W911S7-26-R-0009 Government Answers to Solicitation Questions.pdf

W911S7-26-R-A009 Fort Leonard Wood C2 Digital and Simulation Support Solicitation Questions and Answers

Contractor Question 1: Will a Past Performance volume be a required volume of the proposal?

Government Answer 1: A Past Performance volume is not required to be submitted by Offerors. As noted in paragraph 1.1.4 on page 59 of the solicitation, each Offeror’s past performance will be reviewed and evaluated using data obtained from the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS).

Contractor Question 2: Are any of the training classes or training events conducted concurrently? Respectfully request training class and events schedules for the past 3 years and/or projected schedule for FY 2026.

Government Answer 2: The Contractor's primary responsibility is C2 instruction.

The Government manages the schedule and controls any changes. Available instructors are expected to support events, but some events may receive minimal support from borrowed military personnel if Contractors are unavailable.

The database for past schedules was taken offline on 27 Feb 2026. Future classes are currently being scheduled and Technical Exhibits 3 & 4 of the PWS contains the projected operational tempo.

Contractor Question 3: Please provide the estimated total number of full time employee hours required to support the contract?

Government Answer 3: The Government will not instruct the Offeror on how to staff the requirement. It is anticipated that each full-time employee will work 2,080 hours per year.

Contractor Question 4: The PWS requires a favorable T1 clearance. Please clarify if there any positions requiring Secret or higher? (PWS 5.1)

Government Answer 4: There are no positions requiring Secret or higher clearances.

Contractor Question 5: FAR Clause 52.222-41 is included in the solicitation. Please confirm this contract is subject to Service Contract Labor Standards, and if so, which Wage Determination applies? (FAR Clauses, Page 21 of the Solicitation, 52.222-41)

Government Answer 5: This requirement is subject to Service Contract Labor Standards (formerly Service Contract Act). Service Contract Act Wage Determination No. 2015-5093 for the State of Missouri (Pulaski County) will apply to this requirement. Wage Determination will be added to the sam.gov postings along with these answers to questions.

Contractor Question 6: What are the specific labor categories (for example: Site Lead, Instructor, Simulation SME)? Please clarify which of these labor categories are SCA? (FAR Clauses, Page 21 of the Solicitation, 52.222-41)

Government Answer 6: Please see the amended solicitation with an update to the table in FAR 52.222-42.

Contractor Question 7: Does the Government expect dedicated SMEs per Warfighting Function, or generalists capable across many or all of the Warfighting Functions?

(Technical Exhibit 5, PRS #1 and PRS #2; PWS 3.6, and PWS 3.17)

Government Answer 7: The Government expects employees to have a basic understanding of all Warfighting Functions and to reference doctrine when needed.

Contractor Question 8: How far in advance are training calendars finalized? (PWS 3.11) Government Answer 8: A weekly training meeting is held to finalize events and classes for the next six weeks. Last-minute changes from MSCoE schools are approved or denied by the Government based on space and instructor availability.

Contractor Question 9: Can events extend beyond normal 0700–1600 hours and how often can we expect a deviation from those core hours? (PWS 1.2 and 3.19)

Government Answer 9: Event support is only expected during normal operating hours (0700-1600).

Contractor Question 10: Please confirm the Site Lead is the only Key Personnel. And will this resume be required as part of the staffing plan? (Page 58 of the Solicitation, 1.1.2 Factor 2. Staffing Approach)

Government Answer 10: The Site Lead is expected to fulfil the requirements stated in the PWS. The Government will not be accepting or reviewing resumes for this requirement.

Contractor Question 11: Are there minimum contractor instructors required per event when multiple events and classes occur simultaneously? (PWS 3.8)

Government Answer 11: C2 instruction is the top priority for all contractors. When not instructing, contractors can assist with events, but there is no minimum number of contractors required for event support.

Contractor Question 12: Please confirm that “Offeror” is defined as the prime and subcontractors. (Addendum to 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors)

Government Answer 12: The Offeror is the prime contractor, who will submit the proposal to the Government.

