W9124921R0002-0004 Question.Responses.Revisions.pdf

MICC - FORT GORDON

BRIGITTE R. HUFFIN, 706-791-1825

BRIGITTE.R.HUFFIN.CIV@MAIL.MIL

FORT GORDON GA 30905-5719

0011485501

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 for this amendment is to respond to questions and provide revisions to the solicitation.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE PAGE OF PAGES

J 1 94

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

16C. DATE SIGNED

BY 14-Jan-2021

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 W9124921R0002

X 9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

10-Dec-2020

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

X The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offer 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

14-Jan-2021

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:

W9124921R0002

SECTION SF 30 BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

SECTION SF 30 - BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

The following have been added by full text:

FINAL QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES

20. The total for the # CMEs is shown at 24 but if you add, the individual labor category CMEs up, it is 25. Should the total number of CMEs be 25? The staffing matrix, Technical Exhibit 3, shows a total of 25 CMEs.

Response: The total on the matrix should reflect 25 CMEs.

21. How many holidays do the contractor employees receive, 10 or 11?

Response: According to 1.6.3 of the PWS, there are a total of 10 Federal Government Holidays.

22. FAR Clause 52.222-62 was not checked. Does this mean the 56 hours of sick leave is not required in the Wage Determination? Response: FAR Clause is now checked.

23. We do not believe the contractor employees in this RFP are covered by the Service Contract Act because all of the labor categories are exempt professional personnel who make more than $27.63 per hour. Would the Government please remove clause 52.222-41 and the Wage Determination from this RFP. Response: The clause will not be removed. There are occupations on the wage determination.

24. Would the government consider removing the requirement for providing proof of certifications for non-key personnel? We feel as if this gives more of an advantage to the incumbent as we would have to provide certifications for over 15 personnel.

Response: The government is willing to request key personnel information only and allow a delay of non-key personnel until contract award. Once contract is awarded (working day 1), proof of certifications will have to be provided to ensure compliance with regulatory guidance, DoDD 8570.01 and DoDD 8140.01.

25. Questions: Please confirm our belief that the only page limited section in Volume III is section 4, Specific Relevant Contracts, which would be limited to between 9 and 15 pages based on the number of Contract references an Offeror provides; and also please confirm our belief that the remaining sections are not page limited since each offeror is required to provide information in those sections to be compliant.

Response: See Table 2 in addendum 52.212-1 for page limits. Volume III limits 3 pages for each reference. There are no limits on the remaining Past Performance information.

26. Proposal preparation instructions paragraph C.3(b)2 states, “The Offeror shall provide the names of all non-key personnel performing under this contract and proof of their certifications, security clearances and other qualifications required for their designated positions.” This is a requirement for working Day 1.

Response: Yes, on working day one (1).

27. Requiring names of all non-key personnel performing under this contract gives an unfair advantage to the incumbent. Allowing offerors to provide a staffing matrix that details minimum required certifications, skills, and abilities of the contractor’s proposed staff by labor category rather than by named personnel for non-key positions increases competition and value to the Government. The benefit to requiring a staffing matrix with the minimum qualifications and certifications is the Government has a documented and agreed upon threshold for staffing expectations to be met in the performance of this contract. Additionally, per PWS 4.2 the contractor is to “provide at work performance start date proof of required training(s) and/or certification(s).”

Response: The government is willing to request key personnel information only and allow a delay of non-key personnel until contract award. Once contract is awarded (working day 1), proof of certifications will have to be provided to ensure compliance with regulatory guidance, DoDD 8570.01 and DoDD 8140.01.

Addendum 52.212-1, paragraph C.3(c)2 states, “Past performance data shall document a successful history of past contract performance.”

Addendum 52.212-1, paragraph C.3(c)3 states proposals that do not contain the information requested “risk rejection or a less than acceptable performance rating by the Government.”

Addendum 52-212-2, paragraph C.3(a) states, “Each offeror will receive a past performance evaluation rating based only on the Offeror's recent past performance that is relevant to the Contract requirements.”

Addendum 52-212-2, paragraph C.3(c) states, “In establishing what is relevant for the acquisition, consideration should be given to what aspects of an offeror’s contract history would give the most confidence that the offeror will satisfy the current procurement.”

However, Addendum 52.212-1 paragraph C.3(c)3 and Addendum 52.212-2 paragraph C.3(f) state "Offerors without a record of relevant past performance or for whom information on past performance is not available or so sparse that no meaningful past performance rating can be reasonably assigned, the offeror may not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably on past performance. Therefore, the offeror shall be determined to have unknown past performance. In the context of acceptability/unacceptability, “unknown” shall be considered “acceptable.”

28. Does the Government intend to rate companies with no past performance the same as companies that have a record of recent, relevant past performance versus assigning offerors with no past performance history a confidence rating of “neutral”?

Response:

In the case of an offeror without a record of relevant past performance or for whom information on past performance is not available or so sparse that no meaningful past performance rating can be reasonably assigned, the offeror may not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably on past performance (see FAR 15.305 (a)(2)(iv)). Therefore, the offeror shall be determined to have unknown past performance. In the context of acceptability/unacceptability, “unknown” shall be considered “acceptable.”

