W91249-19-R-0005-01_Amendment.pdf

MICC - FORT GORDON

SHERRILYN U. RICE 706-791-1831

MISSION DIVISION

SHERRILYN.U.RICE.CIV@MAIL.MIL

FT GORDON GA 30905-5719

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

The purpose of this modif ication is to:

1. Post the Questions and Answ ers.

2. Update the PWS and attachments as needed.

See SUMMARY OF CHANGES for further details.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE PAGE OF PAGES

S 1 62

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

16C. DATE SIGNED

BY 22-Feb-2019

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 W9124919R0005

X 9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

31-Jan-2019

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 X is extended, 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

22-Feb-2019

CODE

MICC - FORT GORDON

271 HERITAGE PARK LANE

BLDG. 35200

FT GORDON GA 30905

W91249 7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than item 6)

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.

CODE W91249

FACILITY CODECODE

EMAIL:TEL:

W9124919R0005

SECTION SF 30 BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

SECTION SF 30 - BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

The following have been added by reference:

52.212-3 Alt I Offeror Representations and Certifications--Commercial

Items (OCT 2018) Alternate I

OCT 2014

The following have been added by full text:

QUESTIONS/ANSWERS

MCASP Initiative RFP No. W91249-19-R-0005 Page # Section, Paragraph, or

Attachment Question/Comment/Clarification

RFP

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PWS 1.6.10 Key Personnel & Tech_Exhibit_2_ Estimated_Staffing_Matrix

The Government has indicated the Program Manager has to be available Monday-Friday from 8am to 5pm (1.6.10) and 11 duties to manage the contract and personnel (5.1), with only 60 hours estimated for staffing purposes. We understand it is only an "estimate" but if that is what the Independent Government Cost estimate is based on, the numbers will be skewed and not realistic. This indicates a PM who must be available 40 hours per week.

Question: Can the Government provide where the 60 hours came from and provide an update to the number of hours required?

Government Response: On average communication with the PM less than 5 hours per month. During these discussion (via phone or in person) we talk about schedule, equipment and personnel.

“Available” would indicate a situation where we might need immediate attention by the PM. (IE, CME/CME conflict, CME/student conflict or a VLAN issue).

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PWS, 1.6.15 Organizational Conflict of Interest

The Government has stated: “Contractor and subcontractor personnel performing work under this contract may receive, have access to or participate in the development of proprietary or source selection information (e.g., cost or pricing information, budget information or analyses, specifications or work statements, etc.) or perform evaluation services which may create a current or subsequent Organizational Conflict of Interests (OCI) as defined in FAR Subpart 9.5.”…. “The company shall include as part of its Request for Quote (RFQ) submission, its plan to “firewall” these contract personnel and enforce this provision (i.e., internal controls, training, etc.). Failure to

MCASP Initiative RFP No. W91249-19-R-0005 Page # Section, Paragraph, or

Attachment Question/Comment/Clarification adhere to these non-disclosure safeguards may result in termination of this task.”

Questions: Can the Government review this section and assist us understanding where in the training delivery process a potential OCI may be created? Has the Government inadvertently included this section?

Government Response: IAW 1.6.15 contractor and subcontractor performing work under this contract may receive or have access to undisclosed information. Signed nondisclosure statements shall be furnished to the COR prior to contract performance.

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PWS, 1.6.15 Organizational Conflict of Interest

1.6.15 Organizational Conflict of Interest, it states “The company shall include as part of its Request for Quote (RFQ) submission its plan to “firewall” these contract personnel and enforce this provision (i.e., internal controls, training, etc.)”

Question: If OCI is required, would the Government please state which volume the OCI plan should be included?

Government Response: Volume I

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ADDENDUM TO 52.212-1,

B. GENERAL

INSTRUCTIONS

The Government states “Offers will be evaluated using the criteria under Section M, “Evaluation Factors for Award.”

Question: Would the Government please confirm that the Evaluation Factors for Award are located in Addendum 52.212-2 and there is no Section M?

Government Response: Addendum 52.212-1 pg 70

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ADDENDUM TO 52.212-1,

2.C. Proposal Preparation Instructions

The Government states the (a) Offerors shall submit and original and the five (4) copies, in paragraph ( c) below and in the table below it states 1 original and three copies per volume.

Question: Would the Government please clarify how many hard copies are required with the proposal submission?

Government Response: 1 Original and 3 Copies

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ADDENDUM TO 52.212-1,

2.C. Proposal Preparation Instructions & 3. Proposal Content

In the proposal preparation instruction section, it states 3-page limit per references in the Past Performance volume, but in item 3. Proposal Content, it requires other sections within past performance volume.

Question: Would the Government please clarify if the other sections (such as summary page, consent letters, client authorization letters) of the past performance have page limitations and if so what they are?

Government Response: They do not have any limitations.

Attachment Question/Comment/Clarification

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ADDENDUM TO 52.212-

1,3. Proposal Content

Section 3 Proposal Content, numbering states (a) Volume I General then (c) Volume II – Technical Volume.

