A22_W912HZ-14-R-0022-0006.pdf

W912HZ-14-R-0022

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

30-105-04EXCEPTION TO SF 30

APPROVED BY OIRM 11-84

STANDARD FORM 30 (Rev. 10-83) Prescribed by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

This amendment is to post questions and answ ers.

The follow ing sections have been revised:

Section L Section M Section G Section J Attachment E

PWS

The follow ing clauses have been added:

52.244-2 Minimum Required Insurance

1. CONTRACT ID CODE PAGE OF PAGES

S 1 63

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

16C. DATE SIGNED

BY 23-Feb-2016

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA15C. DATE SIGNED15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

(Signature of Contracting Officer)(Signature of person authorized to sign)

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., Street, County, State and Zip Code) X W912HZ-14-R-0022

X 9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

06-Jan-2016

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

X The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offer is extended, X is not extended.

Offer must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning 1 copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted;

or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN

REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS.

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE

CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(B).

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not, is required to sign this document and return copies to the issuing office.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

10A. MOD. OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 5. PROJECT NO.(If applicable)

6. ISSUED BY

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

23-Feb-2016

CODE

ERDC CONTRACTING OFFICE

3909 HALLS FERRY ROAD

VICKSBURG MS 39180-6199

W912HZ 7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than item 6)

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.

CODE

See Item 6

FACILITY CODECODE

EMAIL:TEL:

SECTION SF 30 BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

SECTION SF 30 - BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

The following have been modified:

QUESTION AND ANSWERS

The following questions and answers are provided for informational purposes only:

Question 89: Reference Attachment F II.A. States, “Adequate Price Competition. Provide data showing the degree of competition and the basis for establishing the source and reasonableness of price for those acquisitions (such as subcontracts, purchase orders, material order, etc.) exceeding, or expected to exceed, the appropriate threshold set forth at FAR 15.403-4 priced on the basis of adequate price competition.” Because adequate pricing competition will be established through this effort at the IDIQ level, we believe that an exception in FAR 15.403-1(b) applies: “Two or more responsible offerors, competing independently, submit priced offers that satisfy the Government’s expressed requirement….” If the Government is asking Offerors to show the basis of adequate price competition at the Task Order level, considering that ordering quantifies are unknown and no Task Order has been competed (other than Sample 0001 through this solicitation), we do not believe this requirement is applicable to this solicitation. At either the IDIQ contract level or the Task Order level, we do not believe this requirement is applicable and recommend deletion of this requirement. If the Government disagrees, please clarify what Offerors are expected to provide.

Answer: FAR 15.403-1 is entitled “Obtaining Certified Cost or Pricing Data”. We are not requesting “certified” data. We are requiring “data other than certified”.

Question 90: Is Section K required to be submitted with the proposal or after contract award? If so, in what volume should it be placed?

Answer: Volume III-Price

Question 91: Reference Section L.3.8. States, “The contracting officer should consider whether a contractor or subcontractor has an approved purchasing system….” Please confirm that an approved Purchasing System is not required. Also, how much weight does an approved purchasing system have in evaluating reasonableness of the Offeror’s price?

Answer: See revised Section L.3.8 and FAR clause 52.244-2 added via this amendment.

Evaluation weights are listed at RFP section M.3.0. The contracting officer will consider whether a contractor or subcontractor has an approved purchasing system. FAR 44.201-1(b) states: "If the contractor does not have an approved purchasing system, consent to subcontract is required for cost-reimbursement, time-and-materials, labor-hour, or letter contracts, and also for unpriced actions (including unpriced modifications and unpriced delivery orders) under fixed-price contracts that exceed the simplified acquisition threshold..."

Question 92: This contract is set aside for Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB). Because many companies self-certify, if the RFP does not require inclusion of approved certified means of proving SDVOSB status, the award is subject to protest based on the eligibility of the awardee. Based on other Government RFPs, we recommend that the solicitation be modified to require submission with the proposal of one of the following: Veterans Administration Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Center for Verification and Evaluation (CVE) certification; or DD Form 214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and the Veterans Administration Letter of Disability. This requirement will protect the Government from the risk of a time delay based on a protest challenging the awardee’s SDVOSB status.

Answer: Per FAR 19.1403(b)(1) and (2):

(b) At the time that a service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern submits its offer, it must represent to the contracting officer that it is a--

(1) Service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern; and

(2) Small business concern under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code assigned to the procurement.

Question 93: Reference Section M.2.3. States, “Cost/Price will not be an adjectivally rated criterion, but will be evaluated as to the reasonableness and realism, and for providing the best value to the Government. Offerors found to be unreasonably high may be considered unacceptable, and may be rejected on that basis” (emphasis added). Are reasonableness and realism defined only in terms of whether or not prices are high? Recommend, “Offerors found to be unreasonably high or low may be considered unacceptable, and may be rejected on that basis.”

