The file's text, extracted by GovTribe without its formatting.
Question #’s
RFP
Reference:
| QUESTION: |
| GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: |
| 1 |
| Performance Work Statement. |
Key Personnel.
Paragraph 1.10 b. c. d.
| Question: Will details be provided for the following referenced paragraphs that are identified as Reserved: b. Quality Control Manager; c. Systems Administrator; d. Special Qualifications? |
| The word RESERVED is used throughout the Document as a placeholder to preserve the Format only. No response needed for paragraphs marked as RESERVED |
| 2 |
| Performance Work Statement paragraph 5.2.1, 5.2.2, 5.2.3, 5.2.4 |
| Reference: Tasks for the education (Curriculum) Designer and instructors. |
Question a. Has the Foundation Level Program of Instruction been developed? Validated/conducted?
Question b. Has the Intermediate Level Program of Instruction been developed? Validated/conducted?
Question c. Has the Advanced Level Program of Instruction been developed? Validated/conducted?
Question d. Has the Senior Leader Course Program of Instruction been developed? Validated/conducted?
a. There is a Foundational Level Program developed (16 hours) and being conducted as a part of a larger PME course. It has not been validated as it began in May/June.
b. There is an Intermediate Level Program developed (40 hours) and being conducted as a part of a larger PME course. It has not been validated as it began in May/June.
c. No
d. No
| 3 |
| Performance Work Statement paragraph 5.2.1.1 (a) STD. |
| Question: The acronym section of the Performance Work Statement does not spell out “STD”. What does it stand for? |
| STD – Standard |
Outlines difference between Foundation, Intermediate, and Advanced:
| 4 |
| Performance Work Statement. Paragraph 5.2.4.1 and 5.2.25 – 5.2.35 |
| Question a: Paragraph 5.2.25 identifies Instructors/Writers. Do paragraphs 5.2.26 through 5.2.35 refer to the specific tasks of the Instructors/Writers? |
Question b: Where are the specific tasks for the Training Curriculum Designer other than serving as the Contract Manager and Alternate Contract Manager?
a. Part 5 of the PWS cover Specific Tasks. Paragraph 5.2.26 – 5.2.35 refers to some of those specific tasks.
b. Paragraph 1.10.a outlines the key personnel to include the Contract Manager who will also be the Training (Curriculum) Designer. The Contract Manager/Training (Curriculum) Designer is responsible for and will also complete all Specific Tasks in Part 5 of PWS. Expectation is for the Training (Curriculum) Designer to also perform instructor duties.
| 5 |
| Performance Work Statement. Paragraph 5.2.7 |
| Reference: The paragraph addresses the transition period and references “the incumbent”. |
Question: Who is the incumbent?
At end of Contract Period, if another Contractor is awarded this contract, contractor would become the incumbent and there would be a 20 day transition period.
| 6 |
| Performance Work Statement. Paragraph 5.2.18 |
| Reference: The paragraph identifies requirement for onsite managers who are responsible for the overall management and coordination of the Contractor’s efforts throughout the length of the PWS, who shall act as the central POC with the COR or Government’s Representative. |
Question: Is this “onsite manager” different than the Contract Manager identified in paragraph 1.10?
The Onsite Manager in not different than the Contract manager identified in paragraph 1.10.
| 7 |
| Performance Work Statement. Paragraph 5.2.27 |
| Reference: Data Education Instructors/writers shall develop blocks of instruction/courses for ASU Data Education Strategy. |
Question a: Do the Data Education Courses exist? If so, what are the ATRRS course numbers?
Question b: If not functional courses, are they being incorporated into existing Professional Military Education (PME) courses?
Question c: What are the course methodologies identified for each course?
Question d: What is the instructor to student ratio per course?
a. There is a Foundational Level Program developed (16 hours) and an Intermediate Level Program developed (40 hours) and being conducted as a part of a larger PME course. This is a generic data course not tailored [data sets] to each military specialty for Practical Exercises and better understanding and application. They are not [yet] standalone courses – no ATRRS.
b. Our ATRRS Course that teach Data or Course # 8A-F87 (MC)(FC) DAV and Operational Analytics, Course # 8A-F84/551-F75 (MC)(RF). Contractors could teach the resident portion of this class.
c. Teach Data Science – Need more clarification on this question. Educate the Force.
d. 81:24 but can increase in resident classes if request approve and coordinated between government and contractor with prior approval.
| 8 |
| Performance Work Statement. Paragraph 5.2.31 |
| Reference second sentence, “Instructor/Writers”. |
Question: Sentence is incomplete.
