W912HQ-18-R-0008_Q&A.pdf

W912HQ-18-R-0008 Questions and Answers

Question Response

Please consider allowing 45 days for a response. Because of staff summer vacation schedules, the July 4 weekend, and the several USACE civil works solicitations already issued this spring, our proposal staff is stretched. The government will receive more thoughtful, high quality responses with an extended deadline.

Extension – Responses due Friday, July 20, 2018.

The proposal submittal instructions for TAB B- Factor H – Personnel Experience (page 48) requires that we submit letters of commitment. Are the letters of commitment part of the resume, or a separate item?

Separate Item – Resumes demonstrates education/experience; Letters of Commitment illustrate commitment to work for the company in the event the contract is awarded

Ref: Pg. 48, TAB B-Factor II Personnel Experience

Is there a form or prescribed format for the Letters of Commitment and how long is the commitment?

There is no prescribed format or length.

Ref: Pg. 48, TAB B-Factor II Personnel Experience

4 Are we required to submit a Letter of Commitment for every proposed staff member?

No – Only Key Personnel as designated in Attachment 2 – Labor Categories/Qualifications - up to 2 resumes and letters of commitment per Key Personnel Labor Categories

Ref: Pg. 48, TAB B-Factor II Personnel Experience

5 Are the personnel Letters of Commitment included in the page count?

No

Ref: Pg. 48, TAB B-Factor II Personnel Experience

The proposal submittal instructions for TAB B- Factor H – Personnel Experience (page 48):

How are “Key Individuals” defined? Should offeror use labor category descriptions to be compliant?

Labor categories that the Government anticipates being designated as Key Personnel are marked accordingly on Attachment 2 - Labor Categories/Qualifications. Yes, offerors should use labor category descriptions to be compliant.

Ref: Pg. 48, TAB B-Factor II Personnel Experience; Attachment 2 – Labor Categories/Qualifications

7 How many resumes are allowed per Key position?

No more than 2 resumes per labor category designated as Key

Ref: Pg. 48, TAB B-Factor II Personnel Experience

8 Can we include projects and PPQs from our subs and still get full credit?

The Government will accept subcontractor past performance; however, the prime should have some demonstrated past performance to perform the required tasks as described in the performance work statements.

Ref: Pg. 48, TAB D – Factor IV - Past Performance

9 Are PPQs included in the page count?

No

Ref: Pg. 48, TAB D – Factor IV - Past Performance

How do we submit the “proposed level of effort” for each Sample Task Order so that there is consistency between offeror submissions? Is there a template available for this?

There is no prescribed format or template. A proposed Level of Effort is required for each TORFP response utilizing the labor categories in Attachment 2 - Labor Categories/Qualifications, which would be reflective of the offeror’s unique approach and understanding of the sample TORFPs.

Ref: TAB A – Factor I – Technical Understanding and Approach

11 What does the government consider FTE? How many hours?

The Government does not prescribe a specific number of hours for FTE.

It is up to each offeror to determine their proposed hours which consitututes an FTE.

Do the following items count toward the page limit: Cover Letter, Tabs, Table of Contents, Acronyms and Definitions?

No

13 Does an 11 x 17 page count as one page or two?

11x17 will count as one page, and “are acceptable for tables/graphic representations only”

Ref: Pg. 47, Section L, Proposal Submission, Para. 2(d)

14 Since we are required to use Arial Font, is Arial Narrow Font 12 pt acceptable? No, Arial Narrow is NOT acceptable.

Tab A, Factor I in section L. ii. of the RFP requires us to submit a written narrative proposal that describes and demonstrates our Technical Understanding and Approach to satisfy the support needs of the IWR as outlined in Section C – Descriptions and Specifications – Performance Work Statement (Section C – PWS) found on page 12 of the RFP.

In Section M – Evaluation Factors for Award, listed on page 53 of the RFP, Evaluation Factor 1 – Technical Understanding and Approach indicates:

Technical Understanding – “The offeror’s proposal will be evaluated to determine the offeror’s understanding of support needs…” with references to specific areas within Section C – PWS, page 12 of the RFP

Technical Approach – “The offeror shall be evaluated on their proposal responses to the two Sample Task Orders:

o Attachment 4: Sample Task Order Request for Proposal (TORFP) #1 NDC Navigation Systems O&M, which provides a RFP’s Performance Work Statement (PWS) o Attachment 5: Sample Task Order Request for Proposal (TORFP) #2 for Evaluation of Port Capacity at U.S. Container Ports Evaluation of Potential Impacts of Panama Canal Capacity Throughput Expansion

QUESTION: Is there an evaluation factor for the Technical Approach of Section C – PWS on page 12 of the RFP, as it indicates in Tab A Factor I?

No – the Government will evaluate the Technical Understanding and Approach of both sample TORFP responses only. Amendment 0001 clarifies this language

Ref: Pg. 48, Section L, Tab A – Factor I, Para. (ii); Pg. 53, Section M, Factor 1: Technical Understanding and Approach

In reference to same sections in Question 15, 2. Is there an evaluation factor for the Technical Understanding of the sample TO RFPs in Attachments 4 and 5?

Yes - the Government will evaluate the Technical Understanding and Approach of both sample TORFP responses only.

