Attachment 14 IMCOM ACES Responses to QAs 17 Jun 20.pdf

Attachment 14 – Government Response to Solicitation W9124J20R0015 Q&As

U.S. Army Continuing Education Support (ACES) Services

Request for Proposal (RFP) - Solicitation Questions/Answers Matrix

QUESTION

NO.

SOLICITATION

PAGE NO.

RFP REFERENCE

QUESTION

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

N/A N/A a) Is there an incumbent?

b) If so, who and

c) What is the contract value?

a) Yes.

b) The Incumbent is Indtai, Inc. (CAGE Code: 3BU11), 2095 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 300, Vienna, VA 22182.

c) The contract value is $45,486,162.63

2 95 1.6.8.11 a) Is a Facility Clearance required?

b) If so, will the Government Sponsor?

c) Will the contractor have to use JPAS or will the Government handle this function?

a) No

b) N/A

c) Yes, as delineated in PWS Paragraph 1.6.8.11

National Agency Check. The Contractor shall initiate a

National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI) or

National Agency Check with Law Enforcement and

Credit Check (NACLC), as appropriate, for all personnel required to perform on this contract and shall track each employee through the Joint Personnel Adjudication

System (JPAS) until the Government completes a background investigation. The Contractor shall not allow employees with unfavorable agency checks to perform under this contract. The Contractor shall initiate a NACI on SF-85 (or subsequent form), Questionnaire for Non-

Sensitive Positions or NACLC on a SF-86, Questionnaire for National Security Positions, as applicable, for all contract employees before contract performance commences. Contract employees shall complete and submit all investigative documents electronically and complete a fingerprint check as directed by the

Installation Security Office. The Installation Security

Office at each location will review and submit the requests for NACI investigation to the appropriate investigative agency. The Contractor shall be responsible for completing and submitting requests for the NACLC to the appropriate investigative agency. Personnel will be granted access to unclassified Government networked computer systems only after verification of a previously completed favorable investigation, or upon favorable review of the SF85/SF-86 as appropriate, and verification in JPAS that the investigation has been initiated. All security investigations shall be initiated prior to the assignment of personnel to the duties associated with the position.

3 95 1.6.8.11 Will the Government conduct and pay for the

NACI investigations?

a) Yes. See Government Response to Q2c.

4 99 1.6.13 The key personnel section requires the PM to designate an OSC for each location. However, it further directs the OSC deals directly with the designated COR rather than the PM, who is responsible for contract performance and quality, and further requires the OSC to coordinate contract matters. Then it further states that the PM is the primary point of contact with the

Government. Can the government further define these roles and lines of communication? By designated COR does the government mean the designated government representative at each installation and by authority for contract matters does the government mean the day-to-day installation specific activities associated with contract delivery, scheduling, customer engagement, etc.? If the COR works with the

OSCs, and OSC’s have contract decision authority, what is the role of the PM, since the

COR would essentially be responsible for contract deliverables and performance?

Paragraphs 1.6.11 through 1.6.14 of the Performance

Work Statement have been revised to help clarify the roles and lines of communication. There is only one (1)

Contracting Officer Representative (COR) on this contract, the HQ IMCOM COR. At each location, a

Government Technical Monitor (may be the same person as the Education Services Officer at some locations) is the HQ IMCOM COR’s point of contact for contract performance. Performance Work Statement paragraph

1.6.14 has been added to clarify the role of the On Site

Coordinator.

5 Schedule Pricing

Matrix

There is no phase-in pricing worksheet and no

PM or RPM labor categories. Can the government update to include?

The Schedule Pricing Matrix has been updated to include the Program Manager, Alternate Program Manager and

Regional Program Manager labor categories. As indicated on the Schedule Pricing Matrix Total Evaluated

Price Tab, Offeror must enter the proposed price for

Phase-In in the yellow highlighted area.

6 Atch 1 Contractor

Manpower

Equivalent

Workload Estimate

The attachment does not include information pertaining to the phase-in work requirements. It is also missing the Program Manager and Regional

Program Manager labor categories. Will the government please update to include?

The Contractor Manpower Equivalent Workload

Estimate has been updated to include the Program

Manager, Alternate Program Manager and Regional

Program Manager labor categories. As indicated on the

Schedule Pricing Matrix Total Evaluated Price Tab, Offeror must enter the proposed price for Phase-In in the yellow highlighted area.

7 90 Section 1.5.2 Phase-in: The government requires the vendor to be staffed at 60% by day 30 and 100% by day 45 of phase-in. Is it the government’s intention that employees simply be identified by position/location or that they are performing on the contract?

Performance Work Statement, paragraph 1.5.1. outlines the minimum Phase-In performance requirements.

8 99 Section 1.6.13.1 Regarding the OSC, the solicitation states, “…The PM shall designate in writing one (1) employee to assume additional duties as an On-site-coordinator (OSC) at each installation and provide a copy of the designation letter to the

ESO, and a list of OSCs to the HQ IMCOM

COR. The OSC shall coordinate contract matters with the designated COR on an as-needed basis and will function as the onsite manager. However, the PM shall not delegate his/her responsibility for the overall management of the contract at each installation. The OSC shall serve as primary point-of-contact for the COR. The OSC schedules and coordinates delivery of installation support services, as well as serves as the Contractor’s on-site manager overseeing local training and personnel issues. The specific OSC duties and responsibilities shall be depicted in the OSC designation letter and duties/responsibilities to the government.”

