A22 Response to Industry Comments ERS RFP Amd 2.pdf

Responses to Industry Comments on ERS RFP*

*In the event of an inconsistency between language in the RFP and responses to questions in this document, the language in the RFP shall take precedence.

# Section/ Paragraph

Page # Question/Comment Response

1 Attachment A19

With regards to A19, the questions and answers appear to repeat from 139 to 188 and 195 to

246. Is there a copy/paste error that occurred and if so were any questions/answers accidentally overwritten?

No, this is not an error.

2 Considering the massive number of documents we must consider for our proposal, and the number of resumes and commitments we must gather without engaging the incumbent staff (they are under a no compete agreement), we recommend you consider a 30-day extension to the proposal due date. We want to put forth our very best offer to compete with your incumbent contractor;

however, we don't believe a 30-day proposal window gives competitors sufficient time to do that

The RFP due dates have been modified with Amendment 1. Phase 1 Proposals are due on 15 June 2023 and Phase 2 Proposals are due on 6 July 2023.

3 D.4 Volume 1:

Factor 1 –Past Performance

141 D.4 states, “The narrative should clearly identify the number, name of the contractor, contract title, annual dollar value, period of performance, duration (in years), a description of the work performed, and the labor categories that were used that are similar to this RFP.

Section 1, Contract Description requirements do not include this information Will the Government please clarify where this information should be included in the Past Performance narrative?

Please complete Attachment A15 completely and provide all other requested information In the Volume 1 Past Performance narrative.

4 D.2 2. Proposal Submission Requirements

139 A15, Contract Reference Form. Will the government please clarify whether the A15 forms are included in the 20 page limitation for the Past Performance Volume? If the A15 form is included in the page limitations, is it acceptable to modify the format so less space is required?

The A15 Forms are included in the Volume 1 page limitations. Per, Section L2 of the RFP, Printing shall be single spaced. Each paragraph shall be separated by at least one blank line. A standard 12-point minimum font size, in Arial or New Times Roman fonts, are required for all text. Tables and illustrations may use a reduced font size no less than 8-point and may be landscape.

5 D.2 Proposal Submission Requirements

141 The RFP states, “The offeror shall also submit the written consent of its major subcontractors to allow the disclosure of its subcontractor’s past performance information to the Government. In addition, letters of commitment shall be included for all major subcontractors for their past performance to be considered. Letters of consent and/or commitment will not count against the stated page limits.” Where should the offeror include this information in Volume 1?

This information can be included in Volume 1 but will not count against page count limitations.

6 D.5 Volume 2 - Factor 2: Work Experience

D.5 states, “As applicable, Offerors must submit a signed copy of their joint venture agreement, partnership agreement, teaming agreement, approved mentor-protégé agreement, or letter of commitment for each above member of the Offeror's team in order to receive credit for their work experience.” Will the Government please clarify where this information belongs in the proposal? Are these documents excluded from page count?

These documents are excluded from page count. Section L2 is amended. Please provide with Volume 2 Work Experience.

7 D.3.c Content Requirement Volume 2:

Factor 2 – Work Experience

c. Content Requirement. All information shall be confined to the appropriate file. The offeror shall confine submissions to essential matters, sufficient to define the proposal in a concise

Each file of the proposal shall consist of a Table of Contents, Summary Section, and the Narrative discussion. No change to RFP made.

Volume 3:

Factor 3 – A-E Services Qualifications Volume 6 – Participation– Solicitations, Offer And Award Documents And Certifications/R epresentations manner, to permit a complete and accurate evaluation of each proposal. Each file of the proposal shall consist of a Table of Contents, Summary Section, and the Narrative discussion.

The Summary Section shall contain a brief abstract of the file. The Government will use information provided under each Volume strictly to evaluate the applicable Factor and may not use that information to evaluate any other Factor in other Volumes. Within the Technical Factor Volume, Sections for each subject area within the Technical Volume shall be clearly identified.

The contents for Volumes 2, 3 and 6 do not appear to align with the requirement to have a section summary and narrative. Will the Government please clarify what content belongs in the Section Summary, and what content belongs in the narrative section, as it relates to Volume 2: Factor 2 – Work Experience, Volume 3: Factor 3 – A-E Services Qualifications and Volume 6 – Participation– Solicitations, Offer And Award Documents And Certifications/Representations?

Are Summary Sections and Narrative Discussion required for these three volumes?

8 Volume 2:

Factor 2 – Work Experience

It appears that the only content in Volume 2, is the Attachment A16, Summary of Experience Form and the Agreements.

