AnswerstoQUESTIONSW91CRB17R002305032017_FINAL.docx

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS TO W91CRB-17-R-0023

USASAC IT MANAGEMENT SERVICES

QUESTION AND ANSWERS CONTINUED…

QUESTION 34: Are resumes only required for the designated PM and alternate PM or are resumes required for each proposed candidate in every labor category (possibly 13 or more)?

ANSWER 34: Per RFQ, Amendment 1; PWS para 9 lists the Key personnel. RFQ, Amendment 1; Section L, Volume I – Technical and Resumes (Factor I), Sub-factor 1b: Staffing, ii – “The Offeror shall submit resumes for all key personnel with their proposal.”

QUESTION 35: Do resumes (4 page max) count against the Volume I page count maximum of 35 pages?

ANSWER 35: No

QUESTION 36: Volume I Factor II pg. 37 Sub-factor 1b: Staffing – vi. Proof of security clearance for certified personnel performing the work who has agreed to work in the capacity proposed – should the contract be awarded to the Offeror.

ANSWER 36: Per RFQ, Amendment 1, PWS para 5.8, “The Contractor’s employees, performing work in support of this contract shall have been granted a SECRET security clearance from the Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS) via the Defense Industrial Security Clearance.” It is imperative all employees have the ability to perform the first day of the contract.

QUESTION 37: What would satisfy the proof of security requirement? Is proof of security requirement required for each individual proposed as part of the final submittal?

ANSWER 37: Per RFQ, Amendment 1, PWS para 5.8, “The Contractor’s employees, performing work in support of this contract shall have been granted a SECRET security clearance from the Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS) via the Defense Industrial Security Clearance.” It is imperative all employees have the ability to perform the first day of the contract. The Government can see individual names listed in JPAS for verification.

QUESTION 38: Will submittal of Exhibits J3 and J4 by the three companies identified in response to Section M pg 41 Past Performance Evaluation Approach satisfy Factor II?

ANSWER 38: No. The Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQ) would be additional information from the potential offeror to support the VOLUME II – PAST PERFORMANCE (Factor II).

QUESTION 39: If two companies have a teaming arrangement, will USASAC accept three past performances from one of the companies only?

ANSWER 39: Yes, we will accept past performances from one of the companies that the teaming arrangement was with. The potential offeror would need to explain in detail the dynamics of the teaming arrangement. The potential offeror shall provide information to support the VOLUME II – PAST PERFORMANCE (Factor II).

QUESTION 40: Will USASAC change the proposal response due date from May 3, 2017 to May 10, 2017, an additional seven days will allow vendors to incorporate changes to RFP requirements resulting from USASAC answers to questions on April 20, 2017?

ANSWER 40: RFQ, Amendment 1, Page 38 of 60, “ALL proposals shall be submitted electronically NO LATER THAN 31 May 2017 03:00 PM EDT via FBO providing a copy to melissa.k.sampson.civ@mail.mil.”

QUESTION 41: Technical Exhibit 1, PRS#1 states: “The contractor shall provide Information Technology Support Services.” PWS Paragraph 14. There is no Paragraph 14 listed in the PWS. Please clarify.

ANSWER 41: RFQ, Amendment 1, Paragraph 14 is titled LABOR CATEGORIES

QUESTION 42: Volume I – Technical and Resume (Factor 1) Sub-factor 1b: Staffing, bullet ii. The government states: “Provide resumes of the key personnel and the number of hours proposed for each key person (by name). The Offeror shall submit resumes for all key personnel with their proposal. Minimum qualifications for Key Personnel are identified in PWS. Resumes shall describe the key individual’s specific experience as it relates to the requirements of the PWS. This shall include the identification, specific responsibilities, accomplishments, and dates of involvement for each project supported. The resume shall also identify all formal education (e.g. college, training courses, military, etc.), the dates attended, and degrees or certifications earned. The Offeror shall also affirm that the proposed personnel have the current level of security clearance required for each position as detailed in the PWS and DD254. Resumes have a page limit of 4 pages per resume submitted.”

Is the resume page limit 4 or 5 pages?

ANSWER 42: RFQ, Amendment 1, Volume I – Technical and Resume (Factor 1) Sub-factor 1b: Staffing, paragraph ii., and as stated above reads, resumes are limited to 4 pages.

QUESTION 43: Paragraph 4.1 indicates that the contractor must always maintain an adequate workforce to ensure uninterrupted performance of all tasks. However, contractor employee’s normal duty hours for coverage is listed as 8 hours per day Monday – Friday. What is the requirement for on-call and/or weekend coverage/support?

ANSWER 43: The PWS does not call for on-call or weekend coverage.

QUESTION 44: Paragraph 5.11 states that all personnel shall possess and maintain an active Secret clearance. However, if new employees are required at the beginning of the new contract award – will the Government allow an employee to start work with an interim-secret clearance pending receipt of a final Secret clearance?

ANSWER 44: Yes, Per RFQ, Amendment 1, paragraph 5.8 the individual is be entered JPAS. It is imperative all employees have the ability to perform the first day of the contract.

QUESTION 45: Paragraph 14.6.3 Qualifications for Jr. Systems Administrator indicates incumbent personnel must possess a computing environment certification. If new employee(s) are required for this labor category at the beginning of the new contract award who meet the IAT I or IAT II IA certification, will the Government allow up to 6 months for that employee(s) to complete and meet the relevant Computing Industry certification?

ANSWER 45: No QUESTION 46: Paragraph 3.1 Services indicates that the Government requires Web and Programing Services Support. However, paragraph 1.3 Objectives states that the objective of this contract is to provide troubleshooting and problem resolution, and support for applications in use. Please clarify?