Answer: See revised section M.2.3.

Question 94: Reference Section L.3.6.7. Are COTS products acceptable for the STO response?

Answer: COTS solutions are not prohibited for the STO response.

Question 95: Reference Section L.3.7. Please clarify what are “previously submitted PPQs.”

Answer: Section L.3.7. states: “Offerors shall not incorporate by reference into their proposal PPQs previously submitted for other RFPs.”

Question 96: Reference Section L.3.7. How many Past Performance citations are allowed?

Answer: The vendor must make this determination.

Question 97: Will the government provide an estimated start date for contract performance for purposes of establishing accurate pricing?

Answer: This requested information is unknown.

Question 98: Reference Clause 52.228-5. What are the insurance requirements and for what risks?

Answer: FAR 28.310(a) states: (a) Insert the clause at 52.228-5, Insurance -- Work on a Government Installation, in solicitations and contracts if a fixed-price contract is contemplated, the contract amount is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, and the contract will require work on a Government installation, unless --

(1) Only a small amount of work is required on the Government installation (e.g., a few brief visits per month); or

(2) All work on the Government installation is to be performed outside the United States and its outlying areas.

Each task order will specify whether or not work is required to be performed at the Government site.

See contract clause “Minimum Required Insurance”.

Question 99: Reference Attachment E, Column D Header. Spreadsheet header titled “Onsite G&A OH %” – Are you looking for the G&A or OH rate? If not, explain the requirement.

Answer: See revised Attachment E.

Question 100: Reference Section F.3 of the solicitation. What is the Government’s estimated date of contract award to establish the Year 1 period of performance?

Answer: Unknown.

Question 101: As a subcontractor to several large integrator companies, we have found that the large integrators, as a matter of policy, will not fill out a Past Performance Questionnaire to evaluate our work. In lieu of a completed Past Performance Questionnaire, will the Government accept a recent subcontractor evaluation of our work from a Prime contractor if it clearly identifies the evaluator and we provide contact information for that evaluator?

Answer: Section L.3.7 states: Also include performance recognition documents received within the last five years such as awards, award fee determinations, customer letters of commendation, and any other forms of performance recognition.

Question 102: Reference sample task order PWS, Section 3.1. Is there a better definition for the data formats and access method from USGS and NOAA? (Web services vs.

RESTful, CSV vs. JSON vs. XML)

Answer: The sample task order is designed to solicit a proposed solution that demonstrates the proposer is capable of solving problems such as the one presented in the sample task order. If the proposer has an efficient solution which uses Web services vs. RESTful, CSV vs. JSON vs.

XML, the proposer can propose the solution.

Question 103: Reference sample task order PWS, Section 3.1. Is the application meant to be desktop based, browser/server based, or desktop based with a network based database?

Answer: The application is meant to be browser/server based.

Question 104: Reference sample task order PWS, Section 3.1. If network based, how many clients are supported simultaneously?

Answer: A scalable solution should be considered.

Question 105: Reference sample task order PWS, Section 3.1.6. Is there a preferred database?

Answer: The proposer can propose the database.

Question 106: Reference sample task order PWS, Section 3.1. Are there security or encryption requirements on the data downloaded, the transformation, user access, or other SSO integration requirements?

Answer: The sample task order is designed to solicit a proposed solution that demonstrates the proposer is capable of solving problems such as the one presented in the sample task order. If the proposer has an efficient solution which uses security or encryption requirements on the data downloaded, the transformation, user access, or other SSO integration requirements, this should be included in the proposal.

Question 107: Reference sample task order PWS. What are the scalability considerations in the volume of data to be stored and the target data retention policies in terms of size of time? What is the forecasted growth?

Answer: The sample task order is designed to solicit a proposed solution that demonstrates the proposer is capable of solving problems such as the one presented in the sample task order. If the proposer has prior experience solving a problem such as the sample task order and the experience included data storing, retention policies, and forecasted growth, this should be included in proposed solution.

Question 108: Reference sample task order PWS, Section 3.1. Are there any non-public data sources to be integrated or other internal systems to be integrated with this system?

Answer: No

Question 109: Reference sample task order PWS, Section 3.1.2. 3.1.2 reads ambiguously. Is Visual Studio a requirement for all languages or can other IDEs be used if Java for Python is selected?

Answer: The sample task order is designed to solicit a proposed solution that demonstrates the proposer is capable of solving problems such as the one presented in the sample task order. The IDE selected is the choice of the proposer.

Question 110: Reference sample task order PWS, Section 3.1.2. 3.1.2 specifies that: “The Contractor shall write all software code for the software application.”. Does this preclude open source or third party libraries from being included in the application?