Question: Would the Government please clarify if Volume II – Technical should be (b) instead of (c)?

Government Response: Volume II – Technical should be (b)

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ADDENDUM TO 52.212-

1,3. Proposal Content

It states, TAB C, SF1449 – Continuation Sheets -- Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs – This section shall be submitted fully completed and error free. It shall contain the offeror’s prices for the established Contract Line Items Numbers (CLINS) and (d) Volume IV- Price – The offeror shall complete SF1449 – Continuation Sheets -- Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs section of the solicitation.

Question: Would the Government please confirm if the SF1449 Continuation Sheets are required in both volumes, Volume I General and Volume IV Price?

Government Response: Yes, the SF1449 Continuation Sheets are required in both volumes, Volume I General and Volume IV Price

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ADDENDUM TO 52.212-

1,3. Proposal Content, SUBMFACTOR 1B

It states “The Offeror shall provide letters of intent (signed within 30 days of proposal submission) and resumes for key personnel.

Resumes and Letters of Commitment are not included in the page count.

Question: Would the Government please confirm that letter of intent and letter of commitment are the same?

Government Response: Yes

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ADDENDUM TO 52.212-1,

Proposal Preparation Instructions, Proposal Content: Volume 2, SubFactor 1B : Management Approach and Staffing Approach

The Government has stated: The Offeror shall provide the names of all personnel performing under this contract and proof of their certifications, security clearances and other qualifications required for their designated positions. The Offeror shall provide letters of intent (signed within 30 days of proposal submission) and resumes for key personnel.”

Questions: Three items here

a. If the Government is requiring the names, resumes and signed letters of intent and certifications for ALL Personnel on this contract it creates an environment that would favor the incumbent and not create a competitive bid environment.

Request the Government remove this statement.

Government Response: The Offeror shall provide in their proposal submission the names of all personnel performing under this contract, list of their certifications, security clearances and

Attachment Question/Comment/Clarification other qualifications required for their designated positions.

Required qualifications, certifications, and/or training certificates shall be presented to the COR upon hire. The Offeror shall provide letters of intent (signed within 30 days of proposal submission) and resumes for key personnel only with their proposal submission.

b. The above statement conflicts with the “Key Personnel” requirement of the Program Manager. If the Program Manager is the key personnel, it would stand to reason that only the Program Manager resume needs to be included. Can the Government please clarify who the Key Personnel are and what resumes and names need to be included in the proposal?

Government Response: IAW Para 1.6.10 The Program Manager (PM) and Network System Administration are considered Key Personnel by the Government.

c. The Government is requiring proof of certifications for all personnel in the proposal. Again, this favors the incumbent and is not standard practice. Would the Government please consider changing this to require an actual certificate for each person after contract award?

Government Response: Required qualifications, certifications, and/or training certificates shall be presented to the COR upon hire.

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ADDENDUM TO 52.212-1,

Proposal Preparation Instructions, Proposal Content: Volume III – Past Performance

The Government has stated: “For each identified effort for a commercial customer, the offeror shall also submit a client authorization letter, authorizing release to the Government of requested information on the offeror's performance.”

Question 1: Could the Government provide more detail regarding the “client authorization letter” and what level of information they would be requesting from the customers of an offeror? Can the Government provide a template of the information they would be requesting? May we suggest that the Government have a template so as to ask the same questions to maintain consistence.

Government Response: Please see attachment 7

Question 2: Does the Government consider a Past performance where the offeror is a subcontractor to be a commercial customer?

Government Response: Yes

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ADDENDUM TO 52.212-

1,3. Proposal Content

It states, (d) Volume IV- Price – The offeror shall complete SF1449 – Continuation Sheets -- Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs section

Attachment Question/Comment/Clarification of the solicitation. ……. Contractor shall provide a spreadsheet that shows each of the labor categories fully burden rates for the base and each option year.

Question: Would the Government please clarify if a MS Word document and MS Excel spreadsheet is required for the Price quote?

Government Response: You can use Word, Excel or PDF as long as the required data is provided

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ADDENDUM 52-212-2

EVALUATION FACTOR

FOR AWARD

It states, (4) Factor 4 – Price.

Question: Would the Government please clarify if this is a typo and the Price volume should be Factor 3 instead of Factor 4?

Government Response: Price volume is Factor 3

Attachment 3 Wage Determination

Attachment 3 Wage Determination

The Government has provided the DOL Wage Determination (prevailing wage) which would indicate this contract falls under the Service Contract Act. However, you incorporate by full text FAR 52.222-42 equivalent rates for Federal Hires.

Question: Can the Government please clarify if the Contractor is expected to pay at the equivalent federal hire rate or the DOL Prevailing wage rate?

Government Response: IAW FAR 52.222-42 In compliance with the Service Contract Labor Standards statute and the regulations of the Secretary of Labor (29 CFR part 4), this clause identifies the classes of service employees expected to be employed under the contract and states the wages and fringe benefits payable to each if they were employed by the contracting agency subject to the provisions of 5 U.S.C.5341 or 5 332. These positions are considered professional.