ANSWER 46: Providing troubleshooting and problem resolution, and support for applications in use is included as Web and Programing Services Support.

QUESTION 47: What are the Network Monitoring tools currently in use to support USASAC?

ANSWER 47: The Network Monitoring tool currently used is SPLUNK. This Network Monitoring tool will not be serviced or supported through this contract.

QUESTION 48: How extensive are Blackberry devices currently being used and what software version is currently in use?

ANSWER 48: Blackberry device usage is minimal and for communications only. Most have been replaced by iPhones. Blackberry software version is 4G LTE.

QUESTION 49: How many physical servers are currently maintained and what percentage of the server environment has been virtualized?

ANSWER 49: Approximately 65 servers in developmental, staging, and production.

QUESTION 50: What is the ticketing system currently being used by the Help Desk?

ANSWER 50: Remedy for Network Enterprise Center support and a .Net locally developed application for internal support.

QUESTION 51: Paragraph 3.0 Ordering Period / Place of Performance – paragraph 3.2 indicates the primary places of performance as Redstone Arsenal, AL; New Cumberland, PA; Fort Belvoir, VA; and FT. Bragg, NC. Paragraph 3.2.1 states that Performance will also occur at other CONUS locations. What are the additional OCONUS locations where performance will occur, and will the contractor be required to provide office space at these locations?

ANSWER 51: Per RFQ, Amendment 1, Paragraph 3.2 is changed for clarification. Also Technical Exhibit 2, Paragraph 2.2 Table shows locations by labor categories.

QUESTION 52: Part 3 Government Furnished Property, Equipment and Services -- Paragraph 3.2.1 states that the Government will provide office space for performance at Redstone Arsenal, AL and New Cumberland, PA and further states that the Contractor will provide office space at all other locations when required. Considering paragraph 3.2 under Ordering Period / Place of Performance indicates Fort Belvoir, VA; and FT. Bragg, NC are also primary places of performance:

a. Will the Government provide office space at these locations also? That is, will personnel performing work at these primary locations work on-site at a Government Facility?

b. Additionally, how often does the Government anticipate that the contractor will be required to provide office space at all other locations?

ANSWER 52: Per RFQ, Amendment 1, PWS Part 3, Paragraph 3.2.1 is changed for clarification. All work is on-site at the Government Facility. The Government provides office space for those positions listed in the RFQ, PWS, Technical Exhibit 2 Tables at all locations.

QUESTION 53: Please confirm that the Cover page, Table of Contents and Executive Summary does not count against the page count?

ANSWER 53: Cover page, Table of Contents and Executive Summary do count against the page count.

QUESTION 54: Proposal Submission (Section L) paragraph 3 – content requirements indicate that Offerors shall propose ALL ITEMS included in Section B of the RFP. Please clarify and/or provide Section B?

ANSWER 54: Per the FAR 15.204-1, Uniform Contract Format, Section B: Supplies/Service Price/Costs starts on RFQ page 3, with CLIN 0001. Input pricing for CLINs. Also on J5 Price Proposal Template.

QUESTION 55: What positions on the current contract are governed by the Service Contract Act?

ANSWER 55: Per RFQ, page 54 of 60, see FAR Clause 52.222-41 through 52.222-43 **************************************************************************** QUESTION 56: Section 3.1 states: “The ordering period of performance shall be twelve (12) months from date of award, with four, one-year options periods.”

VOLUME III – PRICE (Factor III), first bullet list:

0001 Labor (Basic Year) 1001 Labor (Option Year 1) 2001 Labor (Option Year 2) 3001 Labor (Option Year 3) Will the government please clarify if the period of performance for the Information Technology Help Desk Services contact, Solicitation # W91CRB-17-R-0023?

ANSWER 56: RFQ Amendment 2, corrects the paragraph 3.1 to read, “The ordering period of performance shall be twelve (12) months from date of award, with three, one-year options periods.”

QUESTION 57: Volume II - Factor 2 - Past Performance: Section L does not specify the number of past performance references required. However, Past Performance Evaluation Approach (page 41/55) mentions three references. Please clarify the required number of references for evaluation.

ANSWER 57: RFQ Amendment 2, adjusts the Section M, Evaluation Factors, Past Performance Evaluation Approach:, to remove the number of previous similar or related contracts performed.

QUESTION 58: PWS paragraph 14.3.1 -In this paragraph, the sub-paragraphs a-f provides a description of the major duties to be performed by a Computer Specialist. However, sub-paragraphs k-z describes additional contractor tasks, which makes it difficult to identify the major duties, and additional scope areas. Please provide a clarification of the major duties to be performed by a Computer Specialist. And please clarify if subparagraphs k-z should be separated as a scope task.

ANSWER 58: RFQ, Amendment 1 revises the Computer Specialist duties. Those duties remaining are major duties.

QUESTION 59: Technical Exhibit 1, PRS#1 makes reference to PWS Paragraph 14, however there is no paragraph 14. Please provide a description of PWS paragraph 14.

ANSWER 59: RFQ, Amendment 1, Paragraph 14 is titled LABOR CATEGORIES

QUESTION 60: Technical Exhibit 1, PRS#2, makes references to paragraphs 14.3 and 14.4 for performing IT support services. However, PWS 14.3 and 14.4 are descriptions for a Computer Specialist and Junior Computer Specialist.

ANSWER 60: RFQ, Amendment 1, Paragraph 14.3.1.x. and 14.4.1.c. lists the duties specified in the PRS#2.

QUESTION 61: PWS 13.1 is stated for Senior Computer Systems/Network Engineer. However, the major duties for this position starts at 14.1.1. Please provide the missing paragraph from 13.1 - 14.1.1.

