Questions Answer Spreadsheet Round 2 AMENDMENT 06.pdf

PWS paragraph, Proposal Instructions, Solicitation document, etc.

Question Recommended Change if applicable Answer

L.E.A.1.a Can the Government please change the graphic font size to 8 pt Arial in order to allow for effective use of graphics only?

No, font and spacing requirements are stated in Section L of the solicitation will remain.

L.E.D.1 Please confirm if the Sample TO response should include a Cover Page, Table of Contents, Cross Reference Matrix, and Glossary, such as you would see in a Technica Proposal, and if so, please confirm these elements are outside of the total page count for Factor 4 in the Mission Support Volume?

Cover Page requirements are stated in Section L. Page exemptions are stated in Section L and stated in the Sample Task Order Instructions document.

Section J Attachment 9 Client Authorization Letter

Please clarify how to complete Section J Attachment 9 Client Authorization Letter template, as it is unclear how to complete this letter. Specifically, since Client Authorization Letters are required for past performance examples where the Offeror was a major subcontractor, even to a Government client, should the Prime which the Offeror was a subcontractor to complete and sign the Client Authorization Letter? Or should the Offer complete and sign the Client Authorization Letter and deliver to the Prime reference and then include a copy in the proposal?

This letter is required for the Government to receive information from any Prime contractor. If the Offeror is referencing a contract in their past performance that they were a major sub, joint venture, or teaming partner the letter is required.

General Current updated solicitation documents without "track changes" had made a burden on the contractor to determine what is new. Will the government provide updated solicitation documents with "track changes" identifying all of the updates to date.

Please provide updated solicitation documents with "track changes" provided. Changes made here on out will be identified with a marker in the left column. Most changes and updates provided to this point have been identified in the questions stating "updated"

General Will the government provide a two-week extension to the proposal submission deadline.

Please change the submission date to April 9, 2021. The Government has extended the due date for proposals to 31 March 2021. Amendment 06 posted on 15 March 2021 to Beta.sam shows the new date.

RFP Amendment 3 - 5 Due to the number of questions and amendments received, does the government anticipate extending the due date beyond 26 March 2021? The Government has extended the due date for proposals to 31 March 2021. Amendment 06 posted on 15 March 2021 to Beta.sam shows the new date.

N/A Will successful offerors be permitted to add subcontractors to their IDIQ contracts after award?

Allow subcontractors to be added to the IDIQ contract after award.

The Prime contractor and the Major subcontractor will be required to submit the same documents as stated within the original solicitation if they wish to update subcontractors at the IDIQ level after award.

L.A.7.b.i, page 91 If we registered for SAFE based on the March 12 proposal due date, do we need to rereigister on March 14, which is 12 days prior to the March 26 due date? According to the DoD SAFE FAQ/Help, the drop of access code expires in 14 days, which means the March 1 registrations will be expired before March 26. From the SAFE website: "In order for a guest user to create a drop-off, they must receive a drop-off request from an authenticated user. A drop-off request is valid for 14 days."

The contractor can submit a request at any time, they do not have to wait for 12 days prior. The access the Government grants is only good for 14 days total and the Government wont grant the access until we are within the 14 days of proposal due dates.

L.A.7.b.i, page 91 How will the government match subcontractor sealed packages submitted via SAFE to prime contractor bids? Some subcontractors may be on multiple teams. Is there a specific file naming convention that will help with this?

Each subcontractor or prime need to ensure that all submitted information is relayed to the Government which proposal it is submitted for. Details of sub and prime name should be clear.

W91RUS-21-R-0001

Amendment 03_5March2021.pdf

Since the Govt released over 500+ Q&A on March 9th 2021, will the Govt extend the submission date to 1 May? Given the changes, we need more time to reassess and reevaluate our bid strategy to present a valuable offer to the Govt. Please allow potential bidders more time to reassess these complex 500+ Q&As and refactor our proposals to ensure we can present the best offer to the Govt.

Extend submission date to 1 May.

The Government has extended the due date for proposals to 31 March 2021. Amendment 06 posted on 15 March 2021 to Beta.sam shows the new date.

Questions regarding the Information Management Communications Services IV (IMCS IV) Solicitation

W91RUS-21-R-0001

Q&As Round 1 The question numbers were ommitted from the released document yet some of the answers reference other answers by numbers. Will the Government please release a version of Round 1 Q&As with the reference number?

Amendment 03 Questions are being reposted with Amendment 6 as a separate document to include numbering. No questions or answers have changed but numbering was added on the document.

Q&As Round 1 There were several questions regarding using national salary averages to calculate an offeror's IMCS IV IDIQ max rates for a labor category. While the Government was consistant with it's answer, this creates a potentional risk when competing for future task orders in locations above the national average. Especially since some locations can be 15% or more higher than the national average. Offeror's won't be able to hire qualified personnel in such locations because of their IDIQ max rates. Will the Government please reconsider using national salary averages to calculate max rates?

National Averages are used for the IMCS IV price evaluation as stated in the Section M of the Solicitation. The Government will not be updating pricing requirements at this time.

Various Clarification of Major Subcontractor. Is the 10% of the work calculated by using a) the percentage of the total annual price or b) the percentage of the total annual labor cost? This information was updated in amendment 3 and clarifies.

This is based off the proposed labor pricing.

RFP, A.7, and Section J, Attachment 11

If a subcontractor is submitting their own pricing worksheet, can it be uploaded using a CAC without a drop off request for ARL SAFE?