Answer: All deliverables under this contract must be works first produced, created or generated in the performance of this contract exclusively with government funding or alternatively, if the contractor must incorporate any works copyrighted (i.e. to include licenses) by others the contractor must obtain the contracting officer's permission to do so and obtain for the government a non-exclusive, paid up, world-wide license to make and distribute copies of that work, to prepare derivative works, to perform or display publically any portion of the work and to permit other to do so for government purposes. See DFARS 227.7103 and 252.227-7020. All works created or generated in the performance of this contract are considered special works and the contractor shall assign the copyright to the government. The contractor shall relinquish all use and disclosure rights along with the copyright.

Question 111: Reference sample task order PWS, Section 3.1.4. 3.1.4 specifies a goal of 95%. Is this measured as documented functions in the software, or compliance with the ERDC technical documentation guidance?

Answer: Yes.

Question 112: Reference sample task order PWS. Various requirements specify “STD 100% executable/functional code”, does this need to be validated via code coverage analysis?

Answer: No.

Question 113: Reference sample task order PWS. All Performance Standard are set to 100%, with the exception of 3.1.4. We respectfully submit this is a less than realistic expectation for software development, particularly in support of a research and development effort.

Answer: See revised sample task order PWS, Attachment B, incorporated in amendment 0004.

Question 114: How many personnel work on government site versus in contractor owned spaces? How many personnel on the contract currently work in each of the 4 locations identified for pricing in the RFP?

Answer: Based on an estimated count of on-site contractor requirements there have been between 20-70 contractor personnel on-site over the duration of the previous contract. This is not indicative of what is expected in the future.

Question 115: The sample task order PWS does not provide adequate information to determine an appropriate level of effort or staffing requirements for the task. Can the USG provide more details?

Answer: The sample task order is designed to solicit a proposed solution that demonstrates the proposer is capable of solving problems such as the one presented in the sample task order. The proposer shall define the appropriate level of effort or staffing requirements to complete the task.

Question 116: What data sources, how many, what data formats, do we need to identify sources or are they provided, etc. etc. etc.? Can the USG provide more details?

Answer: Please see question 115.

Question 117: Reference page 18, Para 3.5.1. Could the government identify the “complex systems” to be supported?

Answer: The task order will describe the specific complex system. For example, a complex system could be one that has been installed to log sensor readings at a flood control structure.

Question 118: Reference page 15, Para 3.3. Could the government clarify the scope of Geospatial Analysis Research and Development Projects that are to be performed?

Answer: The scope of the geospatial analysis projects will be defined by the task order. Tasks

3.3.1 through 3.3.6 describe the general requirements for Para 3.3.

Question 119: Reference page 19, Para 3.6.1. We understand that the functional requirements of the applications will be provided within a task order. However, would you provide details that would clarify of the specific type(s) software development required?

Would the required software development be classified as scientific numerical development, application development, systems development, other; or some combination thereof?

Answer: As stated, the software development will be prescribed by the task order. The task order may require the service to provide scientific numerical development, application development, systems development or a combination of this.

Question 120: Reference page 14, Para 3.1. and page 19, Para 3.6. What is the difference between software development in section 3.1 PWS and section 3.6 PWS and the following subsections. They appear to be the same requirements.

Answer: Software development can involve general programming methods which are not focused on in-depth mathematical theories. Computational programming involved developing software which solves mathematical theories.

Question 121: If an offerer or offerer's subcontractor is a current or future prime or subcontractor on an HPCMP contract, does this create an actual or potential Organizational Conflict of Interest?

Answer: Cannot answer with the limited information provided.

Question 122: Reference Section L.3.6.7 Attachment B. Section L.3.6.7 states, “The proposal shall include a technical approach that meets all of the requirements of the Sample Task Order PWS. The proposal shall include a staffing solution stated in terms of labor categories and level of effort (hours) only.” The Sample Task Order as described in Attachment B does not provide sufficient detail to propose and staff an actual solution (e.g., how many users will be supported?). How does the Government intend to evaluate staffing?

Answer: See Section M.2.3.

Question 123: Reference L.3.6.7, L.3.8, M.2.1, M.2.3, Attachment B. Section L.3.6.7 states, “The proposal shall include a technical approach that meets all of the requirements of the Sample Task Order PWS. The proposal shall include a staffing solution stated in terms of labor categories and level of effort (hours) only.” Section M.2.3 states, “Price for Sample Task Order 0001: The purpose of this cost analysis is to ensure that prices are realistic for the work to be performed, reflect a clear understanding of the requirements, and are consistent with the efforts described in the offeror’s technical proposal for Sample Task Order 0001.” Considering insufficient detail is provided in the PWS for the development of a realistic proposal, it does not seem possible to, as stated, “reflect a clear understanding of the requirements….” Does the Government intend for Offerors to state their assumptions and, if so, will the Offeror’s approach and price be evaluated as if the assumptions made are correct, regardless of what other assumptions are made by the Government or other Offerors? If not, then how, given the lack of detail in Attachment B, will Offerors understand and price this Sample Task to the extent the Government expects?

