Questions and Answers Amendment 1.docx

W911SF-22-R-0029, IT Help-Desk Support Services Questions & Answers

Q1: On the Sam.gov link, there is a reference to controlled documents but none of them seem to be listed on the site. Do you know if there are any other documents outside of the RFP that will be provided by your office?

A1: There are no controlled documents related to this solicitation. The solicitation with all attachments is consolidated and provided in one document titled, “RFP – W911SF-22-R-0029 IT Help-Desk Support Services – KO Signature Certificate_Redacted.pdf”

Q2: 1.0 MANAGEMENT EVALUATION RATINGS. Does the government require resumes of the key personnel?

A2: Yes. See Amendment to Attachment 5-A Instructions.

Q3: 1.0 MANAGEMENT EVALUATION RATINGS. Will the government except similar DOD or Civilian agency experience (non TRADOC) in its “Outstanding” Management Ratings?

A3: See Amendment to Attachment 5-B Evaluation Plan. Experience in a DoD training environment (same or similar in nature) is required for Outstanding.

Q4: 4.0 PAST PERFORMANCE RELEVANCY RATINGS. Will the government except similar DOD or Civilian agency (Non Army) experience in its Past Performance Relevancy Ratings?

A4: Yes. The Government will accept past performance references for services performed in any DoD training environment (same or similar in nature), but not civilian as it is incomparable. See Amendment to Attachment 5-B Evaluation Plan.

Q5: C.2 SCOPE. This Performance Work Statement (PWS) provides the Fort Benning IT Services requirements for a contract that is to be awarded against an existing contract. Please clarify existing contract?

A5: The Government anticipates awarding a single stand alone “C” type contract for this requirement. Reference from PWS (C.2 SCOPE) is a typo and is corrected in Amendment 1.

Q6: What is the maximum page count for each volume?

A6: 20, 12-point Times New Roman font. See Amendment to Attachment 5-A Instructions.

Q7: What is the historical FTE count for this contract?

A7: 18-21 Full Time Employees

Q8: How does the government envision bringing in new companies, even other 8(a) companies with relevant past performance, into this acquisition that do not have TRADOC and MCoE current past performance as indicated in the Solicitation and specifically as part of the evaluation criteria, that can bring relative past performance from other parts of the Federal Government?

A8: Companies will be evaluated based upon their experience as it relates to our specific requirements. Experience in a DoD training environment (same or similar in nature) is required for Outstanding. See Amendment to Attachment 5-B Evaluation Plan.

Q9: Based on the requirements, as cited in this solicitation, It is our understanding requirement for Key Personnel based on the requirements, size, dollar value, and complexity of the requirements as cited in this acquisition? Would the government reconsider the key personnel requirement?

A9: No, key personnel are required for the success of this partnership.

Q10: The way the evaluation criteria is written, it could be viewed as favoring incumbent knowledge and experience and giving the unfair advantage to the incumbent. Would the government consider removing the specific requirements for TRADOC and MCoE – experienced key personnel from the outstanding evaluation criteria?

A10: No, but this requirement is updated to state, “Experience in a DoD training environment (same or similar in nature).” Experience in managing IT in a military training environment is required. MCoE is a unique criterion needed because two component school-houses are represented at this organization; all offerors will be evaluated and qualification will be based upon their level of experience as it relates to the specifics of this work effort. See Amendment to Attachment 5-B Evaluation Plan.

Q11: Based on how this evaluation criteria is written, it appears that the incumbency is a requirement to be viewed as a viable offeror. Please clarify.

A11: No, the specific experience with a training environment is what is required. This requirement is updated to state, “Experience in a DoD training environment (same or similar in nature)” See Amendment to Attachment 5-B Evaluation Plan.

Q12: Will the contract have to have a location/building near the installation?

A12: Workspace is provided for contract personnel.

Q13: If there is no contractor site, why do we need a Facility Clearance for this opportunity?

A13: Facility clearance is required for classified access required for contract performance. Contractor does not have to have an FCL to bid, it is necessary to perform work on any classified effort.

Q14: Can we be sponsored if/when we are awarded?

A14: Initial access to installation is with a visitor pass and valid state/government issued ID. The PM will coordinate with the COR and the Administrative Officer to obtain Common Access Cards (CAC) for contract employees.

Q15: Can the Facility Clearance be the subcontractor site?

A15: Facility clearance has nothing to do with an actual structure, it is a clearance of the actual contractor (business).

Q16: Does the Facility clearance have to be for an office in Georgia?

A16: Facility clearance has nothing to do with an actual structure, it is a clearance of the actual contractor (business).

Q17: Will all staff work out of Building 4?

A17: No, all staff will not work out of Building 4, but all will work on Ft Benning. Buildings 337, 5205 and 5195 are all the additional locations. Reference Amendment 1 for updated PWS paragraph C.4.1 for all locations where work is to be performed.

Q18: Is there an incumbent on this opportunity?

A18: Yes.

Q19: Can we have contact information (government email address) for the incumbent staff?

A19: IAW The Procurement Integrity Act, 41 U.S.C. §§ 2101-07, implemented at FAR 3.104, that prohibits disclosing procurement information, the Government will only disclose the incumbent contract number, which is publicly available. Incumbent Contract: W911SF-18-C-0016.

Q20: How many staff member does the incumbent have on site working this opportunity?

