Questions and Answers 12-19-22.docx

Q1: Is it allowed to submit the required PPQs after the proposal submission date?

A1: See Section 4.2 of the Performance Work Statement (PWS) for instructions for PPQs.

Q2: Will the submission date be postponed since offeror questions haven't yet been answered?

A2: See amendment 0002 for new proposal submission date.

Q3: Will you please advise as to when we will receive responses to the questions submitted for the subject solicitation?

A3: All responses have been posted.

Q4: Will the Government grant an extension so that industry can adequately compete for the subject requirement?

A4: See amendment for the new proposal submission date.

Q5: Page 9 of 78, Section C, 3.0 Scope and Performance Objectives Question: If permitted, will the Government provide the names of the systems and software currently being used regarding cybersecurity?

A5: The government does not feel this information is needed to prepare quality proposals. However, some examples of systems and software used for cyber security include, but are not limited to, ACAS, ESS (formerly HBSS), MS SCCM. This is a performance-based requirement. Proposals should contain the offeror’s technical approach to accomplish the PWS objectives.

Q6: Page 10 of 78, Section C, 3.3 Performance Objective - Cloud Computing Question: What Cloud environments (Azure, AWS, etc.) are currently being utilized by ERDC? Which one has the most usage?

A6: The government does not feel this information is necessary to provide an adequate proposal. However, currently AWS and Azure are utilized.

Q7: Page 10 of 78, Section C, 3.4 Performance Objective Visual Information Question: What systems or software are currently being utilized for Audio Visual Services?

A7: The government does not feel this information is needed to prepare quality proposals. However, some examples of systems and software used audio visual services include, but are not limited to, Planar LED, Panasonic Projection, Dante, and Crestron. This is a performance-based requirement. Proposals should contain the offeror’s technical approach to accomplish the PWS objectives.

Q8: Page 10 of 78, Section C, 3.4 Performance Objective Visual Information Question: What systems or software are currently being utilized for Video Teleconferencing (VTC)?

A8: The government does not feel this information is needed to prepare quality proposals. However, some examples of systems and software used for VTC services include, but are not limited to, CISCO Webex and Microsoft Teams. This is a performance-based requirement. Proposals should contain the offeror’s technical approach to accomplish the PWS objectives.

Q9: Page 10 of 78, Section C, 3.4 Performance Objective Visual Information Question: What systems or software are currently being utilized for multi-media production?

A9: The government does not feel this information is needed to prepare quality proposals. However, some examples of systems and software used for multimedia production include, but are not limited to, Planar LED, Blackmagic ATEM, Ableton, Adobe Creative Suite, Crestron, and Panasonic Projection. This is a performance-based requirement. Proposals should contain the offeror’s technical approach to accomplish the PWS objectives.

Q10: Page 10 of 78, Section C, 3.4 Performance Objective Visual Information Question: What systems or software are currently being utilized for presentations and Audio Visual (A/V) services?

A10: The government does not feel this information is needed to prepare quality proposals. However, some examples of systems and software used audio visual services include, but are not limited to, Planar LED, Panasonic Projection, Dante, and Crestron. This is a performance-based requirement. Proposals should contain the offeror’s technical approach to accomplish the PWS objectives.

Q11: Page 11 of 78, Section C, 3.6 Response/Resolution Time Questions: Will the Government provide the total number of tickets in the last 12 months, broken down to Emergency, High, Medium, and Low categories? If not, will the Government provide the average number of monthly tickets per category?

A11: The government does not feel this information is needed to prepare quality proposals. However, the estimated number of tickets from the previous year exceeds 14,000.

Q12: Page 11 of 78, Section C, 3.6 Response/Resolution Time Question: What is the current ticketing system being used for User Support (Helpdesk) Services?

A12: SolarWinds WebHelpdesk is currently being used. However, this is subject to change during the performance of the contract.

Q13: Page 8 of 78, Section C, Paragraph 2.11 Key Personnel Question: What is the required security clearance level for the Key Personnel positions?

A13: See PWS section 2.8 Clearance. The expected level of classified work is provided. It is up to the vendor propose a technical solution that meets the requirements of the PWS.

Q14: Page 8 of 78, Section C, Paragraph 2.11 Key Personnel Question: C.2.11 states “Key personnel are considered mission critical and must be assigned for the duration of the contract.” Will the Government clarify if Key Personnel will be assigned at the BASE IDIQ level or at the Task Order level?

