Solicitation Questions Matrix_for Response_final I_120619.pdf

Page Section Paragraph Comment/Rationale Responses

1 Page 15 SF 1449 CLIN 0016

CLIN 0016 for Travel is listed as a FFP contract type. But this CLIN requires support documentation post event for travel expenses that will be reimbursed at cost plus material handling. Please consider treating this CLIN as a true FFP contract type by requiring pricing proposal approval by the COR prior to any contract travel. Upon completion of the event, the accepted travel FFP for that event would be paid in full, without further documentation or justification. This would significantly reduce the workload on both the Government and the Contractor, and would not result in an increase to contract travel costs.

The lanaguage has been updated to read the following: Travel (contractor employees only). Government pre‐ approval of all travel is required. The reasonableness and allowability of travel costs shall be governed and capped by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 31.205‐46. All travel requires notification and estimated price approval by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) prior to travel. Fee shall not be associated with this CLIN.

2 Page 65 RFP / PWS 1.3.1 Requirement: This paragraph discusses the requirement for Command and Control SMEs for BN/BDE Level. Question: Will the government provide the duty description/job requirements for this position?

See Attachment 11.

3 Page 65 RFP / PWS 1.3.3 Requirement: The contractor SMEs shall be fully qualified IAW Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Requirements.

Question: Will the Government please provide a list of the OSHA Requirements expected?

OSHA requirements expected are detailed in CFR 1910, General Industry Regulations.

4 Page 65 RFP / PWS 1.3.3 Requirement: Medical SMEs must be accredited by appropriate medical credentialing agencies. Question: Will the Government please provide a list of the appropriate medical credentialing agencies?

Appropriate medical credentialing agencies are detailed in NFPA 473, Standard for Competencies for EMS Personnel Responding to Hazardous Materials Incidents.

5 Page 65 RFP / PWS 1.3.3

Requirement: The contractor SMEs must have the experience and knowledge of working in this field as a firefighter and they shall be accredited by either the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board). Question: There are 100s for qualified SME that bring years military and non‐military related experience working within the CBRN Response Element Structure, WMD‐CST, HRF, US&R, CERFP, MCD, etc. that have never worked as a firefighter and therefore are not eligible to work as an SME on this contract. Will the Government please clarify this requirement or rewrite to include a larger scope of fully qualified candidates?

Clarification: The contractor SMEs must have the experience and knowledge of working in this field, preferably as a firefighter, and they shall be accredited by either the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board)

Page 65 and

RFP / PWS 1.3.3 and 1.3.4

Requirements: Paragraph 1.3.3 identifies “Contractor SMEs” and Paragraph 1.3.4 identifies “SMEs”. Question: Will the Government please define the difference between a “Contractor SME” and an “SME”

"Contractor SME" and "SME" have the same meaning.

Page 65 and

RFP / PWS 1.3.3 and 1.3.4

Requirements: Paragraph 1.3.3 requires “Contractor SMEs” to have firefighter experience and IFSAC or Pro Board qualifications. and Paragraph 1.3.4 requires “SMEs” have a completely different set of experiences and qualifications. Question: These two sections appear to contradict each other. Paragraph 1.3.3 requires firefighter experience. Paragraph 1.3.4 does not. Will the Government please clarify the SME requirements?

Paragraphs 1.3.3 and 1.3.4 both include Contractor SME/SME requirements. 1.3.4 highlights the requirements to have an understanding of the military approach to DSCA and disaster response.

8 Page 66 RFP / PWS 1.3.4 Requirement: This paragraph discusses the requirement for SMEs/Ocs but not for Command and Control SMEs. Question: Will the government clarify the requirement for Command and Control SMEs??

See the response to question #2, above.

9 Page 66 RFP / PWS 1.4 Requirement: This paragraph discusses the requirement for Command and Control SMEs for BN/BDE Level. Question: Will the government provide the duty description/job requirements for this position?

See the response to question #2, above.

10 Page 66 1.3.7 The RFP states, "Training dates, number of personnel, types of SMEs required and training locations will be provided by the government a minimum of 30 days prior but are subject to change based on unit requirements." Is it not the Government's intent to use the number of SMEs identified in Part 9 for each type of training or exercise event?

Part 9 displays the basic SME requirement for training events; however, units may limit training to specific elements due to resource shortfalls, conflicting requirements, etc. For example, an MCD exercise may include only the CBRN unit, not its associated medical unit. In these cases it becomes necessary to tailor the SME package conducting the training.

11 Page 67 RFP / PWS 1.6.7.1 Requirement: Paragraph 1.6.7.1 states work associated with this contract is not classified. Paragraphs 1.6.7.16, 1.16.17.1, and 4.2 seem to indicate that parts of this contract are classified. Question: Will the Government please clarify these classification requirements?

SECRET clearance is required for full time employees and part time employees serving as Incident Commanders due to exposure to DOD CBRN Response Enterprise information on government installations.

12 Page 67 RFP / PWS 1.6.7.1 Requirement: Paragraph 1.6.7.1 states work associated with this contract is not classified. Paragraphs 1.6.7.16, 1.16.17.1, and 4.2 seem to indicate that parts of this contract are classified. Question: If clearances are required; which specific positions require a clearance?

SECRET clearance is required for full time employees and part time employees serving as Incident Commanders due to exposure to DOD CBRN Response Enterprise information on government installations.