29. PWS 1.6.8.1 Program Support Manager Services minimum requirements for certifications appear excessive for this supervisory position as described in PWS 5.1 Program Support Manager Services. Would the Government consider removing the A+, Network+, Security+, and MCTS certificates. This implies that this position will need similar access like a Tier II technician requiring 8570.01-M compliance. Please confirm certifications and 8570 compliance.

Response: According to DoD 8570.01 (IAT Level II) individual must be in compliance with this governing regulation.

30. PWS 1.6.8.5, 3rd bullet, please confirm that the SCCM certification is Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM).

Response: PWS 1.6.8.5 is speaking of the Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) certification or equivalent.

31. PWS 1.6.8.7, 3rd bullet, please define “size” and “behalf of the Government”. Please define “Size” in terms number of people supervised. Please confirm meaning of “on behalf of the Government” as any Government project management role.

Response: This information is not meant to convey that the Project Managers are managing/supervising people but rather small and large projects as well as facilitating meetings with different levels of management/leadership. This position is expected to oversee each project from cradle to grave.

32. PWS 1.6.8.9, The SharePoint Administrator Services states that a MCDA certification or equivalent is required. A MCDA certification is not conducive to SharePoint professional. An MCSA or MCSE is more appropriate. Would the Government consider MCSA or MCSE equivalent?

Response: The government would consider any equivalent to the MCDA certification, i.e., MS-301, MCSE, MCSD, MCSA..

33. In most of the PWS 1.6.8 paragraphs, it frequently states “must meet DoD 8570.01-M requirements” or “possess certification in accordance with DoD 8570.01-M”. Can the Government specify which approved baseline certifications are required or shall we assume IAT Level I?

Response: Certification baseline is set at IAT Level II.

33. PWS 1.6.8.11, the graphic arts position states 2 years’ experience with Adobe creative Suite applications, and lists a bunch of applications. Is the requirement for the person to have 2 years on each or 2 years on any?

Response: The government would prefer the applicant to have at least 2 years’ experience with the adobe creative suite applications preferably Adobe CS6.

34. PWS 1.6.11 identifies the Key Personnel labor categories where “Project Manager(s)” is specified. This denotes 1 or more and the Technical Exhibit identifies 2 CMEs. To meet the C.3.(b).2 resume instructions, please clarify if all proposed Project Managers are considered key personnel or just 1.

Response: As stated in the PWS, key personnel includes category Project Manager(s).

35. PWS 1.6.11 identifies the contractor shall provide an alternate to the Program Support Manager. Is this Alternate considered Key Personnel? If so, what minimum requirements must they meet? Do offeror need to include the alternate resume IAW C.3.(b).2?

Response: The alternate will be considered key personnel at the time that he/she stands in for the primary program support manager.

36. 4.4 of the PWS says, “all personnel will maintain current qualifications and clearances and obtain any and all training required to meet mission requirements.” In the PWS, 1.6.8.1 outlines all minimum requirements for this role.

Resume for the alternate is not required at this time but once contract has been awarded that information would be expected.

37. PWS 1.6.14.1 and 1.6.15, states “Payment will be made for actual costs only; handling fees, G&A, and profit will not be allowed on ODCs.” Most businesses DCMA and DCAA approved cost accounting systems and practices include indirect costs by G&A staff (not direct staff) to perform accounts payable and receivable activities on travel, purchases, and ODCs and are allowable costs under the FAR. Request the Government be reasonable in allowing vendors recover allowable indirect costs per their approved accounting practices.

Response: Payment will be made for actual costs only; handling fees, G&A, and profit will not be allowed on ODCs.

38. PWS 1.6.20 and 1.6.21, Please identify which data collection web site is being referenced.

Response: Contractor Manpower Reporting on Beta.Sam.gov

39. PWS 5.1, CSC Support Services, 1st paragraph, last sentence, can the Government identify which technical positions have a premium retention desire?

Response: 5.1 CSC Support Services: This task provides for miscellaneous IM/IT installation and support services that do not align with other IMD contracts. As such, the task requirements are varied, but highly specific for each highly technical task position.

40. PWS 5.1 CSC Support Services, 2nd paragraph, can the Government provide an estimated quantity of users this support service needs to accommodate?

Response: Estimated population 3,400 -3,600 end users

41. PWS 5.1 CSC Support Services, 2nd paragraph, can the Government identify an estimated quantity of each

End User Device?

Response: Approximately 5,000 EUDs, i.e., laptops, desktops and tablets In addition, 1,500 printers (network/stand alone); 40 fax machines and 761 telecommunication devices

42. PWS 5.1 CSC Support Services, under Required Response/Resolution Times, can the government identify the average monthly or annual tickets per priority?

Response: Within a 12 month timeframe, 01 December 2019 – 01 Dec 2020:

58,180 Total tickets closed by contractor support High Priority – 8,000 Medium Priority – 49,580 Low Priority - 600

43. PWS 5.1, Program Support Manager Services, 4th bullet, Can Government identify the locations of the sites/clinics that remote technicians are required?