A20: IAW The Procurement Integrity Act, 41 U.S.C. §§ 2101-07, implemented at FAR 3.104, that prohibits disclosing procurement information, the Government will only disclose the incumbent contract number, which is publicly available. Incumbent Contract: W911SF-18-C-0016. Historical FTE count for this contract is 18-21 FTE.

Q21: How much traveling has this opportunity had in the past?

A21: Less than twice annually.

Q22: Who are we working with (other contractors or government personnel) remotely to support VCT on other installations?

A22: Government personnel.

Q23: What equipment will the contractor need for this opportunity?

A23: Government furnishes equipment in support of this contract.

Q24: Will the contractor need to supply computers to each of its team members or will the government supply them?

A24: Government provides computers.

Q25: Who is the incumbent and are they eligible to participate as the prime contractor?

A25: IAW The Procurement Integrity Act, 41 U.S.C. §§ 2101-07, implemented at FAR 3.104, that prohibits disclosing procurement information, the Government will only disclose the incumbent contract number, which is publicly available. Incumbent Contract: W911SF-18-C-0016.

Q26: What are the FTEs, labor categories, and hours for the current IT Help-Desk Support Services?

A26: This information is in the PWS. Labor Categories are Program manager; System Administrator; Help Desk Support Senior, Help Desk Support Service Specialist – INT; VTC/AV Technician – INT; Supply Technician.

PWS Reference: C.2.2 Hours of Operation – The contractor shall provide services during the hours ranging from 0700-1700 hours (depending on the assignment) Monday-Friday, except Federal Holidays as designated by the Office of Personnel Management at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/federal-holidays/#url=Overview or when the Government facility is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closings, or similar Government directed facility closings. The Contractor must maintain an adequate workforce for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within this PWS when the Government facility is not closed for the above reasons. When hiring personnel, the Contractor shall keep in mind that the stability and continuity of the workforce are essential.

KEY PERSONNEL:

C2.18.1 Senior Program Manager, 0700-1700, M-F, except Federal Holidays or when the government facility is closed for administrative reasons., FTE – 1 C.2.18.2 Senior Help Desk Support for ETS Lead – 0800-1700, M-F, FTE- 1 C.2.18.3 System Administrator 0800-1700 hours, M-F FTE-1 C.2.18.4 Audio Visual(AV) Video Teleconference (VTC) Technician – 0800-1700, FTE ½ time Other personnel to perform specific task:

C.4.2 Help Desk Support Specialist – Hours as list in C.2.2, FTE 11 C.4.7 Supply Specialist- Hours as listed in C2.2 , FTE 1

Q27: What are the FTEs, labor categories, and hours that the government estimates are required for the requested IT Help-Desk Support Services?

A27: This information is in the PWS. Reference A26 above.

Q28: What technologies, tools, and software are currently being used for endpoint management, software deployment, ITSM ticket management, and other related Help Desk support functions?

A28:

SharePoint (2013, soon SPO): Ticketing, request tracking, scheduling Powershell: Automation, IA auditing, account management Active Directory: Manual account management Microsoft Teams: Document storage One Drive: Share drive facsimile via Teams sync Microsoft Office: Report generation Powerapps/PowerBI: Future SharePoint Online application development Adobe Acrobat Pro: Form creation, collation Software deployment is done through SCCM/MECM via NEC request External ticketing services are done through Remedy and AESD

Q29: Will any remote support be allowed? if so, what percentage of work and or labor categories are approved for remote support?

A29: No remote support or telework is authorized at this time. In the event of Federal organizations needing to continue functioning through hazardous weather, pandemic, physical attacks, or any other event that would result in the closure of Government buildings, the MCoE will follow any and all guidance from DoD and adjust accordingly (i.e. modifications) if necessary.

Q30: Will the government provide a pricing template for Volume II – Price Submission?

A30: Please see attached document titled, “RFP – W911SF-22-R-0029 IT Help-Desk Support Services – KO Signature Certificate_Redacted.pdf” for Attachment 2 – Pricing Schedule (CLIN Structure) starting on page 31-34 of 72.

Q31: Should Attachment 2 be submitted as part of the pricing volume?

A31: Yes

Q32: Past performance: Is this a narrative? If so, is there a page limit, and should be included in the Technical volume?

A32: Past performance submission can be in a narrative format, survey, Contractor Performance Assessment Reports (CPARS), or any combination of the three. No more than three (3) past performance references should be submitted. No more than one (1) page per past performance reference, not to exceed three (3) pages for the entire past performance submission. See Amendment to Attachment 5-A Instructions.

Q33: How many past performances are required?

A33: Three completed or ongoing projects similar in size and complexity to this solicitation.

Q34: How will teaming partner's/subcontractor's past performance be considered?

A34: Subcontractor’s past performance will not be considered.

Q35: Are past performance surveys acceptable and will the government provide a template?

A35: Past performance Questionnaires are acceptable. Template is provided as Attachment 7, and only counts as one (1) page toward the three (3) page limit for past performance submission.

Q36: Are resumes for the Key personnel required?

A36: Yes.

Q37: What are the page limits and font sizes for the Volume I – Technical Submission excluding cover pages and table of contents and resumes (if required) A37: 20 pages, 12 point Times New Roman font. See Amendment to Attachment 5-A Instructions.

Q38: Can the government provide historical Level of Effort for this program? Are there any changes anticipated in the workload?

A38: Historical level of effort is described in the PWS (Ref. C.4.3) On average, 14,000 students are services annually; future changes to workload can be anticipated, none at present for base year.