Will the Government verify nothing else is required for Volume 2? What is included in the 25 page limitation? Since joint venture agreements, partnership agreements, teaming agreements, or approved mentor-protégé agreements can be

Volume 2 Work Experience shall consist of a Table of Contents, Summary Section, and the Narrative discussion. Attachment A16 is also required. No change to RFP made. The joint venture agreements, partnership agreements, teaming agreements, or approved mentor-protégé agreements are excluded from page count. Section L2 of the RFP is changed.

lenghty, are these excluded from the 25 page limitation?

9 Volume 3:

Factor 3 – A-E Services Qualifications

It appears the only content required in Volume 3 is the Standard Form 330 and the A-E Resumes. Will the Government verify the only required contents in Volume 3 are the Standard Form 330 and the A- E Resumes ? What is included in the page limitation?

Volume 3 A-E Services Qualifications shall consist of a Table of Contents, Summary Section, and the Narrative discussion.

Standard Form 330/ A-E Resumes are included in the page limitations. The Standard Form 330 is added to the RFP as Attachment A21.

10 Volume 4: Key Personnel

Resumes and commitment letters for key personnel must be received by the Government no later than 14 calendar days after the proposal deadline. The Offeror shall discuss a succession plan, personnel strategy, or other process for replacing key personnel. Resumes and signed letters of commitment for each of the key personnel shall be provided as an attachment to Volume 4 of the proposal. If resumes and commitment letters can be sent in 14 days after proposal deadline, what goes in Attachment to Volume 4?

Volume 4 Technical shall consist of a Table of Contents, Summary Section, and the Narrative discussion. Resumes and signed letters of commitment for each of the key personnel shall be provided with Volume 4 of the proposal. Resumes and letters of commitment do not count towards page limitations. The RFP section L2 has been updated to reflect this. The requirement to submit 14 days after the proposal deadline has been removed from the RFP. Resumes and commitment letters for Key Personnel must be submitted with the Phase 2 proposal deadline which is now 6 July 2023.

11 D.3.c Content Requirement

c. Content Requirement. All information shall be confined to the appropriate file. The offeror shall confine submissions to essential matters, sufficient to define the proposal in a concise manner, to permit a complete and accurate evaluation of each proposal. Each file of the proposal shall consist of a Table of Contents, Summary Section, and the Narrative discussion.

The Summary Section shall contain a brief abstract of the file. The Government will use information provided under each Volume strictly to evaluate

Per Section L2, summaries are included in the page count. The Table of Contents is not included in the page count.

the applicable Factor and may not use that information to evaluate any other Factor in other Volumes. Within the Technical Factor Volume, Sections for each subject area within the Technical Volume shall be clearly identified. Will the Government please verify whether the Table of Contents and the Summary Section are included or excluded from the page limitations in Volumes 1, 2, 3 and 4?

12 D. Proposal

Submission Instructions (Section L)

5. Volume 2 - Factor 2: Work Experience & Basis Of Award & Evaluation B. Factors To Be Evaluated

144 &

The PWS sections requested on page 144 are not consistent with the PWS sections on page 161:

(page 144 states) Offeror shall demonstrate that they have a minimum 3-years (occurring within the past 10 years) of experience providing support in the following primary competency work areas:

Groundwater Treatment Operations & Maintenance (PWS C5.2)

Groundwater Monitoring and Sampling

(PWS C5.3)

Landfills and Covers Operations and Maintenance (PWS C5.4)

Infrastructure and Facilities Maintenance

(PWS C5.5)

Design and Field Project Management and Oversight (PWS C5.1.1 and C5.14)

(page 161 states that Under PHASE 1, Factor 2:

Work Experience) each proposal will be evaluated to determine if the offeror has a minimum of three (3) years of experience (performed within the past 10 years) in performing work similar to

PWS C5.7 and C5.8 are no longer included in the evaluation. Section M.B of the RFP has been updated.

the requirements in PWS Sections C5.2, C5.3, C5.4, C5.5, C5.7, 5.8, and C5.14.

What PWS sections need to be addressed/demonstrated in the Volume 2 – Factor 2: Work Experience?

13 7. Volume 4- Factor 4:

Technical A. Organization Approach And Key Personnel Positions

1) Key Personnel A)

147 “Letters of commitment, and agreement to be located full time at RMA, shall be included and signed by each of the proposed key personnel… Resumes and commitment letters for key personnel must be received by the Government no later than 14 calendar days after the proposal deadline.”

