W911SF-20-R-0031 A0005.pdf

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

30-105-04EXCEPTION TO SF 30

APPROVED BY OIRM 11-84

STANDARD FORM 30 (Rev. 10-83) Prescribed by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

1. The purpose of this Amendment is to provide responses to Industry questions.

2. In response to the questions revised Performance Work Statement, Attachment 1 Pricing Worksheet, Attachment 2 Specific Relevant Contracts Sheet, Attachment 5 DD Form 254 SCI Addendum, Attachment 7 Letter for Implementation of Section 889(a)(1)(B), Technical Exhibit 1 Performance Requirement Summary, Technical Exhibit 5 Common Faculty Development Program, Technical Exhibit 6 Historical Labor Categories, Instructions to Offerors, Addendum to 52.212-1 Proposal Preparation Instruction, and 52.212- 2 Evaluation are hereby incorporated.

3. Attachment 8 Past Performance Questionnaire, Attachment 9 Consent Letter, and DFARS 252.222-7999 Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping (Deviation 2021-O0001) are hereby added.

4. No further questions w ill be accepted.

5. The proposal due date remains 2:00 PM EST January 7, 2021.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE PAGE OF PAGES

S 1 77

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

16C. DATE SIGNED

BY 23-Dec-2020

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA15C. DATE SIGNED15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

(Signature of Contracting Officer)(Signature of person authorized to sign)

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., Street, County, State and Zip Code) X W911SF20R0031

X 9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

23-Sep-2020

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

X The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offer is extended, X is not extended.

Offer must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning 1 copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted;

or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN

REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS.

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE

CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(B).

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not, is required to sign this document and return copies to the issuing office.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

10A. MOD. OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 5. PROJECT NO.(If applicable)

6. ISSUED BY

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

23-Dec-2020

CODE

MICC - FORT EUSTIS

705 WASHINGTON BLVD

FORT EUSTIS VA 23604

W911S0 7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than item 6)

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.

CODE

See Item 6

FACILITY CODECODE

EMAIL:TEL:

W911SF20R0031

SECTION SF 30 BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

The following items are applicable to this modification:

CCoE ITSS Technical Related - Contractor Questions and Governments Answers

Program Manager:

1. PWS Pg. 42 of 107 1.11.1 Program Manager - This is a Small business set aside (NAICS Code <$10M average annual revenue) opportunity, and - as written - the Government is requiring a small business to pay for a fully dedicated full time program manager that cannot be charged to the contract. This is an onerous expense. We recommend that the Government remove the requirement for a full-time program manager, and have the requirement for a program manager to be at the task order level.

Response: The government intent is to have PM support occur at the Task Order level if required. PWS Paragraph 1.11 has been revised.

2. Technical Exhibit 6; page 4 - The labor categories description below for Program Manager requires 8-10 years of document experience on contracts of similar size and scope (we respectfully requests the government to revise this requirement as it’s a very limited pool of PMs with 8-10 years of experience managing an IDIQ contract with at least 100 employees. There are some great PMs with the technical and management experience who could manage this contract well.

a. Possess a minimum of 8-10 years of documented management experience in, Program/Project Management Training on contracts of similar size and scope (at least 100 employees)

b. Possess a Master’s Degree in Business or Education or 1 year experience working as a Program Manager.

c. Be capable of coordinating work schedules/assignments of contractor employees.

d. Be able to communicate orally and in writing with the COR.

e. Possess Support Cadre Training Course (SCTC) Certification.

Response: PWS Paragraph 1.11.1 has been revised.

a. Possess a minimum of 3-5 years of documented management experience in

Program/Project Management.

b. Be able to communicate orally and in writing with the COR.

c. If required by task order, the PM must obtain a course reservation to attend the

Installation Staff Contractor Training Course (ISCTC) Certification within 30 days of award. (TRADOC 350-6)

d. Possess the required security clearance determined at the task order level.

3. RFP, page 42, PWS, Section 1.11.1 Program Manager. - Section 1.11.1 of the PWS has a requirement that the Program Manager (PM) possess a Support Cadre Training Course (SCTC) certification. Since this is only a short 2-day course, and it is only available from the government, this requirement will impact competition as there many well-qualified PM candidates who have equivalent certifications and experience but not the SCTC certification. Providing flexibility regarding the SCTC requirement would be beneficial to the government. It would allow for increased competition and give the bidders a larger candidate pool to draw from to provide you with the best PM possible.

Can the Contracting Officer change the PM's SCTC certification requirement to where "The PM is required to obtain the SCTC certification within 30 days from the IDIQ award date”? And/or can the Contractor Officer allow other equivalent certifications from other military Services in lieu of the SCTC such as the completion of the Air Force's CCAF Instructor Certification (CIC) Program, the Navy's Master Training Specialist (MTS) certification, or Navy Instructor Course, etc?

Response: TRADOC REG 350-6, page 107 states the following:

“(5) IMT ISCTC (half-day, resident). Personnel assigned to IMT installation-level staff positions and contractors that interact with IMT Soldiers attend the ISCTC to become familiar with TRADOC IET rules and regulations.”

If a PM does not interact with Initial Military Training (IMT) Soldiers then there is no need for ISCTC.