Q39: Can the government provide a break-down of the LCATS required for this program?

A39: Labor Categories are Program manager; System Administrator; Help Desk Support Senior, Help Desk Support Service Specialist – INT; VTC/AV Technician – INT; Supply Technician

Q40: Can the government provide page count for Tech Volume?

A40: 20 pages. See Amendment to Attachment 5-A Instructions.

Q41: Can the government confirm if majority of the 6000 tickets per year are IT related?

A41: Yes.

Q42: Per section 5-C Basis of Award (P 71 of RFP) – the government states – “ the Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement “ . Are offerors to assume then that the evaluation will be based on Lowest Price Technically Acceptable criteria? Should this be true - will the government revise the ratings for technical, risk and past performance to be just acceptable / unacceptable?

A42: Please see RFP Attachment 5-B Evaluation Plan (Page 64 of 72), which states, “The Government expects to select one Offeror whose proposal offers the “best value” to the Government, using the trade-off method. "Best value" means the expected outcome of an acquisition that, in the Government's estimation, provides the greatest overall benefit(s) in response to the requirement. The Offeror is advised that the lowest priced proposal meeting the solicitation requirements may not be selected for an award if award to a higher priced Offeror is determined to be more beneficial to the Government. However, the perceived benefits of the higher priced proposal must merit the additional price.” The Government will conduct a price analysis using one or a combination of multiple techniques described IAW FAR 15.404-1(b) to establish price fair and reasonableness to the Government. LPTA will not be used.

Q43: Can you please let us know if this work has an incumbent and what the previous contract number was for this IT Help Desk?

A43: IAW The Procurement Integrity Act, 41 U.S.C. §§ 2101-07, implemented at FAR 3.104, that prohibits disclosing procurement information, the Government will only disclose the incumbent contract number, which is publicly available. Incumbent Contract: W911SF-18-C-0016. However, W911SF-18-C-0016 is not just for IT Help Desk.

Q44: Should the evaluation factors be clarified to best value where the technical factors are considered more important than price – can we request the government to reconsider technical and management evaluation factors - for example - for the management evaluation to be considered outstanding - the government requires the offerors to present key personnel staff that have experience managing TRADOC / MCoE programs; for the past performance evaluation to be considered very relevant – offerors must present past performances involved with TRADOC, MCoE experience - these evaluation factors clearly favor the incumbent and will restrict competition. May we request the government to remove the requirements for TRADOC/MCoE specific experience and instead qualify offerors on their experience with similar programs (scope and size) but with any agency?

A44: No, but this requirement is updated to state, “Experience in a DoD training environment (same or similar in nature)” Experience in managing IT in a military training environment is required. MCoE is a unique criterion needed because two component school-houses are represented at this organization; all offerors will be evaluated and qualification will be based upon their level of experience as it relates to the specifics of this work effort. See Amendment to Attachment 5-B Evaluation Plan.

Q45: Can the government provide the historical Service Desk Ticket Data?

A45: 6000 per year.

Q46: Can the government provide historical data detailing how many customer support services were provided to the off-site VTC locations of Camp Merrill, GA; Camp Rudder, FL; Fort Bragg, NC; Fort Drum, NY; and Fort Stewart, GA?

A46: Less than two visits annually for VTC at Camps Merrill and Rudder; none to the other outsight organizations.

Q47: We respectfully request the Government for the Level of Effort (in terms of man-hours or number of FTEs to be put on work during the Base Year), and historically, how many Full Time resources have been working on this work.

A47: Base year 18 FTEs, historically 18-21 full times resources.

Q48: Can you extend the response deadline so offerers and quire the strict Key Personnel requirements that are required for the solicitation based on the evaluation criteria?

A48: Amendment 1 – updates Response Due Date to 1-Aug-2022. Time constraints do not allow further extension.

Q49: The RFP Cover Page states that the government contemplates award of a Firm-Fixed-Price contract; Section I incorporates the clause FAR 52.212-4, indicating that the prospective contract will be a FFP Commercial Services contract. Can the Contracting Officer confirm that the prospective contract will be FFP Commercial Services?

A49: All CLINS will be FFP except for the Travel & TRAP CLINs (0003,0004, 1002, 1003, 2002, 2003, 3002, 3003, 4002 & 4003), which will be COST.

Q50: The RFP Cover Page states that the prospective contract will be Firm-Fixed-Price; However, Section I incorporates the post-award clause FAR 52.216-5, Price Redetermination-Prospective, which does not apply to a FFP contract (see FAR 16.205-4 for application of the clause). Can the Contracting Officer amend the RFP to delete the clause FAR 52.216-5 or change the contract type and RFP instructions from FFP to Fixed-Price -Prospective Price Redetermination?

A50: FAR Clause 52.216-5 is removed. The base period and all option periods will be FFP, except for the Travel & TRAP CLINs (0003,0004, 1002, 1003, 2002, 2003, 3002, 3003, 4002 & 4003), which will be COST. All Travel expenses will be IAW the Joint Travel Regulation (JTA).

Q51: The RFP Cover Page states that the prospective contract will be Firm-Fixed-Price; However, Section I incorporates post-award clause FAR 52.215-2 Audit and Records-Negotiation, which does not apply to a FFP Commercial Services contract (see FAR 15.209(b)(1) and FAR 52.215-2(b) for application of the clause). Can the Contracting Officer amend the RFP to delete the clause FAR 52.215-2?