This Statement is for Information Only: These are professional position not subject to the DOL Prevailing wage rate

SUBFACTOR 1B:

Management Approach & Staffing Approach.

The Offeror shall provide the names of all personnel performing under this contract and proof of their certifications, security clearances and other qualifications required for their designated positions.

Question. This is information ONLY held to the current incumbent.

Will the government please remove this requirement in order to maximize competition?

Government Response: The Offeror shall provide in their proposal submission the names of all personnel performing under this contract, list of their certifications, security clearances and other qualifications required for their designated positions.

Required qualifications, certifications, and/or training certificates shall be presented to the COR upon hire. The Offeror shall http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3

Attachment Question/Comment/Clarification provide letters of intent (signed within 30 days of proposal

SUBFACTOR 1B:

Management Approach & Staffing Approach: The Offeror shall provide letters of intent (signed within 30 days of proposal submission) and resumes for key personnel.

Question. Will the government confirm that only the Program Manager is considered Key Personnel?

Government Response: IAW Para 1.6.10 The Program Manager (PM) and Network System Administration are considered Key Personnel by the Government.

Question. Will the government allow graphics and tables to go to an 8 point font, as long as it is still easily readable?

Government Response: Yes

Question. Will the government please remove the requirement for Hard Copies to be delivered to the government? This requirement is very burdensome on a small business (in cost and time); and due to the time intensive process to ship and print, significantly degrades the timelines for responses resulting in a reduction in quality of response.

Government Response: Hard copies are required.

Question. Will the government allow offerors to acknowledge and submit in writing that they are up to date on their Reps and Certs in SAMS, and forgo the delivery of Tab D, 52.213-3?

Government Response: Yes, the government will check SAM registration upon receipt of proposal

Question: “The Offeror shall provide the names of all personnel performing under this contract and proof of their certifications, security clearances and other qualifications required for their designated positions.” We feel this provides an unfair advantage to the incumbent contractor, who is the only bidder that has this type of information on current employees. In addition, as part of a contract transition where a new contractor was the successful bidder, Executive Order 13495 requires the successor to offer first right of refusal to incumbent contractor employees. On page 58 of the solicitation (item (v), you require flow down of the clause under 52.222-17. Lastly, it is assumed by bidders that the incumbent resumes will naturally be rated stronger in an evaluation since they are currently performing the tasks needed on the contract. This again gives the incumbent contractor an unfair advantage during an evaluation. To level the playing field with all bidders, would you consider removing the requirement for bidders to provide the names, clearances, and certifications of all personnel performing

Attachment Question/Comment/Clarification under the contract, and re-enforce the intended use of FAR Clause 52.222-17, Non-displacement of Qualified Workers?

Government Response: 52.222-17, Non-displacement of Qualified Workers only applies to labor categories on the Wage Determination. The positions identified in this solicitation is considered professional.

In the instruction area, Volume II, subfactor 1B/page 70 the instruction reads, “…The Offeror shall provide the names of all personnel performing under this contract and proof of their certifications, security clearances and other qualifications required for their designated positions. The Offeror shall provide letters of intent (signed within 30 days of proposal Questions: In the instruction area, Volume II, subfactor 1B/page 70 the i Question: “…The Offeror shall provide the names of all personnel performing under this contract and proof of their certifications, security clearances and other qualifications required for their designated positions. The Offeror shall provide letters of intent (signed within 30 days of proposal submission) and resumes for key personnel. Resumes and Letters of Commitment are not included in the page count. ”Would the government consider either removing this requirement, to give every contractor the opportunity to fairly compete on this opportunity?

Government Response: The Offeror shall provide in their proposal submission the names of all personnel performing under this contract, list of their certifications, security clearances and other qualifications required for their designated positions.

Required qualifications, certifications, and/or training certificates shall be presented to the COR upon hire. The Offeror shall provide letters of intent (signed within 30 days of proposal

15 of 75 PWS 1.4 Scope

The scope of the PWS indicates there could be more than just this series, as it defines “Command & General Staff College P943 and A343 electives, BDE/BCT/BN S6 Courses, Signal Captains’ Career Course, Basic Officer Leader Course, 255A Basic and Advanced Courses, FA26B Course, 255N Basic Course, Signal Digital Master Gunner Course, various NCOES Senior Leader Courses, Advanced Leader Courses, and upon request by Forces Command (FORSCOM) units.”

Question: Would the Government also please provide clarity if the “Upon request by Forces Command” courses will be in the 25B series when required upon request?

Government Response: Forces Command may include an Active, National Guard, or Reserve Unit requesting training on Fort

Attachment Question/Comment/Clarification

Gordon. MOS and grades (Enlisted, Warrant Officer and Officers) varies depending on the unit. Depending on Fort Gordon resource availability the unit could request 3 – 10 days of training (refresh training) which may consist of individual systems or up to BCCS Integration (CAPSTONE). Class size is normally less than 15 students.