Response: Fort Buchanan (Technical Exhibit 3)

44. PWS 5.1.5 ASCCM Services, can the Government identify how many SCCM collections the environment supports.

Response: Approximately 30 collections but can/will fluctuate

45. PWS 5.1.8 Website programming services, 1st bullet references “multiple websites”, can the Government provide an appropriate quantitative number identify of websites?

Response: 20 internal websites

46. Will the Government provide toolkits as GFE for the technicians, or is the contractor expected to provide?

Response: Yes, government will provide toolkits.

47. Instructions to Offerors, A.1. States PPQs are due by January 4th, 2021 and C.3.(c).4 7th bullet states PPQs are to be returned prior to the closing of the RFP. Since most Government organizations are trying to take “use or loss” time, having the PPQs due this soon presents a challenge we request having the PPQs due by the closing of the RFP.

Response: PPQ are due January 20, 2021.10

48. C.3.(b).2 under Subfactor 2, 2nd paragraph, 3rd sentence, it states, the offeror shall provide the names of all non-key personnel performing under this contract and proof of their certifications, security clearances and other qualifications required for their designated positions.” Providing a complete lists of names favors the incumbent because the PWS 5.1 claims that DDEAMC places a premium on the retention of existing staff.

Because of this bias, we request that this list of staff be removed from proposal content. If not, please define what constitutes “proof”. JPAS policy prohibits Security Officers/Facility Security Officers from providing JPAS screenshots and/or printouts to any agency or person.

Response: The government is willing to request key personnel information only and allow a delay of non-key personnel on working day 1. Once contract is awarded (working day 1), proof of certifications will have to be provided to ensure compliance with regulatory guidance, DoDD 8570.01 and DoDD 8140.01.

49. C.3.(b).2 under Subfactor 2, 2nd paragraph, 3rd sentence, it states, the offeror shall provide resumes and commitment letters for proposed key personnel.” Providing such requires names to be provided which favors the incumbent because PWS 5.1 claims that DDEAMC places a premium on the retention of existing staff. Because of this bias, we request that the resumes and commitment letters be redacted so names of personnel are to be excluded.

Response: The government is willing to request key personnel information only and allow a delay of non-key personnel until contract award. Once contract is awarded (working day 1), proof of certifications will have to be provided to ensure compliance with regulatory guidance, DoDD 8570.01 and DoDD 8140.01.

50. C.3.(c) Volume III – Factor 2: Past Performance, 1. States the offeror is requested to submit the Past Performance by December 28, 2020 verses the due date of the proposal. Please confirm the MICC wants Vol III 2 weeks prior to the due date. Would the Government consider offerors submitted Vol III with the proposal on Jan 8th?

Response: PPQ is due prior to the closing of solicitation (2.20/2021)

51. C. Proposal Preparation Instructions

3. Proposal Content Volume II – FACTOR 1: TECHNICAL CAPABILITY SUBFACTOR 2: Management Approach & Staffing Approach Paragraph 2 states “The Offeror shall provide the names of all non-key personnel performing under this contract and proof of their certifications, security clearances and other qualifications required for their designated positions”.

Paragraph 1.6.4 states “When hiring personnel, the Contractor shall keep in mind that the stability and continuity of the workforce are essential.”

Please consider deleting the paragraph 2 requirement. This provides an unfair advantage to the incumbent.

Employees currently providing these services will be given “right of first refusal” but competition cannot possibly gather the proof of their certifications, security clearances and other qualifications required for their designated positions.

Response: The government is willing to request key personnel information only and allow a delay of non-key personnel until contract award. Once contract is awarded (working day 1), proof of certifications will have to be provided to ensure compliance with regulatory guidance, DoDD 8570.01 and DoDD 8140.01.

52. C. Proposal Preparation Instructions Proposal Content

(c) VOLUME III - Factor 2: PAST PERFORMANCE The offeror is requested to submit the Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQ) by January 20, 2021 to the Contracting Officer at the address specified above in paragraph A1. Response: See amendment 0001.

We respectfully request the due dates to be changed to January 8th due to the holidays. Many CO’s are not available to respond to PPQs during this period.

Response: Extended to January 21, 2021.

53. Could you please tell me if the Presolicitation posted as solicitation number W9124921R0002 will be a follow-on requirement to any work performed currently or in the past, or will this be a new requirement? Response: Yes, see amendment 0001 posted on Beta.Sam.gov.

If possible, can you please provide the most recent contract or task order number?

Response:Yes, see amendment 0001 posted on Beta.Sam.gov.

54. On page 86, Subfactor 2 of the PWS it states " The Offeror shall provide the names of all non-key personnel performing under this contract and proof of their certifications, security clearances and other qualifications required for their designated positions." Additionally, on page 31 of the PWS " 4.2 Training/Certification: The Contractor shall provide at work performance start date proof of required training(s) and/or certification(s) described in 1.6.

Question: Please confirm if the contractor is required to submit names, certifications, and clearance for Non-Key at the time of submission or after award.

Response: The government is willing to request key personnel information only and allow a delay of non-key personnel until contract award. Once contract is awarded (working day 1), proof of certifications will have to be provided to ensure compliance with regulatory guidance, DoDD 8570.01 and DoDD 8140.01.