RFP Page 46 of 59 para 1c states, “Electronic submissions will NOT be accepted.” As a result, this adds at least 14 days to finalize, copy, bound, and mail a proposal to arrive by the closing date to IWR. In addition, the significant size of the proposal given the 250 page limit (on page 47 of 59) is also a contributing factor in drafting a proposal given the Section L requirements. In order to prepare the response and package the proposal for hardcopy delivery that IWR has requested, we request that the deadline for submitting the proposal be extended by 14 days to 16 July 2018.

Extension – Responses due Friday, July 20, 2018.

Sample Task Order Request Response - There appears to be a mismatch on what the bidder must submit and how Sample Task Order Response will be evaluated. Please clarify.

a. RFP Section L Tab A Factor 1 para I on page 48 of 59 states the bidder must address the following in our response:

Offerors shall submit separate proposal responses to each of the sample Task Order Request for Proposals (TORFP) (Attachments 4 and 5). The sample task order responses shall include the offeror’s proposed level of effort (NO ACTUAL PRICES ARE TO BE ENTERED ON THE SAMPLE TASK ORDER RESPONSE – USE $000.00 FORMAT ONLY), evidence of the offeror’s understanding of the sample IWR requirements, the offeror’s plan to fulfill the task order requirements, and their ability to adhere to the task order schedules.

b. RFP Section M Factor 1 page 53 of 59 second para states that the bidder will be evaluated as follows:

*Technical Approach. The offeror shall be evaluated on their proposals submitted in response to the two Sample Task Orders in accordance with the Performance Work Statements (PWS) provided as part of the solicitation. The proposals shall include a comprehensive discussion of understanding of the requirement of each sample PWS, and provide a detailed description of the approach to addressing each PWS that demonstrates an understanding of the technical disciplines required to successfully perform the sample task orders. The offeror’s proposal shall demonstrate how the offeror would solve both existing and near term (5 years) future technical problems and issues for the Corps of Engineers related to the two sample task orders and provide a brief discussion on future applications that could be used to accomplish the stated objectives of each sample task.

The Government requires a response to both TORFPs which includes a proposed LOE, as well as a discussion that illustrates their understanding and plan (or approach) to meeting or successfully performing the requirements of each sample TORFP PWS.

However, Amendment 0001, updated the Section L to reflect that the Government expects a discussion on “how the offeror would solve both existing and near term (5 years) future technical problems and issues for the Corps of Engineers related to the two sample task orders and provide a brief discussion on future applications that could be used to accomplish the stated objectives of each sample task”

Ref: Pg. 48, Section L, Tab A – Factor I, Para. (ii); Pg. 53, Section M, Factor 1: Technical Understanding Approach

Is there a page limit on Sample Task Order Request Responses? Is cover page and table of contents required? Do they count towards the page count of the proposal?

No, there are no specific page limits on task order responses, except that Volume 1 combined shall not exceed 250 pages. A cover page and table of contents are not required; however, they do not count towards the page count.

For clarification, the following items do NOT count towards the page count: Resumes, Letters of Commitment, PPQs, SBPC supporting documentation, subcontracting plan, cover page/letter, tabs, table of contents and acronyms/definitions.

We request a two week extension on Solicitation Number W912HQ-18-R-0008. We are working on finalizing our Teaming Arrangements and putting together our response and with the current due date so close to the 4th of July weekend is impacting the quality of the response.

Extension – Responses due Friday, July 20, 2018.

For past Performance, may the Offeror include past performance from a subcontractor, or must the Past Performance be solely from the Offeror?

The Government will accept subcontractor past performance; however, the prime should have some demonstrated past performance to perform the required tasks as described in the performance work statements.

Ref: Pg. 48, TAB D – Factor IV - Past Performance

22 For Personnel Qualifications, are resumes included within the page count? No

For Personnel Qualifications, can the Government please clarify whether letters of commitment are required for existing employees of the Offeror (including team members) or only for contingent hires or consultants that are not direct employees?

Letters of Commitment are only required for Key Personnel as designated in Attachment 2 – Labor Categories/Qualifications. If the proposed Key Personnel is an existing employee, it should be clearly stated/reflected in the response.

Per Section B, Items 002 (ODC) and 003 (Travel), can the Government clarify that the basis of pricing for these items will be calculated for each TO, and is therefore not included in total price (Volume II – Factor VI -Price)?

Pricing for CLINS 0002 (ODC’s) and 0003 will be negotiated at the task order level and is not required in the total price (Volume II – Factor VI Price.

Section M, Factor 5 of the RFP states: “The Government will evaluate the extent to which the offeror meets or exceeds the goal of 18% small business participation.” Is the SB goal per TO or for the entirety of the contract (programmatic)?

Entirety of the contract.

Sec L.3.a.Tab E.i.d.6 (p. 51 of 59) states “all supporting documentation is excluded from the page count” in reference to all SB supporting documentation. Would the Government consider allowing all supporting documentation to be excluded from page count, specifically (NAVFAC)/ USACE Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQ) (Sec L.3.a. Tab D.ii), and Letters of Commitment (LOC) (Sec L.3.a. Tab B.ii). If the PPQs and LOCs must count in total page count, would the Government consider increasing page count by 50 pages?

These documents are not included in the page count.