We request that the requirement for a Letter of Commitment for seven (7) key personnel members be waived as this creates a substantial obstacle to fair SB Set-aside competition. We suggest that the requirement for key personnel Letters of Commitment could be limited to only a few roles, for example the Program Manager and Project Manager. Requiring seven (7) key personnel members to sign letters of commitment stating that the key personnel will be located full time at RMA will be disqualifying to several Small Business (SB) organizations that responded to the Sources Sought for this solicitation, the participation of which contributed to this solicitation remaining a Small Business Set-aside.

The experience and background of these personnel are extremely specific (including one requiring a CO Class C Wastewater or Industrual Wastewater Operator Certification) making the personnel in this specific region scarce. If seven SB responding to the Sources Sought were to provide

Resumes and signed letters of commitment for each of the key personnel shall be provided with Volume 4 of the proposal.

Resumes and letters of commitment do not count towards page limitations. The RFP section L has been updated to reflect this.

The requirement to submit 14 days after the proposal deadline has been removed from the RFP. Resumes and commitment letters for Key Personnel must be submitted with the Phase 2 proposal deadline which is now 6 July 2023.

separate key personnel, seven of each speciality available in the RMA area would be required and have to be available. That is not a realistic scenario, nor is that requirement conducive to fair competition. While using the incumbent Key Personnel is encouraged, it is likely that those personnel have signed a binding Letter of Commitment with their current employer as well as non-compete agreements. Accordingly, there is a strong likelihood that they are prohibited from participating as key personnel for another offeror.

Allowing submission of the Letters of Consent and resumes 2 weeks after the proposal is due does not mitigate the fact that the incumbent Key Personnel would neither commit to another organization, nor share their resume, until an awardee is announced.

These proposal requirements do not seem to meet the intent of FAR 6.101, Policy: “contracting officers shall promote and provide for full and open competition in soliciting offers and awarding Government contracts.” or FAR 19.201 “It is the policy of the Government to provide maximum practicable opportunities in its acquisitions to small business….”

14 D. Proposal Submission Instructions (Section L)

1. Introduction

137 “This solicitation requires all offerors to submit proposals for both Phase 1 and 2 simultaneously…In accordance with FAR 36.602-3, a minimum of 3 of the most highly qualified proposals will be selected to proceed to Phase 2.”

With only three (3) proposals intended to be selected for Phase 2, we request the Phase 1 submission to be due initially—with Phase 2 submission due only after the three (3) most

The RFP due dates have been modified with Amendment 1. Phase 1 Proposals are due on 15 June 2023 and Phase 2 Proposals are due on 6 July 2023.

qualified proposals have been selected and announced. It would be understood that the timeline for the Phase 2 submission would be relatively short. With this solicitation being a SB Set-aside, having both Phases due at the time of proposal and yet possibly not being evaluated is an undue burden and represents a highly risky investment for small busines offerors. Small businesses have limited resources and proposal funds and requiring submittal of significant proposal documentation that may not be reviewed/evaluated or considered will reduce interest in the soliciation and subsecuently reduce competition. Splitting the submittal and requiring only Phase 1 to be submitted initially for further short-list evalution will result in more SB proposals being submitted and thereby facilitate more competition for the Government.

15 Ge ne ral

The current RFP requires up to 135 pages to be written after reviewing and evaluating a 170-page PWS and 67 documents of varying length, while recruiting and gaining a commitment from seven

(7) Key Personnel without being offered an in-person site visit or survey to allow for perspective.

It is in the Government’s interest to receive well-researched and well-written proposals to support competition. We request a 60-day proposal timeline to complete a thorough analysis necessary to prepare a competitive proposal and bid. The current timeline of 30 days to respond to the RFP prevents all but the incumbent from developing a competitive proposal and disqualifies

The RFP due dates have been modified with Amendment 1. Phase 1 Proposals are due on 15 June 2023 and Phase 2 Proposals are due on 6 July 2023.

Small Business entities who do not have large proposal staffs.

16 What action is needed on Attachment A18 – Government Furnished Property Matrix, Attachment L62 – Government Furnished Property Management Plan and Attachment L63 – Off-Post Private Well 359D Treatment System Design Report – they are all currently highlighted with yellow background. Did you intend to highlight Attachment A10 in yellow?

A18 & L63 should not be highlighted. A18 should be asterisked and will become part of the contract following award. Change to RFP made. A10 is not highlighted but should be submitted from the POC-Respondent to the KO/KS. L62 should be submitted as part of Section L. Volume 4-Technical.