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75 and of Exhibit

PWS 1.6.7.2.3 Qualifications for Mission Command Network System Administration criteria and PWS 5.3 Network System Administration and Technical Exhibit 3

Per PWS requirement 1.6.7.2.3 Qualifications for Mission Command Network System Administration criteria and PWS 5.3 Network System Administration:

Question: Would the Government please clarify if the Network System Administrator will only provide support for the courses defined in Technical Exhibit 3 or will the Network System Administrator provide support to the entire Schoolhouse including but not limited to the courses defined in Technical Exhibit 3?

Government Response: The Network System Administrator will only work on Mission Command Systems within the Signal School.

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PWS 1.6.7.2.3 Qualifications for Mission Command Network System Administration criteria and PWS 5.3 Network System Administration

Per PWS requirement 1.6.7.2.3 Qualifications for Mission Command Network System Administration criteria and PWS 5.3 Network System Administration:

Question: Would the Government please clarify if the Network System Administrator will need to travel and/or will be on call after established business hours?

Government Response: The Network System Administrator will not need to travel. Most of the Network System Administrator requirements are completed during normal business hours.

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PWS 1.6.7.2.3 Qualifications for Mission Command Network System Administration criteria

Per PWS requirement 1.6.7.2.3 Qualifications for Mission Command Network System Administration criteria and PWS 5.3 Network System Administration:

The government indicates in the qualifications of the Mission Command Network System Administrator, they will require experience in “telecommunications and networking standards, architectures, protocols and systems as it applies to training devices, simulation, simulators and instrumentation.”

Question: Would the Government be able to supply more detail on what the specifications/names of products/equipment are for the devices, simulation, simulators and instrumentation for which the Network System Administrator will need to have experience?

Government Response: Experience in MS servers, UNIX commands, configure routers and switches, configure/manage VMware ESXi, VMware Workstation and NETAPPS which is

Attachment Question/Comment/Clarification part of the Mission Command VLAN. Some experience with the Division Exercise Training and Review System (DXTRS) simulations.

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PWS 5.3 Network System Administration

Per PWS 5.3 Network System Administration:

Questions: Would the Government please clarify if the Network System Administrator will be required at all to set-up the practical division exercise training simulation in coordination with the instructor? Or will this set-up activity only be provided/performed by the Instructor(s)?

Government Response: The Network System Administrator will not set-up the practical division exercise, but will work closely with the instructors to ensure that the virtual images work properly in the VLAN environment.

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PWS 5.3 Network System Administration

Per PWS 5.3 Network System Administration:

Question: Would the Network System Administrator need to be present in the classroom for any of the defined classes?

Government Response: Typically no. Unless they is an issue with the virtual images.

Tech_Exhibit_3_Estimated_ Class_Load_Data

Per Tech Exhibit 3 Estimated Class Load Data:

Question: Would the Government please provide clarity that it is the instructor’s clear responsibility to setup the classrooms with support (VLAN, Server stack system patches, etc.) only by the Network System Administrator?

Government Response: Yes

Tech_Exhibit_3_Estimated_ Class_Load_Data

Per Technical Exhibit 3 Estimated Class Load Data:

Question: Would the Government please clarify if all these classes are in the 25B series only?

Government Response: No, MCASP covers all of the Signal series that consists of Enlisted, Warrant Officers and Officers.

Tech_Exhibit_3_Estimated_ Class_Load_Data

Per Technical Exhibit 3 Estimated Class Load Data:

Question: Would the Government please clarify what it defines as “Unscheduled TRAP” in the course load listing?

Government Response: Course Managers/Branch Chief are not always informed of any TRAP requirements until after it shows up on the ATRRS schedule. Historically we get about four to eight additional classes (TRAPS) a year.

General

Question: Would the Government please confirm that all technology software updates, application updates, and security patches, to be delivered to classroom hardware and systems that are Army wide and Ft. Gordon wide will be handled by Ft. Gordon staff or other contracting teams and not the instructors/network system administrator on this requirement?

Attachment Question/Comment/Clarification

. Government Response: MCASP gets it software, security updates and hardware from either Aberdeen MD or Fort Leavenworth. Software/hardware are normally delivered to the Course Manager/Branch Chief. Then handed down to the contractors.

70 C.3, Subfactor 1B

Government requests the names of ALL personnel performing under this contract and proof of their certifications, security clearances and other qualifications as well as Letters of Intent and Resumes for Key Personnel. Would the Government accept a company only supplying the names, resumes, and letters of commitment for Key Personnel (PWS 1.6.10) who will perform work under this contract? If not, the requirement may unfairly favor the current incumbent as the entire contractor workforce currently works for the incumbent

Government Response: The Offeror shall provide in their proposal submission the names of all personnel performing under this contract, list of their certifications, security clearances and other qualifications required for their designated positions.

