19AQMM26R0027_Responses to RFP Questions_20260127.pdf

19AQMM26R0027 – Q&As January 27, 2026

NOTE: Responses provided below are informational only and do not change the terms of the solicitation. The Contracting Officer will make changes to the solicitation, if any, through the issuance of an amendment utilizing Standard Form 30.

No. RFP Section Page(s) Question / Comment DOS Response 1 52.222-41

52.222-43 B-01

The solicitation incorporates FAR 52.222-41 and FAR 52.222-43, while Section B-01 defines a scope of work that includes a combination of transportation, packing, handling, warehousing, storage, and related services.

Given the Department of Labor’s statutory and regulatory framework distinguishing transportation of freight from covered service labor, please identify which categories of labor performed under this BPA (e.g., packing crews, warehouse personnel, storage operations, POV handling, drivers/owner-operators) the Department of State considers subject to Service Contract Labor Standards, and whether any portions of the work are considered exempt from SCLS coverage.

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/government-contracts/prevailing-wage-resource-book/coverage-sca-pca-flsa#:~:text=Any%20contract%20for%20the%20carriage,releva nt%20regulatory%20exemptions%2C%20below.)

SCA Statutory Exemptions

SCA 7; 29 CFR 4.115 – 4.122.

The SCA does not apply to the following:

• Any contract for the carriage of freight or personnel by vessel, airplane, bus, truck, express, railway line, or oil or gas pipeline where published tariff rates are in effect (29 CFR 4.118). The effect of this exemption has become limited in scope due to changes in transportation laws.

(See All Agency Memorandum No. 185 for further information.)

o This exemption applies only to contracts for carriage by a common carrier. A transportation service contract is exempt only if the service is actually governed by published tariff rates in effect pursuant to state or federal law. A contract between https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/government-contracts/prevailing-wage-resource-book/coverage-sca-pca-flsa#:%7E:text=Any%20contract%20for%20the%20carriage,relevant%20regulatory%20exemptions%2C%20below https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/government-contracts/prevailing-wage-resource-book/coverage-sca-pca-flsa#:%7E:text=Any%20contract%20for%20the%20carriage,relevant%20regulatory%20exemptions%2C%20below https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/government-contracts/prevailing-wage-resource-book/coverage-sca-pca-flsa#:%7E:text=Any%20contract%20for%20the%20carriage,relevant%20regulatory%20exemptions%2C%20below https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/government-contracts/prevailing-wage-resource-book/coverage-sca-pca-flsa#:%7E:text=Any%20contract%20for%20the%20carriage,relevant%20regulatory%20exemptions%2C%20below the government and the carrier would be evidenced by a government bill of lading citing the published tariff rates.

o Contracts for ambulance or taxicab services typically are not exempt because they are usually not deemed common carriers and/or the transportation is not governed by published tariff rates.

o Mail haul contractors are not within the scope of this exemption because “mail” is not considered to be “freight” under federal law. (However, see the discussion of relevant regulatory exemptions, below.)

o Contracts principally for packing, crating and warehousing of household goods are also not exempt, even though performed by an otherwise common carrier, because the local hauling is a minor, incidental purpose of the contract.

FAR 22.1003-5 Some examples of contracts covered.

The following examples, while not definitive or exclusive, illustrate some of the types of services that have been found to be covered by the Service Contract Labor Standards statute (see

29 CFR 4.130 for additional examples):

(b) Packing, crating, and storage.

2 B-03

9-10 Please clarify / confirm for CLIN 2509B that bidders must have warehouse space at the minimum listed below at the contract inception as well as throughout the total contract term:

Minimum Required Continued Storage Volume Capacity: Maintain facility for authorized continued storage of personal effects CLIN 2509B 5,000,000 lbs.

Yes. In accordance with Section B (CLIN 2509B) and Section C (Statement of Work), offerors must have and maintain the minimum continued storage capacity of 5,000,000 pounds at contract inception and continuously throughout the entire period of performance, including all option periods. The capacity requirement is a continuous performance requirement, not a one-time or peak capability.

3 B-03 8 Service Requirements: Is DoS requiring the contractor to service/maintain 3,000,000 lbs. continued storage, 10,000 lbs. of controlled storage, 6,000 lbs. of vaulted storage, 1,000 lbs. of cold storage, and 109 POVs or simply to have the capacity to service/maintain this volume?

No. As stated in Section C (Statement of Work) and Section B (CLIN Descriptions), the Department of State is not requiring the contractor to service or maintain these volumes at all times.

Offerors are required to have the capacity to service and maintain the stated storage volumes and number of POVs.

Actual quantities utilized will be determined by Government requirements and may fluctuate during contract performance.