Contractor Question 13: The PWS states: “All requests for changes or problem reports must be submitted to the NEC through the work order process.” Please confirm that the contractor is responsible for initiating a work order to the NEC. (PWS 5.9 and 5.10)

Government Answer 13: Contractors must initiate a work order with the NEC for any issues with their assigned NIPR computer, as they are registered as the system's owner. Problems with the internal network should be reported to the Government.

Contractor Question 14: For training events utilizing drone scenarios, please define the contractor’s responsibilities regarding drone/UAS integration within the Intelligence, Fires, and Mission Command warfighting functions, including any expectations for doctrinal instruction, targeting workflow support, or technical system configuration. (PWS 3.17)

Government Answer 14: The Government expects instructors to understand Warfighting Doctrine and stay updated on any changes, regardless of the weapon system involved.

Contractor Question 15: The PWS requires the Contractor to analyze new software versions of Mission Command Systems (MCS), lesson plans, and new POI requirements to determine technical solutions supporting training execution. Please clarify the expected depth of analysis and level of effort associated with this task. Specifically, is the Contractor expected to conduct formal testing, validation, and configuration changes within MCASP/CPCE/JBCP systems, or is the requirement limited to instructional alignment and recommended updates to lesson plans? (PWS 3.16)

Government Answer 15: There is no expectation for the Contractor to make or validate any configuration changes.

Contractor Question 16: The PWS requires the Contractor to distribute the End-of-Course survey link via SharePoint to all students. Please clarify whether the Government will provide the survey instrument, SharePoint access permissions, and distribution list management. (PWS 3.22)

Government Answer 16: SharePoint access is managed by another Government Contractor. The C2/SIM Contractor will post the End-of-Course Survey on SharePoint for student distribution and compile all surveys into a report for the Government.

Contractor Question 17: Is the Contractor responsible for survey administration, tracking response rates, and compiling or analyzing survey results? (PWS 3.22)

Government Answer 17: The C2/SIM Contractor will post the End-of-Course Survey on SharePoint for student distribution and compile all surveys into a report for the Government.

Contractor Question 18: Please confirm whether the Government anticipates a fixed FTE staffing model for the entire Period of Performance or whether staffing levels may fluctuate based on event volume. Should pricing assume a fully burdened 5-FTE baseline at all times? (Page 54 of the Solicitation, 2.3.4 Volume III – Price)

Government Answer 18: The 5-FTE stated in the solicitation is for estimation purposes only. The Government will not instruct the Offeror how to staff the requirement. Pricing should reflect a fully-burdened rate based on the Offeror’s staffing plan included with proposal.

Contractor Question 19: If there are specific SCA labor categories, will price adjustment clauses apply to option years for wage escalation under FAR 52.222-43? (Clause 252.243- 7002 Request for Equitable Adjustment is included pg 23; FAR Clauses, Page 21 of the Solicitation, 52.222-43)

Government Answer 19: As per FAR 52.222-43(c), the Wage Determination current at the execution of each option year (if exercised) shall apply to this requirement and resultant contract. As per FAR 52.222-43(f), the Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer of any increase claimed under this clause within 30 days after receipt of the new Wage Determination.

Contractor Question 20: Section 1.1.4 states “Each Offeror’s past performance will be reviewed using data obtained from the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) to determine relevancy and confidence assessment.” Since the Government identifies Past Performance as Factor 4 for evaluation, will the Government accept contract writeups or past performance questionnaires in lieu of cases when the CPARS have not been completed for the contract? (Page 59 of the Solicitation, Section1.1.4. Factor 4. Past Performance)

Government Answer 20: Contract writeup and past performance questionnaires will not be accepted. As noted in paragraph 1.1.4.1 on page 59 of the solicitation, absent any recent and relevant past performance history or when the performance record is so sparce that no meaningful confidence assessment rating can be reasonably assigned, the Offer will be assigned a “neutral confidence rating” and its proposal will not be evaluated either favorably or unfavorably on past performance.