Allow use of CAC in lieu of requesting ARL SAFE access.

Yes, if a contractor or subcontractor already have access to the ARL SAFE site they do not need to request a drop off.

Solicitation; Section L.C.

Cover Letter

The previous Q&As indicated the cover letter should be a separate document. Can athe GOV provide a file name and type for the cover letter?

Update section L.B.1.a (Table 1) to include the Cover Letter and Title/Format

No, the Government has provided in the Solicitation what information is needed on the cover letter.

Solicitation; Section L.D.d.

Offeror Summary

Can the GOV please confirm that the information from Attachment 11, Tab 11 should not appear in the General Volume, and only within the Pricing Spreadsheet?

Suggest the GOV state:

"Information contained within Attachment 11, Tab 11 should not be provided as part of Volume 1 - General, and should only be provided as part of Attachment 11, Tab 11." Solicitation Section L. D. Volume I- General provides the requirements of the General Volume.

Solicition, Section L.B.1, Table 1, Mission Support Volume

Question: Will the Government consider increasing the page count for Subfactors 1-3, from 25 pages to 30 pages?

The Government will not change the requirement at this time.

The solicitation states that the request for SAFE access is to occur 12 calendar days prior to submission. That date falls on a Sunday. Is it acceptable to request access on Friday, March 12th, or do you require the 12 days (March 14) as directed in the solicitation?

The contractor can submit a request at any time, they do not have to wait for 12 days prior. The access the Government grants is only good for 14 days total and the Government wont grant the access until we are within the 14 days of proposal due dates.

Proposal

Instructions, Solicitation document, etc.

Question Recommended Change if applicable Answer

Attachment 7 PPID, under Specific Content of PPID (shall not exceed 3 pages)

Do we need to copy the following section exactly "a. Relevancy: Work was performed as:

___Prime ___Subcontractor ___Team/Joint Venture. Percentage of work performed:" and fill-in the blanks?

Yes

Attachment 7 PPID, under Specific Content of PPID (shall not exceed 3 pages)

Can we answer the following questions "a. Relevancy: Work was performed as:

___Prime ___Subcontractor ___Team/Joint Venture. Percentage of work performed:"

in the narrative and not copy the exact three lines?

No

Attachment 7 PPID, under Specific Content of PPID (shall not exceed 3 pages)

Is the following section "a. Relevancy: Work was performed as: ___Prime ___Subcontractor ___Team/Joint Venture. Percentage of work performed:" and answers included in the PPID page count?

Yes

Attachment 7 PPID, under Specific Content of PPID (shall not exceed 3 pages)

If b "Adress any technical…", c "Describe any past or present…", and d "Include any information…" in the Attachment 7, Past Performance Information Document are not applicable or no additional information will be provided, do we still need to include the questions in our 3 page response?

Yes

RFP Amendment 3, pg 22 and Attachment 8 - PPID Cover Letter

Attachment 8 appears to be a cover letter that we would send to each POC for each Past Performance Questionnaire (Attachment 6). However, on page 22 of Amendment 3, in the instructions for Volume IV - Past Performance, Content (5c), it says that Attachment 8s should be included in the volume itself. Please clarify ASAP

- we need to get the PPQs (Attachment 6) and potentially Cover Letters (Attachment 8) out to our references quickly.

**** ALSO note that the current Attachment 8 Cover Letter says "March 12". The date would need to be changed to the new proposal deadline.

Attachment 8 has been updated in to reflect the latest due date to match proposal due date and does not need to be included in volume IV.

Attachment 6 - PPQ When the PPQ is being sent by a subcontractor to their reference, how do we indicate (to the Government) that this past performance questionnaire applies to the PRIME's offer? We do not see a place to indicate to the Government that this PPQ, when returned to the Government, should be associated with the Prime Offeror's proposal.

Please clarify ASAP - we need to distribute PPQs to our POCs quickly.

Each PPQ stands alone for each proposal. The prime contractor should ensure their Subcontractor is submitting PPQ and identifying which team the PPQ is associated with.

Proposal instructions;

Section G (Past Performance, Item 4)

The RFP currently requires 2 Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQs) for each past performance references. Many of the Government representatives who would need to complete these forms are dealing with excessive workloads and may not be willing or able to submit the PPQ. It is often difficult to get a single POC to return a single PPQ.

To reduce the risk of PPQs not being returned, would the Government reduce the number of PPQs required to 1 per citation?

Require 1 PPQ to be returned for each citation from either the KO, COR, PM, or TPOC.

Section L and Attachment 7 have been updated in amendment 3 to clarify.

Attachment 7- Past Performance Information

Under "Specific Content of PPID (shall not exceed 3 pages):" it is asked whether the work was performed as a Prime or Sub and the % of work performed. As these are reference points can they be moved up and having the maximum 3 pages start with "(1) Specify how this contract is relevant to the contractual requirements listed in the

PWS."?

Work was performed as: ___Prime ___Subcontractor ___Team/Joint Venture

Percentage of work performed:

Specific Content of PPID (shall not exceed 3 pages):

a. Relevancy:

(1) Specify how this contract is relevant to the contractual requirements listed in the PWS.

No the Government will not amend this.

Solicitation document, etc.