ANSWER 61: RFQ, Amendment 1 addresses the paragraph numbers.

QUESTION 62: Section L, Subfactor 1b-Staffing, ii - states to provide Minimum qualifications for Key Personnel are identified in PWS. PWS Section 9.0 - Key Personnel does not provide minimum qualifications for key personnel. This section also eludes that perhaps the labor categories provided in PWS 13.0 should be considered key personnel. Please clarify the number/titles of key personnel required for this contract and the minimum qualifications required.

ANSWER 62: RFQ, Amendment 1, Paragraph 9. lists key personnel.

QUESTION 63: PWS 13.0 - Labor categories - please confirm if the offeror is expected to provide resumes for these labor categories, as well as the proof of their clearances.

ANSWER 63: Per RFQ, Amendment 1; PWS para 9 lists the Key personnel. RFQ, Amendment 1; Section L, Volume I – Technical and Resumes (Factor I), Sub-factor 1b: Staffing, ii – “The Offeror shall submit resumes for all key personnel with their proposal.”

QUESTION 64: Subfactor 1b-Staffing, ii - Please confirm if resumes are included in the 35 page count for Volume I.

ANSWER 64: Resumes are not included in any page 5, however RFQ, Amendment 1, Volume I – Technical and Resume (Factor 1) Sub-factor 1b: Staffing, paragraph ii. reads resumes are limited to 4 pages.

QUESTION 65: Subfactor 1a- Technical capability, i - Please provide a detailed scope that describes the tasks required for troubleshooting and problem resolution, including information on the number of printers, PC, scanners, blackberry devices, laptop/notebooks, digital senders, copiers, VTC solutions, LAN drops, and the total number of users.

ANSWER 65: Tasks required for troubleshooting and problem resolution depends on the issue with the systems. By providing the estimated workload by labor category as provided in Technical Exhibit 2, an offeror will be able to support all media listed for all users.

QUESTION 66: Subfactor 1a- Technical capability, i- Please provide a detailed scope that describes the task required for Graphic Illustration Support services.

ANSWER 66: RFQ, Amendment 1, PWS paragraph 14.5 is adjusted for a more detailed scope for the Senior Computer Graphics Illustrator

QUESTION 67: Subfactor 1a- Technical capability, ii - Please provide a detailed scope that describes the tasks required for network design/and administration, computer system engineering, and IT infrastructure management.

ANSWER 67: RFQ, Amendment 1, PWS paragraph 14. is adjusted for a more detailed scope in these areas. The offeror’s approach to meeting the requirements of the PWS will determine how this task is performed.

QUESTION 68: Subfactor 1a- Technical capability, iii - Please provide information on some examples of tasks that is considered to be difficult and complex engineering assignments for important segments of project involving research, design, development, and modification of existing systems and subsystems.

ANSWER 68: RFQ, Amendment 1, PWS paragraph 14. is adjusted for a more detailed scope in these areas. The offeror’s approach to meeting the requirements of the PWS will determine how this task is performed.

QUESTION 69: Subfactor 1a - Technical capability, v - Please provide a detailed scope that describes the work required for technical creation of artistic, complex and highly detailed graphics for charts, publications and hardcopies.

ANSWER 69: RFQ, Amendment 1, PWS paragraph 14.5 is adjusted for a more detailed scope in these areas. The offeror’s approach to meeting the requirements of the PWS will determine how this task is performed.

QUESTION 70: Subfactor 1a- Technical capability, vi - Please provide a detailed scope that describes the work required for consulting services on programming problems in connection with the application of electronic computers and their associated equipment to a variety of scientific systems and commercial projects.

ANSWER 70: RFQ, Amendment 1, PWS paragraph 14.3 is adjusted for a more detailed scope in these areas. The offeror’s approach to meeting the requirements of the PWS will determine how this task is performed.

QUESTION 71: Subfactor 1a- technical capability, vii - Please provide a detailed scope that describes the work required for system configuration, management and analysis, information assurance planning, and network operations in support of ICAN.

ANSWER 71: RFQ, Amendment 1, PWS paragraph 14.3 is adjusted for a more detailed scope in these areas. The offeror’s approach to meeting the requirements of the PWS will determine how this task is performed.

QUESTION 72: Subfactor 1a- Technical capability, viii- Please provide a PWS scope paragraph that describes the work required for test, install, configure, maintain server infrastructures, including hardware and software (inclusive of Microsoft server and client operating systems and both COTS and GOTS software) that permit the sharing and transmission of information

ANSWER 72: RFQ, Amendment 1, PWS paragraph 14.6 is adjusted for a more detailed scope in these areas. The offeror’s approach to meeting the requirements of the PWS will determine how this task is performed.

QUESTION 73: PWS paragraph 13 -Labor: states that the contractor shall provide qualified contracting personnel to support Help Desk Services, however, there is no description provided in the scope that details the work required for Help Desk Services.

ANSWER 73: RFQ, Amendment 1, PWS, Paragraph 14.3, Computer Specialist perform the work required for Help Desk Services.

QUESTION 74: Key Personnel states, “The contractor shall provide a designee to serve as the PM for this contract.”

i. Question: Does PM refer to Project Manager or Program Manager?

ii. Question: Is the PM to be one of the 13 FTEs identified in 13. Labor Categories, or is the PM a separate individual from those 13 FTEs?

iii. Question: Is the PM a billable position?

iv. Question: If the PM is billable, how many hours are to be billed?

ANSWER 74: RFQ, Amendment 1, PWS paragraph 9 is adjusted to answer all these questions. The offeror’s approach to meeting the PM requirements of the PWS will determine how this task is performed and billed.

