COMMS_Q&A.docx

Q Do all labor categories require full time employees?

A: Yes

Q For the writer, can we submit resume of writer that does not have the journalism, communications degree but has extensive writing experience in different media platforms?

A: BA across all categories is acceptable. Years of experience can be equivalent to a degree. Requisite years of experience: Labor category description years of experience +5 is sufficient. Example: six years of experience and a bachelors, requirement is an equivalency of 11 years of experience without the BA.

Q Is remote work acceptable for some positions? If so can you clarify what positions have remote capabilities?

A Remote work is not acceptable. Telework accommodation is indicated in the contract, 1.6.5. and applies to all labor categories.

Q. Can you provide more detail regarding the technical skills required of the Web Developer? Are you looking for front end, back end, or full stack? What specific frameworks, content management systems, software, etc. should this person be highly proficient in?

A. Front end development. Proficient in Web Graphic Design, Graphic User Interface (GUI), HTML/CSS, Web user interface design, rapid prototype creation, Web Programming Skills,Web Analytics.

Highly proficient in Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Wireframing tools, Balsamiq, JQuery, JavasScript, Enterprise Content Management Systems, Visual Studio

Q: Please clarify if personnel are required to be US Citizens or are Permanent Residents with a Green Card eligible?

A: U.S. Citizenship.

Q: PWS para 1.6.20 and 1.7 - To increase competition, would the Government change the requirements across labor categories to a BA (not limited to the concentrations listed)? PWS para 1.6.20 and 1.7 - To increase competition, would the Government consider years' experience as equivalent to a degree? If so, would it provide the requisite number of years as equivalent to a degree?

A: BA across all categories is acceptable. Years of experience can be equivalent to a degree. Requisite years of experience: Labor category description years of experience +5 is sufficient. Example: six years of experience and a bachelors, requirement is an equivalency of 11 years of experience without the BA.

Q: PWS para 1.6.7.5.3 - To increase competition, would the Government consider "ability to obtain" Public Trust (NACI) clearance?

A: Yes

Q: Solicitation Section L (J) - Past Performance Information - The RFP states that past performance is not an evaluation factor but that past performance information must be submitted with the proposal. Can the Government clarify in what form and in what section it would like to see the past performance? Further, is this included in page count?

A: Please include in your technical proposal. Yes it is included in the page count; however, the page count will be increased via the solicitation amendment.

Q: Is the Service Contract Act (SCA) applicable to this solicitation? If so, can the Government provide the Wage Determinations (Attachment J, page 98/103)? Which LCATs are SCA eligible?

A: Attachment J clearly references the applicable wage determination: Service Contract Act WD #: 2015-4281 which can be viewed at https://beta.sam.gov/

Q: Solicitation B. Technical. Resumes. Senior Analyst Labor Category. Will the Government consider 10 years of experience managing Department of Defense contracts as a substitute for the PMP requirement given this is lowest price technically acceptable evaluation criteria?

A: Yes

Q: PWS Section 1.6.20 states Key Personnel as 'Lead Writer' and 'Web Develop.' However, Section M - Evaluation Factor - Technical - Resumes (Page 102) states resumes are required for all of the positions. Can the government please clarify if resumes are required for all positions?

A: Yes

Q: Can the please provide a list of Labor Category(s) that currently support the incumbent contract?

A: The recommended labor categories in this performance work statement is in line with the incumbent contract. Any further details will have to be given via a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request.

Q: Can the government please clarify from the following labor category(s), which ones are currently working on the incumbent contract: Lead Writer, Writer, Marketing Specialist, Graphic Designer, Social Media Manager, Web Developer, Senior Analyst?

A: The recommended labor categories in this performance work statement is in line with the incumbent contract. Any further details will have to be given via a (FOIA) request.

Q: Can you government please clarify how many Marketing Specialist support the current/incumbent contract?

A: The recommended quantities in this performance work statement is in line with the incumbent contract. Any further details will have to be given via a (FOIA) request.

Q: Section M - Evaluation Factor - Technical - (3) Technical Approach (Page 103) states '1. In-depth communication product and performance analytics'. Can the government please clarify what it means by communication product?