Contractor Question 21: This section states “All final monetary extensions by CLIN shall be in whole dollars only. Unit prices can be rounded to the nearest cent. Volume Ill shall be organized as follows and contain the identified information.” Please confirm this is a typo and should not be included in Volume IV. (Page 55 of the solicitation, Section 2.3.5.1.)

Government Answer 21: This is a typo. The solicitation has been amended to correct the statement to state Volume IV rather than Volume III.

Contractor Question 22: Is the Government’s estimate of five personnel intended as the required minimum staffing level for performance, or merely a historical estimate? Will proposals be evaluated for staffing adequacy against a specific minimum FTE threshold?

(Part 1, General Instructions)

Government Answer 22: The 5-FTE stated in the solicitation is for estimation purposes only. The Government will not instruct the Offeror how to staff the

Contractor Question 23: What specific transition activities are expected during the Phase- In CLIN (e.g., knowledge transfer, shadowing, credentialing, NET attendance)? (PWS 4.6)

Government Answer 23: The Government’s intent is for cross-training.

Contractor Question 24: The contractor must perform database backups and disaster recovery monthly, are these database management functions limited to simulation system environments, or do they extend to Government enterprise SharePoint or MCASP infrastructure? (PWS 3.16)

Government Answer 24: The Government expects the Contractor to back up any changes made to CPCE/JBC-P for future use. This pertains only to class information and not the database itself.

Contractor Question 25: The Government identifies Past Performance as Factor 4 for evaluation. However, the Instructions to Offerors do not provide submission requirements, content guidance, or page limitations for Past Performance. Will the Government provide clarification regarding the required Past Performance submission format, content, and applicable page limitations? (Addendum to Evaluation - Commercial Product and Commercial Services. 1.1.4)

Government Answer 25: No Past Performance volume is required to be submitted by Offerors. As noted in paragraph 1.1.4 on page 59 of the solicitation, each Offeror’s past performance will be reviewed and evaluated using data obtained from the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS).

Contractor Question 26: The Government specifies a task to support a 40 hour Capstone Exercise (combined or individual). Will the Government provide details (scale, scope, complexity) of the Capstone Exercise and differentiate requirements for combined versus individual? (Part 1, Part 3, TE-1, TE-3)

Government Answer 26: All Capstone Exercises require the same support whether combined or individual. The only difference is the size of the training audience. The Government provides an OPORD to the Contractor, who loads it into CPCE or a future C2 system. The Contractor must fully understand the OPORD, answer Warfighting Function questions, and guide students in displaying Common Operating Pictures on the C2 system for briefings.

Contractor Question 27: The Contractor shall provide database management for computer simulation systems. Has an analysis been completed for digital space requirements of required software systems and associated data repositories? Will the contractor be required to monitor this digital space availability? (PWS 3.9)

Government Answer 27: Contractor simulations are digital, using C2 systems, while computer simulation systems are managed by the Government to stimulate C2 systems during certain events. In this instance, database management involves handling "student-added" information in CPCE, JBC-P, or C2 systems to ensure a smooth transition for future classes.

Contractor Question 28: The Contractor shall provide database management for computer simulation systems. What is the process for allocation of additional digital storage requirements? What are the Contractor requirements? (PWS 3.10)

Government Answer 28: Contractor simulations are digital, using C2 systems, while computer simulation systems are managed by the Government to stimulate C2 systems during certain events. In this instance, database management involves

Contractor Question 29: The Contractor shall be responsible for supporting students by helping them develop OPORDs and FRAGOs. This includes events that may use constructive and/or virtual forces and terrain to enhance their proficiency. Will the Contractor be required to conduct training on use of software to create virtual forces and terrain? (PWS 3.13)

Government Answer 29: No. The Contractor is only expected to understand and assist with the Orders process/paragraphs.

Contractor Question 30: The Contractor shall distribute G3 HICON, and White Cell documentation in its simulated higher headquarters role, providing orders, briefings, and supporting materials for both operational and institutional requirements during each event.

Will the Contractor perform role of 'senior control' adjusting tempo and technical prosecution of the event? (PWS 3.15)

Government Answer 30: The tempo and technical prosecution of an event is controlled by the MSCoE school Small Group Leader, not the Contractor.