A51: FAR 52.215-2 is applicable and will not be removed. Exception to the application of this clause is only for acquisitions not exceeding SAT, Utility Services, and those using funds appropriated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Examination of costs will be applied for Travel & TRAP CLINs (0003,0004, 1002, 1003, 2002, 2003, 3002, 3003, 4002 & 4003), which will be COST. All Travel expenses will be IAW the Joint Travel Regulation (JTA).

Q52: Section I incorporates the clause FAR 52.207-3 Right of First Refusal of Employment, which governs a contractor’s obligations in respect to displaced government personnel when work is converted from in-house performance to contract performance. Can the Contracting Officer inform offerors about which tasks described in the PWS are currently performed by government employees?

A52: None of the tasks.

Q53: Section I incorporates clauses FAR 52.212-4 and FAR 52.212-5, presumably because the prospective contract will be a FFP Commercial Services contract; However, Section I also incorporates clause FAR 52.243-1 Changes-Fixed-Price which does not apply to a FFP Commercial Services contract. Changes under a FFP Commercial Services contract are governed by the commercial Changes paragraph in FAR 52.212-4(c). [see FAR 12.301()(3)] Can the Contracting Officer amend the RFP to delete clause FAR 52.243-1, given that the prospective contract will be FFP Commercial Services?

A53: As prescribed by FAR 43.205(a)(2) FAR 52.243-1 is replaced with its Alternate, FAR 52.243-1 Alt I, for services. Additionally, as prescribed by FAR 43.205(b)(2), FAR 52.243-2 is replaced with its Alternate FAR 52.243-2 Alt I, for services. Resulting contract will consist of both FFP & COST CLINs.

A54: PWS Section C.2.1 disallows a cost that is otherwise allowable under FAR Part 31 by stating- “The Contractor shall train personnel at no cost to the Government. The Government will not provide or fund training to obtain certification for any Contractor employees unless the training is a result of a new requirement”. This advance disallowance of an otherwise allowable cost contradicts FAR 31.205-44 (Training & Education Costs) which prescribes that cost for training is allowable if the training “is related to the field in which the employee is working”.

(b) Question- Can the Contracting Officer explain why the cost is disallowed in advance when the cost is otherwise allowable under FAR § 31.205-44 or amend the PWS to conform to FAR 31.205-44?

A54: This is disallowed because the contractor is required to provide personnel that are already certified and trained to provide the work effort required in this contract. Only training will be provided if a NEW system is put in place after the contract has been awarded.

Q55: PWS Section C.2.3.2 requires the contractor to incur costs for purchasing materials “directly related to the maintenance support and necessary to accomplish and assure acceptable levels of O&M for supported systems.” and “to complete assigned special projects and for maintenance of bench stock levels, expendable supply levels”. However, the Pricing Schedule (CLIN Structure) does not provide a CLIN to capture such costs for either pricing or billing. Can the Contracting Officer explain how the contractor will bill the government for costs incurred for materials if the Pricing Schedule does not provide a CLIN for such costs?

A55: C.2.3.3 has been removed from the PWS in Amendment 1.There is no CLIN associated for supplies.

Q56: PWS Section C.2.2.1 states that the contract services “may require work be accomplished at times other than normal duty hours” which means the government anticipates a need for Overtime work during the course of the contract. Offerors cannot include Overtime costs in CLIN 0002 or CLIN 0003 in the absence of any government forecast of Overtime hours. Can the Contracting Officer explain how the contractor will bill Overtime costs to the government if the Pricing Schedule does not provide a CLIN to capture Overtime cost and the cost is not included in CLIN 0002 or CLIN 0003?

A56: This requirement has been removed from the PWS in Amendment 1. We do not anticipate a need for overtime.

Q57: PWS Section C.2.9.6 states- “All Contractor personnel will comply with the non-disclosure requirements in the clause at FAR 52.227-14”. However, the clause FAR 52.227-14 (Rights in Data-General) pertains only to allocation of intellectual property rights between the contractor and the government and does not contain a non-disclosure requirement for contractor personnel.

Can the Contracting Officer amend the RFP to correct this discrepancy and explain which non-disclosure statement that contractor employees must sign?

A57: Yes. PWS has been updated to remove the requirement for non-disclosure requirement and RFP Amendment 1 removes FAR 52.227-14

Q58: The second paragraph in Part B-4.0, Price/Cost states- “The Evaluated Prices will be compared with the lower Evaluated Prices being more favorable than higher Evaluated Prices”. However, Part A-1.0 states- “The Government expects to select one Offeror whose Page 3 of 6 proposal offers the “best value” to the Government using the trade-off method . . . the lowest priced proposal meeting the solicitation requirements may not be selected for an award . . .” The Trade-Off method requires the government to consider selection of a higher priced proposal, if appropriate, but Part B-4.0 tells offerors that the government will prefer a lower priced proposal anyway. Further, Part A-3.2 clearly states the low relative importance of price as follows- “All evaluation factors are significantly more important than price/cost.” meaning that a lower priced proposal should not be evaluated more favorably because it is a lower price. Can the Contracting Officer explain why the government will evaluate a lower priced proposal more favorably when the Trade-Off method requires the government to consider selection of a higher priced proposal, given that price is significantly less important than all non-price factors?

A58: Please see Part 5-B, “However, the perceived benefits of the higher priced proposal must merit the additional price.” The benefits that merit a higher price must be explicitly expressed. In the event of equally rated proposals, the government will prefer the lower priced proposal.