Additionally, TRADOC REG 350-6 lists the approved Command for Initial Military Training (CIMT) requirements for all cadre, including Contractor Manpower Equivalents (CMEs). No other training can be used as a substitute unless approved by the CIMT proponent.

PWS change, “If required by task order, the PM must obtain a course reservation to attend the Installation Staff Cadre Contractor Training Course Training Course (ISCTC) Certification within 30 days of award”.

4. RFP, page 42, SOW, section 1.11.1 Program Manager. - Section 1.11.1 of the PWS has a requirement that the Program Manager (PM) “Possess a minimum of 8-10 years of documented management experience in, Program/Project Management Training on contracts of similar size and scope (at least 100 employees).” This reads like you want someone with 10 years' experience in “PM Training.” Would this suggested language below make more sense?

a. Possess a minimum of 8-10 years of documented management experience in Program/Project Management.

b. Possess Program/Project Management experience on Training efforts of similar size and scope (of at least 100 staff).

Response: See Question 2 for revised PM requirements. PWS 1.11.1 has been revised.

5. PWS 1.11.1; Pages 42/107 - Is there a Security Clearance requirement for the IDIQ PM? If so, what is it?

Response: The government intent is to have PM support occur at the Task Order level if required. Clearance requirements will be indicated on each task order. See PWS Section 1.17.

6. PWS 1.11.1; Pages 42/107 - Can the Government please clarify the reason the PM has to have Support Cadre Training Course (SCTC), if he/she will not be instructing?

Response: See Question 3.

7. PWS Pg. 42 Paragraph 1.11.1 - Is it expected that the PM will hold another position, such as instructor or team lead or training developer?

Response: It is the Contractor’s responsibility to propose and deploy the correct labor types, mix, number, and hours required to satisfactorily meet all PWS requirements. The requirement for PM support will be identified at the task order level.

8. RFP Pg. 81 Volume V Attachment 1 Technical Exhibit 3 - The hours in Attachment 1 that are allocated for the Program Manager, Instructors, and Training Support equal the total estimate for instruction and training support shown in Technical Exhibit 3. Is there a strategy behind not having Program Manager hours also come from Training Development and Doctrine Development estimated hours?

Response: Attachment 1, Pricing Worksheet, has been revised. There is no strategy behind not having Program Manager hours come from Training Development and Doctrine Development. Technical Exhibit 6 shall be utilized to determine which labor categories can be utilized to support tasks 5.1 through 5.4 in the revised PWS to develop pricing. The hours in Technical Exhibit 3 are based on estimated hours for FY20 workload.

9. RFP Pg. 78 Volume 1 TAB B and PWS 42&47 1.11.1 & 1.17 - What clearance is required for the PM?

Response: See Question 5.

10. PWS 1.11.1 Program Manager Based on IDIQ management requirements, we suggest the Government require key personnel PMs to have a PMP certification.

Response: PMP certification will not be required for any task orders issued under this

IDIQ.

11. PWS 1.11.1 Program Manager The PWS requires any PM to have a minimum of 8- 10 years of documented management experience in Program/Project Management Training on contracts of similar size and scope (at least 100 employees). Can the Government define "Project Management Training"? Confirm the Government's intent is to require 8-10 years of experience in program/project management. PWS 1.11.1 Program Manager - In the solicitation, there is the following statement: “The Government will compare the offeror’s proposed wage rates for professional positions to the local wage rates for the same or similar positions.” Additionally, the Government indicates they will “compare the the offeror’s proposed wage rates for non-professional positions with the applicable Service Contract Labor Standards (SCLS) statute wage determination(s) in the solicitation." Is it accurate to assume the Government will evaluate Service Contract Labor Standards as part of the Pricing Volume? If this is true, will the Government eliminate this criteria from Factor 2?

Response: See Question 2 for revised PM requirements. PWS 1.11.1 has been revised. “Program Management Training” is no longer a requirement. The offeror’s proposed wage rates for professional positions will be evaluated in accordance with 52.212-2 Evaluation-- Commercial Items, Factor 5 – Price Compensation for Professional Employees. The offeror’s proposed wage rates for non-professional positions will be evaluated as part of the Pricing Volume. The proposed wage rate evaluation has been removed from Factor 2.

12. PWS 1.11.1 Program Manager - Because this is a large MATOC, will the Government consider requiring the PM to have a Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification?

Response: See Question 10.

13. PWS 1.11.1 Program Manager - For the PM, is it the Government’s expectation to require 8-10 years of experience in Program and/or Project Management? Also, please define what the Government means by Project Management Training?

Response: See Question 2 for revised PM requirements. PWS 1.11 has been revised.

“Program Management Training” is no longer a requirement.

14. W911SF-20-R-0031 Solicitation Document Pg. 40 & 42 1.4 Place of Performance/1.11.1 Program Manager. Is the Program Manager required on site in the Fort Gordon area?

Response: Program Managers will not be required on-site in the Fort Gordon area.

15. General Information 1.11.1 Pg. 42 - Possess Support Cadre Training Course (SCTC) Certification. If the PM has the Combined Armed Services Staff Support (CAS3) training, can that be used in lieu of the Support Cadre Training Course (SCTC) since CAS3 is the precursor-training course?