QUESTION 75: This is in regards to the solicitation number “W91CRB-17-R-0023” as per the RFP section 5.7 it states no safeguarding capability is needed, while going to the DD 254,, it is asking for the details about the safeguarding. I will appreciate if you will clear the confusion, so that appropriate details can be provided with the response.

ANSWER 75: Please see revised Amendment 1, PWS. Contractor shall have a Facilities Clearance of Secret. PWS paragraph, “5.11. The contractor shall comply with all security directives and regulations when performing work in support of this contract.” PWS Paragraph 5.9, “The contractor shall be responsible for safeguarding all government equipment, information and property provided for contractor use. At the close of each work period, government facilities, equipment, and materials shall be secured.”

QUESTION 76: In PWS Section 13, Labor Categories, the Senior Computer Systems/Network Engineer is listed under 13.1, but that position’s Major Duties are subsequently listed under 14.1.1. Is this a typo?

ANSWER 76: RFQ, Amendment 1, PWS paragraph 14. is adjusted.

QUESTION 77: Section L states under Volume I, Section 1.b.ii, “Minimum qualifications for Key Personnel are identified in PWS. Resumes shall describe the key individual’s specific experience as it relates to the requirements of the PWS.” PWS Section 13, Labor Categories, identifies the qualifications for six different labor categories. However, Section 9, Key Personnel, only indicates a PM as key personnel, and there are no requirements listed for the PM in the RFP.

Question: Are any of the six labor categories in Section 13 considered key personnel, or is the PM the only key personnel?

Question: Is one of the six labor categories intended to also fulfill the PM role?

Question: Can you please provide the qualifications required for the PM?

ANSWER 77: Per RFQ, Amendment 1, PWS para 9 lists the Key personnel. RFQ, Amendment 1; Section L, Volume I – Technical and Resumes (Factor I), Sub-factor 1b: Staffing, ii – “The Offeror shall submit resumes for all key personnel with their proposal.”

The offeror’s approach to meeting the PM requirements of the PWS will determine how this task is performed and billed.

QUESTION 78: Can you please confirm that the 50 page limit for the Past Performance volume is accurate?

ANSWER 78: 50 pages for PP is correct.

QUESTION 79: In the absence of holding a prime contract with the government, is a past performance questionnaire completed by the prime contractor acceptable?

ANSWER 79: The PPQ shall be completed by the customer: Contracting Officer, Contracting Officer Representative, Program Manager, or civilian equivalent.

QUESTION 80: Is there an incumbent for this opportunity?

ANSWER 80: Yes

QUESTION 81: Technical Exhibit 2, Estimated Workload Data, provides a table with estimates for the number of FTEs at each location. Question: Is the Government able to estimate the number of FTES in each location by labor category?

ANSWER 81: RFQ, Amendment 1, PWS, Technical Exhibit 2, Tables show the estimated workload. New Cumberland has one Senior Computer Sys/Netw Eng and one Computer Specialist. Washington Field Office could have one Computer Specialist or Jr. Computer Specialist. Fort Bragg could have one Computer Specialist or Jr. Computer Specialist. These labor categories by locations depends on the offeror’s employee capabilities.

QUESTION 82: 3.2.1 states “Government office space will be made available for performance of the contract at Redstone Arsenal (RSA) and New Cumberland, PA. The contractor shall provide office space at all other locations when required.” Question: Please verify if the Government will provide office space at TDY locations, including OCONUS.

ANSWER 82: Per RFQ, Amendment 1, PWS Part 3, Paragraph 3.2.1 is changed for clarification. All work is on-site at the Government Facility. The Government provides office space for those positions listed in the RFQ, PWS, Technical Exhibit 2 Tables at all locations.

QUESTION 83: 3.2.2 states “Office supplies and equipment, conference space, telephones at RSA, personal computers, access to copying machines, message and fax support and any other administrative or W91CRB-17-R-0023 communications support required to perform the tasks specified – will be provided by the Government at Redstone Arsenal and New Cumberland locations only. Question: Please very if the Government will provide requirements at TDY locations, including OCONUS.

ANSWER 83: Per RFQ, Amendment 1, PWS Part 3, Paragraph 3.2.1 is changed for clarification. All work is on-site at the Government Facility. The Government provides office space for those positions listed in the RFQ, PWS, Technical Exhibit 2 Tables at all locations.

QUESTION 84: Section M under Technical Evaluation Approach on page 41 states “When assessing past performance, the Government will focus its inquiry on the past performance of the offeror and/or proposed major subcontractors as it relates to all solicitation requirements.” Question: How is the Government defining a major subcontractor?

ANSWER 84: Major Subcontractors are those subcontractors that provide at least 10% of the contract work. Major Subcontractors are those subcontract providing at least 10% of the contract work.

QUESTION 85: In PWS 13. Labor Categories, the qualifications for the Junior Systems Administrator do not mention the required number of years of experience. Can you please provide that information?

ANSWER 85: RFQ, Amendment 1, PWS, Paragraph 14.6.3 adjusted to add the years of experience.

QUESTION 86: Is this a re-compete contract with an existing incumbent contractor already providing these services? Please confirm and please identify the incumbent.

ANSWER 86: Yes, SYSTEMS ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS, INC., W91CRB-15-C-0029

QUESTION 87: PWS section 1 item 15 provides a list of data deliverables. This list does not seem to correspond to the performance thresholds provided in Technical Exhibit 1, nor does it seem to accurately reflect the type of work to be performed under this contract. Will the Government please provide a revised list of deliverables and performance thresholds?

ANSWER 87: RFQ, Amendment 1, PWS, Paragraph 15, CDRLs correspond to the information needed for the solicitation. Performance threshold reporting falls within CDRL A002 and PWS Paragraph 15.7.