Question Recommended Change if applicable Answer

Attachment 2, Sample Task Order Instructions

Comments: Based upon the Questions and Answers the current understanding is that the only paragraphs of the STO PWS that must have a technical response are those listed in Attachment 2, Page 2, 1.a and 1.b. as Critical Success Factors.

Questions:

Are the Critical Services Factor areas listed in Attachment 2, Page 2, 1.a and 1.b. the only areas that need a technical response?

Are all other paragraphs within the STO PWS, not listed as Critical Services Factor, to be responded with the Offeror’s acknowledgement statement of understanding?

The Offerors are to provide a detailed technical approach for the critical services factors identified and acknowledge and affirmatively state that it possesses the capabilities, technical skills and experience necessary to perform the work listed in all functional areas. This needed to be completed in the allocated page count and in accordance with all solicitation requirements.

Pricing and Attachment 3, page 57, para 6

Question: Does the government intend for all bidders to price the STO based exclusively on workload data?

The Offerors should propose against the entire STO as it relates to all requirements within the PWS.

STO Instructions The Fort Combat sample task order asks for a wriiten narrative to demonstrate an understanding of the crtitical areas and technical approach for other PWS areas not covered by the critical areas but it does not identify the requirements for an offerors proposed staffing. Will the Government please define the requirements for an offeror's Staffing Plan?

It is the Offerors responsibility to propose a staffing solution to meet the demands of the requirements outlined and identified in the STO.

STO Instructions If the answer to the above Staffing Plan question is "no", is the offeror required to submit a Staffing Plan as part of the STO Technical Proposal?

The Offerors should propose a staffing solution for the

STO.

STO Instructions, 3.c This paragraph identifies a staffing worksheet and labor category descriptions. Are these required items?

Yes

STO Instructions, 3.c This paragraph identifies a staffing worksheet and labor category descriptions. What information is required for these items?

It is the Offerors responsibility to provide a proposal to meet the demands of the solicitation as outlined in the entire solicitation instructions.

STO Instructions, 3.c This paragraphs identifies Past Performance List of References and Price volume making the reference confusing. Should these items be removed from this section?

This is standard language for this program as to what is not included in the page limits. This paragraph is not directing the contractor to propose all that is mentioned, but letting them know these items wouldn’t be counted against your page count.

Solicitation document, etc.

Question Recommended Change if applicable Answer

C.2.6 Which IAD(s) is the Army currently using? Installations are not uniform with respect to requirements. Things are different at each installation and requirements are identified in the installation task orders.

Fort Combat, Kansas Sample Task Order P WS.2

Please confirm that the labor categories and hours proposed in Factor 4 are only in response to the PWS tasks under Critical Services and Telcommunication Support Services, and not in response to the entire Sample TO PWS areas?

The Offeror is responsible to provide a staffing solution as it relates the requirements identified in the STO.

The proposal should address the critical services however, the staffing solution should address all the requirements.

Attachment 3, Fort Combat STO PWS, pages 50-51, 6.

Workload Information/Metrics table

Some numbers in the Worload Information/Metrics table appear to be too small to represent annual hours of support. Examples include: Splice cables - 24, OSP Fiber Terminations Inside of Buildings - 30, Vulnerability Assessment - 48, DOD Risk Management Framework - 24, Non-Tactical Trunked Radios NTTR and Land Mobile Radio LMR Systems - 85, Manholes/Handholdes/Vaults/Maintenance Holes - 1,104. Can the Government please verify that all of the data entries in the Workload Information/Metrics table are in units of hours, and not number of events/jobs?

The reference to hours has been removed from the PWS and the workload is not directly related to hours but instead incidents. There is no information available to determine the number of hours per incident.

Attachment 3, Fort Combat STO PWS, pages 50-51, 6.

Workload Information/Metrics table

If all units in the Workload Information/Metrics table are references to hours, does the Government intend for all bidders to price only the specific number of hours provided, such that all offerors will effectively be proposing the identical number of FTEs (albeit likely comprised of different labor category combinations specific to each offeror)?

The reference to hours has been removed from the PWS and the workload is not directly related to hours but instead incidents. There is no information available to determine the number of hours per incident.

W91RUS-21-R-0001

Amendment 03_5March2021.pdf

There are multiple sections of the Sample Task Order PWS that references out date information including Certificate of Networthiness and DIACAP that have been superseded by other processes (i.e., Risk Management Framework). Can the Govt confirm that DIACAP is still in use in this environment? Recommend the Government clarify if the offeror should propose to current policies and procedures or those specifically indicated in the PWS?

Clarify or Update PWS The Offeror is responsible to propose a solution as for the requirements identified and outlined in the PWS.

STO PWS, Att 1 Para 6 Will the Government please confirm that all values in this table represent annual hours spent completing each task?

The reference to hours has been removed from the PWS and the workload is not directly related to hours but instead incidents. There is no information available to determine the number of hours per incident.

STO C.2.7.1.1.17 System updates are dependent on the Government maintaining a current maintenance agreement with the manufacturer and the STO does not identify any maintenance agreements. For the STO, should the offeror assume the Government has an active Mortorola maintenance agreement in place?

No, the Government does not have an active maintenance agreement in place for Motorola.

STO C.2.7.1.1.18 Access to a Technical Assistance Center (TAC) for a specific system is not a normal requirement for an O&M support services task order but rather a service provided by the OEM or third-party under a maintenance agreement. For the STO, should an offeror assume the Government has such an agreement in place?