Response: See Question 3.

16. Page 42: Solicitation Section 1.11.1: Would the Government consider substituting Army training experience for the Support Cadre Training Course (ISCTC) Certification?

Response: Per TRADOC REG 350-6, ISCTC is required for personnel who interact with IMT Soldiers. See Question 3.

17. RFP Section 1.0 General Information, 1.11.1 Program Manager Pg. 42 of 107 - The Program Manager position requires the Support Cadre Training Course (SCTC) certification. Strong candidates to manage a program of this size may not necessarily hold that certification. Would the Government please consider making this certification be deemed desired but not required?

Response: See Question 3.

18. RFP Volume I Staffing and Management Approach Pg. 78 of 107 - Would the Government please confirm how many resumes and letters of commitment are required for the key personnel Program Manager position?

Response: RFP Volume I Staffing and Management Approach, TAB B has been revised, requiring no Key Personnel at IDIQ level. Resumes and letters of commitment may be required if a Program Manager is required for task orders. These documents will be evaluated when proposals for task orders are evaluated. Submission of these documents is not required in response to this solicitation.

19. RFP, PWS, Page 42, Paragraph 1.11.1 Program Manager Requirement: Possess a minimum of 6 to 8 years of management experience in Program/Project Management Training on contracts of similar size and scope (at least 100 employees)

a. The six (6) to eight (8) years on contracts of at least 100 employees is a difficult qualification, and out of scope given the company size standards the Government has dictated. Would the Government accept other like experience but on a small scale (e.g., 50+ employees)?

Response: See Question 2 for revised PM requirements. PWS 1.11 has been revised.

b. Please clarify what “Program/Project Management Training on contracts of similar size and scope” means.

Response: No longer a requirement. See question 2 for revised PM requirements.

PWS 1.11 has been revised

c. Does the Government require the key personnel to have formal Project

Management Professional (PMP) training and/or certification?

Response: See Question 10.

d. In two (2) recent Instructor Training requirements released from the CCoE, (Reference #1 and #2 below), included different and less restrictive Program Manager requirements. If these have historically been the requirements for a Program Manager, can the Government please provide rationale for changing the years of experience from five (5) years to 6-8 and for the added requirement to have experience on contracts in similar size and scope (at least 100 employees)?

i. Reference #1: W9124920R0033: Joint Curriculum Instructional Support

(JCIS)

ii. Reference #2: W9124920R0016: USACyS Technical Instructor Support Contract

20. RFP, PWS, Page 42, Paragraph 1.11.1 Program Manager - Possess a master’s degree in Business or Education or 1-year experience working as a Program Manager.

a. Is the Government indicating that one year as a program manager is equivalent to a master’s degree?

b. Would the Government consider amending this requirement to 3-5 years’ experience working as a Program Manager?

Response: See Question 2 for revised PM requirements. PWS 1.11 has been revised.

21. Pg. 42 of 107 1.11.1 Program Manager- Recommend the Government remove the Support Cadre Training Course (SCTC) certification requirement from the Program Manager description, as it limits the number of companies that can compete (FAR 11.002), and has no link to the performance requirements for the PM.

Response: See Question 3.

22. PWS, Para 1.11.1, p. 42 of 107. Question: Can the Government remove the requirement for the IDIQ-level PM to have SCTC Certification and replace it with PMP Certification? Rationale: The most important “certification” the IDIQ-level PM can possess is certification as a Project Management Professional.

Response: See Question 1. There is no requirement for an IDIQ level PM. With regards to ISCTC/PMP see questions 3 and 10.

23. PWS, Para 1.11.1, p. 42 of 107. Question: Can the Government reduce to 5 years (from 8-10 years) the requirement for the IDIQ-level PM’s documented experience as a PM? Rationale: The requirement for 8 years will substantially reduce the pool of eligible candidates. The 3 additional years of experience (5 vs. 8) is less relevant than having had the experience managing an IDIQ similar to the current solicitation.

Response: See Question 2 for revised PM requirements. PWS 1.11 has been revised.

24. RFP Attachment 1, for each contract year, indicates 13,920 hours for the Program Manager. That equates to 7 full time equivalents. We envisioned just one contractor Program Manager on the effort. What is the government’s intent?

Response: Government’s intent is to identify the PM at the task order level. See question 1, PWS 1.11 has been revised. 13,920 hours are the government’s estimated hours for all task orders combined for each year.

25. PWS 1.11.1 Program Manager Given the nature of the IDIQ management requirements, we recommend the Government require the key personnel PM to have a PMP certification.

Response: See Question 10.

26. Will the Government define "Project Management Training"?

Response: No longer a requirement. See Question 2 for revised PM requirements.

PWS 1.11 has been revised.

27. Program Manager (PM) Program/Project Management Training Experience; Section 1.11.1, Page 42 - Requiring prospective PMs to “Possess a minimum 8-10 years of documented management experience in, Program/Project Management Training on contracts of similar size and scope (at least 100 employees)” excessively limits the number of qualified candidates. In normal career progression, PMs start on smaller contracts and grow into increasingly larger contracts/projects as they gain experience.