Required qualifications, certifications, and/or training certificates shall be presented to the COR upon hire. The Offeror shall provide letters of intent (signed within 30 days of proposal

69-70 (c) Volume 2 & (c) Volume 3

Recommend the Government fix the bullets to correct sequence. a- V1, b-V2, c-V3, d-V4

Government Response: See attached modification for changes

19 1.6.7.5 Government Provided Training

The Contractor shall reimburse the Government for any training provided by the Government to contractor personnel, with the exception of mandatory security training listed in sections 1.6.6.3, 1.6.6.4, 1.6.6.5, 1.6.6.6, and 1.6.6.7 of this PWS. Reimbursement shall be for the fully burdened cost of training. Technical Exhibit 4 is a reimbursement tuition rate chart per student that should be used when determining the cost for government training of Federal but Non- DOD personnel and Non-Federal Personnel.

Per Department of the Army MICC-Fort Gordon Memorandum dated August 21, 2018, there has been a change in policy from the Headquarters of the U.S. Department of the Army (HQDA) regarding reimbursement by contract holders to the Government for mandatory training requirements as described in the PWS. Contractors attending Army required training will not be charged a tuition fee for mandatory skills training related to command unique rules, practices, procedures that are essential for the contractor's satisfactory contract performance. Your contract contains a requirement in the PWS for mandatory training for Instructors for which you have been required to reimburse the Government for tuition. Effective immediately, you will no longer be required to submit any payment for these courses to the Contracting Officer Representative (COR).

Attachment Question/Comment/Clarification

Will the government remove this requirement?

Government Response: para 1.6.7.5 was removed along with Technical Exhibit 4

4, 7, SF1449 Continuation, Item Numbers 0004, 0005, 1004, 1005, 2004, 2005

Cost reimbursable Item Numbers for Travel and Other Direct Costs (ODCs) state Profit, G&A and Handling Fee are not allowable. There are actual costs to the contractor for procuring Travel and ODCs on behalf of the government. These costs and the actual cost for the Travel and ODCs are paid for by the contractor sixty (60) days before the government reimburses the contractor. For a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business there is a real financial burden of carrying these costs for the government. The addition of G&A or a Handling Fee offsets this financial burden. Cost accounting principles allow the addition of G&A or a Handling Fee to the actual cost of Travel and ODCs. Will the government reconsider its position on not allowing G&A or a Handling Fee on Travel and ODCs?

Government Response: G&A is authorized

20 & 69 1.6.10 and 3.(c) 2

Can the Government please confirm that the only Key Personnel requiring a resume & LOC as part of the proposal is the Program Manager as identified in 1.6.10?

Government Response: IAW Para 1.6.10 The Program Manager (PM) and Network System Administration are considered Key Personnel by the Government.

68 C.2,c

Currently the page count for Volume II is limited to 20 pages, which includes a complete Technical Approach as well as a Management/Staffing Approach, both of which are comprehensive.

Would the Government consider extending the page count to 30 pages for the Technical Volume so that offerors can respond fully on all of these areas?

Government Response: 25

RFP Section Question

Instructions C.2.a

The RFP states that offerors shall submit “an original and five (4) [sic]” hard copies of the proposal. The requirements table below indicates that offerors shall submit 3 copies. Please clarify whether the offeror shall provide the original plus three, four, or five hard copies.

Instructions C.2.c

The RFP states that “Each volume of the proposal should be separately bound in a coil-bound or spiral-bound binder.” However, it then indicates that information is to be placed “on the spine of each binder.” A spiral- or coil- bound binder would not have a spine.

Please clarify – is it the Government’s intent that offerors use standard three-ring binders (which would have the required spines) instead?

Government Response: Government will accept coil bound and spiral bound binders. The volumes must be clearly marked.

Instructions C.2.g

Based on the language regarding foldout pages, our assumption is that a standard 11x17 foldout would be counted as two (2) pages.

Please confirm?

Government Response: Yes

Instructions C.3.c

The instructions for the Technical Volume state that Exceptions/Assumptions shall be placed within this volume.

However, the instructions for Volume I General state that Exceptions/Assumptions shall be placed in that volume. Please clarify – should the list of Exceptions/Assumptions be placed in Volume I, Volume II, or both?

Government Response: Both

Instructions C.3.c.4 Bullet 4

The RFP states that the offeror shall provide “Client Authorization Letters for each identified effort for a commercial customer authorizing release to the Government of requested information on the offeror’s performance.” However, the RFP earlier states that only “Federal, State, or Local Government task orders or contracts” may be used as Past Performance references. In addition, Attachment 6 makes reference to “Government or commercial technical representative.”

Questions: Please clarify

1. May commercial contracts be used as past performance?

2. If not, please clarify what should be provided for Client

Authorization Letters Government Response:

(1) yes

(2) Please see attachment 7

Instructions C.3.c

The RFP states that “Past Performance information described herein is required on the offeror and all subcontractors, teaming partners, and/or joint venture partners proposed to perform 51% of the proposed effort based on the total proposed price.”