17 What is the difference between the contract period of performance and the years of experience you ask for in Attachment 16?

The contract period of performance is the entire length of the contract. Years of experience is the timeframe where the relevant work was performed. In some cases these may be the same.

18 What if our Past Performance references have retired?

Please submit in accordance with Section L, Volume 1 Past Performance instructions.

Evaluation will be made based on information available in accordance with Section M. No change made.

19 Volume 1 - Factor 1 states: In addition, letters of commitment shall be included for all major subcontractors for their past performance to be considered whereas Volume 2 - Factor 2 states: As applicable, Offerors must submit a signed copy of their joint venture agreement, partnership agreement, teaming agreement, approved mentor-protégé agreement, or letter of commitment for each above member of the Offeror's team in order to receive credit for their work experience. Please consider accepting the teaming agreement submitted to satisfy Volume 2

– Factor 2 to also satisfy Volume 1 – Factor 1.

The requirements of Volume 1 and 2 are different. The letters of commitment required in Volume 1 are for the RMA ERS contract and the agreements in Volume 2 are for previous work experience. Each are to be submitted separately in Volume 1 and Volume 2.

20 Please confirm that a teaming agreement or letter of commitment is not necessary for a SF330 (Volume 3 - Factor 3) project or resume that is from a qualified Subcontractor and that the requirement is only applicable to Past Performance (Volume 1 – Factor 1) and Work Experience (Volume 2 - Factor 2).

A letter of commitment is necessary from a qualified Subcontractor that is proposed on the SF330. This is changed in the RFP Section L, D.6.

21 Please confirm that projects submitted only on the SF330 do not require a Past Performance questionnaire.

Projects submitted on the SF330 do not require a Past Performance questionnaire.

22 The incumbent has exclusive access to and unlimited use of the data in the existing databases to create their proposal and this data is not being offered to all potential offerors. This is an organizational conflict of interest. Please provide the data. Only a small amount of the data in the databases is summarized in the reports – the comprehensive dataset has not been provided.

The Government has provided all information that we believe is necessary for the bidding of this contract.

23 Resumes and commitment letters for key personnel that are a requirement for Phase II Volume 4 – Factor 4 must be received by the Government no later than 14 calendar days after the proposal deadline. Since the contracting office will safeguard the Phase 2 Technical and Cost Factor proposals from the technical and cost/pricing teams while the Phase 1 Volumes are evaluated, please allow for the entirety of the Phase 2 Volumes to be submitted 14 calendar days after the Phase 1 submission deadline instead of just the resumes and commitment letters. This approach will increase the value of offers to the government and have no impact on the overall timeline for award since the Phase 2 evaluation

The RFP due dates have been modified with Amendment 1. Phase 1 Proposals are due on 15 June 2023 and Phase 2 Proposals are due on 6 July 2023. The requirement to submit 14 days after the proposal deadline has been removed from the RFP. Resumes and commitment letters for Key Personnel must be submitted with the Phase 2 proposal deadline which is now 6 July 2023.

will be dormant and cannot proceed until the Phase 1 evaluation is complete. Other federal government agencies have implemented this staggered deadline approach successfully for other Phased proposals that we have submitted with no impact on their award timeline and improved the value of offers to the government.

24 If a bidder commits to hire the incumbent staff in the proposal, would the government evaluate whether their proposed salaries and benefits will be realistic to hire the incumbent staff as they committed? If the salaries are lower than the incumbents, would the government adjust them higher for evaluation, as part of the cost realism analysis?

Per Section L of the RFP, Offerors/subcontractors are cautioned not to use labor rates on the lower end of the salary survey bell curve. Use of such rates may be unrealistic. Historically, the Wage Determination labor rates have not been at the minimum set in the DoL rate schedule.

Offerors shall provide supporting information that demonstrates personnel can be hired and retained at the proposed rate. If W-2s or payroll data is used, the geographic location of the work must be provided along with the realized retention rate for the contract and retention information for the specific labor category. The Government will evaluate the supporting information and, if it does not agree, may upward adjust the proposed labor rate for Government evaluation purposes.

Again, it is incumbent upon the offeror to prove and document that the proposed direct labor rates are both reasonable and realistic.