Contractor Question 31: Please confirm whether the stated minimum staffing level of five

(5) personnel, including Site Lead, is a Government-mandated staffing floor or provided for historical reference only.

Government Answer 31: The 5-FTE stated in the solicitation is for estimation

Contractor Question 32: Will the government indicate which positions are considered Key Personnel (e.g., Site Lead only, or Site Lead and Instructors/SMEs) and whether resumes will be evaluated as part of the technical factor.

Government Answer 32: The 5-FTE stated in the solicitation is for estimation purposes only. The Government will not instruct the Offeror how to staff the requirement. There are no specific key personnel for this requirement. Each position provides valuable input for student learning. The Government will not be accepting or reviewing resumes for this requirement.

Contractor Question 33: Please clarify the boundary between contractor responsibilities for training system readiness and Government/NEC responsibilities for IT maintenance, repairs, and network support. (PWS Para 3.3)

Government Answer 33: Contractors must initiate a work order with the NEC for any issues with their assigned NIPR computer, as they are registered as the system's owner. Problems with the internal network should be reported to the Government.

Contractor Question 34: When multiple events and instructional classes occur simultaneously, what is the Government’s expected contractor staffing status during peak operational periods? Will the set of 5 FTEs be able to cover the surge and maintain student-to-instructor ratios? Will the Government please clarify the anticipated frequency and pattern of simultaneous events and classroom instruction, as referenced in the PWS. (PWS Para 3.8)

Government Answer 34: The Contractor's primary responsibility is C2 instruction.

The Government manages the schedule and controls any changes. Available instructors are expected to support events, but some events may receive minimal support from borrowed military personnel if Contractors are unavailable.

Contractor Question 35: Are there any duty days and times required other than normal business hours of M-F 0700 to 1600? For example, on weekends or holidays. (PWS Para 1.2)

Government Answer 35: Event support is only expected during normal operating hours (0700-1600). No holiday or weekend work is expected.

Contractor Question 36: For several events, the column “Projected Contractor Numbers per Event” shows 5 as initial day and 2 as subsequent. Are the two subsequent positions in addition to the five, or are they a subset of the five positions? (PWS Technical Exhibit 3)

Government Answer 36: The 5-FTE stated in the solicitation is for estimation

Contractor Question 37: Since past performance is evaluated only through CPARS, there are no volumes set aside for contractors to describe or demonstrate past performance.

Where in the proposal should contractors indicate which past performances the government should consider? (RFP 1.1.4 – Factor 4 – Past Performance)

Government Answer 37: As noted in paragraph 1.1.4 on page 59 of the solicitation, each Offeror’s past performance will be reviewed and evaluated using data obtained from the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS).

The Government reserves the right to review and consider all recent and relevant past performance for the Offeror during the evaluation process.

Contractor Question 38: Please define “Recency” to indicate the number of years that past performance is considered recent. (RPF 1.1.4.2.1 – Recency)

Government Answer 38: The Government will consider the past three years of performance.

Contractor Question 39: Does the government anticipate the contractor having a Training Developer on staff in addition to the Instructor and Observer Controller positions? Will the instructors be required to have Training Development Capability access and training? How many hours of Training Development does the government anticipate? (PWS 3.20, PWS 3.16)

Government Answer 39: Contractor is expected to review lesson plans and suggest improvements. Contractor is expected to monitor and coordinate CPCE messaging during certain events, but not all.

Contractor Question 40: Does the government expect the contractor to maintain reserve/on-call staffing to address unexpected/unscheduled and/or overlapping courses or will the government provide instructors for those classes? (PWS 3.8)

Government Answer 40: The Government manages scheduling in the Digital Training Facility, prioritizing classes and events, with C2 instruction as the highest priority. It acknowledges that events scheduled alongside multiple C2 classes may risk being unsupported. Available instructors are expected to support events, but some events may receive minimal support from borrowed military personnel if Contractors are unavailable.

