20R0018_81st BASEOPS_RFIs_20200908_Final.pdf

81ST RD BASE OPERATIONS SUPPORT, W9124C-20-R-0018

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

QUESTION 1: Part 5, Specific Tasks, 5.1.1.3 Prior to any visit for the purpose of conducting an USAR facility inspection, the Contractor shall coordinate with each Facility Coordinator and ACOR. The Contractor shall coordinate with the 81st RD maintenance service provider and the Facility Coordinator to support required repairs within the 81st RD scope of authority.

Are each Facility Coordinator and ACOR a part of this contract or do they fall under a different contract? Do they work directly for the USAR facility officer in Charge?

ANSWER 1: The Facility Coordinator is a full-time employee (military or civilian), not a contractor. They may or may not work for the 81st Readiness Division.

They are appointed by the Center Commander at a facility, but may not work directly for them. The 81st RD appoints Center Commanders, but has no say in the appointment of Facility Coordinators. ACORs will be 81st RD personnel. This task does not imply any degree of control, merely communication and coordination (facilitating scheduling, etc.)

QUESTION 2: Is there an incumbent? And who is it?

ANSWER 2: This is a follow-on effort to contract W9124C-20-C-0003, Seres Engineering & Services LLC.

QUESTION 3: 1.12. Security Requirements: Contractor personnel performing work under this contract must have a NACI Security Level at time of the proposal submission, and must maintain the level of security required for the life of the contract. National Industrial Security Program (NISP).The Contractor shall implement and maintain a security program for control of personnel, property, and information, including, unclassified and classified materials, documents, and records. Contractor shall comply with FAR 52.204-2, Security Requirements. This clause involves access to information classified “Confidential,” “Secret,” or “Top Secret” and requires Contractors to comply with—(1) The Security Agreement (DD Form 441), including the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (DoD 5220.22-M); any revisions to DOD 5220.22- M, notice of which has been furnished to the Contractor. In addition, the Contractor’s security program shall include provisions for, but not limited to:

--Initial and Annual Operations Security (OPSEC) awareness training IAW AR 530-1.

Operations Security, new contract employees shall complete Level I OPSEC training within 30 calendar days of their reporting for duty and annually thereafter.

--Receiving, storing, disseminating, transmitting, transporting, and protecting items classified as CONFIDENTIAL or SECRET by the Government, including the use of courier cards.

--In-processing and out-processing Contractor personnel for security matters.

--Obtaining Contractor personnel security clearances.

--Documenting and reporting actual and potential security problems.

--Initiating proper procedures to correct documented problems and implementing corrective procedures in the Contractor's security program.

--Filing Classified Documents. All Government-furnished classified and unclassified files in existence at the contract performance start date and those generated under this contract shall be maintained in accordance with AR 25-400- 2 or other applicable regulations. Files shall be transferred to the KO or designated representative upon completion of the contract period or last day of contract performance, whichever comes first. Such files are the property of the U.S. Government. The Contractor shall provide security of classified documents in accordance with AR 380-5 and DOD 5200.1-R, NISP Operating Manual.

Does the government require the contractor to have a facility clearance before the award of the contract? Or will the government prepare a DD254 that will authorize the contractor to have a facility clearance? What is the highest level of clearance for this contract?

ANSWER 3: Only an NACI is required for facility access. No clearances are required.

QUESTION 4: Place of Performance: The work to be performed under this contract will be performed at various locations within the 81st RD AOR. Specific locations are listed in TE 2.

Are the specific locations for work to be performed under this contract listed in TE 4 and 5? They are not listed in TE 2. What is the difference between Government Provided Work Locations and 81st RD Facility Locations?

ANSWER 4: PWS section 1.11 updated to reflect TE4.

QUESTION 5: Page 67 of 69 4. Past Performance Factor, Section A states: “Evaluation of past performance shall be in accordance with this plan utilizing the forms and questionnaires set forth in Appendix D.” However, Appendix D was not included in the solicitation documents. Can the Government please provide Appendix D?

ANSWER 5: Appendix D has been provided with this amendment.