Answer: See Question 115 above.

Question 124: Reference M.2.3, FAR 15.404-1(g). States, “The Government will evaluate all aspects of the price proposal for fair and reasonableness, and realism.” FAR 15.404-1(g) warns against “Unbalanced pricing,” which “may increase performance risk and could result in payment of unreasonably high prices. Unbalanced pricing exists when, despite an acceptable total evaluated price, the price of one or more contract line items is significantly over or understated as indicated by the application of cost or price analysis techniques.”

FAR 15.404-1(g)(2) states, “ All offers with separately priced line items or subline items shall be analyzed to determine if the prices are unbalanced.” If such a condition exists under this contract, we recommend that the Government add a warning against unbalanced pricing. We recommend the addition of the following: “Offerors whose cost/price is determined to be unreasonable, unbalanced, or unrealistic may not be considered for award.” Then, we recommend adding “Unbalanced Pricing: The Government may determine that a proposal is unacceptable if the prices proposed are materially unbalanced between line items. Materially unbalanced pricing exists when the price of one or more line items are significantly overstated or understated as indicated by the application of cost or price analysis techniques. A proposal may be rejected if the CO determines that a lack of balance poses an unacceptable risk to the Government.”

Answer: See question/answer #7 in amendment #0004.

Question 125: Reference: Section L, 3.7 Volume II Past Performance instructs that Past Performance Questionnaires (Attachment C) be submitted to the client for each project the offeror includes in its proposal for Volume II, Past Performance Proposal, and that completed Past Performance Questionnaires should be submitted with the proposal.

Question: Does the Government have a specific cut-off date for when the Questionnaires must be submitted to clients by the offeror?

Answer: This is the vendor’s decision.

Question 126: Reference: Attachment F, page A.(5) Requires the offeror include the Proposed cost; profit or fee and total on the first page of the proposal. Question:

Considering that the Government is only requesting FFP and CPFF labor rates, does the Government expect the proposed cost, profit and fee to reflect the Sample TO or will the Government provide more guidance in order to quantify an overall proposed cost, profit and fee value to meet the requirements in Attachment F?

Answer: Attachment F is applicable to the labor rates and the sample task order.

Question 127: Reference: Attachment F, II, A (2) instructions state that the offeror should “Obtain certified cost or pricing data from prospective sources for those acquisitions.”

Question: Considering that there is no certified cost or pricing data required of the offeror, is it the Government’s intent to require certified cost or pricing data be obtained for subcontracts, purchase orders, material orders, etc?

Answer: Attachment F, II, A(2) states: Obtain certified cost or pricing data from prospective sources for those acquisitions (such as subcontracts, purchase orders, material order, etc.)

exceeding the threshold set forth in FAR 15.403-4 and not otherwise exempt, in accordance with FAR 15.403-1(b) (i.e., adequate price competition, commercial items, prices set by law or regulation or waiver). Also provide data showing the basis for establishing source and reasonableness of price.

Question 128: Reference: Attachment F states: A. You must provide the following information on the first page of your pricing proposal:

(1) Solicitation, contract, and/or modification number;

(2) Name and address of offeror;

(3) Name and telephone number of point of contact;

(4) Name of contract administration office (if available);

(5) Proposed cost; profit or fee; and total;

(6) Whether you will require the use of Government property in the performance of the contract, and, if so, what property;

(7) Whether your organization is subject to cost accounting standards;

whether your organization has submitted a CASB Disclosure Statement,

(8) Date of submission; and

(9) Name, title, and signature of authorized representative

Reference: RFP Section 3.8 states: A cover sheet shall be submitted with the offeror’s name, the volume number and the solicitation number. The second sheet shall be an index/TOC. Question: Would the Government provide clarification for which requirement is correct?

Answer: Both are accurate. RFP Section 3.8 provides the format/table of contents for Volume III. Attachment F provides the format for “Data Other Than Certified Cost and Pricing Data.”

Question 129: Reference: Amendment 0003, Section L 3.8, page 10 of 46 states, “The Offeror shall provide cost build up data for cost loaded labor rates beginning with the unloaded labor rate through application of indirect and profit or fee. See Attachment E.”

Question: Is Attachment E to be completed using the Prime contractor data only? Given the proprietary nature of subcontractor labor rates and indirect rates, how would the Government like for subcontractor labor rates to be shown in Attachment E?

Answer: Prime.