13 Page 69 RFP / PWS 1.6.8.1

Requirement: Paragraph 1.6.8.1 requires experience with the rank of Battalion Fire Chief or higher level of a large metropolitan city and at least 15 years of experience. Question: There are 100s for qualified SME that bring years military and non‐military related Incident Command experience. Will the Government please clarify this requirement or rewrite to include a larger scope of fully qualified candidates?

Experience outlined in paragraph 1.6.8.1 is commensurate with the government's expectations for service as an Incident or Area Commander.

14 Page 69 RFP / PWS 1.6.8.1

Requirement: Paragraph 1.6.8.1 requires experience with the rank of Battalion Fire Chief or higher level of a large metropolitan city and at least 15 years of experience. Question: This requirement would exclude many fully qualified former military Incident Commanders.

However, Military Incident Commanders to do not normally serve in assignments for 15 years or more. Will the Government consider rewriting this requirement to include military and non‐military fully qualified Incident Commanders that has not served as a Battalion Fire Chief?

Experience outlined in paragraph 1.6.8.1 is commensurate with the government's expectations for service as an Incident or Area Commander.

15 Page 69 RFP / PWS 1.6.8.1 Requirement: This paragraph identifies Incident Commanders and Area Commanders. Question: The title "Area Commanders" only appears once in the document. Will the Government please clarify the duty description, qualifications, and requirement to provide "Area Commanders"?

An Area Commander will have up to seven Incident Commanders working for him/her. Area Commanders resource Incident Commanders and prioritize resources, when limited, between Incident Commanders.

16 Page 69 RFP / PWS 1.6.8.2 Requirement: This paragraph appears to separate the OC and OC/Ts SME position unlike information previously provided in Paragraph

1.3.4. Question: Will the Government please define the roles and responsibilities for the OC and OC/T positions?

No separation intended ‐ the requirements of paragraph 1.3.4 and 1.6.8.2 apply to all SMEs.

17 Page 69 RFP / PWS 1.6.8.2 Requirement: This paragraph appears to separate the OC and OC/Ts SME position unlike information previously provided in Paragraph

1.3.4. Question: This paragraph provides certification and training requirements for an OC/T. Does someone serving as an OC have to also meet these certification and training requirements?

Yes, see response above.

18 Page 69 RFP / PWS 1.6.8.2 Requirement: This paragraph discusses the requirement for SMEs/Ocs but not for Command and Control SMEs. Question: Will the government clarify the requirement for Command and Control SMEs??

See answer to question 2.

19 Page 70 RFP / PWS 1.6.8.3

Requirement: Minimum of 10 years of experience as a FEMA US&R specialist. Contractor US&R personnel shall be, or have been a member of a Federal, State or County US&R team. Question: This requirement seems to restrict contractor support personnel to those who have only served in a "civilian" FEMA US&R position. This requirement would exclude many fully qualified former military personnel with US&R training and experience.. However, military members do not normally serve in assignments for 10 years or more. Will the Government consider rewriting this requirement to include military and non‐military fully qualified personnel to serve in these positions?

With sufficient documentation supporting experience/certification, the government would consider all personnel who have 10 years of experience as a FEMA US&R specialist OR have been a member of a Federal, State, or County USD&R Team.

20 Page 70 RFP 1.6.11.1 Requirement: This paragraph requires resumes for Incident Commander (per each location). Question: Does per each location represent/mean that we must provide 2 or 3 Incident Commander resumes based on the requirement to support 2 or 3 geographically separate Locations?

Separate geographic locations dictate a requirement for multiple, simultaneously operating Incident Commanders. Each would require a resume.

21 Page 70 RFP 1.6.11.1 Requirement: This paragraph requires resumes for Incident Commander (per each location). Question: Will the Government please verify how many Incident Commander resumes they require?

Separate geographic locations dictate a requirement for multiple, simultaneously operating Incident Commanders. Each would require a resume.

Solicitation Questions

22 Page 70 RFP / PWS 1.6.11.1 Requirement: This paragraph requires resumes for Safety Office (per each location). Question: Does per each location represent/mean that we must provide 2 or 3 Safety Officer resumes based on the requirement to support 2 or 3 geographically separate Locations? Will the Government please verify how many Safety Officer resumes they require?

Separate geographic locations dictate a requirement for multiple, simultaneously operating Safety Officers. Each would require a resume.

23 Page 70 RFP / PWS 1.6.11.1 Requirement: This paragraph requires resumes for Safety Office (per each location). Question: Will the Government please verify how many Safety Officer resumes they require?

Separate geographic locations dictate a requirement for multiple, simultaneously operating Safety Officers. Each would require a resume.

24 Page 70 PWS 1.6.11.1 Key Personnel list 3 total (with additional required per site if operating simultaneous training sites) key personnel for an effort that encompasses 22,000 man days of effort. Is this correct?

Yes. Each separate Incident Commander and Safety Officer will require a resume.

25 Page 71 RFP / PWS 1.6.11.1.2 Requirement: This paragraph requires the Incident Commanders to have ICS 300 and 400 courses. Paragraph 1.6.8.1 requires different courses. Question: Which paragraph is correct?

Both. ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800 are considered prerequisites for ICS 300 and 400.

26 Page 71 RFP / PWS 1.6.11.1.2 Requirement: This paragraph requires the Incident Commanders to have operational experience serving as an IC. Paragraph 1.6.8.1 requires Accredited Fire Department experience with the rank of Battalion Fire Chief or higher level of a large metropolitan city and have at least 15 years of experience. Question: Which paragraph is correct?