4 B-03 B-05

8-9

Section B-03 requires packing companies to maintain and report their maximum daily capability, and Section B-05 describes the allocation and ordering procedures across service pools. When a packing company’s maximum daily capability is adjusted by

The adjustment is applied only to the specific service category affected. As described in Section B-03 (Maximum Daily Capability) and Section B-05 (Allocation and Ordering Procedures), maximum daily capability is tracked and managed by service category and allocation pool. When the COR adjusts the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), is that adjustment applied uniformly across all allocation pools, or only to the specific service category affected by the adjustment?

a packing company’s maximum daily capability, the adjustment applies solely to the relevant service category/pool for which the capability was modified and does not automatically apply across all other allocation pools.

5 B-03 C-01(A)

8-9 10-11

Section C-01.A requires that all services under this BPA be performed within a 50-mile radius of the Washington Monument, and Section B-03 establishes minimum and maximum capability requirements for storage classes. May packing companies utilize multiple DOS-approved facilities within the 50-mile radius to meet storage class requirements (including vault-controlled, temperature-controlled, and POV storage), provided that each facility independently meets all applicable Section C requirements?

Yes. In accordance with Section C-01.A (Geographic Limitation) and Section B-03 (Capability Requirements), packing companies may utilize multiple DOS-approved facilities within the 50-mile radius of the Washington Monument to meet storage class capability requirements. Each facility used must independently comply with all applicable requirements in Section C, including security, environmental, and operational standards, and must be approved by the Department of State.

6 B-03 8-9 Section B-03 establishes minimum and maximum daily capability requirements. For HHE shipments, given that a standard enclosed 26-foot straight truck can accommodate up to six (6) standard liftvans, each holding approximately 1,000 lbs, please clarify whether the Department of State would consider allowing a Day-One maximum capability increase to 6,000 lbs? Please clarify whether DOS would consider an updated scale for HHE ONLY:

• 0 – 6,000 lbs 1 Day

No. As defined in Section B-03, minimum and maximum daily capability requirements establish baseline operational capacity for packing companies and are separate from the individual allocation service-day requirements defined in Section C-01.

The Department of State is not revising the service-day thresholds for individual HHE allocations described in Section C-01, nor approving an alternative HHE-only scale at this time.

Offerors must meet the minimum capability requirements in Section B-03 and perform individual allocations in accordance with the service-day requirements in Section C-01, as written.

• 6,001 – 12,000 lbs 2 Days

• 12,001 - 18,000 lbs 3 Days

7 B-03 C-01(D) F-07

8-9 12-13 49-53

Packing companies occasionally receive shipment allocations from the Department of State with estimated shipment weights (e.g., 5,000 lbs) that materially differ from the packing company’s pre-move survey estimate conducted in accordance with Section C-01.D, where the actual shipment volume may reasonably be 8,000–9,000 lbs or greater. Given that packing companies are required to manage daily maximum capability and allocation commitments under Section B-03, please clarify how such material variances between allocation estimates and pre-move survey estimates should be handled for purposes of capacity planning and scheduling. Specifically, should packing companies adjust capacity and resource commitments based on the pre-move survey estimate, and what notification or approval process, if any, is required under Section F.07 when the surveyed weight materially exceeds the original allocation estimate?

Yes. As provided in Section C-01.D (Pre-Move Survey Requirements), the pre-move survey is the authoritative basis for determining the anticipated shipment size for execution and scheduling. Packing companies should plan capacity and resource commitments based on the pre-move survey estimate, not the preliminary allocation estimate, for purposes of operational planning and compliance with Section B-03 (Maximum Daily Capability).

When the pre-move survey identifies a material variance from the original allocation estimate, packing companies must notify the Government in accordance with Section F.07 (Contract Administration / Notification Requirements).

8 B-03 9-10 Can the State Department quantify the minimum amount of storage space (facility square footage) required at the contract inception and contract term?

No. The solicitation does not establish a minimum facility square footage requirement. As provided in Section B (CLIN Descriptions and Capability Requirements) and Section C (Statement of Work), storage requirements are defined in terms of capacity by weight and storage class, not by facility square footage. Determining the amount of warehouse space necessary to meet these requirements is the responsibility of the offeror.

Facility capacity may vary based on factors such as vault availability, racking systems, vertical stacking capability (e.g., 3–4 liftvans high), and warehouse configuration, which can materially affect usable storage capacity. As a result, square footage alone is not an equitable or reliable measure of storage capability across offerors. Offerors must ensure that their facilities, systems, and configurations support the required storage capacities at contract inception and throughout the period of performance.

9 C-01(A) 10 How will cost be determined for services outside the 50-mile limit (RFP, § C-01.A, “Services outside this 50-mile limit will incur an additional cost per mile (T- Code 2232B) and will be performed under the contract provisions specified herein if DOS deems it advantageous.”)?

As provided in Section C-01.A (Geographic Limitation) and Section B (Pricing/CLIN Structure), services performed outside the 50-mile radius of the Washington Monument will be priced using the applicable per-mile rate associated with T-Code 2232B, as established in the contract and when authorized by the Department of State.

