Support Services for Division of Field Studies (DFSE) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Industry and Occupation Coding System

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding solicitation 75D301-26-Q-78814, clarifying various aspects of the requirement, submission process, and contract details.

• Incumbent Contract: The original contract was awarded to General Informatics as an 8(a) sole source. A follow-on contract was awarded to Johnsons Consulting, LLC (dba Cetechs) as an 8(a) direct sole source, expiring February 28, 2026.
• Set-Aside: The solicitation is currently a total set-aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). If fewer than two qualified SDVOSB firms respond, other small business programs, including 8(a), will be considered.
• Wage Determination: The applicable Wage Determination for Cincinnati, Ohio will be used. Wage Determination 2015-4719 will be included, and 2015-5831 will be removed.
• Deadlines: Questions for the Sources Sought Notice were due February 4, 2026. Questions for the final solicitation are due February 11, 2026. Quotes are due February 16, 2026.
• Proposal Submission: Volume I (Price Proposals) has no page limit. Volume II (Technical Proposals) has a 25-page limit.
• Evaluation: The requirement will be evaluated using the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) source selection process. Past performance is not an evaluation factor but relevant experience is encouraged.
• Key Personnel: No positions are designated as Key Personnel, and resumes are not required, though relevant employee experience is encouraged.
• Contract Type: The contract will be a single Firm Fixed Price purchase order.
• Transition/Phase-In: A 30-day Transition/Phase-In Plan is required after award.
• Place of Performance: The primary place of performance is a contractor-provided facility in or near Cincinnati, Ohio. Data Clerks will be onsite at the CDC facility three days per week.
• Background Investigation: A Tier 1 background investigation is required. Contractor personnel will not handle PII or sensitive information.
• Proposal Due Date: The proposal due date has been revised to February 17, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST.

Several sections of the solicitation have been updated based on these questions, including Section B (pricing table typo and CLIN 4001 period of performance), Section L (proposal instructions, including requesting a demo and removing SF 1449), and the PWS (regarding place of performance and key personnel language). The set-aside designation may change based on market research responses.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) required for accessing specific solicitation materials related to Solicitation 75D301-26-Q-78814 for Support Services for the Division of Field Studies (DFSE) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Industry and Occupation Coding System. It ensures that sensitive information provided for proposal preparation is protected.

• Non-Public Information: Defined as information not generally available to the public, provided to assist in proposal preparation.
• Restrictions: Offerors must use the materials solely for proposal development, not disclose them to third parties without CDC consent, and not use them for any other purpose.
• Personnel Access: Only employees or authorized representatives directly involved in proposal preparation may access the materials.
• Procurement-Sensitive Information: Offerors acknowledge that materials may contain such information, and its disclosure is strictly prohibited.
• Certification: Offerors must sign to certify understanding and compliance with the agreement.

Bidders must review and agree to this NDA to gain access to potentially crucial non-public information, such as the Attachment J-3 NIOSH Industry and Occupation Computerized Coding System (NIOCCS) Training Manual and Video demonstrations. Signing this agreement is a prerequisite for utilizing these resources in preparing a compliant and informed proposal for the specified solicitation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Register of Wage Determinations Under the Service Contract Act" for the states of Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. It provides the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations when performing work under a Service Contract Act covered contract. Bidders must use this information to ensure they are meeting federal labor requirements.

• Lists specific occupations with corresponding wage rates and footnotes.
• Includes general fringe benefits (Health & Welfare) applicable to all listed occupations.
• Details specific Executive Orders (EO 13706 and EO 13658) and their implications for paid sick leave and minimum wage rates.
• Outlines vacation and holiday policies.
• Provides guidance on the conformance process for unlisted classifications.

This document is critical for bidders to accurately estimate labor costs and ensure compliance with federal regulations. It directly impacts the pricing of proposals and the overall cost of performing the contract. Bidders must review the listed occupations to determine which apply to their proposed services and ensure their proposed wages meet or exceed these minimums. Failure to comply can lead to penalties and disqualification.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial services to procure Support Services for the Division of Field Studies (DFSE) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Industry and Occupation Coding System. The government intends to award a single Firm Fixed Price purchase order.

• Data Entry Services for the Industry and Occupation Coding System in accordance with the PWS.