Both paragraphs are correct.

27 Page 71 RFP / PWS 1.6.11.1.3

Requirement: This paragraph provides the certification, experience, and qualifications for the Safety Officer for Technical Rescue Operations. Question: These certification, experience, and qualifications seem to contradict the requirements in paragraph 1.6.8.3. For example" 1.6.8.3 identifies FEMA experience this paragraph does not. 1.6.8.3 requires Level 1 and 2 certification this paragraph does not.

etc. Will the Government please clearly define the certification, experience and qualifications required?

Paragraph 1.6.8.3 applies to US&R SMEs; paragraph 1.6.11.1.3 applies specifically to the US&R Safety Officer.

Both paragraphs are accurate.

28 Page 72 RFP/ PWS 1.6.16 Requirement: PWS discusses OCI, but there is no requirement for an OCI mitigation plan to be submitted with the solicitation response.

Question: Is this correct?

Correct, no mitigation plan is required under the solicitation. OCI is the responbility of the contractor to notify the KO immediately whenever they become aware and shall submit a plan to the KO to avoid or mitigate any such OCI when performing work under this contract.

29 Page 75 3.4.3 It is understood that the incumbent Prime contractor currently has 24 full time employees at Fort Sam Houston. Does the Government currently provide and plan to continue to provide office space for all 24 employees, in addition to the computers/laptops and landlines.

Yes, the Government will provide spaces to include equipment for the number of employees proposed by the contractor.

30 Page 76 4.2 The solicitation states that the Contractor requires a SECRET facilty clearance. Is this SECRET facility clearance required at contract award?

No, a reasonable expectation that a SECRET clearance can be obtained is sufficient.

31 Page 76 RFP / PWS 4.1 Requirement: See Attachment 8.7 for a sample list of ODCs. QUESTION: Will the Government please provide a copy of Attachment 8.7?

Attachment 11 is uploaded as part of the amendment package as requested.

32 Page 76 RFP / PWS 4.2 Requirement: The contractor requires a SECRET facility clearance. Question: This paragraph seems to contradict paragraph 1.6.7.1 which states work associated with this contract is not classified. Why does the contractor require a SECRET facility clearance if the work is unclassified?

SECRET clearance is required for full time employees and part time employees serving as Incident Commanders due to exposure to DOD CBRN Response Enterprise information on government installations.

33 Page 76 RFP / PWS 4.2 Requirement: A DD Form 254, Contract Security Classification Specification, is provided as Attachment 8.6. Question: Attachment 8 is the Contractor Q&A template. Will the Government please clarify this statement?

DD254 has been included in the attachment package as Attachment 12.

34 Page 77 RFP / PWS 5.2 Requirement: This paragraph requires "support training and evaluations involving CBRN Enterprise units simultaneously at three (3) geographically separate locations". Question: Paragraphs 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 5.11 identifies "two (2) geographically separate locations simultaneously" support requirements. Which is correct?

Each paragraph is specific to a SME capability reasonably expected to be required simultaneously at separate locations. For example, 5.2 addresses US&R; 5.7 Battalion level Command and Control; 5.9 Medical capability.

All are correct.

35 Page 78 5.4.1.

The RPF states: “The contractor is required to establish 6 work stations with power, computers, displays, event maps, diagrams,… 30 handheld portable radios to provide communications between the field units and the Incident Command Post (ICP) during the exercise)."

This is a significant capability requirement but is not included in any CLINs for price evaluation. Please consider adding this requirement to the appropriate training and exercise CLINs or as a line item in the Tab 2.0 Materials and Equipment spreadsheet

See updated PWS paragraphs 5.4.1, 5.4.1.1, and 4.1.1.

36 Page 79 5.4.3 The soliciation states that the contractor must obtain a license to drive government owned vehicles. Beyond a valid standard state‐issued drivers license, are any special drivers licenses needed for this requirement (i.e., a commercial drivers' license ‐ CDL)?

A separate, government issued driver's license is required and will be issued at Fort Sam Houston.

37 Page 85 Part 9 Please confirm that the "Estimated Workload for SMEs" in Part 9 is to be used for each of the four ordering periods, meaning that the "Estimated Workload for SMEs" table is to be multiplied by four for the entire contract. If not, please clarify.

Correct. Column 2 indicates "per year".

38 Page 86 H‐1 1 The solicitation states that the Task Orders will be issued for 12 month periods. Does this mean that the Government will issue 12 month task orders for each CLIN (CLINs 0002 ‐ CLIN 0017)? And if so, will each task order incorporate an estimate equal to/similar to the "Estimated Workload for SMEs" presented in Part 9 (page 85) of the solicitation?

Each task order issued will cover all the required services (and related CLINs) necessary for that task order's specific period of performance.

39 Page 86 H‐1 1 It is unclear as to what the basis will be for the Government issued 12 month task orders. Is it the Government's intent to issue task orders for each exercise/training event within each CLIN? For example, will a task order be issued under CLIN 0002 for a single CST training event in let's say Wisconsin? If so, how are the 12 month periods implemented?

Each task order issued will cover all the required services (and related CLINs) necessary for that task order's specific period of performance.