No, the Government does not have a maintenance agreement in place. It is the Offerors responsibility to provide as solution to meet the demands of the O&M responsibilities outlined in the PWS.

STO C.1.10.1.7.1 The functional categories provided in this paragraph do not match the functional categories in Table 1 above making it difficult to determine the CE requirements. Will the Government please update the functional categories in paragraph C.1.10.1.7.1 to match those in Table 1?

No; the Government provided addition information for certifications in paragraph C.1.10.1.7.1 as it relates to some critical areas for CE requirements. Paragraph C.1.10.1.7 is not all inclusive and was provided as additional guidance; it is the Offerors responsibility to propose a solution to meet the demands of the O&M responsibilities outlined in the PWS.

Q&As Round 1 The answer to question 151 (regarding direct customer calls to the service desk) states refer to attachment 1, paragraph 6 of the STO PWS. However, the table doesn't include a task specific to the Customer Service Desk. Will the Government please provide the task or tasks it is referring to for this answer?

All information available has been provided.

STO PWS C.2.3.3.2.1 Does the customer service help desk enter both work orders and trouble tickets into the trouble ticket system of record and TMS?

Yes

STO PWS C.2.3.3.2.1 What system is the Trouble Ticket system of record? Refer to paragraph C.2.3.2

STO PWS C.2.3.3.2.2 Do telephone work orders got through the help desk listed in C.2.3.3.2.1? Yes

STO PWS C.2.3.3.2.2 Is the TMS and Trouble Ticket system of record the same system? Yes

STO PWS C.2.3.1.2 Are the contractors required to make changes to the base directory and post it to the base intranet? How is this accomplished since the directory is housed at Redstone Arsenal

C.2.3.1.2 Telephone Support Operations. The Contractor shall manage, distribute, and publish telephone directories by posting on the installation intranet site a quick reference guide. Refer to AR 380- 53, Communications Security Monitoring, and installation task orders for additional requirements.

There is no reference to Redstone Arsenal in this paragraph.

STO PWS C.2.3.1.2 Define Quick Reference Guide. Quick reference is defined as any document that provided a one or two page of condensed information easily accessible to the viewer.

STO PWS C.2.3.1.3 Can the government please provide the site specific NEC for billing services as referenced in the PWS?

No. Requirements identified are in a notional task order not related to a specific NEC.

STO PWS C.2.3.1.3 Since there are no Switchboard operators listed as a requirement under the PWS, who is responsible for the switchboard attendants functions referenced in the billing section of the PWS/

It is the Offerors responsibility to provide a staffing solution to meet the demands of the O&M responsibilities outlined in the PWS.

STO PWS C.2.3.1.3 Is the contractor only required to collect the bills as they come, update any billing information changes and provide the bills to the government or is there more duties related to this position?

Duties related to this position are outlined in the paragraph C.2.3.1.3.

STO PWS C.2.18 What database and/or software doe the governmet provide in order to track and maintain supply such as benchstock parts and material?

This information is unavailable at this time.

Attachment+3 PWS C.2.6.2 Enterprise Classified Voice over Internet Protocol Systems (ECVoIP)

Section 2.6.2 refers to Enterprise Classified Voice over Internet Protocol Systems (ECVoIP), However, not all sub bullets correlate directly to ECVoIP.

Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and fine-tune VoIP instruments; operate and maintain Integrated Access Devices (IAD) connected into the VoIP environment. Note: equipment does not include Avaya or its equivalent.

Is the IAD part of the ECVoIP, is part of another missing section?, or if it is erroneously included.

Please address Telecommunication Support Services C.2.6 and ALL sub paragraphs.

Attachment+3 PWS C.2.6.2 Enterprise Classified Voice over Internet Protocol Systems (ECVoIP)

Section 2.6.2 refers to Enterprise Classified Voice over Internet Protocol Systems (ECVoIP), However, not all sub bullets correlate directly to ECVoIP. Can the USG clarify for which section the following bullets belong?

Manage and maintain Gateway VOIP equipment, where applicable on all networks; but exclude private networks (i.e. Telephonic Networks).

Is this refering to the SBC or other gateway equipment?? Can the USG give the model information?

Please address Telecommunication Support Services C.2.6 and ALL sub paragraphs.

Attachment+3 PWS C.2.6.2 Enterprise Classified Voice over Internet Protocol Systems (ECVoIP)

Section 2.6.2 refers to Enterprise Classified Voice over Internet Protocol Systems (ECVoIP), However, not all sub bullets correlate directly to ECVoIP. Can the USG clarify for which section the following bullets belong?

Exercise system backups to ensure expedient restoration of the database for the respective network equipment.

Can the USG provide a list of respective network equipment?

Please address Telecommunication Support Services C.2.6 and ALL sub paragraphs.

Attachment+3 PWS C.2.4 Battery Bank Maintenance

The PWS makes reference to AR 385–1. Did the USG mean to reference AR 385–10?

AR 385-1 doesn't exist.

Reference has been changed to AR 385-10.

Attachment+3 PWS 9.

CERTIFICATIONS

The referenced Nortel certification for the telephone switch equipment is long retired.

Will the USG accept an established program with experienced technicians or alternative certifications?

It is the Offerors responsibility to provide the best solution to the Government to meet the demands of the O&M responsibilities outlined in the PWS.

Solicitation document, etc.

Question Recommended Change if applicable Answer

IDIQ PWS C.1.2.2 / Pg. 4 Are training records to be maintained at the Government PM office or does this refer to the contractor PM?