Remove “Instructor/Writers” will be removed after the period.
| 9 |
| Performance Work Statement. Attachment 1 – Estimated Workload Data |
| Referenced attachment identifies workload data for Instructors. |
Question: Where is estimated workload data for the Training (Curriculum) Designer?
The designer(s) will build Advanced & Senior Leader course.
| 10 |
| Solicitation Section L.3 |
| Reference Proposal preparation instructions. |
Question: The government allows for graphics, is there a size limit for font on graphics?
Refer to Instructions to offerors page 50.
| 11 |
| Solicitation Section K 52.219-1 page 45 of 55 |
| Reference: line (b) (1) NAICS code. |
Question: Will the government insert the NAICS code and size standard in order to allow offerors to certify to the standard in this section.
Refer to the solicitation amendment.
| 12 |
| Solicitation Section L and M, III Price Proposal |
| Reference: Section L Price Proposal and Section M Total Evaluated Price. |
Question a: Will the government provide the Travel Plug number referenced under TEP?
Question b: Will the government provide a standardized pricing sheet or is it expected that the offeror present their own?
Question c: Will the government provide more detailed pricing requirements. In Section M they reference FAR 52.217-8 Does the government expect salary history or DOL labor analysis? By what grounds will this analysis be conducted?
a. There is NO travel CLIN for this requirement.
b. All offerors will utilize schedule B for pricing submission.
c. No. Refer to Section M page 53; evaluation criteria.
| 13 |
| L |
| Please clarify whether PDFs will be acceptable to submit for Volumes I and II. |
| Refer to Instructions to Offerors page 50. |
| 14 |
| L |
| Volume II is Technical. Please clarify which volume Pricing information should be in. |
| Refer to Instructions to Offerors page 50. |
| 15 |
| L |
| If any/all of the required certs and reps are up to date in Sam.Gov will Government accept a statement reflecting this or do all the certs and reps need to be submitted? |
| Refer to Instructions to Offerors page 50. |
| 16 |
| L |
| Volume I; Title box states Contract as a requirement but it is not mentioned in Proposal Content Volume I. Please clarify what Volume I must contain. |
| Refer to Instructions to Offerors page 50. |
| 17 |
| L |
| Please define what is meant by "contract". |
| Refer to Instructions to Offerors page 50. |
| 18 |
| L |
| Will the GFP/GFM listing be provided? |
| Any GFP/GFM listing associated with this requirement will be provided after contract award. |
| 19 |
| 1.5.1 |
| If GCSS-A training/certification is required, what specific GCSS-A certs and training are required? |
| DM (GCSS-Army & Army Analytical Readiness Tools) will be removed. |
| 20 |
| 5.2 |
| Will Government allow a 90 day period where instructor/writers are able to obtain the GCSS-A certification/training? |
| Refer to updated PWS |
| 21 |
| 5.2 |
| If an offeror has past performance but was a subcontractor, how does the Government intend to evaluate those performances? |
| Yes, past performance as a subcontractor will be evaluated. |
| 22 |
| Evaluation Factors |
| Can the Government clarify the acronym DM? |
| The term DM will be removed. |
| 23 |
| 5.2 |
| Can the Government clarify if GCSS-A and AART certifications are requirements for instructors to possess at the start of the contract? |
| All Reference to GCSS-A will be removed. GCSS-A certification is not a requirement for this contract. |
| 24 |
| 5.2 |
| Is the Government providing DM recertifications as applicable and reimbursement of cost if any? |
| All Reference to GCSS-A will be removed. GCSS-A certification is not a requirement for this contract. |
| 25 |
| 5.2 |
| Have there been TRAP requirements that required training to be conducted outside of a typical duty day? |
| This requirement does require training outside of a typical duty day. |
| 26 |
| 5.2 |
| Have there been TRAPs that require surge support for this type of training? If yes, can the Government provide an estimate? |
| Because there is no previous contract, TRAPs and surge support has not been evaluated. Optional Labor to cover expecting growth has been evaluated. Optional Labor will support growth, TRAPs, or surge. See page 40 of PWS. Course load attachment 1 and 1B. |
| 27 |
| 5.2 |
| How will the Government compensate for TRAP support if any are initiated? |
| Because there is no previous contract, TRAPs and surge support has not been evaluated. Optional Labor expecting growth has been evaluated. Optional Labor will support growth or surge. |
| 28 |
| 5.2 |
| Is the Government requiring a Primary and Alternate instructor for any of the courses (and if so which courses?) |
| No, All instructors will teach individual classes and assist other instructors as needed. Alternate instructor is not a requirement. |
| 29 |
| Attachment 1 |
| Will all three courses be run simultaneously or concurrently? |
| Yes, |
All three classes can be run simultaneously or concurrently. Instructor availability and prior coordination will be taking into consideration. Instructors will only provide Train the Trainer Instruction to Cadre (LOG C3, BOLC, LNCOA instructors) the Cadre is responsible for teaching their students. Our instructors will concentrate on Data Analytics and Visualization Course, Operational Analytics Course.