QUESTION 88: Section 1 of the PWS mentions that Saudi Arabia is the one of the locations from which USASAC operates. Section 3.2.1 indicates that performance will occur at other CONUS and OCONUS TDY locations. Other than the four CONUS locations listed in 3.2 and Saudi Arabia, what additional CONUS and OCONUS locations might performance occur?

ANSWER 88: RFQ, Amendment 1 adjusts the PWS Paragraph 3 and Technical Exhibit 2. No additional CONUS or OCONUS location are anticipated at this time.

QUESTION 89: With regard to Saudi Arabia and any other OCONUS location, will the Government provide office space for the contractor employees deployed to those locations?

ANSWER 89: Per RFQ, Amendment 1, PWS Part 3, Paragraph 3.2.1 is changed for clarification. All work is on-site at the Government Facility. The Government provides office space for those positions listed in the RFQ, PWS, Technical Exhibit 2 Tables at all locations.

QUESTION 90: Does the Government intend for the contractor to provide office space at Fort Bragg & Washington? The RFP states several times they will only provide space at RSA and PA locations. Please clarify.

ANSWER 90: Per RFQ, Amendment 1, PWS Part 3, Paragraph 3.2.1 is changed for clarification. All work is on-site at the Government Facility. The Government provides office space for those positions listed in the RFQ, PWS, Technical Exhibit 2 Tables at all locations.

QUESTION 91: If the Government's intent is for contractors to provide office space at CONUS/OCONUS locations, what are the requirements for these spaces?

ANSWER 91: Per RFQ, Amendment 1, PWS Part 3, Paragraph 3.2.1 is changed for clarification. All work is on-site at the Government Facility. The Government provides office space for those positions listed in the RFQ, PWS, Technical Exhibit 2 Tables at all locations.

QUESTION 92: PWS Section 9: Key Personnel. The PWS states: "The PM or alternate shall have full authority to act for the contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The PM or alternate shall be available between, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30p.m, Monday thru Friday except Federal holidays or when the government facility is closed for administrative reasons." No additional qualification requirements have been provided for the PM. Please provide clarification as to the minimum qualifications for the PM

ANSWER 92: RFQ, Amendment 1, PWS paragraph 9 is adjusted. The offeror’s approach to meeting the PM requirements of the PWS will determine how this task is performed and billed.

QUESTION 93: In the PWS Section 10.1, Contractor Travel: “Contractor is required to travel CONUS and within the NCR during the performance of the contract to attend on-site development, meetings, conferences, training. Estimated trips is 20. However, In Technical Exhibit 2 Workload Data, it indicates 5 trips/year. Please clarify this inconsistency.

ANSWER 93: RFQ, Amendment 1, PWS paragraph 10.1 is adjusted to read five (5) trips.

QUESTION 94: In the Performance Requirement Summary PRS#1 it references PWS Paragraph 14. There is no paragraph 14, the PWS jumps from 13 to 14.1.1.

ANSWER 94: RFQ, Amendment 1, Paragraph 14 is titled LABOR CATEGORIES QUESTION 95: The Estimated Workload Data does not provide an estimated quantity of hours for the Program Manager. Can the Government please provide this information?

ANSWER 95: RFQ, Amendment 1, PWS paragraph 9 is adjusted. The offeror’s approach to meeting the PM requirements of the PWS will determine how this task is performed and billed. One method may to be dual hat one of the mentioned labor categories. Another method may be to have an additional person to work part-time or full-time to manage, oversee, assist, perform human resource duties, etc. The offeror shall meet the requirement of a person, the PM, who the Government will work with to give direction to the contractor.

QUESTION 96: The allocation of FTEs by location (Chart in Section 2.2 of the Exhibit) does not explain which LCATS are assigned to which locations. Please provide this information.

ANSWER 96: RFQ, Amendment 1, PWS, Technical Exhibit 2, Tables show the estimated workload. New Cumberland has one Senior Computer Sys/Netw Eng and one Computer Specialist. Washington Field Office could have one Computer Specialist or Jr. Computer Specialist. Fort Bragg could have one Computer Specialist or Jr. Computer Specialist. These labor categories by locations depends on the offeror’s employee capabilities.

QUESTION 97: On page 34, section L states that a Table of Contents should be included for each volume. In addition, Section L makes reference to a cover page. However, on page 35, strict page limits are put in place for each volume. Please confirm that the cover pages and Tables of Contents are not included in the page count.

ANSWER 97: Cover page, Table of Contents and Executive Summary do count against the page count.

QUESTION 98: May we include reference materials for the benefit of the Government evaluator (e.g. glossaries of acronyms) in the volumes without them counting against the volume page limit? If so, should these be placed at the start or at the end of the volume?

ANSWER 98: All pages submitted in the proposal, to include appendices and other documents referenced in the proposal and provided as supplementary information, count against the page limit. If the reference materials is included in the volumes, the reference materials will count against the page limits.

QUESTION 99: Page 35 imposes a very tight 35 page limit on the technical volume. Resumes are also required in this volume, and are specifically limited to 4 pages each. Please confirm that resumes do NOT count against the 35 page limit for the volume as a whole.

ANSWER 99: Resumes are not included in any page count, however RFQ, Amendment 1, Volume I – Technical and Resume (Factor 1) Sub-factor 1b: Staffing, paragraph ii. reads resumes are limited to 4 pages.

QUESTION 100: Page limits are given for each volume. Technical receives 35 pages and Past Performance receives 50. 35 pages provides very little space to adequately address all required Technical items, while 50 pages seems excessive for only past performance narratives. Will the Government consider changing these page limits to better accommodate the required material?