For clarification, the following items do NOT count towards the page count: Resumes, Letters of Commitment, PPQs, SBPC supporting documentation, subcontracting plan, cover page/letter, tabs, table of contents and acronyms/definitions.

Would the Government allow resumes to be excluded from the total page count? If resumes must be included, would the Government consider increasing page count by 50 pages?

Resumes are excluded.

Per Section L.3.a.Tab D.ii, offerors must submit (NAVFAC)/USACE Past Performance Questionnaire (Attachment 6). Historically offerors have been allowed to submit CPARs in lieu of PPQs. Would the Government consider allowing CPARs to be submitted in lieu of PPQs if the client sponsor is unwilling to complete the PPQ?

PPQs are required, and as discussed in Tab D - Factor IV - Past Performance, Para. (iii) and (iv), the Government may review any other sources of information for evaluating past performance.

The directions for TAB D – Factor IV – Past Performance (page 48 of 59) direct offerors to submit a maximum of 5 contracts completed within the last three years. Please confirm that an IDIQ contract that entailed multiple task order assignments would be acceptable and would count as one contract.

Yes, that would be acceptable.

On page 51 of 59 under d. Past Performance in Subcontracting Plans, we are requested to provide “Signed copies of the Summary Subcontracting Report” to support the individual contract data in the chart. Since Individual Subcontract Reports (ISRs) or SF294s provide supporting data for contract level SB performance, should we provide ISRs in lieu of SSRs?

Yes – Amendment 0001 revised the language to require submission of final ISRs in support of the offeror’s last five (5) completed subcontracting plans.

SECTION H: H001 SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTING PLAN on page 28 of 59 indicates that the subcontracting plan is “To be completed at award”. Can you confirm that a subcontracting plan is required with this submission or whether it will only be requested and required prior to award of a contract?

A subcontracting plan is required during proposal submission from other than small businesses. The completion of clause H001 will occur at time of award with the date of the final negotiated, acceptable subcontracting plan.

Project Manager / Project Administrator (PM) – Page 29 of the solicitation PDF. This reference also appears on page 2 of the Labor Categories Qualifications PDF.

The “RESP” noted for this section uses the abbreviation “PA” – indicating Project Administrator as opposed to “PM” indicating Project Manager. The responsibilities listed, including ensuring available resources, timely delivery, schedules, and serving as the point of contact with the CO/COR are typically the role of the Project Manager (also called the IDIQ Manager). In addition, the “MQ” in this section requires a Masters degree in Management or water resources related field plus 3 years experience, 2 of which must have been at the PA level or a Bachelors degree in Management or a water resources related field plus 5 years experience conducting such studies as will be derived from this contract, 2 of which must have been at the PA level. This seems to be a lower requirement than would be expected for a PM and seems to be more applicable to a PA.

Since this is a Key Role, please clarify whether the PM and PA are separate roles and confirm the requirements for the PM and the role that person is anticipated to fill (the key role).

Typographical error; Amendment 0001 revised Attachment 2 to ensure consistent use of the abbreviation for Project Manager (PM) in its description

33 We request that the proposal deadline be extended to July 13. Extension – Responses due Friday, July 20, 2018.

Form 33, Solicitation, Offer and Award form, Item 9.

Question1. A draft Form 33 was provided on the FBO solicitation site with the fields in Item 9 left blank. What is the USACE’s planned date for Form 33 reposting with Item 9 fields completed? Will the due date posted on the FBO site be adjusted with an extension?

This was an administrative error, but the Government is extending the proposal due date to Friday, July 20, 2018.

Page 47, PROPOSAL SUBMISSION, 2. Proposal Submission Requirements

Question 1. Volume I-Factors I-V indicate maximum pages allowed are 250 page. Does the 250 pages count for one one-sided or two-sided printed pages?

When both sides of a sheet display printed material, it shall be counted as two (2) pages towards the 250 maximum pages.

Page 47, PROPOSAL SUBMISSION, 2.e. reads, “All of the proposal files shall be compressed (zipped) into one file using WinZip version 6.2 or later, or as separate uploads in their native format, i.e. doc, xls, ppt, etc., and provided on CDs or DVDs.”

Question 1. Will USACE identify where the WinZip file is supposed to be uploaded?

CD/DVD

Page 48, TAB B – Factor II – Personnel Experience, i. Letters of Commitment - Letters of commitment are requested for Key Personnel. Please confirm the letters of commitment are only for key roles identified in Attachment 2. LABOR CATEGORIES (1. Senior Principal Investigator (SPI), 2. Principal Investigator (PI), and 4. Project Manager/Administrator

(PMI))?

Yes, letters of commitment are only required for those roles identified as Key in Attachment 2. If the proposed Key Personnel is an existing employee, it should be clearly stated/reflected in the response.

Page 48, TAB B – Factor II – Personnel Experience, i. Letters of Commitment - Does USACE have a preferred format/text for the Letters of Commitment?

No

Page 48, TAB B – Factor II – Personnel Experience, i. Letters of Commitment - Are the letters of Commitment included in the overall page count of Volume I?

No

Page 48, TAB D – Factor IV – Past Performance, i. reads, “Offerors shall submit PPI for a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 contracts or subcontracts completed or ongoing within the last 3 years from the release date of this solicitation.” Will USACE consider expanding the recency definition to five (5) years from the release date of the solicitation?