Question: Does the government intend that the

COR will be working directly with at least 98 On-site coordinators (additional duties once designated by the vendor PM) to address contract matters down to the installation level? This approach presents significant challenges in

See response to question #4.

quality control and management oversight by the vendor PM and can have a negative impact on ensuring consistent delivery of services across the contract. Though prudent and reasonable to have a single POC designated as the installation On-site manager to ensure responsiveness and personnel oversight given the size and scope of the mission, the requirement to have the OSC responsible for discussing contract matters, normally reserved to the vendor PM, A/PM or corporate leadership, is likely to cause confusion and overly burden the government COR with far too many points of contact. Will the government clarify the roles and responsibilities of the OSC?

Will the government clarify the number of CORs designated for this contract? Our understanding is that there is only one single COR who will address contractual issues directly with the prime vendor?

Does the government intend that performance, training, personnel, and program issues are to be coordinated with the local (installation-level)

“COR” while actual “contractual” items remain the purview of the Contract COR in coordination with the vendor PM or vendor designated representative?

9 100 Section 1.6.13.2 Regional Managers: Does the government desire only one Regional Manager for the entire contract or are multiple Regional Managers required? If more than one Regional Manager is required, please identify regions and locations.

As stated in paragraph 1.6.13.2 of the Performance Work

Statement, “The Contractor shall designate at least one

(1) employee to serve as a Pacific Regional Manager for locations in Korea and Japan. Due to Status of Forces

Agreement (SOFA) Requirements, it is essential the

Contractor have a Pacific Regional Manager located in

Camp Humphreys, Korea who is experienced with SOFA timelines/processes.” With that being said, it is up to

Offeror to determine their own staffing approach on whether additional Regional Managers are desired/required for their respective solution.

10 100 Section 1.6.15 Contractor Qualifications: Can the government please identify all labor categories that fall under the Service Contract Act? In the description only

1.6.15.3.4, Automation and Technology

Technician is designated as “SCA Applies” while other positions list SCA designated positions, such as General Clerk II, without that same clarification.

Performance Work Statement paragraphs 1.6.15.3.1., 1.6.15.3.2., 1.6.15.3.3., 1.6.15.3.4., 1.6.15.3.5., 1.6.15.3.6., 1.6.15.3.7., and 1.6.15.3.8. have been revised.

Note: the requirement for Transition Education

Counseling Personnel (paragraph 1.6.15.3.3.) has been removed and the paragraph reserved.

11 130 Section 5.13.3 Staffing Plan: Is the submission of a staffing plan required only if there is a deviation/cross utilization of personnel, or is it also required if the vendor confirms there is no deviation?

In accordance with Addendum to FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Item, Subfactor 2 –

Staffing Plan/Qualification of Key Personnel, subparagraphs i & ii, as incorporated into the solicitation:

i. Provide Staffing Plan (e.g. skill mix, personnel experience or qualifications, availability and job duty and descriptions) to include resumes, and signed contingent offer letters of employment for all key personnel proposed. The plan shall include the Offeror’s proposed staffing (must depict the total number of Full Time

Equivalents (FTE) or combination of part-time and full time equivalents) of each location to include identification of the On-Site Coordinator (OSC). To assist Offeror’s in proposal preparation, the Government is providing Attachment 1, Contractor Manpower

Equivalent (CME) Workload Estimate which the

Government believes represents the staffing required to satisfactorily accomplish the contract tasks and high quality deliverables outlined in the PWS. Offerors may however propose an alternate Staffing Plan. If an alternate Staffing Plan is proposed, the Offeror’s alternate

Staffing Plan shall be submitted in the format outlined is

Attachment 1. The plan should also identify the Sub-

Contractor arrangement (if one exists) proposed to accomplish the tasks in the PWS. The Offeror must identify the names of the sub-contractors (if any) and the associated responsibilities and skill sets for each in accomplishment of the PWS tasks. If the Offeror proposes using cross utilization of key personnel, the plan must clearly explain how the use of this approach will not compromise the completion of the contract tasks for each cross utilized labor category.

ii. Provide an approach to deal with turnover, and planned and unplanned shortages of personnel to maintain the same level of customer service as well as timely recruitment, training and replacement of personnel. Offerors shall detail procedures used to document employee training and qualifications, how the training at the entry-level for each labor category will be addressed to include any opportunities for maintaining and increasing job-related skills. Additionally, detail any proposed, proven retention approach that the Offeror proposes to use on this contract. The approach must be clearly supported using current and historical turnover rates/numbers. Clearly describe the benefits from the approach chosen and include any specific changes in requirements document for implementing that approach if perceived as an enhancement.

12 140 Section C. 2 (c) Resumes are not included in the page count. Can the government also exclude the signed contingent offer letters from the page count?

Addendum to FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors-

Commercial Item, paragraph C.2.f has been updated to exclude signed contingent offer letters from the respective volume’s page count.

13 145 Section C. 3. (c)

Volume III Past

Performance (5)

Submission

Requirements

The fifth bullet point directs companies to include a “roadmap” describing organization structure change history. How shall the offeror respond if the prime contractor and subcontracting partners have not experience any structural changes within the last three years?

Addendum to FAR 52.212-1, Instruction to Offerors-

Commercial Item, paragraph C.3.(c).(5) has been updated to indicate that Offerors without organization structure change history in the past three years should indicate as such in this section. A simple phrase such as “No organization structure change history applicable” or something similar will suffice.

14 Schedule and

Pricing Matrix

The schedule and pricing matrix does not have the phase-in period included. It is also missing the labor categories for the Program Manager and the

Regional Program Manager. Can the government please update to include these areas for pricing?

See response to question #5.

15 Atch 1 Contractor

Manpower

Equivalent

Workload Estimate

The attachment does not include information pertaining to the phase-in work requirements. It is also missing the Program Manager and Regional

Program Manager labor categories. Will the government please update to include?

See response to question #6.