At the Government location

IDIQ PWS C.1.8.1.3/Pg. 8 Are new contract employees required to complete training before starting work or is IA awareness training offered annually after the contract start date?

As identified in installation task orders.

IDIQ PWS C.2.3.1/Pg.13 Can the government provide a list of installations that are dependent on legacy systems, list type of systems and projected upgrade time-frame?

No; this information is not available at this time.

IDIQ PWS C.2.3.2.3/Pg. 14 Section C.2.3.2.3 states “….The contractor shall ensure all required critical and spare parts (recommended by the manufacturer or directed by the COR) are identified for purchase and on hand.” Will the government also be providing number of parts to be kept on hand?

As identified in installation task orders.

IMCS IV Solicitation W91RUS21R001 - Section B

- Supplies or Services and Prices

C.2.2 Site Management is discussed in both the IDIQ PWS and the Sample Task Order PWS, but it is not included in the Sample Task Order CLIN structure. Are we correct to assume that we do not need to include pricing for Site Management?

Pricing should be provided for all proposed staffing.

Instructions, Solicitation document, etc.

Question Recommended Change if applicable Answer

In regards to Question#1 released in the QnA dated 2/19/21, regarding Security information within Sections L and M (Section L.D.2.e, Amendment 1), the government has clarified that this procurement is following 32 CFR Part 2004 and DoD implementation guidance wrt 32 CFR Part 2004 to the extent it differs from the SBA regulation at 13 CFR 121.103. Would the government please disclose the specific reference within 32 CFR and/or the specific DoD guidance being followed.

Government stated Part 2004. This is the National Industrial Security Program Directive.

In Section L, Sub Section G Past Performance VOL IV, Number 6 Past Performance Information Document of the solicitation states: "The Offeror shall submit PPIDs in accordance with Section J, Attachment 7 including a Past Performance Questionnaire Cover Letter (Section J, Attachment 8)" Section J, Attachment 8 is a static cover letter stating the PPQs are due March 12th. We have 2 requests for clarity/correction:

1) Amendment 2 adjusted the due date of the solicitation to March 26th. Can the Government provide a new updated Section J, Attachment 8 reflecting the due date of the PPQ to be the same as the solicitation due date?

2) Please provide clarity as to the requirement of submitting the PPQ cover letter in Vol IV Past Performance. It is our understanding we would provide Section J, Attachment 7 to each of the PPQ POCs and they would then respond to the PPQ directly to the POCs defined in the letter. It seems unnecessary to provide the PPQ Cover letter in our response with the PPIDs as it would be a static document repeated for each of our PPIDs.

1)Attachment 8 has been updated to reflect the latest due date to match proposal due dates. 2) Attachment 7 is provided to send to the PPQs POCs and should not be included in the final proposal submission.

Section L The government uses the statement: "Tables, charts, drawings, or diagrams appearing to contain narrative ordinarily used for technical approach, technical methodology, or technical solutions shall be redacted and not considered for evaluation." We believe this statement requires further clarification, as many processes and approaches are captured in graphics. Can the government please assist with further clarification, so that an offeror does not risk non-compliance when trying to effectively communicate a process or approach?

The Government does not understand what the contractor is asking. The contractor should follow the instructions submitted in the solicitation to not risk non-compliance.

Section L Can the Government please clarify what size is acceptable for a "fold out" page in the formatting requirements for the proposal response? Specifically, if the government wil be maintaining the size 10 Arial font requirement for graphics, it will be challenging to display an appropriate organizational chart in the response and offerors may need to submit on a larger page than 8.5x11.

The Government does not understand what the contractor is asking. The contractor should follow the instructions submitted in the solicitation to not risk non-compliance.

Solicitation, Section L, F.

Price

The government has instructed bidders to price Exempt based upon national average wages, but has also only allowed for downward adjustment post-award. A ceiling rate based on the average cannot, by definition, be a ceiling rate. Doing so will result in the unintended consequence of injecting significant risk into any and all task orders located in areas where costs are above the national average. To maintain fair competition with realistic ceiling rates, will the government please consider directing offerors to instead base Exempt pricing upon a higher cost area, such as the National Capital Region?

Will the government please consider directing offerors to instead base Exempt pricing upon a higher cost area, such as the National Capital Region?

National Averages are used for the IMCS IV price evaluation as stated in the Section M of the Solicitation. The Government will not be updating pricing requirements at this time.

Solicitation Section L, A.7.i The Government states "Twelve (12) calendar days prior". Does the Government mean: a) exactly 12 days prior, b) no more than 12 days prior, or c) before 12 days prior?

Recommend giving offerors a "no later than" date to avoid timing issues.

The contractor can submit a request at any time, they do not have to wait for 12 days prior. The access the Government grants is only good for 14 days total and the Government wont grant the access until we are within the 14 days of proposal due dates.

Solicitation Section L, B.1.a Table 1 shows Volume I title to be V1-Company Name-GEN.DOCX but Q&As indicate that PDF format is allowed for the Cover Letter and Volume I. Will the Government please confirm that PDF files are acceptable for a) the Cover Letter and

b) Volume I?

This is not PDF format. The word PFD that was in the Q&A was referring to the page numbering in the PDF version of the Solicitation. It did not state submit a PDF.