ANSWER 100: No. The pages limits are set for all offerors.

QUESTION 101: Section L.2 states that "Offerors shall submit a list of all Federal, State and Local Government contracts (prime or major subcontracts) in current performance, and/or contract awards for the last three (3) years which are relevant to the scope of the IT Help Desk Services requirements included in this solicitation," and that "Offerors shall provide a specific narrative explanation of each contract listed." However, Section M states that only three past performance citations shall be included. Please advise - is the Government's intent to limit past performance to three citations?

ANSWER 101: RFQ Amendment 2, adjusts the Section M, Evaluation Factors, Past Performance Evaluation Approach:, to remove the number of previous similar or related contracts performed.

QUESTION 102: The Instructions require that we provide "Information Technology Support Services to include installation, monitoring and support of LAN/WAN system components including site preparation, installation of hardware and software components, demonstration and training and troubleshooting of components such as: printers, PC, scanners, blackberry devices, laptops/notebooks, digital senders, copiers, VTC solutions, LAN drops, and Graphic Illustration support services." Will the Government be providing the various hardware, software, and other devices?

ANSWER 102: Per RFQ, Amendment 1, PWS Part 3, Paragraph 3.2.1 is changed for clarification. All work is on-site at the Government Facility. The Government provides office space and equipment needed for those positions listed in the RFQ, PWS, Technical Exhibit 2 Tables at all locations.

QUESTION 103: The request for resumes regarding Key Personnel seems to suggest the Government is expecting multiple LCATS to be considered key; however, Section 9 of the PWS indicates that the Program Manager and Alternate are the only designated Key Personnel. Also, the PWS does not provide a LCAT description for the Program Manager. Please clarify.

ANSWER 103: RFQ, Amendment 1, PWS paragraph 9 is adjusted to list key personnel. The offeror’s approach to meeting the PM requirements of the PWS will determine how this task is performed and billed. One method may to be dual hat one of the mentioned labor categories. Another method may be to have an additional person to work part-time or full-time to manage, oversee, assist, perform human resource duties, etc. The offeror shall meet the requirement of a person, the PM, who the Government will work with to give direction to the contractor.

QUESTION 104: In this Section the Government is requesting that we complete and return the DD254. 1.) Should this be part of the Technical Volume? Does it count against the page limitations? 2.) A DD254 is typically completed by the Government and signed after award, is it necessary for us to submit an uncompleted form with the proposal?

ANSWER 104: Blocks 6 a-c and 7 a-c of the DD 254 shall be completed. The DD 254 does not count against the page limitations.

QUESTION 105: Section L, Subfactor 1b, Paragraph vi. Section L asks for "proof of security clearance for certified personnel performing the work who has agreed to work in the capacity proposed - should the contract be awarded to the Offeror." This language in Section L seems to suggest that the Government wishes to see all personnel named in the proposal. Please confirm that the Government only requires this information for the Key Personnel. In addition, please specify what type of "proof of security clearance" the Government requires.

ANSWER 105: Per RFQ, Amendment 1, PWS para 5.8, “The Contractor’s employees, performing work in support of this contract shall have been granted a SECRET security clearance from the Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS) via the Defense Industrial Security Clearance.” It is imperative all employees have the ability to perform the first day of the contract. The Government can see individual names listed in JPAS for verification.

QUESTION 106: The Government requires "proposal should include a price for each Contract Line Item Number (CLIN)", however, Attachment A01 J5 - Price Proposal Template omits all -003 and -004 items. Additionally, Section 3.1 of the PWS indicates that the PoP "shall be twelve (12) months from date of award, with four, one-year options periods." If this is true, Section B and the Price Template are missing an additional set of CLINS. Please clarify

ANSWER 106: RFQ Amendment 2, corrects the paragraph 3.1 to read, “The ordering period of performance shall be twelve (12) months from date of award, with three, one-year options periods.”

QUESTION 107: The Instructions require: "Each labor CLIN should include a breakout of labor rates, labor hours, and labor categories for each task and sub-task in the PWS." The PWS does not define a set of tasks and sub-tasks. Given this is an LPTA award, we request the Government enhance the Price Template to include the Price Breakdown items they are seeking to ensure an "apples to apples" price comparison. Also, the Government needs to define the task and subtasks that they would life for us to price in the breakdown.

ANSWER 107: RFQ, Amendment 1, Section L, Volume III – Price (Factor III), is adjusted to omit a price for each task and sub-task. RFQ, A01 J5 PRICE PROPOSAL TEMPLATE is adjusted to add the labor rate and labor hours per year for each labor category.

QUESTION 108: In reference to the question above: if the Government intends to modify the PPQ to move away from the focus on VTC, will the Government extended the PPQ deadline?

ANSWER 108: No adjustments were made to the PPQ. The PPQ deadline is adjusted to read 15 May 2017.

QUESTION 109: The PPQ contains several questions with respect to VTC equipment, services, and maintenance; however the PWS mentions VTC among a very long list of equipment and technologies. Why does the PPQ have such a large focus on VTC? If VTC is a large focus of this contract, will the Government provide additional information in the PWS with regarding to what VTC tasks are required in this contract?

ANSWER 109: VTC are used with high visibility meetings. Hence, PWS, Paragraph 14 mentions the Senior positions to assist with those high visibility efforts.

QUESTION 110: The Estimated Workload Data does not provide an estimated quantity of hours for the Program Manager. Can the Government please provide this information?

ANSWER 110: The offeror’s approach to meeting the PM requirements of the PWS will determine how this task is performed and billed. One method may to be dual hat one of the mentioned labor categories. Another method may be to have an additional person to work part-time or full-time to manage, oversee, assist, perform human resource duties, etc. The offeror shall meet the requirement of a person, the PM, who the Government will work with to give direction to the contractor.