40 Page 87 General Provisions Under instructions to Offerors, numbers 1 and 2 seem to be in conflict: 1. says single award, IDIQ and 2 says FFP. Will all Task Orders be FFP? Please clarify

There is no conflict, the term "single award IDIQ" refers to the type of contract, whereas the FFP (firm fixed price) refers to the pricing or CLIN structure used in the contract. "Single award" means that only one contract will be award to one success offeror. AnIDIQ or indefinite‐delivery/indefinite quantity contract provides for an indefinite quantity, within stated limits, of supplies or services during a fixed period, where the Government places orders for individual requirements, while quantity limits may be stated as number of units or as dollar values. Lastly, FFP means that the CLINs prices are set at the time of the award per what is proposed, as provided under FAR part 16.2, specifically 16.201(a) and 16.202‐1.

41 Page 87 RFP / PWS General Provisions Requirement: This section states this is a Firm Fixed Price Contract. Question: Will all Task Orders be FFP?

Task Orders are FFP, when a contract is issued as FFP the task orders must be as well, otherwise the pricing structure is being changed with each task order. Furthermore, because each task order is issued in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract they are create against, issuing a task order from a FFP contract which is itself not FFP would effectively be changing the terms of the contract. Again as stated in a previous response, please refer to FAR Part 16.201(a) and 16.202‐1 for a detailed explanation of what FFP means.

42 Page 88 I A.1. The SF1449 states proposals are due NLT 13 December 2019; Page 88 states 16 December 2019. Please clarify This was a typo and as of the posting of the answers the due date has been corrected to read 16 December 2019.

43 Page 89 RFP Section L.C‐1 Question: Section L.C‐1 (p. 89) Proposal Preparation Instructions indicates that offerors are to submit Volume I ‐ General, whereas Table 2 Proposal Submittal Instructions and Format (page 90) indicates that Volume I should be entitled "RFP Documents". Would the Government clarify which title offerors should use? Title the volume as "Volume I ‐ General"

44 Page 92 RFP / PWS 4b(2) Requirement: Sub‐Factor 2 ‐ Staffing Approach requires resumes for key personnel. Question: Are resumes considered part of the 100 page count for the Technical Volume? No, resumes will not count against the page limit.

45 Page 92 RFP / PWS 4b(2) Requirement: Sub‐Factor 2 ‐ Staffing Approach requires resumes for key personnel. Question: Is there a page limit for individual resumes? No, a resume itself has no page limit.

46 Page 92 RFP / PWS 4b(2) Requirement: Sub‐Factor 3 ‐ Sample Task Order. The Offeror shall describe its technical approach to developing a solution that meets the requirements as stated in the Sample Task Order PWS. Question: Will the Government please provide a copy of the Sample Task Order?

The Sample Task Order Scenario has been attached to the solicitation package as attachment 13.

47 Page 92 RFP / PWS 4b(2) Requirement: Sub‐Factor 3 ‐ Sample Task Order. The offeror shall describe “how the work gets done” in each functional area of the scenario. Question: Will the Government please provide a copy of the Scenario? The Sample Task Order Scenario has been attached to the solicitation package as attachment 13.

48 Page 92 RFP / PWS 4b(2) Requirement: Sub‐Factor 3 ‐ Sample Task Order. The offeror shall describe “how the work gets done” in each functional area of the scenario. Question: Does the government intend to provide a PWS for the Sample Task Order? Attached PWS is the PWS for the Sample Task Order scenario.

49 Page 93 C. Volume III ‐

Past Perfor‐mance Paragraph (3)c

On page 93, Volume III ‐ Past Performance Section C 3. C, the government states “Consent Letters executed by each subcontractor, teaming partner, and/or joint venture partner authorizing the release of past performance information so the Offeror can respond to information”. Does the Government require letters of authorization from the bidder's Prime Contractor for prior contract work that the bidder is using as a past performance reference? No, authorization letters are not required as past performance questionnaires submissions are not required.

50 Page 93 RFP / PWS 4c(3)e Requirement: Oranizational Structure Change History. Question: Is this Organizational Structure Change History required for both the Prime and Subcontractors? Only required for the Prime Contractor.

51 Page 94 RFP / PWS 4c(3)f(6) Requirement: The Offeror shall provide documentation outlining the Offeror’s past performanc… The documentation shall be submitted in the following format: ... Question: The format provided in this section does not match the format in Attachment 7. Which format is correct? The attachment has been revised to provide the correct format.

52 Page 95

I.C. Proposal Preparation

Instructions 4 d.

Volume IV Price

The RPF states: “The offeror shall complete Attachment 1 “CBRN Excel Pricing Spreadsheet”. The Spreadsheet summary totals shall match the totals proposed on the SF1449, Section B ‐ Supplies or Services and Prices Contract Line Items (CLINs) 0001 thru 0018. Failure to complete Exhibit A may deem an offeror to be non‐compliant.” What is/where is Exhibit A?

Exhibit A is a typo, it should read Attachment 1 and the document has been amended to correct this.

53 Page 95

I.C. Proposal Preparation

Instructions 4 d.

Volume IV Price

The RFP states: "The Spreadsheet summary totals shall match the totals proposed on the SF1449, Section B ‐ Supplies or Services and Prices Contract Line Items (CLINs) 0001 thru 0018.” The CLIN numbering and descriptions do not match. And SF1449 only includes pricing for one ordering period (months 1‐12) from the Spreadsheet. Please clarify how we should complete the SF1449 and the Attachment 1 Spreadsheet in a manner that aligns the pricing CLINs across both documents.

The pricing listed in the SF1449 refers to the total price per line item for the full four year ordering period. While in Attachment 1 the CLINs are broken out to allow for the proposal of prices in annual increments.

