Q A_W9124J-16-R-0008_Survivor_Outreach_Srvs_CONSOLIDATED.pdf

Survivor Outreach Services W9124J-16-R-0008 Questions and Answers PART ONE

Survivor Outreach Services

W9124J-16-R-0008 Questions and Answers

PART ONE

1. Question #1: If available, please provide the incumbent contract number.

Answer #1: W91247-14-C-0008.

2. Question #2: If bidding as a Joint Venture and only one of the JV members holds the appropriate security clearance, would the JV be eligible for award?

Answer #2: Joint Venture must hold a security clearance (PWS Part 4)

3. Question #3: The requirement for letters of intent and resumes seem to give the incumbent an unfair advantage over the rest of the offerors. Are letters of intent and resumes required?

Answer #3: Yes.

4. Question #4: Are these positions all SCA positions, or are just a few of these positions SCA? If just a few are SCA, will the government clarify which positions are SCA?

Answer #4: there are no SCA positions. All positions are professionals, therefore, Clause 52.222- 42 is in the solicitation.

5. Question #5: On page 52 of 87, under Subfactor 2,A sample training curriculum outline, the RFP includes a sentence fragment, and it seems more information should be included under this subfactor. The RFP states, A sample training curriculum outline with script and two slides on Money Management Pitfalls, designed for a 10 minute presentation to Survivors or Soldiers and military Families. The sample training shall.

Will the government clarify what should occur after the sentence, “The sample training shall.” ?

Answer #5: The incomplete sentences “The sample training shall ..” is to be deleted.

6. Question #6: The price instructions on p. 49 state: “Electronic versions of the Price proposal will be submitted in MS Office Excel format (2010 or earlier) and PDF format… The one exception is for strictly narrative cost/price language, such as in the Price Narrative Section, which may be submitted in Word format.” Can the Price Narrative be submitted in PDF format as well, or is the Government requesting this file in Word only?

Answer #6: Price proposal – in Excel (unprotected) and PDF; Price Narrative – either Word or

PDF.

7. Question #7: What are the preferred file formats for Volume I - Technical Proposal, Volume II - Past Performance, and Volume IV - Organizational Conflict of Interest?

Answer #7: either Word or PDF.

8. Question #8: Are there page limits for Volume II - Past Performance and Volume III - Price

Narrative Section?

Answer #8: No, there is no page limit.

9. Question #9: The Technical Proposal instructions on p. 49 require the entire volume (except cover page) to be sanitized from the offeror’s title, logo, etc. How does the Government prefer the volume to be sanitized? E.g., redact company name and other identifying text? Replace company name with CAGE Code?

10. Answer #9: Redact company name, use substitute such as “the company”, “we”, “the Offeror”

11. Question #11: Should the proper names of key personnel be sanitized as well? If so, it will be difficult to meet the resume and letter of commitment requirements.

Answer #11: Keep the resumes and letters without redaction.

12. Question #12: Section 1.5 of the PWS on p. 57 includes the statement: “The period of performance reads as follows:” However, there is no additional information following. Is there any additional information concerning the period of performance offerors need to be aware of?

Answer #12: The period of performance is listed in page 10 out of 87 in the Solicitation as follows: Period of performance is 1 April 2016 – 30 April 2016 for Phase-in, 1 May 2016- 31 March 2017 for Base Year, 1 April 2017 – 31 March 2018 for Option I, and 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019 for Option II.

13. Question #13: Section 1.6.8.3 of the PWS requires Certified Financial Counselors to have “National Certification as an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) with a minimum of two years of experience as an AFC. Other credentials such as the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) are acceptable to meet the National Certification requirements.” However, Section 5.3.8 says that “the Financial Counselor shall maintain the Association for Financial Counseling, Planning and Education (AFCPE) certification or other credentials such as, Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC).” Please clarify AFC vs AFCPE – or confirm that AFC, AFCPE, CFP, and ChFC are all acceptable certifications for the Certified Financial Counselor position.

Answer #13: AFC, AFCPE, CFP, and ChFC are all acceptable certifications for the Certified Financial Counselor position. All regardless of certification, must meet the minimum of two years of experience.

14. Question #14: Per PWS Section 1.6.8.4.3, the Alternate PM “shall be familiar with SOS protocols to access SOS specific databases and case management files to quickly respond to government inquiries impacting AR staff contract performance.” Is this qualification also required for the Contract PM?

Answer #14: Requirements for the PM are outlined in PWS 1.6.8.4, 1.6.8.4.1, and 1.6.8.4.2.

15. Question #15: Is there a limit to the number of contracts for which offerors can submit past performance information?

Answer #15: No, there is no limit to number of the contracts. There is limit of the age of the contracts. The should be within last 3 years.

16. Question #16: Will the Government authorize telework for the Contract Program Manager position, or must the PM be physically located at Ft Bragg?

Answer #16: No telework, and must be physically located at the HQ USAR, Fort Bragg, NC.

17. Question #17: Please provide the number of survivors/families that were supported in each location in the last 2 years.

Answer #17: Estimated total number of Survivors/families supported for all locations on a monthly basis-average contact/outreach is approx. 903 cases, supporting a population of approximately 1852. (This represents cumulative total for all 18 reporting locations)

18. Question #18: Can graphics, tables, and figures be in a smaller font size than 12 Times New Roman like 8 Times New Roman? (RE: page 49 of 87 - B. General Instructions, Section Volume I - Technical Proposal) Answer #18: Yes.