QUESTION 111: The allocation of FTEs by location (Chart in Section 2.2 of the Exhibit) does not explain which LCATS are assigned to which locations. Please provide this information.

ANSWER 111: RFQ, Amendment 1, PWS, Technical Exhibit 2, Tables show the estimated workload. New Cumberland has one Senior Computer Sys/Netw Eng and one Computer Specialist. Washington Field Office could have one Computer Specialist or Jr. Computer Specialist. Fort Bragg could have one Computer Specialist or Jr. Computer Specialist. These labor categories by locations depends on the offeror’s employee capabilities.

QUESTION 112: What company is the current incumbent?

ANSWER 112: SYSTEMS ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS, INC

QUESTION 113: Does travel need to be priced/included in the Price Proposal other than the Not To Exceed (NTE) provided in the solicitation?

ANSWER 113: RFQ, Amendment 1, Section L, Volume III – Price (Factor III), Paragraph listed above the bold print, “Travel CLIN is normalized to provide an estimate travel cost. Travel will be in accordance with the Joint Travel Regulation (JTR) and the Performance Work Statement (PWS). For evaluation purposes the normalized travel cost is $5,000.00. The budgeted costs will be added to all proposals for price evaluation purposes.” Therefore, all travel is priced at $5K for all proposals.

QUESTION 114: Does the Graphic Specialist need a Secret Clearance?

ANSWER 114: Yes, the Graphic Specialist needs a Secret Clearance IAW RFQ, Amendment 1, PWS paragraph 5.7.

QUESTION 115: Can you provide the Labor Categories needed at each location?

ANSWER 115: RFQ, Amendment 1, PWS, Technical Exhibit 2, Tables show the estimated workload. New Cumberland has one Senior Computer Sys/Netw Eng and one Computer Specialist. Washington Field Office could have one Computer Specialist or Jr. Computer Specialist. Fort Bragg could have one Computer Specialist or Jr. Computer Specialist. These labor categories by locations depends on the offeror’s employee capabilities.

QUESTION 116: Could you confirm that the maximum page limit for Past Performance Volume II is 50 pages, as opposed to 5 pages?

ANSWER 116: 50 pages for PP is correct.

QUESTION 117: Should Program Manager be included in the Labor Category breakdown, as it is listed as a Key Personnel?

ANSWER 117: RFQ, Amendment 1, PWS paragraph 9 is adjusted. The offeror’s approach to meeting the PM requirements of the PWS will determine how this task is performed and billed. One method may to be dual hat one of the mentioned labor categories. Another method may be to have an additional person to work part-time or full-time to manage, oversee, assist, perform human resource duties, etc. The offeror shall meet the requirement of a person, the PM, who the Government will work with to give direction to the contractor.

QUESTION 118: Since our government customers are not permitted to provide written recommendations, can we provide their contact information for verbal recommendations as opposed to the Past and Present Performance Questionnaire?

ANSWER 118: Government customers are permitted to provide written recommendations/ comments on the PPQ. If an offeror choses to add additional written recommendations from any source to their proposal, they may do so, however this will count against the respective page count limitations.

QUESTION 119: The instructions for Contract Manpower Reporting are said to be available at https://cmra.army.mil in the text for CLIN 003 in the CLIN table. This like does not work. Could you confirm that https://armycmra.dmdc.osd.mil is the correct link?

ANSWER 119: RFQ, Amendment 1, PWS paragraph 19 is adjusted to read https://armycmra.dmdc.osd.mil.

QUESTION 120: Do employees need to have fully adjudicated clearances prior to starting work, or can they perform on the contract with interim clearances?

ANSWER 120: Per RFQ, Amendment 1, PWS para 5.8, “The Contractor’s employees, performing work in support of this contract shall have been granted a SECRET security clearance from the Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS) via the Defense Industrial Security Clearance.” It is imperative all employees have the ability to perform the first day of the contract. The Government can see individual names listed in JPAS for verification.

QUESTION 121: The estimated five trips per year – is that 5 trips total or per FTE?

ANSWER 121: No. The 5 trips refer to 5 trips total, not per person.

QUESTION 122: RESERVED

ANSWER 122: RESERVED

QUESTION 123: Is there any indication of what level of effort will be required in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia or other OCONUS locations?

ANSWER 123: Currently local support for the OCONUS locations is being performed. No travel to OCONUS locations have been conducted within the last year.

QUESTION 124: In section 3.2 of Part 3 of the solicitation it states that government furnished equipment and facilities will be provided at Redstone Arsenal and New Cumberland. May the contractor request and be granted facility usage at the Washington Field Office location and Fort Bragg (1 FTE at each)?

ANSWER 124: Per RFQ, Amendment 1, PWS Part 3, Paragraph 3.2.1 is changed for clarification. All work is on-site at the Government Facility. The Government provides office space for those positions listed in the RFQ, PWS, Technical Exhibit 2 Tables at all locations.

QUESTION 125: On the DD254 box 10e includes both SCI and non-SCI. Is it the case that the contractor will require access to SCI?

ANSWER 125: Yes, in accordance with the DD 254, Block 10 e. (1) block checked “Yes”.

QUESTION 126: On the DD254 box 1b is marked “Secret”, should this be listed as “None”?

ANSWER 126: No, the DD 254 is marked correctly. This is also stated in the RFQ, Amendment 1, PWS paragraph 5.10 and Part 4, paragraph 4.1.

QUESTION 127: Are there requirements for travel outside of normal business hours (e.g. travel on Sunday for a Monday-Friday work week)?

