Vendor Questions/Answers Who is the incumbent? If so, can you provide the contract number? There is currently no active contract. Can you provide an example of previous newsletters and a brand style guide? This shall be a collaborative effort in which after award, the Contractor and Government will hold discussions via email and Microsoft Teams to discuss specifications. What is the review and feedback process for the newsletters? How many rounds of revisions do you anticipate per issue? Final approval authority will come from the Government. The number of revisions shall be based on the needs of the Government and requirements set forth in the statement of work. Are quotes to be submitted electronically via email or through an online portal? If through email, should they be sent to a specific address? Per page 33 of the solicitation under Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Items, Submittal of Quote , Offerors shall submit quote by email to jerri.schuster@va.gov by the solicitation due date. Please limit graphics or excessive large files during quote submission . Are there any specific formatting requirements for the quote submission, such as file format or naming conventions? Please limit graphics or excessive large files during quote submission . Are there any additional documents or information that you require as part of the quote submission? All required documents and information required as part of the request are listed beginning on page 33 of the solicitation under, Instructions to Offerors. Would the Government consider reclassifying the solicitation to Best Value from LPTA since graphic design services are considered knowledge-based professional services and the 2021 FAR Council ruling covered in FAR 15.101-2(d)(2) discourages use of LPTA for such solicitations? As stated in the solicitation, The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation is LOWEST PRICE TECHNICALLY ACCEPTABLE . FAR 13.106-2(b)(1) states, The contracting officer has broad discretion in fashioning suitable evaluation procedures. The procedures prescribed in parts 14 and 15 are not mandatory. Would the government consider providing an extension to February 29th, this will allow vendors to have ample time to address answers to questions? At this time, the Government will not extend the date and time in which all offers are due. Does the government expect the vendor to print the monthly newsletter? Please see Services to be Provided on page 7 of the solicitation. Can the government please specify what certifications they are looking for? All required documents and information required as part of the request are listed beginning on page 33 of the solicitation under, Instructions to Offerors. Can the government confirm that vendors should submit one file which includes Price Quote, Technical Capability, and Eligibility Documentation? The Government does not specify a required number of files a vendor shall submit as a part of their response. I understand the instructions request documentation indicating at least three years of experience. Would three years of key personnel experience cover this requirement? Yes. If we provide a signed 1449 as part of the submission, do we also have to provide a copy of our reps and certs? All required documents and information required as part of the request are listed beginning on page 33 of the solicitation under, Instructions to Offerors. On page 33 of 55, there is a requirement to provide documentation indicating years of experience. Can we provide a link to our portfolio or would you like us to include the samples within the response? Please provide documentation. On Pg 33 of the RFQ, under Technical Capability it is mentioned that "Provide documentation indicating at least three years of experience performing as required in the Scope of Work." -Please specify what type of documentation is required here. Please provide documentation indicating at least three years of experience performing as required in the Scope of Work. Do we have to submit the price and technical capability in a single file? The Government does not specify a required number of files a vendor shall submit as a part of their response. Are samples/portfolios needed at the time of submission? Yes. Would it be permitted to team with a SDVOSB small business and share the work 50% / 50% in order to meet the SDVOSB requirement? Per VAAR 852.219-75 VA NOTICE OF LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FOR SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION (JAN 2023) (DEVIATION)(a)(1)(i) [X] Services. In the case of a contract for services (except construction), the contractor will not pay more than 50% of the amount paid by the government to it to firms that are not certified SDVOSBs listed in the SBA certification database as set forth in 852.219 73 or certified VOSBs listed in the SBA certification database as set forth in 852.219 74. Any work that a similarly situated certified SDVOSB/VOSB subcontractor further subcontracts will count towards the 50% subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded. Other direct costs may be excluded to the extent they are not the principal purpose of the acquisition and small business concerns do not provide the service as set forth in 13 CFR 125.6. How many pages is this newsletter? 8-12 pages. Is this a one-time purchase or an ongoing contract? The period of performance shall be for one (1) year and four (4) one (1) year options. When is the delivery or performance of services expected to begin and end? Expected period of performance begin date is 03/01/2024-02/28/2025. Are there any specific deadlines or milestones that need to be met? Please see page 7 of the solicitation, under Period of Performance. What is the frequency for producing this newsletter (i.e. weekly, monthly, quarterly)? Vendor shall provide graphic design and layout services to produce a newsletter to be distributed monthly. What about customization? Is the agency looking to have the newsletter tailored to their specific branding and requirements? Please see Services to Be Provided, beginning on page 7 of the solicitation. Are there any additional services for this newsletter (i.e. copywriting, image sourcing, printing, and distribution)? All services shall be provided in accordance with the Statement of Work beginning on page 7 of the solicitation.