A14: Key Personnel are being identified and evaluated at the BASE IDIQ level. However, Key Personnel may perform duties at the BASE IDIQ level and at the Task Order level.

Q15: Page 8 of 78, Section C, Paragraph 2.11 Key Personnel Question: If Key Personnel are assigned at the Task Order level, will there be more than one (1) Program Manager, Network Management Lead, Computing Lead, and/or Cybersecurity Lead?

A15: See A 14 above. It is up to the vendor to propose a technical solution to accomplish the objective of the PWS.

Q16: Page 66 of 78, Section L, Paragraph 2.0 Communications Concerning the Solicitation Question: Will the Government consider extending the proposal response date given that the 18-day response period includes Thanksgiving, a federal holiday which typically encompasses travel and personal leave?

A16: See amendment 0002 for new proposal submission date.

Q17: Page 66 of 78, Section L, Paragraph 3.2 Page Limitation and Volumes Question: Factor II – Management Plan requires Offerors to detail their Management Approach, Transition Plan, and Key Personnel Plan, which requires detailed resumes of the Offeror’s four (4) Key Personnel candidates. Will the Government increase Factor II’s 20-page limit to allow Offerors to provide a comprehensive response to each Management Plan requirement?

A17: See revised page limitations Section 3.2 of the PWS.

Q18: Page 67 of 78, Section L, Paragraph 3.4.1 Cover Question: Will the Government clarify what “Identification of original signature copies” is referring to for the volume cover requirement?

A18: Identification of original and copies of proposal only required if a proposal is mailed.

Q19: Page 68 of 78, Section L, Paragraph 4.1.2. Factor 2: Management Plan, Key Personnel Plan Question: Will the Government confirm that Offerors are to identify named candidates for the four (4) Key Personnel positions and include each candidate’s qualifications in the Key Personnel Plan?

A19: Please see Section L Paragraph 4.1.2. Factor 2: Management Plan, Key Personnel Plan.

Q20: Page 69 of 78, Section L, 4.2 Volume II: Past Performance, Factor 4: Past Performance Question: It has come to our attention that several of our Department of Defense (DOD) customers have discontinued the use of Past Performance Questionnaires in lieu of the DOD-mandated CPARS/PIPPRS. The only information our DOD customers have or will provide regarding contract performance is housed in CPARS/PIPPRS. Our DOD customers have stated that because of this discontinuation, they will not complete or submit Past Performance Questionnaires for this or any future solicitation efforts. In lieu of submitting completed Past Performance Questionnaires, can Offerors submit CPAR Evaluation Reports that have been completed by the customer?

A20: PPQs are required however see Section M Paragraph 3.0 for evaluation criteria and evaluations of CPARS.

Q21: Page 69 of 78, Section L, 4.2 Volume II: Past Performance, Factor 4: Past Performance Question: Several of our DOD customers have discontinued the use of Past Performance Questionnaires in lieu of the DOD-mandated CPARS/PIPPRS. If the Government doesn’t receive completed Past Performance Questionnaires from the Offeror’s customers, how will the proposal’s evaluation be affected?

A21: PPQs are required however see Section M Paragraph 3.0 for evaluation criteria and evaluations of CPARS.

Q22: Page 69 of 78, Section L, 4.3 Volume III: Price Proposal, Factor 5: Price Question: Will the Government clarify if Offerors are to submit the Price Proposal for Sample Task Order 0001 as a separate Excel attachment?

A22: Throughout an Excel is not required, a separate pricing proposal following the guidelines in this section shall be provided.

Q23: Page 76 of 78, Section M, 3.0 EVALUATION APPROACH, Factor IV – Past Performance Question: Factor IV – Past Performance’s evaluation criteria states that “past performance conducted within the DoD will receive greater consideration when assigning a relevancy and past performance confidence assessment rating.” Will the Government clarify if U.S. Department of State (DOS) past performance will not be evaluated as favorably as DoD past performance?

A23: See amendment 0002 for changes in this section.

Q24: Page 76 of 78, Section M, 3.0 EVALUATION APPROACH, Factor IV – Past Performance Question: Factor IV – Past Performance’s evaluation criteria states, “While the Government will consider past performance information on relevant contracts for state and local Governments, as well as, in the commercial sector, past performance conducted within the DoD will receive greater consideration when assigning a relevancy and past performance confidence assessment rating.” Will the Government consider changing “DoD” to “Federal” to include all Federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Department of State (DOS), U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), etc.?

A24: See amendment 0002 for changes in this section.

