Questions_and_Responses_to_the_Performance_Work_Statement2.docx

1. Can the government please provide more clarity on the requirements for the “data collection cells” described in the para below? Will they be manned with the11 SMEs identified in the PWS? If so, which SMEs at which locations? Or will they be manned by a different group of specialists, and if so—who, what, how many?

We need them at the physical locations to help keep the exercise on track.

- It appears from the response that the data collection cell personnel are in addition to the required 11 SMEs. How many personnel will be required at each data collection cell during the exercise periods (this likely would require shift work).

- -What are the specific requirements for and skills/qualifications of personnel manning the data collection cells?

[NEW RESPONSE] The personnel manning the cells must be familiar with CBRN response operations and must be able to recognize whether the “training audience” is over-whelmed or under-tasked in terms of responding to the exercise scenario and injects. We require three data collection cells at the following location and minimum manning levels:

1. Troy, New York (No less than two personnel with the ability to have at least one person observing the exercise from 7:00 AM to 23:00.

2. Stewart, ANG Base Newburgh, New York (No less than two personnel with the ability to have at least one person observing the exercise from 7:00 AM to 23:00.

3. Winsor Locks, CT At least one person with the ability to observe the exercise from 8:00 AM to 16:00.

2. Given that the daily shifts for the SMEs appear to run up to 15 hours, does the government desire the same SMEs to be working the same extended shifts each day? Or does the government desire that the contractor provide enough SMEs to work rotational shifts of 6-8 hours?

SMEs can work rotational shifts of 6-8 hours as that is what other personal will work.

- Can the government confirm our understanding that the contract would require more like 20 individual SMEs to man the 11 SME positions due to the extended work period of some of the exercise days?

[NEW RESPONSE] If the contractor decides to work rotational shifts – then yes we recognize that additional SMEs will be required TO COVER THE TRAINING DAY.

3. Will the SME role players be required at all for final planning and preparation the day prior to exercise start?

No, but we will need them to come in prior to the exercise to get an "in brief" Wednesday April 11th 2018 in Latham.

-Can the government confirm when this SME in brief will be on 11 April? Depending upon when the time is, adding a work responsibility for the SMEs on this day adds and additional performance day on the contract.

-Would the government extend the period of performance to include 11 April?

[NEW RESPONSE] No, the contract will not be extended- 11 April is a curtesy briefing that the government is willing to extend to the contractor and can be communicated via phone and APAN. The STARTEX data will also be made available and presented on the 12 April.

6. Have any portions of the MSEL been developed already or is the Contractor walking into a blank slate?

The MSEL for the April portion of the exercise is not available.

-It was our understanding from the PWS that the contractor would be required to prepare all of the MSELs for the event. Is this the case?

[NEW RESPONSE] Contractor is not required to develop MSELs, contractor is required to assist in the administration of the MSELS to the target audience. The MSEL for Phase 1 of the Exercise (Mar 5-7) was completed and the MSEL for 12-15 April is being developed and will made available to the contractor when complete.

-We are not clear from the response if there are NO MSELs currently for the event. Or if there are MSELs already but are just not available at this time for the contractor, but they will be prior to the exercise?

[NEW RESPONSE] Contractor is not required to develop MSELs, contractor is required to assist in the administration of the MSELS to the target audience. The MSELs for Phase 1 of the Exercise (Mar 5-7) was completed and the MSEL for 12-15 April is being developed and will made available to the contractor when complete.