Q&A_15M50019QA4400005.pdf

National Animal Contract Question & Answers

1. Reference: Statement of Work (Page 4 – footnote) “ If upon arrival to the target location(s) and no dogs are identified for seizure and/or transport; the contractor shall bill the USMS for the transportation charges for the amount of dogs as annotated on the original pricing schedule and noted on the STO. This charge shall only be for transportation expenses as there would be no charges for kenneling or veterinarian services.”

Discussion: In order to properly prepare for a seizure of this many canines, a company must staff and deploy multiple specialized transport vehicles and teams.

Question: With the staffing and specialized equipment required as stated above, will the government consider a minimum Fixed Firm Price contract line item to mitigate the risk of potential loss to the contractor in the event of a decrease in expected canines?

Answer: Yes, the government will consider a minimum Fixed Firm Price contract line item.

2. Reference: Statement of Work Section 8 Requirement: Dogs Paragraph b. x. “The contractor must remove feces and other excreta at least twice daily and sanitize the runs daily.”

Discussion: Sanitize generally means disinfecting with a solution of chemicals. This is conducted according to Animal Welfare Act instructions three (3) times weekly by use of chemicals.

Question: Does the term “sanitize” as used above refer to cleaning to remove all excess excrement and feces?

Answer: I like the AWA instructions of three times weekly by use of chemicals. We could say “Contractor must clean and remove feces and excrement daily and sanitize in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act”

3. Reference: Statement of Work Section 11. Services for the care, management and disposition of animals not involved in illegal fighting activities Paragraph g. “Billable Services will include… humane euthanasia and disposal…”

Discussion: CLINs 22-24 on Attachment 8 Pricing Schedule include disposal fee for disposal of dogs and chickens. There is no mention of disposal for large animals. Potential disposal of a large animal (horse, cattle) is an expected cost.

Question: Will the government consider adding a CLIN for disposal of large animal?

Answer: A CLIN for the disposal of large animals will be included in the revised pricing schedule.

4. Reference: Instruction to Offerors Section 1. (i) (3) “In addition to the written proposal the vendor must provide a Physical Security Plan (PSP) at the time written proposal are due.”

Question: Is the Physical Security Plan included in the 25 page limit for the response?

Answer: A correction to the Instructions to Offerors has been updated. All photos and pricing scheduled are excluded from the written proposal 25 page maximum.

5. Reference: Attachment 8 Pricing Schedule CLIN 0001Transportation of Dogs.

Discussion: The exact transportation rate is difficult to determine without a physical location and the number of canines. Rates generally acceptable based on a 300 mile trip for 20 dogs increase substantially if the location is outside the continental United States for 50 dogs.

Question: What is the government expectation of this pricing? Will the government consider allowing the pricing for this CLIN to be established at the Sub-Task Order level?

Answer: For the Transportation CLIN 0001, this as a firm fixed price CLIN. In your proposal please explain if you have suggestions pertaining to pricing for CLIN 0001 i.e. cost reimbursable. For example if the EST. Quantity is 300 dogs and your unit price is $175.00, you will have the opportunity to charge a lower rate if the task order is for 100 dogs. During the initial evaluation of your proposal, we will evaluate your original unit price.