Question 130: Reference L.3.6.5 Corporate Experience. The RFP states: …is of the same or similar scope and complexity to the work described in the Performance Work Statement, and is of the same or similar magnitude (i.e., performing services that, on an annual basis, are at least half the dollar value proposed by the Offeror to perform the Performance Work Statement’s requirements). The RFP statement asking for “half the dollar value proposed by the Offeror to perform the Performance Work Statement’s Requirements” can only be provided for STO 1 PWS areas 3.1 since that is the only area being specifically priced. Request the USG remove the statement “half the dollar value proposed by the Offeror to perform the Performance Work Statement’s Requirements”

Answer: See question/answer #’s 49, 70, and 78 in amendment #0005

Question 131: Would the USACE consider accepting CPARS instead of requiring Past Performance Questionnaires?

Answer: Section L.3.7 states: …”In addition to the above, the Government may review any other sources of information for evaluating past performance. Other sources may include, but are not limited to, past performance information retrieved through the Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS), including Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS), using all CAGE/DUNS numbers of team members (partnership, joint venture, teaming arrangement, or parent company/subsidiary/affiliate) identified in the offeror’s proposal, inquiries of owner representative(s), Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS), Electronic Subcontract Reporting System (eSRS), and any other known sources not provided by the offeror. While the Government may elect to consider data from other sources, the burden of providing detailed, current, accurate and complete past performance information rests with the Offeror.

Question 132: Reference Section 3.3.1 of the PWS. Are there requirements to use the ESRI platform in addition to the Google platform?

Answer: A task order may prescribe ESRI as the platform format.

Question 133: Reference Section L 3.6.1, Subfactor 3. Regarding seamless transition from the current contractor, Will there be any existing POs/projects/efforts/etc. that the new contractor will assume responsibility for? If so, please describe them so that we can respond with specific transition plans.

Answer: Unknown.

Question 134: Reference Attachment B – Sample Task Order PWS. What is the desired geospatial (map) platform? What is the target user platform(s) (e.g., Desktop, Tablet, Phone)?

Answer: Please see question 115.

Question 135: “G.6. Application Of Service Contract Act - Some of the disciplines covered in this solicitation are covered by a Service Contract Act (SCA) exemption, as they are considered “Executive, Administrative or Professional”; however, offerors shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with the SCA for applicable Labor Categories. Wage Determinations will be issued for particular localities with the issuance of each task order.”

The Government is requested to remove section G.6 from the original solicitation in accordance with its response to Question #21 in Amendment 0004.

Answer: Paragraph G.6 has been deleted.

Question 136: Reference Section L.3.8 (page 76) and L.3.8 (Amendment 0002 – page 12).

Can the USG provide a definition for "current" with regard to a DCAA certified audit or a 1408 audit? Also can the USG revise the requirement based on recent language revisions on other USG RFP efforts? Each of these solicitations initially had similar requirements and each solicitation was amended to provide alternate SB validations for accounting systems (Solicitation #s - SAQMMA15R0022 and SAQMMA15R0318) Identification of the indirect cost pools and respective allocation bases, and breakdown of the cost elements/costs comprising such pools and bases. The Government prefers that the offeror submit such evidence in a format similar to the applicable schedules in Enclosure 6 (Incurred Cost Proposals) of DCAA’s Information for Contractors, which may be found on DCAA’s Web site (www.dcaa.mil) under the “Audit Process Overview – Information for Contractors” link under the Guidance tab at the top of the homepage. Utilizing this additional clause will allow subcontractors who have not had a full DCAA audit, or a “current” 1408 to submit accounting system documentation, and also to ensure the prime is not considered “non compliant” based on subcontractor’s limitations. In addition, the prime’s system can be evaluated utilizing this option, if the 1408 or DCAA audit is not considered “current” under your definition.

Answer: Current is defined as the ‘last/latest DCAA certified audit’. The RFP also states third party audited financial statements is acceptable.

Question 137: Reference CLIN 0004. Would the USG consider providing a NTE price for this CLIN?

Answer: See question/answer # 7 in amendment # 0004.

Question 138: Reference CLIN 0005 and PWS 2.3.3. Would the USG consider providing a NTE price for this CLIN or a designated list of Training Courses for pricing purposes?

Answer: See question/answer # 7 in amendment # 0004.

Question 139: Reference Section L. We request the USG extend the proposal due date until March 16, 2016.

Answer: The solicitation was extended.

Question 140: Reference Section L, 3.8 - Volume III Price/Cost Proposal. Instructions do not include specific instructions on the information that is required of subcontractors except for instructions on page 76 related to DCAA and DCMA information. It seems that a sealed package submission with detailed and proprietary information such as rate build up, Total Compensation Plan, and a Data other than Certified Cost or Pricing Data package would be necessary for evaluation of subcontractor cost proposals (in addition to the prime offerors analysis of subcontractor pricing). Please provide specific instructions related to subcontractor cost proposal requirements.