No

Page 49, TAB D – Factor IV – Past Performance, ii. Requires the offeror to submit a PPQ even if a CPARS exists. Will USACE consider accepting a CPARS in place of a PPQ to minimize the number of PPQ requests to DoD contract officials?

No, the PPQ’s are required.

Page 49, TAB D – Factor IV – Past Performance, ii. Requires the offeror to submit a PPQ even if a CPARS exists. If offeror has utilized the universal PPQ form approved by USACE and NAVFAC (same as the form provided in the solicitation package) to obtain an evaluation for another pursuit, may they reuse it in their response to this pursuit.

Yes, you may use the NAVFAC form to obtain an evaluation for this RFP requirement.

Page 50, TAB E – Factor V - Small Business Participation, i.d.1. Past Performance in Subcontracting Plans requires that the offeror “provide documentation and information that illustrates compliance with the requirements of FAR 52.219-9 for the offeror’s last five completed subcontracting plans that is consistent with all Summary Subcontracting Reports [SSR]” which includes populating a table with data from SSRs and submitting “Signed copies of the Summary Subcontracting Report…in support of data provided in the past performance compliance table.”

Question 1. The table asks the offeror to populate contract numbers, total contract value, achieved goals and goals from the plan. The wording in paragraph i.d. above indicates that “Summary Subcontracting Reports” (SSR) data should populate the table. However, SSR reports do not have Contract Numbers, Total Contract Values, or Goals. Did USACE want to see information from Individual Subcontracting Reports (ISR) from 5 different contract vehicles populating the table?

Yes - Amendment 0001 revises the language to require submission of final ISRs in support of the offeror’s last five (5) completed subcontracting plans.

If ISR report data is to be used to populate the table, how is “completed” being defined?

A. Five ISR reports from the most recent reporting period, or B. The last Five ISR reports submitted as a FINAL report instead of a regular report, regardless of reporting period, or alternatively, or C. Five “final” or “most recent” ISRs, which show compliance with utilizing the various types of small business firms noted, and relevance to this contract.

Amendment 0001 revises the language to require submission of final ISRs in support of the offeror’s last (most recent) five (5) completed subcontracting plans.

If the offeror is a Joint Venture (JV), should offeror submit a) 5 ISR reports from each JV member, or b) 5 ISR reports in totality?

5 ISRs reports in totality.

For the electronic copies of the proposal (apart from the cost/price breakout required in Excel format), may we provide files in PDF format?

Yes

47 Are the sample task order proposals counted in the 250-page limit? Yes

48 Please confirm that past performance questionnaires do not count in the 250-page limit. PPQs do not count in the 250-page limit

Regarding the Tab B requirement for letters of commitment (RPF p. 48), we ask that the Government limit the requirement to letters from key team members who are companies/organizations or individual consultants outside the proposed prime contractor.

Letters of Commitment are only required for Key Personnel as designated in Attachment 2 – Labor Categories/Qualifications. If the proposed Key Personnel is an existing employee, it should be clearly stated/reflected in the response with a commitment to making these staff members available.

50 Please confirm that letters of commitment do not count in the 250 page limit. Letters of Commitment do not count in the 250 page limit.

Proposal instructions indicate that the completed Attachment 7 Subcontracting Plan Template should be submitted in Tab E of Volume I. Because the completed form will include pricing information, please change the instruction so that Attachment 7 is submitted as Tab I of Volume II.

No.

Please confirm that the Sample PWS 1 referred to in Section 3.1.1 should actually be associated with Section 3.1.2

Correct - The numbering was mistakenly switched for the attachments.

Amendment 0001, which revised the language at Section C, PWS 3.1.1 and 3.2 to reference the correct Sample PWS

Para 2.3.3 page 15 of 59. 1st two sentences. The contractor shall provide the following management and support as required. The contractor shall provide for employees during designated Government non-work days or other periods where Government offices are closed due to weather or security conditions. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

Amendment 0001 removed this statement from the PWS: “The contractor shall provide for employees during designated Government non-work days or other periods where Government offices are closed due to weather or security conditions.”

Page 57 of 59. Item 2d. Offerors shall submit all Government and/or commercial contracts for the prime offeror and each major subcontractor in performance or awarded during the past three years, from the issue date of this RFP, which are relevant to the efforts required by this RFP. The Government may consider a wide array of information from a variety of sources, but is not compelled to rely on all of the information available. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

The Government will review the recency, relevancy and quality of performance on past contracts for the prime and each major subcontractor based on the submitted information. The Government may also review other sources of information such as PPIRS, CPARS, FAPIIS, etc., but are not required to.

Attachment 2. Are the responsibilities and minimum requirements reversed for the Mid-Level Analyst and the Journeyman analyst?

The MQ for the MA is incorrect. Amendment 0001 updated the MQ to “… a Masters Degree with 1 year of experience at the Journeyman Analyst level or a Bachelors Degree with 2 years of experience at the JA level.

