questions_as_of_18_Sep.pdf

1.) I have a question regarding the past performance requirements. We have active contracts that are similar in size & complexity, but only one recently awarded contract is specific to the prehabilitation program (OHWS) / neck & back conditioning. Are we required to have 3-5 recent past performance/contracts specific to neck& back prehabilitation in order to be considered?

Refer to paragraph 2(d)(2) of the combined synopsis/solicitation: …”Absent any recent and relevant past performance history or when the performance record is so sparse that no meaningful confidence assessment rating can be reasonably assigned, the offeror will be assigned a “neutral confidence rating” and its proposal will not be evaluated either favorably or unfavorably on past performance.”

If submitting less than 3-5 past performance references, the government will still consider, however, the confidence assessment rating is assigned a “neutral confidence rating”

2.) (Question #1:) What is the total quantity requested for each sample task order per year?

Refer to the performance work statement technical exhibit 3. The tables contain the estimated workload totals for the base and three option years. The totals are the estimated (annual) maximum numbers that the government could order.

In Column D, a quantity is listed. We understand this to be the total number of units requested per quarter, not per year. Is our understanding correct?

The sample task order is the government’s method for evaluating a vendors unit price for the identified blocks of services for the base year and the three option year periods, as listed on the pricing sheet. The technical exhibit 3 is the governments estimated workloads for the base and the option years.

EXAMPLE: We understand that Row 4 signifies a request for a quantity of 4 Individual Strength & Conditioning Assessments per client. Because cell C2 indicates that this is for a 3 month period, are we to understand that the total quantity of Individual Strength & Conditioning Assessments desired per year is to be 16 (4 assessments per quarter)?

Refer to workload tables in technical exhibit 3 of the PWS. The government anticipates needing 8-12 assessments for clients participating in the program during the base year. During the option years, the government anticipates between 20-24. Under an IDIQ contract, the government issues periodic (in this case either monthly or quarterly) to order the services. The government is using a “sample task order” as the method to evaluate an Offerors pricing for the base and option years. Using Technical exhibit 3 workload data, the government selected a three month period that represented all service types in order to obtain unit pricing for each service type (Assessments, AT services, 3 hour training blocks and 4 hour training blocks).

3) (Question #2): In column F, would you like the cost of the units requested? Or the cost per unit?

Column F is the vendors fully burdened rate for the Cost per unit.

EXAMPLE: We understand that Row 5 signifies a request for a quantity of sixty-four (64), four-hour long blocks of Pre and Post Flight Athletic Trainer (AT) Services, per quarter. In row 5, column F, would you like the cost per four-hour block? Or the cost for a quantity of sixty-four (64) x four-hour blocks?

Based on your example: Row 5, Column F = cost per four hour block. Total cost for the quantity of 64 goes in column G

4.) (Question #3:: Are you looking for annual or quarterly totals in Column G? In Column G, are you looking for the unit price in Column F, multiplied by the quantity requested in column D, thus providing the total for the services performed in a 3 month period? Or are you looking for an annual total (column D x Column F x 4 quarters)?

See revised pricing sheet. Column G is the pricing extension for the quantity times the unit price Column H is the pricing total for the base year and the three option periods.

5). (Question #4): How many total clients do you recommend we forecast for in each year?

At the start of the base year around 10-15. By the end of the base year 25-30 and 25-30 for each of the option years.

6) 1. Can a vendor provide a licensed chiropractor as a complement to requested athletic trainer? This would allow more comprehensive services to the fighter pilots?

Chiropractic services are not desired for this requirement.

7) In regards to the new pricing template, is the government able to provide any further instructions.

specifically in regards to:

1. It states a 3 month task order, does this indicate that the total prices listed for our proposal would apply to a 3 month period or an entire year?

The government is using the sample three month task order as a means of evaluating vendor unit pricing for single blocks of service for each of the base and three option periods. Technical exhibit 3 contains the annual estimated workload totals

2. If it is for a 3 month period, the numbers in the price template do not appear to correlate with Technical Exhibit's 3 & 4. As it states 64 4 hour AT blocks, but according to the Technical Exhibits this would most likely be 48 or 96.

The Technical Exhibits 3&4 represent the monthly estimated blocks of service with an annual total. The levels of service requested on an actual task order will fluctuate depending on the months.

3. Does the QTY units reflect the AT or SCS net training hours or number of 4 hour or 3 hours blocks?

The QTY reflects the number of 4 hour or 3 hour blocks

4. Do the AT or SCS multiple clients (4-6 or 4-5) get group versus individual AT Training or SCS Services?

The vendor to define the training format based on clients fitness levels and progression against individual training plans

5. Regarding the workload data provided on the PWS, are the amount of SCS and AT blocks more in Jun-August, for the base year, to prepare for planned operations in the fall?

No. That increase is based on an increased number of clients. Currently our wing is in transition to a new airframe. That requires pilots to be "off station" for multiple months of training. Next summer we expect to have our "normal level" of pilots or clients who would be back from training.

6. What is the primary difference, strategy, or goal for having a 3-hour vs. 4-hour SCS block?

The intent of the three hour blocks are to allow for SCS services at multiple times per day where client are typically working out. First thing in the morning and/or at the end of the day. The four hour block allows for a single time of services for the day based on reduced clients available for service.

Reference Technical exhibit 4 of the PWS for an example of potential scheduling.

To optimize effectiveness between the AT and SCS, will there be opportunity for both disciplines to collaborate or co-teach elements of the strength and conditioning program? For example, if the AT identifies common deficiencies while addressing musculoskeletal symptoms, can recommendations be made to support the efforts of the SCS?

Absolutely! Both the SCS and the AT will be occupying the same space at the same time allowing for collaboration. In fact the coordination of the SCS and AT are a requirement of the PWS. Deficiencies identified by the AT or the SCS must be accounted for in their counterparts plan/program.

7. It is designated that an average of 4-6 clients will be seen per block. Will the AT or SCS mostly work with unique clients/individuals or will there be opportunity to follow up with repeat clients in future visits?

The client pool will eventually be about 30 people. The AT and SCS will most likely see each of these individuals multiple times per week allowing many opportunities for follow up.

8. Is the objective of the assessments to execute functional movement screening and create baseline measurements? Will these be done prior to operational segments and then again to retest in order to check progress?

The method of meeting the requirement from the PWS(listed below) is up to the contractor. A functional movement screening is a perfectly acceptable method but not the exclusive acceptable method. This assessment should be conducted at initial contact with the client as well as periodically. Those results, as well as neck/spine discomfort rates and client perception of program effectiveness will be included in quarterly reports.

“PWS 5.1 The Contractor shall scientifically evaluate client functional movement, muscular balance/stability, the dynamic movements required to fly fighter aircraft and provide pre-habilitation strength and conditioning training for all assigned clients.”