Contractor Question 41: Will the government provide training to Instructors or Observer Controllers or will they be able to cross-train during phase-in as the distinctions between the positions are very wide. (PWS 3.23)

Government Answer 41: The Government’s intent is for cross-training.

Contractor Question 42: Does the government anticipate the contractor having a Database Administrator on staff in addition to the Instructor and Observer Controller positions? If not, will the government provide the instructors with database management training for the task requirements identified? Please describe the expected level of database administration (file-based tasks vs. DBA-level tasks). (PWS 3.9)

Government Answer 42: Contractor simulations are digital, using C2 systems, while computer simulation systems are managed by the Government to stimulate C2 systems during certain events. In this instance, database management involves

Contractor Question 43: Does the government anticipate the contractor having a Software Analyst/IT Specialist on staff in addition to the Instructor and Observer Controller positions? If not, will the government provide the contract personnel with training for software analysis task requirements identified? Does the government anticipate this task being accomplished by the Training Developer identified in paragraph PWS 3.20? (PWS 3.16)

Government Answer 43: The Contractor shall be capable of identifying system issues; however, the Contractor is not responsible for managing and resolving IT deficiencies.

Contractor Question 44: Does the government intend to issue a Wage Determination?

The PWS states task requirements in the areas of Technical Instructors (SCA 15090) and Technical Instructor/Course Developers (SCA15095), and Observer Controller (Exempt), Database Manager (Exempt), Software Analyst (Exempt). Please clarify the boundary between over the shoulder assistance and formal instruction for labor category alignment.

(PWS 3.18)

Government Answer 44: This requirement is subject to Service Contract Labor Standards (formerly Service Contract Act) and a wage determination will be included at the time of award. Service Contract Act Wage Determination No. 2015- 5093 for the State of Missouri (Pulaski County) will apply to this requirement.

Formal instruction is conducted in the classroom. Over the shoulder assistance is conducted during exercises AFTER the formal instruction is conducted (if a student has a question on how to perform a task on the system, 1-3 minutes).

Contractor Question 45: Historical data demonstrates contractor employees under SCA federal employment law. In accordance with the new performance work statement (PWS) and combined/additional positions, please provide the Statement of Equivalent Rates or a Wage Determination. (RFP 52.222-42 page 28)

Government Answer 45: The solicitation has been amended to update the table in

FAR 52.222-42.

Contractor Question 46: The pricing matrix demonstrates 2 different labor categories or positions however, the PWS states all persons will do perform the duties of all positions.

Can the Government please clarify the requirement? (RFP G3_C2_Pricing_Matrix.xlsx)

Government Answer 46: The Government expects all Contractors to be able to perform all the tasks. The Government expects employees to have a basic understanding of all Warfighting Functions and to reference doctrine when needed.

In the C2 classrooms, all instructors must be able to teach all aspects of CPCE/JBC- P.

Contractor Question 47: Please identify the specific simulation platforms (e.g., VBS3/VBS4, WARSIM) expected to be supported.

Government Answer 47: The C2 systems covered under the contract include the CPCE (Command Post Computing Environment) and JBC-P (Joint Battle Command Platform). The Government manages the following simulation systems: Division Exercise Training and Review System (DXTRS) and Virtual Battlespace 3 (VBS3).

Contractor Question 48: Please confirm software versions, update cadence, and required access roles for Mission Command Systems (CPCE/JBCP).

Government Answer 48: The JBC-P version is 1.6.06 and the CPCE version is

1.0.5.1. The Government will ensure all Contractors have administrator access for instruction purposes.

Contractor Question 49: The PWS states a minimum of five (5) employees, including the Site Lead, based on historical data. Can the Government provide the current staffing structure (labor categories and number of personnel), confirm whether five personnel is sufficient for performance, and clarify whether the Government intends to maintain the current staffing model? (PWS Part 1)

Government Answer 49: The 5-FTE stated in the solicitation is for estimation requirement. The Site Lead is expected to fulfil the requirements stated in the PWS.

Contractor Question 50: Must subject matter expertise in all six Warfighting Functions be provided by six distinct individuals, or may qualified personnel cover multiple WfFs?