55. On page 91 of the PWS it states " a. Basis for Contract Award (1) This is a best value source selection conducted in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 15.3, Source Selection, as supplemented by the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and the Army Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (AFARS). Award will be made to a single offeror who is deemed responsible in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), whose proposal conforms to the solicitation requirements, and whose proposal, judged by an overall assessment of the evaluation criteria and other considerations specified in this solicitation, represents the Lowest Priced Technically Acceptable (LPTA) offer.

Question: Will this solilation be awarded on Best Value or Lowest Priced Technically Acceptable?

Response: LPTA

56. Can you please let us know when we need to have candidates ready to submit for this solicitation? Response:

On working day 1.

57. We can provide the rates quickly, but do the candidate resumes for all 13 positions have to be included in the bid proposal, or do we submit candidates after we win the bid?

Response: The government will accept request key personnel information only and allow a delay of non-key personnel until contract award. Once contract is awarded (working day 1), proof of certifications will have to be provided to ensure compliance with regulatory guidance, DoDD 8570.01 and DoDD 8140.01.

58. Solicitation Addendum to 52.212-1 A.2 Proposal Submittal and Inquiries And

Solicitation C.2(a) Proposal Format

Pg. 79

And

Pg 81

A.2 says “Offers shall be submitted via electronic email OR shall be hand carried or mailed through a commercial/Government carrier.”

HOWEVER

C.2(a) says “Offerors shall submit an original and three (3) copies of each volume as noted in paragraph (c) and Table 2 below of their proposal OR Offerors shall submit an original copy of e-mailed proposals, which includes the four (4) volumes:

Volume I - General, Volume II -Technical Capability, Volume III

- Past Performance and Volume IV - Price.”

QUESTION: Will the Government please clarify what is mandatory minimum requirement for proposal submission: May we email the entire proposal without any hard copy submittal, or do we email the entire proposal and have to provide only a single original printed/bound hard copy of each volume? Response:

Email without hard copy or Hard Copy with CD-ROM See Table 2.

59. Solicitation C.2(c) Proposal Format

Pg. The RFP states “In addition to submitting hard copies of the proposals, digital copies shall be provided on CD-ROM disk in Microsoft Word, powerpoint and/or Excel as outlined in Table 2.”

QUESTION: Are CD-ROMs required even if we email all the proposal files? Response: CD-ROM is only required if providing hard copy proposal.

60. Solicitation Technical Exhibit 3 – Historical Staffing Matrix

Pg.41 QUESTION: Will the Government please clarify why there is a total of 25 under the NACI column?

Response: The total 25 under the NACI column represents the number of security clearances required.

61. Solicitation C.3(a) Proposal Content (a) Volume I – General

Solicitation C.3(a) Proposal Content (c) Volume IV – Factor 3:

Price

Pg.90

The RFP states “Offerors are required to submit …, SF 1449 – Section B, Continuation Sheets (Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs, …. All final monetary extensions shall be in whole dollars only.” And “TAB C, Section B, 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).”

HOWEVER

The RFP states “1. All information relating to the proposed price including all required support documentation must be included in the section of the proposal designated as the Price volume.

Under no circumstances shall this information and documentation be included elsewhere in the proposal.”

QUESTION: Will the Government please resolve this discrepancy? Is pricing information (SF 1449 Continuation Sheets) required in Volume I or is it not? Response: All Pricing Information goes in Volume IV - Price

62. Solicitation C.3(a) Proposal Content (c) Volume IV – Factor 3:

Price

Attachment 4 – Pricing Worksheet

Summary Tab

The RFP states “2. …and shall be tracable (sic) to the amounts inserted in Section B SF 1449-Continuation Sheet. Offerors shall use the Government provided Not-to-Exceed estimates for Surge, ODC and Travel CLINs.”

HOWEVER

The Summary Tab only shows CLINs 0001, 0002; 1001, 1002;

etc.

QUESTION: Would the Government please provide a pricing work sheet (xlsx) that allows us to enter values (NTE or NSP) for the xxx3, xxx4 and xxx5 CLINs, or otherwise resolve this discrepancy? Response: A worksheet (ATCH4) was provided with the solicitation.

63. Solicitation C.3(a) Proposal Content (c) Volume III – Factor 2:

Past Performance, #1

88 The RFP states “The offeror is requested to submit the Past Performance by December 28, 2020, to the Contracting Officer

QUESTION: Will the Government please confirm that this is a REQUEST and not a REQUIREMENT? We believe that the requirement for submittal of Volume III Past Performance is the same date as is required for the full proposal/all volumes. Please confirm. Response: Past Performance questionnaire (PPQ) is submitted separately (1.20.2021). Volume III – Past Performance is due on the solicitation closing date of 1.21.2021.

64. Solicitation ATCH1 – Past Performance CVR

LT

Attachment 1 – Past Performance Cover Letter and Assessment Questionnaire.pdf

And File contents

There is at least one difference between ATCH1 within the solicitation and the actual file (filename) – e.g., the actual file (filename) includes an electronic signature for the Contracting Officer.