Answer: In accordance with FAR 15.404-3, the contracting officer will consider whether the prime has performed cost or price analysis of proposed subcontractor prices, or has negotiated the subcontract prices before negotiation of the prime contract, in determining the reasonableness of the prime contract price.

Attachment F requires the prime to:

(1) Adequate Price Competition. Provide data showing the degree of competition and the basis for establishing the source and reasonableness of price for those acquisitions (such as subcontracts, purchase orders, material order, etc.) exceeding, or expected to exceed, the appropriate threshold set forth at FAR 15.403-4 priced on the basis of adequate price competition.

(2) All Other. Obtain certified cost or pricing data from prospective sources for those acquisitions (such as subcontracts, purchase orders, material order, etc.) exceeding the threshold set forth in FAR 15.403-4 and not otherwise exempt, in accordance with FAR 15.403-1(b) (i.e., adequate price competition, commercial items, prices set by law or regulation or waiver). Also provide data showing the basis for establishing source and reasonableness of price.

Offeror is free to submit additional information concerning their subcontractor prices.

Question 141: The requirement for the offeror to submit Relevant past performance citations that on an annual basis, are at least half the dollar value proposed by the offeror seems to violate the spirit of Executive Order 13360, "Providing Opportunities for Service- Disabled Veteran Businesses to Increase Their Federal Contracting and Subcontracting".

Section 1 of the Executive Order states “Heads of agencies shall provide the opportunity for service-disabled veteran businesses to significantly increase the Federal contracting and subcontracting of such businesses." Certainly an SDVOSB with contracts with at least a value of $47.5 million is already well entrenched in the Federal Contracting markets.

This relevancy requirement prevents some very good SDVOBs and SBs who have excellent experience, from joining a Prime team competing for the ITL contract as their capabilities and experience cannot be included in the Experience Section of the proposal unless they meet this required contract value. It is respectively requested that the Government earnestly give thought to this situation and delete this “relevancy” requirement and allow offerors experience and past performance stand on their own merits?

Answer: FAR 15.305(a)(2) states: “(i) Past performance information is one indicator of an offeror’s ability to perform the contract successfully. The currency and relevance of the information, source of the information, context of the data, and general trends in contractor’s performance shall be considered.”

Question 142: In Section L, it states “The plan shall include an approach to ensure a seamless transition with outgoing contractors on efforts requiring continued support.”

This requirement appears to conflict with the answer to Question18, which states:

“Reference Section L.3.6.6 and Section M.2.1. Does the Government intend for the incumbent and successor contracts to overlap during transition?” Answer: “No”. Please clarify how the successor contractor can transition efforts requiring continued support when the outgoing contractor is no longer under contract.

Answer: See revised Section L.

Question 143: Reference Attachment E labor rate buildup for CFPP. The table has two columns for G&A. One states for Onsite G&A OH%. The next one is G&A%. The final column asks for Year 1 Onsite Loaded Rate Cost. It is unclear what the USG is asking for in these columns since the default location for performance is contractor site. Will the USG please clarify what they are asking for in each of the columns?

Answer: See question/answer #99 above.

Question 144: Will the R&D Services contract use a single COR for the IDIQ contract and a COTR for each TO contract? Can you define the reporting channels for contractor to the

USG?

Answer: There will be a COR for the IDIQ contract and a COR for each task order awarded.

Question 145: The issue of relevant corporate experience is still ambiguous. While the maximum ordering limit is $95M, the minimum guarantee is $25,000 and the offeror is only being asked to price the Sample Task Order. If the Government is referring to the BPA limit of $95M, the requirement to provide relevant past performance at half that total is very restrictive to a small business. We are requesting that the government clarify whether the relevant past performance value is subjected to half the value of the proposed Sample Task Order, or if it is indeed half the value of the BPA limit of $95M. If it is the value of the BPA limit of $95M, the offeror requests clarification on whether this requirement will be met if all of an offeror’s (and any subcontractor’s) relevant past performance submissions combined total to half the total value of the BPA limit of $95M.

Answer: See question/answer #’s 49 and 70 in amendment #0005.

Question 146: Reference L.3.6.4.3. The RFP requires an Alternate PM. Request the USG remove this requirement or allow one to be designated with USG approval at award.

Answer: No.

Question 147: Reference L.3.6.6. The RFP asks for “Equipment, documentation, records, and information technology systems” required during transition. The USG has not provided any information about current/ongoing projects that will have specific transition requirements. Request the USG specify minimum “Equipment, documentation, records, and information technology systems” that are required.

Answer: See revised Section L.

Question 148: Reference L.3.6.6 Transition. The USG asks for “A detailed discussion of the vendor’s intentions, if any, concerning incumbent Personnel.” Does the USG require or desire that some current incumbent personnel be retained? If so where are they located and how many are anticipated? What are there specialties? Are they short term project specific or long term FTE?