The additional cost will be calculated as: Rate × Weight (CWTG) × One-way miles beyond the 50-mile radius, where mileage is calculated on a radius basis and measured as a straight-line (“as the crow flies”) geodesic distance from the Washington Monument to the service location. Only the mileage in excess of the initial 50 miles is billable. Such services will be performed only when the Department of State determines they are advantageous to the Government.

10 C-01(A) 10-11 Section C-01.A states that the 50-mile operating radius from the Washington Monument is measured as a straight-line (“as the crow flies”) geodesic distance.

What authoritative tool or method will the Department of State use to verify compliance with this 50-mile geodesic distance requirement?

As provided in Section C-01.A (Geographic Limitation), compliance with the 50-mile operating radius will be verified using commercially available mapping and geospatial tools capable of calculating straight-line (geodesic) distance. The Department of State may use Google Maps or other commonly accepted geographic information system (GIS) or online mapping platforms that calculate straight-line distance from the Washington Monument to the service location.

11 C-01(B) 11 Section C-01.B outlines personnel identification requirements, including REAL ID compliance and supplemental documentation for DOD installation access. If a crew member is denied access to a DOD installation for reasons unrelated to the packing company’s compliance with REAL ID or supplemental documentation requirements, is the packing company liable for rescheduling penalties or service delays that are beyond the packing company’s control?

No. As provided in Section C-01.B (Personnel Identification Requirements), packing companies are responsible for ensuring personnel meet REAL ID and any required supplemental documentation standards. However, if access is denied by a DoD installation for reasons unrelated to the packing company’s compliance with those requirements and outside the packing company’s control, the packing company will not be held liable for resulting rescheduling penalties or service delays. The packing company must promptly notify the Government in accordance with the contract’s notification provisions.

12 C-01(E) 13 Once the inventory is electronically signed and deemed non-editable in accordance with Section C- 01.E, and considering the provision allowing the customer 48 hours after receipt of the signed inventory

As provided in Section C-01.E (Inventory Requirements), once an inventory is electronically signed it is considered final and non-editable. Any customer-approved changes identified during the 48-hour dispute window must be documented through an to dispute conditions and exceptions, what is the authoritative mechanism for incorporating customer-approved changes during that 48-hour dispute window

- inventory rider only, revised inventory, or both?

inventory rider, which serves as the authoritative record of post-signature corrections or exceptions. The original electronically signed inventory must not be revised or replaced.

13 C-01(E) 13 Section C-01.E requires that inventory condition exceptions be supplemented with a photograph of the damage attached to the inventory. Is the Department of State establishing minimum technical standards for photo documentation (e.g., resolution, timestamping, metadata retention), and must such photographs be embedded within the inventory software, or may they be stored in a linked external repository that is referenced by the inventory?

No. As provided in Section C-01.E (Inventory Requirements), the Department of State does not establish minimum technical standards for photo documentation such as resolution, timestamping, or metadata retention. Photographs documenting condition exceptions must be attached to the inventory, be clear and readily identifiable, and be properly referenced to the applicable inventory line item as part of the official shipment record. Photographs may be embedded within the inventory system or maintained in a linked external repository, provided they are readily accessible to the Government and the customer (owner of the shipment) and are properly referenced in the inventory.

14 C-01, B 11 Contractor Responsibility: Are subcontractors allowed to be used on DoS jobs or are only contractor employees allowed to perform services? What are the consequences of non-compliance?

Yes, subcontractors may be used with limitations. As provided in Section H-07 (Subcontracting), packing companies may utilize subcontractors for services under this BPA, except for on-site pickup and packing services performed at residences, which must be performed by the contractor’s own employees.

For purposes of this BPA, independent contractors and 1099 workers are considered subcontractors. All subcontracting must meet the staffing, performance, and Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requirements of the BPA.

Use of subcontractors for on-site residential pickup and packing, or failure to meet the requirements of Section H-07, constitutes non-compliance and may result in corrective action, reduction or suspension of allocations, and/or other contractual remedies as provided under the BPA.

15 C-01, E 14 Documentation: Will completing additional documents (example; alcohol waiver) written and executed on paper and uploading them to the system meet the requirements for submitting them electronically via EDIattach?

Yes. Documents other than the Inventories that are completed and executed in paper form may be scanned or converted to an electronic format and uploaded via EDIattach, provided they are fully executed, legible, and properly associated with the applicable shipment record. Submission through EDIattach satisfies the requirement for electronic submission. This allowance does not apply to the Inventory, which must be created and executed electronically in accordance with the solicitation.

16 C-03 17 Cartons: Are contractors required to use only new cartons and dishpacks, or are used materials permitted (as they are on DoD shipments)?

Contractors are required to use only new cartons and dishpacks.

As provided in Section C (Statement of Work – Packing Materials and Packing Standards), all packing materials used for Department of State shipments must be new, clean, and suitable for international shipment. The use of used or previously utilized cartons or dishpacks is not permitted.

17 C-03 C-10(I) D-05

The BPA currently requires the use of brand-new liftvans to ensure the structural integrity and protection of customer effects, understandably to prevent damage

No. As provided in Section C (Statement of Work – Packing Materials and Containers), the BPA requires the use of brand-new liftvans to ensure structural integrity, cleanliness, and risk associated with degraded or heavily reused containers.