QUESTION: Should we use what is included in ATCH1 (within the solicitation) or should we use the actual file (Attachment 1 – Past Performance Cover Letter and Assessment Questionnaire.pdf) to send to our references? Response: Use the signed cover letter, the questionnaire are the same document.

65. Solicitation ATCH1 – Past Performance CVR

LT

Attachment 1 – Past Performance Cover Letter and Assessment Questionnaire.pdf

Solicitation Instructions to Offerors A.1

Solicitation 4. Submission Requirements, Bullet “Past Performance Questionnaire”

File contents

The RFP states “…submit via email no later than 4 January 2021, whichever occurs first”

The Attachment 1 – Past Performance Cover Letter and Assessment Questionnaire.pdf file contains exactly the same statement.

The RFP states “Past Performance Questionnaires are due by January 4, 2020.”

HOWEVER

The RFP states “The points of contact shall return the questionnaires … prior to the closing of the RFP.”

QUESTION: Is the Government requiring that the PPQs be submitted to the Government by 4 January 2021 or by the closing of the RFP (currently 8 January 2021)? Also, please note that in the ATCH1 and in the separate file, it states “whichever occurs first”, but there is not an alternate date provided – this may confuse the contract reference. Response: The closing date for the solicitation has been extended to 1.21.2021 & PPQs are due on 1.20.2021.

66. Solicitation ATCH2 –

SPECIFIC RELEVANT

CONT

Attachment 2 – Specific Relevant Contract Reference Sheets.pdf

And File contents

QUESTION: Should we use what is included in ATCH2 (within the solicitation) or should we use the actual file (Attachment 2 – Specific Relevant Contract Reference Sheets.pdf) to provide our past performance information? Response: They should be the same document. The ATCH documents were attached separately for easy use.

67. Solicitation Instructions to

79 The RFP states “All questions or inquiries must be sent by email and will not be accepted after December 18, 2020.”

QUESTION: Will the Government provide the date by which they will provide answers to questions? The current proposal due date represents an extremely tight deadline, particularly given the holidays and COVID-related absences. Response: PPQ’s are now due 1.20.2021.

68. Solicitation Instructions to

79 The RFP states “Proposal is due by 4:00PM, EST on January 8, 2021.”

QUESTION: Will the Government please extend the proposal (and PPQ submission) due dates by two (2) weeks, to January 22, 2021? The current proposal due date and PPQ deadline represent an extremely tight timeframe, particularly given the holidays and COVID-related absences. This is specifically difficult given that contract references will most often be taking vacation time, and is truly onerous if the Government requires printed and specially bound volumes as part of proposal submittal. Response: The solicitation was extended to close on 1.21.2021 and the PPQ’s are due on 1.20.2021.

69. Solicitation

SUBFACTOR 2:

Management Approach & Staffing Approach, second paragraph

86 The RFP states “…The Offeror shall provide the names of all non-key personnel performing under this contract and proof of their certifications, security clearances and other qualifications required for their designated positions.”

QUESTIONS:

a) What is meant by “security clearances”? This RFP does not require security clearances (e.g., Secret, Top Secret).

b) Will the Government remove the requirement to provide names and proof of certifications, etc. for non-key personnel? This appears to give an unfair advantage to the incumbent.

Response: The government is willing to request key personnel information only and allow a delay of non-key personnel until contract award. Once contract is awarded (working day 1), proof of certifications will have to be provided to ensure compliance with regulatory guidance, DoDD 8570.01 and DoDD 8140.01.

With regard to security clearance requirements, please see 1.6.7.1.

70. Paragraph 1.6.4 Emergency / Contingency operations shall not be at an Offsite rate. Is there a billing mechanism planned to cover the costs related to after-hours and/or Emergency/Contingency Operations or will this be covered by the “Surge Services“ (CLINS 0002, 1002, 2002, and 3002). Can the government identify the estimated amount of hours annually used for Emergency /Contingency operations?

Response: Unable to track.

71. How will services be billed as any Emergency / Contingency (or surge requirement) will be likely be tracked in manhours?

Response: Yes, the emergency and/or contingency hours will be billed via “surge” services.

72. Facility Closure – are the positions considered essential for continued operations of DDEAMC?

Response: They are not essential but contractors are expected to continue working unless otherwise stated in the

PWS

73. Is there a Wage determination for the remote position at RAHC?

Response: Yes, WD 2015 5707 rev. 14 12.21.2020. It is a permanent position.

74. Are there any Special Manufacturer Certifications or experience with certain manufacturers such as Panduit, Leviton, for the Communications Cable Installers?

Response: No special manufacturer certifications but required to follow BICSI standards and experience required in the PWS

75. 52.222-42, Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (May 2014), does not identify an Equivalent

Occupation for the Communications Cable Installer(s) identified in Technical Exhibit 3, Item 10. Is there supposed to be a statement of equivalent rates?

Response: See Clause for 52.222-42 for occupations.

76. Is there an onsite replacement coverage requirement for the position remotely located at RAHC when the regularly scheduled employee is on leave?

Response: No as there is currently a GS employee there.

