Final Solicitation Questions.pdf

Solicitation Questions for Dialogo, W91QEX-21-R-0002

1. Is this still active? Will there be an RFP released for this one? Or was it already awarded?

Yes, it is an active and the Solicitation, #W91QEX-21-R-0002 was posted on beta.SAM on 27 January 2021.

2. Is the government indeed requiring a $4M contract valuation for past performances? The contract is for only 2 FTEs and at proportionate max valuation of $400-500k per year. Please advise. We are interested in the bid. However, the $4M requirement seems disproportionate.

The Government remains to keep the $4 million contract valuation for past performance.

Note this is a Performance Based Contract. As a result, it is up the selected contractor to provide the requisite resources to perform services as such.

3. Can the Government please clarify that the PWS provides the scope including but not limited to technical support aspects "Develop and operate a website and associated mobile application", "Operate existing website", "Provide website technical", etc.; however, the key personnel listed in PWS 1.6.12 are definitely non-technical (a Site Manager and a On-Site Journalist-Editor) based upon the qualifications called out for throughout the PWS?

The Government remains to keep verbiage as is as the Government defines the requirement and evaluation of these requirements.

4. Can the Government please clarify the context and intent of the following note as it would relate to a proposal in which the Offeror has no teaming partners or sub-contractors: "The Prime and Teaming Partner or subcontractor may NOT use their experience combined as part of their proposal submittal both for their Technical Experience and Past Performance Proposal submission. Each prime contractor’s experiences should be evaluated solely in determining if an Offeror is technically acceptable."

Teaming partners or sub-contractors are not required in order to be considered for award. In the case of an Offeror with no teaming partners or sub-contractors, each prime contractor will be evaluated solely on their Technical, Past Performance, and Price volume submissions.

5. Will the Government please provide Attachment 3, Past Performance Questionnaire, in Microsoft Word format?

The Government will provide as a separate attachment a Microsoft Word format the Past Performance Questionnaire.

6. Section L, Page 107, states the following: “The resumes will not be included in the maximum pages for Volume 2 of the proposal submission.” Based on Volume 1 – Technical, ii. Sub-factor 2 – Staffing Plan & Resumes (Page 108), this appears to be a typographical error. Please confirm that resumes should be submitted as part of Volume 1 rather than Volume 2.

The correct location to include the “resumes” is in Volume 1.

7. Section L, Page 109, states that Key Personnel Resumes and copies of degrees and/or certifications are required; however, the instructions indicate that company name, logo, or other company identifying information should not appear within Volume 1 (Page 107). How does the previous statement impact resume content? (Should all company names be omitted?)

Please note on page 107, The Government request the Vendor (company) submitting the proposal to remove their name from any/all documentation in Volume 1 (Technical). As a result, all company names shall be omitted.

8. Attachment 3, Page 101, states the following: “Offeror should put name, contract number(s), and any other information as indicated in red text below and ensure it is on every page for identification purposes.” Multiple sections of the Questionnaire are in red, and some of the information appears to be repetitive. (Sections in red currently include a non-lettered/numbered section [Page 102], as well as Contract Identification and B. Identification of Offeror’s.

Attachment 3 is a Sample. A word version will be included as a separate Attachment.

The red portion is to be completed by your company.

9. Representative [Page 103].) Please clarify if Offerors should repeat only the Contract Identification (A.) section on all pages of the Questionnaire.

Section A identifies the contract your company wants to be evaluated on for the Past Performance Questionnaire.

10. Is “a detailed plan to develop, design, construct, operate the website” when it’s already in existence or do they require a new plan?

A detailed plan to develop, design, construct, operate the website is not required.

However, it would be prudent to consider that the incumbent may not have or provide key or critical information on the website operation or other supporting details. The government expects a smooth phase-in, phase-out, so any negative impacts to website operation and efficiencies are mitigated.

11. Is a “new” team of “language translators that are American Translation Association (ATA) Certified or equivalent (International Equivalent Standard. Examples: ISO equivalent to ATA Certification, UK Association of Translation Companies equivalent to ATA Certification, etc.) for native speakers and writers of Portuguese and Spanish languages” required? This is an existing capability.

Yes, it is required.

12. Key personnel are in place and qualified. Can we make contact with existing staff for LOI’s as they are the incumbent SME’s with proven past performance?

Each offeror should provide qualifications and LOI’s at their direction.

13. Other Direct Costs (ODC) for services are in place. Are these services to be re-bid or will/can they be part of the new contract?

Other Direct Costs (ODC) is now part of the new contract.

14. Can it be assumed that all country clearance requirements are managed by Southcom with Angelo Group ensuring there is compliance with all certifications and training by the contracted personnel?

All country clearance and certifications are managed by USSOUTHCOM.

15. Elaboration concerning theatre level clearance, specifically regarding the purpose and AO of said clearance requirements.

Please refer to the theater clearance references in the Solicitation for additional information.

16. What is the current status of pre-existing web-pages fulfilling mission requirements?

Seeking verification if the intent is development of a new media outlet or maintenance of the existing product (www.Diálogo-americas.com).

There is no intent by the government that a “development of a new media outlet or maintenance…” will be required prior to contract award.

17. How are on-site employees being considered regarding COVID safety procedures? Seeking verification in the event potential candidates are concerned.

Currently, the employees assigned to USSOUTHCOM are teleworking and will continue to telework. USSOUTHCOM is strictly adhering to CDC and DOD protocols with regard to COVID safety procedures.

18. Will the Government please clarify the period of the performance?

Phase In/Out Period, 1 month, 20 April through 20 May 2021

Base Period, 10 Months, 21 May 2021 through 21 March 2022

Option Period One, 12 Months, 22 March 2022 through 21 March 2023

Option Period Two, 12 Months, 22 March 2023 through 21 March 2024

Option Period Three, 12 Months, 22 March 2024 through 21 March 2025

Option Period Four, 12 Months, 22 March 2025 through 21 March 2026 http://www.di%C3%A1logo-americas.com/