However, under the current BPA’s multi-year fixed pricing structure, packing companies were required to absorb significant and unforeseen cost increases associated with pandemic-related supply chain disruptions. Given the continued unpredictability of the current global trade environment, including potential tariff changes and material cost volatility that may impact liftvan availability and pricing during the BPA period, would the Department of State consider, on a prospective basis, authorizing the use of like-new, one-use liftvans (i.e., liftvans used for a single prior shipment that remain structurally sound and show no evidence of contamination, moisture exposure, or material degradation), provided that objective controls and verification standards are established to prevent the use of heavily used liftvans and to preserve the Department’s quality and risk objectives?

mitigation for Department of State shipments. The Department is not authorizing the use of like-new, one-use, corrugated or previously utilized liftvans, regardless of condition, and is not establishing alternative verification or control standards at this time. Contractors must comply with the liftvan requirements as written for the duration of the BPA.

18 C-04 18-20 Facilities (Inspection / Approval Provisions): Must any vault facility be fully constructed, operational, and available for Government inspection and approval prior to award?

Yes. As required under Section C (Statement of Work – Facility and Storage Requirements) and the applicable Section B capability requirements, any vault facility proposed to meet solicitation requirements must be fully constructed, operational, and available for Government inspection and approval at the pre-award inspection. Facilities that are planned, under construction, or not yet operational at the time of the pre-award inspection will not be considered as meeting the solicitation requirements.

19 C-04 18-20 Facilities (Government inspection and approval of facilities): Are facilities used under this contract required to be inspected and approved prior to award as a condition of technical acceptability?

Yes. As required under Section C (Statement of Work – Facility and Storage Requirements) and the applicable Section B capability requirements, any vault facility proposed to meet solicitation requirements must be fully constructed, operational, and available for Government inspection and approval at the pre-award inspection. Facilities that are planned, under construction, or not yet operational at the time of the pre-award inspection will not be considered as meeting the solicitation requirements.

20 C-04 18-20 Requirements for Controlled Storage, “Vault Storage” (mandatory “must/shall” requirements): Will facility compliance be evaluated as a pass/fail technical acceptability criterion or as part of a comparative evaluation?

Compliance with the mandatory “must/shall” requirements for Controlled Storage and Vault Storage, as set forth in Section C (Statement of Work), will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis for technical acceptability. Offerors must fully meet these mandatory facility requirements to be considered technically acceptable; failure to meet any required element will result in an unacceptable rating and ineligibility for award.

21 C-04 18 Facilities, Subsection C states Security grilles or bars shall be installed on all ground-level windows when the security system is not equipped with glass break detection on each window.

Please confirm this is only applicable to windows in

Yes. As stated in Section C, the requirement for security grilles or bars applies only to ground-level windows in warehouse storage areas used for Department of State property and does not apply to non-warehouse or non-storage spaces.

the warehouse.

22 C-04 18 Facilities, Subsection C states Security grilles or bars shall be installed on all ground-level windows when the security system is not equipped with glass break detection on each window.

Please confirm if this is applicable when security system has internal motion detectors?

As stated in Section C (Facilities and Security Requirements), security grilles or bars are required on all applicable ground-level windows unless the security system is equipped with glass break detection on each window. The presence of internal motion detectors alone does not replace or waive the requirement for window-level glass break detection or security grilles/bars.

23 C-04 25 Facilities, Subsection I states Motion Detectors: Install motion sensors both inside and around the warehouse to detect any unauthorized movement.

Please provide additional expectations on motion detectors required ‘around’ warehouse.

As provided in Section C, Subsection I (Facilities – Motion Detectors), motion detectors “around” the warehouse are intended to provide perimeter and exterior area monitoring to detect unauthorized movement in the immediate vicinity of the warehouse structure, such as entry points, loading docks, exterior doors, and other vulnerable areas. The solicitation does not prescribe a specific number, placement, or technology type for exterior motion detectors. Offerors are responsible for designing and maintaining an exterior motion detection capability that provides effective coverage consistent with the facility security requirements.

24 C-04 17-26 With regard to facility requirements (section C-04), can the Government delineate which requirements are applicable to each proposal pool or is it acceptable for the Offeror to assume a subset of requirements based

As provided in Section C-04 (Facility Requirements), the Government does not delineate facility requirements by proposal pool, nor should offerors unilaterally assume that specific requirements are inapplicable based solely on the pool on the pool being proposed? For example, a facility being used solely for the POV pool would not require a loading dock, shelving and racking systems, or construction/carpentry shop.

proposed. Offerors are responsible for ensuring that facilities proposed under the BPA meet all applicable Section C-04 requirements relevant to the services to be performed. Facilities must be suitable to support the operational scope of the pool(s) proposed and will be evaluated for compliance accordingly.