77. ITO (c) VOLUME IV – FACTOR 3: Price. Instructions identify the Volume is to be marked in the same form as Volume III – Past Performance. Please clarify.

Response: Volume IV – Factor 3: Price, Volume III – Past Performance (See Instructions to Offerors).

78. ITO Table 2, Page 82-83: Will the government consider adding “PDF” to the Acceptable “Digital Format” for VOL I – General, and VOL III – Past Performance, which would be consistent with VOL II and VOL IV?

Response: Yes, PDF

79. Subfactor 2, Management Approach & Staffing Approach (page 86), identifies the offeror “...shall include a Staffing Plan with a staffing labor matrix that identifies and explain its proposed staffing (by number of personnel, labor categories, by location) and plans for accommodating fluctuating workloads a cross-utilization of personnel and/or rely on reach back, part-time or temporary personnel to perform this requirement.”

QUESTIONS:

a) Is the Government Expecting or will accept a staffing plan other than what is identified in Technical Exhibit 3 (page 41)?

Response: Yes, as long as it includes all the elements identified in Volume II. Technical Exhibit 3 is only the Staffing Matrix.

b) If so, Does the Government have and will it provide historical workload numbers by labor type urgency levels, etc., for the purpose of the Offeror determining the Most Efficient staffing model? At present only the incumbent contractor has sufficient information to propose a staffing plan other than the Labor types and quantity of hours identified in Technical Exhibit 3 (page 41), which presents an unfair advantage based upon the ITO and Evaluation Factors of Subfactor 2.

Response: Estimated population 3,400 -3,600 population Approximately 5,000 EUDs, i.e., laptops, desktops and tablets In addition, 1,500 printers (network/stand alone); 40 fax machines and 761 telecommunication devices Within a 12 month timeframe, 01 December 2019 – 01 Dec 2020:

58,180 Total tickets closed by contractor support High Priority – 8,000 Medium Priority – 49,580 Low Priority - 600

c) If that historical information (as described above) is not made available to all offerors then will the government consider a variation from Technical Exhibit 3 to be considered an Alternate Proposal with all attributed FAR clauses related to an Alternate Proposal?

Response: Historical data provided in previous question.

d) The nature and extent of the Resume Requirement when combined with the ability for an offeror to provide a more tailored and cost effective Staffing Plan different than Technical Exhibit 3 using information available from day to day performance presents an insurmountable proposal requirement upon all offerors other than the incumbent. It is requested the Government rework the ITO and Evaluation of Offers which are unduly restrictive of competition.

Response: The government is willing to request key personnel information only and allow a delay of non-key personnel until contract award. Once contract is awarded (working day 1), proof of certifications will have to be provided to ensure compliance with regulatory guidance, DoDD 8570.01 and DoDD 8140.01.

e) Subfactor 2, Management Approach & Staffing Approach (page 86), references proof of Security Clearances for Non Key Personnel and for Key Personnel. At present a DD254, while referenced, is not incorporated into the solicitation. Is there a Security Clearance Requirement as defined by a DD254? If not then will proposed personnel which does not currently have a Security Clearance be considered as meeting the position requirements?

Response: 1.6.7.1 and the staffing matrix reference minimum security clearance requirements.

80. Section SF 1449 – Continuation Sheet, Contract Line Items 0003, 1003, 2003, and 3003, Travel COST, the description states, “Includes all supplies and materials other than Travel, approved in advance by the Contracting Officer in accordance with PWS. Approved ODCs shall be reimbursed in accordance with FAR 31.205-26 and shall be a Not-To-Exceed Amount of $10,500 Profit, G&A, and handling fees are not allowable. Contractor shall insert $10,500 for Other Direct Costs.” Question: Please clarify if the CLIN description for 0003, 1003, 2003, and 3003 is correct for Travel?

Response: CLIN description is revised.

81. Section SF 1449 – Continuation Sheets, Contract Line Items 0002, 0003, and 0004 (and associated option CLINs) references FAR 31.205-26, Material Cost; however, the referenced clause is not included in the commercial contract. Response: There was no question asked.

82. Page 42, Clauses Incorporated by Reference, identifies this contract as commercial under FAR Clause 52.212-

4. QUESTIONS:

a) Request clarification if the contract is commercial as it is using cost-type CLINs (classified as “hybrid” on Page 17, PWS 1.6.6); please provide FAR clause for “hybrid” contract that uses both Firm-Fixed Price and Cost-type CLINs.

Response: There is no FAR guidance for Hybrid

b) Please describe how a contractor is to bill non-commercial Cost-type CLINs?

Response: Contractor shall bill the actual cost plus G&A, no Profit & no fee (added to CLIN)

c) Is it necessary for a contractor to have an approved accounting system for the invoicing of Cost-type CLINs?

Response: No

83. Is there an incumbent? If so, please provide contract number. If incumbent exists, please provide transition period and add CLIN for transition services. Response: The contract number was provided in a previous amendment. Response: CLIN 0006 Phase-In has been added.

84. Page 30, Part 3, Government-Furnished Property, Equipment and Services. Please provide Government Furnished Materials (standard operating procedures and policies) for preparing solicitation response. No Government Furnished Property. Equipment will be provided to the Contractor to perform their duties.