Suggest requirement of 8-10 years of documented management experience in Program/Project Management on training contracts of similar scope and size with most recent experience managing at least 50 employees (at least 100 employees preferred).

Response: See Question 2 for revised PM requirements. PWS 1.11 has been revised.

28. Solicitation Funding Key Personnel position Page 42 1.11 Key Personnel. Certain experienced professional and/or technical personnel are essential for successful accomplishment of the work at the contract level. These "Key Personnel" shall be US Citizens. Such personnel shall not be removed or replaced within the performance of this contract unless fully documented in writing with prior approval of the COR.

Question: Would the government please clarify if it is their intention for the contractor to have a PM on the bench to support the MATOC throughout the Period of Performance?

Suggested Resolution 1: The government should be aware of the costs to maintain a PM “on the bench” in Overhead (OH) is considerable for small businesses within this NAICS code and will result in additional Indirect and OH costs. Due to the high Indirect costs of maintaining a PM “on the bench”, we suggest following the lead of similar Army MATOC/IDIQ programs within the same NAICS size standards (Army’s EXPRESS program being one example), where Small Businesses use existing company leadership with the proper PM credentials to run the MATOC and fund PMs at the Task Order level when government awards Task Order work to the prime. The government measures the service level on the MATOC through an annual deliverable which can be provided as an example to the government. Suggested Resolution 2: Provide funding for the PM position at award.

Response: See response to Question 1.

29. Solicitation Key Personnel Page 42 1.1.1 Program Manager Industry standard for PMs is a Program Management Professional (PMP) certification. In leu of the SCTC certification, will the government accept a comparable certification such as a PMP or ASALT equivalent program management experience?

Response: See Question 10 regarding PMP certification and Question 3 regarding

SCTC.

30. Reference: RFP/Performance Work Statement, Paragraphs 1.11 and 1.11.1, Page 42 Question: Would the government recognize that successful completion of the Instructor-Trainer Course (which is the qualification to teach the SCTC) and performance as cadre and a TAC officer satisfies the requirement for SCTC certification?

Response: PM requirements stated in PWS 1.11 have been revised. Instructor-Trainer Course does not satisfy the requirement for SCTC; they are two separate requirements.

TRADOC REG 350-6, page 107 states the following: “(5) IMT ISCTC (half-day, resident). Personnel assigned to IMT installation-level staff positions and contractors that interact with IMT Soldiers attend the ISCTC to become familiar with TRADOC IET rules and regulations.”

31. Technical Exhibit 3 Question: Could the Government clarify the noted 29 estimated PMs? Are the PMs at the Task Order Level assuming that the Government estimates a total of 29 task orders will be issued?

Response: Technical Exhibit 3 is an estimate for FY20 historical workload. Exact requirements will be identified at the task order level.

32. W911SF-20-R-0031 Solicitation Document Pg. 42 1.11.1 - The requirements for the Program Manager (key personnel) clearly state that Support Cadre Training Course certification is necessary. In lieu of this requirement, will the government consider 15 years of US Army training and instruction experience?

Response: See Question 3.

TRAP Questions:

33. Attachment 1 Price - "Cyber Instructor and Training Support", "Signal Instructor and Training Support", "Cyber TRAP Instructor and Training Support", "Signal TRAP Instructor and Training Support", "Doctrine Support", "Training Developers". Is the Gov't defining these descriptions as separate labor categories for which it wants offerors to price a fully burdened labor category rate? Or does the Gov't define these a "work" for which offerors may define multiple labor categories to provide that "work" for which the Gov't wants offerors to provide a fully burdened blended rate? If the latter, will the Gov't allow offerors to modify the pricing sheet to detail it's proposed labor categories, and associated fully burdened rates" to perform the "work"?

Response: Attachment 1 identifies the Labor Categories (LCATs) and estimated annual hours of services to be acquired under the contract. In Attachment 1 the Offeror shall provide a fully burdened labor rate, including profit, for each labor category, for each year of contract performance.

34. Attachment 1, Pricing Worksheet and Technical Exhibit 6, Historical Labor Categories - Technical Exhibit 6 includes numerous historical labor categories;

however, the pricing worksheet only includes the following labor categories, of which, additional labor categories would be applicable under training support, doctrine support, and training developers: Program Manager, Cyber Instructor and Training Support, Signal Instructor and Training Support, Cyber TRAP Instructor and Training Support, Signal TRAP Instructor and Training Support, Doctrine Support, Training Developers.

Will the Government consider revising the pricing worksheet to allow for multiple labor categories under training support, doctrine support, and training developers? This would allow Offerors to propose the numerous historical labor categories, as well as additional labor categories to provide the best possible solution for the Government.

Response: Attachment 1 has been revised. Attachment 1 identifies the Labor Categories (LCATs) and estimated annual hours of services to be acquired under the contract. Technical Exhibit 6 has been revised to crosswalk to Cyber and Signal requirements for the historical Labor Categories. Technical Exhibit 6 can be utilized to determine which labor categories support tasks 5.1 through 5.4 in the revised PWS to develop pricing. For non-professional positions, the offeror may utilize different labor categories than those listed in Technical Exhibit 6 to develop their pricing.