Q59: Part B-1.0-Management Plan, describes what the government will evaluate, including Organization, Staffing, Transition Plan and Subcontract Management. However, the Part 5-A Proposal Instructions does not require an offeror to submit any information for Management Approach in the proposal. It is a fundamental source selection rule that the government cannot evaluate something that an RFP does not require an offeror to submit in its proposal.

Can the Contracting Officer explain how the government will evaluate Management Approach if Part 5-A Instructions does not require an offeror to submit a Management Approach in its proposal?

A59a: See Amendment 1 to Attachment 5-A Instructions.

Can the Contracting Officer amend the RFP to explain in Part 5-A Instructions exactly what Management Approach information an offeror should submit in its proposal?

A59b: See Amendment 1 to Attachment 5-A Instructions.

Q60: Part B-2.0-Technical describes what the government will evaluate, including Workforce/Personnel and Qualifications/Key Personnel. However, the Part 5-A Proposal Instructions does not require an offeror to submit any technical information in its proposal. It is a fundamental source selection rule that the government cannot evaluate something that an RFP does not require an offeror to submit in its proposal.

Can the Contracting Officer explain how the government will evaluate Technical if Part 5-A Instructions does not require an offeror to submit technical information in its proposal?

A60a: See Amendment 1 to Attachment 5-A Instructions.

Can the Contracting Officer amend the RFP to explain in Part 5-A Instructions exactly what technical information an offeror should submit in its proposal?

A60b: See Amendment 1 to Attachment 5-A Instructions.

Q61: Part B-3.0-Technical describes how the government will evaluate Past Performance; However, the Part 5-A Proposal Instructions does not require an offeror to submit any Past Performance information in its proposal. It is a fundamental source selection rule that the government cannot evaluate something that an RFP does not require an offeror to submit in its proposal.

Can the Contracting Officer explain how the government will evaluate Past Performance information if Part 5-A Instructions does not require an offeror to submit Past Performance information in its proposal?

A61a: See Amendment 1 to Attachment 5-A Instructions.

Can the Contracting Officer amend the RFP to explain in Part 5-A Instructions exactly what Past Performance information an offeror should submit in its proposal?

A61b: See Amendment 1 to Attachment 5-A Instructions.

Q62: Part B-4.0 states that the government will perform a Cost Realism Analysis to determine an offeror’s most probable cost and may review an offeror’s proposed labor categories, “DCAA-recommended rates for such costs as direct labor, overhead, G&A, etc.”; Part B-4.0 also states that the government may adjust an offeror’s price/cost proposal to determine the Most Probable Cost. However, evaluation of separate cost elements for a cost realism analysis and adjustment of an offeror’s proposed cost applies only to a proposal for a cost-reimbursement contract and does not apply to a FFP Commercial Services contract. Further, the Part 5-A Proposal Instructions does not require an offeror to submit any price/cost data related to the evaluation described in Part B-4.0.

Can the Contracting Officer explain why the government wants to perform a Cost Realism Analysis and adjust an offeror’s price when such an analysis and adjustment does not apply to a proposal for a FFP contract?

A62a: IAW 15.404-1(d)(2), “Cost realism analyses shall be performed on cost-reimbursement contracts to determine the probable cost of performance for each offeror.” All CLINs are FFP, except for the Travel & TRAP CLINs (0003,0004, 1002, 1003, 2002, 2003, 3002, 3003, 4002 & 4003), which will be COST. All Travel expenses will be IAW the Joint Travel Regulation (JTA).

Can the Contracting Officer amend the RFP to explain in Part 5-A Instructions exactly what information an offeror should submit in the Price/Cost proposal and delete the price/cost evaluation in Part B-4.0 that does not apply to a FFP contract?

A62b: See Amendment to Attachment 5-A Instructions & A62a above.

Q63: Section K incorporates the provision FAR 52.219-1 Small Business Program Representations which requires an offeror to submit a set of fill-in representations and certifications in its proposal. However, the Part 5-A Proposal Instructions do not tell offerors to submit the Representations & Certifications in either Volume 1 or Volume 2 and the RFP omitted the complete set of fill-in Representations & Certifications.

Can the Contracting Officer amend the RFP to explain in Part 5-A Instructions if offerors should submit the Representations & Certifications specified in provision FAR 52.219-1, where in the proposal to place the information, and provide the complete set of Representations & Certifications?

A63: See Amendment 1 to Attachment 5-A Instructions

Q64: Section K incorporates provisions FAR 52.204-24 and FAR 52.204-26 which require an offeror to submit mandatory representations; However, the Part 5-A Instructions do not tell offerors to submit the information in either Volume 1 or Volume 2.

Can the Contracting Officer amend the RFP to explain in Part 5-A Instructions if offerors should submit the representations specified in provisions FAR 52.204-24 and FAR 52.204-26 in the proposal?

A64: See Amendment 1 to Attachment 5-A Instructions

Q65: Section L incorporates provision FAR 52.237-10 Identification of Uncompensated Overtime which requires an offeror to submit information about its uncompensated overtime procedures in the proposal. However, provision FAR 52.237-10 applies only to RFPs for services to be acquired on the basis of the number of hours to be provided (see FAR 37.115-3 for application of the provision). The Pricing Schedule (CLIN Structure) requires an offeror to submit only lump sum Firm-Fixed-Prices for each CLIN and Part 5-A Instructions does not require an offeror to submit any data on the number of employee hours for performing the work.