A: A variety of multimedia materials drafted to support educational campaigns, and routine content for existing digital platforms.

Q: Section M - Evaluation Factor - Technical - (3) Technical Approach (Page 103) states '2. Modern behavioral communication methodologies used to move stakeholder perceptions'. Can the government please provide the current 'behavioral communication methodologies' being used?

A: Behavioral marketing or communications in this context, refers to the development of content, intended to change the behavior of the stakeholder. For example, a senior leader may, with better understanding, revise their view of the program and become a program champion.

Q: Section L - 3 - Contract Award - Page 101 - states that 'The Government may reject any or all offers if such action is in the public interest; accept other than the lowest offer'. Can the government please clarify whether the award will be based on ' Lowest Price Technically Acceptable?'

A: This award is based on the lowest price technically acceptable.

Q: Is the letter of intent required for each resume submitted as part of the technical response/ submission?

A: No, as this is not stated anywhere in the solicitation as a requirement.

Q: Is a business volume required as part of the submission?

A: No, per the instructions stated in Section L – “the contractor will submit both a technical proposal and a separate price proposal. You may include this information in either volume as long as you do not exceed the page count.

3. Which volume should contain business information - as listed on Page 61 to 71 ( 52.204-17) - onwards?

A: You may include this information in either volume as long as you do not exceed the page count.

Q: Subject solicitation identifies in Section J the following Area Wage Determinant (WD) Attachment 1 Wage Determination 2015-4281 25-APR-2019. I did not see that Attachment provided with the solicitation. Can the Government clarify this as applicable to this acquisition?

A: As stated in a previous answer – yes and can be accessed at https://beta.sam.gov/

Q: Technical Exhibit 3 lists 8 labor categories with productive hours. Since Service Contract Act applies, can the Government identify the labor categories identified in TE 3 that fall under the SCA and which ones do not?

A: The labor categories listed in technical exhibit 3 are simply a recommendation of what the government believes is needed to accomplish the tasks outlined in the PWS. It is up to the contractor to determine the proposed labor mix.

Q: Department of Labor (DOL) issued notice effective 5 July 2019 that increases on SCA contracts the Health & Welfare (H&W) hourly rate from 4.18 to 4.22 per hour on contract where the Executive Order that provides for Sick Leave applies. Can you please advise if bidders should use 4.22 per hour (up to 40 hours per week) for bid SCA labor category positions?

A: Please contact the Department of Labor if you are unsure of your responsibility concerning this for advisement.

Q: Can the government please clarify if one writing sample (with Page limit of 2 pages) from the Lead Writer will suffice?

A: Yes as stated on page 103 of the solicitation “a copy”.

Q: What is the page limit for the technical proposal?

A: Page 99 of 103 answers this question; however, an amendment will be issued increasing the number of pages.

Q: Are there any additional requirements in the new scope of work that did not exist in the prior iteration of the contract? If so, what are the new requirements?

A: This scope is in line with previous scope(s). Please read the solicitation and performance work statement in its entirety, which outlines all current requirements.

Q: Would the government please provide the total dollar value of the current contract?

A: If you cannot find through public information sources, then please submit a (FOIA) request.

Q: Due to the Nature of the Senior Analyst being the Project/Contract manager, would the government consider moving this person to key personnel?

A: No

Q: If a company is teaming on this opportunity, would the government allow subcontractors to submit separate cost proposals to ensure the safety of corporate cost build-ups?

A: Separate subcontractor cost proposals are not required as the prime should be showing these costs in the overall price proposal.

Q: Four pages may not be adequate to demonstrate a deep institutional knowledge, in depth communications expertise, or an understanding of Army regulation. Will the government increase the page count for the technical approach to 5-7 pages?

A: Yes – this will be adjusted via an amendment.

Q: Section 1.6.7.5.3 says “Contractor Personnel performing work under this contract will have a valid/active Public Trust (NACI)” but this same section also states “This contract will specify appropriate IT levels and security clearance requirements for the tasks performed.” Which LCATs require personnel to hold DoD clearances? What level clearances are required for each LCAT?

A: Requiring activity is researching – answer to be posted at a later date.