25 The maintenance positions “Site maintenance technician” and “Treatment maintenance specialist” are stated in the cost model as SCA 23370 (general maintenance worker). However, the position that is required to perform the scope

The Government concurs. This has been changed in the cost model.

of work is SCA 23460 – Instrument Mechanic – because the maintenance that they have to provide is related to sophisticated water treatment systems with complex instrumentation and not general maintenance. We request that the government would kindly consider changing this in the cost model, so that bidders do not assume unrealistically low salaries.

26 For positions that are SCA, would the government accept bidders to propose the minimum SCA rate for those positions as realistic? Since the incumbents’ salaries are up to 30% higher than the SCA minimum wages, due to the fact that experienced personnel are required to handle the site complex treatment systems operations and maintenance, would the government consider realistic bidders that only assume the minimum SCA rate?

Offerors/subcontractors are cautioned not to use labor rates on the lower end of the salary survey bell curve. Use of such rates may be unrealistic. Historically, the Wage Determination labor rates have not been at the minimum set in the DoL rate schedule.

Offerors shall provide supporting information that demonstrates personnel can be hired and retained at the proposed rate. If W-2s or payroll data is used, the geographic location of the work must be provided along with the realized retention rate for the contract and retention information for the specific labor category. The Government will evaluate the supporting information and, if it does not agree, may upward adjust the proposed labor rate for Government evaluation purposes.

Again, it is incumbent upon the offeror to prove and document that the proposed direct labor rates are both reasonable and realistic.

27 The following positions are filled by incumbent employees that perform duties for which the position title is not representative completely of what they do. This presents the risk of bidders assuming much lower salaries than the incumbent employees have, and they would not have realistic salaries to hire the incumbents:

4a. Maintenance Supervisor – the incumbent employee is currently also filling the duties of construction superintendent and his salary is consistent with Construction superintendent position. Would the government consider changing this title to Maintenance Supervisor/Construction Superintendent?

4b. The incumbent “Procurement Specialist” has a role and salary more closely aligned with Procurement Manager--the level of independence and expertise and authority required to deal with the procurements require a higher-level person for this position. We recommend that the government adjust this position to Procurement Manager to ensure that other bidders bid a salary commensurate with the responsibilities of the incumbent contractor and reduce the risk of losing the incumbent staff.

4c. The Treatment Plan Electrician position fulfills functions such as designing of electrical elements for the treatment plants. This corresponds more closely to an electrical or I&C engineer with the corresponding higher compensation.

4a – Maintenance Supervisor is updated to Construction Site Superintendent.

4b – Procurement Specialist remains unchanged. Offerors are reminded to propose realistic rates in accordance with the scope of work.

4c –Position Title is modified in cost model to Treatment Plant Electrician / Instrumentation Specialist.

The language in Section C PWS C1.15.3 b is modified in the RFP.

28 The Plant Operator and the Lead Treatment Plant Operator are described in the cost model as both being under SCA position 25210. Would the

Both positions reference the same SCA identifier as a starting point of reference. It is incumbent on the offeror to propose realistic government consider realistic a bidder that does not propose a higher salary for the Lead Treatment Plant Operator than the one for the Plant Operator?

rates for both positions, independently of each other.

29 Regarding Section F. Non-Government Advisors:

We assume that the completed agreements with the non-government advisors should be included in Volume 6. Is that correct?

That is correct, please submit with Volume 6.

30 4. Volume 1:

Factor 1 – Past Performance;

Past Performance Questionnaires

143 of

Per the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR Subpart 42.15) policy, the use of CPARS is the Governmentwide evaluation reporting tool for all past performance reports on contracts and orders.

Will the Government consider evaluating CPARS as it pertains to this procurement?

Per Section M.C. of the RFP, the Government will focus its evaluation on the forms and questionnaires provided by the offeror in its proposal and may consider data obtained from third parties or other sources. This includes data in Government files or data obtained through interviews with personnel familiar with the contractor and their current and past performance in performing Government contracts for same or similar services that are relevant and recent.

31 Volume 6:

Solicitation, Offer, and Award Documents and Certification/Re presentations;

Proposal Submittal Requirements

139 of

The Solicitation states that, “Page count includes all pages including but not limited to, body and all appendices. Cover sheets, table of contents, GFP Program Management Plan, list of figures/tables, list of abbreviations, resumes, and Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQs) do not count toward page limits.” Would the Government please confirm that Teaming Agreements and Non-Disclosure Agreements do not count against page limitations?

Yes, this is correct. Teaming Agreements and Non-Disclosure Agreements do not count towards page limitations. The RFP has been updated to reflect this.