19. Question #19: Is there a page limitation for Volume II? (RE: page 49 of 87 - B. General Instructions, Section Volume II - Past Performance) Answer #19: No page limitation.

20. Question #20: Is a Price Narrative Section required or is the only requirement to fill in the provided Excel price proposal? (RE: page 49 of 87 - B. General Instructions, Section Volume III - Price, #2) Answer #20: Excel form is provided for inserting the actual numbers to minimize the computation errors and optimize the price analysis. For any additional cost related information the Offeror can add Price Narrative in a separate documents, either Word or PDF. There is no page limit of the Price Narrative. Also see Q&A #6.

21. Question #21: If a Price Narrative Section is required, please provide the requirements for this section. (RE: page 49 of 87 - B. General Instructions, Section Volume III - Price, #2) Answer #21: Q&A #6 and #20.

22. Question #22: Surge hour’s labor burden rate per labor category is required. Please define what are considered to be "surge hours" and when they are required for performance. (RE: page 49 of 87

- B. General Instructions, Section Volume III - Price, #2) Answer #22: Surge hours will be taken from Instructions. IAW PWS 1.6.5 “Hours of Operation”, “…Performance of assigned tasks may require evening and weekend work as deemed necessary to accomplish contract mission requirements”. However, the intent is to award FFP contract, so there will be no separate line for the additional hours. Please remove as this does not require surge hours, based upon 40 hr work week, PWS 1.6.5 and 5.7.2.

23. Question #23: Should "surge hours" be factored into the pricing for any of the CLINS or are they provided as a separate standalone requirement that may be added into the contract once awarded?

(RE: page 49 of 87 - B. General Instructions, Section Volume III - Price, #2) Answer #23: see Q&A # 22.

24. Question #24: If the surge hours are to be factored into CLIN pricing, please provide the number of hours by labor category position and location. (RE: page 49 of 87 - B. General Instructions, Section Volume III - Price, #2) Answer #24: see Q&A # 22. (No surge hours required for this packet.) See PWS 1.6.5 and 5.7.2 based on 40 hour week.

25. Question #25: In the provided Excel Attachment to be used for pricing, are we to include each labor category required during Phase-In or just the overall 30 day phase-in cost? (RE: page 50 of 87 - B. General Instructions, Section Volume III - Price, #2) Answer #25: Include the labor category.

26. Question #26: In the provided Excel Attachment to be used for pricing, are we to use the provided plug-in figure for CLINs 0004, 1003, and 2003 (Orientation/Training) as shown on page 50 or are we to provide the breakdown by labor category (as indicated in the excel pricing sheet)? (RE: page 50 of 87 - B. General Instructions, Section Volume III - Price, #2) Answer #26: CLINs 0004, 1003, and 2003 should be plug-in figures.

27. Question #27: If an offeror determines there is no Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) for this contract, is Volume IV required to be submitted? (RE: page 50 of 87 - B. General Instructions, Section Volume IV - Organization Conflict of Interest) Answer #27: yes, Volume IV is still required.

28. Question #28: Is this solicitation being evaluated as Best Value (as shown) or as Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) as they are not the same basis for evaluation? (RE: page 50 of 87 -Addendum to 52.212-2 - A. Evaluation Factors for Award, #1) Answer #28: LPTA is one of the source selection approaches for ensuring the Best Value Continuum, as per FAR 15.101.

29. Question #29: Is the Government first determining whether an offeror's technical proposal is acceptable before reviewing the pricing to determine if it is the lowest price or is the government reviewing the pricing first and then determining if the offeror's technical proposal is acceptable?

(RE: page 51 of 87 -Addendum to 52.212-2 - A. Evaluation Factors for Award, #2) Answer #29: Technical Evaluation is conducted before the price analysis.

30. Question #30: Subfactor 1-Management Approach, evaluation factor c requires that "at the management level, the offeror personnel performing the contract shall have a minimum of education credentials in counseling, financial, and human services with 10 years of verifiable and successful experience..." (a) Is this referring to the proposal Program Manager? (b) If so, the requirement for 10 years experience is more than the required experience listed in Section 1.6.8.4.1, which requires only 5 years. (c) Which is correct? (RE: page 52 of 87 -Addendum to 52.212-2 - B. Evaluation Criteria, Subfactor 1, item c) Answer #30: (a) 10 years is referring to Offeror; (b) this refers to Program Manager located at HQ USAR, (c) comments provided at (a) and (b).

31. Question #31: The second sentence in this section states: "The sample training shall." Would you please provide the rest of the sentence? (RE: page 52 of 87 -Addendum to 52.212-2 - B. Evaluation Criteria, Subfactor 2).

Answer #31: See Q &A #5.

32. Question #32: Are any other page sizes allowed other than 8 1/2 x 11?

Answer #32: No, in the case the government has to print the proposal the paper size should be uniformed.

33. Question #33: While PWS 3.2 (page 70) specifies that the government will provide telephones and landline access, there is no mention of government-provided mobile phones. Since it is made clear that the work is not based on a standard work week, and will involve frequent evening and weekend work (PWS 5.7.2, page 75), will the government provide mobile phones, or is the contractor expected to provide mobile phones?

Answer #33: the Government will not provide mobile phones. See PWS Part 4.1.

34. Question #34: The evaluation criteria (page 51, subfactor 1b) mention 20 locations, but there are only 19 locations listed in the table (PWS 1.6.6, pages 59-60). Which is correct? If there are indeed 20 locations, please provide the additional location.