56 We request that the proposal deadline be extended to July 13. Extension – Responses due Friday, July 20, 2018.

Page 50, TAB E – Factor V - Small Business Participation, i.d.1. Past Performance in Subcontracting Plans requires that the offeror “provide documentation and information that illustrates compliance with the requirements of FAR 52.219-9 for the offeror’s last five completed subcontracting plans that is consistent with all Summary Subcontracting Reports [SSR]” which includes populating a table with data from SSRs and submitting “Signed copies of the Summary Subcontracting Report…in support of data provided in the past performance compliance table.”

Question 1. Will USACE allow the offeror to submit three “final” or “most recent” Individual Subcontracting Reports (ISRs), which show compliance with utilizing the various types of small business firms noted, in terms of cumulative utilization during the contract performance period; in place of the Summary Subcontracting Reports, which only identifies entity-based performance data on multiple contracts in a single year?

Yes - Amendment 0001 revises the language to require submission of final ISRs in support of the offeror’s last five (5) completed subcontracting plans.

Page 50, TAB E – Factor V - Small Business Participation, i.d.1. Past Performance in Subcontracting Plans requires that the offeror “provide documentation and information that illustrates compliance with the requirements of FAR 52.219-9 for the offeror’s last five completed subcontracting plans that is consistent with all Summary Subcontracting Reports [SSR]” which includes populating a table with data from SSRs and submitting “Signed copies of the Summary Subcontracting Report…in support of data provided in the past performance compliance table.”

Question 2. What are the submission requirements if two or more parties have formed a partnership or joint venture for the purpose of submitting a proposal under this solicitation, and therefore have only separate entity SSRs; but no SSRs as a JV?

The parties shall submit no more than 5 total ISRs supporting the data submitted in the table provided.

Section B - Can the prime contractor seek reimbursement of its subcontract cost (including subcontractor’s labor cost, ODC, indirect cost, fee, etc.) under a cost CLIN in the IDIQ?

No

Section C, paragraph 2.5, page 16 and Section L, TAB B – FACTOR II, page 48

Section C, paragraph 2.5 provides that certain labor categories will be designated as key personnel in each task order. However, Tab B-Factor II specifies that the offerors shall propose key personnel for this requirement and submit resumes demonstrating appropriate education and experience and letters of commitment. Please confirm whether it is necessary for the offerors to propose key personnel for the IDIQ.

The offeror should submit resumes and letters of commitment for the labor categories designated as Key in Attachment 2 – Labor Categories/Qualifications.

Section H005, page 29

The RFP refers to the “fair opportunity” for contractors to be considered for task orders yet there does not appear to be the fair opportunity provision in the contract, in accordance with FAR 16.505(b). Will the fair opportunity provisions be included in the contract? How many IDIQ contracts does the government expect to issue?

In accordance with H004 TASK ORDERS, “Prior to issuance of any task order over $2,500.00, the Government will transmit a Task Order Request for Proposal (TORFP) to the awardees based on the procedures in FAR 16.505(b), unless one of the exceptions in FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i) applies.”

TAB A – Factor 1, page 48 and Section M, page 53

Item ii under Tab A – Factor 1 requires that offerors describe and demonstrate their Technical Understanding and Approach to meet the needs of the IWR PWS. Section M states this Factor will be evaluated, inter alia, based on offerors understanding of PWS Sections 1.3 and 3.

Please confirm that offerors should restrict their responses to Sections 1.3 and 3 of the PWS.

The Government will evaluate the Technical Understanding and Approach of both sample TORFP responses only. Amendment 0001 clarified this language.

Ref: Pg. 48, Section L, Tab A – Factor I, Para. (ii); Pg. 53, Section M, Factor 1: Technical Understanding and Approach

TAB B – FACTOR II, page 48

While the PWS explains the relationships and interactions between IWR and USACE HQ, there is no explanation of how IRW supports USACE Divisions and Districts. In order to respond effectively to the requirements, it would be useful to understand how this IWR contract would be used to support the activities of USACE Divisions, Districts and Centers.

If IWR is asked by another USACE Division, District or Center for support, and the type of support is within the scope of this acquisition, an order may be competed amongst this MATOC’s awardees.

TAB D – Factor IV, page 48

Please confirm it will be compliant for offerors to submit PPI and PPQs from team subcontractors who have entered into an arrangement under FAR Subpart 9.

The Government will accept subcontractor past performance; however, the prime should have some demonstrated past performance to perform the required tasks as described in the performance work statements.

Evaluation Approach, Small Business Participation, page 59

Would the government consider reducing the small business participation to 18% of subcontracted dollars instead of 18% of total contract value?

No

Attachment 1 (Labor Rates Pricing Schedule)

In the TORFP to be issued under the IDIQ, will the Government specify the labor categories and number of hours for the offerors to bid on, or will the offerors have the discretion to propose the labor categories and number of hours that the offerors deem are appropriate?

The offeror shall use labor categories in Attachment 2, but has the discretion to propose the categories and number of hours they deem appropriate for their approach.

Attachment 1 (Labor Rates Pricing Schedule)

In the TORFP to be issued under the IDIQ, will the offerors have the flexibility of proposing labor categories that are not shown in Attachment 1 (Labor Rates Pricing Schedule)?

No. Offerors shall use the labor categories in Attachment 2.

Attachment 1 (Labor Rates Pricing Schedule)

Will the subcontractor’s labor rates be subject to the fully burdened labor rate ceilings to be incorporated into Attachment 1?

Yes.