Answer: The government does not require the vendor to retain the incumbent personnel. It is the vendor’s responsibility to identify how staffing for this requirement will be executed.

Question 149: Reference L.3.6.6 Transition. The RFP asks for “personnel specialties” required during transition. The USG has not provided any information about current/ongoing projects that will have specific transition requirements. Request the USG specify minimum “personnel specialties” that are required.

Answer: The government will not specify minimum “personnel specialties” that are required.

SECTION C - DESCRIPTIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS

The following have been modified:

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

Performance Work Statement (PWS) ITL Information Technology Laboratory

Research and Development (R&D) Service Requirements

02/2723/20156 Version 98.0

Vision Statement

1 Introduction

1.1 Mission

1.3 Scope

2 General Requirements

2.1 Non-Personal Services

2.2 Business Relations

2.3 Contract Administration and Management

2.3.1 Contract Management

2.3.2 Contract Administration

2.3.3 Personnel Administration

2.4 Subcontract Management

2.5 Contractor Personnel, Disciplines, and Specialties

2.6 Location and Hours of Work

2.7 Travel

3 Performance Requirements

3.1 Scientific Software and Engineering Application Research and Development

3.2 Sensors, Measurement and Instrumentation Research and Development

3.3 Geospatial Analysis Research and Development

3.4 Computer Aided Design/Building Information Modeling Research and Development ... 27

3.5 Data Analysis, Integration and Assessment Research and Development

3.6 Computational Analysis Research and Development

3.7 The Contractor shall comply with all ERDC security and safety requirement(s) outline in Section 4.1 of this PWS

4 Special Requirements

4.1 Security and Safety

4.2 Transition

4.3 Government Furnished Materials

4.4 Quality

4.4.1 Quality Control

4.4.2 Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP)

5 Deliverables

Vision Statement

1 Introduction

1.1 Mission

1.3 Scope

2 General Requirements

2.1 Non-Personal Services

2.2 Business Relations

2.3 Contract Administration and Management

2.3.1 Contract Management

2.3.2 Contract Administration

2.3.3 Personnel Administration

2.4 Subcontract Management

2.5 Contractor Personnel, Disciplines, and Specialties

2.6 Location and Hours of Work

2.7 Travel

3 Performance Requirements

3.1 Scientific Software and Engineering Application Research and Development

3.2 Sensors, Measurement and Instrumentation Research and Development

3.3 Geospatial Analysis Research and Development

3.4 Computer Aided Design/Building Information Modeling Research and Development ... 17

3.5 Data Analysis, Integration and Assessment Research and Development

3.6 Computational Analysis Research and Development

3.7 The Contractor shall comply with all ERDC security and safety requirement(s) outline in Section 4.1 of this PWS

4 Special Requirements

4.1 Security and Safety

4.2 Transition

4.3 Government Furnished Materials

4.4 Applicable Directives

4.5 Quality

4.5.1 Quality Control

4.5.2 Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP)

5 Deliverables

6 Related Documents

Performance Work Statement (PWS) ITL Information Technology Laboratory Research and Development (R&D) Service Requirements

Vision Statement

To build state of the art information technology solutions to support our customers.

1 Introduction The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) has responsibility for investigating, developing and maintaining the nation's water and related environmental resources; constructing and operating projects for navigation, flood control, major drainage, shore and beach restoration and protection, related hydro power development, water supply, water quality control, fish and wildlife conservation and enhancement, and outdoor recreation; responding to emergency relief activities directed by other federal agencies; and administering laws for the protection and preservation of navigable waters, emergency flood control and shore protection.

1.1 Mission

The ERDC Information Technology Laboratory (ITL) provides expertise in the science of information, the practice of information processing and the engineering of information systems to produce enabling technologies for the Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army, Department of Defense (DOD) and their customers.

The ITL conducts research and development in Informatics and Computational Science and Engineering with particular emphasis on providing high-performance computing for scientific and engineering discovery; data acquisition, analysis, and management; geospatial analysis and informatics; software engineering and evaluation; automated information systems; building information modeling.

For more information about the Information Technology Laboratory visit:

http://www.erdc.usace.army.mil/Locations/InformationTechnologyLaboratory.aspx

1.3 Scope

The ERDC ITL requires professional services for its research and development mission-critical activities.

The contractor shall provide all personnel, supervision, and services necessary to provide services for research and development (R&D) and related activities for the ERDC ITL as defined herein and in task order Performance Work Statements (PWS). This will be an indefinite delivery indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract. The scope is defined as general requirements as outlined below in terms of areas of research and development responsibility or operational mission. Specific requirements of each customer will be detailed in individual task orders issued throughout the term of the contract.