16 Schedule Pricing

Matrix

Schedule Pricing

Matrix – Total

Evaluated Price Tab

Surge pricing on the rollup tab references a blank cell on each individual year of performance. Is this referenced cell going to be revised for accuracy?

Schedule Pricing Matrix has been updated to remove surge reference.

17 Schedule Pricing

Matrix

Schedule Pricing

Matrix – Total

Evaluated Price Tab

The Schedule Pricing Matrix when downloaded from beta.SAM includes a pre-filled “$9” within the Phase-In, Base Year Total Proposed Price cell. Please clarify that this is not a pre-set government price and the Offeror is proposing an all-inclusive Phase-In price (CLIN 0016).

The Schedule Pricing Matrix Total Evaluated Price Tab has been updated to remove the pre-filled $9 in the

Phase-In. This is not a pre-set government price.

18 Attachment 1, CME Workload

Estimate &

Schedule Pricing

Matrix

Attachment 1, CME

Workload Estimate

& Schedule Pricing

Matrix

Both Program Manager & Pacific Region

Program Manager do not have hours stated within the Attachment 1, Contractor Manpower

Equivalent (CME) Workload Estimate or

Schedule Pricing Matrix. Will the government revise these attachments to include both positions

(similar to how Assistant PM hours are stated in both documents)?

See response to Question #5 and #6.

19 Attachment 1, CME Workload

Estimate &

Schedule Pricing

Matrix

Attachment 1, CME

Workload Estimate

& Schedule Pricing

Matrix

Consistent with the Assistant Program Manager being a direct change, we are recommending that the Project Manager and Pacific Region Program

Manager be direct, full time charge to the government.

See response to Question #5 and #6.

20 Attachment 1, CME Workload

Estimate &

Schedule Pricing

Matrix

Attachment 1, CME

Workload Estimate

& Schedule Pricing

Matrix

Is there a specific place of performance requirement for the Program Manager and Pacific

Region Manager?

In regards to the Program Manager: There is no specific place of performance. The PM must be reachable via e-mail and telephone during normal business hours.

In regards to the Pacific Regional Manager, see response to question #9.

21 Attachment 1, CME Workload

Estimate &

Schedule Pricing

Matrix & PWS

Attachment 1, CME

Workload Estimate

& Schedule Pricing

Matrix & PWS

1.6.13

Will the government please clarify the difference between the Assistant Program Manager

(referenced in Att. 1, CME Workload Estimate &

Schedule Pricing Matrix) and the Alternate

Program Manager (referenced in PWS 1.6.13 Key

Personnel)? Are these two separate positions or may the government standardize the “APM” title?

Yes, these are two different positions. The responsibility of the Assistant Program Manager (referenced in Atch 1, CME Workload Estimate and Schedule Pricing Matrix) is outlined in PWS paragraph 1.6.15.3.9. The responsibilities of the Alternate Program Manager is outlined in PWS paragraph 1.6.13.1.

22 Schedule Pricing

Matrix

Schedule Pricing

Matrix – Total

Evaluated Price &

The TEP tab has the cells for Option Period 2, 3

& 4 grayed out and empty for Project Analyst

(CSP) IMCOM; however, each tab for these

Please note that in accordance with the Performance

Work Statement, paragraph 5.8., Career Skills Program

Installation Administrator (CSPIA) Support Services, Option Periods 2, 3, & 4 Tabs

Option Periods have 2 FTEs worth under this position. Will the government please clarify whether there are Project Analysts during these

Option Periods (and thus the TEP tab needs updating) or if the positions are no longer in scope for these periods?

“These services will be provided under this requirement for the base period and a potential six-month option period, which it is anticipated these services will be provided under the Soldier for Life/Transition Assistance

Program Support Services Contract.” The cells are grayed out as the services are not anticipated to be needed during these periods (option periods 2, 3 & 4).

23 97 1.6.8.15 The personnel file potentially contains PPI. What measures are in place to protect the individual’s

PPI when the files are released to a follow-on contractor?

New vendor will be required to follow the same PII measures as the incumbent vendor IAW DoD Directive

5400.11, DoD Privacy Program. PDF can be accessed at:

https://www.disa.mil/~/media/Files/DISA/About/Privacy-

Office/540011p.pdf

Table 6.1.1., Regulations, Manuals, and Pamphlets

(PAMs) has been revised.

24 118 5.2 Is education support counseling in 5.2 the same position as education counseling services defined in paragraph 1.6.15.3.2?

Yes

25 122 5.6 What type of government approved video teleconferencing system is available to use in the performance of duties that can be done remotely from a different installation?

Vidyo and Skype for Business, Defense Collaboration

Services (all via NIPRNET)

26 118 5.2 Does the Government currently utilize virtual counseling? If yes, what type of system does the

Government use to conduct virtual counseling sessions?

See response to question #25. The Government also uses the GoArmyEd website, e-mail, telephone, and Microsoft

(MS) Teams.

27 100 1.6.13.2 Regional

Managers. The

Contractor shall designate at least one (1) employee to serve as a Pacific

Regional Manager for locations in

Korea and Japan.

Due to Status of

Forces Agreement

(SOFA)

requirements, it is

Can the government elaborate on the SOFA requirements that are essential for the Pacific

Regional Manager to have experience with?

See Attachment 2, Status of Forces Agreements (SOFA), Korea, as incorporated into the RFP.

https://www.disa.mil/~/media/Files/DISA/About/Privacy-Office/540011p.pdf https://www.disa.mil/~/media/Files/DISA/About/Privacy-Office/540011p.pdf essential the

Contractor have a

Pacific Regional

Manager located in

Camp Humphreys

Korea who is experienced with

SOFA

timelines/processes.