(b) Question- Can the Contracting Officer amend the RFP to delete provision FAR 52.237-10?

A65: This requirement has been removed from the PWS in Amendment 1. We do not anticipate a need for overtime. Therefore, FAR Clause 52.237-10 is removed.

Q66: The Pricing Schedule requires an offeror to enter a lump-sum price for CLIN 0003 “Services (TRAP Requirement as needed)”. However, the PWS does not provide any information about a “TRAP Requirement” or any TRAP workload count as a basis for an offeror to calculate the cost for CLIN 0003.

Can the Contracting Officer amend the RFP to explain the “TRAP Requirement” and provide a workload count for “TRAP Requirement” so offerors can develop a price for CLIN 0003?

A66: This price is calculated for what it would cost for 1 hour of 1 Technician’s labor. (Amount is unknown and provided at COST as needed). Historical data unavailable due to pandemic and fluctuating Army personal requirement.

Q67: The clause FAR 52.245-1 Government Property is omitted from Section I. This clause applies to PWS Sections C.2.3.2 Purchases and C.2.4 Contractor Accountability, specifically the governments and contractor’s rights and obligations for GFP and Contractor-Furnished Property. (see FAR 45.107(a)(1) for application of the clause).

Can the Contracting Officer amend the RFP to incorporate clause FAR 52.245-1 in Section I?

A67: FAR Clause 52.245-1 is not applicable. All associated property for the performance of this effort is considered “Incidental.” The Requiring Activity will maintain control of all property related to this requirement on the Unit Level Property Book, and all property will remain in the place of performance. It does not require formal tracking on the GFP application within PIEE. The PWS is updated in Amendment 1 to delete the requirement for GFP previously found at C.2.3.2.

Q68: CLIN 0004 requires an offeror to enter a lump-sum amount for Travel expenses and the CLIN 0004 description states- “Travel shall not exceed $XXX.XX”. PWS Section C.4.4 refers to 5 off-site locations as potential travel destinations and states- “the Contractor may be required to travel to other locations”. However, the PWS does not provide any travel data necessary an offeror to estimate travel cost for CLIN 0004, such as number, duration, and frequency of trips at each location.

Can the Contracting Officer amend the RFP to explain if an offeror should enter an amount for travel cost in CLIN 0004 or will the government provide a not-to-exceed travel cost amount?

If offerors must enter an estimated cost in CLIN 0004, then can the Contracting Officer amend the RFP to provide the travel data which offerors must have to calculate the cost for CLIN 0004?

A68: All Travel expenses will be IAW the Joint Travel Regulation (JTA) and are calculated at COST as needed. Attachment 2 – Pricing Schedule (CLIN Structure) is updated in Amendment 1 to state, “*NTE Amount will be provided by Requiring Activity*” Contractor is not required to submit pricing for travel CLINs.

Q69: The Pricing Schedule requires an offeror to enter a lump-sum amount for Phase-In Services in CLIN 0001. However, the PWS does not provide any information about the Phase-In, such as contractor tasks, staffing, GFP inventory, reporting, transition between incumbent and new contractors, etc.

Can the Contracting Officer amend the RFP to provide the necessary information about the Phase-In period?

A69: In the PWS (Ref. C.2 Scope) - There will be a one-month phase-in period, to facilitate the on-boarding of personnel to be able to have no lag time in performance of work. This will include personnel obtaining Common Access Cards (CAC), alternate smart card log-on (ASCL) network access tokens, information assurance training needed to access resources required to provide support as specified in the contract.

Q70: Can the Contracting Officer amend the RFP to specify any page limits and format for proposal Volume 1 and Volume 2?

A70: See Amendment 1 to Attachment 5-A Instructions

Q71: PWS Section C.4 identifies 7 specific task areas for contractor performance. However, the PWS does not provide a Workload Count for any of the task areas, which is necessary for an offeror to calculate staffing for each task. To answer this question does not require the government to provide a Level-of-Effort for each task area because an offeror will calculate the LOE (i.e. number of Full Time Equivalent positions) for each task based on a Workload Count.

Can the Contracting Officer provide a Workload Count for each of the 7 specific tasks described in PWS Section C.4?

A71: There are no servers (PWS corrected).The workload is dependent on the number of courses and the number of registered students in each course and includes any add-ons. Due to the pandemic the workload was adjusted to accommodate the safety requirements put in place so there is not accurate date. There are approximately 14, 000 students serviced for the year (which includes imaging, issuing, troubleshooting, etc..)

Q72: Attachment 3 - PG 47 PWS. C.2.18.3 Senior Systems Administrator. The Systems Administrator must possess a Security+ and Microsoft Certification is required.

Question - Would the government please clarify the type of Microsoft certification required for a Senior Systems Administrator?

A72: Contractors performing cybersecurity functions will obtain the appropriate DOD-approved cybersecurity baseline certification prior to being engaged. (i.e. A+ Sec +). Contractors have up to 6 months from appointment to the cybersecurity position to complete the Army minimum training requirements and the computing environment requirement that relates to their cybersecurity category and level/DCWF work role. The Senior System Administrator is an IAT II Category. The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement 239.7103 specifies that the clause at 252.239–7001 must be used in solicitations and contracts involving performance of cybersecurity functions, as described in DOD 8570.01–M.