Answer #34: Correction, There are 19 locations (This includes the HQ USAR location) PWS 1.6.6 is correct.

35. Question #35: Are Support Coordinator and Financial Counselor services to be provided at Fort Bragg also, or is it just the Program Manager that is based there?

Answer #35: See PWS 1.6.6. Only Program Manager.

36. Question #36: Key personnel requirements (page 45, paragraph a) state that resumes for all key personnel are to be submitted with the proposal; page 45 (paragraph c) and PWS 1.6.21.1 (page 64) identify the Program Manager, Alternate Program Manager, and all Support Coordinators and Financial Counselors as key personnel. However, the evaluation criteria (page 52, subfactor 3d) specify resumes only for the Program Manager and Alternate Program Manager. Which is correct?

Does the government require resumes for all positions, or just for the Program Manager and Alternate?

Answer #36: Resumes are to be provided only for the Program Manager and Alternate.

37. Question #37: The evaluation criteria (page 52, subfactor 1c), specify management personnel shall have 10 years of verifiable experience in the specific fields, while PWS 1.6.8.4.1 (page 62) states that the experience required is 5 years. Which is correct?

Answer #37: See Q&A #30.

38. Question #38: Evaluation criteria (page 52, subfactor 2) state that “The sample training shall.”

Will the government please supply the missing description of what the sample training shall do?

Answer #38: See Q &A #5.

39. Question #39: There are no file types specified for proposal submission, except for the Price volume, which is to be on the Excel spreadsheet provided plus a supplemental Word file as needed.

Are pdf files acceptable for other volumes?

Answer #39: Yes.

40. Question #40: PWS 1.6.7.5 (page 61) and PWS 5.7.5.9 (page 76) require an employee list to be submitted within 5 days of contract award, while PWS 1.6.12.2 (page 64) and PWS 5.7.5.5 (page

76) state that the list is due within 30 days of award. Which is correct?

Answer #40: All references are correct. Employee list (PWS 5.7.5.9) (2) provide employee list within 5 days of contract award per para 1.6.7.5. (This is different than the Assigned list per

1.6.12.2. and SOS staff Roster and is used for different reasons).

41. Question #41: There are repeated references in the PWS to “county coverage areas”, with no further explanation. Does this indicate that Support Coordinators and Financial Counselors will be providing services only within the county where they are located, or is there some other explanation of this term? If it were simply “coverage area”, it would be easily understood, but the introduction of “county” makes it unclear as to the scope of coverage expected.

Answer #41: See PWS 1.6.6. County coverage area will represent counties closest to where their performance location is. In many areas, AR SOS staff do not cover the entire state, but provide direct survivors in a designated Survivor support in a geographical area closest to the command (performance location) SC and FC are assigned. Ex: Staff at the 143 ESC would support Survivors in Orange County.

42. Question #42: Insurance Requirements (page 55) state that the minimum amount of insurance required for the various types of insurance specified (e.g., Workmen’s Comp, Employer’s Liability, Comprehensive Liability, and Auto Liability) “varies with location”. Would the government please provide the actual amounts of insurance required for the locations on the contract?

Answer #42: Addendum to FAR 52.228-5 was edited. Please, see the solicitation.

43. Question #43: Volume I Technical Proposal -- Does the 50 page limit include also include a Pricing Narrative, OCI Mitigation Plan, Quality Control Plan and the Phase-in/Phase-out Plan?

Answer #43: 50 page limit is applied only to Technical Volume which would include Quality Control Plan and the Phase-in/Phase-out Plan. Pricing Narrative and OCIU Mitigation plan do not have page limitation.

44. Question #44: Volume II Past Performance – States “past performance information for contracts closely related to the requirements in the PWS for the past 3 Years”. Is there a required number e.g. 1, 3, 6 of past performances that must be submitted?

Answer #44: No, there is no limit as long as they are within last 3 years.

45. Question #45: Volume III Pricing, Paragraph 2. – Is the Offeror required to include a discussion of the annual labor burden rates and the surge hour labor rates in the Pricing Narrative?

Answer #45: Surge hours will be taken from the Instruction. Also, see Q&A #22.

46. Question #46: Volume III Pricing, Paragraph 2. – Are the surge hour labor rates considered to be overtime hours?

Answer #46: No. There is no surge labor. See PWS 1.6.5 and 5.7.2. Contract staff is to be managed based upon 40 hr week. No overtime or surge expenses factored in this requirement.

47. Question #47: Volume IV Organizational Conflict of Interest – The last paragraph, second line states “the potential offeror is encouraged to ask questions and seek clarifications before solicitation closing.” Does this question mean an Offeror can ask OCI questions after the general question closing period?

Answer #47: Yes.

48. Question #48: Subfactor 2. Paragraph (d) Contract Phase-In Approach – Will the government permit the Offeror to contact the Incumbent’s Program Manager and Alternate Program Manager to obtain a resume and a commitment as is required within this section?

Answer #48: Yes.

49. Question #49: Is there an Incumbent?

Answer #49: The incumbent is Strategy and Management Services, Inc.

50. Question #50: On RFP page 52, Subfactor 2 – A sample training curriculum outline….second sentence states. “The sample training shall.” It appears that what the sample training shall be comprised of has been left out. Would the Government please clarify what is expected?

Answer #50 : See Q&A #5.

51. Question #51: On RFP page 57, Section 1.5 Period of Performance…”the period of performance reads as follows:”, but no period is stated. Would the Government please state the period of performance?