| 30 |
| 5.2.31 |
| It appears the last part was cut off (starting with "Instructor/Writers") please provide missing information. |
| Instructor/Writers after the period (.) will be removed. |
| 31 |
| 1.6.2 |
| Do personnel need to have NACI complete prior to the first day of work? If not, when must the NACI be complete? |
| Personnel are not required a NACI prior to the first day of work. A request for Security Action Form CSF 380-4 will be initiated on day 1 of reporting to work. |
| Are the three courses outlined in the PWS currently being taught? If so, when was the last curriculum update? |
| a. There is a Foundational Level Program developed (16 hours) and being conducted as a part of a larger PME course. It has not been validated as it began in May/June. |
b. There is an Intermediate Level Program developed (40 hours) and being conducted as a part of a larger PME course. It has not been validated as it began in May/June.
| Is there an incumbent? If so please provide the contractor name and the contract number. |
| There is no incumbent. |
| Is the training material already available for the courses? |
| Contractor will develop some of the course material. Advance and Senior Level Instruction has not been developed. |
| 35 |
| Proposal Content |
| Will the Government issue a specific pricing sheet? |
| Refer to Section L, Instructions to offerors page 50. |
| Would the Government validate that the staffing requirement is 7 FTEs (6 instructors and 1 onsite Program Manager/Training(Curriculum) Designer)? |
| This is a performance based requirement. |
| Does the Government anticipate the positions will be SCA or exempt? If SCA please provide the appropriate Wage Determination. |
| This requirement is exempt from SCA. |
| 38 |
| General |
| Would the Government consider extending the solicitation due date? |
| No. |
| 39 |
| PWS |
| No period of performance is specified in the Solicitation. Would the Government provide the period of performance? |
| Refer to the updated PWS. |
| 40 |
| Solicitation |
| Section L states, "The Pricing Worksheet shall be submitted…" however, no Pricing Worksheet was provided. Will the Government please provide the Pricing Worksheet? |
| Refer to Section L, page 50. All offerors will utilize Schedule B. |
| 41 |
| Solicitation & PWS |
| The Government uses the term, "RESERVED" throughout the Solicitation and PWS in different contexts. Will the Government please clarify what the definition of RESERVED is for this Solicitation? |
| The word RESERVED is used throughout the Document as a placeholder to preserve the Format only. No response needed for paragraphs marked as RESERVED. |
| 42 |
| General |
| Does the Government require the Offeror to have a Facility Clearance level? If so, what level is required? |
| 1.6.1 Security Program: Contractor personnel performing work under this contract must have a National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI)) at time of the proposal submission, and must maintain the level of security required for the life of the contract. |
| 43 |
| General |
| To level the playing field, will the Government please provide LCATS, LOE, or FTE information? |
| This is a performance based requirement. |
| 44 |
| Solicitation |
| Will the Government please confirm that Offerors are not required to submit Past Performance information, a Past Performance Volume, or any attachments regarding Past Performance? |
| Refer to Section M page 54, past performance. |
| 45 |
| Solicitation |
| Per Section L, "All questions must be submitted no later than three (3) business days after issuance of this Solicitation." Will the Government please provide an exact date and time to eliminate confusion? |
| Three business days after the solicitation posting on Jun 22, 2023 12:33 PM |
| 46 |
| Solicitation |
| Is the Offeror required to submit the entire Solicitation or just the completed first page of the SF1449 (front and back)? |