• Specific tasks include entering and coding data using standardized classification systems (e.g., Census, NAICS, SOC) and NIOSH's Industry and Occupation Coding System (NIOCCS), validating and correcting data, supporting study operations through clerical tasks (document preparation, survey tracking, file management), assisting with records management, and participating in training.

• Personnel categories include Data Processing Clerk I, Data Processing Clerk II, Data Processing/Quality Control, and Data Processing Clerk II Team Lead.

• A Transition/Phase-In Plan is required within 30 days of award.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price

• Period of Performance: March 1, 2026, to February 28, 2031 (Base period plus four option periods).

• Estimated Value: Not explicitly stated, but NAICS code 561110 (Office Administrative Services) has a size standard of $12.5 Million.

• Questions Due: February 11, 2026, NLT 3:00 PM EST (submit in writing).

• Quotes Due: February 17, 2026, NLT 3:00 PM EST.

• Proposals must be submitted in two volumes: Volume I - Price Proposal (Excel) and Volume II - Technical Proposal (PDF).

• Evaluation Factors: Technical Acceptability (Pass/Fail) and Price. Award will be made to the lowest-priced offeror whose technical proposal is rated Acceptable (Lowest Price Technically Acceptable - LPTA).

• This requirement is issued as a total set-aside for Small Business concerns under the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) category.

• Reference materials include links to the NIOSH NIOCCS website.

• Offerors must submit a completed copy of FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items.

• Compliance with Service Contract Labor Standards and Wage Determination is a material term.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Register of Wage Determinations Under the Service Contract Act" for the states of Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. It provides the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations when performing contract work subject to the Service Contract Act.

• Lists specific occupations with corresponding wage rates.
• Includes footnotes for certain occupations (e.g., Computer Employees, Air Traffic Controllers, Hazardous Pay, Uniform Allowance).
• Details general benefits such as vacation and holidays.
• Outlines the process for requesting additional classifications and wage rates (Conformance Process).

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the labor costs associated with the opportunity. It specifies the minimum wages and benefits that must be paid to employees working on the contract, which directly impacts proposal pricing and overall cost estimation. Bidders must ensure their proposed wages meet or exceed these determined rates.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial services, issued as a Request for Quote (RFQ), for Support Services for the Division of Field Studies (DFSE) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Industry and Occupation Coding System. The government intends to award a single Firm Fixed Price purchase order.

• Data entry, coding, clerical, and records management support for DFSE within NIOSH.

• Support the application of standardized industry and occupation codes to free-text data.

• Ensure high-quality data entry and coding meeting CDC and NIOSH standards.

• Provide clerical and records management support for study operations.

• Enable DFSE to maintain continuity in research and surveillance activities.

• Personnel categories include Data Processing Clerk I, Data Processing Clerk II, Data Processing Clerk – Quality Control, and Data Processing Clerk II – Team Lead.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price Service Contract.

• Period of Performance: March 1, 2026 to February 28, 2031 (Base Period: March 1, 2026 - February 28, 2027; Four Option Periods).

• Estimated Value: Not explicitly stated, but NAICS code 561110 (Office Administrative Services) has a size standard of $12.5 Million.

• Proposal Submission Deadline: February 16, 2026, 3:00 PM EST.

• Questions Due Date: February 11, 2026, 3:00 PM EST.

• Proposals to be submitted in two volumes: Volume I - Price Proposal (Excel) and Volume II - Technical Proposal (PDF).

• Evaluation Factors: Technical Acceptability (Pass/Fail) and Price. Award will be made to the lowest-priced offeror whose technical proposal is rated Acceptable (Lowest Price Technically Acceptable - LPTA).

• This requirement is a total set-aside for Small Business concerns under the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) category.

• Offerors must comply with FAR 52.212-1, FAR 52.212-4, and FAR 52.212-5.

• Offerors must include a completed copy of FAR 52.212-3 or indicate availability online at SAM.gov.

• Compliance with Service Contract Labor Standards and Wage Determination is a material term.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding solicitation 75D301-26-Q-78814, clarifying aspects of the requirement, submission process, and evaluation criteria.