QUESTION 6: No instructions were included regarding the submission of Past Performance Forms, are the completed forms to be included in the proposal submission or submitted directly to the Government?

ANSWER 6: Please see Appendix D attached.

QUESTION 7: Will the Government allow CPARS in lieu of the Past Performance Forms?

ANSWER 7: CPARS may be used by the Government in addition to the Past Performance Questionnaires in completing the Past Performance evaluation as stated in Evaluation Approach, Section M of the solicitation.

QUESTION 8: Page 67 of 69 4. Past Performance Factor, Section B states: “For the purposes of this SSP/Requirement, major subcontractors are defined as members of an offeror’s overall team who are expected to perform 50 percent or more of the proposed effort. A significant achievement, problem, or lack of relevant data in any element of the work can become an important consideration in the evaluation process. Therefore, offerors will be reminded to include the most recent and relevant efforts (within the past three years) in their proposal.” However other areas of the RFP state 25% performance and recency within 5 years. Can the Government please confirm?

ANSWER 8: Refer to updated Sections L and M 4 September 2020 and amendment 0001 to solicitation W9124C20R0018.

QUESTION 9: Puerto Rico facilities were provided, are we to assume that the Gov’t manages those facilities and that no Base Operations and Field Maintenance Support contractor is required?

ANSWER 9: Correct, there are no Base Operations and Field Maintenance Support deliverables for Puerto Rico.

QUESTION 10: Can Key Personnel be identified by name in the RFP response?

ANSWER 10: No, key personnel shall not be identified by name in the response.

QUESTION 11: PWS does not specify environmental training locations. Can the Government please provide training locations for all environmental training requirements listed in PWS.

ANSWER 11: There are no fixed locations for environmental training. Training locations are chosen in response to fluid requirements and shortfalls.

QUESTION 12: Will the gov’t provide project cost estimating software – ie. RS Mean

ANSWER 12: The contractor will have to provide their own software, but the government will provide online account access to RS Means cost estimating tools.

QUESTION 13: Section H - Insurance Requirements includes Medical Liability Insurance with a $3,000,000 minimum in the aggregate. The work described in the PWS does not require any healthcare workers to perform, will the Government please confirm that Medical Liability Insurance is not a requirement for the performance of this effort?

ANSWER 13: All work performance on military installations requires contractors to have required insurance as outlined in the FAR 52.228-5 provision in the solicitation.

QUESTION 14: Section I - Clauses Incorporated by Full Text - Clause 52.212-5 (c) has 52.222-41 checked as being incorporated into the contract by reference. Since this is a contract that includes option years, will the government please confirm that 52.222-43, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards - Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts) (AUG 2018) should also be incorporated into the contract?

ANSWER 14: FAR Clause 52.222-43, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards – Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts) has been incorporated by reference as well. See amended solicitation.

QUESTION 15: Section I - Clauses Incorporated by Full Text includes Clause 252.219- 7000 Section 8(a) Direct Award. Will the Government please confirm that this clause does not apply and this award is a competitive 8(a) set-aside and will be made in accordance with the evaluation criteria outlined in Section M?

ANSWER 15: This is a competitive 8(a) set-aside and award will be made in accordance with Section M Evaluation Criteria outlined in the solicitation. DFARS Clause 252.219-7000 is still applicable under the Partnership Agreement (PA) between the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) as prescribed in DFARS 219.811-3 Contract Clauses.

QUESTION 16: Section L - iii - Volume II Technical Proposal - Tab D - Exceptions/Assumptions. Will the Government please confirm that any assumptions related to the proposed price should be included in Volume III - Price Proposal?

ANSWER 16: All assumptions related to the proposed price shall be contained within Volume III – Price Proposal.

QUESTION 17: Section M - D. Evaluation Approach - 3. Cost/Price Factor - Cost Reimbursable Evaluation. There are no Cost Reimbursable CLINs included in this solicitation. Will the Government please confirm that this does not apply?

ANSWER 17: See amendment 0001 to solicitation W9124C20R00018.