32 4. Volume 1:

Factor 1 – Past Performance thro ugh

It is our understanding that Volume 1: Factor 1 – Past Performance should be compiled as follows:

- Summary “Abstract”

Each file of the proposal shall consist of a Table of Contents, Summary Section, and the Narrative discussion. Attachment A15 should also be included.

143 of

- Section 1 – Contract Descriptions, which includes (1)(a) – (1)(k)

- Section 2 – Performance, which includes Attachment A15 (Contract References) and Contract Narrative

- Section – Subcontracts, which includes Prime and Major Subcontractor Company Information

- Letters of Consent Would the Government confirm this is correct and, if not, clarify where Attachment A15 is required?

33 5. Volume 2:

Factor 2 – Work Experience

143thr ough 145 of

It is our understanding that Volume 2: Factor 2 – Work Experience should be compiled as follows:

- Summary “Abstract”

- Project Narratives as it relates to the primary competency work areas

Attachment A16 (Summary of Experience Form) for each Contract Would the Government confirm this is correct and, if not, please clarify whether the Attachment A16 form will cover all contracts on a singular form?

Each file of the proposal shall consist of a Table of Contents, Summary Section, and the Narrative discussion. Attachment A16 should also be included.

34 Volume 6:

Solicitation, Offer, and Award Documents and Certification/Re presentations;

Proposal Submittal Requirements

139 of

The Solicitation states that Volume 3: Factor 3 – A- E Services Qualifications has a 20-page max using the SF 330. Since the SF 330 forms are “tables”, would the Government confirm that a no less than 8-point font size would be acceptable?

Yes, per section L2 that is correct. Tables and illustrations may use a reduced font size no less than 8-point and may be landscape.

35 7. Volume 4:

Factor 4 –

Technical; 2) Key Personnel

147 of

The Solicitation requires that resumes and commitment letters for key personnel be received by the Government no later than 14 calendar days after the proposal deadline. It then states that resumes and signed letters of commitment for each of the key personnel shall be provided as an attachment to Volume 4 of the proposal. Would the Government please confirm whether resumes are to be included with the proposal in Volume 4 or if they are required after the deadline?

The requirement to submit 14 days after the proposal deadline has been removed from the RFP. Resumes and commitment letters for Key Personnel must be submitted with the Phase 2 proposal deadline which is now 6 July 2023.

36 General Would the Government consider adjusting the proposal due date to 02 August to allow all Offerors adequate time to review all files and responses to RFIs to enable a fair and competitive acquisition?

The RFP due dates have been modified with Amendment 1. Phase 1 Proposals are due on 15 June 2023 and Phase 2 Proposals are due on 6 July 2023.

37 8. Volume 5:

Factor 5 – Cost/Price

The Solicitation states that each offeror is to provide two electronic copies of their cost/price proposal. The Excel version of the completed ERS Cost Model.xls shall also be included with the rest of the proposal submission. One shall be locked (read only) and one shall be open. Would the Government clarify that the two files being referred to are the two types of Excels to be submitted (one “read only” and one “open”) and not the narrative (PDF) files?

Correct. One read-only and one open version of the excel files.

38 8. Volume 5:

Factor 5 – Cost/Price

155 of

The Solicitation states that each offeror is to provide supporting narrative submitted in MS Word or Excel, will PDF narratives not be accepted?

Adobe PDF narratives are acceptable. RFP has been edited in Section L.

39 8. Volume 5:

Factor 5 – Cost/Price

156 of

The Solicitation refers to an Attachment 5 (Purchasing System Review Form) documenting compliance with the requirements of DFARS Clause 252.244-7001(c); however, this form was

Attachment is provided. RFP change is made to incorporate A20 Purchasing System Review Form. This attachment is highlighted in yellow not provided as an attachment, would the Government provide this form or direct Offerors as to a public site that the form is available on?

and is to be submitted with the offerors proposal.

40 8. Volume 5:

Factor 5 – Cost/Price

152 of

The Solicitation mentions that Major Subcontractors must provide a separate cost proposal directly to the Government and in accordance with the information provided. Would the Government allow Major Subcontractors to provide their cost proposals as part of the Prime Cost/Price Volume instead due to the Prime and Major Subcontractors’ bidding as one Offeror?

Major subcontractors shall provide a separate cost model and supporting narrative with enough detail to support the reasonableness and realism of proposed direct labor and fringe rates (total compensation).

41 9. Volume 6 – Participation Solicitations, Offer and Award Documents and Certifications/R epresentations;

Certifications and Representations

The Solicitation mentions that each offeror shall complete (fill-in and signatures) the solicitation sections indicated below using the file (without modification to the file) provided with the RFP.