Attachments 4 and 5, Sample Tasks

Does USACE anticipate awarding one or both of the sample tasks under the contract?

No, these are sample task orders.

Attachments 4 and 5, Sample Tasks

What contractors, if any, are providing the performance requirements described in the sample tasks?

These are sample tasks, and representative of the type of work anticipated under this contract. CDM Smith has performed similar types of work in the past.

Attachment 4, page 2;

NDC Navigation Systems O&M Sample Task

Offerors are directed “to develop and provide O&M for the LPMS, DIS, and NTNI navigation systems as well as their subcomponents.” Please clarify the subcomponents that must be addressed.

Currently, LPMS is comprised of one transactional database, two warehouse databases, and one public reporting database, as well as an interface to the Corps Enterprise Data Warehouse clearinghouse.

DIS is comprised of one transactional database. NTNI is comprised of one transactional database and one public reporting database. Each system houses multiple APEX applications under multiple schemas.

Attachment 4, page 2, Navigation Systems O&M Sample Task

The sample task deliverables must adhere to “current USACE IT policy.” A search of USACE website did not identify a specific USACE IT policy. Please clarify the USACE IT policy that applies to the sample task.

All current policies dictated by the Corps of Engineers Corporate Information (CE-CI) and Army Corps of Engineers Information Technology (ACE-IT) offices apply to this sample task. This includes allowable software, security requirements, development practices, etc.

Attachment 4, page 2, Navigation Systems O&M Sample Task

The sample task directs that contractors should have extensive technical knowledge of APEX (Corps standards).” A search of USACE website did not identify the APEX standard. Please provide the APEX standards so offerors can integrate them into their responses.

Oracle Application Express (APEX) is an industry standard development platform baked into Oracle Database.

Attachment 4, page 4, Navigation Systems O&M Sample Task

Section 4.4 of the NDC Navigation Systems sample task requires the contractor to forward “feature requests” to IWR. Please clarify what constitutes feature requests

The intent of this task was to monitor multiple shared mailboxes in the Corps environment, which serve as focal points for user issues and suggestions. Bug resolutions as well user errors (data entry or login errors resulting from lack of training) would need to be managed by the contractor, whereas feature requests or requests to change an aspect of a system that is working as intended would need to be forwarded to the IWR team for consideration and prioritization before execution.

Attachment 4, section 4.8 and 4.9; pages 4 & 5, Navigation Systems O&M Sample Task

Please confirm that offerors are not required to provide a level of effort, written narrative and multi-disciplinary capability to perform Optional Tasks 1 & 2 in the NDC Navigation Systems sample task.

Yes –.The offeror should respond to the entirety of the sample TORFP, including the optional tasks.

Evaluation of Port Capacity at U.S. Container Ports Sample Task

Please confirm offerors are only required to provide a level of effort, written narrative and multi-disciplinary capability to perform the deliverables described in the Port Capacity sample task, i.e., BT-a through BT-d, only for primary U.S. East & Gulf Coastal Deep-Draft Container Ports.

Confirmed

Evaluation of Port Capacity at U.S. Container Ports Sample Task

Please confirm offerors are not required to provide a level of effort, written narrative and multi-disciplinary capability to perform Optional Tasking I, II and III.

Yes – the offeror should respond to the entirety of the sample TORFP, including the optional tasks.

Attachment 5, page 10

Evaluation of Port Capacity at U.S. Container Ports Sample Task The Port Capacity sample task requires offerors to provide “cost estimates” in the format provided on page 10 of the sample task. This appears to contradict the instructions on page 48 under Factor 1, which states “NO ACTUAL PRICES ARE TO BE ENTERED ON THE SAMPLE TASK” (emphasis in the original). Please clarify if prices or cost estimates are required.

Amendment 0001 revised Sample TORFP PWS 2 to remove the language related to cost estimates. Sample Tasks do NOT require price/cost estimates.

Basis for Award, Factor 2, page 54

Under Factor 2, the RFP refers to “Appendix A, Labor Categories.” There does not appear to be an Appendix A in the RFP. Please advise.

Amendment 0001 updated this to Attachment 2 – Labor Categories/Qualifications

Attachment 4: Sample Task Order Request for Proposal (TORFP) #1

Which, if any, of the LPMS, DIS, and NTNI systems are housed at AWS?

All of LPMS, DIS, and NTNI are targeted for cloud migration before October 2018.

Attachment 4: Sample Task Order Request for Proposal (TORFP) #1

Can you please describe the development, testing, and production environments for these systems?

In the intended AWS implementation, there will be a mirrored Development, Test, and Production environment that uses APEX, ORDS, and AWS RDS (database as a service).

Attachment 4: Sample Task Order Request for Proposal (TORFP) #1

Please describe the technical requirements/methods for connecting to the development, testing, and production environments.

Must have Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) and be on the Corps Network. Connections to the servers and databases are handled through a bastion server setup that only allows connections from certain IPs or authorized users. Developers must SSH into the bastion server and connect to the database from there (or tunnel the DB connection), much like a DMZ. Access to Testing and Production APEX environments may not be granted to developers, but we are still solidifying roles and responsibilities of multiple contractors involved in the management of our cloud infrastructure.