| Refer to Section L page 50. Instructions to Offerors. |
| 47 |
| General |
| Will the Government confirm if there is an incumbent, if so can you provide the incumbent information and contract number? |
| There is no incumbent. |
| 48 |
| Solicitation |
| Will the Government confirm that there is only one CLIN with two option years? |
| Refer to Solicitation W91QF523R0018 Schedule B. |
| 49 |
| Solicitation |
| Can the Government clarify if they want Offerors to make a statement in our proposal that Representations and Certifications have been verified in Sam.gov, submit a copy of the Representations and Certifications, or complete Section K of the Solicitation? |
| Refer to Section L, page 50, Instruction to Offerors. |
| 50 |
| Solicitation |
| In what Volume does the Government require Offerors to submit their Reps and Certs? |
| Refer to Section L, page 50 Instruction to Offerors. |
| 51 |
| Solicitation |
| Section L requirements state that an organizational chart shall be included in Volume 2 of the proposal. Does the Government require the chart to identify which personnel are Prime or Subcontractor personnel? |
| Refer to Section L, page 50 Instruction to Offerors. |
| 52 |
| Solicitation |
| The PWS does not list the Project Manager as a key personnel, but Section L states a narrative describing the Project Manager's qualifications is required. Can the Government clarify if the Project Manager is considered key personnel? |
| 1.10 Key Personnel: The following personnel are considered key personnel by the Government: The Contractor shall provide a Program/Contract Manager who shall be responsible for the performance of the work. |
| 53 |
| PWS |
| Does the Government require resumes/CVs for key personnel? |
| This is a performance based requirement. |
| 54 |
| Solicitation |
| The Solicitation states that, "The Government will evaluate how the Offeror identified personnel/labor categories…deemed necessary to satisfy the requirement of the PWS." Does the Government require resumes/CVs for personnel identified? |
| This is a performance based requirement. |
| 55 |
| Solicitation |
| The Solicitation states that, "The Government will evaluate how the Offeror identified personnel/labor categories…deemed necessary to satisfy the requirement of the PWS." Does the Government require the Offeror to submit either identified personnel or labor categories or both? |
| This is a performance based requirement. |
| 56 |
| PWS |
| Does the Government require the Offeror to explain or discuss their Quality Control Plan within the proposal? |
| Refer to Section M, page 54 Evaluation Factors for Award. |
| 57 |
| PWS |
| On page 11 of the PWS, the Government states that the Phase In/Phase Out period is 30 days while page 23 states that the Offeror shall "plan to transition… 30 calendar days from end date…." Will the Government please clarify if the Phase In plan is also 30 calendar days? |
| The 30 days Phase – In would only apply if you were replacing an incumbent. Because there is no incumbent, the 30 days phase in will not apply. New personnel will have time to complete all required training and classes before teaching. |
| 58 |
| PWS |
| The PWS states, "Contractor personnel….must have an active personnel security clearance at the…NACI is the minimum investigative requirement" and "….must maintain the level of security required for the life of the contract." Can the Government please clarify what level of security clearance is required for the life of the contract? |
| A Secret or Confidential security clearance is not required for performance of the services on this contract. |
National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI is required.
| 59 |
| PWS |
| Will the Government provide the timeframe in which they require the Post Award Conference/Periodic Progress Meetings to be held? |
| 5.2.22 Kickoff and Close-Out Meetings: The Kickoff meeting will be held within ten |
(10) business days form contract award. up dated in PWS.