An authorized official of the firm shall sign the SF 33 and all certifications requiring original signature. An Acrobat PDF file shall be created to capture the signatures for submission. Would the Government confirm that only the Prime Offeror is required to request

Non-Disclosure Agreements from the firms in Section F and provide fill-ins, etc?

The Prime offeror and all subcontractors are required to request the NDA from the firms in Section L, Volume 6.

42 6. Volume 3:

Factor 3 – A-E Services Qualifications

145 of

The Solicitation mentions that Offeror’s shall submit descriptions of three projects that are similar in nature to the example projects listed in Section C.5.14 of the RFP for SF 330 A-E projects.

Would the Government confirm if these projects also need to meet the 10-year issuance and 3-year timeframe requirements?

These projects need to meet the 10 year issuance timeframe but not the 3 year duration timeframe. Language updated in Section L, Volume 3.

43 4. Volume 1:

Factor 1 – Past

Performance &

5. Volume 2:

; 165

The Solicitation states that Volume 1 will use Attachment A15, and Volume 2 will use Attachment A16. With the page limit in place, would the Government allow teams to use a

Attachment A15 needs to be submitted with Volume 1 and Attachment A16 needs to be submitted with Volume 2. Each Volume needs

Factor 2 – Work Experience of

“branded” format for these files if all information required is provided?

to be submitted separately and will be evaluated independently.

44 4. Volume 1:

Factor 1 – Past

Performance &

5. Volume 2:

Factor 2 – Work Experience of 170;

of

Since Attachment A15 and Attachment A16 are “Tables”, would the Government confirm that the 8-point font size applies to them?

Yes 8-point font size applies to these Attachments A15 & A16.

45 5. Volume 2:

Factor 2 – Work Experience

161 of

This section of the RFP lists PWS Sections C5.2, C5.3, C5.4, C5.5, C5.7, C5.8, and C5.14 as being evaluated; however, Attachment A16 Work Experience Summary only lists C5.2, C5.3, C5.4, C5.5, and C5.1.1 and C5.14. Also, in the question 5 Response to Industry Comments, the Government stated that this section would be updated to reflect C5.7 and C5.8 being removed from Work Experience. Can the government please clarify which PWS sections are evaluated in Work Experience?

PWS C5.7 and C5.8 are no longer included in the evaluation. Section M.B of the RFP has been updated.

46 7. Volume 4:

Factor 4 – Technical; 2) Key Personnel & Attachment A19 of 170;

of 54

In the Response to Industry Comments (response to question 11), the Government stated that offerors are encouraged to propose the use of incumbent staff; however, strict non- compete agreements are currently in place for those employees and thus creates an advantage for the incumbent contractor. Also, considering that this is a follow-on services contract, will the Government please consider removing the resume?

Per Section L, Volume 4, resumes are required to evaluate Key Personnel. This requirement and subsequent evaluation is separate and distinct from previous contracts. No change made to the RFP.

47 7. Volume 4:

Factor 4 – Technical; 2) Key Personnel of 170;

Since the Government encourages the use of incumbent staff, and if removal of the resume requirement is not considered reasonable, would the Government consider requiring key

Per Section L, Volume 4, resumes are required to evaluate Key Personnel. Per Section L, Letters of Commitment shall be submitted. No change made to the RFP.

& Attachment A19 of 54 personnel resumes and Letters of Commitment 14 days after contract award as part of the transition plan. This will allow retention of incumbent personnel and fosters a competitive environment that will deliver the best value to the Government.

48 4. Volume 1:

Factor 1 – Past Performance;

Past Performance Questionnaires

143 of

We strive to reduce the onus on our government clients who need to complete the same PPQs repeatedly for proposals.

Will the Government please allow PPQs previously received to be submitted instead of obtaining new PPQs provided as Attachment A10?

No, previously submitted PPQs will not be accepted.

49 4. Volume 1:

Factor 1 – Past

Performance &

5. Volume 2:

Factor 2 – Work Experience of 170;

of

Would the Government consider excluding Attachments A15 and A16 from page count to allow Offerors to meet full volume requirements for all 6 projects?

Attachments A15 and A16 are not excluded from page count requirements.

50 General Based on the “site visit” video, the information provided to Offerors hinders non-incumbents’ abilities to properly determine the size and scale of the contract. Would the Government consider providing an in-person site visit to also allow non-incumbents to sufficiently evaluate cost, etc?