Beyond the Site Lead qualifications in Part 4.1, are there additional required or desired qualifications for other staff? (PWS 3.17 & Part 4)

Government Answer 50: The Government expects employees to have a basic understanding of all Warfighting Functions and to reference doctrine when needed.

Contractor Question 51: When classroom instruction and event support occur simultaneously, does the Government expect independent staffing for each effort?

Additionally, should offerors price to the contractor numbers listed in Technical Exhibit 3 as staffing assumptions? (PWS 3.8 & Tech Exhibit 3)

Government Answer 51: The Contractor's primary responsibility is C2 instruction.

The Government manages the schedule and controls any changes. Available instructors are expected to support events, but some events may receive minimal

TE 3 is an estimate based on historical data.

Contractor Question 52: The PWS references approximately 100 training events and 103 digital instruction classes annually. Can the Government provide the actual execution numbers from the previous contract year and the historical percentage of event concurrency? (Tech Exhibit 3 & 4)

Government Answer 52: Technical Exhibits 3 and 4 are estimates based on historical data. No other information will be provided.

Contractor Question 53: Is the 5% student failure rate measured per class, quarterly, or annually? Does the <5% system deficiency threshold apply to total systems inventory or only systems scheduled for a given event? (PRS #2 & #3)

Government Answer 53: The 5% student failure rate is measured on a per-class basis. The less than 5% system deficiency threshold applies to the total systems inventory within the Contractor’s area of responsibility.

Contractor Question 54: If new OPORDs are introduced within the 60-day implementation window, will the Government provide structured transition coordination from CAC/TRADOC SMEs? (PWS 3.10)

Government Answer 54: The Government will ensure a structured transition with support from Military Personnel assigned to the Digital Training Facility. Contractor input on Warfighting Functions will be used to aid in this process.

Contractor Question 55: Is T1 clearance eligibility sufficient for all positions throughout the period of performance, or are any higher clearance levels anticipated? (Security 5.1)

Government Answer 55: T1 clearance eligibility is sufficient for all positions throughout the entire period of performance. No higher clearance levels are required.

Contractor Question 56: Will a Medium SPRS assessment score satisfy eligibility requirements at the time of proposal submission? (DFARS 252.204-7012)

Government Answer 56: Assessment requirements must be met by the deadline to submit offers.

Contractor Question 57: During the 30-day phase-in period, is full staffing required, or is phased staffing acceptable? (PWS 4.6)

Government Answer 57: The Government’s intent is for cross-training. The Government will not instruct the Offeror how to staff the requirement.

Contractor Question 58: Can the Government provide the name of the incumbent contractor, current contract number, contract value, and whether the scope of this solicitation is substantially similar to the incumbent contract?

Government Answer 58: Current contract information is as follows:

Incumbent Contractor: Ahtna Infrastructure & Technologies, LLC Current Contract Number: W911S7-21-C-0006 Contract Value: $6,529,506.32 The scope of the requirement for this solicitation is different than the incumbent contract.

Contractor Question 59: Will the Government facilitate structured knowledge transfer between the incumbent and successor contractor?

Government Answer 59: The Government’s intent is for cross-training.

Contractor Question 60: Is travel included in the Firm Fixed Price CLINs or separately reimbursable? Does the Government anticipate surge periods requiring staffing above the minimum baseline?

Government Answer 60: Travel is not required for this requirement. The Government manages scheduling in the Digital Training Facility, prioritizing classes and events, with C2 instruction as the highest priority. It acknowledges that events scheduled alongside multiple C2 classes may risk being unsupported. Available instructors are expected to support events, but some events may receive minimal

Contractor Question 61: Volume II requests that offerors clearly demonstrate the qualifications of the Site Lead. Is a full resume with identifying information required, or is a redacted resume acceptable?

Government Answer 61: The Government will not be accepting or reviewing resumes for this requirement.

Contractor Question 62: Can the Government provide any GS grade equivalents for the positions required, if available?

Government Answer 62: Please refer to the amended solicitation where the table in FAR 52.222-42 has been updated.