Solicitation; Page 95 Section L.D.2.d

In the previous Q&As released as Amendment 3, the following was submitted:

"The instructions for Volume 1 - General, Part D, PDF pg. 95 of 117 ask offerors to use Tab 11 within Attachment 11 Pricing Worksheet “Teaming Information”. Tab 11 includes pricing data such as hourly rates and fully burdened rates. Please clarify if the Government wants pricing information included in Volume 1 – General."

The GOV's response was "Correct," however this contradicts other responses. Can the GOV please state whether or not pricing information (ie rates) should be included in Volume 1 - General?

Suggest the GOV state:

"Information contained within Attachment 11, Tab 11 should not be provided as part of Volume 1 - General, and should only be provided as part of Attachment 11, Tab 11."

Section L states "All information relating to price must be included in this volume. Under no circumstances shall cost or pricing data be included elsewhere." Pricing shall not be included in your General Volume.

IMCS Solicitation Section L, D Volume 1 General #2.c.

Reference the statement "Teaming Arrangements shall be submitted for all subcontractors proposed to perform."

Does the Prime need to submit the teaming agreement in full or just the signature page?

Government is requesting the Teaming Agreement.

Amendment 3 Q&A answers re:

Main Solicitation Document, Section L, F, 1 Question: Are the FB Labor Rates proposed in the Sample Task Order going to be ceiling rates for the IDIQ? In Section L it describes using the national market average for FB Rate calculations, rather than the average market rates for the KS area. It also states the rates will be binding. Therefore would it be acceptable to propose ceiling rates and then discount the ceiling rates for KS area in the Sample Task Order?

Answer: The Fully Burden rates for the Exempt Labor Categories will be used as the Ceiling rates on those categories in the IDIQ.

Will the government please clarify whether the Sample Task Order Exempt labor categories should reflect pricing for the Kansas locality, as Section F. Volume Pricing, General 1 since the instructions state rates will be negotiated downward?

Please use National averages as stated in the Solicitation. The Government can not confirm if Kansas salary rates are what the National average is at this time.

Solicitation document, etc.

Question Recommended Change if applicable Answer

W91RUS-21-R-0001

Amendment 03_5March2021.pdf

When conducting the Past Performance Relevancy Assessment and the corresponding Performance Confidence Assessment, how will a subcontractor’s past performance be measured?

Provide clarity to the Section M scoring criteria for the PPID evaluation. The Government will evaluate the Offeror’s as well as that of joint ventures/teaming partners and major subcontractors past and recent performance on contracts similar to this effort in order to assess the risk inherent in selecting an Offeror for award.

W91RUS-21-R-0001

Amendment 03_5March2021.pdf

When conducting the Past Performance Relevancy Assessment and the corresponding Performance Confidence Assessment, how will a subcontractor’s past performance be measured? How many relevant, or very relevant PPIDs must be submitted to receive a Performance Confidence Assessment rating higher than neutral?

Provide clarity to the Section M scoring criteria for the PPID evaluation.

The Government will evaluate the Offeror’s as well as that of joint ventures/teaming partners and major subcontractors past and recent performance on contracts similar to this effort in order to assess the risk inherent in selecting an Offeror for award.

W91RUS-21-R-0001

Amendment 03_5March2021.pdf

When conducting the Past Performance Relevancy Assessment and the corresponding Performance Confidence Assessment, how will a subcontractor’s past performance be measured? For example, if a past performance submission demonstrates the same or similar in nature, size, magnitude, and complexity to the services/products being procured under this solicitation, can the Relevancy Assessment or the corresponding Performance Confidence Assessment ratings be different based on whether the PPID is submitted by the prime (which is 1 of the “up to 5” submissions) or the subcontractor (which is 1 of the 2 submissions) within the offerors team? Will the evaluation be the assed the same whether the PPID is being subbmitted by the prime or the sub within the offeror's team?

Provide clarity to the Section M scoring criteria for the PPID evaluation.

The Government will evaluate the Offeror’s as well as that of joint ventures/teaming partners and major subcontractors past and recent performance on contracts similar to this effort in order to assess the risk inherent in selecting an Offeror for award.

W91RUS-21-R-0001

Amendment 03_5March2021.pdf

When conducting the Past Performance Relevancy Assessment and the corresponding Performance Confidence Assessment, how will a subcontractor’s past performance be measured? For example, if a first-tier subcontractor receives 10+% workshare and another first-tier subcontractor receives 35+% workshare, will the corresponding Performance Confidence Assessment be different? (assuming each of the individual PPID submitted by each first-tier subcontractor Past Performance Relevancy Assessment receives a “Very Relevant” rating and each PPID demonstrates the same or similar in nature, size, magnitude, and complexity to the services/products being procured under this solicitation?

Provide clarity to the Section M scoring criteria for the PPID evaluation.

Please refer to Section M of the solicitation as this section provides the evaluation process for awards.

W91RUS-21-R-0001

Amendment 03_5March2021.pdf

When conducting the Past Performance Relevancy Assessment and the corresponding Performance Confidence Assessment, how will the JV’s past performance be measured? For example, if we (1) assume that a JV has two members; and (2) assume that all 5 PPIDs are presented by one member; and (3) assume that all five PPIDs receive a Past Performance Relevancy Assessment with a “Very Relevant” rating because each PPID demonstrates the same or similar in nature, size, magnitude, and complexity to the services/products being procured under this solicitation; how would the Govt evaluate the Performance Confidence? Would the Govt evaluate the JV and assign a Performance Confidence Assessments Of Substantial Confidence? If not, can the Govt update Section M to provide more clarity for the evaluation criteria?