28 101 1.6.15.3.2 Education

Counseling

Personnel

Occupational information: Study of theories of occupational choice and vocational development and their application to the guidance process.

Identification and utilization of various types of occupational information and resources.

Can the government elaborate on “theories of occupational choice and vocational development” that are currently in use on the program?

Theories of occupational choice and vocational development utilized by the Government are use of interest inventory evaluations, career, and academic choices to meet the Soldier’s personal and career goals.

Reference Army Regulation 621-5, Army Continuing

Education System, with a focus on Chapter 3.

29 102 1.16.15.3.3

Transition

Education

Counseling

Personnel

A minimum of one

(1) year of adult education counseling experience and

NACI investigation is required for this

Are there any other education systems that are currently being utilized, other than GoArmyEd and TAP XXI?

No, however, Army Ignited will be replacing GoArmyEd in the near future (anticipated six months). TAP XXI is not an education system.

position. The

Contractor shall have a minimum of one year of relevant experience.

GoArmyEd

Certification is required for this position. Must also possess a working knowledge of computer operations and be able to successfully use online education systems such as

GoArmyEd and

TAP XXI, as well as provide interpretation of personal and skill qualification instruments.

Contractor personnel shall be familiar with Army and Veteran’s education benefits and be informed of any changes affecting such benefits throughout the life of this contract.

30 101 1.16.15.3.3

Transition

Education

Counseling

Personnel

Can the government provide examples of

“personal and skill qualification instruments” that are currently in use on this program?

Performance Work Statement 1.6.15.3.3. has been deleted and is now reserved. Personal and skill qualification instruments are utilized under Education

Counseling Personnel, PWS paragraph 1.6.15.3.2, and the current instruments being utilized are: 1. Kuder

A minimum of one

(1) year of adult education counseling experience and

NACI investigation is required for this position. The

Contractor shall have a minimum of one year of relevant experience.

GoArmyEd

Certification is required for this position. Must also possess a working knowledge of computer operations and be able to successfully use online education systems such as

GoArmyEd and

TAP XXI, as well as provide interpretation of personal and skill qualification instruments.

Contractor personnel shall be familiar with Army and Veteran’s education benefits and be informed of any changes affecting such benefits throughout

(interest inventory), and 2. VIA (embedded in

GoArmyEd).

the life of this contract

31 100 1.6.15 Contractor

Qualifications

Do all contractor personnel need to be U.S.

Citizens?

No, see PWS paragraph 1.6.15. for contractor requirements.

32 99 1.6.13 Key

Personnel

Are the Assistant Program Manager and Analysts directly supporting the larger IMCOM ACES program as a whole, or supporting the ACES

IMCOM efforts of this contract?

The key personnel as identified in PWS paragraph 1.6.13.

include the Program Manager, Alternate Program

Manager, and Pacific Regional Program Manager. The duties and responsibilities of the Assistant Program

Manager is outlined in PWS paragraph 1.6.15.3.9. The duties and responsibilities of the Project Analysts are outlined in PWS paragraphs 1.6.15.3.10. and 1.6.15.3.11.

Please note that the Assistant Program Manager and the

Project Analysts are not identified as “Key Personnel” in accordance PWS paragraph 1.6.13.

33 101&102 1.16.15.3.3

Transition

Education

Counseling

Personnel &

1.6.15.3.6 Instructor

Are the counselor and instructor positions considered exempt, professional positions?

See response to question #10.

34 89 1.1.1 What does the following, as it states “at the vendor’s expense” mean? Is the delivery of services at those sites not included as part of the

Contractor’s proposed (billable) solution?

A Hub applies ONLY to the Government and is an installation that has centralized administrative control over the installations that fall under it.

Government Education Service Officers at the designated hub sites direct and manage education activities at subordinate sites. The Contractor is expected to deliver services where they are required at subordinate sites designated within a

Hub site at the vendor’s expense.

The Government recognizes that the vendor’s staffing approach may include hiring a single person to provide services at more than one location. In this instance, should the Offeror choose this approach, the Government is not responsible for additional travel and per diem costs.

35 90 1.5.1 Should the incoming Contractor assume that any incumbent staff who are hired and transition onto the newly awarded contract are already trained on the task requirements and ready to perform on

Day 1 of the Performance Period? This is important to clarify since a non-incumbent awarded bidder will likely not be able to train

The Government can make no guarantees regarding the incumbent staff, nor is the Government going to dictate the Offeror’s staffing approach. Any assumptions made within your proposal need to be fully substantiated.

incumbent staff during Phase In since incumbent staff will be committed to supporting the on going mission during the 45 day transition period.

36 148 c. Sub-Factor 3:

Transition Approach

The evaluation criteria calls for 60% staffed at

45th day of phase in and 100% staffed at 60th day of phase in. How will the Government consider and evaluate the Contractor’s Phase In approach that includes the hiring of incumbent personnel for the follow on contract? What document will be required in the Phase In approach to satisfy this requirement?

In accordance with Addendum to FAR 52.212-1, and

FAR 52.212-2, the Offeror’s Phase-In approach will be evaluated according to the information provided in

Subfactor 3, Transition Approach.

37 148 c. Sub-Factor 3:

Transition Approach

If the Government requires Contractor’s to provide Letters of Consent or Commitment from

Incumbent employees, if the Government going to provide contact information for all incumbent employees supporting the project so perspective bidders can obtain those LOCs from them?

In accordance with Addendum to FAR 52.212-1, subfactor 2, 2.i., Offeror’s are to provide a Staffing Plan

(e.g. skill mix, personnel experience or qualifications, availability and job duty and descriptions) to include resumes, and signed contingent offer letters of employment for all key personnel proposed.