Requirements that are clearly not applicable to a specific service (e.g., construction/carpentry capabilities, shelving and racking systems for a POV-only facility) will be assessed by the Government during evaluation and inspection based on the proposed use of the facility. For POV-only facilities, the facility must still include a loading dock or equivalent access that allows POVs to be driven into the facility and provides safe entry and exit for both large and small vehicles. Such facilities must also include roll-up or dock doors that properly close and seal to protect vehicles from environmental factors such as dust, rain, and pests.

25 C-04(C) 18 Section C-04 outlines facility security requirements, including ground-level protections such as glass break detection. Please clarify whether these ground-level security requirements apply to office area windows, or if they are limited to warehouse and storage area windows only.

As stated in Section C, the requirement for security grilles or bars applies only to ground-level windows in warehouse storage areas used for Department of State property and does not apply to non-warehouse or non-storage spaces.

26 C-04(L) 25-26 Section C-04.L states that scales used under this BPA should be at least six (6) feet long by five (5) feet wide. The BPA also references authorized container

Yes, with limitations. As provided in Section C-04.L (Scales), the minimum scale size requirement (6’ x 5’) applies to scales used for weighing HHE and other shipment types requiring types for Unaccompanied Baggage (UAB) shipments.

Please clarify whether a smaller scale (approximately 4’ x 4’) may be authorized for weighing UAB shipments, and if so, under what shipment conditions, container types, or weight thresholds its use would be permitted.

larger platforms. For UAB shipments, the Department of State may permit the use of a smaller scale (e.g., approximately 4’ x 4’) provided the scale is properly calibrated, certified, and suitable for the authorized UAB container types and weights being measured, and the entire UAB container can be safely and fully supported on the scale platform. The use of a smaller scale is limited to UAB shipments only and does not apply to HHE, liftvans, or other larger containerized shipments.

27 C-05(B) 28 I would like to seek clarification regarding the proper storage of lawn mowers in the warehouse facility as noted in the paragraph highlighted below.

The RFP states: “Lawn mowers (push or tractor) and power-driven equipment must have the gas drained, while oil remains in the engine. The equipment must be stored in an upright (normal) position and kept in a separate area of the facility.”

Please define if ‘separate area’ is to be the designated area for all lawn mowers or stored away from certain areas within the warehouse. Please also clarify if lawnmowers must be stored on pallets and not directly touching the warehouse floor.

As provided in Section C (Facility and Storage Requirements), “separate area” means a designated area within the warehouse specifically set aside for lawn mowers and power-driven equipment, segregated from household goods, personal effects, and other stored items to mitigate safety, contamination, and damage risk. The solicitation does not require lawn mowers to be stored on pallets or prohibit placement directly on the warehouse floor, provided they are stored upright, gas has been drained, oil remains in the engine, and the designated area is clean, safe, and suitable for such equipment.

28 C-05(B) 27 The RFP mentions that the use of cloth moving pads is not permitted for items in storage. Are there any exceptions to this?

No. As stated in Section C (Packing and Storage Requirements), the use of cloth moving pads is not permitted for items placed into storage, and there are no exceptions to this requirement.

Items in storage must be protected using approved packing materials and methods specified in the solicitation to ensure adequate protection and prevent damage, contamination, or deterioration during the storage period.

29 C-05, B 27 Storage: What is the basis of requiring only paper padding to be used on storage? This adds significant cost to the service.

As provided in Section C (Packing and Storage Requirements), the requirement to use paper padding for items placed into storage is based on risk mitigation, property preservation, and accurate inventory control. Paper padding reduces the risk of moisture retention, mold and mildew growth, odor transfer, pest harboring, and cross-contamination that can occur with cloth moving pads during extended storage periods. Paper padding also avoids the additional weight introduced by cloth moving blankets and allows for proper item identification and labeling, as inventory stickers and labels reliably adhere to paper and backup handwritten markings can be clearly applied and remain legible. These factors collectively reduce claims risk, improve accountability, and protect customer property during storage.

The Department of State is not providing exceptions to this requirement.

30 C-06 29 Facilities (inspection/approval requirements for facilities used in performance): Will facility compliance be evaluated as a pass/fail technical

Pass / Fail acceptability criterion or as part of a comparative evaluation?

31 C-06(C) 29 Vault Storage: Is there a required size for the vault storage?

No. The solicitation does not prescribe a specific vault size. As provided in Section C (Facility and Vault Storage Requirements), vault storage is defined by mandatory security, construction, access control, and performance standards, not by square footage. However, in accordance with Section B-03 (Minimum and Maximum Capability Requirements), offerors must provide sufficient vault storage capacity to meet the required volume and operational demands associated with the services proposed.

Vault storage must also support compliance with applicable packing and handling standards for firearms, as set forth in Section C (Packing Standards / Firearms Handling Requirements), including secure segregation, controlled access, and appropriate packaging and documentation. Vault facilities will be evaluated based on their ability to meet both the required capacity and the security and packing standards, subject to Government inspection and approval.