Question: Please clarify – does this mean that in a team with one prime and one significant sub, 6-10 past performance references are required (3-5 for the prime and 3-5 for the sub)?

Government Response: IAW Instructions C.3.c Offeror shall identify and submit recent and relevant performance/experience information from at least three (3) but no more than five (5) Federal, State, Local, or commercial Government task orders or contracts that the Offeror has performed.

Question: Can a subcontractor performing less than 51% of the proposed effort based on total proposed price provide past performance references?

Government Response: Yes

Instructions (d) Volume IV, Price

Question: Can the Government provide a preferred pricing template (spreadsheet)?

Government Response: Please see attachment 8

SCA Wage Table

The requirement for instructor-writer labor does not appear to align with SCA Occupation Codes. Can the Government provide the occupation codes currently in use for this project?

Government Response: These position are considered professional positions.

Instructions C.3.c.2 Bullet 2

The RFP states: "The Offeror’s technical approach shall also concisely and clearly address the Offeror’s approach to plan, organize, control and perform the major performance objectives below:" and lists "Mission Command Virtual Instruction" as a major performance objective. However, this performance objective doesn't appear in the current RFP. Please clarify whether "Conduct Mission Command Arts and Sciences Virtual Instruction" is a major performance objective required for this

PWS.

Government Response: Part of the student’s task is to build multiple virtual Mission Command environments. These virtual environment will either be built via the VLAN server stack or at the student’s workstation. Virtual instruction is one of many commonly used instructional methodology that we train on.

1.6.7.2.2 and 1.6.7.2.4

Section 1.6.7.2.2. states that Instructor/Writers will have “Graduated the Army Basic Instructor Course (ABIC) or the Foundation Instructor Facilitator Course (FIFC) within the last five years. OR must attend and graduate from ABIC or FIFC within three months of award of the contract and arrival at the Signal School”. Section

1.7.6.2.4 (line three) states that “Contractors will be given 60 calendars days from the start of the contract to obtain required certificate(s) of training and certification with the exception of the clearance.” These timelines are different; can the Government please clarify?

Recommend that the Government provide 90 days for all required certificates of training and certification and that an additional 60 days be provided if the Contractor is scheduled for the training but that availability of ABIC or FIFC courses exceeds the 90-day requirement.

Government Response: Contractors will be given 90 calendar days from the start date of this contract to obtain required certificate(s) of training and certification. An additional 60 days will be provided if the Contractor is scheduled for the training but availability of the courses exceeds the 90-day requirement

Question: p.19; Sect. 1.6.7.2.2: Indicates instructors to attend and graduate from ABIC or FIFC within 3-months (90-days) of award of contract and arrival at the Signal School; however, page 19 Section

1.6.7.4 indicates 60-calendar days from award to obtain required certificates of training and certification... Can the government provide clarification.

Question: Qualifications require personnel to have graduated from ABIC or FIFC within 3 months from award of contract. How many seats are available per month for each of these courses for new staff to enroll to meet this requirement?

Government Response: Each class holds 15 students, the availability per seats vary per month.

Question: Can the government provide the cost to attend ABIC and FIFC courses?

Government Response: There is no cost to the contractor

Question: Will subcontractors be provided a DD Form 254 upon award?

Government Response: No, the DD254 is provided to the prime contractor.

Questions: Within the Evaluation Factors the government alludes to a best value and LPTA evaluation, can clarification be provided as to which approach will be the basis for award?

Government Response: LPTA methodology

Questions: Can the Government please outline all information that Offerors' pricing spreadsheets need to show? Currently only Labor Categories and fully burdened rates for the base and each option year are requested

Government Response: Please see attachment 8

Questions: Will the Government provide an Excel pricing spreadsheet template?

Government Response: Please see attachment 8

Page 70 of 75; C. Proposal Preparation Instructions; 3. Proposal Content; (c) Volume II; Subfactor 1B: Management Approach & Staffing Approach

Question: In Section C, the Government writes:

"The Offeror shall provide the names of all personnel performing under this contract and proof of their certifications, security clearances and other qualifications required for their designated positions."

This requirement severely limits the pool of competition and seems to favor the incumbent contractor, which may cause grounds for protest.

Question: Will the Government amend the solicitation so that this requirement is applicable to only key personnel?

Government Response: The Offeror shall provide in their proposal submission the names of all personnel performing under this contract, list of their certifications, security clearances and other qualifications required for their designated positions. Required qualifications, certifications, and/or training certificates shall be presented to the COR upon hire. The Offeror shall provide letters of intent (signed within 30 days of proposal submission) and resumes for key personnel only with their proposal submission.

Page 72 of 75; Addendum 52.212-2; a.

Basis for Contract Award; Paragraph (1)

Question: At the beginning of paragraph (1), the Government lists this as a best value source selection. At the end of paragraph (1), the Government lists this as an LPTA offer evaluation.