Answer #51: See Q&A #12.

52. Question #52: On RFP page 71, Part 4 section 4.1…Does the Government expect the awarded contractor to provide cell phones to any of the personnel and if, so, which?

Answer #52: See Q&A #33.

53. Question #53: We assume that the APM is derived from an individual filling one of the Support Coordinator or Financial Counselor positions who also has the requisite qualifications to meet the PM requirements. Is this assumption correct?

Answer #53: See PWS 1.6.8.4.3

54. Question #54: Reference: Para 11.6.12.1. Key Personnel. For the purpose of this requirement, the PM, Alternate PM, Support Coordinators, and Financial Counselors are considered key personnel.

Contractor shall re-fill PM vacancies within five (5) business days and re-fill Support Coordinator and Financial Counselor vacancies within ten (10) business days with personnel possessing adjudicated NAC-I, CNAC-I and IRC prior to beginning work. The Key Personnel in this contract are as follows (to be filled at the time of the award) PM, APM, support Coordinators, financial Counselors.

From the above noted references it appears that the PM and APM positions are considered Key and Essential and resume are identified to be referenced in the proposal. The Support Coordinators and Financial Counselors are considered key but to be filled and approved at the time of the award. Is this correct?

Answer #54: Yes, the assumption is correct. PM is to be on board day of contract award

55. Question #55: Reference: Volume II –Past Performance. The Offeror shall submit past performance information for contracts closely related to the requirements in the PWS for the past 3 years. The submission shall include the title, contract number, award amount government agency/office, and relevancy to the current solicitation. Also, it should include the point of contact information for each listed contract.

To ensure that the Government truly has an opportunity to benefit from the best available experiences, may we offer relevant past performance that is closely related to this requirement that occurred within an expanded period of the last 5 years?

Answer #55: It is a contracting officer’s decision to ask to submit the information within last 3 years.

56. Question #56: Reference: Subfactor 2 – A sample training curriculum outline with script and two slides on Money Management Pitfalls, designed for a 10 minute presentation to Survivors or Soldiers and military Families. The sample training shall. The Government’s technical evaluation team will evaluate Offeror’s sample training curriculum outline to determine either technically acceptability or technically unacceptability. In order to be considered technically acceptable, Offeror’s response shall clearly demonstrate that the offeror understands the training curriculum and Money Management Pitfalls.

We can respond with a generic outline and script, but will be at a distinct disadvantage as we do not have the current incumbent’s access to the Government’s SOS customers. Consequently, this is a requirement that jeopardizes the possibility of fair competition of this contract and thus potentially serves as a basis for protest. Please respond.

Answer #56: The Government’s SOS customers are identified as Survivors, Soldiers and Military families. Providing training curriculum on Money Management Pitfalls would not require any firm to have access to Survivors, Soldiers or Military Families. This information is PII and not releasable. The requirement is in place to determine if an offeror has the ability to create and provide a Sample Training Curriculum with script and Two Slides on Money Management Pitfalls.

57. Question #57: Reference: 6.1 APPLICABLE Publications (Current Editions) 6.1.1 Survivor Outreach Services Operations Manual. Would the Government please provide the missing USARC SOS Operation Manual?

Answer #57: This is an internal working document provided to SOS staff upon contract award due to proprietary nature of document. Public information can be gleaned from www.sos. Army.mil and www.arfp.org as well as by conducting SOS searches on the web.

58. Question #58: Who is the COR accountable to in the matter of travel being approved in a timely manner? Task area’s spread out over several states- if the COR doesn’t approve in a timely manner cost such as flights go up in order to get to the other AORs. Will a be a time window on the COR’s time for approvals? (RE PWS 1.6.13. Travel) Answer #58: See PWS 1.6.12.4.7, all will factor into timely COR approval or even not to approve of available travel funding.

59. Question #59: Is the contractor required to incur the cost of additional CNO/CAO training after government has paid for one person per position location? (RE PWS 1.6.9.9) Answer #59: In the event a vacancy occur, contract responsible for associated cost for CNO/CAO training for replacement personnel.

60. Question #60: 1.6.7.3.1 states that the government requires a change of PM to be backfilled within 5 days of vacancy and remaining staff vacancies to be filled within 10 business days. In paragraph

1.6.7.1.2 the process for obtaining an IRC and NACI may take a minimum of six weeks and 75 http://www.arfp.org/ days respectively. Since these items are adjudicated by the Government may personnel be allowed to perform contract duties while waiting for the completion of NACI? (RE PWS 1.6.7.1.2.)

Answer #60: No.

61. Question #61: Will the government consider a Bachelor's degree or additional years of relevant experience in lieu of the degree in Behavioral Sciences? (RE PWS 1.6.8. Special Qualifications) Answer #61: No.

62. Question #62: Please provide clarification as to what would cause a travel request to be turned down by the COR? (PWS 1.6.12.4.7) Answer #62: If not meeting requirements per some of the examples cited as well as not in scope of PWS.

63. Question #63: The staffing rate requirement is 97%. Given the uncertainty of the security process and the length of time required to adjudicate NACIs and IRCs , can the contractor be given credit for fill once the qualified candidate is identified to fill as with their ready to work date reported as pending adjudication of security Process? (RE PWS 1.6.12.6) Answer #63: No. Per PWs 1.6.12.5 “ready to work” staff must be provided.