38 Attachment 1

(Pricing File)

The sites listed on the pricing file do not line up with the sites listed in Attachment 3 and

Attachment 4. Can the Government please validate the three documents so that collectively reflect the manned locations?

Attachment 1, CME Workload Estimate, Attachment 3, Active Duty Army Education Support Locations, and

Attachment 4, Army National Guard Education Support

Locations have been validated and updated.

39 Attachment 3 (AD

Manned Locations)

Soto Cano is listed on the Attachment 1 but not

Attachment 3. Is there any specific SOFA requirement for Honduras?

The Government has validated that Soto Cano is listed on

Attachment 3, Active Duty Army Education Support

Locations. There are no known SOFA requirements for

Honduras.

40 Attachment 4 (AG

Manned Locations)

What is the physical location in Puerto Rico? San

Juan?

Yes, the physical location for Puerto Rico is San Juan.

41 Attachment 13

(Wage

Determinations)

Can the Government verify that all WDs listed in

Attachment 13 are the most current issued WD for that specific operating location?

Attachment 13, ACES DOL Wage Determinations has been updated and identifies the most current DOL Wage

Determinations applicable to this requirement as of 1 Jun

20. Offerors are advised to check the DOL Wage

Determination webpage when developing their proposal as these documents are revised frequently.

42 100-105 1.6.15.3 –

1.6.15.3.11

Our understanding is that the Service Contract

Act (SCA) does not apply OCONUS that its limited to contracts within the United States and its territories and expressly excludes U.S. bases within foreign countries. PWS 1.6.15.3 –

1.6.15.3.11 lists Contractor Job Titles, DOL

No, SCA and DoL Wage Determination labor rates do not apply in foreign countries.

(SCA) Labor Categories and Tasks assigned to the specific position. Does the Government expect bidders to propose an DOL SCA labor category (as listed in the PWS) for contractor equivalent positions located at performance locations in Japan, Korea and Honduras?

43 91 1.6.1.1 The

Contractor shall submit the approved

QCP to the IMCOM

HQ COR within five

(5) calendar days after start of phase-in

Is the Government requiring a QCP to be submitted in the technical volume?

No, see revised Performance Work Statement paragraphs

1.6.1., and 1.6.1.1.

1.4.1 Staffing

Maximums

The Table in Section 1.4.1 has hours that do not tie into the hours in Attachment 1 for the base year. It appears you are utilizing 1920 hours in the Table while Attachment 1 reflects 1600 hours.

Although it results in the same number of CMEs the hours in Attachment 1 appear to exclude transition hours. Which hours are correct?

Table 1.4.1. has been updated to correspond to

Attachment 1, CME Workload Estimate, option year 1.

45 Page 90

1.4.1 Staffing

Maximums

The Table in Section 1.4.1 for “Credentialing

Assistance Counselor Services” reflects total hours of 330,720 for 16 CMEs. These hours would not calculate to 16 CMEs and they do not tie into the hours in Attachment 1. Please clarify.

Table 1.4.1. has been revised to reflect base hours of

30,720 for the Credentialing Assistance Counselor

Services.

Pg. 90

PWS Section 1.4.1

Staffing Maximums, Table 1.4.1.

Program Manager and Pacific Region Program

Manager hours are not reflected in Attachment 1

– CME Workload Estimate or PWS Section 1.4.1

Staffing Maximums, Table 1.4.1. Are these positions 1920 CMEs and where do we reflect the hours for these positions in the proposal?

See response to question #5 and #44. Note: Performance

Work Statement Table 1.4.1. has been revised to include the Program Manager, Alternate Program Manager, and

Pacific Regional Program Manager positions.

Pg. 90

PWS Section 1.4.1

Staffing Maximums, Table 1.4.1.

Credentialing Assistance Counselor Services

Base hours are 330,720 and Maximum hours are

48,320. Are these hours correct?

See response to question #45.

Pg. 99

PWS 1.6.13.1

Program Manager and Alternate

Program Manager.

Is there a requirement for the Program Manager to be located at a specific location or can the program manager be based out of the offeror’s corporate office?

See response to question #20.

49 Pg. 143

Subfactor 2 –

Staffing

Plan/Qualifications of Key Personnel

Where are contingent offer letters to be included in the proposal? Can we include them as part of the resume? Can both resumes and contingent offer letters be included in an Appendix to the

Technical Volume?

Both the resumes and the contingent offer letters will be contained in the subfactor 2, Staffing Plan/Qualifications of Key Personnel. They can be included as an appendix to Subfactor 2.

Pg. 117 and Pg.

PWS 5.0

GENERAL

INFORMATION

and Subfactor 2 –

Staffing and/Qualifications of Key Personnel

Is Contractor Manpower Equivalence (CME the same as Full Time Equivalent (FTE)?

Yes, as used in this RFP and Attachment 1, Contractor

Manpower Equivalent and Full Time Equivalent have the same meaning.

51 Pg. 95

PWS 1.6.8.11

National Agency

Check.

What labor categories require a security clearance and at what level?

All contractor personnel need to comply with

Performance Work Statement paragraph 1.6.8.11.

52 N/A

Attachment 1 –

CME Workload

Estimate IMCOM

HQ Support Staff

There are 5 CMEs that support IMCOM HQ.

Will the government provide office space and

GFE for contractor staff including the Assistant

Program Manager at IMCOM HQ?

Yes, office space and equipment will be provided to the individuals (5 CMEs) located at and supporting the HQ

IMCOM effort, in accordance with Part 3 of the

Performance Work Statement.