QUESTION 18: Section M - D. Evaluation Approach - 3. Cost/Price Factor -Overall Cost/Price Proposal Evaluation - 4) Business Systems. There is no requirement in Section L for the offeror to provide information on its Business Systems and as this is an FFP award, no system approvals are required in order to be eligible for an award. Will the Government please confirm that this is not a requirement?

ANSWER 18: This is not a requirement for proposal submission, however the Government reserves the right to verify.

QUESTION 19: RFQ Page 58 of 69 states that a major subcontractor is any company expected to perform 25% or more of the proposed effort. However, on page 67 of 69, the RFP states "For the purposes of this SSP/Requirement, major subcontractors are defined as members of an offeror’s overall team who are expected to perform 50 percent or more of the proposed effort." Please clarify the percentage of work performance that determines who shall be considered a major subcontractor.

ANSWER 19: See response to question 8.

QUESTION 20: RFQ Page 60 states that a sample consent letter is attached to the RFQ. However, one is not provided. Please clarify.

ANSWER 20: See appendix D.

QUESTION 21: RFQ Page 60, paragraph (d) references a "specific relevant contract sheets" and page 67 references an Appendix D for Past Performance questionnaires.

However, neither is provided. Please clarify.

ANSWER 21: See response to QUESTION 5 above.

QUESTION 22: RFQ Page 58 references an Attachment 3, which is supposed to provide applicable Area Wage Determinations. However, one is not provided. Please clarify.

ANSWER 22: Refer to beta.sam link in attachment 3, IAW TE4 for locations.

QUESTION 23: Will the contractors be authorized to use Government Owned Vehicles (GOV) for any travel within this contract?

ANSWER 23: No, offerors are responsible for providing transportation/travel associated with performance of the contract.

QUESTION 24: Will the 81st consider giving a plug number for all bidders to use for travel within the contracts Area of Responsibility (AOR)?

ANSWER 24: No

QUESTION 25: Can the Government confirm that ITEM NO. 0002 is not separately priced, but a rollup of ITEM NOs. 0002AA, 0002AB, and 0002AC? Similarly for CLINS 1001, 2001, 3001, and 4001?

ANSWER 25: This is correct; the sum of 0002AA, 0002AB, and 0002AC is the total price for CLIN 0002. Similarly, this is the same for CLINs 1001, 2001, 3001, and 4001.

QUESTION 26: What is the maximum number of past performance references a bidder can submit?

ANSWER 26: The maximum number of past performance references is five.

QUESTION 27: If we are a successful offeror, would this preclude us from bidding on FIS contracts issued by the 81st?

ANSWER 27: The Government does not impose limitations on offerors from bidding on any contracts issued by the 81st.

QUESTION 28: Reference to Volume II – Technical Proposal, Subfactor 1:

Management Approach.

1) To support the management approach, is it acceptable to include an organizational chart with the names of personnel from respective organization(s)?

2) Is it acceptable to include a resume for the Quality Control Manager, Program Manager and additional Key Personnel to reflect requisite qualifications and experience? If yes, is it acceptable to include names of personnel on resumes and documented project experience?

ANSWER 28: Personnel should not be identified by name. The use of an organizational chart to demonstrate management structure is acceptable, but should not include personnel names or identifying information. It is incumbent upon the offeror to determine how best to provide information that clearly articulates requisite qualifications and experience to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the requirement. Should the offeror elect to utilize resume formats, identifying information, such as names, shall not be included.

QUESTION 29: Reference to Proposal Page Limit:

1) Should charts, matrix, or graphs and contract level QC plan be labeled as appendices so they do not get included in the technical proposal page count?

2) Can charts, matrix, or graphs be submitted in tabloid form?

ANSWER 29: Please reference section L.1 Page Limitations.

QUESTION 30: Were these services previously performed under an SCA-Covered contract?

ANSWER 30: Yes.

QUESTION 31: The WG determinations incorporated by reference are for services employees, however the PWS specifically requires the services of individuals having Bachelor degrees in engineering, architecture, environmental science and environmental planning. Does the Government anticipate both service employees and professional employees to be included in the accomplishment of the PWS?