Provide clarity to the Section M scoring criteria for the PPID evaluation.

The evaluation criteria does not require updating at this time. The Government identified how they will conduct evaluations for the Past Performance.

Solicitation Section M, D Subfactor 4

The Government states "The labor categories identified by the offeror will be analyzed to determine if personnel with the proper levels of expertise are proposed" but no Staffing Plan requirements are identified in the STO Instructions. An offeror's Technical Approach differs from the requirements of a Staffing Plan. Will the Government clarify the staffing requirements for the STO?

It is the Offerors responsibility to provide the best solution to the Government to meet the demands of the O&M responsibilities outlined in the PWS.

Instructions, Solicitation document, etc.

Question Recommended Change if applicable Answer

L.D.2.e What documentation is acceptable for the requirements to "Demonstrate the ability to obtain and maintain the required facility security clearance"?

Each Offeror shall provide, as part of its proposal, a copy of the document received from the National Industrial Security System (NISS), or the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) that grants a Top Secret Facility Clearance level to the Offeror

L.E.D.1; M.D Is it required to fill in the sample DD254 for the sample task order response and provide it with our proposal response?

There is no information for the Offeror's to fill in on the DD254. Awardees will receive a finalized DD254 with their information and contract number on the 254.

Solicitation document, etc.

Question Recommended Change if applicable Answer

Solicitation Document The solicitation document states that major subcontractors perform 10% or more of total proposed price. This would include the large plug numbers for ODCs, Materials, etc.

Including the plug numbers would cause the subcontractor to have far greater than 10% of the actual workshare (labor). Is it the Government's intent that a subcontractor be considered "major" if they perform 10% or more of the workshare?

Please clarify and/or change the major subcontractor classification from 10% of total bid price to 10% of labor to not include Governent estimated plug numbers.

All offerors are to submit a price proposal on the sample task order. Therefore the offeror would need to figure out through their proposal if a subcontractor is completing 10% of the proposed labor.

RFP G.4/Pg. 105, G.6/Pg.106

The Government states in G.4 “Partnerships/joint ventures shall also submit no more that five (5) questionnaires. Two (2) questionnaires share be submitted for major subcontractors proposed to perform 10% or more of the total proposed price.” Then states in G.6 “Prime offerors may submit a maximum of five (5) PPIDs and a maximum of two (2) PPIDs for major subcontractors.” Can the government please clarify if the total number of PPIDs is five (5) or if it is up to five (5) for the prime and a mandatory two (2) for each major subcontractor?

Section L and Attachment 7 have been updated in amendment 3 to clarify.

RFP, A.1.a Section L.A.1.a refers to Site Manager/Site Lead while Sample Task Order refers to Site Manager only. Please explain if there is any distinction between the two or if they are used interchangeably and refer to the position that manages overall support at the site.

N/A The Offeror is responsible to provide a staffing solution as it relates the requirements identified in the STO.

The proposal should address the critical services however, the staffing solution should address all the requirements.

Solicitation document, etc.

Question Recommended Change if applicable Answer

Pricing Workbook STO Worksheet 11

RFP Amendment 2 Section L Paragraph F.1.7(a) (top of page 16)

Attachment 11 Sheet 11has a footnote that says: "Labor breakdown is not expected for subcontracted work. Offerors are not required to provide the proprietary indirect rates (i.e. G&A, fringe, OH, etc.). However, the Government is requiring that Offerors provide the subcontractors’ hourly labor rate and fully burdened labor rate to verify the subcontractor’s labor pricing complies with the SCA WD, CBA, and the Prime’s Exempt labor category ceiling rate, as applicable."

Section L states: "If a subcontractor utilizes fully burdened labor rates in its proposal to the prime, the subcontractor shall provide its own Pricing Worksheet (Section J, Attachment 11) delineating the buildup of those rates to the Government."

We believe that the note on the pricing worksheet applies to the STO, whereas the instruction in Section L applies to the proposed IDIQ rates.

We acknowledge Q&A #192.

Please confirm our interpretation, or otherwise clarify the inconsistency.

Updated to remove that statement on tab 11

1. Attachment 11, tab 12 “IDIQ Schedule B”

1. Attachment 11, tab 12 “IDIQ Schedule B” refers to item number 0001 as Administrative Telephone Services (Includes Sample TO PWS C.2.3), the subsequent line items under this tab refer to CLIN designations 0002-0015. Why is the title of this item different from CLIN 0001 stated in tab 4 as Infrastructure Ops and Maint Spt Services – it seems that the titles should be the same?

updated

2. Attachment 11, tab 12 2. Attachment 11, tab 12 refers to item number 0001 as Administrative Telephone Services (Includes Sample TO PWS C.2.3). However, “administrative telephone services” are only a portion of what is covered in PWS C.2.3. Concerning the sample Task Order, does the customer want Offerors to ONLY cost Price the “administrative telephone services” portion of the PWS 2.3 requirements in Tab 12 of attachment 11 pricing worksheet?

Tab 12 pertains to the IDIQ which requires no action.

Updated to remove Administrative Telephone services

3. Attachment 11, tab 12 3. Attachment 11, tab 12 refers to item number 0005 refers to “Additional Technical Support (Includes Sample TO PWS C.2.15- Cable Audit)”. However, attachment 3, Sample task PWS C.2.15 refers to Drawing maintenance not cable audits. Further, C.2.3.4.1.3 is the section in attachment 3, Sample task PWS that refers to cable audits.