1.6.15.3.2

Education

Counseling

Personnel

Can the labor categories be customized by the offerer to better define the position? i.e, Education Counselor

In accordance with Addendum to FAR 52.212-1, subfactor 2.i., To assist Offeror’s in proposal preparation, the Government is providing Attachment 1, Contractor

Manpower Equivalent (CME) Workload Estimate which the Government believes represents the staffing required to satisfactorily accomplish the contract tasks and high quality deliverables outlined in the PWS. Offerors may however propose an alternate Staffing Plan. If an alternate Staffing Plan is proposed, the Offeror’s alternate

Staffing Plan shall be submitted in the format outlined is

Attachment 1.

54 Pages 99-106 Labor Categories

Are there a total of 13 labor categories listed from pages 99-106 and are those all of the required labor categories for the solicitation?

See response to question #53.

55 Page 99 Key Personnel Is it recommended that the PM and APM be located in the same area?

The Government is not going to dictate the Offeror’s staffing approach. See response to question #20.

56 Page 120 5.4.2 Are the help desk applications the same at all locations?

Yes, Education Management System (currently

GoArmyEd) is used IMCOM wide. Government has enterprise help desk for various software and hardware issue.

57 Page 120 5.4.2 What help Desk software is being utilized on the entire contract?

See response to question #56.

58 Page 142 a. Subfactor 1 (i)

Does the maximum hours listed in Table 1.4.1 include the surge hours listed on page 142, Subfactor 1 (i)?

Yes. For the purposes of proposal writing, Offerors can assume the maximum amount includes the surge hours.

59 Page 111 1.6.22.1

How long does personnel have to complete the

USFK training and who authorizes access to the website?

IAW Performance Work Statement paragraph 1.6.22.1, all theater requirements shall be completed prior to or immediately after Contractor personnel arrive in Korea.

The USFK training is an annual requirement. The websites listed in paragraphs 1.6.22., and 1.6.22.1. can be accessed at any time (no authorization needed).

60 Page 117 5.0

Will the unknown locations mentioned in para 5.0 be limited to the countries listed in the solicitation?

No.

61 Page 117 5.0; 5.1

Considering all labor categories may be utilized to assist clients at the front desk, is the front desk considered an additional duty only?

No, see Performance Work Statement paragraph 5.0., General Information, and 5.1., Reception and

Administration Support Services.

62 Pages 117 of 152

5.0 General

Information

Does the case-by-case waiver or modification of minimum education qualifications in lieu of experience cover Key Personnel or specifically all other personnel?

Performance Work Statement paragraph 5.0. has been revised to removed that sentence/language.

Pages 130-131 of 152

5.13.6 Staffing Plan

Will the Government provide a template for the

Site Management Manual (SMM)?

No, a template will not be provided. Performance Work

Statement paragraph 5.13.6. has been revised to indicate the Government will provide the SMM to the Contractor within thirty (30) days of contract award for review and adaptation.

64 Pages 138 of 152 5. Site Visit

Will an allowance for a Site Visit be offered prior to proposal submission? *Currently reflected as

“N/A” in the submission

No, Addendum to FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to

Offerors-Commercial Item, paragraph A.5. indicates there will be no site visit.

65 Page 103

1.6.15.3.8 Career

Skills Program

Installation

Administrator

In Section 1.6.15.3.8 Career Skills Program

Installation Administrator, the minimum education requirement is an Associate Degree along with other specific experience. This labor category is mapped to SCA Occupational Code

01112 General Clerk II. The requirements for this position seem to be inconsistent with the SCA

Performance Work Statement paragraph 1.6.15.3.8. has been revised, and the SCA Occupational Code has been changed from General Clerk II (01112) to Personnel

Assistant III (01263) and is a SCA applicable position.

General Clerk II labor description. Should this be an exempt position?

119, 129 5.3, 5.12 These PWS sections are currently marked as

“Reserved.” Will the Government be providing specific tasks vendors must write to for PWS

Paragraphs 5.3 and 5.12?

No, Performance Work Statement paragraphs 5.3. and

5.12 have been reserved by the Government, and Offerors will not have to write any tasks for them.

89 1.1.1 The Government states that “The contractor is expected to deliver services where they are required at subordinate sites designated within a hub site at the vendor’s expense.” Can the

Government please clarify what “at the vendors expense” means in this context.

See response to question #34.

68 90 1.4.1 The Staffing Maximum table does not include

Reception and Admin and Counseling Support for

ARNG locations as shown in Attachment 1. Will the Government please clarify the Staffing

Maximums to include ARNG locations

ARNG locations will not surge, and Performance Work

Statement paragraph 1.4. has been revised to remove the following sentence “Various combinations of education support services potentially can be ordered for any of the sites listed in Attachment 3, Active Duty (AD) Army

Education Support Locations and Attachment 4, Army

National Guard Support Locations of this PWS.”

69 90, 143 1.5.2 and Subfactor

3 Transition

The Government states that “the Offeror shall provide a Phase-Out approach with their proposal” however Proposal Preparation

Instructions; Volume II; Subfactor 3: Transition

Approach reads to only cover Phase-in tasks.

What phase-out tasks are required to be addressed in the proposal?

Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 has been revised and the reference to provide a phase-out approach has been removed.

70 91 1.6.1 Section 1.6.1 states that “Offerors shall submit a

Quality Control Approach with their proposal” however there is no mention of a Quality Control

Approach in the Proposal Preparation

Instructions. Where should this be addressed in the proposal?

Performance Work Statement paragraph 1.6.1.and

1.6.1.1.have been updated and the Quality Contract Plan shall be submitted 30 days after award.

71 102 1.6.15.3.6 The Instructor labor category does not have a corresponding DoL Title, is this position non-

SCA?

Yes, there is a corresponding DoL title. Performance

Work Statement paragraph 1.6.15.3.6. has been revised.

72 99 1.6.13.1 Does the Government anticipate that the Alternate

Program Manager will be a full time position?