Section M, Factor 5 - Offeror’s proposal must meet the minimum mandatory Total Small Business Participation goal of 18%, Pg. 56

Section M, Factor 5, states that the Offeror’s proposal must meet the minimum mandatory Total Small Business Participation goal of 18%. Attachment 7, Subcontracting Plan Template, asks that goals be stated both as a percentage of subcontracted dollars (percentage of total subcontract value) and as a percentage of the total contract value. FAR 52.219-9 states that Subcontracting Plan goals should be expressed as a percentage of subcontracted dollars. Can USACE clarify that the 18% goal is representative of the percentage of total contract/acquisition value or the percentage of subcontracted dollars?

The 18% goal is representative of the total contract value, NOT subcontracted dollars.

Attachment 4: Sample Task Order #1 - 3.3. Period of Performance, Pg. 3

Is the Sample Task Order only a 6 month period of performance?

12 month period of performance –Amendment 0001 updated the period of performance in sample TORFP #1.

Section L: Proposal Content - Section L, Tab A: Factor 1: The offeror shall submit documentation in the form it chooses to demonstrate and detail the offeror’s Multi- Disciplinary Capability (staffing), Pg. 48

The proposal instructions state that Multidisciplinary Capability should be addressed under Factor 1, however, the evaluation criteria for Factor 1 does not include any mention of Multi- Disciplinary Capability (staffing). However, the evaluation criteria for Factor 2 includes the following: “the offeror’s proposal will be evaluated to the extent that it demonstrates availability of proposed staff for multiple tasks simultaneously in accordance with Appendix A, Labor Categories, of the PWS.” Please confirm where Multi- Disciplinary Capability (staffing) should be included in the proposal and under what Factor it will be evaluated.

Amendment 0001 updates the language under Section M, Factor 2 to be specific to Key staff and corrected the reference to the appropriate attachment (Attachment 2 – Labor Categories/Qualifications). Multi-disciplinary capability will be evaluated in Factor 1, as it demonstrates an offeror’s understanding and unique approach to meeting the sample TORFPs, as well as the feasibility of the approach.

Section L: Proposal Content and Section M: Evaluation Approach - TAB D – Factor IV - Past Performance, section i, AND Evaluation Approach, section 2.c, Pg. 48 and 56

Does the “minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5” contracts or subcontracts completed or ongoing within the last 3 years from the release date of this solicitation” apply to the prime contractor and its major subcontractors together, or to each separately?

Combined.

Attachment 2: Labor Categories / Qualifications

Are the minimum education and experience requirements for Journeyman Analyst and Mid- Level Analyst reversed?

The MQ for the MA is incorrect. See Amendment 0001, which updates the MQ to “… a Masters Degree with 1 year of experience at the Journeyman Analysist level or a Bachelors Degree with 2 years of experience at the JA level.

Section L: Proposal Content - TAB E – Factor V – Small Business Participation, section i (c), Pg. 50

In lieu of providing signed copies of Teaming Agreements, may offeror’s submit signed Letters of Commitment from each proposed Subcontractor and Consultant to satisfy this requirement?

Yes – Amendment 0001 revises this paragraph to include letters of commitment.

Section M: Evaluation - Section L, Tab A: Factor 1: Personnel Experience: Offerors shall propose Key Personnel for this requirement and submit resumes demonstrating appropriate education and experience and letters of commitment (See Attachment 2 - Labor Categories/Qualifications). Section M, Factor 2: The offeror’s proposal will be evaluated to the extent that it demonstrates relevance of work experience of key personnel, including the combined experience of the support personnel covering the three prime technical areas of navigation, data and decision support, and future directions, and the appropriateness of education/expertise of key personnel. The offeror’s proposal will be evaluated to the extent that it demonstrates availability of proposed staff or multiple tasks simultaneously in accordance with Appendix A, Labor Categories, of the PWS. Pg. 48 & 54

The proposal instruction for Personnel Experience only request information for key personnel, however the evaluation criteria for Personnel Experience uses the phrase “including the combined experience of the support personnel…” Please confirm if the evaluation of Personnel Experience only includes Key Personnel. If non-key personnel (i.e. support personnel) are included in the evaluation, please tell us what information you require for non-key personnel and where it should be included in the proposal.

Evaluation of Personnel Experience only includes Key Personnel.

Amendment 0001 removes the language related to “combined experience of support personnel” from Section M.

Section L: Instructions - Section L, Tab A: Personnel Experience: “Offerors shall propose Key Personnel for this requirement and submit resumes demonstrating appropriate education and experience and letters of commitment (See Attachment 2 - Labor Categories/Qualifications).”

The instructions request letters of commitment from all key personnel. Can these letters be provided at the firm level In other words each team member (prime and subcontractors provides a letter listing the key personnel it is providing and commits to making these staff available? This will reduce the burden of this requirement significantly.

Resumes are required for proposed personnel that meet the requirements of the labor categories designated as Key in Attachment 2, and no more than 2 resumes per labor category. Letters of commitment are also required, but if the employee is an existing employee of the offeror or team member, it should be clearly stated/reflected in the response with a commitment to making these staff members available.

Proposal Due Date

To ensure respondents have time (including printing and delivery of the proposal) to adjust to changes made to the solicitation due to the response to questions, will the government extend the due date for proposals till two weeks after the release of the response to questions.