64. Question #64: The addendum states this is a best value (lowest price technically acceptable) source selection. The terms best value and LPTA seem contradictory. The paragraph also states unreasonable priced proposals may be eliminated from competition. Given the complexity of the work and the credentials required by the staff should a true best value evaluation replace the LPTA in order to obtain the best solution for the Government? (RE Evaluation Factor ADDENDUM TO 52.212-2) Answer #64: IAW FAR 15.101, Trade off and LPTA are different source selection approaches, and both constitute to Best Value Continuum.

Survivor Outreach Services W9124J-16-R-0008 Questions and Answers PART TWO 1

Question # Page # Question Answer

1 45 Are resumes required to be submitted? Yes, IAW Addendum 52.212-2/ Factor 1 – Technical Capability/ Subfactor 3

2 45 If resumes are to be submitted, which volume would the Government prefer the Contractor submits them in?

Volume 1 -Technical Proposal

3 45 Are resumes required for all key personnel as identified in the solicitation?

See Addendum 52.212-2/ Factor 1 – Technical Capability/ Subfactor 3

4 51 Which “Price analysis techniques” will the Government use to determine the total evaluated price to support the selection of the lowest price technically acceptable offeror.

Evaluation of price will be performed using one or more of the price analysis techniques in FAR 15.404-1.

5 51

Will there be separate Government evaluators for Factor 1 (Technical Capability) and Factor 2 (Past Performance) or will the same Government evaluators be evaluating every factor?

Evaluations will be conducted IAW the Source Selection Plan.

6 53

According to FAR Clause 15.305 (a)(2)(iv) as referenced on page 53, if an offeror does NOT submit past performance, will they automatically be labeled as “Acceptable” for the purposes of Evaluation Factor 2: Past Performance?

“an offeror without a record of relevant past performance or for whom information on past performance” refers to “past performance doesn’t exist” (in the case a new company) rather than “past performance is not submitted).

7 55 Is an Organizational Conflict of Interest Mitigation Plan applicable for this proposal submission, and a requirement?

See Addendum 52.212-1/ Instructions to Offerors

8 57

According to the Solicitation, the phase-in period commences on April 1, 2016 and proposals are due February 29, 2016. Can we anticipate the Government will change the commencement date for phase-in to allow for sufficient evaluation of proposals?

The Contracting Officer will make this decision if deem appropriate.

9 50

Will the customer consider Best Value instead of Lowest Technical for Evaluation Criteria due to the challenging key personnel certifications and educational requirements listed in the solicitation?

LPTA is one of the source selection approaches for ensuring the Best Value Continuum, as per FAR 15.101.

10 87 What is the current Level of Effort (# of FTEs)? Historical labor hours are provided in the Technical Exhibit #6 in the end of the PWS.

11 87 Are all current positions filled? NO

12 54 Is pricing data required from both the Prime and Subcontractor?

Prime only

Survivor Outreach Services W9124J-16-R-0008 Questions and Answers PART TWO 2

13 87

Can a financial counselor be proposed who is within 1 year of obtaining certification as an Accredited Financial Counselor, Certified Financial Planner, or a Chartered Financial Consultant?

no

14 87

Qualifications for the Support Coordinator include a minimum of a baccalaureate degree in the behavioral sciences. Could the Government confirm that a prospective candidate with a baccalaureate in an unrelated area and who holds a Master’s in the behavioral sciences is acceptable?

yes

15 87 Are the 2 years of experience required by the Financial Counselors, 2 years of financial counseling experience or 2 years as an AFC, CFP, or ChFC?

2 yrs of experience years as an AFC, CFP, or ChFC?

16 87 Are the current employees SCA employees? there are no SCA positions. All positions are professionals, therefore, Clause 52.222-42 is in the solicitation.

17 87 Please clarify if the PM is expected to be at the office from 0700 – 1800 daily or is this the proposed standard work hours for this position?

See PWS 1.6.12.3

18 50 Will the contractor be required to pay for and provide these trainings? If so, please provide cost per training.

No. See PWS 1.6.9 – 1.6.9.8 and 1.6.13.4.

19 49 Will the Government allow Offerors to provide resumes as past performances?

Resumes for PM and Alternate PM

20 50 Is the contractor required to incur cost for this training and the cost to maintain certifications?

No. See PWS 1.6.9 -1.6.9.8 and 1.6.13.4.

21 N/A Will the Government confirm that cell phones are not required under this contract? In addition, will cell phones be provided by the Government?

See PWS Part 3. Cell phones will not be provided to staff (unless required for PM assigned at HQ USAR)

22 52 Is the Alternate PM a paid position and are they expected to be located at Fort Bragg?

See PWS 1.6.8.4.3; 1.6.12.3.1, and 1.6.12.3.2

23 87 Will the Government consider Support Coordinators with degrees other than Behavioral Sciences, if they have the requisite work experience?

See #14 – related to advance degree with required experience

24 87 Will the Government consider a Program Manager with a degree other than Behavioral Sciences, if they have the requisite work experience?

See PWS requirement

Survivor Outreach Services W9124J-16-R-0008 Questions and Answers PART TWO 3

25 87

Will the Government confirm that the Monetary Wage for the Program Manager is the same as the Counselor position?

Clause 52.222-42 is for the information only, and it doesn’t not reflect current wages, nor it is mandatory. It is up to the Offeror to propose the wages.

26 N/A What are the estimated timelines for adjudication historically associated with the Installations Records Check?

See PWS 1.6.7.1.1

27 64 What are the timelines historically associated with the National Agency Check with Inquiries?