To assist Offeror’s in proposal preparation, the

Government is providing Attachment 1, Contractor

Manpower Equivalent (CME) Workload Estimate which the Government believes represents the staffing required to satisfactorily accomplish the contract tasks and high quality deliverables outlined in the PWS. Offerors may however propose an alternate Staffing Plan. If an alternate

Staffing Plan is proposed, the Offeror’s alternate

Staffing Plan shall be submitted in the format outlined is

Attachment 1. Attachment 1 was been updated to include the Program Manager, Alternate Program

Manager, and Pacific Regional Program Manager.

73 106 1.6.15.3.12 PWS category 1.6.15.3.12 states “Reserved,” is this meant to be an additional position category?

No, Performance Work Statement 1.6.15.3.12. has been reserved by the Government.

74 90, 143 1.5.1 and Subfactor

3: Transition

PWS Paragraph 1.5.1 and Subfactor 3: transition discus initiation of DOCPER approval, however

Attachment 1 does not contain any performance locations in Europe. Please clarify

Performance Work Statement paragraph 1.5.1, and

Subfactor 3 have been revised to remove DOCPER references.

75 101-102, Attachment 1, Attachment 7

1.6.15.3.2, 1.6.15.3.3, Attachment 1, Attachment 7

Do the positions in the PWS 1.6.15.3.2 Education

Counseling Personnel, and 1.6.15.3.3 Transition

Education Counseling Personnel correspond to

“Counseling Support” in Attachment 1 and 7?

Please confirm these are two separate positions. If this is the case, should they be separated into two positions in Attachments 1 and 7.

Performance Work Statement paragraph 1.6.15.3.3., Transition Education Counseling Personnel” has been removed. Paragraph is now “Reserved”. Attachment 1, CME Workload Estimate, counseling support estimates remain unchanged.

76 90, Attachment

1, Attachment 7

1.4.1, Attachment 1 and 7

PWS Para 1.4.1 and Attachments 1 and 7 all contain a reference to “Credentialing Assistance

Counselor Services.” Can the Government provide a position description and tasks for this position?

Yes, reference Performance Work Statement paragraph

1.6.15.3.2., Education Counseling Personnel.

77 90 1.5, 1.5.1, Attachment 1 and 7

The Government states that the base period will be 10 months, including a 60 day phase in. This would imply 8 months at full personnel strength for the base period and a two month phase in with below full strength hours abiding by phased staffing guidelines in 1.5.1. In addition, the

Government provided CME estimate in

Attachment 1 has 1600 hours for each whole

FTE, implying full performance for all 10 months. Please Clarify.

Performance Work Statement paragraph 1.5 has been revised to the following: The period of performance will consist of a 12 month base (which includes 2 months phase-in and 10 months of full performance) and four (4) twelve month option periods. A 2 month phase-out period will be required in any final option period utilized.

The contract will also include the potential for a six month extension of services in accordance with FAR

52.217-8, Option to Extend Services.

78 Attachment 1 and 7 Can the Government provide a separate tab on

Attachments 1 and 7 for Phase-In hours to more accurately portray phase-in staffing and provide vendors an opportunity to more specifically portray phase-in pricing.

Offerors are welcome to provide a narrative which supports their Phase-In costs. The Government is not going to dictate a specific format.

79 90 – 91 1.5.1/1.5.2 A “preliminary” phase-in/phase-out plan is required in the proposal. Should it be assumed this is our “full and complete” plan (barring any small changes after Award)? Or should be consider this an approach to be fully fleshed out upon Award?

Performance Work Statement paragraph 1.5.1. and 1.5.2.

have been revised.

80 91 1.6.1.1 A Quality Control Plan is required within 5 business days upon Award. Is a full and complete

Quality Control Plan required with the proposal submission?

See response to question #70.

81 99 1.6.13.1 In terms of Program Manager and Alternative

Program Manager qualifications, can extensive education balance out less than 5 years of experience? And vis-a-versa?

No.

82 142 Factor 1, Subfactor

Must a narrative be provided for each separate scenario location?

As outlined in Addendum to FAR 52.212-1, Subfactor

1(i): The narrative must also provide Offeror’s approach and method of dealing with changes in the expected number of Soldiers/Customers due to an increase of troops from deployment or a military drawdown, contingency situations, or other planned or unplanned surge situations that may occur based on the following staffing surge scenarios:

• An increase of Troops at Camp Humphreys, Korea requires an additional 8000 annual hours of Reception and Administration Support Services, for a period of 12 months.

• An increase of Troops at Torii Station, Okinawa requires an additional 8000 annual hours of Counseling

Support Services, for a period of 24 months.

• A Military drawdown has necessitated the need for an additional 11200 hours of Test Examiner Support

Services in Fort Polk, LA, for a period of 9 months.

• A contingency situation dictates an additional 9600 hours of Instructor Support Services (28,800 hours total) at both Ft Dix NJ, Joint Base Lewis McCord, WA, and

Fort Campbell, KY within 21 days of notification, for a period of 6 months at each location.

83 99 1.6.13 Are there any security clearances needed for Key

Personnel? If so, what are they?

See response to question #51

84 90 1.5.1 Phase-In

Period

Is DOCPER supposed to be in the Phase-in section? Did the Government mean SOFA?

See response to question #74.

85 90 1.5.1 Phase-In

Period

Please clarify which locations in the RFP will

DOCPER be required?

See response to question #74.

86 101 1.16.15.3.3

Transition

Education

Counseling

Personnel (DOL

Title & Descriptions

Academic/Education

Counselor, Field

Operations

Handbook, Paragraph 22i01)

Is the Transition Education Counseling personnel a new position on this contract?

See response to question #75.