35. RFP, Attachment 1 – Pricing worksheet. How are the “TRAP” vs non-TRAP Instructor and Training Support LCATs different regarding the functions/qualifications/experience/skills required?

Response: TRAP is a surge or decrease in the training load. Instructor requirements could be increased or decreased by the TRAP. There is no difference in a TRAP instructor and Non-TRAP Instructor in terms of qualifications TRAP requirements typically are for one (1) year as opposed to non-TRAP requirements that can have option years associated with them.

36. Attachment 1 Pricing Worksheet and Technical Exhibit 6 Historical Labor Categories

- Training Lead Labor Categories. The Technical Exhibit 6 Historical Labor Categories lists a number of “Lead” labor categories that don’t appear to align to any labor category within the Attachment 1 - Pricing Worksheet. Examples include Small Group Lead, Instructor Shift Lead, Training Support Lead, Training Development Lead, Lead Instructional Designer. What is the difference between a Signal Instructor and a Signal TRAP Instructor? Same question for Cyber Instructor and Cyber TRAP Instructor.

TRAP is not explained in the solicitation files except in the DD 254 as “Training Requirements Arbitration Panel (TRAP)". What is TRAP and how does a TRAP instructor differ from a regular instructor?

Response: See Question 35.

37. Attachment 1 Pricing Worksheet and Technical Exhibit 6 Historical Labor Categories

- Labor Category Mappings. Attachment 1 - Pricing Worksheet lists 6 labor categories that do not map well to the Technical Exhibit 6 Historical Labor Categories. The six LCATs are: Cyber Instructor and Training Support, Signal Instructor and Training Support, Cyber TRAP Instructor and Training Support, Signal TRAP Instructor and Training Support, Doctrine Support, and Training Developers. Would the Government please clarify if these were meant to be blended labor categories combining together the related labor categories in the Technical Exhibit 6? Is there a mapping of the labor categories within Technical Exhibit 6 Historical Labor Categories to the labor categories of the Attachment 1 - Pricing Worksheet?

Response: Yes. Technical Exhibit 6 has been revised to crosswalk to Cyber and Signal requirements for the historical Labor Categories. Attachment 1 identifies the Labor Categories (LCATs) and estimated annual hours of services to be acquired under the contract. Technical Exhibit 6 can be utilized to determine which labor categories support tasks 5.1 through 5.4 in the revised PWS to develop pricing.

Labor Categories:

38. Section A.2, Proposal files, VOLUME V Factor 5 - Price, subsection (c)ii Page 81:

“The Offeror should price its proposal using the wage determination for the specific location where the individual will be performing work. The Offeror’s (and subcontractors) wage rates shall comply with the DOL Wage Rate minimum requirements for the area in which the work is to be done.” Can additional labor categories and rates be included to the Pricing Worksheet for Top Secret and Top Secret SCI rates?

Response: No.

39. Technical Exhibit 6 Historical Labor Categories - Can the Government cross-reference the PWS LCATs to those that are on the Pricing schedule?

Response: Technical Exhibit 6 has been revised to crosswalk to Cyber and Signal requirements for the historical Labor Categories.

40. Attachment 1 – Pricing Worksheet - Will the Government clarify the number of FT positions for each of the 7 Labor Categories and the location of each?

Response: Attachment 1 identifies the estimated number of hours for each labor category. The possible locations of the work are identified in the PWS Section 1.1. It is up to the offerors to provide their best staffing solution IAW the solicitation.

41. Attachment 1 Pricing Worksheet and Technical Exhibit 6 Historical Labor Categories

- Training Support Integrated into Labor Categories. Technical Exhibit 6 Historical Labor Categories lists four labor categories as “required services” including Training Support as it’s own labor category but that is combined in the actual Attachment 1 - Pricing Worksheet within the Signal and Cyber instructor labor categories. Would the Government please clarify why the Training Support is included within the Pricing Worksheet labor categories versus being its own labor category?

Response: Attachment 1 has been revised.

42. Attachment 1 identifies seven “Labor Categories,” but Technical Exhibit 6 indicates, historically, that many more labor categories have been needed to support this program.

By allowing greater LCAT granularity, the Army could expectedly gain better targeted (and more economical) pricing for personnel serving task orders; and for the purposes of this solicitation, a more accurate understanding of an offeror’s ability to provide all needed personnel at acceptable labor rates. Question: Would the Army allow offerors to propose an expanded set of labor categories and ceiling rates in the Pricing Worksheet or consider expanding the Worksheet to include the additional categories set forth in Exhibit 6—perhaps aligning these to the original seven categories and their estimated annual hours?

Response: Attachment 1 has been revised. Technical Exhibit 6 can be utilized to determine which labor categories can be utilized to support tasks 5.1 through 5.4 in the revised PWS to develop pricing. For non-professional positions, the offeror may utilize different labor categories than those listed in Exhibit 6 to develop their pricing for Attachment 1.

43. Reference: Attachment 1, Pricing Worksheet; and Attachment 3, Employee Total Compensation Plan- Question: If no additional labor categories are created or allowed in the Pricing Worksheet, is it the Army’s intent that the offeror provide just seven labor categories with ceiling rates, and those seven labor categories only be the ones used when completing Attachment 3?