32 C-06(C) 29 Requirements for Controlled Storage, “Vault Storage”:

Is vault storage required only when firearms or designated high-value items are present, and not for all property under the contract? Or should vault storage be present either way? Will this be treated as

Vault storage is not required for all property under the contract.

Controlled Storage is a separate award pool under this BPA. As provided in Section C (Controlled Storage and Vault Storage Requirements), vault storage is required only for firearms or other items specifically designated by the Department of State

Pass/Fail?

as requiring vault storage. Offerors proposing the Controlled Storage pool must possess and maintain compliant vault storage capability to support these requirements when applicable.

Compliance with the mandatory vault storage requirements for the Controlled Storage pool will be evaluated on a Pass/Fail basis for technical acceptability, in accordance with Section M (Evaluation Factors).

33 C-06(C) 29 Requirements for Controlled Storage, “Vault Storage” (definition of the vault as a storage area constructed separately within the facility): Does “constructed separately within the facility” require permanent walls and ceiling integrated into the building structure?

Yes. As provided in Section C (Controlled Storage and Vault Storage Requirements), “constructed separately within the facility” means the vault must be a physically distinct, permanently constructed enclosure within the warehouse, with fixed walls and a ceiling that are integrated into the building structure and designed to meet the required security and access-control standards. Temporary barriers, modular cages, wire enclosures, or movable partitions do not meet the vault storage requirement.

34 C-07(D)

30 For EV POV storage procedures, please define “Dedicated Charging Station” as to whether standard outlets are acceptable.

As provided in Section C (POV Storage and EV Procedures), a “Dedicated Charging Station” refers to a designated charging capability reserved for electric vehicles during storage. Standard electrical outlets may be acceptable provided they are dedicated to EV charging use, are properly rated and installed in accordance with applicable electrical codes and are not shared with other equipment or loads. For clarity, a standard outlet typically supports Level 1 charging, while hardwired or specialized equipment may support Level 2 charging; the solicitation does not mandate a specific charging level, provided the charging setup safely supports the storage and maintenance of EV POVs and is available for Government review during inspection.

35 C-11 34 POV Pickup/Delivery and Requirements at Residence:

When pickup/ delivery of vehicles do they have to be transported through a trailer or by driving them?

POVs may not be driven. As provided in Section C (POV Pickup, Delivery, and Handling Requirements), all POVs must be picked up and delivered using a rollback or a trailer specifically designed for vehicle transport. Driving POVs for pickup or delivery purposes is not permitted under this BPA.

36 C-14 35 Inbound Shipments: Does the moving contractor have to cover the payment of the airline storage fees to pick up the shipment?

Yes. Airlines require electronic payment of airline storage fees in order to release inbound shipments for pickup. As provided under the BPA, work orders will be issued with specific instructions, including delivery requirements, expiration of Storage-in-Transit (SIT), and airline storage fees due at the time of pickup. Contractors are responsible for paying the required airline storage fees as instructed in the work order in order to retrieve the shipment.

37 F-002 48 Period of Performance / Start Date: Please clarify whether awardees under RFP 19AQMM26R0027 are expected to begin performance on April 1, as stated in the RFP, or if the anticipated start date will fall sometime between April 1 and July 31, 2026.

As of today, we are expecting the period of performance to start on April 1, 2026.

38 Invoicing 56 Invoice Submission/Continued Storage: Is there a recurring storage billing requirement to be submitted quarterly as opposed to being monthly?

Yes. As provided in Section B (Pricing/CLIN Provisions) and Section G (Invoice Submission and Payment Instructions), continued storage charges may be invoiced either monthly or quarterly, at the contractor’s discretion, in accordance with the BPA invoicing requirements. Contractors must ensure invoices are accurate, properly supported, and submitted in compliance with the applicable billing procedures.

39 H-07 59 Is the use of independent contractors allowed or does every driver/packer/mover need to be a direct employee of the company?

Yes, subcontractors may be used with limitations. As provided in Section H-07 (Subcontracting), packing companies may utilize subcontractors for services under this BPA, except for on-site pickup and packing services performed at residences, which must be performed by the contractor’s own employees.

For purposes of this BPA, independent contractors and 1099 workers are considered subcontractors. All subcontracting must meet the staffing, performance, and Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requirements of the BPA.

Use of subcontractors for on-site residential pickup and packing, or failure to meet the requirements of Section H-07, constitutes non-compliance and may result in corrective action, reduction or suspension of allocations, and/or other contractual remedies as

40 H-011 61 Insurance Requirements: Please confirm a performance/bid bond is not required to be submitted with the proposal.

These bonds are not required.

41 H-17 63 Are Small Business Set Asides going to be part of the volume allocation?

Refer to H-17.

42 H-17 63 How is DoS verifying the Small Business certification of each vendor declaring such?

Refer to FAR Subpart 19.3.

43 H-24 69 Proposal Requirements: Is each contractor required to have its own FSO to coordinate with the agency's Clearance Coordinator?