87 117 Part 5 Specific tasks There is no Transition Education Counseling personnel specific task in Part 5. Will the

Government be adding this task?

See response to question #75.

88 143 Volume II--

Technical Volume:

Factor 1: Technical

Approach: C. Sub-

One of the evaluation criteria is “initiation of the

Department of Defense (DoD) Contract Personnel

(DOCPER) approval process. Please verify if this is valid requirement?

See response to question #74.

Factor 3: Transition

Approach

89 143 Volume II--

Technical Volume:

Factor 1: Technical

Approach: C. Sub-

Factor 3: Transition

Approach

Please clarify which locations in the RFP will

DOCPER be required for?

See response to question #74.

90 Attachment 1 Contractor

Manpower

Equivalent (CME)

Workload Estimate

There are no hours provided for Transition

Education Counseling personnel. Will the

Government update these hours?

See response to question #75.

91 Attachment 1 Contractor

Manpower

Equivalent (CME)

Workload Estimate

Can you verify the workload estimates for

OCONUS sites?

Attachment 1, CME Workload Estimate has been updated and the estimates have been verified.

92 Pages 124 and

1.6.15.3.4 and 5.4.2 1.6.15.3.4 Automation and Technology

Technician mandates an IT Level II and ADP

Level II requirement apparently in conflict with the 5.4.2 Automation and Technology tasks with a IT Level I and ADP Level III. Request clarification.

Performance Work Statement paragraph 5.4.2. has been revised.

93 Page 116 of 158 1.6.4.1 1.6.4.1 States: “The Contractor shall report cumulative Staffing Rates for each location listed in Technical Exhibits 5, 6; as part of their

Monthly Status Report.” Please confirm the government is referencing Attachments 3 and 4; if not, please provide referenced Technical Exhibits.

Performance Work Statement paragraph 1.6.4.1. has been revised.

94 Page 94 of 158 1.6.23 Request gov’t clarify whether ACES contractor instructors, counselors and facilitators qualify as

Academic Institution/Transition Services

Personnel under USFK Regulation 700-19. This determination affects the logistic support level afforded contractors and factors into pricing determinations.

No, ACES contactor instructors, counselors and facilitators do not qualify as Academic

Institution/Transition Services Personnel under USFK

700-19. See paragraph 4.3 (700-19) for logistic support.

95 N/A N/A Given the considerable number of changes presented in Amendment 002, would the government please consider an extension of more than 2 days to enable contractors to properly

The Government is extending the proposal due date from

12:00 (noon) (Central), Wednesday, 24 Jun 20 to 12:00

(noon)(Central), Tuesday, 7 Jul 20.

reconcile considerable changes in the Technical and Pricing volumes.

96 Page 124 of 158 1.6.15.3.2 Amendment 002 included a change for Education

Counseling Personnel, which included a DOL

Title & Description as Academic/Education

Counselor, 22101 - SCA Applicable Position.

There are no 22000-series Wage Determinations under standard wage determinations and no non-standard, conformed wage determination has been provided with this amendment. Please provide the non-standard wage determination 22101 obtained by the agency from DOL for this position as it is not publicly available.

Note: The actual DOL series is “22i01”, not “22101”, which was an administrative error. Paragraph 1.6.15.3.2.

has been revised.

The Government is currently working with the

Department of Labor (DOL) to update Attachment 15, Wage Determination 2015-0034 (Revision 14) for the

Education Counselor (22i01) labor category to incorporate the additional service locations applicable to this requirement. We anticipate completion of this wage determination in the very near future and it will be incorporated into a future solicitation amendment.

Continue to monitor the Beta.Sam.Gov website for future announcements regarding this wage determination.

97 Page 124 of 158 1.6.15.3.2 Amendment 002 included a change for Education

Counseling Personnel, which included a DOL

Title & Description as Academic/Education

Counselor, 22101 - SCA Applicable Position.

There is no 22101 Wage Determination available under the referenced wage determination schedules provided in Amendment 0002

Attachment 13; however, the previous reference to the DOL Field Guide 22i01 provides appropriate guidance. Please clarify the appropriate guidance in accordance with DOL regulations.

See Government response to question 96.

98 114 of 158 Para 1.5.1, 1.5.2 Regarding the Phase-In Period, the Gov’t states in

1.5.1: “The Contractor shall have at least 60% staffing by the 30th day of phase in, and full staffing by day 45.” In the following Para 1.5.2

Phase-Out Period, the Gov’t states: “During the phase out period, the incumbent shall be fully responsible for operation of Contractor personnel at all sites.” We assume that similar conditions apply to the current Incumbent in that they are responsible for full performance until the last day of Phase-Out, which would correspond with the

See Government responses to questions 35 and 36. The

Government will not dictate individual staffing approaches.

Incoming Contractor’s last day of Phase-In.

Thus, it appears that the Gov’t is requesting a

100% new contractor staff as the Incumbent is expected to retain their staff while the Incoming staff is brought on board during this 60-day timeframe. Traditionally, SCA employees are offered first right of refusal for job retention and contract stability. Even though the EO requiring that has been repealed, this approach is standard and supports seamlessness of contract support and retention of institutional knowledge, while avoiding the Government having to pay for staffs on two different FFP contracts during this transition period if the PWS remains the same.

Please confirm this is the Government’s intent.

99 114 of 158 Para 1.5.1, 1.5.2 Given the above-referenced scenario that appears to result in the staff of two different companies overlapping, would the Gov’t consider something as follows: By Day 30 of the Transition, the

Offeror will have 60% of the positions hired as demonstrated by signed offer letters for incumbent employees or newly hired staff for open positions who will start training. By Day

45, full staffing will be demonstrated by having all positions filled as demonstrated by signed offer letters for incumbent personnel…