Q25: Section L (page 69) requests the legal documents outlining joint ventures or partnering arrangements. Are submittals of ordinary FAR 9.601 (2) Teaming Agreement between a Prime and Subcontractors required?

A25: Yes.

Q26: Please clarify what is requested by "Identification of Original Signature Copies", as this is an electronic submission with electronic signature?

A26: Identification of original and copies of proposal only required if a proposal is mailed.

Q27: Is the QCP required at proposal submittal or within 30 days of task order award? If required at proposal submittal can it be included as an Appendix and be counted outside page limitations?

A27: The QCP is required at the proposal submittal. See revised page limitations.

Q28: We respectfully request an extension to December 23rd so that industry has a fair chance to build competitive proposals.

A28: See amendment 0002 for new proposal submission date.

Q29: Section 2.11, Page #8 Question: Will the government please remove OCI language from the KP descriptions?

-Program Manager includes OCI language "seeks and develops outside funding sources" -Network Management Lead includes OCI language " Responsible for the acquisition, installation, maintenance and usage of the company’s local area network" and, "Studies contractor products to determine those which best meet company needs" (does "company" refer to government or contractor organization?)

A29: See amendment 0002 for revisions of the PWS.

Q30: Section 3, Page #9 Question: Is the government specifying Help desk Services at the IDIQ level, or will each resulting Task Order under this IDIQ include separate Help Desk requirements?

A30: General requirements are identified at the BASE IDIQ level. All performance will be at the task order level. Task orders will include services covered in the BASE PWS objectives and may have more detailed requirements.

Q31: Section 3, Page #9 Question: Does the government expect the contractor to provide the following support?

- Tier 0 (self help) support

- Tier 1 (respond directly to incoming calls/email/vmail) support

- Tier 2 (walk-in and deskside) direct support

- Tier 3 (expert support, network/application resolutions) support A31: Please see the PWS for technical requirements.

Q32: Sample Task Order 0001,1.1 Question: Can the government provide additional details on the as-installed Host Based Security System (vendor, product, model) and performance objectives?

A32: The government feels the question did not contain specific details to adequately respond.

Q33: Sample Task Order 0001,1.1 Question: What is to be included in the A002 Daily Report?

Q33: Please see Sample Task Order 0001 Section 4.0.

Q34: Sample Task Order 0001,1.1 Question: What criteria will be used to establish A001 Task Completion?

Q34: See amendment 0002 for revisions of the STO deliverables.

Q35: Sample Task Order 0001, 1.2 Question: Can the government provide additional details on the VMWare suite?

A35: The government feels the question did not contain specific details to adequately respond.

Q36: Sample Task Order 0001, 1.2 Question: Is there an existing VDI solution and infrastructure already in place?

A36: Please see STO PWS for technical requirements.

Q37: Sample Task Order 0001, 1.2 Question: Will the contractor be responsible for recommending, selecting, and implementing a VDI solution, or will the contractor be responsible for implementing and operating an already existing VDI solution and resulting infrastructure?

A37: Please see STO PWS for technical requirements

Q38: Sample Task Order 0001, 1.2 Question: Are any VMware certifications required for personnel assigned to this Task?

A38: Please see STO PWS for certification requirements. It is up to the vendor to propose a technical solution to accomplish the objective of the PWS to include a staffing solution.

Q39: Sample Task Order 0001, 1.2 Question: Please specify additional details for Deliverables:

-A001 - Task Completion - implies the VDI solution is not yet selected/implemented/operational? If so, can the government please clarify if the intention is the contractor will select and implement a VDI solution within the 6-month PoP of the Task Order?

-A005 - technical Report - Please clarify the content and requirements for this deliverable -A009 - Please clarify the content and requirements for "Repository" for this task deliverable.

Q39: Please see revised STO PWS.

Q40: Sample Task Order 0001, 1.3 Question: Please specify the ~750 network hardware devices to be managed under this task by vendor, model, operating system, etc. Also, what certifications are required of personnel assigned to this task?

A40: Please see STO PWS. It is up to the vendor to propose a technical solution to accomplish the objective of the PWS to include a staffing solution

Q41: Sample Task Order 0001, 1.3 Question: Please specify the hardware proxy appliances by vendor, model, operating system, etc.

Additionally, can the government please specify the currently implemented solutions for controlling web traffic, threat detection monitoring, user authentication, data loss prevention, content caching, and bandwidth management?