• Incumbent Contractor: The original contract was an 8(a) sole source to General Informatics. A follow-on contract was awarded as an 8(a) direct sole source to Johnsons Consulting, LLC (dba Cetechs) on 09/01/2020, expiring February 28, 2026.
• Set-Aside: The current notice is a total set-aside for SDVOSB. If insufficient responses are received, other small business programs, including 8(a), may be considered.
• Wage Determination: The applicable wage determination is for Cincinnati, Ohio (Wage Determination 2015-4719). Wage Determination 2015-5831 will be removed.
• Submission Deadlines: Questions for the final solicitation are due by February 11, 2026. Quotes are due by February 16, 2026.
• Page Limitations: Volume I (Price Proposals) has no page limit. Volume II (Technical Proposals) has a 25-page limit.
• Evaluation: The requirement will be evaluated using the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) process. Past performance is not an evaluation factor, but relevant experience is encouraged.
• Key Personnel: No Key Personnel positions are designated, and resumes are not required, though relevant employee experience is encouraged.

This Q&A document clarifies the acquisition strategy, wage determination, submission deadlines, page limitations, and evaluation factors, providing essential information for bidders preparing their proposals.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a U.S. Department of Labor Wage Determination (No. 2015-5831, Revision No. 31) for the Service Contract Act, applicable to the area of Georgia County of De Kalb. It lists various occupational codes, titles, and their corresponding minimum hourly wage rates and required fringe benefits.

• Occupational Codes and Titles: A comprehensive list of job classifications across various industries (e.g., Administrative Support, Automotive, Health Occupations, Information Technology, Maintenance, Protective Services).
• Wage Rates: The minimum hourly wage required for each listed occupation.
• Fringe Benefits: Indicates that fringe benefits are required and follow the occupational listing. Specific details on Health & Welfare benefits are provided, including rates for regular hours and those influenced by Executive Orders (EO 13706 and EO 13658).
• Executive Order Information: Details regarding Executive Orders 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and 13658 (Minimum Wage) and their applicability to federal contractors.
• Vacation and Holiday Policies: Outlines standard vacation accrual and a list of paid holidays.
• Footnotes: Explanations for specific occupations, such as Computer Employees (Footnote 1) and Air Traffic Controllers/Weather Observers (Footnote 2), detailing applicability and special pay rates (night/Sunday pay).
• Conformance Process: Instructions for contractors on how to request wage rates for job classifications not listed in the determination.

This wage determination is crucial for bidders to understand the minimum labor costs associated with performing services under a federal contract in the specified geographic area. It directly impacts proposal pricing by establishing mandatory wage and benefit rates for covered employees, ensuring compliance with the Service Contract Act and related Executive Orders.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ) for commercial services to procure Support Services for the Division of Field Studies (DFSE) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Industry and Occupation Coding System. The government intends to award a single Firm Fixed Price purchase order.

• Data Entry Services for the Industry and Occupation Coding System.

• Clerical and records management support for health studies within NIOSH’s Division of Field Studies.

• Personnel categories include Data Processing Clerk I, Data Processing Clerk II, Data Processing Clerk – Quality Control, and Data Processing Clerk II – Team Lead.

• Tasks include entering and coding data using standardized classification systems (e.g., Census, NAICS, SOC) and NIOSH’s Industry and Occupation Coding System (NIOCCS), validating and correcting data, supporting study operations, and assisting with records management.

• Compliance with Service Contract Labor Standards and Wage Determination requirements is mandatory.

• Offerors must comply with all applicable security and privacy requirements, including those related to Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Personally Identifiable Information (PII).

• All electronic and information technology (EIT) supplies and services must comply with Section 508 accessibility standards.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price purchase order.

• Period of Performance: Base Period: March 1, 2026 to February 28, 2027. Includes four (4) one-year option periods, extending through February 28, 2031.

• Questions Due: February 11, 2026, by 3:00 PM EST.

• Quotes Due: February 16, 2026, by 3:00 PM EST.

• Submission Method: Email to Latoya Michel at zrb5@cdc.gov. Specific email headers are required for questions and quotes.

• Evaluation: Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA). Technical acceptability is defined by meeting all requirements in Section B and brand name requirements. Only the lowest priced offer will be evaluated for technical acceptability.

• This requirement is a total set-aside for Small Business concerns under the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) category.

• The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular FAC 2025-06 dated August 27, 2025.

• Associated NAICS code: 561110 – Office Administrative Services. Size standard: $12.5 Million.

• PSC code: R699 Support-Administrative: Other.

• Reference materials for NIOSH Industry and Occupation Coding System are provided.