See #26

28 60 What are the timelines historically associated with the Childcare National Agency Check with inquiries?

See #26

29 60 Will the Government consider Interim Secret Clearances in lieu of the NAC-I, CNAC-I and IRC?

See PWS requirements specified. See #26

30 61 Reference 1.6.7.3.1 Due to staff turnover, how shall the contractor backfill positions in 5-10 days if the security requirements take longer to process?

Government can’t tell Offeror how to recruit.

31 61

Reference 1.6.7.3.1 What does the Government consider as a reasonable discount to the invoice for unfilled vacancies?

See PWS 1.6.7.3.1 (Contractor shall agree not to charge the Government for unfilled vacancies per

1.6.6 by applying a discount to the invoice for unfilled vacancies.

32 62 Reference 1.6.8.4.1 Will the Government accept eight (8) years of experience in lieu of a Master’s degree?

No. See PWS requirements

33 62 Reference 1.6.8.3 Will the Government accept a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) as a National Level Certification?

No. See PWS requirements

34 63 Reference 1.6.9.6 Does the Government pay for the costs associated with receiving training by a CI agent for the TARP program?

No. Government provides TARP Training.

35 64 Reference 1.6.12.1 Are all positions considered to be Key Personnel or just the PM and Alt PM?

All positions are the key positions

36 64 Reference 1.6.12.4 Will the Government provide designated county coverage areas per location or Areas of Responsibility per location?

See PWS 1.6.6 for areas of responsibility per location. County coverage provided based upon performance location and survivor population.

37 65 Reference 1.6.12.4.6 Will the Government exercise relatively continuous supervision and control over the on-site PM which will require the need for urgent response in

It is non-personal service contract. The Government doesn’t supervise the contractor’s personnel.

Survivor Outreach Services W9124J-16-R-0008 Questions and Answers PART TWO 4 under two hours? Please clarify the requested formats and timelines.

38 65 Reference 1.6.12.4.7 Please clarify reasonableness of travel request costs. Will the government be conducting travel in accordance with the JTFR?

Yes, as per description CLIN 0003, 1002 and 2002

39 65

Reference 1.6.12.4.7 How often does the Government host the Army Reserve Family Programs New Staff Orientation and is the Government or offeror responsible for the travel costs?

The contractor will be reimbursed for the travel cost

IAW JTFR.

40 65

Reference 1.6.12.6 Please clarify the definition of minimum of a 97% staffing rate. Historically, what are the normal staffing levels and average number of replacement hires for the period of performance?

Fill rate minus unfilled rate per PWS 1.6.6.

41 66

Reference 1.6.14 “Contractor Training. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to provide “trained and ready to work personnel…”Is this clause referencing previously mentioned government sponsored training?

No. See entire PWS clause at 1.6.14.

42 66

Reference 1.6.16 Regarding personnel vacancies, what is an appropriate discount and is the discount applied 100 days into the base period of performance?

No. Ninety days after the beginning of the first month base performance period equivalent to 120 days (1 phase-in month plus 3 months of the Base year).

43 58 What party is responsible for liability and disability payment if an accident occurs while traveling in a Privately Owned Vehicle?

As per clause 52.228 -5, the contractor shall have the insurance. Also, read the addendum to 52.228-5 on page 55 for additional requirements.

44 60

Does the position in American Samoan Island require any specific mission requirements i.e. Defense Base Act Insurance or COBRA Health Care plan?

Yes, Samoan Island falls under DBA.

http://www.dol.gov/owcp/dlhwc/FAQ/DBAFaqs.htm

See under :Who is covered under the DBA?

45 N/A

Are contractor staff responsible for any costs associated with promoting events or supplies required to perform at the mission oriented training events or hosting the resource events?

No

46 73

Reference 5.3.3 Will the Government please clarify travel definition of reach back capability and cases assigned to other components?

Reach back means responding to request for information and assisting telephonically or in writing to aid AR SOS and other components in acquiring information to support Survivor population.

http://www.dol.gov/owcp/dlhwc/FAQ/DBAFaqs.htm

Survivor Outreach Services W9124J-16-R-0008 Questions and Answers PART TWO 5

47 74

Reference 5.3.6.1 Please clarify the timelines for notification of request for command support from FPD/FPC. Travel pre-approval requires ten days while Government notification for support is minimum of five days.

FPD/FPC minimum request notification is 5 business days.

48 74

Reference 5.3.8 Is the Association for Financial Counseling, Planning and Education (AFCPE) certification different than the previously mentioned Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC)?

AFC is title- AFCPE is organization sponsoring certification training

49 74 Reference 5.5.2 Is travel time a reimbursable cost? no

50 74 Reference 5.5.3 Can the Government clarify the intent of synchronization of all entities?

See PWS re all required to support or complete mission

51 75 Reference 5.7.2 Historically, how often does weekend travel occur?

Varies depending on type and frequency of training.

52 76 Reference 5.7.5.11 Who notifies the Contractor staff of a requirement for Command Critical Incident Report?

See PWS situation dictates submission

53 77 Reference 5.7.5.15 Is the requirement for notification of urgent correspondence within two hours applied outside the standard working hours?

no

54 N/A Would the Government be receptive to an ODC CLIN that captures supplies for events, and miscellaneous items?

no

55 55 If the Government doesn’t exercise any supervision or control over contract service providers performing the services herein, is it necessary for the contract employee to submit documents to the FPD or FPC?