ANSWER 31: The Government does anticipate a mixed level of employees;

however, it is incumbent on the Offeror to propose the most appropriate mix of labor to satisfy their proposed approach as well as detailed narrative of proposed staffing levels for each labor category per location.

QUESTION 32: In Section L, Volume !!: Technical Proposal, Tab E, the solicitation contains the following bolded and underlined statement: “The technical volume shall not contain the Offeror’s name or any markings that would readily reveal the offeror’s name, subcontractor’s name, joint ventures or teaming agreement. This part shall be marked with the Offeror’s DUNS Number.” We have the following questions regarding this statement:

1) Is this instruction intended to restrict the inclusion of logos and/or company references in headers, footers and covers and replace the company reference in these areas with the DUNS number, or does it also restrict the use of the company name in the text and exhibits?

2) If company names are not allowed in the text or exhibits, is the offeror instructed to utilize the DUNS number instead of a direct company reference when responding to the multiple requirements for “Demonstrating” qualifications, experience, success of similar approaches, etc.? For example, Subfactor 2(a) requires, “Demonstrated staff experience in managing similar efforts, with examples of increased work efforts and staffing, especially government.” A typical method for providing this information would be a statement such as, “ABC Company (Offeror) has managed efforts for clients XYZ, MNO and DEF over the past 3 years, each of similar scope, size and complexity as the work required for the Base Operations Support Services and each requiring staff expansion as noted in the following table……” In this example, should the offeror remove the reference to ABC Company and insert the appropriate DUNS number in its place? Or, should the offeror refer to itself as “The Offeror?”

3) If neither of the above questions are applicable, can the Government please clarify this instruction?

4) Section L, Proposal Instructions on page 54, states the following: “Offerors shall attach a volume cover sheet to the outer cover of each binder identifying:

1) volume number(s);

2) request for proposal number;

3) title;

4) offeror’s name.

Should the offeror’s name be included on the cover sheet for Volume II, Technical Proposal or should it be replaced with the DUNS number?

ANSWER 32: Offeror’s submissions should not include any identifying logos, headers, footers, and/or company references. Instead the Offeror shall use the DUNS number. In making statements as noted in the example in part 2 of this question, the Offeror should remove reference to the company name and use the DUNS number instead. The cover page for the technical volume shall be in accordance with proposal submission instructions.

QUESTION 33: We would like to include letters of commitment from employees proposed to work on the project to demonstrate our ability to provide staff with the level of qualifications and experience relative to the project requirements. Would letters of commitment from employees be allowed in Volume II: Technical Proposal? If so, would they be counted against the 50-page limit for this volume?

ANSWER 33: If used, letters of commitments should not include any identifying information such as employee name and will be included in the page limitations.

QUESTION 34: Can you tell me if there is a current incumbent supporting this contract? If so, can you provide the name/names of the company/companies?

ANSWER 34: Please see response to QUESTION 2 above.

QUESTION 35: Is this scope of work currently being performed under a current contract? If so, who is the incumbent and what is the contract number?

ANSWER 35: Please see response to QUESTION 2 above.

QUESTION 36: If there is an incumbent contractor, how many staff members (provided in labor categories) are assigned to each location that would transition from the incumbent to the successful bidder?

ANSWER 36: It is incumbent upon the offerors to determine the appropriate staffing levels to satisfy the government’s requirements. Staffing estimates will not be provided.

QUESTION 37: Will there be a pre-bid meeting?

ANSWER 37: There will not be a pre-bid meeting.

QUESTION 38: Is there an established budget for this effort? If so, how many full-time equivalents were considered in the basis of estimate?

ANSWER 38: It is incumbent upon the offerors to determine the appropriate staffing levels to demonstrate an understanding of the requirement and adequate technical approach. Price will be evaluated in accordance with the evaluation approach contained within Section M of the solicitation.

QUESTION 39: Is there civilian staff associated with this effort that may be working under a separate contract at this time? If so, how many full-time equivalents?

ANSWER 39: The government will not provide estimated staffing requirements.

Please see response to QUESTIONS 36 and 38 above.

QUESTION 40: For Volume II - Technical Proposal, do the contents of Tabs A, B, C and D count against the 50-page limit for this volume?