54 Page 95 RFP / PWS Addendum to FAR

Part (A) Requirement: This section states this is a best value (Lowest Price Technically Acceptable) source selection. Question: The referenced FAR is for Best Value. Is this a Best Vlaue or a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable contract?

The FAR requires “best value,” where “best value” is seen as a concept that encompasses the use of different approaches and within that concept are included what is known as lowest price technically acceptable and trade‐ off process. Based on the questions, what you are referring to as “best value” is most likely trade‐off, which gives weight to the importance of the various factors being involved and does not make award contingent on providing the lowest price. This requirement is not applying that process, this is a lowest price technically acceptable requirement.

Attachment 1 ‐ Pricing Spread‐ sheet

Tab "Total Evaluated Price" and "1.0 Tng Event

Pricing"

Is it the Government's intent NOT to include the Phase In and Phase Out pricing (CLINs 0001 and 0018 from SF1449) in the total evaluated price? If the Government does intend to include Phase In and Phase Out pricing in the total evaluated price, please update the Attachment 1 Spreadsheet op include the Phase In and Phase Out line items.

Phase‐In and Phase‐Out are included in the total evaluated price and Attachment 1, Tab "Total Evaluated Price" and "1.0 Tng Event Pricing" have been updated to reflect this. Phase‐In and Phase‐Out have been added to Attachment 1 tabs as under the first year of ordering and the final year of ordering, respectively.

Attachment 1 ‐ Pricing Spread‐ sheet

Tab 2.0 Materials & Equipment

The "Tab 2.0 Materials & Equipment" spreadsheet lists a number of large equipment items with various quantities in the header cell but no units. For example, line 51 requires pricing for "1" Backhoe and line 87 requires pricing for "7" 17' Trucks. Please clarify what units are to be used for these pricing lines. See attachment 1, quantity has been added.

Attachment 1 ‐ Pricing Spread‐ sheet

Tab 2.0 Materials & Equipment

The "Tab 2.0 Materials & Equipment" spreadsheet lists a number of equipment items requiring pricing for 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month.

Each of these line items also have a header cell with numbers. For example, line 43 for Hand Wash Stations shows a header quantity of 63 and a quantity of "0" for the 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month lines. Please clarify how the bidder should complete these areas of the table, and how the extended price will be evaluated in the Total Evaluate Price. See attachment 1, quantity has been added.

Attachment 1 ‐

CBRN

Excel_Pricing Sheet

3.0 Sample Task

Order

The Sample Task Order details are included in the Attachment 1 ‐ Pricing workbook. Does the Government require the bidders to provide prcing for the Sample Task Order? Is so, please clarify where this pricing should be presented.

No pricing is required for the sample task order. Contractors must provide a technical approach describing their method for successfully completing the scenario presented in the sample task order details found in Tab 4 of Attachment 1, based on the the details provided and the requirement PWS. There is no separate PWS for task orders as the responsibilities and duties will be the same.

59 Attachment 7 N/A Requirement: Attachment 7 provides the past performance fomat. Question: Attachment 7 and page 94 of the RFP/PWS states "the documentation shall be submitted in the following format. Question" The fomats in these documents are not the same. Which format is correct? See question 51 above.

60 Attachment 9 N/A Requirement: Column I lists the total number of :SMEs" and Column J list the total number of "SME'ss". Question: Will the Government please define the positions, roles, and responsibilities for SMEs as identified in this spread sheet? Positions, roles, and responsibilities are defined in Part 5 of the PWS.

61 Attachment 9 N/A Requirement: Column I lists the total number of :SMEs" and Column J list the total number of "SME'ss". Question: Will the Government please define the positions, roles, and responsibilities for SME'ss as identified in this spread sheet? Positions, roles, and responsibilities are defined in Part 5 of the PWS.

62 Attachment 9 N/A Requirement: Column F lists the Mission Description. Question: Lines, 41, 132, 152, 192, and 194 do not provide Mission Descriptions.

Will the Government please provide this information? See updated Attachment 9.

63 ‐ ‐ ‐ Will we be allowed to add burden rates to Travel and ODCs? Refer to Section B(3)(c)(2) (Evaluation Criteria ‐ Price) and the subsequent note, found on page 99.

64 ‐ ‐ ‐ What burdens are allowable on Travel/ODCs? G&A, Handling, Fee? Please clarify. Refer to Section B(3)(c)(2) (Evaluation Criteria ‐ Price) and the subsequent note, found on page 99.

88 SF1449 & I.A.1. General This solicitation was originally scheduled for release the week after April 22, 2019 following sources sought and draft RFP notices that were released on December 21, 2108. The incumbent contract with L2 Defense was expiring on August 14, 2019. Due to unknown delays, the government extended the incumbent contract from August 15, 2019 to January 14, 2019 (158 days) to provide more time to finalize the solicitation and conduct the procurement. The government released the final solicitation on November 21, 2019 with a submittal deadline of December 16, 2019. This affords Offerors 25 days to put together a comprehensive proposal for an opportunity that is very complex and will likely result in significant questions from industry. Offerors will need time to evaluate and incorporate government responses to all questions, which also takes significant time. Lastly, the thanksgiving and Christmas holidays are likely to slow response times from the government and contractors alike.

See question 66 below.

