Information other than cost or pricing data if required to determine the proposed price fair and reasonable. Proposed contract pricing shall be submitted IAW with Attachment 2, CLIN Structure.” Will the Government remove the DFAR clause as the certified cost or pricing data has been addressed in the solicitation as not being required, and instead IAW the FAR, require Offerors to submit Information other than cost or pricing data to determine the

Section I This clause also refers to Data Other Than Certified Cost or Pricing Data and shall be used in solicitations, including solicitations using FAR part 12 procedures for the acquisition of commercial items. The Government will not remove clause.

Currently Times New Roman 12-point font is required except in Graphics where 9-point font is allowable. Will the Government revise the solicitation to allow 9-point font for text in Tables and G hi ?

L. 3.1.2 See revised section L

Lowest Price Technically Acceptable. DoD guidance on use of Best Value LPTA would indicate this procurement is not suited for LPTA but instead Best Value Trade-Off. For the reasons here we would request that the FLW MICC and MSCoE consider the use of Best Value Trade-Off for this procurement. Effective October 1, 2019, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) issued a final version of the rule that restricts the DoD's use of lowest-price technically acceptable (LPTA) procurements.

The final rule was codified at DFARS 215.101-2-70, https://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dars/dfars/html/current/215_1.htm#215.101-2-70;

https://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dars/dfars/html/current/215_1.htm#215.101-2-70.

“ In accordance with section 813 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017, as amended by section 822 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Pub. L. 115-

91) (see 10 U.S.C. 2305 note), contracting officers shall avoid, to the maximum extent practicable, using the lowest price technically acceptable (LPTA) source selection process in the case of a procurement that is predominately for the acquisition of— (i) Information technology services, …”.

The result of LPTA is race-to-the-bottom on price and risks/adverse effects to performance and delivery post-award. Will the Government please reconsider and change the evaluation to a Best

This is a mature follow-on requirement that has existed for more than 9 years. The requirement does not require additional innovative or future technological advantage. Most of the tasks in the PWS are logistical functions that are strictly governed by Army Regulations AR 735-5 and AR -750-1 and existing Army-mandated enterprise databases that are already in existence. These functions are performed throughout all government and commercial facilities and are typical in nature. The government believes LPTA is the appropriate source selection process for this procurment.

Since the Government is requesting an Offeror include Resource Requirements (Personnel and Budget) in Volume III Technical, does the Government also require offerors to provide a Pricing Narrative in a separate Word document that details (through a Basis of Estimate) alignment of Price t th T h i l A h R R i t ?

Only submit what is requested.

To ensure MSCoE obtains the quality delivery of IT and AV support services, will the Government please require Offerors to submit their pricing methodology in the Price narrative demonstrating fair and reasonable salaries necessary to attract and retain staff in order to maintain program continuity and meet requirements in the PWS as part of Volume V (narrative)?

Offerors are required to submit the staffing plan methodology and will decribe the procedures on how to reduce personnel turn-over and retention in Element 2. Pricing notes Tab E2 may be used to explain

Government states that this procurement is expected to exceed $10,000,000. Does this mean that a proposal of less than $10,000,000 will be unacceptable?

L.1.7 This is just an expectation that some offers may exceed 10,000,000. it does not mean a proposal less than 10,000,000 will be id d t bl

Volume V Price Factor, Tab E2 Notes does not include a File Format. Does this mean that offerors may include Notes either in the provided Attachment 2 Excel spreadsheet or in a separate Word d t?

L Table 1 see revised section L

Are the 4 provided worksheets each part of the requirements for Tab E1 in Volume V Price Factor? General Yes, the 4 provided worksheets are all apart f V l V i f t

Volume V Price Factor Excel workbook includes 4 worksheets that reflect Section B CLIN structure.

Will the Government confirm that offerors may add worksheets to accommodate the tabs required d S ti 1 9 f Add d t S ti L?

L. 1.9 Yes, offerors may add worksheetss to accommodate the tabs required under S ti 1 9

Volume V Price Factor Excel Base Year tab has a column labeled “ Net Amount”. What is the purpose of this column and how should offerors complete it, as it would seem to be same as the Amount column?

Attachment 2 The Net amount is the total amount before anything is deducted. It is apart of section B of all Government Contracts and is i l d d i Att h t 2 f

Clause 52.222-42 Statement of Equivalent Rate For Federal Employees is included in the RFP, but the Government has not provided the chart of equivalent rates. Will the Government provide this i f i i h l i li bl h ?

Section I Federal Employee rates are public knowledge and can be found at

Government states that font of Times New Roman, 12-point font is required for the proposal except for 9-point font in graphics. The Government provided data in the Excel workbook is currently in Calibri 11. Does this requirement apply to the Excel Attachment 2 so that offerors should adjust the f h d l d i l d d i h fil ?

Attachment 2 See revised Attachment 2

The exhibit / attachment list includes Attachment 1 – Exhibit A Facility List and Attachment 5 – Attachment 1 Past Performance Questionnaire and on page 92 in section 2.5.2 of Section L refers to Att h t 1 PWS Pl l if

L.2.5.2 see revised section L.

Can the government please explain if the pending ruling of the GAO Bid protest will have any effect on contract award? According to the GAO Bid Protest Docket, the Protest filed by Zenith Advanced Solutions, LLC (B-419119.1) remains open with a decision due by December 21, 2020. Please provide what those GAO impacts could be, and what the Government is doing to mitigate a negative decision against the Government, given performance is expected to commence on November 25, General

GAO has dismissed the protest and the resolution of the protest has no bearing on the process for award in this solicitation.