ANSWER 40: Yes, the contents of all required elements count in the page limitations, unless explicitly identified as excluded. See Section L.1 Proposal Page Limit.

QUESTION 41: Are there any specific requirements or limitations for font type and size?

ANSWER 41: Font shall be no less than 10pt font in either Times New Roman or Arial (regular). For tables and charts, font shall be no less than 10pt font in either Times New Roman or Arial (regular).

QUESTION 42: Is there any limitation to margin, header and footer size?

ANSWER 42: Margins shall be standard 1 inch on all sides.

QUESTION 43: Can 11 x 17 sheets be used to display large charts, matrix, tables and maps? Please confirm that these items are excluded from the page count for Volume II

– Technical Proposal.

ANSWER 43: Refer to section L.1. proposal page limit.

QUESTION 44: Section L, Volume IV: Past Performance (d) TAB D Specific Relevant Contracts Format states the following: “Sheets shall be in accordance with attached specific relevant contract sheets……” Can the Government please provide guidance as to the location of the referenced specific relevant contract sheets?

ANSWER 44: See attachment dated 4 September 2020.

QUESTION 45: Section M, 4 Past Performance Factor, (a) states, “Evaluation of past performance shall be in accordance with this plan utilizing the forms and questionnaires set forth in Appendix D. Can the Government please provide guidance as to the location of the referenced Appendix D?

ANSWER 45: See response to QUESTION 5 above.

QUESTION 46: Can you tell me who’s the incumbent for this contract and what’s the current value?

ANSWER 46: Please see response to QUESTION 2 above.

QUESTION 47: Ref RFP, Page 64, Subfactor 2: Staffing Approach states Technical Exhibit 4 in the PWS provides a proposed staffing level for each category per location.

Technical Exhibit 4 only lists 81st RD facility locations. Technical Exhibit 5 identifies functions, location and number of workstations. Should I use Technical Exhibit 5 to determine the proposed level of work, in that 1 work station equals 1 FTE?

ANSWER 47: See response to question 38.

QUESTION 48: Last, I just want to confirm there is no requirement to provide contractor purchased vehicles?

ANSWER 48: See response to question 23 above.

QUESTION 49: 5.1.2.1 Project Development Support: The Contractor shall prepare draft work plans for sustainment and repair issues at 81st RD facilities. The format for draft work documents will follow applicable 81st RD guidelines.

Can the Government provide 81st RD guidelines (format for draft work documents) to Offerors prior to the RFP deadline date?

ANSWER 49: We have provided a sample template for a draft work plan. It is illustrative, not definitive.

QUESTION 50: 1.15.3.4 identifies an Environmental Project Review Support requirement. In Technical Exhibit 5 the Environmental Project Review Support requirement/Function is not identified, nor is the Location or Workstation.

The Environmental Project Review Support Function doesn’t have Location or Workstation listed in Technical Exhibit 5. Please provide the location and workstation.

ANSWER 50: Environmental Project Review is conducted online, and is not tied to a specific location.

QUESTION 51: 1.15.2.2 Identifies a Real Property Planning and Programming Support requirement, but the Real Property Planning and Programming Support is not found in Technical Exhibit 5.

The Real Property Planning and Programming Support Function, doesn’t have a Location and Workstation listed in Technical Exhibit 5. Please provide the location and workstation.

ANSWER 51: Real Property Planning and Support occurs at the 81st RD HQ at Fort Jackson, SC.

QUESTION 52: In Technical Exhibit 5 a Capital Improvement Planning Support with 2 workstations at Fort Jackson, SC, have been identified, but this support/function is not identified/defined under paragraph 1.15 – Special Qualifications or in Part 5 – Specific Tasks.

Please define Special Qualifications and associated Specific Tasks for the Capital Improvement Planning Support requirement.

ANSWER 52: No specific training or skills are required. However, personnel will be expected to have the skills and experience to meet the requirements of paragraph 5.2.2.1 Capital Improvement Planning Support.

QUESTION 53: Will there be a pricing sheet provided?

ANSWER 53: No, a pricing sheet will not be provided.