Q73: Attachment 3 - Page 36 section C2 states “There will be a two-month transition period. Attachment 2 – Price Schedule reflects a one-month transition period.

Question - Would the government please clarify?

A73: This is a typo. Attachment 3 – Performance Work Statement, Section C2 has been corrected in Amendment 1 to “one-month phase-in period”

Q74: Attachment 5B Evaluation Plan Part B Page 66 – Qualifications/Key Personnel – Is it the Government intent that Offerors provide narrative descriptions of the qualifications of the key personnel positions?

A74: Yes, this should be included on resume. See Amendment 1 to Attachment 5-A Instructions.

Q75: Attachment 3 – PWS, Section C.2 Scope – Section C.2 states: “For this effort, the Contractor shall provide … parts, supplies, tools, and equipment other than GFE Network Operations Centers (NOCs) unclassified communication systems identified in this PWS.”

What types of parts, supplies, tools, and equipment would be contractor-supplied?.

A75: This requirement for the Contractor to provide parts, supplies, tools, and equipment has been deleted from the PWS in Amendment 1.

Q76: RFQ Section C.2.18.2 States the Senior Help Desk Support for ETS Lead/Alternate PM is required to have at least 8 years' experience supporting student environments of similar scope and size. This requirement appears unduly restrictive of competition, and would appear to unfairly limit the candidate pool to only those with previous G6 MCoE experience. Will the government revise the C.2.18.2 KP requirements to consider equivalent experience/expertise?

A76: There can be no stoppage of student training. See Amendment 1 to Attachment 5-B Evaluation Plan. Updated “Experience in a DoD training environment (same or similar in nature)” Experience in managing IT in a military training environment is required. MCoE is a unique criterion needed because two component school-houses are represented at this organization; all offerors will be evaluated and qualification will be based upon their level of experience as it relates to the specifics of this work effort.

Q77: RFQ Section C.2.19Requires a Commercial Drivers license (CDL) to drive Government vehicles. Will the government please clarify if a valid driver's license will meet the requirement for driving a government vehicle? A CDL is required by the State of Georgia only if a single vehicle has a gross vehicle weight of 26,001 pounds or more or a single vehicle designed to transport more than 15 persons, including the driver.

A CDL requirement appears unduly restrictive of competition, and would appear to unfairly limit the candidate pool.

A77: C.2.19 Driver License. Required to possess a valid commercial driver’s license to drive government vehicles.

Q78: RFQ Section C.3 Several Applicable Documents in this Section are marked with an asterisk, however no corresponding footnote or explanation for the asterisk can be found. Will the government please clarify the meaning of the asterisk for the marked documents?

A78: Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA)/Electronic Industry Association (EIA) Standards. No meaning of the asterisk. Format error.

Q79: RFQ Section C.3 Several of the TIA standards appear to have the old or incorrect title listed for the standard. Will the government please verify and list the current/correct TIA standards applicable to this work?

A79: Correct at the time of creation. The Contractor shall comply with updated/changes to publications.

Q80: RFQ Section C.4.3.1 Requires the Sr. help Desk Support person to have a Secret clearance, BA/BS, and at least 10 years experience. Can the government please reconcile the difference in these requirements versus the KP requirements specified in C.2.18.2 which requires at least 12 years experience in a technical environment?

A80: G-6 Senior Help Desk Support for ETS Lead/Alternate PM - C.4.3.1 A SECRET security clearance is required with a BA/BS and with at least 10 years of experience

Q81: RFQ Section C.4.4.1 Requires the AV/VTC technician to have a CCNA certification, BS, and at least 10 years experience. Will the government please clarify whether this is applicable to the KP requirements as specified in C.2.18.4? Or, are these requirements applicable to the additional AV/VTC technicians and not to the KP AV/VTC technician?

A81: The AV/VTC technician must have at least 8 years of experience providing support for government networks and a bachelor’s degree in a related field and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification

Q82: RFQ Section C.4.6.2 Requires the PM to have BA/BS, 12 years experience as a PM in a military training school environment.

Will the government please reconcile the differences in these requirements versus the KP requirements for the PM as contained in C.2.18.1?

Additionally, the requirement that the PM experience includes 12 years experience in a military training school environment appears unduly restrictive of competition, and would appear to unfairly limit the candidate pool to only those with previous G6 MCoE experience. Will the government revise the PM requirements to consider equivalent experience/expertise?

A82: The Program Manager shall have a Master’s Degree with at least 8 years or Bachelor’s Degree with at least 12 years of experience in a technical environment with at least 8 years supervisory experience managing projects or programs of similar scope and size either for the Government or on behalf of a Government client.

C.4.6.2 PMP certification is required and BA/BS with at least 12 years of experience as a project manager in a military school training environment.

“Experience in a DoD training environment (same or similar in nature).” Experience in managing IT in a military training environment is required. MCoE is a unique criterion needed because two component school-houses are represented at this organization; all offerors will be evaluated and qualification will be based upon their level of experience as it relates to the specifics of this work effort. See Amendment to Attachment 5-B Evaluation Plan.

Q83: Can the government provide expected page count limitations for each volume?

A83: Duplicate Question. See Amendment to Attachment 5-A Instructions.

Q84: Can the government confirm that they do not have a specific pricing template they would like used for the RFP response?

A84: Duplicate Question. See Amendment to Attachment 5-A Instructions.

Q85: Can the Government provide a plug number for the Travel CLIN?

