Final_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: No. Education and experience requirements remain as written.

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: No. Education and experience requirements remain as written.

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

A: No

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: No

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, reference Sec 5, task delineation.

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: This contract requires a valid/active Public Trust (NACI) for all personnel, however, the contract company may choose to require secret level clearance.

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: This contract requires a valid/active Public Trust (NACI) for all personnel, however, the contract company may choose to require secret level clearance.

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 communication 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: No. Education and experience requirements remain as written.

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: No.

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. Reference 1.6.14.

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: Printing marketing materials is specifically prohibited by the contract refer 1.6.1. The reference in same section “printing of draft marketing materials” refers to printed copies of design mockups, using in-house government equipment. Marketing materials are referenced in various tasks, Sec 5, and Technical Exhibits 7 and 7.1. Specific quantities/iterations are dependent upon satisfactory completion of requested product at the performance threshold indicated by 7.1

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: Requirement is BA and eight years of experience (page 102 has been corrected).

Q: 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)?

A: No. Education and experience requirements remain as written.

Q: 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: No. Education and experience requirements remain as written.

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

A: No (answered previously)

Q: 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: answered previously

Q: Given the complex requirements in the PWS, as well as the professional education/experience mix in the labor category descriptions, the SCA/WD requirement appears to be unnecessary and potentially misleading. Market salary survey data for these labor categories includes salaries/pay rates much higher than the corresponding SCA/WD rates. The LPTA nature of this RFP, combined with the SCA/WD requirement, may lead to unrealistically low pricing. Can the government please explain how it plans to meet the professional requirements within the framework of SCA?

A: The SCA is a guideline for the absolute minimum labor rates if they apply to the labor categories the Offeror chooses to propose. Offerors are expected to propose a labor mix that will fulfil the requirement of the PWS.

Q: Can the government confirm whether the page limit for writing samples is 2 pages total or 2 pages for each writing sample?

A: Two pages for each writing sample (answered previously)

Q: Would the government please confirm that it is only evaluating labor (and associated costs) as it reviews offerors total evaluated price (e.g. – excluding travel and materials)?

A: Total cost includes the travel and materials (which the amounts are given to you).

Q: Senior Analyst PWS duties in comparison to Section M variance.

A: All items listed in the PWS are required of the specific position specified. The minimum criteria specified in Section M will remain as stated as it is not conflicting.

Q: Please confirm offerors can submit a cover letter with the required administrative details (solicitation number, offeror address and contact details, acknowledgement of amendments, offer acceptance period, etc.) outside of the page limit.

A: There will be nothing accepted outside of the stated page limit.

Q: Please confirm offerors can include a cover page, table of contents, and acronym list outside of the page limit.

A: There will be nothing accepted outside of the stated page limit.

Q: For the past performance information, are offerors required to provide certain minimum details, such as contract number, value, period of performance, etc.? If so, please provide all required data elements.

A: There is no minimum information dictated as this is not a performance element, please show adequate information on past performance in support of your technical capability.

Q: Are offerors required to describe their approach to completing each of the specific PWS tasks listed in Part 5 of the RFQ or only address the three topics called out in the evaluation criteria (1. In-depth communication product and performance analytics. 2. Modern behavioral communication methodologies used to move stakeholder perceptions. 3. Thorough understanding of United States Army regulation AR 360-1…)?

A: Both

Q: There are some discrepancies in the labor category descriptions in the PWS vs. the evaluation criteria. Would the government please clarify the following?

a. Section 1.7.1 Marketing Specialist states eight years of experience is required, while Section M states six years is required. Which is correct?

A: Eight years (this has been corrected)

b. Section 1.7.5 Writer states four years of experience is required, while Section M states “four years of experience within the field of feature writing”. Do all four years have to be within the field of feature writing or will the government broaden that requirement to writing in general?

A: Requirement will remain as written.

c. Is government experience (either directly as a federal employee or indirectly as a contractor) required for any of the positions? If so, which ones? Many positions refer generally to having knowledge of industry and/or government standards or regulations, but it’s unclear if government experience is a minimum requirement to be deemed technically acceptable for each position.

A: Knowledge of the industry and/or government standards or regulations in the requirement.