| 60 |
| PWS |
| In the PWS, the Government references the "Program/Contract Manager" while in Section L, the Government references the "Project Manager". Will the Government clarify which term should be used for this Solicitation and Labor Category? |
| The Program/Contract Manager should be used. |
| 61 |
| PWS |
| The PWS states that the Offeror must provide a CV for both the Program Manager and the alternate. Does the Government require CVs and or resumes for all key personnel? |
| The resumes for the Program Manager and Alternate will be provided. |
| 62 |
| PWS |
| Does the Government require the Offeror to address/discuss the Phase In/Phase Out Period in their proposal? |
| No. This will be discussed at the Post Award meeting. |
| 63 |
| General |
| Is this a Performance Based contract? |
| Yes |
| 64 |
| Solicitation |
| Can the file submission be in pdf format? |
| Yes |
| 65 |
| General Question |
| What is the Government using as a man year? We know that a Government man year equates to 2080. If you subtract out the 88 hours for holidays and two weeks of PTO, this will leave a contractor man year of 1912. For pricing purposes, is this the number that Offerors should use when developing their pricing? This will help to ensure a level playing field. |
| Yes. |
| 66 |
| PWS |
| For the key personnel, there are minimum educational requirements (i.e., college degree), as well as experience levels. |
Moreover, if this is a performance-based contract, it is incumbent upon the Contractor to select the right personnel (regardless of education and/or experience) that are capable of successfully performing the work.
Would the Government consider removing the educational and/or experience requirements; if not, increasing the experience requirements and making a college degree desirable but not required? There are many retired military personnel that have the required experience but no college degree.
Education requirement will be met. No Exception.
| 67 |
| Solicitation |
| Are Offerors required to fill out Section B of the SF 331449 and fill out the Dollar amount for each CLIN on the SF 1449? |
| Refer to Section L, page 50, Instructions to Offerors. |
| 68 |
| Solicitation |
| While Section B lists the CLINs as FFP, the solicitation does not directly state that the contract is Firm Fixed Price. Can the Government confirm that this opportunity is FFP? |
| Yes, this will result in a Firm Fixed Price Contract. |
| 69 |
| Solicitation |
| How will the Government evaluate labor category qualifications? Will someone with a bachelor's degree be seen as better qualified than someone with a high school diploma if filling the same position? |
| Refer to Section M, Evaluation Factors, page 54. |
| 70 |
| Solicitation |
| Would the Government consider establishing an escalation rate for all Offerors to adhere to? |
| No. |
| 71 |
| Solicitation |
| Does the Government expect Offerors to address every PWS element even though they might be administrative in nature? Examples include PWS 1.5.4 Operating Hours or 1.6 Security Requirements. By omitting, Offerors can use more page count toward a sound technical approach in support key tasks. |
| This is a performance based requirement. |
| 72 |
| PWS |
| The PWS requires Key Personnel to have at least one semester of undergraduate statistics courses at an accredited university. Will the Government require transcripts to prove this requirement? |
| The government will not require to see the transcripts. Must have had at least one semester of undergraduate statistics at an accredited college or university in Upper-level courses are those at the 300-level and 400-level. The Contractor will hire personnel that meet the requirements. |
| 73 |
| PWS |
| Will the Government provide the number of Instructors this work requires? |
| This is a performance based requirement. |
| 74 |
| Solicitation |
| Is there a limitation to the amount of Past performances that can be referenced in the Technical Proposal? |
| Refer to Section M, Evaluation Criteria page 54, past performance. |
| 75 |
| Solicitation |
| Are Offerors required to Submit CPARS or Past Performance Questionnaires? |
| Refer to Section M, Evaluation Criteria page 54, past performance. |
| 76 |
| Solicitation |
| Can the Government confirm if the detailed narrative of how the Offeror will accomplish the tasks required in the PWS is to be submitted in the Staffing Approach? |
| Refer to Section L and M pages 50 – 54. |
| 77 |
| Solicitation |
| Would the Government consider extending the due date for submitting Questions as the Government has not provided the Pricing Worksheet in time for contractor review? |
| No. All offerors will utilized the Schedule B. |
| 78 |
| Solicitation |
| Will the Government confirm it will be using a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) evaluation method? |
| Refer to Section L and M pages 50 – 54. |
| 79 |
| PWS, Pg. 1 (1.1) |
| Is there an existing POI or is the contractor responsible for developing and writing the POIs for a new series of progressive and sequential data analysis courses. |
| The Contractor will develop with guidance from the government. |
| 80 |
| Pg. 49, Section L, Paragraph 3. Proposal Preparation Instructions |
| Will the government consider allowing a smaller size arial font for tables/figures and headers/footers? |
| No. |
