vendor questions.docx

1. If two instructors are submitted, will the best credentials of the two be evaluated, the lowest credentials, or some average of the two? How will this be evaluated?

This contract is not for instructors. It is for a single research/writer. Evaluation will be based on resume credentials submitted in proposals, and may (if possible) include interviews of candidates.

2. The NAICS listed in the Synopsis is 611710, while in the PWS it is 541611. Which is correct or are both acceptable?

Both are acceptable.

3. The Small Business set aside standard is $16,500,000.00 in the Synopsis, but $24,500,000 in the PWS. What is the correct set aside standard?

$24,500,000 is for both NAICS. Typo on Synpsis, will correct.

4. Who is the incumbent, what is the past contract number, how much was the contract for, and how long did it last?

There is not an incumbent. There was a similar contract executed in 2022 filled by C. F. Day with two-person research writer teams working for 6 months from remote locations. This new contract requires on site (Carlisle Barracks) work with access to SIPR/SVTC.

5. Is any teaching or teaching support to the Army War College or Command and General Staff College envisioned in this contract? (PWS C-1.1.3) This is not a teaching position or teaching support.

6. Since a security clearance is required, will one or are all members of the winning team be expected to hold one? Will PKSOI sponsor needed clearances for this contract? (PWS C-6.5) Yes. The individual fulfilling this contract will have to possess a clearance. PKSOI will sponsor.

7. Will the government provide a CAC, facility access card, NIPRNet account, and SIPRNet account (PWS C-6.5)?

Yes. Government will provide CAC, and NIPR and SIPR accounts/access.

8. Since PKSOI is DOD lead for Joint Peace and Stability Operations appointed by the Secretary of Defense, does previous research, writing, and teaching for PKSOI count towards PWS C-6.4.2 requirement to be assigned or support the Joint Staff or OSD?

Likely, but will need to see the nature of the work done for PKSOI. Some of our previous contract work may have had little or no interactions with JS or OSD, such as training support.

9. For unclassified information level, does PKSOI expect the winning team to comply with DOD’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 1 or Level 2 controls? (PWS C-6.5.8)

9a. If Level 2, will PKSOI issue CMMC Level 2 compliant laptops to contractors and allow use of government cloud storage facilities as part of the contract, or will the contractors be expected to furnish their own compliant equipment (with subsequent mark up to the government to comply)?

This portion of the PWS is only stating Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Which is derived from NIST SP 800-171 is a NIST Special Publication that provides recommended requirements for protecting the confidentiality of controlled unclassified information (CUI). CUI Training is mandatory for all personnel working on the contract. CMMC Level 1 and Level 2 is not required.

10. How often, for what duration, and to what locations is travel expected in this contract? (C-6.3) Travel is likely several times a year to Combatant Commands, and agencies/departments in the MDW area.

11. PWS C-4.1 seems to describe products that will be delivered within a year. What is the plan for work in the option years? What type of travel, duration, and locations are anticipated in the option years?

Travel and deliverables for option years will be determined prior to submission for execution of each option years. Contractor can plan that travel and deliverables will be similar to base year.

12. PWS C-6.1 states "The Contractor shall perform majority of work at Upton Hall and Collins Hall, Carlisle Barracks, PA. Telework will be used by exception and with prior written approval from the Director, PKSOI and coordination with the COR". However, PWS C-6.5.10 states that "Contractor will work from their normal facilities." Does this mean that the contractor can expect to work remotely the majority of contract duration, aside from meetings, travel, etc. as long as there is access to a certified SCIF and to SIPRNet for secure VTCs?

The individual fulfilling this contract will work daily at Carlisle Barracks. Telework will be by-exception only. Unfortunately, we are unable to work SIPRNet and SVTC access at other locations outside of Carlisle Barracks. We worked this for six months on the last iteration of this contract, and were never able to get sponsorship for classified access.