Response: Attachment 1 has been revised. Attachment 1 identifies the Labor Categories (LCATs) and estimated annual hours of services to be acquired under the contract. Technical Exhibit 6 has been revised to crosswalk to Cyber and Signal requirements for the historical Labor Categories. Technical Exhibit 6 can be utilized to determine which labor categories support tasks 5.1 through 5.4 in the revised PWS to develop pricing. Offeror is required to complete Attachment 3 only for seven (7) professional LCATs.

44. Attachment 1 Pricing Worksheet and Technical Exhibit 6 Historical Labor Categories

- Doctrine Support. Does the Doctrine Developer listed in the Technical Exhibit 6 Historical Labor Categories Map to the Doctrine Support position listed in the Attachment 1 - Pricing Worksheet?

Response: Yes.

45. Attachment 1 Pricing Worksheet and Technical Exhibit 6 Historical Labor Categories

- Training Support. This is listed in the Technical Exhibit 6 Historical Labor Categories as a requirement under the Request for Task Order Proposal but is not described.

Would the Government please provide a description for the functions related to Training Support?

Response: Training support tasks have been identified in the PWS Section 5.4.

Technical Exhibit 6 is for informational purposes only. Required services will be identified in individual task orders.

46. Technical Exhibit 6, Historical Labor Categories - Based upon the inclusion of Exhibit 6, Historical Labor Categories, it appears this work has been performed before, but according to the DD-254, this is new work. Would the Government provide the incumbent information (contract number and name of incumbent(s)) that serves as the basis for the historical labor categories?

Response: This requirement is considered new work. TE 6 is for informational purposes only. Required services will be identified in individual task orders.

47. Attachment 6, Wage Determination and Historical Labor Categories- "VACATION: 2 weeks paid vacation after 1 year of service with a contractor or successor 3 weeks after 8 years and 4 weeks after 15 years. Length of service includes the whole span of continuous service with the present contractor or successor wherever employed and with the predecessor contractors in the performance of similar work at the same Federal facility." Pg. 10 Reference SCA vacation requirements: would the Government provide incumbent personnel anniversary information to allow offerors to plan for staffing transition?

Response: No. This is a new requirement. There are no incumbent personnel.

48. RFP, Section L. The instructions direct Offerors to submit pricing in the Pricing Worksheet, Attachment 1. The instructions state that Attachment 1 “identifies the Labor Categories (LCATs) and estimated annual hours of services to be acquired under the contract. In Attachment 1 the Offeror shall provide a fully burdened labor rate, including profit, for each labor category, for each year of contract performance.” These rates will become our ceiling rates. However, Attachment 1 does not break out specific labor categories. Instead, Attachment 1 provides several groupings of hours associated with collections of labor categories based on military functional area. Will the Government provide guidance on how Offerors are to allocate bucketed hours against the list of labor categories in TE 6?

Response: Technical Exhibit 6 has been revised to crosswalk to Cyber and Signal requirements for the historical Labor Categories. The offeror can utilize this to determine labor categories to support tasks 5.1 through 5.4 in the revised PWS. For non-professional positions, the offeror may utilize different labor categories than those listed in Exhibit 6 to develop their pricing for Attachment 1.

49. Attachment 1 - Pricing Worksheet - Please clarify how the Government will compare and evaluate pricing. Attachment 1 contains estimated hours against Labor Category groupings. However, Technical Exhibit 6 provides historical Labor Categories with experience and education requirements. Does the Government expect the offeror to map those Labor Categories into the Labor Category groupings in Attachment 1. In our opinion, the Governments approach will drive a wide-spectrum of pricing strategies from offerors, and make comparison between offeror’s pricing inconsistent during source selection. We recommend the Government modify Attachment 1 and identify Labor Categories with estimated hours. Likewise, a reference Tab that contains Labor Category descriptions, years of experience, security clearance, certification and education requirements would create a fair and standardized approach for evaluating pricing.

Response: Technical Exhibit 6 (Historical Labor Categories) has been revised. The offeror can utilize this to determine labor categories to support tasks 5.1 through 5.4 in the revised PWS. For non-professional positions, the offeror may utilize different labor categories than those listed in Exhibit 6 to develop their pricing.

50. Technical Exhibit 6: Labor Categories Since the list does not include labor categories that have recently been used for instructor/training support by the CCoE such as:

i. Exploitation Analyst Instructor

ii. Targeting Instructor

iii. Tool Developer Instructional Support

iv. Foundational Instructor/Writer

v. Computer Network Defense (CND) Analyst

vi. CND Infrastructure Support Specialist

vii. CND Auditor

viii. CND Incident Responder

ix. CND Manager

x. Mission Command Instructor/Writer

xi. Mission Command Network System Administrator

xii. Cyberspace Capabilities Developer Technician

a. How does the Government expect vendors to include labor categories outside those listed in Technical Exhibit 6 which may demonstrate the vendor’s knowledge of the CCoE market but may also place the vendor at a competitive disadvantage?

the revised PWS. For non-professional positions, the offeror may utilize different labor categories than those listed in Exhibit 6 to develop their pricing.

b. Would the Government allow vendors to include labor categories outside of the ones listed in Technical Exhibit 6 considering the list does not include labor categories that have recently been used for instructor/training support by the CCoE?