Can the government please address in accordance with Section L 1.8, the bidder “ shall comply with the DOL wage rate minimum requirements…” Is the Government going to evaluate the proposals for appropriate selection of DOL and SCA labor categories and compliance with the minimum DOL i ?

L.1.8 The Government verifies that the offerors are in compliance with DOL and SCA labor categories.

Please clarify the following: for Clin 1, as presently the help desk is manned every Saturday, except for key holidays, Christmas and New Year: "ONLY For CLIN 1: The contractor is responsible for conducting business, between the hours of 0700 to 1700 Local Time, Monday thru Friday with up to 15 instances that would require the contractor to work on Saturday" section B The PWS states that work is Mon-Friday except for the 15 instances of server support

“ Offeror’s key personnel will be evaluated to determine if their experience, qualifications, certifications and abilities, are adequate to perform the required work and meet the minimum qualifications identified in the PWS. Evaluation of Key Personnel will be used to determine if key personnel have proven knowledge, skills, background, certifications and work experience to perform h k i i h PWS ”

L.4.1.3 Tab B3 Key Personnel verbiage has been removed from section L. see revised section L.

“ The Offeror’s Management Approach shall include the following and shall not exceed 30 pages, excluding resumes” Can the government clarify if the resumes needed for the management approach th f th k l?

L.2.2 see revised section L.

3 Section K Clauses 79, 86 “ Representations, Certifications and Other Statements of Offerors”, “ The Offeror shall include fill-in clauses identified in section I of this solicitation.” Along with Section I of the solicitation, do the offerors need to include Section K in Volume I of the solicitation or does the t t S ti K i t d t?

Section K Include with Volume I as stated in table 1.

“ TAB B3: Key Personnel Qualification (Element 3).

Offeror’s key personnel will be evaluated to determine if their experience, qualifications, certifications, and abilities, are adequate to perform the required work and meet the minimum qualifications identified in the PWS. Evaluation of Key Personnel will be used to determine if key personnel have proven knowledge, skills, background, certifications and work experience to perform the work requirements in the PWS.” Because Tab B3 is not listed in Section L (page 86 only lists Tabs B1 and B2), can the government clarify whether Tab B3 is part of Volume II?

L.4.1.3 Tab B3 see revised section L.

101 Will the Government accept 11X17 foldouts for graphics? If so will they count for 1 page?

General No, the Government will not except 11x17 f ld t

Does the government require certifications for all personnel proposed or planned on the contract at the kick-off meeting? Or prior to the end of the transition period?

General Any task that the oncoming will take complete control overe from the incumbent during the initial 30 day transition in period that requires certification will need to be presented during the kick-off meeting.

All other positions within 30 days prior to

How does the MSCoE Help Desk interact with the Army Enterprise Service Desk? Are tickets routed from AESD to MSCoE Help Desk? Or are the two help desks separate and not supportive of each other?

General They are not routed thru the AESD ticket system to the MSCoE Help Desk, the MSCoE help desk is separate completely.

The AESD ticket system will be sued for support from the NIPR Service provider h h i i i h

“ The contractor shall provide copies of all certificates/required training deliverables to the COR during kick-off meeting.” In the next column “ 100% Valid Certificates shall be provided to the COR NLT three calendar days after the kick-off meeting.” These statements seem to be contradictory.

W ld h l if h i ?

PWS see revised Technical Exhibit 1 Deliverable schedule

In Section C.7 Government Furnished Property (GFP) and Information (GFI) no identification of vehicles is provided, yet the area for support is large. Does the government provide vehicles for use b t t t t t h d t th t i l ?

PWS C.7 The Government does not provide vehicles.

Can the Government clarify if it expects the Contractor to fill the Help Desk Coordinator role? General As with any software, AA principles would l

To ensure proposal responses are concise and succinct as possible, can the Government clarify whether the below items are permissible:

1. Cross-referencing to tasks or sections within a specific volume

2. Cross-referencing to tasks or sections between separate volumes

General Cross-referencing is allowable.

The Government asks that all responses demonstrate a complete understanding of the required tasks as outlined in the PWS.

As there is no corresponding PWS item explicitly pertaining to Knowledge Management, can the Government please elaborate on what the required tasks are with respect to the technical functions required?

L.4.2.1.1 See revised section L

Can the Government clarify what section is being referred to for “ Part 5”? Are you referring to “ Part 5 S i /A ” 39? Pl l b d l if

L.4.2.1.1. See revised section L

Can the Government provide additional detail regarding specific types of tasks and support required f Mi ft Sh P i t ? General

The Government has no specifc information t id t thi ti

The Government asks that all responses demonstrate a complete understanding of the required tasks as outlined in the PWS.

As there is no corresponding PWS item explicitly pertaining to Continuity of Operations – CoOP and knowledge management development., can the Government please elaborate on what the required tasks are with respect to the technical functions required?

L.4.2.1.1 See revised section L

The Government asks that all responses demonstrate a complete understanding of the required tasks as outlined in the PWS.

As there is no corresponding PWS item explicitly pertaining to Compliance – DoD, TRADOC, DA PAM, DoDI, ALARACT, USC, AR, JTR’s, can the Government please elaborate on what the required tasks are with respect to the technical functions required?

L.4.2.1.1 See revised section L

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