A85: Duplicate Question. See Amendment to Attachment 5-A Instructions.

Q86: C.2.3.2 Purchases. The government discusses the ability for the contractor to purchase materials necessary to complete assigned special projects but does not provide a CLIN for reimbursement of said materials. Will the government reimburse the contractor for COR directed and approved materials purchased in support of this contract?

A86: There is no CLIN. This has been removed.

Q87: C.2.13 Quality Control. According to the PWS, the Quality Control Plan (QCP) is to be delivered, within 30 days after contract award, and within 5 working days when changes are made thereafter. However, in C.6.2 MCoE Student IT Support Services Contract Deliverables, it states the Contractor’s Quality Control Program is due within 15 calendar days of performance start date. Please clarify which is correct.

A87: The Quality Control Plan (QCP) is to be delivered, within 30 days after contract award, and within 5 working days when changes are made thereafter.

Q88: Attachment 2 – Pricing Schedule. For CLIN 0003 Services (TRAP) and 0004 Travel/COST. These numbers are unpredictable without data from the government. Will the government provide plug numbers for all contractors to use who intend on submitting a proposal?

A88: Duplicate Question. See Amendment 1 to Attachment 2 – Pricing Schedule. TRAP price is calculated for what it would cost for 1 hour of 1 Technician’s labor. (Amount is unknown and provided at COST as needed). Historical data unavailable due to pandemic and fluctuating Army personal requirement.

Q89: C.2 Scope. The government states there is a two-month phase-in period but Attachment 2 – Pricing Schedule CLIN 0001 Services (Phase-In) shows only a 1 month phase in period. Will the government please clarify which is correct?

A89: This is a typo. Attachment 3 – Performance Work Statement, Section C2 has been corrected in Amendment 1 to “one-month phase-in period”

Q90: Attachment 5 – Submission Instructions/Evaluation Criteria. The government has not specified page count, font, or font size, etc. for proposal submission. Does the government plan to provide this information or is it at the contract’s discretion to decide?

A90: Duplicate Question. See Amendment to Attachment 5-A Instructions.

Q91: C.4.6 Senior Project Management Support. In PWS paragraph C.4.6.2, it states a “BA/BS with at least 12 years of experience as a project manage in a military school training environment” is required. However, this conflicts with PWS paragraph C.2.18.1 Senior Program Manager which states “the Program Manager shall have a master’s degree with at least 8 years or bachelor’s degree with at least 12 years of experience in a technical environment with at least 8 years of supervisory experience managing projects or programs of similar scope and size either for the government of on behalf of a government client”. These paragraphs are conflicting. Please clarify which paragraph is correct?

A91: The Program Manager shall have a Master’s Degree with at least 8 years or Bachelor’s Degree with at least 12 years of experience in a technical and military school training environment with at least 8 years supervisory experience managing projects or programs of similar scope and size either for the Government or on behalf of a Government client.

Q92: C.4.3 G-6 Senior Help Desk Support for ETS Lead/Alternate PM. In PWS paragraph C.4.3.1, it states “a BA/BS and with at least 10 years of experience” is required. However, in states “the ETS Team Lead will have at least 12 years’ experience in a technical environment, with at least 8 years of experience supporting student environments of similar scope and size either for the Government or on behalf of a Government client, as well as experience managing day to day activities for a team of at least 12 members”. These requirements contradict each other, which is correct?

A92: C.4.3.1 A SECRET security clearance is required with a BA/BS and with at least 10 years of experience.

Q93: C.4.4 Audio/Visual (AV)/Video Teleconferencing (VTC) Technician Support. In PWS paragraph C.4.4.1, it states “Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification, a BS and with at least 10 years of experience” is required. However, in paragraph C.2.18.4, it states “the AV/VTC technician must have at least 8 years of experience providing support for government networks and a bachelor’s degree in a related field”. These two requirements contradict each other, please clarify.

A93: The AV/VTC technician must have at least 8 years of experience providing support for government networks and a bachelor’s degree in a related field and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification

Q94: C.4.1 G-6 Educational Technology Support (ETS) System Administrator – Senior. In PWS paragraph C.4.1.1 paragraph, it states “BA/BS with at least 10 years of experience”. However, in PWS paragraph C.2.18.3 Senior Systems Administrator, it states “the Systems Administrator will have a master’s degree with at least 10 years or a bachelor’s degree with at least 12 years of experience in a technical environment, with at least 8 years of experience supporting student environments of similar scope and size either for the Government or on behalf of a Government client. The Systems Administrator must possess a Security+ and Microsoft Certification is required.” These paragraphs contradict each other, please clarify which is correct?

A94: 2.18.3 The Systems Administrator will have a Master’s degree with at least 10 years or a Bachelor’s degree with at least 12 years of experience in a technical environment, with at least 8 years of experience supporting student environments of similar scope and size either for the Government or on behalf of a Government client.

• The Systems Administrator must possess a Security+ and Microsoft Certification is required for 365 environment. This is an IAT level 2 cybersecurity category.

Q95: Are resumes required for Key Personnel?

A95: Duplicate Question. See Amendment to Attachment 5-A Instructions.

Q96: Deliverables - Is the ETS NOC Report the same as a Monthly Status Report? If not, is there a requirement for a MSR?

Q97: What is the page limit for the Technical Approach?

A97: Duplicate Question. See Amendment to Attachment 5-A Instructions.

Q98: What is the page limit for the Management Approach?