88 SF1449 & I.A.1. General Request the government reevaluate the procurement timeline and adjust the schedule to enable Offerors to develop comprehensive proposals that are competitive to the incumbent. Specifically request the government extend proposal submittal deadline to January 10, 2020 so vendors can adequately research and price geographically based training and support services. Although this is 50 calendar days, there are 3 federal holidays that occur during this period, which also creates challenges for vendors.

This is a well‐defined action for a commercial product/service. This is not an overly complex action; regardless, the complexity of an action is mitigated by offeror/contractor qualifications and experience. The solicitation period is over one Holiday and is open for 25 days.

21 52.204‐8 General The government has selected NAICS code 611710 Educational Support Services with a small business size standard of 16.5M. Since this contract involves significant training “instructional” delivery services and NAICS 611710 is for programs primarily engaged in non‐ instructional support services should the NAICS be changed to 611699 or 611519?

NAICS Code 611710 has been determined to be appropriate for the present requirement.

88 I.B.1 General The government states this is a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) award. The FAR also state(s) that LPTA source selection should only be used when government requirements are clearly defined. Since the incumbent (L‐2 Defense), contract award on August 8, 2016 the contract value has dramatically increased from 19.97M to 30.99M or +55%. Part of this increase is attributed to the contract extension through Jan 2020 (+5.27M), but the contract base period also increased to 25.73M (29%) without including the extension. Since the L‐2 Defense award in 2016, the government has adopted new legislation further restricting LPTA source selections. See Section 813 of the FY2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) (P.L. 114‐328; see also 10 U.S.C. 2305 note).

The government is aware of the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) 215.101‐2‐70 and have followed the procedures for this source selection.

85 Part 9 PWS, page 85 Part 9 of the solicitation, page 85, states that CST training occurs 54 times annually and requires 2 contractors for 5 days per CST training event. Attachment 09 provides historical CSTA operations and provides a list of 36ea CST training events in 2018. The number of contractors supporting these events is averaged to 1.83 in column and row (O‐92) in attachment 9, but the PWS states we should plan for 2 personnel. The total days have also been average at 4.78 days per CST training event but the solicitation states we should use 5 days.

Are all Offerors, including the incumbent, required to use the rounded averages as listed herein?

Yes – all Offerors are required to use the rounded averages as listed for planning purposes.

Attachment

Historical Data Attachment 9 and

PWS

Attachment 09 lists an abbreviation for CST called “CST‐CLT” but the statement of work references CST Training Event (CST‐TE). Are these considered the same thing and should they be used interchangeably?

Yes – CST‐CLT and CST‐TE are interchangeable terms.

Attachment

Historical Data Attachment 9 and

PWS

What does the header for Column J in Attachment 09 mean “Total # of SME’ss” when compared to Column I SME’s; i.e. what’s the difference between SME’s and SME’ss?

The second "s" in Column I was a typo, the document has been corrected.

Attachment

Pricing Workbook Attachment 01, Tab 2

Tab 2 Materials and Equipment, Attachment 01, has a list of various materials and equipment that are added together and included in each ordering period totals at CLIN 14. What type of events, and what QTY, does this equipment list represent? This CLIN represents all total equipment and materials necessary for a 12‐month period but it is unclear how the quantities are allocated by event?

Quantities of materials and equipment vary by exercise/evaluation. For example, vehicles are only required when US&R conducts vehicle rescue training.

Attachment

Pricing Workbook Attachment 01, Tab 3

Tab 3 of Attachment 01 provides a sample task order for an event in Miami, FL on January 15‐25, 2020. The solicitation describes how the sample task order will be executed as part of the technical proposal, but its unclear if the government wants vendors to also provide pricing for the sample task order as listed on Tab 3. Does the government require Offerors to provide pricing for the sample task order, or is the pricing element not required for submittal?

There is no requirement to provide pricing for the sample task order. Interested parties need only provide a description of the technical approach they would take to fulfill the sample task order scenario provided in Attachment 1 requirement successfully.

70 PWS §1.6.11.1 This paragraph requires resumes for key personnel which includes the Project Manager, Incident Commander, and Safety Officer. This section of the PWS also states multiple personnel are required when running simultaneous sites. Can the government provide a minimum and maximum number of resumes required for submittal to be compliant with government key personnel requirements?

1 Project Manager resume; 1 Incident Commander resume and 1 Safety Officer resume per training event/training site.

65 PWS §1.3.3 This section of the solicitation states the contractor SME qualifications including IFSAC and/or ProBoard are required. Does the government also require the contractors to provide ProBoard certifications for DOD personnel who attend training and/or certifications? Yes.

70 PWS §1.6.8.4 States that Medical Officers shall possess a nursing degree or physician’s assistant (PA) with 10 years of first responder medical experience. Do any nursing degrees qualify (AN, AND, ASN, AASN, LPN, BSN, RN or MSN) and are current qualifications mandatory? Any nursing degree, with trauma experience. Current qualification not mandatory.

70 PWS §1.6.11 The government lists the Project Manager as key personnel, but does not list the Alternate Project Manager (A/PM) as key personnel.

Does the government require resume(s) for A/PM or does the PM suffice? Lastly, does the government have any experience requirements for the A/PM?

Resume for A/PM not required. Experience requirements are the same as that required for the Program Manager position.

72 PWS §1.6.15 This section, Miscellaneous – Admin & Medical, lists the NORTHCOM Joint Military Essential Equipment List (JMEEL) as a reference. Can the government provide a copy of the NORTHCOM JMEEL with all required equipment and materials for vendors to better understand what items the government expects?

