Questions and Answers 3.docx

Questions and Answers #3

1. Hours of Performance: The scope indicates that janitorial services are to be performed during the specified business hours. Is performance strictly limited to those hours, or would the Government permit any portion of the janitorial services to be completed after normal business hours?

ANSWER: Strictly during business hours

1. After-Hours Access: If after-hours performance is permitted, would the Government provide an approved means of facility access, such as a key or other access credentials, to authorized cleaning personnel? If not, should prospective contractors assume that all services must be completed while Government personnel are present?

ANSWER: No after hours

1. Carpet Cleaning: Please confirm the carpet-cleaning requirements, including whether carpet cleaning must be performed during normal business hours or whether this particular service may be scheduled outside of those hours.

ANSWER: Yes, during normal business hours

1. Exceptions to Performance Hours: Are there any exceptions or scheduling accommodations available for specific services that may be difficult to perform while employees are occupying the facility, such as carpet cleaning, floor care, or other periodic/deep-cleaning services?

ANSWER: Due to security, there are no exceptions at this time.

1. Does the contractor determines its staffing levels, provided all PWS performance standards and service frequencies are met?

ANSWER: Yes

1. Do any minimum daily labor hours or staffing levels apply?

ANSWER: No

1. All contractor and subcontractor employees must complete background or security checks before beginning work?

ANSWER: Yes

1. What type of security screening, identification, fingerprinting, or badging required and the estimated processing times?

ANSWER: Federal T2 level screening with fingerprinting - takes 4-6 weeks.3.

1. Are there any costs associated with the required security checks or badges.

ANSWER: There should not be.

1. Confirmation of the QASP deduction process, including whether the contractor will receive written notice and an opportunity to correct or re-perform deficient work before a payment deduction is assessed.

ANSWER: Yes, written notice will be given with an opportunity to correct the work.

1. Clarification of the QASP language regarding the $500 deduction, including whether it applies per repeated requirement, per deficiency, or per inspection period.

ANSWER: Per deficiency

1. PWS Section 2.0 and Q&A No. 2 The PWS identifies approximately four restrooms, while Questions and Answers 2 identifies three restrooms at 81 Collier Drive and one restroom of approximately 200 square feet at each of the McCarthy and Wellington Farms, which appears to total five restrooms. Please confirm the total number of restrooms included in the contract and the controlling approximate restroom square footage to be used for pricing.

ANSWER: 1 restroom at 81 Collier Dr and 1 restroom at each of the farms for a total of 3 restrooms, each approximately the same size.

1. PWS Sections 5.0 and 10.0 Please clarify whether USDA will provide all EPA-registered disinfectants. Section 5.0 identifies all cleaning materials as government-furnished, while Section 10.0 directs the contractor to identify and purchase EPA-registered disinfectants.

ANSWER: USDSA will provide all EPA disinfectants.

1. PWS Section 4.0 - Twice Weekly Office Areas Please confirm whether the contractor must perform a separate disinfecting-mist application. If so, please identify the required method and confirm whether USDA will provide the misting equipment and disinfecting product.

ANSWER: Not at this time.

1. PWS Section 4.0 - Monthly Services Please confirm whether the monthly carpet extraction and tile-floor buffing may be scheduled on service days different from the regular twice-weekly cleaning visits, provided all work remains within the authorized hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

ANSWER: Yes, that would be acceptable.