A41: Please see STO PWS. It is up to the vendor to propose a technical solution to accomplish the objective of the PWS to include a staffing solution.

Q42: Sample Task Order 0001, 1.3 Question: If these solutions are not fully implemented or operational, will the contractor be expected to recommend and implement these solutions within the 6 month PoP?

A42: Please see STO PWS for technical requirements.

Q43: Sample Task Order 0001, 1.3 Question: Please specify additional details for Deliverables:

-A001 - Task Completion -A005 - technical Report - Please clarify the content and requirements for this deliverable -A015 - Please clarify whether Network Diagrams currently exist, or whether the contractor will be expected to develop network diagrams for this task.

A43: Please see revised STO PWS.

Q44: Sample Task Order 0001, 1.3 Question: Please specify the change management process for incorporating changes to network diagrams. Will the contractor be expected to provide drafting/CAD services to generate or modify controlled copies of network diagrams?

A44: It is up to the vendor to propose a technical solution that meets the requirements of the PWS.

Q45: Sample Task Order 0001, 1.4 Question: Will the contractor be expected to provide a Help Desk ITSM tool, or will the contractor operate an existing government provided ITSM tool for Help Desk Services?

A45: SolarWinds WebHelpdesk is currently being used. However, this is subject to change during the performance of the contract.

Q46: Sample Task Order 0001, 1.4 Question: Will the contractor be expected to provide an ACD system, or will the contractor operate an existing government provided ACD system?

A46: It is up to the vendor to propose a technical solution that meets the requirements of the PWS.

Q47: Sample Task Order 0001, 1.4 Question: Will the contractor provide Help Desk services from a government provided location with existing infrastructure, or will the contractor be expected to provide Help Desk Services at a contractor's facility and contractor infrastructure connected to the government network for this task?

A47: It is up to the vendor to propose a technical solution that meets the requirements of the PWS.

Q48: Sample Task Order 0001, 1.4 Question: If the services are provided at a contractor's facility, can the contractor facility be located anywhere in CONUS location? Will a COOP site be required?

A48: It is up to the vendor to propose a technical solution that meets the requirements of the PWS.

Q49: Sample Task Order 0001, 1.4 Question: For Help Desk staffing calculations how many calls/email/vmail are expected (daily/weekly/monthly/annually)?

A49: The government feels this information is not needed to prepare quality proposals.

Q50: Sample Task Order 0001, 1.4 Question: Will the contractor be expected to provide Tier 0 support? Tier 1 support? Tier 2 support? Tier 3 support?

A50: Please see the STO PWS for technical requirements.

Q51: Sample Task Order 0001, 1.4 Question: What is the Help Desk call arrival pattern/distribution (daily/weekly) versus Hours of Operation?

A51: The government feels this information is not needed to prepare quality proposals.

Q52: Sample Task Order 0001, 1.4 Question: What is the Help Desk Average Handle Time per incident?

A52: The government feels this information is not needed to prepare quality proposals.

Q53: Sample Task Order 0001, 1.4 Question: What is the Help Desk First Contact Resolution rate?

A53: The government feels this information is not needed to prepare quality proposals.

Q54: Sample Task Order 0001, 1.4 Question: What is the current Help Desk ITSM system?

A54: SolarWinds WebHelpdesk is currently being used. However, this is subject to change during the performance of the contract.

Q55: Sample Task Order 0001, 1.4 Question: What SLA's are currently in place for Help Desk Services?

A55: Please see the STO PWS for technical requirements.

Q56: Sample Task Order 0001, 1.4 Question: How many FTE are currently assigned to Help Desk services?

A56: The government feels this information is not needed to prepare quality proposals. Additionally, the current staffing mix is based on the current vendor’s performance based technical approach and staffing solution.

Q57: Sample Task Order 0001, 1.4 Question: Are Help Desk service LCATS subject to SCA wage determinations?

A57: Service Contract Labor Standards, provides for minimum wages and fringe benefits as well as other conditions of work under certain types of service contracts. Whether or not the Service Contract Labor Standards statute applies to a specific service contract will be determined by the definitions and exceptions given in the Service Contract Labor Standards statute, or implementing regulations.

Q58: Considering the task areas to be addressed and key personnel requirements to be incorporated in the response to this IDIQ, will the government extend the due date for proposal submission to 1/3/2023?

A58: See amendment 0002 for the new proposal submission date.

Q59: Attachment A Question: Will the government revise Attachment A and add the following Labor Categories to the Labor Categories and Rates tab: Configuration Management (CM) Specialist and IT Systems Solution Architect (Sr. Int., Assoc., Entry Level).