No. As provided in Section H-20 (Key Personnel Requirements) and Section H-24 (Proposal Requirements), contractors are required to identify Key Personnel and submit the required information for those individuals. The Moderate Risk Public Trust (MRPT) background investigations are conducted by the Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security, and coordination is handled through the Department’s established clearance process. Contractors are not required to designate a separate Facility Security Officer (FSO) for this purpose.

44 L

99 - 108 May respondents use embedded hyperlinks to videos or other content as part of the technical response.

No. Technical proposals must be self-contained and fully evaluable based on the written submission in accordance with the solicitation requirements. Embedded hyperlinks to videos or external content will not be accessed or considered as part of the evaluation. Offerors must include all information necessary for evaluation directly within the proposal documents submitted.

45 L.4 100 Physical Pre-Award Survey – Is there an expected time frame for when the facility surveys will be conducted? If multiple facility locations will be utilized for performance under this contract, will facility surveys be conducted at all locations or only the primary facility location?

Physical pre-award facility surveys will be conducted after receipt and initial evaluation of proposals and prior to award, within a timeframe determined by the Government. The Department of State will coordinate scheduling directly with affected offerors.

If an offeror proposes multiple facility locations to support performance under this contract, each facility location proposed for use will be subject to a pre-award physical survey, not solely the primary facility. All facilities proposed to meet solicitation requirements must be available for Government inspection and approval.

46 L.6 102 How is each company that is competing for this procurement past performance being collected and evaluated?

The information will be considered as part of the Contractor Responsibility determination. If additional information is required from an Offeror the Contracting Officer will request this information directly from the Offeror.

47 L.7 102 Proposal Requirements: As the contractor's proposal is to be submitted electronically could you please confirm: The Technical Proposal - Volume 1 defined on page 102 is to be the first email submission? The Pricing Proposal - Volume II defined on page 102 is to be the second email submission? The Technical Proposal email submission shall include Factors 1, 2, 3, and 4; what about Tab A - Business Management Questionnaire?

In responding to this solicitation, Offerors are required to submit a maximum of two emails, in separate parts. Each email is to be no larger than 20 MB. One email is to contain the offeror’s technical proposal, the other email is to contain the offeror’s price proposal with completed Attachments B1 – B4 provided in Microsoft Excel.

Per section L.7, Volume I, the Business Management Questionnaire should be included in the Technical Proposal volume.

48 L.7 105-106 With regard to Factor 2, in addition to describing similar experience as required, will the experience of any team members be considered by the Government during evaluation?

Team members would be other companies partnered with in order to perform the requirements of the proposed pool.

No. As provided in Section M (Evaluation Factors) and Factor 2, the Government will evaluate the experience of the offeror (prime contractor) only. The experience of team members, partners, or subcontractors will not be considered for purposes of the Factor 2 evaluation, regardless of their proposed role in contract performance.

49 L.7 105-106 Also with regard to Factor 2, are contingent hires for key personnel positions acceptable to the Government provided they meet the requirements of the position?

Contingent hire would be that all steps of the hiring process would be complete, including accepted and signed offer letter, but the hire date would coincide with awarded work.

Yes. Contingent hires for Key Personnel positions are acceptable, provided they meet all qualification requirements in Section H-20 and are available to begin performance upon award. Contingent hires must be clearly identified in the proposal and supported with documentation showing the hiring process is complete.

If a proposed contingent-hire Key Personnel does not onboard at award, the offeror must promptly notify the Government and submit a qualified replacement for approval. Failure to provide qualified Key Personnel at award, or failure to obtain approval for a replacement, may be considered non-compliance and may result in delayed performance or other contractual remedies as

50 L.7 105 Could you please elaborate on what the BPA

Coordinator's role is? (Factor 2 Section B)

As referenced in Factor 2, Section B, the BPA Coordinator is the contractor’s designated point of contact responsible for the overall coordination and administration of the BPA. The BPA Coordinator serves as the primary liaison with the Government for matters related to BPA performance, including coordination of work orders, monitoring compliance with BPA requirements, addressing performance or operational issues, and ensuring timely and effective communication with the Government in accordance with the terms and conditions of the solicitation and resulting BPA.

51 Factor 3(A) 106 Training Requirements: What are the time frames for each of required training classes and will there be required reporting to DoS? If so will it be quarterly or annually?

As provided in Section C (Training Requirements), the contractor’s training program must include an initial training session as well as annual refresher training for all personnel for the duration of the BPA. Required training must be completed within the timeframes specified in the solicitation, including completion prior to or at the start of performance and recurring completion on an annual basis, as applicable. The solicitation does not establish fixed durations for individual training classes beyond these completion requirements. Contractors are required to maintain records of training completion and provide training documentation to the Department of State upon request.

Routine quarterly or annual training reports are not required, unless otherwise directed by the Government.

52 L.9 Volume II, Tab D 108 In the email attachments for the pricing proposal submissions do you want the pricing proposals – B1- B4 attached as the completed Excel spreadsheets or do you want the printed proposals from the spreadsheets.