No, a virtual site visit was provided and is available on the website.

51 7. Volume 4:

Factor 4 – Technical; d.

Transition Plan

150 of

As stated in the JA (JA Control Number JA-23-D-

007) dated December 2022, “60 days is the minimum amount of time required to train new staff on the unique operation and maintenance requirements at RMA.”

If incumbent staff is not accessible to all Offerors, would the Government please reconsider the 30-

Prior to solicitation release, the decision was made to have a 30-day transition in period for this effort. The Government believes a 30-day transition in period is adequate for the new effort.

day transition period since the JA indicates that 60 days is the minimum and a 30- day transition would be a risk to the RMA mission?

52 4. Volume 1:

Factor 1 – Past Performance

140 of

The draft RFP states, “At least 50% of the projects submitted for Factor 2 (Work Experience) are required to have been performed by the Offeror, excluding Team Members." The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has ruled in favor of allowing evaluations to consider affiliate/sister company experience and past performance information as equivalent to that of the Prime Offeror. Further, FAR 15.305(a) (2) (iii) allows the evaluation to consider an affiliate/sister company’s relevant experience as experience performed by the Offeror, especially for Native 8(a) Small Businesses under 13 CFR

124.110. This methodology and past precedent

allow for increased competition, which ultimately benefits the Government, taxpayer, and business community. Please confirm that the work experience and past performance of an affiliated/sister company, especially that of a Native or Tribal 8(a) or Small Business, will count as Prime Offeror work experience and NOT a Team Member.

In order for an Offeror to rely on the experience or past performance of the Offeror’s parent, sister, subsidiary or an affiliate company, the offeror shall identify the relevant parent, sister, subsidiary company or affiliate company as a Major Subcontractor in its proposal and identify what portion of the work that entity will perform under this contract (must be at least ten (10) percent (%) or more of the total proposed price for this effort).

53 Attachment L61

– Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL);

Data Item No.

A034

10 of

Since all design requirements in the CDRL list the frequency as “As Needed” and, per FAR 36.603 requirements for the SF 330, would the government identify and explain the requirements for Architecture and Engineering services that is different from the previous acquisitions for Environmental Remediation support to RMA?

Nothing is different for this solicitation.

54 Section L.9 Volume 6, Section F.2

Non-Government Advisors pursuant to FAR 9.505-4

Change made to Section Phase 1 proposals submitted without an executed agreement will not be evaluated.

55 General Experience of Incumbent Personnel The below table contains information about the experience of incumbent personnel. It was provided by the incumbent prime contractor. It is being supplied as historical data only to aid in proposal development. It does not replace any requirements of the solicitation or the Performance Work Statement. There is no requirement for offerors to propose incumbent personnel.

Incumbent Employees Data

RFP Title

Incumbent Experience (yrs) ERI Equivalent Position

Admin / Office / Govt Property 40 Facilities Manager & Executive Assistant Caps and Covers Manager 25 Environmental Manager Chemist / Data Validation 33 Chemist Analytical Environmental Scientist - Tech Writer 25 Environmental Scientist ES&H Manager 43 Environmental Health and Safety Manager Facilities Engineer 35 Facilities Engineer Hydrogeologist 34 Geologist Infrastructure / Facility Maint Manager 25 Infrastructure Engineering Manager Janitorial Staff 28 janitor Janitorial Staff 27 janitor Lead Sampler 16 Environmental Scientist Lead Treatment Plant Operator 2 Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator Construction Site Superintendent 32 Maintenance Manager

Operations Engineer / IT 26 Operations Engineer Plant Operator 20 Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator Procurement Specialist 18 Procurement Specialist Program Manager 41 Engineering Project Manager Programmer * Programmer Analyst Project Controls 33 Project Controls Engineer Quality Control Engineer 43 Quality Control Engineer Regulatory Compliance Manager 31 Environmental Manager Sampling and Monitoring Manager 22 Environmental Manager Sampling Specialist (Env. Scientist) 2 Environmental Scientist Sampling Specialist (Env. Scientist) * Environmental Scientist Site Inspector / Veg Specialist 17 Inspector Construction Site Maintenance Tech 25 Maintenance Technician Surface Water / Plant Operator 4 Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator Treatment Maintenance Specialist 20 Maintenance Specialist Treatment Plant Electrician/Instrumentation 38 Instrumentation Technician Vegetation Expert 45 Environmental Scientist Water Treatment Operations Manager 49 Water Treatment Plant Manager

* no incumbent presently