85. Page 30, Government-Furnished Property, will Government provide equipment and services for contractor to perform services remotely?

Response: No Government Furnished Property. Equipment will be provided to the Contractor to perform their duties.

86. Page 81, C. Proposal Preparation Instructions, Paragraph 2, Proposal format: Subparagraph (a) states, “Offerors shall submit an original and three (3) copies of each volume as noted in paragraph (c) and Table 2 below of their proposal or Offeror shall submit an original copy of emailed proposals, which includes the four (4) volumes: Volume I – General, Volume II – Technical Capability, Volume III – Past Performance and Volume IV – Price.” This paragraph conflicts with Subparagraph (c) and Table 2 in terms of providing emailed copies of the proposal. Please clarify if emailed proposals are acceptable for this solicitation.

Response: Email proposals are acceptable.

87. Page 91, Evaluation Factors for Award, Addendum to FAR 52.212-2, Paragraph (1), states “...represents Lowest Priced Technically Acceptable.” For these highly-specialized, complex services, please confirm Agency is performing LPTA methodology.

Response: LPTA

Reference Document Page/Paragraph Number Question Government Response

88. Solicitation – PWS, Pg. 22/1.6.8.1. Why is a ComptTIA A+ Certification required when a Security + and a MCTS is already required?

Response: According to DoDD 8570 IAT level II, MCTS or A+ for computing environment and Security + will be acceptable.

89. Solicitation – PWS, Pg. 22/1.6.8.2. Is a CompTIA A+ Certification required as well asa MCTS?

Response: According to DoDD 8570 IAT level II, MCTS or A+ for computing environment and Security + will be acceptable.

90. Solicitation – PWS, Pg. 22/1.6.8.5. A CompTIA Security + plus is allowed to serve as a Baseline and CE Certification. Why is a Comptia A+ Certification required?

Response: Government has to make sure all are in compliance with DoDD 8570 unless otherwise stated.

91. Solicitation – PWS, Pg. 22/1.6.8.6. A CompTIA Security + plus is allowed to serve as a Baseline and CE Certification. Why is a Comptia A+ Certification required for RMF Services?

Response: CAP/GSLC/SEC will suffice for an IAM Level I.

92. Solicitation – PWS, Pg. 25/1.6.15. How many CLINs/ODCs are there on the contract?

Response: Six (6) CLINS in the Base year & Five (5) CLINS for each option year.

93. Solicitation – PWS, Pg. 32/5.1. "Response time is measured from ticket submittal until the appropriate assigned technician replies for the first time." Does this response time only refer to the time it enters the CSC queue?

Response: It is based on time each ticket enters or is placed in local queue.

94. Solicitation – PWS, Pg. 32/ 5.1. "The CSC shall work with the Information Assurance (IA) staff to ensure all workstations, printers, and software are configured to meet Army standards consistent with Army Regulation 25-2, Information Assurance, supplemental guidance and the Information Assurance Vulnerability Management (IAVM) program." Who is responsible for Imaging the computers? How is Imaging performed?

Response: This is a joint effort between the help desk technicians and logistics technician(s). Imaging is performed over the SCCM server.

95. Solicitation – PWS,Pg. 32/5.1. "The CSC shall work with the Information Assurance (IA) staff " Response: Yes, the CSC staff is expected to work with IA staff.

96. Solicitation – PWS, Pg. 32/ 5.1. "DDEAMC utilizes multiple clinical applications and medical records systems".

Do these applications and systems have a legacy CoN or an approved RMF Asses Only package?

Response: Yes, there is an approved CoN for clinical applications and medical records systems and each system have in-house support.

97. Solicitation – PWS, Pg. 33/5.1.3. Will the property the contractors are responsible for be assigned to them via a Technical Exhibit?

Response: Equipment will be assigned to technicians and master record is kept in Property Book Office.

98. Solicitation – PWS, Pg. 33/5.1.6. Will the RMF Management Services have access to eMASS?

Response: Yes

99. Solicitation Instruction to Offerors-Commercial Items, Pg. 79/ A(1) & Pg. 81/ C(2)(a) & Pg. 82/C(2)(c) Solicitation states, "The Offeror shall provide the names of all non-key personnel performing under this contract and proof of their certifications, security clearances and other qualifications required for their designated positions."

Requesting deletion of this requirement. The PWS clearly in Section 1.6.4, "When hiring personnel, the Contractor shall keep in mind that the stability and continuity of the workforce is essential.", and in Section 5.1 under CSC Support Services that, "DDEAMC places a premium on the retention of existing staff for these highly technical positions."

How is an Offeror supposed to provide names of every employee for this contract if there hasn't been an award or efficient time for recruiting? In order to maintain institutional knowledge the incumbent personnel would be the best qualified and until award Offeror's cannot recruit incumbent employees.

Response: The government is willing to request key personnel information only and allow a delay of non-key personnel until contract award. Once contract is awarded (working day 1), proof of certifications will have to be provided to ensure compliance with regulatory guidance, DoDD 8570.01 and DoDD 8140.01. this is appropriate for the level of support and ability to work on Day 1.