Completed Excel spreadsheets.

53 M.3 100 The RFP advertises four (4) award pools – Export & Storage, Controlled Storage, Inbound, and Privately Owned Vehicles (POVs). Will the Government allow offerors to propose performance of fewer than all four award pools – for example, will the Government consider as potentially acceptable an offer for Controlled Storage and for POVs that does not include Export & Storage or Inbound services?

Yes, with limitations. Offerors may submit pricing and proposals for any or all award pools for which they wish to be considered, with the exception of the Controlled Storage award pool. Offerors wishing to be considered for the Controlled Storage award pool must also submit a complete proposal for the Export & Storage award pool, as the Controlled Storage award pool will be selected from among the awardees of the Export & Storage award pool.

Proposals will be evaluated only for the award pool(s) proposed, and offerors must meet all requirements applicable to each pool for which they submit an offer.

54 Section M 109 Financial Documentation Requirements: Previous solicitations required submission of company financial statements. Please advise whether similar financial documentation will be required at any stage of this solicitation, or if any additional financial information should instead be provided within the Business Management Questionnaire.

Financial capability will be considered as a matter of Contractor Responsibility. The Contracting Officer will request this information at a later stage in the evaluation process. Offerors do not need to submit this information with their proposal.

55 Section M 109 To what extent do you need our financial information

(such as Dun and Bradstreet)? We can provide whatever is needed.

Financial capability will be considered as a matter of Contractor Responsibility. The Contracting Officer will request this information at a later stage in the evaluation process. Offerors do not need to submit this information with their proposal.

56 Attachment B.1

Clins 2231B and 2231G

HHE Export Pricing: Will shipments needing to be moved in "shorty" lift vans be clearly identified on DoS assignments?

Yes. Shipments requiring “shorty” liftvans (shipping containers not to exceed sixty-three (63) inches in height) will be clearly identified on Department of State assignments/work orders through the use of T-Code 2231Band 2231G, along with any applicable special instructions. T-Code 2231Band 2231G specifically applies to export packing and containerization using liftvans under 63 inches, and contractors should apply this pricing only when the assignment explicitly identifies T-Code 2231B or 2231G.

57 Attachment B.4

N/A Vehicle Volume Quantities: Please confirm whether the vehicle volumes listed in the pricing worksheet represent total projected volumes across all awardees or volumes expected per service provider. For example, the line item “Pick Up POV @ Residence” reflects a quantity of 71. Should this quantity be allocated among the awardees, or is 71 the expected volume for each provider? This request for clarification is based on the HHG section, which appears to list total weight divided by the number of awardees.

The vehicle volumes listed in the pricing worksheet represent total projected volumes across all awardees, not volumes per individual service provider. Quantities such as the “Pick Up POV @ Residence” volume of 71 are intended to reflect the aggregate estimated workload, which will be allocated among awarded contractors in accordance with the BPA ordering and allocation procedures. These estimates are provided for pricing and planning purposes only and do not guarantee volumes to any individual awardee.

58 Attachment I, A37 4 AQL Packout: Is DoS requiring every shipment be reweighed at time of receipt? Does this apply all shipments as the receiving TSP can capture gross weight unless DoS is now requiring the TSP to reweigh the empty/debris?

No. The Department of State is not requiring every shipment to be reweighed at the time of receipt. As provided in the BPA requirements, the receiving TSP may capture gross weight for standard receipt and documentation purposes. Reweighing of empty containers, debris, or net weight is not required for all shipments and is applicable only when specifically directed by the Department of State.

59 Attachment J, B49a, Section C.4l

2 AQL Warehouse: Are the scale requirements for this AQL those defined under Section C-001 part L or are there other requirements?

The scale requirements applicable to the AQL Warehouse process are those defined in Section C-001, Part L of the solicitation. The Department of State is not imposing additional or separate scale requirements beyond those already specified.

Scales used for AQL Warehouse purposes must meet the existing size, certification, and calibration requirements outlined in Section C-001, Part L, and be suitable for the shipment type being weighed.

60 Attachment U

- MRPT

N/A Are you requiring security clearances for each of the key personnel members? Are we supposed to follow this document’s instructions?

No. Offerors are not required to obtain or hold security clearances for each Key Personnel member at the time of proposal submission. As provided in Section H-20 (Key Personnel Requirements) and Section H-24, offerors must identify Key Personnel and submit the required information in accordance with the solicitation.

Any required Moderate Risk Public Trust (MRPT) background investigations are conducted by the Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security, and are intended for those Key

Personnel who will require access to the Department of State’s ILMS system to report shipment details. Following award, offerors will identify applicable personnel to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for coordination and approval, after which the Bureau of Diplomatic Security will initiate the appropriate background investigation process. Offerors should follow the proposal submission instructions in the solicitation;

clearance processing is handled by the Government in accordance with its established procedures.

61 N/A N/A If required to pick up HHG out of residence, will the…