Multiple JMEELs exist (US Army Reserve Command JMEEL for C2CRE‐A, National Guard Bureau JMEELs for CERFPs, HRFs, and C2CRE‐B, and a FORSCOM JMEEL for the DCRF). These JMEELs detail what equipment the military Technical Support Force units are required to maintain while on mission. There is no expectation that the contractor would provide this equipment.

75 PWS §3.4.1 This section states that Technical Support Force (TSF) units will provide monitoring equipment, reconnaissance equipment, technical rescue equipment, and decontamination equipment for training and evaluations. Has the incumbent contractor had to provide the FEMA Search and Rescue (S&R) equipment during the current contract?

The incumbent contractor has only provided US&R equipment on a limited basis (carpentry tools, chains, rope/straps) to set the training venue. DOD provides the US&R mission equipment to the TSF units.

77 PWS §5.2.2 This section states the contractor may have to provide urban search and rescue (US&R) equipment (FEMA Rescue Equipment) if the units cannot or do not have all of their own equipment, or if something breaks down at the training site. The contractor coordinates with city/county/municipality/state locations to obtain training locations and equipment support. Can the government provide historical data regarding the number of times and equipment provided by the incumbent contractor?

The government does not expect the contractor to provide specialty equipment to US&R units.

85 PWS Part 9 Estimated Work Load

How many full time contractor employees are supporting operations at Ft. Sam Houston, or are out of the office supporting CSTA operations? Also, can the government provide historical utilization of both full time employees and part time employees so vendors can better understand government expectations instead of the man days as listed on page 86 of the solicitation?

24 full time contracted employees support CSTA and operate from Fort Sam Houston. Historical man‐days are the most accurate reflection of the government’s expectation of required workload.

80 PWS §5.16 This section of the solicitation states the contractor shall provide liability insurance coverage for contract personnel. Does the government have any specific required coverage amounts, and/or do any of the facilities currently utilized by ARNORTH (government or private) have any specific insurance requirements?

An addendum to clause 52.228‐5 has been added to the end of the solicitation providing requested information.

17 PWS Page 17 of the solicitation

The government provides a maximum contract value of 49,461,236.00. What is the period of performance associated with this ceiling amount; i.e. is this for a 48 month POP or a 54 month POP if including a 6 month extension.

Contractors are not to provide pricing for a 6 month extension. Contractors are to prepare and submit a price with their proposal based on their determination of what it would cost to perform the services for the four year ordering period as detailed in the PWS.

88 & 95 PWS Page 88 & 95 The solicitation states “this is a best value award” and in parenthesis is states (lowest price technically acceptable” in accordance with FAR 12 and FAR 15.3. Can the government confirm LPTA or Best Value award criteria? Section 813 of the FY2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) (P.L. 114‐328; see also 10 U.S.C. 2305 note).

The FAR requires “best value,” where “best value” is seen as a concept that encompasses the use of different approaches and within that concept are included what is known as lowest price technically acceptable and trade‐ off process. Based on the questions, what you are referring to as “best value” is most likely trade‐off, which gives weight to the importance of the various factors being involved and does not make award contingent on providing the lowest price. This requirement is not applying that process, this is a lowest price technically acceptable requirement.

66 PWS §1.5 & §(3)(b) The government states the ordering period is 48 months extendable up to 12 additional months. Does this mean the period of performance is a 48 month base period and a single 12 month option period or something else?

The requirement is for a four (04) year ordering period. Tasks orders will be awarded at least bi‐annual (two per year) and on an as needed basis. The document has been reviewed and corrected within the PWS and the Task Order Procedures.

25 PWS (3) © Section M of the solicitation states the Total Evaluated Price (TEP) is achieved by adding all options together. Do the ordering periods listed in Attachment 01 reflect option performance periods or are they broken down this was as part of the total 48 month POP?

The requirement will not have separate options, however contractors are being given the opportunity to list annual prices to account for shifts in price from one year to the next.

Attachment

Pricing Workbook Attachment 01, Tab 02 and Page

14 of the solicitation

CLIN 0014 Material and Equipment as listed on page 14 of the solicitation and in attachment 01, Tab 02, Materials and Equipment has several line items that Offerors have to price at various locations around the country. The incumbent has direct knowledge of both quantities, sources and historically shipping costs for all of these items. This creates a disadvantage for Offerors as we have to incorporate all unknown risks into our pricing model. Could the government provide an estimate “plug” number for CLIN 14 and evaluate the proposed general and administrative (G&A) costs of each Offeror? This would eliminate the incumbent advantage and still cover the risk to the government by assessing historical costs with each Offerors proposed G&A rate.

The government is unable to provide an estimate plug number for CLIN 0014, we have provided a list of the materials and equipment which includes quantities. Contractors are to prepare and submit a price with their proposal based on their determination of what it would cost to perform the services for the four year ordering period as detailed in the PWS.

Attachment

Pricing Workbook Attachment 01, Tab 2

Tab 2 of attachment 01 has a breakdown of various materials and equipment. Some of the items have quantities listed in column E and many others do not. Row 3, Role Players has a quantity listed of 1,544. What does this number represent? Also the description has 110 TPE and 50 sustainment role players listed. If the QTY listed in column E is 1,544 hours what period of performance does this represent;

i.e. exercises, events, etc.?

1544 represents estimated total number of role players estimated for an ordering period (annual). 110 represents the estimate for an evaluation, 50 the estimate for a training event.