Please confirm that this is an LPTA procurement.

REFERENCE DISCUSSION / QUESTIONS

CLIN for the PM and Technical Exhibit 2

DISCUSSION: Requirement for the PM CLIN is to price a PM for 12 months but only 60 hours are required per Technical Exhibit 2. Sixty hours per year seems insufficient given the PM is Key Personnel, requires a qualifying resume and the PM or alternate must be available Mon-Fri, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm and perform multiple tasks.

QUESTION: Is the PM requirement for 1) actually 1920 hours; or 2) 60 hours per year over the 12 months so only approximately 5 hours per month are required of PM time; or

3) is the PM requirement for 60 hours per month and Technical Exhibit 2 should state 720 hours?

Government Response: On average communication with the PM less than 5 hours per month. During these discussion (via phone or in person) we talk about schedule, equipment and personnel. “Available” would indicate a situation where we might need immediate attention by the PM. (IE, CME/CME conflict, CME/student conflict or a VLAN issue).

PWS 1.6.7.3 DISCUSSION: PWS states contractor replacement is with 5 business days – very stringent given the quals and CAC requirements. In any absence the contractor will still have to ensure all PWS requirements are accomplished.

QUESTION: Will the Government consider at least 10 business days or 30 calendar days for replacement which is typical in most other RFPs?

Government Response: PWS updated to reflect ten days

PWS 1.6.7.4 and Technical Exhibit 4

DISCUSSION: PWS states the contractor has to pay for all training except mandatory security training in 1.6.3/4/5/6/7.

QUESTION: Will the Government consider removing this requirement as the Government is requiring this training as mandatory and there is no provided acceptable alternative training?

Government Response: There is no alternative training, this is the same training that DOD personnel receive.

PWS 1.6.10 DISCUSSION: PWS states “The PM or alternate shall be available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday except Federal holidays or when the government facility is closed for administrative reasons.”

QUESTION: Does the PM and/or alternate have to be on-site at Fort Gordon or can this be a corporate asset at the company HQ and available virtually from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.?

Government Response: The PM does not have to be on Fort Gordon.

PWS 1.6.15

DISCUSSION: OCI paragraphs states “… contractors shall include as part of its Request for Quote (RFQ) submission of its plan to “Firewall” these contract personnel and enforce this provision.”

QUESTION: Does the Government want offerors to submit an OCI Mitigation Plan with its proposal or is this just going to be for the awarded contractor?

Government Response: Yes

QUESTION: If yes to submit with the proposal, in which volume is this Plan submitted, and does it count toward page limits?

Government Response: Volume I

PWS 1.6.15 DISCUSSION: OCI paragraphs states “… contractor shall identify any organizational conflict of interest clauses they or their subcontractors are subject to, current or within three years of federal government contract services, by providing, with their offer, a copy of the clause, a description of the contract services performed, a contract number, a governmental point of contact, and a phone number for that point of contact.”

QUESTION: Does the Government want offerors to submit this OCI information with its proposal or is this just going to be for the awarded contractor?

Government Response: Yes, submit with proposal QUESTION: If yes to submit with the proposal, in which Volume do offerors provide this information and does it count toward page limits?

Government Response: Volume I

PWS 5.2 DISCUSSION: PWS states “… contractor shall provide supervision, planning timelines for development, revision, administration or instruction of various Mission Command related courseware and material within the government specified timeframe.”

QUESTION: Can the Government identify the specific types of courseware and material to be developed / revised?

Government Response: the contractor will provide the timeline once the materials to be developed/revised has been identified.

QUESTION: Does the Government require IMI to be developed/revised? If yes, who is updating the Interactive Multimedia (IMI) courseware since a programmer and graphic artist are not part of this contract?

Government Response: N/A

QUESTION: Does the Government require embedded videos to be developed/revised? If yes, who is producing the videos sine a videographer and all the equipment are not part of this contract?

Government Response: N/A

QUESTION: Does the Government require graphics to be developed/revised? If yes, who is producing the graphics since a graphic artist is not part of this contract?

Government Response: N/A

PWS General DISCUSSION: FAR provision 52.222-17 Non-displacement of Qualified Workers provides 10 days for incumbent personnel subject to the SCA to accept or reject an offer of employment from a successor contractor.

Government Response: 52.222-17, Non-displacement of Qualified Workers only applies to labor categories on the Wage Determination. The positions identified in this solicitation is considered professional.

QUESTION: Will the Government allow at least 21 business days for transition?

Government Response: No, classes are on the schedule

QUESTION: If it will not allow 21 days for transition services, how many days if the Government allowing for transition of the successor contractor?

Government Response: Zero days, classes are on the schedule

Provisions DISCUSSION: FAR 52.222-17 is not checked but a WD was provided. The FAR clause is also required as a flow down clause.

QUESTION: Can the Government validate if FAR 52.222-17 applies or not and if yes, please check that clause?