Examples of other Labor Categories recently used by the CCoE for other Instructor/Training support RFPs:

xiii. Database Manager/Administrator

xiv. Administrative Support

xv. Network Technician

xvi. Test Proctor

xvii. System Administrator

xviii. Registrar

xix. Supply Specialist

xx. Configuration Manager

xxi. Operations Specialist the revised PWS. For non-professional positions, the offeror may utilize different labor categories than those listed in Exhibit 6 to develop their pricing.

51. W911SF-20-R-0031.pdf Attachment 1 Pg. 81 Volume V (c) ii, (e) and Attachment 3 Pg. 40 PWS, 1.1 - Paragraph (c) ii states the rates in attachment 1 should be fully burdened ceiling rates. Attachment 3 requires pricing by LCAT and Location. The PWS Paragraph 1.1 states Most of the CCoE is located at Fort Gordon, GA – It also lists multiple locations where the compensations of employees would be higher than at FT.

Gordon. In order to provide a fair comparison of Price across offerors, would the government specifically identify the location for the basis of the labor rates for attachment 1?

Response: All positions will be priced at Ft. Gordon.

52. D. EVALUATION APPROACH, Factor 1. Staffing and Management Approach, Page 85 - Can the Government clarify the following statement: “The Government will compare the proposed staffing mix, i.e. number of employees for each proposed position, to the Government estimate to ensure the expected outcome." Given this is a MATOC, there is no level of effort other than what is included in Attachment 1. What is the Government referring to i.e. Labor Hours in the Pricing Sheet, and are those Labor Hours associated with level of effort for a specific Task Order? Reviewing Section L, the Government has requested a staffing mix or FTE count. Is this referring to the Organizational Chart? If this is the case, it will not provide any level of effort since there are no sample Task Orders to bid. Please clarify the Government’s expectations.

Response: Labor hours in the pricing sheet are based on estimated hours for the base and each option year for the IDIQ as a whole. There is no Task Order at this time. The government’s expectation is for the offerors to propose their ceiling rates for the estimated hours in Attachment 1.

A staffing mix means labor composition (e.g. labor categories, grade, qualifications, etc.). The Government will evaluate the staffing mix (e.g. labor categories) for the proposed non-professional positions. The way in which the staffing mix should be presented for evaluation is as follows: For each non-professional labor category listed in the revised Attachment 1, Pricing Worksheet; the offeror should propose the numbers of hours for each proposed labor category from Technical Exhibit (TE) 6, Historical Labor Categories. The number of proposed hours for each labor category proposed from TE 6 for each labor category in Attachment 1 should total the number of hours in Attachment 1. This would be done for each non-professional positions in Attachment 1.

The Government would evaluate the extent to which it believes that this proposed staffing mix would result in successful performance.

The Organizational Chart shows the positions, decision authority, and what parts of the organization are responsible for managing and accomplishing each task. The Offeror shall provide an organizational summary chart and narrative that details the organizational structure to be used to manage performance at the MAIDIQ contract and task order level. Refer to Solicitation Volume I: Factor I – Staffing and Management Approach, TAB C: Organizational Chart for further details.

53. Attachment 1 - Can we get a breakdown of what labor categories are needed and how many hours are needed by each labor category for each PWS requirement?

Response: Specific labor categories and estimated hours will be provided at the task order level. Labor hours in the pricing sheet are based on estimated hours for the base and each option year for the IDIQ as a whole. There is no Task Order at this time. The government’s expectation is for the offerors to propose their ceiling rates for the labor categories and estimated hours in Attachment 1.

54. Performance Work Statement (PWS) 1.3 Scope - The Scope includes Electronic Warfare (EW) warrant officers, MOS training for EW commissioned officers, and EW functional training. Are the labor categories shown in the Pricing worksheet the labor categories to be proposed for EW Training? If so, please elaborate.

Response: EW labor falls under the category of Cyber Instructors found in Attachment 1.

55. Volume V: Factor 5 Price LCATS - CCoE will likely need a broader range of services and LCATS over time due to the unforeseen future of Cyber, EW and Signal (technology). Would the government consider adding new LCATS to the solicitation to provide more flexibility to what is a very evolving domain of Cyber, EW and Signal?

Resolution If not, would the government issue separate Technical Direction Letters to solicit pricing for new LCATS required in execution?

Response: The Government does not anticipate adding new LCATs to the solicitation at this time. However, the Government reserves the right to add or remove LCATs during the MATOC POP based on individual task order requirements. Technical Direction Letters are no longer used.

56. Volume V: Factor 5 Price LCATS - Descriptions have not been provided and it is likely the CCoE will require multiple levels across the listed LCATS. The government has not provided LCAT descriptions. Can the government provide? Resolution 1 if no LCATS If no LCATS available, should the proposer provide pricing for multiple LCAT levels? Resolution 2 if no LCATS Does the government want a composite rate across all levels of the roles?

Response: Technical Exhibit 6 has been provided and revised.