The contractor shall perform R&D services related to the following areas:

Computer-aided Design/Building information Modeling Geospatial Analysis Web Development Application Development Data Standards and Integration Scientific Software and Engineering Application Research and Development Electronic System Research and Development Geospatial Analysis Research and Development Computer Engineering Research and Development Database Development and Administration Technical Documentation Scientific Application Research and Development

Sensors, Measurement and Instrumentation Research and Development Instrumentation research and development Data Collection and Analysis Research and Development Instrument Calibration Research and Development Application and Web Development Data Analysis, Integration and Assessment Electronic System Development Database Creation and Administration Geospatial Analysis Computational Analysis Numerical Analysis Research and Development Computational Application Research and Development Probability Analysis Research Model Simulations The default location for performance of task orders is the vendors location. Primary government sites of performance, if required, will include Vicksburg, MS, Alexandria, VA, Champaign, IL, and Hanover, NH.

2 General Requirements

2.1 Non-Personal Services

The Government shall neither supervise contractor employees nor control the method by which the contractor performs the required tasks. Under no circumstances shall the Government assign tasks to, or prepare work schedules for, individual contractor employees. It shall be the responsibility of the contractor to manage its employees and to guard against any actions that are of the nature of personal services, or give the perception of personal services. If the contractor believes that any actions constitute, or are perceived to constitute personal services, it shall be the contractor's responsibility to notify the Procuring Contracting Officer (PCO) immediately.

2.2 Business Relations

The contractor shall successfully integrate and coordinate all activity needed to execute the requirement.

The contractor shall manage the timeliness, completeness, and quality of problem identification. The contractor shall provide corrective action plans, proposal submittals, timely identification of issues, and effective management of subcontractors. The contractor shall seek to ensure customer satisfaction and professional and ethical behavior of all contractor personnel.

2.3 Contract Administration and Management

The following subsections specify requirements for contract, management, and personnel administration.

2.3.1 Contract Management

The contractor shall establish clear organizational lines of authority and responsibility to ensure effective management of the resources assigned to the requirement. When operating onsite, the contractor shall maintain continuity between ongoing activities at Vicksburg, MS, Alexandria, VA, Champaign, IL, and Hanover, NH and the contractor's corporate offices.

2.3.2 Contract Administration

The contractor shall establish processes and assign appropriate resources to effectively administer the requirement. The contractor shall respond to Government requests for contractual actions in a timely fashion. The contractor shall have a single point of contact between the Government and Contractor personnel assigned to service contracts or task orders. The contractor shall assign work to its personnel.

The contractor shall maintain proper and accurate time keeping records of personnel.

The contractor, at no additional cost to the government, shall provide a Contractor Program Manager who serves as the contract manager along with other duties and who shall be responsible for overall contract performance. The name of this person shall be designated in writing to the contracting officer's representative (COR). The contractor shall be responsible for all expenses associated with task management. The Contractors Program Manager will be available for meetings at the Vicksburg, MS ERDC site given a 48 hour notice. Contract administration functions shall not be billed directly. The contractor may also designate task/project leaders to manage individual tasks.

2.3.3 Personnel Administration

The contractor employees working on this contract shall be able to perform, in their field, at a high level of performance at the commencement of the task. Meaning that contractor employees must have the education, training, certifications and experience to perform the duties required, IAW Army Regulations and Programs. All contractor personnel shall be able to read, write, speak, and understand English, shall possess good written and verbal communications skills, and shall have sufficient knowledge of proper English grammar, spelling, capitalization, and punctuation rules to identify errors and make corrections.

The contractor shall provide sufficient management of personnel 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. The contractor shall maintain the currency of their employees by providing initial and refresher training as required to meet the PWS requirements. The contractor shall make necessary travel arrangements for employees. The contractor shall provide necessary infrastructure for services performed at the contractor's site(s). The contractor shall provide administrative support to employees in a timely fashion (time keeping, leave processing, pay, emergency needs).

2.4 Subcontract Management

The contractor shall be responsible for any subcontract management necessary to integrate work performed on this requirement and shall be responsible and accountable for subcontractor performance on this requirement. The prime contractor will manage work distribution to ensure there are no Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) considerations. Contractors may add subcontractors to their team after notification to the Procuring Contracting Officer (PCO) or Contracting Officer Representative (COR).

Cross teaming may or may not be permitted.

2.5 Contractor Personnel, Disciplines, and Specialties

The contractor shall accomplish the assigned work by employing and utilizing qualified personnel with appropriate combinations of education, training, and experience. The contractor shall match personnel skills to the work or task with a minimum of under/over employment of resources. The contractor shall ensure the labor categories as defined in the Labor Categories document utilized in the performance of each Task Order issued hereunder will be the minimum necessary to accomplish the task. The Contractor shall provide the necessary resources and infrastructure to manage, perform, and administer the contract.

Contractor Employee Conduct The contractors employees shall observe and comply with all applicable departmental and agency regulations, policies, and procedures (e.g., fire,…