Government Response: 52.222-17, Non-displacement of Qualified Workers only applies to labor categories on the Wage Determination. The positions identified in this solicitation is considered professional.

Proposal Requirements

QUESTION: Should offerors complete and provide the DD 254 with its proposal and in Volume I?

Government Response: Yes

Volume I DISCUSSION: Government states it wants offerors to provide FAR 52.213-3, which is Notice to Suppliers.

QUESTION: Does the Government mean it wants FAR 52.212-3 (Oct 2018)?

Government Response: 52.213-3 has been removed and 52.212-3 ALT 1 has been added.

QUESTION: If yes to FAR 52.212-3, there is no Alt 1 in the solicitation so can the Government please provide this FAR provision for fill in or clarify Alt 1 is not applicable?

Government Response: 52.212-3 ALT 1 has been added.

Volume II, Subfactor 1A

DISCUSSION: Requirement is for the offeror to discuss its approach to six (6) the major performance objectives. One of the objectives is Conduct Mission Command Arts and Sciences Virtual Instruction. However, the PWS does not mention or require any “virtual instruction.”

QUESTION: Can the Government please provide the PWS requirements and specific tasks for MCASP Virtual Instruction so offerors can present their approach to satisfying this requirement?

Government Response: Part of the student’s task is to build multiple virtual Mission Command environments. These virtual environment will either be built via the VLAN server stack or at the student’s workstation. Virtual instruction is one of many commonly used instructional methodology that we train on.

Volume II, Subfactor 1A

DISCUSSION: Requirement is for the offeror to discuss its approach to six (6) the major performance objectives. One of the objectives includes requirements to “Manage the Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN).” However, the PWS does not mention or require any “VLAN” requirements or specific tasks.

QUESTION: Can the Government please provide the PWS requirements and specific tasks for VLAN management so offerors can present their approach to satisfying this requirement?

Government Response: Located in Part 5

QUESTION: Is the VLAN only required for courses 101-25U10 (CP)?

Government Response: No, the VLAN serves multiple locations and MOS’s

Volume II, Subfactor 1A

DISCUSSION: Requirement is for the offeror to discuss its approach to six (6) the major performance objectives. One of the objectives includes requirements to “Manage and Coordinate Scheduling for all mission Command Instruction.” However, the PWS does not mention or require any management or coordination for the actual instruction or classes.

QUESTION: Does the Government mean Manage and Coordinate Scheduling for all mission Command Instructors.”

Government Response: Yes, Located in Part 5

QUESTION: If not, can the Government please provide the PWS requirements for management or coordination for the instruction and classes so offerors can present their approach to satisfying this requirement?

Government Response: Yes, Located in Part 5

RFP Clause 52.222- RFP Attachment 3 - Wage Determination

While recognizing that this is a SCA-covered contract with the inclusion of FAR Clause 52.222-41 and the Attachment 3 Wage Determination, please confirm that offerors are allowed to determine if an exemption to SCA compliance is warranted based on its staffing approach to the requirements of the MCASP PWS.

Government Response: The positions identified in this solicitation is considered professional.

RFP Addendum to 52.212-1 Table 2 and Section C Proposal Preparation Instructions

Paragraph 2 (a) of the Proposal Preparation Instructions states that offerors are to submit an "original and the five (4)" copies while Table 2 states that offerors are to submit an Original and three (3) copies. Please confirm the number of copies to be submitted by offerors.

Section C Proposal Preparation Instructions (c)

Paragraph 2 (c) of the Proposal Preparation Instructions states that "each volume should be separateky bound in a coil-bound or spiral bound binder." Additionally the instructions state that "identifying dat should be placed on the spine of the binder." As spiral binders are unable to have printed information on the spine, will the Government accept volumes submitted in 3 ring loose leaf binders?

Government Response: Government will accept coil bound and spiral bound binders. The volumes must be clearly marked.

Proposal Content paragraphs 3(a) and (d).

Offerors are instructed to include the SF 1449 Continuation Sheets containing the established Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs) in both Volume I - General (TAB C) and Volume IV - Price. Please confirm the inclusion of the completed SF 1449 Continuation Sheets in both Volumes I and IV.

Government Response: Yes, the SF1449 Continuation Sheets are required in both volumes, Volume I General and Volume IV Price

RFP Addendum to 52.212-1, Section C.3(c)

The exceptions and assumptions are mentioned in both Volume I and Volume II. As the exceptions and assumptions are presented in both volumes, will the Government consider not allowing this to count against our 20 page limit in Volume II?

Government Response: Exception will be listed in Volume 1. Table 1 shows what information is required. Volume 1 does not have any page limitations.

Page 72 of 75;

Addendum 52.212-2

May Offerors submit CPARS reports in lieu of Past Performance Questionnaires?

Government Response: No Government can review CPARS Reports in CPARS.

Wage Determination

(WD)

QUESTION: Will the Government provide the WD occupational code for the Writer/Instructor labor category?

Government Response: The position is…