Is this a mistake? Concerning the pricing document tab 12 as it pertains to the sample task order PWS, does the customer want offerors to ONLY price the Cable Audits section or the Drawing Maintenance section? Please clarify tasks that require pricing within the tab 12.

Your question asks about the Sample Task Order and Tab 12 refers to the IDIQ. Government is not clear on the question being asked.

3. Attachment 11, tab 12 4. Attachment 11, tab 12 refers to item number 0006 refers to “other support services (includes sample TO PWS C.2.16)”. However, attachment 3, sample task PWS C.2.16 in actuality refers to “third party damage”. Is this a mistake? Concerning the pricing document tab 12 as it pertains to the sample task order PWS, what, “other support services”, specifically, does the customer want offerors to price?

Your question asks about the Sample Task Order and Tab 12 refers to the IDIQ. Government is not clear on the question being asked.

Amendmnet 003 Instructions, Page 20 of 34, 7(a)

Amendment 003 language states "If a subcontractor utilizes fully burdened labor rates in its proposal to the prime, the subcontractor shall provide its own Pricing Worksheet (Section J, Attachment 11) delineating the buildup of those rates to the Government.

Subcontractors will submit the required information through the ARL Safe."

However, the questions and answers provided on page 27 of 48 and page 39 of 48 appear to contradict each other. Page 27 answer states indidcates only subcontractors utilizing fully burdened labor rates need to submit and page 39 answer states that "Yes all subcontractors". Will the government please clarify in what instance a subcontractor would NOT need to provide a sepearate cost proposal submission?

Please refer to the solicitation which states, "If a subcontractor utilizes fully burdened labor rates in its proposal to the prime, the subcontractor shall provide its own Pricing Worksheet (Section J, Attachment 11) delineating the buildup of those rates to the Government. Subcontractors will submit the required information through the ARL Safe."

L.D.2.d It is still unclear what content the Government would like to see in the Offer Summary section within Volume I General. In the last Q&A, the Government stated that Offerors should complete the required Tab in Attachment 11 and also stated that Pricing information should be included in Offer Summary in Volume I General. Please clarify if the requirement is for content/data response in this section, or just completing the required Tab 11 in Attachment 11 and then stating in the Offer Summary section of Volume I General that Tab 11 has been completed?

Section L states "All information relating to price must be included in this volume. Under no circumstances shall cost or pricing data be included elsewhere."

Pricing shall not be included in your General Volume.

PWS C.2.7.4' Pricing Where is the pricing to cover PWS C.2.7.4 LMR to be included in the Price WorkbooK?

Should it be included in CLIN 0010-Other Direct Cost?

Please clarify Tab 3 provides the answer to this question under CLIN

Pricing Workbook, Tab 15 Is it the Government's intent that all 5 contract year labor rate build-ups be shown on Tab 15?

Please clarify and/or allow additional tabs for the IDIQ contract years 2-5.

yes

Attachment 11 There is a lot of overlap between requirements that appear in different CLIN categories.

For example, Wireless Infrastructure is identified in PWS 2.5.14 which suggests it is part of CLIN 0002 per the Government’s instructions. However, wireless infrastructure is a task that can and likely will cross CLINs 0001, 0002 and 0003. Does the Government want all these hours identified under CLIN 0002?

The Offeror is responsible to provide a technical solution as it relates the requirements identified in the PWS. The Offerors proposal should clearly identify their solution.

Attachment 11 Similarly, under the current guidance, the only requirement that maps directly to CLIN 0003 is the 60 hour VOIP requirement because the other relevant tasks are already applied to other CLINs. Can the Government confirm these are the only hours the Government intends for Offerors to place under this CLIN?

The Offeror is responsible to provide a technical solution as it relates the requirements identified in the PWS. The Offerors proposal should clearly identify their solution.

L.7. Section 4 - Pricing Worksheet, M Factor 2 - Price

"In addition Exempt labor categories will be evaluated on the sample task order to determine whether the proposed rates are fair and reasonable for the market where Ft.

Combat is located. The exempt labor categories and rates will be used as a ceiling rate and incorporated into any resulting IDIQ basic contract." Can the Offerer propose different rates for the IDIQ and the STO?

yes. Exempt Labor rates proposed for the IDIQ will be incorporated into the IDIQ award.

L.7. Section 4 - Pricing Worksheet, M Factor 2 - Price

"In addition Exempt labor categories will be evaluated on the sample task order to determine whether the proposed rates are fair and reasonable for the market where Ft.

Combat is located. The exempt labor categories and rates will be used as a ceiling rate and incorporated into any resulting IDIQ basic contract." If the rates for the IDIQ and STO are different, will this make the Offeror's response non-compliant?

No. The IDIQ rates are ceiling rates.

L.7. Section 4 - Pricing Worksheet, M Factor 2 - Price

"In addition Exempt labor categories will be evaluated on the sample task order to determine whether the proposed rates are fair and reasonable for the market where Ft.

Combat is located. The exempt labor categories and rates will be used as a ceiling rate and incorporated into any resulting IDIQ basic contract." If the rates for the IDIQ and STO are different, will the proposed STO rates automatically become the IDIQ ceiling rates?

Please refer to the Solicitation requirements for the Pricing…