Q: Section 1.6.7.5.3 states: “The required security clearances and SCI access indoctrination, as specified, shall be submitted at time of proposal and shall be in force or submitted with no issues that would prevent the issuance of an interim clearance for all assigned personnel at contract start date.” Can the government specify the clearances and clearance levels required for each LCAT so that the contractor can ensure proposed personnel meet these requirements?

A: Requiring activity is researching – answer to be posted at a later date.

Q: Section 5.6 states the Contractor will “…The Contractor shall be responsible for the production and distribution of campaign materials through all mediums.” Do “all mediums” include traditional/external media? If so, can the government provide a description for the PWS on how the Contractor should be expected to support Media Relations?

A: All mediums refers to traditional and modern communications tools, printed articles, and social media platforms, for example. Media relations (defined as contact by the media, is a Public Affairs function and an inherently government function. Therefore, not indicated on the contract.

Q: Section 5.10.2 states that the Lead writer will “support the development and publication of content by through articles, still photography, videography, and emerging social media tools.” Will the Contractor be required to produce photography and videography, or just to provide written content to support photography and videography?

A: Contractor will be required to produce photography and videography.

Q: There are several Creative Business Solutions companies (incumbent) listed in SAM. Would you be able to confirm their CAGE number to insure I am looking at the correct incumbent/company?

A: There are three (3) entries for Creative Business Solutions, Inc. in SAM. The incumbent is the local vendor.

Q: Are all staffing positions required to report on-site to perform the work outlined in the PWS?

A: Yes

Q: Will the Government accept additional years of experience as a substitute for educational requirements?

A: Answered previously -- Years of experience can be equivalent to a degree. Requisite years of experience: Labor category description years of experience +5 is sufficient. Example: six years of experience and a bachelors, requirement is an equivalency of 11 years of experience without the BA.

Q: The PMP certification requirement is a bit unusual for the marketing and communications industry. Would the government consider removing this requirement for this position in lieu of additional experience?

A: Yes

Q: Can the Government confirm that the Base Year is nine months?

A: Yes, the base period is 9 months.

Q: Does the Government have a library of stock footage/ photo & video assets to be used for materials development?

A: No

Q: Will the contractor be required to purchase stock photography and/or videography? If so, would this cost be negotiated after award?

A: No

Q: Page 41, 5.10.5: Can the Government elaborate on “profiles and visual components” that the graphic designer will be responsible for creating?

A: Visual components refers to the visual components of a brand. Profiles refers to web or news type layouts for the purpose of highlighting a particular individual.

Q: Page 41, 5.10.6: Can the Government provide the name of the content management system used to develop WCT online presence?

A: The content management system is determined by the back end, host command, which is currently in transition, and not determined.

Q: Will the contractor be required to print materials outside of the Government facility?

A: No. This is specifically prohibited by the contract.

Q: Will the government please provide directions for submitting past performance. Currently there is a requirement to submit past performance, however there does not appear to be specific directions in either section L or section M.

A: Answered previously -- Please include in your technical proposal. Yes it is included in the page count; however, the page count will be increased via the solicitation amendment.

Q: Can the Government provide clarification to the quantity and type of marketing materials being printed and developed under the ODC. Please see the reference to this question on page 6 of the solicitation.

A: Requiring activity is researching – answer to be posted at a later date.

Q: On page 33 of the RFP, it states the lead writer must have a Bachelor’s degree plus eight years’ experience. On page 102, the requirement is four years. Can the government please clarify the requirement?

A: Requiring activity is researching – answer to be posted at a later date.

Q: Do all labor categories require full time employees?

A: Requiring activity is researching – answer to be posted at a later date.

Q: For the writer, can we submit resume of writer that does not have the journalism, communications degree but has extensive writing experience in different media platforms?

A: Requiring activity is researching – answer to be posted at a later date.

Q: Is remote work acceptable for some positions? If so can you clarify what positions have remote capabilities?

A: Requiring activity is researching – answer to be posted at a later date.

Q: Can you provide more detail regarding the technical skills required of the Web Developer? Are you looking for front end, back end, or full stack? What specific frameworks, content management systems, software, etc. should this person be highly proficient in?

A: Requiring activity is researching – answer to be posted at a later date.