See Technical Exhibit #2, Deliverable Schedule and PWS part 5

56 56 How are the requirements of "personalized…web-based support" and "service delivery based on individual needs and support" permitted in light of the language in Sections 1 and 1.1 regarding the PWS being a non-personal services contract?

Non-personal contract definition has nothing to do with personalized support. IAW PWS 37.101 definition: “Nonpersonal services contract” means a contract under which the personnel rendering the services are not subject, either by the contract’s terms or by the manner of its administration, to the supervision and control usually prevailing in relationships between the Government and its employees.

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57 56 The PWS states that the AR SOS will provide awareness education to the command and the local military community regarding the needs of Survivors in efforts to maintain linkage between survivors and the Army. Does this include National Guard and Active Component within the AOR of the SOS team?

Command refers to Army Reserve and county coverage area related to Survivor support. AOR refers to command mission specific training request.

58 56 In Section 1.3, the solicitation references both Certified Financial Counselors and SOS Financial Counselor. What is the difference between the two positions?

Financial Counselor for Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) should be certified (Certified Financial Counselors).

59 56 Can the Government please clarify the difference between services to surviving family members are referral support to families of Veterans and Retirees? What provision can be made to continue services already begun with Vets and Retirees?

Refer to VA and Retirement Services

60 56 Section 1.4.2 references life skill education, what services are being requested? Please clarify the intent of life skill education?

Varies based upon individuals

61 What electronic data and case management tracking systems are already in place?

See PWS SOS Case Matrix, SOS module, DCIPS

62 56 In the last sentence in Section 1.4.2, “The Contract shall document communications..” Can the Government please clarify this language?

See PWS 1.4.2; The contractor shall document communications in prescribed and approvied Army and Army Reserve electronic data and case management systems

63 57 Section 1.4.4 states that the contractor staff shall develop partnerships and sustain collaborative working relationships with Government, counseling, social services agencies; veteran’s organizations; public and private organizations providing specific services to support the Survivor’s ability to cope with loss and rebuild social networks within the community.- Will the SOS team be able to participate in events held by outside groups (not involving Survivors) to help grow the working relationship with these groups?

See PWS 1.4 re scope of contract.

64 57 Does operation love letter have to be held the same date by every location, or does it simply have to be held each year?

No. Does not have to be held the same date by every location.

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65 Will the SOS team be able to attend events held by these outside groups as support for Survivors who are attending?

See PWS 1.6.12.4.7 and l.6.13.1

66 57 In Section 1.4.4 what is the Government’s applied guidance for gaining information from the community rather than giving it for the purposes of community outreach?

See PWS 1.4.4 through 1.4.4.2

67 57 Section 1.4.4.2, “The Contract shall market SOS...” Can the Government please clarify this language?

Publicize and share event information through various venues as listed.

68 58 This section states the COR, as applicable, will prepare and distribute minutes of each meeting….How many days after the meeting will the Contracting company or PM receive these minutes?

Within 7 business days.

69 58 If a government facility is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closings, or similar directed facility closings, can the Government please clarify how this impacts the status of key personnel if no Government employee is present?

In this hypothetical situation, the status of key personnel does not change. If the Government facility is closed due to emergency, then no one would be working in the facility.

70 58 Can contract employees work nonstandard schedules, which include 4- 10 hour days per week, as long as there is a SOS person in the office?

See PWS Para 1.6.5

71 58 When there is an exception to policy “…Exceptions include Federal holidays or when directed facility closings…” Since the staff are unable to report to work, is the contractor to direct the staff to charge the regular 8 hour work day to the government?

The solicitation will result in a FFP, Performance based contract. Each offeror shall decide how to best propose their best proposal. It is not up to the Contracting Office to direct how contractor staff charge their time during holidays or directed facility closings.

72 61 Is it possible for an employee to be “fully ready to work at the assigned location within 10 days” if it takes up to 6 weeks per the solicitation for a favorable IRC and up to 75 days for a CNAC-I to be adjudicated?

Government can’t dictate how contractor will recruit staff.

73 62 “The Contractor shall establish and implement methods of making sure all key/key cards issued to Contractor personnel by the government are not lost or misplaced and are not used by unauthorized person”. What accountability structure is the government looking for here?

See PWS Part 4.

74 62 Staff employed by the Contractor, more specifically the Financial Counselors, are required to maintain a certain

Government can’t determine contract employee processes. Government will not reimburse.

Survivor Outreach Services W9124J-16-R-0008 Questions and Answers PART TWO 8 level of qualification. Does this mean the burden of payment falls to the contracted staff in order to meet these requirements for qualification? Per the solicitation the government will not reimburse for maintaining required qualifications.

75 63 Is the AT level 1, ATCTS, IA an annual requirement for each position?

yes

76 63 Is Information Assurance Training the same as the Cyber Awareness Challenge Information Assurance Training?

yes

77 63 Section 1.6.9.4 “OPEC” Can the Government please clarify this acronym?

Correction: Should be OPSEC.

78 63 What is the Threat Awareness Reporting Program. See PWS 1.6.9.6 79 63 Will the Government only provide funding for one in-person CNO/CAO training per contract?

For only those who have never taken an in person class at performance locations. If government fund staff at a location, contract must fund cost for replacement staff when vacancy occurs at same performance location.

80 63 If a training is denied approval within 120 days, is there an extension added to this requirement outlined in 1.6.9.9?

Consideration will be given if no classes are offered within the 120 day window per 1.6.9.9.

81 63 Will the Government provide the manual referenced in section 1.6.9.11?