57. RFP Technical Exhibit 6 and PWS Pg. 58 Paragraph 5.4 - TE 6, Historical Labor Categories, does not include a labor category for Registrar. None of the duties and responsibilities described in PWS section 5.1 for the Registrar are included in any of the labor category descriptions. Please clarify which labor category performs Registrar duties.

Response: Training Support will perform Registrar duties. PWS 5.4 Registrar/Training Support has been revised to reflect the response and PWS 5.4.1 Registrar has been added.

58. RFP Pg. 79 A.2 Volume III d. and PWS Pg. 8 Paragraph 5.4 - PWS section 5.4 is titled “Registrar”. Proposal guidance under A.2 for Volume III refers to the paragraph as

5.4 Registrar/Training Support. Please clarify which is correct.

Response: Registrar/Training Support is correct. PWS 5.4 has been revised.

59. Attachment 1 - Pricing Worksheet: Can the Government clarify how they plan to compare and evaluate pricing. Attachment 1 has estimated hours against labor category groupings. However, Technical Exhibit 6 has a list of historical labor categories with education and experience levels. Does the contractor need to provide rates for all of the labor categories listed in Exhibit 6? Is the contractor supposed to map those labor categories into the labor category "groupings" in attachment 1? This will create very different pricing strategies from other offerors and will make it difficult for the goverment to compare and evaluate pricing. Suggest the Government modify Attachment 1 to include labor categories and estimated hours against those labor categories with references tab including labor category descriptions, education levels, experience, clearance, and certification requirements. This will result in the Government receiving uniform pricing from all offerors and will be able to better compare pricing among offerors.

Response: Technical Exhibit 6 has been revised to crosswalk to Cyber and Signal requirements for the historical Labor Categories. For each labor category listed in the revised Attachment 1, Pricing Worksheet; the offeror should propose the numbers of hours for each proposed labor category from Technical Exhibit (TE) 6, Historical Labor Categories, along with its proposed hourly rates for each labor category. The number of proposed hours for each labor category proposed from TE 6 for each labor category in Attachment 1 should total the number of hours in Attachment 1. For example, an offeror could propose 40,000 hours for Information Security Instructor, 100,000 hours for CEMA Instructor, and 25,030 hours for ULO Instructor, that equals the number of hours for Cyber Instructor; 165,030; in Attachment 1. This would be done for each labor category in Attachment 1. The Government would evaluate the total of the extended price (proposed hourly rate times number of hours) for each labor category.

60. D. EVALUATION APPROACH, Factor 1. Staffing and Management Approach, Page 85 Solicitation requires a "manning approach that demonstrates innovative hiring and retention practices." Since this is an IDIQ, there are no "manning" estimates without task orders to bid, while hiring and retention practices are covered in Factor 2. Can the Government remove this evaluation criteria or include it in Factor 2? If not, can the Government describe what is meant by a "manning" approach and how it is different from hiring and retention practices listed in Factor 2.

Response: Factor 1: Staffing and Management Approach and Factor 2: Recruitment, Training, and Retention Plan has been revised. Evaluation criteria for manning approaches and hiring practices has been removed from Factor 1 and included in Factor 2.

Recruiting is a step in the employment journey. It involves seeking and encouraging prospective employees to apply for roles. Retention means the company’s policies and practices to entice employees to stay with the company for a long time. Manning is an ongoing process. It does involve the initial recruitment step, but it goes way beyond that to include how you manage and retain competent persons and a satisfied work force, fit for mission, purpose, in the right roles at the right time to meet the company’s goals.

61. D. EVALUATION APPROACH, Factor 1. Staffing and Management Approach, Page 85 The solicitation says: "The Government will compare the proposed staffing mix, i.e.

number of employees for each proposed position, to the Government estimate to ensure the expected outcome." Please clarify. Since this is an IDIQ, there is no level of effort beyond what was published in Attachment 1. Is the reference to Government "estimate" in reference to the labor hours in the pricing sheet? Are those labor hours associated with the workload for any particular task order? We don't see anywhere in Section L where the government has requested a staffing mix or FTE count. Is the Government referring to the Organizational Chart? If so, this will not provide any type of level of effort because there is no sample task order to bid. Level of effort and staffing mix will be bid at the task order level. Without a task to bid, the Organizational Chart will be limited to corporate and IDIQ management functions, not FTE counts and positions at the task order level. Please advise.

Response: See Question 52.

62. Proposal Preparation Instructions, Factor 1, p. 85 of 107 - Question: Can the Government clarify what it means by the statement, “The Government will compare the proposed staffing mix … to the Government estimate to ensure the expected outcome”?

To what positions other than the PM is the Government referring? Rationale: This is confusing because there is only one (1) position all offerors must propose—e.g. the IDIQ-level PM.

Response: See Question 52.

63. RFP Pg. 81 Volume V Attachment 1 Technical Exhibit 3 Technical Exhibit 6 - For each contract year, apart from the Program Manger labor category, Attachment 1 lists functional areas but refers to them as labor categories. The same categorizations are referred to as functional areas in Technical Exhibit (TE) 3 and the hours in TE3 and attachment 1 are identical. The estimated annual hours for each “category” in attachment 1 will actually require multiple labor categories with multiple skill types and skill levels.