ANSWER 127: The PWS does not call for on-call or weekend coverage, however if travel was determined necessary, travel may take more than an 8 hour day to arrive at a location.

QUESTION 128: Which LCAT and in which Location would be potentially required to travel to Riyadh?

ANSWER 128: Currently local support for the OCONUS locations is being performed. No travel to OCONUS locations have been conducted within the last year.

QUESTION 129: Can the Government please clarify in which location should the Project Manager be allocated or physically located?

ANSWER 129: The PM shall be located at or within an hour of the Redstone Arsenal location.

QUESTION 130: If there is a requirement to increase the capability of the current Help Desk Solution during the award period will the government provide resources for the upgrade? What are the current applications that support personnel at expected to be proficient with? Will the operation hours of the help desk need to include hours to support operations in Riyadh and Saudi Arabia?

ANSWER 130: There is no requirement to increase the capability of the current solicitation Help Desk requirement. Per RFQ, Amendment 1, PWS Part 3, Paragraph 3.2.1 is changed for clarification. All work is on-site at the Government Facility. The Government provides office space for those positions listed in the RFQ, PWS, Technical Exhibit 2 Tables at all locations. The applications listed throughout the PWS are the current applications personnel are expected to be proficient with. The hours of operation for the Help Desk personnel are listed in RFQ, Amendment 1, PWS paragraph 4. OCONUS Help Desk services are expected to be accomplished within the times listed in RFQ, Amendment 1, PWS paragraph 4.

QUESTION 131: On Page 38 of 55 of the RFP, the Government refers to the “Offeror” with respect to past performance requirements. Does “Offeror” refer to just the prime responding to this proposal, or does that include subcontractors the prime has added to its team?

ANSWER 131: The Offeror refers to the Prime and Subcontractor. The potential offeror would need to explain in detail the dynamics of the teaming arrangement, joint venture, partnership or prime/subcontracting intended for use with this effort. ****************************************************************************

QUESTION 132: is are there existing contractors on this contract and can we get access to them or to the current rates.

ANSWER 132: SYSTEMS ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS, INC. is the incumbent. Rates are proprietary information.

QUESTION 133: In PROPOSAL SUBMISSION (Section L), within the requirements for VOLUME I - TECHNICAL AND RESUMES, does the criteria iv. "Identify specific certifications for the following technology [...]" refer to certifications for the individual personnel or for the vendor itself?

ANSWER 133: The offeror as a whole shall have all the experience/ knowledge with these certificates. The Government expects several personnel to make up the offerors pool of certifications.

QUESTION 134: Refer to Part 3 GFP- Will the Offeror be required to supply office space at Fort Bragg and the Washington Field Office locations?

ANSWER 134: Per RFQ, Amendment 1, PWS Part 3, Paragraph 3.2.1 is changed for clarification. All work is on-site at the Government Facility. The Government provides office space for those positions listed in the RFQ, PWS, Technical Exhibit 2 Tables at all locations.

QUESTION 135: Refer to Section 9, Key Personnel – Does the Government consider the PM position a full time position for this effort?

ANSWER 135: RFQ, Amendment 1, PWS paragraph 9 is adjusted. The offeror’s approach to meeting the PM requirements of the PWS will determine how this task is performed and billed. One method may to be dual hat one of the mentioned labor categories. Another method may be to have an additional person to work part-time or full-time to manage, oversee, assist, perform human resource duties, etc. The offeror shall meet the requirement of a person, the PM, who the Government will work with to give direction to the contractor.

QUESTION 136: Will the Government consider adding the PM position to the labor categories listed for this effort in order to be priced separately?

ANSWER 135: No. RFQ, Amendment 1, PWS paragraph 9 is adjusted. The offeror’s approach to meeting the PM requirements of the PWS will determine how this task is performed and billed. One method may to be dual hat one of the mentioned labor categories. Another method may be to have an additional person to work part-time or full-time to manage, oversee, assist, perform human resource duties, etc. The offeror shall meet the requirement of a person, the PM, who the Government will work with to give direction to the contractor.

QUESTION 137: Refer to Technical Exhibit 1, Performance Requirements Summary – The performance objectives listed in the table don’t have correct reference in the PWS. For example, there is no PWS, Paragraph 14. This apply to both PRS #1 and PRS #2. Are these relevant?

ANSWER 137: RFQ, Amendment 1, Paragraph 14.3.1.x. and 14.4.1.c. lists the duties specified in the PRS#2.

QUESTION 138: There are numbering discrepancies in the Labor Categories section of the PWS. Specifically, the numbering jumps from 13.1 Senior Computer Systems/Network Engineer to 14.1.1 Major Duties. Please clarify the correct numbering.

ANSWER 138: RFQ, Amendment 1, Paragraph 14 is titled LABOR CATEGORIES

QUESTION 139: There are numbering discrepancies in the Data Deliverables section of the PWS. The numbering under Section 15 begins with 15.6. Is information missing from this section?

ANSWER 139: RFQ, Amendment 1, PWS paragraph 15 and subparagraphs are renumbered. There was no data missing.

QUESTION 140:

Do title pages, table of contents, compliance matrices, and resumes count towards total proposal page limits?

ANSWER 140: Cover page, Table of Contents and Executive Summary do count against the page count.

QUESTION 141: Please clarify if the period of performance is base plus 4 years, or base plus 3 years. The CDRLs are only listed out to 3 option years; however, PWS 3.1 indicates the PoP to be Base Plus 4 Years.

ANSWER 141: RFQ, Amendment 2, corrects the paragraph 3.1 to read, “The ordering period of performance shall be twelve (12) months from date of award,…