No. This is an internal document provided to SOS upon hire.

82 65 Is it reasonable to expect a PM to respond in 2 hours if all locations aren’t at their assigned location or by a computer at the time? Would the Government review this requirement and revise to 8 hours for urgent correspondence?

See PWS deliverable for this contract

83 65 How does this 10 day advance submission of travel requests align with either the 5 day (per Section 5.3.6.1) or 10 day (per Section 5.7.5.14) support request time period?

Two different requirement as noted by the PWS task areas.

84 65 Is a CAC card required in order to be considered or defined as a ready to work employee?

All PWS security, training and in-processing activities are required for personnel. CAC is provided when requirements are met, signifying ready to work.

85 66 When must the roster/sign in sheet be delivered to the SOS Staff by the event requestor/on site POC?

See PWS 1.6.13.3.

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86 66 Section 1.6.14 states that in those cases where the Government has provided training, comparable training for replacement personnel will be provided at contractor’s Expense. Does this refer to IMCOM, and new employee orientation?

Not necessarily.

87 67 In Section 1.6.17, please identify the geographic bounds for performance under this section.

Use of approved government marketing material per Army Reserve guidance

88 70 Dealing with privacy issues that Survivors present, will all contractors be located in offices? If not, it states that an area for privacy when interviewing clients will be provided. Since Survivor meetings can happen at any time, how does the contactor employee gain access to a private room?

Communicate with Family Program Directors/Coordinators at performance location

89 70 How does an employee make a request to the Government for standard office supplies? Please define standard office supplies.

See #88 and PWs 3.1

90 72 What is meant by the phrase "work in coordination with … to accomplish mission" as referenced in Section 5.2? Does this section require the Support Coordinator to work with all FPD/FPC within assigned area of responsibility per 1.6.6?

Per PWS 1.6.6. Support Coordinators and Financial Counselors work in coordination with Family program Directors/Coordinators and staff at performance locations.

91 72 Does the Support Coordinator have oversight of the Financial Counselor at the performance location?

no

92 72 Does this section require the Support Coordinator to submit weekly activity summaries to all FPDs/FPCs within assigned area of responsibility per Section 1.6.6?

No. Performance locations per PWS 1.6.6

93 72 Will the Financial Counselor be required to provide their own report?

yes

94 72 Please identify the geographic bounds for performance under Section 5.2.2.

Performance location per 1.6.6

95 72 Please define army databases as referenced in Section 5.2.2.

DCIPS, SOS module, AR client tracking systems

96 72 Who will provide the necessary equipment to “Skype” with Survivors?

Current GFE doesn’t have Skype capabilities

97 72 Please define the exact DCIPS query that should be searched once per week per Section 5.2.4.

Must have knowledge of DCIPS to be relevant as query types vary.

Survivor Outreach Services W9124J-16-R-0008 Questions and Answers PART TWO 10

98 72 Instead of the Support Coordinator, would it be more appropriate if this function was performed by the Contract PM in Section 5.2.4?

See PWS for PM requirements

99 72 Section 5.2.4.1 requires the Contractor to alert the Survivors before a major disaster hits. Other than forecasted natural disasters, how can anyone be aware of a major disaster BEFORE it occurs?

See PWS 5.2.4.1 as it relates to outreach efforts.

100 72 Please identify the geographic bounds for performance under Section 5.2.5.

Self explanatory. Statement is “shall identify” and shall “ communicate with”.

101 72 In Section 5.2.5, What are the “..applicable directives…” when it comes to the management of the milestones for the financial counselors? While the contractor is to provide ready trained employees, the milestones for Survivors are government standardized. Therefore, who will train the staff on the aforementioned applicable directives?

See PWS 1.6.13.4 and 1.6.14.

102 73 Please identify the geographic bounds for performance under Section 5.2.6.

Performance location, county coverage and supporting CAC

103 73 What Surveys, tracking systems, websites, and Management Information Systems should the SC review to determine Survivor support trends for their respective Survivor population. If these systems require a fee to register, does the Government reimburse?

No fees required. Access to primary databases are provided upon acquiring ready to work status.

104 73 What is meant by the phrase "financial assistance (information) services" outlined in Section 5.3?

See PWS 1.4 .3

105 73 Define Army and Army Reserve databases.

106 73 Does Section 5.3.2 require interviews of anyone other than

Survivors? Please identify the geographic bounds for performance under Section 5.3.2.

See PWS 1.4

107 73 Other than to receive training, is Financial Counselor travel authorized outside of designated local county coverage area (and within the assigned area of responsibility per 1.6.6.)

only to support an AR Mission?

See PWS reference travel authorization

108 73 Does Section 5.3.5 require the Financial Counselor to work with multiple FPDs/FPCs within assigned area of responsibility per 1.6.6?

Depend on the training venue. See PWS regarding request for training

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109 73 Is the Financial Counselor required to develop both "standardized" and "tailored" financial readiness materials/curricula?

See PWS requirement to meet training needs

110 Please describe the means by which the Contractor will be given access to government computer systems in order to integrate multi-media technology and train contract staff on its usage.

See PWS 5.3.6 requirement for contractor to deliver services using the technologies. Contract is to tell government how they will do it.

111 74 Who will provide the needed equipment for webinars? See #110 112 Please describe any approval process with respect to the tailored items and what effects, if any, this has upon the 5 day notice provision under 5.3.6.1.

See PWS re FPD/FPC review if requested

113 Are the developed…