Attachment

Pricing Workbook Attachment 01, Tab 2

Tab 02 of attachment 01, row 4 lists vehicles with a QTY in column E of 57. What does this number represent? Can the government clarify what type of vehicles, how many and for how long these vehicles will be used? Lastly, are the costs for these vehicles also covered under the government travel estimate?

57 represents the estimated total number of salvage vehicles required for vehicle rescue training and evaluation for an ordering period. These are vehicles supplied by a local vendor, free of any fluids, to be crushed in order to provide a realistic vehicle rescue training venue. The vehicles are normally ordered 6‐8 at a time and used for approximately 5‐10 days.

Attachment

Pricing Workbook Attachment 01, Tab 2

Tab 02 of attachment 01, rows 5‐9 address mannequins utilized for training. Column E lists a QTY of 1,085, which incorporates rental, shipping and placement costs. Can the government provide clarity on what the 1,085 represents and some clarifying information about how many mannequins are needed simultaneously at each site? Also, can the government clarify how many mannequins are shipped to each location in support of which training and exercise events, or have vendors provide the rental costs for mannequins for evaluation purposes?

1085 represents the estimated total number of mannequins required for training/evaluations for an ordering period. The number required for each training site varies; approximately 20‐30 for MCD, approximately 15‐20 for US&R, approximately 2‐5 for R&S.

Attachment

Pricing Workbook Attachment 01, Tab 2

Tab 02 of attachment 01, rows 10‐12 address various lumber packages required for USR training with a QTY of 7 in Column E. The government provides sizes of required materials but no quantities are provided for each component of the lumber package. Request the government provide clarity regarding the QTY of each component of the lumber package in order for Offerors to provide competitive pricing based on actual quantities expected by the government. These quantities are known to the incumbent and creates an advantage for them when compared to competing vendors.

Lumber requirements vary depending on whether the US&R event is a training event, or an evaluation.

Generally, a full lumber package would include 12 each 2x4x16, 15 each 4x4x16, and 8 each for all other specifications.

Attachment

Pricing Workbook Attachment 01, Tab 2 Tab 02 of attachment 01, row 18 lists PPE suits with a QTY of 60 in column E. Can the government provide a specification of these suits in order for Offerors to competitively price items the government actually wants and/or historically utilizes?

The PPE suits are Blauer XRT chemical protective suits.

Attachment

Pricing Workbook Attachment 01, Tab 2

Tab 02 of attachment 01, rows 23‐26 covers lights sets and all associated costs of getting them to the site and running them. Can the government provide a specification of acceptable lighting systems by make, model and manufacture along with any expectations of using power generation systems to operate them during training, evaluations and exercises? In addition, the workbook requests pricing for daily, weekly and monthly rentals. Does the government want cost estimates for all timelines regardless if quantities are listed or not?

Light sets are the portable, tower systems that can towed into position and elevated to provide light during hours of darkness. Suitable example is Magnum Pro, model #MLT3060. These systems power themselves and require refueling. Pricing for daily, weekly, and monthly rental is required.

Attachment

Pricing Workbook Attachment 01, Tab 2

Tab 02 of attachment 01, row 27 lists rescue equipment and tool rental/day with a QTY of 24 listed in column E. Can the government provide a detailed list of what items are included in this line item along with an explanation of what the QTY 24 represents?

The rescue equipment is basically a toolbox with carpentry tools, chains/straps for lifting and moving lumber, concrete slabs or sheets of metal to "set" the training venue for the US&R unit. The number 24 represents the estimated number of times the equipment would be required for an ordering period.

Attachment

Pricing Workbook Attachment 01, Tab 2

Tab 02 of attachment 01, rows 28‐31 lists generators with a QTY of 5 listed in column E. Can the government provide specifications for the type of generator and expected power generation (KW) capabilities? In addition, how much fuel should Offerors expect to include in this line item based on the QTY, size and length of service?

A 2000 watt generator is suitable, with sufficient fuel to operate 12 hours/day for 7 days.

Attachment

Pricing Workbook Attachment 01, Tab 2

Tab 02 of attachment 01, rows 32‐35 lists propane heaters with a QTY of 0 listed in column E. Can the government provide specifications for the type of heaters? In addition, how much fuel should Offerors expect to include in this line item based on the QTY, size and length of service?

Propane operated heaters with sufficient fuel to operate 12 hours/day for 7 days.

Attachment

Pricing Workbook Attachment 01, Tab 2

Tab 02 of attachment 01, rows 36‐39 lists SATSOP training facility with a QTY of 3 listed in column E. Can the government provide specifications for the type of SATSOP facility and its associated capabilities? Is this for tunnel rescue services or other types of training? SATSOP is a training area in the vicinity of Joint Base Lewis‐McChord. It is a US&R training site.

Attachment

Pricing Workbook Attachment 01, Tab 2

Tab 02 of attachment 01, rows 40‐42 lists Forklift 10K with a QTY of 1 and 2 listed in column E for different times. Can the government provide estimates of historical fuel costs? Should we also provide pricing for all categories; i.e. 1 week, 2 weeks and 4 weeks?

The 10K forklift usage is based upon the meter rate at delivery and pick up. Generally 12‐14 hours is sufficient to support a US&R training venue for a week, or 1.7 to 2 hours per day. Pricing for one day, one week, and one month is required for the 10K forklift and all other equipment rentals (questions 17‐31).

Attachment

Pricing Workbook Attachment 01, Tab 2 Tab 02 of attachment 01, rows 43‐46…