Extension – Responses due Friday, July 20, 2018.

Section L: Instructions - 2d: “Maximum Pages: 250”, Pg. 47

We believe 250 pages is adequate for responding to most of the RFP instructions. However, can you confirm that the Table of Contents does not count towards the page count? If it does, can the government increase the page count by 5 pages. (the amount of space it may will take).

Table of contents does not count towards the page count.

Section L: Instructions - 2d: “Maximum Pages: 250”, Pg. 47

We believe 250 pages is adequate for responding to most of the RFP instructions. However, please confirm that the Letters of Commitment from Key Personnel do not count towards the page count? If they do, can the government increase the page count by 40 pages (the amount of space they may take).

Letters of commitment do not count towards the page count.

Section L: Instructions - 2d: “Maximum Pages: 250”, Pg. 47

We believe 250 pages is adequate for responding to most of the RFP instructions. However, please confirm that the Completed 5-6 page long PPQ forms do not count towards the page count? If they do, can the government increase the page count by 30 pages (the amount of space they may take). Note, as the instructions read now, firms have an incentive to ask their references to submit the forms directly to the government which creates an un-even playing field.

PPQs do not count towards the page count. Client POCs for PPQs may submit directly to the Government.

Section L: Instructions - 2c: “A standard, 12-point minimum font size applies. Arial font is required.”, Pg. 47

12-point Arial is a very large font that can be difficult to use for a proposal page layout. Would the government consider any of these easy to read fonts: (1) 12-point Times New Roman, (2) 11 Point Arial, (3) 12 point Calibri, for the body text?

No – 12-point Arial is the designated font.

Section L: Proposal Content - TAB E – Factor V – Small Business Participation, section i (b), Pg. 50

The RFP requests CAGE Code information for all proposed Subcontractors. Individual Consultants and Small Business Subcontractors who do not receive Prime Contract Awards directly from the Government may not have CAGE codes. Please clarify how these partners should be listed in the table at this section.

If the proposed subcontractors are not registered in SAM and the offeror accepted the subcontractor’s written representations of its size and socioeconomic status, the offeror shall ensure it is stated in the response/supporting documentation.

Section L: Proposal Content - TAB E – Factor V – Small Business Participation, section i (b), Pg. 50

The RFP requests that offeror’s provide the “Small Business Classification(s) as identified in System for Award Management SAM” for proposed Subcontractors. Many Individual Consultants and Small Business Subcontractors who do not receive Prime Contract Awards from the Government are not required to be registered in Sam.gov. Please confirm that offerors, in accordance with FAR 52.219-9, may accept a subcontractor’s representation of its size and socioeconomic status for use in completing this section of the proposal, and for preparing a Small Business Subcontracting Plan.

If the proposed subcontractors are not registered in SAM and the offeror accepted the subcontractor’s written representations of its size and socioeconomic status, the offeror shall ensure it is stated in the response/supporting documentation.

Section L: Proposal Content - TAB E – Factor V – Small Business Participation, section i (d), Pg. 50

The proposal instructions request compliance information for the offeror’s last five (5) completed subcontracting plans. Is USACE seeking information on the last five completed subcontracting plans for: (a) USACE contracts; (b) contracts within this specific NAICS code;

or (c) across all Government Contracts with Small Business Subcontracting Plans subject to

FAR 52.219-9?

The Government will not limit it to USACE contracts or within the specific NAICS, so across all Government contracts is fine.

Section L: Proposal Content - TAB E – Factor V – Small Business Participation, section i (d) and (d)1, Pg. 50

The proposal instructions request copies of Summary Subcontracting Reports (SSRs) to support the data submitted in the past performance compliance table. SSRs provide summary level small business award information across the offeror’s entire organization but do not provide contract-specific goals, or actual achievements against those goals. This level of detail, which would substantiate the data provided in the past performance compliance table, is disclosed in Individual Subcontracting Reports (ISRs). Please clarify that the instructions in TAB E – Factor V, Section i(d) and (d)(1) intend to reference “Individual Subcontracting Reports” as opposed to “Summary Subcontracting Reports”.

Yes - Amendment 0001 revises the language to require submission of final ISRs in support of the offeror’s last five (5) completed subcontracting plans.

PWS - 3.1.1 Navigation Studies and Assessments, Pg. 16

It appears that sections 3.1.1.3 and 3.1.2.3 are switched in the PWS. Should future directions as it relates to “decision support” be 3.1.2.3 and “navigation systems and provide guidance and policy recommendations for HQ policy and guidance” be 3.1.1.3?

Both sections address future directions requirements which is key to both sections.

Would the Government please confirm that the Title Page and Table of Contents are excluded from total page count of Volume I?

Title page and table of contents are excluded from the page count.

On Page 48 of 59 TAB B states the following: “Offerors shall propose Key Personnel for this requirement and submit resumes demonstrating appropriate education and experience and letters of commitment (See Attachment 2 - Labor Categories/Qualifications).”

(a) Please confirm the Government only wants resumes for Key Personnel. (b) Does offeror must provide resumes to cover all allocated hours for each Key Personnel Labor Category?

Yes, resumes are only required from those labor categories designated as key in Attachment 2 – labor Categories/Qualifications. No more than 2 resumes per Key labor category.