A59: Please see the “Title Page” tab in Attachment A.

Q60: What is the process for bidding on RFB?

A60: See Section L for the RFP for proposal submission instructions.

Q61: Will there be any opportunity to talk to a person about the project about the role?

A61: Only questions submitted by email during the regular question period will receive responses.

Q62: Will we be notified why the bid was not accepted?

A62: Notice of Award will be posted on sam.gov in accordance with the guidelines of the Federal Acquisitions Regulations.

Q63: Given the federal holiday in the middle of the proposal development period, will the Government consider a one-week extension on the due date for the proposal response?

A63: See amendment 0002 for the new proposal submission date.

Q64: 2.10 Transition, Page 8 Question: The contractor shall follow the transition plan submitted as part of the proposal and keep the Government fully informed of status throughout the transition period. It is essential that attention be given to minimize interruptions or delays to work in progress that would impact the mission. The contractor must plan for the transfer of work control, delineating the method for processing and assigning tasks during the transition period. The contractor shall include the status of the transitioning of control of work as a deliverable in the monthly status report. Transition activities will be at no cost to the government. Will the Government provide a maximum number of days for the transition plan for the full onboarding of all staff or key personnel? Without the government establishment of a set number of days for transition, coupled with the no-cost requirement for transition activities, this appears to be a disadvantage for fair competition, especially as the incumbent is ineligible to bid as a competitive 8(a).

A64: It is up to the vendor to propose a transition plan as part of their performance-based proposal.

Q65: Section L: 4.1.1 Factor 1: Technical Approach, Page 67 Question: Per the 20-page limit established in Section 3.2 for the Technical Approach in Volume 1 to address the Base Technical Approach (including the Quality Control Plan) and the Sample Task Order Technical Approach to include a staffing solution stated in terms of labor categories and level of effort (hours) only, will the Government consider increasing the page count for the technical approach to 30 pages?

A65: See revised page limitations Section 3.2 of the PWS.

Q66: Section L: 4.1.2 Factor 2: Management Plan, Page 67 Question: Per the 20-page limit established in Section 3.2 for the Management Plan in Volume 1 to address the Management Approach, Transition Plan, and Key Personnel Plan, will the Government consider increasing the page count for the Management Plan to 25 pages?

Q66: See revised page limitations Section 3.2 of the PWS.

Q67: Section L: 4.1.3 Factor 3: Management Plan, Page 68 Question: The proposal shall identify up to five (5) relevant projects within the last three years. The proposal shall provide a comprehensive description of the offeror’s significant capabilities through relevant corporate experience performing projects similar to the PWS requirements. Relevant corporate experience is experience within the last three years that: that is of the same or similar technical scope to the work described in the Performance Work Statement section 3; is of the same or similar contractual complexity (contract type); and is of the same or similar magnitude ($49.8M over 5 years or $9.96M annually). Each description shall clearly identify the correlation between the relevant corporate experience and the specific PWS objectives to which the experience applies. Given the average task order value of $2M and the incumbent’s largest awarded task order to date (W912HZ20F0062) being approximately $7M, will the Government consider reducing the same or similar magnitude value to $4M annually for Corporate Capabilities to afford more equitable 8(a) competition in response to this RFP?

A67: This will not be changed.

Q68: Volume II: Past Performance, Page 68 Question: The offeror shall submit past performance information for each project identified in the Corporate Experience Factor. Offerors shall submit up to five (5) relevant contracts within the past three (3) years from issuance of the RFP. A relevant contract is a contract within the last three years that: is of the same or similar technical scope to the work described in the Performance Work Statement section 3; is of the same or similar contractual complexity (contract type); and is of the same or similar magnitude ($49.8M over 5 years or $9.96M annually). In addition to the Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) requirement described in the next section, the proposal shall contain a detailed description of the tasks performed under each project as it relates to relevancy. The description should be no more than one page per project. Projects may have been performed by Federal, State/Local Government or private sector clients. Given the impact of COVID-19 on new contract awards during the last 24 months, will the Government consider extending the “relevant contracts” period for past performance to within five (5) years of the RFP issuance AND reducing the same or similar magnitude value to $4M annually afford more equitable 8(a) competition in response to this RFP?

A68: This will not be changed.

Q69: Would the government consider removing or lowering this evaluation criteria in order to conduct a fair evaluation?

A69: This will not be changed.