100. Solicitation Instruction to Offerors-Commercial Items Pg. 84/C(3)(a)-TAB A & Pg. 85/C(3)(b)(2) Volume I has a place for "Exceptions/Assumptions" and Volume II also has a place for "Exceptions/Assumptions"- what is the difference between these 2 sections and are they needed in both volumes?

Response: Yes, please explain in both sub-factors.

101. Solicitation Instruction to Offerors-Commercial Items, Pg. 86/C(3)(b) SUBFACTOR 2: Management Approach and Staffing Approach Under this Subfactor it restates, "All aspects of quality control to ensure successful performance on the contract. The Offeror shall describe/explain its technical understanding of the PWS requirements as it pertains to but not limited to providing Military Health Systems Support Help Desk Information

Management (IM) and Information Technology (IT) support services in the following areas: Customer Support Center, Program Support, Information Technology Logistical Support, Information Technology Service Management, Security Center Configuration Management, Risk Management Framework, Project Management, IT Technical Support, Web Site Programming, SharePoint Administration, Medical Illustration, Graphic Arts and Cable Installation."

This is stated in the instructions for SUBFACTOR 1: Technical Ability. Does the Offeror needs to explain its technical understanding of the PWS in BOTH Sub-factors? If NOT, what is the Government looking for?

Response: Yes, please explain in both sub-factors.

102. Solicitation Instruction to Offerors-Commercial Items, Pg. 87/C(3)(b) SUBFACTOR 2: Management Approach and Staffing Approach (c) Why is the below requirement required in the proposal if our recruiting must be done prior to proposal submission ("The Offeror shall provide the names of all non-key personnel performing under this contract and proof of their certifications, security clearances and other qualifications required for their designated positions.")?

"Describe and outline the strategy(s) and method(s) that will utilized to locate and actively recruit and retain highly qualified and experienced personnel and manage personnel with the required knowledge, skills, education, experience, and applicable position descriptions, certifications, training (to include refresher training), security clearances, and licenses required to support specific positions in accordance with the PWS and necessary to perform and manage contract requirements."

Response: Only the key personnel information is required with the proposal.

103. Solicitation Instruction to Offerors-Commercial Items, Pg. 88/C(3)(c) (Volume III Past Performance) General:

(1) Does the Government intend to have a phase-in or transition period as part of this contract? (2) If so, how long will the phase-in/transition period be? (3) If there will be a phase-in / transition period, will the Government update their pricing spreadsheet to account for costs associated with the phase-in/transition period?

Response: It is the intention of the government to allow a transition/phase-in period. A Phase-in CLIN 0006 have been added to the solicitation. The government will consider submitted costs associated with this transitional period.

It is optional to submit cost associated with the transition period.

104. Solicitation Instruction to Offerors-Commercial Items, Pg. 88/C(3)(c) (Volume III Past Performance)"Each narrative shall also include contract number and amount" - Is "Amount" meaning total contact value or currently funded amount?

Response: It is the total amount of each contract you performed.

105. Solicitation Instruction to Offerors-Commercial Items, Pg. 88/C(3)(c) (Volume III Past Performance)Only 1 company can perform 51% percent of the work; I believe this percentage is incorrect.

"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."

Response: Sub-Contractors or partners must be of the same socio-economic and perform 51% of the effort together.

106. Solicitation Instruction to Offerors-Commercial Items, Pg. 89/C(3)(c) (Volume III Past Performance)(4)The Summary page is asking for a role description of each subcontractor, teaming partner, and/or joint venture partner- Is this for "major" subcontractors/teammates only or all?

Response: All

107. Solicitation – PWS, General Can the Government provide historical information regarding help desk tickets, SLAs, and other performance metrics?

Response: Within a 12 month timeframe, 01 December 2019 – 01 Dec 2020: 58,180 Total tickets closed by contractor support, High Priority – 8,000, Medium Priority – 49,580, Low Priority - 600

108. Technical Exhibit 1- Performance Requirements Summary, Pg. 39-40 Would the government please define Daily Rate (Disincentive)? How is this calculated? What is the dispute resolution process when there is disagreement between the government and the contractor?

Response: Disincentive is cost or action taken in response to required services not being rendered. It is calculated by taking the cost of services not rendered in support of mission accomplishment. If there is a dispute the Contracting Officer will make a final decision.

109. Solicitation - C.2.c pg. 82 Can the Government provide clarification about the font size - 12pt or 10 pt?

Response: 12-pitch type or 10 point proportional spacing.

Evaluation Factors for Award -a.1, pg 91 Can the Government clarify whether this is a Best Value competition or a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable competition.

Response: LPTA

SECTION SF 1449 - CONTINUATION SHEET

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

The required response date/time has changed from 08-Jan-2021 04:00 PM to 21-Jan-

2021 04:00 PM.

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES

CLIN 0002

The CLIN extended description has changed from:

The contractor shall provide all necessary management, supervision and other labor required to successfully perform technical Information Management and Information Technology (IM/IT) services at the Dwight David Eisenhower Army Medical Center in accordance with the Performance Work Statement (PWS) and other areas of the…